Icklesham Casuals Veterans kicked off their defence of the Hastings FA Veterans Cup on Wednesday (August 19) evening with an excellent 3-2 home victory against a Little Common Veterans side packed with current and former County League players.
It was Little Common who took the lead in the 6th minute when they broke away to score following an Icklesham free-kick but the Casuals were level a minute later as Karl Tarrant fired into the roof of the net from 20 yards. Icklesham went in front in the 10th minute when Sacha Patterson converted a penalty after he was fouled in the area following good work by Karl Tarrant, and then increased their lead when Vernon Deller converted from close range in the 26th minute, after a Mark Stace cross had been headed back across goal.
Little Common came on strongly in the 2nd half and put the home side under considerable pressure with Wayne Partridge outstanding at the back for Icklesham but the Casuals also had chances to increase their lead on a number of occasions. Little Common reduced the arrears with 4 minutes remaining but Icklesham held on for the win.
The veterans are away to Peche Hill Select next on Wednesday August 26.
Photo by David Mayne