A dramatic start to Hurst Football Club's 2021 season

Season kicks off

By Ed Bartram

The football season is now in full swing, and the village side enjoyed their season openers at Fairfield last month with a triple-header. The 1st team, reserves and 3rd team were all at home which, when combined with the lure of a barbecue and the long-awaited reopening of the clubhouse bar, drew a couple of hundred spectators throughout the day.

Both on and off the pitch, things started slowly; the 3rd team kicked off first but quickly fell behind to Plumpton Athletic, and a no-show from the promised barbecue chef caused much concern. But then the Powell family came to the rescue; striker Dan Powell scored a screamer to restore some hope on the pitch, whilst Tim Powell from The Horse Inn arrived with some emergency burgers and sausages.

The game ended in a 4-1 defeat for the 3rd team, but a much improved second half display gave reason for optimism. The 1st team followed, hosting a young and lively Roffey side. A structured and professional display from Hurst allowed Roffey to cause little threat going forward. At the other end of the pitch, the attacking players caused problems all afternoon, creating some good goalscoring chances and winning two penalties, both of which were converted by Ed Bartram. A comfortable 2-0 win. The game of the day was undoubtedly the late game, when the reserves hosted Ditchling reserves. With their 1st team game postponed, Ditchling arrived with a strong team and strolled to a 3-1 half-time lead. However, Hurstpierpoint’s spirit can never be questioned, and when Josh Messer and Craig Mallon scored goals to level the score line, there was a feeling that the game was only going to end in one way. Young striker Dan Adams made sure of that, smashing home a late winner to make it six points from a possible nine on the day for the Blue Dogs.

The club would like to put on record our thanks to everyone who helped during the day, our sponsors, and everyone who came along to cheer the team on. There is plenty of football to be played at Fairfield this season, and supporters are always welcome.

Blue Dogs victorious in final

Hurstpierpoint Football Club success in 2018

By Alex Oecken

Hurstpierpoint Football Club has been the village team since its formation in 1886, making it one of the oldest football clubs in the country. Originally playing in the grounds of Danny House, the club moved to Fairfield Rec in the mid-1900s, a ground that they still call ‘home’ today.

In 2014 Hurst won the prestigious Sussex Intermediate Cup, beating Cowfold in the final - arguably the proudest day in the club’s long history. 

This year the club looked to go and emulate the victorious feat, but this time in the Edgar German Cup. 

The ‘Blue Dogs’ found themselves drawn in the final against a very young Jarvis Brook II side that proved more than worthy of its place, despite being in the division below.

The game took place last month at Hanbury Park stadium in Haywards Heath. Hurst came into the game without a win since their semi-final victory three weeks prior but still took the lead through a Luca D’Alessio header just before half time. Luca was one of the three products in the squad who came from the club’s youth system, Hurstpierpoint Colts.

Jarvis Brook equalised with a penalty just after halftime, which made for a more tense finish.

The deciding moment came with just under half an hour to play, when Hurstpierpoint born Luke Martin arrowed an effort passed the Brook goalkeeper from 25 yards to make it 2-1 on the night.

The club has made great progress in the last two seasons, and all involved are very proud of this achievement. We are expanding and growing as a club and would welcome anyone in the village who would be keen to get involved, whether that be playing, managing/coaching or on the committee. Do get in touch (hurstpierpointfc @gmail.com).