MATCH REPORT - ALFOLD v UBFC

Upper Beeding fell to a 3–1 defeat away at Alfold on Saturday, but the scoreline tells only part of the story after a spirited performance.

The home side struck early, taking the lead on 8 minutes when a run down the right ended with a cut-back to the edge of the box. A big deflection left goalkeeper Ben Cochran with no chance. Four minutes later Alfold doubled their advantage with almost a carbon copy move, this time a clean strike from distance finding the bottom corner.

Things went from bad to worse on 14 minutes when a diagonal ball over the top forced Cochran to rush out. In trying to clear, he handled outside the area and the referee had no choice but to show the red card, leaving Beeding down to ten men for more than 75 minutes.

To their credit, the lads regrouped and fought their way back into the game. JJ Angood halved the deficit just before half time with a fine strike that gave Beeding hope going into the break.

The second half saw a much-improved display as Beeding pressed forward in search of an equaliser. Aiden Eckworth-Jones looked lively with his runs in behind, while Craig Prior tested the Alfold goalkeeper with a string of efforts. Despite several chances, the leveller would not come, and Beeding were punished late on when Alfold broke away to seal the result with a counter-attacking third.

Alfold, returning to the division after relegation last season, showed their quality with a strong young side that will no doubt be pushing for promotion this year. In the grand scheme of things, 3–1 was probably a fair reflection after a dominant first half from the hosts.

Man of the Match: Ted Shepherd – stepped up to take the gloves after the early red card and pulled off several fine saves to keep Beeding in the game.

Elsewhere in Division 2, Capel beat ASC Brighton Rangers 3–0, Ferring saw off Brighton Electricity 4–0, and Hailsham Town produced the standout result with a 9–0 win over Worthing Town. Chichester City B drew 1–1 with Rustington, Storrington defeated Bosham 2–0, while TD Shipley edged Rudgwick 2–1.

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Upper Beeding Line-up

Cochran, J Gregory, J Angood, Pollard, Lucas, Shepherd, C Angood, Halls, Eckworth-Jones, Prior, B Gregory.

Subs: Heath, Porter, Rinaldi, Mitchell, Killgariff.

Scorer: JJ Angood.

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Next Fixture

We’re back in action next Saturday with another away trip as we face ASC Brighton Rangers. Kick off is at 3pm