2021/22 - Biggleswade FC / Harlow Town - Issue 14/15

SAINTS GAZETTE ISSUE 14/15 OFFICIAL ONLINE MATCHDAY MAGAZINE SEASON 2021/22

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ADMISSION INFORMATION

BIGGLESWADE FC SATURDAY JANUARY 29TH 3.00 PM KO

(MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT)

HARLOW TOWN FC SATURDAY FEBRUARY 5TH 3.00 PM KO

SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE CENTRAL

Saints President - John Walker

First Team

Board of Directors

Manager - Peter Gill Assistant - Sean Greygoose GK Coach - Gary Dean Physio - Craig Lambert Kit Man - Mick Hunt Analyst - Ben Williamson Match Ball Retriever - Stan Scotcher

Chairman - Barry Cavilla Director of Football - Iain Parr Events Director - Louise Sales Commercial Director - Mehmet Mimoglu Secretary - Gary Wilson Director - Mike Green Director - Jez Green Director - Andy Clay Director - Brian Barnes

Sports Scholarship Contact - Iain@stneotstownfc.co.uk

Saints Match Day Team

Academy

Fixture Secretary - Marion Izzard Hospitality - Andy Clay Stadium Announcer - Mike Green Music & Scoreboard - Charlie Green Catering - Diane Sales

Manager - Iain Parr Development Manager - Alex Minall U18’s Manager - Alex Minall

Media

Club Information

Press Officer - Mike Green Match Reports - John Walker Photographer - Dave Richardson Social Media - Rowan Presland / Mike Green

Address: Rowley Park, Kester Way, StNeots, Cambs., PE19 6SL

Ground Staff Pitch maintenance - Barry Oakley

Club Welfare Officer - Mick Hunt

Website - www.stneotstownfc.co.uk Enquires - enquires@stneotstownfc.co.uk Events - misslouises@yahoo.co.uk Academy - iain@stneotstown.co.uk

Front cover - Image copyright protected by David R.W. Richardson of Rich In Video, used under license.

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: significant interest Lee Kearns, Iain Parr, Louise Sales, Gary Wilson, Mehmet Mimoglu and as Non Executive Directors Mike Green, Jeremy Green, and Barry Cavilla.

Company Secretary Keith Gotch, Company Accountant Keith Gotch

Greenie’s Greetings With Director Mike Green

Good afternoon everyone and welcome back to the Premier Plus Stadium for today’s offering in our latest Pitching-In Southern League Division One Central Match.

Today we extend a warm welcome to the players, officials and supporters of Biggleswade FC and Harlow Town and we hope your brief visits to our home are an enjoyable affair.

Just returned home from an away day trip to Play-Off hopefulls, Ware FC and I am delighted to write that we have arrested the poor run of results with a very well earned point in a nil - nil draw that was actually a veryentertaining affair. The result is even more impressive when you consider we lost skipper Lee Watkins, Aaron Smith, Callum Anderson and Marc Abbott, all to illness prior to matchday so we were already light on numbers and then to have Dequane Wilson-Braithwaite red carded in the second half, to keep that elusive clean sheet was something special. Saturday was my first visit to Wodson Park and I was very impressed with the set up and the hospitality shown by our hosts during the visit, especially the delicious kebabs after the game, very nice indeed.

Right then, a tough couple of looking fixtures ahead, first up, a local derby versus Biggleswade FC, who have really improved in recent weeks and have collected quite a few wins, lifting them up to the giddy heights of 8th place and this is followed up with the visit of Harlow Town, who current;ly sit in 10th spot, three places above ourselves so some cracking games in prospect and if we can play with the levels of commitment and desire we did at Ware, being back on the carpet, we might just be able to earn a win or two.

Please get behind the lads from the off. If things aren't going our way, keep on cheering the lads on, Its amazing how the team feeds off of positive support....

BE LOUD, BE PROUD, BE A SAINT

Greenie

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.

From Fromthe theDugout Dugout With WithFirst FirstTeam TeamManager ManagerPeter PeterGill Gill I’d like to wish a warm welcome to everyone from Biggleswade FC & Harlow Town. I hope you enjoy your visit to the Premier Plus Stadium & St. Neots Town FC.

This past few months has been the most challenging of my coaching journey so far and a real learning curve for me in my first role as a Manager in senior football. While we are disappointed with results over the past 3 months I cannot and will not fault the players for their effort and commitment.

I cannot say that I have not questioned my own future over the last few weeks. Post the Kempston and Welwyn Garden City games, I found myself debating what way to turn that is for the best of the club and the team.

On the way back home from the game I had a long conversation with Lee Kearns. Hearing Lee explain his backing of the team and myself, as well as how the club are working behind the scenes and planning for the future gave me the boost and confidence needed to pick myself up.

The support shown during this difficult time has given me a new release of energy to turn this slump around and build for an exciting future well beyond this season.

So … What do we need to do now?

Work Hard and Stay United!

We are only going to get through this and build for the future if we; Work Hard – All the players and staff are committed to work as hard as possible.

United – Staff, Players, Supports and The Club stay United and together.

We always knew this season would be tough with a young squad. We now need your support more than ever.

Please get behind the players this afternoon and help us get through this sticky patch. The players will Work Hard.

If you can stay United with us, I am confident we’ll turn this around together and build an exciting future beyond this season.

Up the Saints!

Pete

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.

Saints

First Team Shirt Sponsor

WELCOME TO PREFERRED PLUMBING AND HEATING Your go-to plumbing and heating specialists in Cambridgeshire Get in touch!

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

SAINTS FOOD TERRACE

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.

Boardroom Boardroom Gossip Gossip With With Chairman Chairman Barry Barry Cavilla Cavilla We now have a run of 2 home fixtures starting with Biggleswade FC on Saturday 29th Jan and then host Harlow Town Saturday 5th Feb. I like to take this opportunity to welcome the players, officials and supporters of Biggleswade FC and Harlow Town respectively.

Today’s visitors Biggleswade FC have enjoyed a rich vein of form since we last met in 2021 and will be another very competitive game for Pete and the team today.

We then host Harlow Town next Saturday 5th February 3pm k0 Harlow have been setting a high standard throughout this season and will be equally as tough opponents to compete with following our 1-1 draw at Harlow earlier this season.

Hopefully the Team is now back to full strength after many injuries over the past 2 months that Pete has had to deal with.

However, now it’s time to get back on track and winning ways and working hard to earn some much needed points and lift us onwards and upwards with this very talented squad of young players Pete has available.

Off the field the club is continuing to making improvements to all the facilities for your comfort and match day experience and has a full entertainments diary. Dates for these fantastic in house events will be released via the clubs website and social media outlets for all to enjoy. As always a large percentage of these events will be held to support local community initiatives and charities.

So come and enjoy the football and support the events that the Saints have to offer.

Stay safe and I look forward to seeing you all soon.

Your Town your Team.

COYS

Barry

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

www.stneotsloftconversionsltd.co.uk

Little Paxton, Saint Neots PE19, UK 07932 453477 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.

St Neots Take away – Shop Local, Support Local

orders@takeaway-stneots.com Pizza/fried chicken, Turkish, British, British Cafe Order through our app Order online Order on the pay store

To Advertise with the Saints contact our Commercial Director Mehmet on 07946 318888 or email mehmet@stneotstownfc.co.uk

AF Golf Store AFGolfStore offers everything a golfer could need, from premium club fitting using Trackman 4 technology to individual or group lessons for all ages and abilities. Whether you're a beginner or elite golfer, child or adult, we have something for you!

Contact AFGolfStore Peterborough Feel free to contact a member of our team with any enquiries you may have using the form below. Alternatively you can call the team direct on 01733 215989 We can be found at Unit 10, Slater Court, Harrier Way, Eagle Business Park, Yaxley PE7 3SE Peterborough Store Opening Times Monday 9am-6pm Tuesday 9am-8pm Wednesday 9am8pm Thursday 9am-6pm Friday 9am-6pm Saturday 9am-5pm Sunday CLOSED Contact AFGolfStore Cambridge Feel free to contact a member of our team with any enquiries you may have using the form below. Alternatively you can call the team direct on 01763 262943. We can be found at Kingsway Golf Centre, Cambridge Road, Melbourn, Cambridge, SG8 6EY Cambridge Store Opening Times Monday 9am-8pm Tuesday 9am-8pm Wednesday 9am8pm Thursday 9am-8pm Friday 9am-8pm Saturday 9am-5pm Sunday 9am-5pm

www.afgolfstore.co.uk

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.

Mehmet Mimoglu Commercial Chat...

Welcome Back to the Premier Plus Stadium.

