The final of the Sussex Senior Challenge Cup is due to take place on Tuesday 10 May 2022 between Brighton & Hove Albion and Worthing. 

Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Worthing
Sussex Senior Challenge Cup Final
Date: Tuesday 10 May 2022
Kick-off: 7:15pm
Venue: American Express Community Stadium, Brighton & Hove Albion FC

Brighton face record winners Worthing in the Sussex Senior Cup Final looking to add to their own tally of 13.

The Seagulls have a terrific record in the final, finishing runners-up just once, winning two of the previous three finals. 

Shannon Ruth, Senior Development Phase Coach at Brighton, believes the Amex gets the best of out of his players.

“We're really excited for it and like I said ahead of the Semi-Final, it's a real aim of ours to get to the final of this competition. 

“It makes it extra special for the players for it to be at the Amex. We had a good result there recently against Derby so to go back there and try to get a positive result at our home ground is something the players are keen to do. 

“We try and approach every game the same but to play at the stadium always gets a little bit more from the players.

“We've been very fortunate this year with the stadium games we've had, and some still to come. We have one more in the PL2, the Senior Cup Final, and we go to Tottenham's stadium for our last game of the season.”

What’s more, he speaks of how good it will be to play in front of a big crowd. 

“We're hoping for a good crowd, Worthing's attendance this season have all been high which shows how entertaining they are and what good supporters they have. 

“So, first and foremost we're looking for a good attendance, good crowd, for the players because again, from a development perspective, that's good for our players because we don't get that opportunity very often.

“We don't obviously play in front of big crowds in the PL2 - Papa John's gives us that a little bit but we anticipate this one to be one of the highest attendance they play under this year.” 

Shannon reflects on the semi-final win against Horsham and how that prepares his side for Worthing. 

“It was a pleasing result against Horsham, of course, it was probably the youngest we've been for this stage in the competition, so it shows the development of our academy that we're able to do that. 

“The manner of the result was really pleasing, the game still tested the players in the way that we hoped and the way that this competition does. 

“I've spoken before about how good this competition is for their development so it puts us in good stead but we do know that Worthing will be our toughest challenge yet.

“The form that they are in and they place they are in, we know that it is going to be a tough game for us, for sure. I think from where they are at, they've won the league, we are fully aware there's former Brighton academy players in there, and the connection the club has with Adam, they've done a fantastic job there.” 

Shannon is coy about whether Adam’s son, Jack, will be involved in the final but is really pleased with the variety of players used this season. 

“One thing we've done well with this competition and what it allows us to do is to test a variety of players, form the Under-18s and the Under-23s. 

“We've been able to give everyone a taster of the competition, we will see where we are at come the final but I'm sure every player in the Under-18s and 23s squad will want to play in that game.”

The Sussex Senior Cup Final has previously seen the likes of Robert Sanchez and Ben White feature before and Shannon believes that’s great inspiration for the young players.

“Everything for a young footballer is about experiences and in the academy all we try and give them is as many different experiences as we possibly can. 

“The Sussex Senior Cup gives them a challenge that we can can't necessarily give them in our normal games programme, so it's a really positive thing.

“It also shows how much we value the competition with Rob and Ben playing in this fixture before as well as others in the football pyramid who have previously represented us in this competition so it's clearly one we value.”

Shannon speaks a lot about the development of the players this competition gives them but how they balance that with the desire to win. 

“Development is the main thing, we have to prepare players the best we can to have the best career possible, that's our job. 

“Our main aim so to have as many first team players that are academy graduates, but we try and hope that throughout our season we get players opportunities such as going out on loan.

“Under-18s and Under-23s football is the last step for these players before playing senior football and we believe winning along with development comes hand in hand.” 

Ticket prices:
£12 Adult
£6 Under-18 / 65+

Tickets can be purchased online from Brighton & Hove Albion ticket portal:
BUY TICKETS

For more information about tickets and the Sussex Senior Challenge Cup please contact: 

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