Stags leave it late to beat the Heath

Midhurst got back to winning ways following two straight league defeats – beating Haywards Heath 1-0 at Rotherfield in division two of the Sussex League.
Midhurst in recent action at BexhillMidhurst in recent action at Bexhill
Midhurst in recent action at Bexhill

Haywards Heath are always a tough challenge and arrived at Rotherfield six points ahead of their hosts – but that lead had been cut in half by the time they headed home.

The Stags started with the manager and assistant manager coming in for the injured Towers and Broughton.

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In an end-to-end game, both teams had chances in the first half with Dan Roberts making a fine save from the Heath striker. Midhurst looked dangerous going forward and dominated the left-hand side through Dreckman, White and Mason.

Chances came and went for Hamilton, Dreckman, White and Mason while Sheldrick had a penalty appeal turned down.

The second half saw the Stags playing down the slope and although Heath looked quick on the counter-attack, the Stags looked more likely to win the game.

Numerous chances were created with Hamilton, Dreckman, Mason, White all failing to convert opportunities. The best chances fell to Newton, who could have netted a hat-trick but failed to convert when scoring could have been easier.

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Stevens and White looked dangerous going forward from the full-back positions but and did a sterling defensive job alongside Hyde and Norgate at the back.

The winner eventually came in the 92nd minute. Following concerted pressure on the Heath goal, a Dreckman corner was whipped in and the hapless Heath defender headed into his own net.

It was a victory the Stags deserved and they’ll look forward to taking their good form on to Storrington this week.

Man of the match was Will Stevens

MIDHURST: Roberts, Stevens, White, Hyde, Norgate, Newton, Hamilton, Mason, Sheldrick (Flux), Crabb (Dummer), Dreckman (Dowdell).