No one should have to face a mental health issue alone.....
Whether you feel like you need support or are simply looking for ideas to improve your wellbeing - we can help you find what you’re looking for. www.secemind.org.uk Official
No one should have to face a mental health issue alone.....
Whether you feel like you need support or are simply looking for ideas to improve your wellbeing - we can help you find what you’re looking for. www.secemind.org.uk Official
Welcome to the supporters of Runwell Sports FC, we hope you have an enjoyable, and warm, afternoon.
Today’s match and programme is sponsored by the Wimbledon Celtic Supporters Club, one of a number of CSC’s that follow us on both Twitter and Facebook. I reached out to the club to see if they would be willing to feature in today’s programme and they surprised me to ask if they could do more and they agreed to a sponsorship.
I, and everyone else who work so hard behind the scenes for the club, are still amazed at just how we have been taken in by our Celtic friends and how enthused they are by our club. Yes, we have our historic ties and yes, we have our recent link with the Cameron CarterVickers transfer, but the acceptance, support and sponsorships from a financial sense, is something that is so appreciated, we are more often than not, left speechless.
At the time of writing this, I am somewhat happy after securing the Media Manager of the year award by the Essex FA. I was nominated by a number of people from the club to make the public vote, and won that vote with 34.7% of the votes.
I do everything for the club voluntarily, with no budget and using my own knowledge and experience with some Adobe software. I do not have any media background nor do I work for a media company so the award is personally, lovely recognition at long last that I am doing something right!
I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who took time to vote for me. You have no idea just how much a simple little thing like this means after 15 years of being a volunteer in this sport of ours.
The Runwell Sports match marked Aaron Baldwin’s 100th appearance for the club. During that time, he’s managed to chalk up 66 goals (4 of which are pens), giving him an average of 1.5 goals per game, a superb return, for him and the club. This season alone has seen him score 17 goals in 18 appearances and he is only one goal away from equalling his best season total of 17 in the 2018-19 season.
With victories in the Old Southendians and Hashtag United Development matches, despite Simon Thomas having to change the start eleven, it’s testament to the players he has that the results have continued to be positive.
We’re back at the Old Boys for another derby in the EOFL League Cup on the 25th, our 6th of 7 matches in a crazy month of February.
Enjoy the game today and most importantly, have a safe journey home. I’ll see you on Tuesday evening’s game against Leigh Ramblers.
Rob Lilley Media Manager, CUFCLen Forge Centre, Eastwoodbury Lane, Southend-On-Sea, SS2 6UH
President - Paul Marsh
Chairman - James Paviour
Secretary - Warren O’Neill
Treasurer - Grace Harding
Media Manager - Rob Lilley
Manager - Simon Thomas
Assistant Manager & Coach - Tom Harding
Physio - Emily Mackler
Reserves - Eamonn Kearney
Saturday A - Fabio Peluso
Saturday Vets - Paul Hodges
Sunday First - Andrew Doherty
Catholic Athletic - Rory Gregory
Programme Editor - Rob Lilley
Programme Contributors - Rob Lilley, Simon Thomas, Michael Sammut, Andy Wilkins
Photographer - Rob Lilley
Videographer - Rob Lilley
Facebook - facebook.com/catholicutdfc
Twitter - @catholicutd
Instagram - @catholicutdfc
YouTube - youtube.com/@catholicutdfc
Website - catholicutd.co.uk / essexbhoys.co.uk
Club Secretary - secretary@catholicutd.co.uk
Media - media@catholicutd.co.uk
Catholic United Football Club registered address: 20 Cottesmore Gardens, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 2TG
Squad rotation in a busy month ahead will be key
Hello and welcome to the management team and players from Runwell Sports football club.
The last couple of weeks have been mixed for us in the sense we lost in the quarter finals of the County Cup but then bounced back last week with a win in the league.
Losing to Rayleigh Town in the Premier Cup was a tough one for us all to take but fair play to Rayleigh, they came and got the job done. On the day they were physically stronger and did the dirty work better than. They scored 3 quick goals in the second half after we were a goal-up at half time, which sucked all momentum out of us. We managed to grab a goal late on and were very much on the front foot and as much as we pressed, we couldn’t find an equaliser before the end.
