Crawley won their opening group game in the Checkatrade Trophy thanks to a headed first half goal by James Collins.
Reds took the lead in superb style after half an hour, the goal nodded in by James Collins following good work by Jason Banton.
Crawley made six changes to the side which lost 3-1 at home to Notts County.
Goalkeeper Yusuf Mersin, Joe McNerney, Enzio Boldewijn, Andre Blackman, Billy Clifford and skipper Jimmy Smith were all rested.
In their place were: Mitch Beeney in goal, Chris Arthur, Mark Connolly, Bobson Bawling, Aryan Tajbakhsh and Adi Yussuf. Louis Young wore the captain’s armband.
Reds had the first early chance as Josh Yorwerth dummied past an opponent and played in Adi Yussuf whose shot was blacked and then cleared.
Colchester wernt close when Macauley Bonne had a go at goal from outside the area and his shot flew only inches over the bar.
Reds then began to press forward and had two chances when Banton curled a shot at the keeper, following a one-two with Collins.
Then Banton enabled Collins to have a go and he cracked a powerful shot against the post.
The same duo combined again for the opening goal. Banton went on a mazey run and supplied Collins at the far post, who headed down into the net in the 33rd minute.
Colchester looked lively as the second half unfolded put pressure on the Crawley goal twice in two minutes.
First Drey Wright fired a long free-kick straight at Beeney, who dropped the ball before quickly recovering.
The visitors then forced a brilliant save from Beeney to deny Denny Johnsone, tipping his blockbuster shot on to the bar.
REDS: Beeney, Young, Arthur, Davey, Connolly, Banton (Clifford 70), Yorwerth, Bawling, Collins, Tajbakhsh, Yussuf (Blackman 75)
SUBS: Moris, Clifford, McNerney, Pappoe
COLCHESTER: Walker, Lapslie (Diaz Wright 61), Drey Wright, Szmodics, Vincent-Young, Wynter, Johnstone, Eastman (Peter 62), Bonne, Semble-Ferris, Kinsella
SUBS: Brindley, Porter, Dickinson, Barnes, James
REFEREE: Tim Robinson
ATTENDANCE: 881 (92 away)
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Crawley 1 Colchester 0: Collins heads Reds to cup win


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Police are preparing for a second night of discussions with an armed pensioner holed up in a house.
The 72-year-old man remains inside the house with police security cordons and a road closure in place as negotiations continue.
Emergency services were first called to the property at around 4.10pm on Sunday to a report of threatening behaviour.
A woman known to the man was also in the house in Harbour Road, Pagham, at the time, but she left shortly after police arrival and is safe and well.
The man, who is on his own and believed to have a gun, continues to communicate with trained police negotiators.
Chief Superintendent Neil Honnor said: “I appreciate this must be a little disconcerting and frustrating for local residents having a continued large police presence outside their homes.
“The safety of the local community is paramount and we are doing all we can to resolve this ongoing incident in a controlled way.
“The road closure and cordons remain in place but residents are still free to come and go as and when they need to with police support.
“We would once again like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding.”
An earlier report from Sussex police confirmed armed officers were at the scene as negotations continued.
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COUNTY UPDATE: Armed siege enters second night


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Police are calling for information about the whereabouts of a 79-year-old man with dementia who has gone missing.
Police are concerned about the welfare of 79-year-old Geoffrey Davis from Copthorne after he did not return home yesterday.
We are concerned about Geoffrey because he has dementia and this is out of character for him Inspector Andy Sanford
Mr Davis was last seen leaving his address in Pembley Green yesterday at 6.15pm to go for his usual half-hour walk, from which he did not return. Police believe he may have travelled to the East Grinstead area.
Police have described him as white, 5’ 10”, of medium build and bald.
They say he was last seen wearing a blue rain hat, red jacket, grey trousers and a striped shirt. He was also carrying a blue umbrella.
Inspector Andy Sanford said: “We are concerned about Geoffrey because he has dementia and this is out of character for him. Please contact us if you have any information which can help us find him and make sure he is ok.”
If you see Geoffrey or have any information about his whereabouts please email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101 quoting serial 1461 of 28/ 08. If he is in danger or in need of urgent medical attention please call 999 immediately.
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Police appeal to find vulnerable missing pensioner


Midfielder Danny Holla has left Albion after the club and player agreed to mutually terminate his contract.
The 28-year-old Dutch midfielder did have a year left to run on a three-year deal, signed when he joined Albion in 2014 on a free transfer from Den Haag.
He has played in Albion’s two EFL Cup fixtures against Colchester and Oxford this season but had limited other first-team opportunities.
Seagulls boss Chris Hughton said: “With the options and competition we have in midfield, Danny has found his chances very limited, and that situation is unlikely to change.
“It hasn’t really worked out as Danny or the club had hoped. That can sometimes happen in football, but what I can say is that he has been really professional in his approach and his attitude to training has been first class throughout my time as manager.
“He works hard in training, and he has been ready to play when needed, but those times have been far too infrequent for his liking, and at this stage of his career he wants to be playing regular football, so this is the right move for the club and player.”
Holla scored once in 33 appearances for the club.
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Following the search for a missing swimmer earlier today and a string of beach deaths in Sussex, the safety of our seas has been called into question.
Today’s search for the woman at Camber Sands in East Sussex was called off after she identified herself to the RNLI at 11.45am. A coastguard spokesperson said the reason for the large-scale search, which also involved the police, was because ‘it is a dangerous beach’ and it was reported before lifeguards were on duty at 9am. Read more here.
But it begs the question: can more be done to prevent deaths like the five men who lost their lives on Wednesday at Camber Sands, or the man who drowned in the sea at Bognor Regis?
Have your say in our poll.
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POLL: Do we need greater safety measures on our beaches?


The suspected murder of a teenager has been reported to the body that oversees complaints against the police, Sussex Police has said.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission was notified by Sussex Police following the discovery of the 19-year-old woman’s body at an address in Chrisdory Road, Mile Oak yesterday.
Sussex Police said: “The death has been notified to the IPCC owing to there having been previous police contact with the deceased and other people.
“Her family have been informed of this development. We await the IPCC’s decision as to how any internal investigation will be conducted.”
As previously reported, a 27-year-old man from Portslade was arrested in Burgess Hill yesterday on suspicion of murder after the body was found. Click here for the full story.
Police added that a post-mortem is expected to take place in Brighton later today, and that the address is still a crime scene as forensic work continues.
They are not formally identifying the dead woman at this stage but said they will do so as soon as possible.
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UPDATE: Murder reported to police complaints body


Deus Ex has you spoilt for choice.
Mankind Divided and so am I when it comes to reviewing the latest Deus Ex game after its launch last week.
There is so much to rave about in DEMD and I’m still enjoying it now over a week into the game.
But there are a number of elements which do not quite sit right with me.
Let’s start with the positives, though, and there are plenty of them.
There is layer upon layer in this game all expertly crafted together and beautifully designed.
The gameplay stands up to the high standards set by previous Deus Ex games and goes beyond them in many respects.
This is a game that will suit all types of gamers too.
Looking for a quick blast for an hour, you can jump on and get enough done to enjoy the experience, looking for longer, more involved sessions on your console then the gameplay rewards your patience, curiosity and creativity.
You play augmented human Jensen who is essentially the most deadly Power Ranger on the planet. I mean this guy has everything and would even give Superman a run for his money.
There are so many options to negotiate each scenario
And this is where my first problem lies with DEMD.
Sometimes, dare I say it, there are so many options available to you, so many ways to deal with scenarios and enemies and so much in your arsenal, it actually feels a bit ... easy.
‘Ramp up the difficulty setting!’ I hear you cry.
Well yes there’s that but my point is no matter what level you are playing at, Jensen just has too much at his disposal for his enemies to trouble him.
Sometimes, dare I say it, there are so many options available to you, so many ways to deal with scenarios and enemies and so much in your arsenal, it actually feels a bit ... easy. Damien Lucas, gaming columnist
But don’t get me wrong it’s still great fun entering a room littered with foes and walking out past a pile of them without breaking a sweat.
Another thing that doesn’t quite land for me is the Apartheid type references between the humans (naturals) and the augmented race. It is a poor attempt to give the storyline resonance with real life - for example there are posters dotted around saying things like ‘Augmented Lives Matter’ and it just feels a little frivolous.
I’m being hyper critical, though, and Deus Ex will go down as one of the games of the year of that there is no doubt.
Rating: 8.5/10

