Bennett – We have not had any credit

Golds were promoted back into the top flight of the County League last season after being crowned Division 2 champions, and have managed to, so far, put together a push for the Division 1 crown.

Second-placed Little-
hampton are in a battle with East Grinstead and Horsham YMCA for runners-up spot, with East Preston closing in on the title.

Golds were missing six of their starting line-up in their 4-1 defeat at home to Lingfield on Saturday.

Bennett said: “To be honest, I do not think Littlehampton have been given the credit we deserve this season.

“To be where we are in Division 1, having been promoted from Division 2 last season, we haven’t got the credit for that.

“And, now, we look like we will finish with a whimper, because of things that are out of our hands as a lot of players are out. It’s a real shame.”

Golds were without the injured Liam Humphreys, Mitchell Hand, Alex Kew and David O’Callaghan on Saturday, as well the suspended Jamie Thompson and Dan Kempson.

The home side started well but fell behind in the tenth minutes when Joel O’Hara capitalised on a mistake after a corner.

Clinton Moore added a second on 24 minutes and O’Hara helped himself to a second four minutes before half-time.

Dan Simmonds pulled a goal back on 56 minutes when he prodded home after a goalmouth scramble, but they failed to build any momentum as Lingfield replied almost immediately as Dan Adjei netted to kill off any Golds hopes.

Bennett added: “We had six out, so I knew we were going to struggle. I do not think any team can cope with that amount out.

“There are no excuses, though, basically we were just not good enough.

“They’re not a bad side, but, to be fair, we made it easy for them. Whatever side you put out, you expect them to play with a bit of passion, but we did not have any.

“If I can take any positives, it was that I made three substitutions at half-time and the young lads that came on did not look out of place.”