THE BOSTIK LEAGUE SOUTH AWAY FANS GUIDE … THE BOSTIK LEAGUE SOUTH AWAY FANS GUIDE 2017/181 Ashford...

THEBOSTIKLEAGUESOUTHAWAYFANSGUIDE2017/18

Contents

THEBOSTIKLEAGUESOUTHAWAYFANSGUIDE2017/18...................................................................1

AshfordUnitedFootballClub“TheNuts&Bolts”................................................................................3

CarshaltonAthleticFootballClub–“TheRobins”................................................................................5

ChipsteadFootballClub–“TheChips”.................................................................................................7

CorinthianCasualsFootballClub–“TheCasuals”................................................................................9

CrayWanderersFootballClub–“TheWands”...................................................................................11

EastGrinsteadTownFootballClub–“TheWasps”............................................................................13

FavershamTownFootballClub–“TheLilywhites”............................................................................15

GreenwichBoroughFootballClub–“Boro”.......................................................................................17

GuernseyFootballClub–“TheGreenLions”......................................................................................19

HastingsUnitedFootballClub–“TheArrows”...................................................................................21

HerneBayFootballClub–“TheBay”..................................................................................................24

HorshamFootballClub–“TheHornets”.............................................................................................26

HytheTownFootballClub–“TheCannons”.......................................................................................28

MoleseyFootballClub–“TheMoles”.................................................................................................30

PhoenixSportsFootballClub–“Phoenix”..........................................................................................32

RamsgateFootballClub–“TheRams”................................................................................................34

ShorehamFootballClub–“TheMusselmen”.....................................................................................36

SittingbourneFootballClub–“TheBrickies”......................................................................................38

SouthParkFootballClub–“TheSparks..............................................................................................40

ThamesmeadTownFootballClub–“TheMead”...............................................................................42

VCDAthleticFootballClub–“TheVickers”........................................................................................44

WaltonCasualsFootballClub–“TheStags”.......................................................................................46

WhyteleafeFootballClub–“TheLeafe”.............................................................................................49

2017/18Fixtures..................................................................................................................................51

AshfordUnitedFootballClub“TheNuts&Bolts”TheHomelandStadiumAshfordRoadKingsnorthAshfordKentTN261NJ

Tel:01233611838Web:www.ashfordunitedfc.comTwitter:@AshfordUnitedFc

AboutAshfordUnitedFootballClubFounded–2011asAshfordUnitedFC,previouslyAshfordTown(formed1891)Manager–DannyLyeBestleagueposition–19thintheSouthernLeaguePremierDivisionin1996/97BestFACuprun–SecondRoundonnumerousoccasionsasAshfordTown,thelastbeingin1996whentheyfacedFulhamatHomelandsGroundCapacity–3,200(lastseason’saveragewas265)

Howwaslastseason?Forthemostpart,itwasatwo-horseraceforpromotiontotheIsthmianLeagueSouthlastseasonwithAshfordUnitedandCrowboroughAthleticalmostinseparableallseason.Ultimately,UnitedwonthetitleinAprilwitha3-1winintheirfinalhead-to-headgamealthoughtheystillhadtowintheirfinalgameagainstRochesterUnitedtomakesure,whichtheydidinemphaticstylebyscoringseven.Scoringgoalswascertainlythekeytotheirsuccessastheyaveragednearlythreeagame,whilstkeepingitrelativelytightattheotherend.TheydroppedjusteightpointsatTheHomelandsasvisitingteamsstruggledwiththepitchandtheattackingstyleofplay.TheclubhavelosttheservicesofcaptainStuartWest,RyanPalmerandfull-backGeorgeSavageinthesummer.CominginisTomMichelsenfromChathamTown,TyrellRichardson-BrownfromBurgessHillTownandMattDayfromMillwall.

SouthernCountiesEastPremierDivision–1st-P38W30D2L6GS119GA39GD+80PTS92

• FACup–1stQualifyingRound–lostawaytoBurgessHillTown2-1• FAVase–SecondRound–lostawaytoEastbourneTown2-1• KentSeniorTrophy–Runners-up–LosttoSheppeyUnitedinthefinalonpenalties

WhendidwelastmeetAshfordUnited?We’venevermetAshfordUnitedinacompetitivegamebefore–we’veplayedAshfordTownbackin2001butthatwastheMiddlesexvarietynottheKentone.AboutTheHomelandStadiumAshfordUnitedmovedtotheHomelandStadiumin1989afteratwo-yeargroundsharewithFolkestoneInvicta.TheclubhavehadvarioustenantsovertheyearsincludingMaidstoneUnited,MargateandCanterburyCitybutnowtheyhavesoleuseofthefacilitiesandthe3Gpitch.The

groundisdominatedbyonemainstandthatsitsabovepitchlevelandoffersgoodviewsoftheaction.Insidearenumerousfacilitiesincludingaspaciousbar.Therestofthegroundishardstandingandlittlecover.Bewarned,italwaysseemstoraininAshford.HowtogettoTheHomelandsStadiumItmaysayAshfordonthesignbutTheHomelandsisafairtrekoutsideofthetowncentre.BycaryouwillalmostcertainlyendupontheM20headingcoast-wards.Exitatjunction10followingsignsforAshfordandtheOutletCentre.AtthejunctionwiththeA2042turnleftattheroundaboutandfollowtheroadpastTescoExtra,overtheroundaboutandafteramileorsoyouwillseetheentrancetothegroundonyourleft-handside.There’splentyoffreeparkingattheground.TotaldistancefromLewesis48milesviathecross-countryrouteontheA265acrosstheWealdor81viatheMotorways.Bothshouldtakearound90minutes.

BytraintheneareststationisAshfordInternationalwhichisaround3milesfromthegroundandwillrequireataxiorbusnumber11AfromStopRatthestationtoSmithfieldsCrossroadsandthenahalf-milewalk.

AdmissionatTheHomelandsStadiumAdmissionthisseasonis£9foradults,£6forconcessions(seniorcitizensandstudents),andaccompaniedunder16sareadmittedfreewithanadult,£1iftheyareontheirown.

Fancyabeer?There’sfewpubsinandaroundKingsnorthapartfromtheQueensHeadonthewaytothegroundsoyouwillbebetterstayinginthetowncentre.TheRiversideInninTorringtonRoadishighlyrecommendedforitsbeerastooistheLocomotivewhichisquiteclosetothestation.

CarshaltonAthleticFootballClub–“TheRobins”WarMemorialSportsGroundColstonAvenueCarshaltonSurreySM52PR

Tel:02086422551Web:www.pitchero.com/clubs/carshaltonafcTwitter:@CarshaltonA_FC

AboutCarshaltonAthleticFootballClubFounded–1905Manager–PeterAdeniyiBestleagueposition–19thinNationalLeagueSouthin2004/05BestFACuprun–SecondRound-LostawaytoTorquayUnited4-1in1982/83GroundCapacity–5,000(lastseason’saverage261)

Howwaslastseason?Carshaltonenjoyedaconsistentseason,improvingonthepreviousseason’s10thplacefinishandscoredgoalsforfun.TheyledthetableearlyintheseasonbutfellawayaroundChristmastime.Theystartedtoputpressureontheplay-offpacktowardstheendoftheseason,buta3-pointpenaltyforfieldinganillegibleplayercostthemaplaceintheend.TheirmainthreatcamefromthebootofTommyBradfordandRickyKorboa,whichplayer-managerPeterAdeniyerolled-backtheyearsandwasrightlyincludedintheIsthmianLeagueSouthteamoftheseason.Hehasaddedgoal-scoringmidfielderJordanCheadlefromWaltonCasuals,RaheemSterling-ParkerfromChipsteadandCorinthian-CasualsDannyDudleytohissquadsofar.

IsthmianLeagueSouthDivision–6th-P46W24D9L14GS106GA69GD+37PTS81

• FACup–1stQualifyingRound–lostathometoWorthing6-2inareplay• FATrophy–PreliminaryRound–lostawaytoCrayWanderers3-0inareplay• SurreySeniorCup–SecondRound–LostathometoTooting&MitchamUnited2-0• IsthmianLeagueCup–SecondRound–LostawaytoSouthPark2-1

WhendidwelastmeetCarshaltonAthletic?LastseasonwewerebeatentwicebytheRobins.InSeptember,theycametoTheDrippingPaninfineformandbeatus2-1thankstogoalsfromRickyKorboaandTommyBradford,whilstJamieBrothertonscoredfromthespotfortheRooks.InthereturnfixtureinApril,Lewessufferedaninjury-timedefeat,goingdown4-3havingled3-2thankstogoalsfromJonteSmith,AlexMalinsandStephenOkohasthegamewentinto7minutesofinjurytime.Alas,theofficialsdeemedthatthatwasn’tenoughandinthe11thminuteoftimeaddedon,thehomesidescoredthewinnertoeffectivelyendTheRookschancesofreachingthePlay-offs.AboutWarMemorialSportsGroundTheWarMemorialSportsGroundisoneofthebestgroundsintheIsthmianLeague,thegroundstartedlifeasplainoldShortsFarmbackinthe1920’s.Thefirstparttobedevelopedwasthe

grandstand,originallyboughtandtransportedpiecebypiecefromEpsomRacecoursedowntheroad.In1968,gale-forcewindsbatteredthisstandsomuchthatithadtobedemolished.Todaythemainfeatureisthehugecoveredterracethatrunsdownthesideofthepitch,allowingampleroomforthousandsoffansevenifitismorelikelytodaytoonlyhouseafewdozen.

Inaddition,thegroundboastsagoodsized,ifsmallinlength,grandstandandplentyofstandingroomdownthesideofthepitch.Behindthenorthendisasmallcoverwhilstatthesouthendthecoverextendsacrossthefulllengthoftheterrace.Theclubclaimtoservethe“BestBurgerinEnglishFootball”fromtheneweateryinthecornerofthepitch,nextdoortotheclubshop,bothallowingyoutowatchtheactionwhilstwaitingtobeserved.

HowtogettoTheWarMemorialSportsGroundCarshaltonisnottheeasiestplacetogettofromanywhereelseapartfromSouthLondonbycarespeciallyifyouhavetotravelthroughCroydonwhichcanbeblockedbyshoppersonaSaturday,andcommutersinmidweek.IfyouarecomingfromthesouthviatheM25thentakeexit7signpostedCroydonandfollowtheA23pasttheoldCroydonairportbeforetakingaleftafterafewmilesontotheA232.

Followthisroadforacoupleofmiles,passingBeddingtonParkonyourrightbeforeyouenterCarshalton.PassthroughtheHighStreet,passingthetwolargepondsonyourrightandtakethenextrightintoWestStreet.PasstheRacecourseandHopepubsonthisroadandthenimmediatelyafteryoupassundertherailwaybridgetakealeftintoColstonAvenue.Theentrancetothegroundisdownasmallalleyabout150yardsonyourright.ThisisabusyandnarrowroadsoIwouldavoidparkingdownhere–thereisacarparkatthegroundorparkonWestStreetorColstonAvenue.Journeytimeforthe48-miletripisjustoveranhour.

CarshaltonisinZone5.Thestationisonlyafewminutes’walkfromtheground–takearightoutoftheexitandwalkdownthehill.Turnright,walkundertherailwaybridgeandthenleftintoColstonAvenue–groundis150yardsonyourright.JourneytimefromLewesis1hour50minsifgoingviaVictoriaor20minuteslessifyouchangeatEastCroydonandMitchamJunction.Off-Peakreturnscostaround£20.

AdmissionatWarMemorialSportsGroundAdmissionthisseasonis£10foradults,£6forconcessions(seniorcitizensandstudents),andaccompaniedunder18sare£3.

Fancyabeer?Whilstrelativelysmallinsize,Carshaltonhasafewdecentpubswithinastone’sthrowoftheground.OnWestStreet(takealeftoutofthestation)thereistheGreyhoundandTheHopewhichwascertainlyafavouritewiththeLewestravellingsupportlastseason,whilstinTheHighStreetthereistheWoodman,CoachandHorsesandFoxandHounds–allofwhichareworthavisit.Thereisadecentsizedbaratthegroundandbeercanbetakenoutsidewhilstthegameison.

ChipsteadFootballClub–“TheChips”HighRoadChipsteadSurreyCR53SF

Tel:01737553250Web:www.chipsteadfc.comTwitter:@Chipstead_FC

AboutChipsteadFootballClubFounded–1906Manager–AntonyWilliamsBestleagueposition–10thinIsthmianLeagueSouthin2010/11BestFACuprun–FourthQualifyingRound–LosttoTorquayUnitedaway4-0in2007/08GroundCapacity–2,000(lastseason’saverage79)

Howwaslastseason?Chipsteadonceagaindidjustenoughtoavoidbeingsuckedintoarelegationbattlealthoughtheyrarelyupsettheformbooks,apartfroma2-1winawayatGreenwichBorough.TopscorerRaheemStirling-ParkerwasathreatalthoughtheywillhavetodowithouthisservicesthisseasonashehasleftforCarshaltonAthletic.

IsthmianLeagueSouthDivision–20th-P46W11D8L27GS68GA99GD-31PTS41

• FACup–1stQualifyingRound–lostawaytoSloughTown6-0• FATrophy–PreliminaryRound–lostawaytoKempstonRovers2-0inareplay• SurreySeniorCup–SecondRound–LostawaytoEpsom&Ewell3-0• IsthmianLeagueCup–FirstRound–LostathometoSouthPark2-1

WhendidwelastmeetChipstead?TheRooksdidthedoubleoverChipsteadlastseason,beatingthem2-1ontheopeningdayoftheseasonthankstosecond-halfgoalsfromDanPerry(penalty)andJamesHammond.InthereversefixtureatThePan,twogoalsfromStephenOkohsawoffanythreatfromChipstead.AboutHighRoadChipstead’sHighRoadgroundisrural.Notjust“surroundedbyafewtrees”ruralbutonewhereyoucanliterallyhearcowsmooingandsheepbaahing.Itisafartrekoutintothecountrysidebutthatgivesitanalmostsurrealfeelingwatchingagamehere.Thegoodnewsisthatitisverypicturesque.Thebadnewsisthatitcangetdamnchillyinthewinter!

Thegroundisbasic.Onesmallfourrowstandthatcoversathirdofthetouchlineandthenasmallcoveroveronepartoftheendbehindthegoalandthatisitwithconcretepathsaroundtherestoftheground.Theclubdoeshaveaniceclubhouse,accessedthroughtheentrancebythemainturnstiles.HugeSkySportsscreenanddecentbeerplusaviewoftheactionfrominside.Foodwisethereisasmallhatchbehindthemainstandbutbewarned-FrankfurtersarenotfromFrankfurt.HamburgersnotfromHamburg.PortisnotfromPortValeandChipscannotbefoundonthemenuChipstead(well,notonourlastvisitanyway).

