Canvey Island v Heybridge Swifts - Saturday 5th February 2022

v Heybridge Swifts Pitching In Isthmian League North Saturday 5th February 2022 - 15:00

Canvey Island Football Club Chairman: John Batch Directors: Gary Britnell, Billy Heale, Danny Heale, Michael O’Brien, Chris Sutton, Gary Sutton, Lesley Wright, Nicholas Wright Manager: Brad Wellmen Assistant Manager: Sammy Knott Director of Football: Danny Heale Goalkeeper Coach: Stacey Shave Physio: Alex Waller Head Groundsman: Dave Leigh Chief Steward: Gary Wickens Grants & Funding Officer: Rod Hall Snr Honours Thurrock Combination League Champions: 1955/56 Greater London League Champions: 1967/68, 1968/69 Essex Senior League Champions: 1986/87, 1992/93 Diadora Division 3 Runners Up: 1994/95 ICIS League Division 2 Champions: 1995/96 Ryman League Division 2 Champions: 1997/98 Ryman League Division 1 Champions: 1998/99 Ryman League Division 1 North Playoff Winners: 2007/08 Ryman Premier League Runners Up: 2000/01, 2001/02, 2002/03 Ryman Premier League Champions: 2003/04 Isthmian Charity Shield Winners: 2018/19 Thurrock Combination League Cup: 1952/53, 1955/56 Grays and District Charity Cup: 1957/58 Parthenon League Cup Winners: 1958/59 Southend Charity Cup Winners: 1960/61 Greater London League Cup Winners: 1967/68, 1968/69 Essex Senior League Cup Winners: 1979/80, 1992/93 Essex Senior Trophy Runners Up: 1993/94 Harry Fisher Memorial Trophy Winners: 1993/94 Essex Thameside Trophy Winners: 1993/94, 1995/96, 1997/98, 2005/06 Essex Thameside Trophy Runners Up: 1996/97, 2007/08 Carlton Trophy Winners: 1995/96 Bryco Cup Runners Up: 2002/03 Essex Senior Cup Winners: 1998/99, 1999/00, 2001/02, 2011/12 Essex Senior Cup Runners Up: 2000/01 FA Vase Semi-Finalists: 1992/93 FA Vase Quarter-Finalists: 1994/95, 1995/96 FA Cup 1st Round Proper: 1995/96, 2003/04 FA Cup 2nd Round Proper: 2000/01, 2020/21 FA Cup 3rd Round Proper: 2001/02 FA Trophy Winners: 2000/01 FA Trophy Runners Up: 2003/04 Registered in England and Wales with Company Registration Number 04522700 Park Lane, Canvey Island, Essex, SS8 7PX www.canveyislandfc.com - info@canveyislandfc.com - 01268 682991 People With Significant Interest In The Club: Mr JB Batch, Mr GL Sutton and Mr MC O’Brien “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.”

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Canvey Island vs Heybridge Swifts Pitching In Isthmian League North Saturday 5th February 2022 - 15:00

CANVEY ISLAND

HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 17 9 11

Bobby Mason Ben Sampayo Jey Siva (c) Jamie Salmon Michael Finneran Evangelos Empochontsif Odei Martin Sorondo Conor Hubble Matthew Price Bradley Sach Evans Kouassi

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Callum Chafer Archie McFadden Joseph Claridge Adam Topley Alex Stephenson Darren Phillips Rhys Henry Sam Carter Andrew Fennell Jack Adlington-Pile Lionel Ainsworth

10 12 14 15 16

Harrison Chatting Elliott Ronto Callum Fitzer Tobi Tinubu McKenzie Davidson

12 14 15 16 17

Dylan Logan Daniel Walker Karl Kayembe Alam McCormack Emmanuel N'Daw

M A

Brad Wellmen Sammy Knott

M A

Steve Tilson Alan McCormack

MATCH OFFICIALS Referee: Daniel Blades Assistant: Reece Pinchback Assistant: Benjamin Horne website: twitter: facebook: instagram:

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WELCOME TO PARK LANE HOME OF THE GULLS Good afternoon and welcome to Park Lane for today's Pitching In Isthmian League North match against Heybridge Swifts.

We would like to extend a warm welcome to the players, officials and supporters of the Swifts, as well as today's match officials, and hope that they have an enjoyable visit and a safe journey home afterwards.

Heybridge Swifts

we have played twice away from home, being defeated on both occasions. On Tuesday 25th January we lost 2-1 at Maldon & Tiptree, and then last Saturday went down 2-0 away to Brentwood Town.

Upcoming Fixtures Next Saturday we travel to current league-leaders Aveley. Our next home match is in a fortnight's time when Ben Chenery's Bury Town come to Park Lane.

Both matches kick off at 15:00.

Today's visitors are currently 10th in the Pitching In Isthmian League North and come into this match on the back of a New Stewards & Ball Boys/Girls Wanted dramatic 3-2 win at home to Felixstowe & Walton United last Saturday.

Following the increased attendances at This will be our 46th competitive match Park Lane this season, we are currently against the Swifts excluding expunged looking for some new matchday stewresults, with our record to date reading ards and ball boys/girls.

P 45, W 19, D 7, L 19, F 76, A 74. Our As well as receiving free entry to the last meeting was in the reverse league matches, volunteers will also receive Registered in England and Wales with Company Number 04522700 fixture back in October when goals from free Registration food and refreshments at half time.

Park Lane, Canvey Island, Essex, SS8 7PX Matthew Price, Evangelos Empochontsif, For more information about joining our www.canveyislandfc.com - info@canveyislandfc.com 01268 Jamie Salmon and Conor Hubble earned team and the-club at682991 this exciting time, People With Significant Interest In The Club: Mr JB Batch, Mr GL Sutton and Mr MC O’Brien us a 4-1 victory. please contact Head Steward Gary Wickens on 07771 592598.

“The Isthmian Football League strongly supports the FA statement that there should be a zero tolerRecent Results ance approach against racism and all forms of discrimination. Accordingly any form of discriminatory abuse whether it be based on race or ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, faith, age, ability or any other form abuse will be reported to Lane The Football Association for action by that Association.”

