Men's 2 vs Brighton & Hove 8

Brighton hosted Hailsham today, for the 10th time this season. This was an important game for the men’s 2 as a win would mean the 10th win against Brighton.

Brighton started with the push back, Hailsham pressed straight away to try and take hold of the game early. Brighton’s experienced side held steady, not presenting Hailsham with easy opportunities. Hailsham switched up their attack utilising the wings with the Jones duo and Dan white and Jordan pair, giving Brighton the run around. It worked; a pin point pass to John at back post finished in classic John fashion. 1-0 Hailsham

No time to breathe for Hailsham as Brighton looked to equalise early, really testing the defence. Aiden commanded the back 4 with Darby’s reliable presence at the back, kept Brighton out. Brighton committed a lot of players forward to overload the Hailsham defence. They finally broke through the defence with a reverse hit at the edge of the D. 1-1

As the first half continued, Hailsham moved the ball around with lots of fast, accurate passing to wear down the Brighton defence. Some threatening runs up the middle by Ruthven and Kirk, slipping the ball into the D, allowing John to nearly add to the score line. Halftime whistle blew much to Brightons relief.

The second half started much how the first ended, with fresh legs on the pitch in the form of Charley and Warwick, Hailsham piled on the pressure. Brighton were barely able to get the ball out of their own half and resulted in wide passes and mistakes. Lots of charging runs from Dan White, Jordan, Kirk and Ruthven resulted in multiple short corners. The hard work paid off as Aiden scored with a rocket of a drag flick, putting hailsham ahead. 2-1

Hailsham continued to dominate, not letting up on Brighton, giving them no time on the ball, and pressuring them into mistakes. Connor had some slick moves in the D firing off some reverse hits that a certain someone with a big nose would be jealous of. One of which caused play to be stopped as the Brighton keeper did not get up after the hit to the chest. Connor clearly was out for Brighton blood, as was Dan White with some Brighton players having to duck from his hits…

Hailsham continued the onslaught and continued to win shorts which led to the 3rd and 4th goal. Connor with a lovely drag flick and Aiden blasting a volley home off a deflection. 4-1

Hailsham saw out the second half without too much trouble. The final whistle blew seeing Brighton defeated for the 10th time this season… they must hate us.

Mom goes to Dan White, for building confidence on adapting to a new role at right back and showing he was a threat to the Brighton defence on the attack.

Dod goes to Kirk Manning for doing his best David Antonia impression and getting caught up in a sideline net with his stick.

Special thanks to Josh Smith-Jones for coaching the team today.

The Hailsham Mens 2’s played exceptionally well today and have really shown growth and confidence as a team. It’s not just the Mens 1’s Brighton fear now….