Crows get back on track with cup win

Ringmer: 0

Crowborough Athletic: 2

CROWBOROUGH Athletic resumed their preparation for the start of the season with a brilliant performance, at Ringmer, in the John McWhirter Charity Cup, writes Anthony Scott.

Sam Carrington and then a Tom Saunders penalty gave the Crows a 2-0 advantage after just 10 minutes, and thereafter Borough produced a good all-round display to keep their two-goal cushion and win the cup in memory of John McWhirter, a policeman who was involved with Ringmer FC and the fireman who died in the firework factory, at Halland, a few years ago.

Ringmer came close to taking the lead just four minutes in, as Jo Jo Tubon collected a ball over the Crows defence to go one on one with the advancing Rob Gordon, only to drill the ball over the crossbar.

Crowborough took the lead after six minutes. Thom Nowell's corner from the right picked out Tom Boddy, whose sensational header was parried by Tom Rand, and Carrington beat the keeper to the rebound to smash the ball in from six yards.

Moments later, the Crows doubled their advantage. Mike Culverhouse latched onto a header through the Ringmer defence and was victim of a late challenge by Kiefer Ardean-Webb, for which referee Paul John awarded a penalty.

Tom Saunders stepped up to drive the ball beneath the diving Rand into the bottom left corner.

For the rest of the half, the Crows produced an impressive defensive performance after being put under pressure by the hosts.

Ringmer came close to pulling a goal back early on in the second half. Darren Lok's free-kick from the left picked out Tubon, whose looping header was well tipped over the bar by Gordon.

Borough then went close to adding to their lead when Culverhouse found substitute Charlie Ottway, who turned well past Jayson Sowter and drilled the ball narrowly wide of the top far corner, with Rand well beaten.

More than £250 was raised on the gate for the Fire Service Benevolent Fund.

Tomorrow (Saturday), Crowborough play Horsham YMCA at the Crowborough Community Stadium (3pm) before kicking off the season with a home match against Wick next Saturday (3pm).