Loversidge loves being back – and among goals – for Lavant
Lavant 2 Henfield 0
James Brooks scores from the spot giving Lavant a one-nil lead
Lavant started the New Year taking all 3 points at home to Henfield. The game saw James Brooks exercise the demons from his penalty miss against Upper Beeding, top scorer James Sandford turn provider and Stuart Loversidge notching for the first time after a couple of years of illness.
Lavant started brightly with their passing game but found it hard to breakdown a physical Henfield backline. It wasn’t long until Lavant grew frustrated and changed to a more direct approach which clearly suited Henfields style. Lavant continued to pressurise but despite a variety of blocked efforts and multiple corners, they were unable to break the deadlock before the halftime whistle sounded.
Lavant came out in the second half know a more measured and patient approach was required to get the better of their opponents resolve. Chances were still going to be at a premium so it was important that when the chance came they took it.
Lavant attack Henfields goal. Lavant’s scorer of the second goal Stuart Loversidge stays close to the keeper
With 20 minutes left to play Sandford picked the ball up on the Lavant right and looked to drive into the box only to be felled by the opposition full back. There was a few seconds of hesitation from the referee but awarded the penalty and amongst the mass protests Henfield were reduced to 10 men. After the long delay Brooks stepped up and hit home the penalty with the keeper getting an agonising hand to it.
Ollie Haggar’s corner kick
With the numerical advantage, Lavant persevered to put the game beyond but still be cautious of an effective Henfield counter attacking play. With 5 minutes left to play, Sandford again working the right hand channel beat his man and unselfishly lay on Loversidge to slot away and give Lavant a deserved win.
Team: Neil Sanson, Richard Gabb, Jon Wright, Paul Jones, James Batten, Aaron Hancock, James Brooks, Dave Knight, Ollie Haggar, Dan Baker, James Sandford (c). Subs: Mike Neville, Matt Lyttle, Stuart Loversidge
