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ST NEOTS TOWN Stratford Town Football Club ISSUE 03: THE OFFICIAL MATCHDAY MAGAZINE £2.00 The Evo-Stik League Southern Premier Division

INSIDE

Issue 03 V Stratford Town Evo-Stik League Southern Premier Division

Also Inside 06 Action Replay 08 Match Report - Poole Town 13 Chairman’s Views

16

18 The Stars Who Got Us To Step

Three - Jordan Gent

38

Mascot Feature / Finnian (7) all the way from Holland!

20 Read All About It 24 Pull-Out Poster

The Greenbacks are hit for six / Report on the goalfest at Bedworth!

26 Opponent Feature 30 Greenies Greetings 32 Leagues Review 34 MD’s Views 36 Introducing Remy Gordon 40 First Team Player Stats 2015/16

04

14

View From The Dugout / Batchy talks about the need to focus

44 Season 2015/16 Statistics 46 Premier Division League Table

Non-League Greats / Only one man could make this tackle!

Owner Mike Kearns

Fiest Team Coach John Beck

Chairman Mike Kearns

Club Secretary Gary Wilson

Managing Director Lee Kearns

Fixture Secretary Marian Izzard

Director Iain Parr

Life President John Walker

Football Manager David Batch

Team Officials Darren Plowman (Goalkeeping Coach)

Assistant Manager Steve Eastaugh

41 Season 2015/16 Fixtures Matrix

Youth Liaison & Development Mick Hunt Physio Carol Holland Functions and Events Coordinator Louise Spark St Neots Town TV Editor Adam Ridley

48 Home & Opposition Squads

Programme Editor Mark Davies Club Photographer Claire Howes Site Manager Irmantas Sabaliauskas Chief Liaison Officer Mike Green Programme Sales Charlie Green

Matchday Music / Scoreboard Simon Hutchinson Pitchcare Working Turf Design & Marketing Blue Prawn Print XL Press Limited

Club Merchandise Linda Walters

WWW.STNEOTSTOWNFC.CO.UK / PAGE 03

Good afternoon and welcome to the Premier Plus Stadium for this afternoons match against Stratford.

We hope that our visitors today have a safe return journey.

On behalf of everyone, I want to start by wishing Remy Gordon a full and speedy recovery after brakeing his leg in our league match against Poole last week.

HUGE ABILITY I signed Remy in close season and was confident he had the ability to be one of the best, if not the best winger in the league.

At just 22, he still has a chance of playing higher than this level - either with us or with someone else.

We have all seen during pre season matches as well as the first three matches of the season how effective he can be.

He has scored in nearly every game he has played but more than that, has provided assists with some great deliveries as well as working hard for his team when running toward his own goal.

His pace is a massive outlet for us and he has the ability to run past every defender he had faced so far.

I am sure he will be a big player for the club and in the future could be an important one in our success.

BETTER ON THE DAY Last Saturday we entertained a very good Poole team, who on the day, were better than us.

Ryan Hawkins pace and directness, as well as Matt Mitchell-King experience, organisation and composure were big misses for us.

With Drew also still injured it was always going to be difficult in one of the big games of the season.

That said, if we had the majority of players performing well i was confident we could get a result.

Unfortunately we only had a handful

PAGE 04 / ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V STRATFORD TOWN ISSUE 03

who could say they played well and that wasn’t going to be enough.

The problem with our counter attacking style, is that when we lack quality it can become too direct.

Same as a possession game when executed poorly becomes an error fest as players give possession away - often in bad areas.

That’s what happened Saturday, Other than the last 20 minutes our passing was below standard and we surrendered the ball too easily.

NARROW LOSS Still a narrow loss, with each side having equal shots from the danger areas - and two early chances one against a post and the other one a lob that was dragged wide, were probably needed to get us in front.

The good thing at this stage of the season is you get the chance to put things right quickly and on Tuesday we travelled to Bedworth.

Kingy and Ryan returned to the team, although Nathan Frater missed

SOLID - Matt Mitchell-King was a welcome return for the Saints

“The problem with our counter attacking style, is that when we lack quality it can become too direct� out due to work commitments. We introduced the two loan boys from Luton, whom we brought in after the Remy injury.

Pleased to say how well they did, as well as how impressive Connor Hall was in midfield.

CLEAN SHEET A Solid performance saw us keep another clean sheet which is important, but as important we regained a bit of quality in our attacking play and rattled in a number of goals in a convincing win.

Onto another tough game today, against a team with a similar record so far.

Please get behind the team, as the game is never over and we will fight for our points right to the end.

Batchy

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/STNEOTSTOWNFC / PAGE 05

FROM OUR DEBUT SEASON IN THE SOUTHERN LEAGUE MIDLAND DIVISION FOUR YEARS AGO EVO-STIK SOUTHERN LEAGUE CENTRAL ((20/August/2011)

Aylesbury 0 - 2 St Neots Town With Aaron Greene handed the number 7 shirt for the trip to Aylesbury Lewis Hilliard might have expected to have occupied the substitutes bench for much if not all of the match but after 35 minutes he was handed the goalkeepers jersey when Michael Duggan was helped off with a hip injury.

Unaccustomed to stopping rather than scoring goals he had the distinction of keeping a clean sheet in St Neots’ third successive Southern League victory but some of that credit must go to the protection afforded to him by the St Neots defence.

The match winner was Stefan Moore who displayed his class with two timely and very important goals with his strike partner Shane Tolley masterminding both moves that led to the goals. Unbeaten prior to this match Aylesbury seldom threatened but they defended well limiting St Neots attacking openings in a rather dour contest. St Neots most promising attacks in the early stages came to grief in a well drilled but frustrating offside trap. In the first twenty minutes St Neots manager all the significant attacking moves with Stefan Moore, Dan Jacob and

Neil Mackenzie all firing wide of goal. Then a fine save from home keeper Anthony Ender denied Mackenzie his second well struck effort whilst at the other end the first direct effort by the home side on 22 minutes saw Kevin Mealor head over the bar. Six minutes later Duggan made a brave save to touch away a Jamie Rudd cross but in so doing he collided with an onrushing forward and needed treatment before he could continue. However seven minutes later he collapsed again and had to be replaced. Jordan Gent did get the ball in the Aylesbury net but was ruled offside and then four minutes before the break St Neots went ahead.

Shane Tolley came deep inside his own half to collect a short clearance and then flighted a great pass over the last defender to free Dan Jacob and his cross was swept into the net by Stefan Moore for his 43rd St Neots goal in just 39 appearances.

St Neots early second half change saw the debut of Josh Capocci for the disappointing Greene and Hilliard made his first save from Greg Williams. Ender then pulled off an important save to keep out a Jacob header and Moore saw

PAGE 06 / ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V STRATFORD TOWN ISSUE 03

his effort scraped off the line by Danny Mead after he had lobbed the advancing goalkeeper.

St Neots decided to vary their midfield support by moving skipper Lewis Webb to his more accustomed role and sending on Max Harradine for the tiring Konadu.

Webb shot over the bar and it began to look like a single goal victory but two minutes from time Tolley moved out wide to square a pass for Mackenzie and his cross was headed down and into the net

by Stefan Moore.

It was a well-crafted victory and kept St Neots on the heels of divisional leaders Bedworth United – next Tuesday’s visitors to the Hunts Post Community Stadium.

St Neots: Duggan, Webb, Reynolds, McKenzie, Gent, Hope, Greene, Konadu, Moore, Tolley, Jacob.

Subs: Hilliard (for Duggan 35 mins), Capocci (for Greene 53 mins), Harradine (for Konadu 73 mins), Fordham & Grieve.

Man of the Match: Stefan Moore Report: John Walker

e e.

ST NEOTS TOWN 2 POOLE TOWN 3 Southern League Premier Division / 15.08.2015 / Attendance: 366 / Referee: Richard Kendall (Luton)

Just three months ago these two teams contested the League play-off semi-final and Poole avenged that defeat with a narrow victory.

St Neots’ main concern will be the suspected broken ankle suffered by Remy Gordon in the closing stages of the game in a 50/50 challenge.

He joins an injury list that included two of the side’s most influential players who had been injured in the physical midweek encounter with Leamington. Ryan Hawkins (ankle) and Mat Mitchel-King (facial injury) had to sit this match out to be replaced by Jamie Anton and Lee Clarke.

So with the league fixtures coming thick and fast the depth in strength of the squad will be tested in the coming matches.

Overall it was not a very convincing display by St Neots although Poole look to be a compact and well organised unit that will be capable of challenging for promotion again after their disappointment of last season.

It was a very slow start to the match with both sides having plenty of possession but failing to impress in the final third of the field.

