_Issue 16 Eynesbury Rovers

Official Digital Matchday Magazine Season 2024/25

Today’s Match Sponsor

Today’s Matchball Sponsor

GCE PLANT HIRE UNITED COUNTIES PREMIER DIVISION SOUTH

Affiliated to the Huntingdonshire Football Association

St Neots Town F.C. Established Established 1879 1879

First Team President - John Walker

Board of Directors CEO - Louise Sales Chairman - Barry Cavilla Secretary / Director - Gary Wilson Commercial Director - Mark Gearing Director of Football - Iain Parr Director - Jez Green Director - Mike Green Board Member - Brian Barnes Board Member - Andy Clay Board Member - Daniel Dodson Club Welfare Officer - Gemma Keech 07734 821330 email - sntfcwelfareofficer@gmail.com

Saints Match Day Team Fixture Secretary - Marion Izzard Hospitality - Andy and Evelyn Clay, Paula Robertson Stadium Announcer - Mike Green Music - Charlie Green Catering - Diane Sales 50/50 & Merchandising - Shelly Phypers & Lily Dean

Manager - Cameron Mawer Assistant Manager - Steve Kuhne Coach - Alex Minall GK Coach - Gary Dean Physio - Craig Lambert

U18Manager - Tyla Joseph

Academy Manager - Alex Minall Academy Welfare Officer - Chrissie Manly Academy enquiries - Alexsntfcacademy@gmail.com

Club Information Address: Rowley Park, Kester Way, St Neots, Cambs., PE19 6SL Website - www.stneotstownfc.co.uk Enquires - enquires@stneotstownfc.co.uk Commercial Enquiries - mgearing@me.com Events - misslouises@yahoo.co.uk

Media Press Officer - Mike Green Match Reports - John Walker Social Media - Mike Green, Grayham Bonfield, Charlie Green

Ground Staff Pitch maintenance - Barry Oakley, Barry Cavilla, Bob Carpenter

Ownership: In accordance with the football association league rule 2.13 publication of ownership in relation to step 1-4 within the football pyramid, we hereby confirm the legal status of St Neots Town Football Club Identification Number 02921210, and is a Private Limited Company.

For the purposes of publication of ownership we can confirm that the following are listed as Directors of the Company: Lee Kearns (Significant interest 70%) , Iain Parr, Louise Sales, Gary Wilson and as Non Executive Directors Mike Green, Jeremy Green, and Barry Cavilla.

Company Secretary Gary Wilson

Greenie’s Greetings With Director Mike Green "Festive Greetings to you all and welcome back to the Premier Plus Stadium for today‘s GCE Hire Plant United Counties League Premier Division South match. Today we extend a warm welcome to everyone connected to Eynesbury Rovers Football Club and we hope you enjoy our hospitality here this lunchtime”.

Boxing day fixtures are a tradition and they don’t come much bigger than a local derby and a meeting with our old ‘foes’ from on the other side of Henbrook. Our visitors, who have improved tenfold on last season’s efforts, warmed up for today’s Christmas Cracker with a thumping 5-1 over Yaxley at Hall Road on Saturday so I’m sure they will be coming here today fully fired up and full of confidence and hoping to put a dent in our promotion push.

A decent couple of weeks for ourselves having beaten Aylestone Park here in our last home outing in what was a thrilling encounter, cheered on by four hundred Saints fans and then on Saturday we travelled to Newport Pagnell Town in another tricky encounter on a very boggy pitch. You can read all about the afternoon’s proceedings in John Walker’s match report further in to this edition but i can tell you we ended up bringing the three points back to Rowley Park and after Rugby Borough slipped up, we come into this game sitting proudly at the summit of the division. Saturday saw James Peters return to the Club for the first time since the 2018/19 season and we hope this will be a successful and enjoyable time with us second time round.

Enjoy today’s game in the right manner, win or lose and enjoy the rest of the festive season with family and friends and I’ll see you all back here on January fourth when we entertain Easington Sports.

BE LOUD, BE PROUD, BE A SAINT

Greenie

Saints Social Media Sponsor We are delighted to have ADP Fire and Security as our Media Sponsors for the 2023/24 Season

Boardroom Gossip From The Dugout With Chairman BarryCameron Cavilla With Manager Mawer " I’d like to start by saying Merry Christmas to all you and a happy new year and may the new year bring happiness to you all. If I didn’t understand the rivalry I certainly learnt it on Boxing Day last year, a dull affair which Eynesbury managed to nullify any threat we had going forward. Fast forward a year and Eynesbury are certainly a different outfit to last time round, but so are we”.

They have recruited renowned players from the area and with the type of personal in their ranks it seems they have a competitive budget, which makes them able to compete at the top end of the table. Full respect to the management team who have improved them and built a team that, on their day, can beat anyone in the division, between both sides I know there is a few exs, so it will add even more spice to the derby.

I’d like to use this opportunity to welcome James Peters to the club. JP is someone I’ve been chasing for quite a while as I know what qualities he brings on and off the pitch. He’s a leader and a winner, all qualities I feel, we need to add to an already excellent group.

Since I last penned down my thoughts, we have had two excellent wins making it 1 defeat in 18 games in all competitions, the defeat to Downham Town in the FA Vase seems a long time ago. Aylestone Park home and away was probably our best two performances of the season and to do the double over any side is tough let alone one with the quality Aylestone have.

Last time out away at Newport Pagnell in my mind when I arrived at 12:30 no matter how it looked at 6pm I just wanted to be leaving with 3 points and we managed that. It’s a tough place to go and win and I thought even 11v11 we were worthy winners, I have to say anyone who was there on the day would have seen one of the best saves I’ve ever witnessed from their GK from Michael’s header. Your support in 2024 has been immense and let’s make it a final game of the year to remember.

