Reserves Match Reports 06/07

key: RSW = Reserve Section West
SIC = Sussex Intermediate Cup
VWC = Vernon-Wentworth Cup
RSC = Reserve Section Cup

Saturday 14th April (RSW): Storrington 3 - 1 Mile Oak

Another scorcher as the Swans welcomed Mile Oak to The Recreation Ground. In the first meeting between these two sides much earlier in the season, Storrington were poor and were comfortably beaten 3-0. Needless to say, Nige was keen for The Oaks not to do the double. The game started with both teams looking very sluggish as the beating sunshine was clearly playing it's part. However, Mile Oak always looked the more likely to score with Storrington struggling to pick up the varied movement of both the Oaks' number 8 and number 11. The deadlock was broken after around 25 minutes with a seemingly nothing ball breaking out only for it to be dispatched with some venom into the Storrington goal from about 25 yards, Everett in the Storrington goal had no chance.
The first half continued in the same vain with Storrington looking poor.
The only real chance fell to Chris Witten who managed to put the ball into the proverbial row Z with his left foot from about 8 yards out!
James Naylor summed up the first 45 minutes in the changing rooms by not even realising we were 1-0 down!

A constructive and highly tactical half time team-talk clearly sparked The Swans into life with what seemed a different 11 players taking to the field for the second 45 minutes. The first threat came after Sammy Witherden smashed the ball past the Oaks' keeper only for it to be ruled offside. However, this signalled the start to the Storrington fight-back and some rather attractive attacking football. "Goal-a-Game" Tidman pulled Storrington back to 1-1 15 minutes into the second half with both Chris Witten and Sam Witherden adding to the Storrington tally. At 3-1 up, Storrington were playing with confidence attacking flair... It was up to Mile Oak to chase the game but there was very little fuel left in the tank and after their awful start to the game, the Storrington defence had sured themselves up. So comfortable so were Storrington that with 10 minutes to go they introduced the much anticipated return to football of Nigel "Ravanelli" Dyer and Ross "I can't take a goal kick because of my hernia but I'm happy to shoot every three minutes from 45 yards out" Leaver.

Nigel looked confident on the ball and added pace, flair and experience to the back line. No room for complacency in the Storrington defence as people are now no longer confident that their place is secure. Watch this space to hear the starting 11 for next week's game away to Lancing.

TEAM: Everett; Blaydon, Beaumont, Palmer, M Bridle (N Dyer); Carter, Tidman, Naylor, Craig Johnson; Witten (R Leaver), Witherden

Monday 9th April (RSW): Storrington 1 – 2 Selsey

What a glorious day… Easter Monday was to be concluded with Storrington welcoming Selsey to The Recreation Ground. The First Team had drawn 0-0 with Southwick two hours earlier, earning themselves a potentially invaluable point and the Reserves were hoping they could at least equal that against the League leaders. With some of the First Team still around it meant that James Blaydon could be relieved of bench-warming duties to start at Right-Back and Tom Bradshaw could add some strength (in terms of ability, not actual physical strength!) and depth to the Storrington dugout. The only headache for Nige before the game was who to start with in goal – The Swans had 3 keepers at their disposal with Everett selected to start between the sticks and Elliott selected to start up front!! Ross Leaver was relegated to the bench to add yet more strength (in terms of actual physical strength and definitely not ability!).

The Swans started the game very brightly and were definitely playing the more attractive football. With the pace up front of Tidman and Elliott, Storrington were able to break quickly down the channels and expose the slightly less agile Selsey full-backs. The first goal game after about 35 minutes courtesy of a fine Storrington move. Some good work by Matt Carter and Dave Tidman down the right meant that Tidman was able to get to the byline and drill the ball across goal to find the awaiting predatory left foot of Neal Scott who neatly slotted the ball into the open net. Apparently, Neal was later heard saying that he was dedicating the goal to the future Mrs Scott who had turned up to watch her beloved for the first time this season – one for the WAGS page Rob/Dan. Extra marital activity was assured.

Sadly, the lead only lasted about 10 minutes and just before the half-time whistle Selsey found their equaliser. A bit of a goalmouth scramble lead to a shot firing against the crossbar with the oncoming Selsey forward free to nod in the rebound, 1-1.

The second half was slightly less memorable than the first. Storrington arguably had more possession and the better of the chances and actually defended pretty solidly. However, the most memorable event in Storrington’s history did take place during the second half, Gary Elliot gave way up front to Ross Leaver! Ross quickly made his introduction felt with two entirely wayward efforts on goal from circa 45 yards out, with one actually going out for a throw-in! The more the game went the more it looked like being a stalemate, unfortunately, Sesley had other ideas. With only moments to go a through ball was not dealt with by the Storrington defence and the Selsey No. 9 was free to run through and shoot. A fine first save by Everett could not be held and the Selsey forward was free to slot in the rebound, 2-1.

With three games of the season remaining, mid-table mediocrity beckons but we should go into the home game against Mile Oak with confidence.

TEAM: Everett; Blaydon, Beaumont, Tucker, Palmer; Scott, Craig Johnson (Bradshaw), Naylor, Carter; Elliott (Leaver), Tidman

Friday 9th March (RSW): Wick 3 - 3 Storrington

This was always going to be an interesting game.... Storrington would definitely feel they should have won this fixture at the Recreation Ground, so when the side was asked whether or not they wanted to play the game due to the awful condition of the pitch, the answer was yes with thoughts of three points well and truly on the boys' minds. Gary had been drafted in between the sticks and tonight's fixture also saw the return of Blaydinho to the side after two games with the front side and two weeks of Samba during carnival in Brazil!

The pattern of the game was established from the off with The Swans looking very good attacking and on the break but at the same time a little bit vulnerable at the back. Wick took the lead early on when a good cross was not dealt with, leaving the Wick forward to head in un-challenged, 1-0. Storrington's heads didn't drop as they always looked like scoring. Some clever work by Leaver on the left found Witherden who cleverly chipped over the oncoming keeper to find Kris Bridle in space. Bridle cooly took the ball round the last defender and slotted the ball into the open net, 1-1. Storrington were very unlucky not to be leading by 2 or 3 goals as the half went on with some good chances going begging and the Wick woodwork coming to the rescue on 2 occasions.

