The 1st team of Icklesham Casuals recorded their first win of the season last Saturday with a convincing 5-0 victory over Catsfield, at home. They dominated from the start and opened the scoring through Bradlee Mepham, who looked sharp throughout the game. Further goals from Sean Baker and Phil Badrock gave the side a 3-0 interval lead with both Baker and Badrock scoring again in the second period. New players Dan Hopgood and Steffan Davies impressed, as did Sam Richardson on his return to the club.
The 2nd XI lost narrowly 2-1 away to Magham Down. They conceded an own goal in the first minute but instead of collapsing, which would have happened at the start of last season, they came storming back and were the better team the rest of the half. Magham Down came out strongly after the break and two diving saves from 16-year-old goalkeeper George Upton, making his debut, kept them in the game.
Gradually, Magham Down were pushed back and Joe Fraser held off three challenges to play in Dan Russell, who finished from a tight angle to equalise, before Magham Down stole the points with a late headed goal. Sam Garner, another 16-year-old, came off the bench to make his competitive debut. A good skilful performance from the side, with a great deal of spirit shown.
