Darren Ryan
It took two extra time goals from Ethan Butler and Owen Kessack for Sussex Men’s first team to overcome a spirited Brunel 3rd side on a glorious Wednesday afternoon at Falmer in the 2nd round of the BUCS Cup.
Brunel were the early pace-setters as Sussex failed to match their pace and movement. As the game went on, both sides struggled to keep possession in a scrappy encounter. It was Sussex who had the best opportunity of the half, with Meskell shooting wide from inside the box.
However, Brunel went into the break looking the more creative side, despite failing to properly test McCarthy in the Sussex goal.
Brunel tired in the second half, and Sussex should have wrapped up the win before full time, having created enough chances. Despite this, Sussex were grateful to McCarthy who made a smart save to deny the Brunel forward who found himself through on goal in the 68th minute. The last chance of normal time fell to Sussex, but Meskell’s header hit the woodwork from a 90th minute corner.
Any notion of a nervy extra time for Sussex was dispelled early on when Kessack’s deft ball across the box found Butler in acres of space. With Brunel chasing the game, Sussex took advantage of the space afforded to them and Kessack made it two-nil with a magnificent finish into the bottom left hand corner after waltzing past two defenders. Owen Kessack was also deservedly awarded Man of the Match at the end of the game.
Great match report.. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this, felt like I was in the stands watching the game. Keep up the good work everyone at the badger