Fireworks at Nyetimber Lane as Peacehaven lit a bonfire under Pagham’s promotion credentials. Having beaten Three Bridges 1-0 in mid-week, Carl Stabler’s were looking for another win here. Robert O’Toole’s hat-trick for the visitors ensured otherwise. With Michael Frangou returning, Alex Kew moved to the bench, with Ross Wolf also taking his place in the starting eleven. Peacehaven took all of a minute to take the lead, as Scott Marshall’s cross was turned into the net by O’Toole. Pagham recovered as Ross Woolf fed a ball to James Temple, with his cross being met by Frangou. Craig Hall cleared as Peacehaven were on the back foot. James Temple also had a chance cleared, before Woolf struck the side netting. Darren Pearce hit a shot at Joe Adams in Peacehaven’s goal, whilst Adam Kneller was kept busy at centre back for the away side. The second goal came just after the quarter hour. A corner was swung in and O’Toole was again on hand to head home. The Lions pressed forward from the re-start, with Paul Jones, Scott Murfin and Ross Woolf all testing Adams. Dan Moseby supplied a good knock-down for Frangou, whose shot arrowed narrowly over the bar. Tom Levitt shot wide for Peacehaven, and Daren Pearce’s shot over for Pagham was the last meaningful strike of the first half.

No changes at the break, with Pagham starting the stronger. Scott Murfin’s shot just over from the right could have let the Lions back into the game. Ryan Bradley’s teasing of the Pagham defence almost ended in a goal as his shot went narrowly awry. Murfin struck a ball directly at Adams, whilst James Temple went in on the Peacehaven ‘keeper. Aaron Gunn’s shot went just wide for Peacehaven as the visitors went looking for another goal. On came Alex Kew for the Lions as Frangou left the pitch. Fifteen minutes to go and Kneller had to be at his best to clear a long ball in from Pagham. Moments later came Peacehaven’s third goal. Ashley Rees was bought down in the area, and refree Mr Austin had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. For the second time in a few days, Nyetimber Lane was witness to a clear-cut penalty. This time it was the visitor’s O’Toole who put the chance away to cement a victory for Peacehaven. Or so it seemed. Pagham charged back, and James Temple was desparately unlucky as his header ricocheted off the post.

Pagham; W.Hallett, J.Misslebrook, R.Cox, D.Pearce, P.Jones, J.Booker, R.Woolf, D.Moseby, M.Frangou, S.Murfin, J.Temple; G.Robinson, A.Weir, A.Kew, D.Bassill, J.Williamson