HowtogettoHighRoadBycaryouprobablycomeviatheA23(eitherfromjunction7ontheM25headingnorthontheM23whichsoonbecomestheA23,orsouthfromCroydonontheA23).FollowA23towardsCoulsdonandtaketheCoulsdonbypasssignpostedM23andGatwick.AtthesecondsetoflightsafterleavingthebybypassturnrightintoStarLane–thereisaBPgarageonthecorner.FollowStarLaneintoElmoreRoad,keepingthechurchandthegreenonyourleftuntilreachingthecrossroadswithHighRoad.Turnleft(signpostedLowerKingswood&Reigate)andparkingforawaysupportersis200yardsonyourleft.Towalktothegroundleaveviathecarparkentranceturnleftandtheclubhouseandturnstilesareafurther200yardsalongthemainroad.Journeytimeforthe42milesfromLewesonagooddayis45minutes.

ThecariskingingettingtoChipstead.Thereisastationinthevillagebutitisaround11/2milesawayandisawalkuphillallthewayalongcountryroadswithoutpavements.CoulsdonSouthwhereyoucangetacabrelativelyeasilyanditwillcostabout£5.Journeytime,withachangeatEastCroydon,isaround90minutesatanOff-PeakDayReturnis£21.50.

AdmissionatHighRoadAdmissionthisseasonis£9foradults,£6forconcessions(seniorcitizens,studentsandUnder18s),andaccompaniedunder16sare£3.

Fancyabeer?Chipsteadisavillagesodon’texpectalotofchoiceonceyouarrive,withthenearestpubtotheground,theRamblersRestinOutwoodLanebeingaroundamileawayfromtheground.ClosebythatoneistheMiddaySun.TheonlyotherrealoptioninChipsteadisTheWhiteHartinHazelwoodLane.MaybeoneawaytriptosticktotheclubhouseatthegroundorheadingtothebrightlightsofCroydononthewayhome.

CorinthianCasualsFootballClub–“TheCasuals”KingGeorge’sFieldQueenMaryCloseHookRiseSouthSurbitonSurreyKT67NA

Tel:02083973368Web:www.corinthian-casuals.comTwitter:@CorinthianCas

AboutCorinthianCasualsFootballClubFounded–1939Manager–JamesBrackenBestleagueposition–5thinIsthmianLeagueDivisionOnein1959-60BestFACuprun–FirstRound–LostathometoBristolCityTorquayUnited4-0afterareplayin1983/84andlostatWatford5-1in1965/66GroundCapacity–2,700(lastseason’saverage181)

Howwaslastseason?Aftermissingoutcontroversiallyonaplay-offspotin2015/16(alastday3-pointdeductionforfieldinganillegibleplayer),theymanagedtomakethefinalcutlastseasonbutlostinthemostcruelcircumstancesinthePlay-OffFinal,5-4onpenaltiestoDorkingWanderers.Casualsstrengthenedtheirdefenceandimprovedtheirattackingoptions,withhot-shotShaunOkojieonceagainstealingtheheadlines.However,bossJamesBrackenwillhavetodowithoutOkojiethisseasonashehasjoinedAldershotTown.AnotherplayerwhohasleftisDannyDudleywhohasjoinedCarshaltonAthletic.


• FACup–FirstQualifyingRound–lostathometoNorthLeigh3-2• FATrophy–FirstQualifyingRound–lostawayatChalfontStPeter3-2• SurreySeniorCup–SecondRound–LostawayatEghamTown3-0• IsthmianLeagueCup–ThirdRound–LostathometoMerstham5-2

WhendidwelastmeetCorinthianCasuals?ItwasacaseofwhatcouldhavebeenlastseasonagainstCasuals.OneofourbestteamperformancesoftheseasonsawuscomeawayfromKingGeorge’sFieldswitha2-0inJanuarythankstogoalsfromCharlieCoppolaandStephenOkohbutinthereversefixtureatThePaninApril,Casualsranout3-2winnersinathrillinggame.RonnieConlonbroughtusbackintothegameafterthevisitorshadtakena2-0lead,thenablatanthandballonthelinebyCasualsJackStrangewasmissedbytheofficials.Hot-shotShaunOkojiethenwentuptheotherendofthepitchininjurytimetomakeit3-1onlyforJonteSmithheadedalate,lategoaltomakeit3-2.

AboutKingGeorge’sFieldCorinthianCasualsgroundisabasicaffairbutcertainlyhomely.Thereisasmallmainstandwithafewrowsofseatingandacoveredterracealongonesideandacoveredterracebehindonegoal.Apartfromthatitishardstandingaroundthepitch.Theclubhouseandfoodvancanbefoundbehindthemainstand.Trainsregularlypassoverthetopofthemainstandwhichcanbeabitoff-puttingforawayplayersandfansalike.

HowtogettoKingGeorge’sFieldThegroundissituatedjustofftheA3notfarfromtheTolworthroundabout.IfyouaretravellingfromtheM25youcanjointheA3London-boundatjunction10.StayontheA3untilyoureachthe50mphspeedlimit,continueundertheHookroundaboutandmoveintotheleft-handlaneforabout174yards.BearleftontoHookRiseNorthfor0.2mile(TolworthJunction).Atroundabout,taketheFOURTHexit(asifyouweregoingtorejointheA3goingbacktowardsthewayyoucamesignpostedM25,Portsmouth)thenalmostimmediatelytakesliproadonleftontoHookRiseSouthfor0.5mile.

IfyouaretravellingfromLondonontheA3taketheTolworthJunctionexit.Atroundabout,takethesecondexit(asifyouweregoingtorejointheA3goingtowardsM25,Portsmouth)thenalmostimmediatelytakesliproadonleftontoHookRiseSouthfor0.5mile.

TurnleftintoQueenMaryClose.Groundandcarparkunderrailwaybridgeonrighthandside.The55-milejourneyshouldtakejustoveranhourfromLewes.

Thegroundissituatedaroundaten-minutewalkfromTolworthstationwhichisinZone5.Turnleftoutofthestationandwalkuptotheroundaboutwhereyoushouldturnleftagain,pastwheretheTobyJugpubusedtobe.WalkalongsidethesliproadintoHookRiseSouth.ContinuedowntheroaduntilyoureachQueenMary'sClose,whereyouwillseeasmallsignfortheclub.Walkunderthebridgeandthegroundisontheright.JourneytimefromLewes,withachangeatClaphamJunctionis1hour50minutesandanOff-PeakDayReturniscurrently£24.90.

AdmissionatKingGeorge’sFieldAdmissionthisseasonwillbe£10foradults,£5forconcessions(seniorcitizens,studentsandUnder18s),andaccompaniedunder16sareadmittedfor£1.

Fancyabeer?Thisisatoughone–thereareliterallynopubswithina10/15-minutewalkofthegroundsounusuallyIamgoingtorecommendhavingabeerortwoatClaphamJunctionatpubssuchasTheFalcon(whichhasEngland’slongestbar)orTheSlugandLettuce,bothwithina2minutewalkofthestation.

CrayWanderersFootballClub–“TheWands”HayesLaneStadiumHayesLaneBromleyKentBR29EF

Tel:02084605291Web:www.cray-wanderers.comTwitter:@OfficialWands

AboutCrayWanderersFootballClubFounded–1860Manager–TonyRussellBestleagueposition–9thinIsthmianLeaguePremierDivisionin2011&2012BestFACuprun–FourthQualifyingRoundin2005/06–LostawaytoGraysAthletic2-0GroundCapacity–6,000(lastseason’saverage148)

Howwaslastseason?AfterlosingintheRymanNorthPlay-offstoHarlowTownin2015/16,CraygottheirwishintransferringtotheIsthmianLeagueSouthlastseasonalthoughtheyfoundthestandardofoppositionmuchhigher.Despitescoringanimpressivenumberofgoals,including24fromDannyHayesthenleaked86whichultimatelymeanttheyfinishedway-shortofthePlay-offspots.


• FACup–SecondQualifyingRound–LostathometoWorthing2-1• FATrophy–FirstQualifyingRound–LostawaytoFavershamTown1-0• KentSeniorCup–FirstRound–LostathometoDartford2-1• IsthmianLeagueCup–Didnotenter

WhendidwelastmeetCrayWanderers?OurexcellentrunofformagainstCrayWandererscontinuedlastseasonwiththeRookstakingallsixpointsandscoringeightgoalsintheprocess.InourfirstmeetingatThePaninOctober,TheRookswentin2-1downathalf-timethankstoaLloydHarringtonstrikebutwithinafewminutesgoalsfromJamieBrotherton.Craywerethenreducedtotenmenwhenfull-backJaySivawassentoffforarecklesschallengeonCharlieCoppola.JamieBrothertonthencompletedhishatrickwithaspectacularstrikebeforethevisitorswerereducedtoninemenwithDannyHaynessentoffforviolentconduct.DuncanCulleythenfinishedthejoboffininjurytime.

AtHayesLaneinFebruary,TheRookstookanearlyleadthankstoStephenOkohthenHarringtonscoredanotheragainstCraybeforeanotherexcellentstrikefromJamesHammondwrappedupallthreepointsforTheRooks.

AboutHayesLaneCrayWandererswillstillbecallingBromley’sHayesLanehomeforafewmoreseasonwhilsttheirnewgroundatFlamingoParkinSidcupisbuilt.NotthattheyaresufferingtoomuchatHayesLane

astheConferenceNationalsidehasinvestedheavilyinthegroundinrecentyearsincludingtheinstallationofseatingbehindthegoalintheoldwoodenstand.Atthefarendcoveredterracingremains.AtonesideisthemodernlookingJohnFiorini(Main)Stand.Thiscoveredallseatedstanddoesn’thaveanysupportingpillarsandsitsastridethehalfwaylinewhilstoppositeisadecentsized,quitesteepterracethatgivessomeexcellentviewsofthecricketpitchnextdoorifthefootballisn’tuptomuch.Thereisadecent-sizedclubhousewhichhasastrangeexclusionzoneoutsidefordrinkingbeerin,policedbystewards.Oneofthebettergroundswewillvisitonourtravelsthat’sforsure.

Duringthesummer,BromleyFChaveinstalleda3Gpitch.HowtogettoHayesLaneExittheM25atJunction4andtaketheA21towardsBromleyandLondon.AfterfivemilesforleftatthetrafficlightsontotheA232towardsCroydon/Sutton.Atthe2ndsetoftrafficlightsturnrightintoBastonRoad(B265).ContinuestraightonthisroadthroughHayes.TheroadbecomesHayesLaneandaftertheminiroundabouttheentrancetothegroundisdownontheright.Thereisasmallcarparkattheground,otherwisestreetparking.TotaltraveltimefromLewesforthe53-miletripfromLewesisaroundanhourandtwentyminutes.

Thegroundisafifteen-minutewalkfromBromleySouthstation(notNorthwhichismilesaway!),frequentlyservedbytrainsfromLondonVictoriawhichisinzone5.Simplyheadrightoutofthestation,crosstheroadandwalkdownWestmorelandRoad,takingthefirstleftintoHayesRoadandfollowingthisallthewaydowntoHayesLanewherethegroundisoppositeyou.Journeytimeisaround90minutesandanOff-PeakDayReturnis£33.20.Alternatively,anumberofbusesrunpastthegroundincludingthe314fromEltham,146fromBromleyTowncentreand119fromEastCroydonwhichtakesaroundthesametimeasthetrainbutobviouslymuchcheaper.

AdmissionatHayesLaneAdmissionlastseasonwas£10foradults,£5forconcessions(seniorcitizens,studentsandUnder18s),andaccompaniedunder16sare£2.

Fancyabeer?Bromleytowncentreisafifteen-minutewalkawayandhasplentyofdrinkingestablishmentsforalltastes.OppositeBromleySouthStationisthepopularRichmalCromptonpub,whilstTheTigersHeadonthewalktowardsthegroundisagoodbet.Forsomethingabitdifferent,BromleyhasaBelgosonKentishWayatthebackofTheGladesshoppingcentre.AtthenorthendofthepedestrianisedHighStreetisThePartridgewhichiswellknownfordecentpies.

EastGrinsteadTownFootballClub–“TheWasps”TheGACStadiumEastCourtCollegeLaneEastGrinsteadWestSussexRH193LS

Tel:01342325885Web:www.egtfc.co.ukTwitter:@egtfcwasps

AboutEastGrinsteadTownFootballClubFounded–1890Manager–MattLonghurstBestleagueposition–18thinIsthmianLeagueSouthin2016/17BestFACuprun–UnknownGroundCapacity–1,000(lastseason’saverage114)

Howwaslastseason?TherewasasmallamountofprogressforTheWaspslastseasonastheyensuredtheirIsthmianLeagueSouthsurvivalwithgamestospare.Inastrangeturnofeventsjustafterthenewyear,managerMattLonghurstlefttotakeuptheassistantmanagerpositionatHastingsUnitedonlytoreturntotheclubtwoweekslater.


• FACup–PreliminaryRound–LostawaytoHerneBay1-0• FATrophy–FirstQualifyingRound–LostathometoPhoenixSports3-2• SussexSeniorCup–SecondRound–LostathometoPagham3-2• IsthmianLeagueCup–FirstRound–LostathometoGodalmingTown6-5onpens

WhendidwelastmeetEastGrinsteadTown?WemanagedtodothedoubleoverEastGrinsteadlastseason,winning3-1awayandacomprehensive4-0victoryatThePaninMarch.InthegameinNovember,stunningstrikesfromCharlieCoppola,StephenOkohandJonteSmithgaveusallthreepointswhilstatThePangoalsfromSmith(x2),MattyGeorgeandWilfriedGrimaudcappedoffagreatafternoonoffootball.AboutTheGACStadiumOnceyouemergefromaCSLewis-typecountrylaneintothedellwheretheGACStadiumislocatedyouwillfeellikeyouareinanotherworld.Thegroundissurroundedbytreesandhasone“developed”sidewithathinmainstandrunningabovethesideofthepitchandasmallcoveredterracenexttoit.Behindeachgoal,andtheothersideofthepitchisasimpleperimeterfencewithhardstanding.Theclubhouseisrelativelynewandwell-appointed,situatedbehindonegoal,andofferslimitedviewsoftheactiononthepitch.Foodisservedfromahutin-betweenthetwostands.

HowtogettoTheGACStadiumIfyouarecomingviatheM23thenexitatjunction10andfollowtheA264towardsEastGrinstead.WhentheroadjoinstheA22,proceedpastHomebaseontheleftandCarpetRightontheright,thenturnleftintoMoatRoad,signpostedHospitalandA264toTunbridgeWells.ContinueovertheroundaboutatthejunctionofBlackwellRoad,BlackwellHollowandHoltyeRoad.Continue50yardstothemini-roundaboutatthejunctionofBlackwellFarmRoadandHoltyeRoadanddouble-back.Donotturnthroughthegapinthecentralreservationasthisisforemergencyservicevehiclesonlyandyoucouldbeliableforprosecution.TurnleftintoEastCourtandturnimmediatelyleftintothelanewhichleadstothegroundandcarpark.

IftravellingtoEastGrinsteadnorthboundalongtheA22fromEastbourne,carryonoverroundaboutandproceedtowardsTownCentre(donotturnrightontoBeechingWaybypass).After100yards,turnrightatminiroundaboutintoCollegeLaneandBlackwellHollow.AtroundaboutatthebottomofBlackwellHollow,turnrightintoHoltyeRoad.Continue50yardstothemini-roundaboutatthejunctionofBlackwellFarmRoadandHoltyeRoadanddouble-backasabove.TheshortestroutefromLewesisviatheA22andshouldtakearound40minutestodothe21miles.

