Men's football news
After Wednesday’s 1-0 win against Guernsey, attentions turn to the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday as local neighbours Newhaven come to the Pan in the Preliminary Round of the cup. The Dockers saw off Peacehaven & Telscombe 2-0 in a replay last week, with one of goals coming from Lee Robinson, brother of our own Ian and our former programme editor no less.
It has been a few years since we last took on Newhaven in a competitive tie and whilst they play in the Southern Combination Premier League, there will be no quarter given in the tie come 3pm on Saturday as Darren Freeman knows only too well.
Darren’s Thoughts
We’ve had Newhaven watched a couple of times in the past few weeks, so we’ve got a good idea of what to expect from them this afternoon. We certainly know all about their keeper, Jake, who appeared for us on Wednesday after Winnie was called away to be at the birth of his triplets! Thanks to Jake, and obviously everyone at the club sends their best wishes to Winnie his wife Rachel.
I said in my last programme notes that a 1-0 win is my favourite result, so I’m obviously pleased we’ve now got two of them under our belt in our first two games.
Wednesday night’s game with Guernsey was a strange game. We played well in parts, but our final ball let us down at times. We certainly didn’t put Guernsey’s keeper under as much pressure as we did Herne Bay’s last weekend, but we were nice and solid at the back again. Credit to Codge and Ross for all the work we’ve been doing on our shape in pre-season.
What’s really pleasing is we’ve worked our socks off in both games, especially after going down to ten men midway through the second half against Guernsey, for what seemed a very harsh decision.
It’s also pleasing that set pieces we’ve been working on in training are paying dividends. We know we didn’t score enough goals from corners and free-kicks last season, but Alex’s header on Wednesday night was something we’d spent 45 minutes working on at training on Monday, so obviously I’m taking the credit for that!
This afternoon we take a break from the league to focus on the FA Cup. You don’t need me to tell you how important the Cup is to non-league clubs and what it can do for your finances – and squad morale – if you have a good run. Let’s hope we continue to give a good account of ourselves.
About Newhaven FC
Newhaven FC is one of the oldest clubs in Sussex, and was formed by the Towner family who were brewers in the town during the latter 19th century, plus some of their enthusiastic friends. A meeting took place at the Bridge Hotel in December 1887 when it decided to form the Club and 20 members signed up on the day.
They have been in the Southern Combination Premier League since 2013, finishing in ninth place. Their best FA Cup run came in 1926/27 when they reached the Fourth Qualifying Round , which as you football trivia buffs will know, is the only time the FA Cup has been won by a side from outside of England (Cardiff City beating Arsenal in the final). Last season they lost in the Preliminary Round to Eastbourne United in a replay.
Should the game on Saturday be drawn then the replay will be at The Trafalgar Ground, Fort Road. From A259, follow the one way system around the town of Newhaven. Turn left into South Road (pass the Police Station) which becomes Fort Road. The ground is visible on the right just past a small parade of shops and before the approach road to Newhaven Fort. Postcode for Sat-nav users: BN9 9DA.
From Newhaven train station, turn left and cross the river. Then follow road around to the left and then left into South Road. This eventually runs into Fort Road – the ground is a ten minute walk down Fort Road on the right-hand side.
Admission on Saturday is £11 for Adults, £6 for Concessions and Kids go Free (under 16s). Season Tickets are not valid for this game.