Thamesmead Town v Barkingside

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vs. BARKINGSIDESaturday 9th August 2014 Kick-Off: 3.00pm

Ryman Division One North

Official Sponsors

In memory of Terry ‘Turnstile’ Luthwaite

Match Partners

1). All persons entering the ground are subject to the Rules and Regulations of the Football Association, SCT and Thamesmead Town Football Club 2). The Club reserves the right to eject or prosecute any person(s) who within the club premises is considered by the management of the Club and SCT management to be or have been behaving in the following ways;a - entering the field of play before or during the gameb - using obscene, abusive or racist languagec - being intoxicated by drinks or drugs Further, persons will not be allowed entry to Sporting Club Thamesmead if in the opinion of the gate-men, stewards or any member of the management committee if they are deemed to be intoxicated. 3). NO bottles or metal cans, glasses or weapons of any kind are allowed in the ground. The stewards have the right to search a

spectator if they have grounds to believe that the person is in possession of any item that is deemed to be a danger to other spectators. 4). Alcohol must only be consumed within the confines of the Mead Bar - NO GLASSES may be taken out of the bar. Should you wish to consume alcohol in the stand, please ask the bar staff for a plastic glass. PLEASE NOTE - that for FA Cup and FA Trophy fixtures, NO alcohol may be purchased or consumed within sight of the pitch. 5). The climbing of fences or floodlight pylons and all buildings within the ground is strictly forbidden. 6). All vehicles parked within the boundaries of the SCT Car Park must be parked within a designated place. No responsibility is accepted for any mishap that may happen in the car park or for any goods that may be left in vehicles in the car park.

ALL VEHICLES ARE PARKED AT THE OWNERS RISK.

SPORTING CLUB THAMESMEAD

GROUND REGULATIONS

Welcome back to Sporting Club Thamesmead for another new season, as the Mead welcome Barkingside in today’s Ryman League Division One North clash. Here’s what inside your issue of The Mead this afternoon.

Company Director: Keith McMahonCompany Director: Paul Bowden-BrownCompany Secretary: Paul Bowden-Brown

HONOURABLE POSITIONS

Club President: Albert PantingVice-Presidents: Peter Tierney & Keith Dunsmore

CLUB OFFICIALSFOOTBALL COMMITTEE

Chairman: Terry HillVice-Chairman: Alan MartinSecretary: Dave JoyYouth Secretary: Paul TurnerMarketing & Communications: Mike GreenMatchday Press Officer: Mike Green

Club Photographer: Louisa CoulthurstBoardroom Hospitality: Sue DingwellWelfare Officer: Paul Turner

FOOTBALL MANAGEMENT

Senior Manager: Keith McMahonAssistant Manager: Steve WaitSenior Coaches: Grant Spelling & Ray BagnallPhysios: Alan Woodward & Carly PayneU21s Manager: Andy WeeksU18s Manager: Mark PaineU16s Manager: Danny HarrisU15s Manager: Spencer JonesU14s Manager: Alan PorterU12s Manager: Keith Medlen

MATCHDAY PROGRAMME

Editors: Daniel Parker& Mike Green

Design: Daniel ParkerDuplexity Artworkwww.duplexity.co.ukTel: 07748 536 306

Print: Scarbuttswww.scarbutts.comTel: 01732 870066

THAMESMEAD TOWN FCSporting Club Thamesmead Bayliss Avenue, Thamesmead,London, SE28 8NJTel: 0208 311 4211Company Number: 03915330

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vs. BARKINGSIDESaturday 9th August 2014 Kick-Off: 3.00pm

Ryman Division One North

Official Sponsors

In memory of Terry ‘Turnstile’ Luthwaite

Match Partners

INSIDE...

“The Ryman Football League strongly support the recent FA statement that there should be a zero tolerance approach against racism and all forms of discrimination. Accordingly any form of discriminatory abuse whether

it be based on race or ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, faith, age, ability or any other form of abuse will be reported to The Football Association for action by that Association.”

ISSUE 01:BARKINGSIDE

04 The Manager

08 Mead Matters

10 In Opposition

18 Buddy’s Cancer Challenge

29 The Academy

34 Next Here

18

04

10

03www.thamesmeadtownfc.co.uk

CONTENTS

KEITHMcMAHON

Good afternoon and welcome to Bayliss Avenue for today’s Ryman North fixture against Barkingside.

Firstly, may I take this opportunity in welcoming Matt Frew and his Barkingside team to Bayliss Avenue this afternoon. I hope you enjoy your short stay with us and I hope you have a safe journey home afterwards.

Well today sees us start a new campaign back in the Ryman North after being relegated last season from the Ryman Premier Division. There was a good chance of us getting a reprieve with the problems at Hereford and Sailsbury, but it just seems to be one rule for the big clubs and one for the small.

It was a bitter pill for me to swallow personally as I haven’t experienced any sort of failure, especially here at Thamesmead where I have had a lot of success. I needed a few weeks away from things before I decided what I was going to do; just a bit of time to look back and see if I still wanted to be here.

Everyone knows I love the club and the people in it, but certain things out of the club have really got to me and I had to decide if I wanted to go through that again. It didn’t take me too long to decide I wanted to stay and I am still as hungry for success as the first day I took charge all those years ago.

Pre-season has gone really well. I didn’t want a load of new faces for training as sometimes you just get everyone show up and you have forty or fifty players to deal with.

I learnt from last season from that point and I wanted a much smaller and more compact squad for pre-season which I have had. I have signed a few new lads, some with a view for the long term. I would like to welcome Faria Hallam and Michael Spencer to the club.

I would also like to welcome back

Stuart Zanone to Bayliss Avenue. Stuart was a major part in us going up the season before and I’m glad I could do a deal to get him back here.

I have also promoted Tom Jewers and Ross Murphy up from the U21s and have signed a couple of other youngsters for the future.

I wanted a more focused and professional approach from my staff, so I’m really pleased to have added Grant Spelling as first team coach. Grant is an UEFA A licence coach and has done really well in pre-season.

The lads are looking sharp and performances are where I want them to be. Especially in our last two games against Whitstable Town and Phoenix Sports where I thought our work rate was exceptional.

We go into the new campaign with a positive approach. I want the club to

04 THAMESMEAD TOWNv Barkingside

THE MANAGER

bounce straight back and I am hoping for a good start to the season.

I do think it is going to be a tough league this year. There are a lot of sides paying a lot more than we do and with only one team going up automatically it does make getting out of the league difficult, but I do believe we have the fight to do that.

Today’s game will be a good test for us. Barkingside have had a good pre-season and will go into the game confident. We will need to treat them with respect but I am looking for us to be positive. It will take us a few games to get used to the standard again, but I’m sure it won’t take us long to get up and running. We need a good start if we want to achieve our goals.

