Damion Freeman Saltdean United Manager

Freeman has faith in his players

Saltdean United preview ahead of the Parafix Sussex Senior Challenge Cup Semi-Final

The first Semi-Final of the Parafix Sussex Senior Challenge Cup is due to take place on Tuesday 6 March 2018 between Saltdean United and Crawley Town.

Saltdean United vs. Crawley Town
Parafix Sussex Senior Challenge Cup Semi-Final
Date: Tuesday 6 March 2018
Kick-off: 7.15pm
Venue: Sussex County FA, Culver Road, Lancing, West Sussex, BN15 9AX

Southern Combination Premier League side Saltdean United are having an impressive season to-date. The club have reached two semi-finals, one being this Parafix Sussex Senior Challenge Cup tie and the other the in the Peter Bentley Cup, and they still have ambitions of winning their league.

Damion Freeman, manager of Saltdean United, has been at the club for many years as a player and took on the managerial role at the start of the 2016-17 season.

The ex-centre midfielder has experience of reaching a County Cup Final from his playing days and is relishing the idea of being able to drive his team to silverware. 

Saltdean face Crawley Town, who sit four leagues above them in the football pyramid. With that in mind, Freeman believes that luck may play a part and work in his sides favour: “We are the underdogs but at the end of the day its a one off game and anything can happen...

"We will be trying to cause an upset and hopefully along with some luck, the occasion will get the boys through,” he added. 

Freeman knows what Crawley will bring to the table, but has faith that his side will up their game on Tuesday night.

“Crawley are going to be extremely fit and experienced. I am sure they are going to give it everything.

"But, a lot of our players have played at a high standard, so it’s a case of them playing up to the standard they can and mixing in some of our youngsters, it could work out well for us,” he added. 

The Tigers have dropped points along the way in their league campaign but Freeman claims that his squad perform better against the bigger sides. 

“We do tend to up our game against stronger sides and we are looking forward to playing on the County FA’s 3G pitch, because a better surface generally suits our style of play.”

Freeman speaks very highly of Crawley and praised what they have achieved as a club over the years and aspires to be as successful. 

Tuesday evening will certainly be quite the occasion for the Tigers, and the club are thoroughly looking forward to it said Freeman: “As a club it’s massive for us, we just have to go out there and do the club and our supporters proud.”

Entry prices for the Semi-Final are as follows:
£10.00 Adult (17+)
£5.00 Concession (65+ and students with valid student ID card)
£3.00 Child (16 and under)

For further details about the Parafix Sussex Senior Challenge Cup please contact Competitions':

Competitions'
T: 01903 753547
E: Competitions@SussexFA.com