AFC Uckfield return to winning ways as single goal downs Heath

This was the Oakmen’s first win since the 4-2 FA Vase victory against Holmesdate and the first league win since the 2-0 success over Eastbourne United in September.

The game was in doubt earlier in the day, with the pitch still heavy following more rain during the week, but amazing work by the ground staff meant it was declared playable after an early inspection.

The three points move the club temporarily into second in the Southern Combination premier diviision, four points from first, although teams below do have games in hand.

The first chance of the game came after nine minutes with a great shot from Luca Page which was well saved by Bears keeper Liam Matthews, and moments later he made another tremendous stop from a marauding Jack Samways.

Page was lively, starting after injuries to forwards Wayne Clarke and captain Sam Carrington, and was unlucky not to find himself on the scoresheet.

The Bears had their own chances with Charlie Parmiter’s superb dribble towards goal ending with the forward placing his effort wide. Both teams adjusted well despite the conditions. A skilful turn by Morgan Vale saw him through on goal but a valiant lunging tackle prevented him from adding to his six goals this season.

Uckfield continued pushing for the goal and on the 30 minutes the livewire Page beat the Bears keeper and back line to cross the ball to Vale, who was unable to make a clean connection. This was followed by a lovely move from Nathan Hover, who picked out Page - who ghosted into the box but fired just over the bar.

The second half was just as entertaining, with Tibble making a sharp save off his line to deny an attack, with some great defensive work by Ben Kirk-Patrick. Vale was unlucky not to score as he went on another wonderful dribble and his shot struckthe top of the crossbar.

Uckfield continued pushing with some good football but were unable to convert their chances, with expansive play from Max Walsh and Jack Samways unable to create a chance. The Oakmen made changes in an attempt to force an opening, with the final substitute Pearson replacing the hard-working Page - and he was finally able to break the deadlock.

Pearson made an instant impact after coming on, placing the ball past the stranded Bears keeper Matthews to give the team the lead in the 82nd minute.

Broadbridge Heath threatened a reply, with Jason Tibble saving a certain goal at the far post from Parmiter following a free-kick.

The referee added on five minutes but Uckfield held on. The Oakmen go into their next league game - at Steyning Town next Saturday - full of confidence.

The average age of the Uckfield team line-up on Saturday was 21, the average on the bench 20 - showing that this is a young team performing like true professionals.