Selsey came from behind with goals from Tom Flaherty and Ronnie Marwood
against Isthmian Youth Football League side, Haywards Heath Town in the FA
Vase Cup at the Selsey High Street Ground, on Thursday evening.

Despite a strong start from Selsey, winning many corners and freekicks, one of
which captain, Peter Blanks’s header was blocked to save goalkeeper, Callum
McVicar any trouble, it was the visitors who took the lead early, 10 minutes
into the game.

As Selsey played it round the back, Louis Keane pressured Selsey goalkeeper
Ryan Matlock, and as he went to clear the ball, it rebounded off of Keane
whose hard work had a fortunate ending for the visitors, as it flew into the top
right corner.

Selsey responded well as it was Tom Flaherty who brought the Blues level 8
minutes later when the Haywards Heath Town’s defence failed to clear Jamie
Simpson’s freekick the ball fell to Flaherty who poked the ball in the back of
the net from 6 yards.

Both teams battled well hoping to take the lead as Tobie Appleby and Marcel
Tourmentin were first to everything, and Nathan Mcilwain came close twice
with two shots to test McVicar.

The visitors also had the chance to put themselves in front when Liam Deere
was through on goal and failed to hit the target.

Flaherty almost got a second when Marwood’s skilful run was topped off with
a delightful cross over to Flaherty, who headed it over the bar.

Another chance fell to Flaherty who had the home fans on the edge of their
seats attempting a long-distance volley, which also missed the target.

Just as Selsey were dominating and looking the better side, the visitors came
close to taking the lead when Riley Cross’ low drive into the bottom corner was
impressively stopped by Matlock who managed to get his hand to it.

As the referee was handing out many yellow cards and after many stoppages,
the Blues then came close after a great link up as Lennon Ayling ran through

Haywards Heath’s defence as he played a ball to Flaherty who crossed it for
Mcilwain who failed to get a touch to it which kept the game level.

Soon after Selsey’s chance, the visitors responded as Max Ward’s quick feet
troubled the Selsey defence as he played it to Oscar Kemp who failed to hit the
target.

Flaherty then matched Ward’s quick feet running at the visitors but failed to
use his weak foot to get a shot off at McVicar.

As Selsey continued to search for a winner, Marwood gave the Blues the lead
in the 70 th minute when Appleby’s exquisite first-time ball over the top of the
Hayward Heath’s back line was determinedly chased by Marwood, whose
electrifying pace met the ball and put it past McVicar.

In the final minutes of the game, as Selsey were beginning to think they had
won the battle, Marlock made sure of this as he denied substitute Frankie
Osbourne’s volley as he pushed it round the post, to then produce another
outstanding save blocking Osbourne’s second attempt at goal from a corner to
help secure Selsey’s victorious victory.

Selsey next face Pagham U18 away from home on the 17 th September in a
league game.