Last week we travelled to a hard working Canning Town side, a place where we have not had much joy over the years. There were no hangovers or feeling sorry for ourselves, it was back to business. We had to graft and dig-in deep to take home three points which was all that mattered on the day. I was delighted with the response in getting the job done and getting some more points on the board which was much needed.
I have expressed to the team that we have a relentless period of games now, which appears we’ll have 8 games in the next 32 days, certainly a lot for this level of football. I’ll be looking to rotate the team around for most games and share the minutes to keep everyone engaged and switched on to the task in hand.
Today we face a hard working Runwell team who had a fantastic result last week beating Sungate and have settled very quickly into the EOFL Premier Division after their promotion last season. I am sure this will be a great game of football today and I’m looking forward to the battle.
Enjoy the game today and have a safe journey home.
We continue our introduction of Celtic supporter groups, with Wimbledon CSC
The idea of starting a Celtic supporters Club in Wimbledon was sown when a few London based Celtic fans went out for a few drinks. After several pints one of the bhoys, Jimmy McGibney (who was later to become the Club’s first president), stood up and put £5 down on the table and said “Lads, let’s start a Wimbledon Celtic Supporter’s Club”. The others in the company were equally enthusiastic and one of them, Mick O’Donnell (who was later to become the Club’s first chairman) said he would make his two season books available to the Club’s future members.
The Club’s first meeting was held in the Irish Centre in South Wimbledon when scores of people turned up asking if they could join. Consequently, in the spring of 1997, Wimbledon CSC was born.
During its 26 years of existence the Club has put on many memorable events including a benefit evening for Jimmy Johnstone which several Lisbon Lions attended. The club has also had many ex- players come to the Club including; Frank McAvennie, John (Yogi) Hughes, Chris Sutton, John Hartson & most recently, Martin O’Neill.
Non-members are very welcome at WCSC and we ask for a £3 entrance fee and all of that money is then donated to a charity nominated by our members. For the last few years our chosen charity has been the Kano Foundation and we are very pleased to say that so far, the donations have been in excess of £10,000. In addition, we have made significant donations to the Celtic F.C Foundation as well as supporting several local charities including organising collections for Wimbledon Foodbank and donating toys at Christmas to the children’s ward of a local hospital keeping up with Celtic’s charitable ethos.
Whilst the Club started out at the Irish Centre, over the years it has also had some temporary homes such as The Grove in South Wimbledon (now a Tesco Express) and Jack Beards in Tooting (now an upmarket wine bar that doesn’t sell Bucky !!). However, for the past few years Wimbledon CSC is back at its spiritual home at the South London Irish Centre and hopefully we will remain there for many, many years to come
The current committee include Chris Broadley, David Kelly, Tommy McCulloch, Daniel O Sullivan, Max Nixon and Rab McGeachy and current membership is at 130 people. The club has numerous season tickets and always has someone representing the club at the games. Our club flag is never too hard to find at the match!
So when visiting London please add Wimbledon CSC to your must see attractions. You will be made very welcome. Please do not hesitate to contact us at:
• Twitter - @wimbledoncsc
• Email: wimbledoncsc@yahoo.com
WE THANK WIMBLEDON CSC FOR THEIR SPONSORSHIP OF THIS AFTERNOON’S MATCH & PROGRAMME VS BISHOPS STORTFORD SWIFTS
Aaron Baldwin recently joined a number of other notable Catholic United players in the 100-club, Paul Hodges, Iain Keenan, Dan Trenkel, Mark Baptist and Christopher Knight to name a few.
“I try my best to forget that first game, haha. We lost 4-0 I think, against Old Southendian. To make matters worse, one of my good friends was the manager there at the time. I was just coming back from my acl injury so hadn’t played much in the previous 2-3 years. We were 2 or 3 down when I came on but it was too late by then. I always say my debut was the next game after that”
‘Balders’ has had a long career in non-league football, scoring goals wherever he has been. Playing for different clubs means playing for different managers.
“All my managers have been influential in my football career. Steve Sinnett and Russell Faulkner gave me my senior debut at 15/16 for Southend Manor FC, so was always given the confidence that I should be playing at that level. My manager at Kempston Rovers , where I played whilst I was at University, started playing me more as a striker and I think that’s when I realised that it was my best position. Then came Dan Trenkel, when he was managing at Great Wakering Rovers. Again, he always believed in me and gave me confidence to play my game. Now I can’t not mention the gaffer now, Simon Thomas. Simon is always on me, as he used to be a striker so knows the position well. He know’s I can get more goals but I know it’s because he knows what I’m capable of. Simply put, it just makes me want to always do better”.
