EP win derby but Blues retore pride and look forwards

East Preston took the honours, winning 3-0 over Rustington, and were celebrating completing their festive fixtures with three wins from three, all over local rivals, to leave them sitting pretty at the summit of the table.

Rustington, however, in danger of slipping into trouble at the opposite end of the table, were taking the positives from a much-needed improved performance, following crunch talks after their 5-1 home drubbing by Midhurst.

Blues boss Jon Tucker was impressed with their turn of attitude and commitment, after talks saw them part company with a couple of players after the Midhurst defeat.

The have also been buoyed by the prospect of bringing in new faces with seven-day approaches in, as well as the return of Andy Boxall, Jason Wimbleton and Andy Weir.

Tucker said: “It’s not been the best Christmas period, but there have been positives to come out of it.

“We all got together after the Midhurst game and got a few things out, a few home truths, got things out in the open as honesty is always a good thing, and since then a few have decided it wasn’t for them here and to take a break from football.

“But it was a better performance against EP. We’ve got a few signings on the cards, as well as losing a few, but those that stuck with it did really well.

“We’ve got to go to Westfield now on Saturday and get a result. It’s my biggest game already as a manager here. I have the backing of the committee, chairman, supporters and players, which is nice to know, so we’ll stick at it.”

While Blues had a miserable Christmas, EP boss Dominic Di Paola was left hailing his side’s festive showing, and said: “We are going well and playing well and we are a good side, but also a good squad, which is important. It’s the squad that has got us through the Christmas period, really.

“Apart from a half against Littlehampton and 20 minutes against Rustington, when we could have played a little better, we have been good in these past few games, and I am over the moon, really.

“We had a lot of chances against Rustington and the players looked very tired, but obviously we’ve had a lot of games recently and looked a little lethargic.

“Dorking look as though they aren’t going to catch us now, so I think it’s just us and Hailsham, with the rest fighting it out for third.”

After Blues had gone closest with early chances on Monday through Boxall, it was EP that struck first when Charlie Oatway netted on the break after 25 minutes.

George Gaskin went close to extending the lead with a one-on-one chance, while Oatway had a header well saved. But it was not all EP as Matt Axell had to clear a Blues effort off the line and Matt Evans was forced into a couple of saves.

The home side were reduced to 10 men within 10 minutes of the second half when Tim Leach hauled down Gaskin after he had gone through on goal.

Gaskin missed a penalty, and then two more great opportunities, while Oatway and Joe Shelley also went close on numerous occasions.

Shelley finally found the net with a header on 57 minutes and Gaskin made the game safe with eight minutes left when he side-footed home.