Lingers fall at landmark hurdle!

A returning Centre Half partnership of David Graves and Scott Johnston alongside Marco Mwanza at left back. Ryan Hill returns to the squad after a University absence. Tony Jenner stepped in goal for the absent Olly Moore.

As the game began, a tingle of nervous energy was sensed by Co-manager Dixie Dean, and was evident in the frustration of the Lingfield players, trying to get it going with nothing really happening. That frustration was amplified by Billingshurst taking the lead from a tame bit of defending but calmly put away by the centre forward; 1-0. Lingfield pressed on and pressed on, chances for Sammy Clements, Nick Dembele, and Richard Wetton the best of the lot but no product! The players started to bicker, and helping no one in doing so... that too was increased by poor officiating from all 3 boys in black, not really in control of the game at times. We couldn't find an equaliser before the half and plenty to do in the next 45minutes.

Hairdryer treatment, and time to go at them... more possession and more pressure still wouldn't budge the score line! Most definitely a couple of penalty shouts not given by the referee as his performance detoriated with his fitness levels to keep up with play. More offsides than I can count for the forwards, one of which a goal came from and disallowed. Billingshurst looked lively from a counter and was how the game was setting up.. however from a Conor Wilford free kick from the right, met by the leaping David Graves, a big header, big goal; 1-1! Ascendency with Lingfield... a real captains goal... all that hard work undone only minutes later as Lingfield pushing for the winner were countered despite being a good 5-10 yards offside, again due to some ill officiating, was polished off by the centre forward once more. The annoyance and frustration restarted between players trying to get hints going that really weren't there. A final chance was thought to have been grabbed as David Graves came in the box once more to beat the keeper in the air win the header and obviously late from the goalkeeper coming out to punch, meeting Gravesy's head. The referee however, gave it the other way. The only man in Billingshurst who saw it that way... a real day to forget for Lingfield as it finished as a 2-1 loss. Players looked tired and fatigued out there from the midweek game and a week's rest before returning to the Lair a blessing. 9 games won in a row before today, and for us, we go again and try to repeat. It's been a stellar month despite the loss, not losing any ground on the top sides, as well as progressing through 2 cup competitions.

We host Seaford in the league next Saturday and look to still continue our 100% home record in league and cups this year, and get back to winning ways to sustain that promotion challenge before Little Common the following week. Thank you to Billingshurst and all supporters for their hospitality and support!

By Sammy Clements