Season 2014-15

78TH SEASON

SEASON REPORT

A great deal of hard work was put in by a number of people to ensure a second team was restarted for the 2014-15 season. The 2nd team was entered into Division Six of the East Sussex Football League but both the 1st and 2nd teams struggled badly during the season and finished bottom of their respective divisions.

It was the performance of the veterans that proved to be the highlight of the year in winning the first local veterans competition to be played on a league basis and becoming the Hastings F A Veterans League champions after a final day victory over Little Common Veterans.

Despite the disappointing results on the pitch, the 2nd team maintained the club’s reputation for fair play by being awarded the East Sussex Football League Sportsmanship Trophy with the 1st team being the divisional winner for Division One.

1ST TEAM

The 1st team got off to a bad start, losing their opening five competitive fixtures, and never really recovered. The first win came with a 4-1 success against Little Chelsea, who later withdrew from the League, in October. The side won only one further league game against Hollington United II and drew three matches to end the season adrift at the foot of Division One. The 1st team also lost their opening fixture in each cup competition.

The most memorable game was the away fixture with runners-up Bexhill Amateur Athletic Club where the 1st team came from 3-0 down with 15 minutes to go to draw the match 3-3 with Phil Badrock getting a last minute equaliser – a result that ultimately cost Bexhill AAC the division title.

Another memory was Phil Badrock scoring after twenty seconds in the 1-1 home draw with Sandhurst – the fastest goal scored in the East Sussex League during the season.

Martin Tytherleigh and Mike Beaumont again did an excellent job holding the side together in a difficult season.

1st Team v Mountfield United

Icklesham Recreation Ground – Saturday, 6th September 2014

An understrength Casuals side got off to a disappointing start to the season with a 3-1 home loss to Mountfield United.

The side were a goal down in side the first minute after conceding an indirect free-kick in the area following a back pass to the goalkeeper. A scuffed shot from the free-kick was heading well wide before hitting another Mountfield player and deflecting into the net. Mountfield dominated a largely one-sided first half and added two further goals to lead 3-0 at the interval.

An improved performance in the second period saw Icklesham reduce the deficit with five minutes to remaining when Phil Badrock finished from close range following a pass from Kafka Skubay.

Jack Davies was voted 1st Team Players’ Player of the Year while Stuart Pearson was awarded the Manager’s Player of the Year trophy. With 16 goals Phil Badrock was leading goal scorer.

1ST TEAM PLAYING RECORD

DATEOPPONENTSVENUECOMPETITIONRESULTGOAL SCORERS
6/8/2014AFC HastingsHomeFriendly1 – 4Gary Coomber
20/8/2014The Junior Club TacklewayHomeFriendly0 – 2
27/8/2014Pebsham SibexHomeFriendly4 – 5Phil Badrock 4
3/9/2014Icklesham Casuals IIHomeFriendly4 – 3Paul Daniels, Adam Gooch (pen), Phil Badrock, Brad
6/9/2014Mountfield UnitedHomeLeague1 – 3Phil Badrock
13/9/2014Hawkhurst UnitedAwayLeague4 – 6Phil Badrock 2, Gary Coomber, Sean Baker
20/9/2014Sidley UnitedHomeLeague2 – 3Phil Badrock, Sean Baker
27/9/2014SandhurstAwayLeague0 – 3
4/10/2014Felpham ColtsAwaySussex Junior Cup 1st Round0 – 3
11/10/2014Little ChelseaAwayLeague4 – 1Phil Badrock 2, Val Newman, Sean Baker
25/10/2014Wadhurst UnitedHomeWisdens Sports Challenge Cup 2nd Round1 – 4Sean Baker (pen)
1/11/2014Bexhill Amateur Athletic ClubHomeLeague2 – 3Phil Badrock, Ollie Beaumont
8/11/2014Hollington United IIAwayLeague2 – 0Martin Tytherleigh, Nathan Chandler
15/11/2014Wadhurst UnitedHomeHastings F A Junior Cup 2nd Round0 – 6
29/11/2014Hawkhurst UnitedHomeLeague1 – 6Adam Gooch
6/12/2014Mountfield UnitedAwayLeague0 – 5
20/12/2014SandhurstHomeLeague1 – 1Phil Badrock
27/12/2014Hugh Sullivan Invitation XIAway<Friendly4 – 6Sean Baker 2, Jonathan Barnett, Martin Tytherleigh
24/1/2015Wadhurst UnitedAwayLeague2 – 2Martin Tytherleigh, Bradlee Mepham
7/2/2015Bexhill Amateur Athletic ClubAwayLeague3 – 3Nathan Chandler, Nick Gooch, Phil Badrock
14/2/2015Sidley UnitedAwayLeague1 – 4Sean Baker
7/3/2015TicehurstHomeLeague1 – 2Val Newman
21/3/2015Hollington United IIHomeLeague1 – 2Phil Badrock
28/3/2015TicehurstAwayLeague3 – 7Sacha Patterson 2, Phil Badrock
11/4/2015Wadhurst UnitedHomeLeague1 – 5Adam Gooch
18/4/2015Icklesham Casuals IIHomeFriendly6 – 5Sean Baker 2, Jon Fitton, Martin Tytherleigh, Nick Gooch, Connor Acton

