Irchester United vs. Wellingborough Whitworth

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 our close friends and rivals from Whitworths and hope they don’t get lost on the way home!

Anyone visiting us as a neutral is also most welcome, we have had a few groundhoppers this season, one famously bought to the ground in a police car, and we are always happy to get their feedback on how they enjoyed the day.

Given our closeness to Whitworths it is unsurprising that over the years many players and mangers have represented both the Romans and the Flourmen, and that continues today where we expect to have a couple of old players at least as well as former manager Steve Sargent. You can tell that Sarge’s time at Alfred Street is fondly remembered as we let him back in!

Last Saturday saw the boys keep their first clean sheet of the season and the first goalless draw at Alfred Street for quite a while, certainly not in the last couple of seasons. A point is a point in any league and all are most welcome when you are at the wrong end of the table.

Whitworth, on the other hand, are flying high in the table, so they will be expecting three points as they continue for at least a spot in the playoffs. Northamptonshire clubs hold the top four places in the league, unfortunately we are one of the three Northamptonshire clubs that hold the bottom places.

Last night our Reserves played the United Counties League Reserve Knock-out Cup final at Cogenhoe. Their opponents were Buckingham Development, who were also likely to field some ex-Romans. Say what you like, everyone gets a chance to play here. I’m writing this on Thursday so I’m sure that Marius’ lads will give a good account of themselves and hopefully we’ll be making some room in the Trophy Cabinet. If we don’t have any space we’ll ask Spurs to borrow there’s

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,

Last time out we hosted a strong team in Royston, who had previously given us a bit of a battering.

A change in fortunes, performance and line up delivered us with a fantastic performance which gained us a valuable point. We can probably have the right to feel aggrieved that we never took 3 points on the day.

The focus will now be on building upon the solid foundation laid in that match and carrying that momentum forward into the derby today.

We have to continue the hard work, determination, and develop a winning mentality going into the derby. The team will feel encouraged after the game against Royston and will need to stay disciplined, stick to the game plan, and show their best qualities on the pitch.

This is an opportunity for our players to demonstrate their skills, teamwork, and desire to come out on top in a competitive and passionate game against Whitworths.

Hopefully come the evening we are all enjoying stories of how the game unfolded and how the performance was pleasing

Enjoy the game 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

Last Saturday’s goalless draw with Royston Town Under 23, courtesy of Dan Beaman.

Photo Special

Last Saturday’s goalless draw with Royston Town Under 23, courtesy of Dan Beaman.

Photo Special

Last Saturday’s goalless draw with Royston Town Under 23, courtesy of Dan Beaman.

Photo Special

Last Saturday’s goalless draw with Royston Town Under 23, courtesy of Dan Beaman.

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

W'BOROUGHWHITWORTH

DanielAdetoye RyanBaxter

MoAhmed RemyBrittain

EthanAldridge LewisBrooks

DavidBoddington TyClark

PatrickBronyan KaiFifield

DylanCarlin AidanGarside

OllieEmery NathanHeycock

NathanHewett

JonathanJoseph

ConnorI'Anson JoshuaKilsby

PraiseIheme DanLaw

KennyKwarteng

ConnorMallows

HarryLawrence VikramMazumbar

BayleyLeslie LiamMorrisey

DylanMcGinley AshtonMusgarve

DannyMontenegro MiltonN'Cube

RebusNoel CharlieNixon

TomasOlivera PowfilRaposo

MattySmith

Colours:Red/White;Red;Red

Manager:DanStewart

Assistant:ChrisGell

Coach:IanPratt

IsaacRedding

Colours:AllYellow

Manager:JamesMallows

Coaches:SteveSargent

ScottWhitney

Officials:AndyWoolmer;SteveHoare;GaryGurney

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

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 Nathan Hewitt

Kooka proudly sponsor Ethan Aldridge

Today’s Visitors

The most recent and accurate history of Whitworth Football Club is that they were formed in 1973 as a result of the disbanding of Wellingborough Ideal Clothiers Football Club. Most of the Clothiers were also playing for the Victoria Millers Sunday Football Club and approached Mr. Dave Woodley about forming a new Saturday Club. The result was the forming of Whitworth FC, with, amongst others, Dave Woodley, Chris Beaver, Brian Higgins and Graham Edmunds as the founders.

