Women
Sussex County Womens League Cup Sun 2 February Nyetimber Lane
Pagham
2
Burgess Hill Town
1
2-1

In perhaps the most frustrating day of their promising debut season here at the Home Call our Women’s team were guilty of a slow start to the game. Under bright sunny skies, mild temperatures on a heavy looking grass pitch it was the host’s who made the early running.  Hill had been excellent this season in performing the basics however those building blocks eluded them yesterday.  They were sloppy in possession, allowed balls to bounce and were weak in the clearance. There were also some missed tackles.  That lead to a soft lead for Pagham on 20 mins. A simple through ball allowed the centre forward to tuck the neatly past an on rushing keeper.

That goal sparked a positive reaction as Hill went on to play the best football of the match. On 25 mins an excellent move saw Hannah Sparshott hit a shot just over the bar.  Hill were level after 30 mins after a great run down the right wing and accurate cross. Sparshott on hand to accurately steer home the equaliser from 8 yards.  Just moments later Hill were awarded a free kick from 20 yards. Ellie Livingstone hit a power drive that was destined for the top corner however the Pagham keeper made a brilliant save. 

Unfortunately, Hill were undone late in the 1st half.  More sloppy defending on the edge of the box allowed a Pagham mid fielder to swing a left peg from 18 yards. The ball trundling past an outstretched keeper.   Two one down at HT

Hill played much better in the 2nd half. The defence and midfield looked a yard quicker as Pagham wilted slightly. Player of the Match Rachel Walker led the way with some crunching tackles and towering headers.  This allowed the visitor’s more possession in the attacking third leading to around six 2nd half corners. However, in truth and although the game was there for the taking Hill seemed to be a reluctant to forge another clear-cut opening. Even our goal scoring sensation Brogan Kirk had an off day. As the clocked ticked to 89 mins Kirk was onside down the right and blazed over from 15 yards.  That was the last chance as the excellent referee Joe Johnson blow for time moments later.

Managers Tom Clingo and Jacob Bennett were very truthful in the post-match group huddle.  Tom saying that he felt the team weren’t at their best 1st half. Jacob suggested ‘we need to be more ruthless in front of goal. Balls were played into the box, and we weren’t there to finish off’ Tom weighed in ‘a face full of post feels a lot better if you have scored the winner late on!’

Thank you to Pagham for hosting, congratulations and good luck in the Semi Final.  Also thank you to the Alliance members who travelled to support the team. That was appreciated by the team.

The Squad have been excellent this season but perhaps feel that this is one opportunity that might have eluded them. However, there is no time to dwell as they are back in league action on Sunday 9th February 2pm against Whitehawk at the Enclosed Ground. It’s a game where they will be desperate to get back to winning ways.