St Neots Town Vs Burnham FC

THE OFFICIAL MATCHDAY MAGAZINE £2.00

Southern League Premier Division V

Burnham FC Issue 06

08 50 Frater acknowledges the Rabble / Read the match report from when The Saints took the points away at Arlesey Town

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Management Team / A new dawn, all hail the King!

Origins of Football on TV / An insight from the 1930s to present

Owner Mike Kearns

Club Secretary Gary Wilson

Physio Chris Budd

Chairman Mike Kearns

Fixture Secretary Marian Izzard

Managing Director Lee Kearns

Life President John Walker

Functions and Events Coordinator Louise Spark

Director Iain Parr

Team Officials Richard King (Goalkeeping Coach)

Football Manager Gary King Assistant Manager Liam George

Youth Liaison & Development Mick Hunt

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St Neots Town TV Editor Adam Ridley Club Merchandise Linda Walters

Stews Views / A cracking read by Craig!

Assistant Photographer Paulo Soares Site Manager Irmantas Sabaliauskas Chief Liaison Officer Mike Green Programme Sales Charlie Green

Programme Editor Mark Davies

Matchday Music / Scoreboard Simon Hutchinson

Club Photographer Claire Howes

Pitchcare Working Turf

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200 Club Stuart Walters Design & Marketing Blue Prawn Print XL Press Limited

INSIDE

Issue 06 V Burnham FC Southern League Premier Division

Fe Ne at w ur e!

Also Inside 06 Action Replay 08 Match Report vs Eynesbury 12 The Scholars’ Review 13 Mascot Feature

14 The World’s Greatest Goalkeepers / The top 10 playing in the world today

38 Old Footie Programme Covers / This issue we look at the 1990s

16 The Chairmans’ Views 20 Read All About It 22 The Beautiful Game 28 News From The Youth 30 Pull-Out Poster 32 Greenies Greetings 36 Away Days 44 MD’s Views 48 Leagues Review 51 Season 2014/15 Fixtures Matrix

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52 The Non-League Paper 56 Season 2014/15 Statistics 58 Premier Division League Table 60 Home & Opposition Squads

Todays’ Visitors / A warm welcome to The Blues Founded 1879 The Cozy Stadium Rowley Park, Kester Way St Neots PE19 6SL Telephone 01480 470012 Email enquiries@stneotstownfc.co.uk Official Website www.stneotstownfc.co.uk Official Forum www.stneotstownfc.co.uk/forum

Introducing Matthew Spring / Our highly experienced midfielder Southern Football League Division One champions, 1 time

Huntingdonshire League Champions, 4 times

United Counties League Premier Division champions, 2 times Division One champions, 1 time League Cup winners, 2 times

Huntingdonshire Senior Cup Winners, 37 times

Metropolitan League Champions, 1 time League Cup winners, 1 time Professional Cup winners, 1 time

Hinchingbrooke Cup Winners, 2 times

South Midlands League Champions, 1 time

WWW.STNEOTSTOWNFC.CO.UK / PAGE 03

MANAGERS NOTES

GARY KING Good afternoon everybody and welcome to our opponents Burnham FC this afternoon.

Well I don’t mind admitting to you all this has been a very stressful week.

The departure of Zema and Nathan is something that, if I’m honest, has been heart wrenching for me and I am happy to give you all an explanation.

I was aware that Mike was not happy with certain aspects within the management team. Zema and myself had not been functioning as well together as we had done over many years. There were, in my opinion, fair frustrations on both sides; I was prepared to try and work through these and these frustrations were not affecting our results, but last Saturday before the game a situation arose and at that point, on reflection, I realised it was pointless for me to continue to try to work within the trio.

SELF DESTRUCTION On two levels everything had come to ‘a head’. I spoke to both Zema and Nathan after the Arlesey game as I felt it was my responsibility to do that as I brought them both to the club and explained to them what Mike had decided.

Mike and myself had a meeting on the Sunday of which he gave me the option to stay. For the first time ever in my football journey I chose to put myself first.

STAY OR GO I had a decision to make – stay or go and I knew then I could not stay within that management trio in the way it was functioning.

Mike informed me on Saturday when he arrived at the ground that he was sorry but would be changing the management later that day but would like to speak to me the following day, he would inform the three of us after the match of his decision to relieve us of our duties due to his own on going frustrations which were not in any way connected to the situation that had arisen between me and Nathan earlier that day.

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Taking into consideration the frustrations I had for a large part of this season and the decision I had come to personallythat Saturday, I decided I wasn’t ready to walk away from football, which I would have done if I had chosen to leave.

35 YEARS Having played or managed football teams every weekend for 35 years I did not want my participation in football to end this way. Of course, when one door closes another door opens and I would personally like to welcome Liam George to the football club.

from this point it is time to move forward.

Liam has been a friend of mine for a long time and he was in consideration to join the club when I first arrived a year ago. I will talk more about Liam in future notes but I think it is fair to dedicate today’s notes to what has happened and

Kingy.

Hopefully, with three more points today against a Burnham side who come into the game on the back of their best run of the season.

FROM THE CLUB In general it is not club policy to publish the “ins and outs” of delicate club matters, however after reading these notes we feel that the sincerity of Gary’s notes deserve to be published.

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(from the UCL Premier Division seven years ago) UCL PREMIER DIVISION (Saturday 2nd October 2007) AFC Kempston

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St Neots Town

St Neots powered their way to their biggest ever away Premier Division victory at the expense of a poor Kempston side.

Four goals in the first 20 minutes of the second half swamped the home side after a first half in which St Neots scored twice but never looked fully on song.

It was a game to remember for midfielder Chris Garwell making his debut as a substitute for the injured David Fisk for he scored twice and looked a very useful addition to the squad. Kempston were poorly organised and mounted little threat to a well drilled St Neots defence managing only a couple of serious attempts on goal in the full ninety minutes.

From the start it looked like being a fairly comfortable evening for the visitors. Inside the first two minutes Arin Fehmi shot wide and Ryan Francis had a header tipped away by Lewis Rust at full stretch and then Ivan Finch had a well placed header diverted on to the cross bar.

The first goal came on the quarter hour when a challenge

by John Clarke was deemed dangerous and Ryan Francis

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appeared to miss hit his penalty kick but it was pushed into the net by the unfortunate Kempston keeper. Kempston’s best effort of the match came after 22 minutes when Gary Higgins burst past the last defender and brought a good save low at his near post by Martyn Patching.

The pressure continued on the Kempston goal and after 28 minutes a shot by Barrington Belgrave was blocked but Arin Fehmi followed up to claim his first goal for St Neots.

A careless back pass by Kevin Ashby almost let in James Cooper but Patching saved well and then St Neots had to make a first half change five minutes before the break introducing Chris Garwell for the injured David Fisk.

The second half exploded into life when from an Ashley Deverall corner Ashby had a fierce shot blocked by a defender and Tony Russell followed up to score from close range.

Kempston brought on two substitutes in a bid to stem the tide but just before the hour the

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unlucky Belgrave saw a shot hit a post but Ryan Francis was on hand to tuck away the rebound and extend the lead to 4-0.

He was then denied a hat trick when another shot rebounded from the woodwork but St Neots were now relentless and with the Kempston defence becoming more and more ragged Chris Garwell struck twice in as many minutes scoring first with a volley and then with a simple tap in when a Francis shot rebounded from a defender.

At that stage a cricket score looked likely but just one more goal came three minutes from time when a cross from the overlapping Mark Barry was diverted into his own net by John Clarke.

Patching, Hoggett, Barry, Russell, Ashby, Finch, Fisk, Deverall, Belgrave, Francis, Fehmi.

Subs: Garwell (for Fisk 40 mins), Kuhne (for Fehmi 61 mins), Watts (for Russell 67 mins), Lawes & Osborne.

Scorers: Ryan Francis 2 (15 & 58 mins), Chris Garwell 2 (66 & 68 mins), Arin Fehmi (28 mins), Tony Russell (47 mins), John Clarke OG (87 mins).

MOM: Barrington Belgrave

THE BIG MAN IS BACK!

ST NEOTS TOWN 3 EYNESBURY ROVERS 1 23:09:2014 / Hunts Senior Cup 1/4 Final / Att 171 / Referee: Neil Hair (Peterboro’) Holders St Neots progressed to the semi-final of the Huntingdonshire Senior Cup beating neighbours Eynesbury Rovers and a partial floodlight failure on the way.

