Friday Night Delight at County HQ
Eastbourne United AFC have extended their good run of form to six wins in seven after a 4-2victory over Lancing
On the 3G surface at Culver Road, United saw early chances fall to Liam Baitup and Dean Stevens, but neither tested Josh Green in the home goal.
At the other end, Mike Williamson capitalised on a misplaced pass and tested James Broadbent before the Lancers took the lead as Mox Howell’s 20 yard effort hit the unfortunate Dave Smart in the face and deflected in with the aid of the crossbar.
United’s response was immediate as Bailo Camara crossed from the right to Pete Cooper, who saw his deft flick turned behind for a corner.
The aforementioned corner came to nothing and ended with Lancing attacking before Richard Greenfield was brought down on the edge of the D.
Up stepped Lewis Finney who curled a free kick around the wall and into the top corner, despite the best efforts of Broadbent
The undoubted turning point of the fixture came at the 30 minute mark with the award of a free kick to United. Dave Smart stepped up and hit an unstoppable drive from fully 30yds that flew past Green, leaving the ‘keeper with no chance.
However, the assistant on the near side raised his flag to signal offside, much to bemusement of nearly everybody inside Culver Road.
After a brief discussion between assistant and referee, the goal was disallowed to the clear anger of the United players, management and supporters.
However, the decision also clearly invigorated United and on 36 minutes Baitup struck a first time effort from a right sided cross to half the deficit.
Three minutes later, the lively Camara found himself through on goal and confidently shot across Green with his left foot to level the contest and get his first United goal since returning to the club
On the stroke of half time, the turnaround was complete as Smart saw a free kick palmed away by Green, but the ball fell straight to the unmarked Aaron Filsell who headed home his first goal in 59 appearances for the club as United went into the break with a one goal advantage.
The second half was a more subdued affair, with Lancing substitute Alex Fair making Broadbent produce one real save of note, but the night ended up belonging to the impressive Smart as he got the goal that his overall contribution deserved as he struck a 20yd free kick that struck the post, before rebounding off Green and into the back of the net as United completed the league double over Lancing
Highlights
As it happened
- Lancing
- Eastbourne United AFC
- 0
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Liam Baitup Yellow Card 32:00'
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David Smart Yellow Card 34:00'
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Liam Baitup Goal 36:00'
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Bailo Camara Goal 40:00'
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Aaron Filsell Goal 45:00'
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David Smart Goal 69:00'
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Toby Clifford Sub Off 79:00'
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Zak Dove Sub On 79:00'
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Peter Cooper Sub Off 84:00'
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Liam Painter Sub On 84:00'
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Aaron Filsell Sub Off 86:00'
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Oscar Hall Sub On 86:00'
Team selection
League table
| # | Team | Pl | Pts |
| 8. | Loxwood | 38 | 71 |
| 9. | Broadbridge Heath | 38 | 63 |
| 10. | Eastbourne United AFC | 38 | 63 |
| 11. | Littlehampton Town | 38 | 60 |
| 12. | Arundel | 38 | 56 |
| 13. | Hassocks | 38 | 47 |
| 14. | Worthing United | 38 | 42 |
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