HUFC vs Three Bridges FC - ILSE

Welcome

Club CEO/Chairman

Billy Wood

believed we could and would do. Success, trophies, success, and trophies …. that’s what we want Hastings United to be known for and we strive every day to do that.

I would like to welcome the committee, management, players and supporters of Three Bridges FC today, however as always, I will not be extending any wishes of good luck ahead of the game! :-)

Last Saturday was a big moment for us, I never forget how many felt around the Pilot Field after Cray Valley PM’s last-minute winner here in November. We looked well out of the title chasing pack and after back-to-back losses many questioned if we had enough in us to even make the playoffs!! Always positive about our chances we reminded the supporters that this was a marathon and not a sprint, in that time Gary, Browny and Meano have galvanised this squad to go on one of the most remarkable runs we’ve ever seen and after turning around a 1-0 deficit to a 2-1 win away at Cray Valley PM last Saturday it truly feels closer than ever.

7 games to go and today will be a tough one, but with a 10-point cushion at the top we must remain focused, positive, and ready to get over the line and deliver the first Men’s league trophy in 20 years. Something I always

Today we will also hold a minute’s applause for the life of former player, manager, and Chairman Peter Eastman. Peter dedicated a large chunk of his life to this football club, and I found it a pleasure to get to know him a little better in my first season here as he would always be in the Directors Box with us. We can never forget the hard work individuals did before us and lets really make sure Peter’s presence is felt today.

Let’s continue to be that 12th man, the wall of noise at the ground is becoming phenomenal across the ground and it’s you that makes this club what it is. Keep cheering on and making the players from both sides know you’re here.

ONE GAME AT A TIME … BUT DOESN’T IT FEEL CLOSE!!!

COYU ...

Billy Billy Wood HUFC Chairman / Chief Executive Officer

Welcome everyone to The Continental Pilot Field as we welcome Three Bridges today for another bout in the Pitching In Isthmian South-East League.

Good afternoon and welcome to the Continental Pilot Field.

We welcome our visitors’ today Three Bridges who have been in fantastic form. Their management deserves a lot of credit. Their brand of football has changed significantly but they’ve also kept some of their old principles as a football club. We have to be once again on top of our game to gain a positive result.

We go into our last seven games on the back of seven victories. It’s been very pleasing to see the consistency and we’ve had to come through different games and different situations, which is great especially for my management career as I see it all as a learning curve.

We must strive to stay consistent but also I must stress to my players to also enjoy our current league situation, success can be rare in football so smile and work hard!

Fans get behind us, and hopefully we can bring smiles on faces.

Onwards and upwards!

Gary Gary Elphick HUFC First Team Manager

The Gaffer

Gary Elphick

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 Continental Pilot Field and wow 10 points clear at the top, we’re nearly there! After two great wins, both home and away, we go into today's game with 7 left to go with lots of belief and confidence both on and off the pitch. This Club has always been special but we could be on course to make history, something that everyone deserves from the players to the supporters. Its finally our time.

I would like to welcome and thank today's Match Sponsor, C B Electrical Contractors SE Ltd who are based in St Leonards-on-Sea and are one of our top Business Partners, sponsor our Academy and generally support HUFC.

They began in 2001 as a small local Electrical Contractors In Hastings East Sussex. Their CEO and Managing Director Craig Barrow founded this friendly business and has helped to bring it to a standard that it is today. They are almost unrecognisable from the small company opened all those years ago. The business has not only grown in strength, but also the reputation. C B Electrical are very well known in the area of Hastings, East Sussex, Kent, London, Essex and across the UK. Many of their commercial clients are long-standing multi-million pound brands. And their regular domestic customers have generated via recommendation and word of mouth from offering excellent

Commercial Director Hayley Clout

services at an affordable cost with a friendly attitude, no pressure and delivering projects on time and to the highest standard.

For more details, please visit their website: www.cbelectricalcontractors.com

We thank them for their continued support and CEO and Founder Craig who is also one of our Directors here at the Club. We hope Craig and his 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, George and our Pre Academy Under-6s who will form next seasons Under-7s.

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

Enjoy the game and hopefully 3 points!

Hayley

MATCH MASCOTS

CLUB STATEMENT –

Tilekiln Football Park

Planning delayed again by Local Authorities

Hastings United have been informed by our planning consultants that our planning applications for both the Pilot Field and our new stadium complex at Tilekiln will not be heard at the committee planning meeting set to take place on Wednesday 23rd March.

This is despite assurances from the Local Authority that this would be the case. To put this in context both outline Planning Applications were submitted in October 2020, nearly 18 months ago.

The excuse given was that the Planning O fficer requires more ecology reports despite these being provided to the council many months ago.

Hastings United Co-Owner and Director Daren Burney: “In 35 years of property investment and developing I have never experienced any outline application taking such time, or the number of reports and information being sought in such a disorganised manner. Politics are in play here and no wonder the town lags behind most other seaside towns when the Council does not seem to have the ability or will to deliver major schemes bringing significant economic growth and improvement to the town.”

Hastings United would like to report that the cost of both planning applications runs into tens of thousands of pounds funded by the owners and with the continuous delaying tactics the scheme costs has risen substantially making the scheme much harder

to deliver. We must now seek all options to find a new stadium relocation as there is no confidence that the local authority wants to assist the club despite the Football Club continuously looking to deliver for the local community.

