Merstham101017_full

ISTHMIAN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE SOUTH
Season 2017-18

Sittingbourne FC
The DMA Stadium, Woodstock Park, Broadoak Road,
Sittingbourne, Kent, ME9 8AG
Tel: 01795 410777 www.sittingbournefc.co.uk
Sittingbourne FC is a members club
CLUB OFFICIAL
President: Allan Crowshaw
Vice Presidents: Alan Barty, Tania &
Andy Spice, John Cooper.
Chairman: Maurice Dunk
Vice Chairman: Ken Medwyn
Secretary/Treasurer: John Pitts
OTHER COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Peter Pitts (Media, Web site, Programme
editor, stadium announcer,)
Glen Parkes (Youth Chairman, Media),
Colin Page (Ast Treasurer and Youth
treasurer),
Danny Appleton (Turnstile Manager),
Michael Sayce (Youth Secretary),
Gerrard Jakimavicius
Chris Daisy (Coach liaison)
Board Room Hospitality: Sandra Pitts & Carol
Cooper,
Lottery Secretary: John Cooper.
Club Historians: Dudley Hird & Tony Rickson
Programme Sales: Jackie Goatham.
Turnstile Operator: Faye Goatham
Match Reporter: Tony Rickson
Groundsman: Roger Pudner
Club Photographer: Ken Medwyn
Club Shop: Clive Phillips
Playing Management
Manager: Nick Davis
Assist Manager: Tony Cornwell
GK Coach: Warren Chambers,
Team Assistant: Harry Chambers
Physio: Tom Martin
WOODSTOCK GROUND REGULA-
TIONS
1. All persons entering the ground are subject to
the rules and regulations of The Football Association.
2. The club reserves the right to eject or prosecute
any person who within the club premises is considered
by the club committee or its employees to
be or have been behaving in the following ways:
a) Entering the field of play before or during
the course of the game.
b) Using obscene, abusive or racist language
or persistently swearing.
c) Being intoxicated by drink or drugs.
Further, persons will not be allowed entry to
Woodstock Park if in the opinion of the gatemen,
stewards or any members of the management
committee they are intoxicated.
3. NO bottles or metal cans, glasses or weapons of
any kind are allowed in the ground. The stewards
have the right to search a spectator if they have
grounds to believe that the person is in possession
of any item that is deemed to be a danger to other
spectators.
4. Alcohol must only be consumed within the confines
of the club house.
5. The climbing of fences or floodlight pylons and
all buildings within the ground is strictly forbidden.
6. All vehicles parked within the boundaries of the
club’s car park must be parked within a designated
space unless otherwise directed by a steward.
No responsibility is accepted for any mishap that
may occur. Car parking is at owners risk.

TEAM CHECK
VELOCITY TROPHY
TUESDAY 10th OCTOBER 2017
SITTINGBOURNE V MERSTHAM
Manager: Nick Davis
Assistant: Tony Cornwell
Physio: Tom Martin
Coach / Kit Manager: Warren Chambers
Coach: Aslan Odev
Match Day Assistant : Harry Chambers
Manager: Hayden Bird
Assistant: Tutu Henriques
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee Ricky Adams, (Gravesend). Assistants: Andrew Simmonds (Grays),
Rhys Battye (Grays)
Red & Black Stripes Shirts,
Black Shorts, Black Socks
PLAYED
SUBSTITUTE
GOALS
PLAYED
SUBSTITUTE
GOALS
Yellow
1, Harry BROOKS
1. Chris HAIGH
2. Chris WEBBER
2. Michael ABNETT
3. Ollie BROWN
3. Sinn Kaye CHRISTIE
4. Tyrone GUTHRIE
4. Stephen HAMILTON-FORBES
5. Ben GORHAM (C)
5. Tutu HENRIQUES
6. Lex ALLAN
7. Tom LOYNES
8. Mobolaji DAWODU
6. Simon COOPER
7. Alex ADDAI
8. Sean BONNETT-JOHNSON
9. David SMITH
9. Sahr KABBA
10. Miles CORNWELL
10. Dan BENNETT11.
11. Gil CARVALHO
Youssef BAMBA12. Reece
12. John COKER
HALL
14. Jidi OKIMEJI
14. Sonny BLACK
15. Kane ROWLAND
15. Jelan JONES
16. Kane PHILLIP
17. Daren HAWKES
16. Anh War TRAN-WEST
17. Che CRABBENDAN

