HUFC vs Wingate & Finchley FC - ILP

ON THIS DAY MARCH 4

1995

A 43,804 Old Trafford crowd witnessed Manchester United thrash Ipswich Town 9-0 which is still the equal highest score in the Premier League. Andy Cole scored 5, Mark Hughes a couple with one each from Roy Keane and Paul Ince.

The record Manchester United set for the biggest Premier League win would not be equalled until Leicester City beat Southampton by the same scoreline, away from home on 25 October 2019. The following season, United would equal their biggest victory, also against Southampton, with a 9–0 win at Old Trafford on 2 February 2021, and the record was again matched in August 2022, when Liverpool beat AFC Bournemouth 9–0.

WELCOME BILLY WOOD CHAIRMAN

/ CEO

Welcome everyone to The Continental Pilot Field as we welcome Wingate & Finchley to 1066 country.

Today I really feel is the beginning of the run in, just a couple months to go to the end of the season and the race for promotion hots up, and guess what? We are right amongst it.

Ambition is always high within this football club but to be in the race for promotion off the back of a league win last year really must exceed expectations of all around, but credit to Gary and Meeno who have the boys singing in tune.

Yes, defeat away Saturday but our form has been remarkable. Let’s really get behind the lads today and keep the volume high in this ground.

The loudest and proudest support in the league and beyond, without you we wouldn’t be us.

HAPPY

TO ... HAYLEY CLOUT

Wishing Club Commercial Director Hayley Clout a very Happy Birthday for tomorrow, Sunday 5th March, from all your family, friends and everyone at Hastings United Football Club ... Have a great day!

GARY ELPHICK THE GAFFER

Afternoon and welcome to today’s match against a resurgent Wingate and Finchley.

I'm expecting a tough encounter today, as I've watched Wingate improve over the last few weeks and they play attractive football with some very talented individuals.

I was gutted with the way we performed against Carshalton Athletic, but the players are not robots, and I can accept one bad performance after five consecutive wins.

We now must get back to business, starting with today.

Onwards and upwards! ...

Gary

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

Photo: Scott White

Photography Aerial battle at Carshalton Athletic

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

MEMBERS OF

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Billy Wood CEO

Pat McCrossan Vice Chair Health & Safety Lead / Ground Maintenance

Hayley Clout Commercial Director

Craig Barrow Director and Business & Commercial Team

James Hopkins Business & Commercial Team

Bob Hodgson Business & Commercial Team

Dave Ormerod Director and Business Team

Adam Smith Communications Manager

Steve Brook Operations Manager

Ben White Academy Lead

Dave Russell Safety Officer

CLUB OFFICIALS

Web Admin Adam Carder

Programme Editor Paul Hoggard

Public Address/Matchday Media Team:

Pat McCrossan Nick Clarke Ryan Segal

Adam Smith Andy Quye Neo Bridges

Matchday Liaison Officer Steph McCrossan

1st Team Photographer (M & W ) Scott White

1st Team Videographer (M & W ) Joseph Knight

U23/U18 Photographer Joe Knight

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

DIRECTORS & SECRETARY

Chairman / CEO / Director Billy Wood

Vice Chairman / Director Pat McCrossan

Director Hayley Clout

Director Craig Barrow

Director Peter Sherlock

Director Dave Ormerod

Non-Executive Director Daren Burney

Company Secretary Dane Martin

CLUB PRESIDENT Dave Ormerod

LIFE MEMBERS

Les BrittonTony CosensDavid Harding

David NesslingDave OrmerodCharles Pilbeam

VICE PRESIDENTS

C BarrowJ DowntonA Keen

FOOTBALL MANAGEMENT

Director of Football Dean White

FIRST TEAM MANAGEMENT & STAFF

First Team Manager Gary Elphick

Assistant Manager Jon Meeney

GK Coach / Opposition Scout Ben Cornelius

Strength & Conditioning Coach Bobbi-Jay Deegan

Kit Coordinator/Match Physio Dane Martin

Sports Therapist / Physio Paige Wise

Performance Analyst James McCrossan

U23 Manager Jon Meeney

U18 Manager Ben Cornelius

ACADEMY

Coaching Partner Skiltek

Education Partner East Sussex College Hastings

Head of Academy Jon Meeney

Management Group Craig BarrowSean Ray

Welfare Roger Bond Louise Chalmers

Administration & Discipline Roger Bond

Social Media & Press Officer Charmaine Ridgers

Recruitment Sean Ray

Boys Year Managers

U16Emlyn McCann

U14 Guiseppe Lombardelli

U12Shane Ridgers

U10Gary Hart

U15Bernie Walker

U13Sean Ray

U11Dan Allen

U9Tony Field

U8Jordan Ray U7Jake Daniels

Girls Lead Coach James Hopkins

Pitching In Isthmian Football League Sussex County Football Association

HAYLEY CLOUT COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR

Good afternoon everyone.

Welcome back to the Continental Pilot Field after an away defeat, but as we welcome Wingate & Finchley, back to winning ways is our priority as we are only 1 point off a playoff spot. Good luck to the players and the management team, we are all right behind you every step of the way.

