When the word ‘Army’ is in your name, it is vital that battling qualities and a never-say-die attitude form a central part of your team’s ethos and both Salvation Army sides have shown these attributes in abundance during the past month as they fight against the threat of relegation. With both the First XI and the Reserves being at the wrong end of the table, some big performances are needed towards the end of the season in order to stave off that dreaded ‘R’ word. In the last few games the Army’s sides have grafted out some big results to aid them in their quest. The First XI secured eight vital points in their last five games, with only one defeat, including a 5-1 hammering of promotion chasing Bramford Utd, with Dan Frappell and Paul Gunton both scoring twice. That result was sandwiched between creditable draws against Sporting ’87 and local rivals, Bacton United, with a 1-0 victory at the start of April giving Sam Dickie’s men hope of avoiding the drop. The Reserves have also secured some vital points, with a victory against Benhall St Mary Reserves – with goals from Jordan Stannard and Jeremy Ling – ending a run of 13 games without a win, as well as a valuable point at home to Sizewell Associates giving Paul Salmon’s men a glimmer of hope with four games left in the season. The club has continued to show its forward thinking attitude as the Saturday morning youth football training continues to prove popular with the local community. The training sessions for local children in school years one and two has been well attended so far and all of the youngsters have really enjoyed the opportunity to play football as it is intended to be played: with a smile on their faces and a willingness to improve. For more information on the training sessions contact either Mark on 01449 677539, or Ian on 01449 614805. Alternatively, you can contact the club via salvationarmyfc@gmail.com. For more information on Salvation Army FC, visit www.salvationarmyfc.co.uk
Football was put truly into perspective this month as Salvation Army Football Club were shocked and stunned to hear that one of their former players, Mark Versey (pictured) had died from a suspected heart attack at the age of 38 in late February. It is with a sense of disbelief that Verz, as he was affectionately known, is written about in the past tense. He had returned to England after his work for Ambassadors In Sport in South Africa (a Christian sports ministry organisation) had finished and was continuing to work for AIS based in London. Verz played a major part in the history of the club. He made his debut in the first game in only their second season when he came on as substitute away at East Bergholt ’A’ on 2nd September 1989 and had a long and established run in the team from 1991 to 2000 predominantly playing at centre half and in goal. In total Verz made 268 appearances for the Army and scored 26 goals. He is ninth in the clubs all time appearance list and was also club Treasurer. He formed part of what became the ’Felixstowe Mafia’ which incorporated his great friend and Salvation Army FC Manager, John Ellitson and Matthew Elsey. Every manager has their favourites. Ellitson’s was Verz. Due to the fixtures of 26th February being postponed because of waterlogged pitches the club paid their footballing respects to Verz before matches against Sporting 87. It was fitting that the opponents on this day were a Christian-based team managed by Jonathan Warnock who met up with Verz while he was in South Africa. The club will hold a minutes silence in respect of Verz and will be wearing white armbands; traditionally black armbands are worn but the Salvation Army refer to the book of Revelation, chapter 7 verses 13 to 15 where it talks about being given white robes when we get to Heaven, which is symbolised by the armband. Verz was a true gentleman and will be sorely missed. Verz worked extensively with South African children in the build up to the 2010 World Cup Final and would have been delighted to hear that the club are now entering into a new venture of youth coaching. At the first session held on the 5th March, 18 children from school years one and two attended and a great time was had by all. The sessions are open to any child in this age group. Interested parties should contact either Mark on 01449 677539, or Ian on 01449 614805. Alternatively, you can contact the club via salvationarmyfc@gmail.com.