St Neots keeper Danny Gay had a couple of crosses to field but his side were unlucky not to go in front in their first real attack after 12 minutes when Jack Wilkinson perfectly judged a ball over the defence to free Tom Meechan and he moved infield to give himself an angle and although his shot beat visiting keeper Nick

Hutchings the ball deflected to safety off the far post.

Meechan off balance then fired over the bar and Remy Gordon lobbed the defence for Nathan Frater to collect but his lob was disappointingly wide. After this good spell St Neots seemed to lose their way and a glancing header across goal by Marvin Brooks was only just wide and then the same player should have done better than shoot straight at Gay after a defensive deflection dropped in his favour.

After 35 minutes Poole had penalty appeals waved away by the perfectly placed Referee but three minutes later they were ahead when Keith Emmerson tried his luck with a shot from 25 yards that beast Gay’s despairing dive.

Jamie Anton sensing that shooting from distance might be the answer to the deadlock sent his effort over the bar and Poole went to the break slightly fortunate to be ahead.

St Neots tried to pep up their attack straight after half time by sending on Bamoussa Cisse alongside Meechan with Nathan Frater moving over to replace Lee Clarke.

Poole broke away and Gay had to save bravely at the feet of Gillespie but the visitors had decided to pack their defence and a Brett Longden free kick was blocked and both

Cisse and Tom Ward saw efforts also blocked by defenders. A second change saw Connor Hall moved into midfield swapping places with skipper Adam Tann and although this boosted St Neots attacking ideas it had a detrimental effect on the defence. However after 67 minutes the scores were level when Longden found Meechan with his back to goal and he turned neatly to set up the unmarked Remy Gordon to shoot into the far corner of the net.

Parity only lasted for seven minutes and then schoolboy defending cost St Neots dear as substitute Luke Roberts was left unmarked in acres of space in the middle of the park and he had a clear run at goal to restore the visitor’s lead.

Even worse was to follow after 80 minutes when two St Neots defenders collided going for the same ball leaving Luke Burbidge a clear run at goal and he skilfully rounded Gay to give Poole a two goals cushion. But St Neots were not finished and they swarmed around the Poole defence in the last ten minutes pulling back a second goal as Longden fed Connor Hall for his first goal for St Neots.

However the tragic injury to Gordon is likely to be the lasting memory.

John Walker

St Neots Town

Poole Town

Gay, Anton, Wilkinson, Tann, Ward, Hall, Frater, Longden, Meechan, Clarke, Gordon Subs: Cisse (for Clarke 46), Mailancol (for Tann 81), Osei-Addo (for Meechan 84), Harty and Burton Cards: None Goals: Gordon (67 mins), Hall (86 mins)

Hutchings, Tallack, Emmerson, Walker, Whisken, Pettefer, Burbidge, Devlin, Holmes, Brooks, Gillespie Subs: Roberts (for Gillespie 71), Davidson (for Holmes 81), and Gleeson Cards: Holmes (Y – 65), Burbidge (Y – 70), Roberts (Y – 45+3) Goals: Emmerson (38 mins), Roberts (74 mins), Burbidge (80 mins)

PAGE 08 / ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V STRATFORD TOWN ISSUE 03

WWW.STNEOTSTOWNFC.CO.UK / PAGE 09

BRETT LONGDEN

Welcome to the officials, players and supporters of Stratford Town in what is their first visit to the Premier Plus Rowley Park Stadium, I hope you enjoy your day with us.

Stratford have a very new stadium and a link with us that maybe they did not know of is that the company that does the major work on our pitch at the end of each season also made a visit down to Stratford to help get their pitch ready for this coming season. Lets hope theirs is a carpet as well.

A lovely place to visit Stratford and it would have been nice to have this as an away game so we could all have a nice weekend there.

THE MACK IS BACK!

PAGE 12 /

In saying that Stratford have had a great start to life in the Premier Division and todays fixture will again be a very tough test for us.

Having started the season with three very hard games we came out with one win a draw and a loss.

Considering the quality of the teams we had to play these results might just be significant at the end of the season. The Poole game was as expected a very tough encounter and they did deserve their victory on the day something they didn’t last season when we played them three times won twice and drew once.

Disappointment well yes and thinking back if Toms’ shot had gone in and not hit the post and Nathan had done better with his lob shot and of course we didn’t give away two very soft goals the result might just have been different. Of course hindsight is a great thing and ifs or buts are very much a part of football.

What I was very disappointed with last Saturday was the stupid childish barracking of the team by so-called supporters (yes I know you pay your £10 and are entitled to your say, same old thing) during that game.

Hearing some of the comments being made just makes my blood boil like “There’s always next season St Neots” What was that person on!

It was only our third game of the

ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V STRATFORD TOWN ISSUE 03

season. There were others who just shouted abuse at the management and the team just to be heard, and even some calling for Lorenzo Ferrari, give it a break he was a nice lad, average footballer but not a match-winner that’s for sure, he plays for Dunstable Town now if anyone wants to go and see him.

Being the Chairman of a football club does not mean that I cannot have my say as well as I am also believe it or not a passionate, knowledgeable football supporter.

I was quite disgusted with those comments especially as the team has only lost at that time ONE yes only ONE league game since January that’s nine months ago. It’s that’s the type of person, as I cannot call you a supporter that has that kind of attitude then maybe our club is just not for you. I have said it many times before that all clubs have their ups and downs but ever since I have owned the club it certainly has not had many downs. So please respect what we are trying to do both on the pitch and off it and if you have a grief of any kind then I am only too willing to speak to you and try to resolve your problem, you can’t get better than that.

Having been watching football all my life I take a great interest in the way teams set themselves up and the tactics they adopt and at this club we have tried most of them.

In the early days in the lower divisions we were as they say the Barcelona of the league

and the main reason for that is that our player wages at that time were at least three times more than any other club, yes we were in line with all the big professional top clubs that win everything but at a non league level.

With that sort of budget and quality we were entitled to play everyone off the park.

I paid a £10,000 transfer fee for Stefan Moore (yes read that again)

in the ‘Play OFF’ final to a disputed penalty. What an achievement that was but I ask you how did we do that. Well we played a system that is very hard to defend against and also very hard for the opposition to score against. Our game plan is believe it or not a very scientific one and unfortunately I cannot put into words just how it is planned as opposition might look at these notes. One piece of information I can give you is that we take statistics of every single game but it goes more in depth than you could ever imagine.

Every single kick of the ball where it was kicked and who and where it was played to by both teams is noted and gives us information on not only if our player is doing what he should be doing but also what the opposition are doing. Yes very professional indeed and we do so much more than that of which I cannot go into for obvious reasons.

when we were in Step five of which would have been and still is a record for that level and probably at the level we play at now, that kind of foolish spending just could not continue, we achieved the level of football where we wanted to be and it cost a fortune to get here.

We now have a structure that I am comfortable with and we are ready to move up the leagues.

At this level step three all of the teams are very well organized some with very good players and some not so good but they all have the same quality and that is being very tough and hard to beat. I doubt very much if ANY of them play a short passing game, if they do then they won’t be in the mix at the end unless they spend the kind of money I did to get us to step three.

Over the seasons we have been in the Premier division we have been beaten many times by the most stupid goals you would ever see and many of them were because we tried to play in a style that you lose many more games than you win. Our supporters who travel with us and watch ‘every’ match know that only too well.

If we all look back, our success in this division started last January when David Batch and his team arrived, just one defeat and a loss

Our game plan is really in its infancy and certainly not perfected as yet but we are getting there and each player is showed his stats on what he is doing right or wrong he then works on then tries to improve on the wrong things he does. Just two league defeats since David and his team arrived means we are doing the right things, new players all scouted for pacific positions knowing that they could be coached into our system.

Our game is long ball? Is it heck, a long ball game is straight down the middle from Petr Cech to Drogba who holds it up for the second passage of play get it out to the wingers for Lampard to come into space and more often than not score, that’s the simple way of explaining it and yes my club Chelsea have deployed those tactics as do many other professional clubs.

Our game is planned to the very last detail and is not what I have just mentioned, it is far different and will take time to perfect but when we get their “wow” there wont be many teams capable of living with us.

Just look at Tuesdays result we scored six goals and really if we moved up a gear we could have scored double figures, it doesn’t matter how good or bad the other

team are it’s what we do that counts.

Many may ask why did we take our foot off the gas well that was because we are professional and had players who played with slight knocks, other players who were coming back from injury who really should not have played at all and we had to look at it in a professional way in that we have games coming thick and fast at this stage of the season.

Unfortunately some supporters only see a game as they say “to the end of your nose” and have no idea about style, tactics, formations or why managers do certain things that’s why they are supporters and not managers, but of course we are all managers, know everything and have a view and an answer to everything. Well I have been there and done that for two games last season yes at step three and not park football and I have had the experience to say I am a complete novice as compared to a EUFA A license coach / manager. It’s quite scary really and I totally respect every manager at this level.

