SUSSEX COUNTY FA CHALLENGE CUP - Nov 27th 2005
Haywards Heath Town 1 [Natalie Bagwell] Littlehampton 1 [1-2 in extra time when Ref abandoned game due to bad light]
This game had everything except a result !
A pulsating match that showed a tremendous return to form from Heath was reduced to farce when the referee abandoned the match just after Littlehampton had scored their second goal with ten minutes of extra time remaining.
Heath were clearly keen to wipe out the memory of their 8-2 drubbing by Littlehampton just four weeks ago. After a hesitant start Heath came more and more into the game in a keenly fought first half that saw the game flow from end to end. After 27 minutes Littlehampton were somewhat fortunate to be awarded a penalty which they duly converted to put themselves ahead . All 3 forwards of Heaths, Jenny Greenfield, Mel Bramley and Natalie Bagwell, threatened on occasions but were unable to score whilst Kim Strong in defence did well to block a shot from Littlehampton and the half ended with Heath on top .
It was clear after half time that Heath meant business and started to put pressure on the Littlehampton defence . In the 65th minute the Littlehampton keeper was penalised for taking too long to clear the ball. Natalie Bagwell cleverly took the kick quickly and ensured a deflection which saw the ball enter the net from the indirect free kick to make the score 1-1!
The end to end half continued with both Littlehampton hitting the post and Mel Bramley having a great shot well saved. So the game went into extra time and continued in the same vein. Heaths goal survived worrying moments when a failed attempted overhead clearance was interpreted by the Ref as a pass to the keeper, but Heath managed to clear the ball. Shortly afterwards another Littlehampton free kick was headed off the line by Strong .
In the 1st period of extra time Heaths keeper Celia Huggett saved well and bravely twice but the teams turned round still locked at 1-1.
Within two minutes of the start of the second period, Littlehampton scored following a penetrating run down the left . Heath still felt they could equalise, but the referee suddenly blew and abandoned the game due to the failing light with 10 minutes remaining !!!.
Heath played their best football for many weeks with the defensive work of George Thomas, Kim Strong, Penny Gittins, Karen Bridgewater and Lou Creasey [starting for the 1sts for the first time this season] outstanding. Special mention must go to Celia Huggett in the Heath goal who made some outstanding saves. The midfield and attacking part of Heath's game showed tremendous improvement and the workrate and effort put in by every player was excellent.
The Competitions Committee of the Sussex County FA have decided that the Cup game must now be replayed in its entirety at Littlehampton next Sunday 4th Dec
Team: Celia Huggett; George Thomas; Kim Strong; Penny Gittins; Karen Bridgewater; Kim Donno; Leigh Farley; Lou Creasey; Mel Bramley; Jenny Greenfield; Natalie Bagwell( Catherine Diffey 105);
Subs not used: Michelle Winnard; Sarah Woods.
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