Royston Town vs Hednesford Town - Pitching In Southern Football League Premier Central - 241020

The Pitching In: Southern League Premier Division Central

Royston Town FC Vs Hednesford Town FC Saturday 24th October 2020 Kick Off 3.00pm Royston Town FC would like to welcome this afternoon’s opponents Hednesford Town FC for their visit to Garden Walk for Pitching In Southern Football League Premier Division Central fixture.

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

We also welcome this afternoon’s Match Officials and hope they have an enjoyable game.

Royston Town Football Club President Chairman Secretary

Founded 1875

Alan Barlow Steve Jackson Terry McKinnell 9 Valley Rise, Royston, Herts SG8 9EY 07772 086709 email terry.mckinnell@talktalk.net

Treasurer Welfare Officer Fixture Secretary Executive Board

Angela Baulk Steve Endacott (07971 512402) Trevor Burrows, Andy Toovey, Eric Joyce, David Baulk, Angela Baulk, Chris Coote, Duncan Easley, Giles Parnwell

Webmaster Programme Editor Official Photographer

Steve Endacott Angela Baulk Kevin Richards

Football Management Team First Team Manager First Team Asst Manager Reserve Team Manager U18 Team Managers Womens Team Manager Vets Team Manager

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

Ground

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

Colours

First XI Reserves U18 Ladies 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 an unincorporated association controlled by its members under the Constitution of RTFC

CLUB HONOURS Today’s Match Sponsor: 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

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

Royston Town FC Club History

So when did it all begin? 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 which 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 as 1 st 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 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 set 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 the winning of 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 play-off 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 play off zone was given a severe jolt when, at the beginning of November, Paul Attfield announced his resignation as first team manager due to ill health. 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 play off 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 play- off 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

Photo cou

P

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 down fall 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 C 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 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 will be playing at its highest level in its 142 year history!

Season 2017/18 saw The Crows exceeded 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 eventually 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 were we played Boreham Wood 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 play-off 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.

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 after over five years of painstaking research and can be purchase via the Club on by visiting www.avbarlow.com.

Royston Town FC Player Pen Pics

Joe Welch (Goalkeeper) Joined us from Chelmsford City in 2016/17, Joe started his career at Southend United before joining Histon where he played over 50 games and earned a loan deal at Stevenage. Joe’s other clubs include Ebbsfleet, Bromley and St Albans City.

Harry Smart (Goalkeeper) After joining the Crows in season 2018/19, Harry has proved to be a more than capable understudy to Joe Welch when called upon.

Gus Scott-Morriss (Defender) Full-back who made his Crows first-team debut in season 2014/15, Gus was a member of our successful Under 18s team that season and has gone on to establish himself as a First Team regular with over 200 appearances to date.

Ed Asafu-Adjaye (Defender) Rejoined the Crows last season after spending a season at Hayes & Yeading, Ed 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, Ed is a versatile defender who can anywhere across the back four.

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.

Daniel Brathwaite (Defender) Joined the Crows from Chesham United for the start of 2015/16, Daniel is an experienced defender whose former clubs include Boreham Wood and Dover Athletic.

Dan Newton (Defender) Joined us at the start of this season, Centre-Back Dan spent last season at Biggleswade FC after previously playing for Northwood.

Taylor Parr (Defender) Centre-Back who re-joined The Crows in February 2019 from St Neots Town. Taylor made 59 appearances for us between 20122014 and spent three seasons at St Neots Town, making 126 appearances for The Saints.

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.

Josh Castiglione (Midfield) Midfielder who was a member of our successful Under 18 team in season 2014/15 and made the step up to the First Team the following season, Josh is approaching 200 appearances & has chipped in with 30+ goals.

Scott Bridges (Midfield) Scott rejoined the Crows last season after spending last season at Hayes & Yeading, having previously been a Crow for four years, scoring 71 goals in 194 appearances. Originally he was with Aston Villa until 2007, Scott then played most of his football at Banbury United. Scott was made Club Captain in 2016.

Spyros Mentis (Midfield) Versatile hard-working midfielder or defender, Spyros rejoined 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.

Tom Newman (Midfield) Joined The Crows at the start of 2018/19, Tom impressed when called upon and chipped in with some useful goals from midfield.

Adam Watkins (Midfield) Re-joined us last season after a couple of seasons away at Chesham United & Cambridge City. Adam started his career as a 17 year old at Luton Town and in his 5 years there played 42 games for the Hatters before moving to Eastleigh and then Dunstable Town, where he scored 19 goals in 127 appearances.

Danny Green (Midfield) Joined us in December 2018 from Chesham United, Danny is an experienced midfielder whose other previous clubs include St Albans City and Dunstable Town.

Jonny Edwards (Forward) Joined the Crows at the beginning of this season and made an immediate impact with four goals in the first competitive game of the season. After leaving the Stevenage Academy Jonny impressed within the Peterborough United youth set-up to earn himself a professional contract, making his First Team debut in 2015. He then spent time at Accrington Stanley, Woking, Halifax Town and Maidstone United after leaving Peterborough.

Brandon Adams (Forward) Brandon spent four years at Queens Park Rangers which included loan deals at Malaysian club Perlis and Linfield in Northern Ireland. After leaving the R’s in 2018 Brandon dropped into non-league hoping to catch the eye of pro clubs and has certainty impressed. After a short stint at Enfield Town he moved to Ware last season and bagged an impressive 23 league goals in 25 games.

Josh Williams (Forward) Signed for the Crows this season after spending last season at Ware, where he scored 17 goals in 30 appearances, Josh previously played for FC Romania.

Isaac Galliford (Forward) Previously with Hitchin Town, St Neots Town & Hemel Hempstead after starting out with Luton Town. Isaac signed for us for the beginning of this season. Whilst with The Canaries Isaac’s performances earned him an England ‘C’ call-up.

Duncan Culley (Forward) Duncan Culley has recently joined from Isthmian League South Central Division side Tooting & Mitcham United. Duncan is a proven goalscorer in non-league football as shown during his time with, amongst others, Bromley, Hampton & Richmond Borough and Hayes & Yeading United – where he scored an impressive 37 in 59 games.

Today’s Opponents – Hednesford Town FC Club History

The Pitmen were formed in 1880 with the amalgamation of two teams, the Red and Whites (who were also known as West Hill) and Hill Top. The newly formed club played their games at ‘The Tins’, which was at the rear of The Anglesey Hotel in Hednesford and remained there until 1904, when they moved to ‘The Cross Keys’.

‘The Cross Keys’ was home to the Pitmen until the 1994/95 season when the club moved to the new purpose-built ‘Keys Park’ stadium, which has a 6039 capacity and currently holds a Football Association Grade B ground grading certificate.