As Aaron has become older and more experienced, when he was younger, he mentioned he didn’t have a particular player in the changing room who took him under their wing. “I agree, I wouldn’t say took me under their wing but they definitely helped me improve and get through games. Like I said, I started playing senior football at 15/16 years old so I needed a lot of guidance. Those who played alongside me certainly did that on and off the pitch. Nights out were a whole new experience to someone young and impressionable as me”.
Being on the pitch, there were clearly a lot of players he has played alongside and against. Aaron initially remembers some of those on the same team. “There has been a lot of good players I’ve played with so it’s hard to choose one or two who I would consider to be the best. What I will say, are those who are the best for me to play with, are the ones I had/have a great connection with. Those who know my game and I know theirs. It just becomes easier, more of an automatic understanding playing with them.
“They have all influenced my style of play. I’ve had to learn new things and change the way I play to fit them and the team I’m playing in. I didn’t play much as a striker when I was younger, so when playing at Great Wakering Rovers, I had to learn to hold the ball up etc. Also, playing with better players who have great close control and first touches, I always had to make sure I was on my toes, alert and ready so that side of my game improved a lot”.
So what about players he has played against, has anyone made a big impression? “It’s difficult but I would probably say at Southend Manor we came up against Concord Rangers when they won the Essex Senior League. Dan Trenkel, Danny Cowley, and Danny Scopes were part of that team and they smashed the league. I don’t remember touching the ball much in those games, that was tough! I’d consider them all to be some of the best players I’ve played against”
Discussing goals, Aaron must surely have a favourite? “There has been a few (not blowing my own trumpet). I scored the only goal in a final for Kempston against higher opposition so that was special. I remember a goal I scored for Southend Manor against Bowers & Pitsea, when they were in the Senior League. I got the ball from the right and must have been at least 25 yards out, I hit it with the outside of my foot and it curled away from the keeper and in to the top corner. That one is quite memorable!. For Catholic United, this season, I think it was my second against Totternhoe. Pat Kearney played a free kick to me down the right and I saw the keeper off the line, I lobbed him and it bounced in. That goal put us 2-1 up and it turned out to be the winner.
Now it’s time to get onto the subject of Catholic United. “I think some of the games I’ve played in this season have been some of my best in a Catholic shirt. This is the first season where I feel fit and haven’t had any major injuries. I feel that I have an influence in a lot more games now. Season’s past, I don’t think I’ve let me football do the talking, and didn’t make an impact”.
Now an older statesman of the Catholic United team, there are a lot of young players in the current squad, but does Aaron feel like any could take their careers further? “We can mention Harrison Day and Liam Oliver who have both played for sides higher up the pyramid, but I think young Jack Leech should be mentioned here too. I think he has grown and developed a lot this season. He’s been playing a lot alongside Louis Robinson, who himself is established and experienced. He listens to what others have to say and tries to put that in to practice. This is testament to him as a young footballer who wants to improve. He has got more learning to do but I’m sure he will play at a higher level in the future”
Finally, the current squad. What does Aaron think of the squad that Simon and Tom has assembled? “I think we have made a lot of improvements this season. The last few seasons consistency and availability of players has been our downfall. We have changed that this season, with a lot more players at training every week and a good core of players always being available for games. All this, even with Louis Robinson still going on several skiing holidays during the season!”
Resident ‘cockney’, Rob Lilley, reflects on first memories of the World Cup and the glorious Panini sticker album when he was 10 years old
Back in 1986 there were two collectible items which became the currency of the school playground; Star Wars figures and Panini World Cup stickers.
Now I was born in 1976 and missed out on the 1982 World Cup in Spain, but being 6 years old at the time, it didn’t stop me collecting Star Wars figures or trying to find the England football team stickers from the album. Like most kids at my age, Star Wars was still the ‘in thing’.
For this feature however, I’m turning my attention to those tiny pieces of paper that would bring about the continuation of the phrase “got, not got, need that”.
