Welcome
Club CEO/Chairman
Welcome each and all to The Continental Pilot Field and how good does it feel to be top of the league!!!
Billy Wood
Firstly, I would like to welcome the staff, committee, management, players and supporters of Burgess Hill Town. A club I have a lot of respect for and always treat me well when going there, a boardroom that’s always a lot of fun and a club I always look out for, results wise, on a Saturday and Tuesday.
A big thank you to the volunteers who helped get our last game on here at home, tireless work before and at half-time allowed us to do all we could to make sure 3 points were on the menu and we certainly took them! Once again thank you.
On that note they’ve been in remarkable form and all the respect to Jay Lovett and his team for getting it right after a really sticky start. A bit of patience has paid off there and I’m delighted for them, but as always I would be lying if I wished my friends good luck today! At this point it really is one game at a time and we just have to keep patient with it. Today will be a big test but a test we are more than up to, Gary and the lads will be more than prepared for the battle.
Keep supporting and doing what you can to get us over the line this year. The atmosphere and positivity has been electric and it’s all down to each and every one of you. This town is MASSIVE … HASTINGS!
COYU ...
Billy Billy Wood HUFC Chairman / Chief Executive Officer
LET'S TURN ASHFORD CLARET & BLUE!
Photo: Scott White Photography
REDUCED COST COACH TRAVEL - SEE PAGE 17 www.hastingsunited.com www.facebook.com/HastingsUtd Twitter: @hastingsufc
Afternoon and welcome to today’s match against Burgess Hill Town.
The Gaffer
Burgess Hill Town have improved a lot in recent months and currently sit just behind us in the form guide. This is a game we cannot take for granted, we must be at our best to get a positive result. Jay Lovett and his staff have done a fantastic job and I take my hat off to them.
Gary Elphick
We are also in fantastic form, unbeaten in 9 and 8 clean sheets is a remarkable achievement but we have to remain grounded and work even harder if we’re to be successful come what may. Just a quick mention for Finn O’Mara also. It’s been great that Hastings United have made his acquisition permanent for the next couple of years. He is a fantastic player, but more importantly a great human being, and someone I look forward to working with over the next few seasons! Onwards and upwards!
Gary Photo:
Gary Elphick HUFC First Team Manager
Scott White Photography
MATCH MASCOTS Harrison Keen
- Age 11
Favourite Team Tottenham Hotspur Favourite Player Gianluigi Donnarumma
Vinnie Pharo
- Age 7
Favourite Team - Chelsea
Harrison
Favourite Player - Lukaku
Vinnie
MATCH SPONSOR
Tom Newman
Tom’s association with the U’s goes back to October 1979, when he started as a part-time groundsman under the newly appointed manager, Peter Sillett, with the remit of mowing, rolling and marking out the pitch. His tasks were made more onerous due to poor drainage under the Pilot Field, turning the playing surface into a mudbath by Christmas. Other daily tasks followed, including harrowing the speedway track, picking up litter, sweeping the stands and terraces, cleaning the dressing rooms and many other menial tasks, not to mention acting as Physio on a number of occasions. This role continued on and off until the late 1990’s when he took on the mantle of matchday PA Announcer until his retirement in 2012. Even to this day, he still looks for the U’s result first every Saturday, and although he’s now moved to Eastbourne, he can still be seen at home matches carrying on his support.
HUFC vs FAVERSHAM TOWN - MAN OF THE MATCH - BEN POPE Ben Pope was awarded ‘Man Of The Match’ by Match Sponsor Kiley’s Karpets
Ben was presented with his award by Match Mascot Alfie Jones
Commercial Director
Hayley Clout
Good afternoon everyone. Welcome back to the Pilot Field after a great home win against Faversham Town and picking up 3 points on the road away at Whitstable Town to go 7 points clear at the top of the table.
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.
I would like to welcome and thank our Match Sponsor to today's game, Tom Newman who has been involved and supporter of the Club since October 1979. Tom had various roles at the Club before retiring in 2012 and moving to Eastbourne but still attends all home games at the Pilot Field to this day.
I would finally like to welcome and thank our Mascots to today's game, Harrison and Vinnie.
We hope Tom and his guests enjoy their matchday 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
We hope you both enjoy your day with us and the whole matchday experience. Enjoy the game, hopefully 3 points ...
