Together Lavant Go Top of the League

Lavant 3 Faygate 2

This was a top of the table clash involving the only two teams in Division One who remained undefeated.

Lavant striker, Stuart Loversidge, had to pull out seconds before kick-off. The resulting reshuffle meant the homeside started slowly and Faygate dominated the first quarter hour.

Gradually Lavant came into the game and fullback Chris Coe spurned a chance to give the Chichester side the lead. By now Lavant were controlling the match and persistant hard work by Mike Bartley on the right set Dave Knight to open Lavant’s account with a well finished goal on 28 minutes.

Dave Knight opens the scoring

A minute later, defender, Matt lyttle, doubled the lead with a 65yd lob which United ‘keeper, Martyn Jepson, mishandled into his own net.

In the second half, Tyler Steer, marshalled Faygate’s defence well and the visitors threw every ounce of energy into trying to get back in the game.

Lavant’s passing game however kept them in charge and a diagonal ball from left-back, Matt Hine,found right-winger, Louis Weller, who skipped his defender and crossed for Bartley to head home on 72 minutes. A repeat performance one minute later saw Bartley miss by inches.

Mike Bartley heads the winner

The homeside disappointingly lost concentration in the last 10 minutes, allowing United’s Sam Freeman to clip Lavant’s crossbar. The Chichester side lost possession to the powerful Phil Williamson who set up Tom Clarke to grab one back in the 84 minute.

Mike Bartley on the ball

A disputed goal by Clarke one minute from time left Lavant to endure a nail-biting finish; but they remain top of the Division.

Lavant: N.Sanson, C.Coe, J.Wright, M.Lyttle, M.Hine, L.Weller, J.Brooks, D.Knight, M.Bartley, R.Seacombe, M.Neville.  Subs: M.Grace, M.Price, (S.Loversidge).

Fernhurst 10 Lavant Reserves 0

Lavant: G.Pinder, G.Ockwell, M.Ayers, B.Purgavie, D.Maclean, M.Stevens, A.Berry, S.Wiggins, S.Massey, S.Walder, M.Fegus. Subs: R.Lines, T.Turner.

Saturdays League Results

Division ONE
Barns Green 4 Hunston CC Reserves 1
East Dean 0 Petworth 3
Newtown Villa Reserves 1 Southwater 4
Yapton 1 Lavant 3

Division TWO SOUTH
Boxgrove 2 Fittleworth 3
Predators 4 Barnham 3rd’s 0

Chichester Charity Cup – Rnd 2
Fernhurst 2 Capel 3
Henfield 3 Rudgwick 1
Lavant Reserves 0 Ashington Rovers 1
Newdigate 3 Lodsworth 1
Selsey FC ‘A’ 1 Wittering Utd 6
Stedham Utd 1 Alfold 4

Yapton 1 Lavant 2

Lavant remained at the top of Division One after their win at Eastergate Memorial Ground.

But Yapton dominated the first half with captain, Karl Westbrook, leading a strong defence; Lee Boxall directing play and Dan Bedford always a danger upfront. They out-muscled the visitors and panicked them into numerous mistakes.

Despite Lavant hitting a post, the homeside deserved their half-time lead when Ludlow headed home a Yapton corner on 14 minutes.

The interval gave Lavant’s management the chance of analysis and calm instructions to keep the ball and take the phrenetic pace out of the game. To their credit, the league leaders implemented their instructions and the visitors controlled the second-half…

A calm build up fed Ryan Seacombe who flicked the ball on for Stuart Loversidge to roll his defender and thrash the ball into the top corner of the net on 52 minutes.  Seacombe was then fed by James Brooks to give Lavant the winner six minutes later.

Goalscorers Stuart Loversidge, Ryan Seacombe and James Brooks

Brooks himself ended another visitors’ move by lobbing the ball into the open Yapton net from 30 yds with 5 minutes of normal time to play.

