after the 8-3 demolition of Bexhill United at the Oval, the plan was to take Midhurst and then Pagham, before returning once more to the fortress. Both matches were rained off, and Storey’s side had to be content with training and getting ready for the visit of a fancied Roffey side. Roffey have been stronger at home than on the road this season so far, but they always look as though they have a win in them.

United had to do without Alex Hobden in goal who is suffering from concussion, and Koby Farrell has travelled to America on a two years scholarship program. So it was a debut for Joe Overy who joined from Whitehall during the week, alongside Alfie Mansell in goal, on loan from Horsham FC. The folks down at the Oval have been used to aggressive starts recently, and this was no exception just two minutes in and Joe Overy nearly opened his account his shot bringing in a good save from Roffey keeper Monty Watson Price. Roffey though have been in a rich vein of form and soaked up the early stuff - Sam Scott and T’yano Wilson both went close before Dan Hulls header was only parried, and his brother James tapped in from close range. Then a strange thing happened; the resolve seemed to go out of Roffey. Perhaps it was United’s reputation at home, and after all, it was only one goal on the half hour, but it was apparent to all that the power had gone from them. Five minutes later it was 2-0, this time T’yano Wilson made no mistake. Wilson was getting into stride now, unbalancing the Roffey defence and on 44 minutes, Charlie Ball took advantage of that to slot a sublime pass through to James Hull, who netted his second, and United’s third.

Half time came and went, but the expected onslaught from Roffey never happened. Perhaps fearful of another goal feast, they tightened the midfield and tried to shield the defence. Scott and Overy combined to open them up, Overy’s shot being saved, Wilson crossed for Ball, only to see his header go wide. The impressive Overyforced another save from the keeper, before Ollie Hull made way for the returning Mason Creese, much to the delight of the home crowd, after nearly two years out. Creese was anxious to prove that he is fully recovered, and took just seven minutes to launch an absolute rocket from 30 yards, the keeper standing no chance, 4-0. James Hull nearly got his hat trick for a second match running, his shot parried to Overy, who unselfishly crossed for Wilson to add his second, and United’s fifth. Ovenden, Overy, Patton and James Hull all made way for Loft, Prodger, Nones and Thomas as Stodrey took advantage of the dominance to get even more youngsters on the pitch.

Teddy Loft almost immediately had the ball in the net, his effort though ruled out for offside. In the dying moments, Dan Hull was desperately unlucky, his header going just wide of the post, before the final whistle went, cue more celebrations. it was almost impossible to separate them, but in the end it was Wilson who took home Man of the Match, honestly, there were contenders all over the park.

next up for United is Varndeanians on Saturday at the Withdean, probably their least successful venue over the last few years, but Anthony Storey has one or two tricks up his sleeve- the United manager was presented with an inscribed tankard before the match, commemorating 200 matches in charge, at a win rate of 63%. On Saturday he will not be content unless that figure increased a tiny bit again!