Letcombe FC would like to publicly thank Reading League team, Woodley Saints, for the way their players, officials and supporters conducted themselves both on and off the pitch in the Berks & Bucks Intermediate Cup match at Letcombe.
Letcombe Secretary Des Williams comments. "Cynics may say that it is easy to compliment your opponents when you win, but everyone present agreed that the game was played in an excellent spirit without a single bad tackle. Abingdon referee Geoff Long played his part by allowing the game to flow, and kept firm control without issuing any cautions".
"Football would be a much more enjoyable game if it was always played in this spirit. Thank you Woodley Saints. We hope that we will meet you again in the future, and wish you a successful season."
Good Luck Eddie - 23 December
Letcombe F C will be saying 'farewell' to Eddie Glover early in the New Year as he flies to the United States to start a 4 year University course.
He will be attending the Oakland City University in Indiana where he will be majoring in Business Administration, but his tuition fees will be paid under a soccer scholarship. The 18 year-old has had an outstanding season and has become one of the first names on the team sheet. He will be greatly missed, but he goes with our grateful thanks and best wishes for the future.
Letcombe seems to have become a 'feeder club' for the University, as Chris Brind has just completed his studies there and Adam Sell is about to start his second year. Both Chris and Adam started their senior football careers at Letcombe.
More Cup Success For Letcombe - 28 November
Despite their indifferent league form, Letcombe have had success in cup competitions this season, and two goals from Pete Horswell ensured that they progressed to the next round of the Supplementary cup with a 2-1 victory over Hook Norton on Saturday.
Letcombe beat Cricklade 2-1 in the Challenge Cup before drawing 1-1 after extra time with Wantage Town. They lost the resulting penalty `shoot-out` 11-10. They are still in the Berks & Bucks Intermediate cup, having beaten Kennington 1-0, Crowmarsh Gifford 3-2 and Barton Rovers 2-1. They now entertain Woodley Saints in the New Year.
The management team hope that the good cup form will be carried over to the league when they travel to leaders Highmoor Ibis on Saturday.
New T-Shirts For Letcombe - 14 November
The players and officials of Letcombe FC would like to thank Gary Stone for generously providing the first team squad with new T-shirts.
Gary's son Luke (pictured) has been a regular member of the team for the last two seasons, but is now at Southampton University which means that he is not always available.
The T-shirts are white with the Letcombe club badge embroidered on the front. It is a good job that the suppliers sent a sample, because they are very generously cut. Four of the squad ordered `extra small` with almost everyone else asking for "small", including centre back Sean Webb!
Thanks for your support Gary.
26 Penalties - 4 November
It took 26 penalties to decide the Bluefin Insurance Challenge Cup match between Wantage Town and Letcombe on Saturday 29th October.
"Surely this is a Hellenic League record?". claims Letcombe stalwart Des Williams. "Wantage opened the scoring with a deflection off Letcombe defender Sean Webb, and Paul Jezzard missed a penalty for Letcombe before he changed from villain to hero by scoring the equaliser with three minutes remaining. No further goals in extra time meant a penalty `shoot-out`."
He explained further. "Both sides scored 3 of their first 4 penalties, and when Wantage missed their 5th spot-kick, Mark Denny had the chance to win the game for Letcombe, but his penalty was saved by Wantage keeper Gareth Tucker. All the remaining six players on both teams scored, including both goalkeepers, so players started to take their second penalties. Both sides scored penalty number twelve, but Wantage scored their thirteenth and Paul Jezzard`s kick was saved to take Wantage through to the next round."
Players' Reunion - 23 October
When Wantage Town entertain Letcombe in the Bluefin Insurance Challenge Cup on October 29th, there will be players on both sides who formerly played for their opponents.
Richard Claydon was the Division One West top goal scorer, whilst playing for Letcombe and Tom Broad started his senior career with the club. Both have moved on to Wantage Town, although Tom may miss the game through injury. Sean Webb signed for Wantage Town in the two previous seasons, but transferred to Letcombe last year. Tom Eatwell made a similar move a few weeks ago. Luke Stone played for Wantage Youths before signing for Letcombe, whilst Eddy Glover and Elliot Baldwin both trained at Wantage pre-season before committing themselves to Letcombe. There is sure to be a lot of friendly rivalry in this local derby as players on both side's try to beat their former club.
16 Letcombe Players Unavailable - 10 October
Letcombe had 16 'regular' players not available on October 8th for the second successive Saturday, and again, were forced to postpone their reserve team fixture due to a lack of players.
We would like to apologise to Reading Town and Binfield, our two scheduled opponents, as I am sure that their players were looking forward to their weekend match. Our apologies also to the Officers of the Hellenic League for the extra work caused.
We had 5 players injured, 4 involved in running a Wycombe Wanderers FC open day, 2 on holiday, 2 with work commitments, 2 `not available` and 1 attending family celebrations for his 21st birthday! We know that a number of these will be available next weekend, so we hope that we will not have to postpone any more games.
Letcombe are also looking to sign new players, and anyone interested in playing Hellenic football is asked to contact secretary Des Williams on 01235 764130 (not from Oct 11th-13th please), or attend training at Tilsley Park, Abingdon from 7.00-8.00pm on Wednesday.
8 Keepers . . . and Still Counting - 30 September
Letcombe FC has used eight different goalkeepers so far this season, and this number could increase in the near future.
