The Sussex Community Shield in aid of the NSPCC is due to take place on Tuesday 30 July between Bognor Regis Town and Chichester City. 

Bognor Regis Town vs. Chichester City
Sussex Community Shield in aid of the NSPCC
Date: Tuesday 30 July 2019
Kick-off: 7:30pm 
Venue: Sussex County FA HQ, Culver Road, Lancing, West Sussex, BN15 9AX

Jack Pearce, incredibly in his 49th year with Bognor Regis Town, says player fitness and money raised for the NSPCC is what is most important: “It is important we respect the charity and keep the balance as we remember it is only pre-season. The result is important but it’s all about trying things.”

Despite being pre-season however, Pearce spoke of his excitement for the “added spice” to the game: “There is personal pride in this game with them being our neighbours.

“They did ever so well last season and they our managed by our ex-player and also our ex-coach of 20 years so there’s added spice there.

“There will be rivalry with the sets of fans and as a manager you want to be competitive and win every game but ultimately it is about player game time and raising lots of money.”

On the squad, Pearce was complimentary of what he has at his disposal but isn’t ruling our new signings: “We are pretty relaxed in terms of how our squad is looking, we are always looking to add quality and it is a concern to me that two centre-backs are injured and I’ve not identified a first team goalkeeper this season.

“It could be that we recruit from within the squad and I have people who step up to the plate and we might not need anyone. I’m pretty happy with where we are, we need more games to really know but those are the two areas (centre-back and goalkeeper) that we are short.”

Pearce finished with high praise for Chichester City and their manager Miles Rutherford: “They’re unfortunate where they are based with a big rugby club down the road but they did so well last season on a limited budget.

“Miles creates such a great team spirit and everyone likes him, he understands football and manages to bring people together. When I see some of the money spent trying to get out of county leagues it shows how well they’ve done in comparison and they’ll present us with a major challenge.”

Entry prices for the Sussex Community Shield in aid of the NSPCC are as follows:
£7.00 Adult (17+)
£4.00 Concession (65+ and students with valid student ID card)
£1.00 Child (16 and under)

For further details about the Sussex Community Shield in aid of the NSPCC please contact Competitions:

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