Thamesmead Town vs Aveley

THE MEAD

THE OFFICIAL THAMESMEAD TOWN FC MATCHDAY PROGRAMME - SEASON 2015/2016 - £2.00

Programme Sponsors

In Memory Of Matthew Grimstone & Jacob Schilt

vs.

Aveley

Monday 31st August 2015 | Kick-Off: 3:00pm Ryman League Division One North

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CONTENTS

INSIDE...

Welcome back to Sporting Club Thamesmead as we welcome today’s away team for tonight’s clash - here’s what inside the third issue of The Mead...

THAMESMEAD TOWN FC Sporting Club Thamesmead Bayliss Avenue, Thamesmead, London, SE28 8NJ Tel : 0208 311 4211 Company Number : 03915330

KEY PERSONNEL Chairman & Club Owner - Paul Bowden-Brown Directors - Paul Bowden-Brown & Kai Isaksen Club Secretary - Dave Joy Life President: Albert Panting Honorary Vice-Presidents: Alan Martin, Peter Tiernay, Eddie McCann, Gareth Connaleigh, Alan Woodward, Keith McMahon & Terry Hill Marketing & Communications - Mike Green Boardroom Hospitality - Sue Dingwall Safety Officer - Gareth Connaleigh Press Officer - Mike Green

FOOTBALL MANAGEMENT Director of Football: Lloyd Hume First Team Manager: Terry Spillane Assistant Manager: Tony Faulkner Coaches: Tony Faulkner, Darran George, Craig Gibson Physio: Carly Payne Academy Manager: Ian Docker U21s Manager: Gary West

YOUTH SECTION Chairman: Paul Turner Vice Chairman: Tony Rossitor Secretary: Dawn Hooper Hays Treasurer: Rebekah Monksfield Under 18s: Spencer Jones Under 16s: Stuart Aldridge Under 15s: Tony Rossitor Under 14s: Danny Rhodes Under 13s: Freud Frontinelle Under 12s: Dan Hudson

08 ISSUE 03:

Aveley/Littlehampton Town 06

The Boardroom

08

In Opposition

13

Match Reports

20

Team Line-Ups

24

Mead Matters

26

Away Days

MATCHDAY PROGRAMME Editors: Jamie Barwick & Mike Green

Design: Jamie Barwick Email: jamie_barwick363@yahoo.co.uk

06

24

Print: Scarbutts www.scarbutts.com Tel: 01732 870066

THAMESMEAD TOWN vs Aveley/ Littlehampton Town

03

THE MANAGER

TERRY

SPILLANE

I’d like to start off by sending my/our condolences to the 2 lads’ families and friends. Playing at Worthings ground on Saturday was emotional without a doubt because of the situation surrounding the club.

Our last 3 games have been all away from home. Starting with a disappointing loss in the Ryman Cup to Prem League high fliers Dulwich Hamlet.

We got off to a really bad start going 2 goals down with just 15 mins on the clock and that ultimately cost us the game. We passed the ball well during the game and had a lot of possession, plus as you’d expect from our team we were very competitive but credit must go to our oppo who showed their experience and “shut up shop”. It gave us a glimpse of what is required at the level above and to be fair to the lads they responded brilliantly in our next 2 fixtures in the league.

Away at Hornchurch was always going to be a tough test as they are quite rightly most people’s favourites to win the league. We started very well and things were going as

04

THAMESMEAD TOWN The Official Matchday Programme

we’d planned up until a very “weak” decision went against us in the 15th min!! The official awarding a penalty for handball. So at 0-1 down it was an opportunity to see if our lads had the “minerals” to come back from that setback as they all clearly felt it was a harsh decision (later confirmed by video evidence) I’m glad to say my thoughts on that matter were well and truly confirmed as to a man they fought like lions. We equalised on about 30 mins after Jays excellent cross was converted by a Hornchurch Player. As expected it was a very tight game with very few clear cut chances.

We knew that Hornchurch were very very direct but we dealt with that brilliantly, and even after going down to 10 men when Jack was sent off our players showed fantastic composure and discipline. Our fitness levels shone through on the day in conditions that can only be described as stifling.

Hornchurch threw everything they had at us in the final 10 mins but we

held out for a very well earned point on the day.

Onto our next game versus yet another team who like Hornchurch were playing in the Ryman Prem last season. Add to that after a great result away to Bury on the previous Sat we knew once again we would be in for a tough test.

We made 2 changes to the line-up with Duncs and Mike U starting & Baff and Theo dropping onto the bench. We started very brightly and were passing the ball well on a very nice surface. Withams front line were lively but apart from an early half chance our defence was once again organised and efficient.

We were dominating midfield also and we had a few chances ourselves with Tyrus, Mike and Butts all going close before we got the goal we fully deserved on the 15 min mark. And what a goal it was!! Our returning Capt Duncs hitting an unstoppable free-kick up and over the wall from 25

THE MANAGER

yds out. 10 mins later and Butts got our 2nd of the night! Heading in from 6yds out after a well-rehearsed corner kick. As half-time approached we got our 3rd of the night trough Mike Uwezu.

fingers we can get through. It will be tough make no mistake as they are current league champions who declined promotion so if we underestimate them we will pay the price.

I can honestly say it’s one of the best goals I’ve seen!! A left foot half volley from about 30 yds out that Mike hit across the keeper into the roof of the net. The second-half we knew would be a case of being organised and disciplined as obviously with nothing to lose Witham would throw everyone forward and try to rescue something from the game.

On a final note I’d like to welcome Arron Omand to the club. He is a goalkeeper who both myself and Tony have admired for a few seasons now. Once we heard that he was set to leave Romford we acted quickly as we knew without a doubt he would have other offers on the table. Having met and spoken to him about our plans and ambitions it was clear that he had the same thoughts so we were delighted we could agree a deal with him. He knows he has a fight on his hands with Walks for the Number 1 shirt and he’s happy to take that challenge on.

They scored on the break after a loss of concentration by one of our lads but despite them smashing the ball forward at every oppo they had I knew we’d stand up to that and more importantly deal with it which we did. So 4 points out of 6 on the road is a decent return and we are happy with that return. We are currently top and that’s a nice feeling but there’s absolutely no chance of us losing sight of the fact it’s only August and there’s a lot of games still to be played.

We went away again on Sat to play Littlehampton in the FA Cup. It’s THE biggest comp in the world and for clubs like ours a little run brings financial rewards that can only benefit us so

Finally once again I’d like to thank you for the support that we’ve been getting from you all.

