HUFC vs Phoenix Sports FC - ILSE

Today we welcome the committee, staff, management and players of Phoenix Sports. A club that show us a lot of respect when we visit and we will as always do the same here … however, I won’t wish them luck as we all know I don’t mean it!

So we have 11 big games ahead of us. Gary, Browny, Meano and all the staff have really led this squad in a way all of us can be proud of. The engagement with supporters is at its highest and we really feel strong as a club, together looking for success. The players continue to put in a shift and it was great to see the happiness in the lads after a tough fought win at Sittingbourne. I was so happy to see Tom Chalmers get the winner, a Hastings boy who pulls the shirt on with pride. Last home game we celebrated Mr Hastings, Sammy Adams’ 600th game and last weekend one of Hastings’ finest gems in TC once again showed why we love him so much here.

Club CEO/Chairman

Billy Wood Welcome

Today I urge you all to be as loud as you possibly can, the boys talk about it and the cliche of the 12th man is real here! You truly are and I even see the main stand up on their feet with me as I’m shouting and cheering the lads on from the ‘posh seats’ (which are as un-posh as I am!!!).

Sunday also sees our Women’s team welcome Ashford Ladies in a huge league game. We are flying in the league but every game counts! It’ll be great to see some of you turn out to boost the crowd numbers on a Sunday. This year we are fighting on two fronts for league and cup double … could this be one of the most successful years in the ‘U’s history??? ...

ONE GAME AT A TIME!

BE PROUD, BE LOUD, BE UNITED!!!

COYU ... Billy Billy Wood HUFC Chairman / Chief Executive Officer

Welcome everyone to The Continental Pilot Field as we continue the business end of the Isthmian South East League campaign.

Good afternoon and welcome to today’s match against an in-form Phoenix side.

Phoenix will be dangerous opponents today; their new management has helped to make them defensively solid, and also dangerous on the counter. We cannot take them lightly and must remain focused to get a positive outcome. We ourselves are in strong form, and quite remarkably kept our winning streak going with a late winner at Sittingbourne with 10 men. Although I wasn’t happy with the way we played in large parts of the game, one thing I was very happy with was the togetherness that shone through once again. I feel that whenever a team is successful this is a key feature, and I hope that this carries us through towards the end of the campaign.

I need to address the fans with regards to the Andrew Sesay situation. I will always be honest and say things how I see it. Unfortunately there were a few situations in the past where Sesay hadn’t attended training without having my permission. I tried to seek common ground with him during these times, and felt that this was behind us, which in the way Sesay was playing, suggested so. The previous Saturday he was dismissed for two yellow cards, nothing serious either, if anything trying hard for the team. But the reaction I couldn’t accept. I won’t go into details, that has to remain private, but one thing I will stand by is that no individual is bigger than the club. He leaves on amicable terms with myself, but I have to stand by my ethos and also his fellow teammates and staff.

Onwards and upwards!

The Gaffer

Gary Elphick

Gary

Gary Elphick HUFC First Team Manager

Photo: Scott White Photography

DIRECTORS, MANAGEMENT

CLUB DETAILS

Co Name: Hastings United Football Club Limited

Continental 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

DIRECTORS & SECRETARY

Chairman / CEO / Director Billy Wood

Vice Chairman / Director Pat McCrossan

Director Hayley Clout

Director Craig Barrow

Director Ross Shewry-Maryan

Director Peter Sherlock

Non-Executive Director Daren Burney

Company Secretary Dane Martin

CLUB PRESIDENT

Dave Ormerod

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

MEMBERS OF

Pitching In Isthmian Football League

Sussex County Football Association

LIFE MEMBERS

Les BrittonPeter EastmanDavid Harding David NesslingDave OrmerodCharles Pilbeam Tony Cosens

VICE PRESIDENTS

C BarrowJ DowntonA Keen

OFFICIALS

Club Secretary Dane Martin

Commercial Director Hayley Clout

Programme Editor Paul Hoggard

Press Officer Billy Wood

Public Address/Matchday Media Team: Eddie DenyerPat 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

FOOTBALL MANAGEMENT

Director of Football

FIRST TEAM MANAGEMENT & STAFF

Dean White

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

U23 DEVELOPMENT SQUAD MANAGEMENT U23 Manager Andrew Brown

U18 SQUAD MANAGEMENT U18 Manager 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

Good afternoon everyone.

Welcome back to the Pilot Field after two great wins, at home to Hythe Town and away to Sittingbourne last Saturday. Long may that continue with 11 games left, taking each game at a time and staying focused.

I would like to welcome and thank our Match Sponsor to today's game, Crossland & Dudson Training Limited who are based in Eastbourne and were established in 2003 by Sian Crossland and Stephanie Dudson.

Here is a short bio on the company -

“Crossland & Dudson Training Limited are a local training and employment provider who for the past 18 years have successfully supported thousands of people to gain valuable qualifications, industry experience and secure local employment. We endeavour to offer a more relaxed teaching experience and with a fantastic team of bid writers on board this enables us to offer all of our training and services free of charge. We currently have a variety of opportunities to offer and we very much look forward to connecting with and supporting the local people and businesses of Hastings”

Commercial Director Hayley Clout

Crossland & Dudson Training also sponsor Tommy's and Izzy's Home kit and we thank them for their contiuned support and hope Hollie and guests enjoy their day with us.

