Golds and EP set for battle in semi-final

The top two in the County League will go head-to-head at Wick’s Crabtree Park ground, with the winners facing Crowborough or Ringmer in the final.

Both sides have enjoyed excellent seasons, with EP top of the County League and just three points away from clinching the title. Golds, meanwhile, are second in the table, after promotion as Division 2 champions only last season.

EP boss Dominic Di Paola says progress in cup competitions this season is just a bonus for his side as their priority has always been the County League title.

Although EP could still win the treble – County League title, John O’Hara Cup and Sussex RUR Cup – Di Paola said: “The priority has been the league all season, that’s always been our aim.

“But you always want to do well in cup competitions and get to finals and it would be nice to end the season with two finals.

“No one has done the treble before but if Littlehampton or Broadbridge Heath are on their game in the semi-finals, they could beat us.”

Both sides have a number of injury doubts for the game, with Littlehampton missing eight first-teamers.

Liam Humphreys, Mitchell Hand, Alex Kew and David O’Callaghan are all injured, Jamie Thompson and Dan Kempson are both suspended and Bradley Lewis and Curtis Gayler are cup-tied.

With that long list, Golds boss Mark Bennett has played down his side’s chances.

He said: “In an ideal world, it would be a brilliant game, but with so many people out, I am dreading it a little bit.

“They are a good side and if we had everyone available, we would have given them a good game.”

Di Paola added: “In the league, the best team will always come out on top, while cup games are just a one-off and anyone can win them.

“It’s just another game against Littlehampton. I’m sure they’ll be up for it and it will be a massive game for them but I’m not from the area, so teams like Pagham and Arundel are ones I’d rather beat. We really want to win, of course we do, but it doesn’t matter who we play.”