Golds frustrated as games are called off

Golds’ home game with Hailsham on Saturday was called off owing to a waterlogged pitch, as was their top-of-the-table clash at Eastbourne Town on Tuesday.

Littlehampton have played just once this year, with four league games called off in that time. They have seen Pagham play three times during that time, collecting seven points. Pagham lead the table by four points from second-placed Dorking Wanderers, with Golds in third place, ten points behind the leaders but with five games in hand.

Littlehampton boss Mark Bennett admits it has been a frustrating start to the year and said: “It’s obviously really frustrating when matches get called off.

“We just want to get out and play as many games as possible but that is not the case at the moment. I did have a couple of players missing for the game at Eastbourne Town and they will, hopefully, be available for the rearranged fixture.

“It would have been a really tough test for us as they are currently fourth in the table and many people’s bet to go and win the title.

“You always enjoy facing the top teams and I believe we will give them a really good match when the fixture is eventually played.”

Golds are set to travel to Eastbourne United in the league on Saturday and Bennett said: “If the game goes ahead, it will be just our second of the new year.

“Eastbourne United are a very good side and we know we will face a tough test. I’m hopeful we can pick up some sort of result, though.”

Littlehampton then travel to East Preston on Tuesday, for the rearranged game after the match was abandoned owing to a hole in the pitch when a manhole cover shattered on December 27.

Bennett said: “Last time we travelled to EP the game was called off in bizarre circumstances, I’m hoping that does not happen this time around.

“It is a local derby but I have said to the players that every game is as important as the other for the remainder of the year.

“We will treat this fixture the same as we would any other game.”