Mile Oak reinstated in the Peter Bentley Cup

Mile Oak have been reinstated in the Peter Bentley Cup after an investigation found AFC Varndeanians fielded an ineligible player in their second round clash.
Mile Oak celebrate a goal in the win over Midhurst & Easebourne. Picture by David JefferyMile Oak celebrate a goal in the win over Midhurst & Easebourne. Picture by David Jeffery
Mile Oak celebrate a goal in the win over Midhurst & Easebourne. Picture by David Jeffery

Oak were beaten 3-1 at league rivals Varndeanians last month and thought their run in the competition was over for another season.

However AFC Varndeanians fielded an ineligible player for the tie, with Mile Oak now reinstated.

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Anthony Whittington’s team will now host SCFL Division rivals Littlehampton Town in a third round tie on Wednesday, October 17.

News of Oak’s reinstatement to the competiton came after a fine league win over Midhurst & Easebourne on Saturday - their first victory since the opening day of the season.

Adam Dine, Craig Anderson, Jack Marriott and substitute Michael Gould got the goals as Oak romped to a 4-1 home triumph.

Mile Oak were focused and totally determined to get off the bottom of the table, which seemed to pay off as they went ahead after five minutes through Dine. Clearly buoyed by taking the lead so early on, Oak got their second goal on 14 minutes when Marriott’s low cross found Anderson who took full advantage - making it 2-0. Marriott then netted on 47 minutes, taking it to 3-0. Midhurst came back with a great attempt on goal that was only just saved by Oak goalkeeper Aaron Stenning.

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Substitute Gould then found the net ten minutes after his introduction, making it four with 15 minutes still to play. Stags were reduced to ten men when Kieran Carter was given his marching orders but pulled a goal back through Grant Radmore after 79 minutes. Mile Oak first team manager Whittington said: “It was a well deserved win. Midhurst started brightly but we got the first goal which settled us down and took control from that moment.

“We are a long way from where we want to be in terms of fitness and performances, but this win will give us confidence going forward.

“My only concern is that we are still missing too many good chances, we should have scored at least six or seven and must be more clinical.”

Mile Oak welcome SCFL Premier Division outfit Newhaven for a Sussex Senior Cup first round clash on Wednesday.

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MILE OAK: A.Stenning; Early, Arnold, French, Marriott, Hall, Foster, Shuga’a, Rewell, Dine, Anderson. Subs: Gould (Shuga’a, 65), Scerri (Rewell, 69), Gillingham (Marriott 76), Livesey, Bridge.

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