Bosham 2 Lavant 1

Match report to follow: 

Team: Neil Sanson, Richard Gabb, Ben Purgavie, Jon Wright, Matt Lyttle, Dave Knight, Dave Maclean, James Brooks, Mike Neville, Tom Haslam, James Sandford. Subs: Chris Richards, Alex Holmes, Pete Caveney.

7th December Saturday’s Results

Premier Division
Bosham 2 Lavant 1
Henfield 3 Lancing Utd 2
Hunston 2 Upper Beeding 3
West Chiltington 2 West Wittering 1

Mid Sussex Senior Cup
Balcombe 2 Faygate 1

Centenary Cup
Holbrook vs Hammer Utd HW

Vernon Wentworth Cup
Pagham Reserves 9 Newtown Villa 4

Division IV South
Harting Reserves 0 Tangmere 2
Coal Exchange 4 Bracklesham 1
The Crown 6 Milland 0

Bareham Trophy
Yapton Reserves 0 Bosham Reserves 5

Sussex Junior Cup
Lake Road Rangers 0 AFC Hastings 3

Ockley 3 Lavant 0

Malcolm Simmonds Cup

Saturday Lavant travelled north to high flying Division 1 side Ockley. From the outset it was obvious to see that Lavant were in for a tough afternoon, with a pitch that resembled a ploughed field and the physical nature of the Ockley starting eleven, it was never going to suit Lavants passing game.

Despite this, the first half was a relatively even affair with chances few and far between and with half time looming it was Ockley that broke the deadlock. Good play by the Ockley wide man on the right hand side, switching the ball to the opposite flank and despite a strong block by debutant Richards, the ball ran kindly for the Ockley forward to slot home past Sanson.

This left Lavant in a familiar position and was confident that there was every chance of getting back into the game. However, old habits came to fruition once more and Lavant were two down, one minute from the restart.

Ockley winning the ball back and breaking with numbers, purpose and getting their reward with a simple finish. Ten minutes later, Lavant were forced into a change for the injured Brooks during an Ockley corner and with his replacement Maclean ordered back off the field by the referee due to the colour of his undergarment it was the unmarked Ockley player left free to fire home from 18 yards.

The remainder of the second half was flat and little fight put up by Lavant, leaving a long journey home to revert their focus back to the league next week.

Team: Neil Sanson, Tom Haslam, Chris Richards, Jon Wright, Matt Lyttle, Dave Knight, Ash Humphreys, James Brooks, Mike Neville, Will Cieszynski, James Sandford. Subs: Dave Maclean, Alex Holmes.

30th November Saturday’s Results

Malcolm Simmonds Cup
Ockley 3 Lavant 0
Cowfold 1 West Chiltington 0
Hunston 2 Bosham 1
Newtown Villa 7 Southwater 3
Henfield 2 Predators 10
Upper Beeding 4 Faygate 0
Wittering vs Pulborough Home Win
Yapton vs Lancing Away Win

Division IV South
Bosham Reserves 1 Tangmere 0

Bareham Trophy
Bracklesham 0 Predators Reserves 1
Coal Exchange 4 Wheatsheaf 0
The Crown 11 Milland 0
Lavant vs Rustington Park Seniors Away Win

Holbrook 1 Lavant 2

Lavant continued their recent good form with this away win. The 2-1 victory was cemented in dramatic fashion as Dave Knight poked home a late winner after debutant Tom Haslam’s shot struck the woodwork.

The game started poorly for the away side as yet another penalty was conceded, this time Jon Wright the culprit. The spot-kick was dispatched and Holbrook were ahead at the break.

A Lavant revival came after the break as James Sandford was felled in the box. James Brooks stroked in the penalty to equalise and begin the turnaround.

Several chances went begging as Lavant searched for the winner, Mike Neville, Sandford and Brooks all going close before Knight’s late winner.

Lavant had captain Sandford sent off late on for a second booking but held on to move up to eighth.

