Results & Reports 05/06

13th August SCL2 Storrington 4 - 1 Westfield (Griffin 3, Anderson(pen))
17th August SCL2 Lancing 4 - 0 Storrington
20th August SCL2 Seaford 0 - 1 Storrington (Richardson)
23rd August SCL2 Pagham 2 - 2 Storrington (Griffin, Richardson)
27th August SCL2 Storrington 3 - 1 Midhurst & Easebourne (Richardson 2, Griffin)
29th August SCL2 Storrington 2 - 3 Selsey (Griffin, Hourigan)
3rd September SSC1 Storrington 0 - 1 Shoreham
10th September JOH1 Eastbourne Utd 2 - 0 Storrington
17th September SCL2 Crawley Down 3 - 2 Storrington (Griffin(pen), Cairns)
20th September RUR2 Horsham YMCA 5 - 0 Storrington
24th September SCL2 East Grinstead 4 - 1 Storrington (Anderson)
1st October SCL2 Wealden 4 - 0 Storrington
8th October SCL2 Storrington 1 - 0 Mile Oak (Griffin)
15th October SCL2 Storrington 0 - 0 St Francis
22nd October SCL2 Storrington 1 - 0 Broadbridge Heath (Witherden)
29th October SCL2 Storrington 4 - 1 Bexhill (McMichael, Cairns, Day, Griffin)
5th November SCL2 Saltdean Utd 0 - 2 Storrington (Griffin 2)
12th November SCL2 Storrington 2 - 2 Crawley Down ((Griffin, Blake)
19th November D2C2 Storrington 0 - 2 Wealden
26th November SCL2 Storrington 1 - 1 Pagham (Griffin)
3rd December SCL2 Storrington p - p Seaford
10th December SCL2 Sidlesham 3 - 2 Storrington (Griffin pen, Richardson)
17th December SCL2 Oakwood 1 - 0 Storrington
27th December SCL2 Steyning 3 - 0 Storrington
31st December SCL2 Broadbridge Heath 3 - 0 Storrington
2nd January SCL2 Storrington 0 - 2 Lancing
7th January SCL2 Storrington 3 - 1 Sidlesham (Griffin 2, Richardson)
14th January SCL2 Storrington 1 - 5 East Grinstead (Norris)
21st January SCL2 St Francis 0 - 0 Storrington
28th January SCL2 Midhurst 3 - 2 Storrington (Norris 2)
7th February Brighton Charity Cup R1 Littlehampton 1 - 0 Storrington
11th February SCL2 Storrington 0 - 4 Oakwood
18th February SCL2 Westfield 2 - 4 Storrington (og, Norris 2, McMichael)
4th March SCL2 Bexhill United 2 - 1 Storrington (Pickford)
11th March SCL2 Storrington 5 - 0 Saltdean United (Griffin 3, Richardson, Norris)
18th March SCL2 Storrington 2 - 2 Seaford Town (Long, Richardson)
25th March SCL2 Storrington 0 - 2 Wealden
1st April SCL2 Mile Oak 0 - 1 Storrington (Griffin pen)
17th April SCL2 Storrington 0 - 3 Steyning Town
22nd April SCL2 Selsey 1 - 0 Storrington

Saturday 22nd April - Fun In The Sun

SCFL Div 2 – Selsey 1 Storrington 0

Swans wound up their season with a feisty encounter against promoted Selsey, who went into the game still with one eye on the title. Fears that the visitors’ minds would be elsewhere proved misguided, as the blues had a good go, and were unlucky to lose. Apologies in advance for the brevity of the report – it’s being cobbled together 3 weeks after the event.

Swans started well, with recalled Sam Witherden full of beans down the right and Norris and Hourigan competing well in the middle, but fell behind after 25 minutes. The goal owed itself to the continued confusion over the intricacies of the offside law. A long ball out of defence was aimed toward the home right winger, who at first ignored it, as he was retreating after a previous attack. He was in an offside position by probably 10 yards, but the linesman correctly kept the flag down. On seeing this, the winger turned and gave chase, and eventually pulled the ball back for Graham to slot home. An incredulous flock of Swans surrounded the linesman, who surely should have raised his flag once the winger ‘became active’. To his credit, the referee went to speak to his assistant, and gave him every opportunity to admit his mistake. But as we know, officials find this nigh on impossible to do. And to make matters worse for the Swans, keeper Chewy twisted his knee in attempting a save, and had to be replaced between the sticks at half-time. Swans responded with an excellent move between Witherden and Davis. The latter found Griffin with his cross, but the striker couldn’t quite get his shot away.

Longy took over in goal, and Ben Reilly replaced him on the left of midfield for his first game in 14 months. Both did an excellent job, looking very capable and comfortable in the roles thrust upon them. The Swans wouldn’t lay down, and an increasingly nervous Selsey picked up 4 bookings in a ten minute period as tempers frayed. 16 year-old Will Whitehaed was thrown on up-front for his senior debut, and Davis pushed up to join him in a four-pronged attack. These two combined for the best chance of an equaliser, but the keeper smothered Davis’ shot. A series of corners came and went, and then late on from one at the other end, Griff broke away and ran the length of the pitch before scuffing his shot wide. So 1-0 it remained, but there was plenty for the Swans to be satisfied with. They should be disappointed to be finishing below halfway on their return to Division 2, but there is plenty of cause for optimism that they can do better next term.

TEAM : Gledhill(Reilly) ; Davis, Tucker, Pickford, Watton ; Witherden(Whitehead), Norris, Hourigan, Long ; Griffin, Richardson

Saturday 8th April - Shameful Swans stunned by Steyning

SCFL Div 2 - Storrington 0 - 3 Steyning

There were plenty of reasons to believe that Storrington would turn up in the mood to win their final home match of a topsy turvy season. The 3-0 reverse at The Shooting Field over Christmas was still in the mind, there were five players in the starting line up who had previously played in the Steyning red and there was the chance to leave Steyning watching the results of others very nervously for the last weeks of the season waiting to see whether they would survive in Division Two. Quite apart from all the incentives to beat the local enemy, there was the fact that the whole club was still bouyant following the reserve teams brilliant cup final victory on the previous Wednesday night. In the event, Steyning came out battling as you would expect of a side needing to win to guarantee safety whilst the Swans turned in a performance to rival the March defeat at Bexhill for the title of most humiliating, passionless and limp display of the season. It appeared that most of the players in blue shirts lacked the spirit to get involved in this local end of season scrap where the April showers fell for most of the niney minutes.

The first half initially struggled to get going but Steyning probably had the better of the opening exchanges and confirmed their slight ascendancy with efforts against the post and bar midway through the half. A few heavy challenges were flying in as would be expected. Chris Watton was hacked to the floor with the offender somehow escaping a yellow card and then Alan Tucker made a robust tackle from behind which earned him a yellow card, although the offence was nowhere near as ugly as the aforementioned foul on Watton that went unpunished. With about half an hour gone, the match exploded. Steynings goalkeeper had been untroubled until this point but when he ran out of his penalty area and collected a through pass with his hands, the linesman flagged and the referee followed the laws and gave the stopper his marching orders. Steyning were in uproar, surrounding the referee. Amidst it all Dan Griffin rolled the ball into the empty net with a quick free kick that he was never going to get away with. Although they didn't realise it at the time, it would be the only time all afternoon that The Swans would look remotely like getting the ball in the back of the net. As Steyning continued their protests, a second red card was brandished and they were down to nine men, foul and abusive language given by the referee as the reason. Surely the Swans would now give their neighbours a hiding and condemn them to an anxious last few weeks of the season. Down to nine men with an hour to play and an outfield player in goal, surely they couldn't hold their hosts at bay. Less than a minute later though the referee had evened things up slightly. A long ball forward skipped up off the pitch and caught Tucker high on his arm. The referee showed the defender his second yellow card, apparently for the handball, which was incredibly harsh although Tucker probably didnt help his cause by launching the ball back up the field in frustration at the referees decision. The Steyning players shouldn't be proud of the way they badgered the referee into dismissing Tucker but their desperation was understandable given that they were down to nine men themselves.

The match was now teetering on the brink of a full scale riot but thankfully it got through to half time with no further drama and the sides turned round at 0-0. Surely with a man advantage and an abundance of space to utilise with only 17 outfield players left on the pitch, the Swans would make the advantage count. That they didn't even manage a serious effort on goal in the second half was little short of unbelievable. What was even harder to fathom was how they managed to play deeper and deeper in their own half, defending as if they were the team hanging on with a numerical disadvantage. Steyning were quite happy to let the Swans have the ball in their own half, safe in the knowledge that they lacked the imagination or spark to make good use of the possession. Time after time the ball was gifted back to Steyning who then attacked with a purpose and vigour sadly missing from the Storrington performance. The first Steyning goal was highly foruitous. Tom Pickford who was one of very few Swans to appear that he was up for the fight got an unwanted touch on a low cross and diverted the ball past the stranded Neil Gledhill into the goal. A lucky goal it may have been but it would be hard to argue that it was against the run of play or that nine men Steyning hadn't looked the more likely to make the breakthrough. After this, Storrington simply lacked the drive or imagination to turn the match around. The occasion needed either the more creative Storrington players to make the most of the increased space or the more robust players to grab the initiative and make something happen. On the day, nobody stepped up to the challenge and there could be no real complaint from the Swans when Steyning added two more goals through the highly irritating but influential Ben Garman.

TEAM: Gledhill, Davis, Pickford, Tucker, Simpson, Watton, Norris, Hourigan, Long, Richardson, Griffin

Saturday 1st April – No Fooling The Swans

SCFL Div 2 – Mile Oak 0 Storrington 1

A number of objectives were achieved with this good all round display on a difficult Chalky Road surface. Swans’ 4th away win completed their 3rd double of the campaign, this result duplicating the single goal victory at the Rec in October – no mean feat against the Div 2 Cup finalists, whose impressive home record includes wins against 3 of the top 4. Griff’s penalty got him to the 20-goal mark for the 4th successive year. But most importantly, the three points mathematically secured Swans’ senior survival. Indeed, for the time being they sit in the lofty climes of 8th spot in the table.

Both sides struggled to get hold of the ball in the early stages, but the visitors settled quicker and began to press forward. Shaun Hourigan was on form, and his promptings created a few half chances, while the returning Rob Norris made several surges into the box, linking up well with Richardson and Griffin. All four of these managed efforts on goal, but none with any real venom until the decisive moment came late in the half. A neat move culminated, as had many before it, with the energetic Chris Watton delivering a cross from the right, and Rico was unceremoniously poleaxed as he jumped to control the high ball. A clear penalty, coolly converted by Griff via the left hand upright, after an unnerving five-minute wait as the stricken Rico received treatment. Swans continued to fashion opportunities – two Andy Long corners almost brought a second goal. Norris saw his header tipped over, Tom Pickford’s just cleared the bar.

Seconds after the restart it might have been 2-0, as Watton’s wayward cross deceived the Oak keeper and thudded against the bar, and Longy’s goal-bound follow up was blocked. But after that the home side began to throw more men forward, and Swans were forced on to the defensive for much of the remainder. They withstood the pressure very well though, with Pickford outstanding back in his preferred position at centre-half. The two full-backs also sustained their fine recent individual form. Smithy was called upon only once to preserve an 8th clean sheet, smartly anticipating an attempted lob after a long ball had caught Swans square. The blues had the better openings on the break, most notably when Griff took Hourigan’s pass and whacked a 15-yard shot against the underside of the bar. The ball cannoned down on to the line, but sadly not over it in the eyes of the officials. There was one late scare, when the prolific Eaton nodded over from close range, but Swans held on comfortably enough to extend their recent run to 10 points in 6 games.

