Bexhill United Ladies 1 v 2 Maidstone United Ladies

Sunday 26th October 2014
London & South East Regional Women's League
The Polegrove, Bexhill-on-Sea
Admission and Programme: None
Attendance: 43
Match Rating: 3

This was a rare Sunday football fix for me these days, and an equally rare dose of women's football, inspired by a desire to stay local and have a cheap afternoon out.

There have been no changes to the Polegrove since my last visit 20 months ago, and so it remains a ground that has a fair amount of charm and character, with its fabulously imposing mock Tudor brick and timber grandstand standing proud by the half way line, and with the ground's location very close to the seafront ensuring a biting wind on many a winter's day. No programmes were produced for this game.

This match was in the fifth tier of the women's football pyramid, and Bexhill have struggled since being promoted into this league this season, having won just once and lost their remaining seven league games so far this season. They went into this match one off the bottom in the twelve team division. Maidstone finished in fourth place in this division last season, and were in seventh place going into this game, but with games in hand against most teams above them. They have won three and drawn one of their five games so far.

On a very overcast afternoon, made chilly by the predictable strong winds coming off of the sea, this turned out to be a surprisingly very good game of football, with some decent skill on show. It was the visitors who deservedly took the lead on 21 minutes, The forward dribbled forward from deep towards goal, and upon reaching the area, took her time and a few touches before slotting the ball low just inside the post. Maidstone doubled their lead on 41 minutes. When their player found herself in lots of space to the right of the penalty area, it seemed certainly she would roll the ball across goal for a tap-in for a teammate, however instead she drove towards goal before firing a shot in at the keeper's near post. 0-2 was a fair reflection of the first half, in which Bexhill battled gamely but Maidstone looked superior in every department and might have been disappointed that they did not have a more convincing lead at the interval.

Maidstone continued their superiority into the second half, creating further chances to extend their lead, but it was Bexhill who surprisingly scored the next goal on 66 minutes, Nicky Pym tucking the ball home from an angle after an initial shot was parried by the keeper. That certainly encouraged Bexhill to push forward, and they went on to have their best period of the game, and they looked certain to equalise five minutes from time, when they had a couple of gentle goalbound shots blocked in quick succession following a corner, but they couldn't find an equaliser that, in truth, they would not have deserved. This was a good advert for the women's game, played at quite a fast tempo, and with good skill on show.

Canterbury City 2 v 1 Croydon

Saturday 25th October 2014
Southern Counties East League
The Homelands, Kingsnorth
Admission: £7.00
Programme: £1.00
Attendance: 86
Match Rating: 4

Only after midday did I decide to take in this game, having not been on my radar at all, and having eventually decided, when push came to shove, that neither a long trip to Hampshire for a Wessex League game, or my third consecutive Saturday of watching junior football in the East Sussex League, was sufficiently appealing. And so I ventured instead to Homelands, the home of Ashford United, almost twenty years since my one previous visit.

It has to be said there is not much to like about the Homelands. It's located just under four miles south of Ashford in the open countryside, with public transport limited to a bus that runs during the day only. By car, its an easily accessible venue with plenty of off-street parking available outside the ground. After entering through the turnstiles, there are a number of facilities that were not in use today - a wooden hut that would presumably sell programmes, a retail outlet window, and a blackboard for team line-ups. To the right of the turnstile area is the imposing all-seater stand, which is far grander than one usually encounters at this level - a reminder of the higher level that Ashford Town (Ashford United's predecessing club) used to play at in the Southern/Isthmian League. It houses a tea bar on the ground floor, with executive boxes above the seating area consisting of about half a dozen rows. There is cover immediately behind both goals - although with no sides in places, protection from the elements in wet and windy conditions would presumably be limited. Along the remaining length is just hard standing. The ground has concrete panel fencing all around, which certainly adds to the drab appearance of the ground, although with a little TLC and a few finishing touches, the Homelands could be more appealing on the eye as well as being a spacious environment. The programme was extremely disappointing, 16 pages in colour, five of which are advertising, and the remainder containing very little information or comment about the league season.

Canterbury City went into this game in seventh place, having won six and drawn two of their twelve games so far. Croydon, who were transferred back into this league from the Combined Counties League after five seasons away, have had a more difficult start to their season, and were in 16th place in the 20 team division, having won three and drawn two of their eleven games.

