Season 08/09
Sunday 13th Oct 08                                            Three Bridges (home) 10.15 k.o
After a weeks break we were back in league action today against Three Bridges Youth. Southdown started brightly with some excellent attacking football but failed to convert some excellent opportunities in front of goal, they were a little guilty of taking that extra touch or just slightly over playing it in the final third. The first goal came from a set piece with Davess delivering a well placed corner for Brace to head home......
A lapse of concentration and poor marking ten minutes before the break cost Southdown the half time lead as a Bridges player slotted home from a free kick. Ten minutes into the second half and after a couple of substitutions Brace scored his second headed goal to restore the lead with yet another Davess corner kick. (nice to see our last few coaching sessions have worked!!)
The boys had to fight for this win as Three Bridges kept plugging away and frustratingly Southdown found the Bridges keeper in top form.....
The final releif came from good work down the right from Bristow who did well to deliver the cross for James Callaby to slot home for his third goal in as many games..... Well done lads!
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Sunday 26th Sept 08                                           Felpham Colts (away) 10.30 k.o
First round of the County Cup and a tough away draw faced the boys on Sunday. An excellent squad performance this weekend, as the boys demolished Felpham Colts in the first half of the game. The stakes were high as two strong sides met each other at search an early stage of the competition. Felpham started strongly with penetrating balls by-passing their midfield to put early pressure on the Southdown defence. Once the boys settled down they played some fantastic football to take a 5-1 lead into half time. The second half was a more even contest with Felpham taking one of their chances and Southdown creating plenty of their own but failing to extend their goal tally

Sunday 21st Sept 08                                                    Polegate (away) 10.30 k.o.
Back to winning ways this weekend with a convincing three nil win over Polegate. Southdown took the lead inside the first ten minutes with a well taken goal by Harley. Some good defending by Polegate kept the score at one nil at the break. The second half followed a very similar pattern with George Willett not having one save to make, whilst we peppered the Polegate goal. Two further goals gave us a deserved three points and a convincing win.

Sunday 14th Sept 08                                    Eastbourne Town (home) 10.30 k.o.
Squandered chances saw us get punished yesterday as Eastbourne Town gave a hardworking performance to run out 3-1 winners. Eastbourne started the game at a frantic pace and were ahead after only 5 minutes. Indecisive defending in the penalty area was punished with a well taken goal. Eastbourne continued this pace for about 20 minutes but with very little football content other than get the ball in the Southdown box at every opportunity.
A couple of good saves by George kept us from going further behind. After 20 minutes Southdown came to terms with Eastbournes tactics and finaly started to impose themselves on the game. The equaliser came from one of the many corners that we forced in the build up to half time. The boys should have come in at the break with the amount of chances they created.
The second half was a similar story of many more missed opportunities for Southdown only for Eastbourne to create three of four good opprotunities on the break, but with clinical finishing scored two of them.

