The Buildbase FA Vase 1st Round Qualifying.
19th September 2020 Priory Lane, Eastbourne. 15:00 KO
Adults £7 Concessions £5 Under 16 £1
View from the dugout
It's Derby Day in the Buildbase FA Vase. We are looking forward to this match against a good organised United side. We've seen that they are going very well in the league so we are expecting a tough match this afternoon.
Reflecting back on Tuesday nights narrow defeat to AFC Uckfield, we felt there were so many positives to take away with us and many would have seen the cruelty of football that night as we felt certainly done enough to take something home.
Our preparation for this game has been great with a solid session Thursday night and some welcome additions to the squad which will add some much-needed experience to the group.
It's cup day and we hope to put on a good show for all watching fans as per our Emirates FA Cup games so far.
Raising funds for In the Name of Thiago.
Chris & Thiago's Story
Before you read the story behind my journey, may I also take the opportunity to point you in the direction of my daily blog: www.inthenameofthiago.co.uk This is the place where I share my feelings and frustrations and talk about planning for a special commemorative event.
My son Thiago Frederick Leite Gibbs came into the world on 4 February 2019 and left it on 28 November. In that time he brought joy, love, pleasure and astounded friends, family and medics alike with his incredibly positive attitude to life. We often speak about children being a ray of sunshine. Well, my boy really was… and then some.
Sadly, Thiago was born with complications with his heart and though both University Hospital Stoke and Birmingham Children’s Hospital did everything they could for him in his short life, it wasn’t to be. He died peacefully in the arms of my wife and I on his own terms having achieved more in his ten months than many others do in a far longer lifetime.
While Thiago was in my life - and spiritually he will always be there - he taught me a valuable lesson, one that I am finally going to heed. And that was to focus on the positive, be a glass half full rather than a glass half empty and do something about the things in life that you can control if it will make life better.
So now that you know the why, I’ll tell you the what. Starting on Saturday 19 September, in my home town of Eastbourne and ending in Stoke-on-Trent at the main entrance of the hospital Thiago was born in on Friday 16 October, I shall be undergoing a month-long trek.
All in all, it’s 282 miles probably more like 300+ taking into account all the wrong turns I'll probably make! The indefatigable Jamie Hickey, who has been such an incredible rock to me in my grieving process, has helped me produce the route. Roughly it will take in some of the Sussex Downs from the south coast to London, the Birmingham to London canal path before meeting friends from Birmingham Children’s Hospital for the final northbound section.
I’ll be doing this both to remember the son that I’ll never get to see grow up and marry and also to raise as much as I physically can for two wonderful hospital charities, which cared for him with such extraordinary levels of compassion.
Please help me to help them and be part of something very special. Thank you.
Today's Opposition - Eastbourne United AFC
Eastbourne United Association FC began its existence on the 5th September 1894 as the 1st Sussex Royal Engineers Volunteers (Eastbourne) FC, following success in a football tournament at Sheffield Park near East Grinstead, as part of a training camp for Sussex Companies of the Regiment.
The new club adopted the Regimental colours of red and blue stripes, but with no home ground the first two matches were played on the field of South Lynn School in Tutts Barn Lane; and numerous other venues were used in those early years, although the new club also returned to Sheffield Park to play.
In 1901 the club gained permission from Eastbourne Council to use Gildredge Park in the Old Town as their home ground. Like the other grounds, it was not enclosed and the entrance was by voluntary donation of one penny. The playing surface was also very undulating and resulted in its nickname: the "Switchback Pitch".
In 1913 there was a name change to the 1st Home Counties Royal Engineers (Eastbourne) FC to reflect a merger between the RA Volunteers with the Territorial Army.
The club resumed playing at Gildredge Park after the Great War and in 1920/21 following the disbandment of the Volunteers at the end of hostilities the team was re-named for the third time: becoming Eastbourne Royal Engineers Old Comrades FC. The only defeat of that season came by the Royal Corps of Signals in the club's first foray into the FA Amateur Cup, the tie being played at The Saffrons, home of Eastbourne Town FC. T
his defeat was avenged in the Final of the East Sussex Cup, played at the Lynchmere Ground, on the opposite side of the road to Tutts Barn Lane the venue of the club's first-ever match. The event was notable for what may be the first-ever "outside broadcast' of a sporting event in the country: the Signals having brought wireless equipment with them to relay news of the event back to their camp in Maresfield.
