FOOTBALL: Dodd's double helps EP sink Southwick
The 3-1 win still leaves EP fourth from bottom in County League Division 2, although they have played fewer games than anyone else, and are 12 points behind leaders Worthing United with three games in hand.
The lively Dodd almost put EP ahead in the fifth minute, but his firm drive was blocked by the well-placed Dan Murray.
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Hide AdEP took the lead on 20 minutes when Neil Reilly's cross fell to the unmarked Dodd, who stabbed home from eight yards.
Wickers' response was instant and they equalised straight from the kick-off. Ryan Walton netted his ninth goal of the season when he fired home from 18 yards.
Dodd had another effort saved before EP thought they had gone ahead again in the 40th minute, but Jay Huet's header was ruled out for offside. They did go 2-1 ahead in first-half injury-time, though.
Nathan Da Costa's clipped pass picked out Reilly, whose toe-poked effort trickled home.
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Hide AdSouthwick began the second half as EP had started the first, and created numerous chances to equalise. Dave MacNeill's header was well saved by Paul Williamson, Adam Steele shot wide and Walton should have done better when clean through.
Substitute Tom Chidgey also headed wide but EP made the points safe two minutes from time when Dodd headed home Dale Campbell's corner.
EP captain Ian Saunders said: "It was a scrappy game but I thought we deserved to win.
"Getting relegated last season was massively disappointing, so our aim has to be promotion. It will take hard work and determination but we've got the quality to achieve it."
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Hide AdEast Preston manager Trevor Waller was disappointed with his side's 2-0 defeat at Division 2 leaders Worthing United on Saturday.
He said: "The result was fair. It was disappointing and their experience showed. I'm disappointed because we really were poor. Both of their goals came from defensive errors."
Goals from Chris Georgiou and Gareth Green were enough for United. Dodd went closest for EP when he hit the bar in the second half.
EAST PRESTON v Southwick: Williamson; N.Da Costa, M.Dodd, Saunders, Windsor; Darwin, Campbell, Burgess, Reilly; T.Dodd, Huet. Subs: Paine (Burgess 60), L.Da Costa (Campbell 90), Hammond, Budge, Kason.
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Hide Adv Worthing United: Kason; Saunders, M.Dodd, Windsor, N.Da Costa; Darwin, Campbell, Burgess, Paine; Huet, T.Dodd. Subs: L.Da Costa (T.Dodd 80), Hammond (M.Dodd 85), Williamson.
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