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The Club held its annual end of season presentation evening at the on the 11th of May at the Queens.

Batesy compared a very successful evening and managed to offend only a small proportion of the guests, this though was mainly due to the relatively early section of the evening set aside for speeches and presentations and well before Matt had time to fully acquaint himself with his two closest accomplices (Vodka & Coke).

The award winners for the evening were :

The Howard Bates First Team Player’s Player of the Year – MARTIN SANDS

First Team Manager’s Player of the Year – HARRY YOUNG

Second Team Player’s Player of the Year – DAN MORLEY

Second Team Manager’s Player of the Year – JOHN BAXTER

The John Else Young Player of the Year – GEORGE LAWRENCE

The Douglas Moloney Top Goalscorer Trophy – JASON BALDOCK

First Team Most Improved Player – SAM BEANEY

Second Team Most Improved Player – ANDY TODD

Club Person of the Year – TREVOR PEMBLE

Doug Saunders Memorial Cup – PETE COLVIN

MANY CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS

Special mention also goes to the Karen and Grant who made a surprise (and very welcome) visit on their return from the land of Oz, Batesy was actually lost for words for once (Grant should leave and come back more often).

The clubs in great shape at the moment and both teams will be stronger this time around, the 2012/13 season should be a good one………

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The Reserves brought the curtain down on what turned out to be a pretty successful season for both sides. Although the Firsts were bitterly disappointed to blow the title in the final game of the season promotion was still achieved, which is always the main target at the start of the campaign.

The Reserves themselves will be fairly satisfied with 5th place in the league but I’m sure PC will be targeting automatic promotion next season and of course their excellent cup success in the Div 6/7 cup final against Orington.

They continued their excellent form of late on Saturday with a well deserved draw against newly crowned Division 7 champions Battle Baptists II. The Baptists took the lead in the second half but Young Hawks striker Andy Todd leveled to ensure that the points were shared.

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After the disappointment of last Saturdays result the season draws to a conclusion for both teams this weekend as the Reserves take on new division 7 champions Battle Baptists II at the Moor on Saturday.

I’m sure Battle will be looking to finish their season on a high but a win for the Hawks will see us rise to 4th in the league and cap an excellent season for Pete’s boys after their cup success.

Squad for Saturday :

DAN MORLEY, BOB WIGGINS, JOHN BAXTER, ANTHONY BYRNE, TOM PALMER, JAMIE YOUNG, BEN TURK, DARREN POOLE, TOM SAYER, JOHN ANGEL, ANDY TODD, JAMIE CROUCH, LEE COLVIN, GRANT MEADOWS, JASON MEADOWS, GARY WEST

Meet at the ground at 2:00pm

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The Hawks agonisingly missed out on the Division 3 title on Saturday as they let a 2 goal half time advantage slip to hand the crown to season long rivals Orington.

Things though started well enough as Paul Channer fired the Hawks ahead after just 10 minutes and the lead was doubled midway through the first half as an in swinging Jason Baldock corner was glanced home by an Orington defender.

2-0 at half time and it was looking good but not for the first time this season we seemed to take our foot of the gas and allow the opposition back into the game and Orington were undoubtedly the better side in the second half as they halved te deficit midway through the half  and then got the killer equaliser with just 5 minutes to go.

There was some dispute with their second goal as Sam claimed he had both hands on the ball before it was scrambled in but this would just be sour grapes, Orington are an excellent side who fully deserve the title and we look forward to taking them on again next season.

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This week it is the turn of the First team to pit their wits against Orington as they face each other for a winner takes all encounter for the Division 3 title. Orington will go into the fixture as favorites as last weeks victory over Cranbrook means a draw for them will be enough to clinch the title.

But we do have home advantage with hopefully a large and vociferous crowd behind us, so nothing to lose and all to play for and to be fair if anyone had offered us a chance to win the title in our final game 2 months ago we’d have snapped their arm of.

Squad for Saturday :

SAM BEANEY, MARCO PALUMBO, IAN FERGUSON, HARRY YOUNG, OLLIE LAWRENCE, MATT TODD, BEN MARSHALL, CHRIS GOLDING, JASON BALDOCK, GEORGE LAWRENCE, PAUL CHANNER, GARY WEST, JOHN BAXTER, TOM SAYER, LEE COLVIN

Meet at the ground at 2:00pm

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Another great win for the Reserves on Saturday as they overcame Orington II 2-0 with both goals coming from Jason Meadows.

The result unfortunately cost Orington the runners up spot in Division 7 but Pete’s boys are still hoping for a top four finish with one game to go against champions Battle Baptist II on the 21st.

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With games fast running out the only fixture this weekend sees the Reserves take on Orington’s seconds in a repeat of our cup final success from a couple of weeks back.

It will be another hard fought encounter as our visitors are still in the hunt for second spot in Wittersham II fail to pick up any points from their final fixture against league leaders Battle Baptists II who in turn face us in their final fixture of the season.

But two wins for us will see us secure 4th in what has already been stated has been an excellent season for the Reserves.

Squad for Saturday :

DAN MORLEY, BOB WIGGINS, JOHN BAXTER, ANTHONY BYRNE, TOM PALMER, JAMIE YOUNG, BEN TURK, DARREN POOLE, TOM SAYER, JOHN ANGEL, BEN WARREN, ANDY TODD, GRANT MEADOWS, JASON MEADOWS

Meet at the ground at 2:00pm

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The First teams cup participation for the season ended on Saturday with a fairly comprehensive 4-o defeat at the hands of Division 1 side Hollington United II.

Although we battled gamely in what was a better performance than the previous weeks exit by the same scoreline in the Hawkhurst Charity Cup two well taken goals in each half put paid to our efforts for another season.

The Reserves fared better though and are still on target for a top 4 finish after a close 1-0 victory over local rivals Sandhurst, in what has already been an excellent season for Pete’s boys a lone stroke from leading Reserve team striker Ben Turk was enough to secure the points.

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Both teams are away this Saturday as the Firsts face another tough looking fixture as they make the trip to Hastings to take on high flying Division 1 side Hollington United II in the quarter final of the Robertsbridge Junior Charity Cup this Saturday.

Although Hollington’s second string cannot be promoted to the Premier division unless their first team decide to move into the Sussex county league they are still looking a good shout for the Division 1 title, currently sitting in third spot with games in hand over the two teams above them.

The Reserves have a slightly shorter journey to make as they up against local rivals Sandhurst II in their ESFL Division 7 fixture, 3 wins from their final 3 games will see them move above Hampden Park United who are currently in 4th spot in the league but have already completed their fixtures.

The squads for Saturday are :

SAM BEANEY, OLLIE LAWRENCE, HARRY YOUNG, MARCO PALUMBO, MARTIN SANDS, GEORGE LAWRENCE, BEN MARSHALL, CHRIS GOLDING, JASON BALDOCK, MATT TODD, ANTHONY BYRNE, ROB CHANDLER,  PAUL CHANNER

Meet at the Bells at 1:00pm

DAN MORLEY, BOB WIGGINS, ANTHONY BYRNE, TOM PALMER, JAMIE YOUNG, BEN TURK, DARREN POOLE, TOM SAYER, JOHN ANGEL, GARY WEST, LEE COLVIN, ANDY TODD, GRANT MEADOWS, JASON MEADOWS, JAMIE CROUCH

Meet at Tesco’s at 2:00pm

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Disappointing results for both teams on Saturday, the Firsts went out of a cup competition at the semi final stage for the second time this season as they went down 4-0 to strong if not particularly gracious Rolvenden side in the Hawkhurst Charity Cup.

The Reserves were held to goalless draw at home to Northiam 75 II, although we were fairly depleted with key players out it was still a disapointing result as we now have to win all of our remaining 3 league fixtures if we are to secure 4th spot in the league.

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The First team are back in action this weekend as they take on current holders Rolvenden in the semi-final of the Hawkhurst Charity Cup. The winners will face either Mountfield or local rivals Sandhurst in the final on Easter Monday.

Rolvenden will prove to be a real test for us as they currently sit in 3rd place in the Ashford and District league Premier Division and knocked us out of the competition last year, although saying that we are pretty much a totally different side from 12 months ago.

The Reserves still basking in their cup glory from Monday night return to league duty on Saturday as they have a home fixture against Northiam 75 II. Pete’s boys will be looking to take maximum points from their remaining  4 fixtures and have targeted 4th spot as a realistic goal.

This will be Northiam’s final game of the season and they currently sit in 8th position in Division 7 with 4 wins, a draw and 12 losses so far.

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A fantastic night for the club last night as the Reserves came through a tense and hard fought encounter against a strong Orington side to clinch the Division 6/7 cup.

Orington started the stronger as nerves were obviously playing a part but we weathered their early pressure and began to create the better and more clear cut chances as the half progressed and our confidence grew.

The teams went in 0-0 at half time but we felt the game was there for the taking if we continued to work hard and play as a unit, our efforts were rewarded ten minutes into the second half as Andy latched onto a Bob Wiggins throw (told you you’d get a mention) and squared for an unmarked Grant Meadows to fire home.

The Hawks doubled their lead midway through the half as with Toddy himself getting the reward for his tireless running all game as he was in the right place at the right time as we broke quickly, Ant laying the ball off for Andy to sweep the ball into the Orington goal.

