East Sussex
Over 60s

East Sussex booked their place in the National Final with a thrilling 3–2 victory over Lincolnshire in the semi-final. A hard-fought encounter saw East Sussex come through to set up a final against Worcestershire on 19th April.

For the third game running, East Sussex Over 60s scored five and won comfortably against strong opposition — this time defeating a Farnham & Surrey side that fielded four established over-60s England Internationals. Both teams have qualified for the National FA Cup quarter-finals, and Farnham & Surrey were looking to avenge the heavy 5-1 defeat inflicted on them by East Sussex when the teams met at Bexhill College last month.

Apart from a short spell either side of half time, East Sussex dominated the game in all areas and if anything, the 5-3 scoreline flattered their opponents as the men in orange and black created many more chances than they finished.

Steve Turner coolly finished the first goal and helped create two more in a fine performance. East Sussex were captained on the day by Paul Elphick, who had a characteristically dominant game in the middle of the park, while centre-back Wayne Partridge was the pick of the defenders on the pitch. Partridge's partner Bob Smith ran him a close second while Kevin Clee was by far the best attacking wide midfielder on the day. Goalkeeper Koosha Movevagh dominated his penalty area throughout and is rightly regarded as one of the best over-60s keepers in the land.

Turner's perfectly timed pass to Clee gave the skilful wingman the opportunity to slot home under the on-rushing keeper to level at 3-3. For the last 30 minutes East Sussex reverted to their more familiar set-up, becoming stronger defensively and more able to feed the attacking players. Player-Manager and England International Alan Osman, playmaker Dave Bridges, Colin Riggs and Clee comprised a formidable attacking four, with chances created by Elphick, Andy Williams, Garry Cooper, Dave Tasker, and Turner.

Osman neatly added the fourth before undoubtedly the best moment of the game — a slick passing move running the length of the pitch culminated with a perfect cross, met on the run with a perfect volley from Clee, whose impeccable technique enabled him to arrow an unstoppable drive into the opposite corner for East Sussex's fifth and final goal.