Billy Wood, CEO: “Over the last three years the club has significantly grown the football and community engagement offering in this town, two key examples being our free weekly sessions for ages 3-6 years of age every Saturday and our project with local not-for-profit Eggtooth led by Sally Greig, delivering free well-being football sessions for women aged 16+ who may not have engaged previously, giving them a space to enjoy exercise and feel comfortable in a social environment. We have over 300 plus boys and girls playing football in our youth teams and find it a constant a struggle finding facilities due to the sad decade upon decade decline of sporting facilities in this

town. This project gives this town the opportunity to put so many wrongs right, but we constantly seem to be offered a spanner in the works right at the death of every date we get given. We are moving with purpose, committing to on the pitch success with both our Men’s and Women’s teams striving for honours, plus our Under-23s crowned Sussex Cup Winners this year. The crowds we are getting on average over 1,000, including lots of families per game this season, the engagement locally and the swell of support need to be recognised by the council and the planners. With this latest information, we will be calling a meeting with our supporters to discuss the clubs next steps as we cannot and will not allow the lack of drive by our council to stop the hard work and desire, we have to deliver success to this town via the vehicle of Hastings United Football Club.”

Hastings United will update supporters in due course.

12 March Round Up by: Ian Townsend

Hastings hit back to go ten clear, whilst Ashford slip up ...

The Rams hit four, Sports shock the Nuts and Bolts, and the Hawks win a five goal thriller. It’s our Pitching In Isthmian South East round up.

Leaders Hastings United saw their title credentials face a severe test, as they travelled to face Cray Valley PM, but they came through it after a battle at the Artic Stadium. Ali Tumkaya gave the Millers a first-half lead, and they held on to it until just after the hour, when an own goal drew the visitors level. Fourteen minutes from time Jack Dixon made it two-one to United, and they held out to go ten points clear.

Ashford United looked to be the only side likely to have the chance to challenge Hastings for automatic promotion, but that now looks even less likely, as strugglers Phoenix Sports left Homelands with all the points. A goal in each half for the visitors, Malaki Toussaint after a quarter of an hour and Byron Walker with twenty minutes left, did Sports chances of escaping the bottom two a power of good. They are now just a point behind third bottom Sevenoaks Town and three behind seventeenth place Three Bridges.

Ramsgate welcomed Lancing to Southwood, but weren’t all that welcoming, scoring four goals without reply. Ashley Miller got the first two, and then right at the end Oliver Bate made it three, and Bobby Dunn got the fourth. The Rams are twelve points behind Hastings, but only two behind the Nuts and Bolts - and have a game in hand.

Haywards Heath Town climbed to fourth with victory over Hythe Town. The game at Reachfields had just one goal, and it went to Tom Cadman, ten minutes before the break.

Herne Bay hosted a Kent derby as Faversham Town came to call. Bay have found form difficult to come by at perhaps the worst time, only winning three of their last ten, and yet have had moments where they have been very good indeed - and they had another of those today, moving to within two points of fifth place Cray Valley PM. Both goals came after the break, Dan Johnson with the first on fifty-seven minutes, Rory Smith with the second seventeen minutes from time.

Burgess Hill Town have seen their promotion charge slow down a little, the Hillians having lost four of their last six, and it didn’t speed up much against Whitstable Town, neither side managing a goal.

VCD Athletic welcomed relegation-threatened Whitehawk, but you wouldn’t have known the Hawks were in trouble as they emerged three-two winners. The Hawks were without a win in ten matches, and fell behind to a Kevin Lisbie effort on thirty-seven minutes, but drew level just after the hour, Ashley Wadhams with the equaliser. Javaun Splatt then gave the Hawks the lead with five minutes to go, only to see Jeff Duah-Kessie equalise almost immediately. The winner came with one minute to go, Splatt getting his second and seeing his side climb to fourteenth.

Sittingbourne travelled to face one of our form sides, Three Bridges. The two had already met twice, in league and cup, and had only been separated by a penalty shootout - and still that statistic remains after Kane Rowland got an eightyninth minute equaliser. Charlie Lambert had earlier opened the score for Bridges, a lead they held for seventy-five minutes.

Chichester City welcomed a resurgent Sevenoaks Town, but they were less resurgent after Josh Clack got the only goal of the game. It came after only nine minutes, and it sees City end the day in tenth place.

East Grinstead Town travelled to Corinthian without a win in six, with one point from the eighteen available, and having with every defeat coming without them scoring a goal. They did get a goal this time, the opener - Kie Dougla s scoring it - but it didn’t help much as their hosts hit back to score three. Lekan Majoyegbe equalised on twenty-five minutes, and after the break Harvey Smith stuck two fingers up at the visitors by scoring two goals.

HUFC vs CORINTHIAN FC - MAN OF THE MATCH - BEN POPE

Ben Pope was awarded ‘Man Of The Match’ by Match Sponsor Hastings Cocktail Club and presented by Shirley.

ON THIS DAY - 19 MARCH

1932

Stanley Matthews made his debut for Stoke City at Bury in a 2nd Division match. He played his last League matches 33 years later.

Source credit: www.footballsite.co.uk

The club were saddened to hear the recent news that Life Member, former player, manager and Club Chairman Peter Eastman has passed away following a sudden illness at the age of 82.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad and difficult time.

Photo: Scott White Photography

PETER EASTMAN

RIP Peter

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.

