Shaun Saunders, Haywards Heath Town Manager

Heath hope to reach Senior Cup Final

Photo courtesy of Grahame Lehkyj
Haywards Heath Town preview ahead of the Sussex Senior Challenge Cup Semi-Final

The first Semi-Final of the Sussex Senior Challenge Cup is due to take place on Wednesday 27 February 2019 between Haywards Heath Town and Burgess Hill Town. 

Haywards Heath Town vs. Burgess Hill Town
Sussex Senior Challenge Cup Semi-Final 
Date: Wednesday 27 February 2019
Kick-off: 7.15pm
Venue: Sussex County FA, Culver Road, Lancing, West Sussex, BN15 9AX 

The Bostik Football League South East division side, Haywards Heath are in fine form having lost only two matches out of eighteen in all competitions and are also in the mix for the league play-offs.

Not only have they already got their hands on Sussex silverware after edging past Albion under-23s with a 1-0 victory at the start of the season, but they are finalists in the Sussex Principal RUR Charity Cup and will be giving it their all to reach the Sussex Senior Challenge Cup Final Wednesday evening, under the lights at Culver Road.

Shaun Saunders is in his third season as Heath manager and has been extremely successful since taking on the job, leading his side to promotion last year from the Southern Combination Football League into the Bostik League being the most notable achievement thus far.

The ex-County League player commented on his side’s achievements: “It’s been an unbelievable season so far, we are in one final, and we are fifth in the league, so we are in a play-off place in the league and the semi-final of the Senior Cup so it couldn’t be much better.

“It’s been fantastic, I love the competition, I was lucky enough to go all the way with Peacehaven so I know what the Cup is all about and it’s a cup that I really respect.

“The fact we have made the semi-final is a testament to how hard our players have worked and it’s been a great journey so far.”

Saunders admitted that he thought it was the end of the road when they drew League 2 side Crawley Town away in the second round, but his side came out on top with an impressive 3-1 win: “We just said let’s treat it like a Cup Final, let’s enjoy it, give a good account of ourselves and not be fearful of anybody and we got the result.”

Although the high flyers are reaping with confidence going into the semi-final, Saunders insists that the occasion will be a test for his boys against Burgess Hill Town who compete in the division above. 

“They have some good players and are run well and organised, so we knows it’s going to be a tough night. We know we are massive underdogs but sometimes I don’t mind that. It’s cup football so anything can happen,” he continued. 

Luckily for Saunders, he will have the pleasure of selecting his strongest squad as no key players are missing for the local cup clash.

It’s been some time since Haywards Heath have been in for a real shot of reaching the Sussex Senior Challenge Cup Final, so Saunders is hoping for the Haywards Heath faithful to show their support by making the trip to Sussex County FA’s HQ. 

“We have got a massive mountain to overcome to make it to the final, but if we get there it will be a great achievement for everyone!”

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 Sussex Senior Challenge Cup please contact Competitions:

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