Magpies keeping grounding on Amex hopes

Loxwood will keep their feet firmly on the ground despite being just two wins away from the Amex after booking their spot in the quarter-finals of the Sussex Senior Cup on Tuesday.
Parafix Senior Challenge Cup at the Amex SUS-140204-160744001Parafix Senior Challenge Cup at the Amex SUS-140204-160744001
Parafix Senior Challenge Cup at the Amex SUS-140204-160744001

The Magpies overcame a full-strength Ryman League South Division Three Bridges side on the road in the last 16 with a 2-1 win, but have been quick to cool talk of a possible trip to Brighton & Hove Albion’s home in May.

The final of the prestigious competition has been held at the Championship side’s ground for the past four seasons.

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Steyning also have an eye on what would be a dream day out after they won their third-round clash against Hailsham 2-1 to set up a last-16 clash with Worthing.

Loxwood boss Dave Cocoracchio has, however, said with teams with League One, Conference and Ryman League quality left in the competition , it would be ‘ridiculous’ to talk about a day out at the Amex just yet.

He said: “We genuinely haven’t not spoken about it. The boys wanted to sing a song about it in the changing rooms after the game, but you only have to look at the quality left in the competition.

“There will be only two county teams left in the competition if Steyning fail to progress against Worthing, which will be very tough.

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“Look at the quality of Conference teams, even Crawley Town, Lewes, Eastbourne Borough, Hastings, Burgess Hill and even Whitehawk.

“It’s a demanding set of teams, but lovely to think we will be in the hat with them in the next round. It would be ridiculous to talk about the Amex with any of those teams in the last eight with that quality.

“As any manager says, though, you take every game as it comes and enjoy it along the way. It’s great to see this season the enjoyment the club is giving everyone.

“From the players to people that have been at the club for a long time. People like Barry (Hunter, chairman) who have been at the club since they were in Division 5 of the West Sussex Football League, it’s lovely for them and we will try to keep it all going.

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“We have a lot to play for as we are in the semi-finals of the RUR Cup, quarter-finals of Sussex Senior Cup and games in hand in the league, which, if we get the right points in, we could be in and around sixth place.”