The Secretary’s Jottings
Good evening everyone.
Welcome to Woodstock for this Velocity Trophy (League Cup) match. Our visitors from the Bostik Premier Division are
Merstham. Welcome to their Players, Officials and Supporters. Welcome also to tonight’s match officials.
The last time we played Merstham was Away in August 2015 when Merstham were making their debut in the Ryman Premier
Division. That match was also in the League Cup. Both teams really made a game of it that day with both teams playing complete
first team squads. In a very entertaining match the Brickies came out on top and won by two goals to one with our
goals being scored by George Crimmen (now at Ramsgate) and Tom Brunt (now at Sheppey United). Of the players that
played in that match Ollie Brown is the only Sittingbourne player still with us but Merstham may have in their line up five
who were in their squad for that game – Simon Cooper, Tom Kavanagh, Reece Hall, Nathan Gordon and Michael Abnett. We
then went on to beat Hastings United and Corinthian Casuals before losing in the semi-finals to Faversham Town.
Well, what a start we have had in the league! Nick and Tony have got together an exciting squad that has played some of the
best football from a Sittingbourne side that I have seen for many seasons. Obviously, it’s early days yet, but if the squad stays
together I see no reason why we are not challenging for promotion come March.
Our last home game was against Hythe Town. They came into the game on an unbeaten run of 5 games. As expected this was
a hard-fought encounter but we came out on top with Boal Dawodu scoring the important goal. After that we visited Herne
Bay. All but two of the home team’s starting line-up played for Sittingbourne teams last season so the match had extra interest.
Given that we had already beaten them 3-0 earlier in the season also helped fire up the home side. However, this was
another excellent display from Sittingbourne and the 1-0 win belied the superiority of the Brickies. This win put us top of the
league for the first time in twenty years even though this only lasted until the next day when unbeaten Lewes took top spot.
Last Saturday it was a break from the league when we visited struggling Ashford United in the Buildbase FA Trophy. This
game went to form and a satisfying 3-0 win was the result. There were, however, enough chances for Sittingbourne to double
that score. The reward for this win is £3000 and progress to the next round when we play tonight’s visitors again in the
next round. That is now 360 minutes since we have conceded a goal.
Apologies for those who tried to listen to my commentary, via “pundit”, on the FA Trophy match. The sound was very quiet
for the first half but this was put right for the second half when I changed microphones.
You will have read about the interest in our young defender, Lex Alan, from League clubs. Lex has already been to Millwall
and will be going back. Amongst other clubs expressing an interest are Fulham and Crystal Palace. Lex has not started many
games for us but this is due to the form of Ben Gorham, John Coker and Laurence Ball. Certainly, a problem for Nick to
choose his best central defensive pairing but what a great problem to have. This is reflected also in the substitutes playing for
us. All of them are equally good enough to play in the starting eleven. I cannot remember a squad that we have had in recent
years when I could have written that. Who would be a manager?
Enjoy the game
The Three Hats Pub—Sponsors
of Sittingbourne FC
93 High Street, Milton Regis
Supporters of Sittingbourne FC

Travel in style with ArrivaClick
As the nights start to draw in, get home safely,
comfortably and in style with ArrivaClick.
Travel in and around Sittingbourne
(Monday-Saturday 06:00-19:70).
Unlimited weekly travel for £17
That’s right. You can now enjoy unlimited travel with
ArrivaClick for just £17 over a seven day period!
Purchase a credit bundle and
receive a credit bonus*
We will reward you with credit bonuses when you
buy any of our credit bundles. It’s simple – the
more you buy, the more you gain!
Credit
Purchased Bonus
Credit
Bonus
Credit
Gained
£10 5% £0.50 £10.50
£20 7.5% £1.50 £21.50
£50 10% £5.00 £55.00
£100 12.5% £12.50 £112.50
Download the app
*Limited time offer only.
Visit arrivabus.co.uk/arrivaclick/terms-and-conditions/ for more details.

Your local Business
Insurance Specialist
based in Sittingbourne
At Aston Scott
we understand the
risks associated with
running business both
large and small.
Cover from our panel of insurers can be
tailored to include such risks as:
l Commercial | Contractors combined
l Motor Fleet | Trade
l Professional risks including Professional
Indemnity, and Directors & Officers Liability
l Packages – Offices / Shops / Restaurants
l Cyber Liability
So whether you are a consultant working
from home, a tradesman, retailer or a
manufacturer with many staff, we are here
to help. Our professional and friendly staff
are waiting to hear from you.
For further
details, a quotation
or to arrange for us to
meet you at your premises
to conduct a free review
of your current insurance
arrangements simply call us on
01795 666371
Email us on
swale@astonscott.com
Or drop in for a chat
First Floor,
6 Conqueror Court,
Watermark, Sittingbourne
ME10 5BH
Aston Scott Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN No.308048).

The Programme Editor
It’s good to welcome Merstham to our ground again.
The manager merry go round continues as figures suggest that a quarter of the National
league managers that began the season have left their clubs. The latest Bostik league club
to change managers is Aveley. Their manager, Terry Spillaine, has “parted from the club by
“mutual consent”. Aveley have a sparkling new ground that some of us saw when we visited
to play a friendly against Grays athletic.
Chief executive of Aveley, Craig Johnson, a Bostik League director, said “It is unfortunate
that results on the pitch at Parkside this season have not befitted the clubs fantastic new
facilities, and the backing the club has received from the local people. “There have been
some great applications for the Aveley job including one from someone who said “I've retained
the Champions league three times in a row on “Football manager”. Surely, I should
get top priority
Another managerial change involves ex Brickie Ian Varley who has recently left Holmesdale
and is now manager of Southern Counties East side Rochester Utd. Rochester are
currently bottom of the Premier division. Another Brickies connection is that Lloyd Hume is
the chairman of Rochester Utd!
Chatham Town is another club that has also recently changed managers. Steve Binks, who
some of us know, was temporary manager but James Collins has now been appointed.,
and he has made a good start with a 3-1 victory over Erith & Belvedere. One of their players,
Danny Grant, has been on the latest series of the Apprentice,
however he didn’t last long, one episode to be exact,
as he was “fired” after he was project manager of a
task that went badly wrong!
Talking of Erith & Belvedere I always think that they are a
good example of how dangerous it is to get relegated from
our level, as despite having good facilities they have not
been able to sustain a return to step 4. They were in the
Southern league division 1 with us in the early 2000’s but
dropped back into what was then the Kent League in 2005.
In 2012–13 they secured the title and promotion to Division
One North of the Isthmian League. However, the following
season saw them finish bottom of the division, resulting in
relegation back to the Kent League
Finally, an observation: - Strange how quiet Herne Bay
have been on their media, (Website, Twitter, and facebook,)
after we did the double over them last week. I always
like to read what the opposition says about us but no
joy after that game!
Peter