Despite the wintry weather, it has been a busy month for Salvation Army, especially off the field. With current First Team Manager, Danny Reynolds having a break from his duties in the new year due to family commitments, his current assistant, Sam Dickie has stepped up to the plate and will become Army’s ninth permanent manager. Dickie has impressed the management of the club while taking over from Reynolds while on a recent holiday and a look at Dickie’s footballing credentials show a pedigree on the pitch which will hopefully be evident in a managerial role. A former county representative at youth level, Dickie eventually progressed into the ranks at Stowmarket Town but he has also had a long affiliation with the Army making his debut back in September 1992. After more than 250 appearances and 70 goals for the club, Dickie will take over in January 2011. Dickie will inherit a team that has shown strong improvements in recent weeks, with two league victories against Parkside part of a four match unbeaten run. The only disappointing news for Army is that Jon Doughty, who had performed stoutly in the middle of defence since moving from left back, has now jetted off to Australia for an indefinite period. Doughty was captain for the day in his last match and epitomised his playing style when he smashed in a left-footed free kick with tremendous power low and hard into the Parkside net to give the Army the lead in a game where they eventually ran out 2-1 winners. Weather permitting, the Army have two more games scheduled for 2010 and one in January before Dickie takes control of matters and they will be looking to continue their recent good form into 2011. For more information on the club, please visit www.salvationarmyfc.co.uk
Salvation Army Football Club were pleased to show some local dignitaries the new changing facilities at Chilton Fields during October as a sign of appreciation for their help in creating some of the best facilities in the county. Stowmarket Town Councillors who had shown such great support for the project were in attendance, as was Head of Leisure Services for Mid Suffolk District Council, Chris Fry who was pivotal in making the facilities happen. Special mention was also given by SAFC Chairman, Mark Cross to Bob Boxhall-Hunt and John Phoenix whose pragmatism and management of the whole scheme made it an easier task for the Football Club. Councillors Lesley Mayes and Anne Whybrow received particular thanks for bringing the project from a good idea to actual completion. Virginia Tuck was also thanked for her help in getting David Ruffley MP behind the project but unfortunately Virginia could not be in attendance. It was a positive event and showed off a fantastic Stowmarket facility that the club and the community can be very proud of. On the pitch, the First XI have been making good strides after a difficult start to the season. This has included successive victories in the last fortnight as well as a plugging of the defensive lapses evident in previous months. With the defensive line conceding just four goals in five games, the front line has also profited with Paul Gunton and Lewis Stannard in the goals in recent weeks. The Reserve side have had another challenging month with decent performances not being rewarded with points on the board. Paul Salmon’s men will hoping for more rewards during November, when they have two home league games as well as a challenging cup tie away to Bramford United Reserves. For more information on the club, please visit www.salvationarmyfc.co.uk
At the glittering occasion that was the Suffolk FA's 125th Anniversary Dinner at Portman Road, Salvation Army FC Chairman, Mark Cross was presented with a framed certificate awarding the Suffolk FA Charter Club of the Year award to the club by Ipswich Town’s former chairman, David Sheepshanks (see picture attached). The event was filmed for posterity and Cross had the longest walk to the podium and back as the Salvation Army representatives were the furthest tables away. He had to make the long walk in front of former international footballers and top administrators within the County FA. The evening started with the presentations, followed by a meal and a question and answer session hosted by former Ipswich Town player Simon Milton as he quizzed former Town stars Roger Osborne, Mick Mills, Allan Hunter and Bryan Hamilton. Sheepshanks told some amusing stories of Ipswich Town's Cobbold brothers and paid tribute to the County FA for their work in football around the county. It was a great night for football connoisseurs and the Army representatives, Cross and Club Secretary, Adrian Moye were grateful to have received such a prestigious award in the year an occasion like this took place. It all seems so far away from Army’s first game at Dennington on 10th September 1988, playing in shirts that were thrown out by Norton FC as the collars were torn and the cuffs frayed. Fast forward 22 years and Cross, who scored the only Army goal in that first game at Dennington, was shaking the hands of a former Premier League Chairman and receiving the award for Suffolk's Charter Standard Club – truly a proud moment for all associated with the club. On the field, both Army teams continue to provide fantastic entertainment for onlookers. Of special note was a 4-6 extra time defeat to Coddenham in the Omnico Cup where Army had managed to fight back from 4-1 down to force extra time. It was only a brilliant 4-goal display from an opposing striker that had prevented Army’s progress. The Reserve side managed to pick up a valuable victory away at Stonham Aspal during another mixed month and both sides are hoping for productive October performances.
If you want to see goals galore, then make your way up to Chilton Fields, Stowmarket on a Saturday afternoon. In the opening three weeks of the new Suffolk & Ipswich League season, Salvation Army FC’s two teams have heard the ripple of the goal net 36 times in just six games! Unfortunately, it has often been their opponents who have entertained more than Army themselves and it has been a mixed start to the season for the Charter Standard Club of the Year. The first game of the season in late August proved very positive for both the First Team and the Reserves who notched up pleasing wins against their Claydon counterparts. The First Team secured an entertaining 3-2 away victory thanks to goals from Darren Pleasance, Sam Dickie and Dan Frappell. Army had secured a seemingly comfortable 3-0 lead but had a nervy end to the game after conceding twice when the points appeared secure. The Reserves also managed to establish a 3-0 lead on the same day thanks to some high quality football, with key contributions from Mike Walsh, Stu Lucas and Phil Baker whose experienced heads helped the younger faces that the Reserves are aiming to blood this season. Despite the handsome lead, the opposition continued to press for goals and carved out a number of good goal-scoring chances themselves; fortunately for the Reserves, Claydon looked rusty in front of goal and couldn’t capitalise on their dominance in the second half. Since the opening fixtures, it has mainly been the Army goal being breached by opposition attacks. The First Team have suffered heavy defeats at home to local rivals Bacton and away to Bramford United while the Reserves have been defeated 4-1 in successive weeks. With both sides attempting to integrate new players into the sides, it was bound to be a transitional period early on in the season. Army have managed to accrue a number of exciting new players, including some talented youngsters finding their way in the demanding arena of non-league football. Hopefully, September and October will see the new sides gel together and go on goal-scoring sprees themselves. Salvation Army First Team is currently looking for a non-playing Assistant Manager to aid Danny Reynolds in his tasks. While the role is initially as an Assistant, Reynolds will be taking a pre-arranged break from his duties in January 2011 and his duties will therefore be the responsibility of the successful applicant. If you are interested please contact Club Chairman, Mark Cross on 01449 677539 or visit salvationarmyfc.co.uk for more details.
