ROYSTON TOWN vs NEEDHAM MARKET - MATCHDAY PROGRAMME - SATURDAY 28th JANUARY 2023

PITCHING IN SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION CENTRAL

ROYSTON TOWN FC vs NEEDHAM MARKET FC Saturday 28th January 2023 Kick Off: 3pm

Royston Town FC would like to welcome this afternoon's opponents Needham Market 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. ent

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

TODAY'S MATCH IS KINDLY SPONSORED BY

Royston Town Football Club President Chairman Secretary

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

Treasurer Welfare Officer Fixture Secretary Executive Board

Webmaster Programme Editors Official Photographer

email: secretary@roystontownfc.co.uk Jeff Gill Angela Baulk Steve Endacott (07971 512402) Trevor Burrows, Andy Toovey, Eric Joyce, David Baulk, 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 First Team Asst Manager U23 Manager U18 Team Managers Women's Team Manager Vets Team Manager

Steve Castle Chris Watters Dan Evans Dan Evans/Matt Campany Lewis Endacott Lee Wilkinson

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 The Herts Senior County League Thurlow Nunn Youth League Eastern Region Women’s Football League The Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire Ladies League Royston Town Football Club is Limited by Guarantee under the trading name of Royston Town FC Limited (Company Reg No. 14261163)

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

WHO'S GOT WHO? Today's other fixtures SATURDAY 28th JANUARY 2023 AFC Rushden & Diamonds v Stratford Town Basford United v Tamworth Hednesford Town v Alvechurch Hitchin Town v Bedford Town Ilkeston Town v Coalville Town Kings Langley v Barwell Leiston v St Ives Town Mickleover v Rushall Olympic Nuneaton Borough v Stourbridge Redditch United v Bromsgrove Sporting

SO WHEN DID IT ALL BEGIN? The history of Royston Town FC After some intensive research, the evidence is that the club came into existence in 1875 making Royston the third oldest Club in Hertfordshire after Hitchin and Bishop Stortford.

The Club’s very first honour came in 1911/12 when they won the Creake Charity Shield beating Wisbech 1-0 in extra time.

The Club’s first major honour in more recent times came in the guise of promotion to the Herts County Premier League in 1969/70 and they went on to be champions in 1972/73 and 1976/77. In 1978 we rejoined the South Midlands League and won the Division One title at the first time of asking. Success continued with a final appearance in the Herts Charity Shield for the first time in 1979 and runners up spot in the South Midlands League Premier Division in 1980. The Herts Charity Shield was won in 1981/82 and two years later the Club joined the Isthmian League Division Two North where we remained for 10 seasons before returning to the South Midlands League in 1994.

After a period in the doldrums that culminated in relegation from the South Midlands League Premier Division at the end of 2006/07, Paul Attfield was appointed manager with ex-Spurs favourite Tony Galvin returning to Garden Walk 1st Team Coach in November 2007.

Paul immediately set about building a new 1st Team squad and a run of 17 games undefeated saw the Club move from the bottom of the table to finish in 5th place in the League.

The foundations had been laid for the 2008/09 season and the first team took the South Midlands Division One League title with one of the best sets of stats for any Step 6 Club in the country W33, D4, L3, GF138, GA30, GD+108, PTS 103.

The 2011/2012 season will be seen as a watershed in our history with winning the South Midlands Premier Division title and promotion to Step 4 in the shape of the Evo-Stik Southern League Division One Central.

In our first season back at Step 4 after an absence of 19 years, it was hard to know what to expect and how we would perform. Most of our supporters felt a mid-table position would be an acceptable target for the season, but we quickly found ourselves exceeding all expectations as our performances propelled us towards the top of the table. Four straight wins in the first four games set the tone and a run of nine wins with just one defeat between October and December saw us maintain a play-off position. In the very last game of the season a playoff was still a possibility and having gone 2-1 up away at AFC Hayes with just a few minutes of the game left it looked a near certainty. But it was not to be as Hayes scored an 87-minute equaliser and our play-off place was lost.

In our second season at this level, our steady progress to claim a place in the playoff zone was given a severe jolt when Paul Attfield announced his resignation as first team manager due to ill health at the beginning of November. The search for his replacement began almost immediately and we were inundated with applications from some very well know and successful managers. After an exhaustive selection process, the Board appointed Steve Castle at the end of November and on Boxing Day Steve officially took over securing a 0 – 0 draw against the League’s form team and eventual champions Dunstable Town.

Our 2014/15 season opener was at home against one of the promotion favourites Rugby Town but an impressive team display ensured their threat was stifled and we ran out winners 2 -1. That victory really did set things buzzing but we were quickly brought back down to earth when on the following Tuesday night Bedworth United were the visitors winning the game 3 – 1.

As we all know consistency in performances provides the key to long term success and although the early stages of the season produced good results against the likes of Daventry Town and Beaconsfield these were punctuated by dismal performances against the likes of Aylesbury and Egham Town. From mid-November to mid-December We really lost our way with six defeats in seven games but our rollercoaster ride saw an incredible run of form over the Christmas period and into the New Year with five straight wins which helped us maintain a position in the playoff places.

On a miserable Tuesday evening in February, we travelled to lowly AFC Hayes and after an abject performance, we lost the game 2 – 0. This prompted our Chairman to tell Steve Castle that he had given up on this team making the play–offs and said that we should start preparing instead for next season. That message was conveyed to players and we witnessed a most remarkable transformation in our results with a 14 game unbeaten run during which we scored 29 goals and conceded just seven resulting in us achieving the runners up spot to league champions Kettering Town and securing our place in the playoff semi-final where we met local rivals Barton Rovers.

