Irchester United vs. Royston Town Under 23

Irchester United

Home Ground:

Irchester Sports Association

Alfred Street

Irchester

Northants

NN29 7DR

2023-24 Committee

Chairman David Cockings

Secretary & Treasurer Glyn 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 Royston Town Under 23’s. We hope they have an enjoyable day with us and a safe journey home.

I'm going to start today by wishing Marius and the Reserves the very best of luck on Friday in the United Counties League Reserve Knock-out Cup Final.

The game takes place at Cogenhoe FC, where we lock horns with Buckingham Development. Buckingham have a couple of ex-Romans in their ranks so it will be good to see some familiar faces.

If you can please get along to Cogenhoe and support the lads. Next weekend is a big weekend as the First Team are back here on Saturday 23rd March when we take on our friends and rivals from over the river in Whitworths.

It’s been awhile since we were last on here on a Saturday although we did welcome New Bradwell St.Peter for a Cup game that gave us the archetypal game of two halves.

We are approaching the business end of the season, still in a precarious position. With any number from one to three looking at relegation I know that Dan and the team are doing their best to pull us away from the foot of the table.

Speaking to other teams in the relegation mix the feeling is that two at most will be relegated and those two will come from the four teams at the bottom of the table. We still have to play Rushden & Higham here and Letchworth Garden City Eagles away, although going to Letchworth on a Tuesday night is another examples where the fixtures haven’t done us any favours.

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

Hi all,

We have endured a challenging period with a recent run of poor form that has seen the team struggle to produce the results we had hoped for. Despite these setbacks, the players and coaching staff remain optimistic about the team's potential to turn their fortunes around and finish the season on a positive note.

The recent performances have been disappointing, with results not reflecting the team's efforts and determination on the field. However, there is a strong belief within the club that the players have the talent and resilience to overcome this rough patch and emerge stronger.

As the season progresses, Irchester United will be focusing on regaining momentum and rebuilding team confidence. By working together, staying committed, and pushing each other to perform at their best, we as a club are confident that we can change our fortunes and get points on board showcasing our true potential.

The spirit and unity within the team remain unwavering, and everyone associated with Irchester United is determined to fight through this challenging period. Despite the recent setbacks, hope and belief in the team's ability to turn things around are still very much alive.

As supporters, your continued backing and encouragement are invaluable to the team during this crucial phase of the season. With your unwavering support, Irchester United is determined to work hard, persevere, and give everything they have to secure a strong finish and make the club proud.

Thank you for standing by the team through thick and thin. Let's rally together and show our unwavering support as Irchester United strives to overcome adversity and write a successful ending to the season.

Your dedication and passion for the club are truly appreciated, and together, we believe that better days are ahead for Irchester United. Let's stay united and keep the faith as we look forward to a brighter future for our beloved club.

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

Photo Special

Dan Beaman made a rare jaunt outside of Northamptonshire to capture the action in last Saturday’s game at Cranfield United.

Photo Special

Dan Beaman made a rare jaunt outside of Northamptonshire to capture the action in last Saturday’s game at Cranfield United.

Photo Special

Dan Beaman made a rare jaunt outside of Northamptonshire to capture the action in last Saturday’s game at Cranfield United.

Photo Special

Dan Beaman made a rare jaunt outside of Northamptonshire to capture the action in last Saturday’s game at Cranfield United.

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.

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

Lewis Leslie (Midfield) - the centre midfielder brings a wealth of experience, Lewis is a brilliant passer of the ball and often is involved in the build up play. Good in the air, good on the deck, don't mind a tackle. Perfect for the centre of midfield.

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.

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.

Ollie Emery (Midfield) - A recent addition to the squad Ollie brings a bit of bite into the middle of the park. He is the modern central midfielder though being equally at home dfending or attacking.

