RIVALS SHARE DEBY SPOILS

But as with what seems the majority of local derbies a draw was the final outcome.

Golds, perilously positioned at the foot of the table, should have been out of sight by the time Wick equalised on 64 minutes, given that they had a penalty saved and missed other chances. But then the team immediately above them and in almost as dire straits bossed the final quarter and were unfortunate not to collect the three points themselves.

After a week of upheaval in the northern part of the town with manager Richie Reynolds leaving the club, Wick approached the match with Chris Webber and Kevin Hotston in temporary charge.

They managed to retain a number of their Portsmouth-based players, but lost the services of Ashley Edwards, Danny Horrell, Dave Udy, John Oliver and Steve Poulton.

More details in Littlehampton Gazette on February 13.