Season 1976-77

40TH SEASON

SEASON REPORT

The fortieth season was a good one in almost every way. In over one hundred games, the Club did not have official action taken against any player, the young first team was the strongest for some time and were runners-up in the Robertsbridge Charity Intermediate Cup, the second team won more matches than for a long time, the third team were runners-up in the Eastbourne and Hastings League Division Four Cup, while the youth team (Under 14) won the new Rother Valley Youth League with a one hundred per cent record.

Halfway through the season George Potter completed five hundred first team games and this was marked by a presentation and on Saturday, 30th April, the 40th Anniversary Party was an outstanding success and a great reward for the very hard work put in by the committee which organised it.

1ST TEAM

This was the best 1st XI record for several seasons in Division One of the Eastbourne and Hastings League which was small but strong. In cup games against East Sussex League Intermediate sides, the team won four and lost only two, while in the A F A Junior Cup, the first XI lost to the finalists, Barclays Bank II only after a replay.

Apart from a 7-1 home defeat by Stamco, the team were in with a chance in every league game and earned runner-up medals in the Robertsbridge Charity Intermediate Cup, losing 3-1 to old rivals Westfield after good wins against Wadhurst United II, Hollington Old Boys and Polegate. The side that appeared in the final was – Richard Forrest, Ian Ruddock, George Potter (captain), Paul Milton, John Crisford, Andrew Dunlop, Wayne Carter, Jimmy Britt, Bob Baker, Colin Shearer and Chris Morrell.

The team played constructive attacking football and Bob Baker, who did not miss a match, scored 40 goals and only just missed a club record in intermediate soccer. Wayne Carter also found the net on 16 occasions. Young players in Paul Milton, Whitney Loomas and Ian Ruddock all played their part, while Bill Kelly was an acquisition. In his last season as captain, George Potter set an excellent example of enthusiasm and sportsmanship.

In the Hastings F A Intermediate Cup 1st round tie with Ecko II played on Saturday, 4th December, George Potter made his five hundredth first team appearance – Icklesham fittingly won the game 3-2 thanks to two goals from Wayne Carter and one from Colin Shearer. George was not sent off or cautioned in any of those matches and in over 400 games as captain no player under him had been so much as booked. A presentation of a soccer book was made to George to mark the achievement.

1ST TEAM PLAYING RECORD

DATEOPPONENTSVENUECOMPETITIONRESULTGOAL SCORERS
26/8/1976Silverton RangersHomeFriendly3 – 3Dave Coombes 2, Bob Baker
1/9/1976EckoHomeFriendly1 – 3Dave Coombes
4/9/1976Robertsbridge RangersHomeLeague5 – 6Bob Baker 2, Bill Kelly,
7/9/1976Linton AthleticHomeFriendly0 – 3
11/9/1976Eastbourne RangersHomeFriendly6 – 3Bob Baker 2 (1 pen), Dave Coombes 2, Paul Milton, Bill Black
18/9/1976Barclays Bank IIAwayA F A Junior Cup Preliminary Round2 – 2 *Wayne Carter, Own Goal
25/9/1976Barclays Bank IIHomeA F A Junior Cup Preliminary Round Replay0 – 4
2/10/1976Wadhurst United IIAwayRobertsbridge Charity Intermediate Cup 1st Round6 – 3Bob Baker 4, Wayne Carter 2
9/10/1976Eastbourne RangersAwayLeague3 – 1Bill Black, Wayne Carter, Bill Kelly
16/10/1976WestfieldAwayHastings F A Intermediate Cup 1st Round5 – 3Bill Kelly 2, Wayne Carter, Bob Baker, Colin Shearer
23/10/1976Hampden Park Athletic IIHomeLeague3 – 2Bob Baker 2 (1 pen), Colin Shearer
13/11/1976StamcoHomeLeague1 – 7Bob Baker (pen)
20/11/1976Linton AthleticHomeHastings F A Intermediate Cup 2nd Round0 – 2
27/11/1976Langney Sports IIHomeLeague0 – 2
4/12/1976Ecko IIHomeEastbourne and Hastings League Intermediate Cup 1st Round3 – 2Wayne Carter 2, Colin Shearer
11/12/1976East DeanAwayLeague8 – 1Bob Baker 5, Steve Beale 2, Wayne Carter
8/1/1977Hampden Park Athletic IIAwayLeague3 – 4Wayne Carter, Bob Baker, Colin Shearer
12/2/1977Eastbourne and Hastings League Junior XIHomeFriendly3 – 0John Crisford, Wayne Carter, Bill Kelly
19/2/1977Dental Estimate BoardAwayEastbourne and Hastings League Intermediate Cup 2nd Round3 – 3 *Bob Baker 3 (1 pen)
26/2/1977SpartanAwayLeague5 – 1Paul Milton 2, Bob Baker 2, Wayne Carter
5/3/1977Dental Estimate BoardHomeEastbourne and Hastings League Intermediate Cup 2nd Round Replay0 – 1
12/3/1977Langney Sports IIAwayLeague1 – 3Wayne Carter
19/3/1977ParkfieldHomeLeague2 – 4Wayne Carter, Bob Baker
26/3/1977Ecko IIHomeLeague1 – 1Bob Baker
2/4/1977ParkfieldAwayLeague2 – 3Bob Baker 2 (1 pen)
9/4/1977East DeanHomeLeague5 – 0Paul Milton 2, Derek Smith, Jimmy Britt, Bob Baker
11/4/1977Hollington Old BoysHomeRobertsbridge Charity Intermediate Cup 2nd Round5 – 1Bob Baker 4 (1 pen), Bill Kelly
16/4/1977Ecko IIAwayLeague1 – 2Bob Baker
30/4/1977SpartanHomeLeague7 – 1George Potter, Wayne Carter, Bob Baker, Colin Shearer, Derek Smith, Bill Kelly, Own Goal
7/5/1977Robertsbridge RangersAwayLeague6 – 2Bob Baker 3, Wayne Carter, Colin Shearer, Bill Kelly
11/5/1977StamcoAwayLeague2 – 5Bob Baker, Colin Shearer
14/5/1977PolegateNeutral<Robertsbridge Charity Intermediate Cup Semi-Final2 – 0Paul Milton, Bob Baker
24/5/1977WestfieldNeutral<Robertsbridge Charity Intermediate Cup Final1 – 3Wayne Carter

