Tuesday 18 November
Sussex County League Division 1

Shoreham 1-0 Arundel

Scorers: -

The Mullets 9 match winning run came to an end at Middle Road as Shoreham scored an early season double over the reds with a solitary second half goal from Owen Callahan.

Arundel were without both first choice strikers as Howard Neighbour failed to shake off a knock picked up at Banstead and Gary Norgate continues his suspension. Mullets were weakened further when Dave Walker withdrew his a neck injury and James Crane was absent at England College trials. In light of the players unavailable Josh Biggs played in a central striking role, supported by Matt Axell and Richard Ghent, while Adam Goff made his first appearance of the season at right back with Alex Duncan moving to center half to partner skipper Stuart Hack.

On a tricky surface both sides struggled to sting passes together and from the outset it was clear it was going to be a scrappy game. The away side looked determined and were working hard but lacked a cutting edge upfront. In reality the first half included little goalmouth incident at either end. Alex Duncan was lucky to get away with a challenge on Owen Callahan in the penalty area when he appeared to trip the winger. At the other end Josh Biggs rather snatched at an attempt to send the ball goalwards after the Shoreham keeper scuffed a clearance to him.

Half time 0-0

The second half continued in much the same vain and it became apparant that one goal may settle the contest. It was the Musselmen that got that goal 20 minutes in when the dangerous Callaghan broke free down the right and smashed the ball into the roof of the net passed a helpless Alex Bryant.

Arundel pressed for an equiliser for the time that remained but their best chances to achieve it came from set-pieces. Indeed it was from a whipped in free kick by Matt Axell that defender Stuart Hack had the ball in the back of the Shoreham net. Hacks late run appeared to have been timed to perfection but the assistant referee on the near side somehow adjudged him to have been in an offside position when the ball was kicked, much to the suprise of the Arundel contingent.

Shoreham nearly got a second on the break, when Darren Annis found himself clear but failed to make the most of the opportunity and it remained 1-0 until the final whistle.

Team: Bryant, Goff (Nally 70), Hall, Duncan, Hack, Wimbleton, Grove, Huckett, Biggs, Ghent, Axell.
Not Used: L. Walker, D. Towers, Matt Huckett.

Saturday 15 November
FA Vase R2

Banstead Athletic 1-2 Arundel (AET)

Scorers: Huckett, Neighbour

Arundel FC progressed to the 3rd round of the FA Vase with what turned out to be a hard fought 2-1 win over Banstead Athletic when in reality the Mullets had enough chances to have won the game 3 times over.

Gary Norgate was missing from the squad as he began his 3 game suspension for seeing red against Hassocks, while Rob Grove returned from his ban to partner Mike Huckett in central midfield.

The Mullets didnt take long to shake off their 1 hour coach journey and started playing some neat football. It wasn't long before the away side had the ball in the back of the net, but Howard Neighbour's header from a Matt Axell corner was ruled out for an alledged push when it appeared the striker had a free header. Arundel continued to press and should have gone ahead moments later when Mike Huckett broke into the box to lay the ball back to Josh Biggs 3 yards out, but Biggsy somehow contrived to slide the ball wide of the near post.

The reds had the ball in the net for a second time but for it again to be chalked off, this time by the intervention of the assistant referees flag. Dave Walker, again from an Axell cross, flicked the ball into the corner but this time had appeared to have stayed offside.

Arundel still had time to miss two more guilt edge chances before the first half was over. First an Axell corner from the right fell inside the 6 yard box but Walker and Hack somehow failed to convert the chance, appearing to get in each others way on the goal line. Lastly Josh Biggs again missed a chance to break the deadlock when his side foot volley from just yards out somehow cleared the crossbar.

The second half started with more attacking pressure from the away side and although some half chances were created it wasn't until the 65th minute that the deadlocl was finally broken. Following a corner, substitute Richard Ghent laid the ball back to Matt Axell to provide a cross to the back post which was met by the run of Mike Huckett, who headed into the roof of the net to the relief of the travelling supporters.

Despite finally taking the lead, the Mullets couldn't hold onto it for long and the home side were level just 10 minutes later. Goalkeeper Alex Bryant failed to collect a free kick from the right hand side and A's defender Hollinsworth prodded the ball home to bring the sides level.

After being pegged back Arundel appeared to lose their shape and could quite easily have gone onto lose the game in the final 10 minutes. The home side created some presentable openings on quick breaks in the final minutes and some last ditch defending and a outstanding save from Bryant in stoppage time sent the game into an extra period.

The visitors settled down during the break of play and hoped their fitness would see them through with many of the Banstead players going down with cramp in the original 90 minutes. It was indeed the Mullets who struck first in extra time, with just 8 minutes played. Matt Axell played Dave Hall in down the left and he cut the ball back for Howard Neighbour to smash it past the keeper into the roof of the net from 15 yards.

This turned out to the decisive strike and all that remained of the action in the second half of extra time was 2 late red cards for the home side as they lost their dicipline with some late tackles.

Team: Bryant, Duncan, Hack, Wimbleton, Crane, Biggs, Grove (Hall 70), Huckett, Axell (D. Towers 105), Walker (Ghent 55), Neighbour. Subs Not Used: Arnell, Matt Huckett.

Tuesday 4 November
John O'Hara League Cup R3

Arundel 5-2 Pagham

Scorers: Biggs, Axell, Neighbour, Norgate, Huckett

Arundel staged a remarkable second half fightback to overcome a 2 goal deficit and progress to the John O'Hara League Cup quarter final.

Arundel made one change to the side that played the half of the abandoned fixture with Eastbourne Utd. Matt Axell came in for the unavailable James Crane.

In the opening exchanges the team did not come out the blocks and were stifled by their local rivals, who shut their oppenents down quickly and the Mullets usual passing game didn't materialise in the first half.

the visitors opened the scoring after just a quarter of an hour. They won the ball in the centre of the field and Marc Frangou laid the ball inside for his strike partner Rob Wimble to stroke into the far corner.

On the half hour it was Frangou who doubled the lead. He latched onto a ball into the home side's box and his shot was placed perfectly into the far post past the disparing dive of Lee Arnell.

The Mullets were 2-0 down and staring another disappointing cup exit in the face. Their only real chance of a dismal first half display fell to Gary Norgate who cut in from the right but struck the foot of the post from the edge of the area.

The half time whistle went and the Mullets were dealt a further blow when goalkeeper Lee Arnell who had been carrying a calf injury in the first half, could no longer continue. Without a substitute goalkeeper on the bench, Jason Wimbleton had to take up the gloves for the second half. Richard Ghent came onto replace Wimbleton in the midfield with the team reverting to a 4-4-2 formation.

