It’s a season to remember for MarlePlace ladies and the men of Mooch

It has been a great week for Mid Sussex clubs Marle Place Ladies and Mooch, with each lifting a trophy at contrasting stages of their development.
By The Newsroom
Published 26th Apr 2013, 09:00 BST
marle place wanderers ladies fcmarle place wanderers ladies fc
marle place wanderers ladies fc

Mooch are in their first season but they produced a disciplined performance to beat fellow Sussex Sunday League Premier club AFC Aymer 2-1 at Leylands Park to proudly lift the famous George Millyard Trophy.

Success for the ladies has been a little longer in coming. Assistant manager Geoff Fox has been coaching the girls since they were an under 10 side and this season they have won their first league title.

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All the players are aged between 16 and 19 and after their last game of the season on Sunday, when they beat AdurAthletic 7-0 at Janes Lane, the league trophy was presented by the Sussex FA’s Bob Rashbrook.

It was quite an achievement in their first season at senior level and also deserving of praise for all the hard work they have put in are the other assistant manager Paul Harvey and boss Mark Bishop.

The last victory made it 13 wins out of 14 in the league this season, with a goal difference of +69.

The scorers were Keeley Wheatley, who came off the bench midway through the first half and helped herself to a hat-trick, Shannon McFadden (2) and Becky Collier (2).

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All the subs were used to make a day of celebration for the whole squad, which comprised Sophie Streeter, captain Danni Bishop, Sharlotte Blythe, Ellie Card, Hannah Harvey, Charlotte Fox, Jess Gray, Jasmine Somerville, Emma Johnson, Cloe Cura and Fiona Setford.

It was a great way for the team to sign off for with several players off to university in the autumn, this was the last time they would play together as Marle Place Wanderers.

A few days earlier at Burgess Hill Town FC, Mooch faced a tough challenge from AFC Aymer.

Stu Brown put Mooch ahead midway through the first half but Spencer Slaughter levelled early in the second half.

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With Aymer enjoying far more possession, it was quite a test for Mooch but they remained focused and sub Aaron Walsh won it when he drove a penalty straight down the middle.

With Aymer favouring a short passing game which Mooch could never hope to match, it turned into a tactical battle.

Mooch marked tight and showed an abundance of determination, which was highlighted by their Man-of-the-Match Greg Archer who won every header and tackle, and offered great protection to a back four that allowed Aymer very few clearcut chances despite their lion’s share of possession.

The Mooch team for the final comprised: Agate, Blake, Ballantyne, Philpott, Matt McDonald (Cannon), Weston, Archer, A. Brown, S Brown, Pople (Walsh), Mike McDonald (Collins). Unused subs: Keane, Protheroe.