Lindfield Juniors 1 Horsham 4

Kieran Towse, Stuart Chester, Joss Knowles, Zack Gray, Matt Mayes, Marcus Collier, Dan Petchey, David O’Callaghan, Matt Clarke, George Hall, Louis Masih Subs – Josh Clack, Lewis Goldsmith, Daryl Jeeves, Sam Bulley, Mackie Law.

Goalscorers – O'Callagan (2), Clack (2)

At the third time of asking this month, Matt Bulley’s side finally took on Lindfield Juniors in the Final of the Sussex C.P.Mason Cup.

In a match that was always going to be close, both sides started brightly with Horsham having the first real chance on 8 minutes when a cross by Marcus Collier found Matt Clarke unmarked and his resulting shot went just over the bar. Lindfield had their first chance 3 minutes later but a timely tackle by Joss Knowles, and Stuart Chester cleaning up the loose ball, saw the danger cleared.

David O’Callaghan was next to try his luck when his solo run ended up with a shot just wide and, on 15 minutes, the first substitutions were made with George Hall and Collier making way for Josh Clack and Darryl Jeeves. The first goal came 19 minutes into the game when a cross by Louis Masih was handled in the box by a Lindfield defender and the resulting penalty was converted by O’Callaghan.

8 minutes, later Jeeves had a good effort clip a defender's head and force the 'keeper to palm over the bar for a corner. With 5 minutes of the half to go, Kieran Towse was called on to make his first save when he came out to claim the ball that a Lindfield player, through on goal, played too far in front of himself.

At half time, Horsham led 1 – 0

The second half started well for Horsham with them doubling their lead after 4 minutes when a solo run by Masih down the right resulted in a tap in for Clack. Dan Petchey made way for Collier at the restart and it was another period of open play before the young Hornets got their third on 51 minutes, a superb pass by Hall splitting the defence for Clack to get his second.

Lindfield pulled one back 3 minutes later when a cross from their left was met at the near post and headed home. 22 minutes into the half, Jeeves was replaced by Petchey and, with 6 minutes to go, Mackie Law came on for Hall and then Masih replaced Clack in the final round of substitutions.

The 67th minute saw O’Callaghan double his tally when a very determined run saw him beat 5 players and his shot deflect of a defender’s leg to beat the 'keeper. With the result sewn up it just needed the young Hornets to remain solid and win their second County Cup in 3 years, having been runners up last year.

Sunday sees them take on Felpham Colts Youth in the League Cup Final at Wick.