Montgomery Challenge Cup Final

[Mike May]

Montgomery Challenge Cup Final
Smallfield ( 3 ) 4 Portslade ( 0 ) 0
( Howell 33. Pearson 35,42. Waterhouse 75.)

CUP DELIGHT FOR FIELD

On their website Portslade described themselves as very much the underdog, and references were made to 'him up there' for salvation, but as gallantly as they tried they were no match against a Smallfield side that had power and pace thro out, it must have been a bit of a wakeup call for the Slade as from winning the Championship this season they will now have to up their game in the Premiership next season, were the likes of Smallfield and others will surely lay in wait.

As to the match it took the Field just over the half hour marrk to stamp their credentials when from another scramble in the Slade box skipper Josh Howell ( hope i've got the right guy ) bundled the ball home, followed by a quick brace as his want from MOM Ryan Pearson to give the Field a comfortable cushion come halftime. HT 3-0 Smallfield.

The second half was a more quieter affair with the Field holding their own against a more spirited Slade outfit hoping to salvage some pride, going close with the nearest being a shot that cannoned off the bar, but generally they struggled to outwit the Field back four with massive keeper Zak Rice mopping up anything that got thro allied to his massive goal kicks ( wind assisted ) that tested his opposite number many times..

The Fields further strength was shown with the subs that were just as dangerous as their counterparts with Lee Waterhouse a class act for the final 15 mins, who in turn crashed home the fourth goal from 30 yds to put the Field four goals to the good and extinguished any slight hope the visitors may have had, whom tho overrun for most of the game never gave up in trying to salvage a goal or two back. FT 4-0 Smallfield.

Great celebrations at the end with Cup and Medals followed by the usual singsong and the dance to boot, not forgetting Secretary John Hodkinson was it really 63 yrs ago when he took over the club, keeping goal for the reserves with myself huffing and puffing in midfield, in that time span the Cups and promotions that he helped to accumulate must almost be too numerous to remember.

Just two league games to go with the visit of Rotherfield tomorrow, finishing up with a vist of East Grinstead United next Saturday, two wins would give the Field the runnersup spot behind just a point behind Peacehaven the champions.

I see in yesterdays Argus that former Mid Sussex clubs Old Varndeanians and Montpeliar Villa have been excepted into the revamped Sussex County Div 3, they of course have the neccessary ground gradings for the move upstairs, whilst others with perhaps a better playing record will be held back due to reasons various ( cricket pitches alongside come to mind.)

PS. Dont mention the 'R' word to either Crawley Down or Crawley Town ears!

[jock]

Mike, as you know you have to apply to get promoted, Smallfield may not have done, or equally may like being a big fish in a small pond!

[OZZ]

Jock, 5 defeats & 1 draw hardly makes Smallfield a big fish in a small pond!!