Console Corner: Deus Ex Mankind Divided review


Two South Downs National Park projects have been shortlisted for an award.
The Arun and Rother Connections Project and Butterfly Conservation Sussex Branch have been selected in the final six, from 26 ‘excellent nominations’, by a judging panel.
The Duke of Burgundy butterfly PNL-160226-143841001
A grant of £2,000 will be awarded to the winner of the Campaign for National Parks’ Park Protector Award, due to be announced in October.
The award aims to ‘recognise, rewards and celebrate exceptional projects that are making a lasting contribution to the protection, restoration or conservation of the National Parks of England and Wales’.
In a statement about the shortlist, the Arun and Rother Connections project volunteers were highlighted.
It said: “1.2 million people use the water that filters through the chalk of the South Downs on a daily basis.
Pond training event at Pulborough Brooks - www.photographersussex.com
“The Arun and Rother Connections project works with over 1,000 volunteers to run a diverse suite of activities which promote a rich, thriving river system, where wildlife flourishes and people value and enjoy the landscape.”
While the Butterfly Conservation Sussex Branch project was credited for ‘working tirelessly’ to increase the numbers of Duke of Burgundy butterflies.
This work has seen the numbers ‘rise exponentially’ from eight being spotted in Sussex in 2003, to 1,487 seen in 2016.
Caroline Quentin, the new Campaign for National Parks President, admitted learning about the ‘fantastic projects’ has been a ‘wonderful way’ to start her role.
She said: “These projects are the perfect demonstration of how much people care about National Parks and want to improve them for the future.”
Jeremy Colls, from the award’s sponsors Ramblers Holidays Charitable Trust, added: “The overriding message is the remarkable level of volunteer commitment that is evident among the groups taking part. Many people really do care about maintaining and improving our rural environment, and convert their passion into action to achieve tangible results.”
For more information visit www.cnp.org.uk

Two South Downs projects shortlisted for award


Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero is helping Crawley Town to score more goals.
Reds head coach Dermot Drummy is using videos of the Italian World Cup winner to inspire his strikers to find the net.
Drummy said: “It’s been hard work working in this warm weather so we are not overdoing it - you have to monitor them.
“We are working on getting better movement in the final third.
“I like my players to be students of the game and our analyst Paul Murphy is building up a video library.
“Players watching football on Sky should watch and learn from the elite players.
“We are going to watch a video of Alessandro Del Piero who’s a fantastic player.
“I am going to sit with James Collins watching this as it’s good to learn from the best.”
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Juventus legend Del Piero helps Crawley Town


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It was a sunny day in all respects, as Burgess Hill Girls celebrates another excellent set of GCSE results, maintaining its consistent record of over 30% of all entries gaining A* grades, with 65% A*/A and well over half the girls getting seven or more A* or A grades apiece.
Special congratulations were given to the following eight girls who gained straight A*/A grades: Eleanor Reffin from Isfield, Elizabeth Geraghty from Crawley Down, Anna Morgan from East Grinstead, Felicia Preen from Lindfield, Florence Merrett from Bolney, Phoebe Kinsman from Ardingly and international boarder Verna Wang.
A statement from the school said: “The outstanding results across STEM subjects (sciences, technology and mathematics) demonstrate the school’s growing record of success in this area, confirming the national picture that an all-girls environment delivers the strongest STEM results. 71% of all entries in STEM subjects were A*/A with the figure rising to 91% A*-B. A third of the pupils in the year group sat the more-demanding Certificate in Further Mathematics (in addition to GCSE Mathematics) gaining 11 A* or A grades. Five girls achieved much-prized distinctions in their Certificate in Further Mathematics – Eleanor Reffin, Verna Wang, Doris Chan, Coco Xia and Michelle Zeng – placing them amongst the strongest mathematicians in the country.
“Girls achieved superb results in every other academic subject too. 89% of all those entered for Fine Art gained A*/A grades. All girls studying German, Latin and Greek achieved A*/A grades. Over 75% of girls who sat exams in History, Drama and Philosophy and Ethics gained A*/A grades.
“Outstanding student of the year must go to Eleanor Reffin, who not only achieved 10 A * grades but is also a highly decorated horsewoman, representing the school in the equestrian team. In addition, Eleanor has won awards for debating and public speaking, performed in the school musical Les Misérables, and even taken a turn on the catwalk in the end of year fashion show: a true Burgess Hill Girl.”
Mrs Kathryn Bell, Head, stated how exceptionally proud she was of all the girls in the year group and how they should warmly celebrate these fantastic results,
“These results illustrate academic success goes hand in hand with an exciting and fulfilling extra-curricular, full of demanding activity, brilliance in creativity, performing arts and sport, and where life is lived adventurously. All girls achieve in this single-sex school and this demands recognition. The girls thoroughly deserve the accolades received on attaining these fabulous results!”
She added that: “GCSEs are demanding examinations, therefore it is particularly pleasing to see the strength of the girls’ success in core subjects including English, Mathematics, Science, Languages and the Humanities that provide them with the best possible platform on which to build their futures, whatever their passion or skill.
“Results day is a very special day for our school as it is a time when we can all come
together as a community to congratulate every member of Year 11 for not only what they have gained by being at the school but also for what they have given back.
“Individually our girls are superb, collectively they are brilliant! They and their teachers are to be heartily congratulated on a job well done.”
Searching for the right school in Sussex for your child? - Visit educationsussex.com for authoritative reviews and so much more.

Success in the sunshine - Burgess Hill Girls celebrate top GCSE results


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Police have provided an update into the sudden death of an 18-year-old man, saying that a ‘hazardous chemical substance’ was believed to be near the body.
Emergency services were called to a house in Grove Road, Worthing at lunchtime yesterday and ambulance staff wearing bio-hazard suits were seen entering the property. Click here to read the original story.
Emergency services were called to a chemical incident at Grove Road in Worthing yesterday, where an 18-year-old man died. Picture: Eddie Mitchell
The road was temporarily closed, and neighbours are believed to have been told not to leave their houses while emergency services dealt with the incident.
Sussex Police has issued a statement, which said: “Police were called to a report of a man found dead at his home in Grove Road, Broadwater, Worthing on Monday (29 August) at 12.35pm.
“It is believed that there may have been some hazardous chemical substance near the body of the 18-year-old so specially trained ambulance and fire crews attended the scene. The body was recovered safely.
“The death is not being treated as suspicious and the coroner’s officer is dealing with the incident.”
Emergency services were called to a chemical incident at Grove Road in Worthing yesterday, where an 18-year-old man died. Picture: Eddie Mitchell
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Emergency services were called to a chemical incident at Grove Road in Worthing yesterday, where an 18-year-old man died. Picture: Eddie Mitchell
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Emergency services were called to a chemical incident at Grove Road in Worthing yesterday, where an 18-year-old man died. Picture: Eddie Mitchell
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COUNTY NEWS: Hazardous chemical involved in teen death


Join Clare Balding for an afternoon of family entertainment to mark the publication of her first children's book, The Racehorse Who Wouldn't Gallop at Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre on Saturday, October 1 at 3pm.
The number-one bestselling author and broadcaster will share stories from her own childhood growing up surrounded by animals, give a reading from her new book and offer expert advice on working with and caring for animals.
The Racehorse Who Wouldn't Gallop introduces Charlie Bass: a horse-mad ten-year-old who dreams of owning her own pony. So when she accidentally manages to buy a racehorse, Charlie is thrilled. The horse she buys, Noble Warrior, looks the part: strong, fit and healthy. There's just one problem – he won't gallop. In fact, he won't even leave his stable without his best friend, a naughty palomino pony called Percy.
This event will end with an audience Q&A and a chance to have your book signed, as well as some funfair-style foyer entertainment for all the family.
Clare became the face of the BBC’s horse racing coverage in 1998 and now works across a wide range of sports for television and radio. She has been a lead TV presenter for the Olympics, Paralympics, Winter Olympics and Commonwealth Games.
In 2012, Clare was awarded Achievement of the Year at the Women in Film and TV Awards, the Media Award at the Red Hot Women of the Year Awards, was made TV Personality of the Year by Attitude magazine and won Racing Broadcaster of the Year for the second time.
Tickets on 01483 440000 or www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk.