We looked pretty home and hosed at this stage but it wouldn’t be Hawkhurst without a tense finish and this was admirably provided by Bob (2nd mention) who in an attempt to block an Orington attacker clean through on goal gave away a pretty stone wall pen.

Dan managed to save the resulting pen but couldn’t get to the re-bound and said tense finish insued. But to our credit the back four and midfield who had been outstanding all evening held out without too much more drama and skipper JB lifted the cup and in doing so secured the Reserves first piece of silverware for 20 odd years.

Well done to Pete and the boys, brilliant effort, brilliant result, brilliant night.

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The Reserves warmed up for their cup final on Monday night with  a solid 4-2 victory over West Hill United at the weekend, John Angel netting a brace with skipper Lee Colvin and mercenary goal poacher Zip rounding off the scoring.

Incidentally Monday nights opponents Orington went down 5-1 at home to league leaders Battle Baptists II.

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With only one league game left there is no First team fixture this weekend so full attention turns to the Reserves. On Saturday they are at home to West Hill United II in the league.

This is our opponents final league of the season and they need a win to stand any chance of not finishing bottom of the entire league as they currently prop up Division 7 with 3 wins and 14 losses so far.

Pete though will be looking for a morale boosting victory as 2 days later on the 19th the Reserves play their biggest game for many a season as they face Orington II at Sidley United’s Gullivers ground in the final of the Eastbourne Coach Finishers Challenge Cup (Division 6/7).

It’s a 7:30pm kick off and there is a £3.50 admission fee (£1.00 for children) but it would be great if as many people as possible could get down and support Pete’s boys.

The squad for Saturday’s league game is :

DAN MORLEY, JOHN BAXTER, BOB WIGGINS, ANTHONY BYRNE, TOM PALMER, JAMIE YOUNG, DARREN POOLE, TOM SAYER, JOHN ANGEL, LEE COLVIN, ANDY TODD, GRANT MEADOWS, JASON MEADOWS, JAMIE CROUCH, MATT TODD, CHRIS GOLDING

Meet at the ground at 2:00pm

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The First team overcame a spirited Burwash side on Saturday running out 4-0 winners, Zip continued his excellent recent goalscoring form with a first half hat-trick and Balders rounded of the scoring with his 18th goal of the season.

The Reserves faced their cup final opponents Orington II and were unlucky to come away with nothing to show for their en devours narrowly losing out 1-0.

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With the title decider to look forward to on the 31st the First team turn their attention to cup action for the remainder of the month as they face Burwash this coming Saturday in a re-arranged second round Robertsbridge Charity Cup tie.

Burwash have actually completed their league fixtures with 6 wins and 12 losses. They currently sit in 7th place in Division 4 but are not safe from the drop yet depending on how the teams below them fare with their remaining games.

The Reserves on the other hand are back in league action as they still have 6 league games to fit in thanks to their own cup heroics. This week sees them make the journey to Netherfield to take on Orington II. This will be a tough fixture for Pete’s boys as Orington are still in with a shout for promotion or even better and sit in 4th spot in a fairly congested top half of Division 7.

The squads for Saturday are :

ROB CHANDLER, HARRY YOUNG, MARCO PALUMBO, MARTIN SANDS, GEORGE LAWRENCE, BEN MARSHALL, CHRIS GOLDING, JASON BALDOCK, MATT TODD, SHANE KING, GARY WEST, SAM BEANEY, PAUL CHANNER

Meet at the ground at 1:30pm

DAN MORLEY, JOHN BAXTER, BOB WIGGINS, ANTHONY BYRNE, TOM PALMER, JAMIE YOUNG, BEN TURK, DARREN POOLE, TOM SAYER, JOHN ANGEL, LEE COLVIN, ANDY TODD, GRANT MEADOWS, JASON MEADOWS, JAMIE CROUCH

Meet at the Bells at 1:45pm

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The Hawks kept their title hopes alive with a convincing 9-2 defeat of a fairly depleted Battle Rangers side on Saturday. It took us a little while (as usual) to get going but were 3-0 up at half time through Zip, George and Ollie.

There was no looking back in the second half and whilst Battle did score 2 goals it became more of a battle between George and Balders as to who would finish with most goals (both completed their hat-tricks) with Toddy netting the other.

We though do owe Peche Hill big time as their last minute equaliser against second placed Orington means the destiny of the title remains in our hands and if we beat Orington in our final league game of the season we will be champions irrespective of their results against Magham Down and Cranbrook Town which are their two remaining games in hand.

The Seconds put us a brave fight against Division 5 high flyers Hastings Elite but unfortunately it proved to be a step to far as they went down 4-2 in a spirited display with Sags and Ant netting our goals.

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League action returns for the First team this Saturday as they travel to Battle Rangers for their penultimate league fixture knowing only a victory will keep alive our slim title hopes. We need to beat Battle (tomorrow), second placed Orington in our final league game and still rely on Orington dropping another 2 points in their other 4 remaining league games if we are to clinch the title.

After last weeks heroics the Reserves are back in cup action tomorrow as they face an ever tougher ask then lasts weeks stunning victory at Wittersham. They are up against Hastings Elite who currently sit in second place in Division 5 in the quarter final of the Hastings FA Lower Division Cup. But Pete’s boys will be full of confidence after last weeks win and with one cup final already in the bag have nothing to lose.

The squads for Saturday are :

SAM BEANEY, HARRY YOUNG, MARCO PALUMBO, MARTIN SANDS, GEORGE LAWRENCE, BEN MARSHALL, CHRIS GOLDING, JASON BALDOCK, MATT TODD, SHANE KING, ROB CHANDLER, GARY WEST, OLLIE LAWRENCE

Meet at the Bells at 1:30pm

DAN MORLEY, JOHN BAXTER, BOB WIGGINS, ANTHONY BYRNE, TOM PALMER, JAMIE YOUNG, BEN TURK, DARREN POOLE, TOM SAYER, BEN WARREN, JOHN ANGEL, LEE COLVIN, ANDY TODD, GRANT MEADOWS, JASON MEADOWS

Meet at the ground at 1:30pm.

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The First team crashed out of the Division 2/3 cup at the hands of a clinical Ore Athletic side on Saturday going down to a humiliating 7-1 defeat at the Moor.

We did have a certain amount of justifiable grievances which unfortunately had nothing do with football or the fact that Ore were undoubtedly the better side especially in the second half.

Namely throwing a clear punch from behind (brave) just before half time which was not spotted by the referee or either of his 2 appointed assistants even though the incident took place while Toddy was still on the ball in the oppositions penalty box with no other players in close proximity.

The score was 1-1 at the time courtesy of Zip we should have had a penalty and the opposition would have been down to 10 men.

Anyway, as already stated Ore were by far the better side in the second and we’d have probably lost 7-2; who knows. But good luck to them in the final.

But the Reserves definitely gave the club something to celebrate securing their first Cup Final in many a year with an excellent 3-1 at Div 7 title challengers Wittersham II.

In a game where we were never behind we clinched our place in the Div 6/7  Cup Final with the all important strikes coming from Sags (2) and Ben Turk but special mention to Dan in goal who gave another match winning display including a stunning penalty save.

Pete’s boys can now look forward to a final under lights at Sidley United on the 19th of March.

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With promotion now secured the Firsts now start a run of a minimum 5 matches that could see us still win the league and a cup or two as well. We start on Saturday at home against Ore Athletic in the semi final of the Div 2/3 cup.

Athletic a former Sunday side are currently flying high in Division 2 lying in 4th place with 9 wins and just 2 defeats but with games in hand over all of the teams above them due to their cup exploits this season.

March then sees us complete our league fixtures with a must win trip to Battle Rangers on the 3rd and then what could be a title decider against Orington on the 31st. Sandwiched in between are a Robertsbridge Charity Cup clash with Burwash on the 10th and a Hawkhurst Charity cup tie against either Bexhill AAC or Rolvenden on the 24th (we currently have no fixture on the 17th).

The Reserves are themselves in cup action this weekend as they take on Division 7 title challengers Wittersham II in the semi final of the Div 6/7 cup. Although Wittersham are right in the title mix the Hawks have given them 2 very close league games this season with a 2-2 draw at home back in October and a narrow 1-0 away defeat at Wittersham.

They then face Div 5 side Hastings Elite on the 3rd in the Hastings Lower Divisions Cup, another tough looking fixture. The remainder of the month sees league action resume with fixtures against West Hill United II (17th), Northiam II (24th) and Sandhurst II (31st , with no current fixture on the 10th).

The squads for Saturday are :

SAM BEANEY, HARRY YOUNG, MARCO PALUMBO, MARTIN SANDS, GEORGE LAWRENCE, BEN MARSHALL, CHRIS GOLDING, JASON BALDOCK, MATT TODD, PAUL CHANNER, JASON MEADOWS, SHANE KING, ROB CHANDLER

Meet at the ground at 12:30pm

DAN MORLEY, JOHN BAXTER, BOB WIGGINS, ANTHONY BYRNE, JAMIE CROUCH, JAMIE YOUNG, BEN TURK, DARREN POOLE, TOM SAYER, BEN WARREN, JOHN ANGEL, LEE COLVIN, TOM PALMER, ANDY TODD, GRANT MEADOWS

Meet at the Bells at 12:15pm.

