Hunston vs Lavant Centenary Cup

Cancelled

Lavant Reserves 0 Selsey A 3
Division III Cup

After an early morning pitch inspection, this Division III cup game got the go ahead and it had the potential of being a real cliff-hanger, as when these two teams met in previous seasons it was always a close run game with plenty of goals.

Lavant started the match with so much promise, as they immediately put the visitors on the back foot, exerting pressure on Selsey’s goal. Good work in the middle of the park by Matt Hine and James Brooks ensured Lavant were camped in the visitors half for much of the first quarter of an hour of the match.

On 20 minutes the game turned, after a succession of corners and continued pressure Lavant should have taken the lead, but instead the Selsey rearguard stood firm and ensured the game somehow still remained goalless.

From that point on, the visitors settled down and grew in confidence as they started to push forward and so the game became more evenly balanced.

Then just as it looked as if the score would remain goalless going into the break Selsey’s Paulo hit a speculative long range shot from outside the box, which caught keeper Tom Turner off guard as the ball sneaked in, right in the top right hand corner, ensuring the visitors now went into half time with a precious one nil lead, 0-1.

Straight from the restart Lavant pushed forward with a renewed determination in the effort to grab an early equaliser.  But again Selsey proved hard to breakdown as they were well organised at the back and quickly got their players back behind the ball.

Lavant’s frustration at not finding a way through on goal was further exasperated when they lost possession cheaply in midfield and got caught by a quick counterattack, which saw Selsey striker Martin Cannon break free of the defence and drive the ball past the outcoming Turner in the Lavant goal, 0-2.

With Lavant’s cup hopes beginning to disappear for another season manager Mel Milburn made wholesale changes to the side.   Unfortunately the eventual outcome was very much the same.

Although Lavant continued to have their fair share of the ball, they were really unable to threaten the visitor’s goal, as Selsey once more soaked up the pressure and with fifteen minutes remaining scored a carbon copy goal, as Cannon grab his brace ensuring Selsey confirmed their passage into the next round of the league cup.

Lavant: T. Turner, S.Green, D. Ranjbar, P.Cairns, M.Ayers, D.Kennard, B.Evans, M.Hine, J.Brooks, R.Lines, R.Pinder.  Subs: L.Weller, J.Wright, J.Walsh.

Saturdays Results

Premier Division
Billingshurst 1-4 Angmering
Cowfold 4-0 West Chiltington

Division I
Stedham Utd 0-4 Petworth

Division II North
Alfold 1-1 Wisborough Green
Partridge Green 4-3 AFC Roffey

Division II South
Boxgrove 4-0 The Vardar Vip FC
Lodsworth 1-2 Fernhurst

Division III North
Fittleworth 2-2 Henfield 2nd
Upper Beeding 2nd 7-0 Forest Reserves

Division V Central
Wisborough Green 2nd 1-1 Alfold 2nd

Sussex Junior Cup – Rnd 4
Yapton 1-0 Vista FC

Division II Charity Cup – Rnd 2
Lavant 2nd 0-3 Selsey FC ‘A’

Stedham Utd 5 Lavant 2

Three goals in 10 minutes by Stedham virtually guaranteed them victory in this game.

Lavant simply had not turned up for the game and within 2 minutes on the clock s Christian Jones unmarked acrobatically fired Lewis Hamilton’s cross home from 7 yards.

Two minutes later a free kick from the left was palmed away by Lavant keeper Ash Rochester into the path of Nathan Castleton.

Despite Lavant being all players around him he remained unchallenged to lash in the second into the net.   The third seemed an innocuous curled shot from 22 yards which somehow eluded the Chichester ‘keeper to the delight of the Stedham crowd.

Eventually the visitors woke up and played a delightful spell of passing football. They deservedly pulled one back when Stuart Loversidge was released on the right, skipped past two players and set Ryan Seacombe up to score on 21 minutes.

Two minutes later James Brooks brilliantly switched play to release Dave Knight on the right. The winger did a repeat performance of the previous goal, but this time Seacombe shot over.