Merstham—A Brief History
In the early years of Merstham FC, matches were played on a
pitch situated at the old Merstham Lime Works known as Limeworks
Meadow which was accessed via Jolliffe Road, Lime
Works Road or Quarry Dean Lane. At first changing facilities
were non-existent and the players had to make do with the
hedgerows to shield their modesty. After some time, accommodation
was made available at the Jolliffe Arms (now the
Vojan Indian Restaurant).
The level of football played in the first five years is unclear.
However by 1897 the club were founder members of the
Redhill & District League although the Surrey Mirror reports
that they ‘opened their first season with a friendly match
against Redhill Gas Works’ on Saturday 29 th October 1904
having been elected as an affiliate of the Surrey FA in the previous
September; so this may only relate to their first match as
members of the Surrey FA. It is certain though that they were
playing in the Redhill & District League Division Two in the
1905/06 season along with, amongst others, Redhill Gas
Works, Holmethorpe, Whyteleafe and Bletchingley. It was not
until the early 1920s that the club moved to its present location
in Albury Road, although it is also believed that for a period of
time around 1911, under the Presidency of Reverend Reginald
Woodhouse, the club occupied a ground at ‘The Weir’ adjacent
to the existing Merstham Cricket Club ground.
The club’s first major success was winning the league in 1927
and in 1930 added the East Surrey Junior Cup to their trophy
cabinet. 1935 and 1936 saw Merstham record a remarkable
double by winning the Redhill League Premier Division in consecutive
years; a record later repeated in the post World War II
years of 1950 and 1951. It was at this time that the decision to
apply for intermediate status was taken and Merstham FC was
duly accepted into the Eastern Section of the Surrey Intermediate
League. The move to the new league could hardly have
paid more rapidly a reward, for in the 1952-53 season the club
proved their readiness for the test by claiming the title at their
first attempt.
Major achievements were also in progress off the field and in
1960, through the devotion and hard work of club officials and
members, in partnership with the local authority, the changing
room and tearoom were constructed and training lights were
erected. This was followed some years later in 1974 by the
construction of a small stand with a modest capacity of some
90 people. Although unable to win the league again, Merstham
continued to play in the Surrey Intermediate League until they
gained senior status in 1964 and joined the Surrey Senior
League. In a fourteen year phase in the Surrey Senior League
Merstham managed to win the title only once in the 1971/72
season. In 1978 they again switched leagues joining the London
Spartan League and attaining a creditable third in their
first two seasons. Those first two seasons proved to be
amongst the club’s best as in addition to their pleasing league
positions they claimed the Surrey Senior Charity Cup and the
London Spartan League Challenge Cup in the first season,
adding the East Surrey Charities Cup the following year.
By the 1984/85 season Merstham had decided that the travelling
involved in the Spartan League was proving too much on
the club’s resources and they applied to join the Combined
Counties League, partly reformed from the Surrey Senior
League. This new league encompassed teams from Surrey,
Berkshire, Hampshire and Middlesex. 1984 also saw the completion
of the new clubhouse replacing the portable shelter that
had been in use since 1975.
Merstham were runners-up in the Combined Counties League
in the 1987/88 season and the following year proved to be the
club’s best season in senior football by reaching the fourth
round of the FA Vase losing, to Billericay Town at home 2-3
after throwing away a 2-0 lead.
The 1990/91 season saw the erection of floodlights at the Weldon
Way ground and an official ‘Floodlight Opener’ against
Crystal Palace whose side included the current Middlesbrough
United Manager Gareth Southgate.
The next few seasons saw Merstham generally settle for midtable
anonymity; 1991/92 (14th) 1992/93 (4th), 1993/94 (17th),
and 1994/95 (15 th ). The 1995/96 season brought some success
to Merstham, finishing fourth in the League,
The FA Cup of 1996/97 saw, historically, Merstham’s biggest
defeat when they crashed out in the 1st Qualifying Round at
home to Aldershot Town. Aldershot ran riot with an impressive
eight goals to which Merstham could only reply with a token
one.
1998/99 saw an 11th place finish and 13th in 1999/2000; after
a disastrous start which saw them bottom at Christmas.
The 2000/01 season was Merstham's most successful for
nearly a decade. They reached the 2nd Qualifying Round of
the FA Cup, their best showing, and finished eighth in the
league after being in the top six for most of the season.
The 2002/03 season brought AFC Wimbledon into the league
and their visit to Merstham attracted 1,582 fans, the club's record
home attendance. Unfortunately the visitors won 2-0. A
successful application to the FA Stadia Fund enabled the club
to build the new changing rooms and add a perimeter fence.
‘Silverware’ returned to Merstham in the 2004/05 season when
they beat AFC Guildford (now Guildford City) 3-0 in the final of
the Premier Challenge Cup held at Woking FC and they also
won the East Surrey Hospitals Charity Cup with a victory over
local rivals Redhill. A poor run of results as the season drew to
a close saw them finish in 16 th spot in the league.
The 2005/06 was their best all round season for twenty years;
Beaten finalists in the Premier Challenge Cup and ESHCC and
runners up in the Combined Counties Premier Division. Also
Merstham’s regular goalkeeper Colin Harris (now with Corinthian-Casuals)
kept an incredible 19 clean sheets in the league
making him the league’s top ‘keeper. However disappointment
followed when they were denied promotion to the Ryman
League because their stand was delivered two weeks late.
Many of the players moved on during the close season all with
the good wishes of the club; notably Captain Chris Boulter who
joined promoted Godalming Town. For the 2006/07 season
manager, Mick Sullivan, along with two new assistants Micky
Stratford and Rhys Williams had to form a new line up for the
team with the previous season’s Vice-Captain Craig Vernon
stepping up as Captain and the addition of several new players,
notably Michael Morgan from Redhill and the very promising
Kwabena Agyei. However, despite the upheaval in the club
and against many of the beliefs of management and supporters
alike, Merstham surpassed their ‘best all round season for
twenty years’ again finishing second in the league but this time
with the added bonus of winning the Premier Challenge Cup
by beating North Greenford Utd 4-1 in a hard fought final. In
the league they notched up their highest tally of goals in living
memory - a fantastic 100, nearly a quarter of which were
scored by striker Kwabena Agyei. The Southern Combination
Cup was shared between Merstham and Staines Lammas
when a fixture date for the final could not be agreed. The final
of the ESHCC against Redhill at Kiln Brow was put off until the
start of the 2007/08 season when Merstham won 3-2. All in all
an excellent and record breaking season for the club and for
manager Mick Sullivan who will go down in the history of
Merstham FC as their most successful manager to date.
However, when many thought Merstham may have peaked,
the 2007/08 season, Mick Sullivan’s seventh year in charge,
brought the Club into a new era with a treble winning side, a
fantastic run in the FA Vase and promotion to the Ryman
sponsored Isthmian League South Division as they finally finished
top of the league after two seasons as runners up. Despite
losing on the opening day of the season away at Cove
Merstham went on undefeated in the league for the rest of the
season winning 35 times and drawing six for a total of 111