NEWSPAPER REPORTS

2ND TEAM

Praise must go to Paul Barnett and Adam Murphy for reforming and managing the 2nd team and although the results on the field were not what was hoped, the hard work put in was justified with a number of promising young players joining the club.

The team suffered heavy defeats in their opening six league and cup games before obtaining their first points of the season in a 3-1 victory away to Hampden Park United and although only two further wins were achieved, improvement was seen during the remainder of the season. The double was completed over Hamden Park United with a 3-0 home success and Robertsbridge United II were defeated 7-3 at Icklesham Recreation Ground in November. The side gained a creditable 1-1 draw with Punnetts Town who finished in third place in the league.

2nd Team v FC Westridge

Bodiam Recreation Ground – Saturday, 1st November 2014

The 2nd team went down 5-1 away to FC Westridge with Elliot Upton netting the consolation goal.

2nd Team v Hampden Park United

Icklesham Recreation Ground – Saturday, 28th March 2015

With the Hampden Park team delayed getting to the ground, the match kicked-off late and it was Icklesham who started the better and went close to scoring early on but Dan Russell shot straight at the keeper. Dan was a constant threat down the left and it was from his well-struck corner in the 17th minute that Paul Daniels turned the ball home to give Icklesham the lead.

In the second half, substitutions gave the visitors more purpose but it was the Casuals who increased their advantage in the 58th minute when Paul Daniels converted from the penalty spot. He made the game safe three minutes later scoring following a Sean Baker free-kick to complete his hat-trick for a 3-0 win.

It was an excellent team performance with everyone playing their part. Luke Crisford was composed in goal, Callum Martin as usual, was dependable at the heart of the defence, Elliot Upton solid in midfield and Joe Fraser holding the ball up well up front.

With an average mark from referees of 8.59 out of 10 the 2nd team won the East Sussex Football League Sportsmanship Trophy therefore maintaining the club’s reputation for playing sporting football. Dan Russell was presented with the trophy on behalf of the club together with a cheque for £100 by East Sussex League president Dick Milton at their presentation evening held at Little Common F C on Monday, 18th May.

The 2nd team Players’ Player of the Year Trophy was awarded to Joe Lyons and Dan Russell was Manager’s Player of the Year. Paul Daniels was leading goal scorer with 8 goals, Joe Fraser was Young Player of the Year with Callum Martin a close runner-up and Paul Barnett won the Bert Glazier Cup.

