SPOR T S
WELCOME
As we welcome the new year, I would like to extend my best wishes for a prosperous and healthy 2025 to our supporters, players, committee and everyone connected with theclub
Reflectingonourrecentform,it'sclearwe'vefacedsomechallenges.Ourperformance against Shefford was particularly disappointing, and I apologise to everyone who attended the game. It was an abject display, and we acknowledge the need for improvement.
Returning to league action last week, we faced a strong Caldecote side who had previouslybeatenus6-2athome.Despitetheodds,weworkedhardandsecureda22 draw, with Cookie scoring a brace. It was a game we could have won with the chanceswehad,showingthepotentialwithinoursquad
This week, we welcome Cranfield to Gold Street. This match will be a true test of character,asweseekredemptionfromour1-0losstothemontheopeningdayofthe season,adefeatthatcamefroma90th-minutegoal.
Thank you for your continued support, and please stay well wrapped up. As many of you are aware, Ryan has left for new opportunities in Seattle and has settled in well.We'repleasedtoannouncethatJamesWoolfehas returned as assistant manager to work with me for the secondhalfoftheseason.
Up the Riseley, and let's make this year one to remember!
Mark Field
MarkField (Manager)
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
CranfieldUnitedFC continuestobuildon itsrichhistory,aimingtoclimbhigherinthe leaguesandachievegreatersuccessin cupcompetitions.Theclub'scommitment tofootballexcellenceandcommunity engagementremainsasstrongasever, promisingabrightfutureforthishistoric Bedfordshireclub.
FRIENDS FRSFC
Focuson:
SportingTargets
ManagingDirector,AndrewCliftonisresponsible forthesmoothrunningofthewholecomplex fromclubhouse,toeventsandeverythinginbetween,heoverseestheground,salesand marketing,shopandclubhouseteams.Andrew cameupwiththeideaofSportingTargetsalong withhisparentsIanandJune,andthecomplex wasopenedin1990.
AndrewhasexpandedSportingTargetssince opening,addingmanynewshootingstands, extraactivities,expandingtheclubhouseand buildingtheshop Andrewisakeenshotandhis maininterestinclayshootingarethedisciplines ofEnglish&FITASCSporting.Hecompetes regularlyallaroundthecountryandattendsall themajorSporting&FITASCcompetitionsthat timewillallow.Andrewisaqualifiedsportingand FITASCrefereewhichkeepshimuptodatewith therules HehasrepresentedBedfordshireon manyoccasionsinthesedisciplines.
Setinover40acresofcountrysideSporting Targetsisoneofthelargestandbestclay shootingclubsinthecountry.Andrewandhis teamofdedicated&experiencedstaffrunafull programmeofshootingtuitionaswellas arrangingandrunningprivateevents,corporate hospitalitydays,stagandhenparties,tailor madeactivitydays&juniortastersessions.
Theteamofinstructorsishighlyqualifiedto teachalllevelsfromthecompletebeginnerto theregularcompetitororgameshooter. Withregular100RegisteredEnglishSporting&100 RegisteredFITASCcompetitionsthroughoutthe yearplusCPSAPremierLeague,theJackPyke Open&theSummerHighTowerChallenge On-sitefacilitiesincludeacomprehensivegun shopwithservicing&fitting,clubhousewith restaurantandbar,afullyequippedconference room,anoffroadtrackforquadbikes,archery& airrifle&pistolshooting.
EXCEPTIONALSHOOTINGCLUBFACILITIES&A VERYWARMWELCOME
Whetheryou’reaseasonedshooterora completebeginner,theShootingClubishereto ensureyougettheverybestoutofyourvisitto SportingTargets Withexceptionalfacilitiesanda verywarmwelcome,youcanalwaysbesureofa friendlyatmosphereandafantasticday’s shooting.Noexperienceisrequiredtojoin.With over1000members,theclubisasmuchabout makingnewfriendsasitisaboutdevelopingyour shootingskills.
THESHOOTINGGROUND
SportingTargetsissetinover40acresofthe beautifulBedfordshirecountryside Ourdedicated&experiencedstaffincludefulltimequalifiedCPSA&BASCinstructorsanda groundcrewwhokeepthetrapsfullandthe layoutupdatedallyearround Ouron-site facilitiesalsoincludeacomprehensivegunshop withservicing&fitting,clubhousewithrestaurant andbarandafullyequippedconferenceroom. Outside,ontheground,wehaveanoff-road trackforourfleetofquadbikesaswellas facilitiesforarchery,airrifle&airpistolshooting.
