SPARTAN SOUTH MIDLANDS—DIVISION ONE
IRCHESTER UNITED vs. RAUNDS TOWN
SATURDAY 6th APRIL kick-off 15:00 Roman Review
Irchester United
Home Ground:
Irchester Sports Association
Alfred Street
Irchester
Northants
NN29 7DR
2023-24 Committee
Chairman David Cockings
Secretary & Treasurer Glynn Cotter
Head Groundsman Melv Tompkins
Assistant Groundsman Mark Wheeler
Match Day Manager Peter Shipton
Fundraising/Social/Social Media Sarah Williams and Kerry Rutter
Welfare Officer Karen Laxton
Club Photographer Dan Beaman
Matchday Catering Ann Bowden
2023-24 Team Managers
First Team
Dan Stewart Manager
Chris Gell Coach
Ian Pratt Coach
Reserves
Marius Obreja Manager
Wayne Blundell Coach
Valentin Cerbu Coach
Mohamed Abdul Rezak Coach
POLITE NOTICE
As you will see we are situated in a residential area.
Please keep this in mind when leaving the ground and also in the language you use inside the ground.
Welcome to Alfred Street
Welcome to Alfred Street, we bid a warm welcome to the players, officials and supporters of Raunds Town for what is bound to be a fiercely contested local derby again.
After three good results the reverse at Letchworth Garden City was a knock back for the team, the weather hasn’t helped with the original Saturday game being washed out leaving us to get a team together on a Tuesday evening during a holiday week, far from ideal. We return to Saturday football today and, hopefully, a return to positive results.
Those of you local to the village will be aware of the sad passing of Timmy Maguire, The Maguire clan have long be associated with football so it is definitely a case of losing one of own. Tim was a little bit older than me so I have known him for as long as I can remember. His health issues meant he had far from a good start to life.
Tim was small in stature but big in character and loved everything to do with the village, even though he supported Leeds. When his health allowed Tim was a fervent supporter of all football in Irchester be that Irchester United, Irchester Romans or Irchester Sports.
We will hold a minute silence in memory of Tim before the game, please join us in paying our respects to a much loved Irchester character.
We are now into the final few games of the season and should soon have a better idea of our chances of remaining at Step Six for the forthcoming season. I know that the players and managers are determined to keep our fortune in our own hands by picking up as many points as they can starting today.
If you can please pop into the club for a drink, it allows us the opportunity to keep playing on this site, at this level and enjoy the facilities.
As ever a massive thank you to our small but wonderful band of volunteers who work tirelessly to keep the club going. If you would like to join us please come and see me, we can find a role for you.
David Cockings Chairman
From the Dugout
Good afternoon,
We welcome you back to Alfred Street again after a much improved run in results to match positive performances. We have managed to go 3 of the last 4 games unbeaten. Tuesday night away at Letchworth didn't quite go to plan however the boys remain positive and upbeat that they can battle their way away from the relegation zone.
Today marks another opportunity to take points away from local rivals in the for of Raunds. The reverse fixture saw us run out victors at their ground a feat we are hell bent on repeating this time around again.
It's an opportunity for Trick to face his old team and I'm sure he more than anyone will be wanting to settle a score and help us achieve 3 points on the day.
We now have a run of home fixtures which hopefully on familiar grounds allows us to settle into a decent rhythm and drum up the points necessary to keep us up.
I urge you all to provide maximum support and help give the boys that final push before the season ends.
Enjoy today's fixture, hopefully another 3pts to celebrate
Daniel
Irchester United
The club was formed as Irchester Excelsior in 1883, changing its name to United two years later. In 1980 the club underwent another name change following a merger with Wellingborough Eastfield to overcome a player shortage. In 1990 a return to the more traditional United name was made.
In the early years the club played at “The Boundleys”, changing at the Working Men's Club. The present Alfred Street ground was first used in 1921 although it was ploughed up during the war. The club resumed football at the Recreation Ground before going back to Alfred Street in 1952.
The Roman’s first success of note came in 1929 when they won the first of a record nine Rushden & District League titles. A year later the championship was retained with further success in the Northants Junior Cup and Irchester Charity Cup, which the Romans won on ten occasions up to 1961.
