The final of the Sussex Transport Senior Cup is set to be played on Wednesday 8 May 2024 between Hastings United and Horsham.

Hastings United vs. Horsham
Sussex Transport Senior Cup Final
Date: Wednesday 8 May 2024
Kick-off: 7:30pm
Venue: American Express Stadium, Village Way, Brighton, BN1 9BL

Dom Di Paola’s Horsham have the chance to cap off a historic season at the club with a Sussex Transport Senior Cup triumph at the Amex Stadium.

It goes without saying that their run to the final was far from straight forward, with Steyning Town Community giving them a highly competitive Semi-Final.

“We expected Steyning to give us a good game, because they’re a confident side and would have seen it as an opportunity to progress,” said Di Paola.

“Of course, the red card made it more of a comfortable game than it could have been, but we had a few injury worries that night, so it was definitely a relief to get through.”

In the Isthmian Football League Premier Division, Horsham got all the way to a play-off Semi-Final, and while they ultimately fell short to Chatham Town, Di Paola is still quick to praise the work his side have put in this season.

“It’s been a long season, and massive credit to the boys for grinding out the results week-in-week-out, especially considering all the games they’ve had to play due to our runs in the cup competitions.

“We’ve got a really good bunch this year, so now it’s just about getting over the line and getting a result at the end of the season that reflects their quality.”

With crunch time very much upon Horsham at the moment, who in the squad would Di Paola say has really stepped up at this crucial time?

“So many players have really put a shift in for us this season,” said Di Paola, “Lucas Rodrigues is one who in the last few weeks has really shown his quality, especially since coming back from loan, but everyone has done themselves and us proud."

Looking ahead to the Final, and for Di Paola’s side, confidence can be taken from the fact that they’ve already done the league double over opponents Hastings United.

“They were both really close games, reflecting the quality of that Hastings side,” said Di Paola, “in each game neither team has been at full strength, so it could be a completely different set of players for the Final.

“They’re a really good side though, and they play a nice brand of football, so it should be a great game come the Final.”

Horsham haven’t lifted the cup since 1976, a fact which is not lost on Di Paola.

“This competition is the pinnacle of football in Sussex, and from a personal point of view it’s one I always want to do well in, and I know the club are also desperate to bring the trophy back to Horsham.

“It would be amazing to get the win, because in the nine or so years since I’ve been here it’s always been something that as a club we’ve been aiming for, so to be able to potentially get over the line and win it, would be really special for all of us!”

Whatever the outcome of the Final, it will have been a highly memorable season for those Horsham fans, so just how great would it be if Di Paola and his side could give them one more memory?

“We’ve been part of one of the greatest seasons in the history of the football club, and our fans have been incredible every step of the way,” said Di Paola.

“A Sussex Senior Cup Final is a special occasion, I’ve been watching them since they were played at the Goldstone and wherever else it ended up each year, so I know just what this competition means to the fans.

“I don’t doubt our fans will turn up in their numbers and bring a real noise with them, and hopefully we’ll be able to channel that into a victory for them!”

Tickets can be purchased online from the Brighton & Hove Albion ticket portal. 

£12.00 Adult
£6.00 Under-18 / 65+
£3.00 Official Match Day Programme
PURCHACE TICKETS

For further details about the Sussex Transport Senior Cup please contact:

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