The Neville Sports Ground, Brighton, offers delightful views out into the English Channel and of course, of the magnificent "vertical pier". Sadly, other than the delightful Sevenoaks away jerseys, there was little offered in terms of aesthetic pleasure for the witnesses to the battle between Sevenoaks and Brighton & Hove (B&H).

The clash did start promisingly for Sevenoaks with the B&H full-back having his pocket rather artfully picked by Sam George, who proceed to worked the ball nicely across goal to meet the ever raised stick of Ali Taylor (sponsored by MIDiA Research and New Beacon School) who swung down with characteristic vigour. 1-0, less than 5 on the clock. Sevenoaks maintained the lion's share of possession and pounced through a competent short corner drag-flick from Andrew Ross (sponsored by Felsted School) that whipped into the right-side of the goal.

B&H fought back valiantly against the wind, perhaps in hope that come half time they could play a bit more for territory with the elements more in their favour. Their efforts were rewarded with a short corner just short of half time which they efficiently deposited into the bottom left hand corner.

Half-time. 2-1 Oaks.

The second half was really not one for the purists, or anyone else for that matter. A scrappy exchange that neither side will be committing to memory. B&H momentarily found form and after what can only be described as a great deal of floundering around the goal mouth, the ball crawled over the line to bring the sides level.

2-2. With less than 10 to go, things were looking a tad messy for the Oaks lads.

There was little to report in the final ten minutes until a short corner was won and Andrew Ross fired again to the right hand side and struck the upright, which acted as a rather effective pass to James Thomas who finished with ruthless efficiency. He celebrated with a smile.

The final whistle blew shortly afterwards. 3-2 Sevenoaks. Job done.

One is reminded of Andy Gray's now immortal words - can they do it on a Saturday afternoon in Brighton when it is blowing a gale? Yes, Sevenoaks can.