Sussex captain Luke Wright praised his bowlers for sparking the Glamorgan collapse that set up a county championship win that has kept alive their promotion hopes.
After bowling out the hosts on the final day at Sophia Gardens for 263, Wright’s men were left needing 233 for their second championship win of the campaign - and after a few scares, they got there with two wickets to spare.
Wright said: “The pitch was a little damp, it was tough to bat on and rather that set up a game with Glamorgan we wanted to try to bowl them out.
“Chasing 233 was always going to be difficult, but credit to Ben Brown and Danny Briggs wo set up the win with that 55-run stand.”
Sussex are 43 points behind leaders Essex with a game in hand in the race for division two’s sole promotion spot and Wright added; “We have big games left against Kent and Essex, and I am glad we won as we still have an outside chance of promotion, even if it is a slim one.”
The partnership of 55 in nine overs for the eighth wicket between Brown and Briggs set up Sussex’s triumph.
We have big games left against Kent and Essex, and I am glad we won as we still have an outside chance of promotion, even if it is a slim one. Luke Wright
Although Briggs was out for an aggressive 36, Brown and George Garton guided Sussex home with 20 balls remaining.
At one stage they had been reduced to 156 for seven, with Timm Van Der Gugten taking 5-73, his third five wicket haul of the season, but the eighth-wicket pair’s partnership was a vital one for the visitors.
Glamorgan had resumed on 149 for 2, but soon lost their overnight batsmen Will Bragg and David Lloyd, who had put on 77 for the third wicket.
Despite an attractive innings of 59 from 64 balls from Aneurin Donald, Glamorgan then lost their way as the last five wickets fell for just 17 runs.
Donald was caught behind off Garton, who then dismissed Mark Wallace with his next ball. Graham Wagg struck Briggs into the River Taff, but attempted a shot two overs later and mistimed and was caught at mid-off.
The reckless approach continued, and instead of setting Sussex a challenging target, they were left to chase 233 in 62 overs.
Van Der Gugten gave Glamorgan the perfect start when he trapped Ed Joyce leg before with the first ball of the innings, but Chis Nash and Luke Wells were seldom in trouble adding 86 for the second wicket before Wells was lbw to Owen Morgan’s left arm spin for 33.
At tea, Sussex were comfortably placed on 92 for 2, before Wagg dismissed Nash for 64 following his 132 in the first innings. Sussex then lost three wickets for 12 runs, as Van der Gugten, who had changed ends and after dismissing Christian Davis leg before, bowled David Wiese and Luke Wright.
When Briggs joined Brown, after Jofra Archer’s dismissal, Sussex required another 77, but Briggs, who has played some useful innings recently, was soon into his stride, striking boundaries on both sides of the wicket. He eventually holed out to mid-on but Brown was there at the end on 42 out.
EDWARD BEVAN
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County championship: Briggs and Brown set up vital Sussex win


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Adrian Cox, one of the UK's leading reed players, is the latest guest at Steyning Jazz Club on Friday, September 2.
Adrian founded the Adrian Cox Quartet in 2012 acquiring a dedicated and enthusiastic following, playing their energetic mix of traditional jazz and swing from the 30s onwards, in the styles of Benny Goodman to Ben Webster via Ed Hall to Jonny Hodges.
Club spokesman Colin Jilks said: “Adrian has toured and recorded with T J Johnson, Paloma Faith and Bad Manners. He has hand-picked the very best from the UK's leading jazz musicians, to form his quartet: Nils Solberg guitar, who has played from The Kremlin to The Royal Albert Hall, George Trebar double bass and a leading player on the gypsy jazz scene, and Mez Clough drums, a London-based player for the main jazz venues in the UK.
“Since Adrian's last appearance at the club, there have been passionate and growing calls for his return, a return which promises to deliver a spectacular evening of the finest music, all tantalisingly wrapped in Adrian's irresistible playing style, with its syncopated fluidity and lilting cadences.”
Colin added: “This September meeting opens our new season and is membership renewal evening, so join us in a glass of fine wine and renew your membership for the coming year: annual membership is £10.”
Steyning Jazz Club meets at The Steyning Centre, Fletcher’s Croft, 8.30pm. Doors open 7.30pm. Information from Denis Cummings on 01903 814017.


Crawley Town head coach Dermot Drummy confirmed he is expecting to sign ‘an international midfielder’ before the transfer window closes at 11pm today.
Speaking after Reds’ 1-0 victory against Colchester United in the Checkatrade Trophy group match, he said the player was ‘local’ and he was virtually sure he would sign today (Wednesday).
Drummy said: “I am 90 per cent sure of signing a new midfielder who is an international on a permanent buy.”
He added: “He is away at the moment.”
Drummy confirmed he would not be sending any of his players out on loan.
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The free lunchtime concert series at Holy Trinity Church, Cuckfield, resumes on Friday, September 2, with the young harpist Alex Rider.
The show starts at 1pm (soup served from 12.30pm) and finishes at 2pm.
Alex is a graduate of the Guidhall School of Music & Drama. His recent highlights include performances with the London Sinfonietta Academy and solo recitals for the Stogumber Festival and Canterbury Music Club.
This concert offers a chance to enjoy some beautiful music and learn more about the harp.
Children are very welcome.
For more information contact hannah.carter@me.com.
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Young harpist performs at lunchtime concert in Cuckfield


University of Chichester graduate Joe Perkins tries to capture a little bit of chaotic Quo in his new album.
Joe, who studied commercial music graduating in 2012, has long been a huge Status Quo fan: he first saw them, aged ten, in Bristol 16 years ago.
“And I have seen them with the modern line-up loads of times, always the perfect Quo. But then they played with their original line-up, and they were just all over the place in terms of the timing and the notes, but in terms of the musicality, they were just so exciting.
“They had the danger back, and it was just so much better for not being perfect, and I think that is one of the lessons I have learnt.
“You record a song and then you can edit it and edit it until it is perfect, but that’s not necessarily the best way to do it.
“You want the edge, which is what Quo had. They looked terrified! But that nervous energy made it the best Quo show I’d ever seen. It was so much more exciting for being edgy and dangerous. It was four humans all playing together with the whole thing likely to implode at any point. It was pure rock & roll!
“We are human beings. We are not perfect. We all make mistakes. With technology, you can make it perfect, but you lose the fact that we are all musicians playing together. It’s about the spontaneous things that can happen, and that’s what I have wanted to capture.
“There are little mistakes, but the album is what I sound like when I play the guitar. And it is the first album I haven’t done in a recording studio. I did it in the dining room at home. It was about giving free rein to the music.”
It was while he was at Chichester that Joe did his first album: “It was a very good course, but for me the most important thing was the studio facilities that we could book out. The course was very wide-ranging, but in your spare time you could get into the studio and having the studio was great. You got taught all the basics of making a record, but then you could develop it all further.
“I did my first album then which I released free online. So many people had got involved and given their time for free that it wouldn’t have been right to try to sell it.
“It was call Host of Other Artists. It was all songs I had written and played pretty much every instrument, but it was other people doing the lead vocals. I did some backing vocals, but I am not strong enough a singer to do the lead vocals.”
Now comes the new album, purely instrumental. Double Denim is released on Friday, September 2, as a vinyl + CD bundle (limited to 300 copies) and as a download – both available from joeperkins.co.uk. Both are priced at £7.99.
“Releasing the album on vinyl isn’t purely nostalgic,” Joe says. “Sure, I personally prefer buying music as a physical entity and enjoying it as a piece of art, and I think vinyl is the best for that.
“But the audio is actually much higher definition than the CD and has a more dynamic master. You’ll have to turn it up a bit, but it sounds more natural. Nowadays we all need to own our music digitally too, so with the enclosed CD you get that as well.
“So that’s Double Denim. There’s rock; bluegrass; ballads; a snare drum with far too much reverb on it; potentially the world’s loudest cajón; an army of pots and pans; an outrageous amount of guitars; a sense of humour; and real human musicians playing their instruments.
“And who else gives you all that on an outdated format from the 1930s?”
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Crawley suffered their first league defeat of the season, falling 1-3 at home to Notts County.
After a quiet first half with few chances for either side, Reds took the lead just two minutes after the break through Enzio Boldewijn.
This exploded the game into action as Notts County went 2-1 up on 62 minutes, with a fine strike by Adam Campbell.
Finally after chances for both sides, the visitors made sure of the three points from the penalty spot following a hand ball offence by Andre Blackman.
Crawley made just one change to their team to play Notts County today at the Checkatrade Stadium with Josh Payne out with a sprained ankle.
Former Ipswich Town player Josh Yorwerth makes his first start of the season having so been making appearances of the bench.
He is being rewarded for scoring an eye-catching match-winning goal as substitute against Exeter City.
Played in blazing sunshine in hot conditions, the game took time to going.
Jason Banton got an early cross in but could not reach Collins and the chance was cleared.
James Collins went close for Crawley in the 22nd minute when he forced a great save by keeper Adam Collin from 17 yards.
Then immediately at the other end Notts County nearly scored on the break when Jon Stead curled a shot wide.
Billy Clifford ran into the area and had a go but the ball was cleared off the line by Louis Laing.
Reds were forced to make their first substitution with five minutes to go in the first half as Yorwerth went off, having had two lots of treatment, and Mark Connolly came on into central defence, while Alex Davey moved forward into midfield.
Reds started the sharpest at the start of the second half as Boldewijn ran into the area from the right, unchallenged and shot into the bottom right corner.
However in the lead was short-lived as just one-minute later Notts County equalised.
A cross came in and the ball and after a delay to consider a posisble offside decision, was credited as going in off as an own goal off James Collins.
The Magpies then took the lead moments later
Adam Campbell curled in a fine shot from the edge of the area.
Play became end-to-end and Crawley were so close to scoring when Clifford found Smith, who teed-up Collins who dragged his shot wide.
Collins had the ball in the net but it was controversially judged that Joe McNerney had fouled keeper Collin.
Drummy then made his second substitution, taking off Jason Banton and replacing him with striker Adi Yussuf.
Crawley then made their third chance when Bobson Bawling replaced Clifford.
Reds kept pressing for an equaliser but Bawling was ruled to be offside when on a dangerous position.
Finally, Notts County sealed victory in thre 86th minute from the penalty spot put away calmly by Jon Stead.
The penalty was awarded after substitute Thierry Audel ran onto the box and Blackman handled the ball on the ground.
Reds: Mersin, Young, Davey, Boldewijn, J.Smith, Banton (Yussuf 62), Blackman, Yorwerth (Connolly 40), Clifford (Bawling 70), Collins, McNerney.
Subs: Beeney, Arthur, Connolly, Tajbakhsh, Pappoe
Notts County: Collin, Tootle, Dickinson, A.Smith (Audel 67), Duffy, O’Connor, Milsom (Oliver 70), Laing, Rodman, Campbell, Stead (Snijders 86).
Subs: Loach, Hollis, Burke, Aborah
REFEREE: John Busby
ATTENDANCE: 2,087
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Crawley 1 Notts County 3: Reds suffer first defeat


