Sussex Junior Challenge Cup Preview
The final of the Sussex Junior Challenge Cup is due to take place on Wednesday 13 April 2022 between Ifield Sports and The Junior Club Tackleway.
Ifield Sports vs. The Junior Club Tackleway
Date: Wednesday 13 April 2022
Kick-off: 7:15pm
Venue: Sussex County FA, Culver Road, Lancing, BN15 9AX
It’s Mid-Sussex League meets East Sussex League on Wednesday evening as Ifield Sports face 2019 runners up, The Junior Club Tackleway.
Ifield Sports boss, Jamie Martin, had this to say ahead of the game: “It’s a great feeling having reached the final makes all those cold wet days feel worthwhile! It would mean everything to lift the trophy hopefully first of many to come.
“Our journey started three seasons ago we’ve added a few to the original group along the way each year winning promotion.
“The County Cup is one we’ve been working towards achieving but COVID has prevented us so far, so it’s a massive game for us.
“Our players will just treat this like any other game just do what we know there capable, and they’ll be fine. Just treat this as another day at the office let our football do the talking continue to be fearless on the pitch.”
For Tackleway manager, James Glavin, he wants his players to play for the right reasons.
“We're excited and nervous - all the clichés in football really! I'm very proud to represent the town in a cup final, I've tried to get that across to the players.
“It's the biggest game for us at this level of football. So that's something to definitely proud of but then you have all the apprehensions that come with that of playing a big game.
“We've got a lot of players that have played a higher level - you tend to get a lot of players I our league that drop down the leagues at a certain stage of their career.
“To be honest, what I want to drill into them is the representation of the club and the town. Rather than make it about the football which takes care of itself, you're either good enough on the day or you're not.
“I want them to be proud to represent us and not get soaked into how they play too much, I don't think they need to worry about that.”
Whilst analysing opposition teams isn’t at the forefront of a manager’s mind in the East Sussex League, Jamie is under no illusions that Ifield will be a strong test.
“I only know what I've researched on Ifield. We beat Polegate Town in the Quarter-Finals who are in their league, but we don't want to measure it too much on that.
“We expect them to be good and I've been told what to expect of them. They've played two teams already that are a league below us winning quite comfortably and knowing the caliber of those teams, I expect them to be good.”
Lastly, he told us what it would mean for his team to be crowned champions: “It would be amazing to be champions of Sussex - I only came to the club this season so on a personal level I'd be really happy. But for the lads as well, I have a lot of friends in this team.
“Tackleway got to the final two years ago and lost so there's a few lads who want to really get their hands on it this year.
“The team talk will be what it is and will be fairly straight forward - I don't need to get the boys up for this they've been in big games before and there will be a few that want to right some wrongs.”
Entry prices are as follows (Cash and Card accepted):
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 Junior Challenge Cup please contact Competitions:
Competitions
T: 01903 753547
E: Competitions@SussexFA.com