First Team v Bexhill AAC

Bexhill get Revenge
One may describe this game as a difficult day at the office. This was certainly true of a tired Ticehurst side who struggled until the latter stages of the game to impose themselves and control the game. The match was not helped by a series of injuries to key players within the squad, leaving a crooked bench and forcing the manager to reshuffle his team yet again.
The first half did see some nice interchanges of play at times for the home side. Yet, it was Bexhill who gained a two goal advantage, with the first coming from a corner that was floated in to the near post. The ball came off the back of the head of Jamie Smith and in for an own goal.
Ticehurst created very few openings in the first half and the best opportunities were limited to set pieces that were played into the box. It was Bexhill that had the better of the midfield play with their forwards making many runs across the back four to create a difficult afternoon for the Ticehurst defence. The away side  were able to capitalise with a through ball right through the heart of the defence, where the Bexhill centre forward latched on to the ball, and just beat an onrushing Joe Gorman to place the ball into the net.
The second half did see a resurgence of Ticehurst attitude and determination. However, the credit again must go to Bexhill who were determined to hang onto their lead. The Ticehurst defence remained strong in the second half and was able to repel the Bexhill attacks. The central midfield area had turned into a battle zone with neither side really able to gain any sort of control. It was only during the last 20 minutes that Ticehurst played their best and customary football, where they were able to play the ball on the floor and move it about with comfort. Much credit should go to Joe Gorman as his place kicking was able to find the full backs of Dominic Wigram and Jamie Smith to start the attacks from the back.
Yet, it was the introduction of player manager Ben Warlow that spurred some energy and creativity into the home side. However, it was a case of a little too late for Ticehurst. They did however manage to pull one back through a fine individual goal from Martin Richardson.Richardsonwas able to beat the defender on the right hand side of the penalty box and calmly and precisely place the ball in the bottom left hand corner.
It should also be noted that Ticehurst were fortunate to finish with eleven players on the pitch when captain Calvin Bull got unnecessarily getting involved in a situation and was awarded a yellow card. Also, Jamie Smith who was the last man in defence was deemed to have fouled the Bexhill attacking player who was through on goal. He was awarded a yellow card when preventing a goal scoring opportunity could have resulted in a straight sending off.
Bexhill were able to hold out the last few minutes to win the game 1-2.  The away side must be given credit for their sheer determination to win after their humiliating 7-1 defeat at the Bell Field earlier in the season.
Ticehurst’s star performer was young 16 year old Dominic Wigram, who tackled ferociously all game and showed true glimpses of class with his control and distribution of the football.
It is back to league football next weekend for Ticehurst, again playing Bexhill this time in Bexhill. Let’s hope there will be some better performances and a stronger will to win next week.