Sussex County League
Another early morning start at the 'former Revenue' site in Worthing facilitated a further overnight stay in on the South Coast the previous night. Once again my options were restricted but the lure of Champions League footie on TV was no match for Wick v Lewes in the Sussex Senior Cup.Wick, not to be confused with Wick Academy of the Highland Football League, is a hamlet of Littlehampton. David Bauckham of Nomad fame describes Wick's Crabtree Park as "one of the best-kept in the County League and a credit to the club". I certainly agree with this view. There is covered accommodation on both sides of the pitch and this was most welcome during this match as there were sporadic showers. The Brighton - Portsmouth railway line runs along side the ground but anyone familiar with Littlehampton will be aware of the massive detour it takes to reach the town. This might have something to do with the geography of the Arun Valley and the course of the said river.
Good fish & chips in town preceded my onward journey and a brisk 20 - 25 minute walk from Littlehampton railway station will get you to the ground. En route I recommend stopping off at The Dew Drop, a George Gale hostelry recommended by CAMRA. Butser was my choice of ale and very good it was too. For anyone interested, the 16th Sussex CAMRA Beer & Cider Festival takes place at The Hove Centre 9-11 March 2006.
As for the match, opponents Lewes were always the more likely winners as befits their Conference South status. However they needed to work hard and had to wait until the 82nd minute for the decisive goal. A gutsy performance from the home side, not least their Oliver Khan look-alike keeper, almost took the tie to extra time (sorry Andy).
Wick FC 2005-6Attendance: 68
Admission: £5.00
Programme: £1.00 (Obtained for you Andy and Stan)
Fare: £2.70 Day Return from Worthing with Gold Card discount
Tea: 50p
Butser: £2.10
