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Match Preview: League Fixture .
Headley Veterans vs Ashtead Veterans
Kick-Off: 10:30 AM, Sunday 13th October 2024
Venue: Headley Pavillion, Mill Lane, Headley, Hampshire GU35 8LH
Pre-Match Report: Headley Veterans vs. Ashtead Vets, Sunday 13th October
Headley Veterans return to league action this Sunday, as they prepare to host Ashtead Vets at their home ground, 'The Fortress' Mill Lane. With a two-week break behind them, the squad is refreshed, focused, and eager to continue their unbeaten home record. Managers Barry Parker and Chris Brown have a full squad to choose from, with 19 players making themselves available, providing a wealth of options across the pitch. The only absentee is Brian Wood, who remains sidelined with a calf injury sustained during the team’s tough away battle against Ockham.
This fixture promises to be a key test for Headley, as Ashtead Vets come into the game as the league’s current top scorers, demonstrating a formidable attacking prowess. Barry Parker, reflecting on the challenge ahead, remarked, “They may have a striker that has scored more goals than anyone else, but the season is just three goals deep. We have the heart and the tactical edge and with our squad all chipping in with goals - we can be confident to get more this Sunday. Our defensive unit has been strong, and we know we can keep them at bay if we play with the same determination and spirit that’s been our hallmark this season.” It’s a match where Headley’s solid backline, featuring the likes of Darren Churcher, Ionut, and Martin Buttery, will be critical in limiting Ashtead’s offensive threats.
Darren Churcher has been a standout at centre-back, showing leadership and strength, even playing through sickness in previous matches. Alongside him, Ionut has earned praise for his consistent performances and quickness to intercept danger, earning the Man of the Match award in their recent Challenge Cup tie against Complete Vets. Martin Buttery, who returned from an early-season injury, has brought stability and resilience to the left wing-back role, proving his defensive reliability while supporting attacks down the flank.
The midfield battle will be crucial, with Paul Murply, Paul Oliver and Danny McGarry likely to play pivotal roles in controlling the pace of the game. McGarry’s tough tackling and work rate have added steel to the midfield, while 'The Paul's' ability to distribute the ball quickly has been key in transitioning from defense to attack.
Up front, the attacking trio of Milente, Parker and Oram-Tooley will aim to trouble Ashtead’s defense. Marius, known for his flair and goal-scoring ability, has already shown he can find the back of the net in crucial moments. Parker and OT's intelligent movement and ability to link up play make them a constant threat, with Fifield showing his class in his combination play with the likes of Sandeep Bacheta, Gordon and Leigh WIlson on the wings that could provide the openings Headley need to break through Ashtead’s defenses.
With such a deep and versatile squad at their disposal, Chris Brown emphasised the importance of squad depth heading into this fixture, saying, “Our strength lies in our depth. We’ve got players who can step up in any situation, and that gives us the flexibility to adapt our game plan when needed. It’s not just about the starting eleven—it's about the entire squad, and everyone’s ready to make their mark.”
Headley’s forward momentum has been building since the start of the season, with strong performances even in narrow defeats. The recent Challenge Cup clash against Complete Vets showcased their resilience and ability to compete against high-level teams. Although they narrowly missed out on advancing, their dominance in possession and chances created revealed a squad that is capable of controlling games. With home advantage at the Mill Lane Fortress, Headley aims to capitalise on this energy and maintain their impressive home form.
Kickoff is set for 10:30 AM, and fans can expect an intense battle as Headley looks to continue their strong run at home against a potent Ashtead side. With renewed fitness, tactical discipline, and a squad full of belief, Headley is set on proving that they are a force to be reckoned with in the league. Sunday’s fixture will be a true test of their mettle and a chance to send a message to the rest of the division.
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Match Preview: League Fixture .
