Arundel on the up after two late wins

Mullets first produced a sparkling 30-minute comeback at AFC Uckfield on Saturday as goals from Rory Biggs, Alex Biggs and Scott Tipper helped them pinch all three points after going 2-0 down.

Before two injury-time goals from Tipper and Steve Gettings helped them see off 10-man Horsham YMCA on Tuesday night, to record their third consecutive win.

The results have seen them move three points clear of the relegation zone, much to the delight of manager Brett Torode.

He said: “It’s just lifted the whole club. After the battering we took at Shoreham the response has been fantastic – three on the trot.

“Everyone has been lifted, players officials, management. It gives us a chance and has brought us closer to the teams above us, although there is a long way to go.”

After Tipper had an early effort saved and Rory Biggs missed a one on one, YM had Danny Smith sent off just before the break and they came out the better side, hitting the woodwork twice after the break.

But Mussels battled on and substitute Gettings fed Tipper, who drove home a fine strike from outside the area late on.

Russ Hardwell’s through ball then put away Gettings who sealed the three points with 30 seconds left of the game.

Torode added: “I was very pleased as we did really well in the first half, although the sending-off galvanised them.

“I’m pleased, though, as we sent on young Steve Gettings to relieve the pressure and he set up Scott then scored himself.”

On Saturday, Mullets had to field defender Josh Sutcliffe, recently re-signed from Ferring, in goal after regular stopper James Fernandes missed the game, but the unfamiliar change did not seem to have a negative effect on Mullets.

Good chances were squandered through Alex Biggs and Russell Hardwell before Greg Manton headed AFC ahead from a free-kick on 14 minutes.

Mullets fell further behind when Drew Greenall fired in on 53 minutes for 2-0, but a defensive error allowed Rory Biggs to lash in just before the hour to renew Arundel’s hopes.

Elder brother Alex bundled in a loose ball to level with 14 minutes to go, and Tipper headed in cross five minutes from time to complete the turnaround.

Arundel assistant manager Craig Stuart said: “It was a great turnaround and great spirit and determination to get the win from 2-0 down.

“We would have folded only a few weeks ago but that’s two wins on the bounce now and we’re very pleased that we didn’t fold and kept going.”