CORPORATEHOSPITALITYDAYS
SportingTargetsoffersexcellentfacilitiesthatare perfectforcorporate&grouphospitality.Withthe sortofamenitiesyouwouldnormallyexpectata golforcountryclub,weprovideeverythingyou needtoentertainyourclientsorcolleagueswith oneofourcomprehensivepackages.
Wecancombinearangeofactivitiesincluding clayshooting,archery,crossbows,airpistols& rifles&quadbikingtocreateagreathospitality eventwithsomethingtosuiteveryone,alongwith ourexcellentconferencefacilitiesandfirstclass foodanddrink.
ACTIVITIES
Wecancombinearangeoffungroupactivities asyourequireincludingclayshooting,archery& crossbows,airguns&rifles&quadbikesto createagreathospitalityeventwithsomething tosuiteveryone,alongwithourexcellent conferencefacilitiesandfirstclassfoodand drink.
CATERINGFORGROUPS
Foryourspecialeventweprovideallyour cateringneedsfromfullEnglishbreakfastsor baconrollsinthemorning,throughtobuffets, snacksandnibblesallthewayupto3course homecookedroastdinners.Allfreshlyprepared inhouse
Withafully-licensedbar,youareassuredofa warmwelcomewhereyoucanrelaxandfeelat home.Enjoyfreshlygroundcoffee,homemade cakesandaselectionoftastysandwichesand lunchspecials.Anexcellentselectionofbeers, spirits,winesandsoftdrinksisalwaysavailable.
SHOOT
Reception&GeneralEnquiries: Tel:01234708893
Email:general@sportingtargetscouk
SHOP
GunshopEnquiries: Tel:01234707005/007
Email:gunshop@sportingtargets.co.uk
ENTERTAIN
CorporateEnquiries: Tel:01234708893
Email:corporate@sportingtargetscouk
Address: SportingTargetsLtd KnottingLane Riseley Bedfordshire MK441BX
Website:www.sportingtargets.co.uk
SocialMedia: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sportingtarget s/
Instagram: https://wwwinstagramcom/sporting tar gets/
LEGENDS&
TheHistoryofRiseleySportsFootballClub
Part 9 (2010-2015)
RiseleySportsFChaslongbeenacornerstoneoflocalfootball,celebratedforitsdedicationtothecommunity andunwaveringpassionforthegame.Whiletheclubhasfaceditsshareofchallenges,itsresilienceandspirit haveremainedunshaken
For14years,RiseleySportscompetedintheBedfordshireCountyPremierDivision,earningareputationfor competitivefootballandspiritedperformances However,2009broughtapivotalmomentintheclub’shistory WithafirstteamlargelycomposedofplayersfromRushdenanddwindlinglocalinvolvement,theteam, managedbyMarkWeakley,folded bringinganendtotheirpremierdivisionjourney
Despitethissetback,RiseleySportsrefusedtoletitsstoryendthere UndertheguidanceofPaulSharp,theclub reorganizedandembarkedonarebuildingjourney.Transitioningtoasingleteam,theyenteredthe BedfordshireCountyLeague’sthirddivisionforthe2009/10season Thisnewchapterfocusedonstrengthening localparticipation,nurturinghomegrowntalent,andre-establishingtheclubasakeypartofthecommunity.
