Stirring second-half secures valuable victory

Eastbourne United 1 Newhaven 2, SCFL Premier Division match #7

It’s fair to say that The Oval, home to Eastbourne United, has not traditionally been Newhaven’s favourite ground to visit.

For one reason or another, the Dockers never seem to play that well there (at least not in the games that I’ve seen them play there). Positive results are often hard to come by.

But with Eastbourne United expected to be one of the teams challenging towards the top of the table this season, Newhaven were only too aware of the importance of getting some kind of a result there today.

On paper, this looked like it would be one of the Dockers’ toughest fixtures this season. It turned out that way on the pitch, too.

Before I get into the match report, a quick word of congratulations on how well United have got their pitch looking. It’s arguably in the best condition I’ve seen it. Whatever the outcome of the match, there could certainly be no griping about the state of the pitch come 90-minutes.

The game itself started scrappily.

In fact, the only moment of excitement in the opening 20 minutes (most of which was found trying to locate a ball) took place in the visiting dug-out, where a fracas between both benches broke out regarding a camera - of all things. Not your typical source of argument at non-league level!

As the first-half progressed, it was United who began to look the more threatening side.

The Dockers were struggling to find their rhythm, spending far too much time passing backwards to Jake Buss, who probably had more touches of the ball than any other Newhaven player in the first-half. That said, having been a virtual spectator in a number of games this season, he might well have quite enjoyed that!

While it wasn’t like the hosts were creating loads and loads of clear-cut chances, they did look dangerous down the flanks and from set pieces. Buss had to pull off a good save to preserve parity, while a number of dangerous crosses into the area were just about dealt with by the Newhaven defence.

At the other end, Alfie Rogers had an early appeal for a penalty waved away, while the same player also produced the away side’s only shot on target of the opening 45; a well-struck free-kick which was well saved by the Eastbourne goalkeeper.

With half-time approaching, United took the lead that they probably deserved on the balance of play. From a soft free-kick, Newhaven’s defence went to sleep, allowing an unmarked Eastbourne player to chest the ball into the path of Harvey Mapstone who made no mistake from close range.

The half-time whistle came as a welcome relief for the Dockers, who hadn’t really been at the races. Eastbourne United looked comfortable. Newhaven needed to respond.

And respond they most certainly did!

It was as though a completely different Newhaven team emerged after the interval. Gone was the ponderous, backwards passing side of the first-half. Taking their place was the attacking, quick passing team that we’ve come to expect.

From the off, United were forced onto the back foot as the Dockers searched for a way back into the game.

Spurred on by Rogers who, despite still struggling with the dead leg that he’d suffered in Tuesday night’s victory over Little Common, was everywhere, Newhaven started to take control of the game.

Rogers thought he’d equalised in the 55^th minute, finishing from close range after Marcin Ruda had miscued a chip over the goalkeeper. Much to the bemusement of all Newhaven’s players and fans (and I’m sure the management as well!), the ref’s assistant spotted a foul that no-one else had (despite the fact the referee was far closer to the alleged incident than he was) and the goal was promptly chalked off.

Rather than feeling sorry for themselves, though, the decision seemed to add even more impetus to the Dockers’ play.

Within five minutes the ball was in the net again. And there was no ruling this one out.

From a Tom Underwood corner, Rogers’ header was cleared off the line, only to bounce straight back to him. The number 10 made no mistake second time around. Newhaven were deservedly level.

Perhaps further initiative was then handed to the Dockers, as United took off their two wide players who, in my opinion, had been the biggest threats to Newhaven’s backline up to that point. 

It seemed almost as though the hosts were prepared to settle for a point. The visitors, though, wanted all three.

Another Underwood delivery from a corner almost gave the Dockers the lead, only for a United defender to scramble a header off the line. Underwood (enjoying his best game to date in a Newhaven shirt) then saw his fierce effort shake the side netting.

It felt as though a second goal was coming. 

And, sure enough, it was. 

With 13 minutes left, a great through ball set Ruda away, and the midfielder kept his composure to send the ball across goal and into the corner of the net. The celebrations that greeted the strike told you everything you needed to know about how important Newhaven deemed this game to be.

Over the course of this season, that could prove to be a big, big goal.

The remaining 15 or so minutes was a masterclass in how to see out a game. Not once did Newhaven appear in any danger of throwing away their lead. 

In fact, it was the Dockers who went closest to further troubling the scoreboard; Rogers’ free-kick striking the foot of the post and bouncing away to safety.

The final whistle was greeted with yet more scenes of celebration from the Newhaven players and fans alike. The sizable travelling contingent all stayed behind to deservedly clap the players off the pitch, appreciative of the shift they’d all put in. 

Whatever was said to the players by the management at half-time clearly worked.

Yes, it’s still early in the season. Yes, it’s still impossible to predict quite how things will pan out. But this felt like it could be a really important moment in the season. A real confidence boost, if it were needed. One that proves the Dockers can mix it with the other top teams in the division.

Those two disappointing early season defeats seem a long time ago. 

Newhaven are on a roll. Long may it continue.

In fact, you can come and see for yourself if the run will continue on Wednesday evening at Fort Road. What was originally planned to be an away trip to AFC Varndeanians has now been switched to a home encounter, meaning yet another home game under the lights!

That’s followed by a home Saturday match next weekend (the first one this season!) against Eastbourne Town in the FA Vase.

I hope to see as many of you there as possible!

Come On You Dockers #COYD

My MOM (aka, the controversial part): Alfie Rogers. Despite playing through the pain barrier, Rogers was everywhere in the second-half, clearly fired up and doing everything he could to inspire his teammates to three valuable points.

After the game, Reuben caught up with Alfie to ask him about his thoughts on the match, whilst attempting to stir up some sibling rivalry!