First Team Match Reports 08/09

Honours Even At Glovers Lane

Saturday 8th November - SCFL Div 2 - Sidley United 3 Storrington 3

Heavy rainfall on Friday evening and Saturday morning meant that the drive East to Sidley could all be in vain if it persisted through the afternoon. Fortunately, the rain did ease up and, although the pitch was very heavy going, the game went ahead. Storrington had lost 1-0 at The Rec earlier in the season so would be keen to reverse their fortunes today. Dean Potter returned to the side after a week out with injury, Luke Palmer slotted in at right back and, with the late withdrawal of Stuart McCall, Stewart Day started at left-back for his first start in three weeks. Greg Palmer was missing today through suspension so Richard Ayres started upfront again.
True to form, Storrington started the slower but it didn't last long this time as they took the lead after 10 minutes. Steve Tasker found himself in space in the box and coolly slotted past the Sidley goalkeeper. The conditions were not good but The Swans competed well and seemed up for it this afternoon. Sidley were an improved side from the team that beat Storrington last month so The Swans would need to expect the home side to attack. Attack they did... Their equaliser did however come slightly against the run of play and was a little fortuitous. James Blaydon stuck out a leg to intercept a Sidley strike, only for him to see it pass by the diving Gary Elliott. Storrington continued to press and looked to be the side trying to play football. The Sidley goalkeeper had spilled a couple of Storrington efforts during the half and this is how The Swans' second came about. Richard Ayres, who had an impressive game, was quickest to react to a spilled shot and slid in to give Storrington the lead going into half-time.
Overall, Hamilton was pleased with the way that Storrington attacked during the first half but felt that some of the problems had been created by themselves. It was a case of knowing when to resort to one touch defending and when not to over complicate it. Although Storrington led, the game was still very much in the balance and it was Sidley who got back on level terms. The referee adjudged Stewart Day to have pulled the Sidley striker's shirt in the area and awarded a penalty. Willard stepped up and slotted home the penalty, sending Elliott the wrong way. Shortly after the penalty, Lee Saxby had to come off through injury. Day slotted in alongside Blaydon and Chris Johnson came on at right-back for the last 30 minutes. The wind had now really picked up and was certainly playing it's part in proceedings, with it now being very strong into the visitors' faces. Just after the hour mark, Storrington went ahead for the third time. John Rhodie continued his run, latching onto a through ball. He duly smashed the ball home from just inside the box. The Swans failed to consolidate and their lead lasted only 2 minutes after another piece of fortune for the home side. Stewart Day's clearing header hit the back of Berry and landed at the striker's feet, who finished easily from 6 yards out. Both teams had chances to win the game during the last 25 minutes. Richard Ayres' shot somehow managed to stay out and was eventually cleared off the line and Berry went through on goal again for the home side, only to see his shot hit the post and go out for a goal kick.
All in all, a draw was probably a fair result on the day, although Storrington may feel that they should have gone in with more of an advantage at half time for all their possession during the first 45 minutes. Away from League action next week, as The Swans host high-flying Rustington in the Division 2 Cup. Hamilton will be looking to give the home crowd something to cheer about as Storrington look for their first home goal!

TEAM: Elliott; L Palmer, Day, Saxby (Johnson), Blaydon; Potter, Cook (Chilvers), Humphreys, Rhodie, Tasker (Ansley); Ayres

That Winning Feeling...