Beginning of 2022 has been very busy from the angle of Interacting with our Business Partners on several different aspects.

We are holding a Charity Event at the Club on 12th March, and we reached out for a raffle prize donation request to our Business Partners. Our Business Partners Gainz Gym, Bosphorus, Project4 Roofing, Real Fit, Shifties and Epiphany communication kindly agreed to support the event with a raffle prize. We wish to thank them all for their continued support.

We were also asked by ABC life to inform our other Business partners of their First Aid courses in 2022 and our emails again has been answered positively by quite a few. We manged to create a business interaction amongst our Business Partners At our last home game against Welwyn Garden City, we held our first Hospitality Tables of 10 which has been supported by Goldstraw Goldsmiths and KDP Decorating. All our guests enjoyed their visit and on the day our managing director Lee Kearns presented our current activities and future plans to the guests. Our team manager Pete Gill also provided insight to team activities. The day was well supported by everyone within the club and our guests fully enjoyed their attendance. We are now taking Hospitality bookings for our 5th February Harlow game and 19th February Aylesbury United game.

We have started Half a season Banner Campaign beginning of January and so far, we had 5 new enquiries for such. Digger & Duster Cleaning services confirmed their interest in this campaign, and we have discussions going on with four other businesses.

Our two January home games have seen attendance from our existing and prospective Business Partners. Conquest Blinds, Columbus Global UK Ltd, GMS Accountants was our guests in our two January home games.

We attended to Cambridge United Business Network meeting where we established contact with Cambridge Chambers of Commerce whose representatives attended to a home game. Our premises were an immediate attraction and there could be a possibility of holding a joint future business event.

Staying on Cambridge United topic; we have replicated the banner at the entrance of stadium we have with our Partner Club with a 20 metre banner at GESS 3G Arena.

As always, I have no doubt that you will get behind the lads today and show your continued superb support. Players and all of us at the Club appreciate your support on and off the pitch.

Mehmet

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

Som’s Salon is a Mens Barbershop and Ladies Hairdressers, we are located on Longsands Parade, Saint Neots with FREE parking directly outside the shop!

01480 589037

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 - Goldstraw Goldmiths St Neots Town FC Academy & Main Stand Sponsor The Goldstraw Goldsmith’s St Neots Town FC Academy Sponsor 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

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.

Call 01480 470931 / Mobile 07950 496568

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.

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

www.abclifesupport.co.uk / 0800 0467 410

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.

www.cpcfinance.co.uk / contact@cpcfinance.co.uk / 01923 655 441

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 Social Media Sponsor BlueLine Security Ltd – Social Media Sponsors Your peace of mind is our business We draw all of our operational staff exclusively from the UK Police Force and HM Armed Forces. When it comes to your security, you can trust in us. At Blueline Security Limited we know how important integrity and reliability is to our customers. That’s why we draw our operational staff exclusively from Police and HM Armed Forces backgrounds, and have a stringent selection process to ensure that only the best people join our team. Our business is your peace of mind. To that end, our wide range of services include manned guarding, working dog teams, property/business protection, mobile patrols, close protection and surveillance/investigation. As we continue to expand across England, we pride ourselves on maintaining our ethical trade policy, and we will only ever offer a service when a genuine need exists. If you’re interested in any of our services, get in touch today. We’d be delighted to provide you with further details on any of our services.

03339874277 www.bluelinesecuritylimited.com 01480 407704

Saints

Functions and Events Visit www.stneotstownfc.co.uk To find out how to Book an Event

We have three rooms available for any number of functions and events.

These include a board room/meeting room that holds up to 12 people.

We also have two function rooms.

Reedman's Hold up to 80 guests and is idea for smaller wedding, parties, Funeral wakes, Fitness classes, smaller trade fairs and much more The Gregory Suite Holds up to 250 guests and is ideal for Wedding receptions, larger parties, Dance groups, presentation events, Business networking and much more Our dedicated team have lots of experience and will be on hand to assist in any way possible. Full flexible catering service is also available Give Louise a call on 07753 222683 Full information is available at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk

Saints Functions and Events To book and event visit www.stneotstownfc.co.uk

JW Match Report BEDFORD TOWN (A) 02-01-2022 SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE CENTRAL

Bedford Town1

St Neots Town

0

Despite losing central defender Charlie Johnson sent off twelve minutes into the second half, St Neots produced a determined gutsy performance against the league leaders only to be beaten by a single goal scored by the divisional leading scorer Renee Howe – his 20th of the campaign. It was St Neots third away defeat at the hands of Bedford, the other two in National Cup competitions, and despite being without four key players the visitors pushed their hosts all the way.Once again team changes were a key factor for the visitors with Neo Richard-Noel and Myles Cowling returning from COVID, and Callum Anderson after injury and they replaced Kyjuon Marsh-Brown, Aaron Smith and Joshua Green with Dequaine Wilson-Braithwaite preferred to Marc Abbott who was on the bench. Bedford on an unbeaten league run of six matches cemented their place at the top of the table three points ahead of Berkhamsted whilst St Neots stayed anchored in thirteenth place – a dozen points shy of the play-off places. Johnson became the fourth player to see red this season and will miss the important trip to Barton Rovers next week.

On a very heavy pitch St Neots struggled to settle into a rhythm in the early stages of the contest and were quickly finding the pace of the home side a problem.In their first attack Bedford sliced through the visiting defence and the lively Connor Tomlinson moved inside the last defender but fired high over the bar. Joe Butterworth was the next home player to find himself in a scoring position, but his effort was blocked by a defender. St Neots first attack after14 minutes resulted in them winning a corner when Kwai Marsh-Brown’s shot deflected off a defender and this was a rare visiting sortie with the home defence dominant. Renee Howe’s strength and clever positional play was creating problems and he twice tested visiting keeper Louis Chadwick. St Neots persevered and began to look stronger towards the end of the half with the hardworking Neo Richard-Noel seeing a well-placed free kick neatly saved by home keeper Alexander Street. Both sides squandered late first half chances Will Summerfield finishing carelessly after a great run by Lewis Miccio whilst at the other end Myles Cowling looking off balance shot over the bar after excellent play by Richard-Noel and the half ended with Shaun Keene shooting wide after good work by How

JW Match Report BEDFORD TOWN (A) 02-01-2022 CONTINUED Bedford produced what was to prove the knockout blow just nine minutes after the break when Hugh Alban-Jones beat two defenders to cross to the near post for Renee Howe to keep up his goal-a-game record against the Saints for the third time this season.

Then it got worse for the visitors for three minutes later central defender Charlie Johnson mistimed a tackle on Connor Tomlinson and was sent off. St Neots swiftly reorganised with recent signing Perry Wilson filling in at the back and they then showed how determined they were to redress the balance. Regardless of the imbalance in numbers they took the game to their hosts but the home defence which is the second tightest in the Division were giving nothing away.For that last half hour the ten men performed as eleven but never really threatened to find an equaliser which their second half performance merited. Late in the game Richard Noel looked to be bursting clear but he was brought down earning the perpetrator only a yellow card.

St Neots: Chadwick, Marfo, Wilson-Braithwaite, Anderson, Johnson, Milenge, Cowling, Watkins, Richard-Noel, Kwai Marsh-Brown, Barker Subs: White (for Wilson-Braithwaite 53 mins), Abbott (for Anderson 79 mins), Gomes (for Barker 86 mins), Ronan Marsh-Brown and Anthony.

Cards: Johnson – (RED – 57 mins), Richard-Noel (Y – 38 mins), Marfo (Y – 82 mins) Goals: none Bedford: Street, Keane, Steele, Richardson, Brown, Albon-Jones, Tomlinson, Butterworth, Howe, Summerfield, Miccio Subs: Donnelly (for Summerfield 63 mins), Setchell (for Butterworth 72 mins), MackailSmith (for Tomlinson 83 mins), Walker and Swain.

Cards: Alban-Jones (Y – 51 mins), Donnelly (Y – 82 mins), Richardson (Y – 89 mins) Goals: Howe (54 mins)

Referee: Luke Scott (Northampton) Attendance: 657 John Walker

JW Match Report WELWYN GARDEN CITY FC (H) 15-01-2022 SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE CENTRAL

St Neots Town

0

Welwyn Garden City

2

Welwyn extended their unbeaten run to eight matches against a host side that had not won at home in three months and had little to offer except honest endeavour. A goal in each half saw Welwyn ease to victory without ever dominating a rather pallid match. However, it cemented their position two points outside the playoffs with matches in hand of all the clubs ahead of them whilst St Neots languish in fourteenth place without a win in their last eight league matches. Overall the home side’s performance was better than of late but both goals conceded were preventable and the visiting keeper was never seriously extended.Whether Manager Pete Gill needs to strengthen his defence or give his front players some confidence (or both) is the question facing him but with another testing away trip at in-form Ware up next the future looks challenging. St Neots did welcome back striker Joe Rider and Ben Heal both after lengthy injury absences and this meant places on the substitutes bench for Neo Richard-Noel and Wynford Marfo, and there was a welcome 25 mins return as a substitute for Kyjuon Marsh-Brown who looked to be an inspirational improvement to a side lacking in ideas and confidence in front of goal.

