Unconvincing Billingshurst beat eight-man Clymping

Billingshurst maintained their 100 per cent record against teams in the bottom half of Division 2 with a 5-0 victory over an eight-man Clymping side.
Billingshurst v Clymping 06-02-16. Pic Steve Robards  SR1603904 SUS-160802-120410001Billingshurst v Clymping 06-02-16. Pic Steve Robards  SR1603904 SUS-160802-120410001
Billingshurst v Clymping 06-02-16. Pic Steve Robards SR1603904 SUS-160802-120410001

Playing their first game of 2016, Hurst sprung out of the traps and were soon in front following Elliott Hawkes’ cross being finished by leading scorer Craig Grantham.

Hurst lost lively Billy Lannon to injury, while Clymping, who had been more than competing, saw striker Marc Burgess sent off after receiving two yellow cards within minutes of each other, for dissent towards the zero-tolerance referee.

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With a man advantage and the wind behind them, Billingshurst dominated the second half and increased their lead when substitute Remi Thomas volleyed home from eight yards.

Billingshurst v Clymping 06-02-16. Pic Steve Robards  SR1603906 SUS-160802-120711001Billingshurst v Clymping 06-02-16. Pic Steve Robards  SR1603906 SUS-160802-120711001
Billingshurst v Clymping 06-02-16. Pic Steve Robards SR1603906 SUS-160802-120711001

Hurst were then awarded a penalty after a challenge on Nick Tilley from behind but Thomas slipped as he went to strike the ball and it rolled tamely to the keeper.

Grantham notched his second of the game and 12th of the season with a 25-yard angled drive which nestled in he top corner to make it 3-0. With 25 minutes remaining new signing Eno Idiong and Ryan Carse replaced Grantham and impressive 17-year-old debutante Ollie Joels.

Clymping had two more players sent-off for dissent and further Hurst goals followed from Tilley and an own goal in the final minute.

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Manager Adie Konieczny said: “The game became a bit of a farce and given we were playing against a bottom three side who ended up with eight players, we weren’t at all convincing.

Billingshurst v Clymping 06-02-16. Pic Steve Robards  SR1603916 SUS-160802-120735001Billingshurst v Clymping 06-02-16. Pic Steve Robards  SR1603916 SUS-160802-120735001
Billingshurst v Clymping 06-02-16. Pic Steve Robards SR1603916 SUS-160802-120735001

“Looking ahead we still need to improve in all areas if we are to stay in the promotion hunt.”

“But we managed to keep our heads and not get involved with the ref who did not take kindly to being questioned. And to be fair he did take some abuse and was at least consistent.

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Billingshurst v Clymping 06-02-16. Pic Steve Robards  SR1603924 SUS-160802-120757001Billingshurst v Clymping 06-02-16. Pic Steve Robards  SR1603924 SUS-160802-120757001
Billingshurst v Clymping 06-02-16. Pic Steve Robards SR1603924 SUS-160802-120757001

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