Wastefull Lords Almost Made To Pay - Billingshurst vs. Lordswood

New stand next to clubhouse at Jubilee Fields

FA Vase action returned as the frantic early season cup scheduled continued. I had been through Billingshurst a couple of times on my way to games on the south coast but had never stopped there. Today Billingshurst were hosting Lordswood in their first season in The FA Vase. Lordswood are a team I've seen quite a few and I am keen to visit their Martin Grove ground. I'd seen them play another Sussex side, Mile Oak in the same competition a few years ago. Lordswood have made a good start to the season, sitting in third in The Kent League having played more games than Crowborough and Sevenoaks above them. Billingshurst however hadn't had the best start having once in the league so far.

Kick off in rural looking West Sussex

Lordswood start on the front foot with a couple of shots that just miss the target. The best being a snap shot from the edge of the box which goes just over. They take the lead as a looping ball to the back post is returned with interest past the keeper into the opposite corner to put the visitors one up. Billingshurst's first chance is gifted to them by the Lordswood keeper who flaps at a cross but his defenders bail him and hack the ball away. Lordswood make it two when after the Billingshurst goalie does well to block a one on one chance the forward is there to knock in the rebound. The hosts have a great chance to get back in the game just before half time. The Billingshurst forward controls a free kick in and finds himself all alone at the back post but he drags his shot just wide.

Lordswood launch the ball into the box in the first half

Lordswood start the second period like they did the first crafting a couple of half chances without seriously threatening the Billingshurst goal. Then the Billingshurst winger does well to hurdle a challenge but the final ball lets him down. Lordswood now begin to really press on and create a hat full of chances. Firstly a fantastic ball is put in the back post which manages to elude everyone. After that they create a number of free shots inside the box which all fail to find the target. They are then very nearly made to pay for their wastefulness. Lordswood give away a needless free kick which is dispatched into the top corner to give Billingshurst hope. Immediately afterwards, Lordwood give the ball away and it takes a great save from the visiting keeper to keep his side in the lead. Lordswood hold one and Billingshurst certanly gave a great account of themselves.

Lordswood looking to seal the tie

The trains from Victoria take just over an hour to get to Billingshurst. Then village centre is then a steady ten minute away with the ground a further ten minutes on. On the high street there are a number of pubs worth checking out. Firstly I went to The Kings Head which had multiple screens for the early kick offs as well as a couple of ales. The Kings Arms was a bit quieter but still had the sports channels as well as one ale. The clubhouse had the usual selection of drinks on offer. I really liked the set up at Billingshurst and the very rural feel makes it a great ground to visit. If Southern Rail are having their usual delays then The Railway Inn is a good place to wait.

Billingshurst look for the early goal