Together, let’s make 2025 a special one.

Cam

Saints

First Team Shirt Sponsor

Boardroom Gossip Boardroom Gossip With Chairman Barry Cavilla With Chairman Barry Cavilla “ Good morning and welcome to you all. We hope your all are enjoying your Christmas break so far and hope you have a good day with us at the Premier Plus Stadium today”.

We would like to welcome all the players, officials and supporters of our very close neighbours Eynesbury Rovers to the Premier Plus Stadium for this much awaited local derby fixture in the busy festive schedule. Eynesbury have enjoyed a very positive season so far and sit in a healthy mid table position and will come with confidence.

Last weekend we made the short trip to a very damp wild and windy Newport Pagnell, where the Saint put in another Fine performance once again and if not for the excellent goalkeeping from Pagnell’s keeper, pulling off a string of fine saves including a penalty, frustrating the dominant Saints throughout this game, however the deadlock was unlocked by superb run and pass by Man of the Match Sam Willis who’s cut back pass into the path of Harvey Williams to drive home a powerful shot and very well deserved goal and secure victory and 3 more vital points to maintain our quest to stay in touch and lead our own destiny. As I knows from past experiences ,league positions and form often does not count for much on these local derby encounters as it often comes down to rolling your sleeves up ,determination getting stuck in and local pride and bragging rights until the next encounter. So I am sure Cameron and the lads know that this will be as tough and competitive game so far this season and will need to draw on all their experience, determination, skill and quality to secure the points and victory today.

However with the Saints incredible team spirit and determination to keep pushing hard to maintain the solid form and build on there recent performances so far this season and to keep the pressure on the leading teams.

Finally your incredible support plays such a big part and influence on the Team to keep this momentum and consistency moving forward, So please give the lads all you support to help the lads make it a Boxing Day to remember.

Barry

Saints Partners Visit www.stneotstownfc.co.uk to find out how to become a partner.

We pride ourselves on being open minded with a particular emphasis on working closely with our business partners to ensure mutually beneficial achievements. Our aim is to continue developing football for all, to offer duel career pathways and to continue to engage and support the Community and local businesses.

We are The Cambridgeshire Hunter, where families and dogs of all shapes and sizes are welcome.

We have several TVs inside and outside which show all SKY & TNT games or why not challenge your friends to game of pool? Have a cold beer and sit in the garden while the children play in our enclosed play area or choose from our many food trucks that are on site throughout the week.

Come down and relax and be part of our friendly, local community pub.

Telephone: 01480 350212 www.thecambridgeshirehunter.com

Alex Tomnie who is eight years old and names Rhys Thorpe as his favourite Saints Player.

Saints Partners Visit www.stneotstownfc.co.uk to find out how to become a partner.

Proud sponsors of the Real Heat Arena

https://realheat.co.uk

Saints Partners Visit www.stneotstownfc.co.uk to find out how to become a partner.

Suite Hire Visit www.stneotstownfc.co.uk/facility-hire to find out more......

THE REEDMANS SUITE HOLDS UP TO 80 PEOPLE AND IS PERFECT FOR SMALLER WEDDING RECEPTIONS AND PARTIES Suitable For: Smaller wedding venues / receptions & evening parties Smaller conference and business meeting facilities Party Celebrations young and old Funeral wakes Event hire Music events Presentation events A modern bar serving a vast range of beers, ciders, wines & soft drink We cater for all food requirements including Buffet menu’s, Hog Roasts, Barbeques, Small dance floor perfect for any party or small wedding reception Comfy dining furniture configured to suit requirements.

This party venue can be dressed / decorated to suit the celebration.

Friendly and experienced St Neots staff Plenty of parking Very adaptable All our facilities are wheel chair accessible

For all enquiries and quotations please contact Louise on misslouises@yahoo.co.uk or call 07753222683 THE GREGORY SUITE HOLDS UP TO 200 PEOPLE AND IS PERFECT FOR WEDDINGS AND LARGE FUNCTIONS. FULLY AIR-CONDITIONED Suitable For: Wedding venues / receptions & evening parties Conference and business meeting facilities Party Celebrations young and old Large funeral wakes Event hire Trade & Craft Fares etc Music events Presentation events A large, impressive bar serving a vast range of beers, ciders, wines & soft drinks We cater for all food requirements including Buffet menu’s, Hog Roasts, Barbeques.

Stage area for bands, disco, and productions A large roomy dance floor perfect for any wedding reception Comfy dining furniture configured to suit requirements This party venue can be dressed / decorated to suit the celebration Friendly and experienced St Neots staff Plenty of parking All our facilities are wheel chair accessible We do have a large projector in the Gregory Suite that can be used for corporate events.

INTRODUCING OUR NEW CLUB WELFARE OFFICER We would like to introduce our new Club Welfare Officer (CWO) Gemma Keech.

Gemma has many years of safeguarding experience through careers in Teaching and Children’s Social Care, as well as being the Club Welfare Officer for Priory Parkside Football Club for almost 4 years.

Gemma’s role as CWO is to be the first point of contact for all club members regarding concerns about the welfare of any child, young person or adult at risk at St Neots Town Football Club. She will liaise directly with the Designated Safeguarding Officer for Hunts FA and is familiar with the procedures for referring any concerns.

