26/4. As the curtain fell on another successful season, United signed off in style with a convincing victory at home to a Sidley side that had moved off the foot of the table for the first time all year after a midweek win at Hassocks. Paul Nessling's return allowed manager John Lambert to name a recognised goalkeeper for the first time in three matches, but Paul was powerless to prevent the visitors from claiming the lead midway through the first half. The goal stirred a previously lacklustre United into life though, and Danny Ellis equalised with a superb direct free kick eight minutes before the break, while the introduction of a less than fully fit Matt Maclean as an interval substitute proved to be the turning point, as United went on to dominate the second period. Matt was the catalyst for a much improved performance, twice being hauled down in the area to allow skipper Jack Franklin to fire home a brace of penalty kicks, before wrapping up the scoring himself with a late header. The victory saw United retain fifth place in the final league table.
United line-up: 1 Paul Nessling, 2 Milton Miltiadou, 3 Benjamin Symes, 4 Ben Radley, 5 Matt Cornelius, 6 Jack Franklin, 7 Kevin Bird, 8 Matt Darby, 9 Martin Denny, 10 Liam Miles, 11 Danny Ellis. Subs used: Sam Hesmer, Matt Maclean, Jack Stapley.
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19/4. Despite a valiant effort, and having taken a first half lead, United's threadbare resources ultimately came unstuck at Priory Lane today against an Eastbourne Borough side that was presented with the championship trophy ahead of the penultimate game of the season. United were once again without a recognised goalkeeper for this encounter, full back Paddy Cody volunteering to wear the number one jersey, and doing a remarkable job, especially in the wake of Borough's second half fightback. Martin Denny had given United a well deserved interval advantage, and but for two goalline clearances, United could have been out of sight by the break, but a defensive lapse allowed Borough an equaliser midway through the second period, and United were then cruelly denied even a share of the spoils by a late winner. A win in their final match at home to bottom of the table Sidley next weekend would now see United finish anywhere between third and seventh in the County League table, depending on the results of several other sides of course.
United line-up: 1 Paddy Cody, 2 Milton Miltiadou, 3 Benjamin Symes, 4 Ben Radley, 5 Matt Cornelius, 6 Jack Franklin, 7 Sam Hesmer, 8 Matt Darby, 9 Martin Denny, 10 Liam Miles, 11 Danny Ellis. Sub used: Gregg Berry.
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16/4. After the weekend's goalscoring spree against Shoreham, United were left wishing that they had kept but a single strike in reserve at the Pilot Field this evening, as Hailsham managed to hold them to a goalless draw. Danny Spice made a welcome return from injury, replacing Kevin Rose in the starting line-up, while Liam Miles started his first match in almost two months, and Matt Maclean was released from First Team duty to play his first game in a fortnight. There was a gaping hole in United's defensive plans though, with keeper Jani Seitsonen withdrawing through injury, and fellow custodian Paul Nessling unavailable, forcing central defender Ben Radley to don the gloves. United need not have worried however, Ben producing a faultless display that was rewarded with a clean sheet, although United ultimately missed out on three points when Matt blazed a penalty over the crossbar, the clearest of several excellent opportunities to break the deadlock. The draw saw United drop back to fifth place in the league table with only two games left to play, the first of which takes them to runaway champions Eastbourne Borough on Saturday.
United line-up: 1 Ben Radley, 2 Sam Hesmer, 3 Milton Miltiadou, 4 Matt Cornelius, 5 Danny Spice, 6 Jack Franklin, 7 Kevin Bird, 8 Matt Darby, 9 Liam Miles, 10 Danny Ellis, 11 Matt Maclean. Subs used: Gregg Berry, Benjamin Symes, Martin Denny.
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12/4. A superb second half display carried United to their biggest home league win of the season against mid-table Shoreham this afternoon. Kevin Rose made a long-awaited return from injury to add some experience to the United line-up, but his lack of match fitness was obvious the longer the first half wore on, as United initially struggled to impose themselves on the game, falling behind after a quarter of an hour, and they would have gone two goals down, but for a goalline clearance from Jack Franklin. The course of the game turned when Martin Denny grabbed United an equaliser five minutes before the interval, with Danny Ellis then scoring less than sixty seconds after the restart, and Jack adding a third a couple of minutes later. The visitors quickly pulled a goal back, but Kevin Bird's third goal in as many games doubled United's advantage once again, with Ben Radley and substitute Liam Miles adding a touch of gloss to the scoreline in the closing stages. With three games left to play, United are now back up into fourth place in the league table, and they will hope to retain the winning habit when Hailsham visit the Pilot Field on Wednesday evening.
United line-up: 1 Jani Seitsonen, 2 Matt Cornelius, 3 Milton Miltiadou, 4 Ben Radley, 5 Kevin Rose, 6 Jack Franklin, 7 Kevin Bird, 8 Matt Darby, 9 Martin Denny, 10 Danny Ellis, 11 Terry Payne. Subs used: Liam Miles, Ollie Cox, Wayne Farrier.
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8/4. For the second time in three days, United conceded a half time lead and were forced to settle for a draw, this time against a near full strength First Team fielded by opponents Eastbourne United Association, whose Reserve side is apparently crippled by injuries at present. United welcomed back Ben Radley in place of Wayne Farrier, but were otherwise unchanged from Saturday's threadbare line-up, but even so, this was a game that United could, and probably should, have won, especially after Kevin Bird's second goal in as many matches gave them the advantage five minutes before the interval. After the break, a couple of gilt edged chances came and went, and United ought to have been convincingly ahead by the time the visitors equalised midway through the second half. Eastbourne then looked the more likely to claim victory in the closing stages, but defeat would have been harsh on John Lambert's young side, who remain in fourth place in the table ahead of this weekend's visit from Shoreham.
United line-up: 1 Jani Seitsonen, 2 Jack Stapley, 3 Milton Mitiadou, 4 Ben Radley, 5 Matt Cornelius, 6 Jack Franklin, 7 Sam Hesmer, 8 Matt Darby, 9 Martin Denny, 10 Danny Ellis, 11 Kevin Bird. Subs used: Paul Nessling, Terry Paine, Liam Miles.
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5/4. United bounced back from their midweek cup disappointment, as a now typically under-strength put in a superb effort to claim a draw away to second in the table Worthing at Woodside Road. With manager John Lambert struggling through injury, assistant Wayne Farrier took to the field for the first time this season, joining Matt Cornelius, himself only just back from a lengthy suspension, at the heart of United's defence, while Liam Miles made a long overdue return from injury as a late substitute. The collective lack of match practice scarcely showed however, largely thanks to the supreme central midfield partnership of Jack Franklin and Matt Darby, who ran the contest for long periods, after Kevin Bird had headed United into an early lead. United's failings in front of goal have been the cause of much anxiety this season, and this afternoon proved to be no exception, and the lack of what would have been a well deserved second goal ultimately cost United a win, as Worthing grabbed an equaliser with around a quarter of an hour remaining to earn a share of the spoils. The point took United up a place to fourth in the table, and dropped Worthing to third, still four points ahead, although United do have a game in hand, and are in action at home to struggling Eastbourne United Association on Tuesday evening.
United line-up: 1 Jani Seitsonen, 2 Jack Stapley, 3 Milton Mitiadou, 4 Wayne Farrier, 5 Matt Cornelius, 6 Jack Franklin, 7 Sam Hesmer, 8 Matt Darby, 9 Danny Ellis, 10 Martin Denny, 11 Kevin Bird. Sub used: Liam Miles.