The victory will have gone some way to restoring the sides’ flagging confidence after winning just one of their last six League and Cup matches but Eynesbury did not make their task easy performing very creditably against a side that plays two levels above them. It was rather fortune that the floodlight problem which was apparently a local power surge came right on the stroke of half time and after a 28 minutes elongated half time delay play was able to resume. The St Neots management team opted to rest several regulars making five changes in their starting line up from the Saturday trip to Banbury so several fringe players got some useful playing time and still delivered the right result. So St Neots who have lifted the trophy in each of the past two seasons go on to an away semi-final tie at Yaxley early next year.

Both sides made a rather tentative start with their defences looking confident and sure. In fact in the first 25 minutes there were only two legitimate chances – one at either end – with Andrew Wale doing well to block an early shot

by Matt Nolan and Alex Marsh bringing a routine save from Jamie

Greygoose after good work by Jordan Nicholson. However during this period St Neots enjoyed the greater share of possession but their progress towards goal was not very effective. On the half hour Wale did well to block a shot from Nathan Frater who had burst through the defence to collect a Nolan flick and then a minute later St Neots forged ahead with a set piece goal as Ryan Frater rose almost unchallenged to firmly head a Matt Spring corner beyond Wale. Now St Neots grew in confidence with Nathan Frater bringing a good save from Wale and Gavin Hoyte heading wide from another Spring corner delivery.

Rovers had one excellent chance to level when Marsh pounced on a defensive error by Ben Farrell to release Lee Bassett but he could not finish. Martell Powell forced a full length save from the busy Wale and Lorenzo Ferrari twice cut inside his marker to shoot wide of the target on both occasions.

St Neots started the second half with a boost of confidence with Ferrari unable to beat Wale after an eye catching run past three defenders but around the hour Rovers had their best spell of the match. Now Greygoose was in the spotlight in

only his second appearance for St Neots as he twice pushed excellent shots from Tom Coles and James Freshwater over the bar and then denied Freshwater again pushing his low shot around a post. Nathan Frater was looking lively for the home side and the pivotal moment came 17 minutes from time when he scored the second St Neots goal that really put then in control.

It came from a superb sixty yards pass over the visiting defence by Matt Spring to pick out Powell and his early cross found Frater who finished with a crisp shot. Four minutes later following a corner the Referee spotted a push by Josh Bickerstaff on an Eynesbury player and a penalty was awarded which Lee Bassett slotted home. However any hopes of a Rovers revival were quickly snuffed out as five minutes later Jay Davies on as a substitute made his first touch significant as he played Powell clear on the right and the tiring defence had left another St Neots substitute Drew Roberts unmarked at the far post – the sort of chance he does not spurn. Rovers’ last effort was a clinical finish by Bassett well saved by Greygoose who could be well pleased with his performance on the night.

St Neots Town

Eynesbury Rovers

Greygoose, Spence, Bickerstaff, Farrell, Frater (R), Hoyte, Ferrari, Spring, Frater (N), Nolan, Powell Subs: Wilson (for Ferrari 64 mins), Roberts (for Nolan 74 mins), Davies (for Spring 80 mins), Hilliard and Wyer. Cards: none Goals: Frater (R) (31 mins), Frater (N) (73 mins), Roberts (82 mins)

Wale, Duckett (R), Duckett (J), Herring, Woodend, Clark, Coles, Freshwater, Bassett, Marsh, Nicholson Subs: Fox (for Nicholson 78 mins), Inskip (for Freshwater 85 mins), Flack (for Bassett 89 mins), Smith and Field. Cards: Herring (Y – 30), Duckett (J) (Y) Goal: Bassett (pen)

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ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V BURNHAM ISSUE 06

WWW.STNEOTSTOWNFC.CO.UK / PAGE 09

JAY DAVIES CONTROLS PLAY

ST. NEOTS TOWN F.C

LE A R N I N G & S P O RT S AC A D EM Y

THE SCHOLARS’ REVIEW Keep up-to-date with news and views from our Academy Director Iain Parr

One Month in We are one month into a new academic season and I have to say it’s not been easy but then nothing worthwhile ever is. We have two programmes running side by side, both offering a fantastic opportunity for the lads to develop both as footballers and individuals as well as furthering their education.

LONG-TERM We’ve had issues with Internet strength, platform reliability, funding due diligence, away match day travel problems as well as all the other bits and bobs you get when embarking on a new programme however it’s a long term project that will put us firmly on the map. We have resolved nearly all issues and those that we haven’t are close to being resolved, that’s how we work. Already I’ve had chats with a number of pro clubs that have heard about us, what we are doing and how we go about doing what we are doing. I’m under no illusions about how hard we all have to work to achieve our goals but I together with Andy and Gareth are determined to take my club forward.

I was away all last weekend at St Georges Park passing the final part of my 1st4sport accreditation, it’s not something I wanted to pass because it adds something to my CV, it’s something that I wanted to pass because it is the next step towards getting the club fully accredited

as a 1st4sport centre. This in turn will allow us a greater degree of control over what academics, coaching badges and ultimately apprenticeship programmes we can deliver. The next step is to become an accredited centre that can deliver BTEC and NVQ qualifications (this is Gareth’s baby) but what does that mean to us as a football club? It means complete autonomy and funding control. In essence we become a football Development College.

INVESTMENT We have invested a huge amount of time and energy in youth development over the last 18 months and we will continue in this vein.

It’s testament to all involved that 2 years ago St Neots Town FC had nothing in place, so thank you to St Neots Town Youth for giving us the opportunity to work together and expand to such an extent that we (as a group) now have around 400 under 18’s on our books. So, long term our blue print is as follows: Grassroots and development Squads

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from U6’s to U18’s (including girls) running alongside will be academy squads (this is yet to be proposed) age groups U14’s, U15’s and U16’s.

Scholars/Apprentices 16-19years numbering around 60 (3 squads) Wow! As I’m writing this I’m just thinking about the coaching sessions I’m going to put on tonight (Wednesday) for our U16’s and also the Hunts County U18’s side (yes I’m part of the coaching team for this as well) and that’s after spending the week delivering academics all weeks and taking the scholars down to West Herts college for a British College league game (which we won!).

We are on the march as a club and will continue to march regardless of obstacles and difficulties.

We do what we do because it’s what I envisage as a Blue print for sustainable success. We still have spaces available on both programmes for those that wish to become part of our future so get in touch and join us.

Parry

Mascot feature Mascot Fact File Name: Oli Blanchard Age: 6 Favourite St Neots Player and why: Lewis Hilliard, he has great skills Who do you play for? St Neots u7’s What position do you play in: Midfield Who do you support: Arsenal What do you want to be when older: Play for Arsenal Favourite food: Hot dogs Favourite television programme: Match of the day Do you have any pets? A Dog called Lennie

The Saints Matchday Mascot Experience!

• Free entry for mascot and parents • Use of our hospitality room • Signed match day programme by your favourite player, which you will also appear in • Meet your favourite player and have your photo taken • Tour of the stadium • Have a kick about on the main pitch • Lead the Saints on to the pitch • Free portion of chips and drink for the mascot

To apply to be a Matchday Mascot contact Louise Spark on misslouises@yahoo.co.uk

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/STNEOTSTOWNFC / PAGE 13

p o T

n e T

We have had greatest players but a goalkeeper is never listed as a great player, proberbly the most important player in the team. We take a look at the worlds best goalkeepers playing today.

10. SAMIR HANDANOVIC (Slovenia & Inter Milan) The 6ft 5in stopper left Udinese for Inter Milan in July 2012 after establishing himself as one of the best goalkeepers in Serie A. Conceding just four goals in 10 2010 World Cup qualifying matches, Handanovic helps form the spine of the Slovenia team, with his agility and penalty-saving prowess both valuable assets.

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IN THE WORLD TODAY 09. JULIO CESAR (Brazil & Queens Park Rangers) Emerged as Brazil’s first-choice goalkeeper for the 2010 World Cup qualifiers and the former Inter Milan stalwart did not let his country down. Has come back strongly from several high-profile mistakes that blighted him earlier in his career, but was deemed surplus to requirements at the San Siro in 2012 and completed a move to Queens Park Rangers. Cesar represented Brazil at the 2014 World Cup finals.

