Eccleshall FC vs Sporting Khalsa

Eccleshall

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Club Officials:

Chairman: Neil Washington

Vice Chairman: Antony Johnson

Secretary: Jim Tunney

Treasurer: David Heelis

Programme Editor: Shaun Rogers

Clubhouse Management: Bill Grinham

Club Welfare Officer: Jim Tunney

Commercial Manager: Media Officer: Shaun Rogers

Directors

Neil Washington, Antony Johnson, Paul Cox, David Heelis, Bill Grinham, Richard Marsh, Jim Tunney.

Committee

John Martin, Colin Leese, Sid Kelly, Ernie Jackson, Diane Washington, Harvey Collins, Liz Leese, Andy Gough, Ben Gamble, Julie Clews, Barry Blenheim, Laura Sharratt, Tony Woolrich

Fundraising Sub-Committee

Neil Washington, Antony Johnson, John Martin, Jim Tunney, Colin Leese

First Team Management:

Liam Kelly, Nathan Wilkes, Russell Rowley, Harry Pickering, Laura Machin Junior Section

Chairman: Andy Gough Secretary: Gareth Davies

U10s Kieron Healey

U13s Dave Hislop, Gaz Davis

U14s John Edensor, Nick Mobley

U16s Paul Heler, Mark Croxton, Henry Taylor

Members of the North West Counties League, Midland Junior Premier League, North Staffs Junior Youth League, Mid Staffs Junior League.

Affiliated to Staffordshire FA Eccleshall FC

THE DUGOUT TVIEW HE DUGOUT VIEW

Good evening and welcome to tonight’s Staffs Senior Cup tie against Sporting Khalsa. On paper this is our toughest test of the season to date, so we will be doing everything we can to cause a cup upset.

We are forced into changes again tonight as well as having to look at bringing in 1 or 2 new faces, due to the current amount of injuries we have in the squad.

Our last 2 games have seen mixed performances. Our best performance of the season last week beating Hereford Lads Club in the FA Vase, followed by a disappointing league defeat to Abbey H coming thick and we will be looking the season. Thank you for you

Liam Kelly

1973-74 Mid Staffs Div.3 Cup Winners

1973-74 Mid Staffs Div.3 Runners-up

1975-76 Mid Staffs Div.2 Cup Winners

1980-81 Staffs County (N) League Div.2 Champions

1981-82 Staffs County League (N)

Premier Division Champions

1981-82 May Bank Cup Finalists

1982-82 May Bank Cup Winners

1982-83 Mid Staffs Div.2 Cup Winners

1983-84 Staffs County League (N)

Premier Division Champions

1983-84 May Bank Cup Winners

1983-84 Staffs FA Vase Finalists

1984-85 Staffs FA Vase Finalists

1986-87 May Bank Cup Finalists

1987-88 Mid Staffs Borough Cup Finalists

1989-90 Staffs Senior League Champions

1999-00 Springbank Vending Midland League Runners-up

1999-00 Staffs County League Champions

2001-02 Springbank Vending Midland League Champions

2002-03 Springbank Vending Midland League Champions

2002-03 Staffs FA Vase Winners

2002-03 Staffs County League Champions

2002-03 Sentinel Cup Winners (under 18s)

2002-03 Sentinel Shield Winners (u/16’s)

2002-03 Leek Cup Finalists

2005-06 Staffs FA Vase Finalists

2017-18 Staffs FA Youth Cup Winners (Under 18s)

2017-18 Potteries Junior Youth Cup Winners (under 18s)

SportingKhalsa

The club was established in 1991. Over the years the club has always played senior football in the local Walsall & District Sunday leagues. For two seasons between 1995 and 1997 the club played Saturday football at a semi-professional level. It has enjoyed modest success throughout.

From 1991 to 1997 it used to have a small number of youth sides and gained considerable success within the season 1995/96 by winning the Birmingham boys Under 16 league. Due to lack of resources, both financial and manpower, it reluctantly abandoned the youth policy.

With a more solid foundation and re-organization of the executive committee in 2004, the club re-joined the West Midlands Regional League Division Two (semi-professional level seven league). In season 2004/05 the first team gained promotion into Division One of West Midlands Regional League (FA League Pyramid Structure level six). It also restarted a youth policy this season.

2005 became a year to remember, as the club became the first Asian semi-professional football club in the country to own its own ground. The decision to purchase the Abbey Park Stadium (formerly home to Bloxwich Town) was taken by the club as it needed a permanent base from which to build upon its successes and built a centre for footballing excellence. Walsall Football Club played a friendly to mark the official opening of the new ground. A ladies team was introduced in 2006 that played in the South Staffordshire League. In 2007 the club played in the FA Vase for its first time and lost in the First Qualifying Round and also introduced a veterans over 35s side in the Central Warwickshire Over 35s League.

