VS HYTHE TOWN
ISTHMIAN LEAGUE | SOUTH EAST DIVISION TUESDAY 4 MARCH 2025 | KICK OFF 7.30PM
EAST GRINSTEAD TOWN FC
The Vistavis Community Stadium College Lane | East Grinstead | RH19 3LS
Tel: 01342 325885
FROM THE CHAIRMAN
Good evening everyone and welcome to the Vistavis Community Stadium for tonight’s Isthmian League South East Division match against Hythe Town. I would like to extend a warm welcome to all the Cannons’ officials, management, players and supporters as well as this evening’s referee Harry Wood and his assistants Christopher Findlay-Geer and Mathew Dyson. I trust everyone enjoys their brief stay and our hospitality. On behalf of everyone at the club, I would like to offer our sincere and heartfelt condolences to our stalwart Lester Medcalf on the passing of his son Timothy. Our thoughts and prayers are with Lester, his wife Jenny, Timothy's brother Daniel and all Timothy’s family and friends. His main sport was athletics but he did play in goal for our reserves on a few occasions. There will be a minute's silence before tonight’s match in Timothy's honour. We say goodbye tonight to Adam Robinson and wish him and his wife all the very best on their relocation to Norfolk. This will be Robbo’s last match as kitman and we would like to sincerely thank him for all his support over the years, both on the terraces and to Drew and the lads, He will be missed but once a Grinner, always a Grinner. Anyone that would like to step into his shoes, please get in touch.
Saturday saw us lose 1-0 at home in a tight match to Three Bridges which was particularly bitter to take as all our supporters were adamant that goalscorer Noel Leighton should have received a second yellow for a challenge on Matte Pierson three minutes before he scored.
We are in 16th position with 34 points from 28 games. The Cannons beat Lancing 2-1 on Saturday and had Harry Heath and Alex Laing in their starting XI after their move from Lancing last week.
The reverse fixture at Hythe is on 22nd March. We are away at Erith Town this Saturday. Thank you all for coming along this evening and whatever the outcome of the match, I trust everyone enjoys their visit to East Court and I wish you all a safe journey home.
OWNERSHIP STATEMENT
In accordance with the Football Association's Rule 2.13 (publication of ownership) in relation to Step 1 to Step 6 Clubs within the National League System East Grinstead Town FC is an unincorporated association / members club and a Community Amateur Sports Club (reg no CASC 02270).
Followuson:
ClubManagement:
Chair & Treasurer: Richard Tramontin
Secretary & Vice chair: Brian McCorquodale
Senior Football Officer: Steve Norris
Head of Recruitment: Matt Wheeler
Commercial Manager: Steve Norris
Club Welfare Officer: Brian McCorquodale
Disability Welfare Officer: Stuart Gibson
Safety & Facilities Officer: Barry Bryant
Bar Manager: Stuart Gibson
Press Officer: Bruce Talbot
ED&I Officer: Andy Dodson
FootballManagement
Manager: Drew Cooney
Assistant Manager and Team Coach: Ian Nicholls
Assistant Team Coach: Steve Sargent, Matt Wheeler
Physiotherapist: Kit manager:
Disability Team Manager:
Youth Coordinator & Development: Under-18 Managers:
Under-16 Amber Manager:
Under-16 Black Manager:
Under-14 Manager:
Under-12 Amber Manager:
Under 12 Black Manager:
Under 11 Manager:
Shannon McEvoy
Adam Robinson
Ant Bowler
Jay De Vito
Lewis McDonnell & Kevin Wright
Lewis McDonnell
Nigel Leach
Sean Clarabut
Ted Symes
Tom Butcher
Ben Payne
FROM THE Dugout
GOOD AFTERNOON AND WELCOME TO TONIGHT'S GAME AGAINST HYTHE.
We come into tonight’s fixture off the back of a narrow 1-0 loss to local rivals Theee Bridges. After beating them early on in the season honours are shared for this years rivalry. The first half was a very even affair with both sides creating a couple of chances but all in all a very even game. I genuinely thought at half-time it had 0-0 written all over it, but warned the lads at half time the game would more than likely be decided on a set piece and that was the way things turned out.
Disappointingly we look to have lost Will Hoare for tonight’s game due a nasty knock he took, but we should welcome back skipper Glenn Wilson. I’ve reminded the lads the fact we have nine games this month, five more of those are at home so it’s really importantly we bounce back tonight before a tough away trip on Saturday to Erith.
As ever we thank all the fans for their support. This month more than ever it’s really important that everyone sticks behind the lads during this busy period.
Thanks,
DrewCooney
HYTHE TOWN TheAwayEnd
Meet the Cannons
Hythe Town FC Player Profiles 2024-2025
Joe Coleman
Joe joined us at the beginning of the season. He started his career up the hill at Folkestone Invicta coming through the youth set up. He returned to the club after university and made his debut in December 2022.
Lex Allan
At 6ft 7in, Lex is a giant in the back four. He joined Hythe from Sittingbourne who he joined from Sunday League football. He is another who stuck with the club through the difficult times and is now club captain.
