HUFC vs Lewes FC - ILP

Good Afternoon

I hope you all have had a very happy Christmas and Santa brought you all you wanted, we are delighted to be sponsoring today’s game and what better than a game against our near neighbours Lewes to finish off the Christmas festivities but let me start by telling you a little about who we are.

We are a small internal social club serving all grades of railworkers in and around our workplace in Hastings, we run events and trips for our members and their families along with trying to support local clubs and businesses in the town.

We have a membership of around 100 of which a few of will be here today supporting the team.

This is our third time in sponsoring matchday here at the Pilot Field and we are looking forward to cheering the team on to another victory (both our previous times have resulted in home wins) and hopefully another step towards the ultimate aim of promotion.

WELCOME BILLY WOOD CHAIRMAN / CEO

Merry Christmas to each and every one of you as we welcome our East Sussex neighbours Lewes for today’s Boxing Day Bash!

I have a lot of time for Stuart Fuller and all at Lewes, a club I admire for what they’ve done in the game especially for Women’s football and something we have to look at as a standard as we continue to push forward on all fronts as a club. We welcome the s taff, management, coaches, players and lots of local Lewes fans (hopefully) to The Continental Pilot Field.

Some awful news leading into Christmas with the loss of young local footballer, Harry at just the age of 11. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and all at local youth club Hastings Athletic, the club Harry played for.

It’s also horrible to note that shareholder, and life long supporter of both the old Hastings United and our current guise Peter Knight has passed away.

Getting to know Pete over the last three years has been wonderful, having a right laugh with both Pete and his wife Dot and over time getting to know members of his family. The laugh will be heard still in the boardroom forever, as he certainly won’t be forgotten. My condolences to all his family, friends and all the supporters who were so fond of him.

Today we will be honouring both with a minutes applause, let’s clap that extra bit louder today.

Now on to our support. Whilst football has been missing for a couple of weeks to see such numbers travel to Margate in full voice was fantastic. I say this all the time and it’s true, you are this club, no matter what and the positivity you give your players, your manager, your team is the best in the league, I argue the BEST IN SUSSEX.

3 points in today’s big ga me? ... LET’S GO!

In Memoriam

PETER KNIGHT

Hastings United Football Club were saddened to hear of the passing of Peter Knight.

Peter and his wife Dorothy are both well loved supporters and shareholders of the football club. Peter will be sadly missed by all at the club.

Today we will hold a minutes applause in his memory.

GARY ELPHICK THE GAFFER

Afternoon everyone.

Welcome to today’s match against Lewes FC.

There should be a bumper crowd here today and for me it’s days like these we play football for, Boxing Day, local derby and a cracking atmosphere.

We face a talented squad In Lewes and their management duo of Tony Russell and Joe Vines are probably the best around in terms of tactical knowledge, so on and off the pitch should be an exciting battle.

We’re coming off the back of a fantastic win against Margate and are in good shape for our festive season schedule. I’ve really enjoyed working alongside our players and putting football to one side, they’re fantastic people who give it their all.

Talking other then football, unfortunately I received t wo pieces of news recently that was deeply saddening to me. First of all, Harry 11, who was an academy player with Hastings Athletic, tragically died in a traffic accident. It is tragic to lose someone so young and my thoughts go out to his family during these tough times. Also my shirt sponsor Peter Knight also unfortunately passed away. I remember when first getting the job he said some kind words to me in the boardroom and they’re little things you don’t forget. Dot his wife and his family are also in my thoughts.

Hopefully as a football club we can offer them strength within these difficult times.

Merry Xmas to all.

Onwards and upwards! ...

Gary

Finn O’Mara jumps for joy as he jubilantly celebrates his injury time equaliser against Canvey Island.

Photo: Scott White Photography

Sponsored by: Dot Knight & In Loving Memory of Pete Knight

HASTINGS UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB DIRECTORS, MANAGEMENT & OFFICIALS

CLUB DETAILS

Co Name: Hastings United Football Club Limited

ContinentalPilotFieldElphinstoneRdHastingsTN342AX

Private Limited Company: Incorporated 24/9/1997

Company Registration Number: 03441850

Registered office address: 36 Cambridge Road Hastings East Sussex TN341DU

Ownership - Major shareholders:

Bohemia Hastings LLP - 95.27% -

Daren Burney & Peter Sherlock 100% controlling party

DIRECTORS & SECRETARY

Chairman / CEO / Director Billy Wood

Vice Chairman / Director Pat McCrossan

Director Hayley Clout

Director Craig Barrow

Director Ross Shewry-Maryan

Director Peter Sherlock

Director Dave Ormerod

Non-Executive Director Daren Burney

Company Secretary Dane Martin

CLUB PRESIDENT Dave Ormerod

Telephone 01424 444635 Email club@hastingsunited.com Website www.hastingsunited.com

MEMBERS OF

Pitching In Isthmian Football League

Sussex County Football Association

LIFE MEMBERS

Les BrittonTony CosensDavid Harding

David NesslingDave OrmerodCharles Pilbeam

VICE PRESIDENTS

C BarrowJ DowntonA Keen

OFFICIALS

Club Secretary

Dane Martin

Commercial Director Hayley Clout

Programme Editor Paul Hoggard

Press Officer Billy Wood

Public Address/Matchday Media Team:

