Pirates held - but Lavant loss helps their cause

James Ford and Craig Manchip of East Dean FC

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Lavant lost, Nyetimber Pirates drew and East Dean won in the latest round of West Sussex League games.

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Hunston 3 Lavant 2

West Sussex League premier division

Lavant travelled to fellow Chichester side Hunston in what was the hosts’ first fixture since the tragic death of their manager Stuart Hazelgrove.

A minute’s applause preceded the game, one which Hunston were clearly going to be highly motivated for.

Hunston pressed Lavant from the first whistle – their game plan was clear, win the football and launch it towards their big, quick centre-forward.

Lavant tried to play football with James Sandford and Dan Baker picking the ball up in some good positions but foiled by the tenacity of the Hunston central defenders.

On 20 minutes Hunston took a deserved lead as a quality ball into the Lavant area was headed on target and forced a top save from Ash Court, only for the follow-up to be smartly tucked away.

It didn’t take long for Lavant to level. Baker broke into the area where he was fouled. Richard Gabb stepped up to convert the penalty.

Hunston continued with their direct approach in the second half and this led to their second goal. Lavant over-committed up the field, and one ball cleared the entire back-line and the Hunston No9 ran through and slotted past the hapless Court.

Minutes later Lavant were level again as a well-delivered free-kick from the flank was guided in by Matt Lyttle’s head.

With Hunston clearly tiring and Lavant in the ascendancy, it looked like there could be only one winner – but the home side dug deep to find the winner.