Sadly, on August 22nd 2015, the football world, and more specifically Worthing United, were struck by tragedy. It was the day of the Shoreham Air disaster, and amongst the 11 victims were Matt Grimstone and Jacob Schilt, both tragically taken before their time. United had been due to host Loxwood in a Southern Combination tie that day, but in light of the events, the fixture simply could not go ahead.
Our day had begun with Andy and I deciding where the footballing gods were going to take us. The original plan had been to travel with Bashley over to Evesham United, but with the game postponed early, it was back to the drawing boards. Eventually the idea of Worthing United and their Lyons Way home sprang to mind, and train tickets over to Worthing quickly bought.
Our day had begun with Andy and I deciding where the footballing gods were going to take us. The original plan had been to travel with Bashley over to Evesham United, but with the game postponed early, it was back to the drawing boards. Eventually the idea of Worthing United and their Lyons Way home sprang to mind, and train tickets over to Worthing quickly bought.
If you were previously unaware, good evening, my real name is Sheridan. It's daft, but that's the name my parents decided the kids at school could bully me about, alongside the fact I exist, which generally gives people enough material anyway. Being 19 years old and as mature as a nice lump of Cheddar, I obviously have to take a photo of anything with my name attached to it. I never got the happiness of finding my name on a crappy key ring in a gift shop so I have to make the most of what I can. Cheers Worthing.
Andy has a pretty normal name and as such didn't fully comprehend my glee, and as such was still giving me funny looks as I skipped into the pub just across the street. For the life of me, I've completely forgotten what it was called, but as ever, I got the last pint in the barrel and had to swap beers having run down the road to the nearest cash machine. Our tour of the pool tables of Sussex continued, Andy winning 2-0 this time despite my incredible clearance to get on to the black, before slamming it home only to see the cue ball orbit Worthing and drop into the middle pocket. Gutted.
Andy has a pretty normal name and as such didn't fully comprehend my glee, and as such was still giving me funny looks as I skipped into the pub just across the street. For the life of me, I've completely forgotten what it was called, but as ever, I got the last pint in the barrel and had to swap beers having run down the road to the nearest cash machine. Our tour of the pool tables of Sussex continued, Andy winning 2-0 this time despite my incredible clearance to get on to the black, before slamming it home only to see the cue ball orbit Worthing and drop into the middle pocket. Gutted.
We arrived at Lyons Way just as the game was kicking off and soon went off on a mooch of the ground. You reach the pitch level via a set of stairs leading from the clubhouse and changing rooms, and there's a cracking view across the rolling hills on the far side. The pitch is also surrounded by steep grass banks, and already in photographer mode, I of course had to go exploring. I came back down to the news that Andy had photographed myself whilst I was up there, and it's apparently led to the most iconic photo in football so far this season. I think so anyway.
Worthing United ply their trade in the newly refurbished Southern Combination League Premier (formerly the Sussex County League until the beginning of this season) and their Lyons Way home is certainly typical of some of the local Sussex grounds. There's cover alongside the near touchline, and as aforementioned, grass banking and hard standing across the rest of the ground. The view from the top of the banking on the far touchline behind the dugouts certainly offers something a bit more unique however.
Visitors for the afternoon Loxwood ended up coming away with a comfortable 4-1 victory, courtesy of a Charlie Pitcher goal either side of the interval, with Mark Pritchard-Cave and Oliver Moore adding their names to the scoresheet as well. From what I remember of the fixture, it was well-battled with both sides looking to get the ball down and use it across the pitch. Perhaps there were some nerves in the air due to the circumstances surrounding the game.
Visitors for the afternoon Loxwood ended up coming away with a comfortable 4-1 victory, courtesy of a Charlie Pitcher goal either side of the interval, with Mark Pritchard-Cave and Oliver Moore adding their names to the scoresheet as well. From what I remember of the fixture, it was well-battled with both sides looking to get the ball down and use it across the pitch. Perhaps there were some nerves in the air due to the circumstances surrounding the game.
Following the tragedy that struck the club, and the football world as a whole, I admire their courage to keep on fighting. The bar was lively at half-time and they appear to be a club moving in the right direction. I'm sure Matt and Jacob are still on the minds of everybody, but at least their club continues to make a good appearance of itself. Well done guys.
Sheridan