EP’s winning run ended at Pagham

An 85th minute equaliser from Pagham’s Howard Neighbour cancelled out Jordan Clark’s opener after just nine minutes in 1-1 draw which was a typical clichéd game of two halves.

League new boys EP still sit top of the division and, prior to Tuesday, had won all seven of their games since their return to the top flight.

Manager Dominic Di Paola was satisfied with a point from his sides evening’s work, but despite their fine start to the campaign sees room for improvement.

He said: “It was a game of two halves really, we had the better of the first and they were much better in the second.

“A draw was a fair result for me although they may feel aggrieved not to have won as we were hanging on a little in the second half.

“It was a good away point and they’ll be right up there , they’re a good established County 1 side so I’m very pleased.

“We can improve as we’re not used to teams that will keep going at us all game. Last year teams folded at times after conceding but we’re playing experienced teams now and they don’t do that.”

Clark headed home a Matt Axell corner inside 10 minutes to put the visitors ahead in a move straight off the training ground.

Dan Simmonds then went close to extending EP’s lead on two occasions, but failed to convert as they controlled the majority of the play.

Pagham had a couple of half chances themselves, once going close at the far post and another as Calum Cutler tried his luck from range with a quick free kick on 37 minutes, although Anthony Ender got back to save.

Ender was called upon a few times after the break as Pagham were the stronger side and there were also a number of crucial blocks from EP’s back four.

The pressure told, however, and on 85 minutes Pagham netted a deserved equaliser.

A ball into the area was pounced upon by Neighbour at the far post for a tap-in.

EP: Ender; Duncan, O’Hagan, Pullan, Hartley; Clark, Shelley, Barnard, Axell; Grantham, Simmonds. Subs: Davies (Grantham 60), Charles (Axell 65), Edwards (Simmonds 85), Boddy, Zydonik.