Hastings FA Junior Cup Final
The Pilot Field, Hastings
Admission including Programme: £3.00
Attendance: 150 (estimate)
Match Rating: 4
This evening I decided to attend another of the local cup finals being staged at the Pilot Field this season, this time the Hastings FA Junior Cup Final, between two clubs in the East Sussex League, but with two divisions between them
Based on league standings, Wadhurst United would certainly have been considered strong favourites to lift the trophy this evening. They are unbeaten in the league in the second tier of the East Sussex League, Division One, following nine wins and three draws from their 12 league games, are already assured of promotion in second place, and they have winning the division in their own hands, as they are ten points behind leaders Punnetts Town, who have completed their fixtures, but with four games left to play. Bexhill Robers have also had an excellent season, but two divisions below Wadhurst, in Division Three. With all fixtures having been completed in that division, they have been crowned champions, following 13 wins and three defeats from their 16 league games. To reach tonight's final, Wadhurst had beaten Pebsham Sibex 0-4 away, Crowhurst 6-3 at home and then Icklesham Casuals 2-3 in the semi-final, while Bexhill Rovers beat JC Tackleway 5-0 at home, St Leonards Social 2-4 away, and then Rock-a-Nore 2-3 away.
On a chilly but dry evening, a real shock looked on the cards as the lower ranked team were the better team throughout the first half as Wadhurst struggled to get into any rhythm. They did have the first clear chance on 9 minutes though, when a free kick was powerfully headed just over the bar, but on 19 minutes, Bexhill Rovers took the lead. The ball was played through the defence for Iain Stuart Powell to run onto, and he struck the ball low across the keeper and inside the far post. And they doubled their lead a couple of minutes later, the ball was played low to the near post, and Aaron Cochrane just got enough on the ball to divert the ball gently inside the near post. They were looking good value for their two goal lead, but on 35 minutes, Wadhurst pulled a goal back with a scruffy goal. Following a clash between the Bexhill keeper and a Wadhurst forward, the loose ball was tapped home from close range by James Mitchell. With no clear chances during the remainder of the first half, the underdogs held the advantage at the break.
On 53 minutes, Bexhill were given the opportunity to restore their two goal lead when there referee awarded a penalty on the advice of the linesman for a foul by the keeper. But the Wadhurst keeper saved the penalty to his left, and that was to prove the pivotal moment of the game. On 59 minutes, Bexhill saw a long range swerving shot tipped over by the keeper, and two minutes later, a Wadhurst free kick was parried by the keeper and the rebound bundled just wide. But Wadhurst did equalise on 68 minutes following a free kick from the left, a slight touch by David Jackson diverting the ball into the net. And on 74 minutes, Wadhurst went into the lead. A free kick was struck against the top corner of the woodwork, an attempted clearance from the six yard box looped up and hit the bar, and then the loose ball was tapped home by Kieran Tincombe. Bexhill kept on battling to get back on level terms but they did seem to tire, and their keeper looked in real difficulty towards the end after being on the receiving end of some robust challenges. They had one last chance to force extra time deep into added on time, when an inward curling cross was headed over the bar. It was not meant to be for them, but they can be really proud of their performance tonight. In front of a group of vociferous supporters, Wadhurst lifted the trophy on the pitch shortly after the final whistle, and they now go on to chase down the Division One title along with promotion back to intermediate level in the Premier Division.
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