Vcd Athletic Football Club

Good afternoon

We would like to welcome the Players, Managers, Club officials, Match officials and Supporters of both VCD Athletic and Three Bridges Football club to Jubilee Field for todays Pitching In Isthmian South East Division match with VCD ATHLETIC. We hope everyone has an enjoyable afternoon and a safe trip home.

Today will see the return of league football at the Jubilee Field, after over 200 days without a league game due to the unprecedented times of Covid-19.

The build up to this season has been like no other, from the uncertainty surrounding how last season would be determined to whether this season would even commence. The unthinkable happened and we were locked down for weeks. During this time, When we were finally able to resume with football our passionate fans were not permitted to watch, and this delayed the start of the season until today. We would like to thank the league for their stance on not starting the league until fans were able to return. Even though the way we attend matches has changed just as in our day to day lives has, we will adjust to the new normal of watching football. Football grounds up and down the country have had to adjust and take extra safety measures to ensure the safety of everyone in the ground and Three Bridges Football Club is no different. Despite the long awaited return to action and with the continuous evolving rules and guidance with Covid-19 VCD Three Bridges Football Club could not be happier to accommodate a game of competitive football once again.

For our next game, we will be home against Whitstable Town. This game will be played on Tuesday 6TH October and will kick off at 7:45pm.

Now more than ever your support is vital in the success of our club and we hope as many of you as possible will be able to make the forthcoming games.

“Three Bridges Football Club along with The Isthmian Football League strongly supports the FA statement that there should be a zero tolerance approach against racism and all forms of discrimination. Accordingly any form of discriminatory abuse whether it by reason of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion and belief, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, sex and sexual orientation or any other form of abuse will be reported to The Football Association for action by that Association.” (The FA 0800 085 0508 / Kick it Out 020 7253 0162).The Isthmian League and all Member Clubs in the League are committed to promoting equality by treating people fairly and with respect, by recognising that inequalities may exist, by taking steps to address them and providing access and opportunities for all members of the community”

Three Bridges Football Club

CLUB OFFICERS President: Alan Bell Vice Presidents: • Alf Blackler • Paul Terry • John Duly • Troy Labelle • John O’Dwyer • Tony Westley EXECUTIVE BOARD Chairman: Paul faili Vice Chairman: Tom Hayward Hon. Secretary: Richard Munn Treasurer: Chris Irving MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE: Minutes Secretary: Alan Ladd Operations Manager: Joanna Munn Maintenance Manager: Paul Coleman Website Manager: Mark Beard Social Media Manager: Richard Munn Commercial Manager: Joanna Munn Special Events Co-ordinator: Paul Terry Programme Editor: TBA Equality and Diversity Officer: Graham McDonnell Child Welfare Officer: Chris Irving Match Reports / Press Officers: Alf Blackler and Alan Ladd Grants Manager: Paul Terry 200 Club Officers: Alf Blackler and Alan Ladd Covid Officers: Paul Terry and Graham McDonnell Club Management: Food and Beverage Manager: Leigh Brown Gatehouse Manager: Simon Rollings Steward: Brijesh Patel Head Groundsmen: Steve White Car Parking & Safety Officer: Paul Coleman Football Management: 1st Team Manager: Paul Faili 1st Team Assistant Manager: Keith George 1st Team Head Coach: Jamie Crellin Development Squad Manager: Ryan Gayler Development Squad Assistant Managers: Tom Hayward and Chris Irving Under 18s Manager: Brannon O’ Neil Club Physiotherapists: Alan Street and Tracey Weller Youth Section Youth Chairman: Graham McDonnell Youth Secretary: Simon Rollings U17 Manager: Simon Rollings Coach: Shane Reid U16 Manager: Chris Duggan Coach: Jon Pleydell U13 Girls Manager: IIija Dinkovski Coach: Clarissa Tilley U13 Flames Manager: Chris Hayden Coach: Tony Mott U13 Phoenix & Sparks Mangers: James Mallinson and Ross Lambert U12 Manager: Simon Rollings Coach: Dan Lombardo U11 Manager: Graham McDonnell Coach: Liam Ward U10 Manager: Ben Dunning Coach: Jonathon Willsher U9 Manager: Karl Mitchell Coach: Tom Bryson U8 / U7 Manager: Kieron Thorp