The Northants League 2nd Division was won in 1931 and 1932 before Irchester briefly competed in the semi-professional 1st Division. In 1936 they returned to the Rushden League, winning it as the reserves had done in 1933 and 1934, when they also won the Northants Junior Cup.
In the post war era more success followed as the Romans won the Junior Cup in 1949 and carried off four Rushden League titles between 1947 and 1957.
Irchester returned to the UCL in 1969 and won promotion to Division One in 1974. Highlights since have included Northants Junior Cup success in 1976, runners up in the same competition seven years later and a superb run in the first open Knockout Cup in 1981-82, three Premier scalps claimed en route to a semi-final defeat at Stamford.
The nineties saw the Romans struggle but in 2003 they enjoyed their best seasons in almost thirty Division One campaigns under Bob Reed & John Dower, narrowly missing out on the title and eventually finishing third. The success helped drive the club forward from a facilities perspective, with floodlights installed at the Alfred Street ground in the summer of 2005.
After a series of lowly finishes, the appointment of Daren Young as manager in 2009 revitalised the club and the Division One title was won in 2009-10. Ground improvements saw the Romans promoted to the Premier Division, briefly topping the table in September 2010 for the first time in the clubs history. After 3 seasons in the top flight the club returned to Division One for the 2013-14 season.
The club reached the second round proper of the FA Vase for the first time in 2018.
Season 2023-24 sees the Romans back in the Spartan South Midlands under the continued management of Daniel Stewart and his team of coaches. Marius Obreja and his team are in charge of the Reserve team for 2023-24
EasiPC proudly sponsor David Boddington & Matty Smith
Photo Special
Pictures from last Saturday’s hard earned win over Rushden & Higham. Dan Beaman behind the camera as always.
Photo Special
Pictures from last Saturday’s hard earned win over Rushden & Higham. Dan Beaman behind the camera as always.
Photo Special
Pictures from last Saturday’s hard earned win over Rushden & Higham. Dan Beaman behind the camera as always.
Photo Special
Pictures from last Saturday’s hard earned win over Rushden & Higham. Dan Beaman behind the camera as always.
Welcome to St Giles Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic!
We are delighted to have you here and would like to share the story behind the genesis of our business—a unique bond between a sports therapist and a patient that sparked an innovative vision.
Frustrated by unsuccessful attempts at finding effective treatment, I was on the verge of giving up hope. With unwavering dedication, Claudiu developed a personalised treatment plan for me, merging his expertise with cutting-edge technology.
Motivated by our shared success and the desire to help others facing similar challenges, we joined forces to create a clinic dedicated to providing exceptional physiotherapy and sports rehabilitation. Our collaboration combined the expertise of a skilled therapist with the invaluable insights of a patient who had experienced firsthand the profound impact of tailored care.
At St Giles Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic, we bring this unique perspective to every patient we treat. Our team of skilled therapists, led by Claudiu, are available to help alleviate your pain and aid in your recovery. With more than two decades of experience, specialised training, and extensive research, we can accurately identify the underlying cause of your discomfort and guide you towards complete reha-
At our Northampton clinic, we employ advanced technology and tailored exercise rehabilitation programmes to aid in the recovery of persistent injuries and chronic pain.
Over the past six years, we have successfully provided long-term pain relief to 95% of our patients at our sister clinic in London’s Covent Garden.
We are committed to delivering the best possible care and customer service to ensure that your experience with us is exceptional.
If chronic pain or injury is something you are currently facing, seeking expert assistance from St Giles Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic is highly recommended without any delay.
Meet the Players
Nathan Hewett (Goalkeeper) - Nathan is a big presence in the goal and joins the club adding to competition for the number 1 spot.
Adam Barabasz (Defender) - Equally at home on either side of the pitch Adam combines a great engine with some excellent technical ability.
Kenny Kwarteng (Defender) - Kenny has come on leaps and bounds this season and is worth his place in the squad.
David Boddington (Defender) - Mr Reliable “Bodds” always plays with his heart on his sleeve, another no nonsense defender who enjoys nothing more than clean sheets.