Most of the referees decisions had been questionable up until now and it was one of those decisions that lead to the next goal. Blaydon was penalised for a foul that didn't happen out on the right and the resulting free-kick found a Wick player bearing down on Elliott in the box, closely marked by Burton. With Gary having his near post covered, the forward going nowhere and Blaydon and Tucker not being under any pressure, Daz Burton did the only sensible thing - he wiped out the forward being all of 3 feet away from the ball, penalty!! The penalty was clinically despatched and although Elliott had dived the right way, even he couldn't stop this one, 2-1 and half-time.

There wasn't too much hair-dryer treatment a thalf-time as Nige and the team always felt they were in this and had more goals to come. The second half was a much scrappier and more niggly affair, with the quality of the football pretty much matching the quality of the pitch! Storrington started out much the better side and got straight back into the game when some more good work by Leaver down the left resulted in a cross-come shot that made it's way into the right-hand corner of the goal, 2-2. Mr Leaver is adamant this was intentional!

Wick's third goal again came from some dubious refereeing with a quick free-kick being knocked over the top to a Wick forward who appeared to be about 6 feet offside... Nothing was given and he coolly lobbed the oncoming Elliott, 3-2. It was looking as though it was not going to be Storrington's night until about the 4th minute of injury time. A great delivery down the left from Kris Bridle found the head of Matt Palmer who calmly nodded into the top corner, 3-3.

As always, some great attacking play by the away side but things will have to tighten up at the back against the better teams in this division.

TEAM: Elliott; Blaydinho (Naylor), Beaumont, Tucker, Palmer, Johnson, K Bridle, Burton, Leaver, King (Ayres), Witherden. Subs not used: Scott

Saturday 3rd February (RSW): Steyning 1 – 3 Storrington

Storrington visited the shooting field as they tried to complete the double over their local rivals. The pattern of the game was pretty much written before the kick off as the storrington players inspected what can only be described as the worst pitch in county football, once the groundsman had persuaded the cows to retreat from the area of grass surrounded by white lines (or football pitch as it claimed to be) the warm ups could commence.

Nige once again rotated his squad with Blaydon, Graham, A Beaumont and Wilby all being promoted to the first team, this gave opportunities for the formidable Daz Burton and Tony Fraser to return to the reserve team fold, Matt Carter was also given his first start in the reserves after some impressive substitute appearances. With Jim Everett working, Ross was recalled in goal to show off his cat like ability (as long as the ball went to his right).

As the game started it didn’t take long for Kris and Deano to realise this wasn’t going to be their kind of surface, anyway the team battled on and defended well under constant pressure from the home side. The deadlock was broken after 20 minutes when some good work by Deano on the left found Luke unmarked in front of goal to make it 0-1.

It didn’t take long for Storrington’s second to materialise as a well timed run by Sam beat the off side trap (hallelujah) and he neatly placed the ball in the far corner to make it 0-2, with the added incentive of the captains armband if he scored a hatrick the pressure was on for Sam and you could tell the adrenalin was running. The home side’s consolation goal came mid way through the first half when a squared ball rebounded off the unlucky Matt Bridle and into the corner of the net to make the score 1-2 at half time.

The second started well for the away side, Daz was commanding the middle of the park as the injured Kris was replaced by the return of local boy James Nailer. Mid way through the half a great move put Deano through and as the ball bobbled onto his right side he neatly lobbed the keeper to make the score 1-3 to Storrington.

TEAM: R Leaver, Johnson, M Bridle (Capt.), Matthieu Palmer, Fraser, Carter, K Bridle (Nailer), Burton, D Leaver, Witherden, Baker. Subs not used: Dyer

Saturday 27th January (RSW): Chichester City 2 – 1 Storrington

Following one game in two months Storrington went to Chichester City’s Ground, basically a very run down Portfield Pitch to try and re-gain some momentum for the season. The changing rooms were run down, there was no-one to open the club and there was a general feel of embarrassment from the home team but in their defense the pitch wasn’t actually too bad.

Nige rotated his squad once again due to injuries with the most noticeable additions being a French looking Centre half answering to the name ‘Matthieu Palmer’ and the long lost Luke Baker.

The game didn’t start well with Chichester scoring straight from the centre, once Storrington had woken up the game became more even and the Swans showed a good account of themselves. The best effort of the half came from a looping shot from Chris on the right which deflected off the bar and onto the head of the incoming Sam Witherden, the scene was set, and when Sam realised he wasn’t off side he surged at goal, with the keeper left helpless Sam neatly placed the ball back onto the bar and over for a goal kick. Unlucky but should have scored.

The second half was more Storrington with chance after chance being thwarted by the home defense, Chris again headed the ball onto the bar from the right (not really sure what he was aiming for but he did claim after the match to have won the cross bar challenge) and the game began to open up.

Mid way through the first half Chichester scored a scrappy second goal to make the game 2-0, storrington were not out of this and within minutes had brought the game back to 2-1 with a well worked goal between Sam, Deano and a good finish by the cream crackered Luke Baker. The last 10 minutes were Storrington’s with only a few very dubious decisions given by the home linesman keeping Chichester in the game. With the home side determined to hold on tackles were flying in and James Blaydon was on the receiving end of a horrific challenge that resulted in a nasty gash to the shin, the ref claimed he didn’t see it but fortunately did hear it although that was not enough to give a free kick (apparently).

In the last few minutes Storrington were dying on their feet with players falling like flies with cramp, luckily Nige had named himself on the bench but this didn’t help much as he also got cramp warming up down the line. The game finished 2-1 to the home side.

TEAM: Everett, Johnson, Beaumont, M Bridle (Capt.), Blaydon (M Carter), Matthieu Palmer, K Bridle, Wilby, D Leaver, Witherden, Baker. Subs not used: Dyer (injured while warming up)

Life after Gav-aldinho….

Saturday 13th January (RSW): Storrington 2 - 1 Midhurst & Easebourne

No game since 18th November 2006, a pitch that was always going to be heavy and hard-going due to recent downpours and opponents who currently lie second in the league having enjoyed a 17-1 victory in their last league match were not the ideal ingredients for the Swans to ease back into league action with 3 points! In fact, given that most of the team were out the night before celebrating Wilby's 30th it was going to be nigh on impossible....

However, Nige had a strong squad at his disposal, we had come off the back of a 3-0 victory against local rivals Steyning and today's fixture saw the return of another Storrington legend in Dean Leaver. The Swans also welcomed new signing Jim Everett between the posts with Ross Leaver due to miss much of this season after having one of his four hernias removed just before Christmas! The pre game warm up had gone well and the boys seemed fired up for today.