Pat McCrossan Nick Clarke Ryan Segal

Adam Smith Andy Quye

Matchday Liaison Officer Steph McCrossan

1st Team Photographer (M & W ) Scott White

1st Team Videographer (M & W ) Joseph Knight

U23/U18 Photographer Joe Knight

Health & Safety Officer David Russell

Deputy Safety Officer Greg Agathocli

Club Shop Managers Ged Clout & Sue Gallop

Pilot Bar Manager Dane Martin

Kit/Laundry Manager Sue Cornelius

Head Groundsman Simon Rudkins

FOOTBALL MANAGEMENT

Director of Football Dean White

FIRST TEAM MANAGEMENT & STAFF

First Team Manager Gary Elphick

Assistant Manager Jon Meeney

First Team Coach Andrew Brown

First Team Coach Peter Heritage

GK Coach / Opposition Scout Ben Cornelius

Kit Coordinator/Matchday Physio Dane Martin

Sports Therapist / Physio Paige Wise

Performance Analyst James McCrossan

U23 DEVELOPMENT SQUAD MANAGEMENT

U23 Manager Jon Meeney

U18 SQUAD MANAGEMENT

U18 Manager Ben Cornelius

ACADEMY

Coaching Partner Skiltek

Education Scheme Partner East Sussex College Hastings

Head of Academy Jon Meeney

Management Group Craig Barrow, Sean Ray

Welfare Roger Bond / Louise Chalmers

Administration Roger Bond

Discipline Roger Bond

Social Media & Press Officer Charmaine Ridgers

Recruitment Sean Ray

U16 Manager Emlyn McCann

U15 Manager Bernie Walker

U14 Manager Guiseppe Lombardelli

U13 Manager Sean Ray

U12 Manager Shane Ridgers

U11 Manager Dan Allen

U10 Manager Gary Hart

U9 Manager Tony Field

U8 Manager Jordan Ray

U7 Manager Jake Daniels

HAYLEY CLOUT COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR

Good afternoon everyone and Merry Christmas. Welcome back to the Continental Pilot Field after we resumed play due to the weather and had a great away win Tuesday night against Margate. Thank you to all of our amazing fans who made the journey in the freezing cold!

I would like to welcome and thank our Match Sponsor for today's game, Hastings Railway Social Club who are an internal social club serving all grades of rail workers in and around the work place in Hastings. This will be the third time they have sponsored us and we thank them for all their support both now and into the future.

We hope Dave and his guests enjoy their day with us and thank you all for everything.

I would also like to welcome and continually thank Bob H who is our Matchball Sponsor, Bob also helps us out with various other things, sponsors players, is also involved with the ladies team and a great support for me. We are truly grateful for everything he does for us.

A big welcome and thank you to Tom our Mascot for today’s game. We hope you have a great day with us and enjoy the matchday experience.

I would finally like to send all my love, support and thoughts to Dot Knight and family after the very sad passing of Pete. A lovely man and a true HUFC legend who will be sadly missed by all. Enjoy the game and hopefully 3 points! ... Happy New Year.

Hayley

If you would like details of our Business Partner packages, Match or Player Sponsorship then please call me on 07766 825573

01424 712004

MATCH MASCOT

Tom Moynes - Age 10

Favourite Hastings United PlayerRyan Worrall

GUT FEELING SIMON STODDART’S

GLOBAL 'WARMING'

Er, yea ok. Having two games fall victim to sub zero warming effects, what a pleasure to get United back out there Tuesday night at Hartsdown Park with a 2-1 win over Margate. My ground hopping colleague, Luke Harris, who featured in a recent GF, was at the game and kept me up to date - night shift interfered - and told me the U's were good value for their win. And he got me a programme.

TILEKILN

I recall in my fanzine producing days 25 years ago the subject arising of a new ground at Tilekiln. This is by no means a recent topic of discussion. Dave Nessling took the time one afternoon all those years ago to show me the detailed plans that had been drawn up. The main issue then was as now - the main stand which has deteriorated further.

My preference has always been to remain at the Pilot Field. The place is massive and there's so much potential here. But of course - it's pointless talking about what could be done here or at Tilekiln if there isn't a way to finance it all.

I always thought the boat was missed when St Leonards vacated Fort Fun next door in 2003. That land could've been sold for redevelopment and proceeds used to finance an upgrade to The Pilot Field.

Hastings Borough Council has changed course on Tilekiln as we all know. The vacuous statement about finding external funding for a new stadium is just that - vacuous. It's hot air. And things right now are dodgy anyway with the economy on it's knees. Having said that, is selling off the old St Leonards ground still an option? Could that generate money to upgrade the Pilot Field?

Three points on Tuesday keep United interested in the play offs. I'm certainly up for today's game against our Sussex rivals - being my first live football since October the 29th when Burgess Hill were here for an FA Trophy tie. It was around 35 degrees warmer in the Philippines and getting back to sub zero UK was a shock.

I followed the Canvey game on line and it certainly sounded another one of those games with no reward for a good performance till Finn levelled in the 92nd minute. Pretty popular scorer, Finn. Well done and the U's didn't finish empty handed.

I couldn't be at the Fan's Forum recently. I listened to it on Chris Laverick's podcast (No 85) and it sounded a, er, very lively evening with Tilekiln and everything and everybody associated. Talk of a groundshare with Eastbourne Borough fills me with dread.

Check out Cray Wanderers and what they've been through since 1999. To retain Kent League status they had to leave their ground (no floodlights) and went to Hayes Lane to share with Bromley. The real fun started when they actively started looking to build a new stadium. Council hassle, even the Mayor of London, police - planning permission ping pong - absolute nightmare. Only

My views - not United's - on semi-pro football and occasionally, other topics.

now - this year - have Cray really got things going with a new stadium having made their intentions known in this respect back in 2008. 14 years.

Social media is doing it's bit to spread the word re Tilekiln and a petition with over 2,000 signatures is out there. The excellent @fan_banter Twitter site has publicised United's plight and I saw a local BBC journalist latching onto it recently.

