Ringmer AFC secure memorable win over Eastbourne rivals

Facing a side to whom they had lost their previous six fixtures – by a combined score of 26-2, including United’s previous iterations as Hollington and Sidley – the Blues put up an outstanding fight at the Oval, overcoming absences, controversial officiating and United’s physicality to pull off a historic result.

It was, in many ways, a summation of Ringmer’s hard work over recent weeks to compete with opponents regardless of the playing surface, leading to a result which could have a huge impact on the MSFL Premier Division title race.

Tommy Haddon’s side came into the game in the best possible form, being unbeaten in 90 minutes across their last six matches, but knew they would have to raise their game again.

They would have to do that without assistant manager Jon Hart and coach Harvey Lamble, who were both unavailable for the game, and midfielder Rio Connelly, who was absent after taking a blow to the head the previous week.

After delays on local roads, goalkeeper Xhemal Bako even arrived 20 minutes before kick-off, but this did not stop the Blues having a purposeful start.

Ed Easton was fed by some potent through-balls and fired in a couple of sighters early on, while wingers George Coleman and Rhys Taylor were at their energetic best.