Saltdean United Women - Match Day Programme

THE TIGERS

Programme 08

Saltdean United vs Montpelier Villa Sunday 15th January - 3pm KO | League Cup

WELCOME

SALTDEAN UNITED FC

Good afternoon and welcome to Hill Park for the second time in as many weeks. Today we have two games with the DS hosting Hassocks in the league, 11:15am kick off.

A big thank you to our groundsman Dan who has managed to keep the pitch in a good condition considering the rain we have had in recent weeks. We were one of the only games on in the league last week and that is much the same today.

The first team took a valuable point off high flying Fulham last week and could have actually took more. There is a real team spirit in the group at the moment which puts them four games unbeaten. It is great to see the players develop and follow the philopshy Zak and Tom are trying to build. It was also an excellent result for our DS beating Burgess Hill 5-2. They put in a fantastic performance and got what they deserved. The squad is really taking shape with a number of new faces and it now important to get the points on the board.

The first team are back at home next week, making it three in a row! A tough game against Dulwich awaits, so please come and support the Tigers.

Wrap up warm and enioy the game or games today!

Saltdean United FC Hill Park, Coombe Vale, Saltdean, East Sussex, BN2 8HJ Chairman Bob Thomas Secretary Kate Brown Manager Zak Dove Assistant Manager Tom Saunters

MANAGER

ZAK DOVE

Hello and welcome to Hill Park for the second game of the New Year .

We go into the game this week with a lot of confidence after a really strong performance last week. Unfortunately we did not the get the result that the performance deserved. This being said, the fact that the squad was disappointed with a draw against a strong Fulham side that sit second in the league shows the growth and development they have undergone.

As we go into this sunday , the whole group will be looking to push on again. We have a great opportunity to progress into the semi final. We do not expect it to be easy , we expect to face a team that will fight and scrap for everything. So with this in mind we need to make sure we are mentally and technically sharp , imposing ourselves on them from the first minutes .

As I always say to any group i work with , if we can implement our style and our fundamentals then we always have a great opportunity to perform and win. This belief will never change , the players know this.

Lastly i would like to give my assistant a quick mention, Tom has been a key to all the above mentioned. He gives the players a great basis with the sessions he helps put on. Along with also being a sounding board for me throughout each week.. Tom does this all with very little fuss and to be honest acknowledgement from people outside of the squad.

I hope you enjoy the game , and the performance we can put on for all watching.

CAPTAIN’S NOTES

GEORGIA BRIDGES

Firstly I want to start this week’s captain notes with a THANK YOU to anyone who came and supported us last week against Fulham. That weather is without a doubt the worst I’ve ever played in. We saw and heard you all huddled under the sheltered areas and are very grateful! I think Sinden has only just warmed up to be honest.

Unfortunately I am unable to make today’s game due to work commitments, however, I know the girls are looking forward to playing in what should be an exciting quarter final, and Molly is as excited as ever to use her christmas purchase in the changing room... A karaoke machine, god help us!

from Fulham last week. Somehow, despite the weather, we managed to play some really nice football and controlled quite a bit of the game which I know Fulham were not anticipating. Hill Park is starting to become our fortress again and we want to continue this imomentum today in the Cup.

Good luck girls, I know you will all do me proud, I’ll be keeping a close eye on the score.

We are now 4 games unbeaten in a row, with 3 wins and 1 draw. If I am being honest I think we were unlucky not to pick up all 3 points

“That weather is without a doubt the worst i’ve ever played in”

GET TO KNOW Naomi Robinson

Nay, you signed for the Tigers over five years ago now and have been a massive part of our success from Tier 7 to Tier 5, how have you found it?

Initially, I dropped down a few leagues to join Saltdean to get the enjoyment factor back and I can honestly say it was one of the best decisions I’ve made for myself football wise. It’s been a real journey and we’ve been through some massive ups and downs, but we’ve gone from strength to strength. This season in particular has really cemented for me exactly how much a family this team is and reminded me why I joined 5 years ago.

You suffered a big injury a few years back, breaking your leg. Do you feel you are fully back to fitness now?

Coming back from the injury was a long process. Which unfortunately resulted in a couple of operations and spanned across a few seasons. However, this season I really feel like I’ve got my confidence back and I’m getting back to my best.

The league this season is very strong, a number of players are stepping down from tier 3/4 to play. The Tigers, are in a good run of form, how have you found it?

I’ve found the league this season to be really competitive! We’ve had some unlucky results but the games have been enjoyable and recently we’re seeing the hard work paying off for us, which is nice.

SPONSORED BY:

Being a paramedic is hard enough without the travelling for football each weekend, how do you manage to balance both?

Mostly with a lot of caffeine and concealer to be honest. It does prove difficult with shift work but luckily the club have been very understanding and supportive surrounding my work.

It was a fantastic summer with the Lionesses winning the Euros! How do you think this is going to help women’s football moving forward?

It’s really been good to see women getting the recognition they deserve. Prior to my current job, I was a football coach and so for me, it’s been long awaited. I’m pleased women’s football is getting the backing now and for more girls to set their sights high when it comes to playing football professionally.

What is your best footballing memory of your career?

My best footballing memory was winning player of the season just before my injury and being presented the award at the cup final after we won it.

Worst banter in the dressing room?

Mia Hyland, no second thoughts. Her laugh is outrageous and we’re constantly being forced to make tik toks.

2022-23 FIRST TEAM SQUAD

Zak Dove Manager

Charlotte Lewington Sponsored by AVAILABLE

Blair Hamilton Sponsored by AVAILABLE

Alessia Ciocan Sponsored by

Megan Gates Sponsored by AVAILABLE

Tom Saunters Assistant Manager

Georgia Bridges Sponsored by Jan & Iain Fielding

Molly Hill Sponsored by Stuart @ Merrie Harriera

Lillian Tucker Sponsored by AVAILABLE

Mia Hyland Sponsored by Impetus

Ruby Atkins Sponsored by AVAILABLE

Evie Nebbitt Sponsored by Impetus

Amy Sinden Sponsored by AVAILABLE

Maya Pritchard Sponsored by AVAILABLE

Hannah Sturdy Sponsored by APAN Construction

Leyla Yahioglu Sponsored by AVAILABLE

Catherine Hann Sponsored by AVAILABLE

Naomi Robinson Sponsored by Simon Roe

Faye Williams Sponsored by BW Sports Therapy

Betsy Routledge Sponsored by Held Trading

Ruby Melis Sponsored by Propellernet Ltd

Sienna Howell Sponsored by AVAILABLE

SPONSORS OFFICIAL TEAM SPONSORS