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A busy February slowly coming to an end, but it’s been a great month......
Welcome to the supporters of Toby FC, we hope you enjoy this evening’s match, the second of our home games being played at the Southchurch Park Arena.
How good has it been that, for a month anyway, we have enjoyed midweek football at our level. It’s certainly a challenge facing a quick turnaround between two home games and producing the content for the programme. With this in mind, I’d like to thank Tom Kearney for helping as my ‘player liason’ for their features.
On Thursday last week we lost a legend of our youth, John Motson, the voice of football. His commentary during matches seemed to make them that much more interesting. I’ve been fortunate to read his book which provides a great insight into his life and times, so dedicating pages within our programme seemed the right thing to do.
Our first visit to Southchurch Park Arena last Wednesday evening resulted in a 2-2 draw in our local derby with rivals Leigh Ramblers. A goal either side of the break by Liam Oliver gave us a 2-1 lead, but we were pegged back in the dying minutes. It was a blow to say the least, and the players showed their disappointment, but despite all of the games in February, we still remain unbeaten. It has also shown just how strong we are with the depth of the squad, as Simon Thomas continues to keep players as fresh as possible for the remainder of the season.
No sooner had we finished with the Ramblers derby that Simon and Tom had to prepare for another trip to Garon Park to face the Old Boys, the second time in two weeks. Although our previous visit in the league ended in a 2-1 win, it was a tough final 15 minutes where we had to withstand a huge amount of pressure.
Saturday’s result though, couldn’t have been any better, a superb showing in the second half ensured we walked off the pitch with a 4-1 win in our pocket and a place in the semi-final of the EOFL Senior Cup. Let’s hope today’s result gives us something to end the month with, on an equal high.
We’ve had notice from SXSports that the new Joma green and white hoops shirt is available and we’re due to advertise its release for the 2023-24 season very soon. We’ll provide details on how to purchase this within the next week or so.
Toby will prove a tough opponent this evening looking to win three consecutive matches for the first time this season. They come to us in a bit of form and I’m sure another big effort will be required to get a result. They’ve had a lot of games to get used to the standard so I doubt we’ll see the same result from the first game of the season (5-1).
Let’s hope it isn’t as cold this evening as it was on Saturday!! Enjoy the match.
Rob Lilley Media Manager, CUFC
Len 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
After three demanding derby’s in a month, Simon Thomas is pleased how things have gone.....
Hello and welcome to the management team and players from Toby football club.
There’s been no let up in the games this February but we’re slowly finishing off our games in hand so we’ll see an end to our midweek games for now.
Last Tuesday evening we had our first visit to the Southchurch Park Arena, facing rivals Leigh Ramblers for the first time this season. A 2-2 draw was very disappointing, especially conceding with minutes to go but a draw was a fair result over the course of 90 minutes.
Liam Oliver grabbed a brace that evening. He’s a natural goalscorer and proved that last season. He’s getting back into a routine and enjoying his football again. I feel he is a confident player so it is about keeping him motivated and hungry and it’s clear to see the goals will follow.
We didn’t know what to expect playing here and I believe it favoured Ramblers, but we cannot make excuses, we have to adapt to the conditions like any team, which we did and battled hard.
We have had a relentless few weeks with the amount of games of late so its a credit to the boys as they have always dug in deep to give me everything.
I think it is good to take a moment to mention Frank Craik. A man of the match performance against Ramblers and once again, did really well against Old Boys on Saturday.
He’s finding his form again and yes, he might not find his name on the scoresheet as much as he would like, but he does so much more for the team and is an integral part of what we do.
Talking of ‘Old Boys’, we didn’t expect the resounding 4-1 win, but we know performances like that are what we are capable of. I thought we were fantastic. It was a dominant performance and although we’ll learn we can’t start as slow as we did, the early goal for them gave us the impetus to pick up our performance and we never looked back. It was really pleasing on the eye and some of the play left me speechless. I honestly couldn’t praise the boys enough after that match.
The result against Old Southendian actually sets us up well to face Toby. Winning games breeds confidence but we’ll approach the games like all others. It’s been a squad game during February so we will need to see who is fit and available after the last couple of games which have been demanding.
Enjoy the game and please have a safe journey home this evening.
