Category: News 2007 / 2008

The end of Season Presentation Night was held at the Earl of March on the Friday the 9th May with 61 people attending.

Yet again it proved to be a great night and we would all like to thank Giles and his team at the Earl of March for all their efforts in ensuring the evening went really well.  The food was excellent.

Also we would like to thank Daryl, Mark and Spider for their help before and during the presentation night.  Together everyone has made this our best do so far.

The Winners of this season’s awards were as follows:

Saturday Teams:

Top Goal Scorer:
1st Team – Stuart Loversidge
Reserves – Carl Drinkwater
Man of the Match Award:
1st Team – Mike Neville
Reserves – Christian Swain
Players Player:
1st Team – Liam Hayward
Reserves – Jon Strange
Clubman:
1st Team – Daryl Hall
Reserves – Dave Morris
Miss of the Season:
Winner – Tom Parker
Runner Up – Ross Lines
Managers Player:
1st Team – Liam Hayward
Reserves – Andy Strange
Managers Award:
Matt Court
Goal of the Season:
Mike Neville

Sunday Team:

Top Goal Scorer:
Darren Cox
Players Player:
Tom Sheppard
Clubman:
Mark Richardson
Managers Player:
Chris Bowles
Tom Sanctuary Shield:
Mark Richardson

Lavant FC “Above and Beyond” Awards:

The Phoenix Nights sponsored “Club Entertainments” Award
Daryl “Bobby” Hall
The Saga/Ralgex sponsored “I can’t believe he’s still playing” Award
Matt “Young at Heart” Court
The Trinny & Suzanna “What not to wear” Award
Mike” Dress to impress” Neville
The A&E sponsored “Roy Keane School of tackling” Award
Tom “Five yellows” Parker

Lavant First Team
Backrow: Justin Walsh, Daryl Hall, Matthew Court, Ben Thomas, Dave Kennard, Martin Ayers, Matthew Hine.
Frontrow: Stuart Loversidge, Oli Haggar, Liam Hayward, Dave Parker (Manager), Matt Price, Martin Pullen, Mike Neville.

Striker, Stuart Loversidge, returned after a long lay-off to sink Yapton with 2 early first half goals.

Yapton virtually did not touch the ball in the first 25 mins as Lavant played possession football and switched the point of attack with confident passing.

Yapton ‘keeper, Paul Miller, brilliantly foiled Loversidge in the 3^rd min but could not stop the Lavant striker putting the homeside ahead on 6 mins, following an excellent build up. He ran home another on 16 mins after Martin Ayers had regained possession for Lavant from a corner.

Ayers, Walsh and Hall all came close in an excellent first half display.

Lavant defended too deep in the second period and the Chichester side’s ‘keeper, Martin Pullen, pulled off five excellent saves before the homeside recovered their poise. Loversidge set up Matt Hine for Lavant’s third on 83 mins. Though Chris Dunston replied for Yapton 3 mins later, the game was beyond their reach.

With Thomas, Kennard and Hine hitting the visitors’ crossbar, the winning margin could so easily have been more.

Team: M.Pullen, L.Hayward, M.Court, D.Hall, O.Haggar, B.Thomas, D.Kennard, J.Walsh, M.Ayers, M.Hine, S.Loversidge. Subs: M.Neville, M.Price.

Both sides were equally matched for the first 45 mins and each produced only one chance.

Lavant’s, Mike Neville, saw his free-kick punched from the top corner by the very able, Ash Rochester on 17 mins; whilst Richard Larte’s dubious offside chance was buried by him 10 mins from half-time.

The homeside’s ‘keeper, Chris Bowles, had suffered a serious injury in the 30^thmin and admitted it limited his performance in the second half. Hospitals capitalised on this hesitancy and confusion as Lavant gifted two soft goals to Hugh Helden on 58 & 62 mins.

Lavant threw fate to the wind, playing two at the back and threw men forward, but the gamble failed as Hospitals increased their lead on 70 mins and Marriot scored their fifth 8 mins from time to lift the visitors to 4^th in the league.

