Sussex Vets Cup
Friday 9 November 2018, Steyning
Steyning 2-0 Hills Farm Lane Vets
HT – 2-0
Team:
Ben Ferguson,
Sean Costello,
Tommy Burnside,
Shaun Eldridge,
Richard Bramwell,
Harry New,
Stuart Rogers,
Rob Flynn,
Chris Maguire,
Chris Goulder,
Dan Purchase
Subs:
Darron Mitchell,
Richard (Reg) Harris,
Liam Kelly
Dan Creasey
Steyning vs Hillsfarm Lane in the Sussex Vets Cup was played under floodlights on a night where the weather took it’s toll on us. 50mph winds followed by the downpour of heavy rain which felt like hailstones and which didn’t let up for the entire game.
We started well, played some good football against great opposition but at times just didn’t seem to have the grit and determination to be in the right place at the right time. Their centre midfielder finding space and time from 15yds out to stroke the ball in the bottom left corner. 1-0 down and only 10 minutes played, now it was time to dig deep.
We kicked off again and continued to play our game, did some great challenges and worked well as a team. Our midfielder’s were working from box to box with no let up for a rest and our defenders were yet again sublime in keeping the onslaught of the opposition at bay.
Steyning get a corner with 15 minutes till half time, it’s high and reaches the back post straight to the opposition and he coolly tucks it away for 2 – 0. We had a few half chances but to no avail but we battled on till that whistle.
Halftime and I make just 1 change, say my piece and we’re out there again, as we only had 5 mins break.
Early on the second half Chris Maguire was charging down the left flank and heard a snap in his foot, quick change needed, I had to put Liam a centre midfielder out on the wing as we had no one else. We carried on exchanging blows and we both stood firm. Our striker Dan Purchase was gesturing to me to be replaced as his achilles was playing up again so on Big D steps up and we make that change. We started to drop like flies as Stuart then had to come off due to injury, another change needed in the middle of the park. We adjust, settle and carry on with our mission, just 1 goal and we would be back in this but they hold firm. Our right back then gets injured and again another change and shuffle.
We come close to scoring on a couple occasions and we battled hard but you can see the angst in our faces the tiredness in our eyes as we see out this match to totally ridiculous weather.
I must applaud this fantastic team of mine and can only thank them for their hard work they put in every time they put on the Hills Farm Lane kit. We have a great team spirit and am just glad to be a part of it.
Thanks.
Darron,
Hillsfarm Lane Vets League Manager