Welcome
Club CEO/Chairman
Welcome everyone to The Continental Pilot Field for a much anticipated Pitching In Isthmian South East League match vs Ramsgate.
NHS in this roll out and supporting this is something which gives many who are waiting an option to get their first or next jab here today.
Firstly I’ll like to welcome their board, management, players and supporters today but if I wished them good luck I’ll be lying! However I hope you all have a safe journey to and from our home.
But remember, this isn’t a Covid Passport scenario, this isn’t us telling you without the vaccine you cannot continue your support of our amazing club, it’s making the option available for those who want it.
With a delightful win away at Herne Bay we are back in the race, one maybe a few would’ve counted us out of a couple weeks back, it’s funny how things change so quickly in football!
Covid-19 and the lockdowns have hurt us as a club, let’s pray that we don’t enter another!
Thank you to the following support for making such a trip and all of us at the club are thankful for it. Today we welcome our local Public Health team who will be open in our boardroom for the eligible to receive their 1st, 2nd or booster Covid-19 vaccine jabs. We recognise many have different views on the pandemic, the vaccine and the scenario we find ourselves in today. At the club we are open minded and understand that fact, we are supporting the
Billy Wood
Back to football, I am really enjoying working with the staff. Gary is so passionate about getting it right and I am right behind him, the staff and our players this year. I was delighted to see Dawesy score midweek and Sesay get more integrated into the team. Today let’s be loud, let’s be proud and continue to be UNITED! ... COYU!
Billy Billy Wood HUFC Chairman / Chief Executive Officer
The Gaffer Gary Elphick Good afternoon and welcome to the Continental Pilot Field. First of all a big welcome to our visitors today. Ramsgate are a team who have been going great guns and are going to be a tough opponent. I have huge respect for their manager Matt Longhurst also, he has recruited well and has the team in terrific shape, he always looks smart and conducts himself in the right way. We’ve also picked up recently and are in form so today should be a good spectacle. We must continue to keep working hard and playing for each other over the Christmas fixture period. A big thanks to the U’s fans, I appreciate the patience you’ve shown in me and my management team over this transitional period. Please keep cheering the team on and stay behind the lads. Onwards and upwards! Merry Christmas!
Gary Gary Elphick HUFC First Team Manager
Photo: Scott White Photography
www.hastingsunited.com www.facebook.com/HastingsUtd Twitter: @hastingsufc
MATCH SPONSOR
Good afternoon everyone.
Commercial Director
Welcome back home after a great away win last Saturday at Herne Bay with some great football on display and also a departure from the Sussex Senior Cup over at Horsham on Tuesday evening.
Hayley Clout
I would like to welcome and thank our Match Sponsor to today's game Ben Smith Appliance Specialist who are based in St Leanards-on-Sea and specialise in the repair of all major domestic appliances in your home and sell quality reconditioned domestic appliances. They also carry out work on behalf of Domestic & General, specialising in: AEG, Beko, Blomberg, Belling, Bosch, Cannon, Creda, Flavel, Hotpoint, Indesit, Leisure, Rangemaster, Samsung Whirlpool, Zannusi and many more. For more details and information please visit their website - bensmithappliancespecialist.co.uk
Isthmian league game. Bob does so much for the Club and we thank him for his continued support both with the first and the ladies team.
We hope Ben and his guests enjoy their day with us.
Hayley
I would also like to welcome and continually thank Bob H who is our Matchball Sponsor for every
If you would like any further details on our Commercial side, please call me on 07766 825573
I would finally like to welcome and thank our Mascots to today's game, Reuben, Henry, Amelie, Mason and Louie. We hope you enjoy your day with us and the matchday experience. Enjoy the game, hopefully 3 points and ... Merry Christmas!
HASTINGS UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB DIRECTORS, MANAGEMENT & OFFICIALS
CLUB DETAILS
DIRECTORS & SECRETARY
Co Name: Hastings United Football Club Limited
Chairman / CEO / Director Billy Wood Vice Chairman / Director Pat McCrossan Director Hayley Clout Director Craig Barrow Director Ross Shewry-Maryan Director Peter Sherlock Non-Executive Director Daren Burney Company Secretary Dane Martin
TGS Pilot Field Elphinstone Rd Hastings TN34 2AX 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 Telephone
01424 444635
CLUB PRESIDENT Dave Ormerod
Email club@hastingsunited.com Website www.hastingsunited.com
MEMBERS OF
FOOTBALL MANAGEMENT
Pitching In Isthmian Football League Sussex County Football Association
Director of Football Dean White FIRST TEAM MANAGEMENT & STAFF First Team Manager Gary Elphick Assistant Manager Andrew Brown First Team Coach Jon Meeney Coach Peter Heritage GK Coach / Opposition Scout Ben Cornelius Kit Coordinator/Matchday Physio Dane Martin Sports Therapist / Physio Paige Wise Performance Analyst James McCrossan
LIFE MEMBERS Les Britton Peter Eastman David Harding David Nessling Dave Ormerod Charles Pilbeam Tony Cosens
VICE PRESIDENTS C Barrow
J Downton
A Keen
U23 DEVELOPMENT SQUAD MANAGEMENT
OFFICIALS
U23 Manager
Club Secretary
Dane Martin
Commercial Director
Hayley Clout
Programme Editor
Paul Hoggard
Press Officer
Billy Wood
Public Address/Matchday Media Team: Eddie Denyer Pat McCrossan Nick Clarke Ryan Segal Bob Quinn 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
www.hastingsunited.com
U18 SQUAD MANAGEMENT
U18 Manager
Andrew Brown Andrew Brown
ACADEMY Coaching Partner Skiltek Education Scheme Partner East Sussex College Hastings Head of Academy Senior Development Phase Lead Andrew Brown Management Group Craig Barrow, Andrew Brown, Sean Ray Welfare Roger Bond / Louise Chalmers Administration Roger Bond Discipline Hannah Smith Social Media & Press Officer Charmaine Ridgers Recruitment Andrew Brown, Sean Ray U16 Manager Bernie Walker U15 Manager Tony Field U13 Manager Guiseppe Lombardelli U11 Manager Russell Small U10 Manager Neil Cornwell U9 Manager Sean Ray U8 Manager Shane Ridgers U7 Manager Jake Daniels
MATCH MASCOTS
Henry, Reuben and Amelie Randall-Smith Henry, a popular 9-year-old boy, is all about his football. He has been at All Stars in Eastbourne for 5 years and recently left to join Eastbourne Utd under 9s and is thriving in his new team. He loves the Pilot Field and has been coming since he was 5 years old. Watch this space as he is going places within the game. Reuben is Henry's older brother and a fabulous goalkeeper for Hollington FC under 12s, he loves all the stats in the game and knows all you need to know about the game. He also loves the Pilot Field and is looking forward to the game today. Amelie is a wonderful young lady who has recently started playing football and is training with Hastings Utd girls and really enjoying it. She has decided to follow in her brother’s footsteps and has the ability to match them no problem. We are a real sports fan family, we travel all over playing football, watching the U's, Liverpool and Brighton, but Hastings are the ones we want to see do the best ....
