Clymping remain bottom after latest defeat to league-leaders Little Common

Clymping, with just 12 players available, have improved markedly since their 9-0 thrashing by Storrington two weeks ago, though, and joint manager Phil Churchill was pleased with his side’s performance.

He said: “The players gave 100 per cent, but tired at the end, because we didn’t have any players to bring on, whereas they did and that enabled them to stay fresh.

“We haven’t had the rub of the green, which often happens when you’re down there, but with a bit more quality and luck, results should start to come. We deserved one point, if not all three, and now we move on to a massive game on Saturday at Littlehampton. Not only is it a local derby, both sides are struggling and they’re down there with us, so there’s a lot more than just pride at stake.”

Ryan Alexander, who was later sent off, put Common ahead on 20 minutes before Clymping had a penalty appeal waved away when Curtis Milner went down. Drew Moore fired home Clymping’s equaliser with a well-hit shot four minutes after the break, but just when it appeared as though they would take a point, the prolific Casey Ham grabbed the win for Common in the 80th minute.

CLYMPING: Challen; Jarrett, Hotson, Palmer, Chad Milner; Gibbs, Millar, James, Moore; Curtis Milner, Budge. Sub: Churchill.