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Eastbourne Town's game at the Saffrons against Goldaming Town scheduled for Tuesday 24 January 2012 was cancelled due to a waterlogged pitch.
EASTBOURNE TOWN 0 FOLKESTONE INVICTA 0
The
Saffrons Saturday 21st January 2012 3pm
Ryman League South Division One
Report by Kieran Poole
Boss Danny Bloor was delighted with his side’s best defensive
performance of the season at The Saffrons on Saturday. Town
‘keeper Kieron Thorp produced a string of fine saves in the
second-half to ensure his side earned a point. Bloor hailed Thorp’s
and his back-four’s performance as “absolutely outstanding”.
Town were made to work hard by Folkestone, especially after losing
Kai Bichard for a second bookable offence in the 60th minute. Few
chances were created in a timid first-half in blustery conditions
not too different to those in October for the reverse fixture which
ended in a 1-1 draw. Folkestone’s James Everitt had two goal-bound
headers in 10 minutes. The first in the 21st minute was weak and the
second, from a Josh Burchell free-kick, was smothered by Thorp.
Town’s Nathan Crabb nearly went in on goal from a quick free-kick in
the 38th minute but Folkestone’s ‘keeper Jack Delo was sharp to
clear before Crabb could capitalise.
The second-half was slow in getting going but after the sending off,
high-flying Folkestone were made to rue a host of missed chances as
Bloor’s side stood strong against an onslaught. The Kent side were
up against an inspired Thorp who touched over a 25-yard drive from
Darren Smith in the 51st minute. He then palmed away a James Everitt
volley seven minutes later. Incredibly Thorp’s opposite number
Delo went close to scoring when he pumped upfield the resultant
free-kick from Bichard’s second yellow. It took a wild bounce before
Thorp, who tipped over. But Thorp’s best moment was to come from a
bullet header by Smith in the 70th minute. He somehow reacted and
clawed it away, to the appreciation of his teammates. This was not
the end of Folkestone’s pressing and Thorp was called into action in
the 77th minute when top-scorer Stuart King neatly turned a Town
defender to feed Smith, who struck first time but Thorp deflected
over. Folkestone continued to create opportunities and their
clearest was headed wide at the back-post by Burchell from four
yards in the 88th minute. Dramatically in injury-time Town sub
Aaron Hopkinson went through on goal but was booked for simulation
after tangling with a defender. Bloor believes this was incorrect.
He said, “Everyone is adamant we should have had a penalty when
Aaron was hauled down.” But he was pleased with the point. He
added, “We’ve got a settled backline. Sometimes you need to roll
your sleeves up. We did that. “To play with 10 men and keep a
clean sheet is delightful. I’m really proud of my players.”
Eastbourne Town: Thorp 8, Davidson 7, Storrie 7, Elliot 7, Fogden 7,
May 7, Curd 6 (Hopkinson 85’), Kirkwood 7 (Denton 76’), Bichard 5,
Crabb N. 6, Geard 7 (Crabb S. 72) Subs not used: Kessack, Graves
Folkestone Invicta: Delo, Vincent, Burchell, Friend, Chappell,
Dickson (Gonnella 64’), Smith, Marsden (Austin 90’), Everitt J.,
King, Everitt M.
Bookings: ET: Bichard (2) Kirkwood, Fogden, Hopkinson
FI: Gonnella Reds: ET: Bichard FI: - Referee: Michael O’Keefe
Man of the match: Kieron Thorp – encapsulated his side’s superb
defensive display
Matt Geard takes control against Folkestone Invicta
Photo by Jack Gracie
FAVERSHAM TOWN 1 EASTBOURNE TOWN 1
Salters Lane Saturday 14th January 2012 3pm
Ryman League South Division One
The Eastbourne Town first team home game against Godalming that was abandoned due to floodlight failure has been rearranged for the evening of Tuesday 24 January 2012.
EASTBOURNE TOWN 1 DULWICH HAMLET 3
The Saffrons Saturday 7th January 2012 3pm
Ryman League South Division One
Having completed a league double over Whyteleafe in their last home
game, on Saturday, Eastbourne Town suffered the same fate, as Ryman
title contenders, Dulwich Hamlet, subjected the hosts to a 3-1
defeat at the Saffrons. Having also been dumped out of the FA Cup by
the same opponents, Town will be pleased not to see Dulwich Hamlet
again this season. Town's first game of the New Year was yet another
competitive affair, played in much better conditions than their
previous game versus Whyteleafe. The Town ground staff had worked
hard to repair what was a quagmire of a pitch only a few days
before.
Having seen Sonny Cobbs move to league leaders, Bognor Regis Town,
during the week, Eastbourne Town boss, Danny Bloor was able to
include Ryan James in his starting line up, as the popular and
influential midfielder had just been released by Oxford United only
a few days before. Scott Kirkwood was also included, having
recovered from a knock that had seen him miss the matches over the
festive period.
In an open game, good chances were few and far between in the
opening half. The physically bigger and stronger visitors just
shaded the first half, with their reward a goal scored by the ever
dangerous Frankie Sawyer on 27 minutes. Andre Costa hit the bar from
one of a number free kicks conceded just outside the box by the
hosts. They were unable to clear the danger and, when it was
delivered to the far post, an unmarked Sawyer smashed home from the
edge of the 6 yard box. Finding themselves a goal behind, Town
produced an immediate response and started to attack with much more
purpose but no real cutting edge. However, Keiron Thorp in the Town
goal had to be at his sharpest to save from the dangerous Ishmail
Kamara just after the half hour mark, as Dulwich broke with their
usual speed and purpose.