Gemma is committed to providing a safe and positive environment for all players, staff and volunteers within SNTFC. If you need to contact Gemma, her details are as follows:

sntfcwelfareofficer@gmail.com

Tel: 07734 821330

UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE Boardroom Gossip With Chairman Barry CavillaDIVISION SOUTH PREMIER

Goldstraw Goldmiths St Neots Town Main Stand Sponsor

Goldstraw Goldsmiths Goldstraw Goldsmiths is an established, trusted, successful jewellery shop in the Cambridgeshire town of St Neots. At Goldstraws Goldsmiths we’ve been designing and caring for jewellery for over 30 years. We sell all styles of jewellery; new and antique. If you have a particular item in mind, we will always endeavour to source it. Two experienced goldsmiths work on the premises, offering quality craftsmanship with every newly created piece and repair. We take pride in our work and our customers tell us time and time again that wouldn’t go anywhere else. Why not come in and say hello we” be happy to help.

www.goldstraw.co.uk 01480 407704

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

at St Neots Town FC

Player Sponsorship Season 2024/25 CAMERON MAWER

STEVE KUHNE

ALEX MINALL

John Walker (President)

CRAIG LAMBERT

St Neots Town Reserves Old Boys

CHARLIE BOWEN

Saints Ambassadors

GARY DEAN

Barry Cavilla and Paula Robertson

MICK HUNT

JAMES GOFF

Jeremy and Daniel Frome

Memorial Makeovers 01480 700840

NATHAN GEORGE

MURPHY CULKIN

DAMMY NICKELS

LIL FRANCISCO

ROBBIE PARKER

MICHAEL AMAESHIKE

SAM WILLIS

DANNY BAULK

CONNOR FURLONG

KIERAN BARNES

Bobby Bolton

Michael’s School of Motoring

RHYS THORPE

CHRISTIAN TAVERNIER

JAMES HATCH

ISRAEL AJANA

THE SAINTS AMBASSADORS

AVAILABLE FOR SPONSOR

PRIORY SAINTS

HARVEY WILLIAMS

AVAILABLE FOR SPONSOR

SCOTT JOSEPH

6-A-Side

PLAYER SPONSORSHIP COSTS £75 + vat IF YOU ARE INTERESTED, PLEASE CONTACT OUR COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR MARK GEARING ON 07748 986932 OR VIA EMAIL ON MGEARING@ME.COM

BLAST FROM THE PAST

(Hunts Intermediate Cup – Scott Gatty – Semi Final) 2008/09 St Neots Reserves

4

Eynesbury Reserves

0

Trophy holders St Neots Reserves eased their way into their seventh Scott Gatty Cup Final in the past eight seasons with what proved to be a very comfortable victory over neighbours Eynesbury Reserves. However, it was not as memorable as it should have been for one player on either side who picked up red cards leaving the sides with ten men each at the final whistle. St Neots man of the match was striker Lee Bassett who terrorised the Eynesbury defence picking up his third hat trick of the season, but he was supported by an impressive all round team performance including another clean sheet from goalkeeper Tim Trebes who was solid and confident throughout. Eynesbury never gave up trying and two goals from St Neots in the final five minutes rubbed salt in the wounds as their visitors visibly tired. With neither senior team in action on the day there was a large crowd, and they were kept entertained by a match that was always competitive.

The opening twenty minutes was to say the least combative as both sides sought to stamp their authority on the match from the start. The busiest man on the pitch was Referee Peter Moore who kept a tight grip on the early exchanges booking a player on either side for over enthusiastic challenges. In fact, Eynesbury created the first two clear chances as a Stuart Humphries free kick was glance headed by David Fisk sending Trebes tumbling to his left to turn the ball for a corner and then a rising shot from Nick Gibson was palmer away by Trebes. St Neots began to enjoy the better share of possession, but they created little until 24th minute when Kevin Ashby headed over from a Luke Swain corner but four minutes later the home side were ahead with a sweet move that split the visiting defence. Luke Swain sent a trade- mark cross field pass to find Lee Barrett wide on the left and he moved inside his marker to fire a right foot low shot across goalkeeper Alan Hills and into the net.

There could have been further St Neots goals, but James Duckett volleyed wide after good work by Bassett and then Hills allowed a shot by Shane Fox to slip through his arms but was relieved to see the ball rebound from the foot of a post back into his arms.

BLAST FROM THE PAST

Bassett put St Neots firmly in control just five minutes after the restart when he was left unmarked at the far post to rise to head a cross from Kevin Ashby firmly past Hills to double his sides’ lead. He then brought an excellent save from the goalkeeper with a volley after unselfish work by Shan Fox and Eynesbury then had a good chance when they won a free kick just outside the penalty area but Darren Blackhall’s free kick was too high. Bassett continued to torment the visiting defence with his speed and after he had been denied a hat trick goal by a post he was hauled down when clear on goal by Rovers’ skipper Kirk Kidd who picked up his second yellow card and was sent off on the hour. Four minutes later numerical parity was restored when James Duckett also picked up a second yellow card for a high challenge and he became the first St Neots Reserve player to be sent off this season. Any hopes that the visitors could force their way back into the match were soon dashed as both Luke Knight and Fox squandered good chances to increase the lead and then after 85 minutes Shane Fox took on several defenders to fire a clinching goal past Hills. That might have been it, but Lee Bassett was not going to lose his chance of a hat trick and two minutes later he put the finishing touch to a neat move between Fox and Knight that had opened up the Rovers defence.

St Neots Reserves: Trebes, Knight, J.Duckett, Wale, Ashby, Woodhead, R.Duckett, Coles, Bassett, Fox, Swain.

Subs: Cook (for Fox 87 mins), Warwick (for R.Duckett 87 mins), Oakley & Laine.