Saturday 1st November - SCFL Div 2 - Loxwood 0 Storrington 1

Today was an important fixture for The Swans for a number of reasons. It was the first time in both clubs' history that they had met in a competitive fixture at Senior football, a win today would mean back to back wins for Storrington and there were three or four members of the away team squad that would be looking to claim bragging rights over former Storrington hitman, Craig Grantham, who started for the home side upfront today.
With Dean Potter still carrying the hamstring injury that he picked up against Seaford last weekend, it meant that Luke Palmer slotted straight in to act as cover for the back four. Rick Hamilton was also able to name a strong bench for today's game, including Greg Palmer who had only returned from Las Vegas this morning.
Today's conditions were pretty awful, freezing cold temperatures, heavy rain and strong winds but the game did start at a fairly frantic pace. Unfortunately, Storrington were not alive to the bright start by Loxwood and were second to everything, including being switched on to a number of quick free-kicks. The home side continued to press and had around seven corners in the first 20 minutes, coming close with an Ollie Lambkin header. Nick Tilley then forced an excellent save from Gary Elliott in the Storrington goal and Craig Grantham saw an effort go just wide. However, Storrington weathered the storm well and for the last 20 minutes of the half, the tide turned somewhat. The away team started to get the ball down and play the football they are capable of and, at times, were very difficult to live with. Dave Cook was having a lot of joy down the right-hand side and the back four along with Luke Palmer now looked very assured. The deadlock was broken in the dying moments off the half when Liam Humphreys rose well to nod home a Stuart McCall cross.
Although 1-0 up at half-time, the Storrington management team were not happy. It was fair to say that the away side had ridden their luck a little and were urged to contest more fiercely in the second half as well as get the ball down and try and outplay Loxwood. Storrington came to life in the second half and looked the better side, creating some good opportunities. Richard Ayres made way for Greg Palmer just after half-time who came on and performed the lone striker role to great effect, linking up the midfielders and wide players whenever possible. Liam Humphreys nearly doubled both his and Storrington’s tally when he fired in a free-kick from 20 yards against the post and second half substitutes, Chris Chilvers and Arran Tewsley, linked up well linked up well for what should have been the goal that killed the game off. Chris Chilvers’ low, driven cross found Tewsley unmarked inside the box with space and time only for him to shoot over from about 10 yards. However, 1-0 it ended as Storrington proved for the second week running what a hard team they can be to break down. The Swans can now travel to Sidley full of confidence, with the onus now on them to start with tempo from the outset of matches in the hope their impressive away form continues.

TEAM: Elliott; McCall, Fitzgerald, Saxby, Blaydon; L Palmer, Cook (Chilvers), Rhodie, Humphreys, Tasker (Tewsley); Ayres (G Palmer). Subs not used: Day, Ansley

Swans' Good Run Against Seaford Continues

Saturday 25th October - SCFL Div 2 - Seaford 0 Storrington 2

Storrington have had a good record against Seaford over the last couple of seasons but they would need to play considerably better than they did against Rye if they were going to get anything out of this game. Seaford have started the season in fine form with the East Sussex side yet to lose at home in the League. More changes again for Storrington with Stuart McCall returning at right back in place of the injured Luke Palmer and two starts given to former Horsham YM boys, Phil Fitzgerald and Dean Potter. Gary Elliott returned from injury to start in goal and Richard Ayres started upfront in place of Greg Palmer who was away with work committments.
The game started out as a fairly evenly fought contest with both teams having chances. Richard Ayres was working hard to keep the ball upfront, bringing the wide players into play and, when called into question, Elliott looked assured in the Storrington goal. Storrington stepped up their performance mid way through the first half and started to knock the ball around well and, more importantly, keeping it. With around 10 minutes of the half remaining, Storrington drew first blood. A free-kick was swung in by Stuart McCall that was cleverly flicked on by Lee Saxby for Liam Humphreys to be on hand with a looping header back across goal and beyond Levett to make it 1-0. Storrington's second came just three minutes later as Dave Cook's delivery found Steve Tasker with space in the box to slot home and give The Swans the cushion going into half-time.
Storrington would need to avoid complacency in the second half as Seaford would no doubt come out all guns blazing. Unfortnately, early in the second half The Swans lost Dean Potter with a hamstring strain which meant that Richard Ayres dropped back into midfield and Peter Ansley coming on upfront. Storrington were required to defend for large parts of the second half, which they did well. The back four looked very assured, with deubtant Phil Fitzgerald giving a particularly strong performance. Whilst Seaford enjoy the lion's share of possession in the second half, they only really had two memorable chances. Gary Elliot tipped a long-range Drew Greenall effort over the bar and Greenall should have scored with five minutes to go from only six yards out!
So, three points and a clean sheet away from home against a high-flying Seaford Team, just what was required after the defeat against Rye. The underlying message is still the same though - Storrington must start showing some consistency if they are to climb the table.

