SPOR T S
WELCOME
As we approach the final game of my first season in charge, it’s a moment to reflect on whathasbeenatrulypositivejourney—regardlessofourleagueposition.Thetablemay nottellthefullstory,butourperformancesanddevelopmentasagroupcertainlydo.
The last three games have been a true reflection of who we are. In our most recent matches,wehavefacedtwooftheleague’sstrongestsidesandcomeoutvictorious.Last week’shomewinagainstOakleywasanoutstandingdisplay,withtwoearlygoalssetting thetoneforagamewherewewentblowforblowandfullydeservedtheresult.Then,on Saturday,wetraveledtoWoottonandbattledourwaytoa3-2victory anotherexcellent performance,showinggritanddeterminationtofightbackaftergoing1-0down.
Overthecourseoftheseason,theteamhasgrowntremendously.Wehaveexperienced highsandlows,andittooktimetobouncebackfromtheheartbreakofthecupsemifinal defeat.Yet,throughitall,thissquadhasremainedresilient,adaptingandimprovingwith everychallenge.
A season like this is never accomplished alone, and there are so many people I need to thank for their support. From the top of the club David Balderstone, Andrew Groom, Andrew Gell, and many others to the unsung heroes behind the scenes. Sam, for tolerating the late and smelly kit drops, those who prepare food post-match, and everyonewhoensureswehavetheclubhousetoenjoy.
Thelistgoeson,butmostimportantly,Iwant to thank the players. Week after week, they have turned up, dug in, and shown incredible character.
I also want to thank James for stepping in following Ryan’s move to America his contributionhasbeeninvaluable.
And lastly, a huge thank you to you, the supporters. Your presence, dedication, and belief in this team have made all the difference.
Let’sfinishtheseasonstrong!UptheRiseley
Mark Field
MarkField (Manager)
FROMTHEBOARDROOM WithRiseleySportsChairpersonDavidBalderstone
So,weendwherewebeganwithagameagainst CranfieldUnitedReserves.Ouropeninggameofthe seasonagainsttonight’svisitorswasacloseone withthewinninggoalcomingininjurytimeatthe endofthegame.Thiswasanencouragingstartto theseasonshowingthatwecancompetewith teamschallengingatthetopofthetable.
Weextendawarmwelcometotheplayers,coaches, officialsandsupportersofCranfieldUnitedReserves forthisevening’sgame.Cranfieldhaveenjoyed anothersuccessfulseasonsoweareexpecting anothertoughchallengetoendthisseason.
Lastweek’svictoryhereoverAFCOakleyandvictory inSaturday’sfinalawaygameatthirdplaced WoottonBlueCrossprovidedfurtherevidenceofour abilitytocompetewiththestrongestteams Alarge crowd,withvisitingsupportersnodoubtexpecting toseeAFCOakleysecurethewinneededtobe crownedaschampions,createdagreat atmosphere Thisprobablyinspiredourladswho wereinnomoodtorolloverandallowourlocal rivalstocelebrateonhometurf Victorygavethem andseveralofoursupportersbraggingrightsover friendsandformerteammatestoenjoyoverthe summer!
Beingabletofieldourstrongestsquadcertainly helpedbuteveryonefollowedthetacticalplanand didn’tgiveOakleyanytimeandspacetobuild manymeaningfulattacks.Daniel’sdecisionmaking andcomposurewasimpressivewhenwewere underpressuretowardstheendofthegameand gavehisdefenceconfidence.Inmidfield,Danand
Freddieseemedtooutrunandout-jumptheiropponents throughoutthematchandFreddiewasunluckytohavean excellentheaderruledoutthatwouldhavemadeit3-0.Yet again,theexperiencedplayersshowedtheyhavethe abilitytocompetewiththebestinthisdivision.
Asthisseasondrawstoaclose,Iwouldliketothank everyonewhohassupportedtheteamhereandat matchesacrossthecounty.Yoursupporthasbeengreatly appreciatedbyMarkandalltheplayers.Thankstoour sponsorswhosesupportsustainsthisclub.Thanksalsoto AndrewGroom,AndrewandNigelGellwhoworktirelessly behindthescenestopreparethepitch,toStuartandthe villagehallwhohaveprovideduswithabarthroughoutthe season Finally,specialthankstoMarkforallhishardwork andcoachingskillswhichhaveensuredthattheclubhas notonlyconsolidateditspositioninthePremierDivisionbut hasmadeprogressbybecomingmorecompetitive
againstthestrongestteams.Thishas beenachieveddespiterarelybeing abletoselecthisstrongestsquad.His considerablecoachingexperiencein youthandacademylevelfootballwill helpustodevelopasaclub, strengtheningthepathwayfrom youthintoadultfootballlocally.
Welookforwardtocelebratingthis seasonwithplayersandsupporters atourendofseasonawards’evening whichiskindlybeinghostedagainby SportingTargetsonFriday23rdMay
Enjoytonight’sgameandhavea greatsummer!
DavidBalderstone (Chairperson)
CranfieldUnitedF.C.,foundedin1903,boasts alongandstoriedhistoryinBedfordshire football.Theclubhasnavigatedthehighs andlowsofvariouslocalleagues,reflecting itsresilienceandcommitmenttothesport overmorethanacentury.
