DATE: 18 DECEMBER 2004

THE SOUTHERN LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION – Merthyr Tydfil strengthened their position at the top of the Table with a 2-0 win over Aylesbury United. Craig Steins got both the Martyrs’ goals. And several close rivals dropped points to help the Welsh club’s cause. Chippenham Town lost at home 1-0 when Hednesford Town’s Anthony McGuire scored in the 81st minute. Histon were soundly beaten 2-0 at home to Team Bath. David Lewis and Marc Canham scored for the Students. Halesowen Town, whose forward line cannot buy a goal at the moment, lost 2-1 at home to Chesham United. The Yeltz centre-half, and leading scorer, Steve Pope netted but Chesham won with goals from Neil Yates and Simon Sweeney. Bedford Town, who have been creeping up the table, lost 3-0 at Cirencester Town. Ciren’ were helped on their way by a James Taylor own goal before Adam Howarth and Gareth Hopkins netted.

THE SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE EAST – Fisher Athletic extended their advantage at the top of Division One East to eight points with a 2-1 win at Boreham Wood. Anthony Riviere netted both Fisher goals. The challenge from Uxbridge stuttered slightly when they were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Great Wakering Rovers. Berkhamsted Town’s rise on to the leader board took another serious setback when they were defeated 4-0 for the second week running. Aveley were the victors this week. Maldon Town were the weekend’s biggest winners, 5-0 at home to Chatham Town. Simon Parker nosed Maldon ahead in the 14th minute and went on to score three more, before Sean Bell completed the rout in the 90th.

THE SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE WEST – Evesham United stayed top of the Table, despite dropping two points at home to Marlow in a 1-1 stalemate. Mangotsfield United, boasting several recent signings (including two debutants) raced into a 2-0 lead after only 13 minutes, before being pegged back by Thame United. Clevedon Town crept into third place with a 2-0 win at promotion hopefuls Rothwell Town, while Taunton Town’s early promise took another knock back when Ashford Town (Middx) won 4-2 at Wordsworth Drive. Yate Town, who are slowly making their way onto the leader board, smashed five passed Burnham at the weekend. Matthew Rawlins bagged three (two of which were penalties), Michael Wyatt netted number four, and new signing Darren Edwards completed the scoring.

BEDFORD TOWN – An injury crisis in the goalkeeping department brought forward the debut of Andrew Stevens, the club’s Youth Team custodian. Nerveless Stevens was outstanding in the Eagles’ 3-0 win over Histon, and was voted ‘Man of the Match’. The Eagles have signed Northampton Town scholar, Daniel Carr, on work experience.

BEDWORTH UNITED – Last season’s leading goal scorer for the Greenbacks, Lee Ross, has retired. After scoring one goal in eight appearances (four as a substitute), the 34 year old striker has decided the after effects of a back injury sustained in a car accident are too painful to bear after matches. Last season’s Club Captain, Guy Hadland, has returned to the Oval after a brief spell with Solihull Borough.

DARTFORD - Following the Club’s capital restructuring, which was approved by Members at the 2004 Annual General Meeting the way became open for new blood to be introduced at Director level. This resulted in four additional Directors being appointed at the monthly Board Meeting held on December 13. At the same time certain changes of responsibility were put in place.

The internal changes saw Director Steve Irving relinquish the financial aspect of club affairs to concentrate on guiding the club through the Princes Park Stadium relocation project, alongside Chairman Dave Skinner and Vice-Chairman Bill Archer. The post of Company Secretary was re-assumed by Dave Boswell (the position had been held on an interim basis by the Chairman) and Mr Boswell also took on responsibility for the financial management of the club. Long-serving Director Fred Leach – a Darts’ supporter since 1928 – was elected to the newly-created position of Honorary Life President in recognition of his amazing contribution to the club over three-quarters of a century. Not surprisingly has he become known as ‘Mr DFC’.

