The final of the Sussex Stan Beattie Memorial Trophy (Under-15s) is due to take place on Sunday 26 March 2023 between Eastbourne Borough and Bognor Regis Town.

Eastbourne Borough vs. Bognor Regis Town
Sussex Stan Beattie Memorial Trophy Final (Under-15s)
Date: Sunday 26 March 2022
Kick-off: 6:30pm
Venue: Sussex County FA, Culver Road, Lancing, West Sussex, BN15 9AX

Ahead of the weekend, we spoke to the managers of both teams to get their thoughts on the big occasion.

Wilf Holman, who has been in charge of Eastbourne Borough for two years now, spoke of how great an experience coaching the boys has been so far.

“It's been a really good experience,” said Holman, “we’ve got good facilities at Eastbourne Borough, and the boys are profiting from it.”

Regarding Eastbourne’s league campaign this season, Holman said that the league offers a different test every week.

“No week is an easy week and there are lots of good guys, lots of other good coaches in there.

“I think there is a good relationship between most of the coaches in the league as well,” Holman said.

Eastbourne had a fairly comfortable route to the final, up until the semi-final against Three Bridges, according to Holman.

“Three Bridges were an excellent side - we were 2-0 down and at that point we were heading out of the competition,” he said.

“But we put in a very good performance in the second-half and with penalties, well, it’s luck, we didn’t miss one and they did. We were fortunate.”

Eastbourne are quite familiar with their opponents, Bognor Regis Town, as they play in the same league and have faced each other a few times.

“We’re well known to each other this year - they have very good guys over there. We’ve been lucky to win every time we have faced them so far, but it could have gone either way in any of those games, so the final will be tough.

“We have a lot of respect for what they do but will be at our best to be able to beat them,” Holman said.

Holman’s message for fans and parents traveling along on the day: “It's going to be a really good game and if we have the luck on the day, maybe we can pick up the trophy as well, but I would just really appreciate making the effort to come and support the boys.”

Bognor Regis Town manager Nick Scott is very much looking forward to the game on Sunday as well.

On their way to the final, Bognor played their first game in the third round, as they got a bye and a walkover in the first and second rounds, respectively.

They faced Hastings United in the third round, which Scott described as “a competitive game.”

“The quarter-final was obviously a bit of an easier path in some respects: winning 8-0 against Oakwood,” said Scott.

“We'd played them the previous season in the League, so we knew a bit about the side and were able to get through that round.”

Bognor breezed through the semi-final afterwards, beating Hassocks Phoenix 4-1.

Scott said the boys are delighted to reach the final again, especially after reaching it last year as well but surrendering to Lewes 1-2.

“Obviously, a huge achievement for the boys [reaching the final] and they’re all really looking forward to the match,” said Scott.

“Eastbourne are again a side from our division, we're expecting a very tough game against them. They're certainly a decent outfit.”

For the big day, Scott said all the parents are equally excited to reach a final again.

“We certainly feel we’re capable of winning on the day, especially if the boys put in the performance that they’re capable of.

My message to [fans and parents] would be to get behind the team, to cheer them on and hopefully see us do the business on the day to lift the trophy!”

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

£5.00 Adult (17+)
£3.00 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 Stan Beattie Memorial Trophy Final (Under-15s) please contact:

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