I would also like to welcome and continually thank Bob H who is our Matchball Sponsor for every 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 finally like to welcome and thank our Mascots to today's game, Marcus andMason

We hope you both enjoy your day with us and the complete matchday experience.

Enjoy the game and hopefully 3 points!

Hayley

If you would like any further details on our Commercial side, please call me on 07766 825573

MATCH MASCOTS

James Hull

Marcus Mason

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.

INJURY TIME = ENOUGH TIME!

Ohhhhhhh, that's twice we've beaten Sittingbourne with the winning goal coming in added time. Jack Dixon did it in the home encounter just under three months ago and a week ago the sizeable United contingent in the 349 attendance at Woodstock thoroughly en-joyed the Tom Chalmers glancing header that won the game for 10 man United.

We had all surely settled for a point on a cold, windy afternoon. 1-1 away from home is usually acceptable, all the more so when you've played the best part of 40 minutes a man down. Andrew Sesay is not the kind of player you associate with one yellow card let alone the two he picked up. Just one of those days.

(And all followed with the news Andrew has left United. That came out of the blue. Sorry to see him go just as he'd got established down that left flank. All the best to you, Andrew)

We'd had a couple of late half chances to win the game - not quite

able to convert either of them but it didn't matter a jot when Tom did just enough to head home the 93rd minute winner. Mayhem behind the goal as supporters, players and just about everyone in the away dugout got together to enjoy the moment!

Do I sympathise with the Sittingbourne supporters? Maybe a little - who can forget Cray Valley robbing us in November - but then I think back to those dozen or so games against them in our Southern League days where we failed to win any. So - minimal sympathy. Great afternoon especially considering the other results.

The gap remains 6 points.

Right place, right time. Got both goals on video last weekend. Above is Tom Chalmers getting that 93rd minute winner. Not a bad still off the video.

And it was all started with Craig Stone hooking home in the 14th minute.

JUST THE ONE GAME

On Tuesday night the weather saw postponements at Faversham (vs Herne Bay) and East Grinstead (vs Ashford). Haywards Heath beat Ramsgate 1-0 which was a good result for us.

ISTHMIAN UPS AND DOWNS

With around a dozen games to go, clubs at each end of their respective divisions are keeping a close eye on who's chasing them at the top or above them at the bottom. All nerve wracking stuff it is too.

The Isthmian set up is interesting with 3 divisions supposedly feeding into the Premier. 2 teams up from each division - North, Central and South East. 4 clubs to be relegated from the Premier, 6 into 4 doesn't go so there will be some sideways moves in the close season - Isthmian to the Southern which is what happened several seasons ago to Walton Casu-als, Harrow Borough and Met Police.

The same, incidentally, applies to the Northern Premier League where 3 divisions feed up into 1. There will be sideways moves there too with the Southern League's 2 Premier Divi-sions and 2 feeder divisions. Basically, 8 divisions at step 4 feed up into 4 divisions at step 3. Because we now have that semi pro pyramid in place it's 16 clubs down from step 3 and 16 up from Step 4. Well it should be - the FA is getting various leagues sorted out with their respective vacancies as highlighted in the Hythe Gut Feeling so this season will see quite a few relegation reprieves.

It's all a geographical thing. We, we all hope, will be a step 3 club next season if all goes well. And being located where we are, that would be Isthmian Premier. I can't see the two promoted SE division clubs going anywhere other than the Isthm ian Premier. But Central and North divisions - the clubs promoted from there could well find themselves in the Southern League next season. Like Walton Casuals etc. Or - like our old Southern League opponents, Cambridge City - moved to the Northern Premier League's newly formed Mid-land Division. City have played in all three leagues in the last 20 years.

Whatever, the close season will be very interesting with plenty of sideways moves. Watch those spaces!

LONG SERVICE AWARDS

Well, our very own Sam Adams reached 600 games for Hastings United very recently. Not forgetting approaching 150 goals - two of which, rather appropriately - came against Hythe on the day he reached that incredible landmark.

Sam's not the only one in Sussex to knock up a vast number of appearances for one club. Gary Charman at Horsham has announced he's calling it a day next month with 615 games played for The Hornetsplus 169 goals. Some of them will doubtless have been at our expense.

And just along the A259 at Little Common, managed by ex U, Russell Eldridge who's still going strong, there is Lewis Hole who very recently was up to 549 games and 367 goals. You have to wonder whether a strike rate as good as that warranted him playing at a higher level.

Whatever, it's a remarkable trio that between them have accumulated 1765 games and 684 goals. Well played gentlemen.

Davide Rodari now in the red of Isthmian Premier Division leaders, Worthing. It’s a loan move from Crawley.

Gut Feeling

Continued from P09 ...

LITTLEHAMPTON PROGRESS ONWARDS

Yes, after their huge bit of rule book based good fortune in the FA Vase (reinstated after a 5-0 4th Round drubbing) - they beat Wessex League Brockenhurst on penalties (1276 at-tendance). Their quarter final opponents, North Shields, must still be scratching their heads at the prospect of trekking down from Tyneside.

PHOENIX SPORTS

Had a miserable season till recently but kudos to them for a shock 1-0 win at Haywards Heath recently. And with 10 men.

Beating Whitstable last weekend saw them off the bottom for the first time in months.

Today will be another tough test for the U's.

Phoenix Sports away, Lanre Azeez (out of sight) slots home United’s 3rd.

Simon Stoddart

The hoodoo that is ‘Manager of the month’. Burgess Hill duly lose two on the trot!

