Bognor Regis Town take derby honours as Littlehampton Town are edged out

It was a first win in five for Danny Hollands’ team and left them third in the table and just a point behind leaders Jersey Bulls, who they visit at the end of the month.

A lively start saw Golds player-joint manager George Gaskin closed down at one end – then Luke Roberts set Ben Sheaf away on the left but his cross was wayward.

On seven minutes Sheaf put the ball inside to Henry McDonald and he hit a shot on the turn and low. Billy Collings did well though to divert it wide.

Ethan Robb latched on to a ball in midfield and picked out Roberts on the left but after speeding down the wing his cross flew over the bar. In 17 minutes Cal Laycock found Roberts and he sped on before shooting wide from the edge of the box.

Golds’ Harry Heath was a nuisance and forced a save from Tommy Scott at his near post. Then Matthew Storm lost possession to Laycock who ran through into the box but his strike was easily saved on 27 minutes.

Benny Read – a new Rocks signing from Gosport – made a mistake as Dion Jarvis stole the ball before picking out Gaskin but with only Scott to beat, he hit it straight at the keeper.

Jarvis and Robb were booked after a tackle by Bognor's defensive midfielder. Heath also went into the book and Sheaf had to come off with what looked like a hamstring injury. Harvey Whyte replaced him on 37 minutes.

Bognor went close in the second minute of first half stoppage time. Henry Nevill worked himself the box but his shot crashed off the post.

It didn't take long for Bognor to take the lead in the second half. Read put a pass inside to Laycock and he had beaten the offside trap and turned and coolly slotted the ball into the bottom corner on 47 minutes.

Scott Faber lashed out with a challenge on Robb and went into the book on 57 minutes.

Bognor extended their lead in the 59th minute as Josh Batt lashed a loose ball into the net on the half-volley after a long free-kick by Kaya Tshaka.

On 64 minutes Bognor made a double change as Laycock and McDonald made way for Oliver Lovell and Charlie Gunson.

The Golds got a goal back directly from a corner as Gaskin headed in from a 69th minute delivery. Then Gaskin put in a dangerous ball across from the left but Lewis Olajide flashed it wide.

Jarvis blasted over as Littlehampton swung the momentum to their advantage.

Ben Anderson and Louie Williams replaced Robb and Read for Bognor in the 76th minute.

Tshaka was battling in midfeld and was unlucky to lose possession. A long ball saw Heath run powerfully into the area but Scott was quick out of his goal to bravely stop him.

Williams was booked for simulation on 87 minutes as he seemed to lost his footing in the box.

It was a real battle in the closing moments as Williams was holding up the ball for Bognor where he could. But Littlehampton posed a threat with some quick play and long throws from the dangerous Heath.

Five minutes were added but Bognor held on to move third in the division.