Iden won the Hastings Intermediate Cup in a great final in which their opponents Ore Athletic received five red cards. Iden came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 after extra-time and lifted the cup in the first of their 2 cup finals this week.
Ore received five cards with both Tom Youngman and Nathan Court seeing red for swearing at referee Barry Myers – in Court’s case it came after he had already been substituted. Dan Coglan and Matt Sellick both collected two yellow cards and then Ore official Matthew Cornelius was sent from the dugout for swearing at the referee and the fourth official. He also refused to give his name.
Ore scored when a free kick was flicked on to Grant Cornelius who calmly beat Shane Ridgers and then doubled Athletic’s advantage from the penalty spot. Alfie Weller made it 2-1 on the stroke of half time by heading home after Frank Walker flicked on Sam Cooper’s free kick, this after Ridgers made a great save to keep Iden in the match.
Iden created a plenty of chances in the second half and Rob Levett finally headed them level from another Cooper free kick. The game ended 2-2, meaning extra time was required to separate the sides.
Weller grabbed his second, and the winner, in the first period when he chested down a fantastic ball and then managed to lift it over the goalkeeper.
On Tuesday May 5, Iden travelled to Robertsbridge hoping to complete an amazing double as they faced St Leonard’s Social in the Robertsbridge Intermediate Cup.
The game ended 1-1 with Iden being the better team for the majority of the game against unbeaten Social. There was no extra time so the match was decided by the lottery of a penalty shoot, which Iden lost 4-3, after missing their final two penalties.
Iden Manager Chip Winton in his final game in charge said, “I’ve really enjoyed the last two years with all involved with the club. Thanks to all the usual faces that supported the team. It’s been an absolute pleasure and I will be a supporter next year”.
Photos by Charmaine Ridgers