HISTORY OF THREE BRIDGES FC

Founded in 1901, Three Bridges joined the Mid Sussex Football League in 1902 and were Champions of that League for the first time in the 1907/08 season. Their first major success came in 1933/34, when they won the Sussex Junior Cup, and sundry other minor honours came their way before they joined the Sussex County Football League in 1952/53, and two years later were crowned Second Division Champions. In 1962/63 they won the Division Two Invitation Cup and in 1968/69, 1973/74 and 1979/80 were Second Division Runners Up. 1970/71 produced an against-the-odds triumph when winning the League’s Invitation Cup against Southwick (3-2). The 1980s heralded a run of successes, starting with reaching the last 16 of the FA Vase for the first time in 1981/82 before losing at Molesey (1-2). A season later they made it to the last 32 but also won the Sussex RUR Charity Cup for the first time, beating Hastings Town 3-2. Another year on saw them finish runners up in the Thorn EMI National six-a-side tournament, winning a set of floodlights. 1985/86 saw them finish as County League Division One runners up, a feat they repeated in both 1987/88 (when they also won the RUR Cup again) and 1988/89. A fire destroyed their clubhouse in 1993 which re-focused their priorities and ultimately resulted in relegation in 1996/97. They won the Division 2 League Cup a season later and then finished runners up in Division 2 to regain Division 1 status. They were RUR Cup runners up in 2003/04 and then winners of that same prestigious trophy in 2007/08. In season 2010/11 hopes were high when they started by winning their first nine League games, but eventually finished the season in 5th place. However they did win the John O’Hara League Challenge Cup for the first time that season, beating Rye United 2-1, a tremendous feat that they achieved again in 2011/12, this time AFC Uckfield being defeated 2-1. It looked like being another tough League campaign when they lost four of the first nine matches, but then lost only one of the remaining 29 games, which was concluded by beating Championship rivals Rye United 1-0 at home on the final day of the season! This tremendous run meant the club had achieved its ambition and become Sussex County Football League Champions. With a superb run in the FA Vase too, losing in the last 32 on a penalty shoot-out with Derbyshire side, Gresley FC, the 2011/12 ‘Double’ season had undoubtedly been the best in Three Bridges’ history. Their first season in the Ryman Isthmian Football League South Division saw them struggle for much of the time. However, having been 10 points adrift at the bottom of the table in mid-February, they went on a run of 11 matches that produced 7 victories, 2 draws and just 2 defeats, earning them Team of the Month Awards in both March and April as a result. It meant that they survived the drop, but their second season in the Ryman League saw them struggle at times again but some key signings midway through the season helped them to 19th place. The 2014/15 season saw an even greater improvement with a healthy mixture of youth and experience guiding them into 7th position and, whilst they were happy to score 94 League goals, they were less than happy about the 95 they conceded! They improved their defensive record in conceding 67 goals in season 2015/16 but only scored 59, hardly helped by long-term injuries to strike partners Allan Tait and Tony Garrod. With 66 points, they slumped to 14th position, although they only accumulated 6 points fewer than in the previous campaign! Bridges maintained most of that season's squad for the 2016/17 campaign. However, with at least 11 first team players out injured by September, they had to use a lot of the U21s, Academy and U18s players and by November had lost 12 games in a row, drew three and won just one game. Towards the end of the season, they strengthened the squad but it was too late to avoid relegation. For the 2017/18 season, Bridges kept a few of the best of the players from the previous season and strengthened the team with more experienced players in the hope of promotion once again. Having dispensed with the services of Simon Wormull, Paul Hammond and Danny Lee from the coaching team and folding the Academy team, Bridges also strengthened the management team with the additions of the experienced ex-Bridges player, Martin Dynan as Assistant Manager, and UEFA ‘A’ licensed Coach, Marc Wardley. That season turned out to be an extremely tough one with every team wanting to beat us. However, Bridges accomplished what they set out to do by gaining promotion back to the Isthmian League having finished second place in the Southern Combination League Premier Division, just one point behind the winners, Haywards Heath Town, and despite having only lost 3 games all season. After serving 25 years with the Club as a manager, Paul Faili stood down as First Team Manager for the 2018/19 season in order to concentrate on his role as Club Chairman, and handed the management reins over to Martin Dynan, assisted by Liam Collins alongside Keith George. He also recruited a new U23s manager in Oliver Saunders, another UEFA ‘A’ licensed coach, to work closely with the First Team in developing both the U23s and U18s. After losing 8 out of 12 League games by the end of November, as well as being knocked out of all four cup competitions (FA Cup, FA Trophy, League Cup and Sussex Senior Cup), the future looked bleak for Martin Dynan. However, the team then went on an unbeaten run in December, earning Martin the League’s Manager of the Month Award. Unfortunately, that didn’t last and Martin’s demise was inevitable by the end of February, having lost 8 of the last nine games with relegation looming. Paul Faili stepped in for the remaining 9 games of the season attaining 4 wins, 2 draws and 3 losses – enough for a 14th place finish and 14 points clear of relegation. Paul remained as Manager for the 2019/20 season, ably assisted by Keith George and coached by Jamie Crellin who played for the Club for five seasons, but sadly had to hang up his boots after sustaining an ankle injury early in the 2018/19 season, having made 164 appearances for the Club. Oliver Saunders remained as U23s Manager, assisted by Tom Hayward who has been involved with the U18s as both Assistant Manager and Manager over the last four seasons, while First Team player, Brannon O’Neill, was appointed as U18s Manager. Sadly Oliver decided to move to South Park as First Team Coach in November 2019, following Martin Dynan’s appointment there so Tom has been appointed as U23s Manager for the remainder of the season. For the 2020/2021 season, Paul remains as Manager, assisted by Keith George and coached by Jamie Crellin. The U23S is now known as the Development Squad. Tom has stepped down as Development Squad Manager and is now assistant Manager along with Chris Irving to the newly appointed Ryan Gayler. Brannon O’Neil remains as U18S Manager.

