Lions nick win at Heath - but are lanced by Lancers

Action from Pagham's visit to Broadbridge Heath / Picture by Carol Davidson

Pagham took all three points from their SCFL premier visit to Broadbridge Heath, snatching the winner through sub Scott Murfin in the final minute when they looked to be hanging on for a point.

Joe Booker was booked early on for a foul on Bears dangerman Devon Fender but Fender got his revenge in the 14th minute when he latched on to a poor back-pass to round James Binfield and tap the ball home for his 14th goal of the season.

Lloyd Rowlatt had Pagham’s first shot eight minutes later, but it hit the post and spun to safety. Back came Broadbridge and Binfield had to be at his best to turn away another chance for Fender.

The Lions started to make the running and had a few half chances before Booker got his head to a Lloyd Rowlatt free-kick to pull his side level in the 35th minute.

Pagham had got hold of the game and Callum Overton was thwarted twice by the home keeper, once from a shot inside the box and then a 25 yard free-kick.

But then the game swung the other way and it was Binfield’s turn to pull off a couple of good saves, both from Fender.

The first 20 minutes of the second half was very quiet with just a handful of half chances for both sides. The game sprang to life with 20-odd minutes to go after a couple of changes by Pagham.

Murfin and Terrell Lewis came on for Joe Kilhams and Ryan Davidson before George Cody replaced Johan van Driel.

A flurry of bookings for both sides raised the atmosphere, but the home side looked more likely to score.

Binfield came to the rescue with less than ten minutes left, saving at the feet of Fender, but in the final minute sub Murfin scored the decider, weaving in from the left and burying his shot under keeper Chester from the edge of the box.

Added time saw good chances for both sides – again Binfield saved the day for his side with a brilliant save to deny the hosts.