Year Ends on a Defeat for Steyning Town Women as Saltdean Development Prevails 4-1
by Lauren Hawker
Steyning Town Women closed out their 2025 campaign with a challenging fixture at home against Saltdean Development. Coming off a 3-0 league defeat away to Ashmount Leigh, Steyning faced an uphill battle against a side sitting third in the table, while the hosts themselves occupy sixth place. The game proved a tough test, with Saltdean ultimately securing a decisive 4-1 victory.
The first half began with Steyning’s Brooke Pallant tested early, comfortably gathering a shot in the 3rd minute. Saltdean United soon threatened, with a shot from Maia Fletcher sailing over the crossbar in the 7th minute, quickly followed by an effort from Belle Stray that forced Steyning to stay alert. Despite their attacking intentions, Steyning struggled to break through Saltdean’s well-organized defensive line.
In the 16th minute, Saltdean’s Phoebe Mitchie fired a low shot on goal, only for the Steyning defence to clear for a throw-in. However, Steyning responded two minutes later, taking the lead through Chloe Higman, who tucked in a rebound following a save from the Saltdean keeper.
Saltdean continued to press, with another chance in the 24th minute thwarted by Pallant, resulting in a goal kick. Steyning had their own opportunities midway through the half, as Maddie Carter forced a corner in the 37th minute and Sophie Rose saw a shot from outside the box saved by Saltdean’s keeper Lola Golang shortly after, earning another corner.
The deadlock shifted in the 42nd minute when Saltdean’s Stray finally broke through the Steyning defence to level the score at 1-1. Just a minute later, Jess Fry added a second for the visitors, putting Saltdean ahead. The half concluded with Steyning trailing 1-2, having shown glimpses of promise but unable to contain the one of the league’s top sides.
Saltdean quickly extended their lead early in the second half. In the 52nd minute, they earned a free kick just outside the box, and Mia Hutchinson struck it low past Pallant to make it 1-3. Steyning’s defence and keeper remained alert, with a strong save in the 57th minute denying a close-range effort from Holly Macleod, who had been blocked for a corner. A further threat in the 63rd minute saw a well-placed Saltdean ball cleared by Steyning for another corner, as the visitors continued to dominate possession and restrict Steyning’s attacking opportunities.
Steyning struggled to breach Saltdean’s defensive line, though they did create a few openings. In the 71st minute, Bettie Martin threaded a fine pass to Carter, putting her through on goal, only for Golding to calmly gather the ball. Hannah Goffi attempted a long-range effort in the 80th minute, sending it over the bar, and three minutes later, Emily Flegg saw her shot hit the post following a keeper spill, but the visitors quickly recovered.
Saltdean sealed the win in the 85th minute, with Dayna Wood finishing to make it 1-4. Steyning continued to press until the closing minutes, with Goffi firing wide in the 88th minute, but were unable to reduce the deficit. The match ended with Saltdean Development claiming a comprehensive 4-1 victory, closing Steyning Town Women’s 2025 campaign on a challenging note, and Saltdean moving up to first in the league.
PotM: Bettie Rose Martin. A towering display at the back, stood up to the physical challenge, positionally excellent, always aggressive and on the front foot and carried the ball forward well.