To see you in the green and white at away games at the likes of Hornchurch and Witham definitely raises the spirit of the lads!

“I can honestly say it’s one of the best goals I’ve ever seen!! A left foot volley from about 30 yards out that Mike hit across the keeper into the roof of the net ”

Come on you Mead.

Terry Spillane First-team Manager

AFC HORNCHURCH VS THAMESMEAD TOWN

THAMESMEAD TOWN vs Aveley/ Littlehampton Town

05

THE BOARDROOM

PAUL

BOWDENBROWN May I welcome the officials, players and supporters of our opponents to our home at SCT, and I hope after an enjoyable game they have a safe journey home.

As you will appreciate due to our FA Cup match and the possibility of a reply we do not know who our opponents are today, that is the reason I cannot be so specific but whoever you are Littlehampton supporters or Aveley supporters, I give you a warm welcome.

All of us involved in Non-League football will have been shocked to hear the news of the Shoreham Air show tragedy where 2 Worthing United footballers were killed on their way to play their favourite game. My sincere condolences to these two young men’s families together with everyone else that has been effected by this tragedy, either by losing a dear one or just suffering due to this terrible tragedy.

I just think I would have been driving down that road next Saturday on the way to the Worthing United ground where we are playing Littlehampton at

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THAMESMEAD TOWN The Official Matchday Programme

precisely the time of this tragedy as I like to arrive at the oppositions ground at approximately 1-30 as I don’t like travelling in the team coach.

Well here we are at the time on a Monday night before our game against Witham on the Tuesday when I am writing these notes with the team sitting at the top of the Ryman North League unbeaten.

“All of us involved in Non-League will have been shocked to hear the news of the Shoreham Air show tragedy”

I know it’s too early to be talking about promotion and play-offs but my manager knows what I am expecting from him and his squad and I expect the squad to produce the goods this season with no excuses we have a mixture of experience and youth which seem to go together.

I went to the first-team changing room before our match against AFC Hornchurch and there they all were singing together showing a great form of comradery something I have no seen at this club during the last few seasons, long may in continue.

I know it will be a long season but I feel if we make our home a fortress to all our visitors and play the type of football that does not allow other teams to work at their best then we have a chance to be in the play-offs at the end of April. All I would say

THE BOARDROOM

hopefully my health will allow me to ensure Terry has the full support he requires to achieve this difficult goal.

Since Terry has taken on the role as first-team manager at the later part of last season there has been an air of comradeship throughout the club not only within the changing room as I have already covered but throughout the club.

I note that all of his management team have an equal responsibility within their own specific area, and this sense exudes to each and every one of the players new and old resulting in a very tight unit working for each other on and off the field and not just with the boys that are

playing in the first team at this time it radiates through ought the squad.

So I believe by bringing Terry into this club I have given the club the opportunity to once again smell success in everything that they get involved in something this old club deserves.

In February of this year our current Landlords the Thamesmead Trust were amalgamated within the Peabody Group one of the biggest Housing Associations within the UK, and although I had the full support of the Trust before this amalgamation in everything I was trying to do within the club I have to say that the Peabody Group

have taken the club to their heart.

They have agreed to sponsor the academy, they want to be involved with all our initiatives and the CEO has agreed to pen a page within the match day programme, long may this involvement continue as I believe we as a club cannot achieve our aims on our own we must make strong partnerships with others and then work closely and honestly with them so that we can learn from them and together we can go forward to once again make this Club a force within Non-League something we all want.

Now enjoy the game.

Paul Bowden-Brown Chairman & Managing Director

THAMESMEAD TOWN vs Aveley/ Littlehampton Town

07

TODAY’S OPPOSITION

AVELEY

Aveley arrive at the SCT on the back of a 1-1 home draw with Cray Wanderers which puts them eighth in the table.

The side finished the last campaign in ninth place missing out on the Play-offs by 14 points. Having picked up 70 points from their 46 fixtures Aveley will be targetting a Play-off berth this time around.

The Millers began against relegated Bury Town and we’re convincingly beaten 5-1 away from home but since then the club have strung together some positive results.

Wins over Heybridge Swifts, Waltham Abbey and Redbridge with a cup victory over Billericay Town in between league action stand the club in good stead going forward.

Another cup game on Saturday against FC Clacton is in prospect for Aveley before they take on the Mead.

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THAMESMEAD TOWN The Official Matchday Programme

CLUB INFO Nickname: The Millers Founded: 1927 Ground: The Mill Field Chairman: Graham Gennings Last Season: 9th

TODAY’S OPPOSITION

CLUB HISTORY Aveley was formed in 1927 and played in local leagues until 1939. Club activities were then suspended during the war years 1939/45. In 1946 the club was reformed and joined the Thurrock Combination. Aveley twice won the Essex Junior Cup, firstly in 1948, then retaining it the following year.

Aveley gained Senior League status in season 1949/50 and were elected into the London League, Division One. They were Division Champions in the 1951/52 season. In the same season they moved from Lodge Meadow to their present ground, Mill Field, and were promptly nicknamed The Millers.

In season 1954/55 they were Division Champions once again which was followed by election to The Delphian League in 1955/56. They competed in this league until 1962/63 with little success.

Aveley were elected to the Isthmian League in season 1973/74. Here they competed without success in Division One until they were relegated to Division Two North at the end of the 1985/86 season. Millers did however achieve two cup successes during this time. The Essex Thames-Side Challenge Trophy was won in 1979/80 and the Hornchurch Charity Cup in 1982/83.

The 1989/90 campaign was a memorable one for The Millers.

Promotion back to Division One was gained with a tremendous end of season run-in to finish second to Heybridge Swifts by two points.

After this the club slipped down to Division Three. The 1999/2000 season started well with Aveley being unbeaten in the League at Christmas.

However a turn in fortunes saw them slip and eventually finish 9th. This was followed by 6th place in season 2000/01.

A roller-coaster season 2001/02 saw the club finish third behind Hornchurch and champions Croydon Athletic and gain promotion to Division 1 North.

An excellent season for the Millers in 2002/03. Good runs in the FA Cup and Bryco Cup were capped by an appearance in the Essex Senior Cup Final.

The 2003/04 campaign saw the club eventually finish in 14th place.

Millers matched the previous season’s performance and reached the final of the Essex Senior Cup. and the East Anglian Cup - both ending in defeats.