Storrington lined up in their familiar 4-4-2 formation but everyone looked a little of the pace - the back four took a while to get positioning and communication worked out, the midfield were losing out on a lot of the second balls and the front two were going for spells without touching the ball. However, Storrington were definitely knocking the ball around better and the defensive line and seemed comfortable soaking up early Midhurst pressure. Whilst there were a number of incidents in what was a niggly and sometimes heated first 45, including Mr Whiter than White Kristian Bridle being booked for trying to swap shirts early with his opposite number, it was all about two moments of sheer brilliance. The first came when the Swans won a corner about 20 minutes in.... The ball was poorly cleared and fell to the imposing frame of Wilby on the edge of the box who controlled it and proceeded to lash it home on the volley with his left foot into the top corner, 1-0. The second moment came after Midhurst had conceded a silly free-kick. Matt Bridle knocked a fine ball over the top for Son of Nige to latch on to - the ball bounced up and Graham volleyed it into the top corner past the oncoming keeper, 2-0 and that's how the first half finished.

The next goal was going to be an important one. If Storrington scored next the game would have been all but over but if it went Midhurst's way then it would make for a tense second half. Unfortunatley for Storrington, about 15 minutes into the second half Midhurst got the goal they arguably deserved when a through ball (not dealt with effectively by either Blaydon or Captain Bridle with neither wanting to shoulder 100% of the blame) was picked up by their No.10 who slotted past Everett, 2-1. The last 30 minutes were scrappy and the team that battled harder were always likely to prevail. Storrington's caused was aided with about 15 minutes to go after a slightly cynical challenge by Blaydon saw their number 5 retaliate and receive his second booking of the game and the opportunity to have early shower. The Swans dug deep for the final quarter of an hour to run out 2-1 winners.

A great start to 2007 that will hopefully provide the momentum and the taste for winning to carry on for the remainder of this year. Special mentions to Dean Leaver and Jim Everett who both impressed on their debuts.

TEAM: Everett, Johnson, Beaumont, M Bridle (Capt.), Blaydon, K Bridle, Scott, Wilby, D Leaver, Witherden, King (M Carter). Subs not used: M Palmer, Dyer

Saturday 18th November (RSW): Storrington 3 – 0 Steyning

Well Steyning picked the wrong day to come to the Recreation Ground if they were hoping to come away with any points…
The pitch was looking in fine shape considering the recent downpours and it was imperative that the lads were fired up for this one. One of the problems in recent weeks had been The Swans sluggish start to games. Everyone arrived on time, meaning that Mr Dyer had good time to prepare and run the boys through a thorough warm-up.

The pre-match team talk was loosely related to tactics for the ensuing local derby but more aggressively focused on Blaydon’s subscription to Match.com and Deano speed dating experience, for all you ladies out there looking for a strapping young man this could be your opportunity, we now know that Blaydons best feature is his HANDS and he gets turned on by thunderstorms, so the lads were hoping the rain stayed away, while Deano’s experience with Brenda (Darts champion of the Dog and Duck) was apparently over in 3 minutes!!! Anyway back to the football, Storrington lined up in a 4-4-2 with three changes to the side that lost to Lancing the week before – Andy Beaumont came back in at left-back, the controversial Kris Bridle slotted into the centre of midfield and Sam Witherden started up front with Gav Bridle with Graham King relegated to the bench.

As expected, the game started at a high tempo with The Swans breaking tradition and being equal, if not first, to both the first and second ball. The impressive “on paper” pairing of Kris Bridle and Martin Gray was working well and winning the midfield battle. The back four also looked solid with Blaydon winning a lot of the ball and Matt Bridle sweeping up any scraps. The wide positions were working well with Beaumont and Scott linking up with good effect and likewise on the other side with Cookie and Chris Johnson. Ross Leaver looked sharp in the Storrington goal, although he did nearly “break” the Steyning number 9 after landing on him from four feet in the air… Screams of “He’s 30 stone” rang around the ground as the no. 9 peeled himself away from the life size indentation in the goal mouth! However, it was looking like it was going to be another one of those afternoons with numerous chances in the first 20 minutes going begging and Sammy Witherden having a goal ruled out for offside. The deadlock was broken after about 25 minutes with a well whipped ball in from the right finding Sammy’s head who deftly nodded back across goal for Gav Bridle to head in to the empty net from close range, 1-0. Unfortunately, Storrington suffered a bit of a blow half way though the first half with Mitten having to retire with a groin strain, making way for the slight frame of Wilby. Wilby’s impact was immediate – with about 10 minutes to go in the half, he made a darting run into the box and found his left foot connecting with a Cookie cross. The ball was hit with such venom that the Steyning keeper could only half stop the shot rippling the back of the net, 2-0.

The half-time team talk went well, even if it’s content was a little unfamiliar – being 2-0 up at half time was a new feeling. Nige was keen to keep the players grounded and encouraged them not to let the performance drop and, thankfully, it didn’t! The Swans continued to look the better side, knocking the ball around with confidence and getting lots of joy down the flanks. The game did became more physical during the second half and tempers flared up with some worrying high tackles flying in from the Steyning team. Gavin Bridle came off for Graham King and unfortunately, due to one of these tackles, Cookie had to give way mid-way through the second half for Tom Bradshaw. The third goal of the game was the all important one – if scored by Steyning it would put them back in the running and if scored by Storrington, the game would be killed off. The third goal came with about 15 minutes to go and was delivered in some style by Sammy Witherden who was played through by Nige’s lad and finished from about 18 yards, 3-0 and the game was won.

Great result and a very encouraging performance – chances created, goals scored, a strong goal-keeping display and a clean sheet. More of the same required next week if we are to do the double over Pagham this season.

TEAM: Leaver, Johnson, Beaumont, M Bridle (Capt.), Blaydon, K Bridle, Gray (Wilby), Scott, Cook (Bradshaw), G Bridle (King), Witherden

Saturday 11th November (RSW): Storrington 1 – 3 Lancing

Although form would suggest otherwise, confidence was fairly high prior to today’s kick off. Many off the Lancing camp were known to some of the Storrington players so there was an added incentive to take all three points and the bragging rights until the away trip. The Swans made only one change to the side that had drawn with Wick the previous week, with young James Underwood slotting in at left-back as Andy Beaumont had been called up to the front side.