In 1921/22, the club joined the Sussex County League, and the season was also notable for a permanent move to the Lynchmere. Materials to develop the ground were obtained from Willingdon Aerodrome, Southern Railway and the Seaplanes base and, with the help of volunteer labour the pitch, which had a pronounced slope, was enclosed for the start of the season.
In 1924 the Royal Engineers suffix was dropped and the club became known simply as Eastbourne Old Comrades FC. The following season heralded new club colours of black and white stripes as ties with the Royal Engineers were finally broken. At the end of the 1927/28 season, the Comrades resigned from the Sussex County League were admitted to the Spartan League, shortening their name to Eastbourne Comrades FC.
By this time, a sustained programme of improvements carried out entirely by voluntary labour had seen a considerable improvement of the Lynchmere, including the construction of a wooden grandstand and another covered enclosure. The first Spartan League fixture saw a 2-2 draw against Colchester Town (now United) on 25 August 1928.
The start of the 1935/36 season saw the club admitted back into the Sussex County League having resigned from the Spartan League a couple of years earlier. However, during the 1936 close-season, the Lynchmere was hired out to a Circus, rendering the pitch unplayable until 31 October. The Comrades were beaten 6-3 by Hayward's Heath but were not helped by starting with only nine men: goalkeeper Reg Watkins was working on the pitch for the whole of the previous night and was actually off the field waiting for a stoppage in play when Heath opened the scoring after just five minutes.
With War declared on 3rd September 1939, the new season had barely started, and a friendly at the Lynchmere versus Bexhill on 4th May 1940 proved to be the Comrades' last match for six years.
By the end of WW2, the Lynchmere had a new owner and the future tenancy was uncertain; like many other grounds, it had been used by the Army during the War although crucially, as it transpired, had not been officially commandeered for the war effort.
Nevertheless, although the playing surface was in good condition, the other facilities were anything but. Seating had been removed from the stand by "persons unknown", as had baths; heating and equipment from the tea chalet, along with most of the piping. The buildings were also badly damaged and the club's bank balance was nil. As the ground had not been commandeered, the War Office refused compensation.
The 1946/47 season was similarly disastrous and the club finished bottom of the Sussex County League having won just two of twenty-six fixtures. It was certainly not helped by having to play the last eleven matches away from home, all of which ended in defeat. In fact, the match against Haywards Heath on 11th January 1947 proved to be the last at the Lynchmere.
An "arctic winter" intervened during this period the ground was sold for development. Fortunately for the club, they were invited by Eastbourne Council to use at The Oval in Princes Park (formerly Gilbert Recreation Ground), near the seafront which the Council was developing into a sports arena.
There were no facilities at that time and the Comrades were only re-elected to the Sussex County League on condition that the pitch was roped off on match days. After a temporary arrangement whereby a tent was used in lieu of dressing rooms, the players changed at Devonshire Baths about half a mile away and were then driven by bus to the ground. Later a Nissan Hut was erected. The first match versus Littlehampton, on 30 August 1947 was watched by an estimated crowd of 1,000 who paid by voluntary collection. This attendance was doubled the following week for the visit of Chichester.
The 1950/51 season began with a brand new pitch and a new kit of white shirts and black shorts, and during the following close season, plans were made for a grandstand and terracing, as the Council granted the club a new long lease. The club name was also changed for a sixth time to Eastbourne United FC. Assisted by funds raised by the Supporters' Association, volunteers began work on developing the facilities at the Oval in 1952, and by the end of the season, 100 feet of terracing had been completed. In addition, and to prevent free viewing from Wartling Road on the far side of the ground, shrubs and trees were planted and a hessian screen erected.
The precise date that the stand and terrace were officially opened is uncertain. However, what is known is that the Pavilion (Clubhouse), built at around the same time was officially opened on 3 September 1955 vs Queen's Park Rangers. Local derbies against Eastbourne Town continued to draw large crowds and on 7 May 1956 United avenged a number of earlier defeats with a 6-0 victory in the Final of the RUR Charity Cup in front of a record crowd of 6,600 at the Oval.