2004/05 was a disappointing one for Millers first season in the Southern League, the club finishing in 15th place.

Another difficult season followed, on and off the pitch. Millers ended the season with their third manager, Steve Browne, steering them just clear of the relegation places and the following season was no better.

After a disappointing start to the 2007/08 campaign, November saw the arrival of Rod Stringer as Manager, and

fortunes turned with the Millers putting a string of impressive results together to finish the season in Mid-Table. 2008/09 saw the foundations that were laid the previous season, bare its fruit as the Ryman League Division One North Championship was won on the last day of the season in dramatic fashion at East Thurrock United.

2009/10 our first in the Isthmian Premier Division saw a great finish to the season, with 12 wins from the last 14 games, taking us into 3rd position.

During the close season Rod Stringer departed for Braintree Town and a difficult season ensued with the club just staying up. 2011/12 was much of the same, and relegation was confirmed after a poor season. Justin Gardner took over the reins in February of 2012.

2012/13 was a successful season with the team occupying a play off positions all season. Unfortunately we lost out in the semi-final at Maldon & Tiptree.

The most significant result of the 2013/14 season was the news in March that after many years of trying, the Club finally has achieved planning for new state of the art facilities. It is hoped that these will be ready for full occupation for the start of the 2015/16 campaign.

THAMESMEAD TOWN vs Aveley/Littlehampton Town

09

TODAY’S OPPOSITION

IN PROFILE

Who are the men from Aveley to keep your eye on this afternoon? We introduce them to you here.

JACK KELLY GOALKEEPER A player who was on trial with the club throughout pre-season before signing his deal at the club. Provides great competition after his release from Ryman Premier League side Tonbridge Angels.

JAMES MARRABLE GOALKEEPER A goalkeeper who is in his second spell with the club, his first spell came as he helped take the club to the Ryman Premier League, but now re-signed for the Millers and won the Golden Glove award earlier in the season after conceding only Three goals in the month of September.

AHMED DEEN DEFENCE A very experienced player who can play left back, and in midfield. He joined from Ryman Premier League side at the turn of the year. A Sierra Leone

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THAMESMEAD TOWN The Official Matchday Programme

international.

PERRY DUNN DEFENCE Towering centre half joined the Millers in the off season from Essex Senior League side Hulbridge Sports. He led the side as Captain to a record high of fourth placed finish.

TYLER MYERS DEFENCE A young right-back who brings experience from Walton Casuals and Dulwich Hamelt before signing for the Millers.

PAUL PRESTON DEFENCE Joined in October 2014 from Romford.

Paul is a right back but has found himself play at left back at the end of last season and during pre-season.

STEVE WILLIS

DEFENCE Old fashioned centre half who can also play as a defensive midfielder. He joined the Millers from Barking FC. JUNIOR BAKER DEFENCE Experienced centre back who joined at the start of the 2014/15 season. His exclubs are Tilbury, Grays, Dulwich Hamlet and many more.

SPENCER HARRISON DEFENCE Strong centre-half. In Ryman League football for 12 years and has played for Maldon & Tiptree and is on his second spell at Aveley.

DAVID FALLAH MIDFIELD David Fallah joins from Ryman Premier League Side Staines Town. His youth career includes both Cambridge

TODAY’S OPPOSITION

United and Millwall.

JAMES PEAGRAM MIDFIELD Joined at the start of the season from Waltham Abbey after scoring 71 goals in three seasons, can play as a winger and also a striker.

JOE PEARMAN MIDFIELD A great set piece taker and good passer in the centre of midfield for the Millers, he also joined at the beginning of preseason from Heybridge Swifts.

LEE PRESCOTT MIDFIELD The Millers captured the signing of battling centre midfielder Lee Prescott from East Grinstead.

ARIAN RETKOCERI MIDFIELD Centre midfielder who influences matches. His ex-clubs are Stevenage Borough, Waltham Forrest and Billericay Town.

ABS SEYMOUR MIDFIELD Combative centre midfielder who brings that strong tackling in the centre of the park. A lifelong servant of Romford, after a lot of interested Abs decided to move to the Millers in June 2015.

OLLIE SMITH

MIDFIELD The centre midfielder joined the club for the 2015/16 season from Welling United.

Bethnal Green United having previous played at Mill Field in the 2010/11 season. Holland is a proven goal-scorer at this level.

LUKE STANLEY MIDFIELD A good utility player, has played at right back, centre mid and also on the wing for the Millers.

BRIAN OKWERA MIDFIELD Brian Okwera joined Aveley this summer having spent most of last season at Clapton Rangers.

BRIAN HOLLAND MIDFIELD Billy Holland is Aveley’s club captain and joined the Millers as a striker from

LIAM NASH FORWARD Season long loan for a player who spent the end of the season with the club also on loan from Billericay Town.

“Brian Holland is Aveley’s club captain and joined the Millers as a striker from Bethnal Green United. Holland is a proven goal-scorer at this level”

LEE WEEMES FORWARD In his second spell at the club, the forward has a great work ethic and has experience from Wycombe Wanderers, Bishop Stortford and Tilbury.

MARCUS ELLIOTT FORWARD Strong striker who will play on the wing but also can play as the main man, gives the element of physicality up front for the Millers with an eye for goal.

PETRIT ELBI FORWARD Petrit Elbi, or ‘Pat’ as he know around Mill Field, returned to the club having briefly been at Brentwood Town at the beginning of the season. Elbi has had a number of spells at the club.

THAMESMEAD TOWN vs Aveley/Littlehampton Town

11

MATCH REPORT

1

THAMESMEAD

0

HARINGEY BOROUGH

Gordon-Young (90+1)

Saturday 15th August 2015 | Ryman League Division One North | Sporting Club Thamesmead | Att: 70

An increasingly niggly contest in which two sides cancelled each other out and it needed something special to decide it – thankfully it came in stoppage time for the Mead as Tyrus brilliantly headed home a Lewis free kick to deservedly win the game for the home side.

Speaking after the game, Terry admitted, “I’m frustrated that we “only” won by one goal, but in hindsight, the more pleased about the result I am. We had to dig deep and be patient and my god Haringey made us do that! But fair play to the boys for knuckling down and earning the points!”

In the first-half that was tight with few

chances, Fenton should have done better early on with a header for the visitors whilst at the other end Theo’s drive was well saved by Harris with Michael Aziaya was denied in the follow up.

