Pagham go goal-crazy again... Hamilton gets Midhurst motoring

There was a big win for Pagham, a draw for Midhurst and a couple of defeats for Selsey in the latest round of Southern Combination premier games and associated cup competitions.
Pagham, in green, in action at East Preston / Picture by Derek MartinPagham, in green, in action at East Preston / Picture by Derek Martin
Pagham, in green, in action at East Preston / Picture by Derek Martin

The latest match reports follow...

East Preston 1 Pagham 8

Southern Combination premier

PAGHAM are fifth in the table after another goal frenzy sent East Preston packing.

The Lions have not been goal-shy since the campaign began but with manager Jon Tucker having tempted Scott Murfin back to the club, they’re now even more potent.

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That showed on Saturday as they blew away EP to take their league goal tally to an impressive 44 in 12 games.

There was little sign of the rout to come in the opening half-hour – it took until the 30-minute mark for top scorer Dan Simmonds to break the deadlock.

Rob Brown made it 2-0 within two minutes and Simmonds added the third on 39 minutes.

Another lull followed before the Lions struck five times in 20 minutes, with Brown again, Murfin (2), George Cody and Lloyd Rowlatt on target.

Mohamed Shuga’a netted for EP.

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It was Pagham’s eighth league win in 12 and keeps them just six points behind leaders Newhaven – who visit Nyetimber Lane this Saturday.

Tucker then takes his team to Worthing United next Tuesday.

Langney Wands 5 Selsey 0

Southern Combination division one

Steyning 5 Selsey 0

Sussex Senior Cup R1

It was another tough week for Selsey as they conceded ten in back-to-back away games.

Goals from Sammy Bunn, Shane Saunders, Simon Catt, Mark Warren and Shane Saunders condemned them to defeat at Langney.

At Steyning, the Blues’ county cup hopes were dashed by Lewis Levoi (2), Rob Clark (2) and Joe Assefi. Selsey host Southwick in the League Cup on Saturday.

Midhurst 1 Ringmer 1

Southern Combination division one

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Lewis Hamilton’s goal earned Midhurst a draw at Rotherfield – but the goalscorer had a chance late on to take all three points.

It was an even first half and Midhurst boss John Suter felt his side played some good football but lacked penetration in the final third.

But despite their positive first half, Rigmer took the lead three minutes after the interval through Dominic Cole.

This did not take the wind out of the hosts’ sails and they fought their way back before levelling on 77 minutes.

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It was a smart finish from Hamilton, who had a terrific opportunity in the final stages of the game but as he went to steady himself to shoot, he lost his footing.

Suter sees the draw as a fair result but is aware how close his side were to sealing the victory.

He said: “In the end it was a fair result I suppose – both sides created chances but neither side took them all.

“It was end to end and Lewis Hamilton had a great chance to win the game but he lost his footing, so we were close to taking all three points.”

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Suter continues to be concerned by the lack of goals his side have scored – they have netted only ten times in 14 games this season.

“We can’t expect to win many games if we are scoring the number of goals we have so far,” he said.

“Something we need to do is find a goalscorer, but they are not easy to find these days, as other clubs can just offer them a lot of money.”

MIDHURST: Jeal, Turner, Casselton, Chaplin, Broughton, Farquharson, Morris, Dmmer, L Hamilton, M Hamilton, Sheldrick (Wickens 70). Subs: Hill, Dowdell.

GEORGE BOULTON

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