Category: Old News 2005 / 2006

Lavant played out there final game of the season away to Division II champions elect Newtown Villa in the warm Bognor sunshine on Saturday, safe in the knowledge that a final mid table league position was assured.

Both teams appeared to be in a relaxed mood before kickoff with Lavant unable to improve on their position in the league and Newtown only requiring one point from four games to secure the Division II title.  With 5 minutes gone however the mood changed when Lavant’s Andy Strange won the ball in midfield passing to Matt Hine who managed to lob the ball over to the right wing where Stuart Loversidge controlled the ball on the bounce and blasted it past Johnny Whiffin in the Newtown goal, 0-1.

This was a wake up call for Newtown who then applied pressure and urgency to their play in an effort to get back on level terms.  With 18 minutes gone Robbie Pinder suffered an injury and had to leave the field of play for treatment and as the game restarted Lavant were caught out of formation which allowed Newtown midfielder Elliott Stevens to find space and strike an unstoppable shot from 25 yards out past the stranded Martin Pullen into the top corner of the Lavant goal, 1-1.

With 30 minutes gone Lavant on the attack saw Loversidge beat his marker in the six yard box only to be pulled back by his shirt but the incident was unseen by referee John Hill and a goal kick not a penalty was awarded.

In the final 10 minutes of the first half both teams had opportunities to take the lead, firstly as Newtown’s Ryan Saigeman glanced his close range header wide from a corner and Lavant’s Loversidge outstretched header went just wide from a well crafted Pinder cross. But the score remained level going into the interval, 1-1.

At half time Newtown brought on Jonas Templeman up front and his introduction had an instant effect pressurizing the Lavant defence.  On 50 minutes as Martin Ayer’s pass fell short to Giles Weller, Newtown swiftly intercepted and should have scored but for goalkeeper Martin Pullen pulling off two great continuous close range saves.

With 60 minutes gone Lavant sub Mark Richardson’s first contribution to the game was to give away a foul on the edge of the visitors box.  Newtown’s free kick was lofted high into the goal area and amid the scramble Templeman managed a shot on the edge of the box, which hit the underside of the bar and bounced into the back of the Lavant net, 1-2.

With 20 minutes remaining Lavant brought on Simon Blackman and gambled by changing their formation by playing with only three at the back and pushing numbers up front in an effort to draw level.  Lavant forged a number of chances and ensured the remaining minutes of the game were to remain eventful and they should have drawn level when Alan Sheppard chased down a mistake from Templeman and break free, however he decided to slowdown and unselfishly pass the ball square to Loversidge who’s shot from a narrow angle went just wide.  The game eventually ended with Newtown Villa taking all three points and securing the Division II title.

Team:  Martin Pullen, Justin Smith, Martin Ayers, Jon Strange, Giles Weller, Chris Bowles, Andy Strange, Robbie Pinder, Alan Sheppard, Stuart Loversidge, Matt Hine. Subs: Mark Richardson, Simon Blackman, Dave Kent.  Manager: Dave Parker.

Following a meeting with club officials and players it has been decided to enter a second team into the West Sussex league next season. If you are interested in joining a well run, community based village football team in the Chichester area then please contact either Dave Parker on 01243 527313 or Dave Kent on 01243 830016. We are looking for people who are interested in helping out and managing a team and who want to player football next season.

With a smattering of first team players in the team, Yapton started brightly with a stream of sharp short passes and forward runs. But the visitor’s two banks of four defenders always seemed comfortable and were only troubled once when Yapton’s Andy Kemp fired just over the bar from 20 yards.

Lavant did have the ball in the net twice in the first half but each time the goal was ruled offside.

Also later in the half a home goal against Yapton was also ruled out as Tom parker was adjudged to have tugged at the sweeper’s shirt. But in the end the first half finished goalless, as both teams were unable to break the deadlock, 0-0.

With Alan Sheppard coming on up front after the interval for Lavant, the visitors began to play more positively in the second half they gradually pinned Yapton in their own half. Following further substitutions with Robbie Pinder and Jon Strange coming on for Lavant the pressure built further and the inevitable eventually happened 63 minutes into the game. Parker headed Matt Hine’s corner against the Yapton bar and following a number of rebound shots which were skillfully saved by the Yapton keeper the ball fell to Guy Pinder who somehow managed to latch onto the ball with an overhead kick and rocket it into the back of the Yapton net, 0-1.

