Lion Cubs are champions of champions in Sussex

Pagham under-18s at Newhaven Picture by Roger Smith

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Pagham’s under-18s finished their season in style by winning the Sussex county champions of champions final at Hassocks, beating Newhaven 5-3.

With Newhaven looking to avenge the earlier County Cup defeat by the Lion Cubs, this was never going to be a easy game and they took the game to Pagham from the whistle.

Alex Rowland shot just wide for Pagham and they were awarded a penalty on 16 minutes when a forceful run through the middle by Josh Irish end with the forward being upended in the box. Taking the penalty himself, he put Pagham 1-0 up.

This lead lasted a matter of minutes as Newhaven levelled through Marcus Richmond.

Once more Pagham had to raise their game and a corner on 30 minutes saw the ball break to Charlie Selby, who fired home.

Back came Newhaven who found the defence switched off at a corner and Ben Earle headed home for 2-2.

Right on half-time, Pagham were awarded another penalty, this time for handball. Irish tucked it home to send Pagham in 3-2 up at the break.

The second half was only minutes old when Pagham’s captain Sam Connolly beat a couple of defenders to rifle the ball home, but Newhaven were battling and reduce the deficit to 4-3 as Brent Stonard slotted home.

Newhaven pushed forward and only some good defensive work kept them at bay.

Pagham scored their fifth and killer goal on 80 minutes when the ball was swung in from a corner and David Crouch rose to nod the ball high into the net, securing for Pagham the title of Sussex under-18 champions of champions.

MoM was Nathan Ediker.

ROGER SMITH

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