With striker Joe Rider back after missing nine of the last ten home side’s league matches, optimism on the goalscoring front was high and in St Neots first attack he produced the first shot of the match comfortably saved by visiting keeper Charlie Crowley. The lively Kwai Marsh-Brown then got in on the act as he rounded a defender to set up Rider again, but this time his effort was deflected. After this early burst of action the visitors slowed the pace and in their first real attack after 17 minutes they were awarded a penalty when Rider, back assisting the defence, tripped Campbell and George Ironton stepped up to open the scoring. That was a clear setback for the home side, but they persevered and both Charley Barker and Dylan Switters produced efforts from outside the penalty area that failed to trouble Crowley. Ironically the closest St Neots got to levelling the scores came two minutes before the break when a Barker free kick eluded the defence to find Perry White unmarked at the far post, but he was flagged marginally offside.

As with the first half, St Neots looked very much on the front foot after the restart. The visitors had to resort to illegal practice to smother the home sides’ attacks resulting in two bookings and free kicks conceded but St Neots could not take advantage. Marsh-Brown’s pace was always a problem for the visiting defence and after 55 minutes he raced on to a Rider pass but could only shoot high over the bar and two minutes later a stinging shot from Barker was spilled by the visiting keeper, but a defender came to his recue. Meantime Welwyn failed to create anything meaningful, and it was very much against the run of play and possession when the visitors produced what was to prove the defining moment of the match. After 59 minutes Jon Clements – at the time a sole attacking player – sold a clever dummy to get past St Neots final defender Gradi Milenge, and he went on to beat goalkeeper Louis Chadwick with an angled low shot across the keeper’s body.That signalled action on both benches with St Neots boss Pete Gill sending on all three permitted substitutes and with four forward players now on view his intention was clear.

JW Match Report WELWYN GARDEN CITY FC (H) 15-01-2022 continued

Welwyn just pulled players back to smother the home side attacks and in the final twenty minutes with most of the play in the Welwyn half, St Neots created chances that they could not convert.

From a Neo Richard-Noel cross, Kyjuon Marsh-Brown headed wide, and Crowley saved at the feet of Richard-Noel – the keeper’s only significant test. The home side tried to vary their attacking tactics, but they came up a defence determined to give nothing away and St Neots final effort saw a closerange effort by Dylan Switters produce nothing better than a corner.

St Neots: Chadwick, Heal, Smith, Barker, Milenge, White, Cowling, Watkins, Kwai Marsh-Brown, Ryder, Switters Subs: Richard-Noel (for Watkins 65 mins), Kyjuon Marsh-Brown (for Barker 65 mins), Marfo (for Milenge 65 mins), Abbott and Anderson.

Cards: Barker (Y – 27 mins), Kwai Marsh-Brown (Y – 90+2 mins) Goals: none (13 mins) Welwyn: Crowley, Franklin, Sexton, Walkin, Close, Rolfe, Clements, Bene, Watson, Ironton, Campbell Subs: Spaul (for Bene 46 mins), Babai (for Clements 75 mins), Adelani (for Watson 78 mins). Taylor and Doherty Cards: Sexton (Y – 8 mins), Ironton (Y – 49 mins), Walkin (Y – 50 mins), Clements (75 mins), Close (Y – 84 mins) Goals: Ironton (pen) (17 mins), Clements (59 mins)

Referee: Andrew Hitchcox (Somersham) on was clear.

JW Match Report WARE FC (A) 22-01-2022 SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE CENTRAL Ware Town

0

St Neots Town

0

Without three players who had succumbed to COVID during the week, St Neots displayed remarkable resilience to return from high flying Ware with a point from a goalless draw – their first goalless draw away from home for almost three years. In addition they survived the last ten minutes with just ten men after Dequaine Wilson-Braithwaite had seen red for a rash tackle. It was very fortunate that they deservedly earned that point because four of the clubs below them all picked up points – two of them (Kidlington and Wantage) recording victories away from home! It was a contrast from the first meeting of the two sides this season at the Premier Plus Stadium where the Hertfordshire side had sneaked a victory in a seven goals thriller. With Gradi Milenge moving on and skipper Lee Watkins, Aaron Smith and Callum Anderson all isolating there had to be significant team changes and back into the side came Neo Richard-Noel, Dequaine Wilson-Braithwaite and Wynford Marfo plus Ky Marsh-Brown replacing his brother who was on the bench. However, it was rather a disappointing contest with far too fewer clear chances than the openly fought contest deserved.

St Neots certainly began well displaying no symptoms of a team lacking in belief and confidence. In less than two minutes they had carved out one of the best chances of the match when a swift attack caught the home side cold, and the ball fell to Neo RichardNoel and his close effort was well saved by the home keeper.Joe Rider off balance then headed wide from a Charley Barker free kick and a stinging shot from Dylan Switters required a double save from Bradley Robinson. Gradually Ware came into he contest, and they should have capitalised on their first effort on goal after 20 minutes but after Josh Williams had outpaced the St Neots defence to set up Liam Dulson, his effort was well wide of target. Making only his third appearance in the side Switters looked comfortable in midfield and he set up Ky Marsh-Brown whose effort sailed harmlessly over the crossbar.Ware’s best first half attack after 35 minutes saw Josh Williams power through to see his shot blocked by Perry White but the ball span away to Lee Rose whose effort clipped the St Neots crossbar on its way to safety. During that first half three home players had found their names into the Referee’s notebook as they defended sometimes over enthusiastically and in time added at the end of the first half a low shot from Rider brought a significant low save from Robinson.

JW Match Report WARE FC (A) 22-01-2022 Ware looked a better organised side after the break and Louis Chadwick had to save bravely at the feet of Liam Dulson after just three minutes. There followed a spell of Ware possession that produced little to threaten the St Neots defence, although from a Thomas Bruno free kick, Chadwick needed two attempts to retrieve the ball in the crowded penalty area. Ky Marsh-Brown had had a quiet first half but in a two minutes’ spell he took on the home defence to see his first effort blocked before being hauled down by a defender to concede a free kick which St Neots failed to take advantage of.

After 69 minutes Richard-Noel beat a wide defender to make for goal, but he was brought down earning the home side their fourth yellow card, but again St Neots could not use the free kick to their advantage. St Neots’ downfall was the lack of accuracy with their final pass and when Swatters was injured ten minutes from time they had to reorganise.In a frenetic final ten minutes neither side could press home the advantage and the eventual outcome was a point apiece.

St Neots: Chadwick, Marfo, Wilson-Braithwaite, Barker, White, Heal, Cowling, Switters, Richard-Noel, Rider, Ky Marsh-Brown Subs: Kwai Marsh-Brown (for Switters 80 mins), Dearman (for Rider 84 mins), Kobus and Gill.

Cards: Wilson-Braithwaite (RED – 85 mins), Richard-Noel (Y – 67 mins), Switters (Y – 71 mins) Goals: none Ware: Robinson, Milner, Mulley, Rose, Kendall, Arthur, Williams, Bruno, Hope, Skandan, Dulson Subs: Adu-Donyinah (for Skandan 62 mins), Buchanan (for Dulson 65 mins), Esprit, Bardie and Vigneswaran Cards: Rose (Y – 21 mins), Mulley (Y – 32 mins), Bruno (Y – 40 mins), Arthur (Y – 69 mins), Williams (Y - 90+1 mins) Goals: none

Referee: Peter Wilson (Chelmsford) Attendance: 241 John Walker

JW LOOKING AHEAD BIGGLESWADE FC (H) 29-01-2022 OPPONENTS SPOTLIGHT (29/January/2022) BIGGLESWADE FC

Year founded: 2016 Chairman: Jeremy Reynolds Club Website: www.biggleswadefc.co.uk

WELCOME ESPECIALLY TO OUR VISITORS BIGGLESWADE FC WHO VISIT US FOR ONLY THE SECOND TIME IN THE SOUTHERN LEAGUE.

