Albion youngsters prepare for cup final

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The under-21s take on Crawley Wasps on Wednesday in the final of the Sussex Cup.

Bruce Talbot

2022-02-22T06:00:00Z

Albion take on Crawley Wasps in the Sussex Cup final

Head coach Sinead Fitzsimons says her players are looking forward to showcasing their ability in front of a big crowd when Albion under-21s take on Crawley Wasps in the final of the Sussex Challenge Cup.

Wednesday’s game, which kicks off at 7.15pm, takes place at Culver Road, Lancing and a crowd of around 300 is expected for the showpiece final.

Fitzsimons said, “For the girls to play in front of a big crowd like that with their family and friends is something different and they are really excited about it.

“It’s also good for their development, and that goes for the Sussex Cup itself. We’ve had to deal with a range of different environments to get to the final, often in atrocious weather conditions. We play most of our league games on 3G surfaces so getting used to playing on grass again has been another challenge.”

Albion Under-21 head coach Sinead Fitzsimons

Three Albion players - Iesha Swaby, Ciara Hynes and Alisha Manwaring – are dual signed with Crawley Wasps, and Swaby has scored ten goals in 12 games for the side who are currently seventh in the Southern Premier League, the third tier of women’s football.

They will start as favourites but Fitzsimons is confident Albion’s youngsters will give a good account of themselves, whatever the result.

“We are going to win but as long as the girls enjoy themselves, show determination and effort on the pitch and demonstrate Brighton’s team values that is the most important thing," she added.

The Albion players prepare for the Sussex Challenge Cup final

“Their development as players is what matters. We have seen under-21s get into Hope Powell’s first-team squad this season so the girls can see the pathway is open to them, which is exciting. The final is a good showcase for them.”

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