Louie Procopi
Louie joined during the close season from Ramsgate. He is a bright player with real prospects to play higher.
Theo McKenzie
Theo signed for Hythe in August. He is a young defender who played for Holmesdale last season. He started his career with Dartford before playing for Sittingbourne.
Sam Smith
Sam has joined the Cannons on a loan deal from Maidstone United. He joined Stones from Rochester City. Sam has played in the Maidstone first-team.
Amadeus Addotey
Young midfielder who came through the Bromley FC youth system.
Harry Rowland
One of the heroes at the end of last season, who stepped up to the mark. He had been a fringe of the first team squad having been on dual registration with Larkfield & New Hythe.
David Ozobia
Played for VCD Athletic, Herne Bay and Erith & Belvedere before joining Ashford United in October last season.
Kian Scott
Having come through the Folkestone Invicta youth set up, Kian joined Hythe during the summer.
and more Cannons...
Michael Aziaya
Michael joined the Cannons in September from Punjab United. The 28-year-old midfielder brings to the club vast experience having played for Sevenoaks Town, Carshalton Athletic, Linköping City (Sweden), Burgess Hill Town, Eastbourne Borough, Thamesmead Town, Dartford, VCD Athletic, Merstham and Erith & Belvedere. Siao Blackwood.
Midfielder Siao joined from former Isthmian North club, New Salamis. The 34-year-old has had a number of former clubs in his career including Haywards Heath Town.
D’Jean Spencer
D’Jean arrived at Reachfields in September having played for Sheppey United.
Riley Court
Has come to Hythe on a one month loan from Maidstone United.
Ellis Brown
Experienced attacking midfielder who joined in November from Folkestone Invicta.
Medy Elito
Medy joined Hythe from from Ramsgate. Has also played for Newport County, Cambridge United, Wealdstone and Welling United.
Josh Theobald
Exciting young midfielder who joined the club in the close season from Badshot Lea.
Sammi Takaloo
Son of former Hythe favourite Mo Takaloo, Sammi joined the Cannons at the start of the season from Herne Bay.
Kelvin Ogboe
26-year-old former Faversham Town striker came to Reachfields in September. Has also played for VCD Athletic, Hastings United, Millwall, Phoenix Sports and Bromley.
Anthony Andesite
Anthony signed for the Cannons in September. He is a striker who can also play in midfield.
Vance Bola
Prolific striker who joined the Cannons in October from Ramsgate.
Danny Parish
An experienced striker who started in the Brentford youth set up before earning a full-time contract in 2016. He went out on loan to Billericay Town before a permanent move to Wealdstone. Danny has also had spells at Maldon & Tiptree, Welling United, Hastings United, Canvey Island and Ashford United. He joined us from Sittingbourne in November.
FIXTURES & RESULTS
AUGUST
Sat 3 AugAGlebeFA Cup EP2-0192Folkes, Tighe
Sat 10 AugAMargateIsthmian South East0-0402
Sat 17 AugHRedhillFA Cup P1-3193Spinks
Fri 23 AugHAFC Croydon AthleticIsthmian South East2-1228Lawson, Weaire
Mon 26 AugASevenoaks TownIsthmian South East2-2107Harris, Daniel
Sat 31 AugHDeal TownIsthmian South East2-3124Daniel, Tighe SEPTEMBER
Tue 3 SepHMersthamVelocity Cup 20-1115
Sat 7 SepAHartley WintneyFA Trophy 1Q1-2163Harris
Tue 10 SepHBroadbridge HeathIsthmian South East1-293Folkes
Sat 14 SepAPhoenix SportsIsthmian South East2-186Daniel, Weaire
Sat 28 SepABurgess Hill TownIsthmian South East1-2415Humpherston OCTOBER
Tue 8 OctANewhavenSussex Cup 21-1Harris
East Grinstead Town win 7-6 on penalties
Sat 12 OctASteyning Town CommunityIsthmian South East3-2110Andrade Filipe, Tighe, Folkes
Tue 15 OctHAshford UnitedIsthmian South East1-3113Tighe
Sat 26 OctAThree BridgesIsthmian South East1-066Christmas NOVEMBER
Sat 2 NovHErith TownIsthmian South East0-4123
Tue 5 NovABroadbridge HeathIsthmian South East2-4107Daniel, Tighe
Sat 9 NovHPhoenix SportsIsthmian South East4-2101Harris, Humpherston, Christmas, Daniel
Tue 12 NovHLancingSussex Cup 30-277
Sat 16 NovAAshford UnitedIsthmian South East0-3434
Sat 30 NovHLancingIsthmian South East1-3119Jabbie DECEMBER
Tue 3 DecHRamsgateIsthmian South East2-1102Lovatt 2
Sat 14 DecAHerne BayIsthmian South East2-1374Thompson, Harris
Tue 17 DecABeckenham TownIsthmian South East2-2182Tighe, Harris
Thu 26 DecAEastbourne TownIsthmian South East1-1309Tighe
Sat 28 DecHMargateIsthmian South East0-2210
JANUARY
Sat 18 JanALittlehampton TownIsthmian South East1-0278Harris pen
Tue 21 JanASittingbourneIsthmian South East0-3189
Sat 25 JanALancingIsthmian South East6-2263Lovatt 3, Daniel 2, Tighe
FEBRUARY
Sat 15 FebHSteyning Town CommunityIsthmian South East0-1139
