Shoreham FC
Annis (28)
Farhan (120)

Eastbourne Borough FC
Wormull (12)
Armstrong (Pen 117)

Eastbourne Borough made it through to the Sussex Senior Cup Final after a dominant display in a difficult semi-final .vs. Shoreham FC at Three Bridges last night. Boro fielded a strong side and took the lead on 12 minutes when an excellent interchange of passes provided Simon Wormull the chance to strike from 20 yards. His effort bounced cruelly in front of Shoreham keeper Michael Hunter, the ball bouncing over the diving keeper for 1-0.


Jack Jeffery

'The Sports' maintained the pressure but were unable to create a further clear-cut opportunity and the County League side drew level on the half-hour when Darren Annis found himself unmarked in the 18 yard box to fire home at the near post for 1-1. Lee Hook made an excellent save low to his right and Wormull poked the ball goal ward, but inches wide as the 1st 45 minutes drew to a close.
Eastbourne Borough totally dominated the 2nd half but a combination of wayward finishing, outstanding saves from Hunter, and desperate goal-line saves prevented 'The Sports' from regaining the lead - extra time beckoned. Jack Jeffery, Darren Baker and Matt Crabb all had chances in the opening 15 minutes, and Hook again produced a fabulous save low to his left from Liam O'Brien; the scores remaining level. Jeffery was again denied but with penalties looming Nathan Crabb was nudged in the back whilst lining up a header, Mr Atkin giving Boro a late, late penalty. Skipper Paul Armstrong smashed the pen home with just 2 minutes remaining. If anyone thought that was that Shoreham had other ideas. In the final minute a deep right-wing free-kick was swung right under Hooks bar. The Boro keeper could only push the cross onto the bar and the blue head of sub Sultan Farhan arrived to nod the ball home for an incredible equaliser.


Jay Lovett delivers for Simon Wormull

The Shoreham heroics during the 120 minutes were un-done by their 1st penalty. Following Boro, Pat Harding comfortably netting his sides 1st, Jamie Groves's short run up led him to lift the ball high over the bar; advantage 'The Sports'. Armstrong, Jeffery, Matt Crabb all scored leaving Dan Brown to score the 5th and final spot-kick for a 5-3 penalty win and to book a Cup Final place in early May at Priory Lane.

Words - Lee Peskett
Pictures - Lee Smith