Team: C.Bowles, L.Hayward, T.Parker, D.Hall, O.Haggar, B.Thomas, D.Kennard, J.Walsh, M.Ayers, M.Neville, M.Court. Subs: R.Lines, C.Swain, A.Yaxley.

Matt Court pictured down injured in a game earlier in the Season

That old warhorse, Matt Court, led the visitor’s line, making Lavant’s first goal and scoring another two to give the Chichester side victory at Yapton.

Neither side seemed to settle until 40 year old Court broke down the left, jinxed his way past the Yapton defender and laid a low cross which Oli Haggar touched down into Matt Hine’s path for Lavant to take the lead on the quarter hour.

Lavant then settled into a better passing game before Court fastened onto a Justin Walsh through ball to nudge it past the ‘keeper and put Lavant two ahead 6 mins before half-time.

Yapton increased their work-rate in the second half and quickly replied to Lavant’s third goal scored by Court on 70 mins, by pulling one back within a minute through Noddy Ashburner. The visitors then defended too deep and conceded again 4 mins from time when Bradley Thwaites drilled home through a crowded defence. But it was too late to stop Lavant taking the 3 points.

Team: M.Pullen, L.Hayward, T.Parker, D.Hall, O.Haggar, B.Thomas, M.Richardson, J.Walsh, M.Ayers, M.Hine,M.Court. Subs: R.Lines, D.Kennard, A.Yaxley.

Lavant Reserve Team
Backrow: Joe Hepworth, Dave Morris, Jon Strange, Stuart Eastwood, Chris Bowles Robbie Pinder, Guy Pinder, Dave Maclean.
Frontrow: Christian Swain, Andy Strange, Dan Johnson, Dave Kent (Manager), Simon Blackman, Nick Farrer, Mike Martin

Lavant Reserves final game of the season never lived up to expectations as they had to settle with a draw on Saturday playing in weather conditions typical of April showers.

Visitors Highdown Hornets,who were having a much improved second half of the season, were up for this game and this was evident for much of the first twenty minutes, as both sides battled it out in midfield making no real progress on each others goals.

Lavant keeping their shape started to move the ball around the pitch and eventually started to press the visitors half.  Both Pinder brother’s had good chances to open the scoring.  Firstly from Christian Swain’s corner, Robbie Pinder headed inches wide of the far post and five minutes later Andy Strange’s corner was heading goal bound this time by Guy Pinder, before it was deflected off the defender and went wide of goal.

With minutes of the half remaining Lavant should have taken the lead as Swain broke down the wing then cut inside before squaring the ball back to the waiting Robbie Pinder, a yard out from goal, but somehow he missed the target from close range, 0-0.

The second half saw Lavant start the livelier as they capitalized on playing with the strong wind and again should have taken the lead when Guy Pinder was agonisingly only inches away from connecting onto a lovely pass right across the visitor’s six yard box.

Lavant then paid the price for not capitalizing on their chances as Hornets long clearance was not dealt with by full back Dan Johnson allowing substitute John Langridge to run through and open the scoring, 0-1.

With half an hour to play Lavant made three changes and it was substitute Nick Farrer who drew the game level with 15 minutes remaining scoring from close range from Joe Hepworth’s cross, 1-1.

Minutes after the restart a long clearance again from the visitors saw Lavant keeper Chris Bowles race out of his box to clear the ball, but failing to read a wicked bounce he misjudged his kick and the ball broke free to the thankful Darren Gibbs who ran on past and scored into the empty net, 1-2.

With only seconds remaining on the clock and a humiliating defeat looming, Lavant were awarded a free kick just inside the Hornet’s half after a late tackle on Mike Martin.

Simon Blackman skilfully lofted the ball high and deep into the visitors goal mouth and as they frantically tried to clear the ball, it dropped to Dave Maclean who somehow drilled his shot home past a crowd of players and the Hornet’s goalkeeper, all to the delight of everyone in the Lavant team, making the final score, 2-2.