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2/4. Dreams of a glorious cup double were left in tatters at The Saffrons this evening, as United were edged out by a single goal against County League Division Three neighbours Bexhill in the first semi-final of the Sussex Intermediate Cup, a decent contest spoilt by some rather erratic officiating. Ben Radley returned to United's three man central defence, while Terry Payne and Matt Maclean added some attacking variation alongside Danny Ellis, in a line-up otherwise lacking in recent First Team experience.
Bexhill had the better of the opening quarter of an hour, but United went on to create a string of superb chances, with Bexhill keeper Aaron Heritage pushing away a twenty yard effort from Danny, and then denying Jack Franklin, after United's skipper had broken clean through. The game's ultimately decisive moment occurred in the thirty-third minute, when Ben was dubiously penalised for a foul on Will Dunstall, when he appeared to have been held back himself, and Ben White's inswinging free kick was met by a glancing header at the near post by forty-seven year old striker Peter Heritage. Two more great saves just before half time from Aaron Heritage then kept Bexhill in front at the break, Sam Hesmer's close range effort being brilliantly smothered, and Danny having a left foot shot tipped onto the crossbar, as United pressed in vain for an equaliser.
The second period saw United force Bexhill ever deeper into their own half, but White was a significant obstacle at the back and his excellent reading of the game was a wonderful asset in keeping United at bay. Dunstall missed a good chance for Bexhill on the hour mark, breaking down the left but failing to overly test United keeper Jani Seitsonen, and for the following twenty-five minutes, United enjoyed the vast majority of the possession and territorial advantage, but without forcing Heritage to make a save of note. In the closing stages, Bexhill twice missed golden chances to make the game safe, Dave Harris and Mark Funnell both running clear down the right, but neither managing to beat Jani at his near post, and Bexhill almost paid a heavy price, as Jack found himself in space on the edge of the area in stoppage time, only to place his shot wide of the post.
With that miss went United's hopes of forcing extra time, leaving them to reflect on a marvelous run to the last four of the competition, and to simply now look ahead to their final six league matches of the season, a sequence that starts with a trip to second placed Worthing on Saturday.
United line-up: 1 Jani Seitsonen, 2 John Lambert, 3 Milton Miltiadou, 4 Ben Radley, 5 Jack Stapley, 6 Jack Franklin, 7 Sam Hesmer, 8 Matt Maclean, 9 Danny Ellis, 10 Terry Payne, 11 Matt Darby. Subs used: Martin Denny, Kevin Bird.
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29/3. United returned to form in fine style at the Pilot Field this afternoon, the Reserves picking up their first league win in six matches, with a superb performance to see off a Hassocks side that had beaten United by the same score on their own ground just two weeks previously. United's walking wounded took an eleventh minute lead, when skipper Jack Franklin converted the rebound, after his penalty had been saved by the visiting keeper, and they managed to hold the advantage until early in the second half, when their visibly more experienced opponents grabbed an equaliser. Despite fearing that his young side might have surrendered the initiative for good, manager John Lambert rallied his troops once again, and Sam Hesmer restored United's lead around the hour mark, barely five minutes after they had been pegged back, before adding his second goal in the closing stages, with young striker Martin Denny also on target. The win kept United in fifth place in the league table, only one point behind second placed Worthing though, but more importantly, will send them into Wednesday evening's Sussex Intermediate Cup semi-final against Bexhill United at The Saffrons with confidence significantly renewed.
United line-up: 1 Jani Seitsonen, 2 Milton Miltiadou, 3 Benjamin Symes, 4 John Lambert, 5 Jack Stapley, 6 Jack Franklin, 7 Ollie Cox, 8 Matt Darby, 9 Martin Denny, 10 Sam Hesmer, 11 Danny Ellis. Sub used: Paddy Cody.
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25/3. In an exact reverse of the outcome when the two sides met at the end of December, Crowborough left the Pilot Field emphatic winners this evening, as the Reserves poor run of league form extended to five matches without a victory. With manager John Lambert and full back Sam Hesmer both unavailable, and Ashley Paine only able to start on the bench, United were rather lacking in defensive options, Antonio Gonnella and Matt Darby pressed into emergency service. Even so, United still made the more positive start on an awkward playing surface, but failed to seriously test the visiting keeper, while poor defending at a couple of corners in the latter stages of the first half allowed Crowborough to take a two goal lead in at the break. Danny Ellis had gone closest for United in between those goals, and his left wing cross set up Matt Maclean for a headed finish to finally get United on the scoreboard in the second half. But by then, the visitors had already added a third goal of their own, and they completed the scoring in stoppage time, to round off a disappointing evening for United, who had surrendered second place in the league table to Oakwood at the weekend, and swapped places with Crowborough on goal difference after this evening's result. United can now look ahead to their third home fixture in eight days when Hassocks visit the Pilot Field this coming Saturday.
United line-up: 1 Jani Seitsonen, 2 Antonio Gonnella, 3 Milton Miltiadou, 4 Ben Radley, 5 Matt Darby, 6 Jack Franklin, 7 Josh Apps, 8 Matt Maclean, 9 John Bradley, 10 Danny Ellis, 11 Terry Payne. Subs used: Ashley Paine, Martin Denny, Jack Stapley.
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22/3. A virtuoso second half performance from a young Selsey keeper denied United a first win in four league games at a windswept and wintry Pilot Field this afternoon. John Bradley replaced Frankie Sawyer in the only change from Tuesday's local cup winning starting line-up, although injuries to manager John Lambert and fellow defender Ben Radley forced United into a half time reshuffle, with Danny Ellis and sixteen year Jack Stapley coming on for the second period. By then, United were trailing to Ben's own goal just before the interval, slicing the ball over the head of helpless keeper Paul Nessling, after trying to cut out a cross from the right. The visitors missed a glorious chance to double their lead in first half stoppage time, but they were forced onto the back foot after the restart, Matt Darby heading against the crossbar and Jack's follow-up effort brilliantly tipped over. United levelled on the hour mark, Jack Franklin's free kick nodded down for Ashley Paine to stab home his first goal in United colours. Danny saw one effort superbly saved and another blocked on the line, while Matt was also denied and Jack Franklin volleyed narrowly over, but United tired slightly in the closing stages and Selsey went close to snatching all three points themselves on a couple of occasions. United are back in action again at home to Crowborough on Tuesday evening.
United line-up: 1 Paul Nessling, 2 John Lambert, 3 Milton Miltiadou, 4 Ben Radley, 5 Ashley Paine, 6 Jack Franklin, 7 Matt Darby, 8 Matt Maclean, 9 John Bradley, 10 Terry Payne, 11 Sam Hesmer. Subs used: Danny Ellis, Jack Stapley, Josh Apps.
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18/3. United completed the first half of what they hope will be a cup double this season, as a hattrick from seventeen year old central defender Ben Radley led them to a comfortable win over East Sussex League champions Hollington United in the Hastings Intermediate Cup final on neutral turf at Sidley United Football Club this evening. Matt Maclean and Frankie Sawyer lent their First Team experience to a line-up that was denied the services of John Bradley and Danny Ellis, but did include manager John Lambert, who selected himself in a three man defence alongside Ben and Ashley Paine, and who was one of only two players in the squad to have left their teenage years behind him, the other being twenty-one year old striker Terry Payne. Sam Hesmer and Milton Miltiadou operated as wing backs, with skipper Jack Franklin and Matt Darby in the heart of the midfield.