NEWSPAPER REPORTS

2ND TEAM

With a great finish to the season – five wins in a row – the 2nd XI had their best record for some years. Brian Luck led the side well and the defence, apart from a few bad days, was usually sound.

Andrew Dunlop and Michael Coleman were both on the verge of the 1st team for whom they played successfully several times and Chris Morrell, though hardly a youngster, had his best season with the Club. Nick Jury with 12 goals followed by Chris Heron, 10 goals, were the leading scorers while Robert Glazier played in every game.

Once again, Andrew Dunlop snr was team manager and linesman.

2ND TEAM PLAYING RECORD

DATEOPPONENTSVENUECOMPETITIONRESULTGOAL SCORERS
25/8/1976Collins and HayesAwayFriendly2 – 1Colin Shearer, Nick Jury
2/9/1976Seeboard IIHomeFriendly0 – 1
18/9/1976Linton Athletic IIAwayFriendly0 – 1
25/9/1976St HelensAwayLeague1 – 3Chris Morrell
2/10/1976Collins and HayesAwayLeague0 – 7
9/10/1976ParksideAwayLeague3 – 2Chris Heron 2, Simon Newton
16/10/1976Old Hamptonians IIIHomeA F A Minor Cup 1st Round1 – 5
23/10/1976Linton Athletic IIAwayRobertsbridge Charity Junior Cup 1st Round2 – 3Simon Newton,
30/10/1976Old Centmodians IIIHomeLeague7 – 0Nick Jury 2, Mick Coleman, Robert Glazier, Robin Shearer, Chris Heron, Chris Morrell
13/11/1976BredeAwayLeague3 – 4Chris Morrell 2, Steven Lawrence
20/11/1976Wittersham IIAwayEastbourne and Hastings League Division Three Cup 1st Round2 – 3Chris Heron, Larry Cooke
27/11/1976Victoria InnAwayLeague2 – 3Robin Shearer, Larry Cooke
11/12/1976Collins and HayesHomeLeague0 – 8
18/12/1976BredeHomeLeague5 – 0Chris Heron 2, Larry Cooke 2, Nick Jury
1/1/1977Old Centmodians IIIAwayLeague7 – 0Dave Coombes 2, Nick Jury 2, Mick Coleman, Bob Baker, Larry Cooke
8/1/1977Seeboard IIHomeLeague2 – 2Nick Jury, Larry Cooke
22/1/1977Wittersham IIHomeLeague9 – 1Nick Jury 3, Colin Shearer 2, Paul Milton 2, Robin Shearer, Chris Morrell
29/1/1977Ore CentreHomeLeague1 – 2Bob Baker
5/2/1977SedlescombeAwayLeague1 – 7Chris Benn
12/2/1977BeckleyAwayLeague2 – 2Nick Jury, Larry Cooke
19/2/1977St HelensHomeLeague1 – 2Nick Jury
12/3/1977Seeboard IIAwayLeague1 – 0Chris Heron
19/3/1977Ore CentreAwayLeague2 – 1Chris Morrell, Dave Minett
26/3/1977BodiamAwayLeague2 – 2Chris Heron, Own Goal
2/4/1977Victoria InnHomeLeague2 – 7
6/4/1977BeckleyHomeLeague1 – 1Nick Batt
8/4/1977Old BrentwoodsHomeFriendly2 – 2M Woodhams,
9/4/1977Wittersham IIAwayLeague2 – 1Nick Batt, Larry Cooke
12/4/1977BodiamHomeLeague3 – 2Mick Coleman, Dave Coombes, Chris Morrell
16/4/1977ParksideHomeLeague2 – 1Steven Lawrence, Dave Coombes
28/4/1977SedlescombeHomeLeague1 – 0Dave Coombes
30/4/1977Robertsbridge Rangers IIAwayLeague5 – 1Chris Heron 2, Dave Minett 2, Chris Morrell

