Golds sunk by three second-half strikes

Golds had already knocked Mussels out of the FA Vase and John O’Hara Cup, so the County League Division 1 win was a measure of revenge for Shoreham.

Littlehampton were left to rue missed chances in the first half and a harsh dismissal during the second period as they crashed to the reverse at The Sportsfield, as Shoreham took advantage of a below-par performance from a Golds side, who started the day in third place.

The hosts started brightly and reserve Mussels keeper Sam Brock was called upon as early as the fourth minute to punch clear a dangerous cross from Ben Gray, under pressure from on-rushing Gold shirts.

It was George Gaskin who almost opened the scoring after 17 minutes as his shot deflected on to the post with Brock struggling, but Brock kept the scoresheet blank as he superbly tipped Liam Humphreys’ shot at full stretch around the upright on 20 minutes.

Golds were guilty of wasting more chances as Gaskin, Sam Blundell and Alex Kew failed to hit the target when well placed. Shoreham showed their intent, however, with some good build-up play without really testing Jon Hendrick in the home goal towards the end of the half.

The visitors began the second period by far the brighter of the two teams and just five minutes in, Ian Cooper managed to chip Hendrick only to find Mitchell Hand at full stretch to clear off the line.

The breakthrough came in the 59th minute as a result of a reckless challenge from Gary Peters on the edge of the area, with the resulting free kick from Cooper not being held by Hendrick and Jamie McKenzie was first to the ball to score.

Littlehampton’s hopes of rescuing something from the game were dealt a severe blow in the 66th minute as Ross McKay was unfortunate to be shown a second yellow card for attempting a header at a loose ball.

Mussels doubled their lead with six minutes remaining as John Buggy got the wrong side of the depleted home defence and chipped the ball over Hendrick.

The visitors added salt to the hosts’ wounds with a third goal in the second minute of stoppage time with McKenzie prodding home a Cooper cross from close range.

Golds dropped a place to fourth with the defeat as Crowborough moved up to third with a 1-0 win at home to Horsham YMCA.

Golds assistant manager Richie Hellen said: “The sending off didn’t affect the result but what’s so frustrating is that we will lose Ross for three games now.

“You have to credit Shoreham, though, as they probably deserved the win.”