TEAM: Elliott; McCall, Fitzgerald, Saxby, Blaydon; Potter (Ansley), Tasker, Rhodie, Humphreys, Cook; Ayres. Subs not used: Chilvers, Day

Swans Fly East But Fail To Impress

Saturday 18th October - SCFL Div 2 - Rye United 5 Storrington 1

Storrington come into today's game on the back of a good win and good performance against Southwick in the week and it was important that the attitude displayed on Tuesday night was carried over to this afternoon. Two forced changes for Hamilton before the start of this fixture - Gary Elliott was still nursing a back injury sustained against Southwick and Stuart McCall was unavailable due to work commitments. Reserve team keeper Mark Beaumont came straight in and Stewart Day slotted in at left-back.
With a long drive along the East coast it was imperative that The Swans shook off any cobwebs and started brightly against a good Rye side. Unfortunately, that wasn't what happened as Storrington struggled to cope with Rye's direct style. Rye are a good side with both physical presence and pace out wide which caused the visitors problems. Their first goal was one to forget as it was a real gift. Woodley was left unmarked for a free header beyond Beaumont. Their second was no better - Beaumont's decision to come off his line was probably the wrong one and McArthur coolly rounded Luke Palmer to slot home. John Rhodie gave The Swans some hope just after the half hour mark. He pulled the ball down well on the edge of the box and fired home a screaming left footed shot into the top corner. For the last 10 minutes of the first half, Storrington competed better and showed more fight as the home side argued amongst themselves and appeared to be losing their grip on the game.
Half-time probably came too soon for Storrington as the side that re-appeared for the second half did not heed the advice offered by Hamilton in the dressing room. Rye were getting a lot of joy from their wide players and Storrington were not making Rye's defence work hard enough. To add to Storrington's worries, they lost Lee Saxby mid-way through the half with a back strain with Jon Bacon coming on into the centre of defence. The final fiftenn minutes was won by Rye at a canter, with three more goals coming to finish off the Swans.
The scoreline probably flattered the away team as they just did not show up today. You generally get what you deserve from performances like this which is nothing. The sad thing is the way that Storrington capitulated and if this were to happen next weekend it could be a similar scoreline against high-flying Seaford.

TEAM: M Beaumont; L Palmer, Day, Saxby (Bacon), Blaydon; Cook, Humphreys (Tasker), Rhodie, Ayres; Chilvers (Selby), G Palmer

Swans Find Their Way At Old Barn

Tuesday 14th October - SCFL Div 2 - Southwick 2 Storrington 4

A strong squad was at the disposal of the Storrington management for tonight's game, with several changes being made to the side that were unlucky to lose to Sidley at the weekend. Lee Saxby dropped into the centre of defence alongside James Blaydon, with Luke Palmer and Stuart McCall taking the full-back slots. Dave Cook started at right midfield and, having impressed in recent performances, Liam Humphreys started in the centre of the park. The Swans also welcomed back Greg Palmer upfront. Stewart Day and Steve Tasker were among the five subs named for tonight's game.
The game started at a fairly frantic pace - there was a real zip to the surface from the earlier rain and both teams were keen to make their presence felt early on. Southwick drew first blood with no more than five minutes played. Jamie Stideford reacted quickly to a low driven cross and slotted home from close range. Unfased by the early setback, the visitors continued to press. The football on show was not particularly attractive but Storrington did try and get the ball down and play. Their equaliser came just before the half hour mark from a corner. James Blaydon got the flick that fell to Greg Palmer to smash high into the roof of the net for his first goal of the season. The remainder of the half was a fairly stop-start affair, with most teams enjoying their best passages of play when the ball was played wide. It was a clever piece of anticipation from Chris Chilvers that gave the away side the lead going into half time. He reacted quickly to an under-cooked back pass to the Southwick goalkeeper and nipped in to cleverly slot the ball home with a neat finish.
With 2-1 being the most uncomfortable scoreline in football, the next goal was always going to be vital. Fortunately, it was Storrington who got it. The wall was not cleared properly and it fell to Liam Humphreys who rifled his shot goal-bound. It did take a slight deflection on the way but Liam was, of course, adamant that his shot was going in regardless! With an hour gone and at 3-1 up, Storrington would have hoped that, with the defence looking as comfortable as it did, that the last half an hour would have been relatively straight-forward. However, on the hour mark Storrington lost their goalkeeper, Gary Elliott with a back injury. With no substitute goalkeeper named, Storrington turned to the experience of left-back Stuart McCall to don the gloves with Stewart Day coming on for the injured Elliott. Storrington kept McCall well protected for the next quarter of an hour until Nick Green popped up to scramble home Southwick's second to ensure a fairly frantic final fifteen minutes. McCall did have to make one very important interception when a well-delivered, inswinging corner hung under the crossbar. McCall rose well and his punch ensured the danger passed. Then, with only moments remaining, Storrington made sure of all three points. New signing Dean Potter won the ball well in midfield and found Richard Ayres who then popped a beautifully weighted pass to Liam Humphreys on the edge of the box. Humphreys took the ball on his chest and then volleyed home into the top corner.
This is the sort of performance that Hamilton and Tewsley had been pushing for and should provide the platform for Storrington to get their season going and try and put a run together. That won't be easy though with a tough trip away to recently relegated Rye next up for The Swans.

