Haywards Heath Reserves lift title and book cup final place

Trailing Newhaven by one point before kick-off but knowing Newhaven had completed all of their fixtures meant Heath knew exactly what was expected of them.

Newhaven’s superior goal difference meant a draw would not be good enough for Heath as they looked to extend their winning run in the league to nine wins on the bounce and take the title on the final league game of the season. It had been a busy week for Heath beating Hailsham 4-0 the previous Saturday and overcoming a stubborn Hurst side 2-0 on Easter Monday.

Heath started fast and the deadlock was broken on 22 minutes when Will Glenn crossed for Cyrille Mpakomo to head home. The loss of Paul Foskett on 33 minutes due to a Calf strain did not deter Heath as Scott Baptie found Will Glenn in the box and his quick feet made the some space before smashing home to give Heath some breathing room.

After the break Heath came out determined to wrap the game up early and this went exactly to plan as on 53 minutes James Senra crossed for Cyrille Mpakomo to stab home for his second of the game and 11th of the season.

It was game over just 2 minutes later as James Senra forced the Seaford back line into a mistake and after some great close control drove into the box and beat the keeper on his near post for his 1st senior goal. Heath did concede with just over 10 to go when keeper Craig Jackson inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.

As the full time whistle sounded there were celebrations as Heath made it 9 wins in a row and lifted the title of Reserve East as they were presented their medals from League Secretary Karen Scott.

It had a great season for the Reserves having been unbeaten in the league since the middle of October and a deserved title.