Lee Carey, who led Hastings out at The Riverside Stadium in an FA Cup third round tie, took his place in Common’s midfield for the Sussex Senior Cup second round tie against Ringmer. Speaking afterwards, Common player-manager Russell Eldridge said: “I’m sure it was a big surprise to a few people that turned up to the Rec tonight to see Lee in a claret and blue shirt. “I saw he wasn’t at a club and having played with Lee before, I know what he’s like. He’s a fantastic player with good quality which he demonstrated tonight.” Carey, 26, scored in normal time and during the penalty shoot-out as Hastings beat Harrogate Town in a memorable televised FA Cup second round replay last December. Bexhill-raised Carey, who was at Brighton & Hove Albion in his youth, left Hastings after their relegation at the end of last season and began the current campaign at Margate before moving to Crawley Down Gatwick. “He’s a winner and that’s what we needed in the team,” added Eldridge. “As long as he’s available we will continue to play him. I’m thankful for Lee and he’s a top bloke for that.”