Hednesford Town FC may have a long and proud history but it was not until January 1990 that the club’s fortunes turned for the better. The 1989/90 season had been a struggle and, at the beginning of the year, the club were in a deep relegation battle and, with gates below 300, relegation from The Beazer Homes Midland Division looked a distinct possibility. In an effort to avoid relegation the club appointed former goalkeeper, John Baldwin, as manager and he gradually began to turn the club around and relegation was avoided.

The following season the team finished third and then gained promotion to the Beazer Homes League Premier Division, after finishing the 91/92 season as runners-up to Solihull Borough. In the same season the club became the first English football team to play at The Welsh National Stadium losing 1-0 to Cardiff City, in the final of the Welsh Cup. In the first season in the Premier Division the Pitmen finished in a creditable fourth position and reached the Staffordshire Senior Cup Final losing to Stoke City over two legs. The 93/94 season saw the club reach a cup final for the third year running, this time it was The Birmingham Senior Cup Final where at The Bescot Stadium they were beaten 3-0 by a full strength Walsall team.

The following season the club were crowned Beazer Homes League Premier Division champions with the team defeating Leek Town in front of 2776 supporters at The Cross Keys to clinch the title and promotion to the GM Vauxhall Conference.

The Pitmen commenced their first season in The Conference at their new Keys Park home and in the club’s first season in the top flight of non-league football they finished in third place behind champions Stevenage Borough and Woking.

The 1996/97 season will go down as the best in the club’s history as the Pitmen reached the first round of the FA Cup for the first time in 72 years, eventually losing in the fourth round at Middlesbrough, in front of 27,500 supporters.

The following season saw the club finish in seventh position and further FA Cup success was enjoyed as, in front of millions of Match of the Day viewers, the Pitmen beat Hull City 2-0 at Boothferry Park but in the second round lost to Darlington.

In the 98/99 season the club reached the first round of the FA Cup for the third season running. This time the team beat Barnet 3-1 in the first round but lost by the same scoreline away at Cardiff City in the next round.

League success did not follow the fine cup runs and the 1999/2000 season saw the team drop to 17 th position then, after John Baldwin had stepped down during December 2000, the club were relegated for the first time in their history.

A succession of managers were appointed to replace John Baldwin including Neil Pointon, Colin Lambert, Paul Raynor, Kenny Hibbitt and Ian Painter.

The club’s first season back in the Southern League was a big disappointment and only a last day victory away at Newport (IOW) saved a second consecutive relegation.

The team started the 2002/03 season with Ian Painter in charge but, with the Pitmen hovering around the relegation zone, Ian was replaced during February 2003 by Barry Powell, who returned to the club after a spell at Stafford Rangers. Barry had previously been assistant manager to Kenny Hibbitt.

Despite the club’s FA Trophy success in May 2004, when Canvey Island were defeated 3-2 at Villa Park, Barry Powell was replaced as manager by Chris Brindley. The club had failed during the 2003/04 season to finish high enough in the league to move into the new Conference set up but promotion came twelve months later, when a place in The Football Conference Northern Division was gained after winning play off games away at Merthyr Tydfil and Chippenham Town.

The 05/06 season saw the Pitmen again reach the first round of the FA Cup but the team were defeated 4-0 away at Histon.

The team continued to leak goals and, as a result of a number of poor results, Chris Brindley left the club by mutual consent in early December 2005. Chris’ assistant manager, former Wimbledon star, Steve Anthrobus, was appointed Manager but he was unable to save the club from relegation to The Unibond Northern Premier League.

Former Nottingham Forest player, Phil Starbuck, was appointed manager in July 2006 and, despite challenging near the top of the table for the majority of the 06/07 season, a slump in form after Christmas saw the team eventually finish in 7 th position.

In the 07/08 season, the Pitmen ended a disappointing season in 8th position and Phil Starbuck was replaced during the summer

by Dean Edwards who appointed former Scottish international, Matt Elliott, as his Assistant Manager.

The 08/09 season saw the Pitmen in commanding form for the first half of the season once again, but a loss of form in the New Year saw the title challenge fade away, with the team finishing in a disappointing 8th place. One consolation was that the side went on to win the Birmingham Senior Challenge Cup for only a second time after a wait of 73 years, beating Stourbridge 2-0 in the final.

After a disappointing start to the 2009/10 campaign Dean Edwards left the club and Simon Line, formerly of Market Drayton Town FC, was appointed to the vacant team manager position. Simon brought former Kidderminster Harriers player, Delwyn Humphreys, to Keys Park as his number two.

More managerial chaos followed in early January 2010 when Simon Line handed in his resignation for ‘personal reasons’ and this resulted in the appointment of former Pitman and Northern Ireland star, Bernard McNally into the Keys Park management hot seat. Delwyn Humphreys agreed to stay on as Bernie’s Assistant Manager, after a short spell as caretaker manager, following Line’s departure. Under this management team the Pitmen finished the season strongly and ended in a creditable fourth place, earning a play off semi-final tie away at Chippenham Town FC, which the Pitmen lost 2-0.

After a shock early exit from the 2010/11 FA Cup Bernard McNally and his then assistant Stuart Brock left the club to be replaced by the former AFC Telford United management team, Rob Smith and Larry Chambers in late September 2010.

After a very successful season finishing 2nd in the Southern League Premier Division, winning the Southern League Cup and losing on penalties to Salisbury City FC in the Play-off Final the Pitmen were moved laterally into the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League.

After a satisfactory first season back in the Evo-Stik NPL, finishing in 5th place and earning a Play Off place, losing to promoted Bradford Park Avenue, Smith set about rebuilding the team for the new season, making wholesale changes.

The 2012-13 campaign was one of the best in the history of the club, with the club finishing second in the league with 93 points and then gaining promotion through the Play Offs, beating AFC Fylde and then FC United of Manchester, the Final setting a new attendance record at Keys Park of 4412. The promotion to the Conference was complemented by winning both the Birmingham and Staffordshire Senior Cups in a truly historic season.

The success story continued in 2013-14 with Smith and Chambers once more guiding the team to the play-offs, losing narrowly over two legs to Altrincham FC who were eventually promoted. The team also acquitted themselves well in the FA Cup getting to the First Round proper, losing 2-1 to Crawley Town FC and also got to the Final of the Birmingham Senior Cup, losing to Conference Premier side Tamworth FC. The 2014-15 season was a season of consolidation for the Pitmen who were in play-off contention at Christmas but faded in the run-in, finishing in a creditable 8th place in the Conference North.