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Models of the Coca-Cola Powerbank have been recalled due to a potential fault in the units.
Halfords have recalled three models of the Coca-Cola shaped Powerbank 2200mAh, with product codes 243524, 243516 and 243581 have been removed from sale while an investigation takes place.
Customers have been advised not to use the product, which enables people to charge and sync devices when on the go, but rather to return it to their local Halfords shop, where they will receive a full refund.
The issue affects products with the item-codes above only, with no other products or powerbanks affected.
A company statement read: “We take the quality and safety of our products extremely seriously and would like to apologise to customers affected for any inconvenience this may cause.” Queries can be made to Halfords’ customer services team on 0345 504 53 53 or customer.services@halfords.co.uk.
Home, garden and leisure products chain The Range is also recalling two models due to a potential fault - the Coke Powerbank 1a 2200 Mah, with product code 135749, and the Coke Powerbank 1a 7200 Mah with code 135750.
Customers are advised to stop using the device immediately and return the Powerbank to their local store with a valid proof of purchase to obtain a full refund of the purchase price.
Customer queries can be directed to 0345 026 7598 or help@therange.co.uk


Singing for Pleasure, which has been running successfully in Brighton, Hove and Southwick for five years under musical director Simon Gray, will show its skills on Saturday, September 10 in a concert at Portslade Town Hall at 2.30pm.
As Simon, who has been involved in the musical scene for more than 30 years, explains: “Singing for Pleasure Goes to the Movies offers a programme of songs that have featured in films and film musicals. There will also be a Last Night of the Proms finale in which the audience will be invited to join in and wave union jacks!
“SFP is delighted to announce that Loren Bennett will be one of the soloists. Fifteen year-old Loren, diagnosed with chronic anxiety and Asperger’s, has made astonishing progress in just a few months since joining Singing for Pleasure.
“Singing is now widely recognised as producing a whole host of health benefits, and it could be argued that singing should more broadly be part of everyday life. Singing, through the emotional experience of one’s feelings, has the power to alter and enhance the mood of the singer. Since ancient times singing has been considered a great healing tool as it can influence brain wave frequencies and promote well-being.
“Medical papers have now proved singing and listening to music helps relieve a large number of health conditions. It can lower blood pressure, ease depression, improve lung capacity, and help breathing as when you sing your lungs take in more oxygen. Joining a singing group helps make new friends which in turn helps the feel good factor.”
Simon is pleased to include Loren among the group’s success stories: “Loren had been suffering with chronic anxiety and had been diagnosed with Asperger’s. Loren is a gifted singer with an exceptional voice but singing in front of anyone, other than her voice teacher or parents, had become impossible for her. It was suggested that maybe she should come along to Singing for Pleasure and sing along with other people with no pressure to perform on her own.
“Loren (who lives in Rottingdean) came along with her mother to the Hove group and within a couple weeks she was feeling very comfortable singing and socialising with the other members – so much so that by week four Loren felt brave enough to get up and sing a solo! This was a huge breakthrough, and Loren has since gone on to perform solos with SFP on a weekly basis as well as taking part in concerts elsewhere, including a solo recital for family and friends. She also appeared in a concert at the Barn Theatre in Southwick alongside experienced professional performers from the world of musical theatre and opera.”
Loren’s mother Rebecca Bennett said: “Since being diagnosed with Asperger’s and chronic anxiety, we had really given up on her singing, but since coming to [SFP] she has made incredible progress, so much so she is now enjoying performing and socialising with the lovely group of people each week, both of which I never thought she would feel comfortable doing. I will definitely recommend Singing for Pleasure as a form of therapy for Asperger kids and adults.”
Simon added: “Also in the groups there are singers living with cancer, Lupus, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, all of whom find great comfort, relief and inspiration from singing in a friendly environment on a weekly basis. Indeed, several of them have even reported a distinct improvement in their conditions which they attribute to regular singing.
“If anyone is tempted to come and join SFP then come along to Portslade Town Hall to see what the group does. There is no upper age limit and there are no auditions. Song choices are taken from musical-theatre shows, some classical songs as well as some of the great standards. We also welcome song suggestions from the group members.”
Simon added: “Throughout the year there are Singing for Pleasure fund-raising events in support of local charities. Indeed, the group is happy to assist all charities by singing free of charge at suitable events. Please phone 01273 555089 for more information. SFP have supported events raising funds for The Martlets Hospice and Chestnut Tree House.”
Tickets from Robert Blass on 01273 555089 or singingforpleasure@hotmail.co.uk.
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Concert illustrates health-giving benefits of singing


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The Hawth in Crawley is always looking for new ways to get young people involved in events, shows, clubs and classes.
This coming season is no exception with September offering children the chance to audition for Peter Pan on Sunday, September 11.
Now The Hawth Youth Theatre, in partnership with the world-famous Russian State Opera, is looking for boys and girls to star in their world-class production of Carmen, at the Crawley venue.
Featuring an impressive cast of professional opera singers and a live orchestra with more than 30 musicians, this is a fantastic opportunity for boys and girls aged 10-13 years old to gain stage experience and perform in front of a sell-out live audience.
The auditions will be held in The Hawth’s new arts space, The Loft, on Friday, September 2, from 4pm-6pm.
Those selected will be required to commit to the rehearsal dates: Friday, September 16, and Friday, September 30 (4pm-6pm).
They must also be available for the performance on Friday, October 7 (4.30pm-9.30pm).
If a one-off performance isn’t enough and you love performing why not join The Hawth’s weekly Youth Theatre?
Each term The Youth Theatre (THYT for short) rehearse a show for performance on one of The Hawth’s professional stages.
From classical to new plays, THYT perform it all and even find time to create their own.
So if you love acting and want to be in the spotlight, this could be the youth theatre for you.
The Youth Theatre meet at the following times:
l Junior Company (11-14 years, key stage 3), Mondays 5pm-7pm and/or Thursdays 5pm-7pm.
l Senior Company (14-18 years, key stages 4 and 5) Thursdays, 7.15pm-9.15pm.
On Monday, September 5, and Thursday, September 8, there will be free taster sessions for anyone who is thinking of joining.
Being part of THYT also gives members opportunities to appear alongside professional companies performing at The Hawth and you can take advantage of discounted tickets to see selected shows.
To find out more contact hawthyt@parkwoodtheatres.co.uk.
Visit www.hawth.co.uk to see what else is on at the venue.
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Boys and girls get chance to star in world-class opera at The Hawth


A hit-and-run incident is causing major traffic delays on the A23, police have said.
Sussex Police said they were called to the A23 towards Sayers Common at around 12.10pm after reports of a hit-and-run incident.
Police confirmed that a car had been in collision with a motorbike, but that the driver drove off shortly afterwards.
There have also been reports of an oil spill due to the collision, which has contributed to traffic delays.
As a result of the incident, one lane of the A23 has been closed and traffic is queueing on the A23 southbound between Hickstead and Hurstpierpoint.
There is also traffic congestion to Bolney Cross.
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Embattled patient transport service provider Coperforma should be stripped of its contract, one union has suggested.
The private company took over from South East Coast Ambulance Service back in April, but during the first few months patients complained about numerous incidents of crews either not turning up or showing up late.
One of its sub-contractors VM Langfords went into administration earlier this year and Coperforma had to step in to guarantee the pay, jobs, and terms and conditions of employees by transferring them to other companies working under them on the contract.
However the GMB union, which represents staff working for sub-contractor Docklands Medical Services, has warned that many of its members could lose their jobs without money owed to them from their previous employers.
Gary Palmer, GMB organiser, said: “No more chances, no more waiting until the dust hopefully settles, the time has come to remove Coperfoma and all those that would put profit before patients and staff.”
He explained that the union had been made aware that all transferred staff could be given notice and dismissed from their current NHS contracts with a view to offering them inferior contracts on a take it or leave it basis, which could affect up to 60 staff.
The tender process for the contract was led by the High Weald Lewes Havens Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) on behalf of all seven CCGs covering Sussex.
Mr Palmer added: “The GMB have written assurances and viewed public broadcasts where Coperforma CEO Michael Clayton clearly states that their new providers would not only pick up the PTS work after the collapse of Langfords, but that staff would be looked after and not out of pocket, and importantly that all their terms and conditions would remain and be protected and not just during any inbound move to a new provider but with assurances that it would also do so for any future outbound transfer as well.
“Right from the very start when this contract was awarded to Coperforma despite the missed warning signs around their inability to deliver such a vital service for Sussex being ignored by the CCGs and its accountable officers, their delivery, accountability and responsibility has been seen to fail all measures, standards and targets by everyone except those who are ultimately responsible, the CCGs.”
Coperforma have been approached for comment.
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Calls to strip Coperforma of Sussex patient transport service contract