An insight into running The Detroit Celtic Supporters Club. We hear from President and founder, Sean Kelly.....
Match days are a time to socialise, discuss the topics of the day and hopefully celebrate a good victory.
I drive, or on nice days, ride my bike to the Collect Beer Bar about an hour before kick off. Thankfully the bar is only 3.5 miles from home so it’s quick whatever mode of transport I use.
I unlock the bar and after turning on all the lights, I start hanging up the various flags we have. I put on the Rebs playlist, which is a mix of The Dubliners, the Wolf Tones and the like.
The back door to the bar is opened 30 minutes before every weekend kick-off, guaranteed.
Non-matchdays are where I tend to do most of the work within the club. I try to figure out ways to raise money for any local Detroit charities and also for Palestine.
Charity is central to my vision for the club and I’m pleased to say that a few thousand dollars has already been raised for Medical Aid for Palestinians through sales of merchandise made specifically to sell for charity.
I look forward to seeing what other charities we can raise money for in the future.
The club is definitely one that leans on its politics, and that means helping others and making the world a better place through football. This is at the centre of all we do!
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2023
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On the back of a disappointing result against Leigh Ramblers, how impressed were you with the character shown on Saturday after going behind early & winning so convincingly?
It’s testament to the boys & the success we’re having this season so far to be so disappointed with a draw on Tuesday night, so it was imperative that we bounced back with a win against another local rival in the quarter finals on Saturday.
I think I can speak for the rest of the team in saying that we were all buzzing to get back on the pitch and use that feeling of disappointment and turning in a good performance which didn’t quite start the way we wanted going 1-0 down so early. But the togetherness the team have shown this season really pulled through and I felt we controlled the game for the rest of the 80 minutes.
Do the lads believe we can still win the league this year?
We’ve now got a couple of months of really important games and if we can repeat our form of the last 12 games (losing only I believe) there is absolutely no reason as to why we can’t win the league. We’ve still got to play Hutton once and Rayleigh twice in the league so it’s key we get results against those.
We’re just taking it game by game at the moment with such a hectic schedule and if we keep churning out results and piling on the pressure, I believe we will win the league as I don’t think the teams around us have as strong a squad as what we do so may struggle when they start having to play mid weeks as well as weekends.
You’re having your best season in a hooped jersey & are now a senior member of the team - what do you put the level of consistency down to?
It’s certainly down to a lifestyle change in not going out every Friday after work now and trying to play on a couple of hours sleep as I think it was clear last season that was not working for me at all, as well as having a full pre season this year which was my first in 2 or 3 years I believe.
But also with Si & Tom having a clear out during pre season we lost a few experienced heads in the team (Kenty, Harley etc.). I realised I was now one of the more senior members of the team so had to be setting some sort of example to the new boys coming in as well as the youngsters we have.
The environment we have in the changing room at the moment is one of the best I’ve experienced since being at the club and that definitely plays a huge part in wanting to turn up and enjoying playing every Saturday.
Another Tuesday night game at Southchurch Park - what can we expect from a Toby side who have won their last two games?
I’m sure Toby will be a different test to what we experienced at the start of the season as they have now had a bit more time to get used to the pace of the league which I don’t think they were maybe expecting when they played us first game of the season. I think they’ll be lively and looking to turn in a performance to pull away from the drop zone but I’m sure we’ll be just as up for the fight and keep our good form going.
AGE: 25
OCCUPATION: Club fines treasurer!!
FAVOURITE TEAM: West Ham
FAVOURITE PLAYER: Aaron Baldwin
BOOT COLOUR: Black moulds, red studs
CUT-OFF SOCKS: yes, new member of the club this year
GRASS OR 4G: Flat grass pitch
FAVOURITE FINE OF THE SEASON: Anything to do with Louie Hay :)
You were here when Catholic United last won silverware in 2019 - what would it mean to the club to get back to winning ways?
It’s so important for us to end the season with some sort of silverware as for a club like Catholic, we can’t let seasons go by without any success which Si reminds us of regularly. We’re still in the hunt for 2 x Cups and a league so we’re in with a very good chance of winning some trophies this year.
In this programme, resident ‘cockney’, Rob Lilley, takes a look at the evolution of referee’s in English football......