Thenearesttrainstationis2milesawayanditisprobablyeasiertogetacabbutifyouwanttowalkyoucangoviatheOunce&IvyBushpub.ComeoutofstationandnavigatearoundtheroundaboutsoyouarewalkingdownRailwayApproach.AttheendbearrightandthenfirstleftintoKingStreet(pubonyourright).AtendturnleftandthencrosstheA22onthefootbridge.FollowMoatRoadstraightonthenrightintoBlackwellRoad.Followthatdowntoroundaboutandthentakearightupthelanetotheground.YouwillneedtochangeatEastCroydonfromLewes,whichcanmeananhourandahalfjourneytime.Off-Peakdayreturnis£30.50.

AdmissionatTheGACStadiumAdmissionchargeshaveyettobeannouncedforthe2017/18season.Lastseasonitwas£9forAdults,£5forConcessions,£2forUnder16s.

Fancyabeer?IfyouarecomingbytrainthenyouwillpasstheRailwayTavernattheendofRailwayApproachwhichisworthaquickpintinbeforeheadingtotheWetherspoonsOunce&IvyBushonKingStreet.AbitfurtherafieldistheSussexArmsinWestStreetthatisalsoworthavisit,timepermitting.

FavershamTownFootballClub–“TheLilywhites”TheShepherdNeameStadiumSaltersLaneFavershamKentME138ND

Tel:01795591900Web:www.favershamtownfc.co.ukTwitter:@FavershamTownFC

AboutFavershamTownFootballClubFounded–1884Manager–RayTurnerBestleagueposition–3rdinIsthmianLeagueSouthin2012/13and2014/15BestFACuprun–SecondQualifyingRoundonsixoccasions–thelastbeingin2014/15(lost4-0awaytoMaidenheadUnited)GroundCapacity–2,000(lastseason’saverage192)

Howwaslastseason?Afteradisappointingseasonlasttermfinishingtenth,ManagerRayTurnerwastednotimeinthesummerrebuildinghissquadwithSimonOverland(Keeper–signedfromSittingbourne),SamLawford(Striker–signedfromGillingham),MarkLovell(Striker–atHerneBaylastseason),DannyWalder(MidfiederalsofromHerneBay)andMacauleyMurray(MidfielderfromRamsgate)

FormerRookWillGodmonlefttheclubinthesummer,safeintheknowledgethathewastheonlygoalkeeperwhokeptouttheRookslastseason.


• FACup–ThirdQualifyingRound–lostawayatEghamTown1-0afterareplay• FATrophy–1stQualifyingRound–lostathometoSouthPark3-4• KentSeniorCup–SecondRound–LostathometoFolkestoneInvicta4-0• IsthmianLeagueCup–ThirdRound–LostawaytoDulwichHamlet2-1

WhendidwelastmeetFavershamTown?OurexperienceagainstFavershamTownlastseasonweren’tthebest.WesufferedourmostpainfuldefeatoftheseasoninSeptemberattheShepherdNeameStadium,goingdownwithoutafight5-0,hardlyregisteringashotongoal.InthereturnfixtureatThePaninApril,neithersidereallycreatedachanceandwesharedthespoils,intheprocessmeaningthatFavershamTownweretheonlysidewefailedtoscoreagainst.AboutTheShepherdNeameStadiumSalterLaneisaworkinprogress.Thankstothepatronageofthelocalbrewerstherearesomeexcitingplansinplacetochangethefaceoftheground.Theold“mainstand”isstillinexistence,astooistheclubbaratthefarendofthegroundwhichisadecentsize.Foodisservedfromasmall

hatchnexttothemainstand.Mostoftheremainderofthegroundishard-surfacestandingalthoughyoudogetsomeelevationifyoubagoneofthespacesontherampuptothebar.Thequaintchangingrooms,whichalmostappeartobeinastableblockwillremainbutitisintheareanexttothemthatthenextphasesofdevelopmentwilltakeplaceinthecomingyears.HowtogettoTheShepherdNeameStadiumTherearefewgroundsintheRymanLeagueSouththatareeasiertogettothantheShepherdsNeameStadiuminFavershamifyouarecomingbycar.PointyourvehicleeastontheM2andfollowituntilyoureachJunction6.Takealeftatthetopofthesliproadandfollowthisroadforhalf-a-mileuntilyoureachtheT-junctionwithLondonRoad.Turnrightandthenrightagainaftertwohundredyardsfortheamplecarpark.IfthatisfullthenthereisplentyofstreetparkingoffLondonRoad.The87-miletripfromLewesshouldtakearound90minutes.

IfyouarecomingbytrainthenyouwillalmostcertainlycomeviaLondonVictoria.OnarrivinginFavershamexitthestationandfollowtheroadaroundtotheleftonForbesRoad.Thiswillbecome“TheMall”andwhenthisroadreachesLondonRoad,turnleftandthegroundis300yardsonyourright-handside.Itwilltakearound2½hoursfromLewesbytrainandanOff-Peakdayreturniscurrently£44.70.

AdmissionatTheShepherdNeameStadiumAdmissionthisseasonis£9foradults,£5forconcessions(seniorcitizensandstudents),12to17yearoldsarecharged£2andaccompaniedunder12sareadmittedfreeofcharge.

Fancyabeer?Unsurprisingly,asFavershamisthehomeofShepherdsNeame,therearequiteafewdecentpubstochoosefrom.Thereisalsotheoptiontovisitthebreweryforaguidedtour(getagrouptogetherandtheywillofferanexclusiveone)thatofcourseincludesatastingsession,whichmaybeagoodoptionpre-matchifweplayFavershamonaSaturday.TheVisitor’sCentreislocatedintheTownCentreinCourtStreet.Otheralternativesincludethehighly-recommendedElephantwhichisinTheMallandhasarangeofguestalesandthe14thcenturySunInnonWestStreet(whichalsooffersaccommodationifyoufancymakinganightofit).

GreenwichBoroughFootballClub–“Boro”TheDGSMarineStadiumBadgersMountMiddleParkAvenueElthamLondonSE95HT

Tel:07878079566Web:www.greenwichboroughfc.co.ukTwitter:@GBoroughFC

AboutGreenwichBoroughFootballClubFounded–1928(asWoolwichBoroughCouncilFC)Manager–GaryAlexanderBestleagueposition–3rdintheIsthmianLeagueSouthin2016/17BestFACuprun–4thQualifyingRoundin2014/15-Lost2-1awaytoWorcesterCityGroundCapacity–1,000(lastseason’saverage192)

Howwaslastseason?Big(andwemeanreallybig)spendingGreenwichBoroughultimatelyfailedintheiraimtogetback-to-backpromotionsastheywerebeatenathomebyCorinthianCasuals4-3intheplay-offs.ManagerGaryAlexanderfavouredapolicyofbuyingplayersatwill,usingahugenumberduringtheseason,releasingthosewhodidn’tworkoutatshortnoticesuchasTooting’stopscorerMikeDunn.ScoringgoalswasneveranissueforthembutsurprisehomedefeatstothelikesofChipstead,Sittingbourne,SouthParkandWhyteleafeultimatelycostthemarunatthetitle.

BoroughhavelostskipperGlennWilson,RobDenness,MoEisa,LewisSpenceandLiamMacDevitt(totheRooks)althoughformerBrentfordcentre-backMarkPhillipshasjoinedfromEbbsfleetUnited.

IsthmianLeagueSouth–3rd-P46W30D5L11GS102GA52GD+50PTS95

• FACup–FirstQualifyingRound–lostawaytoWaltonCasuals3-2• FATrophy–PreliminaryRound–lostathometoVCDAthletic1-2afterareplay• KentSeniorCup–SecondRound–LostathometoMargate6-1• IsthmianLeagueCup–SecondRound–LostathometoDulwichHamlet2-1

WhendidwelastmeetGreenwichBorough?WelostbothgamestoGreenwichBoroughlastseason,4-2atThePaninearlyOctoberand1-0inatenseaffairatBadgersMountinlateMarch.InthefirstmeetingBoroughwentinathalf-time3-0tothegoodthankstoahatrickfromRobDenness.Butasecond-halfrevivalfromTheRooksthankstogoalsfromDuncanCulleyandCharlieCoppolagaveussomehopebeforeafourthMorrisonsecuredallthreepoints.ACharlieMcDonaldstrikewastheonlydifferencebetweenthetwosidesinagameoffewchancesonadryandbobblysurfaceinMarch.

AboutTheDGSMarineStadium(groundsharingwithCrayValleyPaperMills)Nomorethanthreeyearsago,BadgersMountwasbasicallyapitchwithasmallclubhouse.CrayValleyPaperMillsriseuptheleaguestoStep5oftheNon-Leaguepyramidhasseenthegroundtransformed.Floodlightshavebeeninstalledandthereisnowasmalltemporary-stylestandthatcanaccommodate100fansundercover.Hardstandingsurroundstherestofthepitch.ThejewelinthecrownistherelativelynewclubhousethathasadecentsizedbarandSkyTV.Foodisservedfromthehatchbytheplayer’sentranceandyoucanalsoorderdrinksfromthebarthroughthehatch.HowtogettoTheDGSMarineStadiumThegroundiseasytofindifyouarecomingbycar.ItislocatedjustofftheSouthCircularA205attheYorkshireGreyroundabout.FromtheM25,exitatJunction3andfollowtheA20towardsLewishamandLondon.PassthroughthetwosetsoftrafficlightsandthenwhenyoureachtheroundaboutwiththeSouthCircularA205,goarounditandheadbackdowntheA20.TakethefirstleftwheretheentrancetoGOALS!IsintoElthamPalaceRoad.Followthistotheroundaboutattheend,turnleftandfirstleftfortheground.Thereisalargecarparkinsidetheground.IfyouarecomingfromtheA2(eithernorthorsouth),headontotheA205SouthCirculars/pCatford.AttheroundabouttakethesecondexitintoMiddleParkAvenue.Theentrancetothegroundisonyourright-handside.JourneytimefromLewesforthe67-milejourneyisanhourandfifteenminutesonagoodday.

ThenearesttrainstationisMottingham,whichisontheSidcupLinefromLondonCharingCross/CannonStreet/LondonBridgeandisinZone4.Youcancatchthe160bustothegroundorwalk–itisabout15minutesaway.Exitthestation(fromLondonturnleft,fromSidcup/Dartfordcrossbridgethenturnleft)intoMiddleParkAvenueandfollowthisforaboutamile,goingstraightonattheroundabout.Thegroundisattheendofthisroadonyourleft-handside.JourneytimefromLewes,includingachangeatLondonBridge(ortubetoCharingXfromLondonVictoria)isaround2hoursandanOff-PeakTravelCardfareisaround£26.70.

AdmissionatTheDGSMarineStadiumAdmissionthisseasonwillbe£10forAdults,Concessions£5andUnder11sfreeofcharge.

Fancyabeer?TheonlypubclosetothegroundistheDutchHouseontheA20butrequirescrossingtheverybusyroad.ThereisadecentpubacrosstheroadfromMottinghamstation,TheRoyalTavernbutthebestoptionistoheadtoElthamandsampleanumberofdecentpubsthereincludingtheoutstandingParkTaverninPassyPlaceortheOldPostOfficeopposite.YoucanwalkdownElthamHilltothegroundinaround15minutes.

GuernseyFootballClub–“TheGreenLions”FootesLaneStadiumStPeterPortGuernseyGY12UL

Tel:01481747279Web:www.guernseyfc.comTwitter:@GuernseyFC

AboutGuernseyFootballClubFounded–2011Manager–TonyVanceBestleagueposition–4thinIsthmianLeagueSouthDivisionin2013/14BestFACuprun–2ndQualifyingRoundin2013/14-Lost2-3athometoDoverAthleticGroundCapacity–5,000(lastseason’saverage660)

Howwaslastseason?ItwasanotherseasonofmiseryforTonyVance’smenasinjuriesanddeparturestokeyplayershadadeepimpactonthecampaign.Theirhomerecordwasgoodinthefirstthirdoftheseason,taking19pointsfromtheirfirsttenhomegamesbutthevisitofTheRooksinlateNovemberseemedtobethecompellingeventandtheywonjustonemorehomegameallseason,takingjust7pointsfromthefinalthirteenhomegames.Theyreallystruggledontheroad(andair),takingjust13points,withtenofthosecominginthefinaleightgames.ThetwokeymomentsintheseasonwerethebadleginjurysustainedbygoalkeeperandcaptainChrisTardifagainstGodalmingTowninNovemberandthedecisionbytopscorerRossAllentotourtheworld,althoughhedidreturntowardstheendoftheseason.IntheendthatlaterunofgoodresultskepttheGreenLionsup.

IsthmianLeagueSouthDivision–21st-P46W9D11L26GS66GA112GD-46PTS38

• FACup–PreliminaryRound–lostawaytoThamesmeadTownonpenaltiesafterareplay• FATrophy–PreliminaryRound–lostawaytoSouthPark2-0• IsthmianLeagueCup–Didnotenter

WhendidwelastmeetGuernsey?TheRookstookallsixpointsoffGuernseylastseason,beatingthem1-0atThePanonasun-drenchedOctoberafternoonthankstoasmartgoalfromJamieBrotherton,whilstthe4-2winontheislandinNovemberwasagamefullofincident.Thefirsthalfsawtwosoftpenaltiesawarded,oneforeachsidealthoughitwasonlythehometeamwhoconvertedthroughMcGrath.AfewminuteslaterBrothertonwasfouledapparentlyintheareaandfromtheresultingpenalty,struckthebar.However,theRookswerelevelsoonafterwhenDuncanCulleybundledhomefromcloserange.

ThesecondhalfwasallLewesthough.JackDixonconvertedapenaltyafterCulleywasfouled,butGuernseycamebackandequalised.However,Dixon’ssuperbstrikefromdistancerestoredtheRooksleadandthenStephenOkohscoredthegoaloftheseasonasheranthefulllengthofthepitchbeforecurlingtheballhome.

AboutTheFootesLaneStadiumTheFootesLaneStadiumisGuernsey’spremiersportingfacilityandeffectivelytheisland’snationalstadiumcomprisingahighquality,floodlitplayingsurfacesurroundedbya6lanepolyflexsyntheticathleticstrackwithTheGarenneStand,a720seatercoveredstandwithhospitalityrooms,changingroomsforfourteamsandmatchofficials,separatemedicalroom,mediaroomandtoilets.AttheSouthEndofthegroundthereisanopenstandabovethehardstanding.

Includingstandingareas,thestadiumhasa5,000capacity.The13-acrefacilitywasredevelopedin2002atacostof£1.2mincludingtheconstructionofTheGarenneStandinreadinessforthe2003IslandGamesatwhich,amongstotherevents,FootesLanehostedthefinalofthefootballtournamentwith5,000spectators,anumberwhichwasmatchedagaintwoyearslaterforthecentenaryMurattiVasefinalbetweenGuernseyandJerseyin2005.