Veteran striker Griffiths led the Harringey line and brought the best out of Mead keeper Andy Walker with an overhead kick. The Mead began the second half in control as Tyrus and Theo combined for the latter to shoot straight at the keeper.

The home side then had to reshuffle when Tommy’s afternoon was ended as he finished on the bottom of a heap of players after a fine challenge.

He faces a few weeks on the sidelines.

wide, before Theo went closer to opening the scoring as his shot on the turn thudded against the bar.

Mead then thought they’d broken the deadlock as Richard’s looping appeared to have crossed the line, but the referee had other ideas – awarding the visitors a free kick.

Just as it seemed that the game would finish goal less, Lewis arrowed a free-kick into the box for Tyrus to brilliantly angle a header over Harris and into the net to take the points.

The Mead – Walker, Aziaya, Spillane (Gorbell), Fairweather-Johnson, Barry, Hallam, Butler, Dark, Gordon-Young, Addae (Koranteng), Porter (Uwezu)

Skipper Richard then fed Theo through only for the striker to fire

THAMESMEAD TOWN vs Aveley/ Littlehampton Town

13

MATCH REPORT

1

AFC HORNCHURCH

1

THAMESMEAD

Knight (17 pen)

Syles (26 og)

Saturday 22nd August 2015 | Ryman League Division One North | Hornchurch Stadium | Att: 166

In sweltering conditions, the Mead showed incredible character and mental strength to overcome the odds and go top of the table.

After the game, Terry admitted, “honestly before the game we would have accepted a point, as after all they’ve only just come down and are a lot of people’s choices for an instant return. Bottom line is that we’re unbeaten and have conceded just two goals!”

After a cagey start, the home side were awarded a 17th minute penalty for handball – Knight sent Andy the wrong way – though it was a decision that had the manager baffled. “I’m not

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THAMESMEAD TOWN The Official Matchday Programme

saying anything about the official but I just hope that we get start getting some breaks as we haven’t had any so far!” On a rare break, the Mead levelled as Jay’s teasing cross from the left saw the unfortunate Styles send a diving header wide of Mott in the home goal to level things up.

The second-half was more open.

Home sub Purcell drilled a great 50 yard angled cross field pass to Knight who shot over as Andy narrowed the angle, whilst Tyrus couldn’t force the ball home after Mott had saved from Theo.

Jack was then shown a red card for a clash with Joseph – a decision that disgusted the manager. “Couldn’t believe the decision,”Terry fumed. A

man down and 20 minutes left, huge praise must go to the remaining Mead players who in baking conditions restricted the home side to two openings.

From the first, Luke’s free header was brilliantly cleared off the line and away to safety by Lewis before from a second attack, the ball ricocheted goalwards only for Andy to make not one but two stunning reflex saves – the second from a prone position on the ground to seal the Mead their point!

The Mead – Walker, Azaiya (Gorbell), Porter, Fairweather-Johnson (Anidugbe), Barry, Hallam, Butler, Dark, Gordon-Young, Addae, Spencer (Uwezo).

Subs – Everett and Omand

Theo Paphitis, Chairman, Ryman

BUSINESS NET WORK MISS A.N. OT ABC LIMIT HER ED

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CARLEY’S CORNER

CARLY’S

CORNER

In her regular column this year first-team physio Carly Payne gives us the low down on the current injury list.

Hi everyone I hope you’ve had a lovely bank holiday weekend…

Two great results last week saw us remain the only unbeaten team in the league to date!

We started with a draw away at Hornchurch in the blistering heat last Saturday with the boys really coming together as a unit and

sealing a point after Jack Barratt was sent off. It also saw Spence make his first appearance in the green and white hooped shirt this season. Our second away trip of the week was to Witham Town where we totally dominated the game for 45 minutes with Duncs and big Mike scoring great goals to seal a 3-1 victory!

Injury updates…

After being stretchered off the pitch in our last home game I am pleased to confirm that Cheeno’s (Tommy Spillane) injury is not as bad as initially thought, after further assessment he has damaged ligaments and is likely to be missing from the squad for a number of weeks while we work on getting him fit again.

ON THE ROAD TO - JACK HOPKINS 16

RECOVERY

THAMESMEAD TOWN The Official Matchday Programme

Jack Hopkins is back on his feet again and making an amazing recovery from his recent surgery.

Work will commence this coming

week to get Jack back fighting fit!

That’s all from me this week, enjoy the game!

Carly Payne First-team Physio

“I am pleased to confirm that Tommy Spillane’s injury is not as bad as initially thought.”

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Please forward completed returns and remittance to the club office: Season Ticket Offer, Thamesmead Town Football Club, Main Reception, Sporting Club Thamesmead, Bayliss Avenue, Thamesmead, SE28 8NJ

THE ACADEMY

THE

ACADEMY Pre-season is really going well and even though we haven’t been able to work on our shape or patterns of play due to players being on holiday etc the lads are looking fitter and stronger than when we started.

Some of our third year scholars are now starting to return and a couple of them have had training sessions/ matches with the u21 side. I feel these lads will soon be knocking on the door for regular places and Gary has been very pleased with their progress.

Over the next couple of weeks

the lads will be playing 11 v11 training matches. This will give us an opportunity to ingrain our playing philosophy and patterns of play and they will learn their roles and responsibilities defensively and offensively in different formations.

It’s vitally important that everyone knows their jobs within the team.

Recently I’ve had a few conversations with parents of our academy players and they are very pleased with how things are shaping up whether they are doing A levels at the Business Academy Bexley or our in house Scl B tech

course. I shall be constantly in touch with the parents, making sure that our players stay focused on both the academic and football programme.

It’s so important that we all pull in the same direction to get the best outcome for the lads.

All the best to Terry and the 1st team today – whoever you finish up playing guys!