BEST SERVED COLD

Well, that's been a couple of outstanding issues resolved, eh? Corinthian and Cray Valley inflicted consecutive defeats on United back in November as on pitch inconsistency found itself competing with management upheavals following the shock resignation of Chris Agutter. We hadn't quite gelled, there had been the distraction of a decent run in the FA Cup and a poor performance away to Corinthian followed by the 94th minute Cray Valley heist a week later saw two 2-1 defeats on the trot.

Cray Valley was hard to take. Corinthian was - well, if you were there, you'll recall the shenanigans, it wasn't pretty to watch and the U's were out of touch all afternoon.

After the Cray Valley defeat here on 13 Novemberhere is the league table as it was then.......

Grim reading eh? Gary and his coaching team had plenty to do and as has been mused upon several times, most of you were surely thinking we would be battling for a play off spot. Play offs, lottery football, the that'll do option. So, regardless of how this season finishes, let's all big up Gary and his colleagues for getting us into as promising a position as we could ever be in.

And amongst all the good work of the last 4 months, putting right those two reversals. The first half against Corinthian was outstanding and no shenanigans. United had it won by half time. And a week later - hats off to Gary and Co for turning things around after a grim first half at The Arctic Stadium. Cray Valley are the best side I've seen home and away and half time a week ago must have lively in the away dressing room. United didn't have a good first half but a couple of changes made all the difference and that second 45 was super special. The 0-1 deficit was turned round in style as the U's got to grips with quality opposition and that tight, sloping pitch. Great management, great display and three huge points!

That's 1-1. Sam Hasler's free kick helped in by the Cray Valley 6. Finn shares his delight with the large U's contingent behind the goal.

And then it was 2-1 as Dicko scythed through the home defence to head home the winner. I got lucky

like I did at Sittingbourne and managed to get both goals. Mobile phone cameras just keep getting better and these two shots are stills off the videos. Combine that with a decent edit app and you're well away.

Two really good performances against two very different sides. And hearing 'Ashford get battered' ringing out from the Barmy Army was the icing on the cake as the 2-0 to Phoenix Sports scoreline at Homelands filtered through. Nobody saw that coming!

SUSSEX GOING WELL

Indeed we jointly are going well. Worthing - despite a 3-0 defeat at 2nd placed Bishop Stortford on Tuesday are well clear in the Isthmian Premier - 10 points the gap. As it is for us. We all expected it to close a little with Ramsgate playing their game in hand on Tuesday evening. They've been going well, getting good crowds (812 on Saturday) and they would surely beat Corinthian.

Yea right, yet another unexpected result as Corinthian won 3-1 to leave the gap as it was after Saturday's great win at Cray Valley. Just like Phoenix Sports at Ashford on Saturday, totally unexpected and very beneficial for the U's.

Littlehampton could well be playing Isthmian SE football next season. Currently 2nd in the Southern Combination Football League with a couple of games in hand and now 90 minutes away from Wembley after beating North Shields 1-0 in the quarter finals of the FA Vase. 2245 spectators in for that one and even more will turn up for their semi final (not 2 legs as it used to be) at home to Loughborough Students of the United Counties League.

30 YEARS FLEW BY

1991-92 remains in the memories of you long time followers of Hastings Town and United. That was Town's Southern League South title winning season and the last year we played in the FA Vase. And again, you long time followers will recall the infamous replay here against Wessex League Wimborne Town and the refereeing display that still has heads shaking. Paul Vosper who sent off Keith Miles and David Scott with the 9 men left going down 2-1 to Wimborne. Who went on to win the Vase.

ANSU JANNEH MOVES ON UP

Remember Ansu from three or four seasons ago? He left United for county league football at AFC Uckfield, then up to Southern League South Premier standard with Walton Casuals and now, even higher with a contract at National League Dagenham & Redbridge. Nice one, Ansu.

And on the subject of ex United players, two of them will have come up against each other at Priory Lane where Eastbourne Borough are going well in the National South play off places after beating league leaders Dorking Wanderers 3-2 on Tuesday night. Jake Elliot is a Borough player now and Davide Rodari's loan spell at Worthing was short and sweet - he's now on loan at Wanderers.

THE BRIDGES

7 games left. And today we have opposition who've had some exceptional results recently. 5-1 drubbing of Ashford, 3-2 win at Haywards Heath and a fortnight ago, 2-1 winners at Cray Valley. As always we will have to be at our best. Three Bridges are on a decent run.

Should be another decent gate! Go well, U's!

SOUTH

DIVISION TABLE 2021/22

#Team PHWHDHLAWADALWDLFA+/-PtsHome Away

1HASTINGS UNITED3111131213232669303571

2Ashford United3110339151948653629611-3L1303 2-1W 1134

3Ramsgate 31934924185868392959 2-0W 10732-3L648

4Haywards Heath T31924853177745281758 0-2L412

5Cray Valley PM318448431687593722561-2L1003 2-1W 286

6Herne Bay 30102464416684830185 41-1D949 2-0 W 420

7Burgess Hill Town318446271461145405482-3L1502 3-2W 325

8Sittingbourne31924538145124438647 2-1W 734 2-1W 349

9VCD Athletic 317456361371156391746 2-2D201

10Corinthian 31664636129103937245 3-0W 13291-2L127

11Chichester City30925356127113931843 2-0W 733 2-0W 318

12Three Bridges315565641011105258-641 2-1W 189

13Faversham Town29725231095153146-1532 4-0W 901

14Whitehawk 30356457710133343-1031 2-0W 1214 1-0W 479

15La ncing 31 53734987162952-2331 1-0W 2017

16Hythe Town31331053786173467-3330 3-0W 1102 3-0W 225

17East Grinstead Town31555231178162757-3029 5-0W 801

18Sevenoaks Town31519321183203663-2727 4-1W 206

19Phoenix Sports31321043975193152-2126 3-1W 734 4-2W 174

20Whitstable Town30248411165193360-2723 4-1W 790 1-0W 455

LEAGUE NEWS

From: Ian Townsend

CANNONS SIGN GRAY OYSTER

Hythe Town have announced the signing of Whitstable Town defender Ollie Gray.