After an incident-packed 90 minutes and extra time the game ended in a goalless draw but it was not to be our night and we lost the shoot out 4-5 and had to suffer the agony of all the emotions which go with being defeated in this way.

We started the 2015/16 season strongly and between the end of December and the end of March we produced a rich vein of form with only one defeat in 14 games and this ensured we were sitting on top of the league with just 7 games to go and with the expectation that we could win promotion outright ran high throughout the whole club. However, three games in succession proved our downfall when we could only draw 0 – 0 with Bedford and lost to Egham away 3- 1 and Godalming at home 1- 0 and once again we ended up in the play offs against AFC Rushden but we failed to turn up and went out tamely to our opponents 2 - 1.

Having finished runners up for two years in succession Steve Castle was determined to make it third time lucky and began to recruit some experienced new blood in the shape of John Frendo and Adam Murray whilst at the same time giving youngsters Gus Scott Morris and Josh Castiglione extended runs in the first team.

However, the season didn’t start well and after four games we’d only mustered five points whilst promotion rivals Farnborough just couldn’t stop winning. Although results did improve, defeat in the FA Cup to Heybridge Swifts 4 – 1 and a thrashing by Barton Rovers at home 6 – 3 at the end of September didn’t do a great of good for our confidence.

Things took a dramatic turn thereafter with 12 successive league wins which ended with defeat 2-1 at Kidlington in early January 2017, interspersed by a magnificent run in the FA Trophy including a victory against Step 2 outfit Hampton and Richmond Borough before in the replay against Dulwich Hamlet we eventually went down 1 -0.

With cup football out of the way, the team put together an incredible run of 16 league games undefeated including a 5 – 0 thrashing of closest rivals Farnborough which saw us maintain the top spot until the end of the season by a margin of 12 points and the highest number of goals scored, 120, across all three Evostik Leagues.

Promotion to the Southern Premier League means that the Club was playing at the highest level in its 142-year history!

Season 2017/18 saw The Crows exceed all expectations in our first season at Step 3. Throughout the season we managed to maintain our hopes of a play-off place until they were finally put to bed with two successive defeats against the eventual play-off winners Slough Town and we had to be satisfied with a seventh-place finish. The signing of Adam Marriott, a proven goal scorer who had played for Lincoln City, Stevenage and Cambridge United was without a doubt a real coup and he was to play a key role in the progress made by the Club by becoming our leading marksman with 31 goals. A good run in the FA Trophy with wins against Enfield Town and Leatherhead came to an end against Eastbourne Borough when having managed to draw at their place we lost the replay on penalties. We managed to get to the final of the Herts Senior Cup where we played Borehamwood from Step 2 and in spite of a brave performance we never really had the power to compete and lost 2 – 1.

Given where we had started from we definitely exceeded our own and many other peoples’ expectations and this has provided us with the building blocks to face this season in the newly constituted Southern Premier Central League.

Season 2018/19 saw us finishing in a respectable 9th position in what proved to be a very strong Premier Division Central. During February/March we recorded six wins out of seven league games to give us a faint hope of a playoff spot, but three straight defeats in April put paid to our chances.

We suffered another early at AFC Sudbury in the FA Cup and in the FA Trophy we progressed through two rounds before being beaten in a replay at Needham Market.

Season 2019/20 will go down in the Club’s history as one of the most successful and exciting but ultimately one which ended in bitter disappointment.

Steve Castle was quick to ensure we had players who were proven goal scorers and the arrival of Matt Bateman, Brandon Adams and Claudio Ofosu did not disappoint. Perhaps the only sadness that our young and highly talented left wing-back Joe Newton had created so much interest from EFL Clubs that in the end, it was inevitable he would have to leave us and Joe was signed by Coventry City.

No Crows fans will ever forget the team's brilliant performances in both the FA Cup and FA Trophy and although our FA Cup run ended with defeat to the very talented Maldon and Tiptree in front of what was then a record crowd for Garden Walk of 1152. The interest generated in the Crows both locally and beyond was immense and set the scene for what was to come in the FA Trophy. It all started with very comfortable wins against Brightlingsea Regent and Haywards Heath and then were drawn away at Step 2 table-topping Wealdstone which for many was one of the games of the season as Royston shot into a 2- 0 lead before Wealdstone hit back to pull the tie level 2-2. In spite of being under constant pressure, the Crows mounted a great counterattack down the left and the cross was despatched by Brandon Adams to give the Crow’s victory 3-2. What followed was truly historic with home wins against Step 2 teams Boreham Wood 2-0, Chester 3-0 and away at National League Ebbsfleet 2-0, to set up a quarter-final tie away at Concord Rangers. In the run-up to the game, the rain had been falling heavily but our opponents declared the pitch playable and the invasion of six coach loads of Royston supporters and a convoy of cars and mini-buses descended on Canvey Island. As we started arriving for the kick-off the match referee declared the pitch unplayable and with a sense of extreme disappointment and also a lot of anger we all returned home. The following Tuesday the game went ahead but it was not to be and we were defeated 2-1. There is no doubt the Clubs achievements in the FA Trophy marked a watershed in our history which will be remembered for a very long time.

