Lingfield through to Quarter Final of Peter Bentley!

Currently 6 in a row for Lingfield, we test ourselves against a side from the league above. Words from management was that as much as it is a cup game, maintaining momentum a must! We lined up as followed;

Kick off, and both sides felt themselves into the game as they both stepped into an unknown. Lingfield certainly more prominent in possession and prepared to be patient with their play, and looked the most likely with Mwanza, Dembele, Hodge and Wilford causing problems down both flanks. A rather narrow set up from Broadbridge Heath (BBH) which meant real work for the 3 central midfielders, however up to the task. The only change to the side was the incoming Connor Leech for Corbin Turner in the base of midfield; who notably held his own, retained possession and won it back in key areas. Best chances of the first half came for Richard Wetton, as firstly hitting across the keeper to only find the post and away. And to also fall 1-on-1 with the keeper and be denied twice in succession! Lingfield did have to defend a few set pieces from BBH, however, stood comfortably strong. Finished up evens 0-0, some good football played, still in the balance.

2nd half beginning with a real belief amongst the Lingfield changing room of a result. And they began with the detention of the ball, biding their time for an opportune moment. With the game in the balance, it shifted as BBH's Captain No.6 went in for a tackle on Horn that appeared to leave the ground; gave the ref not much choice, reduced to 10! BBH went narrower, trying to set up a unit that can hold out, and fair to their credit remained resolute and organised. Lingfield with increasing possession and pressure on BBH could only be prevented for so long, before a move from Graves to Clements onto Hodge who used his pace to cut in and square to Nick Dembele who's turn and shot was prolific! 1-0 Lingfield and now BBH had to come out and go for broke. With some pressure from BBH, Lingfield stood strong when called upon, and kept a big period of possession to see the game out as the Bears couldn't claw their way back into the game. Finished 1-0 Lingfield FT. Saltdean saw past Peacehaven, so it shall be a fixture of last year in an away trip to Saltdean. Should be very competitive.

7 in a row for the Lingers now in all comps; we attempt to make it 7 in a row in the league on Saturday as we host Selsey at the Lair; 3 pm Kick Off. Now 3 clean sheets in a row, 5 in the last 6, and two 1-0 wins back to back now showing a resilient character amongst the squad. Thank You to all supporters who showed up, it's appreciated from all players and management from both clubs! And we hope to see you again soon. Up the Lingers!

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MoM to Sammy Clements