Gary Young was a relieved man after Littlehampton launched the new year with a win.
The Marigolds beat bottom side Midhurst and Easebourne 2-1 in the only County League division two game to beat the weather on Saturday.
Joint boss Young was delighted with the three points but knows victory should have been more emphatic.
He said: “It was one of those games when we should have been plenty of goals out of sight. John (Suter) and I counted 15 guilt-edged chances. We hit the post and bar and numerous occasions.
“Then they got a dubious penalty late on and the scoreline did not reflect what it should have been.”
The experiened Matt Russell, who made his name in Sussex as a striker, scored both goals from his new central midfield position.
Young added: “We are playing Matt in central midfield this season. He wanted to play there and with the youngsters we have up top it suits everyone. He has done well for us, although the five chances he missed were better than the ones he scored.”
James Wills hit Midhurst's reply from the penalty spot.
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