WWW.STNEOTSTOWNFC.CO.UK / PAGE 15

THE CHAIRMANS’ VIEWS

WHAT A WEEK Welcome to the Officials, Players and Supporters of Burnham Football Club for todays fixture in the Southern Premier Division.

What a week we’ve had! The last two programme notes I submitted where dedicated to the plight (Fun) of owning a Non League Football Club and how hard it is making the right decisions at the right time that are in the best interests of the football club.

Last week I had to make one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make as Chairman of St Neots Town FC, to change the management team.

These decisions never come easy and it’s always important that no decision of this importance is a Knee Jerk reaction. Having been in business for a long time I believe that firstly you have to realize/accept that you have a problem, identify and then try to resolve without rocking the boat so to speak. Having confidence in your own convictions and believing that any important decision is made in the best interests and long term wellbeing of the club is always at the forefront of my mind.

In a nut shell I felt I had no alternative but to change things around as far as the management structure of the first team is concerned.

I believe we are working in a business where it is of paramount importance to be able to listen and make the right decision based on what you are presented with, I also believe that football is just as much about managing the players and getting the most from their ability.

The best managers in any industry are those that have this quality. To coax a performance, a hand on a

shoulder, a thumbs up even the occasional explanation of what is expected are all part of making a team tick. I want the players to enjoy playing to the potential they undoubtedly have, I want them to embrace the ability the squad as a whole has, and I want to win football matches playing on the bloody floor!

I digress When the team is successful the decision is an even harder one however I would like to make clear that in my view it’s not just the performances on the pitch that are key to good management it is a combination of many attributes.

I have not enjoyed any of this season’s football because I have noticed many things I was not comfortable with both on and off the pitch.

I know the supporters, who I listen to all the time and have the utmost respect for their opinion, have been bemused by some of our inept performances this season considering the brilliant squad of players we have.

“There is not one player out there or on the bench or sitting in the stands I would not like

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in my team” and “why are we not performing to something like the ability we all know we have” are just two of the comments voiced to me.

As a supporter (Chairman’s hat off) I can only agree with everything that’s been said to me because I see it with my own eyes.

The supporters view alone would not make me react the way I have but it most certainly confirms my own views on certain aspects of the clubs management.

The life of a non-league football club Owner / Chairman goes on and I’m confident we will get where we want to when we want to.

ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL Mike

The Origins

of football on TV

We go back to the 1930s to the very first televised football match in the UK, and take us through to the present day.

Some interesting reading in this fascinating series of articles.

Rise of live League coverage The demand for football grew through the 1970s and early 1980s, and the decision to start screening live league matches was almost inevitable; a deal was struck for the start of the 1983-84 season and the first live league match since 1960 was screened on ITV, between Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest, on 2 October 1983. Spurs would also feature in the BBC’s first live league match at Manchester United on a Friday night a few weeks later. By the late 1980s the value of live TV coverage had rocketed; while a two-year contract for rights in 1983 had cost just £5.2m, the four-year contract exclusively landed by ITV in 1988 cost £44m, a fourfold increase per year. There was now a situation where live football was on TV almost every Sunday afternoon from about November onwards, as ITV screened top-flight football most weeks and the BBC had the rights to the FA Cup that occupied other weekends.

With top-flight football proving particularly lucrative, in 1992 the clubs of the Football League First

Division voted to quit the league en masse and set up their own league, the Premier League. They eventually opted to agree a deal with Sky Sports rather than ITV or the BBC, meaning leading live top-flight football was no longer available on terrestrial television. ITV continued to show second tier matches on a regional basis for a time and also later on its unsuccessful ITV Digital platform.

Premier league dominates

Coverage of Premier League now dominates football on English television, especially in financial terms; the contracts agreed between the league and broadcasters BSkyB in 1992 and 1997 were worth £191.5m and £670m respectively.

Sky were also able to show more live games than previously, with several games live on many matchdays (originally Sundays and Mondays). However, the European Union objected to what it saw as a monopoly on television rights and demanded the 2007 contract be split into separate packages of 23 games; eventually Sky won four of the six available packages, with the

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other two were taken by Setanta Sports. Setanta went bankrupt in 2009 with its packages taken over

by ESPN. From 2010/11, Sky have five packages and ESPN one. The top tier still has a presence on terrestrial television in highlights form on Match of the Day. From the 2009/10 season, live coverage of the Football League returned to British terrestrial television for the first time since 2001 with the BBC securing 10 live Championship (second tier) games per season, as well as Football League highlights after Match of the Day. Sky also showed live lower league football while Setanta also showed large numbers of Conference National games before the channels demise.

There is also extensive coverage of numerous Cup competitions. Every match in the Champions League (formerly European Cup) is available either on ITV or Sky Sports while ITV is also the primary broadcaster of the FA Cup with two live games per round while Sky and the BBC show the League Cup. ITV4 and ESPN show the Europa League with even the Football League Trophy getting live television exposure on Sky Sports.

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READ ALL ABOUT IT We take a look at what other non-league clubs are doing that’s making the news this week.

BLUEBIRDS PICK UP POOK

TWO NEW STEELMEN

Chippenham Town have announced the signing of 28-year-old midfielder Michael Pook from Southern League Premier Division rivals Hungerford Town. Pook joined the Crusaders in the summer having had spells with Swindon Town and Cheltenham Town in the Football League and Maidenhead United and Oxford City in the Conference South.

Corby Town have completed the signings of Jamie Anton (pictured) and Liam McInally Anton is a central defender who can also operate at right-back. He joins the Steelmen having been released by Barclays Premier League side Leicester City during the summer.

KEMP MAKES FIRST MAGPIES SIGNING

Wright has also added midfielder Liam McInally to his squad. Twentyfive-year-old McInally’s football career has so far spanned across four different countries having represented Rothwell Town in England, Ottawa Fury in Canada, Northwood University in USA and Douglas United in Australia.

GULLS MIDFIELDER LOANED TO BIDEFORD

Dorchester Town have announced that manager Graham Kemp has made former Eastleigh and Christchurch centre-back Chris Dillon his first signing as the Magpies boss. “Chris has got to be my bestever first signing as a manager,” said Kemp. “He is an out-and-out centrehalf but he can play as well.”

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Midfielder Niall Thompson has joined Bideford AFC in a month`s loan deal from Vanarama Conference side Torquay United. The 21 year-old, who came through the youth system at Plainmoor, signed a new sixmonth contract with the Gulls in the summer and can operate as a winger or at right-back.

LYNN MAKES PURITANS SWITCH

Banbury United have confirmed the transfer of left back David Lynn from league rivals Chesham United The 19-year-old left-back was a scholar at Oxford United and progressed to earn a one-year professional deal at the end of season 2012/13.

He was a regular in the Oxford United development side last season but was released at the end of the campaign whereupon he joined Chesham. He has made six starts for the Generals this season.

TERRAS BORROW EX-MAGPIE Young defender Calvin Brooks has completed a loan move to Weymouth rom Sky Bet League One side Yeovil Town. Brooks was previously

TIGERS FORWARD BECOMES A STEELMAN

with Weymouth`s league rivals and neighbours Dorchester Town, where he played alongside player-manager Jason Matthews. Brooks has signed for the Terras for an initial one month and has been given permission to play be against Bideford in the FA Cup tomorrow.

GOLDEN BOOT` WINNER TRANSFER-LISTED

Corby Town have completed the signing of Wales under-21 international Elliott Chamberlain from Vanarama Conference North side Gloucester City. Twenty-two-year-old Chamberlain can play either as a striker or on either wing.

He moved to the USA where he played for Atlanta Silverbacks in the national soccer league.

Representing his country the Republic of Ireland at all youth levels reaching the UEFA under-18 Championship final against Germany.

FROME BORROW TERRAS STRIKER

He is a product of the Leicester City academy and enjoyed loan spells at both Stockport County and AFC Telford United during his time with the Foxes. Following his release

by Leicester in 2012, Chamberlain joined Exeter City on a two-year deal.

GEORGE JOINS NEW SAINTS MANAGEMENT TEAM

Truro City have announced that Ben Watson has been placed on the transfer list. Watson, 28, was last season’s `golden boot` winner, but with just two goals this season, it is timely to make a decision regarding his future at Truro City.

