GALLERY: Lions sink Saints to extend lead at top

Action from Pagham's win over St Francis Picture by Kate Shemilt C141563-5

Scott Murfin was again the hero as Pagham came back from 2-1 down to beat St Francis Rangers 4-2 at Nyetimber Lane and extend their lead at the top of the Sussex League division-one table.

With the game given the go-ahead only half an hour before kick-off following sterling work by the groundsmen and volunteer fork-wielders, the Lions made the most of closest rivals Dorking dropping points at home.

Both sides missed early chances but Pagham were looking the better side.

Dan Martin was very strong on the right wing, giving his opposite number problems. Conor Carolan kick-started a Rangers attack, but Pagham cleared their lines.

Rob Brown could have given Pagham the lead but his shot went over the bar. Twenty minutes in, referee Mr Collumbell booked Josh Bryant in controversial fashion. No-one in the ground seemed to know why the yellow card had been shown.

Pagham’s resultant free-kick saw them open the scoring as Murfin made the most of a goalmouth melee to strike home.

The restart saw Andy Brown of St Francis Rangers go on a run which was blocked by the Lions rearguard.

With the pitch cutting up, Neil Murfin was unlucky to receive a yellow card which owed more to the mudbath of a surface than any malice.

Just after the half-hour, Martin left the pitch to applause, injury cutting short a superb display. On came Lewis Hamilton to replace him.

The visitors stepped up a gear and by half-time they were 2-1 up.

A goal out of nothing saw Sam Saunders’ long-range shot fizz past Binfield on 39 minutes, followed two minutes later by Nathan Millroy’s solo run and shot.

The Lions raced out of the blocks as the second period started, virtually parking in Rangers’ half.

Five minutes in, the equaliser arrived via Ryan Davidson. A corner appeared to deflect off Tom Broadbent and Davidson was on hand to steer the ball home.