Pagham almost ended up with Easter egg on their faces, as an attempt to make amends for two consecutive heavy defeats saw Gary Block’s side draw in a turgid performance at Nyetimber Lane. The Lions were able to welcome back the experienced Brynn Hauxwell, but new “wunderkind” James Walters had to be content with a place on the bench.
Midhurst referee Mr Barrett involved himself in the first action, as a talking to Brett Forden was followed by a United free-kick which was easily collected from the feet of David Wright by Pagham custodian Wes Hallet. The free-kick by Hunter for the Lions was of equal class later, but was also cleared. The header from John Price on 11 minutes was met by one of Wes Hallett’s best saves this season.
With the prolific Scott Tipper on the pitch for United, it was a matter of time be fore he had a shot on goal, albeit one which drifted wide. Also drifting was the game itself, with neither side seemed able to dominate play. As with the first fixture at Church Lane, both sides seemed afraid of losing rather than going for the win.
Stuart Campbell’s booking for language used livened up an otherwise soporific game in the sun. Chichester ‘keeper Barry Squires was finally called into action just on the half hour, tipping over a cross-cum-shot from Chris Dye. Tipper then got in on goal again, being denied by a frantic double save from Hallett. The first half drew to a close with a Chichester free-kick being chased and headed at Wes Hallett by Scott Tipper.
No substitutions for either side at half time, but the hope that the game would liven up. Chris Dye gave Squires something to think about with a run through on goal. Countless offside decisions, not always understandable, were thwarting Pagham’s efforts to get shooting chances. However, the Lions had a legitimate claim for a penalty turned down on the hour.
As the ball came in from a Forden free-kick, a United defender appeared to control the ball with his hand to the obvious displeasure of the Pagham crowd. Nevertheless Mr Barratt waved play on, and the goalmouth scramble at the other end could have resulted in Chichester opening the scoring. Phil Turner got in a good run on 75 minutes, but Squires just nicked the ball from Turner’s feet. The game was bumbling along again when Dye tried to find a way round Squires with five minutes left on the clock. Inevitably the score remained goal-less and remained so until the end of a game which did neither side any good at the bottom of the table.
Report written by Jon Rose (Pagham FC)
Pagham Team: W.Hallett, D.Peach, A.Hunter, J.Geall, M.Livermore, C.Dye, B.Hauxwell, C.Osborne, B.Forden, P.Turner, S.Campbell
Chichester Team: B.Squires, M.Osborne, D.Hickman, D.Wright, J.Price, B.Hitchman, A.Ward, P.Thomas, S.Tipper, S.Murfin, M.Jackson
Scott Tipper lies injured after a collision with the Pagham Keeper
Subs: J.Walters, L.Haga-Hammond, Daniel Cox
Pagham Scorers: -
Subs: S.Itagaki (used), M.Wozniak and A.Brockway (not used)
Chichester Scorers: -
Attendance: 48