Running alongside the cup success it was easy to forget that we had got ourselves in contention to win the League with a run of only two defeats in 20 league fixtures. With 3 games in hand and only 2 points behind Peterborough Sports and Tamworth and playing some of our best football, we looked nailed on to win the League. Then out of the blue, the Covid crisis hit all levels of football and with what many felt was indecent haste the League decided to null and void the whole season.

All our achievements were suddenly for nothing and the taste of bitter disappointment amongst all supporters of the Crows was very hard to swallow.

Season 2020/21: As the pandemic took hold it seemed like the chances of seeing a new season start were remote but by summer 2020 there had been a massive improvement and by July the lockdown ended albeit with a host of restrictions in place.

By the time we had assembled a squad, we were without key players such as Matt Bateman who moved to Hemel Hempstead and Claudio Ofosu who joined Hartlepool and with a lot of the momentum and energy generated by the now-defunct season now dissipated we were finding it hard to get going again. In the League, we seemed to slip into the habit of conceding goals when in a winning position and a string of draws meant we languished in the lower half of the division.

The FA cup again promised to provide excitement with wins against Newmarket, Wroxham and AFC Stamford before losing to our old rivals Bishops Stortford. We won our first two ties in the FA Trophy against Hythe Town and Tamworth before going out 3-2 away at Brackley by which time the League season was yet again declared null and void as the second wave of Covid took its stranglehold.

A comprehensive history of the Club can be found in The History of Royston Town FC 1875 2012 first published in 2013. The book was written by the Club’s President, Alan Barlow following more than five years of painstaking research and can be purchased via the Club.

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WHO'S WHO OF THE CROWS Dimi Kyriatzis (Goalkeeper) A recent addition to the Crows squad having joined us from Bedfont Sports. Dimi's previous clubs include Brentford and Inter Leipzig.

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.

Joel Nakatani-Brown (Defender) Joel is a 22 year old left-sided defender who has impressed during pre-season and joins the Crows for their 2022/23 Southern League Premier Central campaign. Joel’s previous clubs include Westfield, FC Romania, Cockfosters and Walthamstow.

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.

Jay Rolfe (Defender) Versatile defender who can play in a number of positions. Joined the Crows this Summer from Welwyn Garden City. Previous clubs include Cockfosters, Colney Heath and Hatfield Town Spyros Mentis (Midfield) Versatile, hard-working and tough-tackling midfielder or defender, Spyros re-joined The Crows in 2018/19 after a season away at Hayes & Yeading, he previously played just under 100 games for us from 2013 during his first spell at Garden Walk.

Alfie Williams (Midfield) Joined the Crows on loan from Stevenage until the end of this season. Alfie joined the Stevenage academy after being released by Tottenham Hotspur and signed a professional contract with Stevenage in April 2021. Made his professional debut for Stevenage in a 1–0 victory at Scunthorpe United in May 2021, coming on as an 83rdminute substitute in the match. Alfie has spent time on loan at Kings Langley, Hemel Hempstead Town and Hayes & Yeading United.

Fernando Bell Toxtle (Midfield) Fernando started his career at Cambridge United and spent time on loan at St Neots Town. Following his release from Cambridge United, he joined AFC Rushden & Diamonds in the summer of 2017. In November 2017 he moved to Basford United in order to pursue his university studies in Nottingham. He then rejoined AFC Rushden & Diamonds and was a key member of their squad last season Isa Rotimi (Midfield) Young midfielder who signed for the Crows at the beginning of season 2019/20, Isa previously spent two seasons at Colney Heath.

Nathan Tshikuna (Midfield) Featured a number of times for the Crows in pre-season and has impressed enough to join Steve Castle’s squad for the coming season. Nathan’sprevious clubs include Bedford Town, Kempston Rovers, Barton Rovers and AFC Rushden & Diamonds. Nathan scored an impressive 11 goals in 44 appearances for Rushden & Diamonds last season.

Matt Bateman (Forward) Re-joined us last season from Hemel Hempstead, where he spent a season after moving from the Crows. Matt signed for the Crows at the start of season 2019/20 and scored an impressive 24 goals in 41 games during that season to earn his move to Hemel. Previous to that Matt played a big part in Berkhamsted’s push for promotion in 2018/19 where he netted 43 times in 54 appearances for The Comrades.

Cole DaSilva (Defender) Recent acquisition, signed from Hemel Hempstead Town. 23-year-old defender joined the Tudors from Oxford City. Capped by Wales at under-15 level, for England at under-16s and then Wales again at under-17, 19, 20, and under-21 level. Bega at Luton Town’s academy before moving to Chelsea, making 2 appearances in the EFL Trophy in 2017.

He joined Brentford’s B team in 2018 and in 2020 spent time with Leicester City under23s. Signed for Croatian First League club HNK Sibenik in 2021, before joining the Oxford City at the end of the 2021/22 season.

Connor Furlong (Midfield) Joined earlier this year from AFC Rushden & Diamonds. Previous clubs include Biggleswade Town, Bedford Town, St Ives Town, Oxford City, Aylesbury United and MK Dons Andrew Osei-Bonsu (Midfield) 23-year-old joined MK Dons academy at the age of 8 and progressed through their age groups making his first-team debut in the EFL Cup at Newport County in August 2016.

Has had spells with Wealdstone, Dunstable Town, Larne (Northern Ireland), St Ives Town (twice), Billericay Town and East Fife Shomari Barnwell (Forward) Recent signing from Southern League Premier South side Hanwell Town. Sham is a towering 6′ 6″, 28-year-old striker who has previously played for Bowers & Pitsea, Dagenham & Redbridge, Bishops Stortford, Solihull Moors, Barking, Brentwood, Grays Athletic and Maldon & Tiptree.