Man of the Match: Lee Bassett

Saints Partners - Visit www.stneotstownfc.co.uk to find out how to become a partner.

St Neots Town FC is not just about football we are a community focused business. We have so much more going on which ultimately and significantly increases our footfall and our website site and social media reach.This in turn means that when you advertise with the Saints you get so much more for your money.

The Saints Community Memorial Wall We would like to formally announce that the Saints Community Memorial Wall is now ready and opportunities for Supporters to remember their loved ones, who may have been Saints Supporters themselves, are now available.

The Wall is completely under cover and protected from the elements and the flowers/shrubbery are cared for and tended to on a daily basis by our dedicated grounds staff. We would like to thank Kite Utilities, Ballinger Construction and Oasis Promotions and Print for all their collective help in getting this project from an idea by Chairman Barry Cavilla to a quite splendid addition to our stadium.

Stainless steel wall plaques are now available for loving messages to be engraved in the following two options: 6” x 4” Stainless Steel Wall plaque – Lasered with black text (feels smooth to touch) Can come with 4 countersunk screws – or they can be without and glued Total cost £36.00 8” x 4” Stainless Steel Wall plaque – Lasered with black text (feels smooth to touch) Can come with 4 countersunk screws – or they can be without and glued Total cost £48.00 Any interested supporters should contact Chairman Barry Cavilla for further details via email on bcavilla77@gmail.com or in person at The Premier Plus Stadium on a matchday.

Saints Partners - Visit www.stneotstownfc.co.uk to find out how to become a partner.

St Neots Town FC is not just about football we are a community focused business. We have so much more going on which ultimately and significantly increases our footfall and our website site and social media reach.This in turn means that when you advertise with the Saints you get so much more for your money.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Saints Partners - Visit www.stneotstownfc.co.uk to find out how to become a partner.

St Neots Town FC is not just about football we are a community focused business. We have so much more going on which ultimately and significantly increases our footfall and our website site and social media reach.This in turn means that when you advertise with the Saints you get so much more for your money.

Matchday Sponsorship Opportunities

Saints Partners - Visit www.stneotstownfc.co.uk to find out how to become a partner.

St Neots Town FC is not just about football we are a community focused business. We have so much more going on which ultimately and significantly increases our footfall and our website site and social media reach.This in turn means that when you advertise with the Saints you get so much more for your money.

Seasons Past - With John Walker This Edition Focuses on Season 1978/79

ST NEOTS TOWN FC 1978/79 SEASON This is one of a series of summaries highlighting one of our final seasons at Shortsands to depict both the highs and the lows in the recent proud history of the Club. This was the best season in that 15 seasons UCL stay for goals scored even though the final league position was not very impressive. Five of the sides ahead of St Neots went on to a higher level of football (Irthlingborough Diamonds, Rushden Town, Kempston Rovers, Rothwell Town and Stamford).

League:

UCL Premier Division

Final League position:

9th/19

League playing record: for a win)

P36 W16 D7 L13 For 59 Against 51 pts 39 (two pts

Cup playing record:

P12 W7 D0 L5 For 31 Against 21

We scored five goals in league matches at home against Stamford and Holbeach.

We recorded five League ‘doubles’.

The highlight of the league season were our two home FA Cup victories against Kings Lynn and Histon (both 1-0).

However, we surrendered the Hunts Senior Cup at home to Phorpres Sports losing 1-0 at home in the semi-final.

Leading scorer was Terry Minett (31 goals) followed by Carmino Picillo (12 goals).

The Manager was Jack Blyth in the final year of his third spell in charge

John Walker

Saints Partners - Visit www.stneotstownfc.co.uk to find out how to become a partner.

St Neots Town FC is not just about football we are a community focused business. We have so much more going on which ultimately and significantly increases our footfall and our website site and social media reach.This in turn means that when you advertise with the Saints you get so much more for your money.

John Walker's Match Preview EYNESBURY ROVERS Year founded: 1897 Chairman: Matt Plumb Club Website: www.eynesburyrovers.com GOOD AFTERNOON AND A WARM FESTIVE WELCOME TO THE PREMIER PLUS STADIUM TO OUR NEIGHBOURS – EYNESBURY ROVERS Festive greetings to everyone this afternoon especially to our visitors who arrive for only the second league match here between our two sides since 2001.However, we have been in opposition several times since then in a variety of cup competitions (details below).Last season our two league meetings were in stark contrast with a rather dull Boxing Day goalless draw at Hall Road followed by a more entertaining encounter here on Easter Monday which produced much competitive football for the first hour again without producing a goal. Then St Neots substitute Nabil Shariff announced his arrival with the first goal followed seven minutes later by a second from Connor Furlong. Defender Charlie Bowen then clinched our victory with a third goal from a Dammy Nickels free kick. Our visitors went on to finish seventeenth in the final league table whilst our lads featured in the end of season play-offs but were beaten in a penalty shoot-out at Aylestone Park. Both sides are currently showing an improvement on last season’s final placings with our lads competing in a two-way struggle for the league leadership and Eynesbury showing a recent upsurge in form in midtable. However, it is still a long way to go this season and both sides will be happy if their final placing is an improvement on last season. Away from home in the league Rovers have won three times at Bugbrooke, Oadby and Yaxley as well as drawing at Histon. In the FA Cup Eynesbury held FA Vase holders Romford to a home draw before narrowly losing in the replay whilst in the FA Vase they beat Lakenheath before losing away at Great Yarmouth. Meantime in the League Cup They defeated Sleaford in a penalty shoot-out at home and Deeping Rangers away before reaching the quarter final with a penalty shoot-out victory at Kimberley Miners Welfare. They now look forward to meeting Clay Cross at home in the last eight.Like our lads they will feature in the semi-finals of the County Cup where they entertain holders St Ives Town next month. A victory in that match and a victory for our lads over Eaton Socon could see a town Cup Final!