CranfieldUnitedbeganitsjourneyinthe Bedford&DistrictLeagueandlaterjoinedthe NorthBucks&DistrictLeague.Theirfirst significantstepupcamein1952whenthey joinedDivisionOneoftheSouthMidlands League.Theclubquicklyfoundsuccess, securingpromotiontothePremierDivision afterfinishingasrunners-upbehind BiggleswadeTownReserves.Theirbest performanceinthePremierDivisionwasa4th placefinishin1955.However,struggles ensued,andbythefollowingseason, CranfieldUnitedfoundthemselvesrelegated backtoDivisionOne.Theclubcontinuedto facechallengesandeventuallyreturnedto theBedfordshire&DistrictLeaguein1960.
In1976,CranfieldUnitedrejoinedtheSouth MidlandsLeague,startingagaininDivision One.Theyexperiencedmoderatesuccess, oftenfinishinginthetophalfofthetable.A 6thplacefinishin1985earnedthem promotiontothePremierDivision,buttheir staywasshort-lived,lastingonlythree seasonsbeforerelegation Theclubremained intheSouthMidlandsLeagueuntil1996,when anotherbottom-placedfinishledtotheir departure.
in2001,joiningtheSpartanSouthMidlands FootballLeague,whichhadmergedwith theSpartanLeaguetocreateanextratier. StartinginDivisionTwo,theclubachieved promotiontoDivisionOnein2004witha7th placefinish.Despitegenerallyfinishingin thebottomhalf,an8thplacefinishin2012 wasahighlight Thefollowingseason,they movedtotheBedfordshireCountyLeague, takingtheirreserves'placeinDivisionTwo.
CranfieldUnitedquicklyrosethroughthe BedfordshireCountyLeagueranks, achievingtwopromotionstoreachtheStep 7PremierDivisionforthe2015–16season Theyhavesincehadmid-tablefinishes, including7thand9thplace.
CranfieldUnited'sforaysintonational competitionshavebeenbrief.Theironly twoFACupcampaignsendedinExtra PreliminaryRounddefeats,firsttoCrawley Greenin2009andthentoBiggleswade Unitedin2012.IntheFAVase,theirbestruns sawthemreachthe2ndQualifyingRound in2008and2012,withnotablevictoriesover HaringeyBoroughandBushHillRangers respectively.Locally,theywererunners-up intheBedfordshireSeniorCupin1953
Cranfieldvillage,hometo5,369residents accordingtothe2011census,isnotjust aboutfootball.Thevillagefeaturesasmall airport,originallyanRAFtrainingairfield,a university,andatechnologypark. Cranfield'smostfamoussonisactor MichaelCronin,knownforhisroleas
UNITEDRES.
Mr Geoff'Bullet'BaxterintheTVdrama 'GrangeHill'
Theclub'shomegroundatCrawleyRoad hasseensignificantdevelopmentsoverthe years,supportingtheteam'sambitionsand communityactivities Theseimprovements havehelpedCranfieldUnitedmaintainits statusandprovideasolidfoundationfor futuresuccess.
CranfieldUnitedF.C.continuestobuildon itsrichhistory,aimingtoclimbhigherinthe leaguesandachievegreatersuccessin cupcompetitions.Theclub'scommitment tofootballexcellenceandcommunity engagementremainsasstrongasever, promisingabrightfutureforthishistoric Bedfordshireclub.
FRIENDS FRSFC
Focuson:
EpiphanyCommunications
WithcompanydirectorTomHenman
CompanyOverview
EpiphanyCommunicationsspecialisesin providingmedia,communicationsand marketingsolutions.Weofferarangeofservices, includingpublicrelations,socialmedia management,contentcreation,andstrategic marketingconsultingtohelpbusinesses effectivelyreachandengagetheirtarget audiences.
EpiphanyCommunicationshasbeeninbusiness foralmostfouryears Inthattime,wehavegrown andgonefromstrength-to-strength,thanksto thequalityofwork,relationshipsbuilt,and knowledgeofthesectorsworkedin.
Missionandvalues
OurmissionatEpiphanyCommunicationsisto enablebusinessestocommunicatetheir messageclearlyandeffectively,buildingstrong connectionswiththeiraudiencesanddriving successthroughinnovativePRandmarketing strategies.
Ourcorevaluesareintegrity,creativity, excellence,andcommunityengagement We believeinhonestandtransparent communication.Westriveforexcellencein everythingwedo.
WhydidyouchoosetosponsorRiseleySportsF.C?
SponsoringRiseleySportsisawayforustogive backtoacommunity.Ithasbeenasignificant partofmylife.Havinglivedinthevillagefor25 yearsandplayedfortheclub,Ihaveapersonal connectionandadesiretosupporttheclub's growthandsuccess
Ihaveadeeppersonalconnectiontotheclub.I livedinRiseleyfor25yearsandplayedforthe clubbeforeakneeinjurycurtailedmyplaying career Thiscommunityhasshapedmuchofwho Iamtoday,anditisaprivilegetosupportit throughmybusiness.