Louie Ball
(Age 10)
Favourite Team - Manchester United Favourite HUFC Player - Louis Rogers Plays for - Hastings United Academy U10s Position - Goalkeeper Louie is really excited to be mascot and walk out with his idol Louis Rogers today, who he has also been training with recently. A huge thanks to the club for arranging this.
Mason Forrester Favourite Team - Hastings United Favourite Player - Jack Dixon
Gut Feeling Simon Stoddart My waffle and opinions, I don't speak for Hastings United. Personal observations on the world of semi-pro football and sport in general.
NEEDED THAT BIG TIME Our poor return in the 5 games to date against the recognised promotion contenders was rightly highlighted in the last GF. One point from 15, poor, poor. So with a couple of decent home results against Chichester and East Grinstead, Herne Bay away loomed. LOOOOMED!
a clean sheet, kept Zak Ansah quiet, picked up a first win against one of the big boys and climbed right into contention. Wow, we needed that. After the Cray Valley heist on November 13th, we were 13 points off the top. Our own result a week ago plus others have seen that big gap brought right down to a manageable 4 points. And while you never punch the air at a defeat, Tuesday night's Sussex Senior Cup exit at Horsham makes it a straightforward focus on the big prize. Concentrate on that league! And never more so than with this afternoon's visit of Ramsgate who gave us that early first reversal at Southwood Road. A Ramsgate outfit who have been there or thereabouts all season.
I couldn't make that one, I'd had my Covid booster and it knackered me. Came not too long after my flu jab so I was feeling like a 2 legged colander. In times of no go, it's resort to Twitter and Footballwebpages. And what an eye popping moment seeing United were 2-0 to the good after 8 minutes. Ollie Black's long throws. You do hear some say they're too predictable, opposing defences know about them etc etc. Well, yes. But they do still have that added option about them. Added to other set piece plays - corners, free kicks - they're thoroughly useful and, well, 2 long throws, 2 goals, Herne Bay on their haunches after 8 minutes and 3 massive points as United kept
Well come on, is there any other real contender than the big fella?
Unheard of not so many years back, being able to see United goals on the big screen.
Attendances have been phenomenal this season. Is that 1,303 Ashford gate under threat this afternoon?
Good to see such a favourable review. And they had equally good things to say about the Ramsgate programme too.
It was all a cunning plan. What can we expect in the 2nd test?
HUFC vs EAST GRINSTEAD TOWN - MAN OF THE MATCH - CRAIG STONE Craig Stone was awarded ‘Man Of The Match’ on behalf of Match Sponsor Bob H.
Craig was presented with his award by Academy Coach Neil Cornwell along with Olly Monforte,
Ralphy Gale and Shujaat Jaffari.
Photo: Scott White Photography
LEAGUE NEWS From: Ian Townsend
South East Division
HILLIANS BRING IN HONORE AND CHALAYE Burgess Hill Town have added Conrad Honore and Tom Chalaye to their squad, and both made an impact in their victory over Ashford United last Saturday. Conrad moves over from Pitching In South East rivals Lancing, where he'd made eleven appearances this season. He was part of the Sussex County Under 16 side who won the South East Counties Youth Championship during the 2018-19 campaign, and moved on more success in the the Under 18 side. Tom is a forward who has already had a loan spell with the Hillians. He comes over from Worthing, where he has made twenty appearances - mainly from the bench - this season, scoring four goals. He also played four times last season,and ten times - with four goals - during 2019-20. He made three appearances for the Hillians last season.
HUCKLEVISION! East Grinstead Town have announced the signings of Ryan Huckle from Braintree Town and Sam Huckle from Staplehurst Monarchs. Centre-back Ryan was with both Leatherhead and Hastings United earlier this season, although he didn't seem to play a match for Hastings. He did manage twelve for the Tanners, however, the last of them coming in defeat to Corinthian Casuals on November 13th. He also made ten appearances as a Tanner last season. Ryan came through the youth setup at Gillingham, spending time on loan at Ramsgate and Dover Athletic. The end of his time with the Gills saw him sign for Faversham Town, where he made twenty two appearances during 2018-19 and another three during 2019-20. Sam was previously at Faversham Town, and was more recently with Hollands & Blair before signing for Monarchs. He is also a defender.
