Albion out of Sussex Senior Cup

Main Club Sponsor

TICKETS

SHOP

Young side lose 1-0 to holders Horsham and Samy Chouchane is stretchered off.

Bruce Talbot

2025-03-18T21:35+00:00

Striker Joe Belmont brings the ball under control. 📷 Paul Hazlewood.

Albion bowed out of the Sussex Transport Senior Cup after suffering a 1-0 defeat against holders Horsham in Tuesday night's semi-final at Culver Road.

Brazilian Lucas Rodrigues scored the only goal in the 73rd minute with a fine close-range finish and having hit the post twice in the first half Horsham will feel that they deserved to seal an Amex date against Littlehampton Town in May.

To add to Albion's disappointment, Samy Chouchane was stretchered off and needed oxygen assistance after he was hit flush in the face by Ola Ogunwamide's clearance. The midfielder was treated for nearly 15 minutes by Albion's medical team but was later able to leave the ground unaided.

Shannon Ruth's side had lots of possession but Horsham keeper Lewis Carey was rarely tested. Harry Mills and Sahil Bashir had Albion's best chances but neither hit the target before defender Charlie Tasker's late effort was deflected wide.

Remiero Moulton puts his opponent under pressure. 📷 Paul Hazlewood.

Joe Knight, a sub in our last two Premier League games, captained a young side and in the early stages they dominated possession. Mills went close in the eighth minute after Albion beat Horsham’s press and the overlapping left-back had time to measure his shot inside the box but blazed over.

But their bright start fizzled out and by the break Horsham – currently third in the Isthmian League premier division – had twice hit the woodwork.

Steven Hall was the busier keeper and made a crucial save in the first half. 📷 Paul Hazlewood.

After Knight gave the ball away Horsham worked the ball quickly to Rodrigues whose shot on the turn came back off the inside of the post.

Midway through the first half Daniel Ajakaiye beat Steven Hall but his shot came back off the upright and before the break Hall had to athletically turn a header from Lee Harding over his own crossbar.

Joe Knight battles for the ball in midfield. 📷 Paul Hazlewood.

Just past the hour Bashir volleyed wide from the left-hand side of the box but Albion were struggling to create clear chances and with 17 minutes to go they fell behind.

Substitute Ogunwamide broke down the left and his cross was met firmly by Rodrigues, who guided a right-oot shot past Hall.

Tasker fired over after a typically energetic run from right-back and when he ventured forward again he had Carey scrambling to make sure his deflected shot dropped wide of the post.

There was eight minutes of stoppage time after the incident involving Chouchane and Horsham managed the closing stages well to make sure they will be defending the trophy in a few weeks.

The line-up

The Albion squad line-up before the semi-final against Horsham. 📷 Paul Hazlewood.

Hall, Tasker, Owusu, Penman, Mills, Bashir (West 70), Knight, Chouchane (Mackley 90), Moulton (Nti 79), Robertson (Oriola 59), Belmont.

Sub not used: Ferdinand.

Attendance: 610

Shannon Ruth's thoughts...

"It's disappointing to be out but I didn't think there was a lot in the game. Horsham probably had more clear-cut chances but we had some opportunities and maybe took the wrong option with the final pass or cross after getting into some good positions.

"Obviously, everyone was concerned for Samy. He wasn't far away at all when he was hit by the ball and there was some concern which is why the medical staff didn't move him initially. He's a bit groggy and he will be checked over for concussion but it's not too bad fortunately."