It had been a long and hot week at work, I decided to wind down and enjoy the weekend by taking myself a short distance from my home to watch Saltdean United FC of the Southern Combination Football League (SCFL) Division 1, play Crawley Down Gatwick Town of the SCFL Premier Division.

Saltdean United had a mixed season in 2025-26 finishing eleventh in SCFL Division 1, but it was off the pitch that the real news happened. The club saw their “legacy project” come to fruition, allowing them to convert Hill Park into a stadium with a new artificial pitch, clubhouse with medical facilities and a viewing balcony, as well as a new Grandstand making spectating a much more positive experience. These changes off the pitch will have raised expectations on the field with the club committed to gaining promotion from Step 6, a feat that will have been clearly in manager, Lawrence “Lol” Edwards’ plans for the new season. New players have been few and far between as the Tigers build into the campaign, with the focus on developing youth players.

Crawley Down Gatwick FC finished comfortably mid table in the the SCFL Premier Division (twelfth) in 2025-26. Manager, Martin Benetar, will have been keen in the pre season friendlies, to secure opportunities to see if his players could step up as they seek to push for promotion at Step 5 this season. New signings such as Will Harley, would have been keen to settle in alongside regular and retained players such as Josh Rapson and Rhys White.

Saltdean United looked positive from the start and got their reward on eight minutes when their number 12 stabbed the ball home, putting them one nil ahead.

The Tigers did not hold back, creating at least three or four clear cut chances in the opening thirty minutes. Their passing play was a real strength.

Despite withstanding heavy Saltdean United pressure, with 41 minutes on the clock the visitors pulled level, after a neat attack with their number seven scoring, with a tap in from close range.

Literally two minutes later, a long ball into the box was headed back for the Anvils’ number ten to score, making it 1-2 to Crawley Down Gatwick FC. As the half-time whistle blew it was the visitors who went in with a lead which had come very much against the run of play.

The second half started with Crawley Down Gatwick enjoying possession. With nine minutes gone they had extended their lead to 1-3 with a beautifully curled shot from their number 16.

The Tigers held on a bit after the goal, with a great save and some wayward finishing preventing the visitors from extending their lead.

With sixty eight minutes gone the score was 1-4. A free kick on the edge of the Saltdean United penalty area was cleverly despatched by the Anvils’ number fifteen.

Saltdean United came back with some chances in the final few minutes, but as the whistle blew it was the visitors who took the victory 1-4. Saltdean’s manager will now know he needs some additions or improvements, particularly up front. What I can recommend is the viewing experience at Hill Park Stadium, which is really impressive and well worth a visit.