County League Division 3 - Lingfield 2 - 2 Storrington
With the final promotion place up for grabs, Storrington travelled to Lingfield for their last game of the season needing to hold off 'Field in order to secure a return to senior football. Or thats what we could have been reporting if the Swans hadn't emphapically wrapped up the title with three matches to spare. As it happened, the final three games of the season have been fairly meaningless and the boys in blue have struggled to hit the heights that took them so convincingly to glory. This match with Lingfield, who had left their charge for the top too late, started at a very slow pace with both sides seemingly reaching for the summer break but there were chances at both ends. Lingfield alarmingly got behind the Swans back four on a number of occassions before Dan Griffin went on a typical powerful run into the box from the right hand side. His pull back was met powerfully by Rob Norris who hit a first time shot narrowly over the angle of post and bar. That was the skippers last contribution of the season as he limped out of the action with a troublesome hamstring but Griffin remained intent on breathing some life into a lacklustre affair. First he picked up a fluffed clearance from the Lingfield keeper before surging past the last defender and deftly finishing into the bottom corner. Then, following great work and a cracking delivery from Steve Tasker on his Swans swansong, Griffin despatched a typical header to make it 2-0. The goals had dried up a little for the big man of late so it was a relief to see that as the Swans head for tougher assignments next season, he is still very much a force to be reckoned with when it comes to finding the onion bag. The points were seemingly in the bag until a comical bounce off an uneven area of the pitch left Paul Smith stranded to make it 2-1 and in the second half Lingfield made it all square as more lethargy set in amongst the Champions. The pace and urgency of both sides continued to ebb away as the final whistle drew closer. A draw was probably about fair and meant that there had been nothing to seperate the two sides in their encounters this season. As we all know though, Storrington claimed the main prize whilst Lingfield will be left to battle it out for another year in Division 3. We fancy they'll be there or there abouts next time round. So, the players and management bid farewell to Division 3 and look forward with great anticipation to having a stab at some of the County's bigger boys next season.
TEAM: Smith, Tasker(Dorrington), S McClorry, Tucker, Shelford, K Bridle, Norris(S McClorry), Wilby, Awcock, Richardson, Griffin
County League Division 3 - Storrington 0 Rustington 0
The goals have finally dried up for the Swans after a prolific season. Only 6 have arrived in the last six games, and here Swans drew a blank in successive games for the first time since September 2002. Having said that, this was an inordinately better game than the Wadhurst one, against far superior opposition. While Swans have proved themselves to be the best side in the league, I think most at the Rec would consider Rustington to have been our most accomplished opponents.
It was a patched up outfit that took the field. With Long, Simpson and Palmer all ruled out, attackers Phil Awcock and Ben Shelford filled in at right and left back respectively, and both had super games, giving the blues a new dimension. Ashley Dorrington was also given a rare start on the wing, while Ross McClorry enjoyed a welcome return to form at sweeper. And Storrington imposed themselves on the majority of the first half, Kris Bridle going closest when his close range effort was blocked after Dan Griffin got clear down the left. At the other end the returning Paul Smith had to be quickly off his line to deny Sean Duffy and preserve an 11th league clean sheet.
Chances were at a premium in the second half as Rust upped their game, but Griff had a header blocked on the line from Steve Tasker's corner, and later fired narrowly over. Smithy had little to do as Alan Tucker and McClorry were excellent, and Rob Norris was back to his best in midfield. But the winner proved elusive for either side, and by the end i think that most considered this to be about right - this was a splendid game that nobody deserved to lose.
Rust have two cup finals to look forward to, but more importantly they will surely be there or thereabouts in the league next term. For Swans, the future is bright (though finding a fit 11 for the last game might prove troublesome), exemplified by an excellent 20 minute appearance by youth team captain Chris Watton, who looked right at home in the front side.
Team : Smith ; Awcock, McClorry, Tucker, Shelford ; Bridle(Wilby), Price(Tasker), Norris, Dorrington(Watton); Griffin, Richardson
County League Division 3 - Storrington 0 - 3 Wadhurst
As is so often the way at all levels of football, with the prize already in the bag, the Swans were unable to maintain the level of intensity and performance that had seen them conquer all and win the title with March barely out of the way. With the trophy presented before the match, it seemed that the majority of Storrington players already had their minds on the champagne and celebrations to come afterwards, as they turned in a performance lacking in all of the things that had turned them into clearly the best side in this league this season. The prospect of getting through the league season with just one defeat, and remaining unbeaten at home should still have been incentive enough to maintain standards for just a couple more weeks but it was not to be as players went missing all over the park whilst Wadhurst clearly had a point to prove. The Swans created very few openings but could have come back into the match with a first half penaltly at 2-0 down. Not for the first time this season, Neil Richardson chose to go down the middle. Sometimes its paid off, sometimes it hasn't and this one fell into the latter category as the keepers trailing leg blocked the ball. An improved second half display gave some encouragement but ultimately few openings were created other than a Kris Bridle chance that the keeper rushed out to smother, and Wadhurst tied things up in the last 10 minutes when Liam Bulls low free-kick squeezed passed Paul Mant, again deputising for the injured Paul Smith. Despite being brought back down to earth in front of one of the best crowds at The Rec this season, the celebrations still kicked off after the match, and rightly so. Regardless of this ultimately meaningless defeat, the lads have earned the right to give themselves and each other a good few pats on the back. However, if the remaining matches with Rustington and Lingfield are approached in the same manner, what was looking like turning into an emphatic margin of victory could end up being just the one point, leaving the history books showing this as a very tight finish. We all know thats not been the case.
TEAM: Mant, Simpson(McClorry), Palmer, Tucker, Tasker(K Bridle), Wilby, Norris, Price, Awcock(Shelford), Griffin, Richardson
County League Division 3 - Uckfield 1 Storrington 4
A fraught Saturday morning and troubled build-up gave way to scenes of celebration in East Sussex, as Swans roared across the finish line with a result and performance worthy of league champions. It has to be said that Uckfield were fairly obliging in the circumstances, their limited resistance broken by goals at regular intervals, and Swans were able to coast home, enjoying the moment of triumph to the full.