TEAM : Smith ; Davis, Palmer, Pickford, Tucker ; Watton(G.Bridle), Hourigan, Norris, Long(White) ; GRIFFIN, Richardson(M.Bridle)

Saturday 25th March – Brave Swans Sunk by Big Head

SCFL Div 2 – Storrington 0 Wealden 2

Swans third meeting with big-spending Wealden this term went the same way as the previous two, but not before the home side had given the Uckfield outfit a stern test of their promotion credentials. The two clubs are worlds apart in terms of playing resources, but, perhaps aided by the incessant rain and increasingly swamp like conditions, the blues gave as good as they got throughout. The crucial goal emphasised what Swans were up against. Only twenty minutes remained when the recently-signed experienced Ryman League centre-half Jay Head nodded home, after Storrington for once let their marking slip on half-clearing a right wing corner. The soft injury-time free kick that doubled the score was cruel on the Swans.

Having been forced back early on, Smithy producing a superb tip-over and the back line standing firm against a barrage of high free-kicks, it was the home team who adapted best to the slippery circumstances, and they should have gone to half time in front. The Wealden keeper spilled long range efforts, first from Shaun Hourigan, then Tom Pickford. Both times Rico reacted quickest, but could force neither rebound into the net. Then when the visiting stopper half blocked James Davis’ effort in an untidy melee, he did brilliantly to scramble back and palm the ball off the line. Pickford’s close range header was also well held. Swans couldn’t exert the same influence on the second half, their best moments, and indeed those of their opponents, coming from set-pieces. But then came the goal, and I think most of those present realised immediately that it would be decisive – Swans ploughed on and threw men forward, but their was no coming back.

All eleven did their bit defensively, but the back-four of Simpson, Palmer, Tucker and Davis were excellent. Ditto Longy & the ever-impressive Chris Watton down the flanks. Wealden now look odds-on to catch the long-time top three, and Swans could yet help them on the final day at Selsey. Certainly if they keep up this level of effort for the last 3 games, there is no reason they can’t end the campaign on a high.

TEAM : Smith ; Davis, Palmer, Tucker, Simpson ; Watton, Pickford, Hourigan, Long(White) ; Griffin, Richardson

Longy In 'Goal' Shock

SCFL Div 2 – Storrington 2 Seaford 2

With the pitches getting harder and bobbly, the players with 30 or more games in their legs and both sides edging towards mid table, the first signs of an end-of-season encounter may have been noticeable here. In fact, a pretty decent game ensued, particularly after half-time. It was played in a good spirit, four fine goals were scored and both sides had chances to snatch the victory. That it ended all-square was, I think, fair enough. But we’ll begin with a quiz question – prior to this game, who was the last Swan to score with a direct free-kick?

It isn’t easy that one I can assure you. But Longy’s timing in breaking the drought was spot on, after the home side had made a slow start. Seaford had deservedly taken the lead on the quarter hour with a fine curling finish, and Smithy made a smart save to keep Swans in it before they got going. 10 minutes before the break Sam Witherden, who had another good match on the right, raced through only to be barged off the ball by the last defender. He picked up a booking, but the more telling punishment was delivered when Longy clipped his 25 yarder over the wall and into the top corner. A stunning finish for his first of the season. Perhaps a little fortunate to be turning around level, Swans began the second half firmly in the ascendancy, and another well-executed set-piece gave them the lead. James Davis’ long throw was nodded on by Griffin, and Rico neatly back-headed past the keeper from close range. Clinical and simple, and annoying that Swans haven’t produced something similar before now this season. Griff was narrowly wide in a chance for 3-1, but the visitors worked their way back and grabbed an equaliser with 20 minutes left, when Swans failed to adequately clear their lines down their left flank. Undeterred, the blues renewed their attacking efforts and forced a series of saves from the Seaford No.1 – Pickford, Davis, Griffin and Richardson were all denied. And then, right at the death, a tired looking offside trap left the young Seaford sub with half a pitch to himself. Unfortunately for him, the moment got the better of him and his attempted lob disappeared towards the corner flag. A let-off, but defeat would have been very harsh on the Swans.

Chris Watton and Tom Pickford had sterling games in central midfield in the absence of Norris, Hourigan and McMichael, Davis has really hit his stride now in the blue shirt and Long’s presence on the left of midfield gave a much-needed balance. So all in all, a good game, a fair result and a satisfactory afternoon. And that free kick? January 2005 in the Intermediate Cup, and the Crowborough Reserves goalkeeper watches in horror as the ball trickles in as he lines up his wall. The scorer? Ben Reilly.

TEAM : Smith ; Davis, Palmer, Tucker, Simpson ; Witherden, Watton, Pickford, LONG ; Griffin, RICHARDSON

Saturday 11th March - Saltdean stuffed as Swans sharp shooters strike back

SCFL Division 2 - Storrington 5 - 0 Saltdean

Storringtons strikers rediscovered the scoring touch as a poor Saltdean sides relegation problems mounted at The Recreation Ground. Neil Richardson and Dan Griffin had been enduring something of a Crouch and Morientes style drought since January 7th and whilst they had both continued to turn in decent all round performances the goals had dried up. Nobody at the club doubted that the lethal duo would bounce back and their rediscovering of their goal scoring form could not have been more timely following last weeks dismal result at Bexhill. That defeat had left The Swans looking over their shoulders towards the danger zone but this demolition of Saltdean saw a welcome return to the top ten.

Griffin set the tone for the rest of the afternoon with less than fifteen minutes gone when he picked the ball up and went on a run past two defenders across the penalty area before firing a left foot drive into the bottom left corner of the net. As he wheeled away Griffin roared in delight that he was back in the goals and the team celebration that followed might have had something to do with some soul searching and team bonding on a team bus home after the debacle at Bexhill. It was one way traffic in the opening exchanges with Sam Witherden a constant threat down the right hand side. Sporting yet another questionable hairstyle, Witherden was given a long awaited start in what is probably his best position and with quality service from his defensive and midfield colleagues he frequently got in behind the Saltdean full back. It was Witherdens front post corner that was dummied into the goal mouth by Rob Norris for Griffin to smash his second into the roof of the net to double the Swans advantage on 18 minutes.

Saltdeans best players were their front men but with Russell Penticost afforded a rare luxury of being able to pick the same back four for consecutive matches, Davis, Palmer, Tucker and Simpson turned in a solid performance to ensure that goalkeeper Alan Meldrum was rarely called upon to repeat his outstanding effort of the previous week.

At the other end, the waves of blue attacks continued and when a long diagonal ball into the box from the right was only half cleared, Norris rifled in a volley that the shell shocked 'keeper got a hand to but could not keep out, making it six in seven games for the skipper. Shortly after this, Chris Watton hit a screamer from 30 yards that would have been goal of the season had he got it a yard either side of the keeper. On fourty minutes Neil Richardson got in on the act to bring an end to his own goal drought. Richardson has not had the best of luck in front of goal this season but on this occassion fortune favoured him. Having initially put his one on one opening against the 'keepers legs, Richardson had the presence of mind to reach out his right leg as he tumbled to the ground. With a degree of good fortune the ball looped over the Saltdean stopper into the net. There was just enough time for Griffin to put the icing on the cake of an amazing first half performance and complete his hat-trick with arguably the goal of the game. Having won the ball himself near the halfway line, Griffin fed Tom Pickford and when the ball was returned to him on the edge of the box, the big front man powered towards goal before cutting inside the last defender and planting the ball across the keeper and into the far side of the goal.

This was every bit as stunning as when East Grinstead had put five past The Swans in the first half earlier in the season but as on that occassion there was not to be more of the same in the second half. Saltdean never looked like getting the better of The Swans back four and the home side could have added a couple more, especially when their opponents were reduced to ten men with twenty minutes to go, as they resorted to more and more firm handed tactics. In the end, Storrington were more than happy with five goals and a clean sheet as they laid the ghosts of The Polegrove to rest.

So the Swans continue to justify their Jekyll and Hyde reputation and they can expect another bruising encounter at home next weekend but if they can complete the double over Seaford then Penticost can start to look to next season in the knowledge that Division 2 status will nearly be secured for another year.

TEAM: Meldrum, Davis, Palmer, Tucker (Long), Simpson, Witherden (Velho), Pickford, Norris (White), Watton, Richardson, Griffin

Saturday 4th March - What A Load Of Rubbish

SCFL Div 2 – Bexhill United 2 Storrington 1

After the corner seemed to have been turned at Westfield, Swans season reached its nadir at the Polegrove as they gave doomed Bexhill only their third victory of the season. A patched up eleven seemed to lack the stomach for a scrap, as Swans once again allowed themselves to be sucked dangerously close to the drop zone.

Having said that, it looked for ¾ of the match that, despite the inadequate performance, Tom Pickford’s neat 3rd minute header from Longy’s near post corner was going to see the visitors to a fairly comfortable 3 points. That the game turned on its head in the last 20 minutes was largely due, I’m afraid, to a series of absurd refereeing decisions. When Bexhill were awarded the decisive penalty, their second of the day, their was little anybody in the ground could do but laugh. Quite what poor Dan White’s offence was nobody knew, but it certainly didn’t invite any appeals from the home players. Salt was rubbed in soon after as Griff was unceremoniously manhandled to the ground at the other end. The lack of a whistle then was both incomprehensible, yet totally predictable.

It had looked plain-sailing after that early goal, particularly when youth team stopper Flaps Meldrum dived to his left to save the first Bexhill pen ten minutes in. This award was iffy at best, very much a ball-to-hand thing given against Simmo. In the light of later events, it isn’t surprising this one went against the defender. Cooky and Pickford were denied by the home keeper, and generally it seemed that the script was being followed, albeit without a lot of enthusiasm on Swans’ part. The back four was solid enough, and Meldrum had a super game (he nearly kept out the second pen too – if he had, I daresay he may soon have been facing a third). But there wasn’t any energy about Swans attacking play, and their second half threat was limited to set pieces – Griff had a header just wide from Longy’s free kick, and another athletically tipped over form Pickford’s long throw. But it changed when Bexhill scrambled their equaliser, and in the end the points were gradually frittered away. Swans need to find new motivation from somewhere for the run-in, starting next week, with what has become a very important match against struggling Saltdean.

TEAM : Meldrum ; Davis, Tucker, Palmer, Simpson ; Cook(Velho), PICKFORD, McMichael; Long(White) ; Griffin, Richardson

Saturday 18th February - Swans overcome conditions to play the beautiful game

Sussex County League Division 2 - Westfield 2 - 4 Storrington

Having listed some fairly negative statistics in last weeks match report, its only fair to provide some more positive ones following The Swans win at fourth placed Westfield.

The first time that The Swans have scored 4 goals since the first day of the season (also against Westfield)
The first double that the Swans have completed this season (Storrington 4 - 1 Westfield back in August)
Only the second time this season that The Swans have managed a win without either of Dan Griffin or Neil Richardson scoring.
The fourth goal was arguably the best team goal that The Swans have scored since Penticost and Paske took over.

So the midfielders finally came to the party on the goal-scoring front and the back four - with the exception of a rocky 15 minute spell in the second half - got back to their no nonsense tight defending. The starting line up was once again subject to some chopping and changing with Pickford and Long unavailable. Alan Tucker and Stuart Day stepped in as the central defenders and Jon Simpson made a welcome return at left back. So it was no surprise that it took The Swans a little time to settle and despite not causing any serious alarms, Westfield had the better of the opening 15 minutes. Rain had been falling all morning and continued during the match and with the pitch becoming something of a mud bath it looked as though it might come down to a battle of will and determination. Amongst all the mud and puddles, Shaun Hourigan had another excellent match and was, as usual, the link between the back four and the attacking players. The opening goal had a huge degree of fortune to it but showed the benefit of the width that has often been missing this season. The ball was spread wide to Dave Cook and when he launched a cross into the box the Westfield 'keeper, perhaps distracted by Neil Richardsons presence, somehow pushed the ball across his own goal line. If that was a scrappy goal then the second was a great example of quick counter attacking. Westfield were in possession on the half way line but when a short pass inside was intercepted by Rob Norris, he immediately picked out Griffin and set him free on the left hand side. Griffin surged into the penalty area before playing a perfect square pass to Norris who had continued his run and hit a first time shot that the 'keeper got a hand to but couldn't keep out. Storrington were well in control now and as the rain continued to hammer down, it looked like the only thing that could stand in their way would be an abandonment.

