The final of the Sussex Intermediate Challenge Cup in memory of Matthew Grimstone and Jacob Schilt is due to take place on Wednesday 17 April 2019 between Upper Beeding and Hollington United.

Upper Beeding vs. Hollington United
Sussex Intermediate Challenge Cup Final in memory of Matthew Grimstone and Jacob Schilt 
Date: Wednesday 17 April 2019
Kick-off: 7.15pm
Venue: Sussex County FA, Culver Road, Lancing, West Sussex, BN15 9AX

Upper Beeding are surprise finalists in the Sussex Intermediate Challenge Cup but they are determined to make the most of their opportunity as they prepare to face Hollington United at Culver Road.

The Southern Combination Football League Division Two side pulled off a big shock in the semi-final as they won 3-1 after extra-time against a Rustington team who top their table. It was a result few could have forecast with Upper Beeding in the lower reaches of the division but joint manager Jamie Hollis has belief in his team as they get ready for one of the biggest days in the club’s history.

Hollis, who runs the team with Tom Warren, said: “You couldn’t have really picked a harder semi-final opponent for us to have. The guys have good character about them and confidence when they want to, so it is about getting our heads down, working hard and getting to where we deserve to be. That paid off in the semi-final and the same will be required for the final.

“I have never doubted we can get a result against anyone. Even though our league form doesn’t look great and where we sit in the league doesn’t look great, from the beginning of the season working with them we never doubted that on the day and when everything goes in their favour they are a fantastic bunch of players. Unfortunately, and they will tell you this themselves, it doesn’t happen like that week in, week out. But I know it is there and they know it is there.”

Upper Beeding is a small club. They have to drive to their clubhouse, which is a local pub called The Rising Sun. Hollis said: “It shows what sort of club we are, how small we are that we have to travel round the corner - admittedly only two minutes round the corner - to our clubhouse. There are teams in that competition who have everything on site and manage themselves. For us to go up against them and pick them off, it shows what a massive opportunity it is.

“In terms of the club’s history, it is probably the biggest game we have had so we are looking forward to it. It a case of getting our heads down, getting on with the job we need to do and then we can enjoy it afterwards.”

The final is an equally big occasion for Hollington United, who have an extra special motivation to lift the trophy.

Manager Scott Price said: “Hollington have never been in a Sussex cup final before so it is a massive thing for the club. A lot has gone on at the club in the last year. The chairman’s wife who was secretary has not been well so for us it is massive to get there for her. If it wasn’t for Wendy Hustwayte and her husband Les the club wouldn’t be where we are now. That gives us an extra incentive.”

Hollington are a club on the up since former Rye United boss Price returned to his roots three years ago, having played for the club at the age of fifteen. In his first two seasons as manager they won both the East Sussex Football League Premier Division and the Hastings Intermediate Cup on each occasion. They have now switched to the Mid-Sussex Football League and are chasing a move to senior football. 

Price said: “I made it clear before I took over I wanted a goal. The club has pushed on, we have plans drawn up for a 3G pitch to be put in place and then in the next two or three years we should be able to get senior football.”

Hollington’s team includes a mixture of youth and experience, such as Sean Ray who was player-manager of Hastings when they reached the third round of The FA Cup in 2013, losing 4-1 away to Middlesbrough. Price knows he will need that experience to overcome Upper Beeding. He added: “League positions don’t come into it. Any team that can beat Rustington 3-1 will be tough.”

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

For further details about the Sussex Intermediate Challenge Cup please contact Competitions:

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