3 Easter points puts Lingers closer to promotion

As to most of our recent fixtures, last Saturday’s home game against Hailsham was postponed to the weather. However, a massive thanks again to the organised work of the football club to relocate an early Easter Monday kick off at Whyteleafe FC’s Church Road against local rivals Oakwood. Oakwood is a side that has a had a tough season with various signings and very inconsistent squad selections which would always make life difficult for their management and getting results. They came into the game off the back of a 2-2 draw away at Seaford. For us, after a good reaction away at Selsey, we looked to continue that momentum and retain our untarnished home record despite not being at the Lair. Absences to David Graves, Chris Ransome, Marco Mwanza and Richard Wetton meant Ben Connolly went in up top, Alec Tuppen into Left Back after a few months out and Heaton returned from a suspension.

A cagey start from Lingfield, on a surface that we love to play on too... Oakwood started with intent and energy. In true Linger's tradition, we went 1 down; a slide ball through the middle saw their centre-forward get into the box for the first and last time all afternoon, in between defenders and brought down... penalty. Despatched by No.8, 0-1. A usual scenario for us... so not to be phased, Lingfield began to up the pressure, up the tempo, and inevitably create chances. A few half chances from set pieces became our first threat. We did equalise fairly quickly, Sam Clements stealing the ball high and sliding for Ben Connolly to stroke past the oncoming keeper, 1-1. Wasn’t too long before we led after an almost replica goal, this time Jake Horn pressing high to win it back and slide Ben Connolly for a similar finish, 2-1. Just before the break, we made a cushion. Probably our move of the match, Horn from the centre diag ball over to the far right for Stephen Hodge to hit first time back across the box low for Connolly to first time bang home and wrong-foot the keeper. 3-1 HT

A clear message of intent from management to keep going! And we did, in full control of proceedings. The 4th goal came from Jamie Bakhit out on the right following a short corner, crossed in and tapped home by Scott Johnston. A 5th goal, and 4th for MoM Connolly when a reverse through ball from Sam Clements got Ben Connolly in behind to round the keeper and roll home. The game was signed, sealed and delivered in the dying embers as Fin Woods through ball was met just in time by Sam Clements to toe-poke past the keeper for a final convincing 6-1 scoreline.

A must win in our bid for promotion this week. An obvious goal of 3 wins this week and we secure that Premier Division status, and this was one of those. Not to discount that we can get within 5pts of Langney and won’t stop trying to push for 2nd place too. Overall, a sluggish start that was punished but never sustained, Oakwood created very little throughout, and Lingfield took over afterwards. Never really got into 3rd gear for the Lingers but a job well is done. Lots of positives though, most of all Ben Connolly who’s 4 goals a big statement to management for selection with the returning Richard Wetton and Chris Ransome due this week. We entertain Billingshurst Wednesday evening, weather permitting, and hope to continue this success trail. Thanks to all that came to show their support and hope to see you all at the Lair for the next few games.

Up the Lingers

Sammy Clements