The game got off to a controversial start, as Ben was credited with a hotly disputed goal that gave United a fifth minute lead, meeting Matt Darby's near post corner with a shot that looped up off his marker and span away from the grasp of Hollington keeper Steve Constable, the assistant referee signalling that the ball had crossed the line before Constable was able to claw it away. The keeper was fortunate to escape a red card for his subsequent protest towards the officials, instead becoming the first of seven Hollington players cautioned, and he was soon picking the ball out of the net for a second time, as another Matt Darby corner in the eleventh minute, was flicked on by John at the near post for Matt Maclean to head home via the underside of the crossbar. Matt should have made it three at the mid-point of the half, but Constable did well to keep out his close range effort, after which Hollington came back into the contest, Ben clearing Joe Murray's lob over stranded United keeper Paul Nessling, and striker Phil Till wasting one excellent chance, before pulling a goal back ten minutes before the interval after a superb turn and run past a couple of defenders and into the area. Six minutes later though, United restored their two goal advantage, Matt Darby releasing Terry down the right, whose low cross picked out the unmarked Frankie for a simple finish, but Hollington went desperately close to a quick reply, as Luke Woodley's corner picked out Alan Foster at the far post for a header that Sam somehow blocked on the line.
Early in the second half, Matt Darby's precision pass set up Frankie to round the keeper and roll a left foot shot towards the empty net, only for Nathan Harding to clear off the line and keep his side in the contest, but two goals in an eight minute spell then effectively wrapped things up anyway. First, from Frankie's hanging cross, Ashley set up Ben for a scrambled finish in the fifty-seventh minute, and then Hollington failed to clear a Matt Maclean free kick, allowing Ben the chance to bury a left foot volley to complete an unlikely treble. As United started to sit a touch deeper at the back, Paul was forced to make a couple of smart saves to deny Danny Woodley a consolation effort, although substitute Matt Upton eventually grabbed Hollington a second goal with five minutes remaining, a simple finish from inside the six yard box after United failed to deal with another Luke Woodley corner. It was United who had the final word though, Kevin Bird robbing Gary Pocock of possession on the edge of the Hollington area, and setting up a simple chance for fellow replacement Martin Denny to complete the scoring three minutes into added time.
United's young guns can now look forward to a second chance of cup glory, with a Sussex Intermediate Cup semi-final against Bexhill United to come early next month, but they have three home league fixtures to fulfil beforehand, the first of which is against Selsey on Saturday.
United line-up: 1 Paul Nessling, 2 John Lambert, 3 Milton Miltiadou, 4 Ben Radley, 5 Ashley Paine, 6 Jack Franklin, 7 Matt Darby, 8 Matt Maclean, 9 Terry Payne, 10 Frankie Sawyer, 11 Sam Hesmer. Subs used: Antonio Gonnella, Martin Denny, Kevin Bird.
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15/3. A run of five games without defeat, the last four without conceding a goal, came to a shuddering halt this afternoon, as some unusually poor defending allowed Hassocks to run away with a convincing victory. United manager John Lambert was at last able to recall Terry Payne to the starting line-up after a lengthy suspension, a welcome addition to a side otherwise lacking in striking options, and it was Terry who provided United with a first half equaliser, after the home side had taken an early lead. Hassocks were gifted the opportunity to regain the upper hand just before the interval though, and went on to double their tally in the second half, as United gave their least impressive performance for several months, allowing their opponents, one of their rivals for second place in the league table, the chance to close the gap to three points with a game in hand. United are in cup final action at Sidley United Football Club on Tuesday evening, when they take on Hollington United for the Hastings Intermediate Cup.
United line-up: 1 Paul Nessling, 2 Sam Hesmer, 3 Milton Miltiadou, 4 Ben Radley, 5 Ashley Paine, 6 Jack Franklin, 7 Matt Darby, 8 John Bradley, 9 Kevin Bird, 10 Terry Payne, 11 Danny Ellis. Sub used: Josh Apps.
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5/3. United were held to a second goalless draw in a row, as the league's bottom club Sidley fought hard for a share of the spoils, despite having a man sent off for two bookable offences. United manager John Lambert was still without several members of his first choice side, but was able to call on three First Team squad players in defender Kevin Rose, midfielder Russell Eldridge, and striker Frankie Sawyer. As on Saturday against Eastbourne Town though, United's finishing let them down, and several chances went begging over the course of the ninety minutes, but another strong defensive display at least allowed them to record a fourth consecutive clean sheet. Even so, United will regard this as two points lost, rather than one gained, and with leaders Eastbourne Borough winning again, a surely unassailable gap of fourteen points now separates the two sides at the top of the table. United have no game this Saturday, but visit Hassocks the following weekend.
United line-up: 1 Jani Seitsonen, 2 Paddy Cody, 3 Milton Miltiadou, 4 Ashley Paine, 5 Kevin Rose, 6 Ben Radley, 7 Sam Hesmer, 8 John Bradley, 9 Kevin Bird, 10 Frankie Sawyer, 11 Russell Eldridge. Subs used: Jack Stapley, Martin Denny, Nicky Cook.
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1/3. Injury ravaged United were unable to make it four wins in a row, as they met dogged resistance from a well organised and packed Eastbourne Town defence at the Pilot Field this afternoon. Missing four of Wednesday's starting line-up to First Team call-ups, manager John Lambert was also without the holidaying Matt Darby, while Liam Miles, Jack Franklin and Terry Payne remained on the sidelines as well, although John Bradley's return at least added a touch more experience. The real problem area for United was up front, where sixteen year old prospect Martin Denny was paired with makeshift striker Sam Hesmer, the latter missing United's best chance of the game, hitting the crossbar from close range with the goal at his mercy. United also had a goal harshly ruled out, as they gave a spirited performance against opponents more interested in not losing than actively seeking all three points, but the tactics paid off for the visitors, who became the first team to prevent United from scoring since the end of October. The single point was good enough to keep United in second place in the league table, and they are back in action on Wednesday evening, making the short trip to Sidley United.
United line-up: 1 Paul Nessling, 2 Paddy Cody, 3 Milton Miltiadou, 4 Ben Radley, 5 Ashley Paine, 6 Nicky Cook, 7 Kevin Bird, 8 John Bradley, 9 Martin Denny, 10 Sam Hesmer, 11 Danny Ellis. Subs used: Ollie Cox, Jamie McGuigan.