TO PAY OR NOT TO PAY

Twitter threw up the interesting subject recently of semi pro clubs - on the odd occasion - admitting spectators free of charge to games. I ended up having quite an acrimonious exchange of views with the owner of one of our old Southern League opponents from 20 years ago. His motivation - an honourable one - was to give hard pressed locals a free afternoon at football.

The freebie football afternoon has been around for a few seasons now - I couldn't make the game in question but I think Ramsgate last season let people in for nothing when the U's called in. I suspect the motivation then - times not what they are today - was not quite the same.

Clubs do occasionally try the free football idea. Presumably it's on the premise that the extra spectators will hopefully like what they see, will spend money in the ground and come back as supporters of their local club. Big difference between spectators and supporters.

I put something up on this topic on Facebook. Just wanted to get an idea of what people thought about it. In for nothing or as it's often promoted 'Football for a fiver'? To pay or not to pay Hmm!

Hastings BC go on about green spaces. A football pitch is a pretty big green space eh? And a football club that offers what United offer to local kids for starters - are Hastings Borough Council really ok with it all falling apart?

Anyway, there are efforts being made to get HBC on side and recent developments hopefully give grounds for optimism.

My preference is - if the club is going to do an occasional promotion of local football - is to offer admission at a healthy discount - football for a fiver for me every time. Semi pro football is a fragile thing - a season never goes by without a club or two in trouble and sometimes folding altogether. It's a business and a reasonable compromise is surely your locals making a reduced but valuable contribution at the turnstile and those newbies attending a reduced rate game will, as mooted in paragraph 3, like what they see and return as supporters. What is wrong with getting in the habit of contributing towards the cost of running your local club? It's all part of being a supporter.

Be interesting to know what season ticket holders, who've paid up front, think of these promotions. The Facebook post on this topic seemed to generate a response overall in favour of the 'Football for a fiver' idea. Having said that, I've chatted with mates at games and there is also support out there for the free admission idea. It'll run and run, this one.

United have built up an excellent youth structure leading up to the two grown up teams. It all deserves upgraded facilities - heading 18 miles west on the A259 won't be the answer. All those boys and girls deserve something much better.

The Firs aka Fort Fun. Could selling this for redevelopment fund an upgrade just down the hill - here?

GUT FEELING SIMON STODDART’S

Continued from P09

WORLD CUP

Struggled initially to get interested - got a bit into it eventually but once England failed for the 14th time since 66, that was it for me. Qatar not the most popular venue for various reasons but there, it has to be said, some real upsets once the football got going with FIFA boss Infantino's inanities put on hold.

Good ol' Youtube got me the England Senegal goals (I was still in the Philippines) - some real high speed quality there which sadly came to nothing as England blew out in their first real heavyweight encounter.

We shall just revert to trying to big up ourselves with all the same old, same old waffle about the Premier League being the best in the world. Football was inexcusably last to the table when it came to using tech to rule on debatable decisions. VAR as we know it is as good as the people using it and the rule makers who decide how it's

NOT FOOTBALL BUT SO WHAT...

used. And they're not very good if this is not counted as over the line.

Japan were to benefit from this - they won the group with 6 points and Germany went out in 3rd place with 4 points. Had the goal resulting from that ball being hooked back been ruled out, the Germans would've gone through with Spain. They must be feeling hard done by again! Swings and roundabouts eh - as Frank Lampard will recall from 2010.

AND FINALLY

1,639 at The Dripping Pan (Surely the best ground in the division) for a tense 0-0 draw earlier this season. Lewes are a test of any team in this division. United are making a decent fist of Isthmian Premier football - here's hoping they sign off a memorable year with another W

The odd diversion from football features in GF, and England's great win in Pakistan deserves a mention. A local Pakistani channel's highlights featured on YouTube for me to enjoy in my last week out in the Philippines. Tech has moved on, eh!

LEWES FC

Club: Lewes Community Football Club

Club Founded: 1885

Nickname: The Rooks

THE EARLY YEARS

Lewes Football Club was formed following a meeting at The Royal Oak pub on 23 September 1885. For the first eight years, the players wore light green shirts which were designed to reflect the scenery of the surrounding South Downs, but black and red finally became the club colours in 1893.

The club has played at the Dripping Pan ever since, apart from a couple of seasons prior to the First World War when the club was banished to the adjoining Convent Field. The early years of the club produced only mediocre results and successes were few and far between. In 1920, Lewes became founder members of the Sussex County League.

1960s

Progress was slow and despite four runners-up places, by the 1960s Lewes had only one Sussex RUR Cup win to their name. In 1965, the club’s fortunes changed dramatically, winning the County League title for the first time with a massive nine-point lead over runner-up Lancing, as well as both the RUR and Sussex Senior Cups.

Lewes became members of the Athenian League and after winning the Division 2 title in 1968, promotion to the Premier Division was gained just two years later when the Division 1 title was snatched from Boreham Wood, with a further Sussex Senior Cup triumph added in 1971. Six years later, the club entered the newly expanded Isthmian League.

1980s

Promotion to Division 1 soon followed although two sixth-place finishes in 1982 and 1989 were the highest

President: Terry Parris   Chair: Stuart Fuller

First Team Manager: Tony Russell

Ground: The Dripping Pan, Lewes

Capacity: 3,000

positions attained in Division 1. During that time, Lewes reached the final of the Sussex Senior Cup on three occasions, and won the trophy in 1984/85.

1990s

Disaster struck in 1990/91 when Lewes were relegated for the first time in their history. An immediate return as runners-up to Purfleet followed, but that success was short-lived and relegation in successive years meant that by the 1994/95 season the club was down in Division Three.

