This week at a glance....
CLUB OFFICIALS
Paul Marsh - Honorary President James Paviour - Chairman Warren O’Neill - Secretary Grace Harding - Treasurer Rob Lilley - Media Manager
MANAGEMENT TEAM
Simon Thomas - Manager Louis Godwin-Green - Assistant Mgr Tom Harding - Coach Emily Mackler - Physiotherapist
HONOURS
SBC Premier Div 2 1968/69, 1969/70 SBC Division One 1964/75, 2000/01 SBC Walton Cup 1966/67, 1967/68 SBC Charity Cup 1989/90, 1990/91, 1991/92, 1993/94 SBC Division 3 1962/63 EOFL Premier Division 2017/18 EOFL Division 2 2015/16 EOFL Division 3 2014/15 EOFL Challenge Cup 2018/19 Anagrams Record Trophy
28 Ellis Sands
6
Simon Thomas
8
Mike Sammut
18
Harley Kee
26
Feature - Ban Heading?
36
Reserves Review
2017/18, 2018/2019
MATCHDAY PROGRAMME Rob Lilley - Design & Editor Offside Photography - Photographs Scott Waple - Springfield Report Thanks To - James Pavious, Simon Thomas, Mike Sammut, Patrick Kearney, Scott Waple
MEDIA & PUBLISHING
Rob Lilley - CUFC Media Manager Photo’s by Offside Photography www.offsidephotography.co.uk © Catholic United Football Club All rights reserves. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without the written persmission of the club.
20
The Away End
FROM THE BOARD Welcome to all our readers, visitors, fans and the players, management and officials of Basildon Town. As a club we have experienced a truly incredible week, one beyond our widest expectations. Close to midnight on Tuesday (Transfer Deadline Day) a news story broke that a former Catholic United youth player, Cameron Carter-Vickers, had signed for Celtic (initially on a season long loan). Our media manager, Rob Lilley, was notified by current player Dan Trenkel and promptly posted a picture of Cameron in the famous hoops, that we have proudly worn since Celtic donated kits to us in the late 1960s. What followed was quite remarkable. The Celtic fans followed in their hundreds, and then thousands and at the time of writing our following on Twitter has increased from 2700 to 13000 in less than 24 hours. In addition we have had generous donations, sponsors, replica shirt sales…. The list goes on. Our media manager Rob is absolutely first class and he stayed up till 3am replying to people individually. Catholic United is a wonderful club with wonderful people and Rob is a prime example of that.
Thank you to everyone who has followed us, engaged with us, donated and / or taken the time to learn about our wonderful club. You are all welcome anytime, whether in person or virtually and please take my word that this is a special club and you will forever be close to our hearts for your generosity and interest. We all feel incredibly grateful and proud. Onto the match today, and I think this may be a first for me in that in the opposite dugout today is a former player, Marcus Bowers. He played one game and scored from memory against Bishops Stortford Swifts. He has done a fantastic job and in his management career and Basildon Town, along with Ongar Town are many peoples favourites for the league title. We have our own ideas, of course and on our day hope we can give anyone a test. Our young, new look squad have now won two out of three and this will be a tough test. Please enjoy the game and get behind the green bhoys.
James Paviour
Chairman
FROM THE BOSS “The players don’t want to feel the disappointment they felt at Hutton” Well we’re back at the Len Forge Centre after being on the road last weekend. We got the job done at Harold Wood Athletic but I believe a few teams will come unstuck there this season. Defensively we looked assured again and Payne, Mbamarah and Nutman are certainly starting to gel and build a good relationship at the back. We have a lot of competition for places at the back so it is important we keep trying to shut out teams. Unfortunately one mistake cost us a clean sheet which everyone was gutted about but we have to learn from that and ensure it doesn’t happen again. Learning from these mistakes will make us stronger as individuals and as a team. Home advantage can be key for a few clubs, Harold Wood Athletic, Hutton, these are a couple of them. They know the best areas to play in and will use everything to their advantage. I think we took the first half to get to grips with things and the second half we played to our strengths. When we scored, we didn’t look back. After Pablo scored so quickly after the break, we grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and had the better posession and chances, and wore them down in the end. It was good to see Kenty back on the scoresheet, in what was a man of the match performance.
Today may well be a very different proposition. Like us, Basildon Town are ambitious and will be looking to gain promotion this season. They will be tough opposition as always, but it is still very early in the season to fully understand new players and squads so we’re not reading anything into the match. It is just another game which we have to be ready for. We prepared well on Wednesday with a great turnout from both first and reserve teams at training. Our players have set their standards so I will be expecting nothing less from them, and they themselves don’t want to feel the disappointment they felt at Hutton. We go into todays game knowing that a win will give us good confidence and the momentum to take into Septembers fixtures. Thank you for your continued support.