Once the goal had gone in Lavant were able to relax and play some good football. However they squandered a number of easy chances to double their lead and so eventually allowed Yapton to come back into the game as they now searched for an equalizer. Lavant again defended well against the home side attempts to draw level, soaking up the pressure and effectively hitting Yapton swiftly on the break.

Lavant’s second goal was coming as the visitors continued to stretch the Yapton defense on the counterattack and a clinical pass from Mark Richardson put Parker clear through on goal with only the keeper to beat, however like a rabbit frozen in front of a car’s headlights Parker seemed to be shocked at the prospect of scoring and stopped and lamely kicked the ball straight into the Yapton keeper’s arms, instantly making himself a leading candidate for this season’s miss of the season award.

Finally with only 3 minutes remaining Lavant put the game out of reach of Yapton as they put together a great six man move which saw Ben Thomas break clear of the defense and one on one with the keeper, but with Parker pleading with him to pass the ball, he unselfishly squared the ball the Parker allowing him to score the easiest of goals and take his tally to 14 goals for the season therefore pulling him level with Stuart Loversidge as leading goal scorer with only one match remaining.

On the 22nd April Lavant are away to Newtown Villa in their last Div II League game of the season. Kick-Off 3.00pm.

Team: Martin Pullen, Justin Smith, Martin Ayers, Guy Pinder, Giles Weller, Ben Thomas, Andy Strange, Matt Hine, Mark Richardson, Stuart Loversidge, Tom Parker. Subs: Robbie Pinder, Jon Strange, Alan Sheppard. Manager: Dave Parker.

Lavant played out their final game of the season away to Division II champions elect Newtown Villa in the warm Bognor sunshine on Saturday, safe in the knowledge that a final mid table league position was assured.

Both teams appeared to be in a relaxed mood before kickoff with Lavant unable to improve on their position in the league and Newtown only requiring one point from four games to secure the Division II title. With 5 minutes gone however the mood changed when Lavant’s Andy Strange won the ball in midfield passing to Matt Hine who managed to lob the ball over to the right wing where Stuart Loversidge controlled the ball on the bounce and blasted it past Johnny Whiffin in the Newtown goal, 0-1.

This was a wake up call for Newtown who then applied pressure and urgency to their play in an effort to get back on level terms. With 18 minutes gone Robbie Pinder suffered an injury and had to leave the field of play for treatment and as the game restarted Lavant were caught out of formation which allowed Newtown midfielder Elliott Stevens to find space and strike an unstoppable shot from 25 yards out past the stranded Martin Pullen into the top corner of the Lavant goal, 1-1.

With 30 minutes gone Lavant on the attack saw Loversidge beat his marker in the six yard box only to be pulled back by his shirt but the incident was unseen by referee John Hill and a goal kick not a penalty was awarded.

In the final 10 minutes of the first half both teams had opportunities to take the lead, firstly as Newtown’s Ryan Saigeman glanced his close range header wide from a corner and Lavant’s Loversidge outstretched header went just wide from a well crafted Pinder cross. But the score remained level going into the interval, 1-1.

At half time Newtown brought on Jonas Templeman up front and his introduction had an instant effect pressurizing the Lavant defence. On 50 minutes as Martin Ayers’ pass fell short to Giles Weller, Newtown swiftly intercepted and should have scored but for goalkeeper Martin Pullen pulling off two great continuous close range saves.

With 60 minutes gone Lavant sub Mark Richardson’s first contribution to the game was to give away a foul on the edge of the visitors box. Newtown’s free kick was lofted high into the goal area and amid the scramble Templeman managed a shot on the edge of the box, which hit the underside of the bar and bounced into the back of the Lavant net, 1-2.

With 20 minutes remaining Lavant brought on Simon Blackman and gambled by changing their formation by playing with only three at the back and pushing numbers up front in an effort to draw level. Lavant forged a number of chances and ensured the remaining minutes of the game were to remain eventful and they should have drawn level when Alan Sheppard chased down a mistake from Templeman and break free, however he decided to slowdown and unselfishly pass the ball square to Loversidge who’s shot from a narrow angle went just wide. The game eventually ended with Newtown Villa taking all three points and securing the Division II title.

Team: Martin Pullen, Justin Smith, Martin Ayers, Jon Strange, Giles Weller, Chris Bowles, Andy Strange, Robbie Pinder, Alan Sheppard, Stuart Loversidge, Matt Hine. Subs: Mark Richardson, Simon Blackman, Dave Kent. Manager: Dave Parker.

