2023-04-18 Leighton Town v Arlesey Town Programme by leightontownfc

SSMLPREMIERDIVISION 2022/23SEASON LEIGHTONTOWN v ARLESEYTOWN Admission:Adults£8-Concessions£5-Under11’sFree TUESDAY18thAPRIL2023 KO7.45pm BELLCLOSE LAKEST LU71RX •

CLUB SPONSORS

CLUBOFFICIALS&COMMITTEE

PRESIDENT:MIKEHIDE

CHAIRMAN:JOHNMcLOUGHLIN

VICECHAIRMAN&DIRECTOROFFOOTBALL

SEANDOWNEY

TREASURERSHAUNCAVANAGH

CLUB&FIXTURESSECRETARY:ROYPARKER

GENERALCOMMITTEE

JOHNTURNER

DAVIDFRIEND

IANSTEPHENS

IAINMcGREGOR

GREGORQUICK

ASHLEYTWIST

LEIGHTONTOWNFOOTBALLCLUB

BELLCLOSELAKEST

LEIGHTONBUZZARDLU71RX

TELE;01525373311

WELCOMETOBELLCLOSE

HomeoftheSpartanSouthMidlandsLeagueChampions

GoodeveningtoyouallandwelcometoourlasthomeLeaguegameofthe currentseason.

TonightwewelcometheCommittee,Management,Playersandsupporters ofArleseyTowntoLeighton.Weaslowelcomeour3matchofficials refereeDanielsmith,andhistwoassistants,JonnyLamandRussell Shacklockwehopetheyenjoytheirgame.

Arleseyhavenothadthebestofseasonsbutitnowlooksasiftheywillfinish outoftherelegationplacesalthoughwith2gamestoplayitcouldbe averycloserunthingastheyneedjust1pointtoensuretheystayup..

Infrontofacrowdof774herelastSaturdaytheresultwasadisappointment afterthegoodrunwehadbeenonbutIbelievethenumberofgameswe havehadtoplayfinallytookitstoll,11gamesin26days.Letshopetheboys cantakemaximumpointsfromourlast3gamestofinishtheseasoninstyle, althoughwealreadyknowitwontbeeasy,everyonewantstobeatthe Champions!!,

OnThursdaywetraveltoStotfoldwhohavehadanexcellentseasonafter promotionlastyearforourpenultimateLeaguegamethenonSaturdaywe traveltoLeverstockGreenforourfinalLeaguegame.

ThankyoutoallLeightonfansforyourtremendoussupportathomeand awaythisseason,Ihopeyouenjoyedyourseason.

Ifyoucan'tmakeittoStotfoldonThursdaynightourUnder18teamwillbe athometoDunstableTown.KO7:45

Don'tforgetthePremierDivisionCupFinalagainstArdleyUtdatLeverstock Greenon2ndMayKO7:45.

MakesureyoustayafterthematchandwatchyourChampions presentedwiththe

SpartanSouthMidlandsLeaguePremierDivisionTrophy

ARLESEYTOWNCLUBHISTORY

ArleseyTownFootballClubcelebratedtheircentenaryin1991,havingbeenformed byagroupoflocalpeoplebeforetheturnofthelastcentury.BeforetheSecond WorldWar,Soccerwasplayedonalocalisedbasis,andincommonwithmanyclubs inthearea,ArleseycompetedintheflourishingBiggleswade&DistrictLeagueand enteredtheBiggleswadeKnock-outCup.

Duringthe1920's,theclubjoinedtheBedfordshireCountyLeague-whichwaslater tobecometheSouthMidlandsLeague.Arleseyoriginallyplayedat'TheBury'before movingtotheirformerhome,'LambMeadow.'Thegroundtookitsnamefrom'The Lamb,'aformerPublicHousesituatednearthesitewhich,formanyyearsactedas theclub'sheadquartersandchangingrooms.Thebirthofthemoderneraisowedto theforesightofofficialsofthelate1940'sandearly1950's.Theypurchasedthe premisesandbecamelandlordsfortheprincelysumofjust£500in1948.Fouryears later,in1952,anadjoiningareawasboughtandthisiswheretheclubhouseusedto stand.Thestorygoesthattwo

CommitteemembersmissedtheirtraintoKingsCrossandwithtimetokill,sawa noticeinalocalEstateAgent'swindowforaforthcomingauctionoftheland.They returnedthefollowingweekandpurchasedthesaidlandfortheclubhouse.Thearea layunusedforanumberofyearsuntilthearrivalof'BiggsWall'whonegotiatedwith theclubtobuildtemporaryofficesandcanteenfacilities-whichtheFootballClub thenboughtback,turningthemintowhatwasthen,theclubhouse.Thefirst competitivematchunderfloodlightswasplayedinJanuary1981againstthenow defunct‘PirtonFC’andtwomonthslatertheBluesplayedhosttoLutonTownforthe officialopeninginfrontofover1,000spectators.

Playingfortuneshavefluctuatedsincethewarandseason1950-51sawtheBlues finishasrunners-uptoBletchleyTownintheS.M.L.PremierDivision.Thefollowing seasonthe1stXIliftedthechampionshipcrownandthesecondstringwerecrowned S.M.L.DivisionTwochampionswiththeYouthteamwinningthreetrophies.The 1952-53seasonbeganNorthBedsCharityCupfinalwinoverBiggleswadeTown (thematchwasheldoverfromthepreviousseason),andendedwithasecond successivechampionshipwin,ArleseyamassingS.M.L.record52points.

