Tonight some cloudy and overcast weather, although not the much needed rain that most local grounds staff would have been looking for, saw me head locally to the home of Southern Combination Football League (SCFL) Division 2 side, TD Shipley FC.

TD Shipley, managed by Scott Howe, came very close to winning promotion in 2025-26, when they finished third, with 66 points from 28 games, behind second placed Rustington FC and champions, Hailsham Town. In the close season they have added Will Roberts, George Leslie, Ty Haworth and Olly Dickenson as they look to get promotion to step 6 in 2026-27.

Dragons Green field was very brown after the three recent heatwaves, however the ground has lots of character, covered standing and lots of benches on which to relax. There is a decent clubhouse too.

Their opponents tonight, Cuckfield Rangers, play their football in the Mid Sussex League Premier Division, where they finished in seventh place in 2025-26, with thirty five points from twenty two games. The Cuckoos are managed by Neil Parker and will also be keen to see if they can secure promotion in 2026-27 to find their way into the SCFL.

The game started with both teams lacking finesse in their final passes. The deadlock wasn’t broken until the 35th minute when Cuckfield Rangers’ number 9 broke the offside trap to round the TD Shipley keeper and slot the ball home, giving the visitors the lead at the break.

The home team opened the second half with confidence and started putting some confident passes together. In the 53rd minute TD Shipley were level when their number seven broke on the left side of the box before curling their number seven ball past the keeper and into the net.

In the 65th minute TD Shipley were ahead, winning a penalty for a mistimed challenge by the Cuckfield Rangers’ keeper in the box. Their number 9 stepped up to fire the ball home, giving his side a 2-1 lead.

The rest of the game saw Cuckfield put the home fence under pressure, while TD Shipley looked dangerous on the counter attack. Just as the game looked to be settled, Cuckfield Rangers had a penalty after their number eight was felled in the box.

Cuckfield Rangers’ number 6 stepped up to slot the ball home and secure a draw. At the final whistle it was 2-2 and the 42 fans in attendance went home having enjoyed a really entertaining game.