SUPPORTERS GUIDE Revision 2

WELCOME BACK!

Please take note of the covid ground regulations listed below for Three Bridges Football club. The regulations allow the club to open the ground and to welcome back supporters in a safe environment.

1. Before you leave your home, please carry out a self assessment. If you do feel you have any of the recognised COVID -19 symptoms, Please stay at home and seek medical advice, there will be more games for you to enjoy this season.

2. On arrival to the ground we ask you to use the hand sanitizer provided. Hand sanitizing stations are located in multiple positions around the ground.

3. Card payments are preferred on admission to the ground and within the facility. If paying by cash please try to have the correct money available.

4. As part of the clubs effort to help with the Governments track and trace system, we have implemented a few systems to help record who is at the ground. A) We are using the NHS Track and Trace QR code and App. QR codes are located throughout the facility. B) If you are unable to use the app, please speak to a member of staff, who will take down your details. C) All details will be destroyed after 21 days as per the GPDR regulations. Anyone refusing to use Track and Trace may be refused entry.

5. Remember to social distance when in the ground and try not to be in a group of more than 6 people to include children.

6. In the Stands, please refrain from sitting on any seats with crosses on. These have been blocked off to aid social distancing.

7. Please when queuing, try to keep social distancing in mind and follow any instructions that are around the facility.

8.Masks will be required for entry into the clubhouse unless medically exempt.

Remember to social distance when in the ground. We realise it may seem different to how we all usually enjoy football. As a club we are trying to make sure our visitors to Jubilee Field have an enjoyable, entertaining and safe visit.

INTRODUCING ‘PITCHING IN’ – THE NEW PARTNER OF THE ISTHMIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE

GVC is delighted to announce that the new sponsor of the, Isthmian, Northern Premier and Southern Leagues - is Pitching In.

Pitching In, is a new Grassroots Sports Investment Programme that has today been launched by GVC, the multi-national sports-betting and gaming group which owns Ladbrokes and Coral.

The partnership covers all three leagues that make up Steps 3 & 4 of the National Leagues System, who market themselves collectively as the Trident Leagues.

England footballing legend Stuart Pearce, who played for Wealdstone FC for five years at the start of his long and illustrious career, has been appointed as the official Pitching In ambassador.

Stuart Pearce, ambassador for the Pitching In programme, says:

“I am delighted to be taking up the role of ambassador for Pitching In, as I’m passionate about the importance of investing in grassroots sports and in developing young talent. I started out playing for Wealdstone FC before joining Coventry City so I understand how important funding is to the non-league game. Grassroots football is facing huge challenges at the moment and many clubs are struggling to stay afloat. GVC’s Pitching In investment will help make a big difference to hundreds of clubs and thousands of players across the country.”

Pitching In has been set up with the objective of supporting, protecting and encouraging grassroots sports in the UK through a range of initiatives.

In addition to financial support, a key focus of the partnership will be to facilitate and encourage members of the community to become volunteers and do some pitching in of their own. A Pitching In volunteering scheme will be established to link GVC’s Ladbrokes and Coral shop colleagues with their local clubs.

In the weeks ahead Pitching In and the Trident Leagues will be announcing further initiatives to provide financial support and opportunities for all the 226 clubs (rising to 240 in 2021).

For more information on Pitching In please visit www.gvc-plc.com/pitchingin

SOUTH PARK 0 - 1 THREE BRIDGES 1ST

Bridges through in Buildbase FA Trophy

With two minutes of the four added at the end of the game, a delightful through ball by Curtis Gayler set up ALEX BARBARY, who slotted past the advancing keeper Craig Bradshaw to lift ten man Bridges into the next round of the F.A.Trophy, where Chipstead await them on 17th October.