That they did so with only 2 fit defenders, and without a recognised goalkeeper or their leading scorer, tells you a bit about the determination of this decisive performance. Paul Smith’s damaged ribs caused his absence from the green jersey for the first time, and a replacement was proving elusive until the name of Paul Mant was suggested. Manty, a tough defender for the Swans in the late 90’s, has kept goal in the Worthing League this season, and turned in a composed and solid showing. Ahead of him, Rob Norris was pressed into service at centre-half in the absence of Palmer, Long and Ross McClorry, and predictably responded superbly in making up a back-three of undiminished strength with Simpson and Tucker. Neil Richardson could only make the bench, but there was a welcome return after 3 weeks for Dan Griffin, who partnered Ben Shelford in Swans fifth different front pairing in the last 6 games.
Unsettling perhaps, but there was only one team in it from the off, and it was surprising that we had to wait 20 minutes for a goal. Simon Price, who worked tirelessly throughout in midfield, received Griffin’s neat pass and surged into the box. An Uckfield defender slid in, but sent the ball flashing chaotically across his 6-yard area to the waiting Steve Tasker, who was so surprised he needed two attempts to bundle the ball home from close range. Further help from the home defence arrived ten minutes before half time, when Phil Awcock whipped in an inswinging corner from the Storrington left. A nightmare ball to defend rocketed into the top right-hand corner off an Uckfield head to double the advantage, and send Swans in at the break bubbling with anticipation.
The corks were on the verge of popping a minute into the second half. Turning inside on receiving Tasker’s throw on halfway, Griffin sent an exquisite through ball into the path of Shelford. The forward didn’t even break stride before clinically dispatching his first-time half-volley for his first goal for the club. Now playing with a confidence hitherto unseen in his short Swans career, Shelford skipped on to Price’s pass and finished adroitly again only for a linesman’s flag to cut short the increasingly raucous celebrations. But the champers was back on ice on the hour when defensive hesitancy crept in for the only time and the prolific Lee Sale threw the home side a lifeline. It took the visitors a while to recover the initiative, but this they did after Ashley Dorrington and Steve McClorry replaced the fading Shelford and Kris Bridle, both of whom played a full part. It was McClorry, on his debut, who supplied the assist for the real clincher. His low left-wing free kick found it’s way through to the unmarked Norris at the far post. The skip clearly writes his own scripts – an open goal from a yard to hand Swans the title was an opportunity he might have dreamed about – but there was no more appropriate denouement to a memorable game.
As it has been throughout the campaign, it was a magnificent team effort here. You wouldn’t single out individuals, so I’ll mention all of them! Simpson shouted and scrapped to the last in a man-of-the-match display. Wilby, who must be delighted with the way the season has ended, was instrumental again here, negating the dangerous Craig Brown. Tasker was in great form, completing an incredible week in which he became a father for the first time (Emma, safely at home with little Joe, hoped we might settle for a point here and win it next week when she would be back on the touchline, bless her!). Mant, McClorry, Bridle and Dorrington all contributed greatly to the cause. Tucker continued what must be his best season. Price was outstanding, his work-rate bewildering. He was so exhausted he stood in the shower for a full minute without realising there was no water coming out. Awcock has shaken off his 70-minute-man tag, and yet again produced the set-piece goods. Shelford finally proved himself after a frustrating time, and he may never score a better or a bigger Swans goal. Griffin came back in style with an influential match, and enjoyed his substitution at the death no end, when he retired to allow Richardson to join the party. And finally Norris, who needs no more superlatives. The guy is a Swans legend. The championship party began at about half past four with his goal, and carried on into the wee small hours at the club. And now, it can continue for another couple of weeks. And then all summer. Enjoy the feeling everybody. You deserve it.
Team : Mant ; Simpson, Tucker, NORRIS ; TASKER, K.Bridle(S.McClorry), Wilby, Price, Awcock ; Griffin(Richardson), SHELFORD(Dorrington)
County League Division 3:
Storrington 1 Hurstpierpoint 0
Wadhurst 0 Storrington 1
There were one or two Swans (players and supporters alike) nibbling nervously at their hot cross buns as we approached the Easter programme, as the two games would undoubtedly have a huge impact on the whole campaign. They needn’t have worried. The blues produced two thoroughly efficient performances, belying any notion of butterflies, and the 6 points they deserved and gained have moved them within an ace of a glorious return to the senior ranks. Only a capitulation to four successive defeats, coupled with Lingfield returning maximum points from their last four matches, will deny them.
The common factor in both games was the impenetrable barrier that is Swans defence. Impressive if comfortable against Hurstpierpoint, the unit was shorn of the calming presence of Andy Long for the long trip to Wadhurst, yet if anything was even tighter as a three in the second game. Longy himself had played courageously on Saturday despite the illness that kept him out Monday. Adam Palmer continued his exemplary form - Wadhurst’s Liam Bull, top scorer in the division this season and last, barely had a kick. Jon Simpson and Alan Tucker defended with enormous heart, and no little skill. And Smithy, largely bored in the home victory, produced an important save in each half in a confident show at Wadhurst. Overall, it is difficult to emphasise the security of this group. They never look in any trouble, and in both games, when the goal came, you knew it was going to be enough. Perhaps a statistic can best demonstrate this – it’s only one goal conceded in 6 hours.
Come to think of it, that one was probably offside as well, but anyway, back to the story. The similarity of the two matches ends there. Swans poured forward from the off against Hurstpierpoint, Tasker slicing a good early opening well wide. Neil Richardson and Simon Price, forging a new partnership up front, each went close with decent chances, and Pricey should have done better than head Andrew Wilby’s pinpoint cross wide. Half-time came and went, and what had seemed an inevitable goal was still proving elusive with only twenty minutes left. Russell shuffled his pack, exchanging Tucker, Awcock and the outstanding Wilby for the more attacking trio of Shelford, Bridle and Micklethwaite, and Swans redoubled their attacking efforts. Ten minutes remained when Richardson charged down a clearance from Ritchie, Hurst’s goalkeeper, and the ball bobbled towards the left hand post with Rico in hot pursuit. Post, striker and ball all met at once, but the latter ended up agonisingly the wrong side of the former. But the inkling that it was one of those days was dispelled two minutes later. Rico hauled his tired frame into the box once more, and when his low shot was parried, Kris Bridle arrived right on cue to gleefully snaffle the rebound. That was that, there were no alarms thereafter and it was up early Monday morning for the journey into deepest East Sussex.
