Lavant 1 Lancing 2

Preparing for a minutes silence before the game

Before the match, there was a one minute silence to mark the death of 67 year old John Squires, a former player, supporter and, with his wife, sponsor of Lavant FC.

The game was a classic long ball side against a passing team. For the first half, Lavant dominated this match but the final pass in the attacking third let them down.

The visitors relied on long balls to striker, Chris Phillips, who fed runners into the game. Lancing had only one chance the whole of the first half which resulted from a long ball to Phillips who, with back to goal, chipped a forward pass to Josh High. The wide Lancing player had not been tracked by his marker and lobbed the Lavant ‘keeper to put the visitors ahead 1-0 on 13 minutes.

Lavant still ran the game with Ryan Seacombe scoring but being ruled offside on 21 minutes, James Sandford was inches wide from a Mike Bartley cross just before half-time, as Lancing were relieved to hear the half-time whistle.

Manager, David Parker, changed the personnel on the left for the second half and again Lavant dominated.

Lavant and Lancing in open play. James Sandford and Mike Bartley push up front

When Sandford was slotted through on 59 minutes, Lancing ‘keeper, Ashley Hollick pulled off a fine save. From the resulting corner Stuart Underwood hooked Seacombe’s header off the line. Sandford headed just over and Seacombe again was just wide 6 minutes later.

Then Lavant gave the ball away as Matt Steven’s pass was slightly under-hit pass on the edge of the homeside’s defending third and Shaun Evans intercepted to score just after the hour.

Sandford just failed to connect with a Bartley cross but his own cross was struck home by Richard Gabb in the 74 minute to put Lavant back in the game with sixteen minutes remaining on the clock.

Lavant camped in Lancing’s goal

The remainder of the match saw Lancing’s goal under siege right up to the final whistle.  Lancing joy after the game was evident, as they “snatched and grabbed” the valuable three away points, as was Lavant’s dismay and up-set. A bitter pill to swallow, ending their run of 30 league games without a defeat. .

Dave Parker commented after the match “I can’t criticise the players. Lancing had two chances and took them; we just couldn’t convert our chances on the day”.

Lavant: N.Sanson, C.Coe, J.Wright, B.Purgavie, M.Lyttle, L.Weller, M.Bartley, M.Stevens, R.Tagg, J.Sandford, R.Seacombe. Subs: T.Parker, A.Holmes, M.Hine.

On a very sad note, the football club would like to offer their condolences to Jan and her daughter Kay after the sad loss of John Squires following a short illness in August.

John was a big supporter of the football club and he played for Lavant in the past for many a season, as did his father before him.

In recent times he would turn out to watch the first and reserve team every week without fail regardless of the weather at Lavant with his great friend Richard Sims.  They both would let Dave Parker and myself know each week just how they felt the teams and Lavant overall were performing.

Every season John and Jan generously sponsored the club and more recently provided the home kit for the Reserves to mark our Centenary Season.

He will be sadly missed every Saturday, but not forgotten.

As a mark of respect to John there will a minutes silence before the match at this Saturday’s game at home to Lancing.

John’s funeral is on the 17th September at 11.00am at the Chichester Crematorium.

Graffham 1 Lavant 11
Centenary Cup

Due to a mix-up with their home pitch availability Lavant had to play this home cup fixture away at Graffham.

Graffham recently promoted to Division II started the game brightly matching Lavant in the early stages of the game and with only 3 minutes gone they took the lead. A long clearance straight down the middle of the pitch was met by their striker, who lobbed the ball over the out-coming stranded keeper Rob Baylis, 1-0.

Stunned Lavant exerted pressure on the home side right from the restart and within 7 minutes had drawn level after a lovely through ball from Mike Bartley put James Sandford through, to drill the ball past the keeper, 1-1.

Four minutes later some good work from Sandford in the box saw his shot rebound off the post as Lavant upped the pressure in an attempt to take the lead.

Lavant now were dominating the game, but Graffham were still causing problems on the counterattack and again using their route one approach down the middle of the pitch they almost regained the lead but their final shot just went wide of the post.

But it was eventually the visitors who broke the deadlock on 22 minutes as a delightful cross field ball from Mike Neville, was skilfully controlled by Ryan Seacombe, who flicked the ball on for Sandford to run through and score his second of the game, 1-2.

This was the turning point of the game as Lavant now had the upper hand and were determined and immediately pressurized Graffham’s goal from the re-start and nine minutes later Matt Lyttle fed the ball to Seacombe in the box who scored from close range, 1-3.

Two minutes later more pressure from the visitors paid off as Bartley won the ball in the visitors box and riffled home his first goal of the match and Lavant’s fourth, 1-4.

Five minutes later a sequence of shots from Seacombe and Sandford rebounding off the keeper fell to Richard Tagg on the left hand side who scored at Lavant’s third attempt, 1-5.

Just on half time a Seacombe latched on to a great cross field pass before  back-flicking the ball into the path of fellow striker Sandford who ran on to score his hat-trick, 1-6.

