Sponsored by
Nathan strikes
late to rock
Worthing as
history repeats
itself once more
Nathan Crabb
History repeated itself as a last-gasp Town equaliser snatched a point from the east versus west Sussex clash in Eastbourne on Saturday.
Just like in October Town left it late to earn a draw, and now extend their unbeaten league run to four matches.
Worthing had taken a controversial lead in the 19th minute when a Darren Budd free-kick was headed across goal and handled into his own net by stand-in skipper Steve Elliott.
However, several Town players had seemed to stop, believing the Referee had awarded a penalty.
Boss Danny Bloor was shocked by the decision. He said, “He blew the whistle and then allowed play to continue which I found bizarre. It was very strange.”
Eastbourne’s target-man, Danny Curd, equalised with a guided header from a superb, inch perfect Sam Crabb cross in the 54th minute. Curd’s header was well placed as it brushed the post on its way in as Mansfield could only spectate.
Sam Crabb then carved a gilt-edged chance for himself only to lack composure 10 minutes later.
He did well to slide in for a loose ball with ‘keeper Adam Mansfield, and as the ball ricocheted back his way, he couldn’t apply a finish with the goal at his mercy as Worthing defenders pressurised.
Town were made to pay five minutes later, as Worthing retook the lead when a Mansfield long punt was chased by Budd who squared for substitute Jamie Brotherton to fire past Kieron Thorp.
But the drama wasn’t over and Nathan Crabb’s 89th minute dinked equaliser means Town have been beaten only once in 2012.
Bloor said, “After not playing for three weeks, it was great for the boys to be back on the pitch. All be it in the wind and rain.”
Bloor praised centre-forward Curd’s influence on the game. He said, “He was outstanding. And of course it was nice for him to score a goal.”
Eastbourne Town: Thorp 7, Denton 7, Storrie 7, Elliot 7, Graves 7, May 7, Davidson 7, Crabb S. 7, Curd 8, Crabb N. 7, Geard 7 (Percival 76’ 7)
Subs not used: Kessack, Simmonds, Brooks, Godfrey
Referee: Jim Paterson
Attendance: 212
Goals: Curd 54’; Crabb N. 89’
MoM: Danny Curd – produced a fine display and fully deserved his goal
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Eastbourne
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 13 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: West
Your view
Please sign in to be able to comment on this story.