Hill challenge too steep for Elmer

Elmer’s first adventure in the Challenge Trophy came to an end against a strong Hillbarn side.

The Worthing-based team play two levels higher but Elmer could have taken the lead on 25 minutes when a flowing move down the right ended with a shot crashing back into play off the post.

Just three minutes later, Marcus Robertshaw outwitted Elmer defender Kyle Belcher and crashed the ball past Dion Sampson.

Elmer suffered a blow in the first couple of minutes of the second half when Belcher took a knock and had to be replaced by Jack Davis.

Sampson made a number of competent saves before Steve Nanson had to replace Matt Hope.

On 70 minutes the unfortunate Davis put the ball into his own net.

Elmer adopted a bold policy of playing four strikers but Athletic made the game safe on 88 minutesthrough Cyril Agaheaze.

This week, Elmer travel to Wittering in the Charity Cup.