TEAM: Elliott (Day); L Palmer, McCall, Saxby, Blaydon; Cook, Rhodie (Potter), Humphreys, Ayres; Chilvers (Ansley), G Palmer. Subs not used: Tasker, Tewsley

Time To Con-Sid-er Scoring!

Saturday 11th October - SCFL Div 2 - Storrington 0 Sidley 1

Rick Hamilton made only one change to the side that lost to St Francis Rangers. The Swans were without the influential Greg Palmer today so Steve Tasker moved upfront alongside Chris Chilvers and Dave Cook came in on the right side of midfield. Storrington started the game well and moved the ball around with confidence. The back four looked relatively composed and as though they would be difficult to break down. The problem today, however, was Storrington's inability to hold the ball up in an attacking position. With two small but pacey centre forwards, the instructions before the game were clear - get the ball in the channels and keep it down where possible. Sidley's two centre halves had a fairly easy first 45 minutes, coping comfortably with any high balls thrown at them. Storrington had the best early chances with Steve Tasker going close with a left foot shot that lacked power and John Rhodie having a what seemed goal-bound effort well blocked. It was Sidley though who drew first blood just before half-time... Two headers that should have been dealt with were not and Collier rose to head the visitors into the lead.
The half time team-talk was fairly heated as the frustration boiled over. Storrington needed more from their front two but felt it was a game there for the taking. Storrington again started well and continued to pass the ball well. If a game were to be decided based on possession alone then the home side would have run out comfortable winners but they lacked the cutting edge. The management decided to tinker with the side with Stewart Day making way for new signing Peter Ansley to play upfront and Liam Humphreys came on for John Rhodie in midfield. Steve Tasker dropped into right midfield, Dave Cook dropped into right back and Stuart McCall slotted in at left back in place of Day. Both Humphreys and Ansley made their introductions felt with arguably Storrington's best chance of the game falling to Ansley who put the ball wide from about 18 yards.
However, it wasn't to be The Swans' day and the final whistle blew. That's no goals scored in the last three games which is a worrying statistic but they do continue to create chances, so the feeling is that the goals will come. Tuesday sees Storrington travel to Old Barn Way to take on a youthful Southwick side who are performing well.

TEAM: Elliott; McCall, Day (Ansley), L Palmer, Blaydon; Cook, Saxby, Rhodie (Humphreys), Ayres; Chilvers, Tasker. Subs not used: A Beaumont

A Performance To Build On

Saturday 27th September - Sussex Senior Cup 1st Round - Storrington 0 St Francis Rangers 2

Today saw the visit of County One's high-flying St Francis Rangers to The Rec in the first round of the Sussex Senior Cup. Another tough fixture for The Swans who would be looking to bounce back from the heavy defeat to Horsham YMCA last weekend. Further changes were made to the starting 11 as Rick Hamilton continues to build and strengthen his squad. Debuts were given to Stuart McCall and Lee Saxby at right back and the centre of midfield respectively and Michael Brown-Lee started on the bench, making his comeback from the ankle injury he suffered against Midhurst during the first game of the season.
It was important that Storrington put in a performance today and, for the most part, they can hold their heads high. In possession, Storrington looked a good side, moving the ball well and getting width wherever possible. Richard Ayres was having a good game on the left of midfield and came close with a good effort from the edge of the box after around 15 minutes. St Francis weren't without there chances but Gary Elliott was having a very good game in the Storrington goal, commanding his area well. It was an entertaining first 45 minutes and The Swans would have been upbeat about there performance and the 0-0 scoreline.
In general terms, the Storrington back line was having a good game with Stuart McCall impressing on his debut. However, the home side were still giving away possession too easily and St Francis' first goal came just before the hour mark. Lee Saxby, who had also impressed on his debut, failed to pick up his man from a St Francis corner, allowing Sam Palmer to head home from close range. Rick Hamilton made some changes, with Liam Humphreys coming on for the injured Saxby and Michael Brown-Lee replacing Chris Chilvers up front. St Francis made some changes of their own, bringing on Sam Jeremiah who made an immediate impact. He got Rangers' second with 10 minutes to go.
The Swans are in a period of transition but there are constant themes in their play. They try to play football whenever possible, they create chances, they have pace going forwards but the constant negative is that they don't look after the ball well enough at times. This will improve but we will have to wait two weeks to see it with no game this weekend. Newly-relegated Sidley are the next visitors to The Rec.

