In-form Arundel peg back leaders

Having lost just two of their last nine games, against some top sides as well, the Mullets boss praised his players’ performance and believes they should have been celebrating three points over the County League Division 1 title favourites.

Scott Tipper crashed home his 40th goal of the season, his 33rd in the league, just before half-time. But in a closely-fought game the likely champions, who need a maximum of five points from their final eight games to seal the title, netted an equaliser after a rare error from goalkeeper Ben O’Connor.

Butler said: “We really should have won it. And had a great chance through Dave Walker to do so on 86 minutes, while their goal was one of the softest you’ll see.

“Going into it, I would have taken a point, but having watched it, I was disappointed not to take all three.

“We played really, really well and I was very chuffed for all the lads.

“I said to them before the game we had under-achieved this year, and this result shows what we can do and what we are capable of.

“Full credit to the players. Since I have come in there has been no arguing and we all get on very well. The character and the whole team spirit has lifted both on and off the pitch.”

Crawley Down went close on 13 minutes, before Mullets’ Matt Axell drove just over 12 minutes later.

Mullets went ahead on 43 minutes as Lewis Hamilton carved out a wonderful opportunity for Tipper.He jinked in from the right, beat three players and crossed for Tipper to head home at the far post.

After the break, a fired-up Down netted an equaliser on 63 minutes from Ben Swetman’s 20-yard effort. A rare fumble from O’Connor saw the ball slip through his arms and legs into the back of the net.

Arundel’s Walker went closest to taking all three points with just four minutes left but Down keeper Michael Hunter tipped his effort round the post.

Butler added: “It was a really uncharacteristic error from Ben and he was beating himself up about it after the game, which I don’t like as he has been excellent for us all season.”

Arundel are still awaiting news of their abandoned game with East Grinstead, while Butler is personally awaiting the decision of his sending-off in the game.

The Mullets boss has insisted he will quit if his ban or a fine is upheld after he was sent off trying to calm things down during the melee which led to chairman Bob Marchant being knocked unconscious.

He said: “I am just waiting on the FA, really, the chairman has said he doesn’t want me to go. But for me it’s a pride thing. I want justice and the league to see sense. Not punish me for going on the field to try to calm things. Ideally, I’d love to be here next season but it is out of my hands.”

ARUNDEL: O’Connor; Hall, D.Walker, Grove, R.Biggs; Hardwell, Axell, J.Biggs, Neighbour, Hamilton; Tipper. Subs: Sneller, A.Biggs, L.Walker, Griffiths.