ROYSTON TOWN vs KETTERING TOWN - MATCHDAY PROGRAMME - SATURDAY 13TH APRIL 2024

ROYSTON TOWN VS KETTERING TOWN 3PM, SATURDAY 13TH APRIL 2024 MATCH SPONSOR:

PITCHING IN SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION CENTRAL

PITCHING IN SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION CENTRAL

Saturday 13th April 2024 Kick Off: 3pm Royston Town FC would like to welcome today's opponents Kettering Town FC for their visit to Garden Walk for this Pitching In Southern Football League Premier Division Central fixture.

We wish their Players, Officials and Supporters an enjoyable afternoon and hope that the match will be a keenly contested and entertaining game.

We also welcome today’s Match Officials and hope they too have an enjoyable game. ent

TODAY’S MATCH IS KINDLY SPONSORED BY

ROYSTON TOWN OFFICIAL SHIRT SPONSOR

Royston Town Football Club President Chairman Secretary

Founded 1875 Alan Barlow Steve Jackson Terry McKinnell 9 Valley Rise, Royston, Herts SG8 9EY 07772 086709

Webmaster Programme Editors Official Photographer

email: secretary@roystontownfc.co.uk Jeff Gill Angela Baulk Steve Endacott (07971 512402) Trevor Burrows, Andy Toovey, Eric Joyce, Angela Baulk, Chris Coote, Duncan Easley, Giles Parnwell, Neil MacLeod, Matt Clowery.

Steve Endacott Angela Baulk, Neil MacLeod Kevin Richards

Football Management Team First Team Manager U23 Manager U18 Team Manager Women's Team Manager Vets Team Manager

Chris Watters Dan Evans Roy Smith Lewis Endacott Lee Wilkinson

Finance Director Welfare Officer Fixture Secretary Executive Board

Ground

Garden Walk, Royston, Herts SG8 7HP Telephone (01763) 241204

Colours

First XI U23 U18 Women's Vets

White/Black/White White/Black/White White/Black/Black White/Black/White White/Black/Black

Members of: The Hertfordshire Football Association Southern League Premier Division Spartan South Midlands Football League Thurlow Nunn Youth League Eastern Region Women’s Football League Royston Town Football Club is Limited by Guarantee under the trading name of Royston Town FC Limited (Company Reg No. 14261163)

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CLUB HONOURS WINNERS Herts County League (Div I) 1969-70, 1972-73 Herts County League (Premier Div) 1976-1977 South Midlands League (Div I) 1977-1978 South Midlands Reserve League (Div II) 1978-1979 South Midlands Reserve League (Div I) 1979-1980 North Herts (Div IV) League Cup, 1978-79, 1979-1980 Herts Charity Shield, 1981-82, 1989-90, 1996-1997 Herts Intermediate Cup, 1988-1989 Chiltern Youth League (Div I) 1989-1990 South Combinations Reserve Floodlight Cup, 1992-1993 Chiltern Youth League Cup, 1992-1993 South Midlands Challenge Trophy, 1995-1996 Eastern Region Women’s League (Div II) 1998-1999 Eastern Counties Youth League Cup, 2001-2002 South Midlands Reserve Challenge Cup 2004-2005 KB Tyres Division III Champions 2006-2007 South Midlands League (Div I) 2008-2009 South Midlands League Cup (Div I) 2008-2009 South Midlands Floodlit Cup 1994-1995 2008-2009, 2009-2010, 2010-2011, 2011-2012 South Midlands Reserve League (Div II East) 2008-2009 South Midlands Reserve Challenge Cup 2008-2009 KB Tyres Division I League Cup 2009-2010 South Midlands Reserve Floodlit Cup 2009-2010 BIS Cambs League Division 2A 2010/2011 BIS Cambs League Divisional Champions 2010/2011 Veterans Cambridgeshire Invitation Cup 2010/2011 South Midlands Premier League 2011/2012 South Midlands Premier League Cup 2011/2012 Suburban League North Division 2012/2013, 2013/2014 Joint Winners of the Hinchingbrooke Cup 2013 Eastern Region Women’s League Plate 2013/2014, 2014/15 Suburban Premier League 2015-16 Eastern Region Women’s League Division 1 West 2015/16 Southern League Div 1 Central 2016/17 Southern League Challenge Cup 2021/22 RUNNERS UP South Midlands Challenge Cup, 1978-1979 Herts Charity Shield, 1978-79, 1998-99, 2004-05, 2008-2009 South Midlands League (Premier Div) 1979-1980 North Herts (Div IV) 1979-1980 North Herts (Div III) 1981-1982 North Herts (Div II) 1982-1983 South Midlands Res Section Trophy, 1982-1983 Chiltern Youth League Cup, 1986-87, 1988-1989 Herts Intermediate Cup, 1989-1990 Herts County Youth Cup, 1992-1993 North Herts (Div I), 1993-1994 South Midlands Floodlit Cup, 1995-1996 Herts F.A. Women’s Cup, 1998-99, 2001-2002 2013/14 Eastern Region Women’s League (Div I) 1999-2000, 2013/2014 2014/15 Eastern Junior Plate, 2001-2002 KB Tyres Division I 2008-2009, 2009-2010 South Midlands Reserve Challenge Trophy 2009-2010 South Midlands Reserves Floodlit Cup 2010/2011 Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup 2013/2014 Eastern Region Women’s League, League Cup 2014/15 Southern League Division 1 Central 2014/15 2015/16