Since ouroflast match here at Park (The FA 0800 085 0508 / Kick it Out 020 7253 0162)

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EDITOR'S NOTES GLEN ECKETT

Hello everyone and welcome to today's match against Heybridge Swifts.

Things haven't been going quite our own way recently in our quest for promotion.

We played pretty badly here against Barking a couple of weeks ago, conceding two poor goals and looking to slump to a fairly deflating defeat. However, a remarkable comeback in the last ten minutes showed what a funny old game football can be, scoring three times to claim the unlikliest of three points.

We couldn't follow that up on Maldon in our final scheduled evening match of the season, losing 2-1. Again, we were second best for large portions of the match, but when Matthew Price pulled one back with 14 minutes remaining, I fully expected us to come away with at least a point. We were camped in their half, but on this occasion the comeback wasn't to be.

At Brentwood last Saturday I actually thought it was a pretty even match that could have gone either way. They were given a penalty with 15 minutes remaining which some Canvey supporters closer to the action than me said was a very harsh decision, with Bobby Mason pushing a save onto Evangelos' hand which he could do nothing about. However, our penalty against Barking was also a bit on the soft side in my opinion, so perhaps

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these things level themselves out. They scored the penalty and then added a second with us short at the back trying to find an equaliser. Since Rod Stringer took over they have been in good form, so while disappointing, I didn't think there was any disgrace in that defeat.

Talking of managers, we of course come up against former-Gulls manager and perhaps our greatest ever player, Steve Tilson, this afternoon.

Tilly ran things from midfield when I started to support the club around the turn of the millennium, going on to play over 200 games for the club and captaining us to the 2001 FA Trophy before leaving to take over the managerial reins at Southend United. The rest is history as far that period of his career goes, taking the Blues up to the Championship and famously beating Manchester United at Roots Hall in the League Cup. He spent the 2012/13 season as manager here at Canvey, achieving a more than respectable 8th place finish in the Isthmian Premier League.

It's always a pleasure to see Steve here at Park Lane, although I hope this most recent visit isn't one he enjoys too much Come on you Yellows!

PLAYER PROFILES

CANVEY ISLAND FC 2021/22

Brad Wellmen

Sponsor: Wilsonwood Properties

Harrison Chatting

Sponsor: Brenda, Denise & Zak

Sammy Knott

Stacey Shave

McKenzie Davidson

Evangelos Empochontsif

Sponsor: The Tomlin Family

Sponsor: S S B Building Services

Sponsor: Nick Wright

Alex Waller

Michael Finneran

Sponsor: Mick O'Brien

Registered in England and Wales with Company Registration Number 04522700 Park Lane, Canvey Island, Essex, SS8 7PX www.canveyislandfc.com - info@canveyislandfc.com - 01268 682991 People With Significant Interest In The Club: Mr JB Batch, Mr GL Sutton and Mr MC O’Brien “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 CallumitFitzer Rob or Girdlestone Mason Hall Hubble abuse whether be based on race ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, faith, Conor age, ability or any Sponsor: Capital Holdings Sponsor: Lesley Wright Sponsor: Paul, Rob, Brad other form of abuse will be reported to The Football Association for action by that Association.”

Group Ltd & Luke (Behind The Goal) (The FA 0800 085 0508 / Kick it Out 020 7253 0162)

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Evans Kouassi

Sponsor: Gary Wickens (Head Steward)

Matthew Price

Sponsor: Alec & Steve

Ben Sampayo

Bobby Mason

Odei Martin Sorondo

Elliott Ronto

Bradley Sach

Darnell Shakes

Henry Sims

Sponsor: The French Family

Sponsor: Harvie Turner

Sponsor: The Lockhart Family

Liam Oliver

Jamie Salmon

Sponsor: Heale Property Management

Jey Siva

Sponsor: Lauren, Daisy & Gary

PLAYER SPONSORS Sponsoring a player costs £65 for the season. Your name or business name will appear underneath their photo on this page of our e-programme, and will also be on the player's profile page on our website.

Tobi Tinubu

Sponsor: The Canvey Ultras

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To sponsor an available player, please speak with Gary Sutton at a match, by calling 07790 025828 or by emailing g.sutton@sky.com.

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ISTHMIAN UPDATE LEAGUE NEWS Basildon United

Ade has made twenty two appearances for Borough this season, the last of them coming as a substitute in defeat to Kingstonian last Tuesday night. He signed for Borough from Maldon's neighbours and rivals Heybridge Swifts, although he was with them only a short time, making three appearances.

Ade previously starred for Leiston and Grays Athletic after coming through the youth ranks at Blackpool. You'll have perhaps also seen him at Dulwich Hamlet, Enfield Town, Aveley, Canvey Island and Romford, or at a higher level with Hemel Hempstead Town, Billericay Town and Braintree Town.

After recently announcing the departure of manager Jon Fowell, the club have moved quickly to appoint his replacement in the shape of former Witham Town boss Marc Benterman.

Marc moved to Spa Road in the summer of 2019 after taking Stansted to second spot in the Essex Senior League. He left the club in November, with his side sitting in sixteenth place in the Pitching In Isthmian North Division, and takes over the Bees with his new club two points and one place higher than his former club.

United stated: "Marc being a local lad, who has also previously played for the club, Potters Bar Town knows exactly what the club and our fans expect, and is a perfect fit for the job.

Potters Bar Town have announced that their We hope Marc can bring some stability to new manager is former Leatherhead boss the club, has the full backing of the club Sammy Moore. committee, and we hope is our last manSammy, best known as a player for his ager for the foreseeable future- so that we successful period at AFC Wimbledon, was are able to build something the fans can be a youth player at Charlton Athletic and proud of."

Chelsea before moving to Ipswich Town, Registered in England and Wales with Company Registration Number 04522700 Marc was previously manager at Halstead where he made his professional debut. He Park Lane, Canvey Island, Essex, SS8 7PX Town and Debenham LC. played for Brentford, Stevenage Borough www.canveyislandfc.com - info@canveyislandfc.com - 01268 682991 and Dover Athletic before his five years People With Significant Interest In The Club: Mr JB Batch, Mr GL Sutton and Mr MC O’Brien Maldon & Tiptree with the Dons, then turned out for Leyton Orient beforethat signing Leatherhead “The Isthmian Football League strongly supports the FA statement therefor should be a zeroas toler& Tiptree have announced theof discrimination.

