Bexhill United Ladies secure 3 vital points

Bexhill United Ladies secured 3 vital points in the London South East Regional League on Sunday at home to Hassocks.

Bexhill United Ladies secured 3 vital points in the London South East Regional League on Sunday at home to Hassocks.

With both Sussex sides at the wrong end of the table, potential movement upwards was on offer. Hassocks set the pace of the game early and enjoyed a number of passages of possession that only fell short in the final third. Bexhill were disjointed in their reply, and at times gave the visitors too much time and space. As the half progressed, Hassocks continued to grow into the fixture but Bexhill’s backline held firm. This in turn, spurred the home side’s midfield which began to gain control. Debutant Lel Smith played an angled through ball for Fay Denyer however the on rushing goalkeeper handled the effort outside the area to thwart Denyer’s progress. Laura Bolton curled the resultant free kick into the top right of the goal to put Bexhill ahead 25 minutes in. Bexhill secured a number of corners in the time that followed but were unable to extend their lead. The visitors were restricted to long balls that in the main the backline were able to cut out, however Hassocks did force a good save from Hayley Calder from a tight angle before the close of the half.

After the break Bexhill were punished for a slow start and failing to adequately clear their lines. In a crowded penalty area, a Hassocks midfielder reacted first and drew the sides level on 52 minutes. Undeterred, Bexhill worked hard to emulate play from the first half and were duly rewarded 5 minutes later when Denyer was fouled in the area. Kiera Chapman converted the resultant penalty and placed Bexhill back in the lead. Bolton saw a strong save prevent her from adding to her tally after a surging run, and Lil Johnson placed an effort just wide of the post. Bexhill were required to absorb periods of pressure from Hassocks and hit back with strong counter attacks. The visitors conceded a further penalty when Denyer was fouled 12 minutes from time. Chapman again converted from the spot to place daylight between the sides. In the final stages Hassocks worked hard and were unlucky not to hit a consolation reply.

Bexhill will hope they can take the performance into next week when they host Fulham Foundation.