This weekend was the first round of the Mid Sussex League cup, and the Raiders got a tough draw against Eastbourne Town in division 2. Last season we faced a div 2 Eastbourne side and came away with a sobering 0-17 defeat, so this was a chance to give it everything we had and see the progress the boys have made.

It wasn't the ideal start for the Raiders, Eastbourne managed to score a soft goal out of nothing within five minutes. As has been the case multiple times over the last year, going behind seemed to spur Telscombe on and they immediately responded by upping the pressure. They started passing the ball around a lot better, battling hard in the middle and combining well with some great short passing and moving. Eastbourne are an organised side who defended well but we managed to press up both wings and get a few shots on target. Eastbourne also applied lots of pressure at the other end but the defence and Rupert in goal took care of it superbly. Half time score 0-1.

The second half began in much the same way, lots of battling through the middle of the pitch and pressure created at both ends. Unfortunately early on an Eastbourne striker was brought down in the box to prevent a clear goal scoring chance and was awarded a penalty. This was confidently put away to double Eastbourne's lead. From this point on some of the Raiders players began getting frustrated which lead to some negativity. They didn't give up though and continued giving 100%. Eastbourne began applying more and more pressure but the defence showed great strength and composure, combining well to pass the ball out of trouble. Eastbourne managed to get through on goal a few times which forced Rupert into some fantastic second half saves, before they finally managed to get the ball in the back of the net for a 3-0 lead. At the other end our midfield put some great balls through for the strikers, we managed a few more shots on target but unfortunately it wasn't to be. Ed came on in goal and came out excellently to collect a few great through balls, including a perfectly timed header when charging forward out of his box. Unfortunately in the dying minutes a well timed run from the Eastbourne striker was headed in for a 4-0 final score.

This was a difficult game against a great side, and the Raiders should all be proud of themselves for their efforts in the searing heat. There really wasn't much difference in standard and on another day the result could have gone the other way, a complete contrast from the cup game last season. The negativity from some of the boys was a little disappointing, we'd like to hear a bit more encouragement when things aren't going our way going forward.

Everyone gave 100% and should be applauded today, but our MOM was Rupert for pulling off numerous outstanding saves in the second half to keep us in the game ??