As you will read elsewhere in the programme today, we start the new

season with a massive loss. Sadly our good friend Terry Luthwaite passed away on Sunday evening.

Terry loved the club and was a massive help to us. He was one of the first faces you saw went entering the ground where he sat on the turnstile.

His family are big supporters of the club as his wife Jean used to run our tea bar and his daughter Sharon helped and worked in our old bar. His grandson Joe used to play for our U18s.

I would like to pass my condolences to you all. Terry was muched loved here and we will miss him dearly. I know the lads will give everything today to get a win for Terry.

Enjoy the game,The Gaffer

“It didn’t take me too long

to decide I wanted to stay and I am still as hungry for

success as the first day

I took charge all those

years ago”


THE MANAGER

TERRYHILL

Good afternoon everyone - firstly, can I welcome the Barkingside players, officials and supporters to our new home of Sporting Club Thamesmead. We hope you enjoy your time with us and wish you a safe journey home.

After a fantastic effort by Keith and the players to stay in the Ryman Premier League, we find ourselves back down in the Ryman Division One North after just one season.

We took it to the last day having won six out of our last seven games of the season, as well as Keith winning the Manager of the Month award. It was not to be, though, as the final results didn’t quite go our way in the end.

Still, we waited with baited breath that we might be lucky enough to get a reprieve after finding out that Salisbury and Hereford were in financial trouble but, again, circumstances didn’t go our way and so here we are, looking to earn our way back out of this division once more.

I know how badly the relegation affected Keith - it was a terrible time. You could not really talk to him for about three weeks, but we enjoyed our time in the Ryman Premier travelling to new grounds. So much so that we will try our best to bounce straight back either by the play-offs or winning Ryman North outright if we’re able to.

Having played in the Ryman North, we know there are some very good sides

that will also be challenging for the title alongside ourselves. We will give full respect to all the teams in this league and we will give it our best shot to return at the first attempt.

Pre-season has gone well and the players look fit and sharp. Our captain Lewis Tozer is suspended for the first two games, but Keith has added to the squad of last season to strengthen the competition for places throughout.

It is with a deep regret that I close my notes with the sad news that Terry ‘Turnstile’ Luthwaite, as he was affectionately known to us, passed away last Sunday having suffered a heart attack - he was 74 years old. Terry was Thamesmead through and through, much loved by us all and will be sadly missed.

Knowing Terry as we do, I am sure that he will be looking down on us throughout the season and willing us to win. We will do our best for you Tel - RIP.

Our condolences go out to his wife Jean and family. Please join us in a minute’s applause before the game.

Terry

“We took it to the last day having won six of our last seven games of the season, as well as Keith winning Manager of the Month, but it was not to be as those final results didn’t quite go our way”


THE CHAIRMAN

PAULBOWDEN-BROWN

May I welcome the directors, officials and players of Barkingside to our new home Sporting Club Thamesmead, and I hope after your short stay and some refreshments you all have a safe journey home.

Today is the start of another phase within the history of this great club. Last time was a season of two halves - the first was one to forget and the second, with a settled team and strong management, was much more memorable.

We certainly churned out a few results that shocked our fellow teams and, in my opinion, our relegation was very unfortunate. I believe we deserved better, even more so when you see how the troubles of Salisbury and Hereford may have given us a second bite of the cherry. I thought we had to abide by the rules of the league or suffer a penalty, but it seems the Conferences reads the rules a little differently to everyone else - Salisbury’s case still appears unsettled.

Off the field has also been a period of unpredictability. We moved to these facilities a year ago and can finally call them our home after eight long years of waiting.Despite running out of facilities unfit for purpose, the committee and Keith ensured football was still played and a promotion even secured. Hopefully we can now enjoy our semi-retirement on matchdays as it is

certainly deserved.

At the same time, there have been a lot of formal administrative teething problems throughout our first season here. It was made all the more frustrating by the takeover of our landlords, the Thamesmead Trust, by the Peabody Trust. It meant that all

previous formal agreements had to be reassessed and verified, with amends where necessary.

I am pleased to report though that the final agreement has now been reached and signed, with our long term license and Partnership Agreement now in place. Hopefully we can move forward now, knowing there is a secure foundation in place for the future on and off the field.

During pre-season, we have been working on a new website which will hopefully be up and running shortly.

It was my intention to ensure the website would cover all areas of the club with updated content always available - if not, it is a waste of time.

Here we are, the first game of the season. Let’s enjoy it and, hopefully, Keith has managed to gel the team together for an enjoyable season. Hopefully we’ll be there or thereabouts in April, but whatever - as long as we give our best then I can’t ask for any more.

Paul Bowden-BrownDirector & Company Secretary

“The final agreement

has now been reached & signed

- we can now move forward knowing there

is a secure foundation in place for the

future on & off the field”


THE BOARDROOM

MEADMATTERSThis is where throughout the season you’ll find all the club news from around the SCT. We start, though, with some desperately sad news...

RIP TERRYWe are sad to report that Terry ‘Turnstile Luthwaite passed away last weekend aged 74. Terry had been a regular on the Mead turnstiles for some time, always smiling and the first friendly face that people saw when they arrived at the club.

Sadly, Terry passed away last Sunday evening from a heart attack and everyone involved with the club would like to send our condolences to his wife Jean and their family.

Today’s game is dedicated to Terry’s memory and they will be a moment’s appreciation prior to kick off this afternoon. The club has lost not only a very nice guy, but also a very good friend.

WARM WELCOMES TO...As the first game of the new season, there has been a few changes over the summer - both on and off the pitch.

Firstly, the gaffer appointed a new first team coach in the form of Grant Spellman. Grant, a holder of a UEFA A coaching license, joins us from Dartford and we welcome him to the SCT and hope that he enjoys his time with us.

On the pitch, meanwhile, we’d also like to welcome Michael Spencer, a right back who has joined us from AFC Hornchurch; midfielder Josh James joins us from Corinthian; and Farai Hallam is a solid defender who comes to the SCT from Wingate & Finchley.

COUNTDOWN TO THE JUNIOR KICK-OFFOur junior section are continuing with their countdown to their new season which begins on Sunday September 7th.

They’re always on the look out for new players and fresh blood and so if you want to join the Mead family, please contact the relevant manager from the list below:- U18s - Danny Harris07868 128095 - [email protected]

U16s - Spencer Jones07751 234497 - [email protected] - Ken Bull077299 544608 - [email protected] Keith Medlen07713 281937 - [email protected] - TBCU11s - Dan Hudson07960 072993 - [email protected]

CUP DRAWSThe Mead have been drawn at home to VCD Athletic in the Kent Reliance Kent Senior Cup, with the winners hosting Whitstable Town - dates to be advised. We travel to South Park in Surrey in the FA Cup First Qualifying Round and, in the FA Trophy, Keith will take his side to Aylesbury.