Yours in sport Ian Docker Academy Manager

THAMESMEAD TOWN vs Aveley/ Littlehampton Town

19

THAMESMEAD TOWN

AVELEY

Manager: Terry Spillane

Manager: Justin Gardner

Andy WALKER

1

James MARRABLE

Michael AZIAYA

2

Paul PRESTON

Tommy SPILLANE

3

Junior BAKER

Theo FAIRWEATHER-JOHNSON

4

Perry DUNN

Jack BARRY

5

Spencer HARRISON

Farai HALLAM

6

Abs SEYMOUR

Richard BUTLER

7

Lee PRESCOTT

Lewis DARK

8

Ahmed DEEN

Tyrus GORDON-YOUNG

9

Liam NASH

Michael UWEZO

10

James PEAGRAM

Marc GORBELL

11

Petrit ELBI

Arron OMAND

12

Jack KELLY

Jay PORTER

14

Marcus ELLIOTT

Ainsley EVERITT

15

Ollie SMITH

Bode ANIDUGBE

16

Lee WEEMES

Baff ADDAE

17

Luke STANLEY

NEXT AT

HOME

OFFICIALS Referee: To be confirmed Assistants: To be confirmed

The Ryman Football League strongly support recent 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 be based on race or ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, faith, age, ability or any other form of abuse will be reported to The Football Association for action by that Association.

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vs. WITHAM TOWN

Monday 7th September 2015 Ryman Division One North Kick-Off: 7:45pm

OFFICIALS Referee: To be confirmed Assistants: To be confirmed

Official Programme Sponsors

THAMESMEAD TOWN

LITTLEHAMPTON TOWN

Manager: Terry Spillane

Manager: George Gaskin

Andy WALKER

1

Jordan MATTHEWS

Michael AZIAYA

2

Danny HAND

Tommy SPILLANE

3

Ross MCKAY

Theo FAIRWEATHER-JOHNSON

4

Mark ZYDONIK

Jack BARRY

5

Shay WIGGANS

Farai HALLAM

6

Dean JANMAN

Richard BUTLER

7

Brad CURTIS

Lewis DARK

8

Scott PACKER

Tyrus GORDON-YOUNG

9

Peter BEADLE

Michael UWEZO

10

George LANDAIS

Marc GORBELL

11

Rob HUTCHINGS

Arron OMAND

12

Jon HENDRICK

Jay PORTER

14

Adam GOFF

Ainsley EVERITT

15

John BATES

Bode ANIDUGBE

16

Liam HUMPHREYS

Baff ADDAE

17

George GASKIN

FROM THE SECRETARY’S DESK

FROM THE

SECRETARY’S DESK I cannot start without mentioning the Shoreham air crash and offer my personal condolences to the families of all those who were sadly lost on that sad day.

We have enjoyed another good week on the football front a hard earned point against a strong physical Hornchurch team last Saturday, albeit an own goal claiming us the point the performance was a solid one and one again the back four looked immense against a front line that had put nine goals past Barkingside 5 days earlier and put another six past the same side 3 days after playing us.

Another trip through the Dartford tunnel last Tuesday saw us visit

another relegated side in Gary Kimble’s Witham Town, this was always going to be a tough match it did however see the return of Derek Duncan from a lengthy suspension. We were rewarded with him opening the score with a superbly taken free-kick, other goals form Richard Butler and a screamer form Michael Uwezu saw us go in at half-time 3-0 up!

The second half saw us under much Witham pressure as they tried to salvage something out of the match , they did pull a solitary goal back but we held on to make it a nice 3 points on the road.

As you read this we would have visited Littlehampton in the F.A Cup, It’s always enjoyable playing in this competition whatever stage you come in at, the prize fund for this round is £1,950 which would be nice to collect from our trip into Sussex but a victory will be the most important. Should we win our next opponents will be another away trip to either Worthing or Walton & Hersham on Saturday 12th September which means we will lose our Barkingside match.

Dave Joy Club Secretary

THAMESMEAD TOWN vs Aveley/ Littlehampton Town

23

MEAD MATTERS

MEAD

MATTERS SHOREHAM AIRSHOW TRAGEDY At our original FA Cup tie with Littlehampton which was played at Worthing United’s Lyon Way ground, TTFC club Chairman Paul Bowden Brown and his Littlehampton counterpart laid wreaths to mourn the deaths of the United players MATT GRIMSTONE and JACOB SCHILT who both so sadly died in the accident. As a mark of respect to all of those who died, we will be holding a collection this afternoon (or this evening) with all proceeds going to the KENT, SURREY & SUSSEX AIR AMBULANCE TRUST who did such a magnificent job on the scene helping those injured. So please once again, prove that the football family looks after our own and please, please give as generously as you can.

24

KENT SENIOR CUP DATE Our KENT RELIANCE KENT SENIOR CUP opening round tie against MAIDSTONE UNITED has been confirmed for MONDAY 5th OCTOBER with a 7:45pm kick-off.

HOPPING HOPPO It’s great to see Club Captain JACK HOPKINS up and about so quickly (and without his crutches) after his recent knee operation. We’ll keep you up to date with his progress over the coming weeks as our physio CARLY PAYNE keeps an eye on rehab in “CARLY’S CORNER”.

HELLO ARRON, FAREWELL NATHAN

THE MARCH TO THE ARCH

We’d like to extend a warm SCT welcome to keeper ARRON OMAND who has joined us after being released from Romford and will provide great contest for the number one shirt to Andy Walker and will also be part of our “Clean Sheet Challenge” – more of that later in today copy of “The Mead”. Meanwhile we have to bid farewell to NATHAN KORANTENG who has decided that his future lies elsewhere. We wish him the very best of luck for the future…

The winner of our tie with LITTLEHAMPTON have been drawn away in the Emirates FA Cup First Qualifying Round to the winners of the tie between WORTHING and WALTON & HERSHAM. This game will take place on SATURDAY 26th SEPTEMBER which means that there is a very good chance that our away League game with AFC SUDBURY will be postponed. As soon as we know you’ll know!

THAMESMEAD TOWN The Official Matchday Programme

MEAD MATTERS

CLUB SHOP The club shop is open for business on a match-day in the newly decorated formerly opened “Mead Bar”. The stock is in the display cabinet, and most of the stock is available immediately although replica shirts and polo shirts can only be ordered at the moment, with a £10.00 deposit on ordering…

MATCH DAY STAFF

MATCH DAY POSTERS We’re also looking for more shops and businesses to display our match posters. A great big massive thank you must go to RICHARD GREEN for his continuing help in distributing the posters around the local area – if you’d like to help us by displaying our match posters, the latest copies for our matches in September are available today so please come and see MIKE GREEN today in the boardroom…

We’re always looking for additional help on match days to help us make all of our spectators have an extra special time each and every time you come to the SCT.

£30.00 FAMILY SEASON TICKET the best value season ticket in football is still available - £30.00 for a family of four to watch ALL of our Ryman North home games – FOR FULL DETAILS SEE THE ADVERT IN THE PROGRAMME – we’ve been asked how long the offer will run? Well quite simply the answer is ALL SEASON!!! That’s right – you can take advantage of this incredible offer at any time over the next eight months or so… Go on – you know that you want to!

