MID SUSSEX LEAGUE UNDER 14’s LEAGUE CUP FINAL
WELL DONE YOU BLUES WE ARE CUP FINAL WINNERS!!!
HURST HORNETS 0 CRAWLEY PANTHERS 2
Crawley Panthers under 14's Blue sponsored by S & N Tyres of Three Bridges and Southern Railway reached the Mid Sussex Cup Final for the second time in three seasons and duly came away victorious.
Panthers maintained their 100% winning start to all league and cup games this season, but struggled to reproduce their flowing brand of football for the paying spectators in this cup final.
Panthers had most of the possession but lacked the final critical pass to prise open the tight Hornet defence. The constant pressure finally paid off after 12 minutes when Eddie Murahwa's half hit shot found its way under the diving keeper into the back of the net.
Granted, the first half was far from pretty to watch, as Panthers toiled to find a clinical edge, although Chelsea bound Jordan L'etendrine and Jermaine Beer did force Hornets goalkeeper to make two fine saves before the half time whistle.
Panthers continued the pressure after the break and took control of the game reducing their opponents to numerous long range shots, but on the rare occasions when Panthers goal was actually threatened the defence held firm with Ben Rogers, Sam Truelove, Alex Hardy and Will Bateup keeping ensuring the ball rarely reached its target.
15 minutes into the second half, Jobe Wolfe‘s low cross from the left wing was met by another Chelsea bound player, Seika Jatta who calmly stroked in Panthers second.
The remainder of the half turned into a midfield scramble with both teams having chances without looking dangerous with scores of miss placed passes. Midfield ball winners Hayden Bulloch, Adam Ceschin and Jean Moutein provided superb cover for the defence and positive support to the attack whenever needed.
There was however drama in the dying minutes when Bateup was alleged to have fouled an attacker in the box and Hornets were awarded a penalty. It seemed an age before the kick was taken; it was hit low to the left of keeper Robbie Legg and heading towards the bottom corner, Legg dived full stretch and palmed the ball away from the line, the taker duly rushed in to meet the ball only for the keeper to recover and gather safely.
This was the last action of the match, before the whistle went indicating that Panthers had won the cup that eluded them first time round. The victory was well deserved, but praise must be given to the hard working Hornets team who should be congratulated on reaching the final themselves and contributing to a good game.
Panthers must also say a big thank you to Captain Brendan Milborrow for his earlier cup contributions but has sadly been out injured since December with two breaks in his foot.
Team: Robbie Legg, Ben Rogers, Sam Truelove, Alex Hardy, Jake Truelove, Will Bateup, Edwin Murahwa, Hayden Bulloch, Adam Ceschin, Seika Jatta, Jean Moutein, Jordan L’etendrine, Jermaine Beer, Jobe Wolfe.