ThestadiumisownedbytheStatesofGuernseyandhiredtoGuernseyFCbytheStates’Culture&LeisureDepartment.ItisalsothehomeofGuernseyRFC,whichplaysintheRFU'sNationalLeagueThreeLondonDivision.HowtogettoTheFootesLaneStadiumThevastmajorityofawayfanswillarriveonGuernseyviaair.Aurigny(www.aurigny.com)offerthreeSaturdaymorningflightsfromLondonGatwickat08:30,10:00and11:50,withreturnsbackonSundaysat7am,10:20,14:50,16:30and18:15.Thegroundisaroundthreemilesnorth-eastoftheairportandiswalkablealthoughthebusnetworkofferstheopportunitytoseeabitoftheIsland.Bus95runstoSt.PeterPortTownTerminusforjust£1.Fromthereyoucangetbus51toFootesLane(again,another£1).Thegroundislocatedcentrallyintheisland,iseasilyaccessiblewithparkingforseveralhundredcarsintheimmediatevicinity.MosttripswillmeananovernightstopsoahotelorB&Bisneeded.ThenearesttothegroundistheStPierreParkHotelwhichisaround10aminutewalkaway.AlternativesareLeFriquetCountryHotelandGrisnoirGuestHousewhicharewithinhalfamileoftheground.

AdmissionatTheFootesLaneStadiumAdmissionis£10forAdults,Concessions£6andUnder16sare£1fortheseatedareasbut£6tostandanywhereelseintheground.Thisseason’spriceshavenotbeenconfirmedyet.

Fancyabeer?TherearenumerousexcellentbarsinStPeterPortasyoucanimagine.TheForesterArmsonStGeorgeEsplanadehastheprimelocationtowatchtheworldgobyonandoffshorewhilstTheSwanonStJulian’sAvenueisoftentoutedasthebestontheislandbothforfoodanddrinkwhilstTheLastPostonRuedesButtesisapopularhaunt.Therearegoodbarsandpubsallovertheisland,notjustStPeterPortandit’shardtogowrongwhereveryouchoose.

HastingsUnitedFootballClub–“TheArrows”ThePilotFieldElphinstoneRoadHastingsEastSussexTN342AX

Tel:01424444635Web:www.hastingsunitedfc.co.ukTwitter:@HastingsUFC

AboutHastingsUnitedFootballClubFounded–1894asRock-a-NoreManager–AdamHinshelwoodBestleagueposition–7thinIsthmianLeaguePremierDivisionin2009/10BestFACuprun–3rdRoundin2011/12–LostawaytoMiddlesbrough4-1GroundCapacity–4,050(lastseason’saverage376)

Howwaslastseason?OnceagainHastingswilllookbackonaseasonofwhatmighthavebeen.Afterthelastdayheartacheofmissingoutontheplay-offsin2015/16,lastseasontheymanagedtoreachtheendofseasonknock-outmatcheshavingfinishedtheseasonin5thplace,scoringgoalsforfun(theirtotalof128intheleaguewasthehighestinallthreeIsthmiandivisions).Unfortunately,theylostatDorkingWanderersonpenaltiesaftera1-1draw.TheseasonendedonasurprisingnotewithmanagerDarrenHareleaving,beingreplacedbyformerWorthingbossAdamHinshelwood,withformerRookLeeCareycominginasplayer/coach.WithoneofthebiggerbudgetsinthedivisionitisnosurprisethattheyhavealreadystartedbuildingastrongsquadincludingrecruitingformerRooksBillyMedlockandJackDixon.


• FACup–3rdQualifyingRound–lostathometoMargate2-1inareplay• FATrophy–2ndQualifyingRound–lostawayatSouthPark3-2inareplay• SussexSeniorCup–SecondRound–LostathometoThreeBridges4-1• IsthmianLeagueCup–SecondRound–LostawaytoFavershamTownonpensafter1-1

draw

WhendidwelastmeetHastingsUnited?Therewascertainlynoshortageofactioninthetwogamesbetweenthesideslastseason.HastingswonthebigBoxingDayderbyinfrontofaseason-highattendanceof702withease,makingthemostofanearlyJackDixonredcardtowin3-0.Inthefinalhomegameoftheseason,withLewesneedingawintokeepalivetheirslimplay-offhopes,thetwosidessharedeightgoalsinathrillingencounter.HastingstooktheleadthroughShomariBarnwell’sheaderonlyforJonteSmithtoequaliseafewminuteslater.JackDixonthenhitoneofhisspectaculareffortsfromdistancetogiveLewestheleadonlyforBarnwelltoscorehissecondjustafterthehalf-hourmark.FiveminutesbeforethebreakAlexMalinsheadedtheRooksbackintothelead,whilstattheotherendformerRookOllieRowehadaneffortruledoutthroughoffside.

OnthehourHastingsdrewlevelagainwhenHughes-Masonghostedintotheareaandslottedhome,butLeweswhenuptheotherendandscoredafourththrougharareJackDixonheader.ButwithtenminutesremainingRowefinallygothisgoaltogiveHastingsashareofthepointsandguaranteetheirplaceintheplay-offs.

AboutThePilotFieldThewords“properNon-Leagueground”couldn’tbemoreaptforthegroundwhichisstillverypopularamongststadiumenthusiasts(aka“groundhoppers”)forthedirttrackthatsurroundsthepitchanditsoldfashionedgrandstand.Themainstanditselfcanholdupto800spectators,themajorityofwhichareseatedonwoodenbenches.Oppositethemainstandisalargegrassbank,whichatpointspectatorscouldhaveusedasavantagepoint,howeverthisisnowfencedoffduetohealthandsafety.Locatedunderthestandarethechangingroomsandboardroom(formallytheclubbar).

Thereiscoveredterracingbehindbothgoals,themoremodern'ColeWarrenStand'beingconstructedduringthe2005/06seasonattheoppositeend,thereisalargecoveredterracethathadbeenerectduringHastingsUnitedtimeatthegroundbetween1948and1985.Inonecornerofthegroundnexttothe'ElphinstoneRoadend'terracearethemainturnstiles,clubbar,toiletfacilitiesandclubshop.

Duetotheincreasinggroundmaintenancecostandageingmainstand,formerclubchairmanDaveWaltersexpressedhisinterestinworkingwiththecounciltobuildanewstadiumaspartofanewsportscomplex,whichwouldinvolvesellingoffThePilotFieldandtheneighbouringFirsfootballground,currentlylyingderelict.However,therehasbeenalackofprogressregardingtheproposalsandwiththechangeinownershipitisunlikelytoseethelightofdayinthenearfuture.

HowtogettoThePilotFieldForthoseheadingfromthenorthontheA21,passSainsbury’sonyourright,gostraightaheadattwominiroundaboutsandturnleftatthethirdontotheA2101StHelensRoad(ThePilotFieldissignpostedatthispoint).Afterapproximatelyamileandaquarter,takethefifthturningontheleftintoStHelensParkRoad,whichleadsintoDownsRoad.Attheendofthisroad,turnleftandthegroundissituatedimmediatelyonyourright.

FromthegeneraldirectionofLewes,headwestontheA27thentheA259.ProceedalongBexhillRoad,turningleftatasetoftrafficlightsontotheB2092HarleyShuteRoad.Gostraightaheadataminiroundaboutcontinuestraightaheadatthemainroundaboutthatfollows(signpostedHollington)intoIronlatchAvenue,whichleadsintoBlackmanAvenue.Followthisroadthroughtwosetsoftrafficlights,continuingstraightaheadatthecrossroadsintoAshbrookRoad,whichleadsintoOldHarrowRoad.Attheendoftheroadturnrightattheminiroundabout,andthenturnleftatthenextontotheA2101StHelensRoad(ThePilotFieldissignpostedatthispoint).Afterapproximatelyamileandaquarter,takethefifthturningontheleftintoStHelensParkRoad,whichleadsintoDownsRoad.Attheendoftheroad,turnleftandthegroundissituatedimmediatelyonyourright.

Pleasenotethatthereisnospectatorparkingavailablewithinthegrounditself,butthereareplentyofroadswithinclosewalkingdistancethathavenoparkingrestrictionssuchasonOchiltreeRoad(firstrightafterpassingthegroundonyourright).Itshouldtakearound45minutestodothe32-milejourney.

Ifyouarecomingbytrain,thenforonceyoudon’tneedtoheadtowardsLondon.InsteadcatchadirecttrainfromLewes,journeytimearound50minutes.ThereisaoneminutejourneytimeifyougetatrainthatrequiresachangeatHampdenPark.AnOff-PeakDayReturniscurrently£11.30.It’safairdistanceuphillfromthestationsoBus21or21Bmaybethebetteroption.Oreistheneareststationifyouarewalking–allowabout20minutes.HeaddownBeaconsfieldRoadtotheroundaboutandtheturnrightintoElphinstoneRoadandstarttowalkuphill.Youwillseethegroundeventuallyonyourright-handside.

AdmissionatThePilotFieldAdmissionthisseasonis£10foradults,£6forconcessions(seniorcitizens,students),andaccompaniedunder18sareadmittedfreeofcharge.

Fancyabeer?TherearesomegoodpubsinHastingswithoneofthebestbeingtheAnchorinGeorgeStreet,whilstTheDolphinintheOldTownisalsohighlyrated.TheTelegraphratesTheCrowninAllSaintsStreetasoneofthebestpubsinthecountry.TheClowninRusselStreetisworthahalfatleastwhilsttheCutterinEastParadeoffersnononsensefoodanddrink.

HerneBayFootballClub–“TheBay”Winch’sFieldStanleyGardensHerneBayKentCT65SG

Tel:01227374156Web:www.pitchero.com/clubs/hernebayTwitter:@Herne_Bay_FC

AboutHerneBayFootballClubFounded–1886Manager–TobeappointedBestleagueposition–8thIsthmianLeagueSouthin2015/16BestFACuprun–4thQualifyingRoundin1986/87-Lost4-0awaytoFarnboroughGroundCapacity–4,000(lastseason’saverage206)

Howwaslastseason?Afteran8thplacefinishin2015/16,lastseasonwasrelativelydisappointingforHerneBayastheyfinishedtheseasonin17thplace.Earlyseasonformwasn’tgood–theyhadtowaituntilNovemberfortheirfirstawaywinwhilstsufferingheavydefeatsatHastingsUnited(7-0)andFavershamTown(6-3)andGuernsey(5-1).SamDenlyrelinquishedhispostattheendoftheseasonandtheclubarestilllookingforanewmanageratthetimeofcompilingthisguide.WhoeveritiswillhavetodowithoutMarkLovellandDannyWalder,twoofthestarsoftheHerneBaysidewhohavemoveduptheA2toFavershamTown.


• FACup–FirstQualifyingRound–LostathometoHemelHempsteadTown5-1• FATrophy–FirstQualifyingRound–LostawayatHarrowBorough3-0afterareplay• KentSeniorCup–SecondRound–LostathometoDoverAthletic1-0• IsthmianLeagueCup–FirstRound–LostathometoHastingsUnitedonpenalties

WhendidwelastmeetHerneBay?WewentfromneverplayingHerneBaytoplayingthemtwiceinthespaceoffivedayslastseason,recordingtwowinsintheprocess.JanuaryisprobablynotthebesttimeoftheyeartovisittheKentseasidebutTheRookscertainlyenjoyedtheirtripinJanuary,runningout4-1winnersthankstoahatrickfromStephenOkoh.AfterfiveminutesthehomesidecouldhavetakentheleadbutAdriaintheRooksgoalpulledoffanexcellentpenaltysavefromIanPullman.Okohgrabbedtwogoalstowardstheendofthehalf,assistedbyCharlieCoppolaandEgliKaja,thencompletedhishatrickintheopeningminuteofthesecondperiodafterCharlieCoppolawasfouledandtherefereeawardedaspot-kick.On-loanKajathenscoredasuperbfourth,volleyinginBrinkhurst’scross.Theonlyblemishonthenightwasconcedingagoalattheotherendininjurytime.

FivedayslaterandtheteamsmetagainatThePan.JamesHammondscoredatrademarkfree-kickinthesixthminutetogivetheRookstheleadbutHerneBaypulledlevelsoonafterJackDixonpulleddownMarkLovellandDannyWalderscoredfromthespot.Hammondscoredhissecondinthe68thminuteandthefourthpenaltyinthegamesbetweenthetwosidessawJackDixonscoreafterEgli

Kajahadbeenfouled.AboutWinch’sFieldWinch’sFieldboastsdifferentstyledfourstands,floodlightsandawell-appointedclubhousewhichisregularlyhiredoutforfunctions.ThegroundsitsonthesiteoftheformerWinch’sbrickyard,aHerneBaylandmarksinceVictoriantimes.Theonestandthatstrikesyouasunusualisthemainstand.Itisalargebluebuilding,nexttothebar,andhousesthedressingroomsanddugouts.Behindbothgoalsarecoveredterraces,withtheeastendbeingbiggerintermsofheight.Thereisasmallcoveredstandonthesouthsideofthegroundwhichoffersdecentviews.Whilstthegroundisshowingitsage,itisapleasantlyruralsetting,surroundedbytreesHowtogettoWinch’sFieldVirtuallyallvisitorswillcomeviatheA299ThanetWayfromthewest.TakethejunctionforHerneBay,goingstraightonatfirstroundaboutandthenleftatthesecond(s/pSeafront).Followthisroaduntilyoupassundertherailwaybridge.TakethenextleftintoSpenserRoadandthenthefirstleftafterabout200yardsintoStanleyRoad.Thegroundisontheleft-handside.Thereisplentyofparkingatthegroundorinthesurroundingstreetsfreeofcharge.Itisjustshyofa100-miletripfromLewesandshouldtakearound1hour45minutestrafficpermitting.

Ifyouarecomingbytrainthenitisaten-minutewalkfromHerneBayStation(ontheLondonVictoriatoRamsgate/Margateline).TurnrightoutofthestationandfollowSpenserRoad,thenafter500yardstakearightintoStanleyRoadfortheground.TrainjourneytimefromLewesisaround2hours50minutesviaLondonVictoriaandunlessthereareanyspecials,willcostaround£50return.

AdmissionatWinch’sFieldAdmissionthisseasonis£9foradults,£5forconcessions(seniorcitizens,studentsandUnder18s),andaccompaniedunder12sare£1.

Fancyabeer?Theno.1nightspotinHerneBayistheFirkinFrognolessinStationRoadwhichisoneofthenewbreedofpop-uprealalepubsthatfromtheoutsidelooklikeshops.TwootherexcellentmicropubscanbefoundonTheBroadway–ParkervilleandtheBouncingBarrelAleHouse.Wellworthavisitespeciallyifyouarecomingbytrain.Ifyoufancyawalkalongtheseafrontthenheadtotheveryblue(incolournotatmosphere)DiversArmsonCentralParadewhichisaShepherdsNeamehouse.

HorshamFootballClub–“TheHornets”TheSussexCountyFAHeadquartersCulverRoadLancingWestSussexBN159AX

Tel:07952351712Web:www.horsham-fc.co.ukTwitter:@horshamfcAboutHorshamFootballClubFounded–1871Manager–DominicdiPaolaBestleagueperformance–8thinIsthmianLeaguePremierDivisionin2006/07BestFACuprun–2ndroundproper–2007/08(lostawaytoSwanseaCityinareplay)GroundCapacity–2,000(lastseason’saverageattendancewas268)

Howwaslastseason?Afterpromotionin2015/16survivalwasthemainaimforlastseasonanddiPaolo’steamdidthatwithpointstosparethanksinparttoagoodhomerecord,althoughtheydidmissthegoalsofTerryDoddoncehewasinjured.DiPaolohasbroughtinformerRooksfavouriteChrisBreachandThreeBridgesdefenderDanMobsby.AlsojoiningisHaywardsHeathTownkeeperJoshHamesandRobO’Tool.

