Betts slams negative Ifield as Billingshurst are held

Nick Tilley levelled after an early Ifield opener, but from there Hurst missed a host of chances against their extremely defensively minded hosts.

“Never in my life have I seen a team at this level play so far back in their own half,” Hurst boss Mark Betts said. “They certainly came with a game plan and to be fair it worked but we need to be far more clinical to see the lower sides off.”

Aiden Cawte gave Ifield the lead after only five minutes, but ten minutes later Tilley spun his marker and hit a shot from range which crept under the home keeper.

But from there the visitors missed a hatful of openings as Ifield retreated deep into their own half for the rest of the match. Hurst’s best chance saw Marcus Strevens scoop over from two yards out.

It was a far better performance the Tuesday before at home to Hurstpierpoint. Jay Carse put Hurst ahead before a 16-minute second half hat-trick from Nathan Stepney eased them to a 4-0 victory.

Betts added: “Nathan must be a dream to play with as he gets back and does the dirty work but has so much energy to get on the end of crosses.”