OUR WOMEN ARE NOT FOR BURNING!

The game exploded with five goals, two of which were instant Worthing replies in open play to clinical short-corner strikes by the team three divisions above them.

A third goal at another penalty corner regained Horsham the lead but they failed to extend it '” or to score from open play themselves '” until eight minutes into the second half. And they did not ice victory until just four minutes remained, with a sizzling fifth goal completely worthy of their South League first division status.

After her team had kept the trophy for a record seventh year, Horsham captain Fran Malam, who scored four of their goals, graciously thanked Worthing for an extremely good game, which had been tough for Horsham, and congratulated Worthing keeper Sarah Atkin on her performance and the team on their season. They have won Sussex Division 1 unbeaten, beaten Premier Division side Chichester to reach this Sussex Cup Final, have also beaten Brighton, East Grinstead and Lewes from a division above, and of course reached the national Vase semi-finals.

Worthing had poured scorn on Horsham's own script for the game. In preparation, Horsham's arrogance had apparently precluded them even from bothering to have Worthing watched. They did check out the Herald's preview of the game last week.

And when former National League striker Malam, converted their first short corner, with four minutes gone, they might in other circumstances have been forgiven for thinking it was the beginning of a hatful.

Instead, just two minutes later, Worthing had ripped right through the middle of Horsham for Shelley Formstone to crack home her 37th goal of the season. And had Toni Catlow's lethal through pass not weighed a fraction too much, Formstone could have been putting Worthing ahead.

However, with nine minutes gone, ex-England player Lucy Clarke pounced to finish off Horsham's third short corner.

Yet, Worthing were having none of Horsham's assumed status quo. Although beseiged, they broke again and in the next minute reduced Horsham to tatters. Lynne Combes bodily smothered Formstone's shot towards an open goal and Horsham were watching a 14-year-old, Beth Warner, punching the air after equalising from the penalty spot. It was her 29th goal of the season.

See The Herald for full match report and picture special.