LEAGUE NEWS

From: Ian Townsend South East Division Saturday February 12 - Results Round Up

Hastings leave it very, very late, and Sports win the battle of the bottom two ...

Wins for the Millers, the Rams and the Nuts and Bolts keep up the pressure at the top, but Hastings are six clear. It’s our Pitching In Isthmian South East Round up.

Hastings leave it very, very late, and Sports win the battle of the bottom two.

Wins for the Millers, the Rams and the Nuts and Bolts keep up the pressure at the top. It’s our Pitching In Isthmian South East Round up.

As we approached full time it looked certain that Hastings United’s lead at the top would be cut to four points. The leaders were being held one-one at Sittingbourne, and were down to ten men- but with the last kick of the match Tom Chalmers gave them victory.

United had taken a very early lead through Craig Stone, but had been ahead for on ly nine minutes before Alex Flisher equalised for the Brickies. Sixty seven minutes came and went with no further goals- just a red card for Andrew Sesay- and then deep into added time, Chalmers struck.

Two goals in seven second half minutes from Hassan Ibrahiym gave Cray Valley PM all the points at Chichester City. Those two goals were the only goals of the match, and make it three wins in a row for the Millers, and seven unbeaten.

Three points further back, albeit with a game in hand, are Ramsgate. The Rams were also in Sussex, at Burgess Hill Town, and went behind after a quarter of an hour when Lewis Finney put the hosts ahead with his seventh of the campaign. After the break Oliver Bate drew the visitors level, and then right at the end we had more action than expected, with a red card for the hosts Reggie Ward and a late winner from Jamie Coyle.

Ashford United went into their match with Sevenoaks Town with only one win in five, but the Nuts and Bolts found their visitors the perfect tonic and walloped home four goals without reply. Gary Lockyer got the first two and the fourth to claim the match ball, Johan ter Horst the other, and Oaks are only a point above the bottom two.

Corinthian are up to ninth, defeating Lancing by the only goal of the game. It came just before the break for Ryan Sawyer, and although the hosts lost Oscar Housego to a red card with twenty minutes to go the Lancers couldn’t take advantage.

Three Bridges have suddenly gone goal crazy, with five in their recent match against Ashford Utd and three in the game before, and they got another three Saturday - although they needed a late equaliser to take a point . Visitors Hythe Town will be disappointed after turning around a deficit and looking set for victory.

Brannon O’Neill gave the hosts a tenth minute lead, but the advantage was cancelled out only two minutes later by Tyler Sterling. Dan Perry restored home advantage just after the half hour, and they held it until nineteen minutes from time when George Crimmen got an equaliser for the Cannons - and then with six minutes to go Sterling looked to have taken the three points back to Kent. Right at

the end, however, Ben Bacon popped up to take a point for Bridges, who are twelfth, four points and four places above their visitors.

Faversham Town and VCD Athletic had to settle for a point each - and no goals, whilst a Sussex derby between East Grinstead Town and Whitehawk also ended level, but they did manage a goal apiece. The Hawks took the lead for minutes before the break, Javaun Splatt with his four teenth of the season, but the Wasps stung six minutes from time to take a point, Andrew Briggs with the goal.

Our big match at the bottom saw the Phoenix Sports revival continue. The hosts and visitors Whitstable Town were goalless until the seventieth minute when Steve Carvell made the breakthrough for Sports, and right at the end Alfie Evans doubled their advantage. That takes them off the bottom- the Oysterboys replacing them- and continues a run which sees them sixth in our ten match form table, with only three defeats in almost two months. The great escape is looking more likely by the day, and it must have Sevenoaks Town and Lancing looking nervously over their shoulders.

Herne Bay and Haywards Heath Town’s battle was abandoned at half-time.

SESAY SIGNS FOR MERSTHAM

MERSTHAM SIGNINGS FROM FULHAM AND HASTINGS UNITED

Merstham have announced two new additions to their senior squad.

The first arrival was defensive midfielder Jonathon Page, who moves over from Fulham on loan. Jonathon has been with the Cottagers since he was twelve-years-old, and has progressed through the U18 side to become a regular with the U23's. He has also been known to play at full-back and centre-back.

Jonathon was followed by Andrew Sesay, who comes in from Pitching In Isthmian South East leaders Hastings United.

Forward Andrew has only been at United since mid-November, and has made twelve appearances and scored once. He was dismissed in his final match for the club, at Sittingbourne, last Saturday.

He moved to the Sussex seaside from Hythe Town, where he had been for about ten minutes, making only two appearances. He moved to the Cannons from Tooting and Mitcham United, where he signed on in the summer and made eleven appearances, scoring four goals - including a hat-trick in a seven-three win over Northwood.

He previously played for Whyteleafe, where he made three appearances last season, and five - with three goalsduring 2019-20. He also made four appearances for Bridges at the end of last season, scoring once, following twenty three appearances and six goals during 2019-20 and nine at the end of the 2018-19 campaign.

Prior to his Leafe and Bridges stints he played for Greenwich Borough and Tonbridge Angels.