Simon Thomas
PAGE 7
Sponsored By
FROM THE CAPTAIN “We were disappointed which shows we care about our performances” We welcome Basildon Town to the Len Forge today in what will be yet another big test for us. Our games are always very competitive and this one will be no different. I’m pretty sure that our opponents today will be up the top end of the table come the end of the season. Like us, they have the passion, drive and ambition to gain promotion to Step 6. We arrive today on the back of two wins, a 6-0 win here against Springfield and a 2-1 away win at Harold Wood Ath. We reacted well after our opening day defeat and against Springfield in the second half, we played the football I know we can. With Frank we have a born goalscorer and grabbing four goals was a sign of possible things to come. At Harold Wood Athletic we knew there was a test ahead with a tricky pitch there, but it was our defensive resolve which was most pleasing.
We almost kept a clean sheet and it was only a lapse in concentration which allowed them to score. We were bitterly disappointed at the full time whistle which only shows how much we care about our performances. So our forwards have been in the goals and our defence is starting to prove to be hard to break through. Young Pablo has found the net a couple of times and it’s been a little while since we’ve seen a Max Kent celebration so I’m hoping things are starting to slot into space. Hopefully we can carry on with a win here today,but we know it will be tough.
Mike Sammu
t
Sponsored By
PAGE 9
PLAYER SPONSORSHIPS
LOUIS ROBINSON SPONSORED BY:
LOUIS GODWIN-GREEN
JOHN NUTMAN
SPONSORED BY:
SPONSORED BY:
PAUL MARSH
SOUTHEND YMCA
PATRICK KEARNEY
CAMERON LEMAR
SPONSORED BY:
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Basil McNaught BMC PLUMBING SERVICES
LEWIS PAYNE
MAX KENT
SPONSORED BY:
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JOHN MBAMARAH
ALFIE WHITEAKER
SPONSORED BY:
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ELLIS SANDS
CARL READ
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PAGE 10
SPEC DEVELOPMENTS
SONUGA GBENGA
TOM KEARNEY
SPONSORED BY:
SPONSORED BY:
TWITTER @THEFAVRITWAN
DANIEL DUNN
FRANK CRAIK
SPONSORED BY:
SPONSORED BY:
JOHN MARSLAND
SCOTT KEYS
AARON BALDWIN
SPONSORED BY:
SPONSORED BY:
TWITTER [UNREPENTANT FENIANS]
HARLEY KEE
JAY NASH
SPONSORED BY:
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TOM HARDING
PABLO PESSENDA
ALEX O’LEARY
SPONSORED BY:
SPONSORED BY:
JAMES PAVIOUR
TWITTER @THEFAVRITWAN
MIKE SAMMUT
HARRISON DAY
SPONSORED BY:
SPONSORED BY:
PAUL MARSH PAGE 11
JAMES WARDER SPONSORED BY:
TWITTER @THEFAVRITWAN
TOM HARDING
EMILY MACKLER
SPONSORED BY:
SPONSORED BY:
ROWAN KIRWAN
We would like to thank all of our player sponsors for their support.
Specifix Physiotherapy & Personal Training Training Kit Sponsor My name is Jay Nash, I am the Owner of Specifix Physiotherapy & Personal Training and a centre forward of Catholic United Football Club. It has always been my dream to have my business associated with a local football club and for it to have happened with the club I am playing for myself is even better. Catholic United have always looked after me so I felt it only right that I give back to the club in the best way I can. That is why this season I put the business forward as an option for Sponsorship for both the training kit and the first team manager Simon Thomas. On top of this I am also offering a massive 25% discount on all Specifix Physiotherapy & Personal Training services to anyone who is involved at the club. (T’s & C’s Apply) This offer includes Physiotherapy, Personal Training, Sports Massage, Personally Tailored Gym & Nutrition Programmes and much, much more! Contact Details: Email - SpecifixStudio@outlook.com Website - www.SpecifixPersonalTraining.com Phone – 07801561690
C PRESIDENTS 1959-65 Bishop George Beck 1965-78 Stan Groom 1978-96 Rev Fred Wall 1996-17 Tony Cotgrove 2017- Paul Marsh
CHAIRPERSON
atholic United has a long history of football in Southend-on-Sea, originally known in the 1930’s as Southend Catholic & then later as Catholic Athletic.
Celtic kit to be on general sale.
Catholic United, as we now know it, was founded in 1959 during a meeting
Catholic United every success. The first time the kit was worn (below) was in
at Sacred Heart Church Hall. Joe Persigetti was elected the first Chairman & his nephew Tony Cotgrove later became club president in 1996. The
the prestigious 1968 Walton Cup final played at Roots Hall, where Catholic United beat Haden United 2-0 to claim the trophy for the second time in as
family tradition within the Club has remained throughout time.
many years. It was then decided in our gratitude to Celtic it would be written into the club’s constitution that our club colours would always be the world famous green & white hoops.
