Athletic gunning to make history

The East Sussex Football League outfit could become the first team from the town to win the Sussex Junior Cup since Hastings Rock-a-Nore way back in 1923.

That’s if Athletic can overcome the challenge of Wittering United in the final at the Sussex County FA County Ground in Lancing tonight (Tuesday). Kick-off is 7.30pm.

Athletic have negotiated six rounds to reach their first county final having got to the semi-finals of the Sussex Sunday Challenge Cup during the previous two seasons.

They’ve scored 24 goals in the process and conceded 11, coming through two ties in extra-time – last month’s semi-final away to Forest II and September’s first round clash at Ferring II.

Wittering, who are based in the extreme south west of the county not far from Hayling Island, have won five matches to get this far, scoring 11 goals and conceding four.

Their victims have included Crowhurst – who Athletic beat to land the Wisden Sports Challenge Cup – and Orington – who Athletic lost to in the Hastings & District FA Junior Cup final.

Athletic are a win away from clinching the East Sussex Division Two title, while Wittering are top of West Sussex League Division Two South.