Where we would have to do without 5 first team regulars, Long and Richardson joining longer-term absentees Reilly, McClorry and Griffin on the sidelines. The fact that we can look forward to having up to four of these back for the similar trip to Uckfield may provide a selection headache for the boss, given the performance that followed. It was a cagey affair in the first half on a truly appalling surface (in marked contrast to the carpet at the Rec two days earlier, which is a credit to the club), with neither side overly threatening. Pricey’s looping header from Shelford’s flicked cross, which dropped a foot wide, was the closest thing for the Swans, but goalless at the break was a perfectly acceptable scenario. The second period saw blue shirts turning the screw all over the park. Norris and Bridle became dominant in midfield, and Wilby found his passing range to great effect – the biggest compliment I can pay him is that the ever-consistent skipper was perhaps not our most influential midfielder this weekend. Phil Awcock, angry at his substitution on Saturday, responded in the best possible way with a sterling 90 minutes down the left, gritty defensive qualities to the fore, as well as the more familiar pinpoint set-pieces. Price and Shelford began to link well up top, the latter driving wide of the near post from his partner’s backheel. The winner came on the hour, Price breaking through on the left before supplying Tasker 15 yards out. The winger, who had his best game for ages, steered the ball neatly home off the left hand upright for his 10th goal of the season.
It might have been all hands to the defensive pump after that, but in reality the majority of the remaining half hour was played out in Wadhurst territory. Tasker nearly fluked a second when his cross was tipped over at full stretch by Sutton in the home goal, and Price was denied in identical fashion when he struck a dipping volley from 20 yards. But it didn’t matter. The final whistle was greeted with celebration on the pitch, and in the small but ardent gaggle of travelling support. The news of Bexhill’s expected 6 point haul for the weekend duly followed, so the title will have to wait another week at least, but Swans had made another huge hole in the championship target. They deserve the support of the whole club as they attempt to finish the job at Uckfield on Saturday.
Team v Hurstpierpoint : Smith ; Simpson, Long, Palmer, Tucker(K.BRIDLE) ; Tasker, Wilby(Micklethwaite), Norris, Awcock(Shelford) ; Price, Richardson
v Wadhurst : Smith ; Simpson, Palmer, Tucker ; TASKER, Wilby, Norris, K.Bridle, Awcock ; Price, Shelford(Dorrington)
County League Division 3 - Forest 1 - 0 Storrington
Storrington finally surrendered their unbeaten league record without much of a fight as they went down 1-0 away at Forest with a performance lacking any of the quality or fight that had seen them installed as most peoples favourites for the Division 3 title. Perhaps one or two of the players and members at the club had started thinking it was already in the bag as well because this was a performance of a team who seemed to think they merely had to turn up to secure the points against a Forest outfit that had been in freefall for the last couple of months. With Ben Reilly having played his last match for the club this season and frontman Dan Griffin out injured, the Swans were deprived of two key members of the side but this should not provide any excuse for the limp efforts of the 14 men entrusted with keeping the Swans at the summit. There was a hint of offside about the Forest goal and the Swans also claimed to have been denied when someone finally got on the end of a loose ball in the box and Andy Long appeared to have forced the ball over the line. The linesman and referee saw things differently. However, this should not be allowed to mask the fact that Storrington just didn't live up to the standards they have set themselves this season and it would be hard to deny that Forests commitment and hunger to redress the balance after league and cup defeats at The Rec, was worthy of the league leaders scalp.
The Swans still remain in the driving seat and if other teams drop points, then two wins over the Easter weekend could still see them promoted before the end of March. However, two defeats in the last three matches, either side of a patchy performance at home to basement side Upper Beeding should serve as a reminder that nothing has been won yet. A return to fortress Rec this Saturday for the visit of Hurstpierpoint provides an immediate opportunity to get back on track.
TEAM: Smith, Simpson, Palmer, McClorry, Long, Price, Norris, K Bridle, Awcock, Tasker, Richardson
County League Division 3 – Storrington 2 Upper Beeding 0
A flock of weary looking Swans overcame the disappointment of Wednesday night, and disposed of bottom of the table Beeding in straightforward fashion. The blues played some neat football in the first half and might have scored more than the two early goals that sealed the points, and while the second half was very forgettable, UB never threatened and Swans cantered home.
Steve Tasker, operating alongside Neil Richardson in the absence of the hamstrung Griff, should have scored inside 2 minutes but shot wide when put through down the inside left channel. Rico found himself in a similar position soon after only to be brought down, and having fallen off the penalty bike on Wednesday, he admirably jumped straight back on to tuck away the opener. The lead was doubled after 24 minutes, when Tasker retrieved possession 25 yards out and fed Simon Price cutting in from the left. Pricey clinically curled his first-time right-footer low into the far corner for his sixth of the season. Storrington were well on top by now, with Simpson and Awcock particularly combining well down the right flank, and Norris running the show as usual in the middle of the park. The skipper himself should have increased the lead after an excellent move when he ran on to Richardson’s flick, but caught between a simple pass or a simple finish he contrived to produce neither. The two goal interval cushion was to prove more than enough though.
The second half was pretty turgid stuff. Swans were tired, and happy to sit on the lead, while the visitors’ attack looked toothless, and very unlikely to breach a watertight blue back line. Adam Palmer was in complete control at the back, while Andy Long gave an assured performance back in his favoured central role. Even at the other end highlights were few, but Andrew Wilby had a long range effort tipped over the bar, while a couple of chances were lost as seemingly undemanding final passes went awry. Nevertheless, the home side had done more than enough. Grinding out results will be the order of the day over the next few weeks, and that Swans slipped into that routine here might not be a bad thing. As for Beeding, I’m afraid that on this evidence a second consecutive wooden spoon looks both inevitable and deserved.