InFebruary1954,thedevelopingArleseyTownColts,localplayers,reachedthe4th roundoftheF.A.YouthCupandweredrawnawaytoPortsmouth.The1950'shad seentheBluescompeteintheSouthMidlandsandParthenonLeagues.Season 1968-69sawoneofArlesey'sfavouritesonsinchargeofteamaffairs;Roland Legate,(whoplayedfootballprofessionallyforLutonTown)tookthehelmasplayermanagerandduringhisfour-yearspell,hetooktheBluestoaleaguerunners-up spot.Thestartofthe1975-76seasonsawLegatereturnasmanagerandthe trophiescamewithhim,3HinchingbrookeCupsuccesses,oneBedsSeniorCup,the BiggleswadeK.OCuptwiceandtheSouthMidlandsLeagueChallengeTrophyonce. SupportingtheExecutiveCommittee'swishtocrossthepyramidtotheUnited CountiesLeague.WithtwoindifferenttermsintheU.C.L.,ArleseyliftedthePremier Divisioncrowninseason1984-85.

Duringthelate1980’stheBlueswontheUnitedCountiesLeague,PremierDivision CupandaBedsPremierCupfinalappearanceagainstLutonTown.Duringthe1991

centenaryyearinthebluesliftedtheSouthMidlandsFloodlightCupwithafinevictory overfellowU.C.L.sideIrthlingboroughDiamonds,whowentontobecomeRushden& Diamondsinthefootballleague.

WiththerisingcostofUCLtravelandtheattractionofmore'localderbies'in1991-92 itwasdecidedtoresignfromtheUnitedCountiesLeagueandcrosstothefamiliar surroundingsoftheSouthMidlandsLeague.Asuccessfulfirstyearcampaignsawthe Bluesfinishinthirdplaceandintheirsecondseasonfinishedsixthintheleagueand liftedthePremierDivisionCup.Theclubalsogainednationalrecognitionfollowinga marvellousrunintheFAVasetothequarterfinals,withvictoriesFlackwellHeath2-0, Ware1-0,HaverhillRovers2-1,EastwoodHanley2-1,FalmouthTown5-3,andOadby Town2-1.InthequarterfinalthebluesfacedoldU.C.L.foesBostoninathrillinggame andlostouttoaninjurytimewinner.

Withchangestosupportandplayingstafffor1994/5theresultsexceeded expectations.TheSouthMidlandsLeaguechampionshipwaswonwitharecord107 points,buteventhismemorablefeatwaseclipsedwhenArleseyTowndefeatedOxford CityatWembleyStadiuminfrontofover13,000spectatorstolifttheF.A.Carlsberg ChallengeVaseonMay13,1995.

Ontheirwaytothegreatestdayintheclub'shistory,theBlueshadbeatenHoddesdon 2-0,avengeful2-1victoryatBoston,a2-0winatBarnstaple,a1-0homewinoverthe holdersDissTownanda3-0quarter-finaldemolitionofCammelLairdbeforefacing U.C.L.sideRaundsTowninatwo-leggedsemi-final.Thefirstleg,playedatRaunds, sawArleseybeatenoutofsightbyascoreof3-0andveryfewpunditsgavethem muchchanceofoverturningthedeficitinthereturnmatchthefollowingweekatLamb Meadow.Threenilat90minutesand5-0afterextra-time,includinga

penaltysavebyArlesey'keeperSteveYoungmeantthattheBlueswereofftograce themosthallowedofturf!

ArleseyTown'sWembleysidethatdaywere:-S.Young,N.Cardines,G.Bambrick,P. Palma,C.Hull,P.Gonsalves,S.Gyalog,G.Cox,N.Kane,R.O'KeefeandG.Marshall. Subs:A.Ward&T.Nicholls.

TheVasetravelledhometoBedfordshireforthefirsttime.

In1995/5seasonsawtheBluescrashoutoftheVaseatthefirsthurdlebuttheSouth MidlandsLeagueChampionshipCrownwasretained.Theseasonculminatedinthree Cupfinalsfortheclub;the1stXIwererunners-uptoElyCityintheHinchingbrooke Cup,theUnder16YouthsidewerebeatenEastAnglianYouthCupfinalistswhilePeter Milton'sReservesideliftedtheS.M.L.ReserveChallengeTrophy.Afterfinishingin thirdplacethe1996/7campaignendedwiththeBluesrelinquishingtheS.M.L.title. HowevertheLambMeadowtrophycabinetremainedinahealthypositionastheylifted theBedsSeniorCup(thefirsttimesince1979)andalsoliftedtheHinchingbrookeCup (lastwonin1982).May1997sawRobbieO'Keefetenderhisresignation,movingon toahighergradeoffootballwithBaldockTown.InjustthreeseasonsArleseyTownhad achievednationalrecognitionwithF.A.Vasesuccessandtwoleaguechampionships, aCountySeniorCupvictoryandaHinchingbrookeCuptriumph.

