Eastbourne Borough vs Chesham United

Recap

Chesham’s debut in the National League brought them a hard-earned point against an Eastbourne side that finished 19^th in the previous season.  After going behind in the second half Chesham fought back, scored a deserved equaliser and finished the game disappointed not to have won. Chesham’s starting line-up included Ben Goode in goal, whose last appearance for the club was at Bracknell in the play-off semi-final two seasons ago.  Six players made their first full appearance for the club, plus Nathan Minhas who came on as a second-half substitute.

The home side made the stronger start on their artificial pitch but Chesham’s defence stood firm and Ben Goode was not tested.  Chesham’s first effort on goal came in the 11^th minute when Connor Stevens headed over from a Jack Cawley long throw.  The remainder of the half saw little action at either end, Chesham’s only other chance coming on 32 minutes when Mitchell Weiss squared from the left and the ball came to Samson Esan but his effort was comfortably saved by Joe Wright.

In the second half the game began to open up, Eastbourne’s Brayden Johnson shooting powerfully but over the bar in the opening minute.  Nine minutes later the home side had a goal disallowed when Dan Quick crossed, Alfie Pavey’s header came back off the post and Siya Ligendza netted but was flagged offside.  Chesham came back with Joe Grant setting up Alex Lafleur whose shot was parried by Wright, but it was the home side who broke the deadlock on 58 minutes.  Dan Quick again crossed from the right and Ben Goode saved Pavey’s header but Jayden Davis prodded in the loose ball.  Chesham brought on Nathan Minhas and started to show greater urgency, Alex Lafleur setting up Mitchell Weiss who shot over the bar.  On 77 minutes Alex Lafleur crossed after a corner was taken short but Joe Grant’s header was off target, then Grant broke down the right and squared to Nathan Minhas who mis-controlled and Wright was able to grab the ball.  Shortly afterwards Lewis Rolfe crossed following a drop ball and a Nathan Minhas header came off a defender for a corner.  However Chesham were not to be denied and equalised on 86 minutes.  Following another short corner Alex Lafleur crossed, Jack Cawley headed back across goal and Nathan Minhas’ header found the net through a crowd of players.  Chesham still held the initiative and another Minhas shot was parried by Wright, then Chesham had a great chance to win it in the fifth minute of stoppage time.  A neat left-wing move saw the ball played in to Nathan Minhas who shot over the bar with only Wright to beat.