Bexhill United drop to fourth after final day defeat

Bexhill United are forced to defend during their 2-1 defeat away to Mile Oak. Picture courtesy Karen Hilton

Bexhill United Football Club had to settle for a fourth place finish after losing its final game of the season.

The Pirates went down 2-1 away to Mile Oak, despite taking an early lead through Liam Foster, and dropped out of Southern Combination League Division One’s top three as a result.

Bexhill’s first league defeat of the season against a team outside the top five meant they dropped below AFC Varndeanians, who won their final fixture 4-1 at home to Hailsham Town.

See also: * Bexhill United’s Easter victory in pictures* Bexhill United’s top two hopes end despite victory* Hastings United suffer agonising extra-time play-off loss* Little Common finish season with fourth straight winBexhill manager Ryan Light said: “It was just a nightmare from start to finish. It was a really disappointing end to a sensational season.

“The pitch was rock hard and the wind was ridiculous at an exposed ground. We just never got going. It was one of those games where we couldn’t get our first touch and passes weren’t reaching their intended target.”

Bexhill opened the scoring almost out of the blue in the fifth minute. The ball broke to Foster, playing in the number 10 role, as he ran past the Mile Oak defence and he slotted into the bottom corner.

Light thought the goal might settle Bexhill down, but if anything it spurred Mile Oak on a little bit and they came into the game more.