Midhurst brought back to earth by slick Southwick

Manager Trevor Waller was short of several of his best players as Ian Saunders and Neil Reilly were away on Army duty and he had to make five changes.

With in-form striker Michael Asare in the team, supporters were hopeful. But with 20 minutes gone he twisted his knee and took no further part in the game.

Liam Dreckman was clear in front of an open goal but overeagerness saw him put his attempt wide in what turned out to be Midhurst’s best spell.

John Stubbins netted from close range to put Southwick ahead and with five minutes to go until the break, Louis Finney found it easy to put his shot wide of Paul Williamson in the Midhurst goal.

A feature of the game was the number of yellow cards shown by the referee. Midhurst received five and Southwick even more - this despite Midhurst#s previous four games had not led to a single card for them.

Midhurst substitute Andrew Newton had a goal-bound shot only just saved by Southwick keeper Colin Fidler. Oliver Pearce went close midway through the second half.

On the hour Midhurst brought on David Walker for Liam Dreckman and soon after they brought on Gordon Geogh on place of Nic Castleton.

Midhurst were close to putting the ball in the Southwick goal but Sam Blundell floored them with Southwick’s third.

MIDHURST: Williamson, Castleton, Dummmer, Angell, Day, Trinder, Asare, Pearce, Menha, Rowland, Dreckman. Subs: Newton, Walker, Keogh.

Midhurst host Storrington this Saturday while the seconds visit Dorking.

TED DUMMER