Crowborough Athletic 1–0 Steyning Town
Report by Alex Inman
Steyning Town were edged out by a single first-half goal as Crowborough Athletic took all three points at the Charles Century Community Stadium.
There was little to separate the sides for long spells, but Elliott Duncan’s 21st-minute strike proved decisive in a competitive, end-to-end encounter.
For Steyning, it was a frustrating second league outing of the season, with the Barrowmen unable to convert a number of promising chances into an equaliser.
The opening stages were evenly matched, with both teams settling into a good tempo. Steyning were well organised and competitive in midfield, while Crowborough looked dangerous in transition, though their finishing initially lacked precision.
The breakthrough came on 21 minutes when Duncan struck to give the hosts the lead during a spell of growing pressure. Crowborough then worked hard to protect their advantage through to half-time.
Steyning responded well to going behind and created several good opportunities. Pitcher went close, Honore was denied in a one-on-one, and Bromage saw a close-range header superbly saved by Holmwood.
After the break, Steyning continued to push higher up the pitch in search of an equaliser, but Crowborough’s defensive shape remained difficult to break down.
Gideon Acheampong was introduced on 49 minutes for Sam Parker, making a positive debut, as Steyning looked to inject fresh energy. Crowborough also made changes, with Pearson replacing Goldsmith on 63 minutes, while Kuntu-Blankson came on for Mundy shortly after.
The hosts nearly doubled their lead when they broke following a midfield turnover, but a low effort came back off the post.
The game became increasingly tense as Steyning pressed forward, but their task was made harder in the 75th minute when Leo Marley Ginger was shown a red card for a petulant kick-out, with no contact but intent deemed sufficient.
Even with ten men, Steyning continued to push. Crowborough introduced Lloyd Francis for Duncan, while Keskinis replaced Dyer Rance for the visitors on 78 minutes.
Despite sustained pressure, Steyning could not find the breakthrough. Woollard fired wide with the goal at his mercy, Acheampong delivered a dangerous cross that flashed across goal, and Hanslow was denied by a strong save. Bromage also went close in stoppage time, heading just over with the final action of the match.
Crowborough held firm to secure the win, while Steyning were left to reflect on a performance that created enough chances to take something from the game.
The result was frustrating for the Barrowmen, given the balance of play, but there were positives in their attacking intent and overall competitiveness. The key challenge remains turning that into goals and points.
Crowborough will be pleased with a hard-earned clean sheet and three points from a tightly contested fixture.
The attendance of 331 contributed to a lively midweek atmosphere, with both sets of supporters enjoying an entertaining Isthmian League encounter.
Steyning now turn their attention to Saturday’s trip to Merstham played at Sevenoaks FC.
Final score: Crowborough Athletic 1–0 Steyning Town
Goal: Duncan 21’
Attendance: 331
Steyning Town Line-up
Mansell, Parker, Bromage, Woollard, Pitcher, Worrall C, Mundy, Honore, Ginger, Adam, Dyer Rance.
Substitutes: Acheampong, Keskinis, Hanslow, Plummer, Kuntu-Blankson.
Crowborough Athletic Line-up
Holmwood, Mayhew, Reed, Turner, Puffette, Pring, Goldsmith C, Lambden, Samuel-Smikle, Forster, Duncan.
Substitutes: Mayhew, Francis, Hutcheon, Pearson, Ayoola.
