Saturday 5th February 2011

Middleton & Bognor 1s v Brighton & Hove 3s

(Etienne Stephens writes) M&B entered this game with a strong squad of 14 players only to spend the first quarter of the game defending strong attacks from B&H which lead to M&B conceding a goal. After the restart Brighton again took control but were quickly in trouble after M&B defence, tackling well regained the ball delivering it to Steve Pullen, making a sweeping run out to the wing and behind B&H defence who were caught out as Brandon Hanley positioned himself alone in front of goal successfully converting the cross from Steve Pullen to make it 1-1. In the second half there were lots of opportunities missed on both sides until Etienne Stephens made a solo effort beating a player at the top of the circle and shooting on the reverse, beating the keeper on his bottom right putting M&B in the lead although this was short lived with B&H scoring from a penalty corner move 2-2. With both teams hitting the keepers pads in the last minutes of the half, this very close game could have gone either way.  

Middleton & Bognor 1s from: Newman, Saunders, Lodge, Cox, Smith, Hansford, Stephens, Pullen, Roberts, Ravening, Spedding, (McClure MO match), Hanley, Bradley 

Crawley Ladies 2s v Middleton & Bognor Ladies (Report awaited)

South Saxons 3s v Middleton & Bognor 2s (Report awaited)

Saturday 29th January 2011

Eastbourne 3s v Middleton &Bognor 1s

(Etienne Stephens writes) M&B needed to win this game with Eastbourne following closely behind in the league table. It was a stalemate for the first few moments of the game until a rebound from a short corner move was converted by Bradley. The next few goals came in quick succession with strong passes from the Midfield of Stephens and Hanley making their way to McClure who, one on one with the keeper first chipped the ball over the sliding keeper and slotting the next goal into the bottom right corner. With continuing attacks from Eastbourne, M&Bs’ Defence held up well with Bradley, Saunders and Lodge all tackling well and were beaten only by a succession of several penalty corners which were confidently dealt with by keeper Newman. The second half was started with ten men as Stephens was caught leaving the halfway line too quickly off a penalty corner and appropriately carded but this did not seem to affect M&B as they made the second half look easy with Green, Spedding, Cowle and McClure combining to put two more goals safely into the back of the net. A third from McClure to secure his hat-trick and M&B the win, whilst Eastbourne earned a consolation goal from a deflection from a well executed penalty corner in the closing moments of the game, ending 1-6. A fantastic team performance overall.

Middleton & Bognor 1s from : Stephens, Hanley, Bradley, McClure (M-O-Match), Smith, Roberts, Saunders, Lodge, Newman, Green, Spedding, Cowle, Ravening.

Middleton & Bognor Ladies v Brighton & Hove Ladies 5s (Report awaited)

Middleton & Bognor 2s v Crawley 3s

(Matt Robinson writes) It was a family affair for M&B who fielded 2 sets of brothers against a visiting Crawley side who were looking for their first win this season. M&B applied early pressure and were rewarded with a goal from Cox who completed a fluent passing move for the home side, and continued on the front foot to register another before half time. M&B scored their third quickly on in the second half through young Robinson making his debut for the 2nd team this weekend. M&B continued to enjoy the majority of the possession as Oakley carved through the Crawley midfield before passing to his sibling who had found space in the oppositions’ D. Oakley selflessly returned the favor, laying the ball back to the top of the D for Oakley to convert the move he started to stretch M&Bs’ lead to 4-0. Crawley never looked out of the game though and responded at times with some good link up play. Nightingale and Colvin put in a solid defensive performance once again - their reward, the teams’ first clean sheet of the season and their second win in two weekends.

Middleton & Bognor 2s from : Nightingale, Lush, Colvin, Wisby, Robinson, Oakley, Robinson, Lillywhite, Killick, Cox, Oakley, Lowe.

