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When the Sussex Senior Cup draw was made, most of the eyes were on one tie - AFC Vardeanians against Brighton u23s.
Varndeanians, who play in the Southern Combination Premier League (Step Five) of the football pyramid, beat Arundel 3-5 in a thrilling first-round tie, and have been rewarded with an exciting tie against the cup favourites.
Brighton U21 are fresh off of a 10-0 drubbing of bitter rivals Crystal Palace, while the V'S recently lost 5-1 at home to Hassocks. However, it is expected to be a heavily rotated Brighton youth side - one featuring players from younger age groups.
While to some, it is just a normal game of football, it means more than football for many. The game will be played at the Withdean Stadium - the former home of Brighton and Hove Albion from 1999- 2011 after the sale of the Goldstone Ground.
The Withdean, humorously known as the 'Theatre of Trees' to locals was one of the most unique stadiums in the Football League and was voted as the fourth worst football stadium in the UK by the Observer in 2004. The Withdean is an athletics stadium used by school kids, like myself, that doubled as the home of League One side Brighton.
When Brighton moved in, temporary stands, with scaffolding were put up, bringing the attendance up to about 7,500. Since Brighton moved out, only the original stand remains.
Born in 2001, I spent my childhood at the Withdean. I would play football at a local park in the morning, before heading to town for some food and to get the bus to the stadium. My seat was in the back row of the South Stand, meaning I was about 10 miles from the pitch due to the athletics track. The changing rooms were temporary huts.
I have many memories of sitting in the pouring rain, getting drenched watching Brighton get beat by bottom of the league. To go from constant League One relegation battles in front of circa 7,000 fans, to European Football is incredible and is a stark contrast to what I grew up watching.
But I would not change it for the world. The Withdean Stadium provided me with some of the best memories I have ever had as a football fan and encapsulates everything it means to be a football fan.
Brighton moved out of the Withdean in 2011, with AFC Vardeanians moving into the stadium after this, after playing at University grounds before. While the senior team played on Saturday, the u18s played there on Sunday - a team I played in for two years.
With so many connections between the clubs, Wednesday night is more than just a football match. It is a way to celebrate the progress and the history of both clubs. While it may not be as glamorous a tie as the famous win over Manchester City in 2008, it is a game that will be remembered by both sets of supporters for years to come.
🚨24 Hours to Go and the preparations are nearly complete🚨
⚽️ It’s more than a match, it’s a celebration of our entire V’s community!
From youth teams to senior teams – we are all AFC Varndeanians.
📅 Join us tomorrow night at the Withdean, let’s fill the stadium and show our… pic.twitter.com/p4V41Pdl05
— AFC Varndeanians (@AFCVarndean) October 8, 2024
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