Ollie was a Queens Park Rangers youth, but has spent almost all of his career at the Kentish seaside, having three spells with Ramsgate and two spells in Whitstable. He also spent time at Margate and inland with Sittingbourne, as well as a little time on the East Sussex coast at Eastbourne Town - it does seem as if he's addicted to sea air!

He has made eight appearances for the Oysterboys this season.

THREE FOR FAVERSHAM

Faversham Town announced three new arrivals.

Goalkeeper Kie Plumley comes in from Oxford United. Kie signed his first professional contract just before Christmas, and will remain with the Lilywhites on loan until the end of the season. He has most recently been on loan at Oxford City, and has also had loan time at Weston-Super-Mare.

Midfielder Ethan Smith is also a loanee, and he moves from Gillingham so will have a much shorter commute! Ethan has recently been on loan with Sittingbourne, where he played twice, and at the Gills he's been a regular for the Under 18 side. He's also on loan until the campaign comes to an end.

Samuel Itauma, another midfielder, joins the club from Whitstable Town. He's made six appearances for the Oysterboys this season, scoring in the draw with East Grinstead Town. He was previously with Hollands and Blair in the SCEFL, and was a youth player at Dover Athletic.

OLLIE FOR HEATH

Haywards Heath Town gave a debut to young Dorking Wanderers midfielder Ollie Allen on Saturday 5th March, the player emerging from the bench to play the final eighteen minutes of their victory over Faversham Town.

Ollie had previously been on loan with Kingstonian, where he arrived in early December, and he made six appearances during his period with the K's. Prior to Kingstonian he was on loan with Pitching In Isthmian South Central Division with Chipstead, and made fourteen appearances in green and white, after coming through Wanderers Academy.

He is highly rated, having already had a trial with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brighton & Hove Albion, as well as being linked with Nottingham Forest and Coventry City.

A BAY TRIO

Troy Williams, Tyler Cox and Joe Denny are new arrivals at Herne Bay.

Herne Bay had two new names in their squad during their defeat against Sevenoaks Town on Saturday 5th March, and a third is waiting in the wings.

Troy Williams is a right back who has most recently been in the Pitching In Isthmian Premier Division with Merstham. He has also spent time with Three Bridges, Tooting & Mitcham United, Merstham again, Grays Athletic, Lewes, Horsham and Walton & Hersham. He has made twenty four appearances for the Moatsiders this season, scoring once.

Midfielder Tyler Cox has most recently been with Ashford Town in the Pitching In Isthmian South Central Division, but he only played once, as a substitute in defeat against Westfield in January. He has also spent time with Lingfield in the SCEFL.

Joe Denny wasn't in the squad on Saturday, but the defender moves rather a long way, from Coggeshall Town, who he only joined in January and for whom he made eight appearances. He will be well known to the Bay faithful nonetheless, as he was previously with Ashford United for around ten minutes and with Faversham Town for rather longer, making seventeen appearances this season, and ten in the previous campaign. He was previously with Ebbsfleet United and VCD Athletic.

WINGER SAM IS A NEW WASP

East Grinstead give midweek debut to Sam Remfry East Grinstead Town fans didn't have much to shout about as they fell to defeat against Ashford United on Tuesday night, but they did have a new man in the number two shirt to take a look at for the first time.

Sam Remfry came through the junior and youth ranks at South Park, before graduating to the first team, making twenty four appearances for the Sparks during the 2019-20 season, scoring twice, twenty two in 2018-19 and five in 2017-18, when he scored on his home debut against Ramsgate. He then moved up two levels, signing for Concord Rangers in the National League South, and spent some loan time at Tilbury.

This season he's been with Haywards Heath Town, and indeed has played thirty-two times in blue and white, scoring six goals. He was on the bench as Heath defeated Faversham Town on March 5th.

U23 ISTHMIAN DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE SOUTH TABLE

Team PWDL GDPTS

1HASTINGS UTD U23S12 903 2227

2Cray Valley PM12 7147 22

3VCD Athletic12 6248 20

4Carshalton Athletic11 524 1017

5Tooting & Mitcham12 435 -115

6Margate 11 335 -1212

7Phoenix Sports13 337 -1312

8East Grinstead T11 308 -219

Recently adjusted table.