Crawley 4s v Middleton & Bognor 3s

(Dave Luffman writes) The home side took advantage very early on in this fixture scoring against a weakened M&B side having played the first 5 minutes with 10 men, Larner having been delayed enroute. Despite M&B pressing and enjoying good periods of possession, Crawley caused confusion in M&Bs’ defence and capitalized on their error. Still, M&B would be justified in feeling downbeat at half time having had most of the possession in the first half and creating the more attacking play. In the second, M&B continued to apply pressure, with their final move and finishing in front of goal being their Achilles heel - a shot from captain Luffman rebounding off the post being a good example. M&B let another goal slip before all their hard work was finally paid off, with Atkins converting a short corner for a consolation goal 15 minutes from full time. Final result 3-1.

Middleton & Bognor 3s : Staff, Field, Anderson, Bradbury, Arkle, Luffman, Simmonds, Sutcliffe, McCartain, Atkins, Larner.

Middleton and Bognor Summer Hockey League.

For the second year running the summer league goes ahead in Bognor, six mens teams are now taking part, Chichester, Worthing, Penguins, Littlehampton, Southwick and Middleton and Bognor. A mixed mini league starting in a few weeks time. Most games are played at the Arena with one at the ALC on friday evenings for the next nine weeks.

There was a slow start to the Summer League this year as Englands world cup fortunes took pride of place on Friday evenings fixtures. However some games were played, Chichester defeating Penguins by 9-0 was a bit of a routing. Maybe Penguins were struggling with the world cup and availability. Worthing and Southwick called their game a draw, as both teams were under strength in the spirit of friendly hockey games.

 

Middleton and Bognor 2nds vs Hailsham 2nds 9-0

Being surprisingly light on hockey players this week as the festivals have started, it was good to see 12 players at an away game. After Smith decided to review the contents of his stomach before the game, Middleton and Bognor started well and applied pressure to the rear of Hailsham. Penetration soon took place as short corners started coming regularly, on the third attempt Skinner slotted one home into the oppositions beckoning gaping goalmouth.

A few more opportunities went begging around the oppositions prone defensive lines. However, Steve Pullen and Andy Skinner showed the kind of attacking awareness displayed only by players who have a deep intimate knowledge and understanding of each other. Linking together in short corner moves as gracefully as two courting turtle doves. It was like a flash back in time to the 2009 season when these two strikers were inseperable, one passive in attack the other dominating.

Defensive strength came from the hind quarters of the Bognors formation in the form of Lodge, Wisby and Chichester. This back line proved to be a tight inpenetrable unit, even though Lodge was having trouble with his vision. Newman saved the day after Lodge attempted to cut Hailsham's striker in half, saving the resultant penalty flick with a deft flick of his right foot.

Andy Atkins left the field injured, but by this stage the game was over. Bognor showed Hailsham who their paternal line of parentage were in a fine display of hockey, which left the home side stunned. Goalscorers filled their g-strings today, with Skinner and Pullen finishing on 3 a piece, Stevens penetrated from midfield to add 2 to the scoreline and Costin delivering a knockout blow with one fine, fine goal.

What a great finish to the season, Green and Wisby enjoyed it so much they tried to stay there untill the next season as the gates were locked with them still inside the ground.

Smith, Skinner, Costin, Lodge, Wisby, Noble, Butler, Newman, Pullen, Atkins, Green, Stevens.

Middleton & Bognor Ladies: 1 Horsham Ladies 5s: 3
 
Middleton lost their final league game of the season but once again their hard work and determination did not reward them with any points. Horsham took the lead early on and Middleton responded well with an equaliser through Charlotte Woollven. Horsham capitalised on some hesitant defending as they went on to score twice more before half time. Both teams created good chances in the second half but the score finished at 1:3. Amanda Lawrence was voted player of the match.
 