LATEST NEWS

COMING SOON

THE MEAD VNEEDHAM MARKET

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 6THDETAILS TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON

NON LEAGUEDAY 2014

LATEST NEWS

BARKINGSIDEMatt Frew brings his Barkingside team to the SCT this afternoon as we kick off the new Ryman League campaign.

With the big kick off having finally arrived, Keith McMahon’s men welcome Matt Frew’s Barkingside to Sporting Club Thamesmead to get the new campaign underway.

The Sky Blues will be looking for an improvement on last season’s 20th-placed finish, and will want to get off to the best possible start this afternoon.

And Frew was pleased to see his side finish off their pre-season build up with a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Grays Athletic of the Ryman Premier League on Monday night.

Goals from Dion Polious, Calvin Poku, Joe Ellul and Lewis Francis secured the emphatic result, ensuring that the Sky Blues come into today’s encounter in sky-high mood.

“The players knew it was going to be their biggest test and we did everything right,” Frew told the Ilford Recorder. “The team played how I wanted them to play.”

Both sides will be hoping for maximum returns this afternoon, so we ought to be in for a strong encounter to open the season.

Nickname: The Sky Blues

Founded: 1898

Ground: Cricklefield Stadium

Chairman: Jimmy Flanagan

Manager: Matt Frew

Last Season: 20th

FACTS


IN OPPOSITION

CLUB HISTORYBarkingside Football Club, based in Barkingside in the London Borough of Redbridge, was formed by a small group of enthusiasts in 1898, playing in the Ilford League, on a ground opposite the State Cinema in Barkingside High Road. They gained their first honour after the First World War sharing the Championship of the Ilford League. The club then disbanded in 1922–23 due to lack of support but resumed in 1925 as Barkingside Boys Guild in the Ilford Minor League. The name was then changed to Barkingside Old Boys and then the “old boys” prefix was dropped in the 1930s.

The club gained the use of a pitch at Barkingside Recreation Ground, where they played for 25 years before moving to their present ground in Station Road. The club then became very successful in local football, winning the Ilford and District League on several occasions prior to World War II.

The club resumed immediately after the Second World War and after a few seasons in the Ilford League they entered the South Essex League, finishing runners-up in their first season. The next season the club joined the Walthamstow League and also obtained membership of the Amateur Football Alliance.

The club then entered the London League in 1950 and finished runners-up in their first season. They won the League Cup in 1956 and were beaten finalists in 1953 and 1963. They also won the Ilford Festival Cup and the Romford Charity Cup in 1952.

Barkingside first entered the London Senior Cup in 1957–58. The club then joined the newly formed Greater London League in 1964–65 and won promotion to the Premier Division in 1965–66, but were relegated after only one season.

A fire in the early 1970s forced the club to play its home fixtures at Woodford Avenue until the clubhouse was rebuilt. Barkingside entered the newly formed London Spartan League in 1976–77 and finished fourth,

which earned them promotion to the Premier Division. This promotion was short-lived and they were relegated the following season.

The Harry Sunderland Shield was won in 1984 and they were runners-up in the same competition in 1985. They also attained a creditable 5th-place finish in the League in 1985–86 which earned them a return to the Premier Division, where they remained until joining the Spartan South Midlands League, which was born by the merger of the London Spartan League and the South Midlands League in 1996–97. The league championship and the London Senior Cup were won in a memorable first season.

Prior to the start of season 1998–99 the club came under the control of new owners and work then commenced on the ground, which was christened Oakside Stadium, to bring it up to Isthmian League standard. In 1998–99 they won the Premier Division again but were denied promotion to the Isthmian League. After this setback the club wishing to move to the Essex Senior League, but this request was denied due to an FA ruling that did not allow sideways moves within the soccer pyramid. To make moving possible the club withdrew from senior football for one season and entered the Essex Senior League in 2000–01; a successful first season saw them finish third in the league and winners of the Gordon Brastead Memorial Cup.

In the following season there were massive changes at the club: the senior management team and committee moved on en-bloc to a Isthmian League club and the lease at Oakside was sold on to Ford United (now Redbridge) who needed to find a permanent home to allow their progression up the football pyramid. Barkingside derived considerable benefits from this. Investment by Jimmy Chapman, the Ford–Redbridge Chairman, has seen Oakside developed to a grade 1 ground and arkingside have a permanent ground-share agreement; to demonstrate the intention that Barkingside would continue Jimmy Chapman became their president in

a gesture of support.

Seasons 2001–02, 2002–03, 2003–04 saw the club finish in fairly moderate mid-table positions as the new committee worked to consolidate the long-term future. The club continued to compete for the Essex Senior League title and reached two finals in the Gordon Brasted Memorial Trophy only to lose them to Hornchurch and Brentwood Town. In the 2007–08 season the club finished 3rd in the Essex Senior League finishing behind Enfield 1893 and champions Concord Rangers in the table. However they had led the division for some time but fell away towards the end losing three of their last four games. The end of the season saw the club enter a new era after the Taylor family left the club after 8 years at the helm of the club.

The team led by Tony Fenn moved forward and secured a 5th place finish in the Essex Senior League. Silverware was also added as the squad secured a fine win over Burnham Ramblers, in the Essex Senior League Cup Final. It was a fitting end for the club after a hard season in which everyone involved at the club played their part.

The 2009–10 season saw the squad finish 9th in the table, as injuries and a fixture pile up disrupted the side. The clubhouse has also recently been totally refurbished and the club will be looking to involve themselves with the local community to increase attendances. In realising the importance of the local community, the club and are looking at a number of ways to encourage local schools and their pupilsto follow the team as well as a number of schemes aimed at raising the club’s profile.The club celebrated 115 years in season 2012/13,& marked this by having the clubs most successful season ,we gained promotion to the Ryman League for the first time in the clubs history,we also won the Essex Senior League cup by a record score of 9-1,our secretary became the first Essex Senior league official to win the secretary of the year 3.times& now the club are preparing to compete at their highest ever level in football.


IN OPPOSITION

MATT FREWA former player of the club, Matt became our manager in 2011. A hard-as-nails centre-back in his day, Matt’s achieved promotion and a League Cup win to date in his spell in charge.

STEVE MUNDAYFormer Barking manager Steve joined the club in 2012 as manager Matt Frew’s assistant. Steve has brought great expertise, know-how and coaching experience to our squad.

CHRIS CLARKA very reliable goalkeeper who is well-known across Essex for his reflex skills. Chris is in his second-spell at the club, he also operates as our goalkeeping coach. A well-respected individual at our club.

TIM PITMANA promising young keeper who joined last season from Brentwood. Tim runs a Goalkeeping School, developing the next generation of shot-stoppers. He impressed when called upon last season.