Photo: Scott White Photography

SOUTH

DIVISION TABLE 2021/22

FEBRUARY

#Team PHWHDHLAWADAL WDLFA +/-PtsHome Away

1HASTINGS UNITED27 913 10 13 19 26 59283159

2Cray Valley PM27 742842 15 84 542925531-2L1003

3Ramsgate 27 733824 15 57 57352250 2-0W 10732-3L648

4Ashford United26 932615 15 47 533122491-3L1303 2-1W 1134

5Haywards Heath T26 823652 14 75 40221849 0-2L412

6Herne Bay25 823633 14 56 432518471-1D949 2-0W 420

7VCD Athletic27 733536 12 69 51351642 2-2D201

8Burgess Hill Town27 734526 1251038371412-3L1502 3-2W 325

9Chichester City27 824355 11 79 37271040 2-0W 733

10Sittingbourne27 824427 124113835340 2-1W 734 2-1W 349

11Corinthian 27 554535 10 89 3231138 1-2L127

12Three Bridges27 4463647 10104353-1031 2-1W 189

13Faversham Town26 62523885 133043-1329 4-0W 901

14East Grinstead Town26 55323878 112642-1629 5-0W 801

15Whitehawk27 34635669 122939-1027 2-0W 1214 1-0W 479

16Hythe Town27 23853676 143160-2927 3-0W 1102 3-0W 225

17Lancing 27 33734767 142546-2125 1-0W 2017

18Sevenoaks Town27 41 831 10 72 183157-2623 4-1W 206

19Phoenix Sports27 32932864 172746-1922 4-2W 174

20Whitstable Town27 24740 10 64 173154-2322 4-1W 790 1-0W 455

LEAGUE NEWS

From: Ian Townsend

A HAWK BECOMES A SEAGULL

Whitehawk have announced that forward Billie Clark has made a rather local transfer, signing for their Premier League neighbours Brighton and Hove Albion.

MANAGER MICKY LEAVES THE OAKS

Sevenoaks Town have announced the departure of manager Micky Collins, who leaves the club after eight success-filled years.

Whilst this season hasn't gone as well as he might have hoped- the club currently sit in eighteenth place in the Pitching In Isthmian South East Division- the eight years under his tenure have seen them rise to unprecedented success, winning the SCEFL ti tle and cup, and earning promotion to our level. They finished tenth in their first Isthmian Season, and were tenth and fifth when the last two seasons came to an early end.

CITY CAPTURE CLACK

Chichester City have announced that they have sealed the return of winger Josh Clack to the cathedral city.

Josh left the club in the summer to sign for Haywards Heath Town, and he's been a great success there, playing twenty nine times and scoring 5 goals, but he's heading back to where the grass is the same colour but the shirts are greener.

Josh made eight appearances last season, scoring in the first three of them, and thirty one during the 2019-20 campaign- finding the back of the net ten times and playing a big part in City's run to the Second Round of the FA Cup. He previously played for Littlehampton Town, Pag ham and Horsham.

Billie, who has been on trial with the Seagulls and impressed at both Under 18 and Under 23 level, has made fourteen appearances for the Hawks this season, scoring in their win at Sevenoaks Town and their defeat against Herne Bay. He came through the youth sides at the Enclosed Ground, was Youth Team skipper, and has been part of the England Colleges and Schools squads.

TWO SPARKS FOR HEATH

Aziz and Jalloh follow their manager from South Park to Haywards Heath Town

Haywards Heath Town have announced the arrival of South Park attackers Adam Aziz and Ibrahim Jalloh.

Adam has been in scintillating form for the Sparks this season. With eighteen goals in twenty seven games, his last appearance and last goal came in the draw with Tooting and Mitcham United at the end of last month. He won't get to make his debut on Saturday against Herne Bay as he is currently nursing an injury.

Ibrahim has been no slouch in front of goal either. He has found the back of the opposition net nine times this season, and made his last Spa rks appearance in defeat to Basingstoke Town on February 1st.

Micky Collins leaves Sevenoaks

LEAGUE SE LEADING GOALSCORERS

Name ClubGoals

Ajayi, Joshua AdebayoRamsgate18

Barrington, Marcel OmarCray Valley PM16

Bamba, YoussufVCD Athletic15

Perry, Daniel FrederickThree Bridges15 Ansah, Zak AndyHerne Bay13

Pope, Benjamin JosephHASTINGS UNITED11

Adesite, AnthonyVCD Athletic10

Splatt, Javaun DelMarcoWhitehawk10 Overton, CallumChichester City9 Peck, Callum JohnRamsgate9

Abdulla, Ahmed MohamedSittingbourne8

Pogue, Kenny HASTINGS UNITED8

ON THIS DAY - 19 FEBRUARY

1910

U23 ISTHMIAN DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE SOUTH TABLE

Team

PWDL GDPTS

1HASTINGS UTD U23S11 902 2627

2VCD Athletic11 6148 19

3Cray Valley PM12 6152 19

4Tooting & Mitcham12 5253 17

5Carshalton Athletic10 4243 14

6Margate 9333 -512

7Phoenix Sports11 335 -812

8Sutton Common R 7205 -106

9East Grinstead T 9207 -196

Source credit: www.footballsite.co.uk

On Saturday 19 February 1910 Old Trafford staged its first match when Manchester United met Liverpool in a First Division match. Not that it was called Old Trafford in those days but the ‘United Football Ground’ which just hasn’t got the same ring about it has it! Originally planned as a 100,000 capacity stadium by the time it was built the capacity of the vast terraces had been reduced to 80,000 with about 45,000 present at that match against Liverpool. United’s Sandy Turnbull scored the first goal at the new ground but visitors Liverpool spoiled the party, winning 4-3.