This was the turning point of the game. A Lavant goal then would have changed the game, but instead from a Stedham corner followed and the homeside restored its lead when Brian Young headed home.

Lavant continued with good passing in the second half but despite strong pressure could not crack the home defence. On a counter attack from this sustained pressure, the excellent Nick Plater added Stedham fifth on the hour.

Eventually the visitors did break through when Brooks with only the ‘keeper to beat scored Lavant’s consolation goal.  David Parker ,the Lavant manager, commented. “We have the potential of a good side here, but though we play well in possession we are rubbish defensively. An area we must work on”.

Lavant: A.Rochester, C.Coe, M.Steven J.Wright, K.Fogden, D.Knight, D.Kennard, J.Brooks, D.Cowell, R.Seacombe, S.Loversidge.  Subs: J.Walsh, S.Eastwood, T.Parker.

Lavant Reserves 2 Angmering Reserves 6

The first fixture of the New Year saw the top verses second place, so what more incentive does a team need to ensure they produce a great performance?

Unfortunately in this encounter only Angmering showed up on the day for the whole ninety minutes, putting on a commanding performance and demonstrating why they are currently worthy league leaguers.

Angmering intentions were displayed right from the start putting Lavant players under pressure and not allowing them any time on the ball.  This in turn forced the Lavant players into giving the ball away far too easily.

On 20 minutes Ross Lines on the edge of the 18 yard box lost possession to an Angmering player, who’s low shot wasn’t troubling the keeper, until a mistake by Tom Turner resulted in the first goal.

With heads now down, goal number two quickly followed, after a free kick to the right of the 18 yard box saw Ross Lines in the wall jump up with arms raised, making contact with the ball. The ref had no choice but to award the penalty, with Angmering making no mistake scoring their second, 2-0.

Lavant still hadn’t come to terms with the pitch and passes continued to fall short allowing Angmering to capitalise on the poor display. But hoping to go into the break at only two nil down the homeside sat back, soaking up the pressure.

However, a corner just before half time saw Angmering further increase their lead from a well drilled set piece, as the ball was floated into the near post and a neat flick on from the incoming striker found its way past the keeper, 0-3.

Assistant manager Mel Milburn shuffled the pack at half time and asked the players to dig deep and find their form which had brought them to second place in the league.

Lavant began the second half with new determination and were quickly rewarded as Louis Weller went on a mazy run beating his man on the right and unleashing a fierce shot which hit the underside of the crossbar and in, 1-3.

Lavant now had a foothold once more in the game and their new belief started to trouble the visitor’s goal.  But against the run of play somewhat Angmering made Lavant pay for not finishing off their chances as they counterattacked and a seemingly tame shot went agonisingly through the hands of the Lavant keeper and into the goal giving the visitors a three goal lead, 1-4.

Still fired up Lavant battled on, this time themselves capitalizing from a counter attack from an Angmering corner, as Sid Green picking the ball up on his own half and ran through on goal before finally neatly chipping the out-coming Angmering keeper to make it 2-4.

Angmering were still closing down quickly and working hard, but Lavant had found their form once more and were now camped in Angmering’s half.  But yet again with the homeside unable to capitalise on the pressure, but two quick breakaways goals put the game well and truly beyond Lavant’s reach.

Assistant manager Mel Milburn commented on the game “Putting on a Lavant shirt on a Saturday afternoon should be enough to fire up a player, but today it wasn’t enough and players struggled to play football, a basic requirement on a Saturday afternoon”.

Lavant: T. Turner, S.Green, D. Ranjbar, P.Cairns, M.Ayers, L.Weller, B.Evans, D.Maclean, R.Lines, D.Cox, R.Pinder.  Subs: M.Carver, M.Milburn, M.Pullen.

We would just like to just say a big Thank You to our sponsors who again this season have kindly backed the village football club.

They include the Giles and Ruth landlords of The Earl of March, Alan & Sue Smith, John & Jan Squires, Bleach of Lavant, Kevin Holland Funeral Services, The Lavant Fete Committee and Lavant Parish Council.

Their continued support has ensured that the village can field a number of football teams playing in local leagues each week and especially significantly this season our Centenary Season as we have fielded our first U18 team.