TODAY'S OPPONENTS NEEDHAM MARKET FC Club History Needham Market Football Club was officially formed in 1919 although records do indicate that games were played in the late 1890’s in the town. The original home for the club was Young’s Meadow until a move to Crowley Park was the base until 1996. The club then moved and opened a new development called ‘Bloomfields’. With the passing away of former player Arthur Rodwell leaving the club some money and with obtaining a successful Lottery Grant, we purchased the land the club is now situated on. With a great deal of hard and prudent work by some very enthusiastic individuals, we now find ourselves situated in a facility that we totally own and the club is truly proud of. The complex is named after club stalwart Derrick Bloomfield who has given more than 70 years service to the club. As well as being a player Derrick has held virtually every role in the club. To recognise his service the club awarded him a testimonial match when Ipswich Town Football Club visited the ground in 2004. He was also presented with a long service award from The FA for his achievement.

When Needham Market Football Club first entered the Suffolk & Ipswich Football League, it was also the playing arena for Clacton Town, Harwich & Parkeston, Hadleigh United, Stowmarket Town, Sudbury Town, and Woodbridge Town.

Over the yeas the club has won many trophies with one of the most notable being crowned champions of the Senior Division of The Suffolk & Ipswich League in the 1995/96 season. This coincided with the opening of ‘Bloomfields’ and a new chapter in the clubs history, as we then applied for promotion to the Jewson League Division 1 which was duly accepted.

Other honours won by the club include The Suffolk & Ipswich League Cup in the 1977/78 season and the 1979/80 season. The Suffolk FA Junior Cup was won in the season 1984/85 and a successful trip to Portman Road; saw the club victorious in The Suffolk FA Senior Cup in the season of 1989/90 and again in the season of 2004/05. The final was also reached in the seasons of 1970/71, 1979/80, 1998/ 99 and 1999/00, unfortunately having to settle for runners-up spot on each occasion.

The Reserve Team won The Suffolk & Ipswich Football League Reserves Division in the seasons of 1970/71 and 1971/72, and also The Suffolk & Ipswich Football League Intermediate B Division in the season of 1993/94. Division Three of The Suffolk & Ipswich Football League was also won in the seasons of 1985/86 and 2003/04. After moving to the Essex & Suffolk Border League the Division Two title was won in the season of 1998/99, and a year later came runners up in the League Cup. The Third Team or A Team as they were known, won The Suffolk & Ipswich League Division Eight Championship in the season 1983/84, and were also successful in winning the Orwell Cup in the seasons of 1992/93 and 1995/96. In the season of 1996/97 they won The Saul Charity Cup. On the subject of The Saul Charity Cup it is an honour to have been the inaugural winners of this competition when first held in the season of 1935/36. In the season of 2003/04 they won Division Three of The Suffolk & Ipswich Football League and followed this success up a year later by winning Division 2 of The Suffolk & Ipswich Football League. This side also became the first A Team to win The Suffolk FA Primary Cup in the season of 2004/05, and also became the highest placed A Team to reach Division One of The Suffolk & Ipswich Football League. The club no longer runs an A Team as most of the clubs young players now start in the reserve team.

After being in The Ridgeons League Division 1 for a number of seasons we finally finished as runners up in the season of 2004/05. This was a big thing for the club and to the Manager at that time Mark Morsley for all his efforts in getting the club promotion. In the clubs inaugural season in the Ridgeons Premier Division they finished in 6th place, and had a good run in The FA Vase going out to eventual winners Nantwich Town. Manager Mark Morsley left the club at the end of the season after being appointed Manager of AFC Sudbury who had been newly promoted to The Ryman League.

For season 2007/08 Danny Laws was sole Manager after Chris Tracey decided to return to AFC Sudbury. Finishing runners-up in the Ridgeons League Premier Division with a must win game on the last day of the season to first placed Soham Town Rangers needed. Unfortunately the game resulted in a 4-0 defeat. We were also losing semi-finalists in The FA Vase losing out to eventual winners Kirkham & Wesham. However Suffolk Football Association Premier Cup glory was achieved by beating Leiston.

Silverware was not finished there as victory for the first time in the Ridgeons League Challenge Cup beating Gorleston 2-1 in the final.

TODAY'S OPPONENTS NEEDHAM MARKET FC Club History contd.

Another good season in 2008/09 for the club as a third place finish in the Ridgeons League Premier was achieved.

Consecutive Suffolk FA Premier Cup finals were achieved losing 3-2 to Lowestoft Town. A great run in The FA Vase once again this time going out to the lottery of a penalty shoot out to Chalfont St. Peter in the Quarter Finals.

Season 2009/10 was the most successful in the clubs history. The 1st Team not only won The Eastern Counties League Premier Division for the first time, but also The Eastern Counties League - League Challenge Cup. A third successive Suffolk FA Premier Cup Final was also achieved only to be defeated by Ipswich Town. However the team did not disgrace themselves and came away with their heads held high. For the second consecutive season, the Quarter Finals of the FA Vase Competition were also reached only to once again be knocked out at this stage.