The game started at a high tempo but Storrington were slow coming out of the blocks and looked a yard off the pace. The first 15 minutes of the game was incident-packed and Storrington were lucky to still have 11 men after Ross leaver had come out clear with the decision fortunately going Storrington’s way and the Lancing forward being booked for diving! Moments later Lancing were awarded a free-kick about 20 yards out and their week effort was spilled by Ross to allow Dan Meredith to fire home from close range, 0-1. The second goal came not long after with the theme of “Storrington Second to the Second Ball” continuing. Marcus Strevens picked up the ball about 30 yards out and practically walked through the Storrington back line and slotted in from about 8 yards, 0-2.

The second goal really fired The Swans into life and the rest of the half was one-way traffic who were unlucky not to go into half time at least 4-2 up! As it was, shocking finishing and touches from the likes of Gavin Bridle after a host of chances meant that it remained 0-2 at half-time.

The second half started as it had finished with Storrington enjoying most of the possession and creating most of the early chances. Mitten and Wilby continued to boss the midfield and the back four had settled and looked in control. Storrington finally broke the deadlock 10 minutes into the second half when some good word by Gav “First Touch” Bridle laid it across the box to set up Graham “SON” King for an easy tap in. The second half became a bit of a non-event after the goal had gone in and whilst Storrington remained in control the final ball was often disappointing as were the number of guilt-edged chances created. The sucker punch came with five minutes to go after a Storrington corner saw Lancing break away with the ball leaving Dan Meredith with just Matt Bridle and Ross Leaver to beat. As the skipper slowed the forward up, Chris Johnson joined the defence only to see a fumbled shot from 12 yards bobble towards Ross and sneak through his legs and over the line, 1-3. A real kick in the stomach for The Swans who had battled hard for most of the game and had created enough chances to win the game by a considerable margin. It wasn’t to be and the poor run continues. Steyning are the next opponents to visit the Recreation Ground were anything less than three points may result in global warfare!

TEAM: Leaver, Johnson, Underwood, M Bridle (Capt.), Blaydon, Gray, Wilby (Carter), Scott, Cook(Palmer), King (Witherden), G Bridle

Saturday 2nd November (RSW): Storrington 1-1 Wick

Another week and further disappointment for the Swans at home as they somehow dropped 2 points against a Wick team that were dropping like flies throughout the game. It was another week where Mr Grass Cutting Council Man failed to show at the Recreation Ground as the players battled through the shin high grass and life size indentations of Peaky (formidable third team striker) from the third teams exploits the week before.

The Swans started with an inspired team talk from manager Nige, ‘just score more than you let in’ which is obviously where the mighty swans were going wrong this season as a large sigh came from around the home changing room. The forward movement and craftsmanship continued on from the 5-4 loss at Rustington the week before but the defence had a shake up with Blaydon slotting into the back four with skipper Matt Bridle with resounding success. There was also a change in the middle of the park as Wilby returned to partner the impressive Mitton in place of Richard Ayres who continued his rise to fame with a start in the first team at Peachaven.

The game was dominated by Storrington knocking the ball about with an air of confidence, however the final ball was lacking as ‘Gav-aldo’ and ‘Son of Nige’ failed to split the defence and attack after attack continually fizzled out to nothing.

The deadlock was finally broken when a mazzy run by Neil Scott down the left resulted in an awfull cross from the byline that somehow wrong footed the keeper and drifted in to the roof of the net 1-0 and the swans were dominant.

The second half started in much the same way with Storrington playing some good football, with Mitton switching the ball and controlling the middle of the park all Nige could be heard shouting from the sideline was to save himself as the home side only had one fit sub Dave Tidman, with Nige and Daz Burton tactically on the bench trying to intimidate the away side.

Early in the second half Gav-aldo and Son of Nige (SON) were put through with the keeper to beat but the SON shot failed to beat the keeper, this was the second goal that the home side needed to calm their nerves but it failed to be, after a couple more half chances for the Swans the away side and the Ref begun to influence the game. With Wick having the best 5 minutes of the game and Ref probably his worse Storrington were coming under fire at the back but the newly formed back four held firm.

In the last minute of the game 2 points were robbed from the home side, a dubious free kick was given out wide from the ref (even though at the time no-one knew because his whistle didn’t work)
and the inevitable happened, a whipped in free kick was missed by the centre forward and it unwittingly hit Chris Johnson on the forearm (which for people who weren’t there was tight by his side) and a penalty was awarded. With seconds to go a Wick player was up for the challenge and calmly slotted home the penalty to sneak a point for the away side.

A disappointing result for a side that is getting better by the week.

TEAM: R Leaver, K Johnson, J Blaydon, A Beaumont, M Bridle (Capt.), D Cook, N Scott, M Gray A Wilby, G Bridle, G King Subs not used D Tidman, Nige, Burton (with great relief)

Saturday 28th October (Vernon-Wentworth Cup, 2nd Round): Rustington FC 5 – 4 Storrington

Welcome to the Kevin Keegan school of football management…!! There was a lot of hype surrounding this game and with the front side not playing, Rustington had reserved a section on their website outlining the rules of engagement concerning first team players playing in reserve team sides – they were clearly worried! If they had any concerns they should have referred to our resident expert, Dan Griffin. There was only one player that the first team were happy to risk being injured for the rest of the season (or hoped he would be) and that was Storrington’s very own Kristian Bridle who entered the fold – there was no place in the starting line-up for Kris so he found himself on the bench along with two other big names and shock exclusions, Sammy Witherden and James Blaydon.