Player-Manager. anceMaldon approach against racism and all forms Accordingly any form of discriminatory signing of Haringey Borough Hisorientation, success atgender, Fetcham Grove, abuse whether it be based on racemidfielder or ethnicity, sexual faith, age,where ability he or any Adeyinka Cole. steered them to a famous cup run and 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)

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missed out on the playoffs on goal difference, saw him snapped up by National League South Concord Rangers. He left Canvey despite steering Rangers to the playoffs, and became manager of Hemel Hempstead Town, leaving at the end of the 2019/20 season.

We last saw him last season, when he signed for Folkestone Invicta as a player. He made five appearances before the campaign crashed to a Covid-induced end.

Merstham Merstham have announced the loan signing of Chelsea keeper Sami Tlemcani.

Sami moved to Stamford Bridge aged just sixteen at the start of the 2020/21 campaign, crossing the channel from Paris FC. He has already been in the Moroccan senior international squad, and has already played for his country at Under-23 level.

He has been part of the Under-18 side at Chelsea, and is still only seventeen years old.

He may get to make his debut as the Moatsiders travel to Cray Wanderers on Saturday.

Internal Transfers Salhin Abubakar - Hanwell Town to Westfield Jamal Abubakari - South Park to Sittingbourne Melos Ajvazi - Northwood to Carshalton Athletic Michael Aziaya - Basildon United to Carshalton Athletic Myles Bowman - Leatherhead to Basingstoke Town

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Thomas Brunton - Bedfont Sports to Ashford Town (Middx) Daryl Coleman - Tooting & Mitcham United to Chipstead Thomas Cooney - Leatherhead to Hastings United Reece Deakin - Sevenoaks Town to Ashford Town (Middx) Exauce Ditu - Staines Town to East Thurrock United Sonny Dutton - Great Wakering Rovers to East Thurrock United Stephen Ellery - Canvey Island to Romford Nathan Fuma - Great Wakering Rovers to Basildon United Kyan Gulliver - Coggeshall Town to Great Wakering Rovers Finlay Lovatt - Chipstead to Bognor Regis Town David Manu - Cheshunt to Sutton Common Rovers Daniel McCullock - Barking to Basildon United Kraig McLeod - Brightlingsea Regent to Enfield Town Tristan Noel - Northwood to Sutton Common Rovers Daniel Pappoe - Wingate & Finchley to Carshalton Athletic Neville Rivelino - Nza Basildon United to Sittingbourne Imaad Sankoh - Merstham to Carshalton Athletic Charles Taylor - Cheshunt to Coggeshall Town Daniel Thompson - Margate to Whitehawk Aundre Wholas-Spencer - Coggeshall Town to Basildon United Source: isthmian.co.uk

VIEW FROM THE TERRACE JON ANDREWS

So, no sooner has 2022 arrived A shock but deserved defeat and we are already done with to an organised Great WakerJanuary. It was certainly a hectic ing side a few days later began month for the team, with the the start of our indifference in consistent Tuesday/Saturday the weeks to follow. I image the cycle certainly proving a chalteam were just as shell-shocked lenge physically and mentally. As us in the shed. For me personsuch, it’s been a month of high's ally, it seemed all too familiar. and low's.

Too often have some of the gritThey say January is a time for tier teams in this division been new beginnings. Yet it seemed our achilles heel. The pattern is like old habits didn’t fade at all always the same and always as with a derby win at the old foe painful to endure.

Grays Athletic, our 6th win in 7 We rectified our mistakes over league meetings since we both the next 2 weekends though dropped back into the 1st diviwith comfortable wins at the sion. It had the sizable away basement sides Romford and contingent partying like it was Hullbridge. Another big away still New Years Eve, aand fun chant following at Number the later made it Registered in England Wales with Company Registration 04522700 Park Lane,SorCanvey Island, Essex, SS8 7PXlike a home game, for new boy Odei Martin almost feel www.canveyislandfc.com - info@canveyislandfc.com - 01268 682991 rondo being the highlight. This save the beer being better at People With Significant Interest In The Club: Mr JB Batch, Mr GL Sutton and Mr MC O’Brien took us into the new year riding Park Lane... though maybe that’s “Theon Isthmian Football League strongly supports statement that there shouldStill, be a zero tolera wave of confidence.

Sufficethe FA just me being biased. it was ance approach against racism and all forms of discrimination. Accordingly any form of discriminatory towhether say, it ithasn’t plan sexualjob done and vital points on or the abuse be basedall ongone race orto ethnicity, orientation, gender, faith, age, ability any other form of abuse will be reported to The Footballboard Association forour actionrivals by thatbreathing Association.” since. with (The FA 0800 085 0508 / Kick it Out 020 7253 0162)

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down our neck.

Despite a valiant effort however, we crashed out of the Essex Senior Cup I’m between this at the hands of another old rival in National League South side Billericay. You wouldn’t have thought it however considering the noise being generated by the away end. We wanted to see fight in the team and, despite the home side probably being worthy winners, it left us proud of the team at full time.

My favourite away trip in the league is always AFC Sudbury, yet their heroics in the FA Cup meant that our usual Saturday outing their had to be put on ice until a midweek date. It definitely felt like the ice was forming up in Suffolk on a cold January evening, yet the boys were on fire on the pitch, a comfortable 3-0 win warming the hearts of the sizeable contingent that followed that evening. It was a game in hand too, taking us back to the top of the league where we’d hoped to stay for a little while. website: twitter: facebook: instagram:

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All that looked set to change however after the first 45 minutes at home to Barking. Much like Wakering a few weeks earlier, it seemed like another smaller but well drilled team was going to leave us with egg on our faces and dent our title hopes. Many of us in the shed, a good chunk of the 400+ crowd that day, had conceded defeat by the 80th minute. So you can image the pandemonium that ensued when we went 3-2 up just 7 minutes later. I hadn’t seen limbs like that since the last play off semi final. What an afternoon!