Team : Smith ; Simpson, Palmer, McClorry(Tucker), Long ; Awcock, Reilly(Wilby), Norris, PRICE ; Tasker(K.Bridle), RICHARDSON
Sussex Intermediate Cup semi final - Storrington 3-4 Bosham (aet)
Storringtons semi final jinx struck again as they were dumped out of the County cup by Bosham. The defeat took the Swans record to just 1 semi final success in 5 attempts over the last three seasons and was a bitter pill to swallow. It is hoped that with the club pursuing promotion to senior football that this might be their last chance for a few years to win the Intermediate trophy. The Swans were in trouble as early as the fourth minute when Ross McClorry back headed the ball towards keeper Smith, unaware that Davies had stolen in behind him. It still took a good finish but was something of a gift. On 21 minutes it was 2-0, Davies the scorer again, and Storrington were in unfamiliar territory. Belief was restored three minutes later when Steve Taskers cross was brilliantly headed in via the post by Dan Griffin and from then until half time, the Swans carried the greater threat. The equaliser looked more and more likely and came shortly into the second period when a mis-hit McClorry free kick created a goal mouth scramble before a Bosham defender put through his own net, Steve Tasker getting the last blue shirted touch. That was the cue for a sustained spell of blue pressure. Boshams keeper twice saved brilliantly, first from another Griffin header and then from a thumping Rob Norris volley. A third Swans goal looked inevitable so was it a slight suprise when Boshams Edgington burst from the back and received a return pass that put him through to make it 3-2. Another Storrington equaliser started to look unlikely as Griffin hit the underside of the bar and when the referee finally answered one of Storringtons penalty claims, Neil Richardsons penalty and his own follow up were both saved. But Storrington continued to battle with all the courage and determination you would expect from a top of the table side with just two defeats all season and they forced extra time when Kristian Bridles drive was deflected past the Bosham keeper. It was perhaps fitting that a match littered with scrappy goals was settled when Storrington missed several opportunities to clear a long throw into the box during the first period of extra time. Fletcher eventually drove home the loose ball and a fourth come back was just beyond the Swans. The players body language as they left the pitch showed they knew what a great opportunity they had passed up but promotion has been the main priority all season and if they can maintain their league form and go up as Champions, the pain of this defeat will certainly be dulled.
Team : Smith ; Simpson(K.BRIDLE), Palmer, McClorry, Long ; TASKER, Norris, Price, Awcock(Wilby) ; GRIFFIN(Ross), Richardson
County League Division 3 – Storrington 3 Haywards Heath 1
It would be fair to describe Heath as an unpredictable side this season, and goals generally fly in at both ends when they are involved. After the exciting win at Hanbury Park in January, Swans were well prepared this time and a workmanlike, if unspectacular, performance ensured a comfortable three points. Yet again, the faultless Paul Smith and his back four were the foundation for the victory, with Adam Palmer in particular unflappable against Heath’s powerful forwards. Indeed, it took an inadvertent assist from Phil Awcock to breach the home rearguard, his over-ambitious cross-field pass leading directly to Dee biffing home a consolation goal with a quarter of an hour remaining. A potential Heath barrage after that never materialised, and Swans finished the game very much in the ascendancy.
Earlier, we saw the better side of Cocky’s game, with 2 superb set-piece deliveries finding their targets in Rob Norris and Dan Griffin. The captain rose to glance in a wicked 9th minute inswinging corner to provide the early goal identified as crucial in boss Russell Penticost’s pre-match pep-talk. Then ten minutes after the restart Awcock sent in a left-wing free-kick perfect for Griff to put away with a lunging header to kill the game off. In between times, Swans best move of the match saw them to the break with a 2 goal lead – Steve Tasker intercepted a Heath free-kick on the edge of his own box and found Griffin in the centre-circle. The forward in turn played a first time through ball to his strike partner Neil Richardson, and what would have been a super goal was only thwarted by a desperate tackle. The offender escaped with a yellow card, but Rico picked himself up to coolly net his 24th of the season from the penalty spot.
Rico could have gone on to 25 or 26 by the end as Swans created further chances, but the result was beyond doubt, and the league leadership had been regained. Several other positives included the solid return of both Ross McClorry and Steve Tasker after 3 week absences, an effervescent performance from the mercurial Simon Price, the first appearance of Kris Bridle since he re-signed from Shoreham, and a senior debut (albeit a brief one!) for 16 year-old Youth Team skipper Chris Watten.
Team : Smith ; Simpson(Watten), McClorry, Palmer, Long ; Tasker(Wilby), NORRIS, Price(K.Bridle), Awcock ; GRIFFIN, RICHARDSON
Division 3 - Bexhill Utd 1 - 4 Storrington
It was billed by some as an early title decider and whilst nobody at either club would concede that anything would be settled as early as mid February, the prospect of a clash between the top two teams, both unbeaten in 14 league matches, was still enough to draw the biggest crowd of the day in any three divisions of the County league, and the second largest of the season in Division 3. 110 hardy supporters braved the conditions on this harsh winters today to witness this encounter and with Bexhill having home advantage, most of that number went home disappointed. A fair few even crept out early with the writing already on the wall after their team had folded under the incessant pressure and probing of their West Sussex rivals. A combination of the cold snap that is currently gripping the country, and the harsh winds that blow in off the sea and had dried out the Polegrove playing surface dictated that this was never going to be one for the faint hearted. It was perhaps appropriate, that on the weekend when two of the Swans celebrated a milestone birthday, it was Storringtons experience and ability to cope with the big match pressure that saw them home. Dan Griffin and Ben Reilly turned 30 within a couple of days of each other (it was also Alan Tuckers 28th birthday) and its no coincidence that the Swans are enjoying their best season for years with a side that with two exceptions are all aged between 26 and 31. They immediately stamped their authority on all the key areas of the pitch and most of the opening exchanges were played out deep in Bexhill territory. That said, the East Sussex seasiders still posed a threat on the break and Paul Smith had to save bravely at the feet of a Bexhill striker looking to poach a goal in the six yard box. With full backs Tucker and Simpson cutting out any danger from the flanks and Norris and Reilly dominating the midfield battle, Bexhills only threat appeared to be the long ball down the middle which rarely troubled Palmer and Long. The Swans took the lead with probably the best piece of football of the first half. Phil Awcock made a darting run in from the right flank before feeding Dan Griffin in a tight spot in the penalty area. The big man displayed great close control before feeding the ball back into Awcocks run for him to slot into the bottom corner. The lead could have been greater by half time as Simon Price fired just over following great work from Neil Richardson, and then Richardson himself should have done better with a header that he put over the bar having found space in the six yard box. Storrington turned round at the interval determined not to let their good work go to waste and continued to show their intent to attack, Griffin heading a Price corner over the bar shortly into the second period. It looked inevitable that Storrington were going to further their lead and eventually the Bexhill defence caved into the pressure during a stunning 15 minute period. Three times, the Bexhill defence gave away the ball under pressure from Storringtons front men and three times they were punished as Price, Griffin and Richardson all cashed in, the latter finishing brilliantly from an acute angle. With the rampant Swans easing up slightly with the winning post in site, Richardson left the pitch to risk further damaged to a knock to his angle. And so it was that the Swans finished with 10 men and Bexhill grabbed a late consolation. Both sides still have tough fixtures to come and Lingfield and Wadhurst are also still in the hunt. Nothing is decided yet but this was very much Storringtons day and the joint 30th birthday party that followed the match went with an even bigger bang as a result.