ISTHMIAN LEAGUE SE LEADING GOALSCORERS

Name ClubGoals

Ajayi, Joshua AdebayoRamsgate20 Perry, Daniel FrederickThree Bridges19 Barrington, Marcel OmarCray Valley PM17 Ansah, Zak AndyHerne Bay15 Bamba, YoussufVCD Athletic15 Pope, Benjamin JosephHASTINGS UNITED15 Adesite, AnthonyVCD Athletic11

Lockyer, Gay DavidAshford United11 Splatt, Javaun DelMarcoWhitehawk11 Caney-Bryan, JohanSittingbourne10 Overton, CallumChichester City9 Peck, Callum JohnRamsgate 9 Pogue, Kenny

HASTINGS UNITED8

‘Strike’ Celebration at Cray Valley PM

Photos: Scott White Photography

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

THREE BRIDGES FC

Club: Three Bridges Football Club

Club Formed: 1901

Nickname: The Bridges

Chairman: Paul Faili

Manager: Jamie Crellin

Ground: Jubilee Field, Three Bridges

BRIEF HISTORY

Founded in 1901, Three Bridges joined the Mid Sussex Football League in 1902 and were Champions of that League for the first time in the 1907/08 season. Their first major success came in 1933/34, when they won the Sussex Junior Cup, and sundry other minor honours came their way before they joined the Sussex County Football League in 1952/53, and two years later were crowned Second Division Champions.

In 1962/63 they won the Division Two Invitation Cup and in 1968/69, 1973/74 and 1979/80 were Second Division Runners Up. 1970/71 produced an against-the-odds triumph when winning the League’s Invitation Cup against Southwick (3-2). The 1980s heralded a run of successes, starting with reaching the last 16 of the FA Vase for the first time in 1981/82 before losing at Molesey (1-2). A season later they made it to the last 32 but also won the Sussex RUR Charity Cup for the first time, beating Hastings Town 3-2. Another year on saw them finish runners up in the Thorn EMI National six-a-side tournament, winning a set of floodlights. 1985/86 saw them finish as County League Division One runners up, a feat they repeated in both 1987/88 (when they also won the RUR Cup again) and 1988/89.

A fire destroyed their clubhouse in 1993 which re-focused their priorities and ultimately resulted in relegation in 1996/97. They won the Division 2 League Cup a season later and then finished runners up in Division 2 to regain Division 1 status. They were RUR Cup runners up in 2003/04 and then winners of that same prestigious trophy in 2007/08.

In season 2010/11 hopes were high when they started by winnin g their first nine League games, but eventually finished the season in 5th place. However they did win the John O’Hara League Challenge Cup for the first time that season, beating Rye United 2-1, a tremendous feat that they achieved again in 2011/12, this time AFC Uckfield being defeated 2-1. It looked like being another tough League campaign when they lost four of the first nine matches, but then lost on ly one of the remaining 29 games, which was concluded by beating Championship rivals Rye United 1-0 at home on the final day of the season! This tremendous run meant the club had achieved its ambition and become Sussex County Football League Champions. With a superb run in the FA Vase too, losing in the last 32 on a penalty shootout with Derbyshire side, Gresley FC, the 2011/12 ‘Double’ season had undoub tedly been the best in Three Bridges’ history.

Their first season in the Ryman Isthmian Football League South Division saw them struggle for much of the time. However, having been 10 points adrift at the bottom of the table in mid-February, they went on a run of 11 matches that produced 7 victories, 2 draws and just 2 defeats, earning them Team of the Month Awards in both March and April as a result. It meant that they survived the drop, but their second season in the Ryman League saw

them struggle at times again but some key signings midway through the season helped them to 19th place.

The 2014/15 season saw an even greater improvement with a healthy mixture of youth and experience guiding them into 7th position and, whilst they were happy to score 94 League goals, they were less than happy about the 95 they conceded! They improved their defensive record in conceding 67 goals in season 2015/16 but only scored 59, hardly helped by long-term injuries to strike partners Allan Tait and Tony Garrod. With 66 points, they slumped to 14th position, although they only accumulated 6 points fewer than in the previous campaign!

Bridges maintained most of that season's squad for the 2016/17 campaign. However, with at least 11 first team players out injured by September, they had to use a lot of th e U21s, Academy and U18s players and by November had lost 12 games in a row, drew three and won just one game. Towards the end of the season, they strengthened the squad but it was too late to avoid relegation.

For the 2017/18 season, Bridges kept a few of the best of the players from the previous season and strengthened the team with more experienced players in the hope of promotion once again. Having dispensed with the services of Simon Wormull, Paul Hammond and Danny Lee from the coaching team and folding the Academy team, Bridges also strengthened the management team with the additions of the experienced ex-Bridges player, Martin Dynan as Assistant Manager, and UEFA ‘A’ licensed Coach, Marc Wardley.

That season turned out to be an extremely tough one with every team wanting to beat us. However, Bridges accomplished what they set out to do by gaining promotion back to the Isthmian League having finished second place in the Southern Combination League Premier Division, just one point behind the winners, Haywards Heath Town, and despite having only lost 3 games all season.

After serving 25 years with the Club as a manager, Paul Faili stood down as First Team Manager for the 2018/19 season in order to concentrate on his role as Club Chairman, and handed the manage-

ment reins over to Martin Dynan, assisted by Liam Collins alongside Keith George. He also recruited a new U23s manager in Oliver Saunders, another UEFA ‘A’ licensed coach, to work closely with the First Team in developing both the U23s and U18s. After losing 8 out of 12 League games by the end of November, as well as being knocked out of all four cup competitions (FA Cup, FA Trophy, League Cup and Sussex Senior Cup), the future looked bleak for Martin Dynan. However, the team then went on an unbeaten run in December, earning Martin the League’s Manager of the Month Award. Unfortunately, that didn’t last and Martin’s demise was inevitable by the end of February, having lost 8 of the last nine games with relegation looming. Paul Faili stepped in for the remaining 9 games of the season attaining 4 wins, 2 draws and 3 losses – enough for a 14th place finish and 14 points clear of relegation.

