THE BEGINNING:

On Sunday 20th October 2002, PHFC took to the field for the first time under the name Argos Pipps Hill. The challengers were a team made up from the nearby Argos Westgate store. The team had no kits and the goalposts were bags and bicycles owned by various players on the pitch. The match at Gloucester Park finished 6v8 in favour of Westgate, and the PHFC squad included players such as Richard Serowka, Lee Clark, Paul Fell, Danny Garbould and Craig Burnett.

PHFC's first ever kit

Celebrating Garbould's Goal

Celebrating with the Cup

Spurred on the success, PHFC soon arranged another game, this time a friendly against a group of mates called Cootey's XI. The match was played back at Gloucester Park but was abandoned at half time with the score still 0v0. The line up for PHFC was much the same from the previous autumn, only with new signing David Anderson making his debut in defence.

Action from the 0v0 draw

PHFC on an attack

A frustrating game

On Sunday 1st May, PHFC accepted the challenge of a rematch with Southend Airport, the venue was originally confirmed as Gloucester Park, however this had to be switched back to Priory Park because of a event taking place at PHFC's home ground. PHFC were shocked to find on their arrival that the goalposts had been removed, but the game went ahead with jumpers for goalposts. This didn't stop PHFC from finding the net, as they hit 10 goals on the way to a 10v1 crushing victory and retained the Whizz Kids Cup for a second year. The trophy has remained in the Pipps Hill staffroom and legend has it that it is still there now. PHFC's goals came from a Jamie Coulson hat-trick, 2 goals from Kirs Slaven, Lee Jones, Damian Pettit, and a Southend own goal. Southend Airport's only goal came from the penalty spot. The team were super confident, and it was only to be a matter of time before they took their team to the next level...

PHFC on the attack again

Dave Anderson in action

Team celebrate the win

Final Table Season One

PHFC's new white kit

The PHFC squad

PHFC started their second season in style with 2 wins in their first 2 games against Station Cars and Pavillion (who had chosen not to be promoted). Their first defeat came against G-Untouchables but they were without Richard Serowka, Lee Jones and Danny Pettit who were in Dublin. The trio returned the following week but their were no league fixtures scheduled, the organizers crated a triangle tournament involving PHFC, G-Untouchables and Great Bear. PHFC beat Great Bear 2v0 with goals from Buck and Appleton, but the Untouchables went one better and recorded a 3v0 victory. In the final game PHFC faced the Untouchables knowing only a win would see them claim the title and the keg of beer which was on offer to the winners. It didn't start as planned as the Untouchables raced 1v0 up, but James Buck's break away goal on the stroke of half time ensured a tense finish. In the final stages a wonder goal from Richard Serowka earned PHFC the win and the title, and made sure of a messy night with the squad polishing off their prize. PHFC's first real cup game of the season was against Russell Rovers, and progressed to the quarter finals with a 1v0 win thanks to James Buck's goal. In the quarter finals PHFC could not repeat last season's heroics and went down 2v0 to Premier League side Ashworths. In the league however PHFC were going strong and had lead the table since the opening day of the season, going into the last game of the season PHFC faced G-Untouchables who were 2 points behind them. PHFC knew that if they avoided defeat against the team they had beaten 3v0 in a friendly the previous week, they would be champions. Alas it wasn't to be as a mix-up in the PHFC defense between captain Richard Serowka and goalkeeper Rob Harlow proved vital and PHFC slipt to a 1v0 defeat and a 2nd place finish. This did mean however, that PHFC were promoted to the Premiership.

Final Table Season Two

Serowka scores the winner

The team with their trophy

No-one expected the Premiership to be easy, and PHFC lost their first game in the top flight 1v0 to Semion. PHFC hoped for better in their second game but were thumped 5v0 by eventually champions Mudd Dogs. This kicked PHFC into life and only lost once more in the league all season (again against Mudd Dogs). The highlight of the season was 1 v0 win over 2nd place Semion. PHFC went on to finish 3rd and again reached the cup quarter finals after a fantastic 4v0 1st round win over Lackofability before losing to Leigh Excelsior. Due to teams leaving and new teams coming in the following season the 2 divisions were merged to form one league, PHFC were confident and riding the crest of a wave....

