Peacehaven claimed a much needed victory after a dramatic night at Piddinghoe Avenue. After a low key first half the match caught fire after half time, with five goals and almost unbearable tension as the Tye got within sight of victory, only to almost throw the points away.

Last seasons encounters between these sides were some of the most memorable of the season, with three matches producing nine goals and five red cards. This encounter more than lived up to those standards. After Saturday's last minute FA Cup defeat, Peacehaven made a tentative start against the Stringers, who have also had a difficult start to the season

The visitors took an early lead though, as Peacehaven again self destructed in defence. Ashley Rees was inches away from connecting with Clive Snell's corner, but there was a total lack of cover at the other end as Hailsham broke. That allowed Peter Cooper all the time he needed to pick out Tristan Jarvis to head his side into the lead.

Cooper almost added a second, when he put a powerful and unchallenged header wide. He was left ruing that miss as Peacehaven equalised just before half time. Scott Marshall drilled a cross in and Rob O'Toole bundled the ball home.

The relief was evident for 'haven, but it proved to be short lived, as they conceeded again at the start of the second half. Ashley Jarvis was allowed another free header, and though Josh Heyburn got hands to the ball he was unable to keep it out.

Peacehaven now had to dig deep, and they produced a terrific response. They drew level from a corner when Adam Kneller powered another header past Russell Tanner, and then took the lead, thanks to a slice of good fortune. Marshall was going away from goal when he was bundled over by Danny Stevens, and that allowed Snell to tuck home his third penalty in as many games and put his side in the lead for the first time.

When Craig Bunch's cross was met by Rees for Peacehaven's forth after 85 minutes, the match seemed to be over - but there was still more drama to come.

Hailsham reduced the deficit when Salvage drilled home a rather dubious penalty, and pushed forward in search of an unlikely equaliser. It wasn't to be though, and Peacehaven held on, to their considerable relief.

HT 1-1

Scorers:- Peacehaven O'Toole 44, Kneller 70, Snell 74 (Pen), Rees 85.

Hailsham Town T.Jarvis 15, A.Jarvis 54, Salvidge 88 (Pen)