Forseason1997-98teamwereunabletokeeppaceandtheirchampionship aspirationssoonevaporated.AnFAVase3rdroundexitoccurredinCornwall's PorthleveninDecemberandtheBlues'lastchanceofpickingupanysilverware disappearedatthehandsofarchrivalsStotfoldwholoosenedArlesey'sgriponthe HinchingbrookeCupwitha2-0semi-finalvictory.Afteralengthycampaigntheclub finallyreceivedplanningpermissionforanewgroundjustafewhundredyardsalong HitchinRoad.AfteradevelopmentprojecttheclubmovedinonApril30th,1999and arenowabletoboastsomeofthefinestfacilitiesintheareawithapurposebuilt

MembersBar,multi-purposeFunction&ConferenceSuite,all-seaterstandand trainingpitch.Duringthe1998/99closeseason,ArleseyTownappointedGary Pilsworthasmanagerhowever,thingsdidn'tworkoutandafter16matcheswiththe clubrootedatthebottomoftheleaguetable,themanagementteamreplacedhimwith NickyIrontonwhohadgainedawealthofexperiencehavingbeenatQPR,Barnet, Maidstone,Enfield,BarkingandBaldockTown.NickywasaformerEnglandsemiprofessionalinternational.Nickybroughtashisassistantformerteam-mateBilly HarriganandtogetherwithRussellBall,theirobjectivewastoavoidrelegationand buildasidecapableofattainingpromotiontotheRymanIsthmianLeaguethe followingseason.TheBluesendedtheseasonwithoutsilverwarehowever,buta fantasticrunfromtheendofJanuarysignalledtheclub'sintents.ManagerNicky IrontonhadbuiltasidemorethancapableofattainingArlesey'saimofplayingahigher gradeoffootballandtheBlueslookedforwardtoseason1999-2000withoptimism. ThefirstseasonatthenewHitchinRoadgroundbeganwithninestraightSpartan SouthMidlandsLeaguePremierDivisionvictoriesasIronton'smenstormedtothetop ofthetable.Amidseasonblipinformthreatenedtheside'shardworkbuthaving securedtheservicesofcoachAlanDawson,theBlueswentfromstrengthtostrength andwentontolifttheirfifthSouthMidlandsLeagueChampionship.Aruninofeight consecutivevictoriesculminatedina2-0triumphatMiltonKeynesCityonThursday 4thMaymeanttheBluessecuredthechampionship.Withtheirgroundgrading 'ArleseyTownwerepromotedtotheRymanIsthmianLeagueDivisionThree.Thesale ofDaveKitsontoNationwideFootballLeagueClubCambridgeUnitedhalfwaythrough theseason,didlittletoupsettheircauseindeed,thesigningofexStevenageBoro' strikerNeilTrebbleboostedtheirseason.Aprolificstriker,Trebblenettedanamazing 18goalsfrom17startsandonewondersjusthowmanyhewouldhavescoredhadhe beenwiththeBluesatthestartoftheseason.

AmagnificentfirstseasonintheRymanLeague,sawtheclublosejusttwoleague matches(oneathomeandoneaway)astheyracedawaytowintheThirdDivision ChampionshipscoringanIsthmianLeaguerecordof138goalsandtheBluesalso gainedtherecordofbeingthefirstclubtoattaina100+goaldifferenceintheleague's 96yearhistory.

During2002seasonChairmanBryanEllisfulfilledhispromisetoelevatetheclubto anotherlevelfollowingasuccessfulapplicationtothe'FootballStadiaImprovement Fund.'Asix-figuregrantenabledtheclubtomeettheleague'sground-gradingcriteria thatgavetheBluesanewcoveredstandfor600spectators,anewopenterraceand twonewturnstiles.Onthepitch,ArleseybossNickyIrontonledhissidetothelast16 oftheFACarlsbergVase,securedahighlycreditablefinalDivisionTwofourthplace andliftedtheBedsPremierCupforthefirsttimesince1984.

The2002/2003seasonwasaconsolidationfortherapidsuccessesoftheprevious yearsandthehighlightwasanextendedrunintheFACupwinning4awaymatches inreachingthefourth

qualifyinground.Therewardwasyetanotherawayfixture,thistimeatNationwide Conferenceclub,HerefordUnited.ArleseyTownrepresentedtheRymanLeague DivisionOnenorthandaftergoingbehindtoasixthminute'soft'goal,theymorethan matchedtheiropponentsinalldepartments,evenhavingagoaldisallowed.Itwas suchagallantperformancethatattheendofthetie,therelievedHerefordfansgave theirguestsastandingovation.Attheendofthe2002/3Arlesey'sHitchinRoadground hostedtwoEUFALadiesqualifyingfixturesincludingEnglandversusSpain.Itwas seenasajustrewardforallthehardworkthathadbeendoneattheClubbymanyof itsmembersinrecentyears.

Season2003/2004sawArleseyTownyetagaininthenationallimelightfollowinga fantasticruntothelast16oftheFATrophydefeatingontheway,bothafterawaydraws ‘HayesFC’fromtheRymanPremierDivisionand‘Dagenham&RedbridgeFC’from theNationwideConferenceleague.Thisresultedinanawaygamewith‘ExeterCity FC’whohadjustbeenrelegatedfromthefootballleague.Althoughlosingthegamethe bluesgainedrespectwithanoutstandingperformance.TheseasonendedwithArlesey Townfailingtogainpromotiontothenewpremierstructureongoaldifferencebutsmall consolationwasgainedwhentheBluesliftedthe‘BedfordshireSeniorCup’after defeatingfellowRymanLeaguecluboutfitLeightonTownatHitchinRoadinMay.

