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West Sussex League XI triumph over higher opposition
The West Sussex League's representative team played their first game for more than a decade at Haywards Heath Town – and produced an impressive display to secure a comfortable win against higher-ranked opposition.
Manager Adie Konieczny and assistant James Baker selected a strong squad and their positive game plan worked well as the county division three backline struggled to cope with the wave of attacks the WSFL produced.
The front two of Tim Martin and Jonas Templeman were just too much for the county three defence and Templeman opened the scoring with a cool finish after 14 minutes after a fine through-ball from Newtown colleague Dave Speller.
The Div Three team hit back against the run of play when evergreen Clinton Moore scored an equaliser after 25 minutes.
The WSFL had chances to regain the lead before half-time with Martin hitting the post and Templeman having a shot cleared off the line.
Livewire Jamie Buitenhuis had a very impressive first half and was a constant threat with his pace and direct running.
The WSFL came out all guns blazing in the second half and went 2-1 ahead when Joss Parsons cleverly played in Martin, who finished well under pressure.
It was soon 3-1 when Parsons produced a piece of magic in the area, twisting past three players before his shot caused a scramble, leading to Speller setting up Martin for his second.
Martin was unlucky not to grab his hat-trick minutes later when his drilled finish from 20 yards was harshly ruled out for offside.
The centre-back pairing of Marcus Cogger and Mike McCaffrey looked strong all night and they were superbly assisted by full-backs Mark Livermore and Ben Tucker.
Tucker went off injured after 75 minutes and the versatile Speller filled in at left-back. Nick Tilley came on at left midfield and showed nice touches.
James Wrigley replaced his Cowfold team-mate Martin after 80 minutes and was unlucky not to make an immediate impact when his powerful header from a superb Templeman cross was well-saved.
Glenn Souter came on for Parsons after 84 minutes and helped retain the ball under pressure as the county three side pushed forward in the final few minutes.
Young Mark Cooper captained the side for the night and produced a classy and disciplined performance.
Between the sticks James Fisher enhanced his growing reputation with a confident display.
Manager Konieczny said: "I was very impressed with the attitude of all 16 players. The lads on the pitch worked extremely hard and were able to put club rivalries aside, which enabled them to form an instant bond, and the boys on the sideline were in great spirits despite sub-zero temperatures.
"I'd like to thank the WSFL Chairman Keith Brisley and his committee, who have been brilliant, and all the managers in the league who have supported the rep team especially Jez Burton, Nigel Smith and Steve Whiting for releasing so many of their players only a few days before important league games."
The next WSFL rep game is at home to the Brighton, Hove &District League on February 10 (7.30pm) at Arundel FC.
WSFL: James Fisher (Cowfold), Mark Livermore (Newtown), Mike McCaffrey
(Angmering), Marcus Cogger, (Barnham), Ben Tucker (Cowfold) Dave Speller (Newtown) Joss Parsons (Barnham), Mark Cooper (Newtown), Jamie Buitenhuis (Barnham), Tim Martin (Cowfold), Jonas Templeman (Newtown) Subs: Nick Tilley (Billingshurst), James Wrigley (Cowfold), Glenn Souter (Lancing), Danny Miller (Newtown), Mark Pedrick (Barnham).
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Weather for Chichester
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
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