The final of the Sussex Women’s Challenge Cup is due to take place on Wednesday 23 February 2022 between Crawley Wasps and Brighton & Hove Albion.

Crawley Wasps vs. Brighton & Hove Albion
Sussex Women’s Challenge Cup Final 
Date: Wednesday 23 February 2022 
Kick-off: 7.15pm
Venue: Sussex County FA, Culver Road, Lancing, West Sussex, BN15 9A

Dan Logue only became the permanent boss of Crawley Wasps at the start of this year, having originally taken over on an interim basis. 

He has high ambitions for his side going forward and for him, that starts with retaining the cup they won for the first time in 2020.  

“It's going to be a very good game I think. It's a cup final, which is something they should all be up for. If you aren't motivated to win a cup final, there must be some issues!

“The County Cups are the battle of where you're from. It's the local trophy and you want those bragging rights. The club has good history in this competition, and we want to win it again. 

“I think with the players we have in the squad, experienced players, and some young players as well, I think it's good for them to showcase the level they are at. 

“Like I said, if I have to try and motivate the girls to win a cup, there's another issue there. They will want to finish this season with a trophy, that's why we're in the game. 

“We just need to play to our game-plan which if we stick to, I think we have every chance of winning. If we don't stick to it, we'll be causing our own problems.” 

Dan has a lot of experience in the women’s game and as a result, knows Brighton and their manager, Sinead Fitzsimons, only too well. 

“I know a lot about them to be fair. One of my other roles, before I took the Crawley job, was England Women's Talent Reporter. I still do it now more locally and basically look at academy players that can potentially be international players for England. 

“So, I know the girls well at Brighton, and I know Naz (Sinead) well, she was one of the people that brought me in at Millwall Lionesses. I started coaching there when I got back from America. 

“So yeah I know a fair bit about them, and Naz was at our game the other week, so I wouldn't be surprised if they know a fair bit about us!”

In Dan’s time within women’s football, he’s noticed its rapid growth, but believes in a certain approach for it to fulfil its full potential. 

“It's fantastic to see the how quick it's grown. It's something that has grown quite quickly in a short period of time. 

“I still think there's a lot of things that need to be handled better but like a lot of things, when something grows quickly, it's hard to keep hold of everything. 

“It's just about managing situations and trying to stay ahead of the game. Understanding what problems could come, and how do we eliminate that before it happens.” 

Dan applies that same methodology to what he wants to achieve with Crawley and lastly, tells us of his ambitions with the club.

“We're mid-table but I only took the job on a full-time basis at the beginning of this year. We've only actually played three league games since then which we've won two and lost one. We're a bit inconsistent and it's something we're looking to build on to try and finish as high as we can in the league. 

“The club's ambition is to get to the Women's Championship. They want to be a Championship club and it's an ambition I also follow and believe in. 

“There's a lot going on behind the scenes to try and get that in place. The ambition is there but we just have to stay ahead of the growth. We need to make sure we are where we want to be as a club before we get that promotion. 

“If we do get promotion we are then in a stable environment. We don't want to see the unfortunate events that happened to Coventry. We need to make sure we stay in our lane and don't push boundaries that are ahead of the club.”

Entry prices for the final are as follows:

£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
PURCHASE TICKETS

For further details about the Sussex Women’s Challenge Cup please contact Competitions:

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