Eastbourne Dynamos face Worthing Leisure in the Sussex County Junior Cup Semi Final. Manager Gary Taylor made one change from the team that beat Hawkhurst last week, with Lewis Colegate coming back into the starting eleven.
A late change of venue because of the wet weather on Friday meant that this final was played at away from Worthing's home pitch, but still in Worthing.
It was the home side that started off brighter and controlled the opening periods of the game. They passed it round well and Dynamos struggled to get out their own half playing into the wind.
Leisure took an early lead, the ball bounce across the edge of the box and took a nasty bounce on the bobbly surface as Jason Robinson attempted to clear the ball, the slip let in the Worthing striker and he ran clean through on goal before calmly slotting past Martin Bell in the Eastbourne goal.
Worthing continued to enjoy more possession with Eastbourne seemingly overwhelmed with the occasion. Dynamos did manage to keep Worthings chances to a minimum.
As the half wore on, Eastbourne started to get more into the game and managed to move further up the pitch. Dean Pugh's left wing cross sailed just over the bar with the keeper backpedalling.
A couple of good passing moves involving Alan Doyle, Lewis Colegate, Neil Taylor and Alex Speirs but the final ball always seemed to be rushed and possession was given away.
The second half saw Dynamos burst out of the blocks and enjoy more possession. But this game had already proved that chances were at a premium.
Stephen Fletcher had the ball in the back of the net, a ball over the top looked to have too much on it. But as Fletcher chased down the ball the keeper miss-judged the bounce of the ball and it bounced over him, Fletcher latched onto the ball and stuck it in but the Linesman raised his flag very late.
Dynamos continued to enjoy slightly more possession but failed to create any chances of note. Most were wasted with all players guilty of rushing on the ball.
When the visitors tried to attack on the break and at pace, Worthing seemed intent on breaking up any danger at all costs, and two players were booked for fouls on Pugh.
As time wore on, Eastbourne seemed to run out of ideas with Taylor and Fletcher looking isolated up front. Worthing were starting to expose gaps in the Eastbourne side as they pushed forward looking for an equaliser.
Worthing had the ball in the net but the Linesman already had his flag raised for an offside in the build up.
As time was running out for Eastbourne, it was Worthing who finished the game off early with a second goal in the final minutes. A corner from the left was headed in at the back post, hitting the post on its way into the net.
A dejected Eastbourne threw everyone forward for the final few minutes looking for a goal, but the whistle went ending Dynamos dream of the clubs first final.
Neither keeper had a lot of work to do in a Semi Final that probably wasn't great viewing for those watching on the sidelines. Dynamos will feel disappointed with their performance, while Worthing took the chances they had, so good luck to them in the final.
Lastly we would like to thank all those who made the trip to come a support the club in the rain. It was a great achievement to get to the Semi Final of this competition and we have beaten some bigger clubs to get this far. Dynamos must now focus on their remaining league games and remember they are still in the Quarter Final of the Eastbourne Junior Cup.
Stuart Hack
Craig Hickman