So when those of you want to have a sly dig at the team on social media and are too gutless to come and speak to the manager, or myself remember football managers know more than you ever will. So let’s all let them manage, do the hard work of what they are in our case seriously good at and let us supporters enjoy the ride even if it is at times disappointing. Wasted words by me, I suppose so as its “always” the same people who only attend a game now and then and never support the club on our long away travels, who are waiting to pounce, how sad are these individuals.

Right I have had my say on these cretins sorry to use that word but really that’s what they are and I look forward to todays match. We can only try our very best and if anyone out there can improve on that then maybe they should think about going into football management.

All for one and one for all (well the majority of us) Mike

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/STNEOTSTOWNFC / PAGE 13

Vinnie’s career in football began in 1984, when he was 19 years old; at Alliance Premier League side Wealdstone. He combined football with working as a hod carrier on building sites.

In 1986, aged 21, he moved to full-time professional status with Wimbledon, who paid Wealdstone £10,000 for him. He scored on only his second appearance for Wimbledon on 29 November 1986, in a 1–0 win over Manchester United in the First Division.

Vinnie was transferred to Leeds United in 1989.

He was promoted to the old Division One from the Second Division.

After helping them win promotion to the top-flight as champions of the Second Division, remarkably he received “only” three yellow cards during the entire season.

Jones left Leeds United early in the 1990–91 season and linked up with his former Wimbledon manager Dave Bassett signed him for Sheffield

In one notorious incident in 1988, Jones was photographed (opposite) grabbing Paul Gascoigne by his testicles in order to faze him during an FA Cup tie for Wimbledon against Newcastle United.

United, before selling him to Chelsea a year later.

After just one year at Stamford Bridge, he was back with Wimbledon in the 1992-93 season, when the FA Premier League had just been formed. He helped Wimbledon equal their best ever league finish in 1993-94.

Vinnie was known for his “hard man” He was sent off 12 times in his career, as well as holding the record for the quickest ever booking in a football match, being booked after just three seconds, in his autobiography, he recalls: “I must have been too high, too wild, too strong or too early, because, after three seconds, I could hardly have been too bloody late!”

LORENZO FERRARI PAGE 14 /

ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V STRATFORD TOWN ISSUE 03

In 1998 Vinnie left football and made his film debut in the crime comedy Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, in which he played a mob enforcer. His film career really took off as he was type case in many feature films and he even In costarred alongside Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger in the action/thriller Escape Plan, released in 2013.

Not bad for a former non-league player who started his career at the now Ryman league Wealdstone, funny enough the same club where Stuart Pearce started his footballing journey.

VINNIE JONES

“I must have been too high, too wild, too strong or too early, because, after three seconds, I could hardly have been too bloody late!” On being booked after 3 seconds!

WWW.STNEOTSTOWNFC.CO.UK / PAGE 15

Mascot feature Our mascot for the Leamington match came all the way from Holland.

Finnian Linnell is just 7 years old and lives in Vlaardingen, Rotterdam, Holland.

He loves goalkeeping and likes Danny Gay and Drew Roberts.

Finnian also has very proud granddad in Mick Hunt whose dug out duties for the night were excused so he could watch the game with his grandson.

To apply to be a Matchday Mascot contact Louise Spark on misslouises@yahoo.co.uk PAGE 16 /

ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V STRATFORD TOWN ISSUE 03

Better advice from your local friendly independent financial advisor

Fenice Court, Phoenix Park, Eaton Socon, St Neots, Cambridgeshire PE19 8EP Email: enquiries@premierplusltd.co.uk Web: www.premierplusltd.co.uk

FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION

JORDAN GENT PAGE 18 / ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V STRATFORD TOWN ISSUE 03

THE STARS WHO GOT US TO STEP THREE Jordan was a tall defender and one of the first players to make an impact on first team football after graduating from our youth development system.

He made his debut on 5 September 2009 away at Boston in a UCL Premier Division fixture scoring his first goal in an away Hinchingbrooke Cup tie at Wootton Blue Cross later that month.

After the retirement of former skipper Glen Fuff he became first choice centre half in our Southern League Central Division side making his 100th senior appearance away at Hitchin on 28 January 2013. His final match was the Hunts Senior Cup Final at the end of that season.

Jordon moved on to Soham Rangers where he is still playing first team football.

Career Record MATCHES PLAYED 101 plus 19 as substitute GOALS SCORED 9 APPEARANCES IN SOUTHERN LEAGUE ERA 62 plus 6 as substitute GOALS SCORED (2011/12 ONWARDS) 4

WWW.STNEOTSTOWNFC.CO.UK / PAGE 19

READ ALL ABOUT IT We take a look at what other non-league clubs are doing that’s making the news this week.

The takeover of Banbury United Football Club by Supporters led Community Benefit Society has been confirmed.

New scout for Cambridge City Cambridge City are pleased to announce the appointment of Dennis Lightning as football scout to the club.

Lightning is a popular figure in Cambridgeshire football having managed several local teams including Saffron Walden, Soham, Histon and Ely. He has also recently been scouting at youth level for Leyton Orient. His role at City will see him follow-up on player recommendations, report on future opponents and seek out new talent for the City first team. City manager Gary Roberts said “I have known Dennis for a long time and admire his enthusiasm for the game. I have every confidence that he will be very useful in identifying new talent for the club and as such be a key member of the backroom staff”.

Puritans supporters complete takeover

The transfer of ownership has been ratified by the Football Association, the Oxfordshire Football Association and by the Southern League. The Community Benefit Society will now have control of the club and this will initially be overseen by the Interim Steering Group which has led the process for the takeover.

Elections for a Management Board are scheduled to be held in November 2015. Commenting on the news, the Banbury United Supporters’ Club Chairman and Interim Steering Group member Stephen Barlow said “After months of hard work on the project it is fantastic to see the ownership of our great club in the hands of those who care about it the most, the supporters.

The club has experienced some tough times in the past few years but, with the backing of supporters and the Banbury community, we are confident we can make Banbury United a club the town can be proud of.”

Membership of the Community Benefit has exceeded 160 to date and the Steering Group hope that, with the takeover finally concluded, more supporters will sign up in the coming weeks. Over £8000 has also been raised through the CBS Community Share offer.

PAGE 20 / ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V STRATFORD TOWN ISSUE 03

Southern League reject Diamonds keeper shirt tradition The Evo-Stik Southern Football League have rejected a request from AFC Rushden and Diamonds to allow them to not use their number one shirt this season.

The Diamonds want to continue a club tradition that saw them retire the number one shirt out of respect for former keeper Dale Roberts, who sadly passed away in 2010. A statement on the club website read: “As Members and supporters of AFC Rushden & Diamonds will be aware, since its formation the Club has continued the tradition, originally established at Rushden & Diamonds FC, that the first team goalkeeper does not wear the number 1 shirt in memory of Dale Roberts.

No team representing AFC R&D at any level, of which there are a total of 36 for the 2015/16 season, has ever used the number 1 shirt and only two such shirts have been produced to this date. One of these hangs in “Dale’s Bar” at the ground and a second has been presented to Mr and Mrs Roberts, Dale’s parents.

When the Club first joined the United

Counties League in 2012 and made representation to the UCL Board regarding the above issue, their response was one of compassion and understanding. A small alteration was subsequently made to the wording of the League rule relating to player numbers which allowed the starting AFC R&D goalkeeper to wear the number 17 shirt. AFC Rushden & Diamonds would like to place on record our sincere thanks to the United Counties League for their support in this matter.

Robins boss Strachan “open minded” debut season in management You would think the pressure would weigh on Gavin Strachan’s mind ahead of his first season in management but in reality nothing could be further from the truth.

Carrying the burden of a famous name in British football, coupled with taking over at Ilkeston from the long-serving and highly respected Kevin Wilson could have meant that he would enter the Evo-Stik NPL

Premier Division season with some trepidation. But as soon as the former Hartlepool United, Coventry City and St Neots Town player starts talking you sense the pressure is a rarely used word in his vocabulary.

“It’s been good so far and we have been busy. We have had a big rebuilding job to oversee with rebuilding the squad, rebuilding the backroom staff and making changes with the academy.

I am very much open-minded about the season and I just want to see how we do. The standards and passion are high from the chairman Nigel Harrop. He shares my passion and it has made it easy to settle in. It is slightly unknown territory for me at this level. I know it will be competitive and I know there are some great players and great teams. But all I can do is focus on us and see where we get to, that is my emphasis going into the season”

Promotion the target for evergreen Hayles

Far from it, says the man who counts Fulham, Sheffield United and Millwall amongst his former clubs Chesham United are his latest club and after helping Truro City into the Vanarama National League South last season, Hayles is targeting promotion with his new club.

