The 1st team of Icklesham Casuals reached the last eight of the Sussex Junior Cup on Saturday with an excellent 3-1 victory over Crawley Devils.
The tie was originally scheduled to be played at Icklesham Recreation Ground but after being postponed once and then the game being abandoned after 20 minutes a fortnight ago, under the rules of the competition the fixture is then switched to the opposition ground.
The team therefore made the journey to Crawley to face their strong Mid-Sussex League Division One opponents. They were rewarded with first-half goals from Charlie Cornford and Steffan Davies to lead 2-0 at the interval but only thanks to some great saves from goalkeeper Jack Davies.
Crawley Devils put the Casuals under pressure in the second period and pulled a goal back. Despite then being reduced to 10 men they continued to test the Icklesham defence but a great through ball saw Jack Hobden one-on-one with the Crawley Devils keeper and he slotted home to relieve the pressure and secure a 3-1 win.
The quarter final is scheduled for this Saturday against Montpelier Villa Reserves with the game being played at the University of Sussex. Montpelier Villa play in the same division as Crawley Devils.
The 2nd team extended their unbeaten run to seven games with a 4-1 win over a young Beckley Rangers side. The Casuals took an early lead when Phil Badrock slotted home from 12 yards after a cross from Stewart Marshall but soon conceded an equaliser with Luke Townsend scoring with a well-struck free-kick from 20 yards.
Icklesham then scored three quick goals before the break with Marshall netting from close range, defender Ken Wadbrook toe-ending in an effort after bursting into the box and Badrock getting his second of the game following a mistake from the Beckley keeper. There was no further scoring in the second half with the Casuals remaining in fourth place in Division Five.
This Saturday the 2nd team have a tough game away to Division Four Orington in the quarter final of the Coopers Construction Challenge Cup.
Photo: David Mayne