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Nobody could expect what was to happen over the last 10 months, and what a journey it�s been, one season to remember, many might want to forget, as the lowest position for the club in this division over recent years. In July Steve Lovell was appointed manager after George Wakeling�s resignation over the low budget, Lovell snapped up 28 players and looked for a good finish come May 1st, although this hasn�t been achieved the side has undoubtedly improved massively. 44 players have played in United colours this season from Mitchell Sherwood who played in 44 of the 49 possible games to Danny Knowles who only lasted 32 minutes out of 4410 minutes. United had a mixed pre-season Won 2, Drew 1, Lost 2, Scored 14, Conceded 7, three county league sides which were the two wins and a draw, while losing to Horsham in the Ryman�s equivalent to our division while a 2-1 loss on the close of our pre-season against a strong Crystal Palace reserve side.
Hopes were high come Saturday 16th August 2003 Corby Town turned up 20 minutes before kick off, but United came out with an easy victory, Duncan McArthur scoring from 25 yards, Peter Taylor extended the lead, while Ryan Peters superb curling shot gave United a comfortable three-nil lead, Corby got a consolation in injury time. But hopes weren�t so high on the way to Folkestone Invicta, many thought we were going to lose when the whistle was blown for the kick off, United battled bravely but the powerful Allan Tait captured a brace to secure Invicta a deserved 2-0 victory, Duncan though had his last game in United colours when he decided to elbow a Folkestone player by the linesman, he got his marching orders, and from the resulting free kick Folkestone scored their second goal just when United were looking to get an equaliser.
United were looking for their first away victory the following Saturday, at Sittingbourne on a rutting pitch, United got away with a point, 2-2 and Mark Lovell scored both goals (they were to be his only goals for United this season). Bank Holiday Monday, Burgess Hill at home and Lewis Johnson broke his leg after a 50:50 challenge with Chris Honey half way through the first half, but Stephen Graham scored with a powerful header from Ricky Spiller�s free kick. But two mistakes from Tony Burt gifted the Hillians striker with two late goals. Bad luck for United, but silly mistakes were to become a frequent thing. The next game saw United to go on a hopeful FA Cup run that saw the town get behind United the season before, but it wasn�t to be, Chris Honey gave United the lead after 15 minutes but Bracknell equalised before the break and with two goals secured their place in the next round, Bracknell got through to the Fourth qualifying round when they entertained Barnet at home in front of a four figure crowd, Bracknell went on to lose 3-0.
United then had to travel for the first time on the team coach, when they went to Hampshire to take on Bashley, hopes were high, but United eventually got beat 5-0, although United put in a good performance and a draw would�ve been a fair result, Stuart Myall played for the first time since November 2002, but it was an early comeback as he was subbed at half time, and was back in the reserves to prove his fitness. After this result Steve Lovell signed left-back Mark Green on loan from Gillingham for a month. More disappointment came at The Pilot Field when United put in a below-average performance and lost 3-0 to a rather equally poor Dartford. The following Tuesday saw United field well travelled Paul Sansome who�d played over 300 games for Southend against winless Chatham Town, but after 4 minutes he kicked a loose ball at the Chatham forward, and Chatham took the lead, Mark Green equalised a minute or so later on his second match for the club. But United wasted chances especially Graham Webb, and they proved costly as Chatham took all three points with a late goal from a free kick to secure the points. That result and other results going against us left United bottom of the Dr Martens Eastern Division.
Things weren�t looking too bright when United were to take on Yeading at The Pilot Field who were in the leading pack of the Ryman Division One North (they eventually finished top and crowned champions after their win against second placed Leyton). Yeading set out their stool from the start, and took a commanding two-nil lead, DJ Campbell hit the post four times in the first half as United looked dead and buried. But nobody knew what was going on in the home dressing room, and within 17 minutes United were in the lead, Chris Honey, Steve Hafner, and Stephen Graham giving the U�s a great comeback, but 12 minutes from time Yeading started their own comeback, and within the last 11 minutes Yeading were in the lead 4-3, United had gone out of the FA Trophy in style, a great performance by the strikers and keeper Matt Brown.
