Pitching In Isthmian League South East Division Saturday 11th February 2023
Corinthian (The Hoops) – 0 Lancing – 2
Attendance: 92
Lancing Starting XI: Alieu Secka, Will Berry, Marcus Allen, Owen Spicer, Kyle O’Brien, Finn Daniels-Yeoman (Capt.), Darius Goldsmith, Modou Jammeh, Tyrone Madhani, Kane Louis, Marcel Powell.
Substitutes: Reece Hallard, Mahamadou Juwara, Charlie Towning, Ashley Mutongerwa, Tom Butler.
Damage to the wheel on a car which delayed the arrival of four Lancing players forced Dean Cox to make a last-minute adjustment to his starting XI.
Lancing lost out home and away to the Hoops last season but were looking to turn the tables, having picked up three points back in October 2022, with a solitary goal from Tom Butler. Despite lying bottom of the table at the time, The Hoops put up a stern second half fight and Lancing were indebted to late stand-in keeper Connor Manderson for a string of fine saves, including a match saving double save, a minute from the end of normal time, a performance which earned him the MOM accolade.
It was another fine goalkeeping display, this time from Alieu Secka, which was the standout performance for Lancing, showing safe handling throughout.
Lancing had the first attempt on goal when home keeper Daniel Colmer left his box to clear a ball, but only succeeding in finding Modou Jammeh. He was able to recover and get back in place to keep the ball out.
Lancing were getting forward well, exploiting the pace of Marcel Powell on their right, who was delivering some fine crosses into the box. The Hoops defence were being pressed back as Lancing kept them penned in. Colmer brought off a fine one handed save from Marcel Powell. The resultant corner was superbly curled in from Lancing’s left by Darius Goldsmith on 13 minutes, the ball dropping just under the cross bar, making it very difficult to defend. The ball ended up in the roof of the net. There was some uncertainty about the identity of the goal scorer, as the ball seemed to take a slight touch on its way in but it was confirmed that the last touch came from Corinthian centre back James Billings.
Both sides were battling well in the centre of the pitch to try and dominate possession. Finn Daniels-Yeoman was the heartbeat for Lancing covering much ground and winning some important tackles. Modou Jammeh and Darius Goldsmith helped to limit the Hoops midfield’s attempt to establish any control.
Nevertheless, the Hoops did manage to give Alieu Secka plenty to do as they drove high balls into the box and hit crosses goal-wards, at every opportunity. Alieu was at full stretch to clutch a dangerous ball in from the right, shortly after Lancing had taken the lead.
With 26 minutes gone Kyle O’Brien incurred the displeasure of referee, Ross Murphy, earning a caution for a late tackle.
The Hoops broke at pace into the Lancing box, but the threat was ended by a superb tackle from Owen Spicer. The Hoops were appealing in vain for a penalty.
Will Berry’s long throw ins were proving to be a useful weapon for Lancing and one almost led to a goal, as the clearance from the throw fell to Kyle O’Brien, who responded with a good drive which flew just wide of the upright.
Three minutes before the break, Alieu Secka was again in action saving from a header.
The second half began with Reece Hallard and Mo Juwara replacing Kyle O’Brien and Marcel Powell.
Two minutes in, Lancing had the ball in the net after a fumble by keeper Colmer but an offside decision denied a “goal”. The substitutions were working well for Lancing with both Reece Hallard and Mo Juwara looking a real threat running at the home defence. Mo Juwara picked out Tyrone Madhani who forced a good save from Colmer. Modou Jammeh came away with the ball having come out on top in a tussle. He laid the ball off for Reece Hallard but his shot was blocked. Mo Juwara was being closed down by two of the opposition on the touchline but he executed a clever turn and was away. He then hit a fine cross field pass to Tyrone Madhani but he was dispossessed, as he attempted to make progress down the right.
With 67 minutes gone, Mo Juwara and a Hoops attacker became entangled as they landed on the surface. It seemed an accidental collision but the referee deemed Mo to have brought his man down and dished out the second yellow card for Lancing. Tyrone Madhani was busy on Lancing’s right, taking advantage of some strong running into the final third from Reece Hallard, but Reece was just off target with his effort on goal.
Lancing had a glorious opportunity to extend their lead 30 minutes into the second half. Reece Hallard finished another break clear by slipping the ball to Modou Jammeh, supporting to his right. Modou beat one defender and cut inside looking to get a shot in on goal but he was brought down. Little doubt about the award of a penalty. Kane Louis stepped to the spot but he failed to convert his attempt dragging the ball wide.
This seemed to motivate The Hoops who were taking the game to Lancing and getting the ball in the box. Lancing held firm thanks to fine performances in defence from Will Berry, Owen Spicer and Marcus Allen. Reece Hallard continued to pose a threat with his powerful bursts forward. Reece was the instigator of the move which led to Lancing going two up on 78 minutes, as he fed the ball to Tyrone Madhani who settled Lancing nerves by burying the ball in the net. A minute later, Ashley Mutongerwa came on for Kane Louis.
The Hoops did not let their heads drop and Alieu Secka made a series of vital saves, diving bravely at the feet of an onrushing forward, sustaining an injury to his hand in the process, then stretching to make a fine one handed save and finally showing superb handling to hold on to a ball struck from deep into the box.
Lancing had one final effort on goal from Reece Hallard cutting in from the left but sending the ball wide. On the fourth minute of 5 minutes added time, James Billings drove the ball powerfully from outside the box but the ball flew high.
Lancing succeeded with the double over Corinthian, who still look in a dire position in 19th place with a mere 17 points. Lancing are sitting in 12th place with 32 points.
Not a great deal of attractive flowing football on show but Lancing were more effective in their forward play, particularly with the introduction of Reece Hallard.
A good travelling support made up 20 or so of the gate of 92, and there was little argument over the choice of Alieu Secka as Player of the Match. A pretty faultless performance. Somewhat of coincidence that both games had the goal keeper as Player of the Match (or MOM, if you prefer)
Dave Wilmott