HowdoesEpiphanyCommunicationsengage withthelocalcommunity?
Weactivelyengagewiththelocalcommunityby supportingvariousevents,initiativesand fundraisers Wealsoofferourservicestolocal businessesandorganisationstohelpthem amplifytheirmessageandreach.Additionally, wesponsorlocalcausesthatalignwithour values.
Isthereanythingelseyouwouldliketoshare withtheRiseleySportsF.C.community?
Iowetheclubagratitudeafteritintroducedand nurturedmeintothefirst-teamatjust16-yearsold.ThelikesofPaulSharp,JohnRichardsonand DaveBalderstonesupportedmeduringmyknee rehabilitationandsubsidisedmycoaching badges
Irememberwatchingthe‘oldguard’–Pauland MarcBrown,JohnCapper,MatthewWhite,Chris andAlanSpurgeon,MatthewJonesandMatthew Jenness–beforeeventuallyputtingontheshirt Givingsomethingbacktotheclub,the communityandvillageistheleastIcando.It’s surrealbutawesometoseemycompany’sname ontheshirt.
TailoredPRandcampaigns
Copywriting
Blogging
Publishing
Eventmanagement
Digitalandsocialmediamarketing
Designmanagement
Videoandphotographymanagement
Mediatrainingandinterviewpreparation
Sponsorshipbrokering
CustomerscanlearnmoreaboutEpiphany Communicationsandgetintouchwithus throughthefollowingchannels:
Website: epiphanycomms co uk
Phone Number: 01480 400642
Email: tom@epiphanycomms.co.uk
Social Media:
Facebook: https://www facebook com/theepiphanycommsg uy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/epiphanycomms/
Instagram:
https://www instagram com/epiphany comms/
PALMERSPORTISRENOWNEDASTHEBESTMOTORSPORTEXPERIENCE OFITSKIND,WHEREYOUDRIVEANINCREDIBLELINE-UPOFEIGHT CARS,AGAINSTTHECLOCK,ALLINONESENSATIONALDAY!
Centrally located at the purpose-built Bedford Autodrome
Multi-activity programme with scoring and prizes
Smart trackside hospitality suites with excellent catering THEWORLD’SGREATESTDRIVINGEVENT
Superb instructors who encourage you to push to the limit
Over 5 miles of track and 4 circuits, with huge run-off areas
Individuals, small teams and corporate groups are welcome
InTheCommunity
Mondays
•Over60’sGym-10:00-RiseleyChildren’sCentre&CommunityHub
•EarlyRisersSingingGroup-08:45-RiseleyPrimarySchool
•Pilates-09:00-RiseleyChildren’sCentre&CommunityHub
•RiseleyRabbits(TotsGroup)-09:15-RiseleyVillageHall
Wednesdays
•YouthTheatre-18:00-RiseleyVillageHall
AllSaintsChurchYouthClub AllSaintsChurchRiseley-18:45-20:00 SchoolYears4,5,6,7&8-Subs:£1.00 EveryOtherFriday 25/10/24,15/11/24,29/11/24 Thursdays
•Knit&Natter-09:30-RiseleyVillageHall
•Rise&ShineCoffeeShop-09:30-RiseleyVillageHall
•BowlsClub-19:30-RiseleyVillageHall
Fridays Tuesdays
•FridaysBar-19:30-RiseleyVillageHall
Saturday10thMay
MurderMysteryNight-Murder intheHollywoodHills 19:00 RiseleyVillageHall
WelcomeDrink-CheeseGrazingBoardand ChocolateDessert DressCode:1950sHollywood £35.00 Tickets:RISELEYHUB@gmailcom
BusStopCafe YouthDropInCafe RiseleyVillageHall Thursdays(TermTime) 15:30-17:00 SchoolYears7-13 Tuck,Games&LotsOfFun
RiseleyVEDay Commemorations 08/05/25 18:30 ROSSMEADOW Refreshments - Beacon Lighting - Community Singing
Saturday21stJune
VillageCommunity Picnic
RossMeadow
Moredetailstofollow
135 Years
TheHistoryofRiseleySportsFootballClub
Part 15 (2023/2024)
The2023/24campaignintheBedfordshireCountyPremierDivisionprovedtobeatoughbutspiritedseason forRiseleySportsFC.Undertestingcircumstances,theclubshowedrealresilience,securingmemorable victoriesandbattlingperformancesthroughout.
UndertheleadershipofJamesWoolfasManagerandhisbrotherJasonWoolfasAssistantManager,the teamfoughthardacrossachallengingseason.EarlystrugglesincludeddefeatstoMarstonSheltonRovers andQueensParkCrescents,butsignsofpromisesoonemerged,startingwithafirstwinagainstSharnbrook on30thSeptember.
Riseley’shighlightsincludedanimpressive4–1awayvictoryoverBiggleswadeFCReservesinNovember,a strong3–0homewinagainstMarstonSheltonRoversinJanuary,andadetermined3–2winatBiggleswade UnitedReservesinMarch.
Incupcompetitions,therewasavalianteffortdespiteearlyexits,includingapenaltyshootoutlossto SheffordTown&CamptonReservesintheBritanniaCupaftera2–2draw.
