Knaresborough Town Vs Emley AFC 06.01.2024

NCEL-PREMIER DIVISION KNARESBOROUGH TOWN FC Vs EMLEY AFC 6th JANUARY 2024 KICK OFF 3:00pm

Welcome to

KNARESBOROUGH TOWN AFC Address; Manse Lane, Knaresborough, HG5 8LF. Phone: 07578140810, Email: knaresboroughtownafc@gmail.com 1st Team Manager: Simon Parkes, Assistant Manager: Colin Heath, Coach: Tom Evans, Goalkeeper coach: Sam Lee, Physio: Jake Eilbeck.

Reserve Team Manager: Craig Robinson. Assistant Manager: Simon Swales.

Womens Team Head Coach: Mike Bligh.

President: Paul Howard, Vice President: Ernest Clarkson. Chairman: Peter Plews. Vice Chairman: Kerrie Shields, Secretary: Clare Rudzinski, Finance: Chris Parkes, Development : Nigel Corner.

Programme Editors: Paul Howard, John Houston MBE. Website and Social Media: Dan Rudzinski, Neil Hamer, .

Head Groundsman: Steve Bradley. Committee members: Neil Hamer, Steve Bradley, Chris Dight, Philip Hudson, John Houston MBE, Tim Pearson, Dan Rudzinski.

Volunteers: Laura Hattersley, Nigel Harrison, Henry Glover, Julie Glover, Judy Chapman, Dave Smith, Kev Heaton, Brian Walker, Roger Clayton, Mark Scott, Neil Kermode.

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SAFETY NOTICE. Persons are admitted to the ground subject to their acceptance of the rules and regulations of the football association and the Northern East Counties Football League.

Entrance to the ground shall constitute unqualified acceptance of these rules. The club reserves the right for staff and the police to remove from the ground any person who does not comply with these rules and regulations or whose presence within the ground is, or could reasonably be construed as constituting a source of danger, nuisance or annoyance to any other person.

The throwing of any object within the ground, taking part in chanting of an indecent or racist nature, entry on to the field of play without lawful authority or excuse, the use of threating or abusive language is strictly forbidden and will result in ejection from the ground.

Spectators must not stand in the seated or hatched areas, this is for your own safety and that of others; you may also be obscuring other people’s view.

Failure to comply with this safety notice renders you liable to being ejected from the ground.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURE In the event of an emergency requiring evacuation of all or part of the ground please listen for the PA announcement and comply with the instructions.

Manse Lane Focus.

Good afternoon everyone and welcome to Manse Lane for today’s NCEL Premier Division match against our friends from Emley who are in second place in the table, only 2 points behind Campion but with three games in hand. We usually include comment about recent form, but in Emley’s case the main statistic you need to know is that they have only lost two league games out of the 22 they have played. Add the facts that they have the meanest defence in the league (only 15 goals conceded) and score goals for fun and the simple fact is that we couldn’t have a tougher fixture to start the new year.

From our perspective it was only a few weeks ago that we wrote in the programme for the Silsden game that on our day we are a match for anyone. At that time there was only a 9 points gap between Garforth in the last playoff position (5 th) and Knaresborough in 13th and after beating Silsden we have gone on a further run of wins that has taken us to 8th place in the table, level on points with Garforth and only one point off the play off places.

That run is now six consecutive wins in an eight match unbeaten sequence, so it seems pretty clear that Simon and the lads have sorted out that “inconsistency” issue and we are on top form. Our last game away at Garforth was a cracker and we fully deserved our 3-2 win.

Here are our goal scorers against Garforth - Phil Milsom and Jack Carr.

Elsewhere in the club there has been no recent football but the reserves are back in action today when they make the trip to Carlton. That will be a tough match that should shake the cobwebs off!

The Women’s side haven’t played since their cup win against Crossley on the 17th December and the scheduled league match against Burley Trojans on the 7 th January has been 2

(Continued on page 3)

postponed. That means that they have to rely solely on training sessions at the moment but as these photos show, they obviously enjoy them.

Although we have a fantastic women’s squad, departures for University etc have meant that we have room for additional players – and what a great opportunity for local ladies to join such a great side. Full contact details are on our Social media sites.

(Continued on page 4)

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The New Year is often a catalyst for retrospection and, looking back, we can certainly say that 2023 has been a successful year on the pitch for all of our teams. Here is a breakdown of the numbers per team and as a club overall, compiled by Dan Rudzinski:

2023 Numbers.

First Team Goals Scored 95 Goals Conceded 72 Games won 24 Games Drawn 9 Games lost 15

Reserve Team Goals Scored 56 Goals Conceded 64 Games won 13 Games drawn 6 Games lost 13

Women’s Team Goals Scored 120 Goals conceded 11 Games won 17 Games drawn 1 Games lost 1

2023 Club Total Goals scored 271 Goals conceded 147 Games won 54 Games drawn 16 Games lost 29

As we have previously mentioned we also have another, very special group of footballers down at Manse Lane, and they are the gentlemen (I use the term loosely!) who attend the excellent Rainbow Group sessions twice a week in our clubhouse. The poor weather of late has meant that we haven’t been able to get out on the pitch with the lads for some weeks so we were pleased to be able to join everyone for their pre-Christmas party.

In the first photo the gentleman in the yellow hat is Harrogate Town’s legend and record goal scorer Jim Hague. And in the second one Paul joins our mate Mick who played for Farsley Celtic and Yorkshire Amateur and who still has a ferocious shot.

When we started these football sessions with the Rainbow Group, Paul and I ran it on our own – and we have no idea how we managed! Since then we have been joined by other committee members and friends of the club and, quite simply, we couldn’t manage without them. So thanks to you all.

(Continued on page 5)

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We were also joined by other KTFC supporters who help us with the football sessions, and at the back of this photo is our Market Tavern contingent, including landlord Mark Scott.

And finally, we would like to congratulate Colin Heath Assistant Manager, Centre Forward and a member of the 100 Goals club on his recent Birthday.

