Midhurst have a victory in Storr ... Bosham are back ... Pompey legends to visit

WINS for Midhurst and Bosham feature in our latest round-up from divisions two and three of the Sussex League – while the Robins are getting excited about a visit from a Pompey old boys’ team.
Midhurst were among the goals at StorringtonMidhurst were among the goals at Storrington
Midhurst were among the goals at Storrington

Storrington 3 Midhurst 4

Sussex League division two

The Stags made it three wins in four league games with a battling victory over local rivals Storrington.

Gary Norgate mixed things up following the poor showing against Steyning, bringing Andy Newton, Luke Sheldrick and James Flux.

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The Stags began well, pinning Storrington back, but in a rare Storrington attack a free-kick was whipped in to the far post and the Storrington captain Iain Jarvie rose un-marked to head home.

The Stags kept trying to get the ball down and play but this cost them a second goal though as Flux got caught in possession by Joey Matthews, who bore down on keeper Roberts and calmy stroked the ball into the bottom corner.

Controversy reigned as Scott Towers made a strong tackle on the Storrington captain, who proceeded to get up and push him in the face. The ref had no choice but to send him off.

Approaching half-time, the lead was cut as Sheldrick raced through to beat the offside trap and cut the ball back across the onrushing keeper into the bottom left corner.

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The Stags returned from the half-time break with great focus and Richie Towers brought on Kevin White and Liam Dreckman five minutes into the half – and it was the latter who grabbed the equaliser.

Dreckman cut in from the left wing before hitting a cross-come-shot which looped into the top corner.

Soon, a scramble in the box saw Mark Broughton slide in and smash the ball home from close range.

The fourth came after Sheldrick got to the byline and pulled the ball back for man-of-the-match Towers, who rushed in to sidefoot home from six yards.

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A lapse in concentration saw the Stags allow Storrington to nick one back with 30 seconds to play.

Midhurst manager Gary Norgate said: “It was great to get back to winning ways. The boys worked hard, got stuck in and tried to get the ball down and play. We could have won by six or seven.”

MIDHURST: Roberts, Newton (White), Dummer, Flux, Broughton, Hyde, Sheehan, Mason (Stevens), Towers, Norgate (Dreckman), Sheldrick. Subs: Dreckman, Stevens, White.

Bosham 5 Billingshurst 2

Division 3 Cup

Doubles from Neil Redman and Kieran Hartley helped Bosham exact revenge on Billingshurst for a defeat in the league and progress to the quarter-finals of the cup with a much-improved display at sunny Walton Lane.

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Ten minutes in, the Reds could have been in front as Redman had a golden chance but he put his header over the bar from yards out when it seemed easier to score.

The pressure was certainly causing the light blues difficulty and with the likes of Marco Giambelardini and Ryan Lancaster the creative masterminds in midfield, the Reds threatened to run riot as the half wore on.

Oli Leslie was a threat for the visitors but Bosham coped with his aerial abilities and Dave Bryant and Matt Docherty were strong at the back.

Just after the half-hour, the Reds finally broke the deadlock as Hartley used his pace to streak clear of the defence and fire low into the bottom corner past keeper Tom Betts.

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Leslie drew the light blues level, somewhat against the run of play, getting through on goal and finishing easily.

After the interval, Billingshurst came out with a really sharp edge to their play and with Bosham slow to get started the visitors surged forward – but lacked quality in the final third.

Billingshurst were then caught out by three quickfire goals from the Reds to all but end the game as a contest.

First Redman was put through by Giambelardini and showed strength to hold off a defender and shoot low into the net to restore the lead.

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Minutes later, Redman nodded in at the back stick from a long throw from Andy Probee.

Bosham went for the jugular and found it through Dave Storey, who converted from around eight yards out on the turn.

The final nail in the coffin was inserted a short time later from the penalty spot by Hartley, who netted after Storey was upended.

Late on Ross Curtis smashed home a searing 30-yard effort.

Bosham: Hasted, Probee, Dowden, Docherty, Bryant, Giambelardini, Lancaster, Hartley, Redman, Storey, Brett. Subs: Joe Hancock, Hawes.

ALAN PRICE

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Bosham are giving Pompey fans of all ages an opportunity to see some of the stars of the past for a fundraiser at Walton Lane, which kicks off at 1pm on Sunday, November 16.

The Pompey Legends team will line up against a Bosham XI, with entry of £3 including a special-edition programme. There’ll be photo and autograph opportunities for supporters, alongside a raffle to win a signed ball.

The clubhouse bar will be open all afternoon. Supporters are advised to either car-share or get to the ground in good time because of limited parking. The Portsmouth FC Benevolent fund will also benefit from proceeds.

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