Rogate      0-2     Upper Beeding

Upper Beeding's first sortie into the West Sussex Premier Division since
October 7th last year turned into a bruising affair with a Rogate side intent
on spoiling Beedings normal passing game.

Manager Mick Barrys' squad welcomed back Steve Barber, Gary Salter, Lee
Strange and Jamie Ireson from Wednesdays 2-1 Vernon Wentworth Cup victory at
Littlehampton, but lost Wayne Potbury (ankle) , Duncan Driver (flu),  Vic
Gretton (thigh) and Steph Gretton (back)

The first 25 minutes were all Beeding as time and again the Rogate defence
was in tatters. Lee Strange showed his rustiness in front of goal before
Steve Barber some how blasted over a gaping Rogate goal from 4 yards
following Mark Salters' early corner.

Referee Massey, also having his first game for three months saw nothing wrong
as Strange was twice hauled down well inside the penalty area and there were
squandered chances for Matt Doo and Dave Smith.

Rogates' strong arm tactics saw them come into there own  in the latter part
of the half  with the referee missing a blatant  punch on teenage full back
Glyn Edmonds, which left the rapidly improving youngster needing lengthy
treatment. As Beedings' discipline crumbled, they were fortunate that
Rogates' finishing did not cause Scott Redfern to make a save.

The second period began much more quietly as both sides struggled to keep
possession. Beeding were still  having the majority of the ball and 18
minutes in Doo eventually broke the deadlock. Smith received the ball from
hard working Skipper John Burgess, without doubt Beedings man of the match,
and played the ball through to Doo whose run split the Rogate defence as he
calmly slotted the ball past the advancing keeper into the bottom corner of
the net.

The goal rocked Rogate and a spark seemed to go out of their endeavour. It
was no surprise when the square back line was pierced again as Strange ran
onto Barkers through ball only to be unceremoniously dragged to the ground by
the Rogate 'keeper.

A yellow card for the keeper, and Gary Salter stepped up to fire home the
penalty via the inside of the post.

There was still time for Barber to fail to connect with Gary Salters' fizzing
cross and Strange to squander a difficult volley before Manager Barry gave a
run out to Jamie Ireson (for Lewis Partridge) and Stuart Barry (Doo)
 

Upper Beeding:  Redfern; Edmonds, Barber, G. Salter, Partridge; Smith,
Barker, Burgess (capt),     M.Salter; Doo, Strange.

Subs:           Ireson  (Partridge 76)
                Barry (Doo 81)