United then went to Eastleigh for their first ever visit to the Hampshire side in high hopes after the comeback the week before against Yeading. But United were played off the park and hammered 6-2, Tony Burt didn�t play, and it was Carl Rook�s last match in defence, Chris Honey and a Mitchell Sherwood penalty with United�s goals, but it was also Matt Brown�s last match in goal for United. Steve Lovell announced some changes, Stuart Myall was proved to be fit, Will Toal came in goal for Matt Brown, Jimmy Elford made his debut in his second stint at United/Town, Charlie Belcher and Steve Ringwood came in from the reserves, Carl Rook went upfront and was the hero on the day, on 50 minutes Carl turned his marker and went in on goal and gave United the lead and all three points.
The following Tuesday United made the hour ride up the road to Welling to take on Erith & Belvedere, Carl Rook�s scoring tally got even better after just two minutes he gave United the lead, but Adam Morrish equalised 24 minutes later to give both sides a point, United were off the bottom of the table and going up the table. The Saturday was to see another great performance by United against Kent rivals Ashford Town, Carl Rook and Chris Honey gave United a deserved two-nil victory, both goals coming in the first half. United then fielded a reserve side against Folkestone Invicta in the Dr Martens League Cup, but surprisingly the U�s were two up inside ten minutes, Danny Ellis lobbing Tony Kessell�s and a good shot from just outside the box giving United a good lead against a full strength Folkestone side, although Folkestone played rather poorly, they got one back before the break, but they started to play in the second half and eventually ran out easy 6-2 winners, United�s lack of experience was the downfall which led to five relatively easy second half goals for Invicta.
November 2003 � February 2004
November was to be the busiest month for United, nine games in 30 day, but two were fielded as a Hastings based side, and one a total mix of reserves and first teamers, but it was to be an even month, Won 3, Drew 1, Lost 5. United started the month with an interesting tie against mid-table Newport IOW, the match happened just when Newport announced they were going into administration, after their money-man pulled out, fortunately they are pulling back now, and put their problems behind them. But Newport put their troubles behind them on the day as United failed to take their chances and Newport did, two second half goals secured an overall deserved 2-0 victory for the Islanders. The following Tuesday United went to lowly Fleet Town (Who eventually finished bottom), United had to field a few reserves, Graham Morris, Chris Honey, and Tony Burt were attending the funeral of the two Sidley United players that died the week before in a car crash. And Fleet produced their best home result of the season, they only won twice at home all season (the other being against Corby 1-0) as United got walloped 3-0, United in disarray surely the worst result for many years. The Saturday United had to up their game when the visited the Walks Stadium the home of eventual champions King�s Lynn, but surprisingly United turned in one of their best performances of the season, Russell Eldridge free kick and Mitchell Sherwood goals pulled the match back to 3-2 to King�s Lynn with minutes left, but The Linnets grabbed a goal in injury time to win the match 4-2.
On the Tuesday controversy happened at The Pilot Field, the club said it would be a first team game, but they fielded a rather reserve side, Dominic Cruttenden, 16, earned himself a place in the side, Tony Burt headed United ahead, but Eastbourne United Association who play in County League Division Two equalised, but into extra time and Dominic Cruttenden scored with five minutes left, but Eastbourne equalised again, so a replay was needed a week later. Then some shocking news came through in that loyal captain Tony Burt was to retire immediately, the injuries were taking their toll, so after 500+ games for Hastings�s a sure legend was ending his career. But in the mean time United had to head back to the league, against a strong Folkestone Invicta side, Folkestone took a 1-0 lead before Ryan Peters came on as sub, and superbly smashed a free kick into the bottom corner, Invicta keeper Tony Kessell�s didn�t move. But a late free kick in the 89th minute from Invicta went in and United went home on the end of an unlucky 2-1 defeat.
But then surely the worst performance of the season, yet again Steve Lovell opted to field a reserve side that even he said should be able to beat Eastbourne United Association, but they didn�t, United went down 2-0, as fans went home rather appalled by the dismal performance. United�s next stop was away to Corby, there were celebrations across the land, as out Johnny and co won the Rugby World Cup after extra time, United reproduced that celebration as they came away from Corby with a great victory by 3-2, Steve Hafner, Stuart Myall, and Carl Rook scoring while Corby�s 90th minute penalty made the game look more even then it actually was. But sad news came from the Pilot Field, when Joe Cornwall who had some injury problems broke his leg, in a disgraceful lunge by the Danson Furness player. The following Tuesday United had their last chance for cup success in the world famous Hastings Senior Cup, against Sussex County Division Two side Westfield, United fielded a rather first team side, only three players from the reserves started, United eventually ran out 2-0 victors with great goals from Charlie Belcher and Steve Ringwood from his 25 yard belter.