Photo: Scott White Photography
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
HASTINGS UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB DIRECTORS, MANAGEMENT & OFFICIALS
CLUB DETAILS
DIRECTORS & SECRETARY
Co Name: Hastings United Football Club Limited Continental Pilot Field Elphinstone Rd Hastings TN34 2AX
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
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 Adam Smith (Twitter) Adam Carder (Radio) 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 Ben Cornelius
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
LEAGUE NEWS From: Ian Townsend
South East Division Saturday January 15 - Results Round Up
Hastings leave it late but now have a seven point lead ... Leaders Hastings United travelled to Whitstable Town, and for much of the match it looked as if they’d have to be content with a point. Six minutes from time, however, Kenny Pogue started a Po-go amongst the visiting fans by getting the winner- and there was more good news to come. That goal left United seven points clear at the top. That seven point gap came about because closest rivals Ashford United let a two goal lead slip for the second Saturday in succession- only this time the outcome was much worse than last weekend’s draw with Lancing. The Nuts and Bolts hosted promotion rivals Haywards Heath Town, and made the breakthrough nine minutes before half time, Josh Wisson with his ninth of the season. Johan Ter Horst made it two with twenty five minutes remaining, only for Kieron Rowe to set up a thrilling climax by quickly halving the arrears. Just how thrilling we were soon to see, as Jordy Ndozid levelled six minutes later and then Tom Cadman gave Heath the lead, with twelve minutes left and Sean Saunders men held out for what had seemed an unlikely three points. United are second, Heath fourth - and there are only two points between second and sixth. Heath celebration image courtesy of the club. We had two very, very early goals as Hythe Town hosted promotion-chasing Cray Valley PM. The first went to the visitors, Denzel Gayle putting them ahead after just three minutes, but they were ahead for just one minute before Tyler Sterling equalised for the Cannons. Marcel Barrington restored the visitors lead on nineteen minutes - his fourteenth of the season and second against these opponents after he scored in the Millers four-nil victory back in October- but again the Cannons hit back, and were level at the break after Jacob Gilbert made it two-two. Again the Millers went ahead, Francis Babalola making it three-two in the sixty fifth minute, and Barrington made sure of the points with his side’s fourth just before the end. The Millers are third. Ramsgate hoped to climb back into the top five with victory over Sevenoaks Town, but, initially at least, were
the architects of their own downfall with an own goal after eighteen minutes. The equaliser wasn’t too long in coming, Jamie Coyle getting that ten minutes before the break, and the turnaround was complete when Tijan Jadama scored on sixty three minutes. The seven hundred and twenty six watching on had much to cheer, and their side end the day in fifth. Corinthian and Herne Bay couldn’t manage a goal between them, a result which sees Bay drop out of the top five whilst their hosts are eleventh. Bottom side Phoenix Sports saw Wale Odedoyin give them the lead eleven minutes before half time, but Sitingbourne’s number ten Ahmed Abdulla drew them level eight minutes after the restart, his eighth of the campaign. A red card for Harrison Pont made it difficult for the Brickies in the closing stages, and just how difficult was demonstrated when Josh Dorling popped up with a Sports winner right at the end. With only six points between Sports in last place and East Grinstead Town in seventeenth, no wonder they’re playing The Great Escape at the Mayplace Ground. Chichester City’s Ryan Davidson scored after just six minutes as Chi hosted another Sussex side, Three Bridges. The next eighty four minutes had no more goals, and City are ninth, nine points clear of their visitors. Burgess Hill Town welcomed just over four hundred to the More Than Tyres Stadium for a clash of the Greens, and the home Greens would have been delighted when Conrad Honore gave them the lead soon after the hour against VCD Athletic. Super Pat Harding made it two-nil a quarter of an hour before the end, his one hundred and thirtieth Hillians goal- and still he looks no older. We’re starting to think he must be a robot. Lancing looked rather good in coming from two down to draw at Ashford United last weekend, and the Lancers shocked Sussex visitors Whitehawk when Lorenzo Lewis opened the scoring on the half hour. This time the comeback came from the Hawks, for whom Ollie Munt grabbed a point from the spot right at the end. East Grinstead Town took the lead against Faversham Town with only nineteen minutes remaining, Aidan Brown opening the scoring. He closed the scoring too, as that turned out to be the only goal of the game- a result which saw the Wasps climb a place to seventeenth.
Gut Feeling Simon Stoddart My waffle and opinions, I don't speak for Hastings United.
Semi-pro football summed up by Leon Pettit. VCD away.
Personal observations on the world of semi-pro football and sport in general.
ROADWORKS - FOG - AS YOU WERE They have their uses. Hailsham at 5pm last Saturday, red light, long queue, nothing moving. I'd been using online ways to keep up with the score at Whitstable, 0-0 when I left home for a night shift and Ashford were winning. Took advantage of the roadworks to do a quick catch up and my fist nearly went through the sun roof. Well set up goal for Kenny Pogue. How situations can change. What was looking like a 2 point lead for us was now 7 with Haywards Heath scoring three goals in 10 minutes to inflict a 1st home defeat on Ashford. Here's hoping they get a 2nd one next weekend! As always you look at other results. 15 games remain, lots can happen with half a dozen sides involved in the promotion issue. Herne Bay had 2 games in hand, were at Faversham Tuesday night. Game off - fog. As you were.
531 votes, the traditionalists have it!
DERBY Who knows the full story of what's been going on at Derby County. 21 points deducted so far with talk of even further sanctions. Yet they are making a real go of it down there in the nether regions of the Championship with Wayne Rooney in charge. If they avoid relegation, it will truly be ‘The Great Escape’. The powers that be have certainly thrown the book at County for their office based indiscretions. 21 points deducted - unreal. And what have those in charge of the beautiful game (As the lamented by nobody, Sepp Blather amongst others, called it) done about on pitch indiscretions such as the blatant cheating by Aston Villa's Trezeguet in a recent game at Brentford? Been saying it for years, if players, coaches and club owners knew that such behaviour would result in post match point deductions, it would stop overnight. Trezeguet outraged many - and embarrassed plenty too - with his shenanigans.
