A tricky trip to Littlehampton Town ended in a heavy defeat for Phoenix Sports on Saturday. In Darren Anslow’s first-match in charge, he was left with much to ponder after the game was effectively killed off in the first period.

From the outset, Kieron Pamment was a constant threat forLittlehampton’s attack, testing Phoenix keeper Rob Budd within five minutes with Budd equal to the attempt on this occasion.

The home side’s early pressure paid off in the 18th minute, when Pamment surged down the right and squared the ball to Dion Jarvis for a close-range tap-in to give Golds the lead.

Five minutes later, Littlehampton doubled their advantage. This time Pamment was the scorer, delicately chipping Budd after being set up by Rob O’Toole’s neat play.

Jarvis missed a chance to add a third soon after, but Littlehampton continued to cause Phoenix problems, and in the 34th minute, a well-crafted move saw Pamment dart down the left before crossing for defender Ryan Yoro-Thomas to finish clinically from the edge of the box, making it 3-0 at the break

Phoenix were a different side after the restart, responding to Anslow’s changes and twice substitute Ernie Cheeseman fired just wide from 25 yards out.

Despite plenty of pressure, Phoenix couldn’t find a breakthrough and as they chased a way back into the game, Littlehampton stole a fourth with minutes to go.

Joe Benn, making a welcome return after injury, collected a pass from George Gaskin and fired into the corner past Budd.