Saltdean United will meet Burgess Hill in the John O'Hara League Cup Final after a 2-1 win over East Preston.

The match will be a re-run of last year's final, which Burgess Hill won 2-1 and also gives Saltdean a chance to avenge defeat by the Hillians in this year's RUR Cup Final.

Headers from two of Saltdean's smallest players, Sean Randell and Stuart Corlett, proved enough. Saltdean boss Glenn Burvill said "In the end there was only one team in it, especially in the second half."

"The boys can prove themselves now because they let themselves and the club down last time we played Burgess Hill. It gives them a chance to put it right. I am hoping this time we won't freeze on the day because we know what it is like now. We have been to two finals with them, they have beaten us twice, and it is about time we won our one."

East Preston boss Carl Stabler sprung a surprise by picking Peter Brackley, who has been playing for Wingate & Finchley. However, Stabler was without keeper Dave Treadwell and cup-tied leading scorer Clinton More.

Saltdean were also without five players but they took the lead after just five minutes when Randell out-jumped the defence to head home Damion Dobbyn's free kick for his 14th of the season.

East Preston could have levelled three minutes later but Saltdean keeper Jamie Bryant made a splendid save from Lee Gibbs following a poor clearance by Stewart Holmes.

An equaliser did arrive in the 28th minute when Brackley's free kick caused problems and defender Andy Appleton fired home. But Saltdean were deservedly back in front three minutes before the break when full-back Corlett looped home a header from a cross by Justin Harris.

Warren Bagnall could have killed the game off a minute later but he scuffed his shot. The second half was largely one-way traffic with East Preston restricted to odd break-aways.

On 58 minutes, stand-in East Preston keeper Brett Simmons made a fine double save from Dobbyn's shot and Bagnall's follow up. Later, the impressive Dobbyn hit the bar while Justin Simmons, Bagnall and Shaun Grice all wasted chances to add a third.

Saltdean: Bryant, Gearing, Corlett (J Simmons 74), Hamilton, Head, Holmes, Dobbyn, Randell (Grice 64), Bagnall, Allen, Harris. Sub not used: Townsend.

East Preston: B Simmons, Milford (Beard 82), Appleton, Young, Hellen, Wren, Brackley, Phillips, Gibbs (Quigg 76), Pearce, Withers. Sub not used: Chaplin.

Men of the Match: Damion Dobbyn (Saltdean), Gary Young (East Preston).

Referee: John Smyth (Sompting).

Attendance: 169.

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