He said “I want to play as much as possible and we have a good squad here. I am hopeful we can make the top five, get into the play-offs. I definitely want to target promotion, I have been part of promotion winning sides and I hope I can add to that” As well as playing for the Evo-Stik Southern League club Hayles is also taking on responsibilites as a coach, something he takes great pride in, especially when it comes to passing on his experience to a young Generals squad.

“First and foremost I want to play as much as possible but obviously I want to learn the coaching side of the game as well. I want to pass on my experience to the young players and I have been able to do that so far. To be fair they have taken it on board which is great for me and the club, hopefully in the long-term it will benefit us all”

With a twenty six year career behind him you may think striker Barry Hayles is ready to hang up his boots?

For the very latest news visit www.southern-football-league.co.uk/league-news WWW.STNEOTSTOWNFC.CO.UK / PAGE 21

BAMOUSSA CISSE

CONNOR SCORES

TODAY’S VISITORS

STRATFORD TOWN

Six points from their first two games following promotion from the South and West Division – what a start for Stratford!

A very special welcome for our next Southern League Premier Division engagement with Stratford Town our visitors this afternoon who are making their first visit to the town for the first ever meeting of our two clubs.

Not to be confused with the East London borough of the same name Stratford is the town based on the river Avon most famously known as the birthplace of William Shakespeare but the football club is now writing a history of its own now at Step Three in the National League system. Similarly to ourselves Stratford achieved a meteoric rise to this level spending only two seasons at Step Four before their play-off home victories over Taunton Town (att. 617) and Larkhall Athletic (att.

1054) at the end of last season.

They announced their arrival in the Premier Division with an opening

day 3-2 away victory at Hitchin and followed that up with a 2-0 home win over fellow newcomers Bedworth United. These notes were written before their third match at home to Slough last Saturday.

Stratford had a disappointing start to their FA Cup campaign last season falling at the first hurdle away at Blaby & Whetstone but they did far better in the FA Trophy. In the Preliminary Round they won 1-0 just down the road at our neighbours St Ives Town and went on to defeat Stafford Rangers before losing in the Second Round Qualifying away at Rushall Olympic.

Like us they are eagerly awaiting notification of their FA Cup opponents but in the FA Trophy they are away at Histon on 31st October.

In the Red Insure Cup first round they host Kettering Town on the same day that our lads play St Ives

PAGE 26 / ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V STRATFORD TOWN ISSUE 03

Town. May I conclude these notes by wishing Stratford and their travelling supporters a successful first season at Step Three.

John Walker CLUB HISTORY The Club was founded by Paul Bartlett in 1941, as Stratford Rangers, changing its name to Stratford Town in 1949. Stratford competed in local leagues until 1947 when they joined the Birmingham Alliance (which became the Warwickshire & West Midland Alliance). Following league and cup successes, Stratford joined the Worcestershire Combination (which became the Midland Combination) in 1954. Over the following years Stratford played in various leagues including the Birmingham & District League and the Hellenic League, until 1994 when they became founder members of the Midland Football Alliance. In 1948/1949 Photos copyright to Stratford Town FC

Year founded: 1941 Nickname: The Town Chairman: Craig Hughes

Website: www.stratfordtownfc.co.uk Stadium: DCS Stadium

Did you know?: Stratford has Anglo Saxon origin, oh and Mr W Shakespeare was born here!

the team entered the FA Amateur Cup and reached the semi-final of the Birmingham Junior Cup. Over 1,000 supporters travelled to Villa Park to see the team narrowly lose to Castle Rovers in the Aston Villa Cup Final. At the end of the season the Club, with approval from the town’s Council, changed name to the present title of Stratford Town, inheriting the town’s crest for its badge and colours. In their first season as Stratford Town, 1949/1950, the team finished 7th in the league and became the first winners of the RAFA Cup. The 1950/1951 season saw the team finish runners-up. The highest scoring victory under the name of Stratford Town was achieved when Walsall Colts were beaten 14-1 in a home league game. The Town also became joint-holders of the League Cup (Alliance Senior Cup) after two drawn Finals against Coventry Amateurs. The Final of the Aston

Villa Cup was again reached but The Town lost to Hall Green Amateurs.

A prolific goal-scorer for The Town during their membership of the Alliance was Gordon Hillman and his 50 goals scored in the 1953/1954 season contributed to the Club becoming league champions, the title being secured when Dudley Town Reserves were beaten 6-2 in front of a “record crowd”. Stratford Town again lost to Castle Rovers in the Aston Villa Cup Final and Birmingham City Colts beat them in the League Cup Final which was played at St Andrews. A friendly against Pegasus attracted over 2,000 spectators at the Rugby Club and an end of season friendly against Evesham United attracted 1,000.

The Reserves finished in a high position while Stratford Town Colts held their own scoring 126 goals in their inaugural season. With further building development of what was becoming an industrial use area

ongoing (the fire station had only opened in 1953), the pitch was moved northwards and enclosed to its present position with the installation of changing rooms and a stand. The Ground, which initially had only a short lease, has changed very little since. With improved facilities the Club were accepted into the Midland Combination (then known as the Worcestershire Combination) for the 1954/1955 season, replacing Kingswinford & Wallheath FC, although the original intention appears to have been joining the stronger semi-professional Birmingham Combination which had ceased at the end of the 1953/1954 season.

More recently Stratford won a place in the Southern League South and West Division in the 2013/14 season finishing a creditable tenth position before going on in 2014/15 to finish third and secure promotion to the Premier Division via the play offs.

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/STNEOTSTOWNFC / PAGE 27

WHO’S WHO

THE TOWN

ANDY KEMP

AARON STRINGFELLOW

AARON MOSES

CARL ADAMS – 39 – MANAGER Joined at the start of 2012/13 season as joint manager with Morton Titterton, took sole charge when Morton had to leave due to health reasons. His Playing record included Birmingham City, making three first team appearances before a serious shoulder injury ended his full time career. He went on to play for Northampton, Kettering, Stevenage, Weymouth and Nuneaton, as well as San Jose and Sacremento in the USA. Made a Wembley appearance in 2000 for Kettering in the FA Trophy final and won the Conference title in 1997 with Stevenage Borough.

Previously managed Coleshill Town to the Midland Combination premier title in 2007/08 and Stratford to the MFA title 2012/13.

ANDREW KEMP – 26 – GOALKEEPER Joined last season from Bedworth United, previously with Banbury United and Daventry. Was voted Supporters Player of the Year.

JOE PERKINS – PHYSIO Joined the club at the start of season 2012/13.

GARY MORAN – 31 – FULL BACK Experienced full back joined last season from Hinckley United.

Previous clubs include Grimsby Town, Gresley Rovers, Rugby Town, Solihull Borough, Bedworth United, Rushall Olympic. This season has become Assistant Manager.

PAUL EDEN – 39 – COACH Joined the club 3 years ago, as first team coach. UEFA B qualified, previously Youth Development Coach at Aston Villa. Runs the Junior Academy at the club as well Soccer Schools during the year. Former striker for Leamington and racing Club Warwick.

PAGE 28 /

LOYISO RECCI – 23 – DEFENDER Played a few games as a youngster in 2009 under manager Micky Moore.

Joined Town from Bedworth United.

Strong quick defender who can play in several positions.

CALLUM BURGESS – 24 DEFENDER Strong Centre Back signed part way through last season from Bedworth United. Previously with Coventry City then joined Brackley Town, also played for Tamworth and Rugby.

CHRIS STERLING – 28 – FORWARD/MIDFIELD Strong Powerful striker, Joined from Rocester after being leading scorer for 3 seasons. As a junior he was with West Bromwich Albion

ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V STRATFORD TOWN ISSUE 03

DIOR ANGUS

and Birmingham City. Had spells with Stafford Rangers and Rushall Olympic. Was the Players Player of the season for 2013/14. Scored 16 goals last season.

RICHARD GREGORY – 25 – FORWARD Powerful striker with an eye for goal, Joined the club the beginning of 2013/14 season and won the ‘Golden Boot’ scoring 39 goals. Previously with Boldmere St Michaels and Coleshill Town.

SAM ADKINS – 23 – MIDFIELD Left sided player signed from Leamington. Previous clubs Solihull Moors Equally comfortable at left full-back or left midfield. Sam is a product of the Walsall youth system and made 2 appearances for the Saddlers before joining The Moors in 2010.

TYRONE FAGAN – 34 – FORWARD Part of last season’s league winning side. Powerful strong striker well known for his goal scoring ability at this level. Previous clubs include Romulus where he scored over 100 goals, Rugby Town, Congleton and Aylesbury United.

