1pm 17 April 2021
Mid Sussex League, Premier Division, Bottom Section
Rotherfield 0 Sedlescombe Rangers 2 (att 30)
Until this season I'd never seen a Mid Sussex League match, but this was my third of the campaign and the second since the lifting of the latest lockdown.
It was worth the early start at the long journey for the opportunity to visit two grounds in this part of the country. The FA had recommended that clubs avoid playing during Duke of Edinburgh's funeral, or at least during the minute's silence at 3pm, so some games were brought forward to lunchtime while others were moved to later in the afternoon.
Rotherfield were doing a bit of both. The first team fixture was at 1pm and their reserves were taking to the field at 4.15pm. The early game suited me well, with a second match lined up around 50 minutes' drive away also at 4.15.
Like the match I went to at Cuckfield Rangers earlier in the month, this was in the bottom section of Mid Sussex League's post-lockdown split premier division. The football seemed a higher standard, but a better pitch and more match practice probably helped.
Rotherfield started poorly though, especially defensively, and they were lucky to get away without conceding as Sedlescombe spurned chances to score. As the half went on it become even, and was entertaining despite the lack of goals.
The goals game after the break. Sedlescombe broke the deadlock just three minutes into the second half, and doubled their lead when they capitalised on another defensive error by Rotherfield. The home side tried to get back into the game but got no closer than hitting the crossbar a few minutes before the end.
Spectators are still officially barred from games at private grounds, but Rotherfield Sports Club is in effect a village sports field. The village hall is at one end, a children's playground at the other. The side of the pitch nearest the road was roped off, has a pair of attractive modern dugouts and a few park benches. There's a cricket pitch on the far side.
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