We knew another win on the road at Maldon could leave us clear at the top going into the last weekend of January. Fate however, dealt us a cruel hand as we slipped up against a pacy home team. We were left lacking our wounds whilst they celebrated like they’d won the cup final, a trend that’s become familiar when we faulter. Yet worse was to come at Brentwood on the Saturday.

Whilst we started the better of the two teams, our indifferent form in front of goal paid the price as Brentwood were able to ride out the storm and turn the game on its head after a somewhat dubious penalty call. Cud the rapturous celebrations from the home end and a bitter blow to our title hopes. At least the pints were 2 for 1. Fair play the Brentwood bar!

We’ve gone from 1st to 3rd in the space of a few weeks, despite winning 5 out of 8 games.

If that doesn’t go to show not only how tough this division is, but also how strong our title rivals are to keep in touch, then I don’t know what does. Still, the optimist in me tells me that there is only a point in it with 3 months and 12 games remaining.

And yet, the pessimist in me says February could be make or break for the title. With a few very tough games ahead, including a crucial game against form side and title rivals Aveley, I’d argue we need a result there website: twitter: facebook: instagram:

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and another 8 points just to stay in touch with both they and a Stowmarket team that just don’t seem to drop points. It’s a huge, huge ask. And with cracks visible after the last 2 games, the wolves will be at our door looking for blood.

We’ll need all the support we can get when as we start this run today against a good Heybridge team. Be loud and proud and let’s mirror the effort we want to see on the pitch. Come on you Gulls!

AWAY DAY GUIDE AVELEY

Chris Smith gives you everything you need to know ahead of next weekend's trip to Aveley...

Match Information Fixture: Aveley v Canvey Island Date: Saturday 12th February 2022 Kick Off: 15:00 Competition: Pitching In Isthmian League North Ground Information Address: Parkside, Park Lane, Aveley, South Ockendon, RM15 4PX Capacity: 3,500 Admission Prices: £10.00 adults, £6.00 seniors, £3.00 under-16's.

Travel Information Car: Directions from Park Lane can be found here:

Parking: Parkside accommodates over 200 parking spaces, free of charge.

Rail: Although there isn’t a train station in Aveley, it does have direct routes via the 372 bus route from both Lakeside and Hornchurch. The closest C2C stations are South Ockendon and Rainham (372 stop is just outside Rainham station). The District Line closest stop is Elm Park, where on exit you can get the same 372 into Aveley.

Food & Drink Parkside has superb facilities and accommodates a very modern, licensed club house which serves an array of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The snack bar adjacent to the clubhouse sells a range of hot food, drinks and snacks.

If you’re looking for somewhere outside of Parkside, then here are a few options: Park Tavern, RM15 4PH - 0.8 miles The Archer, RM15 5JU - 0.7 miles Woodlands Edge, RM15 5QZ - 1.4 miles

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THE TRIDENT

TRUST FUND

Providing access to grants and funding for your club, in your community

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MATCH REPORT

BRENTWOOD TOWN (A) Brentwood Town Tom Richardson (75'p) Rob Harvey (85')

2

Manager Brad Wellmen made three changes from the starting XI that were beaten 2-1 away to Maldon & Tiptree last time out.

Canvey Island 0 Central defender Rob Girdlestone missed out through injury, with Starting XI: Bobby Mason, Ben Evangelos Empochontsif coming Sampayo (Off 78'), Jey Siva (c), in to partner Michael Finneran at Jamie Salmon (Off 86'), Michael the heart of the Gulls’ defence.

Finneran, Evangelos Empochont- Harrison Chatting and Elliott Ronsif, Odei Martin Sorondo (Off 71'), to dropped to the bench, their Conor Hubble, Matthew Price, places being taken by Bradley Bradley Sach, Evans Kouassi.

Sach and Odei Martin Sorondo.

On a breezy day, the Gulls were Subs: Harrison Chatting (On 71'), kicking into the wind in the first Elliott Ronto, Callum Fitzer (On half.

86'), Tobi Tinubu (On 78'), McThe match started with a good Kenzie Davidson. tempo, with both sides having good chances in the opening Registered in England and Wales with Company Registration Number 04522700 Attendance: 350 exchanges.

Park Lane, Canvey Island, Essex, SS8 7PX On four minutes flick on header www.canveyislandfc.com - info@canveyislandfc.com - 01268 a 682991 People With Significant Interest In The Club: Mr JB Batch, Mr GL Sutton and Mr MC O’Brien Canvey Island suffered back-tofrom Bradley Sach was controlled back away league defeats on Sat- by Matthew Price. He played “The Isthmian Football League strongly supports the FA statement that there should be a zero tolerlosing away toforms in-form the ball down the leftoffor Evans anceurday, approach against2-0 racism and all of discrimination.

Accordingly any form discriminatory abuse whether it be based on race or ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, faith, age, ability or any Brentwood Town at The Arena.

Kouassi to run onto, and he manother 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)

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aged to get the better of right back James Love. Kouassi crossed to the back post for Price, but Love recovered to clear Price’s shot back across goal off the line.

The hosts had a chance soon afterwards when Rob Harvey was played in behind the Canvey defence down the left. However, goalkeeper Bobby Mason did well to come off his line and block the shot, with the follow up from distance at an open goal deflecting behind for a corner.

On 20 minutes a Canvey counter attack saw Odei Martin Sorondo play the ball out left for Evans Kouassi. He managed to evade a sliding challenge from Freddie Gard, driving into the area before seeing a shot from a tight angle turned behind by goalkeeper Ollie Bowles.

There were no further genuine chances in the remainder of the half, with both sides struggling to adapt to the windy conditions and the ball spending large periods not in play.

Brentwood had a good opportunity nine minutes into the second half when a through ball was website: twitter: facebook: instagram:

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played into the path of forward Ashley Nzala. Ben Sampayo got himself between Nzala and the ball and went down, but the referee allowed play to continue with Nzala now one-on-one.

