Title is back in Golds’ hands after away win

In an exciting climax to the season, both Golds and fellow title challengers Dorking Wanderers have dropped points in the last few weeks.

Littlehampton drew 2-2 at Hailsham on Saturday, while Dorking lost 1-0 at Eastbourne United, which meant Golds needed three wins out of three to win the title on goal difference.

The first of those victories came at Eastbourne Town, which Golds boss Mark Bennett described as the best performance since he has been at the club.

Golds led 3-0 after just 30 minutes and, despite the hosts getting a goal back on the hour, they comfortably saw out the game to pick up the win.

Joe Shelley gave Littlehampton the lead on 12 minutes after a four-pass move

George Landais made it 2-0 on 17 minutes after Darren Boswell unselfishly squared the ball and Liam Humphreys got the third on 30 minutes after a shot from a corner had been cleared off the line.

Golds could have scored more in the first half but Dan Swain headed against the bar and Shelley had an effort ruled out.

Kenny Pogue got a goal back from the penalty spot on 60 minutes, after Humphreys was adjudged to have handled, but it was Golds who looked the more likely to score again.

Dave Herbert shot a one-on-one just wide, before George Gaskin had an effort cleared off the line.

Bennett said: “I can’t praise the team enough. It was the best performance since I’ve been at the club, especially when you consider the circumstances.

“Eastbourne had a real good team out but we were excellent and could have been 6-0 up at half-time. Things are back in our hands now and that’s all you can ask for.”