Welcome From Our Chairman
WELCOME TO SELSEY FOOTBALL CLUB
Good afternoon and welcome for them this afternoon and league action when we visit to the Seal Bay Resort Stadium cause an upset. East Preston FC with the game for our Southern Combination kicking off at 11am. I am hoping Division One matchtoagainst game was we can return to Southern winning A very warm welcome everyone joiningOur us atlast thehome Seal Bay Resort Stadium this that afternoon for our latest Forest Row FC. I extend a warm against Worthing Utd in the ways in the league and I would Combination Leaguetheir fixture of the 2026/27 season. welcome to Football our visitors, Peter Bentley Cup, where we expect to get a result against officials, players, spectators won 2-1. Our goals came from a side that has not started and, of course, our match Evan Harris and Kye Hartt, well. They have lost first We extend a particular welcome to the players, management, committee and supporters of Reigate Priorytheir for today’s officials theeveryone game. Iconnected hope withand since this win three league games and game. Wefor hope the club enjoys theirwe visithave to Selsey — although naturally, we hope it isare the that you all have an enjoyable played two further games. obviously finding things tough Seals celebrating the final whistle! time with us thisatafternoon. It is Last Saturday saw us travel to at the moment. However, we always nice to be involved in an SCFA Headquarters where our all know that they are a difficult competition hopefully hosts for were Villaside, andwith team to beat onfaces theircontinuing “home to ItFAhas already beenand a busy opening few weeks thisMontpelier new-look Selsey a number of new we can have a successful run in Tuesday saw us cross Sussex patch” and we will need to be settle alongside those returning from last season. the competition. So, with this in to face Eastbourne Utd in the fully focussed on the day. We mind, I have to congratulate our SCFA RUR Cup. Unfortunately, continue our league campaign After victories over Shoreham and Jarvis Brook gave us an encouraging start to our league campaign, last Saturday U18s who competed in the FA we lost both games 2-0. To our next Saturday against Forest Youth Cup for difficult the very first time though wellat Loxwood. Row Itatwas home. They will be brought a more afternoon on thecredit road as we fellwe to aplayed 3–0 defeat a disappointing result, on Wednesday 16th August. in both games and created another strong outfit who have but also an early reminder of the challenges that Division One will provide throughout the season. They entertained Corinthian chances which could have started their season well. Casuals U18s and despite going resulted in a better outcome to Attention turned to the Peter Bentleythe Cupgames. on Tuesday withtoa see short trip to neighbours 1-0 downthen very early, they came It is evening, interesting Please note thatPagham. due to Against today’s back to drawopposition, 2-2, with the the Seals tie competed how we against two good but game beingfora the FA Lions Competition, higher-division wellfaired in a hard-fought encounter, two goals ultimately being resolved when we won sides. Montpelier have invested no alcohol will be allowed to saw the hosts progress with a 2–0 victory. the penalty shootout 10 to 9. in a number of new signings be consumed outside of the this year and they have started Clubhouse. While the lastcompetition two results have our way, there iswell. plentyThey of football In today’s we not gone the campaign are ahead and this developing group will entertaintoalearn sideand thatgrow competes unbeaten in the league and sit Please enjoy our facilities today continue togetherinas the season progresses. the Combined Counties Premier in second spot behind Worthing and I hope you are treated to a South Division. So far, they Utd. Eastbourne Utd meanwhile, good game which is played in Today sees our attention return to league action as we welcome Reigate Priory tothe the right Seal Bay Resort Stadium, have won their three league have also had a good start to spirit. looking produce a positive build upon the six points collected from our opening three league fixtures. games to and they share topresponse spot and their season in the SCFL Premier with Farnham Town, Redhill and Division. They occupy sixth David Lee Guildford City. As a Club they place and are also unbeaten in As always, your support can make a real difference, and we hope you can get behind the players from the first Chairman have played at a higher level, the league. I am sure they will whistle to the last. and it was only last season that look to do well in the league saw them relegated from the this year with aspirations Thank youLeague. to our volunteers, sponsors and supporters for our your continued backing. Isthmian They willcommittee, be a for promotion as well as strong and well organised team visitors. So, whilst we have lost with definite ambitions to gain our last two games, there are We hope you enjoy today’s game. promotion back to the Isthmian plenty of positives to take from League at their first attempt. them. Hopefully we can be a match tOn Monday, we return to
SELSEY FC CLUB HISTORY Selsey Cluband was formed in 1903 can and played at various before setting up home at the Highwe Street GoodFootball afternoon welcome be a match forgrounds them this league action when visit Ground in the late 1940s, where the club remains to this present day, where it is now named the Seal Bay Resort Stadium, to the Seal Bay Resort Stadium afternoon and cause an upset. East Preston FC with the game after our Club Sponsors.
