Hello and thank you for coming to Longmead Stadium for this afternoon's Bostik Premier match. A warm welcome to today's match officials and the players, officials and supporters of Corinthian Casuals. Also to our sponsor today Dan Barden I hope everyone enjoys their afternoon with us and wish you all a very safe journey home.

It is very repetitive to say how close this league is but as an example, despite lying in the lower half of the table, our visitors have proved that they are more than a match for any team in this league.We were beaten by them 2-1 in an evening fixture earlier in the season.

The AFC Hornchurch game was very close and our goal was the result of patience and perseverance which may be OK when you are playing but it doesn't do much for the spectators. The downside to the result on Saturday was Tommy Parkinson's injury to his ankle which I have been informed is not broken and we all hope that he makes a speedy recovery.
The ladies were unfortunately edged out of the Chairman’s Cup semi final against Lewes last Sunday losing by the odd goal in three but put in a brave performance in very unpleasant conditions.

The high winds and heavy rain this week have proved a challenge and whilst we lost some advertising boards the roofs seem to have escaped. At the time of writing these notes more heavy rain and high winds are forecast for later in the week so fingers crossed everything continues to be OK for today’s game.

The weather has proved a challenge to our groundsman Pete but he has proved yet again why he is the best in the country as confirmed by the FA. I will be able to let you know about the grant money for winning Groundsman of the Year and what we are spending it on in the next couple of weeks but suffice to say Pete and I recently spent a morning looking at specialized pitch maintenance tractors. We certainly know how to live!

Your Commercial, Events and Sponsorship teams have arranged a series of exciting events for your enjoyment and entertainment as the football season comes to a close and summer gets into full swing.

The details are out for the Sportsman’s Dinner on Thursday 25 April with Bruce Grobbelaar being the guest speaker so please book your seat as per the details on the website. Included will be a two course dinner, a raffle and an auction. Definitely an evening not to be missed.

The Garden and Craft Show on the 11 and 12 May is going to be the biggest yet with all plots taken and with the marquee full. The variety of exhibitors is amazing and will provide something for everyone. If you would like to help out please speak to Trevor Brittain or Sarah Parks.

Angelfest on 24 25 and 26 May will have a variety of ciders, including, so I am told, the very popular 'Double Vision', as well as beers and for the first time a gin bar. The music lineup will of course feature the very best of local bands. The Scatonics will also be making a welcome re-appearance at the Marquee and as a special bonus Club Tropicana are planning to hold an event.

Details of everything happening down at your club will appear on the website as soon as dates and times are all confirmed,

We are still looking for volunteers for all events so if you fancy helping out please let me or any other of the Board members know.

I make no apologies for reminding everyone again that it is very challenging financially for clubs at the moment and it is very important that that club continues to work with our sponsors and all of us try to find new ways to promote and advertise the club.
If you have any thoughts or ideas please talk to a director.

Please take care and good luck to all our teams this weekend and please enjoy your afternoon with us Dave