Final Table Season Three

Lee Jones on the attack

Serowka beats his man

This will always be remembered for a season which started so promisingly, but ended in disaster.  PHFC struggled to find the net early on, a 0v0 draw with Real Ale Madrid was a great result, but PHFC soon slipped to a 0v1 defeat against Overton Park. In the next game PHFC really clicked into gear, and recorded their biggest ever win with a 10v0 thrashing of Kents. Craig Burnett returned to PHFC with a bang and a hat-trick, Gavin Boseley and Paul Fell also scored their first ever PHFC goals, Gavin's being the pick of the bunch in off the crossbar. Confidence was high heading into a league game against Lackofability FC. From the start this game was a dirty match, PHFC struggled to find their rhythm and fell 2v0 down by half time. PHFC pressed and pressed in the second half before Richard Serowka pulled a goal back with 2 minutes to go, PHFC pushed forward in one final attack, but what happened next will never be forgotten by anyone at the ground. Paul Fell was sliced down in a horrible challenge from behind which broke his leg in 2 places. Paul would never play for the 6aside team again, and indeed the team itself would never recover. The match was abandoned and PHFC awarded a 3v0 wiin. Lackofability never played in the league again, and to be honest PHFC were never the same team. One by one the squad began to fall apart and PHFC struggled to fulfill their remaining fixtures, often relying on guest players.  They went on to lose every one of their remaining 6 matches, until they decided to quit the league after a 4v0 defeat to FC Plate on April 2nd 2006. PHFC managed to earn one more point that season in a 0v0 draw with Lackofability in which neither team turned up. PHFC finished 6th in a 8 team team league, and the dream was over. Amazingly PHFC still one the Goalkeeper of the season award which should of been delivered to Rob Harlow, but he had since left the team and stand-in keeper Gavin Boseley collected and kept the award on his behalf.

Final Table Season Four

PHFC's last goal

Goalkeeper of the Year

ROMFORD DOUBLE HEADER

In 2006, PHFC returned to 11aside to play Argos Romford twice at Gloucester Park. The first macth in April saw PHFC run out 2v0 winners against a Romford side lead by PHFC man Richard Serowka. James Buck opened the scoring in the first half from a corner, before Carig Burnett scored a penalty in the second half. In the October, the fixture was repeated and PHFC again run out winners, this time 3v1. Coulson opened the scoring before James Buck made it 2v0. Romford pulled one back through Andy Rice from a Richard Serowka assist, before Jamie Coulson made the game safe wit his second goal. Jamie Barton made his PHFC debut after starring (and missing 2 penalties) for Laindon Orient against PHFC in the 6aside league.

PHFC team before 2v0 win

PHFC defend a corner

PHFC team before 3v1 win

On Monday 29th September 2008, over 2 years since their last competitive game, PHFC joined a new 7aside league in Stanford-le-hope. PHFC had retained the services of Richard Serowka, Daniel Pettit, Gavin Boseley and Lee Jones, and resigned Craig Burnett and Danny Garbould, aswell as adding Jamie Barton, Dan Bell and goalkeeper Grant Bell to their ranks. The first game was a well earned 1v1 draw with Horndon United, Jamie Barton scoring on the stroke of half time before PHFC conceded a second half equaliser. The second game was heartbreaking, clearly up against a a better team in the Contractors, PHFC held it 0v0 until the last minute before shipping two late goals. A 3v0 defeat against Bayern Neverlosem followed and the team was rocked by Craig Burnett and Danny Garbould's decision to quit the team. The next game against bottom of the league Horndon AFC was expected to be a walkover, but PHFC lost 2v0 because they had to play the game with only 6 men. Stars of the 11aside team Jamie Coulson and Kris Slaven made a guest appearance in this game as PHFC faced up to the fact they would have to recruit new players. In came defender Daniel Giddings and striker Michael Lee as PHFC recorded their first win with a 1v0 win over Breat Rummage Albion with captain Richard Serowka grabbing the only goal after only 11 seconds. PHFC soon came back down to earth with a5v0 defeat to the Allstars and a 6v2 defeat to the Globo Gym Purple Cobras, with Michael Lee scoring his first PHFC goal in the process. PHFC had finished the season second bottom, and were moved into the nearly formed Division One for the new season. Rory Cooke played for PHFC in their 5v0 defeat to the Allstars, he also played against PHFC back in 2005 for Cootey's XI and he also played for and scored for PHFC as a guest player in the 6aside league after Paul Fell's horrible injury. Paul Fell himself returned to the PHFC fold after the first game of the season to replace playmaker Lee Jones who had to leave due to family commitments.

