Selsey slip to defeat as manager hunt continues

They are closing in on appointing a successor to Adam Hinshelwood, who resigned a fortnight ago after a second year-long spell at High Street Ground.

Speaking at Saturday’s unlucky 2-1 home league defeat to Shoreham, chairman David Lee said he did not expect the process to take too long as they considered half a dozen applications.

“We have no news as of yet but we are hoping to have something sorted for next week,” he said. The Blues host Dorking this weekend.

Selsey slumped to an unfortunate home defeat after heroics from Shoreham’s goalkeeper Sam Brock.

The reserve keeper was brought into the side because the first-choice stopper was injured but pulled off a string of classy saves to keep Selsey at bay.

The Blues were in control throughout and created an abundance of chances with an impressive 25 shots at goal, 16 of which were on target.

Interim manager Steve Bailey was in charge for the second week running and was quick to praise the Shoreham keeper, saying: “Their keeper was outstanding. One save from that top-corner shot was world-class and in the last minute when he tipped the ball on to the bar, I couldn’t believe it.

“We had a girl doing the stats for us and she recorded 25 shots with 16 on target and the only goal we scored was a penalty - I think we were unlucky.

“We could have been sharper in front of goal, but I was pleased with our all-round performance and particularly our build-up play.”

On Saturday, Shoreham were quickest out of the blocks when poor tackling saw the ball fall to Jamie Mackenzie, who fired past the onrushing Sam Joyce with just threeminutes gone.

Moments later Selsey had a strong appeal for a penalty when James Parsons was clumsily bowled over.

Shorham always looked dangerous on the break and an audacious chip from Ian Cooper was close to doubling their lead only for it to go narrowly wide.

Ryan Morey’s bursting run earned a penalty and top scorer Rob Wimble to smash the ball past the Shorham keeper and level the score.

Minutes later, an innocuous free-kick found its way to Ross Myres on the edge of the area and the winger’s half-volley curled inside the far post.

After the restart, Wimble almost doubled his tally when he skilfully beat two defenders and rifled a shot at goal, forcing Brock to parry the ball away.

The Shorham keeper continued to deny Selsey but his best save came when Matt Wood fired a shot towards the top corner only to be denied by Brock’s fingertips.

Selsey had a chance to steal a point at the death when Wood’s cross produced a thumping header from Wimble but the effort was emphatically tipped on to the bar by Brock.

Attention now turns towards the appointment of a new manager and this weekend’s home game against Dorking.

JAMES ROBINSON