HASTINGS UNITED RADIO
That ol' Internet keeps giving. Adam Carder provides matchday commentary. Nice one.
BURGESS HILLBILLIES CALL IN
Ashes debacle summed up when we celebrate not losing 5-0.
PLAY-OFFS Weird. Maybe I'm missing something but wouldn't you think everyone would get the same preparation time for the most vital game of the season? The play-off final. These are the schedules for the three step 4 Isthmian divisions.
This is a Burgess Hill side that has emerged well from a poor start to the season. Ashford, Cray Valley and VCD have all lost there in recent weeks with some great video on line of the Cray Valley game. They take good loud support to away games and will boost today's attendance to even better levels. A mate at work follows Burgess Hill, you here today, Mark Tester? On a sad note, another old railway mate who was gone at just 48 a few years ago, Paul Freeman, he had been converted to the Burgess Hill cause after years following Brighton. Rarely missed a game. He used to supply me with material for the Ghost fanzine. Top fella.
South Central s/f 26 April, f 1 May 4 days preparation North s/f 26 April, f 29 April 2 days preparation South East s/f 27 April, f 30 April 2 days preparation And why don't all three games go ahead at the same time?
What can you say? Our kids see this. The 'beautiful game' at its worst!
ON THIS DAY - 22 JANUARY
Source credit: www.footballsite.co.uk
1927 History was made at Highbury when the First Division fixture between Arsenal and Sheffield United became the first football match to be broadcast live on the radio. In order to help the listener follow the play the Radio Times printed a numbered grid of the pitch with commentator Henry Wakelam giving grid numbers in his commentary.
1994 After suffering 7 League defeats on the trot Blackpool tried something new to drum up some support for the Second Division visit of Swansea City - free admission. The crowd of 7080 was to be their third highest League crowd at Bloomfield Road that season ... and they picked up a point in the 1-1 draw.
2016 You would think that top footballers might enjoy the perfect lifestyle but in reality they are as human as the rest of us. In a Jeremy Kyle 'celebrity intervention' the former Arsenal and Crystal Palace player Kenny Sansom, who won 86 England caps, shared his 30 year problem with alcoholism with the watching public. As usual the Jeremy Kyle Show was more about Jeremy Kyle than his guest but I'm sure that everyone wished Kenny - and every other person inflicted with the same problem - all the best in their battle against the evils of alcoholism.
2018 Former World Player of the Year George Weah was back in the limelight in a football stadium. No the 51-year-old hadn't made a playing comeback but the National Stadium in Liberia - the SKD Stadium in the capital Monrovia - hosted his inauguration ceremony as the President of Liberia. A crowded stadium witnessed his oath of office following his election as President in December when he promised to unify the country and fight corruption. The striker had spent a short time in the Premier League with Chelsea and Manchester City playing a total of 24 League and Cup matches in 2000 for the two clubs, most notably playing for Chelsea in their FA Cup final victory over Aston Villa.
LEAGUE NEWS From: Ian Townsend
A NEW BRICKIES MIDFIELDER Ibrahim Bamba is the latest addition at Sittingbourne. Sittingbourne have secured the signing of midfielder Ibrahim Bamba, according to Kent Online Sport. Ibrahim has been training with Dartford, and joins the Brickies on the recommendation of Darts boss Steve King. Ibrahim has previously played for Eastbourne United in the SCFL, and also in Switzerland, for Servette FC. He made nine appearances for United this season.