In 1958/59 the first floodlights were erected at the ground and inaugurated with a match against Eastbourne Town in front of a gate of 4,100. By 1966 however, United was competing in the Athenian League, and new floodlights were erected at a cost of £5,500. The new lights were officially christened on 25 October 1967 with the visit of a strong West Ham United side, watched by a 2,000 strong crowd.
During the 1975/76 season, an attempt to merge with Eastbourne Town failed at a late stage and in 1977 another expansion of the Isthmian League saw United join the new Division Two where they remained until being placed into Division Three in 1991, following further restructuring.
A combination of poor results, low income, and the long distances involved in travelling to away matches meant that United's place was unsustainable. The club sent a notice of resignation to the League but were told they would have to join the Combined Counties League as this was the feeder into the Isthmian.
Following a successful appeal to the FA, United were allowed to re-join the Sussex County League instead, albeit in Division Two. In the intervening years, the third set of floodlights was officially opened on 18 February 1980 by former manager Ron Greenwood, as United beat Millwall in front of a gate of 1,100.
But, with little money to maintain the Oval, the ground was showing signs of wear and tear and the infamous storm on the night of 16th October 1987 destroyed the covered terrace on the Wartling Road side of the ground.
With no insurance against storm damage taken out by the Council, the covered terrace was never replaced, leaving only a few steps of terracing that remain to this day as a permanent reminder.
In the local press on 6 July 2001, it was announced that the Oval had been spared from the axe by the Council. This was welcome news but the ground remained in quite a state of disrepair, largely a consequence of the Council's continued refusal to prohibit public access, and United were faced with a requirement to carry out repair and refurbishments estimated at £83,500 to satisfy the terms of their lease which still had 13 years to run at the time.
At the end of the 2002/03 season, and struggling in Division Two of the Sussex County League, United amalgamated with fellow Division Two club Shinewater Association in a "marriage of convenience'
.
Shinewater Association FC had been formed in 1990 as a replacement for The Dental Estimates Board FC, a member of the East Sussex League and previously based at Temple Grove Playing Field near the Old Town. Members of the existing club were aware that Stone Cross Cricket Club was looking for someone to share the Shinewater Lane Playing Field on the other side of the town near Langney; and also that the Shinewater Association Club was thinking about forming a new football club. The rest, as they say, is history.
Facilities were extremely basic: players changed in the small wooden cricket Pavilion, and there was nothing more than a set of new posts at Shinewater Lane, with no requirement for the pitch to even be roped off.
The club was accepted into Division Three of the Sussex County League at the end of the 1991/92 season, conditional on improvements being made to the ground in the form of a permanent rail and path along one touchline, and dugouts being constructed. During the 1992 close season, however, disaster struck when the Pavilion was destroyed in an arson attack. As a consequence the Cricket Club relocated to Larkins Field, taking the insurance money with them, leaving the Football Club with nothing.
Fortunately, a grant was secured from the Football Foundation and for one season the League allowed players to change behind the Association Club building and walk about 400 yards up Shinewater Lane to the pitch.
The building of the new clubhouse continued throughout 1992/93 but an official opening by the Mayor drew attention to the fact that although planning permission had been granted, building regulations had not been followed and that remedial work would cost £11,000. By a coincidence that sum was the amount paid out by the insurance company following the original fire. The money was still sitting in the bank account of the Cricket Club, who returned to the ground and paid the bill.
Season 1996/97 brought promotion and gave the town a fourth senior club. As before, success brought the need for further ground improvements. The pitch was fully enclosed for the first time and in addition, a breezeblock and steel cover was built with two new dugouts on either side. The club maintained its position as a Senior club but was beset with continual problems of vandalism, with vehicles twice dumped on the pitch and set on fire.
Poor drainage to part of the pitch caused a number of postponements every season and, although an official approach to the Council for floodlights was looked upon favourably, the latter was concerned that parking would cause serious problems during evening games.
In 2003/04 a proposal for an amalgamation with Eastbourne United was made as being one of mutual benefit. The proposal was quickly agreed and on 17th April 2003, with the last match played between the two clubs at Shinewater Lane. The new club would become known as Eastbourne United Association FC, although now commonly abbreviated to Eastbourne United AFC.
