Sussex footballer makes FA Cup history on senior debut
Brady, 16, got the opener to become the first player born in the 21st century – after December, 31 2000 – to net in English football’s oldest cup competition as Arundel ran out 4-1 winners over Combined Counties Premier Division Chertsey Town at Mill Road on Saturday.
The young debutant, dual-signed with Bostik League Premier Division Bognor, was forced off at half-time after picking up a knock before Harry Russell struck twice and Ben Gray netted in the second half to ensure Mullets’ progress.
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Hide AdArundel secured £2,250 in prize money for the victory and have been rewarded with a home tie against division-higher Bostik League South East Herne Bay in the preliminary round on Saturday week.
Brady, appearing in the FA Cup for the first time, said it was a day he’d never forget.
He said: “It’s brilliant to have made my own bit of history in the FA Cup, it felt good getting the goal. I took a bit of a knock and had to come off at half-time but I was pleased the team went on to win the game.
“Simon (Hull; Arundel manager) has shown great faith in me and given me chances, I was just happy to get a goal for the team.
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Hide Ad“I’m dual-signed with Bognor and train with them and Arundel each week. My family were really proud, my mum was at the game and saw me get my goal.
“It’ll be a tough test in the next round against Herne Bay but it’s a game that myself and the squad are really looking forward to.”
Mullets manager Simon Hull has been tracking Brady for a couple of years and had no hesitation handing him his competitive debut in the FA Cup. Hull’s decision paid dividends as the Tangmere-based talent got the opener to set Arundel on their way to an FA Cup win.
Hull said: “Liam is a winner and someone I have watched for a couple of years during his days with the youth teams at Barnham Trojans.
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Hide Ad“I gave him a chance in our pre-season friendly against Paulsgrove, he impressed there, so was deserving of his place in the team for our FA Cup game.
“He’s a winner, a real talent technically and battles for everything on the field.
“Liam is dual-singed with Bognor, a really promising talent, what we can offer him is senior football now which will hopefully benefit him in the long run.”
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