Sunday 7th September 08                           Saltdean United (away) 1.30pm k.o.
The boys started their league campaign with a tricky away fixture at Saltdea United today. They put in a solid performance with a comprehensive five nil win. Marcus Harley scored four off the five goals and continued his great start from pre-season.
The boys were comfortable winners but it was Saltdean who nearly opened the scoring when an opportunist shot from outside the area clipped the croossbar on the way over for a goal kick. We probably should have one by a bigger margin with the amount of chances we created, but a good solid start boys!
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Southdown Rovers v Whitehawk Youth
Match played at Leylands Park K.O. 11am Sunday 21st April 07
A fantastic performance from the boys on Sunday saw them take all three points off of their closest league challengers Whitehawk. Both teams started brightly with most of the play in the middle of the park in a game where chances would be at a premium. The deadlock was broken midway through the first half from a well placed free kick into the penalty area, the ball broke to Andy Hall who finished well.
The second goal came from some excellent football when a cross from the right was well met by Andy Hall to smash the ball into the net for his and Southdown’s second. Whitehawk came close to pulling a goal back with a well placed free kick destined for the top corner only to be denied by an outstanding save from keeper Simon Martyn. Southdown could have gone in at the break further ahead as Luke Brace struck the bar with a ferocious volley from the edge of the penalty area, and James Callaby was denied by the post.
The second half started at the same high tempo as the first by both sides and with Whitehawk pushing to try and get back into the match, further opportunities were not taken by Southdown to increase their lead and the final score finished two nil in favour of Southdown. An excellent performance from all the Southdown players and they now require just six points from a possible twelve to finish Sussex Sunday League Champions.
Report by Lee Brace
Final score:- Southdown Rovers 2 Whitehawk 0
Southdown goal scorers:- Andy Hall, 2
Southdown Rovers v Hove Rivervale
Match played at Leylands Park K.O. 12.15pm 19/11/06
Southdown Rovers welcomed Hove Rivervale to Leylands Park on Sunday with memories of last year’s away defeat that cost us the Sussex Sunday League. Southdown started extremely brightly and were a goal up within 2 minutes. The boys really did dominate the first half passing their way around the opposition. It became a bit of a non-contest as we took a four nil lead into the break. The boys emerged after half time with what seemed even more determination and energy as they quickly set about any chance of Hove getting back into the game. A further five goals saw us run out nine goal winners without even a hint of a reply from the opposition. The most amazing thing about this game was that from the match Southdown had eight different goal scorers for the nine goals. And Tyler the smallest player on the pitch pops up with a headed goal from a corner! Clinical performance boys well done! Report by Lee Brace
Final score:- Southdown Rovers 9 Hove Rivervale 0
Southdown Goal scorers:- Leggett 2, Brace, Hall, Davess, Cummins, Tyler, Pinnock, Bristow
Southdown Rovers v Lewes Bridge View
Match played at Leylands Park                                                      K.O. 2pm 12/11/06
Southdown Rovers played host to league rivals Lewes Bridge View on Sunday as the two sides looked to progress in the Sussex Sunday League Cup. Both sides started brightly but it was Lewes that drew first blood after poor defending gifted them an early opening goal. Southdown were a little shocked by this, immediately set about making amends and within ten minutes and several missed chances, were level as Pamment got his first of two goals. Five minutes later and Southdown were ahead as Fughl added the second and just before the break Pamment ‘s second gave the home side a 3-1 lead..
Southdown started the second half quickly and within minutes of the re-start Davess put the game beyond Lewes with a deserved fourth. The fith goal came from a fantastic set piece with Hall meeting the ball with a powerful header. Lewes still rallied back and after another defensive error scored their second goal. As if to have the final say Southdown went straight up the other end and added the sixth and final goal as Davess slotted past the oncoming keeper. Report by Lee Brace
Final score:- Southdown Rovers 6 Lewes Bridge View 2
Southdown Goal scorers:- Pamment 2, Fughl, Hall, Davess, Lago

Whitehawk Youth v Southdown Rovers

Match played at East Brighton Park K.O. 2pm 05/11/06

Southdown Rovers travelled to league rivals Whitehawk on Sunday as the top two sides in the Sussex Sunday League tried to gain an advantage over one another. Southdown really should have gone into the break with a two or three goal advantage as they dominated the first half and missed some excellent chances. Instead they only had a slender advantage of one goal courtesy of a deflection from a corner kick that beat the Whitehawk keeper. The second half started well for Southdown as they looked to extend their lead further only to be denied by some good defending and goalkeeping. The longer the half went on and the more chances that were missed, Whitehawk started to get back in the game. In the 55th minute a fierce shot from 25 yards eluded the Southdown keeper and Whitehawk were level. This really sparked the game into life and instilled belief into the Whitehawk side. Five minutes later they were awarded a free kick outside the Southdown area and from the resulting set piece a glancing header saw them take a shock lead. A lesser side than Southdown would have been devastated by this goal but instead Southdown immediately pressed Whitehawk back into their own half and were level within five minutes of going behind. A goalmouth scramble was eventually headed home by Hall to ensure at least the draw they deserved. Report by Lee Brace

Final score:- Whitehawk Youth 2 Southdown Rovers 2

Goal scorers:- Hall & OG.