Two wins on the bounce as United travelled again up to the Midlands to take on Rothwell Town on the sloping pitch, but yet again United produced the goods as they ran away with another 3-2 victory, Charlie Belcher got United into the lead before The Bones grabbed two quick goals but Steve Hafner and a fantastic 30 yard screamer from Chris Honey (that won the away goal of the season) won the match, United were going up the table in leaps and bounds. But into December it was a total month of misfortune, all four games could�ve easily been won, but mistakes and miss-chances caused United to only take three points. The first Saturday United were at home to Burnham, at a rather damp and dreary Pilot Field, and things didn�t go so good Burnham ahead after three minutes, and miss-chances from Burnham could�ve seen them 4-0 up after 30 minutes, fortunately they must�ve kicked the cat before they left Slough. But United equalised near half time Carl Rook turning in Steve Hafner�s goal bound chip. But Steve Hafner got his goal in the second half, the keeper was lining up his wall, and Steve Hafner just placed the ball in the middle of the net, with the keeper still organising his wall, the goal stood, and United should�ve extended their lead, but Jon Horsted came on to make his debut for Burnham late on, and deep into injury time his attempted cross flew in past the wondering Will Toal and gave each side a share of the points.
A week later United travelled to South London to take on Fisher Athletic, things didn�t go right there veteran Gary Abbott scored twice for The Fish, but two penalties from Steve Hafner and Stuart Myall gave United a share of the points, but Steve Hafner also missed a penalty, the referee the day was Mr Dickhead Valentino. Next week saw an interesting tie between the U�s and Sittingbourne, United haven�t won a home match in the league against Sittingbourne, our bogey side got a shock though, going 2-0 down after 12 minutes, Carl Rook hooked the ball home after 8 minutes, and four minutes after that Ryan Peters received the ball from a corner, he just hammered the ball in the top right hand corner from a diagonal position. But a Mitchell Sherwood mistake led to Michael Smissson getting one back for The Bourne, before he did the same again late on, and gave our Kent rivals another point, so no nearer to getting a win, and what to come next was something I want to forget easily, but can�t. Boxing Days, we either get our match postponed, or we lose, but exception to St Leonards who we beat except once I recall. Burgess Hill was the destination, arriving early on another dreary day threatening to rain United had to contend with some wind and a rather muddy and cut up pitch. The Hillians were ahead quickly before Stuart Myall equalled things up, but Harper and Sullivan gave The Hillians a totally undeserved 3-1 lead at half time, when really to be fair 3-1 to us would�ve been quite a fair reflection, but a turning point in the game went against us, a penalty to United, 3-1 down a chance to get back in the game and Stuart Myall hammered over the bar. The Hillians rampaged on and took a demanding 6-1 lead with 20 minutes remaining, but Ricky Spiller grabbed one back for the U�s with a penalty late on.
Steve Lovell noticed we needed a defender, so he went out and grabbed young defender Lee Hockey from Gravesend & Northfleet he started against Tonbridge and played very, very well, although he did get sent off for being last man late on in the match. If Boxing Day was bad enough, it got much worse on New Years Day, leaders Tonbridge Angels came down, who were in trouble losing players after sponsorship had fallen through, but they took the lead after 3 minutes and never looked back, 2-0(or was it 3) down at the break, Ryan Peters grabbed a consolation for United, but Greg Nessling hit the ball at the Angels striker to gift another goal, and The Angels ran out 5-1 winners. Mr Lovell wasn�t happy and rumours circulating by unknown people questioned Mr Lovell�s future at the club as United headed nearer and nearer the bottom two who weren�t sure of where they�ll go at the end of the season, and it got worse, Dartford was the next stop 48 hours after the humiliation of Tonbridge, but United played one of the best periods of football at Dartford, and the Kent opposition hardly got the ball out of their half, but just a period of eight minutes in the second half saw the score go from 0-0 to 3-0 to Dartford, things went to pot and Dartford who were on a torrid run were coming back, United had no answer, and United fans went home again unsure of the clubs future in the higher leagues.
