Holyport Awards Night - 23rd May

Holyport FC concluded their historic treble winning season with their presentation night on Friday night, the BBQ held at the Bird In The Hand in Knowl Hill was followed by the awards which were collected by:-

First Team –

Lee Jerrum – Manager's Player

Ryan Britnell – Player's Player

Jamie Handscomb – Golden Boot (22 goals)

Reserve Team

John Brennan – Manager's Player

George Hunter – Most Improved Player

All the players received a season review including photos of the season as a keep sake for their fantastic efforts, whilst captain Lee Ovens awarded the management some gifts on behalf of the playing squad.

Sweetman Continues- 4th May

Much to the delight of everyone at Holyport FC Derek Sweetman (pictured) and his management team have committed themselves to Holyport for the coming season.

Secretary Graham Broom (pictured left) commented: " I made a phone call to Derek the day after our Challenge cup final success to discuss his thoughts for next season, the call only lasted a couple of minutes with Derek stating he was enjoying every moment of being part of our history making club and was keen to continue with the club's progression. Kevin Carville (Assistant) and Calvin Maye (coach) have also committed themselves to Holyport.

The whole management team as well as therapist Dave Jones have brought a new air of dedication and professionalism to the club and are vital if we are to succeed at the higher level next season. I am aware that other clubs have been speaking to Derek, perhaps, like us, they should have seen his potential talents this time last year when we appointed him".

Holyport History Made- 3rd May

All at Holyport FC would like to thank everyone who has played their part in making this season a season that will go down in Holyport Football Club history as the greatest ever.

The side completed the treble on Monday beating Ardley United 3-1 in extra time to add the Bluefin Insurance Challenge Cup to the AM Print & Copy Floodlit Cup and Uhlsport Division One East Title.

A massive thank you goes to: The management - Derek Sweetman, Kevin Carvell & Calvin Maye, Physio - Dave Jones, Goalkeeping Coach - Alex Meffin, the players (all 78 that signed!!), the committee, the supporters and lastly our sponsors. Without everyone coming together then this would not have been achievable.

All at Holyport are now looking forward to life in the Hellenic Premier, next season, that's after two months off first!!

Final Potential - 20th April

After clinching the Uhlsport Hellenic Division One East Title on Saturday Holyport will be looking to reach another Cup Final. This evening Port face local side Flackwell Heath in The 'Bluefin' - Insurance Brokers Challenge Cup Semi Final.

Flackwell and Port have already met this season back in February, on this occasion a 2nd minute penalty gave Flackwell Heath a narrow 1-0 win in the Wycombe Cup.

The management team have a full squad to select from and everyone will be trying to impress to gain a place in the AM Print & Copy Floodlit Cup Final squad next Thursday 28th April.

Tonights game is a 19.45KO at Summerleaze Village

Cup Hopes Still Bouyant - 12th April

Holyport FC face Abingdon Town in The 'Bluefin' - Insurance Brokers Challenge Cup Quarter Final tonight at Summerleaze Village. Holyport and Abingdon Town met earlier this season in the Carlsberg FA Vase in a game which saw Holyport gain a narrow one nil victory.

Holyport will be looking to book a place in the Semi Final tonight as they look continue their fine run in the cup competitions. After a weekend off the squad is nearly fully fit, Manager Sweetman will have a few selection headaches as nearly all the squad are available.

Port will look to continue their fine home record in the cups as they are yet to be defeated at Summerleaze this season. Off the field the Arena Stand has been ordered, this should be installed in early May.

Time Off After Successful Week - 8th April

After a busy week in which could be the most pivotal in Holyport's season the first team will enjoy a well earned weekend off this Saturday.

Following two wins against Hungerford and Newbury, Holyport now enter the final two games of the League with their destiny in their own hands. With Woodley completing the double over Newbury last night (Thursday) it seems that the push for promotion will be between Holyport, Henley, Milton and Chalfont Wasps.

Holyport reached their first ever Hellenic Cup Final on Tuesday night after beating Binfield 3-2 in a game which could of ended 6-6 and also seen Holyport three nil down inside the first ten minutes as Binfield showed their class. However Holyport battled away and gained another victory against a Hellenic Premier side, Holyport have had to beat Ardley, Slimbridge and Binfield to reach the AM Print & Copy Floodlit Cup.

Tuesday night will see another cup game at Summerleaze Village as Holyport entertain Abingdon Town in the Quarter Final of the The 'Bluefin' - Insurance Brokers Challenge Cup.

Deadline Day Signings Boost - 1st April

After the 3-0 victory at Hungerford Reserves on Tuesday night Holyport have made some deadline day signings to boost the squad in the push for the One East title and promotion to the Hellenic Premier.

Midfielder Adam Dickens who was part of the Championship winning side at Windsor and Eton last season and this season is part of the Marlow, squad put pen to paper on Monday night. The other signing is brother of Port forward Jonny Mason. Leigh Mason is Marlow captain and is also a midfielder who will bring some extra quality to Holyport should they need an extra push to gain promotion.

