Hollington United lose out in top-of-the-table clash

The Lions’ 13-match unbeaten run in all competitions came to an end with a 3-0 loss to a good and experienced Cuckfield Rangers side in the Mid Sussex League Premier Division.

Third-placed Hollington are now eight points behind Cuckfield with a game in hand and three adrift of second-placed Balcombe having played two less matches.

See also: * Hollington United set to entertain title rivals* Hollington United’s top-of-the-table clash ends all-square* Hollington United reach second final in a fortnight* Hollington United reach county cup final for first timeHollington only found out the previous Thursday evening that Sean Ray would be suspended after a sending-off for his under-18 side and with Andy Corrigan unavailable, they had a completely new back three playing together for the first time.

In front of another great crowd at Gibbons Field, the hosts, nonetheless, started well and were on the front foot from the first whistle, making Cuckfield defend deep.

Cuckfield, however, took the lead against the run of play with the game’s first real chance. The Cuckfield goalkeeper appeared to handle the ball outside his area and with the Lions protesting, his long kick fell to Phil Gault, who did what he has all his career and finished with ease.

Within two minutes, Hollington were awarded a penalty when Danny Andrews was pulled down in the box. The usually reliable Glenn Woodhurst put the spot-kick wide and the score remained 1-0 at half time.

With only a win good enough, the Lions knew they had to take the game to Cuckfield a lot more. That’s exactly what they did and Alan Foster almost equalised after being put through by Dan Hull.

Hollington tr