Hailsham Town’s first away point of the season was earned on Saturday at Tinsley Lane.
A bright start from Hailsham saw the Stringers net an early goal, when Ellis Webster’s corner found the head of Archie Guest at the far post. The home side came close to an equaliser with a rising drive over the top on 7, before Webster again caused problems from a dead ball situation, with a free kick that somehow evaded everyone in the area when needing just a touch.
Charlie Playford would then see a shot blocked for Hailsham, whilst the excellent Sammy Townsend did well to end a quick Oakwood break as the half came to a close.
The second half began with the visitors keen to level the scores, and they did just that on 48 – seizing on a loose ball to break quickly, working the ball across the area well for a finish at the far post. Playford -would then see another effort parried, whilst at the back Ben Thomsett did well to deny the hosts on the counter. Great work from Rhys Taylor earned Hailsham a corner on 68, with Adam Madelin then shooting over, but it took a fine save from Louis Peach to keep the scores level on 72.
Oakwood’s best chance of the half quickly led to Hailsham’s, with Webster and Connor Townsend both drawing smart saves. After a lull in the middle of the half, both sides finished strongly, with Hailsham sub Jack Grey seeing an effort held on his debut whilst Connor Townsend reached a through ball, but could only divert wide under pressure from the Oakwood ‘keeper. With time ticking away, Townsend was brought down on the edge of the area – Webster’s free kick high into the side netting causing late concern for the hosts, whilst at the other end, Oakwood perhaps should have done better with an injury time header from a corner.
Overall though, both sides will take the positives from what was a decent game, with Hailsham taking a break from the league next week when they welcome Staplehurst Monarchs United in the FA Vase (3pm). Tomorrow the Stringers Under 18s are in action at The Beaconsfield against Newhaven (11am, Free Entry with tea hut open).
Stringers: Peach, Madelin, S Pout, Thomsett, S Townsend, Guest, Sparks (Grey 60), Playford, Webster, C Townsend, Taylor (Feasey 70)
Unused: Lusted, Makombe, Young
Man of the Match: Sammy Townsend (Sponsored by Linden Lodge Kennels and Cattery )
