Golds progress with extra-time victory

LITTLEHAMPTON Football Club’s fifth successive win saw them progress past Guildford City in the first round of the FA Vase on Saturday.
Dan Simmonds netted in Golds victory over Guidlford City on Saturday.Dan Simmonds netted in Golds victory over Guidlford City on Saturday.
Dan Simmonds netted in Golds victory over Guidlford City on Saturday.

Golds led twice in normal time but Guildford twice equalised, before extra-time goals from Liam Humphreys and George Landais ensured Littlehampton a place in the second round, where they will travel to Hellenic League Premier Division side Abingdon United.

Littlehampton boss Mark Bennett felt his side made hard work of the tie but was pleased to reach the next round and said: “The result is all that matters in any cup tie and we managed to get the win, so I am pleased.

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“We had the lead twice in normal time but were pegged back on both occasions and forced into extra-time.

“It was a long way from the best that we can perform but we scored four goals and won, so I can have no complaints whatsoever.

“I never thought that we would not win the game but you never know what can happen in the added 30 minutes. The victory also generates some money for the club, which is always well received and will help out.”

Dan Simmonds gave the home side the lead on 18 minutes with a cool finish after rounding Antony Hall in the Guildford goal.

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Guildford were not behind for long, though, as ten minutes later Stefan Joseph fired into the top corner.

Golds went back ahead in bizarre fashion when the referee awarded a penalty for an off-the-ball incident following a free-kick. Simmonds stepped up to score his second of the game from the penalty spot.

Guildford levelled three minutes into injury-time when Anthony Baker beat three players and crashed a shot home to send the tie to extra-time.

Littlehampton were the dominant side in added time, though, and Humphreys netted on 105 minutes to make it 3-2.

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Landais then scored late on as Golds sealed the £900 prize money.

LITTLEHAMPTON: Morris; Wiggans, Bates, McKay, Packer; Kew, Humphreys, Thompson, M.Hendrick; Simmonds, Landais. Subs: Herbert (Kew), Swain (Thompson), Garnham (M.Hendrick), Bell, Fannan.

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