The second Semi-Final of the Parafix Sussex Senior Challenge Cup is due to take place on Tuesday 13 March 2018 between Brighton & Hove Albion and Pagham.

Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Pagham
Parafix Sussex Senior Challenge Cup Semi-Final
Date: Tuesday 13 March 2018
Kick-off: 7.15pm
Venue: Sussex County FA, Culver Road, Lancing, West Sussex, BN15 9AX 

Southern Combination Football League Premier Division side Pagham are on an extraordinary run having lost just once in twenty one games and are also finalists in the Sussex Principal RUR Charity Cup due to take place May against local rivals Chichester City.

Despite those achievements Pagham manager, Tom Simmonds is excited by the prospect of his team potentially playing under the lights at the American Express Community Stadium: “It would be unbelievable; the club have never been to a final of a competition like this before so it’s a massive opportunity for us.”

Simmonds has admitted that they have been underdogs for the majority of their cup ties, after beating Lewes 1-0 and Horsham 3-0 who are both teams that compete in the in the Isthmian League Division One South, a league above. 

The Lions have one more hurdle to jump on Tuesday evening as they continue to adopt the role of being under-dogs when they face Brighton & Hove Albion’s under-23’s, who are in theory the first teams up and coming talent. 

Simmonds turned to management after sustaining a long-term ankle injury which prevents him from being able to play competitively. The twenty-four-year-old joined the senior management team in the summer from the under-18s and shares the duties with Rich Hellen. 

The Lion’s boss believes this is an opportunity to test his side against the best young players around: “We will be going into the game with confidence. We know they have unbelievable quality throughout their squad; but we’ve got a young group of players and they’re not really fazed by who they play so we can’t wait to give it all we got.

“Credit to the boys, they all buy into a certain way of playing and so far we are reaping the benefits of that,” he continued.

The Lions will be without a couple of players, which include their top goal scorer Dan Simmonds due to a suspension, and although it will be a miss the manager sees it as an opportunity for other players to make their mark. 

Pagham will be looking to make club history at Culver Road and Simmonds said: It’s not every day we get to play at the Sussex County FA for a place in the biggest County Cup Final, at the Amex, everyone associated at the club are buzzing for it.”

Entry prices for the Semi-Final are as follows:
£10.00 Adult (17+)
£5.00 Concession (65+ and students with valid student ID card)
£3.00 Child (16 and under)

For further details about the Parafix Sussex Senior Challenge Cup please contact Competitions:

Competitions
T: 01903 753547
E: Competitions@SussexFA.com