Stringers Push Town All The Way - Hailsham Town vs. Eastbourne Town

There was a decent crowd for the derby

This week I had initially planned to travel out west and see Larkhall Athletic host Mangotsfield but I didn't fancy the extended trip and so I decided to gamble on Southern Trains and instead went south for the derby between Hailsham Town and Eastbourne Town in Division One of The Sussex County League (I know it's changed names but it's still The Sussex County League to me). In their last league game against Crawley Down Gatwick, Hailsham won their first point of the season and the following Tuesday they got their first win in The County Cup. According to the program notes, the manager is now getting a stronger looking squad together. I'd been to The Saffrons when Eastbourne were in The Ryman League and on that day they beat Dulwich Hamlet. After finishing second last season, Eastbourne were looking for another title push and were in third place with a game in hand on the top two.

Kick off at The Beaconfield

Hailsham have the first sighting of goal when a free kick is headed well wide of goal. Eastbourne then force a succession of corners with the last one being headed just over the bar. Shortly afterwards the Eastbourne winger kills the loose ball and his teasing cross is just dug out by the defender. Hailsham then have a good shout for a penalty when the attacker is played in on but the referee isn't interested and there was no appeal from the felled player. The last chance of the half comes after more good control allows the Eastbourne player to get a shot in on goal which is dragged wide of the upright.

Hailsham attack in the first half

The heavens open during half time and the defining moment of the match happens in the opening exchanges of the second half. The Hailsham keeper gets behind a well hit drive from outside of the box but unfortunately for him the rebound goes straight to an Eastbourne player who makes it one nil from close range. Hailsham immediately go on the attack for an equaliser and a great cross into the area eludes everyone. A good passing move from Hailsham creates space on the edge of the area but the effort is well tipped over the bar by the Eastbourne keeper. The Eastbourne forward goes on a mazy run and his shot is blocked on the line to keep Hailsham in it. I haven't really done the match justice (was too wet for too much note taking) but this was a brilliant derby match with heaps of effort from both sides.

Eastbourne attack the clubhouse end in the first half

To get to Hailsham you first have to take a train from Victoria to Polegate which takes about an hour and a half if Southern are running close to their actual timetable. From here you can catch the 98 bus to Hailsham and this section takes quarter of an hour. The main street in Hailsham is currently being dug up and so the place looks like a building site but it will be good when it is finished. At the top of The High Street is The Granadier Hotel which had a couple of Harvey's ales on. Half way down The High Street is The Corn Exchange which is the place to go for the early kick off. The Beaconfield is then a five minute walk away. The clubhouse had the usual selection of drinks and was exceptionally welcoming. I can also recommend the burgers from the tea hut. If your train back to London is delayed (which is pretty much a given at the moment) then Dinkum is a good place to keep warm.

The Eastbourne defender clears his lines