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Arundel Goal Scorers - Lewis Jenkins (Top) Asa Nicholson (Below)
Report courtesy of Lewis Mason ‘The Littlehampton Gazette’. Thank you
Arundel Football Club closed the gap on Southern Combination League Premier Division safety to just a point on Saturday.
Third from bottom Mullets secured a 2-0 home victory over Newhaven courtesy of strikes from Asa Nicholson and Lewis Jenkins at Mill Road. With Worthing United the only other team in the bottom six to win, Arundel only trail place-above AFC Uckfield Town and safety by a point. Having sealed a much-needed win at rivals Pagham the week previous, Arundel boss Richard Towers was pleased to see his side back that performance up.
He said: “It was a really pleasing win. I felt we played better than we did at Pagham the week before. “It was a more convincing performance and I felt we kept the ball a whole lot better. “I’ve said all along, once we got that first win we’d go on a run of really good results. These past two matches have shown what the team is capable of, it’s important we keep this going now.”
Newhaven included former Littlehampton and Lewes forward George Landais in the starting line-up after he completed a move earlier in the week. Despite possessing such firepower up front, with Landais partnering Lee Robinson, James Fernandes had very little to do all afternoon. Mullets wasted several opportunities in a dominant opening 45 minutes, before the deadlock was finally broken 15 minutes after the restart. Lee Mottershead played a perfect pass for Asa Nicholson, he then made no mistake firing into the bottom corner.
Mullets did not have to wait long for a second with Asa Nicholson this time the provider. The front-man played in full-back Lewis Jenkins and he slotted home from a tight angle five minutes later. Jake Buss pulled off a sublime stop to keep out another Lewis Jenkins strike 20 minutes from time as Arundel looked to extend their lead. Substitute Rory Biggs also went close late on with Arundel running out 2-0 winners in the end.
Next up for Mullets is a trip to rivals Littlehampton in the league on Saturday. With Golds currently just a point and two-places above Arundel, the derby contest looks to be a thrilling one.
Richard Towers believes victory on the day will come down to the team that keeps their cool. He added: “Derby games are always massive but given where we both find ourselves in the league, it’s going to be even more crucial than usual. “I’ll just be telling my boys it’s another game and everyone must remain focused.
“Sometimes feelings can boil over in these games, especially with what is at stake in this one. “We’ve been on a decent run and we’ll just look to keep that going on Saturday. “Littlehampton have got some quality players and a decent squad. It’s going to be a really close and hard-fought game but one we’re looking forward too.”
Read more at: http://www.littlehamptongazette.co.uk/sport/football/arundel-edge-closer-to-safety-with-win-over-dockers-1-7841929
1. James Fernandes
2. Rob Lofting
3. Lewis Jenkins (85 mins)
4. Jordan Dudas
5. Alfie Bunker
6. Lloyd Walker (Capt)
7. Lee Mottershead
8. Alex Biggs
9. Scott Tipper
10. Aaron Hooker-Meehan (60 mins)
11. Asa Nicholson (72 mins)
12. Nathan DaCosta (85 mins)
14. Rory Biggs (60 mins)
15. Dion Jarvis (72 mins)
16. Jordan Peskett
17. Cian Tilley
Attendance - 60
Goal Scorers - Asa Nicholson, Lewis Jenkins
Yellow Cards - Rory Biggs, Rob Lofting
Red cards - None