TEAM: Smith, Simpson, Palmer, Long, Tucker, AWCOCK(Fraser), Norris, Reilly(Wilby), PRICE(Shelford), RICHARDSON, GRIFFIN
Check the link below to see what the Bexhill press made of the table topping clash. Report and photo from the Bexhill on Sea Observer. An honest and fair report although I think we'd have to dispute Mr Trivetts claim that they should have had a goal in the first half when Smithy dropped a shot "at least a foot over the line". Wishful thinking perhaps as even the Bexhill skipper commented to his opposite number immediately after the incident that it clearly hadn't gone in!
Sussex Intermediate Cup Quarter Final - Storrington 2 - 0 Forest
Storrington kept alive their dream of a Div 3 and Intermediate Cup double by dispatching local rivals Forest in a scrappy and slightly ill-tempered match that for the most part was desperately short of quality. Forests league visit to The Rec earlier in the season had resulted in a 2-1 win for The Swans in another encounter that had become slightly niggly, perhaps inevitably given that Russell Penticost used to manage Forest and that both sides included a player who had previously played for the other club. Forest will claim that this time out, the first half dismissal of one of their strikers was a factor in their defeat. However, the Swans were already leading 1-0 at this point and were starting to take a grip on the match despite several players turning in below par performances. They had gone ahead with one of the few impressive passages of play in the match. Steve Tasker found space on the right flank and picked out an early ball across the front post. Dan Griffin timed his run to perfection and arrived like a steam train to emphatically thump the ball inside the near post. For most of the rest of the match, Storrington huffed and puffed, and although they never looked in danger, a passage through to the semi final was not made safe until late in the match when Griffins low ball into the box was turned into his own net by a Forest defender. Job done and a semi-final with Bosham to come. However, the players and management will be aware that the hard graft and will to win that have got Storrington through the last two matches won't be enough for February's trips to Lingfield, Bexhill and Wadhurst unless they are coupled with a return to the quality football that we've become accustomed to this season.
TEAM: Smith ; Simpson, Palmer, McClorry, Long ; Tasker, Norris, Price (Wilby), Awcock (Tucker), Richarson, GRIFFIN
Division 3 – Newhaven 1 Storrington 3
Swans avoided another banana skin on the promotion pavement at Fort Road as they overcame a poor start to out-battle a gutsy Newhaven side. While last week’s mauling of Bosham highlighted Swans footballing attributes, there were altogether different qualities under scrutiny here. There can now be no doubts about the blues’ character and determination.
With Tucker and McClorry unavailable a defensive re-shuffle saw Ben Reilly fill in at left-back, and Simon Price took over in central midfield in his first start of 2005. Both took a while to come to terms with different responsibilities, and with skipper Rob Norris also under the weather the team made an uncertain start. This was compounded on 17 minutes when the referee penalised Reilly’s ill-advised shove underneath a far post cross and Halsey buried the resultant penalty. But if thoughts of the October cup defeat at this venue were beginning to creep in, they were dispelled ten minutes later when Andy Long arrived in the area to volley home Steve Tasker’s outswinging corner. Only Longy’s third goal for the club, and his first from anywhere other than the penalty spot. Swans grew in confidence from this point, and probably should have gone in ahead at the interval. Neil Richardson was twice denied by Hildersly in the Dockers’ goal, but the in-form striker should have done better than head Tasker’s cross tamely over the bar just before the whistle.
The second half saw improved performances all over the field. Norris dropped anchor in midfield, and Price was also to the fore as the pair began to dominate, the latter going close with a thunderous twenty-yard volley five minutes in. This proved the catalyst for an extended period of pressure, culminating in Swans taking the lead on 57 minutes. Richardson’s right wing cross looked set to be cut out at the near post, but when it found it’s way across goal Dan Griffin reacted quickly to slide it first-time into the corner. The remainder was a fine example of how to defend a lead. The back four, well marshalled by Long, excelled. Reilly was winning everything down the left by now, and with Jon Simpson, who had an excellent match, doing likewise on the opposite flank, the home side were unable to fashion a worthwhile opportunity. In contrast, Swans had several chances on the counter-attack, Price seeing a low effort pushed round a post and sub Andy Wilby firing narrowly over. Richardson finally put the affair beyond doubt ten minutes from time, sweeping home emphatically from 6 yards after a bout of penalty-box pinball. Swans coasted home after that, tired and relieved.
All the ingredients were there for an upset in this game – enforced changes, a shocking pitch, uncompromising opponents and an early setback. That Swans emerged with the points speaks volumes for the spirit within the squad just now. 6 wins from 10 games will complete the job.
