Steyning unveil 3G surface with bumper weekend of action

In total, seven matches took place over the two days as Town became the first Southern Combination League team to own an artificial pitch.

Steyning’s first-team took on Seaford Town and ran out 3-2 victors in the first game at The Shooting Field this season on Saturday.

As well as Gerry Murphy’s side, Town’s under-15, -16 and -18 age-group teams were in action, while a legends game took place between Steyning and Storrington.

Along with those matches, Steyning’s reserves also played on the new surface to round off a bumper opening weekend.

Town chairman Richard Woodbridge believes it will be an occasion that lives long in the memory.

He said: “It was such a special weekend, not only for myself but for everyone that has been associated with Steyning.

“To come from the brink of bankruptcy six years ago, to now becoming the first Southern Combination League team to own a 3G surface is special.

“I cannot thank everyone involved in this project enough for allowing this to happen.

“It was a day we had been waiting a long time for and for it to have finally come was incredible.

“So much hard work has gone into this and that will continue with leasing and various other projects at The Shooting Field now.”

Having played all previous ten of their SCFL Division 1 games away from home, Steyning entertained their home fans with a five-goal thriller on Saturday.

Craig Knowles, Rob Clark and Charles Romain got the goals as Town bagged a 3-2 success.

In an even encounter, both teams ended with ten men as Town’s Matt Dodd and Seaford’s Joshua Tomkins were both shown red cards for an off-the-ball tussle.

Despite the result not being a must, Woodbridge was delighted to see his side get things up and running at home with a win.

He added: “It was not essential for us to win but getting it was very satisfying.

“The victory consolidates our good start and keeps us up near the teams at the top.”

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