The slide continued and the first season in the basement division would have been the last in the league if it hadn’t been for Cove who conveniently propped-up the league and saved Lewes from automatic demotion. The club survived rather than thrived until the 1998/99 season when Jimmy Quinn joined as manager, and at the first attempt missed out on promotion by just one place. Midway through the 1999/2000 season Martin Elliott and a new board of Directors stepped in and immediately the fortunes of the club began to improve, with the capture of the Sussex Senior Cup in 2001 following victory over Bognor Regis.

NAUGHTIES(2000s)

There was mixed news on the pitch. The pinnacle of the Men's team's achievement, and what a pinnacle, was to gain promotion to the top of the non-League pyramid in 2007/8. However, the Rooks only lasted one season in the top flight as the Global Credit Crisis hit and funds dried up. The Rooks' new economic reality saw them drop down the divisions.

However, a brand new Women's team was started by Jacquie Agnew and underwent a dramatic rise form park football to the Women's Combination.

THE DRIPPING PAN

A NEW DAWN(2010s)

Behind the scenes, a group of six supporters calling themselves Rooks125 were working hard to take the club into community ownership having witnessed the serious financial problems that had befallen the club, despite the owners' best efforts.

Finally on July 8th 2010, Lewes FC was officially transferred out of private ownership into a massownership Community Benefit Society called Lewes Community Football Club, consisting of benefactors and members of the former Management Committee.

The six members of Rooks125 formed the inaugural Executive Board, working as volunteers to install improved working practices and procedures during the season before planning to open up the wider ownership of LCFC to all the club’s supporters in 2011/12. The first chairman of the Community Club was appointed in 2013 with club legend Terry Parris taking up the position. Terry was succeeded by Stuart Fuller in 2015. All Board positions now are elected by the whole Ownership base.

In the summer of 2017 the club hit the headlines globally when it announced that it would pay our Men’s and Women’s squads the same – a first for any semi/professional club in the world. Under the Equality FC banner, the club attracted a number of partners who shared the same beliefs and vision for gender equality in sport.

On the pitch, restricted resources saw the team drop two Leagues, down to Step 4 but under Darren Freeman they gained promotion as runners-up in the Isthmian

League South in 2017/18, then came within a whisker of a play-off spot in the Isthmian Premier the following season.

The Lewes Women’s side were given a place in the inaugural Women’s Championship, the second tier of English football playing alongside sides such as Manchester United, Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur. In December 2018 they attracted a record attendance when nearly 2,000 fans saw them host Manchester United at the Pan.

SO WHERE ARE WE NOW?

Freeman stepped down in October 2019 after four years in charge to concentrate on his footballing career away from management and after a period when his former assistants Ross Standen and Tony Coade led the side, Hugo Langton took over the hotseat in February 2020, leading the team to 16th spot before the COVID-19 pandemic curtailed the season.

In April 2021, the Club appointed Tony Russell as manager and former Lewes player Joe Vines as his assistant. Their appointment and unique playing style brought new impetus to the Rooks who finished just four points outside the play off places in 2021/22 and have much to look forward to in 2022/23.

The club is building a solid foundation on which to build for the future. It has around 2,000 Owners and has gained a great reputation for all its community work and stand-out marketing especially with the continued stance on pay equality and committed stance against the harms of gambling advertisement in football.

Isthmian League fans voted and their overwhelming choice for their favourite ground to visit is The Dripping Pan.

LEWES FC

PLAYER PEN PICTURES

Goalkeeper

LEWIS CAREY

An ever-present between the sticks in 2021/22, Carey previously played for us in the 2018/19 season winning Supporters Player of the Season. Lewis came through the youth ranks at Bristol City, and is an experienced non-league keeper having appeared for Bromley, Tonbridge Angels, Eastbourne Borough and Cray Wanderers.

Defenders

MITCHELL NELSON

An experienced and gifted centre back, Mitchell started his career at Bournemouth and subsequently played for Eastleigh, Sutton United, Margate, Dulwich Hamlet, Welling United, Tonbridge Angels and Cray Wanderers.

Mitchell has previously played for the club joining on loan from Bournemouth in the 2010/11 season. Appeared 34 times for the Rooks in 21/22.

WILL SALMON

Salmon began his career with Aldershot Town before moving to AFC Wimbledon and then Ebbsfleet United in the. Conference in 2009. He won the Conference North title with AFC Telford then moved to Bath City in 2013. He will be a familiar name to Isthmian League fans after long spells at Met Police and Leatherhead. He was an ever present in the last aborted campaign for the Tanners. Joined on loan in October 2021 and the move became permanent in November 2021. Salmon made 30 appearances in the red and black during the 2021/22 season, scoring the winning goal in the away fixture at Folkestone in March.

ALFIE YOUNG

The ball playing centre back played over 100 games for Worthing before departing for Potters Bar Town in October 2021. Alfie joined Kingstonian in late January 2022, making 15 league appearances for The K’s joining the Rooks in August 2022.

KENNY YAO

Predominately a right-back but comfortable across the defence, the former Charlton player joined us in the summer from Dartford. An injury in November limited Kenny’s league appearances to 17 although he returned as regular starter towards the end of the season.

TOM CHAMPION

A commanding centre back, Tom started his professional career at Barnet, subsequently joining Bishop’s Stortford before moving on to Dartford and was an ever-present in their promotion to the National League in 2012/13. In 2013, he moved to Cambridge United, once again achieving promotion, this time to League Two. In 2015, Tom re-joined Barnet for a second spell for two seasons followed by four seasons in the National League with Boreham Wood and a season at Woking from whom he joins us. Tom is the Rooks captain for 2022/23.

JAMIE MASCOLL

An attacking full back who has previously played for Charlton, Wycombe Wanderers and Bolton in the Football League. Played for Wealdstone in the National League in the 2021/22 season and joined The Rooks in October 2022.

