ROYSTON TOWN vs STRATFORD TOWN - MATCHDAY PROGRAMME - SATURDAY 30th OCTOBER 2021 - FA TROPHY

BUILDBASE FA TROPHY THIRD QUALIFYING ROUND

ROYSTON TOWN FC vs STRATFORD TOWN FC Saturday 30th October 2021 Kick Off: 3.00pm

Royston Town FC would like to welcome today's opponents Stratford Town for their visit to Garden Walk for this Buildbase FA Trophy Third Qualifying Round 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.

TODAY'S MATCH 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

Treasurer Welfare Officer Fixture Secretary Executive Board

Webmaster Programme Editor Official Photographer

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

Football Management Team First Team Manager First Team Asst Manager Reserve Team Manager U18 Team Managers Women's 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 Women's Vets

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

Members of: The Hertfordshire Football Association Southern League Premier Division The Herts Senior County League Thurlow Nunn Youth League Eastern Region Women’s Football League The Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire Ladies League Royston Town Football Club is an unincorporated association controlled by its members under the Constitution of RTFC

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

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

SUPPLIERS OF PRIZES FOR THE FAMOUS ROYSTON TOWN FC MEAT RAFFLE

WHO'S GOT WHO? A selection of today's other FA Trophy fixtures SATURDAY 30th October 2021 Bromsgrove Sporting v Ilkeston Corby Town v Banbury United Gainborough Trinity v Coalville Town Hednesford Town v Peterborough Sports Hitchin Town v Leiston Lowestoft Town v Yaxley Matlock Town v AFC Rushden & Diamonds Redditch United v Stourbridge Soham Town Rangers v Nuneaton Borough Spalding United v Tamworth Sporting Khalsa v Rushall Olympic St Ives Town v Needham Market Wisbech Town v Biggleswade Town

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

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

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

The Club’s first major honour in more recent times came in the guise of promotion to the Herts County Premier League in 1969/70 and they went on to be champions in 1972/73 and 1976/77.

In 1978 we rejoined the South Midlands League and won the Division One title at the first time of asking. Success continued with a final appearance in the Herts Charity Shield for the first time in 1979 and runners up spot in the South Midlands League Premier Division in 1980. The Herts Charity Shield was won in 1981/82 and two years later the Club joined the Isthmian League Division Two North where we remained for 10 seasons before returning to the South Midlands League in 1994.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Things took a dramatic turn thereafter with 12 successive league wins which ended with defeat 2-1 at Kidlington in early January 2017, interspersed by a magnificent run in the FA Trophy including 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 playoff spot, but three straight defeats in April put paid to our chances.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHO'S WHO OF THE CROWS 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.

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.

Daniel Brathwaite (Defender) Club skipper, Dan joined the Crows from Chesham United for the start of 2015/16.

He is an experienced defender whose former clubs include Boreham Wood and Dover Athletic.

Dan Newton (Defender) Joined the Crows early into season 2020/21, Centre-Back Dan's previous clubs were Biggleswade FC and Northwood. He is a calm and confident defender and cousin of former Crow Joe Newton.

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.

Scott Bridges (Midfield) Scott re-joined the Crows in season 2020/21 after spending the previous season at Hayes & Yeading, having been a Crow for four years previously, scoring 71 goals in 194 appearances. Originally with Aston Villa until 2007, Scott then played most of his football at Banbury United.

Spyros Mentis (Midfield) Versatile, hard-working and tough-tackling midfielder or defender, Spyros re-joined The Crows in 2018/19 after a season away at Hayes & Yeading, he previously played just under 100 games for us from 2013 during his first spell at Garden Walk.

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

Isa Rotimi (Midfield) Young midfielder who signed for the Crows at the beginning of season 2019/20, Isa previously spent two seasons at Colney Heath.

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

Brandon Adams (Forward) Signed for the Crows in 2019, Brandon previously 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 in 2018/19 and bagged an impressive 23 league goals in 25 games.

Josh Williams (Forward) Signed for the Crows at the start of last season after spending the previous 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 last season. Whilst with The Canaries Isaac’s performances earned him an England ‘C’ call-up.

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

Harry Draper (Forward) Signed for the Crows on loan from Stevenage at the start of this season. Harry has been with Stevenage from the age of eight, he signed his first professional deal at Boro’ in summer 2019 and then spent that season on loan at Hitchin Town.