Despite a mountain to climb, the team sensed they could still get something from the game if they played to their capabilities. Arundel began to but their opponents under immediate pressure in the 2nd half forcing mistakes. A potential comeback was started ten minutes into the second half by Josh Biggs, with his third goal in four games. A ball into the Pagham penalty area was half cleared and Biggs fired the ball back on the half volley into the top corner, giving Rob McLelland no chance.

This gave the team further belief they could get back in the game and they duely levelled the scores with 25 minutes to go. A through ball by Mike Huckett found Matt Axell bearing down on goal, who cooly slotted passed the onrushing McLelland.

Thus far in the second half makeshift keeper Wimbleton had yet to be tested but with the the game in the balance at 2-2, he was a spectator as Rob Wimble's finely struck volley flew just passed the post. This turned out to be the away side's only threat to the Mullet's goal in the second half and the home side completed a remarkable comeback in the 74th minutes, taking the lead for the first time. Richard Ghent got the byline and delivered an inch perfect ball for Howard Neighbour to flick across the goal and into the net.

The team was now playing with bags of confidence and a 4th goal killed off the game. A ball over the top of a tiring Pagham defence was latched onto by Gary Norgate who finished expertly, lobbing over McLell and who had come off his line.

There was still time for a sending off and a further goal. Arundel manager's son Shaun Towers was dismissed for the visitors for a second bookable offence when he tripped Huckett on the edge of the box. Huckett rubbed salt into the wounds of the Lions by dispatching the free kick with aplomb.

A great second half performance by the boys sees them now progress to the quarter finals where they will face either Peacehaven or St. Francis Rangers who play each other on Saturday 22nd November.

Team: Arnell, Duncan, D. Walker, Hack, Hall, Wimbleton, Biggs, Huckett, Axell, Neighbour, Norgate.
Subs: Ghent (Arnell 45), Nally, S. Towers (Hall, Neighbour 80).

Tuesday 28 October
SCFL Div 1

Selsey 1-3 Arundel

Scorers: Norgate, Crane, Ghent

The team finished off the month of October with an 100% record after overcoming a tough away trip at Selsey. Gary Norgate broke the deadlock and second half goals from James Crane and Richard Ghent's first for the club sealed the win

The starting line up remained the same from the 6-0 hammering of East Grinstead at the weekend although Josh Biggs played in a more deeper central midfield role with Gary Norgate as a central striker supported by Crane and Ghent from wide positions. Matt Axell and Dave Walker returned to the squad after both being absent from the weekends game.

Arundel had the better of the opening exchanges and some of the teams passing and movement was a joy to watch. Despite this it took a while for strikes at goal to materialise and when they did they were fairly optimistic attempts with Huckett, Grove, Norgate and Biggs all having efforts from long range but not testing Steve Phillips in the Selsey goal. Gary Norgate eventfully forced a save, but his free kick lacked power and was well held by Phillips. he then produced a much better save to deny Huckett, who's powerful drive from the edge of the box was heading for the corner but he got a strong arm to it and diverted it away.

It looked for all the Mullets attacking posession they would end the half with nothing to show for it. That was until a good cross from Ghent from the right was converted by Gary Norgate despite the home sides appeals for offside.

The second half began with more of the same from the visiting side who continued to puss forward at every opportunity and the second half was just 13 minutes old when the result was virtually sealed. James Crane received the ball in the box, earned himself half a yard and found the near post with a left foot drive that just took a nick off a defender on its way into the net.

Josh Biggs came close to adding a third but his powefulluy directed header was again well saved by Phillips who also foiled Biggs' attempt to convert the rebound. But the game was made safe with 70 minutes to go. Richard Ghent was put through one on one with Phillips and despite getting a touch to the wingers shot, he couldn't prevent it crossing the line and putting the away side 3 goals to the good.

In the remainder of the game Arundel could have had further goals. Jason Wimbleton blazed over from a matter of yards from substitute Matt Axell's corner and Axell himself came close when he headed against the cross, this time from a Wimbelton centre.

The one blot of the evening was the home side grabbing a consolation goal from the penalty spot. James Crane hestitated when attempting to clear a corner and the Selsey forward nipped in to take the ball away from him only for Crane to take him out with his attempted clearance. Pitham stepped up for the spot kick and despite not striking the ball cleanly, it found its way past Lee Arnell who denied a clean sheet on his return to his former club.

Team: Arnell, Duncan, Hack, Wimbleton, Hall, Grove, Huckett, Biggs, Crane, Ghent, Norgate
Subs: Axell (Hall 70), D.Walker, Boxall (Ghent, Huckett 76).

Saturday 25 October
SCFL Div 1

Arundel 6-0 East Grinstead

Scorers: Huckett 2, Biggs, Norgate 2, Crane

Arundel cruised to a convincing home win over Division 1 new boys East Grinstead to lift them to 6th in the table, the highest the club has been in since the opening weekend of the season.

Full report to follow

Team: Arnell, Duncan, Wimbleton, Hack, Hall, Ghent, Grove, Huckett, Crane, Biggs, Norgate
Subs: Searle (Huckett), Nally (Hall), Boxall (Ghent).

Tuesday 21 October
SCFL Div 1

Hassocks 0-3 Arundel

Scorer: Neighbour 2, Biggs

The Mullets continued their good run of form with a hard working 3-0 win over Hassocks at the Beacon. Howard Neighbour got his 11th and 12th goals of the season before Josh Biggs opened his account for the season with a stunning lob from fully 40 yards.

Alex Bryant made his debut for the club in goal, with Jason Wimbleton reverting to the more familiar position of centre back.

The Mullets made a decent start to the game, slowly growing in confindence, without creating too much in the first 20 minutes of the game. Josh Biggs had the first opening of the game, but his snatched shot ended up high, wide and not so handsome.
Arundel should have been ahead shortly after when good combination between Crane and Axell down the left found Axell in a postion to supply the cross for Mike Huckett who inexplicably slide fotted wide from 5 yards.

Huckett's blushes were spared minutes later when Arundel did the find the net with a good team goal. The ball was worked from one side of the pitch to the other. Alex Duncan carried the ball downt the right hand side and laid inside for Huckett, whose dink to the back post was perfect for Howard Neighbour to head home.

The team was defending well and Alex Bryant was not having a very busy debut, despite this dealt with Hassocks only threat from set pieces well.