After five years at Abbey Park ground, Sporting Khalsa announced in May 2010 that they would be purchasing the five acre freehold grounds of Willenhall Town FC from the Receivers. After extensive work on the pitch and social facilities with the total outlay of over half million pounds the stadium was finished on the eve of the 2010/11 season. In its first season at their new Aspray Arena home the club gained promotion to the Premier Division of the West Midlands Regional League.

2012/13 the club played in the FA Cup for its first time in its history and progressed to the First Qualifying round. Our Sunday team won the Warley Sunday Premier League and also progressed to the 4th round of the FA National Cup. The following season the first team finished 6th in league and were runners up in J W Hunt Charity Cup at the Molineux Stadium.

At the start of 2014/15 season we appointed our current manager Ian Rowe who promotion to Step 5 Midland Football League by winning the West Midlands Regional Premier League's in its 125th Anniversary year, with a record points total, on top of this they were crowned winners of the Staffs FA Vase too.

2015/16 season was our first season for the club at Step 5 saw us finish a credible third in the league. On top of this the club cemented it's place amongst the non-league fraternity with a memorable FA Cup run, missing out to another non league giant FC United of Manchester for a place in the First Round Proper. The final game of the season saw us list the JW Hunt Cup in its 90th year at Molineux. The season also saw the introduction of our Ladies and Girls teams with the Ladies first team playing the National Women’s League.

2016/17 season saw us reach the Quarter-Finals of the FA Vase losing narrowly to Coleshill Town and also finish third in the League. The next season we finished fifth in the league.

Season 2018/19 saw the opening of the 3G stadia pitch with a total investment of £1 million which also included a new 300 seater stand and new changing rooms. Again we finished a creditable third in the league and won the J W Hunt Cup for the second time this time the final was against Highgate United and again was played at Molineux.

Both the 2019/20 and 2020/21 never were completed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 2019/20 season we were second in the league when the season were curtained in March 2020 and also reached the FA Vase quarter final. 2020/21 season we were first in the league when the season was curtained in December 2020. Due to the re-structure of the National League at Steps 3-6 we gained promotion for the first time in our history to Pitching In Northern Premier League Midland Division (Step 4) on PPG over the two seasons, finishing top of the Midland League.

Season 2021/22 saw our men’s first team in the Pitching In Northern Premier League Midland Division the highest league the club has played in and had an impressive first season by finishing eighth. In the FA Cup, Khalsa progressed to the 2nd QR eventually losing to Conference North side Kidderminster Harriers. It was our debut in the FA Trophy, Khalsa lost in the 3rd QF to Rushall Olympic who did the double over Khalsa by beating Khalsa in the final of the Walsall Senior Cup played at Bescot Stadium,

Lets meet Sporting Khalsa

SAM ARNOLD Joining a few weeks into the 2017-18 season, Sam soon established himself as the default first choice goalkeeper at Khalsa, impressing with a series of man-ofthe match performances. His second season was even more impressive, winning the Supporter’s Player of the Year award at the end of the 2018-19 season which saw him help Khalsa to third place in the league and the JW Hunt Cup. The former Wednesfield, Hinckley and Rushall custodian is as impressive with his feet as he is his hands, often proving a decisive first line of attack as much as a last line of defence.

CARLO FRANCO - Free-scoring fullback and occasional centre-half who, since joining Khalsa in the summer of 2014 having spent several seasons with Wolverhampton Casuals, has held a cast-iron grip on the number two shirt, impressing with his defensive duties and forward duties alike.

After helping Khalsa to the West Midlands Regional League title in 2014-15, Carlo really established himself as one of Khalsa’s stars in the 2015-16 season where his performances earned him supporter’s player of the year.

TES ROBINSON - Towering centre-half for Sporting Khalsa and St Kitts and Nevis, Tes joined part way through the 2014 15 season as a series of injuries to centre halves threatened the championship winning campaign and was appointed captain for the start of the 2016-17 season Tes has previously turned out for a host of non-league sides, including Shawbury, Oldbury United, Rushall Olympic, Romulus, Redditch United, Evesham, Chasetown and Halesowen Town.

LEWIS WORSEY - Left sided defender signed for Khalsa prior to the 2019-20 season having previously played for Lye Town and made his debut in a 10 win away to Boldmere St Michaels in the opening game of the season. Scored his one goal for Khalsa in a 70 win over Selston that same season.

JAMES McGRADY A left sided attacking midfielder who joined Khalsa prior to the start of the 201920 season making his full debut against Stourport Swifts in August 2019. James scored 10 goals in a pandemic shortened season, his first coming in a 5-0 win over Coventry Sphinx.

KIERON WHITTAKER - Former Wednesfield midfielder who signed for Khalsa in February 2019 having spent the rest of the season at West Midlands Regional League side Wolverhampton Casuals. He made his first appearance for Khalsa in a 1 0 win against Lye Town in March 2019 and followed this with a string of impressive performances which he wrapped up by scoring his first goal in Khalsa colours during the 5 2 win against Dunkirk on the last day of the 2018-19 season.