Merstham—History Cont
The dream of a Wembley final in the FA Vase fell short on the
1 st March in the Quarter Final when they lost at home to Needham
Market 2-3 in extra time in a game watched by a crowd of
841. Merstham successfully defended the Premier Challenge
Cup beating Bedfont Green 4-2 in the final at Woking FC with
two goals from Kwabena Agyei and one each from Chris Boulter
and the 19-year-old Matt Francis who proved to be a real
asset for the club. Probably the icing on the cake came when
Merstham were re-instated into Surrey Senior Cup after Tooting
& Mitcham and Kingstonian were removed for fielding ineligible
players. In the semi-final they were pitched against local rivals
Redhill, who had been winners on two previous occasions, at
Moatside where they won 4-3 with the help of a hat-trick from
Mark Simmons. The final was played at Imber Court, home of
the Metropolitan Police FC, against Ryman League side Whyteleafe.
On a top quality surface Merstham’s passing skills paid
off and they won 3-2 in extra time after being behind on two
occasions. With promotion officially confirmed on 14 th May
2008.
2008/09 saw Merstham’s first season in the Ryman League
Division One South and after the euphoria of the previous season
many thought that this would be a tough test for them and
feared they may not survive at this level. Happy to disappoint
these pessimists Merstham had an extremely good season finishing
in a very creditable eighth place narrowly missing out on
a play-off position. Perhaps the biggest disappointment of the
season was in the defence of their Surrey Senior Cup title
where they went out to Conference side Woking in the semifinal.
The Merstham Ladies side had a great season winning
their League and League Cup and finishing Runners Up in the
Ryman sponsored La Senza Ladies Cup. The Merstham A
Team gained their second promotion on the trot as Runners-Up
in the Redhill & District League Division Two. However it was
not until May that the club suffered a real shock when Manager
Mick Sullivan announced that, after eight seasons at the helm,
he was leaving the club for rival Ryman side Leatherhead citing
that ‘he had taken Merstham as far as he could and needed a
new challenge’. After several applications for the vacant post
the Merstham Board announced that former Banstead Athletic
Manager Graeme Banyard would be appointed as the new
manager with immediate effect and that he was looking forward
to the challenge. Further ‘bad’ news was to follow as Michael
Morgan, Chris Boulter, Kwabena Agyei and Mark Simmons
announced that they would be joining Sullivan at Leatherhead
and Gavin Gordon would be joining his former Crowborough
Athletic boss at Worthing.
Merstham’s second season in the Ryman League went the way
of many preceding sides who had found it far more difficult than
their first. Banyard found himself in a difficult situation as the
exodus of players continued with only skipper Craig Vernon,
winger David Smith and veteran goalkeeper Ian Chatfield staying
at Moatside. Many new players came and went as
Merstham’s form took a turn for the worse. James Hancock and
Gavin Gordon both returned to the fold mid-season and to the
astonishment of many supporters Craig Vernon lost the Captaincy
after two very successful years and was replaced by Wes
Goggin who came to Moatside from Ashford Town (Middx). It
wasn’t until the last quarter of the season that the team really
seemed to settle but unfortunately it was too late and Banyard’s
aspirations for a play-off spot was over. However if the improvements
in the team continue there is every possibility that they
can make a strong challenge in the 2010/11 season. Whereas
the first team performances could be seen as average elsewhere
in the Club things were very rosy.
The 2010/11 Season will be remembered mainly for the resignation
of Graeme Banyard and the recriminations that followed
about the nature of his departure. Andy Martin took over as
Caretaker Manager as Merstham slid towards a possible relegation
slot with some very poor performances. Martin took over
a very unfit side that hadn’t had any real training under Banyard
and managed to keep the side in the Division despite being
deducted a point. At a Board meeting in late April Martin was
offered and accepted the post of Manager for the 2011/12 season.
On a brighter note, at the Ryman League’s AGM in June
2011, Merstham were presented with the Fair Play Award for
Division One South
After just twenty games in charge Martin left the club and Antony
Williams and Rob Smith took on the role as Caretaker Managers
whilst the Club advertised for a new manager. On January
9 th 2012, and after interviewing several candidates, the
Board announced that former Bromley Town manager Hayden
Bird would take up the post with immediate effect. Bird rang the
changes bringing in several new players including David Graves
who replaced Adam Moriarty as club captain. Merstham finished
a creditable 9 th place with a finishing run of seven games
without a loss.
The 2012/13 season saw many changes at the club notably the
loss of the Reserves, A & B Teams, the Sunday Team and the
U18s; the board citing financial reasons. This was Bird’s first full
season in charge and it didn’t quite live up to his expectations
with Merstham finishing 12th and without a noticeable run in
any cup completion. With a minimal budget Bird again rang the
changes for the 2013/14 season bringing in more experienced
players and the expectation of a play-off position.
The 2013/14 season saw Merstham attain their highest place in
the club’s history finishing seventh with their highest tally of
points and goals since gaining promotion to the Ryman League.
It was a proverbial season of two halves for the Moatsiders. At
Christmas Merstham were languishing in 18 th place with just 25
points from 21 games, however, with the return of Fabio Saraiva
and the addition of the raw talent of Michael Abnett
Merstham turned the tide during the wettest winter on record.
After a humiliating 1-4 defeat at home to local rivals Chipstead,
Merstham went on an incredible unbeaten 13-game league run,
winning on 11 occasions and finally just missing out on the playoffs,
finishing seventh. Tommy Hutchings deservedly won the
Players and Supporters ‘Player of the Season’ awards.
The 2014/15 season was to be the best in the Club’s history to
date gaining promotion to the Ryman Premier Division by winning
the play-offs in style and being runners up in the Surrey
Senior Cup. Merstham finished fourth in the Ryman League
Division One South scoring 107 goals and gaining 93 points. In
the Play-Off Semi-Final it was all square at 0-0 at the end of
extra time Merstham won 5-4 on penalties with keeper Brannon
Daly making a match-winning save. In front of a crowd of 1465
Merstham gained promotion at Folkestone beating the home
side 3-0 with goals from Taurean Roberts, Tutu Henriques and
skipper Fabio Saraiva. Just four days later a tired looking
Merstham lost 2-0 in the final of the Surrey Senior Cup to Metropolitan
Police. A disappointment, yes, but their ultimate aim
had been achieved.
The 2015/16 season was to be yet another record breaking
season for Merstham attaining their highest position in the
‘Football Pyramid’ finishing a very creditable 10 th in their first
Season in The Ryman Isthmian Premier League. This was
helped by 20 goals from Charlie Penny and 14 from Fabio
Saraiva who were both promptly offered a position at National
League side Woking. The season finished on another high
when they trounced Godalming Town 4-1 in the final of the Surrey
Senior Cup. Another very successful season for Manager
Hayden Bird and his team.
So we come to Merstham’s second season in the Ryman Premier
League and what a season this is turning out be with the
Moatsiders reaching the ‘First Round Proper’ of the FA Cup for
the first time in their history. They achieved this with some of
the finest football ever seen at the Moatside.
During the close season Manager Hayden Bird made whole
sale changes to his squad; Assistant Manager Mick Sullivan,
who left the club returning to Leatherhead, was replaced by
Merstham player/coach Tutu Henriques.

