Storrington held to goalless draw by Midhurst

The Swans have had a fine start to the campaign under new manager Peter Matthews and are third in Division 1 of the Southern Combination League, but in a rather uneventful first half neither side created any chances of note with both defences holding firm.

The second half began with the home side upping the pace and movement but were frustrated by a well organised Midhurst rear-guard. Storrington came close on several occasions without creating any clear openings and it was the visitors who might have taken an unlikely lead ,but Gary Elliott pulled off a fine save to deny the Midhurst forward who found himself clear on goal.

The hosts should have sealed the three points minutes from the end when substitute Marcus Robertshaw found himself free in the penalty area after a fine pass from Luke Jearum only for his close-range shot to agonisingly strike the inside of the post before a defender hacked clear.

Matthews said: “All credit to Midhurst they were very well organised and made sure we were unable to find any rhythm in our play.

“We were disappointed not to take all three points but on a positive note we kept a clean sheet and our effort could not be faulted.”

Storrington: G.Elliott, Fraser, Bester, Bardouleau, Jarvie, S.Elliott, Rhodie, Taylor (Gibbons 70), Jearum, Warner, Stakim (Robertshaw 75). Unused: Boxall.