Report

Polegate Town's 1st team moved into the Montgomery Challenge Cup final, the Mid Sussex League's premier cup competition, in their first season after a fine 3-1 victory over a spirited AFC Ringmer who had beaten premier league opposition to face Town.

In front of 100 plus crowd, swelled by Town's offer of free tea and free entry, a great game of intermediate football took place a credit to both teams.

Despite the heavy rain fall just before kick off, the War Memorial Ground looked in great shape. Town were able to field a full strength side with subs for the first time in a few weeks and they started well enough but failed to turn possession into goals and so went behind after 15minutes when a cross field pass from Ringmer's right back after he was allowed time to pick his pass, was mis-read by Town's fullback Aidan Brindley, who got himself underneath the ball and was only able to head the ball backwards into the space behind him. The Ringmer forward still had plenty to do, as a neat drag back past the last ditch attempts by Liam Brooks and Aidan Brindley to block the shot, the shot was low past Brindley's brother Aaron to give the away side the lead.

Despite this, Town rallied and were driven on by captain Mark Davis and soon their reward came when a corner on Town's right was driven in by Louis Dixon. As the ball bounced about in the area, panic set in the Ringmer defence as they failed to clear, allowing Davis with his back to goal to flick the ball home with his head for the equalliser.

Ringmer pressed Town back and for the last 10 minutes Town were indebted to Aaron Brindley who proved if you have enough sleep the night before, your concentration levels remain high when he saved one goal bound shot before pushing the ball onto the cross bar twice in the same frantic minute, as Ringmer held their heads in their hands as they couldn't believe they didn't score.

Manager Stu Black was pleased to hear the half time whistle to take the steam out of Ringmers game. There were some harsh words said as Town looked back at some poor passing and marking.

The second half saw Ringmer try and force the pace but Davis and Louis Dixon stood firm. Ringmer started to wilt on the hour and Black was able to call on Maverick Mark Standen from the line. His renewed fight and neat touches started to open up Ringmer.

Town soon had the ball net when Lee Lock fired home only to see his effort ruled out for off side. Yet Town kept going and the hard working James McConnell got his reward when he closed down Ringmers keeper and stole the ball from him and slid the ball home from 10 yards out.

By now the Ringmer front line consisted of five players, their midfield had one and their back line of four and they just couldn't cope as Town led by Davis completely run Ringmer ragged. Despite the extra men Ringmer had thrown forward, Town's back line held firm, often playing a highline catching the Ringmer striker offside on numerous occassions.

However, Town needed a 3rd goal to wrap the game up, and it was fitting that the final goal was one of great class from Town's MoM Davis. With the sun setting behind the Town goal, a clearance by the Ringmer keeper dropped to their midfielder who was quickly closed down by Davis who looked up saw that the keeper was on the edge of his box looking into the sun, so from 30yards out Davis calmly lobbed the ball back over the keeper sealing the win for Town.

Town now face either Balcombe or Keymer & Hassocks who play their semi final this weekend, with the final being held on Wednesday 28th March, at Leylands Park, Burgess Hill.

Town want to thank everybody who made the effort to come along, and to their loyal band of volunteers who set up the pavilion and pitch. Special thanks to Chris Munns for all his efforts in advertising the game, and to Derek and Linda Lee and Tony and Sandy Diplacito for all their help and support behind the scences.

MoM: Mark Davis - Captain's display with 2 well taken goals