Duffin treble sinks Oakwood

Their second victory of the season – and first at home – leaves Clymping just a point behind second-from-bottom Steyning, and three behind third-from-bottom Oakwood.

Duffin hit a hat-trick to leave boss Darran Atkins “very pleased” and “full of hope and belief” about his side’s survival hopes.

Atkins now wants momentum to carry his side through tough-looking games against AFC Uckfield and Lancing and he said: “We were dead and buried a month ago, but have had some excellent performances and have turned a corner.

“We’ve still got to play Steyning at home, Midhurst home and away, and Oakwood away.

“They will be massive games, and I’m hoping that our momentum can see us through against Uckfield and Lancing.

“We’ll be expected to get beaten, but will go there without fear and anything we can get will be a bonus.

“We showed character, kept believing and looked strong in all areas. We deserved to win and the lads proved to me that we can do it.”

Duffin slotted home in the 19th minute to put Clymping ahead, and after Josh Garvey went close with an effort that was pushed onto the post, Duffin made it 2-0 seven minutes into the second half, but Oakwood rallied and halved the deficit through Patrick Massarro just past the hour mark.

Joseph Lyons equalised on 74 minutes, but with the clock ticking down, Duffin tapped home from a Luke Sweeney cross to spark scenes of wild jubilation.

Atkins added: “It was such a relief to win late on as I felt we merited it, and we felt joy as well as it was such a huge win for us. We need to keep this form going and, hopefully, it’ll be enough.”

Clymping host AFC Uckfield on Saturday and travel to Lancing on Tuesday.

CLYMPING: May; Denford, Johnson, Barber, Higgs; Sweeney, Garbey, J.Atkins, Perkins; Duffin, Longhurst. Subs: James (Barber 60), Dornai (Perkins 70), Blackwood (Denford 75).