3RD TEAM

This season marked a piece of Club history with the 3rd team reaching a cup final when they won through to the final of the Eastbourne and Hastings League Division Four Cup after defeating Steadfast United after a replay, Brede II and Benenden Chest Hospital. In the final at the Pilot Field they lost 4-0 to Guldeford and Camber but their standard of play did them and the Club credit. The side which competed in the final was – John Causer, David Dunlop, Tim Jury, Martin Shearer, Bill Bird, Stuart Baker, Simon Newton, Colin McPhail (captain), Graham Glazier, Nick Batt and Andy White. After the very drab season of the previous year, it was a much better one all round for the third team.

Colin McPhail, who had given such good service to the second and third teams decided to hang up his boots and he would be missed for his excellent example as captain. Bill Bird brought experience to the defence and the whole side had a workmanlike look, though there were the inevitable weeks when regulars could not play and the side carried too many boys. Andy White top scored with 9 goals, with Simon Newton registering 8 times.

3RD TEAM PLAYING RECORD

DATEOPPONENTSVENUECOMPETITIONRESULTGOAL SCORERS
31/8/1976Guldeford and CamberHomeFriendly2 – 2Nigel Carter, Chris Heron
8/9/1976Bohemia UnitedHomeFriendly2 – 3Jack Brown,
11/9/1976Benenden Chest HospitalAwayLeague4 – 1Chris Heron 2, Chris Morrell, Nick Batt
18/9/1976Steadfast UnitedHomeLeague0 – 6
25/9/1976The Junior Club Tackleway IIIAwayLeague1 – 5D Way
2/10/1976Drallim WanderersAwayLeague1 – 7D Way
9/10/1976National Westminster Bank IVHomeA F A Novets Cup 1st Round2 – 9Bill Bird 2
16/10/1976Malvern WayHomeLeague3 – 3Tim Jury, John Foster, Jack Brown
23/10/1976The Junior Club Tackleway IIIHomeLeague3 – 3Richard Forrest, Andy White, Own Goal
30/10/1976Herstmonceux IIAwayHastings F A Lower Divisions Cup 1st Round2 – 1Tim Jury, Andy White
6/11/1976Hollington Youth CentreHomeLeague1 – 8Peter Turner
13/11/1976Northiam 75 IIHomeLeague2 – 4Andy White, John Foster
27/11/1976Drallim WanderersHomeLeague2 – 5Paul Crocombe, Jack Brown
11/12/1976Northiam 75 IIAwayLeague0 – 3
1/1/1977Ore Centre IIAwayLeague1 – 4Stuart Baker
8/1/1977Steadfast UnitedAwayHastings F A Lower Divisions Cup 2nd Round1 – 3Simon Newton
15/1/1977Steadfast UnitedHomeEastbourne and Hastings League Division Four Cup 1st Round1 – 1 *Simon Newton
22/1/1977Old Hastonians IIIHomeLeague4 – 0Bill Bird, Simon Newton, Nick Batt, Own Goal
29/1/1977Benenden Chest HospitalHomeLeague4 – 3Derek Smith, Bill Kelly, Andy White,
5/2/1977Old Hastonians IIIAwayLeague3 – 3Bob Baker, Simon Newton, Colin McPhail
12/2/1977Brede IIHomeLeague3 – 0Simon Newton, Colin McPhail, Trevor Glazier
19/2/1977Hastings WaterHomeFriendly4 – 5Gary Grainger 2, John Foster, Andy White
5/3/1977Steadfast UnitedAwayEastbourne and Hastings League Division Four Cup 1st Round Replay4 – 3Simon Newton 2, Graham Glazier 2
12/3/1977Brede IIHomeEastbourne and Hastings League Division Four Cup 2nd Round2 – 1Martin Shearer, Andy White
19/3/1977Brede IIAwayLeague0 – 1
26/3/1977Malvern WayAwayLeague3 – 7John Foster, Gary Grainger, Andy White
2/4/1977Benenden Chest HospitalHomeEastbourne and Hastings League Division Four Cup Semi-Final2 – 1Colin McPhail, Graham Glazier
16/4/1977Iden IIAwayLeague4 – 3Andy White 2, Martin Shearer, Simon Newton
21/4/1977Guldeford and CamberHomeLeague0 – 2
23/4/1977Guldeford and CamberAwayLeague0 – 3
26/4/1977Guldeford and CamberNeutral<Eastbourne and Hastings League Division Four Cup Final0 – 4
30/4/1977Iden IIHomeLeague2 – 4John Foster, Colin McPhail
5/5/1977Steadfast UnitedAwayLeague1 – 6Gary Grainger
12/5/1977Hollington Youth CentreAwayLeague0 – 7