On the neighbouring table a party of four were celebrating an 18th birthday.
Coincidentally, we knew the Dudmans but hadn’t seen them in some years.
The Halfway Bridge
Now daughter Emily had reached the first key milestone in her life and had persuaded family and friends that she wanted to mark it with a lunch at the Halfway Bridge.
What made the choice the more remarkable was that for more than a year, Emily has worked there serving at tables.
Most youngsters would rather celebrate a birthday anywhere but the place of work. But clearly Emily knew quality when she saw it - and had an ambition to enjoy a taste of it as a customer too.
New head chef Luke Gale had made her a stunning cake with a handcrafted and rather cute little elephant on the top.
The Halfway Bridge
She was thrilled.
But then, Luke is something of a culinary wonder. A rare find in a country pub.
His plates are not merely packed with local produce, they are presented with a certain creative elegance.
We chatted to him as we left. A trained pastry chef he is as unassuming as he is talented. In his six months since he arrived, he’s made a number of changes to the menu.
The Halfway Bridge
For him it’s about preparing everything from scratch.
He’s good. The food is excellent. It aims to focus on seasonal dishes with a traditional English and Mediterranean flair.
When we visited on a Saturday lunchtime, there was a choice of the set menu - two courses £18; three courses £22 - or the a la carte. Some daily specials increased our options.
The prices are dearer than you would find in city centre chain restaurants. But this is unpretentious quality dining.
The Halfway Bridge
For those wanting something more akin to pub grub, there are the classics. Beer battered haddock, hand cut chips, pea puree (£15.50) or chargrilled burger with all the trimmings (£14.50).
This is, after all, a country inn and is proud of the traditional drinking area even though the restaurant is an increasingly vital part of the economic mix of places to which most customers must drive.
It’s an old pub - standing for some 250 years. And as the name suggests, it’s located half way between Midhurst and Petworth.
Originally a watermill it became a coaching inn in the 17th century and now offers six en-suite rooms and one suite housed in Cowdray Barns, the inn’s former stable yard.
The young team is led by general manager Billy Lewis-Bowker, a man with a warm smile and a reassuring sense of calm.
Sophie served us. But I guess on any other day it could have been Emily.
The Halfway Bridge
Fish of the day and roast loin of pork followed starters of homemade soup, and gin and tonic cured sea trout.
Strawberries and cream with a twist and warm triple chocolate brownie with honeycomb and lime ice cream completed the meal.
It’s a beautiful location in the heart of the South Downs for an inn.
On the day of our visit, the weather was mixed. Sunshine one moment, rain the next.
But there was nothing mixed about the quality of the visit. The service was pleasant and the food was excellent. A real cut above pub grub.
It was all in the detail. The slight bitterness of the tonic gave a real edge to the sea trout.
The triple chocolate brownie oozed temptation.
Although we were invited guests of the AA rosette restaurant, there was no link to a commercial arrangement with them. We were there to write an honest opinion.
We raised a glass of Upperton sparkling rose to celebrate the chance meeting of Emily and her family.
And - having checked out other diners’ meals to ensure no favouritism - vowed to return and enjoy a little more of Luke’s cooking when we were off duty too.
There were no half measures at the Halfway Bridge.
The Halfway Bridge
The Halfway Bridge
The Halfway Bridge

Restaurant Review: Halfway by name but no half measures


University of Chichester graduate Joe Perkins tries to capture a little bit of chaotic Quo in his new album.
Joe, who studied commercial music graduating in 2012, has long been a huge Status Quo fan: he first saw them, aged ten, in Bristol 16 years ago.
“And I have seen them with the modern line-up loads of times, always the perfect Quo. But then they played with their original line-up, and they were just all over the place in terms of the timing and the notes, but in terms of the musicality, they were just so exciting.
“They had the danger back, and it was just so much better for not being perfect, and I think that is one of the lessons I have learnt.
“You record a song and then you can edit it and edit it until it is perfect, but that’s not necessarily the best way to do it.
“You want the edge, which is what Quo had. They looked terrified! But that nervous energy made it the best Quo show I’d ever seen. It was so much more exciting for being edgy and dangerous. It was four humans all playing together with the whole thing likely to implode at any point. It was pure rock & roll!
“We are human beings. We are not perfect. We all make mistakes. With technology, you can make it perfect, but you lose the fact that we are all musicians playing together. It’s about the spontaneous things that can happen, and that’s what I have wanted to capture.
“There are little mistakes, but the album is what I sound like when I play the guitar. And it is the first album I haven’t done in a recording studio. I did it in the dining room at home. It was about giving free rein to the music.”
It was while he was at Chichester that Joe did his first album: “It was a very good course, but for me the most important thing was the studio facilities that we could book out. The course was very wide-ranging, but in your spare time you could get into the studio and having the studio was great. You got taught all the basics of making a record, but then you could develop it all further.
“I did my first album then which I released free online. So many people had got involved and given their time for free that it wouldn’t have been right to try to sell it.
“It was call Host of Other Artists. It was all songs I had written and played pretty much every instrument, but it was other people doing the lead vocals. I did some backing vocals, but I am not strong enough a singer to do the lead vocals.”
Now comes the new album, purely instrumental. Double Denim is released on Friday, September 2, as a vinyl + CD bundle (limited to 300 copies) and as a download – both available from joeperkins.co.uk. Both are priced at £7.99.
“Releasing the album on vinyl isn’t purely nostalgic,” Joe says. “Sure, I personally prefer buying music as a physical entity and enjoying it as a piece of art, and I think vinyl is the best for that.
“But the audio is actually much higher definition than the CD and has a more dynamic master. You’ll have to turn it up a bit, but it sounds more natural. Nowadays we all need to own our music digitally too, so with the enclosed CD you get that as well.
“So that’s Double Denim. There’s rock; bluegrass; ballads; a snare drum with far too much reverb on it; potentially the world’s loudest cajón; an army of pots and pans; an outrageous amount of guitars; a sense of humour; and real human musicians playing their instruments.
“And who else gives you all that on an outdated format from the 1930s?”


Crawley Town are making just one change to their team to play Notts County today at the Checkatrade Stadium with Josh Payne out with a sprained ankle.
Former Ipswich Town player Josh Yorwerth makes his first start of the season having so been making appearances of the bench.
He is being rewarded for scoring an eye-catching match-winning goal as substitute against Exeter City.
Jordan Roberts is still ruled out from the squad with a bruised toe.
Reds: Mersin, Young, Davey, Boldewijn, J.Smith, Banton, Blackman, Yorwerth, Clifford, Collins, McNerney.
Subs: Beeney, Arthur, Connolly, Bawling, Tajbakhsh, Yussuf, Pappoe
Notts County: Collin, Tootle, Dickinson, A.Smith, Duffy, O’Connor, Milsom, Laing, Rodman, Campbell, Stead.
Subs: Loach, Hollis, Snijders, Oliver, Burke, Audel, Aborah
REFEREE: John Busby
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Ex-Ipswich player Yorwerth starts for Crawley against Notts County


