Miller happy with winning ugly as Roffey land elusive Mid Sussex Senior crown

The Bartholomew Way side concluded their second successive campaign with some silverware as a superb Damon Hawkins strike was the only goal in their victory over Cuckfield Rangers on Wednesday night.

Miller’s side were crowned Division 3 Cup winners last season and they concluded this one with a trophy the Roffey boss has been trying to land for sometime.

He said: “Overall I am chuffed to bits, a year on with another cup, the league season hasn’t been the best but it is something to build on.

“It’s nice to have a trophy and this is a nice one to win. It is my third final in this with different sides and the first time I have won it.

“It’s the Mid Sussex League’s biggest trophy, it’s the oldest trophy and a fantastic one.

“I was pleased to get over the line. It was very tough, but obviously the wind and the pitch made it difficult.

“The first half I thought we played really well and got our goal - that’s what Damon is all about, it was a quality goal.

“Second half I thought we actually played better against the wind, but we couldn’t get hold of the ball. We said we wouldn’t sit back, but we started to sit back and that’s the longest three minutes I have ever had added on, it was about eight in the end.

“We had chances in the second half, but it was a good game I enjoyed it. I don’t mind winning ugly, 1-0 is great.”

On his back-four and Hawkins’ fine finish, Miller added: “Obviously, Ross (Hirschfield) failed a fitness test that did not really help, but I though Phil (Awcock) and Duncan (Hirschfield) in the centre did really well and Simmo (Chris Simmons) at full-back - he is 41 I think and their winger was quick - anything they didn’t do Lewis Blaney cleared up.

“That’s Damon all over, like the cup final last year he switches on. It’s because of his work rate, he said he didn’t play very well tonight, but like you said, what a finish and it’s won the cup.

“James Hancock was also outstanding in midfield and it’s a shame I could only pick 11 of the lads to start the game.”