Following WW2 the ground of Midhurst FC was taken to build new school premises, whilst Easebourne FC had lost several key officials and players during the war. The decision was therefore taken to amalgamate the two rival clubs as Midhurst & Easebourne United FC, and play at Easebourne’s Rotherfield ground.

After their application to join the Sussex County League was rejected in 1980, the club was accepted the following year, and immediately won promotion to Division One after finishing as runners-up to Wick. However, after struggling for five seasons during which their highest position was 12th, the club was relegated back to Division Two at the end of the 1986/87 season. In 1991/92 they won promotion back to Division One, but this only lasted for one season before they were relegated once again.

A futher relegation followed and the club found itself in Division Three at the start of the 1994/95 season, at the end of which they finished as champions. In 1997/98 however they were relegated once again back to Division Three, and worse was to follow in 1998/99 when they were relegated to the West Sussex League.

At the end of the 2001/02 season, the club was accepted back into the Sussex County League after winning the West Sussex League Premier Division. Midhurst’s position back in the County League was more than consolidated in 2002/03 when they took not only the Division Three title, but also the Division Three Challenge Cup, beating holders Crowborough Athletic in the Final.

Fortunately, despite some concerns that it would not meet grading requirements, Rotherfield passed an inspection and Midhurst duly took their place back in Division Two, finishing in a very creditable sixth position in 2003/04. A mid-table position followed in 2004/05 but Midhurst reached the Final of the Division Two Challenge Cup, losing 0-3 to Wealden; and also the Semi-Finals of the RUR Charity Cup, where they went down by the same scoreline to Chichester City United.

Season 2005/06 proved to be something of a disaster, as the club finished in a relegation position but were spared the drop back into Intermediate football as a consequence of promotions and relegations in the other divisions, and the need to maintain 18 clubs in Division Two. Despite this Midhurst still managed the second best average gate in the Division, with only promoted Selsey faring better.

With the exception of East Grinstead Town, Midhurst continued to be the best supported club in Division Two during 2006/07. This time results on the pitch were better, following the arrival of former Chichester City striker Dave Kelly who had been managing Chi reserves. The club eventually finished 7th, having looked like promotion candidates at one point. However, without floodlights they would have been unable to take their place in the top Division on this occasion.

Description of ground
Midhurst & Easebourne FC has been based at Rotherfield since the amalgamation of the two clubs in 1946. The ground co-exists with cricket during the summer months and is well cared-for. On the far touchline of the undulating pitch is a charming old wooden stand (recently painted in the club colours) containing about half a dozen benches, which provides the only respite from the elements. Adjacent to this are the two dugouts. Parking is alongside the clubhouse, which is some way from the sloping pitch.

The owners of the Rotherfield ground have long term plans to relocate the club to a new purpose-built Sports Centre on the southern edge of the town, but as yet these have not come to fruition.

Directions
From east, pass through Cowdray Park. When in Easebourne Village follow signs to Guildford and Haslemere. At next crossroad (A286) turn left and follow sign to Midhurst. Ground is 500 yards opposite petrol garage.

Nearest stations: Haslemere (7 miles), Chichester (13 miles).

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