1981-83 Martin Britt
Originally the club played in white shirts and black shorts, but there was soon a desire to make the club more easily recognisable from other teams by its colours. Our chairman at the time, Glen Foy wrote a letter
1983-85 Chris Sexton
to the Celtic Football Club chairman,
1959-60 Joe Persighetti 1960-65 Stan Groom 1965-66 John Mudd 1966-81 Glen Foy
1985-93 Tony Cotgrove 1993-97 Kevin Wall 1997-01 Keith Exley 2001-11 Paul Marsh 2011-18 Chris Knight 2018- James Paviour
Bob Kelly, asking if we could buy a kit from them with an accompanying explanation for the reasons behind the request. Also in those days, the manufacturer Umbro would not allow the
Foy did not hear from Celtic for about two weeks, when out of the blue a parcel containing a brand new strip arrived, together with a letter wishing
CATHOLIC UNITED HISTORY The club played its early football at Nazareth House, which was then an orphanage. This was possibly the time when the teams were best supported as all the children would watch. Like Wellstead Gardens in its prime before the club were evicted in 2018, Nazareth House was regarded as one of the best pitches in the area & was unfortunately lost to the building of St Helen’s primary school in the early 1970’s. Despite continuously moving between grounds, the club were ready to take the quality of football on offer to the next level. In 2009, the club was accepted to play in the prestigious Essex Olympian League (Step Five), & having worked up through the leagues, Catholic United were crowned Premier Division champions in 2018 at the first attempt. In recent years, prolonged cup runs have become a feature in the season calendar, with consecutive victories coming
BACK-TO-BACK WALTON CUP WINNERS
in the 2017/18 & 2018/19 Anagram Records Trophy - a competition devised of clubs from Essex, Hertfordshire & Middlesex at the equivalent level. Last season, the Hoops competed in the FA Vase for the first time - beating Essex Senior League side Clacton FC 6-1 in the first qualifying round. At the start of the 2020/21 season, the club announced they will be working alongside MIND to help raise vital awareness for mental health.
2017/18 PREMIER DIVISION CHAMPIONS & ANAGRAMS RECORD TROPHY WINNERS
MEDIA UPDATE “We see the matchday programme as good professionalism at our level and another arm to the commercial aspects of the club” A lot goes into the media aspects of the role and I certainly wouldn’t be in the role if I didn’t enjoy it. As I’ve said before, I’m fortunate to have been in the role before with Great Wakering Rovers for a good many years.
Trying to stay on top of messages and tweets was crazy and I’m thankful I was off this week in order to be able to handle things. Hopefully I’ve responded to what I can and interacted as best possible.
In today’s programme I’ve managed to bring together some features & articles which I hope will make an interesting read. Whilst we don’t print the programme, the ISSUU service makes it easy to read on most Apple & Android devices.
With our new following it is a supporter base that we can look to build from and it certainly gives us some great options with our media offerings.
The matchday programme will continue to be a source of good information on matchdays and whilst there are some clubs at our level who don’t produce one, we have, and always will see this as good professionalism and a means to offer another arm to the commercial aspects of the club. As you may be aware, the loan transfer of a former Catholic Youth player to Celtic prompted us to post a congratulatory message on Twitter which grasped the attention and imagination of Celtic FC followers around the globe. The result, a huge and positive interest in our club based on the history, heritage and past ties we had with Celtic FC, as it should be, not due to the colour of the kit, as I’ve seen on Twitter with other local clubs, which I feel is a little embarassing.
There are a number of match recording devices, including Pitchero’s Pixelot and the VEO Matchcam. I’m happy to say that we are looking into the possibility of purchasing the VEO Matchcam, which will offer supporters full and edited highlights of our games, and hopefully live streamed games too. More on this in the near future hopefully. If you wanted to join me with anything media related, feel free to drop me an email at roblilley@hotmail.co.uk Enjoy todays game and continue to support The Hoops in all ways possible.
Robe rt Lilley
Geoff Keane Carpet Specialist is an independent retailer specialising in all types of flooring. Having earned the reputation as one of the most successful flooring providers in the Southend-on-Sea area, visit our showroom to view an unbeatable selection of flooring that we are confident offers something for all tastes & budgets.
