ROYSTON TOWN FC vs KETTERING TOWN FC - Matchday programme - Saturday 7th September 2024

CROWS

PHOTO COURTESY OF KEVIN RICHARDS @RTFC_TOG

PITCHING IN SOUTHERN LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION CENTRAL

ROYSTON TOWN VS KETTERING TOWN SATURDAY 7TH SEPTEMBER 2024

PITCHING IN SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION CENTRAL

Saturday 7th September 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

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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.

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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 Aubrey Cup 2021/22 Hertfordshire FA Women’s Senior Challenge Cup 2023/24 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

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Y A L P O T K C I L C Y A L P O T K CLIC

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 69/70 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.

With injuries to key players and poor away form in the league season 22/23 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.

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

FOLLOW ROYSTON TOWN WOMEN FC THROUGHOUT THE 2024/25 SEASON IN THEIR BID TO GAIN PROMOTION TO THE NATIONAL LEAGUE IN THIS GROUNDBREAKING NEW DOCUMENTARY

NEW EPISODES RELEASED EVERY MONTH

DORKING WANDERERS owner Marc White took to the club’s official twitter account on Monday afternoon following the FA Cup second round qualifying draw.

“Good luck to Horsham in the third qualifying round,” joked the colourful Wands boss, who has taken the club from park football to the top of the Non-League Pyramid.

Since first entering the competition in 2013, Dorking are yet to reach the first round proper.

For the last two seasons – because of their then Step 1 status – White’s side had a bye until the fourth round qualifying stage.

Last year, with just one win required to reach the first round, they were drawn away to…you guessed it, Horsham. The Step 3 Hornets beat them 2-0 and went on to earn a famous 3-3 draw against Barnsley and a televised replay.

They were then reinstated after their League One opponents were found to have played an ineligible player and had a second bite of the cherry against Sutton United.

So White, with his trademark humour, is expecting the worst for his side when they meet next weekend with the National League North and South clubs now entering the competition.

At the time of writing there are still some replays to be sorted but the latest draw has thrown up some intriguing games.

The first round is still three ties away but, over the coming weeks, eyes will widen as it gets nearer. For many clubs, even getting to this stage feels like making it.

How about Newcastle Town drawing former EFL side Scunthorpe United? The National League North leaders only dropped two points in their first six games, but they haven’t won an FA Cup tie since 2018. Newcastle, 15th in NPL West, beat Long Eaton United last Saturday. They’ve not reached the third qualifying round since 2010.

Nails & Tickenham hosting Chippenham Town is another tie that stands out. It’s only Nailsea’s second season in the competition, and they’ve landed a plum draw against a side three divisions above them. Having beaten Cinderford Town, Reading City and Hartpury University, they won’t roll over against the Bluebirds.

West Didsbury & Chorlton welcoming Darlington catches the eye too, as does Shifnal Town hosting Redditch United, while Wessex League AFC Stoneham take on Step 2 Salisbury.

Talking of good cup runs, Maidstone United’s run to the last 16 was the FA Cup story of last season. That adventure began at Steyning Town Community. This time it starts against fellow National League South Hampton & Richmond Borough.

Who will make it through to the third round qualifying? Other than Horsham, of course!

WHO'S WHO OF THE CROWS Tommy Dixon-Hodge (Goalkeeper) Joined the Crows from Kings Lynn Town in the summer of 2024. Started his career with Ross County before moving to Braintree in January 2021. Had a loan spell at Maldon & Tiptree before switching to FC Romania and then rejoining the Jammers. In March 2023 he joined Kings Lynn Town of the NLN. 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.

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.

Harvey Beckett (Defender / Midfield) Signed in July 2024 following his release by Cambridge United. Whilst at The Abbey he spent time on loan at St Neots Town, Concord Rangers and a succesful spell with the Crows at the start of the 23/24 campaign 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.

Josh Coldicott-Stevens (Midfield) Made the short trip up the A505 when he joined the Crows from local rivals Hitchin Town last summer. 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.

Josh Dawodu (Midfield / Defender) Signed in February 2024. Started his career at Arsenal academy where he spent a decade before moving to Sheffield Wednesday in 2017. Signed his first pro contract with the Owls in 2018. Josh was released by Wednesday in July 2022 and joined Hendon. Has also appeared for Braintree Town, Wingate & Finchley and Kingstonian.