JOHNvILLE RENEE

A versatile player who can play right back, right midfield or in the middle of the park, Johnville started his career with Stoke City, AFC Wimbledon, Colchester and Leyton Orient’s youth teams. Had several spells with Maldon & Tiptree and Bishop’s Stortford as well as a single season with Braintree Town in the National South. Joined Lewes after a short spell with Maldon & Tiptree at the start of the 2022/23 season.

Midfielders

AYO OLUKOGA

Joined in the summer of 2021 following a string of impressive pre-season performances. The midfielder made 19 appearances for the Rooks before departing for Whitam Town in January 2022. Re-joined the Rooks in late March for the season run in.

BRADLEY PRITCHARD

The evergreen Pritchard joined us from Cray Wanderers in the summer of 2021 and went on to make 33 league appearances scoring five times. Pritchard is best known for his performances in the English Football League for Charlton Athletic and Leyton Orient, winning League One with the former in 2011/12. Bradley also helps to co-ordinate the community garden located at The Dripping Pan.

JACK SKINNER

Born in Australia, Jack joined Woking’s Academy in 2018 and a series of impressive performances for both Woking and on loan at Leatherhead earned him a senior deal for 2019/20. Jack had spells on loan at Hampton & Richmond and Eastbourne Borough before returning to Woking for 2020/21.

TYRIqUE HYDE

The 23-year-old central midfielder has previously played for Dagenham & Redbridge and Colchester United, as well as Dartford and Dulwich Hamlet. Joined the club in October 2022 making his debut in the 2-0 home win over Margate.

Forwards

RAzzAq COLEMAN DE-GRAFT

A technical and powerful player, Razzaq can play in a front three and as left back, the former Hampton & Richmond Borough player joined the Rooks following a series of impressive performances in pre-season and was a standout performer for the Rooks as the 2021/22 season progressed.

DESHANE DALLING

A rapid and tricky winger, Dalling joined us in December 2021 and was one of the Rooks top performers in the final quarter of the season, producing several talismanic performances. Deshane started his senior career at Queen’s Park Rangers and spent time on loan with Cork City and Wealdstone whilst with The Hoops. After leaving QPR, Dalling had a short spell at Hemel Hempstead and then Dartford before heading to The Dripping Pan.

RHYS MURRELL-WILLIAMSON

Wideman Murrell-Williamson may be familiar to some Lewes fans having played for the club in the 2013/14 season. Rhys joined us from Kingstonian in February 2022 having previously played for Manager Tony Russell at Cray Wanderers throughout 2020 and 2021.

DEON MOORE

Previously played for the club on a one month loan in October and November 2021. Starting his youth career at Carshalton, Deon went on to join Peterborough making his debut against Norwich in the EFL Trophy at just 17 years old. That was followed by a move to Bristol Rovers in 2018 and a short spell at Hemel Hempstead in 2020. Deon joins us from Dulwich Hamlet with whom he spent two seasons.

RYAN GONDOH

Creative wideman Gondoh made his professional debut in 2015 for Barnet. He moved on to Maldon and Tiptree and returned to the professional game in January 2018, joining Colchester. Gondoh stayed at Colchester until August 2019 and played for the likes of Carshalton, Whyteleafe, Concord Rangers, before joining Wealdstone in March 2021. He went on to have a spell at Hampton and Richmond Borough before joining Ayr United in January 2022. Signed for Sevenoaks ahead of the 2022/23 season and joined The Rooks in December.

ONE TO WATCH

JOE TAYLOR

A prolific goalscorer, Taylor counts Ramsgate, Folkestone, Margate and Cray Wanderers amongst his former clubs. Scored 33 goals in 43 appearances for the Rooks in the 2021/22 season. Taylor was Tony Russell’s first signing as Lewes manager.

Tony Russell and his assistant Joe vines, who used to play for the Rooks, signed a two-year deal at the Dripping Pan in April 2021. Prior to this the pair had been with Isthmian Premier side Cray Wanderers for six seasons.

SELECTED HONOURS & RECORDS

FA Cup:

First Round 2001/02, 2006/07, 2007/08

FA Trophy:

Third Round 2002/03, 2003/04

FA vase:

Quarter-Finalists 2001/02

Conference South: Champions 2007/08

Isthmian League:

Division One Champions 2003/04

Division Two Champions 2001/02

Athenian League:

Division One Champions 1969/70

Division Two Champions 1967/68

Sussex Senior Challenge Cup: Winners 1964/65, 1970/71, 1984/85, 2000/01, 2005/06

2021/22 LEAGUE FINISH

7th  Isthmian Premier

Highest League Attendance 21/22: 2,347 vs Worthing

Saturday 5 March 2022

Lowest League Attendance 21/22: 449 vs Leatherhead

Tuesday 12 October 2021

Average League Attendance 21/22: 863

PREVIOUS MEETING ON THIS DAY - Ryman D1S BOXING DAY 2016

2Steve Brinkhurst 3 Matthew George 4 Lloyd Harrington 5 D Stewart-Hunter

6Alex Malins

7 Stephen Okoh 8 Ghassimu Sow 9 Jonte Smith

10Jack Dixon

11 Charlie Coppola Featured

Photo: James

INJURY TIME

Substitutes used A,B,C,D,E replaced in brackets                Goalscorers in Bold

ChalmersCarvalho (A)PopeHasler Brown (1) (C)AkehurstScott (B)Brefo (A), Adams (B), Hull (C)

Pope (B)AdamsHaslerBrefoBrown (A)PennMoynesHull (A), Scott (B)

DixonPope (C)Adams (B)HaslerBrefoPennMoynes (A)Hull (A) , Scott (B), Brown (C)