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27/2. United will take on Hollington United in the final of the Hastings Intermediate Cup for the second year running, after cruising to an unexpectedly comfortable victory over Kent County League Division Two West side Hawkhurst at the Pilot Field this evening. With leading scorer Liam Miles missing through injury, and Terry Payne midway through a lengthy suspension, manager John Lambert was grateful to call upon First Team striker Frankie Sawyer to lead the line, and he was accompanied by First Team manager Tony Dolby, making his Club debut, while Kevin Rose deputised for the unavailable Ashley Paine in defence. The visitors line-up featured several ex-United players in defenders Richard Bolton, Steve Sands and Adam Kerry, and midfielder Bruce Sands, while former United trialist Danny Mitchell posed a significant danger up front. However, aside from a couple of early scares, the visitors seldom threatened Paul Nessling's goal, and United could have won by a far greater margin after a one-sided second half. In the end, they settled for four goals, the opener arriving in the sixteenth minute, Matt Maclean scoring his thirtieth goal of the season for the Club with a powerful twenty yard effort. Frankie twice went close, and Tony had a goal ruled out for a debatable offside decision, before doubling United's lead three minutes before the interval with an audacious chip over the keeper from thirty yards out. Frankie added a third within three minutes of the restart, just beating the keeper with a well struck shot from the edge of the area, and he then won a penalty on the hour mark, converted by Matt, despite the keeper's best efforts. In the closing stages, Frankie was twice denied by great saves, while substitute Martin Denny saw a header cleared off the line, missed an open goal after rounding the keeper, and smacked a shot against an upright, all within the space of ninety seconds. But United had already done more than enough to merit their place in the final, which is scheduled to take place at Sidley United Football Club, on a date to be confirmed. This weekend, United are back in County League action at home to Eastbourne Town Reserves.
United line-up: 1 Paul Nessling, 2 Paddy Cody, 3 Milton Miltiadou, 4 Ben Radley, 5 Kevin Rose, 6 Matt Darby, 7 Sam Hesmer, 8 Matt Maclean, 9 Tony Dolby, 10 Frankie Sawyer, 11 Danny Ellis. Subs used: Kevin Bird, Martin Denny, Jani Seitsonen.
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23/2. Despite being denied the services of several key players through injury and First Team call-ups, United turned in one of their finest performances of the season at Crawley Down today, to emphatically get their league campaign back on track. The loss of Kevin Rose and John Bradley to the senior side was more keenly felt when Ashley Paine and Jack Franklin failed fitness tests, forcing manager John Lambert to name himself in the starting eleven, and to hand Martin Denny a full debut. The disruption didn't show though, as United proceeded to pass the ball around impressively throughout a one-sided first half and were well deserving of their three goal lead at the interval, courtesy of a Liam Miles double and Sam Hesmer. Although the tempo dropped slightly after the restart, United had already done more than enough to win, and Sam's second goal rounded off a comprehensive display from a generally young side that seems to display a growing maturity with every game they play. With Eastbourne Borough only drawing today, United have now cut the gap at the top of the table to ten points, still holding a game in hand, and still to play at Priory Lane this season. United turn their attentions back to cup action on Wednesday evening though, when they tackle Hawkhurst United at the Pilot Field in the semi-final of the Hastings Intermediate Cup.
United line-up: 1 Paul Nessling, 2 Paddy Cody, 3 Milton Miltiadou, 4 Ben Radley, 5 John Lambert, 6 Matt Darby, 7 Sam Hesmer, 8 Matt Maclean, 9 Martin Denny, 10 Liam Miles, 11 Danny Ellis. Subs used: Josh Apps, Kevin Bird.
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16/2. United came through one of their toughest tests of the season this afternoon, beating County League Division Three side Saltdean after extra time to reach the semi-finals of the Sussex Intermediate Cup. United manager John Lambert welcomed John Bradley back into the starting line-up after a two week absence, linking up with Danny Ellis and Kevin Rose, the latter released from First Team duty and filling in for the cup tied Ashley Paine. Kevin's day got off to a bad start, as he was harshly penalised for a foul in the area that presented Saltdean with an early penalty, but although the spot kick was successfully converted, the referee ordered a retake due to encroachment, and the second effort clipped the outside of an upright. United failed to make the most of that let-off though, and Saltdean took the lead just before the interval, but Liam Miles levelled the scores in the second half, and United looked the more likely winners, with the visitors beginning to tire in the closing stages. For the second time in three days, Saltdean were left facing the prospect of extra time, and as in their League Cup semi-final against Bexhill United on Wednesday, they finished on the losing side, as Liam scored his second goal of the game to put United ahead, and Matt Maclean sealed the win by adding a late third. United will now take on Bexhill themselves in the last four, the match likely to be played midweek, on a neutral ground, in early April. Next weekend, United return to league action with a trip to Crawley Down.
United line-up: 1 Paul Nessling, 2 Paddy Cody, 3 Milton Miltiadou, 4 Ben Radley, 5 Kevin Rose, 6 Jack Franklin, 7 Matt Maclean, 8 John Bradley, 9 Danny Ellis, 10 Liam Miles, 11 Matt Darby. Subs used: Kevin Bird, Martin Denny, Sam Hesmer.
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9/2. A superb unbeaten run stretching back eleven matches to the 10 November finally came to a halt, as United lost out to Oakwood by the odd goal in three in a controversial and bruising encounter. United lost the services of defender Ben Radley to injury in the build-up to the contest, while skipper Jack Franklin was called up to the First Team squad once again, with Matt Maclean switching in the opposite direction. Playing down the slope in the first half, United almost conceded a goal in the second minute, but the crossbar came to their rescue, and they went on to dominate the opening period, missing a string of chances and having a goal ruled out for a highly debatable offside decision. Shortly after the interval, United presented their hosts with a soft goal, only for Terry Payne to quickly level the scores again, but despite their obvious technical superiority, United allowed themselves to be undone again, as Oakwood's overtly physical approach enabled them to take the lead for a second time. United threw on substitute Gregg Berry as an extra striker in the latter stages, but within minutes of his arrival, he was blatantly and deliberately caught by the elbow of a home defender, and retaliated by punching his assailant, sparking an ugly brawl involving players and officials on both sides. In the melee, Gregg was floored and knocked out by another Oakwood player, while Danny Ellis was the victim of a headbutt that left him nursing a facial injury. When the sadly ineffective referee had managed to restore order, he showed red cards to two Oakwood players and one to Gregg, once he had finally regained his senses, but playing with a man advantage was not enough to inspire United to a late comeback. The league title now appears to be Eastbourne Borough's to lose, as they hold a nine point lead over United, having played the same number of games, with the two teams still to play at Priory Lane, while United's advantage over third placed Arundel has now been cut to two points, and the West Sussex side have played a game less. Next week, United face one of their biggest tests of the season, when they entertain Saltdean United in the quarter finals of the Sussex Intermediate Cup.
United line-up: 1 Jani Seitsonen, 2 Paddy Cody, 3 Milton Miltiadou, 4 Kevin Bird, 5 Ashley Paine, 6 Matt Darby, 7 Sam Hesmer, 8 Danny Ellis, 9 Terry Payne, 10 Liam Miles, 11 Matt Maclean. Subs used: Martin Denny, Gregg Berry, John Lambert.
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2/2. United stormed into the semi finals of the Hastings Intermediate Cup with a handsome victory over East Sussex League Premier Division opponents at the Pilot Field this afternoon. Manager John Lambert was able to welcome Ashley Paine and skipper Jack Franklin back into his squad, following their release from First Team duty, although Matt Maclean was absent for precisely that reason, but United always looked to have the edge over the visitors, and a fast start allowed them to build up an early two goal advantage. Sensing that the game was already won, United then dropped their workrate and Heathfield suddenly pulled a goal back, although that served as a wake-up call for United, who scored a third before half time, and went on to add another five after the break. Terry Payne led the way with his first hattrick for the Club, with Jack, Sam Hesmer and Gregg Berry all scoring their first goals for the Reserves, defender Ben Radley his second, and leading scorer Liam Miles taking his season's tally to thirteen. Hawkhurst United from the Kent County League Division Two West now stand between United and a return to the final, but it's a return to league action next weekend, and a trip to fast improving Oakwood.