On Saturday, Lavant entertain Faygate, fellow title challengers, and the only team to take points from Lavant this season. Worth a watch !

Lavant: N.Sanson, J.Wright, M.Lyttle, M.Hine, C.Coe, L.Weller, J.Brooks, M.Bartley, D.Knight, R.Seacombe, S.Loversidge. Subs: M.Grace, M.Neville, M.Stevens.

Lavant Reserves 0 Ashington Rovers 1
Charity Cup

Match Report to follow

Lavant: C.Seacombe, G.Ockwell, M.Ayers, G.Pinder, D.Maclean, Oliver Haggar, S.Wiggins, S.Massey, D.Mortimer, S.Walder, M.Fegus. Subs: Sam Cole, Duncan Terry, Graham Bell.

Is the secret to Mike Barley’s current cracking form down to his Zumba warm-up techniques?

Ever at the forefront of the new and exciting football training and warm-up techniques, Mike has been caught on camera trailing his unique zumba warm-up routine at the away match to East Dean.

Although the Lavant players really did not take to the warm up routine, there was some surprise interest from one of the East Dean players.

On the 29th October the annual LFC Bowling competition took place with just over 20 people competing for the title of LFC Bowls Master.

This year to allow Cliff time to get his bowling shoes off and his shoes back on at the end of the competition it was decided to restrict the bowling to only one full round.  This actually also allowed more time to have a few beers up the town after.

The high score for the eveining went to Neil Sanson who chalked up an incredible score of 175 (apparently Neil used to work at a bowling alley?)

In a respectable second place was new signing Simon Walder with 154.  Closely followed by Spider with 137 and Wes with 136.

The lowest score of the night which is usually hotly contested between Cliff Massey and Dave Kent (both scored 93 this time) was actually easily won by our trend setting cardigan wearer Chris Coe.

And finally for the record Tommy (Dave Parker) Cooper scored a respectable 76. Just like that.

We all had a great night out which after the bowling carried on up the town where the LFC Court for forfeits was held in Wetherspoons.  Following this the real die hard players managed to see out the evening and next morning at Thursdays night club.

We all had a great evening out and it was so well supported and that is down the hard work put in by the Entertainment Committee of James Brooks, Matt Stevens and Jon Wright and everyone who attended on the night. Thanks

Saturdays League Results

Division ONE
Newtown Vila Reserves 3 Hunston CC Reserves 1

Division TWO SOUTH
Lodsworth 6 Lavant Reserves 2
Stedham Utd 4 Barnham 3rd’s 0

Malcolm Simmonds Cup
Barnham Reserves 1 Faygate Utd 4
Billinghurst 5 Watersfield 3
East Dean 1 Sidlesham 5
Holbrook 2 Chi Uni 2 (0-3 pens)
Lavant 2 Lancing 3
Soutwater 4 Yapton 3

Lavant 2 Lancing Utd 3 after extra time
Malcolm Simmonds Cup

Lavant will never really understand how they lost this cup tie. But one thing is clear Lavant for long periods outplayed their opponents and managers David’s Parker and Kent have potentially a great team here.

Chris Coe on the ball

A little overawed by their premier opponents, Lavant were tentative in the early minutes and were unlucky when Sean Page’s cross was deflected into the homeside’s goal by Lavant’s Chris Coe with only 5 minutes on the clock.

The response was immediate. A Mike Bartley- Stuart Loversidge interchange ended with Loversidge crossing into the path of scorer Ryan Seacombe to put Lavant level within a minute.

Ryan Seacombe on the ball

Then sensational football saw Louis Weller just miss the angle 2 minutes later and Lancing ‘keeper, Ashley Hollicks pulled off a series of class saves from Loversidge (28minutes), Bartley (35minutes) and Seacombe (38minutes) before a delightful move saw Bartley tee up Seacombe on 39 minutes whose goal was inexplicably disallowed on the pretext of offside.