IsthmianLeagueSouth–16th-P46W17D10L19GS79GA80GD-1PTS61

• FACup–PreliminaryRound–LostawaytoSevenoaksTown4-2• FATrophy–FirstQualifyingRound–LostathometoRomford3-1• SussexSeniorCup–ThirdRound–LostawaytoBognorRegisTown3-0• IsthmianLeagueCup–FirstRound–LostawaytoBurgessHillTown1-0

WhendidwelastmeetHorsham?HorshamdidthedoubleoverTheRookslastseason,winning3-0atGoringsMeadand2-1atTheDrippingPanonBankHolidayMondayoverChristmas.ThetieinAugustwaseffectivelyoveroncetherefereetookthedecisiontosendoffcentre-backAfolabiCoker.Fromtheresultingfree-kick,Boswellscored.GoalsfromformerRookTerryDoddandasecondforBoswellgavethehomesidebraggingrightsandallthreepoints.

AtChristmas,HorshamcametotheDrippingPantofaceanin-formRookssideandspoiltanyfestivecheerwithgoalsfromLewisHydeandGeorgeBranfordbeforethebreak.JonteSmithgrabbedagoalbackbuttheycouldn’tfindanequaliserandstarted2017intheworstpossibleway.

AboutCulverRoadAfteryearsoftrying,theclubfinallygotthenewstheywantedlastseasonabouttheplantomovetoanewstadiumatHolbrook.On21March2017thesubmissionofarevisedplanforareducedcapacityof1,300spectatorsandasingle-storeyclubhousewasoverwhelminglyacceptedby19votes

to1.AseparateapplicationtoselloffpartofTheHolbrookClubsiteforhousingtohelpfinancethebuildingofthenewground,aswellassecuringthelong-termfutureoftheSportsClub,wasalsopassed.

WithHorshamYMCAannouncingtheirintentiontoendthegroundsharearrangementattheendofthe2016-17season,HorshamF.C.signedacontracttoplaytheirhomematchesattheheadquartersoftheSussexFAatCulverRoad,Lancing,forthe2017-18seasonwhilstthenewgroundisbuilt.

So,foratleastoneseasontheclubwillbeplayingontheexcellent3GsurfaceatLancing.Thegroundhasadecentmainstandplusacoverbehindthesouthgoal.Viewsaredecentfromallsides.There’sadecentsizedbarandplentyoffoodoutlets.

HowtogettoCulverRoadTaketheA27throughLewes,Brighton,Hove,Portslade&ShorehamuntilyoureachtheroundaboutatLancingLeisureCentre.TurnleftattheroundaboutintoGrinsteadLane.500yardsontherightisTheHarvesterrestaurant,turnrightaftertherestaurantintoGrinsteadAvenue,leftattheminiroundaboutintoNorthRoad.PasstheshopsuntilthenextminiroundaboutandturnrightintoCulverRoad.There’sstreetparkingintheareaalthoughitmaybemetered.It’sashortjourneyforRooksfansandshouldonlytake20minutes.

Ifyouarecomingbyrailthenthegoodnewsisthatthestationisafive-minutewalkfromtheground.HeadnorthupNorthRoad,pasttheRailwayPubandthenattheroundaboutnexttoNationwidetakealeftandthegroundisontheright.YouwillneedtochangetrainsatBrightonbutthejourneytimeisaround30minutes.

AdmissionatCulverRoadAdmissionthisseasonatCulverRoadwillbe£9foradults,£5forconcessions(seniorcitizens,studentsandUnder18s),andaccompaniedunder16sfreeofcharge,otherwisetheywillbechaged£1.

Fancyabeer?TheStanleyAleHouseonNorthRoadisanexcellentpre-matchspotwhisttheRailwayisfairlydecent.ThereisagoodsizebaratCulverRoadaswell.

HytheTownFootballClub–“TheCannons”ReachfieldsStadium(off)FortRoadHytheKentCT216JS

Tel:01303264932Web:www.hythetownfc.co.ukTwitter:@hythetownfcAboutHytheTownFootballClubFounded–1992Manager–CliveCookBestleagueperformance–4thinIsthmianLeagueSouthDivisionin2012/13and2015/16BestFACuprun–1stroundproper–2010/11(lostawaytoHerefordUnited)GroundCapacity–3,000(lastseason’saverage196)

Howwaslastseason?Hythecouldn’tkeepuptheirearlyseasonformasthefixturespiledupandfellawayinthefinalweeks,although7thplaceisnothingtobescoffedat.ItwillbeinterestingtoseehowtheyfairthisseasonwithoutAlfieMayandFrankieSawyerupfront.


• FACup–SecondQualifyingRound–lostathometoWaltonCasuals4-2• FATrophy–FirstRound–lostawaytoWellingUnited8-1• KentSeniorCup–FirstRound–LostathometoGillingham3-2• IsthmianLeagueCup–FirstRound–LostawaytoFavershamTown3-0

WhendidwelastmeetHytheTown?HytheTownwontheencountersonaggregatelastseason,thankstotheir4-0winatReachfieldsinDecember.Despitesomeheavyfogandamountinginjurycrisis,theRookstooktothefieldbutsoonfoundthemselvesagoaldown(toRyanJohnson)andaplayerdown(JackDixonredcard)..AlfieMaythoughtChristmashadcomeearlyasheplunderedahatrickinatwentyminutespelleithersideofthebreak.

InatenseaffairatThePaninMarch,withbothsidesharbouringplay-offhopesitwasanAlexMalinsfirsthalfheaderthatsettledanuninspiringgame.

AboutReachfieldsReachfieldsiscertainlyoneofthemostuniquegroundsintheRymanLeague.Setnexttothearmyfiringranges(whichcanmakeforaquitescaryafternoonifyouareafraidofloudnoises)andclosetotheseafront,itretainsaruralfeeldespitebeingashortwalkfromthetowncentre.Themoststrikingfactoristhetwo-storymainstand,whichdoublesastheclubofficesatgroundlevelwhilstupstairsisaverywellappointedbarwithbalconiesforfanstowatchthegameon(subjecttoan

additional£2fee).Ontwosidesofthegroundthereiscoveredterracing,whilstthefarendisopentotheelements.Thereisahandyteabarwhereyoucanstillwatchthegamefromthatservessomedecentgrub.

HowtogettoReachfieldsReachfieldsStadiumiseasilyaccessiblefromtheM20motorway.Leavethemotorwayatjunction11,thenattheroundabouttakethe3rdexitontotheB2068,signpostedHastingsandHythe.Atthenextroundabouttakethe2ndexitontoAshfordRoad,A20.ContinueforwardontoAshfordRoad,A20.EnteringNewingreen,attheT-junctionturnleftontoHytheRoad,A261,andsignpostedHythe.ContinueforwarddownLondonRoad,A261.EnteringHythe,continueforwardatthetrafficlightsontoScanlonsBridgeRoad,A2008.TurnrightatthenextsetoflightsontoDymchurchRoad,A259.Eithertakethe1stleftdownFortRoadandturnrightattheendofFortRoadforthecar-park,orafterafewhundredyardsturnleftontotheReachfieldsestate.Followtheroadroundandthestadiumwillbeonyourright.Thereisplentyoffreeparkingatthegroundandinthesurroundingstreets.AnotherlongtripfortheRookswithajourneytimeofaroundonehour45minutestocompletethe100-milejourney.

Don’tbefooledintothinkingHythehasarailwaystation–itdoesn’t…unlessyoucouldtheDymchurchtoHythesteamrailwaythatterminatesafive-minutewalkfromReachfields.ThenearestmainlinetrainstationisSandling.ThereareregulartrainstoSandlingfromLondonBridgeandLondonCharingCross,aswellasAshfordInternational.Fromthestationthegroundisapproximatelyhalfanhouronfootandwouldincludeasteepclimbonthehomewardjourney.IfyouaredeterminedtowalkitthenheadoutofthestationandtakealeftontoSandlingRoadandfollowthisdownintoHythe.WhenyoupassBrockhillParkCollegeyouneedtotakethefourthrightintoBartholomewLane.Followthatdownandroundtheleft-handdogleg.TaketherightintoBarrackHillwhichrunsdownintotheone-waysystem.Carrystraightoverthebridge,passingtheLightRailwaystationonyourright.AtendofroadturnrightontoDymchurchRoadthennextleftintoFortRoad.Entrancetothegroundisattheendontheright-handside.ThejourneywouldrequirechangesatHastingsandAshfordInternationaltocompleteandtake2hours30minutesbutasyouareavoidinggoingintoLondonanOff-peakreturnticketwouldcost£20.70.

AdmissionatReachfieldsAdmissionthisseasonis£9foradults,£6forconcessions(seniorcitizens,studentsandUnder18s),andaccompaniedunder18sarecharged£2.Note–thereisanadditional£2chargetowatchthegame,spacepermitting,fromthebalcony.

Fancyabeer?Hythehassomedecentdrinkingoptions.ThefavouriteforthoselookingforguestaleswillbetheThreeMarinersinWindmillStreet,afive-minutewalkawayfromReachfields.ClosebyisTheHopeinStadeStreetwhichishighlyrecommended.IntheHighStreet,TheGlobeInnandKingsHeadarebothShepherdNeamepubswhilsttheWhiteHartinbetweenthemdatesbacktothe14thcenturyandoftenhassomegoodbeersontap.

MoleseyFootballClub–“TheMoles”WaltonRoadStadium412WaltonRoadWestMoleseySurreyKT82JG

Tel:02089794823Web:www.moleseyfc.co.ukTwitter:@MoleseyFC1953

AboutMoleseyFootballClubFounded–1953Manager–PeterLelliottBestleagueperformance–8thinIsthmianLeaguePremierDivisionin1994/95BestFACuprun–1stroundproper–1993/94(lostawaytoBathCity)GroundCapacity–4,000(lastseason’saverage72)

Howwaslastseason?ForaperiodlastseasonitlookedlikeMoleseywouldbeinvolvedinarelegationfightastheytookjust13pointsfromtheirawaytripsincludingheavydefeatsatWaltonCasuals(7-0),Tooting&Mitcham(8-2)andDorkingWanderers(6-0).Infact,theyconceded29goalsawayfromhometothetopfive.


• FACup–PreliminaryRound–lostathometoGodalmingTown2-0• FATrophy–ThirdQualifyingRound–lostathometoRomford3-1• SurreySeniorCup–SecondRound–LostathometoLeatherhead1-0• IsthmianLeagueCup–FirstRound–LostawaytoCarshaltonAthletic4-1

WhendidwelastmeetMolesey?MoleseyandTheRookswereinvolvedinaremarkablegameattheverywetDrippingPaninNovemberasthetorrentialrainledtounplayableconditions.Despitethefarcicalconditions,therefereeallowedthefull90minutestobeplayed,thelast20ofwhichwerecontestedonagiantpuddle.DuringthatfinalperiodthevisitorsscoredtwicetocanceloutthefirsthalfgoalsfromJonteSmithandJamieBrotherton.

InlateFebruary,therewerenosuchconcernsabouttheweatherasLewesrompedtoa4-0winatWaltonRoadthankstogoalsfromJonteSmithinthefirsthalfandthentheBermudianagaininthe68thminutewhenhewasthequickesttoreacttoanexcellentsavefromJackDixon’sspotkick.LategoalsfromCallumKealyandWilfriedGrimaudgavethescore-lineacomprehensivefeel.

AboutTheWaltonRoadStadiumThegroundsitsinthemiddleofaresidentialareaalthoughthetalltreesontwosidesgiveitarealruralfeel.Facilitiesarerelativelybasicwithonemainstandwhichhousestheofficesandthebar(noalcoholoutsidethough)andacoupleofcoveredstandsbehindeachgoal.

ForthosewholikeabitofNon-LeaguetriviathenTheWaltonRoadStadiumwasusedasthelocationforthefootballclubinthefilmBendItLikeBeckham.

HowtogettoTheWaltonRoadStadiumForthosewhohavemadethejourneytoeitherHampton&RichmondBoroughorMetropolitanPoliceoverthepastfewseasonsthenyouarejustamileorsofromMoseley,whichsitsalmostequidistantbetweenthetwogroundsasthecrowflies.

HeadaroundtheM25untiljunction10withtheA3thenheadLondonbound.AfteracoupleofmilestaketheexitfortheA244andheadtowardsEsher.WhenyougettothejunctionwiththeA307turnrightandheadtowardsSandownParkracecourse.AttheScillyIslandroundabouts,headnorthontheA309towardsHamptonCourt.AttheroundaboutwithEmbercourtRoad,turnleftandthenrightattheendoftheroad(oppositeImberCourt)intoEmberLane.ThisthenbecomesEsherLane.OnceyoucrosstheRiverEmber/MoleturnleftintoWaltonRoadandthegroundisafewhundredyardsdowntheroadontheright-handside.There’splentyoffreestreetparkingaroundtheground.JourneytimefromLewesisabout75minutesforthe58-mileeachwaytrip.

TheneareststationisHamptonCourtwhichisafifteen-minutewalkaway.ComeoutofthestationandcrossthemainroadandheaddownBridgeRoad.FollowthatuntilthejunctionwithWaltonRoadandthenfollowthatuntilyouseethegroundontheleft-handside.Alternatively,Esherisaboutatwenty-minutewalk.HeadnorthonEmberLane,followingitaroundtheright-handbendthentotheleft,pastImberCourt.Thenasdrivinginstructions.HamptonCourtisinZone6(aboutanhourand45minuteswithachangeatClaphamJunction-£23.50)whilstEsher(slightlylongerjourneyby5minsbutmoretrainsfromClaphamJunction-£28.70)is1stopoutsidethezonalmap.

AdmissionatTheWaltonRoadStadiumAdmissionthisseasonis£10foradults,£5forconcessions(seniorcitizens,studentsandUnder18s),andaccompaniedunder16sarefree.

Fancyabeer?ThenearestpubtothegroundisthePoyntzArmswhichisaShepherdsNeamepubwhichlooksabitdodgyfromtheoutsidebutisdecentinside.TheAlbionHotelinBridgeRoadispopularanddoeshaveacoupleofalesontapwhilsttheBellisjustoffEsherRoadinBellRoadifyouarecomingthatway.EsherhassomedecentpubssuchasTheBearwhilstclosetoImberCourtisMarney’sVillageInnwhichisverypopular.