United line-up: 1 Paul Nessling, 2 Paddy Cody, 3 Milton Miltiadou, 4 Ben Radley, 5 Ashley Paine, 6 Jack Franklin, 7 Sam Hesmer, 8 Danny Ellis, 9 Liam Miles, 10 Terry Payne, 11 Matt Darby. Subs used: Martin Denny, Gregg Berry.
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26/1. John Lambert and Wayne Farrier returned to the dugout after their spell in caretaker charge of the First Team, and United Reserves continued to flourish, extending their impressive run of form to nine wins and a draw in their last ten matches. Still without Jack Franklin and Ashley Paine, United were at least able to call upon the talents of Matt Maclean and Danny Ellis for the trip to The Saffrons, while John Bradley once again added experience to a youthful line-up, the back four showing an average age of only seventeen for example. John and Danny scored two goals apiece to lead United to a surprisingly comprehensive victory, building a two goal lead at the interval, before stretching away in the latter stages, after Eastbourne had threatened to mount a second half comeback. With leaders Eastbourne Borough also winning again, the gap at the top remains at nine points, but United can only keep winning themselves and hope that Borough will crack under the pressure at some point. Meanwhile, there are still the distractions of two cup competitions to consider, with Heathfield Hotspurs due to visit the Pilot Field next weekend for the delayed Hastings Intermediate Cup quarter final tie.
United line-up: 1 Paul Nessling, 2 Sam Hesmer, 3 Milton Miltiadou, 4 Ben Radley, 5 Paddy Cody, 6 John Bradley, 7 Danny Ellis, 8 Matt Maclean, 9 Liam Miles, 10 Terry Payne, 11 Matt Darby. Subs used: Martin Denny, Kevin Bird.
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12/1. United extended their excellent sequence of results to seven wins and a draw from their last eight matches this afternoon, completing a league double over struggling East Preston into the bargain. United were once again without Matt Maclean, Jack Franklin and Ashley Paine, all on First Team duty, while Ken Dullaway again deputised for manager John Lambert. Star striker Liam Miles took his season's tally to a dozen in all competitions by netting another brace, while Terry Payne and substitute Martin Denny also scored, Martin hitting his first goal for the Club in only his second appearance. United's fifth win in six league outings took them three points clear of Arundel and into second place in the table, still a distant nine points behind runaway leaders Eastbourne Borough though. Next week, John Lambert and Wayne Farrier will return to the dugout, as United return to cup action, with a visit from Heathfield Hotspurs in the third round of the Hastings Intermediate Cup.
United line-up: 1 Paul Nessling, 2 Sam Hesmer, 3 Milton Miltiadou, 4 Ben Radley, 5 Paddy Cody, 6 John Bradley, 7 Matt Darby, 8 Josh Apps, 9 Liam Miles, 10 Terry Payne, 11 Kevin Bird. Subs used: Martin Denny, Gregg Berry.
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5/1. A Reserve line-up hugely weakened by First Team call-ups still had enough quality to earn a sixth single goal home win of the season, taking them past Eastern Division opposition in the fourth round of the Sussex Intermediate Cup this afternoon. With the previous week's stand-in manager Keith Miles unavailable, Ken Dullaway took control of just a twelve man squad, which was missing the likes of Ashley Paine, Matt Maclean and skipper Jack Franklin, not to mention player-manager John Lambert, although John Bradley once again lent his experience to the starting eleven. Sixteen year old central defender Ben Radley scored his first goal of the season in the first half to take United into the quarter finals, where they can look forward to a fifth consecutive home draw, this time against either Worthing Wanderers or Saltdean United.
United line-up: 1 Jani Seitsonen, 2 Sam Hesmer, 3 Milton Miltiadou, 4 Ben Radley, 5 Paddy Cody, 6 John Bradley, 7 Matt Darby, 8 Josh Apps, 9 Liam Miles, 10 Terry Payne, 11 Kevin Bird. Sub used: Martin Denny.
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29/12. Liam Miles gave his dad a belated Christmas present, as United made it six wins and a draw in their last seven games, with a convincing victory away to sixth placed Crowborough this afternoon. With management duo John Lambert and Wayne Farrier taking caretaker charge of the First Team, former Hastings Town striker and Sidley United boss Keith Miles led the Reserves for the first time, with son Liam scoring a hattrick, his first league goals of the campaign, to lead United to all three points. Russell Eldridge, dropped from the senior squad, weighed in with the other goal in a dominant United display, which cemented their third place in the table, behind Arundel only on goal difference. Next weekend, United take another break from league action to entertain St Francis Rangers Reserves in the fourth round of the Sussex Intermediate Cup.
United line-up: 1 Jani Seitsonen, 2 Sam Hesmer, 3 Milton Miltiadou, 4 Ben Radley, 5 Ashley Paine, 6 Jack Franklin, 7 Matt Darby, 8 Josh Apps, 9 John Bradley, 10 Liam Miles, 11 Russell Eldridge. Subs used: Kevin Bird, Dean Phillips, Paddy Cody.
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22/12. A rousing second half fightback saw a below strength United side claim a share of the spoils at the Enclosed Ground today, their first draw in thirteen league games to date this season. Despite their relatively low league placing, Whitehawk had the better of the first half, taking in a two goal lead at the interval, the first time in six weeks that United's defences had been beaten. But a penalty from Matt Maclean got United back into the contest in the second period, with evergreen, forty-nine year old player-manager John Lambert scoring the equaliser to extend United's current run to six games without defeat. The point was good enough to take United up one place to third in the table heading into Christmas.
United line-up: 1 Paul Nessling, 2 Sam Hesmer, 3 Ben Radley, 4 Ashley Paine, 5 John Lambert, 6 Jack Franklin, 7 Josh Apps, 8 Matt Maclean, 9 John Bradley, 10 Liam Miles, 11 Dean Phillips. Subs used: Kevin Bird, Ollie Cox.
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15/12. United made it five wins in a row, all without conceding a goal, with a workmanlike victory over a dogged East Preston side at the Pilot Field this afternoon. John Lambert was able to include defender Danny Spice and striker John Bradley, both on their way back towards First Team contention, with Ashley Paine's availability allowing the manager to rest himself at the back, and Matt Maclean returning from injury to further bolster the line-up. Unusually for United, the match was won in the early stages, rather than at the death, midfielder Josh Apps scoring his first goal for the Club around the twenty minute mark, giving United the opportunity to relax and develop their natural passing game. However, their final pass was too often misplaced, and they were indebted to another strong defensive display that allowed the narrow lead to be more easily maintained than might otherwise have been the case, although the visitors' cause was not helped by them having a player sent off in the second half. The three points took United back up into fourth place in the league table, ahead of testing trips to Whitehawk and Crowborough either side of Christmas.
United line-up: 1 Paul Nessling, 2 Danny Spice, 3 Milton Miltiadou, 4 Ben Radley, 5 Ashley Paine, 6 Jack Franklin, 7 Josh Apps, 8 Matt Maclean, 9 John Bradley, 10 Liam Miles, 11 Terry Payne. Subs used: Matt Darby, Sam Hesmer, Dean Phillips.