Soon after the commencement of the 2015-16 season the club were rocked by the news that Smith and Chambers were leaving to take up the vacant management positions at rivals AFC Telford United. After a flurry of interest in the posts at Keys Park, former manager Bernard McNally was appointed to the manager position to be assisted by club stalwart Chris Brindley, however, after a poor run of results in which the team only picked up 8 pts in 11 league matches McNally was relieved of his duties. In mid December 2015, former Chelsea and Leicester City star Frank Sinclair was appointed to the manager’s position, bringing in Chris Millington as his Assistant, a colleague of his at Oldham Athletic FC Academy. Despite their best efforts Frank and Chris were unable to avoid relegation and left the club in April 2016. After much interest in the vacant manager role, the club appointed Liam McDonald fresh from a very successful season with Redditch United FC. After losing Liam McDonald to Solihull Moors FC in November 2016 there followed another period of management instability with Paul Casey having three months in charge followed by his assistant manager Gary Birch. When Gary Birch resigned at the end of the season the club moved quickly to appoint manager Neil Tooth who had been the preferred external candidate when the previous internal appointment had been made, however, in September Neil Tooth left the club and this heralded the return of Rob Smith and Larry Chambers to Keys Park. The new management team heralded a strong mid-season resurgence by the

Pitmen but this did not last and the performances dropped off towards the end of the season, finishing in a disappointing 16 th position in the League.

The 2018-19 season started with mixed results but took a turn for the worse in late November when Smith and Chambers left the club to take up a position elsewhere, the club decided in late December to appoint Nicky Eaden as Manager who was joined

by Gary Hayward as Assistant Manager. After a strong finish to the season Gary Hayward was appointed as team manager and recruited Mark Ward from AFC Mansfield as his Assistant and fans favourite Danny Glover as player/coach. In early December 2019, Gary Hayward and Mark Ward left to take up a management offer at Buxton FC, Danny Glover and Ben Bailey took immediate charge of team affairs and was joined by experienced former Port Vale FC manager, Dean Glover to assist in the dugout. This was the season that coronavirus struck with the season shut down in mid March and all resuts expunged. Amidst all of the chaos though, 2020 saw Hednesford Town FC move into a new era of ownership as Graham Jones took over the club as Chairman aong with his partner Hayden Dando on 1st May. Shortly afterwards, Andy Morrell was appointed as team manager with Danny Glover as his Assistant Manager and former Stafford Rangers manager, Alex Meechan, joining the coaching staff.

Honours F.A Trophy Winners Welsh Cup Runners up Northern Premier League Premier Division Runners up Southern League Premier Division Champions Southern League Premier Division Runners up Southern League Premier Division Play off winners Southern League Midland Division Runners up Southern League Cup Winners Southern League Cup Runners up West Midlands League Champions West Midlands League Runners up West Midlands League Cup Winners Birmingham Combination Champions Birmingham Combination Runners up Birmingham County FA Senior Cup Winners Birmingham County FA Senior Cup Runners up Staffordshire County FA Senior Cup Winners Staffordshire County FA Senior Cup Runners up

2003/04 1991/92 2012/13 1994/95 2010/11 2004/05 1991/92 2010/11 1986/87 1977/78 1983/84 1983/84 1909/10, 1950/51 1912/13, 1952/53 1935/36, 2008/09, 2012/13 1993/94, 2013-14, 2017/18 1969/70, 1973/74, 2012/13 1992/93, 2017/18

Last Ten Seasons 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20

P 42 40 42 42 42 42 42 46 46 40 0

W 20 26 21 28 24 17 8 18 15 13 0

D L F A Pts 13 9 79 51 73 5 9 82 38 83 10 11 67 49 73 9 5 91 47 93 6 12 87 65 78 10 15 63 50 61 14 20 50 77 38 7 21 68 65 61 12 19 60 79 57 9 18 51 63 48 0 0 0 0 0

Pos 4th 2nd 5th 2nd 4 th 8th 21st 15th 16th 13th -

League Southern League Premier Division Southern League Premier Division Northern Premier League – Premier Div Northern Premier League - Premier Div Conference North Conference North National League North Northern Premier League – Premier Div Northern Premier League - Premier Div Northern Premier League - Premier Div Southern League Premier Central Div

Today’s Opponents – Hednesford Town FC Player Pen Pics Keenen Meakin-Richards – Interim Manager Keenen has stepped up to the position of interim manager from the Youth Academy following the departure of Andy Morrell.

Having previously played for Hednesford Town, Keenen has had an extensive playing career turning out for Hinckley United, Halesowen Towen, Bromsgrove Rovers, Chasetown, Highgate, Walsall Wood and Sporting Khalsa amongst others.

Danny Glover - Player/Assistant Manager.

Danny returned home to Keys Park for a third spell in 2019 as player/coach after a year away at Nantwich Town. Danny is a prolific goal scorer for the Pitmen. Port Vale, Stockport County, AFC Telford and Bradford Park Avenue are amongst his former clubs. After impressing during his spell last season as interim manager, Danny is now assistant to Andy Morell.

Graham Deakin – Coach ‘Deaks’, 33, began his career with Walsall playing a handful of first team games under Paul Merson before moving on to Tamworth. He had a successful non-league career with spells at Halesowen Town, Redditch and Bromsgrove before he hung up his boots to become 1st team manager at Romulus, later stepping down and becoming the Academy manager for 4 years.

Jose Veiga – Goalkeeper Coach A vastly experienced performer at all levels, Jose began his career at Benfica as a schoolboy and has also represented FC Alverca and Estrela Amordara. The Cape Verde international has also played for Tamworth, Macclesfield, Nantwich and Rushall Olympic. In June 2017, Jose agreed a deal to become player/goalkeeping coach for the Pitmen.

Andy Wycherley – Goalkeeper Andy spent two loan spells with the Pitmen during the curtailed and then expunged 2019-20 season. In what must be a rare occurrence, the two loan spells were from two different parent clubs, as between them he moved from AFC Telford United to Solihull Moors. Rejoins the Pitmen on a permanent basis, following his release from Moors during the summer.

Cameron Gregory – Goalkeeper Cameron has joined the Pitmen on loan from Shrewsbury Town. Cameron has been with the New Meadow side since 2016 and has progressed through their academy. Loans at Chippenham Town, Halesowen Town, Kidderminster Harriers and Nantwich Town have all given him the benefit of first team football.

Carter Lycett – Defender Carter is an England Schoolboy International and is an exciting young prospect who will be hoping to make an impact in the first team this season after featuring heavily during pre-season.

Kieron Dawes - Defender Young defender who joined the Pitmen on a permanent basis having had a previous loan spell in 2018 from Birmingham City.

A former associate schoolboy at Birmingham from the age of eight, Dawes joined Solihull Moors after being released by Blues, but returned to St. Andrews following a successful trial period in the summer of 2016 Ryan Campbell-Gordon - Defender Campbell-Gordon came through the Port Vale youth team and won their 2018-19 Player of the Year award. He signed his first professional contract with the club in May 2019, tying him with the “Valiants” until summer 2021. He made his debut in senior football in August 2019, coming on as a 78th-minute substitute against Grimsby Town. Ryan has already spent time in nonleague football with loan spells at Ilkeston Town and Kidsgrove Athletic last season. Signed on loan from Port Vale in September.

Sam Griffiths – Defender Sam rejoined the Pitmen during the summer after a short spell at Halesowen Town. Sam brings a great depth of experience to the team with, having turned out at this level for Stafford Rangers as well as Braintree and Carshalton Athletic.

Ben Bailey - Defender Ben is a commanding defender and the club captain. With over 400 games for the Pitmen during three spells, he is closing in on the all-time record for appearances. Ben has also played for AFC Telford and more recently Newtown FC.

Callam Mendez-Jones – Defender Callam is a strong central defender who started his career with West Bromwich Albion. He moved onto Accrington Stanley on loan before joining the Pitmen in 2017. Moving on to Halesowen Town, Rushall Olympic and Redditch United, Callam rejoined the Pitmen last season to bolster the defence.

Dan Preston - Defender A highly experienced central defender who spent last year at Bedworth United. The former Birmingham City junior knows the Midlands non-league scene like the back of his hand, having played for Hereford FC, Tamworth and AFC Telford United. It was during his time with the Bucks that he had a one-month loan spell with the Pitmen back in 2017.

Kyle Rowley – Defender Kyle 23, joined the Pitmen from Walsall Wood who he joined in the summer from Southern Premier Central side Alvechurch, with whom he had spent two good seasons. Kyle, a talented centre back who likes the ball at his feet, began his career at Walsall before moving to Rugby Town where he spent two years before earning his move to Alvechurch.

Rhys Thompson – Midfielder Rhys is a very strong, athletic and versatile player, being able to both defend and hold the ball in midfield. Previous clubs include Kidsgrove Athletic, Leek Town, Hanley Town and Market Drayton Town.

Jack Hallahan – Midfielder Jack is a former Republic of Ireland U-18 International, who initially joined the Pitmen in November 2018 from Coalville Town.

After beginning his career at Burton Albion, Jack has also played for Belper Town.

John Dodd - Midfielder A midfielder with an eye for goal, Dodd joined the Pitmen after impressing during the club’s pre-season campaign. John is a graduate of Tamworth’s youth system, with him being a frequent goal threat from midfield in their U21 side. During his time at the Lamb, new Hednesford Town manager Andy Morrell promoted Dodd to the first team squad. Dodd was a near squad ever present during the Pitmen’s pre-season campaign and his performances were rewarded with a deal ahead of the new season.

Jed Davies – Midfielder Jed is a 25-year-old creative midfielder who is no stranger to Keys Park as he was on loan back in 2017 and then signed permanently in 2018, only to leave for Stafford Rangers in 2019. He began his career as a junior with Chasetown, before moving on to Coalville Town and Tamworth.

Reece Flanagan – Midfielder 25 year old Reece began his career with Walsall making 39 appearances for the Saddlers before leaving the club and moving on to Leamington in the National League North, a short spell at Rushall Olympic followed before he joined Stratford shortly before the curtailment of the season 2019-20. Reece is a hardworking, determined midfielder with a great range of passing.

Louis Dodds - Forward Highly experienced attacking player who joins the Pitmen after a season at Vanarama National League side Chorley. The former Leicester City youth player signed professional forms and earned an England U18 call-up whilst with the Foxes but it was at Port Vale where Dodds really made a name for himself. In eight seasons with the club, he made over 300 appearances for the Valiants, including some alongside future Pitmen Kris Taylor and Danny Glover. His Football League experience also includes spells with Shrewsbury Town and Chesterfield.

Taylor Allen – Forward Taylor, who was born in Walsall, plays as either a left winger or a striker. Beginning his career in the National League North with Nuneaton Borough before going on trial at Leicester and turning down several, Premier League offers to sign for League Two Forest Green Rovers in 2019 scoring on his debut against Oldham Athletic. He then signed for Hereford on loan last season where he made three appearances scoring once prior to the season’s curtailment. Taylor is on a month’s loan from Forest Green Rovers.

Will Norcross - Forward A tricky winger who joined the Pitmen after a successful trial period during pre-season. A graduate of the youth system at Mickleover Sports, Norcross made the breakthrough into the club’s first team squad during the 2017-18 season. In July 2019, Norcross left Sports to join Loughborough Dynamo. He was a regular starter for Dynamo during the 2019-20 season, after impressing in a number of pre-season matches, Norcross agreed a deal with the Pitmen.

Mitchell Woakes – Forward

Speedy winger Mitchell spent pre-season on trial with the Pitmen. Beginning his career with Walsall as a youngster, he also moved on to Nottingham Forest as part of their Academy set up. Woakes then spent two years with Burton Albion before moving on to Tamworth where he also spent time loan at Coton Green.

Dan Turner - Forward A young forward who joined Port Vale from the age of eight and spent ten years at junior level with the Valiants before signing as a first-year professional in April 2016. During his time at Vale, he had loan spells in non-league football with the likes of Kidsgrove Athletic, Worcester City and Tamworth. Following his release by Vale in May 2019 Turner linked up with Hyde United before the start of the 2019-20 season. He was a regular for the Tigers, making thirty-six appearances and scoring eight times before the season was brought to an early finish.

George Cater - Forward A tricky attacker who rejoined the club after spending three successful years with Chasetown, where he scored prolifically.

George was previously with the Pitmen between March and August 2017.

Dan Sweeney - Forward Livewire striker who begins a fourth stint with the Pitmen in a little over two seasons, after three loan spells from Solihull Moors. After departing from Moors over the summer, Dan returns to the club on a permanent basis, after spending pre-season with Redditch United.

KNIBBS BUTCHERS SUPPLIERS OF THE FAMOUS ROYSTON TOWN FC MEAT RAFFLE

First Team League Table Pitchin In Southern League 2020/21 Premier Division Central Team Coalville Town Needham Market Stourbridge AFC Rushden & Diamonds Peterborough Sports Redditch United Tamworth Rushall Olympic Lowestoft Town Stratford Town Biggleswade Town Bromsgrove Sporting Banbury United Kings Langley Alvechurch Hitchin Town St Ives Town Nuneaton Borough Royston Town Hednesford Town Barwell Leiston

P 6 6 7 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 7 6 6 6 6 5 5 6 6 6 6 6

W 4 4 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 1 1 1 -

D 2 2 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 4 1 1 1 2 5 1 1 2

L 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 3 2 2 1 3 2 2 3 1 4 4 4

F 17 15 10 13 10 11 10 10 6 12 13 8 8 8 11 10 10 12 8 6 5 10

A 4 6 7 7 5 9 8 10 6 13 14 10 11 8 12 12 13 11 10 13 14 20

Diff 13 9 3 6 5 2 2 0 0 -1 -1 -2 -3 0 -1 -2 -3 -1 -2 -7 -9 -10

-Pts -

Pts 14 14 10 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 8 8 8 7 7 7 7 5 5 4 4 2

Forthcoming League Fixtures 2020/21

Team

Date

1st Team

Saturday 24th October th

Women’s 1

st

st

Opponent

Competition

3.00

Hednesford Town FC

League

Home

2.00

AFC Dunstable Womens

League

Away

7.45

Hitchin Town FC

League

Away

7.45

Newmarket Town FC

League

Away

Wednesday 28 October

7.45

Bedford Town

League

Home

st

Sunday 25 October th

1 Team

Monday 26 October th

U18’s Women’s 1

Kick Off

Tuesday 27 October st

th

Venue

1 Team

Saturday 31 October

3.00

Hythe Town

Buildbase FA Trophy: 3rd Qualifying Round

Home

Women’s 1st

Sunday 1st November

2.00

Harlow Town

Vitality FA Cup: 3rd Qualifying Round

Away

Women’s Dev

Sunday 1st November

2.00

Hitchin Belles

League

Away

rd

Tuesday 3 November

7.45

St Ives

League

Home

th

Thursday 5 November

7.45

Walsham le Willows

League

Home

th

3.00

Stratford Town

League

Away

Sunday 8 November

2.00

Peterborough North Star Ladies

League

Away

Women’s Dev

Sunday 8th November

2.00

Wootton Blue Cross Lionesses

League

Home

U18’s

Thursday 12th November

7.45

Ely City

League

Home

th

st

st

1 Team U18’s st

1 Team Women’s 1

Saturday 7 November st

st

1 Team Women’s 1

th

Saturday 14 November st

Women’s Dev

3.00

Nuneaton Borough

League

Home

th

Sunday 15 November

2.00

Bowers & Pitsea

League

Away

th

2.00

Houghton Athletic Ladies

League

Away

Sunday 15 November

From £150 to incl bar staff

Photo cour

Royston Town FC v Stourbridge FC Southern League Premier Division Central Saturday 10th October 2020 Result: 1-1 Team: 1-Welch, 2-Asafu-Adjaye, 14-Brighton, 6-Parr ©, 20-Newton, 7-Castiglione (19-Rotimi 85), 4-Bridges, 10-Edwards (17-Williams 78), 8-Watkins, 11-Galliford (9-Adams 74), 5-Murray Unused Subs: 18-Grant, GK-Smart Royston recorded their fourth draw of the campaign as their slow start to the season continued.

Royston started on the offensive with Jonny Edwards particularly prominent. Having spurned one half chance early on, he was given a clear sight of goal as he latched onto Adam Murray’s flick. Unfortunately the finish didn’t match the build up, as a weak chip was easily gathered by Charlie Price in the away teams goal.

Edwards was not be denied for long though, as he was on hand to apply a feint touch to a Josh Castiglione cross, enough to direct it into the corner of the net and give the Crows a 16th minute lead.

Royston continued on the offensive, with Adam Murray giving the Glassboys defence a hard time, but the home side struggled to create any real chances as Stourbridge defended their goal well.

Having been on the front foot for much of the half, Royston would have been disappointed to go into half time on level terms.

With their first meaningful attack of the half, Stourbridge were correctly awarded a penalty as Greg Mills tricked his way past Ed Asafu-Adjaye, who succeeded in only hauling the winger down. Mills picked himself up and confidently sent Joe Welch the wrong way from the spot.

The second half was a disjointed affair, punctuated by a succession of free kicks, as both sides struggled to create any real chances. The best chance fell to Adam Watkins, but he saw his close range header saved by the legs of Price.

Despite winning a number of corners Royston were unable to find a winner and it was the Glassboys who would have gone home happier with the point.

ROYSTON TOWN 4 9 4

EFFORTS ON TARGET EFFORTS OFF TARGET BLOCKED SHOTS

STOURBRIDGE 3 7 1

12 8 1 0

FREE KICKS AWARDED CORNERS YELLOW CARDS RED CARDS

22 1 1 0

Match Reports Kindly Sponsored by Lounge India

CROWS BLOG: MUCH BETTER

18/10/2020 Hi all,

A 1-1 draw to comment on tonight against a tough Tamworth team. A draw that was probably about right with not many real clear cut chances created from both sides but in regards to possession, we definitely had the edge so ultimately a little disappointed it was, yet again, just the one point.

Generally, it was a much better performance, we were on the front foot and took the game to them but our Achilles heel at the moment is our quality in the final third and unfortunately, our deficiency in this department is not killing games off and always giving the opposition a chance to equalise. It will come, of that much I’m sure. We’ll keep working on it but confidence and further good play will get us better in this department. I was a lot happier in that we got about things today. We were brave and played some really good stuff at times. It hasn’t been all plain sailing by any means this season but our lowly League position doesn’t tell the whole story, we certainly haven’t been that bad but not getting the wins always puts you under a bit more pressure to get 3 points.

Going to Tamworth, normally getting a draw would have been more than satisfactory but because we have had plenty of draws previously, to get us back on track a win was what we all wanted but as long as we continue to get performance levels as high as they were today then we’ll be alright.

Finally, best of luck to Endo and the Women’s team in their FA Cup game against Stevenage today and of course, good luck to Dan and his U18s in their FA Youth Cup against Dorking Wanderers on Tuesday.

Cheers, Steve C

Player Sponsorship 2020/21

Player: Dan Brathwaite Sponsored by: Katherine Thompson

Player: Ed Asafu-Adjaye Sponsored by: Jake Easley

Player: Adam Murray Sponsored by: Jeff Gil

Player: Josh Castiglione Sponsored by: Scott, Ryan-Lewis, Jacob, Lillie-Rose, Stanley Clowery, Lexie Tuck & Timothy Hutchinson

Player: Joe Welch Sponsored by: Ryan Easley

Player: Taylor Parr Sponsored by: Cambs Roofing

Player: Gus Scott-Morriss Sponsored: Luke Easley

Player: Jonny Edwards Sponsored by: Billy Baulk

Player: Adam Watkins Sponsored by: Toby Pendrick

Player: Spyros Mentis Sponsored by: Graham Hagger

Player: Isaac Galliford Sponsored by: Graham Hagger

Brandon Adams Sponsored by: Matt Clowery

Anyone interested in sponsoring a player please contact Alan Barlow on matchdays. ÂŁ150 per player Players still available for sponsorship: James Brighton Scott Bridges Isa Rotimi Josh Williams Dan Newton Dan Green Duncan Culley Harry Smart Tom Newman

Bishop’s Stortford FC v Royston Town FC Emirate FA Cup: 3rd Round Qualifying Wednesday 13th October 2020 Result: 3-0 Team: 1-Welch, 2-Asafu-Adjaye, 4-Bridges, 5-Murray 6-Parr ©, 7-Castiglione, 8-Watkins (17_williams 70), 10-Edwards (9Adams), 11-Galliford (24-Rotimi 55), 14-Brighton, 20-Newton Unused Subs: 13-Smart, 18-Green, 25-Newman An under-par Royston performance saw them dumped out of the FA Cup, as Bishop’s Stortford ran out comfortable winners of this Third-round qualifying tie.

