Narrow win puts United back in play-offs
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
A first half Billy Medlock goal gave United a 1-0 win against East Grinstead Town which moved them up to the final play-off spot of fifth in Ryman Football League Division One South.
Sixth-placed Faversham Town only trail United on goal difference, however, and have a game in hand. In fact, only four points cover Worthing in fourth and Molesey in eighth so it’s very much all to play for over the remaining three or four matches.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdUnited welcomed back Medlock and Simon Johnson from suspension, while Jerome Smith replaced the unavailable Sean Ray in defence. Kevant Serbony was promoted to the starting line-up, with Jack McLean, Tyrell Richardson-Brown and Sam Cruttwell dropping to the bench.
There was little action of note in the opening quarter-of-an-hour before Medlock fired wide from a free kick. United’s leading scorer then popped up with the winner in the 25th minute, lifting a measured finish over goalkeeper Jack Howard after Smith’s ball forward was helped on by Serbony.
Medlock was denied a second goal by a crucial tackle from James Fitchett as he sought to get on the end of Chris Cumming-Bart’s cross, while Serbony was booked for a challenge which resulted in Grinstead player Leo Mazzone being stretchered off.
Fourth-bottom Grinstead had their first attempt at goal early in the second period before United substitute Sam Cruttwell saw an effort blocked by Howard and fellow midfielder Sam Adams flashed a low shot just wide.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdUnited goalkeeper Joe Taylor made a crucial save with his legs to deny former U’s forward Trevor McCreadie as Grinstead got on top. Medlock then had to effect a goal-line clearance to preserve the narrow advantage after Taylor was beaten to a free kick by Fitchett.
Howard thwarted Sam Cole at the other end moments later as United did just enough to clinch a crucial victory. Garry Wilson’s side has three games to go, starting with a home fixture against eighth-placed Molesey on Saturday.
United: Taylor, Davies, Wilson, Johnson, Smith, Rowe, Medlock, Adams, Cole, Cumming-Bart (Cruttwell), Serbony (Richardson-Brown). Subs not used: Attwood, McLean, Temba. Attendance: 128.
Ryman Division One South top eight (played 43 matches unless stated): 1 Folkestone Invicta 105pts, 2 Dorking Wanderers (42) 84, 3 Hythe Town 81, 4 Worthing (42) 78, 5 HASTINGS UNITED 77, 6 Faversham Town (42) 77, 7 Corinthian-Casuals 76, 8 Molesey 74.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdDon’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.
Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.
1 Make this website your homepage
2 Like our Facebook page at facebook.com/pages/Sport-Sussex
3 Follow us on Twitter @SportSussex
4 Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.
And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!