Paul remained as Manager, ably assisted by Keith George and coached by Jamie Crellin who played for the Club for five seasons, but sadly had to hang up his boots after sustaining an ankle injury early in the 2018/19 season, after making 164 appearances for the Club. Oliver Saunders remained as U23s Manager, assisted by Tom Hayward who had been involved with the U18s as both Assistant Manager and Manager over the previous four seasons, while First Team player, Brannon O’Neill, was appointed as U18s Manager. Sadly Oliver decided to move to South Park as First Team Coach in November 2019, following Martin Dynan’s appointment there so Tom was appointed as U23s Manager for the remainder of the season. For the 2020/2021 season, the only change was a new manager for the U23s (Development Squad) with Ryan Gayler appointed as Manager and Tom Hayward becoming Vice Chairman.

2021/22 sees Jamie Crellin taking over as First Team Manager, with both Danny Lee and Lee Cole (former Academy manager and coach) returning to the club to join Jamie in the dugout as assistant manager and F irst Team coach respectively. The U23s have been disbanded but we will have an additional U18s playing in the Southern Combination Football League on Sundays.

MATCH REPORT

By Bob Quinn @BobJQuinn

Pope’s late winner ends

Three Bridges

for the fight. Just as it looked like the home side would hold out for a draw, up popped Pope to nod home Dave Martin’s corner and win the game.

A day of grey cloud with a touch a mizzle in the air. The pitch looks in good condition albeit a visit from a lawnmower wouldn’t go a miss. Centre-half Finn O’Mara, on a month’s loan from Folkstone Invicta, goes straight into the starting lineup alongside Craig Stone. United continue in their changed kit of sky-blue shirts and socks with white shorts. The Bridges meanwhile are in amber shirts with black shorts and socks.

is deflected narrowly over. They are then given the upper-hand with the departure of the Three Bridges goal scorer. Leighton has already gone toe-to-toe with O’Mara, then a series of tackles in midfield is halted by Leighton’s shocking challenge on Chalmers. Wild and high. He doesn’t just blot his copybook, he douses it in fuel and sets it alight. There’s no mitigation and the referee has little choice but to give his red card an early outing.

Despite the man advantage and monopolising the ball, there’s no immediate response from United.

Saturday

Ben Pope’s header ten minutes from time finally broke ten-man Three Bridges’ resistance after hanging on for almost 80 minutes. The home side opened the scoring after seven minutes through Noel Leighton’s excellent strike, but the same player was ordered off the pitch just five minutes later following a wild challenge on Tom Chalmers. Despite the majority of possession it took until the stroke of half-time for United to find an equaliser, Jack Dixon drilling home following Pope’s pass. The second-half continued in the same manner with the ‘U’s piling forward only to find the Bridges up

From the U’s kick off the tackles begin flying in and United win an early freekick which is sent wide to Martin. His cross is met by the head of O’Mara, but he’s under pressure and is off target. That would have been some start for him in a United shirt. Dixon and Kane Penn then play their way out from their own half and Pope frees Chalmers who shoots from the angle. The Bridges goalkeeper makes a fine save and there’s no United player following in allowing the ball to be cleared.

This positive start is undone by two minutes of attrition. Neither side keeps control of the ball but twice in succession the ball ends up in a shooting position for the home team. The first falls to Brannon O’Neill 25-yards out and he shoots straight at Louis Rogers. Moments later a second chance gives Leighton the opportunity to run at the United defence and he strikes a 20-yard leftfooter into the top corner. Deadlock broken, and in some style.

United are immediately on the attack and Stone’s shot from a corner

Three Bridges set themselves up with five across the midfield and a back-four, so they’re conceding possession but are otherwise looking comfortable. A series of United crosses are repelled before the first opening arrives on the half-hour. Dixon and Penn combine down the right and the fullback’s cross reaches Knory Scott in the area. Scott’s first shot is blocked and his second flies a foot over the bar.

The Bridges make a rare venture into the United half and win a freekick in a dangerous position, 25 yards out to the right of the area. The resulting shot is on target but straight at Rogers. United come again and Penn’s ‘cross’ almost drifts into the top corner before Ollie Black nods wide from Martin’s in swinging corner.

With half-time approaching the ‘U’s choose the perfect moment to score the equaliser. Stone finds Pope who sweeps a pass to Dixon who has found a yard of space on the right side of the area. One touch to control and Dixon drills hard and low into the far corner. A quality finish to make the half-time tea and oranges a tad sweeter.

Half-time:

Three Bridges

1 – 1 UNITED

The home side restart the game and immediately win a freekick on the right of the United area when the attacker gets ahead of Ollie Black who is deemed to have committed a foul. The freekick comes to nothing and not a minute later Stone releases Black down the left wing. Black gets ahead of the defender, controls the ball on his chest and is challenged from behind causing him to fall in the penalty area. It’s the exact replica of the foul Black has just been penalised for yet this time the referee waves play on. The vagaries of a referee’s decision-making are simply baffling at times.