H Peach, A Lawrence, R Eyres, J Bray, L Finch, S Bond, K Nurse, C Woollven, C Hansford, K Rolls, K Burton, P Dawling
 
 
Middleton & Bognor Ladies: 0 Horsham Ladies 5s: 1
 
Middleton's season came to an end as they lost in their Ladies Shield Cup Match despite playing their best hockey for several weeks. Middleton started strong and dominated the early stages. Horsham responded well as they took the lead from open play. Despite Middleton's best efforts and team work in the second half they failed to score an equaliser. This game summed up Middleton's season as it was another game when they worked hard and played well but came away with nothing. Katie Burton was voted player of the match. Kelly Nurse (C) would like to thank everyone who has played this season.
 
A Etherington, S Bond, E Ursell, J Bray, L Finch, K Nurse, K Burton, C Woollven, J Woollven, A Woollven, P Dawling

Middleton and Bognor 2nd X1 vs Crawley 3rd X1 8-1

With the end of the season imminent, this was an important game for both clubs who want to remain in Div 1 of theSussex League. Bognor started really well and dominated possesion and territory. Pushing high up the pitch they were caught out and a defensive error led to a goal. Lodge managed to equalise from a short corner at the far post leaving the half time score 1-1. In the second half Bognor improved their ball speed, again dominating possesion, good passing and running opened spaces behind the Crawley defense which Bognor capitalised on. Crawley struggled to defend short corners allowing Skinner to score 5 goals with Robinson and Killick finding the backboard too. 

Mike Smith, Jason Cox, John Butler, Paddy Searle, Matt Robinson, Joel Lodge, Andy Skinner, Scott Robinson, Dan Roberts, Steve Killick, Andy Atkins.

Burgess Hill Ladies: 9 Middleton & Bognor Ladies: 0
 
Middleton suffered their heaviest defeat of the season as they were outclassed by a very strong Burgess Hill side. Middleton only managed to raise 10 players for the 3rd week running and were made to pay as their opponents had subs they could rotate regularly. Although they worked hard throughout they couldn't live with the pace and skill of Burgess Hill conceding 9 times without reply. Middleton still await their first win of the season and will hope it comes in their final league game of the season this saturday or in their sussex Ladies shield cup game on sunday.
 
Julia Bray was voted Middleton's player of the match
 
 
H Peach, A Lawrence, E Ursell, J Bray, R Eyres, K Nurse, C Woollven, K Burton, L Finch, K Jones

Middleton & Bognor Ladies 1's: 0  Southwick Ladies 1's: 4
 
With only 10 players available, Middleton again struggled to match their opponents and found it tough to get out their own half in the opening stages. Southwick made their domination count inside 15 mins as they took the lead from open play. Southwick's skill and pace was too good for the 10 players of Middleton and the doubled their lead before the break.
 
Although Middleton never gave up, they never created a clear cut chance to score despite their best efforts to do so. The game was over as a contest when Southwick scored to make it 3-0 and Middleton only had pride to play for. They conceded once more before the end but their hard work and never say die spirit kept the score line respectable given the circumstances.
Middleton's player of the math was awarded to Emily Ursell.
 
 
H Peach, S Bond, R Eyres, E Ursell, A Lawrence, K Nurse, L Woollven, P Dawling, K Jones, S Morgan

Middleton and Bognor 2nd X1 2 Mid Sussex 2nd X1 2

This was a pretty physical game, in which Bognor took no prisoners. The first ten minutes Bognor took control, but could not finish some creative moves. Mid Sussex took advantage of the attacking play and scored on the break.  Having gone 2-0 down in the first half the home side needed to put up a fight. Bognor kept possesion for most of the second half winning most of the 50 /50 balls. The pressure told and Bognor equalised through Mike Smith and John Butler. 

Andy Skinner, Scott Smith, Mike Smith, Mark Wisby, John Butler, Joel Lodge, Adam Lillywhite, Dan Roberts, Jason Cox, Paddy Searle, Steve Killick,

Middleton & Bognor Ladies: 1  Chichester Priory Park Ladies 3's: 2
 
Middleton started strong and pushed forward early on in the first half. They created some good scoring opportunities but Chichester defended well to prevent Middleton from hitting the target. Both teams went on the attack and although Middleton continued to dominate the game the score remained 0.0 at half time.
 
