Murphy scores win in first game as Steyning boss

Chad Milner scored as Steyning sealed victory at rivals Southwick on Saturday

Murphy, who has never held a senior management post before, saw his side take the lead three times as they took all three points at Wickers.

For Town’s new boss it was the perfect start, having watched Steyning in their 6-2 Peter Bentley Cup defeat at Selsey last time out.

Murphy felt this was a marked improvement and wants his side to carry this form going forward.

He said: “It was good to start with three points on the opening day against a strong side away from home.

“We had worked on a game plan and shape coming into the match but unfortunately three players were missing.

“It was a good game for those who were watching with seven goals on the day, but as manager ideally you don’t want to be conceding as many goals every game.

“I would like to thank my assistant Paul Hawkins, he has been brilliant getting players in and signed on to be available during this difficult time of transition.”

Following a scoreless opening half, the game burst into life with four goals in ten minutes after the restart.

Ben Greer fired Town ahead a minute after the break but Andy McDowell drew Wickers level on 50 minutes.

Chad Milner gave Steyning the lead for a second two minutes later, before Ross Myers’ strike ended a crazy ten-minute spell to see it all square with 55 minutes gone.

Murphy’s new-look side continued to push and went in front for a third time on 20 minutes as Craig Knowles struck.

Greer fired home his second to give Steyning a two-goal cushion with just 15 minutes to go.

Southwick’s Michael Damario pulled one back five minutes later but Steyning held on for all three points.

Wickers travel to Saltdean United in the league tomorrow.

STEYNING: Rose; Hare, Webb, Dodd, Wadey, Elms, Greer, Knowles, Milner, Moses, Clark. Subs: Taylor (Milner), Pugley, Smart.

SOUTHWICK: Howard; Lipscombe, McClymont, McLennan, Pretlove; Damario, Shelley, Smith; Myers, McDowell, Blundell. Subs: Peskett, Gardner-Lowe, Groom.

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