It was a classic banana skin, waiting to happen; players out injured, manager away and a pitch that looked like it hadn’t rained in fifteen years. Billingshurst have had an indifferent start to the season, and United were very aware of the dangers of underestimating the West Sussex club. With Anthony Storey unavailable, under 23 manager Bailo Camara took the reins for this one, Jake Prodger was out injured and Ollie Hull suspended, but otherwise it was good to welcome back Callum Barlow up front.

The opening exchanged went with the form book - United probing without any clear openings, Billigshurst soaking it up and analysing where the threat was. It didn’t take them long to realise that the threat was in fact everywhere, tempered y the lack of playability on a rock hard but flat surface. In the scorching heat the referee called for a drinks break on 20minutes, Camara using the time as well to tighten up some tactical points, within a minute Ovenden almost opened the scoring, his header going just wide. Billingshurst too got adventurous, Secka doing well to save and keep it level. The warning shot having been fired, Ovenden made no mistake seconds later, Stone setting him up on the edge of the box, and United’s captain rifled it home. Just as we were looking towards the cup of tea at half time, and against the run of play, Billigshurst were back in it. A moments lapse of concentration, but that’s all it takes, and the teams were in level at half time.

Camara isn’t known for throwing the tea cups at half time, but there must have been warnings about the dangers of letting the opponents back in. Within a minute of the restart, it was 2-1 to Billingshurst, and he must of been wondering why he bothered! United though were far from defeated, the pressure started straight away, as fitness also became a factor in the heat. The always excellent Gander made way for Charlie Purvis as a formation change loomed, within minutes Barlow had broken through and was upended in the box. Barlow converted it himself for 2-2, and the chase was on- Barlow Ball and Hull all had chances before Stone was once again provider, this time for Charlie Ball, 3-2to United, and it was one way traffic. Billingshurst started to look rattled as moments later there was hesitation between the centre backs, and James Hull pounced to make it 4-2.

Teddy Loft and Baran Kartal joined the fray, Loft almost scoring straight away, but it wasn’t to be. Jack Freeman was the final sub in the dying minutes, United’s parade of youngsters continuing to bear fruit- but that’s was it for the scoring; a 4-2 win away, well deserved, and although it’s very early days, United sit very happily at the top of the table. Yes it’s early days, but if it was five played and no points, we would definitely be concerned, so let’s also rejoice at a great start to the season!

On Tuesday evening United make the short trip to Ringmer in the League cup, before heading to Lancing on Saturday.