Thoughthepathhasnotbeeneasy,RiseleySportsFCcontinuestostandasatestamenttoperseverance, passion,anditsdeep-rootedconnectiontothevillageitproudlyrepresents 135 Years
LEGACIES
2010/11BedsCountyDiv.3
RiseleySports0-4M&DHOakley
RiseleySports0-7Pavenham
CranfieldUtd0-0RiseleySports
RiseleySports1-3Co-OpSports
RiseleySports0-4SundonParkRangers(JuniorCup1R)
CaldecoteA0-5RiseleySports
RiseleySports3-0FlitwickTownRes
SheffordTown&CamptonAA-WRiseleySports
DuntonRes.0-3RiseleySports
RoyalOakKempston0-5RiseleySports
RiseleySports3-5WilsteadRes
WestoningRes 1-1RiseleySports
RiseleySports7-6SundonParkRangers
RiseleySports2-3SharnbrookRes
RiseleySports1-2CranfieldUtd
Pavenham6-0RiseleySports(WatsonShield1R)
RenholdVillage2-2RiseleySports
WilsteadRes 2-0RiseleySports
Co-OpSports4-2RiseleySports
RiseleySports5-1CaldecoteA
RiseleySports1-1SheffordTown&CamptonA
RiseleySports1-3RoyalOakKempston
RiseleySports5-0DuntonRes
SharnbrookRes 2-0RiseleySports
M&DHOakley1-0RiseleySports
FlitwickTownRes 3-0RiseleySports
RiseleySports3-4WestoningRes
RiseleySports0-2RenholdVillage
SundonParkRangers2-2RiseleySports
Pavenham8-2RiseleySports
2011/12BedsCountyDiv.3
RiseleySports2-1FlitwickTownRes
RiseleySports2-2Goldington
SundonParkRangers2-2RiseleySports
RiseleySports4-1PottonTown
RiseleySports3-4RenholdVillage
ElstowAbbey3-1AETRiseleySports(JuniorCup2R)
RiseleySports1-2WilsteadRes
RiseleySports2-2CranfieldUtd
RiseleySports4-3EastcottsAFC
Stevington1-3RiseleySports
RiseleySports3-0KempstonHammersSports
RoyalOakKempston4-5RiseleySports
RiseleySportsp1-1RoyalOakKempston(WatsonShield1R)
WestoningRes 1-3RiseleySports
DuntonRes 0-2RiseleySports
RiseleySports4-2WestoningRes
CranfieldUtd1-0RiseleySports
PottonTown1-1RiseleySports
KempstonHammersSportsA-WRiseleySports
RiseleySports3-4SundonParkRangers(WatsonShield2R)
RenholdVillage3-2RiseleySports
EastcottsAFC2-0RiseleySports
RiseleySports1-2SundonParkRangers
FlitwickTownRes 2-4RiseleySports
RiseleySports2-1Stevington
WilsteadRes 8-0RiseleySports
RiseleySports3-0DuntonRes
RiseleySports2-1RoyalOakKempston
Goldington3-2RiseleySports
2012/13BedsCountyDiv.3
PottonTown1-0RiseleySports
Clifton4-1RiseleySports
RiseleySports3-0KempstonHammersSports
Dunton1-2RiseleySports
RiseleySports2-2WestoningRes
Stevington0-1RiseleySports
Goldington3-2RiseleySports(JuniorCup2R)
RiseleySports4-0RoyalOakKempston
RiseleySports2-2BedfordParkRangers
Ickwell&OldWardenRes 0-1RiseleySports
RiseleySports1-2PottonTown
WilsteadRes 2-3RiseleySports
Stevington2-0RiseleySports(WatsonShield1R)
RoyalOakKempston0-3RiseleySports
RenholdUtdRes 2-1RiseleySports
RiseleySports3-1RenholdUtdRes
BedfordParkRangers3-3RiseleySports
RiseleySports3-2Stevington
RiseleySports0-1GreatBarford
WestoningRes 3-3RiseleySports
KempstonHammersSports0-4RiseleySports
GreatBarford4-1RiseleySports
RiseleySports5-2Ickwell&OldWardenRes
RiseleySports1-2Clifton
RiseleySports5-4WilsteadRes
2013/14BedsCountyDiv.2
CranfieldUtd4-2RiseleySports
PottonTown7-0RiseleySports
KempstonConClub1-2RiseleySports(Cup1R)
RiseleySports1-2QueensParkCrescents
RiseleySports2-1AFCKempstonTwn&BC Res
RiseleySports0-2KingsAFC
RiseleySports3-3Co-OpSports
GreatBarford7-1RiseleySports(JuniorCup2R
RiseleySports2-0PottonUtdRes
AFCOakleyM&DH8-1RiseleySports
RiseleySports1-4Clifton
KingsAFC3-0RiseleySports