for our Southern Combination kicking off at 11am. I am hoping Division One match against home game weThey can won return to winning Selsey were a formidable and dominatingOur forcelast in the 1950’s West was Sussex Football that League. Division One on Forest Row in FC. I extend a warm against Worthing Utdand in the ways in the and I would six occasions 1937/38, 1954/55, 1956/57, 1957/58, 1958/59 1960/61, together with theleague Malcolm Simmonds Memorial on four occasions 1956/57, and 1958/59. welcomeCup to our visitors, theirin 1955/56, Peter Bentley1957/58 Cup, where we expect to get a result against officials, players, spectators won 2-1. Our goals came from a side that has not started They also added the Sussex County FA Intermediate Cup trophy to their haul in 1958/59. Selsey made the step up to and, of course, our match Evan Harris and Kye Hartt, well. They have lost their first the Sussex County League in 1961 and made an immediate impact in Division Two, finishing runners-up to champions officials for the first game. I hope andpromotion since this we One havein 1963/64,three league games and are Shoreham in their season. Selsey gained to win Division ending the season as champions thatwere you also all have anofenjoyable further games. obviously finding things tough and winners the Division Twoplayed Invitationtwo Cup. The club remained in the top division for five years before being relegated highlight of their early in the sceneto was when theymoment. appeared However, at the Goldstone time withinus1969. this The afternoon. It is Lastexistence Saturday sawCounty us travel at the we Ground, andinvolved were narrowly by Eastbourne Utd 1-0 in the our Sussex Senior Cup in season always Brighton nice to be in anbeaten SCFA Headquarters where all know that they1962/63. are a difficult FA competition and hopefully hosts were Montpelier Villa and team to beat on their “home A return to the top flight was achieved in season 1975/76, again as champions, but within two seasons the club once we can have a back successful runTwo. in They Tuesday saw us cross Sussex we will needgained to be again found itself in Division then endured a further nine seasons in patch” the lowerand division until they the competition. So, with this to face in theto Pagham. fullyTheir focussed on theofday. We promotion back to Division One forin the third time inEastbourne 1986/87, as Utd runners-up two chances cup glory during timeto came in 1984/85 our when they were runners upUnfortunately, in the Division Two Cup losing toour local rivals Chichester City mind, that I have congratulate SCFA RUR Cup. continue league campaign 2-1 and in 1986/87 when they were eventual winners. Once back in Division One Selsey managed to survive for four U18s who competed in the FA we lost both games 2-0. To our next Saturday against Forest seasons, until finishing bottom in 1991 with just 12 points. They had another chance of silverware in 1989/90 but again Youth Cup for the very first time credit though we played well Row at home. They will be failed in the final when they lost to Langney Sports in the John O’Hara League Cup. They made amends by winning the on Wednesday 16th August. in both games and created another outfit have County League five a side tournament at the Brighton Centre under Manager Joe Laidlaw. Thestrong club then hadwho a period of They entertained Corinthian which could haveand then winners started season well. success when they were runners up in the chances Division Two Cup in 1994/95 the their following season, together with winning promotion to back going to Divisionresulted One in 1995/6. Casuals U18s and despite in a better outcome to 1-0 down very early, they came the games. It is interesting to see Please note that due to today’s The club now enjoyed its longest spell in Division One, a period of eight years. It also had its most successful time, back to draw 2-2, with the tie how we faired against two good game being a FA Competition, when Danny Hinshelwood took control of the club in 2000. Season 2001/02 saw them win the SCFA RUR Cup and the being resolved when we won sides. Montpelier have invested alcohol allowed to following year saw them lift the John O’Hara League Cup. In seasons 2000/01 andno 2001/02 thewill clubbe finished 4th on the penalty shootout 10 finish to 9.to date.inProblems a number of new signings be consumed outside of2003/04 the both occasions, their highest behind the scenes at the club, however, saw them start the campaign amongst the favourites for relegation. The and annual curtain-raiser - The Norman Wingate Trophy - did little to this year they have started Clubhouse. dispel those feelings, as Whitehawk thumped woeful Selsey sideThey 6-1. The In today’s competition we the acampaign well. areremainder of the