I would like to welcome and thank our Match Sponsor for today's game, A1 Locksmiths and Double Glazing Repair who have been trading 20 years this year.

Here in Alan Bain’s own words is an introduction to his business -

Hello, my name is Alan Bain, trading as A1 Locksmiths and Double Glazing Repair. With the help of my wife and sons we offer a first rate service in Hastings and the surrounding areas. We all live locally in Hastings and St Leonards and when you call us the call will be answered by us and not a call centre.

We cover locks and double glazing repairs in domestic homes and commercial properties, both servicing and repairing, and where appropriate upgrading to the customers (or insurers) requirements.

We don’t charge a call-out fee and we don’t charge to come to give you advice or quotes, we only charge for the work we do. So call us if you are looking for locksmith or double glazing repairs in Hastings and 1066 country.

We work for local housing associations, letting agents, builders, care homes, charities and give discounts for OAPs.

A1 Locksmiths and Double Glazing Repair do not work for large call centres or large agencies so the costs are kept to a respectable level and when you phone us you will speak directly to a locksmith with knowledge to answer your questions.

If you would like any further details please call 01424 729947 or visit - www.a1locksmithshastings.co.uk

We thank Alan for all his support both now and in the future and we hope you and your guests enjoy the matchday with us.

I would also like to welcome and thank Tom Newman who is our Matchball Sponsor for the remainder of the season. Tom has been involved with and a supporter of the Club since October 1979, he had various roles at the Club before retiring in 2012 and moving to Eastbourne but still attends all home game and some away games to this day.

Thank you Tom for all your support, it’s very much appreciated.

A big thank you to Bob Hodgson for all his support and for being our Matchball Sponsor from the start of the season. Bob will continue to help us out with various other things, sponsoring players and also being involved with the ladies team and a great support for them too. We are truly grateful for everything he does for us both now and in the future. Thank you Bob.

Another big thank you and welcome to our Mascots for today's game, our Academy U9’s We hope you all have a great day with us and enjoy the Matchday experience.

Enjoy the game and hopefully 3 points! ...

Hayley

BELATED

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ...

Club President & Board Director

Dave Ormerod for Friday 3rd March

MATCH MASCOTS

Hastings United FC Academy Under 9’s

Represented by:

Dylan James Stack Noah Cruise Madge Lucius Loureiro Bexley Morgan

Jayden Carson-Smith Freddie Humbles George Crispe

Jedidiah Akrasi Jack Wareham Sharni McGowan Henry Mills

George Mills Hunter Cooper Ford Myles Cornwall Maximum Hoare Ivan Wiley Oliver Mascall-Perrin Olivers Maksimovs

GUT FEELING SIMON STODDART’S

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

GO AGAIN U'S

Having said that, the sequence of results prior to last Saturday have seen United up to 6th and the midweek games didn't see any change to that. We are in with a decent shout of making the play-offs.

And yes, I remain implacably anti play-offs for reasons I've made clear many times. Nobody can deny they create end of season interest - but for me, it's that final league place that should decide it all - just as it still does for whoever finishes top - automatic promotion. Introducing knock out football to ultimately decide who gets that 2nd promotion place - not for me. How often do you see whoever finishes 2nd after a long seasonnot go up? And the sheer devastation for those who miss out after all the stress and tension of getting a play-off slot.

Give the FA time - they'll expand play-off mania to include whoever finishes top - just like it's done in both Rugby codes. And relegation will also be decided with play-offs against top sides from the league below. That has already crept in to step 4. Whoever finishes 4th from bottom plays-off at home to whoever finishes 3rd from bottom - winner at home to a step 5 side. Those two places are currently occupied by Sittingbourne who seem to be recovering after a long dodgy run (creditable 1-1 draw in front of another excellent attendance at Chatham a week ago - 1,050) and - baffling this - Haywards Heath, who scraped a point in a 2-2 draw at home to serious relegation candidates, Corinthian.

Whatever, United have done immensely well to get to where they are as a side just up from Isthmian SE. Look at the squad that featured at Colston Avenue a week ago. With the exceptions of Jake Elliott who was an established step 2 player at Eastbourne Borough and David Smith who was at Folkestone Invicta, all of them were playing step 4 a year ago - either as established squad members or working their way up through the ranks. Massive big ups due all of you.

NO NO NO, YOU CAN'T .....

Eagle eyed U's supporter found this long list of yes's, no's, don'ts and do's that visitors to Carshalton Athletic need to be aware of. I recall that FA Cup tie at Maidenhead in late 2021 - the rules'n regs on display - no doubt about it, the higher you go, the pettier it gets.

comments - he's well clued up on how councils work.

On the subject of where we were to go for our football fix the following season, 1998-1999 was a turbulent time as plans to get up to the Football League saw us heading in the opposite direction. Kev Towner found issue 22 of the Hastings Town fanzine in his collection of memorabilia (which I was guilty of producing) - this being the 'zine that kicked off Town's return to Southern League East.