RenholdUtdRes 3-2RiseleySports
GreatBarford3-0RiseleySports
Clifton3-1RiseleySports
RiseleySports1-1RenholdUrdRes
AFCKempstonTwn&BCRes5-1RiseleySports
RiseleySports2-4CranfieldUtd
QueensParkCrescents4-1RiseleySports
CranfieldUtd1-0RiseleySports(JubileeCupQ
PottonUtdRes 1-2RiseleySports
AFCHarlingtin4-0RiseleySports
Co-OpSports4-2RiseleySports
RiseleySports2-4AFCOakleyM&DH
RiseleySports1-3PottonTown
RiseleySports5-1AFCHarlington
RiseleySports0-5GreatBarford
2014/15BedsCountyDiv1
RiseleySports2-1AFCOakleyM&DHRes
Henlow2-1RiseleySports
RiseleySports3-2Cople&BedfordSA
RiseleySports1-0StotfoldRes (IntermediateC
RiseleySports2-4CranfieldUtd
GreatBarford7-2RiseleySports
RiseleySports1-1MeltisAlbion
AFCHarlington1-3RiseleySports
StJosephs4-3RiseleySports(IntermediateCu
RiseleySports3-0MarabeseCeramics
RiseleySports0-2ElstowAbbey
QueensParkCrescents2-1RiseleySports
RiseleySports3-1SundonParkRangers
RiseleySports2-0AFCKempstonTown&Bedfo
RiseleySports0-2PottonTown
SheffordTown&CamptonRes 2-0RiseleySports
CranfieldUtd2-0RiseleySports
RiseleySports1-4GreatBarford
PottonTown0-2RiseleySports
Cople&BedfordSA1-1RiseleySports
RiseleySports1-0AFCHarlington
AFCKempstonTwn&BC Res 4-5RiseleySports
MeltisAlbion1-1RiseleySports
AFCKempstonTwn&BC Res 4-0RiseleySports
RiseleySports0-2QueensParkCrescents
ParkRangers4-0RiseleySports
MarabeseCramaics2-2RiseleySports
ElstowAbbey1-1RiseleySports
2015/16BedsCountyDiv.1
RiseleySports0-3Henlow
SheffordTown&CamptonRes 4-1RiseleySports
QueensParkCrescents3-2RiseleySports
HoughtonAth2-7RiseleySports
RiseleySports1-7Stevington
RiseleySports1-1MeltisAlbion
Ickelford3-1RiseleySports
RiseleySports5-0AFCOakleyM&DH
HenlowH-WRiseleySports(IntermediateCup1R)
RiseleySports4-5AFCKempstonTwn&BCRes
RiseleySports4-2PottonTown
135 Years
RiseleySportsH-WFarleyBoysRes (JuniorCup1R)
RiseleySports4-0Dunton
RiseleySports2-2Henlow
RiseleySports3-2SheffordTown&CamptonR AFCOakleyM&DH2-2RiseleySports
@riseleysportsfc
InTheCommunity
•Over60’sGym-10:00-RiseleyChildren’sCentre&CommunityHub
•EarlyRisersSingingGroup-08:45-RiseleyPrimarySchool
•Pilates-09:00-RiseleyChildren’sCentre&CommunityHub
•RiseleyRabbits(TotsGroup)-09:15-RiseleyVillageHall
•YouthTheatre-18:00-RiseleyVillageHall
•Knit&Natter-09:30-RiseleyVillageHall
•Rise&ShineCoffeeShop-09:30-RiseleyVillageHall
•BowlsClub-19:30-RiseleyVillageHall
•FridaysBar-19:30-RiseleyVillageHall
Saturday8thMarch Fire&IceBall 19:00-00:00 RiseleyVillageHall WelcomeDrink-Dinner-BandEntertainment £40.00 riseleyball@outlook.com
AllSaintsChurchRiseley-18:45-20:00 SchoolYears4,5,6,7&8-Subs:£1.00 EveryOtherFriday 25/10/24,15/11/24,29/11/24
19thJanuary OneBigTableCommunitySupper 15:00 RiseleyChildren'sCentre &CommunityHub Tofindoutmoreortobookin email thegiddygoatltd@gmailcom
BedsYouthLeagueU16-Section1 11/01/1952:QueensParkUnitedVsRiseleyRovers
JubileeCup-2ndRound 11/01/1986:Cople2-1Riseley
BedfordshireDistrictLeague:Div.2 11/01/1992:RiseleySports7-1WilsteadReserves
BedfordshireDistrictLeague:Div.4 11/01/1997:WoottonUnitedVsRiseleySports
BedfordshireCountyLeague:Div.2 11/01/2014:GreatBarford3-0RiseleySports
THEWORLD’SGREATESTDRIVINGEVENT
PALMERSPORTISRENOWNEDASTHEBESTMOTORSPORTEXPERIENCE OFITSKIND,WHEREYOUDRIVEANINCREDIBLELINE-UPOFEIGHT CARS,AGAINSTTHECLOCK,ALLINONESENSATIONALDAY!
