-23's secure dramatic victory after penalty shoot-out

Herstmonceux -23's finally overcame the Welcroft Park hoodoo to stake their place in the Eastbourne FA Cup final after a battling performance at Lime Cross yesterday.

Despite going a goal behind, the 'ceux levelled immediately after Liam Nulty scored from a low cross driven in by Mark Stillwell. Welcroft took the lead again, only for Stillwell himself to equalise for a second time with a well-taken free kick.

With Herstmonceux pushing hard, Stillwell hit another speculative free kick which the Welcroft 'keeper allowed to bounce over his head and into the net. 3-2, but the visitors were not done and they fought back to equalise, only for Ash House to smash a volley into the roof of the net, after good work from Liam Nulty. Welcroft once again dug deep and with 8 minutes to go they forced the game into penalties with the final score at 4-4.

The shootout was a tense affair, with Artur Mendes, Ash House, Ash Mutter, Mark Stillwell, Lewis Colgate and Jordan Groves all netting from the spot. Special mention to Matt Akehurst who saved 3 penalties, as Herstmonceux moved into the final which will be played at Eastbourne Town later this month.