Salvation Army FC finished the season on a high with a hugely deserved victory over local rivals Bacton United 89 at Chilton Fields. It was an important victory for Army who ended a four match losing streak, including a 0-3 home reverse to Henley the previous week and showed promise for next season. In a fantastic team performance, Army managed to avenge their April loss against Bacton thanks to two goals from their top scorer, Paul Gunton. In a season in which Army have promised much, yet often failed to show a cutting edge, they started off brightly and took an early lead when Gunton glanced in a header from Jon Doughty’s in-swinging corner. Army continued to impress in the first half and after a defence-splitting through ball from the impressive Rob Rushbrook, Gunton coolly slotted home to increase Army’s advantage. Bacton continued to press throughout the match, but Army always looked comfortable and manager Danny Reynolds, who stood in as an emergency goalkeeper, was rarely troubled by the away side. The Reserve side had finished their campaign the previous week with a home defeat to Stonham Aspal ‘A’. On a pitch more akin to concrete than grass, a great game was never a possibility and end-of-season-syndrome was evident in a game that lacked any real quality. The Reserves’ side was featured a huge blend of ages, with an age range of around 30 years from the youngest to the oldest. The game was indicative of the First and Reserve team’s seasons, where their efforts have not quite been rewarded with goals or points. Despite a challenging season, Salvation Army FC have many reasons to be positive about the future: Reynolds guided his side to safety in Division Two of the Suffolk & Ipswich League, resulting in Army’s most prolonged stay in this division, while Paul Salmon’s Reserves managed to remain in Division Four, despite being unexpectedly promoted due to a league reshuffle, another impressive achievement. This year has also seen the emergence of a number of bright young talents in the club and their development is evident in each game they play. Let’s hope that 2010-11 proves to be a successful one for the club.
March proved to be a mixed month for Salvation Army’s first team, with one victory, a draw accompanying two 3-1 defeats away to good sides. The first defeat was away to Ipswich Exiles, where Stephen Lodge grabbed Army’s only goal in a game that promised so much after dominating proceedings in the second half. Following that was a battling draw away at fellow strugglers Hoxne. Matches between the two sides often produce an array of incidents and this fixture proved no different, with a 3-3 draw the final result in a pulsating match that both sides will feel they should have won to ease any lingering relegation worries. Army required a late equaliser from the in-form Paul Gunton who swivelled on the edge of the box and fired the ball in off of the post to salvage a draw which was probably a fair result. The third game of the month against Sporting ‘87 proved indicative of Army’s fortunes throughout the season. Manager Danny Reynolds was forced to shuffle his pack yet again and Army proved to be the orchestrators of their own downfall with a defensive mix-up between skipper, Mike Walsh and the usually reliable Adam Burch in the Army goal being indecisive, allowing the opposing striker to nip in and steal a very cheap opener. Despite Gunton scoring his second goal in as many games to equalize early in the second half, Sporting managed to grab a fortunate second when tireless full back Jeremy Ling sliced an attempted clearance past the on-looking Burch. Pressing for a second equaliser, Army were hit on the counter-attack that sealed the victory for the visitors and left Army still worrying about relegation. A win was a must away to Willis the following week, a side Army had defeated 8-0 in the reverse fixture. This game proved much more difficult and Army narrowly secured a 1-0 victory thanks to Sam Dickie’s neat finish. It was a much-needed victory that, along with other results, secured Division 2 football for next season. The Reserves also had a disappointing month, with three defeats and just the solitary point thanks to a 1-1 draw with Sporting ’87 Reserves late in the month. After a heavy 1-6 reverse to Walsham Le Willows ‘A’ and a 3-0 defeat to Tattingstone, two very good sides, the draw revitalised the Reserves and they were hoping to impress against Coddenham in the final game of the month. It was an impressive, battling performance from the Reserves. Unfortunately, despite two goals from winger-turned striker, Keith Moye, Coddenham came out on top in a close game. The Reserves now only have two fixtures remaining in the season, culminating in the final game at home to Stonham Aspal ‘A’ on May 1st. Let’s hope for a good end to the season!