Work at Summerleaze has been taking place over the last few months to improve the facilities for the players and spectators. Hard standing has been completed so two complete sides are now concreted, the spectator stand has been ordered and away changing rooms have been improved with four showers and two toilets. More work has been planned as soon as the season ends.

Tough Seven - 29th March

Holyport travel to the Bulpit Lane tonight to face Hungerford Reserves in what is surely the toughest seven days they have faced this season. Hungerford away tonight, followed by Newbury away on Saturday and then Binfield at home on Tuesday night.

The next seven days will decide the fate of their season, if Holyport can complete a double against Hungerford tonight and Newbury on Saturday then this will put them in a very strong position for the League title. All at Holyport know that a win will not come easily tonight. Every ball will have to be fought for and Holyport must want it more if they are to come out on top.

After facing Hungerford this season in the AM Print & Copy Floodlit Cup it should be a close game after both sides created chances at Summerleaze. Holyport will be missing Handscomb through suspension.

New Players Signed - 24th March

After picking up just one point from a possible nine and only having 13 players available for last Saturdays defeat to Chalfont Wasps the management team of Sweetman and Carvell have signed local players Tristan Heywood (right) and Matt Flint (left).

Whilst club skipper Carl Reeves is currently out injured the experienced Heywood and Flint will add some experience and resolve to the sides defence. Heywood has had spells at Hemel Hempstead, Beaconsfield Sycob, Flackwell and Marlow United and came into the side against Chalfont last Saturday.

Flint (pictured) was joint manager at Flackwell Heath until a few months ago and has also played for Marlow Town and Windsor and Eton.

Holyport are still in a very good position to gain promotion, with the top two spots looking like they will going down to the last game. Holyport will be looking to return to winning ways against a tough side in South Kilburn at Wembley on Saturday.

Port At Lillywhites - 4th March

Holyport travel to Henley Town tomorrow in a first versus fourth Division One East league encounter and will be looking to make it eight league wins on the bounce, with their last league defeat coming in November.

Holyport are all too aware of Henley's abilities after letting a two nil lead slip at home to Henley in September. A brace from Handscomb had given Port the head start but two second half replies from Henley saw the points shared.

Manager Sweetman will be looking for another organised and disciplined display at Henley after a great result against Slimbridge in midweek which saw Port through to the AM Print & Copy Floodlit Cup Semi Final. Holyport will need to match this display if they are to pick up three valuable points in their promotion challenge.

Holyport are without Driver, Carter and Rapley.

Ressies In Action - 25th February

Holyport Reserves take centre stage again tomorrow against Hungerford Devils at Summerleaze Village. Holyport will welcome back Stuart Butler who has transferred back from Maidenhead United Reserves, as well as pending transfers Aaron Steadman (Maidenhead United Reserves) and Scott Mudge (Henley Town Reserves). Jake Brooks is also expected back into the squad after recovering from a twisted ankle as well as John Brennan.

Reserve team skipper Tom Druce came through Tuesday's game against Ascot with no ill affects after 4 months out with ankle ligament damage. Druce also scored his first goal for the club after 3 seasons!!

Port will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2nd half display against Ascot United Reserves in mid week. A win tomorrow can move Port up three places in the League with games in hand on those above.

Seems Like Only Yesterday - 18th February

Holyport welcome Hungerford Reserves tomorrow, for the third time in three weeks, as they look to get another winning run together. The fantastic run of nine wins on the spin came to an end against Flackwell Heath in the Wycombe Senior Cup on Tuesday night going down 1 – 0 to a 2nd minute penalty.

Hungerford lost to Chalfont last Saturday so will also be looking to bounce back and keep their league challenge going.

Holyport welcome back skipper Carl Reeves. Also this week Holyport's Callum Coull has transferred back to Flackwell Heath.

Double Action For Holyport - 15th February

Both Holyport sides are in action tonight. Holyport first team visit Flackwell Heath in the Wycombe Senior Cup looking to book a place in the semi final.

Holyport maintained their winning form making it nine wins on the bounce thanks to a 85th minute winner from Matt Rolfe against Chinnor on Saturday. The game was very stop and start as Chinnor made things difficult for Holyport. Skipper Reeves is a doubt for tonights game after recieving a gash to the head on Saturday.

The Reserves are at home to Penn & Tylers Green and Jack Jefferies will be starting to gain some needed match fitness. The side will also welcome back Stokes, Hunter, Hunt, Lishman and Beecher who all missed Saturdays game away to Shrivenham. A win tonight would see Port climb three places to 4th in the table

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On Form Port - 11th February

Holyport face Chinnor at Summerleaze tomorrowand will be looking to keep their current form going which currently stands at 8 wins from their last 8 games.

Port came through a tough game against Hungerford in the Bluefin Challenge Cup on Tuesday night winning 1 – 0 thanks to a deflected Steve Deverall effort. Saturday will once again be a tough game but Holyport will be looking to continue their recent defensive form, only conceding 1 goal in 5 games whilst scoring 14 at the other end.

The Holyport squad to face Chinnor will include new signing Jack Jefferies

Squad: Bradley, Ovens, Rolfe, Reeves, Britnell, Camp-Overy, Coleman, Jerrum, Rapley, Deverall, Ackerman, Handscomb, Sharp, Driver and Mason.

