Southern Counties Youth League South Division
Crowborough Athletic Youth 3 Lingfield Youth 1
UNCOMPLAINING Oliver Acutt typified toppled leaders Lingfield's strong spirit despite defeat at Crowborough Community Stadium last Thursday.
Boss Bobby Bryce singled out Acutt, who had replaced hamstring victim leading scorer Sammy Clements after only half an hour, as man of the match afterwards.This came amid the wreckage of a ruined title dream which died against classy Crowborough Athletic who overtook long time leaders Lingers at the summit of the closely contested table.
Bryce said: "I made Oli man of the match. He was substitute for the first time ever, he never complained or sulked, and from his first huge tackle, when he took a bad gash to his leg, to his last tackle, after being brought on at half-time in a wide left position, his spirit and aggression led the way for a fantastic and hugely improved second half performance from the whole team."
The consolation handshakes with every visiting player as they left the pitch at the final whistle were extremely genuine from Bryce who stands down this summer, handing over the reins to his assistant Bobby Clements, having rejuvenated Lingfield's youth policy in recent seasons.
Bryce admitted afterwards: "I am sorry that we never won the league. I just hope that people realise that I tried all in my power and experience to do so. I tried to pull it round at half-time and at least they showed great spirit in the second half. But it was just a bridge too far."
Lingfield faced a first-half onslaught, trailing eventually after considerable pressure in the 34th minute, Theo Cunningham powering home a close range header from a deep free-kick.
"We're going to win the league!" chanted the ever deafening 20-strong Crowborough Barmy Army who were silenced momentarily in first-half stoppage-time following an apparently harsh handball decision by referee Colin Mallows which Alfred Hammond punished, sending goalkeeper Jamie Weller the wrong way from the resultant spot-kick to equalise.
However, crucially, in the seventh of an incredible 10 additional first-half minutes, the hosts restored their lead through ex-Southend United danger man Micheal Ademiluyi following his fine turn and shot home at the far post.
Worse was to follow in the ninth added minute, Ademiluyi completing his brace for a 3-1 interval lead following his fine 20 yard free-kick which gave keeper Scott Millar no chance.
Jamie Starling replaced Tom Madden at the interval and Lingfield rallied after the break although the second half was something of a non-event.
Harry Boultwood was replaced after 74 minutes by Sonny Barton, an impressive 15-year-old debutant winger from Hamsey Rangers Under 16s, while fellow signing from Hamsey Rangers, centre forward Jake Connaris gained experience on the substitutes' bench, both boys being earmarked for roles in the run-in to this season ahead of next term's renewed challenge under new management.
Lingfield: Scott Millar, Conor Summerfield, James Witt, Jordan Phillips, Harry Cox (capt), Ben Menham, Tom Madden (Jamie Starling 45 mins), Sammy Clements (Oliver Acutt 30 mins), Alfred Hammond, Harry Boultwood (Sonny Barton 74 mins), Louie Fox. Unused subs: Conor Wilford, Jake Connaris.
Man of the match: Oliver Acutt.
