Seaford Town crash out of Sussex Senior Cup - and they only have themselves to blame

Despite having what looked to be a full strength squad at their disposal, the home team’s performance left much to be desired, as they were deservedly knocked out by a Crowborough side who seemed in control from the first whistle.

It took little time for both sides to assert their presence in the game, with both sets of players seemingly up for what looked to be an entertaining fixture. In a footballing sense, however, Seaford struggled to settle on the ball, with the away side slowly beginning to see more of the action in the first period. Crowborough’s increasing dominance was a testament to their effort, not allowing any Seaford player time on the ball in the first half especially.

The away side eventually took the lead on the half-hour mark, when a strike from defender John Sinclair struck the post before deflecting off of outstretched ‘keeper Josh Measor. An unfortunate goal to concede, but still warranted following the pressure applied by the visitors in the build-up.

Crowborough continued to look the most willing in the first half, as Seaford were still unable to respond to going behind in any way. With ten minutes to go before the half, the away side had at least three penalty shouts in the space of 90 seconds, after claiming a Seaford player had handled in the area. A spot kick was eventually given by the referee, but was overturned amidst vocal protests from Seaford players and coaches alike.

Half-time arrived, with Crowborough clearly looking the most comfortable of the two sides, as opposed to a Seaford side who just could not find their feet in the game and would need to step up in the second-half if they were going to get back into the cup tie.

However, things never seemed to pick up for the home side, as just 7 minutes into the second period Crowborough doubled their lead thanks to a deflected strike from inside the box by forward Ehis Rokun. Demoralised and depleted, Seaford still could not find any way of making a mark on the game.

The introduction of Billy Pout and the returning Ben Dartnall looked to provide a boost for a Seasford team which could not keep the ball on the ground, posing no threat to an away side who were happy to absorb any offensive pressure which came their way.

It was almost three with twenty minutes to play, after a fantastic strike from the edge of the area looked destined to find the top left corner, but was saved by Measor in order to keep his side in with any remote chance of getting back in the game.

Frustration soon began to kick in, with Seaford not looking confident in possession as they attempted to create something going forward. Crowborough would go on to get a third, after a misplaced pass by Dartnell allowed substitute Jack Funnell clear through on goal, where he was able to chip the keeper in order to seal his side’s progression into the next round.

"A complete contrast from Saturday (Littlehampton)", claimed Seaford’s Craig Pooley after the game, who had little to say following his side's performance on the night.

"No games are a given", added Pooley, looking ahead to Saturday’s FA Vase tie against Storrington, "We have to turn up on the day or else the results won’t come, simple as that."