Michael Alsopp Challenge Cup 1st Round
 Rustington Otters 1 |  Horsham YMCA 5 |
A much improved performance by YM made sure of a spot in the 2nd round of the league cup. It only took two minutes before YM were creating their 1st chance, Charlie Abrehart going close with a drive from the edge of the box.
10 minutes in, and YM had the goal their pressure deserved. A run and shot from Jack Petersen was blocked by the Goalkeeper who was stranded on the deck, but the ball ran to the edge of the area, where Louie Paske was waiting to smash the ball in the roof of the net.
Five minutes later, and Rustington equalised against the run of play, with a touch of controversy. A Rustington throw-in seemed to miss everybody, bounce over everyone, and nestle in the net. No one appeared to make contact, but the referee gave the goal.
It stayed 1-1 until half time, where really YM could have led by a few. Joe Miller, Petersen, Collins and Abrehart all had chances to score, but it wasn't to be.
Minutes into the 2nd half, Stuart Barber was pushed into the midfield from the Defence, and it seemed to pay off. Barber caused the Rustington defence problems, and it eventually paid off. A through ball from Barber found Dan Jones, whose cross was handled inside the box. Jack Petersen stepped up to coolly slot it into the corner, and YM had a deserved lead. From here onward, it was one way traffic. Abrehart tapped home to made it 3-1, And then a brace from Barber finished it off. Ym now face Unbeaten Worthing Dynamos in the 2nd Round.
Alex Barron: 'I was very pleased today. We were much improved from last week, especially defensively. The back four of Bell, Vinten, Barber and Beckley in the 1st half was sound, which is what we wanted, as it breeds confidence throughout the side. Tom Goddard played the 2nd half alongside Beckley, when we moved Stuart (Barber) up into the middle. I have been very impressed with both Beckley and Barber in the last two games. They can play in a lot of positions well, and the attitude is fantastic. In the 1st half, we seemed to get dragged down to the level a bit, where the ball was just sailing around in the air, but once we got the ball down in the 2nd half, it was there for everyone to see that we can take sides apart, when we are passing with confidence. All we need to learn from today, is that we need to communicate a lot better, and once we master that, i feel we are really gelling together. At present, my squad is down to 14 players, so i really need 100% commitment from the players whilst we rectify this. At the moment i'm getting 110% and i can't fault the effort!
Team: Chester, Vinten, Beckley, Bell, Barber, Jones, Collins, Paske (Capt), Gladdish, Abrehart, Petersen.
Subs: Goddard, Miller.
Goals: Barber (2) Petersen (Pen), Abrehart, Paske.
Man of the Match: Chris Beckley