Petworth bounced back form last weeks defeat by Lancing to take all three valuable points in this windswept game.

The first 10 minutes of this clash defined the final result. It took 5 minutes before Petworth emerged form their half playing against the wind, during which time Lavant almost took the lead when Tom Parker headed a Daryl Hall corner just wide of the post. But Petworth scored from their first real attack when Robbie Levett seized onto a long ball as Lavant’s back four stepped up for offside and buried the ball into the back of the visitors net past stand in keeper Jon Strange, 1-0.

On only their faint excursion from their half, Petworth scored again on 10 minutes from close range in dubious circumstances, after the ball appeared earlier to have crossed the line for a goal kick. The Lavant defense remonstrated that the ball had clearly crossed the line but their appeals were in vain as referee Martin Hollins decided the goal was to stand, 2-0.

At this stage Petworth seemed to be coasting to victory especially as the visitors midfield were now sitting back far to deep and not pushing up to support Lavant strikers Stuart Loversidge and Tom Parker and therefore forcing the game into the Petworth half.

Lavant manager David Parker shouted instructions from the line to push up and play in the home teams half and this had immediate effect as Loversidge latched onto a half hearted back pass, bursting through running past two defenders and leaving the Petworth keeper stranded 20 yards outside his area to bury the ball in the back of the net and put the visitors well and truly back into the game, with 20 minutes gone, 2-1.

At half time Alan Sheppard came on for Dan Johnson and made an immediate impact for Lavant causing Petworth real problems down the right flank. However after only five minutes he suffered a bad ankle injury, adding to his miserable injury filled season and was subbed and replaced by Chris Bowles.

Lavant continued to have the better of the second half even with the wind against them and they played some flowing football but their final finishing in front of the Petworth goal just let them down. The home side managed to soak up the pressure defending well and they always looked dangerous on the breakaway with Levett and Jones up front, who between them went close on a number of occasions to extending further the lead.

Even so, when Dave Kent appeared for Lavant in midfield with 20 minutes remaining the impetus moved in favour of the visitors again. Lavant now pushed three forward with 10 minutes remaining as they piled on the pressure in an effort to snatch an equalizer, then only to see Murray Jones hit a superb unstoppable strike from 35 yards with 7 minutes remaining sealing the win for Petworth, 3-1.

On the 15th April, Lavant are away to Yapton Reserves in the Div II League. Kick-Off 3.00pm.

Team: Jon Strange, Justin Smith, Martin Ayers, Guy Pinder, Giles Weller, Dan Johnson, Matt Hine, Andy Strange, Daryl Hall, Stuart Loversidge, Tom Parker. Subs: Alan Sheppard, Chris Bowles, Dave Kent. Manager: Dave Parker.

It was important for Lavant to bounce back from last week’s cup semi-final defeat and focus on the remaining league programme in order to ensure that they firmly establish themselves in Division II.

The freezing swirling wind made control very difficult and this was always going to make it an ugly struggle for domination.

The visitors threatened early on when Andy Strange made a cross-field run into the penalty area latching onto a Giles Weller’s free-kick and lobbing Hunston keeper Richard Netley from a narrow angle only to see his effort nestle on top of the net.

With 20 minutes gone, Lavant again came close when Stuart Loversidge received a pass from Matt Hine, cut in from the right under pressure and struck the ball, beating keeper Netley only to see his effort zip inches wide of the far post.

Hunston responded well and when Daryl Hall failed to close down the homeside’s attack it allowed Attwood to get a shot on goal, with his effort clipping the Lavant crossbar. A minute later Hunston again came close when Lavant keeper Martin Pullen saved one goal bound effort only to turn the ball into the path of another Hunston striker whose shot was cleared off the line by Guy Pinder.

On 35 minutes Lavant central defender Martin Ayers broke through from the back to set up Hine who delivered a measured ball over to Loversidge whose shot this time shaved the Hunston bar. One minute later the home side where pressurizing the Lavant goal and almost broke the deadlock but the final shot hit the side netting. The first half eventually ended goalless with Hunston not being able to take full advantage of the wind, 0-0.

Hunston were the first to strike after the restart forcing a great save from Pullen on 56 minutes and then Newnham again clipped the Lavant crossbar.