The rise of Biggleswade FC to Step Four has been meteoric because just five seasons ago the club (along with several existing players) were an extremely successful U18 side plying their trade in the Thurlow Nunn Youth League. One of three clubs based in Biggleswade, our visitors are competing for local talent with Biggleswade Town (Step Three) who were their original landlords, and Biggleswade United (Step Five). Our two league meetings in 2019/20 (played in October at Biggleswade away and in January here) both resulted in drawn matches with our scorer here in the 1-1 draw being Tommy Boxer – one of only two goals scored in his brief period with us. Last season we met just the once because of the COVID lockdown and that was here where we recorded a 4-1 victory.Earlier this season we met Biggleswade in the league in their new adopted home at Bedford Town where a goal apiece from our two leading scorers (Joe Rider and Neo Richard-Noel) afforded us a victory by the odd goal in three. We then revisited Meadow Lane for a second round League KO Cup tie with Biggleswade and after a titanic struggle our lads won a penalty shoot -out (after a 1-1 draw) to progress.

Our visitors, like us, have had very limited success in cup competition this season. However their two best cup results have come away from home. In the FA Cup they travelled to high flying UCL outfit Harborough Town, winning convincingly by three goals to nil. That was the only home defeat suffered by the Leicestershire side in 23 league and cup matches this season. Although they lost at home to AFC Dunstable in the next round, they wreaked suitable revenge a month or so later as they travelled to Dunstable to beat their hosts 4-1 in Round One of the League Cup. That set them up for our visit to Meadow Lane (see above). In the FA Trophy it was another disappointment for them on the 3G away at Yaxley where they were beaten 2-0.

JW LOOKING AHEAD BIGGLESWADE FC (H) 29-01-2022 OPPONENTS SPOTLIGHT (29/January/2022) BIGGLESWADE FC continued

PREVIOUS MEETING OF OUR CLUBS 2019/20 St Neots Biggleswade FC

1-1 0-0

Biggleswade FC St Neots

2020/21 St Neots

4-1

Biggleswade FC

2021/22 Biggleswade FC

1-2

St Neots

(although we did compete at Youth (U18 level) in 2014/15 when we lost 4-2 at home before recording a rare 3-1 away victory on the then league leaders. However, vengeance was meted out in the 2015/16 season when the all-successful Waders Youth team thrashed our youngsters 9-0 at home and 6-1 away) Enjoy the match John Walker

JW LOOKING AHEAD HARLOW TOWN FC (H) 05-02-2022 OPPONENTS SPOTLIGHT (5/February/2022) HARLOW TOWN

Year founded: 1879 Chairman: Tim Sewell Club Website: www.harlowtownfootballclub.co.uk WELCOME ESPECIALLY TO OUR VISITORS HARLOW TOWN WHO VISIT US FOR THE FIRST TIME – ONE OF THE SIX NEWCOMERS TO THE DIVISION THIS SEASON. Our two clubs have one thing in common – we were both initially formed in 1879 but as far as club records show despite us only being sited some 45 miles apart, this will only be our second meeting and the first at St Neots. We first met some four months ago at the Harlow Arena when we ground out a 1-1 draw thanks to a second half goal from skipper Lee Watkins after we had trailed at the break. It was a very competitive match with our keeper Louis Chadwick pulling off an added time save to preserve our share of the points. In the two COVID aborted seasons Harlow were new members of the Isthmian League South Central Division and had found it difficult to settle in new surroundings after the league reorganisation. In 2019/20 they were fourteenth when the season was aborted and the following season, they had only won one of their eight completed matches when football was abandoned. However this season they have gradually improved and the time the notes were penned they were just outside the play off places with matches in hand of each of the clubs ahead of them.

Although they famously reached the fourth-round proper of the FA Cup in 1979/80 they have not been able to emulate that achievement since, and this season they bowed out of the competition in the preliminary round beaten 3-0 at Colney Heath. In the FA Trophy they fared slightly better beating Phoenix Sports 3-1 in the second round qualifying before being beaten 2-1 away at Bedfont Sports. In the League Cup they began with a convincing 3-0 home victory over neighbours Ware Town before seeing off FC Romania away from home by the odd goal in three. However in the third round they were beaten at home by the in-form Berkhamsted. In the league their form is patchy with three wins, three defeats and a draw in their last seven outings (as at mid-January).

PREVIOUS MEETING OF OUR CLUBS 2021/22 Harlow

Enjoy the match John Walker

1-1

St Neots

Goldstraw Goldsmiths ST NEOTS TOWN FC ACADEMY

THURLOW NUNN YOUTH LEAGUE – WEST DIVISION

ST NEOTS TOWN U18

2

DEEPING RANGERS U18

1

Dubbed as the League decider this top versus second contest lived fully up to expectation. It was an excellent match between the two best sides in the Division and the result left St Neots needing just four points from their final three games to finish as Champions. However, it was sad that in the final five minutes plus no less than ELEVEN minutes added time the visitors completely lost their discipline winding up with a total of seven yellow cards (two of which resulted in one player being dismissed). St Neots also had two yellow cards both issued to Marley Ugarte-Edwards (one in each half) meaning an automatic one match ban for this charismatic young striker.

After a cautious start by both sides which included a good save by visiting keeper Max Rigby from home skipper Ryan Thomas, St Neots stamped early authority on the contest after 17 minutes when Enoch Opayinga making only his third appearance played Marley Ugarte-Edwards clear of the defence to open the scoring. After 22 minutes Alfie Carberry was upended in the penalty area, but the Referee waved play on, but just sixty seconds later he made up for his disappointment as he netted St Neots second goal. Opayinka looking very sharp then saw a rising shot pushed for a corner at full stretch and Ugarte-Edwards had a close range shot blocked on the goal line as St Neots dominated.

Deeping came out after the break determined to make an impact on the game and after 55 minutes a Keelan Walker free kick found the head of William Howard who beat the home keeper, but the ball rebounded from the bar. On the break Opayinka brought an excellent save from Rigby and as the visitors pressed, Beck McCarthy broke through on 75 minutes but Brooklyn Peacock dived bravely at his feet to save. However a rare mistake by the goalkeeper sixty seconds later, as he spilled a cross, set up Mapalo Mwansa for a goal for the visitors and that signalled a frantic finale to the match. St Neots still created the better chances with Julinho Gomes and Opayinka close to sealing the result but with three minutes left a skirmish involving most of the players saw the visitors reduced to ten men with Keelan Walker dismissed.A second lengthy stoppage as the Referee struggled to keep control saw that total of eleven added minutes with Ugarte-Edwards dismissed seconds from time as he collected his second yellow card.

St Neots: Peacock, Hargreaves, Thomas, Clark, Fransisco, Camfield, Gomes, Timberlake, Carberry, Ugarte-Edwards, Opayinka Subs used:Kobus and Perry.

Cards: Ugarte-Edwards (RED - 2 x Y 38 mins & 45+10 mins)) Referee:Paul Gregory (John Walker)

Saints v Kempston Rovers

Saints v Ware FC

Opponent Spotlight BIGGLESWADE FC

Biggleswade FC was formed in May 2016 from the very successful Biggleswade Town Under 18s side that competed in the Thurlow Nunn Youth League.

2014/15 season Town’s Under 18s lost just one league game all season as they romped to the Northern Division title.

The young Waders, along with all the other area divisional league champions in the Thurlow Nunn Youth Leagues, entered a knockout competition called the Champions Trophy. After defeating Brightlingsea in the Semi-Final, they won a thrilling Final beating Woodbridge Town 4-2 after extra time with goals coming from Keinan Davis, Lee Northfield, Zac Tyrell and George Bailey. Keinan was later to secure a five-year professional contract with Aston Villa – a magnificent achievement for both himself and the Under 18s side.

2015/16 season After league changes, the Waders were placed in the Cambridge Division, which provided a number of different opponents to the previous season. Two defeats by Ely City and Godmanchester Rovers early in the campaign were not enough to stop them taking the league title once more. The feat being achieved with a solid victory against Royston Town in the final match of the season. Victory away to the Northern Champions Kings Lynn set up the chance to retain the Champions Trophy. Waiting in the final were Sudbury Town Academy, whose side contained many ex-Ipswich Town and Colchester United Academy players. Although the first half was a tight affair, Sudbury took a half time lead. The second half though was a totally different matter as the Biggleswade youngsters took total control. Goals from Rhys Thorpe, George Bailey and George Riley ensured that the young Waders emphatically retained their Trophy and title as Champions of East Anglia. The team also entered the FA Youth Cup that season, where they progressed through four ties to reach the Second Round Proper before going down to Worthing in a seven-goal thriller. The competition was eventually won by Chelsea FC. At the end of that season, with no further pathway at Biggleswade Town available, the decision was taken to form a new club. After a ground share agreement was put in place with Biggleswade Town at their fantastic facility on Langford Road - Biggleswade FC was born.