2ND TEAM PLAYING RECORD

DATEOPPONENTSVENUECOMPETITIONRESULTGOAL SCORERS
26/8/2014Wittersham IIHomeFriendly4 – 6Paul Daniels 2, Joe Lyons, Kafka Skubay
3/9/2014Icklesham CasualsHomeFriendly3 – 4Kafka Skubay 2, Joe Lyons
13/9/2014Sedlescombe Rangers IIIHomeLeague2 – 8Dan Russell, Matthew Buckland
20/9/2014Hawkhurst United IIAwayLeague1 – 7Paul Daniels
27/9/2014Ticehurst IIHomeEastbourne Coach Finishers Challenge Cup 1st Round1 -10Joe Fraser
4/10/2014OringtonHomeLeague2 – 9Kafka Skubay, Joe Lyons
11/10/2014Peasmarsh UnitedHomeRobertsbridge Charity Junior Cup 1st Round0 – 5*
18/10/2014MayfieldAwayHastings F A Lower Divisions Cup 1st Round0 – 6
25/10/2014Hampden Park UnitedAwayLeague3 – 1Paul Daniels 2, Joe Fraser
1/11/2014FC WestridgeAwayLeague1 – 5Elliot Upton
15/11/2014Sedlescombe Rangers IIIAwayLeague2 – 7Joe Fraser, Mason Maddox
22/11/2014Robertsbridge United IIHomeLeague7 – 3Dan Russell 2, Paul Fagan (pen), Mason Maddox, Kafka Skubay, Joe Fraser, Phil Badrock
29/11/2014Punnetts TownAwayLeague0 – 9
10/1/2015OringtonAwayLeague1 – 2Dan Russell
31/1/2015Robertsbridge United IIAwayLeague4 – 7Dan Russell, Jon Fitton, Joe Lyons, James Coram
7/2/2015Battle Baptist IIIHomeLeague1 – 3Dan Russell
28/2/2015Sandhurst IIAwayLeague1 – 1Phil Badrock
7/3/2015Hawkhurst United IIHomeLeague1 – 3Jon Fitton
14/3/2015Punnetts TownHomeLeague1 – 1Phil Badrock
28/3/2015Hampden Park UnitedHomeLeague3 – 0Paul Daniels 3 (1 pen)
4/4/2015Battle Baptist IIIAwayLeague1 – 4Joe Fraser
18/4/2015Icklesham CasualsAwayFriendly5 – 6Joe Fraser, Dan Russell, Mason Maddox, Aiden Head, Sam Garner
25/4/2015FC WestridgeHomeLeague3 – 5Phil Badrock 2, Nick Bellhouse

NEWSPAPER REPORTS

VETERANS

In contrast to the 1st and 2nd teams, the veterans had an outstanding season becoming the inaugural champions of the Hastings F A Veterans League.

For the first time, the Hastings and District Football Association ran the local veterans competition on a league basis with matches played on a Sunday morning with teams playing each other home and away. There were initially six entrants but Hollington United Veterans withdrew before playing a game and Peche Hill Select Veterans played two matches before withdrawing.

The veterans won their opening two league fixtures before losing 3-0 at home to Little Common Veterans. Two further wins and a draw followed meaning the final game of the season against Little Common Veterans was a title decider. An exceptional team performance lead by the outstanding Sacha Patterson who netted four goals saw the side to a 5-2 victory.

A ‘Challenge Match’ against Sedlescombe Rangers Veterans was played under lights at The Pilot Field in April which raised funds for the New Pavilion Fund and proved a very enjoyable and worthwhile evening.

Sacha Patterson who scored 14 goals during the season was the Veterans Player of the Year and Stuart Adams, excellent as player-manager, was deservedly awarded the Colin McPhail Trophy.

Veterans v Peche Hill Select Veterans

Icklesham Recreation Ground – Sunday, 19th October 2014

The Veterans maintained their 100% record in the Hastings F A Veterans League with a comfortable victory over Peche Hill Select Veterans.

After an even start to the game the Veterans gradually got on top and opened the scoring in the 18th minute when Sacha Patterson turned in a cross from Pete Gumbrell with the ball striking the bar before bouncing down over the line. Two minutes later a speculative shot from Martin Tytherleigh was fumbled into the net by the Peche Hill keeper. Pete Gumbrell added a fine individual goal after 31 minutes to make the score 3-0 at the break. The Veterans dominated the second half but failed to add to their tally with Martin Tytherleigh missing from the penalty spot.

Peche Hill Select Veterans withdrew from the league shortly after so the points gained in the match were lost.

Veterans v Sedlescombe Rangers Veterans

Icklesham Recreation Ground – Sunday, 16th November 2014

The home Hastings F A Veterans League fixture against Sedlescombe Rangers Veterans was a memorable game. The team not only recovered from being 2-0 down to win 5-2, they also scored all seven goals!