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The Firsts finally guaranteed themselves Division 2 football next season as our 4 -1 home victory against Peche Hill Select means it is impossible for us to finish outside the top two irrespective of other results from the teams below us that have games in hand.

As with the corresponding league fixture back in November it was Peche Hill who took the lead 15 minutes into the game when a Tony Rhodes direct free kick caught the strong wind and sailed over a stranded Sam between the sticks.

But again as with the first league game is was the Hawks who stepped up and completed (in the end) a fairly comprehensive victory although Peche did miss a second half penalty which would have given them a 2-1 lead.

Chan though equalised before half time and the second half saw Joey notch his first for the club along with Marco and Bubble (left) hitting their first goals of the season to seal the points and promotion. Bubble’s being especially sweet (flukey) as he stroked the ball back over the visitors midfield, defense and keeper from all of 40 yards out.

We later discovered that Hurst had done us a massive favour (especially now they can’t catch us thanks to our victory) by nicking all 3 points at Orington, we of course still have Orington to play in our final league game of the season.

But in all honesty they are probably still favorites for the title as they have 4 games in hand over us although we are 9 points clear at the moment and remain in 3 cups so all to play for.

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The artic conditions struck again last weekend as both Hawks fixtures were cancelled. Interesting training session instead, Rugby what’s that all about ? Apart from giving talentless lumps like Batesy an excuse to run into small people.

The Reserves are without a fixture this weekend which does seem a bit odd now we are midway through February and with the recent weather related postponements still have 6 league games and a minimum of 2 cup ties to complete.

The Firsts though (weather permitting) do have a chance to finally guarantee themselves a top two finish as 3 points against Peche Hill Select II will mathematically put us out of reach of the 2 sides that could still catch us up, Hurst and Battle Rangers.

The squad for Saturday is :

SAM BEANEY, HARRY YOUNG, MARCO PALUMBO, MARTIN SANDS, GEORGE LAWRENCE, BEN MARSHALL, CHRIS GOLDING, JASON BALDOCK, OLLIE LAWRENCE, MATT TODD, PAUL CHANNER, JASON MEADOWS, SHANE KING, ROB CHANDLER

Meet at the ground at 1:00pm

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The First team (weather permitting) are at home this weekend in the second round of the Robertsbridge Charity Cup where they will be entertaining Burwash. Our visitors are 7th in Division 4 with a record of 6 wins and 11 losses from their 17 league fixtures so far.

The Reserves are back in league action as they face Orington II at Netherfield Rec. Orington are currently in 2nd place in Division 7, a point behind leaders Battle Baptists but having played a game more. A victory for the Hawks will keep their slim promotion hopes alive.

In the event of one or both of the fixtures being cancelled we will be doing a bit of light training up the Moor. If your fixture is called off please try and attend as your all unfit.

The squads for Saturday are :

SAM BEANEY, HARRY YOUNG, MARCO PALUMBO, MARTIN SANDS, GEORGE LAWRENCE, BEN MARSHALL, CHRIS GOLDING, JASON BALDOCK, OLLIE LAWRENCE, MATT TODD, PAUL CHANNER, JASON MEADOWS, SHANE KING, ROB CHANDLER

Meet at the ground at 12:30pm

DAN MORLEY, JOHN BAXTER, BOB WIGGINS, ANTHONY BYRNE, JAMIE YOUNG, BEN TURK, DARREN POOLE, TOM SAYER, BEN WARREN, JAMIE CROUCH, JOHN ANGEL, LEE COLVIN, TOM PALMER, ANDY TODD, GRANT MEADOWS

Meet at the Bells at 12:30pm.

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BOTH TODAYS FIXTURES (04/02/12) HAVE BEEN CALLED OFF DUE TO FROZEN PITCHES.

 

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The Firsts could all but clinch a top 2 spot with a victory at Battle Rangers this Saturday, it will be no easy task though as Battle are one of the stronger teams in the division. In fact they have only lost twice in the league (to ourselves and Orington) since the first week of November.

The Reserves are in cup action again this weekend after last weeks heroics and face another stern test against opposition from a higher division as they entertain Hastings Elite who sit in second place in Division 5 in the third round of the Hastings FA Lower Divisions Cup.

With the mild and fairly dry winter we have had so far there have no fixture postponements nad as we reach February the season is already drawing to its conclusion. Whilst the Reserves still have 6 league games remaining (and a minimum of 2 cup games) the Firsts only have two league games to go (in additional to a minimum of three cup ties) after Saturdays game at Battle.

We face Burwash in the second round of the Robertsbridge Charity Cup on the 11th of February, Peche Hill Select II in the league the week after and Ore Athletic in the semi final of the Div 2/3 on the 25th. This only leaves our final league game against title rivals Orington and the Hawkhurst Charity Cup to be scheduled.

The Reserves meanwhile are back in league action next weekend when they are away at Orington II. They then have no fixture (at the moment) on the 18th but a local derby at Sandhurst II to look forward to the weekend after that.

The squads for Saturday are :

SAM BEANEY, HARRY YOUNG, MARCO PALUMBO, MARTIN SANDS, GEORGE LAWRENCE, BEN MARSHALL, CHRIS GOLDING, JASON BALDOCK, OLLIE LAWRENCE, PAUL CHANNER, JASON MEADOWS, SHANE KING, ROB CHANDLER

Meet at the Bells at 12:30pm

DAN MORLEY, JOHN BAXTER, BOB WIGGINS, ANTHONY BYRNE, JAMIE YOUNG, BEN TURK, DARREN POOLE, TOM SAYER, BEN WARREN, JAMIE CROUCH, JOHN ANGEL, ANDY TODD, GRANT MEADOWS, JAMIE YOUNG.

Meet at the ground at 12:30pm.

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The Reserves beat Division 6 side Herstmonceux II to progress to the Semi Final of the Eastbourne Coach Finishers Challenge Cup but it needed a penalty shoot-out to separate the two sides as the game finished 3-3 after 90 minutes and extra time. The goals in normal time were a brace from Sags (left) and Ant.

Full details in the Match Report section…………….

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Its the First teams turn to be without a fixture this weekend with the Reserves taking centre stage as they look to proceed into the next round of their divisional cup.

They, as with the Firsts last weekend face opposition from a higher division as they take on Herstmonceux II from division 6. Our visitors currently sit in 8th position their league with 5 wins, 2 draws and 9 losses from the 16 league games they have played so far.

But they do look to be in danger of going down as Parkfield who currently occupy the relegation spot immediately below them are only 3 points behind them but with  4 games in hand.

The squad for Saturday is :

DAN MORLEY, JOHN BAXTER, BOB WIGGINS, ANTHONY BYRNE, JAMIE YOUNG, BEN TURK, DARREN POOLE, TOM SAYER, BEN WARREN, LEE COLVIN, JAMIE CROUCH, JOHN ANGEL, ANDY TODD, GRANT MEADOWS, JAMIE YOUNG, JASON MEADOWS.

Meet at the ground at 12:30pm

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The Firsts returned to winning ways on Saturday with an excellent 4-1 victory over Division 2 side Hastings Rangers to progress to the Semi Final of the Div. 2/3 Cup.

The visitors took the lead mid way through the first half only for the returning Balders to draw us level on the stroke of half time. Young Hawks striker George Lawrence then took over the show in the second half with 3 unanswered strikes to secure a well deserved victory.

Elsewhere there was more good news in the league as Hurst who are the only other team that can realistically challenge ourselves and Orington for a top two finish dropped 2 points after being held 2-2 by Northiam 75.

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The Reserves are without a fixture this weekend so all attentions reverts to the First team this Saturday as they take a break from league action to entertain Hastings Rangers at home in the third round of the Wisdens Sports Challenge Cup (div 2/3).

The Hawks will be looking forward to getting back to winning ways after the disappointment of last weeks league result against Cranbrook. Rangers sit in 8th place in Division 2 with 3 wins and 4 draws from their 13 league fixtures so far this season.

The squad for Saturday is :

SAM BEANEY, HARRY YOUNG, MARCO PALUMBO, MARTIN SANDS, GEORGE LAWRENCE, MATT TODD, BEN MARSHALL, CHRIS GOLDING, JASON MEADOWS, OLLIE LAWRENCE, PAUL CHANNER, JASON BALDOCK, TOM SAYER, LEE COLVIN

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Unfortunately the Firsts couldn’t give Grant the send off that we had hoped to as we tasted defeat for only the 2nd time this season as a spirited and determined Cranbrook Town side claimed all 3 points with a 2-0 victory last Saturday.

No complaints from us, although its fair to say this was our poorest display of the season, but fair play to Cranbrook, they wanted it more, played better and fully deserved their victory.

It just dissappointing for us as we could have virtually tied up second spot in the league with a victory on Saturday.

The result though still sees us top Division 3 but with Orington ominously placed in 2nd spot and now only 6 points adrift but with 4 games in hand and with Hurst not a million miles behind them its going to be a closer end to the season than we had hoped for with just 3 league games to go.

