Penalty decision see Arundel squander lead against Peacehaven

The 87th-minute spot-kick, converted by Clive Snell, made the score 3-3 and was one of a remarkable three penalties awarded to the visitors, two of which Mullets assistant manager Simon Butler described as ‘debatable’.

He said: “We played really well, and I was pleased with the performance, but I felt that two of the three penalties should never have been given.

“Their guy just tripped over on the third one, the referee didn’t give it but the linesman did.

“It’s two points dropped considering we were 3-1 up, and we feel a bit hard done by because it was a good performance.”

Ashley Rees put Peacehaven ahead on eight minutes, and they were then given the chance to double the lead in the 24th, but Ryan Bradley saw his spot-kick saved by Ben O’Connor.

Buoyed by the let-off, Mullets broke from the rebound and Josh Biggs headed them level.

Howard Neighbour had an effort saved before Arundel went ahead through Scott Tipper from a Lewis Hamilton cross a minute before the break.

Matt Axell extended their advantage with a free-kick on 55 minutes, but Haven were then given penalty number two for an alleged foul on Craig Bunch by Dave Walker. Substitute Clive Snell fired home from 12 yards to make it 3-2, and they drew level in disputed circumstances three minutes from time.

Bunch went down and Snell converted for a second time to complete the scoring as Mullets were forced to settle for a draw.

ARUNDEL: O’Connor; Sneller, D Walker, Gardner, Hall; Hamilton, Burton, J.Biggs, Axell; Tipper, Neighbour. Subs: R Biggs (Neighbour 84), A.Biggs, Griffiths.