Ben Weyman (Midfield) Joined the Crows at the start of this season from AFC Dunstable after winning both their Manager’s and Fans player of the year last season. Prior to joining AFC Dunstable Ben played for Colney Heath and Hertford Town.

Jesse Akubine (Midfield) Started his career at Brentford before moving to Queen of the South in 2017. After 2 years North of the border Jesse joined AFC Rushden & Diamonds before spells with Stratford Town, Bedford Town and Waltham Abbey. Joined the CRows at the start of this season.

SEASON TICKET HOLDERS

SAVE

Tyrone Baker (Midfield) Joined the Crows in the summer of 2024. Previously had spells at Potters Bar Tow, St Ives Town, Basildon United, Bowers & Pitsea and Heybridge Swifts.

Zane Hamilton-Campbell (Midfield) Promising and combative young midfielder who joined the Crows at the start of this season. Previous clubs include Sawston United, Newmarket Town and Haverhill Rovers Harrison Rookard (Forward) Joined the Crows at the start of this season from Cockfosters FC. Harrison was Cockfosters’ leading goalscorer last season and won their Players Player award. Previously played for St Magetsbury and Hertford Town .

Tayo Oyebola (Forward) Exciting forward with a gymnastic goal celebration signed from Cray Wanderers in the summer of 2024, Tayo previously spent time at Hastings United, Corinthian Casuals, Marlow and Hartley Witney.

Edu Toiny-Prendred (Forward) Imposing striker who joined the Crows in the close-season. Previous clubs include Watford, Kings Langley, Berkhamsted, Hertford Town, Berkhamsted Raiders and St Mary’s Rattlers (USA) Luke Johnson (Midfield) Luke signed from Gorleston FC in the summer of 2024. Began his career at Kings Lynn Town before a switch to Dereham ahead of his move to Gorleston.

Daniel Izekor (Forward) A summer arrival at Garden Walk. Previous clubs include Ilford, Athletic Newham and Walton & Hersham.

Bradley Roberts (Midfield) A product of the Hemel Hempstead Town U18s, Bradley has signed on a season long loan deal from the Tudors. Made his National League South debut for Hemel coming on as a substitute against Dover in 2023.

Nemanja Grubor (Goalkeeper) Made his Crows debut in the final game of the 2023/24 season at home to Stratford Town. The Serbian born stopper was previously with Barnet and Corby Town Tiago Nassunculo (Midfield) Portuguese winger who has joined the Crows at the start of this season. Tiago was at Spalding and St Ives last season. Also spent time at Barwell, Redditch United and Peterborough Sports.

Eunis Lievins (Midfield) Featured in all the Crows pre-season games and secured himself a deal for the 24/25 campaign. Previous clubs include Mansfield Town, Melton Town Peterborough Sports

SEASON TICKET & RTYFC CARD HOLDERS

SAVE

Kettering Town FC history

Kettering Town FC history

Kettering Town FC history

WHO ARE YA? KETTERING TOWN PEN PICS

WHO ARE YA? KETTERING TOWN PEN PICS

PLAYER SPONSORSHIP TOMMY DIXON-HODGE

DAVID GRAY

CHARLIE JOHNSON

ROBIN COLES

ADAM MURRAY

JEFF GILL

ED ASAFU ADJAYE

JAKE EASLEY

JAMES BRIGHTON JOSH COLDICOTT STEVENS

KELSHALL PLASTICS

PLAYER SPONSORSHIP TYRONE BAKER

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BEN WEYMAN

STEVE ENDACOTT

HARRISON ROOKARD

KATHERINE THOMPSON

JESSE AKUBINE

PAUL FANTHORPE

JOSH DAWODU

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LUKE JOHNSON

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PLAYER SPONSORSHIP HARVEY BECKETT

MICK & ENID TOOVEY

EDU TOINY PENDRED

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ZANE HAMILTON CAMPBELL

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DANIEL IZEKOR

PETER MILLER

BRADLEY ROBERTS

AVAILABLE

TAYO OYEBOLA

SLICE OF PRICE

Saturday 7th September Kick Off: 3PM

ball

Chris Watters Scott Taylor / Juan Borrageiro

MANAGER SPORTS THERAPISTS

Richard Lavery Michael Hunter

COME ON YOU CROWS!