Newhaven’s up and down start to the season continued on Saturday afternoon as a lacklustre performance saw them lose 2-0 at home to Crowborough Athletic.

Despite a bright start by the hosts they were unable to break the deadlock and were eventually punished by two Crows counter-attacks in the second half – Sam Carrington scoring both goals for the visitors.

Newhaven made three changes to the side that started the FA Vase win at Horley Town the previous week. Freddie Beale, captain Greg Manton and James Rhodes came in to the team replacing Jayson Sowter, Daniel Murray and Sean Breach respectively.

The Dockers started the game well with Rhodes in particular seeing a lot of the ball. One of his passes to Lee Robinson should have resulted in a goal but the winger opted to pass when a shot looked to be the best option.

The first twenty minutes were all Newhaven but the away defence stood firm and they, and goalkeeper Nick Collick, saw out any danger.

The visitors slowly got themselves back in to the game, with Carrington looking lively, but the half ended goalless with neither keeper being seriously tested.

The second half started slowly for the home side and they found themselves behind within ten minutes of the restart.

A Newhaven corner was cleared to Callum Ridley who sent Morgan Steadman away down the left. He closed in on goal and saw his effort saved by Jake Buss, but the rebound fell to Carrington who made no mistake finding the net.

Newhaven were struggling to find any rhythm to their play and failed to force Collick in to a meaningful save. The most the visiting keeper had to do was claim a couple of catches under pressure.

And it was from one of those catches that saw Crowborough double their lead.

With time running out Newhaven won a free-kick on the left and sent everyone forward, searching for an equaliser. The free-kick was claimed by Collick and he sent Carrington away with a quick throw-out. Carrington drove towards goal and found the net to seal the points for Crowborough.

Newhaven: Jake Buss, Freddie Beale (Jayson Sowter), Ryan Knight, Dave Altendorff, Greg Manton (c), Scott Edwards, Lee Robinson, Terry Gacias, Tyler Goatcher, James Rhodes (Mark Probert), Ebou Jallow. Unused subs: Daniel Murray, Jason Goddard.
Booked: None

Attendance: 74
Referee: Jamie Kearsey