Match Reports by Tony Rickson
Saturday 23rd September 2017
Bostik League South
Horsham Sittingbourne att 161
Artificial pitch? No Problem. Three Sittingbourne
players going off injured in the first hour? No Problem.
Tom Loynes having to play at left-back for 30
minutes? No Problem.
Sizzling Sittingbourne outclassed Horsham to record
their biggest win for nearly two years (since a 6-
2 victory down the road at Peacehaven).
It took them up to a thoroughly deserved third place
in Bostik League South, and with performances like
this who’s to say where they could finish this season.
They were terrific going forward, far too good for
Horsham’s wilting defence, and solid and determined
at the back despite disruptions caused by
injuries to Chris Elliott, John Coker and Ollie Brown.
Miles Cornwell got in his first full 90 minutes of the
season, and celebrated with his first two goals,
while Kane Phillip thrashed in a contender for goal
of the season as Sittingbourne really rubbed
in their superiority.
On the Lancing pitch they currently ground-share,
Horsham had conceded five the previous week
when Herne Bay knocked them out of the FA Cup
and were obviously determined to be tighter this
week.
But in beautiful Sussex sunshine on a smart artificial
playing surface, they got away to a terrible start
when Elliott’s near post corner in the second minute
was headed on by Bola Dawodu and all captain
Ben Gorham had to do at the far post was help the
ball over the line.
Swarming forward with pace and no little skill, Sittingbourne
hit the bar in the 11th minute through a
Kane Rowland header and then went two-up 10
minutes later. Cornwell drove forward from midfield
and stroked a perfect through ball for Dawodu to
make it five goals in six games with a cool finish
past the advancing keeper.
as Sittingbourne made it 3-0 with a classic breakaway
goal. Sittingbourne cleared a corner and Phillip
was still in his own half when he ran onto Cornwell’s
through ball. His searing pace took him completely
clear of any covering defenders, but just as he
looked to shoot, Phillip unselfishly passed sideways
for the supporting Cornwell to run it into the empty
net.
Horsham replied with an excellent goal, working the
ball from left toright before O’Toole headed in the
cross, and they might have got back to 3-2 when
the same player headed a good chance powerfully
over.
But Sittingbourne were far from done and got a
beauty of a goal after 80 minutes. Gorham hit a fantastic
diagonal 50-yard crossfield pass to sub Gil
Carvalho, who beat his man and got to the byline
before crossing to the penalty spot. Phillip raced in
from the opposite wing and met it first time with his
left-foot, volleying in a proper net-busting shot.
A fifth goal wasn’t needed but Sittingbourne got it
anyway, Cornwell’s shot going in off the keeper and
the post as he first-timed a drive from the edge of
the area from Dawodu’s pass.
What a five-star performance, and a result that will
make the rest of the league sit up. Sittingbourne
were irresistible going forward and have set very
high standards for themselves. They’ve got pace,
spirit, organisation and determination – the league
table, even at this comparatively early stage of the
season, doesn’t lie.
Sittingbourne: Daren Hawkes, Chris Webber,
Chris Elliott (Tyrone Guthrie, 27 min, Yellow card),
Ollie Brown (Gil Carvalho, 57 min), Ben Gorham,
John Coker (Lex Allan, 27 min), Kane Phillip,
Bola Dawodu
(Yellow card), Kane Rowland, Miles Cornwell,
Tom Loynes.
Subs not used:
David Smith, Harry Brooks.
The rested Lex Allan was soon in the thick of the
action as he came on as substitute central defender
when John Coker got hurt, and Brown –
who himself later went off injured - had to drop back
to left-back as Elliott limped off at the same time.
Goalkeeper Daren Hawkes made a couple of smart
saves, once dashing quickly off his line to smother a
shot, as Horsham tried to establish a grip on the
game, the first half ending in a flurry of yellow cards,
two for each team.
The Sussex side continued to press forward in a
desperate effort to get back into the game in the
second half, but that was their undoing