In our weekly column, Back of the Net Ltd round-up the week’s football in Sussex and Surrey.
AFC Uckfield 2-0 Littlehampton Town FC
Back of the Net
AFC Uckfield recorded their first league victory of the season with a 2-0 home win against Littlehampton Town FC. They now have four points from their first three league games.
Their star man on the day was Andrew Dalhouse who scored both goals for the U’s. The goals came either side of half time in what looked a convincing victory. The match was not all plain sailing though as Littlehampton still looked dangerous and won a penalty for their troubles. The resulting kick was admirably saved by new signing Matt Dann, who is looking to solidify his place as the first choice keeper.
This was the perfect result for Uckfield going in to the Bank Holiday Monday fixture against title favourites Haywards Heath Town, who have won their opening three games and scored 13 goals in the process.
Chester 4-0 Sutton United
Sutton United’s three-game win streak came to an abrupt halt as they were hammered 4-0 at Chester, who themselves had not won in three games.
The U’s were undone by two early goals and two late goals, in a match that was played in heavy rain. Chester’s Blaine Hudson opened the scoring after three minutes, and the lead was doubled four minutes later when Ryan Lloyd tapped in after Sutton ‘keeper Ross Worner did well to save Kane Richard’s effort. The U’s came back at the hosts and had decent chances, but were denied by an excellent Jon Worsnop performance between the Chester sticks. The competition was over on 83 minutes when Tom Shaw converted a penalty, and Richards added insult to injury in added time with his first of the season.
It was a blow to the U’s who have enjoyed a strong start to their National League campaign, despite being brandished ‘just a pub team from Sutton’ by other supporters. Sutton host 2nd place Dagenham & Redbridge on Monday.
Chipstead 3-3 Hastings United
Chipstead allowed a three goal lead to slip as spoils were shared at High Road. Raheem Sterling-Parker put The Chips ahead from the penalty spot after only 7 minutes, having been bundled over by the visiting keeper. He had the chance to score a second penalty 5 minutes later, when he was upended by a defender, but saw his effort saved. A great team goal then set up Chris O’Flaherty to double the lead on 18 minutes, and he slotted home with just 3 minutes later for 3-0.
However, a spirited Hastings side didn’t give up and were back in the game on 24 minutes, when their in-form striker Jay May seized on to a loose ball in defence and scored. He then converted a penalty 3 minutes later and completed his hat trick on 33 minutes with a lob from well outside the penalty area. Both sides had chances to score in the second half, Hastings coming closest after hitting the woodwork, but the action never quite matched that of the busy first half.
Up next for the Chips is a visit to Carshalton Athletic on Monday.
Crawley Down Gatwick 2-3 Eastbourne Town
The Anvil’s poor start to the season continues, and are still looking for their first win of the season after Saturday’s home defeat to Eastbourne. It was a terrible start for the hosts, who found themselves two goals down at half time.
Manager Paul Cooper’s half time team talk clearly made an impact, as a completely regenerated side came out and eventually drew level through goals from Kerran Boylan and Oli Leslie. The Anvils pushed for a late winner, but were caught on the break, conceding a penalty after a desperate challenge. Wes Tate converted the penalty on 87 minutes to steal all three points and break Anvil hearts, who must now look ahead to their trip to Broadbridge Heath and attempt to bring an end to their bad form.
Crawley Town 1-3 Notts County
Dermot Drummy’s side had not been beaten in the league going into this game, and we sitting pretty in second in League 2. An entertaining first half with plenty of chances for both sides finished goalless, James Collins coming closest for Reds when he broke through one-on-one with the keeper, who tipped his shot agonisingly past the post. The hosts came flying out of the blocks in the second half, taking the lead on 47 minutes with Enzio Boldewijn’s cool low finish from a well worked Crawley corner. The lead didn’t last long though, after some sloppy defending resulted in Collins knocking a low cross into his own net on 54 minutes. The visitors were ahead 10 minutes later; Adam Campbell bending in a strike from a tight angle at the edge of the box into the bottom corner.
Crawley struggled to get back in to the game after that blow, and the game was over four minutes from time when Jon Stead fired in a penalty after Andre Blackman handled in the area. After the game, Drummy said “I’ve told the boys they need to keep their heads up. We go again on Tuesday and we stay together on this journey.”
Dorking FC 1-5 Ash United
Dorking FC continued their poor form after they conceded five goals for the second home match in a row. The game started strongly for the Chicks, but strong play in possession was squandered by lack of composure in the final third. They were punished when Ash took the lead, but drew an equaliser just before half time from Owen Hunt to see the second half open nicely for a good contest.
However, the whistle had only just blown for the second half when two goals in the space of two minutes from United killed off the game. Heads dropped and whilst Dorking tried to build their way back into the game, their tired and inexperienced legs saw the side concede another two goals.
Press officer Roger Mahony:
“The scoreline didn’t reflect balance of play; it reflects the inexperience of players in the squad. We have brought in a manager to recruit local, young players and make them better that won’t happen overnight. There is already progress in the team, and it was all us in the first fifteen minutes. The next thing is to cut out the silly mistakes; two of Ash’s goals were breakaways. 1-1 was fair at half time, we had a hatful of chances and when we grabbed the equaliser we thought we could push on. Their two goals meant it took a bit of time to get our heads up again, and we played well in the last 15 and created some great chances, and at 3-2 we could have had the lift. We probably need one or two experienced players to help the squad develop.”
Horley Town 2-1 Hanworth Villa FC
Horley Town are still unbeaten after a 2-1 victory against Hanworth Villa. At the start of the day Hanworth were top of the league and favourites to win the match, but goals from Wetton and Robson saw Horley snatch the three points.
The home side were dominant in the first half, with the first goal coming fifteen minutes in. New signings Kyle Hough and Tate Greenway worked a corner into the box for Richard Wetton to put in at the front post. Then in the 28th minute, the right back Scott Robson went on a solo run and hit a fierce strike into the bottom corner from 20 yards out.
Hanworth came out stronger in the second half and took one of their chances in the 65th minute to send a few scares around the New Defence. They continued to press but the Horley defence stayed strong and even threatened a third on the counter. After two wins and two draws, Horley now sit in 7th on eight points.
Manager Ant Jupp was happy with the result:
“It was a very tough game against an unbeaten Hanworth. The first half we were very good and totally dominated. Hanworth got more into the game in the second half as expected and got a goal with a neat finish. We defended them well and had a couple of chances to wrap it up late on but their keeper made some good saves. Overall, a very good 3 points. Now onto Epsom away which once again will be very tough.”
Hythe Town 3-3 Horsham
Horsham earned a point against Hythe Town on Saturday, who finished 4th in the Isthmian League Division One South last season. Matt Dale stated that before the game, which finished 3-3, the side “would be happy to take a point.” However, he also stated:
“It’s disappointing we couldn’t hold onto the lead when we were 2-0 and 3-2 up, but Hythe are a good side and we would have expected them to throw everything at us.”
Most importantly, he said:
“It’s a point that’s got us off the mark and hopefully we can build on that on Monday against Lewes.”
Leiston 2-0 Burgess Hill Town
An 80th minute goal and 86th minute penalty saw Leiston grab the points late against Burgess Hill Town.
Before the match, Leiston had won all four of their opening fixtures and looked in a strong position to do so again. The Hillians had a few good chances at the start of both halves, but for most of the game focused on remaining solid defensively and kept Leiston away from their box. It saw an impressive goal from Matt Blake to break the deadlock, and the game was over when Josh James took down the Leiston forward.
Burgess Hill will be hoping for better as they face Folkestone Invicta this Bank Holiday Monday; a win could see them propel from 15th up to 6th.
After the game Ian Chapman said:
“We played some good football at times and we defended well. We had good chances to take the lead early in the 2nd half. If we had taken that we may have been able to have held on and take something from the game. As we found last season, this league is about fine margins and they took their chances in the last ten minutes.”
Merstham 3-4 Hendon
Merstham kept their first clean sheet of the season against Folkestone Invicta last Tuesday, taking a 0-0 draw, despite the absence of right back Michael Abnett. However, on Saturday, the side were involved in a seven goal thriller against Hendon, losing 4-3. Dan Bennett opened the scoring after nine minutes, but an own goal from Marc Okoye shortly followed.
Hendon fought back, scoring two more goals before Merstham managed to pull a goal back approaching half time. The opposition restored a two goal margin in the second half, but the Moatsiders netted a third before the final whistle.
Newcastle 3-0 Brighton
After a confident 4-2 win over Oxford United in the EFL Cup last Tuesday, Brighton were defeated 2-0 by promotion rivals Newcastle. Despite this result, Brighton are only five points adrift of first place as the side have accumulated eight points in five games. 3-0 wins against Nottingham Forest and Rotherham in the league exemplify the firepower which the Seagulls possess with the likes of Glenn Murray and Tomer Hemed.
The side will take a break this weekend, but on Saturday 10th September Brighton host Brentford. Three days later, the Seagulls encounter first placed Huddersfield.
Oakwood 2-2 Storrington
Oakwood came from behind to take a point against Storrington on Saturday as the final result ended 2-2. The side conceded two goals in the first half, scored by Liam Bouzan and Ross Fraser. In the 73rd minute, Gerald Manville pulled a goal back. 2-1. At last, in the 87th minute, Jack McNab netted the equaliser which earned the team a point. This afternoon, the club will face Midhurst & Easebourne.
Redhill 1-2 Balham
A promising start to the season saw Redhill defeat St. Francis Rangers 4-1 in the FA Cup and also win their opening league fixture against Frimley Green, defeating the side 2-0. Three days later, the side lost 2-1 against Chessington & Hook United and suffered a 6-1 defeat in the FA Cup to Lewes on Saturday 20th August.
Over the weekend, the Reds were on the end of a 2-1 loss to Balham. The latter are new to the Combined Counties League, finishing 2nd in the Surrey Elite Intermediate League last season and subsequently earning promotion. Today, Redhill take a trip to Worcester Park and will encounter Eversley & California on Saturday.
Rochdale 1-1 AFC Wimbledon
AFC Wimbledon are yet to record their first win in League One this season after a 1-all draw against Rochdale. The Dons came excruciatingly close though after they conceded an equaliser from 10-man Rochdale in the 5th minute of added time at the end of the match.
The game started well for Wimbledon after a quick counter attack saw Andy Barcham open the scoring with a header in the 12th minute. But Dale looked increasingly strong as the match went on with Allen rattling the crossbar and Dons keeper Ryan Clarke making a host of saves. When Rochdale player Camps was sent off for a second yellow card in the 82nd minute, the game looked all but over. Yet in the 95th minute with the final attack, Allen whipped a corner in that Clarke diverted into his own net.
After the game, manager Neal Ardley was in a reflective mood:
“We’ve lost a little bit of quality with the ball. We had fleeting moments when we looked good, but too often in the second-half we made bad decisions and lacked quality... There is loads to work on, but we are certainly positive about what we are doing. I said to the boys afterwards that ‘we do not turn on each other’. Part of what we had last season and what we want this season is team spirit and an unbelievable work ethic. We will try to keep that going.”
Sittingbourne 2-0 South Park
South Park take on Surrey rivals Dorking Wanderers in the first qualifying round of the FA Cup on Friday 2nd September after defeating Phoenix Sports 2-1 on the 20th August. In the league, the Sparks lost 2-0 against Sittingbourne of the weekend but will face Guernsey FC this afternoon.
Southwick 1-2 Lingfield
After thrashing Halisham Town 5-0 in a cup fixture on Saturday 20th August, Lingfield carried that confidence into their following league game as the side defeated Southwick 2-1 at the weekend. A penalty in the 68th minute was converted by David Heaton, followed by another goal in the 74th minute by Dan Frith.
Tomorrow night, Lingfield face St. Francis Rangers on the road. Another couple of away trips follow, including fixtures against AFC Varndeanians, Seaford Town and Halisham.
Tooting & Mitcham United 2-1 Dorking Wanderers
Dorking Wanderers’ 100% start to the season is over after being beaten at Imperial Fields. The hosts took the lead after Jordan Wilson slotted home after 23 minutes. Wanderers then held firm after more pressure from Tooting & Mitcham, and were level just before half time when Tom Tolfrey, continuing his fine goalscoring form, converted a penalty.
Wanderers were behind again just after the break, failing to deal with a quickly-taken Tooting thrown-in, the ball found Danny Bassett who hit early to grab the winner. Dorking Wanderers now sit 5th in the Ryman League South Division table, ahead of the visit of Molesey on Monday.
Walton Casuals 1-0 Three Bridges
Three Bridges are still without a win this league campaign after losing away at Walton Casuals thanks to Gabriel Odunaike’s goal. It was a closely contested game throughout, but it was Odunaike who proved to be the difference; his 41st minute goal coming just 10 minutes after having one ruled out for offside.
The Bridges have not won in all competitions so far this season, but will be hoping their luck changes on Bank Holiday Monday when they host Goldalming Town, who are yet to pick up a point in the league.
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Back of the Net: Sussex and Surrey football round-up


