6th May 2008

SCFL Division 1

On a early summers evening at the very welcoming Hassocks FC both sides were determined for this fixture NOT to turn out to be a drab end of season affair.  In fact it was a good advert for Sussex County football and a credit to both teams that the game was played with great passion and at times the skill level from both teams was of a high standard especially on the poor surface.

The new off field facilities at the Beacon would certainly grace the next level of football and when the pitch is relaid then Hassocks will have a fantastic set up indeed.  The game itself started at a frenetic pace with both teams doing their best to play some attractive football.  Hassocks were slightly more direct but that certainly plays to their strengths with frontman Robinson a constant thorn in the Wickers side, indeed his battle with our own Paul Jones become a highlight of the evening.

The Wickers drew first blood on the evening when a slick passing move culminated in Scott Murfin firing home from the edge of the area after 25 minutes this was his 30th goal of the season which in itself is a terrific achievment.  Scott, playing in a lone front man position was causing a number of problems for the home defence, and should have increased the lead on 40 minutes when a fantasic turn saw him with only the 'keeper to beat but unfortunately for us he screwed his shot wide.

Half Time  0 -  1

The Wickers came out after the break and took the game to their hosts and with substitutes Tom Manton and Gareth Green getting involved straight away it looked only a matter of time before the Wickers would increase their lead.  Indeed after 50 minutes a great angled drive by Gareth saw the home 'keeper stranded but the shot hit the bar a bounced away to safety.  Shortly after this the home team made a break away and the impressive Robinson found time and space in the Wickers penalty area before calmly smashing the ball into the net past the hapless Anthony Ender.  Tempers started to fray slightly after this but the game opened up and the match became almost end to end with no side really threratening the killer touch in front of goal.

The final score was probably the right result however we were a little disappointed not to have secured all 3 points.  All in all we secured the 5th position in the league and after the mid season up heavel the end of season analysis should point to a successful campaign.  The gap between the top side and ourselves is not that big and with a few sminor tweaks over the summer I am sure that Wick FC will be right up there again for next season.

Finally, it is left to say a big thankyou to everyone involved this season from the Management and players to the committee and obviously the loyal band of Wickers Supporters who have followed the fortunes through thick and thin this season and we look forward to next year and hopefully giving everyone something to cheer about !  Enjoy the summer rest and be ready for the challenges of 2008 / 09.

Team  1 Anthony Ender, 2 Ben Torode, 3 Gareth, 4 Dave Sharman, 5 Paul Jones, 6 Julian Curnow, 7 Neil Murfin, 8 Phil Turner ( Tom Manton ), 9 Ryan Hudson ( Gareth Green ), 10 Scott Murfin, 11 Lee Barnard ( Nobby )

Match Report   Big Sus

Score   1 - 1

Scorer   Scott Murfin

Attendance   109

Wick MoM   Paul Jones  Great battle with the Hassocks 'big' front man.