Wickers Build On First Win - Southwick vs. Lingfield

Sunset at Old Barn Way with Shoreham Power Station in the background

On numerous trips to Worthing, Littlehampton and Angmering over the years I'd seen a lot of Southwick's Old Barn Way from the train and I had been meaning to visit for a long time. I finally made last weekend for a Sussex County League game with Lingfield. Lingfield always seen to be full of goals and on the only other occasion when I saw them play in The Vase against Epsom and Ewell, they won 5-1 and there had been fourteen goals in their last two games. Southwick gained their first win of the season last weekend against Ringmer and were looking to push on. Lingfield were having a better season and they were fourth at the start of play.

Kick with the clubhouse in the background

Lingfield as expected, kicking down the slope, start quickly and the Southwick defence has to be switched on straight away to block a couple of chances. It is Southwick who should score first though. They get in behind the Lingfield defence but when the ball is squared, it is subsequently lashed over the bar. They don't have to wait long to get the first goal as a corner is powerfully headed home from close range. The lead doesn't last however. Lingfield go straight down the other end and the winger cuts inside before placing a low shot past the keeper. Just before half time Lingfield almost complete the turn around as a header from a looping cross hits the bar.

Southwick go one up

The second half takes a little while to get going with both sides not really creating much. The first chance of the half sees the home side retake the lead. It's another header, this time from a free kick to make it two one. The game now begins to open up and the Lingfield attacker should do better when found in space at the back post. From another broken down Lingfield attack, the hosts break out but the eventual chance is wasted. Lingfield are cranking up the pressure and their next chance from a corner is blocked on the line. They do get a second equalizer when the attacker powers through the home defence before hammering a shot past the goalie. Southwick have a brilliant chance to win it toward the end as the forward gets into a good position but he unfortunately puts it high and wide.

Moments before the first Lingfield equalizer

To get to Southwick from London you first have to catch a train to Brighton from Victoria and change there for a train to Southwick. If the line is actually running to time (which it won't) then the trip should take an hour and a quarter. After the disappointing pubs last week, Southwick produced a couple of great drinking spots. In the shadow of the aforementioned power station there is Pebbles On The Port and The Schooner Inn both of which offer ales and views of the harbor. On the walk to the ground is the homely Ship Inn which had a broad selection of drinks. The ground is a ten minute walk from the station and the clubhouse is worth getting there early for. As well as having the sports channels, it also has it's own lager. I really enjoyed my trip to Southwick and the fantastic programme also deserves a mention.

Side on view of the clubhouse and stand