Beard proud of Magpies after great cup display against Shoreham

Magpies manager Mark Beard exclaimed he was ‘really proud’ of his players for putting in such a good display away to the Southern Combination Premier Division leaders.

The Magpies were missing seven regular starters and had to play the entire game with an injured goalkeeper, Harrison Hilfiker, playing with a bruised arm.

Loxwood are currently without a number two keeper following last week’s departure of Sam Smith to neighbours Horsham YMCA.

Beard was trying to bring a replacement stopper in from Brighton & Hove Albion’s academy but could not complete the signing in time.

He said: “I’m really proud of them - we had loads out with injuries and the boys worked tirelessly for 120 minutes.

“Shoreham are top of the league and you’d think there wasn’t anything between the two sides.

“I am gutted to be out of the cup as we could have had a nice draw to look forward to.”

Shoreham took the lead after 32 minutes when Scott Packer’s cross evaded everyone and went in.

But Loxwood responded immediately with a fine goal supplied by Toby House for Byron Napper to head in in style.

The Musselmen regained the lead from a 63rd minute free-kick whipped into the area and put away by Joe Keehan.

Again, Loxwood equalised two minutes later, a cross was brilliantly chested down by House who then turned and shot into the top corner of the net.

Shoreham scored their extra-time winner just four minutes after the re-start.

Loxwood’s Jay Lovett let a ball go out of play and the referee awarded a corner to Shoreham, a decision which angered Beard.

The corner-kick found Keehan who scored his second goal of the game.

Beard is expecting a new keeper to be in place for their visit to Arundel in the league on Saturday, while Charlie Pitcher and Cecil Gee should be available for selection.

Loxwood: Hilfiker, Dollery (Ramsay 50), French, Lovett, Jacques, Cave, Scalley, Napper, Wood (Colbran 90), Entiknap (Daniel 70), House.

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