Butler Provides Two Goal Silver Service For High-Flying Lingfield's Ten Men

ADRIAN Butler, the exciting striker signed from Staines, underlined his ability with a brace of goals which inspired Lingfield to even headier heights at the Colwell Ground in midweek.

Tuesday, August 13 is a date that will remain etched in the mind of the summer signing, oozing class to continue Lingers’ bright start to their league campaign.

Even the 87th minute sending off of Lingfield centre back Dean Hamlin, following a verbal exchange with referee Ian Homewood, failed to take the shine off Dixie Dean’s charges’ successful few days.

Against the imposing backdrop of the old hospital site, Lingfield were pushed all the way by St Francis Rangers manager Geoff Pitcher’s impressive young Haywards Heath-based side, for whom his 16-year-old son Charlie Pitcher was outstanding in midfield.

Ex-Whyteleafe captain Dan Frith made a splendid debut as an attacking left back, helping to inspire the visitors to take a 28th minute lead as Butler latched onto a long through ball by Marco Mwanza and fired home, beating goalkeeper Rob Gordon from close range for an interval lead.

While Lingfield’s team shape had looked highly effective in the first half, St Francis Rangers always posed a threat and, attacking strongly after the break, the hosts equalised deservedly when Pitcher netted after 53 minutes, punishing defender Kieran Boon following a defensive slip.

However, Lingfield led again on the hour mark as Glenn Boosey fired home from 16 yards inside the far post, latching onto the loose ball after Nicholas Forster’s fine run and effort which had been parried by Gordon.

Butler increased Lingfield’s lead after 74 minutes, firing home past Gordon again from close in for his second goal after super sub Dominic Lugard had picked him out perfectly.

Centre back Jay Kalama even got in on the act, making it 4-1 after 77 minutes, firing home past Gordon again from close range following clever interplay in the build-up as substitutes combined well with Daryl Coleman’s free-kick being played out to the outstanding Lugard whose splendid cross from the right was converted clinically.

An anxious finale was ensured after 86 minutes as the hosts cut the arrears with a scrambled effort from Ben Palmer.

Coleman had been cautioned for an 83rd minute foul and it all got too much for Hamlin who saw red ironically for the second time in three days, having been “sent off” by mistake at Hailsham Town before the decision was altered immediately. In any case, Hamlin’s late dismissal at Rangers made little difference ultimately as Lingfield lasted the four additional minutes comfortably to run out worthy winners again.

By David Groves