Hastings United produce emphatic win over Horsham YM to lift Sussex Under-23 Cup

Despite falling behind early, the Us produced a dominant performance, capped by goals from Archie Baker, a brace from the outstanding Ayo Olasimbo and late strikes from Elijah Shute and Seb Kane.

YM made the brighter start and found the breakthrough after ten minutes. A lofted pass from Yassin Ainine split the Hastings defence, allowing Tommy McKenna to accelerate clear and delicately lift the ball over the advancing Jack Preston.

The lead didn’t last long. Hastings immediately pushed forward with purpose, and after some threatening attacking play, their captain drew them level. Charlie Scarles glided past multiple challenges before threading a precise pass into the run of Baker, who opened up his body and placed a measured finish into the bottom corner.

The teams traded attacks in an open first half. Olasimbo was a constant problem for YM down the left flank, driving into the box and firing in dangerous crosses that were just dealt with by the visitors. Horsham, however, nearly restored their advantage shortly before the interval when McKenna turned sharply inside the penalty area, only to be denied by an excellent low save from Preston.

The second half continued at high tempo, and YM threatened first when Conner Collcutt bent an effort narrowly wide following neat build-up play.

But Hastings were beginning to take control, and just minutes later they moved in front through Olasimbo. A superb diagonal ball from Ollie MacDonald picked out the winger, who cut inside and unleashed a stunning strike into the top corner.

With confidence flowing, Olasimbo struck again shortly afterwards. MacDonald won possession high up the pitch and surged forward before slipping him in. Once more cutting inside from the left, Olasimbo coolly guided a right-footed shot past the keeper to make it 3-1.

Hastings continued to push, and with ten minutes on the clock Shute added their fourth. A smart exchange with Olasimbo carved open the YM defence, and Shute raced through to place a composed finish at the near post.

There was still time for a fifth. In the final moments, Reuben Davis released Baker into space on the right, and the skipper drove forward before delivering an inviting cross to the back post. Kane arrived unmarked and finished emphatically on the volley to round off a superb performance from the newly crowned cup holders.

Hastings United: Preston (GK), Brown, Clifford, Cooper, Ridgers, MacDonald, Baker (C), Spiers, Kane, Scarles, Olasimbo. Substitutes: Shute, Best, Davis, Williams, Clarke.