Football: Draws becoming a Little Common for Midhurst

Ollie Pearce did what Gary Norgate had done at Saltdean in the opening game and put the Stags ahead after just two minutes.

Midhurst settled well while the home side decided a long-ball strategy would be their best bet.

With a bit more accuracy in front of goal, Midhurst could have extended their lead.

After 28 minutes, Pearce was on hand to net his second following a good passing move by the Midhurst midfield of Sean Dummer, Andrew Newton and Jamie Angell.

Midhurst captain Jamie Angell saved a certain goal as Jordan Wood broke free of the Midhurst defence but failed to score.

Norgate put Michael Asare through on goal but a last-ditch tackle by home defender Sam Brown saved the day for Little Common.

A feature of the early season has been the number of cautions administered by referees. Midhurst had four yellows at Little Common while the home side had even more.

Little Common started to push more men into the forward line and with seven minutes left, Jared Lusted took a speculative shot on goal which Midhurst keeper Ian Knight was unable to stop.

James Wills replaced Asare while Kevin White replaced Jamie O’Leary.

Little Common were on a high and Lewis Hole crashed a shot past Ian Knight to level the scores.

The draw was a disappointment for Midhurst but they hope to improve on it in their next game, away to Loxwood next Tuesday.

MIDHURST: Knight, Glue, O’Leary, Newton, Angell, May, Dummer, Pearce, Hamilton, Norgate, Asare, Wills, White.

TED DUMMER