The club started the season with Craig Payne and Danny Joyce as their two keepers, but Danny was on holiday for the first game of the season and veteran Brian Monnery played for the reserves at Flackwell Heath. With none of these available on September 10th, the club hastily signed local schoolteacher Simon Byrne to play for the first team at Abingdon United and youngster Sam Owen-Jones to play for the reserves against Rayners Lane. Seven days later, all five keepers previously used were not available, and defenders Luke Faircloth took over in goal for the first team against Kennington United whilst Stephen Wright did the same for the reserves at Milton. On September 24th, former club number one Stuart Game came out of semi-retirement to play for the reserves against Chalfont Wasps. With Craig Payne still injured, Letcombe have signed former Thatcham Town keeper Andrew Walker who could soon become the clubs ninth goalkeeper this season.
Keeper Hoodoo Strikes Again - 11 September
Letcombe had numerous goalkeeping problems last season, and the hoodoo seems to have struck again.
Craig Payne was injured at Didcot last week, and both Danny Joyce and Stuart Game are on holiday. With no goalkeeper available, Letcombe hastily signed Wantage schoolteacher Simon Byrne to play for the first team at Abingdon United on September 10th. Local youngster Sam Owen-Jones was signed to play for the reserves at home to Rayners Lane on the same day, his first match for two seasons.
Neither of these is available next Saturday, and with all three regular keepers on holiday, Letcombe are likely to play defender Luke Faircloth in goal, having taken over the gloves for the injured Craig Payne last week. Veteran Brian Monnery, who sometimes deputises for the reserves, is also away, so manager Stuart Wright may play nephew Stephen in goal, having played there in a pre season friendly. Has any other club had six goalkeepers all unavailable at the same time?
Youth Team Reunion - 28 August
Letcombe FC has run a youth team in the previous two seasons, and some of that successful side are likely to be in opposition next Saturday.
Luke Stone has become an important part of the Letcombe defence, and both Eddie Glover and Elliot Baldwin have forced themselves into the Letcombe squad with good performances this season. Ollie Woods has also had some games from the substitutes bench. It is likely that they will be facing Ryan Tappin and Jack Bernasconi, both of whom also played for Letcombe youths before signing for Didcot Town. After five home games in fifteen days, Letcombe are looking forward to their first away fixture, and hope to get back to winning ways after a poor performance against Woodley Town.
Played Like A "Young 'Un" - 22 August
55 year old Brian Monnery played in goal for Letcombe reserves at Flackwell Heath on Saturday, Parental Consent Forms were not required to rush through his registration!
Keeper Danny Joyce announced at midweek training that he was not available, and with "stand by" keeper Stuart Game on holiday, the search for a replacement began. With five other possibles also saying no, Brian Monnery agreed to play at short notice and his registration was completed just in time for him to play.
Brian joined Letcombe as an outfield player over 20 years ago, but had been playing in goal for Hanney reserves in the North Berks League and for Milton United Veterans until a serious illness prevented him from playing last season. It was good to have him back in a Letcombe shirt. I am told that he "played like a young 'un". Thank you Brian
The Next Batch Of Talent - 19 August
Letcombe have always given talented teenagers their first introduction to adult football, and the club is pleased to have found another group of gifted youngsters.
Tommy Allen (19) is a midfield player who should be pushing for a first team place after excellent performances in the reserves last season. Luke Stone (18) has already established himself as an important part of the first team defence. He is probably off to Southampton University in September, but we hope that he will return to play as often as possible. Eddy Glover (18) is a strong midfielder who has forced his way into the first team, although he is off to University in America in January. Elliot Baldwin (17) is a talented midfielder who is also being given his first team opportunity. Alex Cade (17) is a defender who is equally at home in either full back position. Olly Woods (17) is a skilful midfielder and is likely to push for a first team place as the season progresses. Krystian Bogdanawicz (16) can play in midfield or attack and has impressed everyone at the club with his ability and enthusiasm. These lads will improve with experience and should ensure that the club has a bright future
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Renewing Friendships - 11 August
Letcombe are looking forward to renewing friendships on their return to the East Division after eight years. They welcome old rivals Rayners Lane to Bassett Road for their opening fixture on Saturday. Like most clubs at this time of the season, Letcombe will have players missing.
Top scorer Pete Horswell and playmaker Lyle Gifford are both on holiday whilst Paul Jezzard is on his honeymoon. Keeper Craig Payne is also unavailable, but Danny Joyce is an able deputy. Adam Pendell looks certain to start despite missing the entire pre season programme with injury. Manager Alan Gifford is likely to give a chance to a number of last seasons successful youth team. Luke Stone was a regular starter last season, but Elliot Baldwin and Eddie Glover are also included in the squad. Sixteen year old Krystian Bogdanawicz has impressed in pre season friendlies and is also likely to feature.
Additional Players Required At Letcombe FC - 16 July
Letcombe FC is seeking additional players to boost the numbers available for the first and reserves squads.
The club is well known for giving youngsters the opportunity to play at a good standard, either in the first or reserve team. Anyone interested in joining the club in the Hellenic league is asked to attend training at the ground on Tuesday and/or Thursday at 7.00pm. For more details, please contact secretary Des Williams on 01235 764130.
Good Luck Eddie - 23 December
Gary's son Luke (pictured) has been a regular member of the team for the last two seasons, but is now at Southampton University which means that he is not always available.