Lavant manager Dave Parker had to take action to break the deadlock and on the hour pulled off central defender Guy Pinder bringing on substitute Robbie Pinder to play behind the two Lavant strikers. This exerted more pressure on Hunston which eventually paid off when Tom Parker on the right executed a step over, swept past his marker and crossed the ball over to the far post which was met by Loversidge breaking from deep who buried the ball into the back of the Hunston net on 75 minutes, 0-1.

Lavant reverted back to their original formation with 8 minutes remaining when substitute Jon Strange who came on in midfield changed to a central defender role in order to defend Lavant’s slender lead. This allowed the visitors see out the remainder of the game and bag three valuable points.

On the 25th March Lavant are away to Lancing Utd in the Div II League. Kick-Off 3.00pm.

Team: Martin Pullen, Justin Smith, Martin Ayers, Guy Pinder, Giles Weller, Chris Bowles, Matt Hine, Andy Strange, Daryl Hall, Stuart Loversidge, Tom Parker. Subs: Jon Strange, Robbie Pinder. Manager: Dave Parker.

Lancing picked up the necessary points to aid their challenge for promotion from Division II on Saturday in the mud and rain at the Crowshaw Ground.

Now that Lavant were likely to end up in a comfortable mid table position, manager Dave Parker decided to take this opportunity and try out a new team formation and so asked the squad to rise to the challenge of playing an ambitious three, four, three system against a skillful Lancing side that favoured playing at home on a wide pitch.

Lavant started well and almost opened the scoring in the first 10 minutes when Jon Strange flicked a Daryl Hall corner across the face of the Lancing goal past three Lavant strikers, unfortunately none of whom managed to connect.

The first 30 minutes the match remained very evenly balanced. But just as the visitors began to control the game, Lancing capitalized on a misunderstanding between Ben Thomas and Stuart Loversidge to break clear down the left hand side and put in a lovely waited cross, which was met by the incoming striker who was gifted with a free header between two Lavant defenders, which he buried into the back of the net giving Lavant keeper Martin Pullen no chance on 35 minutes, 1-0.

Within 60 seconds of the restart Lavant nearly equalized as Alan Sheppard shaved the post. Lavant played some good football in the last 10 minutes of the half, however they were unable to capitalize on several good chances and Lancing went in at half time maintaining their one goal lead.

Lavant made three substitutions after the break bring Mark Richardson, Giles Weller and Chris Bowles into the fray. The second half again saw Lavant easing into the game until central defender Martin Ayers failed to intercept a skidding ball in the mud which allowed Lancing to steal through and score, going further ahead on 53 minutes, 2-0.

The home side’s third goal on 80 minutes could not be blamed on any defensive error whatever, with the Lancing striker hitting an unstoppable shot from 25 yards, again just as Lavant were reasserting themselves and pressurizing the Lancing goal, 3-0.

Lavant still did not give up and continued battling on and for much of the remainder of the game entrenching themselves in the Lancing half, attempting to get some consolation from all their efforts in what were miserable rainy conditions. Andy Strange came close with an effort and then Chris Bowles finally pulled one back for the visitors in the final minute of the game, when he got the slightest of touches from a lovely Matt Hine cross which left the Lancing keeper stranded as to ball sailed into the back of the net, 3-1.

On the 8th April, Lavant are away to Petworth in the Div II League. Kick-Off 3.00pm.

Team: Martin Pullen, Justin Smith, Martin Ayers, Jon Strange, Ben Thomas, Matt Hine, Andy Strange, Daryl Hall, Stuart Loversidge, Tom Parker, Alan Sheppard. Subs: Giles Weller, Mark Richardson, Chris Bowles. Manager: Dave Parker.

Lavant were knocked out of the Division II Chichester Charity cup in this semi-final clash at the Lavant Green in front of a large crowd.

The homeside started brightly and forced a succession of corners ending in a goal mouth melee that produced a controversial decision from referee Mark Weller. Lavant contended that striker Tom Parker’s header had crossed the line by a yard before being hooked out of the net by Pulborough’s fullback. After counseling the linesman the goal was eventually denied by the referee.

Six minutes later, in the 16th minute, Pulborough went ahead when Lavant keeper Martin Pullen punched away a long throw only for it to be drilled back through a nick of players, under the keepers body and into the net, 0-1. The homeside however were on level terms within 30 seconds of the restart as Stuart Loversidge latched onto a Lavant through ball and beat the Pulborough keeper from 12 yards, 1-1.