Holyport Reserves travel to Shrivenham Reserves in the Presidents Cup

Cup Action At Port - 1st February

Holyport are in Cup action tonight as they welcome Hungerford Town Reserves in Round 3 of the The 'Bluefin' - Insurance Brokers Challenge Cup.

Holyport will be looking to continue their recent form and book a place in another Cup Quarter Final. Tonight's game will probably be the toughest task that Port have faced at Summerleaze this season as. Hungerford have the potential to top the league should they win their three games in hand and also have a very tight defense – only conceding 10 goals in their 13 league games.

Hungerford are now under a new management team of Ian Concannon, Ben Ashby and Jason Brizzell and they started with a win at Penn & Tylers on Saturday. Tonights kick off is 19.45 at Summerleaze Village - SL6 8SP.

Holyport Travels- 28th January

Holyport travel to Finchampstead tomorrow on the back of an away win at Woodley Town last weekend.

The win was described as a very professional performance by manager Derek Sweetman. Last weekends game was very much a battle on a difficult surface and Finchamstead's pitch is normally very conducive to the sort of football Holyport like to play.

Holyport will not be taking Finchamstead lightly as recent results have shown that they are in a rich vein of form with convincing wins against Henley Town (3-0) and Chalfont Wasps (5-1).

It is imperative that Holyport get something from the game as the next league fixture is not until the 12th Feb. A win would make it 7 wins on the bounce in all competitions.

Port will travel with a full squad, this is from Carter, Ovens, Reeves ©, Sharp, Britnell, Rolfe, Coleman, Jones, Camp-Overy, Ackerman, Mason, Handscomb, Jerrum, Rapley, Deverall, Ward

Port On The Road - 21st January

Holyport travel to East Park Farm tomorrow (Saturday) to face 6th place Woodley Town.

Woodley's current league position is false due to their two games in hand they have on those above them, in which two wins would see them up to third and 2 points behind Port. This will be another tough game for Holyport who of late have found a resilience and recorded five wins on the bounce taking them up to 2nd place. Ports away form is actually better than there home form so with a full squad to select from Port will be looking to make it 6 wins from 6 games tomorrow afternoon.

Squad from: Bradley, Carter, Ovens, Reeves ©, Sharp, Britnell, Rolfe, Coleman, Jones, Camp-Overy, Ackerman, Mason, Driver, Handscomb, Jerrum, Rapley, Deverall.

New Sponsors for 'Port' - 20th January

Holyport are delighted to announce a new sponsor in Moorside Garage - www.moorsidegarage.co.uk. Kath Evans Holyport's sponsorship secretary has secured Moorside for the remainder of the is season and next. Moorside Garage has been repairing cars in Maidenhead since 1980. They have been at there current premises since 2004 after being at North Town Road for more than twenty years. Moorside run a full car repair service and MOT testing centre.

Moorside Garage is in Boyn Valley Road, only 5 minutes from central Maidenhead. Our busy vehicle repair garage can look after most problems with all vehicles – both petrol and diesel engines – with the latest equipment and fully-trained mechanics.

Holyport have also received a donation from 1st class DB Driveways Ltd – www.1stchoicedbdriveways.co.uk.

Holyport FC would like to thank these two local businesses for their support.

3rd Time Lucky?? - 11th January

Holyport and Circenester Town will hopefully complete their 3rd Round AM Print and Copy Floodlit Cup game this evening after two postponements before Christmas.

Holyport welcome back top scorer Jamie Handscomb after suspension, missing tonight will be Jonny Mason and Lee Ovens. The remainder of the squad is: Bradley, Britnell, Sharp, Rolfe, Reeves, Ackerman, Jones, Camp-Overy, Jerrum, Deverall, Handscomb, Cahill, Masters, Ward and Rapley.

Holyport will be looking to keep their momentum going with another win which would put them through to the quarter finals. Kick off is 19.45.

Port Closing Gap - 8th January

Holyport entertain South Kilburn at Summerleaze today. Following last Mondays win against Rayners Lane, Port now find themselves third in the League and have closed the gap on those above them.

Today is as ever a must win game, and South Kilburn will be just as strong a test as all the other games. Recently Kilburn have beaten Hungerford and had narrow defeats to Newbury, so Holyport must be at their best if they can to claim another three points. Holyport are missing both Callum Coull, Lewis Driver and Jamie Handscomb.

The Reserves face AFC Corinthians in the last 32 of the Berks and Bucks Junior Cup.

Lights On Ressies - 14th December

Holyport Reserves take centre stage tonight at Summerleaze in the Berks and Buck Junior Cup. The tie was postponed due to bad weather 2 weeks ago and Holyport Reserves will be hoping to follow up their fine win against Flackwell Heath Reserves. A win tonight will see an away tie to AFC Corinthians in the last 32 of the competition.

Opponents Woodley Town Reserves are in a good run of form and it will be a tough encounter tonight. Dan Masters will once again play to gain some much needed match fitness, well top scorer Dan Hunt is missing.