COREY ELLISCorey is in his third spell with the club and is a hard-working defender. He first joined in 2007 and quickly became a fans favourite. He always gives 100% and puts in a good shift.

JOE ELLULTough is a word that probably sums up Joe. Capable of playing anywhere across the back-four and up-front, Joe is great in both boxes and you know when you’ve been in a game against Joe.

DANNY HAYESWith proven experience in the division for Waltham Abbey and Redbridge, Danny joined last season and very quickly made the right-back position his own. Capable of playing right-wing too.

JOHN BRICKNELLA proven Essex Senior League player, John joins us from Enfield whom he impressed for last season. A stylish passer of the ball, we hope he pulls the strings for us well in midfield this year.

DANNY CALLWAYA real leader of a player. Danny provides great consistency. He has the knowledge and experience to operate successfully in midfield. A great tackler and passer who often chips in with vital goals.

IN PROFILEWho are the men from Barkingside to keep your eye on this afternoon? We introduce them to you here.

JOE ELLLUL


IN OPPOSITION

STEVE CARVELLFormer Exeter youngster Steve made a big impression after joining from Brentwood, scoring 7 times in 19 appearances. A skilful attacker, Steve works hard and has become a key member of our squad.

MATTY GULFERLast season Matt was arguably our best player with his performances getting better after he took on the captain’s armband. Matt’s a tricky winger and is one of the best crossers in the league.

DAN JONESOne of our new summer signings, midfielder Dan joins from Romford. Well-known for his hard-working displays, we hope he adjusts well to our team, as if he does, we’re have a great player on our hands.

JACK LEACHMANAnother new signing, Jack has come on in leaps and bounds over the last two seasons. The young playmaker played well at Waltham Forest. A good passer who always has time on the ball.

MO MEDINEMo joined us in pre-season and is a big tall, commanding central-midfielder. Mo has all the tools to succeed at this level of football and it is hoped his strength and positional-play suits us well.

RICHARD OXBYRichard is in his third season at the club and is a proven player at Ryman level from his time with Romford and Grays. He’s a good midfielder who has excellent distribution and defensive qualities.

DION POLIUSAnother new signing, Dion has impressed in pre-season where he chipped in with some vital goals. A

left-winger, Dion has the ability to go past people and we have big hopes for him.

MATT WALDRONMatt made a big impression after joining midway through the season. A good reader of the game, the defensive-midfielder quietly goes about his business on the pitch. He is also a coach in our Youth set-up.

LEWIS FRANCISThe former Romford striker made a big impression in our run-in last season scoring four times in 16 games, including a stunning overhead kick at Soham. Lewis has great potential and finishes well.

CHRIS TAYLORChris has the honour of scoring our final goal as an Oakside club when he netted in the last minute of our 4-1 home loss to Sudbury on the final day of last season. Has an eye for goal and good work-rate.

CALVIN POKUA popular member of our squad, Calvin joined from Bowers & Pitsea and was our top-scorer last season with 11 goals. He’s a good forward who finishes well with good control and somebody our fans are fond off.

“Dion is a new signing who impressed during pre-season, chipping in with goals as well as holding the ability to go past people - the club has high hopes for him”

CALVIN POKU


IN OPPOSITION

ALANWOODWARD

Good afternoon and, firstly, welcome back to another season here at Thamesmead Town.

After last season’s disappointment, we are back to make a statement.

This is a club that loves a challenge and we’re all looking to have a successful season. I would like to welcome Grant to the management team - I know that he will be a major plus for the club.

Our pre-season has gone well and we have a couple of new faces who have fitted in well. We’ve had a couple of injuries during pre-season, as well as a World Cup injury as Jack twisted his knee when England scored!

Carly was excellent last year and I’m glad that my sidekick is back with me once again.

Lastly, though, there was sad news when Terry passed away last week. Terry was the first face you would see as you entered the ground, earning the nickname of Terry Turnstile. I got

to know Terry through his daughter Sharon, and his grandson Joe, before meeting the rest of the boys.

Terry then became a regular at the ground watching Joe before moving onto the youth games. He eventually helped out at first team games.

His first job was always to come and see me to pick up the last away programme, I always made sure I had one for him.

His good lady Jean would then always come down to pick him up after the game. Terry loved his football and loved his grandchildren.

I know how much he was loved by his family and my thoughts are with them.

Of course, he will be deeply missed down here at the Mead.

Alan

“We are back after last season’s disappointment & we’re ready to make a statement - this is a club that loves a challenge & we’re all looking to have a successful season this time around”


THE TREATMENT ROOM

SEASONPREVIEWWith the big kick off finally upon us, our friends at Kent Sports News preview the new season for Kent’s clubs.

When last season finished back in late April / early May, Saturday 9th August seemed a long way off.

Since then the World Cup, Wimbledon, The Open, The British Grand Prix and The Commonwealth Games have all been and gone and so before we know where we are ITS THE BIG KICK OFF! The Conference starts with Kent’s best representation for a few years. Jamie Day will be looking for his WELLING UNITED side to continue to defy the odds as they did last season.

Meanwhile the lucky losers are definitely DARTFORD, and Tony Burman will be praying for a better season than time when the Darts finished in a relegation place only to be saved by the demise of Hereford United. It should be interesting to see the Bradbrook brothers playing together again following Tom’s move to join Elliot at Princes Park.

The most intriguing campaign could well come at Crabble where DOVER ATHLETIC return to the Conference and provide Chris Kinnear another crack at Non League’s highest level. Last season’s promotion through the Play Offs will leave Dover as a number of people’s dark horses

to do well and that could well go in their favour. In Conference South, EBBSFLEET UNITED have had a sensational pre season, and are still smarting from being beaten by Dover in the Play Off Final - could that be the motivation for the Fleet once they start their season as they were due to face Salisbury City on Saturday “until” the goal posts there started being moved by the powers that be.

BROMLEY had a stunning season last season until they came up against a rampant Ebbsfleet in the Play Offs and so Mark Goldberg will be hoping that this time the men from Hayes Lane can just get over the line. Down into the Ryman Premier there could be a real battle. Jay Saunders will be looking for MAIDSTONE UNITED to get over the line this time around after they fell away at the end of the season. Buoyed by the recent news that non grass services will now be accepted into the Conference, is it the spur that the Stones missed out on last season.

At the other end of the county, it looks to be a season of hope at Hartsdown Park, as under Terry Brown’s guidance the new

“Jay Saunders will be looking for Maidstone to get over the line this time around after they fell away last season - they will be buoyed by the news that non-grass pitches will now be accepted”


SEASON PREVIEW

MARGATE are amongst the bookies favourites to challenge for honours.