season followed suit as 2 Selsey were relegated back to Division Two. entertain a side that competes unbeaten in the league and sit Please enjoy our facilities today in the Combined Counties in second spot behind Worthing I hope you are treated to a Following two seasons of rebuilding and re-structuring, and with the return of Dannyand Hinshelwood for the 2005/06 Premier South Division. So Utd. Eastbourne Utd meanwhile, good game which is played campaign Selsey were back to something like their best. They gained immediate promotion back to Division One and in in 2006/07, finished in 8th three place. They have also won their way to thetoSCFA RUR final in season 2007/08, but far, they they have won their also had a through good start the Cup right spirit. could notgames record their triumph, losing to season Three Bridges. 15th place finish kept them in Division One. Another league and second they share their in theASCFL Premier cup final appearance was to come Selsey’s way in 2011/12 when they played Rye Utd in the SCFA RUR Cup, but again top spot with Farnham Town, Division. They occupy sixth David Leethe FA ground grading could not record a win and lost 2-0. In 2011 the club made improvements to the ground in line with Redhill and Guildford City. As place and are also unbeaten in requirements and remains to this day a ground worthy of its County League status. Chairman a Club they have played at a the league. I am sure they will Selsey’s 2012/13 season with a total twelve draws saw them finish 18th in the league, only higher level, and it was only lastof eleven look league to do wins well and in the league avoiding relegation by fourrelegated points. season that saw them this year with aspirations from the Isthmian League. for promotion as well as our The following 2013/14 season started with great enthusiasm and optimism. Ex Brighton and Hove Albion favourite Adam They will bewas a strong and wellside and visitors. So, whilst have Hinshelwood in charge of the things looked good we for the newlost campaign. organised team with definite our last two games, there are Early exits were recorded in the FA Cup and FA Vase and their league was inconsistent. This led to Adam ambitions to gain promotion plenty of positives to takeform from Hinshelwood resigning as Manager with Ryan Pharo now taking charge. He managed to stabilize our form but his reign back to the Isthmian League at them. was short-lived and he was removed from his post in March. 2014. The Club decided to take on a Youth policy and the their first attempt. Hopefully we tOn Monday, we return to
need to promote from within. Steve Bailey was promoted to the position of Manager but the difficult season continued losing 7 of their last 8 league matches with that solitary win being the last game of the season at home to secure their place in Division One for another term. The 2014-15 season continued to be a very difficult time for the Club. The first team struggled in the league and never looked like holding onto their position in Division One. They ended the season in bottom place with only eleven points and were relegated to the newly formed Southern Combination Football League. Their cup exploits did not fare any better with defeats in the first round of each competition. The 2015-16 season again proved to be tough for Steve Baileys’ side. It took until the second week in October before they recorded their first league victory. Early cup wins in the Peter Bentley Cup and Division One Cup were an improvement on the previous term, but unfortunately the side went out of these competitions before any silverware came their way. For the third season running Selsey were needing a result on the last day of the season to prevent relegation. A 1-1 draw at home to Southwick was sufficient for the team to retain its Division One status and plan for the season ahead. Season 2016-17 saw an improvement in the league and Selsey finished in a respectable 7 th position with 53 points. Again, there were early exits in the cup competitions but some good performances throughout the season, suggested the Club was heading in the right direction. Much was expected in season 2017-18, but Selsey were unable to improve upon the previous season’s finish. They maintained a mid-table position when they finished 9 th on 47 points. The side fared no better in the cup competitions and the season ended up a bit of a disappointment. It was at the end of this season that a managerial change was made. Steve 3 Bailey was replaced by ex-player Daren Pearce, who had previously been in charge of near neighbours Sidlesham FC. Daren came to the club with a respected and successful playing career at Sussex county clubs such as Eastbourne Borough, Bognor Regis Town, Worthing FC. He remains in charge of the playing side