Chances had been limited at both ends, but some of the football was good and flowing with Brannon O’Neill dominating the midfield and Luke Leppard seemingly everywhere with a non stop performance where he chased and harassed the home players.

With Callum Donaghey and Dean Lovegrove assured at the back, it wasn’t until the 77th minute that Kieran Thorp was seriously troubled as he brilliantly tipped over Leon Lalor Dell’s crisply hit effort from range.

Lee Hall saw an early header go over the bar and Steve Smith drove just wide of the far post after being set up by O’Neill, but Smith was a victim of poor officialdom when he was fouled but then cautioned for diving!

A solid challenge by Giani Ashley rebounded to Josh Owen, whose tame effort was easily held by Thorp, and Daryl Siaw was clearly offside when he met Lalor Dell’s free kick. This came just a minute after Lee Hall was shown a yellow card, and it got worse for the Bridges skipper five minutes later when he was shown a straight red for a late challenge.

But it was hardly noticeable that Bridges were a man short and the visitors felt that they should have had a penalty when Hayden Skerry looked to have been fouled as he jinked into the box.

Gayler had a free kick blocked, but it was then his glorious pass that led to that late late winner and plenty of noisy celebrations.

Bridges Man of the Match: Luke Leppard

Report by Alf Blackler

BRIDGES PLAYER PROFILES

KIERON THORP GIANI ASHLEY

PHOTO Born 12.12.90 in Crawley. Joined July 2014. Previous Born 05.07.96 in Amsterdam. Joined Bridges in November clubs include: Dulwich Hamlet, Lewes, Horsham, TO COME 2019. Previous clubs include: South Park Rangers; Redhill; Crawley Down Gatwick, Worthing, Horsham YMCA, & Margate Broadbridge Heath. Over 150 appearances for the club, also managing Bridges’ new U7s team. Sponsor: Elite Development www.elitedevelopmentcoaching.co.uk AVAILABLE TO SPONSOR

LEE HALL PHOTO BRANNON O’NEILL

TO Born 23.11.87 in London. Joined February 2017. COME Born 22.03.1990 in Cuckfield. Joined on 12th January Previous clubs include: Fulham (8 years, earning two 2018 from Burgess Hill. Spent four years at Worthing years’ scholarship at high and reserve level); before leaving to join Dorking Wanderers in 2016/17 Corinthian-Casuals (in 2015, played in Brazil against season. He then signed for Burgess Hill in the Bostik Corinthians at the Arena Stadium in front of 30,000 Premier Division last season before transferring to fans); Lewes, Sutton Utd., Harrow Borough, Bridges. Joined Whitehawk the start of this season and Kingstonian, Met. Police, Tooting & Mitcham Utd. and re-signed for Bridges on 11th October 2018 Carshalton Athletic. Sponsor: Spot On Services UK Sponsor: Elite Development www.spotonservices.uk www.elitedevelopmentcoaching.co.uk

TROY WILLIAMS PHOTO TOM TOLFREY TO COME Born 24.04.94 in Croydon. Joined Bridges in July 2019. Born 10.07.1991 in Crawley. Joined Bridges on 6th July Previous clubs include Tooting & Mitcham, Merstham, 2019 from Dorking Wanderers where he played for five Grays Athletic, Lewes, Horsham (loan) and Walton & seasons, scoring 143 goals in 118 games. Hersham.

AVAILABLE TO SPONSOR Sponsor: LIGHTENING ELECTRICAL

BILLY IRVING JOHN LANSDALE

Born 08.02.2000 in Crawley. Came through the Born 20.07.91 in Shoreham. Joined in July 2014. Previous Bridges Youth section before joining Guildford City in clubs include: Burgess Hill Town, Worthing, Eastbourne the 2018/19 season. Returned to Bridges in October Town, Whitehawk and Crawley Down Gatwick. 2019. Supporters’ Player of the Year last season (2017/18).

Sponsor: Taxave Business Centre Sponsor: Dockerils Sign Department www.taxave.co.uk www.dockerills.co.uk

BRIDGES PLAYER PROFILES

STEVE SMITH CURTIS GAYLER PHOTO TO PHOTO TO Born 01.09.95 in Brighton. Joined Bridges on 11th October COME 2019. Previous clubs include: Burgess Hill Town, Hastings COME United, Worthing, Whitehawk, Lewes, Horsham, East Grinstead Town.

