SECRETARYS REPORT 2008/09 SEASON Another wet winter resulted in a rash of postponements and heavy fixture congestion towards the end of the season. At one point the First Team were playing 3 times in 8 days, amidst fears that ageing limbs would not be able to respond. Rather than this having a detrimental effect, however, the team responded and put together a remarkable run of form which saw them ultimately finish 3rd in Division 1 of the ESFL, their best placing for a number of years. For a team which early on appeared to be flirting with relegation this was a significant achievement (and compares with 8th place in 2007/08). Highlights of the season were a 9-0 victory at Ticehurst, and a 6-2 defeat of Crowhurst. Dave Pugh just edged out Steve Pugh as the team’s leading scorer; and in addition to their goals, Neil Hastings’ recall between the sticks was an instrumental factor in the team’s late run.
1st XI League record: P22 W10 D3 L9 For 66 Ag 55 Pts 33
The Second XI in contrast made an excellent start in their first season in ESFL Division 4 and, with a 3-0 away victory became the first side to defeat Eastbourne Galaxy (who were not to suffer another reverse until January). However, the aforementioned resurgence of the 1st XI was due in part to the promotion of some of the younger players from the 2ndXI - notably Tim Hambridge and Freddie Williams - and their loss was keenly felt by the 2nd XI after Christmas. Nevertheless, with Ashley Jansen and top scorer Jimmy McGachie holding the midfield together; and Alfie Weller proving highly dependable in goal following an injury which prevented him playing in his usual forward role, relegation was never a serious threat. A 10-1 victory at Tackleway on the last day of the season ensured that the team ultimately finished a highly creditable 5th (of 12 teams).
2nd XI League record: P20 W9 D2 L9 For 54 Ag 57 Pts 29
The Veterans’ team continued to perform well in the H&DFA competition; and once again reached the final, having finished top of their group and then defeating a strong Wadhurst side 4-0 in the semi-final. In a re-match of the 2007-08 final, however, Little Common this time reversed the result and we had to settle for being runners-up.
The First XI won the ESFL Sportsmanship award (based upon referees’ markings over the whole season), for the first time. This is a commendable achievement.
A total of 70 were players registered for the Club during the season.
A significant off the field activity was the development of the Icklesham Casuals website, which has attracted a lot of very favourable comment not just from within the Club, but from many other parties; Icklesham Parish Council even has a link to the site! This includes a wealth of photographs covering the whole history of the Club; player appearance and goalscorer records; and many other items of interest. The “news” pages advise of forthcoming events, which also helps to improve communications - an area where we have not been strong in the recent past. To get this website up and running was a huge undertaking, and we are indebted to Dave Harding for bringing this about and for ongoing management.
As ever, a lot of work was required behind the scenes over the season; and the level of postponements (which had the effect of extending the playing season into May) brought additional problems. The Club is lucky to have a number of very loyal and dedicated officers and supporters and I should particularly like to thank <personnamew:ston>Martin Tytherleigh, Michael Hambridge, David Mayne, Mike Beaumont, Micky Zysemil and Bob Baker for their commitment - not just over the season but over many years. KEITH SWALLOW HONORARY SECRETARY |