Daniel Adetoye (Defender) - Daniel has everything that you look for in a defender. He is quick strong and loves defending.
Harry Lawrence (Defender) - The latest in the line of an Irchester footballing dynasty Harry has made the breakthrough into the first team in the past couple of weeks and looked worthy of his place.
Billy Bodell (Defender) - Hard to believe that Billy is only 16 and in his first season of men’s football. Comfortable on the ball to a level of players older than him, the future is more than bright for this young man.
Dylan Carlin (Defender/Midfield) - Joining us on a dual registration from Cogenhoe Dylan is a highly technical player. It is the hope of both clubs that getting valuable minutes on the pitch will aid the next stage of his development
Dylan McGinley (Midfield)- Brings energy and skill into the midfield area with the ability to link the midfield to the forward line. Despite his young age Dylan has plenty of experience already at a higher level and adds good quality to the side.
Patrick Broynan (Midfield) - A new addition to the squad “Trick” possesses all you need to run games from centre midfield at this level.
Bayley Leslie (Midfield) - Younger brother of Lewis, Bayley is your archetypal box-to-box midfielder, as likely to be blocking a goal bound shot as he is popping up with a much needed winner.
Matty Smith (Midfield/Forward) - fantastic technician. Extremely comfortable with ball, has an eye for goal, strong and never stops going. Matty is a popular member of the side and often at the source of good football.
Tomas Oliveria (Forward) - Full of pace and no little ability Tomas is a top prospect in the traditional Irchester way.
Mo Ahmed (Forward) - Mo brings a physical presence to the forward line. Godd with his feet as well as his head he will make life difficult for centre backs.
Today’s Squads
IRCHESTERUNITED RAUNDSTOWN
DanielAdetoye
MoAhmed
EthanAldridge
DavidBoddington
BillyBodell
LukeAridegbe
CoreyBeattie
MatthewBiggs
JackCawkillRobins
JoeChubb
PatrickBronyan GedminasGreviskis
DylanCarlin
NathanHewett
ConnorI'Anson
PraiseIheme
KennyKwarteng
CameronHarris
DanielJames
HarveyJohnson
FilipKulinowski
JoshuaKearney
HarryLawrence RyanLovell
BayleyLeslie
DeanMcBride
DylanMcGinley SamPask
DannyMontenegro
RebusNoel
TomasOlivera
MattySmith
Colours:Red/White;Red;Red
KurtisRandall
BenjaminRoss
RioThompson
OwenWells
Colours:AllYellow
Manager:DanStewart Managers:LukeAridegbe
Assistant:ChrisGell
Coach:IanPratt
DeanMcBride
Officials:LukePilley;LiamJackson;DeanMartin
We are Kaliaaer the goalkeeping specialist, we are constantly looking at new and innovative ways to attack the opposition, this is why we are so proud to sponsor Clarke Timson and his keepers for this season and beyond.
Clarke told us “After spending a long time looking at gloves on the market it was an easy choice to work with Kaliaaer at Irchester United. I really think they are the best gloves on the market.”
Potbelly Brewery was started 2005 in a leather goods factory in the heart of Kettering.
As the demand for UK produced belts and handbags was declining the owners (Glenn Morris and Toni Hooper) decided to diversify and turn their passion for beer into a full-time job. Equipment was sourced and manufactured to build a 10 barrel microbrewery in the corner of the factory. With the building of the fermenting room, the conditioning room, and an additional two cold stores, this took over more and more of the building. As the factory, and staff reduced further, the brewery eventually took over completely with a Function room, and bar with eight working handpumps. This area is used for brewery tours, which take place every Friday evening and used for the annual beer festival.
The first beer brewed was called Aisling which was a golden 4.0% lightly hopped beer which featured at Leicester Beer Festival to good reviews. A testament to the quality and taste is the fact it is still brewed today, although to a slightly higher ABV.
To compliment this light delicate ale, Potbelly Best was introduced using four different malts, and Goldings hops to give a traditional flavoured beer (which won best category Northants CAMRA 2015), and “Beijing Black – a smooth mild (Champ Mild at many SIBA and CAMRA festivals).
