Match Reports
07/03/09
Epsom 1-3 Men's 2nd XI
Brighton and Hove remain on course for an historic triple after easing past Epsom to only need a point in their next game to secure the South league Division 2 title.
Dan Hore struck the opener from the first short corner of the game after 20 minutes making it 3 in 3 since returning from an ankle injury.
The second goal started with Simon Accott creating space from inside right when he eliminated his marker running across the top of the D and slipping the all back into the space for Hore to deliver the ball to the back post for the ever dependable Olly Postlethwaite to get another tap in that he has became famous for within the club.
The third goal was from another short corner which was neatly flicked past the Epsom Goal Keeper by Simon Accott.
Brighton had some anxious moments early on in the second half when Epsom threatened with a couple of circle entries where veteran goal keeper Pete Ashdown made a save with his helmet. In the club house later that evening there was some confusion as to the exact meaning of this but which ever way you interpret it, it is still very impressive.
With victory sealed long before the end, Brighton could even afford the luxury of taking off top goal scorer Ollie Postlethwaite to preserve his energy for bigger battles ahead.
Brighton rested Alan McGuiness and Jamie Hendricks before crucial clashes with Eastcote in the League and the pivotal HA Trophy meeting with Didsbury Northern.
Any hopes Epsom had that this would have weakened Brighton's potency were swiftly swept away by the midfield partnership of Hore and the much missed Kenny Rogers back in the side after a 2 week special K diet.
Brighton were also missing player coach Luke Williams who had more important matters to deal with in the shape of helping the Men's 1's ruin Chichester's season (for the second season running).
Hardwick posted the warning signals for Epsom after putting his man in his pocket all game but being unable to pass to another member of the team he found it easier to reverse stick strike two attempts at the football goal behind the hockey goal that he should have been aiming for.
Two impressive debuts for Brighton helped steady the ship and demonstrate the strength in depth that the club has developed over the past couple of seasons. Paul Ripsher had a very solid game at centre marker playing the game simple and listening to the ever vocal Hacking and Hore. This impressive performance questions why the men's 3's have conceded so many goals this season; the only possible answers are Andy Hehir is a rubbish goal keeper or Paul 'Potter' Ripsher stayed sober on Friday night preparing for the big debut.
A new South-African gap year student also made his debut for the club and showed great promise at left midfield but we have not yet seen his skills at the bar.
Brighton remain undefeated this season and the question remains - who can halt their march towards history?
Author: Dan Hore