Finlay Titchmarsh (Defender) Young defender who signed for the Crows at the beginning of this season, Finlay was originally with Barnet before having spells with Staines Town and Ware.

COME ON

YOU

CROWS!

TODAY'S OPPONENTS Stratford Town FC Club History Although first registered with the Birmingham County FA in 1944, the Club was formed under the name of Stratford Rangers in 1943 by Paul Bartlett with the original intention to give local serving players on leave during the Second World War the opportunity of a game as there was no organised football. From initially playing "friendly" games at a number of locations to playing competitive football after the war, the team achieved rapid progress and became a successful junior club in its formative years.

The team won 24 and lost 6 of their 35 games in season 1945/46. After winning the Alcester Nursing Home Cup and finishing Division 1 runners-up of the Stratford-upon-Avon & District League in 1946/1947 a suggested merger with champions and the longer established Stratford Men's SC did not materialise but both clubs left the Stratford League for the 1947/1948 season, MSC joined the Leamington & District League while Stratford Rangers joined the Birmingham Alliance. During their seven seasons of membership in the senior division of this league, the Club won many trophies and by the late 1940s were playing on the Alcester Road Ground (which was adjacent to the present site) with the pitch being moved on at least one occasion.

In their first season outside local football, 1947/1948, Stratford Rangers finished in a good position in the league with the Club's record victory being achieved in an away game at Terrys Athletic, 19-0 ! The team also competed in the Birmingham Junior Cup while membership of the Stratford League was retained when the Club ran a Reserve side which replaced the first XI in Division 1.

In 1948/1949, the team finished 8th, entered the FA Amateur Cup and reached the semi-final of the Birmingham Junior Cup. Over 1,000 supporters travelled to Villa Park to see the team narrowly lose to Castle Rovers in the Aston Villa Cup Final. At the end of the season the Club, with approval from the town's Council, changed its name to the present title of Stratford Town, inheriting the town's crest for its badge and colours. In their first season as Stratford Town, 1949/1950, the team finished 7th in the league and became the first winners of the RAFA Cup. The 1950/1951 season saw the team finish runners-up under the guidance of manager Vic Manley. The highest scoring victory under the name of Stratford Town was achieved when Walsall Colts were beaten 14-1 in a home league game. The Town also became joint-holders of the League Cup after two drawn Finals against Coventry Amateurs. The Final of the Aston Villa Cup was again reached but The Town lost to Hall Green Amateurs. However, in 1951/1952 The Town gained revenge by beating Hall Green Amateurs in the League Cup Final which was played at Lockheed Leamington FC. The team finished 4th in the league.

By the 1952/1953 season the West Midland Alliance as it had become known had changed title to the Warwickshire & West Midland Alliance and Stratford Town finished runners-up under player-manager Len Livingstone. The Aston Villa Cup was won for the first and only time as was the Presidents Cup. A massive 164 goals were scored in all competitions of the campaign.

A prolific goal-scorer for The Town during their membership of the Alliance was Gordon Hillman and his 50 goals scored in the 1953/1954 season contributed to the Club becoming league champions. Stratford Town again lost to Castle Rovers in the Aston Villa Cup Final and Birmingham City Colts beat them in the League Cup Final which was played at St Andrew's. A friendly against Pegasus attracted over 2,000 spectators at the Rugby Club.

With improved facilities the Club was accepted into the Midland Combination for the 1954/1955 season, replacing Kingswinford & Wallheath FC, although the original intention appears to have been joining the stronger semiprofessional Birmingham Combination which had ceased at the end of the 1953/1954 season.

In their first season, Stratford finished 4th. In 1956 Stratford were runners-up and the following year won the title. In 1955-56 Stratford reached the Challenge Cup Final but were beaten by Bromsgrove Rovers. Between 1954 and 1957 the Club played 102 games, winning 65, drawing 15 and losing 21, scoring 313 goals and conceding 138.

As a result, Stratford decided to join the Birmingham and District League and were in Div 2 for 3 years before the League was reorganised. It was a very strong League and Stratford’s fortunes slipped, although they did win the Birmingham Senior Cup beating Lockheed Leamington in the Final 2-1 in 1963.