The second half started in similar vain to the first with Arundel controlling the game. It was just 10 minutes old when both teams were reduced to ten men. The ball was played into Gary Norgates feet, and he appeared to be hauled to the ground for a free kick, but the Hassocks player decided not to let go of the Mullets striker and a wrestle on the floor insued. The pair were broken up but the referee decided both of them had done enough to earn their marching orders.

With both players a player short, the next goal was vital and it was not long in coming for the away side. The ball broke for Howerd Neighbour who found himself in space in the box, and he made no mistake drilling across the keeper to double the Mullets advantage.

Arundel could relax now and continued to pass the ball well restricting the home side to one second half opportunity when a ball in from the right wasn't defended properly and Hibberts heading had to be prevented from dipping under the bar by Bryant.

Neighbour was replaced with 20 minutes to go due to a slight hamstring problem and his replacement Richard Ghent nearly made an instant impact, finding himself clear of the last defender, but the Hassocks centre half re-covered well and blocked the subsititutes effort.

The third and clinching goal came with 10 minutes on the clock and ended a season of frustration in front of goal so far for Josh Biggs. The Hassocks goalkeeper clearance from a back pass only found Biggs just inside opposition territory. He took a touch and with not alot else on decided the half volley the ball goalwards and his effort from fully 40 yards looped over the disparing dive of the keeper trying to recover. An early contender for goal of the season.

Team: Bryant, Duncan, Hack, Wimbleton, Crane, Biggs, Grove, Huckett, Axell, Neighbour, Norgate.
Subs: Ghent (Neighbour 70), Boxall (Grove 82)
Not Used: Hall, Branson

Saturday 18 October
John O'Hara League Cup Round Round 2

Crawley Down 1-3 Arundel

Scorer: Norgate, Neighbour 2

Arundel progress in the John O'Hara League cup with what turned out to be a comfortable victory over division 2 outfit Crawley Down, despite the club having 5 goalkeepers unavailable and having to field midfielder, Jason Wimbleton inbetween the sticks.

Full report to follow

Team: Wimbleton, Duncan, Hack, D. Walker, Crane, Ghent, Grove, Huckett, Axell, Norgate, Neighbour.
Subs: Biggs (D. Walker 45), Boxall (Ghent 75). Not Used: Searle.

Saturday 11 October
Sussex County League Division 1

Arundel 3-0 Oakwood

Scorer: Mike Huckett, Norgate, Neighbour

Arundel picked up a valuable 3 league points with a three goal victory over Oakwood, with Mike Huckett among the scorers, his 8th league goal of the campaign.

Full report to follow

Team. Arnell, Duncan, Hack, D.Walker, Crane, Grove, Wimbleton, Huckett, Biggs, Neighbour, Norgate.
Subs: Ghent, Hall, Boxall.

Saturday 4 October
Carlsberg FA Vase RD 1

Arundel 1-0 Chertsey Town

Scorer: Mike Huckett

Arundel FC progressed to the second round of this seasons FA Vase with a hard fought 1-0 victory over Combined Counties side, Chertsey Town in a game which in periods was played in torrential conditions at Mill Road

Full Report courtesy of Chertsey Town website

It was back to wind and rain in normally sunny Sussex by the sea when Chertsey Town visited Arundel in Saturday's FA Vase episode. The bastions of the adjacent castle looked down on the sodden venue and, although only built as a facade to the Duke of Norfolk's country seat, proved to be a fitting backdrop for a game dominated by stout defence. Only one breech was achieved which was enough to mark the demise of the visitors' ambitions of further cup glory.  

Chertsey was unable to break down the Arundel defence which played with organisation and purpose. Perhaps the seeds of this defeat were sown two rounds earlier at Oakwood, when Paul Brooker received two yellow cards resulting in his suspension for this tie as he has demonstrated previously, the skill to break through from the flanks. He was missing and no-one else was able to deliver enough decisive crosses. The home side were restricted too so it did not take long to realise that one goal would probably enough for either side to get through to Round Two, and so it proved.  

Only half chances were created in the opening period with Arundel's Jason Wimbleton forcing a good save from Paul Smith in the Chertsey goal and, at the other end John Pomroy striking the ball fully against the Arundel upright from 20 yards with their goalkeeper well beaten. Chertsey worked hard in all departments but found it difficult to deliver potent balls into the opposition penalty area. Arundel broke through on the counter with slightly more venom and Smith had to be brave on more than one occasion in acting as sweeper, twice receiving treatment in collisions for his pains.  

With the referee initially flourishing yellow, seemingly at will, it looked inevitable that the Arundel number nine would receive his second card in quick time for crashing into an advancing Smith. But he survived the threat and a more measured response to events was then regulated on a game that came close to being dominated by over reactive officiating. A more positive feature on the grey afternoon was the solid return of Steve Gibson at full back in his first outing after sustaining broken bones in his hand a fortnight previous.  

Apart from Pomroy's 22nd minute encounter with the Arundel woodwork, Chertsey's best chances of breaking an increasingly apparent deadlock, perhaps came midway through the second half when two free kicks were awarded within minutes of each other, centrally just outside the penalty area. But on each occasion the ball was smacked against the defensive wall with strikes that never looked to likely to create real danger.  

In contrast, Arundel won one such similar free kick but with this lone opportunity, coming on 71 minutes, the ball was routed round a somewhat less than effective rampart with Mike Hackett directing it into the bottom corner of the Chertsey net. In response, the Chertsey bench had to be bold with a change of strategy. In his first game for Chertsey playing a central defending role, Martin Beard, was one of those replaced in a double substitution that involved both Kevin Cooper and Leon Johnson coming on to beef up Chertsey's front line in an all or nothing attempt to grasp an equalizer. Hard working Anthony Vine in midfield was the other player to be replaced.  

Although this created a lot more forward movement and a string of corners to their credit, there never seemed to be enough room around the Arundel backdoor to give a clear cut chance and Chertsey's Vase quest steadily subsided as they also fought against the wind and rain as well as a buoyed home defence. Town's Vase adventures this season have invariably been on a knife edge, but up to now, they have always managed to tip fortune in their favour. However, this brinkmanship failed them this time round and so the side will have to knuckle down on the main stage of domestic football and the prime target of the season, the league championship and promotion back to the Ryman ranks.

Team: Arnell, Duncan, L.Walker, Hack, Crane, Grove, Wimbleton, Huckett, Neighbour, Norgate, D.Walker.
Subs: Biggs (Wimbleton 70), Ghent (D.Walker 80), Axell (Grove 90).