Two own goals in the opening few minutes put Sedlescombe 2-0 up before Sacha Patterson headed in to reduce the arrears in the 19th minute. After 28 minutes Pete Gumbrell was brought down in the area and Sacha Patterson equalised from the resultant penalty and on 34 minutes he completed a 15-minute hat-trick by finishing off a superb move involving Martin Tytherleigh and Gavin Moor. Two minutes later Martin Tytherleigh netted to put the Veterans 4-2 ahead at the interval.

The only goal of the second half came in the 53rd minute when Martin Tytherleigh robbed a Sedlescombe defender and rounded goalkeeper Julian Buss to finish. Both teams struck the woodwork in the closing minutes.

Veterans v Sedlescombe Rangers Veterans

The Pilot Field, Hastings – Monday, 20th April 2015

On Monday, 20th April the Veterans played a most enjoyable competitive but friendly game against Sedlescombe Rangers Veterans under floodlights at The Pilot Field, home of Hastings United F C.

Sedlescombe started the game better but it was Sacha Patterson who put Icklesham ahead mid-way through the first half when his long-range effort slipped through the grasp of Sedlescombe keeper Julian Buss and into the net. Sacha Patterson doubled the lead before the interval when his shot from the edge of the area found the roof of the net. There was still time for Micky O’Callaghan to force Icklesham goalkeeper Roy McInnes into a tremendous flying save when his shot looked destined for the top corner.

At the start of the second half Sedlescombe put Icklesham under considerable pressure and Roy McInnes produced an even better save to deny Sedlescombe forward Wayne Jeffery and keep the two-goal lead intact. It was Martin Tytherleigh who made the game safe when his cross shot looped over Julian Buss and into the net. The final scoreline of 3-0 was not a true reflection of the game and this effort put in by Sedlescombe.

The match was used to raise both funds for, and awareness of, the project to build new changing facilities at the recreation ground in Icklesham. A successful evening added the tremendous sum of £400 to the amount raised to date.

Veterans v Little Common Veterans

Little Common Recreation Ground – Sunday, 26th April 2015

The Veterans met Little Common Veterans in the final league fixture of the season to decide the inaugural Hastings F A Veterans League champions. A win or a draw for Little Common would see them take the title while only a victory would be enough for Icklesham.

The Veterans started the brighter and took the lead in the 9th minute when Sacha Patterson converted a penalty awarded for handball. Little Common gradually got a foothold in the game, creating several chances and the equaliser came on 28 minutes again from a penalty for handball.

With five minutes of the first half remaining, Sacha Patterson restored the lead with a lovely turn in the box and shot into the roof of the net, then completed his hat-trick just before the break, with another fine finish.

The game was effectively made safe in the 51st minute when Sacha Patterson notched his fourth goal. Martin Tytherleigh weighed in with a goal in the 69th minute when he beat the opposition keeper and tapped into an empty net. Little Common pulled a goal back seven minutes from time for a final score of 5-2.

Photographs from the game…..

Medal and trophy presentation…..

VETERANS PLAYING RECORD

DATEOPPONENTSVENUECOMPETITIONRESULTGOAL SCORERS
14/9/2014Bexhill United VeteransAwayLeague2 – 0Sacha Patterson 2
19/10/2014Peche Hill Select VeteransHomeLeague3 – 0Sacha Patterson, Martin Tytherleigh, Pete Gumbrell
26/10/2014Little Common VeteransHomeLeague0 – 3
16/11/2014Sedlescombe Rangers VeteransHomeLeague5 – 2Sacha Patterson 3 (1 pen), Martin Tytherleigh 2
15/2/2015Sedlescombe Rangers VeteransAwayLeague3 – 1Sacha Patterson 2, Martin Tytherleigh
12/4/2015Bexhill United VeteransHomeLeague1 – 1Paul Sully
20/4/2015Sedlescombe Rangers VeteransNeutral<Friendly3 – 0Sacha Patterson 2, Martin Tytherleigh
26/4/2015Little Common VeteransAwayLeague5 – 2Sacha Patterson 4, Martin Tytherleigh

NEWSPAPER ARTICLE

SEASON AWARDS

ICKLESHAM CASUALS v HUGH SULLIVAN INVITATION XI

Horntye Park – Saturday, 27th December 2014

A ‘Challenge Match’ against a team of former player Hugh Sullivan took place at Horntye Park on the 27th December. It was a tradition in the Sullivan family to arrange a game during the Christmas period and this year Icklesham Casuals were the chosen opposition.