Despite their importance, referees are an often overlooked part of professional football. Referees are an integral part of the global game and are required for fixtures to take place and competitions to occur. The English Premier League (EPL) provides a unique backdrop to consider the development of referees within the league, from the formation up until the present day.
Referees have dealt with numerous changes, developments and technological advancements and continue to operate and perform at the highest level, required to officiate in the EPL. However, the continued growth of the EPL has also led to associated challenges for referees and a constant presence in the media with their decisions scrutinized in detail.
This article considers the evolution of refereeing in the EPL, examines some of the most significant changes that have impacted upon refereeing and identifies some of the current challenges and opportunities that might exist for refereeing in the EPL.
The formation of the English Premier League (EPL) in 1992 has led to unprecedented growth in English football. Clubs have seen sponsorship income grow with every passing season, and collectively negotiated television agreements have seen deals brokered that have increased rapidly since the first television deal with BskyB.
As a consequence of the increased financial investment in the game, stakeholders have seen the demand for success increase, with the rewards for winning and the implications of losing never as important as they are today
Central to all of this are the referees, the individuals who uphold the laws of the game, who maintain authenticity and who make the decisions, which can be the difference between winning and losing. These referees have also been on a journey of evolution.
They have become professional, full-time match officials. They have seen law changes and adaptations in the EPL and in European and international competitions to which they must adapt. Technological introductions have impacted their training, development and on pitch performance, whilst the professional support networks around these referees have expanded, as more is demanded from them by players, coaches/ managers, spectators and media commentators.
Referees are therefore central to the modern game.
Given this backdrop, it is perhaps unsurprising that technology was controversially introduced into the EPL with the agendas and competing interests of different stakeholders such as FIFA, UEFA, fan groups, the EPL, clubs and managers evident in the journey towards this introduction. The technology was approved and installed with a central aim of ‘supporting’ referees in their decision making and overall performance.
The 2013/14 season saw the addition of goal line technology in the EPL with the technology utilized at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, despite FIFA previously disagreeing with the introduction of goal line technology.
Goal line technology is now an established part of matches in the EPL and was joined in the 2019/20 season by video assistant referees (VAR), with varying and debatable levels of success.
The pressure for referees to arrive at the right decision became more important as the rewards for winning and losing increased.
Due to the external pressure and scrutiny, alongside recognition from organizations, such as the English Football Association and the Referee’s Association, training provision evolved and the formation of the EPL acted as a catalyst for the professionalization of this training.
Whilst the training of referees has evolved alongside the professionalization and continued development of football the formation of the EPL accelerated and intensified the need for referees to be supported in their training.
The move to professional, fulltime referees in 2001 was a significant step forward for the EPL and for the increasing evolution of referees in the EPL.
England became one of the first countries around the world to move to a system that incorporated full-time referees in their top league. Related to the measurement of performance for fulltime, professional referees is the tracking of referee physical performance against the comparable physical performance of players in the EPL.
This accountability of performance can also be seen through the physical tests that referees have to take and pass in order to officiate in the EPL.
Psychological support was introduced given the demanding nature of the role of referees in the EPL and to assist referees in their preparation, performance and evaluation.
VAR was introduced in the EPL for the 2019/20 season.49 Following the successful trials and introduction of goal line technology, and the growing importance attached to decision making, it was deemed important to assist referees further with their onfield performance. However, the introduction of VAR has been beset with issues and controversies, arguably making the role of the on-field referee less clear, creating concerns around their authority and also undermining the ability of referees to make the right decisions during the crucial moments of a match.
Football has been a relatively slow adopter of technological innovations when compared to other sports, and as such, the process of introducing this technology and then refining both the technology and the associated processes are some way behind other sports. Nevertheless, if improvements to the method can be found, then VAR could be a significant asset for the EPL.
In a surprise visit to the Southchurch Park Arena, home of Southend Manor FC, manager Simon Thomas named another changed side, perhaps with a view of another derby in 4-days time away at Old Southendian in the quarter final of the EOFL Senior Cup.
The match started as most derby’s do, both sides getting stuck into the tackle and creating some minor chances. Defensively there were mistakes being made which only added to the enjoyment for the neutrals, but it would be United who would grab the lead five minutes before the break. Craik did well down the left, and his pass to Pat Kearney who’s cross was met by Liam Oliver who’s sliced volley found it’s way into the top corner.