2008

The day before they were due to play AC Milan in the Champions League the main talking point in the Arsenal camp seemed to be why their goalkeeper, Manuel Almunia, had been special permission to go home at lunch-times to see his wife. The Daily Mail reported that she thought that the house was haunted and didn't like being left alone in it. The house was built on the site of a former psychiatric hospital and she claimed to have seen a ghost - a monk carrying a candle - by their bed. The following day Arsenal - without Almunia - drew 0-0 with defending champions AC Milan at the Emirates but a couple of weeks later - with Almunia - they became the first English club to beat AC Milan in the San Siro to earn a quarter-final tie with Liverpool.

Craig Stone put the ‘U’s in front at Sittingbourne

Photos: Scott White Photography

Tom Chalmers late winner is celebrated after the final whistle with the scorer simulating a ‘strike’!

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

OUR VISITORS

PHOENIX SPORTS

Club: Phoenix Sports Football Club

Club Formed: 1935

Chairman: Andrew Mortlock

Vice-chairman: Steve House

Ground: Phoenix Sports Ground

Capacity: 2,000

BRIEF HISTORY

Formed in 1935, Phoenix Sports Club originally started out as St. Johns Welling, later changing its name to Lakeside, before renaming to Phoenix following the Second World War as it was seen to rise from the ashes of the previous two clubs amidst the destruction caused by the blitz.

Over the years the club has played at various locations in the local area, including Danson Park until 1950 when the local council offered them a piece of waste land in Mayplace Road East, Bexleyheath. Over time it evolved into the ground that we all know now as The Club.

Both football and cricket have been played at Mayplace Road East, with many m embers, both past and present, representing the club in both sports. However, with the growth of junior football, cricket has now moved away from the club.

After entering various leagues, including the Sidcup League, Kent Amateur League and the Dartford League, the club settled in the Kent County League Division One West.

In the 1986/7 season, the club entered the Spartan League and competed there for six s easons. They then returned to the Kent County League - Division One - West, winning the

Manager: Steven O’Boyle

After recent success at Phoenix Sports 'Boyley' was reinstated as First Team Manager in 2021. His First Team Management is as follows: Benjamin Kotey, Grant Spelling, Danny Kemp, Simon Smith, Phil Legg and Mark Sullivan.

Challenge Cup in 1993-94.

In 1999/2000 we won the league, gaining promotion to the Premier Division, however after two relegations ended up in Division Two West, finally returning to the first division in 2004/05, and then back to the Premier Division in 2007/08.

After three seasons in the Premier Division, the first team became founder members of the Kent Invicta League at step 6 of the National League System (Step 10 of the English Football League System) – the highest level of football the club has ever played at. We went on to finish runners up, missing out by only two points to eventual champions Bly Spartans as well as reaching the League Cup Final, again losing out to Bly Spartans.

Unfortunately, the First team and Reserve Team Management both resigned for personal reasons at the end of season 2011-2012. After an exhaustive process we appointed Steve O’Boyle and Tony Beckingham as Joint First Team Managers and John Hope as Manager for the Reserves assisted by Brian Magenis and John Barry.

Off the pitch we installed floodlights and a 108 seat stand and with further improvements around the ground we soon received an F Grade.

After a successful first campaign under the new management structure, and after losing only two league games all season, Phoenix won the Kent Invicta League and gained promotion to the Kent League (now renamed the Southern Counties East Football League) to play at step 5 of the National League System.

We finished in sixth place in our inaugural Kent League season but had aims to do even better the next year. We had a very good start to the campaign but unfortunately lost in our first ever appearance in the FA Cup - losing on penalties after a replay.

We then began an unbelievable run in both the League and FA Vase. The Vase journey was fantastic culminating in us reaching the 4th Round Proper, where we lost to the eventual winners North Shields.

In the League we managed to lose only 1 game all season and accumulated 30 clean sheets. Due to these great performances we managed to win the League quite comfortably in the end, although there were a few sticky moments along the way.

W then needed to work miracles off the pitch, but we eventually managed to get all the necessary works done in time to gain a D Grade and promotion to Isthmian League North Division.

Our first season at this level saw us finish in 14th place, which was improved upon the next year when we came 8th.

We were then the subject of a lateral movement and competed in the newly sponsored Bostik League South, for the 2017-18 season. After a decent start and sitting in the play-off spots for a while, we were rocked by the departure of First Team Manager Steve O’Boyle. Paul Bryon came in and steadied the ship and we finished in a creditable 11th place. The following year we improved to a pleasing 9th position.

The early ends to the 2019/20 and 2020/21 seasons, due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, prevented us from again gaining top half finishes and we now go into the 2021/22 campaign looking to continue our progression as a Club.

Alongside the First Team and the Reserves, we presently have over 20 teams playing in Phoenix colours, making us one of the biggest clubs in the area.

Phoenix Sports are a FA Charter Standard Community Club - the highest level of youth recognition from the Football Association.

Mini-soccer is played at the Mayplace Ground and Sundays are always busy with parents cheering on the young players wearing our green shirt.

