U17 League Cup Final - Report

Last weeks celebrations of winning the league were all in the past. It was about this game now, all about winning the cup.

Players, coaches and fans all boarded the Withdean bus (kindly provided by the team sponsor Paul Fitzgerald) and headed north up the M23 to meet Horsham Athletic at Oakwoods County Ground.

The preparation, team talk and tactics were over and it was now down to the lads to put in the performance of their lives.

We started the game with an energy and urgency that we haven’t seen before. Withdean were electric. We looked fitter and stronger than our opponents and it certainly looked like we wanted this more.

Rowley picked the ball up just outside the box, saw Harrison making a move down his left who he slotted the ball into. Harrison made no mistake and scores his first goal for the club by sticking it through the keepers legs. What a way to make a name for yourself. 1-0 to the reds and things are looking good.

Horsham were shocked, being a Division 1 side they may have thought they’d turn up and beat us. In fairness, they forced a couple of corners late in the first half only for Knight to come and claim them dominantly.

A great first half, walking back into the changing rooms past our fans cheering and encouraging gave the players a taste of what was to come if we held on and won the game.

However it wasn’t a matter of holding on, we started the second half with the same intensity. Goodsell starting the press and chasing down every defender who had the ball, followed by our midfield trio who between the didn’t miss a tackle or header all game.

A second goal was a must, it would give us one hand on that trophy. So up stepped Guille who struck an outrageous half volley from 25 yards that span away from the keeper and into the top corner. Absolute scenes. A fantastic strike and a fantastic reception from the team and travelling Withdean fans.

Horsham didn’t give up though and a goal for them would have put them right back in it. Credit to Horsham as they pushed for the last 15 minutes but our defence remained resilient. It was like a brick wall. The captain Bourne winning big tackles and Jones coming in behind to clear up any bits and pieces. Williams passed a late fitness test and had his best performance in a red and black shirt.

As the game got to its later stages it was time to introduce our subs to ensure we got it over the line. Horsham had one cleared off the line late on and shortly after the whistle blew. It was over. We had done. We had kept our heads, controlled the match and won the cup. An amazing achievement by all. What a way to end the season.

The reception we all received as we walked off the pitch shows how together we are as club, from Brothers, Sisters, Mums, Dads, Aunties, Uncles, Nans and Grandads. We all won it together. A day we won’t forget.

Thanks to the large Withdean crowd that travelled to cheer the lads on!

Man of the Match:

Club MoM - hardest decision we’ve had to make yet. This lad hasn’t been here long, but you wouldn’t tell. He is friendly and calm off the pitch but as soon as he’s on it he turns into a warrior. Constantly battled and won us the ball back, took a few knocks but just pushes through and gets on with his job. Ted Dilloway, superb performance.

Match Officials MoM - this awarded by the league and match officials. They selected our Byron Rowley, who was a dominate force.

Richard, Scott and the team can now look forward to the end of season day on 20th May and after that can take a well deserved break.

Updated 14:54 - 9 Sep 2019 by Jason Harris