PhoenixSportsFootballClub–“Phoenix”PhoenixSportsGroundMayplaceRoadEastBarnehurstKentDA76JT

Tel:01322526159Web:www.phoenixsportsclub.co.ukTwitter:@PhoenixSport82

AboutPhoenixSportsFootballClubFounded–1935Manager–AndrewMortlockBestleagueperformance–8thinIsthmianLeagueNorthDivisionin2016/17BestFACuprun–SecondQualifyingRoundin2015/16wheretheylosttoAFCHornchurch5-2GroundCapacity–2,000(lastseason’saverage87)

Howwaslastseason?ForaperiodlastseasonitlookedlikePhoenixSportswouldbethesurprisepackageintheIsthmianLeagueNorthastheystartedofflikeatrainandtoppedtheleagueinthefirstfewweeksthanksinparttothegoalsofBillyMedlock.However,theycouldn’tkeepupthemomentumandfellawaytowardsChristmas.Butcomethefinaltwomonthsoftheseasontheybouncedbackandendedtheseasonjustfourpointsofftheplay-offs.Despitehavingoneofthesmallestbudgetsintheleague,theteamspiritthatsawtheclubwintheSouthEasternCountiesPremierLeaguetwoyearsagoisstillevidentintheclubandtheywilllikelytobeathorninthesideofmanyteamsthisseason.

IsthmianLeagueNorthDivision–9th-P46W22D9L15GS71GA72GD-1PTS75

• FACup–PreliminaryRound–lostawayatSouthPark2-0• FATrophy–SecondQualifyingRound–lostawayatWinchesterCity3-1• KentSeniorCup–Didnotenter• IsthmianLeagueCup–Didnotenter

WhendidwelastmeetPhoenixSports?We’veonlymetSportsonceandthatwasintheFACupFirstQualifyingRoundbackinSeptember2015inagamewe’dallliketoforgetastheRookswentdown2-0.

AboutPhoenixSportsGroundThegroundismodesttosaytheleastwithtwosmallcoverednewishstandsononesideandhardstandingaroundtherestofthepitch.Thereisawell-appointedclubhousebehindthesouthgoalandfoodisservicesfromahatchnextdoor.Ononesideofthepitchisanotherpitchwhichcanmeansometacticaltimewastingifthehomesideareinfront.

HowtogettoThePhoenixSportsGroundHeaduptheA23/M23thenanti-clockwiseontheM25untiljunction1A.ThentaketheA206exit.Attheroundabouttakethe1stexitontotheA206andfollowthisfor3.1miles.Attheroundaboutwith

theA2000takethe2ndexitontoPerryStreet,thenafter0.4milesturnrightontoMayplaceRoadEast.Carryonovertheroundaboutandthenyouwillseethegroundontheright.DistancefromLewesisaround70milesandshouldtakearound75minutes.There’sasmallcarparkatthegroundotherwiseitisfreestreetparking.

TheneareststationisBarnehurstwhichisservedbytrainsfromLondonCharingCrossandLondonBridgeontheDartfordlineviaBexleyheath.Comeoutofthestation,turnleftandfollowBarnehurstRoadforhalfamilebeforeturningleftintoMaypoleRoadEast.Thegroundishalfamiledowntheroadonyourleft-handside.

Alternatively,youcouldarriveviaCrayfordontheSidcuplinefromLondonCharingCrossandLondonBridge.ExitthestationviaStationRoadandattheroundabouttakethe1stexitandfollowtheA207.ContinueontoCrayfordHighStreet(A2000).AttheroundaboutgonorthintoPerryStreetthentakethefirstleftintoManorRoad.FollowuntiltheendthenturnleftintoMayplaceRoadEastandthegroundisonyourright.It’sabouta25-minutewalkwithaniceuphillslogtowardstheend.Caution–don’tbefooledbythefloodlightsyoucanseefromCrayfordstation–that’sCrayfordStadium,homeofthegreyhoundracingtrack.However,theyareopenforracingonaSaturdaymorningfrom10.30amanddoanexcellentbreakfastandentranceisfree.

AdmissionatThePhoenixSportsGroundAdmissionthisseasonis£9foradults,£5forconcessions(seniorcitizens,studentsandUnder18s),andaccompaniedunder16sarefree.

Fancyabeer?IfyoucomeviaCrayfordthenyouareinluckasitisblessedwithsomedecentpubs,nonemoresothantheexcellentmicro-pub,thePennyFarthingonWaterside.AsyouwalkuptowardsthegroundthentheDukesHeadandtheOneBellarealsoworthastopifthewalkuphillisprovingtoomuchofachallenge.IfyoucomeviaBarnehurstthenTheRedBarnisonthewayfromthestationtotheground.ThePrinceAlbertinBexleyheathBroadwayisalsorecommendedalthoughalittlebitofatrekaway.

RamsgateFootballClub–“TheRams”

SouthwoodStadiumPrice’sAvenueRamsgateKentCT110AN

Tel:01843591662Web:www.ramsgate-fc.co.ukTwitter:@RamsgateFC

AboutRamsgateFootballClubFounded–1945Manager–LloydBlackmanBestleagueperformance–5thinIsthmianLeaguePremierDivisionin2007/08BestFACuprun–1stroundproper–1955/56(lostawaytoWatford5-3)and2005/06(lostawaytoNuneatonBorough2-0)GroundCapacity–2,500(lastseason’saverage182)

Howwaslastseason?Ramsgatefinished12thforthesecondconsecutiveseason,albeitsixpointsworseoffthanin2015/16.They’velostLukeGirttoSheppeyUnitedbutsignedAdamWoollcottfromHerneBayandMattyAdams.


• FACup–FirstQualifyingRound–lostathometoWhyteleafe2-1• FATrophy–FirstQualifyingRound–LostathometoHastingsUnited3-0• KentSeniorCup–QuarterFinal–LostawaytoFolkestoneInvicta4-2• IsthmianLeagueCup–FirstRound–LostawaytoSittingbourne2-1

WhendidwelastmeetRamsgate?LewesgotthebetterofTheRamsoverthetwoleaguemeetingslastseasonwitha3-2winatThePaninNovemberanda1-1drawinfreezingconditionsinJanuaryontheKentcoast.AtThePangoalsfromStephenOkohandaJackDixondoublealthoughthemosttalkedaboutgoalwasRamsgate’sfirstwhenJackDixon’sback-passfromthehalfwaylinehitabumponthepitchasLucasCovolanwenttoclearitanditbobbledintoanemptynet.ADixonowngoal?Harshbutcorrect.

OnafreezingdayandafrozenpitchinJanuarythehomesidetooktheleadinthe30thminutewhenLloydCottonhauleddownTomChapmanandtheyoungstergotuptoslotthepenaltyhome.Lewesdidn’tseemintheracesuntilthehourmarkwhenStephenOkohsetupJonteSmithandheslidtheballhome.

AboutTheSouthwoodStadiumTheSouthwoodStadiumismassive.Itishardtocomprehendhowbigtheactualareaofthegroundreallyisfromtheoutsideasitishemmedinbyhouses,butdespitehavingahugeplayingsurface,withawideperimeterofgrassaround,thereisstillundevelopedareasoneachside.Itisabasicground.Theclubhouseandchangingroomsareoutsidethegroundinthecarpark,anditisquitebizarretoseetheplayersliningupinthecarpark(albeitbehindfences)waitingtoentertheplayingfield.Therearecoveredterracesateachendandasmallmainstandwithbenchesinsteadofseats.Thefarsideofthegroundisopen.ThereisaPortakabinperchedinthecornerofthegroundastheboardroom,andoneontheothersidethatactsastheclubshop.TheclubhouseisalsooutsidethegroundasyouenterdownPrice’sAvenue.

HowtogettoTheSouthwoodStadiumApproachRamsgatefromthewestviaA299(Canterbury/London)orA256(Dover/Folkestone)toLordofManorroundabout.FollowthesignposttoRamsgatealongCanterburyRoadEast,countingvia2ndexitofthe1stroundabout.Atthe2ndroundabout,continuestowardsRamsgateonLondonRoad(2ndexit).Takethe3rdturningontheleft,intoStMildred’sAvenue,then1stleftintoQueenBerthaRoad.Aftertheright-handbend,takeleftintoSouthwoodRoad,and1stleftintoPrice’sAvenue.ThestadiumisattheendofPrice’sAvenue.Thereisamplefreeparkingatthegroundoronthesurroundingstreets.MileagefromLewesFCis111miles(ourlongestawaytripbyroad).

ThenearestrailwaystationisRamsgate(ontheLondonVictorialineortheHS1fromStPancras/Ebbsfleet/AshfordInternational),whichisa10-15-minutewalkaway.Whenyoucomeoutofthestationturnright,andwalkalongWilfredRoad(pastthePostOfficeSortingoffice)andstraightonatthetrafficlightsatthejunctionwithStLawrenceParkRoadintoGrangeRoad.FollowGrangeRoaduntilyougettoashoppingcentreandatzebracrossingturnrightintoSouthwoodRoad.GoupSouthwoodRoad,followingtheroadroundtorightatthetop,thenturn1stleftintoPrice’sAvenue.Currentoff-peakreturnfarefromLewes(changingatHastingsthenAshfordInternational)is£20.70.Approximatejourneytimeis2hours25minutes.ThejourneyviaLondonVictoriaisover3hourslongandmaycostaround£50.

AdmissionatTheSouthwoodStadiumAdmissionlastseasonwas£10foradults,£5forconcessions(seniorcitizens,studentsandUnder18s),andaccompaniedunder12sareadmittedfree.Thereusedtobeanextra50pchargetositinthemainstand.Atthetimeofwritingtheclubhaven’tannouncedpricingfor2017/18season.

Fancyabeer?ThenearestpubtothegroundistheYorkTavernonValeRoadwhichisadecentsizebutmanywillheadforthemicro-pub,TheHovellingBoatInnonYorkStreet,oneroadbackfromtheseafront.There’sasecondmicro-pubinMinster,around4milesfromthecentreofRamsgatecalledtheHairoftheDog(HighStreet)whichhassomeexcellentreviews.OtherdecentbarsinthetowncentreincludeTheRedLiononKingStreetandtheAustralianArmswhichisonthewalkfromthestationtotheground.

ShorehamFootballClub–“TheMusselmen”

TheTaxi-LinkCommunitySportsGroundMiddleRoadShoreham-by-SeaWestSussexBN436GA

Tel:01273454261Web:www.pitchero.com/clubs/shorehamfcTwitter:@ShorehamFC

AboutShorehamFootballClubFounded–1892Manager–SammyDonnellyBestleagueperformance–1stinSouthernCombinationLeague2016/17BestFACuprun–2ndQualifyingRound–2013/14–losttoDulwichHamlet6-0GroundCapacity–2,000(lastseason’saverage104)

Howwaslastseason?Surprisingly,inmid-MaymanagerBryanO’ToolesteppeddownasmanagerwithSammyDonnellyappointed.HisfirstjobwastocelebratepromotiontotheIsthmianLeagueforthefirsttimeafterChampionsHaywardsHeathTownweredockedpointsforfieldinganillegibleplayer.Thatbeingsaid,youcan’ttakeanythingawayfromShorehamwhofoughtaclosebattleallseason,scoringgoalsforfunandkeepingitverytightattheback.

SouthernCombinationPremierLeague–1st-P38W30D2L6GS110GA30GD+80PTS92

• FACup–PreliminaryRound–LostathometoDorkingWanderers4-3• FAVase–FirstRound–LostathometoGlebe3-2• SussexSeniorCup–Quarter-Final–LostathometoBognorRegisTown3-1

WhendidwelastmeetShoreham?Despitebeingsolocal,ithasbeenyearssincewemetShorehaminacompetitivegameseventobeprecisewhenwemetinthe2ndroundoftheSussexSeniorCupbackinNovember2010atMiddleRoad.OnthatnightShorehamtookanearlyleadbutabracefromBenGodfreyandonefromTimRiverssecuredsafepassagetothenextround.OfthecurrentsquadonlyChrisWintertonsurvives-hewasanunusedsubthatnightwithyouthteam'keeperJJBanasco-ZaragozamakinghisonlyseniorRooksappearancebetweenthesticks.

AboutTheTaxi-LinkCommunitySportsGroundThegroundisrelativelybasicwithonesmallcoveredstandbehindthegoalattheeastendofthegroundandasmallcoveredstandinthesouth-eastcorner.Apartfromthatitishardstandingintheopenair.

HowtogettoTheTaxi-LinkCommunitySportsGroundAneasyoneforLewesfans.TaketheA27toShoreham.AttheHolmbushRoundabouttaketheexittowardsSouthlandsHospital.Immediatelybeforethehospital,turnleftdownHammyLane,thenrightattheminiroundaboutintoMiddleRoad.Theentrancetothegroundisatthefarendoftherecreationgroundimmediatelyontheright.Streetparkingistheonlyoption.Allow30minutesforthe17-milejourney.

Ifyouarecomingbytrainthenthegroundisaten-minutewalkoracoupleofminutesonabus(routes2,2Aand20Xpasstheground).IfyouarewalkingthendoublebackonyourselfasyouexitthestationandheaddownGordonRoadtothenorthoftherailwayline.ThiseventuallyfeedsintoEasternAvenuearoundtotheleft.AtthejunctionwithMiddleRoadturnrightandthegroundisacoupleofhundredyardsonyourright.

AdmissionatTheTaxi-LinkCommunitySportsGroundAdmissionthisseasonis£9forAdults,£5forConcessions(includingBHAseasonticketholders),£6forStudentsandUnder16sareadmittedfreewithanadultor£1iftheycomealone.

Fancyabeer?There’splentyofchoiceinandaroundShorehamtowncentrebutbestbetsaretheOldStarmicropub(justofftheHighStreet)whichhas3-5everchangingrealaleson,whileTheDukeofWellington('TheWelly')ontheA259Brighton(seafront)RoadisaformerDarkStarpubwhichisnowrunbytheirformerbrewerandalwayshasasuperbselectionofales,kegs,bottledbeersandciders.Forconvenience,TheBuckinghamArmsisoppositethetrainstationwhichservesHarvey’sandDarkStaramongstothers.

SittingbourneFootballClub–“TheBrickies”

WoodstockParkBroadoakRoadSittingbourneKentME98AG

Tel:01795410777Web:www.sittingbournefc.co.ukTwitter:@SittingbourneFC

AboutSittingbourneFootballClubFounded–1886Manager–NickDavisBestleagueperformance–8thinSouthernPremierLeaguein1993/94and1996/97BestFACuprun–2ndroundproper–1925/26(lostawaytoSwindonTown7-0)and1928/29(lostawaytoWalsall2-1)GroundCapacity–1,500(lastseason’saverage125)

Howwaslastseason?ItwasanotherdisappointingseasonforTheBrickiesasatonestagetheyhadthemomentumthatappearedtobetakingthemuptothePlay-offplaces.TheyhavebroughtbackinstrikerMilesCornwellfromFolkestoneInvictapluskeeperDarenHawkesfromCanterburyCity.


• FACup–PreliminaryRound–LostawaytoHytheTown5-0• FATrophy–PreliminaryRound–LostathometoBuryTown2-0• KentSeniorCup–FirstRound–LostathometoRamsgate2-1• IsthmianLeagueCup–SecondRound–LostawaytoTonbridgeAngels2-0

WhendidwelastmeetSittingbourne?TheawaywinatSittingbourneinlateSeptemberwasprobablythecatalystforthewholeseasonfortheRooks.ArrivinginKentonthebackoffourleaguedefeatsandapainfulexittoSevenoaksTownintheFACup,TheRookswent1-0downearlyinthesecondhalfbutsomeinspiredsubstitutionssawthegameturnedaroundinjustafifteen-minuteperiodthankstogoalsfromCharlieCoppolaandtwostrikesfromJamieBrotherton,onefromthepenaltyspotandtheotherasuperblobbedeffortfromthirtyyardsout.

