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Archived News 2003 / 2004 Season
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Rydon Group - Main Sponsors of East Grinstead Town F.C.
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| :: Monday, 3rd May 2004 :: |
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East Grinstead Town 1, Ringmer 2
WASPS finished their first season back in the County League's top flight in a creditable ninth position despite suffering a third successive home defeat
in their final game of the season on Saturday.
Injury-hit Grinstead got the boost of an early own goal, but Ringmer hit back to complete the double over Bob Smith's men with an 89th minute winner...... [More]
Wasps have gone off the boil since winning the RUR Cup in late March, but Smith and his players can take a lot of credit after the club's best season
since finishing third in 1973.
"We have ran out of steam a bit in the last few weeks, but it's still been a magnificent season," he said.
"Saturday was typical of so many of our recent performances. We started well but lost our way and ended up giving the ball away or knocking it long
which isn't our style.
"I know we need strengthening in certain areas and I will be trying to do that during the summer. We have built up great momentum this season and it's
important we keep getting stronger and stronger as a club.
"We'll have a few weeks rest, but then it will be back down to work again."
GRINSTEAD'S reserves endured a frustrating end to the season. Last Wednesday's match at Hassocks was 0-0 at half-time when a thunderstorm forced the game
to be abandoned while Friday's game at Chichester was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. With nothing at stake, both games are unlikely to be replayed
and will be recorded as 0-0 draws, subject to confirmation by the County League.
Excellent Season For Town Reserves
East Grinstead Town Reserves have now completed their first season in the Sussex County Premier Reserve Section and have finished in an excellent 6th
place. Having gained promotion last year they fully expected tough opposition when playing the likes of Easbourne Borough, Lewes and Burgess Hill; so to
finish in 6th place is quite an achievent...... [More]
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| :: Monday, 26th April 2004 :: |
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East Grinstead Town 1, Rye & Iden United 2
WASPS were unable to prevent Rye from gaining the victory which keeps their hopes of claiming the County League title alive going into the final Saturday
of the season.
But Bob Smith's men rediscovered their pride after their mauling by Arundel the previous week and were unlucky not to get something out of a competitive
and enjoyable game in the East Court sunshine...... [More]
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| :: Monday, 19th April 2004 :: |
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East Grinstead Town 1, Arundel 4
WASPS suffered their heaviest league defeat of the season at East Court on Saturday as the effects of a long season finally took their toll.
Bob Smith's men have struggled for form since winning the RUR Cup a month ago and they will need to win their last two games, which are both at home, if
they are to achieve a top-six finish in their first season back in the County League's top flight.
Arundel gained ample revenge for the 5-3 home defeat they suffered against Grinstead in January even though their 47-goal top scorer Miles Scerri was
absent through injury...... [More]
Grinstead finish their season at home to Rye on Saturday (3pm) and Ringmer on May 1. Adam Dart's badly bruised shin will keep him out of the last two
fixtures and Smith is sure to contemplate freshening up the side in the wake of Saturday's performance.
GRINSTEAD Reserves are finishing their first season back in the premier division strongly. Matt Garrett got the goal which ended Horsham YMCA's title
challenge at East Court last Wednesday and on Saturday youngster Andy Goodwin grabbed a hat-trick in an eye-catching 5-1 away win at lowly Rye.
The reserves play East Preston away on Saturday (3pm).
TWO goals from Phil Hayward ensured a winning end to the season for the third XI who beat Uckfield II 2-0 on Saturday in Mid Sussex League Division Two.
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| :: Monday, 5th April 2004 :: |
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Eastbourne Town 0, East Grinstead Town 1
WASPS are back on course for a top-six finish in their first season back in Division One of the County League after ending Eastbourne's title challenge
at the Saffrons on Saturday.
Not even a second successive red card for skipper Dave Gellatly could take the gloss off an excellent performance by Bob Smith's men who won the match
courtesy of Kris Trevor's injury time goal, his 16th of the season...... [More]
East Grinstead Town 1, Three Bridges 2
DAVE Gellatly was sent off in injury time as Wasps lost an ill-tempered league game to Three Bridges 2-1 at East Court last Tuesday...... [More]
GRINSTEAD hope to consolidate their top-five place over Easter when they play two matches.
Their final away game of the season takes them to Sidlesham, where they won in the Senior Cup back in November, on Saturday (3pm) before Redhill, whom
they have beaten twice in league and cup this season, visit East Court on Easter Monday (11am).
Manager Bob Smith will be loathe to change a winning team, but he hopes to have Nick Levitt (dead leg), Phil Thompson (bruised cheekbone) and Lee Hanson
(groin) available for the holiday programme.
Drew Cooney was due to start a suspension on Monday following his red card against Three Bridges in January, but the club have appealed against the
dismissal and no date has yet been set for the hearing.
Eastbourne Town Reserves 2, East Grinstead Town Reserves 0
East Grinstead played their part in an entertaining Reserve team game but came away with no points. The first half was quite even with Eastbourne taking
the lead after 20 minutes from a corner...... [More]
IN a memorable season for the club, Grinstead will make more history on Good Friday when they stage a County League Cup final for the first time.
East Court hosts the Division Three Cup final between local rivals Crowborough, who clinched promotion back to senior football at the weekend, and
Uckfield. Kick off is 3pm.
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| :: Monday, 29th March 2004 :: |
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AFTER waiting 52 years to win some silverware, East Grinstead Town boss Bob Smith is determined that it wouldn't be quite as long before the club were
celebrating more success.
Wasps beat Three Bridges 4-0 in last Tuesday's RUR Cup final and the celebrations at Culver Road and then back at East Court continued long into the
night.
But once the hangovers had cleared, Smith began planning long-term success for the club this week.
He received a boost straight away after defender Drew Cooney, arguably Grinstead's most consistent performer this season, decided to stay at East Court
until the end of the season following an approach from Crawley Town.
The 19-year-old has been a revelation at the heart of Grinstead's defence this season, but he faces a five-week suspension after being sent off in a
Senior Cup tie against Bridges in January.
The ban is due to start next Monday although Cooney is planning to appeal.
Keeping youngsters like Cooney, Adam Dart and skipper Dave Gellatly is key to Wasps' hopes of sustaining their current success, according to their
manager.
Writing in the programme for last night's league re-match with Bridges, Smith said:
"I am an ambitious manager and I won't stop until we are competing regularly for trophies and titles at County League level and, who knows, even
further up the non-league ladder.
"I firmly believe that a town of 30,000 people is capable of supporting a successful non-league team. We have nurtured a lot of the players here at the
moment through our own superb youth system and that will continue.
"Whilst we would never stop any player who wants to better himself, we are in a much stronger position now to compete with clubs at our level, especially
as the cup win has given us something tangible to show for our hard work."
Smith will soon start planning for his seventh season in charge at East Court, but he is determined that Wasps finish their first year back in Division
One for a decade as strongly as possible.
He was at a friend's wedding on Saturday but was delighted to hear that Wasps weren't suffering from any cup final hangover as they won 3-2 at Whitehawk
to avenge an early season defeat against one of their rivals for a top six finish.
A high conversion rate of chances made was the key to their win. They only created four clear-cut opportunities and lost top scorer Steve Banks through
illness at half-time.
But by then Grinstead had raced into a 3-1 lead after scoring three times in 11 minutes.
Whitehawk 2, East Grinstead Town 3
Kris Trevor got his third in three games and 15th of the season to open the scoring on 17 minutes, beating goalkeeper Tom Rand from close range after
Adam Dart had set up the chance.
Nine minutes later skipper Dave Gellatly robbed Stuart Corlett before firing a cross-shot past Rand for his 14th goal of the campaign...... [More]
GRINSTEAD are hosting the County League's Division Three Cup final on Good Friday between Crowborough and Uckfield, kick off 3.00pm. It is the first time
the club have staged a major cup final for the league.
Three Bridges Reserves 2, East Grinstead Town Reserves 2
After weathering the first 5 minutes from Bridges, Town started to control the game. Ben Burns squandered a good chance after 15 minutes and Elvis Lynn
also went close. It was the home side who took the lead after half an hour when Town defended poorly at the back post...... [More]
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| :: Tuesday, 23rd March 2004 :: |
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THEY'VE done it!
Wasps ended a 52-year wait for a trophy by destroying local rivals Three Bridges to win the Sussex RUR Cup last night (Tuesday).
Dave Gellatly produced a true captain's performance with a hat-trick as Bridges, who finished the game with nine men, were well beaten.
Gellatly completed his treble with an injury time penalty, his second spot-kick of the night, and moments later he was leading the celebrations in front
of the considerable contingent of Wasps' supporters in a crowd of 407.
It was a magical night for everyone associated with the club, especially for boss Bob Smith.
