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