What a lovely night for football. The sun was setting, the hub hub of a gathering crowd and the expectation of an encounter between the V’s and Peacehaven. Both teams didn’t disappoint as they delivered a night of entertainment with contrasting halves. The first half dished out 5 goals with some open football, while the second half, equally as good, served up no goals but proved interesting as both teams tried to get the next important goal.

The first half ebbed and flowed producing some wonderful football from both sets of players. The basis of Bradley Bant and Will Robinson for the V's in the centre of midfield gave our attackers a solid platform to express themselves and we looked a threat the entire 90 minutes, with Tommy Boyle and Matt Waterman particularly catching the eye.

The V’s broke the deadlock from a free kick within 5 minutes, after Matt Waterman delivered a ball with plenty of pace into the box, which Will Robinson gleefully flicked into the net, past Jake Hutson. We followed this up with another free kick in nearly identical position but this time Peacehaven cleared.

Peacehaven responded and after a couple of close chances, Veneti took advantage of a ball deflecting to his feet and finished smartly. I got the feeling Peacehaven were thinking that ‘ok we’re back level now, let’s take control’ but the V’s are showing great resilience in matches this season and Tommy Boyle drove forward and slid a peach of a pass to Matt Waterman who finished with his usual deadly accuracy. This rustled Peacehaven’s feathers who responded positively and created two very good opportunities, one in particular to Veneti who had more time than he thought and snatched a shot on the edge of the six yard area that went over the bar.

The equaliser came from a corner after 34 minutes which was crossed pin point to Veneti at the far post, who rose well to head home. With half time approaching Peacehaven took the lead after Pryor whipped a ball into the box, only for Omar Bukleb to duck his head to clear but in doing so deflect the ball into the net, for an unfortunate OG. The V’s still had time to create a chance that Hutson did well to save down to his right but it was with disappointment we went in 3-2 down after a pulsating half.

There was a real buzz around the stadium at half time and the teas and coffees were flowing.

Although the second half didn’t produce any goals, it was equally enthralling as both teams searched for the next goal. Peacehaven to put the game to bed and the V’s to gain parity. The V’s dominated the first 20 minutes of the half moving the ball around the pitch and Charlie Smith overlapping on the left was proving most effective, however, Peacehaven were disciplined in keeping their shape and goal scoring opportunities were limited. A series of corners were well defended by Haven but then for a 15 minute spell Peacehaven had the upper hand and created a couple of chances that Omar and Oscar Pinnock did well to block. As the minutes ebbed away we got into some good situations but were not decisive enough and the final whistle went with the points going to our near neighbours.

Matches at this level are fine margins and while we were frustrated not to pick up any points, our performance was of a high level and both teams contributed to a very entertaining night of football at the Withdean. The ref Joel Camping had a very good match and commented on how much he had enjoyed the game.

AFC Varndeanians: Luca Paiano, Adam Bukleb, Omar Bukleb, Oscar Pinnock, Charlie Smith, Bradley Bant, Will Robinson, Gabe Robinson, Matt waterman, Tommy Boyle. Subs used: Anesu Sisimayi, Owen Benfell, Ali Rainford