Team: Neil Sanson, Richard Gabb, Ben Purgavie, Jon Wright, Matt Lyttle, Dave Knight, Dave Maclean, James Brooks, Mike Neville, Alex Holmes, James Sandford.   Subs: Chris Richards, Tom Haslam, Will Cieszynski

23rd November Saturday’s Results

Premier League
Holbrook 1 Lavant 2
Bosham 3 Henfield 2
Upper Beeding 3 Cowfold 6
Hunston 1 West Chiltington 1

Sussex Intermediate Cup
Hurstpierpoint 4 Lancing Utd 1
Newtown Villa 6 Lindfield 3
Predators 4 Wittering 2

Mid Sussex Senior Cup
Faygate 3 Ifield 0

Division IV South
Whyke 2 Lake Road Rangers 3

Division IV Cup
The Crown 6 Lavant Reserves 1
Harting Reserves 1 Coal Exchange 9
Holbrook Thirds 7 Bosham Reserves 5
Milland 4 Horsham Sparrows Mens 2
Plaistow 2 Tangmere 1
Bracklesham 2 Rowfant Village 2 (7-6 Penalties)

Hunston CC 1 Lavant 1

Saturday saw Lavant travel to fellow Chichester side Hunston, full of optimism following last week’s performance. However, it was Hunston who started the stronger as Lavant fell back into some bad habits as well as struggling with the surface.

It wasn’t long until the Hunston pressure got its rewards with a high ball into the Lavant penalty area and Lavant full back Matt Grace was judged to of fouled the Hunston forward whilst challenging for the header, penalty kick. Keeper Sanson guessed the right way but the kick was too sweetly struck.

This was a wakeup call to Lavant who started to show some fight and character as the half drew to a close but a much improved second half was required.

From the restart Lavant flew out if the blocks and it was only a matter of minutes until they were on level terms. Dave Knight gathering the ball well just outside of the Hunston penalty area and threading in Captain James Sandford to cheekily clip the ball over the out rushing keeper.

Lavant continued to create chances with James Brooks,  Mike Neville and again Sandford coming close with either the keeper saving well or the effort going notionally wide.

But at the final whistle both teams had to settled for a draw.

Team: Neil Sanson, Matt Grace, Ben Purgavie, Jon Wright, Matt Lyttle, Dave Knight, Dave Maclean, James Brooks, Mike Neville, Alex Holmes, James Sandford. Subs: Ash Humphreys, Richard Gabb, Peter Caveney

16th November Saturday’s Results

Premier League
Hunston CC 1 Lavant 1
Cowfold 3 Holbrook 2
Faygate 1 Upper Beeding 1
Newtown Villa 3 Wittering 1

Centenary Cup
Billinghurst Reserves 0 West Chiltington 3
Henfield 2 Partridge Green 1
Lancing Utd 2 Bosham 5

Division IV South
Lavant Reserves 2 Whyke 4
Bracklesham 3 Harting Reserves 2
Milland 2 Bosham Reserves 2
Tangmere 0 The Crown 7

Sussex Junior Cup
Lake Road Rangers 4 Eastbourne Athletic 3

Ferring 1 Lavant 0 AET
Sussex Intermediate Cup

This Saturday saw Lavant travel to Sussex County Division 3 side Ferring in the Sussex Intermediate Cup. Despite the weather the game was on with The Glebelands holding out well after the overnight rain.

Both sides started cautiously, each looking to get the ball down a pass it on the slick surface. There was a 20 minute spell where Ferring pinned Lavant back in their half.  But Lavant frustrated the Ferring attacks, nullifying them by not allowing space between their lines and forcing the direction of play.

This soon resorted in a more direct approach from Ferring, sending long angled balls into the Lavant penalty area but the impressive Purgavie and Wright held firm.

This then allowed Lavant to play on the counter with Dave Knight being the orchestrator behind any of the forays forward but the half went by with both keepers relatively untested.

Lavant were the brighter of the 2 sides early in the second half with large amounts of the play going through their midfield trio. But unfortunately lone striker Caveney was being marshalled superbly by the Ferring back line.

As the half wore on the pitch started to deteriorate and this seemed to suit Ferring, with numerous good chances falling to their front men as the end of the ninety drew to a close, extra time it was.

The first 15 minutes passed without any real incident with perhaps Ferring having the slight better of it as Lavant continued with their passing game and Caveney still isolated.

It was 6 minutes into the second period of extra time when the deadlock was finally broken, Ferring finding space down their left hand side, driving infield and finishing well to the keepers left and the covering Purgavie unable to make the block and leaving the centre half unable to continue.

Lavant had to see out the last 9 minutes with 10 men to try and get the equaliser. Everything was thrown forward to make a dramatic end to what was a fantastic cup tie but Ferring held firm to progress into the next round.

