Town welcomed back the robust Al-Samairie at left back, and drafted Wadey for his first full start of the season. Sharpe continued up front, but Town were missing the dangerous and influential attacking trio of Clark (work), Knowles (suspended) and Chadwick (injured), a big miss for any team with their pace and creativity,but a chance for others to impress.

Town kicked off with the breeze at their backs and probably made the better of the early running and had a few half chances before Heath settled in to their stride. The hosts showed plenty of their neat passing game and patient build up with had seen them earn 23 straight victories, however town stuck to their task well and were only really properly opened up a few times during the half.

Miller up front was the main dangerman with his pace, and the woodwork came to Towns rescue on one occassion and Rose dealt with anything else comfortably. At the other end Town we making some decent progress and times but didnt really create any chances of note but did half a number of half chances from corners and set prices they earned.

Shortly before half time The Barrowmen breathed a sigh of relief after a penalty scare after it appeared Al-Samairie upended a Heath attacker in the box.

However half time 0-0 it was an all to play for.

The second half was played in a similar vein. Heath clearly being the stronger side but Town showing good organisation and discipline, sticking to the task well. Dodd and Gainsford were marshalling the back four well and full backs Finch and Al -Samairie were letting little past them.

Heath did create some decent chances though, and one excellent clearance on the line was made when it looked sure the deadlock had been broken.

Al-Samairie limped off, to be replaced by Early and Sharp, the lone man up front, was replaced by the fresh legs of young Louis Smart. The fresher legs up front started to stretch the game again and we started to get men forward a bit more and get some good territory. Our hosts, we sensed , were starting to get frustrated when finally the breakthrough came in controversial circumstances.

A ball was slipped in through the left channel to the Heath attacker who looked in an offside position, and he turned an slipped the ball across to Muller in the 6 yard box, who appeared to be even further offside. The Town protests however fell on deaf ears and 1-0 it was. We will never know!!

Town started to push men up as we searched for an equaliser, however it was Heath who added a second in the final minute as a cross took a wicked deflection of Wadey and looped over the head of Rose and nestled in the far corner.

A harsh end to a strong effort from a committed Town side, who, despite being under strength can hold their heads up high. with players due to return in the coming games, and with 7 of the last 9 games at home, a strong finish to the season is a realistic target, with 8th or 9th still up for grabs.

Congratulations to Heath on their promotion, well deserved, undoubtedly the best side in the league and great strides being made off the pitch as well.
Tuesday 29th.
Next up Langney away on Saturday and Storrington at home on

Team: Rose, Al-Samairie, Finch, Gainsford, Dodd, skipper, Levoi, Garnham, Wadey, Hare, Sharpe: Subs: Smart, Early