1066 Football

Our 'patch' of England has a rich history with the Battle of Hastings in the year 1066 being one of the most famous events the world has ever witnessed. Many comparisons can be made between that right royal tear-up and football matches of today. Okay nowadays football teams are not actually trying to kill each other but years of training, tactics, formations, fierce rivalry, big egos and two sides trying to outsmart or overpower the opposition are traits of the world's favourite game.

Harold, despite being on home soil, was at a distinct disadvantage as preparations for the big fight could hardly have been any worse. Only 19 days earlier he had defeated the Vikings at Stamford Bridge near York with big loss of life. If that wasn't bad enough virtually the whole army had to march 250 miles south to face William of Normandy who had landed near Pevensey. The two armies finally went head-to-head on the 14th October at Senlac Hill which is today part of the town called Battle. It would appear that after strong start by the English a lack of discipline during the latter stages, being outnumbered by 3000 and the killing of their king proved costly and the Normans were victorious.

Since the invention of football this part of East Sussex has been bit of a backwater being 60 miles from London and 30 miles from the nearest professional football club; Brighton & Hove Albion. Despite this 1066 country has produced some great footballing talent and played host to some of the biggest names in the game. The 'Golden Era' was probably during the 50's and 60's when Hastings United attracted big crowds to the Pilot Field. But who can forget the great Hastings and Stamco teams of the 90's and the lively local derby's of the time that regularly drew crowds of 1500+. More recently Eastbourne Borough (Formerly Langney Sports) meteoric rise up the football pyramid not to mention Hastings United's incredible televised run in the 2012-2013 FA Cup.