Moment of magic sinks Westfield

This Sussex RUR Charity Cup third round tie was approaching the end of the first period of extra time when United midfielder Duncan McArthur executed a stunning strike from just inside the Westfield half.

Gaining possession from a goal-kick (although Westfield felt they should have had a corner), the former Hastings United player took the time to look up and spot Westfield goalkeeper Peter Newstead slightly off his goalline. He then unleashed a shot which arched into the cold night air and descended like an arrow under the crossbar.

Defeat was harsh on a Westfield side who had the chances to wrap up victory in normal time, particularly in the second half when they caused all sorts of problems for their higher grade hosts.

Westfield manager Steve Johnson said: "I'm really disappointed we lost it. I felt we had enough chances to have won the game but I've no complaints about the quality of the winner."

United could have been two-up inside the first 10 minutes as Ade Olorunda wasted a great chance after breaking clear on goal and Peter Baker struck the post from a free kick.

At the other end, Mark Drinkwater should have scored from a free header but got his finish all wrong. He did rather better from another set piece but Shane Ridgers did well to beat the ball clear.

The match burst into life around the half hour with the awarding of two penalties in the space of four minutes, one of which was scored and the other missed.

Baker tucked home the first after the linesman had spotted a handball while Lawrence Brand saw his effort from 12 yards, given for Ridgers' foul on Dominic Clarke, beaten out by the club's 3rd XI goalkeeper.

Ridgers had a good night as he also saved well from Drinkwater and later in the match scrambled across his line to prevent an own goal.

He was beaten though on 51 minutes when Brand made up for his penalty miss by heading home from a Chris Smith corner. The Division Two side should have added to their tally as Smith, Drinkwater and Sam Jamison all had good opportunities.

Although struggling to find their form, United also had their moments with Olorunda and Baker being denied by Newstead and Michael O'Callaghan hitting the post.