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.