Team: Neil Sanson, Matt Grace, Ben Purgavie, JonD %night, Dave Maclean, James Brooks, Mike Neville, Alex Holmes, Peter Caveney. Subs: Ash Humphreys, Matt Price, Will Cieszynski

9th November Saturday’s Results

Sussex Intermediate Cup
Ferring 1 Lavant 0 AET
TBA 1 Cowfold 2

Division IV South
Milland 2 Lavant Reserves 2
Tangmere 2 Whyke 7
The Crown 1 Bosham Reserves 3

Lavant 2 Henfield 2

Saturday saw the visit of second in the league Henfield take on second  from bottom Lavant. Henfield started well, pushing back Lavant early on and their attacking trio linking well. Lavant weathered the storm and looked to impose their passing game with chances falling to Caveney and Neville but the Henfield keeper saving well on both occasions.

It was Henfield who eventually broke the deadlock on the half hour mark with a well flighted cross and the Henfield forward steeling in at the back post to head home.

Ten minutes later Lavant levelled, the ball being won in midfield by Neville and threaded the ball through to Sandford who continued his scoring streak by finishing well low to the keeper’s right.

There was an element of déjà vu to the start of the second half with Henfield flying out of the blocks and this time getting their reward, a superbly timed run into the channel followed by an acute finish made it 2-1 Henfield.

Lavant persevered and levelled again 5 minutes later when the ball was slid home by Holmes from the edge of the area following good build up play.

The game played out with chances for either side to win it and with 15 minutes to go Henfield was reduced to 10 men, but Lavant were unable to capitalise on their numerical advantage.

Team: Neil Sanson, Richard Gabb, Jordan Lillywhite, Jon Wright, Matt Lyttle, Dave Knight, Dave Maclean, James Sandford, Mike Neville, Alex Holmes, Peter Caveney. Subs: Ash Humphreys, Stuart Smith, Will Cieszynski

2nd November Saturday’s Results

Premier League
Lavant 2 Henfield 2
Cowfold 0 Wittering 1
West Chiltington 5 Bosham 0
Newtown Villa vs Lancing – Postponed

Centenary Cup
Upper Beeding 3 Faygate 0
Predators 2 Hunston CC 4

Sussex Intermediate Cup
Holbrook 3 Worthing Dynamos 1

Division IV South
Milland 4 Bracklesham 0
Harting Reserves 1 Whyke 1
Tangmere vs Coal Exchange – Postponed

Sussex Junior Cup
The Vardar VIP 3 Lavant Reserves 1
Bosham Reserves 0 Crowborough Athletic 5
Lake Rd Rangers vs Eastbourne Athletic – Postponed

Hampshire Junior B Cup
New forest 4 Coal Exchange 3

Upper Beeding 1 Lavant 2

Bottom of the table Lavant made the journey to Upper Beeding this weekend still in search of that first league win of the season. Changes were made with Alex Holmes and Mike Neville returning to the starting line-up and Matthew Lyttle moving across into Centre Half.

Lavant, notoriously slow starters were up and at it from the first whistle, pressing well and looking dangerous on the break. It wasn’t long until the first real opportunity came, a long clearance up field by Lillywhite causing the Upper Beeding back line all sorts of trouble and allowing Caveney to control and fire a smart low finish to the keepers left, 1-0 Lavant.

It was then Beeding sparked into life and started to pile the pressure onto Lavant’s defensive lines. Several free kicks and corners resulted in sharp saves by Lavant keeper Sanson and the woodwork coming to their rescue on more than one occasion. Lady Luck was certainly on Lavant’s side this weekend. Still Lavant weathered the storm and came in at halftime 1-0 up.

Upper Beeding started the second half, again looking to stretch the Lavant back line with their midfielders playing high and wide and the introduction of the pacey Kieron Stevens but it was the centre of the park where battle commenced. Lavant’s Dave Maclean and James Brooks worked tirelessly in front their defence and keeping quiet the impressive Joss Knowles. Every Beeding attack was broken down and Lavant still looked effective on the break using the pace and strength of Caveney up top.

20 minutes from time Lavant could of extended their lead, Sandford was fouled 20 yards out and stepped up to take the resulting free kick but it was the woodwork which came to Beedings rescue on this occasion.

With the final whistle only moments away and the heavens opening, Beeding got their reward for their efforts. A long throw from Luke Mitchell evading every Lavant defender and eventually falling to James Rowland to finish well. 1-1 and 87 minutes played.

