Coach Nick Greenwood saluted his Sussex troops as they gunned down the Army at Aldershot last night.

Victory at the Military Stadium confirmed they top Group A of the South West Counties Champ-ionship and qualify for the final at Lancing on Saturday, April 29.

The Sussex coach said: "We never dreamed of winning by such a big scoreline. They were a fit and strong side, but our forwards proved too strong in the end. "But it's always scorers that get credit. It was a hard-working performance from all the boys and we can now put our feet up until April."

Sussex last won the competition in 1994 and John Snelgrove, who grabbed two of the goals, said: "We can't wait. If we can produce a performance like tonight, we've got a good chance of winning it."

Matt Russell thumped two as well, and Gavin Geddes, the other scorer, were equally optimistic. Geddes said: "We can win it. Tonight I was proud to be from Sussex." Russell added: "After going so close last year and losing to them in the final group game it's great to make it this time."

Greenwood's boys already had one foot firmly through to the final by holding a 2-0 advantage at half time. Snelgrove got the vital early breakthrough when he exquisitely lobbed keeper Dean May from 30 yards. It had been 15 minutes' hard toil before that with The Army looking well organised in defence.

But the visitors looked sharper in attack and showed they had their shooting boots on when they doubled their tally 11 minutes later. Darren Pearce played the ball through a hole in defence and Matt Russell chipped the ball over the onrushing keeper.

It had been a dull opening 45 minutes of few chances, but those that were created had been taken by the Sussex team. Russell was in the thick of it as Sussex started the brighter after the break. He first came off second best in a one-on-one with May and then forced a low save moments later.

The game was virtually wrapped up on the hour when, after having a shot blocked by a defender, Geddes blasted home a low shot from the edge of the box. It was now easy pickings for the visitors and Russell added his second with 11 minutes left by dashing on to another through ball and slotting under May with aplomb.

Snelgrove headed in the fifth to complete the scoring from Jay Lovett's right wing cross with moments left.

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