TEAM : Smith ; Simpson, Palmer, LONG, Reilly ; Tasker(Fraser), Price(Wilby), Norris, Awcock(Shelford) ; GRIFFIN, RICHARDSON
click here & read the Dockers website's take on this game
Division 3 – Storrington 6 Bosham 2
Potential promotion rivals Bosham were completely dismantled at The Rec on Saturday as Swans plundered 6 goals in half an hour of beautifully executed counter-attacking football. Strange to say it, but the scoreline doesn’t do Swans justice – Bosham topped and tailed the scoring with a pair of flukey charge-downs, but in between the home side might easily have doubled their tally.
Phil Awcock could have opened the scoring two minutes in only to be foiled at close quarters by the Reds goalkeeper, but it took the first of those blocked Paul Smith clearances on the quarter hour to ignite Swans attacking show. Soon after, Awcock skipped down the left, but delivered his cross just behind fellow wide man Steve Tasker. The right–winger swivelled to strike a sweet half volley into the left hand corner and collect his third goal in four games. The second goal on 28 minutes was the pick of the bunch. Tasker and Ben Reilly, both of whom were outstanding, combined down the right, and Reilly’s low cross was volleyed home from close range by Neil Richardson who had sprinted to the near post to meet it. Having been inadvertently involved in the opening goal, keeper Smith atoned on 34 minutes by launching a huge punt down the centre. Dan Griffin chased gamely, and when goalkeeper, centre-half and striker converged, Griff suddenly found himself with the ball at his feet and calmly rolled it into an empty net. The centre-forward was dropping into midfield with some effect, and receiving Adam Palmer’s pass shortly before half-time, he turned to slide a through-ball into Richardson’s path, Rico responding with a clinical first time finish.
It was exhilarating stuff, and the visitors were clearly still shell-shocked after the break. Awcock’s innocuous left-wing throw in was allowed to run all the way through to Richardson in the six-yard box, and he gleefully tucked it away unchallenged for his second consecutive home hat-trick. And he went one better 2 minutes later, Griffin drawing the keeper after finding oceans of space on the right and slipping it to his strike-partner to side-foot his eighth in 3 games. It also takes Rico’s tally to an impressive 21 for the season. It was a case of playing out time for both sides after that, but Swans really should have scored more. Tasker was rampant down the right and might have had a hat-trick, and when he fired across goal late on Griffin defied the laws of physics by clearing the bar from 4 feet. It was Bosham who rounded things off however – while the earlier ricochet was unfortunate and carried more than a hint of handball, I think Smudge would admit that the second was a little careless. It didn’t detract from another outstanding performance from the back four though, as Bosham weren’t allowed a shot in earnest that I can recall. In fact, all 14 played their full part this week.
Job done. Thirteen down. Eleven to go.
TEAM : Smith ; McClorry(Price), Palmer, Long(Simpson), Tucker ; TASKER, Reilly, Norris, Awcock(Shelford) ; GRIFFIN, RICHARDSON 4
Sussex County League Division 3 Haywards Heath 0 - 3 Storrington
An inspired performance by Paul Smith coupled with some deadly attacking play, often on the break, ensured that the Swans stayed in hot pursuit of Bexhill at the top of the table. With new faces coming into the Haywards Heath team all the time, Storrington knew that it wasn't necessarily going to be the walk in the park that Heaths one win all season might have suggested. Indeed, for much of the first half, the sleeping giants of Mid Sussex football looked the more likely to open the scoring. Storrington were unable to stamp any authority on the game in the middle of the park and the whole team gave the ball away far too cheaply, hence inviting attack after attack from Heath. Smith saved brilliantly from a top corner bound drive and then reacted sharply again when another powerful drive found its way through a crowded penalty area. Despite their attacking prowess, Heath still looked vulnerable at the back and the middle spell of the first half became a ding dong affair as both teams created chances whilst looking vulnerable to the counter attack. It was still somewhat against the run of play when Griffin broke into the right hand side of the box and bided his time before picking out Neil Richardson who made no mistake with a low finish at the back post. The goal seemed to serve to remind Storrington what they are capable of and after the half time break they were a different side. The midfield got a stranglehold on the game, the passing came back and the back four returned to being the solid wall we've all become familiar with this season. When it was penetrated, there was just no beating Smith who tipped another goal bound effort over the bar and took every cross that was pumped into the box. On seventy minutes, Storringtons increasing grip on the match was confirmed when they went 2-0 up. An attack broke down but the ball fell to Norris in the centre of the pitch who threaded a pass out to Griffin on the right flank. Again the big striker surged into the penalty area and cut inside the defender before rifling the ball across the keeper into the far corner of the net. The Swans were soaring again and on seventy-eight minutes, Steve Tasker picked out Griffin, who was playing more and more like a right winger. His unchecked run into the box gave him the time and space to pick out the unmarked Simon Price who slid the ball into the empty net. A couple more chances went begging but the job had been done and the reaction of the Storrington players showed that they knew what an important performance and result it had been.
TEAM: Smith, McClorry, Palmer, Long, Tucker, Tasker(Shelford), Norris, Reilly, Awcock(PRICE), RICHARDSON(Johnson), GRIFFIN
Intermediate Cup 4th Round Storrington 7 Crowborough 0
An inexperienced ‘borough reserve side were no match for the blues, who didn’t show any sign of a new year hangover after 3 weeks off. Indeed, most were surprised at the ease with which the Crows were dispatched – they have only conceded 10 in as many league games, and had some notable cup scalps – but the game was over as a contest within half an hour of the kick-off.
There were many similarities with Swans last league game at home back in October when Newhaven were on the wrong end of an early four goal blitz. This time Phil Awcock got the show on the road after ten minutes. Latching on to Griff’s clever inside pass after Andy Long picked out the target man, Cocky struck a fine low shot across the keeper from 15 yards. A couple of minutes later Neil Richardson doubled the lead with a thunderous drive from the edge of the penalty area which found the same bottom right hand corner. The in-form striker was clearly in the mood and made it 3-0 on the quarter-hour mark, before Ben Reilly took advantage of Crows' disarray, smartly sending a 20 yard free-kick into the vacant left-hand corner as the Crows no.1 organised his wall. The four goals had been scored in a little over ten minutes.
