Carden nets hat-trick in Oak win

Wealden had defeated Steyning 2-1 on Good Friday to lift the trophy which Oak won last season.

Despite Oak playing on Saturday at Midhurst, it was Wealden who tired as Monday's match wore on and Oak ran out 4-1 winners.

After Oak had survived early Wealden pressure, they went ahead on eight minutes. Paul Eaton challenged a Wealden defender and the ball fell to Carden, who slotted home from 18 yards.

Tony Burnett then had a long-ranger tipped over before Wealden equalised on 12 minutes. Wes Tate crossed for Dan Poulton to slide the ball home.

Oak keeper Mark Stuart then made a smothering save from Tate while, at the other end, Burnett side-footed an opening wide.

In the second half, Stuart made a one-on-one save before Oak went 2-1 ahead. Burnett challenged Wealden keeper Simon Davey, which resulted in Davey dropping the ball and Carden tapped home. Then when Davey mis-kicked Craig Hall's ball forward, substitute Ryan Sargent rolled the ball home for his first goal of the season.

Carden completed his hat-trick in the last minute. Hall broke through and instead of shooting, squared to Carden who slotted in his third.

For reports from Oak's matches against Southwick and Midhurst and reaction from manager, Anthony Whittington, see Thursday's Shoreham Herald.