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1/12. Two second half goals from Liam Miles took United comfortably past County League Eastern Division leaders Mile Oak in this Sussex Intermediate Cup third round tie at the Pilot Field today. First Team striker Tom Poole was included from the start and created both goals, but Nathan Russell was on senior duty, forcing manager John Lambert to again pick himself in defence, while Danny Ellis ruled himself out late in the day. Josh Apps missed the best chance of a largely one-sided first half, blazing over from fifteen yards after good work from Liam, and Tom had a goal ruled out for offside. Tom went close with an audacious backheel after the interval, before crossing low for Liam to open the scoring around the hour mark. Josh and Liam were both denied by good saves, but the win was secured with thirteen minutes remaining, Tom chasing a seemingly lost cause towards the corner flag and providing another telling cross for Liam to head home. United keeper Paul Nessling had a quiet afternoon on the whole, although he was called on to make two excellent saves in the closing stages, as United tired in appalling weather conditions. But a fourth successive win and clean sheet were well deserved on the balance of play, and United will now face St Francis Rangers Reserves in the fourth round of the competition in the New Year.
United line-up: 1 Paul Nessling, 2 Brett Griffin, 3 Milton Miltiadou, 4 Ben Radley, 5 John Lambert, 6 Jack Franklin, 7 Josh Apps, 8 Matt Darby, 9 Tom Poole, 10 Liam Miles, 11 Terry Payne. Sub used: Sam Hesmer.
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24/11. For the fourth time this season, United grabbed a late winner to edge a close contest at the Pilot Field, this time to complete a league double over second in the table Arundel. A well taken goal from Matt Maclean just two minutes from time gave United the points, although it was a touch harsh on the visitors, who matched United throughout the contest and fielded a line-up almost as youthful. But the West Sussex outfit became the third side in a row to fail to beat Jani Seitsonen in the United goal, while new signing Ashley Paine was a key influence at the back for John Lambert's side, alongside the ever more impressive Ben Radley. The win took United back up into fifth place in the league table, albeit some distance behind clear leaders Eastbourne Borough, but still very much in the hunt for a top three finish.
United line-up: 1 Jani Seitsonen, 2 Ashley Paine, 3 Milton Miltiadou, 4 Ben Radley, 5 Nathan Russell, 6 Jack Franklin, 7 Brett Griffin, 8 Matt Maclean, 9 Kevin Bird, 10 Liam Miles, 11 Josh Apps. Subs used: Dean Phillips, Sam Hesmer, Terry Payne.
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21/11. A United side featuring a host of players with higher level experience, including new signing Ryan Andrews, proved too good for their local rivals at the Pilot Field this evening, as John Lambert's men advanced to the third round of the Hastings Intermediate Cup. Tom Poole opened the scoring nineteen minutes into his return from a hamstring injury, and Matt Maclean doubled the lead just before half time. Recent signing Frankie Sawyer then made it two in two games for United, scoring the third within six minutes of the restart, while Antonio Gonnella later grabbed a brace to put some distance between the two sides, although Rye certainly had their moments in an entertaining contest. United can now look forward to another home draw in the quarter finals, with Heathfield Hotspurs to provide the opposition early in the New Year.
United line-up: 1 Jani Seitsonen, 2 Ryan Andrews, 3 Milton Miltiadou, 4 Ben Radley, 5 Kevin Rose, 6 Jack Franklin, 7 Antonio Gonnella, 8 Matt Maclean, 9 Frankie Sawyer, 10 Tom Poole, 11 Russell Eldridge. Subs used: Liam Miles, Josh Apps, Dean Phillips.
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17/11. United have turned in some impressive performances on their travels so far this season, and did so once again on their visit to The Beaconsfield, producing a decent all-round display to beat an inconsistent Hailsham side. With usual keeper Paul Nessling absent on trial at Sunderland, Jani Seitsonen was given time off from First Team duty to deputise, while newly signed striker Frankie Sawyer made his first start for the Club, gaining some much needed match practice. In defence, the return of Brett Griffin handed the side some additional experience, with manager John Lambert again picking himself in the back four as well. The enigmatic Matt Maclean gave United a first half lead, and added a second goal after the interval, with Frankie scoring a debut goal to complete a useful afternoon's work, as United collected their first league points in three matches, bizarrely spanning almost two months.
United line-up: 1 Jani Seitsonen, 2 Brett Griffin, 3 Milton Miltiadou, 4 Ben Radley, 5 John Lambert, 6 Jack Franklin, 7 Dean Phillips, 8 Matt Maclean, 9 Frankie Sawyer, 10 Liam Miles, 11 Josh Apps. Subs used: Gregg Berry, Kevin Bird.
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10/11. Two weeks after losing at home to their West Sussex rivals in the league, United slid to an extra time defeat at Woodside Road to exit the League Cup at the third round stage, but only after producing one of their best performances of the season. Paul Nessling kept goal ahead of a week training with Premier League side Sunderland, but United were without defenders Matt Cornelius and Paddy Cody, leading to manager John Lambert picking himself for the first time this season. After a goalless first half, Worthing took the lead midway through the second period, with Liam Miles scoring United's equaliser to force the extra half an hour. The home side promptly retook the lead, before United were denied a stonewall penalty, conceding the decisive third goal in the dying moments.
United line-up: 1 Paul Nessling, 2 Milton Miltiadou, 3 Sam Richardson, 4 Ben Radley, 5 John Lambert, 6 Jack Franklin, 7 Matt Darby, 8 Matt Maclean, 9 Sam Hesmer, 10 Liam Miles, 11 Josh Apps. Subs used: Gregg Berry, Nathan Phillips.
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3/11. United advanced to the third round of the Sussex Intermediate with a hard-fought single goal victory over their County Reserve League East opponents. In-form striker Liam Miles grabbed the only goal of the contest just five minutes from time, with United earning themselves another home tie in round three, against Mile Oak Reserves.
United line-up: 1 Paul Nessling, 2 Milton Miltiadou, 3 Paddy Cody, 4 Matt Cornelius, 5 Ben Radley, 6 Jack Franklin, 7 Sam Hesmer, 8 Josh Apps, 9 Dean Phillips, 10 Liam Miles, 11 Gregg Berry. Subs used: Terry Payne, Kevin Bird.
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27/10. After picking up successive cup victories, United's return to league action saw them slip up for the first time this season at the Pilot Field, with Worthing taking all three points back to West Sussex thanks to two second half goals. United were without Nathan Russell, Matt Darby and Matt Maclean, all called into the First Team squad, but manager John Lambert was able to select John Bradley and Nima Cham in midfield, and Dan Williams in central defence, to compliment an otherwise youthful as ever squad, although the changes left United looking a touch disjointed at times, and their usually slick passing game suffered as a consequence. A generally quiet first half saw few clearcut goalscoring chances, the best falling to Dean Phillips just before the interval, following up after John's twenty yard effort had been fumbled by the Worthing keeper, who somehow managed to deflect Dean's shot wide for a corner. The second period was barely three minutes old when the visitors took the lead, United keeper Ben Oakman producing an outstanding save from a close range header, but powerless to do anything about the rebound. United's efforts at grabbing an equaliser were all too often hindered by the lack of quality in their final ball, and equally by some poor finishing, and Worthing made them pay by doubling their lead five minutes before the end, with a superb curling effort from the corner of the area. Liam Miles should have set up a exciting finale, but wasted a decent chance straight from the kick off, leaving United to wonder at what might have been, as Worthing moved above them in the table, knocking United down to fifth place.
