LVS wrote a glorious chapter in their history with an against-all-odds 3-1 victory in the final of the Brighton and Hove Albion in the community Tournament. Superlatives cannot do justice to the efforts of the Hassocks players who were truly outstanding despite playing against the tournament favourites St John's.
Tension in the LVS camp was high, as their depleted squad took to the field against the bookies favourites. St John's were a class act and Hassocks could be forgiven for fearing for the worst. A rousing teamtalk from the coaches convinced the players that history and heroes could be made in one game.
LVS Hassocks were determined and drilled as they began the game predictably on the back foot. Kynan Wright had his position adjusted to help LVS cope with St John's attacking threat, and he frustrated their star player with great tackles and blocks.
The defensive discipline was important as Thomas Thornton and George Harris were resolute and solid at the back thwarting St John's advances. Joe Bedding was also in fine form beating away and often catching long range strikes and crosses. The solid defence provided a platform for LVS to play on the counter.
St John's have talented players all over the pitch and their defence was strong which meant LVS needed to attack in quick bursts if they had any chance of defying the odds and securing the silverware. It didn't take long for the game plan to reap dividends.
George Harris brilliantly timed a tackle deep in LVS territory. The defender then played the ball forward to Kynan Wright who skipped past two lunges before measuring a delightful curled shot into the corner of the net. The gathered crowd who were supporting the underdogs went crazy as a shock was on the cards. 1-0.
Defensive duties returned as Hassocks looked to hold onto their narrow lead. They battled hard all over the pitch to make sure St John's didn't find it easy to get back on level terms. Joe Bedding made some fine saves to deny them, and the tenacious tackling and hustling of Lee Tarron, Charlie Ries-Coward, Kynan Wright, Thomas Thornton, and George Harris frustrated their opponents further.
Every minute felt like an hour as LVS dug in and fought for their lives. St John's drew level with a fine team move down their left wing culminating in a neat cut back and finish. The supporters feared that LVS might crumble and many onlookers believed a St John's victory was now inevitable. 1-1.
The equaliser tested the character of LVS Hassocks' players. Most teams would struggle to find the energy and confidence to respond to that kind of setback. Not LVS Hassocks.
Joe Bedding claimed the ball as St John's pushed forward for a winner. He launched a counter attack throwing the ball to Charlie Ries-Coward down the LVS left. A neat flick took the ball past his marker and then from the tightest of angles Ries-Coward unleashed a ferocious drive that arrowed past the keeper and into the top right corner of the net. The Hassocks bench erupted as the goal restored the purples lead. 2-1.
The coaches needed to calm the players, as St John's returned to action like a Lion with a thorn in it's paw. Their will to score was only matched by Hassocks' will to keep them out. A succession of heroic last ditch tackles and blocks kept St John's out.
Time was surely up. An eternity seemed to pass with the nerves turning heads bald and grey. The last kick of the game eased that tension. Lee Tarron looked to keep possession adn wind down the clock as he played the ball to Kynan Wright. The man of the match had other ideas. He unleashed a powerful drive from near the half way line. The shot was unstoppable and went in off the bar, sparking jubilous scenes that continued long after the final whistle blew.
Final Score: LVS Hassocks FC 3-1 St John's
Tournament Champions: LVS HASSOCKS FC
The players celebrated their first inter-school title as they rose aloft the much coveted silverware that they so richly deserved.
Kynan Wright was awarded the player of the day for his great performances throughout the tournament. He had saved his best for the final but was very keen to acknowledge the efforts of the team collectively when he spoke to reporters. Wright, "We are all buzzing. We worked so hard against probably the best team down here. We lost against them in the group stage, but that just made us more determined to beat them this time. The whole team played really well and we are all so happy to have won the cup."
Coach David Jones was rightfully proud of his players. Jones, "Today the players arrived as boys, and they are leaving this competition as men. The coaching staff are so proud of each and every one of them. They had no right to win that final, but they had the belief and the determination to cause the upset of all upsets. They were sensational. We are off to McDonalds now to celebrate. What a tournament."