Final Table Season One

Dan Bell celebrates

Boseley in action for PHFC

Final Table Season Two

New goalkeeper Grant Bell

Michael Lee in action

Final Table Season Three

Danny G stops an attack

PHFC close to a rare goal

PHFC started their fourth season full of hope, and were classed as early season favourites to take the Third Division Title. This optimism grew even further after a dramatic opening day victory against old foe's Shenfield Wednesday, PHFC took the lead in the opening minutes with Craig Burnett scoring from a corner for his first goal in the Stanford leagues. They were pegged back just before half time but Richard Serowka put them 2v1 up with a drive from outside the area, however Shenfield again hit back before Michael Lee scored a last gasp winner for PHFC. Pegasus FC brought an under strength PHFC back down to earth the following week with a deserved 3v0 victory, and this was added to by Inter Miinan who won an end to end game 4v1 with two late goals. Rory Cooke grabbed his first of the season but it proved only a consolation goal. PHFC wanted to get back to winning ways against rock bottom Breast Rummage Albion but things got off to the worst possible start when debutant Adam Nichols conceded a penalty which was converted. Things got even worse when Albion doubled their lead shortly before half time. Jamie Barton pulled one back in controversial fashion, but Albion added a third and it looked like defeat for PHFC. Rory Cooke then struck a penalty for PHFC wide before he made amends with an excellent lobbed goal, before Jamie Barton got his second of the night with a late equalised to leave the final score at 3v3. It was becoming clear PHFC were in a battle to survive and that was evident in a 5v0 defeat to Average Joe's. The scoreline was a little harsh but changes were needed. Lee Jones made a return to action in the next game which was a crucial 4v2 win over Shenfield Wednesday. PHFC found themselves 2v0 down, but Adam Nichols grabbed a superb hat-trick before a late Jamie Barton goal sealed a priceless win. PHFC were unlucky to lose 2v1 in their next game against eventual champions, and the unbeaten Pegasus FC. PHFC turned up with 11 men for the first ever time, and every player played well and looked to be on course for victory from Jamie Barton's early goal, but Pegasus hit back with two late goals to win 2v1. The scoreline was matched the following week against Inter Minan, and again it was PHFC who took the lead when Lee Jones headed in his first of the season from a corner. Inter equalised straight away and captain Richard Serowka scored an unfortunate own goal just before half time to condemn PHFC to defeat. An unlikely victory for Breast Rummage Albion against Shenfield Wednesday meant that PHFC could seal survival with a win against the Albion, but as hard as they tried, they could not beat their keeper in a game they dominated from start to finish. A 0v0 draw meant a nail-bitting final day to the campaign. Survival was in PHFC's hands as they lined up against Average Joes. Aslong as PHFC equalled or bettered Shenfield's score against Inter Minan then they would be safe. Dan Bell had the game of his life and he scored two poachers goals to put PHFC 2v0 up before half time, however Average Joe's new only a victory would guarantee themselves promotion, and they began to ask questions of PHFC's defence in the second half. They pulled one back with 4minutes to go, and then equalised with about 90seconds left on the clock. PHFC raced up field and Serowka played in Cooke who hit a shot accross the goal which Dan Bell blocked on the line and then was left red faced as the keeper denied him a hat-trick from the rebound. A 2v2 draw was more than enough for PHFC as Shenfield had lost 3v0 to Inter Minan, who missed out on promoted thanks to Average Joe's late goal. So PHFC are starting to find some spirit and consistency as they move into their fifth season.

