Brighton & Hove Albion under-23 coach Simon Rusk insists his team will need to be switched on against Haywards Heath Town this evening, and urged his side to guard against complacency in tonight's Sussex Community Shield at Culver Road.
The Seagulls will look to retain the silverware they won against Shoreham last season, and Rusk showed respect towards this evening’s opponents, who he believes will pose a threat against his young side.
He said, ’Even though the game is against lower league opposition, I expect a very committed team.
“Most non-league sides have some talented boys who just didn’t quite reach the levels needed.
“We’ll probably be a little bit younger tonight, but it’s a great challenge for the lads.
“It’s our next game and we’ll want to win the match and do our best. We’ll try to apply all of the principles that we think are important.
“We certainly won’t be taking our eye off the ball in preparation for this match.”
Rusk also reflected on last season’s Parafix Sussex Senior Cup triumph over Crawley Town at the Amex Stadium, the game which set up this evening’s match against the Blues on the south coast.
“It was good for the group to win the game - it’s a competition we always want to do well in, particularly because the final is at the Amex.
“It was great experience for the players who played the game and pleasing to see the team come back from a goal down to win. We played an experienced League Two side and won 2-1.
“It was really enjoyable to get the win on the night, and set up this game against Haywards Heath.”
Tickets for the Sussex Community Shield match will be sold at the turnstiles at the Sussex County FA Headquarters.
Prices range from £6 for adults, £3 for concessions and £1 for under-16s.
Tonight's match will also be played in aid of Chestnut Tree House, with the aim to raise as much funds as possible for the charity.