Back in the cup final: Lewes Women hammer Eastbourne to book trip to Sussex HQ
Lewes FC Women secured their place in the Sussex Women’s Challenge Cup final for the second year running with an 8-2 semi-final victory over Eastbourne Borough.
They will face Saltdean United in the final on Wednesday, April 15, at Sussex FA HQ in Lancing.
The result continued Lewes’ outstanding recent home form. They have won their past five home games, scoring 32 goals while conceding three.
Lewes went ahead early when captain Maddie Brant chased a long ball from Ylenia Priest, pounced on a loose ball, rounded the keeper and calmly finished.
They doubled their lead in the ninth minute as Leah Lane won possession and Chelsea Ferguson finished confidently.
Eight minutes later, Ferguson grabbed her second thanks to good work by Layla Banaras and Lane.
The fourth arrived in the 37th minute. Katie Gilligan played in Kayla Ginger, who took a touch and fired home.
Eastbourne pulled one back from a corner and after Ferguson and Lois Roche were denied, Roche made it 5-1 in the 53rd minute.
Roche and Brant then set up Gilligan for the sixth – before Eastbourne responded with a spell of pressure which ended with Emily Hills scoring.
It was 7-2 when Brant teed up Lane, while the final goal came in the 89th minute as Banaras and Lane combined for a chance that Roche buried.
Lewes return to National League action this Sunday at Gwalia United. The Rooks are fifth in the southern premier division.