Littlehampton Town finding feet fast in first Isthmian League campaign

Lewis Jenkins’ first half goal gave the Golds a 1-0 win at Sittingbourne – their third win since they began their first-ever campaign in the Isthmian south-east division.

They are 12th in the table and Hand is pleased with progress.

"It was a really good win on the road against a very good side,” he told the Gazette.

"We had to see out the last 20 minutes with ten men because of an injury after all our subs were made and the resilience and game management from the boys was class.

"It was the first time this season we’ve had 99 per cent of our squad fit and available and that really showed.

"James Binfield was superb in goal and when our backs were against the wall he got us over the line.”

Littlehampton’s fixture list has been very stop-start – they have had games called off when opponents have had cup games – but Town should now get a steady run of matches.

Hand added: “"It’s been difficult to get any real momentum with the way the fixtures have been but on Saturday something seemed to click with the boys.

"It was a proper team performance so we’re over the moon with the three points.”

There was RUR Cup success for Town on Tuesday night as they beat neighbours East Preston 8-0.

George Gaskin, Dion Jarvis (3), Lucas Pattenden, Luke Donaldson and Liam Hendy were on target in addition to an EP own goal.

Golds will host Crowborough Athletic in the third round.

But it’s back to Isthmian action on Saturday when Hand, fellow joint manager Gaskin and the squad travel to ninth-placed East Grinstead.

Hand said: “EG will be a really tough one away from home, they’re an established club at this level and they’ve started really well.

"As I’ve said before, we’re still feeling our way into the division and we will keep doing what we do and trying to put points on the board.”

Littlehampton’s long wait for a Saturday home match ends on November 5 when Sheppey visit.