‘Woeful’ Lancers suffer late defeat to 10-man Lingfield

Lingfield played with 10 men for 85 minutes and Gander said: “Collectively, as a team, this was probably the worst we’ve played for four or five seasons, we were woeful and got exactly what we deserved.

“Our decision-making and selection was dire, our intensity wasn’t good enough and the quickness and sharpness of our passing just wasn’t good there.

“The second half was better but, as a team, we were lacklustre and didn’t work hard enough, woeful is the word I would use to sum up our performance.”

It looked as though Lancers had rescued a scarcely deserved point when Darren Boswell had volleyed in a late 81st minute leveller, but Lingfield substitute Glen Boosey won it for his side when he smashed home off the bar at the death.

Lingfield had to play with 10 men for 85 minutes after the early sending-off of their keeper Rob O’Hara. The stopper had instinctively handled the ball outside the area in a foot race with Adam Hunt and, although a red card seemed harsh, referee Michael Ryan applied the letter of the law.

Striker Danny Oakins took over in goal but was rarely tested by a Lancing side who resorted to long-range potshots. Dan Turner lobbed over and Boswell fired wide, before the visitors created a couple of chances as they got more into the game and went ahead four minutes before half-time.

Whether the foul on Gareth Graham was inside the penalty area was a matter to debate, but Daryl Coleman rifled home the spot-kick.

Lancers were much improved after the break and almost levelled when Will Berry and hit a post, while Sam O’Regan, Kit Tregear and Hunt also went close.

Lancing drew level nine minutes from time. Sub Ryan Singers’ impressive performance was the only bright spot for Lancers and it was from his cross that Boswell hooked home a volley.

It looked as though that had earned Lancers a point but Boosey struck late to seal a double for Lingfield over Lancers.