On a cold afternoon in Lingfield it was United who came out on top in an entertaining start to the second half of the season. During the week, Lingfield had been named SCFL team of the month for December following a run of 5 victories in the month, and were on a high. United were still reeling from the injury time loss to Newhaven, but taking with them the knowledge of a really good performance.
It didn’t take long for the deadlock to be broken as a resurgent United took the lead in just 3 minutes, Alberto Lubango breaking away down the left and firing in low to Charlie Ball, who took the half chance brilliantly, driving his right footed shot in at the near post. Lingfield were stunned by the energy of the bottom club, and just after the quarter hour defensive fragility started to show as a mistake in front of goal was pounced on by Tyler Pearson to open his United account.
United dominated the half, but with 35 minutes gone, Lingfield reminded them that there were two teams in it as they pulled one back and the United defence worked hard to keep it level. Just before half time, the Lingfield defence was once again penetrated as Charlie Ball added his second and United’s third with a deft little header which flat footed the home keeper to make it 3-1 to United at half time.
In the second half Lingfield came at United strongly but in all honesty United looked the stronger team by now, despite Lingers pulling it back to 3-2. With the referee taking the game into injury time, there was just time for substitute Chris Cumming-Bart to open his United account from all of 30 yards, triggering celebrations for players, management and supporters.
United will look to take this form into Tuesday nights home game against Broadbridge Heath.