Both teams stepped up the pressure in the second half but Chichester's persistence paid off as they pushed forward and scored early on to take the lead. Chichester quickly doubled their lead and Middleton faced an uphill battle even though they were the stronger team. Middleton pulled a goal back through Paula Dowling and went on to create some excellent chances. Narrow misses and good goalkeeping kept the game at 1:2. Another week where Middleton played well and worked hard but had no points to show for it. Katie Burton was voted player of the match.
 
H Peach, A Lawrence, S Bond, L Strong, J Woollven, K Nurse, L Woollven, C Woollven, A Woollven, K Burton and P Dowling
 

Saturday 23rd January

Middleton and Bognor 2nd X1 vs Lewes Vets 2-2

Middleton dominated the game from the start, creating chances throughout the first half, a strong midfield kept possession well and pushed Lewes deep into their own half. Prolonged pressure however did not result in a goal, Steve Killick hit the post once and the keeper was forced to make some good saves.

In the secong half Lewes took advantage and pressed Bognor on two or three occasions. One short corner resulted in a penalty flick which put Lewes a goal ahead. They quickly scored another, however still playing the better hocket Middleton were able to keep the pressure on and take the game to a draw. In the circumstances a great result, however Middleton should have taken three points having dominated possession.

Andy Skinner, Mike Smith, Paddy Searle, Dan Roberts,  Adam Lilywhite, John Butler, Steve Killick, Ian Smith, Joel Lodge, Jason Cox, Lewis Johnson, Steve Killick.

Middleton & Bognor Ladies: 0  Worthing Ladies 2s: 4
Middleton were quickly put under pressure as Worthing pushed forward early on creating several chances to score. Worthing scored their first goal with only 10 minutes on the clock. Middleton defended well up until half time as they kept Worthing at bay.
 
Despite Middleton's intentions to push forward after half time they struggled to get possession in the opposition's half. Worthing soon doubled their lead as they continued to go on the attack. Worthing's skill and ability showed as Middleton players tired after not having played since before Christmas. Although Middleton worked hard defensively, Worthing's persistence resulted in two more goals. Middleton still await their first win of the season. Emily Ursell was Middleton player of the match.
 
H Peach, A Lawrence, E Ursell, S Bond, B Eyres, K Nurse, C Woollven, J Gibbs, K Burton, L Woollven, K Jones

Saturday 16th January

Middleton and Bognor 1st X1 3 South Saxons 1st X1 3

At home against South Saxons, who were top of the league was going to be a hard task. Bognor started slowly, finding it difficult to keep possession, Saxons took advantage of this and turned the screw, scoring twice in the first 20 minutes. When Peter Pritchard put one away for Bognor after 25 mins to bring the scores to 2-1 however, the home side gained confidence. Bognor kept applying pressure, and drew the scores level through Pritchard again. Half time came at a bad time for Bognor as they were well on top at this stage. Bognor started the second half well though and stuck another goal in through skipper Jobb Bradley. Saxons needed to come back strong at this point and threw everything at Bognor, the defense held until the last few minutes of the game when a deflection found its way past Trevor Staff. Bognor were unlucky not to take the 3 points from the game here but will be pleased to have played so well against the top side in this league.

Guy Newman, Jobb Bradley, Tom Saunders, Peter Pritchard,  Mike Mclure, Brandon Hanley, Mark Hoare, Craig Ravening, John Butler, Mike Smith, Trevor Staff, Alex Hillditch, Dave Green.

Saturday 5th December

Middleton and Bognor 2nd X1 5 Crawley 3rd X1 3

A great win for the 2nd X1, having conceded twice in the first 5 minutes of the game the team fought to hold on to the game. The defence played with determination and kept the opposition out. The Bognor offense struck before half time bringing the team back within stricking distance.