When the sides re-emerged for the second half the Swans were hungry to kill off the match and how they showed it. Firstly Hourigan played a teasing ball into the box and although he put it too close to the 'keeper, the hapless Westfield number 1 made his second howler of the day - albeit a tricky day for goalkeepers - and the ball slipped out of his grasp. To his credit Paul McMichael had followed the ball in and turned it into the empty net from 5 yards out. Then came the icing on the cake, a goal that any of the great sides would have been proud of. McMichael drifted in from the left flank to start the move and picked out Griffin who had moved out to the left wing. The big front man went on one of his trade mark runs, holding off two defenders before returning the ball to McMichael. First he played a one-two with Hourigan on the left hand side of the penalty area before repeating the trick with Norris in a more central position. It was all one touch stuff and the Westfield midfield and back four were pulled completely out of shape allowing McMichael to have his final involvment in a move that he had orchestrated, by picking out Dave Cook in acres of space on the right hand side of the box. Cook took one touch before whipping a tempting cross into the box and from eight yards out Norris scored his second with a sumptuous diving header. The celebrations of the Storrington players showed that they knew they'd just created something beautiful. Much of the success of this side during last season was built on physical domination and quickly getting the ball forward to Richardson and Griffin but this was a goal straight out of the Brazilian coaching manual and it made the game safe for The Swans. It probably also lead to them taking their foot of the gas briefly and Westfield pulled two goals back in a rocky 15 minute spell for Storrington. However, the result was never in doubt and with all three substitutes getting a run out, this excellent team effort was exactly what was needed to bring to an end a losing run that was dragging The Swans towards the relegation zone. A week off next Saturday but a couple of good results in March should secure a second crack at Division Two next season.

TEAM: Smith, Davis, Tucker, Day (White), Simpson, Cook, Norris (M Bridle), Hourigan, McMichael, Griffin, Richardson (Witherden)

Saturday 11th February - Swans looking over their shoulder as winless streak goes on

Sussex County League Division 2 - Storrington 0 - 4 Oakwood

As Oakwood left The Recreation Ground having continued their charge towards Division 1, players and supporters of The Swans started asking themselves whether they could yet be drawn into a relegation scrap. Quite how a season that promised so much and started so brightly could end up as a fight for survival is something of a mystery but a quick look at some of the statistics might help

Just one win in 14 matches since November 5th
Just 6 goals scored in 2006
Just 33 goals in 31 matches this season
Dan Griffin is top scorer with 14 but the next best is 5
Rob Norris is the only player to find the net since 7th Jan
Four goals at the wrong end this season

The fact that Storrington played more games than most in the first half of the season and picked up points on good runs in August and October has given a false sense of security through the dark winter months but as the barren run continues and other teams play their games in hand, the realisation is dawning that there is still work to be done to guarantee safety. The issue is still very much in The Swans own hands and a good run of form through what appears on paper as a favourable March fixture list would see them home but the rot needs to stop soon, preferably on this weekends trip to Westfield.

So to the encounter with Oakwood and when the sides had met in Crawley it had been a keenly fought encounter with Oakwood scraping home 1-0. On this occassion the league leaders could have been 3-0 before a meaningful touch from a blue shirt. As it happened it was only the third of the chances that was taken and despite completely dominating the first half Oakwood only went into the break with one goal to show for their efforts. Indeed it should have been 1-1. In the closing stages of the half a straight free kick into the box was headed on across the goal by Norris. The Oakwood central defence had gone AWOL and Richardson had what seemed like forever to control the ball and get a shot away. His left foot effort was bound for the back of the net until the huge Oakwood keeper dived with his octopus like arm outstretched and turned the ball away.

Storrington started the second period much better and it looked like being a more even second period. Or at least it did until two more soft goals were conceded in quick succession. Firstly Paul Smith in the Swans goal tried to hold a curling shot but the ball escaped his grasp and the Oakwood player was quickest to react to fire home the rebound. And then a run down the right flank and cross into the box was met by a free header at the far post despite the fact that the striker was the only red shirt in the penalty area with three blue shirts somehow failing to pick him up. In the meantime, Storrington found a weak spot in the Oakwood defence. Three times they opened up Oakwood through the inside right channel. Twice Matt Bridle picked out Sam Witherdens runs after the pacey striker had replaced the under the weather Griffin at half time, and on a third occassion Bridle was the target of a James Davis pass into the same area. These openings were the closest Storrington came to causing Oakwood any discomfort.

With just eight matches remaining, its vital that theres a turnaround soon and March's clashes with Bexhill away and Saltdean and Seaford at home look like matches the Swans daren't lose.

TEAM: Smith, Davis, Watton, Long, White, M Bridle, Norris, Hourigan, McMichael, Richardson, Griffin

Tuesday 7th February - Cup luck deserts Swans again as Littlehampton squeeze through

Brighton Charity Cup - Littlehampton 1-0 Storrington

The Swans made it five first round exits out of five in cup competition this season as they went out of the Brighton Charity Cup at Littlehampton. The cup draws weren't kind to Storrington this season, pitching them against Division 1 opposition in four competitions and Division 2 favourites Wealden in the other. Whilst they were well and truly hammered by YMCA in the RUR cup, they had turned in credible displays in the other cup matches only to lose narrowly on all four occassions. The same applied here after the Swans got through a difficult first 15 minutes. With Matt Bridle coming in on the right of midfield and the versatile Dan White being deployed at left back it took the side a while to settle and Littlehampton enjoyed all of the early possession. To their credit the Swans midfield and back four soaked up all the pressure, getting through a tremendous amount of running in the process. Tom Pickford was the rock upon which the resistance was built and was imperious all night. Once they'd settled, the Swans started to find some rhythm and had the best chances of the opening 45 minutes, despite playing into a stiff breeze. When Pickford sugred forward and picked out Rob Norris at the back of the box, the captain brought a diving save out of the Canadian keeper. A similar opening followed for Dan Griffin when Sean Hourigan jinked his way into the box and played a perfect cross into Griffins path. Again the keeper scrambled across his line and tipped the ball over the bar. Norris and Griffin both then had similar chances again when the goalkeeper mis-hit clearances. First he scuffed a clearance straight to Norris whose first touch left the ball slightly stuck under his feet. He managed to toe poke a chip over the back peddling keeper but just a foot wide. Griffins first touch was slightly better but his chip was gathered under the cross bar as the keeper raced back. Meanwhile Smith and his back four snuffed out everything that was thrown at them with Steve Davis, one of the County Leagues most potent strikers restricted to lateral runs across the pitch that posed no threat to Smiths goal.

So the Swans turned round level having had the better openings of the first half and with wind assistance to come in the second half. The break didn't change the pattern of the match as Storrington absorbed the Littlehampton pressure and looked the more likely side to progress to the last eight. Griffin departed as a precaution having taken another blow on his recently injured foot. Sam Witherden replaced him and added some busy running to the attack. He strayed off side from time to time but when he timed his runs right got in behind the defence. On one such occasion Witherden surged down the right and into the box before firing an enticing ball across the six yard box. Paul McMichael had timed his run into the box to perfection but somehow failed to make contact on the ball for what would have been a certain goal. As the match moved into the last quarter Storrington were looking more and more likely to cause an upset. An inswinging Hourigan corner hit the front post and rebounded into the path of Norris, off his chest and into the relieved keepers arms. Then came the one occassion in the match where the Swans let their concentration drop. A throw in on the right was taken too easily and when a deep cross arrived in the box an unmarked midfielder had surged into the box and headed the ball straight into the danger area. In the scramble that followed Andy Long got the final touch to divert the ball past a stranded Smith. It was the fourth own goal of the Swans campaign and typified some of the luck they've been missing out on. Still the Swans weren't finished though and in the dying seconds had a huge penalty appeal turned down. Neil Richardson was clattered by a combination of goalkeeper and defender in the six yard box. The referee had seemed to come down on the side of the Division 1 club all night and this occassion was no exception as he waved away the frantic appeals of the Storrington players and somehow awarded a goal kick. That was the Swans last throw of the dice and the final whistle followed shortly after.

The sort of form that they showed here and in previous cup matches against Shoreham and Eastbourne has proven that this Storrington side would not be out of its depth in Division 1. Before that can even become a consideration they need to start producing this level of performance week in week out in the league as well as becoming more clinical in the opposition third.

TEAM: Smith, Davis, Pickford, Long (Cook), White (Watton), Bridle, Hourigan, Norris, McMichael, Griffin (Witherden), Richardson

Saturday 28th January - More Travel Sickness

SCFL Div 2 – Midhurst & Easebourne 3 Storrington 2

Swans entire season was neatly encapsulated in this one Jekyll and Hyde performance at the Rotherfield. A fairly even opening gave way to 20 minutes of abject defending, cavalier positional play and a feeble and almost careless concession of 3 goals. Once out of the game, the visitors roared back to life, and by the end were left wondering how they hadn’t salvaged a point.

There was still a quarter of the match to play when Rico held the ball up in the inside-left channel, then laid it off for the onrushing skipper to biff home a crisp left foot finish. Ten minutes later Rob claimed the vital touch to Sam Witherden’s inswinging corner for his second, and third in 3 games, as the fightback gathered pace. The chance to square it duly arrived when James Davis broke through the middle. The home sweeper clearly handled in his attempts to retrieve the situation, but the ball broke to Rico anyway and he dispatched his shot only for the advancing keeper to make an excellent block.

You had to sympathise with the Swans striker. His all round play was excellent as he ploughed an often lonely furrow up front, but the goals just won’t come at the moment. Early in the second half, with the score at 1-0, he surged clear and rounded the goalie only to mishit his finish, allowing a defender to race back and clear off the line. Swans were left feeling aggrieved here, as the last man’s attempted rugby tackle hampered Rico. As with the later incident, you could understand the referee allowing the advantage, but it was difficult not to reflect at the end that the Midhurst man had got away with two red-card offences.

Where the ref was definitely amiss though, was in not awarding Swans a pen after the clearest of shoves, again on Rico, again at 1-0. This one might well have changed the outcome, coming as it did a minute into the second half. But it wasn’t given, and soon it was 3-0. The home side had deserved their half-time advantage. A cross from the right, where Swans looked vulnerable throughout, was turned in from 6 yards, I think by a defender though I’m not sure whom. Then 5 minutes into the restart a low free kick crept through everyone in the box, then through an unsighted Smithy as well. The damage was complete soon after with a fine strike – the home centre forward, who looked about nine, crisply volleyed into the far corner from 15 yards. Whether Swans recovery merited a draw was a moot point, but what is certain is that they must be on their game for a full ninety minutes to get out of the present rut.

TEAM : Smith ; Davis, Pickford, Long, Tucker(Watton) ; White, Hourigan, NORRIS 2, McMichael, Day(Witherden) ; Richardson

Saturday 21st January - Hospital Closure

SCFL Div 2 – St Francis Rangers 0 Storrington 0

After the defensive calamities of last week a trip to free-scoring, promotion-chasing Rangers might have looked a daunting prospect. But Swans had had marginally the better of a goalless draw at the Rec in October, and this time the home side would be without Gault, the County League’s leading scorer. In the event, a full-blooded encounter played in an excellent spirit saw a duplicate scoreline, and nobody was arguing with that at the final whistle.