The 2010/11 Season saw a new chapter in Needham Market's history as for the first time Step 4 Football awaited in the form of The Ryman League Division One North. The anticipation and confidence was very high at the start of the season but no one was getting carried away as consolidation in the league was the priority. Challenging at the top of the league for the whole season with East Thurrock United who would eventually go on and win the championship, but we would have another bite of the cherry as 2nd place was cemented in the league and a home semi-final play off. Unfortunately we would go on to lose to Brentwood Town which was very difficult to take at the time especially as we finished 18 points ahead of them in the regular playing season. A fourth consecutive Final appearance in the Suffolk FA Premier Cup was also achieved but unfortunately a defeat would ensue to Bury Town.

Season 2011/12 saw the club open a new venture as we introduced a full time Academy Programme for 16-18 year olds who would be studying for an NVQ in Sports Development half of the day and coached by Ex-Professional player Kevin Horlock the remainder of the day. The scheme was a massive success with the lads on the scheme also forming our Reserve side who had an excellent season. They finished runners up in the Ridgeons Reserve League North Division, Semi-Finalists in The Suffolk FA Senior Reserve Cup and reached the 3rd Qualifying Round of The FA Youth Cup. The First Team once again challenged for The Ryman League Division One North Title up until Christmas when a run of bad results ended the automatic promotion route but the club remained in the play off positions. We were top scorers in the division with 104 goals and finished 4th. Victory in the play off semi-final away at Tilbury set up a play off final 36 hours later at league runners up Enfield Town. In truth this was too short a turnaround and we were both physically and mentality drained unfortunately losing the game 1-0.

Season 2012/13 was a very difficult one in that Needham had a long barren spell without recording a win att Bloomfields until the New Year. The club did, following his resignation from Leiston, move quickly to get Mark Morsley in once more with Danny Laws. But with the lure of managing at a higher level Danny decided to take the vacant post at Leiston and Mark was forced to take on the responsibilities as Manager. This did however give Mark the opportunity to assess the squad particularly the youngsters from the Academy. It is fair to say that he found the quality of the lads excellent and rewarded some of them with contracts with the 1st Team.

Season 2013/14 saw Needham achieve a number of major achievements for the club most notably reaching the 4th Qualifying Round of The FA Cup for the first time where we lost 1-0 to Cambridge United in front of a record 1,784 spectators. In the League we managed to clinch 5th place and a play off spot after winning 7-1 on the last day of the season. However we unfortunately lost the semi-final 1-0 to Witham Town who were eventual play off winners.

Season 2014/15 was another historic one for the club as the 1st Team became Ryman League Division 1 North Champions sealing promotion to The Ryman Premier for the first time. A season long battle ensued with Harlow Town but the club managed to win the league courtesy of a 5-0 victory away to Chatham Town on the final day of the season. A first for the club also saw our Reserve Side compete at Step 6 - finishing a respectable 16th. The Youth Team had a great run in The FA Youth Cup reaching the 1st Round Proper for the first time only to bow out to Stevenage. They did however provide more silverware for the club as they won The Thurlow Nunn Youth Cup for the first time defeating Histon to cap off a brilliant season for the football club.

Season 2015/16 saw the 1st Team competing at Step 3 for the first time in the Clubs history. Survival was the main aim and this was achieved finishing in 20th position. The Reserve Team struggled in The Thurlow Nunn Division 1 League finishing bottom of the table with the Youth Team finishing in 3rd place in The Thurlow Nunn Youth League.

Disappointingly both FA Competitions Cup & Trophy were exited at the first hurdle.

The 1st Teams second Season at Step 3 Season 2016/17 saw them occupy a Play-Off Spot for virtually all of the season leading the table for several weeks along the way. However results towards the end of the season saw them drop out of contention finishing in 9th place. The young Reserve Team found life tough again in The Thurlow Nunn Division 1 finishing third from bottom and the Under 18 Youth Teams both finished in 6th place in their respective leagues (Thurlow Nunn Central Division & Eastern Junior Alliance).

TODAY'S OPPONENTS NEEDHAM MARKET FC Club History contd.

Season 2017/18 was an indifferent year for the 1st Team with too many inconsistent results seeing the side in the bottom half of the table but always clear of the relegation area. The ethos of the Reserve Team was to continue to play youngsters and despite struggling physically at times the football played was very good. The midweek Under 18 Team finished in mid table but could not finish their league campaign due to such a backlog of fixtures caused by the wet weather. The club increased its Youth section competing in the Eastern Junior Alliance League at U18, U16, U14 & U13 levels with a mixture of league and cup results.

Season 2018/19 overall was a very good year both on and off the pitch for the club. The 1st Team were moved sideways to the Southern League South following The FA’s League Re-Structuring. This was by no means an ideal scenario but having been in the play-off frame for the majority of the season they fell away in the second half finishing in 11th. The Reserve Team got off to a less than ideal start finding themselves near the foot of the table and in a relegation battle, but at the turn of the year their form was transformed and they finished comfortably clear of trouble and their highest finish in he Eastern Counties League Division 1 North. The U18’s had their best season finishing 3rd in the league just missing out on the play-offs. The introduction of our Women’s Team was a breath of fresh air as they had a tremendous first season finishing as runners up in the league and reaching two cup finals, something that was never thought possible having only been formed at the start of the season. The Eastern Junior Alliance Youth Teams all performed very well in their respective leagues and 3 out of 4 Cup Finals reached were successful in bringing home winners medals.

