Golds knock rivals EP out of FA Cup
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Second-half strikes from George Landais and Scott Packer ensured it was Golds who won the extra-preliminary round clash.
The victory was the perfect response for George Gaskin’s side after they slipped to a 7-1 home league loss to Lancing last Wednesday.
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Hide AdLittlehampton were on top for much of the opening period and were unfortunate not to find themselves ahead.
First, Peter Beadle latched onto a through ball before seeing his 30-yard chip come back of a post on 13 minutes.
The woodwork then came to EP’s aid once again a minute later. This time smart work down the right saw Packer’s cross find Landais but he somehow hit a post from just six yards out.
Landais then turned provider as he set Rob Hutchings free with a quick free kick on the half-hour. However, the former Wick & Barnham youngster saw his shot stopped by EP keeper Darren Ford.
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Hide AdEP had their first real opening six minutes before the break when Dan Huet slotted in Alfie Gritt but the forward blazed over from the edge of the area.
Gaskin’s side finally broke the deadlock on 49 minutes. Brad Curtis’s through ball found Landais and the forward coolly slotted under the on-rushing Ford.
It was 2-0 on 61 minutes, as Landais’s corner was headed goalbound by Curtis and Packer flicked home.
Beadle almost made the victory safe with 21 minutes left but his header from Packer’s corner struck the crossbar.
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Hide AdEP pulled a goal back with just a minute to go when Gritt crashed home a shot from 25 yards but Golds held on to win.
Littlehampton will entertain Thamesmead Town in the next round. The game will take place at Worthing United on August 30 (3pm) as The Sportsfield is unavailable..
EAST PRESTON: Ford; Rennie, Vine, John, Chikowore; Wilson, Amoo; Hallett, Gritt, Huet; Curtis Milner. Subs: Bassett (Milner), Harris (Huet), Ettridge (Chikowore), Lowdell, Purkiss.
LITTLEHAMPTON: Matthews; Wiggans, Zydonik, McKay, D.Hand; Janman, Curtis; Packer, Beadle, Hutchings, Landais. Subs: Gray (Packer), Goff (McKay), Staines (Wiggans), Humphreys, Bates, Hendrick.
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Hide AdGolds travel to St Francis Rangers in the league on Saturday, before they entertain Horsham on Wednesday.
EP host Hassocks on Saturday, before they are away to Horsham YMCA on Tuesday.
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