ISTHMIAN LEAGUE SE LEADING GOALSCORERS Name
Club
Goals
Ajayi, Joshua Adebayo Barrington, Marcel Omar Bamba, Youssuf Ansah, Zak Andy Pope, Benjamin Joseph Adesite, Anthony Splatt, Javaun DelMarco Abdulla, Ahmed Mohamed Overton, Callum Perry, Daniel Frederick Pogue, Kenny
Ramsgate Cray Valley PM VCD Athletic Herne Bay HASTINGS UNITED VCD Athletic Whitehawk Sittingbourne Chichester City Three Bridges HASTINGS UNITED
17 14 13 11 11 10 9 8 8 8 8
ISTHMIAN LEAGUE SOUTH EAST DIVISION TABLE 2021/22 WEDNESDAY 19 JANUARY 2022 # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Team HASTINGS UNITED Ashford United Cray Valley PM Haywards Heath T Ramsgate Herne Bay VCD Athletic Sittingbourne Chichester City Burgess Hill Town Corinthian Faversham Town Three Bridges Whitehawk Whitstable Town Hythe Town East Grinstead Town Sevenoaks Town Lancing Phoenix Sports
P HW HD 23 8 1 22 8 3 22 5 3 22 7 1 22 6 3 21 7 2 23 5 3 22 7 2 21 7 2 21 6 3 23 3 5 22 5 1 23 2 3 22 3 2 23 2 4 22 1 2 21 4 4 22 3 1 23 2 3 22 2 1
HL AW AD 2 8 1 1 5 1 2 7 3 2 5 5 3 6 2 2 5 3 3 5 2 1 3 2 1 2 4 3 3 2 4 5 2 4 2 3 6 3 6 6 3 3 6 4 0 8 5 2 3 1 2 7 3 1 7 2 3 8 2 2
AL 3 4 2 2 2 2 5 7 5 4 4 7 3 5 7 4 7 7 6 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
22 9 3 30 27 6 30 14 16 1 23 1 4 1 18 12 10 12 25 33 9 7 29 21
SEASON CAREER SUB TOTAL GOALS APPS GOALS
6 8 3 1 3 5 1 2 2 3 7 1 7 6 6 15 7 2 1 4
28 17 6 31 30 11 31 14 18 3 25 8 5 8 24 12 16 27 25 33 16 9 1 29 25
3 2 2 5 3 4 3 9 1 1 3 3 11 16 1 1 1 1
597 146 77 4 6 115 2 55 11 12 3 277 38 67 8 27 4 26 9 9 1 5 8 1 24 3 12 3 16 231 65 75 45 98 20 1 9 1 1 77 6 68 5
W 16 13 12 12 12 12 10 10 9 9 8 7 5 6 6 6 5 6 4 4
D 2 4 6 6 5 5 5 4 6 5 7 4 9 5 4 4 6 2 6 3
L 5 5 4 4 5 4 8 8 6 7 8 11 9 11 13 12 10 14 13 15
F 50 44 47 38 49 38 46 33 33 31 24 25 29 23 30 23 21 26 18 23
A 23 24 28 21 29 20 31 30 21 29 26 38 43 32 45 49 35 45 40 42
+/27 20 19 17 20 18 15 3 12 2 -2 -13 -14 -9 -15 -26 -14 -19 -22 -19
Pts 50 43 42 42 41 41 35 34 33 32 31 25 24 23 22 22 21 20 18 15
Home
Away
1-3 L 1303 1-2 L 1003 0-2 L 2-0 W 1073 2-3 L 1-1 D 949 2-0 W 2-2 D 2-1 W 734 2-0 W 733 3-2 W 1-2 L 4-0 W 901 2-1 W 2-0 W 1214 1-0 W 4-1 W 790 1-0 W 3-0 W 5-0 W 801 4-1 W 1-0 W 2017 4-2 W
412 648 420 201
325 127 189 479 455 225 206 174
Pitching In Isthmian League South East FIXTURES - Saturday 22nd January 2022 Cray Valley PM
v East Grinstead Town
Faversham Town
v Ramsgate
HASTINGS UNITED v BURGESS HILL TOWN Haywards Heath T v Lancing Herne Bay
v Ashfod United
Sevenoaks Town
v Phoenix Sports
Sittingbourne
v Hythe Town
Three Bridges
v Corinthian
VCD Athletic
v Whitstable Town
Whitehawk
v Chichester City
2021/22 UNITED’S TOP GOALSCORERS PLAYER
TOTAL COMPETITION
Ben Pope
16 11 ILSE 2 FAC 3 FAT
Kenny Pogue
11 8 ILSE 2 FAC 1 FAT
Sam Hasler
9 5 ILSE 3 FAC 1 FAT
Photo: Scott White Photography
COACH
£10 LET'S TURN ASHFORD CLARET & BLUE! REDUCED COST COACH TRAVEL TO ASHFORD UNITED SATURDAY 29TH JANUARY Hastings United Football Club have reduced coach travel from £15 down to £10 for our huge Isthmian South East League match vs Ashford United on Saturday 29th January. Hastings United currently top of the division travel to local rivals Ashford United, who currently occupy 2nd place.
“We have the best travelling support in the league, and I am hopeful we show up in our ever-large numbers, together to support our team as we look to keep ourselves top of this league. We truly believe our support is the 12th man and how amazing would it be to go to our closest rivals in the division with a huge support for this game, giving our lads the extra incentive to get one over our local rivals. We are willing to book as many coaches as needed and hope to take 200-300 supporters doubling Ashford’s average gate. Let’s make this home, away from home.” - Billy Wood (CEO)
If you would like to book your seat on a supporters coach please email club@hastingsunited.com or contact Rob French on our Hastings United Fans Facebook page.
Whitstable Town Away 15 January
Photos: Scott White Photography
N
No 4 Finn O’Mara in the centre of opposition goal action.
Substitutes used A,B,C,D,E replaced in brackets Goalscorers in bold
King Kenny Pogue strikes the winner ...
