Ridgewood and Reigate Priory await Wickers when football returns

Southwick 1882 FC’s fixtures for their mini-league season have been published.
Ashurst Wood were the opposition when Southwick started the season - now the Wickers have had some new fixtures for a rejigged end to the season / Picture: Stephen GoodgerAshurst Wood were the opposition when Southwick started the season - now the Wickers have had some new fixtures for a rejigged end to the season / Picture: Stephen Goodger
Ashurst Wood were the opposition when Southwick started the season - now the Wickers have had some new fixtures for a rejigged end to the season / Picture: Stephen Goodger

They will be one of seven teams from the top half of the Championship division of the Mid Sussex League vying to finish top – and perhaps win promotion to the Premier for next season.

As has been well-chronicled, the Wickers had to quit the Southern Combination League and move to the MSFL last summer when a leasing dispute forced them out of their long-term home at Old Barn Way.

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They have since had the go-ahead to return to Old Barn Way, and now their aim is to move back up the non-league pyramid and return to the SCFL.

First they must get out of the Mid Sussex Championship, and their bid to do so is due to start on first fixture once the season restarts on Saturday, April 3, at home to Ridgewood (2pm). On Easter Monday they are at home to Reigate Priory at Southwick Rec.

Another home game comes for Sammy Donnelly’s team the following Saturday, April 10, against Holland Sports – and a week later they will visit West Hoathly.

The Wickers have had a boost in their hopes of winning the mini-league and earning promotion - league officials have said they are still considering taking into account points accrued earlier in the season in the final calculations. That would suit Southwick, who led the Championship when football was suspended.

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The Mid Sussex League said last week it was allowing divisions to restart from Saturday, April 3, because of an ‘overwhelming desire’ of clubs to get back on the pitch. Smaller divisions one to five are able to play out full fixture lists.