Tue 18 FebHSheppey UnitedIsthmian South East2-196Daniel, Humpherston
Sat 22 FebARamsgateIsthmian South East1-21208Tighe
MARCH
Sat 1 MarHThree BridgesIsthmian South East0-1220
Tue 4 MarHHythe TownIsthmian South East7.30pm
Sat 8 MarAErith TownIsthmian South East3pm
Tue 11 MarHBeckenham TownIsthmian South East7.30pm
Sat 15 MarHHerne BayIsthmian South East3pm
Tue 18 MarAMersthamIsthmian South East7.45pm
Sat 22 MarAHythe TownIsthmian South East3pm
Tue 25 MarHSevenoaks TownIsthmian South East7.30pm
Sat 29 MarHLittlehampton TownIsthmian South East3pm
APRIL
Sat 5 AprASheppey UnitedIsthmian South East3pm
Sat 12 AprHSittingbourneIsthmian South East3pm
Sat 19 AprADeal TownIsthmian South East3pm
Mon 21 AprHEastbourne TownIsthmian South East3pm
Sat 26 AprAAFC Croydon AthleticIsthmian South East3pm
TBAHBurgess Hill TownIsthmian South East
TEAM LINE UP
EAST GRINSTEAD TOWN
Mattie Pierson
Warren Colman
Tom Cadman
Michael Wilson
Matthew Weaire
Glenn Wilson (C)
Finlay Lovatt
Charlie Harris
Connor Tighe
Alex Andrade Filipe
Omar Folkes
Matthew Daniel
Kieran Humpherston
Will Hoare
Luke Harrison
Charlie Gibson
Colours:
TOWN
EAST GRINSTEAD TOWN HISTORY
Programmes from the Past by Lester Medcalf
I'm going back a number of years for programmes produced for two games played in the past on today's date. First up is an away match some 25 years ago Worthing United v East Grinstead on 4 March 2000 in division 2 of the Sussex County League.
I'm not sure if I went to the game and I certainly don't have any memory of it. The 12 page Worthing programme has very little written material in it though we do have league tables for the three first team County Leagues and another three for the league's reserve teams. Plus a full set of the Worthing United results and a list of he number of games played (and goals scored) by each of their first team players.
The only written material was some 60 words welcoming us. We had played Worthing at home back in September but the programme doesn't look back at that match and neither does it talk about Worthing's more recent games.
Our home game against Worthing had taken place in September and was a 2-2 draw with our scorers being Stuart Hardy and Ian Pennells. The league table tells us that at the beginning of March with 18 teams in the league we are 13th and Worthing are one place above us.
Our own programme for our next home match does talk about our trip to Worthing, calling it “probably our worst display of the season” even after Worthing had played for 55 minutes with ten men as a result of their goalkeeper being sent off. We lost 2-1 with Stuart Hardy scoring our goal from the penalty which was part of their keeper's red card.
Ten home games in a row!
We move on a few years for a look at East Grinstead v Selsey on Saturday 4 March 2006. We're again in division two of the Sussex County League with what must be Grant Hearn on the front cover trying to win a header.
All of our programmes at that time – thanks to Lee Quinn and Bruce Talbot – were a bit special. 50 pages, inevitably lots of adverts, but lots of articles to read. I won't be able to tell you everything that was in the programme.
We start with notes from the editors and the first item is truly “ridiculous for a senior league”. The game against Selsey was to be the first of ten consecutive home matches for us. Now it was true that we had 13 league games still to play with only three being away matches, but surely those away matches could have been slipped in here and there.
We had news of the building of our new stand – which in fact never happened. We had planned to have it built more or less where the current stand is, but this was turned down by many of the powers that be. But things changed later on.
Team manager Bobby Smith welcomed our visitors and briefly mentioned our away match in Selsey earlier in the season – we had lost 2-0 and could have had no complaints about that. More recently we had had a bad January losing four of our five matches with much of that happening because of injuries. He was hopeful that things were improving.
The two most recent matches had seen wins over Seaford 4-1 (goals from Simon Tadman 2, Barry Leete and Ben Burns) and then Midhurst 5-0 (Matt Garrett 2, Matt Thorpe, Phil Thompson and Ben Burns).
Lots and lots more to read but not enough space to tell you. Onto the match against Selsey. The league table shows us in ninth place and Selsey doing well in third place (18 in the league). And Selsey were to collect the points again with a comfortable 3-0 win.
If your memory has been jogged by this article then I’d be happy to hear from you at lestermedcalf@btinternet.com.
