Saxons feel force of tough cup opposition

FOR the second week running, South Saxons met opposition from a higher league to lose by a four goal margin.

The week before, in the first round of the Sussex Cup, they held their own for much of the match, but found Chichester from the Southern Premier league just too tough to handle, despite outstanding displays from Matt Young in the centre of midfield and George Deaves in goal.

Last week, in a play-off for entry into next year's Sussex Cup (the losers competing in next year's Sussex plate), Saxons competed well but ultimately found the higher level of the Worthing side just out of their reach. However for much of the match it was difficult to tell which was the better side as Worthing edged the first half 3 -2. Goals from the impressive Lewis McFee and the ageless Jeremy Bunday almost cancelled out the three goals that the West Sussex side had chiselled out with their quick, accurate passing.

With Danny Burnett, John Morgan and Ben Smith working hard in the middle, Saxons suffered when Paddy Cornish received a yellow card for an injudicious tackle. Unfortunately his reaction doubled the time off the pitch to 10 minutes at a time when Saxons were still very much in the game. Wothing's lead quickly became 5 - 2 and it seemed that the game was all over. However Cornish made the difference when the umpire waved him back on as Bunday and McFee scored in quick succession to bring Saxons back into the game.

Another goal at this point would have made it interesting, but by this time Saxons energy levels were suffering from the 10 man period and Worthing were able to take advantage near the end of some rather weary defensive work to run out deserved 8 - 4 winners.

l Tomorrow South Saxons travel to Kings College, London for their first league game. Playing again in the Kent and Sussex Regional League.

Saxons know that the standard of their play needs to be even higher this year as they try to compete towards the top of the league rather than the bottom.

With the likes of youngsters Lewis McFee and Ben Smith augmenting last years established squad, and the possibility of Hastings-based ex-Scotland U21 midfielder Matt Young available for some games, Saxons feel that they will have every chance.

A change in the penalty corner rules this season (the ball does not need to be stopped before a shot at goal) means that even more goals are likely to be scored, leading to tremendously exciting contests.

There is no admission charge to any of the home games and supporters are encouraged to join the growing band of enthusiastic Hastings sports followers who have begun to create such an intimidating atmosphere at Horntye.