Sponsor: Dockerills Btn ltd AVAILABLE TO SPONSOR www.dockerills.co.uk

BEN BACON HAYDEN SKERRY PHOTO Born 25.08.1990. First joined Bridges on 19th PHOTO TO December 2017 after transferring from Steyning Town, then re-joined Steyning at the end of that TO COME season. Re-signed for Bridges on 9th December COME 2019. Previous clubs include; Wisdom Sports; Cuckfield Town; Haywards Heath; Hassocks; Steyning Town. Sponsor: Kallista Electronics Sponsor: Papercut Software www.kallistaelectronics.co.uk www.papercut.com

MASON DOUGHTY KYLE WOOLVEN

Born 20.05.1999 in Crawley. Came through the Bridges Youth section and previous Academy. Won Club Player of the Year for U21s in 2017/18 and was PHOTO quickly brought into the First Team fold in the TO 2018/19 season after scoring 8 goals in 6 games for COME the U23s. That season, he also won the League’s South Division Top Goal Scorer. Impressed Premier Division Worthing during the close season and made 13 appearances this season before transferring to Burgess Hill in November. Returned to Bridges on 5th March 2020. Sponsor: Next Generation Pro Football Academy Sponsor: Havens Community Hub www.ngpfa.com www.havenscommunityhub.co.uk

WILL ROBINSON HARRY DOCHERTY PHOTO PHOTO

TO TO

COME COME

Sponsor: Mark Jones Wall & Floor Tiling AVAILABLE TO SPONSOR www.mjonesceramictilingsussex.co.uk

BRIDGES PLAYER PROFILES

DEAN LOVEGROVE CALLUM DONAGHEY

PHOTO PHOTO TO TO COME COME

Sponsor: Looks By Lovegrove Sponsor: Leigh Brown www.facebook.com/looksbylovegrove/

ALEX BARBARY JORDAN WILSON

PHOTO PHOTO

TO TO COME COME

Sponsor: Selfie Factory AVAILABLE TO SPONSOR www.selfiefactory.co.uk

LUKE LEPPARD

PHOTO PHOTO TO TO COME COME

Sponsor: C L Leppards Butchers www.leppardsbutchers.co.uk

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TODAY’S MATCH BALL SPONSORS:

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BRIDGES LOSE LEAGUE OPENER

Sevenoaks Town 4 - 1 Three Bridges 1st

A second half collapse had seemed unlikely as Bridges dominated the first half, but failure to take chances and then some awkward defensive lapses cost them dearly.

Inside the first minute Max Huxter was forced to save at his near post from Alex Barbery, but Sevenoaks wasted a good opportunity too as Ryan Fowler’s corner was only just dealt with.

Lee Hall saw a drive held by Huxter before Bridges took a twelfth minute lead with a good swift move that started from the back and finished with BARBERY finishing well. Curtis Gayler had a good effort blocked as Bridges began to play some good football, and defensively they looked in good shape with Callum Donaghey dealing with everything.

Brannon O’Neill had a free kick saved, but just as the game was moving into first half added time, Sevenoaks gained a corner which former Bridges favourite Joe Tennent headed back into the danger area for KYLE DE SILVA to nod home.

Sevenoaks were obviously boosted by this unexpected bonus as they came out much stronger after the break, whilst Bridges looked at sixes and sevens for much of the second period. But after 52 minutes the normally deadly Tom Tolfrey drove wide after latching onto Hayden Skerry’s perfect through ball, and apart from a couple of late efforts by Jordon Wilson and Gayler, the visitors rarely worried Huxter.

In the 70th minute Bridges were left appealing in vain for offside as the ball was slipped through to JASON THOMPSON to give Sevenoaks the lead, and four minutes later THOMPSON scored again with a neat volley following fine work by Tyrell Richardson Brown.

A couple of cautions for the home side following fouls on lively substitute Mason Doughty, but in the last minute an unlucky break left JAMES BESSEY SALDANHA with just Kieron Thorp to beat to complete a miserable afternoon for Bridges.

Report by Alf Blackler

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MATCH BALL SPONSORSHIP £30.00 per game Sponsorship includes two complimentary tickets to the game and opportunity to present Man of the Match.

If you would like to sponsor a match ball for any of the games this season, please speak to Alf Blackler or email [email protected]

3rd October VCD Athletic Rachel & Barry 6th October Whitstable Town Alf Blackler 24th October Phoenix Sports Stuart & Keith 7th November Cray Valley PM 21st November Faversham Town 5th December Whyteleafe 19th December East Grinstead Town 28th December Ashford United 9TH January Sittingbourne 16th January Chichester City 30th January Ramsgate 20th February Burgess Hill Town 27th February Herne Bay 13th March Whitehawk 27th March Hythe Town 17th April Sevenoaks Town 1st May Hastings United

Thank you to all our sponsors this season for their support.

