Midhurst score four – but are on losing side

The Stags started the game with no real tempo and despite Luke Sheldrick hitting the bar, they found themselves two goals down on the half-hour.

Gary Norgate’s boys pushed hard to get themselves back into the game and their break came when a deep ball from Loz Hyde was caught by the keeper, who then collided with his own player and carried the ball into his own net. Mike Oak made it 1-3 on the stroke of half time.

A tough talking-to at half time from coach Richi Towers seemed to give the Stags a lift in the second half and Luke Sheldrick pulled the deficit back to 3-2 with a well-struck close range finish almost from the kick-off. Mile Oak extended their lead when a Midhurst defender was adjudged to have handled in the area and the visitors converted the penalty.

With Midhurst piling on the pressure in the final fifteen minutes a penalty was awarded to the Stags and Hyde made no mistake from the spot.

Midhurst drew level with only three minutes remaining in normal time. A great move down the right was finished off at the back post with a Jimmy Turner volley.

Although the Stags had some good efforts in extra time it was Mile Oak that finished stronger with a goal in each of the extra-time halves.

This Saturday, Midhurst host Steyning at Rotherfield.