Page 12 - Chessington & Hook United v. Lydd Town

LYDD TOWN

Lydd Town were formed in 1885. In 1984/85,
Their early matches were played at after a league
The Banks where the Lydd cricket re-organi-
ground now lies. sation, Lydd
played in Premier
Their first trophy success was in 1909/10 Division East instead of the top Senior
when they beat Icklesham 2-0 to win the Division. The league title was won that
Rye Charity Cup. Before the First World season and with it promotion into the
War Lydd played in the South Eastern top division. It was in 1989/90 that Ly-
(Ashford) League. They moved ground dd’s most successful period started. They
in 1911 to play their matches at The Rype won the League five years in a row, three
in the centre of Lydd. years in the Eastern Senior Division
Red and green and following the League re-organisa-
In 1920/21 the club joined the Folkestone tion when the Premier Division as it is
and District Junior League winning it for now known was formed (combining the
the first time in 1926/27. In 1921 their Eastern and Western clubs) they won the officially opened the ground, named af- Further relegation followed but the ap-
colours were changed from blue and First Division East two years running. In ter long serving player, manager and cur- pointment of Manager Dave Johncock
white to red and green which remain their four of those years the league and cup rent chairman Pat Lindsey. in December 2009 saw the club’s for-
current colours. double were achieved as well as many Won a penalty shoot-out tunes pick up and in season 2010/11
League and cup double other cup success. The decision was tak- Lydd’s most recent successes were in the Lydd were runners up in Division Two
The club suspended activities in 1939 en to move up to the Premier Division Kent Intermediate Challenge Shield final East. A successful application was made

and restarted again in 1946 after the war. for the 1994/95 season, despite concern in 2000/01 when they defeated Phoe- to be a part of the new Step Six League
Considerable success in the league and over their facilities not being up to the nix Sports 1-0 at Ashford Town F.C and for 2011/12 and the Club finished the in-
cups in the years following culminating required standard. Their best finish was in 2002/03 in the Les Leckie Cup Final augural season in 12th place. In 2012/13,
in the league and cup double in 1958/59 runners-up in 1995/96. against Milton Sports at Chatham Town with Dave Smith taking over as manager,
saw Lydd move up to the Kent Amateur World Cup hero George Cohen F.C. where they won a penalty shoot-out Lydd finished 6th and were runners up

League. A new pavilion was built on The The club desperately needed a new 5-4 following a 2-2 score after extra time. to Hollands & Blair in the Invicta League
Rype in 1961 presented to the town by ground as their Council owned facilities First team were relegated Challenge Trophy, losing 4-3 at Home-
Alderman Gordon Paine, MBE, for the at The Rype were becoming increasing- Things then became difficult for a few lands Ashford. In season 2013/14 Lydd
use of local sports clubs. In 1962/63 their ly criticised and their future as a Pre- seasons and the first team were relegat- finished as runners up in the league to
Reserves entered the League. In 1969/70 mier Division club could have been in ed from the Premier Division at the end Hollands & Blair.
Lydd won the Kent Amateur League for doubt. A successful application for a lot- of the 2005/06 season. The first team did With the merger of The Invicta League
the first time and retained it the follow- tery grant was made and with the funds however win the Weald of Kent Senior with the Southern Counties East Foot-
ing season. More success in cups fol- the club raised they moved to their new Competition in 2007 beating Premier ball League, the first team now play in the
lowed but it was to be some time before ground on the outskirts of the town in Division Bromley Green 4-2 in the final. SCEFL Division 1. Plans for next season
they won the league again. 1999/00. World Cup hero George Cohen include installation of pitch drainage.