PAGE 17
Address: 213 Woodgrange Drive, Southend-On-Sea, SS1 2SG Telephone: 01702 613773
DATE: 21.08.2021 | COMPETITION: EOFL Premier
Catholic United Craik 13,66,87,90 Pessenda 53 Nutman 76
6-0
Springfield
FORMATION (5-3-1-1) 1. Louis Godwin-Green 2. Patrick Kearney 3. Alfie Whiteaker 4. John Nutman 5. John Mbamarah 6. Lewis Payne 7. Tom Kearney 8. Mike Sammut (cpt) 9. Frank Craik 10. Jay Nash 11. Pablo Pessenda Subs used: Max Kent, Daniel Dunn, Carl Read,
POSSESSION
Report by Scott Waple [Twitter: @ScottMHC14] The match began in sluggish style for both sides, with Springfield winger Jordan Sargeant looking to get on the ball early to set up some attacking options, though he found the Hoops defence in good form. Catholic were a little casual in possession, much to the dismay of their vocal goalkeeper Godwin-Green. That casualness didn’t last long though as on twelve minutes, striker Craik finished the good work down the left by Nash, as he struck low to defeat visiting stopper Tom Storkey. The visitors were holding firm for the most part at this stage, but other than occasional ball play by wingers Sargeant and Jack Munday, they could not really conjure up telling passes to outwit an organised defence. Catholic Utd were slowly building up wave after wave of pressure going forward in the remaining 10-15 minutes of the first half. The livewire Whiteaker found Nash in the box who headed narrowly wide. The visitors had some hope with minutes remaining as Craik was sent to the sin-bin for dissent, but sadly Catholic managed to stand firm to see out the half.
SHOTS On Target 8
CORNERS
A frustrating first half for Catholic who struggled with a final pass as well as some resolute defending by a Springfield side who were determined to get something from the game. With Craik back on the pitch to even up the sides, it didn’t take long for Catholic to double the scoreline, as Passenda evaded his marker and calmly went around the on-rushing Storkey to side foot home. Craik went close again minutes later, and in the 56th minute, Nash found the midrift of a thankful Storkey. Craik set up Nash, just before the hour with a fine run, but Storkey once again had the better of the experienced forward as he got down well to deny the effort.
Off Target 12
6
OFFSIDES 5
Just after the hour, the third goal came. Substitute Dunn was involved in another enterprising foray forward, sliding in Craik, who turned past the covering defender before striking low into the net. By this stage, Craik was really giving the opposition a hard afternoon, and another move involving Dunn and Craik ended with sub Kent blasting an effort on goal which Storkey did well to parry. There was no denying the Hoops a fourth, with fifteen minutes remaining, a cross by Whiteaker found centre-back Nutman at the far post who powered a header home. A rare Springfield attack found substitute Andy Morgan headering wide of Godwin-Green’s goal. In the latter stages of the contest, Storkey again denied the unfortunate Nash, before another Kent thunderbolt cannoned off the woodwork. Two well-taken finishes by Craik made it six in the last few minutes, the second of those ending up being the last kick of the match, and sealed a memorable afternoon for both the Hoops and Craik himself, in what was a superb way to bounce back from the disappointing 1-0 defeat at Hutton in the opening game of the season.
In Focus
KEE Another long term absentee, midfielder Harley Kee, discusses his time on the sidelines What injury has kept you out all this time? I damaged my heel at the back end of last season and it has kept me out of all of the pre-season. It’s been very frustrating. How did you injure it? I did it in the away match at Rayleigh Town. I landed on it funny after winning a header, against a guy who was 6ft 5!! What have you been doing to recuperrate? I’ve just been trying to keep off it to be honest. I thought I was actually over it during the summer, but in pre-season the problem came back. Xray has shown no fractures so now planning an MRI or ultrasound to see if I can get a final diagnosis. At least this will give me the means to know what I need to do with physio work. What has it been like to sit on the sidelines and watch games? It’s been very tough, to the point that I haven’t been to see any games. The frustration only grows watching the boys. I’ve also got a newborn so I’m using the time well as you can guess!!
What do you see as your road to recovery? It will start the moment I have a proper diagnosis of the injury and that will be from the results of an MRI or ultrasound. Once known I can work with Emily to put a plan in place to get me back playing.
Do you think the competition for places will see you have a real fight for a spot in the middle of the park? Most definitely and it’s great that we’re in this position. Looking at the team that Simon has put together, it’s going to be very difficult to get minutes. When you look at Trenks, Sammut, Tom Kearney, Pablo and Max Kent, it won’t be easy breaking back into the side. Hopefully
PAGE 19
BASILDON TOWN FC
How would you sum them up in one sentence? A good side looking to win the league this season and move into Step 6.