Ockham Veterans vs Headley Veterans
Kick-Off: 10:30 AM, Sunday 15th September 2024
Venue: Ockham Cricket Club, Hautboy Meadow Ockham GU23 6NP
This Sunday, the Headley Veterans are ready to embark on another thrilling chapter as we head to face Ockham Veterans in what promises to be a cracking away fixture. After a strong pre-season, full of energy and promising performances, the squad is buzzing with anticipation.
Our last outing saw a depleted Veterans side grind out a 2-1 cup victory against the Woking outfit, during the 2023/24 season. Now, with fresh legs and renewed ambition, we look to carry that momentum forward and set our sights on league glory.
Ockham may have recently earned promotion from League 5, but we’ve got our eyes on the League 4 title. The veterans have been working hard through pre-season, showing determination and spirit that could make this a defining season for the club. With the likes of Milente, Parker and Oram-Tooley leading the charge, and Richards, Wood and Wilson adding that extra grit in the wide areas - this squad is as ready as ever.
Returning stars like Buttery, Fifield, Murphy, and Churcher will be looking to make their mark, while the experience of goalkeeper Small will be crucial in steering us through tough moments. Newcomers like Martin, Sleater, bring fresh energy and skill to the team, adding depth to what is shaping up to be a formidable squad.
As we take on Ockham this weekend, the focus is clear: we are not just here to compete, but to dominate. The confidence in the camp is high, the pre-season performances have been sharp, and now it's time to put everything into action on the league stage. Let’s use this as a statement game—one that signals our intent to take League by storm.
With a unified squad and belief in each other, we march into Sunday’s match ready for battle. Together, we push forward with our ultimate goal in sight: the league title.
Stay tuned for an exciting clash as we aim to keep the momentum rolling and build on the promising start to this campaign.
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Match Preview: Pre-Season Friendly vs Beacon Hill
Kick-Off: 10:30 AM, Sunday 18th August 2024
Venue: Playing Fields, Beacon Hill, Hindhead GU26 6RF
This Sunday marks an exciting new chapter for the Headley Veterans as we face off against Beacon Hill in our first pre-season friendly. The fixture, set to kick off at 10:30 AM, also marks the managerial debut of Barry Parker and Chris Brown, who take charge of the team with renewed ambition and fresh ideas.
With a new-look squad and fresh tactics, this pre-season match promises to be the perfect way to kickstart the upcoming campaign. We are thrilled to welcome some new faces into the fold, including Ionut and Marius, who bring added depth and versatility to the squad. Joining them are last season's new arrivals, Darren Churcher and Simon Gordon, both of whom have settled in well and will be keen to make an impact.
Not only will this be a new beginning in terms of personnel, but the team will also take to the field sporting a sleek new kit, thanks to our partnership with Keep Attacking. This fresh look brings the added buzz to the new direction and positive energy surrounding the club. The managers have introduced a new formation, which emphasises a shift in our approach that we hope will prove successful as we build towards the competitive season.
This match will be a crucial test for the refreshed squad, offering a glimpse into the new tactics and team cohesion under Barry and Chris’s leadership. As we step onto the pitch this Sunday, there’s a real sense of optimism and determination within the team. We are ready to embrace the challenges ahead, with our focus firmly set on building momentum, refining our play, and developing a winning mentality.
Headley Veterans are eager to get the ball rolling and begin this new era on a high note.
Stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting game as we look to lay the foundations for a successful season ahead!
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pre-season x HEADLEY VETERANS
The Headley Veterans have an exciting season ahead, packed with a mix of pre-season fixtures, tournaments, and additional events to keep the squad sharp and competitive. Our pre-season schedule will feature a series of friendlies designed to build fitness, sharpen tactics, and integrate new players ahead of the upcoming season. We are also looking forward to competing in several veterans' tournaments, which will test our skills against some of the top teams in the region. Alongside these competitions, we have arranged extra training sessions, social events, and community engagements to foster team spirit and maintain our strong presence both on and off the field. Keep an eye on our website for fixture dates and details about upcoming matches and tournaments!