With Barnet playing at home on Friday evening there was a chance of a bonus game on Saturday afternoon. With Bonfire Night going on locally in Littlehampton and not really needing a slightly longer detour back to my flat, I took the youngest daughter via train to Arundel to watch them take on Mile Oak at Step 6 in the Southern Combination Division One.
Arundel’s Mill Road ground is against a backdrop of the town’s castle, under the lights it’s a spectacular view to be seen but played before the clocks went backwards the view was there but not as memorable to see.
The Mullets went into the game on the back of a four-game unbeaten run, added to in midweek with cup success against level higher Horsham YCMA whilst the visitors have had a mixed start to the season, although the reverse fixture ended in an Oak win back in August.
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On what was a balmy October afternoon, sunshine engulfed the ground for the full 90 minutes and there was no let up in commitment. Both sides wanted to attack which made for a very open game, but the home side looked the more likely to find the target.
Arundel were in front on 10 minutes, Ash Hawkes fouled to the left of the penalty area and the free kick from Liam Brady found it’s way through everyone and into the far corner for the game’s opening goal.
The Mullets however couldn’t capitalise on the bright start and although they enjoyed the better of the possession it fell down more often than not at the edge of the penalty area, despite that there were a couple of half chances. Oak were denied any momentum by the assistant referee’s flag more often than not, contentious decisions on the whole.
The visitors did find an equaliser seven minutes before the break, a good ball into the box found Andy McDowell and his header finished up in the net via Arundel’s Toby Pointing.
The home side almost re-took the lead on half time, skipper Ollie Humphries header coming back off the post but away from a Mullets boot to turn it in, the sides level at half time after an entertaining 45 minutes.
The second half wasn’t quite so open, Arundel though had the better of the early chances, Harry Russell heading wide and again later in the half shooting wide when it looked like the winner was coming.
Two further chances game the way of the Mullets but neither hit the target and both sides had to settle for a share of the points by full time. A draw was the right result on reflection, Mullets will be disappointed not to have turned the majority of possession into chances and goals, but it takes the run to five unbeaten and still in touch with those in play-off positions ahead of them.
Oak certainly have enough about them not to be anywhere close to the bottom two and if they can put together a little run like the Mullets are currently on they can be looking much further upwards than mid-table.
One defeat in nine for Arundel now and with back-to-back games to come against lowly Seaford a good chance to push on further whilst Oak host top of the table Epsom & Ewell.
Got to mention the Arundel cheeseburger, good size roll, very decent taste, certainly one to have again if I get back later in the season.
As always good to catch up with people when you get around the grounds, Ash Hawkes and Kieron Howard playing for Arundel, but great to see ex-Littlehampton treble winner Tom Biggs for a chat and his dad Richard, a great supporter of these blogs, truly appreciate it.
