West points the way to quarter-finals for Albion

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Striker's first-half header decisive as Albion beat Eastbourne Town 1-0 in the Senior Cup.

Bruce Talbot

2025-11-18T21:30+00:00

Albion celebrate with goalscorer Aiden West after the striker put Albion in front. 📷James Boardman

Aiden West’s first-half goal proved decisive as Albion reached the quarter-finals of the Sussex Transport Senior Cup.

The striker stooped to head home midway through the first half and Albion showed discipline and diligence to protect their advantage at the Saffrons.

The home side, currently sitting midway in the Isthmian League South-East division, could not be faulted for their effort but Albion keeper Michael Dike was rarely tested.

With the start of the Premier League International Cup against Benfica on Friday in mind, the Albion side was predominantly made up of under-18s and they acquitted themselves well.

Cristiano Anah was a threat down the left-hand side for Albion. 📷James Boardman

There was little goalmouth action in the opening 25 minutes although Dike was forced to make a comfortable save from Marcin Ruda’s header, after the Eastbourne striker was picked out by Jack Murphy’s left-wing cross.

Albion gradually began to dominate possession and move the ball quicker to try and create space and they broke through in the 29th minute. After building patiently down the right Matthew Hayden got to the line and stood up an inviting cross for West to stoop and head past Chris Winterton in the home goal from inside the six-yard box.

Aiden West stoops to beat Chris Winterton and give Albion the lead. 📷James Boardman

Albion remained on top until the break and Billy Ray-Cullinane drifted past two defenders to get into the box but shot over when he ought to have at least tested Winterton.

The home side worked a decent opening early in the second half but Callum Mackley blocked Leon Greig’s shot before Cullinane wasted a great chance on the hour for Albion.

The visitors moved the ball from left to right and Cullinane was unmarked when he met Bayley Palmer’s cross but fired over from close range. Zac Brennan then tried his luck from outside the box but his right-foot shot was a yard wide of the target.

The home side threatened with 15 minutes to go. Sonny Walsh's pass found Greig eight yards out but Isaiah Alakiu got across to deflect his shot wide. It had been a rare moment of concern for Albion who negotiated the closing stages in relative comfort.

Tate Ferdinand defended impressively. 📷James Boardman

Albion: Dike, Alakiu, Mackley (Morby 62), T. Ferdinand, Anah, Brennan, Hayden, A. Palmer (Newham-Reeve 62), B. Palmer (Crutchett 62), Cullinane, West (Oppong 80). Subs: Opong.