There was a much-needed return to winning ways for Pagham under the lights at the Covers Arena as they battled the cold, wet conditions to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory over AFC Varndeanians.

Coming into the game on the back of a difficult run, including a late defeat away to Seaford on Saturday, Pagham knew a response was needed.

They started brightly, dominating possession and moving the ball superbly. Rocco Gamblin, Alfie Davidson and Toby Hewitt delivered dangerous crosses, while four consecutive corners caused real problems for the Vardinians goalkeeper, who produced a string of excellent saves.

Despite creating enough chances to win several games, Pagham went into the break at 0-0.

Pagham players celebrate with goalscorer Rocco Gamblin (left) after he put the Lions 2-0 up | Picture by Chris Hatton

placeholder image — Pagham players celebrate with goalscorer Rocco Gamblin (left) after he put the Lions 2-0 up | Picture by Chris Hatton

The second half continued in much the same fashion, and eventually the breakthrough came when a cross from the right found Lewis Rustell, whose header struck the post before finding the net.

Just five minutes later, Gamblin picked up a clearance on the edge of the box and unleashed an absolute rocket into the far corner to make it 2-0.

Pagham looked comfortable until Toby Pointing received his second yellow card around the 75-minute mark, leaving the hosts with ten men and shifting the momentum firmly in Vardeanians’ favour.

Pagham were forced to dig deep, with Owen Benfield pulling one back with a superb free kick into the top corner. However, the visitors struggled to find a way through a determined Pagham defence.