The second half began at a more sedate pace compared to the first, perhaps partly due somewhat to the score-line, but also due to the blistering hot weather.

Lavant forged some early chances to extend their lead further with Seacombe only being denied by the keeper and minutes later a Lyttle corner was just headed over by Matt Stevens.

With 60 minutes gone another Lyttle corner was headed towards goal by Bartley before getting a final touch on from Steven’s as the ball hit the top corner of the net, further extending Lavant’s lead, 1-7.

This was follow quickly by Seacombe scoring his second goal of the game,
1-8.

With 25 minutes remaining Lavant made changes bringing on Tom Parker and Dave Payne, allowing Bartley to push forward on the left wing.  Minutes later the change paid off as Bartley broke down the left flank before turning towards goal, then unselfishly pulling the ball back to the waiting Seacombe on the edge of the box, who drilled the ball home for his hat-trick, 1-9.

Graffham never gave up and almost pulled one back from a free kick just outside the box. But Baylis was on hand to palm the ball over the bar to safety.

Bartley again was causing havoc down the left hand flank and another dazzling run was rewarded with his second goal of the game, putting the visitors into double figures with nine minutes remaining, 1-10.

The goals were not quite finished for the visitors, as they completed the match with a great team move involving Chris Coe, Bartley and Sandford, allowing Sandford to score his fourth of the match and Lavant’s eleventh, capping a great team performance overall, 1-11.

Lavant: R.Baylis, C.Coe, J.Wright, B.Purgavie, M.Lyttle, M.Neville, M.Bartley, M.Stevens, R.Tagg, J.Sandford, R.Seacombe. Subs: T.Parker, D.Payne

Lavant 3 Holbrook 0

Lavant started their first game in the Premiership in positive mood,despite missing two regular strikers and their influential midfielder, James Brooks, through injury.

The homeside looked the sharper in the opening quarter hour and were rewarded with a goal when replacement midfielder, Mike Bartley, headed home a Mike Neville free-kick on 9 minutes.

Gradually, Holbrook took up the pace of the game and their pressure brought them a free-kick in the”D” on the half hour. Ben Millman’s exquisite strike was brilliantly turned onto the post by Lavant ‘keeper, Neil Sanson. It was the turning point in the game. Apart from a wobbly last 10 minutes, the Chichester side seemed comfortable in defence.

The second half saw Lavant’s Tom Parker set up Ryan Seacombe who finished superbly, only to be ruled offside with 49 mins on the clock.When Lavant were granted a free-kick on the hour, fullback, Matt Lyttle, put the homeside 2-0 in front.

The game settled into a fixed scenario of the Horsham side pressing and Lavant defending their two goal lead. Then, in stoppage time Parker set up Seacombe and as the striker’s shot hit the bar, Bartley netted from the rebound.

Manager, David Parker said “We set up a new tactical system to cover our worry about any weakness in midfield. This and the players discipline and commitment gained us valuable points in what will be a very tough season for the club”.

Lavant: N.Sanson, C.Coe, J.Wright, B.Purgavie, M.Lyttle, M.Neville, M.Bartley, M.Stevens, L.Weller, T.Parker, R.Seacombe. Subs: R.Gabb, N.Latham, J.Philips.

Lavant Reserves 1 Yapton Reserves 2

Lavant started their first League game of the 2012/2013 season with a home fixture against an old adversary, Yapton!

Both teams began the game well, playing some good football, with the first half being very evenly matched.  Lavant were passing and keeping possession well, but creating few clear cut scoring chances.

Whilst Yapton reminded Lavant on a number of occasions just how dangerous they could be on the counterattack.  Forcing a number of fine saves from Rob Baylis, the young Lavant keeper and some crucial defending from Tom Sheppard and Nathan Richards, to ensure that the deadlock remained going into halftime, 0-0.

The second half had the promise of more evenly matched football, but also the danger that a small lapse in concentration could prove disastrous to either team.  The work from Lavant’s mid-field finally paid off with a goal from Dan Mortimer as finally the homeside seemed to be edging ahead in possession and confidence, 1-0.

But going a goal down just seemed to inspire Yapton into action and with the introduction of substitution Nathan Saddler it reinvigorated the visitors game changing the balance of power back the visitors way, as they pushed forward putting some dangerous crosses into the Lavant area and eventually capitalising on the pressure, levelling the score 1-1.

Minutes later the visitors scored again as Lavant seemed to lose focus as they were still in shock of conceding a late equaliser, 1-2.

A late change in formation could not rescue Lavant’s fate as Yapton resorted to possession football once more, safe in the knowledge that time was ticking away, as they held on to their slim lead right to the final whistle.

The result gave food for thought for the Reserve management duo, which still have some work to do with the team in order that next time Lavant once in front work harder to control the match in the final quarter of the game.

