MATCH REPORT: POLEGATE TOWN

Image: Will Hugall

Given the many absentees from the squad the home side were understandably reticent in the opening exchanges. A goal on 12 minutes settled the Rotherfield players when Archie Russell, young player of the season 24/25, clipped a lovely ball in behind the visitors defence. A nervous back pass to a keeper under intense pressure from Connor Morrow resulted in the striker forcing the loose ball into the net.

The home side took control with Morrow & Ross Treleaven going close before casual defending by Rotherfield conceded possession & a long shot from 20 yards gave keeper Bobbie Ridley no chance.

More casual defending from the home side continued to gift opportunities to Polegate but Ridley spared his defenders blushes with an excellent one on one save.

The game changed on 35 minutes when a superbly created goal restored the home sides lead. Controlled possession from back to front & patience when the initial opportunity was denied, allowed space for skipper Sammy Saunders to play a sublime pass onto the head of John Sinclair. His headed assist to Morrow was perfect & the striker scored. A minute later & the game was won when Saunders showed his tenacity in winning the ball back inside the visiting penalty area allowing Treleaven to score.

More tenacity this time from Sinclair on the stroke of half time gifted substitute Mike Peevor a goal to make it 4-1 at half time.

The second half saw greater resolution from Polegate although the express pace of Fraser Kent was a threat for Rotherfield. The home defence was also more focused hence opportunities to score were limited, but on 65 minutes Nathan Millroy won possession in a high area before feeding Morrow to complete an excellent hat trick.

A home win 5-1, a real goal threat, an identifiable way of playing plus a defensive performance that shed lots of cobwebs were all real positives.

Squad: Ridley, Russell, Teague, Clibbens (66 Bristow), Kerslake, Edwards (68 Dunn), Saunders (c), Sinclair, Treleaven (36 Peevor), Morrow (66 Blackstone), Kent (Millroy 60)

NEXT UP:

Holland Sports (Away) 30 August

Mill Lane Recreation Ground, RH8 9DG

Kick Off: 2pm