Lions on a roll - can it extend to Vase clash?

Pagham can't stop winning - but can they extend their run to get through their FA Vase tie with Horsham YMCA on Saturday?
Pagham boss Mark Bennett / Picture by Chris HattonPagham boss Mark Bennett / Picture by Chris Hatton
Pagham boss Mark Bennett / Picture by Chris Hatton

They’ve beaten Wick, Haywards Heath and Arundel in the past week or so - here are the details.

Pagham 1 Haywards Heath Town 0

SCF premier division

Jordan Clarke’s goal gave the Lions their fourth win on the trot as second-placed Haywards Heath left Nyetimber Lane goalless and pointless.

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Pre-game there was a poignant moment as the George Chandler Stand was officially dedicated to one of Pagham’s most loyal fans.

The match started with the visitors twice almost scoring from free-kicks, while the ball had to be frantically hacked away as Heath’s Kane Louis lurked.

Ryan Morey was keeping Simon Lehkyj busy in the Heath goal busy. A ball in from Max Miller was steered towards goal by George Hayward, only for the dependable James Binfield to save.

Lehkyj did the same for Heath as Kieron Pamment threatened. On the quarter-hour the deadlock was broken as Joe Shelley created a chance for Clarke, who nodded past a stranded Lehkyj.

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Pamment went on a long solo run before the ball ran away from him. A shot by Heath’s Jamie Weston was well held by Binfield.

Heath were showing why they’re top with a display of superb teamwork, short passing moves and pressing approach play.

Miller was involved in controversy on the half-hour. Caught offside, the linesman’s flag followed a foul by Lions’ Andy Brown.

With the free-kick awarded, both benches erupted over which offence deserved the free-kick.

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The Lions were unlucky when the ball sat invitingly in front of goal, just needing someone to finish.

Miller went clear on goal but headed over and Louis followed this with an awful shot wide.

The visitors came out of the blocks quickest in the second half, keeping Binfield busy.

A superb crossfield ball by Pagham’s Shelley came to nothing. A booking for Heath’s Nathan Cooper followed a series of niggling fouls.

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A daisy-cutter of a strike by Shelley was dealt with by Lehkyj, while Callum Saunders hit the side-netting for the visitors.

Pamment had two chances on goal and Liam Humphreys went close following good work down the right.

The Lions replaced Clarke with Lloyd Rowlatt.

Off went Morey and Pamment as youngsters Tom Shelley and Ben Mepham were given their chance. Jordan Warren tested Lehkyj with a free-kick and with the minutes ticking down, Heath wasted a chance when clear on goal.

Pagham: Binfield; A Brown, Warren, Clarke (Rowlatt 73), Wollers, Humphreys, J Shelley, Swain, Pamment (T Shelley 86), Kempson, Morey (Mepham 86). Unused subs: French, Van Driel.

JON ROSE

Wick 0 Pagham 1

SCFL premier division

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A very competitive and at times niggly game saw Pagham come out on top thanks to a wonder-goal by Scott Murfin.

The Lions had to play half the game with ten men and an injured goalkeeper.

The goal that won it was worthy of winning any game at any level. Murfin struck a superb free-kick from all of 25 yards into the top corner.

Wick almost hit back just before half-time, but in a melee James Binfield took a heavy knock and after treatment just about saw the half out. Minutes into the second half Daryl Wollers received a second yellow, meaning a red and Pagham having to play 43 minutes with ten men.

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Wick probed but the resilient ten men were stead fast and held strong. With Binfield still struggling to move comfortably it was a case of trying to keep Wick at bay. They had chances but could not find the target.

Pagham could have doubled their lead when Jordan Warren broke and released Ryan Morey one on one with the keeper but he was unable to finish.

PAGHAM: Binfield, Brown, Wollers, Warren, Hayes, Swain, Van Driel, Kempson, Thurgar, Morey, S Murfin. Subs: Crouch, Bingham, Mepham, Rowlett, Irish, N Murfin.

ED WARREN

There was more success for the Lions on Tuesday night when won 3-0 at Arundel in the second round of the RUR Cup. Scott Murfin (2) and Johan Van Driel were the scorers.

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