[Football] The Non-League Football Thread- 2024/25 Edition

[Commander]

Went to Haywards Heath last night. Comfortable 3-1 victory against Crawley Down who were in 3rd place and had scored 23 goals in 8 games.

Heath look a very good side this year, and have conceded only 3 goals in 9 games. And their MOM looked about 12.

 

[stewart12]

Ground number 46 was "The Oaks" home of AFC Uckfield Town for their SCFL Division 1 clash with East Preston.

A long old drive for me. I'd never been to Uckfield before and to be honest, I still haven't- this ground is in the middle of nowhere and quite far from the hustle and bustle of downtown Uckfield. There doesn't seem to be much around it other than an Indian restaurant which looks closed and something that looks like a caravan park. Very odd place for a ground

However it is a bit of a stunner, like Roffey and Loxwood it's surrounded by tall trees on all sides, making it feel like you're in some sort of Bavarian forest. It's very basic, with just two stands which are identical to each other and side by side (maybe just have 1 long stand?!). They've both got a few rows of seats and a standing area behind. Otherwise there's hard standing on 3 sides of the ground with most of the crowd congregating on the side that has the two stands

Clubhouse wise they appear to have had a bit of a refurb and it's pretty decent for this level. It's quite big with plenty of seating, decent beer selection and even homemade pastries. I can see from social media that the refurb has been recent so it's not quite "bedded in" yet, but they've still got some stuff on the walls. There's also a patio area outside. This element of the ground is up there with the better SCFL grounds to be honest

There's a tea bar in the corner of the ground which satisfied my Bovril needs. Uckfield join Midhurst, Hailsham and Rustington in the "Bovril in a mug hall of fame". It was £1.50 and they even got some pepper for me from the clubhouse. Very friendly staff here in general

The visitors dominated the first half and were two up by half time- could have been more. I remember from last season that EP have a lot of very skillful players but their end product and general teamwork is quite poor, but I guess every now and again it all clicks like it did tonight. They then went 3-0 up and it was only then that the home side got their act together. They did get a goal back but we're unable to do much else and EP won 3-1 in the end

It seems from a lot of the stuff that the club put out that they struggle to get crowds because of where the ground is and find it hard to get people from Uckfield to really get involved in it which is a shame

 

[BN9 BHA]

Ground number 46 was "The Oaks" home of AFC Uckfield Town for their SCFL Division 1 clash with East Preston.

A long old drive for me. I'd never been to Uckfield before and to be honest, I still haven't- this ground is in the middle of nowhere and quite far from the hustle and bustle of downtown Uckfield. There doesn't seem to be much around it other than an Indian restaurant which looks closed and something that looks like a caravan park. Very odd place for a ground

I went there to watch my son play in an evening game, it was very dark apart from the floodlights, we drove up and down for a while because the entrance is hidden between the restaurant and mobile home park.

Probably missed 1/2 hour of the game, mentioned to the chap on the turnstile about not seeing any signs for the ground, he said there was one on the bus stop opposite the restaurant. Looked at the bus stop on the way out and it was pitch black and had some sort of plastic sign on the floor.

I’m not sure where fans would park when the small car park at the ground is full up.

 

[stewart12]

I went there to watch my son play in an evening game, it was very dark apart from the floodlights, we drove up and down for a while because the entrance is hidden between the restaurant and mobile home park.

Probably missed 1/2 hour of the game, mentioned to the chap on the turnstile about not seeing any signs for the ground, he said there was one on the bus stop opposite the restaurant. Looked at the bus stop on the way out and it was pitch black and had some sort of plastic sign on the floor.

I’m not sure where fans would park when the small car park at the ground is full up.

Yep was definitely hard to find- in terms of parking you're right, the car park is small especially for a ground that has nothing around it in terms of street parking. A fair few of us were parked on the grass verges on the side of that main road but not sure how official that is- also wouldn't be fun in the middle of winter when it's muddy

It was pitch black when I left the ground

 

[Sirnormangall]

Went to Haywards Heath last night. Comfortable 3-1 victory against Crawley Down who were in 3rd place and had scored 23 goals in 8 games.

Heath look a very good side this year, and have conceded only 3 goals in 9 games. And their MOM looked about 12.

I saw Peacehaven have a comfortable win at Saltdean last night - 5-1. Peacehaven look strong and given no home ground currently, they’ve made a good start to the season. But I feel Haywards Heath look like the team to beat

 

[Dick Knights Mumm]

A good win for the Barrowmen at home to Hythe Town in the Isthmian South East. It was probably a good time to play them as they have had recent turmoil on the pitch and arrived with young, quick, slight players. In the first half The Cannons looked very good and a recent loanee from Maidstone, Riley Court, ran the show. A young lad who illustrated the difference in player quality as you go up the pyramid. Hythe took a deserved lead into half time.

Second half was different. The Barrowmen asserted themselves and Hythe lost their way (sometimes difficult to see what caused what) and pressure told with two goals for Alfie Rogers who will be delighted.