TREY BRAITHWAITE – 19 – WIDE MIDFIELD Signed from Solihull Moors where he

Simeon Tulloch: (Midfield) Pacey wide player joined Town last season after spells with Evesham United and Boldmere St Michaels. Was managers player of the year last season.

GARY MORAN

JOE HALSALL

LIAM FRANCIS

played for the Youth Team and made two first team appearances.

Rugby, Banbury, Daventry and Redditch.

GUY CLARK – 23 – DEFENDER Joined last season played for UWA Nedlands in Australia before returning to the UK to play for Coleshill and Alvechurch.

JOE HALSALL – 25 – MIDFIELD Energetic player with an eye for goals who captained Town’s 2012/13 League Championship side. Moved on to Evesham and Chasetown but returned at the start of this season.

MARCEL SIMPSON

SCOTT HADLAND – 32 – MIDFIELD Experienced player recently signed from Barwell previously with Brackley Town and Leamington.

DOMINIC ROGGERO - 20 – GOALKEEPER Signed this season previously with Kettering Town.

ALEX PRICE – 23 – MIDFIELD Previously with Birmingham City Academy before joining Solihull Moors, signed last season from Redditch United.

SEAN BRAIN – 18 – FORWARD Former Youth Team striker who progressed into the first team squad last season.

HARVEY HEADLEY – 25 – STRIKER Recent signing from Redditch United, powerful forward who spent four years at Longwood University – Virginia,USA before returning to the UK. Previous clubs include Tamworth, Solihull Moors and Hinckley United.

AARON STRINGFELLOW – 26 FULL BACK Part of Town’s MFA league winning side 2012/13 before suffering broken ribs in a car accident. Missed last season taking a year out travelling Australasia. Previously with Coventry City as a youth. Other clubs include WWW.STNEOTSTOWNFC.CO.UK / PAGE 29

GREENIES GREETINGS

Nothing is certain in this league Good afternoon everyone and welcome to the Premier Plus Stadium, home of St Neots Town Football Club, for this today’s Evostik League Southern Premier Division match.

Today we welcome the players, officials and supporters of newly promoted Stratford Town FC and we hope you enjoy your first ever visit to St Neots today and have a safe journey home later this evening.

Saturday turned out to be a bad day at the office for us, with the final score somewhat paled into insignificance with Remy Gordon suffering a leg break very late on in the second half.

We all hope Remy has a speedy recovery from this set back at he will no doubt come back as strong, if not stronger when fully recovered.

Looking back to the game itself, Poole are an established side at this level now full of experience and will no doubt be up there come the end of the season and had we not gifted them two sloppy goals, we may have got something out of the contest.

Football being the unpredictable game it is, they went on to lose at home to Chippenham on Tuesday evening, proving that nothing is certain in this league. Also, spare a thought for Histon, who travelled to Slough on Tuesday and made the dream start, scoring inside the first minute and then contrived to concede SEVEN times.

Unbelievable stuff......

to the side too adding bravery, experience and strength to the back four.

A good Saints’ following was there to cheer the lads on and I’m sure everyone present came home happy with the display but not so happy that the M6 junction was

We, of course, also played on Tuesday and travelled to face bottom of the table Bedworth on their 3G pitch.

A good performance from all the squad, including new loan arrivals Luke Trottman and Isaac Galliford, both from Luton Town, saw us run out six-nil winners.

The returning Ryan Hawkins made a difference up top with his energy and speed (however I’m sure he will want to work on his spot kick technique lol) and Mat Mitchel-King returned

closed and those who travelled on the Team Coach, had to divert via Northampton, meaning a late return home for all.

Ok then, back to today’s match and a win would keep us in the mix in the top five so let’s all get behind the boys and cheer them on from the very start.

COME ON YOU SAINTS GREENY

RYAN HAWKINS FAILS FROM THE SPOT PAGE 30 / ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V STRATFORD TOWN ISSUE 03

OLLIE SUTTON

Scorelines..

A brief round up of the recent results from the teams that matter Weekend Action: Premier Division (15 August 2015)

Chippenham Town, two ahead at the interval, scored three times in the second half to complete a resounding 5-0 home victory over Bedworth United and maintain their one hundred percent record to go top of the table while Biggleswade Town, a goal down after fourteen minutes, scored on the hour to secure a 1-1 home draw with Redditch United.

Cirencester Town were held to a 0-0 draw by visiting Hitchin Town where as Stratford Town, after taking a second minute lead, also had their perfect start ended when Slough Town snatched a 1-1 away draw with a goal in the fifth minute of time added on.

Poole Town, a goal up at the break, conceded a second half equaliser but went on to complete a 3-2 success at St Neots Town while Cambridge City, who took the lead two minutes before the interval, scored three times in the second half to secure a comfortable 4-0 victory at Frome Town.

Dorchester Town, two down at half time, scored three times in the opening thirteen minutes of the second half to pull off a 3-2 win at Hungerford Town.

Leamington, a goal ahead at half time, scored twice in the final fifteen minutes to complete a

3-0 win at Histon but Weymouth were held to a 0-0 draw at home

by Dunstable Town. Kettering Town won the battle of the promoted Champions when they overcome visiting Merthyr Town 3-2 and Chesham United came from behind to complete a 2-1 home victory against Paulton Rovers.

In the day’s other game Bideford made the long trip to Kings Lynn Town worthwhile when a goal five minutes from time gave them a 1-0 victory.

Midweek Action: Premier Division (W/C 17 August 2015)

In a match of penalties, Chippenham Town, two up from first half spot kicks, conceded one themselves fifteen minutes from time but ensured they maintained their one hundred percent start to the season when they scored in time added on to secure a 3-1 win at last season’s Runners-up, Poole Town.

Cirencester Town kept up their unbeaten start when two goals in each half gave them a 4-1 victory at Paulton Rovers to leave their hosts with just one point from the opening four games and relegated Leamington, two up at the break but hauled back level seven minutes into the second half, secured a 3-2 home win over promoted Kettering Town with a goal soon after the hour mark.

PAGE 32 / ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V STRATFORD TOWN ISSUE 03

St Neots Town, four ahead at the interval, completed a comprehensive 6-0 success at still pointless Bedworth United.

Dunstable Town, who had taken the lead from a penalty with twenty minutes remaining, scored in the final minute to record a 2-1 home win to bring an end to Biggleswade Town’s unbeaten start after the visitors had equalised two minutes earlier.

Merthyr Town, ahead early in the second half, inflicted a first defeat on Stratford Town when they struck twice in three minutes near the end to secure a 3-0 home success.

Weymouth struck a minute from time to win 1-0 at home against Bideford while Slough Town, who went behind in the opening minute, scored five times before the break to set up a resounding 7-1 victory over Histon Dorchester Town were held to a 0-0 home draw by Frome Town, Hitchin Town scored a goal in each half to complete a 2-0 home win over Kings Lynn Town Redditch United found themselves two goals down soon after the half hour mark but struck twice in the final five minutes of the first half to secure a 2-2 home draw with Hungerford Town, leaving both clubs with three points from their opening four games.

ST. NEOTS TOWN F.C

LE A R N I N G & S P O RT S AC A D EM Y

MD’S VIEWS It’s always been my intention to separate The St Neots Learning and Sports Academy from St Neots Town FC. The football club will still benefit hugely by way of developing footballers and rental revenue however this is a transferable business both in the context of site and off course sport.

At the time of writing these programme notes we currently have 43 committed scholars this year doing a combination of Btec Level 2 (access to A levels) Btec Level 3 (extended national diploma) with some Level 3’s stretching themselves to include A levels as well. These are exciting times for the football club.

Planning has been submitted for our new classroom space so fingers crossed.

Why do we need classroom space haven’t the scholars been taught in the function rooms?

Well we are just 4 weeks away from the start of our sports scholarship programme in partnership with SNLP (Longsands and Ernulf).

Initially this will be football based however we have already had discussions with other sports establishments within the area about ways to expand the educational programme to include a variety of sports. (Rugby/Cricket/Tennis etc) as well as adult educational opportunities all to be based on site at St Neots Town FC with all academics delivered by staff from SNLP. In essence we are now part of the SNLP educational curriculum with a remit, in partnership with SNLP, to be not only an avenue for the all students who wish to follow a sports pathway (regardless of ability) but also to offer

an elite sports programme that will become a centre of sports excellence with first-class academics.

We have been overwhelmed with the response that both us (as a club) and SNLP have had to this initiative.

And so we need additional classroom space which can also be utilised not only for the educational programme but also be used as part of our community support.

