SUSSEX 1, ARMY 2

WASTEFUL Sussex last night threw away a golden chance to qualify for the final of the South Western Counties Championship.

They squandered a series of openings against their main Group A rivals at Culver Road and now need a win in Hampshire next Thursday to ensure top spot.

Sussex had put themselves in pole position by keeping cleansheets in their first three games, all of which were won.

But two moments of defensive slackness were as much to blame as their failings at the other end for this unfortunate setback.

After just 17 minutes, a huge clearance by Army goalkeeper Dean May sailed over the home backline and sent Steve Carter clear for a classy finish.

Then, just two minutes after Dominic Shepherd's second half leveller, Chris Dicker let the ball slip under his foot and Carter's far post cross was headed home by David Hope.

Sussex coach Nick Greenwood could hardly believe his side had not finished the job before their home crowd.

But he said: "I couldn't fault the players for effort. They've been brilliant this season.

"The difference was the Army scored two goals from three chances and we only got one from four or five.

"I would have loved it to be all over this evening, but we got over anxious with our attacking."

Despite the disappointment, the contest was a good advert for representative action with the crowd of 144 enjoying some high quality football on a perfect playing surface.

Shepherd and Andy Agutter, renewing their old Shoreham double act, were a menace up front and the only surprise was that it took them 55 minutes to get past May.

Then the lively Paul Balch fired over a deep cross from the right and Shepherd's header looped gently home, despite a touch from the keeper.

Within seconds, Shepherd headed tamely at May from a Dicker cross before the leftback's only error of the night let in the Army for their second goal.

Sussex sent on the speedy Phil Churchill in a bid to salvage a point.

But it was all in vain as skipper Duncan Kneller headed wide from close range, then Shepherd saw his drive fizz across goal with no-one getting a killer touch.

Frustrating stuff. But Sussex are fully capable of making amends at Totton next Thursday night.

Sussex: Lightwood, Baker, Dicker, Pearce, Kneller, Head, Balch, Willard, Agutter (sub Churchill 70), Shepherd, Arscott (sub Russell 84). Unused subs: Embleton, Ducille, Dumbrill.

Referee: Graham Cann (Royal Navy).

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