He said: "We have waited a long time for this and I would like to think we can go on from here and win more trophies.
"Hopefully the players will have enjoyed this I know I have and they will want to stay so we can build for next season."
Gellatly never had any doubts that his side were always going to emerge victorious against their local rivals.
"We definitely wanted to win more than them. We were up for it from the start and there was no way we were going to lose.
"The club hasn't won anything for ages and we were determined not to blow it.
"The players wanted to do it for ourselves, the manager and everyone at the club and I'm so pleased we did."
East Grinstead Town 4, Three Bridges 0
Gellatly gave his side the perfect start on four minutes when he hammered a right-foot shot past Alan Mansfield from the edge of the box after Kris
Trevor's pace had set up the chance down the left.
Andy Alexander had what turned out to be Bridges' best chance on 14 minutes but he fired wide from eight yards after he was left unmarked at a corner...... [More]
WASPS play Bridges again next Tuesday in the County League first division, kick off 7.30pm at East Court. This Saturday they are away to Whitehawk
(3pm).
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| :: Tuesday, 23rd March 2004 :: |
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Pagham 0, East Grinstead Town 2
NICK Levitt celebrated his Wasps' debut with a goal as Bob Smith's men gave themselves a timely confidence boost at
windswept Pagham on Saturday.
Successive away defeats in County League Division One had punctured Grinstead's euphoria ahead of this week's RUR Cup
final.
But three days before their showdown with Three Bridges, Wasps completed the double over Pagham to move back up to seventh
place in the table...... [More]
WASPS face two of their rivals for a top-six spot in the space of four days.
On Saturday they make the trip to Whitehawk (3pm) before entertaining Three Bridges next Tuesday (7.30pm).
The reserves, whose game with Premier Division leaders Horsham YMCA was postponed on Saturday because of a waterlogged
pitch, entertain Chichester on Saturday (3pm).
Coming Up At East Court
Thursday March 25th (7.15pm) - Millennium Sunday League Cup semi-final: Heath Park Rangers v FC Jelly
Saturday March 27th (3.00pm) - Reserves v Chichester
Tuesday March 23rd (7.30pm) - First Team v Three Bridges
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| :: Monday, 15th March 2004 :: |
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WASPS' boss Bob Smith admits he is concerned about his side's form in the build-up to the club's first cup final since
1975.
Grinstead desperately need a confidence boost at Pagham on Saturday (3pm) in their final league match before they tackle
Three Bridges in the final of the RUR Cup at Culver Road, Lancing next Tuesday (7.15pm).
Wasps have lost their last three away games in Division One, the latest setback coming at title-chasing Chichester on
Saturday when they went down 3-0.
Although Chichester scored two of their goals in the last five minutes, Smith admitted they deserved to win although he was
furious that his side hadn't been awarded a penalty seconds before Chichester took the lead in the 38th minute.
"As far as I'm concerned that was the turning point in the game," he said.
"One of their guys handled a shot on the line and we all stopped to appeal.
"The referee didn't see it, they broke and a few moments later we were 1-0 down. I couldn't believe it." Smith was
also disappointed that Chichester's Lewis Fennimore only got a yellow card for a two-footed tackle in the first half which
curtailed Phil Thompson's afternoon.
But he admitted that Wasps struggled to provide any decent service for strikers Kris Trevor and Steve Banks.
Banks eventually dropped back into midfield and swapped places with Dave Gellatly, but apart from long range efforts by
Adam Dart and Kevin Wright, Grinstead created little in attack.
Chichester United 3, East Grinstead Town 0
Chichester's direct approach always looked more threatening.
Neil Murfin gave them a 38th minute lead with a shot from the edge of the penalty area...... [More]
BOB Smith admits that the cup final has been a distraction for his players in recent weeks, but won't use that as an excuse for a downturn in league form.
"There won't be any problem against Bridges, we will raise our game and at the very least give a good account of ourselves on Tuesday," he said.
"But I don't want our league form to tail off whatever happens in the final." Defender Drew Cooney returns from a skiing holiday for this
Saturday's trip to Pagham (3pm), a side Wasps beat 3-0 on the opening day of the season.
Then all thoughts will turn to next Tuesday's RUR Cup final against a Bridges side unbeaten in three matches against Grinstead in league and cup this
season.
Smith will take heart from the fact that his side drew twice against them last month in the Senior Cup and only went out on penalties.
"We know what to expect. It will be a very difficult game and we start as underdogs which may help us.
"We need everyone to be on their game and I'm confident that will be the case. If so, then we are a match for any side in this league.
"To reach our first cup final for 29 years is a fantastic achievement in itself, but it would be even better if we were to win it - that's the aim."
Dennis Moore was among the Grinstead side beaten in the 1975 RUR Cup final by Haywards Heath, their last cup final appearance.
Moore is on the coaching staff at East Court these days, but his son Steve will maintain family links when he plays on Tuesday.
THE club are running a coach to the final which will leave East Court at 5.15pm and return from Lancing at 10.15pm. Tickets are £6 (adults) and £3
(under-16s). Supporters wishing to travel should book through Richard Tramontin (01342 313560 or 07973 803997) or Alan Woolley (01342 322200).
East Grinstead Town Reserves 1, East Preston Reserves 0
The result was well deserved for Town but it did not show the complete dominance they had in this game. Town were the
more brighter and hungrier team and in the first half created numerous opportunities for the front pair of Adam Simpson
and Ben Burns...... [More]
Coming Up At East Court
Saturday March 20th (3.00pm) - Reserves v Horsham YMCA
Thursday March 25th (7.30pm) - Millenium Sunday League Cup semi-final: Heath Park Rangers v FC Jelly
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| :: Thursday, 11th March 2004 :: |
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ANOTHER notable first in a memorable season for East Grinstead Town saw two players represent Sussex for the first
time in the club's history on Saturday.
Wasps' skipper Dave Gellatly played in midfield and goalkeeper Dave Tidy was on the bench as the county lost 2-0 to
Cornwall in the South Western Counties Championship on Saturday.
Gellatly is the first Grinstead player to start a match for Sussex since Steve Moore more than a decade ago.
Manager Bob Smith said: "It's another example of the way the club has progressed this season.
"Dave has deserved his call-up because he has consistently produced good performances, particularly during our
excellent recent run of results. Everyone at the club is very proud of both players."
After a week off, sixth-placed Wasps return to County League action on Saturday when they take on second-placed
Chichester at Church Road (ko 3.00pm).
Chichester were deserved 3-0 winners at East Court back in October, but Wasps have won 11 and lost just four of
their 15 league games since then and Smith is keen to get an idea just how much his side have improved against one
of the title chasers.
And he will also demand a big improvement on their display against Southwick ten days ago when they looked jaded in
suffering a 2-0 defeat.
The availability of defender Luke Dunstan means Grinstead will travel with a virtually full-strength squad and, with
the RUR Cup final less than a fortnight away, Smith expects a better performance from his players who will be
anxious to make sure they are lining up against Three Bridges on March 23 in the club's first cup final for 29
years.
Smith said: "The cup final is never far away from our thoughts at the moment, but we have two league games before
then and I expect the guys to produce performances which will make me pick them for the final in both those
matches.
"We have a very strong squad of players with guys in the reserves capable of stepping in if someone isn't performing
to their best."
Wasps have been told they will be wearing their blue away kit in the final because of a colour clash with Bridges.
Meanwhile defender Dave Garrett, out since November with a knee injury, will undergo exploratory surgery next week.
THE club are running a coach to the final which will leave East Court at 5.15pm and return from Lancing at 10.15pm.
Tickets are £6 (adults) and £3 (under-16s). Supporters wishing to travel should book through Richard Tramontin
(Email: richard.tramontin@egtfc.co.uk, Phone: 01342 313560 or
07973 803997) or Alan Woolley (01342 322200).
Whitehawk Reserves 0, East Grinstead Town Reserves 3
Town Reserves negotiated a difficult away game at Whitehawk with a tremendous all round team performance which
lifted them to 6th place in the Reserve Section Premier League. The first half saw Town show their battling
qualities as they defended against the elements...... [More]
Coming Up At East Court
Saturday March 13th (3.00pm) - Reserves v East Preston
Wednesday March 17th (7.15pm) - Millennium Sunday League Cup semi-final: County Oak v Horley Flyers
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| :: Wednesday, 3rd March 2004 :: |
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BOSS Bob Smith pulled no punches after his East Grinstead Town side slipped to a 2-0 defeat at Southwick on Saturday.
It was only Grinstead's second defeat in their last ten County League Division One outings and they have won the other
eight, but Smith felt it was "a result waiting to happen."