Howard Ralph posted on Facebook that long list of what you can, can't and simply must do at Carshalton. And someone else - really should've noted who you were, suffice to say I'm borrowing your comments - illustrated, from on high, that part of leafy Surrey where local allotment holders are apparently sensitive to drums. Rules'n regswhere would we be without them?

GOOD NEWS

Staying put then. Well - next season anyway. And let's see what Hastings Borough Council comes up with in the next month or so. The United Supporters Facebook group has obviously been pretty active regarding this topic.

Well worth keeping an eye on Roger Sinden's

Things were a lot worse in those days with the future existence of the club in question till Mick Maplesden, amongst others, stepped in to rescue Town from oblivion. Different issues, different times - but you could draw som e comparisons eh. Politicians in those days had a bit more clout .......

Kev reproduced this picture on Facebook.

GUT FEELING SIMON STODDART’S

SORRY TO SEE HASS GO

Yes, indeed. Gary's recent video interview included an update on Sam Hasler and events that see him on his way out of the U's squad. What a shame, he was a major presence getting us promoted last season and establishing us at the higher level this season. Big big shock to see Hass dropping down to step 6 though. Southern Counties East D iv 1, Larkfield & New Hythe - same league as Lydd Town where Kenny Pogue ended up.

Faversham away last season, Sam buries a free kick which gets U's the point that secured promotion. Good luck Hass (I reckon he'll end up back at Ashford).

TODAY

Wingate & Finchley are here with a decent run of results behind themincluding that unreal turn around to beat Bowers & Pitsea 4-3 having been three down with 8 minutes to go. Another noticeable win was 3-0 against Carshalton.

We had a big win at their place back in October. Counts for nothing todaywe both start from scratch, both have plenty to play for.

WINGATE & FINCHLEY FC

Club: Wingate & Finchley Football Club

Club Origin: 1874     Founded: 1991

Nickname: The Blues

HISTORY

Wingate and Finchley Football club can trace its roots back to the formation of Finchley Football Club in 1874 making it one of the oldest clubs in the country. Founded by Pa Jackson, who also was instrumental in the creation of the Corinthians, The London Football Association as well as later serving as secretary of the FA, Finchley became founder members of the Athenian League in 1912 after spells in the London League and North London League. They finished fourth in the maiden season, higher than such luminaries as Grays Athletic, Chelmsford City and Enfield.

However their stay was cut short due to the onset of World War One and they would only return for a lone season in 1929 before returning to the London League and forging success. The club’s first piece of silverware was won during the 19341935 season when the League Cup was captured, with the taste of achievement forming Finchley went on to win the London League in 1936-1937 before World War Two scuppered their winning streak.

It was immediately after the conflict that saw Major Harry Sadow, Frank Davis, George Hyams and Asher Rebak form a Jewish Football Club believing the field of play was a ground of battling the ignorance of anti-Semitism. So in 1946 Wingate Football Club began life in the Middlesex Senior League. The club was named after General Orde C. Wingate who despite not being Jewish himself oversaw the creation of the Israeli Army during the Second World War. The club enjoyed early success and by 1952 they were promoted to the London League.

Meanwhile Finchley, back in the Athenian League, were in the middle of their glory years with the 1952-1953 season proving to be the pinnacle. That year saw their progression to the Third Round Proper of the FA Cup. Defeated along the way were Chelmsford City, Kidderminster Harriers (1-0 at Aggborough) and Crystal Palace (3-1 at Summers Lane) before the Finches were finally beaten 2-0 at Gay Meadow against Shrewsbury Town.

Despite an Amateur Cup semi-final appearance, losing to bitter local rivals Hendon at Highbury in 1965, a sense of decline was starting to emerge. A switch to the Isthmian Premier League failed to stop the halt, and in 1980-81 Finchley were relegated to the second division.

Chairman: Aron Sharpe

Director of Football: Ahmet Rifat

Ground: The Maurice Rebak Stadium, Finchley Capacity: 1,500  (500 Seats)

Wingate by now had become a senior club and were competing in the Athenian League. Many players had become members of the Middlesex FA representative side and also partook on behalf of Great Britain in the Maccabiah Games. Disaster struck though in 1972 when their Hall Lane ground in Hendon was lost to the M1 extension and despite a short ground share with Finchley FC the club reverted to junior football. Wingate finally returned to the senior game with a brief merger with Leyton FC. This partnership proved to be unsuccessful and despite a 1984-1985 League Cup victory, ironically defeating Finchley in the final, both clubs went their separate ways.

In 1991 with Finchley struggling in the Isthmian League Second Division and with mounting debts it was announced that a merger with Wingate would take place in the summer. After extensive refurbishment and a name change of the Summers Lane ground in honour of long time Wingate supporter Harry Abrahams, Wingate and Finchley took to the field for the start of the 1991-1992 season.

Success was immediate and despite starting life in the South Midlands League the club were quickly competing in the Isthmian League and by season 2003-2004 were members of the newly formed Division One North. In recent seasons the club has continued its growth. A brief flirtation with the Southern League was shortly followed by the arrivals of Manager Michael Stone and Chairman Aron Sharpe. Now back in the Isthmian League a youthful squad achieved seventh position in the First Division North in the 2008-2009.

