Pagham power to Peacehaven victory

Pagham roared to a 2-1 victory over Sussex League division one table toppers Peacehaven - and into third place themselves - with a goal either side of half-time proving just enough to beat the visitors.

With a few changes to the squad from Monday’s draw against Selsey, John Price’s Lions started on the back foot.

Peacehaven took the game to their hosts, with James Binfield being kept busy as the visitors tried their luck but without scoring.

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Ash Rees and Carl Dunk were left rueing their luck as they failed to hit the target.

The opening goal came on 37 minutes, Howard Neighbour scoring yet again, this time with a low shot which easily beat Joe Adams in the ’Haven goal.

The away side hit back through Dunk, whose shot was just wide of the upright. Rob O’Toole’s run ended with a cross that went just behind Tom Burton to keep the Lions 1-0 up at the break.

The second half again saw Peacehaven seeking dominance, Wes Tate forcing a great save from James Binfield.

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A shot over from a corner threatend for the visitors before Scott Murfin struck the Lions’ second. A superb through-ball was pounced upon, Murfin taking it in his stride and smashing a shot beyond a despairing Adams.

Four minutes later, the game could have turned as O’Toole struck home for the visitors with a fine goal from Ash Rees’ cross. Pagham thought they’d been robbed of a penalty a few minutes later as what looked like a definite handball in the area was ignored by the officials.

Joe Briggs could have made it three with a fine run and shot which went just wide. Back came Peacehaven and Rees was unlucky to see his chance hacked away by Booker.

Neighbour shot wide for the Lions, while Kevin Keehan missed the target at the other end.

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Five minutes were left when Neil Murfin went down heavily and he had to go off.

On came Ben Buckland to replace him, signalling a shuffle round in the Lions ranks.

The only booking of the game came deep into time added on, Murray penalised for dissent.

Two corners for Peacehaven ended a game which the Lions deserved, in the end, to win.

PAGHAM: Binfield, Hawker, Cox, Pearce, Booker, Bradshaw, Briggs, N Murfin (Buckland 85), Neighbour, S Murfin, Williams. Subs: Geoghegan, Turney, Hallett.

JON ROSE