Panini is an Italian company that produces books and comics, trading cards and other items, founded in 1961 by the Panini brothers.
In 1970 they formed a partnership with FIFA to produce the first ever trading card album and since then it has become part of the World Cup experience for both young and old adults, and children. Also operating alongside UEFA for the Champions League, the company is now worth an estimated £1billion and employs over 1000 staff.
Going back to 1986, I was a football loving 10 year old and remember doing what I could for pocket money so I could run up the end of the road to the sweet shop to thumb my way through packs of stickers. On the counter would be an open box with two colums of stickers, 6 or 8 in a pack, I can’t quite remember.
There was always a minicompetition to see who would complete a team first, or get one of the harder to find stickers.
There were always ‘special stickers’, which in the latter albums suddenly included gold and silver foil stickers, which you could feel were inside packs because they were a little more rigid.
In the shops we would be cocky and bend each pack backwards and forwards and boast we knew there was a ‘silver one’ in there, only to be proven right 50% of the time.
Englands entries in the 1982 album contained some greats of the game at the time, Ray Wilkins, Glenn Hoddle and Gary Lineker.
Like a lot of people at the time, Brazil were the flamboyant team who were favourites. I watched and followed Brazil and their players just as much as England, and remember their players of the time, Romario, Eder, Zico and my favourite, Socrates.
Socrates was this tall, bounding midfielder, huge bushy hair with a beard and moustache and looked like a hangover from 1970’s, but what a great player.
I had a huge number of ‘swapsies’ which were all kept together with a couple of large elastic bands. These would only come out when my friends came to knock for me, hardly ever leaving the front door for fear of someone grabbing a free sticker!! I think I took them to the park once, and hid them under my coat.
There were huge amounts of packets bought, and I don’t think I completed the album, but it was such a great time to be a child. Sadly, not many children nowadays will get to know the excitement I experienced as the internet and online gaming has completely changed how children entertain themselves.
I’d like to think the inner child in a lot of us older adults will still go out and buy new albums that are released each World Cup, if only to re-live our childhood.
There were a lot of other toys and games from our youth that we remember fondly, so I’ll have a good think and see about writing another article on those.
For now, I’ll just remember the disappointment of getting yet another ‘Gary Stevens’ sticker to add to the 10 or so I already had in my bundle of swapsies!
Runwell started the better of the two sides and grabbed the opening goal following good work to move the ball to the right. The subsequent cross was met by Gianni Frankis sliding in to prod the ball past United debutant Woody Wells.
United got back to parity ten minutes later, Clark’s corner seemingly hitting Oliver on the hip, to take it past the keeper through a group of players. United doubled their lead within 5 minutes as Aaron Baldwin, having one of his best seasons for the Hoops, cut inside and crossed the ball into the area with pace, only to see it miss defender and attacker and go in off the far post to the dismay of the visiting keeper.
Two minutes before half time, Tom Elliott grabbed United third and the goal of the game. A long ball by Louie Hay was met by the outrushing keeper who headed the ball straight to Elliott, who controlled and parried the ball back over the keeper and into the net.
A goalless second half, albeit with plenty of action, was enough to ensure United took the points to jump to third in the table, still with a number of games in hand.
1. Woody Wells
2. Aaron Clark
3. Louie Hay
4. Jack Leech
5. Louis Robinson
6. Tom Elliott
7. Thomas Kearney
8. James Warder
9. Frank Craik
10. Liam Oliver
11. Aaron Baldwin
Subs: Patrick Kearney, Joe O’Kane, Michael Sammut, Luke Mackie
Aaron Baldwin scores his 66th career goal on his 100th appearance for the EssexBhoys against Runwell Sports.
Sharing club values of being open and inclusive to all, to encompass and represent all members in the community and society in which we operate
As our ties with Celtic Football Club grow stronger following Calvin Carter-Vickers permanent transfer from Tottenham, we’ve created a tie with Lurgan Celtic, making them an official allegiance club. We share the same values of being open and inclusive to all, and do our utmost to represent all members in our community.
In this programme we hear about their start to 2023.
2023 kicked off for Lurgan Celtic with a return to league action away to Armagh Blues. Blues had only 1 league defeat in the lead up to the game so were not to be taken lightly, and so it proved as Armagh Blues struck first in the early minutes of the contest from a long ball forward that beat the offside trap and saw the Armagh striker hit the back of the net.