Stone sadly left the club in 2009 after being offered the post of Assistant Manager at Conference giants Rushden and Diamonds. The club’s first team manager in time for the start of the 2009/10 season was former Oswestry Town manager and Total Network Solutions Llansantffraid midfielder David Norman. At the end this season the Club finished in a record high position of 3rd in the Ryman Division One North, mainly thanks to a record run of 17 matches without defeat from the turn of the year, a run which included 13 wins. The Club reached the playoffs but lost out to Enfield Town in the semifinal 3-2 in an incredible match. This paved the way for what was to be a monumental and unforgettable 2010/11 season.

The Club was quickly becoming the most progressive nonleague club in the area, thanks to Sharpe’s focus on youth development. Bobby Aisien and Medi Alabimba had progressed from Hadley Wood and Wingate to earn professional contracts, and in 2011 over 20 of the U16-18 age group represented their County. Six boys at U16’s were given scholarships with pro sides and the club developed into a community club with a Mencap disability initiative, work with schools, and it entered its fourth year of the Flex educational scheme.

A consistent league season for the First Team saw the side match their previous 3rd place league finish and earn a second crack at the playoffs. In the semi-final Harlow Town were beaten 4-2 after extra time, and promotion to the Ryman premier Division was won with a 118th minute winner over Brentwood Town in extra time of the final - The Blues winning 3-2 on their home turf.

This victory was the middle leg of a remarkable and unique Treble. Earlier that season the club had lifted the Ryman League Cup having beaten Dulwich Hamlet 2-0 at Imber Court, and London Senior Cup success was to follow shortly afterwards when Hendon were convincingly beaten 3-1 in the final. Success flowed throughout the Club this year, with the youth teams also building on their previous season's work as they progressed superbly. The U18's won the Middlesex County Cup, and at U15 level the League Title and three Cup trophies followed (two County cups and the League cup). Even the Under 10's were getting in on the action as they lifted the Spring Cup!

The first season in the Ryman Premier Division in 2011/12 saw the side secure safety in this new level with a comfortable mid-table finish, ending up closer to the playoffs than from relegation. The final third of the season saw breakthroughs for youth players Liron Mannie and David Smouha who both played big roles in the first team squad. Meanwhile there was huge cup success at youth level yet again; The Under 18's won the AFA Cup, beating Valley Park after extra time, as well as the London County Cup. The Under 17's won a double as they beat Thurrock in the EJA League Cup final to add to their earlier AFA Cup success having beaten Bethwin 8-1! The Under 16's also got in on the action securing their AFA Cup title beating Woodford FC, which they added later on securing their EJA (Herts) League title.

Success of the youth sides prompted three players - Ross Weinreb, Nathan Sollosi and Joe Sharpe - to earn selection to the Great Britain Maccabi Team for the world games in Israel during July 2013. Meanwhile the Barnet Mencap disability sides grew in strength as they entered the fourth season with the club, with three sides now competing in the Camden Step Leagues. The year ended on a high as McDonalds joined in lucrative sponsorship deal.

The following season, 2012-13, was a difficult one for the first team. Early season poor form led to the departure of Norman in November as ex-Northwood boss Gary Meakin came in. The Club flirted with relegation all season until a momentous 3-2 victory over Lowestoft two days before the final day secured survival. However Norman rejoined the Club in the

summer as Director of Football, as veteran defender Daniel Nielsen was put in place as Head Coach. Meanwhile a new Under 21 Development squad was set up to compete in the inaugural Ryman U21 League.

There was continual success for the youth sides. The U17's added the London County Cup to an earlier EJA league title, the EJA cup and the AFA cup. These were also followed up with the League Regional Playoff title. The U16's won two cups in this season, the EJA and AFA trophies.

In 2014 the side faced another relegation fight in the league, which was lost on goal difference on the final day of the season despite a 5-0 victory over Billericay Town. However, when Worksop Town pulled out of the Southern League due to financial problems, Wingate & Finchley were the first in line to earn the reprieve back to the Ryman Premier Division.

The 2014-15 season resulted in a record finish of 12th place in the Ryman Premier League, and at the end of the season Norman departed, to be replaced by Simon Lane as Director of Football. However for the start of 2016 he was replaced by former Northern Ireland International Keith Rowland and the side finished in a stable 13th position. In August 2016 the stadium at Summers Lane was re-named after Wingate FC co-founder Maurice Rebak who had passed away in February of that year aged 95.

The 2016-17 season saw the club set a new record, finishing in 5th place in the Ryman Premier League and qualifying for the end of season playoffs. A last-minute defeat at Bognor Regis Town in the semi-final ended the season, but this was a magnificent achievement and saw the Blues win the League's Team Performance of the Year Award.

A ninth-place finish followed in 2017-18 as the Blues narrowly missed out on a second successive play-off berth. There was success for the Under 23 side who won the Isthmian Development League North Division at a canter. Over the summer the Club embarked on an extensive state-of-the-art refurbishment of the stadium, for the first time since 1991’s merger, giving the clubhouse a much-welcomed overhaul and making the stadium one of the most impressive in non-league football.

