Newhaven finished their run of three consecutive matches against play-off hopefuls with a home match against Haywards Heath on Saturday.

Having been somewhat unlucky in their loss to Crawley Down two weeks ago, before being comprehensively defeated against Crowborough last time out, the visit of many people’s pre-season title tips (by which of course I mean my own pre-season title tips) probably wasn’t high on our fledgling management duo’s agenda.

However, after a barnstorming start to 2024/25, a mid-season management change did spark a collapse in form for Heath which has led them trailing leaders Hassocks significantly as we reach the business end of the season.

Typical of the luck Newhaven have endured this campaign, though, Heath have been showing signs of slowly regaining their form in recent weeks, picking up a morale-boosting first win under their new manager just seven days earlier.

Indeed, there was no sign that Heath were lacking confidence in the early exchanges. The visitors were knocking the ball about comfortably and certainly bossing possession in the opening minutes – in fact, they did throughout much of the afternoon – albeit without ever testing Josh James in the Newhaven goal. Their best two chances in the opening 20 minutes both flying harmlessly off target.

It was the Dockers, who actually created the best two chances in the opening 35 minutes.

First, Jake Robinson lobbed over after being sent though by a quickly-taken Henry Watson free-kick, before Ryan Warwick poked just wide from close-range.

In between those chances, James had to be alert to produce a good save to prevent Heath from taking the lead.

Just as it looked as though the game was meandering its way towards a goalless first-half, Heath took the lead seven minutes before the interval.

While nothing can be taken away from the strike from Charlie Towning, which was beautifully dispatched from outside the area, the Dockers will have been disappointed with the way the ball reached him, having carelessly given it away deep inside their own half. Not the first time I’ve had to write that sentence this season!

Newhaven’s response, however, was almost immediate. Watson went on a marauding run through the centre of the pitch before playing in Warwick, whose precise cross was tucked away first-time by Jake Robinson.

Having reached the break all-square, it didn’t take long for the visitors to take the lead after the restart. Just two minutes, in fact.

A perfectly weighted through ball sent Teddy Wood away, and his calm poked finish from the edge of the area gave James no chance.

Once again, Newhaven hit-back within a matter of minutes. Ryan Blunt was denied by a good save, but from the subsequent corner our third top-scorer, Bailie Rogers (who else?), rose highest and directed a header into the net.

Heath were continuing to see plenty of the ball, but for the most part were struggling to create any clear openings.

However, with 16 minutes remaining they grabbed the lead for the third time. Yet again it took another fine Towing strike to beat James, this time curling a free-kick into the corner from an improbable angle.

Any hopes that Newhaven could hit back once again were swiftly dashed as Heath quickly netted a fourth. It was a goal that perfectly sums up Newhaven’s season, as a shot from a tight angle bounced off the post, struck the luckless James’ leg and bounced into the net. When your luck’s out…

Still Newhaven pressed for a way back into the game, and both Ian Robinson and Alfie Rogers went close to pulling a goal back with shots that ended inches the wrong side of the post.

Ultimately there were to be no more goals, with Heath taking the victory 4-2.

In may ways there were many similarities to the Crawley Down game at Fort Road a couple of weeks earlier, with the Dockers creating a decent number of chances, but simply shipping too many goals to get anything from the game.

On another day, in another season, the Dockers could have easily walked away with a point. It wasn’t to be on this occasion, though… again.

From an outsider, it will be interesting to watch Haywards Heath’s end to the season. They’ve probably left themselves too much to do in terms of catching runaway leaders Hassocks, but I’m sure they’ll fancy their chances in the play-offs, especially now they seem to have started picking up points again.

For us, it’s all about finishing the season as strongly as possible whilst building towards 2025/26.

On Saturday, we visit Horsham YMCA for the third time this season, hoping to halt our run of three successive defeats. We then travel to Little Common a week later (22^nd February) before returning to Fort Road on 1^st March to host Lingfield.

Your attendance at all three games – or indeed any of them – would be most welcome.

Come On You Dockers.

My man of the match (aka, the controversial part): Henry Watson. As imperious as ever, both at the back and bringing the ball out of defence. Special mention for Charlie Connell who impressed once again in the holding midfield role.