Inseason(2004/05)ArleseyTownplayedintheSouthernLeagueDivisionOneEast andafterthesuccessfulsix-yearreignofNickIrontonitwasaconsolidationperiod. Becauseoftheclub’ssuccess,visibilityandrecognitionmostoftheplayersmovedto playinthe‘ConferenceLeague’andpremierleague.Afteranindifferentstarttothe seasonNickyIrontondecidedtohandoverthemanager’spositiontoJonTaylor,whom hehaddealingswithinthepast.JonimportedanewteamofplayersduringNovember withthesingleobjectiveofmaintainingtheclub’sstatuswithintheSouthernLeague Division1.Thiswasachievedwithamid-tablepositionandduringthatcloseseason Jonaddedmoreplayerswithawealthoffootballleagueandseniorclubexperience. Theseason(2005/06)ArleseyTownagainplayedintheSouthernLeagueDivisionOne EastwithJonTaylorandScotHoughtonincharge.Withanexcitingstart9winsoutof 10culminatingindestroyingBorehamWood’sunbeatenrun3–0attheirhome fortress.InboththeFACupandTrophytherewereunfortunatefixturesatPremier Clubs,HeybridgeSwifts(1–0)andLeyton(90thminutegoal)endingourcupinterests. ArleseyTownhadamixtureofexcellentandmediocreresultsandachievedamid-table position.

The2006/2007seasonssawArleseyTownrevertingtotheRymanIsthmianFootball leaguealongwithmanyoflastseason’sopponentsalsobeingreassigned.Again duringthecloseseasonJonTaylorhadaddedplayerswithawealthoffootballleague andseniorclubexperienceforthenextseason’scampaignwewerelookingtoclimb thenon-leaguestructure.

DarrenHaytookontheteammanagementduringtheearlystagesof2006/2007 season,whenJonleftforpersonalreasons,withMikeBrooksastheassistantmanager andcoachandtheyputtogetheraveryyoungandeagerteamforthecoming2007 campaign.Thisincludedbothexperiencedseniorplayerssupportingbyyoungplayers whobrokeintothefirstteamtowardsthenendofthepreviousseason.Duringthe seasontherewereseveraldisruptionsandtherewerethreechairmenandthree managersinsuccessionwhichdisruptedthedevelopmentoftheteambecauseofthe clubmanagementchanges.ArleseyTownfinishedinthebottomhalfoftheRyman leaguewithMattCorbouldasthemanagerandaveryyoungside.

Season2008/2009sawArleseyTownrevertingtotheBGBSouthernLeaguewiththe consequenceofsubstantialextratravellingmilesandadditionalcosts.Becauseofthe leaguerestructureMatthadtoputtogetheratotallydifferentteamcomprisingofa numberofyoungplayers.

AsaresultofArleseyTownsuccessfulcuprunstherewerethreeplayerswhowere playingprofessionalfootballforthe2008seasonwithDaveKitson,wasisamain A.T.F.C.sponsor,andwhomovedfromReadingtonewlypromotedStokeCityto remaininthePremiership,CraigMachail-SmithandShaneBlackettwerewithnewly promotedPeterboroughUnited.Thisisarecordtobeproudofforasmallclublike Arlesey.

Season2008/2009sawArleseyTownescaperelegationbytheskinoftheirteeth.No honourswereforthcomingintheseason.ButtheClubwerehopingseason2009/2010

wouldbemorefruitful,whichitsoproved.

WithacompletenewmanagementstructureinplaceandanewManagementteam, of:GaryKingDirectorofFootball,LeeCowleyManager,ZemaAbbeyAssistant Manager,andDarrenStaniforthasCoach,Arleseyplayedtheseasonwithrenewed styleandpassion,finishingtheseasonin9thplaceintheLeagueandgetting throughtothefirstroundproperoftheF.A.TrophyandliftingtheBedsSeniorCupin thelastgameoftheseason.

Season2010-11sawthemstayingintheZamarettoSouthernLeagueinthenew “CentralDivision”andsawthemlookingforwardwithalotmorehopeandevenmore optimism,withthewholeteamshowinggreatexperienceandgrowinginstrength andconfidenceonandoffthefieldallofthetime.

TheseasoninwhichArleseywereinthetopechelonsallseasonfinishedindramatic stileastheywon10gamesonthebounce,had9pointsdeductedonthedaythey thoughttheyhadwontheleagueawayatHayesandthenbeatlongtermarchrivals andnearneighboursHitchinTownonHitchin’sowngroundontheirlastgameofthe seasontobefinallycrownedLeagueChampions.

ThiswasfollowedsoonafterbybeatingBiggleswadeTowntoretaintheBedsSenior CupatLutonTownsKenilworthRoadgroundtogiveArleseyaLeagueandCup DoubleandseethempromotedtothenewEvo-StickSouthernLeaguePremier Division,atrulytremendousseason.

TheseasonwastoppedofinearlyAugustofthisyearasArleseybeatneighbours LutonTownintheBedsPremierCuptomakeaquiteunique“treble”fortheside.