MarchandAprilbroughtmixedfortunes whilestrongsideslikeCaldecoteandFlitwickTownprovedtoo howedrealgritwithacleansheetagainstElstowAbbeyandendedtheseasonwitha 2winawayatAFCKempstonTownHammers.
LEGACIES
TopScorer:
AlexTaylorledthelinebrilliantly,finishingastheclub’stopscorerwith12goalsacrossall competitions
MostAppearances:
DefensivestalwartsAaronKeechandJakeHislopshowedoutstandingconsistency,eachmaking25 appearancesthroughoutthecampaign
FinalLeaguePosition:
RiseleySportsfinished12thintheBedsCountyPremierDivision,witharecordof8wins,1draw,and15 losses,scoring40goalsandconceding67,endingwithapointstallyof25.
Despiteaseasonofchallenges,theteamshowedgreatheartandtogetherness,providingastrong platformforgrowthheadinginto2024/25 Withayoung,committedsquad
2023/24BedsCountyPrem 02/09/23MarstonSheltonRoversFirst3-1RiseleySportsFirst 09/09/23QueensParkCrescentsFirst6-0RiseleySportsFirst 16/09/23RiseleySportsFirst1-4StotfoldDevelopment 23/09/23CaldecoteFirst1-0RiseleySportsFirst 30/09/23RiseleySportsFirst1-0SharnbrookFirst 07/10/23RiseleySportsFirst4-5BiggleswadeUnitedReserves 14/10/23RiseleySportsFirst3-1FlitwickTownFirst 28/10/23AFCOakleyFirst6-1RiseleySportsFirst(AnagramRecordsTrophy1R) 04/11/23RiseleySportsFirst1-8AFCOakleyFirst 11/11/23SheffordTown&CamptonReserves2-2RSFC(Pens4-2)(BritanniaCup1R) 18/11/23BiggleswadeFCReserves1-4RiseleySportsFirst 25/11/23CrawleyGreenReserves2-1RiseleySportsFirst 16/12/23RiseleySportsFirst0-1The61FC(Luton)First(SeniorTrophy2R) 06/01/24ElstowAbbeyFirst6-0RiseleySportsFirst 13/01/24RiseleySportsFirst3-0MarstonSheltonRoversFirst 27/01/2k4RiseleySportsFirst4-0AFCKempstonTownHammersFirst 03/02/24RiseleySportsFirst2-3QueensParkCrescentsFirst 10/02/24StotfoldDevelopment3-0RiseleySports 17/02/24RiseleySportsFirst1-0SheffordTown&CamptonReserves 09/03/24BiggleswadeUnitedReserves2-3RiseleySportsFirst 23/03/24RiseleySportsFirst2-3CrawleyGreenReserves 16/03/14:RiseleySports0-3Caldecote
30/03/24FlitwickTownFirst2-1RiseleySportsFirst
06/04/24AFCOakleyFirst5-1RiseleySportsFirst 10/04/24RiseleySportsFirst0-0ElstowAbbeyFirst
17/04/24SheffordTown&CamptonReserves5-1RiseleySports
27/04/24AFCKempstonTownHammersFirst2-3RiseleySports
BackInTheDay ConversationsWithSportsGreats
Name:AndrewGroom
PlayingPosition: Goalkeeper
Tenure:2005-2008&2012-2018
Canyousharesomeofyourfondest memoriesfromyourtimeplayingwith RiseleySportsF.C.?
Winningtheleagueandcupdouble withRiseleyinthe2016/17season,then thenextseason,gettingtothecupfinal andearningpromotiontothePremier Divisionwasjustasspecial.
WhatinitiallydrewyoutojoinRiseley SportsF.C.,andhowdidyour experiencematchyourexpectations?
Initiallyplayinglocallywithfriends,then in2012,NigelReesaskedmebackto playforRiseleySports.Itwasaneasy decision gettingbackintotheclubfelt natural,andit’swasgreattobepartof ateamwithstrongcamaraderieanda competitivespirit.
Whoweresomeofthemostinfluential teammatesorcoachesduringyour tenure,andhowdidtheyimpactyour career?
BOOM
Howdoyouseetheclubevolvinginthe future,andwhatadvicewouldyougive tocurrentandfutureplayers?
Iseesomanyexcitingopportunitiesfor theclubtogrowandstrengthenitsties withthelocalcommunity.Onthefield, underMarkandRyan’sleadership,the teamisevolvinginalltherightways, makingthisareallyexcitingtimefor RiseleySports.Forcurrentplayers,my adviceistoplayhard,takeprideinthe badge,andenjoyeverymoment.And forfutureplayers comebepartofsomethingspecial.
HowdidplayingforRiseleySportsF.C. shapeyoubothasaplayerandasan individual?
