FOOTBALL
Lower Leagues Take Centre Stage
The East Sussex and Mid Sussex Leagues sit at the twelfth tier and beyond of the English football pyramid. But with the regional leagues above them – in Sussex, the three divisions of the Southern Combination and two of Isthmian – out of action till August, their return to action following the easing of Covid lockdowns this month gives the clubs and players involved some welcome and unaccustomed exposure.
At the start of season 2020/21 there were six divisions of the East Sussex League (ESL) and 11 of the Mid-Sussex League (MSL), the lower ones divided between north and south. But some teams caught in higher Covid-tier locations ceased playing in October, and all were grounded when full lockdown was re-imposed last December, leaving less than half of the respective fixture schedules completed. The decision to abandon the previous season 2019/20 following imposition of the original lockdown in March 2020 may have been agonising for those feeling they were on the cusp of honours (ask the supporters of Hastings United). Annulment of the 2020/21 season was, by contrast, merely inevitable.
However, ESL and MSL administrators are to be commended for devising mini-league formats for a competitive two-month supplemental regime through April and May. The top two divisions of the ESL, Premier and First, have been divided into two groups of eight teams each; likewise the Second and Third, and the Fourth and Fifth (some with nine). In each group teams will play each other once; at the conclusion the top of each group will contest a championship final. A total of 51 teams (out of 55 eligible) have entered.
Jack Dixon (in white and claret) – scorer for Hollington, re-signed with Hastings United
PICTURE: Scott White
In view of assumed lower levels of fitness following the lengthy period of inactivity, teams are being permitted to play with up to five substitutes on a roll-on, roll-off basis. Social distancing in travelling and changing for games is advised. Changing rooms were kept closed for the first two weekends of fixtures, but should be open for the next round tomorrow (Saturday) and onwards.
Keenly fought
Early results suggest that the top ESL groups will be keenly fought. Crowhurst Town , who were leading the Premier division when it was abandoned in December, have been held to draws in both their matches played against First division opposition – Rye Town (2-2) and Junior Club Tackleway (1-1). Sedlescombe Rangers 2nds, themselves a First division outfit, were the only team emerging with a 100% record after just two games.
An added point of interest is that several higher tier footballers have signed up to play in the leagues. Hastings United manager Chris Agutter has been turning out for Sidley United, and scored in their 2-2 draw with AAC Bexhill; while, over in the MSL Premier mini-league, Hollington United have been boosted by the appearances of Pilot Field favourites Jack Dixon and Sam Cruttwell. Perhaps unsurprisingly, both have been among the goals, and Hollington top their group table with three wins out of three so far.
Hastings United
There is one 2020/21 league schedule that will be resumed from where it left off in December: the Sussex County Women and Girls Football League, from which Hastings United WFC are vying for promotion. They have re-started friendly matches without spectators. A new signing from Eastbourne Town, Georgia Tibble made a spectacular debut in a game on Easter Sunday at Pilot Field, scoring two goals in a 4-1 victory over the Burgess Hill Development team.
Several higher tier footballers have signed up to play in the leagues
Meanwhile the United management are already turning their attention to the 2021/22 men’s season. Having secured Chris Agutter’s services as manager in January for a further two years, i.e. until at least April 2023, they have also been renewing terms with existing players. Jack Dixon, Gary Elphick, Ollie Black and Ben Pope have signed up for next season, and so last week did captain Sam Adams, who needs just one more appearance for the ‘U’s to break the club’s all-time record (569 games) which he currently shares with Terry White.
Two young players have, however, departed for higher levels. Davide Rodari, 21-year-old Italian striker and regular scorer for United, has gone to League Division Two side Crawley Town, making his debut for them in a Cup-tie against AFC Bournemouth in January, and several cameo appearances since as a substitute. Benn Ward, aged 17, who played several times for United as a 16-year-old, has joined the academy of Premier league
side Burnley.
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