THAMESMEAD TOWN vs Aveley/ Littlehampton Town

25

AWAY DAYS

AWAY

DAYS

The Mead’s next away fixture will be against Waltham Abbey on Saturday September 5, 3:00pm kick-off.

GETTING THERE WALTHAM ABBEY Saturday 5th September Kick-Off: 3.00pm Postcode for Sat Nav: EN9 1NX Estimated journey time: 45 minutes Round trip mileage: 34.6 miles Waltham Abbey endured a mixed campaign last season finishing 17th picking up 52 points from their 46 games. Their defensive frailties were all too evident with the side shipping in 90 goals the fourth worst in the division.

Even in pre-season their defence was questioned when they conceded six goals against both East Thurrock United and St Albans in heavy defeats.

Their inability at the back has cost them already this season with the side starting the 2015-16 season with three straight defeats all by a one goal margin against Brightlinsea Regent, Soham Town Rangers and Aveley.

The side nothched two successive draw in a 3-3 draw with Barkingside and a 1-1 draw with Haringey Borough seeing the club pick up two points.

On Bank Holiday Monday they face an away fixture with Chesthunt before taking on the Mead.

26

THAMESMEAD TOWN The Official Matchday Programme

Take the A2016, A206 and A282 to M25 in Purfleet.

Follow M25 to A121 in Waltham Abbey. Take exit 26 follow M25.

Continue on A121. Drive to Sewardstone Road to your destination.

Take a look at our latest line up At Robert Dyas, we’ve assembled a great range of practical products for the home and garden.

Shop online 24/7 at robertdyas.co.uk

MAN OF THE MATCH AWARD

MAN OF THE MATCH AWARD Once again, we’re delighted that Erica Cooper and her daughter Charlotte are generously sponsoring our Man of the Match award this year.

This season, we’ll be awarding a Mead Player of the Match game award, and once again we are indebted to Erica Cooper and her daughter Charlotte for donating the prize to the club.

This year for the first time though, the awarding of the prize will take place on the pitch as the Mead leave the field. So to see who wins the season’s first prize, why not hang on just a couple of minutes at the end of the game to see who’s first to receive the “Cooper’s Man of the Match!”

STOP PRESS – we’re in negotiations to hold a “Player of the Month” award this year for the first time. We are at an advanced stage of agreeing terms with a sponsor over the prize and hope to agree things soon...

AUGUST Mon 10 Thurrock Sat 15 Haringey Borough Mon 31 Aveley SEPTEMBER Mon 7 Witham Town Sat 19 Redbridge Mon 21 Harlow Town OCTOBER Sat 10

MOTM Tommy Spillane Tyrus Gordon-Young

Romford

Mon 12 Cray Wanderers Sat 24 Wroxham Sat 31 Heybridge Swifts NOVEMBER Sat 14 AFC Hornchurch Sat 28 Maldon & Tiptree DECEMBER Sat 12 Tilbury Sat 19 Bury Town JANUARY 2015 Sat 2 Phoenix Sports Great Wakering Sat 23 Rovers FEBRUARY Sat 6 AFC Sudbury Sat 20 Cheshunt MARCH Sat 5 Soham Town Rangers Sat 12 Waltham Abbey Sat 26 Barkingside APRIL Sat 2 Dereham Town Sat 23 Brightlingsea Regent

TYRUS GORDON-YOUNG COLLECTING THE MAN OF THE MATCH AWARD

THAMESMEAD TOWN vs Aveley/ Littlehampton Town

29

PLAYER SPONSORSHIPS

FIRST-TEAM

SPONSORS Terry

Tony

Chris

Available

Available

Available

Darran

Carly

Baff

Available

Available

Available

Bode

Michael

Jack

Available

Available

Available

Richard

Lewis

Available

Available

SPILLANE

GEORGE

ANIDUGBE

BUTLER

The Roberts Family Ainsley

PAYNE

AZIAYA

DARK

GIBSON

ADDAE

BARRY

The Roberts Family Derek

DUNCAN

Theo

Miarc

Available

Available

Available

Tyrus

Faria

EVERITT

GORDON-YOUNG

Erika Cooper

30

FAULKNER

THAMESMEAD TOWN The Official Matchday Programme

FAIRWEATHER-JOHNSON

HALLAM

Charlotte Cooper

GORBELL

The Roberts Family Jack

HOPKINS

Available

PLAYER SPONSORSHIPS

Arron

OMAND

Jay

Michael

SPENCER

Tommy

Richard & Jamie Green

Available

Available

PORTER

Michael

UWEZU

Available

Andy

WALKER

SPILLANE

The Roberts Family Chris

WEBER

Available

WANT TO SPONSOR YOUR FAVOURITE? Please see Mike Green on matchdays, e-mail commercialttfc@live.co.uk or call 07845 751319 THAMESMEAD TOWN vs Aveley/ Littlehampton Town

31

10% Discount available on Block Bookings for Thamesmead Town FC Season Ticket Holders

GREENLIGHT DRIVING SCHOOL

Call now on 020 8311 1392 or 07958 749 775

Proud supporters of Thamesmead Town FC

proud to support Thamesmead Town FC

COMMERCIAL CORNER

COMMERCIAL

NEWS

with Mike Green

These are undoubtedly the saddest most obscure set of notes that I’ve ever had to write...

As not only do I not know at time of writing which set of supporter will be reading them, but more importantly we don’t know whether you’ll be reading them on Bank Holiday Monday afternoon, Tuesday evening or the second Monday in September!

Together with the rest of the footballing world, we here at the SCT have all been deeply saddened by the Shoreham Air Tragedy and the deaths of the two Worthing United players. Indeed Saturday’s trip to the Sussex coast really brought home to us all on the team coach just how close we all were to being in the middle of things had the tie been played just seven days earlier!

And with our FA Cup tie with Littlehampton being the first game played at Worthing’s Lyons Way ground since the tragedy, it was a really moving moment for everyone when PBB laid a memorial wreath to the players before kick off! May they both rest in peace!

To show our respect this evening, we will be holding a collection today in aid of the KENT, SURREY & SUSSEX AIR AMBULANCE who played such a vital part in the treating of the injured at the scene on that fateful day… so please give generously!

