Littlehampton fight back to win at East Preston

This was a real blood and thunder local derby. There appeared to be little love lost between the teams as tackles flew in during an entertaining 90 minutes.

The home side started much better and went ahead after just two minutes. Barry Pidgeon wrestled Mark Burgess to the floor and Jamie McLeod scored from the penalty spot.

After Golds’ Jason Jarvis had hit the bar, EP extended their lead on 30 minutes after a poor kick from Golds keeper James Askew found Burgess clean through, and he squared for John Lawson, who made it 2-0.

Golds went straight up the other end, however, and David Gaskin continued his recent scoring form by slotting home from 15 yards just a minute later.

With six minutes to go until half-time, the visitors drew level after a soft penalty was given by referee Neal Saxton, when he adjudged that Matt Windsor had pushed Jarvis. He initially gave the free kick, but after consulting with his assistant pointed to the spot and Gaskin fired home.

The bizarre decisions continued in the second half as Lawson tripped over his own feet and the referee awarded a penalty from 60 yards away, then gave a free kick after his assistant failed to make his mind up whether there was an offence or not.

On 65 minutes, the best move of the game saw Littlehampton take the lead. Gaskin played a great crossfield pass to Peter Beadle, who controlled and trickled the ball past an injured Guy Souch.

The officials rubbed salt into EP’s wounds with just seven minutes remaining when the assistant awarded a corner to Littlehampton that clearly should have been a goal kick and Niall O’Hagan smashed home from 20 yards after the defence had failed to clear.

Littlehampton boss John Suter said: “It’s always nice to win a local derby and great to come from behind. After the first 20 minutes, I thought we were the better side.”

EP manager Paul Curtis was devastated and said: “We’re obviously disappointed as we played really well initially, but I’m baffled by some of the decisions and gutted to lose the game.”

EAST PRESTON: Souch, Rahaman, Curtis, Windsor, Steele; McLeod, Manning, Charman, Banfield; Burgess, Lawson. Subs: Campbell (McLeod 62), Beaney (Lawson 73), Wilson (Manning 77), Moss, Farrier.

LITTLEHAMPTON: Askew, Hazell, Pidgeon, McKay, Wollers; O’Hagan, Beadle, Hellen, Gaskin; Boutwood, Jarvis. Subs: White (Pidgeon 57), Collender (Beadle 72), Stocker (Jarvis 81), Schneider.