Hailsham FC are back - with no fans but a win

After the return to team sports was allowed from last Monday, Hailsham Town returned to action in a friendly on Saturday behind closed doors at The Beaconsfield against Southern Combination League division two side Littlehampton United.

While both sides had some cobwebs to blow off, it was Hailsham who took the lead when a fine run and cross from Connor Townsend was finished from close range by Rhys Taylor just before half time.

Hailsham added a second and then a third soon after the interval, with Jack Cooper scoring twice in quick succession, before the visitors pulled a goal back with a finish from the edge of the area.

United scored again with an angled effort, before Ash Jarvis was tripped in the box, allowing Cooper to claim his hattrick from the penalty spot. The victory was rounded off with a blocked effort falling kindly for Rhys Taylor to steer home the fifth five minutes from time.

All in all, it was a good afternoon with Hailsham players and officials clearly enjoying the long awaited return to action. Further friendly games have been arranged and will be publicly announced in due course if spectators are allowed to be present.