Swans began the brighter, and had one or two near things around the box in the first ten minutes, but before long Rangers had them camped in their own half. The pitch and facilities at the Hospital are much improved, but it remains difficult to clear your lines from the clubhouse end of the ground. Several times the home side found space to shoot from the edge of the area, but most were off target, and the rest were expertly held by a commanding Smithy. The best effort came from the wisp-like Jeremiah, who scooped just over after a dazzling run from halfway. On the break, Swans had the clearer openings, and Yids should certainly have worked the Saints keeper harder on a couple of occasions.

The second half was a similar story in reverse. The blues enjoyed the greater pressure, the stripes the clearer sights of goal. Griff narrowly failed to reach a tempting Hourigan free kick, and Pickford, Richardson and the excellent Norris drove in shots with varying degrees of power and accuracy. Swans defended well too, in particular it was good to welcome back Stuart Day, whose strength and tenacity have been missed. But nil-nil it looked, and nil-nil it stayed, a point the Swans can be well satisfied with. It did leave one to reflect, though, that while the two games have indicated that there is very little to choose between these two sides, there is half a league table and 20-odd points separating them. If Swans could match their opponents consistency, they too could be a force at the business end of Division 2.

TEAM : Smith ; Davis, Pickford, Long, Day(Tucker) ; White(Witherden), Hourigan, Norris, McMichael(Blake) ; Griffin, Richardson

Saturday 14th January - What on earth happened there?

Sussex County League Division 2 - Storrington 1 - 5 East Grinstead

Nobody seemed quite sure what had gone on during the first half of this clash at The Rec. The match between East Grinstead who were on a terrible run and a Storrington side struggling for consistency of late should have been a hard fought close encounter. Indeed it was an even contest for most of the 90 minutes and yet the players headed for the changing rooms at half time with the Swans in a state of shock, the referee commenting that it had been a surreal 45 minutes and even the Grinstead players happily bemused. The reasons for this were the five occassions that the Storrington defence was breached in a half that was otherwise an even contest. The Swans were 2-0 down within ten minutes as the referee gave a dubious free-kick right on the edge of the box. The dead ball was delivered past the wall and into the bottom corner. Three minutes later and a run and cross from the left found the Grinstead centre forward steaming in unmarked on the back post to make it two. The Storrington players were clearly shocked but continued to compete in most departments having their fair share of possession, half chances and corners. They were opened up again midway through the half to make it 3-0 before the comedy of errors that led to the fourth goal five minutes before half time. Having won back possession on the edge of their own penalty area, Shaun Hourigan was then dispossessed and somehow a cross was allowed to be delivered into the box despite the attentions of three defenders as the Grinstead winger approached the goal line. Still there appeared to be no danger with no Grinstead players in the vicinity and White, Long and 'keeper Smith still between the ball and the goal. Nobody really took responsibility for it and Long was the unlucky man whose head the ball deflected off into the goal.

Rob Norris had a chance to give Storrington the faintest hope of a comeback when his run into the box put him on the end of a brilliant Hourigan ball in towards the goal. With a choice between a stooping header or a volley, he went with his foot and lifted the ball just over the bar. Then to make matters worse, Grinstead cracked in another one from a half cleared corner to make it a remarkable 5-0 at half time.

The second half was an all together different tale and was probably how the first half would have been played out if it wasn't for the five goals gifted to the opposition. Norris pulled one back immediately after the restart with a deflected shot that looped over the keeper and after that it was honours even for the remaining 44 minutes with Dan Griffins header against the cross bar the closest either side came to any further goals.

Team: Smith, Davis, Long, Pickford, Watton (Day), White, Hourigan, NORRIS, McMichael, Griffin, Richardson

Saturday 7th January - Change of formation, change of form

Sussex County League Division 2 - Storrington 3 - 1 Sidlesham

Storrington got themselves back on track at the same time as setting the record straight with struggling Sidlesham who had beaten them in the reverse fixture a month earlier. After a shocking festive period had extended the Swans run of matches without victory to six, there were some welcome returns to the squad as Russell Penticost changed from 3-5-2 to 4-4-2. Rob Norris was straight back into centre midfield and the effervescent Stuart Day was back on the bench after throwing off yet another injury problem. With Alan Tucker failing a late fitness test, Tom Pickford partnered Andy Long in the centre of defence, with youth team skipper Chris Watton at left back and James Davis able to start in his favourite right back position for the first time.

The Swans flew out of the blocks, seemingly determined to turn things around and during the first half played some of their best football of the season, winning battles all over the pitch and then building from the back with passing and movement that had been missing during recent matches. The breakthrough was something of a scrappy goal but was no more than they deserved. Pickford headed a corner goalwards and as Neil Richardson went up with the keeper and a defender the ball evaded the goalkeepers grasp and bounced goalwards. Dan Griffin was on hand to poke the ball over the line. The Swans remained dominant throughout the first half and carried a particular threat down the right hand side with Gavin Bridle and James Davis marauding down the flank. A second goal was inevitable and when it came, it was brilliantly taken by Richardson who cut inside the last defender before waiting for the keeper to go to ground and lifting the ball over him. The Swans didn't want half time as they pummelled their relegation threatened opposition who seemed more and more intent on getting on the wrong side of the referee.

As is so often the case, Storrington couldn't quite reach the same level in the second half but although it was a more even 45 minutes they remained the dominant side and went close on a number of occassions. It took until 15 minutes from time for the third goal to come as Griffin initially danced and then stumbled into the penalty area before toe poking his second of the afternoon past the onrushing keeper. Some wasteful finishing and careless surrendering of possession gave Sidlesham a sniff of a comeback as they scrambled a late goal but they never looked likely to deny the Swans and finished the match with 10 men as ill discipline got the better of them, a two footed kick into the chest of Stuart Day leading to a straight red for a Sidlesham defender. It was an eventful comeback for Day, who in his 10 minutes on the pitch got booked with a trademark reducer before being on the receiving end of the red card incident.

A test for the Swans next week as they entertain East Grinstead who served up a comprehensive 4-1 spanking when the sides met in September. Penticost will be hoping that his team can continue their trend of following losing streaks with good unbeaten runs.

Team: Smith, Davis, Pickford, Long, Watton, Bridle(Day), Norris, Hourigan, McMichael(White), GRIFFIN (2), RICHARDSON

Xmas Bank Holiday Weekend – Crappy New Year

SCFL Div 2
Broadbridge Heath 3 Storrington 0
Storrington 0 Lancing 2

Difficult to know what to write as Swans completed a goalless and pointless holiday against sides they would hope to have beaten only a few short weeks ago. From being unbeaten in seven and standing as the division’s form side, they are suddenly without a win for just as long and in danger of getting sucked into a scrap at the foot of the table.

The games themselves were contrasting affairs. At Heath, Swans were the better team for long periods, and were genuinely unfortunate not to return with at least a draw. But their efforts had clearly taken their toll, for 2 days later visiting Lancing brushed aside a very weary looking blues outfit. What the two matches had in common were the kind of breaks that go against sides on a run of this kind. BBH opened the scoring when a scuffed long range effort took a wicked deflection and landed at the feet of a grateful striker who gladly accepted the gift. This happened again several times in the Lancing game, though without the resultant chance being taken. At the other end, Swans had clear penalty claims for trips on Griff at 1-0 in both games. When your luck’s in, both get given, but Swans can certainly feel aggrieved that at least the BBH one wasn’t awarded.

Then there is the rash of embarrassing goals that are going in. With Swans pushing for the equaliser at Heath with 15 left, Neil Gledhill’s throw only found a home winger, who returned it with interest back over his head to kill the game off (might well have been a cross. Think it was). The second Lancing goal also saw the ball given away in the defensive third with alarming generosity. In general, the Swans continue to defend reasonably well, but one or two horrible errors per game are costing them dear.

Which brings us to a more worrying feature, the goal drought. Griff and Rico were out of luck at BBH – Heath keeper James McGrath was comfortably the man of the match, denying both on several occasions, and during one ludicrous scramble the same blue-shorted arse blocked efforts from both strikers on the goal line. But against Lancing the front two were badly out of sorts, and consequently Swans never really looked like scoring. In Cook, Davis, Pickford, Witherden, Norris and McMichael, it would appear that there is plenty of goalscoring potential in the ranks. But aside from the regular forward pair, only Jo Cairns (with two) has managed more than a single goal so far this season. Swans have drawn a blank in 11 of their 25 games to date, and must urgently get their strikers on song, or others chipping in. Preferably both.

There were good points, which included (in no particular order); the form of 17-year old Chris Watton – picked as defensive cover, I can’t see him being left out in a hurry. A lively return to form for Sam in the second half against Lancing – consistency is your New Year’s resolution mate. Tom Pickford was strong in midfield in both games and is going to be crucial in the coming weeks, and having Smudge and Simmo back in the squad was certainly reassuring. But in the main it’s been a rotten week or two for Swan fans, and now we must ring in the New Year with a new resolve to turn things round. Football isn’t the most important thing in the world at Christmas, and this has been rather evident. But, I’m glad to say, it is now!

TEAM v BBH : Gledhill ; Simpson(McMichael), Tucker, Long ; Davis, Watton, Hourigan, Pickford, Cook(Witherden) ; Griffin, Richardson(G.Bridle)

v Lancing : Smith ; Watton, Tucker, Long ; Davis, Pickford, Hourigan(Witherden), G.Bridle, McMichael(Cook) ; Griffin, Richardson(Simpson)

Tuesday 27th December - Xmas Stuffing

SCFL Division 2 – Steyning Town 3 Storrington 0

I guess nobody really wants to be playing football on a frozen Christmas night when they should be at home with their families. This first Downland Derby for several seasons should have been as keenly fought a contest as one could wish for, but the minds of players from both sides seemed to be elsewhere as an aimless game lurched from error to error. As an advert for senior football it was dire, but as an argument against the County 2 yuletide programme it was compelling. Of course, the home side won’t mind any of that as the three points gained may be invaluable in their relegation scrap. Though two farcical injury time goals gave the scoreline a rather lopsided look, the result was justified. The visitors made the brighter start, but Steyning applied themselves more diligently in the second half, and deserved their victory.

The 2 key moments came halfway through the second period. That a Swans attack foundered after a misplaced pass was nothing unusual, but this time they were caught with too many bodies forward leaving the Steyning winger a free run down the right. His cross was neatly converted by Garman at the near post. Soon after, when Storrington surrendered possession again, Alan Tucker had a rush of blood which resulted in a wild lunge and a second yellow card, leaving Swans a steep uphill battle. It became impossible when Tom Pickford limped off, and when Andy Long was reduced to a hobble. He stayed on, but the blues were effectively down to 8 men for the last few minutes. A stream of chances naturally followed, some comically missed, a couple neatly taken. Though embarrassing for the Swans, it was really no more than a post-script to their 7th away defeat out of 10.

With all that going on, it would be easy to forget that Swans could comfortably have put the game beyond the hosts early on. Rico forced a fine save in the first minute, James Davis and Dave Cook both saw stinging volleys cleared off the line, and a string of corners saw several goalmouth scrambles somehow cleared. Then at 1-0, Davis, perhaps the one Swan who did himself justice against his former club, sent Pickford clean through only for the finish to bobble just wide. It was all to no avail though, and Swans will have to console themselves with the mixed blessing of two more holiday games in the next few days. An immediate opportunity to banish the memory of this, one of the poorest displays since Russell Penticost took over 3½ years ago.

Two further footnotes – first, no prizes for guessing that erstwhile Swan Simon Price was as effective as anyone on the field up front for Steyning. He was one of very few to have any idea where the ball was going when he kicked it, and showed an inventiveness currently missing from the Storrington team. Second, a word to commend the referee. He was the same one criticised on this site, I think rightly, for his handling of our game at Sidlesham 3 weeks ago. Here he made far fewer mistakes than most of the players in a decent performance in the middle, which just goes to show that refs, like players, have good days and bad.