Happy 40th Colin from everybody at the club.

But now it’s back to this afternoon’s game against Emley. It should be a good, hard-fought match between two in-form and very good sides, and on behalf of Chairman Peter Plews, the committee and everyone else at Knaresborough Town we hope that everyone connected with both clubs enjoys the game and our hospitality.

As ever – thank you all for coming.

John and Paul.

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The Gaffer Simon Parkes

Here we are at the start of a new year and we couldn’t have a tougher match than today’s game against Emley who are probably favourites to win the league. We lost the reverse fixture 2-0 back in early September, but that was at the start of our poor run of form when we were undeniably in a bit of a rut for a period of time.

At the start of the season we were clear that challenging for promotion was our aim, but as a management team we had to reassess things when we didn’t seem able to put consistently good performances together and kept shooting ourselves in the foot with silly errors that cost us points.

Over recent weeks we have turned a corner and we are currently playing some excellent football and getting the results we deserve. The management team are certainly delighted with the effort the lads are putting in week after week, both on the training ground and on the pitch, but to quote a couple of old football clichés it is important that we keep our eyes on the ball, continue to work hard and take each game as it comes.

Challenging for promotion is still our aim but in such a tough league any thoughts of the play-offs have had to be put to the back of our minds. Everyone seems to have been beating each other this season, which means that the league is very competitive and there's not much between quite a big group of teams in the top half of the table. That means that each three points is massive, and with games coming thick and fast at the moment there will be plenty of opportunities to keep picking up wins and climbing the table if we continue to maintain the same standards we've been hitting of late.

Of course there is much more to a football club that the players and coaches, and on behalf of all the players and coaching and management staff we would like to wish our supporters all the very best for 2024 and thank you for your fantastic support. We would also like to thank the brilliant group of volunteers who run our fantastic club – we simply wouldn’t be here without you.

Cheers to all.

Gaffer.

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Football Miscellany Did you know ….?

The great Alfredo Di Stefano was once offered on loan to Manchester United, but the move was blocked by the FA. In the wake of the Munich Air Disaster, Di Stefano - the most exciting player in the world at that time - was all set to go to Manchester on a short-term loan, with Real Madrid’s grace. All parties agreed to the deal - except the FA, who didn’t allow the transfer to go through as it would halt the progress of a British player. Spoilsports.

The famous ‘This Is Anfield’ sign was introduced by Bill Shankly. The idea for a sign came from a groundsman who wanted to welcome players to Anfield but Shankly saw it as an opportunity to intimidate opponents. Bill said, “This is to remind our lads who they're playing for, and to remind the opposition who they're playing against.”

Jack Charlton holds the record for most appearances for Leeds – 773, with Billy Bremner just one game behind (772), Paul Reaney (749) and Norman Hunter (726).

Peter Lorimer holds the record for most goals – 238, quite a way ahead of John Charles (157) and Allan Clarke (151).

Do you know ….?

Q1: Name the Britpop band that joined up with Baddiel and Skinner to record Three Lions ahead of Euro 96?

Q2: What was the name of Sunderland’s ground before they moved to the Stadium of Light?

Q3: Who was the first £1million footballer?

Q4: What do the initials VAR mean in football: Very Awful Reaction, Video Assistant Referee or Video Action Replay?

Q5: Which Liverpool star also played for Southampton and Celtic?

Anagram: Which famous goalkeeper is this?

Enter hot lips Answers on page 40.

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(Continued on page 7)

The things they say …

"Lee, has that yellow card been rescinded?"

BBC Scotland’s Chic Young.

"No Chic, it's been taken away" Hearts’ Lee Wallace.

“The local girls are far uglier than the ones back in Belgrade or Skopje, the capital of Macedonia, where I come from. Our women are much prettier. Besides, they don’t drink as much beer as the Barnsley girls “.

Georgi Hristov.

"I can see myself staying at Blackburn for the rest of my career - unless I move to another club at some stage."

Benni McCarthy.

“Technique is not being able to juggle a ball 1000 times. Anyone can do that by practicing.

Then you can work in the circus. Technique is passing the ball with one touch, with the right speed, at the right foot of your team mate.”

Johan Cruyff.

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NCEL Premier Division Fixtures & Results 2023-24.

Date

Opponents/Competition

Venue

W/L

Score

Attendence

Pickering Town / NCEL

Home 3:00pm

W

2-0

188

1st

Silsden AFC / NCEL

Away 7:45pm

W

2-3

237

5th

Frickley Athletic / FA Cup extra preliminary Home 3:00 pm

W

3-1

268

8th

Goole AFC / NCEL

Home 7:45pm

W

3-1

150

12th

Golcar United / NCEL

Home 3:00pm

W

3-2

134

19th

Dunston UTS FC / FA Cup Preliminary round Home 3:00 pm

22nd

Garforth Town / NCEL

Home 7:45pm

W

4-2

183

26th

Shildon / FA Vase 1st Qualifying

Away 3:00 pm

W

1-2

222

September 2nd

Eccleshill United / NCEL

Away 3:00pm

L

2-1

86

8th

Emley AFC / NCEL

Away 7:45pm

L

2-0

360

12th

Hallam /NCEL

Home 3:00pm

D

1-1

148

16th

Pennistone Church

Home 3:00pm

L

2-4

152

23rd

Boldon CA FC / FA Vase 2nd Qualifying

Home 3:00pm

W

5-2

182

27th

Handsworth / NCEL

Away 7:45pm

D

1-1

163

30th

Albion Sports / NCEL

Home 3:00pm

L

0-1

143

October 7th

Bottesford / NCEL

Away 3:00pm

W

1-4

61

14th

Rossington Main / NCEL

Away 3:00pm

L

2-1

174

18th

Maltby Main

Away 7:45pm

L

1-0

83

24th

Route One Rovers

Home 7:45pm

W

3-2

57

28th

Seaham Red Star / FA Vase 1st round

Away 3:00pm

L

1-1

71

July 29th August

(Seaham red star win 3-2 on penalties) November 4th

Campion / NCEL

Home 3:00pm

D

2-2

101

11th

Tadcaster Albion / NCEL

Away 3:00pm

L

3-2

189

18th

Barton Town / NCEL

Home 3:00pm

21st

Frickley Athletic/NCEL

Away 7:45pm

D

4-4

210

25th

Pickering Town / NCEL

Away 3:00pm

D

1-1

113

29th

Albion Sports / League Cup Round 2

Away 8:00pm

W

2-4

39

9

Match postponed

NCEL Premier Division Fixtures & Results 2023-24.

