Sussex County League Division One

Redhill 1

Pagham 1

PROMOTION hopefuls Redhill finished with a disappointing home draw – and they were lucky to bag that with a last-gasp equaliser.

The first half was anything but fast and furious, although there were a handful of efforts on Pagham's goal.

First, Calvin Headley played in a low cross to Marcus Elliot who did everything right, except put his first-time effort in a position that keeper Wes Hallett could not stop.

Pagham took the lead after only 10 minutes when Michael Frangou pounced on a through ball and took advantage of the offside trap to round keeper, Chris May, and slot the ball calmly into the net.

The ball was in and around the Pagham penalty area plenty of times but Hallett had virtually nothing to do in the Pagham goal.

Ali Kyezu had an effort at Hallett, Josh Bonnet stretched in an attempt to grab a Headley cross, and Daniel Morris really should have scored when he found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper right at the end of the half.

Pagham did create one or two attacking moves themselves, but the defensive prowess of Charlie Stagg and Jon Hogg stopped them from doubling their lead.

The second half saw a little more action, but Redhill's problems in front of goal continued. Marcus Elliot had an effort fly over for the Reds, then Pagham defender Joe Booker cleared a cross, Charlie Stagg went close with a header from the resulting corner.

Michael Frangou then found himself bearing down on goal after a rare Redhill defensive slip, May once again produced a fine save.

The game turned when Lee Radford came off the bench, as his pace and enthusiasm on the field transpired to his team-mates.

Immediately Radford got in on the action, crossing dangerously into the box, Kyezu latched onto the clearance but his shot was over.

Two more changes for Redhill saw Chris Hubbard and Kyle Morgan entering the field, and it paid off, with Morgan grabbing a leveller with just five minutes to go.

Redhill will host Croydon FC this evening (Thursday) in a friendly. Entry is £5 for adults and £2.50 for concessions. Kick-off is at 7:45pm.

The Lobsters have no game at the weekend because opponents Whitehawk have to travel to Marske United, near Redcar in Teeside, for an FA Vase last 16 replay after a draw last weekend.