TEAM : Gledhill ; Davis, Tucker, Long ; Cook(Witherden), Pickford, Watton(Blake), Hourigan, White(Awcock) ; Griffin, Richardson

Saturday 17th December - Red hot Oakwood squeeze past Swans

Sussex Couny League Division 2 - Oakwood 1 - 0 Storrington

Another re-jig of the fixture schedule saw the Swans destination change from one delightful Sussex town, Haywards Heath, to another, Crawley. Oakwood were the hosts and there was no doubting that they were also the form team in Division Two going into this fixture, with twenty six goals coming in six straight league wins that had lifted them out of mid table and into 2nd place. Storrington on the other hand had gone from an unbeaten run of seven matches to a run of four without a win so were desperate for a win in their last outing before Christmas. Oakwood came out of the blocks rapidly as you would expect of a team in that sort of form but the Swans repelled everything that was thrown at them. Oakwood play a fairly direct game, getting the ball out wide and then firing balls into the box. Neil Gledhill in the Swans goal was equal to all of it and in front of him another reshuffled back three was in excellent form as Davis, White and Tucker shut out the dangerous Newman and Funnell. Swans boss Penticost now has an array of talent to pick from in what is currently his preferred back three but with Long, Pickford, Simpson and Day all out for various reasons, Saturdays selected trio did no harm to their case for staying as the first choice.

As the half wore on, Storrington settled more and more and the game became an even contest. Although there were no clear cut chances at either end, both sides enjoyed spells of pressure and Sam Witherden made a number of incisive runs beyond the front two only to be thwarted by the linesmans flag. The loss of Joe Cairns, whose injury nightmare continues, saw youth team skipper Chris Watton thrown into the action after only twenty minutes. He came on at left wing back but over the course of the next seventy minutes also played centre midfield and wide right. His performance was a definite highlight and not for the first time he showed he can more than hold his own at this level. Hopefully, higher education and career permitting, we could be looking at a future Swans captain.

The second half followed a similar pattern as Oakwood came at the Swans again, piling the pressure on down the slope. Again they found only solid, battling Swans before them. The Oakwood manager changed his approach midway through the half, swapping experience for pace as he threw on a whippet with a skunks hairstyle up front. Oakwood looked to exploit his electric pace and the Swans became a little stretched until they finally fell behind when Gledhill made a sharp save only for the rebound to be turned into an empty net. Storrington huffed and puffed and pumped a lot of balls into the box but for once that wasn't the right approach as the giant Oakwood keeper swallowed up everything. The relief on the Oakwoods players faces was clear at the final whistle as they continued their title chase. The Swans will take heart from a battling performance and will look forward to taking on the same opponents with a full strength squad at The Recreation Ground in the new year.

Team; Gledhill, Davis, White, Tucker, Cook (Smith), Hourigan, Norris, Witherden (Johnson), Cairns (Watton), Richardon, Griffin

Saturday 10th December - Yids Gets Stitched Up

SCFL Div 2 – Sidlesham 3 Storrington 2


From the parks to the Premiership, it is all too often the first resort of vanquished teams to place the blame at the hands of the officials, and hence we try to avoid the easy targets at swans.com. So perhaps it is most prudent to state that Swans did not have lady luck on their side in this game. Picture the scene; 20 minutes in, Yids goes up for a header on the halfway line only to be poleaxed by a stray elbow from his opposite number. Ok, it may well have been accidental, but the man in black saw enough to brandish a yellow card at the offender, while Yids was helped to A&E for stitches in his eyelid, hope you’re alright mate. After the lengthy delay, the players take their positions around the Sidlesham penalty area for the free kick. But then after a chat with his linesman, the referee decides play should restart with a free kick to the home side 25 yards out from Swans goal. The reason is unclear, and the farce is complete when the half-hit free-kick clips Griff in the wall and loops comically into the opposite corner of the net past the already-committed Neil Gledhill, doubling the Sidlesham advantage.

Swans were then handed a penalty lifeline for a nothing foul on Dave Cook, enabling Griff to notch at both ends in 5 minutes, making it 2-1. But the benefits of this apparent attempt to ‘even it up’ were diminished by several other questionable decisions, notably late on when debutant James Davis’ equalising attempt was tipped round the post by the defender on the line. Another penalty? Nope, and in fact it’s not even a corner. Rico then twice got into point-saving positions in the box. The first time he saw his well-struck shot deflected just over, which resulted in another goal kick, and the second time the final whistle blew as he was about to pull the trigger. Swans struggled to keep their discipline and picked up 7 yellow cards. Sidlesham accrued 4 themselves, but had it not been for the decent spirit between the sides it could have turned pretty nasty. Among Swans bookable offences were trying to take a corner (Witherden) and blocking a pass (Pickford).

All this said, Swans didn’t help themselves either. Hesitation between Gledhill and Davis gave Sidlesham a goal from their first attack, and a further defensive error made it 3-1 just before half time. In between, Swans ran riot in attack, but squandered a series of chances. They probably should have gone into the break 4 or 5-3 up. They couldn’t quite reprise the momentum after the interval, and had to wait until the last quarter of an hour for Rico to bravely head home his first goal since August from the excellent Tom Pickford’s free kick. But it was too little too late, and it was an aggrieved and frustrated team that made the journey home.

TEAM : Gledhill ; Pickford, Long(Cook), Tucker ; Davis, R.Norris, Hourigan, McMichael(Witherden), White(Cairns) ; GRIFFIN, RICHARDSON

Saturday 26th November - Lions Share Spoils

SCFL Division 2 – Storrington 1 Pagham 1

A combination of a slack 1st half performance and an unlucky 2nd half one saw Swans miss the chance to go within 2 points of the division’s summit. A second stalemate with Pagham this term extended the blues’ unbeaten league run to seven matches, the best in Div 2, but the overriding feeling at the final whistle was that this was one that got away.

Swans started brightly enough, Yids hitting the side netting from a Hourigan free-kick, but collectively went to sleep 10 minutes in, allowing David to give the away side the lead. Indeed, they were indebted to 17 year old keeper Alan Meldrum, who made two fine stops on his senior debut to keep it at 1-0. The home defence, already shorn of Jon Simpson and Mike Norris, was dealt a further blow when Longy limped off on the half-hour, but conversely things then began to turn round. Rico saw an effort saved having carved out an opening for himself, but Swans could have few complaints about the scoreline at the break.

Trevor delivered a pretty fierce verbal volley in the dressing-room, but even he must have been surprised at the wholesale improvement. It helped that Swans drew level before Pagham had even touched the ball in the second half – Hourigan and Blake making the space for Dave Cook down the right, Griff diving in at the near post to force home Cookie’s cross. For the next twenty minutes the Lions goal led a charmed life. Blakey’s chip hit the bar, Rico somehow directed the rebound at the prone Pagham No.1. The striker then set up his partner, only for the keepers touch to divert Griff’s effort inches wide. Yids header dropped on top of an empty net as he was flattened by the goalie, a fate which also befell Griff soon after only for the ball to trickle just wide again. It just wouldn’t go in. Pagham got going again in the last quarter, but the new look back 3 of White, Day and Tucker stood firm, and Meldrum looked solid between the sticks. Neither side could force the winner, so Swans had to settle for the point. They probably should have won.

TEAM : Meldrum ; Tucker, Day, Long(White) ; Cook, Hourigan, R.Norris, Blake, McMichael ; GRIFFIN, Richardson

Saturday 19th November - Swans show how far they've come but there's still work to do

Sussex County League Division 2 Cup - Storrington 0 - 2 Wealden

This fixture with high flying Wealden provided the ideal opportunity for Storrington to show how much they'd improved since their dismal run of results in September. A run of 6 matches unbeaten meant that Wealden were the last side to beat the Swans. Defeat to the league leaders is no disgrace given the amount of cash they've been flashing to attract players of quality and experience but the nature of the 4-0 drubbing at the start of October proved to be the catalyst for a few home truths at The Recreation Ground and the great run of league form that followed. So the Swans were keen to set the record straight in what was the only cup competition that they maintain an interest in this season.

They couldn't have had a worse start though as a corner was conceded in the first minute. The poorly hit dead ball skidded into the 6 yard box and evaded at least three Storrington attempts to clear it and one Wealden attempt to put it into the net before it was rammed home by the big centre half. There were accusing looks amongst the Storrington players but any one of a number of players could have dealt with it. To their credit, Storrington didn't let it affect them and for the next 25 minutes, this was an even contest with the two sides jostling for superiority without either taking control of the match. The Swans back three continued their assured form of recent weeks and Alan Tucker took his personal performance to another level as the normally deadly Toby Hutchinson and Wes Tate were snuffed out. Storrington looked more than capable of making a contest of it until another shocking goal was conceded. This was a throw back to the defensive shambles of September as an innocuous ball into the box somehow ended up in the Storrington goal. There was not an orange shirt in sight as Tucker and Hourigan got in each others way and somehow combined to squeeze the ball past Neil Gledhill.

It really did look like an uphill battle now but the Swans came back again and were thrown a lifeline when a free-kick into the box broke to Dan Griffin who was about to pull the trigger when a careless Wealden defender slipped and took the centre forward down with him. Griffin, who took a battering from the centre halves all afternoon with absolutely no protection from the referee, opted to take the kick himself but contrived to lift it over the bar as the Swans continued to be their own worst enemy. Griffin departed early for half time to get a swollen eye patched up, the result of another flying Wealden elbow, and was soon joined in the changing room by his team-mates and an irate Pentecost who must have been frustrated that his side were competing in all departments with Wealden but had given away two farcical goals and missed a penalty. The first 15 minutes of the second half remained an even contest but the Swans couldn't force the goal. With 25 minutes to go, Pentecost threw on the returning Rob Norris and Neil Richardson. Neither appeared anywhere close enough to fitness but Storrington reshuffled to 3-4-3 and went all out for the goal. It meant they were exposed a little at the back and had to ride their luck when Wealden broke but as they piled on the pressure Griffin went close and was denied by a point blank save, and Steve Blake had a shot beaten away in a goal mouth scramble. The goals never came and Storringtons interest in cup competition ended for another season but they showed how much they've improved since the league fixture at Wealden and will look to continue their great recent league form at home to Pagham next week. On the plus side, St Francis and Selsey both suffered defeats in the league and the Swans remained in 4th place. All the players will be looking forward to one more crack at Wealden in the home league fixture later in the season. There's a feeling that theres a score to settle.

TEAM: Gledhill, Long, Simpson(M.Norris), Tucker, Cook, McMichael, Hourigan, Blake, Day(R.Norris), Cairns(Richardson), Griffin

Saturday 12th November - All square at The Rec as unbeaten run continues

SCFL Division 2 - Storrington 2 - 2 Crawley Down

Crawley Down came to The Rec with the Swans looking to avenge the 3-2 defeat they'd suffered earlier in the season when they had turned in one of their most lame performances of the season. This is a much changed Storrington side from then though, in terms of both form and formation. With Rob Norris present again on the sidelines but struck down by illness, Sam Witherden recovering from a hand operation and Neil Richardson still only fit enough for a substitute role, Russell Pentecost went with the same line up that had started last weeks win at Saltdean. There was also a place on the bench for Andy Wilby.

Both sides spent some time sizing up the opposition in the early exchanges but it was the Swans who went closest early on. Good work from Paul McMichael found Joe Cairns on the edge of the box and having moved the ball onto his left foot he floated an effort beyond the keeper but onto the cross bar. Dan Griffin also had an opportunity early on to either add to his tally of 3 goals in the last 2 matches or to present Cairns with an opporunity to slot home. Having broken through the inside left channel, the prolific front man had the choice of lifting the ball over the keeper or squaring it to his strike partner. The ball just got away from him at the key moment though and the chance was gone. Shortly after this the visitors went ahead, perhaps very slightly against the run of play. A ball in from the right was only half cleared out towards the left flank and when it was hooked back into the box, there was one red shirt that had escaped his marker at the back post. Smith had no chance as the ball was volleyed into his net. The goal didn't change the tone of the match too much as the Swans kept probing with Down also having spells of possession without causing too many problems. Storrington got what they deserved, albeit with what looked like a helping hand from the linesman, when Griffin was released again with a great through ball from midfield. There appeared to be a hint of offside about his starting position but this time he made no mistake as he drove on into the box before deftly knocking the ball past the onrushing keeper.