Saturday 13th April Kick Off: 3PM

ball

Chris Watters Scott Taylor / James Smith

MANAGER SPORTS THERAPISTS

TODAY’S MATCHDAY SPONSOR

Richard Lavery Michael Hunter

SO WHEN DID IT ALL BEGIN? The history of Royston Town FC Records show that the club came into existence in 1875 making Royston Town the third oldest club in Hertfordshire after Hitchin and Bishop’s Stortford.

The club's first notable achievement occurred during the 1911/12 season when they won the Creake Charity Shield by defeating Wisbech 1-0 in extra time.

In more recent times, Royston achieved significant success when they were promoted to the Herts County Premier League during the 1969/70 season. Subsequently, they became champions in 1972/73 and 1976/77. The team rejoined the South Midlands League in 1978 and secured the Division One title immediately. The club's success continued with appearances in the Herts Charity Shield final in 1979 and as runners-up in the South Midlands League Premier Division in 1980. The Herts Charity Shield was won in 1981/82, and two years later, Royston joined the Isthmian League Division Two North, remaining there for a decade before returning to the South Midlands League in 1994.

After facing a challenging period that led to relegation from the South Midlands League Premier Division at the end of the 2006/07 season, Paul Attfield was appointed as the manager, with Tony Galvin returning as the 1st Team Coach in November 2007.

Under Paul's leadership, the team underwent significant changes, and a 17-game unbeaten streak propelled them from the bottom of the table to a commendable 5th-place finish in the League. This set the foundation for the successful 2008/09 season, where they secured the South Midlands Division One League title with impressive stats: W33, D4, L3, GF138, GA30, GD+108, PTS 103.

The 2011/2012 season marked a pivotal moment in the club's history when they clinched the South Midlands Premier Division title, earning promotion to Step 4 in the form of the Evo-Stik Southern League Division One Central.

In their first season back at Step 4 after 19 years, Royston exceeded expectations, consistently performing well and even contending for a playoff spot. However, a last-minute equaliser in the final game dashed their hopes. The following season also saw them reach the playoffs, but the team faced challenges after Paul Attfield's resignation due to ill health. Steve Castle was appointed Manager in December 2013, and the team continued to strive for success, ultimately earning promotion to the Southern League Premier Division, marking the highest level of play in the club's 142-year history.

Seasons 2017/18 and 2018/19 were characterised by solid performances, finishing 7th and 9th respectively in the Premier Division Central. The 2019/20 season proved to be one of the most successful and thrilling in the club's history, with remarkable performances in both the FA Cup and FA Trophy. The team's standout performance in the FA Trophy brought immense pride, especially with victories against higher-ranked teams, although the Concord Rangers quarter-final tie ended in disappointment. Despite strong contention for the league title, the Covid-19 pandemic forced the nullification of the season, leading to bitter disappointment.