IplayedunderMarkBrown,PaulSharp, JohnRichardson,andNigelRees,each ofwhombroughtsomethinguniqueto theteamandreallyshapedmy experienceattheclub.Onthefieldto nameafew, PaulBrown,JohnCapper, DeanLewis,GarryMitchell,AdamPoole, JordanHarris,andJamesCookewere hugelyinfluential. Notonlythetogethernessasateam movingthroughtheleagues(inthe rightdirection!)butalsothegames, post-matchdrinks,officialclubevents andnightsoutbuiltgreatcamaraderie ewholeexperience
SinceleavingRiseleySportsF.C., whathaveyoubeenupto,andhow doyoustayconnectedwiththe footballcommunity?
Sinceleavingthesquad,I’vestayed involvedwithRiseleyastheclub secretaryandaspartoftheteamthat maintainsthepitch.It’sgreattostillbe involvedinfootballandconnectedto theclubandcontributebehindthe scenes.
.
ByRussellCox
ForthefourthWednesdayinarow,itwasagameinthe BedfordshireCountyLeagueforColin&me.Iwasgoing alongnicelywithvisitingthegroundsinthisleagueand hadenjoyedmyvisitstothevariousclubs Thevenues tendedtobemorebasic,buttheleaguewasgoodat updatingitsfixturesontheFAFullTimewebsite.I'dhave preferredtogotothethreesidesintheHertfordshire Premier,butChesuntDevelopment,ElnenyandOwens allhadnomidweekgames Intheweekbeforethe,I gamewasstrugglingtofindawayofcrammingeverythingIwantedtodointothelimitedtime offworkthatIgot.Notluckyenoughtogetawaywithworkingpart-timelikeColinorhavean overlygenerousholidayallowancelikeDaniel,Iwasbankingongettinganunpaiddayofffor theNorthWestCountiesHop.I'dnotbankedonthehopbeingmainlyinFebruarywhenI'dbeen forcedtochoosemyholidaydatesafewweeksago,butthatwashowithadfallen FromourgameatLongCrendon,Idrovetowardshome andhadplannedtodropColinatmylocalbusstop.But thehourlybuswasduetogettothestopthreeminutes beforeus,soImadeadiversiontodrophimin Amersham Onthewayhome,Ipassedthebuscoming theotherwayandgotinjustbefore9.Imanagedtoget thatblogbeforebed,buthaddonenothingtowards tonight'sblog.Thedayofthegamecame,andIawoke at3.55tohearthesoundoftorrentialrainoutside.I checkedfortonight,andthankfully,itwasn'tcomingdownalldayinRiseley Itwasapleasant andeasydayatwork,withitonlybeingasix-hourshift.Afterwards,Igotabaguetteandsome pastramitotakewithmetonight.Itwasaslowerjourneythanusualtohomeduetoextra roadworks,butIhadplentyoftimebeforeIwasduetoleave.RiseleySportshadmadean onlineprogrammeavailableforthegame,anditwasasuperbeffortatanylevel,letalonea step7clubwithasmallbutdedicatedfanbase Ispenttheafternoonathome,doingsome researchforthisblog,whichtookawhile.IwasgladwhentheFootballTravellerarrivedasI'd stillnotdecideduponmySaturdaygame.Foronce,therewerealotofgamesonFridaynight,
RiseleySportswerein10thplaceintheleague,having
woneight,drawntwoandlostthirteenoftheir gamessofar.They'dbeeninmixedform,butintheir lastgame,theyhadwin3-0heatSheffordTown& CamptonReserves.AFCOakleyweretopofthetable andcouldconfirmthetitletonight Theyhadwon seventeen,drawnthreeandlostthreesofar.They wereunbeateninnineleaguegamesandlasttime outhadbeatenQueensParkCrescents2-0.When thetwosidesmetinNovember,AFCOakleywon2-0 ontheirownpatch butwithmostofthemrequiringanovernightstop,mI'dprobablynotbotherasColinwas unavailableduetocompletingthe92atStokeCity Inotedthatthiswasprobablythefurthest awayvenueintheleaguebuttheyallhadtobedone.Forthatreason,Iwasgoingtofillupwith fuelbeforeIwent,asthelocalgaragewasthecheapestplaceunlessIwenthugelyoffroute.I leftat3.45andhadaslightwaitatthepetrolstationduetoafaultypump.Fromthere,itwasa slowdrivetoColin's,theschoolsbeingbacknothelping.Itwasalsoslowinpartsforalotofthe trip Colinwasasleepwithinacoupleofminutes,soIgotsomepeace Wearrived20minutes beforekickoff,parkinginanearbyroad.
Thevisitorshadtravelledaround7.5milestogettothe game.Itwasafaststart.Riseley,playingintheiryellow awaykithitthebarwiththeirfirstattackandJames Cookeheadedhomethereboundwith30secondson theclock.Afterlessthantwominutes,itwas2-0,alob fromoutsidetheareabyCrook.On35minutes,an Oakleyforwardslidinonthekeeperwitharidiculous latechallenge It'dhavebeenaredinprofessional footballbuttherefereesettledonayellowcard.AFC Oakleyweren'tcreatingmanyclear-cutchances, blastingoverthebarfromcloserange.Therewasalso aheaderwideastheystartedtoimprove.Riseleyhad somedefendingTodoininjurytimetooandwerewell organised.