The 600 capacity crowd were served up a turgid first half as both teams largely cancelled each other out, with the first action of note saw Joe Welch make an instinctive one handed save to deny Archie Jones’ close range effort. The only other noteworthy moment was far more important though, as Frankie Merrifield swooped to head home a near post corner to give the home side the lead going into the break.

The second half served up more of the same, with Royston struggling to deal with Bishop’s Stortford’s physicality, they were never able to gain any impetus and had to wait until the 64th minute for their first real threat on goal, as Adam Murray headed a James Brighton corner over the bar.

3 minutes later Murray thought he had equalized, but a fine save Jack Giddens pushed away his sweetly struck half-volley from the edge of the box, which proved to be the Crow’s only on target effort of the evening.

This 5 minute period was as good as it got for the Crows though, as Stortford started to look more threatening going forward.

In the 70th minute Aaron Greene created space for himself in the box, but fired wide when it looked easier to score. Shortly afterwards Welch was on hand again to deny Jones, but the Blues did not have to wait long for the crucial second goal.

Picking the ball up deep in his own half, Greene’s excellent long ball found Darren Foxley, who held up the play well, before crossing for Merrifield to finish from close range once again.

Substitute Brandon Adams went close for Royston, hitting the post, after forcing Giddens into an error, but it was Stortford who wrapped up victory in the 87th minute, as substitute Correy Davidson was on hand to convert fellow sub Tom Richardson’s through ball and complete a miserable night for the Crows.

ROYSTON TOWN 1 3 0 8 4 1 0

EFFORTS ON TARGET EFFORTS OFF TARGET BLOCKED SHOTS FREE KICKS AWARDED CORNERS YELLOW CARDS RED CARDS

BISHOPS STORTFORD 6 1 3 14 8 0 0

Match Reports Kindly Sponsored by Lounge India

CROWS BLOG: THANK YOU FOR THE SUPPORT! 15/10/2020 Hello Firstly, a massive thank you for the guys and girls that came down to watch our cup tie last night. Sadly it wasn’t to be.

What ended up as a resounding defeat really masked an indifferent performance by us, one that maybe with a bit of luck could have easily gone to penalties if it wasn’t for a fantastic save by their keeper. But it was also a performance that we really didn’t get going as a team or individually.

These indifferent performances are a regular thing this season, we’ve been playing okay in patches but generally making far too many mistakes in vital areas and ultimately not putting in a consistent 90 minute performance! The message from the staff has been very clear – go back to basics, keep things simple and win your individual battles.

Football always has a tendency to ‘bring you down to Earth’ and the next run of matches are really important for us. First up is a really tough away fixture in the League against title favourites Tamworth, then we have a home game against Hednesford Town, another ‘high flyer’ in our league.

As said before, right now we all need to stick together, grind out results and build our confidence up once more. The heights we achieved last season were massive but that’s gone now and is in the past. We ALL need to move on and stop feeling sorry for ourselves. The club has pushed forward in stature, in my opinion, mainly down to the excellent exploits and performances of all the Senior teams – Under 18’s, Reserves and the First Team. We (the First Team) have had an incredible period but now it’s time to roll our sleeves up and show some fight. I mention the other senior teams because I had the pleasure of watching the Reserves on Tuesday night and I witnessed a convincing victory. I also want to say how well the Under 18’s are doing as well. I’m looking at attending the next round of their FA Youth Cup tie away at Dorking Wanderers next Tuesday, another great effort from the young lads.

And lastly but by no means least the Ladies FA cup game last Sunday needs to be spoken about. I popped up to Garden Walk and witnessed a very positive display by the girls. It was a resounding 8-0 win and they played some really good football. So it’s not all ‘doom and gloom’ but us as a First Team, we need to get back to leading the way and I’m sure that we will very soon!

Cheers, Steve C

ROYSTON TOWN FC RESERVES - 2020/21

ROYSTON TOWN FC U18’S – 2020/21

ROYSTON TOWN FC WOMENS – 2020/21

ROYSTON TOWN FC VETS – 2020/21

Royston Town Fixtures & Results 2020/21 Date

Kick Off

Opponents

Competition

12th September 2020

3.00

Newmarket Town

19th September 2020 22nd September 2020 26th September 2020 29th September 2020 4th October 2020

3.00 7.45 3.00 7.45 3.00

Banbury United Wroxham Alvechurch Needham Market Stamford AFC

Emirates FA Cup: Preliminary Round League Emirates FA Cup: 1st Qual Round League League Emirates FA Cup: 2nd Qual Round

6th October 2020 10th October 2020 14th October 2020 17th October 2020 24th October 2020 27th October 2020 31st October 2020

7.30 3.00 7.45 3.00 3.00 7.45 3.00

Biggleswade Town Stourbridge Bishops Stortford Tamworth Hednesford Town Hitchin Town Hythe Town

3rd November 2020 7th November 2020 14th November 2020 17th November 2020 21st November 2020 24th November 2020 28th November 2020 5th December 2020 8th December 2020 12th December 2020 19th December 2020 26th December 2020 2nd January 2021 9th January 2021 16th January 2021

7.45 3.00 3.00 7.45 3.00 7.45 3.00 3.00 7.45 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00

St Ives Town Stratford Town Nuneaton Borough Leiston Redditch United Barwell Bromsgrove Sporting Peterborough Sports Biggleswade Town AFC Rushden & Diamonds Rushall Olympic Kings Langley Lowestoft Town Tamworth Stourbridge

League League Emirates FA Cup: 3rd Qual Round League League League Buildbase FA Trophy: 3rd Qual Round League League League League League League League League League League League League League League League

Venue

Result

Score

Royston Scorers

Home

Won

6-0

Edwards (4), Galliford, Mentis

Home Home Away Away Home

Drew Won Drew Lost Won

Castiglione, Adams Edwards, Galliford Adams (2) Edwards Adams (2)

Home Home Away Away Home Away Home

Drew Drew Lost Drew

2-2 2-0 2-2 3-1 4-2 (aft Pens) 1-1 1-1 3-0 1-1

Home Away Home Away Away Home Home Away Away Home Away Home Away Home Away

Watkins Edwards Adams

Date

Kick Off

Opponents

Competition

23rd January 2021 30th January 2021 6th February 2021 13th February 2021 20th February 2021 27th February 2021 2nd March 2021 6th March 2021 13th March 2021 20th March 2021 27th March 2021 3rd April 2021 5th April 2021 10th April 2021 17th April 2021 24th April 2021 1st May 2021 3rd May 2021 8th May 2021

3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 7.45 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00

Hitchin Town Hednesford Town Stratford Town St Ives Town Bromsgrove Sporting Peterborough Sports Needham Market Banbury United Alvechurch AFC Rushden & Diamonds Rushall Olympic Coalville Town Kings Langley Leiston Nuneaton Borough Redditch United Barwell Lowestoft Town Coalville Town

League League League League League League League League League League League League League League League League League League League

Venue Home Away Home Away Away Home Home Away Home Away Home Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Away

Result

Score

Royston Scorers

CROWS WEEKLY DRAW

The Crows Weekly Draw (previously known as the Royston Town FC Development Fund) was set up many years ago as a way of providing a regular source of income to help the Club improve facilities both on and off the pitch.