LIAM ARMSTRONG - Liam arrived at Sporting Khalsa in September 2018 having started the season at Bromsgrove Sporting after joining the 2017-18 Midland Football League champions in the later stages of their campaign. The former West Bromwich Albion and Shrewsbury youngster was previously with Shawbury and Bridgnorth. Made his first appearance for Khalsa as a substitute in a 4-2 win against South Normanton Athletic in September 2018 and scored his first goal for the club in a 3-2 victory against Paget Rangers in the Walsall Senior Cup in November 2018.

MIKE PERKS Although ostensibly a defensive midfielder, ‘Nosha’ is a frequent goalscorer, spending as much time in the final third as he does the first third. Previously of Gornal Athletic and Tipton Town fame, he arrived at Sporting Khalsa part of the way through the 2014-15 season and, although needing time to adapt to his new surrounds after a spell out of the game, played an invaluable part in the championship winning campaign.,

SEAN WILLIAMS Returning to Khalsa in December 2018 from Quorn, ‘Willo’ has been a regular on the local non-league scene for many years, turning out for Willenhall Town, Oldbury Athletic, Cradley Town, Bromsgrove Sporting, Studley and Highgate United amongst others. He previously had a short spell with the club during the final stages of the 2014-15 championship season. Despite being one of the senior players in the squad, he plays with the energy and enthusiasm of someone half his age. He made his first appearance during his second spell in a 4-1 Boxing Day victory over AFC Wulfrunians and got his first goal in the following game against his old side Quorn. During the 201819 season he bagged five goals in 21 appearances and was awarded the Midland Football League Player of the Season.

JOSH McKENZIE - Veteran striker who joined Khalsa for a third time in 2019-20 having played for Lye Town the previous season. Scored 13 goals in 2019-20 and kicked off this season with a hat-trick in the FA Cup win over Coventry Sphinx. Previous clubs include Studley, Bromsgrove Sporting, Redditch United and Alvechurch.

GURJIT SINGH A dynamic front man with an excellent goalscoring record, Gaz was a prolific scorer for Smethwick and Tipton Town before clinching a move into the full-time game with Kidderminster Harriers in the summer of 2015. During his time at Aggborough he did well at National League level before moving on to Hednesford Town and Redditch United prior to his arrival at Rushall. After a spell with Sutton Coldfield Town, he returned to Rushall before joining Khalsa in March 2018. Injuries meant his contribution was restricted to four starts and three substitute appearances and a single goal (in the final game of the season against Dunkirk). Gaz returned to Khalsa for the start of the 2019-20 season scoring 13 goals.

Lets meet Sporting Khalsa

TODD FERRIER Promising young midfielder who was developed at Dudley Town before moving to Wolverhampton Casuals and then to Bilston Town for the curtailed 2020/21 season. Joined Khalsa last summer and established himself as a regular feature in the midfield in his first season at this level.

IMUDIANOSA OKOJIE A former Worcester City midfielder who has also featured for Walsall Wood in the Midland Football League Dan has played over 30 times for Khalsa this season.

MATT FULLOWAY - Central defender signed from Stourport Swifts in the summer of 2020 having made over 150 appearances for the Worcestershire side. His debut came in the FA Cup defeat at Leek Town in September 2020 with his league debut a few days later in the 2-1 win against Highgate United. Missed the start of the NPL campaign last season due to injury but performed well when returning to the side.

MIRACLE OKAFOR - Young striker who signed in January after starting the season with Stourbridge and moving onto Racing Club Warwick early in the campaign. Started his career at Scunthorpe United’s academy with spells at Frickley Athletic, Highgate United, Alvechurch and Guiseley before his move to the Glassboys.

RAAJAN GILL Signed from Witton Albion in the summer Gill began his career at Leicester City and has also featured for Circencester Town, Newcastle Town, Tamworth and Alvechurch. The keeper has also represented Panjab on the international stage.

HARRY CUNNINGHAM - A summer signing from Chasetown Harry is a tough tackling midfielder who began his senior career at Wolverhampton Casuals with spells at Shifnal Town and Wednesfield before joining the Scholars late last season.

ISAAC JAGROOP - A striker who signed from Highgate United in the summer after beginning his career at Ipswich Town before being released as a teenager.

JAY SANGHA - A product of the Khalsa youth system Jay captained the U19’s last season and made his debut in the FA Trophy win over Dereham Town in September.

ANDY PARSONS An experienced defender Parso is no stranger to football at this level having played for Alvechurch, Halesowen Town and Bedworth United before making 17 appearances for Chasetown last season. Having won promotion at this level with Alvechurch his experience will be invaluable.

YUSSIF ADAM - A young defender who made a dozen appearances last season during the club’s first season at step 4 having made his debut the previous season.

TOUMANI SIDIBIE A young striker with an eye for goal. Pacey energetic forward signed from Evesham United.

LEWIS ARCHER A young striker with an eye for goal . Signed from Boldmere St Michaels-

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