AS Eastbourne claimed victory in the Sussex W J Jewell Trophy Final (Under-12s) as they produced an impressive performance to beat Patcham United 2-1 at Culver Road.

Two goals from captain Lincoln Shearey either side of the interval, including a dramatic winner four minutes from time, sealed victory for Eastbourne, who deservedly won the match despite a second-half fightback from Patcham to claim the trophy.

After an even start, Eastbourne began to take control of the game, and enjoyed the lion’s share of chances in the first-half.

Winger Archie McGonigle came close to giving Eastbourne an early lead after just eight minutes when he was played through one-on-one, but he was denied by Patcham goalkeeper Bobby Gates who reacted excellently to block the shot with his legs.

Eastbourne began to dominate possession and create chances in abundance, with Ola Ademola calling Gates into action again in the twenty-second minute as his fiercely-struck effort from the edge of the area was tipped around the post.

Their patience was finally rewarded in the twenty-eighth minute when Shearey found himself through on goal and smashed the ball into the bottom corner to give Anthony Storey’s side the lead.

Seconds before half-time they had the chance to double their advantage; winger Blu Olsen’s floated cross into the penalty area looked inviting, but nobody was able to provide the finishing touch.

After the break Patcham began to grow into the game and drive forward with intent.

Rio Sass went close for the Reds nine minutes into the second half as his chipped effort was clawed away by Eastbourne goalkeeper Alex Dadgostar, and four minutes later Demar Blair breezed past several Eastbourne defenders before being felled right on the edge of the area.

The resulting free kick saw Patcham draw level. Callum Hall’s stunning strike flew over the wall and nestled in the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper rooted and giving Patcham a chance to come from behind to snatch victory in the closing stages.

However, Eastbourne responded well, with Ola Ademola in particular proving difficult for Patcham to deal with in the middle of the park.

They continued to pile the pressure on the Patcham defence, and eventually grabbed a late winner through Shearey who poked the ball home from inside the area with four minutes remaining.

Patcham threw men forward as the clock ticked down, trying to force the game to extra-time, but AS Eastbourne held strong to seal the victory and take home the W J Jewell Trophy for the first time.

Eastbourne manager Anthony Storey praised his side’s winning performance after the match: “It’s a fantastic achievement for the boys, and it’s also a fantastic achievement for the club.

“I think out there with the nine boys today, six of them are a year younger. Some of the boys have a bright future ahead of them.

“The boys have done really well and I’m really proud of them.”

(A selection of photographs can be found on Facebook - courtesy of Simon Roe Photography)
(Video highlights are available above and also on YouTube - courtesy of FilmMyMatch)

Stats: (AS Eastbourne-Patcham United)
Goals: 2-1; Shots: 9-3; Shots-on-target: 5-3; Corners: 8-1; Fouls: 3-4; Yellow cards: 0-0; Red cards: 0-0.

AS Eastbourne: Dadgostor, Ademola, Creese, Davis, McGonigle, Olsen, Smart, Thomas, Shearing ©.
Subs: N/A

Patcham United: Gates, Pratt, Bartlett ©, Edwards, Sass, Blair, Hall, Field, Allen.
Subs: Knight, Westwood, Rollinson-Payne.

Match report by Archie Griggs