As they had against Newhaven, Swans eased off after the break and allowed ‘borough the ascendancy for 20 minutes. Smithy was probably glad of something to do, but even then his involvement was limited, as full-backs Simpson and Tucker both gave strong displays. Ross McClorry also performed impressively on his first start since October. Three substitutions renewed the home side’s dominance. Andrew Wilby replaced Reilly and immediately sent Griffin clear for number 5 just after the hour, and the big man then gave way to enable promising youngster Dave Cook to make his debut for the front side. It was Rico who made it 6, crashing home a penalty after Rob Norris was brought down to complete a richly deserved hat-trick, and Steve Tasker weighed in with his seventh goal of a prolific season near the end, when Rico unselfishly put an open goal on a plate for him.
There will be sterner tests in the next four months or so, but Swans did all that was asked of them here.
TEAM : Smith ; Simpson, McClorry, Long, Tucker ; TASKER, REILLY(Wilby 60), Norris, AWCOCK(Johnson 63) ; GRIFFIN(Cook 63), RICHARDSON 3
Sussex County League Division 3 - Rustington 2 - 2 Storrington
For the second consecutive weekend, the Swans were left to reflect that they probably should have come away from a tough match with all 3 points but had to settle for one. Despite their lowly position in the league, Rustington are recognised as one of the best footballing sides in the division and had backed this up when they gave Storrington a 4-1 spanking in the Vernon Wentworth cup several weeks earlier. However, an excellent first half performance sent the Swans in 2-0 up at half time with Rustington not even having had a sniff of goal. Rob Norris opened the scoring, powering home a header from another deadly Phil Awcock set piece delivery. Steve Tasker later made it two when he slotted home after a brilliant run down the left and into the box from Dan Griffin. Storrington should have been out of sight by the break as Norris was unlucky with a second header that hit the post and should have done better than shooting straight at the keeper when put through by an excellent build up involving Tasker and Griffin. Ben Reilly may also feel he should have capped another fine display in midfield with a goal when set up by Richardson, but he fired over. Griffin also missed with just the keeper to beat early in the second half and when the whole team fell asleep to allow Rustington to pull one back with 20 minutes still to go, the wastefulness in front of goal looked like it might come back to haunt Storrington. It did exactly that as another swift move down the right got in behind the Swans defence and created the equaliser. A win and two draws from the three tough away matches in December certainly isn't a bad return but the reality is that it should have been at least 6 or 7 points. We go into 2004 still in a great position though with a view to cementing that early in the new year.
TEAM: Smith, Simpson, Palmer, Long (McClorry), Tucker, TASKER, Reilly (Wilby), NORRIS, Awcock (Price), Griffin, Richardson
County League Division 3 - Bosham 1 Storrington 1
One point gained or two points dropped? Opinion was divided after Swans enjoyed the majority of the attacking play on saturday, without quite carving out the gilt-edged opportunity required to snatch the win. Bosham came into the game on the back of 5 straight victories themselves, and since they were handed the lead inside the first minute then perhaps a draw wasn't so bad after all.
The long throw was the hosts' most potent weapon all afternoon, and when the first of several such 40-yard bombs wasn't properly dealt with, former Horsham striker Richie Davies swivelled to crack an excellent half-volley into the top corner from 18 yards. Shaken, the blues struggled to survive the next 10 minutes, but gradually edged their way into the game. They were given a leg-up after 20 minutes when Griff was brought down in the area after a mazy run down the left. Rico dispatched the spot-kick down the centre to become the third successful penalty taker of the season. The remainder of the half saw Swans dominant as Norris and Wilby established a foothold in midfield, but half time arrived with neither goalkeeper pressed into further action.
The second half continued in the same vein. A number of times the ball bounced about in front of the Bosham goal without quite landing at a Storrington foot. Pricey hit a powerful shot straight at the keeper and delivered a series of inswinging corners that deserved a finishing touch. Perhaps the best chance fell to Ben Reilly, but his 10 yard shot was heroically blocked by a defender. In between times, Bosham skipper Probee clipped the outside of a post with a deflected drive, but the back four was largely in charge, Longy in particular having a fine match. Swans attacked to the last, the keeper saving at Griff's feet right at the death, but honours remained even. Conclusion? A win next week, and this point will be perfectly acceptable.
TEAM: Smith; Simpson, Palmer, Long, Tucker; Tasker, Norris, Wilby, Price; Griffin, RICHARDSON
County League Division 3 - Ifield Edwards 0 Storrington 2
Those who saw it will never forget the day, although the evening is already a bit of a blur. In his 32nd game in the blue shirt, Andrew Wilby arrived in the Ifield penalty area to claim his first Swans goal and seal the three points in a bruising encounter. The big moment arrived halfway through the second half. Awcock fed Rico just inside the box with his back to goal. The centre-forward held the ball up, then turned sharply to leave two defenders floundering before slipping it to the side for Wilbs, whose perfectly timed late run allowed him to apply a majestic first-time finish. How appropriate.
The goal was just reward for an excellent 2nd half performance. Wilbs himself missed a decent headed opportunity 10 minutes before the goal from another Awcock delivery. The keeper twice denied Griff with diving saves, and then smothered Steve Tasker's effort after an excellent move involving Griffin and Norris. In contrast, Smudge's involvement was largely limited to dealing with crosses, as the defence performed admirably even as Ifield pushed four up front towards the end. Tucker and Long both had their best games for some time, Simpson consistent as ever.
For the third week running Swans had been slow to start, perhaps unnerved by Ifield's unusual tactics. The home side sat back with all eleven behind the ball allowing Storrington as much possession as they liked, and the plan worked as Swans couldn't find a rhythm. But just before the break a goal arrived out of nothing to completely change the course of the game. Yet again the excellent Awcock was the provider, his teasing low cross from the left eluding everyone except Griffin who prodded it home at the far post. After that Ifield were forced to take a more positive approach, resulting in the gaps that Swans exploited in the second period. So it was a happy minibus that left Crawley with 2 crates of beer and 3 points on board, in the knowledge that the league double achieved over these opponents will be extremely difficult for our promotion rivals to match.