Southdown Rovers v Three Bridges Youth

Match played at Leylands Park K.O. 10.30am 29/10/06

Southdown Rovers recorded their fifth straight win in the league this season, hitting Three Bridges Youth for six . Southdown played some excellent passing football in the first half and after creating several scoring opportunities, they eventually took the lead through Pinnock who slotted the ball past the oncoming keeper. The second goal came from a set piece corner and a great header from Hall double their lead going into the break. The second half started much the same, with Southdown keeping possession before creating another opening for Pinnock to add the third. The fourth goal was an own goal as the Three Bridges keeper came out to meet the ball from a great cross from the left, only to see defender slice an attempted clearance into his own net. The fifth goal was a gain the product of a set piece this time in the form of a penalty kick. Good work from Lago was rewarded, after a Three Bridges defender pulled him down in the box. Fugl stepped up to convert from the spot. Southdown kept going right to the final whistle and with the last kick of the game Bates scored the final sixth goal from a outside the area firing his shot across the keeper. Report by Lee Brace

Final score: Southdown Rovers 6 Three Bridges Youth 0

Goal scorers: Pinnock 2, Hall, OG, Fugl, Bates.

Southdown Rovers v Eastbourne Borough

Match played at Leyands Park K.O. 10.30am 22/10/06

Southdown Rovers maintained their 100% league wins after an excellent display on Sunday. Their opponents Eastbourne Borough were sitting top of the table before the fixture started and the Rovers players knew that this would be a tough game. Southdown started brightly passing their way around the park and a few early chances developed, the best falling to Leggett who put the ball over from close range.
The deadlock was broken in the 20th minute when an excellent free kick from Pamment was well met by Hall who guided his header into the bottom corner. Southdown were now starting to dominate, on 25mins Lago latched onto a well placed thru-ball to out muscle the Borough centre back and slot home across the keeper.
Eastbourne were awarded a soft free kick on 30mins that resulted in a well struck shot from all of 30 yards that flew into the back of the Southdown net. The last few minutes of the half were a real battle in midfield as Eastbourne tried to claw their way back into the game before the break.
The second half started at a good pace with Eastbourne now resorting to long balls over the top whilst Southdown at every opportunity got the ball down and pass their way thru midfield. Southdown were rewarded with their third goal when the impressive Davess slotted a neat thru-ball for Cummins to slide the ball under the oncoming Borough keeper.
Eastbourne came close to pegging another goal back when another long range shot was well shepherded away by Martyn in the Southdown goal. Pinnock, Bates & Bristow in the Southdown defence all had fantastic performances limiting the Borough shots on target to just two all game, well done.
Southdown’s fourth goal came from some excellent pressing play from the midfield and Brace carried the ball along the Borough 18 yard box before unleashing a shot that nestled into the top right hand corner. An excellent goal that rounded off a fantastic team performance. Report by Lee Brace
Final score Southdown 4 Eastbourne Borough 1
Goal scorers: Hall, Lago, Cummins & Brace

Southdown Rovers v Three Bridges Youth

Match played at Leylands Park K.O. 2.00pm 15/10/06

Southdown Rovers played hosts to league rivals Three Bridges Youth on Sunday in the third round of the County Cup. Southdown uncharacteristically looked rather out of sorts and although they created chances in the first half Three Bridges stood firm to keep the scores level at the break. The second half again had a slow start until good work from the Southdown midfield created an opportunity for Brace to shoot from outside the area on his weaker left side, his shot took a nasty bobble and bounced over an already committed keeper. The goal slightly deflated Three Bridges as Southdown now started to play attacking football making full use of the width of the pitch, a good cross from the left side was well met by Pamment for the headed second goal. Pamment shortly added his second of the game as Bridges started to crumble. Tom Tyler & George Hola rounded off the scoring for Rovers with two well taken goals and booked a place in the next round away to Lewes Bridgeview. Report by Lee Brace

Final score: Southdown 5 Three Bridges 0

Goal scorers: Brace, Pamment 2, Tyler, Hola

Polegate Grasshoppers v Southdown Rovers

Match played at Wellspring Willingdon Road. K.O. 2.00pm 08/10/06

Within the first 10 minutes of the game Southdowns Tom Davess started the game with a shot on goal which just went wide of the near post shortly followed by a good cross from Dan into the box which was defended away by Polegate. After only 20 minutes of play Tom Pinnock had to come off due to an injury (ear piercing) he was replaced by George Holah. Some great tackling by Tom Tyler in defence with consistent pressure from Dan up front, with some great passing from Dan, Tom D and Matt the ball finally fell to Dan who scored. Southdown continued to pass the ball around from Tom T to Matt to Davess the ball then fell to Matt but was held by their keeper. Matt then goes on a great run passes the ball into the box for Dan who passes to Tyler but unfortunately the ball goes over the top of the bar. Luke takes a long range shot which goes wide. With Southdown’s consistent tackling and hunger for the ball Dan gets the ball back, passes to Matt but Polegates defence clears the ball giving away a corner. A good corner was taken by Kieron and Luke Brace scores. A Southdown corner was then taken by Tyler which fell to George Holah but went straight into the Polegate keeper’s arms.