Season Four Final Table

Michael Lee scores a winner

Adam slots home a penalty

If last season was considered a season of two halves then this season took that to a whole new level... PHFC struggled from the start, but could draw some positives from an opening day defeat to Champions in elect The Inn FC. PHFC were without their first choice goalkeeper Grant Bell and were up against a side which included Jay Curran, a player who impressed for Canvey Island in the the Rynam League last year. It was Curran himself who undone PHFC with both goals in a 2v0 victory, the first an early contender for goal of the season. PHFC dusted themselves down and were confident of picking up some points against Nova in the next game. Alas again it wasn't to be as a goal conceded in each half meant a second 2v0 defeat and saw PHFC rooted to the bottom of the table. After that game the squad started to drift apart and key players went AWOL, for their next game against old rivals Inter Minan the squad was down to its bare bones, and a team to start the game was only finalised an hour before kickoff. The team full of ringers were easily found out as Inter cruised to a 4v0 victory and it looked like a long hard season ahead for PHFC. The last thing they needed was a game against the so far unbeaten Grays Asthmatic, but thats exactly what they got, and again they had to call upon some ringers for the game. The most notable being Arron Lockwood who turned up at half time and had a decent second half, but he was to have a big impact on the second half of the season. Despite taking the lead with the teams first goal of the season coming from Adam Nichols, PHFC fell apart against a well organised Grays outfit and ended up losing 4v1. After this game the team had to take a long hard look at themselves, and changes were needed. Craig Burnett, Adam Nichols, and Paul Fell all decided to call it a day and PHFC had to delve into the transfer market and make some shrewd singings. In came Lee Horncastle, Craig Marron, and Fraser Kidd, whilst Arron Lockwood signed up to complete the season for PHFC. The team all agreed that they would play out the season, then PHFC would fold and we all go our seperate ways. With relegation looking odds on, PHFC were given a boost by being awarded 3 points for the next game as their opponents; Concept FC, failed to turn up. PHFC lost a friendly against Division One side Grays Army and gave a good account for themselves despite a 5v2 defeat, with newboys Craig Marron and Lee Horncastle scoring their first PHFC goals. So at the half way stage of the season, PHFC's only points on the board were from those awarded to them, but they managed to grind out a shock 1v1 draw against The Inn in their next game. The Inn were missing star man Jay Curran, but still put out a strong side. PHFC fell behind after only 14 seconds, but recovered and equalised through Dan Bell minutes before half time and held on to walk away with a good point. If that performance was enough to excite the PHFC followers then the next game was enough to make them wet themselves. Nova had merged with another team a few days earlier and their first game as Corringham Park Rangers was against a resurgent PHFC side who attacked from the first whistle until the last whistle. Lee Duggins stroked PHFC ahead early on from a long throw from the returning Grant Bell, and he soon doubled the lead from the penalty spot following a handball decision. Corringham pulled one back early in the second half but this only forced PHFC to step up their game and they added two more goals from Lee Duggins, who completed his hat-trick, and Dave Robinson, who scored his first PHFC goal. Fresh from that 4v1 win, PHFC were starting to catch up with the sides above them, and had managed to draw level on points with Corringham Park, but they knew they had two tough games ahead of them against Inter and Grays. Despite being beaten in their last 3 meetings with Inter Minan, PHFC had reason to be confident as the two teams met on a warm september evening. PHFC were boosted by the returning Lee Jones, and it was Jones who scored the decisive goal in the second half to earn PHFC a well deserved 1v0 victory. Jones may of made the headlines, but it was rookie keeper Matt Higgins in goal who stole the show, the keeper making his PHFC debut on loan from feeder club The Business made several good saves to keep the clean sheet. There was no stopping the PHFC juggernaut now, and Grays soon found that out in the next game. Jamie Barton's devilish run resulted in the opening goal which saw his goal deflected in from the lurking Dan Bell, but Grays found a fortunate equaliser in the second half after some poor defending from a corner. The game was heading for a draw until Arron Lockwood scored a wonder goal with 6 minutes left on the clock to seal a dramatic 2v1 victory for PHFC, but again Matt Higgins performed wonders in goal to keep Grays at bay. PHFC remarkably headed into the last game of the season against new boys Skillz That Killz knowing that a large win could result in promotion, but a large defeat could also spell relegation. What they didnt know was that their opponents hadn't turned up and PHFC had been awarded a 3v0 victory again, but they played a friendly against what turned out to be Shenfield Wednesday, but thinking it was a decisive league game. PHFC started slowly and went in at half time a goal behind, but that soon changed in the second half and they scored twice through Lee Duggins and Arron Lockwood. It looked as though a fourth straight win was on the cards until a mistake at the back let in Shenfield to equalise and the game finished 2v2. In the end PHFC finished 4th for the second season running, and after a superb run of results decided to play on for another season. The question on everybody's lips this season is 'What could of been achieved if this team had played together for the whole season?'. Well nobody is in doubt it would of resulted in promotion, but that all just means the challenge has been set now for the 6th and what promises to be the most exciting season in PHFC's 7aside lifetime...