The new Directors are Tony Burman, a true Dartford footballing legend having played around 400 games for the club and was manager when the re-born Darts started new life in 1993. Tony steered the club to promotion to the Southern Football League. Tony is the owner of a successful local-based transport company. Also coming on board is Fred Bonnett who first saw Darts play in a local Derby against Gravesend & Northfleet in 1959, which gained ‘fame’ as the first senior football match in England to be abandoned by the referee. Fred is the Managing Director of a high-quality precision engineering company. The third new Director is Harry Extance, owner of a locally-based specialist engineering company. Harry has supported the club for many years and, like his new colleagues is a founder member of the successful Dartford FC Patrons’ Club. The final new Director is Dave Francis who owns a garage in Dartford, which incorporates a Van and Car Hire business.

All four Directors have supported the Darts ‘on the terraces’ as young men and, as they developed their business activities, continued that support through sponsorship and advertising. The full Board consists of Dave Skinner (Chairman), Bill Archer (Vice-Chairman) and Directors Fred Bonnett, Mike Brett-Smith, Tony Burman, Harry Extance, Dave Francis, Norman Grimes, Steve Irving, Peter Martin and Av Sandhu. As Hon. Life President Fred Leach is entitled to attend Board Meetings.

EVESHAM UNITED – 34 year old defender, Paul West, has signed for the Robins. Stafford born West began his career at Alcester Town before joining Port Vale. He moved to Bradford City and went on to make 3 appearances in the Football League for Wigan Athletic. He has since played for Morcambe.

KING’S LYNN – The Linnets have signed 33 years old forward, George Georgiou. The Wembley born player made four appearances for Fulham in 1991.

MANGOTSFIELD UNITED – Field have signed 33 year old Alan Bird from Cirencester Town. Bird, who spent five years with Weston-super-Mare, made his debut on Saturday with Matthew Lock. Bird has also played for Witney Town, Chippenham Town, Trowbridge Town, Gloucester City and Worcester City.

OXFORD CITY – Secretary John Shepperd had two nice surprises at Saturday’s match against Bedworth United. Not only did his team secure its first home win of the season, John was presented with a highly prestigious award for his services to the club. UEFA allocated five Long Service Recognition Awards to the Football Association, and John was chosen to be one of the recipients. FA Representative Brian Moore made the presentation. Well done, John.

TEAM BATH – The University side has lost another player to Torquay United. Owen Story is the latest Student to join the Gulls.

WIVENHOE TOWN – Colchester United has given permission for Liam Coleman to return to the dragons for another period of work experience.

YATE TOWN – Mangotsfield United striker, Darren Edwards, has joined Yate for an undisclosed four figure fee.

TRANSFERS – Matthew Beadle (Team Bath to Bath City), Alan Bird (Cirencester Town to Mangotsfield United), Richard Burgess (Halesowen Town to Bromsgrove Rovers), Leon Callender (Beaconsfield SYCOB to Chesham United), Paul Danks (Solihull Borough to Halesowen Town), German De La Vega (Boreham Wood to Tilbury) Darren Edwards (Mangotsfield United to Yate Town), David Gilroy (Weston-super-Mare to Chippenham Town [temporary]), Leon Green (Tilbury to Harlow Town), Matthew Glynn (Marlow to Brackley Town), Anthony Henry (East Thurrock United to Boreham Wood [temporary]), Nicholas Leach (Hemel Hempstead Town to Leighton Town), Matthew Lock (Tiverton Town to Mangotsfield United [temporary]), Jacob Mingle (Staines Town to Ashford Town {Middlesex} [temporary]), Kelechi Opara (Harlow Town to Erith & Belvedere), Andrew Theodosiou (Arlesey Town to Hemel Hempstead Town), Daniel West Hemel Hempstead Town to Chesham United).

