Newhaven lose ground as Horley take SCFL points

With the season now suspended until at least January 9, Breach’s team have as many as four games in hand on some of the teams above them.

But in this crucial clash at the Trafalgar Ground – between two teams who will likely be looking for promotion at the end of the season – Newhaven were made to rue missed chances as their visitors came from behind to take all three points.

The hosts started the game very well and after some early pressure were ahead within three minutes of the start. Henry Watson got his head to Ian Robinson’s corner and Lee Robinson was on hand to turn and finish into the roof of the net.

But the early lead lasted only two minutes as Horley’s Sean O’Toole cut in from the right and struck a fierce left footed shot into the corner of Jake Buss’ goal to level. And the visitors turned the game on its head with 30 minutes played as Russell Harvey finished off a swift counter attack to make it 1-2.

It was only the second time this season that Newhaven had been behind at half-time and they came out fighting in the second half, but James Jeffrey and Lee Robinson were guilty of missing excellent chances as the visitors held on for the three points.

“It was a really frustrating afternoon for us and a big chance to put a stamp on the League missed,” said Breach. “However, it certainly wasn’t a bad performance. On another day we could have won by a fairly big margin. I personally felt we dominated the game and created enough chances to win two games of football. Horley had three chances, that I can recall, and scored two of them.

“In the first half we had a few cleared off the line, had a penalty appeal denied, which the referee admitted afterwards he got wrong, and their keeper made a few good saves. In the second half it got even worse. We missed an open goal two minutes in, a sitter from eight yards and a few other huge chances. It just wouldn’t go for us. Which happens.

“Horley came down with a game plan and for them it worked. But I am not disappointed with the performance as we were very good against a top side in this league. We are still in a very good place, providing we win our games in hand, and we just have to keep pushing on and learning from each game.”

There are now no scheduled games until Saturday 9 January, when, all being well, Newhaven will host Horsham YMCA at the Trafalgar Ground. The season's suspension is due to be reviewed by SCFL bosses around December 31.

Games against Lancing (A), Peacehaven (A). Langney Wanderers (H) and Eastbourne United (A) have been postponed and will be rearranged when possible.