Bosham leave it late... Sids end Westfield's run

Bosham and Sidlesham continue to set the pace in division two of the Southern Combination League.
Graeme Dowden gets Bosham on the attack / Picture by Kate ShemiltGraeme Dowden gets Bosham on the attack / Picture by Kate Shemilt
Graeme Dowden gets Bosham on the attack / Picture by Kate Shemilt

Both won at home in the latest round of games - read the reports below. And see this week’s Observer for news of how Sidlesham aim to shed new light on their bid to climb the divisions.

Bosham 1 Lancing Utd 0

SCFL division two

Bosham edged a tight, tense affair at Walton Lane as a late goal separated the teams.

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It meant the Robins maintained their five-point advantage at the top of the table.

The game began at a frenetic pace and Mark O’Regan looked dangerous down the right for Lancing and gave the Bosham defence a firm examination, but the rearguard held firm.

Bosham were without Marco Giambelardini, Callum Fewell, Jake Lafferty and James Wilson – and they were missed.

The hosts created some good chances as the first half wore on with Louis Bell and Alex Barnes both going close, only for keeper Steve Alfrey in the way to make some sharp saves to keep the visitors level.

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The second half saw Bosham up the tempo and the match also became a little fractious with some hefty challenges from both sides.

Neil Redman had two good opportunities for the Reds but was wasteful on one occasion and saw another effort well-saved by Alfrey.

Bradley Miles was influential with deft passes, eloquent chips and good searching balls over the top to launch forays into the Lancing area.

With time running out Bosham caught out the visitors with a swift counter-attack.

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Miles sent a lovely ball into the path of James Colinese on the right. It seemed Mark Dixon might get there first for Lancing but he slipped at the important moment and Colinese and Redman nipped in.

Alfrey came out to try to prevent a chance but he was rounded by Redman who laid the ball off to Colinese and he gleefully planted the ball into the net resulting in joyful celebrations.

Bosham saw out the remaining minutes to record a hard-fought win. Struggling Ferring make the trip to Walton Lane this Saturday.

Bosham: Magee, Probee, Bulbeck, Colinese, Docherty, Gilbert, Miles, Bell, Redman, Barnes, Dowden. Subs: Blanshard, Sumnall.

ALAN PRICE

Sidlesham 4 Westfield 0

SCFL division two

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Overnight rain made the pitch great for fast free-flowing football and the home side revelled in it.

Westfield had been on a terrific run, winning their last six games, but found the Sids in no mood to let their own recent run come to an end.

The game started at a ferocious pace and Tom Bayley went close when a move involving the impressive John Phillips and Callum Dowdell saw Bayley’s strike pushed away for a corner by the Westfield keeper.

Sidlesham keeper Connor Kelly raced off his line to deny a forward as he bore down on goal.

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Sids made the breakthrough with Bayley scoring after a corner was only half-cleared.

Daren Pearce’s men grew in confidence with Tom Kelly and then Tom Jefkins going on fine runs only to be stopped by good defending by the Westfield skipper.

Jefkins wasn’t to be denied the second time, though, as he headed home after a fine move which saw Kelly provide a pinpoint cross for him to help Sidlesham go in 2-0 up at the break.

Sidlesham started the second half a little sloppily and almost let Westfield back into the game when a cross from the right just about missed everyone in the area.

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The Sidlesham response was strong – Dowdell fired home after being played in by Phillips and then Bayley struck his second of the game with a great strike on the run when put away by skipper Greg Robinson.

Sidlesham kept control of the second half with the back four of Steve Williams, Dale Hayes, Matt Roberts and Tom Sandals and keeper Kelly not in any mood to give anything away.

This Saturday Sidlesham travel to Worthing Leisure for a 2pm start.

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