Time for action! Cup fun begins
Southern Combination League clubs swing back into competitive action this weekend– and none is looking forward to it more than Storrington.
They’re one of many local clubs taking part in the new SCFL Supplementary Cup groups and manager Bob Paine said the Swans were happy to be out of the long enforced break.
“It was great to finally see all the staff and players at training last Monday as we returned to training after 14 weeks of inactivity. Some 32 players returned for the first session in which we did fitness work and ball work, finishing with a training game,” he said.
“We went into the first of two friendlies before the SCFL Cup and entertained Newhaven at the Rec.
“We played a 3 x 30 minute match which enabled me to use 25 players with everyone getting at least 30 minutes. It was a chance to assess fitness.
“We lost a close match 2-0 but more important was ensuring the players got back on the pitch in a competitive game as we look quickly to improve their fitness levels.”
The Swans lost a second friendly at Broadbridge Heath 6-1 but Paine said: “We will train tonight as we prepare for the visit of Worthing United in the first SCFL Cup game.
“We’re looking forward to the cup and will use the whole squad given the hectic schedule, with two matches each week for three weeks.
“No doubt we will pick up injuries after the players have been out for so long, but all the squad will get a chance of game time.
“I’ll be using the games as a bit of a pre pre-season with no worry or pressure about progressing.”
Elsewhere, this Saturday’s cup games include Pagham v Steyning Town; Alfold v Loxwood; Broadbridge Heath v Horsham YMCA; Billingshurst v Oakwood.