United line-up: 1 Ben Oakman, 2 Milton Miltiadou, 3 Paddy Cody, 4 Matt Cornelius, 5 Dan Williams, 6 Jack Franklin (c), 7 John Bradley, 8 Nima Cham, 9 Liam Miles, 10 Dean Phillips, 11 Terry Payne. Subs used: Josh Apps, Ben Radley, Sam Hesmer.
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20/10. For the second time this season, United hit seven goals without reply, on this occasion against East Division basement boys Bexhill in the second round of the County Reserve League Cup. It may have taken United twenty-five minutes to get going, but there was no stopping them when they did, and five goals in a devastating fifteen minute spell before half time put them out of sight. Hattrick hero Liam Miles opened the floodgates, his initial effort from a Sam Hesmer cross rebounding off the crossbar, but his second attempt from Matt Maclean's chip to the far post found the back of the net. Matt's free kick was then headed home by a visiting defender for number two, with Terry Payne winning and converting a penalty to make it three in five minutes. Liam ghosted through the Bexhill defence to fire home his second just four minutes later, while Dean Phillips completed the first half scoring from Terry's cross, before hitting the post when clean through moments later. After the restart, Dean missed two sitters and had a goal dubiously disallowed for a foul on the keeper, as the visitors held on manfully, despite going down to ten men when they ran out of substitutes to cope with a third injury of the afternoon. Nathan Russell eventually headed United's sixth from a Josh Apps free kick with ten minutes remaining, while Liam wrapped up the scoring with a close range tap-in six minutes later, with Matt claiming another assist. That came barely sixty seconds after Liam had lazily missed a penalty that he had won himself, while there was still time for Dean to have another goal disallowed, this time for offside. On his United debut, young keeper Ben Oakman could scarcely have hoped for a quieter afternoon, as despite missing the experience of the absent David Henham, Brett Griffin and Dominic Cruttenden, United cruised to a satisfyingly convincing win.
United line-up: 1 Ben Oakman, 2 Milton Miltiadou, 3 Paddy Cody, 4 Nathan Russell (c), 5 Matt Cornelius, 6 Jack Franklin, 7 Sam Hesmer, 8 Matt Maclean, 9 Dean Phillips, 10 Liam Miles, 11 Terry Payne. Subs used: Matt Darby, Josh Apps, Kevin Bird.
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13/10. United enjoyed a comfortable passage through to the second round of the Sussex Intermediate Cup after seeing off the challenge of Brighton, Hove & District League leaders American Express with two first half goals in the space of three minutes at the Pilot Field this afternoon. John Lambert's sixteen man squad was boosted by the addition of John Bradley and Tim Olorunda in central midfield, the latter on his return from a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a groin injury, while Kevin Rose joined skipper Nathan Russell in a strong central defensive partnership. They helped United dominate the match for long periods, although it wasn't until just past the half hour mark that Terry Payne broke down the left and cut the ball back for John to fire a shot into the roof of the net to open the scoring. Three minutes later, Tim tried his luck from twenty-five yards and saw his speculative effort go through the keeper's dive and into the corner for number two, and Terry should have added a third before half time, but hit the bar from a Dominic Cruttenden cross with the goal at his mercy. Tim picked up a knee injury just before the interval and was replaced by Matt Darby, but United retained the upper hand after the restart, albeit without putting the visitors' goal under any sustained pressure. In the closing quarter of the match though, Dominic and Terry both missed chances when clean through on goal, but American Express were unable to take advantage of that profligate finishing, United keeper Paul Nessling having a largely untroubled afternoon, as United sealed a home tie against Peacehaven & Telscombe Reserves in the next round.
United line-up: 1 Paul Nessling, 2 Brett Griffin, 3 Paddy Cody, 4 Nathan Russell (c), 5 Kevin Rose, 6 John Bradley, 7 Josh Apps, 8 Tim Olorunda, 9 Dominic Cruttenden, 10 Dean Phillips, 11 Terry Payne. Subs used: Matt Darby, Matt Cornelius.
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6/10. A week after a classy display in West Sussex brought them a comfortable League Cup victory, United transformed from Jekyll into Hyde and returned from lowly Selsey with manager John Lambert's words ringing in their ears after a dismal three goal defeat. A fairly even first half ended goalless, but United capitulated after the interval against a Selsey side that had managed only one win in their opening seven matches of the season. Despite the defeat, United were able to hold onto third place in the league table, but lost further ground to leaders Eastbourne Borough, and now have plenty of other sides breathing down their neck as well. Next week, attention switches back to cup matters, with Brighton based side American Express due at the Pilot Field in the first round of the Sussex Intermediate Cup.
United line-up: 1 Sam Harris-Green, 2 Paddy Cody, 3 Milton Miltiadou, 4 Brett Griffin, 5 Lee Jules, 6 Jack Franklin, 7 Josh Apps, 8 Matt Maclean, 9 Dominic Cruttenden, 10 Liam Miles, 11 Kevin Bird. Subs used: Terry Payne, Dean Phillips, Matt Darby.
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29/9. Dominic Cruttenden scored his second hattrick of the season this afternoon, as United romped to a convincing League Cup first round victory away to previously unbeaten Western Division side Chichester City United. Five weeks after their last, and even more successful, visit to West Sussex, United produced some of their finest football since putting seven goals past Arundel that day, although it took until five minutes before half time for Dominic to strike the opening goal of this tie and allow United to relax a little. After the interval though, United turned on the style, with Dominic taking his season's tally to seven in five Reserve matches, and strike partner Terry Payne also finding the target, wrapping up a comfortable win and setting up a second round meeting at home to Bexhill United, currently pointless and bottom of the Eastern Division.
United line-up: 1 Jani Seitsonen, 2 Paddy Cody, 3 Milton Miltiadou, 4 Nathan Russell, 5 Lee Jules, 6 Jack Franklin, 7 Matt Cornelius, 8 Matt Maclean, 9 Dominic Cruttenden, 10 Liam Miles, 11 Terry Payne. Subs used: Brett Griffin, Matt Darby, Sam Hesmer.
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22/9. A late Matt Cornelius goal saw United back to winning ways at the Pilot Field this afternoon against a Whitehawk side that appeared doggedly determined to hang on for a point. Matt struck in the eighty-seventh minute to finally settle a hugely frustrating contest, United seeing plenty of the ball and creating no end of chances, but lacking the killer touch in front of goal. The win kept United in third place in the table, with Shoreham and Eastbourne Borough also both winning.
United line-up: 1 Sam Harris-Green, 2 Paddy Cody, 3 Milton Miltiadou, 4 Lee Jules, 5 David Henham, 6 Jack Franklin, 7 Matt Cornelius, 8 Matt Maclean, 9 Liam Miles, 10 Terry Payne, 11 Kevin Bird. Subs used: Matt Darby, Dean Phillips, Sam Hesmer.
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15/9. United turned in their poorest performance of the season thus far in sliding to defeat by a single goal away to Eastbourne United Association at The Oval. Once again without skipper David Henham, manager John Lambert made just one alteration to the side that lost at Shoreham the previous week, preferring Liam Miles up front in place of Kevin Bird, but he may have regretted not making wholesale changes, as United gave a largely abject account of themselves on the day. The hosts were not a great deal better to be fair, and there was little for the small crowd to cheer, until Eastbourne took the lead in the second half, an advantage they seldom looked like losing or increasing. With leaders Eastbourne Borough not playing, and second placed Shoreham surprisingly losing for the first time this season, the top of the table remained unchanged this weekend, while United will hope to get back to winning ways at home to Whitehawk next Saturday.