VCD ATHLETIC FOOTBALL CLUB

VCD Athletic FC is one of only a few clubs to have originated during the Great War when, in 1916 it was formed by workers employed at the Vickers armaments factory in Crayford. The Company originally played only inter-departmental games until it was decided that the best players from the various sections would be elected to represent the firm. The club have played at the firm's sports ground, Oakwood, in Old Road, Crayford, from the outset right up to the present time, except for eight seasons spent ground sharing whilst trying to get permission for the erection of floodlights.

In the early days, only friendly matches were played as there were no official competitions during the war years, and records show that a club called Vickers (Erith) joined the re-formed Kent League in 1919, changing their name to Vickers (Crayford) a year later. In their first season in the Kent League they visited Maidstone United on Boxing Day and played in front of a crowd of 13,500. The Vickers team that day contained seven Arsenal players who were finishing off their war service. Two years later, Vickers joined the Dartford & District League, followed by entry into the newly formed Kent Amateur League, Division One in 1923. Their first trophies came in 1927 when they won the Kent FA Junior Cup and the Kent Benevolent Cup.

It was a further 25 years before more silverware came their way, when they won the Kent Division One title in 1953. The Kent Amateur Cup was won in 1962 and in 1964 but the following season saw a spectacular slump and relegation, with a record of P24 W0 D2 L22, goals for 25, goals against 199.

Promotion was gained in 1969, but after a mediocre period during the 1970s, they were relegated in 1980 back to Division Two. A season later they were promoted back to Division One and in 1985 won the championship, gaining promotion to the restructured Premier Division. By now the Kent Amateur League had changed its name to the Kent County League and the club enjoyed further success when they won the Kent FA Intermediate Shield in 1988. In the same year the club was involved in the last ever match played at Maidstone United's London Road ground when they won the West Kent Challenge Cup.

In 1993, Martin Ford joined the club as manager and, in season 1995/1996 a unique cup treble was achieved with wins in the Kent Intermediate Shield, Kent County League Cup, and the Erith Hospitals Cup. Season 1996/1997 then saw the club win the Kent County Premier Division title for the first time in their history, and by a record 15 points. Senior status was awarded that same year and a successful application was made to join the Winstonlead Kent League where, in their first season in modern times, VCD Athletic finished in a creditable ninth place. The following season saw the club begin a ground-share with Thamesmead Town, finishing up in seventh place but also reaching the final of the Kent League Cup, where they lost 1-0 to Deal Town in a closely fought match. Deal at this time were assembling the side that was later to win the FA Vase at Wembley.

A season later the club went one better, beating Faversham Town 4-0 in the final to bring the club a first ever senior trophy, and the season after that the club made its third consecutive cup final appearance when they reached the final of the Kent Senior Trophy. However, they narrowly missed out on more silverware when they went down 10-9 on penalties to Whitstable Town. The club eventually spent five seasons as tenants of Thamesmead Town before Lordswood FC kindly took their place for two seasons. Then the club embarked on a one year term with near neighbours Greenwich Borough, and despite the handicap of having to ground-share, VCD were consistently one of the league's strongest members during their time in the league.

The club reached the final of the League Cup in 2002/2003, but on the day there was no celebration as VCD were comfortably beaten 2-0 by Cray Wanderers. The following season was a disappointment as far as the cups were concerned, but a creditable third place was achieved in the league. Further cup success followed however when, in season 2005/2006 the club reached the final of the Kent Senior Trophy for the second time. Having suffered a loss in the first final on penalties, there was a reversal of fortune this time when, after having drawn 1-1 with Tunbridge Wells at the end of extra time, the VCD players held their nerve to win the penalty shoot-out 3-1.

During 2005 the long awaited news the club wanted to hear finally arrived when planning permission for floodlights and the development of the Oakwood ground was granted by Bexley Council. This, together with a substantial grant from the Football

Stadia Improvement Fund, part of the Football Foundation, enabled work to commence early in 2006. The pitch was levelled, rotated 90 degrees and re-laid. New perimeter paths were laid, along with perimeter fencing to enclose the pitch. Floodlights were erected in June 2006, at the same time that work on enhancing the changing rooms also began. The spectator stand was re-sited and extended, and further additions included a new raised hospitality area situated to overlook the pitch, and a new tea bar adjacent to the popular members bar.

