Bosham's end-at-the-Pier show isn't pleasant viewing

Sussex League division three

Two Bosham players saw red as they crashed to a surprise defeat to Hurstpierpoint, all but ending any hope of title glory and further dampening any prospect of a second-place finish.

The Reds dominated for 80 minutes only to unravel in the final stages.

Bosham had a golden chance to go in front early on when Joe Hancock got through. Jack Ritchie pulled off a stunning double save from Hancock and Dan Rehill on the rebound.

Hurst striker Rick Peacock was pushing hard but was restricted to long-range efforts that gave Lee Arnell few worries.

Peacock had Bosham nerves jangling when a drive from long distance had Arnell scrambling, but the ball missed the target.

Bosham looked determined to strike a blow in the second period. John Phillips moved well and supplied Andy Hounsome and Bradley Miles, who both had shots on target well-saved by Ritchie.

Miles hit the bar but the Bosham train came off the tracks with ten minutes left.

Ricky Mullen and Scott Sheen had both come on as substitutes to try to find a goal when, after a corner, Arnell was shown red by referee Richard Daniels. Hancock donned the gloves.

Then Liam Pears reacted quickest on the edge of the box to hit a shot into the bottom corner with Hancock rooted to the spot.

Ben Blanshard given his marching orders as the management stood aghast in their technical area.

The Reds’ wounds that must heal fast if their season is not to fall away in the next few weeks.

BOSHAM: Arnell, Probee, Carrigher, Grantham, Blanshard, Miles, Hartley, Hounsome, Hancock, Phillips, Rehill. Subs: Mullen, Sheen.

ALAN PRICE