Mitch Hand feels Littlehampton Town deserved the FA Cup win over Eastbourne United that gave the Golds a winning start to 2026-27.

A second half goal by Lateef Oladokun earned Hand and George Gaskin’s team victory in last Sunday’s extra preliminary round tie at home to division-lower United. The Golds will visit Cobham in the preliminary round on Saturday week – but not before playing their opening two Isthmian South Central games.

Hand said: “It was a good win and I felt it was deserved. We knew we would have to be patient We knew they would tire later in the game.

"In the first hlf they had the lion’s share of the possession but we knew if we could keep them at bay they would deteriorate during the game.

Littlehampton in action v Eastbourne United in the FA Cup | Picture: Lee Nolan

placeholder image — Littlehampton in action v Eastbourne United in the FA Cup | Picture: Lee Nolan

"We got stronger as the game went on. Second half we could have scored two or three but a clean sheet and a win to start the season is really good. There was a good-sized crowd there too.”

Now Littlehampton begin their fifth season at step four, and second in the Isthmian SC, with two clashes with fancied teams.

"We’ve got such a tough start to the season,” he said.

"We’ve got Southall – who I think are one of the best teams in the league – away on Saturday and then Westfield, who lost in the play-off final last year, on Tuesday night. And then it’s Cobham in the next round of the FA Cup the following Saturday so it’s tough game after tough game.

"We’re looking forward to it all. I’m pleased pre-season is over and it’s the real deal now, when it really matters. So a good start to the season but tougher games to come.”