Lewes were crowned champions of the Sussex Women’s Challenge Cup after a dominating 4-0 victory over Crawley Wasps at Culver Road.

From the get-go, Lewes took control of the match and had many chances, but it was not until the twenty-fifth minute mark that they managed to go ahead. 

It took several occasions before the talented Rookettes striker, Georgia Bridges managed to finish her chances but, when she did, it was well deserved after her consistent hard work up top paid off.

Leeta Rutherford found the Lewes number nine, Bridges with a pin-point pass which enabled her to dribble past her marker across the outside of the box and finish with a powerful strike into the right- hand corner past the Crawley goalkeeper, Frankie Gibbs.

Avilla Bergin who was introduced from the bench made an instant impact and delivered a deep cross into the box giving Bridges a golden chance at goal but was unable to connect properly.

Lewes continued to pile on the pressure giving Gibbs a lot to do in the Wasps goal who managed to react quickly to the oncoming threat and came out of her goal to deny any danger by marking her territory with fearless saves. 

The second-half continued how the first-half finished, with Lewes being on the front foot and pushing forward. And two minutes in The Rookettes extended their lead after Carter gained possession from midfield and smashed the ball over the stranded Gibbs into the back of net.

Moments after, the Wasps reacted positively, Faye Rabson twists and turns with the ball through the box from a quick counter attack but just as she went to shoot, Bergin came swiping through to steal the ball from her.

Bridges gets her brace when Bergin threads a superb ball through into the pathway of her who finished with a fine strike to put Lewes further ahead.

Seven minutes later and Lewes seal the deal after a swift counter attack resulting in Lane slotting the ball calmly past Gibbs who is unable to get down quick enough.

Close to the full-time whistle, the Wasps had a chance to earn themselves a consolation goal as Naomi Cole chipped a clever ball over a wedge of Lewes players into Kenna Webber’s feet who controlled the ball excellently and gets a powerful shot off on target forcing Baker to make her first save of the half.

Despite Crawley’s unquestionable commitment, they were unable to pose any real threat upon opposition Lewes and found themselves defending for the majority of the encounter as Lewes, who compete two tiers above them shone bright with their impressive performance.

(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: (Crawley Wasps Ladies-Lewes Women)
Goals: 0-4; Shots: 6-22; Shots-on-target: 2-11; Corners: 4-2; Fouls: 4-2; Offside: 0-7; Yellow cards: 1-1; Red cards: 0-0.

Crawley Wasps: Gibbs, Duncan, Stephenson, Carter, Ward, Cole (c), Elphick, Rabson, Fleischman, Drury, Webber.
Subs: T. Smith, Davies, Callaghan, N. Smith, Hillman.

Lewes: Baker, Thompson, McCarthy, Wells, McIntyre (c), Rutherford, Carleton, Kempson, Lane, Bridges, Carter.
Subs: Waine, Bergin, Owen, Goldsmid, Newton. 

Match report by Natalie Clarke