Pub Team to Manager’s Dream Part 36 – We’re Back!

First of all, I apologise for not posting in such a long time, things got really busy unfortunately. But I’m back now and ready to get rattling through some promotions, so let’s get on with it…

Also, to speed things up from this point, most posts will contain updates of whole seasons with a few matches in focus and any noteworthy events included. I say most posts because along the way, interesting news will feature in their own posts along the way.

So what has happened since last update. Well we have had yet another takeover, which for bigger clubs would be big news and great news but as we are an amateur club with no transfer budget and no wages to pay and also secure finances anyway, it has made very little difference. But for your reference the new chairman is called Mark Palmer.

 As you can see, we had another successful season, gaining promotion to Mid Sussex Football League Division 5 and winning all three cups as well. All three cup finals will be featured in slightly more detail below.

Somerville Challenge Cup Final (vs. Peacehaven United II): 3-1 win. Right midfielder Mike Morall got us off to a flyer scoring within 18 seconds, beating the keeper at his near post. They got a surprise equaliser on the stroke of half time.But two second half goals from Poacher Andy Houghton sealed the win for us and typified the importance of his goals this season.

Malins Challenge Cup Final (vs. Scaynes Hill): 4-0 win. Jayden Antwi-Nyame was booked very early on and I thought that was going to set the tone, however he redeemed himself quickly by giving us the lead in the 10th minute. 5 minutes later Andy Houghton added a second and a free kick from Robbie Marshall and another goal from Houghton completed the scoring late in the first half. The stats suggested an even game but we played brilliantly.

Mid Sussex Junior Cup Final (vs. AFC Bolnore): 4-2 win. AFC Bolnore have been the team that, despite the fact they are in the league below us, have been managing to steal some of our good players (even though we’ve managed to get most of them back almost immediately). That added to this being one of the toughest games we’ve ever had made this victory very sweet. Mike Morall opened the scoring early again with just over 2 mins on the clock. They equalised from a poorly defended cross where two flicked headers beat our defence and keeper and they took the lead from a very route one goal over the top of our defence. Another goal from Mike Morall and two goals from Antwi-Nyame brought us back from the brink of defeat and brough the Miss Sussex Junior Cup back to Adastra Park yet again.

And just quickly, the season awards went as follows:

So now you’re all up to date and we’re ready to challenge Mid Sussex Football League Division 5 after a good close season. Transfer updates from that close season to come soon…

Once again apologies for lack of posts recently and thanks for coming back to continue the massive journey up the English league system.