PAGE 20
When were they formed? 1968 when they changed their name to Basildon Town. In 1966, as founder league member, they were Basildon & Pitsea
Where do they play?` Gardiners Close, Basildon United’s home ground. What is their nickname? ‘Town’, ‘The Town’
The Away End
What have they won? 1954/55 Parthenion League 1954/55 Parthenion League Cup 1955/56 Stanford Charity Cup 1956/57 Stanford Charity Cup 1963/64 Shaw Cup 1979/80 Ramuz Cup 1980/81 S&D Premier League 1980/81 Ramuz Cup 1982/83 EOFL Reserve Division 2 1998/99 Intermediate Division 3 1998/99 Basildon Sports Council Trophy 1999/00 Basildon Sports Council Trophy 2004/05 Southend Charity Cup ‘Section B’
History Basildon Town, not to be confused with near neighbours Basildon United, were in their time a thriving senior club and during their chequered existence they have played at a number of different grounds, almost all of which have now disappeared. Basildon Town’s golden era was undoubtedly the 1950’s. Following success in the Thurrock Combination and the Parthenon League in 1955, they stepped up to join the London League, roughly equivalent in status to today’s Spartan League. They were based at Stacey’s Corner, Timberlog Lane, a venue more than adequate for their needs, with a small shelter running alongside the pitch.
It had been the clubs intention to move into the sports stadium that the local council were planning to build at Gloucester Park. Somewhat optimistically Basildon Council announced that this new stadium would hold 21,000 spectators, with cover for 9,000 and terracing for a further 12,000. By 1959 however, these plans were still very much on the drawing board and Basildon Town instead took out a lease on what was intended to be a temporary ground at Burnt Mills Lane. During the summer of 1959 club helpers transported the dressing rooms, clubhouse and all other fixtures and fittings from Timberlog Lane to the new ground and miraculously by August the ground was ready to stage Parthenon League football.
Unfortunately their short lease with Basildon Development Corporation ran out in 1959 and they were forced to leave both Timberlog Lane and the London League.
PAGE 21
1960 to 1969
1980 to 1996
Cripplingly high rent charges, £230.00 per an-
It was not until the start of the 1981-82 season,
num as opposed to £25.00 per annum at Tim-
and with a pitch at Eversley Road Pitsea, that
berlog Lane, soon brought the club to its knees,
Basildon Town returned to the Essex Olympi-
and in January 1960 they pulled out of the Par-
an Football League. They now play at G.E.C.
thenon League ready to return to Junior Football
Avionics ground in Gardiners Way where they moved at the start of the 1995-96 season
In 1964 they decided to join forces with local rivals Pitsea United, who had them-
1997 to 2010
selves
Town were
London
briefly
been
League
members
during
the
of
the
1950’s.
playing in the Essex Olympian
League , with the Reserves playing in the Reserve Division of the Essex Olympian League
Pitsea United played at Gun Meadow, Bowers
Town were looking to expand the youths
Gifford, a well appointed ground with a railed
set-up, with Signet United Youth’s sides
off pitch and a section of covered stand, tucked
joining Town for the 2009/2010 season’s
away behind the Gun Inn. This venue served the new Basildon and Pitsea team well and in
Town would continue to compete in the Olympian
1966 they became founder members of the
League during the 000’s and in the 2010/11 cam-
newly formed Essex Olympian Football League
paign, would finish 4th, their highest position.
In 1969 the clubs split up into two once
2011 to 2020
more with Pitsea United opting to play
In the 2012/13 season Town would gain pro-
Sunday Football and Basildon Town car-
motion to Division 2 finishing 4th.
rying on in the Essex Olympian League.
tion would be gained again two seasons
Promo-
later in 2014/15 where they finished top of
1970 to 1980
the table. In their first season in Division 1,
The club suffered an almost mortal blow in the
Town would finish a commendable 5th place
summer of 1971 when, out of the blue, they
and a reshuffle would see them promoted to
were summarily evicted from Gun Meadow,
the Premier Division after just one season.
apparently because of their failure to keep the ground neat and tidy. The club were therefore
The 2017/18 season saw Town finish 13th and
forced to pull out of the Essex Olympian Foot-
sadly relegated to Division 1 again. However, af-
ball League at the end of the 1970-71 season
ter a superb season, finishing second, Premier division football would be played once again. The coronavirus hit 2020 season found all teams
PAGE 22
with reduced fixtures and game cancellations.
The Away End 26th October 2019 | EOFL Premier Division
CATHOLIC UTD 2 - 3 BASILDON TOWN
HEAD-TO-HEAD CATHOLIC UTD 9 1 45
PLAYED 18 WON DRAWN GOALS SCORED
LAST TIME OUT
BASILDON TOWN 8 1 36
FIXTURE FACTS
Our biggest scoreline against Basildon Town is a 6-0 win at home in the Essex Premier Cup Our biggest winning streak is 5 - from 26.11.2011 to 22.10.2016 Our biggest defeat is 5-1, a home defeat in the EOFL Division 1 on 10.12.2016 Our top goalscorer against Basildon Town is Dan Trenkel with 4 goals Catholic have played 9 games at home, winning 5, losing 4. Hoops have scored 28, Town 23.