Bad news was to come Lee Hockey was injured badly in a reserve game at Dartford, he went off and was ruled out for the season with ligament damage. United had to travel next to high-flyers Stamford, Mark Goodwin came in on loan from Eastbourne Borough for a month (it was extended for another month). But United surprised Stamford, but Scott Hayhoe and Mark Goodwin as the strikers wasted some great openings, but after camping inside Stamford�s half for 35 minutes, Malcolm Ndekwe broke away and lobbed Will Toal, Stamford after having some scary moments but they shielded their lead. The next match was to see eight goals, two comebacks, United went one up after 45 second, but Fisher came back and just after the break they took a 3-1 lead, but United came back, Stuart Myall, Steve Ringwood, and Mark Goodwin scoring to give United a 4-3 lead, but a good strike from 25 yards out gave Fisher a share of the points.
The Tuesday afterwards United had a very tough game against another high-flying side Salisbury City, United turned in a rather lacklustre performance and United found themselves 4-0 down before Scott Hayhoe won United a penalty which Carl Rook converted.
February 2004 � End of season 2004
Fabulous February I called it, a month of joy, many ups and downs came in this last part of the season. Some great memories now let�s get on with it. United surely grabbed their best result of the season, going up to Histon who�d only lost once at home all season (King�s Lynn 4-1) Histon took the lead before Steve Ringwood equalised straight from a corner, which was caught by wind. Then Skelly headed into his own net, as United grabbed an all important victory, but they were down to ten men for most of the match with Kieren Startup being sent off for a last man challenge. But that didn�t dampen the celebrations from what was the best result of the season. The following week was to give United fans even more hope when the signing of influential defender Mark Green from Gillingham on work experience until the end of the season when he will be released by Gillingham came through.
Green was in the starting line-up at The Spencer Stadium but United went down 1-0 to Banbury United, a solitary great goal from Marks Simms secured the points for the home side. The following week again saw off the field activities overtake the on the field aspect, with Mr Dave Walters buying out Mick Maplesden�s 75% hold on the club, so Mr Walters became the majority shareholder. And his first match in his position as director saw a convincing victory against a very poor Erith & Belvedere side, this match was a six pointer, and Carl Rook scored from a penalty in the first half, then grabbed three second half goals to end the day with all four United goals, and United romped up the table, ahead of their opponents Erith. The Tuesday saw the side of the season when eventual champions King�s Lynn came down on a damp Tuesday evening. The Linnets took the lead early on and never looked back, Mark Goodwin had two great chances to score but decided to not take them. The Linnets improved as the game went on, and got a second before the break, they didn�t add to the score, but could�ve easily done so.
United went to Kent again to try and grab three points from rivals Ashford Town, on a cold day United went behind due to a David Henham own goal, Steve Ringwood equalised before the break, before controversy Danny Ellis was sent off for punching the Ashford player, that sparked Carl Rook to have words with the ref, who showed a second yellow to him, after that Greg Nessling came off his line but got Thorogood instead of the ball and was sent off, and Ricky Spiller was also sent off in the dying minutes, in the mean time United eventually lost 3-1 a penalty and another Henham OG sealed the Nuts and Bolts three points. But the Tuesday to follow saw the return of Chris Honey, who on the night was electric, he set up Rook after four minutes to give United the lead, but Danny Knowles 30-odd minutes into his debut he rushed out his area and hit the opponent, he was sent off, Fleet equalised after that, but Chris Honey�s power-drive before the break, and Carl grabbed his second and eventually his hat trick after the break to give United a convincing 4-1 victory. Next week was a tough trip to Salisbury, Carl Rook surprised the home fans and gave United the lead after 16 minutes, but City came back and deep into the last few minutes of the match they got into a 3-1 lead, but Ryan Peters got a consolation goal at the end, as United were again unlucky not to grab a deserved point.