Centrally located at the purpose-built Bedford Autodrome
PROUD TO SUPPORT RISELEY SPORTS FC
Multi-activity programme with scoring and prizes
Smart trackside hospitality suites with excellent catering
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
PlayerSpotlight
MeettheplayersofRSFC
Name:PatKnight
Age:26
PlayingPosition:CentreHalf
Debut:2021VsSheffordTown&Campton
Appearances:53
Goals:0
PreviousClub:SharnbrookFC
Nickname:Pat
Occupation:RecruitmentConsultant
FootballingHonours:N/Aatseniorlevel
FootballingAmbition:Playingatadecent levelandtowinthepremierdivision TeamSupports:Chelsea
FavouritePlayer:Kante
FavouriteFood:RoastDinner
FavouriteDrink:LukeWarmCarling
FavouriteTVProgramme:TippingPoint
FavouriteMusician/Band:Queen
Name:KoronCooper
Age:28
PlayingPosition:Centre/RightBack
Debut:2018VsStevington
Appearances:121
Goals:0
PreviousClub:BromhamAFC,BedfordTown
Nickname:Koz/Kozza
Occupation:Teacher
FootballingHonours:U18League&CupDouble
FootballingAmbition:WintheleaguewithRSFC TeamSupports:ManchesterUnited
FavouritePlayer:Bruno
FavouriteFood:Mexican
FavouriteDrink:BirraMoretti
FavouriteTVProgramme:BlackMirror
FavouriteMusician/Band:80s
RSFC HALL OF FAME
THEB.TOMKINSCUPMOSTPROMISINGPLAYER:75/76:D Hancock,76/77:S Prowse,77/78:S Prowse,78/79:M Hughes,79/80:W Woolston,80/81:P Thomas, 83/84:C Smith,84/85:M Curtis,85/86:C Surridge,86/87:M Jackson,87/88:G Surridge,88/89:M Smith,89/90:G Mitchell,90/91:P Davis,91/92:P Ives&R Blackmore,92/93:M.Capper,93/94:J.Capper,94/95:I.White,95/96:M.White,96/97:P.Brown,97/98:M.Jones,98/99:I.Staniforth,99/00:M.Fry,00/01 IBunting,02/03:A Howlett,03/”4:DCzaicki,04/05:AWood,05/06:LBarnett,06/07:THenman,07/08:THenman,08/09:AGraham,09/10:ALobban,10/11: JLaw,11/12:KWalker,12/13:JHarris,14/15:JHarris,15/16:SHarrison,16/17:MCrook,17/18:JWillett,18/18:KCooper,21/22:MMarler,22/23:EBunday,23/24:F Spavins
CLUBMEMBEROFTHEYEAR:84/85:J Prigmore,85/86:D Hancock,86/87:B Gallagher,87/88:S Prowse,88/89:R Randall,90/91:A McCutcheon91/92:G Whitby,92/93:N Gell,93/94:E Humphreys,94/95:DBalderstone&SProwse,95/96:I White,96/97:N Rees,97/98:I White,98/99:J Capper,99/00:M Jones, 01/02:M Henderson,02/03:A Gell&N Gell,2003/04:A Gell&N Gell,05/06:C Spurgeon,06/07:N Wise,07/08:D Czaicki,08/09:L Clayton,09/10:J Capper, 10/11:G.Moksa,11/12:J.Law,2012/13:J.Capper,13/14:J.Richardson,12/15:A.Groom,15/16:P.Brown,16/17:J.Harris,17/18:J.Cooke,18/19:J.Harris,21/22:J.Woolf, 22/23:AGroom,2023/24:J Woolf
THEMILES WARDCUPTOPGOALSCORER:86/87:R Ridley,87/88:K Ridley,88/89:A McCutcheon,89/90:M Armstrong,90/91:R Randall,91/92:R Randall, 92/93:R Randall,93/94:E Humphreys,94/95:E Humphreys&M Joyner,95/96:M Joyner,96/97:P Brown,97/98:P Ives,98/99:A McDonald,99/00:A McDonald,00/01:M White,01/02:P Brown,02/03:M Joyner,03/04:A Meola,04/05:D Miljkovic,05/06:D Milkovic,06/07:T Ellison,07/08:M Joyner,08/09:P Brown,09/10:J Grandidge,10/11:J Grandidge,11/12:T Ellison,12/13:N OConnor,12/14:P Brown,14/15:J Cooke&K Walker15/16:JHealy,16/17:JHealy,16/17: JHealy&JWillett,18/19:JHealy,JPool,M Crook21/22:JHealyS, 22/23:SNetwon-Cootes 23/24:A Taylor
MANAGERSPLAYEROFTHEYEAR:93/94:M Capper,94/95:A McCutcheon,95/96:R Winter,96/97:J Johnson,97/98:P Davis,98/99:A Spurgeon,99/00:P Ives,00/01:M White,01/02:J Capper,02/03:M Brown,03/04:A Spurgeon,04/05:D Milkovic,05/06:J Hislop,06/07:D Minney,07/08:C England,08/09:S Gingell,09/10:G Shrimpton,10/11:S Gingell,11/12:R Ginn,12/13:G Shrimpton,13/14:J Capper,14/15:J Law,15/16:J Hislop,16/17:S Shirley,17/18:G Johnstone, 18/19:J Woolf,21/22:JJermyn,22/23:SNewton-Cootes, 23/24: K Cooper
ERNIETHOMASSHIELDPLAYEROFTHESEASON:92/93:R Winter,93/94:A Milne,94/95:S Smith,95/96:P Davis,96/97:D Balderstone,97/98:J Capper,98/99: M.Joyner,99/00:M.White,00/01:P.Brown,01/02:M.Jones,03/04:M.Jones,04/05:J.Capper,05/06:M.White,06/07:M.White,07/08:D.Czaicki,2008/09:G. Davies,09/10:A Lobban,10/11:A Spurgeon,11/12:J Cooke,12/13:J Law,13/14:A Groom,14/15:J Poole,15/16:J Healy,16/17:J Hislop,17/18:J Poole,18/19:J Pool, 21/22:S Newton-Cootes 22/23:J Hislop,23/24: J Hislop
d:21/22:JCooke,22/23:JWoolf,23/24:A Groom
UNDERTHEINFLUENCE (OFALCOHOL)!?
