Littlehampton Town 2 v 1 Arundel 05/03/2017

Dan Kempson’s superb free-kick helped Littlehampton Football Club past rivals Arundel at The Sportsfield on Saturday. George Gaskin’s first half strike was cancelled out by Asa Nicholson’s effort early in the second, before Kempson got the winner with a spectacular curling free-kick as Golds sealed a crucial 2-1 Southern Combination League Premier Division success.

Adding to Arundel’s frustrations, midfielder Alex Biggs received a second booking two minutes from time leaving them with ten-men. Having started the day fourth-bottom, a point and place above rivals Mullets, Golds moved up two places to 15th now four points clear of the final relegation place. Littlehampton boss Ady Baker hailed his team for what could prove to be a crucial win come the end of the season. He said: “It was far from our best performance this season but the boys gave it everything and deserved the victory. “After being pegged back, it would have been easy for us to cave in with Arundel in the ascendancy. We regained our focus and went onto win the game. “It’s all about making sure we capitalise and really move ourselves away from danger now. “We’ve had some good wins this season, then not been able to follow them up but hopefully we can build now.” Golds goalkeeper Luke Hutchings pulled off a superb double save on the half-hour. Asa Nicholson’s free-kick was somehow kept out by Hutchings, before he clawed away the rebound. Having survived that scare, Littlehampton took the lead three minutes before the break through Gaskin. Nicholson finally got the better of Hutchings on the hour as Mullets made their pressure tell. With Arundel on top, Kempson’s stunning free-kick put Golds back ahead 20 minutes from time.

Alex Biggs was the shown a second yellow two minutes from time as Arundel ended with ten-men. Following the defeat, Mullets remain third-bottom in the standings, now three points from safety. Arundel manager Richard Towers was frustrated with his side’s showing on the day and said: “It was probably the worst we’ve played since I’ve come back to the club. “We just weren’t at it for one reason or another, but I don’t think Littlehampton done enough to win the game either. “We’ve got ten games to go and I’d say we need to win six of those to ensure safety ourselves, rather than having to rely on teams around us. “A few players just weren’t at it for whatever reason, which was frustrating as it was such a big game for the club. “We just need to make sure we bounce back.”

Read more at: http://www.littlehamptongazette.co.uk/sport/football/kempson-s-stunner-seals-derby-victory-for-golds-1-7852554