Seventh heaven for East Preston following emphatic victory

Jack Barnes struck twice, while Jared Rance, Dylan Barnes, Hayden Hunter Tom Lyne and Daniel Huet all netted as EP sealed a comprehensive 7-1 victory over AFC Varndeanians at the Withdean Stadium.

The winning margin was EP’s largest in a Southern Combination League Division encounter this season and Paine felt his side showcased their ability.

He said: “We saw how good these young players are with some excellent football and some great finishing.

“It was a pleasure to watch the team playing with great quality and clinical finishing.

“Given the injuries, to still be able to put out such a good side as we did today speaks volumes for the great young players we have.”

EP were ahead inside five minutes as Huet’s pass sent Rance clear and he slammed home from all of eight yards.

Jack Barnes could have had a further two before he finally did notch. First, he shot just wide, then he saw an effort parried away.

Rance then turned provider 15 minutes later, his ball found Jack Barnes and he made no mistake getting his first of the game.

Chris Cook preserved his side’s two-goal lead pulling off a fine stop from Matt Waterman just a minute later.

A perfect first 45 minutes was then rounded off as Lyne was on hand to fire a crisp shot home after being picked out from a Jack Barnes corner.

There was still time for a fourth before the break with Hunter getting his name on the scoresheet.

It was much of the same in the second East Preston netted a further three times.

Dan Huet was on hand to finish off a free-flowing move four minutes after the break.

Some sloppy defending allowed Harry Magee to head in at the far post as Varndeanians got one back on the hour.

Substitute Dylan Barnes added a sixth 20 minutes before the end.

Jack Barnes then got his second and EP’s seventh as they rounded off an emphatic away victory.

East Preston welcome fellow Division 1 outfit Oakwood for a Sussex RUR Cup second-round clash tomorrow (7.30pm).

EAST PRESTON: Cook; Josh Parazo, Etherington, Lyne, Beaney; Hallett, J.Barnes; Hunter, Huet, Taylor; Rance. Subs: D.Barnes (Rance, 64), Laughlin (Huet, 74), Bull (Taylor, 10), John, Purkis.

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