However, Bobby Mason did well once more to come off his line and make a good save low down to his left.

The deadlock was broken on 75 minutes when Ashley Nzala’s cross from the left was handled

by Evangelos Empochontsif at the near post. Tom Richardson stepped up and sent Bobby Mason the wrong way from the spot to score.

The points were sealed with five minutes remaining when midfielder Rob Harvey was played in behind substitute Tobi Tinubu.

Harvey reached the edge of the area, shooting accurately across goal from the left and into the bottom corner.

The result sees Canvey drop to third in the table after wins for Aveley and Stowmarket Town.

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FIXTURES & RESULTS 2021/22 Date

K/O

Oppositon

Score

H/A

Competition

Say 10 Jul

15:00

Ware

W 6-2

H

Friendly

Say 17 Jul

15:00

Hornchurch

W 3-2

H

Friendly

Tue 20 Jul

19:45

Concord Rangers

W 3-2

H

Friendly

Sat 24 Jul

15:00

Billericay Town

L 4-1

A

Friendly

Tue 27 Jul

19:45

Cheshunt

L 2-1

H

Friendly

Sat 31 Jul

15:00

Bowers & Pitsea

L 1-0

H

Friendly

Tue 03 Aug

19:30

Southend United XI

W 2-1

H

Friendly

Sat 07 Aug

15:00

Welwyn Garden City

L 2-0

A

Friendly

Sat 14 Aug

15:00

Stowmarket Town

D 2-2

A

League

Sat 21 Aug

15:00

Waltham Abbey

W 2-1

H

FA Cup Preliminary Rnd

Sat 28 Aug

15:00

Felixstowe & Walton Utd

W 1-0

H

League

Mon 30 Aug

15:00

Tilbury

D 2-2

A

League

Sat 04 Sep

15:00

Bedford Town

D 0-0

A

FA Cup 1st Qual. Rnd

Tue 07 Sep

19:45

Bedford Town

L 3-2

H

FA Cup 1st Qual. Rnd Rep

Sat 11 Sep

15:00

Hashtag United

W 4-0

H

League

Sat 18 Sep

15:00

Hullbridge Sports

D 1-1

H

League

Sat 25 Sep

15:00

Coggeshall Town

W 4-1

H

FA Trophy 1st Qual. Rnd

Tue 28Registered Sep 19:45 Brentwood Town 4-2 H League in England and Wales with Company W Registration Number 04522700

Park Lane,Swifts Canvey Island, Essex, SS8 7PX A League 15:00 Heybridge W 4-1 www.canveyislandfc.com - info@canveyislandfc.com - 01268 682991 Sat 09 Oct 15:00 Interest Ware In The Club: Mr JBDBatch, 2-2 (WMr 7-6p) A FA Trophy 2ndO’Brien Qual. Rnd People With Significant GL Sutton and Mr MC Sat 02 Oct

Tue 12 Oct

19:45

Barking

W 4-2

A

League

“The Isthmian Football League strongly supports the FA statement that there should be a zero tolerSat 16 Oct 15:00 Aveley W 3-1 H League ance approach against racism and all forms of discrimination. Accordingly any form of discriminatory 23 Oct it be based 15:00 onBury W 5-1 A League abuseSat whether raceTown or ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, faith, age, ability or any other form of abuse will be reported to The Football Association for action that Association.”

Sat 30 Oct 15:00 Burgess Hill Town W 3-0 H FAbyTrophy 3rd Qual. Rnd (The FA 0800 085 0508 / Kick it Out 020 7253 0162)

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Date

K/O

Oppositon

Score

H/A

Tue 02 Nov

19:45

Witham Town

W 6-0

H

League

Sat 13 Nov

15:00

Yaxley

W 6-0

H

FA Trophy 1st Rnd

Sat 20 Nov

15:00

Coggeshall Town

W 1-0

H

League

Tue 23 Nov

19:45

Basildon United

W 2-1

A

League

Sat 27 Nov

15:00

Tonbridge Angels

L 1-0

H

FA Trophy 2nd Rnd

Sat 04 Dec

15:00

Dereham Town

L 1-0

H

League

Wed 08 Dec

19:45

Holland

W 5-0

A

Essex Senior Cup 3rd Rnd

Sat 11 Dec

15:00

Stowmarket Town

L 1-0

H

League

Sat 18 Dec

15:00

Felixstowe & Walton Utd

L 2-0

A

League

Mon 27 Dec

15:00

Tilbury

W 5-1

H

League

Sat 01 Jan

15:00

Grays Athletic

W 3-1

A

League

Mon 03 Jan

15:00

Great Wakering Rovers

L 3-2

H

League

Sat 08 Jan

15:00

Romford

W 3-0

A

League

Tue 11 Jan

19:45

Billericay Town

L 3-1

A

Essex Senior Cup 4th Rnd

Sat 15 Jan

15:00

Hullbridge Sports

W 6-2

A

League

Tue 18 Jan

19:45

AFC Sudbury

W 3-0

A

League

Sat 22 Jan

15:00

Barking

W 3-2

H

League

Tue 25 Jan

19:45

Maldon & Tiptree

L 2-1

A

League

Sat 29 Jan

15:00

Brentwood Town

L 2-0

A

League

Sat 05 Feb

15:00

Heybridge Swifts

H

League

Sat 12 Feb

15:00

Aveley

A

League

Sat 19 Feb

15:00

Bury Town

H

League

Sat 26 Feb

15:00

Witham Town

A

League

Sat 05 Mar

15:00

AFC Sudbury

H

League

Sat 12 Mar

15:00

Basildon United

H

League

Sat 19 Mar

15:00

Coggeshall Town

A

League

Sat 26 Mar

15:00

Dereham Town

A

League

Sat 02 Apr

15:00

Maldon & Tiptree

H

League

Sat 09 Apr

15:00

Romford

H

League

Sat 16 Apr

15:00

Great Wakering Rovers

A

League

Mon 18 Apr

15:00

Grays Athletic

H

League

Sat 23 Apr

15:00

Hashtag United

A

League

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Competition

PLAYER STATISTICS 2021/22

2021/22 League Start (Sub)

