Performance pleases Baker despite defeat

Littlehampton Town Football Club boss Ady Baker. Picture: Kate Shemilt KS16000949

Callum Saunders’ penalty 11 minutes into the second half - awarded for handball - condemned Golds to a 1-0 defeat at Haywards Heath but Baker was proud of his side’s showing.

The loss was a seventh in eight Southern Combination League Premier Division matches so far this season but Baker believes things will turn around quickly for Golds should they continue to perform like they did on Saturday.

He said: “I was absolutely gutted for my players following this defeat. They gave absolutely everything and were denied by a decision.

“For me the penalty was harsh, Gary Peters has got no time to get his arm out of the way and that was the difference.

“We stuck to our shape really well, frustrated them and did a great job.

“Each week we are getting better and if we keep performing like this then I’m sure things will start to turn around.”

Golds had a couple of openings in a fine first half showing. First, an effort was cleared off the line following a goalmouth scramble, before no Littlehampton player could get a finishing touch on a teasing cross inside the opening half-hour.

Disaster struck for Golds on 56 minutes as Peters was adjudged to have handled Jamie Weston’s cross and a spot-kick was awarded. Substitute Saunders dispatched the penalty to fire Heath ahead.

Golds went close with efforts from Marshall Ball, Chris Darwin and substitute Danny Hand in the closing stages but the home side held on for a 1-0 win.

Littlehampton return to action tomorrow with a trip to fellow Premier Division outfit Eastbourne United in the first round of this year’s Sussex Senior Cup (7.45pm).

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