Season 2020/21 was met with challenges, including the loss of key players and momentum disruption due to the pandemic. The League season was declared null and void once again due to the second wave of Covid-19.

Season 2021/22 resulted in an eighth place in the league following an inconsistent league campaign.

Performances in FA competitions were disappointing, beaten at Garden Walk by Step 4 Mildenhall Town and also exiting the FA Trophy early, beaten by Kingstonian in a penalty shoot-out. The highlight of the season was wining the Southern League Challenge Cup, beating the Southern League Premier (South) champions Taunton Town 7-0 on aggregate.

Last season injuries to key players and poor away form in the league ended with a 13th place finish in the table. In the FA Cup & Trophy Royston Town were defeated at the second hurdle, by Hemel Hempstead & Heybridge Swifts respectively.

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WHO’S GOT WHO? TODAY’S FIXTURES IN THE PITCHING IN SOUTHERN LEAGUE PREMIER CENTRAL DIVISION

We are pleased to introduce 1000GBP.com – a weekly online football quiz which combines fun and challenging questions with fundraising for non-league clubs like ourselves at Royston Town FC. Each week 1000GBP.com offers 50 chances for supporters and their clubs to win money, including a top prize of £1000, which will be split evenly between the winning player and their nominated non-league club – so in your case, it could be you and The Crows very soon.

What makes 1000GBP especially unique is that they automatically donate up to 30% of all fees to the nominated clubs, regardless of whether or not the questions are answered correctly.

Since the start of this season, many clubs have already benefited and as of 5th February, they include Saffron Walden Town FC (£6637), Colney Heath FC (£2524), FC Clacton (£1966) and Stapenhill FC (£1578). Money that will be enormously useful for clubs such as ours, that are so important to local communities and supporters.

It’s really easy to take part and help the club. Just register as a player at www.1000gbp.com, purchase a question pack, and select a category. Each multiple choice question has been specifically written for 1000GBP.com. The time option you choose determines how many points you win and if you correctly answer the question before the clock runs down, you’ll immediately be entered into the weekly prize draw – and each point won represents an additional place in that draw!

The weekly competition closes at midnight each Sunday and winners are selected by a random number generator managed by an independent company on the next working day, with the results announced on our website. Winning funds will be transferred to the online wallets of the successful players and clubs in the same week.

We all know that our non-league clubs face challenging times and that football supporters love having their knowledge tested so 1000GBP.com was created to bring together both elements and we hope you’ll enjoy the challenge of the questions and the opportunity to win even more cash support for Royston Town FC and yourselves and be a part of our community by registering now at www.1000gbp.com

FOOTBALLERS are often accused of forgetting their roots but that’s not necessarily a fair reflection of the reality. Even this week, Aston Villa striker – and England Euro 2024 hopeful – Ollie Watkins took time out of his end of season run-in schedule to watch Truro City take on Torquay United in the National League South.

Watkins’ mate Connor Riley-Lowe is Truro captain and the 28-year-old went along to show his support. The pair played together at Exeter City but Watkins is no stranger to Non-League football following a loan spell at Weston-super-Mare a few years back before his career really took off in the EFL and, these days, beyond.

Of course, Non-League is a haven for former top flight footballers, FA Cup winners and exinternationals – many enjoy winding down their careers on the pitch or go into management at the level. Some even enjoy great success. Others choose to focus on getting involved with a club off the pitch too. It will be interesting to see how many look to go that route in the future.

Former Crystal Palace winger Wilf Zaha is now involved with AFC Croydon Athletic – alongside British rap star Stormzy – and watched their Combined Counties League game at Camberley Town on Tuesday night.

In last week’s NLP, Tony Incenzo wrote a revealing piece with QPR defender Steve Cook and his involvement with Sussex-based outfit Westfield. The Mid Sussex League side are dreaming of climbing the Pyramid over the coming seasons with Cook happy to be helping out.

“Hastings is my home town,” the former Bournemouth man told Tony. “My mum and dad still live there. Westfield is only five minutes down the road and it is a lovely little village. Hopefully I can raise the club’s profile to push them forward.