On a mainly overcast but mild afternoon, this turned out to be a very enjoyable spectacle, and one that had a surprising result given how the first 75 minutes had panned out. It was indeed Croydon who took the lead with eight minutes on the clock, when a corner was headed firmly into the net by Ben Mankelow. Canterbury almost got back on level terms within a couple of minutes when a shot from 20 yards skimmed the top of the bar. That was a rare sight of goal for the "home" side though, as Croydon always looked livelier going forward and Canterbury were sloppy in their play. Indeed, on 11 minutes, a Croydon striker intercepted a suicidal low crossfield pass but his eventual shot just went wide of the post. On 17 minutes, a lovely floated shot went over the keeper in no-mans land but hit the top of the crossbar, whilst on 39 minutes, Canterbury were somewhat lucky to retain their full compliment of players when the referee, who had been rather lenient all game, only showed a yellow card for a late, high tackle.

There was no doubt Canterbury were fortunate to only be one goal in arrears at half-time, but Croydon picked up where they left off at the start of the second half, creating several glorious chances with good passing and footwork inside the box, but with the eventual shots or headers being blocked or dropping just wide. Out of nothing, Canterbury got back on level terms on 75 minutes. A free kick from the left touchline was swung into the box, and Danny Lawrence planted his header into the net. Four minutes later and the visitors almost went back in front, but saw a shot come back off the underside of the bar. They were to rue that all the more when, on 78 minutes, Canterbury took the lead with a very similar goal to their first. This time from close to the right touchline, the ball was swung in and the ball was glanced into the back of the net by Kane Hemming. A fairly extraordinary turnaround by the home side, but the two goals completely changed the game, as Croydon's players' heads seemed to drop and Canterbury saw the game out fairly comfortably. Croydon will surely wonder how on earth they got nothing from this game, but clearly showed the need to put games to bed when a team is on top.

The JC Tackleway 5 v 3 Crowhurst

Saturday 18th November 2014
Hastings FA Junior Cup Round One
Barley Lane, Hastings
Admission: None
Programme: None
Attendance: 30
Match Rating: 4

After my original plans to head to the outskirts of Eastbourne to visit Willingdon Athletic was thwarted when the visitors could not raise a side, and with a visit to Hastings Bonfire Night planned for this evening, I decided to take in another dose of junior football, by chance watching Crowhurst for the second Saturday running, albeit this time they were the away team.

Located on the eastern fringes of Hastings, the pleasant walk from Hastings rail station took just over half an hour, via the town centre, along the seafront, through the Old Town and up onto the East Hill and Hastings Country Park, from where one has lovely views overlooking the seafront and sea. On arrival at the ground, I found a predictably very basic ground, but one that was actually a very pleasant surprise, with a large grass (although mainly overgrown) bank along one length, which was a good vantage point to watch the game from, whilst a footpath behind one of the goals also offered an elevated view of the action, and from which one can see the sea and Beachy Head in the distance, a very attractive backdrop. Behind the other length, and on the other side of a small valley, are lots of houses, which actually makes for quite an interesting backdrop. Behind the remaining goal, towards one corner, there is a building housing the changing rooms. Built primarily to withstand vandalism, it does have a club badge above its entrance. All in all, its a very basic ground that has a rustic charm about it, with some interesting backdrops, although it would be a bleak, windswept place indeed on a winter's day.

Both of the teams contesting this Hastings FA Junior Cup tie play in the East Sussex League Division Two, The Junior Club Tackleway, to give the club its full name, looked certain to be promoted from this division last season, but spectacularly lost form in the final weeks of the season. They are currently in third place, having won three and drawn one of their five games, but lost last week away at leaders Old Hastonians. After Crowhurst's defeat at home to Eastbourne Rangers last Saturday, the league table probably gives Crowhurst a false position. They are in seventh place, but have lost all three of their league games so far (as well as a cup game), and although they were awarded three points when Punnetts Town failed to field a team, Punnetts Town's results will presumably be expunged shortly. No doubt it has been a disappointing start to the season for Crowhurst, who have signed a lot of players and off the pitch, seem to be far more organised and "professional" than virtually every other club in the East Sussex League.

On a surprisingly very warm day for October, with temperatures nudging 20c, JC Tackleway took an early lead with just five minutes on the clock. A ball was dinked into the box, was misjudged by a defender, and Toby Shaw headed the ball over the keeper and into the net. Crowhurst were soon given the chance of levelling the scores, when they were awarded a soft-looking penalty on 9 minutes. Karl Tomlin struck the an unstoppable shot into the top right hand corner. The home side retook the lead on 19 minutes. A ball was played in from the left and was then hooked over the keeper, before being stabbed into the opposite corner of the net. They certainly looked the better team throughout the first half, forcing a fine point-blank one handed save from the keeper from a header following a corner, and on 37 minutes they extended their lead to 3-1 on 37 minutes. The ball was played low upfield, springing the high offside trap and allowing Charlie Cornford to run through on goal, and he showed great composure to fire the ball into the roof of the net on the run. Crowhurst were given a great chance to reduce the deficit to one three minutes before half time when they were awarded another penalty for a push, again it looked rather soft, but this time the low struck penalty came back off the post.