The Club applied to enter the Spartan South Midlands Football League Division One at Step 6 of the Non-League System. After two meetings and a successful appeal with The FA at Wembley, on 7th June 2016, Biggleswade FC were awarded their place at Step 6.

2016/17 season In their very first season in senior football, Biggleswade FC’s squad of young, talented players won the SSMFL Division One title. They finished with 99 points, six clear of Harpenden Town in second place and were duly promoted to the Premier Division - totally vindicating the decision to start off at Step 6 football.

Opponent Spotlight BIGGLESWADE FC

The new club made a huge impact on and off the pitch and succeeded in doing things the right way. The players, under the astute management of Dave Northfield and Mark Inskip, deserved a huge amount of credit. Not only for playing football as it should be played, but also for working and bonding so well together – a real team in every respect. Some of the performances were breathtaking and the 8-1 destruction of high-flying Langford at Christmas and the 4-2 away win at previously unbeaten Baldock Town were both particular highlights.

Others saw the team fighting to the very last minute to secure vital wins, such as the matches at Risborough Rangers and Hillingdon Borough. Setbacks against Kensington Borough at home and the unexpected loss at Bedford merely served to galvanise the players and they then went on subsequent runs of wins to get back on course. One of the defining moments of the season was the titanic home game against Baldock. Bombarded by a very physical side and long balls, FC went behind in the second half and were seconds away from losing the league leadership.

However, a last-minute penalty got it back to 3-3 in front of a large crowd that exploded with excitement, shattered our opponents and effectively secured us promotion and subsequently the title. Another side was shown by the youngsters on that evening. They stood up to immense pressure, really dug in and showed how much they had matured into senior players.

The sheer excitement of the journey during the season was fantastic to experience by everyone connected with the club and its growing band of supporters and football ‘family’.

As well as the successes in the league, the Club also had a thrilling FA Vase run. There was another last-minute winner against Essex Senior League Takeley and then the extraordinary “see-saw” game down in London as FC beat Essex Olympian League Canning Town 5-4 after extra time. The nine-goal thriller was a game that some social media sites called the “Match of the Season” at Step 6 – this to go with the statistic that the Club were also the leading goalscorers in the country at this level. This was all the more remarkable when one considers that the team’s goals were shared around so many members of the team.

The toughest possible draw came in the Second Round Proper where FC were handed an away draw at Peterborough Sports, who were current leaders and eventual comfortable winners of the United Counties League Premier Division. In going down 5-3, FC made a huge impression on their high-flying opponents and they were glowing in their praise of the football the youngsters played. On and off the field, Biggleswade FC won a lot of friends over their first season in senior football. Crowds increased, more supporters and sponsors came on board and the club set out to cultivate links with the local community, especially children and their families. There have been match day mascots from Biggleswade Academy and Biggleswade Town Under 7s, whilst the club’s badge was designed by a local 12-year old school girl for whom there was a special presentation on FC’s ‘Launch Day’ back in October 2016. The Chairman of the SSMFL and an FA representative were also in attendance. League officials have been regular attendees at matches and there have also been visitors from as far afield as Suffolk and Southampton. Biggleswade FC has had excellent weekly coverage in The Biggleswade Chronicle and has also featured in the national Non-League Paper.

Opponent Spotlight BIGGLESWADE FC

2017/18 season The 2017/18 season, the Club's second full season in senior football, will probably be remembered for our exploits in the FA Vase. Victories over Northampton Sileby Rangers (5-3), Basildon United (2-0), Crawley Green (2-0) and eventual SSML Premier Division champions Welwyn Garden City (2-1 after extra time) saw FC reach the last 32. We were drawn against Hellenic League highflyers Thatcham Town, who were in the middle of an incredible 41-match unbeaten run that would take them to a league title and FA Vase double. We had our chances on the day and with a bit more luck might have progressed, but it wasn't to be as we went down 2-1. The fact everyone was deeply disappointed and that we lost to the eventual winners speaks volumes for the ambition at Biggleswade FC. The experience has only whetted the appetite and created a bigger determination to go further in the competition. The exciting run means FC will enter at the Second Round Proper stage (last 128) for the 2018/19 season. t was a case of an opportunity missed not lifting the League Challenge Trophy. Broadfields United (who again went on to lift the trophy) played FC in the Semi-Final at possibly the best time when we had suspensions and were in the middle of a poor run. Broadfields would go on to beat Risborough in the Final after leaving Langford Road with a 2-1 win. The league campaign on the whole was a successful one, finishing in 5th place in our first season at the ninth tier of English Football. Six wins and a draw from the opening seven games - including a 7-2 rout at Holmer Green - had FC setting the pace early on, but ultimately inconsistency and dropping points against sides in the bottom half of the table saw them fall away in the final couple of months. Our first venture into the FA Cup ended with a 4-1 home defeat to Wisbech Town, but again we can point to the fact that it has taken a team who went on to get promotion to stop us in our tracks. Other notable moments in the season were taking our landlords Biggleswade Town to penalties in the Beds Senior Cup Semi-Final, whilst also beating eighth tier AFC Dunstable 5-3 in one of our best performances in an earlier round. We also claimed four points from two meetings with local rivals Biggleswade United, which both attracted healthy threefigure crowds. As for the Reserves, they enjoyed a solid first season in the Bedfordshire County League finishing just below mid-table in Division One. After a difficult start in which many of the squad were making their first steps into senior football, Phil’s side finished the season strongly picking up 20 points from a possible 33. Another pleasing aspect of the season was that by the end, there were a number of players on the fringes of the first team squad. George Holman in particular didn’t look out of place when called upon and announced himself with a wonder goal at Stotfold.

2018/19 season In 2018/19, the club really announced itself on the local and national stage. For the second time in three seasons, FC were league champions - this time clinching the SSMFL's Premier Division title by six points after a four-way tussle with Tring Athletic, Hadley and Biggleswade United for much of the season.

They made it a league and cup treble lifting the Premier Division Cup with a 2-0 win over Baldock Town in front of over 300 spectators and in excess of 200 turned out to see FC lift the North Beds Charity Cup for the first time with a 5-1 demolition of Ampthill Town at Bedford FC.

Opponent Spotlight BIGGLESWADE FC

They also captured the imagination of the local community with crowds in excess of 500 at home to both Stowmarket Town and Windsor in the FA Vase. The fairytale didn't quite go as far as Wembley, but a memorable day out saw three coaches travel to Faversham and in excess of 600 witnessed FC go down 2-1 to an experienced Canterbury City side at the QuarterFinal stage.

Not to be outdone, our promising young Reserve side claimed a Beds County League Division One and Centenary Cup double going unbeaten in all competitions over 23 matches, a run that stretched back November. Although the club is very much in its infancy, Saturday 20th April 2019 will go down as a special day in our history as both teams clinched their respective league titles on a baking hot afternoon, celebrated together at Stotfold's Roker Park before the party went on long into the night.

ROLL OF HONOUR: Spartan South Midlands League Division One Champions: 2016/17 Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division Champions: 2018/19 SSML Premier Division (Dudley Latham Memorial) Cup Winners: 2018/19 North Beds Charity Cup Winners: 2018/19

Opponent Spotlight PLAYER PROFILES Tyler Josephs (Goalkeeper) - Following the departure of Ross Tompkins, FC's management team identified Tyler as their number one target to replace him. The young keeper arrived in July 2019 from neighbours Potton United and has fitted seamlessly into the FC rearguard.

Dan Green (Goalkeeper) - Dan re-signed for FC in late September 2021 from Southern League neighbours AFC Dunstable. He was outstanding in his first spell with the club back in 2017/18 where he kept 11 clean sheets in 40 appearances.

Jack Berman (Goalkeeper) - 18-year-old Jack was a November arrival from Kings Langley. Also on the books at Stevenage FC, Jack has made an instant impact keeping three clean sheets in his first four FC appearances.

Luke Oswick (Defender) - 21-year-old Luke arrived from Royston Town in July 2019 and featured as a left back initially. However, having picked up some injuries at centre half, he was moved into the heart of the FC defence for the win over Kempston Rovers in December where he’s been a regular feature ever since.

Michael Simpson (Defender) - “Simo” arrived from Stotfold in July 2018. A player that was on Dave Northfield’s wanted list for a while. After initially starting in the Reserves, once he forced his way into the 1st Team he has made the left back position his own. A solid and dependable player who rarely has a bad game.