He joined Truro in October 2013 from Dorchester Town having previously played for Eastbourne Borough, Exeter City, Grays Athletic and Brighton.

George, now 35, is an exprofessional who during his career has played 102 times for Luton Town and also a host of clubs, including York City, Bury and several non-League clubs, most notably Stevenage Borough, Barton Rovers and Hitchin Town.

St Neots Town have announced Liam George as the first of their new assistant first-team managers under boss Gary King.

Frome Town have announced they have completed the signing of striker Mark Ford from Southern League Premier Division rivals Weymouth on a month`s loan.

The former Blandford United striker moves until the start of November and will be available for all cup matches after Weymouth agreed to him being able to play for the Robins.

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THE BEAUTIFUL GAME

EASY TIGER! How often in football does a club give something back to the fans, other than a decent recent now and again?

As supporters, we don’t ask for much do we? Sometimes, we don’t even mind losing as long as we can see that the team gave their very best and the loss was a result of lady luck being totally against us on the day. Obviously, a promotion every so often is something we all look for as we embark on each (and every) season, however, as long as we feel entertained, we’re relatively happy with the return we get for paying our entry fee. We’ve seen clubs run initiatives such as kids for a quid to generate interest in the club by engaging the ‘future fan.’ There has also been the rare case of the odd club asking supporters to pay what they want on a specific match day. This venture sounds great as it will always boost the attendance significantly if the fans can get in for next to nothing. It can also have a negative effect on the season ticket holders of the club. They paid in advance for their match ticket yet they see the opportunists and the stay-away fans getting in for pennies.

What we’ve not seen before, until now, is a football club actually paying supporters to enter the ground and watch the team perform. That’s exactly what happened recently when the brand new club Hull United AFC played their very first home game in the Humber Premier League.

The club paid each supporter £2 as they entered the ground. Sounds crazy doesn’t’ it? The game attracted a crowd of 418 and the new boys also won the game 4-1. What you

have to realise is that for each of those 400+ in attendance that were paid the two pounds, if each of those had brought a pie, or a programme, or a drink of some description, they’d have spent the £2 and more on the day and put it back into the club.

What a great gesture by a football club though. One that we see all too rarely, especially from those with the big bank balances.

The club Hull United club chairman is the modern day Robin Hood of football. Not so much a Tiger, more of a pussycat. The two pound he paid each fan on the day will be the cost of entry for the games throughout this season and the way HUAFC have started, they could be on track for a cracking campaign.

Traditionally, the ‘kind’ gestures from football clubs have some kind of hidden agenda which benefits the club in some way. You can’t blame the club for trying out new ways of attracting the footfall into the ground. Ultimately, it benefits us too as it helps build and mould our respective club and potentially improves the atmosphere within stands, thus improving the overall experience for all. Blackpool Football club made a gesture to its fans last season in a bid to save their Championship status. Whilst sat in the relegation zone prior to their trip to Wigan, Blackpool Chairman Karl Oyston forked out for 3000 tickets for the game and gave them away to the Blackpool faithful. The gesture paid off as Blackpool beat Wigan

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2-0 and managed to hold onto their Championship status, even though they started this season with a team barely able to compete in a 5-a-side tournament!

One gesture by a club showed no hidden agenda at all, simply a big heart. You may have guessed already that it’s not a club here in the UK. This particular gesture occurred at the start of last season involving Feyenoord in Holland. One of their fans Rooie Marck had been diagnosed with terminal cancer and one of his last wishes was to see his beloved club play. His pals took him to the first training session of the season. During the session, training was ceased and an enormous banner of Rooie was revealed, flares were let off and the players and fans all sang ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ to Rooie whilst he lay in his mobile hospital bed. Rooie Marck died three days later but what an amazing gesture from the players to have given him such a tribute.

Let us pay tribute to the boys out there today by getting behind them and getting the result we’re all looking for.

ADE

TODAY’S VISITORS

BURNHAM FC

After finishing narrowly above the relegation zone last season Burnham are looking to establish themselves at this level.

A very special welcome to Burnham our visitors this evening who are making their third visit to the Cozy Stadium. Their first visit was three years ago when we were both in the Central Division of the league and it produced a thriller of a match with Dan Williment and Lewis Driver scoring late second half goals to earn the visitors’ point after Ben Mackey’s first ever St Neots hat trick had looked like clinching the points for our lads.

Their trip here last year again produced six goals but this time Shane Tolley (2), Simon Thomas and Gavin Hoyte delivered our goals in the 4-2 victory. Two weeks ago our skipper Gavin Hoyte celebrated his 100th appearance for St Neots and tonight it should be match number

103 and a good time to collect Southern League goal number two because unless Gavin scored in our match at Arlesey last Saturday (these notes written before then) that strike in the 17th minute of that match was his only goal so far. However back to our visitors who picked up £3,000 in sponsorship three weeks ago with a first Qualifying Round FA Cup victory away at Thame United. Last Saturday they entertained Canvey Island in a second Qualifying Round tie and if successful they will return to FA Cup action again next week.

However today the emphasis is on league points and our visitors will be hoping to improve further on their two away victories this season at Hereford and Frome.

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CLUB HISTORY Founded in 1878, Burnham FC is the second oldest club Buckinghamshire.

We played, with considerable success, in various leagues, before joining the Great Western Combination in 1948. We moved to the Wycombe Combination in 1964 and then spent one season (1970/71) in the Reading Combination. In 1971 the club were elected to the Hellenic League winning both the Premier Division and League Cup in 1975/76. We were also twice beaten finalists in the League Cup. In 1977 the club were elected to the Athenian League and were twice runners-up before the league folded in 1984. We competed in the London Spartan League in 1984/85 winning both the Premier Division title and the League

Year founded: 1872 Nickname: The Blues Chairman: Gary Reeves

Website: www.pitchero/clubs/burnhamfc Stadium: The Gore (2500 Capacity)

Previous Meetings: 2013/14 Burnham 1-0 St Neots St Neots 4-2 Burnham

Cup. The summer of 1985 bought about the amalgamation of the football club with Hillingdon Borough FC who had lost their ground and were about to fold. We played in the Southern League as Burnham & Hillingdon FC but reverted back to the former name of Burnham FC in 1987. Season 1994/95 saw us finish bottom, resulting in relegation to the Hellenic League. After 3 seasons in the Hellenic League finishing fifth, third and again third in 1998/99 the club won both the Premier Division title and the League Cup, thus gaining promotion back to the Southern Football League where we have played since. Season 2006/07 saw the club achieve their highest league position, finishing 3rd, thus qualifying for the end of season Promotion Play-Off semi final

unfortunately losing to the eventual winners Swindon Supermarine. In cup competitions Burnham reached the Quarter Final of the FA Vase in 1977/78 and then went one better in reaching the Semi Final in 1982/83 losing over two legs to Halesowen Town by 4-2. In the home leg the clubs record attendance of 2400 was achieved. We have twice reached the Third Qualifying round of the FA Cup and in 2005/06 reached the First Round Proper for the first time ever before losing at home to Aldershot Town. In the F.A.Trophy we reached the Fourth Round (the last 16) in 1999/2000 before losing to Scarborough in a replay after a creditable 1-1 draw at The Gore. In the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup we have reached the Semi Final twice before losing on both occasions

to Chesham United. The club have recently re-developed The Gore and now boast a fine stadium. The new complex has a new stand, modern dressing rooms, club bars, offices and large banqueting and conference facilities all under the one roof. The clubs reserve team play in the Capital Football League and the under 18 youth team play in the Allied Counties Youth League. In 2010/11 Burnham finished fourteenth in the final Southern League (Central) table (comfortably mid-table) and fifteenth the following season. Then in 2012/13 they were crowned Champions to win a place in the Premier Division. They finished 20th in that first season at this level just one place and seven points above the relegation zone.

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DREW SHOOTS WE THINK!

News from the Youth...

ST NEOTS TOWN U18 3 BRACKLEY TOWN U18 4 St Neots stumbled to defeat at their first hurdle in the FA Youth competition thanks in the main to a virtuoso performance by Brackley striker Tom Kalugin who claimed a well taken hat trick.

It was an entertaining match of contrasting fortunes with the visitors probably just the better side over 90 minutes but St Neots never gave up trying and it was Brackley that was holding on at the final whistle.

