Saxons fall short in cup semi-final defeat.

South Saxons first team hosted their Horsham counterparts in the semi-final of the Sussex cup knowing that they were going to have their backs against the wall against a side that plays their hockey three tiers above Saxons in Premier Division 1.

As the game got underway, Saxons came out the blocks well and matched their Horsham counterparts in the early stages. Both keepers were kept fairly quiet with the majority of the play taking place in the middle of the pitch and both sides saw an even share of the ball, but weren’t able to create any chances of note. However, as the half went on Horsham began to dictate more of the play and pushed Saxons back into their own half, but the Saxons defense held firm and well disciplined to keep the Horsham attack at bay. Saxons were also indebted to Toby Reed for some precision tackles.

After soaking up a barrage of Horsham pressure, Saxons hard work started to pay off as some good pressing led to some turnovers in play that allowed the home side to find their attacking flare and look to catch Horsham out on the counter attack. Alex Coombs in particular worked tireless, and a fine breakaway led by Ollie Beal who fed the ball through to Jamie Busbridge who is still trying to find a new kidney was denied by the keeper who made a fine save down at his near post. Saxons buoyed on by a fine home crowd as always, began to see much more of the ball and dictate the play with Andy Acott and Paddy Cornish starting to make their presence known in midfield. However, Saxons like Horsham in the initial stages of the half weren’t able to make their possession count, and the Horsham defense held firm not allowing Saxons any shots at goal. As the end of the half was approaching, Saxons for the first time showed an indiscipline that would eventually cause them to go behind, as a poor tackle led to a short corner that was emphatically dispatched into the bottom corner of the goal, leaving goalkeeper Brock Smith with his pants by his ankles.

Saxons went into half-time 1-0 down, but were by no means disheartened by the score line and knew Horshams main threat came from their short corners. As the second half got under way, Saxons came out the blocks well and had good spells of possession but as similar to the first half, chances were kept to a minimal. As the half went on, a combination of some quality Horsham play and some tired Saxon legs meant the home side were beginning to be penned back in and around their 23. Soon after, Saxons challenge got even bigger as two short corners back to back gave Horsham a 3-0 lead. One of which was extremely unlucky as a great save by Brock Smith caused the ball to be deflected onto Cornishs leg who was helpless to see the ball rebound into the goal. This meant Saxons faced an even bigger challenge, but unlike when going behind at times earlier in the season, Saxons didn’t let their heads drop and showed maturity they had been missing.

The home side was lifted by a tremendous home crowd and started to find another burst of energy, and began to play with freedom and caused Horsham some ‘squeaky bum time’ moments. Saxons showed some excellent team play in an around the Horsham goal area, with young Bailey Wright making his presence known, but once again the Horsham defense was impenetrable. However, some great skills from Coombs allowed him to break through the Spartan shield like defensive wall and work the keeper into another solid save. Nevertheless, as the game went into its final stages, the tiredness of the Saxons players was evident, and Horsham were able to break away and add another well-worked goal to flatter the score line, and the result finished 4-0. Saxons will take heart from a performance where every player showed an incredible intensity and commitment to the cause, and raised their level to make a side ranked over 30 places above them work very hard for their victory. Man of the match was Nick ‘Noddy’ Taylor. Saxons welcome Old Williamsons to Horntye tomorrow, and will be expecting a tough game against a side that sits second in the league table. However, Saxons will be buoyed by the return of Jon Meredith and Tudor Stainsbury to the side.

Saxons: Smith (GK), Reed, Cload, C.Meredith, Burnett, Taylor, Cornish, Acott, A.Orr, Coombes, Busbridge, Webster, Beale, Wright.