Five players played despite suffering from a flu bug which swept through the camp last week, but Smith refused to use that
as an excuse for their lacklustre display.
He said: "We've been doing enough to win games in the last few weeks, nothing more. To be honest, we haven't played
well since we lost on penalties to Three Bridges in the Senior Cup at the end of January.
"Some of the players were still a bit under the weather, but I won't use that as an excuse. This was a result waiting to
happen and it will be interesting to see how we react."
Wasps have no game this weekend, but Smith will demand an improvement from his side when they travel to title-chasing
Chichester on March 13, ten days before the RUR Cup final against Bridges.
"Perhaps this result was the kick up the backside we needed," added Smith.
"No one's place in the cup final team is guaranteed, everyone will need to raise their game at Chichester and carry it
on until the end of the season."
Southwick 2, East Grinstead Town 0
Grinstead seemed to have cured their falibility at set-pieces, but it was two goals from corners which undid them on
Saturday.
"We defended well in open play, but got done at two corners which is disappointing," added Smith.
"We created five or six good chances, but we didn't pass the ball well enough and didn't support each other well enough
when we had possession."...... [More]
GOALS from Matt Garrett and James Upton earned East Grinstead Town III a 2-0 win over East Grinstead United III in
Saturday's Mid Sussex League Division Two derby at East Court.
Coming Up At East Court
Wednesday March 3rd (7.30pm) - Reserves v Sidley United
Thursday March 4th (7.30pm) - Under-18s v Horsham
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| :: Thursday, 26th February 2004 :: |
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RESULTS on the road will determine whether East Grinstead Town can maintain their top five place in the County
League, according to boss Bob Smith.
Wasps made it eight Division One wins out of nine on Saturday when goals from Adam Dart and Kris Trevor sealed a 2-0
success over ten-man Sidley.
But Grinstead's next home date isn't until March 30 and they have four away games before then and two afterwards,
the road trip starting at improving Southwick on Saturday (3pm).
Visits to title-chasing Chichester and Whitehawk, another side with top six pretensions, follow this weekend's game,
but having lost just once on the road in the league since November 7, Smith doesn't believe his side have anything
to fear.
"We've shown at places like Arundel, Redhill and Hailsham in recent weeks that we are a side who enjoy trying to
hit teams on the break," he said.
"There is more pressure at home to force the pace, but providing we are solid defensively I would always back us
to score a goal or two away from East Court and hopefully that will continue.
"Saturday's game will be a good test for us. In their last home match, Southwick put six past Chichester and they
won again on Saturday so they will be flying. But we will go there with a lot of confidence." Dave Gellatly and
James Horner return to the squad this weekend and it might not be long before another midfielder Matt Thorpe is back
in the first team reckoning.
Smith was delighted to hear that Thorpe had scored twice on his comeback for the reserves at Mile Oak on Saturday in
his firat game since an ankle operation in November.
Added Smith: "Matt will be a terrific bonus for the last few weeks of the season, it will be like signing a new
player again and I was really pleased his first game back on Saturday went so well."
East Grinstead Town 2, Sidley United 0
The 24th minute dismissal of Sidley midfielder Adam Day changed the course of a game which until then the visitors
were controlling.
Day got a straight red from referee Adrian Taylor for swearing at an assistant who kept his flag down after Lee
Hanson had cleared Kevin Rose's header off the line at full stretch....... [More]
GRINSTEAD Reserves returned to winning ways with a handsome 5-1 win at Mile Oak in the premier division. Matt Thorpe
(2), John Richardson, Ben Burns and Richard Houghton, with his first goal for the club, were on target.
PHIL Hayward scored all five goals as East Grinstead Town III won 5-2 at Hurstpierpoint Reserves in Mid Sussex
League Division Two.
Coming Up At East Court
Saturday February 28th (3.00pm) - Reserves v Hassocks
Wednesday March 3rd (7.30pm) - Reserves v Sidley United
Saturday March 6th (3.00pm) - Reserves v Sidley United
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| :: Thursday, 19th February 2004 :: |
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WASPS’ opponents in the SCFA RUR Charity Cup Final on 23rd March will be Three Bridges following their defeat of
Chichester City United in a semi final penalty shoot out at Wick after the match ended 3 – 3 after extra time.
Chichester scored first but then had to come from behind scoring after 82 minutes to level the score at 2 – 2 at the
end of normal time. Each side then scored once in the first period of extra time. Three Bridges went on to win 5 – 4
on penalties.
As both the WASPS and Three Bridges play in amber and black stripes, we will have to wait for the League’s decision
on who will be asked to play in their away kit in the final which will be held at Lancing FC, the home of the Sussex
FA. Kick off will be at 7:30 pm.
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| :: Monday, 16th February 2004 :: |
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WASPS climbed to fifth place in the table after returning to winning ways with a victory over struggling Selsey that
was more comfortable than the scoreline suggested at East Court on Saturday.
First half goals from Adam Dart and top scorer Steve Banks put Grinstead in control in their first County League
Division One home match for seven weeks.
And although Alan Morey pulled one back on 57 minutes, only the bravery of Selsey's young goalkeeper Rob Hill and
the woodwork denied Wasps further goals as they made it seven wins from the last eight league matches.
Kris Trevor in particular will still be wondering how he didn't add to his goal tally after being denied three times
in one-on-one situations by the brave Hill.
But no one was complaining afterwards as Wasps leapt above Hassocks, Arundel, who lost at home to Whitehawk and
Three Bridges, held to a goalless draw by Eastbourne Town, into fifth place.
Manager Bob Smith said: "We went 2-0 up after 33 minutes and everyone must have thought it was a case of how many
goals we would win by.
"But going forward Selsey were one of the better teams we've played this season and they caused us some problems.
When we broke we always looked a threat and with better finishing we would have had two or three more. It wasn't a
great performance by us, but winning without playing that well is a good habit to get into."
East Grinstead Town 2, Selsey 1
Smith was able to welcome back skipper Dave Gellatly, who missed last week's defeat by Rye & Iden due to injury,
and he had another influential afternoon in midfield.
Gellatly should have scored after seven minutes, but mis-kicked six yards out after a sweeping Grinstead move....... [More]
SKIPPER Dave Gellatly misses this Saturday's home match against Sidley (ko 3pm) as he serves a one-match ban for
accumulating five bookings. Lee Hanson could replace him in midfield providing he recovers from the foot injury
which has kept him out for the last two games. James Horner's unavailability could mean a first start since October
for Elvis Lynn who played well when coming on for the last 20 minutes on Saturday.
Wasps have already beaten Sidley twice, scoring four goals on both occasions, and Bob Smith is demanding another
good performance from his side.
"A top six finish is our aim which would be a tremendous achievement in our first season back in Division One,"
he said. "For that to happen we must maintain a high level of performance throughout the 90 minutes which we
lacked a bit on Saturday. We went 2-0 up and switched off and you can't afford to do that against some of the better
teams in this league of which Sidley are one."
Kevin Wright's appeal against the red card he received in the 3-1 home win over Sidlesham in December will be heard
next Monday.
Coming Up At East Court
Saturday February 21st (ko 3.00pm) - First Team v Sidley United
Saturday February 28th (ko 3.00pm) - Reserves v Hassocks
Wednesday March 3rd (ko 7.30pm) - Under-18s v Horsham
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| :: Monday, 9th February 2004 :: |
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THERE was more cause for celebration at East Court this week as Wasps reached their first cup final for 29 years.
A goal in each half from Kris Trevor and Steve Banks saw off second division Oakwood at Redhill's Kiln Brow ground
last Wednesday to book Grinstead's place in the final of the RUR Cup.
It was in the same competition that Wasps last reached a major final back in 1975 when they lost 4-1 to Haywards
Heath after taking the lead. Coach Dennis Moore was in the side that night and his son Steve will, injury
permitting, be in the team which faces either Three Bridges or Chichester in the final at Culver Road, Lancing on
Tuesday, March 23.
In the space of three days last week Grinstead climbed into the top six in County League Division One - their
highest position since finishing third in 1973 - won the team of the month award for January and then ended that
long wait for a cup final appearance.
It was a case of after the Lord Mayor's Show on Saturday though as Wasps went down 2-0 at Rye & Iden United,
their first league defeat since November 7th following six successive Division One wins.
But boss Bob Smith wasn't too disappointed as he reflected on a momentous week for the club.
He said: "The club is absolutely buzzing at the moment and I was so proud of our performance against Oakwood.
"They tried to intimidate us but we kept our cool and scored two quality goals. I'm so proud of the players and so
pleased for everyone at the club and our supporters.
"Twenty-nine years is a long wait for a cup final but we will enjoy the occasion whoever it's against. But we will
be going there to win, no one remembers the beaten finalists and I'm determined that we have something to show for
our efforts this season."
