Little task is too large for Midhurst

Having lifted themselves up to fourth from the bottom, Midhurst knew it would be tough at Littlehampton.

Midhurst had to shuffle their pack but were glad to welcome back striker Michael Asare, their leading scorer.

The opening 15 minutes saw both teams put in plenty of effort and a corner by Ollie Pearce was headed just over by Harry Menha.

Nathan Castleton for Midhurst and Jason Jarvis of Littlehampton were shown yellow cards in one incident.

Menha and Pearce got into good positions but were unable to break the deadlock.

With 27 minutes gone, Jason Jarvis opened the scoring when he received a pass from Mark Burgess and put the ball well clear of Scott Lillywhite in the Midhurst net.

Within three minutes Midhurst were level as Castleton broke down the right and crossed for Menha to pass to Asare, who converted.

Two minutes later Danny Hand restored the home side’s lead.

Asare was forced off with a knee injury. Luke Sheldrick took his place.

On 65 minutes Mark Burgess sent in a fierce shot which just cleared the bar.

Midhurst sent on Idris Nizir but the hosts held on.

With five games left Midhurst need to collect at least six points if they are to survive. This week they visit Hailsham.

MIDHURST: Lillywhite, Castleton, Dummer, Angell, Crawford, Day, Pearce, Rowland, Menha, Newton, Asare, Sheldrick, Idris.

TED DUMMER