Dockers Downed By Second Half Goals - Crawley Down Gatwick vs. Newhaven

Frosty Haven Centre

Owing to an mid morning appointment, I was planning on seeing a game within the M25 this weekend, but thanks to the excellent staff at St George's I was out in record time which allowed me to save Glebe for another time when I couldn't go too far. Heading south seemed to be the best option, I was heading to Ringmer with Lewes as a backup but I saw on Twitter that Crawley Down Gatiwck's match with Newhaven had been given the go ahead and changed course. I was adamant I'd seen Crawley Down Gatwick numerous times but the only time it appears I've seen them was during their Ryman League days at Folkestone. I'd visited Newhaven's fascinating Fort Road ground for an FA Vase tie with Littlehampton quite a few years which I think they lost in extra time. Both sides were level on points in the first division of The Sussex County League before kick off.

Kick off in front at The Haven Centre

Crawley Down are careless in possession in the opening stages but Newhaven are unable to punish them when they are gifted the ball on the half way line.Midway through the half, Newhaven believe they should be awarded at least one penalty. The second call comes when a Crawley Down defender and his keeper converge on the Newhaven forward following a ball forward, the referee is unmoved however. Crawley Down's best effort of the half comes with a shot from distance which goes just wide. In the closing stages Newhaven come very close as a driven cross is deflected just wide.

Crawley Down cross the ball in during the first half

After having most of the chances in the first half, Newhaven fall behind to a stunner at the start of the second half. A free kick from some distance bends away from the keeper and in to the net. Newhaven then have a great chance to equalize as the forward gets to the byline before an effort is cleared off the line. Crawley Down then repeat the trick at the other end, this time the Newhaven keeper makes a fantastic save. Crawley Down double their lead as the attacker is able to out muscle the defender and calmly slots the ball past the keeper. Newhaven still continue to attack as they get themselves in but the Crawley keeper saves with his feet with the ball eventually hitting the post.

One nil Crawley Down

My route to Crawley Down took me first to Three Bridges which can be reached from either Victoria or London Bridge taking around forty five minutes. Then from opposite the station you can take the 281 or 291 for the fifteen minute trip to Crawley Down. As far as I could tell, there are no pubs in Crawley Down itself. I got off the bus early at The Dukes Head which like the first few pubs in Warwick, looks very gastroey, but does have a wide selection of good beer. The Haven Centre is then a twenty minute walk away. The bar at The Haven Centre had the usual selection of drinks and seems to be the centre of the village. Big credit has to go the club for keeping the social media channels updated and for producing an excellent programme.  

Side on view of the stand