So, JC Tackleway held a two goal lead at half time, which was probably a fair reflection of the first half. Crowhurst had another great chance to pull a goal back within a minute of the start of the second half, when a free kick took a deflection off the wall and the keeper pulled off a good save to tip the ball wide. On 55 minutes, a third penalty of the game was awarded to JC Tackleway for a foul. After a long break, which included the linesman (a Crowhurst official) being replaced, the ball was struck low into the bottom left corner of the net. That surely put the game beyond doubt, but on the hour mark, Crowhurst pulled a goal back, following some neat passing in the area, the eventual shot took a slight deflection off the keeper before finding its way into the net. On 70 minutes, it was suddenly very much game on when Crowhurst pulled another goal back. The home keeper punted the ball forward from a wide position, only for the ball to fall at the feet of Gary Croft, who struck the ball firmly from almost the half way line, and the ball rolled gently into the unguarded net. Crowhurst really seized the initiative now and looked likely to complete a remarkable comeback to take this tie into extra time, but those hopes were extinguished five minutes from time. Glasses wearing Cornford, who always looked a threat throughout the game, showed some great footwork in the penalty area, eventually fired low inside the keeper's near post. Crowhurst still showed plenty of endeavour, but the game was up and it was the JC Tackleway who progressed into the net round. The right result overall, although Crowhurst will certainly look back and think with a little more luck, they could have at least forced extra time.

Little Common 1 v 3 Hailsham Town

Tuesday 14th October 2014

Sussex County League Division Two

Recreation Ground, Little Common

Admission including Programme: £4.00

Attendance:74

Match Rating: 4

For the third consecutive midweek, I watched Little Common in cup action this evening, for an interesting looking match between two teams that seen plenty of goals in their games so far this season, and the possibility of a giant killing.

This match would be between the fourth placed team in the Sussex League Division Two, Little Common, and the second from bottom team in Division One, Hailsham Town. Following the very one-sided cup victory at Seaford Town last Wednesday, Little Common had a very disappointing defeat at home against Rustington. Hailsham have claimed just one win and one draw from their ten league games so far. To reach this stage of this competition, Little Common had beaten Bexhill United 4-3 and Westfield 2-1, whilst Hailsham Town beat St Francis Rangers 2-1 at home.

On a cool but dry evening, this match had a really entertaining beginning, with both sides looking to attack as the play switched quickly from end to end. The home side almost took the lead with less than two minutes on the clock, Lewis Hole seeing his strike come back off the post. They were to rue that as Hailsham took the lead just four minutes later, Jack Divall hitting a shot from the edge of the area which, although was mishit, took a deflection and gently went past a wrong-footed goalkeeper. Hailsham doubled their lead on 14 minutes, Sam Divall crossing from the left for Danny Leach to thump his shot high into the net. By this stage it was looking like the higher division team would be easing through to the next round, but Little Common pulled a goal back just two minutes later. Steve Morris dinked the ball over the defence, and Hole just managed to beat the keeper to the ball to poke the ball goalwards and into the net. Little Common went on to have the better of the remainder of the half, creating several good chances to get back on level terms, but they went into the break a goal behind but still very much in the game.

Into the second half and the game was much tighter, which suited Hailsham, as Little Common looked much less threatening than they had before the break. However, the game remained in the balance until six minutes from time, when Hailsham made it safe when they scored their third. Jacob Adlam played the ball forward, springing the offside trap and setting Sam Divall through on goal, and he eventually placed the ball past the keeper. Hailsham really should have scored a fourth in added-on time after Adlam managed to dance past the keeper with the ball, but inexplicably fired wide of an open goal and the far post. But it was Hailsham who progressed to the next round and a home tie against another Division Two side in Wick and Barnham United. Hailsham deserved the win overall, although the result could have been very different had Little Common scored more than one when they created plenty of chances in the first half

Crowhurst 1 v 2 Eastbourne Rangers

Saturday 11th October 2014
East Sussex League Division Two
Recreation Ground, Crowhurst
Admission: None
Programme: Free
Attendance: 23 (head-count)
Match Rating: 3

Just occasionally on the long and winding road of a groundhopping season, an absolute gem of a club is unexpectedly discovered. One of those days very much took place for me today at a venue hosting a game in third tier of the East Sussex League - or the second tier of junior football, the kind of day that reminds me that watching professional football is an overpriced experience that is losing sight of what football should be about, and even that senior non-league football is heading in that direction too (witness clubs at step four of non league charging as much as £10 for admission, and at step 5, £7), making a dip into intermediate or junior football very worthwhile.

