SOLID HEATH BAG THREE MORE POINTS

Heath played a league game in between various cup ties, and safely bagged three points with a good performance from all the team, although they made it harder for themselves than it probably should have been against a robust Saltdean who belied their league position.

Right from the first whistle Heath were on top with Rob Cooper having loads of possession on the left and giving the Saltdean right back a torrid time. Unfortunately final balls from all the Heath players were just not quite delivered with the right pace and accuracy and the Saltdean keeper was not that busy. The referee had to be vigilant as some of the tackles were getting a bit dangerous and several running feuds developed across the pitch as a result. After 20 minutes Heath's smooth passing game led to the opener as Olly Day played a pass into Geoff Pitcher who had his back to goal. He controlled the ball and with a neat back heel put Day through into the box and his low drilled shot flew past the keeper and nestled in the bottom corner for a superb goal. This led to constant Heath pressure and chances arrived at regular intervals but none were converted. Meanwhile Chris Turner and the Heath defenders were having a comfortable time with not much of a threat being posed by the Saltdean forwards.

It took ten minutes of the second half before Dean Pitcher showed the Hanbury faithful his quality finishing prowess as he faced a defender just inside the penalty area to the left of goal. He dummied to go left and shifted the ball onto his right foot before curling the shot into the right hand corner of the Saltdean net giving the keeper no chance. The home team again seemed to take their foot off the gas and didn't kill the game off, and they had a let off when Saltdean scored from a free kick that was crossed into the box; however it was offside and ruled out.

There were various substitutions by both teams but chances were still being regularly made and wasted by Heath but they were comfortable until a few minutes from the end when they failed to clear a ball from a corner and eventually a Saltdean player knocked it into the net. It was too late for it to make any real difference to the result which moved Heath up to third in the league. This Saturday Heath are in County Cup 3rd round action as they entertain East Preston Reserves at Hanbury Stadium with a 1.30pm kick off, everyone is welcome with under 16s watching for free.

Team

Turner, White, Wright, Howes, McMenemy, Freitas (Humphries 70), Day, Beard (Beard M 75), Cooper, Pitcher G (Clark 65), Pitcher D

Man of the Match

McMenemy