Late drama but peacehaven keep 3 points

An injury-ravaged squad had been depleted even further during the week, and they were set to face a side eagerly chasing a promotion spot.

With 8 key players already out injured, Craig Hall joined them on the treatment table after picking up and ankle injury in training, whilst Ryan Bradley was suspended, Tom Levitt was unavailable and Chamal Fenelon had left the Club in midweek for Chichester.

On the plus side, the experienced Paul Dudson had returned from America, and Shaun Saunders had no hestitation in calling up a clutch of Reserve players for this challenging fixture. The fact that they came home with a victory, and at one point were 3-0 ahead, was a great testament to everyone involved.

At right back, Tom Stutters was drafted in for his debut replacing Craig Hall, whilst in attack Jack Loraine and Steffen Robinson-Webster both made their first starts of the season. On the bench Tom Tyler, Michael Page and Chris Barton had all been promoted from the Reserve squad.

Any thoughts Pagham may have had of an easy afternoon where soon dispelled as an attack-minded Peacehaven raced to an early lead when Paul Dudson's pass found Jack Loraine, and his shot flew past Binfield in the home goal.

After the shock of conceding early, Pagham tried to take control of the pace of the game, but the tireless efforts of Robinson-Webster, Loraine and Dudson were a constant threat to the home side, and Peacehaven doubled the lead as we approached the break. This time it was Loraine who played in Dudson, and his thunderous shot from outside the box left Binfield with little chance.

If Pagham had been disappointed with their first half performance, things where about to get even worse for them as 'Haven increased the margin straight after the break. Jack Loraine was upended in the area, and Wes Millis calmly fired home the resultant penalty to give an impressive lead.

As the second half unfolded, so Peacehaven started to tire, and Pagham saw more and more of the ball. Joe Adams produced a succession of saves to keep the home side at bay, but you sensed a goal was on it's way, and with 15 minutes remaining Pagham found their way back into the game when James Temple's shot finally managed to beat Adams.

Peacehaven had developed a siege mentality now, and were ruggedly defending their lead and an overworked Joe Adams was certainly earning his expenses! However, with 6 minutes remaining, Howard Neighbour's shot found its way through the 'Haven barricade to set up a nervy ending to the game.

Pagham surged forward looking for the equaliser, but Peacehaven held on to claim a hard, and well earned, 3 points.

"The odds were against us from the start today - but that's when we're at our most dangerous", said Shaun Saunders after the game, "Everyone who was called in for this game can feel proud of themselves - they were a credit to the Club. There's a great spirit amongst the players, which is something money can't buy"