Patched-up Wickers pick up a point

Ross Myers’ superb free kick 20 minutes from time was cancelled out by Mthoko Moko’s effort ten minutes later as Wickers sealed a 1-1 Southern Combination League Division 1 draw at Storrington.

Southwick were without nine first-team regulars for the clash, with manager Kilgarriff forced to go in goal with Brad Stevens unavailable.

With all things considered, Kilgarriff was impressed with the steel and determination shown by Wickers.

He said: “We dominated for large periods and could have easily won this game. With nine players missing and myself in goal, a point is a good return but on another we could well have won it.

“I had very little to do in goal, the defence was superb and protected me really well.

“It’s a second week running we’ve conceded in the final ten minutes, we must learn to cut lapses in concentration out but this was a pleasing performance. Storrington had some kind words for us after as well, which was nice.”

Wickers produced a dominant display in the opening 45 minutes but failed to break the deadlock.

Myers was denied on a couple of occasions, while Ross Petts failed to make the most of a clear opening.

Dean Smith thought he had fired Wickers ahead five minutes after the restart only to see his effort ruled out for a foul in the build-up.

There was more frustration ten minutes later as Myers saw a strike disallowed following a foul prior to his finish.

Wickers finally went ahead with 20 minutes to go. Myers curled a superb free kick over the wall and into the net.

With Wickers on course for a first win since October, Moko was on hand to fire home ten minutes from time and earn Storrington a draw.

Southwick host league leaders Saltdean United on Saturday, with Kilgarriff seeing the game as a free-hit.

He added: “We’ve played well against the top teams this season and hopefully we can do the same on Saturday.

“They’ve got a great deal of quality and we’ll have to play well to get anything but I know what this team is capable of.

“We’ve got a few coming back in from injury and, after re-joining last week, Thomas Donnelly is back and available.”

SOUTHWICK: Kilgarriff; Josh Bidwell, Dunk, McLennan, Tucker; Piner, Smith, Myers; Satchell, Petts, Groom.Subs: Joe Bidwell (Groom), Locke (Petts), Gardener-Lowe.

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