Easter is mixed for Midhurst

Against Eastbourne, Midhurst fell behind when Liam Bateup netted from close range after indecision in defence.

Michael Asare had several attempts which were either wide or blocked by Alan Sargent in the visitors’ goal.

On 20 minutes Eastbourne won a penalty and Peter Cooper made it 2-0.

Liam Dreckman gave way for Andy Newton for Midhurst and on the hour Sean Dummer was yellow-carded for an over-enthusiastic tackle.

With 15 minutes to go, Asare evaded several tackles and put the ball beyond Sargeant’s reach. Ten minutes later, Ben Crawford made the score 2-2.

Eastbourne were unable to contane a rampant Midhurst as Harry Menha scored an 88th-minute winner, 3-2 the final score.

Midhurst felt Loxwood’s visit could bring more joy, but it was not to be.

A foul by Loxwood brought a penalty which Ollie Pearce converted at the second attempt. But soon after that Damon Aston beat the Midhurst keeper to the ball and make it 1-1.

Kevin Broad put the visitors ahead and Claude Pett extended the lead.

A good goal by Andy Newton late on gave the Stags hope of another comeback before Pearce was shown a yellow card and Dreckman red as he pushed away a Loxwood defender.

A collision between Midhurst’s Newton and Loxwood keeper Smith ended with Smith taken to hospital with a serious-looking leg injury, confirmed later as ligament damage.

Loxwood increased their lead through Damon Aston, running out 4-2 winners.

Midhurst host Seaford this week.

MIDHURST: Lillywhite, Walker, Dummer, Glue, Crawford, Angell, Pearce, Rowland, Menha, Platt, Asare, Newton, Dreckman.

TED DUMMER