CarvalhoDixonPope (A) Hasler (1) Brefo Gbode (2) (C)elliott (B)Brown (A), Penn (B), Hull (1) (C)

DixongbodeAdams (A)HaslerBrefoBrown (B)PennCarvalho (A), Scott (B)(C), Hull (C)

DixonBrefoBrown (B)HullPenn (C)elliottMoynes (A)Dawes (A), Adams (B), Worrall (C)

Adams (C)HaslerBrefoPenn Gbode (1) (B)Scott (A)elliottCarvalho (A), Pope (B) , Worrall (C)

Pope (1) (C) Adams (A)HaslerBrefoPennScott (B)elliottWorrall (A), Carvalho (B), Dawes (C)

DixonPopeAdams (B) Hasler (1) BrefoPenn (C)elliottDawes (A), Worrall (B), Scott (C)

DixonPope (A)AdamsHaslerBrefoPennelliott (C)Hull (A), Scott (B), Carvalho (C)

Dawes (A) Dixon (C)PopeBrefoHull (B)PennelliottAdams (A) , Scott (B), O’Mara (C)

Dixon (C) Pope (1) (B)HaslerBrefo Penn (1) Scott (A)elliott Adams (1) (A), Chapman (B), Moynes (C)

Dixon (A)Pope (B) Adams (1) Hasler Brefo (1)Penn (1) elliottMoynes (A), Hull (B), O’Mara (C)

DixonAdams (B)HaslerBrefo Penn (1) Scott (A)elliottPinto (A), McKenzie (B), Hull (C)

Dixon (C) Pope (2) (B)AdamsHasler Brefo (1) PennelliottHull (A), McKenzie (1) (B), Chapman (C)

DixonPope (B)Adams (C)HaslerBrefoPennelliottPinto (A) , McKenzie (B), Hull (C)

ChalmersDixonPope (A)Adams (B)HullPennelliottScott (A), McKenzie (B)

Turner McKenzie (1) (D)MoynesChapmanLeggHull (A) Scott (1) Pinto (A), Lubanga (B), Briedis (C), Honey (D)

DixonPope (A)HaslerBrefoPenn Gbode (2) (C)Scott (B) Adams (1) (A), Hull (B), McKenzie (1) (C)

Adams (A)BrefoHullPenngbodeScottelliottPope (A)

Pope (1) (B)Hasler (A)BrefoPenngbodeScott (C)elliottHull (A), Adams (B) , Black (C)

MapstoneMcKenzieMoynesChapman (B)Pinto Hull (1) PennHoad (A), Peacock (B) McKenzie (1) (B)Dixon Pope (1) (C)BrefoHull (A)Penn Scott (1) Pinto (A), Adams (B), Moynes (C)

DixonPope (A)BrefoHull (B)PennScott (C)elliottHector-Ingram (A), Adams (B), Pinto (C)

DixonBrefoPinto (C)PennHector-Ingram (B)Scott (A)elliottAdams (A), Pope (B), McKenzie (C)

ChalmersMcKenzie (A)Dixon Pope (1) (C)Brefo Penn (1) elliottHector-Ingram (A),Hasler (B),Adams (C)

Photo: Scott White Photography

LEAGUE NEWS FROM IAN THOMPSON

LAST TUESDAY RESULTS ROUND UP

In the FA Trophy, a severely depleted Bognor Regis Town - only thirteen fit or available players - travelled to take on National League North promotion chasers Banbury United, and departed the competition by the odd goal in seven. That's a rather fine result given their rather strained circumstances, and given the fact that United are in seventh place in their Division and in fine form, with five wins from their previous six - including the 6-0 hammering of Stowmarket Town in the last round.

The Rocks fell behind to a Jay Williams goal just before the half hour, but levelled through James Crane seven minutes after the restart. Two quick goals for the hosts, both from Giorgio Rasulo, put them back in command, but with seven minutes remaining Dan Gifford red uced the deficit once more to set up an extiting finale. Sadly with a minute to go and the Rocks pushing for an equaliser the sixth goal of the night came at the other end, Ben Acquaye with it - and although there was still time for Sam De St Croix to get a third for the visitors, their Trophy campaign is over.

Back to the bread and butter, and in the Pitching

In Isthmian Premier Billericay Town got back to winning ways, with two second half goals defeating fifth place Aveley - who drop out of the top five on goal difference as a result, Canvey Island the beneficiaries. The opener came six minutes after the break, Matt Price heading home a cross from Brad Stevenson, and although the Millers pushed for an equaliser - forcing a goal line clearance and having a penalty denied by an offside flag - they then saw substitute Manny Ogunrinde sent off as we approached full time. Eze Ebuzoeme immediately capitalised, adding a second.

Our clash between second and third, as Bishop's Stortford welcomed Potters Bar Town, was a tight affair which ended with both sides having

to be content with a point apiece. We suspect the visitors will be more content with that than the Blues, and perhaps that Hornchurch will have an even greater share of contentment as they are four points clear at the top and Stortford no longer have a game in hand.

The Blues took the lead on sixty-four minutes, and it came from a familiar source, Frankie Merrifield with his eleventh of the season, a shot across the keeper into the bottom corner. The equaliser arrived quickly, Mohammed Kamara waiting just four minutes to bring his side level, and the Blues needed the ever-reliable Jack Giddens to make a fantastic save from Scholars debutant Wranyel Hercules to save a point right at the end.

Hastings United made it five unbeaten - and a third win from that set - by defeating Margate at Hartsdown Park, in a match which saw a late home red card. Ben Pope gave United the lead just before the half hour, the striker apparently slotting the ball through the legs of Daniel Jinadu in the hosts goal. United weren't ahead for long, Sam Blackman giving the Blues parity six minutes before the break, but thirteen minutes from time came the killer blow, a Tom Chalmers cross laid back by Pope for Kane Penn to fire home. Peter Ojemen was the man dismissed. United are up to ninth.