The game started at a very high tempo with some full-blooded tackling and end to end action and was not a game for the faint-hearted. The first goal came from a cracking solo effort from our very own Hayden Foxe look-alike, Gavin Bridle. After some great link-up play between Graham “Son of Nige” King and Gavin, he then broke free and let fly from about 25 yards out into the top left-hand corner, 1-0. The game was full of incidents and soon after the goal Rustington had a stick-on penalty claim turned down – the Rustington bench went ballistic. However, Storrington’s keeper, Ross Leaver was keen to ensure that Rustington got the penalty they deserved and after a lack of communication between Leaver and Neal “Betroot” Scott, Leaver sithed down their man in the box and was lucky to escape a caution. Rustington’s Terry “Twister” Withers stepped up and slotted home the penalty, 1-1. Storrington continued to play the better football throughout the half with Martin “Mitten” Gray and Richard Ayers bossing in midfield and Dave “Cookie” Cook having the better of their left sided boys.. The second goal was another for the scrapbook as a poor defensive clearance fell to Richard Ayers on the edge of the box who struck right-footed on the half volley into the bottom left corner, 2-1. The game continued to be fiercely contested and Andy Beaumont received a blow to his right cheek under his eye that started to bleed – he looked like he’d been 100 rounds with Kris Johnson! With about 15 minutes of the half remaining and Alan “Tucks” Tucker and Matt Bridle still arguing about the best way to defend, Rustington pulled back level after an ugly goalmouth scramble led to Steve Kirkham slotting in from 1 yard, 2-2 and the half-time whistle.

Matt Bridle and Tucks continued to swing handbags into the second half and the common theme of park football defending remained on display. The hairiest man on the pitch, Rustington’s Richy Moss was now starting to have a bit of an influence over proceedings and minutes into the second half gave Rustington the advantage after latching onto a spilled shot, 3-2.

It was the first time in the game that The Swans had been chasing the lead but continued to look sharp going forwards with the ball and it didn’t take long before Storrington scored! Some good work down the left by Neal Scott saw him deliver a ball into Son of Nige who in turn found Cookie who fired home from 6 yards – great assist for Son of Nige, 3-3.

Fifteen minutes into the second half, Andy Beaumont eventually had to be replaced – Nige “Florence Nightingale” Dyer had been unable to curb the bleeding and the ref wasn’t happy. Sam Witherden came on at left midfield with Neal Scott filling the slot at left back, a position he is much more accustomed to. Kristian “Pre-Match Warm UP” Bridle came on for Mitten soon after and the inevitable happened…. Storrington conceded again! The ball was played through to Richy Moss who slotted home from 18 yards and Storrington’s impressive attacking play was all for nothing once again, 4-3.

With 15 minutes to go, Storrington changed things again bringing on James Blaydon for Kris Johnson and reverting to a 3-5-2, shortly after Blaydon’s introduction the inevitable happened…
Man of the moment, Richard Ayers picked up the ball on the edge of the box and managed to slot it into the bottom right-hand corner, 4-4. The 90 minutes was all but over and destined for extra time until a nothing ball over the top saw Ross Leaver left flat footed and Rustington sub Ryan Walton latch onto the ball to fire the winning goal from 4 yards!
A great game for the spectators but schoolboy defending at times from both sides. Rustington’s 32 game unbeaten run extends to 33 and Storrington are left to focus on the league and, more importantly, their defending!

TEAM: R Leaver, K Johnson (J Blaydon), A Beaumont (S Witherden), A Tucker, M Bridle (Capt.), D Cook, N Scott, M Gray (K Bridle), R Ayers, G Bridle, G King

Saturday 21st October (Reserve Section Cup) Storrington 1- 4 Hastings

Storrington graced the Recreation Ground full of confidence as holders of the Reserve Section Cup, Nige had retained the 3-5-2 formation after tweeking the system in previous weeks trying to fit all of his mega stars in only 11 spaces. The warm up was good, the pitch was excellent and the weather perfect for first steps on the path to retaining the cup, unfortunately Hastings Utd had come to Storrington with other ideas.

The game was pretty even throughout the first half with both teams creating half chances, however the deadlock was broken when a free kick was conceded on the edge of the Storrington 18 yard box, the wall was set, Ross was poised to cover his right hand post and Storringtons bad luck continued as the free kick took a wicked deflection off the wall and into the corner of the net 0-1.

Half time came and Storrington were well in the game, Nige boosted confidence with a good team talk and the home team went out for the second half with a point to prove. It didn’t take long for the attacking flare to shine through and Storrington soon made it 1-1, a ball out wide to Sam was well drilled in to the box and Graham (son of Nige) cropped up at the far post to head in from a yard.

With Storrington on top the afternoon took a turn for the worst as Hastings re-gained their lead with a clinical finish on the far post as a quality in swinging ball from the left was tapped home by the centre half. The afternoon went from bad to worse as Cookie in his unfamiliar defensive position tried to nutmeg the forward on the edge of the box and the inevitable happened as the forward stood his ground and won the ball, a simple cross found an unmarked player in the box and the ball was slotted home from 6 yards.

In the final minutes 2 incidents summed up Storrington’s afternoon, firstly the Hastings striker stretched the defence out wide and as he looked up and spotted his strike partner on the far post he complete scuffed his cross and it trickled in passed the near post wrong footing the agile Ross in goal, 1-4 to the away side. In what was more or less the last kick of the game Storrington won a free kick on the edge of the Hastings box, Son of Nige stepped up to try and bring some reality in to the score line however lady luck deserted the home side again, as the ball was struck and travelling towards the top corner it hit Gav –aldo square on the back of the head as he ran behind the wall diverting the ball out for a goal kick.

The final score was 4-1 to Hastings as a demoralised Storrington prepared for the big game at Rustington.

TEAM: R Leaver, Johnson (Stacey), Blaydon, Tucker, M Bridle (Capt.), Cook, Scott (Beaumont), Gray (Wilby), G Bridle, King, Witherden

Saturday 14th October (SIC): West Chiltington 3 – 1 Storrington

It was time for the talking to stop and the action to commence. The mouth-watering prospect of a local derby in the first round of The Sussex Intermediate Cup had been realised as the Swans made the one mile journey down the road to their West Sussex League neighbours who are flying high in Division 1. This was also a very big day for the gaffer as he took a tearful trip down memory lane. He was even heard saying to one of their representatives after the game “Have you still got those pictures up of me in the pavilion”!!?

The pitch was another obstacle to overcome with a disappearing left touchline and corner flags that were six inches away from the edge of the 18 yard box! However, the pre-game warm up and team talk had gone well with the boys seemingly fired up for a battle…

Storrington started very positively and within 30 seconds were awarded a penalty after Luke Talbot had caught Richard Ayers in the face with a boot. Up stepped The Swans’ dependable captain, Matt Bridle, only to send the ball 12 yards wide from 12 yards out! For the next 20 minutes Storrington continued to apply the pressure and could have easily have gone 3 or 4 up but for notable misses from young Tom Bradshaw and Cookie, who hit the post. It was looking like it was going to be one of those days – West Chilt were clearly up for it. The banter was rife on the pitch and tackles were flying in. Storrington looked the more dangerous footballing side all the time the ball was kept on the floor but unfortunately there were only flashes of this. With about half an hour gone, The Swans gave away a dubious free kick about 20 yards out and they struck it home into the right-hand corner, 1-0. West Chiltington took the game to Storrington for the final fifteen minutes of the half, seeming more up for the battle and wanting the ball just that little bit more. Salt was rubbed into the wounds when the very slender-looking Luke Talbot turned like a double-decker bus onto his left foot and buried the ball into the top left-hand corner, 2-0 and half time.

