Our men’s under-21s will be hoping to finish their pre-season preparations with some silverware when they face Littlehampton Town in the Sussex Community Shield on Wednesday, kick-off 7.30pm.
The match sees Albion, who were last season’s Sussex Senior Challenge Cup winners, face the Golds, who were Southern Combination Football League champions, at Culver Road in Lancing.
It will be the final time Andrew Crofts’ side play before their Premier League 2 campaign starts against Crystal Palace next Monday, and Senior Development Phase Coach, Shannon Ruth is looking forward to the occasion.
“The Sussex Community Shield is a game that we value, a game that will tell us a lot about our players and a game that we want to win.”
“It’s a match we’re looking forward to. It will be our first competitive game of the season and we want to start the campaign well.
“We aim to challenge our players in as many different ways as we can. For some, it will be a first experience of playing against a non-league side and that sort of test can only benefit them.”
Littlehampton enjoyed a fantastic 2021/22 season, winning their league in some style before becoming the first Sussex side to reach the final of the FA Vase at Wembley.
Ruth knows they will be eager to continue that momentum into the new campaign, but is hoping Albion will be able to exploit the Golds’ weaknesses.
“Littlehampton did brilliantly last season, and you can see from watching them that they like to attack and score goals – but we feel they’re a side that we can score goals against as well.
“We have a philosophy and a way of playing, and we will be looking to stick to that and get a positive result.”
Wednesday night’s match is in aid of Chestnut Tree House, with all proceeds going to the charity who provide care for children and young people with life-limiting conditions in Sussex and South East Hampshire.
Entry prices for the final are as follows (cash and card accepted):
£10.00 Adult (17+)
£5.00 Concession (65+ and students with valid student ID card)
£3.00 Child (16 and under)
£1.00 Official Match Day Programme