Goals Galore On The South Coast - Peacehaven and Telescombe vs. Lingfield

The clubhouse, which provides the only cover in the ground.

In terms of locations and picturesque grounds, the Sussex County League is hard to beat. I hadn't been to a Sussex League game this season and so headed to the coast to see Peacehaven and Telescombe's home game against Lingfield. The visitors have just changed managers following a poor first half of the season which sees them sitting at the wrong end of the table. Peacehaven also face the threat of relegation for different reasons as they currently have no seating in their Piddinghoe Avenue ground.

The dugouts with the views of the rolling hills in the background. Unfortunately this view was ruined by the building site behind the ground!

The heavy pitch makes things difficult for both sides. Lingfield try the long ball for most of the first half to no avail. Peacehaven try to play football and get them selves in to a few good positions and the Lingfield goalkeeper makes a fantastic save from close range. The first eventually comes from a cross in to the box and the striker is left to tap in from close range. The second comes shortly afterwards when the goalkeeper chops down the onrushing striker and the penalty is dispatched. The home team create a few chances but the goalie is equal to these efforts.

The first goal and more cranes. 

In the second half the goals start to come thick and fast. The third Peacehaven goal is a debatable penalty following a slightly exaggerated fall from the striker. The fourth is a diving header at the near post following a corner from the right hand side. Lingfield now start to pass the ball and get their first when a deep cross is headed in at the far post. Peacehaven soon restore the four goal cushion when the striker is put clean through and slots the ball under the onrushing keeper to make it 5-1. A sixth is added when a lopping header nestles in the far corner of the net. Lingfield add two more goals - another header at the far post and a neat finish from just outside the six yard box. The final score was Peacehaven and Telescombe 6 - 3 Lingfield. 

First half action.

I took the long way round to get to the ground. I took the train to Brighton and got the bus to Peacehaven from there. The bus ride took around 20 minutes but goes along the coastal road and so is quite scenic. However, you can also travel to Newhaven Station for a much shorter bus journey. There are no direct trains to Newhaven from London and you have to change at Lewes. While you can't get down to sea anywhere near the ground, there are some impressive views from the cliff top (see below). These is the Sussex Coaster pub, in between the bus stop and the ground if you want a drink before the ground. The clubhouse is friendly, but does not have Sky.

The view from the Peacehaven cliff top.