Icklesham Casuals 1st team produced an excellent battling team performance last Saturday to secure a 2-0 victory against Hollington United II in Division One of the East Sussex Football League. With five players missing it was always going to be a difficult game and it was backs to the wall for much of the 90 minutes, but an excellent battling team performance clinched the points.
Player-manager Martin Tytherleigh latched on to a loose ball to half-volley the opening goal after 10 minutes. Hollington then put the side under much pressure, but the defence remained solid with Sam Ricketts outstanding at the heart. Nathan Chandler struck the second goal, curling in an 80th-minute cracker, with Hollington then being given a chance to set up a nervous finish to the game when they were awarded a penalty five minutes from time. This was saved by goalkeeper Jack Davies, who had a superb game, making a string of incredible saves, catching just about everything in the area or punching well clear. All 13 players used deserve great credit for contributing to a memorable victory.
The 2nd team game at home to Battle Baptists III was postponed due to the weather.
The previous Saturday the 1st team lost narrowly at home to Bexhill AAC. Bexhill took the lead before Phil Badrock struck to level the scores at half time. Bexhill added two further goals, with Ollie Beaumont then reducing the arrears.
The 2nd team went down 5-1 away to a useful FC Westridge side, despite taking a 17th-minute lead when Elliot Upton slid home Dan Russell’s pass. Westridge soon equalised but Icklesham had the opportunity to retake the lead from the penalty spot when Dan Russell was brought down, having rounded the goalkeeper. His kick though was well saved. Westridge went ahead just before the interval and added three second-half goals. Icklesham battled well for the whole game and never gave up.
This Saturday sees the 1st team host Wadhurst United in the Hastings Junior Cup with the 2nd team away to Sedlescombe Rangers III. On Sunday morning the veterans meet Sedlescombe Rangers in the Hastings Veterans League.