This week the Millhouse were faced with a tough tie in the opening round of the Hove & Worthing Cup with the visit of high flying L & S Athletic Reserves of the Worthing League division one. The previous two games had seen The Mill dominate the match in the latter stages but again they were slow out of blocks. L & S started the better and within two minutes a through ball put their forward one on with Bobby Bish. A goal up to the opposition in the early stages would have been no more than L & S deserved but Bish was defiant and with a smart save he was able to keep the vistors at bay. For the first 20 minutes it was one way traffic as L & S continued to press. The occassional counter attack from The Mill was the oppositions only threat as the home team struggled to gain a foot hold in the game. The first goal came on the half hour when a lovely weighted free kick was headed in off the crossbar, giving Bish no chance. Soon it was 2-0 as The Mill failed the clear there lines and were subsequently punished when the ball was driven back in from the edge of the box into the bottom corner. Two goals down at half time would have been a mountain to climb for The Mill given how dominant L & S had been but a goal from Paul James on 41 minutes following some good work on the right by Liam Austin Slade ensured that they were still in the game.
A rally call was needed at half time and The Mill responded by starting the 2nd half in a much positve manner. Chances began to be created with both 'Pistol' Pete Harrington and Liam Austin-Slade coming close on occasions. L & S continued to be a threat but both Dan Bishop and Allen Woods were as reliable as ever at the back for The Mill. Debutant Adam Bibby was having an inspired afternoon in the centre of the park and it was his run to the by-line which let to him being pulled down for a penalty on 61 minutes. Captain Nick Bridle was on penalty duty this week and cooly slotted home the spot kick to make it 2-2. From this point on The Mill began to dominate the play. Chris Bish came close with a free-kick on 70 minutes only to see it cannon back off the woodwork. It wasn't until the 79th minute that the Mill made the comeback complete when Liam Austin-Slade volleyed home Pete Harrington's flick on which put The Mill into the lead for the first time in the match. L & S again began to press looking for the equaliser but it was this persistence which left them vunerable to the counter attack. A long clearance from skipper Nick Bridle found Austin-Slade who was able to bring the ball down and fire it home from close range making the game safe.
Millhouse Sat 4-2 L & S Athletic Res
A great comback against a very good team. This was a very good test for us and can hold hold us in good stead for things to come.