Oakwood 0, East Grinstead Town 2
On an eventful night at Redhill, Grinstead got the perfect start with a goal after 57 seconds. Banks played Trevor
into space down the left and he raced into the box and chipped Oaks' goalkeeper Neil Burling, the ball going in off
the far post despite Ben King's desperate attempt to clear....... [More]
Rye & Iden Utd 2, East Grinstead Town 0
WASPS were brought back down to earth on Saturday and they could have few complaints about the 2-0 defeat by a Rye
& Iden side who look capable of mounting a late challenge for the County League title....... [More]
SKIPPER Dave Gellatly sits out this Saturday's home game against Selsey (3pm) - Grinstead's league first match at
East Court for six weeks - because of a suspension incurred for collecting five cautions.
Manager Bob Smith is likely to keep changes to a minimum but he had some more good news this week when midfielder
Matt Thorpe resumed training.
Thorpe damaged his ankle in pre-season and had an operation in November.
"Matt's return is great news," said Smith. "He has been our leading goalscorer from midfield for the past
couple of seasons and will be a great addition to the squad for the run-in.
"I hope his injury problems are behind him because when he gets fit Matt will be a great addition to our squad."
East Grinstead Town Reserves 1, Uckfield Town 2
The Reserves lost in the Quarter-Final of the Mid Sussex Charity Cup to County Division Three team, Uckfield Town.
The game started very well for Town who were on top in the early exchanges....... [More]
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| :: Thursday 5th February 2004 :: |
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Our first cup final for 29 years!
WASPS have ended their long wait to reach a major cup final. They will meet either Three Bridges or Chichester in
the final of the RUR Cup next month after booking their place with a 2-0 win over second division Oakwood at Redhill
FC on Wednesday night.
Kris Trevor gave Grinstead a dream start with a neatly taken goal inside the first minute and victory was secured
on 82 minutes when Steve Banks headed home Adam Dart's free kick.
Oakwood had Gerry Manville sent off for head-butting Drew Cooney in the last minute.
Manager Bob Smith said: "It's a fantastic achievement to reach our first final since 1975, but it will mean so
much more if we go on and win it.
"The players were superb, especially in the second half when we settled down and kept the ball a lot better. I would
also like to thank our many supporters who gave us such great support."
Grinstead: Tidy; Hearn, Wright, Thompson, Cooney, Moore, Horner (sub: Dunstan 85), Gellatly (sub: Hanson 61),
Banks, Trevor, Dart. Unused subs: Whibley (gk), Burns, Simpson.
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| :: Monday 2nd February 2004 :: |
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EAST Grinstead Town's outstanding performances in recent weeks have been recognised by the Sussex County League.
Bob Smith's men have won six Division One matches in a row for the first time in over 50 years and have been beaten
just once in the last 13 league and cup games.
So it was no surprise when Wasps were named team of the month for January on Monday.
Smith said: "It's great news and reflects the hard work everyone at the club does - the players, my backroom
staff and our hardworking committee members."
There was more good news for Grinstead this week when they climbed two places to sixth in the table without kicking
a ball.
Rivals St Leonards, who beat them 4-0 at East Court in September, have resigned from the league because of crippling
debts which have forced the club to close.
Their records have been expunged which means Wasps above Rye & Iden and Three Bridges.
Wasps visit Rye on Saturday (3pm), but before then their energies are focussed on Wednesday night's RUR Cup
semi-final against Oakwood at Redhill FC (7.45pm).
Grinstead haven't reached a major final since 1975 and Smith is desperate to put that right.
He said: "We have had some hard games with Oakwood in the past and this will be no different, even though they
are a second division side. We will need to be as good as we have been in recent weeks to get a result."
Wasps should be at full-strength although skipper Dave Gellatly is having treatment on a sore foot while Lee Hanson
(ankle) remains a doubt.
Luke Dunstan, who missed last Tuesday's Senior Cup replay against Three Bridges because of work commitments, returns
to the squad as does striker Kris Trevor who was cup-tied against Bridges.
Gellatly starts a one-week ban for accumulating five bookings on Monday and he will miss the home game against
Selsey on February 14.
East Grinstead Town 1, Three Bridges 3 - on Penalties
Smith preferred to look on the positive side after watching his team lose 3-1 on penalties against Three Bridges
after the match had finished 0-0 after extra time last Tuesday....... [More]
Coming Up At East Court
Saturday February 7th (3.00pm) - Reserves v Uckfield Town
Monday February 9th (7.30pm) - Under-18s v Chessington & Hook
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| :: Monday, 26th January 2004 :: |
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STEVE Banks made an impressive return to form with an eight-minute hat-trick as Wasps equalled a club record which
has stood since 1953.
A sixth sucessive win in County League Division One is their best sequence for over 50 years and it was never in
doubt against a Shoreham side with just one league win all season and seemingly destined for relegation.
Manager Bob Smith tinkered with his formation by playing three up front, but even after such a handsome win it is
hard to say whether it was a success.
With other players looking to support the forwards and get amongst the goals themselves, the visitors were often
left short-handed in midfield and they might have been punished by better sides than Shoreham who, to their credit,
never gave up.
Wasps have now won ten out of the last 12 in league and cup, but Banks had failed to score in five games since
netting twice against Hailsham before Christmas so his hat-trick, the second in the league by a Grinstead player
this season, gave his manager particular pleasure.
Smith said: "That was Steve at his best. He's been on the bench a few times recently and it can be hard to get
into a game when you come on as a sub.
"But he got 90 minutes under his belt last Tuesday and looked a lot sharper as a result on Saturday. He worked
really hard and deserved his goals. It's made my job harder but it's a nice problem to have.
"Steve, Kris Trevor and Adam Simpson have all done well up front and Ben Burns and John Richardson are scoring goals
in the reserves. We've got lots of options and that's what you want as a manager."
Shoreham 1, East Grinstead Town 5
Grinstead's biggest away win in Division One since 1968 was never really in doubt after defender Drew Cooney had
scored his third goal in a week on 17 minutes. It was a replica of the previous two as he met a corner from Phil
Thompson with a thumping close range header....... [More]
GRINSTEAD finished Saturday's match with ten men after Lee Hanson limped off with a foot injury, although manager
Bob Smith was hoping he would be available for Tuesday night's Senior Cup third round replay with Three Bridges.
The sides drew 2-2 last Tuesday with Drew Cooney and Dave Gellatly, who took the game into extra time with a 90th
minute equaliser, on target for Wasps.
Wasps have no match this weekend because goalkeeper Dave Tidy is with the Sussex squad in Jersey for their SW
Counties Championship match.
But they return to action on Wednesday week (Feb 4) at Redhill FC in the semi-final of the RUR Cup against second
division Oakwood when Grinstead will be bidding to reach their first major final since 1975. Kick off is 7.45pm.
Their next league game is away to Rye & Iden United on February 7, kick off 3.00pm.
East Grinstead Town Reserves 4, Whitehawk Reserves 0
The Reserves kept their good league form going with a comfortable win against Whitehawk. The win puts them up to 5th
place in the County Premier Reserve League and they have games in hand on those above them.
Town got off to the perfect start when a mistake by the Whitehawk keeper after a couple of minutes gifted John
Richardson a tap in goal....... [More]
Coming Up At East Court
Wednesday January 28th (7.30pm) - Under-18s v Epsom & Ewell
Monday February 2nd (7.30pm) - Under-18s v Chessington & Hook
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| :: Wednesday, 21st January 2004 :: |
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Three Bridges 2, East Grinstead Town 2
WASPS stretched their unbeaten run to seven games after skipper Dave Gellatly kept their Senior Cup hopes alive with
a 90th minute equaliser in last night's (Tuesday) third round tie at the Jubilee Field.
Gellatly took the tie into extra time when he met Phil Thompson's corner with a thumping close range header....... [More]
The replay is next Tuesday (27th January) at East Court, kick off 7.15pm.
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| :: Monday, 19th January 2004 :: |
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GRINSTEAD'S season gets better and better after they chalked up a fifth successive win in the County League's top
flight at fifth-placed Arundel on Saturday - the first time that has happened since January 1974.
Another outstanding team performance by Bob Smith's men was topped off by first goals of the season for Lee Hanson
and Drew Cooney and two more for the rejuvenated Kris Trevor who now has three in two games since returning to East
Court from Three Bridges.
The spine of the team - goalkeeper Dave Tidy, defender Steve Moore, skipper Dave Gellatly and Trevor - was again
strong at Mill Road, but Smith rightly reserved special praise for some of the unsung heroes who have helped
Grinstead win nine out of their last ten in league and cup.