Elsewhere, Steve McKimm takes a step into the unknown at Longmead as he takes charge of TONBRIDGE ANGELS for the first time. The Angels are still smarting from not being reprieved given the chaos and shambles that has following Hereford and Salisbury all season. Over in Ryman North, both The MEAD and CRAY WANDERERS will be looking to bounce back following last seasons relegation. Cray had a desperately disappointing season but new boss Keith Bird has been shrewd in his new signings and in signing “veteran” striker Shawn Welford could be key.

Across at the SCT, the Mead boss Keith McMahon has been able to keep the nucleus of the side that came agonisingly close to staying up, and if they can bring into this season the form with which they finished last year, it could prove a happy season at the SCT.

The counties other representatives in the division are CHATHAM TOWN who of course last season hit the headlines with their Cup run to the Fourth Qualifying Round, and although boss

Kevin Watson was delighted with that, he’ll be the first to tell you that in this his third season in charge, a League challenge will definitely be the target this time around. Finally to Ryman South where we start at Cheriton Road where FOLKESTONE INVICTA will be looking to go a stage further after losing out to Leatherhead in the Play Offs last season.

As Neil Cugley plots another season, he’s re-signed Darren Smith for the third time and it will be interesting to see just how much the veterans influence comes into play.

In Thanet it was a close season for hopefully things to calm down at RAMSGATE after the turbulent way last season finished when Justin Luchford after just a few short weeks in charge after controversially being appointed in the first place. Dean Hill was appointed during the summer and has spent the break putting together a squad that could surprise.

Continuing the trip around the coast to Winches Field and Sam Denly will be looking for more consistency from his HERNE BAY charges, as they look to take another stride forward at this level.

The Bay have always got their local derby against the Oystermen to look forward to although it does promise to be an interesting season at the Belmont for the WHITSTABLE TOWN faithful.

Chairman Gary Johnson raised a number of eye brows by appointing Jim and Danny Ward to the management positions , and if the Wards can get their teeth into the Oystermen, it could prove a fascinating season for all at the Belmont.

At Salters Lane, Ray Turner’s FAVERSHAM TOWN will look to make the Play Offs at the least this time round after narrowly missing out last time. Faversham’s consistency in their final league position over the last few season’s is impressive - its just a question now of nosing over the line.

And we finish the preview at Woodstock Park, where SITTINGBOURNE start their second season but with “only” one manager following the departure of Nick Davis leaving just Matt Wyatt in charge of a side that could struggle early on following the departure of their two main strikers (Ryan Golding and Joe Taylor) from last year.


SEASON PREVIEW

BUDDY’S CLEAN SHEET CANCER CHALLENGEWe are delighted to announce this afternoon a very special fund raising plan for our very good friends at Cancer Research UK.

Mike Green, the club’s head of Marketing and Communications - the man behind the idea - told us; “We were looking for a Charity partner this season and I was looking into a way of doing it so that it stands out.

“And what better way than have one of your player’s wearing a bright pink kit... and that is where Buddy (Rob Budd) got involved.

“I spoke to him and he loved the idea and knew immediately who we should approach to fund raise for. “And so the TTFC Clean Sheet Cancer Challenge was born. It’s a challenge that will see our number one wearing a special pink keeper’s kit, as they’re sponsored during the season to keep those all-important clean sheets which will not only help us to do well on the pitch, but will also help us to assist the funding of the magnificent and ground breaking

work that Cancer Research UK has undertaken in the last 40 years, which has seen survival rates more than double.” More than 1 in 3 people in the UK will develop cancer at some point in their lives, and one of those sadly in 2012 was Rob’s sister Emma, which is where the challenge came from. Rob takes up the story: “It was a huge shock when Emma first told the family but she fought the disease all the way - she first developed breast cancer before beating it.

“It then spread to her lymph gland and we thought she’d beaten in again. We then found out that she had a brain tumour and she wasn’t given a very good diagnosis.

“But the doctors were amazed when it looked like she’d beaten it against all the odds again which was something apparently that

“She was an inspiration to all who knew her &

when Mike asked me to get involved

I jumped at the chance - it’s my chance to give a little back to the

wonderful people who helped Emma during those three

years”


THE BIG FEATURE

hardly ever happened before.” But the joy was short lived as the disease that Dame Helen Mirren so famously called “a shitty, shitty disease” in the film Calendar Girls, took hold again one last time.

Rob continued his story, “The cancer has sadly spread to another part of her brain, but this time it was too late!

“In the end she’d fought the various cancers for three years during which time everyone at the club was fantastic as she lived in South Africa and the club helped me out and gave me money towards flights and stuff as I kept going back and forth over the course of a few months.

“She was an amazing person who never moaned just got on with it - she was always positive. I miss her

everyday - she was an inspiration to all her knew her and touched everyone that came into her life at the start an towards the end. In the end she was only 35 when she passed away on October 25th 2012 leaving her husband and two children. “When Mike asked me if I wanted to get involved I jumped at the chance.

“It’s my chance to give a little back to the wonderful people who helped Emma during the three years and hopefully help to find a cure or help Cancer Research UK continue their fabulous work.” Emma Minshull, a Central Fundraising Executive at Cancer Research told us, “It was great to hear more and hear about your plans. Every step we make towards beating cancer relies on every pound, every hour and every person.

“The Mead will be joining the thousands of people helping our ground breaking scientists to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

“I look forward to hearing more about your progress during the season and thanks again for choosing to fundraise for Cancer Research UK.”

If you would like to back our Clean Sheet Cancer Challenge, please see Mike Green in the Committee Room on a matchday to sign the Sponsorship Form. Alternatively, there will donation boxes all around the Mead Bar all season long should you want contribute that way.

Please help us to help ground breaking work hopefully cure this world once and for all - every single penny really does count.


THE BIG FEATURE

THEU21s

Well, here we go again – another season upon us in what seems like no time at all!

The U21s side finished up midway in the South division in its inaugural year – not a bad show given the relatively short time we had to get a side together, but our congratulations go to Maidstone United who were worthy champions.

Perhaps a better measure of our own success is how well some of the players did last season to push themselves in to Keith’s plans for this coming season.

We had a clutch of players that improved throughout last season and contributed to the first team at one stage or another.

Early signs are promising that a couple of these players have a future with the first team at the club – and given that these players, and quite a few more involved in Keith’s squad, still qualify as U21s players.

As a second string manager it’s very pleasing to know that players you have brought into the club have been recognised.

It’s fantastic not only for those players that have already progressed, but also as an indication to other players that if you are good enough, you are certainly old enough.

This season sees the U21s side mirroring the first team and playing in the North division of the competition. The league has done well in growing slightly given the creation of other leagues, but I think that it’s certainly the premium competition for aspiring players to compete in.

One of the advantages of switching to the North league is the opportunity to visit new clubs and pit ourselves against new opposition.

