Under-23s Final 2020

Sussex Under-23s Challenge Cup Preivew

Horsham vs. Langney Wanderers

The final of the Sussex Under-23s Challenge Cup is due to take place on Tuesday 11 February 2020 between Horsham and Langney Wanderers.

Horsham vs. Langney Wanderers
Sussex Under-23 Challenge Cup Final
Date: Tuesday 11 February 2020
Kick-off: 7.15pm
Venue: Sussex County FA, Culver Road, Lancing, West Sussex, BN15 9AX

The Hornets compete in the Bluefin Sports Insurance Isthmian Development League South where they lie fifth in a very competitive league, just three points off top spot. Langney on the other hand are in the Southern Combination Football League East and sit mid-table and have beat some very good teams en route to the final.

Horsham, and the good season they are having, has received praise form Langney boss, Bayley Colbran, who has big admiration for The Hornets: “I don’t believe we have ever come up against Horsham before but it’s a club I have massive respect for and I’m really looking forward to seeing some familiar faces again. 

“It’s going to be a real tough game; we’re going into the game as massive underdogs with them being in a much stronger league and also us having a few players out due to a trip but it’s a cup so anything can happen!”

Horsham’s history dates all the way back to 1871 when they played their first ever game against Reigate but it wasn’t until 1881 when they became an affiliated side playing regular football. 

The Hornets find themselves in a good position, with their under-23s and senior side high up in their respective leagues, that follows after attempts to run an under-23 side were abandoned last year due to lack of training facilities.

Mark Hawthorne, however, stepped in to manage the team this season has had an enjoyable experience in the competition so far: “It’s pleasing to get to the final and we have been part of some really entertaining games so far which have all been close!

“We don’t know too much about Langney but with the tough tests we have had so far, we expect nothing less from them. 

“We will prepare as much as possible and treat all opponents with total respect. I hope it’s a cracking game and enjoyable evening for both clubs, players, staff and parents.”

Langney Wanderers are a vastly newer club having only been formed in 2010, but have been on the up ever since and the under-23s has acted as a very useful pathway to the senior team which Colbran sees as his main motivation: “At the end of the day, the under-23s are here for development and we have had a lot of lads feature for the first team.

“You can see the difference between them now and the beginning of the season and that is amazing to see. That was the aim, so getting to a cup final was extra and to get silverware would be the icing on the cake.”

Entry prices for the final are as follows:
£6.00 Adult (17+)
£4.00 Concession (65+ and students with valid student ID card)
FREE Child (16 and under)
£1.50 Official Match Day Programme

For further details about the Sussex Under-23s Challenge Cup please contact Competitions:

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

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