Alcoholandpubsfeaturestronglyinthe historyofRiseleySportsFootballClub.Atone time,thevillagehad8pubs
ClubTreasurerandhistorianAndrewGell reportsthatbetweenthetwoWorldWarslast century,teamschangedintheoutbuildingsat theFiveBellsPublicHousebeforewalking acrossthefieldstothepitchatSackville.For mostofthetimeIhavelivedinthevillage,the clubwashostedaftermatchesattheFive Bellsandforafewseasonsattheotherendof thevillageintheRoyalOak,wherewealso enjoyedsomememorablenights.
ThephotobelowshowsthesuccessfulSunday teaminthelate-1980sandisoneoftheonly timesRiseleySportshavenotplayedinsky andnavyblueoryellowandblackkits.
Long-servingformerplayer,managerand chairmanStephenProwseprovidedthestory behindthisuniquephoto.Thekitwasprovided bywell-knownlocalpublicanEddie CheesemanwhohadtakenovertheFoxand Houndspubinthevillage.
Hesecuredsponsorship fortheSundayteamfrom RedStripe,hencethered andwhitekitwithCharles Wellslogo!
Theclubwashostedat theFiveBellswithits
landlordErnieThomas picturedsittingatthelefthand
endofthemiddlerow.Theeagle-eyed amongstyou(nopunintendedCharles Wells!)willnoticeErnieiswearingaT-shirt promotingarivalbrandofstronglager!
EddieCheeseman(jacketandtie)isonthe othersideofthemiddlerowwithMichael Wright,oneoftheclubvice-presidents, seatedattheendoftherow.Keepingthe peaceinthemiddleofthisrowis‘young’ NigelGellwithothervice-presidentsHarrold Wallis(tohisright)andArthurTompkins(to hisleft),allwithlongfamilyhistories connectedtothevillage.
Moreabouttheexploitsofthisteam,its players,theirfamiliesandvillage connectionsinafutureprogramme!This wasaverysuccessfulperiodintheclub’s history–inBedford,RushdenandinEurope (well,ontourinHollandandGermany!)
Tothebestofourknowledge,thisistheonly timeinitshistorythattheclubhasplayedin aredandwhitehomestrip!
