Great night as trio go through

Little Common won 3-0 away to higher grade Crowborough Athletic, Westfield triumphed on penalties after a 5-5 draw at Haywards Heath Town and Rye United edged through 2-1 away to Oakwood in round one of the county knockout competition.

Despite a nightmare journey, Jamie Crone gave Sussex County Football League Division Two side Common a half time lead against Division One outfit Crowborough. Lewis Hole doubled their advantage in the 65th minute and Adam Smith added a late third.

Aaron Parris scored a hat-trick and Dominic Clarke bagged a brace during Westfield’s incredible all-Sussex Division Two tie against Heath. The visitors took a third minute lead, but were 2-1 behind by half time.

Westfield levelled in the 63rd minute and went 3-2 ahead 20 minutes later only for Heath to snatch a 93rd minute equaliser. Heath twice went ahead in extra-time, but Westfield twice equalised to force the shoot-out.

Both teams scored their first three spot-kicks. After Westfield missed their fourth, Heath had a kick to win but that too was unsuccessful which meant sudden death was required. Westfield scored their next two efforts and Heath saw their second saved so the visitors won 6-5 on penalties.

Sussex Division One side Rye were 8-0 winners at home to Division Two outfit Oakwood in the Sussex RUR Charity Cup on Saturday, but fell behind to a superb strike in the 12th minute last night.

Evan Archibald levelled for Rye six minutes later and Ryan Cooper headed a 77th minute winner, although Oakwood were applauded off the pitch at the end by Rye’s travelling support following a fine battling performance.

See Friday’s Observers for full reports.