DATE: 11 DECEMBER 2004

THE SOUTHERN LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION – A fine 2-1 win at Hednesford Town enabled Merthyr Tydfil to maintain their two point lead at the top of the Premier Division. In a lively start, Richard French opened the Martyr’s account within two minutes. Leon McSweeney equalised for the Pitmen after 9 minutes later, long before Merthyr’s winning goal came from Craig Steins in the 63rd minute.

Halesowen Town lost ground, and second spot, when they lost 3-1 at home to Hitchin Town. Darren Hay, Shane Hill and Aaron Cavill put the Canaries in a commanding lead, in front of their new Manager (Darren Salton), before Steven Pope scored the Yeltz consolation goal seven minutes from time. Chippenham Town moved into second place with a 2-1 win at Rugby United. Sam Allison and David Gilroy scored for the Bluebirds, either side of a Justin Marsden goal for Rugby.

Following last weekend’s FA Cup exploits, Histon have collected one point from their two subsequent League fixtures. After dropping two points at home to Hednesford on Tuesday, the Stutes lost at Bedford Town 3-0 on Saturday. An otherwise promising season can often turn after the conclusion of a successful Cup run. Histon will be happy to bag their next League win. There has been no Cup hangover for Bath City. The Romans have pocketed two 3-1 victories in the League since last Saturday. After Tuesday’s win over Banbury United, Scott Partridge bagged all three of Bath’s goals against Hemel Hempstead Town on Saturday.

THE SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE EAST – Fisher Athletic (London) maintained a six point advantage at the top of the Eastern section, when crushing Chatham Town 4-0 on Saturday. Steve Watts, Hamid Barr and Anthony Riviere scored their goals. Uxbridge refuse to be shaken off, however, and won by the same margin at home to Aveley. Michael Swaysland, Stuart Lake, Lee Tunnell and Gavin Bamford scored the Reds’ goals. Berkhamsted Town lost ground on the leaders when they slumped to a 4-0 defeat, at home to Harlow Town. Kelechi Opara, Mark Taylor and Tobi Ositola (2) were the Hawks’ scorers.

THE SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE WEST – Evesham United stretched their lead at the top of the Western section after grinding out a goalless draw at Bedworth United. With the Greenbacks in 19th position, the Robins may initially have felt two points had been dropped, but with challengers Mangotsfield United losing 4-2 at home to Burnham, it was certainly a point gained. Burnham were obviously playing to impress new Manager David Mudge. Michael Bartley, Philip John and Shane Small-King (2) scored for the Blues.

Fourth placed Rothwell Town lost at home, 1-0, to Paulton Rovers. Joshua Jefferies was Paulton’s match winner. And Taunton Town dropped two more home points when they were held to a 2-2 draw by Stourport Swifts. With Swifts leading 2-0 after 84 minutes three points seemed assured, but the Peacocks ‘got out of jail’ with late goals from Gary Fisher and Liam Moseley. Biggest win of the day was Clevedon Town’s 5-2 victory over Marlow. For the Seasiders, Jack Pitcher scored a hat-trick, Thomas Jacobs netted their fourth and a little festive spirit was added when Kye Holly buried their fifth.

ASHFORD TOWN (MIDDX) – The Tangerines will meet Banstead Athletic or Tooting & Mitcham United in the Third Round of the Surrey Senior Cup. A date for the tie is to be arranged.

BATH CITY – Goalkeeper Steve Perrin has been recalled prematurely from his loan spell at Twerton Park, by Forest Green Rovers, due to an injury at the Lawn to Dean Williams. City signed Perrin as cover for the injured Paul Evans. Fortunately, Evans is now close to full fitness. The Romans have signed Ben Cleverley on a month's loan from Forest Green Rovers. Ben, older brother of ex-City and current Paulton Rovers forward, Daniel, was formerly with Bristol City and Cheltenham Town. He made an immediate impression when coming on for Player-Manager Gary Owers on Tuesday, by playing a fundamental part in City's first goal in a 3-1 win over Banbury United.

