Lingfield  2  Peacehaven & T.  2 

What a strange match this was. Peacehaven will feel that they should have won it comfortably, yet they were in danger of losing it. And what a strange season it is becoming. Though they have only lost once in their last seven league matches they continue to be very much a work in progress.

It was not a contest which will live long in the memory, as a combination of a bobbly pitch, uncordinated play and eccentric refereeing turned it into something of a lottery. Peacehaven twice led, but twice allowed Lingfield back into the match through lax defending.

With several players absent it was a scratch team who took to the field, with the paucity of options shown by the bench, which comprised three untried teenagers.

Peacehaven made a sluggish start, but still could have taken an early lead. Rob O'Toole and Adam Kneller both spurned clear opportunities, whilst at the other end the abdsence of Craig Hall was being felt on their right flank. Every time Lingfield attacked down that side you sensed danger, and had the home side shown a little more composure they would surely have used that route to goal.

Peacehaven were still creating chances, with Craig Bunch and Dean Gilmour failing to trouble the home keeper from promising postitions.

As the second half started it was becoming something of a seige, with Adam Kneller rattling a volley against the post, and O'Toole dragging his shot wide when through on goal. Finally Peacehaven made their breakthrough, when Jamie Cullinane bundled the ball home following a corner.

Within minutes Lingfield responded. Peacehaven failed to deal with a big up and under, allowing Bajenx to drill in an equaliser.

Peacehaven kept going, and regained their advantage with 12 minutes to go when Gilmour applied a smart finish in a crowded penalty area. Surely that would be the decisive moment?

It wasn't to be, as virtually immediately another big hoof forward found Barry who drilled past Joe Adams to give Lingfield an almost identical second goal.

A frustrating afternoon for Peacehaven was compounded by losing Clive Snell to a potentially serious injury.

Report by Alex Panton

NB:-  In the FA Vase, Hamble ASSC won 2-0 at Winchester City today, meaning they will be our visitors in the 1st Round in two weeks time.