Tudors continue fine away form with victory at Eastbourne

It was no more than the Tudors deserved as they controlled the game for long periods in difficult windy conditions, with a hard working but skilful performance.

The Hemel faithful were all agreed that there were several candidates for man of the match, with the defence, midfield and forwards all contributing.

Eastbourne had their fair share of possession but Ed Asafu-Adjaye, Kyle Connolly, Oli Thorne and Jorrell Johnson, backed up by keeper Laurie Walker, kept them at bay – with Walker only having a handful of saves to make during the whole game.

The midfield worked tirelessly and caused problems throughout with their neat passing and constant closing down of their opponents, not allowing them any space, especially in the first period.

Ollie Hawkins, easily Hemel’s most improved player this season, won countless headers in his lone role up front and he got his just reward when he got on the end of a quick passing move down Eastbourne’s left.

James Simmonds raced clear into space and drove down the line before cutting the ball across to Hawkins, who did well to fire home through a crowded penalty area to give the visitors the lead after 36 minutes.

As half-time approached, Borough forced Walker into his first real save of the half when he got a hand to a shot and the loose ball was then fired into the side netting. Seconds later the referee blew for half-time.

The second period saw Eastbourne move the ball around more but Hemel’s rear guard stood firm and another excellent passing move involving most of the midfield saw them extend their lead on the hour mark.

The excellent Simmonds teed-up Jordan Parkes, this time from the right; playing a quick-one two with Connolly he cut inside and laid the ball across to the Tudors skipper who fired home to the delight of the fans behind the goal.

Borough stepped up the pressure but it was Hemel who could have added to their tally when first, James Potton managed to find some space to shoot, with Carey saving well.

Soon afterwards, Hemel sub Lewis Toomey rounded Carey but took the ball too wide, allowing the keeper to recover and block his shot.

There were one or two scares at the other end but Hemel held out for a deserved victory, their third on the road, with only a late show from Havant spoiling their excellent away record.