HEATH THROUGH TO FINAL WITH LATE SHOW

A scrappy game, as so many Cup semi-finals are, was settled by Heath as they came from behind with two goals in the last seven minutes to overcome a spirited Saltdean team and book their place in the final against Dorking.

In the first 25 minutes Heath created several openings but were foiled by good saves from the keeper, but the best chance in this period fell to Saltdean when their centre forward was played in leaving him clear in the area and only Chris Turner the Heath keeper to beat. Turner continued the superb run of form he has been in all season as he stood up and produced a brave and fabulous save to his right to block the shot from point blank range and keep the scoreline goal less. This save prompted Heath to up the pace and Ian Breeds was unlucky with a shot that beat the keeper but just went the wrong side of the post. Five minutes before half time Saltdean benefitted from a mix up in the Heath defence and the mis-hit shot towards an empty net that was going wide became a great cross as it was bundled in at the far post for the opening goal.

The second half was very ordinary with Saltdean using the long ball for their pacey forwards, but as they were playing down the slope often the ball was gathering pace and going through to Chris Turner to collect. Heath were having their passing disrupted and were struggling to create clear chances and the clock was ticking. Then with seven minutes left another foul was committed by Saltdean out on the right touchline 40 yards out, Beard floated the cross into the crowded box and David Moores rose highest to head the ball into the net for his first goal since his welcome return to the club. The Saltdean heads dropped and Heath were quick to capitalise as Luis Freitas got the ball outside the box to the left of goal, he shimmied past a couple of defenders, then with quick feet slotted the ball past the onrushing keeper and into the net for the winning goal with three minutes left. A great goal – but his celebratory dance does still need working on!

There was no time left for Saltdean to rescue the game and Heath are through to the final were they will play Dorking on Good Friday 10th April at the ground of Wick FC, (Crabtree Park, Coomes Way, Wick, Littlehampton, BN17 7LS) with a 3.00pm kick off.

Team

Turner, White, Wright, Howes, Humphries, Day, Beard, Frietas, Breeds, Cooper R (Paskins 88), Pitcher (Moores 60)

Man of the Match

Breeds