In the second half Bognor played with more confidence, Andy Skinner putting 3 goals away to take the game away from Crawley. The final score was 5-3 giving some much needed points and a third win to the 2nd X1.

Middleton Ladies 0 : Honeybees Ladies 0
 
Middleton produced their best display of the season to date as they quickly dominated the first half. Strong defending and good solid passing gave Middleton a number of opportunities to push forward. Like previous games Middleton created chances but couldn't make them count. Honeybees had one or two breakaways but Middleton stayed strong and worked hard to regain possession.
 
Middleton kept up the pressure in the second half and worked hard as a team. They were awarded a number of short corners but the Honeybees were very quick off the mark as they successfully broke down the Middleton attack. Once again Middleton played well as a team but were unlucky as they only came away with one point as the score remained 0.0. Jasmine Woollven was awarded player of the match.
 
A Etherington, A Lawrence, J Woollven, J Bray, S Shreeve, K Nurse, L Woollven, C Woollven, J Stallard, K Jones, K Burton, M Pickles

Saturday 28th November

Horsham Ladies: 2   Middleton Ladies: 0
 
Middleton started well and dominated the first half as they quickly put the Horsham defence under pressure. Middleton created several good chances but luck was not on their side as their shots narrowly missed. Horsham had some half chances but Middleton defended well.
 
Horsham stepped up their game in the second half and took the lead whilst Middleton players were caught on their heels. Despite creating even more chances Middleton failed to hit the target and were punished again as Horsham broke away to score their second. Middleton knew it wasn't their day as chance after chance didn't come to anything. Charlotte Woollven was awarded player of the match. They now host Honeybees on Saturday knowing only a win will help going into the Christmas break.
 
A Etherington, A Lawrence, B Eyres, S Shreeve, S Bond, K Nurse, L Woollven, J Bray, K Burton, J Stallard, K Jones

Satrurday the 21st November

Middleton & Bognor Ladies: 1   Burgess Hill Ladies: 1
 
Middleton and Burgess Hill started the game on an equal footing with both teams pushing forward early on. Although both teams created some good chances the defences had the upper hand and the score remained 0.0 at half time.
 
At the half time interval Middleton identified their weaknesses and were determined to improve their game. Middleton started aggressively and created a number of good chances. They worked hard as a team and were quick on the break, which proved to be Burgess Hill's undoing as Middleton were rewarded with a goal from Rachel McCartain. Middleton continued to dominate the game but Burgess Hill fought back and scored an equaliser from open play with five minutes to spare. Middleton deserved 3 points and although slightly disappointed were content with the draw. Kelly Nurse was awarded player of the match.
 
M & B: H Peach, A Lawrence, A Rufey, S Hoare, E Ursell, K Nurse, C Woollven, R McCartain, K Burton, J Stallard & K Jones

Saturday 14th November

Middleton and Bognor 1st X1 3 Horsham 3

One nil down after five minutes Middleton had to wake up and take the game to Horsham, playing some great hockey up to half time goals from Jobb Bradley and Steve Pullen put the home side ahead. In the second half Horsham hit back and equalised. Against the run Brandon Hanley took the lead, and the tide seemed top turn. Only in the last five minutes did some bad marking let Horsham take points away from this game, one that Middleton should have won at home.

Guy Newman, Jobb Bradley, Tom Saunders, Peter Pritchard, Dave Fryatt, Mike Mclure, Luke Green, Brandon Hanley, Steve Pullen, Mark Hoare, Craig Ravening.

Southwick Ladies: 6   Middleton Ladies: 0
 
Middleton and Southwick both went on the attack from the start of the game and both used their skills to create some good goal scoring opportunities. Middleton and Southwick defended well but Southwick were lucky and managed to take the lead from a short corner. The score remained 1-0 at half-time, althought it could easily have been Middleton in front.
 