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

DanielAdetoye

MoAhmed

ROYSTONTOWNUNDER23

DanielBaulk

MichaelBaulk

EthanAldridge CharlieCastle

DavidBoddington

PatrickBronyan

FrancoCiuffa

SamuelCollinson

DylanCarlin MasonCook

OllieEmery MatthewCrowther

NathanHewett

JoshuaDarby

ConnorI'Anson JackDavis

PraiseIheme JoshuaFox

KennyKwarteng

HarryLawrence

BayleyLeslie

DylanMcGinley

DannyMontenegro

RebusNoel

JackGreen

JacobGreen

RoryHaselhrst

HarrisonHubert

JamieJudge

RoderickOrlando-Young

TomasOlivera LouiePullen

MattySmith

Colours:Red/White;Red;Red

Manager:DanStewart

Assistant:ChrisGell

Coach:IanPratt

OliverWilliams

Colours:AllAquamarine

Manager:DanEvans

Coaches:

Officials:DavidMorrison;NathanJapp;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 Kian King

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

CT_Goalkeeping is the brainchild of local goalkeeper coach Clarke Timson.

CT_Goalkeeping proudly sponsor Durrel Wedderburn

Kooka proudly sponsor Ethan Aldridge

Today’s Visitors

RTFC was originally founded in 1875 but it’s not until 1896 that we find references to a Reserve Team which seems to be playing friendlies against Cambridge based sides. During the early years of the 20th century this pattern continued before we find the team playing in the Cambs League before switching to the Buntingford and District League where they were crowned League champions twice in three seasons [1921/22 and 1923/24]

Throughout the 1930’s they had switched back to the Cambs League and immediately after the end of WW2 won the Cambs Junior Cup 1946/47 beating Swavesey 2-1 in the final. The Club then moved into the Herts County League, then to the South Midlands League in 1959/60 before completing a full circle by returning to the Herts County league where both the first and reserve teams enjoyed successful championship winning campaigns. But it didn’t stop there, and in 1977/78 both teams were back in the South Midlands League where the Reserves won successive League titles in 1978/79 and 1979/80.

The period 1984-1994 saw the club competing in the Isthmian League which for the first team proved a very challenging period but in contrast the Reserve under the management of John Halliwell picked up two pieces of silverware by winning the Herts Intermediate Cup and the T.V. Sports Cup with a squad of very talented young Royston based players.

Today’s Visitors

The next 18 seasons saw the Club competing in the South Midlands League with the low point being in 2006/07 with relegation from the Premier League to Division 1 at Step 6 in the non-league pyramid. The appointment of Paul Attfield as Club manager at the start of 2007/08 season proved highly significant. Paul had previously worked for the Club as Youth/ Reserve Team manager and had continued to put his faith in young players which proved to be the bedrock of his success in taking the Club to win promotion to Step 4 football in the Southern Central |League. It was during this period that Kevin Wilson led the Reserves to a South Midlands double, winning the League Championship and the Reserve Challenge Cup followed later by the South Midlands Floodlit Reserve Cup in 2009/10.

For the season 2012-13 the Reserves were elected to the Suburban League North and by winning their last three games they managed to snatch the League Title by one point from Ashford Town. The following season they won the title again in even more dramatic style overtaking Tring Athletic on the last day of the season by a goal difference of 3!

Having secured promotion the team played for the next six seasons in the Suburban Premier League under the management of Adrian Cambridge until the challenges of travelling to most of our away games south of the Thames began to inhibit the recruitment and retention of players. A return to the Herts County Premier League proved to be a much more workable option with Lewis Endacott at the helm. In the season 2021/22 the Reserves were the last club to win the Aubrey Cup, considered by many to be one of most prestigious trophies in the Hertfordshire football.

In the following season Dan Evans took on the task of developing a more integrated approach between our under 18’s and the Reserves by forming the Under 23’s who went on to finish 4th and accepted the invitation to play at Step 6 by joining the Spartan South Midlands Division One League.

Results