Team: C.Bowles, S.Blackman, D.Johnson, S.Eastwood, J.Strange, D.Morris, C.Swain, M.Martin, A.Strange, R.Pinder, G.Pinder. Subs: J.Hepworth, D.Maclean, N.Farrer.

” The best team lost today” said Lavant coach, David Parker. “We have been working hard on our passing game and in this match we produced”.

Lavant were lack lustre last week. If that was Mr Hyde, today they  metamorphosised into Dr.Jekyll.

The homeside dominated the early play but conceded a soft goal when Clymping won a throw from which Tony Gallacher flicked on a header for Darren Birchfield to run home from 4 yds after 5 mins.

The Chichester team’s possession and passing was rewarded when Matt Price and Mike Neville combined to line David Kennard up from 20 yds and the mid-fielder’s strike zipped in off the post with 9 mins gone.

Another throw for Clymping was jostled out to the edge of the penalty area where Danny Hand drove an excellent shot through the ruck to give the visitors the lead on the quarter hour.

Lavant deserved to go in at least level but were denied when Matt Hine’;s 25 yd drive thumped against the post, 3 mins from the end of the half.

The second-half continued as the first. Lavant in possession but unable to capitalise as they reached the attacking third and Clymping looking ordinary but being more inventive in front of goal.

Lavant were denied a penalty for hand-ball 3 mins from time and the visitors picked up 3 valuable points in their promotion bid. Clymping are also in The Charity Cup Final on May Bank Holiday. Lavant however looked much better than their league place indicates.

Team: M.Pullen, T.Parker, L.Hayward, D.Hall, O.Haggar, B.Thomas, D.Kennard, J.Walsh, M.Price, M.Hine, M.Neville. Subs: M.Ayers, C.Swain, R.Lines

Just to let everyone know that as of the 2nd April training will revert back to Lavant. Please pass the word. Thanks

Also in order to keep the top pitch in good condition because at the start of April all first team home games will also be played at the top pitch it is most likely that we will train on the village green up to the end of the season.
The first teams last two home games in April (19th and 26th) are being moved to the top pitch to allow the cricket club to start preparing their square ready for the forthcoming cricket season.

Meet 7.00pm, to sit down and eat at 7.30pm.
Smart Dress – Jacket & Tie for Players.
The Meal is £15 per head.

Payment MUST be made in full no later than the 18th April, including your selection of food, to either, Daryl, Mark, Spider or Dave Kent.

Selection:

Main Course
1. Beer Battered Haddock, Hand Cut Chips & Homemade Tartar Source.
2. Goats Cheese, Aubergine, Tomato & Mushroom Gratin, Saute Courgettes.
3. Steak, Hand Cut Chips, Tomato, Field Mushroom, Roquette, Garlic Butter (Extra £2).
4. Pot Roast Breast of Corn Fed Chicken, Parma Ham, Sage, Spring Greens & Red Vine Jus.

Pudding
6. Apple & Rhubarb Crumble, Cinnamon & Honey Creme Fraiche.
7. Sticky Toffee Pudding, Toffee Sauce, Vanilla Ice Cream.
8. Triple Chocolate Brownie.
9 Selection of Ice Creams or Sorbets.
10 Regional Cheese, Quince Jelly & Oat Cakes (Extra £1).

Coffee if required to be ordered separate to the main meal

Also Players we need your votes for the following (again by the 18th April)

for the following: Please text Dave Kent with your choice. Thanks.

Miss of the Season (M+Name)
Players Player (P+Name)
Clubman (C+Name)

Please use the reverse of this sheet for your voting slip. Thanks

Note:
You’re voting for players who are members of the team that you played for, for the majority of the Season. Where a player has played equally for both the 1st and Reserve teams then two sets of votes will be considered.