Saturday 27 September
Sussex Senior Cup R2

Eastbourne Town 1-4 Arundel

Scorers: Norgate 2 (1 pen), Neighbour, Axell

Arundel bounced back from the disappointment of a midweek draw with EP with an impressive win over higher league opponents to progress to 3rd round of the Sussex Senior Cup

Rob Grove and Jason Wimbleton were restored to the midfield as holding players at the expense of Josh Biggs and Matt Axell as manager Richard Towers used Gary Norgate and Howard Neighbour in wide areas with Dave Walker as the central striking option.

Walker has heaviliy involved in the opening exchanges, firstly shooting over with the first chance of the game then winning a penalty minutes later. He beat the onrushing Town keeper to a through ball and although his touch took him around the keeper, he was brought down and the referee awarded a spot kick. Despite missing at the Lashmar in midweek, Gary Norgate showed courage to step up and open the scoring.

Moments later Walker had to be replaced as a hamstring injury meant he couldn't continue. Chris Hibberd took his place, pushing Norgate further forward.

Arundel were worthy of their lead and their higher league opponents weren't causing them too many problems at the other end.

It was the away side that extended their lead before half time, a ball into the box was half cleared to captain Stuart Hack who's sweetly struck volley came back off the crossbar and fell kindly for Howard Neighbour to finish and send the Mullets into the halftime break with a 2 goal lead.

The second half had barely kicked off before the reds had a chance to go even further into the lead. This time Mike Huckett was clearly bought down in the penalty area, and buoyed from netting in the first half, Gary Norgate stepped up again but this time saw his effort saved.

Despite this setback, Arundel continued to push forward although it was the home side who were gifted an opportunity to get back into the game. Lee Arnell attempting to gather a looping ball into the box and was adjudged to have pushed an Eastbourne player in his attempts to do so.
Town skipper Simmons sent Arnell the wrong way and they were back in the game with 20 minutes to go.

Thankfully for Arundel their hardwork wasn't going to be undone and Norgate made up for his second half penalty miss by virtually securing the game. An Arundel break eventually led to Norgate sliding the ball across the keeper with his left foot.

Norgate's work was done and he was given a rest immediately after replaced by Matt Axell. It was Axell, who for the second successive Saturday who came off the bench to score.

Having missed a golden opportunity just moments earlier, Jason Wimbleton teed him up inside the box and he drove home despite the keeper getting a hand on the ball.

Team: Arnell, Duncan, L. Walker, Hack, Crane, Wimbleton, Grove, Huckett, Neighbour, Norgate, D. Walker.
Subs: Hibberd (Walker 25), Biggs (Neighbour 70), Axell (Norgate 81)

Tuesday 23 September
Sussex County League Division 1

East Preston 1-1 Arundel

Scorer Mike Huckett

Arundel failed to take full advantage of thier good win over Three Bridges at the weekend, as local rivals EP battled their way to their first point of the season.

Again changes were made to the starting line up, seeing Matt Axell and Josh Biggs, both substitutes on Saturday restored to the starting eleven making up a midfield that all hold East Preston as a former club, with Mike Huckett and Chris Hibberd.

This was another match where the Mullets again started poor and their inability to start well has cost them dearly this season. EP were quick to shut Arundel players down and stifled any rythem the reds tried to generate.

The home side duely took the lead after just 14 minutes. Dale Campbell was allowed to shoot from 25 yards and his shot proved to hot to handle for Lee Arnell and although Dan McLoughlin scuffed the rebound the ball went into the path of his strike partner Asa Nicholson who slotted home.

This was the 8th time out of 11 matches so far this season that Arundel have conceded the first goal in games and this against a team without a point on the board thus far this season.

The away side quickly went about trying to get themselves back in the game and were given a great opportunity to do so minutes after going behind. Howard Neighbours charge into opposition terriotary was halted by former Mullet, Adam Holman and the referee awarded a penalty. The usually reliable Gary Norgate stepped up but saw his spot-kick fairly comfortabley saved by Steve Combourne, diving low to his right.

Despite this setback the scores were levelled on 28 minutes. A well worked short corner by Hibberd and Duncan, gave Hibberd the angle to deliver a pin point cross to find the ariving Mike Huckett who met it with a bullet headed to make it 1-1.

Arundel had chances to go into the lead before the break, Alex Duncan and Josh Biggs were both guilty of snatching at very presentable chances and Mike Huckett fired a volley just over the bar, but the scores remainded level at half time.

As the second half started a pattern began to emerge as Arundel looked to break down a stubburn EP defence that wanted to hold onto what they had and if possible snatch a goal on the break.

A frustrating second period saw chances come and go. David Walker's fine volley was disallowed for an alleged offside and Howard Neighbour saw his header cleared off the line. Things were getting desperate for the away side as time ebbed away and they started throwing ball reguarly into the opposition box which were either delt with by the home defence or met with the referee's whistle for an infringement.

The final whistle went and after a summer of player movements between the two clubs in was written in the script that EP's first point of the season would come against the Mullets.

A result for the club to put behind them and relish the distraction of playing two higher division opponents in the cup next.

Team: Arnell, Duncan, Crane, L. Walker, D. Walker, Hibberd, Huckett, Biggs, Axell, Norgate, Neighbour.
Subs Not Used: Bryant, Wimbleton, Hack, Grove, Hall

Saturday 20 September

Arundel 4-2 Three Bridges

Scorers: Neighbour, Norgate, Mike Huckett, Axell

Arundel got there league campaign back on track with their first win in 3 games against a fairly lackluster Bridges side.

Manager Richard Towers made changes to the side that went out of the FA Cup during the week, leaving out Matt Axell and Jason Wimbleton in favour of Lloyd Walker and Rob Grove, with Alex Duncan moved into midfield.

The game started fairly evenly with the best chances of the early exchanges falling to Bridges. The first came about from Dave Walker giving the ball away just outside the 18 yard box but Lee Arnell made a good save from the resulting shot. They came close again later when the Bridges forward cut inside Stuart Hack only to slice his shot somewhat wide.

It was the away side that made the breakthrough on the half hour mark. Again the Mullet's inability to clear from set pieces saw the ball fall to Joel O'Hara who made no mistake heading past Arnell from close range. O'Hara didn't hide his delight at opening the scoring, taunting the Arundel faithful as he celebrated. His joy though was shortlived as the home side hit back almost immediately. An inswinging corner from Mike Huckett hit a combination of Howard Neighbour's head and shoulder which sent the ball goalbound, the Bridges defenders attempt to clear only saw the ball hit the roof of the net and Neighbour claimed the goal, although it could be referred to the dubious goals panel.