The Reserves though did return from there trek to Eastbourne Sports Park with the points after an excellent 4-2 victory against one of the sides above them in the league, Hampden Park United. The Hawks weathered the home sides early pressure and were beginning to exert themselves when they were hit by two quick goals at the beginning of the second half.

But its a measure of how far they have progressed as a side under PC as they stayed composed and hit back with 4 unanswered goals themselves through Tom Sayer (2), Ben Turk and Tom Palmer as there superior fitness saw them home.

The Reserves still have an outside shout of a top two finish but will have to go on one almighty run and hope that teams above them slip up, realistically though and especially in contrast to last season we will be looking to finish as high up the table as possible.

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Saturday also sadly see’s Hawks legend Grant Hyner pull on the shirt for the last time before the Hyners depart on their Australian adventure.

Grant has been at the club now for over ten years, apart from a slight mental blip which saw him spend half a season at Sandhurst (it can happen to the best of us). He has played a hugely instrumental part towards one of the most successfull periods in the clubs history.

Grant won Division 3 and Division 2 titles under Alan Marshall before lifting two consecutive ESFL Premier League titles, the East Sussex Challenge Cup and a pair of Robertsbridge and Hawkhurst Charity Cups (each) for good measure as well as our sucessfull (but short) jaunt in the  County League were we finished league runner’s up in our first season.  

The last paragraph of  this week’s match report by Rob (Cranbrook Town) sums up it up perfectly and  we all wish Grant, Karen, Ellie, Shannon and Luke all the very best in their new adventure.

.

Top player, top fella you’ll be missed big man……

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The First team welcome local rivals Cranbrook Town to the Moor on Saturday in search of another 3 points towards their promotion push. It will be another hard fought encounter following the reverse fixture at Cranbrook which saw us take the points 2-0 in a close match back in October.

Another tough match is expected in our now closest local derby as Cranbrook probably need another couple of wins to be sure staying up.

The Reserves travel to Eastbourne Sports Park to take on Hampden Park United, although their hosts currently sit in third place in Division 7 the Hawks will still be fairly confident as they did beat them fairly convincingly 3-1 at home in their last fixture before the Christmas break.

The squads for Saturday are :

SAM BEANEY, MARCO PALUMBO, MARTIN SANDS, GEORGE LAWRENCE, MATT TODD, BEN MARSHALL, CHRIS GOLDING, JASON MEADOWS, GRANT HYNER, OLLIE LAWRENCE, PAUL CHANNER, ROB CHANDLER. MATT BATES

Meet at the ground at 1:00pm

DAN MORLEY, JOHN BAXTER, BOB WIGGINS, ANTHONY BYRNE, JAMIE YOUNG, BEN TURK, DARREN POOLE, TOM SAYER, BEN WARREN, LEE COLVIN, JAMIE CROUCH, JOHN ANGEL, ANDY TODD, GRANT MEADOWS

Meet at the Bells at 12:15pm

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The First team took another big step towards securing a top two finish with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Northiam 75 with the goals coming from Paul Channer (2) and a Matt Todd penalty.

The only down side of the day was losing top goal scorer Jason Baldock through injury just before half time when he was caught by a late challenge and although there was no break he sustained ligament damage and now faces 3-4 weeks out.

The Reserves unfortunately went down 4-1 to very good and much improved Bexhill Rovers side, the Hawks consolation goal coming from Tom Sayer.

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Both teams are involved in league action this weekend as the East Sussex League reconvenes after the 3 week festive break.

The First team travel to second placed Northiam 75 where a victory would go some way to securing a top two finish for the us.

The Reserves meanwhile are at home against Bexhill Rovers who sit one place and 3 points above us in the league.  

Division 7 has unfortunately changed somewhat over the Christmas period following the withdrawal of Wickney Seniors from the league. This means the three points won from the league fixture earlier in the season have been lost and we drop down a place to sixth.

The squads for Saturday are :

SAM BEANEY, HARRY YOUNG, MARCO PALUMBO, MARTIN SANDS, GEORGE LAWRENCE, MATT TODD, BEN MARSHALL, JASON BALDOCK, CHRIS GOLDING, GRANT MEADOWS, GRANT HYNER, OLLIE LAWRENCE, PAUL CHANNER, ROB CHANDLER

Meet at the Bells at 12:30pm

DAN MORLEY, JOHN BAXTER, BOB WIGGINS, ANTHONY BYRNE, JASON MEADOWS, JAMIE YOUNG, TOM PALMER, DARREN POOLE, TOM SAYER, BEN WARREN, WILL PURSEY, LEE COLVIN, JAMIE CROUCH, JOHN ANGEL, ANDY TODD

Meet at the ground at 1:00pm

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The inaugural Hawkhurst United Over 30′s v Under 30′s fixture took place on Bank Holiday Monday with the older, larger (balder !) side just about overcoming their younger, fitter and somewhat skinnier counterparts 5-4 in an excellent match that could easily have gone either way, especially if Sandsy could finish (some though have pointed out that Sandsy couldn’t finish his dinner).

Scorer’s for kids were Sandsy, Balders, Jamie Young and a slightly contentious penalty with Chan (2), Wiggins, Aussie Grant and our one handed keeper Rob securing the victory for the SAGAlouts.

It was a great afternoon with just enough bite to make it competitive but played in the right spirit so know body got killed !!

This will definitely become an annual fixture and some photo’s (mainly of JB) courtesy of Jen are now in the Gallery section.

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For some obscure reason known only to himself your illustrious yet somewhat deluded First Team manager has organised a friendly on Monday the 2nd January (at least it isn’t Sunday) 2:00pm kick off at home.

The format will be a HUFC Over 30′s v HUFC Under 30′s, Batesy will attempt to to squeeze into the largest kit available, failing that red and white paint will be administered and Wiggins will be entering his own team of bus pass holders to participate in a game of Subbuteo against the winners.

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The club’s annual Christmas Draw is this coming Monday (18th) at the Eight Bells at 8:00pm.

Please could all players bring along all money for sold tickets, stubs and equally importantly any UNSOLD tickets to the Bells by 7:30pm tomorrow evening.

Please come along and support the event to help raise funds for your club.

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The Reserves kept in touch with the Division 7 pacesetters after a fairly comprehensive 3-1 victory over second placed Hampden Park United.

The visitors only had 10 men and were to be honest pretty poor but the Hawks played some good football typified by Anthony Byrne who would be some player if he could get himself a bit fitter (maybe we could arrange a body transplant with Zip).

We really should have been out of sight after 20 minutes but unfortunately poor finishing let us down and we had to settle for a 2-0 lead at half time courtesy of Sags and Toddy.

The second half was again pretty much one way traffic and we went 3-0 as Toddy pounced to get his second after (as per his his first goal) excellently chasing down a seemingly lost cause.

We then seemed to slip into a little bit of complacency and the visitors pulled a goal back on the break with one of their few attacks of the half. This kicked us back into life and we asserted ourselves and created plenty more chances (Sags had 15 shots) without unfortunately adding to our tally.

The win sees us consolidate our 5th place position in the league and still with a chance of catching the leaders once the fixtures resume in the new year.

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With no First team fixture with weekend full attention falls on the  Reserves as they look to force themselves into one of the two automatic promotion places, although third place has been known in the past to result in promotion if there is a divisional re-structure.

The Reserves have had  a tough fortnight, they narrowly went down 1-0 at league leaders Wittersham last Saturday and this weekend  welcome second placed Hampden Park United to the Moor. Our visitors on have a record of 8 wins, 2 losses and 2 draws from their opening 12 games and sit 3 points behind Wittersham at the top of Division seven.

Pete knows a win will be vital for us to force ourselves into the promotion hunt and with home advantage and a virtually full strength squad it should be by no means out of the question.

After mutterings from certain people (Reserve Team Captain !) regarding 2nd team match reports (or lack of them) Chief Match Reporter Rob Chandler has very kindly created a template for anyone who is willing from the Reserves to step up and take on the job.

I think Wiggins is a major doubt as most of his time is taken up looking after his ever expanding family. But for anyone else who is vaguely literate please have a look at the template in the Match Report’s section………

The Reserve’s squad for Saturday is :

DAN MORLEY, JOHN BAXTER, BOB WIGGINS, ANTHONY BYRNE, JASON MEADOWS, JAMIE YOUNG, TOM PALMER, DARREN POOLE, TOM SAYER, BEN WARREN, WILL PURSEY, LEE COLVIN, JAMIE CROUCH, JOHN ANGEL, ANDY TODD

Meet at the ground at 1:00pm

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A single point was the disappointing return from Saturdays clashes against fellow promotion/title hopefuls Hurst and Wittersham II.

The Firsts who were already without messer’s Chandler, Hyner and Lawrence through injury or illness lost Influential midfielder Matt Todd to a back injury and non-influential full back Kingy to a brain injury (he doesn’t have one) within the first twenty minutes of Saturdays clash with Hurst, Kingy picking up a career first red card for his efforts.

The Hawks then promptly fell behind to a Hurst free-kick but equalised soon after via a Paul Channer (above) strike, neither team could find a winner in the second half but it was a great effort by the Hawks to hold on for over an hour with only ten men.

The Reserves faced a fairly daunting trip to top of the table Wittersham II but more than held their own and were only undone by a quality strike from the home side.