OUR VISITORS BURGES S HILL TOW N Club: Burgess Hill Town Football Club Nickname: The Hillians Club Formed: 1882 President: Peter Miles Chairman: Kevin Newell
HISTORY Burgess Hill Football Club was founded in 1882 and was a founder member of the Sussex County FA. The club attained the unique achievement of winning the Sussex Senior Cup three years running thus retaining it permanently in the process. The cup is on display in the trophy cabinet in the club boardroom. The current trophy was presented to the S.C.F.A. by Burgess Hill Town Football Club. In the formative years they were also founder members of the Mid-Sussex Football League, and won the League Championship in its inaugural season. Following several successful seasons the club joined the Sussex County League for the 1958–59 season, and stayed until attaining promotion to the Southern Football League in 2003. In 1969 the club amalgamated with Worlds End F.C. and with the help of Burgess Hill Town Council were able to move to Leylands Park, the club’s current home. In 1971, the club gained promotion to Division One, only to be relegated two seasons later. 1974 saw the ‘Hillians’ reach another landmark achievement by becoming the only club ever to have won both the League Challenge Cup and the Division Two Cup in the same season. In 1976 a hat trick of achievements were completed by winning the Division One Championship by six points, having secured the Division Two title the previous season. During the ensuing twenty years in the top flight of
Ground: The Green Elephants Stadium Capacity: 2,500 (408 Seated) Team colours: Green & Black Manager: Jay Lovett Assistant Manager: Matt Bubb the County League success was modest. In 1980 the League Challenge Cup was secured and in 1992 the RUR Cup was added. However, all this changed in season 96–97 under the guidance of club manager, Alan Pook. The club became Division One champions by twelve points, won the Floodlight Cup, and were runners up in the League Challenge Cup. The 2nd XI finished runners up in the Reserve Premier and won the Mid-Sussex Charity Cup, while the Youth XI won their overall championship. In 1997–98, the club 1st XI attained even more success by again winning the League Championship and the League Challenge Cup, also reaching the last sixteen in the F.A. Vase. Additionally they reached the Sussex Senior Cup Final and were top of the county’s merit table. The Youth XI also finished as ‘Double Champions’ in the sector. 1998–99 season saw the Hillians achieve a unique treble in winning the Championship for a post war record third time and again securing a league and cup double, back to back. The 2nd XI won their cup and were runners up in the league, missing out by a single point. Not to be out done, the Youth XI won their league and only missed out on a double by goal difference. All in all an historic season. The club then welcomed new manager, Gary Croydon for season 1999–2000. He led the Hillians to take runners’ up spot in the league and to a record fourth qualifying round FA Cup tie against Hereford United. Again, a last 16 place was achieved in the FA Vase as well as winning the RUR Cup and the Floodlit Cup.
The new millennium season saw Hillians take the league championship with the team remaining unbeaten in the league until April; the Club also had its best ever run in the FA Vase only being beaten after extra time by eventual finalists Tiptree United in the last eight, before a then club record attendance of 1598. With plans being laid for Southern League football, club directors, Gary Croydon and Eddie Benson appointed Danny Bloor as manager for season 2002–2003. The club was rewarded with yet another championship crown, the fifth in seven seasons. Gary Croydon took over the Hillians again as the club entered the Southern League for the first ever time. After just missing out on the play offs, Burgess Hill Town moved over to the Isthmian League due to the restructuring of the non-league pyramid. For the next few years the Club established itself as a Ryman League club with a few mid table finishes and twice just avoiding relegation. In 2011/12 with the Hill struggling and with seven games to go Manager Simon Rowland was sacked and GK Coach John Rattle was put in charge. The club survived relegation with victories in the last two games of the season against Whitstable Town and Dulwich Hamlet FC, both 1-0. The following season, 2012/2013, the Hillians returned to their original green and black colours. Former Brighton & Hove Albion player and coach Ian Chapman was appointed as Manager and he guided the Hillians to eighth place in the table. 2013/14 saw the Hillians achieve their highest ever finish in the Football pyramid, finishing sixth in the table and just missing out on the play offs by one point. The newly formed Under 21 side finished third in the Ryman U21 League whilst the Youth Team had their most successful season ever. They won the Ryman Youth League and the Ryman Youth Champion of Champions whilst also lifting the Sussex County Youth Cup. Two Ladies teams were also introduced as part of Burgess Hill Town FC and they enjoyed mid table finishes in their first season. 2014/15 saw the Club enjoy the greatest season in the Club’s History. Ian Chapman’s side were unbeaten in the league until mid – March and went on to win Ryman League Division One South title by 11 points
and gain promotion to the Ryman Premier League for the first ever time. They also equalled their best – ever FA Cup run, eventually losing away to Dartford in the 4th qualifying round but having gaining a memorable 3-1 victory at Sutton United in the previous round. In the FA Trophy, the club reached the 2nd round, finally losing at home to Dartford FC. In the previous round the team had beaten Aldershot Town of the National League 1-0 away. A confident start to the Hillians first season in the RPL before Christmas saw the team 8th in the league, but a disappointing second half saw them finish in 20th position. The club avoided relegation due to Farnborough FC being relegated for financial irregularities. The following two seasons saw the Hillians avoid relegation on the last day of the season to keep its Isthmian Premier status. The Hillians did enjoy excellent cup runs in the FA Cup both seasons narrowly missing out on the FA Cup 1st round proper. After four seasons in the Isthmian Premier League, the club were relegated in the 2018/19 season. The season was full of mixed emotions, with the long standing management team of Ian Chapman and Stuart Tuck leaving the club after six very successful years. Ian was replaced by Ex-Lewes manager, Simon Wormull. Under Wormull, the team rallied over the Christmas period and towards the end of season with some spirited performances. The team also reached the Parafix Sussex Senior Cup for the first time in some thirty years but lost 2-1 to Bognor Regis Town in extra time at the Amex Stadium. The U18’s also reached their own Sussex Cup Final, losing 1-0, to Lewes. The 2019/20 season started off with a 7-2 opening day victory over Hythe Town. Unfortunately, disappointing results followed, as well as early exits in both the FA Cup and FA Trophy, which saw Wormull depart in late October. Jay Lovett was appointed as First Team Manager in November – following a successful spell in charge at South Park. His arrival saw an improvement in results and encouraging performances heading into the back-end of the season. A global pandemic drew the campaign to a premature close, with the Hillians sitting comfortably in mid-table.