Adam Hunt (Defender) - An exciting attacking right back, "Hunty" captained FC to the SSML Division One title in the club's debut season in 2016/17. His performances got him a move to Welwyn Garden City for 2018/19 and despite some good performances for The Citizens, Adam decided to "come home". One of only two players to clock up over 150 appearances for the club.

Tom Coles (Midfield) - Club Captain - A mid-season arrival from Eynesbury Rovers in 2017/18 where he had scored over 100 goals in just over six seasons, “Colesy” averaged just over a goal every other game for FC in his first couple of seasons. Having dropped into a deeper midfield role his goalscoring contributions may have lessened, but his leadership, experience and all-round importance has only increased.

Pat McCafferty (Midfield) - Pat spent all of his youth playing days with Luton Town, but was released as a 16year-old. Their loss has certainly been FC’s gain though, making over 130 appearances for the club to date.

Always in the right place to break up play, but equally as adept at driving from midfield with the ball at his feet.

An all-action class act, who will be essential to FC’s future successes.

Lawrie Marsh (Midfield) - A December 2021 re-signing from Hitchin Town. Lawrie has a terrific engine and has the versatility to play in a number of positions.The club is delighted to have him back on board having been part of the 2018/19 Treble season. Over 100 appearances for FC to date.

Matt Richardson (Midfield) - 21-year-old Matt has gone from strength-to-strength since arriving from Ampthill Town. After breaking into the first team, it has been very stop, start for him in the past couple of seasons. He’s been desperately unlucky with injuries, but he’s another local lad with bags of potential.

Lee Northfield (Midfield/Forward) - “One of the originals” from the all-conquering Biggleswade Town under 18s side. Lee spent six years at Ipswich Town before moving on to Stevenage FC. Over 40 goals and 25 assists for FC to date. Struggled with injury over the past couple of seasons, but when fit, he is that creative cog in the number 10 role.

Jack Dreyer (Midfield/Forward) - A really exciting young player with an eye for goal. Jack has been rewarded with a place in the First-Team squad after some impressive performances and goalscoring exploits in the Reserves at the end of last season. Three goals to his name already in pre-season, so he’ll be one to watch this term.

Opponent Spotlight PLAYER PROFILES

Alex Marsh (Forward) - The club were thrilled to re-sign their all-time leading goalscorer from Hitchin Town in September 2021. “Marshy” played an influential role in FC’s Spartan South Midlands League title triumph and FA Vase runs scoring a total of 62 goals in 106 appearances first time around.

Ryan Inskip (Forward) - First FC player to reach 150 appearances for the club. "Skippy" was one of FC’s star performers in 2018/19 chipping in with 20 goals including a cup final brace against Baldock Town. His quick feet and close control make him equally adept at creating goals as he is at scoring them.

Sam Johnson (Forward) - A late pre-season acquisition for FC last summer having been in and around the Southern League for the past two or three seasons with spells at Kempston Rovers and AFC Rushden and Diamonds.The 26-year-old has had his injury problems so far, but there is no doubting his influence when fit with some all-action displays.

George Bailey (Forward) - Prolific in his first season and a half for Biggleswade FC. Form that earned him a crack at Step 3 football with both Biggleswade Town and St Ives Town. Dave Northfield has tried on numerous occasions to bring him back to the club, but finally he’s got his man last summer. An exciting attacking talent.

Scott Joseph (Forward) - October 2019 capture from neighbours Bedford Town. The 31-year-old forward has bags of experience with spells at AFC Rushden & Diamonds, Bedford Town, St Ives Town and Barton Rovers to name a few.The strong and powerful front man made an immediate impact scoring eight goals in seventeen games including at hat-trick at Wantage Town.

Daniel Bond (Forward) - “Bondy” arrived from neighbours Langford in November 2019 having scored 12 goals in 16 appearances in a short stint down the road at Forde Park. A regular goalscorer at Stotfold in the SSML before goalscoring spells at Step 4 with Hertford Town and Welwyn Garden City. A player with a great attitude and work ethic.

Tom Cookman (Forward) - “Cookie” is a talismanic forward who leads from the front. Although his goal return has dwindled and his appearances have been limited by injury over the past couple of seasons, there is no doubting his importance and experience to this young squad. One of only three players to score over 50 goals for the club so far.

Opponent Spotlight HARLOW TOWN FC

The club was originally formed in 1879, playing its first match in October of that year against Saffron Walden Town. It is one of the oldest clubs in the County of Essex. In those early days the club, just known as Harlow, played friendly matches against local opposition until the formation of East Herts League in 1896. As with most clubs around this time Harlow had their fair share of amalgamations with other local clubs, and was known as Harlow & Burnt Mill before later becoming Harlow Town.

Over the years Harlow, which became a New Town in the early 1950’s, expanded beyond recognition, and the Club grew with the town. The club moved into the Spartan League in 1932 and were granted Senior Status in 1937, competing in the FA Cup and Essex Senior Cups for the first time. At this time Harlow had one of the smallest populations for clubs competing at this level, a far cry from today where the population is around 85,000.

After the Second World War, Harlow continued to compete in the Spartan League until moving into the London League in 1953. Six seasons were spent in the London League before a move into the Delphian League.In 1960 the club moved away from its roots in Old Harlow, moving into the Sportcentre ground in the new town, which was the clubs home for the next 46 years before moving to The Harlow Arena in September 2006.

With the reorganisation of the amateur game in the early 1960’s Harlow found themselves playing in the newly formed Athenian League Division Two for the start of the 1963-64 season, winning promotion at the first attempt after finishing in third place. After eight seasons in Division One, Harlow finally won their first senior championship by winning the Athenian League Division One title. The following season saw the club finish fourth in the Premier Division before joining the Isthmian League for the start of the 1973-74 Season.

After joining the Isthmian League Harlow had more than their fair share of ups and downs. Promotion was achieved six times, including lifting the Division One and Division Two (North) titles, whilst the club suffered five relegations and had to sit season 1992-93 out after severe financial problems threatened the club’s very existence.

The Club made a name for itself in season 1979-80 with a terrific FA Cup run, which saw the club progress to the fourth round proper, having started out in the preliminary round. Wins against Lowestoft, Hornchurch, Bury Town, Harwich & Parkeston, Margate, Leytonstone-Ilford, Southend United and finally Leicester City, gave the club a fourth round tie away to Watford. The BBC “Match of the Day” cameras were at Vicarage Road as Harlow eventually bowed out of the competition, although they went down fighting, losing 4-3 to Graham Taylor’s side.

Since that time Harlow have appeared in the Competition proper on four further occasions, the last of which was in season 2007-08.

In recent times the Club have got back on their feet following the problems of the early 1990’s. Having been relegated two divisions by the League for the season that the Club could not compete; the Club worked their way back to where they were before the enforced break. After a few near misses the “Hawks”, as they are now known, won back-to-back promotions from Division Three and Division Two of the Ryman League and after a poor first season back in Division One, managed to establish itself in the Division until the end of the 2003/2004 Season when the re-structuring of the non-league game saw the club switch to the Southern League. The Hawks finished 15th in the Southern League Division 1 East League table in Season 2004/2005 and 9th in Season 2005/2006.

Opponent Spotlight HARLOW TOWN FC

The Hawks haven’t had much success in recent years in the FA Trophy or League Cup Competitions but lifted the prestigious East Anglian Cup in Seasons 1989/90, 2001/02 and in season 2005/2006 when Spalding United were beaten 1-0 in the Final.

The Club moved in September 2006 to a new ground at Barrows Farm, a mile and a half to the west of their old Sportcentre location, and after awaiting clearance from the Ryman League to start playing at the new Stadium played their first senior match in a Division 1 North fixture versus Ware on 18th October. A highly successful first term at Barrows Farm was complete when the Hawks gained promotion to the Premier Division of the Ryman Football League at the end of the season by clinching runners-up spot and then beating AFC Sudbury on penalties in the Division 1 North “Play-off” Final.

The Club’s first season back in the Premier Division since 1984 was a struggle with an epic win at AFC Wimbledon securing a second season in the top division. Unfortunately the club failed to maintain their Premier Division place the following season, returning to Division One North for the start of the 2009-10 season.

The build up to the 2009-10 season was severely disrupted when on 21st July the Chairman resigned due to a change of ownership of the club. The manager followed along with the vast majority of the playing staff and various members of the backroom staff.

After a very difficult start to the season new owners took control of the club in January 2010, with former manager Tommy Cunningham returning to the club with his business partner John Barnett.With so much turmoil the club finished bottom of the table but were reprieved from relegation due to another club having issues with their ground grading.