Date Opponents/Competition December 2023 5th Silsden / NCEL

Venue

W/L

Score

Attendance

Home 7:45pm

W

2-0

77

16th

Goole AFC / NCEL

Away 3:00pm

W

0-4

141

19th

Goole AFC/W.R.County Cup Round 2

Home 7:45pm

W

3-0

90

23rd

Maltby Main / NCEL

Home 1:00pm

W

3-0

158

26th

Garforth Town / NCEL

Away 3:00pm

W

2-3

293

6th

Emley AFC / NCEL

Home 3:00pm

20th

Pennistone Church / NCEL

Away 3:00pm

23rd

Tadcaster Albion or Silsden AFC (LC3)

Away 7:45 pm

27th

Handsworth / NCEL

Home 3:00pm

3rd

Albion Sports / NCEL

Away 3:00pm

10th

Bottesford / NCEL

Home 3:00pm

17th

Rossington Main / NCEL

Home 3:00pm

20th 24th 27th

Hallam / NCEL Thackley / NCEL Barton Town /NCEL

Away 7:45pm Away 3:00pm Home 7:45pm

2nd

Golcar United

Away 3:00pm

9th

Frickley Athletic

Home 3:00pm

16th

Campion

Away 3:00pm

23rd

Thackley

Home 3:00pm

30th

Tadcaster Albion

Home 3:00pm

Barton Town

Away 3:00pm

January 2024

February

March

April 6th

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Table as of 9th December 2023.

NCEL Premier Division

P

W

D

L

F

A

Pts

GD

1

Campion

25

16

6

3

76

41

54

35

2

Emley AFC

22

16

4

2

59

15

52

44

3

Thackley

23

12

4

7

37

31

40

6

4

Albion Sports (-3)

21

12

5

4

44

28

38

16

5

Rossington Main

21

11

3

7

41

34

36

7

6

Penistone Church

22

12

0

10

38

34

36

4

7

Garforth Town

20

11

2

7

51

29

35

22

8

Knaresborough Town

22

10

5

7

46

34

35

12

9

Silsden AFC

21

11

1

9

45

35

34

10

10

Frickley Athletic

22

10

3

9

45

40

33

5

11

Handsworth

22

9

5

8

40

41

32

-1

12

Hallam

21

9

3

9

37

36

30

1

13

Barton Town

19

8

5

6

38

32

29

6

14

Golcar United

23

8

4

11

39

37

28

2

15

Tadcaster Albion

22

8

2

12

35

47

26

-12

16

Bottesford Town

23

5

5

13

28

53

20

-25

17

Pickering Town

22

5

2

15

33

62

17

-29

18

Eccleshill United

21

5

1

15

28

52

16

-24

19

Maltby Main

22

4

2

16

25

63

14

-38

20

Goole AFC

22

4

2

16

28

69

14

12

First team appearances and scorers 2023-24 Player

Apps

Subs

Gregg Anderson

6

6

James Beaston

22

2

Cameron Bedford

16

2

Nikos Bottonis

Goals

5

1

Tommy Brown

27

Maison Campbell

3

Jack Carr

18

3

6

Nathan Cartman

11

1

7

Eddie Cass

25

Sam Cook

6

1

1

Dom Creamer

18

7

3

Danny Edwards

14

5

14

Jack Emmett

11

7

1

Ewan Gregson

17

6

8

Colin Heath

10

Rober Guilfoyle

4

3

1

Alex Ingham

2

4

2

Sam Kilner

10

6

Harry Lee

15

3

Alex Marsh

3

7

Ollie Metcalfe

1

1

Phil Milsom

7

1

2

Joe Navier

1

8

1

Ben Parkes

14

6

5

Jake Rose

6

5

Bret Smith

13

2

Lewis Stephens

13

George Thewlis

18

4

Brad Walker

13

3

7

Aaron White Cole Wildin

3

3 16

13

4

1

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FIRST TEAM TRACKSUIT TOP SPONSORS.

Mother Shipton Inn

CONTACT INFORMATION. Low Bridge, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, HG5 8HZ Telephone: 01423 865638 Email: mothershiptonsinn@outlook.com

OPENING TIMES Monday—Sunday 12:00-23:00 FOOD SERVED. Mon-Tues, closed.

Wed-Fri, 12:00-14:30, 17:00-21:00 Sat: 12:00-21:00 Sun: 12:00-19:00

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Match Day Sponsorship.

If you or your company would like to be match sponsor you can either, find the details on our website, www.knaresboroughtownafc.com or Email to knaresboroughtownafc@gmail.com.

Any of our committee members will be happy to help you get any information you need.

•

Match Sponsorship is £25.00 + Vat per person.

•

Pre-match talk from the manager.

•

Select your man of the match.

•

Refreshments in the hospitality suite plus two free drinks per guest from the bar.

•

Your Company advert displayed in the match day programme.

We would like to give local businesses an opportunity to share in our experience as a thriving non-league semi-professional football club, as an active FA Charter Standard football club and as a vibrant part of the local community.

We can offer a broad range of opportunities suitable for businesses both small and large. We would be delighted to hear from you and to develop a package suitable for your needs and budget.

ADVERTISING: advertise to the fans (including representatives of many prominent businesses) that pass through Knaresborough annually or who log onto our website and various social networks.

HOSPITALITY: entertain your customers, employees, family and friends at weekend matches, or hire our modern facilities for meetings or private parties.