ThefirstseasoninthePremierLeaguewasseenasasettlinginperiodtargeting stayingupandagoodcuprun,bothoftheseambitionswereachievedwiththeclub reachingtheF.A.Cup1stroundproperforthefirsttimeintheirhistory.

ThesecondseasonagainsawagoodFACuprunthatwentagaintothe1stround properbeforeitendedattheRicohStadiumagainstCoventryCity.Theseason finishedonaknifeedgeasArleseymissedoutontheplayoffspotofthePremierDiv byjustasinglepoint.AlthoughpromotionwasnarrowlymissedtheRedInsure LeagueCupwaswonina2leggedfinalvFrometobringhomeyetanother impressivepieceofSilverware.

Thesquadlikeallgoodsquadswasrebuiltagainthroughthesummerandwelooked forwardtoanothersuccessfulseason.

ButastheAbbeyslefttotakeupmanagementelsewherewehadachangeof ManagementandinNovember2013RufusBrevettarrivedtotaketheclubforward. Althoughhis1stseasonwas“steady”averydifficultseasonin2014-15sawseveral changesofmanagementasresultsfailedtomaterialiseaRufusgavewayafter ChristmastoexmanagerNickIrontonbutagainthisfailedtohalttheslideandhein turngavewayduringtheseasonasZemaAbbeycamebackwithbrotherNathanas jointmanagers,Althoughthisledtoanimprovementinplayingstylebuttheywere unabletopreventrelegationintheendbacktotheCentralDivision.Thenewseason sawusstruggletogettogripswiththestyleofthenewdivisionandearlyform showedusproppingupthedivisionbutasecondhalfresurgencesawuspushup thedivisiontofinishinamid-tableposition.Lastseasonsawuswithmostoflast season’splayersreturningtotrytoprovetheirpointthattheysomewhatunder achievedinthepreviousseason.

Season2017-18provedaverydifficultyearwithaseasonplaguedbyinjuriesand problemsandindeedaterriblerecordofnoleaguewinsathomeallseasonsawus unfortunatelygetrelegatedfromtheSouthernleague.

ThisnowpresentsanewchallengeintheSouthMidlandsleagueforthisyearand tothatendanewmanagementteamofMattEndersbyandJamesHatchwere appointedduringthecloseseasonandtheyhaverebuilttheteamandgathered togetherawholenewcoachingstaff.Welookforwardtothenewseasonwitha degreeofconfidencethatwasperhapsmissinginthepreviousseason.

ThenewLeaguestartedwellwithagoodstartalthoughacupruneludedusand thingswentreasonablywelluntiltheChristmasperiodwhenaseriesofinjuries knockedresultsbutthingswereslowlyrebuiltleavingusan8thplacefinishthat leftafeelingofunderachievementthatledagaintoarebuild.

AchangeinmanagementasMattEndersbylefttheclubatthebeginningof OctobertheclubappointedChicoRamosinNovembertotrytopushtheclub forwardagain.HisreignhasbeenblightedbytheCovidpandemicwithtwo uncompletedseasonsalthoughsomeprogressseemstobehappeningonthe pitch.Alsooffthepitchmuchchangeishappeningwithacompleterefurbishment oftheclubhouseanddressingrooms.Alsoachangeoffthepitchsawexplayer DaveKitsoncomebacktotheclubhestartedatasChairman.

Althoughprogresswasmadeafurtherchangeinmanagementcamein December2021asMartinStandenwasappointedtotakechargeoftheteam. MartinlefttheclubafterashorttenureandskipperAdamRandalltookthereins untiltheendoftheseason.WiththenewseasontheclubappointedNickBrown asmanagerandhehasstartedtoevolvehisnewteam.

AcknowledgementstoTonySmith,MalcolmSkillings,KenGear,PeteBrennan, DavidBraybrook&ChrisSterry.

LEAGUEHISTORY

TheLeagueisrelativelyyoungcomparedtoother’sbeingformedin 1922astheBedfordshireCountyLeague.Withnewclubskeentojoin fromoutsidetheCountyitwasdecidedin1929tochangethenameto theSouthMidlandsLeague.

TheLeaguecontinuedtoconsolidateandstrengthenovertheensuing 70yearsorsoprovidingqualityfootballformanyteamsoveralarge areaoftheSouthMidlands.

In1997itbecameapparentthattheLondonSpartanLeague,which wasverymuchtotheSouthoftheLeague’sgeographicalfootprint,was strugglingadministratielyand,withthefullsupportoftheFootball Association,thedecisionwastakentomergethetwocompetitionswith thenewLeaguebeingknownastheSpartanSouthMidlandsLeague.

TheLeaguenowcoversawideareafromNorthLondonintheSouthto MiltonKeynesintheNorthandfromWareintheEasttoAylesburyin theWest.

TheLeagueispartoftheFA’sNationalLeagueSystem(NLS)and comprisesofthreeDivisions;PremieratStep5oftheNLS,Division OneatStep6andDivisionTwoatStep7.

TheLeaguehasaproudrecordofpromotingclubstoStep4oftheNLS andhasalsoprovided4FAVaseFinalistsincludingtwowinnersin ArleseyTownandHoddesdonTownFC.

