Hailsham Town Under 23’s beat Eastbourne Town 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw to lift the first MIND Sussex Charity Cup at Newhaven’s Trafalgar Ground.
After Eastbourne Town had seen an effort ruled out for offside in the first three minutes, the young Stringers took the lead on 12 when tenacious closing down allowed Josh Higgs to take advantage of an underhit backpass to turn home from close range. With both teams battling hard, Eastbourne Town eventually levelled on 39 when a free kick, curled into the box, was headed into the net.
The Stringers began the second half brightly, with early chances seeing Connor Townsend and Oli Taylor blocked, before Town began to put Hailsham under pressure, with a rocket from distance glancing the post before a free kick hit the bar. With few real chances at both ends and Hailsham ‘keeper Will Hayler standing firm, the Stringers earned a late corner which was almost turned in before the full time whistle blew to signal a penalty shoot out.
After seeing the first effort saved, Hailsham had to come from behind, with Will Hayler making two excellent saves, and Charlie White, Connor Townsend and Rhys Taylor scoring for the Stringers, before Eastbourne hit the crossbar to seal a memorable victory for the Stringers.
Man of the Match; Will Hayler
