Pagham power to win over Loxwood - report and picture special

Following on from the 8-0 Peter Bentley Cup mauling of Langney Wanderers, Mark Bennett’s side set out to prove that everything is fine at Nyetimber Lane with the likes of the two Georges, Bingham and Cody, promising a bright future for the Lions.

See Roger Smith’s gallery of pictures from the game, above

It was Cody who provided the Lions with their first scoring chance as a tumble in the third minute could have resulted in a penalty.

Chances for Bingham and Dan Swain followed, and Scott Murfin fired in a stinging shot that Magpies keeper Tommy Taylor did well to deal with.

Jordan Warren, making his first appearence since his switch to the visitors, gave Loxwood a good chance of scoring first on 12 minutes, a pinpoint cross just evading the inrushing Magpies attack.

Cody did strike first for the Lions on 18 minutes, latching on to a long ball, running through and smashing the ball past Taylor.

From the restart, Loxwood’s Charlie Pitcher and Matt Danel piled on the presure, but it was still the Lions displaying attacking intent.

Cody was having a superb game up front, and could have struck twice more before the half-hour, before Bingham hit a hopeful shot that Taylor collected.

The Loxwood defence was far the busier, with the Lions not giving the Magpies much to crow about, as they kept the visitors pegged back.

The second half began much as the first as Pagham looked to increase their lead.

Swain picked up a booking which seemed a bit harsh to some in the crowd. Ten minutes into the half Bingham was sent sprawling just outside the area.

The left-sided free-kick was pinged away, only for the Lions to keep up the heat, allowing Bingham to get justice with a fine strike from the left to make it 2-0.

A booking for Loxwood’s Ross Swaine contributed to him leaving the field, substituted potentially before he was sent off as tempers started to fray.

Ollie Gill breathed life into Loxwood on 64 minutes, a shot being just charged down, and the Lions were wobbling a little.

Eight minutes later, Cody should have had his second of the game. Sent clear on goal, with only Taylor to beat, he scuffed his shot and Taylor easily scooped up the ball.

Pagham’s new emphasis on youth was ably shown on 75 minutes, Scott Rafferty coming on for another youngster, Johan Van Driel. Pagham physio Colin Mills raced onto the field on 83 minutes to tend to Bingham, who was able to carry on after treatment.

The tally might have increased for both sides, as James Binfield was forced into a superb stop on 90 minues, while Jake Stanley raced into the Loxwood area only for Taylor to sew up a good save.

Two minutes into time added on, Binfield was again the hero, saving from a Loxwood strike.

Pagham: Binfield, Wiggins, Cox, N Murfin, Davidson, Wollers, Van Driel, Bingham, Swain, S Murfin, Cody. Subs: Rowlatt, Rafferty, Stanley, Lewis, Simmonds.

Loxwood: Taylor, Bachelor, Warren, Scally, Colbran, Batchelor, Swaine, Napper, Pitcher, Danel, Gill. Subs: Frankland, French, Holvey, Bickell, Camp.

JON ROSE

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