Previous meetings of our teams: The last League meeting of our two sides here at St Neots prior to that on Easter Monday was twenty-four years ago when we completed a league double over our neighbours winning 4-1 at Hall Road and replicating the score at St Neots. A Jason Meeds hat trick was the highlight of the home tie with Paul Carey the other scorer whilst away from home Vince Petty scored twice plus goals from Simon Claridge and Michael McDonnell. Since then, our two sides have met no fewer than ten times in assorted cup competitions as follows: Hunts Senior Cup - seven times: Hinchingbrooke Cup twice: UCL KO Cup once. Out last cup meeting was on 10th December 2019 in a Hunts Senior Cup quarter-final here when our visitors defeated us 4-1 in a penalty shoot-out after a 3-3 draw. Unfortunately for them that was the COVID affected season and the competition was abandoned.

Enjoy the match.

St Neots Town Academy Team Sponsors

U7s

U8s

U9s

U10s

Thank You for your ongoing support

U11s

St Neots Town Academy Team Sponsors

U12

U13

U14

U15

Thank You for your ongoing support

U16

John Walker's Match Report AYLESTONE PARK (H) 14-12-2024 GCE HIRE PLANT UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION SOUTH ST NEOTS TOWN

3

AYLESTONE PARK

2

Four goals in nine second half minutes set this contest alight as the top two sides in the UCL Premier Division South locked horns in an early pre-Christmas special. The outcome after ninety minutes plus added time was a narrow but deserved victory that took St Neots to the top of the league table with a superior goal difference of just one goal. The visitors played their part coming twice from behind to level the scores after St Neots had deservedly shaded the first half to lead by a goal to nil at the break. A bumper home crowd of 418 cheered their side to victory on a cold afternoon. For St Neots, the result represented a significant league double as they became the first side to beat their visitors home and away. With home skipper Robbie Parker unavailable, Charlie Bowen, Kieran Barnes and Harvey Williams all returned to the starting line-up with Dammy Nickels and Danny Baulk rested on the substitutes bench.

The first half saw St Neots produce some of their best football at home this season as they dominated their visitors in terms of possession and chance creation, and they really should have been in a much stronger position at the break. However, the visiting side have the second-best defensive record in the division, and they were able to repel St Neots’ best efforts with visiting keeper Liam Castle in almost constant action. In the first action of the match inside the first minute the stage was set as the hard-working Rhys Thorpe chased a long forward pass to cross for Connor Furlong whose effort was deflected for a corner. Chris Tavernier then had another early effort deflected as St Neots set out their stall and the only response from the visiting side was a through ball which was retrieved at the feet of an attacker by James Goff. After a quarter of an hour St Neots took the lead when Kieran Barnes first shot was blocked but he followed up with a second low effort which took a wicked deflection into the far corner of the net to open the scoring. Thorpe volleyed over after a good through pass from Tavernier and skipper Charlie Bowen sent a header narrowly over the bar from a Sam Willis cross. A Furlong snap-shot was well saved by the visiting keeper who then had to dive bravely at the feet of Thorpe to smother another St Neots opening. Just before the break both Furlong and Thorpe had chances to extend the lead, but both were squandered as St Neots had to settle for their slim half time advantage.

John Walker's Match Report AYLESTONE PARK (H) 14-12-2024 The second half was just ten minutes old when the contest exploded into life. The visitors dragged themselves level as Abdul Sunmonu set up Sam Hollis to even up the contest at 1-1 but just 45 seconds later straight from the restart a long Murphy Culkin throw into the penalty area set up Michael Amaeshike for his eleventh goal of the season to restore St Neots’ lead. Two minutes later the visiting keeper produced a stunning full length save to push away a Furlong drive and after 62 minutes from a Corey Bucalossi corner Billy Kee forced the ball into the net from close range to restore parity for the second time at 2-2. Again, St Neots’ response was swift and significant for two minutes later Rhys Thorpe netted a Williams cross to make the score 3-2. After this flurry of excitement, the game settled with St Neots still looking in control but with both sides looking less ambitious going forward. Seven minutes from time Williams went close after beating two defenders, but his finish was too high, and St Neots should have scored a late fourth goal but substitute James Hatch shot wide after good wide play by Thorpe.

St Neots Town: Goff, Willis, Culkin, Tavernier, Sage, Bowen, Furlong, Amaeshike, Thorpe, Barnes, Williams Subs: Baulk (for Furlong 68 mins), Hatch (for Barnes 85 mins), Ajana, Sutherland and Nickels.

Cards: none Aylestone Park: Castle, Kilburn, Articolo, Preston, Peace, Sunmonu, Parkes, Duffy, Hollis, Bucalossi, Kee Subs: Keenan (for Rashan 68 mins), Brodella (for Bucalossi 85 mins), Watts, Sanches, and Young Cards: none Attendance: 418 Referee: Oliver Hollyoak

(John Walker)

John Walker's Match Report NEWPORT PAGNELL TOWN (A) 21-12-2024 GCE HIRE PLANT UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION SOUTH NEWPORT PAGNELL TOWN

0

ST NEOTS TOWN

1

A Harvey Williams goal after 65 minutes was enough to keep St Neots at the top of the United Counties League South division by just one goal difference from the chasing Aylestone Park who also won their match. The goal was set up by St Neots man-of-the-match Sam Willis. However, the contest will be best remembered for the home side finishing the match with just nine players after having two dismissed early in the second half. That meant that the final half hour was largely a one-way street with home keeper Marcus Bauld defying St Neots best efforts to boost their goal difference with notable saves from Williams, Rhys Thorpe, Kieran Barnes and Michael Amaeshike. Earlier St Neots had been awarded a fourteenth minute penalty kick when Thorpe was scythed down by the home keeper, but Marcus Bauld was spared a booking and then guessed right to save the penalty kick by Barnes who had formerly played for the home side. St Neots made just one team change with Connor Furlong withdrawing due to sickness just before the match, so Danny Baulk came into the side with Manager Cameron Mawer taking his place on the bench.

