THREEBRIDGES HORNDEAN 2 2

HORNDEAN - Starting Line Up

Cameron Scott

Rob Taw

Cade Dyer

Fin Walsh-Smith

Ethan Robb

Chad Field

Harry Jackson

Ash Howes (C)

Connor Duffin

Tommy Scutt

Rudi Blankson

12. Jordan Plie

14. Zack Willett

15. Jake Wright

16. Dan Sibley

17. Aaron O'Brien

Substitutions

Pile for Walsh-Smith

Willett for Jackson

Wright for Blankson

@horndeanfcofficial

Sat 12th August 2023

Isthmian League Divsion One South East Matchday #2

Jubilee Field

Attendance: 94

By Jack Norris

Horndean come from behind to earn a point in a 2-2 draw on opening day away

to Three Bridges

A Tommy Scutt brace helped cancel out Three Bridges’ 2 goal lead as the points were shared in the Deans’ first game in the Isthmian League South East

3 changes were made from last week’s FA Cup success over Portland, with attacking trio Connor Duffin, Rudi Blankson and Harry Jackson all being named as starters for the league opener

It was Horndean who came closest with the first real chance of the game 22 minutes in when Blankson saw a shot across goal denied by the woodwork, before Jackson hit the bar on the follow up.

Horndean’s missed chances were quickly punished as the hosts struck twice in quick succession. Irving opened the scoring on 27 minutes from range before Leighton capitalised on some sloppy defending to double their advantage shortly after.

It could have been 3 after the half hour mark as Leighton unleashed a strike from inside the box, however Cameron Scott was equal to it.

Horndean were close to halving the deficit in first half stoppage time with another sharp move from Blankson, who broke on the left flank before cutting back to Jackson who’s strike hit the bar before Scutt’s rebound was hit off target.

Horndean were more threatening in the second half as they looked for a way back into the game. It was game on just after the hour mark as Tommy Scutt recieved the ball off Blankson before burying it into the bottom left to pull one back for the Deans.

Substitute Willett had an instant impact with two quick chances, forcing a low save from Leo Anderson before another effort was dragged wide.

With 20 minutes remaining the Deans levelled it up as Tommy Scutt found the net with the pick of the goals, guiding his shot into the top left from 30 yards to square up the scoring.

Horndean could have been in front shortly after, after a good switch of play from Blankson who found Willett on the right, he ran the ball into the box and pulled back to Scutt who struck over the bar.

Three Bridges had a push for a winner as time was running out, with a spell of pressure late on. However some resilient defending from Horndean ensured the points would be shared on opening day in Sussex.