East Preston FC was originally formed in 1947, but unfortunately within ten years the club had folded. However it was reformed, as the present club in 1966 when it was elected to the Worthing League.

East Preston then moved on to the West Sussex League for the start of the 1968/69 season before becoming founder members of the newly formed Sussex County League Division Three in 1983/84, having won a number of honours in the seasons leading up to that. The club won Division Three at the first attempt but were unable to take their place in senior football as the ground and facilities were not up to the required standard.

The club remained in Division Three until 1990/91 when they gained promotion once again, this time as runners up to Ifield. However this lasted just one season before being relegated back the following year. After a couple of near misses they finally achieved promotion again at the end of the 1994/95 season. In that promotion season they achieved a memorable treble, also winning the Division 3 Cup and the Sussex Intermediate Cup.

In 1997/98 promotion to Division One was achieved for the first time in the club’s history. The club acquitted itself well for two seasons, finishing fourth in 1999/00 before a season of crisis saw them relegated in 2000/01. Recovery however, was swift and East Preston were immediately promoted back to the top flight. Following a season of consolidation, 2003/04 saw East Preston once again a leading force in the top division, finishing third behind Chichester City United, and just missing out on the runners-up spot on goal difference to Rye & Iden United.

2004/05 saw somewhat mixed fortunes, with the club managing only a mid-table finish. To some extent progress was hampered by disquiet behind the scenes, culminating in December by the failure of the 1st team squad to fulfil a fixture at Eastbourne Town, and the ultimate resignation of manager Vic Short. To some extent this took the gloss off an excellent run in the FA Cup that saw the club eventually bow out at home to Billericay Town at the 3rd Qualifying Round stage (see photographs), whilst there was also no disgrace in losing at eventual winners Didcot Town in the 2nd Round of the FA Vase.

Given the previous seasons upheavals and the loss of many of the playing squad as a consequence, East Preston were widely tipped to struggle in 2005/06, and indeed eventually finished in 16th place. The following season saw an improvement as the club finished in a comfortable mid-table position that may serve as a springboard to a further revival.

Description of ground
East Preston’s ground at 'The Lash' has been steadily improved over the last five years or so, with floodlights added, and the most recent addition being a small 50-seat stand along the near touchline near the end of the 2002/03 season. Previously the only cover at the ground was provided outside of the changing rooms, adjacent to where the stand has been erected. This area extends around behind the corner flag.

A significant improvement a few years back was the construction of a splendid clubhouse, accessed from just outside the main gate. This is both spacious and comfortable, and easily one of the best in the county. The pitch is surrounded by high hedges which screen it from the outside, with two large dugouts on the far side.

Car parking is available outside the clubhouse. However space is limited and visitors may have to park in Roundstone Drive or Lashmar Road.

Directions
From Worthing proceed west for six miles on A259 to The Roundstone PH. From the roundabout, take the first exit, signposted East Preston. Turn left over the railway crossing. Turn left soon afterwards, and then first right into Roundstone Drive. Turn left into Lashmar Road and the approach road to the ground is on the right.

Nearest railway station: Angmering (10 minutes walk).

Map (link to www.streetmap.co.uk)