Creeksiders clinch deserved Littlehampton draw

By Connor Steel

FAREHAM TOWN FC guaranteed a first point in this Isthmian League South Central Division since November as they played Littlehampton Town in a rearranged match on Wednesday evening (January 28); eventually earning an one-all stalemate versus their opponents following a very improved and hard-fought performance within the cold AEI Stadium.

Proceedings started with both sides adapting to an artificial surface and it took fifteen minutes for the first notable shot; Cam Sullivan connecting with a fine ball but narrowly missing the target. This was followed by a spell of possession by Littlehampton who saw Marcel Powell drag wide under pressure and Joshua Short miss a good pass from the left side.

The Creeksiders responded well to these opportunities and began to put themselves into a position of ‘relative control’, but they were unable to turn this to notable chances as this away defence proved an immoveable rearguard. That was until the twenty-eighth minute when a low shot from Charlie Cooper flashed wide after he cut inside to make the space.

It seemed to move the hosts forward and they saw a succession of shots from a corner that ended with an effort inside the net, only for the official to blow for an unclear offence. But it didn’t stop them from taking a lead before the half time break when Sam Paul’s deep delivery reached the path of Cooper who converted well from close range at this far post.

Toure Williams went close moments after this interval with a neat shot as Fareham continued to have more possession and territory; which helped release Dan Sibley to place straight at the keeper from an acute angle. Down the other end Littlehampton saw David Herbert have an attempt saved by Declan McCarthy, whilst a fine corner was flicked just wide.

Away momentums continued past the hour mark with Oli Kershaw preventing two attacks with superb defensive efforts and another shot hit the base of Fareham’s post, but their luck ran out when Marshall Ball poked this rebound home. It may have been two-one when Ball went close again as he curled inches wide from this bottom corner after 71 minutes.

Substitutions helped push Fareham back into the game and Joe Warren had a looping shot saved by Billy Collins, who denied Sam Paul via a rebound and also further gathered George Britton’s tamer effort that rolled kindly. Littlehampton had the last chance to seal victory as they had a shot hit the post with McCarthy denying Gabriel Robinson with his leg.

Although a draw could have been frustrating for Fareham, it was a positive performance and ended a poor run for form in recent months as they hope to build a ‘much-needed’ confidence at the bottom of this table. They play another home game on Saturday evening when they host Southall in a crucial league encounter at the AEI Stadium from 5:30pm K.O.