Ticehurst turned their attention back to the Junior Cup this week, with a feisty Derby at home to Hawkhurst.

With a few unavailable, Ticehurst still managed to get two subs out which would turn out to be vital as the game went on.

The Blues started off lively and had reasonable control, particularly in midfield, which allowed more time on the ball than expected for Darren Nicol, Mat Sanders and Banners.

Ticehurst took the lead in the early going thanks to Mat Sanders’ long throw finding its way to Darren Nicol, who headed home in fine fashion. 1-0 (11m)

Hawkhurst looked to get back in and the Back four of Joe Lyne, Dave Harvey, and Brothers Drury, were handling things just fine. However, Skipper Dave Harvey had to leave the field for treatment on an eye injury, for a short period before coming back on to lead the team once again.

A few half chances/efforts feel the way of the blues with Terry Ede coming closest with a good shot, just narrowly wide.

It took almost 40 minutes though for Hawkhurst to get back in it. A Corner from the visitors wasn’t cleared out far enough and a shot was fired in that came off the inside of the post and in to even things up before the break. 1-1 (39m)

Shortly after the goal, Darren Nicol was harshly directed to the Sin Bin following a difference of opinion (justified) with the ref

The second half needed a bit more fight and Ticehurst were displaying just that. However, just minutes in, Keeper’ Sam Beaney was forced off with a Knee Injury. Adam Brotherwood (carrying an injury himself) unselfishly put the gloves on.

The Blues then took the lead when Mat Sanders was brought down, resulting in a Free kick. Leon Fisher’s effort was too much for the Hawkhurst Keeper as it smashed into the roof of the net, claiming his 10th goal of the season. (52m)

However; in what seems to be a recurring theme lately, the lead was squandered when Casey Ham was allowed time and space on the edge of the area and his low shot was placed firmly into the bottom corner. 2-2 (54m)

Ticehurst continued to press though and forced some saves from the Hawkhurst stopper. Darren Nicol’s header produced an absolute class save and then the keeper followed that up afterwards by tipping another over the bar. The game could have been wrapped up after though, when Sanders did extremely well, beating a couple of players and his pass found Terry Ede in acres of space and through on goal. The referee blew up for a foul on Sanders, denying Ticehurst of any advantage play.

A final change saw Dave Chambers return to the team following his recover from a pre-season injury and he looked to link up with Jason Marsh.

The game would finish all square and give both sides a share of the spoils, but it was a game that Ticehurst should have won.

Overall, a decent display at times and defensively sound. Both Ticehurst keepers had little to do, which is a credit to the back 4. However; the alarming issue is that for three consecutive games, Ticehurst have been pegged back with very soft goals. That must be eradicated in the next game. Also, more service needs to be provided further up the field. Jason Marsh had zero put his way which again, is not acceptable given the talent at the club.

Up next is another Junior Cup game, this time away to Tonbridge Origin and a win will surely all but guarantee a spot in the SEMI FINAL!