Sussex County League Division One

Lingfield 3

St Francis Rangers 0

AN Andrew Dalehouse brace earned a second win in a row for Lingfield, who host Pagham on Saturday.

After a disastrous start to 2010, Lingfield looked to be gradually slipping into the relegation dogfight. But a battling 3-1 win over Eastbourne United last Tuesday, followed by Saturday's comfortable victory, appears to have given the team new confidence.

Caretaker boss Steve Perkins Snr believes that the players are beginning to show their worth.

"There is no doubt that recent disruptions have affected our results," he said, referring to the recent departure of Mick Buckingham as manager.

"But we have impressed upon the players the absolute necessity of 100 per cent commitment over 90 minutes, and the last two results are a credit to them."

A goal up at half-time, Perkins admits his team-talk resulted in a much improved second half. "I had a word at half-time regarding the simple things like keeping the ball and keeping it tight at the back," he said. "Our retention was much better in the second half. It showed, with a much improved half. I have no man of the match, just the whole squad."

Lingfield were confident and settled into their stride quicker than Rangers. Dalehouse put them in front early with a clever angled shot from inside the area, after drawing the last defender.

Lingfield had the best of the play throughout the half.

On 65 minutes Aaron Courtney showed the way with a strong run from halfway, straight down the middle, where he played a one-two outside the area, before curling a fine drive past the keeper.

Dalehouse scored the third on 83 with a tap-in from three yards after much trickery in the box.