Football is the winner at Hailsham (although Little Common did win as well)

It was about more than just a pre-season run-out for two teams when Hailsham met Little Common at The Beaconsfield - for the fans were back.
Pre-season is in full swing for Hailsham and Little CommonPre-season is in full swing for Hailsham and Little Common
Pre-season is in full swing for Hailsham and Little Common

The game ended in a defeat for Hailsham Town as higher-level Little Common ran out 6-1 winners with spectators able to return to the ground for the first senior game in 172 days at the club following the suspension of football because of Covid-19.

Hailsham, missing several regulars, began brightly on a very blustery afternoon, and took the lead 10 minutes in when Joey Pout pounced to lash home a deflected Charlie Playford free kick from close range.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

This early goal could have been followed up, with Hailsham pressing well in attack, before the visitors drew level on 23 when a long throw into the area was not dealt with, and turned home from six yards.

Despite the goal, the Stringers were competing well, with a superb run from deep inside his own half from Owen Jones just breaking down on the edge of the box. The visitors took the lead on 32, with a cross deflected in for an own goal, and five minutes later stretched the lead with a very well-worked move which ended with a clinical finish into the corner.

A push in the area led to a penalty for Little Common five minutes after the restart, with the ball nestling into the corner of the net, but a lapse in concentration quickly led to a fifth for Common.

Hailsham did seem to step up a gear, and a Stringers trialist was unfortunate not to get a clean connection on a close range opportunity. While the visitors enjoyed more of the possession, Hailsham were able to stem the tide somewhat as the second half progressed, but too often struggled to find an out ball when they did have the ball.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A sixth would come for Common five minutes from time, with Hailsham looking to learn the lessons from today's defeat in time for the new season.

Hailsham continue the pre-season campaign on Saturday afternoon when Rottingdean Village are the visitors to The Beaconsfield in a 3pm kick-off. The clubhouse and tea hut will also reopen for the first time with social distancing measures in place.

Related topics: