Common reach league cup final
Little Common produced a remarkable comeback from two goals down to defeat Pagham 3–1 on penalties and book their place in the Peter Bentley League Cup final for the first time in the club’s history on Tuesday evening.
The Commoners arrived at Steyning Town’s Shooting Field ground as clear underdogs and opted to play into the strong wind during the first half. Pagham made the early running and took control of the contest, opening the scoring in the 18th minute when a cross into the Common penalty area was headed back across goal, allowing Howard Neighbour to nod the ball home from close range.
Pagham doubled their lead soon afterwards in familiar fashion. Another delivery into the box found Neighbour, who once again rose highest to head past the goalkeeper and put the Lions firmly in command.
Facing an uphill battle, Little Common’s priority was to stay in the game until half-time. The match proved to be a tale of two halves, however, as the Commoners enjoyed the advantage of the wind after the break and began to dominate proceedings just as Pagham had done earlier.
Their revival began in the 50th minute when Lewis Hole reduced the deficit. As the Pagham defence appealed for offside, Hole lifted the ball over the advancing goalkeeper and into the far corner of the net.
With momentum now firmly on their side, Little Common pushed for an equaliser. Jame White came close with a header that was kept out by the keeper’s feet, while Cam Thompson slipped between defender and goalkeeper only to see his effort drift narrowly wide.
The pressure eventually paid off with ten minutes remaining. Hole collected the ball in the penalty area, turned sharply and fired into the far corner to level the score.
Little Common nearly completed the turnaround before full time when Paul Feakins headed a Russell Eldridge corner over the bar. Pagham then thought they had snatched victory deep into stoppage time, but goalkeeper Matt Cruttwell produced a stunning save, clawing away a close-range header to keep the scores level.
With no extra time, the tie went straight to penalties. Cruttwell proved the hero once again, saving two spot-kicks as Little Common sealed a 3–1 shootout victory and a historic place in the final.