An exciting game at Icklesham Recreation Ground on Saturday February 18, saw the 2nd team of Icklesham Casuals reach the semi-finals of the Hastings Lower Divisions Cup, with a 4-3 victory on penalties over Northiam ’75 II, after the match finished 2-2 after extra time.
An early Dan Russell run ended with a shot that squeezed in at the near post, to put Icklesham ahead and the home side looked confident, with George Richardson running the game from just in front of the midfield. However, Northiam, who were hitting their big strikers early, hit back with two quick goals.
Several chances were missed, before substitute Solly Cooke lifted the ball to the far post for Stewart Marshall to head home the equaliser. Russell, Richardson and Cooke all had efforts that struck the crossbar, but in extra time the Icklesham dominance was rewarded, when they were awarded a penalty with 5 minutes to go, but Paul Daniels slipped and his shot was saved.
So to penalties: Lee Pierce coolly stroked his penalty home and Jon Fitton nearly broke the net with his, before a save from Roy McInnes put the Casuals ahead. Jack Swan and Paul Daniels were also successful, but Dan Russell’s penalty slid wide, leaving Roy McInnes to pull off a flying save, to give the team a deserved win.
The semi-final will be at home to Magham Down on Saturday March 11.
The 1st team suffered a disappointing 4-1 defeat away to Mountfield United, with Sean Baker netting the goal. The veterans also suffered a heavy defeat, losing 7-1 on Sunday afternoon away to a very strong Hailsham Town Veterans team, in the Eastbourne Veterans League.