Half time Dan off for G Hart Bates off for A Hall.

Good start from the whistle with two good runs from Hart which couldn’t get through polegates defence. Polegate then won themselves a corner which was cleared away by Davess and Brace. With some more good passing by Southdown, Matt had a shot which went over the bar 10 mins into the second half A great free kick was taken from Tom Tyler which was cleared away by Polegates defence. Kieron passes into the box but again Polegates defence clear it away. Polegate then make a run with a shot on goal which is saved by Martyn Polegate then came back and scored 15 minutes into second half.

Kieron off for Pinnock Lee off for Adam. 25 minutes into the 2nd half Polegate gain a corner which was defended away by Davess, the ball came back to Polegate but was saved by Martyn. Hart makes a run, crossing it into the box, Polegate defend conceding a corner. Matt takes corner which was defended away by polegate Matt then made a run from his own half taking the ball passed Polegates defence and keeper but just shooting wide of the goal. Southdown continue to hit the polegate defence, Matt takes a corner which is headed wide by Hall. Southdown continued to apply the pressure with passes from Davess, Matt, and Hart who crossed to Holah which went over the bar. With 10 minutes to go Tyler come off for Dan Southdown and polegate continued to play end to end football. Report by Sarah Pamment

Final score: Polegate Grasshoppers 1 Southdown Rovers 2

Goal scorers. Dan Cummins Luke Brace

Pevensey & Westham v Southdown Rovers

Match played at Wallsend Road Pevensey K.O. 2.30pm 01/10/06

This weekend Southdown Rovers travelled away to Pevensey & Westham in their quest to compete for the chance to win the League Cup. The game started brightly with most of the play being in the middle of the park as both teams probed at each other’s defences. Southdown were rewarded for their persistence with a goal after 25 minutes with a fine strike by Tyler Leggett. Once the dead lock had been broken the second goal was not far behind as Southdown took a two goal lead into the break.
The start of the second half was again very evenly contested as both sides battled away in midfield. Southdown eventually started to dominate the game and started to create lots of goal scoring opportunities only to find the Pevensey goalkeeper in fantastic form. Southdown finished the game extremely well and in the last fifteen minutes scored four goals during what could only be described as an extreme downpour of rain that drenched both sides and supporters. Report by Lee Brace
Final score: Pevensey & Westham 0 Southdown Rovers 6
Goal scorers. Tyler Leggett2, George Hola, Tom Pinnock2, Matt Lago

Fishersgate Flyers v Southdown Rovers

Match played at Middle Road Shoreham K.O. 10.30am 24/09/06

The boys set out their quest to retain this years County Cup with a potentialy tricky away fixture to Fishersgate Flyers. The game started a little tentatively with both sides looking for weaknesses in each other. After about twenty minutes Southdown started to exert their dominance on the game using the wings to open up the Fishersgate defence. The first half’s four goals all came from wide positions three of which were forced errors from the goalkeeper. Southdown added three further goals after the break dominating the rest of the game and ran out eventual seven nil winners. Report by Lee Brace
Final score: Fishersgate Flyers 0 Southdown Rovers 7
Goal scorers. 2 OG’s, Tom Tyler2, Matt Lago, Kieran Pamment, Andy Hall.
Southdown Rovers v Pheonix Youth

