FOOTBALL: Golds deny United the title

Speaking afterwards, Young said: "We've won a cup and if we keep the squad we finished with this season, we'll be competitive next year, although it's not my problem of course, it's John's (Suter).

"I must admit that I won't miss it that much as there seem to be a lot more prima donnas in football nowadays, which makes the job frustrating, but my phone will now be on silent until next season."

United had needed to win by two goals to lift the title but the game started badly for them as Kieran Gillard, Golds' substitute goalkeeper for much of the season, broke down the left and scuffed in a cross. It should have been cleared by Grant Philpott, but he only managed to hit fresh air, allowing Barney Boutwood to slot past the advancing Ross Standen in the United goal after just four minutes.

Neil Harris should have levelled the scores just two minutes later but his shot from five yards sailed harmlessly over the bar.

It was not the only chance that United's front line squandered. Adam Mitchell headed wide with no Littlehampton defender within striking distance and Paul Elliott was left on his own when any support would have meant a certain goal.

United's main worry would have been conceding a second as that would have meant third place on goal difference and, once again, they should have made parity when substitute Sam Blundell was put through after a hesitant Ben Crawford allowed the ball to bounce immediately after the restart.

Crawford managed to get a toe in to prevent a certain goal, but Blundell must have been kicking himself.

Blundell had a chance to make amends on 79 minutes but was thwarted by Craig Stoner's legs.

Littlehampton nearly broke United hearts when Niall O'Hagan's shot hit the post then rebounded off Standen for a corner, while Gillard had a shot that went through Standen's hands only to hit the bar.

In the final minute, a long, hopeful ball found its way to Elliott, who volleyed past Stoner to level the scores and, frankly, it was more than United deserved.

LITTLEHAMPTON: Stoner; Crawford, Hazell, McKay, Young; O'Hagan, Buckett, Duffield, Lawson; Boutwood, Gillard. Subs: Adedoja (Buckett 82), Collander (Lawson 70), Wallers.

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