SPONSORSHIP: demonstrate your commitment to the local community by supporting the Club as a whole or which of our specific initiatives that you feel would most enhance the profile of your business .

Please contact the club’s Commercial Manager (QR Code will take you to our website) and be assured of a warm and co-operative welcome and desire to achieve a mutually beneficial outcome.

Peter Plews (Chairman) or Kerrie Shields (Vice Chairman).

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EMLEY AFC. Founded: 1903 Years in NCEL: 1982-89,2006-19 (known as AFC Emley), 2000-present.

Nickname: Pewits Status: Sheffield & Hallam FA Home Colours: Claret & Sky Blue/White/ Claret Alternate Colours: Yellow/Claret/Yellow Sponsors: Wholesolar, Wm Sykes League History: Yorkshire League 1969-82; NCEL 1982-89; Northern Premier League 1989-2005; West Yorkshire League 2005-06; NCEL 2006-19; North West Counties League 2019-20; NCEL 2020-.

Honours: Yorkshire League - Division One: 1975/76 1977/78 1979/80 1981/82, League Cup:

1969/70 1978/79 1981/82; NCEL - Premier Division: 1987/88 1988/89; Sheffield & Hallamshire Senior Cup - 1975/76 1979/80 1980/81 1983/84 1988/89 1990/91 1991/92 1997/98 2022/23.

Best Season: FA Cup - 3rd Round: 1997/98; FA Trophy Quarter-Finals 1990/91 1998/99; FA Vase Runners Up: 1987/88; FA Amateur Cup Third Round: 1969-70.

Records: Attendance: At Welfare Ground: 5,134 v Barking. FA Amateur Cup 3rd Round, 1st February, 1969; Any Game: 18,629 at Upton Park, London v West Ham United, 3rd January 1998. Goalscorer: 305 - Michael Pamment 1965-81; Appearances: 756 - Ray Dennis 1977-98..

Club History.

The history of football in Emley can be traced back to 1903. Over many decades, Emley AFC became the most successful non-league team in Yorkshire. Consistent success in the Yorkshire League led to the club becoming a founder member of the NCEL. At a national level, an FA Vase semi-final appearance was followed a year later with a trip to Wembley for the final in 1988.

Ground improvements meant the step up to the Northern Premier League was eventually achieved after two successive NCEL Premier Division championship wins.

In 1997-98, the village club went on a historic FA Cup run to the third round proper, culminating in a trip to Premier League West Ham United in 1998.

That success was followed by an ultimately failed move to Wakefield.

(Continued on page 18)

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When the club dropped ‘Emley’ from their name and disbanded the reserve team – which had continued to play at The Welfare Ground since the move- the club was reborn as AFC Emley in 2005 and after a single season in the West Yorkshire League, were elevated to the NCEL. After a run to the 4th round of the FA Vase in 2012-13, there followed two successive ‘oh-sonearly’ promotion pushes: firstly, losing out on sudden death penalties in a play-off final in 2016 and then missing out on goal difference, after a record points total of 95, the following season. Disappointment carried through to an unsuccessful play-off bid.

Following two seasons of mid-table finishes, the summer of 2019 saw major developments.

The club reclaimed its old name of Emley AFC and a new management team was installed – Richard Tracey joined as Manager with Steve Nicholson, who played in the famous West Ham team, as his assistant.

Unexpectedly moved to the North-West Counties League, the team was very well placed for promotion, lying comfortably in the top 4, until the Covid-19 pandemic caused the termination and voiding of the season by the FA. Back in the NCEL for the 2020/21 season, the season was curtailed again, after just 10 games, with Emley top of the league. The FA’s reorganisation of steps 4, 5 and 6 benefitted Emley and our PPG average was enough for promotion to the NCEL Premier Division.

Emley got off to a difficult start in the higher league, due to a number of departures and injuries in the squad but a great run of eight wins in nine games secured a top half finish. This creditable return was improved upon with third place in 2022-23, as well as cup runs to the League Cup semi-final and the club's first senior trophy in 25 years - recapturing the County Senior Cup for a ninth time.

Emley Player Pen Pics.

Declan Lambton – Goalkeeper. Joined in 2022 and had a great first season. Young, and a great prospect for the future. Vocal and good all-round ‘keeper.

Steve Smith – Full-back. Signed last season from Tadcaster Albion. A solid full-back who can also get forward to support the attack.

Ross Hardaker – Full-back. A legend at Ossett Albion and lately Ossett United, Ross brings (Continued on page 19)

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lots of

Northern Prem experience to the squad.

James Knowles – Centre-back. Experienced player who is a real rock in the defence. Previous clubs Farsley Celtic, Bradford Park Avenue, Halifax Town, FC United, Scarborough, Ossett United Sam Pashley – Centre-back. Has now established himself as a first-choice centre-half. Strong defender

with an eye for goal too. Previously at Ossett Town, Nostell, Glasshoughton and Albion Sports.

Charlie Barks – Centre-back. Signed from Hemsworth in the close season where he had been a wellrespected player both by the home fans and their opponents.

Jack Cowgill – Centre-back. New signing from Ossett United where he was captain and a very popular player. A former Barnsley junior who turned out for the first team and also played at Boston United.

Joe Clegg – Midfielder. Young player and born and bred Emleyer who had a fantastic first season with the club. He gets better with every game and hopefully will help his home-village club to more honours.

Jacob Kelly – Wing-back/Winger. Twin brother of ‘keeper Sam. Quick winger with a great cross. Played an important part in the successes of last season.

Alex Metcalfe – Midfielder. One of our longest serving players, had a fantastic season in 2022-23, winning the player’s and manager’s player of the season awards. Works hard to create chances and chips in with the goals.

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Paul Walker – Striker/Winger. Signed from Liversedge where he helped them up through the pyramid.

Tall and strong with great ball skills, reads the game well and is always calm on the ball.

Joseph Kenny – Midfielder. Signed from Liversedge in 2021-22. Tenacious midfielder who wins the ball and brings his team mates into the game. Never stops running.