ARMY CUP DREAM OVER FOR ANOTHER SEASON Salvation Army FC’s hopes of a second successive Primary Cup final appearance were dashed after a narrow 3-2 defeat to Glemsford. Despite dominating for large periods of the game, Army found themselves two behind shortly after half time after two goals against the run of play, the second coming after a controversial refereeing decision when Army shot-stopper, Adam Burch appeared to be fouled. Despite the deficit, Army showed their battling qualities and got a deserved goal back from Paul Gunton – his fourth goal in three games in February. However, the away side restored their two goal cushion with a rasping 25-yard drive that flew past Burch. Again, Army fought back and once more appeared back in the game through Stephen Lodge’s close-range header to set up a grandstand finish. Manager Danny Reynolds moved makeshift centre-half, Mike Walsh (who performed brilliantly despite playing in the position for the first time in his career) up front in a frantic search for an equaliser. Nevertheless, Glemsford managed to hold out for a place in the final against Somersham. Defeat in the semi-final rounded off a mixed month for the first team; despite a brilliant 4-1 victory away to Sporting ’87, February also saw a humiliating 8-2 reverse at home to Trimley Red Devils in a game that Army expected to fare much better in. February also started off badly for the reserves who went out of the Club Colours Cup with a 5-0 defeat to Coplestonians ‘A’, whose young players produced a glittering display of attacking football. Despite the cup disappointment, the month proved much more profitable for Paul Salmon’s side. After a solid 1-1 draw against Sporting ’87 Reserves, the side faced Aldeburgh at Chilton Fields. Salmon’s men were not feeling too confident prior to the game after a heavy defeat on the coast earlier in the season, but put in a magnificently committed display to secure a second successive 1-1 draw, with skipper, Karl Croft again on target. This gave the side a huge boost and the re-invigorated squad travelled to Claydon and came away with a highly creditable 3-0 victory thanks to goals from Tom ‘Rambo’ Rossiter and a well-taken brace from Darren ‘Sniffer’ Pleasance. Both the first team and reserves are now eighth in their respective leagues and will hope to move up the table in March, despite both teams facing tricky games away at table-topping opponents on the first weekend. M. Cobbold
ARMY MARCH INTO CUP SEMI-FINAL Salvation Army Football Club booked their place in the semi-finals of the Suffolk Primary Cup thanks to a battling victory over Walsham Le Willows ‘A’. The Suffolk & Ipswich League (SIL) side were made to work by their opponents but will feel that goals from Steve Lodge (2) and Rob Rushbrooke were just rewards for their efforts in an end-to-end cup tie. It is a competition that many connected to the Army would love to win, having twice been losing finalists, most recently in last year’s narrow defeat to Redgrave Rangers. Army will be looking to reach this years final when they play Glemsford on February 27th. Victory over Walsham rounded off a perfect start to 2010 for the Chilton Fields based side, with Danny Reynolds’ men securing their third victory in as many games. The New Year began with a 4-0 league victory over Stradbroke United, one of only a handful of SIL games to be played on the first weekend of January as local and national sports teams succumbed to the ‘Big Freeze.’ The fact that Army managed to get the game played was due to the fantastic efforts of players and club volunteers who spent time in the freezing conditions to clear the snow and re-mark the camouflaged white lines. Unfortunately the weather did claim a further scalp as Army were then forced to twice rearrange their home Primary Cup quarter final with Benhall St. Mary. When the game did get played, it was a truly attritional affair with both sides unable to see off their opponents in normal time. Fortunately for the home side, their years link-up with Lucozade Sports, the energy products manufacturer, proved vital as Army’s extra fitness eventually told as goals from Jon Doughty, vice-captain, Phil Baker and Paul Gunton built on Mark Westcott’s second-half equaliser to secure a 4-1 victory and set up the ultimately victorious clash against Walsham. Although Benhall will feel that the score line was harsh on them, Army were pleased to progress and have a well-deserved rest after an energy-sapping contest. The Reserve side had an altogether different January, with defeats in their two games. The first was a hard-fought match away to Henley Athletic, where Army couldn’t capitalise on the plethora of chances with captain, Karl Croft the only man to punish the home defence. The following week’s home defeat to Stowupland Falcons ‘A’ was another disappointing game. Having beaten the visitors 10-0 in the reverse fixture earlier in the season, Paul Salmon’s side were hoping to gain a valuable three points. Disappointingly, Army never got going and succumbed to a 0-3 defeat. Both sides will be hoping to push on in February; the first team aiming to maintain their 100% start to the new year and the reserves will be keen to get their season back on track and potentially make a cup semi-final of their own, when they face Coplestonians ‘A’ in the Club Colours cup on 6th February. For more information on Salvation Army Football Club, see www.clubwebsite.co.uk/salvationarmy M. Cobbold
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