He said: "I was so pleased for Drew and Lee who got their first goals this season. Their workrate and commitment
epitomise what we are about at the moment while Luke scored an absolute cracker from 25 yards - I don't even think
he thought he could score a goal like that!
"It was one of the best wins we have had since I took over six years ago. Arundel beat the leaders Chichester away
a fortnight ago and are a side with a genuine chance of winning the title. But we thoroughly deserved the win, I
suppose the only criticism you could make is that we gave away two sloppy goals from set-pieces, but the rest of our
defending was good."
Arundel 3, East Grinstead Town 5
Wasps are flying at the moment and Trevor gave them the perfect start with a goal inside the opening minute.
Arundel's defence gave him too much space to collect Gellatly's angled pass and ghost past Rob Grove before firing
into the far corner from 10 yards....... [More]
WASPS have the chance to record six successive top flight wins for the first time in over 50 years on Saturday when
they visit bottom of the table Shoreham (3pm), but Smith will make sure there is no complacency from his side at
Middle Road, a ground where their recent record is not good.
He said: "We're eighth now and five more points should make us safe which was our only objective this season.
Then we can start aiming for the top six. We must go to Shoreham with the right attitude because it will be another
hard game."
Kris Trevor missed Tuesday's Sussex Senior Cup third round tie at Three Bridges because he was cup-tied, but he will
return to the squad at Middle Road. Grant Hearn, who has been missing for nine weeks after having an operation to
improve his vision, made his comeback in the reserves on Saturday and was due to be included in the squad against
Bridges.
But Dave Stares (ankle) is still having treatment and there is mixed news of Wasps' long-term injury victims. Dave
Garrett will have an exploratory knee operation before the end of the month after breaking down in training last
week when he was on the verge of a comeback after ten weeks on the sidelines.
But midfielder Matt Thorpe is due to return to training in November after an ankle operation in November.
East Grinstead Town Reserves 3, Barcombe 2
The Reserves progressed to the quarter-final stages of the Mid Sussex Senior Charity Cup when they defeated Barcombe
from the Mid Sussex Premier Division. Town started confidently and created a number of half chances in the first 20
minutes. However, their early domination failed to provide a goal and it was the visitors that took the lead after
30 minutes....... [More]
Coming Up At East Court
Wednesday January 21st (7.30pm) - Under-18s v Epsom & Ewell
Saturday January 24th (3.00pm) - Reserves v Whitehawk
Sunday January 25th (2.00pm) - Ladies v Lordswood
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| :: Monday, 12th January 2004 :: |
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WASPS came from a goal down to book their place in the semi-finals of the Sussex County RUR Cup after making it
eight wins in nine games at the Beaconsfield on Saturday.
Their third victory over Hailsham this season was achieved the hard way after the home side deservedly took a
first-half lead and were only denied further goals by the agility of Grinstead 'keeper Dave Tidy.
But it was a different story after the break and a memorable return to the club for Kris Trevor.
The striker returned to East Court on Friday after an unhappy three-month spell with Three Bridges and celebrated by
grabbing Grinstead's 54th minute equaliser. Further goals from Adam Dart - his first at senior level - and skipper
Dave Gellatly earned their side a home semi-final against second division Oakwood next month.
Victory rounded off a great few days for manager Bob Smith who is delighted to have Trevor back on board.
He said: "We have done brilliantly in the last few weeks, but Kris is a quality player and we're thrilled he's
back with us.
"When he came on at half-time he gave the whole side a lift and I suppose it was written in the script that he would
get us back in the game. In the first half we were poor, we lacked a spark and struggled on what was a very boggy
pitch.
"But once we equalised we got stronger and stronger and I don't think they could have any complaints about the
result. Oakwood is going to be a very hard match in the semi-final and we will show them every respect, but we will
be at home and there is no bigger incentive for us than to get the club into a major final for the first time since
1975."
Trevor and Steve Banks were kept on the bench as Smith stuck with Adam Simpson and James Horner up front in the
first half. But there was no cutting edge to the visitors in the first half and they were fortunate that Hailsham
weren't out of sight by half-time.
Hailsham Town 1, East Grinstead Town 3
The home side's policy of getting the ball forward quickly and turning Grinstead's defenders earned them a 21st
minute lead when Nick Barden's shot from the edge of the box flew into the bottom corner with Tidy wrong-footed....... [More]
GRINSTEAD face a stern test at high-flying Arundel in County League Division One on Saturday (3pm) as they look to
extend their winning run to six games.
Dave Stares is having treatment for the ankle injury which forced him to miss Saturday's win while boss Bob Smith
has an interesting selection dilemma after Kris Trevor and Steve Banks came off the bench to spark their side into
life at Hailsham.
GRINSTEAD'S third team are through to the quarter-finals of the Sussex Junior Cup after beating Billingshurst 2-0 at
East Court on Saturday.
Coming Up At East Court
Saturday January 17th (3.00pm) - Reserves v Barcombe
Wednesday January 21st (7.30pm) - Under-18s v Epsom & Ewell
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| :: Friday, 9th January 2004 :: |
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WASPS began the new year as they ended the old with another impressive victory as their climb up the first division
table continued.
A fourth successive league win - Wasps' best sequence in the County League's top flight since October 1974 - came on
Saturday when two goals from Adam Simpson helped secure a league double over YM and their first win at Gorings Mead
for nearly 30 years.
Grinstead had to defend stoutly in a thoroughly entertaining game against a YM side who twice fought back from
two-goal deficits. But the visitors, whose confidence is sky-high at the moment, worked tirelessly to make it six
wins in their last seven league games.
Simpson's double, which took his personal tally to four in three games, also vindicated manager Bob Smith's decision
to leave top scorer Steve Banks on the bench. Smith's only changes came in defence where Dave Stares, who limped off
in the second half with a recurrence of his long-standing ankle injury, and Luke Dunstan replaced Michael Turville
and the indisposed Drew Cooney respectively.
Dave Garrett, missing since November 1 with knee trouble, resumes training this week and Cooney will be back in
contention for Saturday's trip to Hailsham in the quarter-final of the RUR Cup (3pm). Wasps have won both league
games against the Stringers this season, but they will need to reproduce their current level of performance if they
are to reach the last four.
Horsham YMCA 2, East Grinstead Town 3
For the third game running Grinstead made the ideal start when they went in front after four minutes. Phil
Thompson's low, driven cross from the right ricocheted off a YM defender into the path of Simpson who buried a low
shot into the bottom corner from 15 yards....... [More]
Coming Up At East Court
Saturday January 10th (3.00pm) - Reserves v Hassocks
Wednesday January 14th (7.30pm) - Under-18s v Tooting & Mitcham
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| :: Thursday, 1st January 2004 :: |
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Due to an electrical fire at the ground, Saturday’s Reserve Premier Division fixture against Horsham YMCA has had to
be postponed. It is hoped that power will be restored next week so that the Reserves’ 4th Round Challenge Cup match
against Hassocks on 10th January can go ahead as scheduled.
We have not been able to establish the cause of the fire which completely burnt out the meter feeding the
clubhouse. Despite this blow, we wish all our supporters and friends a Happy New Year.
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| :: Monday, 29th December 2003 :: |
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WASPS ended a year to remember with a suitable flourish by securing their fifth win in their last six Sussex County
League games in Saturday's local derby at Kilnbrow.
The game was as good as won after just 22 minutes by which time Grinstead had raced into a 3-0 lead, all this
despite the absence of top scorer Steve Banks because of flu.
Redhill, to their credit, piled on the pressure either side of half-time and things might have been interesting had
they been able to add to Matt Dean's 53rd minute goal. But Wasps battened down the hatches to secure a victory which
lifts them into the top half of the first division table for the first time since September.
Delighted boss Bob Smith said: "Some of the football we played in the first half hour was superb and our
finishing matched it.
"We didn't start the second half very well and Redhill, to their credit, threw everything they had at us. But once
we'd subdued the threat they were posing in wide areas we looked quite comfortable. We're on a good run at the
moment and the lads are full of confidence. Long may it continue."
Grinstead open 2004 with a trip to Horsham YMCA on Saturday (3pm) and Smith admits it will be hard change a winning
side even though Banks, Dave Stares and Luke Dunstan should all be available.
"We still have Sam Stratton and Dave Garrett to come back as well which means we have more and more options,"
added Smith. "As long as we can steer clear of injuries there's no reason why we can't keep on climbing the table
in the second half of the season."
Reshill 1, East Grinstead Town 3
Wasps got the perfect start at Redhill by scoring with less than two minutes on the clock. Lee Hanson spread the
play from left to right and Phil Thompson's far post cross was headed home by Dave Gellatly, the captain's fifth
goal in his last seven matches....... [More]
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| :: Monday, 22nd December 2003 :: |
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CHRISTMAS came early for Grinstead's players and supporters on Saturday as they enjoyed their best win in the County
League's top flight for 25 years.
