Bexhill need to tighten up

Only two Sussex County Football League Division Two teams have conceded more than Bexhill, whose 5-3 loss at leaders East Preston last weekend means they’ve shipped 30 goals in 13 league games.

Joint manager Jamie Podmore said: “Being a defender I take it personally. You can’t legislate for some of the things we do defensively. It’s just basic defending, something you’re taught at school.

“You can’t concede over two goals a game and expect to do well in the league. It’s embarrassing some of the goals we concede. We’re not compact enough as a back four and teams play round us.”

With the players Podmore and fellow joint boss Darrol Parris brought to the club following their arrival in the summer, it was always likely that Bexhill would be stronger in attack than defence this term.

But they still would have been hoping for a far better defensive record than that they currently possess. Bexhill have let in three or more goals on seven occasions already this term.

Having been removed from the Division Two Challenge Cup, Bexhill will be out to preserve their interest in county knockout competitions today (Saturday). They host a Lingfield side which lies fourth in Division One in the Sussex RUR Charity Cup last 16.

Mark Chandler and Jamie Morgan are cup-tied, Richard Saunders is unavailable, Matt Dadswell is doubtful through work, and Dominic Clarke, Martin Denny, Danny Ellis and Paul Henty are all struggling with injury.

Dan Hill and Liam Miles are back from suspension, however, while Brad Freeman, Paul Rogers and Matt Sellick are expected to be available again. Kick-off is 3pm.