Our latest look at a fellow Isthmian League South Central division club takes us to the Sussex Coast and the Marigolds of Littlehampton Town.
Officially formed in 1896 but potentially older still, Littlehampton Town joined the Sussex County League in 1928 and spent 67 years in membership of its top division and were runners-up eight times before finally winning their first championship in 1991. The club also reached the First Round Proper of the FA Cup, hosting Northampton Town in front of 4,000 spectators, the semi-final of the FA Vase, the Sussex Senior Cup Final and won the Sussex County League Cup.
In 2015, the Golds were the final champions of the Sussex County League prior to its rebranding as the Southern Combination Football League. They were Southern Combination Champions in 2021-22 and also won the League Cup and the Sussex RUR Charity Cup. A memorable season ended at Wembley Stadium in the FA Vase Final, but Newport Pagnell Town proved too strong on the day.
The treble of 2022 also earned Littlehampton Town promotion to the Isthmian League South-East Division. After three mid-table finishes in that section, the Golds were laterally transferred into the South Central Division and finished in a relegation place, only to be reprieved.
Littlehampton Town have been based at The Sportsfield, which they share with Cricket, Tennis, Croquet and Stoolball, since the early 1900s. The ground has a capacity for football of 4,000, including a recently constructed seating stand for 150 spectators. A plan has been announced which would see the ground redeveloped, providing separate facilities for football and cricket.
A ground-to-ground road journey clocks in at 66 miles and will take a little over an hour and a half. By train, it is possible to go from Ashford to Clapham Junction and change there for a train all the way to Littlehampton. Once you alight, it is about a 15 minute walk to the ground.
There was an FA Vase tie in 1997, but this season will mark the first League meetings between the Tangerines and the Golds. Perhaps Ray-Ban could sponsor what will undoubtedly be colourful occasions?
| Season | Match Date | H/A | Competition | Division / Stage | Res | GF | GA | Scorers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997-98 | 22/11/1997 | H | FA Vase | Second Round | W | 5 | 3 | McDonald 4 | Wharf |
Littlehampton Town make their first League visit to the Robert Parker Stadium this season; we look forward to welcoming them but also supporters of both clubs. A Season Ticket is a fantastic way to ensure you can be at this matchand every League game played by our First Teams. For just £100, supporters can watch up to 32 home League matches across the Men’s and Women’s First Teams AND get 20% off in the Clubhouse and at the Tea Bar for the entire season.