The next match was to see two new faces, Chris May a young keeper on loan from Brighton, and well-travelled defender Peter Mortley from Ashford, they were in the starting eleven against high flyers Stamford. Mortley was to be immense throughout the match, Ryan Peters got United off and running after 32 minutes from the penalty spot after Chris Honey had been pulled down. United grabbed a second, the goal of the season, Mitchell Sherwood collected the ball on the right wing, got past three players before one in the box, and slotted the ball past the keeper to give United a deserved 2-0 lead. It got better as the usual reliable Stamford defence gave away the ball to Peter Taylor who ran on and hammered home with the one-on-one with the keeper. This was one of the performances of the year. The win gave everyone associated with the club confidence, and everyone had high hopes next Saturday at a blustery Isle Of Wight to take on Newport IOW, United got into a quick 2-0 lead after 20-odd minutes, Mark Goodwin and Chris Honey scoring, but Newport struck back and could�ve equalised but Jimmy Elford cleared off the line. United came back across the channel with three important points. The next match was Eastleigh, at home, Eastleigh were the only side to have out-played United all season, but this time they didn�t but a goal from pain-in-the-arse Steve Richardson in the opening 20 minutes was enough to give the Hampshire side the three points.
April was the month to celebrate, finally United were assured that relegation wasn�t possible, with the first game of the month going our way and other results doing the same our fate was decided and relief all round. Chatham was the destination, at a rather chilly Maidstone Road Sports Ground, United took the lead from an impressive goal from Mitchell Sherwood after 25 minutes after getting past two players with ease. United had good chances to build on their lead, but it didn�t matter as United went home with the three points, although it needed Jimmy Elford again to clear off the line. This was the day United were sure of no relegation, but a rather poor game, poor ground, and poor weather, United were rather pleased, Steve Lovell more than anyone. Supporters didn�t know what to expect with the season only to play out, and only playing for pride, but four of our last five games were against sides that finished in the top ten, Bashley came to The Pilot Field in desperate search of three points, although a good side, United took the lead when Steve Ringwood rounded the keeper to open United�s account, nobody could actually add to it. Bashley came back and attacked the United goal and within eight minutes of the restart Mark Lisk equalised for Bashley and a point was the outcome, United the happier against a side that thought were better than Tonbridge (although the following week Angels won 6-0 at Bashley).
Tonbridge were next up on the United travels, on a sunny Bank Holiday Monday, United took to the field, with a rather weak midfield, Peter Sayers made his return but it only lasted 25 minutes as he got injured and subbed off, United took a shock lead on 50 minutes Mark Green in the area blasted the ball into the top corner. Tonbridge came back and attacked, Luke Piscina capitalised on Carl Rook�s poor control and hammered the ball home from 20 yards, a corner 8 minuets later was dropped by Chris May and Mike Rutherford got The Angels into the lead, and that�s how it stayed as United lost three points themselves, something they�ll have to correct if the U�s want to challenge for the league next season. The Puritans (Banbury United) travelled down on the penultimate Saturday home game of the season for United, on the back of a fantastic run of results, but that was ended with Chris Honey�s 39th minute strike, Banbury attacked well, but the astute defending of United thwarted every Banbury attack, although The Puritans had 17 attempts on goal, only 3 of them on target.
United were very happy with what could�ve stopped Banbury from getting into the top seven, but they won the eighth place play-off and got promoted anyway. United took the team coach for it�s last outing of the season to Slough where United took on Burnham who�d only won four home games all season. But 10 minutes into the match the home side were 2-0 ahead, after 8 and 10 minutes, United were rather in the dumps, but a Russell Eldridge free kick on 18 minutes brought the scoreline closer, but United couldn�t take the chances, and eventually Burnham scored a third and won the match 3-1. On the Wednesday United played Sidley United in the Hastings Senior Cup, with a full strength side United couldn�t win the match, it went to penalties, where United lost 4-3 and one of the worst penalties ever by Simon Stickney. Anyway it was the last match of the season, Histon at home, Histon needed to win and King�s Lynn lose to give Histon the title, a crowd of 321 watched United take the lead with Carl Rook, but suddenly Histon came back a debatable offside goal pulled the score level, in the second half United put their foot off the peddle, and Histon somehow scored three more goals to win with some comfort, but they didn�t need it as King�s Lynn won and clinched the title at Fisher Athletic.