Hailsham Town U21’s wrapped up the season with a 4-2 defeat to Saltdean United in an entertaining Monday night game at The Beaconsfield.
The visitors almost struck first when ‘keeper Connor Saunders was forced into some ball juggling inside the six yard box, but would take the lead on 25 when a fine shot on the turn flew into the net from the edge of the box.
Two minutes later a header would double Saltdean’s lead and Saunders would also make a couple of smart stops from one on ones as Saltdean looked to get the ball forward. There had however been some signs of a Stringers revival, with Ronan Ayres close with an effort which went over at the other end.
Saltdean would add a third on 34, but Hailsham improved after the break, despite a fourth goal for the visitors on 54 and were rewarded on the hour when Callum Edwards headed home at the near post. After a farcical moment when the referee did not notice his assistant flagging to advise that Saltdean had 12 players on the pitch, Hailsham continued to attack, with Liam McCann denied from a corner and Joe Arto seeing a shot blocked close to goal.
Hailsham would add a second late on – Liam McCann tripped as he rounded the ‘keeper, before the ball broke loose for Ronan Ayres to drive home.
Thanks to Kevin and the lads – it has been good to see results picking up in recent games and is a reward for their efforts throughout the season, which has not been easy at times.
Whilst the playing season is now over, work continues at the club throughout the summer – anyone wanting to help with ground maintenance would be more than welcome to attend The Beaconsfield on Saturday mornings, whilst the club AGM will also take place on Wednesday 30th May, 7.30PM in the Clubhouse – all welcome.