Also we should reiterate that this is our Centenary Season. What an achievement 100 years the village has fielded a football team. To celebrate this we are planning an end of Season Presentation night and Reunion of past players and officials on the 21st May at the village hall.

So if you are playing or have played for the club in the past, please keep that date free in you diary.

League Fixtures:
League fixtures for 2011 kicked off on Sunday when with Lavant Sundays recording an away win against the Lamb Steyne, which keeps them top of their league.

This weekend the Saturday’s and U18 sides start again and this months fixtures are listed below.

Training:
On Wednesday we started training back at Chichester College on the All Weather Pitch, with the intention of training their up to the 23rd March when we transfer back to the Village Green.

Unfortunately we only had a turn out of 15 players at training this week and that is after we have lobbied everyone over the Christmas break to try and make the sessions.

Dave Parker has e-mailed all the players to try and determine why players are not training.  At the level the club is currently playing at we should really be training once a week to work on skill and fitness levels.

We do except there are issues with the surface for some players, but during the winter months we do not have many other options available. Currently it is costing £39 per week to hire and we charge £2 per player per session.

So since the start of November when numbers reduced considerably we have been running the sessions at a loss. We have to consider if we can continue on this basis? So please everyone have your say and let Dave know your feelings.

Many of the management team make the Wednesday night sessions every week no matter what the weather and are committed to the Training. But we need all the players to have the same commitment.

Otherwise we will have no choice but to cancel the booking for the winter months.  Once we give up the slot at the college then it is very unlikley that we will able to hire another all weather surface in the future due to the high demand for such facilities from other sporting clubs.

A big Thank You to all the players at the club who were press ganged by Mark Richardson into taking part in this year’s Hell Run at Longmoor Military Camp in the cold freezing weather on the 28th November.  Together they raised more than £4,000 in aid of the Chestnut Tree House Children’s Hospice.  This team has achieved true success this season.  Well done.

Team from the left to right: Lewis Minett, Kev Fogden, Justin Walsh, Adam Yaxley, Stuart Eastwood, Chris Bowles, Chris Withall, Oliver Haggar, Mark Richardson, Paul Cooper, Gary Richardson, Tom Sheppard and Alan Sheppard (missing Richard Lyons).

The river section with Chris Withall, Paul Cooper, Gary Richardson, and Lewis Minett in the middle of picture

The lads cross the finishing line

Mark Richardson and Paul Cooper a little wet, dirty and freezing but still able to smile for the camera

Mark, does not seem to be put off by the experience as we understand he is already planning for next years event.

Therefore if you would like to take part in a team building endurance challange, which also more importantly will raise money for such a special charity then please let him know.

Dates to Remember:

Training:

This Wednesday the 15th December is the last training before the Chrismas Break.  We hopefully will start back on the All Weather Pitch on the 5th January through to the 23rd March.

League Fixtures:

This weekend is the final weekends league fixtures until the New Year.
The fixtures should resume again on the 8th January, but watch the website for January’s fixtures which have yet to be announced.

Saturday 15th December

As this is our last Saturday before Christmas it is hoped all the players will stay on at the Earl of March after the game for a few beers and then perhaps even go on into town afterwards, for a couple more.

Sorry to hear about the defeat to Barnham. Let me guess, the deciding penalty was beacuse Tonka was slow off the mark and put in a late tackle on a much more junior and more spritely center forward?

Keep at it, the results will come.

So, I successfully cycled all the way from Chichester to Istanbul. It was just over 3000 miles with a lot of hills along the way. I have now flown to Southern India and have already cycled 4 days here. I am spreading the word about Lavant but nobody seems to understand, I will keep trying. One Indian kid had heard of Ross Lines, he said he is his favourite player. My favourite is still Dave Kenard. He is so big and strong.

Sundays Results

Division 2:
The Railway 4, Six Villages Utd 2
Wheatsheaf II 1, University of Chichester 1.

Lavant Sundays:
No Game

Division B:
Lavant 6, Rustington Otters 0
Predators Yth 1, Worthing Minors Ath 1
Worthing Town Yth 1, Southwater FC 5 .