Holyport Hope For Play - 10th December

One of the two Holyport sides will hopefully see some football this weekend. The Summerleaze Village the pitch was unplayable as of Thursday night as it was still frozen from the recent cold snap.

If the game does go ahead then Jamie Handscomb and Lewis Driver will be missing through suspension.The Reserves are expecting to travel to Newbury in only their third league game this season. Earlier this season Newbury beat Holyport 5-3 in the Presidents Cup, Holyport had led 3-1 through a Beecher hat trick.

The Holyport website - www.holyportfc.co.uk will update if and when any games are called off.

New Website On Line- 6th December

Holyport webmaster and founder of the Port web site Chris Hill has decided to stand down after many years of dedicated service to the club.

Secretary Graham Broom stated "I know it is an old cliché but this realty is the end of an era as the Hill family have been involved with the club since we first joined the Hellenic League in 2002. Chris' son Jonathon initially built the site, his brother Emlyn was our club skipper and played over 100 games for us while the third Hill, Ashley, was a regular visitor to games along with his partner Hanna Smith who was the clubs therapist for a short time. Chris has a chateau in France and now spends a lot of his time over there while Emlyn has moved North with his new partner. I very much hope they will take in a game when they return to Maidenhead from time to time and on behalf of the club I would like to thank them all for their hard work and support and wish them well with their new ventures"

The changeover has been planned for some time and the site will now be controlled by Richard Tyrell who has been working on a revamp for a good month or so. The site went live this Saturday (4th December) and Holyport are thankful to Jonathan Hill of 1minus1.com who will be generously hosting the site for Holyport FC. www.holyportfc.co.uk

Return Of Masters - 29th November

Holyport FC have completed the signing of local player Dan Masters.

Coming back in to football after a long time out due to a horrific knee injury sustained at Ports old Braywick ground is ex Reading academy player Dan Masters. Centre back Dan, now 29, had been training with Burnham and played in the side that beat Slough recently however, he is looking for regular first team matches and sees his old club as a better option to achieve this.

Dan played for the Reserves in their 4-3 extra time win over Flackwell Reserves on Saturday.

Fourth Against Fifth - 19th November

Division One East 4th placed Holyport entertain 5th placed Newbury at Summerleaze Village tomorrow, kick off is 3pm.

Newbury come full of confidence after a penalty shoot out win over Shrivenham in the AM Print & Copy Floodlit Cup on Wednesday night. Holyport themselves will be looking for a positive response after last weekends disappointing result in the Carlsberg FA Vase. Both the sides are battling it out in the top third of the league and as it stands with Port 4th and Newbury 5th.

Holyport welcome back Jamie Handscomb after suspension but have lost Sam Jones (calf) and Lee Ovens (suspension).

Hoping For Success - 12th November

Holyport will be hoping for another away win at Tunbridge Wells in the FA Carlsberg Vase tomorrow. The two previous games both away to Abingdon and Baldock have seen Port keep two cleans sheets and come away with one nil victories.

All at the club at aware that tomorrow will be the toughest test they have faced this season in The Vase. Tunbridge Wells , who are mid table in the Step 5 Premier Division of the Kent Fotball League, are playing well of late and have only lost one game in the league whilst averaging nearly three goals per game.

Holyport will be missing Handscomb (suspension) and Rolfe who is away, apart from this they travel with a full squad and on the back of a 5 – 1 win over Chinnor last weekend.

Difficult Game ? - 9th November

Holyport face Cirencester Town in the AM Print & Copy Floodlit Cup this evening at Summerleaze Holyport will not be underestimating their opponents who are unbeaten in the Reserves First Division.

In the last round they dispatched off Fairford Town 2-3 who are in the Hellenic Premier, where as Holyport beat Lydney Town off the West Division.

With Cirencester Town first team not having a game, Port are preparing for a difficult game which will see the winners through to the quarter finals. Tonights game is a 19.45 kick off at Summerleaze - SL6 8SP

Golf Day Success - 1st November

Holyport held their 3rd golf day this Sunday (31st October) at Blue Mountain Golf Club, with 17 players attending in grey conditions. After a hearty breakfast play got underway and the results were:-

Nearest the pin – Shaun Roberts
Longest drive - Alan Ackerman
Worst scoring pairing – Hendo and Taffy (49 points)
Winners – Carl Reeves and Lee Ovens (81 points)

The overall standings were:-

Hendo & Taffy – 49 points
Adam Sharp & Matt Rolfe – 50 points
Arran Coleman & John Brennan – 52 points
Richard Tyrell, Glen Plowman & Lee Hunt (best 2 count) – 69 points
Jamie Wright & Shaun Roberts – 70 points
Alan Ackerman & Sam Jones - 74 points
Lewis Driver & Stuart Butler – 81 points
Carl Reeves & Lee Ovens – 81 points

Third Time This Month - 29th October

Holyport entertain Farnborough at Summerleaze tomorrow, this will be the third meeting inside a month between the two sides. With Holyport having success in several cups this has seen them drop down the league as other teams have games in hand.

