Loxwood 'probably deserved something out of the game' in defeat to Lancing

Lewis Westlake captained Loxwood for the first time in their 2-0 home defeat against Lancing in the Premier Division on Saturday. Picture by Steve Robards.

The Magpies fielded four new faces after the signings of defender Matt Boiling, and midfielders Mark Goldson, Ash Mutongerwa, and Sam Karl during the week but they couldn’t prevent the Lancers going ahead through John Lansdale.

Walsh’s first home game in charge went from bad to worse as debutant Boiling put the ball in his own goal. Loxwood rallied in the second half but couldn’t find a consolation goal.

Walsh said: “I think in the first half we started really well and we were positive and vibrant. After that we gave away a penalty which was disappointing.

New Loxwood assistant manager Nathan Bowen. Picture by Steve Robards.

“We saved it but they scored the rebound to go 1-0 down. Lancing took the second goal which was disappointing as it was an own goal.

“In the second half we could have crumbled but we showed great character and determination to get back into the game. I think it was a dominant second half and we probably deserved something out of the game based on the second half but it didn’t quite fall for us on the day.”

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The visitors doubled the lead ten minutes later as Dan Turner volleyed across goal and Boiling couldn’t avoid deflecting the ball into his own net.

Action from Loxwood's 2-0 Premier Division home defeat against Lancing on Saturday. Picture by Steve Robards.

The Magpies were much improved in the second half and had two free-kicks kept out by Lancers ‘keeper James Shaw but they couldn’t force a goal as the full time whistle went.

Loxwood travel to fifth-placed Saltdean United on Saturday.

Walsh added: “We’ve got training Tuesday and Thursday and we’ve got a tough game against Saltdean on Saturday so we need to make sure we’re much more clinical with our chances against a good side like them.”

Loxwood: Matthews, Courtney, Batchelor, Mutongerwa, Boiling, Williams, Frankland, Westlake, Bennett, Goldson, Karl. Subs: French, Swaine, Smith.