The hair-dryer came out at half time and everyone took responsibility for a poor first half performance and a host of missed opportunities. The second half was one way traffic for 44 minutes with Storrington pulling one back early in the second half – some good work by Cookie down the right led to a quality squared ball into the box for S.O.N. (Son of Nige) to slot in from 4 yards out, 2-1. There were numerous more opportunities but their linesman clearly needed to have a word with himself and maybe read-up on the offside rule again. However, it wasn’t to be Storrington’s day… The one and only chance that West Chilt did have in the second half was taken and the game was all but over. Desperation settled in and Matt Bridle was told to push forward but even Captain Marvel wasn’t able to make amends for his first half penalty miss. The final whistle blows and West Chiltington go through to the second round and have bragging rights for the rest of the season…

Legend has it that Nige was still drinking with their players in the clubhouse into the early hours… He will no doubt join that infamous list alongside the likes of big Sam Allardyce of match-fixers and bung-takers!

TEAM: R Leaver, A Tucker, A Beaumont (D Tidman), M Bridle (Capt.), J Blaydon, G Bridle, Mitten (M Palmer), T Bradshaw, R Ayers, D Cook, G King. Subs not used: N Dyer (Thankfully….!!)

Saturday 7th October (RSW): Storrington 1 – 3 Broadbridge Heath

Storrington turned up with great expectations after a couple of days rain to make the surface slick and the return of local hero ‘No Nonsense Tucker’ to the recreation ground after his honeymoon to Bali. However, the surface failed to stand up to its usual high standard with the mower man unable to grace the hallowed turf of the recreation ground because of torrential rain leaving the pitch resembling a cow field.

With Nige still unsure on his best system Storrington started off with a 3-5-2 formation against the more standard 4-4-2 of Broadbridge Heath. The Swans took the game to the away side with plenty of pressure down the flanks and Gav running the show in the middle of midfield. Neil Scott continued to impress down the left side with a number of pin point crosses into the box only for Storrington to fail to convert, even though he claimed to be carrying an injury which we can only describe as a ‘delicate heel’.

After 30 minutes the deadlock was finally broken when some impressive passing through the midlfield created an opening which left Cookie a tap in from 6 inches, a deserved 1-0 lead for the home side. With Broadbridge Heath failing to deal with the attacking prowess of The Swans they changed their system to 3-5-2 which seemed to be the downfall of the home side. The tables completely turned and the away side began to get on top which wasn’t helped by Neil Scott leaving the field with his ‘delicate heel’ and apparent ‘back spasms’, an injury that didn’t seemed to last too long as he was seen chatting up Tom Bradshaws mum on the side of the pitch during the second half.

With the first half coming to a close a moment of madness hit Ross in goal as he came for a usual straight forward cross but unfortunately ran straight into the robust Tucker on the 6 yard box leaving the goal open for the striker on the back post, 1-1.

The second half started as The Swans had left it with Broadbridge Heath having most of the possession, as the home side defended the top end with grass exceeding 5-6 inches in some places slick football was not the order of the day as both sides continued to try and play the ball along the ground. Storrington failed to produce much going forward and the defence was holding tight until another moment Ross would like to forget as he rushed out to claim a ball at the forwards feet only to see it lobbed up over his head and into the back of the net.

The Swans chased the game as chance after chance failed to penetrate the Broadbridge Heath back line. With 10 minutes to go the smallest player on the park from BH ran at the home defence so the kind hearted Blaydon, Gav and A Beaumont held hands in the middle of 18 yards box and waived him through to have a short on goal which squirmed under Ross in goal.

Not a good day all round, with the defence breached 3 times and a lack of goal mouth incidents things must change for the local derby next week.

TEAM: R Leaver, Tucker, M Bridle, Blaydon, Johnson, G Bridle, Wilby (Tidman), Bradshaw, Scott (A Beamount), Cookie, King

The Swans “Tuck” in at Pagham….

Saturday 30th September (RSW): Pagham 0 – 2 Storrington

Another Storrington legend returned to the fold for The Swans’ vital away trip to Pagham on Saturday. Alan Tucker found himself starting in a back three alongside captain, Matt Bridle and James Blaydon. The Swans were fired up for this game with an impressive record here over the years – no excuses for wayward first touches and unexplained bobbles as Pagham’s playing surface was looking close to carpet-like...

The game started at high tempo with Storrington enjoying most of the early possession, making the most of the 3-5-2 formation with both Neal Scott and Kris Johnson being able to make some impressive forward runs down the flanks. However, it was quite evident early on that the 11 men in blue were competing against the 11 men in white plus the one man in black, with some outrageous decisions going in Pagham’s favour. The deadlock was finally broken mid-way through the first half when a Storrington corner found the darting head of Cookie who fired home into the top right hand corner of the Pagham goal, 1-0. Cookie proving that when he’s not pulling cows out of rivers, he's actually pretty useful as a striker! The Storrington goal was threatened a couple of times straight after going 1-0 up but Ross Leaver’s new found cat-like agility and Storrington’s dogged defending at corners kept Pagham at bay. The game took a turn for the unbelievable just before half time as (for the second consecutive week) the referee had to excuse himself from the rest of the game through injury. With Graham King AKA 'Son of Nige' having his worst game in a Storrington shirt he was praying for the game to be abandoned but had to settle for the ref being substituted by the Storrington Linesman Bernard.

The second half started with a new referee and a new found confidence within the Storrington side. The game got more and more physical as time went on but Storrington were passing the ball well and attacking Pagham on the break. Matt Palmer was brought on in place of Richard Ayers to put a stop to their number 11 – he wasn’t a good player but Nigel felt that Palmer could do an effective job of marking him with Palmer’s ears being the furthest away form the man with the highest pitch voice in the County! Palms’ introduction steadied the ship and with about 15 minutes to go Tom Bradshaw, who’d put in an impressive display all afternoon, picked up the ball about 35 yards out and struck an absolute belter high into the top of the net, leaving the flapping keeper no chance, 2-0. With Ross “The Cat” Leaver on fine form, Storrington soaked up the last 10 minutes of pressure and went into the changing rooms celebrating their first 3 points of the season and a deserved win.

