Lingfield edge 7 goal thriller against Steyning

A big moving day in the SCFL for Lingfield as only 1 of the current Top 3 got through the afternoon with any points; and as we were hosting Steyning Town, another promotion bidding side, the result was huge! After a couple absentees from last week's Ringmer game, it was the same this week with Captain David Graves and MoM Corbin Turner wasn't available; however, Scott 'Twig' Johnston and Sammy Clements returned to the side, as well as Connor Summerfield and Matt 'Buzz' Burroughs. 4th v 6th, Steyning were 1 point behind Lingfield before the game with 2 games in hand.

The game started as quick as it was throughout; Steyning retaining the ball slightly better, however, Lingfield were carving out the best chances. Another early start for Lingfield as Dan Summers moved into the box and stopped via a Steyning Town hand... Penalty which was converted easily by Richard Wetton to keep up his personal record of scoring in every league game this year. Steyning not a side to lay down though, and kept coming back, with Lingfield also starting to keep the ball better as the first half went on, Wetton had another big chance to make it 2, to only hit the outside of the post. It was 1-1 when a cross from the left went all the way through and fell to Steyning's No.8, and his fake shot to cut in and bypass 2 Lingfield defenders and hit home levelled things up. The next 10mins saw chances for Steyning, with the initiative in the game to go on, and after a couple half chances, they got in front from No.9's headed effort. Lingfield then started to go back at Steyning, retaining the ball and being patient with it, waiting for that chance. It did come bakeries halftime, when a well-worked move down the right saw Richard Wetton's low cross met and passed home by Dan Summers, 2-2. A very competitive first half ended all square and everything up for grabs.

45 mins to play, and a big 45 they were! Steyning came out strong and asserted some pressure, and from a soft free kick given down the left, a clip to the back post won by Steyning's No.8 to retake the lead, 3-2. Plenty to do now and it was roll up our sleeves up time. Lingfield responded quickly, but fortunately... a throw in high in the left-hand corner saw Steyning's Centre Half attempt to head away only to loop it over his own GK, 3-3. With that lifeline, Lingfield started to come forward more and create chances. And for the first time since the 10th minute, we took the lead, well worked by Dan Summers down the right to get behind the fullback, his low cross was met by substitute Ben Connolly to react quickest and smash home. Looked very lively when he came on! 4-3. The last 15 minutes became attack v defence as Steyning now had nothing to lose and threw the kitchen sink at it, but due to some resolute and brave defending from all the Lingfield players the game was seen out for what was one of the bigger results of the season so far. 4-3 FT. Credit where credit is due, Steyning a good side, and sure to be up there towards the end of the season.

We are back on the road next week, as we go to Bexhill to try and make it 5 in a row; and keep this run going! A big thank you to all supporters again, on both sides behalf.

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MoM: Steve Hodge

By Sammy Clements

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