ISTHMIAN LEAGUE SOUTH EAST DIVISION TABLE 2021/22 WEDNESDAY 15 DECEMBER 2021 # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Team Cray Valley PM Ashford United Ramsgate HASTINGS UNITED Haywards Heath T Herne Bay Sittingbourne Chichester City Burgess Hill Town VCD Athletic Corinthian Whitehawk Faversham Town Hythe Town Three Bridges Whitstable Town Sevenoaks Town Lancing East Grinstead Town Phoenix Sports
P HW HD 17 5 3 17 7 1 17 5 2 17 5 1 17 6 0 16 6 1 17 5 2 17 5 2 17 4 2 17 5 1 17 3 2 17 3 2 16 4 1 17 1 2 17 2 3 17 2 2 17 2 1 17 2 1 17 2 4 17 0 1
HL AW AD 0 6 2 0 4 1 2 5 2 2 6 0 2 4 3 2 3 2 1 3 1 1 2 3 3 3 2 3 2 2 4 4 1 4 3 1 3 2 2 5 5 1 3 1 6 4 3 0 6 3 1 6 1 2 3 0 1 7 1 1
AL 1 4 1 3 2 2 5 4 3 4 3 4 4 3 2 6 4 5 7 7
2021/22 APPEARANCES & GOALSCORERS STARTS PLAYER
Sam Adams Lanre Azeez Jack Bates Ollie Black Tom Chalmers Lloyd Dawes Jack Dixon Gary Elphick Marcus Goldsmith Harvey Greig Sam Hasler James Hull Nathan Jenkins Freddie Legg Dave Martin Finn O’Mara Kane Penn Kenny Pogue Ben Pope Louis Rogers (GK) Knory Scott Andrew Sesay Harry Simmons Craig Stone Ryan Worrall
17 9 3 26 23 5 25 14 14 1 21 1 4 15 6 8 11 20 27 5 4 23 15
SEASON CAREER SUB TOTAL GOALS APPS GOALS
5 8 3 1 2 3 1 1 2 1 7 1 7 5 4 11 5 1 1 4
22 17 6 27 25 8 26 14 15 3 22 8 5 7 20 6 12 22 20 27 10 5 1 23 19
2 2 2 5 2 3 3 9 1 1 2 1 10 13 1 1 1
591 145 77 4 6 111 2 50 11 9 2 272 37 67 8 24 4 22 9 9 1 5 7 1 20 2 6 1 12 226 64 70 42 92 14 1 5 1 71 6 62 5
W 11 11 10 11 10 9 8 7 7 7 7 6 6 6 3 5 5 3 2 1
D 5 2 4 1 3 3 3 5 4 3 3 3 3 2 9 2 2 3 5 2
L 1 4 3 5 4 4 6 5 6 7 7 8 7 8 5 10 10 11 10 14
F 39 32 38 39 32 25 26 27 23 32 19 21 18 16 18 21 19 13 15 13
A 17 14 19 21 17 14 23 19 21 23 20 26 23 33 31 28 35 33 32 37
+/22 18 19 18 15 11 3 8 2 9 -1 -5 -5 -17 -13 -7 -16 -20 -17 -24
Pts 38 35 34 34 33 30 27 26 25 24 24 21 21 21 18 17 17 12 11 5
Home 1-2 L 1003 1-3 L 1303
Away
2-3 L 648 0-2 L 412 1-1 D 949 2-0 W 420 2-1 W 734 2-0 W 733 3-2 W 325 1-2 L 127 2-0 W 1214 3-0 W 225 2-1 W 189 4-1 W 790 4-1 W 206 5-0 W 801 4-2 W 174
Pitching In Isthmian League South East FIXTURES - Monday 27th December 2021 Burgess Hill Town
v Haywards Heath Town
Corinthian
v Cray Valley PM
Faversham Town
v Sittingbourne
Herne Bay
v Whitstable Town
Lancing
v Chichester City
Ramsgate
v Hythe Town
Sevenoaks Town
v Three Bridges
VCD Athletic
v Phoenix Sports
WHITEHAWK
v HASTINGS UNITED
2021/22 UNITED’S TOP GOALSCORERS PLAYER
TOTAL COMPETITION
Ben Pope
13 8 ILSE 2 FAC 3 FAT
Kenny Pogue
10 7 ILSE 2 FAC 1 FAT
Sam Hasler
9 5 ILSE 3 FAC 1 FAT
PREVIOUS MEETINGS WITH RAMSGATE FC Although Ramsgate were regular opponents of the original Hastings United, we did not meet until we entered Division One of the Ryman League in season 2005/06, however, since then we have done so on many occasions, including a pre-season match at the Southwood Stadium in 2010 which we won 2-1. In both 2007 and 2013 we met in the first qualifying round of the F.A. Challenge Cup, the Rams winning the first game with a lone Steffan Ball goal whilst a solitary effort from Sam Adams saw United win the latter tie, both games taking place here at the Pilot Field. Between 2007 and 2009 we played four matches together in the Ryman Premier Division whilst our games since 2013 have been in the League’s Division One South/SE. Hastings United’s record against Ramsgate is as follows:P W D L GF GA Away 11 5 2 4 16 19 Home 11 7 1 3 21 13 Overall 22 12 3 7 37 32
Saturday 26 August 2017 Bostik Div One South
Ramsgate
1 – 2 Hastings United Att 253
U’s Line-up Pelling, Pritchard, Cruttwell, Vickers, Aziaya, Rowe, Rodari, Dixon, Medlock (2), Janneh, Black Subs used: Harris, Rodrigues-Barbosa
Saturday 23 December 2017 Bostik Div One South
Hastings United
4 – 2 Ramsgate Att 316
U’s Line-up Horlock, Dixon, Beale, Lovatt, Rowe, Climpson (1), Rodari, Adams, Davies (1), Janneh, Golding (2) Subs used: Ebuzoeme, Cole, Walker
Saturday 18 August 2018 Bostik Div One SE
Ramsgate
2 – 3 Hastings United
Chapman, Smith
Att 217
U’s Line-up Horlock, Climpson, Beale, Lovatt, Howlett-Mundle, Janneh, Golding (1), Cruttwell, Ajakaiye (2), Dixon, Ogboe Subs used: Mensah, Walker, Vickers
Saturday 30 March 2019 Bostik Div One SE
Hastings United
3 – 0 Ramsgate Att 462
U’s Line-up
Tuesday 17 January 2017 Ryman Div One South
Hastings United
1 – 2 Ramsgate
Rogers, Fielding, Beale, Lovatt, Elphick, Tucker, Adams, Dixon, Ajakaiye (2), Stevenson (1), Azeez Subs used: Cruttwell, Mongoy, Rodari