Goals

Cup Start (Sub)

Goals

Total Start (Sub)

Goals

Career Total Start (Sub)

Goals

Fiky Atewologun 0(1) 0 0(0) 0 0(1) 0 0(1) 0 Billy Carter 0(1) 0 0(0) 0 0(1) 0 0(1) 0 Harrison Chatting 22(1) 4 8(2) 2 30(3) 6 228(48) 27 McKenzie Davidson 1(5) 0 3(2) 0 4(7) 0 4(7) 0 Stephen Ellery 0(1) 0 1(1) 0 1(2) 0 1(2) 0 E. Empochontsif 14(5) 1 9(1) 0 23(6) 1 23(6) 1 Michael Finneran 21(1) 0 9(0) 0 30(1) 0 77(7) 5 Callum Fitzer 1(15) 3 3(5) 3 4(19) 6 4(19) 6 Ben Foord 0(0) 0 0(1) 0 0(1) 0 0(1) 0 Rob Girdlestone 16(1) 0 4(0) 0 20(1) 0 27(3) 0 Conor Hubble 22(0) 10 5(1) 3 27(1) 13 39(1) 19 Billy Knott 0(1) 0 0(0) 0 0(1) 0 0(1) 0 Evans Kouassi 24(0) 18 9(1) 5 33(1) 23 43(2) 25 Odei Martin Sorondo 5(5) 2 1(0) 0 6(5) 2 6(5) 2 Bobby Mason 25(0) 0 10(0) 0 35(0) 0 47(0) 0 Miles Mitchell-Nelson 5(1) 0 0(0) 0 5(1) 0 5(1) 0 Liam Oliver 1(2) 0 1(1) 3 2(3) 3 2(3) 3 Matthew Price 25(0) 17 9(0) 9 34(0) 26 34(0) 26 Elliott Ronto 23(0) 4 10(0) 0 33(0) 4 43(0) 8 Registered in England and Wales with Company Registration Number 04522700 Aaron Russell 0(1) 0 1(0) 0 1(1) 0 2(1) 0 Park Lane, Canvey Island, Essex, SS8 7PX Bradley Sach 1(3) 1 0(0) 0 1(3) 1 1(3) 1 www.canveyislandfc.com - info@canveyislandfc.com - 01268 682991 Jamie Salmon 20(0) 2 5(1) 0 25(1) 2 35(1) People With Significant Interest In The Club: Mr JB Batch, Mr GL Sutton and Mr MC O’Brien2 Ben Sampayo 10(4) 0 5(2) 0 15(6) 0 19(7) 0 Darnell Shakes 3(5) 1 1(1) 0 4(6) 1 4(6) 1 “The Isthmian Football League strongly supports the FA statement that there should be a zero tolerHenry Simsagainst racism0(0) 0 0(1) 0 0(1) 0 form of 0(1)discriminatory 0 ance approach and all forms of discrimination.

Accordingly any Siva 18(0) 6(2) 0 24(2)gender, 0 faith, age, 31(3)ability or 0 any abuseJey whether it be based on race or 0ethnicity, sexual orientation, Tobi Tinubu 17(5) 1 9(0) 0 26(5) 1 26(5) 1 other form of abuse will be reported to The Football Association for action by that Association.”

Patrick Virgo 0 05081(0) 0 020 2(1) 0 2(1) 0 (The1(1) FA 0800 085 / Kick it Out 7253 0162)

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TODAY'S FIXTURES ISTHMIAN LEAGUE Premier Bishop's Stortford v Corinthian-Casuals Bognor Regis Town v Brightlingsea Regent Bowers & Pitsea v Enfield Town Cheshunt v Leatherhead Cray Wanderers v Merstham Folkestone Invicta v Carshalton Athletic Haringey Borough v Hornchurch Kingstonian v Potters Bar Town Lewes v East Thurrock United Margate v Horsham Worthing v Wingate & Finchley South Central Ashford Town (Middx) v Uxbridge Bedfont Sports v Westfield Bracknell Town v Chertsey Town Chalfont St Peter v Thatcham Town Chipstead v Basingstoke Town Hanwell Town v Marlow Northwood v Tooting & Mitcham United South Park v Binfield

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North Aveley v Bury Town Canvey Island v Heybridge Swifts Coggeshall Town v Basildon United Dereham Town v Tilbury Felixstowe & Walton United v Grays Athletic Great Wakering Rovers v AFC Sudbury Maldon & Tiptree v Brentwood Town Romford v Hashtag United Stowmarket Town v Hullbridge Sports Witham Town v Barking South East Cray Valley PM v Whitstable Town Faversham Town v Burgess Hill Town Hastings United v Hythe Town Haywards Heath Town v Phoenix Sports Herne Bay v East Grinstead Town Sevenoaks Town v Lancing Sittingbourne v Chichester City Three Bridges v Ashford United VCD Athletic v Ramsgate Whitehawk v Corinthian

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

Premier

P

W

D

L

F

A

GD

PTS

Worthing Enfield Town Bishop's Stortford Lewes Folkestone Invicta Hornchurch Kingstonian Carshalton Athletic Margate Cheshunt Bognor Regis Town Corinthian-Casuals Horsham Haringey Borough Merstham Wingate & Finchley Brightlingsea Regent Bowers & Pitsea Potters Bar Town Cray Wanderers (-3) East Thurrock United Leatherhead

