The game begun with lots of Crows possession in the Saltdean half, wasting no time in settling into the game and setting a decent tempo. Danny Powell blazed a good chance over on 13 minutes, and Forster rattled the crossbar on 22 minute, after a number of good opportunities resulted in a corner. As the ball came out, Forster, about 25 yards out, unleashed the shot.

Saltdean we’re struggling, and looked disjointed, rarely threatening the Crowborough goal.

Crowborough kept pushing forward, some good work by Rory Salter down the left teed up Lucas Murrain, who moved past the defender and had a shot saved, to the keepers bottom right corner.

As the pressure mounted, Jack Mayhew teed up a lovely half volley from 30 yards that narrowly went over.

And then it came, the opening goal. More good work on the left from Salter, whipping the ball in, the keeper couldn’t clear his lines and Killick was there to hammer it home from about 8 yards. 1-0 and thoroughly deserved.

But just as the fans celebrated, a Saltdean sucker punch squared the match and the half time whistle was blown. 1-1 at the break.

Order was restored immediately after the break. Lucas Murrain robbed the Saltdean defender and Cooley slotted home to make it 2-1.

Saltdean defender (4) was sent off after a bad challenge earned him a second yellow card on 51 minutes, to give the Crows a further advantage.

Minutes later, Danny Powell scampered clear of the defence and was only denied an opening day goal by an excellent save from the Saltdean keeper.

Then the game descended into a farce for a while, Martin Grant was sin binned, with some heads being scratched as to why. Speaking to people near by and Martin himself, it seemed there was no foul play, the last thing I saw was a Saltdean shot blazed over. Jack Mayhew donned the gloves and temporarily went in goal!

Things got a bit scrappy and stop/start, with the ref stopping the game frequently, substitutions and Martin finally returning to his goal after more than 15 minutes off.

Elliott Duncan was introduced for Danny Powell on 70 minutes, with Murrain and Forster making way for Welbourn and Pearson in the 79th.

Then the game seemed to pick up again, the Crows driving forward, despite the goal and man advantage. Killick almost scored, putting his effort just wide, and more chances followed.

Killick made was for Harry Brown on 90 minutes as the ref indicated 12 minutes of time added on.

And in the 11th minute of added time, the points were secured. Tom Pearson breezing past the Saltdean defender down the right, spotted a free Elliott Duncan in the box and squared it. Duncan calmly controlled, before striking past the keeper.

The Crows fans celebrated and finally the ref blew his whistle.

3 points to begin the season in style, and a good all round performance.

Final score 3-1
Man of the Match John Sinclair