Pagham edge out Arundel in a seven-goal thriller

Mullets led twice, but missed good chances at key times in the 4-3 defeat, leaving Torode to admit the cost of key moments changing games.

Grant Thetford’s through ball put Lewis Jenkins away to give Arundel the lead on 10 minutes.

Jenkins then missed a one-on-one chance, before Joe Briggs levelled on 25 minutes.

James Wotherspoon restored Arundel’s lead three minutes into the second half from another Thetford pass, while Mullets then hit the post after good work from debutant Bradley Lewis, who is dual-signed with Lewes.

Scott Murfin equalised shortly afterwards, before Max Thoms netted a 10-minute brace – the first a 30-yard screamer – to put Pagham 4-2 up.

Mike Huckett pulled one back on 90 minutes with a lovely chip after a fine passing move, but it came too late.

Torode praised his side’s youngsters and willingness to play football, although highlighted the amount they are conceding as a concern.

He said: “I thought we gave as good as we got but we were on the other end of it this week (after beating Worthing United 4-3 in their last game).

“For 25 minutes, the lads played some real good stuff, passed it well in difficult conditions and I’ll never knock us for trying to play football.

“We had a couple of chances as Lew (Jenkins) went through one-on-one, and it’s that little bit of luck in places like that that wins games – we had that at Worthing United, when they hit the bar.

“Sides I’ve had in the past have kept cleans sheets and it’s getting to me a bit now. We’re really good going forward but need to sort it out at the back.”

On their trip to Lancing on Saturday, Torode added: “I am looking forward to it. I am excited about our youngsters, there is a real good crop and the more they play, they will get better and better.”