Little Common are back after 45 days and beat Eastbourne Town thanks to Cruttwell hat-trick

A Sam Cruttwell hat-trick ensured that is was a fantastic return to football for Little Common with a 3-2 victory over title challengers Eastbourne Town on Wednesday evening.  Playing their first match in 45 days.
By Mark Dunford
Published 9th Dec 2020, 10:51 GMT
Updated 9th Dec 2020, 10:52 GMT
Hat-trick hero Sam CruttwellHat-trick hero Sam Cruttwell
Hat-trick hero Sam Cruttwell

the Commoners made the perfect start with the returning Cruttwell firing home after five minutes to give Common the lead.

The hosts drew level in the 15th minute when Aaron Capon struck an effort through a crowded area but the Commoners regained the lead eight minutes before half time when Kian Moynes was fouled in the area and Cruttwell converted the spot kick.

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The hosts once again drew level on the hour when a ball across the box was slotted home by Capon but it was the Commoners who grabbed the winner ten minutes from time when Adam Smith was bundled over in the area and Cruttwell grabbed his and Common’s third.

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Town pressed for an equaliser but the Common defence held firm to clinch the three points.

Speaking after the match, Common manager Russell Eldridge commented, “It was a fantastic result after the lockdown period and having not played since October. The group showed a great attitude and application throughout the evening to ensure we got the positive result we wanted.

"We'd prepared well for the game with two good training sessions but playing a competitive match is different. I wanted us to be positive and start well, I thought we did this and the first half performance was excellent.

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"We passed the ball extremely well and found spaces to set up attacking opportunities and caused them numerous problems.

"In the second half they came out on the front foot and we weren't able to retain the ball as well as I would have like but created some opportunities on the counter and also forcing them into mistakes with good pressing.

"We defended well both individually and collectively throughout the game. It's a win and an important three points and we have to ensure we use this moving forward. The next game is now our focus and we'll make sure we'll prepare in the right way and hopefully have some more bodies back from injury and isolation over the coming weeks.”

Squad: M.Cruttwell, Clark, Weeks, Ward, Parsons, Eldridge, Moynes, S.Cruttwell, Smith, Warren, Feakins. Subs: Richardson, Saville & McEniry.

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