Celtic hit back shortly afterwards courtesy of Reynolds, and had the chance to take the lead when a goalbound effort was blocked on the line by the hand of a Blues defender, that saw the home side reduced to 10 men and a penalty awarded. Unfortunately, the Toman penalty was well saved by the Armagh keeper and halftime came with both sides locked at one apiece. The Hoops started the second half in menacing fashion and two early goals put the game to bed. The first came from the head of Gilmore from a teasing Crawford cross, whilst the second and Celtic’s third, came when a Crawford inswinging freekick was met by captain Lavery to slot home and secure the win and 3 points. The remainder of the game so no further scoring and the match ended with a 3-1 away victory for the Lurgan team
The second game of the month saw Celtic travel to Loughgall to face Division 1 outfit Sandy Hill in the quarter final of the Mid Ulster Shield.
In testing conditions against a well organised Sandy Hill side, Celtic were finding chances hard to come by, and their task was made all the more difficult when with the last kick of the first half they found themselves a goal down, when a Sandy Hill corner somehow ended up evading everyone and nestled in the back of the Celtic goal. Celtic were undone again early in the second half following a quick counter attack, and despite plenty of effort, the home side were able to repel the threat and the game became more stretched as Celtic pressed forward and Sandy Hill sought to counter. Celtic did eventually pull a goal back late on via a strike from the dynamic McConville, although there was not to be extra time as the game ended with Sandy Hill progressing to the semi finals of the competition.
The month of January ended with a return to league action against Glenavy Youth for the Hoops in Lurgan. Glenavy had put together a series of results to serve notice of their quality, however on the day whilst they contained Celtic initially, they fell behind and struggled to get back into the contest. Celtic struck through the potent Reynolds, who then proceeded to double the teams tally and his own personal feat in the first half to leave them 2-0 to the good at half time. Celtic were soon back on the goal trail in the second half and the impressive McAlinden and Judge both got goals deserving of their performances.
Glenavy did pull a goal back courtesy of a corner that was not cleared, but substitutes Douglas and Withers soon had Glenavy on the back foot again and the latter struck two sublime late goals to leave the final scoreline reading 6-1 to Lurgan Celtic and thus end the month on a high.
Belfairs Golf Club is a unique, Leigh on-Sea based club, welcoming new members. Proud to include a Mens, Ladies and Veterans section and is part of the Kindred Clubs including Thorpe Bay, Rochford, Boyce Hill and Southend Golf Clubs.
A club which is part of the community, and soon to be celebrating its 100-year anniversary. Thousands of golfers have stepped up to the first tee and played what is a fun, challenging, parkland and woodland course.
“So much more than just a Public Course!”
Membership Benefits include priority tee times during the week and the weekend, weekly and annual in-house competitions, as well as monthly singles, doubles competitions and much more.
Play and Pay membership as well as 5 & 7 day season tickets. A course which is rarely closed and playable throughout the year, rain or shine, from early morning to twilight! Free Parking, free insurance with English Golf, and you’ll soon get an official handicap whilst playing a mixture of abilities and ages, from Club pro single handicapper to high handicappers.
What do I do now? Membership of £185 is paid annually on 1st October and is pro rata throughout the year, with special offers to accommodate new members. You’ll receive a member’s card and put £50 on to pay for competitions and bar purchases. There is NO joining fee
18 Holes midweek £20.75/Twilight £11.50, 18 Holes weekend £25.50/Twilight £12.50 5-day season ticket £550*/ 7-day season ticket - £810*
*A 20% discount on 5 & 7 day seasons tickets available for ALL members in their first year Special Offers to those of pensionable age, and advantage card categories
Check out the Southend Borough Council Website (www.southend.gov.uk and search ‘Golf’ remembering you receive a huge 20% discount on season tickets in Year One!
For more information, to chat through the membership options, take a tour around clubhouse, get an application form and meet some members, contact Jon Stannard on 07825 638589 or email jonstannard69@me.com
Our shop, is run and managed by SXSports.co.uk, can be personalised. Visit them online today!