Dave Parker preparing the players for the second half

In the second half, Lancing changed to 3-5-2 to flood the midfield but Lavant still dominated and deserved the lead when Seacombe put Weller through whose cross Dave Knight brilliantly finished on 50 minutes.

Lavant celebrate Dave Knights goal (Knight’s lifted in the air)

Matt Hine forced another great save from Hollicks on 77minutes and it looked like Lavant were comfortably coasting to a 2-1 win when an individual error let Chris Phillips in to cross for Liam Hall to equalise in the 88 minute. Lavant were stunned and Lancing hit the net again in added time but the goal was ruled offside.

Louis Weller breaking through down the right wing

The game went to 30 minutes extra time. Another individual error allowed Phillips in and although Lavant ‘keeper, Sanson, saved, the ball conveniently fell to the striker who finished well from a tight angle in 5 minutes of extra time.

Lavant were awarded a penalty in 24 minute, but Loversidge’s spot kick was saved by Hollicks.

Lavant assistant manager, Dave Kent commented”We were the better side though we have to learn a few more things but all this bodes well for the future”. Lavant travel to Yapton in the league next Saturday.

Lavant: N.Sanson, J.Wright, M.Lyttle, M.Hine, C.Coe, L.Weller, J.Brooks, M.Bartley, D.Knight, R.Seacombe, S.Loversidge. Subs: M.Grace, M.Neville.

Saturdays League Results

Division ONE
Cowfold 5 Newtown Villa reserves 0
Barnham Reserves 1 Petworth 4
Yapton 2 Holbrook FC 1
East Dean 0 Lavant 0

Division TWO SOUTH
Lavant Reserves 2 Predators 3
Fernhurst 2 Fittleworth 5
Boxgrove 2 Lodsworth 7
Barnham 3rds 2 Wittering 5
Selsey A 5 Stedham Utd 2

East Dean 0 Lavant 2

Aerial battle in the East Dean goal, with Matt Steven jumping highest 

On the run in to this Derby match, Manager, David Parker admitted. “I am anxious about this game. Any complacency and East Dean are a banana skin waiting for us to slip on”. Add to this the absence of two regular players and the caution was understandable.

Despite Lavant outplaying their opponents, Parker’s fears seemed justifiable when East Dean ‘keeper, Dave Hunter, pulled of a series of terrific saves from Lavant’s Mike Bartley, Dave Knight and Louis Weller. In addition, Knight twice hit the post and Lavant were denied a penalty despite a handling offence by the homeside.

Stewart Loversidge pressing to score in the heavily defended East Dean goal 

Just to emphasise the danger, on one isolated breakaway, Louis Manchip clipped the visitors’ crossbar and then Lee Bessey headed close from a corner.

After the restart, East Dean made the running in the first quarter hour but as Lavant settled back into their passing game, the deadlock was broken when Knight’s deep cross was headed home by Bartley at the far post on 65 minutes.

Mike Bartley heading in Lavant’s second goal at the far post

Two minutes later, Bartley was the supplier from the left as Weller volleyed home the cross in majestic style.

Substitute, Mike Neville hit the post for the visitors within minutes of coming on, Lavant then kept possession of the ball to see out the game and secure the 3 points.

Lavant: N.Sanson, J.Wright, M.Lyttlle, M.Hine, C.Coe, L.Weller, M.Stevens, J.Brooks, M.Bartley, D.Knight, S.Loversidge. Subs: M.Grace, M.Neville.

Lavant Reserves 2 Predators 0

A bruising encounter was expected in this Division II south fixture between Lavant and Predators as both sides desperately needed a win to move up the lower half of the table.

True to predictions the game went as expected as early on both teams battled to get the upper hand, with hard tackling and early bookings being given out by referee Roy Johnson to players on both sides.

It was Predators that broke the deadlock taking advantage of Lavant’s sloppy play going one nil up with 15 minutes gone on the clock, as stand in keeper Dave Mclean was caught to far off his goal line as the Predators forward took full advantage neatly chipping the ball over Maclean into the empty net, 0-1.