Even so, the second-half continues in the same vein as the first with United dominating and Three Bridges standing strong in the face of a continuous onslaught. Dixon’s mishit shot is controlled by Pope who turns and shoots, the goalkeeper makes the save diving low to his left.

The next chance falls to Scott who collects a cross and fires a shot goalward. The goalkeeper makes a hash of the save but a defender is on hand to hack the ball off the line. Pope then shoots wide from 25 yards before a deep corner gives Stone a shooting chance, which is blocked, and Dixon’s follow up shot is straight at the goalkeeper.

Midway through the second-half, it’s still 1 – 1 and the ‘U’s have not yet seriously troubled the Three Bridges goal. Each cross is being cleared and when Scott rifles in a stinging shot it floors his own man, Martin feeling the full force.

With 15 minutes to go Pope’s

header is on target but without enough power before Kenny Pogue’s header has plenty of power but is off target. Other than th e amount of possession conceded the ten-men of Three Bridges have defended like 15 men. The home side have drawn eight of their 13 games and you can see why, defensively they look rock solid.

With the clock ticking down the shouts from the United bench urge the team to remain patient and they are finally rewarded. Pogue’s shot is deflected for a corner giving Martin the chance to swing a cross into the heart of the penalty area and directly onto the head of Pope who expertly nods home from close range. Ten minutes to go and the ‘U’s lead for the first time.

A few minutes later the game is almost put out of Three Bridges’ reach. Chalmers glides through the midfield and finds Pope who instantly lays the ball back to Sam Hasler some 20 yards out. His shot is destined to break the net but instead is brilliantly tipped over the bar.

The home side have made United work hard for their lead and nearly grab themselves a draw. A flicked header on the half-way line gives their attacker a run-on goal and it takes an outstanding sprint and sliding tackle by Stone to clear the danger. A true test of the hamstrings and a victory saving challenge from Stoney!

Even then Three Bridges are not yet done. In the final minute of added time they win a freekick on the right which is swung into the area where Rogers is needed to punch clear. The ‘U’s break and win their own freekick but time is up, and they leave Three

Bridges with three valuable points. Gary Elphick’s first league win as manager and United move up the table to sixth with two games in hand. A solid debut by O’Mara, more game time for Scott and Pope on the scoresheet. Real signs of the team finding their feet and form after a few weeks of turmoil.

Full-time: Three Bridges 1 – 2 UNITED

Hastings Utd : Rogers, Black (Hasler 59’), Worrall (Pogue 71’), O’Mara, Stone, Chalmers, Dixon, Pope, Penn, Scott (Azeez 78’), Martin

United Goals: Dixon 43’, Pope 80’

United Discipline: Hasler - Yellow 82’

Three Bridges : Wanat, Ashley (Stone 26’), Bromage, Brackpool, Gayler, O’Neill, Leighton, Ferreria, Villavicencio, Wilson (Bacon 84’), Perry (Barbary 64’)

Three Bridges Goal: Leighton 7’

Three Bridges Discipline: Leighton - Red 12’ Wilson - Yellow 82’

Ben Pope struck United’s winner ...

Photo: Scott White Photography

THREE BRIDGES FC

FIRST TEAM FOOTBALL MANAGEMENT

Manager: Jamie Crellin

Assistant Manager: Danny Lee

First Team Coach: Lee Cole

Physio Team: Alan Street/ Tracey Weller

Kit Man: Richard Munn

HONOURS

Sussex County League Division One

Champions: 2011–12

Runners-up: 1985–86, 1987–88, 1988–89

Sussex County League Division Two

Champions 1953–54

Runners-up 1968–69, 1973–74, 1979–80, 1998–99

Cup Honours

The Sussex Royal Ulster Rifles Charity Cup

Winners: 1982–83, 1987–88, 2007–08

Runners Up: 2003–04

Cup Records

FA Cup: Second Qualifying Round 1982–83, 1983–84, 2002–03

FA Vase: Fifth Round 1981–82

Record attendance: 2,000 vs Horsham, 1948

Most appearances: John Malthouse

Source: Wikipedia

JAMIE CRELLIN

Three Bridges FC First Team Manager Head Coach

Born 17.11.91 in Shoreham. Joined Bridges in July 2014.

Previous clubs include: Lewes, Peacehaven and Hastings United, with whom he reached the 3rd Round Proper of the FA Cup at Middlesbrough.

Played for the Club for five seasons, four as Captain, but sadly had to hang up his boots after sustaining an ankle injury early in the 2018/19 season, after making 164 appearances for the Club.

Appointed Manager ahead of the current season.

MATCH

were on the front foot and Hastings were struggling to make impact, the score remained at 1-0 at half time.

Cray Valley PM :

1. Chris Lewington

2. Connor Dymond

3. Nathan Green

By Pat McCrossan Hastings avoid

at

The second-half started with more gusto from Hastings and a different formation however Cray were still managing to get a few forays at the front. But Hastings are not a team to lie down and with sleeves rolled up, they started to dominate the game in the final third. Pope is unlucky to be denied after stealing the ball near the penalty area, but Cray stood firm and cleared. However, Hastings pressure paid off when a beauty of a free kick is converted by a defender and it’s 1-1.