The second half was a very similar story with neither side dominant and both teams trying to create that something extra to steal the points. Again it was the mid Sussex side who took the lead and again it was a ball in from the left that was finished first time at the back post with a volley back across Smith into the far corner. From this point onwards it looked more likely that the Swans would grab an equaliser than Crawley Down extending their lead and when it came, the goal was straight from Dave Bassetts coaching manual. Dan White launched the ball from the centre of the park into the crisp winter sky. As it dropped just inside the penalty area, Steve Blake still hadn't given up on it. The goalkeeper and centre half seemed to leave it to each other and Blake just got there first, toe-poking the ball into the empty net. There were no further alarms for either keeper and most would agree that the draw was probably about fair. With St Francis and Wealden both held to draws, there was an oppotunity to move into third place and close the gap a little but Pentecost and Paske won't be too disappointed to extend the unbeaten run to 6 matches.

Richarsdon, Witherden and Norris will all be knocking at the door soon looking for a return to action so competition for places is hotting up. The Swans face a real test of their recent form next week when they play host to league leaders Wealden in the cup.

TEAM: Smith, Long, Simpson, Tucker, Cook, McMichael, Hourigan, Blake, Day, Cairns, Griffin

Saturday 5th November - The Sigh Of The Tigers

SCFL Div 2 – Saltdean United 0 Storrington 2

A welcome away win took the Swans unbeaten run to 5 matches, as a brace from Dan Griffin and yet another clean sheet comfortably tamed the Tigers. After a scrappy first half, not helped by a poor playing surface, the visitors were increasingly assured as the game progressed, and fully deserved the points. If anything, the margin of victory might have been greater.

Having elected to play with the strong wind at their backs, Swans flew out of the blocks, and Paul McMichael was unlucky to hit the crossbar in the first 30 seconds, having delicately lifted the ball over the keeper. In fact, Yids could have had a first-half hat-trick as his energy got him on the end of several goalmouth scrambles, but the home goal led a charmed life. Until the 36th minute, when a real Wimbledon goal gave the blues a half-time lead. Smudge did the Dave Beasant bit, his huge punt sailing over the Tigers defence. His opposite number advanced to claim it, but Griff arrived simultaneously in best John Fashanu style. The keeper got a piece of it, but so did the centre forward and the ball bounced into the empty net. Then Sean Hourigan almost sealed it before the break, but saw his 20 yarder hit the bar.

Despite playing into the wind in the second half (or perhaps because of this), the Swans were much improved, and put together some decent moves. It was on the hour that they made the game safe. Jon Simpson won the ball on halfway, and found Steve Blake. He in turn picked out a super through ball for Griff to chest down, round the goalie and slot in his 11th of the season. The combination of Blakey, Hourigan, Dave Cook and Jo Cairns down the right is really beginning to click and several chances were created via this route. Dan White should probably have scored from one; Jo became the third player to rattle the bar from another. At the other end an under-the-weather Smithy was glad of a quiet day at the office, as Longy, Tucks and Simmo were steadfast again. Barring a couple of late flurries, the home side created very little. It was good to see Mike Norris back, he gave a composed cameo in central midfield, and Russell was also able to hand a late debut to another youngster, left-back Andy Beaumont, who demonstrated that he is another genuine option in that position.

TEAM : Smith ; Simpson, Tucker, Long ; Cook(Beaumont), McMichael, Hourigan, Blake(M.Norris), Day(White) ; GRIFFIN 2, Cairns

Saturday 29th October - Good Day, Great Month

SCFL Div 2 – Storrington 4 Bexhill 1

A resounding victory over last season’s fellow promotion-winners rounded off an excellent month for the Swans, as they made it 10 points from four consecutive home matches. Despite being without skipper Rob Norris, the blues were in cruise control for most of the second half, a position they haven’t had the luxury of enjoying until now. And they also responded to Russell’s pre-match request to find goals from different areas – there were four different names on the scoresheet, including a debut senior goal for Stewart Day, who was making his first appearance in the starting line-up.

Swans had actually only managed a single first half goal, and five altogether, in the 9 games since August bank holiday Monday. So it was something of a relief when Yids pounced on a hurried clearance from the Bexhill goalkeeper, and floated it exquisitely back over his head from 35 yards to give them a ninth-minute lead. The home side flattered to deceive though, and only got going in patches for the next half-hour. From one decent move the energetic Sam Witherden curled an effort against the crossbar, but though there was little going on down the other end we had to wait until just before the break for the lead to be extended. This was a good old route-one goal, with Griff nodding Smudge’s punt into Jo Cairns’ path. His first effort was parried and Sammy’s follow-up blocked, But Jo persevered and coolly slammed home the second rebound. It was all over bar the shouting early in the second half, when Sean Hourigan’s free kick was nodded across goal by Sam. Stewart Day reacted quickest to poke the ball in at the near-post, and become the second man in successive matches to open his senior account. The visitors replied when Smudge came a long way for a punch but couldn’t get there, thus ending a run of 6 hours without conceding. But any thoughts of a comeback were dispelled in their infancy when the excellent Hourigan inspired another fine move. It appeared to have broken down, but the ball broke to Griff in the box and he smacked a left-foot drive into the roof of the net from 10 yards.

After that Swans threatened to run up a cricket score – most notably returning sub Dave Cook thundered in a volley that somehow stayed out despite striking both posts and the bar! – but they were content with four. The defence had been collectively excellent again, but the highlight for me was some of the compact football involving the diminutive trio of Cairns, Hourigan and Blake, who all had arguably their best games in a Storrington shirt.

TEAM : Smith ; Simpson, Tucker, Long ; Witherden(White), McMICHAEL(Cook), Hourigan, Blake, DAY ; GRIFFIN, CAIRNS

Saturday 22nd October - Wham Bam Thank You Sam

SCFL Div 2 – Storrington 1 Broadbridge Heath 0

This game won’t live too long in the memory of most of those who witnessed it, but the young bloke who won it for the Swans with his first senior goal might look back on it fondly for some time. After his previous appearance a fortnight ago resulted in some largely unjust criticism in the local press, and the loss of his place in the squad, Sam Witherden emerged from the dug-out 20 minutes from the end with a point to prove. His team-mates reaction to the goal, and the cheers that greeted him back in the dressing-room shortly afterwards, demonstrated not only that they were delighted with the match-winning strike, but also that it was the popular midfielder who had scored it.

It was a rare passage of cohesive attacking play that brought about the winner. Yids, industrious as ever, worked the ball inside from the left to find Mike Norris in space in the centre circle. The recalled defender had deputised capably in the midfield holding role, which had been vacated when his namesake Rob departed in the first half with a nasty head wound. But now he ventured further forward, and produced a pinpoint through-ball down the inside-right channel. Sam galloped on to it, and clipped the ball past the advancing McGrath and into the far corner. I think it would be fair to say he then went mental.

That I haven’t left much space to describe the rest of the game is no coincidence, because there was some distinctly poor fare served up by both sides. Heath might have half-timed in front but for a smart save from Smudge in a one-on-one situation after Longy missed his kick, but apart from this the defence was excellent again, Tucks in particular outstanding. Swans were a bit better after the break and looked the more likely winners, although 0-0 did seem inevitable for the most part. But that doesn’t matter – as the chairman eruditely pointed out, last week’s good performance only brought a draw, so that this week’s uninspired effort achieved maximum reward was fair enough. And the Swans now soar back up to 5th – all thanks to Super Sam!

TEAM : Smith ; Simpson, Tucker, Long ; M.Norris, R.Norris(Day), McMichael, Hourigan, Cairns(WITHERDEN) ; Griffin, Blake

Saturday 15th October - The worm has turned

County League Division 2 - Storrington 0 - 0 St Francis

Storrington provided further evidence that they've turned the corner after Septembers horror show, with another highly assured performance at The Rec that could, and maybe should have brought home all three points against promotion hopefuls St Francis. Another shut out at the back meant that the Swans had kept two consecutive clean sheets for the first time this season, in fact for the first time since Easter weekend when two 1-0 victories went such a long way to securing the Division 3 title. The Swans stuck with the 3-5-2 formation that had looked so much more solid against Mile Oak the previous week, with Jon Simpson replacing Adam Palmer as the only change. The dogged defender has been in and out of the side this season but his performance and return to form typified the growing sense that the team have weathered the Autumn storm and the trio of Long, Tucker and Simpson may well be the answer to the defensive circus that has blighted the start of Storringtons season. Apart from a stuttering start, the Swans were clearly the dominant side in terms of territory and possession and came close on a number of occassions. Great work from Paul McMichael put Dan Griffin through on the left hand side of the penalty area midway through the first half. The big man looked to have done everything right as he stroked the ball past the oncoming keeper but it drifted just wide of the far post. McMichaels tireless running continued to cause problems and appears to combine very well with Sean Hourigans great use of the ball and Rob Norris's battling for possession. In the second half, great work from Steve Blake in the penalty area created a chance for Griffin whose low shot beat the keeper but bounced back off the inside of the upright. Griffin and Norris also went close with headers from set pieces, the latter of which probably should have at least hit the target.

It would be wrong to suggest that St Francis did not create any openings of their own. They hit the outside of the post early on before Storrington got going and then deep into the second half, Paul Smith brilliantly tipped over a far post header to keep the mid Sussex side at bay. But at the death there was nothing to choose between the two, and Swans must take that as a positive having more than held their own against a side generally recognised as one of the best in the division.

TEAM: Smith, Long, Simpson, Tucker, Cook, Hourigan, R Norris, McMichael, White(Day), Blake(Cairns), Griffin

Saturday 8th October - Home Comforts

County League Division 2 – Storrington 1 Mile Oak 0

The blues made an overdue return to winning ways on an equally overdue return to Rec. This first league game at home since the August Bank Holiday provided Swans with their first points since that weekend, a win that hauls them back into the top half of the table. It was achieved thanks to a commanding performance that really should have produced a more comfortable scoreline, against a Mile Oak side still in the FA Vase, and with St Francis Rangers and Chichester City amongst their victims this season.

The only goal arrived on the stroke of half-time. Tucks, who had an fine game in his favoured central role, made a rare sortie forward to find himself in possession some 40 yards out on the right. He flighted a tempting diagonal ball towards the penalty spot, where Griff rose above the Oak centre-halves to power his header over Whittington in the visitors goal. It was a lead Swans had earned, Griff only hitting the side-netting with an easier header from Shaun Hourigan’s cross minutes earlier. And before that, Blakey somehow failed to convert with the goal at his mercy when teed up by his strike partner.

It was a similar story in the second half, with Griff clearing the bar only marginally with both head and right foot, Dan White also firing over, and several other close calls in the Oak area. Swans couldn’t kill the game off though, and inevitably had to endure a slightly nervous final 10 minutes as Oak threw men forward. Tucks, Longy and the returning Palmer were all excellent though, and Smudge was not called into serious action. And the visitors frustration was compounded at the death when skipper Porter thrust his forehead into sub Sam’s face after a challenge. Contact was minimal, but the subsequent red card was predictable, and correct.

So the switch to 3-5-2 brought the desired effect. Certainly the spine of the side looked stronger, with Yids, Shaun and the Skip all winning their battles in midfield ahead of the aforementioned back three. Dan White adjusted well (again) and his energy was important at left-wing back, while Dave Cook impressed again on the opposite flank, and looks right at home at senior level. A final plus was the appearance of summer signing Stewart Day. He has shaken off a troublesome hamstring, and looks set to make a full contribution. Good work everybody.

