The final of the Sussex Women’s Challenge Cup is due to take place on Thursday 9 March 2023 between Crawley Wasps and Brighton & Hove Albion.

Crawley Wasps vs. Brighton & Hove Albion
Sussex Women’s Challenge Cup Final
Date: Thursday 9 March 2023
Kick-off: 7:30pm
Venue: Sussex County FA, Culver Road, Lancing, BN15 9AX

Crawley Wasps will be out for revenge in the Sussex Women’s Challenge Cup Final, and ahead of the game we spoke to the Wasps’ manager Charlie McCarthy.

McCarthy took over as head coach of the Wasps in October last year, and they currently sit in twelfth position in the FA Women’s National League South.

Nevertheless, they have managed to secure a place in this final, having started their campaign strongly with a convincing 8-1 win over Chichester City.

Their free scoring form continued into the Quarter-Finals, beating Eastbourne United Association 8-0 to advance to the next round.

However, a stubborn Worthing side awaited, with the Wasps having to dig deep to get a result.

But thanks to a well-timed header from Flo Jackson, the Crawley side advanced to the final.

Now for McCarthy and his side, attention turns to Thursday and the potential prize that awaits them.

“It would be nice if our journey ends with a trophy, of course,” McCarthy said.

Yet as impressive as the cup run has been, it’s been events off the pitch that have attracted the most attention on the Wasps this season.

It was announced on the 27 February via a club statement that, from next season onwards, that Crawley Wasps will merge with Haywards Heath Town in what is expected to be an “exciting new partnership” in the words of club owner and Chairman, Jack Ayles.

McCarthy shared that he would be delighted if his team can obtain some silverware before the merger becomes a fact.

The last Sussex Women’s Challenge Cup Final victory for the Wasps came in 2021 when they beat Chichester on penalties.

Yet a year later, they were unable to hold onto the trophy, losing 3-1 to a Brighton & Hove Albion side under the management of Sinead Hogan-Belcher.

Crawley head coach McCarthy is aware of that; however, he is keen on proving his team can face-up Brighton again and go for the win.

“Yes, we have met Brighton in the [Women’s Challenge] Cup some time ago, and I have inherited a couple of very good cup runs - it would be great to win it again this time round!

“It will definitely be a challenge,” McCarthy said.

McCarthy invited Wasps’ supporters to get behind their team at Lancing next week to help them win back a trophy and cap off a turbulent year for the club.

Entry prices are as follows (Cash and Card accepted):

£7.00 Adult (17+)
£5.00 Concession (66+ and students with valid student ID card)
£1.00 Child (16 and under)
£1.50 Official Match Day Programme

For further details about the Sussex Women’s Challenge Cup please contact:

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