Att 236
U’s Line-up Pidgeley, Butcher, Green, Emptage, Watt, Rowe, Bodkin, Johnson, Stevenson, Collin, Evans Subs used: Stannard (1) Dullaway
Saturday 11 January 2020 BetVictor Div One SE
Hastings United
3 – 0 Ramsgate Att 703
U’s Line-up
Saturday 4 March 2017 Ryman Div One South
Ramsgate
1 – 1 Hastings United
Rogers, Black, Elphick, Elliott, Stone, Ajakaiye (1), Pope (2, 1 Pen), Azeez, Worrall, Dixon Subs used: Beale, Pogue, Poole
Att 292
U’s Line-up Pidgeley, Butcher, Cruttwell, Evans, Sobers, Rowe, Bodkin, Harris C, Hughes-Mason, Collin (1 Pen), Stevenson Subs used: Emptage, Stannard, Harris
Saturday 28 August 2021 Pitching In Div One SE
Ramsgate
3 – 2 Hastings United Att 648
U’s Line-up Rogers, Black, Elphick, Stone, Chalmers, Dixon, Pope, Adams, Hasler, Jenkins, Martin Subs used: Dawes, Pogue (1), Scott (1)
LEAGUE NEWS From: Ian Townsend
South East Division December 11 Round Up Cray Valley PM last tasted defeat on September 14th, so it’s no surprise that they’re at the top of the table - but they had to come from behind at Whitehawk last Saturday. Henry Muggeridge gave the Hawks the lead after only six minutes, only for Hassan Ibrahiym to equalise seven minutes after the break. Neither side could get a winner. The Millers actually increased their lead because, elsewhere in Sussex, closest challengers Ashford United were falling to defeat at Burgess Hill Town. The Hillians had watched their eight match unbeaten run come to an end against Corinthian last time out, but second-half goals from Lewis Taylor - from the spot - and Michael Uwezu gave them all three points and raised them to eleventh place. Ramsgate also took on Sussex opposition, as they welcomed our draw specialists Three Bridges - but there was no draw this time for the visitors, as the Rams got a goal in each half and won two-nil, despite ending the game with ten men after Lee Prescott’s dismissal. Joshua Ajayi opened the scoring on the quarter hour with his fifteenth goal of the season, and Callum Peck got the second ten minutes after the break, to see the Rams up to third in front of a crowd of five hundred and nine. Hastings United travelled to Herne Bay having won four of their last five and seemingly escaped their slump, and that escape continued as they scored two goals in the first eight minutes to overcome their hosts and climb to fourth. Craig Stone and Ben Pope got those goals - that’s thirteen for the season for the latter - and United are now only four points off the top. Haywards Heath Town had only one win in their last five as they travelled to East Grinstead Town,
and now it’s one in six as they came from behind to grab a point, but slipped to fifth place nonetheless. Richard Pingling gave the Wasps the lead with only twenty minutes to go, but Nathan Cooper stepped up to save the visitors seven minutes later. Wed an all-green battle as VCD Athletic hosted Chichester City, and it was the visitors who triumphed, coming from behind with a late Callum Overton double to take the points. Youssef Bamba had earlier put Athletic ahead, but although the Athletic number eleven was scoring for his fourth match in a row it counted for naught in the end. That’s one defeat in eight for City. Lancing hosted Sittingbourne after eight matches without a win, and now it’s nine, the Brickies getting the only goal of the game. It came in the sixth sixth minute, and it came to Duane Ofori-Achempong, his fifth in five matches. Corinthian, winners at Burgess Hill the previous weekend, welcomed Hythe Town. The Cannons looked set for three points, a goal up with two minutes to go after Jordan Sarfo gave them the lead much, much earlier; but they got nothing as a double from Jack Bath meant it was a washout for the visitors. Corinthian are tenth, The Cannons slip to fourteenth. Faversham Town welcomed a Phoenix Sports side who finally got a point last weekend after twelve consecutive league defeats, but it was back to the drawing board for the visitors as the Lilywhites triumphed. Both goals came after the break, and they both went to Bola Dawodu as the hosts climbed to thirteenth. The Whitstable Town revival continued at Sevenoaks Town - a fourth consecutive win seeing them overtake their hosts on goal difference. The only goal of the game came very early - after nine minutes, in fact and it went to Jake Mackenzie for the visitors.