The club began life in the Rushden and District League with limited success. However, in the season of 1975/76, their 3rd year, the Club were crowned League Champions. This feat was repeated the following year, when in that season (1976/77), the team dropped only 8 points from 30 games. As a result of their success, the Club were moved into the East Midlands Alliance Premier Division, where they played for 8 years. Whilst they never won the title, they did finish as high as 2nd and were winners of the “Munton Cup” on two occasions. On winning the “Munton Cup” for the second time, a piece of history was made, never to be repeated. At a time when Reserve teams were able to enter senior competitions, both our teams got to the final with the Reserves recording an incredible 6-1 victory. Reserve teams were never permitted to enter the cup again.

In 1985, with extensive ground improvements completed, Whitworth FC were accepted into the United Counties League Division One. In the season of 2002/03, when facing extreme financial difficulties, the Football Club committee was reorganised with several new faces brought in. That season and the following one, 2003/04, the club spent time defining a new direction as well as creating financial stability. In 2004/05, with a mixture of experience and youth, the Reserves finished Runners-up in Division Two as well as reaching the final of the Lower Junior Cup. The first team finished Runners-up in Division One, beaten only on goal difference by Sileby Rangers, equalling our previous highest finish in this league in the 1996/97 season.

The Club enjoyed other success having won the Junior Cup in 1995/96 and have reached the Semi-Final on 3 other separate occasions, the most recent being the 2002/03 season. Our Reserve Team won Division Two in 1986/87 and again in 1995/96. They have also reached the final of The League Cup in 1986/87 and the Lower Junior Cup in 2004/05 and were semi-finalists in 1986/87 and 1995/96. Whitworth Football Club also won the “Fair Play” Award in 1991/92.

2009/10 saw Wellingborough Whitworth Football Club take significant strides in attempting to move the club to another level. The Club had floodlights installed, a 100-seater stand, a walkway around the whole of the pitch, and called it The Victoria Mill Ground, we have ensured that the ground grading will be up to scratch when success next comes our way. The 2011/ 12 season was a bittersweet one as on October 18th 2011, our clubhouse was destroyed by arsonists but the reserves ended the Season as Northants Lower Junior Cup winners as well as UCL Reserve League Cup winners

Today’s Visitors

Prior to the 2016/17 season, club stalwart Dave Woodley passed away but in a fitting memory to him the first team under James Mallows leadership, finished the season in the Runners up position and gained promotion to the UCL Premier division for the first time. The Reserves ended the season in fourth place but once again won the Northants Lower Junior Cup.

Season 2017/18 saw the first team secure their Premier Division status on goal difference and the Reserves ended the season in 11th place.

The First Team struggled in 2018/19 and were relegated back into Division One, with Simon Anderson taking on the Managers role and the 2019/20 Season sees the return of James Mallows to the fold, taking on the role of first team manager and Cavan Wardell as the reserve team manager, who continue to run the sides with Clark Morrow as A Team Manager, all supported by Michael Garside, Liam Leonard, Joe Judge and Scott Whitney

The 2021/22 season saw many of the young players that have come through the U16 and U18 Teams over the last couple of seasons playing across the 1st/Reserves and A Teams, as well as Two U18’s teams. The first team finished the season in 5th place and in the play offs, unfortunately they lost the final and remain in the Spartan South Midlands League Division 1 next season. The Reserves ended their season in 8th position whilst the A team finished in 6th place. The U18’s Black finished runners up in their division whilst the U18’s Red finished fourth in theirs.

With additional Youth Sides joining this Year’s U16’s managed by Elliott Hanney, plus U15’s managed by Damien Browne and Scott Whitney, with two U12 Teams (Black Pumas and Reds) managed by Nick Stuart/Pete Hatch and Harry Greenbank respectively, U11’s, managed by James Drden, U9’s also managed by Nick and Pete, with two U8 Teams (Black Hawks and Red Kites) managed by Luke Baker, with the youngsters at U7’s managed by Cavell Jarvis and Jonny Hazell – bringing through the future of the club with the next generation of players. The U12 Reds have won the Weetabix U12 Division 2 and the Northampton County U12 Cup, with the U15 in the County Cup at Sixfields and the U11 Plate Semi Final.

The Table

Results