Their draw did see the First team hit 30 points and are still leading the division but Orington do now look  ominously placed in second spot, nine points behind but with four games in hand.

The Reserves loss means they are now nine points adrift of second placed Hampden Park United who they face this coming Saturday.

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Division 3 sees a top of the table clash this weekend as the Hawks entertain second place Hurst.

Our opponents are nine points behind us going into Saturdays fixture but with a game in hand and the Hawks will be looking for a similar result to the corresponding fixture back in September which saw us take all 3 points despite playing the majority of the game with only 10 men.

The Reserves meanwhile travel to face division 7 leaders Wittersham II in their league fixture, the Kent side sit on top of seven with only 1 defeat and 2 draws from their opening 11 matches. The Hawks though won’t be overawed though as one of those draws was inflicted by us in the reverse fixture in October.

In case you have forgotten what he looks like the rather gangly looking oddball above is First Team captain Barry Livesey who hasn’t played since Blackburn Rovers were a good side due to his hurty knee, man up Baz !!

The squads for Saturday are :

SAM BEANEY, HARRY YOUNG, MARCO PALUMBO, MARTIN SANDS, GEORGE LAWRENCE, MATT TODD, BEN MARSHALL, JASON BALDOCK, CHRIS GOLDING, GRANT MEADOWS, GRANT HYNER, GARY WEST, SHANE KING, PAUL CHANNER

Meet at the Ground at 1:00pm

DAN MORLEY, JOHN BAXTER, BOB WIGGINS, ANTHONY BYRNE, JASON MEADOWS, JAMIE YOUNG, BEN TURK, TOM PALMER, DARREN POOLE, TOM SAYER, WILL PURSEY, LEE COLVIN, JAMIE CROUCH, JOHN ANGEL, ANDY TODD, BEN WARREN

Meet at the Bells at 12:30pm

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Six points was the welcome outcome of Saturdays endeavour’s with the First team overcoming Battle Rangers 3-1 and the Reserves coming through with a 4-2 victory at Bexhill Rovers.

The Hawks were without Kingy (no babysitter) and Westy (no loft ladder). Nevertheless Grant Hyner (left) gave us a first half lead (sort of) only for Battle drew level with a thunderous second half free kick, before veteran sub Paul Channer came on and knocked in a couple to secure the points.

The Reserves had Ben Turk (2), Ant Byrne and Andy Todd to thank for their excellent victory which keeps them in 6th place and still with a chance of promotion.

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League action for the Firsts and the Reserves this weekend, the One’s are at home against Battle Rangers and the Seconds are on the Bulverhythe as they face Bexhill Rovers.

Rangers may sit one place above the two automatic relegation spots in 8th position but have only played nine league games, winning four with five defeats. Bar Magham Down the league is incredibly tight this season and Battle actually have the same number of league wins as Cranbrook Town who sit in 4th place.

The Reserves fixture against Bexhill Rovers is a real six pointer as the teams have identical records, both having played nine league games with four victories, two draws and three defeats each. The Hawks occupy fifth spot to Rovers sixth by virtue of their slightly superior goal difference (nil opposed to their opponents -3).

PC will be aware though that a victory will be a huge boost towards the Reserves securing one of the automatic promotion places.

The squads for Saturday are :

SAM BEANEY, HARRY YOUNG, MARCO PALUMBO, MARTIN SANDS, GEORGE LAWRENCE, MATT TODD, BEN MARSHALL, JASON BALDOCK, CHRIS GOLDING, GRANT MEADOWS, GRANT HYNER, PAUL CHANNER, BEN WARREN

Meet at the Ground at 1:00pm

DAN MORLEY, JOHN BAXTER, BOB WIGGINS, ANTHONY BYRNE, JASON MEADOWS, JAMIE YOUNG, BEN TURK, TOM PALMER, DARREN POOLE, TOM SAYER, WILL PURSEY, LEE COLVIN, JAMIE CROUCH, JOHN ANGEL, ANDY TODD

Meet at the Bells at 12:30pm

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Both teams returned to winning ways this weekend with the First team eventually getting the better of  Peche Hill Select II.

On a windy and blustery day in Hastings which prevented too much good football being played the Hawks fell behind to an early James Magri penalty.

But Chris Golding pulled us level with a sharp finish midway through he first half and the Hawks will consider themselves slightly fortuitous to have gone in 2-1 up at half time following a hotly disputed goal from George Lawrence with the last kick of the half.

The second half was a little more one way traffic with a brace from Paul Channer and a wonder strike (ahem) from Shane King following some good work by George Lawrence finally gave the scoreline a more respectable look.

The only down side of the afternoon was a nasty hand injury to veteran Hawks keeper Rob Chandler (above) which will unfortunately require surgery.

The Reserves also came through their Lower Divisions cup tie against West Hill United II relatively unscathed with a 3-1 victory courtesy of strikes from Darren Poole (2) and Jamie Young.

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The First team are on the Tile Kiln (left) to take on Peche Hill Select II and will be looking for an instant improvement on last weeks performance if they want to maintain their promotion hopes. Peche Hill sit in 9th place in the league with 2 wins from their opening nine games but nothing can be taken for granted at this stage of the season.

The Reserves are in cup action this week and face West Hill United II in the Lower Divisions Cup. Their opponents are in tenth place in Division 7 with 2 wins from their 11 league games so far this season.

The squads for Saturday are :

ROB CHANDLER, HARRY YOUNG, MARCO PALUMBO, MARTIN SANDS, GEORGE LAWRENCE, MATT TODD, BEN MARSHALL, GARY WEST, SHANE KING, CHRIS GOLDING, GRANT MEADOWS, PAUL CHANNER, SAM BEANEY, OLLIE LAWRENCE  

Meet at the Bells at 12:30pm

DAN MORLEY, JOHN BAXTER, BOB WIGGINS, ANTHONY BYRNE, JASON MEADOWS, JAMIE YOUNG, BEN TURK, TOM PALMER, DARREN POOLE, TOM SAYER, WILL PURSEY, LEE COLVIN, JAMIE CROUCH, JOHN ANGEL, BEN WARREN, ANDY TODD

Meet at the ground at 12:30pm

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Two draws represented a disappointing return from this weekends fixtures against the first and third teams of Herstmonceux. Although it took a late equaliser from the Hawks to salvage a point the First team will feel that is was still a case of 2 points dropped after dominating long periods of play especially in the first half.

Matt Todd put the Hawks 1-0 from the  penalty spot for handball after 15 minutes only for the visitors to equalise following a sweeping move just before the break and then took the lead with another good finish midway through the second half. But Hawks sub Paul Channer snatched a point with an equaliser with five minutes to go.

Then Reserves will also feel aggrieved not to have come home with 3 points after creating numerous first half chances, but striker Ben Turk did manage to fire home to give them a 1-0 lead at half time. The home side came out with more purpose in the second half and forced an equaliser following an own goal from Hawks centre-half John Baxter.

The Hawks though still managed to get the ball into the Herstmonceux net twice more but both chances were chalked off under somewhat controversial circumstances for offside.

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Both Hawks sides will be looking to get back to winning ways this weekend as the sides take on there divisional counterparts from Herstmonceux, the Firsts are up against Ceux’s first team at the Moor whilst the reserves meet there thirds at Lime Cross.

The First’s opponents currently occupy seventh spot in Division three with 3 wins, 3 draws and 2 losses from their opening 8 matches and we will be looking for revenge for there last minute equaliser when the teams met in league action last month.

Pete’s opponents also occupy seventh place in Division 7 but with a slightly inferior return of results of 3 wins, 2 draws and 5 defeats from their opening 10 games. The reserves will be looking to complete the double over their opponents who they beat 2-1 on opening day and push on towards the promotion places themselves.

The squads for Saturday are :

ROB CHANDLER, HARRY YOUNG, GRANT HYNER, MARCO PALUMBO, MARTIN SANDS, GEORGE LAWRENCE, MATT TODD, JASON BALDOCK, BEN MARSHALL, GARY WEST, SHANE KING, GRANT MEADOWS, PAUL CHANNER  

Meet at the ground at 1:00pm

DAN MORLEY, JOHN BAXTER, BOB WIGGINS, ANTHONY BYRNE, JASON MEADOWS, JAMIE YOUNG, BEN TURK, TOM PALMER, DARREN POOLE, TOM SAYER, WILL PURSEY, LEE COLVIN, SAM BEANEY, JAMIE CROUCH, JOHN ANGEL, BEN WARREN

Meet at the Bells at 12:30pm

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It turned out to be a disappointing weekend for the sides as they both came up short against arguably the top teams in their respective divisions.

The firsts went down 4-2 against title rivals Orington, we never really recovered from going 2-0 down inside the first fifteen minutes and although we battled hard and managed reduce the deficit to the odd goal twice in the match there just wasn’t enough there to overcome a superior opposition on the day.

The results sees Orington move to within four points of the Hawks at the top of division 3 but with two games in hand.

The reserves were also put to the sword going down 4-0 against unbeaten Division 7 league leaders Battle Baptists. The results sees Pete’s boys in fourth spot in Division 7 although the top two sides; Battle Baptists and Hampden Park United have opened up a five point gap over the chasing pack.

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Big games for both teams this weekend as the Firsts take on Orington in a game that could go some way to deciding the destination of the title this season.

