FOOTBALL: Littlehampton win thrilling cup final

Golds trailed 2-0, 3-2 and 4-3 before substitute Ben Crawford headed the winner with four minutes left.

After that, Loxwood twice went close to forcing extra-time but Golds keeper Craig Stoner tipped over Claude Pett's header and Damon Aston's volley hit Jamie Buckett on the line.

Loxwood had gone ahead on seven minutes when Aston tapped home from close range.

After an excellent passing move, Loxwood doubled their lead on 28 minutes when Matt Hoyte curled his effort inside the far post.

Littlehampton pulled a goal back four minutes later when Chris Hazell headed home a corner.

Golds drew level on 41 minutes when a well-worked free kick was converted by man of the match Ross McKay.

Loxwood still regained their lead before half-time, though, when Grant Miller slid to turn in Aston's low cross.

Within two minutes of the restart, Littlehampton levelled with a cool Barney Boutwood finish.

They were level for just five minutes as Aston fired home from 18 yards to make it 4-3, despite Stoner getting a strong hand to his shot.

Golds again fought back and levelled when Boutwood beat the offside trap and clipped the ball past Loxwood keeper Chris Coles.

Both teams then had chances before Littlehampton got the winner on 86 minutes when Crawford headed home Gary Young's inswinging free kick.

For full match report and reaction from Littlehampton joint managers Gary Young and John Suter, see the April 8 edition of the Littlehampton Gazette.

-------------------------------------

Click here to go back to Worthing sport.

Click here to return to Gazette sport.

Click here to go back to Shoreham sport.

Where are you? Add your pin to the Herald's international readers' map by clicking here.

Email the Herald: [email protected]