Thevisitorsimprovedafterthebreak, forcingacoupleofgoodsavesoutofthe Riseleykeeper.Uptheotherend,thehosts cameclosewithaheader Plentyofstrong challengeswentinastheintensityheated up.Riseleyhadaheaderruledoutfor offsideon63minutes.Meanwhile,the Oakley#5wassin-binnedforgobbingoff attheref On74minutes,Riseley'splayer Crookgotastraightredforahigh challenge,anditwasprobablytheright decision.Therewereanumberofcomings together,andtherefdidexcellentlytokeep alidonthingswiththeagitatedplayers, andtherewerealotofbookingstokeep themincheck.IthadbeenanexcellentadvertforBedfordshirefootballandtheleague.
AUGUST
FIXTURES,RESULTS
31/08/24-CranfieldUnitedRes
SEPTEMBER
07/09/24-CrawleyGreenDev 14/09/24-ElstowAbbey 21/09/24-MarstonSheltonRovers 28/09/24-FlitwickTown
OCTOBER
05/10/24-QueensParkCrescents 12/10/24-WoottonBlueCross 19/10/24-SheffordTown&CamptonRes 22/10/24-StotfoldDev (19:45) 26/10/24-Caldecote
NOVEMBER
02/11/24-TotternhoeRes 09/11/24-BiggleswadeFCRes 16/11/24-AFCOakley 23/11/24-BiggleswadeFCRes. DECEMBER
07/12/24-BiggleswadeUnitedRes.
14/12/24-SheffordTown&CamptonRes. JANUARY
04/01/25-Caldecote
11/01/25-CranfieldUnitedRes. 18/01/25-SheffordTown&CamptonRes. 25/01/25-QueensParkCrescents
FEBRUARY
01/02/25-CrawleyGreenReserves 08/02/25-ElstowAbbey
15/02/25-MarstonSheltonRovers 22/02/25-FlitwickTown MARCH
01/03/25-Caldecote
08/03/25-BiggleswadeUtd Res 15/03/25-BiggleswadeFCRes 22/03/25-BiggleswadeUtd Res 29/03/25-QueensParkCrescents APRIL
05/04/25-TotternhoeRes 12/04/25-SheffordTown&CamptonRes 23/04/25-AFCOakley(18:15) 26/04/25-WoottonBlueCross
29/04/25-CranfieldUnitedRes (18:15)
D.JOHNSON
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AUSTIN
AUSTIN
DJOHNSON
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CARRINGTON
D.JOHNSON
D.JOHNSON
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D.JOHNSON
D.JOHNSON
D.JOHNSON
D.JOHNSON
D.JOHNSON
D.JOHNSON
DJOHNSON
DJOHNSON
DJOHNSON
DJOHNSON
AUSTIN
AUSTIN
WOOLF
DJOHNSON
DJOHNSON
HARRIS
KJOHNSON HARRIS HARRIS HARRIS
KJOHNSON KJOHNSON HARRIS KJOHNSON HARRIS HARRIS HARRIS HARRIS HARRIS HARRIS HARRIS HISLOP HARRIS HARRIS HARRIS HARRIS HARRIS HARRIS COOPER COOPER COOPER HARRIS HARRIS HARRIS HARRIS COOPER KEECH COOPER COOPER COOPER COOPER KNIGHT COOPER COOPER COOPER COOPER COOPER COOPER COOPER COOPER COOPER COOPER COOPER COOPER COOPER COOPER HISLOP COOPER HISLOP HISLOP HISLOP JORDAN HISLOP COOPER COOPER
HISLOP
H.JOHNSON
THE2024/25SEASON &APPERIANCES
KEY:•GoalscorersInBOLD
DONALD
MARLER(2)
SIMMONS SIMMONS SIMMONS
SIMMONS
M.CROOK
MCROOK MCROOK
MCROOK
M.CROOK
M.CROOK
MARLER
MARLER
MARLER
DONALD SIMMONS
SIMMONS SIMMONS
SIMMONS
SIMMONS
D.BENNETT MCROOK
M.CROOK
MCROOK SPAVINS
SPAVINS SPAVINS
SIMMONS SIMMONS
M.CROOK(2) HISLOP SIMMONS
SIMMONS SIMMONS SIMMONS SIMMONS SIMMONS SIMMONS FIELD SIMMONS
SIMMONS SIMMONS SIMMONS SIMMONS SIMMONS
SIMMONS DONALD DONALD DONALD
MCROOK
HJOHNSON
HISLOP
HISLOP
DONALD
DONALD(2)
COLES
DONALD HISLOP
SPAVINS
CROOK(2)
HISLOP
DONALD DONALD SPAVINS CROOK CROOK CROOK CROOK CROOK
CROOK CROOK CROOK CROOK DONALD CROOK
SPAVINS(2)
JORDAN POOLE
COLES
D.BENNETT
DBENNETT
JORDAN
JORDAN CROOK CROOK CROOK CROOK CROOK CROOK
KEECH
TAYLOR TAYLOR AIFANDIS
SMITH
WILLETT
WILLETT COOKE COOKE
TAYLOR(2) SMITH
