All Sussex Vase Action - Newhaven vs. Littlehampton Town

The main stand at Fort Road

My first Saturday off work for three months enabled me to travel a bit further away from London this weekend and I decided to watch the FA Vase match up between Newhaven and Littlehampton Town. Both sides are in the Sussex County League Division Two. Both sides are close to the top of the table with Newhaven winning four out of their five league games and Littlehampton winning all three. Newhaven won division three last season while Littlehampton were promoted and then demoted over the summer and were looking to make sure there would be no complications this time by aiming for a top three spot.

Watching two games at once.

In the first half both sides have periods of domination but neither get on the score sheet. The visitors come closest but the keeper is able to keep out a header from a right wing cross. In the second half both sides hit the post and the game remains goalless. Mid way through the half, the visitors take the lead when the ball is forced in from close range as the home defence fail to clear the ball. Newhaven then go on the attack to save the game and are rewarded with an equaliser late on in the game to send the match in to extra time.

Newhaven attack the clubhouse end.

In extra time, Littlehampton run away with the game as they score three unanswered goals to give the scoreline a very one sided look which doesn't reflect the game as a whole. There was plenty of good football and the game was a good advert for the Sussex County League. On this viewing, both sides have a good shot at a top three slot.

A Littlehampton corner in the first half.

Newhaven is worth an explore if you are heading there for a match. The beach is a short walk from the ground as is the fort. The ground is a twenty minute walk from Newhaven Town station. There are no direct trains from London and you have to change at Lewes. The whole journey from Victoria takes around one hour and twenty minutes. Also a short walk from the ground is The Hope Inn which is on the quay side and you can watch the boats go by. The clubhouse at the ground is quite basic but is still welcoming and worth popping in. This was one of the best value for money grounds I've visited, entry and the full colour programme was only £3:50.   

View from behind the goal. The fort is on top of the hill in the background.