United line-up: 1 Sam Harris-Green, 2 Paddy Cody, 3 Milton Miltiadou, 4 Brett Griffin, 5 Lee Jules, 6 Jack Franklin, 7 Matt Cornelius, 8 Matt Maclean, 9 Dominic Cruttenden, 10 Liam Miles, 11 Matt Darby. Subs used: Kevin Bird, Dean Phillips, Sam Hesmer.
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8/9. The battle between the two sides holding the only remaining 100% records in the Premier Division went conclusively the way of the home side this afternoon, with John Lambert tasting defeat for the first time as United manager. Preparations for a tough encounter were far from helped when regular skipper David Henham was called into the First Team squad at late notice, forcing United to change their defensive line-up, but they adapted well enough in an even first half, which saw few chances at either end. Shortly after the interval, Dominic Cruttenden missed a great opportunity to put United in front when clean through on goal, while Kevin Bird then had a header from a corner cleared off the line, and the home side suddenly made United pay, scoring three times in a devastating ten minute spell. Having effectively sewn the game up, Shoreham invited plenty of pressure by defending deeper in the closing stages, but United were unable to break through to register so much as a consolation effort, and ultimately surrendered second place to Shoreham as a result of the defeat. Eastbourne Borough still lead the way, three points clear of both Shoreham and United, having played more games than both. United's next match sees them travel to The Oval to take on struggling Eastbourne United Association next Saturday.
United line-up: 1 Sam Harris-Green, 2 Paddy Cody, 3 Milton Miltiadou, 4 Brett Griffin, 5 Lee Jules, 6 Jack Franklin, 7 Matt Maclean, 8 Matt Cornelius, 9 Dominic Cruttenden, 10 Kevin Bird, 11 Matt Darby. Subs used: Liam Miles, Dean Phillips, Ben Radley.
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1/9. United came through a difficult encounter to beat Oakwood by a solitary goal scored ten minutes from time, courtesy of a beautifully curled shot from the corner of the penalty area by second half substitute Kevin Bird. During the first half, United enjoyed most of the play, but were unable to turn their superiority into goals or clearcut opportunities, with only Jack Franklin, twice, and Terry Payne going close, although the visitors offered little in attack themselves. The second half was threatening to follow much the same pattern and it came as no real surprise when manager John Lambert decided to ring the changes, bringing on Liam Miles and Kevin to play up front twenty minutes in. Liam wasted a glorious opportunity to open the scoring when he blazed the ball wide with only the keeper to beat, but United looked increasingly likely to score in the closing stages and duly did so thanks to Kevin's excellent finish. Oakwood played out the final five minutes with ten men after having a player sent off for foul and abusive language, and Liam went desperately close to doubling the score in the dying moments, but only succeeded in hitting the side netting from close range. The hard fought, but well deserved, three points maintained United`s 100% start to the league season, keeping them in second place behind Eastbourne Borough on goal difference, but they face a testing trip to third placed Shoreham next weekend.
United line-up: 1 Sam Harris-Green, 2 Paddy Cody, 3 Milton Miltiadou, 4 Lee Jules, 5 David Henham (c), 6 Jack Franklin, 7 Brett Griffin, 8 Nima Cham, 9 Dean Phillips, 10 Terry Payne, 11 Matt Maclean. Subs used: Liam Miles, Kevin Bird, Matt Darby.
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28/8. United made it three wins out of three and ended Borough's own 100% record with an exciting victory over their local rivals at the Pilot Field this evening. Manager John Lambert was able to call upon the services of Dan Williams, belatedly making his first appearance of the season in United colours, as well as Tom Cusden and Dominic Cruttenden, to compliment his otherwise youthful squad, and United got off to a perfect start, when Matt Maclean converted Tom's right wing centre to put them a goal up early on. Matt, Dan and Dominic all went close as United continued to make the running, although Borough came back into the contest as the half wore on, with skipper David Henham producing a superb goalline clearance to deny striker Zac Attwood. Borough equalised five minutes before the interval when Evan Archibald converted from close range, but Tom was only denied the chance to immediately restore United's lead by Ollie Barton's fine save. The second half was a quieter affair until the final quarter of an hour saw a flurry of goalmouth activity. Dan fired home at the near post to put United back in front, and Dominic looked to have made the points safe when he got on the end of Sam Harris-Green's lengthy clearance to score United's third. But Borough set up a frantic finale when Attwood converted a penalty, awarded for a foul by Brett Griffin, and only a flying save by Sam prevented the visitors from grabbing a point deep into stoppage time. The win took United level on points with Borough at the top of the table with a game in hand, with Oakwood up next at the Pilot Field on Saturday afternoon.
United line-up: 1 Sam Harris-Green, 2 Brett Griffin, 3 Milton Miltiadou, 4 Lee Jules, 5 David Henham (c), 6 Jack Franklin, 7 Tom Cusden, 8 Dan Williams, 9 Dominic Cruttenden, 10 Terry Payne, 11 Matt Maclean. Sub used: Dean Phillips.
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25/8. John Lambert's young charges turned in a simply stunning performance in their first away game of the County League season, putting seven goals past their Arundel counterparts without replay to make it two wins out of two. Released from First Team duty, Dominic Cruttenden helped himself to a hattrick, while new signing Richard Piper, defender David Henham, and substitutes Dean Phillips and Matt Cornelius were also on target, as United put their hosts to the sword with a scintillating display of passing football. Four up at the break on a baking hot day in West Sussex, United continued to press forward after the interval, adding a further three goals to their tally to boost their goal difference, while remaining tight at the back, and allowing Paul Nessling to keep a clean sheet. The win lifted United up to second place in the table, with similarly free-scoring leaders Eastbourne Borough due to visit the Pilot Field on Tuesday evening.
United line-up: 1 Paul Nessling, 2 Paddy Cody, 3 Milton Miltiadou, 4 Lee Jules, 5 David Henham (c), 6 Jack Franklin, 7 Terry Payne, 8 Matt Maclean, 9 Richard Piper, 10 Dominic Cruttenden, 11 Matt Darby. Subs used: Dean Phillips, Matt Cornelius, Sam Hesmer.
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18/8. United kicked off the new Sussex County League season under new management this afternoon, and started with a comfortable victory over newly promoted Crawley Down. For their first competitive match in charge, John Lambert and Wayne Farrier were able to call on the services of several players with Ryman League experience, most notably midfielder Tim Olorunda, who played a full ninety minutes on his return from injury. The remainder of the squad was predominantly selected from United's successful Under 18 side, the main exception being new signing Terry Payne from Westfield. Terry had an early impact on his debut, embarking on a long run that led to Matt Maclean firing United into a first half lead, and Terry later helped himself to the clinching second goal, running onto David Henham's long clearance and coolly slotting past the visiting keeper to make the points safe. United will hope to build on their positive start when they visit Arundel next weekend.
United line-up: 1 Sam Harris-Green, 2 Brett Griffin, 3 Milton Miltiadou, 4 Lee Jules, 5 David Henham (c), 6 Jack Franklin, 7 Matt Maclean, 8 Tim Olorunda, 9 Dean Phillips, 10 Terry Payne, 11 Matt Darby. Sub used: Sam Hesmer.