The Lingers progress through the Peter Bentley Cup

Shoreham Away, on a late Tuesday evening after a 3 car collision clogged up the M23 for half the squad travelling south resulting in a delayed kick off, and a brief and disrupted warm up.

Pickett went up top with Connolly after Connaris decided he deserved a holiday after his recent performance. No Heaton, so Bakhit stepping forward into holding midfield, whilst a first start for Club Skipper Graves after his 3 and half month honeymoon. Alongside Fuller who was reintroduced. James back in with another opportunity on the right-hand side. Carney, Wilford, and Hodge made up the bench.

Started well, both sides looking to seize the initial exchanges but not much giving. They tried to press high and prevent playing out, and did at times. But when we got through, we had chances to get in! The first 45 did play out a stalemate 0-0, but we certainly looked the more likely with Stead and James offering themselves high on both flanks and freedom to roam. I had a chance on the turn from Stead but didn’t get shot away; James was clipped in the box and was probably too honest staying on his feet; Pickett and Connolly both looked as though they were causing problems. Felt as though the game was there for the taking at halftime, and took the ascendancy into the 2nd half. Well worked from Connolly to Stead in behind for me to slide past the keeper for 0-1. It was quickly 2, as we didn’t take our foot off the pedal, a Stead delivery from a Corner was contested, then a small scramble to which Pickett sorted his feet and got over the line via a few deflections. 0-2. From here, Shoreham’s heads seem to drop, a few changes, but nothing happening for them. Looked as though we could’ve gone on to get a few more... but a bit of confusion from Bakhit at the back saw a scuffed back-pass too short for Moore and resulted in bringing down the oncoming centre-forward in the penalty area; given, and a straight red. Put away well, 1-2. Shoreham clearly had the incentive to go on, but to shear will and determination, with well-worked game management, they couldn’t muster any real goal scoring opportunities. And was seen out easily in the end, 1-2 FT. We like to make it easy for ourselves.

The Peter Bentley being our only league cup competition this season, and after having looked at the draw, can’t help that feel we’re on the nicer side. Especially after seeing the likes of Chichester, Pagham and Newhaven progress with us. We have Hassocks in the 3rd Rnd away after their 3-2 win over Bexhill. The winner of this will take on Arundel or Horsham YMCA.

4 wins and a draw from our last 5, not a bad stretch by any means, and things looking on the up, as players should start to return from holidays across this week and have a more available squad.
No game for us this Saturday after our league fixture was moved to the following Wednesday, to be hosted at East Grinstead FC due to ground issues as of current. But we thank everyone who travelled to support! And hope to see you next Wednesday in full voice.

Mom TJ Stead

Up The Lingers

By Sammy Clements