SPARTANSOUTH MIDLANDSLEAGUE PREMIERDIVISION

ArdleyUnited TheNolanOilsGroundArdley PlayingFieldOX277PA 07467549294 ArleseyTown NewlambMeadowHitchinRd SG156RS 07910110720 AylesburyVale Dynamos TheGreenfleetsStadium HaywoodWayHP199WZ 07715772500 BaldockTown NewLambMeadowHitchinRd SG156RS 07507445099 BiggleswadeUnited SecondMeadowFairfieldRd BiggleswadeSG180AA 07714661827 Cockfosters ChalkLaneBarnetEN49JG 07956143291 Colneyheath TheRecreationGroundColney HeathAL40NP 07769644003 CrawleyGreen TheStadiumattheBrachePark StLutonLU13HH 07762752213 DunstableTown CreaseyParkDriveDunstable LU61BB 07828604170 HarpendenTown RothamsteadParkAmenbury LaneAL52EF 07796955197 HoddesdonTown ParkViewHoddesdonEN118PX 01767631297 LeightonTown BellCloseLakeStLeighton BuzzardLU71RX 07757720833 LeverstockGreen PancakeLaneLeverstockGreen HP24NQ 07747756591 LondonColney CotlandswickPlayingField LondonColneyAL21DW 07958794109 PottonUnited TheHutchinsonHollow BiggleswadeRdSG192LX 07703442565 RisboroughRangers BEPStadiumHorsendenLane HP279NE 07855958236 SheffordTown& Campton SheffordSportsClubHitchinRd SG175JD 07885557274 Stotfold JSJStadiumNewRokerPark ArleseyRdSG54HE 07752430493 StPanteleimon HertingfordburyPark,WestSt SG138EZ TringAthletic TheGrassRootsStadiumCow LaneTringHP235NT 07825747775 SPARTANSOUTHMIDLANDS LEAGUE PREMIERDIVISION DIRECTORY CLUB ADDRESS PHONE

TheHistoryofLeightonTownFootballClub

LeightonTown,whowereknownasLeightonUnitedbetween1922and1963, wereformedin1885.Theyweremainlyinvolvedinlocalleaguesuntilthe outbreakoftheGreatWarandwerewinnersoftheLeightonandDistrictLeague onseveraloccasions.

LeightonwereoneoftheoriginalmembersoftheSouthMidlandLeaguein1922 –whichatthetimewasknownastheBedfordshireCounty.Theywerealso membersoftheSpartanLeaguebetween1922/23and1951/52,buttheironly successesbeingtheSpartanLeagueDivision2titlein1923/24and1927/28. TheywereBedfordshireSeniorCupwinnersin1926/27.League

In1952,theybecameafoundermemberoftheHellenicLeague,butaftertwo disappointingseasons,movedtotheSouthMidlandsLeague.In1965/66 seasonhowever,thePremierChampionshipsatintheLeightonTown Boardroom.TheclubthenrejoinedtheSpartanLeaguein1967/68.

LeightonproceededtoconsolidatetheirLeaguesuccessbywinningthe BedfordshireSeniorCupforthreesuccessiveseasonsin1968,1969and1970. Unfortunately,someofthesuccessfulplayersmovedontootherclubs,and Leighton’sfortunesagaindeclined.AmovetotheUnitedCountiesLeague proveddisastrousandafterjusttwoseasons,theclubrejoinedtheSouth MidlandsLeague.

Duringthe‘70’sand‘80’s,Leightonwereunabletocapturethesuccessofthe ‘60’s.

In1990/1991theFirstTeamwontheSouthMidlandsLeagueChallengeTrophy andtheO’Brien’sPremierDivisionCup,bothforthefirsttimeintheclub’s history.

The1991/2seasonwasoneoftheclub’sbest.TheSouthMidlandsPremier Divisiontitle,whichhadeludedtheclubforsolong,waswon,andwithitaplace intheIsthmianLeague.

1992/3sawtheClub’ssuccesscontinuewhentheywontheBedfordshireSenior Cupforthefirsttimesince1970.TheClubmissedoutonpromotionintheirfirst IsthmianLeagueseasonbyjustasinglepointbuttheYouthTeamretainedthe CountyCup.

1995/6sawtheFirstTeamwinpromotiontoDivision2oftheIsthmianLeague, whilstatthesametimeretainingtheBuckinghamCharityCup.

Inthe1996/7season,LeightonwontheIsthmianLeagueAssociatedMembers Trophyforthefirsttime.1998/99sawthereturnoftheAssociatedMembers TrophyandtheBuckinghamCharityCup.

Season2003/04LeightonwontheRymanIsthmianSecondDivisiontitle.They werealsonamedRymanDivisionTwoTeamoftheYear,andPaulBurgesswas awardedManageroftheYear.TheyalsoreachedtheFifthroundoftheFAVase, andthefinaloftheBedsSeniorCup,beforelosingtoAndoverandArleseyTown respectively.

The2004-05seasonsawtheclubplacedinTheSouthernLeagueEastDivision andfinishedinacreditabletenthplace.TheyalsowontheBuckinghamshire CharityCup.TheReserveswontheBedfordshireIntermediateCupandthe U18’swontheSCYFLLeagueShield.

The05-06SeasonsawtheClubprogressagain,improvingontheyearbefore, astheyfinished8th inTheSouthernLeagueWesternDivision.Afterapoorstart, Leagueresultsimprovedandthesideonlysufferedfourdefeatsfromthestartof NovemberuntiltheendofMarch,aplay-offplacejusteludingthem.