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
01/02/2508/02/2515/02/2522/02/25MARCH
01/03/2508/03/2515/03/2522/03/2529/03/25APRIL
05/04/2512/04/2519/04/2526/04/25-
D.JOHNSON
D.JOHNSON DJOHNSON DJOHNSON DJOHNSON
DJOHNSON DJOHNSON
AUSTIN AUSTIN
DJOHNSON
DJOHNSON CARRINGTON
DJOHNSON
DJOHNSON
DJOHNSON
DJOHNSON
K.JOHNSON HARRIS HARRIS HARRIS KJOHNSON KJOHNSON HARRIS KJOHNSON HARRIS HARRIS HARRIS HARRIS HARRIS HARRIS HARRIS COOPER KEECH COOPER COOPER COOPER COOPER KNIGHT COOPER COOPER COOPER COOPER COOPER COOPER COOPER COOPER COOPER
HISLOP
WILLETT
HJOHNSON
THE2024/25SEASON &APPERIANCES
SUBS
KEY:•GoalscorersInBOLD
DONALD
MARLER(2)
M.CROOK
M.CROOK
SIMMONS SIMMONS SIMMONS
SIMMONS M.CROOK
M.CROOK
M.CROOK
MCROOK
M.CROOK(2) HISLOP SIMMONS
SIMMONS SIMMONS SIMMONS
HISLOP HISLOP
DONALD
SIMMONS
SIMMONS
D.BENNETT
M.CROOK
M.CROOK
MCROOK SPAVINS
SPAVINS SPAVINS
DONALD DONALD SPAVINS CROOK CROOK CROOK CROOK
KEECH
TAYLOR TAYLOR AIFANDIS SMITH
WILLETT COOKE COOKE
TAYLOR(2)
TAYLOR
G.IFANDIS COOKE SPAVINS DONALD SMITH COOKE
COOKE COOKE
SMITH(2)
A.IFANDIS WILLETT WILLETT COOKE J.BENNETT WILLETT COOKE SPAVINS
A.IFANDIS
J.BENNETT
A.IFANDIS
J.BENNETT
D.BENNETT
SPAVINS J.BENNETT
WILLETT J.BENNETT
J.BENNETT J.BENNETT
GIFANDIS
FIELD
GIFANDIS GIFANDIS KNIGHT
J.BENNETT E.HARRIS
J.BENNETT HARRIS
J.BENNETT
RICHARDS SMITH
SPAVINS
S.BENNETT
BURTON
S.BENNETT K.JOHNSON
J.BENNETT
J.BENNETT
A.IFANDIS KNIGHT
BURTON
J.BENNETT
COOKE(2)
J.BENNETT
OAKES
FIELD
S.BENNETT WATSON
KJOHNSON
HowTheyStand
LEAGUEROUNDUP
TheBedfordshireCountyFootballLeague
ByPeterFrancis
Saturday8thJanuary2025
PremierDivisionsupportedbySportsForm
JackFrostthebiggestwinnerontheopening weekendof2025.
MarstonSheltonRoversarenowjustgoal differencebehindleagueleadersWoottonBlue Crossaftertheyretainedtheirseasonsunbeaten waysontheroadwitha3-2victoryatElstow AbbeythankstogoalsfromSamSmith,Luke CliffordandHarryBaker.againsthomerepliesvia DanielGreenandCraigDamom.Whilstdownat theotherendofthetabletherecordsbookswill showSheffordTown&CamptonReserves claimingtheirfirsthomewinoftheseasonto climboffofthebottomofthetableinbeating BiggleswadeFCReserves4-2butwiththeirhome pitchfrozenoffthegamewasinfactplayedon the3GatStrattonSchoolthehomevenueofthe FC.EmmanuelOyegokewithabraceplusgoals fromOliverKempandAlfieGauntlettdoingthe damageagainstRafaelMilesandAdamAhmadPearcereplyingfortheFC.
Theonlyothergametobeatthefrozensurfaces sawCaldecotetaketheirwinlessrunuptofive gameswhenheldtoa2-2homedrawbyRiseley Sports.ChrisRichardsonandDanielWebbonthe markforthehomesidewithJamesCookenetting bothofthevisitorsreplies.
Postponedwerethegames AFCOakleyv WoottonBlueCross:CrawleyGreenDevelopment vFlitwickTown:QueensParkCrescentsv CranfieldUnitedReservesandTotternhoe ReservesvBiggleswadeUnitedReserves.
BritanniaCup-QuarterFinalsDraw
•QueensParkCrescentsVsRiseleySports •TotternhoeReservesVsAFCOakley
•WoottonBlueCrossVsCaldecote
•ElstowAbbeyVsCranfieldUnitedRes
FullReviewOfALLOfLastWeekendsBedfordshire CountyFootballLeagueGames
Availableat: www.bedfordshirefootballleague.co.uk
FirstGame:30/11/1985:Campton4-4RSFC BiggestWin:4-1(15/03/1997) HeaviestDefeat:6-0(12/01/2019)
ClubColours:RoyalBlue
Q1.WhichclubdidCristianoRonaldojoinafter leavingManchesterUnitedin2009?
Q2.Whowonthe2005UEFAChampionsLeague finalinIstanbul?
Q3.WhichplayerhaswonthemostWorldCup medals? Q4.WhowasthefirstItalianclubtowinthe EuropeanCup?
