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Brighton through to final after penalty shootout

Brighton through to final after penalty shootout

Shaun Pimley13 Mar 2019 - 15:06
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Sussex Ladies Cup semi-final - holders Horsham await after Jenna converts decisive stroke

Brighton and Hove are through to the Sussex Ladies Cup final next month against Horsham after a dramatic victory over Eastbourne in a penalty shootout on Sunday.

A late goal from Verity took the game to flicks after a 3-3 draw and Jenna stepped up to convert the decisive stroke, much to Brighton's delight and relief. They now meet old foes Horsham - who beat them in last year's final - at Hurstpierpoint College on the weekend of April 13-14.

Captain Amanda Billington reports: "Having lost to Eastbourne in a friendly in January the team were feeling determined to rectify the result against a team who sit at the top of division three, two leagues lower than Brighton 1s.
The first five minutes of the game, both goalkeepers were brought into action. Then the game sat for long spells; firstly allowing Eastbourne some chances and then Brighton.

"Brighton took advantage of their spell and scored two well-organised penalty corners; both from man of the match Bara. Eastbourne did not give up and scored a fantastic deflection from a penalty corner that should never have been. Eastbourne continued to attack and scored past Brighton's ill placed (due to being unsighted) goalkeeper.

"Half time and a mix-up in defence saw Eastbourne take the lead from a scrappy goal. The team looked nervous but fought on and began to take charge, sitting in the Eastbourne 23 for long spells. Two cracking chances were saved on the line (God knows how!) but finally Brighton pulled back into the game. Rachel went on an epic run ... and struck it through the D for Verity to deflect in.

"The game ended 3-3 so flicks ensued. Ex-Brighton player Steph rocketed the first high over the bar to put Eastbourne on the back foot. Bara calmly pea rolled hers in the corner! Amanda saved the second to her bottom right. Fran slotted in without a bat of an eye.

"A second ex-Brighton player (Lisa) stepped up knowing her old goalkeeper knew she went left. She tried to disguise it. Amanda saved it with one foot and kicked it in with her other - doh! Unfortunately the next penalty didn’t go in nor did we save, so it was down to Jenna to save the day. She shoots, she scores! And we’re into the final of the Sussex Cup against Horsham and more ex-Brighton players."

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