Photo: Scott White Photography
Substitutes used A,B,C,D,E replaced in brackets Goalscorers in bold
MATCH SPONSORSHIP ~ Company logo featured on matchday programme front cover ~ Full page colour advertisement in the matchday programme ~ 4 complimentary matchday tickets for the Directors Box ~ Pre and post-match hospitality in the Boardroom (Alcoholic drinks only served post-match) ~ Selection of the 'Man of the Match' and pitchside presentation to player ~ Company mentions via PA announcements ~ Complimentary matchday programme
Total cost = £125.00 plus VAT Interested in sponsorship? ... Contact: Commercial Director Hayley Clout hayley.clout@hastingsunited.com 07766 825573
OUR VISITORS
RAMSGATE FC Club: Ramsgate Football Club (85) Limited Nickname: The Rams Club First Formed: 1886 (1945) Majority Shareholder: Richard Lawson
Ground: WW Martin Community Stadium Southwood, Prices Ave, Ramsgate Capacity: 2,500 Team colours: Home: Red Away: White
Third: Yellow
Manager: Matt Longhurst Assistant Manager: Lee Barnett Coach: Sonny Gladdish
Ramsgate Manager Matt Longhurst
RAMSGATE FC
HISTORY Ramsgate has had senior football teams within the town since the late 1800s, and despite the paucity of newspaper coverage of football on the Channel side of the Isle of Thanet in the late 19th century there are reports of Ramsgate Athletic playing at Southwood in 1895. The principal side was Ramsgate Town from about 1886, team photos of whom exist from 1898. At this time matches were played on several pitches around the town, including the Rams’ current home Southwood. Football in east Kent closed down during the Great War. In 1919 the Southwood
ground was provided for Ramsgate Town by Henry Weigall JP and Lady Rose Weigall, by then known as Ramsgate. In their first season they finished 3rd in the Kent FA League and reached the Kent Senior Cup final but lost to Northfleet at Maidstone 1-0 before a crowd of 10,000. In 1924 Ramsgate Town folded and Ramsgate Grenville moved to Southwood and, apart from the rise and fall of Ramsgate (Press Wanderers) in the 1930s, they became the senior Ramsgate side until another World War cancelled football. Football resumed after the WW2 and Southwood was taken over by the current club in 1945, originally called Ramsgate Athletic, who played in the Kent FA League. Post-war honours have been many, especially in the late 1940s and through the 1950s, and again in the late 1960s and 1980s (and not forgetting the mid-2000s), Some say the ‘golden period’ was from 1954 to 1957, when former Scottish international Jimmy Blair was player/manager, and the Rams were back-to-back League Champions in 1955/56 and 1956/57, with a new attendance record being set in 1955/56 when 5,083 watched the derby against
Margate. They also made Club history when they reached the 1st Round Proper of the FA for the first time in 1955, narrowly losing 5-3 at Watford (a record that stood for 50 years before they reached that round again). With the demise of the Kent FA League in 1959, the Club joined the Southern League, as well as the Thames & Medway Combination, and a new main stand was erected along the southern side of the pitch. In 1971/72 the Club were promoted to the Southern League and changed its name to just Ramsgate, but after a decline in fortunes off the pitch the Club was relegated to Division 1 and then resigned from the League in 1976, with the 1st team taking the Reserves’ place in the new Kent League. In 1998/99 the Club was eligible for promotion back to the Southern League after winning the Kent Premier League championship and the Kent FA Senior Trophy, but decided the time was not right. This was followed with more silverware in 2000/01, winning the Kent Premier Division League Cup. The 2004/05 season saw the Rams playing (and defeating) 4 sides from higher leagues pre-season, including old rivals Margate. In competitive football they made good progress in the FA Cup, winning at Kingstonian (2 leagues higher) before falling in the 2nd half to Dulwich Hamlet (1 league higher), whilst in the FA Vase they again reached the 3rd Round Proper. The best form was saved for the domestic season where the Rams again did the double winning both the Kent League Premier Cup and League Championship by a clear margin, and after extensive ground improvements entered Ryman Division 1 in 2005. Summer 2005 saw the Rams start the new era with 2 more pieces of silverware, beating Herne Bay in the Kent League Challenge Shield and Margate in the Kent Messenger Challenge Cup. The Club reached the 1st Round Proper of the FA Cup, the only Step 4 club in the country to do so that season, equalling the Club record set 50 years earlier, but were defeated at Nuneaton. They won the League at their first attempt however, securing back-to-back promotions to the Ryman Premier
Division for 2006/07. For most of their inaugural season in the Premier the Rams were settled in the ‘play-off spots’ and for several weeks in 2nd place, but the toll on the small squad was noticeable and they slipped to 9th place in the run-in. This meant another new record, as the Club had only managed to stay in the Southern League Premier for a single season in 1972. The 2007/08 season saw more club records being set, winning the Isthmian League Cup as well as reaching the play-offs for the Conference South. In 2008/09 an average performance on the pitch dipped in the last months with relegation back to Division 1 South. Key players left to remain at the higher level, although a much younger local side avoided a further drop in 2009/10 as some predicted. Back in Division 1 the Rams usually finished around the play-offs until, after five managers in 14 months, they ended up in 21st place in 2013/14. This saw the return of Jim Ward for his 3rd spell in charge, and though the Rams were in 2nd place at Christmas the form dropped and they finished mid-table. A good start in 2016/17 didn’t last and with only 1 point from 3 games over Christmas coach Lloyd Blackman replaced ‘Wardie’ as manager. A 10-match unbeaten run saw a midtable finish reprieve, with Blackman confirmed as gaffer for 2017/18. In 2018/19 there were several changes in chairman, and despite a good run in the FA Cup (ending at NLS Hemel Hempstead in the 3rd Qualifying Round) and an 8-game unbeaten League run, Blackman resigned in November. Ex-Sittingbourne manager and former player Nick Davis took over the Rams for the remainder of the season but, after indifferent results, he was replaced in October 2019 by former Herne Bay boss and Gillingham coach Jason Lillis, who in turn was replaced by current manager Matt Longhurst in January 2020. The club continues to grow and now has a total of 76 affiliated teams, from senior men to women and youth, and following the installation of the first fixed Panna cages at an English football stadium last year has now replaced the pitch at Southwood with a new all-weather surface, opened with a visit from Spurs’ U23s in July 2021.
RAMSGATE Nico Cotton PLAYER PROFILES
Jerald Aboagye 29-year-old right back. Jerald signed for the Club last season and is a powerful player who has become a fans’ favourite with his energy levels. Very experienced and vital to the young players at the Club's development centre.
