96th minute strike denies The Lingers all three points

A 20-yard strike in the dying moments snatched the win from The Lingers after goals from Mark Barnard & debutant Rory Woolston had put them on course for a much needed win

A change in formation from 4-4-2 to 4-3-3 saw Mark & Rory come in for Nathan Hull & the injured skipper Charlie Dodd. The game started at a frantic pace with neither team being able to get a foot-hold on proceedings on what was a rain-soaked afternoon the The Lair. The first chance fell to the Lingers when David Heaton whipped in an in swinging free kick and Matt Burroughs flicked a header at goal, only to see the Selsey keeper tip it round the post. Minutes later, 'Buzz' thought he had gone 1 step further after Heaton played a neat one-two with Connor Leech before sliding it through to Buzz who finished well, only to be denied by the linesman.

Other efforts included a tame attempt from Rory after some good initial pressing whilst Barnard tested the keeper from 20 yards. At the other end, Tony Jenner only had some sweeping up to do but was untested going into the break.

HT Lingfield 0-0 Selsey

The half time team-talk was based around being patient and continuing to do the right things and that was exactly what the boys did. The breakthrough came when Sam Bell flicked onto Rory who reversed the ball to Barnard who was through on goal, Mark made no mistake smashing in off the inside of the post, 1-0 to the Lingers. This should have been the catalyst for Lingfield to get a foot-hold on the match but this was not so. Selsey responded well and soon after the opening goal, Selsey were level when Marc McEvilly was caught the wrong side and tangled legs with the Selsey attacker, the ref rightly pointed to the spot and it was 1-1.

The game was as frantic as the first half but the difference was that chances were being created on a more regular basis in the second period. The Lingers re-took the lead in the 60th minute with Belly going on one of his trademark runs before cutting back from the by-line for the onrushing Woolston to finish for a debut goal, 2-1 Lingfield.

Although the game was end-to-end it was the Lingers who were still creating the more clear cut chances. There were a host of opportunities to get the third and vital goal to put the game to bed. Barnard missed a one-on-one after being put through by Jake Horn, Bell had a shot blocked from 6 yards after some good work down the left from Heaton & Buzz and Barnard also snatched at a volley at the back post after a great cross from Buzz.

Selsey were chasing the game and both teams looked to freshen things up from the bench but the visitors failed to sustain any pressure in the final third. However, they were to strike gold in the 6th minute of stoppage time when a cheap set-piece was given away. The initial corner was dealt with but the Lingers were unable to do anything about the second as a clearance to the edge of the box was struck into the top corner to send the visitors into rapture. Tony got a hand to it, so may be disappointed, but the damage had been done and it was 2 points dropped for the Lingers.

A disappointing way to finish any game but it just the way our luck is going at the moment. A much better performance than of those against Midhurst & East Preston and if we continue to work hard and do the right things, I'm sure our luck will change sooner rather than later.

FT Lingfield 2-2 Selsey

MOM - Rory Woolston, a goal and an assist on an impressive debut

By David Heaton