The home side started the match on the front foot and created the first chance of the match after 3 mins when Dan Huet put Lucas Pattenden (pictured) through but his shot was blocked by a defender. Jack Barnes had a great shot after 8 mins but Binfield in the Pagham goal made a terrific save to keep the scores level. From the resulting corner the ball was played short to Barnes and his great left foot cross found Asa Nicholson who directed a quality header into the top corner giving EP the lead.

Pattenden was causing the Pagham defence lots of problems and from another of his lightening runs he was fouled on the edge of the box and from the resultant free kick Steve Herbert's shot went over the bar.

Pagham then started to impose themselves on the game and George Bentley made a couple of good saves firstly from a shot outside the box which he got down well to save and then when Pagham forward Simmonds was through one on one he stayed big and saved well and the ball was cleared.

Half Time: 1-0

The second half started with Pagham on top and after only 2 mins of the half the ball was played in from the right and took a horrible bobble and hit Josh Etherington on the hand and the referee gave a penalty somewhat unfortunate but difficult to argue about. Simmonds then despatched the penalty to level the scores.

The home side weathered the pressure from Pagham and grew into the half without either side creating any clear cut opportunities. EP had a shout for a penalty when Pattenden was bought down in the box but the referee waved away the appeals.

EP re-took the lead with 10 mins remaining when Huet put Pattenden through who beat two Pagham defenders and calmly placed the ball into the corner of the net from 20 yards a fantastic finish.

Pagham then threw everything at EP to try and find an equaliser and scored a fortunate second goal when a cross from the left looped over Bentley into the far corner of the net. In the melee after the goal Steve Herbert was shown a red card for foul and abusive language.

Full Time: 2-2

Manager Bob Paine said ‘Another battling performance from the group full of desire, great character and our work rate was first class. Their were spells in the match where we were under pressure but we defended very well and were always dangerous going forward. Last season we would have lost this match and it is clear the progression we are making in this very competitive league. 2018 has been a good year for us consolidating our Premier Division status and we look forward to 2019 as we hope to improve and develop on the year just ending’

Team: George Bentley, Nathan DaCosta, Steve Herbert, Lewis Jenkins (Slaughter 45 mins), Josh Etherington, Matt Searle, Lucas Pattenden, Jack Barnes, Dan Huet (Heryet 80 mins), Asa Nicholson, Luke Brodie (Rafferty 70 mins)
Subs: Tom Crook, Sam Pidgeon, Scott Slaughter, Scott Rafferty, Jake Heryet