Farnborough one of those sides have been doing well of late beating Penn and Finchampstead and scoring 6 goals in the process. Boro are now joint top scorers in the league and Holyport will be looking to get their league campaign back on track. Holyport welcome back Rolfe, Jones and Rapley to the first team squad after lengthy injuries.

The Reserves travel to Rayners Lane in the Presidents Cup.

Collectors Programmes For Auction - 25th October

Whilst having a complete home renovation during this summer Holyport secretary Graham Broom stumbled upon his, and his dad's, programme collection that had been active since the 1930's. As happens with many things Graham decided that the time had come to part with this 75 year hobby that had been part of two generations of the Broom household.

After going through the boxes of programmes it was evident that these were too good for ebay or car boots and that a trip to sporting specialists auction house Graham Budd was required. The result off this meeting was that six lots of programmes will be up for sale over 8th & 9th November.

The lots really are a mixed bag of non league football and England Internationals. Information of all the lots is below with details of how to bid.

475 A collection of 32 Maidenhead United programmes dating 1935 and 1936, homes comprising, 18 Spartan League, 1 F.A. Cup extra preliminary round, 4 Amateur Cup, 2 Berks & Bucks Senior Cup, 3 Bucks Charity Cup & 1 Berks & Bucks Benevolent Cup; aways comprising the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup final v Slough played at Wycombe Wanderers 13.4.36, and two at Windsor & Eton for the Berks & Bucks Benevolent Cup (first round replay) 26.10.35 and the Spartan League fixture 11.4.36

486 Eight Reading home programmes dating between 1935 and 1938, comprising: the F.A. Cup tie v Arsenal 16.2.35, two copies of the 1st Round Cup tie v Corinthians 30.11.35 and FL 3 (south) fixtures v Watford 9.2.35 & 19.2.38, v Coventry City 19.4.35 & 31.8.35, and v Bristol City 2.10.37

487 Reading v Manchester United F.A. Cup tie programme 11th January 1936

494 A rare programme for the Spartan League v Tottenham Hotspur representative match played at Maidenhead United 6th October 1934, sold together with Maidenhead United v

Tottenham Hotspur friendly match programme 28th April 1958 (2)

506 A collection of 58 programmes for matches played at Wembley, comprising: Olympic Games football final 1948; 1966 World Cup tournament issue; 24 various England internationals dating between 1956 & 1971; 3 England schools' internationals 1950 (official + a 'pirate') and 1953; F.A. Cup finals for 1949, 1958 (x 2), 1959, 1960, 1961, 1963, 1966, 1967 (plus souvenir brochure), 1969, 1970 & 1971; F.A. Amateur Cup finals for 1950, 1952, 1955 (x 2), 1957, 1958 (x 2), 1962, 1967, 1968, 1967 & 1971 (F.A. Trophy); F.L. Cup finals for 1967, 1968, 1969 & 1972; the lot also including a Scotland v England wartime international programme played in New Delhi 18.9.44, a pair of ticket stubs for the 1955 Amateur Cup final and 1 for the 1957 final, a pair of Wembley Empire Pool tickets for ice hockey in 1957, an England v Wales schools' international played at Reading 25.4.69, and an amateur England international programme v Eire at Wycombe Wanderers 28.2.70 (66)

512 A collection of 85 programmes dating from the 1940s and 1950s, the lot including 2 charity matches played at Slough Centre, Berks & Bucks v Football Association 18.4.45 and Slough Centre v QPR 5.5.48, plus 32 Reading (plus a small qty of fixture & membership cards), 12 Arsenal, 7 Maidenhead United (including Berks & Bucks Senior Cup final played at Marlow), 6 Chelsea, 6 Lincoln City, 5 Fulham, 4 Brentford, 2 Boston United, 2 Ipswich Town including v Chelsea 21.8.48, 2 Slough Town, 1 Luton, 1 Portsmouth, 1 QPR (incomplete), 1 West Ham & 1 Wolves (a qty.)

Link for the online catalogue: http://www.grahambuddauctions.co.uk/BidCat/catindex.asp

Live Internet Bidding available at: www.the-saleroom.com/grahambudd

Looking To Get Back On Track - 23rd October

Holyport travel to 'The Heights' to face Milton United in The 'Bluefin' - Insurance Brokers Challenge Cup today, Port will be looking to bounce back after the sting they received from Chalfont last weekend who inflicted their first loss in 12 games.

Holyports opening game of the season was against Milton United and Port left it until the 90th minute to secure a draw, as Rob Crawford headed home. Rob Crawford is now the only player still out injured for Holyport. Rob has a hernia and the club are not sure on the timescale he will be out for. The reserves are at home to Flackwell Heath and once again Jamie Wright, Sam Jones, Dan Rapley and Matt Rolfe will be included to gain match fitness. The reserves will also be looking to bounce back after suffering a loss at the hands at Wraysbury last Saturday.

First team from - Kyle Bradley, Lee Ovens, Ryan Britnell, Carl Reeves, Arran Coleman, Ben Filmore, Alan Ackerman, Lee Jerrum, Steve Deverall, Lewis Driver, Jamie Handscomb, James Flint, Jonny Mason, Adam Sharp, Stuart Butler

Back In League Action - 16th October

Holyport return to Uhlsport Hellenic League action today, after three weeks of cup games Port have dropped down the league and are now nine points adrift to leaders Henley Town.