DATE OPPOSITION COMP Sc ATT 1 2 3 4
5
Sat Aug 12
Tue Aug 15
Sat Aug 19
Tue Aug 22
Sat Aug 26
Mon Aug 28
Sat Sep 02
Tue Sep 05
Sun Sep 10
Tue Sep 12
Sat Sep 16
Tue 19 Sept
Sat Sep 23
Tue Sep 26
Sat Sep 30
Tue Oct 03
Sat Oct 07
Tue Oct 10
Sat Oct 14
Sat Oct 21
Tue Oct 24
Sat Oct 28
Sat Nov 04
Tue Nov 07
Sat Nov 11
Wed Nov 15
Sat Nov 18
Sat Nov 25
Sat Dec 02
Sat Dec 09
Sat Dec 16
Sat Dec 23
Tue Dec 26
Sat Dec 30
Mon Jan 01
Sat Jan 06
Sat Jan 13
Sat Jan 20
Sat Jan 27
Sat Feb 03
Sat Feb 10
Sat Feb 17
Sat Feb 24
Sat Mar 03
Sat Mar 10
Sat Mar 17
Sat Mar 24
Sat Mar 31
Mon Apr 02
Sat Apr 07
Sat Apr 14
Sat Apr 21
Sat Apr 28
Chipstead
HERNE BAY
Pagham
PAGHAM
Lewes
ASHFORD UNITED
WHYTELEAFE
Faversham Tn
Thamesmead Tn
Faversham Tn
VCD ATH
Dover Athletic
Horsham
RAMSGATE
HYTHE TOWN
Herne Bay
Ashford United
MERSTHAM
Shoreham
CHIPSTEAD
CRAY WDRS
Molesey or FA Trophy
PHOENIX SPORTS
FAVERSHAM TWN
Walton Cas
Cray Wands
SOUTH PARK
CORINTHIAN CAS
East Grinstead T
GUERNSEY
Greenwich Boro
LEWES
Ashford United
Whyteleafe
RAMSGATE
Carshalton Ath
HASTINGS UTD
VCD Ath
HORSHAM
South Park
WALTON CAS
EAST GRINSTEAD T
Corinthian Cas
GREENWICH BORO
Guernsey
Hythe Town
SHOREHAM
THAMESMEAD T
Ramsgate
MOLESEY
Phoenix Sports
CARSHALTON ATH
Hastings Utd
League
League
FA Cup PR
FA Cup Rep
League
League
League
KSC
League
League
League
KSC
League
League Cup
League
League
FAT PR
League Cup
League
League
League
League
League
League
League
League
League
League
League
League
League
League
League
League
League
League
League
League
League
League
League
League
League
League
League
League
League
League
League
League
League
League
League
A
H
A
H
A
H
H
A
A
A
H
A
A
H
H
A
A
H
A
H
H
A
H
H
A
A
H
H
A
H
A
H
A
A
H
A
H
A
H
A
H
H
A
H
A
A
H
H
A
H
A
H
A
2-1
3-0
1-1
0-1
2-2
0-0
2-1
2-1
2-2
0-1
3-2
2-2%
5-1
2-0
1-0
1-0
3-0
73
222
124
152
446
207
122
tba
134
205
147
209
161
104
158
263
325
Hawkes*
Hawkes
Hawkes
Hawkes
Brooks
Brooks
Hawkes
Brooks
Hawkes
Hawkes
Hawkes
Brooks
Hawkes
Brooks
Hawkes
Brooks
Hawkes
Webber
Webber
Adekoya
Webber
Webber
Adekoya
Webber
Adeyoya
Webber
Webber
Webber
Webber
Webber
Webber
Webber
Webber
Webber
Brown+
Brown
Webber
Brown
Brown
Webber
Elliott
Webber*
Elliott
Elliott
Elliott
Elliott
Elliott*
Brown
Elliott*
Ball
Ball
Okimeji
Okimeji
Okimeji
Okimeji
Guthrie
Guthrie*
Brown
Allan
Brown
Brown*
Brown
Coker
Brown*
Guthrie 1
Brown
Guthrie*
Brown
Gorham
Gorham
Gorham
Gorham
Gorham 1
Gorham
Gorham
Coker
Gorham
Gorham
Gorham*
Allan
Gorham 1
Ball 1
Gorham
Gorham
Gorham
KEY to above grid:
@ = After Extra Time
& = Lost on Pens
+ = Own Goal
# = Sent Off
1,2,3, etc after players name = goals scored
* = Subs used and players substituted
** = Sub was Substituted
KSC = Kent Senior Cup
Lge Cup = Isthmian League Cup
League = Ryman Isthmian Lge Div 1 South
FAT = FA Challenge Trophy
FAC = FA Challenge Cup