After quickly drawing level, Arundel took no time to strike again and take the lead. This time it was much less scrappy as Gary Norgate hit a beautifully curling shot into the top corner from just over 20 yards out, leaving the Bridges keeper with no chance. That meant the Mullet's went into the half time break with a 2-1 lead.

With the next goal being ever so important it was vital the home side were the ones to get it and it duely came just 2 minutes into the second half.
A good Arundel move found Lloyd Walker on the right, who delivered a Gary Neville type cross right onto Mike Huckett's head who couldnt miss from inside the 6 yard box.

This put the home team firmly in the driving seat and Towers decided to replace Hibberd and Duncan on the wings with Axell and Biggs.
Arundel continued to press with fresh legs and it was substitute Axell who made the game safe. Dave Walker's volleyed clearance found him in space on the left before he cut inside a defender hit a right foot shot past the keeper at his near post.

This gave the scoreline the look Arundel's second half performance had deserved and the only sour note was in the very last minute when the referee awarded the away side a very soft penalty for an offence by James Crane. Carl Dunk sent Arnell the wrong way and Bridges had a consolation goal.

Team: Arnell, L. Walker, Crane, D. Walker, Hack, Grove, Huckett, Duncan, Hibberd, Norgate, Neighbour
Subs: Axell, Biggs (Hibberd, Duncan 60), Wimbleton (Grove 70)
Not Used: Hall

Tuesday 16 September

Arundel 1-2 Godalming Town

Scorer: Mike Huckett

Arundel exited the FA Cup on Tuesday night after a replay with Ryman League South side Godalming Town that will leave a certain taste of bitnerness in the mouths of the Mullets.

Godalming started the better and pinned Arundel in their own half by closing down the Mullets in possesion. Despite this it was the home side who had the first clear opening when a long ball forward by Matt Axell forced a mistake in the away defence and but Dave Walker’s effort with the outside of his right foot curled wide of the far post.

The away side went ahead after 26 minutes after the referee controvertially awarded them a corner and from it the ball fell to Andy Ottley who made no mistake from 3 yards.

It was in the 40th minute that the controvertial incident of the match happened when scorer of the first goal Ottley decided to send an uncontested drop ball over the head of Arnell in the Arundel goal from the halfway line into the net. Despite Arundel’s fury Godalming seemed happy to accept their second goal and the game restarted with the score at 2-0.

Half time came and so did the inevitable arguements which eventually resulted in the Surrey side agreeing to allow Arundel to pull a goal back from the second half kick off. Mike Huckett took up the responsibility of running from the halfway line unchallenged to put in to an empty net, which will go down as Huckett’s 6th of the season.

The events of the first half gave the home side greater incentive to get back into the game and put one over on their Ryman League opponents but despite a huge effort in the second half a goal did not look coming.

The defence was holding firm and hardly gave Godalming a sniff in the last half hour as we pushed for an equaliser and it may have come when Mike Huckett was running through on goal only to be pulled back by a Godalming defender. Despite clearly denying a goal scoring opportunity he was only shown a yellow card although he didn’t hesitate to produce a red card moments later to Chris Hibberd when he received a second yellow card for a so called high foot when challenging a Godalming player attempting a diving header.

Team: Arnell, Duncan, Axell, Crane, Hack, Wimbleton, Huckett, Hibberd, Neighbour, Norgate, D.Walker.
Subs: Grove, L.Walker (Axell, Wimbleton 60), Biggs (Hack 86)
Not Used: Boxall

Saturday 13 September

Godalming Town 1-1 Arundel

Scorer: Norgate(pen)

Arundel and Godalming will have to do it all over again this coming Tuesday in a replay at Mill Road after a well fought out 1-1 draw in which the Mullets could have come away with a win.

Joint top scorers Howard Neighbour and Gary Norgate were fit again and came back into the starting eleven at the expense of the unlucky Rob Grove and Dave Walker. These were the only 2 changes manager Richard Towers made from the side that drew with Whitehawk and the team reverted back to a 4-4-2 formation.

The Mullets started the game fairly slowly with maybe showing a bit too much respect to their Ryman League opponents. Despite this, they defender well and didn't allow the home side any real clear chances.
As the game went on Arundel started to play their way into it and enjoyed some attacking posession of their own. Howard Neighbour went close with a looping header from a Mike Huckett free-kick and Gary Norgate went through on goal only to see Rodney Chiweshe in the home goal foil his attempts to go round him.

Despite a few half chances for both sides they went in goalless at half time, and striker Howard Neighbour, coming back from injury was rested for the second half. David Walker came on in his place.

After a bright start by the reds to the second half it was Godalming who took the lead on 55 minutes. A quick break by the home side found their right midfielder in space. He delivered the perfect ball in for Glen Stanley to fire under Arnell and send the home support wild.

This turned out to be one of very few Godalming attempts in the second half and although not completely dominant, the Mullets could feel agrieved to be behind.

With 5 minutes to go, Matt Axell went down unchallenged with a knee injury which meant having made 3 substitutions the team had to carry on with 10 men and with Axell still receiving treatment on the sideline, The Mullets were awarded a penalty. An aerial challenge between Dave Walker and a Godalming defender saw both players on the ground, but the referee deemed the defender had led with an arm and after a bit of a delay awarded a penalty and duely showed the player a straight red card. Gary Norgate stepped up for the pressure of the penalty but didn't look at all nervous as he drove the ball past Chiweshe, despite him guessing the right way

Team: Arnell, Duncan, Axell, Crane, Hack, Wimbleton, Huckett, Hibberd, Biggs, Neighbour, Norgate.
Subs: D.Walker(Neighbour 45), Grove (Wimbleton 75), Boxall (Biggs 82).
Not Used: L.Walker

Saturday 6 September

Whitehawk 2-2 Arundel

Scorers: Grove, Huckett

Arundel took to the field at Whitehawk on Saturday with many of the players knowing they had something to prove following Tuesday's embarassment at the hands of Shoreham, with Whitehawk never the easiest place to go in the immediate aftermath of a defeat like that.

Lee Arnell was back from his injured fingers to replace Magic in goal and with all four regular strikers injured or unavailable, David Walker took up a lone stiker role, supported from the wings by Biggs and Hibberd. Lloyd Waker was missing so Alex Duncan returned to the side and James Crain made his first start of the season at the heart of the defence, alongside captain Stuart Hack.