Middleton's intentions to push forward in the second half did not quite go to plan as Southwick dominated the possession. Despite's Middleton's skill and ability to score they were caught out too many times by Southwick as they went on the attack and they scored 3 goals within 15 minutes. It got much worse for Middleton and even with 1 or 2 breakaways they could not break down the Southwick defence, Southwick used their advantage well to go on and score 2 further goals. The score line was an unfair reflection of the game on Middleton's behalf.
 
C Meere, A Lawrence, B Eyres, S Bond, L Woollven, K Nurse, R McCartain, C Woollven, J Woollven, K Burton, J Stallard, K Jones

Saturday 7th November

One of the men's teams won today so the skipper decided to put a match report in......enjoy....;)

Middleton and Bognor 1st X1  4 vs South Saxons 2nd X1 3

2-0 down inside ten minutes of the game Bognor fought back to 2-2. Tom saunders scored the first then Jobb Bradley equalised from a short corner. Matt Robinson with a sublime display of skill took the ball past two defenders and slotted the ball under the keeper to take the score to 3-2. A mistake at the back resulted in an equalizer for South Saxons. However at the end of the first half Guy Newmans flick from a short corner was saved but Jobb Bradley managed to score off the pads. Second half defense was solid, goalkeeper Henry Rawlings pulling off two great saves to keep Bognor in the game, who was also voted joint man of the match. Veteran Dean Stokes and joint Man of the Match gave some valuable experience to a weaker team who showed that determination brings rewards aswell as individual skill.

Guy Newman, Jobb Bradley, Matt Robinson, Henry Rawlings, Tom Saunders, Peter Pritchard, Dave Fryatt, Mike Mclure, Dean Stokes, John Butler, Luke Green.

Saturday 31st October

Brighton & Hove Ladies IV- 3   Middleton & Bognor Ladies I- 1
 
Middleton were away to Brighton & Hove in the Sussex Vase Cup. Both teams pushed forward early on creating some good opportunities to score but neither hit the target. Middleton showed their strength as they went on the attack and Kelly Jones gave Middleton the lead from a skilful goal.
 
Middleton seemed to struggle in the second half and despite creating some more chances to score Brighton & Hove stepped up the pressure and equalised. With both teams temporarily going down to 10 players Brighton and Hove proved to be the better team as they pushed forward and scored a further 2 goals. Lucy Woollven was awarded player of the match.
 
Harriett (GK), A Lawrence, E Ursell, R Eyres, S Hoare, S Bond, K Nurse, R McCartain, L Woollven, J Woollven, A Woollven, Claudia, J Stallard, K Jones 

Saturday 24th October

South Saxons Ladies: 2 - Middleton & Bognor Ladies: 2
 
Middleton started the game on a positive note and pushed forward early on in the first half. They created a number of good chances to score but unfortunately did not hit the target. South Saxons were quick on the break and had some opportunities to score but failed to do so. The score remained 0.0 at half-time.
 
South Saxons took the lead from open play in the first ten minutes of the second half. Middleton quickly proved to be the stronger team as they went on the attack, Kelly Jones scoring the equaliser. With the whole team playing well they continued to excel and worked hard to create chances to score. As Middleton pushed forward again Jasmine Woollven made it 2:1 from open play. South Saxons equalised in the final ten minutes and although Middleton earned themselves a point they felt that they should have won. Charlotte and Jasmine Woollven were voted joint players of the match.
 
H Peach, A Lawrence, S Hoare, S Bond, E Ursell, K Nurse, L Woollven, C Woollven, J Woollven, J Stallard and K Jones

None of the mens teams won this week and all captains felt it was best to not submit a match report.....

                                      .....Sour grapes....