On an extremely boggy surface both sides looked unsure at the start, but the home side had the first notable effort when Christian Small fired over after the first real attacking move by either side after five minutes. Six minutes later the same home player found his way into the Referee’s notebook after a clumsy trip, and in the visitors first notable attack they were awarded that saved penalty. They set about making up for that miss as Harvey Williams tested the home keeper with a low shot, but at the other end a free kick by Adam Pryke sailed harmlessly over the crossbar.

A shot by Danny Baulk forced a good save by Marcus Bauld and then Alfie Powell was booked for a clumsy challenge. Bauld was again equal to a Barnes free kick and the keeper then had to dive bravely at the feet of Rhys Thorpe after good play by Christian Tavernier. Eight minutes before the break the best chance of the first half fell to Pagnell’s Albie Hall but with only James Goff to beat, he directed a weak volley into the keepers’ grateful arms. As half time approached Murphy Culkin brought a good save from the home keeper and Barnes broke clear of the home defence, but his finish was wide of its target.

John Walker's Match Report NEWPORT PAGNELL TOWN (A) 21-12-2024 The second half began with the home side pressing the self-destruct button as they were reduced to nine men with two players sent off in a crazy seven minutes’ spell.

First to go was Albie Hall who picked up a straight red card for a blatant and dangerous trip and he was followed by Alfie Powell in a separate incident that saw him pick up a second caution. That led to the home side regrouping with an emphasis on defence and St Neots tried hard to capitalise. Now, home keeper Bauld became the hero as he pushed a dipping Baulk shot over the bar but he was helpless when Sam Willis went past the final defender on the right flank to set up Harvey Williams for what was to prove to be the winning goal. Bauld then defied Barnes and Thorpe with two fine saves as well as parrying a close-range effort from Williams. Two further saves including a parry to a header from Michael Amaeshike kept his goal intact and at the end he was rightly congratulated by players from both sides.

St Neots Town: Goff, Willis, Culkin, Tavernier, Sage, Bowen, Baulk, Amaeshike, Thorpe, Barnes, Williams Subs: Ajana (for Baulk 78 mins), Peters (for Barnes 85 mins), Parker, Nickels and Mawer.

Cards: Culkin (Y – 90+3 mins) Newport Pagnell Town: Bauld, Pryke, Orphanides, Small, Powell, Shariff, Stewart, Nketta, Watkinson, Hall Kille Subs: Sule (for Stewart 60 mins), Drew (for Shariff 60 mins), Lynham (for Watkinson 75 mins), Drewe, and Tsinonis.

Cards: Hall (RED – 47 mins), Powell (RED – 2Y – 54 mins), Small (Y – 11 mins) Attendance: 220 Referee: Sam Anderson (Corby) (John Walker)

Saints Partners - Visit www.stneotstownfc.co.uk to find out how to become a partner.

St Neots Town FC is not just about football we are a community focused business. We have so much more going on which ultimately and significantly increases our footfall and our website site and social media reach.This in turn means that when you advertise with the Saints you get so much more for your money.

Saints Partners - Visit www.stneotstownfc.co.uk to find out how to become a partner.

St Neots Town FC is not just about football we are a community focused business. We have so much more going on which ultimately and significantly increases our footfall and our website site and social media reach.This in turn means that when you advertise with the Saints you get so much more for your money.

Boardroom Gossip With Chairman Barry Cavilla

PLAYING RECORD DATE

OPPONENTS

COMP

RESULT

ATT:

1

2

3

4

5

30 July

NEWPORT PAGNELL TOWN Real Bedford

UCL PREM FA CUP EPR

2-1 3-2

Goff

Nickels Nickels

Culkin Culkin

0-3 4-0

284 351 184 184

Nickels

Culkin

Willis Willis Willis

Parker Parker Parker

Goff

Nickels

248

Goff Goff Goff Goff

Francisco Nickels Francisco

Culkin Nickels Culkin Culkin

WILLIS Parker Willis Willis

Parker George Parker George

Nickels

Culkin

WILLIS

Parker

Goff Goff Goff Goff Goff Goff Goff Goff Goff Goff Goff Goff Goff Goff Goff Goff Goff Goff Goff Goff Goff Goff Goff

Nickels Francisco Nickels Nickels Parker Francisco Nickels Parker Parker Parker Francisco Parker Willis Willis Sutherland Parker WILLIS Willis

Culkin CULKIN Culkin Culkin Culkin Nickels Culkin

Willis Parker Willis Willis Willis TAVERNIER Tavernier Tavernier Tavernier Tavernier WILLIS Willis Tavernier Tavernier Tavernier Tavernier Tavernier Tavernier Tavernier Parker Tavernier Tavernier Tavernier

George George Parker Parker George George Parker George George George PARKER George Parker Parker