So six points from five games, and we’ve been in all the games. Now massively strengthened with the return of starman Harry Shooman from the Hawks, plus a much needed central defender (Danny Hawick) and holding midfielder (Ollie Hyland) and we’re looking both more balanced and threatening.

A long way to go, but happy with the table as it stands.

(last week Sheppey had two new loanees from Gillingham - these players can make a big difference).

 

[stewart12]

Ground number 47 was the Haven Centre, home of Crawley Down Gatwick for their SCFL Premier Division clash with Varndeanians

Yet another place I've never been to before which is unsurprising as there's not really much there. Not that it's an unpleasant place, just seems like a nice leafy commuter-y type place tucked in right up by the Surrey border.

The ground is in the north of the village. It's separated from a recreation ground by thick, tall hedges on all sides which makes it seem very enclosed.

The clubhouse is a bit meh as it seems to basically be a community centre type thing for the whole village so there's not really any mention of the football club at all. However it's quite big and has a good drinks selection, just a bit bland overall.....

.... which perhaps sums up the ground in general as it's all in good condition but doesn't have a huge amount of charm. There's a relatively big seated stand (park that thought for a minute) on one side, and a small covered standing area behind one goal. Otherwise there's hard standing on all four sides.

The game was an odd one as Varndeanians were quite a few places lower in the league than Crawley Down but looked much the better team throughout. They scored what ended up being the winning goal towards the end of the first half and really should have put the game to bed long before the hosts finally sprung into action. They ended up peppering the visitors goal in the last few minutes but couldn't score and to be honest if they'd got anything out of the game it would have been undeserved.

The visitors brought on Lewis's brother Carl Dunk and shoved him up front to hold the ball up a bit. He's got a good touch but is hilariously immobile.

Speaking of Albion captains, former skipper Paul Rogers was in attendance, wonder if he's linked in with Varndeanians somehow

Going back to my parked thought about the stand, is there like one company that makes non league stands? Because basically 90% of them are pretty much identical...

Anyway, I've now got just 10 grounds left and I'm fairly sure I'll be able to finish my adventure in November rather than December

 

[Superphil]

Ground number 47 was the Haven Centre, home of Crawley Down Gatwick for their SCFL Premier Division clash with Varndeanians

Yet another place I've never been to before which is unsurprising as there's not really much there. Not that it's an unpleasant place, just seems like a nice leafy commuter-y type place tucked in right up by the Surrey border.

The ground is in the north of the village. It's separated from a recreation ground by thick, tall hedges on all sides which makes it seem very enclosed.

The clubhouse is a bit meh as it seems to basically be a community centre type thing for the whole village so there's not really any mention of the football club at all. However it's quite big and has a good drinks selection, just a bit bland overall.....

.... which perhaps sums up the ground in general as it's all in good condition but doesn't have a huge amount of charm. There's a relatively big seated stand (park that thought for a minute) on one side, and a small covered standing area behind one goal. Otherwise there's hard standing on all four sides.

The game was an odd one as Varndeanians were quite a few places lower in the league than Crawley Down but looked much the better team throughout. They scored what ended up being the winning goal towards the end of the first half and really should have put the game to bed long before the hosts finally sprung into action. They ended up peppering the visitors goal in the last few minutes but couldn't score and to be honest if they'd got anything out of the game it would have been undeserved.

The visitors brought on Lewis's brother Carl Dunk and shoved him up front to hold the ball up a bit. He's got a good touch but is hilariously immobile.

Speaking of Albion captains, former skipper Paul Rogers was in attendance, wonder if he's linked in with Varndeanians somehow

Going back to my parked thought about the stand, is there like one company that makes non league stands? Because basically 90% of them are pretty much identical...

Anyway, I've now got just 10 grounds left and I'm fairly sure I'll be able to finish my adventure in November rather than December

Dodges son plays, we’ve seen him at Steyning in the past supporting him when he’s been on the opposing side, perhaps he’s at Varndinians now.

 

[BN9 BHA]

Dodges son plays, we’ve seen him at Steyning in the past supporting him when he’s been on the opposing side, perhaps he’s at Varndinians now.

Correct, Dodge was at Newhaven watching his son play for Varndeanians this season.

 

[Arthur]

A good win for the Barrowmen at home to Hythe Town in the Isthmian South East. It was probably a good time to play them as they have had recent turmoil on the pitch and arrived with young, quick, slight players. In the first half The Cannons looked very good and a recent loanee from Maidstone, Riley Court, ran the show. A young lad who illustrated the difference in player quality as you go up the pyramid. Hythe took a deserved lead into half time.

Second half was different. The Barrowmen asserted themselves and Hythe lost their way (sometimes difficult to see what caused what) and pressure told with two goals for Alfie Rogers who will be delighted.

So six points from five games, and we’ve been in all the games. Now massively strengthened with the return of starman Harry Shooman from the Hawks, plus a much needed central defender (Danny Hawick) and holding midfielder (Ollie Hyland) and we’re looking both more balanced and threatening.

A long way to go, but happy with the table as it stands.

(last week Sheppey had two new loanees from Gillingham - these players can make a big difference).