Lavant were however soon level following a flare-up involving captain Greg Ockwell and the Predators midfielder.  Ockwell still fired up then won the ball, ran 60 yards towards goal before unleashing a furious shot, which the keeper could only parry away from goal and into the path of Lavant’s top scorer Mark Fegus who made no mistake scoring from close range, 1-1.

The game now opened up as both teams pressed forward in search of the next goal.  Lavant should have gone in the lead if it were not for two great saves from the Predators keeper.  The homeside were then made to pay for not taking their chances as visitors capitalized from a free-kick.  The ball was lofted into the goal mouth followed, a mad scramble ensued before the visitors got the final touch prodded the ball over the line, 1-2.

Predators now had the upper hand and as Lavant hastily made changes to plug the holes appearing in defence, the visitors stuck again, taking a commanding three one lead into half time, 1-3.

Manager Cliff Massey gave his team a stern talking to during the break and that seemed to do the trick as within 5 minutes from the re-start Lavant had reduced the deficit as Fegus was once again on hand as he went on a darting run down the by line, past 3 players before scoring from a tight angle, neatly lofting the ball over the keeper into the far corner, 2-3.

The fight back was now on, but although Lavant created numerous chances they just could frustratingly never apply the finishing touch. With the Predator’s keeper in such good form, plus when he was did beaten the bar and post came to the visitors rescue, the equaliser seemed to be eluding Lavant as the remaining minutes ticked away.

Stand in keeper Mclean redeemed his earlier mistake as late on he pulled off two great one verses one saves to keep Lavant in the game.  But it was a case of déjà vu as Lavant yet again finally succumbed to another agonising three two defeat.

Assistant Manager Mel Milburn said of the game “we were rocked this week by the loss of our keeper late Saturday morning, but we rearranged the squad and gave it one hundred and twenty percent, but the simple things let us down today. Passing and tackling is the cornerstone of any football match.”

Lavant: D.Maclean, G.Ockwell, M.Ayers, S.Wiggins, A.Berry, S.Massey, A.Holmes, G.Bell, R.Lines, S.Cole, M.Fegus. Subs: J.Green, M.Milburn.

Saturdays League Results

Division ONE
Barns Green 2 East Dean 1
Faygate Utd 2 Cowfold Reserves 0
Holbrook FC v Newtown Villa Reserves
Hunston CC Reserves 0 Southwater 3
Lavant 4 Barnham Reserves 1
Petworth 2 Yapton 1

Division TWO SOUTH
Fernhurst 3 Lodsworth 3
Fittleworth 5 Lavant Reserves 4
Predators 1 Boxgrove 2
Selsey FC ‘A’ v Barnham 3rd
Stedham Utd 1 Wittering Utd 4

Lavant 4 Barnham Reserves 1

With Barnham occupying second place and Lavant fourth prior to this game, this fixture was vitally important to both teams.

Both played attractive football and when Lavant gave the ball away on the edge of their defending third, star striker, Harry Abraham, came close to giving the visitors the lead.

But within two minutes, Stuart Loversidge headed Mike Bartley’s cross just wide at the other end.

Barnham ‘keeper,Gary Wimbledon, pulled off a fine save from a Matt Stevens drive and minutes later, but it was Bartley who broke the deadlock in the 26th minute with a right foot drive into the bottom corner to give the homeside the lead.

Ryan Seacombe doubled Lavant’s lead on 32 minutes and Wimbledon again denied Bartley minutes later.

As Lavant battened down the hatches in the second half, Barnham dominated its first 15 mins. But when Stevens headed Matt Hine’s corner into the back of the Barnham net on 57minutes, the homeside settled.

Nevertheless, Lavant’s Neil Sanson had to pull off two class saves from Barnham’s greatest threat, Abraham.