03 Aug 10 Aug

RUGBY BOROUGH

UCL PREM

13 Aug

Godmanchester Rovers

UCL PREM

17 Aug

EDGEWARE & KINGSBURY FA CUP PR FA VASE 1RQ SHERINGHAM FC UCL PREM Yaxley FC FAC 1RQ BARKING FC

3-0 5-0

Barking FC FAC 1RQR Newark Town UCL KO PR UCL PREM Leicester Nirvana UCL PREM March Town United DOWNHAM TOWN FAC 2RQR UCL PREM North’ton ON Chenecks BUGBROOKE ST MICHAELS UCL PREM LUTTERWORTH TOWN UCL PREM HISTON FC UCL PREM Sileby Rangers UCL PREM Huntingdon Town HINCH CUP GNG Oadby Town UCL PREM MARCH TOWN UNITED UCL PREM Aylestone Park UCL PREM Yaxley FC HSC GODMANCHESTER ROVERS UCL PREM HINCKLEY AFC UCL PREM Daventry Town UCL PREM LEICESTER NIRVANA UCL PREM Coventry United UCL PREM POTTON UNITED HINCH CUP UCL PREM AYLESTONE PARK Newport Pagnell Town UCL PREM

2-3 aet 3-5 3-2 1-3 0-1 2-2 5-1 3-1 3-1 3-0 8-1 3-0 1-1 2-0

24 Aug 26 Aug 31 Aug 03 Sept 07 Sept 14 Sept 17 Sept 21 Sept 24 Sept 28 Sept 05 Oct 08 Oct 12 Oct 15 Oct 19 Oct 22 Oct 26 Oct 29 Oct 02 Nov 09 Nov 16 Nov 23 Nov 30 Nov 10 Dec 14 Dec 14 Dec

4-2 2-2

3-3 6-5 pens

8-2 4-2 0-0 6-0 1-2 0-0 4-3 pens

3-2 1-0

191 138 338 93 162 60 243 277 Not Known 285 271 226 156 Not Known 55 239 205 73 286 339 232 206 186 209 418 220

Goff Goff

WILLIS Willis Nickels Willis Willis

Culkin Culkin Culkin Culkin Culkin Culkin CULKIN Nickels Nickels Culkin Sage Culkin CULKIN Culkin Culkin Culkin

PARKER George Parker Parker Sage Sage Parker Bowen Bowen

SEASON 24/25 6

7

8

9

10

11

S1

S2

S3

S4

S5

Bowen Bowen Bowen George BOWEN Bowen Bowen Bowen

Furlong Furlong Furlong FURLONG Furlong FURLONG FURLONG Furlong

Amaeshike Amaeshike Amaeshike Amaeshike Amaeshike Amaeshike AMAESHIKE Amaeshike

THORPE 2 THORPE Thorpe THORPE Thorpe Thorpe THORPE Thorpe

Barnes BARNES Barnes BARNES BARNES 2 BARNES 3 Barnes BARNES

Brown Brown Brown Walker Williams Walker Walker Williams

Baulk Baulk Baulk Brown Brown BAULK WILLIAMS Francisco

Williams Williams Williams Baulk Baulk Williams Baulk

Hatch George Hatch Joseph George Joseph

Joseph Joseph Francisco Tavernier Joseph

Joseph Jessup Francisco

Bowen Bowen Bowen

Thorpe WALKER

Willis Willis

HATCH THORPE

AMAESHIKE Amaeshike

Baulk Williams

Francisco Hatch

Furlong Furlong

AMAESHIKE 2

THORPE

Amaeshike

Thorpe

Barnes Barnes

Williams WILLIAMS

Tavernier Walker

Bowen Culkin George Bowen Bowen Bowen BOWEN Bowen Bowen Bowen Culkin Bowen

Furlong Furlong FURLONG

Amaeshike AMAESHIKE AMAESHIKE 2

Thorpe Hatch Hatch

Barnes Williams Williams

FURLONG FURLONG FURLONG BAULK 2 FURLONG Furlong Furlong Jammeh FURLONG

Amaeshike AMAESHIKE Amaeshike AMAESHIKE Amaeshike Amaeshike AMAESHIKE Willis WILLIS

Hatch Thorpe THORPE JOSEPH 2 THORPE Thorpe Thorpe Thorpe THORPE 3

Walker Barnes BARNES Barnes BARNES Barnes Barnes BARNES Barnes Barnes BARNES BARNES

Williams Williams Williams Williams Baulk Williams Williams Williams Williams

Francisco Walker BAULK THORPE 2 Willis WILLIS Sutherland Sutherland Jammeh George HATCH Sutherland

BOWEN Bowen Bowen Bowen Sage Sage

FURLONG Furlong FURLONG Furlong Furlong Furlong

Amaeshike Amaeshike Amaeshike Amaeshike Amaeshike

Barnes Barnes Barnes Barnes Willis BARNES

Williams Williams BAULK 2 Baulk Baulk Williams

Baulk Baulk Joseph Williams Hatch Baulk

Hatch

Joseph

NICKELS Joseph Williams Hatch

Hatch

AMAESHIKE

THORPE Thorpe THORPE Thorpe Thorpe THORPE

Sage

Baulk

Amaeshike

Thorpe

Barnes

WILLIAMS

Ajana

Peters

George

Baulk Joseph Nickels Francisco

Baulk Potts - Wallace

George

Williams

Pitts-W-Luke

Joseph

Pitts-W-Luke Bomolo Francisco Pitts-W-Luke

Joseph

Baulk Tavernier Baulk Willis Willis Baulk Baulk Jessop Pitts-W-Luke BAULK Jammeh Baulk BAULK

