Icklesham Casuals much improved season continued last Saturday, when the 1st team reached the last 16 of the Sussex Junior Cup with a 6-2 victory over Diversity United, while the 2nd team gained an excellent point in a 1-1 draw with Division Five leaders Sedlescombe Rangers III, who prior to the game had not dropped a point.
The 1st team made the long journey to Preston Park to take on their Brighton, Worthing and District League Division One opponents. An early exchange of goals saw Charlie Cornford netting for the Casuals and he went on to complete his hat-trick before the interval, to leave Icklesham leading 3-1 at the break.
Diversity United pulled a goal back at the start of the second half, but a further Cornford goal plus strikes from Steffan Davies and Adam Sully put Icklesham safely through to the next round, where they will take on Crawley Devils from Division One of the Mid-Sussex Football League. The tie is scheduled to be played at Icklesham on Saturday January 6, 2018.
The 2nd team were at home to Sedlesombe Rangers III and matched the league leaders with a very good team display. The Icklesham goal came shortly after half time from Dan Russell and the Casuals had chances to win the match. Mike Beaumont put in an exceptional display in midfield while Michael Watson in goal and Ronnie Curtin at centre back both had outstanding games. Jack Swan made two goal line clearances to keep the scores level.
This Saturday December 9, the 1st team are at home to Bexhill Rovers, while the 2nd team make the short trip to Peasmarsh to play Beckley Rangers.