The visitors got their desserts when Kain Lawrence lobbed the ‘keeper from a deep cross on 63minutes.

But Lavant sealed the three points with a great individual goal from Seacombe 10minutes from time.

Lavant: N.Sanson, J.Wright, B.Purgavie, M.Hine, C.Coe, L.Weller, M.Stevens, J.Brooks, M.Bartley, R.Seacombe, S.Loversidge. Subs: M.Grace, M.Price, AHolmes.

Fittleworth 5 Lavant Reserves 4

Match Report to follow:

Saturdays League Results

Division ONE
Lavant 4 Newtown Villa Reserves 0
East Dean 0 Holbrook 2
Barnham Reserves 2 Barns Green 1
Yapton 7 Hunston CC Reserves 0

Division TWO SOUTH
Fernhurst 4 Selsey ‘A’ 1
Barnham 3rd’s 2 Boxgrove 2
Stedham Utd 4 Lavant Reserves 5

Lavant 4 Newtown Villa Reserves 0

Despite Stuart Loversidge nearly scoring early on, Lavant having a goal disallowed, Seacombe forcing a great save and later hitting the crossbar, the homeside were beaten to the ball by a sparky Villa who looked anything but a bottom of the table side.

Lavant keeper Neil Sanson and Ben Pergavie keep’s Newtown’s number 7 at bay

Lavant ‘keeper Neil Sanson kept Lavant in the game with three superb saves and the Chichester side were fortunate to go in at half time with a 1-0 lead secured by a Mike Bartley header.

The truth was the second in the league team were too complacent and underestimated their opponents.

But a rollicking from the management at half-time changed things and Ryan Seacombe almost doubled Lavant’s lead a minute after the restart. Louis Weller missed a penalty for the homeside and Seacombe again forced a great save from the outstanding Slawek Saklak in goal.

Ryan Seacombe’s shot just goes over the Newtown Villa goal 

When Seacombe was brought down in the box Loversidge dispatched the penalty. Then Lavant controlled the game with some impressive passing and Loversidge completed his hat-trick with goals in the 74th & 76^th minute to secure the 3 points.

Newtown however can go home with more hope after this display.

Stuart Loversidge celebrate’s scoring his hat-trick

Lavant: N.Sanson, J.Wright, B.Purgavie, M.Lyttle, C.Coe, L.Weller, M.Stevens, M.Bartley, M.Price, R.Seacombe, S.Loversidge. Subs: M.Grace, J.Brooks

Stedham 4 Lavant Reserves 5

Expectations were high going into Lavant’s away trip to Stedham, with team performances getting stronger each week.  The only drawback on paper was that injuries to key players, Ross Lines, Craig Seacombe and Alex Berry had meant that significant changes had to be made to last weeks starting line up.  But this did also give an opportunity for other players to take their chance and make a stake for a place in the team.

With 5 minutes gone Martin Ayers was bought down 35 yards out from goal.  Up stepped Matty Hine to open the scoring, as his free kick ended up in the back of the net following a clever dummy by Sam Cole which deceived the keeper leaving him stranded, 0-1.

The visitors lead was short lived as Stedham won a corner and after a scramble in the goal mouth the ball eventually found it’s way through to the net, 1-1.

Shell shocked Lavant then went on the attack once more with good work down the right wing as captain Greg Ockwell and speedy winger Ayers combined with a series of passes before Ayers applied the finishing touch coolly scoring past the outcoming keeper to once more give the visitors the lead, 1-2.

Stedham again showed great resolve and after a couple of scares to the Lavant rearguard the homeside won a dubious free kick on the edge of the box. The free kick was poor but the keeper was unable to gather the ball, palming it still into play, as the Stedham striker react first to score after 20 minutes once more levelling the score, 2-2.

The crowd that had gathered was certainly enjoying the goal fest and did not have to wait long for more goals. With Lavant’s never say die attitude they were soon again on the attack creating some good chances culminating in in-form striker Sam Cole getting on the score sheet, following good work inside the box by Dave Mclean, 2-3.