The subsequent three seasons saw a period of uncertainty both on and off the pitch, with short management stints for ex England International Nicky Shorey, ex Premier League stalwart Glen Little and ex West Ham Academy and Wingate & Finchley favourite Steve Clarke, followed by two null and void seasons under the stewardship of Spencer Knight due to the COVID pandemic. However, during this period there were still many successes, including U18s winning County Cup in consecutive seasons and the London Champion of Champions trophy, U23 Development Squad being victorious in Herts League Cup fielding a squad largely made up of Under 18s, while both U13s and U12s secured League Titles.

In the summer of 2021, Club legends Ahmet Rifat (Director of Football) and Marc Weatherstone (Manager) were appointed as a new Management Team after nearly 1000 first team appearances between them.

WINGATE & FINCHLEY FC

PLAYER PEN PICTURES

HARVEY STEEL

Right back who signed for the Blues in December 2021, previously at several Cambridgeshire sides, including Yaxley, St Neots Town, Mildenhall Town and the academy of Cambridge United.

DYLAN KEARNEY

Irish striker who has already made a legendary goalscoring reputation at the club despite only joining on loan in late November 2021. Previously featured for Hayes and Yeading, Wealdstone, Uxbridge, Harrow Borough, Sutton United and Dulwich Hamlet, Dylan signed on loan from Beaconsfield Town on loan last season, then signed a permanent deal over the summer, and has scored some crucial goals along the way. Including last season at Wingate, he has been the top scorer of a season at four different clubs.

TYRIqUE CLARKE

Clarke, a central midfielder known for his box to box style of play, was another signing during the 2021/22 season, joining from Welling United, and can also boast Yeovil Town, Metropolitan Police and Hendon on his CV.

EMMANUEL YEBOAH

A Crystal Palace academy graduate, joined Sutton United and Lewes before arriving at Summers Lane. A central midfielder who is known for getting forward and playing with both feet, and is also known to break up play and regain possession.

LOIC HERNANDEz

A full back who is also capable down the wings spent 11 years with the academy of local rivals Barnet, including some time around their first team. Then upon his release in 2021 joined Wingate. Skilled in 1 on 1 battles and proficient at both attacking and defending. Also spent a loan with us during the 2018/19 season.

ANTONIS VASILIOU

Another ex Barnet player who had time in their academy and first team, Antonis is an international winger, having 4 caps for Cyprus under-19s. He has also had loan spells at Berkamsted, St Albans City, Beaconsfield Town, and Ashford Town (Middx). An exciting young technical player, he is also known for his hard work and dribbling abilities.

JAY BECKFORD

A quick and tricky wide player that likes to take on opposition players, utilising his dribbling and quickness. Spent time in the academy of Leyton Orient before joining Arsenal’s under-18s. Also featured for FK Gjovik Lyn in Norway and Ytterhogdal in Sweden.

KAVAN COTTER

Midfielder with experience at a variety of non league sides. Starting out at Luton Town, later having loan spells at Hitchin Town and Oxford City. Later spent time at Hemel Hempstead Town and Wealdstone.

ELLIOT LONG

Formerly of Brentford and Takeley, Elliot is known for his ability to pick up the ball and drive past defenders, being able to dribble and find pockets of space.

JOE DEARMAN

A left footed winger who boasts flair and being a goal threat among his skillset, Joe is another one of our players who has formerly played abroad. After some time with Tottenham Hotspur and Cambridge United’s academy, Joe played for Lewart Lubartow and Lublinianka in Poland before returning to England with St Neots Town and Biggleswade Town, before joining the Blues in August 2022.

AMBROISINE YANNIS

An experienced defender, Ambroisine started his career with Entente SSG and Montreuil in his homeland France, before moving to England with spells at Hayes and Yeading, Leatherhead, Whitehawk, Welling United, Dulwich Hamlet and Corinthian Casuals, before joining the Blues this summer.

SAM CORNISH

Midfielder who joined us over the summer from Colchester United, having spent several years in their academy. Also spent loan spells at Maldon and Tiptree and Potters Bar Town earlier in his career.

BEN GOODE

Now established at Wingate’s number 1 ‘keeper, Ben has previously turned out for the likes of Harrow Borough, Potters Bar, Chesham and AFC Hayes.

LUC ACHERMAN-STANFIELD

An intelligent player with a good understanding of the game. Luc is also technically good on the ball. Luc is one of our own, having come through the Wingate academy system, playing for us at various different youth age group levels over the past few seasons, right up to our development side in the Herts County League, winning the London FA Super Cup with our under-18s during the 2020/21 season.

ALKEO BANI

English Albanian midfielder who is a Watford academy product. Played for Lokomotiv Zagreb in Croatia before a return to England with Bowers and Pitsea and Basildon United. Later joined St Albans City, joining Wingate on loan last December. Later rejoined us on a permanent deal in July 2022.

