Bosham were confident after despatching Dorking the previous week in the league, and with Andy Rawlings making a welcome return to the squad, a good cup campaign seemed very possible.

But how things can change in the fickle world of football.

County reserve side Steyning, although playing against the harsh conditions in the first half, settled the better, with James Pargeter coming close to opening his account as he shot wide early on.

Bosham upped the tempo and soon it was the Reds' turn to trouble the Yellows' back-line.

Glaring opportunities were missed as the half wore on.

The previous week's hero Marco Giambelardini missed an empty net from ten yards after being set up by Neil Redman, with keeper David Knight stranded.

The Reds faced the full force of the conditions after the break and suffered as a consequence.

Their attacking abilities looked stifled, with Matt Evans a lonely figure up front with little to feed off.

Steyning used the long ball to good effect with the wind behind them, and got their just rewards with a quarter of the game to run.

A delightful ball over the top from Phil Lewis enabled Chris Banks to challenge for glory. He reached the ball ahead of Nathan Kohle, the Bosham keeper, and chipped him delightfully to open the scoring.

Bosham huffed and puffed but couldn't find the rhythm of the previous Saturday.

Towse killed off their hopes when his lashed free-kick from 30 yards flew into the top corner with Kohle left to claw at thin air.

- ALAN PRICE