Pompey prospect Ojo lifts Lancing... Broadbridge Heath find a pot of gold at Sevenoaks

Beckenham, propping up the table, arrived at Culver Road desperate for points to keep them in touch with the sides immediately above them. In the Beckenham starting line-up was the extremely tall Alfie Bloomfield who came off the bench to hit the winner for Beckenham against Lancing last August.

Lancing had their own challenge to rediscover form after the 4-1 loss to Three Bridges. There was buzz going around the ground among Lancing supporters who were excited by news of the return on loan from Portsmouth of the much respected “Storm” Destiny Ojo, who had last appeared in Lancing colours in the 2021/22 season.

The match in 39 pictures by Stephen Goodger.

It was clear from the start that Lancing had suffered no lack of confidence or belief as they played the ball out with accuracy from the back, keeping possession until an opening for a forward pass became available. Charlie Pitcher was occupying a wide berth on the left and was brought into play early on with a cross-field pass which set him on a run into the box before laying the ball off to Charlie Bennett.

The pattern of Beckenham’s defensive play manifested itself immediately as they closed Bennett down quickly frustrating his attempt to get a shot away. This was the first sign of the defensive discipline which Lancing would find difficult to break down.

Beckenham suffered an early blow when, with the game 13 minutes old, Harry Gamble suffered an injury which was to see him being unable to continue. Segun Ikudenhibu was his replacement.

Both Noel Fisher on the left and Knory Scott on the right were picking the ball up from the back and displaying good ball control, retaining possession allowing them to make good progress towards the final third. A good move ended with the ball reaching Lukas Franzen-Jones but he was challenged as he was about to strike on goal and the chance was lost.

A well-judged pass floated over full-back Awoleke reached Pitcher in the left corner despite the full-back having waved his hand, making contact with the ball. Loud cries from the stands for a free-kick cut no ice with referee Joe Wright.

The first warning that Beckenham could pose a threat on the counter attack came when Lancing lost the ball in midfield, allowing Steven Townsend to break clear before delivering a tempting cross into the six -yard box, which fortunately ran harmlessly clear. Lancing came close to opening the scoring on 25 minutes when George Taggart delivered a thunderbolt of a shot which rattled the underside of the ba