Hailsham inflict Littlehampton with first defeat in 10 months

Having welcomed several new players, Littlehampton are still experimenting in the run-up to the league season, which starts on October 2, and were caught out twice by Hailsham in the first 20 minutes to find themselves 2-0 down.

There then followed Littlehampton’s best spell. They forged four good chances with some incisive passing movements, although none were converted. Early in the second half, a Littlehampton move which started on their own goal line led to a short corner, which was duly converted by captain Jon Miles.

Pushing forward for the equaliser, Littlehampton were caught out on the break and Hailsham forced home a scrappy third goal. A fourth goal followed before new player Russell Shrives hammered home another corner with 10 minutes to go, but Littlehampton were unable to convert possession into goals as Hailsham ran out deserved winners.

Littlehampton’s second team registered a 5-2 home win against Middleton & Bognor 3rd with goals from Terry Isaac, Andy Skinner, Shrives, debutant Dave Boulger and Simon Judd.

Youngster Will Miles had a solid game in goal for Littlehampton, as did another newcomer, Jason Bolton, who has signed from Crawley.

Club chairman and team skipper Damien Jenkins was pleased that the new team should register a win in only their second game and is optimistic for the chances in the league.

On Saturday, Littlehampton take on Worthing 4th at The Littlehampton Academy (2pm), and the second team are at Chichester Cardinals.