Our hosts are back to back league winners having won the Division 5 title in 2009/10 and the Division 4 last season courtesy of a last day victory over Peche Hill Select.

They have had a similarly good start this season with five wins and one solitary loss at the hands of our last opponents Cranbrook Town in their opening six fixtures, although cup exploits mean they have played a couple of games less than the Hawks.

The Reserves face a similarly stern test as they take on high flying Division 7 leaders Battle Baptists at Claverham School on Saturday.The Baptists have won all seven of their league fixtures so far this term. But Pete’s boys confidence will be flying after their heavy victory over local rivals Sandhurst last Saturday.

The squads for Saturday are :

ROB CHANDLER, HARRY YOUNG, GRANT HYNER, MARCO PALUMBO, MARTIN SANDS, GEORGE LAWRENCE, MATT TODD, JASON BALDOCK, BEN MARSHALL, CHRIS GOLDING, GARY WEST, GRANT MEADOWS, STEVE MARSHALL, PAUL CHANNER  

DAN MORLEY, JOHN BAXTER, BOB WIGGINS, ANTHONY BYRNE, JASON MEADOWS, JAMIE YOUNG, BEN TURK, TOM PALMER, DARREN POOLE, TOM SAYER, WILL PURSEY, LEE COLVIN, SAM BEANEY, JAMIE CROUCH

Can both teams meet at the Bells at 12:30pm

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The Reserves won the local bragging rights on Saturday with a thumping 6-1 victory over near rivals Sandhurst, it was though the visitors who took the lead with a well worked goal inside the first quarter of an hour. Hero of the day though for the Hawks was Sam Beaney and he headed us level just before half time.

The Hawks got themselves in front with the pick of the goals at the beginning of the second half, Sam again pouncing on a mix up between Sandhurst’s veteran keeper Steve Hedger and his defense and rifling home from a tight angle (think Mark Hughes ECWC Final 1991, what a game that was….).

Anyway Beaney completed his hat-trick minutes later again with a another good finish after being pick out by the ever green (old) Wiggins. By this time the contest was effectively over and the Hawks ran out comfortable winners with further goals from Jamie Young who deflected in a Lee Colvin effort of his backside, a long range effort from Anthony Byrne and an own goal.

The result moved us into fourth spot in the league and only 6 points behind second placed Hampden Park United with a game in hand.

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Follow the Young Hawks on the new Hawkhurst Juniors Website www.hawkhurstutdjfc.com, work in progress……..

Some of you might benefit from the Learn How to Play Football Section!

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The First team are without a fixture this weekend but as our nearest rivals Orington are in cup action we will definitely maintain our seven point lead at the top of Division 3 irrespective of any other results.

All eyes will therefore be on the Reserves as they take on local rivals Sandhurst II at the Moor this Saturday, both Sandhurst teams have though struggled this season with only a solitary point earned between them so far. But just on the basis that this is Hawkhurst versus Sandhurst a competitive and hard fought match will ensue never the less.

With the clocks going back last Saturday all league games will now kick off at 2:00pm and cup games at 1:30pm.

The Reserves squad for Saturday is :

DAN MORLEY, ANDY TODD, JOHN BAXTER, BOB WIGGINS, ANTHONY BYRNE, JASON MEADOWS, JAMIE YOUNG, BEN TURK, TOM PALMER, DARREN POOLE, JOHN ANGEL, BEN WARREN, WILL PURSEY, GRANT MEADOWS, LEE COLVIN, SAM BEANEY, JAMIE CROUCH  

Meet at the ground at 1:00pm

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Two important league victories were secured on Saturday with the First team finally prevailing against a young and energetic Cranbrook Town side in a hard fought local derby.

The scores were level at half time but after a much improved second half display epitomised by MOM Ben Marshall (left) and two great finishes from Westy and George it was the Hawks who finally secured the points.

The result sees us maintain our 7 point lead at the top of Division 3 but with no fixture next week and a trip to second place Orington on the 12th the season is starting to take shape.

The Reserves also got the better of Winkney Seniors in the third installment of there recent meetings, again Pete’s boys should have been out of sight by half time but some scatter gun finishing meant they had to finally settle for a closer than it should have been 2-1 victory.

The goals coming from in form Jamie Young and Will Pursey scoring his first goal for the club. Never the less the result sees them sit in 6th place in Division 7 but with a game in hand on some of the teams above them.

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Both teams return to league action this Saturday with the Firsts making the short trip to Cranbrook Town for what is now our local derby fixture for the season. Cranbrook are currently in fourth place in the league with 11 points from their opening 7 fixtures but they did inflict Orington’s only defeat of the season so far on the opening weekend so another tough game is expected.

The Reserves take on Winkney Seniors for the third time this season and for the second week running, both previous matches ended 3-0 with one win apiece, the Seniors sit four places above the Hawks in fourth place in Division 7 but a win for Pete’s boys will draw them level on ten points each.

The Squads for Saturday are : ROB CHANDLER, HARRY YOUNG, GRANT HYNER, MARCO PALUMBO, MARTIN SANDS, GEORGE LAWRENCE, MATT TODD, JASON BALDOCK, SHANE KING, BEN MARSHALL, CHRIS GOLDING, GARY WEST, JASON MEADOWS, PAUL CHANNER  

Meet at the Bells at 1:30pm  

DAN MORLEY, ANDY TODD, JOHN BAXTER, BOB WIGGINS, ANTHONY BYRNE, TOM SAYER, JAMIE YOUNG, BEN TURK, TOM PALMER, DARREN POOLE, NICK GERRING, STEVE MARSHALL, JOHN ANGEL. BEN WARREN, WILL PURSEY, GRANT MEADOWS, LEE COLVIN, SAM BEANEY

Meet at the ground at 2:00pm

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Both teams progressed into the next round of their respective divisional cup competitions on Saturday, the Firsts were probably expecting a tougher match against a Battle Baptists side which had taken 6 points of us last season and ended with promotion into Division 2.

On an excellent playing surface the Hawks were in total control pretty much from the kick off against a side which did seem to be fairly different in personal if my memory serves me correct from last season.  

Balders moved to an impressive 13 goals for the season with another 4, Toddy bagged a couple and George rounded off the scoring after another impressive display.The 7-1 victory was slightly marred with the loss of Hawks keeper Sam Beaney who had to come off just before half time after sustaining a knock when an acorn fell on him from a particularly high branch.

Toddy donned the gloves and did a pretty decent job in goal (apart from his kicking), even making one top draw save midway through the second half, unfortunately our other injured (real) keeper Rob Chandler who had been handed photographic responsibilities for the day managed to capture this impressive ‘action’ shot of the save in question:

Good work Bob

With Wiggins away at a SAGA convention and numerous other late withdrawals PC was probably also expecting a tougher afternoon but the Seconds progressed into the next round after what turned out to be a a fairly comfortable 3-0 victory against Wickney Seniors at Eastbourne Sports Park, the scorer’s were Tom Palmer with his first competitive goal for the club, a sharp finish from Darren Poole and by all accounts a wonder strike from the half way line from Anthony Byrne.

This victory would have been especially sweet for Hawk’s manager Pete Colvin as it reversed the score and result from when the teams met in the league back in September.

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Both teams are in cup action this weekend as the First’s take on Battle Baptists in the second round of the Div 2/3 cup. Our opponents on Saturday who were promoted to Division 2 last season have had a difficult start in the league though and currently sit second from bottom with 4 points from their opening 5 games.

The Reserves also have a tough looking fixture on paper which sees them take on Winkney Seniors in the second round of their divisional cup (6/7). The Seniors have already got the better of Pete’s team in the league this season with a 3-0 home victory back in September, but after their morale boosting victory last week the Seconds will be looking to hopefully progress in the competition.

The Squads for this Saturday are : SAM BEANEY, HARRY YOUNG, GRANT HYNER, MARCO PALUMBO, MARTIN SANDS, TOM SAYER, GEORGE LAWRENCE, MATT TODD, JASON BALDOCK, SHANE KING, BEN MARSHALL, CHRIS GOLDING, PAUL CHANNER, LEE COLVIN Meet at the Bells at 1:00pm

DAN MORLEY, ANDY TODD, JOHN BAXTER, BOB WIGGINS, ANTHONY BYRNE, JASON MEADOWS, JAMIE YOUNG, BEN TURK, TOM PALMER, DARREN POOLE, NICK GERRING, STEVE MARSHALL, JOHN ANGEL. BEN WARREN, WILL PURSEY, JAMIE CROUCH, GRANT MEADOWS Meet at the Bells at 12:45pm

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Excellent results for both teams this weekend as the Firsts returned from there travels to Wittersham with another 3 points. As we fully expected it was another tough game and the task was made even harder when Hawks keeper Bob Chandler did his back at home on the morning of the match. It was indeed the home side that held the lead twice during the first half but goals from Zip (left), Chan and Sandsy opening his account for the season with the winner that finally saw us home.

The result sees us open up a healthy 7 point lead over second placed Hurst although themselves and Orington do have games in hand.

The Reserves, under the stewardship this week of messer’s Wiggins and JB this week also had a fine result, progressing to the next round of the Lower Divisions Cup after seeing off FC Bexhill who sit three divisions above the Hawks. After 90 minutes the scores were level at 2-2 with goals from Jamie Young and a blistering free kick from Jason Meadows.

