The final of the Sussex Stan Beattie Memorial Trophy (under-15s), sponsored by Gardner & Scardifield, due to take place on Sunday 15 March 2020 between Galaxy and East Grinstead Town has been postponed. 

Galaxy vs. East Grinstead Town - POSTPONED
Sussex Stan Beattie Memorial Trophy Final (Under-15s) - sponsored by Gardner & Scardifield
Date: Sunday 15 March 2020
Kick-off: 10.30am
Venue: Sussex County FA, Culver Road, Lancing, West Sussex, BN15 9AX

After last year’s event was cancelled, this Sunday sparks a highly anticipated cup final between Galaxy and East Grinstead Town. 

Both teams are flying in their respective leagues with Galaxy top of the Sussex Sunday Youth League Division One and East Grinstead Town third in the Mid Sussex Youth Football League Division One. 

Town manager, Barry Bryant, is in his third year with his team and despite his belief going into the final, he is aware of the threat Galaxy will pose: “We’re pretty confident. We know Galaxy, they’re a very good team and are having a good season. 

“We’ve got a couple of injuries but other than that the boys are looking forward to it. We’ve only played them once (Galaxy) in an exhibition match and I think they beat us about 3-1 but that was about three years ago. 

“Other than that, we don’t know an awful lot about them. We’ve obviously looked at their league and seen they’re doing very well so we know they’re going to be a well organised side.” 

Galaxy manager Mark Wright is, however, very relaxed ahead of the final and knowing in his head his team have what it takes mentally: “I’m pretty sure all the boys have played in Lancing at one time or another so hopefully they should be used to this sort of occasion by now. 

They’ve played many cup finals now, they know how to perform in these games so the biggest message to them is to ensure they enjoy it. Don’t feel any kind of pressure it’s just another game so go out there and enjoy.”

Galaxy have had a lot of success on and off the field and Wright’s team, in particular, won the treble last season. Their ethos at the club is to encourage the players, from a young age, to express themselves and never be afraid to try things. 

With this in mind, Wright does still believe that it is going to be a strong test that’s put in front of them: “I’m excited. The boys are all really looking forward to it. 

“I’ve seen East Grinstead once this year we know they’re a good side. This is their first time in the Mid Sussex and they’re strong opponents, hence they’re in the final.”

The Wasps, themselves, are no strangers to success, however, and have joined the Mid Sussex League this year on the back of winning the Tandridge Youth League Division A in their first season and have reached the latter stages of County Cup competitions over the last few years.

Specifically, this season, Bryant believes the opponents they have faced, sets them up nicely for the final: “We beat Horsham in this competition who are top of our league in the quarter-finals which we feel gives us good preparation. 

“But we had a standout game against Hassocks Juniors who are in the division below us, they took us to extra-time, and we won with virtually the last kick of the game.”

Then finally, he added: “They’re (the players) looking very excited and they’ll be used to this kind of environment as we play at East Grinstead’s home ground every week, but I think it’s the actual occasion with maybe a bigger crowd etc. but they’re looking forward to it.”

Entry prices for the final were as follows:
£4.00 Adult (17+)
£2.00 Concession (65+ and students with valid student ID card)
FREE Child (16 and under)
£1.50 Official Match Day Programme

For further details about the Sussex Stan Beattie Memorial Trophy please contact Competitions:

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