Match played at Leylands Park Burgess Hill K.0. 2.30pm 17/09/06
It was a lovely afternoon to play and the squad were anticipating a challenging game from the mighty force of Pheonix Youth a squad to be reckoned with from last season.
Straight from the whistle it looked like Southdown were going to dominate the game in midfield with excellent passing and control of the ball from Andy Hall, Tom Davess, George Hart, Matt Lago and Ty. It was only 3 mins into the game before Matt Lago struck the ball and although the keeper tried to get a finger to it, it hit the back of the net. Pheonix came back immediately but with the strong defence of Lee Bristow, Tom Tyler and Adam Bates they had a job getting through. After 10 mins Southdown goalie Simon, the voice of encouragement for the team, had to put his skills with his hands into action for the first time, saving a long range shot but then straight from his kick the ball was back in Pheonix’s danger area and a super lob from Ty gave their keeper no chance and put the tally up to 2 nil. Again from the centre circle Pheonix were dispossessed of the ball and Dan Cummins crossed it into Ty who knocked the ball onto George Hart who skilfully controlled the ball down to his feet and slotted it into the Pheonix net to make it 3 nil after only 13 mins.
With the Southdown squad playing skilfully and having nearly total possession shots by Ty, Matt, Luke Brace and Dan Cummins were all denied by hitting the crossbar or just going wide. At 27 mins Brandon Fugl came on for Andy Hall in mid field and the game kept its quick tempo and gave Tom Davess the opportunity for an excellent strike on 30 mins to make it 4 nil. A free kick for Pheonix on the half way line was taken well and hung high in the air for what Simon must have thought an eternity until his dominating shout of ‘keepers’ found the ball safely into his hands.
In the second half came the introduction of Kieran Pamment and George Holah and although the score line read 4.0, Southdown were not going to let this be enough. With more shots on goal from Dan Cummins, Kieran Pamment, Luke Brace and George Holah denied by the crossbar and going wide it was good work from Pamment in midfield who passed the ball onto Dan Cummins for him to float the ball into the box for a superb header from George Holah to make it 5 nil after only 10 mins of the second half gone.
In the next 20 minutes Southdown were now on a score line of 11 nil, with goals from Matt Lago, George Hart, two from Ty and two from Holah. It was after 39 mins that Luke Brace had the opportunity to end his crossbar challenge and slot one into the back of the net, making the score now 12 nil.
Pheonix didn’t give up even at this stage and fought bravely to try and at least get one goal on the score sheet but that was one thing that the Southdown squad were not going to let happen. A final show of skill from all players got the ball to Tom Tyler, who was now in an upfront position and allowed him the settle the score at 13 nil.
A superb show of concentration and how to play the game of football was put on for all to see and was thoroughly enjoyed by the Southdown supporters.
Report by Jane Cummins

Shoreham v Southdown Rovers

Match played at County Ground Shoreham K.O. 10.30am 10/09/06

Southdown started fairly sprightly when on only four minutes a headed effort by Matt Lago just went wide from a Tom Pinnock free kick. They were rewarded with a goal on the 10th minute when the ball broke to George Holah on the edge of the Shoreham box and his low shot beat the keeper to his right hand side. Shoreham reacted well to the opening goal from Southdown and worked tirelessly to try and level the score. The more they attacked, Southdown were able to exploit spaces with Kieran Pamment going close on two occasions with one shot going wide and a one-on-one with the keeper powered over the crossbar. The second goal came just before half time. Tom Davess created the opportunity with an excellent well-placed thru-ball to Matt Lago who duly slotted past the oncoming keeper. 2-0 HT

The second half started well for both teams, but again it was Southdown that made it count when on 55mins Luke Brace won the ball in the centre of midfield and and split the Shoreham defence with a good thru-ball to Tom Tyler who scored with a well placed shot. Two minutes later Tyler Leggett's corner kick was met by Tom Pinnock who's shot re-bounded back of the post. Southdown were now starting to ask question of the Shoreham defence with George Hart & Branden Fugl both going close. Matt Lago was unlucky not to get a second goal when he was set up by Luke Brace and his powerful 25-yard shot riffled off the croosbar. On 67 mins Brace and Lago battled well again to win the ball back in midfield and Tom Tyler helped himself to his second goal of the match with another great finish.

