Mens Ones
Mens Ones played at Lingfield against Brighton & Hove at 13:45pm. The men keep their perfect record going with a 4-1 win. Goals from Jake Simmons, Ollie Turner-Moore and 2 from Dan Lang kept a squad of 14 from Brighton at bay. Late withdrawals meant only 11 could make it to Lingfield and the work rate from everyone cannot be overstated. Player of the match went to Finn Alexander but cases could be made for just about everyone who played today. Next week is a crucial game away to Mid Sussex who are currently even on points but top of the league on goal difference.
Ladies Ones
Ladies Ones played away against Horsham at 11:30am. This was a team that have narrowly had the edge on Crowborough for a number of years. The game started competitively as expected, with Horsham applying pressing attacks through the midfield and the forward line. Crowborough responded well. Marking and closing down play was excellent in midfield, and Crowborough's defence closed down play with great teamwork and communication. When creating space through attacking play, Crowborough had a number of chances in the first half through some great pressing attacks and passing but were closed down by tight sweeping defensive play from Horsham. The beginning of the second half saw much of the same, both sides applied pressure moving into attack. However, Crowborough's continuous turnaround from defence to attack broke down the Horsham line. The first goal was beautifully converted from a well drilled short corner with Charlotte Richardson placing the ball into the corner. This gave Borough the lift to up the pressure in the last quarter of the game. Kate Baxter rounded players in the D and slotted the ball home with class to seal the game. Today's game was a great example of team performance across all lines. Communication and great defensive play, turning around into continuous applied pressure resulting in a well-deserved 2-0 win! Player of the match was awarded to Tilly Rider-Richardson.
Mens Twos
Mens Twos played away against St Francis at 15:00pm. The opposition were one place and one point ahead of the Crows in the league. Borough started slowly, having to soak up a lot of pressure from the St Francis attack. The defence of Charlie Ralph, Harry Hamilton-Brown, Steven Burns and Albie Albion were up to the task though, snuffing out every attack, leaving goalkeeper Rufus Jones as a bystander, but when he was eventually called into action, made a smart save down low to his right. After ten minutes the Borough midfield Joel Street, Matt Burns and Josh Holman began to take control of the game, breaking up the opposition attacks and moving the ball around well and creating numerous chances. The deadlock was broken when Freddie Lee picked up the ball on the edge of the D, skillfully beating his man and slotting home at the near post. The Crow's quickly doubled their lead when Lee squared to Holman to score. Borough continued to create chances. but couldn't add another before half time. The secondnd half was much of the same with the Crow's making much of the running and offering the opposition very little encouragement. Borough added their third when Sam Chick ran down the right wing beating three players in the process, got to the baseline before pulling it back to Joe Joyce to apply the finish. The Crows energy levels began to dip as their eleven men's efforts began to tell, but they managed the game well retaining possession and making sure they limited St Francis to little more than a couple of half chances. The game ended a comfortable 3-0 win to make it three wins in a row for this young side. The joint players of the match were Joel Street and Harry Hamilton-Brown.
Ladies Twos
Ladies Twos played at home against Priory at 10:30am. This game has been greatly anticipated by the ladies for the whole season, knowing full well that it would be their most difficult game of the year. Because of this, the team hit the ground running, continuously attacking the opposition's goal and putting in some quality tackles. The ladies were absolutely determined to score and showed some really positive play through this. Despite Priory scoring first, the ladies fought back and levelled from a short corner, Naomi Tear having an excellent shot which was deflected in by Sophie Holcombe. The game entered half time at 3-2, the Crows only a goal behind due to their continuous communication and amazing clearance skills from defenders Meg Bissett, Claire North, Michelle Hulse and Bethy Catling. The opposition's quick speed was the only difference between the sides, Crowborough scoring another two goals and goalkeeper Keren Loder spectacularly saving numerous attempts from Priory. Unfortunately, the game ended in a 7-4 loss, which may sound disappointing but was the best result the ladies could have asked for in the pouring rain against their most difficult opposition. Player of the match went to the awesome Keren Loder for an inspiring performance in goal. A massive thank you to Matt Ott and Will Prime for umpiring, especially to Will who stepped in last minute to enable the game to go ahead and umpired extremely well. Thank you both!
Mens Threes
Mens Threes played at home against South Saxons at 13:30pm. In the first half the Crows went 2-0 down quickly but managed to get even by half time. The second half, Saxons just passed around with their experienced players, making it difficult for the men to maintain possession. Stuart Smith and Steve Valentine slotted in some excellent goals but it was unfortunately not enough. The game ended in a 6-2 loss with player of the match going to Tim Porter for his persistence with Will Mepham coming in at a close second. On to next week!
Ladies Threes
Ladies Threes played away against Worthing at 11:30am. Conditions were abysmal throughout the match with driving rain and even hailstones at one point. However, Crowborough played with skill and energy. Following a cracking short corner, Amber Valentine relentlessly attacked the goal and, after a full on battle, Rachel Valentine found the back of the net to open the scoring. Play was sharp and focused with excellent midfield play from Vicky Dennett & Lottie Ikeson. At half time the score was 0-1. The weather got worse in the second half and visibility was extremely limited at times but Crowborough fought on with impressive defensive play from Jess Ikeson, Alison Youlton and Becky Ikeson with some amazing saves by Cath Rawlings. Two and half minutes before full time Worthing managed to find a way through Borough’s defences, and the final score was a 1-1 draw. Player of the match went to Jess Ikeson for being a defence dynamo.
Boys Youth Academy
Boys Youth Academy played away against South Saxons at 10:30am. The boys displayed a great team performance and were rewarded wirh a 4-1 win against the Saxons. Scorers included Eden (2), Nate (1) and Torin (1). Player of the match was received by Beau!
Girls Youth Academy
Girls Youth Academy played at home against Burgess Hill at 12:00pm. The girls were up against a very depleated opposition, lending them numerous players in order to have a game. Despite this it was a friendly and enjoyable game all-around. The game ended in a 2-0 victory to the Crows! Once again, the amazing availability from the girls has allowed the game to go ahead, super impressive!