Green delighted as Haywards Heath Town complete Lions double
Haywards Heath Town strengthened their push for the SCFL Premier Division title with a hard-fought 2-1 victory at home to Pagham.
The victory came just 25 days after the Blues won by the same scoreline in the reverse fixture – and it was a third straight win after a run of three defeats in four that had threatened to derail their title and promotion bid.
Boss Kev Green said: “It was a good win and a good performance against a difficult opponent. We’ve taken six points off them in a month, something the teams around us haven’t been able to do – which in itself shows what a good, well organised team they are.
“Our focus is now solely on AFC Varndeanians who visit us on Saturday for what will be a difficult fixture. They’re a better side than their league position reflects.”
With the SCFL Premier Division title race heading towards a dramatic conclusion, every point is vital.
Neither Heath nor Steyning – three points ahead in top spot having played a game more – can afford slip-ups, and the rivals’ Easter Monday clash at Hanbury Park looks a potentially decisive encounter in the battle for top spot.
Before then Heath host Varndeanians then visit Little Common on Easter Saturday.
Against Pagham, Heath began on the front foot and thought they had taken a dream lead inside two minutes. Bruno Tavares raced onto a loose ball and beat the Pagham goalkeeper to finish, only for celebrations to be cut short as the referee controversially ruled the goal out for a foul following a collision between the two players.
Undeterred, the hosts maintained their early intensity, dominating possession and creating a string of chances throughout the opening 25 minutes. Pagham’s goalkeeper was called into action several times to keep his side level.
However, as the first half wore on, the visitors gradually settled into the contest and began to pose more of a threat, ensuring the teams went into the break goalless.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 64th minute, and it was a familiar name on the scoresheet. Mark Goldson continued his remarkable run of form, rising highest to meet a delivery and power a header into the top corner.
Goldson struck again in the 81st minute to double Heath’s advantage, this time diving to connect with an excellent cross from Ryan Warwick. The goal marked an incredible eighth in just three games for the in-form forward.
Pagham responded almost immediately, pulling a goal back in the 83rd minute to set up a tense finale. Despite late pressure from the visitors, Heath held firm to secure a deserved and crucial three points.