AfterthreeexcellentvictoriesinterestintheFA.Trophycompetitionendedwitha singlegoaldefeattoeventualsemi-finalists,Borehamwood.

TheClubalsoreachedtheBedsSeniorCupFinal,butsadlytheyagainfinished asRunnersUp.

TheClubwererelocatedtotheSouthernLeagueMidlandDivisionfor06-07 seasonbutonlyoneLeaguewininthefirstsixgamesandearlyexitsinthetwo FACompetitionscostPaulBurgesshisjobinSeptember.Hewasreplacedby formerWycombeprofessionalKeithScott,resultsdidimprovebutitwasa disappointingseason,althoughTowndidwintheBucksSeniorCharityCup.

The07-08startedbrightlywiththefirstLeaguedefeatnotcominguntilmidOctober.ThreewinsintheFACupsawtheClubreachthe4th QualifyingRound forthefirsttimeinit’shistory.A3-0defeattoConferenceSouth,Havantand Waterloovillefinallyendedtherun.KeithScottthenleftinDecembertojoin WindsorandEton.InJanuary2008,AssistantManagerSeanDowneywas appointedasFirstTeamManageranddidasplendidjobastheClubendedtheir Leagueseasonin9th place,winningtheBucksCharityCupandreachingthe finaloftheBedsSeniorCuponcemore.

The08/09SeasontheFirstTeamfinished8th intheSouthernLeague,Midland Division,achievingtheirhighestpointstotaltodateatthatlevel.

The09/10seasonsawLeightononceagainfinishinthetophalfofthetable, whentheyfinishedin9th placeandtheyalsolosttheBedfordshireSeniorCup FinaltoSouthernLeaguerivals,ArleseyTownafterpenalties.

Season2010/2011,sawTownfinishin7th placeintheLeague,gaining69 points,theirbestperformancesincejoiningtheSouthernFootballLeague.

The2011/2012apoorseasonsawLeightonfinishintheirlowestpositionfor severalyears.

2012/13wasalsoverydisappointingfortheFirstTeamastheyfinishedin20th place.

2015/2016After3disappointingseasonsLeightonfinishedtheseasoninthe bottomtwooftheSouthernLeagueCentralDivisionandwererelegatedtothe SpartanSouthMidlandsLeaguewheretheyhadlastplayedinthe1991/92 season.

2016/2017Thiswasadisappointingseasonwiththeclubstrugglingformuch ofthetimeafteryetanotherManagerialChange.Thingsdidpickuptowardsthe endoftheseasonandweeventuallyfinishedin16th place.

2017/18TheclubretainedScottReynoldsasManagerandfinished4th inthe LeagueandreachedtheQuarterFinalsoftheFAVASE.Gatesimprovedand itwasourbestseasonforabout8years,

2018/2019Manager,ScottReynoldsresignedinthecloseseasonandDanny NichollswasappointedasManagerbutleftinOctoberduetowork commitments.TheClubthenappointedJoeSweeneyandPaulCopson,who hadpreviouslywonthePremierdivisiontitlewithLondonColneyasthenew ManagementTeam.Theysteadiedtheshipandwefinishedinmidtable.

2019/2020WasagoodseasonfortheClubasweagainreachedtheQuarter FinaloftheFAVaseandafteraslowstartintheLeaguetheteamstartedtofind somegoodformasweslowlyclimbedupthetable.Theteamwerealso awardedtheTeamoftheMonthtwice.

2020/2021Townforthethirdtimein4seasonsreachedtheQuarterFinalofthe FAVasebutsadlylostoutto2latepenalties.AnindifferentstartintheLeague meantwecouldnotquitegainthepointsneededtogainpromotioninaCovid affectedseason.

2021/2022Weeventuallyfinished4th inthetableafteramidseason Managementchangeandafterthedisappointmentoflosingourprevious4 BedsSeniorCupFinalswewontheTrophybybeatingSouthernLeagueDiv1 Champions,BedfordTownonpenaltiesafterthegamehadendedina2-2draw.

RACENIGHTGREATSUCCESS

"HugethankstoSheelahMcGregorandtheothercommitteevolunteers,who afterworkinghardalldaytohostacrowdofover700people,ranahugely successfulRaceNightthatraisedwellinexcessofathousandpounds!!Thankyoutootoeveryonewhocametosupporttheevent.Itwasagreatendtoa momentousdayfortheclubandraisedimportantfundstosupporttheground improvementsthatneedtobemadeforStep4football.Moreonthisinthe comingdaysandweeks."

TheVenue-LeightonTownFC

TheVenueatLeightonTownFCistheperfectvenueforanythingfromawedding receptiontoacharityevent.Withit’sownbar,capacityfor100-160guests,useof smallkitchen.disabledfacilities,andamplefreeparking.Ourhallwillmakeagreat venueforyourspecialevent.

TheVenueisperfectfor:

*WeddingReceptions

*21standaboveBirthdayParties

*Christenings,religiouscelebrations

*CharityEvents

*Corporateevents

*FuneralReceptions

*andmuchmore

Whatevereventyouhaveplannedpleasefeelfreetocontactustodiscussyour requirements.

