LINGFIELD MAKE EARLY EXIT FROM LEAGUE CUP AGAINST TEN MEN

Manager Dixie Dean, who included his son David Dean, saw his much changed side exit the competition tamely in spite of midfielder Pitterson’s spirited showing in rainswept conditions.

A strong home side, who defied their numerical odds eventually, had taken a 12th minute lead through Sean Bradley’s clinical finish past Lingers’ second-string goalkeeper Dan Burnett.

Lingers levelled after 23 minutes when captain Daryl Coleman converted a penalty, awarded by referee Tim Hatt, who was later to go off injured. This spot-kick followed defender Shaun Smart’s foul apparently on the livewire Pitterson in the box.

The hosts had been rocked after half an hour when Smart was sent off for diving, having been cautioned already for a 10th minute foul.

Yet Wanderers went 2-1 ahead after 38 minutes when Mark Bevan crossed from the left for lively Bradley to fire home again from 16 yards before enjoying another extravagant goal celebration.

Their lead became 3-1 after 65 minutes when James Duff beat Burnett. Pitterson cut the arrears on 70 minutes, volleying home first time at the far post following Dan Frith’s cross from the left.

Pitterson’s brace followed as he levelled seven minutes later, rifling home a 30 yard free-kick inside the near post, giving keeper Gavin Dilley no chance, setting up the prospect of extra-time.

Yet Lingers’ Sussex County League Division One rivals restored their advantage crucially after 89 minutes, substitute Marcus Jones snatching success by firing home past Burnett following Duff’s through ball, breaking depleted Lingers’ hearts despite four additional minutes.