Friday evening was the bonus game, a couple of scheduled Southern Combination games but the only one of my Easter fixtures with nothing really riding on it, this one pushed to the Friday night due to the ground sharing with AFC Whyteleafe.
Previously I’d seen both sides already this season, Lingfield FC are one of my 13 programme column clubs and this would be the third time I watched them this season and under their third different manager.
Facing them were Midhurst & Easebourne, under the command of Connor Hoare they’ve moved away from relegation danger but like the Lingers the odd glance over the shoulder to ensure they aren’t likely to get dragged into any late drama.
A frantic and pacey start to the game saw both sides going at it from the first whistle, something that didn’t let up the full game through, the expectation that the levels wouldn’t be kept was completely unfounded.
The hosts though looked the more dangerous going forward and it wasn’t too much of a surprise to see them take the lead on 14 minutes, Jason Stripp with a lovely finish for the opening goal of the game. Lingfield were probably a little disappointed they didn’t capitalise on the goal and as the visitors settled into the game they pulled out an equaliser.
Having to play on the counter for a while with Lingfield’s pressing and ability to win the ball back they were level on 39 minutes. A nicely played through ball put Rudi Blankson clear and the striker sent a sweet shot into the net via the far post as the sides were on parity at the break.
The second half though was in complete contrast to the first and within two minutes the visitors were in front. A disputed awarded corner kick was put into the hosts’ penalty area and an outrageous flick home from centre half Brandon Miller was the perfect start for Midhurst.
Just after the hour mark a clumsy foul in the Lingfield box gave Connor Duffin the opportunity to extend the lead from the penalty spot and he duly obliged, the Stags now on top and the Lingers struggling to get enough possession to make a difference.
Midhurst wrapped up the points 17 minutes from time with an incisive break down the left hand side which left Blankson with a tap in to secure the win and a bit more breathing space.
That pace of the game didn’t let up from the first minute and credit to both sides for keeping it up throughout. Lingfield boss Charlie McCarthy was a great talker to his players throughout the game and will probably be disappointed they didn’t make headway after going in front, a little too much indecision in the final third but from what looked like a pretty young team on the whole.
Midhurst are certainly going through the mill with injuries and Connor Hoare has been begging, stealing and borrowing to get a side out, calling on those favours from the other side of the county to get a team out.
Great to catch up with Stags chairman Tom Merritt-Smith after the game, a lot of work and money needed to complete ground grading work to remain at Step 5, lots of ideas to put into practice to help the club compete as well but like Hassocks the need to do things sustainably and not to jeopardise any future.
Nice to meet Charlie too at half time, standing between the two dug-outs and listening to the respective benches was a great insight and I certainly felt there wasn’t much more he could have done bar playing to get effect out of his players.
The only disappointing aspect to the night was an attendance of just 51. A tough year for Rich Williams’ club with still not being able to return to their Godstone Road base and having started the season miles away at Steyning Town and now much closer to home at Church Road, it’s tough to attract new support.
Given the Friday night fixture and not too much else on, close to a railway station as well, I maybe expected three figures for that very reason but it is what it is and for the good of the club and football, I hope next season I’m writing about a triumphant homecoming for Lingfield FC.