At the end of the 2007 season Martin Ford resigned as manager, and the club are grateful for his vision and enthusiasm over the years that took VCD from being a Kent County League side to one that was always around the top of the table in the Kent League, and on his departure the club had just reached the last 16 of the prestigious FA Vase for the second consecutive season. Head coach Dean Frost took over as caretaker manager, and under his guidance the club obtained runners up spot in the league, narrowly missing out to Whitstable Town, and then the following season Paul Foley was appointed manager of the first team, with Dean Frost reverting to his former position of head coach. Under their stewardship the club finished runners up once more. A year later, the club finally won the Kent League Premier Division title together with the Kent Senior Trophy, culminating in the long awaited promotion to the Ryman Football League.

The first season was a success with an 8th place finish, but the club were left stunned when the Ryman League deemed ground issues warranted demotion, and despite an appeal to the Football Association, the decision was upheld and the club went back to the Kent League. Manager Paul Foley resigned to join Chatham Town, taking virtually the whole team with him, and the club appointed former reserve team manager Ricky Bennett his replacement. Under his leadership VCD achieved third place in his first season, and the season after the team was also challenging for honours and, but for a disappointing end to the campaign we certainly would have given Herne Bay a closer run to their title. Once again third place was attained but this time we had the added bonus of winning the Kent League Cup, beating Corinthian 2-0 in the final. We also lifted a second trophy with a 3-2 victory over league champions Herne Bay in the Kent League Challenge Shield which gave the club a pre-season boost.

Midway through season 2012/2013 Ricky Bennett left the club due to outside pressures, and in his place the club secured the services of Tony Russell, previously manager of Erith Town FC, who joined with his assistant Ray Powell. With most of the players leaving with the previous manager the club was in disarray, but a side was quickly formed by the new management, and a magnificent record breaking run of 17 victories and 2 draws in the last 19 league fixtures enabled the club to once more gain promotion to the Ryman Football League Division 1 North. Starting as favourites for relegation, the club had a stunning run, winning the first15 games and heading the table for all but a couple of weeks throughout the campaign, and on the last day of the season, sitting in 2nd place the Vickers defeated Romford FC 6-0 while leaders Witham Town could only draw their last game which saw us secure the title by a point, taking the club to the Premier Division, its highest ever level in the pyramid. The club struggled for a lot of the season, spending most of the time in the relegation places but winning the last 6 games saw us climb to safety, finally finishing in 18th position to maintain our place in the division.

Manager Tony Russell immediately resigned, taking the entire side with him, but the club acted quickly to secure the services of Keith McMahon as new First Team Manager. Keith came with a wealth of experience having taken neighbours Thamesmead Town from the Kent League to the Ryman League Premier Division but, with no players at the club and only a few weeks to the start of the 2015/2016 season Keith was up against it from the beginning and though bringing in some excellent players and with some good performances we were unable to find the consistency needed in the Premier Division and were relegated back to Division 1 (North). More inconsistency during the following seasons saw us finish around the mid-table positions before we were placed in the reconstructed South East Division where we finished just shy of the play-off positions before, with last season cut short due to the Covid 19 situation we again looked to be finishing around mid-table. It was then decided then that changes needed to be made and Keith left the club to be replaced at the start of the 2020-2021 season by former VCD player Nick Davis. Nick had previously managed Sittingbourne and Ramsgate and the club will give him every assistance in taking the club forward. We now look towards to a promising new era at Oakwood.

VCD ATHLETIC FOOTBALL CLUB

THREE BRIDGES FC SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL CLUB

For only £5.00 per month (paid by direct debit, standing order cash or cheque), you could win big and support the Club. THREE cash prizes guaranteed every month with a minimum £100 first prize. For further information, please contact: Alf Blackler – 07758 745372 Email: [email protected] OR Alan Ladd – 07584 624963 Email: [email protected]

1st - £100 2nd - £50 3rd - £30

NOVEMBER 10 U12 Phoenix 45 Tony Danser 89 U12 Phoenix (2) 2019 1 (14) DECEMBER Bradley 47 53 Graham Creasy 44 John Peters 2019 Spencer JANUARY 2020 75 U12 Flames (3) 57 David Beard 84 U12 Flames (12) FEBRUARY 2020 11 Leigh Brown 44 John Peters 61 Sue Creasy MARCH 2020 31 Lorraine Ford 63 Zoe Spencer 25 Lorraine Bonner APRIL 2020 66 Paul Faili 72 Gordon Bennett MAY 2020 56 Phil Bacon 48 Helen Davis JUNE 2020 37 Ray Davis 25 Lorraine Bonner JULY 2020 5 Peter Smithson 24 Brian Crossey AUGUST 2020 18 Chris Irving 24 Brian Crossey SEPTEMBER

2020 OCTOBER 2020 NOVEMBER

2020 DECEMBER

2020

Clubhouse Hire – Three Bridges Football Club

Need a venue for a party? We can help!