Other notable achievements from Saturday’s game include Neil Scott lasting the full 90 minutes without haemorrhaging and Tucker lasting the full 90 minutes without killing someone – amazing what married life has done for both of these men!

A special mention has to go to one of our first team counterparts this weekend, Mr Kristian Bridle. Not only is he the only man at Storrington FC to have had his virginity grow back, he was also witnessed by two of our own boys on Friday night being blown out by a girl who declined the offer to part with her phone number! Still, at least your scored your penalty on Saturday, Kris.

TEAM: R Leaver, A Tucker, M Bridle (Capt.), J Blaydon, N Scott, K Johnson, G Bridle, T Bradshaw, R Ayers (M Palmer), G King, D Cook. Subs: D Tidman, N Dyer

Saturday 23rd September (RSW): Midhurst 2 – 1 Storrington

Another away game and another changed line up as Nige called in two little bald chaps ‘Tiger pants Reilly and Fraser’ to fill the fullbacks spots to partner skipper Matt Bridle and James ‘tenhead’ Blaydon (who undisputedly has the largest forehead in Storrington history) in the back line. With Gav dropping back to his midfield role, Graham ‘son of Nige’ returning up front and Neil Scott (very good friend of Blaydon) playing on the left the team appeared well balanced and expectations were high for this glorious afternoon.

With Midhurst sitting nicely in the top two of the league and knocking in plenty of goals Storrington had to be on their toes to foil their two lively strikers. Midhurst came out the blocks at full speed dominating possession as the Storrington defence were forced to make some last ditch challenges as nothing seemed to go their way. It didn’t take long for Midhurst to open their account as a low cross from the by-line found the Midhurst no.11 tightly marked on the penalty spot, a hopeful swing at the ball went towards goal and deflected off the ankle of tiger pants and into the path of the oncoming forward who slotted away from 2 yards. (1-0)

Storrington went in for a half time roasting by Nige as it was announced that the ref had more or less collapsed, Nige left the team to ponder on his words of encouragement as he visited the pale looking ref to be told that for the second week running Storrington were left without a ref. Without a thought for his own fitness Martin Hollands a retired county ref who was at the game assessing, jumped into action taking charge of the second half, Cheers Martin.

Sorry for the cliché, but it was certainly a game of two halves as Storrington came out the second half a different team, the football was slick, and Midhurst had no time on the ball, it didn’t take long for the forward players to combine and produce Storringtons best move of the game as Gav laid the ball to Sam who lobbed the ball over the defence on to the foot of ‘Son of Nige’ who calmly slotted home. (1-1) Game on.

With calls of ‘Different Gravy’ from the injured Daz Burton on the sideline, Storrington were becoming more and more confident with shots and crosses being fired in from all angles. Nige changed things about with 25 minutes to go, by subbing some weary legs as Cooky and Tom Bradshaw were brought on for Neil Scott and Dave Tidman. Storrington continued to press but the comeback was shot down in flames with 7 minutes to go as Midhurst’s nippy no.11 turned on a sixpence from the edge of the box and struck a low slot which was deflected off the unfortunate Skipper to creep in to the far corner. (2-1).

Storrington finished the game as they had started the second half but it was all too late as they went down to a fourth defeat in five games. Things must get better for Storrington to emulate the standards set last season.

TEAM: R Leaver, Fraser, Blaydon, M Bridle, Reily, Tidman Cook) , Jarvie (Johnson), G Bridle, Scott (Bradshaw), King, Witherden

Saturday 16th September (RSW): Selsey 3- 1 Storrington

Storrington “Sels” itself short on Bridle’s return…

This fixture saw the return of Storrington stalwart, Matt Bridle to the Reserve Team fold. This brings with it a natural leader at the back, calmness on the ball, an educated football brain and a genuine fear of heading the ball in case those gorgeous strawberry blonde locks are interfered with!

The pre-match build up wasn’t ideal with some uncertainty surrounding the fixture as to whether or not it would actually go ahead – This was for two reasons: 1) The referee was running late and; 2) Kris Johnson’s boxer shorts were of such bright pinkness, a few Storrington players were feared blind!

The game did eventually get underway with Storrington opting for a 3-5-2 formation. The first lapse in concentration came from Storrington after about 10 minutes with their centre-forward breaking the offside-trap and dinking the ball over the on-coming slight frame of Ross Leaver, 1-0. Storrington really came into life after the goal and within 10 minutes were back level after some clever play by the promising youngster, Tom Bradshaw and an inch perfect through ball by Gavin Bridle set up Sammy Witherden who finished with some finesse, 1-1. The Swans looked by far the better side for the remainder of the first half and really should have gone in 2-1 up. The half ended on a sour note though after left-back, Andy Beaumont was recklessly challenged at knee height and was unable to re-appear for the second half. A yellow card was deemed sufficient punishment, which was laughable.

The game was a story of two halves and, unfortunately for Storrington, the second half of the story wasn’t pretty and didn’t have a happy ending. It was a combination of factors including the skin-tight yellow and black kit, the referee’s inability to brandish more severe punishment to a Selsey side that were extremely lucky to still have 11 men on the pitch at the end of the game and Storrington’s unwillingness to play the “easy ball”. The Swans look a very good side and play some very nice football but Selsey were up for a “battle” and they ran out 3-1 winners, with the Storrington boys looking like the opening scene of ‘Saving Private Ryan’. Casualties include: Andy Beaumont (knee), Matt Palmer (broken toe), Kris Johnson (leg), Sammy Witherden (Concussion), Nige Dyer (dented pride)…

Next fixture sees us away to Broadbridge Heath – a win here would surely boost confidence.

