Bexhill College in association with Chelsea FC Foundation and in partnership with Eastbourne Borough FC, celebrated the final victory of the season after their Sussex U19 County Cup win against Newman College (Hove) on the 13th of May.
After a first half which saw Newman have more of the ball and limited opportunities for Bexhill, it was a stalemate at half-time with neither team creating a clear chance to break the deadlock. The 2nd half began with a change of shape and a change of personnel for Bexhill, which looked to have changed the tide of the game. Bexhill were looking a lot more threatening, but could not find a way through. On the hour mark, Newman took the lead. A corner swung in from the left beat everyone and ended up in the back of the Bexhill net.
The goal seemed to change the momentum of the game and after some sustained pressure from Bexhill, with just two minutes left on the clock, they grabbed the equaliser. A great flick found Will Harley in the box who smashed the ball into the bottom corner to take the game to penalties.
Bexhill keeper, Alex Hobden, saved the first from Newman to give his side an early advantage. Eight perfect penalties from either side followed, taking the score to 4-4 with one Bexhill penalty left. Defender Harry Marchant, calmly and coolly slotted home to earn Bexhill their second trophy in the space of 5 days, seeing them celebrate a National League and a County Cup double win.
The Bexhill College Football Academy Coaches (from left to right) – Alastair Muir, Mark Goldring, Shane Lovell, Sean Noble, Danny Woodgate.
The Man of the Match award went to Bexhill College goal scorer, Will Harley.
Will Harley stands with the Man of the Match Award and the County Cup at Lancing Football Club
For the first time in its history, Bexhill College also celebrated the win of the National League U19s Alliance after a nail-biting one-point lead. The season ended with uncertainty after Worthing FC failed to produce a team to play against the Bexhill side (playing as Eastbourne Borough U19s). After discussions with league officials, it was decided that the match would have to be replayed to decide the league winner, with Hollands and Blair in with a chance of the title as well. After a second attempt, Worthing FC failed to produce a team again, securing three points and the National League title to Eastbourne Borough U19s.
Whilst this didn’t allow the Bexhill Football Academy squad to celebrate properly, it cemented their hard work for a season of exceptional football and goes on record as the most successful and decorated football team in Bexhill College’s history.