There has been steady progress since the new owners took control. In the first full season the club reached the play-offs, only to lose 2-4 at Wingate Finchley in the semi-finals. During this season former player Danny Chapman was appointed manager and has since gone on to become the club’s longest serving manager.

In 2013 the club invested in a new 3G pitch that was laid during the summer ready for the start of the 2013/14 season. The new pitch provided top of the range facilities for the whole community, so the ground was re-branded as the Harlow Arena. Along with the 3G pitch the Hawks also set up youth teams to play at the club, the first steps towards the Harlow Town Academy.

The season finished with another place in the play-offs. This time the club reached the final after a 3-0 win away to Heybridge Swifts.However, Witham Town were victorious, with a 3-0 win at Spa Road.

At the start of the 2014/15 Harlow Town launched The Harlow Academy, a youth set-up which incorporated 21 youth teams playing at The Harlow Arena. After a tightly contested league campaign, Harlow missed out the league title and automatic promotion by just 1 point, finishing behind Needham Market. Another appearance in the playoffs beckoned, but this time the Hawks fell down in the semi-final with a 3-4 defeat to Thurrock after extra time.

Opponent Spotlight HARLOW TOWN FC

The 2015/16 season saw Harlow Town promoted for the first time since 2007. Again, the club missed out on the top spot but secured wins against Gray Wanderers and then AFC Hornchurch to finally become winners of the play-offs.

The Hawks return to the Premier Division had a touch of déjà vu as, after a successful first season back, the club struggled the following two seasons, before returning to Step 4 football at the end of the 2018-19.

The club were placed into the Isthmian League South Central League for the start of the 2019-20 season, however, both the 2019-20 and 20-21 seasons were cut short as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. There was another change of leagues for the start of the 2021-22 season when the club were moved sideways into the Southern League Central Division.

Isthmian League Division One Champions 1978-79 Division Two North Champions 1988-89 Division One North Play Off Winners 2006-07, 2015-16 FA Cup 4th Round Proper: 1979-80 1st Round Proper: 1980-81, 1981-82, 1991-92, 2008-09 Athenian League Division One champions 1971-72 Essex Senior Cup Winners 1978-79 East Anglian Cup Winners 1989-90, 2001-02, 2005-06 London League Cup Champions 1959-60 West Essex Border Charity Cup Winners 1923-24 Spartan League Division One Cup winners 1952-53 East Herts League Division One champions 1911-12, 1922-23, 1928-29, 1929-30 Challenge Cup winners 1929-30, 1930-31, 1931-32 Stansted & District League Division One champions 1923-24, 1924-25, 1927-28, 1928-29 Rolleston Cup Winners 1924-25 Epping Hospital Shield Winners 1938-39, 1946-47, 1947-48, 1948-49

Opponent Spotlight PLAYER PROFILES

Danny Chapman (Manager) Experienced defender who made over 200 appearances for the Hawks having first signed for the club in 2003, after spells with the likes of Barnet and Wingate & Finchley. Chapman left the club in December 2008, but returned in February 2010. He was appointed as the club’s manager in February 2011. He led the team to a triumphant play-off victory in 2015/16 after the heartache of being losing finalists in 2013/14 & semi-finals in 2014/15.

He took some time out from football in January 2020 after 9 years at the helm, but returned to his role in December 2020.

Darren Blewitt (Assistant Manager) After having made 46 appearances for the Hawks as a player during the 2013-14 season, Darren Blewitt joined Danny Chapman's coaching team as Assistant Manager in May 2021.

Craig Alcock (Player-Coach/Defender) Craig Alcock signed for Harlow Town in September 2020.

He began his career at Yeovil Town before loan spells at other clubs in the South West including Weston-super-Mare, Taunton Town and Tiverton Town. He then joined Peterborough United, where he made almost 100 appearances, before heading further north with spells for Sheffield United and Doncaster Rovers. He has also played for Cheltenham Town, before returning to Yeovil Town for the 2019-20 season. He joined Danny Chapman’s coaching staff in June 2021.

Dan Middlehurst (Goalkeeping Coach) Dan Middlehurst joined Danny Chapman's coaching team as Goalkeeping Coach in May 2021. Dan has been working with our academy goalkeepers for the past three and a half years and he also operates a goalkeeping school and half term football camps at the Harlow Arena. He also has previous coaching experience with the Harlow Town First Team.

Demaray Anyadike (Midfielder) Demaray Anyadike signed for the Hawks in August 2021 on a year-long work experience arrangement from Southend United. He is a right winger who has has plenty of pace and is always a handful for defenders.

Alfie Attrill (Midfielder) Alfie Attrill signed for the Hawks in August 2021. Alfie is local to Harlow and has previously been played for Cheshunt.

Graeme Butler (Defender) Graeme Butler is an experienced defender who was promoted from the Reserves in November 2021.

Opponent Spotlight PLAYER PROFILES

Henry Clark (Midfielder) A young midfielder promoted from the Reserves in November 2021.

Junior Dadson (Midfielder) Junior Dadson joined the Hawks for a third spell in May 2021. A pacy winger, he initially signed for the Hawks ahead of the 2013-14 season. After leaving the following summer for a short spell with AFC Hornchurch and VCD Athletic, Junior re-signed for Harlow in December 2014. A very quick player who can play on the left or right wing, he terrifies defenders with the ball at his feet. He went on to make 175 appearances in total for the Hawks, scoring 81 goals. His 30 goals in the 2015-16 season helped the Hawks to the Isthmian League Division One playoff final, resulting in promotion back to the Premier Division. In January 2018 he was sold to Cray Wanderers for an undisclosed fee. After 3 1/2 years away from the Club, he re-joined Danny Chapman's squad ahead of the 2021-22 season.

Layne Eadie (Defender) Layne Eadie re-joined the Hawks in May 2021. He originally joined the Club in September 2013, and he is a left-sided defender who likes to attack with pace. He is a product of the St Albans academy scheme and one-time member of a successful St Albans City Midweek Youth side, and he has also played for St Neots Town. He won the 2014-15 Manager's Player of the Season & was the winner of the prestigious Presidents Cup. When his contract expired during the summer of 2017, Eadie made the decision to try and play at the highest level of football possible, signing for St Albans. After four years away from the Club, Eadie re-signed for the Hawks ahead of the 2021-22 season.

Syrus Gordon (Midfielder) Syrus Gordon signed for the Hawks for a second spell in August 2019.

He had previously played for the Club between August 2015 and September 2018, making 142 appearances in all competitions. He is a tough-tackling midfielder who has also previously played for Cheshunt.

Rob Horgan (Goalkeeper) Harlow Town Reserves goalkeeper Rob Horgan signed first team forms in October 2020 to provide a back-up goalkeeping option.

Ruaridh Kay (Defender) Ruaridh Kay signed for Harlow Town for a second spell in November 2021. He originally joined the Hawks in August 2020, but left the Club in December 2020 after the curtailment of the 2020-21 season. He plays on the right side of the defence, and has previously played for Haringey Borough.

Amar Lewis (Midfielder) Amar Lewis signed for the Hawks in July 2019. He is an attacking midfielder or forward who was previously with Stanway Rovers.

Samson Maagbe (Striker) Signed for the Hawks in October 2021, having previously played for Margate. A forward or attack-minded midfielder.

Opponent Spotlight PLAYER PROFILES

Hector Mackie (Midfielder) Hector Mackie signed for the Hawks in January 2020. He came through the Tottenham Hotspur academy before a number of trials for league clubs. He signed for Stevenage Borough, but failed to break into the first team. He has since featured for a number of clubs throughout his career, mostly in the upper reaches of the non-league system, including St Albans Town, Bath City and Hayes and Yeading. Prior to signing for the Hawks, Hector was plying his trade across the Atlantic in Canada, where he played for Vaughan FC and Toronto Irish.

Marcus Marku (Midfielder) Marcus Marku signed for Harlow Town in August 2020 after being promoted from the Reserves side. He is a hard-working midfielder. He left the Club in December 2020 after the curtailment of the 2020-21 season but re-signed in August 2021 ahead of the 202122 season.

Tom Middlehurst (Goalkeeper) Tom Middlehurst joined the Hawks in July 2021 on an initial 3month loan deal from QPR. He is a goalkeeper who plays for the EFL Championship side's Under 23's team. He has been a QPR player since joining them at Under 17's level from Cheltenham Town, after impressing the R's during an initial trial period. A physically imposing goalkeeper, he possesses a good shot-stopping ability.

Charles Nicol (Striker) A young striker promoted from the Reserves in November 2021.