Opponents Chalfont Wasps will prove a tough test if Holyport are going to get back to winning ways in their league campaign. Chalfont narrowly lost to Henley Town last week but have beaten Hungerford Reserves this season, as with any game in this league Holyport will have to be at their best to get a something from this game. The first team welcome back Driver who missed last week through suspension, whilst Jones and Rapley will be playing for the reserves as they continue to gain match fitness.

During half time at tomorrows game the 'port scores' will be drawn and £246 will be paid out in cash prizes.

Summerleaze Hippo Stolen - 12th October

For all of those players and supporters who have travelled to Holyport FC in seasons past you will have past the bronze statue of a hippopotamus and her calf outside the clubs entrance. Unfortunately this was stolen from North Town Moor on Thursday night.

The statue at the entrance to Holyport FC and NMCC has been popular with children since it was installed nearly 10 years ago by gravel company Summerleaze Ltd.

Managing director of Summerleaze Peter Prior said he is 'very upset' about the theft and said: "Whenever I went down there children would be playing with them, everybody could enjoy it.

"It's a shame that someone is so selfish that for a few hundred pounds of scrap they have denied everybody that little feature."

A police spokeswoman said the statue was probably stolen between 6pm on Thursday last week and 7am on Friday, but it is not known how the heavy bronze was transported.

Anyone with information should contact PC Matthew Journeaux on 08458 505505.

More Cup Action For Port - 8th October

Holyport are in cup action again this weekend in The 'Bluefin' - Insurance Brokers Challenge Cup against Farnborough Reserves.

This comes 2 weeks after the two sides drew two apiece in the Uhlsport Hellenic League fixture. The good news for Holyport this week was Rapley, Rolfe and Crawford were all back doing running work as they prepare to get themselves fit once again after long layoffs. Holyport go into the game on the back of the convincing 4-1 against Lydney Town on Tuesday night (Driver, Reeves & Filmore 2) and apart of from the injuries the only missing player is Lewis Driver who is suspended.

The reserves face Cricklade Town, Dan Rapley and Sam Jones will be featuring to gain some much needed match fitness. Jamie Wright is also back this week for the reserves

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Milestones Reached - 30th September

Holyport FC are delighted to announce that Jamie Wright, Daniel Rapley and Sam Jones, have broken the 100 League Appearances for the club, Jamie has 108, Daniel 110, Sam Jones leads the pack with 115.

It has taken Jamie six seasons to reach this landmark after making his debut as a 16 year old. Sam and Daniel have reached this accolade in just four seasons. Next on the list will be Lewis Driver who currently sits at 83 League Appearances.

Holyport Travel to 'Boro' - 25th September

Holyport, bolstered with new signings, make the trip to the Rushmoor Stadium today to face Farnborough Reserves.

With Mark Camp-Overy moving on to Sandhurst Town the management trio of Sweetman, Carvell and Maye have acted quickly to bring in Scott Webb who played under Sweetman at Slough Town and also Jonny Mason who has played for Flackwell Heath. With the injuries Holyport are experiencing it was important to bolster the squad and Holyport are delighted to have brought in Scott and Jonny. Both Webb and Mason have the experience to help Holyport with their title push this season and will go into the squad for the Farnborough game this Saturday.

On the back of a fine victory against Abingdon last week in the FA Vase Holyport know that they must once again raise their game. Farnborough completed the double over Holyport last season and they are also in some fine form this month with wins against South Kilburn and Finchampstead along with a draw against Woodley Town.

The two sides both like to get the ball down and playing on the carpet like surface at the Rushmoor will hopefully provide a good football spectacle.

Holyport travel missing six of their first team squad (Rolfe, Crawford, Deverall, Jones, Rapley and Filmore). New signings Webb and Mason are in the squad for another must win game for the Port.

Moved Camp - 22nd September

Holyport have lost the services of midfielder Mark Camp-Overy, Campo has decided to join Combined Counties side Sandhurst Town.

Mark joined Holyport for pre season and Sandhurst were in contact with him then but Mark decided to join Holyport. After a few weeks out and seeing Sandhurst play Mark has decided that he wants to play his football for them and played last weekend.

Mark's decision was also aided by the fact that he has friends at Sandhurst. All at Holyport wish him the best.

Another 'AWAY' Day for 'Port' - 17th September

If it wasn't tough enough facing yet another away cup draw Holyport will have to overcome the underdogs tag yet again in the FA Vase tie at Abingdon Town.

Eight players are unavailable, Rob Crawford, Dan Rapley (ankle), Arran Coleman (ribs), Sam Jones (groin), Matt Rolfe (knee), Jamie Handscomb, Jamie Wright (work) and Mark Campo-Overy. The side to face Abingdon will only have two different faces to the side that beat Ardley so the Port faithful are confident of getting a result.

It was looking good next weekend with Holyport having no fixture which would have given the players a chance to recover but a re arranged game away to Farnborough Reserves has ended that hope. On the plus side this week Adam Sharp has decided to stay at Holyport after a 7 day approach was received from Flackwell Heath. Adam is a young player with huge potential.