BEDFORD TOWN – This season’s leading marksman, Christopher Dillon, has reached 50 appearances for the Eagles. Since making his debut against Heybridge Swifts on 20 December 2003, Dillon opened his account six days later against Kettering Town. He has now scored 26 goals for the club; 14 (so far) this season. MK Dons have given permission for Ryan Jerwood and Luke Wildy to play for the Eagles on work experience.

BURNHAM – Manager Steve Mellor was released from his post with the club after last Saturday’s 4-2 defeat at home to Paulton Rovers. Reserve Team Manager David Mudge was immediately appointed in a caretaker capacity, but has now been installed on a permanent basis. Mudge has nominated his Assistant with the Reserves, Calvin Maye, as his no. 2.

CHIPPENHAM TOWN - At next Saturday’s home fixture against Hednesford Town the Bluebirds will be making it a "Xmas Special". Junior fans can watch the game for free as part of a "Kids Come Free" offer when accompanied by a paying adult. The Christmas spirit will be further enhanced by pre-match Christmas music played by a local band and after the game Father Christmas will be on hand to give goodies to the junior fans.

CLEVEDON TOWN – The Seasiders are looking for a Physiotherapist. Due to the resignation of the club’s physio a vacancy has arisen for a suitably qualified replacement. The position requires commitment on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and on a match days. Interested parties should send their details to Mr. J Croft, Chairman - Clevedon Town Football Club, c/o The Hand Stadium, Davis Lane, Clevedon BS21 6TG, together with an expected salary.

DARTFORD - In April 2004 members of Dartford Borough Council officially announced the building of a new stadium for Dartford Football Club on a site owned by the Council and currently used by other sports. The project was outlined by Councillor Kenneth Leadbeater, Leader of Dartford Borough prior to Darts’ home game against King’s Lynn. Cllr Leadbeater spoke to club Directors, sponsors, Patrons’ Club members and Supporters’ Club Committeemen in the Gravesend & Northfleet before seeing Darts beat King’s Lynn 1-0. After the game they spoke to supporters in the bar.

Since then things have moved on apace with invitations for interested parties being posted, a short list drawn up, proposals passed by the full Council and a further meeting with the Directors, Management Team and supporters of Dartford FC in the Civic Centre in October, when the club’s requirements were discussed in detail. Included in the project is a second, all-weather pitch. The present users of the site – named Princes Park – will be incorporated into the overall development or re-located nearby and comprise a nine-hole golf course, football and bowls facilities.

A joint liaison committee has been set up comprising representatives of the club, Council, consultants and architects who will meet regularly to progress matters. The consultants employed by the council are AYH plc as project managers (they are currently involved in the Arsenal re-location project) and the architects are Alexander Sedgley Ltd who specialise in community-based projects and environment-friendly designs. There are two major areas of population within easy walking distance of the development and a ‘fast-track’ public transport system linking Dartford and Gravesend town centres to the Bluewater shopping complex will pass alongside the new stadium. The link has already been started. Princes Park will be within a couple of minutes of the M25.

A very tight timetable has been laid down and it is anticipated the actual building work will take thirty-six weeks to complete. The provisional deadline is around May 2006, ready for inspection by the relevant football bodies prior to the 2006-07 season. The stadium will have accommodation for 6,000 spectators with a 500-seater stand and covered terracing, floodlights and all the appropriate facilities. The liaison committee has already agreed the services (i.e. dressing rooms, offices, bars and social areas etc) to be incorporated in the project and Alexander Sedgley will present their designs for approval in the very near future. Dartford Borough Council are committing around £2m to the project which fits in neatly with the proposed building of accommodation for Dartford Judokwai Club which has gained an international reputation, providing many Great Britain Olympic medalists