Final Table Season Five

Rich hitting post from halfway line

New Boys Lockwood and Kidd

The expectation surrounding PHFC's sixth season was close to fever pitch as the big kick off drew ever closer. The outstanding success that the team enjoyed in the second half of the previous season fueled belief that this might be PHFC's time. The other 5 teams in the division would have to be respected, but PHFC had every right to consider themselves early season title contenders. The new season started with a game against old foe's Shenfield Wednesday, and it gave the lads their first opportunity of showing off their brand new kit, modelled on the first ever strip the club wore back in their first ever competitive game back in 2004. Any expectations were quickly dampened with perhaps PHFC's worst performance in many a season as Shenfield raced into a 2v0 lead by half time, and the second half followed suit with the Shenfield adding two more before Jamie Barton hit a late consolation as PHFC slipped to an embarrassing 4v1 defeat. The second game was not going to be any easier against another team PHFC knew all about, Inter Minan. PHFC had the better of the game but we unfortunate to fall a goal behind with only five minutes remaining. In previous campaigns a blow like that would of been irreversible, but a late wonder goal from Lee Duggins, making his comeback from injury, ensured PHFC picked up their first point of the season. Their first win came in the next game against Dirty Half Dozen, Dan Bell and Lee Duggins scored the goal as PHFC overpowered and outplayed the opposition from the first whistle to the last and thoroughly deserved the 2v0 victory. The early season pace setters Boca Seniors provided PHFC with their next challenge, and stole the win in heartbreaking fashion. After an even first half, Lee Duggins scored his third of the season to put PHFC a goal to the good, this seemed to wake Boca up and they spent the remainder of the game asking questions of a stubbon PHFC defence. Sadly they found an answer with 5minutes go play, and a draw looked likely until a lucky winner came with the last kick of the game via two deflections off of Lee Jones and Lee Duggins. The team dusted themselves down and restored some pride with a edgy win against bottom of the table Athletico Thurrock. PHFC dominated the game, and Lee Horncastle was the hero, scoring his first goal of the season in the second half to win the game 1v0. Horncastle proved his worth to the team the following week by stepping in between the sticks against Shenfielf Wednesday, in a game PHFC won 2v1 thanks to goals from Dan Bell and Lee Duggins. At this stage, PHFC were sitting in 4th place, level on points with the two teams above them, and funnily enough, it was these two teams with provide their opposition in the next two games. While still not clear of relegation concerns, the boys knew two wins from these two games would put them in prime position for promotion. The first 'six-pointer' was against Inter Minan, and a new look Inter team huffed and puffed but could not find a way past Matt Higgins in the PHFC goal, it was left to man of the moment, Lee Horncastle to score a perhaps undeserved winning goal midway through the second half, and hand PHFC a vital win. Three straight wins gave the boys plenty of confidence as they locked horns with Dirty Half Dozen, and no-one could of predicted what was to come, as they turned on the style and recorded a famous 3v0 victory with goals from the three forwards; Lee Duggins, Dan Bell, and Lee Horncastle. Those three points put PHFC in a fantastic position where they knew a win against Boca Seniors could see them promoted with a game to spare. Inter Minan's shock defeat to an improving Athletico Thurrock side had ensured they were to miss out on promotion for another season, but the previous weeks victims Dirty Half Dozen could still pipp PHFC to that coverted second place. Promotion was actually clinched without kicking a ball, as Athletico came from behind to hold Dirty Half Dozen to a 2v2 draw before PHFC's fixture with Boca had kicked off. PHFC knew the pressure was off, but they also realised that victory against the league leaders could give them a chance of snatching the title. David Robinson, who had appeared briefly the previous season, was playing in only his second game of the campaign, but it was he who opened the scoring early in the first half. Again this signaled the Boca onslaught, and another lucky deflected goal leveled the scores just before half time. There were no further goals in the second half, and Boca Seniors were crowned Champions, but PHFC were also able to officially celebrate their first promotion. In the last game, PHFC were unable to move up or down the league table, and so treated the game against rock bottom Athletico Thurrock as a chance to experiment with their line up as they prepared for life in Division Two. The plan backfired as an improved Athletico stunned PHFC by recording an impressive 2v2 draw. Arron Lockwood's sublime through-ball set up top scorer Lee Duggins with the opening goal in the first half. Athletico equalised after sloppy defending, but Lee Jones went straight up the other end to fire PHFC back into the lead. Both sides hit the wood-work, but an uncharacteristic error from Grant Bell towards the end gifted Athletico another equaliser and the game finished level. So PHFC's season may of ended with abit limp, but the hard work had already been done in the middle of the campaign. Promotion was the target, and that had been achieved. An impressive defensive record (the best out of any division three or four team) with only 11 goals conceded in their 10 games, was perhaps the key to their success, but PHFC will know there will be sterner tests ahead in season seven.