You are beginning to become like Chelsea to us. First Harvey and Lucas now Ollie.

On the subject of Harvey is he injured or just not getting in the side?

 

[The Lemming Stomper]

Went to Shoreham yesterday to watch them play Roffey...Final score Shoreham 1-4 Roffey

Roffey Pep lite, Shoreham Peperation H

 

[Dick Knights Mumm]

You are beginning to become like Chelsea to us. First Harvey and Lucas now Ollie.

On the subject of Harvey is he injured or just not getting in the side?

I thought the same. Ollie is a unit. We looked more solid with him in the middle. Not sure about Harvey- injured I should think, he was there yesterday. Lucas came on yesterday to see out the game.

 

[carlzeiss]

Bees at the nest , whatever next

 

[Sirnormangall]

Saw Haywards Heath v Horsham YMCA yesterday. Not a great match. Home side were a bit under strength and Horsham contained them well until HHeath scored a late winner to go top of the league. Only 3 league goals conceded so far.

 

[Arthur]

I thought the same. Ollie is a unit. We looked more solid with him in the middle. Not sure about Harvey- injured I should think, he was there yesterday. Lucas came on yesterday to see out the game.

He certainly is. He hits a golf ball an absolute mile! Nice lad as well, he gave up a fair bit of his time for the youth section. You might see your booking count go up a bit though.

I didn't know he left until I checked your twitter feed the other week to check your score and saw he was in the team. Big loss for us.

 

[Arthur]

Anyone know what this is all about?

 

[Seagull on the Hill]

In response to your question about the stand, Atcost have built a lot of stands for non-league clubs perhaps it's one of their's.

Ground number 47 was the Haven Centre, home of Crawley Down Gatwick for their SCFL Premier Division clash with Varndeanians

Yet another place I've never been to before which is unsurprising as there's not really much there. Not that it's an unpleasant place, just seems like a nice leafy commuter-y type place tucked in right up by the Surrey border.

The ground is in the north of the village. It's separated from a recreation ground by thick, tall hedges on all sides which makes it seem very enclosed.

The clubhouse is a bit meh as it seems to basically be a community centre type thing for the whole village so there's not really any mention of the football club at all. However it's quite big and has a good drinks selection, just a bit bland overall.....

.... which perhaps sums up the ground in general as it's all in good condition but doesn't have a huge amount of charm. There's a relatively big seated stand (park that thought for a minute) on one side, and a small covered standing area behind one goal. Otherwise there's hard standing on all four sides.

The game was an odd one as Varndeanians were quite a few places lower in the league than Crawley Down but looked much the better team throughout. They scored what ended up being the winning goal towards the end of the first half and really should have put the game to bed long before the hosts finally sprung into action. They ended up peppering the visitors goal in the last few minutes but couldn't score and to be honest if they'd got anything out of the game it would have been undeserved.

The visitors brought on Lewis's brother Carl Dunk and shoved him up front to hold the ball up a bit. He's got a good touch but is hilariously immobile.

Speaking of Albion captains, former skipper Paul Rogers was in attendance, wonder if he's linked in with Varndeanians somehow

Going back to my parked thought about the stand, is there like one company that makes non league stands? Because basically 90% of them are pretty much identical...

Anyway, I've now got just 10 grounds left and I'm fairly sure I'll be able to finish my adventure in November rather than December

 

[Arthur]

For Crowborough I really need the SCFL to release some more fixtures as they've only dribbled out a few weeks worth at the moment. I live quite far from Crowborough and it's one of my longest trips so my vague plan is to pick a saturday where both Crowborough and Jarvis Brook (division 2) are both at home and perhaps double up. If JB are a 2pm kick off I could do the first half there and then drive round and get to Crowborough for kick off.

October 26th might be the perfect day for you (assuming you aren't going to the Wolves game) as you'll be able to do both games.

Jarvis Brook are home to Southwater 14:30 kick off.
Crowborough are home to Hassocks 17:45 kick off.

 

[stewart12]

October 26th might be the perfect day for you (assuming you aren't going to the Wolves game) as you'll be able to do both games.

Jarvis Brook are home to Southwater 14:30 kick off.
Crowborough are home to Hassocks 17:45 kick off.

Oh interesting

I might be going to JB this Saturday as my nephew is playing for Upper Beeding against them, however he does have a slight knock so might be out. If hes not playing I'll do this

Even if I don't I think I could JUST ABOUT double up with another

Why are Crowborough kicking off late? Are the Sky cameras in town ?!

 

[Arthur]

Oh interesting

I might be going to JB this Saturday as my nephew is playing for Upper Beeding against them, however he does have a slight knock so might be out. If not I'll do this

Even if I don't I think I could JUST ABOUT double up with another

Why are Crowborough kicking off late? Are the Sky cameras in town ?!

It's ground hopper day so you may be able to kill three birds with one stone if you could find a 11am kick off (if such a thing exists).

I assume Tunbridge Wells or Rusthall are at home at 3. I appreciate that is of no interest to you and your quest but it would give people ample time to get from TW to Crowborough in time for kick off.