TEAM: Elliott; McCall, Day (Bacon), L Palmer, Blaydon; Ayres, Rhodie, Saxby (Humphreys), Tasker; Chilvers (Brown-Lee), G Palmer

Swans Knocked For Eight!

Saturday 20th September - John O'Hara Cup 2nd Round - Storrington 0 Horsham YMCA 8

A poignant fixture today at The Rec with former Horsham YMCA duo Rick Hamilton and John Tewsley in charge of The Swans against their old club. However, old club only in terms of name and not so much in personnel these days with ex East Preston manager Chris White taking charge at the beginning of the season following YM's relegation from the Ryman League. Horsham come to Storrington today lying fifth in Division one and as one of the favourites for the Championship. The result was not necessarily the most important thing from a Storrington point of view but it would be a good test and Hamilton and Tewsley would be looking for a performance. James Blaydon came back in at centre-half after a week out through injury. He was partnered by new signing Luke Palmer from Three Bridges, with Stewart Day moving to left back. Liam Humphreys also gets his first start of the season alongside John Rhodie in the centre of midfield.
As expected, Horsham started brightly but Storrington were not overawed and competed well, trying to play football where possible. A rare mistake from Luke Palmer, missing a free header, gifted Shaheen Sadough the opportunity to open the scoring for the visitors slotting past Gary Elliott. The second goal for YM was a harsh blow, many people at the ground felt that Stewart Day was initially fouled before the referee gave the decision the other way and awarded a penalty. Lawley stepped up and successfully converted the spot-kick to make it 2-0. Credit goes to the home side for continuing to try and pass the ball against a well organised Horsham side. However, the killer blow came just before half-time as Hayward bundled the ball over the line to give the visitors a 3-0 lead going into the break.
Although the home side were three goals down, Storrington would have taken some positives from their first half performance, especially the fact that they had created some good chances from open play. Sadly, just before the hour mark, YM's Richard Carter's strike effectively killed off the game. Storrington had what seemed a genuine goal disallowed at 4-0 down which may have changed things but Horsham went about their business in a professional way and were clinincal in front of goal. Four more goals in the second half, including a second penalty, meant that Horsham ran out very comfortable winners in the end.
On another day, Storrington's performance this afternoon would have been enough to get a result against a number of County League sides. However, it was a reality check that if you give good sides space and time and don't press the ball, you will get punished. It doesn't get any easier next week as The Swans host St Francis Rangers at The Rec in the first round of the Sussex Senior Cup, a side that are also flying high in Division One at the moment.

TEAM: Elliott; Johnson, Day (Beaumont), L Palmer, Blaydon; Tasker (Cook), Rhodie, Humphreys, Ayres; Chilvers (Selby), G Palmer

