Pagham recorded yet another “double” as they kept the pressure on the top two in Division 1. Having already thrashed Redhill 6-0 at the Caburn back in October, Carl Stabler’s team finished the job off in some style. With new signing Charlie Marshall on show, the Lions showed their teeth from the off. Marshall himself had the first opportunity, with barely a minute gone. Dean Ruddy in the visitors’ goal had to be on his toes as the Pagham man came steaming in. Two minutes later it could have been 2-0, as Temple was bought crashing down by his opposite number. The free-kick was cleared, but the Lions were showing they meant business. The first real chance for the visitors didn’t arrive until just after the quarter hour as Matt Geard headed across Wes Hallet’s goal. Pagham roared back, and James Temple put them in front with a superbly worked goal. Alex Kew’s superb approach play allowed him to cross the ball into Marshall who unselfishly moved the ball to Temple, result Pagham 1-0 up. REdhill did have some periods of pressure, but the Lions stood firm, with all four defenders keeping the visitors at bay. A long stoppage with three minutes of normal time to go meant the nail-biting time added on, which saw Redhill almost go two down Nigel Brakes was forced to clear off the Line.

The visitors started the second half more positively, with Marcus Elliott & John Wescott both creating openings. The latter’s free-kick having to be taken twice as referee Mr Machinek was initially unhappy with encroaching from Pagham. Ross Woolf shot wide for Pagham, and James Temple headed over the bar as they lay siege to Redhill’s goal. A late tackle saw Charlie Marshall bought down, and a booking for Matt Geard. The resultant free-kick gave Pagham another chance to increase their lead. Both managers felt it was time for a change, with Pagham bringing on Greg Robinson for Alex Kew who, up to then, had had a very good game. Redhill’s Elliott shot just passed Wes Hallet’s post as the visitors still looked for a chink in Pagham’s armour. Marshall’s first game for Pagham ended prematurely, as the earlier tackle caused him to leave the field to be replaced by Scott Murfin. Redhill attacked again, going very close with a header over the bar. As the game moved into the last few minutes of normal time, Pagham doubled their lead with another goal from Scott Murfin. A well timed header down from James Temple allowed Murfin a clear shot on goal to record his 17th league goal of the season.

Pagham; W.Hallett, J.Misslebrook, R.Cox, D.Pearce, P.Jones, J.Booker, J.Williamson, R.Woolf, J.Temple, C.Marshall, A.Kew; J.Tribe, S.Murfin, G.Robinson, J.Price