TAYLOR TAYLOR
MARLER WILLETT DONALD TAYLOR WILLETT
D.BENNETT
TAYLOR
MARLER
COOKE TAYLOR SMITH SMITH
SMITH(2) SMITH FIELD SMITH DONALD DONALD
COOKE(2) COOKE
JBENNETT SPAVINS SPAVINS TAYLOR(2)
WILLETT
DONALD BELL
SMITH COOKE
COPLEY SPAVINS SPAVINS SPAVINS
HISLOP WILLETT(2) SMITH COOKE
SMITH SMITH COOKE SPAVINS SMITH
COOKE COOKE COOKE WILLETT
TAYLOR
G.IFANDIS COOKE SPAVINS
DONALD
SMITH COOKE
COOKE COOKE
COOKE
AINFANDIS SPAVINS TAYLOR TAYLOR
A.IFANDIS A.IFANDIS
A.IFANDIS WILLETT WILLETT COOKE
J.BENNETT WILLETT COOKE SPAVINS
JBENNETT
A.IFANDIS
GIFANDIS
FIELD
J.BENNETT
A.IFANDIS
J.BENNETT D.BENNETT
SPAVINS J.BENNETT
WILLETT J.BENNETT
J.BENNETT J.BENNETT
GIFANDIS G.IFANDIS
KNIGHT
J.BENNETT E.HARRIS
J.BENNETT HARRIS
J.BENNETT
SPAVINS
S.BENNETT
S.BENNETT K.JOHNSON
JBENNETT
WOOLF JBENNETT
JBENNETT
JBENNETT
JBENNETT
J.BENNETT
J.BENNETT
J.BENNETT
COPLEY
CURRY
J.BENNETT WILLET
J.BENNETT
KJOHNSON SBENNETT KEECH KJOHNSON JORDAN HARRIS WATSON BURTON COLES COLES COOKE COLES OAKES WILLETT CURRY
FIELD BELL SIMMONS COLES
OCROOK
J.BENNETT JBENNETT JBENNETT OAKES
BURTON
FIELD
OAKES
COLES KJOHNSON OAKES
SPAVINS OAKES COLES
HARRIS GRIFFITHS
HARRISON COLES
TAYLOR HARRISON
SPAVINS OAKES
PLAYERSTATS
BedsCountyPremier(26/04/25)
WoottonBlueCross2-3RSFC
CrawleyGreenDev.0-7QueensParkCrescents
FlitwickTown0-3ElstowAbbey
SheffordT&CRes.2-6Caldecote
TotternhoeRes.0-2AFCOakley
LEAGUEROUNDUP
TheBedfordshireCountyFootballLeague
ByPeterFrancis
PremierDivisionsupportedbySportsform
Monday21stApril2025
WithWoottonBlueCrossgoingdowntoa4-1 defeatatElstowAbbey,AFCOakleycould clinchtheleaguetitlewithavictoryatRiseley SportsonWednesdayevening ScottJosephwithabraceplusgoalsfrom MarkoTobzicandStevenGentleonlybeing repliedtooncebyNoahMarchfortheBlue Cross.WhilstTotternhoeReservestooktheir currentunbeatenwaysuptoeightgameswith a1-1homedrawagainstbottomofthetable FlitwickTow.CharlieHoskingthehome goalscorer.
Elsewhere,thescheduledCaldecotevQueens ParkCrescentswasabandonedjustbefore half-timewiththescorelineat1-1andwillnow besubjectedtoaBedsFAinquiry
Wednesday24thApril2025
ActionatGoldStreetsawleagueleadersAFC Oakleyfalltotheirfirstdefeatin11outingsand failtocollectthethreepointsthatwouldhave seenthemcrownedthe2024-25champions whenbeaten2-0bythehostingRiseleySports. JamesCookeheadedtheSports1-0ahead withlittleoveraminuteplayed,aleadthat wasdoubledbyMitchellCrookejust90 secondslater WhilstQueensParkCrescents hopesofliftingthetitle100%disappearedafter theywerebeaten3-2atBiggleswadeUnited Reserves.AlexMaxwell,JamieEssamand CameronWatsonfoundthenetfortheUnited againstCrescentsrepliesviaAtifKhanand FaizanFariad.
Tuesday13May2025•09:00-15:15
AshtonGateStadium,Bristol
Ahands-oneventfeaturingexpertseminars,live demonstrations,andnetworkingopportunities forgroundsprofessionalstoexploresolutionsto currentturfmanagementchallenges.
GMA MEMBERS: FREE NON-GMA MEMBERS: £15
HeadlineSponsor
KEYNOTE SESSIONS
•TurfManagementintheCurrentClimate
•RootingforImprovement:UsingaPlaying
SurfaceAssessmenttoUpgradeYourFacility
•DealingwithClimateChangeChallengesat
AshtonGate,GloucestershireCricketClub,and othertopvenues
PRACTICAL WORKSHOPS
•ReadingyourSoil
•CarryingoutaSurfaceAssessment
•What'sinyourShed?
