The final of the Sussex Intermediate Challenge Cup is due to take place on Wednesday 27 April 2022 between Jarvis Brook and Sidley United.

Jarvis Brook vs. Sidley United
Sussex Intermediate Challenge Cup Final in memory of Matthew Grimstone and Jacob Schilt
Date: Wednesday 27 April 2022
Kick-off: 7:15pm
Venue: Sussex County FA, Culver Road, Lancing, BN15 9AX

Southern Combination Football League (SCFL) side Jarvis Brook face Mid Sussex Premier Division Champions Sidley United in what is sure to be a tasty affair.

Jarvis Brook manager, Ed Handford, is excited for the occasion that it brings to the club.

“It feels amazing for everyone involved at the club and the local community. They really came out and showed there support during the semi-final & I’m sure they will do the same for the Final. 

“It’s been a wild cup run full of so many twists and turns for us it’s been a tad stressful at times, but I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world and now were just counting down the days till the big day.

“I think it’s a mixture of emotions at the moment but mainly excitement about having the opportunity to play at Lancing in a final with hopefully a big crowd and test themselves against a very good side in Sidley.”

Talking of his side’s opponents he is aware of the threat Sidley pose and wants to learn from their meeting in pre-season.

“I think the boys know it will be a tough game and we will need to put the graft in to get a result but there ready to show what they can do.

“We actually played each other pre-season and they were the better side and came away with a victory. It was a bit of an eye opener for us, but we learnt from our mistakes and it helped us to have the season we have had. 

“They have some fantastic players at the club who have played a very good level and would certainly be challengers in our division for the title.”

But for Ed, he thinks his team cohesion and mental strength of his players will be a big factor.

“I have every confidence they will step up and give me everything they have and as a manager I can’t ask for much more than that. 

“They have been excellent all season listening to everything myself and Jacob have told them. It’s been by far my most enjoyable season as a manager with this group of lads.

“For the club it would be unbelievable achievement and would show how far we have come not just as a team but as a club. Our squad is quite a young squad bar a couple of the lads but there all local within a few miles of our ground.

“The  majority all  grew up together playing for the club as Juniors so it really would mean the absolute world and would be a great example for the junior section.”

The final tops off a successful journey thus far for Ed and his team and wants to reward everyone involved with the club.

“I’ve been involved with Jarvis Brook reserves at first when I was 20 before becoming first team manager in 19/20 season so around 4 years now. 

“The core of the squad remains very similar to my first game. Unfortunately, my first 2 seasons were cut short by the pandemic so it has been nice to get through a full season with no interruptions. 

“The start of this season we also managed to get the clubs other manager Jacob Baldwin to come into the fold and he has been nothing short of incredible with the boys and really helped us get to this final and also finish 2nd in the division with the least goals conceded in the league.  

“But without the help and support of the people behind the scenes such as Vice Chairman Carl Berwick, Groundsman Frammy & Graham and so many other important people at the club we wouldn’t have been able to go on this journey at all so Ive got to give my thanks and praise to all the people who have allowed us to.

“I think just to put in the work for each other and enjoy the occasion. It’s not everyday opportunities like this come around in football & is why we all started playing when we were kids for games like this.”

Sidley United manager, John Carey, is very confident ahead of the final but knows his side need to be at their best.

“We're feeling great and ready to go! All the boys can't wait, and they're fit. I've got one striker who is doubtful for 90 minutes but other than that we should be good to go.

“It will be the icing on the cake for us to win this competition. We're hopefully going to be presented with the Mid Sussex Premier Division trophy on the day as well, so it'll be nice to lift two!

“We played Jarvis Brook pre-season and to be fair we beat them very comfortably and we beat Rustington 4-1 in the semi who are top of their league, so I'll be disappointed not to win if I'm honest.

“To be fair to Jarvis Brook though I thought they were a good side, and they played some really good football so it should make for a good final.

“It was one of those days really, we create a lot of chances and every chance went in for us when we played them!”

Lastly, he told us of his ambitions with the club and what he’ll say to the team ahead of the game: “I took over four years ago and my number one goal was to get back into the County League. I'm not sure whether it will happen or not but it's where I want the club to be.

“I'll tell them just to do what they've done all season. These lads know what to do, they've played at a high level most of them, so I trust them all to do a job.”

Entry prices are as follows (Cash and Card accepted):

£6.00 Adult (17+)
£4.00 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 Intermediate Challenge Cup please contact:

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