Ramblers came out on a mission in the second half determined to gain parity and duly did so, with a thumping shot which Godwin-Green was unable to keep out of the net.
United re-took the lead through a penalty just after the hour. Liam Oliver’s initial spot kit saved well by Dylan Skinner, but the parry only found its way back to Oliver who left footed the rebound into the goal. Jamie Skinner was sent off for Ramblers for a poor foul on Aaron Baldwin, receiving a second yellow.
As Ramblers pressed in the final stages of the game, a corner was fired into a busy penalty area and dropped to sub Owen Reynolds who thumped the ball into the net to secure a point for the visitors.
The entertainment didn’t finish there with both Andrew Webster and assistant manager Nathan Dewberry being sent off after the final whistle.
Liam Oliver turns and celebrates his opening goal against Leigh Ramblers.
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.
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A second visit to Garon Park to face the Old Boys in two weeks was the last thing manager Simon Thomas wanted in a fixture packed February. The full use of the squad has been clearly evident but needed in order to keep players fresh and relatively free from injury.
Nobody foresaw how quickly Old Southendian would score, barely three minutes on the clock as Neil Maclean was played in and went around GodwinGreen to score. United took time to find their way but gradually started to make in-roads thanks to the menacing runs of Frank Craik down the left. It would be Craik who would grab United equaliser. James Warder played in Joe O’Kane who made his way into the area and his pass across the goal found Craik who side footed it home.
The second half was all United, playing with the wind at their backs. It took barely a minute from the whistle for Joe O’Kane to be set free to place the ball between the keepers legs and into the net. As the flag went up for offside, the referee was correct in his decision that the last touch of the ball was from an Old Boys player.
Ten minutes later and United were two ahead. An Aaron Clark corner shaved the crossbar and fell at the feet of Mike Sammut at the back post to stab the ball over the line to a rapturous celebration.
To cap off a superb second half, two subs combined for United fourth of the game. Kofi Goodrum ventured down the left and his left foot cross found Liam Oliver, who’s first touch gave him space ahead of the defender to slam the ball into the back of the net. It was a result that will certainly give United a boost following the 2-2 draw against Ramblers and one that may well help a push to chase down leaders Hutton.
Tom Elliott celebrates with captain Mike Sammut, scorer of United’s 3rd....
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We take a look back at someone we’ve listened to since our childhood. The man, the commentator, a legend in his own right, John
‘Motty’ MotsonBorn on the 10th July 1945, John Walker Motson, would become a household name amongst football enthusiasts the world over. A Barnet supporter, he lived a quiet life in Hertfordshire married to Anne and having a son, Frederick.
Sadly, we lost this icon in football commentary on Thursday 23rd February, aged 77. He was the voice of football for almost half a century, commentating on Match of the Day from 1971 until his retirement in 2018.
Alongside the energy and passion he brought to the game, that work was evident in his trademark style of reeling off statistics written on an A4 sheet of card in felt-tip pen for each match. Motson put this “obsession” for facts and figures down to being “terrified of not knowing enough or making a mistake” in his early days. He admitted to “overdosing” on it, and gradually used less background information in his commentaries.
Nevertheless, his filing system continued to grow – as did his library of more than 500 football record books. On top of the stats, he displayed an eloquence for describing the occasion. When Liverpool were beaten 0-1 in the 1988 FA Cup final by the unfancied Wimbledon – known for the eccentric behaviour of their players and fans –he spontaneously summed up: “The Crazy Gang has beaten the Culture Club.”
Earlier, at the end of the 1977 FA Cup final, when Manchester United – captained by Martin Buchan – beat Liverpool 2-1, Motson must have been silently thrilled that it enabled him to put his research into action and say: “How fitting that a man called Buchan should be the first to ascend the 39 steps to the royal box”, recalling John Buchan’s celebrated spy novel.
His ability to remember every detail of each game he covered also made Motson ideal company away from the pitch. If, for example, he was asked about a Division One Southampton v Birmingham City match at the Dell in the 1973-74 season, he would not only recall the result and those booked, but describe in detail Peter Osgood’s perm and the pattern made by a set of studs on a shin.