A fourth Division One victory in the last five games has lifted Bob Smith's men up to 11th in the table and put them
in good heart for Saturday's local derby at Kiln Brow against Redhill (3pm) after Wasps completed a league double
over a side whom they meet again next month in the quarter-final of the RUR Cup.
Smith said: "It was a terrific performance although Dave Tidy made a good save just after half-time when it was
2-1 which proved crucial.
"Once we got the third goal we relaxed and some of our football in the last 30 minutes was terrific."
Referee Grant Smith only passed the East Court pitch fit at 2pm after a morning of heavy rain, but the excellent
drainage had done its work again and Grinstead demonstrated once again why they prefer it when the going is a bit
heavy.
"Players like Dave Gellatly love it when there is some give in the ground, he comes into his own and he's not the
only one," said Smith.
"Steve Moore has made a big difference since he came back into defence and I like the way Kevin Wright and Adam
Dart are dovetailing down our left-hand side.
"It was a great win, but we're not getting carried away. I see the Hassocks' manager said on Saturday that they only
need two more points to reach 40 and be sure of staying up - and they are third in the table!
"That's our objective. We must be in this division next season, but if we keep playing as we are perhaps we can set
our sights a little higher."
East Grinstead Town 5, Hailsham 1
Grinstead made a blistering start and were 2-0 ahead after 11 minutes.
Banks opened the scoring on eight minutes, finishing from close range after Dave Gellatly had fired the ball across
the face of goal following a quickly taken free-kick....... [More]
WASPS will have to make one change to their defence for Saturday's trip to Redhill with Dave Stares unavailable.
Luke Dunstan or Michael Turville are the likely replacement.
The games involving Grinstead's reserve and third teams were postponed on Saturday.
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| :: Tuesday, 16th December 2003 :: |
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East Grinstead Town 3, Sidlesham 1
Wasps looked the more dangerous side in the first half on Saturday, but they had to wait until the 48th minute
before going in front when Phil Thompson's inswinging corner from the right flew past a startled Kearns and inside
the far post.
It was just the confidence boost Wasps needed and either side of the double sending-off, Adam Simpson and Thompson
squandered good opportunites to increase the lead....... [More]
GRINSTEAD boss Bob Smith is considering using video evidence to try and rescind the red card shown to Kevin Wright
during Saturday's eventful league win over Sidlesham at East Court.
Wright and the visitors' Ben Johnson were both sent off after a 63rd minute scuffle by referee Darren Eaton.
Smith said: "Their guy pushed his head towards Kevin but he didn't retaliate. Fortunately someone was videoing
the game and has got the incident on tape and we will use that if necessary to try and show that the referee made a
mistake, otherwise Kevin will be banned."
Sidlesham finished with nine men after Glen Bridgeman got his marching orders for deliberate handball as Wasps moved
up to 12th place in Division One after their third league win in four starts.
It came ten minutes from time after Bridgeman was rightly dismissed for handling Steve Banks' shot on the line.
Dave Gellatly's penalty was saved by Byron Kearns, but Mr Eaton ruled it had to be re-taken because Bridgeman hadn't
made his way off the pitch. Gellatly made no mistake second time around and 2-0 down with nine men, there was no way
back for the visitors.
Smith added: "I felt sorry for their manager because it was the referee's fault that the player who had been sent
off wasn't off the pitch.
"It was very eventful, but we deserved to win. They have got two of the best strikers in the league so to restrict
them to just a consolation in injury time was superb."
Smith brought back fit again Steve Moore for his first game of the season alongside Dave Stares and shifted Sam
Stratton to rightback. Moore's steadying influence has been badly missed by Grinstead in the first half of the
season and his manager was delighted with his performance.
"Steve made a big difference," he added. "He organises us so well. I don't think we realise how much we
have missed him and that is not a criticism of anyone else."
Neither Stares or Stratton are available for Saturday's home game with Hailsham (3pm) so Drew Cooney and Luke
Dunstan are likely to be drafted into the starting line-up.
Grinstead should have completed the signing of Ben Burns from Three Bridges by then, but Burns - last season's top
scorer - will get his fitness back in the reserves before he is considered for first team duty.
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| :: Thursday, 11th December 2003 :: |
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East Grinstead Town 0, East Preston 3
WASPS gave as good as they got for an hour against Championship contenders East Preston on Saturday before the
visitors completed the double over Bob Smith's men with three goals in the last 28 minutes.
It ended a run of three successive wins for Grinstead, but Smith was still encouraged by his side's performance....... [More]
BOB Smith is planning a couple of changes for Saturday's important home game against Sidlesham at East Court (3pm).
Adam Dart (illness) and James Horner (work) both missed the 3-0 defeat by East Preston but will return to the squad.
Steve Moore will have steped up his comeback by playing in a friendly against Combined Counties League side Godalming &
Guildford at East Court on Wednesday evening.
Luke Dunstan is having treatment for an ankle injury but he may also have a run out while striker John Richardson,
who had his first taste of Division One football as a second half substitute on Saturday, will get another
opportunity to press his claims for a place alongside top scorer Steve Banks.
"Sam Stratton and Dave Stares are missing some of the Christmas games so it will be good to have Steve (Moore)
back in the fold by then," said Smith.
"The friendly gives me the opportunity to try one or two things, it should be a good workout for the squad."
Wasps beat Sidlesham in the Senior Cup last month and a repeat win on Saturday would give them some breathing space
in a congested mid-table in County League Division One.
"It's a very important game. We have two home matches before Christmas and I will be looking for maximum
points," added Smith.
Yapton 2, East Grinstead Town Reserves 0
The Reserves bowed out of the Sussex Intermediate Cup to Yapton from the West Sussex Premier League with a display
which can best be forgotten. Two early first half goals settled the Cup tie in a match where the Reserves put in a
very lethagic performance....... [More]
Coming Up At East Court
Saturday December 13th (3.00pm) - First team v Sidlesham
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| :: Tuesday, 2nd December 2003 :: |
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EAST Grinstead Town boss Bob Smith is hoping a run of home games can help his side continue their climb up the
County League table.
Wasps have three successive matches at East Court before Christmas with East Preston the visitors on Saturday (3pm)
followed by Sidlesham and Hailsham.
Smith's side made it four wins out of the last five in league and cup last Tuesday with a hard-fought 1-0 home
verdict over Horsham YMCA coming three days after they had won 4-2 at Sidley to record their first Division One win
for two months.
He said: "There are 12 clubs seperated by 11 points which shows just how tight the league is this season.
"We are 15th, but a couple of wins and we could be in the top eight which is why it's important to make the most of
your home games."
A repeat of the spirit and energetic performance which characterised the victory over YM will be needed against
third-placed East Preston who beat Wasps 2-1 when the sides met on the coast in November.
But Grinstead did beat EP 3-2 in a cup tie in October and they have only lost once in 12 meetings at East Court.
Smith is likely to name an unchanged team with new signing Sam Stratton continuing alongside Dave Stares in the
centre of defence, but his selection options are improving all the time.
Kevin Wright continued his comeback from a groin problem in the reserves' 6-2 League Cup win over St Francis on
Saturday and Steve Moore, out since the start of the season with a knee problem, played the second half as he
started the comeback trail.
Midfielder Matt Thorpe had an operation to repair damaged ankle ligaments last week but he won't be back in training
for another three months. Dave Garrett (knee) should be back in a month's time.
"Things are definitely improving on the injury front," said Smith.
"We've added to the squad with the signing of Sam Stratton and now we are gradually getting everyone fit and
available.
"We need competition for places in every position. It makes my job hard when I come to choose the side, but it's a
nice problem to have."
Saturday's league game at Arundel was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch so Smith ran the rule over the
reserves who beat St Francis 6-2 in the League Cup.
Richard Houghton, a midfielder who has moved into the area after playing in the Wessex League for Bemerton Heath
Harlequins, scored his first goal for the club in his second appearance and Smith said he was impressed with the
performances of three youth team players: midfielder James Upton, who also netted, defender Michael Turville and
Adam Currier who came off the bench to score twice.
"The youngsters were very impressive and it is good to see boys from the youth team coming into senior football
and acquiting themselves well," added Smith.
East Grinstead Town Reserves 6, St Francis Rangers Reserves 2
Another Cup win for Town as they progressed into the Quarter Finals of the County Reserve Section Cup. Town had the
best start possible when Scott Woolley opened the scoring after one minute....... [More]
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| :: Thursday, 27th November 2003 :: |
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East Grinstead Town 1, Horsham YMCA 0
WASPS recorded their second league win in three days after a hard-fought success on Tuesday at East Court, their
first over YMCA for 11 years.
