Defences on top in Bexhill draw

Bexhill United Football Club's first home midweek game of the season ended in a goalless draw last night (Tuesday).
Bexhill United wide midfielder Matt Cunnington tries to turn away from a Seaford Town opponent. Picture by Simon NewsteadBexhill United wide midfielder Matt Cunnington tries to turn away from a Seaford Town opponent. Picture by Simon Newstead
Bexhill United wide midfielder Matt Cunnington tries to turn away from a Seaford Town opponent. Picture by Simon Newstead

While only one point rather than three, the draw against Seaford Town was at least a step forward for Bexhill following their 6-1 defeat at home to Steyning Town three days earlier.

On a firm and bobbly pitch, goalmouth action was in short supply during a fairly even but uneventful first half of the Macron Store Southern Combination Football League Division One fixture.

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Matt Cunnington brought an acrobatic save out of Seaford goalkeeper Ben Head with a 30-yard strike which was heading for the top corner, while at the other end, Mike Baker headed straight at Bexhill stopper Dan Rose from a central position.

Bexhill United midfielder Wayne Giles goes in for a tackle. Picture by Simon NewsteadBexhill United midfielder Wayne Giles goes in for a tackle. Picture by Simon Newstead
Bexhill United midfielder Wayne Giles goes in for a tackle. Picture by Simon Newstead

In added time at the end of the half, Craig Ottley's free kick was comfortably saved by Head and Baker fired straight into the arms of Rose seconds later.

There was more to write about in the second period and Bexhill enjoyed a dominant spell around the hour mark, starting when Ottley's corner was diverted against the crossbar from close range.

A good strike by Cunnington from 25 yards was well saved by Head low to his right and Billy Trickett then headed straight at the goalkeeper from Ottley's cross.

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Seaford rallied with Khalid Bilal shooting narrowly wide of the far post at the end of a lovely sequence of passes down the away right and Bexhill were then grateful for an important block by Ashley Kidman.

Bexhill United full-back Craig Ottley tussles for possession with Seaford Town's Craig Pooley. Picture by Simon NewsteadBexhill United full-back Craig Ottley tussles for possession with Seaford Town's Craig Pooley. Picture by Simon Newstead
Bexhill United full-back Craig Ottley tussles for possession with Seaford Town's Craig Pooley. Picture by Simon Newstead

Another long range strike by Cunnington flashed just wide, but the game rather had 0-0 written all over it for much of the final quarter until belatedly springing to life during eight minutes of added time.

Michael Lloyd had the ball in Bexhill's net only to be flagged offside following a frantic piece of action on the edge of the box. The resulting free kick was launched downfield and after Head dived to push the ball away from the feet of Jacob Shelton, Cunnington blazed over with the goal virtually gaping.

The late finish was largely caused by Bexhill midfielder Wayne Giles receiving lengthy treatment before being stretchered off in some discomfort with difficulties associated to his heart condition. The player was treated by ambulance staff after the game.

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Bexhill: Rose, Robertson, Ottley, Kidman, McFarlane, Willis (Shelton 73), Gouet, Giles (Miah 90+5), B. Trickett, Cuddington, Cunnington. Subs not used: A. Trickett, Butchers.

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