PITCHPERFECT JanuaryPitchMaintenance
Aswemoveintothedepthsofwinter,maintainingafootballpitchinJanuarypresentsuniquechallenges Heavy rainfall,frostymornings,andincreasedusagefrommatchescantakeatollontheturf However,withproper careandattention,yourpitchcanremaininexcellentcondition,readytosupportplayersandensuresafety Here’saguidetoessentialpitchmaintenancetasksforJanuary
1.DrainageChecks
Januaryisoftenoneofthewettestmonths,makingdrainageapriority Inspectdrains,gullies,andsoakawaysto ensurethey’reclearofdebris Waterloggingcanleadtoseveredamageifleftunchecked,soaddressing standingwaterpromptlyiscrucial Aeration,suchasverti-draining,canhelpimprovewatermovementthrough thesoilprofile
2.DealingwithFrostandFreezingConditions
Frostcanbedamaging,especiallyifmatchesareplayedonafrozensurface.Monitorweatherforecastsand considercoveringthepitchwithfrostsheetsduringcoldsnaps.Avoidheavymaintenanceworkwhentheground isfrozen,asitcanharmtheturfstructure.
3.GrassGrowthandHealth
Whilegrassgrowthslowsduringwinter,maintaininghealthyturfisstillessential.Applyaslow-releasewinter fertilizerwithpotassiumtostrengthenthegrassagainststress.Checkforsignsofdisease,suchasfusarium patch,whichthrivesincold,dampconditions.Treatearlytopreventitfromspreading.
4.MowingandCutting
Althoughgrowthisminimal,keepthegrassatanoptimalheight(25-35mmforwinterpitches).Regularmowing, evenatlongerintervals,preventsexcessivethatchbuildupandmaintainsthepitch’splayability.
5.RepairHigh-WearAreas
Goalmouthsandpenaltyspotsoftenexperiencethemostwearandtear.Regularlyoverseedtheseareasto encouragenewgrowth.Ifconditionsallow,lightlytop-dresstoleveloutunevensurfacescausedbyheavyuse.
6.EquipmentMaintenance
Winterdowntimeisagreatopportunitytoservicemachinery Sharpenmowerblades,checkline-marking equipment,andserviceaerationtoolstoensurethey’rereadyforthebusyspringmaintenanceperiod
7.PitchInspections
WeeklyinspectionsarevitalduringJanuary.Lookforsignsof compaction,disease,ordamagecausedbywildlife.Early interventioncansavesignificanttimeandeffortlater.
8.PlanAheadforSpring
Finally,Januaryisagreattimetoplanahead.Assessyour budget,reviewseedandfertilizerrequirements,andconsider bookingcontractorsforlargerspringrenovations.
Bystayingproactiveandconsistentwiththesemaintenance tasks,yourpitchwillbeinprimeconditiontowithstandthe challengesofwinterandbereadyfortheupcomingfixtures
Remember,awell-maintainedpitchisn’tjustabout aesthetics it’saboutcreatingasafeandenjoyableplaying surfaceforall
BehindEveryGreatGame: ATributetoGroundsStaff
Asyoupreparefortoday'sgame,takeamomenttolookbeyondtheplayers, thetactics,andtheexcitementofthegame.Castyoureyesdowntothevery foundationoftheevent-thepitch.
It'seasytooverlook,butwhatyou'reseeingistheresultofhundredsofhoursof meticulousworkandexpertcare.Thegrassbeneaththeplayers'feetisnotjust afield;it'samasterpiece,craftedbytheoften-unsungheroesofsports:the groundsteam.
Theroleofthegroundsteamisoftenthankless,yetvital.Theseindividualspour theirheartandsoulintoeverybladeofgrass,oftenworkinglong,unsociable hourstoensurethepitchisinpristinecondition,comerainorshine.
Whetherit'sanearlymorningmow,alate-nightirrigationsession,orthe constantbattleagainsttheelements,groundsteamarethefirsttoarriveand thelasttoleave.Theirexpertisetransformsasimplepatchofearthintothe stagewherechampionsaremade,andmemoriesareforged Withoutthetirelessefforts,thegameasweknowitwouldn'tbepossible.A perfectpitchisnotjustabouthowitlooks;itdirectlyimpactstheperformance oftheplayers,theflowofthegame,andultimately,theexperienceofthe supporters.It'sthesilentpartnerineverymatch,settingthestagefor unforgettablemoments.
Sotoday,asyouencourageyourteam,remembertogiveanodof appreciationtothegroundbeneathitall.Celebratetheartistry,dedication,and skillofgroundsmanagement.Becausewithoutgroundsstaff,there'snogame.
GroundsManagementAssociation:MakingSportPossible
GET WINTER READY
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
04/01/25:KTFCP-PKetteringIseLodge
11/01/25:DaventryDraytonGrange-KTFC
18/01/25:Weedon-KTFC
25/01/25:KTFC-CorbyStripMillsRes.
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
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