Recently the funds generated have helped pay for new clubhouse furniture, admissions hut/turnstiles, pitch weed killing and fertiliser and renovation of the boardroom including a new boiler.

It only costs £1 per week to join.

As the name suggests, the draw takes place on a weekly basis. The holder of the winning number will receive £25 with £10 being added to the “Rollover Fund” each week. The “Rollover Fund” will be won when the Blue Ball is drawn, with the next number taking the accumulated prize.

You can become a member & have a chance of winning a weekly prize or the Rollover – you must pay for at least 26 weeks (i.e. £26) upfront to be eligible for the Rollover Prize.

Why not join today – simply download the standing order form by downloading from the Royston Town FC Website – listed under Crows Weekly Draw and return it to our fund organiser Trevor Burrows or leave it at the club – or contact Trevor and he will register you as a member.

Trevor’s Contact Details: Telephone: 07813 327786 Email:burrowsbuildingservice@hotmail.co.uk Rollover stands at £2295 as at 19 th October 2020

Latest Prize Winners – each winning £25 Stuart Jackson Angela Baulk Cheryl Jackson Dave Cooper Nigel Willimer Graham Ingrey Charlie Pinner J R Scott Kevin Richards.

TRAVELLERS TALES 7

By Brian Buck 25th game of the season. (Match 13,284) (3,649 th ‘new’ ground) Saturday 5th September 2020. Epping Town 2 Hullbridge Sports ‘A’ 0 (ProKit Essex Olympian League Senior League Cup 1st Round) (Played at Epping Upper Clapton Rugby Club, Upland Road, Thornwood Common) att 160 approx. Today we undertook a scenic route to this game, avoiding Harlow and Epping to get to Thornwood Common by going via St Margaretsbury’s ground and also that of Roydon, where our back up match was taking place. This season Epping Town have been forced to move here because they have encountered problems with the Town Council over the use of their ground at Stonards Hill in Epping itself. From what I can tell, the club want to restored it to as it was in their ‘glory’ days, which came to a halt when the original Epping Town resigned from the Isthmian League mid-season and appeared to fold. In fact, between December 1974 and March 1984 I saw twelve games here. Many of my visits to games here were made by public transport in the days when I lived in Cheshunt. I can’t tell you what fun I had changing buses in the middle of Epping Forest by the Wakes Arms for evening games, where street lights were almost non-existent! But on 21 April 1986 I also saw a game on a recreation ground, behind Epping Town’s ground and here I saw Coopersale beat Upminster 5-1 in an Essex Olympian League Senior Division 2 match att 9. In 1992 they became Eppingsale and Epping in 1999 before becoming the reincarnated Epping Town in 2018. These days with the fencing taken down and the two grounds seemingly looking as one, you can see why the Council want both grounds to form one recreation ground in the middle of Epping. However, if Epping Town’s old ground was sold for housing then I’m sure that the sparks would fly. Today we arrived at the ground some 45 minutes before kick off and then made use of the excellent bar the balcony of which offers a good, but distant view of the pitch, which was one pitch width away, that one being for use, but not today, by the rugby club. We also picked up a team sheet. Ours were in colour. There was information printed on both sides but there were no line ups. On a breezy, sunny but not too cold, day this was a fairly even game to watch. Neither side looked world beaters but the hosts won it with goals on 27 and 80 minutes. In a match of limited scoring opportunities at no stage could I see Hullbridge winning, even though they tried hard. This is early days for Epping here. If they work hard at it, both on and off the pitch and develop a strong relationship with their landlords then This move could end up being the best thing they’ve ever done!

26. (13,285) Tuesday 8th September 2020. Biggleswade United U23 5 Wormley Rovers Reserves 0 (Friendly Match) att 65 approx. I was going to watch a competitive match tonight, but eventually picked out this game as I knew that here I could sit down and watch the match with a clear uninterrupted view of the pitch. As has become the norm at these types of grounds, on our arrival there was a Track & Trace system in operation, which I’m sure might have confused the regulars. They are used to seeing a Heather & Tracey system! Anyway, the game was well attended, seemingly mostly by mates of the hosts and parents. The pitch was grassy, flat and looking in the best condition I’ve ever seen it look. The first half saw United in almost total control and they limited the opposition to just one early goal attempt. Thereafter they struggled to create any chances at all. So, it was a bit surprising that United could only score once in this period. The goal came on 8 minutes when the visiting keeper was left in no-mansland after he rushed out to try and fail to stop a cross. The ball came to the unmarked scorer who had plenty of time to slot home. The second half was more productive from the hosts point of view and on 51 minutes someone called Milo added a second goal. His mazey running was causing the visitors all sorts of problems and after the third goal went in on 68 minutes, he scored a brilliant goal four minutes later when he slipped the ball one side of the keeper before running round the other side of him to collect it before running on to score. By now his pace was causing the Rovers right back big problems in trying to keep up with him. The by now amber nectar infused United fans near me advised him, “Take the hand break off!” A further

goal five minutes later saw the end of the scoring and ultimately the end of a ‘feel good’ evening here.

