The 1st team of Icklesham Casuals reached the semi-final of the Wisdens Sports Challenge Cup with a 4-1 victory over Hollington United II on Saturday.
Charlie Cornford put Icklesham ahead early on before doubling the lead after 34 minutes following a fine solo run. Cornford then completed a first-half hat-trick when he fired home a free-kick in the 40th minute awarded for a foul on Phil Badrock on the edge of the Hollington penalty area.
Playing with the wind in the second half, Hollington started well and put the Casuals under pressure but Icklesham had chances to increase the lead particularly when Badrock’s effort went through but was tipped onto the bar by the Hollington keeper.
Hollington pulled a goal back after 62 minutes netting from close range after Icklesham keeper Jack Davies saved an initial shot. The scoring was completed with three minutes to go when Badrock finished neatly following a through ball by Jack Hobden.
The win set up a semi-final against Catsfield with the match due to be played on the March 10.
The second team, weakened through a number of regular players being called up to the 1st team, went down 3-0 in their league game away to Battle Baptists III.
David Mayne