Mullets get back on the winning trail

The evening could not have started much worse for Mullets, though, as Rory Biggs was unable to make the game as his car, which had the kit in, broke down.

Craig Stuart, Mullets’ assistant coach, was also unable to make the game owing to work commitments and Mullets ended up playing in Selsey’s reserve team’s kit.

Arundel manager Simon Butler said: “We couldn’t have had much worse omens going into the match.

“Rory’s car broke down, Craig got stuck at work and our physio didn’t get to the game either. That left just myself in the dug-out with two substitutes and Dave Hall ended up helping me in the dug-out and with the warm-up.

“I’ve also got to thank the Selsey chairman, Dave Lee, who let us use Selsey’s reserves kit.

“After all of that, the boys showed big hearts to get the win and it was nice to see everyone smiling in the changing room afterwards.

“The result has lifted everyone’s spirits because it’s been a difficult time for the club recently.”

Mullets keeper James Fernandes made an excellent save to deny Rob Wimble on nine minutes, before Arundel striker Scott Tipper scuffed a shot just wide on 15 minutes.

Wimble was then denied by another excellent Fernandes stop, before Arundel took the lead on the stroke of half-time.

Ash Hunter crossed from the left and Luke Jearum headed home at the back post.

Tipper shot just wide at the start of the second half, before Wimble saw a close-range shot from a goalmouth scramble come off a post at the other end.

Mullets’ Josh Biggs had a shot saved, before Arundel sealed the win with 16 minutes left when Lewis Jenkins headed home Nathan Da Costa’s cross, moments after he had hit a post.

Arundel travel to Ringmer in the league on Saturday and are then at Worthing United on Tuesday.

ARUNDEL: Fernandes; Peake, D.Walker, Bibb, L.Walker; Da Costa, Jearum, J.Biggs, Hunter; Jenkins; Tipper. Subs: A.Biggs (Jearum 45), Hall.