Saturday 17th October

Mens 1st X1 vs Eastbourne 3rd X1 2-6

Middleton & Bognor Ladies 1's  0  Eastbourne Swifts  3
 
Middleton were quickly put under pressure as Eastbourne pushed forward from the start. Eastbourne remained strong on the attack and despite being awarded a countless number of short corners failed to score. Middleton pulled together as a team and defended extremely well and they kept a clean sheet up until half-time.
 
Although Middleton improved their game at the beginning of the second half Eastbourne continued to excel and scored in the first 10 minutes. Middleton pressed forward and gave themselves the opportunity to score from a number of short corners but unfortunately did not hit the target. Eastbourne proved to be the better team and went on to score two more goals. Lady of the match was awarded to Emily Ursell for her strong defensive play throughout the game.
 
Alison Etherington, Amanda Lawrence, Sue Hoare, Emily Ursell, Sarah Shreeve, Lucy Woollven, Charlotte Woollven, Rachel McCartain, Kathryn Woodward, Kelly Nurse, Juliet Stallard, Katie Burton and Amber Woollven

Mens 2nd X1 vs East Grinstead 5th X1 5-0

This game was cancelled unusually for an EG team, Giving the second X1 a 5-0 victory and place in the top four in the league.

Mens 3rd X1 vs Penguin 4th X1 5-0

This game was also cancelled giving the 3rd X1 their first points and a mid table position in the league.

Saturday 10th October 

Worthing Ladies 2's: 2 - Middleton & Bognor Ladies 1's: 1
 
Middleton started the game on a positive note and were rewarded in the first 10 minutes when Rachel McCartain scored after a short corner giving Middleton the lead. Both teams had good chances to score but Middleton retained their advantage until halftime.
 
Worthing came out in the second half determined to put Middleton under pressure and duly scored an equaliser following a short corner. Middleton had 1 or 2 breakways but Worthing stepped up the pressure on the Middleton Defence. A short corner proved Middleton's undoing again as Worthing scored their second goal. Middleton keeper Alison Etherington made a significant number of fine saves and was voted lady of the match.

Middleton and Bognor 1st X1 vs Lewes 3rd X1 2-6

The first half of this game was well matched with both teams attacking well and finding gaps in the oppositions defence. Some controvercial decisions led to three penalty flicks and some dubious short corner goals. Things balanced out in the end and at the end of the first half the scores were 3-2, Lewes in the lead. The second half was well contested, with Bognor gaining a lot of possesion and threatening the Lewes goal however the finishing in front of goal was not clinical enough. On the other hand Lewes took advantage of every chance they had and stretched their lead to 6-2. The game was closer than the scoreline suggests, but Bognor need to address their shortcomings in front of goal.

Guy Newman, Jobb Bradley, Craig Ravening, Brendon Mccartain, Joel Lodge, Tom Saunders, Peter Pritchard, Dave Fryatt, Mike Mclure, Mark Hoare, Steve Pullen

Saturday 3rd October

Middleton and Bognor 2nd X1 vs Hailsham 2nd X1 (4-1)

Hailsham came to Bognor with only 10 men, M and B did not take advantage in the first half as Hailsham played well as a team and made M and B work hard for the ball. The away side looked the better team up to half time however they could not convert any chances they had. 0-0 at the end of the first half seemed like a fair score. In the first five mins of the second half, Hailsham broke away and scored. This seemed to wake M and B up, the Midfield Andy Atkins and Paddy Searle running play well and keeping posession. Andy Skinner scored the equalizer from a short corner. Patient posession hockey allowed M and B to apply pressure for the rest of the game, John Butler calmly lobbed the keeper twice to extend the lead to 3-1. With Andy Atkins finishing the game off from a rebound off the keeper. Man of the match, youngster Dan Roberts played out of his skin again showing great promise.

Andy Skinner, Mike Smith, Henry Rawlings, Paddy Searle, Dan Roberts, Mark Wisby, Niel Field, Andy Atkins, Adam Lilywhite, John Butler, Steve Killick, Ian Smith, Sam Oakley.