Season 2019/20 unfortunately did not get completed due to the Coronavirus Pandemic leading to an end in March 2020 for all Non-League & Youth Football. All results were therefore expunged and the season null and void. Prior to this terrible situation the 1st Team were in Mid Table and in a good run of form looking to push on for a late Play Off position. The Reserve Team were having a good season and found themselves in mid table the highest position they had reached since entering the league and were the top placed Reserve Side in the division. The U18’s were having a tremendous season reaching the top of the table having won all 11 matches played and were odds on for winning the league to progress to the knockout stages of the competition. Our ladies teams were also having fine seasons before the premature ending of the league campaign as were all of the youth teams with many reaching the latter stages of cup competitions. Although disappointing the season had to end early it was the only outcome that could have been reached due to the Coronavirus Pandemic and our thoughts and prayers go to all those affected.

Like the previous year Season 2020 / 2021 did not get completed due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. The season was halted in Dec 2020 and when it came to a potential re-start the decision was made at the end of Feb 2021 to declare the season null and void due to the ongoing pandemic. Although having only played a handful of games the 1st Team remained unbeaten and were joint top of the Southern League Premier Central, the Reserve Team were in mid table Thurlow Nunn Division 1 North and the U18’s had won both their matches played. The Ladies 1st Team were looking good for a top three finish and the Ladies Reserve Team were just above halfway. They did manage though to reach the County Cup Final (twice in the last three seasons) only to face Ipswich Town again and lose the match. The only football that could get completed were our Boys Youth Leagues U13’s – U16’s and they all performed exceptionally well. Our U15’s reached the Semi-Finals of their National Cup Competition.

Season 2021/22 was all about the 1st Teams record breaking, history making, FA Trophy exploits, as they reached the ¼ Finals of the National Competition. Having played 6 matches prior to the ¼ Finals victories had been recorded Away to St. Ives Town, Home to Margate, Home to Welwyn Garden City, Home to Wealdstone, Away to Yeovil Town and Home to Dartford. To put this in context Dartford play in National League South (1 League above), while Wealdstone & Yeovil Town play in the National League (2 Leagues above). With regards to Yeovil they were playing Championship Football in 2013-14 and to go there as massive underdogs, play the way we did and come very close to winning the match at the death was unbelievable. The penalty shootout that followed was nothing short on phenomenal winning 8-7 with Marcus being hailed as the hero saving four penalties. Then came the small matter of Stockport County Leaders of The National League (which they went on to win being promoted back to League 2). In truth this was always going to be an immensely difficult match, and so it proved to be a step too far as they ran out comfortable 3-0 winners but lost in the Semi-Final to Wrexham. A Final League position of 12th in The Southern League Premier Central must go down as a disappointing return, with the first League win coming at the tenth time of asking in Mid Oct 2021, and also recording the highest number of draws which left us for much of the season in the lower realms of the league. The Season was finished off by retaining the Suffolk Premier Cup for a further year having beaten Leiston on penalties 5-4 just as we did in the 2007-08 final. The Reserve Team finished just below halfway in the Thurlow Nunn Division 1 North, with our U18 Team remaining unbeaten all season and comfortably winning The Thurlow Nunn Central Youth League by 9 points. The Women’s 1st Team comfortably won the Eastern Region Women’s Division One North by 7 points to gain promotion to the Premier Division.

WHO ARE YA? NEEDHAM MARKET FC Player Pen Pics Kevin Horlock – Manager Previous clubs played for: Swindon Town, Manchester City, West Ham United, Ipswich Town, Doncaster Rovers, Northern Ireland, Needham Market, Previous clubs Managed: Chatham Town, Maldon & Tiptree, Colchester United U23’s Kevin was appointed 1st Team Manager at the start of February 2020 and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge having played professionally for over 15 years. He combines this role as Academy Manager and has been the catalyst to the Reserve Team & U18 Teams excellent form over the last couple of seasons which has continued into the current season. Throughout his own playing career he played at the highest possible level representing his country on 32 occasions with he’s wand of a left foot.

Tom Rothery – Joint Assistant Manager & Coach Previous clubs: Rowhedge, Brightlingsea Regent Tom re-joined the club in October 2019 having left his position as Brightlingsea Regent Manager. NMFC were quick to contact him to ask him to je-join the club where he had previously enjoyed success with the club back in 2016/2017. He possesses a UEFA B License and is an excellent coach.

Rebekah Easy – Sports Therapist ‘Bex’ is an important member of our Medical, Treatment and Rehabilitation team and has been with the club since July 2021 and is currently in the 3rd year of her Sports Therapy Degree Course at The University of Essex. Bex is one of four therapists under the lead of Ian Jenkins and was promoted to her current position within the 1st Team set up in November 2021.

Darran McCarrick – Goalkeeping Coach ‘Irish’ joined the club in the Summer of 2022 following the departure of Nathan Munson. He started out at Celtic as a Youth Player but unfortunately got injured and went on to university to study psychology. He played professional football is USA for Rhode Island Stingrays, also coaching the goalkeepers for the USA Olympic development project. He has been a Coach and Scout for Birmingham City and then West Bromwich Albion. He also coached the goalkeepers for Derry City in the League of Ireland. In 2014 he went to Bury and studied to become a mental health nurse whilst coaching Bury Town.

Scott Crane – Kitman Scott ensures the players have everything they possibly need and is meticulous with all pre-match planning and requirements. Metaphorically speaking he is a ‘giant’ in the dressing room keeping the spirits in a good and upbeat mood, and is another great member of the 1st Teams Management Team.