Last season was great from the point of view that we played at some excellent grounds, but there is always something exciting about visiting a ground for the first time.

From a players point of view, we have lost quite a few players – we go into this season with maybe a third of the players that were here at the start of the campaign.

Players move on for a multitude of reasons – ranging from trying their luck elsewhere to maybe realising the commitment is maybe just a bit too much for them. However, this gives us the opportunity to bring in some new players and elevate players from the younger teams with the club.

We have a steady stream of quality

young players in the U18s teams and below, and clearly they need somewhere to progress to as and when the time is right.

As well as finding players from within the club, we have found some technically excellent players that have something different to offer.

I am sure that some of them will catch the eye and who knows, maybe follow Ross and Tom and be given an opportunity to impress in and around the first team.

Our games this season are predominantly on a Wednesday evening – it would be great to see as many of you attending as possible.

Our season doesn’t start until the last midweek of August but early signs are good with a narrow loss to Erith & Belvedere followed up by a creditable draw with Phoenix.

It’s still early days, but myself and the coaches, Jose and Sam, are confident that we can give another good account of ourselves this coming season.

Here’s to season 2014/15!

Andy


THE MEAD’S U21s

Many £1 activities to choose from:Saturday – 9.15-10.15amBoxercise, Thamesmead Gym.

Monday – 10-11amWheelie Babies, Greenmead Children’s Centre.

Monday – 7-8pmBack to Fitness, Sporting Club Thamesmead.

Tuesday – 7.30-8.30pmBadminton, The Business Academy Bexley. (at Sporting Club Thamesmead from 5-19 August)

Wednesday – 1.30-2.30pmBeginners Jogging Discovery Children’s Centre,Crèche available, Starts 10th September.

Thursday – 10.30-11.30amZumba™ Gold, Sporting Club Thamesmead.

Thursday – 11.30-12.30pmZumba™, Sporting Club Thamesmead.

Thursday – 1-3pmGreen Gym, Good Life Garden, Thamesmead.

Thursday – 7.30-8.30pmNetball, The Business Academy Bexley.(at Sporting Club Thamesmead from 7-21 August).

Friday – 7-8.30pmFootball Kickabout, Sporting Club Thamesmead.

Monday-Friday - 9am onwardsPay and play social TennisSporting Club ThamesmeadPlease check availability fi rst

Now’s the Time is a three year Sport England initiative managed by Trust Thamesmead, London Borough of Bexley, Royal Borough of Greenwich, Gallions Housing Association and Peabody.

Join us or fi nd out more www.nttthamesmead.co.uk

Follow us on Twitter @nttthamesmead

Tel: 020 8320 4488

to get Active

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Venues:Sporting Club Thamesmead, Bayliss Avenue, SE28 8NJ.

The Business Academy Bexley, Yarnton Way, Thamesmead,DA18 4DW.

Gallions Reach Health Centre, Bentham Road, SE28 8BE.

Greenmead Children’s Centre, Lime Row (o� Yarnton Way), Thamesmead, DA18 4HW.

Discovery Children’s Centre, Battery Road, SE28 OJN.

Good Life Garden, Birchmere Park, Thamesmead.

Thamesmead Gym, The Link, Harrow Manor Way, SE2 9XJ.

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605748 A4_Flyer_V2.indd 1 15/07/2014 10:35

So, here we go again. After a summer of more international let down and what seems like an even longer pre-season than the last really long pre-season, real football is back.

The beautiful pitches – complete with grass in the goalmouth – the warm afternoons and evenings, the sense of anticipation and optimism.

At this time of the year, everyone is going to have a good season. August is the month of hope before the denial of September and the reality of late October.

In last week’s NLP we canvassed the opinions of fans of the 24 Vanarama Conference clubs – who would be their star of the season and, most importantly, how would they get on?

Not one said their club will go down. Even those who thought they might struggle a little bit spoke about mid-table safety, if not a top ten finish.

Because, as football fans, the ‘You-never-know-what-can-happen-football-is-a-funny-old-game’ mantra is ingrained into us. We just can’t help it.

Everything is ahead and all to play for. At the moment we can all still dream knowing within a few minutes of the first ball being kicked, it could all be shattered.

For no reason other than I saw them

win a game at QPR when I was seven, I support Sheffield Wednesday – and that’s why I love this part of the season. Nothing has gone wrong yet.

Deep down I know we probably haven’t recruited well enough to mount a promotion push and get back to the Premier League.

But I’ve got the same nagging question as I do every other year: What if? I should know better.

Take the first day of the 2000-01 season. We’d just been relegated from the Premier League and we needed a good start away at Wolves.

Thirteen (that’s THIRTEEEN) seconds in keeper Kevin Pressman came racing out of his box to make a block, was adjudged to handle the ball and was sent-off.

Take the opening day of the 2007-08 season. We’d just signed Francis Jeffers and some of our best youngsters were

yet to be poached. Less than two minutes in we gave away a penalty, conceded and ended up getting smashed 4-1.

Yes I know it’s a marathon not a sprint, and Kidderminster Harriers showed a couple of years ago that you can get your first three points 11 games in and still finish runners-up.

It might not mean anything – see Forest Green hammering Hyde 8-0 on the opening day last year – but it’s so nice to get off to a good start.

And that’s what everyone will be hoping for as the big kick-off arrives – until 3.01pm at least.

Matt Badcock


THE NON-LEAGUE PAPER

MAN OF THEMATCH

Once again, we’re delighted that the Cooper Family are generously sponsoring our Man of the Match award this year.

Each home game, the Man of the Match award will be presented to the winning player by the Cooper family, pictured above, who have once again been very kind as to sponsor the award.

They got on board last season with the award in the first half of the campaign and it proved to be a huge success - the whole team were even awarded the accolade after a resounding win over Maidstone!

The club would like to extend its sincere thanks to the family for their continued support. We’ve listed the award winners from last season for this issue, but who will begin this season’s list this evening?

The award is presented in the Mead Lounge after the game, so why not hang around with us and congratulate the recipient for a fine performance?

East Thurrock - Rob Budd

Met Police - Lewis Tozer

Bognor Regis Town - George Monger

AFC Hornchurch - Danny Phillips

Carshalton Athletic - Lewis Tozer

Hampton & Richmond - Sean Roberts

Leiston - Jay Porter

Lowestoft Town - Junior Baker

Cray Wanderers - Rashid Kamara

Billericay Town - Junior Baker

Grays Athletic - Derek Duncan

Maidstone United - The whole team!

