Bexhill clinch dramatic promotion
Published Date:
21 April 2008
Bexhill United produced a splendid recovery to clinch promotion in the Sussex County Football League on Saturday.
United came back from 2-1 down after 88 minutes to win 3-2 at home to Forest, a result which sealed the runners-up spot in Division Three.
All appeared to be going to plan when Ricky Mote rose highest to head home David Harris' eighth minute corner.
Bexhill looked in control without managing to extend their advantage until their hectic fixture schedule really caught up with them midway through the second half.
Second-bottom Forest turned the game on its head with two goals in five minutes and it looked as though United were going to need to win their final game at Dorking Wanderers next Saturday.
But manager Paul Tuppenney used his substitutes to great effect, with Andy Garman setting up goals for fellow replacements Peter Heritage and Neil Quigley.
Heritage headed home Garman's free kick for the 89th minute equaliser and Quigley bagged the 95th minute winner following a Garman corner.
Forest had one player sent-off for dissent in stoppage time, plus a second player and their manager after the final whistle.
Elsewhere, Rye United are guaranteed to finish in Division One's bottom three despite earning an excellent 1-1 draw at home to Arundel.
Jack Dixon struck a last gasp equaliser for United against third-placed opposition.
Rye will now be targeting two points from their final two games to finish above Sidley United and hope that events elsewhere conspire to save them for the third year running.
Sidley completed their campaign with a 1-0 defeat at mid-table Hailsham Town on Friday night.
Steve Johnson's last home game as Westfield manager ended in a 3-2 victory over Mile Oak in Division Two.
Duncan Jones struck a magnificent late winner following earlier strikes by Dominic Clarke and Peter Baker.
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Last Updated:
21 April 2008 12:05 PM
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Source:
n/a
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Location:
Hastings