It all kicked off in glorious conditions on Friday at East Preston Football club as the Barrowmen first team romped past Wick FC to claim their first senior trophy since the halcyon days of 1989. Celebrations continued long in to the afternoon (or evening for the more youthful or those that should know better) as two goals from Ben Bacon, both headers, and strikes from Rob Clark and Alfie Gritt brought the silverware back to the Shooting Field.

In all honesty the scoreline was a fair reflection of how the game went. Wick have had a topsy turvy season , and have struggled with players as of late, and once Town scored their second goal the result didn’t look in doubt. Wick battled gamely until the end, despite being reduced to 10 men in the second half, and put in one hell of a shift. Their time will come against as it’s a great club run by good people and they should be proud, as are we, of getting to the final.

In the blazing sun Town were immediately on the front foot playing down the slope and roared on by a large following many of which had quite clearly made the trip making full use of the 10am bar opening time. On two minutes Sabino swung in a free kick and Bacon found himself unmarked in the box and headed home under the keeper for a great start. Minutes later Belcher in the Wickers goal made a fine save from a stinging first time drive from Sabino. The one way traffic continued as Belcher saved again from Gritt and Bacon failed to convert a couple of half chances, including one which was cleared off the line.

Wicks best moments were coming through the experienced Terry Dodd up front, as held the ball up well and looked to play in others. Brazil had a half chance but lacked the power to seriously trouble JJ and another half chance was scuffed in to JJs arms.

As half time approached Town started to lose their way a bit as the second goal was not forthcoming and frustration and a lack of patience crept in to their play. Calming words needed at half time to stick to the passing principles and solid organisation of the side.

In the second half playing up the slope Town didn’t have to wait long for the second goal . A whipped corner from the excellent Myers was powered home by the head of Bacon as he ran across the front of the keeper and two defenders . Joy for Town and one hand on the trophy.

It didn’t take long for Clark to get in on the act as The Barrowmen took total control. Picking up a short corner on the right he jinked in to the box and curled a beautiful dipping shot with his left foot straight in to the top left hand corner. A picture goal befitting of the occasion and wrapping up the win. Soon after Playle – Howard was dismissed for Wick after a crazy two footed lunge at Faber, leaving his team further in the mire. Gritt capped the afternoon with a fine fourth goal acrobatically steering home a volley in to an open net after an unselfish pull back from Bull after he broke down the left.

Other chances came and went during the half as the final 15 minutes were played out. Wick were restricted to a few half chances, with the best chance headed high and wide. As the clock would down the game slowed almost down to walking pace and Steyning knew the job was done and Wick had given their all. The back four had been imperious all afternoon, against giving the platform for the more offensive players to do their thing.

The final whistle blew to great delight al round .30 years is one heck of a long time to wait for a Senior trophy and Steyning were going to make the most of it. Skipper Gathern lifted the trophy aloft and Sabino picked up the MOM award for a lively and exciting performance that thrilled the Steyning support. Myers also have a very strong game in the centre of the pack and Faber and Haulkham put in their useful robust shift creating the platform for others. Clarks goal was probably the highlight of the game, a cracking goal that put the game beyond doubt.

Well done lads. A memorable day in the clubs history that has been a long time coming and just reward for so many people that have put so much in to the club over the years.

Once the hangovers had cleared it was back to the more important business of the promotion push away to bottom of the table Worthing United on Easter Monday at 11am.

So on another beautiful Bank Holiday at Lyons Way we started the match brightly and on just 6 minutes we went ahead when Ben Bacon finished off a well worked 4 player move, bundling home at close range for 1-0.

The first serious chance for Worthing came on 20 minutes when JJ and Joe Fitzpatrick combined to block a good attempt from Mavericks front man Tim Tapscott.

However, on 28 minutes we doubled our advantage when a good effort from Rob Clark was parried by the Worthing keeper only for Ross Myers to follow up and find the back of the net for two. Nine minutes later it was three and game over, when Josh Maher (on his old stamping ground) made a strong run to play in Myers who crossed for Sabino who did the rest! 3-0 Town and another well worked goal. Near the break JJ made a superb save, finger tipping over a bullet head from Mavericks Escott at close range. A timely reminder for Town not to let anything slip.

The second half in all fairness was a bit of a non event as Town took their foot off the gas, combined with Worthing sharpening up and making more of a fist of things. On 75 minutes Alfie Gritt rounded the day off nicely for us rounding the keeper to slot home after a long clearance from JJ.

4-0 and runners up spot guaranteed. What a fantastic achievement from this team. It looks like the title may just be a step too far, but hopefully promotion will be confirmed some time in the next few weeks once the FA give some clarification of what is going on with the league restructures across the country.

On Tuesday evening the fantastic run of days was complete as the reserves wrapped up the West Sussex Championship in fine style with a 7-0 win over Broadbridge Heath. Pepp and Barlow have blended a great youthful squad together over the season and they play some fantastic football that many teams in the division have not been able to live with. Older heads such as Spence, Cockerton and skipper Greer have been superb all season and should be commended on their attitude and commitment to the club and the excellent role models they have been for the younger players. On Tuesday 4 goals from the impressive Rafe Brooks stole the headlines, but this has been a real squad effort over the whole season and all the players have been great ambassadors for the club. The step up to the West Sussex Prem is what this side needs and the challenges ahead will be greater next season.

Overall what a 5 days for the club. Two trophies for the cabinet and the first team confirmed as league runners up.

Up the bloody Barrowmen. The best things come to those who wait!!!