A tightly fought contest was settled in the 24th minute when YM defender Tim Brown, under pressure from Steve Banks,
lobbed his own keeper James Plumley from the edge of the box....... [More]
WASPS expect to be unchanged for Saturday's trip to Arundel although James Horner will need treatment on an Achilles
injury which forced him off at half-time last night.
Meanwhile midfielder Matt Thorpe has an operation today on the ankle ligament injury which has kept him out all
season. Matt hopes to be back in training in three months time.
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| :: Thursday, 27th November 2003 :: |
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Sidley United 2, East Grinstead Town 4
WASPS made it three wins from their last four games with their first league success for nearly two months at the
Gullivers on Saturday.
Bob Smith's men came from behind to win an entertaining County League Division One tussle with two goals in the
second half....... [More]
GRINSTEAD stay 16th despite Saturday's 4-2 win over Sidley, but in the most open County League for years 12 teams
are seperated by just 12 points and manager Bob Smith is hoping that his side can use this result as a springboard
for a climb up the table.
He said: "The spirit and determination on Saturday couldn't be faulted. We have one or two lads coming back from
injury to increase competition for places so I'd like to think we have turned the corner."
New signing Scott Stratton was due to make his home debut on Tuesday as Wasps entertained Horsham YMCA in their
first home match since October 29.
Grinstead visit high-flying Arundel on Saturday (3pm) and should have young striker Jordan Leatherdale, who was
unavailable at the weekend, back in the squad.
Kevin Wright played his first game since October 29 in the reserves on Saturday and felt no effects of the groin
injury which has troubled him for much of the season.
But Smith has cooled in his interest in Oakwood defender Mo Shuga'a while seven-day approaches for two strikers have
drawn a blank.
Smith said: "We are always looking to add to the squad and Scott Stratton is a good signing for us.
"He's very vocal and organises us well which is something which we have lacked. He had an ankle injury at the start
of the season and can't get back into the Godalming & Guildford team, but once he gets match fit he will be a
big asset for us."
East Grinstead Town Reserves 3, Trumpton Town 1
The Reserves recorded another Cup Victory as they progressed to the 3rd Round of the Mid Sussex Senior Charity Cup.
Town were always the more dominant side and if they had taken more of their chances they would have won comfortably....... [More]
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| :: Monday, 17th November 2003 :: |
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Sidlesham 0, East Grinstead Town 2
LOCAL rivals Three Bridges await Grinstead in the last 16 of the Sussex Senior Cup after Wasps enjoyed a thoroughly
deserved second round triumph over Sidlesham on Saturday.
Steve Banks scored his tenth goal of the season to put the visitors in control just before half-time and Dave
Gellatly made the game safe in the last minute from the penalty spot after the impressive Banks had been fouled.
Just as importantly was a second clean sheet in three games, achieved without the influential Dave Stares who was
unavailable because of family commitments....... [More]
GRINSTEAD hope to sign leftback Mo Shuga'a (CRRT) from second division Oakwood in time for Saturday's league trip to
Sidley United (3pm), a side Wasps thrashed 4-0 in the Senior Cup earlier in the season.
Smith said: "I was impressed with Mo when we played Oakwood last season. I'm always looking for players who will
improve our squad and give it more depth and he fits the bill.
"Sidley is a crucial game for us. They have improved a lot since we played them in the league and it is a hard place
to get a result.
"But so is Sidlesham and we did that on Saturday so we will go there with confidence."
On the injury front, Dave Garrett will be out until Christmas because of the knee injury he suffered nearly three
weeks ago while fellow defender Kevin Wright (groin) is still at least a week away from a return.
Dave Stares returns to the squad this weekend.
Grinstead play their only home match of the month next Tuesday (25th) when they entertain Horsham YMCA, kick off
7.30pm
East Grinstead Town Reserves 6, Rye & Iden Reserves 3
This was an important win for the Reserves which lifts them to fourth place in the Reserve Section Premier
Division. However, the game did not start well for Town as they let the visitors dictate the first 10 minutes....... [More]
Coming Up At East Court
Wednesday November 19th (7.30pm) - Under-18s v Crawley Town
Saturday November 22nd (3.00pm) - Reserves v Trumpton Town
Tuesday November 25th (7.30pm) - First team v Horsham YMCA
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| :: Wednesday, 12th November 2003 :: |
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Hassocks 3, East Grinstead Town 1
A second half fightback failed to prevent Wasps from suffering a sixth successive league defeat on their first
visit to Hassocks' Beacon ground on Friday....... [More]
Manager Bob Smith must have hoped his side had turned the corner after last Tuesday's 1-0 win at Redhill sealed a
quarter-final place in the RUR Cup.
But Wasps were back to their benevolent worst in defence when individual errors meant they largely contributed to
their own downfall against a hardworking Hassocks side.
Trailing 2-0 with an hour played, the introduction of Dave Stares, who was held up in traffic and didn't arrive
until 8pm, and Andrew Twinn from the bench finally helped Grinstead build some attacking momentum.
Steve Banks scored his ninth goal of the season and the visitors threatened to equalise, but Hassocks sealed victory
with an injury time third.
Smith said: "We can't have any complaints about the result over the 90 minutes.
"We had a good spell at the start and when we were 2-0 down, but mistakes are crucifying us at the moment. We might
have got away with them last season in Division Two, but not at this level."
Of the four sides below them in the table only Redhill won so the damage to Grinstead's league position was not too
great.
And by the time they return to league action on Saturday week Smith hopes to have one or two new faces in his squad.
"There are some irons in the fire and hopefully we can freshen things up in the next week or so," he added.
The absence of defenders Kevin Wright, Dave Garrett and Steve Moore through injury is being keenly felt though and
this is the part of the team which Smith may consider priority as he tries to improve his squad.
But Wasps desperately need to find a foil for Banks up front. Phil Thompson was the third different striker tried
in as many games, but he made little impression against Hassocks and ended the match with his forehead swathed in
bandages after a clash of heads in the second half.
GRINSTEAD are away to Sidlesham in the third round of the Sussex Senior Cup on Saturday, kick off 3pm.
Defenders Dave Stares and Luke Dunstan, who missed the Hassocks game through work commitments, are likely to return
to the starting line-up.
Royal & Sun Alliance 1, East Grinstead Town Reserves 2
The Reserves successfully negotiated this potentially tricky second round tie in the Sussex Intermediate Cup. The
first half saw Town have plenty of possession and territory but without putting the home keeper under any pressure....... [More]
Coming Up At East Court
Saturday November 15th (3.00pm) - Reserves v Sidley United
Wednesday November 19th (7.30pm) - Under-18s v Crawley Town
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| :: Wednesday, 5th November 2003 :: |
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Redhill 0, East Grinstead Town 1
WASPS returned to winning ways after three successive defeats to book their place in the quarter-finals of the
Sussex RUR Cup after a hard-fought win at Kiln Brow on Tuesday night.
Skipper Dave Gellatly capped an impressive display by scoring the winner on 33 minutes when he beat former Grinstead
keeper Scott Kenward with a low, angled drive after Drew Cooney flicked on Grant Hearn's deep free-kick....... [More]
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| :: Tuesday, 4th November 2003 :: |
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East Preston 2, East Grinstead Town 1
WASPS are hovering uncomfortably close to the first division relegation zone after suffering their first ever
defeat at East Preston on Saturday.
Grinstead got the perfect start with a second minute goal by Steve Banks, but in the end they could have no
complaints about the outcome. Both sides were fairly evenly matched except in the final third where EP goalscorers
Lee Farrell and Matt Huckett were a constant threat....... [More]
WASPS' defender Dave Garrett is a doubt for tonight's (Tuesday) RUR Cup third round tie at Redhill because of the
twisted knee he suffered in Saturday's 2-1 defeat at East Preston.
But fellow defender Dave Stares was expected to return against his old club while Steve Moore, out since early
August with a knee problem, is due to make his comeback in the reserves on Saturday.
There is also better news of midfielder Phil Thompson who was back in the squad on Tuesday after missing eight games
with an achilles problem.
Manager Bob Smith is hoping to add to his squad in the next week or so. Official approaches have been made for four
players and another is expected to be submitted this week.
He said: "We're going through a sticky patch at the moment, but I am doing all I can to bring in new faces to
freshen up the side and there could be some movement in that regard by the end of the week.
"We have had some bad luck with injuries, but at the moment we lack experience in some important positions and that
is a problem I am trying to address.
"I still think that with a full-strength squad we are capable of a top six finish in what is a very tight league,
but we need to bring in a player or two to give the whole club a lift."
Grinstead are back in league action on Friday when they visit Hassocks (ko 7.45pm).
