Loxwood picked up three valuable points on Saturday afternoon at The Nest but their opponents Ringmer AFC will feel they did enough to get a share of the spoils.

A sunny but crisp afternoon when the clouds intervened didn’t overshadow a game that had late drama and a mix of emotions in both camps by the time the final whistle blew.

The soft pitch played very well given the amount of rain that grounds all over Sussex have endured over the past couple of months and despite that both sides were more intent in playing on the deck than bypassing some slick patches across the park.

Movement was fresh and pacey from both sides, Ringmer though looking more likely to score and that they did but not until the 33rd minute, a free kick swung into the box, Lamin Sey heading goal wards with the final touch off a Loxwood defender to open the scoring.

However, Sey’s involvement was over before half time with a reckless challenge whilst already on a yellow card and the visitors to play out just over half a game with ten men.

Ringmer though defended well at the start of the second half, picking off their opponents on the counter attack and not needing to over commit with a goal lead to defend.

However, the Magpies grew in confidence and on the hour mark they got their equaliser as Jamie Maunder cut in from the right hand side and curled the ball past Stef Akras to restore parity.

With their tails up, Loxwood sensed the game was there for them and nine minutes later they were in front, Leon Issac with a controlled finish to put the Magpies in front.

Ringmer though didn’t feel they were out of the game and kept plugging away and with copious amounts of injury time played Ryan Doyle managed to get his head onto a ball into the box, the keeper in no man’s land and seemingly a point rescued for the visitors.

But, the game was not done, the nine men of Ringmer caught out on another attack, Maunder sweetly striking the ball against the post and the rebound falling nicely for Michael Wood to fire home and secure the win for Loxwood.

Both sides are back in action next Saturday afternoon, Worthing Utd visit The Nest whilst Ringmer are on the road again heading to Arundel, both kick off at 3pm.