TEAM : Smith ; Tucker, Long, Palmer ; Cook, R.Norris, Hourigan, McMichael, White(Day) ; GRIFFIN, Blake(Witherden)

Saturday 1st October - Swans leak four more as losing run continues

County League Division 2 - Wealden 4 - 0 Storrington

On the back of six consecutive league and cup defeats, the last thing Storrington needed was a trip to runaway league leaders Wealden. The Swans were looking to put a dreadful September behind them but were soon in trouble when Mike Norris missed his kick in the penalty area and the Wealden centre forward took the simplest of chances to open the scoring. Shortly afterwards the mobile and pacey Wealden attack, inspired by Wes Tait, cut the Swans defence to ribbons with their movement off the ball and it was 2-0. It looked like it could be a rout but having got through to half time without further damage, the Swans came out with much more purpose in the second half. For twenty minutes they were the better side as they finally started to excercise some control in the middle of the park, Rob Norris winning loose balls and Sean Hourigan playing his neat passing game. Paul McMichael came within a whisker of pulling a goal back when Dan Griffins flick on from a right wing corner found him at the back of the box. McMichael crashed a diving header against the upright but Storrington took encouragement from that and continued to attack. Any chance of a come back disappeared though when a speculative shot from the inside left channel deceived Paul Smith through the air, wrong footing him and creeping in at the near post. It was four soon after when another long range effort was parried by Smith and typically of Storringtons luck of late, it fell straight to a navy blue shirt. McMichael went close again late on when put through one on one but his powerful shot was parried away.

The upside of another disappointing defeat was an impressive performance on the right side of midfield from Dave Cook who now looks ready to make a permanent step up to to the front side. The Swans now have four consecutive home matches through the rest of October and must be looking at that run of fixtures to get things back on track. The side have shown glimpses of what they're capable of this season but need to put it together for longer periods and above all need to eradicate the mistakes that have been responsible for so many of the goals conceded.

TEAM: Smith, White, M Norris, Long, Tucker, Cook, Hourigan, R Norris, McMichael, Griffin, Anderson

Saturday 24th September - Swans Can't Crack EG

County League Division 2 – East Grinstead 4 Storrington 1

Swans will be glad to see the back of September. This heavy defeat made it 5 reverses out of 5 in the month as the blues have struggled to come to terms with their senior surroundings. Confidence was already fragile after the YM game, and was damaged irreparably by an unlucky break that presented East Grinstead with a 12th minute lead. The home side took full advantage, and by half time had wrapped up the points that took them above Storrington in the table.

Smudge had another good game between the sticks, but his only error was the catalyst for the Wasps domination at their superb East Court ground. A high left wing cross didn’t seem to pose an immediate danger until it came down on top of the bar – that it then arrived neatly at the feet of the only EG player in the vicinity is typical of Swans recent fortune. Up to this point it had been an open encounter, Yids and Griff both narrowly missing the target after decent moves. But once behind, too many visiting heads dropped, and Swans invited wave after wave of attacks from the home side. That only two of them, in the 30th and 43rd minutes, brought further goals was perhaps something of a relief. It could have been more.

To their credit, Swans largely gave as good as they got in the second half. Indeed for the last 20 minutes, after the Wasps had made it four and relaxed somewhat, the visitors put together some attractive moves. The best of these saw several players involved before Dan White, the pick of the outfield players after coming off the bench, crossed for Stuart Anderson to score with a textbook far post header. He might have repeated the trick 2 minutes later after a similar fluent attack. But if anything this recovery of sorts just magnified how poor the Swans had been earlier in the day.

So good riddance to September, and time to look forward. On the 1st October we travel to Wealden to take on the league leaders. Now that would be a good place to get back to winning ways….

TEAM: Smith ; Simpson, M.Norris, R.Norris, Tucker ; Awcock(White), Hourigan, McMichael, Cairns(Long) ; Griffin, Richardson(ANDERSON)

Tuesday 21st September - There's No Need To Be Un-Hap-Py

RUR Cup - Horsham YMCA 5 - 0 Storrington

Storrington suffered their most comprehensive defeat in 4 years as they came up against a red hot Horsham YMCA outfit at Gorings Mead. With Russell Pentecost and Trevor Paske returning to their old club, they were hopeful that the Swans could give a good account of themselves and perhaps they were allowing themselves just the occassional daydream of causing an upset. As it happened, YM were just too hot to handle and showed the quality that made them County League Champions last season. They simply outclassed the Swans although Storrington competed at times and were clearly trying to play some pass and move football. John Suters men are, however, experts at turning defence into attack in the blink of an eye and everytime a Storrington attack broke down they surged forward like a white tidal wave threatening to swamp Paul Smiths goal. The first two goals came from the same source as YMs diminutive central midfield escaped the attention of his marker to apply the finishing touches to some neat build up play. A penalty meant that Storrington were three down at the interval. A fourth goal immediately after the reset threatened to turn the scoreline into an embarrassment but to their credit, Storrington kept digging in and never gave up. Smith made some great saves in the Storrington goal and in the end only one further goal was added. If nothing else it was certainly a good work out for the Swans and if they can try to play passing football the way they did here, against some of their Division 2 rivals, they will be back to winning ways very soon.

Saturday 17th September - Soft goals conceded cost the Swans again

Sussex County League Division 2 - Crawley Down 3 - 2 Storrington

Storrington missed an opportunity to end a mini losing streak when they visited Crawley Down who had made a sluggish start to the campaign. Dan Griffin came straight back into the starting line up to partner Stuart Anderson after injury with Neil Richardson returning to the substitutes bench. So it was back to a full quota of strikers and manager Pentecost would have been confident that he had the fire power to pick up three points. What he wouldn't have bargained for is one of the worst defensive performances of his reign, as the whole team contrived to keep putting themselves on the back foot. The Swans looked bright in attack and created a couple of near openings in the early stages but when possession was carelessly lost in the oppositions third of the pitch, an early ball forward and a simple flick on put Crawley Down through on goal. Their striker made no mistake to open the scoring. Further openings came Down's way alarmingly easily before the break but the Swans still carried a threat going forward and it was no surprise when they brought themselves onto level terms shortly after the break. A Steve Blake corner dropped to Rob Norris at the back of the penalty area and his volley struck the closing defender on his outstretched hand. Dan Griffin converted the penalty to stay top of the Division 2 goalscoring chart. Suddenly Storrington looked the stronger side and attacked with intent but fell behind against the run of play with another goal that will give Pentecost nightmares. Somehow three Storrington players failed to prevent the Crawley Down winger from squeezing away from the corner flag and into the penalty area and when his low cross arrived in the box the first man to react was in a red shirt to leave Paul Smith with no chance from 5 yards. As Storrington went forward in search of a second equaliser, they were again punished for giving the ball away in opposition territory and once again, it was a Crawley Down player who got away from more than one defender to slot past Smith. Jo Cairns pulled one back, his first goal for the club setting up a tight finish. Griffin came closest to snatching a point for the Swans when a mazy run across the pitch ended up with him lashing a 20 yard effort against the cross bar. The attacking flare that Storrington showed probably merited something from the match but until they can stop giving away soft goals, a lot of hard work will go unrewarded.

Saturday 10th September - Goal Shy Swans Oval And Out

John O’Hara Cup 1st Round – Eastbourne United 2 Storrington 0

Much like the previous Saturday, a capable performance against higher grade opposition brought no reward as Swans interest in the League Cup was ended before it had really begun. In the reverse of the Shoreham game however, the blues were the better side in the first half here before fading later on. By the final whistle I don’t think there were too many complaints about the 2-0 scoreline.

A visit to the Princes Park Oval is a dubious pleasure at the best of times, but Swans started with a strong breeze at their backs, and overcame a poor playing surface to put some pressure on the home defence. Hourigan and McMichael held sway in midfield, Phil Awcock was in form up the left and Blakey twisted and turned to some effect up top. The best opportunity fell to Stuart Anderson, who probably should have done better than to fire over from 12 yards. United threatened on the break, Smudge making two fine saves and the solid Mike Norris one excellent interception, but it was a little against the run of play when the home side went in front just before half-time. Smithy this time failed to hang on to a long range effort, and Edwards reacted first to poke the rebound home.

After Blakey curled a shot over the bar early in the second period, Swans rarely threatened to turn things round. The midfield two faded badly, and Norris, Simpson and Long all had to be on their game at the back to keep the visitors in the hunt. To be fair, they still were in with a shout until ten minutes from time when Warren deflected home an inswinging free-kick at the near post. That was that, but I think the Swans trooped off with the feeling they had missed a chance to cause an upset here – certainly given that three other second division sides were successful on the same day against Div 1 opponents. But never mind. This two-week cup sabbatical now ends, and Swans must also nip a three-game losing streak in the bud when they return to league action at Crawley Down next week.

TEAM : Smith ; Simpson, Long, M.Norris, White ; Witherden, Hourigan, McMichael, Awcock ; Blake, Anderson

Saturday 3rd September - Mussels Stretched

Sussex Senior Cup 1st Round – Storrington 0 Shoreham 1

An increasingly assured performance against Division 1 opposition didn’t quite bring the reward that perhaps it deserved as Swans fell at the first hurdle in the Senior Cup. After the worst possible start, the much-changed blues visibly grew in belief and confidence as the match wore on, and by the end the visitors were firmly on the back foot. Ultimately however, the game’s defining moment was Ben Milford’s second minute shot that the otherwise impeccable Paul Smith allowed to slip through his grasp at the near post. An hour and a half later this was still the only goal.

Not surprisingly, Swans took time to recover from this untimely shock, as a huge, powerful Mussels outfit exerted some heavy pressure. More than once Smudge was called upon to atone for his early mistake, and centre halves Mike Norris and Paul McMichael had to be right on their game. But gradually, with Shaun Hourigan again pulling the strings, the home side began to compete. Steve Blake was also to the fore on his first full appearance on the right of a five-man midfield, and Stuart Anderson battled gamely in a solitary role up front after 3 weeks out of action. The second half introduction of Sam Witherden, debutant Jo Cairns and the rested Dan Griffin bolstered the Swans attacking threat, and Anderson, Witherden and Simon Price all went close, but the home side couldn’t carve out the gilt-edged chance required to force extra time. Though Swans persevered to the last, that distant early goal still separated the teams as the whistle blew.

Though disappointing to lose, perhaps the performance in this game was more significant than the result – after all, Swans probably aren’t ready to challenge for the Senior Cup just yet! But they more than matched higher-grade opponents for long periods here, and similar performances will see them win more than they lose this season.

TEAM : Smith ; Simpson, M.Norris, McMichael, White(Griffin) ; Blake(Cairns), Hourigan, R.Norris, Price, Awcock(Witherden) ; Anderson

Monday 29th August - Swans come up just short against impressive Selsey

County League Division 2 - Storrington 2 - 3 Selsey

Storrington were unable to make it maximum points from the two bank holiday weekend matches but will perhaps be slightly disappointed not to have held on for a draw. Nobody watching would deny that Selsey were the sharper and more impressive outfit overall but at times the Swans put together some of their best spells of football of the season. Paul McMichael was deployed at centre half alongside Adam Palmer with Mike Norris moving to right back. Phil Awcock was reinstated after an impressive substitutes appearance on Saturday and Rob Norris made his first start of the season, partnering the diminutive but impressive Sean Hourgian in centre midfield. The early exchanges were fairly even although Selsey looked the slicker outfit with their three in the centre of midfield looking capable of overruning the Swans midfield two. They looked marginally the more likely of the two sides to score first but Storrington would be desperately disappointed with the nature of the goal as they allowed a corner to drift unchallenged into the six yard box where Selseys robust centre forward was on hand to lash home into the roof of the net. The Swans absorbed further pressure with McMichael and Palmer equal to most of what was thrown at them and Paul Smith making a superb one-on-one save to keep the defecit to one. When a swift move down the right flank involving Mike Norris and Awcock set Griffin free, he closed in on goal and despite a touch from the keeper, the big man made it 1 - 1 at the interval. Storrington actually started the second half as the sharper side and piled on the pressure. It was, however, from a period of Selsey pressure that Storrington took the lead. A quick break down the inside right channel saw Griffin put Awcock through. He was denied but when the ball rebounded to Griffin he hooked a bouncing ball to the back post where Sean Hourigan had made a great run from his own half to head home. It was no more than the little midfielder deserved. He has probably been the most impressive of this summers new recruits and is rapidly becoming a key member of Pentecosts side. Having done the hard work to edge themselves in front, Storrington would have been kicking themselves again as a hopeful ball over the top of the defence dropped into the Swans penalty area and a Selsey midfield runner was rewarded for his gamble as he slotted past Smith. Another soft goal denied the Swans a point when the Selsey substitute striker stood unmarked in the six yard box for what seemed like forever as a short corner was eventually delivered and after a goal mouth scramble he drove home to give Selsey a 3-2 win. They probably just deserved to edge it and will certainly be one of the better sides to visit The Rec this season. Storrington finish August in third place, which they would have taken at the start of the season and have completed a gruelling sequence of 6 matches in 17 days. A week off league action next weekend as Division 1 Shoreham visit Storrington for the first cup action of the season.