Tom Haigh – Midfielder. New signing from Brighouse. Strong midfielder who also contributes some goals.

Ruben Jerome – Striker. Returned to Emley after a successful few seasons with Workington Town. From a real football family, Ruben provides a real threat in front of goal.

Iyrwah Gooden – Winger. A revelation in his first season with the club winning the young player of the year award along with Declan Lambton and contributed 22 goals. Frightens defences with his pace and skill.

Donae Lawrence – Midfielder. Signed from Workington, a tall and skilful player who wins the ball in midfield and also helps out in attack and defence.

James Walshaw – Striker. Vastly experienced player who is a legend at Guiseley and Ossett United.

Played a part in our success last season before returning to Ossett to help in their campaign.

Adam Porritt – Defender/Midfielder. Dual signed with Gainsborough Trinity. Brings quality and

experience as well as versatility to the squad.

Nathan Curtis – Striker. Formerly with Scarborough , Ossett Town , Goole and Belper, Nathan gets goals 20

but also has a great work ethic and quality on the ball.

James Eyles – Forward. Tireless runner and worker, never gives the defenders peace, gets his fair share of goals.

Dominic Riordan - Full back/Centre-back/Midfielder. Can play pretty much anywhere on the field, an experienced footballer and good organiser. Struggled with injuries last season.

Avenue, Frickley, North Ferriby, Belper Town, Ossett Town and Ossett Albion.

EMLEY AFC .

Summary of KTAFC Vs Emley Played

Won

Drawn

Lost

For

Against

League

17

5

3

9

12

28

Cups

1

1

0

0

3

2

Totals

18

6

3

9

15

30

21

Knaresborough Town history and pen pictures The club was almost certainly formed as “Trinity” in 1898. The name change to “Knaresborough Association Football Club” took place in 1900 and, apart from the two World War periods, a club has existed in the town.

Much of its early football was played in the York & District League before joining the Northern League in 1909. After only two seasons, escalating costs forced a move back to the York League and Harrogate League through the 1920’s and 30’s.

At the outbreak of World War Two, the club, like many at the time, folded temporarily, and it was as Knaresborough Rovers that they reformed in 1946. The Harrogate League was the first competition played until the early 1950’s when the York League was joined once more.

The club again reverted to the Harrogate League when they set up a Premier Division and that title was won three years in succession from 1965 to 1967. After two more runners-up seasons, the club entered the West Yorkshire League for six further years which saw a title in Division Two before promotion from Division One for two seasons in the Premier Division before another return to the Harrogate League.

From 1976 to 1993, the club continued in the Harrogate League but ambitions were high and the West Yorkshire League was re-joined in 1993. The League Cup was won in the first season, but the league title had to wait until 2009.

In 2010, the club won the West Riding County F.A. Challenge Cup final for the first and only time and then made the decision to invest in ground developments to upgrade to Step Six standards, and were elected to the Northern Counties East League in 2012.

The club built steadily, the early highlight being the triumph in the League Cup in 2014 when Eccleshill United were defeated at Bradford City’s Valley Parade ground.

2017-18 saw progression for the club when they reached the 2 nd round of the FA Vase for the first time and went on to take the NCEL Division One title and achieve promotion to Step 5 of the Non-League pyramid.

2018 saw the club’s best FA Cup run as they reached the Second Qualifying round only to bow out to Workington.

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Player profiles Tommy Brown (Goalkeeper): Joined in summer 2022 after periods at Selby Town and Scarborough Athletic. Tommy was born in France and grew up in Dallas, Texas. Progressed from the Notts County academy.

Brett Smith (Defence): Joined early this season on a duel registration from Pontefract Collieries having previously represented Nostell Miners’ Welfare.

Cole Wildin (Defence): Cole hails from Leicester and played for Bedworth United and Ansty Nomads in that area. Having moved to college at Leeds Trinity, he joined Yorkshire Amateur from whom he joined Knaresborough in spring 2022.

Eddie Cass (Defence): Played for Pickering, Darlington and Scarborough before a period at college in the United States. Joined Ossett United on his return and turned out for Hemsworth in the NCEL. James Beaston (Defence): Experienced defender, James, joined this summer from Tadcaster Albion having had spells at Garforth Town and Yorkshire Amateur.

Gregg Anderson (Defence): Summer 2017 signing. Gregg played at Harrogate Railway Under 19’s and 21’s before breaking through to the first team. Moved to Tadcaster Albion and Clitheroe before being sold to Buxton. Moved to AFC Halifax and then North Ferriby, back to Clitheroe and then Tadcaster before joining the team at Manse Lane.

Sam Cook (Defence): Sam played for Harrogate Railway through the junior ranks before breaking through to the senior side. Joined Knaresborough as his chances at Station View were limited, but briefly went to Thackley for the same reason. Returned in early 2016 and has been part of the set up since that time.

Harry Lee (Defence): Played at Leeds United to Under 16’s level and then Harrogate Town and Railway before his move to Manse Lane this summer.

Harry McCalmont (Defence): Harry played in the Middlesbrough Academy as well as Leeds United’s junior set-up before moving to senior ranks at Thirsk Falcons.

Phil Milsom (Defence/Midfield): Left-sided player, Phil arrived from Boroughbridge in late 2019 and has now become a regular over the past two seasons. Previously turned out for Pannal Sports and Harrogate Town youth sides before switching to Wetherby Athletic at Open Age. Ben Parkes (Midfield): Ben played at Harrogate Railway as a junior before linking with the Knaresborough Town junior team at Under 18’s. Was a part of the side in the first season in the Northern Counties East League before picking up a bad injury which kept him out for over a year. Appointed captain in 2022.

Ewan Gregson (Midfield): Formerly in the junior ranks at Doncaster Rovers, Ewan joined Knaresborough in 2021 after a spell at Wakefield. Was recommended to the club by Simon Clifford with whom he had worked in the Brazilian style football coaching.

