Selsey sunk by Dockers - but hunt for elusive win goes on

SELSEY reflected on a big setback to their improving form as they lost 7-1 at home to Newhaven after taking an early – but promised to keep on hunting their first win of the season.
Mark Thompson is tenacious in the tackle for Selsey   Picture by Louise Adams 15lajan24d-5Mark Thompson is tenacious in the tackle for Selsey   Picture by Louise Adams 15lajan24d-5
Mark Thompson is tenacious in the tackle for Selsey Picture by Louise Adams 15lajan24d-5

The Blues are marooned at the bottom of division one of the Sussex League with only three draws to show from 23 league outings. They have edged ever closer to that first victory in some recent games – but were admittedly nowhere near it on Saturday.

They started well enough, taking a first-minute lead against Newhaven through James Parsons. But, in the words of boss Steve Bailey: “That was about the last time we got in their half.”

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Goals by Ebou Jallow, Lee Robinson and Jayson Sowter made it 3-1 to the Dockers at the break and Jallow, Robinson and Ryan Walton with added insult to injury for Selsey after the break.

Bailey is upebeat about his very young and inexperienced squad’s continued efforts, though. “They were simply too big, strong and good for us and it was a big setback.

“In a lot of recent games, there has been cause for hope. We’d have been in our game at Pagham but for a red card, we led Chichester with five minutes to go but drew, then we were 3-2 up at Lancing five minutes into injury time, almost got a fourth then let in an equaliser.

“It goes like that when you’re down the bottom but the lads are keeping their spirits up. We’re determined to find that elusive win.”

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Youngsters like central midfielder Ryan Cleall, converted right-back Cameron Correll and centre-half Jake Lintott have been impressing of late and Bailey said the season was giving the new-look team valuable experience which would serve them well in the longer term.

With another local-league shake-up being talked about this year, there’s a chance the Blues may not be relegated even if they finish bottom. But Bailey said they had to accept division-two football next term looked likely.

Their hunt for a win takes them to Broadbridge Heath on Saturday and Littlehampton next Tuesday.

STEVE BONE