Although the current Dartford Football Club has faced over a decade on a survival basis there has always been the incentive of a possible return to the Borough and, in anticipation of such a happening, the Directors and Supporters’ Association have worked together to strengthen links with the local community and it such efforts which have found approval with the Local Authority. It has been a strength of the Darts that team managers – all former players – have placed an emphasis on developing local football talent. When the Club restarted in 1993 the First Team consisted in equal parts of ex-Dartford players returning to help the Club, local players of Kent League standard and the previous season’s Youth Team. The First Team were operating in the Kent League and also had an Under-18 Youth Team playing in the MUSH Kent Youth League (Dartford FC were founder members of this latter competition)

At the first opportunity the Club added a Reserves team and soon after wards expanded further to include an Under-16 Youth Team. This season the Club has entered a team in the Under-13 section of the Kent Youth League. Further community links were established when Dartford and St. Vincents Vikings came to a mutually satisfactory arrangement. Vikings run teams in the Bexley & District League ranging from Under-8s to Under-16s. At the top end of the scale players then have the opportunity to continue their football activities via the Dartford FC youth set-up. The Vikings remain autonomous but now call themselves Dartford Vikings and are gradually adopting DFC colours as their own.

During the past five years Dartford Football Club have sponsored the Dartford & District Primary Schools Knock-out Cup competition with the finalists receiving medals from the Dartford Football Club manager, currently Tommy Sampson. The move to the new stadium provides great opportunities for local schoolchildren to taste playing in a ‘proper’ football ground – probably in cup finals such as that in the Primary Schools Knock-out Cup.

HEMEL HEMPSTEAD TOWN – The Tudors have appointed former Arlesey Town Manager, Nicky Ironton, as their new Team Boss.

HITCHIN TOWN – In the wake of Kerry Dixon’s departure from Top Field last week, Hitchin Town FC has named Darren Salton as First Team Manager. Edinburgh-born Salton, 32, made 18 appearances as a central defender for Luton Town during 1991 & 1992. He also represented Scotland at Schools, Youth and won six caps at u/21 level. His playing career was curtailed by injuries sustained in a car accident. Dublin born Ken Gillard has been named Assistant. Gillard began his career with Luton Town but subsequently made 23 appearances as a full-back for Northampton Town during 1992 &1993. Gillard also won one cap as an u/21 International for Republic of Ireland.

The Canaries have withdrawn their second team from the Spartan South Midlands Reserve League. The club entered the League earlier this season when the World Class Homes Senior Reserve League collapsed after a handful of games. The Spartan League stepped in to absorb some of the clubs, but after playing 13 games Hitchin Town has concluded there were too many games for their young squad, which is also engaged in youth team football. The club remains a member of the Capital League, which provides an outlet for reserve team football.

KING’S LYNN – The Linnets have signed 19 years old Cardiff born defender, Liam Powell. Powell spent last season as a professional with Leicester City, without making the First Team. He has been with Boston United, on trial, this season. He has already won Wales u/21 honours.

OXFORD CITY – Following the cancellation of his contract with Brackley Town, in October, Matthew Finlay has joined Oxford. City’s hope of putting together a run of results good enough to take them away from the relegation zone suffered a blow this week. Leading scorer Mark Simms has been diagnosed as having a broken toe. He incurred the injury in last week’s game at Evesham United. His foot is now in plaster and he is not expected to play for six weeks. Justin Lee suffered a similar injury in the midweek game at Corby and is expected to be out for three weeks.

STOURPORT SWIFTS – Shrewsbury Town youth team midfielder, Dean Braglio, has signed for Stourport. Swifts also added the signature of Dean Tilley, from Solihull Borough, to their midfield. Veteran forward Kerry Giddings has been released from Walshes Meadow. He is to join Bewdley Town. Giddings scored 18 goals in 106 appearances for Swifts, (46 as a substitute).

TAUNTON TOWN - The Peacocks’ recent 2-0 win away to Mangotsfield United was not only noteworthy due to the favourable result but also because it was their 100th Southern League match since returning to the League in 2002. This fact was brought to the club’s attention by Mark Timsbury, who is thought to be the only supporter to have attended all 100 games. Mark’s feat is all the more remarkable as he lives in Trowbridge, some 60 miles from Wordsworth Drive.

