Westies - out but not down

LITTLEHAMPTON TOWN 3WESTFIELD 0

WESTFIELD bowed out of the prestigious Sussex Senior Cup at the first hurdle but showed plenty of resilience in defeat at a strong Littlehampton side on Saturday.

Two first half goals meant that the visitors were always behind the eight ball but, as ever, they refused to wave the white flag and with a touch more fortune may have forced extra time.

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Manager Steve Johnson was naturally disappointed at their second cup exit of the season but drew heart from the character his players showed. He said: "It wasn't our day really. I think we deserved to be down at half time but I think we deserved to get back in it. We gave them a little bit too much respect early on. We sat a bit deep, gave them too much room and put ourselves under constant pressure. But in the second half our attitude was better and we seemed to squeeze up a little bit more. It was disappointing to go out but it was quite encouraging the way we fought back."

Missing the inspirational Duncan Jones through suspension and injured midfield linchpin Mark Ward, it was always going to be a big ask for the visitors to secure a meeting with Saltdean or Selsey. The away side started better and enjoyed a couple of reasonable early chances although the home side soon warmed to the task and began to dictate proceedings.

Clinton Moore and Ryan Gaylor spurned a couple of presentable openings but they didn't have to wait too long for the opener as new signing Derek Chester directed in an unopposed header from close range in the 24th minute.

Controversy reigned around the award of a penalty from which the second goal was scored seven minutes before the break. A Marigolds' forward hit the turf with Westfield stopper Peter Newstead in close attendance. The referee pointed to the spot and booked the keeper but Westfield were dismayed by the forward's delayed reaction to any minimal contact. Newstead got a touch to Gary Young's spot kick but couldn't keep it out.

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Westfield kept plugging away, Tony Harris fired two or three efforts at goal and Dominic Clarke rattled the crossbar with the keeper not even in the frame.

Littlehampton made the game safe as Westfield were caught out from a goalkeeper's clearance for the first time this season. The long punt was flicked on by a home striker for Mark Price to finish six minutes from time.