Gaskin nets a hat-trick in Golds’ friendly win

George Gaskin netted a hat-trick against Horsham last night

The Hornets, who play in the Ryman League South Division, a division higher than Golds, were outplayed for most of the contest by the high-flying County League side.

Littlehampton boss Mark Bennett felt the fixture gave him a chance to field some of his squad players and said: “It was a really good win for us.

“This game was not about the winning, though, as it provided me with a chance to play some of the squad players.

“A lot of the squad have not had too much game time in recent weeks, so it was important to play this game.

“Obviously, to win by such a convincing margin is a bonus but the most important part of the game was to get some of the players who have not been involved some match time.”

Gaskin put Littlehampton ahead on ten minutes with a fine strike. The Golds were two goals to the good soon afterwards when Gaskin struck again.

Horsham pulled one back just before half-time to make it 2-1 at the break.

Littlehampton restored their two-goal advantage early in the second half through Lee Garnham.

The Ryman League outfit bagged their second a minute later to make it 3-2.

Golds’ youth-team starlet Will Stone then got his name on the scoresheet.

Dave Herbert added a fifth for the home side with five minutes left, before Gaskin completed his hat-trick with seconds remaining to ensure an emphatic victory.

Golds travel to Hassocks on Saturday and are then at St Francis on Wednesday.

LITTLEHAMPTON: Morrish; Peters, Bates, McKay, Hand; Stone, Garnham, Swain, Landais; Gaskin, Herbert. Subs: Packer (Bates), Wiggans (Peters).