Middleton and Bognor 3rd X1 vs Chichester Chipmunks (0-2)

A reasonably close game was won by the younger and well drilled chichester side who made some great attacking runs in the Bognor D. Unable to convert any chances Bognor were always going to struggle.

Saturday 26th September

Middleton and Bognor 1st X1 vs Surrey Old Boys (1-3)

The old boys turned out to be not even middle aged and put the pressure on Bognor straight away. Bognor tried to match the oppositions pace of the game with no great success. The old boys dominated the first quarter and Bognor defended well not allowing any clear chances on goal. Bognor rallied once they found their own pace and finished the half well creating a few chances up front but more importantly playing the game in the oppositions half. The half ended 0-0, but Surrey struck in the first minute of the second half, the defense probably caught napping. They scored again quicklt after, and Bognor worked hard to bring the score back to 2-1. A P-flick was awarded Bognors way unfortunately it struck the cross bar. Surrey finished with another goal to leave the scoreline 3-1, an unfair reflection on reasonably well matched sides. On another day the game may have gone Bognors way.

Middleton and Bognor 2nd X1 vs Worthing 4/5th X1 (6-1)

A fairly weak Worthing side came to Bognor, they may put out a stronger side in the league when the 2nd X1 play their 4th X1. This showed as Bognor dominated posession and creativity in the midfield. Solid defense from Mark Wisby and Niel Field again gave a good base for the midfield to work on. New player Dan grew in confidence throughout the game in the midfield, in the second half he made valuable runs down the right wing creating chances for Bognor. Andy Skinner finished with five goals, Matt Robinson scoring the other. It will be interesting to see how the 2nd X1 develop in the more competitive Sussex Div 1 this season.

Saturday 19th September, 1st X1 vs Littlehampton (cuppy game type thing)

A local cup derby between Middleton and Bognor and Littlehampton should have been an easy game for Bognor, but LA braved out the first half and showed some domination. However Guy Newman kept out whatever shots they had to offer on goal. Finishing up front was lacking for both teams up front as numerous chances were squandered. It took the centre back Dave Fryatt, from Bognor to open the scoring with a flick from the P spot. Closely followed by Mark Hoare's fluffed shot over the keepers head, summing up the fortunes of strikers for the day. The game ended 3-0 even after a P flick was awarded to LA, Newman showing his class again. Strangely after the first game in the cup M and B find themselves in the semi final??????????????

Saturday 12th September.

A mixture of Middleton and Bognors 1st 2nd and 3rd X1's all turned up at Gosport to play their 2nd and 3rd X1's. The first game started badly as the opposition scored first. The heat was draining and both sides looked tired, Bognor however seemed to cope better and equalised before the end of the first half. Skinner and Pullen linked up well at the front almost immediately, great 1-2 passing opened up the defense to allow skinner to score. The final goal to come from a short corner MandB 3-1 Gosport.

The second game produced two very early goals the first from Lodge the second from Robinson, both within two minutes of play. Gosport did put the pressure back on Bognor, but some stout defending from Niel Field and Dave Green kept game in Bognors favour. Great keeping from Guy Newman in this period kept the game alive however Gosport pulled two goals back. The half finished 3-2. The second half was all Bognor as Gosport started to grow tired. Once again Skinner and Pullen linking up really well to produce another 4 goals taking the game well out of reach of Gosport. MandB 7-2 Gosport.

Saturday 5th September

After a long and winding journey to Crawley, the Mens 1st X1 took on Crawley 1st X1, the teams now two divisions apart Crawley would have expected to win easily.  At the end of the first third Crawley were 1-0 ahead after a good goal which cut the Bognor defense asunder. The second third saw Bognor dominate and drag the game back, Steve Pullen scored from a short corner to level the scores. The final third saw a tired Bognor side deeated by Crawley at last as their six subs made the difference at the end.

Crawley 3 M & B 1