The only others to attend all the games are Manager Russell Musker and Secretary Martin Dongworth. Musker was unable to travel to Merthyr Tydfil in 2002 but this “game” was abandoned at half time so does not count as one of the 100 games.In addition Chairman Tom Harris, Vice Chairman Harold Needs and fellow Directors Neil Cottey and Des Badcock have only missed a handful of these games between them. Unfortunately match 101 was not quite so successful, losing 6-1 away to Corby Town!!

TEAM BATH – Jamie Gosling’s contract with Team Bath was cancelled during the week to enable the player to play on a non-contract basis for Torquay United on Tuesday.

TRANSFERS – Sean Canham (Exeter City to Tiverton Town [temporary]), Ben Cleverley (Forest Green Rovers to Bath City [temporary]), James Dillnutt (Arlesey Town to Hemel Hempstead Town), Roger Emms (Burnham to Swindon Supermarine), Kevin Evans (Arlesey Town to Hitchin Town), Aaron Farrell (Solihull Borough to Evesham United), Guy Hadland (Solihull Borough to Bedworth United), Robert Maddox (Stamford to Corby Town), Jack Midson (Dagenham & Redbridge to Hemel Hempstead Town [temporary]), Richard Pringle (Arlesey Town to Hemel Hempstead Town), Ian Pulman (Margate to Erith & Belvedere [temporary]), Christopher Stone (Billericay Town to East Thurrock United [temporary]).

GX SOCCER CLUB OF THE MONTH AWARDS FOR NOVEMBER 2004

PREMIER DIVISION – An undefeated run of three League matches, including two victories and a goal difference of seven, which took the Yeltz to the top of the Table, has earned Halesowen Town the Premier Division award.

DIVISION ONE EAST – Four wins in six matches has earned Divisional leaders Fisher Athletic (London) the Eastern section award.

DIVISION ONE WEST – A 100% record in three League games, in which they conceded only one goal, has won Cinderford Town the Western section award.

HEREWARD SPORTS TEAMWEAR & TROPHIES ‘SAFE HANDS’ AWARDS FOR NOVEMBER 2004

PREMIER DIVISION – For conceding just one goal in two League games, Histon have won November’s Premier Division award.

DIVISION ONE EAST – One goal leaked in five League & League Cup games made Uxbridge a clear November winner.

DIVISION ONE WEST – One goal conceded in an unblemished three match November run has earned Cinderford Town the November award.

DATE: 4 DECEMBER 2004

THE SOUTHERN LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION – Merthyr Tydfil leapt back to the top of the table after winning 2-0 at Hitchin Town. The Martyr’s goals came in the second-half and were scored by Richard French and Garry Shephard. The leaders at the start of the day’s play, Halesowen Town, lost 1-0 at Aylesbury United. Paul Edgeworth netted for the Ducks. Despite falling behind in the 5th minute at Banbury United, Chippenham Town won 3-1, to go level on points with Halesowen.

Chesham United cemented their fourth place with a 5-1 drubbing of Stamford, in which John Lawford bagged a hat-trick. Gareth Hopkins also scored three. Hopkins netted all of Cirencester Town’s goals in a 3-2 win over Team Bath. King’s Lynn’s Jack Defty also scored a hat-trick, in the Linnets 6-3 victory over Hemel Hempstead Town.

THE SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE EAST – By winning a point in a goalless draw at Beaconsfield on Monday, and by winning 1-0 at Chatham Town on Saturday, Uxbridge have eroded Fisher Athletic’s lead at the top of the table to six points. And Uxbridge have a game in hand. Fisher maintained their cushion at the top, though, with a 3-0 win at Beaconsfield. Steve Watts, currently electric in front of goal, netted twice for Fish. Berkhamsted Town continued their fine run of form with a 3-0 win at Leighton Town, the team that beat Fisher Athletic last Saturday.