Use of the long ball by the visitors left two Lavant defenders facing three opponents. Instead of hitting the ball to safety, they tried to play their way out of trouble and lost the ball, leaving Robbie Simmonds to capitalize on the mistake and put the Pulborough into the lead on 27 minutes, 1-2. Lavant then sat deep and invited pressure until but were thankfully rescued by the half time whistle.

Lavant manager Dave Parker changed the formation at the start of the second half in order to try and win the game by playing with three strikers and this gamble seemed to pay off as within 3 minutes of the restart when Matt Hine’s corner bent sweetly straight into the top of the net, giving the keeper no chance.

The game, which was always played with much gusto, was now evenly balanced until Lavant full back Daryl Hall was adjudged to have fouled his opponent just inches inside the penalty area. Pulborough’s central defender calmly stepped up and hammered the ball into the top corner of the net giving the Pullen no chance with only 18 minutes remaining.

The visitors defended well for the remainder of the game battling hard together to protect their lead. Lavant’s Loversidge and Robbie Pinder came close to leveling the score in the closing stages but Pulborough held on to win through and now face Newtown Villa in the final of the Div II Charity Cup.

And for Lavant they need to pick themselves up and concentrate starting next week on ensuring they secure their place within Division II in their remaining 5 matches.

On the 18th March Lavant are away to Hunston CC in the Div II League. Kick-Off 3.00pm.

Team: Martin Pullen, Justin Smith, Martin Ayers, Guy Pinder, Daryl Hall, Ben Thomas, Matt Hine, Jon Strange, Mark Richardson, Stuart Loversidge, Tom Parker. Subs: Andy Strange, Robbie Pinder, Chris Bowles. Manager: Dave Parker.

This Division II Cup Quarter Final had everything; courage, commitment, skill, dramatic sendings off and a nail biting finish.

The visitors forced a fine save from Shipley keeper Dan Have early on in the game when Lavant striker Tom Parker tried a long range shot 10 minutes into the game. The visitors came close again 2 minutes later as Stuart Loversidge broke clear on the right and Parker touched his cross into the path of Ben Thomas, whose shot 10 yards out was blocked. Within seconds Lavant’s keeper Martin Pullen was in action as he saved heroically at the feet of Jason Edridge.

The visitors responded with a well worked move involving one touch play by Justin Smith, Thomas and Parker ending with Mark Richardson’s shot being hooked off the line, only for the ball to fall to Matt Hine who’s goal bound shot was again superbly saved by Have.

Play then swung to the Lavant goal as Shipley applied 10 minutes of increasing pressure, including 4 corner kicks which required good defending by Lavant captain Martin Ayers and full back Guy Pinder and four more fine saves from Pullen to ensure the score remained goalless.

Again Lavant responded as Loversidge came close on 41 minutes and then Parker was set free only to have his shot saved by the legs of the keeper and the ball run out to safety 60 seconds before half time, 0-0.

The second half was just as furious with the visitors coming close with a shot from Hine and then Shipley coming equally as close at the other end only again to be thwarted by Pullen in the Lavant goal. Shipley were awarded a free kick which was struck goal bound until Pullen yet again pulled off a breathtaking one handed save from the ubiquitous Edridge. The Lavant keeper won the man of the match award when he pulled off two further great saves, as the visitors again survived Shipley’s onslaught and then emerge again to mount another offensive. A magical spate of one touch football from Daryl Hall, Hine and Richardson put Loversidge clear on the left, whose deep cross was met by Parker who took it on to beat Have and break the deadlock, putting Lavant into the lead on 58 minutes, 0-1.

The game now raged from end to end with Powell orchestrating Shipley’s efforts and Lavant central defender Guy Pinder marshalling the Lavant defense. With Lavant trying to hang on to the lead Shipley started to press the Lavant goal and their relentless effort was rewarded as the visitors failed to defend a corner when Ross Widows fired into the roof of the net on 75 minutes, 1-1.

Minutes later referee Andrew Webb then sent off a Shipley player for his second bookable offense. With only ten minutes of the game remaining, both sides committed every drop of energy and stretched every sinew as they battled to end the game in normal time and with seconds remaining Lavant’s Matt Hine found himself clear in the box one on one with the keeper but yet again his shot was skillfully saved by Have, there ending the game all even at 1-1 after 90 minutes and requiring both teams to have to play out extra time.

Five minutes into the first period of extra time Lavant were also reduced to 10 men when keeper Pullen was to adjudged to have handled the ball inches outside the area as he dive to prevent the Shipley striker scoring.