Wealdstone - Sean Roberts

Kingstonian - Derek Duncan

Enfield Town - Danny Phillips

Harrow Borough - Sean Roberts

Lewes - Tyrus Gordon-Young

TYRUS GORDON-YOUNG RECEIVES THE AWARD AGAINST LEWES AFTER

NETTING A BRACE


MAN OF THE MATCH AWARD

KeithMcMAHON

Available

RobCARTER

Available

AlanWOODWARD

Available

AshleyPROBETS

Available

RobBUDD

SteveWAIT

Available

RayBAGNALL

Available

GrantSPELLMAN

Available

The Roberts FamilyRichardBUTLER

Available

TyrusGORDON-YOUNG

Available

The Roberts FamilyDerekDUNCAN

The Cooper Family

The Roberts FamilyJackHOPKINS

The Cooper Family

The Roberts FamilyRashidKAMARA

The Roberts FamilySimonGLOVER

Available

FIRST TEAMSPONSORS

FariaHALLAM

Available

The Roberts FamilyJoshJAMES

Available

The Roberts FamilyTomJEWERS

Available

RossMURPHY

Available


PLAYER SPONSORSHIPS

The Roberts FamilySeanROBERTS

The Cooper Family

LewisTOZER

The Cooper Family

The Roberts FamilyMichaelSPENCER

Available

AdemRAMADAN

Available

The Roberts FamilyLeslieTHOMPSON

Available

The Roberts FamilyStuartZANONE

Available

WANT TO SPONSOR YOUR FAVOURITE?

Please see Mike Green on matchdays, e-mail [email protected] or

call 07845 751319


PLAYER SPONSORSHIPS

THEACADEMY

The players here at Thamesmead Town FC Academy are reaping the benefits of the close working relationship that currently exists between the 1st Team and U21’s.

Adem Ramadan has lunched himself into the 1st Team set up and has signed for this coming season whilst another two players (Marcus Johnson and Ryan George) progressed into the U21’s side last year and are currently involved in the pre-season preparations.

This season the academy is offering two different pathways for the very first time:Level 3 BTEC Diploma in Sport (performance and excellence pathway) in partnership with SCL Based at Sporting Club Thamesmead this programme is ideal for those who are interested in progressing into the sports industry, or continuing education in this sector at higher education establishments whilst playing football for Thamesmead Town FC.Entry criteria – 3 GCSE’s A*-C (Including English and Science preferably).

TTFC Academy in partnership with Business Academy Bexley For those football enthusiasts who are interested in continuing their academic studies into Sixth Form, including studying A-Levels whilst playing football for Thamesmead Town FC.Entry requirements are dependent on desired academic course. The academy is recruiting players/students up until the end of September 2014. If you are interested in a trial, please direct enquiries to [email protected]

10/09 Cray Wanderers A

17/09 Crystal Palace H

24/09 Dartford A

01/10 Dulwich H

08/10 Eastbourne A

22/10 Fulham H

05/11 Maidstone A

19/11 Millwall H

26/11 Three Bridges H

03/12 Bromley A

10/12 Charlton H

07/01 Cray Wanderers H

14/01 Crystal Palace A

28/01 Dartford H

04/02 Dulwich A

25/02 Eastbourne H

04/03 Fulham A

18/03 Maidstone H

25/03 Millwall A

15/04 Three Bridges A

22/04 Bromley H

29/04 Charlton A

THAMESMEAD GREENS

FIXTURES 2014/15

10/09 Gillingham H

17/09 Crystal Palace A

24/09 Dartford H

01/10 Eastbourne A

08/10 Margate H

22/10 Maidstone A

05/11 Dover H

19/11 Tonbridge A

26/11 Ebbsfleet A

03/12 Bromley H

10/12 Lewes A

07/01 Gillingham A

14/01 Crystal Palace H

28/01 Dartford A

04/02 Eastbourne H

25/02 Margate A

04/03 Maidstone H

18/03 Dover A

25/03 Tonbridge H

15/04 Ebssfleet H

22/04 Bromley A

29/04 Lewes H

THAMESMEAD YELLOWSFIXTURES 2014/15


THE MEAD ACADEMY

COMMERCIALCORNERIs it really August 9th already?!

It’s a season sadly that will be missing a very dear friend - as you will have read elsewhere, dear Terry Luthwaite (aka Terry Turnstile) passed away last weekend at the age of 74. He will be sorely missed by all of us here at the SCT; always happy, always smiling, always willing to talk to anyone. You were a gentleman Terry and you’ll be missed by us all. Out of tribute, today’s game is dedicated to your memory! New season - new hope... and what about the new programme, huh? Once again programme editor Daniel Parker at Duplexity Artwork and Dave Boughton at our printers Scarbutts - take a bow, gents; another great publication for us to be rightly proud of. Keep an eye out for our all new website - the technical boys have been working tirelessly during the summer and it’s so very close to going live. Hopefully everything will be in place when we welcome Waltham Abbey here in ten days time.

And for you to be a part of it we need your help both in your support and your help in gaining for the club new advertisers and sponsors. And to that end we have an amazing series of packages available to any company or individual willing to support the club. For full details on all of our packages please see me at some point during this afternoon.

Early thanks go to our club photographer Louisa and her company Urban Bridesmaid for her continued support of the club and backing of our new Mead Matters news pages.

And a big thank you too goes to Kent Sports News for their continued backing of the Commercial Corner, as well as a couple of Match Partnerships in the coming weeks.

Another big thank you to the Cooper Family for their continued support of the Man of the Match at home games and the sponsoring of players - something that you may like to talk to me about this afternoon! And so to today’s match partner, and we’re delighted to welcome Cancer Research UK as today we start the Clean Sheet Charity Challenge - we’re asking for you to sponsor our keeper through the season to keep clean sheets in the hope of raising much needed funds for a truly fantastic charity. You’ll find the full story on page 18, and thank you for your generosity. If you or your company, group, or club want to get involved, please contact the Commercial team at [email protected] Cheers,Greenie

“Keep an eye out for our all-new website; the technical boys have been working tirelessly during the summer & it is so close to going live”