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17
Ball 1
Ball
Ball
Ball*
Ball*
Allan
Allan
Brown
Allan
Allan
Allan
Dawodu 1
Coker*
Coker
Coker
Coker
Coker
Phillip*
Phillip*
Phillip*
Phillip
Phillip
Carvalho
Phillip
Blake*
Phillip
Phillip*
Phillip*
Guthrie
Phillip 1
Batula*
Phillip
Phillip*
Phillip*
Dawodu
Dawodu 1
Guthrie
Guthrie
Dowadu
Dawodu
Dawodu
Dowadu 1
Dawodu* 1
Blake*
Dawodu 1
Batula*
Dawodu 1
Dawodu
Dawodu 1
Dawodu
Guthrie*
Rowland*
Rowland 1
Rowland
Rowland
Rowland*
Rowland*
Rowland 1
Smith* 1
Rowland
Rowland
Rowland
Smith*
Rowland
Smith*
Rowland
Rowland
Rowland* 2
Cornwell*
Cornwell*
Dawodu 1
Dowadu
Loynes* 1
Loynes*
Loynes* 1
Carvalho
Loynes*
Dawodu
Loynes 1
Cornwell*
Cornwell 2
Cornwell*
Cornwell*
Cornwell* 1
Cornwell
Carvalho*
Carvalho*
Caevalho
Smith*
Smith
Smith
Carvalho*
Loynes
Carvalho
Loynes
Smith*
Loynes
Loynes
Carvalho
Loynes*
Carvalho
Carvalho
Guthrie*
Guthrie*
Cornwell
Allan*
Carvalho*
Cornwell*
Smith*
Henry*
Blake*
Adekoya
Cornwell*
Phillip*
Guthrie*
Phillip*
Carvalho*
Allan
Dawodu*
Smith* 1*
Smith* 1
Allan
Carvalho*
Cornwell*
Blake
Brooks
Guthrie*
Smith* 1
Guthrie*
Coker* 1
Blake*
Brooks
Loynes*
Smith*
Smith*
Loynes*
Allan
Allan*
Smith*
Adekoya
Allan*
Brown*
Blake*
Rowland*
Okimeji**
Smith*
Blake
Brown
Smith
Rowland*
Allan
Brown*
Smith* 1
Adekoya*
Adekoya
Blake
Blake
Adekoya
Phillip*
Adekoya
Gorham
Guthrie
Carvalho*
Guthrie*
Rowland*
Carvalho*
Allan
Ball
Loynes*
Elliott
Brooks
Brooks
Brooks
Brooks
Blake
Hawkes
Davis
Brooks
Brooks
Brooks
Hawkes
Allan*
Davis
Guthrie*
Elliott
Allan
The Offical Sittingbourne FC Website
for up to the minute news and stats.
www.sittingbournefc.co.uk
News, Reports, Fixtures, Photo’s, Ex Players,
Brickies Lottery winners, Directions and much
more. Also an extensive archive.
Follow us on Twitter @SittingbourneFC

The Sittingbourne Squad 2017-18
Darren Hawkes Harry Brooks Ben Gorham Chris Webber
Chris Webber
Tom Loynes
Sponsor: Adrian Rose Sponsor: Kieran Paine Sponsor: The Shed Sponsor: Alan Crowshaw
Sponsor: John Cooper
Gil Carvalho Mobolaji Dowadu George Blake Kane Philip David Adekoya
Sponsor: Jace Media Sponsor: The Shed Sponsor: Alan Crowshaw Sponsor: The Shed Sponsor: Bazza Barry Eveling
Laurence Ball Jide Okimeji Tyrone Guthrie
David Smith
Lex Allan
Sponsor: Jace Media Sponsor: Bonus Ball Sponsor: Alan Crowshaw Sponsor: Alan Crowshaw Sponsor: The Three Hats
Miles Cornwell
Ollie Brown
Kane Rowland
John Coker
Sponsors: Mel Naylor
and Chis Lowe
Sponsor: The Red Lion
Sponsor: Mark Craig & Max
Sponsor: Sandra Pitts
Other Squad Pics to
follow
Nick Davis Tony Cornwell Tom Martin Warren Chambers Harry Chambers
Manager
Sponsor: Ken Medwyn
Assistant Manager
Sponsor: Ken Medwyn
Physio
Sponsor: Maurice Dunk
Coach
Sponsor: Maurice Dunk
Match Day Assistant
Sponsor: Maurice Dunk

Tuesday 26th September 2017
Velocity Sports Trophy
Sittingbourne 2 Ramsgate 0, att 104
Match Report
This was a comfortable victory for the Brickies
and manager Nick Davis now has a real headache
over team selection with so many class
acts to choose from. Latest signings John
Coker and Ade Batula both had excellent
games whilst it was great to see Laurence Ball
returning to the side after a long lay off through
injury.
The first half was goalless but Brickies keeper
Brooks was having a quiet game, whilst Ade
Batula on the right in particular, found plenty of
space to make dangerous runs and crosses.,
one in particular on 24 minutes caused Rams
keeper Roddy Hayward problems but he just
managed to palm the shot away. At the other
end Harry Brooks had a rare moment of stress
when a snap shot almost took him by surprise
but he grabbed the ball at the second attempt.
Ramsgate's best period of the game came on
the half way mark when they moved the ball
around well and on 35 minutes a long free kick
found Tom Chapman in the Brickies area but he
skied his shot well over the bar. For the Brickies
David Smith had a couple of chances that
were either easily held or went wide.
Sittingbourne love playing towards the Alan
Barty terracing and this match was no exception
with Bola having a good effort just go over the
bar within minutes of the second half starting.
Then a low hard cross was headed narrowly
wide by Smith. Sittingbourne were now on top
and a goal looked inevitable however the crowd
couldn't have expected just what a cracker
it would be as Tom Loynes, almost on the half
way line, teed up a free kick to Tyrone Guthrie
and the ball sailed over Haywards head and
into the net, what a way to score your first goal
for the club.
John Coker then had a great effort go narrowly
wide as Sittingbourne were now well on
top. Another good chance fell to Smith but this
time he glanced his header narrowly wide.
The Two Kane's (Kane Rowland and Kane Philip)
had now joined the fray and a long free kick
into the Rams area found Kane Rowland who
had two shots blocked before the ball went for a
corner. A second goal was inevitable and that
came on 76 minutes when the ball fell nicely for
Laurence Ball at the far post and he stabbed it
into the net. A few minutes later it looked like 3
when the ball was arched into the Rams area,
Hayward could only deflect it back out, but the
ball went straight to Kane Rowland who fired
into the net, however he was adjudged to be off
-side.
Sittingbourne didn’t relax and Hayward pushed
out a powerful shot by Gil Carvalho out to Kane
Rowland whose header struck the right hand
post and bounced off to safety. The Rams had
a rare chance themselves with a minute to go
but Joe Kane struck his header hard against the
ground and the ball sailed over the Brickies bar,
but by then the Brickies were safely through to
the next round. .
Sittingbourne: Harry Brooks, Chris Webber,
Ollie Brown, Tyrone Guthrie, Laurence Ball (C),
John Coker, Ade Batula (Kane Philip 65 mins),
Bola Dawodu, David Smith (Kane Rowland 74
mins), Miles Cornwell (Tom Loynes 46 mins),
Gil Carvalho. Substitutes not used: Lex Allan,
Nick Davis
Peter Pitts
Sponsors of the Sittingbourne FC programme
Business processes, ISO 9001:2015 and the Security Industries Authority. Approved
Contract Scheme specialists.
E mail: peter@kentmcl.co.uk

