Bennett delighted with ‘massive’ win

The win took second-placed Golds four points clear of third-placed Eastbourne, with three games in hand as well.

Littlehampton still trail Newhaven by six points after the leaders won 2-0 at home to Westfield but Golds have five more matches to play.

Bennett said: “It was a massive win as we can go 13 points clear of them if we win our games in hand.

“Everything is in our hands still and, all the time it’s in your own hands, everything is okay.”

Golds took the lead after just three minutes when Danny Hand was brought down by the Eastbourne keeper in the penalty area. Brother Mitchell Hand, who had missed his previous spot-kick last month against Hassocks, stepped up and fired home his eighth successful penalty from nine attempts this season.

Eastbourne were the better side for the next half-an-hour and hit the bar and Golds keeper Jon Hendrick also made a smart stop when the visitors got through one-on-one.

Both sides had spells on top in the second half, before Littlehampton sealed the win with nine minutes to go when Lee Garnham won a 50-50 challenge with the Eastbourne keeper and then slotted into the empty net.

Alex Kew fired wide shortly afterwards but Littlehampton held on for their ninth win in 11 home league games this season.

Golds gave a debut to winger Michael Asare, who joined late last week from Midhurst & Easebourne. Bennett said: “He’s a massive signing for us as I felt we were a little bit flat last week against Loxwood and I could see signs of how we finished last year happening again.

“So, it’s good to bring Michael in as he’s a good player. He hadn’t played for a couple of weeks and probably tried too hard on Saturday but he’s got good pace and everyone at the club knows what he can do.”

Littlehampton travel to bottom-of-the-table Saltdean on Saturday, before they entertain local rivals Rustington on Tuesday (7.45pm).