Steyning Town 1 Bognor Regis Town 6
Sussex FA Senior Cup, Round Two
On Tuesday night at a soggy Birchwood Shooting Field, the Barrowmen exited the Sussex Senior Cup going down 6-1 to Bognor Regis Town. Town knew this Cup-tie against a side from the Isthmian Premier League would be a stern test but they came into it buoyed up by Saturday’s 2-1 win over Hythe Town, our first home win in the Isthmian League, and hopeful of some Cup success. Unfortunately though, it was not to be.
The early stages were fairly even-stevens and the first real chance of the night fell to Steyning when Harry Shooman broke through from the left, one on one, to drag his shot just wide of right. However, Town were then hit with two goals in two minutes as the Rocks took control and were stretched even more at the back by their fluid, incisive running. Steyning dealt with what they threw at them and kept shape well and tried to press. Town made inroads and on 30 minutes were unlucky when a goal was disallowed for offside.
Five minutes later though, the reward did come when Charlie Meehan got away down the right to have his low cross parried by the Rocks keeper into the path of Lloyd Francis who clinically finished to half the deficit. The goal gave was a real boost and the team continued to press and ask questions, finishing the half with promise with Alfie Rogers going close to an equaliser.
Half time – Town 1 Bognor 2
Steyning came out for the second half determined and started on the front foot but seven minutes in, the same thing happened as in the first half and two goals were conceded within 2 minutes. One a well worked goal, another a defensive lapse. Game over.
With their confidence Rocks continued to flow forward and two further goals well and truly sealed it much to the delight of their vocal travelling fans. Steyning still tried to find consolation and with subs on the pitch Shooman fired just over with a good attempt and in injury time Town the foot of the post.
A difficult and disappointing night. A promising performance in places, especially in the first half, was marred by some sloppy defensive errors and concentration lapses. Much to learn form this as the Barrowmen look forward to a challenging October.
The divisional difference was very evident with the speed, sharpness and clinical finishing by this young Bognor side the key factors over the whole 90 minutes.
Town now pick themselves up and look ahead.
The next first team match is next Tuesday, 8th October, and a trip to the North Kent coast for a League fixture against Herne Bay (KO @ Winch’s Field 7:45pm).
Final Score – Steyning Town 1 Bognor 6
Town line up – Stroomberg-Clarke, Weller, Fuller (Stephenson), Barnes (capt), Howick, Edwards, Meehan, Hyland (Kazlauskas), Shooman, Rogers (Towning), Francis (Murrain)
Unused subs – Da Costa,