TEAM: Smith; Simpson, Long, Tucker; Tasker, WILBY, Norris, Price, Awcock; GRIFFIN, Richardson
Three Bridges Reserves 2 - 3 Storrington - Sussex Intermediate Cup 3rd round
Storrington bounced back from last weeks drubbing at Rustington to progress to the fourth round of the Sussex Intermediate cup with a hard fought victory against Three Bridges reserves. Having been exposed down the flanks at Rustington the week before, the management team opted to switch to 4-4-2 to give the wide men more cover. It was a prudent judgement given that Three Bridges had pace and skill down both flanks. It was clear from the off that it was going to be a tough afternoon as Bridges had the best of the opening 30 minutes and played some excellent pass and move football. Storrington were not helped by the referee who continued to baffle everybody with some of his decisions but the lads stuck at it and worked manfully to get into the game and by half time the match was looking a much more even encounter with Dan Griffin putting a header close and Steve Tasker and Phil Awcock getting some joy down the flanks. The Swans exploded out of the blocks in the second half and were soon ahead as Awcock reacted first to force a loose ball into the net. It wasn't long before one of the best moves of the match down the right flank created the second goal for Neil Richardson who fired into the top corner from 10 yards. The Swans were now bossing the match and with the back four snuffing out Bridges' lively attack, and Griffin and Richardson looking lively, more goals looked likely. The referee then insisted on making himself the focal point again with a horrendous penalty decision which allowed Bridges back in. Storrington restored their two goal advantage when Griffin released Richardson who rifled home from just inside the box. A second Bridges goal and an inexplicable amount of added time meant it was a tense finish but some valiant defending and outstanding saves from Paul Smith meant the Swans held on for a richly deserved victory. Its back to the league now and a month of fixtures that will go a long way to deciding the look of the league table going into the new year.
TEAM: Smith; Simpson, Long, Palmer, Tucker(McClorry); Tasker, Reilly, Norris, AWCOCK(Price); Griffin, RICHARDSON 2
VW Cup 3rd Round - Rustington 4 Storrington 1
Swans were summarily dismissed from the Vernon Wentworth Cup by County League new boys Rustington, who produced a passing display as good as anything we have seen this season. In comparison, the Blues were some way off their best, and barring a twenty-five minute spell either side of half time they never threatened to reach the quarter-finals.
During this dominant period, Rico grazed an upright with a left foot shot just before the break, and then five minutes into the second half the same player got Swans back in the game at 2-1. Griff's sweetly struck volley from Tasker's corner was just about kept out by the keeper, but Rico was in the right place to gobble up the rebound. At this point it looked as though we could turn things round, but the sloppy passing crept back in, and the defence was caught out badly twice in the last 10 minutes to give the scoreline a more uneven look - and if we're honest a more accurate one.
Earlier a mistimed tackle from Simmo gifted Rustington the lead from the penalty spot, and Smudge was beaten to a long ball by the onrushing striker for 2-0 on the half hour. Positives for the swans were few, but Adam Palmer defended stoutly in difficult circumstances while those around him were below par, and the introduction of Wilbs at half time coincided with our decent patch. Other than these two, Swans were given a lesson by opponents whose form belied their league position. What is most important is that this lesson is learnt before we meet again in the league in 4 weeks time.
TEAM: Smith; Tucker(Gardner), Long, Palmer; Tasker, Reilly, Simpson, Price(Wilby), Awcock(McClorry); Griffin, RICHARDSON
Storrington 5 - 1 Tabernable - Vernon Wentworth 2nd round
The Swans overcame a first half in which they played some of their most anaemic football of the season to eventually progress with ease to the 3rd round of the Vernon Wentworth cup. Storrington have always treated this competition with respect and last won the trophy as recently as 2003 but during the first half they just didn't look up for the challenge of Worthing League side Tabernacle. A series of missed tackles, stray passes and general lethargy meant that the opening goal was somewhat against the run of play as Tabernable put through their own net. So, it was nothing more than the Worthing side deserved when they equalised from the penalty spot shortly before half time. Unlike the previous week when The Swans had played dreamy football for the first half beforing tailing off in the second, this time they saved the best until the second fourty five as they emerged from the changing rooms a different side. Hardly a tackle or header was missed and possession was retained with the composure that was missing for the whole of the first half. In due course the goals came, 2 for Griffin and 1 for Richardson as their prolific partnership continued to blossom. Norris rounded off the scoring. The result took The Swans record for this season to just 1 defeat in 12 matches but tough fixtures await in the run up to Christmas starting with an away assignment at Rustington in the 3rd round of this competition.
TEAM: Smith; Simpson, Long(Tucker), Palmer; Tasker, Reilly, NORRIS, Price(Wilby), Awcock(McClorry); GRIFFIN 2, RICHARDSON
Div 3 - Storrington 4 Newhaven 0
Swans gained revenge for their only defeat of the season in some style as bottom club Newhaven were seen off in a stylish opening 26 minutes. Swans were into their stride from the off, and could have been in front before the sweeping 4th minute move that did give them the lead. Griff laid the ball off to Pricey on the right flank on halfway. Cutting inside, Si delivered a fine 40-yard pass to Rico at inside-left. He in turn slipped the ball past the last defender for the onrushing Griff to lash home left-footed to finish the move he started. Then followed the most unlikely of doubles - 2 sharp finishes from the Skip in the space of 7 minutes. On 11 minutes Rob slid home a left-wing cross from the outstanding Phil Awcock, and on 18 he was in the right place again when Rico wriggled free down the right. And 8 minutes after that it was all over as Steve Tasker raced on to Benny's through ball to slot past the keeper.
Newhaven gradually recovered, and had their share of possession without creating anything up to the break, but they came out firing afterwards. One glaring opportunity was missed, before Smudge was forced into an outstanding point blank save from the tricky Halsey. Swans finally recovered their composure in the last half-hour, and despite missing chances to extend the lead, the hard work was done and the tree points were safe.
TEAM: Smith; Simpson(Palmer), Long, Tucker; TASKER, Reilly, NORRIS 2, Price, Awcock(Wilby); GRIFFIN, Richardson
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