Lavant Youth 6 Rustington Otters 0

This week Lavant hosted mid table Rustington Otters in a game they needed to win in order to really kick start their title ambitions, now they were unfortunately out of all this seasons cup competitions.

Karl Gaffney and Rick McKenna taking advantage of their strong squad were able to change the line-up this week giving a start to Jack Brockhurst, Jamie Hillier, Callum Young and Mwenya Chisanga.

Whilst resting Nico House and Lewis Finch on the bench. The one enforced change however was with the absence of their first choice keep, midfielder Reece Hanson had to don the gloves and go in goal.

Lavant kicked off the game showing no signs of any hang-over from the bitter disappointment of last weeks defeat as they immediately went about their business in a very workman like manner, totally taking command and dominating the first half.

Four goals from Chris Colwell, one from Chris Webb and one from Mwenya Chisanga ensured Lavant went into the half time interval with a commanding lead, one that the Otters would find very hard to recover from.

The second half was in fact a much more even affair as to their credit Rustington continued to battle on in search of a goal and Lavant never really got their act together following break.

The disciplined flowing football from the homeside had gone as everyone seemed hell-bent on scoring more goals and so the shape of the team suffered as players pushed forward.  Lavant still forged out numerous changes to increase their lead further but somehow the illusive seventh goal never game.

They also left themselves very vulnerable at times at the back, with only Luke Cotton and Keiron Gilbert holding the fort.  However when he was asked to make a save, Hanson was up to anything the visitors had to throw at the Lavant goal.

With fifteen minutes remaining Colwell swopped shirts with Hanson and both players made major contributions to the remainder of the game.  Hanson back in the middle of the park helped organise the Lavant attack once more and during the latter stages of the game the real Lavant team once more emerged on the pitch.

Colwell also played his part pulling off perhaps the save of the game to ensure the homeside in the end still kept a clean sheet, as they ran out clear winners at the final whistle.

Lavant: R.Hanson, J.Brockhust, K.Gilbert, L.Cotton, J.White, R. Parfoot, L. Cook-Jones, C.Young, M.Chisanga, C. Webb, C. Colwell. Subs: L.Finch, N.House.

Saturdays Results

Division 1:
Faygate Utd 4, Capel 3
Lavant 3, Newtown Villa Reserves 3
Watersfield 1, Stedham Utd 2

Division 3 South:
Rustington Park Seniors 3, Harting 2
The Ship 1, Lavant Reserves 4
The Sportsman 1, Angmering Reserves 4

Lavant 3 Newtown Villa Reserves 3

Lavant started this game with verve and delightful passing,overrunning their opponents. When Dan Cowell was released on the left ,his first time cross was converted by striker, Ryan Seacombe, with 12 minutes on the clock.

Seacombe hit the post 3 minutes later and soon after defender Jon Wright put the homeside 2-0 in front.

It looked like a landslide was about to happen. Then for some inexplicable reason the Chichester team stopped their passing game and resorted to long ball. It was their downfall.

These tactics let Newtown back in the game. The goal that for long looked like coming came from the boot of Callum Miller in the 33rd minute, cutting inside from the left and driving the ball into the far corner.

Then, courtesy of a soft penalty award Liam Jones converted from the spot kick 4 minutes before half-time to draw both teams level.  Newtown were now a resurrected side and took the lead 3 minutes into the second-half when Steve Jenkins 20yd drive ripped in the bottom corner.

The match was full of commitment and very even. The visitors though were put under pressure when Lavant reverted to shorter passing.

Under this pressure, Newtown’s Gary Clack got his marching orders with 10mins left to play.

Then with neater passing and having now numerical advantage, a seven man sequence ended with Seacombe converting a Sam Cole cross to give Lavant the equaliser.

Team: A.Rochester, C.Coe, M.Steven J.Wright, K.Fogden, L.Weller, D.Kennard, J.Brooks, D.Cowell, R.Seacombe, S.Cole.  Subs: J.Walsh, S.Eastwood.