ThreemonthslaterbackatthePantheRooksonceagainhadtodigthemselvesoutofahole,havingfoundthemselves2-0downwithtenminutestoplaythankstogoalsfromJackDixonfromthepenaltyspotandJonteSmith.

AboutWoodstockParkTheclubhavehadanomadicexistenceinthelastfewyears,havingbeenforcedoutoftheirCentralParkStadiumwhichalmostcausedtheclubtogotothewall.TheyinitiallymovedinastenantsatWoodstockParkFC’sgroundandwhentheKentPremierLeagueclubwaswoundup,Sittingbournetookoverthetenancy.Itisaverybasicground,withawell-appointedclubhousedominatingthe

ground.Thereareacoupleoftemporarystandsononesideandonebehindthegoalbutlittleelseinthewayofcoverforthefans.Therearetentativeplansforanewgroundwitha3GpitchtobeconstructedonlandadjacenttoWoodstockParkbutnofirmdates.

HowtogettoWoodstockParkJusttowarnyouthatWoodstockParkenjoysaveryrurallocation.DespitebeingjustafewhundredyardsfromtheM2,findingthegroundinvolvesalongandcomplicatedroute.YouwillalmostcertainlyapproachfromtheM2,requiringanexitatJunction5,whereyouneedtotaketheexitfortheA249towardsSheernessattheroundabout.YouthenneedleavetheA249atthefirstjunctionthatleadstotheraisedKeyStreetroundabout,andturnrightontotheA2toSittingbourne.

Headroundtheone-waysystemtowardsthetowncentreandasyoujointheA2again,takethenextrightintoParkRoad,ParkRoadeventuallybecomesGoreCourtRoad,GoreCourtRoadeventuallybecomesWoodstockRoad,andfinallyWoodstockRoadbecomesRuinsBarnRoad.

WhenhousesdisappearapproximatelyhalfamiledownRuinsBarnRoad,takenextleftsignpostedasKentSciencePark/SittingbourneResearchCentreintoBroadoakRoad.TraveldownhillpasttheScienceParkontheright,continueuphillandtaketheleftintotheWoodstockParkcarpark.Journeytimeforthe60-milejourneyisaround1hour40minutesassumingyougoviatheA228orA229.IfyouplumpforthelongerrouteviatheM23andM25itshouldtakearoundthesametimebut20mileslesseachway.

The343busrunstoWoodstockSportsParkfromtheSittingbourneTownCentreandtrainstationwhichisontheVictorialine–shouldyouwishtowalk,goodluckasitisaround2.5milesandinvolveswalkingdownsomenarrowcountrylanesandisnotrecommended.JourneytimeviaLondonVictoriatoSittingbourneStationisaround2hours20minutesandanOff-PeakDayReturniscurrently£40.80.

AdmissionatWoodstockParkAdmissionlastseasonis£9foradults,£5forconcessions(seniorcitizens,studentsandUnder18s),Under16s£3andaccompaniedunder11sareadmittedfree.Atthetimeofwritingtheclubhaven’tannouncedpricingfor2017/18season.

Fancyabeer?TherurallocationofWoodstockParkmeanstherearenopubswithinamileandahalfofthegroundsoyouwillneedtosticktothetowncentreforapreandpost-matchbeer.TheBullintheHighStreetisconsideredthebestpubinthetowncentreandtheParkTavernonParkRoadisagoodstoppingoffpointonthewaytotheground.Thetwopubsclosetothestation,TheVineyardandTheGoldenHopeareOKforaswiftpre-trainpintwhilstThePaperMillonChurchStreetisanexcellentMicroPub.

SouthParkFootballClub–“TheSparks”KingGeorge’sFieldWhitehallLaneSouthParkReigateSurreyRH28LG

Tel:01737245963Web:www.southparkfootballclub.co.ukTwitter:@South_ParkFc

AboutSouthParkFootballClubFounded–1897Manager–MalcolmPorterBestleagueperformance–8thinIsthmianLeaguePremierDivisionin2016/17BestFACuprun–FourthQualifyingRound–2011/12–LostathometoMetPolice3-0GroundCapacity–2,000(lastseason’saverage106)

Howwaslastseason?SouthParkrecordedanotherrecordbreakingseason,finishingintheirhighesteverleaguepositionandreachingtheSecondRoundoftheFATrophywheretheytravelledtoPrentonParktoplayTranmereRovers.ManagerMalcolmPorterwilllooktostrengthenhissquadandkeepingthenever-say-dieteamspiritthattookthemtosuccesslastseason.


• FACup–SecondQualifyingRound–lostathometoLeiston4-1• FATrophy–SecondRound–lostawaytoTranmereRovers3-1• SurreySeniorCup–SecondRound–LostawaytoMerstham3-0• IsthmianLeagueCup–Semi-Final–LostawaytoBillericayTown4-3

WhendidwelastmeetSouthPark?Itwasacaseofonewinapiecelastseason,withbothawaysidescomingoutontop.AtthePaninSeptembertheRookstookanearlyleadfromanAlexMalinsheaderbutconcededthreeattheotherend,withtheunfortunateStaceyFreemanputtingthroughhisownnettwice,sandwichedbetweenaKieranLaveryheader.

Afterfourpostponements,thetwosidesfinallymetagaininMarchwiththeRookswinning3-0inastormyaffairthatsawMatthewGeorgeandKieranLaverysentoffandahostmoreplayersyellowcarded.JamesHammondscoredoneofthegoalsoftheseasontoopenthescoringinthefirsthalf.JonteSmithaddedasecondbeforeHammoaddedathirdininjurytimetokeeptheRooksplay-offchallengealive.

AboutKingGeorge’sFieldYoucertainlygetthecountryfeelatKingGeorge’sFieldwithrollinghillsononesideofthepitchandacricketfieldatthenorthend.Thegroundhastwosmallmoderntemporarystandsbehindthe

southgoal,withcapacityforaround50or60people,whilstthemodernchangingroomblockofferssomecoverfromtheelements.Thereisateabaratthefarendofthisbuilding.Theclubhouseisattheentrancetothesportsgroundwherethecarparkis–youarefreetowanderupthereathalftimeandre-enterthegroundoncefedandwatered.ItisadecentsizeaffairwithsomegoodbeersandlargescreenswithSkySports.

Thegroundisdominatedbythehugetreebehindonegoalthatgivestheclubitsbadge.

HowtogettoKingGeorge’sFieldThebestpieceofadviceIcangiveyouisuseyourSatNavorGoogleMaps!ThegroundishardtoreachonceyouhavelefttheM25junction8andfollowedtheA217ReigateHilldownintotheTownCentre.ContinuetofollowsignsfortheA217asyougoaroundtheone-waysystem.TheroadwillpairofftotheleftandfollowthattheturningleftintoBellStreet.AfteraboutamiletakearightintoParkLaneEastthenthe6throadonyourleftintoWhitehallLaneandthegroundwillbeonyourright.Parkingisavailablefreeofchargeeitheronthecricketpitchorinthetarmaccarpark.TotaltraveltimefromLewesisaround50miles,approximately38milesaway.

TheneareststationisReigatebutitisagood2-milewalksoataximaybethebestoption.IfyouaregoingtowalkthenheaddownLondonRoadintothecentreofReigate,thenwalkthroughtheCastleGroundsanddowntheA217straightaheadoppositetheMarketStorespub.CarryonforamilebeforeyoutakearightintoParkLaneEast.ThensixthleftintoSandcrossLaneandthentaketheright-handforkforWhitehallLaneandtheground.Youwillneedtomakeatleastonechange(GatwickAirport)toreachReigate–traveltimeisaround80minutesandwillcostapproximately£13.40return.

AdmissionatKingGeorge’sFieldAdmissionlastseasonwas£9foradults,£5forconcessions(seniorcitizens,studentsandUnder18s),andaccompaniedunder12sareadmittedfree.Atthetimeofwriting,SouthParkhavenotconfirmedpricingfor2017/18season.

Fancyabeer?ThenearestpubtothegroundistheBarleyMowinEastnorRoad,afew-minuteswalkfromtheground.ThebestpubclosebyisprobablytheRoeDeerinCroydonRoadinthecentreofReigate,whilsttheYewTreeonReigateHillisalsoworthavisitifcomingbytrain.NexttothestationisthePrinceofWaleswhichisaShepherdsNeamepub.

ThamesmeadTownFootballClub–“TheMead”DartfordFootballClubPrincesParkDarenthRoadDartfordKentDA11RT

Tel:07845751319Web:www.thamesmeadtownfc.comTwitter:@ThamesmeadTFC

AboutThamesmeadTownFootballClubFounded–1969Manager–TerrySpillaneBestleagueperformance–22ndintheIsthmianLeaguePremierDivisionin2013/14BestFACuprun–ThirdQualifyingRoundin2016/17wheretheylosttoMerstham5-1GroundCapacity–4,100(lastseason’saverage91)

Howwaslastseason?Thamesmeadonceagainstruggledtocompetewithmanyofthebiggerteamsintheleagueandwillbegratefulforsomeearlyseasonpointsthatkepttheminsulatedfromanyrelegationbattle.Theylost17oftheir24leaguegamesbyasinglegoal,whichiftheycouldhavetightenedupatthebackwouldhaveseenthemchallenginghigherupthetable.Atthetimeofwritingtherehasn’tbeenanynotablechangestoTerrySpillane’ssquad.


• FACup–ThirdQualifyingRound–LostawaytoMerstham5-1• FATrophy–PreliminaryRound–LostawaytoCorinthianCasuals2-1• KentSeniorCup–FirstRound–LostawaytoFolkestoneInvicta2-0• IsthmianLeagueCup–FirstRound–TieawardedtoRomford

WhendidwelastmeetThamesmeadTown?WemetThamesmeadTownforthefirsttimeinthe2013/14seasonalthoughweonlytook1pointfromthetwoencounters.InlateNovemberatThePanittookaninjurytimegoalfromMattCrabbtograbashareofthepointswhilstatThamesmeadinMarchwewentdown2-0withthegamemostnotableforahorribleinjurytoJackWalder.

AboutPrincesParkFewpeoplewon’tknowabouttheexcellentfacilitiesatPrincesPark,homeofDartfordFC.ItcameasquiteasurprisethatThamesmeadTowndecidedtomoveoutoftheirBaylissAvenuestadiumattheendoflastseason,whichhadgonethroughsignificantredevelopmentinthelastfewyearsandwasmorethanadequatefortheirsupporterbase.Averaginglessthan100fansinthepastfewseasonstherewillbealotofspaceinthe4,100capacityPrincesPark.

OnonesideistheMainStand.Thisstandisallseatedandcomprisesjustfourrows,seatingintotal645spectators.Ithastheteamdugoutsatitsfrontandaglassedareaattherear,whichcontainsamongstotherthingstheclubhousebar.Liketherestofthestadium,theroofissituatedquitehighabovethespectatorareaandhasaslightovalangletoit.Theotherthreesidesofthestadiumaresmallterracedareas,beingaroundsevenrowshigh.OppositetheMainStandtheWoodenMansculpturestandsontheterrace,keepingawatchfuleyeoverproceedings.

HowtogettoPrincesParkHeadnorthontheA23/M23thenM25anti-clockwise.LeavetheM25atJunction2(signpostedA2/DartfordA225).AttheroundaboutbelowtheroundabouttaketheDartfordA225exit.Atthenextroundabouttakethe1stexitbytheEssogarageontotheA225towardsDartford.Gostraightacrossthenextroundabout,passingaBPgarageontheright.AtthenextsetoftrafficlightsturnleftintoDarenthRoadandthentakethesecondleftintoGrassbanksforthestadium.Thereisacarparkatthestadiumwhichhas300spacesandisfree.ApproximatedrivingtimefromLewesis70minutesforthe60-miletrip.

DartfordrailwaystationislocatedjustoveramileawayfromPrincesPark.ItisservedbytrainsfromCharingCrossandLondonBridge.IfonleavingthestationyoufollowthepedestriansignsfortheOrchardShoppingCentrethenbeforethebridgegoingacrossthemainroad,descendthestepsdowntotheroadside.JusttoleftyouwillfindarowofbusstopsincludingtheFastrackBbusstop.Thisservicerunseverytenminutesduringtheday(every20minutesintheevenings)totheBluewaterShoppingCentreandstopsatPrincesPark.Thecost(oneway)isAdults£1,Children50p.Otherwiseataxifromthestationtothestadiumwillcostaround£5.

Otherwisethegroundisa15-minutewalkaway.Descenddownthestepsasabove(oratthebottomofthestationapproachroad),keeptotheleftalongthemainroadandattheroundaboutturnleft.Atthenexttrafficlightscrossoverandthenwalkstraightonusingthewidefootpathbesidethededicatedbusroute.Whenthisfootpathends,goupandintoDarenthRoadandfollowthisroadtotheright,thenaftercrossingatthetrafficlightsgoupthehillandthefirstroadontherightisDarenthRoad.TurnrightandtheMaltShovelpubisontheright).ProceedalongDarenthRoadtothemainroad,whichisPrincesRoad–Thegroundisontheothersideoftheroad.

AdmissionatPrincesParkAdmissionhasn’tbeenconfirmedatthetimeofwritingbutisexpectedtobe£8forAdults,£5forConcessionsand£3forUnder16s.Under11sareadmittedfreeofcharge.

Fancyabeer?ThenearestpubtothegroundistheIvyLeafonDarenthRoad,whichisaboutafive-minutewalkaway,whilstfurtheralongthesameroadistheMaltShovel.BoththesepubsarelistedintheCAMRAGoodBeerGuide.OtheronesofnotearetheCAMRAGoodBeerGuidelistedWatTylerontheHighStreet,thePaperMoonWetherspoonsoutletoppositeandanotherWetherspoonsoutletcalledtheFlyingBoatonSpitalStreet.Therearealsotwogoodsizedbarsatthestadium,whichalsohaveSkytelevision.

VCDAthleticFootballClub–“TheVickers”OakwoodOldRoadCrayfordKentDA14DN

Tel:07845751319Web:www.vcdathleticfc.ukTwitter:@VCDfc

AboutVCDAthleticFootballClubFounded–1916Manager–KeithMcMahonBestleagueperformance–18thintheIsthmianLeaguePremierDivisionin2014/15BestFACuprun–SecondQualifyingRoundonnumerousoccasions,thelastbeinginn2016/17whentheylosttoEghamTown2-1GroundCapacity–1,200(lastseason’saverage76)

Howwaslastseason?AfterrelegationfromthePremierDivisionattheendof2016,VCDstruggledtomakeanimpactontheIsthmianNorthleaguelastseason,averagingjustoveragoalagame.Theyfailedtoscoreinnineteenoftheirleaguegames,includingalongruninmidseasonwithoutagoal.Theywerethe0-0drawspecialists,recordingeightintheleague.AsatthetimeofwritingKeithMcMahonhasnotannouncedanynewsigningsalthoughexpecttoseesomefamiliarnameswhoseemtodothecircuitofKent-basedclubsintimeforthenewseason.