Sixty seconds into the second period of extra time Stuart Loversidge skipped past his marker on the left, beat off a tackle from a second defender and then bore in on goal drilling the ball home and scoring what proved to be the winner, 1-2. Shortly afterwards Shipley were reduced to 9 men as the frustration of Lavant’s second goal spilled over a Shipley player attempted to stamp on Hine laying on the floor directly in front of the referee.

Shipley still valiantly tried to equalize but Lavant again having an extra man advantage were able to keep possession of the ball and see out the remaining 10 minutes of extra time.

At the final whistle both teams were absolutely exhausted. It was impossible not to feel sympathy for TD Shipley who suffered only their second defeat of the season, but Lavant march onto the semi-finals.

Lavant next week are now at home to Pulborough in the semi-finals of the Div II Chichester Charity cup. Kick-Off 3.00pm.

Team: Martin Pullen, Justin Smith, Martin Ayers, Guy Pinder, Daryl Hall, Ben Thomas, Matt Hine, Mike Martin, Mark Richardson, Stuart Loversidge, Tom Parker. Subs: Jon Strange, Andy Strange, Giles Weller. Manager: Dave Parker.

Mid table Lavant entertained bottom of table Yapton Reserves at the Lavant Green. With their track record this could easily have been a banana skin for the homeside but it turned out not to be the case on this occasion.

Lavant began the game well overrunning the visitors for the first 20 minutes. Stuart Loversidge forced a great fingertip save from the Yapton keeper Jake Dean after only 2 minutes. Midfielder Daryl Hall brought another top class stop from Dean after a Parker, Loversidge exchange. From the corner the woodwork was hit twice and the ball blocked on the line three times until eventually crossing over, only to be overruled for handball by Loversidge.

The inevitable happened on 6 minutes when split runs by the Lavant strikers opened up space for Lavant midfielder Simon Watling to burst through and strike the ball goal bound. His initial shot was saved by the keepers legs rebounding out, giving Watling a second chance which he duly buried in the back of the Yapton goal, giving Lavant an early lead, 1-0.

A free kick from Watling found Tom Parker whose header was again well saved by Dean. Another Hine and Watling combination set Parker free on the left of the penalty area. His cross goal shot shaved the post.

Lavant pressure brought a corner from Hall, which was skillfully flickered on by the head of Jon Strange at the near post allowing Giles Weller to rocket the ball home at close range doubling Lavant’s lead on 21 minutes, 2-0.

Ten minutes later Loversidge had the ball in the back of the Yapton net again only for the goal to be ruled out for narrowly being offside. Hard working midfielder Chris Bowles left the pitch injured shortly afterwards and was replaced by Ben Thomas.

The homeside coasting for a brief moment switched off and were rudely awakened when Yapton’s Hazelgrove hit the post. This wake up call spurned Lavant into action once more. A cute midfield pass from Parker was headed on expertly to fellow striker Loversidge whose run opened up the centre so that his cross was met by Hall’s deep run who sidefooted home on 40 minutes, 3-0.

Following the interval Lavant started the second half with renewed determination. Yapton defender Matt Davies was outstanding and it was a harsh decision when he was penalized for handling in the area. Lavant striker Tom Parker coolly strode up to dispatch his 5th penalty of the season on 62 minutes.

Again Lavant mentally switched off for a period after the fourth goal and following a Yapton freekick 16 year old Lee Woodhouse punished some poor marking to snatch a consolation goal for Yapton on 75 minutes, 4-1.

Straight from kick off Lavant responded positively with Martin Ayers starting a darting run in his own half, the ball then was passed out wide to Hall whose cross was skillfully met and back heeled in the Yapton 6 yard box by Loversidge to Ayers who’s close range shot smashed against the bar and went up and over to safety.

The introduction of Andy Strange revitalized Lavant’s attack ensuring the home side kept Yapton routed in their own half for the remainder of the game and the home side were again unlucky not to increase their lead further on 86th minutes when Strange’s goal was unfortunately ruled out for off side.

On the 18th February Lavant are away to T D Shipley in the quarterfinals of the Div II Chichester Charity cup. Kick-Off 2.00pm.

Team: Martin Pullen, Jon Strange, Martin Ayers, Guy Pinder, Giles Weller, Chris Bowles, Matt Hine, Simon Watling, Daryl Hall, Stuart Loversidge, Tom Parker. Subs: Andy Strange, Ben Thomas, Dave Kent. Manager: Dave Parker.