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Jake Rose (Midfield): Joined the club in December 2021 having previously featured for Yorkshire Amateur and Tadcaster Albion..

Jack Emmett (Midfield): Local lad, Jack, played at Wetherby and Ripon before representing Loughborough University and signing on for Harrogate Town. Was part of the Town side which won promotion to the EFL, but had to take a break from football due to fatigue.

George Thewlis (Midfield): Joined late last season on a loan from Pontefract Collieries, former Leeds United junior, George, also played at Ossett United and briefly at Marske United having originally won a scholarship at Bradford City.

Rob Guilfoyle (Midfield): Transferred from Pickering Town in November after spells at York City, Bradford Park Avenue, Ashton United and Pontefract Collieries.

Max Barnard (Midfield): Young midfielder who has been with the reserves since the start of last season having previously played for Knaresborough Celtic.

Lewis Stephens (Forward): Moved across from Tadcaster Albion in October 2023 having formerly represented Glasshoughton Welfare, North Ferriby United and Wakefield.

Brad Walker (Forward): Ex-Harrogate Town junior, Brad has been a part of the Manse Lane set up for many years having played at Railway all through the junior ranks before spending three years in the Harrogate Town academy.

Danny Edwards (Forward): Wakefield-born Danny played for Hunslet in the West Yorkshire League before moving to Nostell Miners’ Welfare, from where he joined ‘Boro’ in January 2022.

Simon Parkes (Manager): Played at Railway for many years before switching to Manse Lane in 2016 where he became a regular member of the team until a series of injuries brought a halt to his playing career. After acting as assistant to Rob Hunter from the start of the 202122 season, Simon took over the reins for the last few games of that campaign.

Colin Heath (Forward/Coach): Colin joined the club in 2011. Formerly a junior at Leeds United and Manchester United, he spent time on loan at Royal Antwerp, Swindon Town and Cambridge United. After being released by the Reds, Colin played for Chesterfield and Macclesfield before crossing to Farsley Celtic. Hit his 100th goal for the club in early 2018.

Paul Clayton (Assistant Manager): Paul re-joined the team for a third time in the autumn after another spell away. Paul holds a UEFA B coaching licence and worked with the junior ranks at Bradford City for many years. Has also been involved with Tadcaster Albion, Ripon City and Ossett Town, Thackley and Harrogate Railway.

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KNARESBOROUGH TOWN PLAYERS AND SPONSORS.

Dom Creamer-sponsor: Matt woods

Sam Cook-sponsor: Chole Wrightson Hair

Ewan Gregson-sponsor: UTR

Jack Emmet: sponsor Rudzinski family

George Thewlis: sponsor Craft & world beers.

Alex Marsh: sponsor Linley & Simpson

Ben Parkes: sponsor Graham Finney Photography

Jake Rose: sponsor John Houston MBE

Eddie Cass: sponsor Kingddom Park Homes

Brad Walker: sponsor Colin Abbott

Tommy Brown: sponsor Paul Howard

Gregg Anderson: sponsor, Abbott’s Memorial

Cole Wildin: sponsor Market Tavern

Harry McCalmont: sponsor Mark Staniforth

James Beaston: sponsor Van Os Medical

Harry Lee: sponsor PN Fort Joinery

25

Match Report

Garforth Town 2 Knaresborough Town 3

Garforth Town: Harry Flatters; Rinor Ejupi (Sam Denton), Jordan Emery (Alex Zachariou), Dexter Ball, Harry Viggars, Jamie Barkway, Charlie Marshall, Dan Coupland, Jason Davis, Sam Barker, Nash Connolly (Lee Turner). Sub. (not used): Joe Smith.

Knaresborough Town: Tommy Brown; Alex Marsh (Gregg Anderson), James Beaston, Sam Cook, Phil Milsom; Brad Walker, Lewis Stephens (Rob Guilfoyle), Ben Parkes, George Thewlis (Jack Carr), Jack Emmett; Danny Edwards. Sub. (not used): Colin Heath, Alex Ingham.

The early Boxing Day kick off at Garforth Town produced a competitive game and an excellent victory after going behind in the first half.

Knaresborough had much of the early play and Harry Flatters in the home goal saved low shots from both Lewis Stephens and Jack Emmett before Danny Edwards fired just wide after a Brad Walker pass.

Garforth were patient in their approach and a good move down the right side sent the ball in for Jason Davis to score with a shot across Tommy Brown in the 26 th minute.

Brown then came to his side’s rescue on several occasions before the break as he saved from another Davis effort and then from Nash Connolly when the forward broke clear. The follow-up lob from Sam Barker dropped just over the bar.

In the second minute of the time added at the end of the half, Knaresborough won a free kick which Emmett sent into the danger area. Sam Cook kept the ball in along the goal line and set up Phil Milsom who slammed past Flatters.

Three minutes after the break, Knaresborough went ahead when George Thewlis sent Walker free wide on the right and his low centre was turned into his own net by defender Harry Viggars.

A weak Walker effort and a stronger shot from Jack Carr were both dealt with by Flatters before Davis equalised in the 64th minute when his shot from the edge of the area took a big deflection off the unlucky James Beaston.

Within two minutes, the visitors were back in front when a ball down the left side should have been easily dealt with by Rinor Ejupi, but his back pass fell woefully short and Carr nipped in to slide the ball past Flatters into the net.

Garforth, who had been on an excellent run of results had all the game’s remaining chances as they tried in vain to grab a point.

Davis was narrowly over the bar and then just wide of the post before, in added time, Brown saved a low shot from Charlie Marshall and then Dan Coupland shot over following a corner.

26

Match Review; 28th December 2023 (Information from NCEL website).

Despite being held to a 1-1 draw at home by Silsden AFC on Boxing Day, Campion's lead at the top of the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division has grown slightly to two points.

Nicky Boshell rescued a point for the hosts with his equaliser in stoppage time after Casey Stewart's first half strike had seemingly been enough to claim a win for the visiting Cobbydalers.