2021/22 LEAGUE FINISH

15th  Isthmian Premier (Step 3) - 22 Clubs

P W D L F A Diff Pts

Average League Attendance 21/22:

160

PREVIOUS MEETING

ISTHMIAN PREMIER

TUESDAY

18TH OCTOBER 2022 04

Att: 144

WINGATE & FINCHLEY

1 Ben Goode

2Kavan Cotter

3 Ben Siggers

4 Camron Gbadebo

5 Yannis Ambroisine

6Michael Olarewaju

7 Sam Cornish

8 Tyrique Clarke

9 Dernell Wynter

10Dylan Kearney

11 Elliot Long

Featured Subs:

12 Antonis Vasiliou

14 Alkeo Bani

15Rio Campbell

Kane Penn 42’ Tom Chalmers 50’ Ben Pope 61’ Sam Adams 69’

HASTINGS UNITED

1 Louis Rogers

3 Ryan Worrall

5 Craig Stone

6Tom Chalmers

8Jack Dixon

9 Ben Pope

11 Sam Hasler

12 Alex Brefo

16Kane Penn

18 Knory Scott

19 Jake Elliott

Featured Subs:

7 Kian Moynes

10Sam Adams

14Fin Chapman

CLUB STATEMENT  Pilot Field Tilekiln Relocation

On 15th December 2022 Hastings Council agreed to task the Chief Executive to report back to Cabinet with a comprehensive report on Tilekiln relocation.

We are disappointed that, despite numerous chasers, no communication or meaningful dialogue has been had with the Club regarding the content of this report.

The next Cabinet meeting is 6th March; however, a report cannot be guaranteed for that meeting. Following that the next Cabinet meeting is scheduled for 3rd April and Full Council meets on 26th April 2023.

In the past week we wrote to Hastings Borough Council to ask for their confirmation that the Report will be finished and presented to either Cabinet or Full Council by 26th April at the very latest, which we consider to be perfectly achievable.

Yesterday we received a reply confirming the draft report has been prepared and we will be contacted to go through the report prior to it being issued to the Full Council in April.

As we have now been given the assurance that this is the case, we can confirm that we will not relocate away from the Pilot Field for the 2023/24 season.

To remain at the Pilot Field and achieve the required grading for another season will require significant expenditure and maintenance upkeep and the likelihood is that this will have a significant impact on the operations within the club; but listening to many of our supporters, the preference appears to be to stay at the Pilot Field until the new stadium relocation.

We also must find a solution to where all the Men’s, Boys’ and Girls’ Academy, Youth and Disability teams can play next season bearing in mind the current lack of pitches within the Borough.

The Club will also postpone the litigation case against the Council until the April’s Full Cabinet Committee date to allow Hastings Council to decide on the Tilekiln relocation.

We also wish to place on record our thanks to Eastbourne Borough FC for their continued assistance.

We continue to be grateful to the Club’s supporters through these challenging times and will issue further updates when possible.

2022/23 RESULTS & FIXTURES

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)

DixonPope (A) Hasler (1) BrefoPenn Hector-Ingram(1) (B)elliottAdams (A) , Hull (B)

DixonPopeHaslerBrefoPennHector-Ingram (B)elliottScott (A) (C), Adams (B), Hull (C)

PopeHasler (A)BrefoPennHector-Ingram (B)ScottelliottAdams (A), Hull (B)

Collins (C) Dixon (1) PopeHasler (A)Brefo Penn (2) elliottAdams (A), Scott (B), Hector-Ingram (C)

Dixon (B) Pope (1) (A)Adams (C)BrefoPennScottelliottSmith (A), Hasler (B), Hull (C)

DixonAdamsBrefoSmithPennScott (A)elliottPinto (A), Hector-Ingram (B)

Collins (C)DixonBrefoSmith (A)PennScott (B)elliottPope (A), Legg (B), Adams (C)

(C)DixonPope (A)BrefoPennScott (B)elliottAdams (A), Legg (B), Smith (C)

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

DixonPope (B) Smith (1) BrefoPennScottelliott Legg (1) (A), Adams (B), Moynes

Pope (1) (B)SmithBrefoPennLegg (C)Scott (A)elliottHull (A), Adams (B), Black (C)

Dixon (C)Pope (A)SmithBrefoPennScott Elliott (1)Adams (1) (A), Legg (B), Moynes (C)

Dixon (1)  PopeSmithBrefoPenn (A)ScottelliottBlack (A), Adams (B)

Photos: Scott White Photography

LEAGUE NEWS

FROM IAN THOMPSON

JAYDN MUNDLE-SMITH IS NEW AT THE ROOKS

Lewes gave a debut to full-back Jaydn MundleSmith in their draw with Billericay Town on Saturday 25th February, the player having joined the Rooks on loan from National League side Wealdstone. He will remain at the Dripping Pan until the end of the season.

Jaydn played youth, Under 18 and Under 21 football for Fulham, and spent time on loan with Maidenhead United and Maidstone United. Upon leaving Craven Cottage he spent time with one of our former clubs, Dulwich Hamlet, these days in National League South, before stepping up to sign for the other set of Stones in the autumn of 2021.

