Clymping move off the bottom

Clymping went ahead in the sixth minute through Rob Browne’s first goal for the club, on his third start, when he latched onto a Martin Harris pass.

After a scrappy first half, Common’s Andrew Matthews was sent-off for what Clymping manager Darran Atkins described as an “outrageous” tackle on Brad Johnson, but the Clymping player also saw red for his heated reaction.

Steve Duffin again proved his worth for Clymping with the second goal, his 13th of the season, on 74 minutes to make it 2-0 and Clymping held on despite Jordan Wood pulling a goal back with a header in stoppage time.

Atkins said: “We played well and it was a good win and, although we’ve hit a patch of form at the right time, we’re not safe yet. But, if we can keep this form going, we’ll be okay.

“In my opinion, Steyning and Oakwood will be the two in there, and if we can reel Midhurst in as well, then that would be pleasing.

“Fourth from bottom is what I want now. I’ve got the squad I want and Steve Duffin has been outstanding, he’s scored in virtually every game.

“The pitch made it difficult for us, Little Common aren’t a bad side although they’re off form at the moment, so to go there and win is pleasing and we hired a coach to all go down there together, so it was a good day.”

CLYMPING: May; Higgs, Johnson, Browne, Harris; Gordon, Atkins, Gordon, Lee; Woodward; Duffin. Subs: Plumbley (Woodward 60), Millar (Garvey 70), Longhurst.