Pitching in Isthmian League South East Division

Saturday 26thNovember 2022

Sittingbourne – 1        Lancing – 1

Lancing Starting XI: 

Alieu Secka, Jake LeGrange, Tom Butler, Owen Spicer, Will Berry, Finn Daniels-Yeoman (Capt.), Darius Goldsmith, Kane Louis , Modou Jammeh, Kyle O’Brien, Tommy Boyle.

Substitutes: Faris Khallouqi, Reece Hallard, Tyrone Madhani, Mohammed Joumaa Zabadne, Ashley Mutongerwa.

Attendance :187

Despite leaving Culver Road at 10.00 a.m, horrendous traffic hold ups en route to Sittingbourne’s ‘The Jarmans Solicitors Stadium’ meant that the coach conveying Lancing players, managers, committee and supporters did not arrive until shortly after the 3p.m k.o time. Fortunately, there was co-operation from referee Joe McKay and Sittingbourne management, which allowed the k.o to take place at 3.45. 

Lancing players were able to get their kit on aboard the coach but, obviously, no room for any warm up activity. 

A new name in the starting XI saw a debut given to a recent signing, on loan from Worthing. An exciting prospect by the name of Kyle O’Brien, a speedy forward. There was also a welcome return for two players who had contributed much to Lancing’s successful fight to avoid relegation last season. Will Berry, back from Littlehampton, via Saltdean and Modou Jammeh, after an initially promising early season start at Worthing. 

It was no surprise that, after being cooped up on a coach for so long, and missing out on a proper warm up period, it was a leggy and sluggish Lancing who fell behind to a Youssouf Bamba strike after only four minutes. It took 20 minutes or so before Lancing started to find their feet but they gradually began to turn the tide in their favour and Kane Louis’s equalising back header after 35 minutes was a deserved reward for their improved performance. 

There was an ebb and flow to the second half with the balance of play alternating between both teams. The home side had their moments with a header, which Lancing cleared from the goal line and a shot which came close. Lancing brought on regular starters, Ashley Mutongerwa, Reece Hallard and Tyrone Madhani for Tommy Boyle, Jake LeGrange and Kane Louis to help Lancing to finish the game strongly.  Lancing had a glorious opportunity to snatch all three points at the death. Modou Jammeh, who continued where he left off last season, was a real threat going forward, with good support from Kane Louis,and found himself facing the keeper from 6 yards out. A strike to the keeper’s left or right would have been the winner but Mo’s effort was tame and straight at the keeper. 

The Lancing players did well to pick themselves up after the difficulties they faced getting to the ground on time and lacking the opportunity to prepare themselves properly, and could feel frustrated at not coming away with a win under their belt. 

Despite failing to put the ball in the net at the end of the game Modou Jammeh produced a fine performance, quickly adjusting to playing alongside some new and established Lancing team mates, and earned the committee’s MOM award. 

Dave Wilmott (a family event in Wales kept me away from this game, so thanks to fellow committee members for providing the background facts for this report, which I hope is a fair reflection of the game.)