It dozen get much tougher for Midhurst as East Preston hit 12

And despite losing 12-0, Midhurst actually emerged with the hosts giving them praise for not throwing in the towel.

EP were 8-0 ahead at half-time and have now scored 26 goals in three league games.

Lee Garnham blasted four goals, George Gaskin netted his second successive hat-trick, Joe Shelley and Barney Boutwood both scored two and Charlie Oatway one.

It was a bad night for former East Preston boss Trevor Waller, whose Midhurst side were 3-0 down after just 20 minutes.

EP manager Dominic Di Paola said: “I like Trevor, their manager, but it was a good opportunity to win comfortably and comprehensively and score some goals, so I didn’t really feel sorry for them at all.”

It was Midhurst’s second loss in four days, although at home to Hailsham on Saturday they ought to have got something.

Within ten minutes Hailsham were in front as Ryan Fletcher found an opening for an easy tap in.

Twenty-five minutes had elapsed when James Glue was subjected to a hard tackle which required treatment. Jordan Renshaw took his place.

Five minutes after the restart, Sean Dummer was brought down inside the Hailsham area and the the referee gave a penalty. But Ian Saunders’ kick was parried away by keeper Russell Turner.

Hailsham were aggrieved at the penalty award and Paul Richardson was sent off for arguing.

Midhurst were reduced to ten men when Martin May was shown his second yellow.

Liam Dreckman and another Hailsham player were booked and the visitors ended up 2-0 winners.

MIDHURST: Williamson, Page, Glue, Farr, May, Saunders, Castleton, Lewis Hyde, Dummer, Rowland, Dreckman, Renshaw, Boston.

On Saturday Midhurst visit Little Common, while the seconds host Seaford.