A travel south towards Lancing FC. They sat just 3 points back from us, so almost a 6 pointer in many ways; whilst some teams weren’t playing therefore utilising our game in hand was imperative! Moore remained in the sticks, a change in shape as Hodge and Fuller were joined by Corbin Turner, who returned to the 1st team fold after some time with reserves; who came in, looked very match fit and delivered a real accomplished performance! They played as part of a 3. Wilford and Stead on either flank in wing back areas. Myself and Horn anchored by Heaton again. Connolly and Bacon started together for the first time to experiment and build that partnership. Mayhew, Ransome and James made up the rest of the squad.
The first 10 minutes were cagey, both teams feeling themselves into the game, and it did take these moments to get use to the size of the pitch; it is massive. Lots of space that you wouldn’t normally get at most grounds in our league. Both sides created openings but neither keeper was really tested. Around the 15 minute mark, deadlock was broken. Bacon down the right hand side cutting back onto his left and crossing into Horn who got his toe to it before the oncoming keeper could make a challenge. 0-1. We started to gain more possession from this, and have us a boost to go and try get a cushion before the break. We found passes through to Bacon and Connolly but a couple of offsides and a few last ditch tackles and saves meant we couldn’t extend the lead.
After the break, we knew Lancing were to adopt a tactic to press high and engage us. Trying to get themselves on level terms. 1-0 is by no means a comfortable lead; but I certainly felt as though we dealt with any pressure they put in us. Dictated possession for large parts and slowed the game down to a tempo we wanted to play at. We knew we wouldn’t be able to completely stop them coming forward, all teams will have spells, but we did defend very well. All 3 lads at the back and Moore in goal collectively could’ve got MoM. Moore with a worldie save in 1st half and leading from the back. Hodge with his usual gutsy performance, and his tenacity winning the ball high up started the first goal. Turner in the middle of the 3 dealt with everything in the air, bullied anything near him, and set a standard throughout. It was a Fuller who got the nod for MoM, mainly silencing their main goal threat who later got sent off for a head loss moment where he was no longer Cristiano Ronaldo but in fact Tyson Fury wanting to fight everyone. The game was taken away from Lancing when James came on for Wilford for the last 20 minutes. Started out on the right and delivering some close crosses. Then onto the left, cutting inside and lashing a 25/30 yard strike into the top left bins; 0-2. Lancing went even higher with their line and press, allowed James to get in behind from a direct pass, too quick for any oncomers, running across his man and sliding under the keeper. 0-3 game effectively over. Lancing got a consolation goal in the last kick of the game. A free kick to the bottom right which Moore was angered not to get to and keep hold of what was a deserved clean sheet.
Nevertheless 1-3 FT.
With Chichester, Pagham, Eastbourne Town, Peacehaven, Newhaven, and Uckfield all playing in the FA Vase. It was a moving week for those with a game in hand.
Horsham YMCA took maximum points from Langney to continue their title and promotion bid; whilst Langney now 18th and played a game extra. Crawley Down drawing with Little a Common done very little for both sides. Broadbridge Heath held by Arundel to yet another draw for the visitors, tied the most in the league. East Preston showed impressive home form again with a 4-1 victory over Loxwood to climb the table with us to 6th and 7th separated only by the 2 more goals we’ve scored. A good day on the whole in the life of a Linger.
Hosting Crawley Down next Saturday; a 0-0 draw on the opening day doesn’t show for much reading into this one. Another side in and around us who’ll looking for maximum points.
A big thank you to all the travelled support as always! And we look forward to seeing you all back at the Lair on Saturday for hopefully another successful afternoon.
Up the Lingers
By Sammy Clements