“I decided to get involved because my close friend Jack Stapley and his family have been running Westfield for a while. I’d often spoken to Jack about the club and a lot of my friends play NonLeague. So I said to Jack: ‘Oh, if you ever need a hand or want me to help out then just let me know.’ And he replied: ‘Yeah!’

“I’ve always taken an interest in life below the EFL. When I was a young Brighton player, I went out on loan to Non-League clubs at Havant & Waterlooville, Eastleigh, Eastbourne Borough and Mansfield Town (who were then in the Conference). It benefitted me a great deal. I came up against tough adult opponents rather than other youth players. It was a major influence on my early development and even the way I play football nowadays.”

And Cook recognises the important role Non-League football plays in the English game. He added: “It is rewarding for me to give something back to the game. Yes I am playing for Queens Park Rangers but I regularly chat to other Westfield officials via Zoom meetings which keep me in the loop. I firmly believe our Non-League ranks play a huge part for any aspiring footballers who want to go far.”

WHO'S WHO OF THE CROWS Rylee Mitchell (Goalkeeper) Joined on loan from Stevenage at the end of March. Rylee signed his first professional contract with Stevenage in May 2023 has previously spent time on loan at Potters Bar and has featured on the bench at Broadhall Way Ed Asafu-Adjaye (Defender) Versatile defender who re-joined the Crows in 2019 after spending a season at Hayes & Yeading. Started his playing career at Luton Town and broke into the 1st team during the 2008/9 season. In total he made 64 appearances for The Hatters before moving to Forest Green Rovers and then to Hemel Hempstead Town.

Adam Murray (Defender) Adam joined us at the beginning of 2017/18, having spent the previous two seasons at Cambridge City where he made 60 appearances. He quickly settled into the squad and has proved to be a formidable addition for the Crows.

Ronnie Henry (Defender) Signed for the Crows at the beginning of this season after spending a season at Billericay Town. Ronnie was a product of the Spurs youth system, before going on to play 502 games for Stevenage (the club’s all-time record appearances) in two spells either side of two seasons at Luton Town.

James Brighton (Defender) Experienced full-back who joined us in November 2019 from Kettering Town, where he had spent a successful four seasons. James has previously played for Hemel Hempstead Town, Cambridge City & Cambridge United.

Mackye Townsend-West (Defender) Joined on loan from Stevenage last season and signed on a permanent basis at the start of this season. Mackye signed his first prof contract with Stevenage in October 2020. He made his professional debut in the Stevenage’s 3–2 EFL Trophy defeat against MK Dons in October 2020. Has previously been on loan at St Albans City.

Charlie Johnson (Defender) Rejoined the Crows in November 2023 from St Ives Town, having previously been with us in 2018/19. Charlie started out at the Cambridge United academy and has previously played St Neots Town and Bury Town.

Ange Djadja (Defender) Joined the Crows at the start of the campaign after impressing in pre-season. His previous clubs include Farnham Town and Walton & Hersham.

Alfie Williams (Midfield) Joined the Crows on loan from Stevenage last season and was signed on a permanent basis this season. Alfie joined Stevenage from Spurs and signed a pro deal with them in April 2021. Made his professional debut for Stevenage in a 1–0 victory at Scunthorpe United in May 2021. Alfie has spent time on loan at Kings Langley, Hemel Hempstead Town and Hayes & Yeading United.

Cain Keller (Midfield) Promising wide player who joined the Crows at the start of this season from Hertfordshire rivals Kings Langley. Came through the ranks at Stevenage before joining Hendon in November 2021 and then went on to play for Biggleswade Town and before switching to Kings Langley.

Rod Orlando Young (Midfield) Rod re-joined the Crows in July 2023. He began his career with Norwich City, making appearances for their U18s and U21s before moving on. A pacey forward with a keen eye for goal and has the ability to change a game. Previous clubs include Ilkeston Town, Gainsborough Trinity, Grantham Town, Frickley Athletic and Long Eaton.