Patrick Brothers (32) – Defender / Midfield Previous clubs: Colchester United, Leiston, Brantham Athletic ‘Patch’ as he is known to his fellow teammates signed for the club in Mid-January 2022 after leaving Brantham Athletic where he was a Player/Coach alongside Manager and his Brother Michael (who previously played for Needham). Patch is a versatile player who can play anywhere across midfield and also in defence. He has a great deal of experience at Step 3 having played with Leiston for 9 years.

Seth Chambers (18) – Forward Seth is another product of the Clubs very successful Academy Scheme and was given regular first team opportunities last season following his impressive displays in the U18 and Reserve Teams respectively.

Taylor Clark (18) – Midfield Previous clubs: Ipswich Town Having been released by Ipswich Town Taylor joined the club and has been putting in some excellent performances in the Reserves and his hard work in training has seen him involved regularly in the 1st Team which he has taken like a duck to water. His mature displays have seen him put in some very good performances and is definitely one for the future.

Noah Collard (21) – Midfield Noah is a product of the Clubs very successful Academy Scheme and is now a regular player in the team following impressive and consistent displays since moving on from the U18’s and Reserve Team. He is a very tenacious player who possesses bags of energy and is developing his game all the time and has the ability to go far in the game and is definitely one for the future.

Ross Crane (20) – Attacking Midfield Previous clubs: AFC Sudbury, Bury Town, Ipswich Town Ross joined AFC Sudbury from the Colchester United Academy during season 2018/19. He then joined Bury Town in 2019 from AFC Sudbury. Ross signed a 2 year contract with Ipswich Town on 1st July 2020 and made his debut for the club as an 82nd minute substitute in a 2-0 win over Gillingham in an EFL Trophy Group Stage on 6th Oct 2020. After his release from Ipswich Town in the summer of 2022 the club reacted swiftly to get Ross on board. He is a talented young player who fits into the Needham philosophy perfectly. Ross is a technical winger who has impressed already with his direct play and fantastic work ethic Hugh Cullum (18) – Defender A product of the youth academy, Hugh has developed into a very good player following excellent performances in the U18 and Reserve Teams and was handed his first contract last season. He works hard in training and has and put in some very good performances when given the opportunity in the team and is one for the future. He was also the only player from Suffolk to be selected for England U18 Schoolboys Squads throughout the 2021/22 season.

Jake Dye (24) – Defender Jake is a product of the very successful Needham Market Academy Scheme and is now in his 9th season for the club closing in on 300 appearances for the 1st team and is only in his early 20’s. A natural defender Jake works hard to improve his game every season and has added goals to his repertoire and has a very bright future ahead of him.

Thomas Fitzgerald (20) – Midfield ‘Fitzy’ is a product of the clubs Academy and he earned his contract with the First Team after his impressive performances in the U18’s and Reserves. He is eager to learn and develop his game as her gets more experience in the squad. He is a very tenacious player who possesses bags of energy and is developing his game all the time and has the ability to go far in the game and is definitely one for the future.

Christian Frimpong (23) – Midfield Previous clubs: Braintree Town, Lewes, AFC Sudbury, Chelmsford City Christian signed for the club in the summer of 2022 from National League South Side Chelmsford City.

He started out playing for National League South Side Braintree Town and was a part of their 2017/18 promotion side winning the play-off final against Hampton & Richmond Borough. The following season in the National League he was hampered by injuries and the Ghana-born defender left for the South Coast and joined Lewes FC before re-joining Braintree Town. The former Swindon Town Academy and Bristol City Academy player’s time back at Braintree was cut short and he ended up signing for fellow Suffolk side AFC Sudbury. In December 2021 he then signed for Chelmsford City in the National League South. When the club were made aware of his availability, we moved swiftly to capture his signature. He is a commanding central midfield player bringing a wealth of experience to the squad from his time playing at a higher level.

He brings a different element to the Needham midfield with his physicality and versatility and is an excellent addition to the squad. Christian is also the younger brother of Ex-Arsenal player Emmanuel Frimpong.

Marcus Garnham (34) – Goalkeeper Previous clubs: Bury Town, AFC Sudbury, Lowestoft Town, Leiston Marcus joined the club in the summer of 2019 having played the previous two seasons at Leiston. He is a top keeper arguably one of the best non-league keepers around. With his experience he forms an excellent partnership behind his fellow defenders and with his charisma has added a lot to the side on and off the pitch. A top, top guy who made it a clean sweep last season at the end of season awards after a great campaign most notably during the clubs Record Breaking, History making FA Trophy cup run.

Kyle Hammond (27) – Defender / Midfield Previous clubs: Ipswich Town, Maldon & Tiptree, Leiston Kyle signed in June 2021 from fellow Southern League Central side Leiston. He played nearly 60 games whilst at Maldon & Tiptree having signed for them from Ipswich Town. He then moved to Leiston in the 2017/18 season. Kyle is no stranger to Manager Kev as he played at Maldon & Tiptree when he was their 1st Team Manager. A versatile Defender or Midfielder Kyle brings a wealth of experience to the team.

Luke Ingram (29) – Attacking Midfield/Forward Previous clubs: AFC Sudbury, Bury Town Ingers is the highest appearance maker in the current squad making over 400 appearances. He is a fans favourite and a top bloke on and off the field, a great athlete and immensely talented and a certain match winner when firing on all cylinders. He can play in just about any position of the pitch, but on his day impossible to handle on the right of midfield or as an attacking midfielder/forward.