Prices are for adult sizes & does not include delivery charges. Visit www.sxsports.co.uk for more products and to place your order
www.offsidephotography.co.uk
Essex based freelance football photographer. Photographed at National Conferance level down to Sunday football league and able to provide images within 24 hours. Available for day or evening games, football events or specific requirements. Proud sponsor/media manager of Catholic United Football Club
www.sxsports.co.uk
SX Sports offer a large selection of quality discount football kits and Team Wear including Nike, Joma, Hummel, Errea, Stanno, Kappa, Umbro and Mitre.
We offer large discounts on football kits, training wear, footballs and training equipment, to clubs, schools, colleges and businesses coupled with an efficient friendly service.
www.specifixpersonaltraining.com
Specifix Studio prides itself on having an expert team of Personal Trainers, Physiotherapists, Acupuncturists, Nutritionists, Sports Therapists and much more. At Specifix we strongly believe in finding the side of fitness and development that everyone enjoys. Proud to assist Catholic Utd with fitness assistance throughout the 2022-23 season
www.paulrobinson.co.uk
Paul Robinson Solicitors is an independent, dynamic, fast-growing leading law firm dedicated to providing an outstanding level of service to all clients across the country, with offices across London and Essex
www.piccolorestaurant.co.uk
Great Italian food in Southend-on-Sea, we are perfectly located next to Southend’s beautiful seafront and the Cliffs Pavilion
www.teamexpert.co.uk
TeamExpert is a website content management website system for football clubs and football leagues. Users are able to update their websites themselves from a password protected online control panel.
www.wilsonjames.co.uk
Wilson James have been raising standards in security, construction logistics, aviation and technology services for 30 years. A team of over 5,200 people utilise in-depth sector experience and service expertise across both the public and private sectors to deliver bespoke client-focused solutions
If you would like to become a sponsor of the club, please contact us at secretary@catholicutd.co.uk
Let’s take a look at our visitors today, Bishops Stortford Swifts, from their history, current form and historical results between our clubs........
For more information on the ‘Swifts’ visit their website: www.pitchero.com/clubs/bishopsstortfordswifts
Bishop’s Stortford Swifts F.C. were formed in 1953 by a group of 13 year old lads, including current Vice Chairman Peter Hunt, Derek Smith, Eddie Miller, Mick Thurley, and John Sewell with Ron Nott joining a few years later. Due to their age, they were only able to play friendlies until joining the Bishop’s Stortford & District League in 1956. The club moved to their current ground at Silver Leys in 1964 and were founding members of the Essex Olympian League in 1966, winning the Senior Cup in their first season. A Reserve side was introduced in 1970 this side went on to win the Herts Junior cup in 1970/71.
After playing in Division One since 1966 the 1st Team found themselves dropped to the second tier in 1981, when restructuring of the league saw 4 teams relegated. After 3 seasons in Division 2, Swifts bounced back to Division 1 in 1984, finishing runners up in their first season back in the top flight.
By 1996 Swifts 1st Team had drop down Division 3, the appointment of Pete Isherwood was made and Swifts went on to enjoy their most successful period in the Essex Olympian League. 1996 saw them bounce back to Division 2 and then to Division 1 the following year where they finished up as Champions 3 times in 4 seasons.
With former Bishop’s Stortford players, Pat Jackman, Ian Hollamby & Steve Luxford amongst others, now playing for Swifts, the team went on to reach the Herts Intermediate County Cup final 9 times, winning on 6 occasions, the last in 2008-9 under current manager Mickey Nunn.
FOUNDED 1953
2021/22 FINISH 10th
NICKNAME SWIFTS
Swifts Reserve side were also successful during this period, winning Reserve Division One twice.
Several Bishop’s Stortford Swifts players have also graced the professional ranks, ex Q.P.R and Rushden & Diamonds player Stuart Wardley, former England U-20 international and Manchester Utd trainee Kalam Mooniaruck.
In 2008 Swifts also re-introduced a Sunday side when AFC Hatfields moved to Silver Leys and took up the Swifts name. The club have in recent years won the N.W. Essex League Premier Division & Senior Cup and 2 seasons ago won all 4 trophies up for grabs in the NWESL. Last season Swifts won the Senior Cup and Premier Cup.
Bishop’s Stortford Swifts also run 6 Youth sides, two at U-18, U-12, U-13 & U-14 in the Royston Crow League.
