Match Reports
24/02/07
Ashford (Middlesex) 2-0 Men's 1st XI
With morale at an all time low with only 1 win in 6, Brighton men's 1st team decided it was time for a night out. Thursday evening started well with a cheap meal at Pablo's and soon stepped up a gear with a visit to Santa Fe for cocktails and moving on to Varsity where Simon Coles was eager to get to grips with the drinking games. Several pints later and with young Coles still able to stand, the team moved onto The Honeyclub.
Morale boosting it was but work on Friday was not at all productive, and non existant for one member of the team who thought it better to call in sick rather than risk being sent home!
The match against Ashford was a game they had to win to stay in contention for the promotion spot, whereas Brighton were looking for a point or three to take them away from an ever gaining relegation place. With the league only now deciding that 2 teams will be relegated the comfy position that Brighton were in at Christmas did not seem so comfy now. There is still plenty to play for.
Brighton started the game well and, although under early pressure from the visiting side, defended well as a team. When Brighton were under too much pressure the arial abilities of Mark Hardy and Luke Williams managed to supply an escapre route. Brighton had several decent attacks in the first half with Sam Rose breaking through on more than one occasion, only to be stopped by the huge Ashford keeper. Brighton won several short corners in the first half but were unable to convert them. Asford on the otherhand were only too happy to punish the Brighton defense with a short corner before half time. They may have scored more had it not been for the in form Neil Burlinson pulling off another outstanding peformance in goal.
Brighton fought back hard in the second half and were unfortunate not to equalise after the break when a silky attack down the left by Gareth Lendrum was nearly finished by Simon Turner on the far post, only the sprawling Ashford keeper denied him. Justin Harris was inspirational in the centre of the field with some nice link up play, especially on the right, with Sam Forster.
Brighton's desire to get the equaliser ultimately led to Ashford getting thier second with another short corner. Although Ashford maybe deserved the 3 points it was a well fought game and Brighton will take encouragemnt from the performance. Bring on Richmond!
Man of the Match - Justin Harris