Furlong Jessop

Joseph

Fox Jammeh

PITTS-W-LUKE

Sutherland

Joseph

GCE Hire Fleet Ltd United Counties League Premier Division South

Opponent Spotlight Eynesbury Rovers

The club were formed in 1897 and played friendly matches before joining the Biggleswade & District League and then the St Neots Junior League, which they won in 1910/11. They lifted the Huntingdonshire Senior Cup for the first time in 1914 and won the County Junior Cup in 1921, 1927 and 1932. Rovers competed in the Bedford & District League and in 1934 they joined the South Midlands League. Promotion was achieved at the first attempt whilst the Scott-Gatty Cup was won, while Senior Cup finals in 1937 and 1939 ended in defeat. The post war era began with Rovers joining the United Counties League and they enjoyed spectacular cup success winning the Hunts Senior Cup and Hinchingbrooke Cup four times each in a five year period. In the 1950-51 campaign a Premier Cup success made it a cup hat trick.

In 1952 Eynesbury joined the Eastern Counties League finishing fourth in their second season. Three years later a crowd of 4,000 packed into Hall Road to watch a friendly against Fulham with the legendary Stanley Matthews guesting for Rovers.

The club continued to enjoy cup success lifting the Senior Cup in 1955 and 1957, the Hinchingbrooke Cup in 1959 and Cambs Invitation Cup in 1962, but they were finding life difficult in the league. In 1963 they rejoined the UCL. Successes in the Hinchingbrooke Cup in 1967 and Hunts Senior Cup in 1970 masked a continued decline and relegation was suffered in 1972. A top flight place was regained in 1977 and floodlights were installed in 1981 with Luton Town providing the opposition for the official opening in front of a four figure crowd. The Hunts Senior Cup was won in 1985 before the club enjoyed a successful spell finishing a best ever third place in the league, two Hunts Senior Cup wins, a Premier Cup success and two East Anglian Cup finals, and a 1993 Senior Cup success.

Barry Cavilla led Eynesbury to fifth in the league and wins in both the Senior and Premier Cups. Peter Schofield took over and done well to keep the team in the Premier Division on a small budget. Neil King enjoyed success in the Hunts Senior Cup in 2000 but was followed by relegation a year later. Steve Galbraith took over and in 2002 Rovers again won the Senior Cup beating St Neots 3-0 in the final, while the 2003-04 campaign saw them reach the Premier Cup final only to lose 4-2 to Wootton Blue Cross.

In the summer of 2005 Dean Shipp took charge and the following season Rovers reached the final of the South Midlands Floodlit Cup losing 2-1 to Saffron Walden. In December 2007 Rovers appointed the management duo of Al Lenihan and former player Pat O'Keeffe. Season 2008/09 saw Rovers near the top of the table for most of the season but had to settle for 9th place after being deducted six points. Al & Pat resigned at the end of that season and Eynesbury appointed Matt Plumb to take charge for the start of the 2009/10 campaign and with Martin Field he guided Rovers back to the Premier Division in 2013/14. In a record breaking season they finished with a record number of points (98) and goals (118) and recorded a club record 11 consecutive wins.

Opponent Spotlight Eynesbury Rovers

Matt Plumb took on the role of chairman in the summer of 2015 before Martin Field resigned in October. Mark Ducket was appointed as manager and in four campaigns he led Rovers to three Hunts Senior Cup Finals, winning 1-0 against St Neots Town in 2017. Whilst in the same season recording 119 league goals and equaling their second best ever league placing finishing fifth. In 2019/20 Rovers joined the Spartan South Midlands League and enjoyed their best ever run in the FA Vase reaching the 4th Round. In January 2020 Mark Ducket left to manage Bedford Town and Rovers appointed Steve Kuhne as his replacement. After two aborted seasons in the Spartan South Midlands League Rob Sinclair led Rovers to a ninth placed finish back in the UCL but moved on at the end of that season. The 2022/23 campaign started with former Eynesbury United manager Mark Spavins in charge with ex-player Neil Morris as coach but after a tough start Spavins resigned and Morris took over. In a difficult campaign the club finished 15th in a division of 18 clubs. Last season started with former players Mark Garwood and Craig Smith in charge but they left midway through the season and Darren Fairbrass & Callum Douglas took charge and led the team to safety. They remain in charge for the 2024/25 season with Neil Morris and Haani Rasool making up a four strong management team.

Manager - Cameron Mawer Assistant - Steve Kuhne Coach - Alex Minall GK Coach - Gary Dean Physio - Craig Lambert

Manager – Darren Fairbrass Manager – Neil Morris Coach – Callum Douglas Coach – Haani Rasool Physio - Jack Field

Squad List

Squad List

James Goff (GK) Dammy Nickels Nathan George Robbie Parker Murphy Culkin Charlie Bowen James Sage James Peters Christian Tavernier Michael Amaeshike Sam Willis Kieran Barnes Rhys Thorpe Connor Furlong Danny Baulk Harvey Williams Robbie Sutherland

Sam Roach (GK) James Hoskin (GK) Stevan Shaw Harry Hurst Leon Fulianty Oliver Brookes Dan Hammer Josh Howard-Dobson Michael King (C) Nathan Mullings Victor Osobu Takula Chijota Axel Owusu Richard Chadwick Reece King Jonny Hall Oskar Ciach Luke Young

Colours Light Blue Shirts Dark Blue Shorts Light Blue Socks

Colours Red Shirts Black Shorts Black Socks

Referee James Badcock Assistant I Callum Horn Assistant 2 Gary Halliday Next Home Match....

Easington Sports Saturday 4th January - 3pm GCE Hire Plant United Counties League Premier Division South