RUBEN SOARES-JUNIOR IS NEW AT MARGATE

Margate announced the signing of forward Ruben Soares-Junior prior to their draw at Enfield Town last Saturday. He emerged from the bench with eleven minutes to go for his debut.

Ruben signed for Angels, and moves to Hartsdown Park on a dual-registration deal. Prior to his time with Angels he was playing in Scotland, for Queen of the South, and also had a National League South spell at Billericay Town.

Ruben was previously in our ranks with Three Bridges and Grays Athletic, and he has also played for Hertford Town and Biggleswade Town.

NEW WINGER FOR INVICTA

Folkestone Invicta had a new name in their squad as they defeated- nay, hammered- Potters Bar Town on Saturday. Winger Jordan Ababio was introduced to the mix with the match already won, but played his part as his side added two more goals.

Jordan has been playing SCEFL football with Bearsted, and was previously with Margate, who he joined in 2019 Soccer Elite Football Academy. He made seven appearances as the 18-19 campaign came to an end, and one more the following season. He went on to spend time with K Sports, and last season managed eighteen goals for Bearsted. He has added four more so far this season.

HERNE BAY ANNOUNCE A DUO

Herne Bay confirmed two new arrivals prior to their match with Aveley last Saturday - although one of them was actually making his third appearance.

Daniel Ogunleye moves south from Brentwood Town. Danny played forty seven times for Town last season, and delivered eight important goals. This season he spent some time at Coggeshall Town, making nine appearances - with two goals - before returning to Brentwood and making another eleven appearances. He was previously an Academy player with Forest Green Rovers.

Jude Russell played youth, Under 21 and Under 23 football for Crystal Palace, before heading to Brentwood, where he played for the B team. The defender made his Under 18 debut at Selhurst Park aged just fifteen, and - unless there is a second Jude Russell out there somewherespent some time with Beckenham Town in the autumn.

DION-CURTIS HENRY TO REGENT

Former Posh, Palace and Crawley keeper arrives at Brightlingsea Regent.

Brightlingsea Regent announced the signing of goalkeeper Dion-Curtis Henry prior to Saturday's trip to Haringey Borough.

Dion came through the ranks at Peterborough United before first gracing our league as a loan signing for Soham Town Rangers. he went on to have a loan spell at Boston United before leaving the Posh for Crystal Palace, and whilst at Palace had loan spells at Maidstone United and Hampton & Richmond Borough.

When his time as an Eagle came to an end he signed for Billericay Town, then in National League South, following which he went back to the Beavers before a move to Crawley Town.

REGENT BOSS DEPARTS

Brightlingsea Regent have announced the resignation of their manager, Brett Munyard, following a recent six-one defeat at Haringey Borough.

Brett joined the club from White Ensign in November 2021. In his time at Ensign he oversaw two promotions, from Step Seven to Step Five. He took over with Regent in nineteenth place in Pitching In Isthmian Premier, having lost eight consecutive gam es, and steered them to safety, but he hasn't been able to have the same impact this season and they are currently at the bottom of the table, ten points from safety.

MARGATE BRING IN YASER KASIM

Former Brighton, Luton and Swindon midfielderand Iraq international - is new at Hartsdown Park. Margate have announced the signing of midfielder Yaser Kasim, and gave him a debut as substitute towards the closing minutes at Enfield Town last Saturday

Yaser started his career as a youth at Spurs and Fulham, before leaving White Hart Lane for the south coast and Brighton & Hove Albion. Loans at Luton Town and Macclesfield Town followed, before a few years as a first team regular at the County Ground for Swindon Town.

Northampton Town followed, before spells in Sweden and in his native Iraq. he then returned to the UK to play for Welling United, and has most recently been with Gloucester City. He has played more than twenty times for the Iraq national team.

ANTONIO BACK AT BAY

Herne Bay have announced the return of midfielder Hamilton Antonio. Hamilton has already made nine appearances for the club this season, and was a big part of their promotion from Pitching In Isthmian South East last season, playing thirty-nine times including in their Play-Off Final win at Ashford United. He left the Kent coast for Enfield Town in the autumn, but played only four times, and has since spent some time with Hendon.

Hamilton was previously with the now sadly defunct Walton Casuals, and also with the club they defeated in a South East Play-Off Final, CorinthianCasuals. He also spent a short time with Sutton Common Rovers.

HASTINGS TO STAY PUT NEXT SEASON

Possible groundshare with Eastbourne Borough postponed.

Hastings United have postponed the idea of a groundshare at Eastbourne Borough next season, after the local authority confirmed that the draft report concerning the clubs hoped move to another location within the town will be issued to the full council in April.

United saw planning permission for a new ground, in an area of the town known as Tilekiln Playing Fields, initially granted - but the council later withdrew their commitment to the land for the club and the matter continues to be the subject of debate and discussion.

United say that it is not financially viable to remain at Pilot Field due to the costs around maintaining ground grading, chiefly those associated with the upkeep of the cavernous main stand - and had suggested that a lack of progress would force them into a groundshare agreement with their National League South neighbours.