The whole team performed well and worked hard all over the park to keep a clean sheet and give Simon a quiet game in goal. FINAL RESULT SHOREHAM 0 SOUTHDOWN 4

Report by Ron Holah

SEASON 05/06

County Cup Final

Match played at Lancing FC 12/03/06

Southdown Rovers v Felpham Colts U13s

Southdown Rovers were crowned Champions of Sussex when they defeated Felpham Colts 1-0, to lift the Sussex Tesco Challenge Trophy, with the winning goal being struck by Tom Tyler early in the second half. After the bitter disappointment of losing the final last year, Rovers were determined not to make any mistakes this time round, and all the boys played brilliantly to ensure that they were worthy winners of a competition entered by 80 clubs from all over Sussex.

The final made history as it was the first Sussex County Cup Final to be refereed by a female official, Kim Etherington, and her task was made easy by both teams playing the game in a friendly spirit. Rovers looked calm and assured as they dominated most of the match, forcing Felpham Colts to defend in numbers, which severely restricted Felpham’s attacking options.

Although Rovers pressed forward throughout the game, clear-cut chances were few, and Kieran Pamment was unlucky to see his effort go narrowly wide midway through the first half. However, five minutes into the second half, Rovers took a deserved lead through Tom Tyler with a cool finish. Rovers were piling on the pressure and Tom T and George Hart were inches away from extending their lead. Further goals just would not come and the final whistle sparked tremendous celebration by all of the Rovers team.

Captain Shane Collins, and his deputy Tom Davess were then presented with the Challenge Trophy and a second trophy awarded by Tesco as sponsors of this competition. Man of the Match for Rovers was Lee Bristow who worked tirelessly throughout the game.

Rovers now go forward to represent the whole of Sussex football in a National competition, with the competition culminating in a chance to play at Bolton's Reebok stadium in May.

