Where to support Non League Day 2019 in Sussex
This Saturday has been designated as 2019’s Non League Day, when football fans are encouraged to get out and support grassroots football across the country.
With no Premier League fixtures due to the international break, what better excuse is there for Brighton fans to attend a game at one of the many brilliant Non League clubs across Sussex?
Many of these clubs are exclusively volunteer run, with money taken at the turnstiles often funding thriving youth set-ups, projects and facilities which are of benefit to the whole community. By attending a Non League game, you’ll be playing your part in supporting such ventures
While the players on show might not quite be of the same level as the Lewis Dunks, Leandro Trossards or Glenn Murrays of this world, you still might find yourself surprised by the standard – Glenn of course is just one of a number of the current Albion squad who cut their teeth in the amateur game.
You’ll also find what we like to call “real football” at these Non League venues. Places where it doesn’t cost £3.20 for a bag of Starburst or £40 for a ticket. Where you can stand and drink a pint while you watch and where you’re guaranteed a friendly welcome – one which doesn’t involve being searched for dangerous weapons such as flasks, bottle tops or homemade sandwiches.
Sounds good, doesn’t it? If you want to show your support on Non League Day 2019, then here are some of the games across Sussex that are worth checking out. We’ve also included a list of every game in the county at the bottom for you to take your pick from.
Burgess Hill Town v Phoenix Sports
Early in Gus Poyet’s reign as Albion boss, he played in a “Legends” game at Burgess Hill Town. Poyet enjoyed his experience at the wonderfully named Green Elephants Stadium so much that for the next few years, he requested that the Albion started their pre-season campaign away against the Hillians.
The Green Elephants has changed a fair bit since those days just under a decade ago, a result of Burgess Hill’s rise to the Isthmian Premier Division which required some ground upgrades.
It hasn’t lost any of its charm however and is still a homely place to watch football with a well-positioned and well-stocked bar. They could do with the support too as Hill aren’t having the best of seasons under former Brighton midfielder Simon Wormwull.
Phoenix Sports are the visitors in the FA Trophy, which coincidentally falls on Non League Day this year. While professional clubs routinely dismiss the FA Cup, this will provide a welcome reminder of just how prestigious national competitions used to be.
Eastbourne Town v Horsham YMCA
It isn’t just FA Trophy day – it’s FA Vase day too. Eight Sussex clubs are still on the road to Wembley with a final appearance under the famous arch just seven wins away.
The pick of the games is at Eastbourne Town where two of last season’s Southern Combination League Premier Division top three will meet as Horsham YMCA are in town.
YM were runners up in 2018-19 but are undergoing something of a transitional season. Town meanwhile look well on course to better their third place finish, currently sitting pretty at the top of the table with an unbeaten record.
They also happen to be the best supported team in the SCFL, with crowds averaging over 200 including their own band of Ultras. The Saffrons is a short walk from Eastbourne Station and one of the most historic sporting venues in the county as it also plays host to Sussex County Cricket Club, so a trip to the Sunshine Coast will tick a lot of boxes.
Broadbridge Heath v Crawley Down Gatwick
Broadbridge Heath are the proprietors of the newest ground in Sussex, having moved into their High Wood Hill Sports Ground in the summer. As a result, they’ve enjoyed a huge influx of football tourists so far this season as Non League aficionados flock to tick off a new venue.
As you would expect, the facilities are good – especially the bar. That should be matched by what happens on the pitch as the Bears host Crawley Down Gatwick in what could almost qualify as a local derby of sorts.
What’s more likely to make this clash a spicy one than the location is the familiarity between the two sides. Down have a handful of former Heath players among their ranks, so there’s a chance that this could be a fiery encounter in the Sussex RUR Charity Cup.
Hassocks v Langney Wanderers
Okay, so we’re a little biased when it comes to this one as we are actually one of Hassocks’ club sponsors. But you won’t find a more picturesque ground in Sussex than the Beacon.
Settled at the foot of Clayton Hill, it’s overlooked by Jack and Jill Windmills. When the sun shines, it’s a brilliant place to watch football – especially with a £3 pint in your hand.
The Robins are hosting Eastbourne-based Langney Wanderers in the Peter Bentley League Cup on Non League Day, the premier knockout competition for SCFL sides.
Games involving Hassocks have been ridiculously high scoring of late with 49 goals flying into the back of the net in just nine matches since the start of September. If you want entertainment, the Beacon is the place to be.
AFC Varndeanians v Littlehampton Town
When the Albion vacated Withdean in 2011, that wasn’t the end of the Theatre of Trees’ footballing story. In 2015, SCFL Division One club AFC Varndeanians moved in and the ground is now used by both them and Division Two outfit Brighton Electricity.
Withdean is of course much changed since we played there. The South and West Stands are gone, there’s no bacon baguette van, Dick Knight won’t be on the pitch at half time cutting a giant birthday cake and there’s no madman hiding in the forest who lets off fireworks every time Varndeanians score.
What you will find though is the same dugouts, same North Stand and same feeling of playing a pre-season friendly in Scandanavia as Lou Macari once famously described it.
You could even take in a Sportsman Carvery beforehand, although we note that the price has risen to £6.49 from the £3.99 we used to pay to be fuelled through a game and onto Tru afterwards. Brexit means Brexit.
Varndeanians are taking on Littlehampton Town, which is actually third versus top in Division One. A game nearly as tasty as the meat in the Sportsman and one which will allow you to roll back the years to a simpler time.
Non League Day fixtures in Sussex…
Isthmian League Premier
Bognor Regis Town v Potters Bar
Isthmian League South East
Three Bridges v Ramsgate
FA Trophy
Burgess Hill Town v Phoenix Sports
East Grinstead Town v Aveley
Haywards Heath Town v Bracknell Town
Whitehawk v Romford
FA Vase
Eastbourne Town v Horsham YMCA
Mile Oak v Redhill
Peacehaven & Telscombe v Glebe United
Seaford Town v Horley Town
Sussex RUR Charity Cup
Broadbridge Heath v Crawley Down Gatwick
Peter Bentley League Cup
Eastbourne United v Pagham
Hassocks v Langney Wanderers
Loxwood v East Preston
Southern Combination Division One
AFC Varndeanians v Littlehampton Town
Billingshurst v Bexhill United
Hailsham Town v Storrington
Oakwood v Worthing United
Selsey v Shoreham
Southwick v Wick
Southern Combination Division Two
Copthorne v Rustington
Jarvis Brook v Ferring
Sussex Intermediate Cup
Bosham v Wadhurst United
Angmering Village v Nyetimber Pirates
Littlehampton United v Willingdon Athletic
Rottingdean Village v Lindfield
Worthing Town v Brighton Electricity