Josh Ajayi 19-year-old centre forward who has signed a two-year contract with the Club from Crystal Palace and possesses all the attributes to become a top player. A fast, powerful forward who again, with development in senior football, can go as far as he wants in the game.
George Baker-Moran 19-yea-old Sittingbourne-born striker who joins the Rams this season after 4 years with Gillingham, where he was top scorer for the Development team in each campaign.
Ollie Bate 18-year-old striker who joins the Rams from Erith & Belvedere, having been released by Millwall in the summer (with whom he won the LFE’s goal of the month for February 2021. Played for West Kent FC as a youngster.
Mitch Chapman 23-year-old centre midfielder, Mitch has played over 200 senior games at just 23 and is a whole hearted player with a great physical presence. He has scored goals from midfield and this season we expect him to continue to improve; certainly a player to watch progress in the game.
25-year-old midfielder who joins the Rams from Whitstable, prior to which he was with Haywards Heath last season and in 2019/20. Before this he played for Lewes after leaving Southend Utd in 2018, and before this had loans with Lowestoft Town and East Grinstead (playing for Matt Longhurst during the latter).
Jamie Coyle 38-year old vastly experienced defender signed from Margate this summer to aid the young squad at the Rams. Has played at this level and above his whole career winning numerous titles along the way. Jamie is a UEFA A Licensed coach and an FA coach educator and is a fantastic addition to the squad.
Callum Emptage 25-year-old right/centre back, Callum played previously for the Gills as a professional and as Matt Longhurst’s captain at East Grinstead, making over 150 appearances for the Wasps. A very competitive player with great quality, bringing vast experience to the young squad.
Ben Fitchett 22-year-old defender who joins the Rams from Phoenix Sports, having played for them against the Rams at the end of October. Ben arrived at Phoenix from Sittingbourne having previously progressed through the ranks at Margate.
TJ Jadama 23-year-old midfielder. TJ progressed through the ranks to the first team at Ramsgate before moving to Whitstable Town. We are delighted to have brought TJ back to the Club this summer. TJ is also a full-time apprentice with the Club this season and really will become an icon and role model in the local area, as well as a goal-scoring midfield player.
Beckham Kennelly
Denzelle Olopade
22-year-old defender, Canterbury-born Becks has moved to Ramsgate from Peterborough and, having spent many years playing in Spain, is perfect for the way we want to play. A leftfooted centre back who had trials at Arsenal and Real Madrid, he is commanding and a popular member of the group.
20-year-old midfielder signed from Crystal Palace. Denzelle is a 6ft 4 powerful central player who we have high hopes for. He has all the attributes to progress back into the football league if he gains valuable senior football experience and is certainly one to watch.
Harry Maher 18-year-old midfielder who was signed by Gillingham as a youth from South Ashford, and was released by them this summer. Joins the Rams in November from Chatham Town.
Jake McIntyre 27-year-old centre/left back. Jake is the team captain and is a leader on and off the pitch. Having played over 250 games at this level at just 27 he brings a wealth of experience to the group, and is a tough-tackling defender who is also very comfortable with the ball.
Callum Peck 22-year-old striker signed from Kennington, who he joined prior to 2020/21 from Rochester United.
Lee Prescott 34-year-old centre-midfielder and one of the most experienced players in the squad, with spells playing at the higher level with Cray Wanderers and Margate. A strong, powerful midfielder who will be tasked with looking after the younger players on the pitch.
Jacob Russell
19-year-old defender/wing-back who was under contract with the Gills until June, and then had a spell with Erith & Belvedere before joining the Rams in time for Halloween.
20-year-old goalkeeper who has spent 11 years at Crystal Palace, the last two as a professional. At 6ft 4” Jacob is a commanding goalkeeper as well as being very athletic. He is also our Head of Goalkeeping, and is busy working on our Emerging Talent Centre evenings.
Ashley Miller
Bradley Ryan
27-year-old forward, Ashley is a talented player with ability way beyond this level of football; sometimes the things he can do with a football can be beyond believable. At 27 Ash is expected to flourish in this new squad of players that suit his style.
18-year-old Maidstone-born attacking midfield player signed by Chelsea from Welling United in September 2021 owing to his good personality and technical abilities, and now joins the Rams where these qualities will make him a perfect match for our style of play.
Vinnie Medhurst
LAST MEETING
MATCH REPORT By Bob Quinn @BobJQuinn
Ramsgate stun United with firsthalf blitz
3 2 Saturday 28 August 2021
Isthmian League South East Division Attendance: 648
United paid the price for a stuttering first-half performance against a competitive Ramsgate who ran out 3 – 2 winners, despite a much-improved second-half showing from the ‘U’s. The home side took the lead on seven minutes and though Knory Scott equalised, the Rams responded in kind and pulled further in front to lead 3 – 1 at half-time. United took the game to Ramsgate in the second-half, monopolised possession and peppered their goal with shots and headers. All to no avail. Ramsgate’s goalkeeper Jacob Russell was in inspired form. Kenny Pogue pulled a goal back with ten minutes remaining but United were unable to find an elusive equaliser.
Saturday 28th August, a 3pm kickoff on a predominantly cloudy day. The sun only occasionally poking out its head. There’s a swirling breeze too and the threat of rain. United are in sky-blue shirts and socks with white shorts, while Ramsgate are in a red and white concoction. The pitch is artificial, it’s green and has the appearance of grass but that is where the comparison ends. United get us underway and boss possession for the opening five minutes, pinging the ball around to feet and instantly retrieving control when Ramsgate get a foot in. This positive start counts for nothing. Sam Adams appears to be (he is!) fouled from behind in the centrecircle when looking to set United moving forward. The referee deems the tackle fair and waves play-on. The ‘U’s are out of position and Ramsgate break down the left, a low cross into the six-yard area is sidefooted home by centre-forward Jordan Chiedozie. After a controlled start United find themselves a goal down. Worse, Adams was injured in the tackle and has to be helped off the pitch, he is replaced by Scott.