County Cup Semi Final

Match played at Durrington High School, Worthing. 26/02/06

Southdown Rovers faced Worthing Dynamos with a place in the County Cup final being the reward for the winner. Although Rovers went a goal behind, they emerged 3-2 victors with a superb, battling performance in bitterly cold, windy conditions.
It was Rovers who started the more brightly, passing the ball well and creating a number of chances. However, Dynamos took the lead on 22 minutes when a well-taken free kick found a player unmarked at the far post. Rovers continued to press forward and deservedly equalised two minutes before the break, when Tom Tyler was put through and finished clinically.
The second half saw both teams come close to scoring, but it was Rovers who took the lead on 54 minutes when Dan Cummins was fouled in the box and Tom Davess converted the penalty. Six minutes later Tom D hit the bar and Dan was there to slot home the rebound. With 2 minutes remaining Dynamos pulled a goal back, but Rovers survived a frantic finish to the game, and it is they who will meet Felpham Colts in the final. A superb performance from all of the players, and it is a tremendous achievement by Rovers as they are in the County Cup Final for the second year running
Match played at Dorothy Stringer School Brighton 29/01/06
Southdown Rovers just edged a thrilling cup-tie against Withdean Youth, with the winner coming just two minutes before the end of extra time, and now face Worthing Dynamos in the semi-finals of the County Cup. In bitterly cold, windy conditions, both teams settled quickly, with Rovers having the disadvantage of playing against the wind.
The majority of the play throughout the game was confined mainly to the middle of the park with few scoring opportunities created. It was Withdean who took the lead, when Simon Martyn in the Rovers goal was at full stretch to save a long range effort and the rebound fell kindly to the Withdean forward who reacted quickly to score from close range. Rovers attempts to press forward were being hampered by the wind, but on 18 minutes Andy Hall slotted home a deserved equaliser.
Rovers defence of Tom Pinnock, Lee Bristow and Shane Collins held firm under great pressure and they could be happy with a 1-1 half time score.With the wind now assisting Rovers, it was Withdean who found themselves under constant pressure. On 43 minutes, a Tom Pinnock free kick was well saved, but Andy smashed in the rebound for his second, and for Rovers to take a deserved lead. Tom Tyler was providing a constant threat, while Tom Davess was battling bravely in midfield.
Luke Brace was unlucky to see his header go narrowly over the bar, before Withdean brought the scores level against the run of play, with a breakaway goal. The match finished level, and so went into extra time. Two minutes before the end of the second period, Dan Cummins coolly slotted home the winner, much to the delight of the Rovers players and spectators. However Withdean still had time for a dangerous free kick, before the ref finally blew his whistle to bring to an end a fantastic cup tie, with all the players contributing to a superb result.
Match played at Burgess Hill FC 22/01/06
Rovers returned to League action after their recent Cup exploits, and scraped a 2-0 victory against a well organised and stubborn Shoreham Goldstars team. Rovers never found the form of recent weeks and were grateful for two well-taken goals by Kieran Pamment, one in each half, to secure a vital 3 points. Rovers found it difficult to create any clear openings but on 15 minutes an excellent effort by Lee Bristow flew just over the bar. The deadlock was finally broken after 30 minutes, when Pamment controlled the ball well and placed his shot superbly beyond the keepers reach. The second half continued to be a scrappy affair, and it wasn't until the 60th minute that the match was made safe, when Kieran Pamment hit a speculative shot that came to rest in the back of the net, much to the relief of the watching Rovers spectators.
Match played at Polegate 15/01/06
Southdown Rovers travelled to Polegate Grasshoppers in the quarter finals of the league cup, knowing that it would be a very tight game, with few opportunities. Rovers chances were not helped, with only 12 fit players available, and they lost their goalkeeper through injury midway through the second half. However a tremendous spirited performance saw them emerge 1-0 victors.Defences dominated throughout the game, with Tom Pinnock, Adam Bates and Zac Chambers playing superbly, giving Polegate no chances. Rovers were also being contained and it was no surprise that at half time it was still 0-0. Rovers came out strongly in the second half and were playing the better football; on 23 minutes this was rewarded when Tom Tyler and Dan Cummins combined well enabling Tom Tyler to open the scoring with a well taken finish. Rovers then had to endure an incredible 10 minutes of added on time before their semi final place was secure. All players performed superbly, showing the strength in depth of this squad, and they thoroughly deserved their victory.
Match played at Leylands Park 08/01/06
Southdown Rovers started the New Year in emphatic fashion with a stunning 17-0 victory at home to Whyke in the 4th round of the County Cup. In extremely wet and muddy conditions Rovers were quick to settle and played some outstanding football, with every player contributing to a superb performance. Tom Tyler, Zac Chambers and Dan Cummins all completed hat-tricks, as Rovers secured their safe passage into the Quarter Finals.
Match played at Leylands Park 20/11/05
Southdown Rovers just edged a close League Cup encounter with Shoreham Goldstars by 2 goals to 1. The first half was evenly contested with Tom Tyler and Luke Brace going close for Rovers, while at the other end Simon Martyn in the Rovers goal was at full stretch to tip a Goldstars’ effort round the post.The half time team talk inspired Rovers as they quickly went 2 goals up. Good work by Luke and Branden Fugl was finished off by George with a well taken goal. Further good work by Luke gave Dan Cummins the opening to make it 2. However, Rovers relaxed, and Goldstars were back in it within 2 minutes. Dean Ray, Lee Bristow and Zac Chambers in defence battled resolutely to ensure Rovers kept their lead while Tom Davess in midfield worked tirelessly.
Match played at Whitehawk FC 16/10/05
With only one goal in the previous two encounters between these evenly matched sides, a close game was eagerly anticipated in the first round of the League Cup. The match started at a great pace, and incredibly there were two goals in the opening six minutes. On four minutes Luke Brace slotted a neat through ball in between two defenders and the subsequent cross was intercepted by a Whitehawk players hand. The referee awarded a penalty to Rovers, which Branden Fugl coolly dispatched. However Whitehawk responded immediately and were back level within two minutes of the restart, with a well struck shot. The remainder of the half became a midfield battle, with both defences very solid.The second half continued to be played in the middle of the pitch, but it was Rovers who went in front again when Tom Davess beat the keeper, following good work by Luke Brace and Tom Tyler. Rovers defence stood firm, with Harry Bowles, Dean Ray and Shane Collins all putting in great performances, but the whole Rovers team battled and played brilliantly to secure a place in the next round of the cup.

Match Played at Worthing United 09/10/05

Southdown Rovers suffered their first defeat of the season when they went down 3-1 to reigning Sussex Sunday League champions Phoenix Youth.