In a high scoring affair, a mixed team of 1st and 2nd players went down 6-4 with Sean Baker (2), Jonathan Barnett and Martin Tytherleigh netting the Icklesham goals.

ALBION IN THE COMMUNITY TOURNAMENT

Hastings Academy – Wednesday, 18th February 2015

A team of Under-18s from the club took part in the ‘Albion in the Community’ Tournament, an initiative organised by Brighton and Hove Albion F C, held at Hastings Academy and won the competition.

After winning one, drawing three and losing one of their group matches, Icklesham were level on points with two other teams and a penalty shoot-out was required to decide two of the semi-finalists. Two successful kicks out of three and two excellent saves from Luke Crisford saw them safely through. A goal from Joe Fraser along with an own goal gave them a 2-0 win in the semi-final.

The team were cruising at 3-0 in the final against a good Eastbourne Town side thanks to two goals from Joe Fraser and one from Tom Clare and, despite conceding two goals in a minute, held on for a deserved victory.

Thanks were due to Paul Barnett who organised and managed the team.

The winning squad was:- Ben Clare, Tom Clare, Luke Crisford, Joe Fraser, Mason Maddox, Nathan Sargent and Harry Smeed

1ST TEAM v 2ND TEAM FRIENDLY

Icklesham Recreation Ground – Saturday, 18th April 2015

With the 1st team having completed their fixtures and the 2nd team having just one match to play, a friendly was arranged between the two teams on Saturday, 18th April.

This resulted in a narrow 6-5 win for the 1st team. Sean Baker (2), Jon Fitton, Martin Tytherleigh, Nick Gooch and Connor Acton were on target for the 1sts with Joe Fraser, Dan Russell, Mason Maddox, Aiden Head and Sam Garner replying for the 2nds.

PRESENTATION EVENING

Azur, St Leonards-on-Sea – Friday, 26th June 2015

The club presentation evening was held at Azur in St Leonards on Friday, 26th June which was quite well attended despite the disappointing seasons for both the 1st and 2nd teams.

For the winners who could not attend the presentation evening, arrangements were made to award their trophies to them later dates.

GENERAL MATTERS

The club was saddened to learn of the passing of former player Bob Southerden prior to the start of the season. Although Bob played most of his football for Rye United, helping them to win the Sussex Junior Cup, he had a successful season with Icklesham Casuals in 1960-61 when his 31 goals made a major contribution to the 1st team winning the Hastings League Division One title.

Bob’s son-in-law Stuart Baker and grandson Sean Baker have both been stalwarts of Icklesham Casuals Football Club.

The club again supported the Icklesham Fete which was held in early August, running a joint tombola and cake stall which helped to raise significant funds for the Icklesham Trust Committee.

At the start of the season two appearance awards were made.

Trevor Hoath, who played for the club mainly as a centre forward but was also a very good goalkeeper and who is now a qualified referee received a medal for 100 appearances. The award was made prior to the 1st team pre-season friendly with The Junior Club Tackleway at Icklesham Recreation Ground on the 20th August which Trevor had kindly agreed to officiate,

After the opening 1st team league fixture with Mountfield United on the 6th September Phil Badrock was presented with a silver salver in recognition of 300 appearances for Icklesham Casuals.

It was a busy year for golf events.

On Monday, 7th July, nine current and former members of the club took part in another charity challenge – to play thirty-six holes in a day in nine different counties and using only five clubs! Those taking part were Bob Baker, Chris Baker, Steve Beale, Mike Beaumont, Ollie Beaumont, Tony Forster, Tim Linch, David Mayne and Hugh Sullivan. They played four holes in each of West Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Middlesex, Essex and Kent and raised £1360 which was divided between Macmillan Cancer Support and the New Pavilion Fund.

The 7th Icklesham Casuals Golf Tournament was held at the Weald of Kent Golf Course on Friday, 25th July and with a smaller field than usual. Andy Vickers took the trophy for the first time but only on a ‘count back’ involving the last nine holes after he finished level on points with Tim Linch.

The Christmas Golf Event was held at Horam Park Golf Club on the 28th December and it was the pairing of Richard Forrest and Mark Stace who triumphed.

CLUB OFFICIALS