Beeding could smell victory and threw everything forward to get the win but today was Lavant’s day.

A clipped in delivery from Lyttle, resulting in a goal mouth mêlée and Captain James Sandford tucking away the winner with the last kick off the game and sparking mass celebrations after Lavant finally gaining their first league win.

Team: Neil Sanson, Richard Gabb, Jordan Lillywhite, Jon Wright, Matt Lyttle, James Brooks, Dave Maclean, James Sandford, Mike Neville, Alex Holmes, Peter Caveney. Subs: Matthew Grace, Will Cieszynski

26th October Saturday’s Results

Premier League
Upper Beeding 1 Lavant 2
Bosham 3 Wittering 3
Faygtae 3 Hunston CC 4
Lancing 3 West Chiltington 2

Division IV South
Lavant Reseves 4 Lake Road Rangers 0
Bracklesham 3 Bosham Reserves 3
Coal Exchange 3 Whyke 2
Harting Reserves 0 Milland 11
The Crown 7 Tangmere 0

Lavant 1 Lancing Utd 4

Lavant returned to playing their home games on the village green against fellow early strugglers Lancing Utd. However, Lavant could not have started in a worse manner, giving away two cheap free kicks in the opening minutes with the second resulting in a goal. A well flighted delivery in from the right by Lancing’s impressive Souter, resulting in a free header at the back post for their centre half.

Lavant continued to wobble in the opening exchanges but gradually grew in confidence as they imposed their passing game. As the half drew on it was all Lavant but once again they were found wanting in the final third with an inability to find that final pass. Halftime came and it left the home side wondering if not getting that equaliser after such pressure would cost them dear.

Lavant started the second half determined to pick up where they left off searching for that elusive goal but another cruel blow was dealt. Lavant’s Jon Wright playing a lazy square ball inside, easy for Lancing’s number 9 to intercept and fire at the Lavant goal and eventually squirming under keeper Neil Sanson. Further individual errors by Richard Gabb and Jordan Lillywhite allowed Lancing to race into a 4-0 lead and surely out of sight for Lavant.

Still Lavant persevered, passing the ball well but again creating little. Changes were made with the introduction of Richardson and Neville along with a slight change in system. It was then the goal of the game came, Lavant breaking down the left and finding Brooks inside the box, a neat turn creating the space to lay on Sandford to tuck away, 4-1.

Lavant have to take heart of what was good in this performance but learn quickly about what needs improving. We hope it’s just a matter of time until it all clicks.

Team: Neil Sanson, Richard Gabb, Jordan Lillywhite, Jon Wright, Matt Lyttle, James Brooks, Dave Maclean, Dave Knight, Stuart Smith, Peter Caveney, James Sandford. Subs: Mark Richardson, Mike Neville

19th October Saturday’s Results

Premier League
Lavant 1 Lancing Utd 4
Holbrook 1 Bosham 4
Newtown Villa 3 Hunston CC 1
Upper Beeding 1 Faygate 0

Centenary Cup
Henfield 5 Ockley 2
West Chiltington 3 Cowfold Reserves 1
Wittering 5 Rogate 0

Division IV South
Bracklesham 5 Lavant 0
The Crown 15 Harting Reserves 0
Milland 2 Coal Exchange 3
Bosham Reserves 2 Whyke 1

Division IV Cup
Lake Road Rangers 1 Horsham Crusaders 2 AET
Newdigate Reserves 2 Tangmere 4 AET

12th October Saturday’s Results

Premier League
Faygate 2  Bosham 1
West Chiltington 1 Hunston 4

Sussex Intermediate Cup
Worthing vs Lavant (away win)
AFC Uckfield 0 Holbrook 3
Cowfold 3 Henfield 2
Midway 1948 vs Lancing – Away Win
Newtown Villa 6 Westfield Reserves 2
Royal Hove 1 Wittering 2
Upper Beeding 2 Uckfield Town 3

Bareham Trophy
Lavant Reserves 6 Watersfield 1
Bosham Reserves 9 Hammer Reserves 2
Felpham Colts 0 Coal Exchange 1 AET
Harting Reserves 1 Rustington Park Seniors 12
Lodsworth Reserves 0 The Crown 11
Milland 3 Ajax Trees 2
Stedham Reserves 1 Bracklesham 4
Tangmere 1 Newtown Villa 3rds 4