Thompson fires Clymping to late win

The visitors were subjected to an intense physical contest but they managed to leave with a vital win as they remained seventh in the table but are now four points ahead of fourth-from-bottom Billingshurst.

Clymping were quick out of the blocks and managed to edge ahead midway through the first-half as Joe Charman lifted the ball over the on-rushing Rottingdean keeper, after he had been put through by Jordan Farrell.

However, the lead did not last long and the home side equalised in fortuitous fashion as Jamie Evans inadvertently diverted the ball past Billy Nash when he was trying to bring down a long pass over the top of the Clymping defence.

The away side knew they were in for a battle but came out for the second half with renewed vigour as they let their football do the talking.

Charman went close to putting Clymping in front once more but the Rottingdean keeper was equal to his effort, before both Farrell and striker Ben Bishop also spurned decent opportunities.

Just as the match seemed to be heading for a draw, substitute Thompson tapped home a late winner to give his side all three points.

Clymping manager Mike Williamson said: “I’m proud of the players as they stood up to the intimidation.

“We totally deserved the three points and we’re totally satisfied with the result and the performance.”

Southwick moved off the bottom of the table for the first time since September on Saturday, with a 1-0 win over Hurstpierpoint, who dropped to the bottom.

Hurstpierpoint have 13 points, one fewer than Billinsghurst, Southwick and Rottingdean, with Clymping a further four points clear.

Clymping travel to Billingshurst on Saturday.