Manager Craig Nicholson had to reorganise, due to the unavailability of several regular key players and he introduced six new players into his squad. The newcomers all acquitted themselves well and the team played some good football. However, we lacked the cutting edge that the home side possessed and at times the inexperience within the side was made apparent.

As a result of this match, Sussex, who beat us to the title on goal difference last season, require a draw in their concluding game against the Army, to retain it.

Possession was even for the first quarter of the match and the nearest either team came to scoring was when Sussex striker Cherelle Khassal, put through by Sian Heather, was foiled by the advancing Lizzie Rose.

Middlesex’s defensive formation was disrupted from the 25th minute by the necessity to withdraw right back Anya Kinnane through injury.

Sussex went ahead 2 minutes later. A quickly taken, well-directed throw in by Lauren Cheshire caught our defence out and released Cherelle Khassal, who sped up the wing and crossed low for Sian Heather to tap home.

Skipper Alissa Down, making her 27th appearance for Middlesex just cleared the bar with a good effort from around 30 yards. However, the home team increased its lead in the 32nd minute through Lauren Cheshire, whose cross from the right found its way into our net at the far post.

Lizzie Rose made a good low save from Cherelle Kassal and then Sussex keeper Leah Samain saved from Hana Lalani after a mazy run through the home defence.

Then, Lizzie, who was in superb form, saved from Gabby Baldock and then from Sian Heather.

Sussex scored their 3rd goal in the 44th minute. Lauren Cheshire worked her way through our defence and set up Kellie Larkin to beat Lizzie from close range.

Score at half time: Sussex 3   Middlesex 0

We came back into the game with Aimee Dunn and Hana Lalani showing good control up front and substitute Kasha Petit adding strength to our midfield. However, we were still unable to unduly trouble the home keeper.

Lizzie Rose made a superb save in the 61st minute when she kept out a low goal-bound close range shot from Lauren Cheshire with her foot.

Lauren added a 4th Sussex goal in the 71st minute when she volleyed a bouncing ball into the far corner of our net.

Sussex had further chances. Cherelle Khassal went close with a low drive and Sian Heather shot wide from close range.

The team of Sussex match officials, referee Phil Wilks, assistants Paul Barratt and Stephen Dedman and 4th official, Ethan Prodger, controlled proceedings impeccably.

Result:  Sussex 4   Middlesex 0

After the match, Laura Miller was presented with her cap, in recognition of her services to Middlesex FA. Lizzie Rose has also qualified for this prestigious award, which will be presented to her in the near future.

Teams:
Sussex: Leah Samain (Brighton & Hove Albion), Sienna Howell, Rebecca Thompson (both Lewes), Danielle Rowe (capt), Ellie Russell (both Brighton & Hove Albion), Kellie Larkin (Lewes), Lucie Challen (Chichester City), Gabby Baldock, Sian Heather (both Lewes), Cherelle Khassal and Lauren Cheshire (both Chichester City).

Substitutes (replacement substitutes were used): Hayley Bridge (Lewes) and Holly Walker (Crawley Wasps).

Manager: Kim Stenning.

Middlesex: Lizzy Rose (Denham United), Anya Kinnane, Niamh Magill (both London Bees Development), Tyra Mills (Ashford Town (Middlesex)), Charlotte Baker (St Mary’s University),  Jade Dempster (Queens Park Rangers), Laura Miller (St Mary’s University),   Alissa Down (Denham United) (capt), Hana Lalani (London Bees Development), Aimee Dunn (Denham United) and Louise Clarke (Hampton & Richmond Borough),

Substitutes: Kasha Petit (Queens Park Rangers), Ocean Gregory (Larkspur Rovers), Lara Heather (London Bees Development) and Samara Phillips (Ashford Town (Middlesex)).

Manager: Craig Nicholson   Physio: Barbara Bivens.

Photos from match photographer, Chris Benn, can be found here.

Jim Taylor