Second-placed Emley AFC, however, missed out on the chance to leapfrog Campion to the summit as they fell to a 1-0 home defeat at the hands of Penistone Church.

Nathan Keightley struck the only goal of the game in the 63rd minute to take the points for the away side who climb to tenth.

Thackley drew 1-1 at home to Golcar United, Corey Billy's first half stoppage time leveller cancelling out a fifteenth minute opener for the visitors from George Doyle, and that keeps them eleven points behind Campion in third.

Albion Sports and Rossington Main took advantage of a defeat for Garforth Town to move up into fourth and fifth, respectively.

Robbie Fox, Lewis Waddington and Adam Priestley netted for Sports in their 3-1 win at Eccleshill United after the hosts had taken the lead through an early strike from Brice Ghussein.

And, Rossington were 4-1 victors at Maltby Main, Gregory Young, Bradley Grayson, Farry Shepard and Manasse Kianga with their goals - all in the final half-hour - before Harry Spooner grabbed an injury time consolation for the hosts.

(Continued on page 28)

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Garforth drop to sixth after a 3-2 home loss to Knaresborough Town, Jason Davis with both of their goals whilst Philip Milsom and Jack Carr, along with an own goal from Harry Viggars, secured the points for the visitors who are now behind their hosts on goal difference in seventh.

Goals in the last ten minutes for Lewis Binns and Keegan Townrow ensured a 3-1 home win for Frickley Athletic over basement side Goole AFC and they move up into ninth.

It was a whirlwind start at the So-Trak Ltd Stadium with six goals in the opening 23 minutes, starting with Nathan Dyer putting the visitors Pickering Town ahead in the first few seconds at Tadcaster Albion.

Oliver Norman levelled the scores before Omar Sanyang restored the Pikes' advantage, Luke Stewart then struck twice to give the Brewers the lead and Joseph Crosby then made it 4-2 midway through the first half.

Conor Qualter added a fifth before the interval before a long wait until Kieran Greenway added to their tally in the 82nd minute and Kieran Stares struck for Pickering as the game entered stoppage time in a match that finished 6-3.

The other two games in the top flight ended all square with no goals between hosts Hallam and their visitors Handsworth whilst it finished 2-2 between Bottesford Town and Barton Town, Reece Moody with an injury-time equaliser for the home side.

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Photographs by Graham Finney Photography.

Above Ewan Gregson scoring his second goal and below celebrating with Danny Edwards.

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Joe Navier smashes the ball into the net.

Great to see Brad Walker back in action.

30

West Yorkshire Association Football League Premier Division 2023/24 Pos

Team

P

W

D

L

F

A

GD

Pts

1

Headingley

14

11

0

3

27

14

13

33

2

Horsforth St Margarets

15

9

2

4

50

21

29

29

3

Silsden AFC

14

9

2

3

34

20

14

29

4

Carlton Athletic

15

9

1

5

34

22

12

28

5

Rawdon Old Boys

13

9

1

3

28

16

12

28

6

Wyke Wanderers

17

9

1

7

34

35

-1

28

7

Beeston St Anthony

13

8

2

3

39

14

25

26

8

Knaresborough Town

14

6

2

6

28

30

-2

20

9

Field

11

6

1

4

26

18

8

19

10

Gomersal & Cleckheaton

11

4

6

1

19

12

7

18

11

Huddersfield Amateur

13

4

2

7

25

29

-4

14

12

Hall Green United

13

4

2

7

25

29

-4

14

13

Pool

15

4

1

10

24

42

-18

13

14

Robin Hood Athletic

15

2

1

12

19

48

-29

7

15

Harrogate Railway Ath

13

1

3

9

21

40

-19

6

16

Ilkley Town

14

1

1

12

20

61

-41

4

Official launderette for Knaresborough Town AFC.

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Reserve Team Home and Away Kit Sponsor.

The Market Tavern

Disco and Karaoke every Friday and Saturday night from 8pm.

Bingo every Tuesday and Thursday from 2pm until 4pm, drinks and Cash prizes to be won.

A great sports bar with 6 TV's showing Live sport.

OPENENING TIMES

Venue Information

Monday 12:00 noon -11:00 PM

12 Castlegate

Tuesday 12:00 noon - 11:00 PM

Knaresborough

Wednesday 12 noon - 11:00 PM

HG5 8AR

Thursday 12 noon - 11:00 PM Friday 12 noon - 11:00 PM

Saturday 11:30 - 11:00 PM Sunday 11:30 - 11:00 PM

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WEST RIDING COUNTY WOMENS FOOTBALL LEAGUE. SECOND DIVISION Pos

Team

P

W

D

L

GD

Pts

1

Athletico

12

11

0

1

55

33

2

Knaresborough Town

6

5

0

1

19

15

3

Bradford City U21

6

5

0

1

15

15

4

Leeds City

8

4

1

3

7

13

5

Boroughbridge

10

4

1

5

-12

13

6

Rangers Athletic

7

4

0

3

8

12

7

Burley Trojans

5

3

0

2

12

9

8

Horsforth St Margarets

7

2

1

4

-14

7

9

Wortley

8

1

1

6

-11

4

10

Garforth Rangers

6

0

0

6

-31

0

11

Queensbury Celtic

7

0

0

7

-48

0

Hartwith House, Claro Road, Harrogate HG1 4DA enquiries@ghbrooks.co.uk Call us today on: Harrogate 01423 503110 | Summerbridge 01423 780517 | Easingwold 01347 810001

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Harrogate Audi Proud sponsors of KTAFC Women

Mascot Opportunities.

As part of our drive to put the club at the heart of our local community, we are offering the chance for any of our young supporters to be mascots for our Men’s or Women’s home games: Please refer to the fixture list in our programme or visit: www.knaresboroughtownafc.com We have many opportunities throughout the season and will look to fulfil the requests of as many supporters as possible, who may wish to walk out with their favourite player and enjoy a fantastic experience at Knaresborough Town AFC. Photography opportunities will be provided free of charge courtesy of our Official Match Day Photographer Graham Finney Photography or a committee member.