10 years after the first commercial brew, the original founders wanted to take life a little easier, and their brewer lan Loasby, and colleague Greg Johnson decided to take over the reins. Still brewing the original beers, several new ones have been added to the repertoire: including “Saint or Sinner, at 6.66%. This has been highly rated by many CAMRA members, but not as much as “Ambrosia Mild” which was awarded Overall champion at Northampton County Beer Festival 2016. We have up to 10 different ales available at any time, including a certified gluten free beer called “Piggin Saint”.
Things have changed greatly in the last 12 years; a great a many pubs and clubs have sadly shut, and many more micro breweries have been born. With the trend going towards micro pubs, and real craft ale bars, the interest in beers has increased dramatically. This has led to some strange non-conformist brews but whilst we embrace change, we have decided to stick to more traditional, and consistent methods, hops water yeast and occasionally real fruit.
Potbelly Brewery proudly sponsor Connor I’Anson
CT_Goalkeeping is the brainchild of local goalkeeper
Clarke, through CT_Goalkeeping is rapidly gaining a positive reputation for the quality of coaching for aspiring and experienced goalkeepers he offers.
UEFA qualified, Clarke has been offering quality coaching for the past three years. Clarke works with goalkeepers from the age of six and tailors his sessions depending on the age or ability of his charges.
Young keepers couldn't have a better start to their goalkeeping journey. Follow Clarke on Instagram - ct_goalkeeping
coach Clarke Timson.
CT_Goalkeeping proudly sponsor Nathan Hewitt
Kooka proudly sponsor Ethan Aldridge
Today’s Visitors
Raunds Town was founded in 1946. There had been other teams with "Raunds" in the title as long ago as 1896–97, but at a meeting in the town's Temperance Hall in May 1946 a new amalgamated club was formed. The club is nicknamed "The Shopmates" in reference to the local boot and shoe industry, which was largely workshop based.
In 1950 the Shopmates joined the United Counties League, playing in the Second Division. They did not set the league on fire, and after switching between the divisions settled in Division One after the former first division was redesignated the Premier Division. A season in Division Two in 1979–80 seemed to wake them up: after the division was disbanded at the end of that season, the Shopmates returned to Division One and were promoted as champions in 1982–83.
Raunds Town embarked upon an ambitious programme. Having played at Greenhouse Field for two years at the start, they moved to The Berristers for thirty-three seasons and in 1991 they moved to Kiln Park. The stadium adjacent to the A45 was designed to host football at a higher level. The Shopmates' on-field performance matched this munificence. In 1992–93 they won at Northwich Victoria 2–0 to eliminate their hosts from the FA Cup in the Second Qualifying Round, thus far the only time a UCL club has eliminated Conference opposition from the competition. In 1994–95 the Shopmates lost the FA Vase semi-final against Arlesey Town having led 3–0 after the first (home) leg. The following season they were eliminated in the quarter-final by Bristol club Mangotsfield United. In 2006–07 the Shopmates eliminated Isthmian League side Enfield from the FA Cup by way of a 2–1 away win, gaining revenge for a reverse in the same competition at their hands eight seasons before.
Today’s Visitors
Financial implications, not least the cost of travelling, and for two seasons
Raunds Town struggled. Manager Keith Burt resigned, and the club had little option but to apply for re-admission to the United Counties League at the end of 1999–2000.
Meanwhile, in the United Counties League, the leadership of manager Keith Burt led an assault on the top of the table. Having lost out on the championship on goal difference in 1994–95, Raunds seized the title the following season. They were duly promoted to the Southern League, where they took their place in the Midland Division. However, they suffered from their geographical location close to the boundary between the divisions and in 1998–99, the Shopmates were shifted to the Southern Division, which was renamed the Eastern Division the following season. This had financial implications, not least the cost of travelling, and for two seasons Raunds Town struggled. Manager Keith Burt resigned, and the club had little option but to apply for re-admission to the United Counties League at the end of 1999–2000.
In the 2012–13 season, Raunds Town were managed by Stuart Brown. 201314 saw the arrival of co-managers James Le Masurier and Scott Manning.
At the end of the 2020–21 season the club were transferred to Division One of the Spartan South Midlands League.
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