Chalmers who sets up Craig Stone. Stone’s shot is saved by the goalkeeper’s legs, but Scott picks up the pieces and scores with a low shot through a crowd of players. It is Scott’s first United goal, and he is delighted. Parity is short-lived. Just five minutes later another tussle in midfield goes the home team’s way, resulting in a corner. The cross is headed high into the air and Rogers is unable to force his way through the crowd to punch clear. Instead the ball drops in the six-yard area and Jamie Coyle has a tap-in. Two minutes later and Ramsgate forge further ahead. Another break down the left, another low cross into the danger area, missed by everyone but fired home at the far post by the onrushing Joshua Ajayi. It has been Ramsgate’s half. They have put in a shift and put themselves about to disrupt the ‘U’s, they’ve been happy to soak up pressure and break quickly. Half-time: Ramsgate 3 – 1 Hastings Utd
Ramsgate have the wind at their backs and in their sails too. Louis Rogers is called upon to claim a header, then Chiedozie’s shot from an angle is deflected and Roger’s has to react quickly to save at his near post.
Ramsgate restart the game and United have work to do. They’ve lost their captain and are two goals adrift. Lloyd Dawes has entered the fray as a replacement for Scott, who himself was an earlier substitute for Adams.
Midway through the first-half Ben Pope has a header saved by Russell for a corner, played short for Sam Hasler to shoot from the edge of the area which is blocked. United look good in possession and have responded positively to going behind, but equally Ramsgate look dangerous on the break.
There is an immediate urgency to United’s play. Hasler’s shot is deflected wide, then Pope’s overhead kick is plucked out of the air by Russell. Dawes, who has not played for over a year, takes up the mantle. A ball played into his feet is flicked around a defender, he catches up with his own pass and shoots low from the edge of the area which Russell superbly tips around the post at full stretch. Minutes later Dawes collects a pass from Pope and
An equaliser for United arrives on 33 minutes. Ollie Black’s long throw into the area causes a melee, the ball is battled for and won by Tom
weaves into the area past two defenders. He’s about to pull the trigger when a last-ditch tackle takes the ball off his toe. Plenty of endeavour from the ‘U’s with the bounce of the ball not quite running for them, or they do not take best advantage of a good position. Two cases in point. Chalmers wins the ball in midfield and frees Pope for a run into the area. There is space in front of him, but the striker shoots early and wide. A minute later Dawes plays a great pass to Pope down the right and he hits an enticing ball across the six-yard area but there is no-one in blue arriving. As we enter the final quarter United force four successive corners. Stone’s header is saved from the first, Pope’s shot is saved from the second, from the third Dawes’ claims for a penalty are waved away, and from the fourth Stone’s looping shot lands on the roof of the net. The pressure is building but time is running out and
Ramsgate are defending for their lives to hold firm. With ten minutes remaining Hasler’s head meets a lovely Dave Martin cross but it shaves the post, a whisker wide. The goal United’s second-half performance deserves finally arrives with seven minutes to go. For once an Ollie Black long throw ricochets to the ‘U’s benefit. Pogue controls the ball and fires home from eight yards to reduce the deficit. It feels like there’s enough time left for another goal. Chalmers continues to run his heart out and retrieves the ball for Dixon. His pass forward is superbly controlled by Pogue and he finds Pope, central and just outside the penalty area. It’s the best chance of the half, the doors to the last chance saloon are open, snatched at and blazed over. Hands on heads. There’s still time for Hasler to shoot narrowly wide from distance, and for an off-balance Dawes to head over
Louis Rogers punches clear in a game where his goalmouth was attacked in waves during a first-half breakaway blitz.
before the referee blows his whistle and the game is over. Ramsgate celebrate, they got their noses in front in the first-half and held on to what they had. United’s players are on their haunches, wondering how they didn’t at least snatch a point following their second-half bombardment. Full-time: Ramsgate 3 – 2 Hastings Utd Hastings Utd : Rogers, Black, Elphick, Stone, Chalmers, Dixon, Pope, Adams [c] (Scott 10’), Hasler, Jenkins (Pogue 64’), Martin United goals: Scott 33’, Pogue 83’ Ramsgate : Russell, Aboagye, Williams, Prescott, Olopade, Chiedozie, Ajayi (Chapman 90’), Peck (Baker-Moran 78’), Coyle, McIntyre, Jadama Ramsgate goals: Chiedozie 7’, Coyle 38’, Ajayi 40’
Photo: Scott White Photography
FROM THE ARCHIVES 2017/18
1 2 Saturday 26 August 2017
Bostik Isthmian League South Division
Attendance: 253 Report by Simon Newstead Hastings United Football Club continued its unbeaten start to the season with a good away win this Saturday afternoon. Adam Hinshelwood’s side made it seven points from a possible nine
in Bostik Football League Division One South by winning 2-1 away to Ramsgate. Billy Medlock was the hero with both of Hastings’ goals, either side of a Ramsgate penalty, on a very warm August afternoon in east Kent. Ollie Rowe made his first appearance of the season after recovering from injury, while youngsters Ansu Janneh and Ollie Black both made the starting line-up. Jack Dixon was named as captain in the absence of Simon Johnson. Hastings drew first blood in the 12th minute. Medlock ran through and rounded Ramsgate goalkeeper Luke Watkins before finding the net. The visitors’ lead lasted just nine minutes, though. Hastings conceded a rather soft penalty and Tom Chapman tucked it away. Clearcut chances were in short supply until Hastings grabbed what proved to be the winner in the sixth minute of the second half. Medlock punished a mix-up
Billy Medlock was the hero with
both of Hastings’ goals, either side of a Ramsgate penalty.
