15/3/09

Lewes prepared for Thursday’s Sussex Challenge Cup Final with a superb win away at Gillingham today.

Goals from Katie Hodges, Kirstie Spice, Kelly Newton and Claire Trafford, with only one in reply from the Gills, ensured that they take on Brighton & Hove Albion full of confidence.

The two highest ranked Sussex teams in women’s football will contest the title of the best team in Sussex in a re-run of the 2007 final in which Albion triumphed 4-2. However this year promises to be a very close run affair and the Rooks are gunning for an upset.
 
The Cup history of both teams could not be more different. Albion are the current holders and have won it more times than any other team whereas Lewes finished runners up in their only final appearance two years ago.

Albion, long-term competitors in the Southern Division of the FA Women’s Premier League, also outrank their opponents in league competition with Lewes currently flying high in the South East Combination League (SECL), one tier below.
 
So on paper Albion will be considered outright favourites however it would be dangerous to bet against Lewes. Manager Jacquie Agnew has put the Cup firmly on her wish list for this season and believes that, following several seasons of squad building and league climbing, her players have what it takes to win.

Certainly in terms of ability the teams are evenly matched with both sides contributing equally to the Sussex representative squad, though any familiarity will be forgotten in a match likely to be ferociously contested in the way of all local derbies.
 
Lewes have enjoyed a successful league campaign with ten wins, three draws and one defeat leaving them fourth in the SECL and in with a chance of the title, a fantastic achievement considering they are relative newcomers following promotion in 2006/07.

With Albion struggling to avoid relegation over the last few seasons, the former gulf in standard between the two teams has been reduced to a crack and this bodes well for women’s football overall in Sussex.

In what has been a tough season for Lewes Football Club in the boardroom and on the pitch for the Men’s senior squad, the Ladies have continued to receive excellent backing from the club and Director of Ladies Football Ron Moore, responding with solid league form and an excellent run in the FA Cup. The Rooks were eventually defeated on penalties but their exit to Derby County in the 4th round was the club’s best ever showing.
 
When asked for her recipe for success, Agnew is always quick to cite team spirit as a major factor. The small and dedicated management team adopts a player-centric approach that brings out the best in the whole squad. Add to this a highly talented squad and Lewes’ recent rise is not surprising. It hasn’t gone unnoticed either and Agnew has been able to attract high calibre players and coaches, with the noteworthy addition of Alan Kenworthy last week, to keep the momentum going.
 
Lewes’ success on the pitch stems from a solid defence. Keeper Trish Gower, an excellent shot stopper, sits behind Helen Whitton and Lel Smith’s formidable partnership at centre back. Both are enjoying success in front of goal as well; Smith a threat in the air and set-piece specialist, Whitton already on double figures for the season.

Juliette Denny has established herself at right back and also possesses a fierce shot, whilst Lauren Harding has made the left back position her own with a string of solid performances. Sophie Bailey has shown herself to be a more than adequate replacement in her limited appearances at full back.
 
Lewes are spoilt for choice in central midfield with captain Kelly Newton, Keira Chapman and Charlotte Bennett all competing for starting places. It is in the wide positions that Lewes have really improved this season with Ria Rottner, Katie Hodges and Janine Daly all able to run at defences and supply the front players. In attack, Agnew has her pick of intelligence, strength and pace in Emma Millington, Kirstie Spice and Clare Trafford.

The Ladies evolution will no doubt continue whatever the result on Thursday night. However it would be great for Lewes Ladies to show what is expected to be a gate of around 300+ supporters just how far they have come and for hopefully the very first time, make history and take the cup back home to Lewes.
 

SUSSEX WOMEN'S CHALLENGE CUP FINAL

Lewes Ladies v Brighton & Hove Albion Ladies

Thursday 19th March

Lancing FC, Culver Road, Lancing BN15 9AX

Go along and support the Rooks!