However, he was not averse to the occasional “Colemanballs”, emulating the verbal gaffes of his fellow football commentator David Coleman, who was presenter of Match of the Day by the time he started on it himself. Among Motson’s were: “The World Cup is truly an international event”, “The goals made such a difference to the way this game went”, and “For those of you watching in black-and-white, Spurs are in the yellow strip”
In his long career commentating on more than 2,500 televised games, Motson covered nine World Cups (1974-2006), 29 FA Cup finals (19772007, missing just two) and nine European Championships (1976-2008).
He stepped back from his position as the BBC’s lead commentator in 2008, saying he had thought about the forthcoming World Cup in South Africa two years later and “just didn’t feel quite up for it”. His last live commentary was the Euro 2008 final, with Spain beating Germany 1-0 in Vienna.
However, he continued commentating both for football highlights on Match of the Day and for BBC Radio 5 Live until 2018. His final TV commentary was for the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion.
Motson’s standing meant that he became part of the impersonator Rory Bremner’s repertoire of characters, complete with the sheepskin coats that became another of his trademarks on screen after he reached for one when horizontal sleet started falling during an FA Cup tie at Wycombe Wanderers’ ground in 1990.
He had them made to measure in Savile Row, central London, able to afford them on an income that he said gave him security after growing up in a family where his father’s income was “very modest”.
John was born in Salford, which was then in Lancashire, to Gwendoline (nee Harrison) and William Motson, a Methodist minister, brought up in London and educated at Culford school, near Bury St Edmonds, in Suffolk.
As a teenager, Motson played the game himself in the Barnet Sunday League, as well as becoming a Barnet and Potters Bar youth table-tennis champion
On leaving school, he began his career in journalism as a reporter on the Barnet Press in 1963. He then moved to the Sheffield Morning Telegraph (1967-68), where he started covering football, qualified as an FA preliminary coach and freelanced for BBC Radio Sheffield.
In 1968, he moved to BBC Radio Sport in London and was first heard nationally as presenter of Radio 4’s Saturday-evening after-match Sports Session (1969-70) before commentating on live matches for Radio 2 (1969-71).
He switched to television and Match of the Day in 1971 following Kenneth Wolstenholme’s departure – becoming TV’s youngest football commentator, aged 26.
Motson found himself describing the disaster at the Hillsborough stadium in Sheffield for the 1989 FA Cup semi-final between Nottingham Forest and Liverpool, which resulted in the deaths of 97 Liverpool fans.
During three seasons from 2001 when the BBC lost rights to Premier League highlights to ITV, Motson commentated for Radio 5 Live. On leaving the BBC in 2018, Motson commentated for talkSPORT, as well as appearing regularly as a pundit on the commercial radio station’s football shows.
Ten years earlier, reflecting on the influence of money in football, he had observed: “It’s true that the game has changed so much, and in many ways not for the better, but it is still the game. It is still beautiful and it still has the power, as few others things, to move nations and continents and, every four years, the world.”
Motson, whose autobiography, Motty: 40 Years in the Commentary Box, from where this column was written, was published in 2009, was named the Royal Television Society’s commentator of the year in 2004 and won a Bafta special award in 2018. He was made OBE in 2001.
John Motson
1945-2023
Let’s take a look at our visitors today, Toby FC, from their history, current form and historical results between our clubs........
For more information on The Brewers visit their website: www.tobyfc.co.uk
Toby FC were founded in 1932 by a group of workers at Charrington’s Brewery in the East End of London. The team were named after the Toby Bitter that was brewed and distributed from their premises in Silvertown and Mile End.
Our club badge is based on the Toby Bitter logo, which is a traditional Toby jug.
FOUNDED 1932
2021/22 FINISH 1st (Division One)
NICKNAME The Brewers
EOFL Division 1 Winners
Promoted to EOFL
Reserves win Division Two
1sts win Essex Busines Houses Premier Cup
1sts win Essex Busines Houses Premier Cup
Essex Sunday Corinthian - Senior Division
Winners
Reserves win Essex Business Houses
Division 3 & Division 3 Cup
Reserves win Essex Business Houses
Division 2
Sunday 1sts win League Cup & Jameson
Plate Champions
Reserves win Essex Business Houses
Division 2 & Division 2 Cup
Essex Sunday Cup Winners
Essex Business Houses Division 1 Winners
London Business Houses Challenge Cup
Winners
London Breweries Cannon Cup Winners
London Business House Cup Winners
1sts win London Business Houses Division 1
We take a pictoral look back at Catholic United history.....
