Lions roar into next round of Vase

Brett Forden's first-half flyer ensured Pagham progressed to the next round of the FA Vase against Frimley Green.

Combined Counties side Frimley Green were no match for Pagham for long periods as the Lions showed their claws following a run of defeats.

Dave Berkowitz's side now travel to Erith & Belvedere in the first round proper on Sunday week.

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Pagham could have scored within five minutes as Danny Cowtan capitalised on good work from Ryan Cox.

Dan Cox was causing problems as his raids down the right gave Ryan Page a torrid time in Frimley's defence.

When the ball did move into Pagham's half, Nathan Thomas was the catalyst for Frimley.

More than once he gave Wes Hallett something to do in Pagham's otherwise unthreatened goal.

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The only goal was from a free-kick, with Forden's low and direct shot flying straight past Scott Tarr. Frimley seemed to wake up after that, with Carl Saunders' shot just over from a free-kick bringing oohs from their fans.

Tarr seemed unable to bend, and a series of strikes on goal should have put the Lions further ahead.

Ryan and Dan Cox combined with ten minutes of the first half left to supply Cowtan with a gilt-edged chance. But ref Mr Beech saw an infringement for a push.

Towards the end of the half. David Thomson was clean through, only to slip at the crucial moment with the net at his mercy.

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Then Ryan Cox went in for a tackle with Mike MacDonnell and picked up a booking for his pains. The free-kick was caught and despatched by Hallett for Dan Cox to shoot just over at the other end.

Forden's shot wide ended a half which Pagham had dominated.

Cowtan's header past the post showed intent from Pagham early in the second period. Forden went down under a late tackle, but was able to continue.

Frimley took a snap-shot but it went over. Pagham replaced Forden with Sam Devine before picking up their second booking three minutes later as skipper Lee Bradshaw was cautioned.

David Thomson should also have been booked for a dive which would have graced a swimming competition.

Cowtan's shot almost eluded Tarr with 20 minutes to go.

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Then Devine shot just over as Pagham went looking for the killer second.

Seb Baghyura came on for Andy Cox and a hat-trick of bookings for Pagham was completed by Doug Peach after a late tackle.

Ryan Cox and Michael Frangou lay siege to Frimley's goal, but the officials and wayward finishing meant the score remained 1-0.

The introduction of the pacy Jack Beadle failed to give Pagham a two-goal cushion.

PAGHAM: Hallett, Urquhart, D Cox, Peach, Towers, Bradshaw, A Cox, Forden, R Cox, Frangou, Cowtan; Beadle, Devine, Hamm, Baghyura, Misslebrook.

JON ROSE

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