Final Table Season Six (click to enlarge)

Lining up before the first game against Shenfield

Grant Bell launching an attack

Survival was the target as PHFC set about carrying their unbeaten run into their first season back in Division Two. Team captain Richard Serowka set a 10point target to ensure safety in a league including lots of familiar names. Inter Mayo were the first opposition and were a side who one week earlier had been playing top flight football, before hand PHFC identified this particular opposition as being a team who could be in and around themselves come the end of the campaign. Once on the pitch, it appeared nerves set in and intimidation took over as PHFC found themselves playing sloppy football and unsurprisingly trailing by the half way point. The game was effectively killed off by a late controversial Inter Mayo goal which came after the ball appeared to leave the pitch for a goal kick, and Inter played on while PHFC stopped. The boys picked themselves up and got a consolation goal with one of the last kick of the games from last seasons goal hero Lee Duggins. Average Joe's were the next opposition and a very poor start meant PHFC found themselves 3v0 down by half time, a much improved second half performance wasn't enough and neither team managed to find another goal. The following game was against last seasons champions Boca Seniors, although the opposition failed to show and PHFC were awarded a 3v0 win, they played a friendly against old rivals Inter Minan and ironically lost the game by the same score-line they had just been awarded. PHFC were pointless and staring relegation in the face when they came up against Grays Asthmatics in their fourth game. A much improved performance saw them take the lead less than a minute into the second half from substitute Lee Horncastle. However, they were denied the clean-sheet and the victory by a late Grays equaliser, however it was finally some points on the board. The unbeaten and eventual champions Booze Brothers were the next opposition and they didn't waste anytime in opening the scoring. Lee Duggins equalised midway through the first half, but an end to end battle was won by the Booze Brothers with a late counter attack goal from a Pipps Hill corner. PHFC felt they had turned a corner and their performances were alot better than their results suggested. They were confident of avoiding the drop at the half way point of the season, and were itching for revenge against Inter Mayo, sadly their opposition again failed to show up but PHFC picked up the points. They played a friendly against The Whipping Boys from the top division, and put in a superb display to take a real 3v0 win thanks to goals from Richard Serowka, Lee Duggins and Dan Bell. The following weeks game against Average Joe's see PHFC at full strength for the first time in what had seemed forever. Average boxed PHFC in during the first half but couldnt find a way past their resolute defence, Seconds into the second half Lee Duggins fed in strike partner Jamie Barton to open the scoring with a wonderful goal from just outside the area. Both teams had chances to add to the scoreline but PHFC held on for a priceless victory. Suddenly PHFC were transformed from relegation candidates to promotion hopefuls and this showed on the pitch as Lee Duggins found his shooting boots as he smashed in all 4 goals in a 4v2 romp over Boca's replacements The Bull Public House. A fourth straight win came with 4v0 thrashing of another new team Grimey Mits who had replaced Grays. Jamie Barton put in a man of the match performance while the game was won thanks to goals from Dan Bell, Richard Serowka, Lee Duggins and a first ever PHFC goal from defender Fraser Kidd. Second placed Average Joe's lost which meant going into the last game PHFC knew if they won and Average lost, then PHFC would return to the top flight for the first time in over 6 seasons. It wouldn't be easy though against league leaders and champions Booze Brothers. Average Joe's clinched their promotion with an easy 3v0 win over Inter Mayo which enabled PHFC to play knowing they had secured 3rd place. The game was played with a friendly tempo, and PHFC's defence was overly welcoming as they shipped two sloppy goals before half time. It was worth noting that for the 3 previous seasons, PHFC had drawn their final game by a 2v2 score-line, so it was perhaps no surprise when super sub Lee Horncastle jumped off the bench to score two late goals to earn the point. The game could of been won when Lee Jones hit the bar from just outside the area in the last minute. PHFC had achieved their goal of survival and also claimed a big say in the title race between Booze Brothers and the Average Joe's, next season perhaps they can begin plotting a promotion campaign once again?

