Lions have rediscovered their roar

And their week got better when they put eight past Langney to reach the final of the Peter Bentley Cup.

Reports below - see the Observer, out now, for all the local football action.

Lancing 1 Pagham 3

SCFL premier

The Lions took all three points at the home to the county FA thanks to goals from Callum Overton, Ryan Cox and debutant Matt Ryan.

After a number of player departures last week, the Lions went into the game with a very youthful squad which included just thre players over the age of 24.

However, they produced arguably the best performance seen from a Pagham side since the turn of the year.

Despite Pagham having a lot of the ball and playing most of the game in the opposition’s half, it was Lancing who struck first on 15 minutes. Lewis Finney capitalised on an error in the Pagham defence and slotted past James Binfield.

From then on, the first half was very even. Both sides were having good spells but weren’t forcing either keeper into many saves.

But the break came at a good time for Lancing after the Lions hit the post and began to open up their opponents just before the whistle.

Pagham began the second half exactly how they finished the first and were putting the hosts under a lot of pressure and almost creating chances at will.

The pressure finally told on 62 minutes when Callum Overton was played through and with only the goalkeeper to beat, he made no mistake.

Lancing were finding it hard to put together any spells like the ones they had in the first half. Pagham’s work ethic off the ball was superb and they were using the ball wisely when they had it.

On 76 minutes, Pagham were awarded a free-kick on the corner of the 18-yard box. Scott Murfin delivered it into a perfect area and it was Ryan Cox who turned the ball home with his chest.

Scott Murfin and George Cody were replaced on 80 minutes, both having worked tirelessly and put in good performances. They were replaced by David Crouch and Matt Ryan.

Pagham continued to impress and with time running out, Callum Overton dinked a clever ball into the six-yard box which David Crouch superbly backheeled into Ryan’s path and the 18-year-old debutant slotted the ball home from close range.

TONY SHEA

Pagham 8 Langney 0

Peter Bentley Cup SF

Pagham stormed into the cup final by a rout of Langney.

Callum Overton got the party started just four minutes in and George Bingham doubled the lead midway through the first half.

The Lions always looked in control but had to wait until the final 25 minutes to get the goals their dominance deserved.

Overton’s quickfire double completed his hat-trick and Lloyd Rowlatt hit the fifth on 74 minutes.

Scott Murfin, Ryan Cox and Dave Crouch punished a tiring Langney side in the final ten minutes.

They must now await the other semi-final - between Broadbridge Heath and Haywards Heath next Tuesday - to find out who they will play in the final.

Pagham are back in SCFL action this Saturday at home to Loxwood, when they may have an early reunion with Jordan Warren, who switched to the Magpies from Pagham last week.

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