07486605268

bookings@leightontownfc.co.uk

Wewillstrivetomakeyoureventaspecialandmemorableexperienceforyouand yourguests.

https://www.facebook.com/LTFCHallHire

MATCHREPORT15/4/23

MaxBradfield

LeightonTown0-2StPanteleimon

Admittedly,withthetitlewononThursday–thisSaturdayintheAprilsunsawa slightlyrelaxedLeightonTownlosetofifthplacedStPanteleimoninfrontofa celebratory774peopleinattendanceatanearpacked-outBellClose.

Inthefirsthalf,thehostscarvedoutsomesolidopportunities.On12minutes,Harry Seabrookforcedafantasticsavefromthetravellinggoalkeeper.Risingtomeeta ballfromtheright,hisheaderwaspracticallypluckedoutofthetoprightcorner.Ten minuteslater,thegoalkeeperwasinactionagain–thistimegettingdownwellto denyarapidArchieMcClellandrun.

ThefinalrealchanceforTowninthefirsthalfcameforLeonLobjoit.Theprolific strikergotontoafloatedcrossfromtheleft,yethisflickwasjusttoohigh.As Leightonwerefoundwantingatthetopofthepitch,itwasasimilarstoryattheback asadamningStPanteleimonbreakforcedapenaltyattheotherend.Deepinthe fourminutesofaddedtime,itwasconvertedandjustlikethatthehostswerequietly trailingatthebreak.

Inthesecondperiod,itwastobemoremissedchancesforthehosts.On59’,Ethan Flanaganjustcouldn’tconnectwiththeballashebarrelledthroughtheSt Panteleimondefence.15minuteslater,LeonLobjoitstruckthebarasthedefender pingedhislowdriveupontothewoodwork.Ifitwasn’tclearalreadythattheballjust wouldn’tgoin,on89’Townsmashedthecrossbaragain.ThistimeHarrySeabrook beatthekeepertotheballbutcouldonlywatchhisheaderricochetbackoffthebar beforebeingcleared.

Now,uptothispointtensionshadbeenalittlefrayedinthecentreofthepark–and aboisterousKyleConnollytackleputthingsintooverdriveasascufflebrokeout. Amidstthechaos,thatbrokeoutagainjustminuteslater–StPanteleimonhadthe ballinthenetagainforamuted0-2score,takingallthreepointswiththembackto NorthLondon.

Despitethescore,assaid,itwasacollectivedayofcelebrationatthefootballclub andnowLeightoncanlookforwardtoTuesdaynight’swelcomingofArleseytoBell Close.Thetrophywillalsobepresentedafterthematchtoo.

LTFCXI:Comas;Connolly(C),Folarin,Jackson,Seabrook,Pyman,Flanagan, Connolly,McClelland,Lobjoit,Marsh-Brown.

Subs:Robins,Toomey,Tabor,Amu,Hatton.

MANYTHANKSTO

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THEREDS100CLUB

Wouldyoulikethechancetowinsomemoneyeachmonth??

ThenjoinTheReds100Club

Thetopprizeis£100andthereareothersmallerprizes.Themorepeopleinthe Drawthehighertheprizefundbecomes.

Ifyouwouldliketobeincludedinthe100Clubandstandachanceofwinning cashprizeseachmonth,it’sjust£5amonthpayablebyDirectDebit.

TojoinormoreinformationpleasespeaktoSheelahMcGregororDavidFriend.

Alternativelyemail

DavidFriendat dfriendLtfc@outlook.com

LeightonTownMerchandise

YoucannowpurchasethisseasonsHomeShirt,HomeShorts,HomeSocks, PoloShirt,Rucksack,1/4ZipJacketandwarmupshirt

Itemswillbemadetoorder.

Toorderyouritemsclickthelinkbelowformoredetails

https://prestigedesignww.co.uk/product-category/football-clubs-catalogues/ leighton-town-football-club/

LeightonTownPartner/SponsorshipPackages 2022/23Season

Wanttobeapartnerwithanambitious,progressive,localfootballclub; onethatalsotakesitssocialandcommunityresponsibilitiesseriously? ThenlooknofurtherthanLeightonTownFC.

InrecentyearsLeightonTownFChasbuiltstrongrelationshipswithalarge numberofbusinessesandcommunityorganisationsinthetown.Weare seekingtobuildfurtherlinksandweofferawiderangeofopportunitiesfor interestedpartiestobecomepartnersinmovingtheclubforward.

IfyouwanttojointheLeightonTownfamily,thenthereareavarietyof waysthatyoucandoso.

Partnership/Sponsorshippackages

LocalcompaniesandbusinessescanpurchaseoneofourGold,Silver,or BronzeSponsorshipPackages,allofwhich,representexcellentvaluefor money. Clickhere formoredetails,includinghowtocontacttheclubif interested.

MatchBallSponsorsforFirstTeamhomegames

Beamatchballsponsorforonly £35 andhaveyourname/companydisplayed onthefrontoftheon-linematchdayprogramme.Email sdowney0207@outlook.com tosecure.First20receivedwillbeallocateda gameinthecomingseason.

Thereissomethingforeveryoneandeverybudget.Allproceedswill servetosupporttheclubbothonandoffthepitchtocontinuebuildinga communityfootballclubwecanallbeproudof.