Holyport Withdraw- 15th September

Owing to the Berks and Bucks FA's rules, which do not recognise the SENIOR status of club's such as Holyport FC despite the Club's inclusion into the FA Vase and FA Cup by football's governing body, TheFA.

The 1st team squad are ineligible by virtue of the County Association rule which denies players who have played in the FA Cup being able to play in B&B Intermediate Cup matches this season and the club has therefore been forced to withdraw from the Intermediate Cup. It is understood this problem, which occurs on a regular basis, will be reviewed before next season. Failure to do so will result in clubs such as Holyport and Milton United who play in the same Hellenic Division and other clubs as they install facilities that comply with entry into the national competitions. Should such clubs gain promotion to the UHLSPORT Hellenic Premier Division the B&B FA recognises this achievement and would allow entry into the Senior Challenge Trophy which is under subscribed with clubs whereas the B&B Intermediate competition is very much over scribed with a club having to play at least SIX matches to obtain a place in the latter rounds.

Something needs to be done to ensure that ALL clubs are able to play in the respective County FA Competition appropriate to their position in the football pyramid and National League System. Clubs such as Holyport deserve this recognition!

Match Of The Day? - 10th September

After a very successful trip to Ardley United in the week Holyport take on the inform Henley Town at Summerleaze in, what they believe to be, Division 1 East’s "Match Of The Day" tomorrow.

Henley Town have started very well under the new management of David Tuttle and have been tight defensive unit to date only conceding two goals in their four league games. A host of ex Bracknell Town players have joined Henley this season and this will be a very tough test for the ever improving Holyport side. Holyport have a few missing this weekend, Coleman (ribs), Campo-Avery (away), Bradley (away) apart form these three players Sweetman has a full squad to select from.
The Reserves also begin their 2010/11 campaign starting with the defence of the Hellenic Presidents Cup at Letcombe.

Underdogs? - 7th September

Holyport travel to free scoring Ardley United tonight in the AM Print & Copy Floodlight Cup. Holyport travel as the underdog tonight and that has previously seen Holyport cause a few shocks in these League competitions.

Last season Holyport dispatched of Flackwell Heath and narrowly lost to Almondsbury in penalties.

All at Holyport want to be playing their football in the Hellenic Premier so tonight will be a good taste of what they can expect should we have a good season and achieve our goals. After facing Binfield during pre season all the side no that you have to be switched on for the full 90minutes as the top sides take every chance that comes along.

After tonight it doesn’t get any easier as Port face inform Henley Town on Saturday at Summerleaze Village.

On the Road To Penn - 4th September

Holyport travel to Penn today with a full squad fit and available leaving manager Derek Sweetman with a selection headache.

Handscomb completed his first competitive game this season against Didcot last Monday and looked sharp, while Wright played for the reserves last night (thursday) and bagged a brace. Skipper Reeves will also be looking to continue his goal scoring from bank holiday Monday as he got a double when Port visited Penn last season chalking up a fine 3-0 win.Holyport are one of only four clubs who still claim an unbeaten record in the league and it is imperative that come 4.45pm on Saturday that this is still intact.

Players Missing - 20th August

Holyport travel to Rayners Lane on Saturday missing three players from their squad, the three players who are all away are Crawford, Handscomb and Campo-Avery.

The rest of the squad are fully fit and relishing the chance to pick up three points away from home. Last season Port secured the double over Rayners Lane following a 4-1 win away from home and later in the season a fine 3-1 win at home.

Squad from Bradley, Ovens, Deverall, Reeves, Coleman, Reid, Nichols, Rolfe, Jerrum, Rapley, Filmore, Ackerman, Butler, Driver, Flint, Brennan, Buller, Wright & Jones

Holyport Sign Two More - 19th August

Holyport have signed local goal keeper Kyle Bradley and central midfielder Ben Filmore.

Kyle spent the summer at Windsor and Eton and has decided to sign for Holyport, Kyle made an impressive debut at East Grinstead in the FA Cup last Saturday. Bradley is a young keeper who has already gained a lot of experience whilst playing for Bracknell Town last season. Holyport fought off several other clubs in signing Kyle. Ben has signed from Marlow United and was on the bench for the FA Cup game last weekend and is yet to make his debut for the club.

Holyport boss Derek Sweetman said he was ‘proud’ of his players after they fell to a 2-0 defeat at East Grinstead in the club’s first ever appearance in the FA Cup. Goals at the end of each half where enough to see off Port who battled bravely against a side who play their football one level above them in Division 1 of the Sussex League. Sweetman admitted his side were nervous going into the historic encounter but said they more than deserved a draw and a chance of a replay at Summerleaze on Tuesday night. He said: “Obviously it was a tremendous occasion for ourselves, it was the first time in the history of the club that we were in the FA Cup. I think the excitement of it all got to the lads in the first 15 minutes as we weren’t at the races, but after that I thought we gave a good account of ourselves. To be fair I thought a draw would have been a fair result. We conceded a goal at the end of the first half from a debatable free-kick but came out fired up in the second. We had a stranglehold on the game and created two or three good chances which we should have taken before they got a penalty in the final 30 seconds.” Sweetman added: “It’s a bitter pill to swallow because the boys worked so hard during the game. I was proud of every single one of them they deserved a draw and a replay.

