Cups, Sussex Hop and a heavy defeat shape Southern Combination week

The week began with the Sussex Hop. Arundel hosted their first ever event at Mill Road, with 379 through the gate for a 2-2 draw against Mile Oak. Harry Robins equalised for the visitors in injury time, after Archie Russell had halved the deficit. Arundel called the added-time goal against them 'a kick in the teeth' and thanked the groundhoppers and volunteers, saying the day had been 'truly special'.

The same weekend produced the heaviest result in the tweets. Shoreham lost 6-0 at home to Infinity, who described the performance as not matching the scoreline, though manager Declan Seiden was left to explain that. Shoreham reported a spirited first half and a second that left them exposed, and praised a bumper crowd. Within days the club had named Alex Laing as first team manager, his first managerial role, with an interview released through Sussex Non-League Football's Day Out network. Infinity's own tally stood at 10 league wins from 11, by their own account.

Then came the cups. Arundel beat Clanfield 2-0 in the Division One Challenge Cup under the lights, Clanfield having admitted to a tough start to the season. Mile Oak went out of the same competition, losing 2-1 to Worthing United, who said they had taken the win with a much-changed side. Mile Oak felt they had played well for 70 minutes but lost the game in the first 20.

In the Sussex Senior Cup, Jarvis Brook lost 3-0 to Eastbourne Town after playing most of the game with 10 men, and Loxwood lost 3-1 at home to Wick. Selsey were beaten 5-1 at Eastbourne United. The FA Vase then took Worthing United on a long trip to face Hythe Town's Mavericks match at Folkestone, while Jarvis Brook hosted Faversham Strike Force in what they called a historic day.

League results were fewer. Ringmer won 3-1 at Clanfield, with Jack Craig scoring twice and Will Craig once, and also lost 7-1 at home to Mile Oak earlier in the week. Loxwood drew 0-0 with East Preston, who finished with 10 men. Saltdean United beat Worthing United 2-0 away, though they lost 4-2 in the cup the following week, and Jarvis Brook beat Guildford City 3-1.

Away from the first teams, Ringmer named September's Players of the Month across the club. Dylan Vince was the first team winner, with six games, two goals and two Man of the Match awards. Manager Dan Barnett said his 'technical ability is increasingly showing, at times a joy to watch'.