Our earliest picture, circa 1960, pre-green & white hoops.
1968 - The first time wearing the donated green & hooped kit donated to us by Celtic FC. The match, the 1968 Walton Cup Final was won 2-1 by Catholic United
EOFL Division Two
On the back of a 5-1 away win against rivals Leigh Ramblers Reserves in the EOFL Reserve Cup, Catholic United Reserves were back in league action.
Manager Eamonn Kearney named a strong squad for the match and brings his thoughts on the performance.
We knew it was an important game before the matches against teams around us in the league. With those teams playing each other, the league could have had a different look so a positive result was important against Harold Wood Reserves.
As with any game wanted a fast start, looking to dominate possession and create clear cut opportunities.
We had a strong squad and it was boosted by a return to the squad for Zac Wing and Dan Trenkel.
The Woods keeper went off early with a head injury but that didn’t impact the result.
We got goals at key moments and this was critical in breaking their spirit. Do’s goal not long before the break and after they scored to take us 3-1 up.
With fifteen minutes to go it could have been tricky but we kicked back into gear and goals from Zac Wing and a great strike from Dan Williams finished off the match.
I was extremely pleased with both the result and the performance. If anything, it could have been more than five. Simply, it was a great team performance. We just need to keep creating the chances we did in this game for the rest of the season.
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 Away Kit
Louis Godwin-Green Stuart Marshall
Patrick Kearney Vedran Deranja
Louis Robinson PK Electrical Services
Jack Leech Chris Clark
Ben Burrows William McCluskey
£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.
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
The best passer of a ball I’ve seen and always seemed to be a step ahead of opposition.
One of my favourite players to watch growing up, he could do it all with the ball and had a nasty streak to accompany it.
In this week’s programme, we hear from our very own reserve team captain, Ryan Morgan, for his Fantastic5ive and the reason each player made the team.
Another player who could do it all but was even more deadly in front of goal, at lightning pace. If he didn’t suffer injuries I really believe he’d be considered the best ever.
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.
Edwin van der Sar A top shot-stopper that was great with his feet, always a calming influence for any defence. Nemanja Vidic A brick wall of a defender who kept a clean sheet in almost half of his Premier League games. Paul Scholes Zinedine Zidane Ronaldo Ryan Morgan
Southend & Basildon Sunday Football League Division 2
SAT MAR 18th | 2PM | LEN FORGE CENTRE
EOFL PREMIER DIVISION
TODAY | 7:45PM
SATURDAY 4th MAR | 2PM
Galleywood v Runwell Sports
Leigh Ramblers v Hutton
Rayleigh Town v Kelvedon Hatch
Shenfield AFC v Old Southendian
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
KOFI GOODRUM
LUCAS POLYBLANK
FRANK CRAIK
JAMES WARDER
MANAGER
MARK JONES
CHARLIE PERRY
CHRIS COX
DOMINIC COOPER
CHRIS ROWLAND
JACK BRUCE
LUKE JONES
CALLUM MANN
NICK WALK
ALKAN ALI
AARON HAWES
JONO PACKER
TOM HARDIE
DEAN MAGUCHU
JAKE JONES
HARRY BARHAM
ANDREW-JUSTIN LASTIC
THOMAS ROSER
JACOB EVIDENT
CONNOR WALK
LUIS RUIZ
ALBERT PERRY
BEN PICTON
RHYS WILSON
JAMIE SIMPKINS
OLIVER DINGLI
DOM POULLEY
SONNY LEEKS
JOE LANNON PAUL BRADY MITCHELL ROLFE
Springfield v Catholic Utd
Bishops Stortford Swifts v Toby (cup)
Old Chelmsfordians v Sungate
IF YOU SEE OR HEAR ANY RACIST, HOMOPHOBIC OR ANY OTHER ABUSE PLEASE REPORT IT TO OUR TEXT LINE 07494 005429