The Mullets started the game is good fashion and looked like they were up for the battle, closing down the Whitehawk defence and midfield well. The 4-5-1 formations seemed to be working well as Walker was not only getting support from Biggs and Hibberd but also from the influencial Mike Huckett.
Despite this it was one of Arundel's more defensive minded players that came closest to opening the scoring when Jason Wimbleton, teed up on the edge of the box by Huckett, unleased a fine shot only for Ross Standen in the Hawks goal to pull off an excellent stop, turning the ball around the post.
Despite a good first half display from the Mullets they went in at the interval a goal down. With 10 minutes to go in the half a ball into the area was controlled by Sam Francis, who's attempts to turn were stopped by a combination of Craine and Axell but the loose ball fell to Stuart Garrod, who smased the ball passed Arnell into the roof of the net.

With manager Richard Towers having to leave at half time to go on holiday, assistant Jim Quigg rallied the troops at half time and the team came out fighting in the second half and it wasn't long before they were back on level terms.
Just 2 minutes into the second half a corner from the right by Chris Hibberd found the head of Rob Grove, who glanced home his first goal of the season.
This gave the Mullets some confindece and they went in search of a second only to fall behind for a second time when a cross from the Hawks right was half cleared by Lee Arnell but Sam Francis was able to turn the ball home to put the home side back infront.
Once again though Arundel showed spirit in pegging them back and took just five minutes to equilise when a well worked free kick between Chris Hibberd and Mike Huckett provided Huckett with a shooting opportunity which he didnt give up, striking the ball firmly passed Standen at his near post.

Mullets pushed to find a winner with the majority of attacking posession but the home side always looked dangerous when going forward.
The final chance of the game fell to captain, Stuart Hack who found the ball at his feet after Standen had fumbled an Andy Boxall corner. He reacted quickly but couldnt keep his effort down and the chance went, along with the away sides hopes of snatching all 3 points.

A good away point for the Mullets but if being greedy could have claimed to deserve all three but none the less a good performance to take to Godalming in the First Qualifying Round of the FA Cup next weekend.

Team: Arnell, Duncan, Axell, Craine, Hack, Grove, Wimbleton, Huckett, Biggs, Hibberd, Walker
Subs: Boxall (Hibberd 75)
Not Used: Thoms, Kason, Bennett

Tuesday 2 September

Arundel 2-5 Shoreham

Scorers: Wimbleton, Walker(D)

ARUNDEL Football Club suffered their second home defeat of the season, 5-2 against Shoreham, on Tuesday evening. Lacklustre Mullets, missing the injured trio of Howard Neighbour (hamstring), Dave Hall (ankle), and Matt Huckett, (knee ligaments), started slowly and never recovered. Mullets assistant manager Simon Butler said: "There are no excuses. We were inept. It was our worst performance of the season. The two goals just after half-time killed us. We played as individuals and there was a lack of teamwork." Shoreham's opening goal midway through the first half highlighted Arundel's shortcomings on the night. A flowing passing move from their own penalty area ended with Shoreham winger Owen Callaghan beating Mullets' keeper Maciey Kason from 12 yards. On the one hand, good interplay from Shoreham, yes. But on the other, it showed Arundel's inability, both as individuals and as a team, to get close enough to their opponents to stop the move from progressing. Too often Mullets failed to press Shoreham, and were second to too many loose balls. Just five minutes after Callaghan's strike, Arundel were in deeper trouble. Kevin Keehan, Shoreham's diminutive midfielder, fired an early contender for goal of the season by flashing a 25-yard rocket past Kason. The shock of losing a second goal seemed, albeit briefly, to awaken Mullets from their collective slumbers. Jason Wimbleton's header halved the deficit, and Arundel searched for an equaliser as half-time approached. Only seven minutes into the second half though, any hopes of a Mullets revival had been extinguished, as Mussels went 4-1 ahead with strikes from Callaghan and substitute Neil Kane. Arundel reduced the arrears through Dave Walker's header, but Shoreham maintained their grip on the match. And, eight minutes from time, they got their fifth when Callaghan netted a penalty after Alex Duncan had upended Kane. ARUNDEL: Kason; L.Walker, Hack, Wimbleton, Axell, Biggs, Grove, Mike Huckett, Hibberd; D.Walker, Norgate. Subs: S.Towers (Norgate 55), Duncan (Grove 58), Boxall (L.Walker 75), Arnell.

Match report courtesy of Littlehampton Gazette

Saturday 30 August

Mile Oak 0-2 Arundel

Scorers: Walker(D), Norgate (pen)

Arundel Football Club booked themselves a trip to Godalming Town in the 1st Qualifying round of the FA Cup while also adding £1500 to the clubs coughers with a comfortable 2-0 victory at Mile Oak.

Howard Neighbours hamstring was deemed playable and he took his place in the starting eleven which saw Jason Wimbleton restored to the defense at the expense of David Walker.

Arundel started the first half well in a game that was played in seering heat. Chances were being created but wasted. The main culprits being Chris Hibberd and Howard Neighbour who both attempted to lob the ‘keeper when through on goal only to see their efforts not get off the ground.

It took 43 minutes for the Mullets to get the breakthrough. Neighbour’s hamstring lasted just 30 minutes and he was replaced by Walker who made an instant impace 13 minutes later. He latched onto a good through ball following a neat 3 pass Arundel moved and cooly slotted past the Mile Oak ‘keeper as he rushed out.

This was the perfect time to score and the away side went onto control the second half with few defensive scares. But for some poor finishing the result could have been alot more comprehensive but in the end the total was added to just once more in the second half.

Chris Hibberd’s burst into the box was halted by a pull on his shirt by an Oak defender and the referee awarded the spot kick.
Gary Norgate stepped up to slot the ball low into the left hand corner, giving the goalkeeper no chance.

The Mullet’s will now travel to Godalming on Saturday 13th September to take on the Ryman League South Division 1 side who beat Raynes Park Valley 2-1 thanks to two first half goals from Kenny Ojukwu.

Team: Kason, Lloyd Walker, Axell, Hack, Wimbleton, Grove, Huckett, Biggs, Huckett, Norgate, Neighbour. Subs: David Walker (Neighbour 30), Boxall (Nogate 72). Not Used: Scott Towers

Tuesday 26 August

Selsey 2-0 Arundel

Arundel put in a disappointing performance at Selsey on TUesday night and got what they deserved, nothing.

Howard Neighbour passed a late fitness test but Dave Hall & Lee Arnell missed out with Magic continuing to diputise in goal.
Two other changes were made to side that took to the field against Hailsham. Stuart Hack and Rob Grove both started the game, with Jason Wimbleton and Alex Duncan making way.

Once again this season the team failed to start well, and good pressure from Selsey saw Arundel surrender posession on several occasions.
The home side's first chance of the game came a ball inside Matt Axell found Selsey's right winger in space but he could only fire over the bar.
It wasn't long after that though that Selsey took the lead. Dave Walker conceded a free kick just inside his own half and from the resulting free kick the ball was headed goalwards before being bundled in by Scott Hinselwood.

