Bexhill United once again proved their ability to bounce back after cup disappointment with a well-deserved 3-1 win over newly-promoted Seaford in a morning kick off at Eastbourne Town’s Saffrons ground.
Pirates boss Jay Skinner-Swain had said before the match that his squad were determined to put Saturday’s Vase 4-1 exit to Guernsey behind them as they got back to Southern Combination Football League action and his players responded positively in the opening exchanges against a lively looking Seaford outfit.
On ten minutes it was Bexhill who opened the scoring when skipper Richie Welch rose above the opposition defence to head home from Ryan Moir’s superbly whipped in corner from the left.
Seaford always posed a threat to Bexhill and won a series of corners but the Pirates defensive unit held firm and just after half an hour they doubled their lead. Playing off the break, Moir chased down a ball over the top and squared for the very impressive Jaan Stanley to finish at the second attempt.
Seaford were not out of the reckoning and pressed before the break with their skipper Tyler Capon leading the line effectively. The half-time whistle went just as the Town Hall clock hit
noon and Bexhill were good value for their lead.
Five minutes into the second half Seaford were back in it when centre-half Knight met a free-kick from the right with a firm header that keeper Stef Akras could do nothing to keep out. The next goal would be crucial – and so it proved.
On 79 minutes a through ball to Jack Shonk had the lino flagging the Bexhill No 9 for offside but he had already held his run, leaving the path open for the brilliant Moir to pick it up and square for substitute Will Saunders to roll it home and secure the points.
Seaford complained long and hard about the decision. It was Moir’s third assist and he is proving himself a crucial member of the Bexhill team as they extended their unbeaten opening to the league season at the final whistle and sit well placed near the top of the early table.
El Capitan Richie Welch picked up the man of the match award but plenty of others in the squad would have had a fair shout including Moir, Stanley and Max Hollobone, who worked his socks off alongside Kyle Holden in midfield.