Using his full managerial prowess Bob made all his substitutions either at half time or by midway through the second half, but the lads managed to hang on through extra time to take the game to penalties were Hawks keeper Dan Morley was the hero of the day with a string of fine stops to take us through to the next round.

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The first team will make the rather unusual journey of travelling further into Kent for their East Sussex League Division 3 fixture against Wittersham this coming Saturday. Wittersham are a good side and the reverse league fixture less than a month ago could easily have gone either way so a tough game is expected but it will be good to visit a new ground that most of the players will not have played at before.

The First team squad for Saturday is : ROB CHANDLER, HARRY YOUNG, GRANT HYNER, MARCO PALUMBO, MARTIN SANDS, TOM SAYER, GEORGE LAWRENCE, MATT TODD, JASON BALDOCK, SHANE KING, BEN MARSHALL, CHRIS GOLDING, PAUL CHANNER, LEE COLVIN

The Reserves will be looking to bounce back from the disappointment of last weeks result as they take a break from league action in the Hastings FA Lower Division Cup where they will be up against FC Bexhill who although are three divisions higher do currently prop up Division 4 with five losses out of five in the league. There is no real reason for the picture of Mr Wiggins other than to warn all young players to enjoy your football while you can because one day you’ll end up like Bob.

The Reserves squad for Saturday is : DAN MORLEY, ANDY TODD, JOHN BAXTER, BOB WIGGINS, SAM BEANEY, ANTHONY BYRNE, JASON MEADOWS, JAMIE YOUNG, BEN TURK, TOM PALMER, DARREN POOLE, NICK GERRING, STEVE MARSHALL, JOHN ANGEL, BEN WARREN, WILL PURSEY _____________________________________________________________________________________________

It was another mixed weekends for the teams as a stunning hat-trick from Jason Baldock secured all 3 points for the first team as they move 6 points clear at the top of Division 3 with easily there best performance of the season against a strong Northiam side.

Unfortunately the Seconds went down 3 -1 at the hands of Northiam Resveres who with this victory secured there own first points of the season. According to Pete it was an extremely poor performance and some harsh words were exchanged at full time.

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This weekend sees both the first team and reserves take on there equivalent counterparts from Northiam, on paper the firsts have the tougher ask with Northiam occupying second spot in Division 3 until last weekends somewhat shock defeat and the hands of Peche Hill Select II. Northiam though will be looking to get back to winning ways but we too will be keen to bounce back from the disappointment of surrendering our 100% record courtesy of Herstmonceux’s last gasp equaliser last Saturday.

PC will be looking to build on his side’s impressive start to the season which sees them currently occupying fourth spot in Div 7. Pete will be hopeful of picking up 3 points against the seconds of Northiam who unfortunately currently sit bottom of Division 7 and still awaiting there first points of their campaign.

The First team squad for Saturday is :

ROB CHANDLER, HARRY YOUNG, GRANT HYNER, MARCO PALUMBO, MARTIN SANDS, TOM SAYER, GEORGE LAWRENCE, MATT TODD, JASON BALDOCK, SHANE KING, BEN MARSHALL, CHRIS GOLDING, PAUL CHANNER, LEE COLVIN Meet at the ground at 2:00pm

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Both teams had to settle for 2-2 draws at the weekend, the Firsts do though stay top of Division 3 by 4 points following Northiam’s defeat by Peche Hill. It was still a disappointing day at the office as Herstmonceux drew level with the very last touch of the game after the Hawks had earlier taken a 2-0 lead through Chan (left) and an absolute pearler from Balders.

PC’s reserves will also feel disappointed that they didn’t take all three points from their match against Wittersham II when they had what they felt was a perfectly goal chalked for offside when they were 2-1 up. Although 4th spot in the league and 7 points from their opening 4 games still represents a great start for Pete’s boys. The Hawk’s goals coming from Anthony Byrne & Jason Meadows.

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The first team travel to Herstmonceux this Saturday looking to make it five wins out of five in the league, Herstmonceux have had a mixed start to the season, winning their first games against Peche Hill, drawing against Wittersham but then suffering a heavy 8 – 1 defeat in their last league game at Orrington, so were really not quite sure what to expect Saturday.

The reserves will also be out to secure their own third win of the season when they host the reserves of Wittersham at the Moor, this will prove to be a stern test for PC’s team as Wittersham are currently in second spot have won three and drawn one of their opening four fixtures.

The squad’s for Saturday are listed below : ROB CHANDLER, HARRY YOUNG, GRANT HYNER, MARCO PALUMBO, MARTIN SANDS, TOM SAYER, GEORGE LAWRENCE, GARY WEST, JASON BALDOCK, SHANE KING, CHRIS GOLDING, PAUL CHANNER, LEE COLVIN Meet at the Bells at 1:15pm.

DAN MORLEY, ANDY TODD, JOHN BAXTER, JAMIE CROUCH, BOB WIGGINS, SAM BEANEY, NICK GERRING, ANTHONY BYRNE, JASON MEADOWS, JAMIE YOUNG, BEN WARREN, TOM PALMER, DARREN POOLE, AARON MITCHELL, STEVE MARSHALL Meet at the Bells at 2:00pm.

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The club is having another curry night on the 29nd of October at Junaki’s (Hawkhurst), meeting up there after that Saturdays games at 8:00 all welcome (even Taste).

Also this season’s Christmas draw will be held the 19th of December at the Eight Bells.

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Excellent results for both teams this Saturday as the Firsts made it four wins out of four after a hard fought 4-3 victory against a young but spirited Wittersham side at the Moor, with George Lawrence grabbing a brace in his best performance so far in a Hawk’s shirt, the other goals coming from Kingy and a Balder’s free kick.

PC’s reserves also got back to winning ways after a solid 3-1 over West Hill United II with Ben Turk getting his second brace of the season and Sam Beaney netting the other.

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The First team will be looking to maintain their 100% start to the season when they take on Wittersham this coming Saturday, Wittersham currently sit in third place after an opening day victory against Hurst and two further draws at Herstmonceux and Peche Hill Select II.

The Reserves will be looking to bounce back from last Saturdays defeat in Eastbourne when they take on West Hill United II. Our opponents go into the game with the same won one, lost one record as Pete’s side having beaten Northiam 75 on the opening day but losing to Herstmonceux III the following weekend.

The squad’s for Saturday are listed below : ROB CHANDLER, HARRY YOUNG, GRANT HYNER, MARCO PALUMBO, BEN MARSHALL, TOM SAYER, GEORGE LAWRENCE, GARY WEST, MATT TODD, JASON BALDOCK, SHANE KING, CHRIS GOLDING, PAUL CHANNER, MATT BATES Meet at the ground at 2:00pm.

DAN MORLEY, JOHN ANGEL, JOHN BAXTER, JAMIE CROUCH, BOB WIGGINS, SAM BEANEY, NICK GERRING, ANTHONY BYRNE, JASON MEADOWS, JAMIE YOUNG, BEN WARREN, TOM PALMER, DARREN POOLE, BUD ENNIS. Meet at the Bells at 1:30pm.

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A mixed afternoon for the teams in Eastbourne, the firsts securing an excellent 2-1 victory against Hurst especially when you consider that they were reduced to 10 men twenty minutes into the match with the score at 0-0, the goals coming from a Matt Todd (left) spot kick and a Paul Channer strike mid way through the second half. Unfortunately the reserves couldn’t keep up there own excellent start as they went down 3-0 to Winkney Seniors. Further details of the first team’s game are now in the match report section.

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Both teams are at Eastbourne Sports Park (nice showers not so nice pitches) this coming Saturday with the First’s up against Hurst. Our opponents were relegated after finishing bottom of Division 2 last season and have had a mixed start to life in Div 3 with an opening day 1-0 loss at Wittersham followed by a decent 3-1 away win against Cranbrook Town last Saturday.

The Reserves will be looking to make it two wins out of two when they take on Winkney Seniors who like the Hawks have only played one game so far this season, a 3-3 draw at home to Wittersham II.

The First and Reserve team squad’s for Saturday are listed below :

FIRST TEAM :

ROB CHANDLER, HARRY YOUNG, MARTIN SANDS, GRANT HYNER, MARCO PALUMBO, BEN MARSHALL, TOM SAYER, GEORGE LAWRENCE, GARY WEST, MATT TODD, JASON BALDOCK, SHANE KING, TOM PALMER, PAUL CHANNER.

RESERVES :

DAN MORLEY, JOHN ANGEL, JOHN BAXTER, ANDY TODD, SAM BEANEY, LEE COLVIN, AARON BLAKE, JASON MEADOWS, JAMIE YOUNG, ANTHONY BYRNE, NICK GERRING, BEN WARREN, BEN TURK, DARREN POOLE _____________________________________________________________________________

The first team sit top of Division 3 after their 7 – 0 defeat of Magham Down on Saturday with the goals coming from George (2), Toddy, Grant, Chan, an own goal and a ‘once in a lifetime’ screamer from Zip, full details now in the Match Report section.

The first team will be looking for a similar result when they kick off their home campaign against Magham Down (again) this coming Saturday.

