MIDHURST went a long way for no reward after travelling to Westfield in an effort to make up for their opening-day loss at Crawley Down.
Whether it was the 150-mile round trip or the somewhat remote location of the ground, this is a bogey trip for Midhurst who never seem to get a positive result there.
Manager Malcolm Harwood included five new players including goalkeeper Simon Kee
n, who replaced injured Scott Lillywhite.
Click here for all the Sussex League tables and resultsThe opening 15 minutes saw both teams using the long-ball approach. Keen looked solid as Westfield's Duncan Jones and Dominic Clarke tested him with fierce shots.
The return of Gary Jones stiffened the Midhurst defence and Tony Stephens was in for the injured Lee Andrews in midfield.
After half an hour, Midhurst should have been ahead.
James Glue looked certain to open the scoring only to see the home keeper divert the ball behind for a corner.
Shortly after that, Ryan Seacombe saw a goalbound shot clip the goalpost and spin out of play.
Miles Hamilton took Andy Carragher's place in midfield and was intent on making his mark with timely tackles.
The midfield of Paul Henty, Lawrence Brand and David Miller were strong and they looked more assertive than their Midhurst counterparts.
Both sides had chances before half-time.
Charlie Hammond was only just wide following a Midhurst corner. Then a foul by Andy Garman gave Midhurst a free kick and Miles Hamilton had a well-taken shot scrambled away by the home keeper.
Play got more robust as a goalless outcome seemed on the cards and Garman and Midhurst's Liam Dreckman were cautioned by referee Peter Linsey.
On the hour, the home fans were celebrating a goal – only for the match officials to note an offside and rule it out.
Keeper Keen had pulled off a string of good saves which denied the home side their sought-after goal and the small band of away fans were starting to feel content with a 0-0 draw.
But after several corners were cleared, a killer header by substitute Matt Dadswell evaded Keen – and Midhurst had no time to reply.
On Saturday, Midhurst visit Storrington.The clubs' reserve sides meet after that so the first XIs will kick off at 1.45pm, the seconds at 4pm.
Rotherfield is unavailable through cricket, so the first home game on September 6.
- TED DUMMER
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