“In other news” – as the network’s say – we delighted to formerly welcome on board to our team of supporters and community backers the ABBEY WOOD MINI CABS who bright new advertising banner is displayed for the first time at a Mead home game today, and we’d like to thank Nim and his team for their backing and look forward to seeing them during the season when they sponsor a game (or two hopefully) for us later in the season.

There’s still plenty of sponsorship opportunities for you or your company to still get involved this season from Match Sponsors to Player Sponsors to Ball Sponsors… simply come and see me in the Board Room today…

Enjoy the game – whatever it is and whenever its played!

Cheers, Greenie

THAMESMEAD TOWN vs Aveley/ Littlehampton Town

33

THE CLEAN SHEET CHALLENGE

CLEAN SHEET CHALLENGE 2015-2016

2

CLEAN SHEET TOTAL Following the success of last season’s “Clean Sheet Challenge”, the club is delighted to announce that once again this season we are seeking YOUR support to raise money for charity, but this year we’re doing it for TWO charities rather than just one.

Last season, Rob Budd and Vicente Mansanet between them kept 14 clean sheets as we raised money for CANCER RESEARCH UK – the final total will be revealed at our next home game… and it’s worth waiting for!

For season 2015/2016, we are delighted once again to be working with our friends from Cancer Research, but this season, we’ll also be raising funds for the LONDON AIR AMBULANCE – the registered charity that delivers an advanced trauma team to critically injured people in London in a bright red helicopter! We’ll learn more about what the LAA do in our next programme…

If you want to contribute (and we hope that you will), we’re in the process of setting up a “Just Giving” web page for this season, or alternatively there’s always the “old fashioned” way of the sponsorship form that you’ll find in the board room if you’d sooner pay monthly…

34

THAMESMEAD TOWN The Official Matchday Programme

ANDY WALKER HAS ALREADY KEPT TWO CLEAN SHEETS THIS SEASON AND HOPES TO ADD MORE

STATS & FACTS

STATS

& FACTS THAMESMEAD TOWN ROLL CALL PLAYER

Addae, Baff Anidugbe, Bode Aziaya, Michael Barry, Jack Butler, Richard Dark, Lewis Dauti, Gaz Duncan, Derek Everitt, Ainsley Fairweather -Johnson, Theo

Gorbell, Marc Gordon-Young, Tyrus Hallam, Faria Hopkins, Jack Ikechi, Eze Koranteng, Nathan McGarrigle, Billy Ormand, Arron Porter, Jay Spencer, Michael Spillane, Tommy Uwezu, Michael Walker, Andy Weber, Chris

LGE APPS

2 (3) 0 (2) 5 5 5 5

LGE GLS

CUP APPS

1 1 0 (1) 3 1

1 0 (3) 4 0 (3) 5 5

1 1 0 (1) 1 2

1 1 (1)

4 (1) 2 3 3 (2) 5

1 1 1 1 1

1 1

CUP GLS

RYMAN DIVISION ONE NORTH LEAGUE TABLE

APPS

3 (3) 1 (2) 5 (1) 5 5 5 1 1 1 (3) 4 (1) 1 (3) 5 5 1 1 (1) 1 1 5 (1) 3 3 4 (2) 5 1

GLS

3

1

2

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

1

Thamesmead Town AFC Sudbury Bury Town AFC Hornchurch Cray Wanderers Great Wakering Rovers Phoenix Sports Aveley Thurrock Tilbury Maldon & Tiptree Harlow Town Wroxham Brightlingsea Regent Redbridge Romford Chesunt Dereham Town Heybridge Swifts Soham Town Rangers Waltham Abbey Witham Town Haringey Borough Barkingsidw

P 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

W 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0

D 1 0 2 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 2 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 0 0 2 2 2 1

L 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 3 4 4 3 3 3 4

F 8 10 13 12 14 13 6 10 7 11 12 7 6 6 9 5 7 2 7 4 8 9 1 5

A 3 8 7 4 8 10 3 9 4 9 10 6 6 7 15 9 10 5 10 10 11 13 5 10

GD +5 +2 +6 +8 +6 +3 +3 +1 +3 +2 +2 +1 0 -1 -6 -4 -3 -3 -3 -6 -3 -4 -4 -5

Pts 13 12 11 10 10 10 10 10 9 9 8 8 7 7 7 5 4 4 3 3 2 2 2 1

RYMAN DIVISION ONE NORTH FORM GUIDE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Thamesmead Town AFC Sudbury Bury Town AFC Hornchurch Cray Wanderers Great Wakering Rovers Phoenix Sports Aveley Thurrock Tilbury Maldon & Tiptree Harlow Town Wroxham Brightlingsea Regent Redbridge Romford Chesunt Dereham Town Heybridge Swifts Soham Town Rangers Waltham Abbey Witham Town Haringey Borough Barkingsidw

P 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

W 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0

D 1 0 2 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 2 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 0 0 2 2 2 1

L 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 3 4 4 3 3 3 4

F 8 10 13 12 14 13 6 10 7 11 12 7 6 6 9 5 7 2 7 4 8 9 1 5

A 3 8 7 4 8 10 3 9 4 9 10 6 6 7 15 9 10 5 10 10 11 13 5 10

GD +5 +2 +6 +8 +6 +3 +3 +1 +3 +2 +2 +1 0 -1 -6 -4 -3 -3 -3 -6 -3 -4 -4 -5

THAMESMEAD TOWN vs Aveley/ Littlehampton Town

Pts 13 12 11 10 10 10 10 10 9 9 8 8 7 7 7 5 4 4 3 3 2 2 2 1

35

FIXTURES & RESULTS 2015/16

FIXTURES & RESULTS DATE

OPPOSITION

COMP

ATT

POS

1

2

3

4

5

6

10 1 2 1 1

Walker Walker Walker Ormand Walker Walker

Aziaya Aziaya Aziaya Spencer Aziaya Aziaya

Spillane Spillane Spillane Porter Porter Porter

Fairweather-Johnson Fairweather-Johnson Fairweather-Johnson Weber Fairweather-Johnson Duncan

Barry Barry Barry Gorbell Barry Barry

Hallam Hallam Hallam Dauti Hallam Hallam

AUGUST

Sat 8 Mon 10 Sat 15 Tues 18 Sat 22 Tue 25 Fri 29 Mon 31

Heybridge Swifts Thurrock Haringey Borough Dulwich Hamlet AFC Hornchurch Witham Town Littlehampton Town Aveley

