Pagham on the attack in front of the new stand

The Lions roared to victory in their first game of the 2011/12 season. With Wessex League Moneyfields proving to be tough opposition, Carl Stabler's side weathered the storm under threatening clouds in front of a decent crowd. With all the new signings on show, the first half had Pagham looking much the more threatening, Alex Ward perhaps the pick of the new boys with a strong presence in midfield. The addition of Pip Turner gave the midfield another dimension, whilst Matt Wood's second half contribution showed the same pace and power as was seen fleetingly at Nyetimber last season. The opening goal came following a frantic goal-line clearence saw the ball fall to Moneyfields, with the ball soon rocketing into the net to give the visitors a less than deserved lead. The lions fought back, as Scott Murfin and Ross Woolf both tested the 'keeper. Possibly Murfin's best chance came just after the half hour. Twisting and turning in the area, his shot managed to snake just wide of the post. Bikram Singh, easily the Moneys' best player took things upon himself with five minutes to go, a blistering run saw his shot parried out for a corner, which saw the ball shot into the side netting.

Bikram Singh - Moneyfield's best player today

The second half started with Pagham on the back foot, Daren Pearce having to frantically clear the ball off the line. Matt Wood and Scott Murfin then tried their luck, before an ugly incident just after the hour marred what had been a competitive match. Niel Murfin was involved in a scuffle with his opposite number, gaining a bloody nose following a punch. Off went the Moneyfields player, Murfin himself gaining a yellow card. With passions running high Scott, brother of Niel was taken off by manager Carl Stabler before referee Mr Bell got the chance to wave another card. This disruption seemed to galvanise the home side, and it wasn't long before they equalised, a tremendous effort from youngster Samed Gashi was just rewards for the Lions' under-18 striker. Not content with the one goal, Gashi then hit another five minutes later as he collected a pass, and a masterful strike central on cemented a victory for Pagham.

Pagham; (from); W.Hallett, T.Broadbent, S.Hinshelwood, B.Buckland, R.Woolf, J.Booker, M.Wood, N.Murfin, S.Murfin, A.Ward, D.Pearce, R.Cox, P.Turner, S.Gashi, M.Frangou