The Recreation Ground is situated in the centre of the very small and peaceful village of Crowhurst - a village well off the beaten track and is only reached by a small country lane. Although there is a train station in Crowhurst about a mile away from the ground, I chose to walk from Battle, following a three and a half mile path along the 1066 country walk and through the RSPB Fore Wood reserve. On arrival at the ground - following a very enjoyable pint of Harvey's in the pleasant village pub - one walks across a cricket field to reach the football pitch. As one would expect at this level, there are no facilities around the pitch, but it does have a lovely rural, beautifully peaceful setting, closely lined by trees along one length, with fields below trees gently going up an incline into the distance behind the other. Behind one goal is a tennis court, whilst behind the other, beyond the cricket field, are the village houses. Between the cricket field and football pitch is an attractive wooden pavilion, from which tea and coffee was offered to all free of charge. Very surprisingly, a full colour programme was issued for this game, and Crowhurst intend to issue for all of their games this season. A fabulous effort by a small club so far down the football pyramid, as far as I am aware, no other club in the entire East Sussex League issues programmes. Special mention must also be made of the pitch, which was in absolutely superb condition, flat and closely cut, and which took recent torrential rain very well and remained in fine condition throughout the game.

Although Crowhurst seems to be a club on the up off the pitch, and I witnessed a fabulous performance from them when they demolished Premier Division outfit Robertsbridge United 1-5 away, they have had a disappointing start to their season so far, losing both league games they have played this season, and although they were awarded a win after the opposition, Punnetts Town, failed to field a side, one would assume that Punnetts Town will be withdrawn from the league and their record expunged. They also lost in the League Cup. Eastbourne Rangers, on the other hand, have had a sensational start to their season, winning all three of their league games, scoring 16 goals in the process, whilst they won 0-11 away in the Sussex Junior Cup last weekend on their long trip down to Bognor Regis to play The Unicorn.

Further rain in advance of kick off during the first half made the pitch a little slippery, although happily the grey skies gave way to blue skies and bright sunshine about half an hour into the game. As expected, Eastbourne Rangers started the match very much in the ascendancy as Crowhurst struggled to cope defensively and to mount meaningful attacks. On ten minutes, the visitors almost took the lead. An initial shot was parried by the keeper straight to the feet of a striker eight yards from goal, but the keeper saved well again. On 18 minutes, Eastbourne did take the lead, an unmarked Tony Derese heading home a corner. Rather surprisingly, Crowhurst got back on level terms just after the half hour, when the ball was headed into the roof of the net from close range by Nick Walker following a corner. Eastbourne had plenty of chances to retake the lead, the best of which came just before half-time when a Crowhurst player sloppily gave away possession inside his own penalty area, the ball was passed across the box but a strong goalbound shot was blocked with a desperate flying tackle.

No doubt Crowhurst would have been the happier with the level scoreline at half time, but they came much more into the game as the second half progressed and had several presentable chances to take the lead - which would not have been undeserved. Rangers still looked a real threat though and had the clearer chances - a shot on the run from the edge of the area brought a fine low save low to the keeper's right, whilst a few minutes later, a wonderful low diagonal ball forward dissected the defence to find the striker through on goal, but the eventual shot was well saved by the keeper. Crowhurst had a great chance to win the three points on 82 minutes. Following a fast break down the left, the ball was played across to a striker in a central position on the edge of the area, but his shot was saved. They were left to rue that as, on 87 minutes, they conceded a penalty for a very strong but slightly late tackle. Substitute Jamie Strong struck the ball firmly low into the bottom right hand corner of the net to visibly break Crowhurst's hearts. Eastbourne comfortably saw the game out, and although they probably just about deserved the win as they always looked the classier team, full credit to Crowhurst for putting in a strong second-half performance, and with a little bit of good fortune, could easily have taken a point or even three against a very strong outfit.

Whilst the standard of football may not be the best here, I would strongly recommend a visit to Crowhurst, with an incredibly friendly welcome and atmosphere, the whole club, on and off the pitch, wanting and trying so hard to win without resorting to foul-mouthed verbals or cynical tactics, and a scenic and peaceful setting. With refreshments freely available and even a programme to satisfy the paperchasers, what's not to like? Today was a breath of fresh air, and I wish Crowhurst Football Club all the very best, a club that really deserves to develop as far as it wants to.