With a couple of players unavailable including leading scorer Ebey Marango, St Neots had to make positional changes in their line up and took some time to settle but still looked the more composed side in the first half hour.

Brackley looked to be physically bigger and stronger than their hosts and looked generally more comfortable on the ball. St Neots keeper Dan Huff had to dive bravely at the feet of Kalugin in Brackley’s first attack and then Patrick Wright had a shot deflected after a strong run through the home defence.

However when St Neots settled they began to look dangerous in front of goal with Luke Davis rounding Sam Bridges to bring a good low save

by Jack Bennett and then the lively Dan Hobbs had a cross flicked on only for the keeper to push away at full stretch. St Neots took the lead after 18 minutes when Hobbs

Hobbs corner St Neots skipper Dan Mattin levelled the scores at 2-2.

showed good control before side footing through the defence for Blake Rivers to run on and net with a crisp low shot. Huff then saved well from Ellis Minott but was helpless when a Jarred Spink cross from the right was headed downwards from close range by Kalugin to open the visitors’ account on the half hour. Four minutes later Brackley were ahead as a Spink corner was not cleared and Dan Middleton bundled the ball home from close range. Despite this setback St Neots finished the first half strongly with both Davis and Hobbs having shots well saved

by Bennett. The second half began with Rivers cutting in from the left to shoot narrowly wide and then Chris Lewis had a shot deflected for a corner.Then after 55 minutes from a

Mattin then limped off injured and St Neots had to reorganise with Huff saving a lengthy effort by Kyle Wynne. Some competitive exchanges in midfield were then a feature of the contest but the fifth goal of the game from Kalugin after 69 minutes as he cleverly chipped the advancing Huff was the turning point of the match. Brackley began to dominate the chances if not the possession with Wynne clipping the top of the crossbar with the keeper beaten and Brackley substitute Lewis Chant shooting high over the bar when he should have scored.

Brackey pressure resulted in a fourth goal and a hat trick for Kalugin as he produced a stunning finish on the turn to beat Huff and give his side a comfortable two goals cushion three minutes from time. St Neots had the better of the final exchanges and Dan Hobbs deservedly got a goal from a free kick to narrow the deficit but it was too little too late.

John Walker

St Neots: Huff, Whittle, Stewart, Ball, Mattin, Coleman, Lewis, White, Davis, Hobbs, Rivers Subs used: Benham, Jefferson and Fawcus-Williams Cards: None Goals (St Neots): Rivers (18 mins), Mattin (55 mins), Hobbs (45+3 mins)

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Sponsored by Steve Ridley

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Extended Match Highlights Post-Match Analysis and Interviews All the Goals, Outtakes and Behind the Scenes Coverage Tune in to your club... www.stneotstownfc.co.uk

HE WHO DARES...

GREENIES GREETINGS

FOOTBALL FAMILY There’s no better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than with the football family.

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen and welcome to Rowley Park – The Cozy Stadium, for today’s Southern League Premier Division match. Today we extend a very warm welcome to the players, officials and of course, the supporters of Burnham Football Club and we hope you enjoy your stay with us here in St Neots before safely returning to Berkshire this evening.

Well, there never seems to be a dull moment here at the Club, so much so I reckon we would give the top soap operas on television a good run for their money with the constant and varied news stories coming out of the ground.

We say goodbye then to Nathan and Zema Abbey, who’s tenures as assistant and joint managers came to an end on Saturday after the less than convincing win at Arlesey Town, with the team sitting in third place in the Southern League table after

Slough Town’s 2-1 win at Corby Town on Wednesday evening and we welcome Manager Gary King’s new assistant Liam George to the Club.

A solid foundation for the new look management team to build on and we hope Liam’s association with the club will be a long and successful one.

Also joining our ranks in the last week are full back Max York, from Biggleswade Town, striker Nat Peacock from Barton Rovers and someone who needs no introduction to all you Saints fans, midfielder Ollie Thorne, who has joined on an initial one month loan from Hemel Hempstead Town. Ollie of course scored on his (second) debut at Arlesey last week and was instrumental in our second half comeback so please me in welcoming the lads to St Neots Town FC and we hope you all have long and successful spells with us.

As ever, our travelling support has been nothing less than magnificent over the past few games with a large contingent making the journey to both Banbury and Arlesey. With the second half at Banbury being a rather tepid, dour occasion, the highlight of the second forty-five minutes was a snap shot from Jay Davies which hit the side netting at the near post with quite some venom and the ball then flew behind the goal and hit Eamonn’s pint glass square on, covering the poor chap in lager from head to toe. This caused

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much amusement among the rabble behind the goal and went a long way to lightening the mood of us all.

In actual fact, the lager tasted that bad, it probably did him a favour. No matter the result, there’s no better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than with the football family, great banter and great company.....long may it continue.

A week last Thursday saw our under 18 squad fall at the first hurdle in the FA Youth Cup, losing 4-3 to Brackley Town here at the Cozy Stadium. I believe the match report for this game is included in today’s edition so all I will say is that it was a very entertaining encounter and on another day, we may well have been the team in the hat for the next round. Thursday evening we were due to entertain March Town United Under 18’s in the Thurlow Nunn League Western Division but at the time of writing, the result was unknown.

PUMP UP THE VOLUME GREENY

MY BALL ‘NATH’!

AWAY DAYS

TOP FIELD STADIUM We are off to Hitchin this Monday night! A local derby of which we are yet to get any result from the last three visits to Top Field. years beating Hereford and Bristol Rovers. Promoted to the Southern League Premier Division in 2011, they have consolidated their position in the division finishing mid table for the last three seasons.

Hitchin always seem to put in a great performance when they play St Neots on their home patch, lets hope we can come away with something on Monday. Hitchin have had a great start to this seasons campaign sitting a very comfortable 6th in the division with a playing record of P10 W6 D2 L2 F16 A9 for the season.

A club with a lot of footballing history especially in the FA Cup in the mid 1990s where they reached the first round proper in two consecutive

A young team has been put together by manager Mark Burke who took the position of manager in 2013.

Mark retained most of last season’s squad with the exception of Josh Bickerstaff who moved to St Neots Town.

Notable new signings have been Jonny McNamara from Arlesey Town and the return of Robbie Burns from Cambridge City. Their club captain is Alasan Ann who had a brief spell with St Neots Town last season.

BY ROAD VIA THE A1 Make your way up or down the A1(M) and exit at junction 8 (Stevenage North and Hitchin). Take the A602

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towards Hitchin, go over two roundabouts and through lights on the one-way system following the signs for Bedford (A600).You will see a large open green to your right, at the next roundabout turn right into Fishponds Road and entrance to the ground is approx 100 yards on your left.

TOP FIELD STADIUM Fishponds Road, Hitchin, Herts. SG5 1NU Adults = £10 Concessions = £6 (Over 60 and Students on production of a valid Student Card) Children under 16 £2 Programme £2.00 Parking, plenty of spaces

OLD ‘FOOTIE’ PROGRAMMES

1990s

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INTRODUCING

MATTHEW SPRING Matt is a midfield player with plenty of professional experience and exactly the type of player any non-league club would love to have. Calm and always in control of the ball Matt is the ideal player to have beside you.

Springy started his career with Luton Town where he went on to make 289 appearances for the hatters scoring 30 goals.

Leeds United came in for him and he signed for then manager Kevin Blackwell on a bosman transfer, a combination of injuries and travel problems restricted him to just 15 appearances for united.

Moving back south Springy joined Lutons big rivals Watford where he helped them to a playoff winners of the championship, matts chances were limited with Watford in the

premier division so he made the switch back to Luton Town for a transfer fee of ÂŁ300,000 where he made a further 58 first team appearances. From January 2009 Springy has played for at professional level Charlton Athletic, Leyton Orient and most recently Wycombe Wanderers, a really brilliant footballing career.

Being without a club Matt was approached by the management of St Neots Town where he played a few pre season games and then just before the first game of the season signed for the Saints.

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MY BALL ‘NATH’

MD’S VIEWS

I HAVE A GREEN LIGHT FROM THE WIFE So not around this weekend as I’m going back to what I do best. Having a hack around a golf course. I’m off to Forest Pines up near Scarborough for a long weekend with eleven other mates (yes I have eleven mates!) for three rounds of golf and a few beers.