Your EVENT at our Clubhouse…..

Our clubhouse at Jubilee Field is the perfect venue for any type of private function!

Situated five minutes from the M23 and Crawley Town Centre with Three Bridges train Station a 2 minute walk away.

Wedding receptions, Christenings, Wakes, Parties (No 18th birthdays), Corporate Events, Quiz & Race nights, Discos and Business meetings, you name it…we can help!!

Our conference facilities offer flexibility for meetings with a choice of locations and large screens.

Holds up to 180 people, 120 seated for Banquets with a fully licensed bar and parking for 200 cars!!

Our dedicated staff can provide:

• Start to end planning • On the day event coordination • Décor and styling • Supplier recommendations • Catering (available on request)

Our clubhouse is available for hire seven days a week!!

Make your event unforgettable…Don’t delay, contact us Today!!!

Contact our Bookings and Events Team

Telephone: 01293 442000 Email: [email protected] www.threebridgesfc.co.uk

Three Bridges Football Club

CARBOOT SALE

Weekly on a Sunday from 9am-2pm, weather permitting. Sellers from 8am, buyers from 9am. Hard standing, Free public parking, Refreshments and Toilets on site. Pitch fees, Cars £5 Cars, Vans £6. £1 entry for buyers, Kids Free!! Spaces allocated on a first come first served basis, no pre booking required. Covid-19 safety measures in place. Please where possible wear a mask, sanitise hand regularly and adhere to social distancing guidelines.

Jubilee Walk, Three Bridges, Crawley, West Sussex,

RH10 1LQ

Telephone: 01292 42000

www.facebook.com/ThreeBridgesFootballclub www.threebridgesfc.co.uk

By Matt Badcock

IT’S DIFFICULT to know what to write about sometimes in these programme columns we send out each week.

Do people want to hear views on the big issues around the game? Are you flicking through a programme for some light-hearted reading at half-time?

It feels like everything has been a bit serious recently. And rightfully so. Clubs up and down are worried about the future. What makes it harder, in this Covid pandemic, is a lot of the things we are worrying about when it comes to Non-League football are largely out of everyone’s control.

While clubs can put the right protocols in place, if the government suddenly decide no fans then there’s not much that can be done about it.

It’s a frustrating time for all, perhaps summed up by the situation this weekend in the FA Cup where Step 2 fans aren’t allowed to watch their team play live, be it home or away.

At the time of writing, there is still great uncertainty for National League clubs about their kick-off. They will be behind closed doors but with almost no exceptions, that will only work if there is sufficient support from the Government or the Premier League.

All we really want is to watch our teams play again. That goes for every club throughout the pyramid. Those who already have fans in want to make sure the gates stay open.

Perhaps this tricky period reminds us why we started watching Non-League football in the first place.

The thought sprung to mind from last week’s NLP where our new columnist Tony Incenzo – talkSPORT’s journalist and Non- League expert – about the importance of getting young fans through the doors.

Tony recounts how his mum used to drop him and a friend at the gates of Hendon and would return at 4.45pm to pick them up knowing they will have had an enjoyable, and safe, afternoon watching their local side.

From their Tony’s passion for these levels of the game soared and, anyone who follows him on twitter, will know just how many grounds he has visited over the years.

It got me to thinking about my own involvement in the game. My Dad is the on to blame, Heavily involved in Non-League football, I probably had no choice.

But I loved going down to a ground, smelling the liniment waft from the changing rooms before standing so close to the action soaking it all in. I enjoyed watching Premier League football, like any other kid, but really Non-League was the place to be.

That then morphed into regularly watching Farnborough Town with friends before, in our teenage years, that transformed into away games as well.

We’d hop on the train early in the morning and headed off to far flung destinations like Hitchin, Carshalton and St Albans.

It’s only a few years later when you start driving that you realise these places are not that far away at all.

But that was our Saturdays. Stopping at McDonalds on the way to the ground. Stopping there again on the way back to the station. Navigating our way through Clapham Junction and eventually arriving back home tired but fulfilled.

That’s what Covid has shown me, anyway. How much I enjoy being at a game with other people and soaking it all in. How I enjoy going to a game with my Dad, who kick-started my love affair with Non-League in the first place. And, with that, I’m off tonight to see a game with him. Enjoy your game.