A H H A A A A H

R1N R1N R1N RLC R1N R1N FACP R1N

A H A H H A A

R1N R1N R1N R1N R1N R1N R1N

SEPTEMBER

Sat 5 Mon 7 Sat 12 Sat 19 Mon 21 Sat 26 Tue 29

Waltham Abbey Witham Town Barkingside Redbridge Harlow Town AFC Sudbury Cray Wanderers

OCTOBER

Sat 3 Mon 5 Sat 10 Mon 12 Sat 17 Tue 20 Sat 24 Tue 27

Brightlingsea Regent Maidstone United Romford Cray Wanderers Cheshunt Harlow Town Wroxham Thurrock

H H H H A A H A

FAT1P KSC1 R1N R1N R1N R1N R1N R1N

Sat 31

Heybridge Swifts

H

R1N

A H A H

R1N R1N R1N R1N

A H H A

R1N R1N R1N R1N

H A A H A

R1N R1N R1N R1N R1N

AFC Sudbury Wroxham Cheshunt Great Wakering Rovers

H A H A

R1N R1N R1N R1N

Soham Town Rangers Waltham Abbey Bury Town Barkingside Phoenix Sports

H H A H A

R1N R1N R1N R1N R1N

Dereham Town Maldon & Tiptree Tilbury Brightlingsea Regent

H A A H

R1N R1N R1N R1N

NOVEMBER

Sat 7 Sat 14 Sat 21 Sat 15

Haringey Borough AFC Hornchurch Dereham Town Maldon & Tiptree

DECEMBER

Sat 5 Sat 12 Sat 19 Sat 26

Brightlingsea Regent Tilbury Bury Town Aveley

JANUARY 2015

Sat 2 Sat 9 Sat 16 Sat 23 Sat 30

Phoenix Sports Redbridge Soham Town Rangers Great Wakering Rovers Romford

FEBRUARY

Sat 6 Sat 13 Sat 20 Sat 27 MARCH

Sat 5 Sat 12 Sat 19 Sat 26 Mon 28 APRIL

Sat 2 Sat 9 Sat 16 Sat 23

36

THAMESMEAD TOWN The Official Matchday Programme

2-1 1-0 1-0 0-2 1-1 3-1

88 160 70 245 66 75

FIXTURES & RESULTS 2015/16

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

Butler Butler Butler Everitt Butler Butler

Dark Dark Dark Anidugbe Dark Dark

Gordon-Young Gordon-Young Gordon-Young Addae Gordon-Young Gordon-Young

Uwezu Uwezu Addae Uwezu Addae Uwezu

Koranteng Porter Porter McGarrigle Spencer Spencer

Everitt (2) Anidugbe (4) Gorbell (3) Azaiya (6) Uwezu (11) Addae (10)

Addae (4) Addae (10) Koranteng (10)

Porter (11) Everitt (9) Uwezu (11) Eze (11) Anidugbe (4) Gorbell (9)

Fairweather-Johnson (10)

Gorbell (2) Everitt (4)

THAMESMEAD TOWN vs Aveley/ Littlehampton Town

37

TODAY’S OPPOSITION

LITTLEHAMPTON

TOWN

If ever there was a team that could define the phrase “mixed run of results” it’s Littlehampton Town.

CLUB INFO Nickname: The Millers Founded: 1927 Ground: The Mill Field Chairman: Graham Gennings Last Season: 9th

After opening the season with a 3-1 away win over Eastbourne United the side slumped to a 7-1 defeat at home to Lancing.

The club bounced back in style with a 2-0 wn over East Preston in the cup before thumping St Francis Rangers 10-0 away from home in the league.

Mid-week they tasted defeat with a convincing 5-1 loss to Horsham to leave the side sitting in 7th place in the table.

The club know where the back of the net is and, thanks largely to their 10-0 win are the top goal scorers in the division.

38

THAMESMEAD TOWN The Official Matchday Programme

TODAY’S OPPOSITION

CLUB HISTORY was staged at The Sportsfield in front of 4,000 fans. The Golds also reached the semi-final of the FA Vase, losing to Gresley Rovers. The team also played more cup matches than league games and won the Sussex League Challenge Cup.

Littlehampton Town Football Club was officially founded in 1896, but a report in The Argus from 1991 suggests that football was played in the town as early as 1891 and the club started in 1893.

Terry Gill, Littlehampton Town were very successful in the late 1960s and we won the Sussex Senior Cup again in 1970. Littlehampton Town were Division One runners-up eight times until we finally won the title in 1991.

In the early years games were played at Selbourne Road but in the early 1900s sport in the town moved to The Sportsfield where matches continue to be played today.

That year will never be forgotten. A draw at Peacehaven & Telscombe in front of 1,400 fans meant Golds won the title on goal difference.

Back then the team’s colours were dark green and the club were known as the ‘greenbacks’. The colours were changed in 1911 to blue and then in 1931 to white. We changed to a gold strip in 1953 and the first reference to our nick- name ‘The Marigolds’ was in the Littlehampton Gazette on 13 November 1953.

The same year the club won through to the First Round Proper of the FA Cup. The highlight was a thrilling home match against Northampton Town. It

Littlehampton Town dropped to Division Two in 1995 and Carl Stabler came back as manager and took them back up in 1997, where they were again runners-up.

In 2003 Littlehampton were relegated once again, but made a swift return with a Division Two league and cup double success. We fell out of the top flight again in 2008 and spent six years in Division Two. Mark Bennett, a former player from the 1991 season joined as manager and over-saw the Division Two title in 2013, where we only lost four league games all season and were finalists in the John O’Hara Cup. Last season we sensationally recaptured the Division One title - for the first time in 23 years - on the final day of the season and the last year of the Sussex County Football League.

Littlehampton Town joined the Sussex County Football League in 1928 and the club stayed in Division One for sixtyseven years. The first match in the new league was against Haywards Heath and we won 5-1. In 1949 we won the RUR Cup and the Sussex Senior Cup. Under the guidance of player/manager

THAMESMEAD TOWN vs Aveley/Littlehampton Town

39

THE MEAD

THE OFFICIAL THAMESMEAD TOWN FC MATCHDAY PROGRAMME - SEASON 2015/2016 - £2.00

Programme Sponsors

vs.

Littlehampton Town

Tuesday 1st September 2015 | Kick-Off: 7:45pm FA Cup Preliminary Round Replay