Barnstorming start for Barnham under-18s

Barnham's under-18s have moved up to the west division of the Sussex County Youth League and started with a 2-1 win over Shoreham on a wet Sunday morning.

The hosts dominated the first half-hour, with a series of telling crosses from Baz Temple and Stevie Menzies enabling strikers Johnny James and Pete Dearden to have headers towards goal.

Fine saves by the Shoreham keeper and last-ditch tackling by a hard-working defence frustrated Barnham.

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Johnny James broke the deadlock when he latched on to a through ball only to be tackled but managed to recover and slot the ball wide of the keeper.

Shoreham began to assert themselves towards the end of the half and only fine interceptions by the likes of Jordan Roberts and Ryan Davidson in defence kept them at bay.

The second half saw Barnham strike the woodwork a number of times amid fine defensive work by the visitors but James grabbed his second as he held off a defender and struck the ball low through the keeper’s legs.

Shoreham came on strong late on and scored from the penalty spot to make it a nervous final few minutes.

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BARNHAM: Dubben, Temple, Davidson, Perkins, Fortin, Roberts, Menzies, Taylor, Gilbert, Dearden, James. Subs Richards, Bennett, Wagstaff.

Pagham U18 5 Forest 1

Pagham (pictured above) ran out worthy winners in their first county league game of the season.

Although missing a few key players, they controlled most of the first half and went in 3-1 up. The second half saw Forest coming more into the game but Pagham held firm and added a couple more.

Pagham goalscorers were Andy Chick (3), Jack Anderton and Billy Stevens.

Bognor’s new under-18 team kicked off their Ryman Youth League season with a 3-0 defeat at home to Burgess Hill.

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