West Chiltington 2 Lavant 4
West Chiltington out-muscled their visitors with their physical strength to claim the three points in this Premier Division clash.
Lavant seemed devoid of self-belief in the first quarter hour, which resulted in Dan Clayton hitting the visitors’ woodwork early and Chiltintons striker deflecting a cross into the visitors goal in the 12th minutes, which put the homeside in front.
To their credit, the Chichester side recovered their confidence and the rest of the first half was a thrilling spectacle, with both sides equally balanced. Mike Bartley forced a fine save from Chiltington ‘keeper Jordan Mitchell, whilst Lavant goalie, Neil Sanson made two crisp saves from Gary Weedon and Charlie Monaghan at the other end.
In between, James Sandford drilled a Mike Neville corner home on 24 minutes to level the score before half-time.
Lavant made the same error as before in the first quarter hour of the second half, but this time were punished by Weedon’s 55th minute header and Craig Dawson’s finish on 65 minute’s.
Any hopes of a fight back were crushed when Craig Pulling converted a penalty in 69th minute. The visitors were now fighting back and Sandford again scored, this time from a Matt Lyttle corner in 76th minute. But it was too little, too late.
Despite changing formation for a last ditch attempt to get back in the game, Lavant could not improve the score line.
Visitors’ Manager, David Parker commented “We competed in the first half; didn’t turn up for the second; and were overcome by a physically stronger side who deserved their win.”
Lavant: N.Sanson, R.Gabb, B.Purgavie, T.Parker, M.Lyttle, J.Sandford, J.Brooks, D.Knight, M.Neville, M.Bartley, S.Smith. Subs: M.Price
March 2nd & 3rd
Premier Division
West Chiltington 4 Lavant 2
Barnham Reserves 1 Watersfield 1
Bosham 1 Hunston CC 1
Newtown Villa 1 Faygate 1
Upper Beeding 2 Holbrook 0
Mid Sussex Senior Cup
Lindfold 2 Cowfold 3
Division III South
Lavant Reserves 1 Stedham 5
The Vardar VIP 3 Whyke 0
Nyetimber Pirates 5 Yapton Reserves 1
Harting 0 Rustinton park Seniors 0
Sussex Junior Cup
Wittering Reserves 4 Newtown Villa Reserves 1
Division I Sunday League
Results to follow