Swans' Cup Jinx Continues

Saturday 13th September - RUR Cup 1st Round - Storrington 2 Wealden 3

Today’s game saw the first of three home fixtures with action away from the League. The 1st Round of the RUR Cup saw The Swans take on Wealden at The Rec on another uncharacteristically sunny afternoon. More changes saw Arran Tewsley drop into right-back with Chris Watton moving across to centre-half in place of the injured Blaydon and Richard Ayres returned to the starting line-up on the left hand side of midfield.
The game did not start well for Storrington as they appeared to be off the pace and Wealden were the side that seemed to want it more. However, football is a strange game at times and after just 10 minutes, Storrington took the lead. The home side were awarded a free-kick deep in Wealden’s half, which Tewsley stepped up to take. His fine delivery was met by John Rhodie who slotted the ball home at the near post to make it 1-0. All hope of this goal spurring The Swans on and kicking them into life was diminished for the remainder of the half as Wealden continued to dominate. It looked like it could be one of those afternoons, when even the simplest of passes or touches were just not coming off. In fact, the only real positive of the half for Storrington was that they lead at half time and that they had managed to keep a clean sheet. The appropriate fireworks took place in the home side’s changing room at half time in the hope that the message would get across.
Unfortunately, the second half started as the first had finished with Wealden starting the brighter. So bright was their start that they got their equaliser very early on. With the Storrington defence failing to clear their lines properly, it allowed Tom Swancott to seize the opportunity to shoot past Gary Elliott. Storrington went ahead again just minutes later in the most bizarre of circumstances. A straight-forward backpass from the full-back appeared to be controlled by the Wealden keeper until it bobbled under his foot and crossed the line in what seemed like slow motion. Changes were made soon after the goal with Chris Chilvers making way for Luke Selby up-front and Harry Abraham coming on as a straight swap for Kristian Bridle in the middle of the park. Even with three quarters of the game gone, Storrington were still not performing at anywhere near their best and were punished again for another failed clearance. Swancott pounced again with a neat finish, putting the ball past Elliott at the near post to make it 2-2. With the game looking destined for extra time, Stewart Day started a move from the back line and kept going, trying to lead from the front. However, when the move broke down and with Day out of position, Wealden got their winner with virtually the last kick of the game. A good cross from the right picked out Craig Olive who was left free to head home from about 10 yards.
The Swans have been notoriously bad in Cup competitions over recent seasons and I’m sure the new management team would have been keen to break the duck. Sadly, on this performance, an exit from the RUR Cup is pretty much what Storrington deserved. On a positive note, performances can only get better and, quite frankly they will need to, as Storrington welcome former Ryman League and current Division One side Horsham YMCA to The Rec in the Second Round of the John O’Hara Cup this Saturday.

TEAM: Elliott; Tewsley, Beaumont, Watton, Day; Tasker, Rhodie, Bridle (Abraham), Ayres; Chilvers (Selby), Palmer. Subs not used: Johnson

Bridle Brace Not Enough

Saturday 6th September - SCFL Div 2 - Westfield 4 Storrington 3

Today's fixture saw the first of at least four trips down to the depths of East Sussex to face a Westfield side that had made a 100% winning start to the season so far. Never an easy place to go and get points but The Swans were in bouyant mood after their win against Littlehampton in the week. Several changes were made from that side with Andy Beaumont returning at left back and a Swans debut for Aaron Tewsley starting on the right of midfield. After a season and a half away with Pease Pottage, Steve Tasker has re-signed for Storrington and started at left midfield. Luke Selby returned from injury and started on the bench alongside Richard Ayres and Harry Abraham.
The game started at a fairly frantic pace and it was Storrington who took the early lead. A storrington corner was only half cleared and fell to Kristian Bridle about 25 yards out who brought the ball down on his chest and smashed the ball on the half volley beyond the Westfield keeper. Unfortunately, the lead didn't last long when the Swans were slow to react to a quickly taken short corner that found Jones in the box to knock in from 6 yards. Westfield were posing a threat at set pieces and continued to put good balls into dangerous areas but Storrington defended well and kept trying to get the ball as wide as possible when they attacked. The only other real incidents of the first half were the loss of James Blaydon for The Swans, he had to leave the field after about 25 minutes with a nasty cut above the eye and a dis-allowed Westfield goal for offside. Harry Abraham replaced the injured Blaydon with Chris Watton slotting in at centre half and John Rhodie dropping in to right back.
The half-time instructions were clear... Keep getting the ball wide and press the Westfield back four as much as possible with the strong winds now behind Storrington. It was The Swans again who took the lead - a surging run from midfield by Bridle found him one on one with the oncoming keeper. His lob was arguably going wide but fortunately Chris Chilvers had carried on his run into the box and latched on to Bridle's effort to make it 2-1. The lead only lasted about 6 minutes when Westfield went on the rampage. 3 goals in 7 minutes really took the wind out of Storrington's sails. Sam Jamison scored Westfield's second, Duncan Jones got his second after a rare mistake from Stewart Day allowed him in and an excellent save from Gary Elliott could only be parried into the path of Dominic Clarke who made it 4-2 with 75 minutes gone. Credit has to go to Storrington who continued to try and play football and take the game to Westfield. Richard Ayres and Luke Selby replaced Tewsley and Chilvers and were involved in the action straight away. A Richard Ayres delivery met the head of Abraham who went very close with a towering header. It was Kristian Bridle who got a late consolation for Storrington with another bursting run from midfield, taking on two players and slotting home with his left foot from close range for his second, capping an excellent performance from the Storrington midfielder.
Storrington will very disappointed to have not held on for at least a point but on a positive note they were still creating chances very late into the game. Westfield are a strong side and there won't be many teams that come here and leave with all three points. Action away from the League next week as The Swans welcome Wealden to The Rec in the first round of the RUR Cup.

