By defeating Mayfield 6-0 in their final game of the season last Saturday, coupled with Hollington United II’s 3-3 draw against Sovereign Saints, the 1st team of Icklesham Casuals secured runners-up to Sovereign Saints in Division Two of the East Sussex League, therefore gaining promotion back to Division One.
The opening half proved frustrating with plenty of possession but few chances created, until with a minute of the half remaining Charlie Cornford received a pass from Ollie Beaumont, beat a Mayfield defender and slotted the ball past the advancing keeper.
The second period was dominated by Icklesham and saw five goals in an eleven minute spell. In the 58th minute Beaumont received a ball from Steffan Davies and played in Liam Sayer who turned and fired low into the net. Sayer got his second goal a minute later, back-heeling the ball into the net.
On 63 minutes Cornford ran from the halfway line to score a fine solo goal and Sayer completed his hat-trick three minutes later after another pass from Beaumont. The scoring was completed in the 69th minute when Davies’ shot was deflected into the net.
The previous Saturday the team completed their home fixtures with a resounding 9-1 win over St. Leonards Social II.
The Casuals started well by putting Social under pressure and Steffan Davies opened the scoring on 25 minutes and shortly after added a second. Charlie Cornford then placed a 20 yard free-kick into the top corner to make in 3-0 at half-time.
Icklesham started the second half as they ended the first by working hard and moving the ball around well, and went 4-0 up soon after the restart with Liam Sayer finishing after being put through. The goals then started to flow with Sayer and Cornford both getting their second of the match and Mike Amar, Phil Badrock and Solly Cooke also scoring while Social netted a consolation.
The last few seasons have been a struggle for both teams but the 2017-18 season will go down as one of the most memorable in the club’s history, with the 1st team not only finishing runners-up in the league’ but also lifting the Wisdens Sports Challenge Cup with the 4-0 victory over Sovereign Saints in early April. Not forgetting the vast improvement shown by the 2nd team who finished in sixth place in Division Five and can hopefully push on next season.
The season also saw Charlie Cornford break John Dunk’s goal scoring record for a single season which has stood since 1957-58. Cornford ended the campaign with 63 goals in all matches.
A massive ‘thank you’ to managers Michael Rogers, Martin Tytherleigh and Mike Beaumont for all their hard work throughout the season, to all the players, to all those who helped to provide tea and refreshments at 1st team home games and to everyone who helped to run the club and supported the teams throughout the year. Also a big thank you to sponsors Littlewoods Fencing and H R S Rail for their backing.
Photos: Icklesham Casuals