Community support We currently offer free use of our function rooms for a number of community initiatives, this includes scouts, walking groups, fundraisers for charity events, sports day fundraisers, youth football support, walking football support etc etc as well as supporting loves farm community until such time that their own community centre is up and running.

This support is all provided Free of charge, however this is having a huge impact on our function rooms and with our intentions to carry on providing and expanding our community initiatives/ Support programmes further space is of paramount importance.

Primary School Support Currently we work with Hunts Primary School in delivery of Key stage one/two sports lessons as well as after school clubs.

This is now being offered out to all primary schools within St Neots and the surrounding area. We have also worked with a number of primary schools over the last two years by providing scholars too help deliver and monitor sports days etc.

PAGE 34 / ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V STRATFORD TOWN ISSUE 03

This is an avenue that allows our scholars to gain valuable life skills and has seen a number of scholars want to move into the educational sector.

A new initiative which will go live in the next few months is an educational/ sports day at the football clubs which will be offered to all primary schools within a set radius, this will be done in partnership with EnrichedIT (please visit their website www.enriched.it) this again requires additional classroom space.

This is a unique opportunity for us to move towards something that we believe provides long term stability and growth in sports development and educational excellence.

Tom Spark Tom Spark has also joined our teaching/ coaching team. Some of you will remember Tom as a fringe player a few years back who left us to travel to the States and then upon return he become part of the coaching staff at Cambridge Utd. This is a long term committed from both parties and as such Tom will be off on a teacher training course in the next few weeks to start the process of embedding himself as not only a fine young coach but also as a qualified academic teacher. We want to give young people the opportunity to express themselves in a productive and professionally run environment, as such we have already ear marked a young lad who will be going into his second year with us from Sept to become our new recruited Coach/Teacher for Sept 2017 start.

Welcome to our guests today LEE

GUY MAILANCOL

INTRODUCING

REMY GORDON Remy joined the club in July 2015 having been transferred from Wroxham and has signed a two year contract with the Saints.

Being the son of a famous footballing dad Dale Gordon who played for Norwich City and West Ham United can put pressure on such a young player but Remy is his own man and has his own style of play and is never fazed by have a famous footballing father.

Remy was very high on the list of new recruits for manager David Batch, as he showed his worth by scoring 24 goals from a wide

midfield position in his last season with Wroxham.

A very quick dynamic wide midfield player he has already won over the saints supporters and scored his first Saints goal on his debut in the first game if the season Remy was also voted into the Ryman Team of the year last season.

Already he has shown that he will be if not already the best left sided player in this league.

PAGE 36 / ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V STRATFORD TOWN ISSUE 03

WEYMOUTH Our next away fixture is a Bank Holiday match down at the Bob Lucas Stadium the home of Weymouth.

I remember the last time we visited their ground on a very cold and rainy Tuesday night way back in January.

In which was our only defeat in the second half of the season, quite extraordinary when you think back at that one nil defeat in a match where we really did not turn up.

In saying that who would have been able to be at their very best on a night like that after a very long journey.

Weymouth have had an indifferent start to this season after narrowly missing out on a play off position when they really were in Pole position at the turn of the year.

THE BOB LUCAS STADIUM Radipole Lane, Weymouth Dorset, DT4 9XJ Wheelchair Access: Yes

A collapse in form in the second half of the season was quite dramatic.

Matchday Magazine: ÂŁ2

DIRECTIONS: Approach Weymouth from Dorchester on the A354. Turn right at first roundabout onto Weymouth Way, continue to the next roundabout then turn right (signposted Football Ground).

At the next roundabout take third exit into the ground.

Round Trip from (PE19 6SL): 370 Miles

Capacity: 6,600

The trip down will be over the August bank holiday and of course traffic will be in tense.

So it looks like a very early start for those who are unfortunate in finding over night accommodation.

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/STNEOTSTOWNFC / PAGE 37

BEDWORTH UNITED 0 ST NEOTS TOWN 6 Southern League Premier Division / 18.08.2015 / Att: 193 / Referee: David Avent (Northampton)

St Neots recorded their biggest ever away Southern League victory to condemn a Bedworth side to their fourth consecutive defeat since winning promotion from the South and West Division at the end of last season.

The final tally could have been greater because the home side finished with nine men having had one player dismissed after 41 minutes and a second ten minutes from time – both for violent conduct.

In fact Bedworth’s indiscipline cost them dear with four further players picking up yellow cards mainly for niggling offences rather than serious foul play and they look to be struggling to cope at the higher level.

The match was St Neots’ first league encounter on a plastic surface on which of course they train regularly and they adapted with consumate ease. They were boosted when Mat Mitchel-King still suffering the effects of facial injuries and Ryan Hawkins (bruised ankle) both came through pre-match fitness tests to replace Remy Gordon and Nathan Frater.

Lee Clarke was also in the starting line-up replacing Adam Tann who was on the bench and the two recently recruited loan players from Luton were both in the squad – one on the bench. There was little early indication as to what was to come at the end of the first half when St Neots was to effectively clinch victory with three goals in ten minutes. In fact there was little of note in the first twenty minutes with Bedworth shading possession and St Neots tactics from the back offering

little opportunities to their front players. However the home side only carved out one real opening with Kristian Ramsey-Dickson getting around the back of the St Neots defence but his final cross was poor and easily cleared.

St Neots should have taken the lead on 21 minutes when Hawkins was felled in the area by Luke Rowe and he climbed to his feet to take the resultant penalty kick only to see Denham Hinds guess right to dive and push the ball away. Then after 24 minutes a clever through ball inside a defender by Ryan Hawkins freed Tom Meechan and he went past his marker to open the scoring with a well-placed shot.

From a Jack Wilkinson corner Lee Clarke headed narrowly wide but after 33 minutes it was 2-0 when another Wilkinson corner was mishandled by the keeper to leave Tom Ward a simple close range header. Three minutes later St Neots were awarded a second penalty when Meechan was brought down and this time Lee Clarke made no mistake and then after Mark Albrighton had been sent off for stamping on Brett Longden Mat Mitchel-King headed on a long Wilkinson throw and debutant Isaac Galliford deftly set up Connor Hall to make the half time score 4-0 in favour of the visitors.

Three minutes after the restart Guy Mailancol on as a substitute for Galliford rapped home a Longden cross to score with his first touch of the ball and in the next St Neots attack a minute later the impressive Tom Meechan claimed his sixth goal in four matches scoring after Hinds could only parry a Hawkins free kick.

St Neots could now send on two more substitutes to gain playing time and they introduced the second Luton loanee Luke Trotman and Bamoussa Cisse for Hawkins and Clarke.

There seemed to be a lack of continuity in the play with the opposition also sending on substitutes and picking up cautions but the pleasing thing was that St Neots looked solid in defence with Tom Ward and Mat Mitchel-King well in control.

St Neots had the ball in the net a seventh time but the effort was ruled out by an offside flag and although they had much of the possession thanks to their extra player the home side were concentrating on defending rather than trying to create a consolation goal.

It was a fairly complete performance against a side that will struggle at this level.

John Walker

Bedworth United

St Neots Town

Hinds, Tullin, Rowe, Westwood, Cartwright, Haines, Albrighton, Steane, Naughton, Ramsey-Dickson, Bains Subs: Kiembi (for Ramsey-Dickson 58), Degville-Cross (for Naughton 70), Creaney (for Steane 84 mins, Penney and Nash Cards: Albrighton (RED – 41), Haines (RED – 70), Ramsey-Dickson (Y – 35), Rowe (Y – 50), Tullin (Y – 53), Degville-Cross (Y – 82) Goals: None

Gay, Anton, Wilkinson, Hall, Ward, Mitchel-King, Clarke, Longden, Meechan, Hawkins, Galliford Subs: Mailancol (for Galliford 46), Cisse (for Hawkins 55), Trotman (for Clarke 59), Tann and OseiAddo. Cards: None Goals: Meechan 2 (24 & 49 mins), Ward (33 mins), Clarke – pen (36 mins), Hall (43 mins), Mailancol (48 mins)

PAGE 38 / ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V STRATFORD TOWN ISSUE 03

WWW.STNEOTSTOWNFC.CO.UK / PAGE 39

ST NEOTS TOWN FIRST TEAM PLAYER STATS 2015/16 St Neots Town First Team Player Stats 2015/16

2

4

2 3

3 1 4 2

2

4 3

1 6

1 3

1 1

1 3 4

1

PAGE 40 / ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V STRATFORD TOWN ISSUE 03