Final Table Season Seven

Horncastle in goal for PHFC

PHFC were determined this season to overcome the curse of recent years in which they struggle during the first half and make up for it during the last 5 games. And they got the best possible start when they were awarded a 3v0 win against South Stifford on the opening evening of the season. Real Stanford stepped in to play a friendly and they were blown away as PHFC recorded an impressive 6v3 victory. Captain Richard Serowka opened the scoring and then Lee Duggins struck twice before the break, whilst in the second half goalkeeper Dan Lawson made his on pitch debut and helped himself to two goals, and Dan Bell got in on the act with a well taken goal. It would be alot tougher in the next game against old foe's Inter Minan, who PHFC has been getting the better of recently, although this time they were blown away as an impressive Inter strolled to an easy 4v0 victory. The following week PHFC were without their captain Richard Serowka, who missed only his second ever game due to being on holiday, and they needed not worry as their opposition again failed to show, this time Inter Mayo. A chance to gain revenge with a friendly against Inter Minan didn't go to plan as Inter cruised to a 3v0 win, it could of been avoided if start striker Lee Duggins hadn't forgot to pick up number 1 goalkeeper Grant Bell. A third 3v0 white-wash win was given to PHFC the following week, and a patched up team featuring debutants Jack Speckman and WIll Fosher, thumped a 6man Average Joe's team 6v2, with the two debutants helping themselves to two goals a piece, Arron Lockwood also grabbing a brace. PHFC finally returned to league action with a comfortable 2v0 win against bottom of the table Whipping Boys thanks to goals from Jack Speckman and Lee Duggins. It could of been alot more if it wasn't for the excellent form of the opposition goalkeeper, but Speckman's goal was PHFC's 100th goal over St Cleres. At the half way stage, PHFC were joint top with Inter Minan and South Stifford with 12 points from a possible 15. There was a sense of belief that they might finally be able to reach the promised land of the Premier League, but this dream suffered a huge dent as an understrength team went down 5v0 to eventual champions South Stifford. With Jones out due to family commitment, Barton out through injury, and Serowka out due to laser surgery, PHFC lined up with no subs, and suffered a blow midway through the first half when newboy Jack Speckman suffered an ankle injury, he played in goal in the second half as Stifford ran away with the game. PHFC were back at full strength the following week and were unlucky not to come away with all 3 points in a very tough end to end battle with Inter Minan which finished 0v0. Striker Lee Horncastle took the gloves for this game and made several telling saves to keep title chasing Inter at bay. After this game, PHFC never looked back as they completed their season with 3 straight wins. Lee Horncastle kept his spot in goal for these games and PHFC also tied up the permanent signings of Speckman and Fosher after they had impressed in the couple of games they had featured in. Jack Speckman celebrated his new deal with a superb hat-trick against the Old Cooperians in an easy 5v0 romp, with Lee Duggins and Jamie Barton also getting in on the goal scoring act. PHFC finally beat Inter Mayo in the penultimate game of the season, recovering from 2v0 down to secure an exciting 4v3 win, all thanks to goals from Jamie Barton, Jack Speckman, Will Fosher and a late Dan Bell tap in. By the final game, PHFC knew promotion could only be achieved with a win and an Inter Minan loss, oh and a 22 goal turnaround. Jamie Barton and Lee Duggins put PHFC 2v0 against the Whipping Boys by half time, and in the second half Lee Duggins added two early goals to claim his hat-trick before Jamie Barton achieved the same feat. Richard Serowka wrapped up a 7v0 win with the goal of the season, a swerving long range shot which left the goal keeper dumbfounded. As PHFC reflected upon another 3rd place finish, they were asked to fill in and play a late friendly against league champions South Stifford. PHFC coming from behind to earn a creditable 1v1 draw thanks to a Jamie Barton tap in equaliser after good work by Speckman on the left wing. With the teams coming up and down, PHFC are relishing the chance to really push on for their first league title next season.

Final Table Season Eight

Kidd in action against Stifford

PHFC's last game of the season