LAST LEAGUE MEETING
MATCH REPORT Ryan Segal @theryansegal
The U’s hang on despite A late Burgess Hill resurgence
2 3 Tuesday 14 September 2021
Isthmian League South East Division Attendance: 325
A trip to the west of the county proved to be a fruitful one for Hastings Utd as they defeated Burgess Hill by 2-3. However, when you realise that the U’s were 0-3 up after 70 minutes, you can visualise how different the final scoreline could have been. The goals came courtesy of
Martin, Hasler and Black. Myself and my fellow club officials received a lovely welcome by a man who’s been at Burgess Hill in one capacity or another since 1949. We had a lovely cuppa and a chat. In terms of the football … As is a hallmark of the team, they were eager to push and get on the front foot early. Martin was the main source of attacking threat, giving the defenders problems with his unpredictable footwork. The first real effort came four minutes in, when Tom Chalmers had an effort from 25 yards out, but it went well over the bar. However, Burgess Hill were determined to push the U’s back and prevent them from settling. They had the first shot on target shortly after TCs effort, with Max Miller putting an effort close to Rogers, that the U’s ‘keeper had to parry due to the power behind it. A statement from The Hillians in response to the positive U’s start. Now’s probably the time to talk about the conditions on this Sussex evening. It was foggy. Very foggy. Home goalkeeper Taylor Seymour was difficult to see at times in his gray kit.
The pitch was also showing signs of the rain, as was evident with 11 minutes on the clock. A backpass made its way to Louis Rogers, who, as he looked to clear it, sliced it and the home attack raced onto it, and, as it looked like Hill might capitalise, the player in question slipped themself, and Rogers picked up the ball, delighted his error hadn’t led to a goal. The game then descended into a bit of a ding dong battle, as the U’s were unable to settle into their rhythm, meaning more high balls over the top than we’ve become accustomed to from Agutters Hastings. The closest the U’s came during this period was from a Dave Martin corner, which was half cleared, before Hasler released a header from twelve yards out, which Seymour acrobatically caught. And, in stoppage time at the end of the first half, the U’s stubbornness finally paid off as they broke the deadlock, and did it in style. A pass found Martin on the left hand side, who bamboozled the defender with his footwork, before, off his left foot, firing a low effort off the far post from
just outside the box. A half chance turned into a moment of brilliance by the former Millwall winger. There was even time for another before the three blows of the whistle for half time. Hasler picking it up just outside the box on the left hand side, before cutting inside with a beautiful bit of skill and putting under the goalkeeper for two. A second goal for Hastings, and a second goal scored after the raising of the board. Half-time: Burgess Hill Town 0 – 2 Hastings Utd
Hastings made their first change at half time, with Lanre Azeez coming on for Dave Martin. And, immediately, the Azeez effect was visible. The balls over the top were being chased with an extra yard of pace, and this was an integral part of the U’s getting on the front foot at the start of the half. Highlights include Ollie Black having a header cleared off the line, Hasler having a low effort blocked, and TC forcing a fine save by Seymour at his near post after he released a top corner bound rocket.
