Eight is great for Pagham

The relegation-haunted visitors posed little threat to Pagham but Gary Block and his management team can be proud of what they and their players – in this match and the season as a whole.

The first and reserve teams have each finished a creditable third in their leagues and with the youth team’s fantastic unbeaten championship-winning performance as well, the Lions have roared louder than many expected.

This game saw a home debut for Harry Hendricks, another product of the Pagham youth set-up. Hendricks looked an integral part of a proud Lions side.

Alex Kew and Dan Martin both went close in the first ten minutes, with Ringmer doing little to test James Binfield, who had deservedly been named supporters and players’ player of the season before kick-off.

Scott Murfin picked up a booking on 20 minutes, most in the ground thinking it unwarranted.

Lee Bradshaw’s crucial tackle denied Ringmer a rare chance while at the other end, Murfin was foiled by Manning as he raced in on goal.

On the half-hour, Rob WImble appeared to crash into a post, and needed treatment before carrying on.

Ryan Morey forced a goal-line clearance then on 34 minutes, Wimble was scythed down in the area and Murfin struck his 32nd goal of the season.

A tremendous save from Binfield denied Ringmer a quick equaliser.

A minute after the restart, Kew was forced off through injury and manager’s player of the year Rob Brown came on to replace him.

Wimble struck a chance just over the bar before a great team build-up saw Howard Neighbour score Pagham’s second – his fourth in six games.

Three minutes later and it was three as Neighbour set up Murfin, whose looping shot sailed over Ringmer keeper Leach and in.

Wimble made it four with a fine goal before Ringmer again rushed into attack, Hendricks’ headed clearance rescuing the Lions.

Martin’s industry in midfield was rewarded with a goal to put the Lions 5-0 up.

Bradshaw left the field on 74 minutes after another industrious display at the back.

On came Neil Murfin as the Lions pressed on for a sixth and there was a debut for youth team keeper Ben Richer as Binfield left the field to deserved applause.

Possibly the goal of the game came with ten minutes left as Wimble unleashed a screamer which gave Leach no chance.

Within a minute it was seven as an exchange between Rob Brown and Adam Hunt saw Brown hit home a fine shot.

Scott Murfin was denied his hat-trick but late on, Rob Brown’s header rounded off Pagham’s biggest win of the season.

Pagham: Binfield (Richer 77), Hunt, Hendricks, Martin, Bradshaw (N Murfin 74), French, Morey, Neighbour, Wimble, S Murfin, Kew (R Brown 46). Sub not used: Van driel.

Ringmer: Leach, Thomsett, Robinson, Dartnell, Manning, Thomsett, Zarie, Burley, Baah, Dinnage, Frost. Subs: Stevens, Ellis-Smith, Lorec.

JON ROSE

The season finally drew to a close for triumphant Pagham under-18s, who played their final games of the season.

They were presented with the Sussex west-division trophy after beating Steyning Town 2-0 at home. Nathan Ediker and David Crouch were the scorers.

Three days later they protected their unbeaten run in the league as a David Crouch goal and an own goal were enough to beat a strong Littlehampton side away from home.