East Grinstead Town Reseves 6, Bexhill Reserves 0
The Reseves comfortably negotiated Bexhill in the County Reserve Section Cup at East Court with a six goal spree.
With Jordan Leatherdale making his first start for the Reserves he could not have made a more positive start....... [More]
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| :: Monday, 27th October 2003 :: |
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EAST Grinstead Town boss Bob Smith is on the lookout for a new striker after Kris Trevor left East Court and signed#
for County League division one rivals Three Bridges.
Trevor, who scored seven goals in 14 games this season, is the second Grinstead player to join Bridges in the last
month following the departure of last season's top scorer Ben Burns.
Smith said: "I spoke to Kris early last week and he told me he would be staying, but by Friday he had changed his
mind.
"It was a big shock to everyone at the club and very disappointing. Kris was happy here, but Bridges are going for
the title and he wanted to give it a go there."
Smith is sizing up several potential replacements but there won't be any new faces in the squad before Saturday's
league trip to East Preston (3pm).
Wasps badly need to maintain their unbeaten record at EP following Saturday's 3-0 home defeat by unbeaten leaders
Chichester City United meant they slipped to 16th in Division One, their lowest position so far this season.
With Trevor gone, Smith paired Adam Simpson with top scorer Steve Banks but they made little impression against the
best side seen at East Court this season.
Smith said: "We need someone who is mobile and good in the box to feed off Steve in the same way that Kris did
and hopefully we can get him either from outside or within the club."
One player expected to get an opportunity soon is the youth team's top scorer Jordan Leatherdale. The 18-year-old,
who was on Crystal Palace's books, has played for Sussex Schools U-19s this season and made his reserve team debut
as a second half substitute on Saturday.
He will play a full game for the reserves this weekend and may soon find himself fast-tracked into the first team
squad.
Smith added: "There are some good young players coming through including Jordan and they may get their chance
soon. I've heard good reports about Jordan and I'm sure he wouldn't be overawed by first team football."
There was some good news for Smith when Banks himself turned down an approach from Ringmer on Friday.
But the manager is only too aware that Grinstead, one of the few clubs in the league who do not pay their players,
are fallible to clubs with big budgets.
He added: "It is something as a club we are going to have to address at some stage in the future, but I still
believe we have the squad here to do well, especially if we can strengthen the team with a new face or two."
Kevin Wright suffered a recurrence of the thigh strain which kept him out for two games late on against Chichester
and he is doubtful for Saturday's match and next Tuesday's RUR Cup third round tie at Redhill (8pm).
But Phil Thompson is ready to return after missing eight games with an Achilles injury following a successful
run-out in the reserves on Saturday.
East Grinstead Town 0, Chichester City United 3
A SPIRITED second half display against the unbeaten league leaders at least meant a traumatic week for Wasps' boss
Bob Smith ended on an optimistic note.
East Court was still buzzing with the news of Kris Trevor's departure at kick-off but by the end the home fans were
ready to acknowledge that there is life after Trevor....... [More]
Coming Up At East Court
Saturday November 2nd (3.00pm) - Reserves v Bexhill Town
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| :: Monday, 20th October 2003 :: |
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Selsey 3, East Grinstead Town 0
WASPS were again without half a team through injury and suspension on Saturday, but manager Bob Smith refused to use
that as an excuse for their poor performance on the south coast.
Instead he admitted to a tactical mistake of his own which was only rectified after Grinstead went 2-0 down and were
heading for their fifth league defeat of the season....... [More]
BOB SMITH should have a trio of important players available on Saturday when Wasps face one of their toughest games
of the season.
County League leaders Chichester City United come to East Court with the only unbeaten record in Division One
(ko 3.00pm), but skipper Dave Gellatly and Adam Dart should be fit to return while Dave Garrett is available again
after suspension.
Smith said: "They are going well but there's no reason at home why we can't give them a real test. It will be
nice to have one or two more players available because competition for places is vital and one or two players need
to know that their place isn't guaranteed.
"We need to sharpen up in all areas of the pitch and I will be making that point to the players this week at
training."
Meanwhile goalkeeper Dave Tidy was an unused substitute for Sussex when they won 1-0 against RAF at Uxbridge last
week.
Tidy was the first Grinstead player to get a call-up for the county in over a decade.
Smith said: "Dave has been very consistent this season and this honour reflects well on him and the club."
East Grinstead Town Reserves 3, Cowfold 1
The Reserves faced Cowfold from the Premier Division of the West Sussex League in the Mid Sussex Senior Charity Cup
and won with an uninspiring display. The game never really got going and the Reserves did just enough to win the
game. It was Cowfod who stuck first after 20 minutes to take the lead and this spurred Town into action....... [More]
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| :: Tuesday, 14th October 2003 :: |
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East Grinstead Town 3, East Preston 2 (aet)
WASPS can look forward to a local derby at Redhill after coming from behind to win a thrilling RUR Cup tie in extra
time at East Court on Saturday.
Two goals in six minutes early in the second half from Dave Stares and Steve Banks appeared to put Wasps in charge
after they had trailed 1-0 at the interval....... [More]
WASPS' boss Bob Smith still has defensive selection problems for Saturday's Division One trip to lowly Selsey
(3pm).
Kevin Wright remains a doubt because of a thigh problem and Dave Stares limped off during Saturday's cup win over
East Preston with an ankle knock although he should be fit after treatment this week. Grant Hearn is available after
suspension while Dave Garrett completes his ban on Saturday.
Of the long-term casualties, Phil Thompson (Achilles) should be fit for a reserve team run out in ten days time
while Matt Thorpe will have an operation on his ankle on November 20. Smith hopes he will play again before the end
of the season.
But defender Steve Moore is still troubled by his knee problem though and is going to see a specialist for further
diagnosis and may need an operation.
Coming Up At East Court
Wednesday October 15th (7.30pm) - Sussex County League v Mid Sussex League
Saturday October 18th (3.00pm) - Reserves v Cowfold (Mid Sussex Senior Cup 1st rd)
Sunday October 19th (2.00pm) - Ladies v Seahaven (Sussex Challenge Trophy)
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| :: Tuesday, 7th October 2003 :: |
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Ringmer 3, East Grinstead Town 2
INCONSISTENCY continues to plague Grinstead in their first season back in County League Division One.
Saturday's 3-2 defeat at the Caburn Field was their second in four days following three straight wins and sent Bob#
Smith's men back into the bottom half of the table....... [More]
DEFENDER Dave Stares makes a welcome return to Wasps' defence on Saturday for their RUR Cup second round tie against
East Preston at East Court (2pm).
The former Whyteleafe and Redhill centre half was outstanding in two appearances against Southwick and Hailsham
before a holiday meant he missed Grinstead's last three games.
His return at the likely expense of the suspended Grant Hearn is the only likely change to the team beaten 3-2 by
Ringmer in the league on Saturday.
Manager Bob Smith is still without Matt Thorpe (ankle) and Phil Thompson (achilles), but midfielder Lee Hanson
returned after a month out with a foot injury in the reserves on Saturday and could be back in the squad. Defender
Steve Moore, missing for two months with a knee problem, could make his comeback in the reserve team game at Burgess
Hill on Saturday (2pm).
Dave Garrett is still banned while Hearn misses the match after his red card in the FA Cup tie at Slough in August.
Smith said: "Only Hailsham, Shoreham and Sidley are left in our half of the draw if we win so it's a great
incentive to make progress.
"Having Dave Stares back is a big boost. He gives us a physical presence at the back and that seems to have lifted
the whole team in the two games he's played."
Smith was disappointed that his side failed to return from Ringmer without at least a point to show for their
efforts.
"We were in front twice but lacked that belief that we could go on and win the game," he added. "That
comes with experience and sometimes we forget that half our side at the moment is aged 21 or under.
"But they will learn and we will get better as players start coming back from injury. Our strongest side is capable
of matching any team in this league and hopefully it won't be long before I am able to play it."
Saturday's kick off has been brought forward an hour because of the Turkey-England match later that day.
EAST Grinstead Town have been chosen to stage a representative match for the Sussex County League for the first time
in their history.
East Court will host a game between the league's Division Three XI and the Mid Sussex League next Wednesday (15th)
at 7.30pm to celebrate the Mid Sussex's League's 100th anniversary.
Chairman Bruce Talbot said: "This is a nice honour for the club and reflects the hard work we have put in to
improve our facilities over the last few years."
Coming Up At East Court
Wednesday 7th October (7.30pm) - Under-18s v Chertsey
Saturday 11th October (2.00pm) - First Team v East Preston
Wednesday 15th October (7.30pm) - Mid Sussex League XI v Sussex County League Division Three XI
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