This is a long way from providing the club with any certainty, but it does allow them to confirm that they will remain in their traditional home for another season, at least.

HUFC vs BOWERS & PITSEA - MAN OF THE MATCH - JAKE ELLIOTT

ON THIS DAY MARCH 4

1967

After previously being decided over two legs the first League Cup Final to be played at Wembley saw a major upset with a Third Division side winning a Wembley final for the first time. In front of a 97,952 crowd goals from Roger Morgan, Rodney Marsh and Mark Lazarus saw Third Division Queens Park Rangers pull back from 2-0 down to beat holders West Bromwich Albion 3-2. Part of the revamp of the League Cup was to see the winners gaining a place in Europe in the Fairs Cup but QPR missed out on that as the place only went to the winners if they were a top flight club. Still, QPR's consolation was that in addition to the cup final success they walked away with the Division 3 title and would only spend a season in the Second Division before they did become a top flight side for the first time in their histor y.

Jake Elliott was awarded ‘Man Of The Match’ by Match Sponsors The Painted Maiden

Photo: Scott White Photography

Pictured with Jake making the presentation are from left to rightBilly, Nadia, Kaigleigh, Phill and Alex.

ISTHMIAN LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION TABLE 2022/23 AS AT 1 MARCH2023

ISTHMIAN LEAGUE PREMIER GOALSCORERS

ISTHMIAN LEAGUE PREMIER ATTENDANCES

2022/23 U18

2022/23 U23 ISTHMIAN DEV LEAGUE SOUTH TABLE

ISTHMIAN YOUTH LEAGUE SOUTH TABLE

U23 FIXTURES

U18 FIXTURES

2022/23 APPEARANCES & GOALSCORERS ISTHMIAN LEAGUE PREMIER

STARTSSEASONCAREER PLAYER SUB TOTALGOALSAPPSGOALS

SamAdams1521364643154

BaileyAkehurst1-1-1OscarBarry2-2-2OllieBlack9312-1334

AlexBrefo351362362

ArmandasBriedis-11-1KaiBrown426161

GilCarvalho448-8TomChalmers26-2619614

FinChapman235-5LouisCollins5-5151

LloydDawes134-183

JackDixon35-35232644

JakeElliott31-311815

JoeGbode6-6565

SamHasler2022236114

JHector-Ingram448181

LouieHoad-11-1CharlieHoney-11-1JamesHull816242435

FreddieLegg4481162

JamalLubanga-11-1HarveyMapstone2-2-3ChineduMcKenzie46104104

KianMoynes6612-12FinnO’Mara92111375

AlfiePeacock-11-1-

KanePenn361376626

DeNiroPinto268-8BenPope294331012161

LouisRogers(GK)39-39-152-

KnoryScott229313625

DavidSmith729191

CraigStone31-3111238

JoshTurner2-2-2RyanWorrall2843211107

Brightlingsea

Folkestone

HASTINGS

HornchurchvLewes

Horsham

Margate vCorinthian-Casuals

Photo: Scott White Photography

DAVID SMITH

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

Photo: Scott White Photography

Millie Main

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

(Capt) Jack DIXON 8

Ben POPE 9

Sam ADAMS 10

Alex BREFO 12

James HULL 15

Kane PENN 16

Knory SCOTT 18

Jake ELLIOTT 19

Kian MOYNES 19

David SMITH 19

Freddie LEGG 19

SQUADS

3PM SATURDAY 4 MARCH2023

vs

ISTHMIAN LEAGUE PREMIER

REFEREE

BILLY WOODS ASSISTANTS E DWARD SMITH BARRY BROOKS

MATCH SPONSOR

WINGATE  & FINCHLEY  FC

KIT: ALL YELLOW

Ahmet RIFAT Director of Football

Ricky MACHEL Head Coach

Ben GOODE (GK)

Camron GBADEBO

yannis AMBROISINE

Ryan SELLERS

Tyrique CLARKE

Alkeo BANI

Sam CORNISH

Daniel EMOVON

Antonis VASILIOU

Dylan KEARNEY

Dernell WYNTER

Junior SAVANE

MATCHBALL SPONSOR

TOM NEWMAN

MATCH MASCOTS

HUFC ACADEMY U9’S

Represented by:

Dylan James Stack

Noah Cruise Madge

Lucius Loureiro Bexley Morgan

Jayden Carson-Smith

Freddie Humbles George Crispe

Jedidiah Akrasi Jack Wareham

Sharni McGowan Henry Mills

George Mills Hunter Cooper Ford

Myles Cornwall Maximum Hoare

Ivan Wiley Oliver Mascall-Perrin

Olivers Maksimovs

FORM - LAST 6 MATCHES

SCORED 11 - CONCEDED 3 4 CLEAN SHEETS

THE CONTINENTAL PILOT FIELD HASTINGS TN34 2AX

Rio CAMPBELL

Ben SIGGERS

emmanuel YEBOAH

Ben DE LACY-TURNER

Thomas STAGG

Loic HERNANDEz

FORM - LAST 6 MATCHES

SCORED 13 - CONCEDED 8 2 CLEAN SHEETS