Following their 5-2 defeat to current premier champions Hollington two weeks ago, Iden secured a win even though they missed a few sitters when they hosted Robertsbridge on Saturday afternoon (October 18). Despite some dismal attempts at finishing, particularly in the first half, Iden walked away with the three points. The returning Darren Warne will be having nightmares fluffing in front of goal no less than four times. Robertsbridge, fortunate not to be behind, actually took the lead courtesy of a tremendous volley on the turn “Marco van Bastan ” like from Dominic Whittaker. As the referee blew for half time Iden trailed 1-0 when, in fairness, they could and should have been 5-1 to the good.
A quick start from the boys in orange, and some impressive runs with the ball from man of the match Kyran Wall, kept the pressure on for the home side. Sam Cooper linked up brilliantly with Chris Gould, who calmly dinked the ball over the oncoming keeper to equalise. Two substitutions saw the wide players of Wall and Liam Cobley replaced by Ben Heffernan and Chip Winton. “Haffers”, making a return from injury, went close with a shot from quite a distance. More chances went begging for Iden until the veteran Winton bundled home from close range.
Shane Ridgers was called upon in injury time to save well down low to his left. With a team mate helpfully tapping his back saying “You can get down quick for a fat bloke”, Ridgers successfully defended the resulting corner. So although Iden missed several chances, a win is a win and a lot was created that is a positive sign for the future.
On Saturday October 25 Iden are away to Rock-a-Nore who sit one place below them in the league table below.
East Sussex Football League Premier | ||||||||
Team | P | W | D | L | F | A | GDÂ | PTS |
St Leonards Social | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 7 | 10 | 15 |
Hollington United | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 26 | 10 | 16 | 13 |
Sedlescombe Rangers | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 13 | 11 | 2 | 12 |
Iden | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 12 | 11 | 1 | 10 |
Rock A Nore | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 14 | 12 | 2 | 7 |
Battle Baptists I | 7 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 13 | 17 | -4 | 7 |
Ore Athletic | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 13 | 21 | -8 | 7 |
Ninfield United | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 9 | 12 | -3 | 4 |
Peche Hill Select | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 9 | 15 | -6 | 3 |
Robertsbridge United | 6 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 6 | 16 | -10 | 3 |