They have even insisted that I take a handicap of 2 for this trip (I usually have to play off scratch being an expro an all) because they understand that my golf playing time is limited to the odd round.

MIXED EMOTIONS I have to say I’m caught between being excited about getting two shots and feeling slightly upset that they think I’m slightly beyond my prime. I told the wife about my grievance and without hesitation she informed me that I am way beyond my prime. Taking this as an opportunity (as us men do) I smiled and said “surely I’m not way beyond my prime at everything” mmmm I was slightly disappointed with her response to say the very least. Last night (Friday as your reading this) we had an evening with Peter Shilton which I’m sure was an enjoyable night. All part of trying to drive the

business forward. Function bookings as a whole are again up YTD and we are getting busier all the time, so well done Lou and thank you to all those that are booking with us.

tours and new partners. Iain has passed his 1st4sport so we are now looking to become an accredited centre and as always we will look at ways to further enhance what we do.

A DIFFICULT WEEK It’s been a difficult week to say the very least and not just for the club but for all concerned. It’s never easy and it takes strength of character from all parties to move on. Time will tell if the decisions that are made (and have been made over the last three years) are the right ones. Not everyone will agree but that’s why life is so great and dynamic. Thank you to Zema and Nathan.

LAST WEEK’S DIARY MondaY: Scholars, Development Centre, Youth Training and the Scouts have taken ownership of the Gregory suite 5.30pm- 7.30pm

PERSPECTIVE Condolences go to a good friend of mine and a good friend of the clubs whose mum died last week.

Sometimes you get a call that just gives you that little nudge to remind you that life is precious and all things that go on outside of your family and friends should be sprinkled with a little perspective. I struggle to get this balance and I’m sure lots of others do as well. But that’s life, if you get what I mean (I think).

So this week is now moving behind us, moving into the past and a new chapter is about to begin. All’s well within the club with fantastic strides being made to further establish our underbelly. More exciting developments are being put into place already for next season with proposed academy sides, football

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Tuesday: Scholars, Apprentices, U21’s cup game, First team training, Youth Training Wednesday: College league game(away and thanks Andy) Gregory suite hire and astro hire all day for FA Youth Modules, Reedmans use for Community programme all day, Youth Training in the evening Thursday: Scholars, apprentices, Gregory suite and astro hire all day for FA Youth Modules, U18’s league game, first team training and Youth training in the evening Friday: An evening with Peter Shilton Saturday: U19’s girls game (on astro) Nerf league game (astro), first team game, Hunts FA awards, Evening Function Gregory and Reedman’s Sunday: County U18’s Game on the main Pitch Believe it or not last week (above) is Par for the course (which is a lot better than I’ll be doing!!!)

LEE

STEWS VIEWS

STILL THE WORKING CLASS GAME? Football has advanced well through the “technological age,” with a dramatic transformation of how we perceive the game on the pitch.

This has seen the improvement of the Premier League, as the “greatest league” in the world, with a crop of some the world’s “greatest” players. Money may have played this important part in the advancement of our game on the pitch but it has also controlled the game off the pitch, which has negatively, driven away the average “working class” supporter who can’t afford to compete with their football clubs hike in ticket prices for example.

This raises the questions – what happened to the days when fans

were more important to the football club than the money coming into it?

The top level game is slowly turning into a business of greed at the very top and something radical needs to change, for the sake of the average “working class” man who supported his team for years being priced out the so called “beautiful game”. The main catalyst for this change was the emergence of, billionaire owners and rich TV sponsorship deals from Sky Sports. This points to another example of the negative effect which money is having on our game.

This diverse change in the game reflects the trends in capitalism,within society with the neo-liberalism of Thatcherism and Blairism. The aim of the chairmen of

the big clubs such as Manchester City or Chelsea is to ‘rationalise’ the football industry by the unleashing of brutal market forces. But the real fans, “working classes” in society, are gradually being cut off from attending the game because of the greed of money, cutting the new generation off from watching top level live football.

The bubble is starting to burst.

Football clubs have always played an integral part of working class communities. BBC Sport’s “Price of Football” has shown that fans in the Premier League are paying between £15 and £126 for match day tickets this season, with season tickets costing up to £1955. It’s a sad state of affairs to see hard working and dedicated football fans from “working class” backgrounds who love the “beautiful game” being driven away by ticket price hikes.

Malcolm Clarke, chairman of the FSF, with regards to this issue said: “We want football to be available to all income levels. Certainly at some clubs that is not the case.

We are in the wrong ballpark for prices of tickets. I hear all the time of long-term supporters who have given up season tickets because they resent paying the money they are asked to pay. There is a danger that supporters feel alienated.”

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Football clubs in the high end of the ticket prices in the Premier League such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United won’t make any radical change in their ticket prices and season tickets because they fill their stadiums every week, so it makes no difference if that means the “working class” supporter who can’t afford the sudden hike in prices misses watching their team they supported all their lives. Why do clubs in Premier League, who are part of “working class” cities, charge their fans such unrealistic ticket prices which in majority the average “working class” fan can’t support?

Some Premier League clubs such as Leicester City are an example to most “working class” cities, that rational and affordable ticket prices can be part of the modern game of football.

As a fair game on the pitch, football should also be level playing field of the pitch for all sections of society.

This greed in profits of clubs like Arsenal or Chelsea shouldn’t price out the “working class” fans. Football is above anything else, an ideal

multi-billion business and it seems the emphasis is made on how much money can now be made from ‘their customers’ and they will do anything in their power to achieve this, without any thought to the “working class” supporters who were the original foundations of the game!

vehicle for working with the working class sections of society such as minority communities, offenders and people with disabilities because of its glamour and intrinsic, nearuniversal appeal. Instead the game is being further pushed away from the “working class” roots.

It seems now in the modern age of top level football, particularly the Premier League, the game belongs to the rich business men like Roman Ambromvich and big sports TV companies like Sky Sports, who set the agenda and have truly changed the game beyond belief and have actively tried to squeeze the working class roots out the “beautiful game”. It has become a

I see a huge gap in the market for Non-League clubs like ourselves, with great facilities, a forward thinking football ethos and pricing structure to suit the average working class supporter. We should be attracting the alienated supporters, although I am aware that our area is quite an affluent one in general. You only have to look at St Neots Railway Station platform on a Saturday morning, to see great numbers of the big London clubs supporters, catching a train into the smoke to watch their teams. Now what else can we do as a club, to give us a “point of difference” over the other clubs in and around us in the area?

Answers on a postcard please?

Yours Aye Craig

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Scorelines..

A brief round up of the recent results from the teams that matter FA Cup Second Round Qualifying Just six clubs definitely booked a place in the next Round with Shortwood United leading the way when, after trailing at half time, they scored twice after the break to win 2-1 at home and eliminate Conference North Oxford City while Barton Rovers, ahead from a first half penalty, conceded an equaliser straight after he break but secured a fine 2-1 success at Isthmian Premier Division front runners Margate and Chalfont St Peter scored after eight minutes to win 1-0 at Kettering Town, the Division One Central leaders.

Dorchester Town scored twice in the second half to ease to a 2-0 success at Abingdon United and Chippenham Town also put out Hellenic League opponents when they scored with a minute remaining to secure a 1-0 home victory over Ardley United while Weymouth, who had gone behind after eleven minutes but led at the break, scored twice in the final eight minutes to defeat visiting Bideford 4-1. Division One South & West newcomers Larkhall Athletic continued their impressive start to the season when they twice recovered from two behind to hold Conference South visitors Gosport Borough to a 3-3 draw while Poole Town, trailing four minutes after the interval, secured a 1-1 draw at Conference South Bath City with a goal in the final minute and Paulton Rovers, leading at half time, had to settle for a

1-1 home draw when Conference North Gloucester City equalised with just five minutes left.

Bedworth United, a goal down at half time, secured a 1-1 home draw with Mickleover Sports when they scored eight minutes after the break while Biggleswade Town had to come from behind to secure a 2-2 draw at Dorking Wanderers and Frome Town drew 1-1 at Folland Sports with both goals being scored within ten first half minutes but Division One South & West Evesham United travelled to Histon and held their Premier Division opponents to a 0-0 draw.

