Deadly Dummer does the job for Midhurst

With other teams near the bottom of the table also winning, this turned out to be a vital victory.

Midhurst had their usual fast start but after half-an-hour, the visitors seemed relaxed in their attitude to the game and their forwards Sean Pickup and Dave Harris were seeing plenty of the ball.

Fortunately the Midhurst back four of John Colvan, Jamie O’Leary, Martin May and Harry Farr were combining well.

Thirty-four minutes had passed when Dummer netted following smooth passing by his team-mates.

The restart saw Steyning go all-out for an equaliser and both sides reverted to a robust style of play which brought cautions to May and to Craig Fullerton of Steyning.

A free-kick for Steyning saw a superb clearance by Guy Souch in the Midhurst goal. Lewis Hyde and Phil Churchill both had fierce shots at Darren Ford, the Steyning keeper.

Dummer, attempting to dispossess Ford, was shown a yellow card.

As if to even up the card count, the referee entered Dean Gilmore’s name in his book.

Midhurst brought on Tom Morrison and Marcus Williams for Kevin Clayton and Dummer and were delighted to hold on for the victory.

MIDHURST: Souch, Colvan, O’Leary, May, Farr, Taylor, Clayton, Lewis Hyde, Dummer, Churchill, Dreckman, Williams, Morrison.

This week Midhurst visit bottom club Clymping (2pm) who have only nine points from 22 games. But it is rumoured they have signed some experienced players and their draw at home to second-placed Uckfield suggests brighter times may be ahead for them. Midhurst seconds are at home to Bosham seconds (2pm).

TED DUMMER