Saturday 14th October: League Shoreham: The Taxi-Link Community Ground, Middle Road,
Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, BN43 6GA
Direction to Shoreham
Away Travel
Note that Shoreham’s ground has two entrances:
1) Middle Rd entrance- This entrance is for players, officials and supporters
2) Dolphin Way entrance- This is for players and officials only. Supporters wishing to use
this entrance will be denied access.
By Road-
Head towards Brighton and take the A27 West Bound to Shoreham. At the Holmbush Roundabout
take the exit towards Southlands Hospital. Immediately before the hospital, turn left down
Hammy Lane, then right at the mini roundabout into Middle Road. The entrance to the ground is
at the far end of the recreation ground immediately on the right.
By Rail-
Southern Rail serves Shoreham Railway station with direct links to Brighton, Southampton and
London. The station is in the town centre, which is approximately 10 minutes walk from the
ground. The following bus routes 2 and 2A pass the ground and there is a taxi rank at the station.
Respect table
Respect Table as at 13th September 2017
Played Yellow Red Misconduct Benches Excellent Meeting Total
1st S 1 SITTINGBOURNE 7 6 -5 -11
2nd P 1 Hendon 7 5 -5 -10
3rd
S 2 Corinthian-Casuals 6 5 -5 -10
N 1 Haringey Borough 6 5 -5 -10
5th S 3 Carshalton Athletic 5 5 -5 -10
6th
P 2 Brightlingsea Regent 7 1 5 -5 -9
S 4 Guernsey 7 1 5 -5 -9
8th S 5 Whyteleafe 7 4 -5 -9
9th S 6 East Grinstead Town 6 1 5 -5 -9
10th S 7
Molesey
6 4 -5 -9

Player Stats 2017 -18
To 08/10/2017
Thermal Printers, EPOS Equipment, Barcode Scanners.
Suite 110 St Georges Business Park Castle Road
Sittingbourne ME10 3TB. Tele: 01322 787837
Sponsors of the Sittingbourne FC web site.

BOTH TRADE
AND RETAIL
WELCOME!
PLUMBING, HEATING &
BATHROOMS
At your local independent plumbers’ merchant!
For our best quote simply visit our new
showroom, call 01795 427216 or email
the team at sbsales@drakes.biz
Drakes Sittingbourne, Unit 12, Eurolink
East, Styles Close, Sittingbourne, ME10 3BF
Branches across Kent & East Sussex.
Deals? Follow us @drakesplumbing
www.drakes.biz

Brickies Lottery Results
The lottery is now even more attractive. There is now an annual prize (in December) of
£500, and each month a prize of £100. In addition Each week there are draws for £40 ( 3
prizes except for the week when there is a £100 prize when there will be two £40 prizes).
Week Commencing 9th October 2017
£40 Ticket no: 436, Brenda Foster, Sittingbourne
£40 Ticket no: 512, Neil Landen, Sittingbourne
£ 40 Ticket no: 682, Roy Wellard, Sittingbourne
Week Commencing 2nd October 2017
£100 Ticket no: 428, Ann Horner, Sittingbourne
£40 Ticket no: 021, Paul Brown, Sittingbourne
£ 40 Ticket no: 030, Paul Webster, Sittingbourne
Week Commencing 25th September 2017
£40 Ticket no: 053, Kevin Coomber, Sittingbourne
£40 Ticket no: 205, William Beacon, Sittingbourne
£ 40 Ticket no: 171, Roger Wilkins, Rainham
Now is the time to join our lottery, see John Pitts, Peter Pitts (On the PA), John Cooper
or the bar for a form, cost is just a £1 a week! (Payable monthly. Quarterly or annually)

Bostik League South Division table
Bostik League Premier Division Table

Sponsorship Opportunities
“Sponsorship is the lifeblood of the club”
Match Day Sponsor - this gives the sponsor and guests (Up to four)
access to the boardroom to enjoy half time and post match food and
drink. Costs of this is a very reasonable £175
Matchball Sponsor - £50
Mascot - An ideal present for a football mad youngster = £50 Includes
mascot plus three guests plus Hospitality.
Man of the Match - Your chance to be the official "Man of the Match"
awarder £15
Sponsor a Brickie and have your name in the programme as a sponsor
for the entire season, rates are:
Complete Player...............................£40
Socks only........................................£10
Shorts only.......................................£15
Shirt only...........................................£20
Boots only.........................................£15
Web site advertising—An exciting opportunity to advertise on a web
site that has a verifiable 3000 plus hits a month.
Box Advert.......£75 All enquiries for web site advertising to Peter Pitts
via bournefc@hotmail.com or call 07785 906627
Ground Perimeter Boards: Size 8 feet x 3 feet = £250, then £150
per year renewal.
Other sizes negotiable
For any of the above opportunities see Glen Parkes or any other
committee member.

Phil