PITCHPERFECT SummerPitchRenovationTips
Asthe2024/25seasonwrapsup,attentionatRiseleySportsFCturnsfromthefinalwhistletothefirsttouchofnext season anditallstartswiththepitch!Agreatplayingsurfacedoesn’tjusthappen it’stheresultofsmart renovationworkduringthecrucialsummermonths Here’showtogetitright:
1.RestandAssess
Oncethefinalmatchisplayed,givethepitchashort“rest” about2–3weekswithoutplay Usethistimetowalkthesurfaceandspot:
Barepatches
Unevenareas
Compactedzones
Drainageproblems
2.ScarifytheSurface
Scarifying(removingdeadgrass,moss,andthatch)isessential Lightscarifyingremovesdebris;deepscarifyingbreaksupthatchthatstarvesnewgrassofnutrients
Tip:Alwaysscarifyinmultipledirectionsforthebestresults!
3.AeratetheSoil
Footballtakesahugetollonsoilstructure.Useamechanicalspiker,slit-tiner,orverti-draintoaeratethepitch. Improvesdrainage
Encouragesrootgrowth
Reducescompaction
4.Overseed
Afterscarifyingandaerating,overseedtheentirepitch,focusingespeciallyongoalmouthsandcentrecircleswhere thegrassiswornaway.
Chooseafast-growing,durableryegrassmixforfootball
Aimfor35–50gperm²
Lightlyrakeordragmattheseedinsoitcontactsthesoil
5.TopdressLightly
Applyathinlayerofsand-soilmixoverthepitch: Levelsminorbumps
Protectsseedlings
Improvessurfacedrainage
6.FeedandWater
Givethepitchahigh-nitrogenfertilisertokickstartstronggrowth(eg,12-6-6orsimilarNPKmix)
Waterconsistently especiallyindryspells tokeepseedbedsmoistbutnotsaturated
7.MowSmartly
Oncethenewgrassreaches50–60mm,mowitdownbyathird(notlower!)
Sharpbladesonly!
Mowoften,takinglittleoffatatime
Thisstrengthensthenewswardreadyforheavyplay
8.PlanAhead
Goodrenovationsetsthepitchup,butongoingcarethroughpre-season(lightrolling,feeding,cutting)isjustas important.
Agreatsummerleadstoagreatseason!
Q1.Whowasthetopscorerinthe2014FIFA WorldCup?
Q2.WhichclubdidZinedineZidaneplayfor beforeretiring?
Q3.WhowonthePremierLeagueGoldenBoo the2018/2019season?
Q4.Whoistheall-timetopscorerforthe Frenchnationalteam?
Q5.WhichcountryhaswonthemostFIFAW Cups?
OURPLAYERPATHWAYCLUB
07/09/24:KTFC1-7NorthamptonGPR
14/09/24:KTFC0-8LongBuckbyAFCRes
21/09/24:KTFC4-0GreatPaxtonRes (CC)
28/09/24:WoodfordUtdA3-1KTFC
05/10/24:KTFC0-1WoodfordUtdA
12/10/24:Catworth1-2KTFC
19/10/24:KTFC1-7ICASports(CC)
26/10/24:KetteringIseLodge8-3KTFC
02/11/24:KTFC4-2DaventryDraytonGrange
09/11/24:ThrapstonVenturasRes 9-0KTFC
16/11/24:KTFC0-4Weedon
23/11/24:KTFC1-1CorbyRoversRes
30/11/24:KTFC2-4LongBuckbyRes (LC) 14/12/24:KTFC2-2Catworth
18/01/25:Weedon1-1KTFC
01/02/25:CorbyRoversRes.3-2KTFC
08/02/25:KTFC1-3HeyfordAthleticA
15/02/25:DaventryDraytonGrangeP-PKTFC
22/02/25:KTFC2-0KetteringIseLodge
01/03/25:KTFC1-5ThrapstonVenturasRes.
08/03/25:LongBuckbyRes.H-WKTFC
29/03/25:HeyfordAthH-WKTFC
12/04/25:DaventryDraytonGrange1-0KTFC
19/04/25:NorthamptonGPRP-PKTFC
2 4 / 2 5 P L A Y E R S P O N S O R S H I
2 4 / 2 5 P L A Y E R S P O N S O R S H I P
COMMERCIAL&SPONSORSHIPOPPORTUNITIES
2025/26Season
FRIENDSOFRISELEYSPORTSF.C
•PitchSideBannerDisplayedAtEachHomeMatch
•MatchdayProgrammeAdvertisement(1/2Page)
•YourCompanyLogoOnOurMatchdayGraphics
•Inclusioninour“FocusOn”programmefeature
FriendsOFRSFC-£250.00(per-seasonona3season rollingrenewal)
MATCHDAYPROGRAMME
GetyourcompanynoticedwithourMatchday Programme,reachingover3000peopleperissue. Yourchosenartworkadvertisementranforthe wholeofthe24/25season,
QuaterPageAdvertisment-£50.00
PLAYERSPONSORSHIP
•Yourcompany/namefeaturedwithyourchosenplayer withinourMatchdayprogram
•Yourcompany/namefeaturedonchosenplayerssocial mediagraphics
PlayerSponsorship-£50.00
Interested?Wanttodiscussoptions?Getintouch! Tel/Whatsapp:07442084298 E-Mail:riseleysportsfc@mail.com
THETEAMS
