Three off as Common prevail

Liam Hudson scored the all-important goal in the 63rd minute of a Sussex County Football League Division Two game containing three red cards towards the end of the first half.

Common player-manager Russell Eldridge said: “It was probably one of our least encouraging performances of the season. We were a little bit edgy I think at times and we didn’t make the right decisions at the right times, but we got the three points.”


The first half was a rather bitty affair in which Common struggled to get any rhythm going. They still managed to create a few chances, although their opponents also had one or two moments of their own as well.

The game’s major flashpoint occurred when Common striker Steve Morris clashed with an opponent and both men were given their marching orders, along with a second Southwick player who kicked the ball into the pack of players.

With the benefit of their numerical advantage, Common enjoyed good possession after the break only to often be let down by poor decision making in the final third. But they won it when Hudson smashed the ball home from six yards after it deflected towards him off Lewis Hole.

The result moves Common within three points of third-placed Eastbourne United AFC with a game in hand and a vastly superior goal difference. Three of their four remaining fixtures are at home.

Sussex Division Two top five (played-points): Littlehampton Town 30-73, Newhaven 30-67, Eastbourne United AFC 31-61, LITTLE COMMON 30-58, Broadbridge Heath 32-52.