Underdogs lift Observer Cup

THE underdogs again took the honours in the latest Hastings & East Sussex Sunday Football League final as Essenden kept their nerve to edge past holders Oddfellows Arms II and lift the Observer Cup.
By The Newsroom
Published 1st Apr 2004, 15:51 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 20:09 BST

Just a week after Hungry Horse Boys saw off Hooe GAF in the Wisden Plate, it was the turn of Division Three Essenden to upset the formbook with a tense penalty shoot-out win over their Second Division opponents at the Pilot Field on Sunday.

The Odds took the lead through Mark Hodd only for Richard Tompkins to equalise. Both sides had chances to win the match in normal and extra time but 1-1 was how it remained.

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The shoot-out had everything with the Odds hitting the post with their first effort, other penalties being sent high and wide and John Harrigan pulling off a fine save before Mark Potter, who along with Paul Kerry had started Essenden three years ago, secured the trophy by rifling home the last spot-kick for a 3-2 shoot-out win.

This Sunday's final is a battle of the giants between champions Bexhill United and runners-up Ridge West Garage in what should be a gripping contest for the Demarco Cup. Kick-off at the Pilot Field is 5pm.

Bexhill warmed up for the clash with a 3-0 win against Tilekiln Community Centre, while Ridge West triumphed 2-0 over Abbey with goals from Kevin Rose and Simon Trevena.

Related topics:Mark PotterBexhill United