The merger brought about a major improvement to The Oval, namely the provision of "new' perimeter rails, acquired from Eastbourne Borough's Priory Lane ground, and the old ground at Shinewater Lane. Additional floodlight bulbs were also been purchased from Borough. With the old cinder running track rendered obsolete following the relocation of the local Athletics Club to Eastbourne Sports Park, the new rail allowed spectators to get a lot closer to the action than previously and improved the atmosphere considerably.
Under the leadership of former Shinewater manager Dave Shearing, the new club won promotion back to Division One at the first attempt after finishing third behind champions Littlehampton Town, and runners-up Worthing United. That progression was maintained in 2004/05 with another excellent campaign and 5th place in the top flight of the County League.
With constant rumours of disquiet off the pitch in the local media, Shearing resigned at the end of the 2005/06 season with the Club in 14th position. He was succeeded by former Hailsham Town boss Brian Dennis. Dennis brought success to Eastbourne United AFC at the end of the 2008/09 season when they lifted the RUR cup for the first time since 1956 and also reached the top of the table, but the Sussex FA had spotted that Chichester City had fielded a banned player in their squad and were deducted points, the Sussex FA had talks whether to award points to sides who have played against a team fielding an ineligible player, which would mean Horsham YMCA would be promoted. However, the Sussex FA declared that no points were to be given back and United were the Sussex County League champions, for the first time since 1956, giving Eastbourne United AFC the league & cup double.
Due to FA ground grading requirements, in 2010 the committee took the decision to cut the first team playing budget and focus all monies into the long term aim of redeveloping The Oval. This resulted in nearly all of the first team squad leaving for pastures new and Dennis looking for new players. A poor start to the season saw Dennis relieved of his duties in October 2010 with the club languishing at the bottom of Division One. United promoted Reserve Team manager Paul Daubeney to First Team Manager but he was unable to save United from relegation to Division Two for the first time since 2003 as the club picked up just 10 points from 38 games.
The 2011/12 season was one of hope at The Oval with the ground redevelopment starting to take shape, but a poor start left United in the bottom half of the Division Two table, but United turned a corner in September as new signings rejuvenated United and the club went 17 games undefeated to rise up the league table. A 6th place finish proved to be the best United could wish for, despite doing the league double over local rivals Hailsham Town.
The 2012/13 season brought renewed optimism to The Oval, with the stadium officially reopened with the visit of Brighton & Hove Albion and a blistering start to the league season. A 2-1 victory over Ryman Premier League side Lewes proved to be the highlight of the season that ended in disappointment with Paul Daubeney failing to guide United to promotion despite occupying a place in the top three for the majority of the season. Daubeney resigned in May 2013 due to work commitments and was replaced by current manager Simon Rowland.
Daubeney’s departure saw all bar two of the 2012/13 squad leave The Oval, leaving Rowland the task assembling virtually a completely new squad. After a busy pre-season, United began their league campaign with a 6-1 victory over Rustington, quickly followed by a 7-0 victory over Saltdean United. United took their place in the FA Cup for the first time in three seasons and defeated Lordswood (4-1) and Ryman South side Herne Bay (2-1) following a replay before ultimately losing out to Folkestone Invicta. Rowland has also led EUAFC to their best ever performance in the FA Vase after reaching the semi-final of the prestigious non-league competition, claiming victory over higher league opposition in every round, scoring 28 goals in the process before going out at the semi-final to eventual winners Sholing, in front of 1,426 fans at The Oval
Despite the heartbreak of the FA Vase defeat, United sealed a memorable season by securing the SCFL Division Two title on St Georges Day by defeating Oakwood 3-0 at Tinsley Lane.
Notable former Managers of Eastbourne United include Gordon Jago MBE and Ron Greenwood. Jago also managed QPR, Millwall, Tampa Bay Rowdies and the USA national team, while Ron Greenwood was the manager at West Ham United between 1961 & 1974, before moving on to become the manager of England, replacing Don Revie.
“ Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”
We are Langney Wanderers
The club was established in 2009/2010 and joined the Lewes & District Sunday League. In 2012 they applied for membership of the East Sussex League, gaining entry to the Premier Division for the 2012–13 season. The club were Premier Division champions at the first attempt, winning 17 of their 18 league matches, and was promoted to Division Three of the Sussex County League.
