Newhaven FC bosses determined to come back strong in 2021-22

Their 2020-21 season came to a disappointing end as they were dumped out of the SCFL Premier Division Supplementary Cup at the semi-final stage by Loxwood

The Dockers – leading 2-1 – were minutes from heading to the final, but a late equaliser from Tadley Bromage sent the tie to penalties where the hosts eventually prevailed, winning 8-7 after ten spot-kicks each.

Cook pulled no punches after the game, calling it ‘one of our worst performances of the season.’

“It was a very disappointing outcome and never easy to lose on penalties,” said Cook. “But in truth we chose the semi-final to put in one of our worst performances of the season.

“Unfortunately, we didn’t really turn up and apart from a good opening 20 minutes we were quite poor by our standards. We had no excuses on the day as we were nearly at full strength, we were playing on the 3G pitch at Worthing – which is a playing surface we really enjoy – and should have been full of confidence.

“Taking the lead with a penalty fairly early should have settled us down and after this we had two very good chances.

“Then came a very strange passage of play that brought the game all square and it had an impact on our performance.

“We tinkered the formation a bit second half and got our noses in front again with a fine finish from Lukas, but then didn’t push on.

“We should have seen the game out, but to concede like we did in the last minute to take the game to penalties was very poor, but mistakes happen and that’s life.

“So, that brings this very strange season to an end and we will now rest up for the next month or so to recharge the batteries and go again next season where Breachy and I will be even more determined to achieve success after two disrupted seasons.”