GOALS

UNUSED SUB

GOALS

1

UNUSED SUB

4 2

USED SUB

2 3 1 4 3

TOTAL

APPS

1

USED SUB

APPS

1

CUP GOALS

3

UNUSED SUB

USED SUB

Anton Jamie Burton Ben Cisse Bamoussa Clarke Lee Frater Nathan Galliford Isaac (LOAN) Gay Danny Gordon Remy Greygoose Jamie Hall Connor Harty Sam Hawkins Ryan Hobbs Dan Longden Brett Mailancol Guy Marango Ebey Meechan Tom Mitchel-King Matt Ossei-Addo Kelvin Roberts Drew Tann Adam Trottman Luke (LOAN) Vieira Luis Ward Tom Wilkinson Jack

APPS

LEAGUE

3 0 0 2 3 1 4 3 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 0 4 3 0 0 3 0 0 3 4

1 0 4 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0

0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0

WWW.STNEOTSTOWNFC.CO.UK / PAGE 41

24.10.15

Bideford

23.4.15

Dunstable Town

5.12.15

2.1.15

5.12.15

22.8.15

19.3.15

16.1.15

6.2.15

Merthyr Town

Paulton Rovers

Poole Town

Redditch United

Slough Town

20.2.15

2 -- 0

3.10.15

Stratford Town

Weymouth

29.9.15

19.9.15

22.8.15

27.10.15

22.9.15

6.2.15

16.1.15

3.10.15

3.10.15

1 -- 0

5.3.15

22.8.15

5.9.15

6.2.15

26.3.15

3.10.15

14.11.15

13.2.15

2.4.15

2.4.15

9.4.15

16.1.15

9.1.15

23.1.15

4 -- 3

12.3.15

2.1.15

22.8.15

1 -- 4

26.3.15

31.8.15

3 -- 1

6.2.15

22.8.15

2.4.15

20.2.15 26.12.15

6.2.15

28.3.15

6.2.15

5.12.15 19.9.15

5.9.15

2.4.15

16.4.15

12.12.15

2.1.15 31.8.15

5.3.15

16.4.15

5.3.15

0 -- 0

2.4.15

23.1.15

27.2.15

6.10.15 14.11.15

7 -- 1

9.1.15

2.4.15

5.9.15

29.9.15

9.1.15

2.4.15

23.4.15

5.3.15

3.10.15

30.1.15

0 -- 0

6.2.15

28.3.15

2 -- 2

6.10.15

19.3.15

13.2.15

5.12.15

2 -- 0

3 -- 2

26.3.15

1 -- 1

27.2.15

3 -- 2

2.4.15

5.3.15

10.10.15

16.1.15

2.1.15

22.8.15

7.11.15

1 -- 0

6.2.15

31.8.15

24.10.15

16.4.15

13.2.15

6.2.15

5.12.15

6.10.15

22.9.15

9.4.15

5.3.15

4 -- 1

6.2.15

0 -- 0

7.11.15

26.3.15

30.1.15

13.2.15

23.1.15

5.9.15

2 -- 3

28.3.15

9.1.15

27.2.15 20.10.15

27.2.15

19.9.15

31.8.15

30.1.15 20.10.15 29.9.15

9.1.15

19.3.15

9.4.15

1.12.15

28.3.15

16.1.15

3 -- 0

2.1.15

23.4.15

27.2.15 10.10.15 29.9.15

23.4.15

2 -- 3

5.3.15

26.12.15

20.2.15

22.9.15

23.1.15 12.12.15 29.8.15

1 -- 1

31.8.15 10.10.15

2.1.15

1.12.15

7.11.15

19.9.15

9.4.15

22.8.15

12.3.15

5.12.15

22.8.15 19.12.15

5.12.15 21.11.15 19.3.15

19.10.15 28.9.15

12.3.15

26.3.15

16.1.15

28.10.15

19.9.15 12.12.15 13.2.15

23.4.15

9.4.15 30.1.15

3.10.15 19.12.15 21.11.15 26.3.15

12.3.15

28.3.15

12.3.15 27.10.15 29.9.15

5.9.15

28.11.15

2.1.15

17.10.15 22.8.15 28.11.15 10.8.15 16.11.15

9.4.15

1 -- 0

27.2.15

7.11.15 19.12.15 23.4.15

28.10.15 7.11.15

29.8.15 10.10.15 20.10.15 27.10.15 21.11.15

9.4.15

30.1.15 10.10.15 17.11.15

1.12.15

Stratford Town 26.12.15 13.2.15

4 -- 4

0 -- 6

St Neots Town

7.11.15 10.10.15 12.12.15 17.11.15 13.2.15

20.2.15 14.11.15 17.10.15 29.8.15

2.4.15

5.12.15

5 -- 1 9.4.15

28.3.15 26.12.15 23.4.15 28.11.15

19.3.15

14.11.15 28.3.15 17.11.15 20.2.15

2.1.15

16.4.15

23.1.15 24.10.15

5.9.15

12.12.15

9.1.15

30.11.15 19.9.15

1 -- 0

19.9.15 19.12.15 24.10.15 20.10.15

2 -- 0

27.2.15

27.10.15 6.10.15

29.9.15 27.10.15 20.10.15

17.10.15 28.11.15 29.8.15

31.8.15 17.11.15

1 -- 1 23.1.15

19.9.15 30.1.15

23.4.15 17.11.15 7.11.15 27.10.15

2 -- 1

19.9.15 23.4.15

5.9.15

Redditch United 9.1.15

Slough Town

31.8.15 17.11.15 27.2.15 28.11.15 16.1.15

19.9.15

5.9.15 9.1.15

5.10.15 19.12.15 3.10.15

0 -- 3

3.10.15

5.9.15

19.3.15

16.4.15

9.1.15

30.1.15 10.10.15 14.11.15

26.12.15

30.1.15

23.9.15 12.12.15

29.8.15

Paulton Rovers 23.1.15 12.12.15

Poole Town

13.2.15 26.12.15 29.9.15

26.3.15 28.11.15 16.1.15

2.12.15

27.2.15 20.10.15

29.8.15

20.2.15 26.10.15

9.4.15

7.11.15

24.10.15 1.12.15

30.1.15

Kings Lynn Town

5.12.15 10.10.15 22.8.15

24.10.15 3.10.15 28.11.15 19.3.15

26.3.15

0 -- 0

9.4.15

29.8.15 27.10.15 21.11.15

30.1.15 21.11.15 13.2.15 9.1.15

22.9.15

10.10.15 21.11.15 23.4.15

0 -- 0

1.12.15 26.12.15

3 -- 0

1 -- 1

Merthyr Town

29.9.15 26.12.15 12.3.15

Leamington

7.11.15 21.11.15 23.1.15

23.1.15 20.10.15

5.9.15

12.3.15 26.12.15 13.2.15

16.4.15 24.10.15 28.9.15

16.1.15

12.3.15

19.9.15

0 -- 0

24.10.15 19.12.15 14.11.15 19.3.15 6.10.15

16.4.15

6.10.15 12.12.15 22.9.15 17.11.15

3.10.15 17.10.15 22.9.15

5.9.15

0 -- 1

23.1.15

20.2.15

24.10.15 13.2.15 14.11.15

26.12.15 20.2.15 17.10.15 1.12.15

17.10.15 22.9.15

Hungerford Town

20.10.15 29.8.15

Kettering Town

3.10.15 21.11.15 26.12.15 28.3.15 17.10.15 12.3.15

17.11.15 10.10.15 28.3.15

14.11.15 20.2.15 19.12.15 17.10.15

2 -- 3

Histon 2.4.15

Hitchin Town

12.3.15 20.10.15 29.8.15 12.12.15

7.11.15 12.12.15 16.1.15

23.1.15

5.3.15

5.3.15

23.4.15 28.11.15

12.3.15

Dunstable Town

29.8.15 28.11.15 29.9.15

3.10.15

5.9.15

7.10.15 18.11.15

29.8.15 17.10.15 22.9.15

16.4.15

17.10.15 28.11.15 14.11.15 22.9.15

16.4.15

2.4.15

16.4.15

1 -- 3

26.3.15 21.11.15 14.11.15

19.3.15

1 -- 0

9.1.15

1.12.15 24.10.15 26.12.15

6.10.15

1 -- 2 20.2.15

30.11.15 5.12.15 21.11.15

29.9.15

23.1.15

28.3.15

5.12.15 24.10.15 6.10.15

1 -- 0

28.3.15

6.2.15

29.8.15

30.1.15 19.12.15 1.12.15

2.1.15

19.3.15

5.3.15

27.2.15 19.10.15 31.8.15

2.1.15

31.8.15

0 -- 4

30.1.15

16.1.15

26.3.15 21.11.15 22.8.15

20.2.15

31.8.15

6.10.15

1 -- 0

Frome Town

16.4.15 14.11.15 27.2.15

Dorchester Town

1.12.15 27.10.15 28.3.15

9.1.15

Cirencester Town

12.3.15 24.10.15 12.12.15

27.2.15

10.10.15 12.12.15

22.8.15 19.12.15 20.10.15

0 -- 1

16.4.15

7.11.15

2.1.15

5.3.15

2 -- 1

26.3.15

Chippenham Town

13.2.15 10.10.15 21.11.15

Chesham United

19.3.15 19.12.15 19.9.15

9.4.15

17.11.15 28.11.15 31.8.15

31.8.15

Leamington

2.1.15

20.2.15

St Neots Town

19.3.15

19.12.15 16.1.15

21.9.15

Kings Lynn Town

Kettering Town

Hungerford Town

Hitchin Town

27.10.15 19.12.15

7.11.15

Dorchester Town

2.4.15

2 -- 0

Histon

26.3.15

Cirencester Town

2 -- 4

Biggleswade Town

23.4.15

Cambridge City

17.10.15 5.12.15 17.11.15

17.10.15 23.9.15

5 -- 0

6.2.15

Frome Town

5.3.15

Chesham United

7.10.15

28.11.15 14.11.15

9.4.15

Bedworth United

Chippenham Town

Cambridge City

Biggleswade Town

Bideford

Bedworth United

Weymouth

DON’T get me wrong, I enjoy a good 0-0 draw.

