Steyning storm past Bexhill 4-1 to advance in RUR Cup
by Lauren Hawker
Steyning Town hosted Bexhill United in the RUR Cup, looking to continue their strong run of form after a convincing 4–1 league win over Midhurst & Easebourne.
The Barrowmen entered the tie full of confidence, having edged past Pagham on penalties in the previous round following a tense 1–1 draw. With captain Dion Jarvis leading a side sitting second in the league, Steyning were favourites against a Bexhill team currently eighth, but the visitors arrived determined to test one of the division’s in-form sides.
Steyning started the brighter side under the lights at the Shooting Field, looking composed and in control from the opening whistle. New goalkeeper James Binfield was called into early action, making a solid save inside the first few minutes to settle any nerves.
However, Steyning were forced into an early change when Lateef Oladokun was taken off with an injury, replaced by Ed Kazlauskas. The disruption didn’t slow the hosts down for long just minutes later, Joe Benn’s effort forced a save from the visiting keeper, and captain Dion Jarvis was on hand to fire in the rebound, giving Steyning an early 1–0 lead.
The Barrowmen continued to dominate possession, pushing the visitors deep into their own half. Alex Plummer went close from range, while Stan Bridgman tested the Bexhill defence with a curling free kick that narrowly missed the post. Bexhill began to grow into the game midway through the half, creating a half-chance when a dangerous cross flashed through the Steyning box, but it went untouched. At the other end, Bridgman was denied by a sharp save from keeper Stef Akras as Steyning looked to double their lead.
That second goal came on 40 minutes Jake King’s well-placed free kick found Marcus Allen, who rose highest to head home and make it 2–0.
Steyning nearly added a third before the break when Jarvis’ clever backheel set up Jazz Rance, but the Bexhill defence recovered to clear the danger.
The half ended with Steyning well on top and fully deserving of their 2–0 lead.
The second half began with Bexhill looking revitalised, and their persistence paid off just nine minutes after the restart. Dale Penn found space inside the box and calmly slotted past James Binfield to halve the deficit, bringing the score to 2–1.
That goal sparked a brief period of pressure from the visitors. Alex Plummer went close for Steyning with a shot that drifted just wide, before Penn again threatened at the other end his header from a rebound narrowly missing the post. Sensing an opportunity, Bexhill pressed high, looking the more aggressive side as Steyning struggled to settle into their rhythm. Dion Jarvis had a chance to restore the two-goal cushion, but his effort went wide and was flagged offside. Moments later, Max Hollobone’s free kick for the visitors skimmed just over the bar, adding to the tension around the ground.
Steyning were forced to weather the storm, with Alex Brewer nearly breaking through before being stopped by a crunching tackle from Bexhill’s Dan Roger. A yellow card for Jazz Rance shortly followed, reflecting the growing physicality of the contest. But Steyning’s response was emphatic. In the 78th minute, Brewer made no mistake, finding the bottom corner to restore the two-goal advantage and make it 3–1, effectively halting Bexhill’s momentum. From that point on, the hosts looked far more composed, regaining control of possession.
With the visitors fading, Steyning sealed the result late on Evan Hoarty capping off the night in the 89th minute with a well-taken finish after reacting quickest to a rebound, wrapping up a convincing 4–1 victory.
A confident second-half display sees Steyning progress comfortably in the RUR Cup, continuing their strong run of form.
PotM: Marcus Allen – with Club Vice-Chairman Cov.