A midweek derby against old rivals Old Southendian FC was well received, with over 100 people in attendance at Garon Park. What a match they were in for, as an all changed Catholic United side visited on a freezing evening, following a hard fought 3-1 win on Saturday.
Both sides were looking to move the ball and retain posession and it would be United who capitalised first, the ball making its way out for a corner. The resulting cross was met by debutant Lance Akins who headed it goalward for James Warder to glance it past the last defender into the net. Barely four minutes later, good work down the left Clark, O’Kane and Warder played in captain Michael Sammut who crashed the ball past the keeper from just outside the box. HT Old Southendian 0-2 Catholic Utd
The second half was pretty much all one way with the Old Boys trying to get back into the game and they found it, Nico Debouchet volleying past Woody Webb with just over 10 minutes to go. United saw out the match defending stoutly and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Woody Webb being given Player of the Match following a string of saves between the sticks for Catholic.
1. Woody Wells
2. Patrick Kearney
3. Aaron Calrk
4. Jack Leech
5. Lance Akins
6. Thomas Kearney
7. Joe O’Kane
8. Michael Sammut
9. Frank Craik
10. James Warder
11. Harrison Day
Subs: Luke Mackie, Tom Elliott, Liam Oliver, Ben Burrows
Aaron Baldwin
Player of the Match performance by keeper Woody Wells ensured the Essex Bhoys took home three points following a tough second half at Garon Park
ESSEX OLYPMIAN LEAGUE SENIOR CUP 2ND ROUND
An overcast afternoon in Billericay was the venue for this cup game, the winners due to meet Old Southendian in the quarter finals.
Again, an all changed side was named by manager Simon Thomas as a brutal Wednesday evening away win at Old Southendian in the league ensured United carried on a good run of results in a busy month.
Tom Elliott was on the scoresheet for the second time in three games as early as the 9th minute. Harrison Day’s lovely little freekick was floated into the near post and Elliott was there to flick the ball into the net. Day himself was let loose by a superb quick goalkick by Woody Wells and making his way into the area, his side foot shot slid past the keeper.
Wells was untroubled for the majority of the game and the next goal was crucial. Thankfully, United got it and Thomas Kearney found himself in the right place after Harrison Day’s shot was blocked and rebounded into the path of Kearney who slammed the ball past the keeper to close out the game with a little over 10 minutes remaining.
1. Woody Wells
2. Patrick Kearney
3. Luke Mackie
4. Matt Wilson
5. Connor Polyblank
6. Michael Sammut
7. Tom Elliott
8. Luca Polyblank
9. Ben Burrows
10. Harrison Day
11. Aaron Baldwin
Subs: Frank Craik, Thomas Kearney, Aaron Clark
Sponsoring the garb of a player is a great way to show your support for the club and your favourite EssexBhoy. We’ve kept our prices the same for a number of seasons and as you can imagine, every sponsorship is greatly appreciated.
If you are interested in sponsoring a player, drop us an email at media@catholicutd.co.uk
Home Kit
£50.00
Louis Godwin-Green Stuart Marshall
Patrick Kearney Vedran Deranja
Louis Robinson PK Electrical Services
Jack Leech Chris Clark
Ben Burrows William McCluskey
Away Kit
£50.00
Paul Marsh
SPEC Development Limited
Matt Hanan
Matt Creevy
MHS Radiators
Tom Elliott Ellen Flanagan
Mike Sammut Hail Cesar Whatsapp Group Wishaw Bhoys
Tom Kearney Tommy & Mechelle Timms
Compass London Markets
Phil Sands
Carl Read Aaron Bloxham Amandar Warder
Joe O’Kane Mrs HC
Matt Creevy
Aaron Clark Offside Photography Square One Electrical Services Limited
Luke Mackie Henriklubo
Joe Burton JK Holistic Therapies
James Warder Stewart & Liam Murray
Frank Craik Matt Hanan
Aaron Baldwin Medway Emarald 67
JJM Accountants
Thomas Sloan
John & Frances Pye
Crystalclear Leisure Limited
Liam McGeevor
Dan Regan Square One Electrical Installations Limited
Adrian Maponga Rowkirwan.Art
Harrison Day Paul MArsh
Liam Oliver Red Project Management & Construction Ltd
Peter McCann
Allan McNelis
Simon Thomas Jay Nash - Specifix Physiotherapy & Personal Training
Tom Harding
Emily MAckler
Crystalclear Leisure Limited
Pearse Connolly - RL Sports
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our player sponsors. The money raised from player sponsorship ensures playing staff have the necessary kit and other supplies for the season.