Photo: Scott White Photography

Kane Penn fired home the winner for the U’s at Margate

VITA RISK SOLUTIONS MANAGER OF THE MONTH - NOVEMBER 2022

We’re off up the A10 with a left turn into Donkey Lane, and delivering our Vita Risk Solutions Manager of the Month award for the Pitching In Isthmian Premier to Enfield Town boss Andy Leese. The Towners had a perfect Isthmian November, winning every match, and conceded only one goal in doing so. Congratulations to Andy, and to all at the QEII Stadium.

AB1 GOLDEN GLOVES AWARDSNOVEMBER 2022

We’re already scheduled to deliver a Manager of the Month Award to Enfield Town, and now we’re off there again, bearing a pair of finely crafted goalie gloves! November saw the Towners concede only one league goal, and the man behind that mean defence is Nathan McDonald, who takes our prize.

BEST PERFORMANCE OF NOVEMBER

On November 26th Hornchurch travelled to play the only side above them in the table, Potters Bar Town. We expected a tough, close encounter, and what we got was a superb Urchins performance which saw them crash home five goals and leave with the match ball and three points. Liam Nash got the hat-trick, Sam Higgins the other two, and Hornchurch got three points and a large psychological advantage over a close rival. Five-two was the final score, and a trophy will soon be winging its way to Bridge Avenue in recognition.

DULWICH HAMLET DEFENDER JOSH HILL ARRIVES ON LOAN AT ENFIELD

Given Enfield Town have just been awarded our Golden Gloves prize for November you'd think they were fairly strong in defence already, but last Wednesday the Towners announced the arrival of National League South centre-back Josh Hill, who arrives on a short term loan from Dulwich Hamlet - which will cover the period up until our New Year fixtures.

This appears to be Josh's first visit to our shores, but he has a great deal of experience at a higher level. Amongst his clubs are Dartford, Boreham Wood, Hemel Hempstead Town, Havant & Waterlooville, St Albans City, Wealdstone, Braintree Town and Welling United.

LEE PROTHEROE STEPS UP AS POTTERS BAR TOWN MANAGER

Potters Bar Town have announced the promotion of Lee Protheroe from coach to manager, as they fill the gap following Sammy Moore's shock departure to Faversham Town.

Lee joined the club in the summer as First Team Coach, moving across from Pitching In Isthmian Premier rivals Wingate & Finchley. As a player, he turned out for the likes of Yeading, Enfield, Aldershot Town, Canvey Island, Margate, Wealdstone, Chelmsford City and Gravesend & Northfleet.

He is joined at the club by former Welywn Garden City boss Max Mitchell, who was announced as leaving his former club - mid table in Pitching In Southern League Division One Central - to take up the Assistant's position for the Scholars.

POTTERS BAR TOWN BRING IN FORMER WATFORD KEEPER DANTE BAPTISTE - ON LOAN

Potters Bar Town had a debutant goalkeeper as they defeated Hullbridge Sports in the Velocity Trophy last night- and although he was picking the ball out of the net after Sports struck home an eighth minute penalty, his next eighty two minutes were unblemished as his side scored three of their own!

Dante Baptiste previously played for Watford, and has already had a number of loan spells. He began his career with Norwich City before a move to the Hornets, where he has played Under 18 and Under 21 football, and has been out on loan at Hendon and Farnborough. He joined Wealdstone a few months ago.

He comes in for an initial month.

HAYWARDS HEATH TOWN BOSS MARTIN DYNAN DEPARTS

Haywards Heath Town have announced the departure of manager Martin Dynan, he and the club agreeing a parting of the ways.

Dynan joined the club from South Park back in January, and steered them to the Pitching In Isthmian South East Play-Off Semi-Finals last season. This season, however, has been much more difficult, and Heath currently find themselves third from bottom.

HUFC vs CANVEY ISLAND FC - MAN OF THE MATCH - TOM CHALMERS

ON THIS DAY DECEMBER 26

1963

A record number of goals were scored in one day in the top division – 66 goals in 10 matches in the old First Division. That figure included 11 at Craven Cottage – Fulham 10 Ipswich Town 1 – which was the last time a club scored double-figures in a top flight match.

1979

For the first time the two Sheffield clubs found themselves playing each other in the Third Division. Boxing Day saw the first of those matches, Wednesday beating United 4-0 at Hillsborough in front of a Third Division record crowd – still – of 49,309.

Tom Chalmers was awarded ‘Man Of The Match’ by Match Sponsor LWC Drinks

Photo: Scott White Photography

Pictured with Tom is Sam Ruth and Wolfgang Gower

ISTHMIAN LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION TABLE 2022/23 AS AT 21 DECEMBER2022

ISTHMIAN LEAGUE PREMIER GOALSCORERS

2022/23 U23 ISTHMIAN DEV LEAGUE SOUTH TABLE

2022/23 U18 ISTHMIAN YOUTH LEAGUE SOUTH TABLE

U18 FIXTURES

DateKO

2022/23

STARTSSEASONCAREER

PLAYER SUB TOTALGOALSAPPSGOALS

SamAdams1310233630153

BaileyAkehurst1-1-1-

OscarBarry2-2-2OllieBlack415-1264

AlexBrefo221232232

ArmandasBriedis-11-1-

KaiBrown426161

GilCarvalho448-8TomChalmers24-2419414

FinChapman224-4-

LloydDawes134-183

JackDixon22-22-31342

JakeElliott19-19-694

JoeGbode6-6565

SamHasler1611725613

JHector-Ingram123-3LouieHoad-11-1-

CharlieHoney-11-1-

JamesHull811192385

FreddieLegg1-1-91

JamalLubanga-11-1-

HarveyMapstone2-2-3ChineduMcKenzie46104104

KianMoynes538-8FinnO’Mara82101365

AlfiePeacock-11-1-

KanePenn231244494

DeNiroPinto257-7-

BenPope18321710958

LouisRogers(GK)26-26-139-

KnoryScott127192504

CraigStone18-18-1107

JoshTurner2-2-2RyanWorrall16420-986

Congratulations to Knory Scott who made his 50th First Team appearance against Canvey Island.