TEAM : Smith ; M.Norris, McMichael, Palmer, Long(M.Bridle) ; Awcock(Witherden), HOURIGAN, R.Norris, Price(White) ; GRIFFIN, Richardson

Saturday 27th August - White Delight

County League Division 2 - Storrington 3 - 1 Midhurst and Easebourne

Summer signing Dan White took the field to some good natured catcalls from the supporters of Midhurst, his former club. But he had the last laugh as another combative display helped the Swans to a comfortable 3 points.

The Swans victory against the bottom side was far more comprehensive than the 3-1 scoreline would suggest. Russell Pentecost shuffled his pack after the midweek draw at Pagham and welcomed back Rob Norris to the squad for the first time this season. He was joined on the bench by Phil Awcock and Andy Long. Storrington were much the sharper side out of the blocks and went close on a number of occassions early on. Firstly Neil Richardson cracked a thumping drive against the post having been set up by strike partner Dan Griffin. Griffin then missed his kick when off balance after the 'Hurst back four had been opened up. The breakthrough appeared to be only a matter of time and sure enough it came when Griffin capitalised on a poor clearance from the Midhust number 1. The big centre forward drove into the box before squaring for Richardson who took one touch before finding the bottom corner. Further Swans pressure followed but somehow it remained just 1 - 0 at the interval. It was more of the same after the break but all the time that Storrington were failing to kill of the match, they remained vulnerable to a Midhurst sucker punch. With half an hour remaining, Pentecost freshened things up with Awcock coming off the bench to play wide left, Long providing some fresh legs at the back and Norris coming into the middle of the park. Within 5 minutes Richardson had made it 2- 0 after galloping on to Griffin's flick and rounding the keeper. Although Midhurst pulled one back through their own substitute, Griffin made sure of the points near the end when he headed home Shaun Hourigan's free kick. So Swans go into Monday's home clash with Selsey in second spot, a match in which they expect to get a much sterner test.

TEAM : Smith ; Simpson, M.Norris, Palmer, Tucker(Long) ; White(R.Norris), Hourigan, Price, Witherden(Awcock) ; GRIFFIN, RICHARDSON 2

Tuesday 23rd August - Lions Roar Back After Early Swan Strikes

County League Division 2 - Pagham 2 Storrington 2

Following a rugged display at Seaford on Saturday the Swans were on the road again against Division 2 new boys Pagham. With an ever growing list of injuries it was good to see the doubtful Dan Griffin shake off a nasty whack from Saturday to partner Rico up front, and with the news of the influential skipper Rob Norris being released from the treatment room competition for places is hotting up in the middle of park to partner the impressive Sean Hourigan. So with no injuries from Saturday, it gave the manager an opportunity to play an unchanged back four the first time this season, with the only change in the team being Phil Awcock coming in for Fish in the midfield.

The Swans continued where they left off from Saturday and were soon 2-0 up within 5 minutes. The first goal came 2 minutes in when Dan Griffin pounced on a loose ball 20 yards out. A low driven shot passed a rather static goal keeper with ease and immediately gave the Swans the upper hand. The away side continued to pile on the pressure creating chance after chance before a positive run down the right hand side by Dan White who found the perfect cross for Rico to make it 2-0 with a great header into the top corner. Sean Hourigan was influential in the middle of the park, keeping the ball and rarely misplacing a pass and after 10 minutes he floated a teasing cross into the six yard box that found a perfectly timed run from Griffin who volleyed just over the bar.

Following a convincing first 25 minutes, Paul Smith in the Swans goal had hardly touched the ball, and despite their efforts the score was still 2-0. But then Pagham started to come back into the game with a few half chances created by Storrington mistakes. After 35 minutes Banfo, the nippy Pagham forward, latched onto a ball over the Swans defence and he neatly slotted the ball past the oncoming Smith. A hint of offside perhaps, but a decent finish nevertheless. With little time for Storrington to take breath another well oiled move down the left wing from Pagham created another chance for Banfo which was driven low and hard into the Storrington goal.

Following Storrington’s great start Pagham finished the half on top and 2-2 seemed a fair score to resume the second half. The half time break had obviously given both managers the chance to re-shape the teams for the second half as the second 45 minutes was end to end with a number half chances falling to both attacking partnerships, with the defences coming out on top. Russell tried to change things on the hour by introducing Steve Blake on the right and Sam Witherden on the left for Cocky and Dan White. Both subs made an immediate impact in the game with Blakey testing the keeper and Sam harassing anyone who had the ball down the left. A lack of communication in the Swans defence then gave a Pagham striker a one on one with Smith who pulled off a stunning one handed save to keep the Swans in the game. Then some intricate passing and one touch football together with the non stop running of Sam Witherden down the left wing created a number of half chances for the Swans attacking partnership, but the Pagham keeper was equal to all that was thrown at him. With 10 minutes left the hard working Fish was introduced into the middle of the park for Pricey to provide some much needed forward drive into the dying moments of the game. With minutes to go another positive run from Sam Witherden through the middle of the defence created a last ditch save from the Pagham keeper and the ball spilled out into the path of the Swans sub. But to the dismay of the Storrington bench and supporters the ref blew his whistle as the ball rolled into the net, and awarded a free kick to the Pagham keeper as he allegedly had the ball in both hands.

A point away from home would have been a good result prior to kick off, however bearing in mind the explosive start from Storrington it was a disappointing finish against an average Pagham side. With 2 home games in three days over the bank holiday weekend The Swans will be looking at taking maximum points to improve their already healthy total to 13 points in 6 games.

TEAM : Smith ; Simpson, Long, M.Norris, Tucker ; White(Blake), Hourigan, Price(Friend-James), Awcock(Witherden) ; GRIFFIN, RICHARDSON

Saturday 20th August - Rico Shoots Down Seagulls

County League Division 2 – Seaford 0 Storrington 1

Swans’ first away points since promotion were the result of a determined display at a venue where visitors are guaranteed a tough battle. With Palmer, McMichael and Anderson all joining Rob Norris on the injured list, the patched up line-up scrapped for all they were worth, and Neil Richardson’s first strike of the season ensured a maximum return for their efforts.

The goal came ten minutes from the end of an increasingly assured second half performance. Dan Griffin, badly hampered throughout after receiving a suspiciously pre-meditated stamp on his left ankle early on, managed to latch on to Phil Awcock’s flick on the left wing. Cocky, celebrating his 100th Swans appearance, in turn made a darting run beyond the centre-forward, taking half the Seaford defence with him. Griff surged towards the penalty area, and then slanted a pass beyond the last defender to Rico 15 yards out. After a touch for control, the striker cracked a low drive under the advancing keeper to cap Swans’ best move of the game, and a fine personal show. The young home stopper got a piece of the ball, but couldn’t prevent it bouncing into the net.

Storrington had served warning of their threat 15 minutes earlier when Simon Price cracked a volley against an upright after an outrageous piece of skill, but other than this it was largely through some excellent defending that Seaford were negated. Andy Long was brought in to stabilise the back-four and did so with the calm assurance that has perhaps been missing so far. He had an excellent match. Jon Simpson, also on his first start, Mike Norris and Alan Tucker were similarly solid, and despite the home side’s territorial advantage, Smithy had very few shots to save. As ever, his handling of a series of high balls was exemplary, even when Seaford’s challenging for such crosses bordered on the violent. The one major hazard to the clean sheet came when the Seagulls were somewhat dubiously awarded a first-half penalty, but Kneller sliced his kick horribly wide.

A win without really playing well is never a bad thing, especially away from home against a team whose intimidatory tactics were mostly overlooked by the officials, and this one gives Swans a healthy tally of 6 points in the first week. There were also positives in Fish Friend-James’ energy in central midfield, and Sam Witherden’s influential cameo on the right on debut. Both will benefit hugely from their contribution to this super result.

TEAM : Smith ; Simpson, Long, M.Norris, Tucker ; White(Witherden), Hourigan, Friend-James, Price(Awcock) ; Griffin, RICHARDSON

Wednesday 17th August - Something To Think About

County League Division 2 – Lancing 4 Storrington 0

If Swans had any delusions of grandeur after their opening day performance, this result may serve as something of a wake-up call. While goalscoring opportunities were fairly equally divided between the two teams, the home side generally had the edge all over the park, and if Lancing were perhaps flattered by the margin of victory, there is no doubt that they deserved the 3 points.

A ding-dong opening saw Griff race through a horribly square home back four on to Tuckers through ball only for keeper Ashley Walker to block with his legs. Immediately after, a similarly static Storrington defence conceded an identical chance, only this time Adam Palmer brought down the onrushing striker. When Smudge guessed correctly to expertly block the resultant penalty, it might have got the visitors going, but they were one down 2 minutes later anyway to Partridge’s well taken far post header. This did galvanise the Swans, and in the next half hour they should have pulled level, and possibly gone ahead. Griff headed Shaun Hourigan’s delicate free kick at Walker, and his flick from Tucker’s long throw somehow evaded Rico. In between, Phil Awcock’s stinging volley was superbly saved, and Tucker’s long-ranger floated just over. On the whole the signs were good as half-time approached.

And yet 5 minutes into the restart we were four goals down! Once each either side of the break the Swans back-line opened up alarmingly to allow Partridge to run through unchallenged and complete a hat-trick, and when Henry whacked in a cracker from the edge of the box on fifty minutes the game was over as a contest. Swans kept going, stabilised by the introduction of Long, Simpson and McMichael, but there was an air of futility about their efforts. The outstanding Walker again denied Griff as he latched on to Pricey’s pass, and several times the ball bobbled around in the home goalmouth, but it was one of those days when it just wasn’t going to go in. It should also be added that Smithy had to make one or two good saves before the end as well.

So we are now aware of the challenge ahead over the next 9 months. Lancing are a competent side, but by no means an exceptional one, and Swans will need to match their like most weeks. The games come thick and fast this month so they have an instant chance to get back on track at Seaford on Saturday. Positives from this? The numerous attacking openings created, and a fine performance from Shaun Hourigan, who was neat and tidy in all his work. Also worth noting is the standard of refereeing in the first two matches, in my view markedly better then last season.

TEAM: Smith ; White, Palmer, M.Norris, Tucker(Long) ; Awcock(McMichael), Hourigan, Anderson, Price ; Griffin, Richardson(Simpson)

Saturday 13th August - Griffin continues where he left off to give Swans a flying start

Sussex County League Division 2 - Storrington 4 - 1 Westfield

Storrington's first match back in senior football could hardly have brought a better result as they thumped Westfield at The Rec. Having toiled in Division 3 for three seasons, a slightly new look Swans side was desperate to get off to a winning start but looked a