MEETING

MATCH REPORT

By Bob Quinn @BobJQuinn Pogue

hat-trick HELPS SEAL WIN

fully open to the elements and while it’s dry there’s a light yet cold wind. The grass on the sloping pitch needs a visit from a lawnmower and the surrounding fence is so low the ball boys, if there were any, would need to be on the opposite side in readiness to fetch the ball after every clearance. Ben Pope returns from suspension for the ‘U’s with Ryan Worrall continuing alongside Craig Stone at the back. Kane Penn also fills in at right-back for the injured Marcus Goldsmith. U nited have returned to their claret shirts with white shorts and socks while Phoenix wear forest green shirts with black shorts and socks.

right, the referee plays the advantage when he could have blown for handball, and only a save by the onrushing Louis Rogers prevents the home side from scoring. Then Phoenix do benefit for not letting their heads drop when Alfie Evans breaks forward, rides a tackle to get himself one on one with Rogers but instead of shooting chooses the wiser option with a sideways pass to give Henry Ikeije a tap in.

Saturday 23 October 2021

Isthmian League

South East Division

Attendance: 174

Forward Kenny Pogue continued his excellent goal-scoring form in plundering a virtuoso hat-trick in United’s 4 – 2 victory away at bottom club Phoenix Sports. Another three goals today made it seven in the last five games, and eight in total for the season for King Kenny. Two clinical strikes in the opening 12 minutes put the ‘U’s firmly in control only for Phoenix to pull a goal back and stay within touching distance until Lanre Azeez looked to have secured the points with just ten minutes to go. Phoenix though kept plugging away and scored again with minutes remaining but Pogue’s third, a penalty in the final seconds of added time, ensured another away day win.

Saturday 23rd October, a 3pm kickoff. Man, it’s chilly. The ground is

United get the game underway and are immediately on the front-foot. Within three minutes, a trademark Ollie Black long throw is cleared back to him and the return cross is met by the head of Pope, a twist of the neck muscles produces the power but not the direction and t he ball flies over the bar. Two more throw-ins follow, and Phoenix are penned in. Another throw is flicked on by Pogue just out of Jack Dixon’s reach but he’s able to retrieve the ball which gives Hasler the room to cross to Pogue who has time to control and fire home from 10 yards.

Minutes later Azeez and Dixon both have shots blocked before the ‘U’s positive start is further rewarded. Black’s throw is misjudged by the goalkeeper, the ball goes over his head, and Pope’s shot is cleared off the line, but United regain possession and a chance falls to Pogue again, and once more he troubles the back of the net, this time slamming the ball home from the angle.

Only 12 minutes in and both sets of supporters might be thinking this is the start of a comfortable win for the visitors, but they are mistaken. From the restart Phoenix attack down the

Back come United. Azeez’s deep cross has Pope and a defender challenging for the ball a few yards out at the far post, but neither makes proper contact and the ball is cleared. Pope’s header from a corner is then cleared off the line by the defender guarding the post. Chances continue to arrive for the ‘U’s. Dixon wins a challenge on the edge of the Phoenix area which gives Black a crossing opportunity, a defender misdirects a clearing header and Pope is in again, but his shot is saved by the goalkeeper’s legs. Frustration for United’s number 9.

With half-time approaching there’s also frustration for Phoenix’s number 9. A deep cross floats over the head of Black and Jeff Duah-Kessie has the goal in his sights only for Black to quickly recover and deflect Duah-Kessie’s shot over the bar.

The referee ends the half and a combination of United taking their foot off the gas and Phoenix producing a spirited display means the scoreline is much closer than expected after the ‘U’s explosive opening.

Half-time:

Phoenix Sports 1 – 2 UNITED

There’s nothing cagey about the start of the second-half either. Phoenix win a corner in the opening 20 seconds which is cleared and Sam Hasler breaks for United. He’s

tackled but stubbornly refuses to yield, wins the ball back and plays a brilliant cross-field pass to free Azeez who is chopped down on the very edge of the area. This is Hasler territory, but his flashing drive flies inches over the bar.

Pogue then has the opportunity to score a third but for the first time in a long while he skews a shot wide after being set up by Pope. As we head toward the hour mark an other Black throw brings another chance for the ‘U’s. Stone’s head flicks the ball into the path of Hasler who hammers a shot against the upright, the frame of the goal shakes for a good five minutes. United win back possession and win a free-kick from which the ubiquitous Black has a header saved.

We reach the midway point in the second-half and while United are creating chances and Rogers hasn’t been tested, there’s still only one goal in it. Phoenix may be propping up the table, but they are not a team who are getting turned over every week so United cannot afford to be complacent.

United continue to utilise Black’s long throws into the area, but Phoenix’s goalkeeper has wised up and is now coming out to collect or punch to clear the danger. Yet, it is Black’s quick thinking which almost creates the third goal United are seeking. A throw from his own half drifts over the centre-half’s head and Pope is bearing down on goal, the ball though will not settle and by the time he shoots the defender has recovered and manages to deflect the shot away.

Only seven minutes remain when the ‘U’s finally give themselves the comfort of a two-goal cushion. It’s created by another Black throw-in, and he’s learnt from earlier, thi s

time sending the ball out of the goalkeepers reach onto Stone’s head. The ball drops to Pope in the six-yard box and he’s surrounded by defenders but manages to keep possession then lay the ball into the path of Azeez who rattles a first-time shot into the bottom corner.

Time for United to make some substitutions but as before Phoenix don’t know when they’re beaten. With three minutes remaining they move the ball from left to right and a low cross is poked home by Byron Walker from close-range. With a few minutes of added time to come, this game is not yet done.

The home side have sight on an unlikely draw and with 60 seconds remaining they are back in the United area but Black’s tackle and Rogers’ claim from the next cross looks to be enough, yet there’s time for one last United attack. Pogue heads on for James Hull who makes a dash into the area and is shoved from behind. The referee doesn’t hesitate and points to the spot, and there’s only one man for the job. Step forward King Kenny to send the goalkeeper the wrong way and complete a deserved hat-trick.