Hastings United Football Club takes seriously your health and safety during your visit to the Continental Pilot Field.

Please note that the officers and stewards of Hastings United Football Club will enforce Ground Regulations.A copy of the regulations is posted at the turnstile entrances and within the ground on the wall next to the food bar. Please note that the following are offences under the Football (Offences) Act 1991, as amended: the throwing of any object within the ground without lawful authority or excuse, the chanting of anything of an indecent or racist nature: the entry onto the playing area or any adjacent area to which spectators are not generally admitted without lawful authority or excuse.

Under the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc.) Act 1985, the following are offences for which a person can be arrested by a police officer: attempting to enter the ground or being inside the ground whilst drunk: being in possession of any intoxicating liquor, or bottle, can or other portable container which could cause damage or personal injury when entering the ground.

ISTHMIAN LEAGUE RESPECT STATEMENT

“The Isthmian Football League strongly supports the FA statement that there should be a zero tolerance approach against racism and all forms of discrimination. Accordingly any form of discriminatory abuse whether it by reason of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion and belief, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, sex and sexual orientation or any other form of abuse will be reported to The Football Association for action by that Association.”

( The FA: 0800 085 0508 / Kick It Out: 020 7253 0162 )

“The Isthmian League and all Member Clubs in the League are committed to promoting equality by treating people fairly and with respect, by recognising that inequalities may exist, by taking steps to address them and providing access and  opportunities for all members of the community.”

These include our policy on ticket and pricing, abandoned matches and our Hastings Community involvement.

THE CLUB BELIEvES

Customer care starts on the inside, with a good team of staff and work ethic. Most of our staff are volunteers but the Club expect our staff to always do their best.

Our staff should remain courteous even in difficult situations. The Club and its staff know they are offering a service and that they would like every customer to return.

We believe that people come first when offering a service.

We expect our staff to be friendly and helpful and to know their job or be able to call upon someone who is able to respond to the needs of our customers.

We expect our staff to give their full attention to a customer in any situation that arises.

IN ADDITION

We expect our staff and volunteers to care about their job as this will ensure they care about our customers.

We expect our staff and volunteers to treat every customer as they would like to be treated themselves.

We in return expect our customers to treat our volunteers and staff with respect and the Club will not tolerate any physical or verbal abused aimed at them.

HASTINGS UNITED - 2022/23 BUSINESS PARTNERS

HASTINGS UNITED WOMEN’S TEAM

2HASTINGS UNITED Women 9900 5827

3EastbourneUnited98011924

4Bromley12615619

5WellingUnited96031918

6Newhaven12516-1116

7HerneBay10505015

8MontpelierVilla12408-2612

9SteyningTown10325-1111

10BexhillUnited12309-409

11CrayValley(PM)10028-322

12MaidstoneUnited10028-402

Photo: Scott White Photography

2022/23 LONDON SE WOMEN’S DIVISION 1 SOUTH

2022/23 HASTINGS UNITED WOMEN’S TEAM RESULTS & FIXTURES

Lauren Sharp Leading appearance holder for the Women’s Team

Photo: Scott White Photography

2022/23 PLAYER SPONSORS

HASTINGS UNITED

KIT: CLARET  & WHITE

gary ELPHICK Manager

(gK) Louis ROGERS 1

Ollie BLACK 2

Ryan WORRALL 3

Finn O’MARA 4

Craig STONE 5

Tom CHALMERS 6

Lloyd DAWES 7

(Capt) Jack DIXON 8

Ben POPE 9

Sam ADAMS 10

Sam HASLER 11

Alex BREFO 12

James HULL 15

Kane PENN 16

Knory SCOTT 18

Jake ELLIOTT 19

Kian MOYNES 19

Chinedu Mc KENzIE 19

De niro PINTO 19

Jahmal HECTOR-INGRAM 19

SQUADS

3PM MONDAY 26 DECEMBER 2022

vs

ISTHMIAN LEAGUE PREMIER

REFEREE

OLIvER MORRIS-SANDERS

LEWES  FC

KIT: WHITE SHIRTS

BLACK SHORTS & SOCKS

Tony RUSSELL Manager

Lewis CAREY (gK)

Mitchell NELSON

Will SALMON

Alfie YOUNG

FORM - LAST 6 MATCHES

SCORED 8 - CONCEDED 7

ASSISTANTS

DAvID SPAIN NIK GARSIDE MATCH SPONSOR

MATCHBALL SPONSOR

BOB H MATCH MASCOT

Tom MOYNES

THE CONTINENTAL PILOT FIELD HASTINGS TN34 2AX

Kenny YAO

Tom CHAMPION

Jamie MASCOLL

Johnville RENEE

Ayo OLUKOGA

Bradley PRITCHARD

Jack SKINNER

Tyrique HYDE

Razzaq COLEMAN DE-GRAFT

Deshane DALLING

Rhys MURRELL-WILLIAMS

Deon MOORE

Joe TAYLOR

Ryan GONDOH

FORM - LAST 6 MATCHES SCORED 12 - CONCEDED 10