Bexhill United’s involvement in this season’s FA Cup came to an end on Saturday afternoon with a 3-0 defeat to Raynes Park Vale of the Isthmian League at Eastbourne Town’s Saffrons ground in the preliminary round clash.
Bexhill knew they were up against it from the minute the draw was confirmed. Raynes Park play a step above the Pirates in the non-league pyramid and have had an impressive start to the season which matches their ambition to rise through the ranks.
But Bexhill also came into the game on the back of a solid start to the season with a draw and two victories under their belts.
So, there was no shortage of confidence amongst Jay Skinner-Swain’s men and for the best part of half an hour they kept the lively-looking visitors at bay with Stef Akras pulling another top drawer save out of the locker to keep the scores level.
It was hard graft but Charlie Playford, stepping in to cover for Kyle Holden for the afternoon in the pivotal midfield role, was an example of the battling, running and blocking that snuffed out the pacey Raynes Park attacking line.
On 29 minutes some sharp play down the left flank opened up a chance for Vale’s Trevan Robinson and the in-form striker, who had previously knocked in the goals for Leatherhead and Tonbridge Angels, made no mistake.
Bexhill might have been expected to wilt at this point but if anything it kicked them into action with both Theo Coombs and Dan Rogers having decent chances for an equaliser, but they went in a goal down at the break.
The Pirates started the second period lively enough and for a period RPV looked happy to hold the line and their lead. On the 68th minute, as the Red Arrows from the Eastbourne air show soared in overhead, the decisive second goal came for the visitors and again it was from the boot of Robinson.
It was hard to see a way back for Bexhill now and as the game wound its way down towards the end of normal time a soft looking penalty was awarded and it gave Robinson a chance to wrap up his treble and seal the win.
The opposition were warm in their praise for Bexhill after the final whistle. They knew they had been given a decent contest despite what the scoreline may suggest.
For the Pirates the game was a measure of the gap between the old County League and the better sides at the level above.
Bexhill get back to league action tonight (Tuesday) at Peacehaven. The Pirates meet Guernsey in the FA Vase on Saturday, with the game being played at Hastings United’s Pilot Field (2pm kick-off).