Arundel started to play better following going a goal down. Norgate and Neighbour were causing havoc to the Selsey defense and it was Neighbour who came closest to an equiliser bringing a fine save out of Steve Phillips in the home goal. Despite creating many half chances, no real clear cut chances were created in the first half altough Gary Norgate and Josh Biggs came close to sending the Mullets in level.

Selsey came out in the second half determined to hold onto their one goal lead and if possible catch Arundel on the break, resulting in the away side having the majority of posession. The reds had numerous chances from close range free kicks but failed to test Phillips with them once. Time seemed to be running out and the longer the half went on it seemed less likely that the goal was going to come. Gary Norgate came ever so close when he saw his high lob over the 'keeper come back off the bar and Howard Neighbour could have been awarded a penalty when going for the rebound but it wasn't to be. The only other time Arundel looked likely to equilise was following a scrabble in the box Mike Huckett's half volley was cleared off the line by possibly a defenders arm, but again no spot kick was awarded
After all this pressure with no reward the inevitable happened in the 87th minute. A clearance out of the Selsey box fell to their pacey right midfielder, who ran the length of the wing, beating Matt Axell for pace before delivering the perfect ball for striker Rob Brown to head past a helpless Magic and the game was over.

A disappointing exit from a cup the team had a realistic chance of winning and it doesn't get any easier as they face a tough trip to division 2 outfit Mile Oak in the FA Cup on Saturday. Let's hope this performance was a one off and the side can progress further in the world's greatest cup competition on Satuday, earning the club £1500.

Team: Kason, Walker(L), Hack, Walker(D), Axell, Biggs, Grove, Mike Huckett, Hibberd, Norgate, Neighbour.
Subs: Towers(S) (Neighbour 75).
Not Used: Duncan, Wimbleton.

Saturday 23 August

Arundel 8-1 Hailsham

Scorers: Mike Huckett 3, Hibberd, Norgate 3, Neighbour

Arundel's preparations for this game were disrupted when goalkeeper Lee Arnell crushed fingers at work on Friday and then captain Lloyd Walker pulled out even later in the day, during the warm up with a migrane. David Walker was promoted from the substitutes bench to partner Jason Wimbleton in defense.

Things got worse for the team on the pitch as from a Hailsham goal kick, following a shot just wide by Matt Axell, the 'keepers long drive down field was flicked on by Jason Wimbleton sending Scott Macdonald through on goal. Magic rushed from his line to try and narrow the angle but was left exposed to a lob which Macdonald executed brilliantly to put the Shrimpers 1-0 ahead inside the first 2 minutes.
This is exactly what Arundel didn't need but did well to respond quickly with Hailham's lead lasting just 5 minutes. A cross from the right was met with a left foot volley by Matt Axell who's shot was heading wide until it deflected off Mike Huckett and past the helpless goalkeeper to make it 1-1. The Mullets were back on level terms after a disastrous start and didn't long to get their noses infront through a Chris Hibberd free kick. The home side were awarded a free kick right on the edge of the box after Howard Neighbours run in on goal was halted by a Hailsham defender. Hibberd rolled the resulting free kick into the ungaurded side of the net as the goalkeeper appeared to stand behind the wall he had set up.
The home side completed a great 10 minute spell when on 17 minutes a goal mouth scamble eventually saw the ball go into the visitors net with what looked like an own goal, but striker Gary Norgate, run away claiming the final touch.
By this time Arundel had taken full control of the game and added one more to their tally before the break. This time there was no debating it was Norgate's goal as he cut in from the right hand side onto his favoured left foot and drilled the ball low into the goal, beating the keeper at his near post.

The second half started and The Mullets removed any doubt of the games outcome with 2 goals inside the first 5 minutes. First Gary Norgate latched onto a good through ball through Rob Grove, on for the injured Dave Hall and finished well, sliding the ball home left footed to complete his hat-trick. The 6th goal was possibly the goal of the game when a goal Arundel move found Alex Duncan in space down the right. He produced the quality needed from the cross and Mike Huckett, arriving in the box late met it with a bullet header with clipped the post on its way in.
By this time the game was well and truely over as a contest and Arundel controlled the majority of posession. A sour note of an otherwise sucessful afternoon for the club was the re-surfacing of Matt Huckett's knee injury. Huckett had come on as a second half substitute but had hardly touched the ball before going down clutching his knee after he appeared to jarr it attempting to control the ball unchallenged. The game was delayed as he received treatment and he was stretchered off and was later taken to hospital.
The next incident of note came when Mike Huckett became the second Arundel player of the game to claim a hat-trick when he tucked away a penalty following a trip on Chris Hibberd. That just left top scorer Howard Neighbour to get in on the act in the 88th minute, rising to head home a Josh Biggs cross to complete an enphatic win for the reds and leave the final score Arundel 8 Hailsham 1.

Team: Kason, Duncan, Hall, Walker(D), Wimbleton, Biggs, Axell, Hibberd, Huckett, Norgate, Neighbour
Subs: Grove (Hall 30), Matt Huckett (Norgate 70), Hack (Matt Huckett 73).

Sunday 17 August

Lingfield 0-3 Arundel

Scorers: Neighbour 3

Arundel started off the road to Wembley with what looked like a tricky looking tie against newly promoted Lingfield, with the game being played at East Grinstead's East Court Ground.

Striker Gary Norgate was missing due to a family committment, but the Mullet's welcomed back club captain Stuart Hack back to the squad following holiday and Chris Hibberd started his first game of the season following the ankle injury he sustained in pre-season against Littlehampton.
In another game so far this season played in less than summer-like conditions, Arundel were again slow to start. The failed to find any sort of rhytem in the opening 20 minutes, which saw them unable to get of their own half due to poor passing.
Arundel received a bit of luck on 28 minutes when a defensive error allowed Howard Neighbour to run in goal, and he confidently slid the ball under the goalkeeer, who despite getting a touch couldn't prevent the ball from crossing the line.
This is what the team so desperately needed and they proceeded to start playing the better football after this. The second goal did not take long to follow the first. A quick break saw Neighbour and Hibberd bearing down on the Lingfield defense. Hibberd's run opened the space for Neighbour to shoot from 25 yards, which he duely did, finding the bottom corner, although the Lingfield goalkeepers efforts to keep the ball out left a lot to be desired.