In 1970-71 Stratford went back to the Midland Combination, where they stayed for 5 seasons before joining the Hellenic League. In their first season they finished 10th but the next year they finished bottom and they went back to the Midland Combination. However, lack of success continued as they finished with only 13 points and were relegated to Div 2. Being relegated gave the Club time to regroup and within 3 years they were back in the Premier Division. After winning the League in 1987, Stratford applied to join the Southern League, but the Ground was not up to standard. A new Club House and Changing Rooms were built and floodlights were installed in 1990.

In 1994 Stratford were elected as a founder member of the Midland Football Alliance and finished 3rd in their first season. To cap this, Andy Smith was voted MFA player of the season. In 1997-98 the Club suffered severe financial problems, and a number of local business men got together and took over the Club to get it back on its feet.

Lennie Derby was brought in as manager, but it was not until 1999-2000 that things improved when they were runners-up to Alliance new boys Oadby Town. For the 2002-03 campaign, Stratford were in contention for most of the season with Stourbridge, Rushall Olympic and early pace setters Oadby Town who got to the semi-final of the FA Vase. Stourbridge won the league, but it was not until the last game of the Season that Rushall, pipped Stratford for 2nd place. Stratford won the League Cup for the first time beating Causeway United 1-0.

The 2003-04 season got off to a great start, Stratford winning their 2nd trophy in 3 months, beating Stourbridge to win the Joe McGorian Cup and were unbeaten after the first 12 games of the season. After 3 midseason defeats Stratford only lost twice in the next 20 games to keep in the title race, suffering 3 more defeats Town Came back with 5 wins. A win or a draw in the last game of the season against Willenhall at Masons Road, would secure 2nd place and promotion but Willenhall won and gained the promotion spot.

The 2004-05 season got off to a great start when Stratford became the first team to retain the League Cup. However, it was the opposite in the League with Town losing their first 4 League games and being in the relegation zone for the first half of the season. After being reinstated in the F A Cup after Sutton Coldfield played an ineligible player, Stratford got to the 3rd qualifying round the best they had ever done, but were beaten by Southport and were beaten by Sutton Town in the F A Vase.

After a good pre-season, hopes for the 2005/06 season were high, but this form was not transferred to the new League campaign, despite winning the first two games, results were indifferent and Stratford were fighting in the lower half of the table. With a good win against Stourport Swifts in the FA Cup it looked as if things might improve, but no, as Stratford went out of every other cup competition at the first hurdle. With results not improving and not being able to bring in new faces to strengthen the Squad, manager Ian Britton resigned. Former player Dennis Mulholland was appointed as the new manager. Bringing in a lot of new faces to try and improve results had little effect, as Stratford were still having a mixed bag of results and eventually finished 14th in the League.

The 2006/07 season was a successful one for Stratford, finishing 4th in the League and having good runs in the FA Cup and the FA Vase. The 2007 / 2008 season saw the appointment of Micky Moore and Town riding high in the MFA until a disastrous post-Christmas run put an end to any promotion hopes.

The 2008/09 season was Town’s first full one at Knights Lane and expectations were high for the season ahead. A historic run in the FA Vase ended in 5th round defeat to eventual winners Whitley Bay but again league form was inconsistent. Despite a great run in the last two months Town ended in 6th place having never threatened the top three. Manager Micky Moore paid the price at the end of the season. New manager Rod Brown was appointed, with the task of bringing promotion top of his list of priorities. A first season finish in third place was followed by a dismal start to the 2010/11 season and by September Brown had left. Former player Morton Titterton replaced Brown, once again a top-six finish was gained. The 2011/12 season was again disappointing and Carl Adams was brought in as co-manager for the 2012/13 campaign. Unfortunately, Morton Titterton had to relinquish his duties leaving Carl Adams in sole charge. Town went top of the league in early September and remained there but with a terrible winter causing fixture chaos Town secured the title with 4 games left to play thus ending their 19 season stay in the MFA and promotion to the Southern League Div 1 South & West.# The 2013/14 season saw Town finish in 10th position. The 2014/15 season saw the majority of the previous year’s squad re-signed and together with some additional signings Town made an impressive start hitting the top of the table after 10 consecutive wins. Despite a poor run of results around the turn of the year they produced a 12 match unbeaten run to secure a 3rd place finish and reach the play off’s. Having overcome Taunton Town 2-1 in the semi-final they beat Lakhall Athletic in the final in front of a ground record crowd of 1054 supporters to gain promotion to the Evostik Southern Premier League.