Rovers started the more brightly and pressed Phoenix back, and it was no surprise when they took the lead when Dan Cummins tucked the ball away after tremendous work by Andy Hall. Rovers could have extended their lead when Shane Collins fired the ball just over the bar after a mad goal mouth scramble. Gradually Phoenix came back into the game and were level when they waltzed through the Rovers defence. A cruel blow was struck right on half-time, when Phoenix took the lead from a long range effort which went in off the post.

Rovers came out fired up, and Andy Hall was unlucky with an effort just over the bar. However Phoenix extended their lead 5 minutes in with a cool clinical finish from a tight angle. Rovers continued to press forward but they just couldn't find a way through a well organised defence. They battled to the end but they had come up against a very good side, clinical in their finishing.

Match Played at Leylands Park 25/09/05

Rovers played host to Hove Rivervale and emerged 4-0 victors in an entertaining game, with victory only secured late in the 2nd half by a Kieron Pamment hat-trick. Rovers started positively, but the majority of the play was in the middle of the pitch, and it wasn't until the 15th minute that Andy Hall had the first shot on target. Harry Bowles then had a long range effort that just went over the bar, and he followed this with a superb run from his own half and his shot was well saved by the keeper. From the resultant corner on 23 minutes, Zac Chambers headed Rovers into a deserved lead. Rovers continued to press but could not extend their lead. The second half was very similar to the first, with Rovers doing all the attacking, and Harry, Tom Pinnock and Adam Bates were defending well, preventing Rivervale any clear chances on goal. An inspired substitution proved the turning point of the game. In the 58th minute Kieron Pamment was reintroduced, and with his first touch he slotted home Shane Collins pass, after good work by Luke Brace to extend Rovers lead. Four minutes later he was on hand to score Rovers third, when Tom Davesss' shot rebounded off the bar. Right at the end Rovers were awarded a penalty for hand-ball, and Kieron stepped up to complete his hat-trick with the final kick of a highly competitive, entertaining game. Rovers good attacking play had been finally rewarded with three late goals, with the result giving a fair reflection of the dominance Rovers enjoyed.

Match played at East Brighton Park Whitehawk 18/09/05

Southdown Rovers travelled to Whitehawk, knowing that it would be a close, tough game, having played them last season in the County Cup semi-finals, when they emerged 1-0 victors. Rovers’ preparations weren’t helped when they lost goalkeeper Simon Martyn, in the warm-up, when he injured a finger and was replaced by an apprehensive Zac Chambers.Chances were few and far between during the whole game, but Whitehawk definitely had the best of the play in the first half, but Rovers defence held firm, with Zac dealing comfortably with anything that got through.Rovers came out strongly in the second half and pegged Whitehawk back in their own half for large periods, and the best chance fell to Tom Davess, who ran with the ball brilliantly into the penalty area, but was then well tackled and the opportunity was gone.The final whistle went bringing to an end an entertaining 0-0 draw. The match showed that every game this season is going to be competitive and that there will be no easy games, but Rovers have made a promising start to their League campaign.

Match played at Leylands Park 11/09/05

Rovers started where they left off from last season with an excellent 5-1 victory over Melford Youth. Rovers started brightly with nearly all the football being played in Melford's half. The break through finally came after 16mins when Dan Cummins played a neat pass onto Tom Davess who showed great coolness in slotting the ball past the Melford keeper. Rovers continued to control the game and would and should of been two up when Harry struck a sweet shot from just inside the Melford half that sailed into the top corner only for the REF to disallow it for being offside!!!! Yes i no what ypu are thinking, but the Ref is always right? The above did nothing to unsettle Rovers who scored again to finally lead 2-0 when Dan Cummins scored a debut league goal with a nice finish. Rovers began the second half knowing that Melford would come out to get themselves back into the game , but a quick move saw Bracey run the right side taking one touch before crossing for a poor Melford defender to turn the ball into his own net.3-0 and Rovers kept pressing. Credit to Melford, they never gave up and were rewarded when sloppy defending allowed them to pull one goal back3-1. Rovers however stayed calm and Andy Hall capped a fine debut with Rover's fourth goal. Chances kept coming and going but Rovers finished off the perfect start to there Sussex Sunday Adventure when Andy Hall scored his second and Rovers fifth to finish the day off in the right way. Credit to all the boys on a fantastic game of football and all being well things our looking good.

SHOOTING PRATICE FOR ALL THIS FRIDAY, ENOUGH SAID????