Broadbridge Heath 0 Steyning Town 2
Tuesday night’s local-derby at Broadbridge Heath brought some well overdue joy for the Barrowmen care of a hard fought and well deserved 2-0 win.
Town made the short trip up the A24 hopeful of rediscovering some form after three straight defeats.On the team front, there were debuts for new loan signing from Worthing, Finlay Chadwick, and for Francis Junior Ze, who has just signed from Three Bridges.
On a damp evening under the lights, the early stages were fairly even, with the hosts slightly more dominant and ex-Town striker Mark Goldson came just a toe end from opening the scoring as the ball flashed across our goalmouth. Steyning absorbed their pressure though, and found some rhythm and on 26 minutes went ahead. Chadwick won the ball and played it out to Jack Barnes on the left who centred low for Freddie Chester on the edge of their box to fire into the bottom right corner of the Bears net for 1-0.
The goal galvanized the team and Town fought hard to hold our advantage as Heath looked to respond. The Barrowmen had the upper hand now and near the break Lucas Murrain hit a good attempt just wide of right.
Half time – Heath 0 Town 1
Early in the second half Steyning really should have doubled the lead when a ball in from Rob Malila found Murrain in the box who shot from six yards out only for it to cannon back off the upright. The pressing and work rate was impressive with good running from debutant Junior Ze. Ethan Romain came close, hitting their side netting from a move started by a thunderous challenge on the edge of our box by Ross Edwards, who put in a massive shift in midfield.
Anything Heath threw at Town was dealt with well at the back with Stroomberg Clark on it when needed with some fine saves.
On 85 minutes the points were sealed when Chadwick put their keeper under pressure allowing sub Ethan Roberts to move in and bag his first senior goal for the Town.
Yes, a very good, well fought, steel & heart performance and three priceless which lift the side off the bottom of the table.
The only slight negative was the accumulation of seven yellow cards for various things from a rather officious referee. However! Well done one and all!
Thank you to BBHFC for their superb hospitality and good luck going forward.
Hopefully, Town can carry this spirit and fight into Saturday’s home match against second placed Sittingbourne (KO @ Birchwood Shooting Field Stadium 3pm).
Final Score – Broadbridge Heath 0 Steyning Town 2
Town Line up – Stroomberg Clark, Malila, Chadwick, Barnes (capt), Howick, Chester (Gamblin), Junior Ze (Kazlauskas), Edwards, Murrain (Roberts), Romain, Shooman
Unused subs – Da Costa, Agun
