The Sussex County league is not one that is normally on my hopping radar, due to the distance involved, but with the offer of a lift and a chance to 'tick' off three grounds in one day, I thought lets give it a go. A ridiculously early start saw us head, firstly, to Hassocks...
John O'Hara Final @ The Beacon, Hassocks FC
AFC Uckfield 1-2 Three Bridges
Attendance: 368
Three Bridges retained the John O'Hara Cup (which is a competition open to Division One & Two clubs) with victory over Uckfield.
An early Tim Rivers penalty (10) gave Three Bridges the lead before Williams Pearoux (51) doubled their advantage, tapping home after the Uckfield goalkeeper spilled a Nigel Brake free kick.
The game was becoming increasing niggly but Three Bridges maintained their composure and nearly scored again when a 20 yard effort from Charlie Cooke rattled the post.
As full time approached Uckfield halved the deficit when Greg Manton fired home a beauty from the edge of the box and as Three Bridges began to panic another effort was scrambled off the line.
However Three Bridges were not going to be denied and they deservedly held on to lift the cup.
Hassock's Beacon ground was a lovely in the sunshine, with fantastic views of the Sussex downs over the back of the seated stand.
Division Three Final @ Middle Road, Shoreham FC
Newhaven 1-2 Ifield
Attendance: 317
Next up was the Division Three final at Shoreham FC and a real upset occurred as lowly Ifield turned over league leaders Newhaven to lift the trophy.
After a lacklustre first 45 minutes, but in which Newhaven did hit the woodwork twice, the second half sparked into life with all the goals coming in the opening 10 minutes.
Matthew Rendell headed Ifield into the lead (46) from a corner kick before Andy Dhiman doubled their advantage (52) racing through to slot home.
Proving that you are never more vulnerable than when you have just scored, mere seconds later, Newhaven the halved the deficit when Luke Ducchossoy was in the right place to meet a great cross from the right.
Newhaven dominated the possession, their midfield orchestrated by ex-Brighton player Kerry Mayo, but dogged defending from Ifield meant they held on to claim the trophy.
Pre-match was spent in the delightful Red Lion which just happened to have an Easter Beer Festival in full swing upon arrival. Oh well!
Division Two Final @ Mill Road, Arundel FC
Littlehampton Town 1-5 East Preston
Attendance: 527
The last final of the day took place at Arundel's Mill Road ground, which is in the shadow of Arundel Castle. This gave the ground a spectacular backdrop.
The Division Two final between Littlehampton and East Preston had the potential to be an explosive occasion, as there is no love lost between these rivals. This match attracted the largest crowd of the day but, fortunately, the banter was good natured.
The game was a very much a one sided affair as Champions East Preston dominated the game. Littlehampton didn't help their cause when they conceded a penalty inside two minutes, which was converted by Charlie Oatway.
East Preston created plenty of further chances before Joe Shelley headed home a second (33) and then Matt Axell (42) scored the goal of the game with a fantastic 25 yard volley.
Further second half goals from George Gaskin (52) and another from Shelley (67) gave East Preston an unassailable lead before, naturally, they took the foot off the gas in the final quarter.
Littlehampton did manage to grab a consolation, Jamie Atterill (76) with a neat turn and volley but it was too little too late. Overall there can be no complaints at the final score.
A great day out in Sussex and I left with a positive opinion of this league. Hopefully I can visit again someday in the future.
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| Pitch invasion Arundel style! |
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