TEAM: R Leaver, K Johnson, A Beaumont (D Tidman), M Bridle, M Palmer, J Blaydon, D Burton, I Jarvie, T Bradshaw (M Carter), G Bridle, S Witherden

Saturday 9th September (RSW): Mile Oak 3 – 0 Storrington

Spirits were relatively high among the players following last Saturday’s very entertaining score draw with highly-rated Chichester. However, the mood always seems to take a turn for the worse when playing at Mile Oak, the pitch is possibly the worst in the County League and home supporters started throwing missiles at the Storrington players during their pre-match warm up! Nige was keen to ensure that we remained the ‘bigger men’ and showed us all how to rise above the abuse by volleying a torrent of verbal at the crowd of 8 year olds gathered behind the Storrington goal….

It is important in a defeat like this to firstly focus on the positives…. OK, so that’s those covered off! This was a poor display by boys in blue who, apart from bitty spells never really threatened as they are so capable of. We were missing a couple of key Reserve Team players and Graham King came off injured before half time with Gav Bridle moving up front. Bridle did cause some problems up front but after being fouled whilst clean through, failed to hit the target from the resulting free-kick. However, poor defending and failing to clear our lines were to blame for us coming in at half-time 2-0 down.

The second half started more positively with Neal Scott enjoying some good possession down the left and Sammy Witherden hitting the bar. The final nail was hammered into the coffin with about 10 minutes to go after some good work by The O’s bulky centre-forward, slotting home at the near post from about 16 yards.

All in all a disappointing performance by Storrington. Nine goals conceded in the first 3 games and languishing in 11th place in the RSW League Table. Improvement is imperative with the team needing to start defending more as a unit and taking our chances in front of goal. Friday night sees us away at Selsey with an opportunity to pick up our first 3 points of the season.

TEAM: R Leaver, J Joiner, C Johnson, J Blaydon, M Palmer, G Clark (M Carter), N Scott, D Burton, G Bridle, G King (T Fraser), S Witherden

Saturday 2nd September (RSW): Storrington 4 - 4 Chichester

Following a disappointing start to the season, Nigel Dyer and his reserve team were keen to put right the wrongs of their first game - a loss away at Forest, although arguably that was to their first XI and Storrington were still trying to bed in the new faces this season. The conditions against Chichester were going to be testing, there had been steady rainfall before the game leaving a real zip on the surface at The Recreation Ground and a wind to potentially cause all sorts of problems....

The bar was raised and The Management's intentions were clear early on in the dressing room when Nige gave a whole new meaning to the idea of a win or goal bonus, due to him offering Sammy Witherden his missus for the night if he scored a hat-trick... We thought the idea was to incentivise and motivate, Nige!!

The game started at a fast pace and was end to end. Both sides felt each other out for the first 15-20 minutes although Chichester looked the brighter side going forwards. The deadlock was broken after about 25 minutes when a through ball got behind the Storrington defence. Mark Beaumont (deputising for the absent Ross Leaver) came out to clear but didn't get enough of the ball and the Chichester forward managed to stay on his feet and square the ball for a simple tap in. The goal really set the game into life and gave Storrington the kick they needed. Storrington were awarded a penalty which Graham King stepped up to take. A good save by the keeper down to his right kept it at 1-0. After some clever work down the left by new boy Neal Scott, he was flattened to set up a chance on the left edge of the 18 yard box. The ball was laid off to Sammy Witherden who smashed in off the crossbar from 20 yards, 1-1. The rest of the half was all about Storrington... 10 minutes after the goal, Sammy Witherden had his shirt pulled whilst being clean through. A controversial yellow card was shown and from the resulting free kick, Sammy found the head of Daz Burton who nodded in from 6 yards.

The second half started fairly cautiously with Storrington trying to keep the Chichester attacks to a minimum although after some dogged defending, Chichester again drew level with an impressive strike from about 25 yards, 2-2. The game stayed fairly narrow for the next 5 minutes with Storrington's midfield four of Scott, Burton, Gav Bridle and Tidman keeping their 5-man midfield at bay. However, Chichester broke away and scored after some persistent work by their young centre-forward, 3-2.

Storrington made some changes to both shape and personnel bringing off the two wide men, Scott and Tidman and replacing them with Tony Fraser and Ian whilst also pushing Chris Johnson into the midfield, resulting in a 3-5-2 formation for the last 20 minutes. The next goal was Storrington's after Graham King latched on to a through ball and curled home his left footed shot from about 18 yards, 3-3. This also resulted in the funniest moment of the match with their keeper kicking the post in frustration and subsequently hobbling around for the next five minutes!

Clearly getting to grips with the new formation, Storrington cheers were heard once more as a free-kick on the halfway line was taken quickly by Storrington centre-half James Blaydon up to Witherden, who turned on a six pence and slotted home from 8 yards, 4-3. Surely that would be enough to seal victory but unfortunately not. Chichester's persistence and Storrington's questionable dithering on the ball in their own third resulted in one final break away for the away side who released the ball down the left to their promising youngster who fired in the bottom left corner from just inside the 18 yard line..., 4-4.

The final whistle was blown but was it 2 points dropped or a good point against one of the teams that should be there or there abouts at the end of the season? Overall, an entertaining game with Storrington looking very impressive on the break. However, Storrington must opt for the 'easy ball' more often and be more vocal if they are to be up there challenging come the end of the season....

TEAM: M Beaumont, A Beaumont, Chris Johnson, Blaydon, Palmer, Scott, (Fraser) Burton, G Bridle, Tidman, (Ian!) King, Witherden, Craig Johnson

Saturday 26th August (RSW): Forest 2- 0 Storrington

R Leaver, C Johnson, A Beaumont, J Blaydon, M Palmer, D Cook, D Tidman, N Scott, Ian – Don’t know his surname!, G King, L Baker, T Fraser

First game of the season, some new faces in, some old faces out and some very old faces were called up to the first team! Forest were Storrington’s first opponents, whose first team didn’t have a game.

First half ended 0-0 with Storrington looking very solid at the back and also the more likely to score going forwards. However, Storrington must have left there brains in the changing because did not compete at all for the first 15 minutes of the second half and it was in this period that Storrington effectively lost the game. Two sloppy goals conceded and a disappointing end to the first game of the new season.

Nige Dyer was pragmatic about the performance and said “I’m not worried about today’s performance, there were lots of positives to be taken from it and we were practically playing their front side”.

Other than the result, the other negative to come out of Saturday’s game was the injury to Cookie which may mean he is out for the next 2-3 weeks.

TEAM: R Leaver, C Johnson, A Beaumont, J Blaydon, M Palmer, D Cook, D Tidman, N Scott, Ian – Don’t know his surname!, G King, L Baker, T Fraser

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