Swans fell the leaders with two wins in three days

Storrington remain hot on the heels of Southern Combination League Division 1 leaders Oakwood after two wins in three days - including one over the top side themselves.
DM154443a.jpg. Football, Steyning v Storrington. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-150817-091318008DM154443a.jpg. Football, Steyning v Storrington. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-150817-091318008
DM154443a.jpg. Football, Steyning v Storrington. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-150817-091318008

Swans sit second in the league on goals difference and level on points with Oaks, the side they felled 5-1 on Saturday helped by Josh Gibbons’ hat-trick and goals from Josey Stakim and Luke Jearum.

Peter Matthews’ side then followed this up with a 4-1 win at home to Selsey on Tuesday to extend their unbeaten run to five matches much to the manager’s delight.

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He said: “Tuesday night’s result capped a fine few days for us. Our performance at Oakwood was superb and the scoreline did not flatter us.

“Our passing and movement was superb. It was important that we did not become complacent on Tuesday and approach the game in the correct manner.

“We have made an excellent start but it is early in the season and it is important that I am able to keep the squad together as we progress and those not in the starting line up are able to remain patient.

Against Oakwood, the visitors dominated the early part of the game but failed to take a number of chance until Josey Stakim was pulled down by the home keeper and Gibbons dispatched the penalty on 30 minutes.

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Eight minutes later he added a second after controlling a superb crossfield ball by Ross Fraser and dispatching a low drive in to the corner of the net.

After the break, a Swans defensive error allowed Darren Tidy to pull a goal back, but Gibbons soon completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot, before Luke Jearum and Stakim also notched after a series of fine passing moves.

Against Selsey, the home side started brightly and were rewarded with an early goal from the in-form Stakim who neatly controlled the ball and sent a long-range curling effort over the Selsey keeper.

Swans then netted three times in five second-half minutes after the break to kill the game off. Gary Peters finished a neat passing move, Matt Searle fired past the onrushing keeper and Jearum controlled superbly turned his marker and curled the ball in to the top corner of the net, while Selsey hit a consolation through Elliott Courtman.

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Storrington: (both games): Curtin, Fraser, Gibbons, Elliott, Bardoulou, Boxall, Searle, Rhodie, Peters, Jearum, Stakim. Subs (v Oakwood): Bester, Taylor, Setchell, Meeney. Subs (v Selsey): Warner, Bester, Taylor, Jarvie, Meeney.