Harry Knights (23) – Defender Previous clubs: Leiston, Lowestoft Town Harry signed in the summer of 2022 from Leiston having previously played for Lowestoft Town and has plenty of Step 3 experience with both clubs. He is a commanding central defender and adds physicality and experience to the young Needham side whilst adding depth to the squads defensive options. Harry also represented the English Universities Men’s Football Squad in 2020.

Byron Lawrence (26) – Midfield Previous clubs: Ipswich Town, Colchester United, Bishop’s Stortford, Billericay Town, Dulwich Hamlet, Braintree Town, Leiston Manager Kevin’s second summer signing of 2020 and a player the club was tracking for many seasons.

Byron’s ability on the ball and eye for a pass in the centre of the park as a playmaker makes him an excellent signing for the team. Very handy at set pieces too and his all round play makes the team tick.

Currently in recovery from a horrendous injury back in November 2021, and we look forward to seeing him back in Needham Red once fully recovered.

Jacob Lay (21) – Attacking Midfield Previous clubs: Dereham Town, Felixstowe & Walton United, Whitton United, Ipswich Wanderers Jacob becomes the fifth summer signing of 2022 after he signed a deal from Ipswich Wanderers following a short trial period. Jacob didn’t actually start playing football until the age of 11 turning out for Rushmere Lions and Ipswich Thistle where he was spotted by Ipswich Town and joined their Youth Development Programme. He played for Brantham Athletic whilst at Portman Road and had a spell training at West Ham United. Following a short spell at AFC Sudbury, Jacob was approached by Preston North End, AFC Wimbledon and Mansfield Town, choosing to join Preston ahead of the two other clubs. He was part of Ipswich Wanderers’ promotion winning side last season and is a skilful attack minded player, technically excellent with great feet and his attacking flair brings excitement to the squad.

Jamie McGrath (24) – Forward Previous clubs: Brantham Athletic, East Bergholt United Jamie was another 2022 Summer Signing after a successful trial period having scored 53 goals for East Bergholt United in the Suffolk & Ipswich Football League last season comfortably winning the Golden Boot.

He showed during pre-season that his attitude and technical ability can be a real asset to the team.

Daniel Morphew (31) – Defender/Midfield Previous clubs: Thetford Town, Haverhill Rovers, Dereham Town Dr. Dan Morphew having completed his Doctorate must make him the most intelligent player in the team!

He is 100% no nonsense player who is elegant on the ball yet rugged in the tackle and is also a threat at set pieces having scored 15 goals in his first two seasons from defence. Despite what people think he is no relation to Keiran but together they have formed a solid partnership in the centre of defence.

Keiran Morphew (28) – Defender Keiran is the first player to have come through the Clubs Academy to sign a contract with the first team. He was given his chance in 2013 and since then has established himself as a fans favourite for his committed all action displays. He has drawn many admirers from the pro game and was very close to being offered a professional contract with Ipswich Town. He is a natural leader with his commanding performances and he is the longest serving player in the team now in his 11th season where he passed over 300 appearances for the club. Previously was Club Vice-Captain but now holds the skippers armband permanently.

Finlay Shorten (22) – Goalkeeper Previous clubs: FC Clacton, Holland, Long Melford, Woodbridge Town Fin returned to the club in the Summer of 2022 three years after graduating from the clubs Academy. He is a really good goalkeeper and has all the strengths of someone in his position. A great character to have around the club with a real passion for the game. He will play regularly for the U23’s and will provide excellent cover to Marco when called upon.

Dylan Williams (25) – Midfield Previous clubs: Cambridge United, Soham Town Rangers, Wealdstone, AFC Sudbury, St. Neots Town, Biggleswade Town, Lowestoft Town, St. Ives Town Dylan joined The Marketmen mid-January 2023 from St. Ives Town. Williams was a Cambridge United youth graduate, and made his first team debut on 19 April 2016, coming on as a substitute in a 7–0 League Two win against Morecambe. Has had loan spells at Soham Town Rangers, Wealdstone & AFC Sudbury. After being released by Cambridge United at the end of the 2016–17 season, he signed for St Neots Town. In January 2019 he signed for Biggleswade Town before joining Lowestoft Town. From July 2020 Dylan was at St. Ives Town operating as an attacking Central Midfielder.

PLAYER SPONSORSHIP

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SQUADS Saturday 28th January Kick Off: 3PM TODAY'S MATCH IS KINDLY SPONSORED BY

TODAY'S OFFICIALS REFEREE: Alan Cresswell ASSISTANTS: Rhys Taylor, Oliver Potter

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Dimi Kyriatzis (GK) Ed Asafu-Adjaye Joel Nakatani-Brown Will Hall Adam Murray (c) Ronnie Henry Nathan Tshikuna Jay Rolfe Kian Harness Matt Bateman Freddie Hinds Sean Keane Louis Chadwick (GK) James Brighton Fernando Bell Toxtle Isa Rotimi Cole DaSilva Spyros Mentis Connor Furlong Ky Marsh-Brown Archie Cane Shomari Barnwell

Steve Castle / Chris Watters Scott Taylor / James Smith

Marcus Garnham (GK) Patrick Brothers Seth Chambers Taylor Clark Noah Collard Ross Crane Hugh Cullum Jake Dye Thomas Fitzgerald Christian Frimpong Kyle Hammond Luke Ingram Finlay Shorten (GK) Harry Knights Jacob Lay Jamie McGrath Daniel Morphew Keiran Morphew (C) Dylan Williams

MANAGERS SPORTS THERAPISTS

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Kevin Horlock / Tom Rothery Bex Easy