Bexhill Utd paid the heavy price for a slow and disorganised start to their away league fixture with Forest Row at the home of Three Bridges FC.
The newly-promoted hosts have shown themselves to be no mugs so far this season and sat just above Bexhill in the upper reaches of the Southern Combination Premier Division table at the start of play and they came out of the blocks fast pushing the Pirates onto the back foot.
The hosts were ahead on just three minutes, a set piece found big centre half Callum Donaghey and he rose unchallenged at the back post to nod the ball across for Dan Perry to finish with ease.
Eight minutes later they doubled their lead, thanks to a poor clearance from the Pirates which invited the pressure and Row duly accepted.
The third goal from the home side was a beautiful strike from Arron Robinson who cut inside to place his shot into the top corner of the net from distance.
Bexhill at last sprang to life although the travelling supporters feared they had left it far too late. However, a goal before half time would at least given them a punching chance but the closest was a Dan Rogers header and another than cannoned back off the bar.
The Pirates did look better in the second half and upped their game. It was a trademark Jack Shonk free kick that got them on the scoresheet and gave Forest Row something to think about and injected some fresh energy into their play.
The outcome of the game though was decided around the 80 minute mark, Shonk had a great chance to pull it back to 3-2 which might have shifted momentum but his effort flew over the bar. Moments later the game was done and dusted with another decent finish, this time from Kieron Pamment to put Row out of sight.
Bexhill still managed to carve out a couple of late chances to make the final score a little more respectable but it wasn’t to be and the home side marched on to chalk up their third league win on the bounce. Having assembled a solid and experienced squad the hosts show every sign of being real contenders this term.
Courtesy of Geoff Martin