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And what a pre-season it was! A new manager/director, virtually a whole new team, loads of high-profile signings, renewed optimism and then we go and lose practically every friendly game to a variety of poor teams. Oh yes, and I got married. What a great month!
We start the journey at Windsor & Eton aboard the fun bus. But remember, “there can only be one general!” cried President Hollis. A variety of well-dressed young players jump on at Patcham, to a casual supporter, totally indistinguishable from one another apart from the “big names”. Barry’s team of triers had been largely disbanded. Definite leavers were Burton, May, Best, Young, Alexander, Stevens, Graves, Walker and Rapps. Wes Lopez was “on strike” and only Beechy, Chris Hibberd and Ben made the starting XI for the first game with Marky Knee and Brackers on the bench. Making their debuts for us were Ross Johnson, Paul Rogers, Owen Hill, Sam Francis and Mark Pulling. Returning to the fold were John Keeley, Glen Davies, Chris Dicker and Darren Freeman. In crisply white unsponsored shirts, we took the lead as MARK PULLING headed Ben’s right wing cross home. Windsor were down to ten men soon after as one of their random baldy thugs was sent off for hauling down Mr C. As we tired, Windsor equalized with a scrappy goal and despite losing another player managed to keep the score at 1-1 despite the introductions of Marky Knee, Brackers and a clearly unfit Darren Freeman.
One change was made for the visit of Neville Southall inspired Molesey – Johnson out, Knee in. In front of a pathetic crowd of 220, we took the lead when a terrific move involving Hibberd and Francis was finished by MARK KNEE. For the second time in a week, a poor goal was conceded when an unmarked Moleseyite headed home just before half time. We hammered them in the second half but our only reward was a majestic BEN CARRINGTON strike from a Mark Knee cross to secure the three points.
Old adversaries Whyteleafe were next up and we absolutely dominated. That is absolutely dominated while managing to lose the game to a solitary deflected strike from rotund ‘Leafe playmaker Peter Garland. Ross Standen made his Worthing debut and Johnson returned for Beech. Even the appearance of the returning Wes couldn’t conjure up a goal as ten man Whyteleafe (who had Ali Reeve sent off) hung on.
Bank Holiday Monday saw up make the trip to Stompond Lane, Walton & Hersham. While we were away, AFC Dons came to play Withdean and beat them easily in front of a big crowd. We toddled up the A24 and saw Beech and Lopez come in for Hibberd and Pulling and saw a convincing 2-0 win that featured 3 sendings-off for Walton & Hersham (including their ‘keeper who went proper mental and their manager) plus the miss of the season so far from Graham Martin. Goals from SAM FRANCIS (his first of many for the club) and substitute MARK PULLING secured the three points.
Cup fever hit Woodside Road as we played Ash U, Ash U, Ash United. I missed this seven goal thrashing as Hibberd came in for Johnson and the goals were scored by CHRIS DICKER, PAUL ROGERS (first for the club), SAM FRANCIS, MARK KNEE (who was ill) and PETER BRACKLEY (3). Brackers late hat-trick after coming on as a sub was possibly the most remarkable appearance of the season given that it was his last game before signing for Worthing United.
League Record so far – P 4, W 2, D 1, L 1, F 5, A 2, GD +3
Players In – Clinton Moore (Whyteleafe)
Players Out – Clay Lamont (Three Bridges)
The “We want Lloyd Back” Grumbleometer from the bus stop rating – 8/10
7th Feb 2004