The 1st team of Icklesham Casuals moved 5 points clear at the top of Division 2 with a 5-0 victory over Bexhill Rovers at the Recreation Ground on Saturday December 9.
Charlie Cornford slotted in the opening goal from Jack Hobden’s pass after just 4 minutes and Mike Amar doubled the lead in the 24th minute, when he scored direct from a corner. Bexhill Rovers thought they had the opportunity to reduce the arrears after 35 minutes, when they were awarded a penalty after Sean Baker’s tackle in the area, but credit to the referee who changed his decision after consulting the assistant referee and a corner given, which was the correct call as Baker had clearly played the ball. On the stroke of half-time Ollie Beaumont’s run was ended when he was brought down just outside the area and Cornford netted his second goal of the game from the resulting free-kick.
Icklesham dominated the second period and missed a hatful of chances with the only goals coming within two minutes of each other in the 57th and 59th minute. First when Steffan Davies scored from a rebound after Amar’s shot was saved and then Davies finished off the post when put clean through.
Credit to Bexhill Rovers who kept going until the final whistle and to their keeper who made a number of fine saves.
The 2nd team made the short trip to Peasmarsh to take on Beckley Rangers and kept their good form going with a 4-1 win. All the goals came in the first half, with Adam Knight, Lee Pierce and Dan Russell putting Icklesham 3-0 up before Ben Dengate pulled a goal back for Beckley. Solly Cooke completed the scoring with Casuals’ fourth just before the interval.
This Saturday, in the last games before Christmas, the 1st team take on Bexhill United II at the Polegrove. Bexhill are the only side to date to beat Icklesham when they won 3-2 at the Recreation Ground with a last minute goal on the opening Saturday of the season. The 2nd team are at home to Hampden Park.
Photos David Mayne
Photos David Mayne