Battle of Lions and Tigers has late twist
Pagham were close to taking three points from the Tigers’ Lair at Saltdean, but an unnecessary foul three minutes from time gave two away.
It was still an excellent point at the home of the preseason favourites for the league title.
Joe Clarke was a little unlucky as early as the fourth minute when he just failed to lift his chip Hawkins in the Saltdean goal. Grant Radmore set up Ash Hawkes in the 17th minute, but his fierce shot was blocked.
Sam Connolly’s 25-yard free-kick was grabbed on the line by the keeper, but it didn’t take long for the Lions to grab the lead. In the 28th minute Joe Bennett angled in a shot that was half-cleared out to Clarke, who buried his shot under the keeper for 1-0.
Saltdean were struggling to get any sort of foothold and Pagham keeper Conor Kelly was untroubled all half.
The Tigers looked much livelier as the second half started and it took just two minutes for them to equalise. A stunning dribble by Camara was finished off in sublime fashion by Cormack.
Three minutes later Clarke grabbed his and the Lions’ second, taking a ball across the box from Connolly and finishing at the far post.
Soon Ollie Hambleton dribbled past three Saltdean players but the shot from Grant Radmore was blocked.
Ash Hawkes had a hopeful long-shot fly over the bar but the Tigers were really starting to put the pressure on, and Ryan Hallett was forced to clear off his line in the 87th minute.
Saltdean kept pushing and less than a minute later a senseless foul 30 yards out led to the equaliser. Disappointing, but still a great point possibly not expected.
PAUL DAVIDSON