The squad is as follows :

ROB CHANDLER, HARRY YOUNG, MARTIN SANDS, GRANT HYNER, MARCO PALUMBO, BEN MARSHALL, CHRIS GOLDING, JAMIE YOUNG, TOM SAYER, GEORGE LAWRENCE, GARY WEST, MATT TODD, PAUL CHANNER. Please meet at the ground at 2:00pm.

The reserves don’t have a fixture this weekend but will have a training session before the first team’s game stating at 1:30pm.

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Two excellent opening day victories saw the firsts romp home to a 9-0 victory over what has to be said was a severely depleted Magham Down side who have obviously lost a lot of players from last season, but you can only beat whats in front of you and a clinical performance was highlighted by some excellent football and four goals for Hawks striker Jason Baldock.

The reserves also secured their first victory since being re-formed at the beginning of last season with a much closer but equally pleasing 2-1 victory over Herstmonceux with both strikes coming from Ben Turk.

Full match reports to follow………

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The Firsts kick off their league campaign this Saturday with a trip to Magham Down. The squad is as follows :

ROB CHANDLER, HARRY YOUNG, MARTIN SANDS, GRANT HYNER, MARCO PALUMBO, BEN MARSHALL, CHRIS GOLDING, JASON BALDOCK, GEORGE LAWRENCE, GARY WEST, MATT TODD, PAUL CHANNER, SAM BEANEY, JASON MEADOWS

We will be meeting at the Bells at 1:15pm sharp.

Pete will be contacting the Reserves squad directly.

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The first team rounded off their pre-season campaign on Saturday with a second loss in 4 days against local rivals Sandhurst. The slightly weakened Hawks side again managed to find themselves two up with goals from Zippy and Jason Meadows but as on Tuesday were unable to hold on and eventually went down by the odd goal in five against there Division 1 opponents.

Then Reserves also found the going tough, again against higher ranked opposition in the form of Maidstone League’s APM in the Weald of Kent Cup, with visitors running out fairly comfortable 3 – 0 winners.

But at least the new kit turned up so it wasn’t all bad.

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A mixed Hawkhurst United XI who were missing Toddy, Grant, Kingy, Livesey and Bubble put up a good display but eventually went down against a strong Sandhurst side (Mitch & Bruno ??!?!) 4 – 2 tonight in another pre-season friendly at the Moor.

Saying that the Hawks started with their strongest eleven and looked comfortable enough against their higher ranked opponents and took the lead after five minutes when Jason Meadows was first to react to some sloppy defending and rolled the ball into an open net. The first though of many multi substitutions for the home side took place after twenty minutes and Sandhurst began to impose their authority against a now weaker opposition.

The Hawks though doubled their lead at the start of the second half when Tom Palmer was again first to react to a mistake by the Sandhurst defence. The visitors halved the deficit when Staplehurst’s, sorry Sandhurst’s Danny Mitchell rose unmarked to head home a Louis Hazell corner. Bruce Sands pulled Sandhurst level a few minutes although the flag was immediately raised for offside the stand in ref (no names mentioned) decided his view from the halfway line was superior and allowed the goal to stand.

Two late goals in the pending gloom sealed the result in our visitors favour, much to the obvious delight of Sandhurst’s number 5, I think someone omitted to inform him that this was a pre-season friendly against half our reserves, oh well whatever pulls your chain.

We do it all again this coming Saturday when Sandhurst will no doubt have Andres Iniesta and Nemanja Vidic within their ranks. Our squad though will comprise of the following :

ROB CHANDLER, BARRY LIVESEY, HARRY YOUNG, MARCO PALUMBO, CHRIS GOLDING, JASON MEADOWS, JASON BALDOCK, TOM SAYER, GEORGE LAWRENCE, BEN MARSHALL, GARY WEST, EDWARD WOOD, JOEL SADLER

Can everyone meet at the Moor at 11:30.

Pete will be contacting his squad directly for his opening competitive match of the season which takes the form of a home Weald of Kent Cup first round tie against Aylesford Paper Mills which follows the first team’s fixture.

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Unfortunately both of today’s friendlies resulted in losses for both sides, the Firsts going down one-nil at Biddenden and the Reserves losing 4-1 at home to Uckfield Town.

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Another massive thank you to another one of our generous sponsors; Raven Roofing for supplying the Reserves new home kit for the coming season and also to Grant for sorting it all out. After much deliberation the Adidas Uni kit (left) has been chosen, Bob will be pleased.

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The First team take on AFC Biddenden again this coming Saturday (20/8) in their second pre-season friendly of the season and the squad is as follows :

ROB CHANDLER, MARCO PALUMBO, GRANT HYNER, MATT TODD, HARRY YOUNG, CHRIS GOLDING, BEN MARSHALL, JASON BALDOCK, SHANE KING, BARRY LIVESEY, GEORGE LAWRENCE, JAMIE YOUNG, SAM BEANEY

We’ll be meeting at the Bells at 12:30pm for a 2:00pm kick off.

The Reserves also face the same opponents as they did on opening day but this time with a 2:30pm kick off, again all players not involved with the firsts are expected to meet at the Moor at 1:00pm.

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It was a mixed set of results from yesterdays first round of pre-season friendlies, the Reserves kicked proceedings of but went down 2-0 to a well organised Uckfield side.

The Firsts were next up against Maidstone League Division 1 side AFC Biddenden and the task was made harder following the late withdrawal of the marauding Kingy who stubbed his toe fighting with his Action Man on Thursday evening.

The Hawks started brightly enough shading the first half and playing some attractive passing football but they found themselves a goal down just after the break when the visitors scored a disappointing headed goal which resulted from a long throw. Biddenden then doubled there lead when Casey Ham fired home from just outside the box. But Skipper Livesey pulled one back from the spot after a handball in the box with fifteen to go and veteran substitute Channer got the equaliser in the last minute after some tenacious (that means battling, Sam) work from Beaney-Roberts.

Finally it was the turn of the Hawks veterans to take centre stage, with even Batesy managing take to the field after spraying a kit on and depositing half a pot of Vaseline on his gentleman’s vegetables.

Even with the pedestrian pace of the game the Hawks were still a bit too strong for there counterparts from Cranbrook and ran out fairly comfortable 4-1 winners, having said that there was some pretty clinical finishing with the goals coming from Channer, Hazell and a brace of excellent headers from one time centre forward hero Grant Hyner both of which resulting from mesmeric wing play by the oldest player on the pitch (if not the world) Sir Bobby Wiggins of Hawkhurst OBE.

It was a good to get a couple of competitive fixtures under our belts and it was a decent work out for both senior teams and whilst results are not the be all and end all at this stage of the season no doubt there is still plenty to think about for both Matt and PC.

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The first’s and reserves kick off their pre-season friendlies this Saturday with a double header at the Moor.

Matt’s team will be taking on AFC Biddenden from the Ashford league and the squad is as follows :

ROB CHANDLER, MARCO PALUMBO, GRANT HYNER, MATT TODD, HARRY YOUNG, CHRIS GOLDING, BEN MARSHALL, JASON BALDOCK, SHANE KING, TOM SAYER, BARRY LIVESEY, GEORGE LAWRENCE, JAMIE YOUNG

Pete’s reserves will be taking on an Uckfield Town XI featuring a certain Des Lavallie.

Just to round things off a Vets friendly match will be taking place after the first team fixture (all over 35′s plus Zip welcome) thus ensuring Batesy will be standing around in the rain for around 8 hours (if you include the junior’s in the morning). This is not only very amusing but also show’s Matt’s commitment to the cause as well as a total lack of sense. He has already advised me that he will be spending all day Sunday in front of the TV watching sport and eating ice cream (athlete that he is).

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Both teams kick off their respective league campaigns on the 3rd of September, the First team faces a tricky away fixture at Magham Down (followedby a tricky home fixture the following weekend against Magham Down !?!?!). Whilst the Reserves season opener is at home against Herstmonceux.

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A massive thank-you to Steve and Gill (left) from the Eight Bells for sponsoring the new first team kit for the coming season (below). Its a hugely generous gesture and greatly appreciated by everyone at the club.

YES PLEASE !!

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In this seasons divisional cup competitions the first team have drawn Battle Baptists in the second round of the Wisdens Sports Challenge Cup (Divisions 2 & 3) after receiving a bye in the first round.

The reserves will play the winners of the first round tie between Winkney Seniors and Guestling II after also receiving a first round bye in the Eastbourne Coach Finishers Challenge Cup (Division 6 & 7).

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Also the club’s AGM will be held at the Royal British Legion on Friday the 17th of June at 8:00pm, all welcome.

Thank you to everyone that came to the end of season dinner and presentation at the 8 Bells on the 15th May. The following award winners were :

The Howard Bates First Team Player’s Player of the Year – SHANE KING

First Team Manager’s Player of the Year – JOHN BAXTER

Second Team Player’s Player of the Year – JAMIE CROUCH

Second Team Manager’s Player of the Year – BUD ENNIS

The John Else Young Player of the Year – MARCO PALUMBO

The Douglas Moloney Top Goalscorer Trophy – BARRY LIVESEY

Club Person of the Year – IDRES COLVIN

Doug Saunders Memorial Cup – PAUL CHANNER

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS