ROYSTON TOWN vs NUNEATON BOROUGH - MATCHDAY PROGRAMME - TUESDAY 31st JANUARY 2023

PITCHING IN SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION CENTRAL

ROYSTON TOWN FC vs NUNEATON BOROUGH FC Tuesday 31st January 2023 Kick Off: 7.45pm

Royston Town FC would like to welcome this evening's opponents Nuneaton Borough 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 evening and hope that the match will be a keenly contested and entertaining game. ent

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

TONIGHT'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?

Tonight's other fixtures TUESDAY 31st JANUARY 2023 Leiston v Ilkeston Town Needham Market v Alvechurch Tamworth v St Ives Town

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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SCORES ON THE DOORS! LEAGUE TABLE PITCHING IN SOUTHERN LEAGUE PREMIER CENTRAL DIVISION

https://www.footballwebpages.co.uk/southern-football-league-premier-central-division

WHAT'S NEW ON RTFCTV?

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 Nuneaton Borough FC Club History The club began in 1889 when young men from Nuneaton St. Nicolas Parish Church formed a football team to represent the town. Originally playing only friendliess, in September 1894 the 'Nicks’ changed their name to Nuneaton Town Association F.C entering Warwickshire Junior League that same year.

Nuneaton Town's first silverware came in 1902-03 as the club were crowned champions of the Coventry & District League. Two seasons later the club were champions again this time in the Coventry & North Warwickshire League in 1904-1905. Two years later the club found themselves winning another title by being crowned champions of the Birmingham Junior League of 1906-07 season.

The 1911-12 season seen the club win their first domestic trophy, as the club won the Birmingham Senior County Cup. The Final league season of 1914-15 before the first world war seen Nuneaton Town crowned league champions of the Birmingham Combination, the club would not be league champions again until 1928-29, this was followed by another league title just two years later as the club were champions again and won the Birmingham Senior County Cup for a second time.

In between that time Nuneaton Town FC managed to buy their own home after playing on four different sites around the Town. In March 1919 The club bought the site of Wash Lane Farm Estate, which became known as Manor Park.

In 1936 the club sold Manor Park to Nuneaton Corporation. By May 1937 following a meeting with director and shareholders, it was announced the club would be winding up following finance issues. A few weeks after the disbanding of Nuneaton Town FC, the club reformed under a new name of Nuneaton Borough Football Club and would continue to play their home games at Manor Park.

The club found their first season playing in the Central Amateur League in 1937-1938. The Boro then moved into the Birmingham Combination League the following season. The club remained in this league until the second world war. During the second world war the club moved into a local Nuneaton Combination League.

Following the end of the Second world war, the club returned to the Birmingham Combination League, remaining in this league until 1952. In that time Boro won the Birmingham senior cup for the first time in 1949, the club would go onto win this competition eight times being one of the most successful teams in this competition. Also the club achieved their furthest run in the Fa Cup since entering the competition in 1899, as the Boro reached the third round to face an away tie to Division Three South side Exeter City, which seen the club fall to a 0-3 defeat in 1950.

1952 Seen the club moved into the Birmingham League, before the league was split into two with Boro going into the Northern section of the league. In 1954-55 seen the club as crowned as league champions, the club would regain the title a year later in 1956.

The club remained in this league until 1958, when the Boro were promoted into the Southern League North Western Division, the following season saw the league merge into one Southern League Premier. The first season seen Boro relegated, this was the first time the club had been relegated at any level.

The club dropped down into the Southern League First Division where the club spent the next three seasons.

Until the club were automatically promoted in the 1962-1963 season. With the club making a return to the Southern League Premier, in where the club would remain for the next 16 years.

During that time in 1966/1967 saw the club make another cup run to the Third Round of the Fa Cup, first seeing off Swansea Town at Manor Park in front of 18,000, Third Round the club got drawn in a home tie against Division Two side Rotherham United, in front of the club record attendance at Manor Park of 22,114. The match seen Boro managed to hold the Division Two side to a 1-1 Draw after goal by Boro’s Cutler. Boro then travelled to Rotherham United for the replay where the Boro lost 0-1.

In 1979 seen merge of the Alliance Premier League, which seen Boro as founder members. Boro remained at this level until 1981, in a season where Boro were relegated from the top level of non-league. In that season however seen arrival of Boro legend manager of Graham Carr.

TODAY'S OPPONENTS Nuneaton Borough FC Club History contd Boro managed to get promoted back first time asking as the club were crowned champions of the Southern League Midland in the 1981-82. The club remained at this level until 1987 in a spell which seen the club have two high up finishes as Runners up in 1984 and 1985. The club also highlighted the clubs record goal scorer in Paul Culpin who scored 203 goals in two spells with the club.

In 1987 the club were demoted from the Football Conference following Financial Irregularities. Boro dropped down to the Southern League Premier. Boro’s first year back in the Southern Premier League was a disaster which resulted in the club being relegated. For the next five seasons Boro remained in the Southern League Midland, constantly challenging for promotion. 1991 saw the club reform once again following finance issues, the club were formed to be Nuneaton Borough AFC. Boro finally got promoted from the Southern League Midland in 1992-93 season as the club were crowned champions. Making a return to the Southern League Premier, Boro’s first season back however resulted in relegation, but did see the club embark on a Fa Cup Run, in the First Round Proper Boro were drawn away to Division Two side Swansea City, the tie seen Boro earn a replay at Manor Park following a 1-1 draw. Boro managed to giant kill the Division Two side following a 2-1 victory following goals from Tony Simpson in front of crowd of 4,433.

The next round would see Boro drawn away to Division Two side AFC Bournemouth a result which seen Boro hold the football league side to a replay, following a 1-1 draw. The replay seen a crowd of 4,138 and including the camera’s of Sky Sports televising the game live to see Boro sadly fall to a 0-1 defeat. Boro spent the next two seasons in the Southern League Midland, in the spell seen arrival of successful manager and former Boro player Brendan Phillips join the club. The 1995-1996 season Boro were crowned league champions as well Southern League Cup winners.

For the next three season’s Boro remained in the Southern League Premier, before 1998-99 saw the club crowned as champions. Winning the league by 23 points ahead of second place Boston United. This would also be Brendan Phillips second promotion as manager of the club. During this spell the club signed striker Malcolm Christie who had his short time scored 14 goals for the Boro, it wasn’t too long before a number Premier League clubs became aware of this young talent. Which would later see him being sold for £130,000 to Derby County including add on’s, which would be the club’s biggest sale.

In 1999 seen the Boro return to the Conference Premier following a 12 year absents. Boro would remain at this level for the next four seasons. 2000-01 season the club embarked on another Fa Cup run, the First Round seen Boro earn a 0-0 draw away at Division Two side Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium in front of a huge away Boro following of 4,000 fans. The replay would see Boro shock the Division Two side live on Sky Sports TV following a late goal by Marc McGregor to win the tie 1-0. Round Two would see Boro return to AFC Bournemouth, in which lead to a 0-3 defeat.

2002-03 season seen Boro relegated on the final day of the season following a final day home defeat to Farnborough Town, with results else where going against Boro.

2003-04 would see Boro return to the Southern League Premier for a season, however the summer of 2004 seen the merger of the Conference North and South. Which seen Boro placed in the Conference North, a league which Boro remained in for the next four seasons. Which included two play-off semi final appearances during that spell 2005-06 saw Boro on another FA Cup run reaching the Third Round, in which Boro were drawn at home to Middlesbrough. Boro earnt a replay at the Riverside Stadium following a 1-1 draw in front of 6,000 at Manor Park. Boro lost the replay 2-5 in front of Boro’s record away attendance of over 25,000, with 5,000 travelling from Nuneaton.

The following season saw the appointment of Kevin Wilkin who would go on to be the Boro’s longest serving manager, spending eight seasons with the club. Also that season saw Boro depart Manor Park after 88 years, the club played their final home game against Vauxhall Motors in front of crowd of 2,077. Boro moved into their new home of the Liberty Way Stadium in July 2007, Boro’s first opening game was a preseason friendly in an 2-2 draw against Coventry City in front of crowd of 2,020.

TODAY'S OPPONENTS Nuneaton Borough FC Club History contd March 2008 saw a takeover from the board that had run the club since 1991. The new directors soon found they had inherited excessive debts despite the sale of Manor Park to property developers. The new club reverted to its former name of Nuneaton Town and were demoted two divisions from Conference North to Southern League Midland Division One. Following the demotion to the Southern League Midlands Division the club gained promotion following a play-off final victory over Chasetown.

The next season, 2009/10, Nuneaton found themselves in the Southern League Premier Division. After a slow start the team went on a fantastic run that saw them beaten only once at home and included a run of 14 straight victories, narrowing a 24 point gap between the leaders Farnborough to just 2 points at the end of the season. Again, the play-offs beckoned and a 6-0 thrashing of big spending Brackley Town in the semifinal saw home advantage given to Nuneaton who faced Chippenham Town. The final went into extra time and it was befitting that a local player, Eddie Nisevic, who had come through the ranks, got the winning goal returning Nuneaton to the Conference North.

Nuneaton’s return to the Conference North where the club spent the next two seasons, which included a play semi final finish in first season and the second season seen Boro clinch promotion via 1-0 play off final victory away at Gainsborough Trinity. The result seen Boro return to the Conference Premier after a nine year absence, 2012-13 season despite being the bottom four for most of campaign, managed to see Boro perform a great escape after a good run of form Boro climbed up to 15th despite having one of the league’s smallest budget’s and still being a part time outfit.

The 2014-15 season were difficult times for the Boro, as following the departure of Kevin Wilkin to Wrexham, the club struggled to adjust to life without their former gaffer. Boro finished the league bottom which sending them back to the Conference North.

In season 2015/16 seen Boro return to the Conference North, a lot of changes behind the scenes, the club had new ownership and also appointed a new manager in Kevin Wilson as well as becoming a full time outfit as the club looked to bounce back at the first attempt. A 3 point deduction cost them a place in the play-offs as they finished 6th.

In season 2016/17, after a difficult start which seen the club fall into the bottom three, Kevin Wilson was replaced as manager by Tommy Wright. A nine match unbeaten run helped Boro achieve a midtable finish.

The following campaign seen a repeat from the previous season which saw Boro again struggling at the wrong end of the table when, in October, manager Tommy Wright quit the club to take over at Darlington.

He was replaced by Tunisian Dino Maamria who turned the teams fortunes around, guiding them to midtable safety. This remarkable turnaround earned him a move into league football when he was appointed as manager of Stevenage in March 2018. Gary Charles took charge for the remainder of the season with Boro finishing in 13th place.

The summer of 2018 club reverted to their former name Nuneaton Borough after overwhelming support for the change from supporters. However, the Club was in turmoil off the pitch and almost went out of existence on several occasions. Only the staff and supporters outstanding dedication kept the Club alive and the arrival of lifelong Boro fan Jimmy Ginnelly as manager, and subsequently chairman, saw the Club survive. Inevitably such turmoil had an impact on the playing side and Boro were relegated from the National League North.

Following the season of relegation and uncertainty it was time for a fresh start for Boro, which seen the club go back to a part time outfit, in a season that never was! Boro competed in the Southern League Central Premier Division, however by March 2020 the season was abandoned due to covid.

The 2021-22 season Boro finally complete a season in full following to seasons of cancellations due to covid, despite a several number of signings being made Boro struggled for the first half of the season with the team struggling to get wins and keep clean sheets, by Christmas Boro were bottom of the league. However, following some new coaching staff arrivals Boro season made a U-turn becoming a hard team to beat and become defensively solid. Boro managed to climb out of the relegation zone

WHO ARE YA? NUNEATON BOROUGH FC Player Pen Pics

Tony Breeden Joined the Boro in November 2019 after beginning the season at Bromsgrove Sporting.

His previous clubs include Kidderminster Harriers, Tamworth and Leamington. He made his Boro debut in a 2-2 draw against Royston Town.

Liam Castle Veteran keeper reunites with his former manager Jimmy Ginnelly, after spending 15 years with Barwell. Joining the Boro during the summer.

Scott McManus Club captain, Experienced defender who began his career as an apprentice with Manchester United. Played with Prestwich Heys, Curzon Ashton and Crewe Alexandra before settling at Halifax Town where he made 250 appearances.

Jaden Charles A left back who joined the club in December 2021 on loan from League 2 side Mansfield Town now signed permanently. The young defender started his career at Derby County.

Cameron McWilliams The pacey defender joined the Boro in December 2021 and had previously been at Northampton Town and Cardiff City U23’s before moving to St. Ives.

Lathaniel Rowe-Turner Making a return to Boro having previously played at Liberty Way back in 2016 on Loan from Kidderminster Harriers. An experienced defender who certainly knows this level well having joined from Stourbridge during the summer.

Chukwuemeka Beeker The defender was born in Kharkiv, Ukraine, his father is Nigerian and he holds a Nigerian passport. Began with Eastwood Community FC till the end of the 2018-19 season, and joined Tamworth before moving on to Belper Town in September 2021. Signed for Boro from Belper Town in March 2022.

Chris Cox The 29 year old right back joins Boro this summer from local rivals Tamworth. Despite his natural position being a right back, Cox can be flexible and can easily slot into a central defensive position.

Joe Magunda Central defender who joined back in January from Stratford Town, in Joe’s early years of football, he came through the youth ranks at Leicester City. In his career Joe as played for Woking, Leamington and Tamworth.

Ryan Beswick Another player making a return to Liberty Way, a highly rated midfielder who played for last played for Boro back 2017, spending one season with the club. Since then, Beswick has been with local rivals Tamworth. Making over an 100 appearances for the Lambs.

Bilal Yafai Joined Boro in January 2022 from local rivals Tamworth, Yafai is starting his second stint with the club after a short spell with the team in 2015.

Isaiah Osbourne The former Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, Blackpool and Walsall midfielder initially joined the club in October 2019 before re-signing with the Boro in October 2021.

Aaron Forde Joined in February 2022 from local rivals Tamworth, Forde spent two years at the Lambs after joining from Stourbridge. The midfielder as also played for Rushall Olympic, Sutton Coldfield Town, Halesowen Town, Bedworth United, Romulus and Walsall.

Prince Mancinelli Arriving fresh from promotion winning side Belper Town, The 21 year old Italian born midfield comes in with high expectations. Manicinelli is a physical player with an outstanding work rate and is certainly known to be capable of turning defence into attack.

Charlie Dowd A young bright midfielder who joined the club back in January from Alvechurch. The midfielder started his days coming through the youth setup at Burton Albion before a move to Bromsgrove Sporting.

Max Brogan Young upcoming 18-year-old midfielder signed recently from Barwell, comes with huge potential.

Kane Richards The 27 year old striker joins Boro from Basford United, Richards best known for his pace and his ability on the ball. The striker came through the youth academy ranks at Derby County.

Kyle Storer Making his second spell at Boro who joined this January, Storer is a well known figure amongst non-league known for his strength, power, presence and leadership. Midfielder Storer previously played for Boro between 2008-2011. Helping them to back to back promotion, since then Kyle as played for Kidderminster Harriers, Cheltenham Town and Solihull Moors as well as early spells with Tamworth and Atherstone Town.

Tyrell Waite Making a return to Boro having previously played for the club twice, most recently in 2016.

The winger comes in with lots of experience at this level. Joining from Coalville Town the winger is certainly not afraid to have a go at goal and has certainly be rewarded having scored on number of occasions.

Luke Benbow A powerful striker who was born in Birmingham. He started his career at The Glen Hoddle Academy, and gained experience with Solihull Moors, Hednesford Town and Redditch United. He joined Boro in June 2019 for an undisclosed fee from Stourbridge. He finished Boro’s top goal scorer in the 2019/20 season.

Rev James An exciting, pacey, attacking player whose previous clubs include Oxford United and Ashton United. Signed on loan from Basford Utd in March 2022. Signing permanently in the summer.

Daniel Edmonds Promoted recently from the Boro Under 18’s, comes recognised as a player with future potential.

Benjamin Adomako Promoted recently from the Boro Academy setup, player showing good future prospect.

Devine Okyere Promoted recently from the Boro Academy setup, player showing good future prospect.

Matt Stenson Joining Boro straight from National League Side FC Halifax Town, the 28 year old striker spent most of last season recovering from injury however Stenson did return in time to help support Halifax in the play off campaign at the end of the season. The Hinckley born striker is certainly known to be an handful for defenders, having netted 20 goals at this level with Barwell only a few seasons back.

Manager- Jim Ginnelly Celebrating his fourth season at the club as manager and owner. Jim took over the Boro during the club struggles of 2018-19 season which seen the club struggling on and off the field. Since relegation from the Conference North in 2019, Jim has managed to steady the ship. Giving Boro some solid foundations. Previously Jimmy has managed Nuneaton Stockingford AA, Atherstone Town and Barwell.

PLAYER SPONSORSHIP

Dimi Kyriatzis Cooper McKinnell

Kian Harness

Roy Smith & Simone Robinson

Ed James Brighton Asafu-Adjaye Kelshall Jake Easley Plastics

Ronnie Henry David Gray

Jay Rolfe

Isa Rotimi

Adam Murray

Phil Thompson

AVAILABLE

Jeff Gill

PLAYER SPONSORSHIP

Matt Bateman DFM Matt Clowery

Fernando Bell-Toxtle AVAILABLE

Spyros Mentis Mick & Enid Toovey

Nathan Tshikuna Tentshare Spyros Mentis

Lewis Williams Digital Execs Recruitment

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Steve Castle Kelshall Plastics

SQUADS Tuesday 31st January Kick Off: 7.45PM TODAY'S MATCH IS KINDLY SPONSORED BY

TODAY'S OFFICIALS REFEREE: Thomas Hood ASSISTANTS: Emmanuel Unuafe, Mark Bright

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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

Liam Castle Aaron Forde Jaden Charles Cain Noble Tyrell Waite Scott McManus (C) Luke Benbow Charlie Dowd Matt Stenson Kane Richards Prince Mancinelli Revarnelle James Tony Breeden (GK) Chris Cox Chukwuemeka Beejer Camron McWilliams Joseph Magunda Lathaniel Rowe-Turner Ryan Beswick Isiah Osbourne

MANAGERS SPORTS THERAPISTS

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Jimmy Ginnelly / Andy Danylyszyn Jamie Capes / Richie Norman