Soon after, Black would indeed get a rare goal to put a third on the board. A corner was flicked back into the danger zone by Craig Stone, and Black volleyed in at the near post for a deserved goal and a 3 goal margin with twenty minutes to go. 10 minutes later, as Hill presses, Tom Chalmers committed a foul just outside the box. Lewis Finney stepped up to the dead ball and hit an excellent free kick that left Rogers no chance. Cheers rang out about the More than Tyres Stadium as they saw their team get on the scoresheet. But that wasn’t the end of it. Marcus Goldsmith was beaten one on one on the right hand side, and the resulting cross was met by the head of Max Miller, who converted with 5 minutes to go to set up a grand finale in the view of the floodlights. Throughout the game the Hill fans and the Hastings fans were trading roles as the loudest on the night. The Hastings fans even kept their shirts off and their voices up with Hill banging on the Hastings door, and the body of noise after every clearance showed how much it meant. And, to follow on from Bob’s observation on Saturday,
George was back and in full voice behind the goal tonight, and, as per usual, it was a sight to behold. And, the best sight came at the final whistle, when players and fans celebrated surviving the late onslaught. The U’s had done it. Full-time: Burgess Hill Town 2 – 3 Hastings Utd
Burgess Hill Town : Seymour, Luther, Ward, Hamilton (Taylor 46′), Spinks, Ndozid, Miller, Kirkwood, Williams-Bowers (Uwezu 86′), Uchechi, Masikini (Finney 62′) Unused subs: Harding, Tighe Bookings : Kirkwood
Hastings Utd : Rogers, Black, Stone, Elphick, Goldsmith, Dixon, Adams, Hasler (Legg 73′), Martin (Azeez 46′), Chalmers, Pope (Pogue 65′) Unused subs: Hull, Jenkins Bookings : Pope, Pogue, Rogers
BURGES S HILL TOW N RECORDS, HONOURS & CURRENT FORM GUIDE Record Attendance: 2,005 vs AFC Wimbledon – 30th April 2005 Best FA Cup Performance: 4th Qualifying Round – 1999/00, 2006/07,2014/15, 2016/17 & 2017/18 Best FA Trophy Performance: 2nd Round proper – 2003/04, 2004/05, 2014/15 Record Club appearances: Paul Williams – 499 Record Club goals: Ashley Carr – 179 Biggest win: 12-0 vs Saltdean United – 2001/02 Sussex County League Honours: • Ryman Division One South Champions: 2015 • Sussex County League – Division 1 Champions: 1976, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2003 • Sussex County League – Division 2 Champions: 1975 • Floodlit Cup winners: 1997, 2000 • The Sussex Royal Ulster Rifles Charity Cup Winners: 1992, 2000 • John O’Hara League Challenge Cup Winners: 1974, 1980, 1998, 1999 • Sussex Senior Cup Winners: 1884, 1885, 1886 • Isthmian Under 23’s Central Division Winners: 2018 • Sussex County Reserve Section Champions: 1978, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1992 • Sussex County Reserve Section Cup Winners: 1983, 1990, 1993, 1999, 2003 • Ryman Youth League Winners: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016 • Ryman League Youth Champion of Champion Winners: 2014 • Sussex County Youth League Champions: 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2005, 2013 • Sussex County Youth League Cup Winners: 1992, 1998, 2000, 2004, 2005 • Sussex Youth County Cup Winners: 2005, 2011, 2012, 2014
HASTINGS OBSERVER CUTTING FROM 22 JANUARY 1977
LEAGUE NEWS From: Ian Townsend
COLMER DEBUTS FOR OAKS IN HYTHE VICTORY Goalkeeper Dan helped steer Sevenoaks Town back to winning ways.
Frannie Collin
Sevenoaks Town's victory over Hythe Town was notable not just for Oaks getting back on track after a string of defeats, but for the debut between the sticks of Daniel Colmer. Dan might be a familiar name to some Kentish football watchers. He is a Dartford Academy graduate, and has previously kept goal for Herne Bay - at Under 23 level and for their first team and more recently at Margate. He made two appearances for Bay last season - in their narrow ten-man FA Cup defeat against Hastings United and in their FA Trophy win over VCD Athletic - and at Margate also played twice, most recently in the one-nil defeat to Wingate & Finchley on the Saturday before Christmas.
Photo: Scott White Photography
NUTS AND BOLTS BRING IN CANNONS MIDFIELDER
COLLIN FOR THE NUTS AND BOLTS
Ashford United, in second place in the Pitching In Isthmian South East table, have strengthened with the arrival of Hythe Town midfielder Jarred Trespaderne.
Pitching In Isthmian South East promotion-chasers Ashford United recently announced the arrival of Hythe Town forward Frannie Collin.
Jarred has made sixteen appearances for the Cannons this season, and one look at his shirt numbers shows his versatility, as he's played wearing number three, five, six and eleven! He's been in Hythe for three seasons. Prior to that he played for a number of our clubs, including Folkestone Invicta, Herne Bay, Corinthian and East Grinstead Town. He also spent some time with Tunbridge Wells.
Frannie Collin heads from Hythe to Ashford United.
Collin has been with the Cannons since May 2019, and played twenty-eight times scoring eight goals during his first covid-interrupted season, and another eight scoring five in the last campaign. This season, as well as playing seventeen times and scoring four goals, he was also in a coaching role. Prior to his time with the Cannons Frannie was at Margate for two seasons, and was also very successful at a significantly higher level, with Gillingham, Dover Athletic, Tonbridge Angels and Maidstone United. He also spent the 2016/17 season with Hastings United scoring 32 goals.
RAMSGATE JOSH GETS TOTTENHAM TRIAL O'MARA SIGNS ON PERMANENTLY AT Ramsgate have confirmed that forward Joshua Ajayi has been offered a trial by Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur, and is off to White Hart Lane for a week. Josh, who prior to becoming a Ram was part of the youth setup at Crystal Palace, has been in superb form this season, so it is no surprise that full-time professional clubs are taking notice. He has so far scored nineteen goals in only twenty-four appearances, following the two goals in three matches he got last season after joining the club just before the pandemic put an end to the campaign. Rams boss Matt Longhurst told the clubs social media team that there was "imminently" going to be a bid on the table for the player, who signed a two year contract with the Rams back in May. It has also been suggested in the media that League Two Stevenage have expressed an interest.