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Sixteen years ago to the day, Steve James created a new Glamorgan individual batting record of 309 not out against Sussex at Colwyn Bay, after Chris Adams had elected to field after winning the toss.
Luke Wright also decided to field, but had a much better day than Adams who saw Glamorgan resume on 457 for 1 on the second day. Wright’s bowlers dismissed Glamorgan for a below par 252 in 60.1 overs, before Chris Nash and Ed Joyce compiled an opening partnership of 111. Sussex trail by 142, and are well placed to gain a substantial lead on first innings.
Not for the first time this season Glamorgan relied on their middle and late order batsmen to get them out of trouble after they had slumped to 56 for 5 before lunch. The last five wickets added 196 runs with Graham Wagg and Mark Wallace scoring half centuries and Owen Morgan, who last week scored an undefeated 103 as night watchman against Worcestershire, again impressing with 32 not out. Jofra Archer achieved career best championship figures of 4-91, but he will bowl better than this and be less rewarded.
Nick Selman, who three weeks ago carried his bat against Northants, scoring 122 not out, was out to the fifth ball of the innings, and has now failed to score in four successive innings. He was quickly followed by Jacques Rudolph, whose miserable season continued when he gloved an innocuous delivery from Archer down the leg side to the wicketkeeper. The Sussex seamers continued to take wickets, but Glamorgan’s batsmen contributed to their downfall with some poor shot selection- Will Bragg following one from Steve Magoffin and David Lloyd- who struck his first ball for six- nudging to slip.
Wagg and Aneurin Donald began Glamorgan’s revival with a partnership of 50, before Donald played on to Archer, and although Craig Meschede was out soon afterwards, Wagg went on to score 57 with ten boundaries before giving David Wiese a return catch. Wallace top scored with 61 from 59 balls, putting on 44 with Wagg and 62 with Morgan who surely deserves promotion in the batting order from number 9. He shared a stand of 33 for the last wicket with Michael Hogan that enabled Glamorgan gain two batting points.
The green pitch was soon put into perspective by Chris Nash and Ed Joyce, who were soon into their stride, striking nine boundaries from the opening twelve overs, as Glamorgan’s opening bowlers Meschede and Van Der Gugten failed to make any impact. Nash reached his fifty from 89 balls, but Joyce nibbled at one from Meschede three overs before the close, having completed his thousand runs for the season after scoring 45.
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County Championship: Archer takes career-best figures as Sussex dominate Glamorgan


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The parents of a teenager whose body was found on Thursday have paid a heartfelt tribute to their ‘beautiful girl’ and released a photograph of her, Sussex police has said.
Sharon Grice and Richard Green of Hove, parents of Shana Grice, 19, said: “Shana is our beautiful girl, a kind thoughtful, caring daughter who always thought of others.
Shana is our beautiful girl, a kind thoughtful, caring daughter who always thought of others Sharon Grice and Richard Green
“We would like to thank Ashley and his family for their support.
“We would also like to thank everyone for their beautiful kind words.
“We would like to ask that our privacy be respected through this difficult time.”
According to Sussex Police, Ashley was Shana’s current boyfriend.
Shana’s body was found at her address in Chrisdory Road, Mile Oak, on Thursday morning.
The 27-year old man arrested on Thursday on suspicion of murder in Burgess Hill is still in custody for interview and further enquiries, police said.
Magistrates at Brighton today granted a warrant authorising his continued detention if necessary until Sunday.
A post-mortem is currently taking place in Brighton but is not expected to conclude until later tonight.
As previously announced, the death has been notified to the Independent Police Complaints Commission. To read the full story, click here.
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Parents of murdered teen pay tribute to their ‘beautiful girl’


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Pokemon GO players who are found to be cheating will have a permanent ban slapped on them, it has been announced.
The game’s developer, Niantic, has altered the terms and conditions to include the condition that a life ban will ensue for anyone caught using trickery to bag Pokemon.
The new clause prohibits: “Falsifying your location, using emulators, modified or unofficial software and/or accessing Pokemon GO clients or backends in an unauthorized manner including through the use of third party software.”
It has been reported that some users have managed to fool the app into thinking they were at a different location. Some Pokemon are region-specific, although taken to extremes, a player could play the game without leaving their home.
“Our goal is to provide a fair, fun and legitimate game experience for everyone,” Niantic said:
“We will continue to work with all of you to improve the quality of the gameplay, including ongoing optimization and fine tuning of our anti-cheat system.”
Anyone believing that have been unfairly banned can access an appeals system.


