It was a glorious goal fest cheering the young talent of Eastbourne Town in their first round tie in the Sussex Senior Cup. The hosts crushed the visitor team Midhurst & Easebourne FC from Sussex County Division 1 by a comfortable 6-0 tennis-digits.
Every from Easbourne’s six goals were scored by different players. The famous Eastbourne Ultras Pier pressure -group had arrived Tuesday night to Saffrons with less numbers than usual, but their chanting was as loud as every match day.
Passionate group volunteers for club often and they stand against any kind of discrimination like homophobia, racism and other hate talk.
Their colourful anti-discrimination banners are familiar objects seen on every Town game. The group was formed after like minded people spinned their heads together to support their own non-league hometown club instead of weekly Premier League ties on expensive Sky Sports channels.
The Eastbourne manager John Lambert gave youth a massive chance for a show-off after Jack Samways, Luke Ademola and Fletcher Holman were given their chance to establish their talents. Neither of the trio didn’t disappoint after scoring one goal each respectively.
Samways was even awarded a straight place in the starting line up. Before the game he had scored three times in 12 games.
The original 7.30 kick off was delayed for 10 minutes. When the match finally started the pitch was soaking from the rain washing the ground.
Eastbourne dominated the game from the first moments. The hosts took the lead just after 12 minutes.
Midhurst-keeper Josh Bird saved the first shot, but the rebound came back in play and Dan Rogers tapped the ball in the net.
Midhurst had a chance to score earlier after Marcus Bedford did win them a freekick. Unfortunately Charlie Cooper shot the ball straight into the keeper’s hands.
Eastbourne doubled their lead just three minutes later. Arron Hopkinson tried his luck from long range and the forward’s cheeky chip shot surprised the keeper from 25 yards.
The goal was the fifth of the season for Hopkinson. He also has delivered four assists in the season.
Eastbourne were close to score even third time before the first 20 minutes had passed. This time Bird’s spectacular double save kept the score the same. The Midhurst-keeper’s reflexes were on point.
Eastbourne kept putting the pressure on the visitors, as the first-half progressed. It was rewarded at 33. minute. Aaron Capon nutmegged Bird and swiped the ball between his legs past the keeper. It was a calm finish from him and he had all the time in the world to make his decision.
The hosts were putting on an astonishing goal-fest entertaining their fans for full of the money.
Eastbourne stayed in control of the possession after halftime. They didn’t give Midhurst any chance to build for a comeback.
The next goal was just around the corner.
Leke Ademola’s first shot hit the post, but he slotted the rebound coming after comfortably in growing the lead 4-0 for the hosts.
Soon after the fourth goal Fletcher Hillman went close to increase the lead. Bird punched the ball in the bar with a brilliant diving save.
Hillman had just a few minutes earlier replaced Hopkinson, who was subbed off.
Soon after Bird made a couple more good catches to keep score the same.
Despite the massive lead, Eastbourne didn’t move their foot off the gas pedal. On the 60. minute they scored again, after Bird’’s dreadful mistake.
Bird tried to deliver the ball up, but the keeper played himself out of the play. Jack Samways used his opportunity and lifted a high volley shot up into the net from 40 yards.
Bird’s brave and silly trick hit the visitors on the back with a new setback.That mistake cost them an easy goal.
Just a moment later Ademola was very close to adding up the second goal for his tally. This time his finesse shot was denied by a post.
On the 66. minute Ademola was the creator of the sixth goal for the hosts. The young Eastbourne starlet tricked the keeper and moved past him. Bird’s save parried the ball back to Fletcher Holman, who’s brilliant positioning allowed him to net an easy tap in front of the goal.
In the last ten minutes Ademola was offered one more chance for the seventh goal in the game. The ball was delivered to him just in front of the goal, but he missed the sitter thundering the ball in the stands.
Bird also made one more save for a little consolation to the visitors.
More goals weren’t scored and the hosts celebrated a crushing victory with an impressive six goal deficit.
Eastbourne Town will travel next on Saturday to a league clash away in Crawley. They will be facing Crawley Down Gatwick next.
Eastbourne has been unbeaten for the last 15 games, when all the competitions are included. Last time they lost was August 14rh 2-1 home against Little Common in a SCFL Premier tie.
Hopkinson is their top scorer after scoring seven goals in 14 appearances.
The performer of the game was definitely Ademola, as the youngster came in as a second half substitution. Spending time in reserves under 23s and under 18s he has now scored a total of 15 goals in all age groups included.
Sussex Senior Cup is a traditional annual knockout tournament. It includes three rounds, quarter finals, semi finals and the final, which is usually played in May.
The highest ranked Senior A and Senior B – clubs will join the competition from the second round.
Eastbourne is currently in the middle of the table. Only a top 2 finish will be enough to achieve them a promotion.
