Lions shore things up to shackle Shoreham

After ending with nine men at Ringmer, the Lions fielded a much-changed side. In came Keith Martin from the reserves, and prolific striker Ashley Harper made the bench after his move from Barnham.

Max Thoms had a shot at goal within five minutes but James Shaw in Shoreham’s goal was at his best to keep the ball out.

Joe Booker should have scored on eight minutes, an offside flag robbing him of his first of the season.

A sublime move involving James Temple and Thoms could have forced an opening goal for Pagham.

Mark Pulling went close for the visitors as the Musselmen came out of their shells.

James Binfield pulled off some great saves in the Lions goal.

Howard Neighbour went close for Pagham, latching on to a Callum Cutler through-ball.

A superb opening goal came when Temple raced down the left, deftly striking the ball beyond Shaw.

For Shoreham, substitute Chris Pulling dragged a shot wide just before the break.

A minute after the restart, Shoreham’s Tommy Yeates had a shot scrambled away.

The second came from the penalty spot – Neighbour striking home for his ninth of the season in all competitions. Thoms and Luke Kilner had chances to increase the lead, with Shaw pulling off an unlikely stop with his feet on the hour to deny Thoms.

Harper took his bow for the Lions with 15 minutes to go and almost marked his debut with a goal as he raced into the area and shot at Shaw.

A frantic last few minutes saw Temple and Cutler have shots go awry.

PAGHAM; Binfield, Kilner, Cox, Pearce, Hawker, JBooker, Cutler, Martin (Williams 84), Temple, Neighbour, Thoms (Harper 75). Subs: Dolo, Smallpiece.

JON ROSE