Report

Newhaven secured the Division Three championship after an exciting title race came to a thrilling conclusion on Saturday afternoon. Newhaven’s 2-0 win at TD Shipley was followed by the news that Saltdean could only manage a 1-1 draw at UckfieldTown – meaning that the Dockers had won the league on ‘Goals Scored’ after both teams finished on 70 points and a +62 goal difference.

It was an incredible end to what has been a fascinating season in Division Three – with Newhaven, Saltdean and Pease Pottage all leading at some point during the course of the year. Only three points separated the top three teams come the end of the season, which tells you how close the fight for the title was. 

This game was all but won by Newhaven in the first half. Ryan Knight gave the visitors a thirteenth minute lead when he headed home having slipped the attentions of his marker.  The initial corner was half cleared however the ball was clipped back in and Knight made no mistake from 5 yards.  Luke Duchossoy doubled the advantage on twenty minutes.  A well weighted through ball from Dave Altendorff was placed inside the positioning of young full back Jon Bubb who found himself a yard or so wider than he’d have liked.  Duchossoy had already started his run giving Bubb no chance to catch him and the pacey winger placed a left footed effort past the advancing Chris Dumper in the home goal.  HT 0-2. 

Shipley came to life in the second half but Newhaven went closest to adding to the score line first when Skipper Steven Dixon diverted a cross on to his own post.  Lee Wood continued to give the Newhaven back line reason to be concerned and his close control of the ball at pace and tricky feet were a feature of the afternoon.  Shipley Coach Steve Barrow was pleased that his lads had made a real contest of it and not capitulated at 0-2.  “The second half was a far more even affair and there was a 20 minute spell when WE were asking the questions, the problem was they had answers but that’s why they are the league winners.  I’m proud of the stabilising job we have done this term in retaining our place in the division but it is imperative that lessons are learned ahead of next season. We’ve simply coughed up too many points against average teams having put in decent displays against the better sides.  The hard work starts now.  Pre season is already planned and will be tough, progressive and effective and we have several new faces coming down.  I’m really looking forwards to it with testing double headers already confirmed at Dragon Green against Eastbourne Utd AFC, Steyning and Furnace Green Galaxy of the Mid Sussex Championship.  Training will be at Dragons Green, Shipley and is open to anyone who wants to come and join in.  My details are on our website.

Man of match: Chris Dumper - some outstanding saves bewildered and frustrated the travelling Haven fans.