Arundel took to the field in the second half knowing the next goal was vital. If the 'home' side were to get they'd be right back in the game but a third for the reds would almost certainly see them through to the next round.
For periods it looked like it would be the home side who would find the net first in the second half when their main threat was from set pieces. One particular corner mid-way though the half saw a looping header at the back post come down off the upright and into the grateful arms of Lee Arnell on the goal line.
It was shortly after this on the hour mark that Arundel made the game safe. Uncertainty by a Lingfield player on the half way line allowed Josh Biggs to get a toe poke to the ball, which sent Howard Neighbour through with a chance for his hat-trick. Neighbour entered the box and smashed the ball right footed past the keeper at his near post.

David Walker replaced Neighbour shortly after for his first appearance of the season to play in nowadays has become an unfamiliar role for him upfront but he did well seeing out the remaining time, holding the ball up and pressurising the Lingfield defense.

Lingfield hit the woodwork for a second time when a corner from the left was headed against the bar, but that was as close as they were to come and Mike Huckett could have added a forth but after the ball landed nicely for him in the box he saw his shot sail over the bar.

Team: Arnell, Duncan, Hall, Walker(L), Wimbleton, Axell, Hibberd, Grove, Mike Huckett, Neighbour, Biggs
Subs: Towers(S) (Hibberd 65), Walker(D) (Neighbour 70) Not Used: Kason, Hack, Matt Huckett

Tuesday 12 August

Arundel 3-4 Horsham YMCA

Scorers: Mike Huckett, Norgate, Axell

Arundel's inability to hold onto their first half lead cost them dear as two late strikes by YM's Steve Metcalf snatched them the 3 points which for a long time looked as if they were going to the home side.

In blustery conditions it was YMCA who started the better as Arundel continued to look as nervous as in the first outing of the season against Redhill. Despite this it was the Mullets who took the lead with their first serious attack.
Howard Neighbour picked the ball up and turned before sliding a beautiful through ball to Mike Huckett who was clearly onside and he calmly slotted past the onrushing Rand in the Horsham goal.

However the lead didn't last long when on 11 minutes an attempted clearance fell to Tom Lawley on the edge of the box, who wasn't closed down and he fired a great shot past Lee Arnell into the corner.
The game settled down somewhat after this with YM enjoy more attacking possesion but Arundel were defending well. It look as if the half was going to finish at 1-1 until a flurry of goalmouth action in the last 5 minutes.

First Arundel were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box after a late challenge on Howard Neighbour. The ball was teed up for Gary Norgate who's sweetly struck low drive found the bottom corner to the joy of them home fans.
The Mullet's werent finished there either and were quickly back on the attack when a quick break saw Josh Biggs cut inside from the right and deliver an inswinging cross which was flicked on by a Horsham defender at the near post and Matt Axell arriving at the back post, threw himself at the ball to head home.

Arundel found themselves in a great position leading 3-1 with minutes to play in the first half but frustratingly couldn't see out those minutes without allowing YM to pull a goal back. A corner from the right cause confusion in the box and despite several attempts to clear the danger the ball fell to YM defender Clay Lamount who proded into the net from 6 yards.

Half Time: Arundel 3-2 Horsham YMCA

The second half proved to provide a lot less goalmouth incident than the first, with Arundel more on the front foot this half and Gary Norgate nearly got a 4th when he slid the ball just wide of the post following a good run and through ball by Howard Neighbour.
Although YM always looked dangerous, with quick counter attacks, Lee Arnell in the Arundel goal was rarely tested and it looked as if they would hold out for a morale boosting win. That was until the last 10 minutes where midfielder Steve Metcalf, who scored 4 on the opening day of the season incredibly added a further 2 to his tally to complete the comback for YMCA and leave Arundel pointless.

Team: Arnell, Duncan, Hall, Wimbleton, Walker(L), Biggs, Axell, Grove, Mike Huckett, Norgate, Neighbour
Subs: Towers(S)(Biggs 75), Nally(Axell 75) Not Used: Kason, Grantham, Walker(D).

Saturday 9 August

Arundel 2-1 Redhill

Scorers: Neighbour, Walker(L)

The 2008/09 County League campaign got underway on a wet and windy August day at Mill Road and Arundel got the win they wanted despite a scrappy performance.

The first half was an especially scrappy affair with neither side creating to many opportunities to score. Arundel's touch and passing didn't appear to be as sharp as in pre-season and their attacks seem to break down before getting the chance for a strike on goal.
The closest they came was when a good Gary Norgate cross from the left found Mike Huckett at the back post, who's header back across the face of goal just avaded the supporting Josh Biggs.
A committed and hard working Redhill side stopped Arundel from playing their usual passing game and had their best chance of the first half when a good opening on the edge of the box saw the Redhill's number 7 shot deflected wide.

The Mullets had the worse start they could of hoped for to the second half when they failed to clear a ball into their penalty box and eventually the ball fell nicely to Redhill's Aaron Murphy who finished well on the volley.
The team was shocked by going a goal behind so soon after the break and started to pass the ball better in the middle third but still failing to give Neighbour and Norgate anything like the service they would like
The turning point of the game came ten minutes into the second half when after an inoxious foul on Alex Duncan on the right touchline prompted the Redhill captain to show dissent and foul language to the referee which saw him rightly receive his marching orders. This seem to give Arundel some belief that they could get back into the game and they were level within ten minutes of Redhill being reduced to 10 men.
Dave Hall put a ball over the top which ran through to the goalkeeper but just stayed out of his area and Gary Norgate forced him into a rushed clearance which he could only send straight to Matt Axell on the left touchline. After encourangement from the crowd to shoot Axell sent the ball goalwards. His effort was headed off the line but the ball fell to Howard Neighbour who did well to find the net through a crowd of bodies attempting to block his route to goal.
From then it was just a case of whether Arundel could grab a winner and it duely came with 10 minutes remaining from an unlikely source.
A misqueued shot from the left foot of Howard Neighbour seemed to be headed harmlessly for a goal kick but Gary Norgate somehow managed to retrieve it at the back post, volleying back across the face of goal where it was met by captain for the day Lloyd Walker's head, who guided it into the net.
Arundel saw out the final minutes and a great sense of relief was met with the final whistle as a not a great performance had earned 3 points on the opening day of the season but the players and management know they will have to perfrom a lot better when Horsham YMCA visit Mill Road on Tuesday evening.

Team: Arnell, Duncan, Hall, Wimbleton, Walker(L)(capt.), Biggs, Axell, Grove, Mike Huckett, Norgate, Neighbour.
Subs: Nally (Biggs 81), Towers(D)(Axell 85), Grantham (Grove 88) Not Used: Kason.