AAC win last game promotion shoot-out

AAC triumphed 3-1 away to Mountfield United in a winner-takes-all last game shoot-out for the runners-up spot in Division One on Saturday.

The two teams went into the match level on points, although AAC’s superior goal difference meant that a draw would be enough for them, whereas Mountfield had to win to come second.

Mountfield’s task was made all the more difficult by having a player sent-off in the first half, although by that stage they were already a goal behind.

AAC went two-up with a scruffy goal from a corner fairly early in the second half and although Mountfield halved their deficit with a fine header, AAC scored a third goal to seal victory.

Michael Hughes, Dave Wilson and Doni Dovla were on target for an AAC side which finished a point behind champions Hawkhurst United.

Elsewhere in Division One, Hollington United II and Ticehurst fought out a 2-2 draw to finish sixth and seventh respectively. Michael Shaw and Gary Pocock netted for Hollington, while Dominic Wigram Bean was among the scorers for Ticehurst, who had to win to jump above their opponents.

Premier Division runners-up Hollington United completed their campaign with a 3-0 victory away to bottom club Robertsbridge United. Shane Ryan (2) and Chris Maille were on target for Hollington against a Robertsbridge team playing its first game since March.

Division Two champions Eastbourne Rangers were unable to raise a side for their game at Wittersham, who moved up to third with the walkover.

Runners-up JC Tackleway prevailed 3-0 at Herstmonceux thanks to the finishing of Ashley Kidman, Andrew Wallbank and Adam Hull.

Wittersham had won 3-2 away to Tackleway the previous Wednesday evening with goals from Jonjo Andrews, Nathan Jackson and Nathan Sherwood. Danny Noakes was among the Tackleway scorers.

Back to Saturday’s action and Battle Baptists II won 3-2 at JC Tackleway II in Division Five. Scott Beeching and Wayne Morris scored for Tackleway, while Gary Thompsett (2) and Finlay Garlick struck for a Battle side playing its 11th game in a month.

Fourth-placed Battle also won 6-1 away to Ticehurst II two days previously with Gary Bryant, Daniel Goodchild and Jamie Crouch scoring two goals each. Daniel Studholme pulled one back.

Ticehurst picked up six points without kicking a ball on Saturday, though, as Hailsham Athletico were unable to field a team for the scheduled double header.

In Division Six, Battle Baptists III won 5-1 at home to FC Westridge courtesy of strikes by Anthony Hickman, Rory McGrath, Martyn Ansell, Aaron Jamieson and Ollie Norris.