Full-time:

Phoenix Sports 2 – 4 UNITED

Hastings Utd : Rogers, Black, Worrall, Stone, Dixon, Pope (Hull 84’), Adams [c], Hasler (Bates 85’), Pogue, Aze ez (Legg 90’), Penn

United goals: Pogue 7’, 12’, 90’, Azeez 81’

Phoenix Sports : Phillips, Clark, Whitelock (Keeble 90’), Fitchett, Sargent, Evans, Andrews, Bird, Duah-Kessie (Walker 77’), Dyer, Ikeije (Osidek 78’)

Phoenix Sports goals: Ikeije 21’, Walker 87

Photo: Scott White Photography Kenny Pogue netted a virtuoso hat-trick

PHOENIX SPORTS PLAYER PROFILES

Steven Phillips

Keeper – Legend – Steve has been at the club for the last 7 years and is one of the most popular people around the club. ‘Frenchie’ is one of the best keepers in the League, is solid, reliable and is regularly pulling off eye-catching saves.

Charlie Martin

Charlie has recently made his way into the squad featuring in a few of our games this season. Most notably his Isthmian South-East Division debut against VCD Athletic. A keeper who possesses quick footwork and great agility!

Toib Adeyemi

Toib made his Phoenix Sports debut against Hythe Town. Our strong, no nonsense defender is a great character in the squad! Toib won the 2019 Isthmian North playoff final against Maldon & Tiptree.

Ryan Andrews

Our longest serving first team player. Ryan is one of our own and can regularly be seen flying up and down the right wing, whipping in crosses or tracking back to make a lastgasp tackle. After 8 years at the Mayplace Ryan is part of the furniture and has progressed with the club through the Leagues to our new home in the Isthmian South-East.

Lewis Clark

Lewis has consistently played down the left side of defence across the season and has impressed us all with his displays. He worked his way through the Greenwich Borough system winning the SCEFL in 2015/16 before joining us a few years ago with his highlight for us being his solo goal away at Guernsey.

Thomas Cousins

Thomas is a very impressive youngster and new to the squad but he has made a strong impact in his start at Phoenix Sports!

Josh Dorling

Making a big step up Josh has had to grasp this level of football quickly and has done so with two hands. Every header he will win!

Lee Bird

Key squad player that is ready to fit in anywhere along the back line or midfield. Lee has a passion for the club and is solid and dependable when he wears the Green and Black.

Daniel Young

Danny is a very experienced Centre-Back that also likes to claim the odd goal. After a few seasons at Greenwich Borough he made the short move to the Mayplace in 2017 and was made captain of the club shortly after.

Chaka Barnett

A quick, skillful winger Chaka is another recent signing for Phoenix Sports from Romford FC who is a valuable member of this squad.

Henry Douglas

Henry has been involved with the Phoenix Sports first team for a while and broke into the squad under previous manager Paul Bryon but had limited starts. Now you can frequently see him playing down the right hand side!

Steve Carvell

Known popularly as 'magic man' Steve previously played for Phoenix Sports in our first ever season in the Ryman Division. 6 years down the line and he finds himself back home!

Alfie Evans

18-year-old Alfie joined us from Dartford and has been such a great asset to the team since joining. An injury set him back but we are already seeing him relish under Steve O'Boyle.

Mohammed Kaffo

'Junior' was another one of several signings for Steve O'Boyle but this man has experience playing football and is a valuable member of our squad!

Thomas O’Connor

Thomas has only featured once for Phoenix Sports but suffered an unfortunate injury... Soon back and he will be committed to getting his place back in the playing squad and will be a great addition once fit again.

Taurean Roberts

Taurean has experience playing in the Conference South, Isthmian Prem, Isthmian South and SCEFL league. He has scored many goals in his career and hopefully we can see even more goals from him wearing a Green and Black shirt!

Jhoan Tabima-Alvira

Another signing under Steve O'Boyle, Jhoan made his debut for Phoenix Sports against rivals VCD Athletic.

Andre Thompson-Fearon

Andre is our young, tricky speedster who has been involved at Charlton Athletic for the majority of his youth career.

Malaki Toussaint

Malaki is a clever midfielder who has had much experience in the Isthmian North. He has come into our squad and scored his first goal for the club in our 2-0 away victory over Lancing FC.

Bertie Valler

A recent signing from Steve O'Boyle sees Bertie join our squad. He grew up in the Arsenal academy and he is an exciting player who can produce some quality.

Byron Walker

An experienced player who is very versatile.

Byron is a great character in our squad who has some much passion for the game! He has been very successful in his career winning the Ryman Division One South, SCEFL Prem, Kent Senior Trophy, SCEFL Challenge Cup and Reached the semi-final of the FA Vase.

George Whitelock

George is truly Phoenix through and through! Known as the 'Clubman' around the Mayplace George has been a key squad player for us throughout the recent seasons with a wand of a left foot.

Wale Odedoyin

Wale is a big, powerful attacker who causes many problems for the opposition defensive line. Wale won the Gordon Branstead Trophy with Barking FC in the 2013/14 season.

Calvin Poku

The 'Pokiman' reintroduced himself to Phoenix Sports fans with 4 goals on his debut! An out and out goalscorer who is pivotal to our 'Great Escape'!