TEAM: Elliott; Beaumont, Watton, Blaydon (Abraham), Day; Tasker, Bridle, Rhodie, Tewsley (Selby); Chilvers (Ayres), Palmer

Nothing Little About Three Points!

Wednesday 3rd September - SCFL Div 2 - Littlehampton 1 Storrington 2

After an improved performance against Lancing on Saturday, the Storrington management team were looking to build upon that for tonight's game if The Swans were to take anything out of the fixture. The Littlehampton ground staff had excelled themselves with a carpet-like playing surface awaiting both sides.

Storrington lined up in a familiar 4-4-2 with three changes to the side that drew with Lancing at the weekend. Chris Watton slotted in at left back in place of Andy Beaumont, Dave Tidman made his first start of the season at left midfield in place of the absent Richard Ayres and Harry Abraham started on the bench with Kristian Bridle returning from holiday to take up his familiar role in the centre of midfield. This was always going to be a game of two halves, with strong winds bound to play their part for both sides. Littlehampton kicked off with the wind behind them and started brightly. With only two minutes gone, Littlehampton won a corner which was met by the head of Jason Power. Storrington had not switched on and Power was left virtually unmarked to head past Gary Elliott in the Storrington goal. Storrington did get their act together after the goal and started to make better use of the pitch, challenging hard for the first and second balls in what was turning into a midfield battle. Greg Palmer was doing some excellent work up front, holding the ball up whenever possible and winning the majority of flick-ons. Although neither side really looked like scoring for the remainder of the half, as the half time whistle blew Storrington would have been happy with the way they defended and could feel upbeat going into the second half.
The management were rightly not happy with the early lack of marking in the first half but urged The Swans to take the game to Littlehampton in the second half, and that's exactly what they did. The wind was really having an impact in the second half with Littlehampton struggling to effectively clear their lines and a poor clearance by the Littlehampton keeper led to The Swans' equaliser. Chris Chilvers pounced on Brodrick's kick and smashed the ball past him from just inside the 18 yard line to make it 1-1. The Swans had what they felt was a valid penalty claim turned down after Palmer was brought down by Brodrick in the Littlehampton box, which ultimately led to Palmer leaving the pitch. Storrington continued to defend high up the park and press the ball as much as possible. On the hour mark changes were made with Kristian Bridle making way for Ben Reilly, Dave Tidman making way for Dean Leaver and Harry Abraham coming on for the injured Palmer. The substitutes had an immediate impact with Dean Leaver causing Littlehampton problems down the left and going very close himself with an effort from 25 yards. It was young Harry Abraham who eventually gave Storrington the lead with about 10 minutes to go. John Rhodie had done some good work in the centre of park and picked out Abraham who slotted into the bottom left corner with the outside of his boot. Littlehampton rallied for the final 10 minutes but the Storrigton defence held fast and messers Day, Watton, Blaydon and Johnson can be pleased with the way they went about their jobs.
Tonight's result and performance is just what Storrington needed to take into Saturdays long trip away to Westfield, one of only two sides in the division with a 100% winning start to this season's campaign.

TEAM: Elliott; Johnson, Watton, Blaydon, Day; Tidman (Leaver), Bridle (Reilly), Rhodie, Cook; Chilvers, Palmer (Abraham). Subs not used: Humphreys

