Bexhill United boss: We made a very good side look very average

Bexhill United Football Club made a very good side look very average according to manager Ryan Light in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at home to AFC Varndeanians.
Bexhill United goalscorer Nathan Lopez heads the ball forward during the 1-1 draw with AFC Varndeanians. Picture by Simon NewsteadBexhill United goalscorer Nathan Lopez heads the ball forward during the 1-1 draw with AFC Varndeanians. Picture by Simon Newstead
Bexhill United goalscorer Nathan Lopez heads the ball forward during the 1-1 draw with AFC Varndeanians. Picture by Simon Newstead

The Pirates took a 71st minute lead in the Southern Combination League Division One third versus fourth encounter only to be pegged back by an equaliser 10 minutes later.

Light said: “It’s two points dropped, without a doubt. I thought we made a very good top four side look very average - that’s nothing against them because they’re a good side, but I thought we were top drawer.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

See also: * Bexhill United pegged back in third versus fourth clash* Bexhill United beaten by late Alfold winner* Bexhill United beat Seaford Town in seven-goal thriller“I thought once we were in front we would add to it, but we switched off just for a moment and it’s ended up in the back of the net.

“How can you be anything but pleased when the players perform like that? We played well across the 90 minutes. I’m really delighted with the performance; slightly tarnished by the fact that I think we’ve dropped two points today.”

The draw was the first point Bexhill have picked up against top four opposition this season after four 1-0 defeats.

“We’ve been the better side in all of those games,” continued Light. “Probably the only one where we wasn’t the better side was the first Varndeanians game (Bexhill lost 1-0 at the Withdean Stadium on the August Bank Holiday Monday).

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I thought today we totally dominated. We started the second half well, and just kept the ball so well and looked so tenacious at winning the ball back.

Bexhill United midfielder Jamie Bunn clips the ball down the lineBexhill United midfielder Jamie Bunn clips the ball down the line
Bexhill United midfielder Jamie Bunn clips the ball down the line

“I thought there were some outstanding performances - Lewis McGuigan, Kyle Holden, Drew Greenall up-front was everything you want from your centre-forward, Jack McLean again I’ve not seen a better player in this division this season.

“But we’re not getting any luck. That’s five points dropped in two games (the other being the previous Tuesday’s 1-0 loss at home to Alfold) where we’ve been the better side.”

Bexhill’s goal was scored by left-back Nathan Lopez, an unsung but consistently impressive performer in a side enjoying a decent season.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“He’s consistently brilliant,” added Light. “He’s just phenomenal at times. I’ve not seen a left-back at this level with so much energy.

“He gives everything and the quality he brings allows Jack McLean to play to the level he does. It’s almost been like finding a new player.”

Southern Combination League Division One top half standings (played-points): 1 Steyning Town 20-55 (+33 goal difference), 2 Alfold 19-45 (+36), 3 BEXHILL UNITED 20-44 (+39), 4 AFC Varndeanians 19-39 (+26), 5 Selsey 20-35 (+18), 6 Hailsham Town 20-32 (+9), 7 Seaford Town 19-28 (-3), 8 Littlehampton Town 19-27 (+1), 9 Billingshurst 19-27 (-2).