to this day and has added regular England International Over 50’s appearances to his playing CV. Season 2018-19 saw an immediate improvement and the 1st team ended up in 5th position with 66 points. The National and County cup competitions were not favourable to Selsey and interest in these, was again, lost in the early rounds. However, the U18s were dominant in the league. They not only won the U18 West Division, but they also won the SCFL Champions of Champions final. Things looked very bright for the club moving forward. The next two seasons were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Season 2019-20 was terminated in March 2020 and, whilst season 2020-21 got under way, it also, was not concluded. A lot of the COVID-19 restrictions were lifted for the commencement of the 2021-22 season and this started on Saturday 31st July. Selsey finished in a mid-table position with 55 points. The emphasis of the Club was now on developing young players and a plan was put in place to try to achieve this. The cup competitions were, again, not successful. Season 2022-23 saw Daren Pearce continue to keep developing youngsters to bring them through to the 1st team and to improve upon the previous season. A strong finish to the Division One season saw the 1st Team qualify for the last playoff place. They then had to visit Epsom and Ewell in an attempt to reach the play-off final, but they lost out on a penalty shoot-out after holding their hosts to a 0-0 draw. However, they had delivered on the remit for the season and the Club continued to develop. An U18 and now an U16 side has been added to the list of teams within the Club, together with a fully associated Selsey FC Women’s teams. Season 2023-24 saw the side again reach the play off semi final with a points accumulation better then the previous 2 seasons, but fell again at this hurdle, losing 3-1 away at Seaford Town. A Selsey reserve side took its inaugural place in the West Sussex league Division 3 and ended the season as league Champions with promotion to Division 2 and coupled that with winning the Bareham Trophy. The Selsey U16 side won the U16 Challenge Cup. Season 2024-25 saw the difficult decision to fold our U23 team, nevertheless all bodes well for the club as we have established ourselves once again as a formidable and consistent team with a strong nucleus of players evolving from the Youth and U18’s to the senior 1st team squad.
Today’s Opposition:
Reigate Priory FC This afternoon we welcome Reigate Priory to the Seal Bay Resort Stadium for our latest Southern Combination Football League Division One fixture. A CLUB WITH HISTORY Founded in 1870, Reigate Priory are one of the oldest football clubs in the country and boast a remarkable place in the history of the game. Priory were one of just 15 clubs to enter the inaugural FA Cup in 1871, while they were also influential in the early development of football in Surrey. The club became the first winners of the Surrey Senior Cup* and lifted the trophy six times before the end of the 19th century. Their history even includes success on the continent, with Priory winning the International Cup du Nord in 1910, defeating Cercle Athlétique de Paris 3–0 in the final. More recently, the club earned promotion into the Southern Combination League and enjoyed an excellent 2025/26 campaign, finishing second in Division One before their promotion hopes were ended by Infinity in the play-offs. THE SEASON SO FAR The opening weeks of 2026/27 have proved more challenging for Priory, who arrive at the Seal Bay Resort Stadium still searching for their first league points. They began with a 2–0 defeat against Guildford City, before Infinity left with a 3–1 victory ten days later. Last Saturday showed the threat Reigate can still pose, however. They led 2–1 at halftime away to Saltdean United before the hosts fought back to claim a 3–2 victory. Priory have also been involved in cup drama already this season, drawing 2–2 with AFC Walcountians before exiting on penalties. Their results may not yet have brought the rewards they would have hoped for, but a side that challenged for promotion last season certainly cannot be underestimated.
Reigate Priory AT A GLANCE PLAYERS TO WATCH LEE PEACOCK
One of Priory’s most established attacking threats. Peacock scored an impressive 17 goals in 28 appearances last season and has already opened his account during the current campaign. His goalscoring record makes him an obvious player for the Seals to keep an eye on.
SAM BULL
Another major contributor to last season’s promotion push, Bull produced 16 goals and 12 assists across 33 appearances. He has remained heavily involved at the start of the new season, featuring in all four of Priory’s competitive matches and registering both a goal and an assist.
