Mid Sussex League

Premier Division

Saturday 5th December 2020

Kick Off 18.00 Actual 18.04

Ringmer A.F.C. 1 Hollington United 9, attendance 45

20’ 0-1

39’ 0-2

43’ 1-2 (pen)

51’ 1-3

54’ 1-4

57’ 1-5

63’ 1-6

76’ 1-7

81’ 1-8 (pen)

82’ 1-9

@ King’s Academy, 3G Pitch

Lewes Road

Ringmer

BN8 5RB

No Admission or Programme.

This game was originally scheduled to be played at Hollington, but with their pitch deemed unplayable, it was switched here to the new ground of Ringmer A.F.C. So, not only credit to the league for getting restarted at the first opportunity after the COVID-19 lockdown, but also to both clubs in making the effort to get the game played. Due to it already hosting two matches today it meant this game was slotted in as a 6 o’clock kick off, which made it perfect for a double, and even better, it was the only ground in this division I hadn’t yet visited.

Those who have been to a new build 3G will know what to expect. It is as bland as it gets. Spectators are restricted to just one side (clearly and well set out to ensure safe social distancing COVID-19 restrictions are adhered to), but at least here they have the dugouts on the opposite side of the pitch. Despite having a small seated kit stand, it is situated with little thought given to how poor the sight lines are, as it is towards the corner, set back from the two storey clubhouse/changing room building, therefore having a dreadful view of one corner of the ground. These places seem even worse when it rains, which it did here for almost the entire match.

As far as league positions go this was 8th versus 3rd in the table, but the gulf between the two sides was immense. When Ringmer scored a penalty just before halftime, to make it 1-2 at the break, it looked like we would be in for a good second half contest. It wasn’t. Hollington were simply superb and in truth Ringmer were lucky to only concede nine goals in the end.

East Sussex League

Premier Division

Saturday 5th December 2020

Kick Off 14.00 Actual 14.01

Wadhurst United 2 Punnetts Town 4, attendance 39

16’ 0-1

37’ 1-1

45’+ 8, 1-2

61’ 1-3

76’ 2-3 (pen)

87’ 2-4 (pen)

@ Institute Field

Washwell Lane

Wadhurst

TN5 6DR

No Admission or Programme.

So, after a gap of 34 days, it was back to watching live football again. Despite having suffered a second lockdown due to COVID-19, on top of a late start to the season, there were still some leagues and clubs that didn’t want to get back to playing. They seem happier stalling for another week or so, even though it might mean another aborted season as a third lockdown is certainly not out of the question. Many had whinged non stop about not being allowed to play, but having been given the go ahead to start up again, suddenly some didn’t want to. Thankfully, this league were happy to hit the ground running, so fair play to them. There were certainly some tired looking legs late in the second half, but it was the same for both teams, so not really a disadvantage to either of them.

I knew this ground had got a sloping pitch, but photographs don’t really do it justice. In fact, if it wasn’t for the slope, which is end to end, the game might not have survived the recent rain as it certainly helps with the drainage. Although it was soft in places the pitch held up fine.

Today’s match was 4th versus 7th in the league table, with Wadhurst looking to extend a five game unbeaten run in the league, whilst Punnetts Town had picked up seven points from their opening five matches.

The visitors played down the slope in the first half, opening the scoring following a long clearance from their ‘keeper that saw the striker sent clear to finish low into the corner of the net. Wadhurst had forced the visitors ‘keeper into making a number of very good saves before they levelled through a header, but deep into stoppage time Punnetts Town went back in front to lead 1-2 at the break. With the slope now in their favour, Wadhurst really pushed for an equaliser at the start of the second half, but were caught on the break for Punnetts Town to make it 1-3. It was certainly backs against the wall from here on in, but they stood firm with some gallant defending and despite Wadhurst reducing the arrears with a penalty, Punnetts Town then scored a spot kick of their own to come away with a deserved 2-4 win.

Unusually for a Saturday, I had got an evening kick off, where there was a match in the Mid Sussex League kicking off at 18.00.