THE SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE WEST – Evesham United have moved to the top of the Western section. After a 3-0 win at Bracknell Town on Tuesday, the Robins repeated the winning score line against Oxford City on Saturday. Having lost to Taunton Town 2-0 in midweek, Mangotsfield United returned to winning ways with a thumping 4-1 victory over Sutton Coldfield Town. Taunton, however, threw away the advantage gained from that valuable success at Mangotsfield by falling apart at Corby Town on Saturday, 6-1! Rothwell, meanwhile, won 2-0 at Marlow to stay on 36 points, level with Mangotsfield.

F A CUP SECOND ROUND – Bath City and Histon finally run out of time in this season’s F A Cup, by losing to Peterborough United and Yeovil Town, respectively. Both Southern League clubs have enjoyed amazing Cup success this year, beating teams of a higher status along the way. The 2-0 and 3-1 score lines, however, reflect they did not give up their places easily, not even to clubs from the Football League.

Well done and congratulations, Bath City and Histon.

ASHFORD TOWN (MIDDX) – Following some impressive Reserve Team performances, ex-junior player Adam Belton signed Southern League and was put straight into the squad for Saturday’s match at Bedworth United.

BOREHAM WOOD – Newham born forward, Juan-Miguel De Souza, has signed for Wood. De Souza, now 34 years old, began his career with Dagenham. He moved to Birmingham City where he made 15 appearances, and three on loan for Bury, before joining Wycombe Wanderers. He scored 29 goals in 83 appearances for the Chairboys before signing for Peterborough United. Whilst with the Posh he scored 5 goals in 35 appearances, and turned out for Southend United (2) and Rochdale (5) on loan. He has since played for Rushden & Diamonds, Boston United and Farnborough Town in the Football Conference.

ERITH & BELVEDERE – Charlie Fuller, the Deres’ Centre-half in the Amateur Cup Final team of 1938, passed suddenly away on 16 November. Charlie was 85. Charlie, whose father (Charlie) also played for Erith, made his debut on 24 April 1937, a month before his 18th birthday. The following season he was ever-present in the 13 match run to the Amateur Cup Final against Bromley.

MANGOTSFIELD UNITED – Former Swindon Town forward, Paul Hunt, has signed for Mangotsfield. Hunt, now 34 years old, made 11 appearances (6 as a Substitute) for the Robins between 1989 & 1992.

TAUNTON TOWN – The Peacocks have been drawn away to Yeovil Town in the Quarter Final of the Somerset Premier Cup. The tie is scheduled for w.c. 7 March 2005.

TEAM BATH – Goalkeeper Brian Parkin has signed for Team Bath. Birkenhead born Parkin, now 39 years old, began his career with Oldham Athletic. He made 6 appearances for the Latics before moving on to Crewe Alexandra (98 apps), Crystal Palace (20 apps), Bristol Rovers (246 apps in 2 spells), Wycombe Wanderers (25 (apps) and Notts County (1 app). Midfielder Paul Tisdale has re-signed for the Students. Tisdale, now 31 years old, began his career as a Junior with Southampton. He signed professional forms in 1991 and subsequently made 16 appearances (including 11 as a Substitute) for the Saints. Whilst at The Dell he also made loan appearances for Northampton Town (5), Huddersfield Town (2), Bristol City (5) and Exeter City (10).

WIVENHOE TOWN – The Dragons have signed former Watford Trainee, Liam Phelan.

TRANSFERS – Mark Burrows (Arlesey Town to Corby Town), Ben Freeman (Thame United to Oxford City), Ian Cooper (Boreham Wood to Waltham Forest), Mark Jones (Oxford City to Thame United), Steven Julian (Corby Town to Grantham Town), Neil O’Sullivan (Bedworth United to Evesham United), Gary Schillaci (Stevenage Borough to Erith & Belvedere [temporary]), Dean Walker (Hitchin Town to Dunstable Town).