PAGE 21
• • • • •
DATE: 28.08.2021 | COMPETITION: EOFL Premier
Harold Wood Ath
1-2
Catholic Utd Pessenda 48 Kent 78
FORMATION (5-3-1-1) 1. Louis Godwin-Green 2. Daniel Dunn 3. Alfie Whiteaker 4. John Nutman 5. John Mbamarah 6. Lewis Payne 7. Tom Kearney 8. Mike Sammut (cpt) 9. Frank Craik 10. Pablo Pessenda 11. Max Kent Subs used: Cameron Lemar, Carl Read, Sonuga Gbenga
POSSESSION
Report by Rob Lilley
The hosts were looking to kickstart their season after disappointing opening performances against Springfield and Ongar Town. Catholic, on the back of a convincing 6-0 home win against Springfield, were hoping to build some early momentum in the league and a win here certainly helped. Catholic found themselves playing up the slope on a tricky pitch at Harold Wood for the first half. With no wind, there didn’t appear to be any real advantage to the home side. The Hoops had some notable absentees, including experienced right back Pat Kearney and forward Jay Nash. Youngsters Daniel Dunn and Pablo Pessenda were given the chance to impress and manager Simon Thomas would have been and rightly so. The game started at a frantic pace with Catholic trying to utilise the wide areas in what was a very compact midfield. Pessenda was looking lively and Craik was getting his shots away, supported by good crosses from Whiteaker and Dunn. Tom Kearney and Mike Sammut were working extremely hard in the middle, keeping the ball alive and building good possession.
SHOTS On Target 7
Nutman came closest to opening the scoring, his header being cleared off the line from a corner, but despite both sides creating chances, neither really tested the opposing keeper.
Off Target 9
The opening goal came just three minutes into the second half. Kent played the ball into the feet of Pessenda and his run and shot looped into the net, giving him his second goal in as many games. As Catholic pressed, Craik continued to be a thorn in Woods side with his forward running as Kent found his range of passing.
CORNERS
7
OFFSIDES 5
It would be Kent who would double Catholic’s lead with just over ten minutes remaining. Craik ran down the right and managed to work his way into the box and his pull back found Kent who powered home a left footed drive past the keepers despairing dive. Wood grabbed a goal back on the stroke of full time, which gave them a little more impetus to attack, but it was too little too late as Catholic saw out the game to secure the points.
PAGE 24
Man of the Match: Max Kent
In Focus
BAN HEADING? The recent spate of ex-professional footballers diagnosed with dementia has raised the question of heading in football. Rob Lilley checks the issues raised...... The issue of a possible link between footballers heading the ball and brain injuries has risen again of late, after both Denis Law and Terry McDermott became the latest high profile ex-players to announce they are suffering from dementia.
PAGE 26
Professor Willie Stewart, a consultant neuropathologist at the University of Glasgow, has suggested to minimise or even ban heading? The research has been part funded by the FA and PFA and has showed that former outfield players are almost 4-times more likely to develop dementia. The higher rates are amongst defenders with little or no evidence of any decline after leather footballs were replaced by synthetic balls. Dr Stewart stated “get rid of unnecessary head impacts. Is heading necessary for the game of football to exist? or put it another way, is a potential risk of dementia avoidable for football to exist?
“The biggest challenge, which we are in danger of overlooking, is former athletes aged 30 to 60. These are people who participated in the sport who might have been exposed to risk , but who are not yet at an age where dementia might have developed. “Unfortunately these athletes are in danger of being neglected by sport. Instead there seems to be a focus on studies in young, actively participating athletes which have little, if any, relevance to issues around mid and later life brain health and dementia risk.” Of the final phase, Dr Stewart and his team have been working with families of players who have developed dementia and examining their brains after death. A range of pathologies are being found but, in a high proportion, such as former England players Jeff Astle and Nobby Stiles, that includes chronic traumatic encephalopathy. This is a specific type of dementia linked to head impacts which was also found in numerous American footballers.
Funding from the FA and PFA for Dr Stewart’s current research will end in February. There was a feeling that Dr Stewart’s landmark initial study had delivered on the original question of the prevalence of dementia in football but he is now seeking funding from alternative sources for research that could now help recently retired players. “We had asked for support from the FA and PFA for two more years of research on this highly informative project to try and see if we can figure out clues that might help us identify problems earlier,” he said. “We received funding for one of the two required years, which is due to run down early next year. Hopefully we have a solution with another funder who is potentially prepared to fund the second year.” The FA is currently funding another study by the University of Nottingham, which is looking at whether foot and ankle osteoarthritis, as well as dementia and Parkinson’s disease, are more common in retired professional footballers compared with agematched men in the general population. They are also in discussions about other future research and, with Fifa director of medical Andrew Massey joining their taskforce, want a coordinated long-term approach which also involves other football authorities. The FA has published new guidance that recommends no more than 10 training headers per week in grassroots football and a maximum of 10 ‘high impact’ headers among professionals, which would include longdistance headers or those from corners and free-kicks.
