Roffey are back on top of the Sussex County League Division One table after a drama-filled 2-1 victory at Bognor Regis Town Reserves on Saturday, August 1st. For 89 minutes, it looked like the league leaders would be forced to settle for a frustrating draw at Nyewood Lane. Then Liam Humphreys stepped up, lashed home a late winner, and sent the travelling faithful into absolute delirium.
The 412-strong crowd witnessed a tense, physical contest that tested every ounce of Roffey's character. Bognor, who have now lost three of their last four home games, made life miserable for the visitors with a compact, aggressive display. But Roffey's relentless pressure finally told in the dying embers, and the celebrations at the final whistle told the story of a side that believes this could be their season.
The result lifts Roffey to 12 points from their opening four games, with a healthy goal difference of +7. That leaves them one point clear of Eastbourne Town Reserves, who sit second with 11 points. With an away trip to Eastbourne coming up on August 8th, Roffey's title credentials are about to face their sternest test yet. But for now, the fans can bask in the glow of a statement victory on the road.
📊 412 fans packed Nyewood Lane - the biggest attendance of Roffey's season so far, and they were rewarded with a last-gasp winner.
Horsham's Second-Half Collapse at Haywards Heath
While Roffey were celebrating, Horsham were left ruing a nightmare second half at the Hanbury Stadium. Ben Pope's 23rd-minute penalty gave the visitors a deserved halftime lead against Haywards Heath Town, and everything seemed to be going to plan. Then the wheels came off in spectacular fashion.
Haywards Heath roared back after the break with three unanswered goals in the 54th, 67th, and 82nd minutes, turning the game on its head and sending the home crowd into raptures. The 3-1 defeat drops Horsham to fifth on nine points, level with Lancing but behind on goal difference. Haywards Heath, meanwhile, leapfrog them into third with ten points.
It was a bitter pill to swallow for Horsham's manager, who told local press: "We were second-best in the second half; the schedule is punishing, but we rotate well." The club now face a quick turnaround with a friendly against Worthing Reserves on Wednesday, August 5th, before the league campaign resumes. Heath, meanwhile, celebrated their first home win of the season in style, having previously managed just a draw and a loss at the Hanbury Stadium.
Table: Sussex County League Division One Standings (as of August 3, 2026)
| Position | Team | Played | Points | Goal Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Roffey | 4 | 12 | +7 |
| 2nd | Eastbourne Town Reserves | 4 | 11 | +5 |
| 3rd | Haywards Heath Town | 4 | 10 | +3 |
| 4th | Lancing | 4 | 9 | +2 |
| 5th | Horsham | 4 | 9 | -1 |
What's Next: Cup Clash and Top-of-the-Table Showdown
Attention now turns to a packed week of action, with both clubs facing very different challenges. Roffey host Littlehampton Town in the League Cup first round on Tuesday, August 4th at Bartholomew Way, with a 19:45 kick-off. The club confirmed on August 2nd that they have no injury concerns following the Bognor win, meaning the full squad will be available. Home fans can also look forward to confirmed ticket prices for league games at just £8 for adults, £5 for concessions, and free entry for U16s.
The big one arrives on Saturday, August 8th, when Roffey travel to Eastbourne Town Reserves in a top-of-the-table clash that could define the early season. With Jordan Clarke already on five goals for Roffey, and the squad in confident mood, the next seven days promise to be pivotal. Haywards Heath, meanwhile, face a tricky away trip to Lancing on the same day.
📊 Jordan Clarke has 5 goals in 4 appearances - Roffey's marksman is already setting the pace in the race for the golden boot.
For Horsham, the priority will be regrouping quickly and proving their second-half display at Heath was just a blip on a punishing early schedule. The friendly against Worthing Reserves offers a chance to rediscover their rhythm before the league campaign resumes. With the table tightening up and just three points separating second from fifth, every result matters.