27. (13,286) Wednesday 9th September 2020. Baldock Town 8 Corby Town 0 (FA Youth Cup Preliminary Round) (Played at Arlesey Town) att 76. Once again, I arrived early to find out if I could get in OK. I could and method of entry was the same as the previous night. The only difference was that all the seats were available to use tonight. The only part where you couldn’t go was a bit of terracing immediately behind the dugouts, which was reserved for the respective subs, but not used much. Meanwhile the seats were well used and there were a goodly number of hopeful visiting fans present. Also sitting near me was the ref’s coach, looking resplendent in his coaches jacket with the word ‘coach’ included on the back. He wasn’t particularly sociable towards me, especially when I asked him if the two ladies lino’s were sisters. He told me that he was just here to look at the ref. Anyway, this turned out to be a rather one-sided game. Baldock, looking the slightly older side, scored twice in the 11th minute, causing one fan to claim, “Game over.” In truth, although this was probably likely, even at this stage, it wasn’t a ‘given’ and soon Corby were adopting a more physical approach, which seemed to make them feel better and for a short while, play better. But then they shipped a 3 rd goal just before the break. The ref’s coach did his half time talk to the match officials just in front of the main stand, so anyone who wanted to listen in could, so he obviously hasn’t been on a Beds FA ‘Being Tactful’ course! The second half saw Baldock run away with it and after scoring again on 52 minutes, they ran in a further four goals in the last 15 minutes. One good thing about youth players is that they don’t declare when they are 3-0 up, like Spurs do. They go on and rub their opponents noses in it and enjoy scoring goals for fun. Well done to them and a lesson for their elders to observe perhaps!

28. (13,287) Thursday 10th September 2020. Royston Town 3 Godmanchester Rovers 1 (FA Youth Cup Preliminary Round) att 140 approx. I arrived at the ground tonight in the knowledge that earlier in the day details of the sad passing of a former chairman of Royston Town, Tony Moulding, were announced. I first got to know Tony in the early 1990’s to eventually offer him my Traveller’s Tales, which from the 1995/6 season I have subsequently provided the club with ever since. He was a great man, who even in latter years would walk round the ground at least once while the game was in progress. I was told that he did this ‘to make sure that everything was alright’. I shall miss him a lot. He would have loved tonights game, which was played out in front of a larger than expected crowd. It seems that in some places the youngsters, tired of the fact that their usual meetings places are either shut or have hard line restrictions placed on them, are coming to places like this, where there is more space and where they are welcomed. Anyway, after signing in but not having to go through the laser treatment to see if I was overheating, I took my seat and the game kicked off at 7.41pm, which was either early or late. Take your pick. This was an excellent game, much better than the previous nights encounter, which was good as well. Royston took the lead on 7 minutes. I saw the ball go in, but not clearly, as I was cleaning my glasses at the time! Royston were at their best in this period and they doubled their lead on 21 minutes by way of a confidently taken 25 yard direct free kick. After the break, the Crows still kept pressing forward when they had possession, but time wasted when they didn’t. So, it was a bit of a concern when Goddy reduced the arrears with a wonderful 40 yarder on 60 minutes. But the visitors didn’t seem to go hell for leather for the equaliser and Royston sealed their passage into the next round, from the spot on 81 minutes following a foul.

Southern Premier League Central Club Directory Club

Address

Postcode

Phone

Return Mileage

Hayden Road Sports Ground, Hayden Road, Rushden

NN10 0HX

01933 359206

91

53 Redditch Road, Alvechurch

B48 7RS

0121 445 2929

227

The Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium, Station Approach, Banbury

OX16 5AD

01295 263354

140

Kirkby Road Sports Ground, Kirkby Road, Barwell, Leicester

LE9 8FQ

01455 843067

184

Langford Road, Biggleswade, Beds

SG18 9JT

01767 318802

30

The Victoria Ground, Birmingham Road, Bromsgrove, Worcs

B61 0DR

01527 876949

244

Coalville Town

Owen St Sports Ground, Owen Street, Coalville, Leics

LE67 3DA

07496 792650

197

Hednesford Town

Keys Park, Keys Park Road, Hednesford Cannock, Staffordshire

WS12 2DZ

01543 422870

240

Hitchin Town

Top Field, Fishponds Road, Hitchin

SG5 1NU

01462 459028

34

Kings Langley

Gaywood Park, Hempstead Road, Kings Langley, Herts

WD4 8BS

07730 410330

72

Victory Road, Leiston, Suffolk

IP16 4DQ

01728 830308

167

Crown Meadow (Amber Dew Events Stadium), Love Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk

NR32 2PA

01502 573818

205

Needham Market

Bloomfields, Quinton Road, Needham Market, Suffolk

IP6 8DA

01449 721000

117

Nuneaton Borough

Liberty Way, Nuneaton, Warwicks

CV11 6BB

02476 349690

178

The Bee Arena, Peterborough Sports & Leisure, 651 Lincoln Road, Peterborough, Cambs

PE1 3HA

01733 567835

94

Redditch United

The Trico Stadium, Bromsgrove Road, Redditch

B97 4RN

01527 67450

228

Rushall Olympic

Dales Lane, Rushall, Walsall, West Midlands

WS4 1LJ

07909 560407

226

St Ives Town

Pro Edge Stadium, Westwood Road, St Ives

PE27 6DT

01480 463207

46

Stourbridge

War Memorial Athletic Ground, High Street, Amblecote, Stourbridge, W Mids

DY8 4HN

01384 394040

250

The DCS Stadium, Knights Lane, Tiddington, Stratford-Upon-Avon

CV37 7BZ

01789 261037

194

The Lamb Ground, Kettlebrook Road, Tamworth, Staffs

B77 1AA

01827 65798

217

AFC Rushden & Diamonds Alvechurch Banbury United Barwell Biggleswade Town Bromsgrove Sporting

Leiston Lowestoft Town

Peterborough Sports

Stratford Town Tamworth

Saturday 24th October 2020 3.00pm Kick off

Royston Town FC

White & Black Shirts Black Shorts White Socks Goalkeeper: All Yellow

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 14 17 19 20 22

Today’s Match Officials: Referee: Ashley List Assistant Referees: Joseph Karram/Jack Birch

Scott Taylor/ Arron Benstead

Neon Yellow Shirts Neon Yellow Shorts Neon Yellow Socks Goalkeeper: All Light Blue Andy WYCHERLEY(GK) Carter LYCETT Kieron DAWES Ryan CAMPBELL-GORDON Sam GRIFFITHS Ben BAILEY Callam MENDEZ-JONES Dan PRESTON Kyle ROWLEY Rhys THOMPSON Jack HALLAHAN John DODD Jed DAVIES Reece FLANAGAN Louis DODDS Taylor ALLEN Will NORCROSS Mitchell WOAKES Dan TURNER George CATER Dan SWEENEY

Joe WELCH (GK) Ed ASAFU-ADJAYE Dan BRATHWAITE (C) Scott BRIDGES Adam MURRAY Taylor PARR Josh CASTIGLIONE Adam WATKINS Brandon ADAMS Johnny EDWARDS Isaac GALLIFORD James BRIGHTON Josh WILLIAMS Spyros MENTIS Dan NEWTON Gus SCOTT-MORRISS Harry SMART (GK) Tom NEWMAN Duncan CULLEY

Steve Castle/Chris Watters

Hednesford Town FC

Managers/Coaches Sports Therapist(s)

Keenen Meakin-Richards/Danny Glover/Graham Deakin/Jose Veiga

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22