PHOENIX

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

Highest League Position: 8th Place Isthmian League North – 2016/17

Best FA Cup Performance: 3rd Qualifying Round – 2017/18

Best FA Trophy Performance: 2nd Qualifying Round – 2016/17

Best FA Vase Performance: Fifth Round – 2014/15

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

Saturday 9 September 2017 Bostik One South

Phoenix Sports3 – 0 Hastings United

Scorers:

Jack Barham (2)

Jack Hopkins

Att 120

Saturday 31 March 2018 Bostik One South

Hastings United1 – 1 Phoenix Sports

Scorers: Att 371Scorers:

Sam Adams (Pen)

Jeff Duah-Kessie

Saturday 1 September 2018 Bostik One South

Hastings

Scorers: Att 393 Daniel Ajakaiye (2)

Jack Dixon

Saturday

Phoenix

Phoenix Sports

Bostik One South

Scorers: Att 139Scorers: Kweku Ansah Jack Dixon

Lewis Clarke

Jordy Mongoy (2) Alex Teniola

Saturday

Hastings

Scorers: Att 553

Jack Dixon (2)

Jake Elliott

Saturday

Phoenix

BetVictor

Jeff Duah-Kessie

Scorers: Att 174Scorers: Henry Ikeije

Byron Walker

Kenny Pogue (3)

Lanre Azeez

SAMMY ADAMS 600TH APPEARANCE PRESENTATION MADE BY DAVE ORMEROD

To mark the truly amazing landmark achievement of 600 senior appearances for Hastings United FC, Club President Dave Ormerod presented Sam with a Crystal Trophy.

HUFC vs HYTHE TOWN - MAN OF THE MATCH - SAM ADAMS

Sam Adams was awarded ‘Man Of The Match’ by Match Sponsor Paws And Whiskers Sussex

Sam was presented with his award by L-R Matt, Lynda, Lucia, Olly in front Elleana Dylan

Photo: Scott White Photography

Photo: Scott White Photography

‘Super Sammy Adams’

Photo: Scott White Photography

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.”

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

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

Gr oun d Regu lati ons an d Custo mer Charter

Full details of our Ground Regulations and Customer Charter are available to read at our website: www.hastingsunited.com.

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

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

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

We believe that people come first when offering a service.

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

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

In Addition

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

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

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

The Club Believes

DateOppositionCompH/AResultWDLAtt Scorers

AUGUST

22MeridianLeagueH10-0W193 Hill 4, Heather 2, Tibble 2, Corrigan 2, Williams

29Herne BayLeagueH3-1W153 Heather 2, Johnson

SEPTEMBER

5AFC AcornsLeagueH1-0WTBA Baitup

12Regents ParkWFACupH9-0WTBA Heather 4, Johnson 3, Williams 3

RgLeagueA2-0WTBA Johnson 2

LadiesLeagueA1-1DTBA Relf

OCTOBER

3Islington BoroWFACupA2-1WTBA Hill 2

UtdLeagueH5-0W155 Sheppard, Johnson, Critchfield, Fletcher, Relf

Hyland

7Ashford LadiesLSE CupH4-0W122 Heather 2, Hill, Carter

QFH3-0WTBA Johnson, Hill, Corrigan

Hill, Johnson

DECEMBER

12Brighton & HA SxChCup SFH2-4LTBA Corrigan, Johnson

AcornsLSE CupH5-2WTBA Johnson, Baitup, Tibbs, 2OGs

JANUARY 2022

9Walton CasualsLSE CupA5-0WTBA

Photo: Scott White Photography

Georgia Tibble Nicole Baitup

HASTINGS UNITED

KIT: CLARET & WHITE

Gary ELPHICK Manager

(GK) Louis ROGERS 1

Ollie BLACK 2

Ryan WORRALL 3

Finn O’MARA 4

Craig STONE 5

Tom CHALMERS 6

Lloyd DAWES 7

Jack DIXON 8

Ben POPE 9

Sam ADAMS 10

Sam HASLER 11

Marcus GOLDSMITH 12

Kenny POGUE 14

Harvey GREIG 16

Freddie LEGG 17

Knory SCOTT 18

Dave MARTIN 19

Kane PENN 19

Tommy COONEY 19

SQUADS

3PM SATURDAY 19 FEBRUARY 2022

PHOENIX SPORTSvs

ISTHMIAN LEAGUE SOUTH EAST

KIT: GREEN SHIRTS BLACK SHORTS & SOCKS

Steve O’BOYLE Manager

Steve PHILLIPS (GK)

REFEREE

CIARAN FIDLER ASSISTANTS PATRICK O’REILLY THOMAS PRICE

Lewis CLARKE

Thomas COUSINS

Henry DOUGLAS

Lee BIRD

Toib ADEYEMI

Steven CARVELL

Joshua DORLING

Chaka BARNETT

Ayokunle ODEDOYIN (Wale)

Malaki TOUSSAINT

MATCH SPONSOR

George WHITELOCK

Mohammed KAFFO

Calvin POKU

Byron WALKER

MATCHBALL SPONSOR BOB H

MATCH MASCOTS

MARCUS COLLINS (5)

MASON BURGON (6)

Johan TABIMA-ALVIRA

Aaron CLARK

Andre THOMPSON-FEARON

Ryan ANDREWS

Bertie VALLER

Danny YOUNG Tom O’CONNOR

THE CONTINENTAL PILOT FIELD HASTINGS TN34 2AX