27 28 27 28 25 26 26 26 26 25 26 26 27 27 26 28 28 27 23 28 25 27

18 17 14 15 14 15 15 12 12 11 9 10 9 7 9 8 8 7 7 7 4 4

4 5 9 5 7 3 3 6 4 6 10 6 6 10 3 5 3 5 3 5 5 5

5 6 4 8 4 8 8 8 10 8 7 10 12 10 14 15 17 15 13 16 16 18

65 67 52 67 59 45 50 49 45 41 41 35 40 42 35 40 28 28 36 39 26 27

38 39 28 43 30 25 39 32 46 28 38 36 40 47 46 50 70 44 51 55 65 67

27 28 24 24 29 20 11 17 -1 13 3 -1 0 -5 -11 -10 -42 -16 -15 -16 -39 -40

58 56 51 50 49 48 48 42 40 39 37 36 33 31 30 29 27 26 24 23 17 17

P

W

D

L

F

A

GD

PTS

South Central

1 Bracknell Town 24 22 1 1 63 9 54 67 2 Hanwell Town 22 15 3 4 60 22 38 48 3 Uxbridge 23 14 5 4 45 26 19 47 4 Chertsey Town 23 14 5 4 49 32 17 47 5 Basingstoke Town 22 13 5 4 47 34 13 44 6 Marlow 20 13 3 4 34 12 22 42 7 Bedfont Sports 20 11 5 4 45 29 16 38 8 Binfield 21 9 4 8 35 35 0 31 9 South Park 22 7 5 10 39 36 3 26 10 Ashford Town (Middx) 23 8 2 13 33 42 -9 26 Registered in England and Wales with Company Registration Number 04522700 11 Northwood 23 8 1 14 30 47 -17 25 Park Lane, Canvey Island, Essex, SS8 7PX 12 Westfield 24 5 9 10 29 36 -7 24 www.canveyislandfc.com - info@canveyislandfc.com - 01268 682991 13 Chipstead 22 5 7 10 34 39 -5 22 People With Significant Interest In The Club: Mr JB Batch, Mr GL Sutton and Mr MC O’Brien 14 Tooting & Mitcham United 23 6 4 13 30 39 -9 22 15 Thatcham Town 23 5 7 11 33 45 -12 22 “The Isthmian Football League strongly supports the FA statement that there should be a zero toler16 Sutton Common Rovers 22 5 1 16 25 61 -36 16 ance approach against racism and all forms of discrimination. Accordingly any form of discriminatory 17 Chalfont St Peter 21 4 2 15 20 48 -28 abuse whether it be based on race or ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, faith, age, ability or14any 18 form Guernsey 16 Football 3 Association 4 9for action 26 by that 37 Association.”

-11 13 other of abuse will be reported to The 19 Staines Town (The FA 0800 085 0508 22 / Kick 4 it Out1 020 7253 17 0162) 21 69 -48 13

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North 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Aveley Stowmarket Town Canvey Island Grays Athletic Dereham Town Brentwood Town Hashtag United AFC Sudbury Felixstowe & Walton United Heybridge Swifts Maldon & Tiptree Bury Town Coggeshall Town Tilbury Great Wakering Rovers Basildon United Witham Town Barking (-3) Hullbridge Sports Romford

South East 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Hastings United Ramsgate Cray Valley PM Ashford United Haywards Heath Town Herne Bay Burgess Hill Town Sittingbourne VCD Athletic Chichester City Corinthian East Grinstead Town Three Bridges Faversham Town Hythe Town Whitehawk Sevenoaks Town Whitstable Town Lancing Phoenix Sports

website: twitter: facebook: instagram:

P

W

D

L

F

A

GD

PTS

25 24 25 24 25 22 24 24 22 24 22 22 24 24 24 25 25 23 25 25

16 16 16 12 13 13 12 11 12 11 11 9 7 7 7 6 4 6 4 3

4 4 3 6 3 2 4 5 2 3 2 6 6 5 4 5 9 5 6 2

5 4 6 6 9 7 8 8 8 10 9 7 11 12 13 14 12 12 15 20

64 53 65 50 45 40 37 40 32 50 45 38 31 36 38 22 24 37 25 18

28 24 30 23 38 24 31 36 30 44 37 37 41 44 52 39 48 51 55 78

36 29 35 27 7 16 6 4 2 6 8 1 -10 -8 -14 -17 -24 -14 -30 -60

52 52 51 42 42 41 40 38 38 36 35 33 27 26 25 23 21 20 18 11

P

W

D

L

F

A

GD

PTS

25 24 25 24 24 23 25 25 25 24 25 24 25 24 24 24 25 25 25 25

17 14 13 14 13 12 12 12 11 10 9 7 6 7 7 6 7 6 5 4

2 5 8 4 7 5 5 4 5 7 7 7 9 4 4 6 2 4 7 4

6 5 4 6 4 6 8 9 9 7 9 10 10 13 13 12 16 15 13 17

54 54 50 48 39 38 37 37 49 36 29 25 35 28 26 24 29 30 22 24

27 31 28 26 21 25 33 32 34 24 29 37 49 43 52 34 50 50 43 46

27 23 22 22 18 13 4 5 15 12 0 -12 -14 -15 -26 -10 -21 -20 -21 -22

53 47 47 46 46 41 41 40 38 37 34 28 27 25 25 24 23 22 22 16

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CLUB HISTORY HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS

The club was established in 1880 as son. They returned to the Mid-Essex Heybridge Football Club. After join- League and were champions of Diviing the Mid-Essex League they won sion One (now the league’s second Division One in 1908–09 and again division after the creation of the in 1911–12. The club subsequently Premier Division in 1949) in 1955– became members of the Essex & 56, as well as winning the Division Suffolk Border League and were One League Cup. The club later runners-up in Division Two (West) in rejoined the Essex & Suffolk Border 1919–20. The club won the division League and were runners-up in the the following season, before finishPremier Division in 1965–66. After ing as runners-up again in 1921–22 finishing as runners-up again in and 1924–25. They later moved up 1969–70 they were founder memto Division One and were runnersbers of the Essex Senior League up in 1928–29. The club went on to in 1971. They finished bottom of win the division in 1930–31, earning the league in 1973–74, but were promotion to the Senior Division. runners-up in 1980–81 and then The following season saw them won three consecutive league titles finish as runners-up in the Senior between 1981–82 and 1983–84.