Honours Even

Saturday 30th August - SCFL Div 2 - Storrington 0 Lancing 0

Today's fixture saw The Swans welcome Lancing to The Rec, who had just come off the back of two convincing wins against Loxwood in the League and East Preston in the John O'Hara Cup. This is always an interesting fixture on the football calendar, namely due to the fact that Storrington stalwart Dan Griffin went back to Culver Road mid-way through last season, although Dan was unavailable for today's game. Ricky Hamilton made several changes to the side that lost to Midhurst. Kristian Bridle and Chris Watton were both unavailable and Michael Brown-Lee was out through injury. Harry Abraham made his first appearance of the campaign starting in the centre of midfield alongside John Rhodie, with Chris Chilvers getting a start up-front and Chris Johnson and Andy Beaumont filling the full-back slots.
For the second week running, Storrington started very well and got the ball out wide to Richard Ayres and Dave Cook where most of the positive passages of play were coming. The Rhodie / Abraham partnership in the middle of the park was also working well with Rhodie offering further protection for the back four. The first half didn't contain too much goalmouth action, but was a fiercely contested affair with Harry Abraham keen to stamp his authority on proceedings. Greg Palmer was holding the ball up very well up front and the pace of Chilvers clearly had the better of a rather flat Lancing defence. The Swans' best chance of the half came after some good work by Chris Johnson and Dave Cook on the right. Johnson started the move and continued his run into the box to meet Cook's cross with his head, only to be denied by a great save by the Lancing goalkeeper who almost tipped the ball into the path of Richard Ayres. Lancing's height posed a threat from set pieces but their best chance of the half came after Joe Howard found himself free in the home side's penalty area with just Gary Elliott to beat. Fortunately for Storrington, Howard cleared Elliott but also the crossbar.
The half-time team talk centred around the need for more communication and continued discipline. Lancing arguably started the stronger of the two teams with the likes of Lee Garnham and Tony Miles still proving to be difficult to contain at set pieces but Storrington were still the side trying to play football. Changes were made towards the end of the half. James Blaydon came off after an elbow left him with some nasty swelling around the eye, with John Rhodie slotting in at centre half and Liam Humphreys coming on in midfield for his Storrington debut. Richard Ayres and Chris Chilvers made way for Dean Leaver and Grainger Hodgson for their first appearances this season. It was in fact both the new boys who had the last of the chances for Storrington. Leaver found space in the Lancing penalty area only to fire his cross-come-shot into the side netting and Hodgson, who is normally keen to strike at goal at every opportunity, opted to lay the ball off where the move eventually fizzled out.
So, the first point of the season for The Swans and a much more disciplined performance. The only worrying thing now is the 'Goals For' count, which currently stands at zero!

TEAM: Elliott; Johnson, Beaumont, Blaydon (Humphreys), Day; Ayres (Leaver), Rhodie, Abraham, Cook; Chilvers (Hodgson), Palmer. Subs not used: Tidman, Reilly

Shaky Start

Saturday 23rd August - SCFL Div 2 - Storrington 0 Midhurst & Easebourne 2

The long awaited start to this season's campaign finally got underway on Saturday with the visit of Midhurst to The Rec. It was a fairly important game for both sides - For the home team it was the first game of the new season and the start of a new era with lots of new faces around the club both on and off the pitch. For the away side, they were coming here off the back of two straight away defeats so would be determined to put things right.
Storrington started the better side, really taking the game to Midhurst and playing with pace. Both Richard Ayres and Dave Cook were being given a lot of freedom out wide and new boys up front, Greg Palmer and Michael Brownlee were proving a handful for the Midhurst back line. Unfortunately, and against the run of play, the deadlock was broken on 16 minutes with a contender for own goal of the season. A decent ball was whipped into the Storrington box and a normally fairly routine clearing header from Ben Reilly was mis-judged and powered into the top corner to give the visitors the lead. This goal seemed to take The Swans out of their stride somewhat as their passage of play became a bit sloppy. Brownlee came close for The Swans when his header hit the post on around the half hour mark but Hamilton doubled the away side's lead on 42 minutes with a tap in after a fairly scrappy goalmouth scramble and that is how the half finished.
Messers Tewsley and Hamilton called for a reduction in silly mistakes, sharper passing and more communication going into the second half and, to be fair to the home side, they did improve. There was still the odd mistake and the odd wayward pass but Storrington had a more resilient look about them. The system was changed to a 3-4-3, which allowed Richard Ayres to move upfront alongside Greg Palmer and Luke Selby. Whilst Gary Elliott in the Storrington goal was rarely called into action, the home side lacked that cutting edge upfront to really cause Midhurst too many problems although Kristian Bridle went close with a curling shot from the edge of the box and what seemed to be a genuine penalty claim for handball was turned down.
Lancing are next up for The Swans. Ricky Hamilton and John Tewsley will be hoping Storrington can kick on another gear after today's performance.

TEAM: Elliott; Rhodie, Reilly (Selby), Day, Blaydon; Ayres, Cook (Chilvers), Watton, Bridle; Palmer, Brownlee (Tidman). Subs not used: A Beaumont, Humphreys