Lancers impress in trophy loss to Three Bridges

LANCING Football Club manager Martin Gander was pleased with his side’s showing as they lost the Norman Wingate Trophy at Three Bridges on Tuesday evening.

The competition is played between the County League winners and the John O’Hara Cup winners but, as Bridges won both last season, Lancers took on Bridges as the County League runners-up from last season.

Bridges, who are now in Ryman League Division 1 South, took an early lead – with Lancers appealing for offside.

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Lancing then began to dominate the game and had several opportunities to equalise. Darren Boswell had two shots saved, Toby Phillips headed against the bar and Richard Hudson also had an effort saved.

Bridges doubled their lead on 30 minutes and that was the way things stayed until half-time.

Hudson got a goal back from the penalty spot, after handball, with 20 minutes left but Bridges soon caught Lancing on the break to restore their two-goal lead.

Adam Hunt lobbed home a late second for Lancers but there was not enough time left to force an equaliser.

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Gander said: “We put in a very good performance and it was possibly our best one of the season.

“We dominated the game between their first and second goals and played the better football. I spoke to their manager, Paul Faili, after the game and he was impressed with us.”

Lancers host Redhill on Saturday and entertain Hailsham on Tuesday.

Striker Shaheen Sadough could return but Tyler Goatcher (ankle) has been ruled out for a month, while Lee Garnham (hip) and Jack Hayward (ankle) are also both out injured.

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