Division, as well as winning the EsFollowing their third title the club sex Junior Cup. moved up to Division Two North of AfterRegistered World War II Heybridge the Registration Isthmian League. in England and Wales with Company Number 04522700 Park Lane, Canvey Island, Essex, SS8 7PX returned to the Mid-Essex League, Heybridge were Division Two North www.canveyislandfc.com - info@canveyislandfc.com - 01268 682991earning prowinning the league and the Divichampions in 1989–90, People With Significant Interest In The Club: Mr JB Batch, Mr GL Sutton and Mr MC O’Brien sion One League Cup in 1946–47. motion to Division One. In 1994–95 In 1949–50 the club joined the the club reached the firstberound of “The Isthmian Football League strongly supports the FA statement that there should a zero tolerancePremier approach Division against racism and all forms of discrimination.

Accordingly any form of discriminatory of the South Essex the FA Cup for the first time, losing abuse whetherbut it beleft based on race or ethnicity, orientation, gender, faith, ability or any League, after a single sea- sexual1–0 to Gillingham in a age, home match 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)

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that was moved to Layer Road in Colchester. In 1995–96 they finished the season as Division One runnersup and were promoted to the Premier Division. The club reached the first round of the FA Cup again in 1997–98, losing 3–0 at Bournemouth. Another first round appearance in 2002–03 ended in a 7–0 defeat to Bristol City. A sixteenthplace finish in 2003–04 saw Heybridge play-off with St Albans City for a place in the new Conference South, but they lost 4–3. The club were Premier Division runners-up in 2005–06, qualifying for the promotion play-offs, in which they lost on penalties to Hampton & Richmond Borough in the semi-finals following a 1–1 draw.

Heybridge remained in the Premier Division until the end of the 2008–09 season, when they were relegated to Division One North. A third-place finish in 2013–14 saw them qualify for the play-offs, but they went on to lose 3–0 to Harlow Town in the semi-finals. In the 2017–18 season the club reached the first round of the FA Cup for the fourth time, losing 3–1 at Exeter City; winger Sam Bantick scored Heybridge’s first goal in the proper rounds of the competition. They

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also finished fifth in the renamed North Division, reaching the playoffs. However, the club were beaten 2–0 by Haringey Borough in the semi-finals.

Last season the club reached the playoff final under the management of West Ham United legend Julian Dicks. Playing away to local rivals Maldon & Tiptree, the Swifts were 2-0 before the hosts amazingly scored twice in the 90th minute to send the tie to extra time. With no further goals the match went to a penalty shootout which Heybridge won. However, due to a restructure of the non-league pyramid, the Swifts' points-to-game ratio meant that they were not rewarded with promotion despite winning the final.

Julian Dicks left at the end of the campaign to take over as Slaven Bilic's number two at West Bromwich Albion. He was replaced

by Colchester United legend Karl Duguid who stepped up from being assistant manager.

Dicks returned ahead of the 2021/22 season but resigned after a poor starr to the campaign, with assistant manager Steve Tilson taking over in September 2021.

So, after much deliberation, while playing for Luton Town. doubt and concern, England C is “I loved my time with England back – and in a whole new guise.

C,” he said. “We travelled to It’s been two-and-a-half years countries that we probably never since Paul Fairclough led out Non- would have visited otherwise and League’s Young Lions with many saw some unreal places. fearing that crippling FA finances “The support from the coaching from the pandemic may spell the staff was really hands on and they end of the institution which has were very good at the diet and had young semi-professionals psychology side of things. People dreaming of representing their might be surprised by how profescountry since 1979. sional the England C set-up is run.

You needn’t go far to realise just “It was such an honour to be what donning those Three Lions capped at international level as means to a Non-League footballa Non-League player. I found it a er. Players now playing in the top- great opportunity to test myself flight of English pride have done against top young footballers so with immense pride and speak from places like Russia and Turfondly about how the experience key. helped develop themand as Wales a player “Most of theNumber players04522700 around me Registered in England with Company Registration Park Lane, Canvey Island, Essex, SS8 7PX – and as a man. in Paul Fairclough’s squad moved www.canveyislandfc.com - info@canveyislandfc.com - 01268 682991 Only a few weeks ago, NLP colthe League the People With Significant Interest In The Club: Mr JBinto Batch, MrFootball GL Sutton and Mr MCand O’Brien umnist Tony Incenzo spoke to Premier League. I am sure that “TheQPR’s Isthmian Football League strongly supports the FA thatCthere should be a zero tolerformer Watford striker Anmystatement England appearances helped ance approach against racism and all forms of discrimination. Accordingly any form of discriminatory dre Gray itabout hisonsix England C sexualme progress as afaith, footballer.

The abuse whether be based race or ethnicity, orientation, gender, age, ability or any other of abuse will be 2012 reported to The Footballwhole Association for action byprepared that Association.” capsform won between and 2014 experience me (The FA 0800 085 0508 / Kick it Out 020 7253 0162)

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towards playing at a much higher level of club football.

“I would definitely recommend England C to any young NonLeague players who are aspiring to move forward in their careers.”

Thankfully, calls for a reunification of the England C post-Covid have been heard and last week it was announced that the Three Lions would return to play their first game since June 2019 when they take on Wales C at Caernarfon Town on Wednesday, March 30.

As he has since 2003, Paul Fairclough will once again take the reins – but this time has an altogether different job on his hands with his squad selections no longer limited to players under the age of 23.

That means, the veteran former Barnet and Stevenage chief literally has the pick of Non-League football to choose a squad from and with the likes of Wrexham, Stockport and Chesterfield all spending big and taking the National League to a whole new level, that’s a pretty mouthwatering task.

I mean, can you imagine a strike website: twitter: facebook: instagram:

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force, for example, containing the likes of Kabongo Tshimanga and Michael Cheek and boosting with the experience and firepower of an Ollie Palmer, Paddy Madden or Paul Mullin?

Interestingly, this new England C set-up will no longer by funded by the Football Association but instead jointly by the National League and the Trident Leagues at Steps 3 and 4.

The FA have remained pretty tight-lipped on the reason for this but, thinking about it, with the TV connections that the National League have, could it be that the England C team begin to get the exposure that they deserve?

This, in turn, can resurrect careers and propel new ones with players of all levels vying for their chance to go under the spotlight.

At The NLP, we are naturally delighted to see the England C team back in action and can’t wait to see how the new venture unfolds.

It may have taken a while but the Three Lions are roaring again.

By Jon Couch