At his peak, one of the best keepers I have seen. More a traditional shot stopper but can come out and make a pass (without being a bomb scare) and can always rely on him to make a save
An absolute beast. So freaking cool no matter what is happening. Sublime vision and passing for a CB, and is a problem for any striker anywhere. He’ll out run you and out muscle you, all while looking like he’s just warming up.
If ever there was a player that went about football in the way that I’d want my boys to go about anything they do in life, it’s Broonie. Man had great talent, but made himself a legend with his work ethic, grit, and unstoppable desire to win
Former Forest and Scotland youth player, and played for my local team here in San Diego. World class right foot, he’s an absolutely amazing person who has gone so far out of his way to make my family (especially my 3 year old son) feel special and valued. I’d put him in any team
I never got to see him play live, but he is the guy that made me fall in love with football. Just amazing talent.
Fantastic5ives’, is a 5-a-side dream team chosen by a player, committee member or a supporter. Everyone has their own, so it is great to see and read
In this week’s programme, we hear from Matt Hanan from the San Diego Celtic Supporters Club for his Fantastic5ive and the reason each player made the team.
If you would like to name your FantasticFive, email the club at media@catholicutd.co.uk and we will be happy to include you in a future programme.
Fraser Forster Cameron Carter-Vickers Scott Brown Jack Blake Henrik Larsson Matt HananEssex Olympian League Division Two
Essex Veterans League Division One East
Southend Borough District Combination Division One
Southend & Basildon Sunday Football League Division 2
SAT FEB 18TH | 2PM | LEN FORGE CENTRE | EOFL PREMIER
PLAYING TODAY
Galleywood v Leigh Ramblers
Rayleigh Town v Canning Town
Shenfield AFC v Runwell Sports
Springfield v Kelvedon Hatch
Sungate v Toby
Old Southendian v Hutton
TUESDAY 21st FEB | 19:45
Catholic Utd v Leigh Ramblers
MANAGER
SIMON THOMAS
LOUIS GODWIN-GREEN
WOODY WELLS
OWEN WELLS
PATRICK KEARNEY
AARON CLARK
LANCE AKINS
JACK LEECH
CONNOR POLYBLANK
MATT WILSON
LOUIE HAY
LOUIS ROBINSON
BEN BURROWS
LUKE MACKIE
THOMAS KEARNEY
MICHAEL SAMMUT
TOM ELLIOTT
JOE O’KANE
JOE BURTON
LUCAS POLYBLANK
FRANK CRAIK
JAMES WARDER
AARON BALDWIN
MANAGER
NEIL BELL
WILLIAM NORRIS
JORDAN ROBERTSON
MITCHELL BURR
HARRISON CROWTHER
DARYL DOOLAN
PATRICK SANKEY
ALEX SCOTT-BELL
HARRY BOVINGTON
EDWARD ATKINSON-PURSE
ALFIE BOWAN
JAMIE DICKER
CHARLIE GILBERT
DANIEL BUNTING
JOE HOLT
LEWIS PIGGOTT
ADAM BENNETT
JAMES BAUGHURST
IGOR SANI
MCKENZIE BONE
AARON BONNEY
ROWAN HOLLAND
LEWIS LAWRENCE
ISAAC STEVENS
JACK CLARKE
CRAIG LOVETT
ADAM MILLER FRANK HOLLAND JOSH O’SULLIVAN
SATURDAY 25th FEB | 14:00
Bishops Stortford Swifts v Shenfield AFC
Canning Town v Runwell Sports
Galleywood v Rayleigh Town
Hutton v Sungate
Kevedon Hatch v Leigh Ramblers
Toby v Springfield
TUESDAY 21st | 19:45
Another local derby for the Essex Bhoys as we lock horns with rivals Leigh Ramblers. We’re back under the floodlights again for this one as we continue our busy February schedule.
IF YOU SEE OR HEAR ANY RACIST, HOMOPHOBIC OR ANY OTHER ABUSE PLEASE REPORT IT TO OUR TEXT LINE 07494 005429