Again Stedham came right back at the visitors with Lewis Hamilton racing from inside the half way line jinking past the defence before unleashing an unstoppable shot into the top left hand corner to draw level once more, 3-3.

The third equaliser seemed to result in Stedham upping their game as they sensed this could be there game and they took advantage as a clever corner kick found its way into the crowded box where their towering striker rose unchallenged to nod the ball home and giving the homeside the lead for the first time in the game, 4-3.

As it has been in previous weeks Lavant had to come from behind and this game was no exception.  After a number of chances at both ends for either team to score it was Lavants young up and coming striker Chris Colwell who broke the deadlock as he found himself in space with time to clinically put away his first goal of the season, drawing the game level once more, 4-4.

Then just before half time Cole picked up the ball and with a shimmey to his left created a yard of space before firing home what turned out to be the eventual winner, 4-5.

A tactical switch at half time saw the impressive Mikey Neville man mark Stedham’s danger man Lewis Hamilton, this worked a treat as Stedham’s chances in front of goal were significantly reduce but this also resulted in Lavant’s free flowing attacking football was also somewhat restricted.

Both sides had chances to score with stand in Lavant striker Nathan Richards coming close twice but being denied by the keeper.  Then on 85 minutes Hamilton finally broke through the Lavant rear guard and with only the keeper to beat, chipped the ball into the air goal bound only for out-coming keeper Tom Turner to somehow get a finger tip to the ball deflecting it away for a corner, a truly magnificent save which ensured the second half ended goalless and after nine first half goals Lavant thankfully finally for all their efforts bagged three precious league points.

An exhausted Manager Cliff Massey said of the game “It was a real spectacular, end to end encounter which thankfully Lavant have won and this was all came down to a fine save right at the closing moments of the game, so perhaps this time lady luck was shining on us, where that might not have been the case in previous weeks.”

Lavant: T.Turner, G.Ockwell, M.Ayers, G.Pinder, M.Hine, D.Maclean, S.Wiggins, M.Neville, S.Massey, C.Colwell, S.Cole. Subs: N.Richards, M.Millburn.

Just Over Two Weeks To Go

Dont forget to contact either James Brooks , Jon Wright or Matt Steven’s to book your place at the annual LFC Bowling Competition at Chichester Gate on the 29th October. Plus up the town afterwards.
One night out not to be missed.

There is also a halloween theme to the evening and so fancy dress is compulsory!!

Saturday’s League Results

Division ONE
East Dean 1 Barnham 0
Cowfold Reserves 2 Hunston CC 5
Barns Green 5 Newtown Villa 0
Holbrook FC 4 Petworth 0

Division TWO SOUTH
Lavant Reserves 2 Lodsworth 2
Boxgrove 4 Stedham Utd 4
Barnham 3rd’s 2 Furnhurst 3
Preadors 1 Wittering Utd 4

Newtown 2 Lavant 5
Malcolm Simmonds Cup

Premiership Newtown entertained Division One Lavant in this Malcolm Simmonds Memorial Cup clash.

The first half was tight with few chances. Ryan Seacombe forced a save from Villa ‘keeper, Keelan Belcher, and Dean Cooper fired over the Lavant bar from 8yds out.  The Chichester side had to rearrange their squad when James Brooks had to leave for hospital with a broken nose, when his diving header was met by a Villa boot.  The only break in the deadlock was Matt Lyttle’s 8^th minute goal for the visitors from a set piece.

Ashley Pugh drew Villa level in the 55^th minute but fortunately for Lavant Louis Weller restored the lead two minutes later.  Then came a series of goals from the visitors as Seacombe (68^th minute) and Weller (72^nd minute) put the visitors 4-1 in front.