Girl Power Rules

Sue Massey – Manager for a Day
Photograph by Chichester Observer

The Ship 1 Lavant Reserves 4

This week’s away game for Lavant at Aldwick in Bognor was a memorable one in relation to girl power.

The referee for the game was Samantha Leo and owing to work and social commitments, the management team of Cliff Massey and Mel Milburn were unavailable and so Cliff’s wife Sue stepped up to the plate and took over as manager of the reserves, leading her team to a fine away victory.

Lavant started the game well and even with a muddy pitch to content with they still managed to play some good passing and possession football.  The early pressure from the visitors soon paid off as captain Martin Ayers raced down the right flank, before cutting inside and drilling in a hard low cross, which totally deceived the keeper, as the ball snuck in across the line at the near post, 0-1.

Lavant’s early goal worked like a real tonic for the team as they now pushed forward at every chance, attacking down the flanks.  The Ship were constantly on the back foot struggled to deal with the pressure and a cross from Shay Wiggins caused havoc in the goal mouth, with the ball eventually falling kindly at the feet of Lavant striker Ross Lines in the six yard box, who buried the gift, giving Lavant a clear lead, 0-2.

The good first half display was rounded off by a fine individual goal from Dave Knight. This was Knight’s first full game since suffering a bad injury in mid October and he picked the ball up on the half way line and ran towards goal beating two players before shooting and scoring from the edge of the box, 0-3.

A few terse words were exchanged at half time by the homeside and this seemed to do the trick as they started the second with more determined manner, immediately attacking Lavant’s goal and soon their pressure paid dividends as they quickly reduced the deficit, 1-3.

The Ship were now back in the game, but Sue Massey was having none of it as she shouted from the touchline for her team to raise their game.  At this point the league fixture could have gone either way but Lavant responded favourably once more taking control.

They defended well and were quick on the counter attack.  Shaun Massey should have put the game beyond the homeside’s reach, but his effort went agonising wide, before that man Knight was again causing havoc and was fouled in the box, with the referee awarding a penalty.

Darren Cox calmly stepped up and drove the ball home, giving the visitors a commanding three goal lead, which ended The Ship’s comeback plans and ensured Lavant were able to see out the ninety minutes and bag the three valuable points.

Manager Sue Massey commented “Im really proud of my teams performance today, this result has put us right back in the title race. And perhaps I should manage the team a little more often if today’s result is anything to go by.”

Lavant: T. Turner, D. Ranjbar, B.Evans, P.Cairns, S.Wiggins, D.Maclean, S.Massey, M.Ayers, D.Knight, D.Cox, R.Lines. Subs: S.Green, R.Pinder.

Lavant Youth 3 Pagham Youth 4
Last 16 of the Sussex Youth Cup

Chris Colwell races to the ball as Lavant attack the Pagham Goal

Lavant Youth played host to County League Pagham on Sunday, a place in the last eight of the County Cup at stake.

The fixture was in doubt right up until kick off and only went ahead due to the tireless efforts of Geoff Creswell and his small band of helpers.

The form book suggested that Pagham should win comfortably, however, as one of their supporters remarked, “Lavant haven’t read the script.”

The early exchanges did run true to form, with Pagham dominating. Despite enjoying most of the possession they failed to pose any real threat. When they did manage to penetrate the defence after 20 minutes Tom Cowell was on hand to save bravely at the feet of an onrushing forward.

Pagham continued to press forward but the back four of Finch, Gilbert, Cotton and House stood firm.   After twenty five minutes of constant pressure Pagham made the breakthrough.

Having broken down another attack a Lavant defender carried the ball forward. His attempted pass was intercepted and Pagham moved the ball swiftly to Tyler Hope on the right. He quickly contolled the ball and hit and unstoppable shot across the face of goal and into the far corner.

Recognizing the fact that something had to change, Manager, Karl Gaffney altered the formation of the team. The effect was immediate. Lavant now began to dominate the midfield exchanges and pushed forward in search of an equalizer.

Following a swift exchange of passes Lavant worked an opportunity for Chris Colwell, his shot was palmed onto the post and scrambled clear.  Lavant were now beginning to believe that they might be able to get something out of the game and began to press forward in numbers.