4. Paul Semakula

- (7. Denzel Gayle 83’)

6. Ali Tumkaya

(Goal: 31′, Own Goal: 62′)

9. Marcel Barrington

10. Ade Adeyemo

- (11. Francis Babalola 89’)

14. Matthew A-Warren

15. Anthony Edgar (Cautioned 61’)

18. Hassan Ibrahiym (Cautioned 68’)

20. Ian Gayle

Subs:

Saturday 12 March 2022

Isthmian League South East Division

Attendance: 286

There’s an old saying that football is a game of two halves and that certainly was the case this afternoon in a sunny but breezy south London.

After a bright start from Hastings, where an early shot from Parish forced the home keeper into an early save, Cray found their feet and started to forage deep into the Hastings half. Hastings certainly battled as one would expect, but the hosts were taking full advantage of the slope and the teasing wind in their favour. As the half grew, so did Cray and they opened the scoring on 32 minutes when Tumyaka heads in at the far post from a corner. Minutes later, they try a chip from close range that Louis recovers and manages to collect. Hastings struggled but one sensed the effort was clearly there and whilst Cray

As the chilly wind battled with the sunshine, Hastings started to take control, although Cray still had that threat on the counter, and Ollie Black raced back to clear off the line in the 72nd minute. Hastings continued to push their hosts back and a brilliant Sam Hasler corner is converted by Dixon in the 76th.

Cray continued to battle until the end but Hastings managed to cancel out their attacks well, and following a couple of late free kicks for the hosts, the referee blew the final whistle.

Delirious scenes from the incredible supporters at the end, as Hastings overcome a huge hurdle in their quest for the title.

It doesn’t always have to be pretty, but certainly in the second-half United showed why they lead the pack.

With Ashford losing, a ten point cushion emerges again. But make no mistake, Gary Elphick and his charges are focused on one game at a time from now.

5. Nathaniel Blanks

7. Denzel Gayle

11. Francis Babalola

19. Raheem Sterling-Parker

Hastings Utd :

1. Louis Rogers

2. Ollie Black

- (12. Marcus Goldsmith 86’)

3. Ryan Worrall

- (11. Sam Hasler 46’)

4. Finn O’Mara (Cautioned 42’)

5. Craig Stone

6. Tom Chalmers

7. Danny Parish

8. Jack Dixon (Goal: 76’)

9. Ben Pope

16. Kane Penn (Cautioned 53’)

- (15. Ismaila Diallo 73’)

18. Knory Scott (Cautioned 90’)

Subs:

11. Sam Hasler

19. Dave Martin REPORT

12. Marcus Goldsmith

14. Kenny Pogue

15. Ismaila Diallo

South East Division FEBRUARY 2022 MANAGER OF THE MONTH

GARY ELPHICK

We were in Sussex last month, and we’re off back there this month, but on this occasion we’re off to the seaside, where we visit our Pitching In Isthmian South East title favourites Hastings United. Gary Elphick’s side won every match they played during February, defeating Hythe Town, Sittingbourne, Phoenix Sports and Chichester City; results which have seen them open up a gap at the top. They’ve been attractive to watch, too, bringing in an average of one thousand and sixty one people for each home match, more than four hundred per match higher than the side in second place in that table.

Photos: Scott White Photography

Jack Dixon gets on the end of a superb Sam Hasler corner for the winner on 76 minutes!

Scenes behind the goal as United supporters celebrate.

Captain Dixon acknowledges the supporters after a great victory!

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 Customer 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.

The Club Believes

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.

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

19Parkwood RangLeagueA2-0WTBA Johnson 2

26Ashford LadiesLeagueA1-1DTBA Relf

OCTOBER

3Islington BoroWFACupA2-1WTBA Hill 2

10Maidstone UtdLeagueH5-0W155 Sheppard, Johnson, Critchfield, Fletcher, Relf

17Bexhill UnitedLeagueH1-0W221 Hyland

24BromleyWFA CupA0-2L536-

NOVEMBER

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

21NewhavenSxChCup QFH3-0WTBA Johnson, Hill, Corrigan

28NewhavenLeagueH2-0WTBA Hill, Johnson

DECEMBER

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

19AFC AcornsLSE CupH5-2WTBA Johnson, Baitup, Tibbs, 2OGs

JANUARY 2022

9Walton CasualsLSE CupA5-0WTBA

Photo: Scott White Photography

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

James HULL 19

Tommy COONEY 19

Ismaila DIALLO 19

Danny PARISH 19

SQUADS

3PM SATURDAY 19 MARCH 2022

THREE BRIDGES FCvs

ISTHMIAN LEAGUE SOUTH EAST

KIT: ALL BLUE

Jamie CRELLIN Manager

Mitch BROMAGE (GK)

REFEREE

LUKE CHAPMAN ASSISTANTS DANIEL JEFFERY DOMINIC BARROW

Joe STONE

Giani ASHLEY Michael WILSON

Tad BROMAGE

Ryan BRACKPOOL

Curtis GAYLER

Brannon O'NEILL

Dan PERRY

Noel LEIGHTON

James YOUNG

MATCH SPONSOR

Leo ANDERSON

Dan FERRERIA

Bryan VILLAVINCENCIO

Camron LAWSON

Callum CHESWORTH

Kevin RIVERA

MATCHBALL SPONSOR BOB H

MATCH MASCOTS GEORGE BOTTING (5) PRE-ACADEMY U6S

THE CONTINENTAL PILOT FIELD HASTINGS TN34 2AX

Charlie LAMBERT