The Lavant management were dismayed to see their side then lose shape as they went “Gung-Ho” for more goals, paying the penalty for this indiscretion when Pugh’s cross was swept home by Newtown’s Paul Sibley.  Villa were

Re-inspired and Lavant looked ragged as the game drew to a close. But any Villa hopes were crushed when Seacombe hit Lavant’s 5^th in off the bar in the dying seconds.

Lavant: N.Sanson, J.Wright, B.Purgavie, M.Lyttle, C.Coe, L.Weller, M.Stevens, J.Brooks, M.Price, R.Seacombe, M.Bartley. Sub: M.Grace.

Lavant Reserves 2 Lodsworth 2

This week Lavant Reserves hosted Lodsworth at Raughmere Park in the league, with the homeside hoping for a win, after narrowly losing their first two opening league games of the season.

Manager Cliff Massey shuffled the pack with Guy Pinder coming in as captain and centre back, Martin Ayers moving over to the right wing and the impressive Matt Hine coming in as left back.

The changes certainly made a difference as Lavant took the game to Lodsworth straight from the off. With Hine spraying the ball around the pitch and Pinder winning everything in the air; it gave the players a real boost and enabled them to play football.

The homeside’s opening dominance was soon rewarded as Ross Lines received the ball 40 yards out from goal before running past the Lodsworth defender and striking a hard low shot towards gaol, which the keeper could only parry away into the path of striker Mark Fegus, who reacted quickest and drill the ball into the back of the net from close range, giving the homeside a deserved one nil lead, 1-0.

Lavant created more chances to score, only to be denied by the crossbar and the Lodsworth keeper who pulled off a number of fine saves. It was surely now only a matter of time now before the match had a second goal, but unfortunately for the home side it went against the run of play, as the visitors scored with their first shot of the game on 40 minutes.

A neat passage of play on the edge of Lavant’s box caught the defence ball watching as the Lodsworth striker got away an opportunist shot which curled delightfully low into the right hand corner of the goal, levelling the scores going into half time, 1-1.

The homeside’s half time team talk consisted of sticking to the game plan and not to let our heads drop and then Lavant will get points on the board.

Lodsworth still upbeat from their late first half equalizer started the second period with fire in their belly, putting Lavant keeper Craig Seacombe straight into action, but he was more than up to the task as Lodsworth were unable to make their early pressure pay.  As the visitors pressed forward in search of a goal space opened up in midfield, allowing Davey Knight to take advantage as the worked his way up to the edge of the opposing box before unleashing a ferocious shot, a real net buster, which gave the keeper no chance, to the delight of the larger than normal crowd that had gathered to witness a great game.

Lavant were now in control of the game and pushed forward in an attempt to further extend their lead, winning a succession of corners, but both Pinder and Wiggins were unable to capitalize on their goal scoring opportunities.

The pressure on manager Cliff Massey who’s was now constantly shouting from the touchline and pacing up and down was clearly showing, as he rallied his team to see out the game in the last quarter of an hour and gain the three precious points.

Then true to Lavant’s current luck, Shay Wiggins was adjudged to have fouled in his own area giving away a penalty from a corner for pushing an opponent, a seemingly harsh decision as 95% of the time these incidents go unpunished.

The resulting penalty was duly dispatched levelling the game, 2-2 with only minutes remaining.  Both teams tried in vein for the winner but to no avail and so Lavant had to settle for only a point after dominating for much of the match.

“It was really disappointing not to have won today, but on the other hand we did earn our first point of the season in this tough league.  Every week we’re improving. The team has a great spirit and the players gave a 110% commitment over the whole ninety minutes of the game. No matter what the score. As manager’s Mel and I are really happy with that” commented Cliff Massey.

Lavant: C.Seacombe, A.Berry, M.Ayers, G.Pinder, M.Hine, D.Maclean, S.Wiggins, D.Knight, S.Massey, R.Lines, M.Fegus. Subs: B.Geall, C.Colwell, N.Richards.