On the half hour mark they were rewarded for their efforts. A superb long ball from Kieron Gilbert found the head of Chris Webb. He outjumped his marker and nodded the ball foward. Rob Speed pounced on the opportunity and just managed to get a toe to the ball to beat the despairing dive of the Pagham keeper.

Full of belief, Lavant now began to take the game to their opponents. Having looked comfortable for half an hour Pagham were now rocking. Chris Webb picked the ball up on the halfway line and went on a surging run. Twenty five yards from goal he let fly, the keeper was unable to hold his fierce attempt.

Speed reacted quickest of all and steered the ball home to put Lavant in front, 2-1. Lavant continued to pile on the pressure but were unable to score another before half-time.  Credit to Pagham, they came out for the second half and began as they started the first half.

In the 50th minute they scored an excellent goal. With his back to goal, Ryan Champion took a high ball on his chest, turned and hit it past Tom Cowell. Five minutes on and Pagham once again took the lead.

For the first time in the entire match the Lavant defence got themselves into an awful mess. The two central defenders went awol allowing Champion to score his second virtually unchallenged.  Initially stunned by the dramatic turn around, Lavant once again picked themselves up. Amazingly, just five minutes later they were back on level terms. Following some excellent interplay between the hardworking trio of Parfoot, Hanson and Cook-Jones, Chris Webb found himself free to fire home a thoroughly deserved equalizer, 3-3.

The game swung from end to end with both sides pushing for what they hoped would be the decisive goal.  If anything, it looked as though Lavant would eventually come out on top. Pagham were beginning to lose their discipline and picked up a couple of yellow cards.

With just five minutes remaining Lavant had a golden opportunity to seal the tie. Rob Speed went in for a challenge with the goalkeeper and a defender. Fortune favours the brave, and following a hefty collision which left both keeper and defender spread-eagled, Speed emerged with the ball at his feet. With the empty goal at his mercy, the forward somehow managed to stroke the ball agonizingly wide of the upright.

With three minutes left on the clock, Lavant conceded a free-kick just inside their own half. From the resultant kick, Ryan Champion rose above the Lavant defence to send a looping header over the stranded keeper.

The jubilant Pagham celebrations that followed the goal served as an indication of their collective relief.

Lavant threw everyone forward in search of a well-deserved equalizer, but the Pagham rearguard stood firm to book their place in the quarter final.

Congratulations to both teams for serving up a thrilling cup tie, played in an excellent spirit. Full marks to referee David Huggett, his handling of the game contributed to a pulsating game of football.

Lavant: T.Cowell, L.Finch, K.Gilbert, L.Cotton, N.House, R.Parfoot, L.Cook-Jones, R. Hanson, R. Speed, C.Webb, C.Collwell. Subs: J.White, C.Young, J. Brockhurst.

Lavant 1 Petworth 3

Lavant’s Sam Cole heading  towards the Petworth goal

Rob Levett was the talisman that gave Petworth three points on their visit to the Green.

The homeside dominated the first half and had chances to bury the game.

When Alan Sheppard pulled the ball back for James Brooks to cross, Ryan Seacombe gave the Chichester side the lead in the first minute with a well placed header.

Sheppard had two chances to bury the game and should have been awarded a penalty when the Petworth ‘keeper sent him reeling. But the referee never gave it. Just summed up the day.

Alan Sheppard first to the ball and then flattened by the keeper in the box. Stonewall penalty. 

Dave Kennard headed inches over from a Duncan Terry corner on 20 minutes.  Then Levett struck turning on a cross from the left to drill home after 36 minutes.

Seven minutes into the second half, Chris Jones got the wrong side of Terry to hit home the winner for Petworth, converting a left wing cross on the far post.

Kennard was again denied when Petworth’s ‘keeper pulled off a great save from a Terry corner 3 minutes later.

Chris Coe battles to win the ball as Matt Stevens look on

Three substitutions lifted Lavant’s game and they played better football and dominated the rest of the half. Pressing for the equaliser left them exposed and that man Levett secured the game for the visitor’s with a thunderous strike 2 minutes from time.

