AN AMATEUR side came out victorious in a closely contested cup final.

Polegate Town’s second team took on Hailsham-based Welcroft Park Rangers on Friday, April 29 at the Saffrons in Compton Place Road, Eastbourne.

Joe Green’s side had come off the back of a season which saw them battling relegation initially, before turning form around in the last few months and capped the season off by winning the Eastbourne FA Vice-President's Cup for the first time in their history.

Town were quick out of the blocks and led 3-0 by halftime with a hat-trick from 16-year-old Toby Young in front of around 200 people under the floodlights at Eastbourne Town's ground.

The Argus: Toby Young gets his second of the game. Picture by Andrew HazeldenToby Young gets his second of the game. Picture by Andrew Hazelden

The youngster scored two from close range within the first 15 minutes, but saved the best till last with a nice piece of skill on the edge of the box before slotting into the bottom right on the verge of half time.

Despite a dominant first half, Polegate required some heroic acrobatics from keeper Connor Dunstall.

The pick of the bunch came around 30 minutes in with a save tipped on to the post which was then cleared off the line by George Smith.

The Argus: Connor Dunstall with a fine save on to the post in the first half. Picture from Andrew HazeldenConnor Dunstall with a fine save on to the post in the first half. Picture from Andrew Hazelden

Town would add another just five minutes into the second half after a deep free kick was knocked down by Jacob Holder for Jack Callingham to tap in at the far post.

But it would be far from an easy game for Polegate who were sucker punched with two goals in two minutes from Welcroft.

The first was a penalty, before a neat ball over the top was finished at the near post.

The Argus: It ended up being a closely contested final. Pictures from Andrew HazeldenIt ended up being a closely contested final. Pictures from Andrew Hazelden

Welcroft would add another with 10 minutes to go to make it 4-3, but Polegate managed to hang on and secured the trophy, the first final in the competition since the pandemic.

Manager Joe Green, as well as coaches Baba Saracouli and Nick Underdown said they were “extremely proud” of Polegate’s young side which featured eight players aged 21 or under.

Captain Chris Jackson lifted the trophy, confirming Polegate’s title as the first team in Eastbourne Cup history to win the Challenge Cup, Junior Cup, Vice-President’s Cup and Veteran’s Cup.

The Argus: Polegate celebrate their trophy. Picture from Andrew HazeldenPolegate celebrate their trophy. Picture from Andrew Hazelden

They won the Eastbourne FA Challenge Cup in 1933/34, 1995/1996 and 2017/18. They won the Eastbourne FA Junior Cup in 2008/09, the Eastbourne FA Veteran's Cup in 2014/15 and finally the Eastbourne FA Vice-President's Cup in 2021/22.

Officials on the night were Stuart McKenzie, Andrew Howell, Jason Storrie and Steve Hamner.

MOTM: Toby Young

The Argus: MOTM Toby YoungMOTM Toby Young

Squads from the night:

Polegate Town:

Connor Dunstall, Samuel Eaton, Mark Davis, Jacob Holder, George Carden, Ricky Fletcher, Perry Ford, Chris Jackson (C), George Smith, Toby Young, Jack Callingham, Callum Brown, Chris Capon, Aaron Davis, Bradley Willis, Oscar Peskett.

Welcroft Park Rangers:

Connor Page, Ryan Knowles, Matt Stevens, Jordon Cull, Cam Offord, Josh Coleman, Steve Gillet, James Martin, Marley Smith, Aaron Wright, Dean Smith, Vinny Rembridge, Darren Weller, Chaz Creasey, Kirk Ferguson, Ben Ackhurst, Bill Coles, George Jones, Jamie Bundy, Alex Bundy.