Crone makes it 34 for the season in Common win

Little Common's footballers ended their season with a third consecutive victory yesterday (Saturday).
Midhurst goalkeeper Aaron Jeal denies Little Common striker Jamie Crone. Picture courtesy Jon SmalldonMidhurst goalkeeper Aaron Jeal denies Little Common striker Jamie Crone. Picture courtesy Jon Smalldon
Midhurst goalkeeper Aaron Jeal denies Little Common striker Jamie Crone. Picture courtesy Jon Smalldon

A Jamie Crone double and one from Lewis Hole gave Common a 3-1 win at home to Midhurst & Easebourne in Macron Store Southern Combination Football League Division One.

The result meant Common climbed a place to seventh because Lingfield, who needed a win to stay above Common, lost 3-2 away to Mile Oak having led 2-0. Midhurst finished third-from-bottom.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A forgettable first half at Little Common Recreation Ground had a real end of season feel to it. Common enjoyed the bulk of the possession, but did little with it and Midhurst had the best chance when Luke Sheldrick’s header was hooked away from near the goal-line by Russell Eldridge.

Midfield action from Little Common's 3-1 win over Midhurst & Easebourne. Picture courtesy Jon SmalldonMidfield action from Little Common's 3-1 win over Midhurst & Easebourne. Picture courtesy Jon Smalldon
Midfield action from Little Common's 3-1 win over Midhurst & Easebourne. Picture courtesy Jon Smalldon

Common’s best moments saw Cam Burgon chip just over after Midhurst goalkeeper Aaron Jeal punched an Eldridge free kick to him just outside the box, an Eldridge cross from the right flash just wide of the far post and Martin Denny shoot just off target with the last kick of the half following a good run by Liam Foster.

Common grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck with two goals in the opening 10 minutes of the second period. Hole opened the scoring in the 50th minute with a side-foot volley from a typically well-delivered Eldridge free kick - his 27th goal of the campaign.

One became two just five minutes later. Foster drove into the box and saw his shot saved by the feet of Jeal. The ball looped up and the goalkeeper got his fist to it, but could only punch as far as Crone, who drilled a low shot in off the post.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

You thought at that stage it might be comfortable for Common thereafter, but Midhurst got one back in the 62nd minute. The Stags got in down their right and the ball was squared for Sheldrick to score with an emphatic first time finish.

Little Common midfielder Cam Burgon tries to skip away from a Midhurst opponent. Picture courtesy Jon SmalldonLittle Common midfielder Cam Burgon tries to skip away from a Midhurst opponent. Picture courtesy Jon Smalldon
Little Common midfielder Cam Burgon tries to skip away from a Midhurst opponent. Picture courtesy Jon Smalldon

Burgon fired just over with his left-foot and Jared Lusted scuffed a shot wide having been released by a neat touch from Hole as a third Common goal looked more likely than a Midhurst equaliser, although home goalkeeper Joe Rogers made an important save from Sean Dummer as the Midhurst susbstitute tried to round him.

Common thought they had a third goal in the 79th minute only to be denied by the linesman’s flag when Hole headed home at the end of the game’s best move, which also featured Crone and Burgon.

They finally made the match safe in the second minute of added time. Crone outpaced the last defender and slotted past Jeal for this 34th goal of the season in 36 appearances.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Common: Rogers, Sherwood, Lusted (Wells 84), Brown, Maynard, Eldridge, Foster (Ammoun 84), Burgon, Hole, Crone, Denny (Bristow 72).

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1 Make this website your homepage

2 Like our Facebook page at facebook.com/pages/Sport-Sussex

3 Follow us on Twitter @SportSussex

4 Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!