Mullets suffer a double blow

After losing midfielder or striker Neighbour to County League leaders Pagham last week, 21-goal top-scorer Tipper injured a thigh muscle on Saturday and is expected to be out for three weeks.

Torode said: “It’s not a good start but I knew the approach for Howard was in when I took over. We hoped he would stay but we can’t really compete with Pagham, who could be playing Ryman League football next season, at the moment.

“We need Scott back as soon as we can but we’ll stick in there, try to get some good results and build some confidence.”

Mullets went down 4-1 at home to Sidley in County League Division 1 on Saturday.

Dan Cruikshank profited from defensive dallying to slot Sidley ahead on the half-hour, after Mullets suffered a huge blow with the loss of Tipper to injury in the 20th minute.

Casey Ham’s quickfire brace at the start of the second half put Sidley out of sight, following more defensive uncertainty.

Kevin Bird made it 4-0 on 75 minutes before Josh Biggs slotted in a consolation goal on 82 minutes.

Midfielder Seb Keet, who has signed from East Preston, came on as a second-half substitute and Arundel have also signed Steve Gettings from Ferring.

Arundel assistant manager Craig Stuart said: “The first half was quite even, but we were naïve and too casual.

“We tried to play our way out of defence, and need to be sharper, fitter and react to situations quicker.

“We have to be more solid and work as a unit and, although it’s going to be a long, hard, season and a lot of work, we’re confident we can turn it round.

“Losing Scott (Tipper) is a massive blow as he’s a top-class player. But we are under-achieving and although we looked good on the ball, the scoreline doesn’t lie and we’ve got a lot of work to do in training.

“Although we’re disappointed, we know the squad is good enough to turn things around and with players coming back from injury, we’re prepared to win ugly, if necessary.”

Mullets entertain division-lower Seaford in the Sussex RUR Cup third round on Saturday, before they host Selsey in the league on Tuesday.

ARUNDEL: Fernandes; Peake, Grove, Gardner, L.Walker; Hamilton, Biggs, Williamson; Huckett, Tipper, Norgate. Subs: Jenkins (Tipper 22), Turney, Keet (Huckett, Hamilton 76), Burton, Hall.