• FACup–SecondQualifyingRound–LostawaytoEghamTown2-1• FATrophy–FirstQualifyingRound–LostawaytoWare3-1• KentSeniorCup–QuarterFinal–LostawaytoDoverAthletic4-0• IsthmianLeagueCup–FirstRound–LostawaytoChathamTown1-0

WhendidwelastmeetVCDAthletic?WemetVCDAthleticinthe2015/16seasonwhenwebothendedupbeingrelegatedfromtheIsthmianPremierLeague.Inourfirstmeetingoftheseasonwedrew0-0atOakwoodtheninthereturngameatthePanwewereleading2-0untilapoorrefereeingdecisionledtoaredcardforLloydCottonforhandballandVCDtookadvantagewithourbogeyman(wehaveafewtobefair)RikkiSappletonscoringtwicetogivethevisitorsashareofthepoints.Infact,inourfourmeetingswithVCD,we’veyettobeatthemwiththreegamesendingallsquare.

AboutOakwoodOakwoodisagreatlittleground,setinanaturalreserveinandamongthespreadingcommuterbeltofSouth-EastLondon.Youenteratthehighestlevelofthegroundandalongpathtakesyoudown

toasmallcoveredstand.Viewsfromtheterraceasyouenteraregreatandinthesunshinethere’sfewbetterplacestowatchthegame.Apartfromthecoveredstandit’shardstandingfortherestoftheground.Theteamsenterthebattlefieldthroughalong-fencedareaconnectedtoanoldcricketpavilion.Inthedistanceyoucansee(andoftenhear)thegroundofPhoenixSports,theirlocalneighboursandfriendlyrivals.There’saclubhouseoutsidetheturnstileswhichisaccessibleathalf-time.

HowtogettoOakwoodHeaduptheA23/M23thenanti-clockwiseontheM25untiljunction1A.ThentaketheA206exit.Attheroundabouttakethe1stexitontotheA206andfollowthisfor3.1miles.AttheroundaboutwiththeA2000takethe2ndexitontoPerryStreet,thenafter0.8milesturnrightontoOldRoadandthegroundisontheright.DistancefromLewesisaround70milesandshouldtakearound75minutes.There’sasmallcarparkatthegroundotherwiseitisfreestreetparking.

NeareststationisCrayfordwhichisservedbytrainsfromLondonCharingCrossandLondonBridgeontheDartfordlineviaSidcup.ExitthestationviaStationRoadandattheroundabouttakethe1stexitandfollowtheA207.ContinueontoCrayfordHighStreet(A2000)andthencontinueontoOldRoad.Thegroundwillbeontheright-handside.It’sabouta20-minutewalkwithaniceuphillslogtowardstheend.Caution–don’tbefooledbythefloodlightsyoucanseefromthestation–that’sCrayfordStadium,homeofthegreyhoundracingtrack.However,theyareopenforracingonaSaturdaymorningfrom10.30amanddoanexcellentbreakfastandentranceisfree.

AdmissionatOakwoodAdmissionhasn’tbeenconfirmedatthetimeofwritingbutisexpectedtobe£9forAdults,£5forConcessionsandfreeforUnder16s.

Fancyabeer?Crayfordisblessedwithsomedecentpubs,nonemoresothantheexcellentmicro-pub,thePennyFarthingonWaterside.AsyouwalkuptowardsthegroundthentheDukesHeadandtheOneBellarealsoworthastopifthewalkuphillisprovingtoomuchofachallenge.

WaltonCasualsFootballClub–“TheStags”ElmbridgeSportsHub WatersideDriveWalton-on-ThamesSurreyKT122JP

Tel:02086605491 Web:www.waltoncasuals.comTwitter:@WaltonCasualsFC

AboutWaltonCasualsFootballClubFounded–1948Manager–AnthonyGaleBestleagueposition–9thinIsthmianLeagueSouthin2013/14BestFACuprun–ThirdQualifyingRound2009/10–LostathometoStainesTown3-0GroundCapacityatWhyteleafe–2,000(lastseason’saverage58)

Howwaslastseason?Casualscertainlyweren’tgoalshylastseason,scoring98goalsbutunfortunately,theyshipped99attheotherend.A7-0winoverMoleseywastemperedbya7-3defeatathometoEastGrinsteadTown.Defeatsagainsttheteamsatthetopultimatelycostthemahigherleagueposition.Unfortunately,thefansstayedawaywiththeaveragehomeattendanceasarecordlowandonlytwoleagueattendancesbreakingthe100markduringtheseason.TheclubwillbehopingthosefanswillreturnwhentheclubgetsbacktoWatersideintheAutumn.


• FACup–ThirdQualifyingRound–lostawaytoMoneyfields4-0• FATrophy–1stQualifyingRound–lostawaytoHytheTown3-2• SurreySeniorCup–SecondRound–LostawaytoWoking4-0• RymanLeagueCup–FirstRound–LostawaytoLeatherhead2-1

WhendidwelastmeetWaltonCasuals?BackinAugust2016WaltonCasualswerethefirstvisitorstothePanofthenewseasonandtookawayallthreepointswhilstinthereturnfixtureatChurchRoadtheRookswonabruisingencounter2-1thankstogoalsfromCharlieCoppolaandRonnieConlon,althoughthegamewillbebetterrememberedforahorriblefacialinjurytoJamesHammond.AboutElmbridgeSportsHub(Waterside)Afterspendingtwoseasonsinexile,WaltonCasualswillreturntoWalton-on-ThamesatsomepointpriortoChristmasattheredevelopedElmbridgeSportsHub,wherelocalrivalsWalton&Hershamwillalsobeinresidence.Theredevelopedground,costing£20m(andpartlyfundedbythesaleofWalton&Hersham’sStompondLaneground),willalsoincludetwofull-size3Gpitches,anathleticstrackandabig,newclubhouse.Priortotheirreturn,theywillplaytheirgamesatCobhamFC(seedetailsbelow).That’sallIcansayaboutthegroundatthisstageapartfromitbeinganotherstadiumwitha3Gpitch.

HowtogettoElmBridgeSportsHubThegroundisaboutamilenorthofWalton-on-ThamesTownCentreontheedgeoftheRiverThames.FromLewes,headnorthuptheA23fromtheA27thenM23,M25clockwiseuntiljunction10.HeadnorthontheA3foramileuntilthePainshilljunctionandtakealeftontotheA245thenrightagainafterafewhundredyardsontoSevenHillsRoad.FollowtheroadintotheTownCentrethenfollowsignsfortheA3050s/pHamptonCourt.Atthesecondroundaboutafter¾miletakealeftintoWatersideDriveandfollowtotheendandroundtotherightwherethecarparkforWatersideis.It’sa60-miletripeachwayandshouldtakearound90minutes.

TheneareststationisWalton-on-Thameswhichis25-minutesjourneytimefromClaphamJunctioninthedirectofWoking.Thestationisarounda45-minutewalktothegroundandsoataximaybethebestoptionbutyouwillmissoutonsomedecentpubsinthetowncentre.

AdmissionatElmbridgeSportsHubAdmissionlastseasonwas£9foradultsatChurchRoad,£5forconcessions(seniorcitizens,studentsandUnder18s),accompaniedunder16swere£5andUnder12swereadmittedfree.It’sunclearwhatthepricingstrategywillbethisseasonatWaterside.

Fancyabeer?WaltonhassomedecentpubsincludingtheAnglersandtheSwanonManorRoadonthewaytothegroundandontheThames,whilsttheRegentinChurchStreetisaformerCinemabuthasadecentbeermenu.

Note-WaltonCasualswillstarttheseasonatCobhamFC’sgroundinAnvilLane,whichisrelativelybasic.TogettherefollowthedirectionsaboveuntilyouexittheA3atPainshillwhereyouneedtoturnrightandfollowtheA245BetweenStreetsforhalfamilebeforetakingarightintoAnvilLanefortheground.TheneareststationisCobham&Stoked’Abernonwhichisa30-inutewalkawayalongtheA245.AlongthiswalkyouwillpasstheexcellentRunningMare.

WhyteleafeFootballClub–“TheLeafe” 15ChurchRoadWhyteleafeSurreyCR30ARTel:02086605491 Web:www.theleafe.co.ukTwitter:@WhytleleafeFC

AboutWhyteleafeFootballClubFounded–1946Manager–LeighDynanBestleagueposition–5thinIsthmianLeagueDivisionSouthin2002/03BestFACuprun–FirstRoundin1999/2000–LostawaytoChesterCity3-1afterareplayGroundCapacity–2,000(lastseason’saverage162)

Howwaslastseason?Whyteleafefinishedonespotandtwopointsbetteroffthanin2015/16safeinmid-table,closertothetopofthetablethanthebottom.AsolidhomerecordandsomegoodresultsontheroadgavetheWhyteleafefansconfidencethattheclubweremovingintherightdirection.TheclubmovedquicklytosignupDanielAjakaiye,lastseason’stopscorerandcentre-backJahmalHowlett-Mundle


• FACup–SecondQualifyingRound–LostathometoWellingUnited2-0• FATrophy–PreliminaryRound–LostathometoCheshunt3-1• SurreySeniorCup–QuarterFinals–LostawayatMerstham2-1• IsthmianLeagueCup–FirstRound–LostawaytoCorinthian-Casuals2-0

WhendidwelastmeetWhyteleafe?TheRookswonbothgamesagainstWhyteleafelastseasonbytheoddgoal.InSeptemberthegameatChurchRoadwasdecidedbyanowngoalscoredbycentre-backJakeDownsinatightaffairwhilstthereversefixtureinNovemberwasdecidedbygoalsfromJamieBrothertonandJackDixonalthoughveterancentre-backJonScarboroughpulledalategoalbacktoleavetheRooksfansnervouslyholdingoutforfull-time.AboutChurchRoadAmixtureofdifferentsizeandtypesofstandswiththegrounddominatedbytheGoldAviationStandwithitsclaretseats(apresentfromWestHam’sco-ownerDavidGoldwholivesoppositemaybe?)andallsurroundedbytalltreestogiveyouthefeelingyouarereallyinthecountryside.Thehugeclubhouseislocatedoutsidetheturnstiles(nabbedfromStokeCity’sVictoriaGround)inthecarparksoyou’llhavetowalkbackwardsandforwardspre/duringandpost-match.Thegroundisalsohometooneofthenewer3GpitchesintheNon-Leagueshavingbeeninstalledin2015.

HowtogettoChurchRoadThegroundislocatedalongsidetheA22betweenPurleyandJunction6oftheM25.HeadnorthontheA22CaterhamBypass.GostraightonatthenextroundaboutwhereAnnSummersheadofficeislocated.OnceyoupasstheTravelodgeonyourright-handsideyouneedtotakethenextleftatWhyteleafeSouthstationintoSalmonsLane.GoupthehillthentakefirstrightintoChurchRoad.Thegroundisafewhundredyardsontheright-handside.There’slimitedparkingatthegroundsoitmaybeeasierparkingatWhyteleafeStation.TotaljourneytimefromLewesis50minutesforthe45-milejourney.

Whyteleafeiseasilyaccessiblebytrain,withthreestationswithinaten-minutewalk-Whyteleafe,WhyteleafeSouthandUpperWarlingham.AllthreestationsareinZone6.WewouldsuggestalightingatWhyteleafeStation,whichisasix-minutewalkfromthegroundasperthedirectionsabove.ThejourneyfromLewesrequirestwochangesatEastCroydonandPurley,takingonehourtwenty-fiveminutesandanOff-Peakdayreturncosts£17.90.

AdmissionatChurchRoadAdmissionthisseasonis£10foradults,£5forconcessions(seniorcitizens,studentsandUnder18s),accompaniedunder16sare£5andUnder12sareadmittedfree.

Fancyabeer?ClosetoWhyteleafeandUpperWarlinghamistheRadiusArmsmicropubontheA22whichisaverypopularhauntwhilsttheWhyteleafeTavernjustdowntheroadismoreofyourtraditionalpub.

2017/18Fixtures

Saturday12thAugust2017 HerneBay (A) League

Wednesday16thAugust2017 Guernsey (H) League

Saturday19thAugust2017 Peacehaven&TelscombeorNewhaven (H) FACup

Saturday26thAugust2017 Sittingbourne (H) League

Monday28thAugust2017 HastingsUnited (A) League

Saturday2ndSeptember2017 SouthPark (A) League

Saturday9thSeptember2017 HytheTown (H) League

Tuesday12thSeptember2017 Shoreham (A) League

Saturday16thSeptember2017CrayWanderers (H) League

Saturday23rdSeptember2017 WaltonCasuals(tobeplayedatCobhamFC) (A) League

Wed27thSeptember2017 Whyteleafe (H) League

Saturday30thSeptember2017 Molesey (H) League

Wednesday4thOctober2017 Guernsey (A) League

Saturday7thOctober2017 EastGrinsteadTown (A) FATrophy

Saturday14thOctober2017 VCDAthletic (A) League

Saturday21stOctober2017 HerneBay (H) League

Saturday28thOctober2017 Corinthian-Casuals (H) League

Saturday4thNovember2017 EastGrinsteadTown (A) League

Wednesday8thNovember2017Shoreham (H) League

Saturday11thNovember2017 CarshaltonAthletic (A) League

Wed14thNovember2017 Whyteleafe (A) League

Saturday18thNovember2017 ThamesmeadTown (H) League

Saturday25thNovember2017 PhoenixSports (H) League

Saturday2ndDecember2017 GreenwichBorough (A) League

Saturday9thDecember2017 AshfordUnited (H) League

Saturday16thDecember2017 Ramsgate (A) League

Saturday23rdDecember2017 Sittingbourne (A) League

Tuesday26thDecember2017 HastingsUnited (H) League

Saturday30thDecember2017 SouthPark (H) League

Monday1stJanuary2018 Horsham (A) League

Saturday6thJanuary2018 FavershamTown (H) League

Saturday13thJanuary2018 Chipstead (A) League

Saturday20thJanuary2018 CrayWanderers (A) League

Saturday27thJanuary2018 WaltonCasuals (H) League

Saturday3rdFebruary2018 ThamesmeadTown (A) League

Saturday10thFebruary2018 CarshaltonAthletic (H) League

Saturday17thFebruary2018 GreenwichBorough (H) League

Saturday24thFebruary2018 PhoenixSports (A) League

Saturday3rdMarch2018 Ramsgate (H) League

Saturday10thMarch2018 AshfordUnited (A) League

Saturday17thMarch2018 Molesey (A) League

Saturday24thMarch2018 VCDAthletic (H) League

Saturday31stMarch2018 HytheTown (A) League

Monday2ndApri2018 Horsham (H) League

Saturday7thApril2018 Corinthian-Casuals (A) League

Saturday14thApril2018 EastGrinsteadTown (H) League

Saturday21stApril2018 FavershamTown (A) League

Saturday28thApril2018 Chipstead (H) League

THE BOSTIK LEAGUE SOUTH AWAY FANS GUIDE … THE BOSTIK LEAGUE SOUTH AWAY FANS GUIDE 2017/181 Ashford...

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