MCCREADIE BACK IN TOWN It's Haywards Heath Trevor once more. Shortly prior to the match-that-wasn't against Ramsgate, Haywards Heath Town announced the return to the club of striker Trevor McCreadie. Trevor heads up the A23 from Saltdean United, where he has been plying his trade since September 2020, when he moved from Eastbourne Town. He already has either eighty-two or eighty-six Heath goals (we'll probably find out it's eighty four, there seems to be some confusion about the actual number) from pervious spells with the club, and has been prolific in many places, having already played for Horsham, Lewes, Worthing, Hastings United, East Grinstead Town, Peacehaven and Telscombe United, and Crawley Town. He was a big part of the club's past success, and will undoubtedly hope for more of the same.
THE CONTINENTAL PILOT FIELD Finn O’Mara
Photo: Scott White Photography
Joshua Ajayi is off to White Hart Lane.
Hastings United sign Invicta star - and this time he doesn't get to go back! Hastings United recently announced that Finn O'Mara, who first signed on at the Pilot Field in mid-November on loan, is now signed up on a permanent basis. He has signed a two year deal, and United have paid Invicta an undisclosed fee. Finn joined Invicta from Gillingham, where he went from the youth ranks aged thirteen to the first team squad. He had two loan spells at Folkestone and signed permanently in October 2018. He made ten appearances this season, most of them from the bench, but had been a regular starter during the previous three seasons, even weighing in with a few important goals. His eleven matches at United during his loan spell saw him finish up on the winning side nine times, with only one defeat - and weigh in with three goals. United boss Gary Elphick told the club website: “It’s great to be announcing that Finn has signed for Hastings United on a permanent deal. From the first day he walked into the building he has shown great character and attitude, the boys love having around the place. His form has been exceptional, and the scary thing is I think he can still improve here as a player. I really feel he could be a vital player for us for years to come.”
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
Women’s Team Captain Rebecca Relf in action
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 Ashford 11 Herne Bay FC Women 11 HASTINGS UNITED Women 8 Welling United FC Womens 8 Newhaven 11 Bexhill United 11 Parkwood Rangers 11 Maidstone United Women 13 Meridian 10
W 9 8 8 7 5 5 3 2 2 1
D 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0
L GD PTS 1 27 27 2 28 25 3 37 24 0 23 22 3 22 15 6 -7 15 7 -28 10 8 -16 7 11 -44 6 9 -42 3
Photo: Scott White Photography
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 DECEMBER 12 Brighton & HA SxChCup SF H 2-4 L 19 AFC Acorns LSE Cup H 5-2 W JANUARY 9 Walton Casuals LSE Cup A 5-0 W FIXTURES JANUARY 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 155 221 536
Hill 2 Sheppard, Johnson, Critchfield, Fletcher, Relf Hyland
122 TBA TBA
Heather 2, Hill, Carter Johnson, Hill, Corrigan Hill, Johnson
TBA TBA
Corrigan, Johnson Johnson, Baitup, Tibbs, 2OGs
TBA
Hill 2, Heather 2, Tibble
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SQUADS 3PM SATURDAY
22 JANUARY 2022
HASTINGS UNITED KIT: CLARET & WHITE
vs
BURGESS HILL TOWN
ISTHMIAN LEAGUE SOUTH EAST
KIT: GREEN/BLACK SHIRTS BLACK SHORTS & SOCKS Jay LOVETT Manager Tommy REID (GK)
Gary ELPHICK Manager (GK) Louis ROGERS
1
REFEREE
Ollie BLACK
2
JOE McKAY
Ryan WORRALL
3
Finn O’MARA
4
Craig STONE
5
Tom CHALMERS
6
Lloyd DAWES
7
Conrad HONORE
Jack DIXON
8
Lewis FINNEY
Ben POPE
9
Tom CHALAYE
Reggie WARD Nic D'ARIENZO Lewis TAYLOR
ASSISTANTS
GREIG WALKER DOM BARROW
Harry POLLARD Josh SPINKS
Sam ADAMS 10
Max MILLER
Sam HASLER 11
Martin BOX
Marcus GOLDSMITH 12
MATCH SPONSOR
Charlie KELLY
Kenny POGUE 14
TOM NEWMAN
Pat HARDING
Andrew SESAY 15
Leon MOORE
Harvey GREIG 16
MATCHBALL SPONSOR
Freddie LEGG 17
BOB H
Richard PINGLING Hayden SKERRY
Knory SCOTT 18
Connor TIGHE
Dave MARTIN 19
Dan CADMAN
Kane PENN 19
Reggie WARD MATCH MASCOTS
HARRISON KEEN (11) VINNIE PHARO (7)
THE CONTINENTAL PILOT FIELD HASTINGS TN34 2AX
Michael CAMPBELL Michael UWEZU