HAYWARDS HEATH TOWN CONTINUED THEIR IMPRESSIVE START TO 2020 with this convincing win over the out of form Millers.
Early wind assisted pressure from the hosts was rewarded as early as the 4th minute when a corner from the right saw the ball pinball around the Millers area – keeper Andy Walker pulling off a fine save – before the ball fell to sponsors Man of the Match Joshua Spinks who fired home.
A poor quality game saw many late challenges from Heath who employed a tactic of rotational fouls to intimidate their opponents – Francis Babalola in particular being targeted and doing well to maintain his self discipline – as the referee struggled in vain to gain control of the match.
Matters got worse for the visitors in the 25th minute when a long punt forward saw the ball bounce between Walker and Ashley Sains on the edge of the penalty area, before finding its way onto the head of Cem Tumkaya who put the ball into his own net.
The Millers finally managed their first worthwhile effort on goal as the half hour mark was reached – Warren Mfula firing just past the Haywards Heath post. As the half drew to a close in much the same vain, Kevin Lisbie replaced Mfula at half time.
With the words of managerial duo Watson and James resonating in their ears, The Millers made a long awaited positive start to the second half – a period of sustained pressure seeing Gavin Tomlin reduce the arrears from 12 yards out in the 47th minute.
This brief recovery was however halted just minutes later as Trevor McCreadie beat Walker from the edge of the box to restore the hosts 2 goal lead. As Babalola blasted over from close in when it appeared easier to score, Cray Valley continued to fight to get back into the game as Heath started to count down the clock. Joe Tennent fell victim to a late challenge within his own half, requiring his substitution by Kweku Ansah late on, as the Millers failed to further reduce the deficit.
Report by Richard J Green

Report & Photos Haywards Heath Town website
https://www.haywardsheathtownfc.co.uk/teams/55291/match-centre/1-4530368/report