Clymping draw with Littlehampton

The draw was Clymping’s first home point of the season and they also recorded their first clean sheet, while it was just the fourth time Golds have failed to score this campaign.

The first half-chance fell to Littlehampton’s Matt Russell, whose shot flew over the bar. The scare seemed to settle Clymping and they started to press the Littlehampton defence with a succession of corners.

Littlehampton keeper Jaime Banasco-Zaragoza smothered another Clymping attack and quickly released Nathan Peacock, who collected the ball in his own half. He played a graceful pass to Peter Beadle and continued his lengthy run into the box to receive the ball back, only to be thwarted by Clymping stopper Steve May.

Clymping’s manager Darran Atkins was forced to make a change after 21 minutes after an injury to Martin Harris. His replacement, Dave Higgs, was involved in probably the move of the match. After a good spell of possession, the ball was played out to the right where Higgs’ cross was met by Steve Duffin but Banasco-Zaragoza comfortably saved.

Golds’ Adam Goff’s skilful run then made space for Beadle but his venomous shot was well-saved

Littlehampton came out firing on all cylinders in the second half after what must have been strong words from boss John Suter at the break. A frustrated Littlehampton side were being matched by a dogged performance by bottom-of-the-table Clymping and the derby spirit was taking effect with tackles flying in.

The game looked certain to produce a winner, with chances at both ends in the last 10 minutes. Clymping’s Duffin latched onto a loose ball after sloppy defending on the 18-yard line but, with just Banasco-Zaragoza to beat, he took an age to shoot by which time the keeper was quick to close down.

An immediate response by Littlehampton saw Russell flick on a perfect header to fresh-legged substitute Barney Boutwood, who passed to Nathan Peacock but his shot smashed the post to the relief of the exposed Clymping defence.

Littlehampton again threatened when Peacock’s strike was blocked, only for the ball to return to his feet and he then shot wide. Clymping’s Luke Sweeney then also had a clear chance for a late winner but dithered and wasted a golden opportunity after being one-on-one with the impressive Banasco-Zaragoza.

CLYMPING: May; Denford, Harris, Johnson, Barber; Rimmer, Sweeney, J.Atkins, Perkins; Duffin, Longhurst. Subs: Higgs (Harris 21), James (Barber 65), Gordon (Atkins 80), Couzens, Challen.

LITTLEHAMPTON: Banasco-Zaragoza; Goff, McKay, Hazell, Wollers; Gaskin, O’Hagan, Russell, Peacock; Ghent, Beadle. Subs: Boutwood (Gaskin 57), Taylor (Ghent 82), Gritt.