Pagham’s 1st team lost for only the second time in the league this season as Hassocks “did the double” at the Beacon. Having already lost 2-1 to the Robins back in October, albeit with a late, late winner, and with Rye United snapping at the Lions’ heels, a win was needed to build on the 2-1 win against Redhill the previous week. This came unstuck as early as the second minute with the veteran Phil Gault slotting home for his 9th league goal of the season. Next on the scoresheet, James Westlake doubled the lead just before the quarter hour. Pagham came back into the game, and Neil Murfin gave the visitors hope with a goal some ten minutes before half time. The Robins weren’t to be denied though, as Sam Jeremiah scored with eight minutes of normal play left to send the Lions home pointless, knowing Rye United had overtaken them at the top of the table.

Meanwhile at Nyetimber Lane, the Reserves were restoring pride for the Lions with a well earned win against Hassocks second string. A strong side involving the likes of Michael Frangou, Doug Peach and Wes Hallett were well drilled against a Hassocks side who looked to Joshua Hawkes for most of their attacking. Laurence Robinson opened the scoring though for the visitors on the half hour as the Robins flew at the Lions. Michael Frangou scored a deserved equaliser almost ten minutes later as the teams went in at half time all square. Five minutes after the break Joshua Hawkes scored Hassocks second, but the Lions were far from toothless in this match. Frangou scored his second with 79 minutes on the clock to restore parity before a tremendous strike from Ryan Champion in injury time settled an entertaining match.