Baker pleased as Golds bag second league win

Second half efforts from Jack Cole and Marshall Ball help Golds to a 2-0 home triumph over Hassocks.

As well as the victory, it was also a first clean sheet in the league for Littlehampton this season.

Golds boss Baker felt it was far from his side’s best display this season but was pleased to take all three points.

He said: “I’d say we’ve played better this season and lost.

“For me, it is all about getting the victories and I was relieved we got one on Saturday.

“We found things tricky in the first half but we were much-improved in the second.

“I decided to switch things around tactically in the second half and I think that paid dividends.

“Michael Asare gave us an outlet with his pace and it was great for us to keep a first league clean sheet this season.”

Golds struggled to create any real openings in the first half as it was scoreless at the break.

Striker Cole broke the deadlock on the hour with an assured finish. After being sent racing clear, Cole curled a shot past James Broadbent.

One quickly became two as Ball added a second two minutes later. Great play from substitute Ben Gray saw him whip a cross in, Hassocks failed to fully clear their lines and Ball was on hand to thunder home a volley.

Golds will be looking to make it back-to back victories but face a tough trip to Pagham on Saturday.

Former manager Mark Bennett is now at Lions, while ex Golds players Kieron Pamment, Shay Wiggans, Liam Humphreys and Joe Shelley all play for Pagham.

Baker knows what a tough test it will be but is hoping for a shock result. He added: “They’ve got a great team but we’ll go to them with nothing to lose and will give it a go.”

LITTLEHAMPTON: Hutchings; Peters, Farrell, Bates, McKay, Chaplin; Janman, Ball; Darwin, Cole, Asare. Kew (Bates), Gray (Darwin), Charles (Cole), O’Connor, Hand.

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