NEWSPAPER REPORTS

YOUTH TEAM

During the season, a small league for village teams – the Rother Valley Youth League – was formed and the Club entered the under 14 section. The side, organised by Don Batt with valuable assistance from other parents, won the League without dropping a point as well as an end of season seven-a-side tournament. Alan Fermor scored 24 goals in the eight league games and finished with 29 goals in total.

YOUTH TEAM PLAYING RECORD

DATEOPPONENTSVENUECOMPETITIONRESULTGOAL SCORERS
14/11/1976Bexhill Athletic BoysHomeFriendly8 – 3Alan Fermor 5, Chris Clifford 2, Alan Butler
12/12/1976Northiam BoysAwayLeague4 – 1Alan Fermor 3, Chris Clifford
9/1/1977Brede BoysAwayLeague9 – 0Alan Fermor 5, Clive Vick, Chris Clifford, A Thomas, S Thomas
23/1/1977Brickwall SchoolHomeLeague7 – 1Chris Clifford 3, Alan Fermor 2, A Thomas 2
Northiam BoysHomeLeague4 – 2Alan Fermor 2, Clive Vick, S Thomas
12/3/1977Brickwall SchoolAwayLeague4 – 2Alan Fermor 2, M Crew, Chris Clifford
20/3/1977SandhurstHomeLeague10 – 0David Chappell 4, A Thomas 3, Chris Clifford 2, Alan Fermor
27/3/1977SandhurstAwayLeague9 – 2David Chappell 3, Alan Fermor 3, Chris Clifford, A Thomas, Own Goal
17/4/1977Brede BoysHomeLeague13 – 2Alan Fermor 6, David Chappell 3, Chris Clifford 2, E Lander
Rest of LeagueAwayFriendly2 – 10

SEASON AWARDS

40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Icklesham Recreation Ground – Saturday, 30th April 1977

Midway through the season a working committee – George Roberts (chairman and secretary), Larry Cooke (treasurer), Arthur Baker, Jack Brown, John Crisford, Richard Forrest, David French and Eric Hollingsworth started work and made a first class job of organising the party to mark the 40th anniversary of the Club.

This was enjoyed by around 240 members, past members and guests. The committee deservedly received congratulations on their efforts.

GENERAL MATTERS

Robert Glazier and Robin Shearer looked after the Icklesham Ground with various third team players doing good work at Guestling. Tea was rather irregular but very welcome when it came.

The club purchased twelve new shirts through Wisdens in Hastings at a cost of £4.25 per shirt with a total cost of £51. This was reduced to £43.35 after receipt of a £7.65 discount for paying by cash.

The Christmas Draw and Don Batt’s penalty kick competition did much for the finances of the Club.

The Annual General Meeting was held on Thursday, 21st July 1977 at the Robin Hood Inn, Icklesham starting at 8 pm.

CLUB OFFICIALS