For the fourth season running, the Southern Combination League have chosen to use the Beacon as the venue for the Peter Bentley League Cup Final.
This year’s showpiece final see’s Saltdean United take on AFC Uckfield Town on Monday 6th May with an 11am kick off.
Both sides caused something of a shock in the last four to book their respective places in the final; Saltdean defeated Premier Division champions-elect Chichester City 2-1 at Steyning Town’s Shooting Field whilst Uckfield ran out 3-2 winners over promotion chasing Horsham YMCA at Middle Road.
Whatever happens in the final, there will be a new or relatively new name on the trophy. United have only won the competition once back in 2000 when they were in the midst of their golden period while the Uckers are chasing their first ever senior trophy.
They did make the Peter Bentley Cup final in 2012 but went down to a Three Bridges side who completed a league and cup double as a result. That game was also held at the Beacon.
Last season’s final saw Hassocks’ Mid Sussex rivals Haywards Heath Town beat a Horsham YMCA side including current Robins’ striker Phil Johnson 4-0 thanks to a Karly Akeurst brace and goal from Callum Saunders and Max Miller.
That banished the demons of the previous year for Heath who had suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Pagham to end the season trophy less.
In 2016, Lancing ended their 23 year wait for silverware by defeating Newhaven 2-1. Josh Green was in goal for the Lancers that day as an own goal and Lewis Finney did the damage.
The cup final action doesn’t stop there either with the Southern Combination also deciding to bring their Under 18 League Cup back to the Beacon for the second season running.
Last year, it was Dave John’s Young Robins who ran out 1-0 winners over AFC Uckfield Town to complete the second part of an historic treble on home soil. Jake Lindsey scored the only goal that day.
This year, AFC Varndeanians while face Newhaven with the game set to take place on Sunday 7th April 2019 with an 11am kick off.
V’s secured their spot in the final with a 2-0 victory over Montpelier Villa with Newhaven winning by the same scoreline against Central Division champions Haywards Heath.
In order to ensure both of these cup finals run smoothly and to enhance the Beacon’s reputation as one of the best grounds in Sussex, the club will obviously require some help from supporters.
If you would be able to volunteer on the day for one of the many jobs that needs doing, then please speak to Owen behind the bar on a matchday or email us at hassocksfc@outlook.com
