Hastings Intermediate Cup Semi-Final
Recreation Ground, Battle
Admission and Programme: None
Attendance: 70 (estimate)
Match Rating: 3
There was much for me to look forward to with this game, to be played at a local venue, watching a cup semi-final between arguably the two best teams in the East Sussex League, with a gloriously warm and sunny evening forecast.
Just 1 point separates the two teams at the top of the East Sussex League Premier Division, with Hollington leading the way, having won 13 and drawn the other two of their 15 league games played so far, while Battle had won 13, drawn one and last the other of their 15 league games, and need just another 2 points from their remaining five games to be sure of a runners-up spot at least. Hollington have had the upper hand in encounters between the two teams so far this season, winning at Battle 1-3 away in the league in September, and then 2-1 at home in the League Cup in November.
The setting was indeed really pleasant for this match, with a very decent crowd of around 70 people in attendance and sitting along the top of a grass bank stretching along one side, enjoying the evening sunshine in peaceful, rural surroundings. Unfortunately, the spectators were not rewarded with a great game to watch, as the game was played at a surprisingly slow pace and was not helped with a tricky, bobbly pitch to play on. Battle looked slightly the more threatening in the early stages, however it was Hollington who took the lead on 23 minutes. The ball was crossed from the right by Sam White, and Grant Payne guided the ball past the keeper and into the net.
Into the second half, and the game followed a similar pattern, with Battle creating some good chances to score, less so Hollington, but for the most part it was quite a scrappy game. The game did have quite an edge to it – never a surprise when Hollington are playing but more so when Battle Baptist are – and indeed Battle were reduced to ten men mid-way through the second half following an altercation. The game remained in the balance right up to the final whistle, and in the end it was Hollington who made it through to the cup final, where they will meet former Sussex County League outfit Sidley United.
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