Lavant: R.Baylis, M.Grace, T.Sheppard, N.Richards, M.Hine, R.Gabb, D.Payne, D.Hayward-Hall, M.Ayers, D.Mortimer, J.Philips. Subs: H.Wade, B.Thomas, M.Price.

Saturdays League Results

Premier Division
Lavant 3 Holbrook 0
Barnham Reserves 0 West Chiltington 4
Cowfold 2 Bosham Reserves 2
Faygate 5 Watersfield 0
Lancing 2 Hunston CC 7
Upper Beeding 2 Newtown Villa 1

Division Three South
Lavant Reserves 1 Yapton Reserves 2
Bisham Reserves 2 Nyetimber Pirates 5
Rustington Park Seniors 2 Harting 2
Whyke Utd 1 Stedham 1

The fixtures below have been taken from the FA website and dont all work out ref home and away fixtures.  West Sussex and Chichester and West Sussex Sunday league are still to publish their fixtures on the website.

Matt Lyttle and Chris Coe putting Matt Grace through a ball skills session

Lavant have now been back pre-season training at the village green since early July training twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday nights.

We have had to slightly adapt the pre-season training schedule due to the weather and believe it or not the water logged ground on the village green.

But numbers have been good for both weekly sessions which initially have been taken by Mike Kent and Vijay.

On the 4th August we started our pre-season friendly programme with what turned out to be a combined 1st and Reserves game against Petworth, after the 1st team game was cancelled against Sidlesham right at the last moment.  The team did a half each with the reserves drawing 1-1 and the 1st team drawing 0-0.

The following Wednesday evening we were luckly enough to get a friendly under lights against Chichester City Reserves.  This game ended 2-1 with the hosts sealing the victory late in the second half from a free kick, after James Sandford scored a sublime equalizer for Lavant just after the interval.  The game was a well contested, with lots of football being played by both teams, at a fast pace. Just ideal for pre-season.  Playing in this game for Chichester against his old team mates was Dave Knight.  We wish him well for the season ahead and his progression through his football playing at county level.  Dave has still signed for Lavant and will be available to the club for sellection when there is no game at Chi City.

On Saturday Lavant travelled to local rivals Wittering in what in the end turned out to be a hard encounter.  With many of the old Lavant team now playing at Wittering this was not perhaps going to be quite the friendly that everyone hoped for. And with Lavant going into the interval with a convincing three nil lead, it was not surprizing the stakes would change during the second half.  Wittering literally fought their way back into the game and with ten minutes remaining they were awarded a penalty, which they converted winning the game 4-3.  Although a hard challenge this was a good test for Lavant.

Tonight the Reserves have a 6.30pm home friendly against the Ambassadors.
This is perhaps the new management team of Milburn and Pullen’s first real opportunity to look at some of their players competing for places in the Reserves squad this season.

On Wednesday night we now have a re-arranged fixture for the 1st team away to Sidlesham. Kick off at 7.00pm.

Training is back on Thursday evening hosted by Richard Gabb and Ben Purgavie.

The players then have the next weekend free to spend with family etc before the season kicks off in a couple of weeks time.

Trianing after this weekend then goes back to once a week on a Wednesday evening. And for the following two weeks it is on the village green at the usual time before transferring over to the 3G pitch at the Arena, Bognor 7.15pm to 9.00pm

Lavant’s final friendly fixtures are on the 25th August when we host local rivals Hunston in a double header.

Lavant vs Hunston KO 1.30pm
Lavant reserves vs Hunston Reserves KO 3.15pm.

The following week on the 1st September the West Sussex Football league season kick-off.

Lavant FC is about to begin their pre-season schedule in preparation for the new season starting on the 1st September.

Lavant have two sides on Saturdays playing up to intermediate level in the local West Sussex League (Premier Division and Division 3 South respectfully) as well as a Sunday Side playing in Division 1 of the Chichester & West Sussex Sunday League and we are looking for new players to strengthen all three sides.

The philosophy adopted at the club is that the process of selection for all teams starts at pre-season. We welcome back all our current players as well as inviting any new players to come along and train together and compete openly for a place in one of our sides during the pre-season.

Pre-Season training will be held twice weekly, every Tuesday and Thursday night, starting on Tuesday 10^th July initially on the village green, starting 6.30pm prompt.

Please ensure you bring to every session football boots/trainers, running shoes and plenty of water/fluids.

Friendly Games:

These will be organized for August and will be posted on the website as soon as they are all confirmed.

During the Season:

From September training reverts back to one session a week on Wednesday nights and starting the 12^th September, training also transfers to the Arena 3G All Weather pitch at Bognor 7.15 pm to 9pm.

Training will remain at the Arena until the end of March 2013, after which we revert back to Lavant.

So if you are interested in playing for a great village Football Club, local to the Chichester area, then please come along and take part in one of our pre-season sessions.

If you require more information about the club and the pre-season schedule then please contact either the 1^st team manager David Parker on 01243 527313, Reserve team manager Mel Milburn on 07773149534 or David Kent on 01243 780178.