Andronicos Georgiou (Midfielder / Forward) Recent signing from Braintree Town. Started his career at Stevenage FC and made his pro debut against MKDons in 2017. Joined Wycombe Wanderers in 2020. Has had spells at Kings Langley, Hendon, St Albans City and Braintree Town Samson Esan (Midfield) Exciting and dynamic midfielder who joined the Crows in July 2023. Samson signed for Maidenhead United in February 2022 from Potters Bar Town but spent the rest of the that season back on loan at the Scholars. Prior to playing at Potters Bar, Samson played at Enfield Town and was a youngster at Norwich City.

Josh Coldicott-Stevens (Midfield) Made the short trip up the A505 when he joined the Crows from local rivals Hitchin Town in the summer. He began his career at Boreham Wood in 2016 and went out on loan to St. Neots and Kings Langley - who liked what they saw, and signed him on a permanent deal. He spent two seasons there before signing for Hitchin Town in the 2019-20 season.

Juwon Akintunde (Forward) Joined the Crows at the start of this season. Started his career in college football in America before playing for East Grinstead Town, Harrow Borough, Chalfont St. Peter, Aylesbury. GPS Portland Phoenix in USA, Uxbridge and Northwood.

Dequane Wilson-Braithwaite (Defender) Recent signing from Enfield Town. Started at Tottenham Hotspur’s academy, and has also accrued non-league experience with Carshalton Athletic, Potters Bar Town and St Neots Town.

Demeray Anyadike (Midfielder) Started his career at Southend United and spent time on loan at Harlow Town and Hullbridge Sports before moving to Walthamstow in July 2022. He was a firm fan favourite at Wadham Lodge and was voted Supporter’s Player of the Year last year.

Ben De Lacy-Turner (Midfielder) Began his youth career with AFC Wimbledon. Has represented England at U17 and U18.

Signed for Aldershot Town in 2022 and made his senior debut for the Shots in the same year. Has spent time on loan at Kings Langley, Beaconsfield and joined Redbridge at the start of this season before joining the Crows Fabio Virciglio (Midfield) A product of the Crows U18s, Fabio has impressed for the U23s this season and he has now forced his way into the First Team squad where he continues to perform well.

Kian Harness (Forward) Exciting young striker who broke into the 1st team suad last season. Kian is a local lad who has come through the ranks of Royston Town Youth and our Under 18s and Under 23s.

TODAY'S OPPONENTS KETTERING TOWN Club History

TODAY'S OPPONENTS KETTERING TOWN Club History

TODAY'S OPPONENTS KETTERING TOWN Club History

WHO ARE YA?

KETTERING TOWN Player Pen Pics

WHO ARE YA?

KETTERING TOWN Player Pen Pics

WHO ARE YA?

KETTERING TOWN Player Pen Pics

PLAYER SPONSORSHIP RYLEE MITCHELL

COOPER MCKINNELL

RONNIE HENRY

DAVID GRAY

ADAM MURRAY

JEFF GILL

ED ASAFU ADJAYE

JAKE EASLEY

JAMES BRIGHTON FABIO VIRCIGLIO

KELSHALL PLASTICS

PLAYER SPONSORSHIP JOSH COLDICOTT STEVENS MACKYE TOWNSEND WEST

TREVOR & ALISON DEARDS

BEN DE LACEY TURNER

AVAILABLE

SAMSON ESAN

JACOB & STANLEY CLOWERY

ANDRONICOS GEORGIOU

PHIL THOMPSON

ALFIE WILLIAMS

MICK & ENID TOOVEY

PLAYER SPONSORSHIP CAIN KELLER

RYAN CLOWERY

JUWON AKINTUNDE

RACHEL & LILLIE CLOWERY

ROD ORLANDO YOUNG

PETER MILLER

ANGE DJADJA

JOHN CHAMBERLAIN

JOSH DAWODU

KATHERINE THOMPSON

DEMARAY ANYADIKE

AVAILABLE

PLAYER SPONSORSHIP DEQUANE WILSONBRAITHWAITE

AVAILABLE

SAM MVEMBA

AVAILABLE

CHARLIE JOHNSON KIAN HARNESS

Saturday 13th April Kick Off: 3PM

ball

Chris Watters Scott Taylor / James Smith

MANAGER SPORTS THERAPISTS

TODAY’S MATCHDAY SPONSOR

Richard Lavery Michael Hunter