Lingers League Title ambitions take huge blow!

Last game before Xmas, and we looked to complete a league double over a Midhurst side that had been having a mixed season; and with our 5-0 win earlier in the season, was looking for maximum points. Suspensions to both Skiiper David Graves and top scorer Richard Wetton left Lingfield a tad under strength. Notably, a game that was never going to show off show off qualities of football due to the condition of the pitch, very soft, lumpy, bobbly surface that made life extremely difficult to strong even the simplest of passes together. Regardless of such, the game started and remained very competitive through out, Midhurst a side that was always going to put themselves forward in terms of effort, and both sides carved out a few half chances, Lingfield more so, with Dembele the main threat on the left. Despite its difficulties, Lingers went 1-0 from a Wilford corner on the right hand side, that was helped in unconvincingly by the goalkeeper. The game continued in a similar fashion, also becoming a stronger test physically. Midhurst equalised before the break, slow play out on the right was punished by the centre forward. HT 1-1.

The second half started with constant Lingfield pressure forcing some important work from Midhurst’s No.1, however, not finding that end result. And as Lingfield’s away form this season has been typically mediocre, was liable to that goal against, a pull back was lashed home by Midhurst. 2-1, and now up against it. Didn’t stop Lingfield continue to create chances, and were at least 2/3 definite penalty claims throughout the game, especially late on. Saw the officials struggle to get in top of it. We did find an equaliser 10mins from time, a Dembele cross and scramble from the byline saw Clements nudge home. 2-2. Midhurst were all backs to the walls to keep it at that score line, and credit where due, they held on. 2-2 FT.

It finished that way, even though we went 2-1 down in the 2nd half, it still felt like 2 points dropped as our away form has significantly dampened our title chase hopes. Promotion is still a big possibility’s day our main aim. Our key absences are tough on the squad also. Nonetheless, Lingfield FC will go into 2018 with a fresh mindset, and knowing that promotion is very much in our hands. We make a return at the lair against Mile Oak on Jan 6, 3pm K/o. Looking to get some revenge on our earlier away loss in the season. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all Lingfield staff and Players. We thank you for your loyal support and hope you continue to do so in our bid for promotion. Up the lingers!

MOM Olly Moore

By Sammy Clements