Swindon Supermarine lost 3-0 at Havant & Waterlooville and Dunstable Town also lost to Conference South opposition when they conceded a goal in each half to go down 2-0 at Hemel Hempstead Town while Hitchin Town were breached three times in the first half to lose 3-0 at home to Isthmian League Wingate & Finchley and North Greenford United slipped to a 1-0 defeat at Waltham Abbey. Rugby Town, goalless at half time, went out 3-1 at Conference North Worcester City while Banbury United lost 3-0 at Weston-Super-Mare and, despite taking a second minute lead, Beaconsfield SYCOB lost 3-1 at home to Greenwich Borough.

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Bridgwater Town conceded two goals before the break to lose 2-0 at home to Conference South Basingstoke Town and Uxbridge, who levelled two minutes after going behind early on, were hit with three goals in the final ten minutes and lost 5-1 at Bromley but Burnham lost 1-0 at Canvey Island when the home side scored in the thirteenth minute.

Premier Division St Neots Town, behind after just ten minutes, moved up to third place when three goals in the final fifteen minutes gave them a 3-1 win at Arlesey Town while Hungerford Town, ahead in the second minute, went into fifth with a 2-0 victory at Hereford United but Truro City, a goal up at the interval, slipped two places when Slough Town scored twice in the second half to inflict a 2-1 home defeat on them.

Division One Central Aylesbury scored six times in the second half to record a resounding 8-1 home win over St Ives Town which took them into second place but Potters Bar Town conceded a goal four minutes before the break to lose 1-0 at home to Aylesbury United while Hanwell Town, a goal ahead at half time, secured a 3-1 victory at Northwood.

Bedford Town scored in the first half to secure a 1-0 home success over Egham Town and AFC Hayes defeated visiting Daventry Town 2-0 with a goal in each half.

YOU PUT YOUR RIGHT LEG IN...

ARLESEY TOWN 1 ST NEOTS TOWN 3 27:09:2014 / Southern Premier / Att 214 / Referee: G Russell (Northampton) St Neots moved up to third in the table with a less than convincing victory over struggling Arlesey thanks to a strong performance in the final quarter of an hour of this match that had been brought forward from midweek.

With only three rearranged league matches on the day because of FA Cup commitments it was the ideal chance for St Neots to improve their league standing but after a very poor first half that gifted opportunity was looking likely to be squandered. However back on loan from Hemel Hempstead making his first appearance for St Neots since January 2013, midfield dynamo Ollie Thorne was the inspiration behind the victory scoring the first of those three comeback goals and looking the best visiting player in that rather torrid first 45 minutes.

He was one of three changes from the Banbury league match seven days earlier as the Managers still seek to establish their preferred staring eleven. It was a match of four goals yet neither keeper was seriously tested in the 90 minutes and St Neots must learn to convert superior possession into goals if their season is to achieve its full potential.

The visitors received an early wake up call when Arlesey scored in their first and only first half chances after ten minutes. St Neots failed to cut out a move down the left flank allowing Jamil Shariffu space

to cross to the near post where Mark Gallagher squeezed between two defenders to flick the ball past Greygoose. That wake up call was not heeded because although St Neots saw plenty of the ball their final pass was often misguided and apart from a far post header

by Thorne to a deep Roberts free kick that was scraped off the line

by Jimmy Haran there was little to excite. The visitors seemed easily knocked out of their stride by a rather physical approach by Arlesey and Drew Roberts’ two first half chances saw him shoot across the face of goal after good work by Mason Spence and then see a rather tame free kick easily gathered by home keeper Nick Thompson. In time added on at the end of the first half Bruce Wilson did well to leave his marker in his wake to cross to Thorne but his powerful header just cleared the crossbar.

Two early second half substitutions by the home side seemed to buck their attacking ideas but St Neots also looked far more direct in their approach and from a good cross

by Thorne, Nathan Frater saw a net bound effort deflected wide by a back peddling defender.

Arlesey substitute Elliot Bailey headed wide from a Shariffu free kick but on the hour St Neots clearly stated their intent by sending on two attacking substitutes.Thorne volleyed over the bar after clever work by Matt Spring, one of those substitutes, and St Neots began looking menacing down the left flank with Lorenzo Ferrari using his pace to good effect. Matt Nolan was also utilised and now St Neots had three strikers on the field and this led to a positive final 15 minutes.

After 75 minutes a long throw from Jay Davies set up Ollie Thorne for a crisp finish that was assisted by a slight deflection and St Neots were at last level. Two minutes later a defensive error let in Nathan Frater for his eighth goal of the campaign and a 2-1 lead and after that there was no looking back.

A third goal two minutes from time sealed the victory as Drew Roberts got on the end of a Ferrari cross after the substitute had left two defenders behind with his searing pace and St Neots had turned disappointment in the first half into three valuable league points.

John Walker

St Neots Town

Arlesey Town

Greygoose, Spence, Bickerstaff, Hilliard, Frater (R), Hoyte, Davies, Thorne, Frater (N), Roberts, Wilson Subs: Ferrari (for Wilson 61 mins), Spring (for Hilliard 61 mins), Nolan (for Spence 72 mins), Powell and Lee. Cards: None Goals: Thorne (75 mins), Frater (N) (77 mins), Roberts (88 mins)

Thompson, Gough, Willett, Bailey (S), Maltay, Haran, Boot, Taylor, Gallagher, Tavernier, Shariffu Subs: Engliaf (for Boot 46 mins), Bailey (E) (for Gallagher 61 mins), Carr (for Sharaffu 66 mins) Sage and McGovern. Cards: Bailey (S) (Y – 33 ) Goals: McGovern (10 mins)

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BYE!

FOOTBALL is forever changing with goal-line technology, vanishing foam and extra officials all being added to the game at the highest level over the past few years.

And while all these changes have come at the top, it’s changes off the pitch that make the difference at the lower regions of the beautiful game.It is perhaps strange how having your phone in your hand every second you’re awake can now be seen as social, but with the rise of Facebook and Twitter, it is exactly that.

Social networking has proven a key way for Non-League clubs to keep their fans in the know, with transfer news and results often posted on twitter as the pen squiggles on the dotted line or as the man in black blows his final whistle.

We recently had a letter sent in to The NLP regarding the demise of the Pink newspaper, a publication often printed and put on sale within half an hour of 3.00pm Saturday kick-offs finishing. It staggers belief really.

It used to be the only way for fans to find out how their team had fared, if they were not at the match of course.

Cardiff’s South Wales Sports Echo was available to buy within 20 minutes of the end of the game, featuring half-time reports and full time scores, with a fuller edition later in the evening.

Now you can read about matches PAGE 54 /

wanted to wipe from the memory as soon as possible will now be known as the year that Hyde became Twitter-famous!

almost instantly on a lot of websites.

We then went onto Ceefax, having to wait while the other 12 pages are updated before it scrolls back round to your team. Soccer Saturday on Sky Sports is almost the same, just with a presenter!

Of course, to watch these things you generally need to be at home, although social media has changed all this. You can now follow your team when on the move and some clubs are taking full advantage to gain their club a cult following.

Hyde are a prime example. In their poor season last year, where they picked up just one win all campaign, they managed to raise their ‘followers’ count to 45,000 thanks to a largely comedic look at their matches. They now sit within the top 30 of English football clubs followed on Twitter and a campaign that most would have

ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V BURNHAM ISSUE 06

Don’t get me wrong though – I love social networks. Used correctly, it’s a great way to meet fellow fans and read others opinions. It’s amazing how often two people at the same match will have a completely different view of the 90 minutes they have just witnessed. Used incorrectly and it can come back to bite you in the proverbial.

Just ask Jason Puncheon!

Joshua Peck Follow us on twitter: @NonLeguePaper @SamElliott_NLP @Stuhammonds_NLP @MattBadcock_NLP

Opposition in CAPS denotes home fixture. Player name in BOLD CAPS denotes goal scorer.