Langney were Division Three champions the following season but were unable to be promoted to Division Two as their ground did not have floodlights. However, after finishing third in Division Three in 2014–15 the club was promoted after planning permission was secured for floodlights.
In 2015 the Sussex County League was renamed the Southern Combination, with Division Two becoming Division One. The 2016–17 season saw Langney win the Division One Cup, beating Southwick 3–0 in the final.
The club initially played at Shinewater Lane, the former ground of Shinewater Association, but due to problems with the pitch they played at Eastbourne United Association's Oval ground during the 2016–17 season, before moving to Eastbourne Borough's Priory Lane ground for the 2017–18 season on a three-year agreement.
" One who gains strength from overcoming obstacles possesses the only strength which can overcome adversity"
The 2017/18 season proved to be a huge success on and off the pitch, Langney finished runners up in the SCFL Div 1 and losing semi-finalists of the Division 1 cup.
2018/19 season saw us enter the FA Cup for the first time in our short history. The club also ultimately succeeded in its initial goal of staying in the SCFL Premier division when they finished 15th out of 20 teams.
2019/20 The season suffered an early curtailment following the COVID-19 pandemic while the club was well placed in 9th position before its null and void conclusion.
Around the SCFL
Eastbourne United are the new leaders at the top of the Southern Combination Premier Division after a 2-1 win over Peacehaven on Tuesday evening. Jack Hobden and a 90th-minute winner from Connor Townsend cancelled out a first-half opener from Tyler Capon to hand United their third win in four games.
AFC Uckfield are a point further back after beating Langney Wanderers by the same scoreline, Dan Perry scoring the decisive goal to leave Wanderers still looking for their first league win of the season and the hosts remaining unbeaten. The weekend’s leaders Saltdean Utd suffered their first league defeat at Lancing, a win that moves them up to 4th in the early table. All the goals came in the first half, Joe Shelley’s goal for the visitors cancelled out by Josh Gould and Mitchell Hewens.
Pagham and Loxwood shared the points in a 0-0 draw whilst the spoils were also shared between Newhaven and Eastbourne Town, an own goal in the 89th minute rescuing a point for Town after Alfie Rogers put the home ahead soon after half-time, both host clubs are also still yet to lose.
Points were also shared between East Preston and Alfold, Conor Bull netted twice for the home side before they were pegged back by Devon Fender just before half time, Kelvin Lucas scoring mid-way through the second half to leave the home side still searching for their first league win. Lingfield and Little Common finished goalless, the visitors now having played out three consecutive draws.
Both Steyning and Horley Town picked up their first wins of the season, a 3-1 win at Hassocks for the former courtesy of a brace from Thomas Howard-Bold and Cian Griffin-Tilley whilst Town went one better and put four goals past Horsham YMCA, Jack Poplett, Ryan Brackpool and two for Adam Grant giving the visitors an emphatic win.
Crawley Down Gatwick’s game at home to Broadbridge Heath was postponed due to the visitors continuing self-isolation after a positive Covid-19 test, Heath having only completed one league game so far.
Both AFC Uckfield and Saltdean Utd will have the opportunity to go top of the table with leaders Eastbourne Utd in FA Vase action, one of thirteen Premier Division clubs in the competition this afternoon.
SCFL PREMIER TABLE
Latest SCFL Premier Results
SCFL Premier Upcoming Fixtures
Match Photos from Harrow Borough Emirates FA Cup
Wanderers TV Highlights sponsored by YOUR BUSINESS
Under 23 News
The Langney Wanderers Under 23's started there campaign on Monday evening with the short trip to Eastbourne Town in the SCFL U23 East. It was a typical derby game with plenty of committed challenges going in from both sides. Lee Daunbney the Town keeper saw red in the first half after handling the ball outside his area. The game changed on this decision but it was Town who looked the more comfortable despite the numerical disadvantage. Langney would dominate possession but ultimately couldn't test the stand-in keeper enough as Town repelled the attacks.