All children must be accompanied by a paying Parent or Guardian.

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WAITES BAR Hire our clubhouse for your special event. Seating for 70 people, WIFI, kitchen facilities, Dance floor, accessible toilets for people with disabilities and outside patio area. We can provide staff or give contact information for caterers to help you relax and enjoy your event.

For hire information; email; knaresboroughtownafc@gmail.com

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York Minster Engineering Football League Division Three 2023/24 Pos Team

P

W

D

L

F

A

GD

Pts

1

Ricall United

13

10

1

2

71

21

50

31

2

Hensall Hawks

13

9

1

3

65

22

43

28

3

Knaresborough Celtic

13

9

1

3

66

27

39

28

4

Marton Abbey

10

7

2

1

38

19

19

18

5

Clifford

10

6

0

4

40

26

14

18

6

Selby Olympia

10

6

0

4

45

37

8

18

7

York Railway Institute

12

5

1

6

34

49

-15

16

8

York Shamrocks

8

6

0

2

41

8

33

15*

9

Airmyn FC

13

4

0

9

25

58

-33

9

10

LNER Builders

12

3

0

9

17

52

-35

9

11

Walnut Tree FC

13

3

1

9

21

65

-44

7*

12

Ebor Wanderers

12

1

1

10

22

69

-47

4

13

Duncombe Park FC

11

2

0

9

18

50

-32

3*

* Points deducted.

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KNARESBOROUGH TOWN 100 CLUB. Knaresborough Town 100 club, is a way of supporting the club as well as giving you a chance to win a cash prize in our monthly draw.

From the money raised 60% will go to help us to maintain our excellent facilities and provide players kits and training equipment and training facilities.

The 40% prize money, is divided into three prizes, •

1st (50% of the prize money.

•

2nd (35% of the prize money.

•

3rd (15% of the prize money.

Members pay just £1.00 per number/week, you can of course purchase more than one number.

Your membership can be paid by: •

Bank transfer/Standing order of £4.00 /month (£48/year),

•

A one off cash payment of (£48) for a year,

•

£1 weekly (£52/year).

Cash payments can be made at the bar.

The draw will take place on a monthly basis and the winner will be contacted by the club and their name posted on the club’s website and inside the clubhouse.

Do You Know Answers.

Quiz answers.

A1: The Lightning Seeds.

A2: Roker Park.

A3: Trevor Francis when he moved from Birmingham City to Nottingham Forest in 1979, despite Forest boss Brian Clough saying that the fee was only £999,999.

A4: Video Assistant Referee.

A5: Virgil van Dijk.

Anagram solution: Peter Shilton

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On this day in history - 6th January Year

Opponents

Goal Scorers

2018

Grimsby Borough (H)

W 5

0

2007

Whitkirk Wanderers (A)

L 0

4

2001

Sandy Lane (H)

L 0

2

1996

Honley(WRCCC R4) (H)

L 3

5

OG, D Clifford, M Dawes

1990

Wetherby Athletic (A)

W 1

2

G Garbutt, M Dawes

1973

Walton Miners Welfare (A)

L 8

1

Scorer not known.

1968

Lyndgate United(WRCCC R2) (A)

W 1

4

B Clifford (2), N Palfreeman, C Lacey

1912

Dewsbury & Saville(WR Jnr Cup R3) (H)

W 10

1

H Dunnington 2, T Fountain, W Woodward 4, G Grayson, C Chippindale, H Fountain.

1906

Thornhill Lees Albion (WYC R1) (A)

L 3

1

J Morrison

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B Walker (2), D Thirkell, R Youhill

James Barnes running London for Alzheimer's Research UK.

Our pal Ken Barnes and his family have been affected by Dementia, his son James is running the London Marathon to raise funding for Alzheimer’s Research UK. Please help James to achieve or surpass his target.

James’s Story.

My Dad Our journey has been long and arduous, and I want to do everything I can to stop Alzheimer's and dementia. So, the running shoes are coming back out and Alzheimer's research UK have offered me the opportunity of a lifetime, to run in the London Marathon. Any support and donations to get to my fundraising goal would be massively appreciated.

If you would like to help please use the QR code or the link below to go to James’s fundraising page.

James Barnes is fundraising for Alzheimer's Research UK (justgiving.com) The Alzheimer's research bit: Every 3 minutes dementia steals a happily ever after. Research is our only chance of changing the ending for people affected by dementia.

We are the UK's leading dementia research charity. a cure.

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Your donation helps our scientists and researchers find new ways to diagnose dementia, develop new treatments and find a cure for dementia.

Watch and share our new film: https://bit.ly/ARUKForACure

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45

46

MEET THE TEAMS.

Knaresborough Town

Manager; Simon Parkes.

Assistant: Colin Heath Coach: Paul Clayton Physio: Jake Eilbeck Players Tommy Brown (GK) Alex Marsh Harry Lee Eddie Cass Bret Smith Cole Wildin James Beaston Robert Feist Jake Rose Ewan Gregson Oliver Metcalfe George Thewlis Danny Edwards Alex Ingham Jack Emmett Dom Creamer Lewis Stephens Ben Parkes Gregg Anderson Robert Guilfoyle

MATCH OFFICIALS.

Dominic Hawkins Assistants: Antony Turner & Nigel Hancock

Emley AFC Manager:Richard Tracey Assistant: Steve Nicholson Coach: Richard Batley GK Coach: David Walsh Physio: John Mason Players Declan Lambton (GK) Jacob Kelly Ross Hardaker James Knowles Charlie Barks Jack Cowgill Sam Pashley Joseph Kenny Alex Metcalfe Tom Haigh Iyrwah Gooden Joe Clegg Paul Walker Ruben Jerome James Walshaw Nathan Curtis Donae Lawrence Adam Porritt Adam Mirza Harrison Rowley Steve Smith Ethan Twigger James Eyles Shiraz Khan Dominic Riordan James Randell (GK) Matthew Bancroft (GK)