Denis Law (81) was diagnosed with dementia in August.
A new heading guidance video is about to be launched by the FA which is aimed at the grassroots game. Guidance has also been communicated to County FAs, leagues and clubs. The FA has published new guidance that recommends no more than 10 training headers per week in grassroots football and a maximum of 10 ‘high impact’ headers among professionals, which would include long-distance headers or those from corners and free-kicks. A new heading guidance video is about to be launched by the FA which is aimed at the grassroots game. Guidance has also been communicated to County FAs, leagues and clubs. Dr Stewart again also stressed the wider health benefits of football, for example to the risk of cardiovascular disease or certain cancers, but emphasised the “horrendous, horrific risk” of degenerative brain disease. “Running around and physical activity - fantastic,” he said. “But I’m yet to see any evidence that heading the ball and head impacts are a benefit to health. We could remove that aspect and still have a marvellously healthy pursuit. It’s a false assumption that somehow this problem has gone away. We may even have a bigger problem than we had 50 years ago.”
FIRST AN LAST
D
EVERY THING
In what will be a regular feature, we find out more about Catholic United’s players and their lives. Up first, is defender Ellis Sands......
My First.... First team
United. I don’t think I had a choice as it was sort of forced on my by my old man.
First football shirt
I remember that. It was the navy blue Man Utd shirt sponsored by ‘Sharp’
First match watched live
All I can remember about this is it was Southend United and I went with my grandad. Sadly I can’t remember who they played or even the year.
First match for Catholic United
I believe it was away at Shenfield away on the smallest pitch ever. I think we won 6-0!
PAGE 28
Statto - was actually two games after Catholic’s away game at Shenfield. Sands made his debut on 17.09.2016 away at Upminster, where the Hoops won 7-1.
First car
A trusty Ford Focus. It was my ‘love’ wagon, didn’t really work though!!
My L Ast.... Last takeway
Believe it or not, I don’t eat takeaways!!
Last holiday
At the time of writing this, I am in St Ives, Cornwall
Last game you watched live Liverpool v West Ham. Was 3-0 to the mighty Irons a few years back. First win there in 50 yrs
Last goal you scored Toe poke vs Shenfield last season.
Last film you watched Not suitable for under 18’s!!!
Last thing you listened to
J Lo, Jenny from the Block
Last thing you do before kick off High fives all round......
My EVERY THING.... Most important thing in your life Definitely my kids!!
Material object you can’t live without Can’t live without my phone.
Best thing about playing football Has the be the beers afterwards.....
Best game you’ve been involved in Second round FA Youth Cup, scoring the winner against Barnet.
Best friend in football
I don’t think I have a best friend as such, I’ve made really good mates with a lot of players and staff.
Best player you’ve played alongside & against
PAGE 30
I’ve played alongside Dwight Gayle and best to play against is probably Ravel Morrison.
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Reserves 2021/22 League
Cup
App
Sub
Alastair Grant-Browning
1
1
Alexander Bateman
1
Angelo Louis
2
Daniel Boosey
2
Dominic O’Kane
2
1
Ellis Porter
2
2
Greg Sands
1
Joe O’Kane
2
Louis Robinson
1
Mark Baptist
1
Matt Creevy
1
Oliver Robinson Tobias DeSouza
2
Thomas Elliott
2
Louis Robinson
1
Gls
App
Sub
Season Total Gls
1 5
App
Sub
Gls
1
1
0
1
0
0
2
0
0
2
0
0
2
0
1
2
0
2
1
1
0
2
0
5
1
0
0
1
0
0
1
1
1
0
1
0
1
0
2
0
0
2
0
1
1
0
0
1
0
1
0
1
Ryan Morgan
1
0
Richard Sharpe
1
0
PAGE 36
EOFL Division 3 league table Team
P
W
D
L
F
A
GD PTS
Basildon Town Reserves
3
2
1
0
5
2
3
7
Wakering Sports Reserves
2
2
0
0
14
2
12
6
Catholic United Reserves
2
2
0
0
9
2
7
6
Hashtag United Dev
3
2
0
1
9
5
4
6
Hullbridge Sports Reserves
3
2
0
1
7
5
2
6
Toby Reserves
3
1
1
1
7
10
-3
4
Collier Row
3
1
0
2
4
6
-2
3
Pitsea Athletic
3
1
0
2
4
7
-3
3
Buckhurst Hill U23
2
1
0
1
4
9
-5
3
Corinthians Reserves
3
0
0
3
5
11
-6
0
Leigh Town Reserves
3
0
0
3
2
11
-9
0
It’s been a good start to another league campaign. The pre season results and performances have set us up well and it’s been pleasing to see this form carried into the league fixtures. This squad is getting better year on year. Their desire to win games and titles is evident and the opening day win at Collier Row showed it. They kept battling until the end, with a last minute winner from Dom O’Kane (played his first full season of adult football, at 16 years of age). This result could prove vital at the back end of the year. A few injuries and unavailability has meant that we have yet to get any momentum with a consistent team out on the pitch. We have remained adaptable and continued to play a variety of formations whilst to sticking to our principles. We were aware some games would be much tighter in division 3; however, when the opportunity is there to score goals in games, we must take it, and we did this at Toby last week scoring 7. September is a big month. Four games against local opposition, including an away game against early league leaders Wakering Sports. This will be tough but it’s one we are looking forward to. We will see our first home games of the season at a new home ground. This year, we will play at St Thomas More High School on the recently laid 3G pitch. The majority of the lads are ex or current students at the school and will be looking forward to returning to play at the school where they had many brilliant football moments.