Town took the lead early in the second half through Tom McDonald with a great finish across the keeper and while Wanderers probed they couldn't muster a meaningful shot to level the scores. The teams would then be evened up when Jordan Funnell received a second yellow and to finish off a dismal night for Langney, Ryan Welch gave away a penalty in the dying moments of the game for Town to take a deserved win. The 23's go again next Monday with another tough game against Newhaven 23's at The Trafalgar Ground.
Huge thanks to our U23 sponsors this season,
Trevor Humphreys SE Ltd, Deliveroo, Clements & Harris, Elite Lettings & Eastbourne Launderette.
SCFL Under 23 East Table
SCFL Under 23 East Latest Results
SCFL Under 23 East Upcoming Fixtures
First Team Squad
GK Alieu Secka sponsored Home & Away by Just Log It (Premium Kiln Dried Logs)
DF Harry Ducatel sponsored by Your Business Name
DF Shaun Lee sponsored by
DF David Smart sponsored by
DF Ian Kalu sponsored by
DF Callum Sheriff sponsored by
DF Adam Davidson sponsored by
DF Peter Featherstone sponsored by
MD Joe Summerbell sponsored by
MD Marcin Ruda sponsored by
MD Lewis Broughton sponsored by
MD Dean Stevens sponsored by
MD Ant Gill sponsored by
MD Marc Di Lucia sponsored by
AT Ali Mekawir sponsored by
AT Trey Masikini sponsored by
AT Gary Ingram sponsored by
AT Ali Rainford sponsored by
AT Tim Bennett sponsored by
AT Liam Baitup sponsored by
CO Alex Walsh sponsored by
CO Bayley Colbran sponsored by
CO Luke Carter sponsored by
CO Steve Harman sponsored by Just Cool It (Mobile Refrigeration Hire)
Teamsheets
Langney Wanderers FC
From; Liam Baitup, James Beeden, Jake Botting, Lewis Broughton, Harry Butler, Sonny Chambers, Tom Cherryman, Peter Cooper, Adam Davidson, Neill Di Lucia, Marc De Lucia, Harry Ducatel, Jack Edge, Matthew Fear, Peter Featherstone, Tyler French, Jordon Funnell, Antony Gill, William Gordon, Macaulay Gray, George Griffin, Connor Griffiths, Stephen Harman, Daniel Hutchins, Gary Ingram, Ian Kalu, Shaun Lee, Trey Masikini, Harvey Mehmet, Mohammad Ali Mekawir, Alexander Rainford, William Ridgway, Marcin Ruda, Connor Saunders, Shane Saunders, Callum Sherriff, David Smart, Dean Stevens, Mackenzie Stiles, Joe Summerbell, Ryley Tate, Emmanuel Ubi, Leo Weedon, Ryan Welch.
1. Alieu Secka
2. Ian Lagwai Kula
3. Harry Ducatel
4. Dean Stevens
5. Shaun Lee
6. Peter Featherstone
7. Trey Masikini
8. Callum Sherriif
9. Liam Baitup
10. Gary Ingram
11. Ali Mekawir
SUBS
12 Adam Davidson
14 Peter Cooper
15 Ant Gill
16 Joe Summerbell
17 Ali Rainford
18 Mackenzie Styles
19 Emmanuel Ubi
Eastbourne United AFC
From; Jordan Hawkins (GK), James Earl (GK), Matt Simpson, Jack Murphy, Sam Willett, Dale Penn, Lewis Lodge, Alfie Peacock, Charlie Ball, Panashe Makwiramithi, Paul Weatherby, Connor Townsend, Thomas Cyprien, Tyler O’Callaghan, Kane Penn, Jayden Fitzpatrick
1. Jordan Hawkins
2. Matt Simpson
3. Jack Murphy
4. Tyler O'Callaghan
5. Sam Willett
6. Dale Penn
7. Alfie Peacock
8. Charlie Ball (C)
9. Connor Townsend
10. Kane Penn
11. Jack Hobden
SUBS
12 Josh Higgs
14 Panash Makwiramithi
15 Lewis Lodge
16 Jaiden Fitzpatrick
GK James Earl
Enjoyed this programme? You can support it and the club by paying in the link.
Next Game:
Alfold vs Langney Wanderers
26/09/2020 KO 15:00 SCFL Premier
Next Home Game:
Langney Wanderers v ???
??/10/2020 KO 15:00 SCFL Premier