HARRY ROSSETTI
A familiar figure in the Reigate midfield who contributed 10 goals in 29 appearances last season. Rossetti has started all three of his appearances this term and has already collected two Player of the Match awards, underlining his influence in the middle of the pitch.
BRYAN TSHINGOMA
Tshingoma has started the season brightly with a goal and an assist from four appearances. After becoming increasingly involved towards the latter stages of last season, he looks set to play a more prominent role in Priory’s attacking play this time around. With plenty of quality remaining from the side that finished second last season, Reigate Priory will be determined to turn performances into points — providing another difficult test for the Seals this afternoon.
Goals
Yellow/Red Cards
0 (0) 5 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0)
0 0 0 0
0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0
5 (0) 3 (0) 2 (1) 0 (2) 0 (0) 5 (0) 1 (1) 1 (3) 1 (1)
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0/0 1/0 1/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 1/0
Bradley Higgins-Pearce
5 (0)
0
1/0
Dale Hayes Liam Holden Joe Slater James Henton Ollie Osborne Massimo Franco Ben Collins Attackers Dan Simmonds Freddie Chipp-Smith Reuben Strudwick Issac Glanfield Tony Halsey Adam Williams
1 (1) 1 (1) 1 (2) 2 (0) 0 (1) 0 (0) 0 (1)
0 0 0 0 0 0 1
0/0 1/0 1/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0
2 (0) 5 (0) 0 (0) 5 (0) 4 (1) 4 (0)
0 3 0 0 1 0
0/0 1/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0
Player Season Stats
Apps Goalkeepers Syd Davies Alfie Lelliott Illia Krushch Rhys Griffiths Defenders Lawson Bright Louie O’Brien Kasey Fewings Rocco Dew Charlie Osborne Archie Scott Harry Spicer Kye Hartt Seamus Griffin-Tilley Midfielders
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Behind the Scenes Club Chairman: David Lee Vice Chairman, Minute & Match Secretary: Colin Webb selseyfc1903.matchsec@gmail.com
Club Secretary and Welfare Officer: Paul Senior E-mail: selseyfootballclub@yahoo.com Committee Members: Daren Pearce Jamie Marie Donna Maxey Kira Couzens Rhys Griffiths Groundsman: Paul Lee Ground Volunteers: Mick Airey, Colin Webb, Bernie Morey, Wayne Janotti, Pete Newman, Steve Tomkins Gateman: Ray Clark Selsey FC & Social Club CIC Bar Manager: Nik Stovell
Selsey 1st Team Manager Daren Pearce Coach Martin Hinshelwood GK Coach Rhys Griffiths Club Physio Kira Couzens
Match Ball Sponsor In memory of Cyril Pestle a true gentleman who will be sadly missed. Regards ‘The Old Codgers’ Herbie, Billy Mark Ian John & Jenny
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Squads Syd DAVIES Alfie LELLIOTT Rhys GRIFFITHS Illia KRUSHCH Kye HARTT Lawson BRIGHT Rocco DEW Dale HAYES Charlie OSBORNE Seamus GRIFFIN-TILLEY Harry SPICER Louie O’BRIEN Kasey FEWINGS Archie SCOTT Bradley HIGGINS-PEARCE James HENTON Liam HOLDEN Joe SLATER Ollie OSBORNE Ben COLLINS Massimo FRANCO Dan SIMMONDS Adam WILLIAMS Freddie CHIPP-SMITH Issac GLANFIELD Reuben STRUDWICK Tony HALSEY
Manager: Daren Pearce Coach: Martin Hinshelwood GK Coach: Rhys Griffiths Physio: Kira Couzens
Andrew GREAVES Omolayo ADEBANJO Lewis BARKER-BATEMAN Sam BULL Kyle CARTON Bradley HAZELDEN Andrew JONES Sam LUARD William MURPHY Dylan PAGE Harry ROSSETTI Michael TEAGUE Bryan TSHINGOMA Ryan WILCOX Jack APPLEBY-WILLIAMS Matt BOWERS Javaan CAMPBELL George DAWSON Tashai HANSON Paul JOHNSTON Matthew KING Michael OMIROU Lee PEACOCK Sam STEELE Xavier TEAGUE Mason WALKER Dale WYATT
Manager: Dale Wyatt