COMMERCIAL CORNER

DATE OPPOSITION COMP ATT. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

AUGUST

Sat 9 Barkingside H RP

Tue 12 Cheshunt A RP

Sat 16 AFC Sudbury A RP

Tue 19 Waltham Abbey H RP

Sat 23 Brentwood Town A RP

Mon 25 Cray Wanderers H RP

Sat 30 South Park A FACP

SEPTEMBER

Tue 2 Tilbury A RP

Sat 6 Needham Market H RP

Tue 9 Ware H RP

Sat 13 Wroxham A RP

Tue 16 Thurrock A RP

Sat 20 Soham Town H RP

Tue 23 Great Wakering H RP

Sat 27 Redbridge A RP

Tue 30 Chatham Town H RPOCTOBER

Sat 4 Brightlinsea Regent A RP

Sat 11 Dereham Town H RP

Sat 18 Aylesbury A FATP

Sat 25 Burnham Ramblers A RP

NOVEMBER

Sat 1 Romford H RP

Sat 8 Heybridge Swifts A RP

Sat 15 Harlow Town H RP

Sat 22 Barkingside A LC

Sat 29 Cheshunt H RPDECEMBER

Sat 6 Waltham Abbey A RP

Sat 13 AFC Sudbury H RP

Sat 20 Maldon & Tiptree A RP

Fri 26 Aveley H RP

Wed 30 Cray Wanderers A RP

JANUARY 2015

Sat 3 Brentwood Town H RP

Sat 10 Tilbury H RP

Sat 17 Needham Market A RP

Sat 24 Ware A RP

Sat 31 Wroxham H RPFEBRUARY

Sat 7 Brightlingsea H RP

Sat 14 Chatham Town A RP

Sat 21 Burnham Ramblers H RP

Sat 28 Dereham Town A RP

MARCH

Sat 7 Thurrock H RP

Sat 14 Soham Town Rangers A RP

Sat 21 Redbridge H RP

Sat 28 Great Wakering Rovers A RP

APRIL

Sat 4 Maldon & Tiptree H RP

Mon 6 Aveley A RP

Sat 11 Romford A RP

Sat 18 Heybridge Swifts H RP

Sat 25 Harlow Town A RP

FIXTURES & RESULTS


FIXTURES & RESULTS 2014/15

DATE OPPOSITION COMP ATT. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

AUGUST

Sat 9 Barkingside H RP

Tue 12 Cheshunt A RP

Sat 16 AFC Sudbury A RP

Tue 19 Waltham Abbey H RP

Sat 23 Brentwood Town A RP

Mon 25 Cray Wanderers H RP

Sat 30 South Park A FACP

SEPTEMBER

Tue 2 Tilbury A RP

Sat 6 Needham Market H RP

Tue 9 Ware H RP

Sat 13 Wroxham A RP

Tue 16 Thurrock A RP

Sat 20 Soham Town H RP

Tue 23 Great Wakering H RP

Sat 27 Redbridge A RP

Tue 30 Chatham Town H RPOCTOBER

Sat 4 Brightlinsea Regent A RP

Sat 11 Dereham Town H RP

Sat 18 Aylesbury A FATP

Sat 25 Burnham Ramblers A RP

NOVEMBER

Sat 1 Romford H RP

Sat 8 Heybridge Swifts A RP

Sat 15 Harlow Town H RP

Sat 22 Barkingside A LC

Sat 29 Cheshunt H RPDECEMBER

Sat 6 Waltham Abbey A RP

Sat 13 AFC Sudbury H RP

Sat 20 Maldon & Tiptree A RP

Fri 26 Aveley H RP

Wed 30 Cray Wanderers A RP

JANUARY 2015

Sat 3 Brentwood Town H RP

Sat 10 Tilbury H RP

Sat 17 Needham Market A RP

Sat 24 Ware A RP

Sat 31 Wroxham H RPFEBRUARY

Sat 7 Brightlingsea H RP

Sat 14 Chatham Town A RP

Sat 21 Burnham Ramblers H RP

Sat 28 Dereham Town A RP

MARCH

Sat 7 Thurrock H RP

Sat 14 Soham Town Rangers A RP

Sat 21 Redbridge H RP

Sat 28 Great Wakering Rovers A RP

APRIL

Sat 4 Maldon & Tiptree H RP

Mon 6 Aveley A RP

Sat 11 Romford A RP

Sat 18 Heybridge Swifts H RP

Sat 25 Harlow Town A RP


FIXTURES & RESULTS 2014/15

FOLLOW EDDIE’S MEAD CAB ON THE ROAD TO:

CHESHUNTTuesday 12th August

Kick-Off: 7.45Follow the M25 north through the Dartford Tunnel and continue until you reach J25.

Take the third exit onto the A10 and, when you immediately reach another roundabout again, take the third exit onto the A121.

Turn left at the next roundabout and continue, passing over two smaller roundabouts with the train station on your left.

As you pass under the bridge, turn left at the third mini roundabout onto Theobalds Lane, where the ground will appear on your right, behind the trees.

NEXTHEREThe Mead return to action here at the SCT in ten days’ time, for the visit of Waltham Abbey on Tuesday 19th August.

The Mead are on the road for two successive trips after this afternoon’s curtain-raiser, returning to action at Sporting Club Thamesmead for the visit of Paul Wickenden’s Waltham Abbey.

The Abbotts will be hoping for better fortunes this time around having struggled to find form last season, eventually finishing safely in eighteenth place. It was a comfortable finish though, with only two sides dropping out of the division.

Off-season activities won’t have helped their cause, however, and Wickenden revealed his disappointment this week that his charges will head into today’s opener away to Aveley with a somewhat depleted squad.

Six players will be missing this afternoon through either injury, suspension or other reasons, and Wickenden expressed his frustration. However, he retains high hopes for a much more promising campaign, stating: “We want to get in the play-offs – that’s got to be our minimum aim.”

The Abbotts lost 3-0 in their final pre-season warm up game as they took on Royston Town, and will be keen to get off to a good start if they are to gather any early momentum for that top five push.


NEXT UP

TODAY’S RYMAN LEAGUE FIXTURESAveley v Waltham AbbeyBrentwood Town v ThurrockChatham Town v Dereham TownCray Wanderers v AFC SudburyMaldon & Tiptree v CheshuntNeedham Market v Great WakeringRedbridge v Harlow TownRomford v Burnham RamblersSoham Town Rangers v HeybridgeThamesmead Town v BarkingsideTilbury v Brightlingsea RegentWroxham v Ware

OFFICIALSReferee:Leigh Crowhurst

Assistants:Theo Parfitt David Lunani

NEXT HERE

WALTHAM ABBEYTuesday 19th AugustRyman League Division One NorthKick-Off: 7.45pm

THAMESMEADTOWN

BARKINGSIDE

Manager: Keith McMahon Manager: Matt Frew

Rob BUDD 01 Chris CLARK

Michael SPENCER 02 Danny HAYES

Ashley PROBETS 03 Matt WALDRON

Simon GLOVER 04 Corey ELLIS

Faria HALLAM 05 Joe ELLUL

Richard BUTLER 06 Danny CALLAWAY

Sean ROBERTS 07 Richard OXBY

Rashid KAMARA 08 John BRICKNELL

Tyrus GORDON-YOUNG 09 Steve CARVELL

Stuart ZANONE 10 Matt GULFER

Leslie THOMPSON 11 Calvin POKU

Jack HOPKINS 12 Danny JONES

Rob CARTER 14 Steve WATTS

Josh JAMES 15 Jason FONTAINE

Ade RAMADAN 16 Chris TAYLOR

Tom JEWERS 17 Tim PITMAN

Documents

Thamesmead Town v Barkingside