Steyning Town FC U18s Make History in Isthmian Cup Thriller
Steyning Town FC’s U18s wrote a new chapter in the club’s history this week, playing their first ever competitive fixture at Isthmian League level. Drawn away to Peacehaven in the cup, the newly formed squad, improving with every outing this pre-season, travelled with confidence for a genuinely historic night.
Captain Oscar Saunders led the team out in the following line-up: Miller Campbell (GK), Eddie Greening, Archie Brown, Tom Wheatley, Fin Johns, Nate Dene, Oscar Saunders (C), Fenton Scerri, Leon Clarke, Harrison Brown, and Bobby Rose. On the bench: Milo Tamadon-Nejad (GK), Ed Finch, Vince Stevens, Max Henley-Collins, and Nico Citrone.
Steyning started brightly, carving out several good chances in the opening 20 minutes and looking every bit the equal of their hosts. But as the half wore on, Peacehaven grew into the game and took the lead, and a difficult spell saw the visitors head into the break 1-0 down, thanks to some great work by Miller Campbell in goal.
The second half began more encouragingly, but Peacehaven punished a couple of lapses to extend their lead to 3-0, the third a coolly converted penalty on 60 minutes. At that point, with a first ever Isthmian fixture threatening to slip away, the response from the young Steyning side was nothing short of superb.
All four substitutes made an instant impact. Vince Stevens scoring within minutes of coming on, latching onto a lovely through ball from Ed Finch. Moments later Nico Citrone halved the deficit, converting a pinpoint in-swinging corner from Harrison Brown. The same pair combined again on 70 minutes to make it 3-3, and suddenly the momentum had swung entirely Steyning’s way.
Vince Stevens then netted his second of the game on 81 minutes after a fine assist from Fenton Scerri to put Steyning 4-3 up. Then, in the 90th minute, more magic from Scerri teed up Citrone for his hat-trick goal and a stunning 5-3 win.
To fall 3-0 behind on such a significant occasion and respond with that level of character says everything about the spirit already building in this group. The boys stayed calm, trusted their ability, and delivered one of the great comebacks in the club’s short history at this level.
Special shout-outs to Nico, Vince and Fin, whose performances were different class
There’s still work to do, pre-season has been positive, but a new look squad will need time to gel fully. Still, the promise on display was clear for all to see, and everyone at the club is excited about what this group can achieve across County and Isthmian football this season.
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