Crawley Town head coach Dermot Drummy pointed to defensive slips which led to them suffering their first league defeat of the season.
After a quiet first half, Reds took the lead two minutes into the restart through an individual effort by Enzio Boldewijn.
Notts County then responded with three goals to take three points through a James Collins own goal plus goals by Adam Campbell and Jon Stead from the penalty spot.
Drummy said: “Two of the goals could have been prevented and I thought if we took our chances could have nicked a point rather than deserved a point.
“I thought they were a very good side from upfront to midfield. At times we couldn’t get near them, probably because the legs in midfield were missing
“We’ve got to recover and go again on Tuesday against Colchester.
“It’s very important we stick together as a group - it is our first defeat, let’s not forget that.
“Today I thought that the attitude was fantastic. I didn;t think we had the power in us.
“We just have to regroup and take it on the chin. We gave two goals away we shouldn’t have given away today.
“We lost three points, that’s it, we have to stay positive, we now have a big game against Colchester and then we have a massive game at Portsmouth.”
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Drummy: Two of their goals should have been prevented


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None of the 119 services a day set to be restored to Southern train timetablse are in Sussex.
Govia Thameslink Railway brought in a revised weekday timetable in early July, which cancelled more than 300 services a day in response to staff shortages.
The rail operator has been locked in a bitter dispute with the RMT union for months over plans to change the role of conductors, with both sides blaming each other for the inadequate level of train crew available.
The new timetable saw most train services cancelled between Lewes and Seaford, with buses operating instead.
Southern announced today that 119 train services will be reinstated on Monday (September 5), but these will be in Surrey and in and out of London.
Charles Horton, GTR’s chief executive, said: “We know how difficult life has been for our passengers recently and we are sincerely sorry. Our aim has been to bring back as much of the timetable as quickly as we could and for several weeks we’ve had 5th September as our target to begin the reinstatement of trains.
“We’re pleased that we can restore a large chunk of our train timetable for our passengers on this date but we will not be satisfied until the full timetable is running, and running in a punctual way people can rely on.
“But with another RMT strike called for next week, passengers will be dismayed and angry, as we are, that the union has called yet further cynically-orchestrated action to try and scupper this improved service, and cause maximum disruption, damage and delay in the very week when many people go back to work and back to school after the summer break.”
“But we will not be thwarted in our determination to give passengers their trains back. In the face of an intransigent RMT leadership, we’re doing all we can to get our passengers back on track.
“The updated timetable will allow us to run a more comprehensive rush hour service with virtually a full peak service at London Bridge and 95% of peak train capacity at Victoria. We will continue to add services incrementally and we are aiming at restoring the full timetable in the coming weeks.
“However, while we’ll do all we can to restore the services, we are faced with an unparalleled wave of strikes, unjustified industrial disputes and abnormal levels of train crew sickness. We are also part of a live railway network which can result, however much we don’t want them, in unexpected incidents which do cause short notice cancellations and disruption. This is the start of the journey to restore the full timetable. It will take time to complete, but passengers can be assured it is now underway.”
The restored rail services are available in online journey planners.
Southern says that information on services during the RMT strike action on Wednesday and Thursday, 7 and 8 September will be announced in due course.
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No Sussex services restored in Southern timetable changes


A union representing Sussex railway station ticket office staff will hold talks with Southern bosses over proposed cuts to opening hours.
Govia Thameslink Railway unveiled proposals earlier this year to introduce ‘station hosts’ selling tickets on the concourses, limiting ticket office opening hours to weekday peak times only at most of its stations in the county.
Station staff represented by the RMT union are already planning to strike on Wednesday September 7, while the Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association are currently balloting its members on industrial action.
The RMT strike coincides with a separate 48-hour walkout planned to start at the same time over GTR’s plans to change the role of conductors on Southern services to on-board supervisors, with drivers operating train doors instead.
The TSSA is attending talks with GTR, hosted by conciliation service ACAS today (Wednesday August 31) in an attempt to head off the cuts.
The results of the TSSA’s strike ballot will be announced on Friday (September 2).
Yesterday Lorraine Ward, TSSA’s organising director, said: “Govia Thameslink’s management of Southern is running the service into the ground.
“It is clear to passengers and staff alike that to serve the public effectively and ensure a safe running of the service, Southern should not reduce current staffing levels.
“This is the largest and busiest franchise in the UK rail network and, up to now, the measures Govia are proposing will simply slash passenger and staff safety standards on this dangerously over-strained service.
“All unions have been resolute in standing firm in the face of this plan and we are now optimistic that Govia will be showing willing to abandon it at tomorrow’s talks.”
Responding to the RMT’s decision to strike over proposed cuts to ticket office opening times late last week, GTR explained that after talks with both unions it had decided to take the original proposals off the table.
Instead the rail operator would be conducting a six months pilot at eight stations using volunteer staff to test the new station host role.
Alex Foulds, GTR’s passenger services director, said: “These pilots would be manned by volunteers on a secondment basis and would allow concerns around personal safety and cash handling to be addressed. Staff would keep their jobs, get more money and many would work fewer hours.
“To call a strike over proposals that no longer exist is a stunning own goal by the RMT leadership.”
Under the original proposals ticket offices at Lancing and Falmer were due to close completely.
Stations at Angmering, Barnham, Bexhill, Bognor Regis, Burgess Hill, Chichester, Crawley, East Grinstead, Eastbourne, Hassocks, Horley, Horsham, Hove, Lewes, Littlehampton, Polegate, Portslade, Shoreham, and Worthing were also due to be affected by the cuts.
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Union in talks over cuts to station ticket offices


For anyone who has found the whole process of internet shopping too much like hard work Amazon has come up with a solution.
The online retailer today revealed that it is introducing its Amazon Dash Buttons to the UK.
The dinky little gadgets are a one-touch way to order a host of popular products without all that complicated rigmarole of actually logging onto your Amazon account and searching for them.
The Dash Buttons are literally that, small plastic boxes housing a button, which when pressed will connect via wi-fi to your Amazon account and using one-click buying order your selected products.
Each button is linked to a particular item and there are 40 brands available from launch so you can get everything from cat food to condoms and nappies to NERF ammunition delivered to your door.
Daniel Rausch, director of Amazon Dash, explained the thinking behind the devices: “We’ve all experienced the frustration of running out of something we need - Dash Button and Dash Replenishment Service are designed to make that moment a thing of the past.
“Dash Buttons offer the convenience of one-click shopping from anywhere in the home - they can be placed near those frequently used items you don’t want to run out of, and when you see supplies running low, the Dash Button makes it easier than ever to order more. Just press the button and your item is on its way.”
The £4.99 devices are only available to Amazon Prime customers, which means you’ll have to sign up to the £79-a-year service to enjoy the Dash Button’s convenience. The good news is that you’ll get £4.99 back off your first order of each product.
Alongside the buttons, Amazon also announced the UK rollout of its Dash Replenishment Service.
Like the button this links to your Amazon account but rather than having to do the ordering yourself it allows connected smart devices to order supplies themselves.
This means the likes of washing machines, dishwashers and printers from big-name brands including Bosch, Samsung, Whirlpool and Siemens can monitor your consumables usage and order more before you run out.
If they could just design a button that remotely loads the dishwasher too, they could be onto a winner.

Amazon Dash lets you order your loo roll at the touch of a button


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The investigation into the suspected murder of a 19-year-old is still underway, police have said.
As previously reported, a 27-year-old man from Portslade was arrested in Burgess Hill yesterday on suspicion of murder after the woman’s body was found in Chrisdory Road, Mile Oak.
The scene of the suspected murder at a property in Chrisdory Road, Mile Oak. Picture: Eddie Mitchell
The house is still a crime scene as forensic teams continue their work, Sussex Police has said.
The murder has also been reported to the independent body which deals with police complaints. Click here for the full story.
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Police have confirmed they are looking for a missing swimmer at Camber Sands – days after five men lost their lives at the beach.
A coastguard helicopter is circling above Camber Sands, and a spokesperson for the RNLI confirmed they had lifeboats at the scene.
Sussex Police said they were called to the scene after a member of the public contacted them and the coastguard at Camber Sands after seeing an abandoned pair of flip flops next to the sea and a female diving into the water at this location.
A spokesperson added: “Officers at the scene are doing coastal checks to see if there are any persons swimming having difficulty”.
An RNLI spokesperson said the search for the ‘potentially missing swimmer’ was being co-ordinated by Sussex Police and the coastguard, and that their lifeguards were keeping watch from the beach with binoculars.
This search comes after five men lost their lives at Camber Sands last week, and the RNLI donated lifeguards to patrol the beach over the Bank Holiday weekend. Click here to read more.
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Search for ‘missing swimmer’ at beach days after tragedy


Four men have been arrested in Ashington after immigration officers questioned them about their right to live and work in the UK.
Acting on intelligence, officers visited Indian Cottage, an Indian restaurant in London Road, Ashington, on Thursday, August 25.
Staff were questioned to establish whether they had the right to live and work in the UK.
Officers arrested four men aged between 26 and 36 years old, all from Bangladesh.
A spokesperson for the Home Office said two of the men had overstayed their student visas, another had overstayed his work visa and the fourth man had entered the UK illegally.
Three remain in immigration detention pending their removal from the UK. The remaining man has been given immigration bail and must now report regularly to the Home Office while his case is considered.
Inspector Ceri Williams, of the Kent and Sussex Immigration Enforcement team, said:
“We are working hard to tackle illegal working and those who abuse the UK’s immigration system.
“Using illegal labour is not victimless crime. It defrauds the Treasury, depriving vital public services like schools and hospitals of funds, it undercuts honest businesses and it cheats legitimate job seekers of employment opportunities.
“It also exploits some of society’s most vulnerable people.”
The business has been served with a notice warning that a financial penalty of up to £20,000 for each illegal worker found will be imposed unless they can demonstrate that appropriate right to work document checks were carried out, such as seeing a passport or Home Office document confirming permission to work.
Since four people were arrested the fine could be as high as £80,000
People with information about suspected immigration abuse can contact https://www.gov.uk/report-immigration-crime or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Four men arrested by immigration officers at restaurant