Defences on top, star strikers in back pockets, keepers smiling with their clean sheets.

He wasn’t the only fivestar show with Melford Simpson helping himself to the same number as Shoreham brushed St Francis Rangers aside 8-0.

And there’s something beautiful about an organised 1-0 away win.

You know the ones. Where a team shows zero ambition, plays one up front, defends superbly, frustrates the opposition by slowing the game down and then nicks a winner from their only foray into the opposition penalty box.

I love those games. It shows all the discipline and nous required to win a game of football and get three points. But most of the time it’s great to see an attacking team tear the opposition apart, pull them all over the pitch and bang in a load of goals.

A few Non-League strikers have been filling their boots already this season.

Defenders best look away now, because what better place to start that Winchester City hot-shot Warren Bentley.

After their opening two games in the Evo-Stik League

Southern South & West, the 24-year had scored nine goals. That’s NINE goals, in TWO games.

And Luke Barlone fired in four as Coleshill steamrolled Ellesmere Rangers 11-0. At the same stage last year, the Midland League side also racked up double figures.

Just 42 minutes into the new season, Bentley had five as the greedy goal machine helped his side batter Bridgwater Town 7-2.

The following Tuesday he clearly let his level drop, managing just FOUR against Wimborne Town.

Clearly the concept of defending had been abandoned altogether with Winchester running out 6-5 winners.

You won’t be surprised to know he’ll soon be re-setting his 30 goal target if his ratio keeps up.

Then there’s Gosport Borough’s Justin Bennett. He’s also seemingly decided hat-tricks are so last season.

The top scorer in the Conference South last season, Bennett hammered four past Weston-superMare last Tuesday.

It’s caught on in the FA Cup. AFC Liverpool’s Steve Jones hit five in their 9-2 demolition of Chadderton in the extra preliminary round.

PAGE 42 / ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V STRATFORD TOWN ISSUE 03

Add in two half-way line strikes from Oxford City’s Bradley Bubb and Ashton Town’s Danny Coid, who got his against Widnes after just three seconds, and this season is already a goal feast.

But someone scoring nine goals in two games doesn’t happen all that often so we sent The NLP cameras along to get some snaps of Bentley with his Winchester City team-mates before Saturday’s game at Yate Town. The final score? 0-0. Of course it was. Bet it was a good game though.

Matt Badcock Follow us on twitter: @NonLeguePaper

Opposition in CAPS denotes home fixture. Player name in BOLD CAPS denotes goal scorer.

THE FAMOUS FIVE! Date

ATT

COMP

R

Pos

Sat 8 Aug

Opposition Bideford

233

EVO

4-4

11

Gay

Tue 11 Aug

LEAMINGTON

368

EVO

1-0

5

Sat 15 Aug

POOLE TOWN

366

EVO

2-3

11

Tue 18 Aug

Bedworth United

193

EVO

6-0

5

Sat 22 Aug

STRATFORD TOWN

Sat 29 Aug

Weymouth

Mon 31 Aug

BIGGLESWADE TOWN

PAGE 44 / ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V STRATFORD TOWN ISSUE 03

2

3

4

Anton

Wilkinson

Tann

Gay

Tann

Wilkinson

Mitchel-King

Gay

Anton

Wilkinson

Tann

Gay

Anton

Wilkinson

HALL

Player name in these colours denotes substitute

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

14

Hall

Mitchel-King

Frater

Longden

MEECHAN 3

Hawkins

GORDON

Clarke

Cisse

15

Ward

Hall

Frater

Longden

MEECHAN

Hawkins

Gordon

Anton

Clarke

Cisse

Ward

HALL

Frater

Longden

Meechan

Clarke

GORDON

Cisse

Ossei-Addo

Mailancol

WARD

Mitchel-King

CLARKE

Longden

MEECHAN

Hawkins

Galliford

MAILANCOL

Cisse

Trottman

WWW.STNEOTSTOWNFC.CO.UK / PAGE 45

EVO-STIK LEAGUE SOUTHERN PREMIER DIVISION / 20.08.15

P

W

D

L

GF

GA

+/-

Pts

01

Chippenham Town

4

4

0

0

12

2

+10

12

02

Cirencester Town

4

3

1

0

9

4

+5

10

03

Cambridge City

4

3

0

1

6

1

+5

9

04

Leamington

4

3

0

1

7

3

+4

9

05

St Neots Town

4

2

1

1

13

7

+6

7

06

Biggleswade Town

4

2

1

1

11

6

+5

7

07

Merthyr Town

4

2

1

1

8

4

+4

7

08

Dorchester Town

4

2

1

1

9

6

+3

7

09

Weymouth

4

2

1

1

5

2

+3

7

10

Stratford Town

4

2

1

1

6

6

0

7

11

Poole Town

4

2

1

1

5

5

0

7

12

Slough Town

4

1

2

1

9

7

+2

5

13

Hitchin Town

4

1

2

1

5

4

+1

5

14

Kettering Town

4

1

1

2

5

6

-1

4

15

Chesham United

4

1

1

2

3

4

-1

4

16

Bideford

4

1

1

2

5

7

-2

4

17

Dunstable Town

4

1

1

2

4

6

-2

4

18

Hungerford Town

4

0

3

1

4

5

-1

3

19

Redditch United

4

0

3

1

3

4

-1

3

20

King's Lynn Town

4

1

0

3

1

5

-4

3

21

Frome Town

4

0

3

1

1

5

-4

3

22

Histon

4

1

0

3

4

14

-10

3

23

Paulton Rovers

4

0

1

3

3

10

-7

1

PAGE 46 / ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V STRATFORD TOWN ISSUE 03

PROUD TO SUPPORT AND SPONSOR THE SAINTS

#AllForOneAndOneForAll

Experts in Company Branding, Marketing and Website Design www.blueprawndesign.co.uk

@blueprawndesign

01767 677559

Manager: David Batch Assistant Manager: Steve Eastaugh First Team Coach: John Beck Goalkeeping Coach: Darren Plowman Goalkeepers Danny Gay Jamie Greygoose

Manager: Carl Adams Club Coach: Paul Eden Physio: Joe Perkins Line Up: 01: Andy Kemp 02: Emmitt Delfouneso 03: Gary Moran 04: Marcell Simpson

Defenders Brett Longden Jack Wilkinson Adam Tann (Capt) Tom Ward

05: Liam Francis 06: Scott Hadland 07: Aaron Moses-Garvey 08: Joe Halsall 09: Dior Angus

Connor Hall

10: Edwin Ahenkorah

Jamie Anton

11: Rob Thompson-Brown

Sam Harty

Subs From:

Midfielders Ryan Hawkins Lee Clarke Mat Mitchel-King Guy Mailamcol Remy Gordon

Sam Adkins Jamie Sheldon Kevin Charley Alex Price Tyrone Fagan Simeon Tulloch

Forwards Drew Roberts Tom Meechan Nathan Frater Bamoussa Cisse

Colours Dark Blue Shirts, Shorts & Socks

Colours Tangerine Shirts, Black Shorts & Tangerine Socks

The match line up will be displayed on the electronic scoreboard Referee: Gareth Viccars Assistant 1: John Wynne Assistant 2: Robert Trinder

Next Home Game: Biggleswade Town The Evo-Stik League Southern Premier Division Bank Holiday Monday 31st August / KO 15:00

As a Club we support Grass Roots Football and stand firm against racism within football, visit www.thefa.com for more information on playing your part.