After winning promotion to the Southern League Prem the 2015/16 season was all about consolidation. The previous season’s end of season form continued with Town making a bright start to life at the highest level in their history. By Christmas Town were comfortable in mid-table but a poor run of form into the new year meant a promising start turned into a 19th place finish.

2016/17 saw Town achieve their highest league position. A young developing side finished 14th and but for 14 drawn games could have been higher. Season 2017/18 saw a 15th place finish highlighted with a good run in the FA Cup with Town being beaten in a replay in the 3rd Qualifying Round by Scarborough.

2018/19 was a year of changes with a new board taking over the club. Carl Adams 300 match reign as manager ended with the appointment of Darren Byfield as manager, but after an indifferent start, he was replaced by former Kettering Boss Thomas Baillie. It proved to be Town's most successful season reaching the 1st Round of the FA Trophy, winning the Southern League Cup and finishing 5th in the League, losing to Kings Lynn in the play-off semi-final. 2019/20 saw Thomas Baillie depart to Tamworth and Town appointed former Darlington and Corby manager Tommy Wright. In what proved to be a difficult season he was replaced by Paul Davis and Town struggled to emulate the form of the previous year. The Covid pandemic cut the season short with 9 games left to play with them lying in 18th place.

WHO ARE YA? Stratford Town FC Player Pen Pics LIAM O’BRIEN - GOALKEEPER Former England U19 international and had trials with clubs including Manchester United and Arsenal before joining Pompey. Spells at Barnet, Brentford and Dagenham & Redbridge followed. Liam then joined Coventry City and made 11 appearances during the 2017/18 season, with a highlight coming in the FA Cup Third Round as he helped the Sky Blues to beat Premier League side Stoke City at the Ricoh Arena.

KYNAN ISAAC - DEFENDER With Reading as a youth before joining Oxford City in February 2011. Had been playing for North Leigh last season prior to returning to Banbury.

CALLUM WESTWOOD - DEFENDER Graduated from Northampton Town youth academy. Dual signed for AFC Rushden & Diamonds and Kettering Town in 2017. In 2018 played for United Counties League side Melton town, before signing for Corby Town in 2019.

DAN VANN - DEFENDER Joined from Walsall last season. All action versatile defender.

JACK TURNER - CENTRAL DEFENDER Cardiff-born centre-back Jack spent eight years on the books at Championship side Bristol City. He captained the under-16 and under-18 sides. After leaving the Robins, he went to Loughborough University and played for the university side in the United Counties League Premier Division. Signed for National League North side Kettering Town in October 2020.

JORDAN WILLIAMS - CENTRAL DEFENDER Commanding, cultured centre half. Previous clubs include; Brackley Town, Cambridge United and Birmingham City.

Was a key member of our League cup winning, and playoff making team in the 18/19 season.

JOE MAGUNDA - CENTRAL DEFENDER Highly experienced, strong and commanding central defender. Started out at Leicester City and also played for King’s Lynn, Brackley Town, Leamington and Tamworth.

MICHAEL O’REGAN - DEFENDER Versatile young defender started out in the Stratford Town Colts, and played right through the age ranges. Successful youth team player who has also graduated from our Academy programme.

ENOCH ANDOH - ATTACKING MIDFIELD Pacey winger began his career in his native Ghana with Hearts of Oak and King Faisal Babes, before being signed up by Portuguese club FC Porto. Signed for Macclesfield Town in January 2019, and then went on to play for Hednesford Town, Wealdstone and Nuneaton Borough.

BRADLEY JOHNSON - MIDFIELD Started football journey at Newcastle United. Joined Leeds United until he was 17, and then went on to join Manchester City for four years. Released by City at the age of 21 following an injury. This led to an 18-month lay-off before Johnson enjoyed a two-year spell in Australia and New Zealand.

JIMMY FRY - MIDFIELD Hugely popular Jimmy played a major part in the club’s record-breaking 18-19 season which saw us reach the Southern Premier league playoffs and win the prestigious Southern League Challenge Cup. WILL DAWES - ATTACKING MIDFIELD Signed on a two-year scholarship by League Two side Cheltenham Town after starting out with Hellenic League Premier Division side Tuffley Rovers. Then moved to Loughborough University to study maths and played for their side in UCL Premier Division, scoring 12 goals in 32 games.