History Making Day For ‘Port’ - 13th August

Holyport FC will be making history on Saturday 14th August as the Holyport faithful leave Summerleaze Village on board the coach to make the journey south to face East Grinstead FC in the EON FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round.

It has been quite a turn around for the Villagers as they have developed Summerleaze Village over the past six seasons. Three seasons ago Port made their debut in the FA Vase and now they have made the step up to enter the prestigious FA Cup. East Grinstead FC will be a stern test for Holyport as they have strengthened over the summer with six debutants starting in last Saturdays 1-0 win over Peacehaven & Telscombe, but if the team play with freedom like the pre season games have shown then anything is possible.

All at Holyport will be going to enjoy a good day out, and whatever happens, happens.

But talk about the luck of the draw! For Holyport it’s the BAD luck of the draw. So far every single cup competition has seen the Port second out of the bag.
They are as follows:
FA CUP EPR - East Grinstead Away Winners away in the QF round
FA VASE - Abingdon Town Away
HELLENIC FLOODLIT CUP - Ardley United Away
BERKS AND BUCKS CUP - Sandhurst Devils Away
HELLENIC CHALLENGE CUP - Farnborough Res. Away
And on it goes with the Reserves who have also been drawn away in every Cup Comp, as follows
BERKS AND BUCKS CUP – Boyne Hill Away
NORFOLKIANS’ CUP – Wraysbury Away
HELLENIC RES. CHALLENGE CUP – Flackwell Heath Away
There is still hope in the Wycombe Senior Cup as Port have a bye in the first round and despite being, “yes you’ve got it” drawn away again, if the winners do not have floodlights the game is switched to Holyport as they do.

Milton First Up For Sweetman - 5th August

Derek Sweetman will take charge of his first competitive Holyport game on Monday when they begin their Uhlsport Hellenic League Division One East campaign with a trip to Milton United.

Port have enjoyed a successful pre-season, picking up wins against the likes of Burnham Windsor & Eton and Maidenhead United. They complete their friendlies with a trip to Hellenic Premier side Binfield tonight before the serious stuff begins on Monday night.

Sweetman, who was appointed boss at Summerleaze in the summer, has been delighted with what he’s seen from his new team and insists they have enough quality to win promotion. He said: “I don’t really set myself targets but I’ve said to the boys that I want to get promoted - it’s as simple as that. Two teams go up from this division, which makes it a bit easier than some other leagues, and I want to be one of those two. With the way the boys are shaping up at the moment we will go into the league full of confidence as they have been playing really well. I’ve been delighted with how they’ve performed. They’ve worked really hard and are really trying to implement what we’re asking them to do.”

Sweet As A Nut! - 19th July

Holyport manager Derek Sweetman is delighted that 90% of last season’s squad have resigned at Holyport this season.

Amongst the players who have re-signed are last season’s players and managers player of the season Carl Reeves and Hellenic Division One player of the season Jamie Handscomb. Handscomb put pen to paper prior to Ports excellent 3-0 win over Burnham on Thursday night and immediately set about business scoring within 9 minutes and completing a brace 1 minute into the second half. An impressive Port side added a third from a Jamie Wright penalty 3 minutes from time. Having lost by six goals to Slough two days earlier Sweetman must have been particularly pleased with the way the side defended as a unit and showed their potential.

Ports tough pre-season continues at home to Maidenhead United on Thursday 22/7 when it is expected that Drax Hippolite will, as usual, send a strong side for this annual local fixture.

Broom Sweeps Up Award - 22nd June

At last Wednesdays Uhlsport Hellenic League AGM Holyport Secretary Graham Broom was jointly awarded the Hungerford Cup with Shortwood's Mark Webb.

The award is made to the club who has shown the most development throughout the season, both on and off the pitch, and in particular recognises the tremendous amount of hard work that club secretary's put in each season.

All at Holyport would like to thank Graham and his family for his dedication and fantastic work that he has put into Holyport Football Club. Whilst Football is in close season Graham is still working daily with the ‘day to day’ requirements of a football club.

From all at Holyport - Well done Graham, fantastic stuff.

Port Winner - 7th June

At the annual Uhlsport Hellenic League presentation evening on Friday 4th June, Holyport top scorer Jamie Handscombe picked up the prestigious Division One East player of the year award.

Jamie (pictured with League Chairman Bob Dalling) follows Arron Lennon and David Butler to become the third player to receive this award since The Port joined the league in 2002.

Club Secretary Graham Broom collected a sponsors voucher from new league sponsors Uhlsport to the tune of £1,027, part of almost £20,000 distributed by the Hellenic League to member clubs from the league sponsorship prize fund that covers various aspects including the league 'Fair Play' and 'Sportsmanship Incentive' scheme.

Holyport will be looking to ensure the side look the part for the coming season with the sponsor's voucher.