15th September 2012
Keymer & Hassocks vs Polegate
Montgomery Cup
K & H exited the Montgomery Cup as they went down 3-1 to Polegate in extra time
K & H are facing something of a crisis in terms of playing strength starting with only one sub,the other two eventually turning up shortly before the end.The situation is likely to get worse before it gets better so some tough times to come it seems
As to the game in contrast to K & H Polegate appeared very well resourced with players,coaches and support and to the casual observer would have seemed like the home team with K & H support at zero
They undertook a quite professional warm up as opposed to the usual K & H kick about and started strongly but the K & H defence with keeper Gary Thomas outstanding held firm until half time whilst the Polegate defence was equally resilient
The conditions seemed to play a part in the second half with both sides looking a bit weary in the heat and neither could find the winner
The conclusion came in extra time as Dan Goodrum turned a cross into his own net which really punctured the K & H resolve.They started to tire and Polegate capitalised with a quality second and finally took advantage of the exhausted home defence to run in a third.Simon Catford got the consolation with a solo effort.
Polegate in fairness deserved the win as they created more openings although K & H did clip their crossbar twice and can be encouraged by their defensive performance during normal time
On a rather sombre note the game witnessed the sad demise of former super striker Robert Kift who only managed to turn up 15 minutes before the end (it appears he forgot where the game was) and failed to impress in his brief cameo role.Since joining the club in September 2008 he has scored a remarkable 153 goals but it seems that will never be added to and out of kindness he is being retired.He is however assured of legendary status in the history of the Club and a movement will surely grow to raise subscriptions for a lasting monument to be raised in recognition of his remarkable achievements