Goal of the Season:
Finally if you have scored a goal this season (League & Cups only) for either team, you are eligible for the Goal of the Season Award.
All you have to do, is on Presentation night just stand up and provide a running commentary of how you scored the goal. Then hope everyone votes for your account of the goal.

Go to www.lavantfc.co.uk/forum and select Club Matters to view some potential Miss of the Season and Goal of the Season Nominations.

Daryl Hall battles to get to the ball first

Lavant served up their worst game of the season amidst swirling March winds.

Despite the homeside making all the running early on, neither side could string more than three passes together. Hunston produced the first example of interpassing and opened the scoring as a result through Paul Attwood on 11 minutes.

This sprang lack lustre Lavant into action and a spell of better quality passing led to midfielder Justin Walsh firing Lavant level from 25 yards on the half hour.

Mike Neville keeps possession in midfield

Whilst Lavant tried to play a better passing game after the restart, they were bereft of fight. Nevertheless, they incurred the sympathy of the crowd when, having committed a foul on the edge of their area on 56 mins, the referee allowed the free-kick instantly and Lewis Weller stroked it into the net whilst Lavant looked on incredulously.

Martin Cannon added Hunston’s third 11 mins later with a strong driven ball from the right of the box.

Daryl Hall flying in with a crunching tackle

The visitors were strong in the tackle, worked hard and were well organised. But for Lavant it will be a day they will want to forget.

Team: M.Pullen, D.Kennard, M.Court, D.Hall, O.Haggar, B.Thomas, M.Ayers, J.Walsh, M.Neville, T.Parker, R.Lines. Subs: M.Price, M.Hine, M.Richardson.

Lavant made hard work of their victory Saturday, perhaps underestimating the determination of a Lodsworth side who currently reside in the lower half of the league.

Both teams started the game slowly with neither team keeping the ball long enough to take control of the game.  If fact, some sloppy passing by Lavant in their own half almost gifted Lodsworth the lead as their striker broke clear on the right wing, but the cross was well cut out by keeper Martin Pullen.

With seven minutes gone Lavant opened the scoring.  Christian Swain was brought down abruptly on the edge of the box and up stepped Matt Hine to strike the free kick over the wall and into the top of the goal giving the keeper no chance, 1-0.

Five minutes later Lavant were 2-0 up as Hine controlled the ball deep in the Lodsworth half and with Scott Yaxley drawing the defender wide right, Hine was able to break inside and unleash his shot on the edge of the box, beating the Lodsworth keeper for the second time in a short duration, 2-0.

Lavant were now cruising 2-0 up with only 10 minutes on the clock and they should have gone even further ahead after Mark Richardson skipped past four players and passed across the six-yard box, but to his dismay no one was able to apply the finishing touch.

Against the run of play Lodsworth almost pulled one back when their long throw, deep into Lavant’s box was not cleared as the visiting striker shot from close range smashing the ball against the post.

This gave the visitors renewed hope and with 5 minutes of the half remaining, Lavant again caught in possession in their own half allowed Lodsworth back into game, as full back Dan Johnson and keeper Pullen indecisiveness as to who went for the Lodsworth through ball allowed the Lodsworth striker to steal in and half the deficit, 2-1.

The second half was evenly contested and with 10 minutes gone referee Joe Johnson awarded an extremely harsh penalty for a push on a Lodsworth player, for which they duly dispatched the spot kick, levelling the score, 2-2.

With 30 minutes remaining Lavant brought on all three subs in an attempt to up the tempo and this seemed to work as Lodsworth were forced to defend for long periods of the remainder of the game.

Then with 15 minutes remaining Lavant were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box and Matt Hine again stepped up and for the second time drilled home the free kick, 3-2, ensuring Lavant took all three points from the game and he made it two hat tricks in two games.

Team: M.Pullen, S.Blackman, D.Johnson, J.Strange, S.Yaxley, C.Swain, M.Richardson, A.Strange, M.Price, A.Yaxley, M.Hine. Subs: D.Morris, D.Hall, R.Lines.