Lavant attack the other goal, but it still will not go in

Lavant’s Director of Football, Dave Kent commented “It’s hard to analyse how we lost. We had the majority of possession and chances to win the game”. The answer to his quandary is…Rob Levett.

Lavant: A.Rochester, C.Coe, J.Wright, D.Kennard, D.Terry, A.Sheppard, J.Brooks, M.Stevens, D.Cowell, R.Seacombe, S.Cole.  Subs: L.Weller, S.Loversidge, R.Lines.

Sundays Results

Division 2:
Queens Park South 7, Lamb Steyne 2
Six Villages Utd 1, Aldingbourne 5
Southbourne 3, University of Chichester 3
Wheatsheaf II 2, Lavant 6.

Division B:
Worthing Rebels Yth 2, Worthing Minors Ath 3
Southwater FC 7, Worthing Town Yth 2.

Saturdays Results

Division 1:
Hunston C.C. 1, Watersfield 1
Petworth 1, Holbrook F.C. 5
Stedham Utd 1, Barnham Reserves 4.

Division 3 South:
Harting 3, Rustington Park Snrs 0
Sportsman F.C 1, Lavant Reserves 10.

Sportsman 1 Lavant Reserves 10

There was no away day blues as Lavant Reserves took on Sportsman with enforced changes to the team due to injury and first team call ups.

As Lavant got off to a flying start with Darren Cox getting on the score sheet within 3 minutes after the Sportsman’s keeper long clearance was headed back towards goal by Jason Houghton, into the path of Stuart Loversidge who squared the ball to Cox who opened his account, 0-1.

Lavant were soon two up as they dominated in midfield. Martin Ayers playing in his preferred position on the wing ran the ball down the flank past the right back before picking out Cox with an inch perfect cross, who cool drove the ball home, scoring his second of the match and putting the visitors well and truly in the driving seat, 0-2.

Sportsman almost pulled one back as a long range shot almost caught keeper Tom Turner off guard, but he managed to scramble back and tip the ball over the bar for a corner.

Lavant kept pressing at every opportunity and were soon rewarded with their third goal as winger Dave Maclean jinxed his way past a couple of players, before crossing the ball to the far post where Stuart Loversidge headed home, 0-3.

Full back Dan Ranjbar created Lavant’s fourth goal, picking out Maclean on the edge of the box, who went on a darting run beating three defenders before scoring the goal of the game, similar to Sunderland’s Onroha goal against Chelsea last week, 0-4.

The Sportsman didn’t give up and they tried hard to get back into the game pushing forward in search of a goal.  But Lavant’s new look defence stood firm and with forwards Loversidge and Cox combining well up front they caused havoc on the counter attack as they added goals five and six and Cox claimed his first but surely not his last hat trick in a Lavant shirt, 0-6.

With confidence high midfielder Jason Houghton added another, with delightful goal from the edge of the box and defender Simon Green made it eight just before half time, scoring from a Maclean corner, 0-8.

At half time Lavant made wholesale changes bringing on Joe Green, Dan Page and Louis Weller. As a result it took a while for the substitutes to bed in, whilst The Sportsman fresh from their half time grilling started the livelier and quickly pulled a goal back as their striker beat the offside trap and rounded the keeper to score, 1-8.

In the end this just proved to be a consolation goal as Lavant settled and once more pressed the homesides goal.  Maclean, Cox and Weller all came close to extending Lavant’s lead further but it came down to full back Simon Green to show them how it was done, by going on an excursion from the half way line, playing a neat one two with Maclean before drilling the ball home to score the visitors ninth of the match, 1-9.

There was still time for one more goal as Darren Cox headed his fourth of the game, to cap a commanding performance from the visitors, 1-10.  Man of the match Simon Green commented “We’ve have had a poor run of results of late and to come here today and score so many goals will give us a boost for the next game and if we are ever short of strikers in the team then I am always available”.

Lavant: T. Turner, D. Ranjbar, B.Evans, P.Cairns, S.Green, D.Maclean, S.Massey, J.Houghton, M.Ayers, D.Cox, S.Loversidge. Subs: J.Green, L. Weller, D. Page.