Tuesday night football will be done in a few weeks’ time so what better excuse than to make the most of it. One or two leagues are already on Saturday notice until the end of the season, more preparation time though for managers and players alike.
With a new job starting on Wednesday I wasn’t planning on venturing too far and at this time of the season I want to be watching a game that has something riding on it, be that the title, play-off chases or battling relegation for at least one of the clubs involved.
Littlehampton Town looked to be pulling clear of the Isthmian South East Division relegation places a few weeks ago, only for Phoenix Sports to start to find some form and the Golds suffering four defeats on the bounce.
footballwriting.co.uk is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
The content below was originally paywalled.
Whilst those above them now seemingly now well in the distance it looks like a straight battle between these two clubs joining Steyning Town, Lancing and Hythe Town in a trip to Step 5.
Their opponents AFC Croydon Athletic have little to play for in their first ever season at this level, despite the daytime sunshine the cold returned for the evening football.
The first half was devoid of pretty much anything apart from a midfield battle and a few cards shown by the referee, Kieron Pamment unable to get enough on the end of a superb left wing cross to trouble Amadou Tangara in the visitors net the only point of note in the first 45 minutes.
The second half however was a different story, a purpose about the Golds and took the game to their opponents. Just after the hour mark they were in front, Pamment’s free kick falling Nordirbek Bobomurodov and he slammed the ball past Tangara for the opening goal of the game.
There were one or two efforts more for the home side to increase their lead, but not enough connection meant they were always susceptible to a counter attack goal.
However, James Binfield was untroubled in the Golds net with Town registering a first win in five games and movement out of the bottom four, albeit Phoenix with a game in hand.
Four home games in the last seven could hold the key for Littlehampton in their quest for survival, if they can repeat their second half performance a few more times then it could be an interesting few weeks to keep an eye on.
Couple of great performances from centre halves Thomas Butler and Nick D’Arienzo to nullify any threat Croydon might have posed, they’ll certainly need a few more of those to help their cause.
Nice to catch up with John Clarke and Stuart Bellis throughout the game, be a long while since I’ve seen these gents as our paths haven’t crossed too much at previous games this season but always a pleasure when they do.
Non League Day this weekend, plenty of offers and games out there to head along to with nothing happening much in the professional game either due to the international break.
