Men's football news
The Rooks make the short journey to Shoreham on Tuesday night looking to extend their unbeaten league start. After Saturday’s excellent win against a strong Hythe Town side, Darren will look to the same squad to do the business against the Musselmen who have yet to get off the mark this season.
Alex Malins, Matt Hurley and Gus Sow all sat out Saturday’s game with injuries and will once again be struggling to be fit. However, with a strong squad to choose from Darren will look at potentially making some changes to the starting XI from Saturday with a tough game against Cray Wanderers on Saturday.
Kick off is 7:45pm.
How has this season been for Shoreham?
It has been a nightmare start for Shoreham in the Bostik League South, having lost all five games to date and only scoring once. They did manage to progress in the FA Cup, beating Colliers Wood United after a replay before a 3-2 home defeat to Kingstonian last weekend. On Saturday they lost 2-0 away to Whyteleafe.
How was last season?
Surprisingly, in mid-May manager Bryan O’Toole stepped down as manager with Sammy Donnelly appointed. His first job was to celebrate promotion to the Isthmian League for the first time after Champions Haywards Heath Town were docked points for fielding an illegible player. That being said, you can’t take anything away from Shoreham who fought a close battle all season, scoring goals for fun and keeping it very tight at the back.
Southern Combination Premier League – 1st – P 38 W 30 D 2 L 6 GS 110 GA 30 GD +80 PTS 92
•FA Cup – Preliminary Round – Lost at home to Dorking Wanderers 4-3
•FA Vase – First Round – Lost at home to Glebe 3-2
•Sussex Senior Cup – Quarter-Final– Lost at home to Bognor Regis Town 3-1
When did we last meet Shoreham?
Despite being so local, it has been years since we met Shoreham in a competitive game seven to be precise when we met in the 2nd round of the Sussex Senior Cup back in November 2010 at Middle Road. On that night Shoreham took an early lead but a brace from Ben Godfrey and one from Tim Rivers secured safe passage to the next round. Of the current squad only Chris Winterton survives – he was an unused sub that night with youth team ‘keeper JJ Banasco-Zaragoza making his only senior Rooks appearance between the sticks.
About The Taxi-Link Community Sports Ground
The ground is relatively basic with one small covered stand behind the goal at the east end of the ground and a small covered stand in the south-east corner. Apart from that it is hard standing in the open air.
How to get to The Taxi-Link Community Sports Ground
An easy one for Lewes fans. Take the A27 to Shoreham. At the Holmbush Roundabout take the exit towards Southlands Hospital. Immediately before the hospital, turn left down Hammy Lane, then right at the mini roundabout into Middle Road. The entrance to the ground is at the far end of the recreation ground immediately on the right. Street parking is the only option. Allow 30 minutes for the 17-mile journey.
If you are coming by train then the ground is a ten-minute walk or a couple of minutes on a bus (routes 2, 2A and 20X pass the ground). If you are walking then double back on yourself as you exit the station and head down Gordon Road to the north of the railway line. This eventually feeds into Eastern Avenue around to the left. At the junction with Middle Road turn right and the ground is a couple of hundred yards on your right.
Admission at The Taxi-Link Community Sports Ground
Admission this season is £9 for Adults, £5 for Concessions (including BHA season ticket holders), £6 for Students and Under16s are admitted free with an adult or £1 if they come alone.
Fancy a beer?
There’s plenty of choice in and around Shoreham town centre but best bets are the Old Star micro pub (just off the High Street) which has 3-5 ever changing real ales on, while The Duke of Wellington (‘The Welly’) on the A259 Brighton (seafront) Road is a former Dark Star pub which is now run by their former brewer and always has a superb selection of ales, kegs, bottled beers and ciders. For convenience, The Buckingham Arms is opposite the train station which serves Harvey’s and Dark Star amongst others.
Picture thanks to Newhavenfc.co.uk