Eamonn Kearney
Reserve team manager
Reserves results
Date
Comp
Opposition
H/A
Result
21.08.2021
EOFL D3
Collier Row
A
2-1
28.08.2021
EOFL D3
Toby Reserves
A
7-1
w w
PAGE 29
LINEUPS 2021/22
First Team 2021/22 League
Cup
Season Total
Career
App Asst Gls App Asst Gls App Asst Gls MOM App Gls Louis Godwin-Green
2
2
0
0
164
0
Daniel Boosey
1
1
0
0
6
0
Cameron Lemar
1 (1)
1 (1)
0
0
2
0
Patrick Kearney
1 (1)
1 (1)
0
0
179
13
Max Kent
1 (1)
1 (1)
1
1
93
19
Daniel Dunn
1 (2)
1 (2)
0
0
3
0
3
2
0
3
0
0
0
79
5
0
0
3
0
0
0
110
12
3
0
0
3
0
3
0
1
65
6
1
0
0
121
30
2
1
0
168
47
3
0
0
160
12
3
0
2
3
2
Harley Kee
0
0
52
16
Scott Keys
0
0
5
0
Alfie Whiteaker
3
1
1
2
Louis Robinson Lewis Payne
3
3
Ellis Sands John Mbamarah
3
John Nutman
3
Dan Trenkel
1
Thomas Kearney
2
Mike Sammut
3
Pedro Pessenda
3
1
1
2
1
1
Ellis Porter
0 (1)
0 (1)
0
0
1
0
Harrison Day
0 (1)
0 (1)
0
0
1
0
0
0
4
1
1
0
41
1
0
0
61
35
2
2
0
11
5
3
1
4
9
5
0
0
40
20
1
0
Alex O’Leary Carl Read
0 (3)
1
0 (3)
Aaron Baldwin Jay Nash
2
2
Frank Craik
3
1
4
Simon Thomas Sonuga Gbenga
0 (1)
0 (1)
1
Club Stats Goals Conceded (type)
Goals Scored (type)
1 Right foot inside the box Right foot inside the box
Left foot inside the box
2 5
Header inside the box 2, 100%
Goals Scored (time)
Goals Conceded (time)
1, 12% 4, 50%
0-15 mins 46-60 mins
2, 25%
1, 50%
61-75 mins
76-90 mins
76-90 mins
1, 13%
EOFL Premier Division league table Team
31-45 mins
1, 50%
Table correct as of 28.08.21
P
W
D
L
F
A
GD
PTS
Ongar Town
3
3
0
0
10
1
9
9
Old Southendian
3
3
0
0
8
4
4
9
Basildon Town
3
2
0
1
10
5
5
6
Catholic United
3
2
0
1
8
2
6
6
Sungate
2
2
0
0
7
2
5
6
Springfield
3
1
1
1
5
10
-5
4
Galleywood
3
1
0
2
6
10
-4
3
Kelvedon Hatch
2
1
0
1
5
5
0
3
Rayleigh Town
2
1
0
1
5
5
0
3
Shenfield A.F.C.
2
1
0
1
4
2
2
3
Hutton
3
1
0
2
2
5
-3
3
Harold Wood Athletic
3
0
1
2
4
9
-5
1
Canning Town
3
0
0
3
3
8
-5
0
Bishop’s Stortford Swifts
1
0
0
1
1
2
-1
0
This weekend’s fixtures.....
Bishops Stortford Swifts v Old Southendian Canning Town v Kelvedon Hatch Hutton v Galleywood Rayleigh Town v Leigh Ramblers
Sungate v Ongar Town Catholic Utd v Basildon Town Shenfield AFC v Harold Wood Athletic