Brighton and Hove's veterans held their nerve on Sunday to reach the fourth round of the National Veterans Cup tier two competition when they knocked out Worthing on penalty strokes after a 3-3 draw at Blatchington Mill.

Their reward is a home tie against the UK Armed Forces on Sunday February 10.

Captain Carlo Missirian described it as "a thoroughly deserved victory" and said he was thrilled to be in the fourth round draw". Brighton had led 3-1 but were caught late in the game and taken to penalty strokes, which they won 4-1.

"A very dominant start with four short corners but unfortunately no conversion," reports Carlo. "Two goals from Dave and Gaz put us in the driving seat, both well worked quality open play team goals. Unfortunately they got a short at the end of the half that they converted.

"Heads were still up at half time and we were proud of the way we had played and dominated the half. Started strongly and another quick and incisive break saw Carlo unmarked and shocked to receive a pass from Doc in the D but managed to pass it into the goal!

"3-1 all good and a few chances missed and very unlucky not to have two flicks.
But a poor bit of defensive play led to their second and then a very harsh short right at the end of the second half led to another short followed by a highly contested flick which was converted and we went to flicks.

"Russ gave a stirring speech and Luke, Doc, Gaz and Russ all converted with Pixie making two great saves on the fist and third flick which really gave us great momentum.

"We really deserved the win, grateful for Alan Grey our only supporter today. We would love some more next time; it really is a great team with some amazing living 'ledges' from bygone Brighton first team players. Very rarely we have a home game and we cannot thank Jenny and Graham enough for the hot food and clubhouse.

"MoM - Pixie two flick saves. DoD - Kev for using his puppy eyes to reverse an imminent card."

The previous day the 4s had rested several players for the vets cup tie and suffered a disappointing 1-0 home reverse to Sussex League division one strugglers Middleton 1.

Sharma was man of the match while Doc took DoD for scoring in off the crossbar (in the football goal). He was also less than impressed with the umpiring.

Also beaten in the division were the 3s, who went down 4-2 at Crawley 1s.

"The difference between a team that takes their opportunities and one that doesn't," was skipper Andrew Bromley's succinct summation. "Brighton had the lion's share of possession, controlling and dominating play. From memory Crawley managed five efforts on goal (including corners) - four of which were buried in the bottom corners and one saved by stand in GK Phil Orriss.

"Crawley's keeper made several saves of his own, including two flicks from Richard Willmott. Our goals came from the penalty spot (Roel Stein) and via the oppo defender's foot (Josh Hancock). Huge game against local rivals Lewes 2s this weekend!"

While the 2s went down 2-1 at home to Sevenoaks, leaving them precariously placed at the bottom of the Kent/Sussex division one, the 5s were one of only two winning men's sides on Saturday, beating Littlehampton 1s away 2-1 in a tough game.

Captain Ramzy Omran said Brighton spent the first half "peppering the Littlehampton goal but not going in front until Jonno got a tap in and Bunny then grabbed a second as inexplicably the outstanding Lttlehampton keeper let a ball from the edge of D go through him. Then Littlehampton pulled one back to make the last five minutes very edgy."

The 6s went down 3-0 at home to Southwick 2s while the 7s were aggrieved to lose 1-0 at Lewes 6s.

A hat-trick from Gaëtan Geslot helped the 8s to a 4-1 win over Crowborough 3, with Mungo Coyne getting the other goal.

"A good win for the 8s against mid-table Crowborough," says absentee captain Matt Sale. "New French recruit Gaëtan scored a hat trick on his BHHC debut and Mungo also opened his BHHC account. Thanks to Thompo for managing the side while I enjoy a heatwave in Australia!"