Simon-Peter Omooba (Striker) Simon-Peter Omooba signed for the Hawks in November 2021. He is a forward who spent a number of years playing his football in the USA, where he went to study, and has featured for Oyster Bay United FC and college team New York Institute of Technology Bears Alex Read (Striker) Alex Read signed for the Hawks for a third spell in May 2021. Alex initially joined the Hawks in July 2013 and went on to be one of the clubs most prolific strikers. In his first season he scored an incredible 52 league and cup goals, breaking a 25-year old club record for the number of goals in one season. The next season produced 42 goals, followed by another 38 goals in the 2015-16 season as he helped propel the Hawks back to the Isthmian League Premier Division. He became only the second Harlow Town player to surpass a century of goals, and in total Alex scored 178 goals in just 278 appearances in a Harlow shirt. He is now second on the Harlow Town all-time scorers list behind Marc Salmon (198), and his exploits in front of goal have earned him legendary status among the Harlow Town supporters. In the summer of 2018, after five years with Harlow Town, Alex signed for Tonbridge Angels. where his 16 goals in the 2019-20 season helped steer them to promotion to the National League. He started the 2019-20 campaign with the Angels, and after short stints with Wingate & Finchley, Enfield Town, Aveley and Bishop's Stortford, he returned to the Hawks for a second spell in February 2020. He departed the club in the summer of 2020 before re-joining Danny Chapman's squad the following year after taking some time away from football.

Opponent Spotlight PLAYER PROFILES

Robbie Rees (Midfielder) Robbie Rees signed for the Hawks in October 2021. He is an attacking player who can play in midfield or as a forward. He joined Harlow Town from Brentwood Town where he has had a couple of spells in recent years. He has also featured for Brightlingsea Regent over two separate stints, as well as time spent at Dagenham & Redbridge, Enfield Town, Aveley and VCD Athletic.

Ergis Shala (Defender) Ergis Shala signed for Harlow Town in August 2021 on a year-long work experience arrangement from Southend United. He is a defender who impressed during the Hawks' pre-season campaign.

Fabion Simms (Midfielder) Fabion Simms joined the Hawks for a third time in May 2021. He originally signed for Harlow Town in March 2014 from Potters Bar Town, where he was a regular in the starting line-up for Bar, and was virtually an ever-present in the Hawks side since then. He can play in central midfield, in the holding position or just behind the striker. He has also been known to fill in at centre back. In May 2015, after his first full season with the Club, Simms won the Players Player of the Year for the 20414-15 season, and was very much a fans favourite when commanding the midfield area. He was named Captain ahead of the 2018-19 season, and after over four years with the Club he was still one of the first names on the team-sheet. He celebrated his 250th appearance for the Hawks in November 2018, with only 11 of those appearances earned coming off the bench. He departed the Club at the end of the 2018-19 season, having made 276 appearances in total. He scored 19 goals, with 23 assists, and will surely go down as a Harlow Town legend. He joined the Hawks for a second spell in February 2020, on a one month deal from Cheshunt, returning to his parent club Cheshunt at the end of the 2019-20 season. Simms then rejoined the Danny Chapman's squad for a third time ahead of the 2021-22 season.

Jared Small (Midfielder) Jared Small joined the Hawks for a third time in May 2021. He is a pacy winger who can play out wide or also in attack. Jared started out playing for Barking, where he made his debut in the 2008/09 season, scoring a total of 12 goals in 64 games in his time with the club. He joined local rivals Tilbury in February 2010 where he saw out the remainder of the 2009/10 season. He then joined Grays Athletic at the start of the 2010/11 season. He scored 10 goals in 50 appearances before moving to Billericay Town in March 2012. With his chances few and far between, he rejoined Grays on a dual-registration. Jared initially joined the Hawks for the 2014-15 season but left the following summer to sign for newly promoted Brentwood Town, followed by a short stint at Enfield Town. He re-joined the Hawks for a second spell in October 2015, and he went on to make a total of 184 appearances for Harlow Town, scoring 23 goals and assisting in 30 more. He swept the board at the 2017-18 Presentation Awards Evening, winning the Players’, Manager’s and Supporters’ Player of the Year accolades, before moving to Tonbridge Angels in the summer of 2018. After three years away from the Club, he re-joined ahead of the 2021-22 season.

Opponent Spotlight PLAYER PROFILES

Joshua Steele (Defender) Josh Steele signed for the Hawks in July 2021. He is a centre-back who has most recently played for Margate during the abandoned 2020-21 season, having moved up from their Academy. He then signed for Basildon United, but was unable to play any competitive matches before the lockdown put paid to the campaign.

Tiannie Wilson (Midfielder) Tiannie Wilson re-joined the Hawks for a second spell in July 2021.

He originally signed for Harlow Town in November 2019. He is an attacking winger who was promoted to the First Team after impressing for the Reserves. Wilson left the club in March 2020 in search of regular football, before re-joining Danny Chapman's squad ahead of the 2021-22 season.

St Neots Town FC Playing Record - Season 2021/22

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Manager - Peter Gill Assistant - Sean Greygoose GK Coach - Gary Dean Physio - Craig Lambert Kitman - Mick Hunt

Manager – Dave Northfield and Mark Inskip Assistant - James Petty, Conor Darrington GK Coach Physio - Amy Radford

Squad List

Squad List

Louis Chadwick (GK) George Whitehall (GK) Dequane Wilson-Braithwaite Gradi Milenge Lee Watkins (c) Callum Anderson Joe Rider Neo Richard-Noel Myles Cowling Wynford Marfo Charlie Johnson Marc Abbott Charley Barker Aaron Smith Ryan Thomas Ronayne Marsh-Brown Kwai Marsh-Brown Kyjuon Marsh-Brown Ben Heal Julinho Gomes Dylan Switters

GK Tyler Josephs GK Daniel Green GK Danny Boness GK Jack Berman DF Kai Bucciero DF Charley O'Keefe DF Charlie Smith DF Ross Taylor DF Jonny Butler DF Tom Unsworth DF Luke Oswick DF Nathan George DF Adam Hunt DF Oliver Lee DF Michael Fisher DF Michael Simpson MD Harry Roberts MD Alex Marsh MD George Bailey MD Pat McCafferty MD Matt Richardson MD Ryan Inskip MD Lawrie Marsh MD Tom Coles MD Sam Johnson MD Luke Middleton MD Jack Dreyer ST Alan Fleming ST Lee Northfield ST Tom Cookman ST Scott Joseph ST Daniel Bond WI Adam Drakulic WI Joe Worboys

Colours Navy/Light Blue quarters Dark blue short Light blue socks

Referee Sean Barry

Assistant 1 Scott Hanna

Next Home Match V Aylesbury Utd Saturday 19th Feb 3.00 pm KO Gates Open 1.30pm

Colours Green Shirts, Shorts Socks

Assistant 2 David Jarrett Next Home Match V North Leigh Saturday 5th March 3.00 pm KO Gates Open 1.30pm

Manager - Peter Gill Assistant - Sean Greygoose GK Coach - Gary Dean Physio - Craig Lambert Kitman - Mick Hunt

Manager – Danny Chapman Assistant - Darren Blewitt and Craig Alcock GK Coach - Dan Middlehurst Physio -

Squad List

Squad List

Louis Chadwick (GK) George Whitehall (GK) George Anthony (GK) Dequane Wilson-Braithwaite Gradi Milenge Lee Watkins (c) Callum Anderson Joe Rider Neo Richard-Noel Myles Cowling Wynford Marfo Charlie Johnson Marc Abbott Charley Barker Aaron Smith Ryan Thomas Ronayne Marsh-Brown Kwai Marsh-Brown Kyjuon Marsh-Brown Ben Heal Julinho Gomes Dylan Switters

Demaray Anyadike Alfie Attrill Graeme Butler Henry Clark Junior Dadson Layne Eadie Syrus Gordon Rob Horgan Ruaridh Kay Amar Lewis Samson Maagbe Hector Mackie Marcus Marku Tom Middlehurst Charles Nicol Simon-Peter Omooba Alex Read Robbie Rees Ergis Shala Fabion Simms Jared Small Joshua Steele Tiannie Wilson

Colours Navy/Light Blue quarters Dark blue short Light blue socks

Colours Red Shirts, Shorts and Socks

Referee A N Other

Assistant 1 A N Other

Next Home Match V Aylesbury Utd Saturday 19th Feb 3.00 pm KO Gates Open 1.30pm

Assistant 2 A N Other Next Home Match V North Leigh Saturday 5th March 3.00 pm KO Gates Open 1.30pm