LINGERS PAY A HEAVY PRICE FOR BEING A STRIKER LIGHT AGAIN

The Lingers’ beleaguered boss cut a forlorn figure following his side’s failure to score at home, even being stunned into silence uncharacteristically in the second half as they chased the game in vain.

Still a high-flying club, despite recent wretched results, the village outfit must address a ludicrous deficiency in front of goal which is costing their future ambitions dearly, suffering this unexpected reverse against third from bottom visitors who belied their lowly status.

The current lengthy injury absence of experienced former professional striker Nicky Forster remains a millstone around the neck of the club, highlighting an alarming lack of goal scoring talent.

The Lingers squandered countless chances again and made life hard for themselves once more, being unable to recover from trailing to a great goal from man of the match left-winger Rilwan Olugbode who capitalised on an uncharacteristic slip by Dean Carden to cut inside and fire home past goalkeeper Dan Burnett at the near post after only 18 minutes.

An increasingly familiar story then unfolded with The Lingers’ luck being out after 38 minutes when Dan Oakins crossed for veteran Jamie Lawrence whose header rebounded off the angle of post and bar before Joel O’Hara volleyed the loose ball wide of the near upright.

Chances came and went like nearby buses, frustrations culminating in an angry exchange between captain Daryl Coleman and out of retirement Oakins as the players left the field at half-time. Dean was alone with his thoughts before seasonal fireworks erupted early in the dressing room with a furious clear the air session between boss and players.

Yet there was little change after the interval. Indeed, centre back Fred Fleming needed to recover well to head away in preventing a certain goal after 73 minutes, Jordan Stubbings having rounded Burnett and fired towards an empty net.

Ringmer continued to look dangerous on the break, threatening to cement their lead which they achieved eventually in the second of five additional minutes allowed by impressive referee Michael Ryan. Outstanding Olugbode completed his brace with an audacious 40 yard lob which beat Burnett, completing the hosts’ frustrating afternoon.

Debutant striker Cyril Ocansey, replaced by Joel Amos late on, coped capably, with captain Coleman and fit-again left back Dan Frith, being among The Lingers’ better performers on another off day.

By David Groves