On Good Friday afternoon, the already relegated Steyning town team put on a great display against seventh place Sheppey Utd in the Isthmian South East Division. The weather was perfect and the crowd of 137 had a competitively fought match to watch.

It was a lively start with opportunities for both teams. Nathan Stroomberg-Clarke made some vital saves and kept the home team in it. However, it was the Barrowman who took the lead on the 44th minute. The ball found its way to the composed Alex Brewer, who smashed the ball low and hard into the bottom corner, 1-0.

After half time, substitute, Rocco Gamblin was cautioned by the referee on 53 minutes and again on the 56th minute, resulting in the home team finding themselves down to ten players.  The Steyning manager had to reorganise his formation, however, from the resulting free kick on the edge of the box, Rhys Wyborn curled the ball around the wall, Stroomberg-Clarke got his fingertips to it, but couldn’t keep it out, 1-1. 

On the 74th minute, Dorking Wanderers Academy loanee, Ollie Rawlins put Steyning 2-1 up. The young starlet saw the keeper off his line and from within his own half launched the ball towards the goal netting from sixty yards out. The crowd went wild and some claimed it was the goal of the season, 2-1. 

On the 83rd minute, Aaron Archibald levelled the game at 2-2, with a rather fortunate bouncing shot and then well into injury time Sheppey counter attacked from a Steyning corner. The Ites attacked quickly and the deadly Carvalho for the visitors made it 3-2 and took the points. MotM went to Rawlins for his all round performance. 

Steyning were unlucky not to get a draw and battled away well with their ten men. Next season they will be back fighting for promotion in the SCFL Premier Division. Sheppey, with two games left are unable to break into the playoffs.

Next up for Steyning is an away fixture to fellow relegated Sussex rivals Lancing.