in the Ramsgate defence by firing into the top corner from 10 yards his third goal in the last two games. Hastings goalkeeper Josh Pelling was called into action to save an Alfie Paxman free kick, but his opposite number Watkins was also required to make a couple of decent stops, one of them from Janneh, as Hastings secured their first away league win of the season at the second attempt. Hastings are one of no less than seven teams on seven points. Walton Casuals are the only club with the full house of nine points. Hastings United: Pelling, Pritchard (RodriguesBarbosa), Cruttwell, Vickers, Aziaya, Rowe , Rodari, Dixon, Medlock (2) (Harris), Janneh, Black (Unused subs: Rogers, Carey, Gayler) Ramsgate: Watkins, Mackenzie, Penny, Crimmen, Wheatley, Gray, Chapman (1 Pen), Woollcott, Smith, Munday (Adams), Paxman (Unused subs: Kane, Keyte, Mensah, Jadama)
Photo: Scott White Photography
HASTINGS UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB POLICIES Ground Regulations and Customer Charter Full details of our Ground Regulations and Customer Charter are available to read at our website:
www.hastingsunited.com.
Health & Safety Hastings United Football Club takes seriously your health and safety during your visit to the TGS Pilot Field. Please note that the officers and stewards of Hastings United Football Club will enforce Ground Regulations. A copy of these regulations is posted at the entrance to each turnstile 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.”
These include our policy on ticket and pricing, abandoned matches and our involvement in the Hastings Community.
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.
(The FA 0800 085 0508 / Kick it Out 020 7253 0162 )
We expect our staff and volunteers to treat every customer as they would like to be treated themselves.
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.”
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 WOMEN’S TEAM
Photo: Scott White Photography
LONDON SE WOMEN’S FL DIVISION 1 SOUTH 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Team P A.F.C. Acorns Women 10 HASTINGS UNITED Women 8 Ashford 10 Herne Bay FC Women 9 Welling United FC Womens 8 Newhaven 10 Bexhill United 11 Parkwood Rangers 10 Maidstone United Women 11 Meridian 9
W 9 7 7 6 5 4 3 2 2 1
D 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0
L 1 0 2 3 3 6 7 7 9 8
GD PTS 27 27 23 22 21 22 27 18 22 15 -10 12 -28 10 -13 7 -34 6 -35 3
Blair Hamilton in action
HASTINGS UNITED WOMEN’S TEAM RESULTS & FIXTURES Date Opposition Comp H/A ResultW/D/L RESULTS AUGUST 22 Meridian League H 10-0 W 29 Herne Bay League H 3-1 W SEPTEMBER 5 AFC Acorns League H 1-0 W 12 Regents Park WFACup H 9-0 W 19 Parkwood Rg League A 2-0 W 26 Ashford United League A 1-1 D OCTOBER 3 Islington Boro WFACup A 2-1 W 10 Maidstone Utd League H 5-0 W 17 Bexhill United League H 1-0 W 24 Bromley WFA Cup A 0-2 L NOVEMBER 7 Ashford Ladies LSE Cup H 4-0 W 21 Newhaven SxChCup QF H 3-0 W 28 Newhaven League H 2-0 W FIXTURES DECEMBER 12 Brighton & HA SxChCup SF H 2-4 L 19 AFC Acorns LSE Cup H JANUARY 16 Bexhill United League A 23 Welling United League H 30 Maidstone Utd League A
Attd
Scorers
193 153
Hill 4, Heather 2, Tibble 2, Corrigan 2, Williams Heather 2, Johnson
TBA TBA TBA TBA
Baitup Heather 4, Johnson 3, Williams 3 Johnson 2 Relf
TBA 155 221 TBA
Hill 2 Sheppard, Johnson, Critchfield, Fletcher, Relf Hyland
122 TBA TBA
Heather 2, Hill, Carter Johnson, Hill, Corrigan Hill, Johnson
TBA
Corrigan, Johnson
-
SQUADS 3PM SATURDAY
18 DECEMBER 2021
HASTINGS UNITED KIT: CLARET & WHITE
vs ISTHMIAN LEAGUE SOUTH EAST
RAMSGATE FC KIT: YELLOW Matt LONGHURST Manager
Gary ELPHICK Manager (GK) Louis ROGERS
1
REFEREE
Ollie BLACK
2
PETER DINGLE
Ryan WORRALL
3
Finn O’MARA
4
Craig STONE
5
Tom CHALMERS
6
Lloyd DAWES
7
Jake McINTYRE
Jack DIXON
8
Ben FITCHETT
Ben POPE
9
Jacob RUSSELL (GK) Jerald ABOAGYE Beckham KENNELLY Callum EMPTAGE
ASSISTANTS
JOEL LAMPING OLIVER WESTGATE
MATCH SPONSOR
Jamie COYLE Vinnie MEDHURST
Mitch CHAPMAN
Sam ADAMS 10
Denzelle OLOPADE
Sam HASLER 11
Lee PRESCOTT
Marcus GOLDSMITH 12
TJ JADAMA
Kenny POGUE 14
Nico COTTON
Andrew SESAY 15
Harry MAHER
Harvey GREIG 16
MATCHBALL SPONSOR
Freddie LEGG 17
BOB H
Knory SCOTT 18 Dave MARTIN 19 Kane PENN 19
Bradley RYAN Ollie BATE Ashley MILLER
MATCH MASCOTS
AMELIE RANDALL-SMITH REUBEN RANDALL-SMITH HENRY RANDALL-SMITH LOUIE BALL MASON FORRESTER
THE CONTINENTAL PILOT FIELD HASTINGS TN34 2AX
George BAKER-MORAN Josh AJAYI Callum PECK