ROYSTON TOWN vs ST IVES TOWN - MATCHDAY PROGRAMME - SATURDAY 2ND MARCH 2024

ROYSTON TOWN VS

ST IVES TOWN 3PM, SATURDAY 2ND MARCH 2024 MATCH SPONSOR:

COLIN & VERA SWALLOW PITCHING IN SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION CENTRAL

PITCHING IN SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION CENTRAL

Saturday 2nd March 2024 Kick Off: 3pm Royston Town FC would like to welcome today's opponents St Ives Town FC for their visit to Garden Walk for this Pitching In Southern Football League Premier Division Central fixture.

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

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

TODAY’S MATCH IS KINDLY SPONSORED BY

ROYSTON TOWN OFFICIAL SHIRT SPONSOR

Royston Town Football Club President Chairman Secretary

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

Webmaster Programme Editors Official Photographer

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

Steve Endacott Angela Baulk, Neil MacLeod Kevin Richards

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

Chris Watters Dan Evans Roy Smith Lewis Endacott Lee Wilkinson

Finance Director Welfare Officer Fixture Secretary Executive Board

Ground

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

Colours

First XI U23 U18 Women's Vets

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

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

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

Saturday 2nd March Kick Off: 3PM

ball

Chris Watters Scott Taylor / James Smith

MANAGERS SPORTS THERAPISTS

Ricky Marheineke Jardaine Patel-Joseph

TODAY’S MATCHDAY SPONSOR

COLIN & VERA SWALLOW

LATEST RTFCTV VIDEOS!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WE’VE OFTEN been told how football can learn from its oval ball cousins in rugby union, especially when it comes to on-the-field discipline. While it’s dragged its feet for years in introducing goal-line technology and then, of course, the dreaded VAR to bring it in line with the 21st Century, FIFA chiefs do at least appear to have the game’s best intentions at heart in attempting to protect its integrity as much as it possibly can.

This latest plan, to introduce blue cards and sin bins, has split the opinions of the powers at be game, not least among the game’s elite players, managers and pundits who already have their tails in a spin with the controversies over VAR. Sin-bins – essentially a 10-minute sending off for offences of dissent or cynical fouls - have been used successfully in rugby for more than 20 years but were only introduced in grassroots football, from Step 5 and below, from the 2019-20 season in an attempt to improve levels of respect and fair play in the game.

By and large, the experiment been a success with the round ball too with managers and players acclimatising pretty quickly to the new dynamic under close scrutiny from governing bodies keen to determine whether it could be used in the higher reaches of the game in the near future.

This week, NLP columnist Tony Incenzo - who has visited over 2,500 football grounds across the country and watches around 60 games a season at Steps 5 and 6 - went out and about asking referees at the level just what they think of the sin bin rule and whether they believe it could just work along the elite.

His first port of call was a pretty significant one too. Starting his career in the Northern Premier League, Keith Hackett went onto become one of the top referees in world football before retiring from the Premier League ranks in 1994. Now president of the Northern Counties East League and Penistone Church FC, Hackett told him: “Sin bins are definitely a deterrent. Although there are many opportunities for referees to use this sanction but often they don’t.

“Match officials allow their performances at times to be undermined by not delivering the punishment when it would be to their own benefit and that of the game. A sin bin ruling not only penalises the individual but also the whole team. When I have seen it applied, I have not witnessed the affected team adopting delaying tactics until their player returns after the tenminute period of temporary suspension. I also consider using a different coloured card – like the blue one suggested – might give greater clarity to supporters and other participants that the sin bin has been invoked.”

Tony also spoke to David Stappleton, who referees in the Southern Combination League. He offered some firm views.

“I have experienced football with and without sin bins,” said Stappleton. “I prefer the latter with an ability to use it to desired effect during a game. I believe a good referee communicates to the players. And accordingly, I can implement the sin bin or potential use of it. I try to use a stepped strategy when officiating. This includes public admonishments, then bringing the captain and the offending player into our discussions regarding their poor attitude and behaviour, before lastly deploying the sin bin. More often than not, I find responsible captains will speak with their player and the issue of dissent goes away. But if it doesn’t or if the captain himself is involved, the sin bin becomes a useful tool.

“I would add there is extra work for referees due to sin bins. Although it stems from a lack of understanding generally. Most people don’t realise it concerns 10 minutes of ball in play, rather than a straight 10 minutes. Dependent on breaks in the action, this can actually last 12 to 13 minutes.”

Steve Joyce added: “I was a level 5 referee in Kent until a couple of years ago. The sin bins were brought in for dissent only. I was very sceptical initially but they worked well. At grassroots, you knew the players who were going to get a yellow for dissent at some point in the game and sin bins helped deal with them.”

Michael Pedler, chairman of Cardiff Referees’ Society, says the figures speak for themselves.

“Sin bins have been trialled in Wales and they obviously work since dissent has dropped,” he said.

John Lowe is not convinced either: “My experience as a ref is sin bins don’t work,” he revealed.

“Dissent hasn’t declined. When a player is going to give you dissent, the thought of 10 minutes in the sin bin doesn’t stop them so it is no deterrent. Players don’t feel they’re doing anything wrong anyway.

“What I’m also finding very common is that once asked to go to the sin bin, the dissent regularly escalates to foul and abusive language resulting in a red card. I don’t think I’ve sent anyone off this season in anything other than those circumstances.”

All in all, Tony encountered some mixed opinions across a decent cross-section of those at the sharp end, although, generally, it seems most refs are in favour of sin bins, with the odd caveat, of course.

As Tony rightly pointed out though, here is a significant shortage of match officials in the grassroots ranks so protecting them from abuse of any type has to be the priority.

After all, whatever shape ball you play with, you can’t have competition without a referee.

WHO'S WHO OF THE CROWS Louis Chadwick (Goalkeeper) Joined on loan from Cambridge Utd last season as injury cover and impressed with his performances. Louis has rejoined the Crows on a season-long loan from the U's . Has previously had loan spells at Cambridge City and St Neots Town Ed Asafu-Adjaye (Defender) Versatile defender who re-joined the Crows in 2019 after spending a season at Hayes & Yeading. Started his playing career at Luton Town and broke into the 1st team during the 2008/9 season. In total he made 64 appearances for The Hatters before moving to Forest Green Rovers and then to Hemel Hempstead Town.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TODAY'S OPPONENTS ST IVES TOWN Club History

TODAY'S OPPONENTS ST IVES TOWN Club History contd

TODAY'S OPPONENTS ST IVES TOWN Club History contd

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PLAYER SPONSORSHIP LOUIS CHADWICK

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Saturday 2nd March Kick Off: 3PM

ball

Chris Watters Scott Taylor / James Smith

MANAGERS SPORTS THERAPISTS

Ricky Marheineke Jardaine Patel-Joseph

TODAY’S MATCHDAY SPONSOR

COLIN & VERA SWALLOW