Date

ATT

COMP

R

Pos

2

3

4

Sat 09 Aug

Opposition Hereford United

568

SLP

2-0

7

Abbey

Spence

Lee

Ford

F

Tue 12 Aug

Chesham United

331

SLP

3-3

5

Abbey

Spence

LEE

Spring

F

Sat 16 Aug

WEYMOUTH

312

SLP

2-0

2

Abbey

Powell

LEE

Bickerstaff

F

Tue 19 Aug

REDDITCH UNITED

310

SLP

0-3

9

Abbey

Powell

Lee

Bickerstaff

Sat 23 Aug

Truro City

503

SLP

3-2

8

Abbey

Spence

LEE

Bickerstaff

Mon 25 Aug

Corby Town

518

SLP

3-1

6

Abbey

Spence

Lee

Bickerstaff

Sat 30 Aug

PAULTON ROVERS

298

SLP

1-1

7

Abbey

Spence

Lee

Bickerstaff

Sat 06 Sep

Biggleswade Town

301

SLP

2-2

6

Abbey

Spence

Wilson

Bickerstaff

Tue 09 Sep

HISTON

401

SLP

4-0

4

Abbey

Spence

Lee

Farrell

Sat 13 Sep

DEREHAM TOWN

312

FAC

1-1

-

Abbey

Spence

Lee

Spring

Sat 20 Sep

Banbury United

281

SLP

1-1

5

Greygoose

Spence

Lee

Farrell

Tue 30 Sep

Arlesey Town

217

SLP

3-1

2

Greygoose

Spence

Bickerstaff

Hilliard

Sat 04 Oct

BURNHAM

SLP

Mon 06 Oct

Hitchin Town

SLP

Sat 11 Oct

POOLE TOWN

SLP

Sat 18 Oct

Cirencester Town

SLP

Tue 21 Oct

CHESHAM UNITED

SLP

Sat 25 Oct

Weymouth

SLP

Mon 27 Oct

Redditch United

SLP

Sat 01 Nov

ILKESTON TOWN

FAT

Sat 08 Nov

Truro City

SLP

Sat 15 Nov

Hungerford Town

SLP

Tue 18 Nov

CAMBRIDGE CITY

SLP

Sat 22 Nov

Bideford

SLP

Sat 29 Nov

SLOUGH TOWN

SLP

Sat 06 Dec

DORCHESTER TOWN

SLP

Sat 13 Dec

Chippenham Town

SLP

Sat 20 Dec

FROME TOWN

SLP

Fri 26 Dec

CORBY TOWN

SLP

Thu 01 Jan

Dunstable Town

SLP

Sat 03 Jan

HEREFORD UNITED

SLP

Sat 10 Jan

Paulton Rovers

SLP

Sat 17 Jan

BIGGLESWADE TOWN

SLP

Sat 24 Jan

Histon

SLP

Sat 31 Jan

BANBURY UNITED

SLP

Sat 07 Feb

ARLESEY TOWN

SLP

Sat 14 Feb

Burnham

SLP

Sat 21 Feb

HITCHIN TOWN

SLP

Sat 28 Feb

Poole Town

SLP

Sat 07 Mar

CIRENCESTER TOWN

SLP

Sat 14 Mar

HUNGERFORD TOWN

SLP

Sat 21 Mar

Cambridge City

SLP

Sat 28 Mar

BIDEFORD

SLP

Sat 04 Apr

Slough Town

SLP

Mon 06 Apr

DUNSTABLE TOWN

SLP

Sat 11 Apr

Dorchester Town

SLP

Sat 18 Apr

CHIPPENHAM TOWN

SLP

Sat 25 Apr

Frome Town

SLP

PAGE 56 / ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V BURNHAM ISSUE 06

F

Player name in these colours denotes substitute

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

14

Frater (R)

Hoyte

Spring

Davies

Dillon

Hilliard

Powell

NOLAN

FRATER (N)

15

Frater (R)

Hoyte

DAVIES

Ford

Nolan

Hilliard

Powell

FRATER (N)

Frater (R)

Hoyte

DAVIES

Spring

Nolan

Ford

Frater (N)

Spence

Hilliard

Frater

Hoyte

Davies

Spring

Nolan

Frater (N)

Ford

Roberts

Ferrari

Frater

Hoyte

Davies

Spring

FRATER (N) 2

Ford

Powell

Roberts

Ferrari

Farrell

Frater

Hoyte

Ford

Spring

Frater (N)

ROBERTS 2

Farrell

FERRARI

Davies

Powell

Frater

Hoyte

Davies

Spring

ROBERTS

Farrell

Ford

Ferrari

Wilson

Powell

Frater

Hoyte

Davies

Spring

FRATER N

ROBERTS

Powell

Deeney

Nolan

Farrell

FRATER

Hoyte

DAVIES

Powell

Nolan

ROBERTS 2

Hilliard

Wilson

Ferrari

Bickerstaff

Frater

Hoyte

Davies

Wilson

NOLAN

Roberts

Hilliard

Ferrari

Farrell

Powell

Frater

Hoyte

DAVIES

Wilson

Nolan

Roberts

Hilliard

Ferrari

Ford

Frater

Hoyte

Davies

THORNE

FRATER N

ROBERTS

Wilson

Ferrari

Spring

Ferrari

Nolan

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/STNEOTSTOWNFC / PAGE 57

SOUTHERN PREMIER DIVISION / 30.09.14

P

W

D

L

GF

GA

+/-

Pts

01

Poole Town

10

9

1

0

21

4

+17

28

02

Dunstable Town

11

7

3

1

25

12

+13

24

03

St Neots Town

11

6

4

1

24

14

+10

22

04

Weymouth

10

7

1

2

20

15

+5

22

05

Hungerford Town

12

6

3

3

17

8

+9

21

06

Hitchin Town

10

6

2

2

16

9

+7

20

07

Truro City

12

6

2

4

20

17

+3

20

08

Corby Town

11

6

2

3

17

14

+3

20

09

Slough Town

12

5

4

3

21

18

+3

19

10

Cambridge City

11

5

2

4

19

13

+6

17

11

Chippenham Town

11

5

2

4

17

15

+2

17

12

Redditch United

10

5

1

4

13

13

0

16

13

Cirencester Town

11

3

6

2

23

11

+12

15

14

Chesham United

10

3

3

4

15

11

+4

12

15

Biggleswade Town

10

3

3

4

12

12

0

12

16

Hereford United

12

3

3

6

12

21

-9

12

17

Burnham

11

3

2

6

21

25

-4

11

18

Dorchester Town

11

3

1

7

13

19

-6

10

19

Frome Town

11

3

1

7

15

29

-14

10

20

Bideford

11

3

0

8

21

31

-10

9

21

Paulton Rovers

10

1

4

5

11

17

-6

7

22

Banbury United

11

2

1

8

10

25

-15

7

23

Histon

10

1

3

6

8

20

-12

6

24

Arlesey Town

11

1

2

8

9

27

-18

5

PAGE 58 /

ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V BURNHAM ISSUE 06

Don’t succumb to just putting up a bookshelf, show your walls some love!

Wall Art

Wallpaper

Wall Stickers

www.ilovemywalls.co.uk

Manager: Gary King Assistant Manager: Liam George

Manager: Gary Meakin Assistant Manager: Gus Douglas

Goalkeeper

Goalkeepers

Jamie Greygoose

Alex Lynch

Defenders

James Reading

Josh Bickerstaff

Defenders

Ryan Frater

Josh Webb

Gavin Hoyte (C)

Nathan Poulton

Jordan Ivey-Ward

Patrick Sappelton

Arthur Lee

Brad Hewitt

Max York

Jon-Jo Bates

Midfielders

Craig Carby

Ollie Thorne

Ryan Phillips

Dean Cracknell

Midfielders

Jay Davies

Tom O`Regan

Matt Spring

Nathan Webb

Ben Farrell

Jordan Ajanlekoko

Lorenzo Ferrari

Romaine Walker

Ben Ford

Howard Hall

Lewis Hilliard

Zak Joseph

Forwards

Melchi Emmanuel Williamson

Bruce Wilson

Joe Debayo

Chris Dillon

Forwards

Nathan Frater

Nicke Kabamba

Matt Nolan

Aaron Couch

Drew Roberts

Kofi Lockhart Adams

Nat Peacock Colours Dark Blue Shirts, Shorts & Socks

Colours Blue/White Shirts, Blue Shorts & Socks

The match line up will be displayed on the electronic scoreboard Referee: Rob Smith Assistants: Jeffrey Aldous / Peter Wilson Next Home Game: St Neots Town v Poole Town Southern League Premier Division / Saturday 11th October / KO 15:00

As a Club we support Grass Roots Football and stand firm against racism within football, visit www.thefa.com for more information on playing your part.