WILL GROCOTT - MIDFIELD Classy, creative midfielder with an eye for goal. Previous clubs include Aston Villa, Tamworth, KW Utd (Canada), Rugby Town, Kettering Town & Stourbridge.

DAN LAFFERTY - MIDFIELD Played for Championship side Coventry City during the 2020/21 campaign. The third-year scholar had been with the Sky Blues since a young age and progressed to become a regular in the under-18s. Showed determination to recover from serious injury and feature for the under 23’s last season.

CAINE ELLIOTT - MIDFIELD Previously played for Stratford Town youth team before joining the Rugby Town academy at Butlin Road. Progressed through the ranks and played for Rugby Town in United Counties League Premier Division South.

ASH SAMMONS - MIDFIELD Represented England at under 17, 18 & 19. Ball playing centre midfielder. Previous clubs include Solihull Moors, Birmingham City and most recently Halesowen Town.

SHAQUILLE WHITTINGHAM - FORWARD Speedy winger began career at Walsall's academy. Went on to play for Tividale, Market Drayton, Corby Town, Redditch United and most recently Rushall Olympic. In February 2019 was selected to represent the Football Association in a match to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Herefordshire County FA. JAANAI GORDON - CENTRE FORWARD Began his career with Peterborough United and signed first professional contract, in December 2012. Made first team debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers in September 2012. Went on trial with Premier League side West Ham United, scoring twice in his opening trial game. December 2013, West Ham United confirmed the signing of Gordon. Most recently played for; Tamworth, Oxford City and Banbury United.

OWEN JAMES - FORWARD Played for MK Dons before joining Oxford United, for whom he made one senior appearance. Spent time on loan with Chalfont in 2019/20 and also had temporary stints with Oxford City and Bracknell Town.

AHMED OBENG - FORWARD Energetic forward joined Tamworth on a season-long loan from Leamington in 2020 making 20 appearances.

Previous clubs also include Kidderminster Harriers and Hednesford Town.

HARRY WAKEFIELD - FORWARD Previously played for Loughborough Dynamo and United Counties League sides Oadby Town and Harborough Town. The 22-year-old then went on to join Nuneaton Borough from Northern Premier League Premier Division side Basford United.

PLAYER SPONSORSHIP

Joe Welch

Ryan Easley

Ed James Brighton Asafu-Adjaye

Kelshall Jake Easley Plastics

Ronnie Henry

David Gray

Daniel Brathwaite Katherine Thompson

Scott Bridges

Luke Easley

Adam Murray

Jeff Gill

Isa Rotimi

Martin Pendrick

PLAYER SPONSORSHIP

Matt Bateman Brandon Adams Spyros Mentis

Martin Pendrick DFM Mick & Enid Royston Matt Clowery Toovey Plastering

Dan Newton

Graham Haggar

Josh Williams Tom Newman

Trevor & Alison Clive Deards Middlemass

Isaac Galliford

Steve Tuck

Steve Castle

Garrett Pennery

SQUADS Tuesday 26th October 2021 Kick Off: 7.45PM

MATCH SPONSOR

TODAYS OFFICIALS REFEREE: Matthew Jackson ASSISTANTS: Jake Hillier / Thomas Frost

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Joe Welch Ed Asafu-Adjaye Daniel Brathwaite Scott Bridges Adam Murray Ronnie Henry Finley Titchmarsh Harry Draper Brandon Adams Matt Bateman Isaac Galliford Tom Newman James Brighton Fred Brown Isa Rotimi Josh Williams Dan Green Spyros Mentis Dan Newton Ryan Towner

Steve Castle / Chris Watters Scott Taylor / Amber Murray

Liam O’Brien Kynan Isaac Callum Westwood Dan Vann Jack Turner Jordan Williams Joe Magunda Michael O’regan Enoch Andoh Bradley Johnson Jimmy Fry Will Dawes Will Grocott Dan Lafferty Caine Elliott Ash Sammons Shaquille Whittingham Jaanai Gordon Owen James Ahmed Obeng Harry Wakefield

MANAGERS SPORTS THERAPISTS

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Paul Davis / Steve Walker