Hyde seeks out another goal - but it's not enough for Midhurst victory

Both teams showed intent from the first whistle with tackles flying in and both teams attacking.

Josh Bird in the Stags goal made two good saves in the opening 15 minutes – first he got down to a Drew Greenall header, then he was alert to save at feet of Jack Maclean.

The Stags opened the scoring in the 20th minute when Lewis Hyde found space on edge of the 18-yard box for a left-footed strike that beat Pirates keeper Dan Rose.

Defences were on top and when they were broken down, the keepers dealt with everything that came at them.

In the second half the Pirates started to create chances but Bird was equal to everything that come his way.

He was beaten in the 70th minute when Jack Shonk got free on the right and pulled it back for Greenall to smash home. Bird protested as he thought Shonk was offside and was sent to the sin-bin.

Rich Carter took the gloves but the Stags got control while Bird was in the sin-bin. Jake Slater had a free-kick which was parried by Rose the loose ball fell to Kieran Carter, who tapped home to give the Stags the lead with 12 minutes to play.

Hyde broke free and was bundled to the ground but Stags appeals for a penalty were waved away. Bird returned between the sticks and Pirates really put pressure on the Stags back-line and in the 89th minute Shonk headed home to pull them level.

There were two big chances for the Pirates – first Maclean broke free and Bird made a smart save to his right, seconds later the Pirates had strong claims for a penalty which were waved away.

Midhurst: Bird, Wyatt, Briance, R Carter, Farr, Brown, Sheehan, Hyde. Lane, Slater, K Carter.

* Midhurst host Southwick on Saturday unless Storm Dennis has the final say.