On a cold and blustery day at Nyetimber Lane, United should in all honesty have put this to bed very early on. Callum “concrete” Barlow did his best; roughly 34 seconds before he opened his account, leaving the home support staggering. Pagham were in disarray and Barlow Ball and Beaconsfield had the run of the place, moving the ball as freely as the pitch would allow, and creating chances at will. It didn’t take long for Barlow to make it two from the penalty spot after Gary Ingram was scythed down and it was one way traffic. A first half substitution didn’t help though as the outstanding Olulode pulled up injured, replaced by the equally excellent Camara. A 2-0 halftime lead was added to by Barlow, and the points looked in the bag, until a misunderstanding lead to Pagham pulling one back. Ed Ratcliffe took a real smack to the face from a Pagham clearance and was replaced after lengthy treatment following a concussion check. With Ratcliffe on the way to hospital, United conceded a very hotly disputed penalty to make it 3-2 and a nervy last few minutes. Sadly United’s nerves overcame them, despite a good debut appearance from 16 year old Bartan Kartal, United conceded late to make it 3-3. To be honest, two days before Christmas, 80 mile round trip, several regulars out - we would have been happy with the draw beforehand, but it feels like we let it slip badly.
On to Boxing Day!
United- Broadbent, Barbosa, Beaconsfield, Mapstone, Cole, Olulode, Patton, Ingram, Barlow, Ball & Ratcliffe, subs Camara, Kartal & Storey.