At the start of the second period, Eastbourne boss, Bloor changed
from 4-5-1 set up to a more orthodox and attacking 4-4-2 formation,
and his decision was vindicated within five minutes of the restart,
as the home side equalised with a goal of real quality. Following a
build up of Town pressure, the ball was played to Ryan James on the
edge of the Dulwich box and his beautifully cushioned pass was met
at full stride by Scott Kirkwood who, with a great first touch, took
the ball into the Dulwich box, away from pursuing defenders, before
opening his body to guide a delightful curling effort into the
corner of the visitor's net for his 5th league goal of the campaign.
With their tails up, Town now looked the most likely to win as a Kai
Bichard piledriver was well saved by Dulwich 'keeper, Phil Wilson. A
Ryan James' free kick and another Bichard effort were also well
defended as Town took the game to their iconic visitors. However,
with the match nicely poised, it was a series of substitutions with
15 minutes left that were to prove influential the final outcome.
Dulwich brought on a couple of very pacey players that breathed
fresh life into their side, and, with it came a final push for a
winning outcome. With only 5 minutes left, Town contributed to
their own downfall as they were again guilty of not marking well
enough from set plays. A well delivered corner from the right was
met full pelt by Dulwich defender, Morath-Gibbs who climbed way
above any Town challenge to thunder a header past Thorp, to put the
visitors back in front. Town's final effort saw the hard working
Nathan Crabb caught marginally offside as he looked to break through
the massed Dulwich defensive ranks. As the hosts gambled on finding
an equaliser, the visiting side scored what was to be the best of
four super goals on 89 minutes. Andre Costa produced a mazy run from
the left that left 3 Town defenders on their backsides as he twisted
and turned into the Town penalty box before unleashing a thunderbolt
of a shot past Thorp's despairing dive.
The final scoreline certainly flattered the visitors as, on another
day, the hosts may well have gotten a point for their considerable
efforts. However, Bloor was left to ponder another home defeat with
the coup-de-grace again delivered in the very latest stages of a
game. Dulwich's joy was further enhanced with the news that Sussex
based title challengers Bognor had drawn and Whitehawk had lost.
Those last 15 minutes did, indeed, prove influential to Dulwich's
day by the seaside.
ETFC: Thorp 7 Storrie 6 James 6 Elliott 7 Fogden 7 May 6 Kirkwood 7
Davidson 7 Bichard 7 N.Crabb 6 Kessack 6 Subs: Hopkinson (for James
76) Freeman (for Kirkwood 82) Not Used: S.Crabb, Geard, Graves.
MoM : Adam Davidson....wholehearted, efficient and effective.
Attendance: 246
Pictured above - Eastbourne Town FC Players Open New Branch of Ladbrokes
For a three-year term, locally-based Sussex Business Times (SBT) will be displayed on the front of the club's shirts with City Gym Express on the backs of the five most senior teams of the club.
Sponsor, local businessman and owner of both businesses, Lee Mansfield, has generously given the advertising space on shorts to the club's Eastbourne-based charity, ICT 4 Autism. He has also pledged £10 per goal scored to the charity with other club sponsors hoped to follow in a similar path. Club Chairman, David Jenkins, said "we are thrilled to have secured by far the biggest deal in the club's 130 year history, especially in these difficult times. I believe it reflects the club's ongoing efforts to be at the forefront of community issues. We are keen to be seen at the heart of Eastbourne sport, supporting the community wherever and however we can. I believe this was a major reason behind Sussex Business Times and City Gym's decision to commit to such a large investment in one organisation. The support for our charity again emphasises our sponsor's commitment to Eastbourne and we are truly delighted that they have chosen to invest in Eastbourne Town FC's future.
Danny Bloor, Club Manager added, “We cannot underestimate what this deal means for the club. It is hugely important for community football to gain this kind of support from local businesses. Businesses which can offer added value over and above the initial financial support.”
Lee Mansfield explained, "I know David Jenkins well and as a supporter of Eastbourne and a football fan, it wasn't too difficult to agree our deal. The club continues to grow and as the oldest club in Sussex, we are delighted to commit to them and the work they plan over the coming years. Playing at The Saffrons, next door to the Town Hall, the club is truly at the heart of Eastbourne and we are looking forward to sharing in the club's future."
Simon Skinner, Marketing Director of Park View Publishing Ltd, the publishers of Sussex Business Times Magazine added, “As the oldest business title in Sussex, we can see huge opportunities in this new deal for SBT. We do not intend to be a ‘silent’ sponsor of Eastbourne Town FC and are already planning a brand new SBT networking event to be held at the Saffrons on a quarterly basis and an annual gala dinner at the end of the season, which will raise money for both the club and our chosen charities. Sussex Business Times may be Sussex-Wide but we are based in the town and we fully intend to develop the local business community through the meetings along with other projects too.
As a part of the agreement, players will also have the opportunity to use the facilities at City Gym Express on South Street, just a few hundred yards away from the pitch. This is a huge benefit due to the gym housing high-end training equipment, not available at the football club not to mention the luxurious changing and shower rooms.
On top of all of this, Lee Mansfield has also pledged support to the club from his other businesses, Fresh Cleaning Services and Slaters Wine Bar.
Both Eastbourne based businesses. Eastbourne Town Football Club are in the process of updating their website - please call back soon to see the exciting changes being made! To contact us please email: info@etfc.biz.
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