A hat-trick from Jack Shonk saw Bexhill United gain their first win of the league season in an enthralling game with a 2-3 win over Varndeanians.
Jay-Skinner-Swain’s Bexhill side were looking to get all three points after a disappointing 0-0 draw with Midhurst on Saturday. The Pirates were unable to unlock the resilient Midhurst defence despite having a number of chances to win the game.
The two sides went blow for blow in an end-to-end game which eventually saw the pirates come out on top.
The Pirates started brightly Ryan Moir was a real threat on the right hand side and was winning the battle between the ‘Vs’ full back Adam Bukleb. United had several chances early on in the game and were unlucky to not be a goal up. Dan Rogers with the pick of the chances. His effort from six yards out was saved by Jordan Hawkins.
16-year-old starlet Theo Coombs was also another stand out player for the pirates. The attacking midfielder wasn’t afraid to show for the ball and linked up with right winger Ryan Moir superbly.
Despite, Bexhill’s early dominance it was Varndeanains who went into half time ahead. There was a question whether JJ Durrand’s header had crossed the line. However, the assistant referee Tom Philips was adamant that the ball had crossed the line and referee David Stappleton then blew his whistle to indicate that the goal had been given.
The second half was full of twists and turns. The first being a penalty being awarded to Varndeanians in the 55th minute. Several Bexhill players were furious with the decision but Tom O’Shaugnessy took his protests too far and was sin binned for his actions. Morris Dench stepped up to take the penalty but it was saved by Akaras in the Bexhill net.
The penalty save gave Bexhill extra fire in their belly to win the game. Referee David Stappleton then awarded a free kick to Bexhill ten yards outside the box for a foul on Charlie Curran. Jack Shonk stepped up and lashed it into the top corner making it 1-1.
Just ten minutes later, Jack Shonk followed up his superb free kick with another wonder strike to make it 1-2. Shonk picked up the ball on the half volley and lobbed Jordan Hawkins in the Vardneanians goal.
Vardeanians weren’t finished there though with ten minutes left on the clock JJ Durrand scored his second goal of the game. Durrand found some space after picking up a long ball and lashed it into the net giving both sides hope of picking up all three points.
The latest twist was five minutes later Bexhill Captain played an excellent ball which found Charlie Curran in the box who was brought down in the box. David Stappleton pointed to the spot with no hesitation at all. Jack Shonk stepped up and fired the ball into the net sealing his hat-trick.
The drama was not done yet though as Vardeanians were offered another lifeline. In the dying minutes David Stappleton pointed to the spot for the third time of the evening.
Varndeanains squandered their opportunity from 12 yards again as Morris Dench’s effort was saved again by Stef Akaras in sensational style.
With a few minutes to play the end-to-end action continued but the Pirates managed to halt any further V’s attacks and clinched the all important three points.
William talks sport 
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