2023/24 - Issue Five - Daventry Town

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Official Digital Matchday Magazine Season 2023/24

UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION SOUTH

St Neots Town F.C. Established Established 1879 1879

President - John Walker

Board of Directors Joint CEO - Louise Sales & Mehmet Mimoglu Chairman - Barry Cavilla Secretary/Director - Gary Wilson Director of Football - Iain Parr Director - Jez Green Director - Mike Green Board Member - Brian Barnes Board Member - Andy Clay Board Member - Daniel Dodson

First Team Manager - Cameron Mawer Assistant - George Thorne GK Coach - Gary Dean Physio - Craig Lambert Kit Man - Mick Hunt

Academy Manager - Alex Minall U18’s Manager - Simon Trigg Club Welfare Officer - Chrissie Manly

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

Media Press Officer - Mike Green Match Reports - John Walker Photographer - David Richardson Social Media - Mike Green

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

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 - mehmetmi@hotmail.com Events - misslouises@yahoo.co.uk

Front cover - Image copyright protected by David Richardson, 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: Lee Kearns (Significant interest 70%) , Iain Parr, Louise Sales, Gary Wilson, Mehmet Mimoglu and as Non Executive Directors Mike Green, Jeremy Green, and Barry Cavilla.

Company Secretary Gary Wilson

Greenie’s Greetings With Director Mike Green "Good afternoon everyone and welcome back to the Premier Plus Stadium for today's United Counties League Premier Division South game".

Today we extend a warm welcome to the Players, Officials and Supporters of Daventry Town and we hope you enjoy our hospitality here this afternoon.

So the unbeaten run has now ended after our Bank Holiday Monday home defeat to Newport Pagnell Town. Obviously everyone is disappointed that its ended but on the other hand, it has now removed a lot of un-neccessary pressure and expectation on the boys to perform and win every game, something which was never going to happen.

So, another tough looking game today against a side who many would place as promotion favourites after their summer signing spree as they look, like ourselves, to bounce back up to Step Four as quickly as possible. One familiar face amongst the Daventry ranks and that is of course, Leon Lobjoit, who finished last season as the top scorer in the whole on England whilst playing for Leighton Town so we will have to be at our defensive best today to nullify his striking threat.

Our Under 18 Youth Team have begun the season well in the Thurlow Nunn Youth League West Division, currently sitting top after this weeks demolition of Wisbech St Mary ( report further in this issue). Monday evening sees them begin their FA Youth Cup adventure as they entertain Bugbrooke St Michaels, kick off at 7.45pm, so why not come along and cheer on the Young Saints.

Lets hear you all today, loud and proud to be Saints

PUMP UP THE VOLUME

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 welcome everyone associated with Daventry Town to The Premier Plus stadium. They are an excellent side and I am sure they will be the first to admit their form has been very up and down. There is no doubt that on their day they are one of the best sides in this league and come April I expect them to be there or thereabouts“.

Like ourselves, they came down from step 4 and it’s not easy adapting to the league, after taking in a number of games in my opinion the UCL is a lot stronger and more physical than the Spartan South Midlands which is the equivalent to us.

Everyone was disappointed our winning run came to an end on Monday, against a very good Newport Pagnell side. I believe the likes of Newport and March will be the sides to beat this season along with today’s opposition, but we showed against them both, we can compete with the best sides in the league. We more then matched Newport and goals changed games and they scored at crucial times. There will be plenty of ups and down but we just have to make sure we come out on top of these key battles more times then we don’t. The good start to the season didn’t surprise me but I always felt we weren’t anywhere near our levels for prolonged periods in any of the games.

I’ve always maintained it will take us into September/October before you see the best of us.

The crowd on Monday was unreal, lots of hard work goes on at our football club, off the pitch and their hard work is being rewarded with the size of the crowds that are coming through the turnstiles. I can feel the unity at the football club from the Academy, the First Team all the way to the supporters. Your support is appreciated by all the management team and the players and we love the feeling of having you right behind us.

We need all again today, you’re the 12th player and since the day I walked through the door you have been brilliant, let’s enjoy the game!

Thanks

#inittogether

Cam

Saints

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Boardroom Gossip Boardroom Gossip With Chairman Barry Cavilla With Chairman Barry Cavilla " Good afternoon Everyone and welcome today to the Premier Plus Stadium for today’s important match against familiar foes Daventry Town. I would like to welcome all the players, officials and supporters of our visitors today to the home of the Saints”.

Well, what an exciting few weeks of football to the new season we have had at St Neots Town Football Club, winning six of the first seven league games and a couple of exciting but ultimately disappointing FA cup ties. All this makes you want to come and see what is happening at the Saints.

Let me tell you our excellent managerial team of Cameron & George have put together an exciting team of players slowly gelling in to a very good squad, full of purpose and commitment, to drive the Saints back to winning ways and hopefully a very positive season lays ahead for us all to enjoy.

With a huge crowd of nearly five hundred, excited to see this Bank Holiday Monday clash with our opponents Newport Pagnell Town, who are a very experienced and established UCL side and like ourselves pushing for promotion , however, on the day they put a spoke in our wheels and made us sit up and see there are other teams out there pushing for promotion too and showed their intentions in an very competitive game that came down to who took their chances when they arrived. So, it’s going to a big test of character in how we respond to our first defeat on home turf and ground out positive results and keep in touch with the leading pack at this early stage of the season.

I am certain Cameron will have the lads prepared and ready for a very busy September, full of games, starting with Daventry Town in the league today then followed by an away trip to Clipstone FC, near Mansfield, in the League Cup the following Saturday 9th September. So, thank you all for your continued support for Cameron and the team and hopefully we can put in another positive performance with our excellent Support behind them as always.

Enjoy your afternoon.

Barry

WHAT‘S ON AT THE PREMIER PLUS STADIUM

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UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION SOUTH

Boardroom Gossip With Chairman Barry Cavilla

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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.

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BLAST FROM THE PAST Saturday 1st September 2012 Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division ST NEOTS TOWN

3

BANBURY UNITED

2

St Neots’ determination and perseverance was rewarded with three points they looked to have surrendered when they conceded a second goal to visiting Banbury early in the second half. Then in a hectic two minutes period Dan Jacob who had passed a late fitness test scored twice to get them back in front and despite a late Banbury surge they held on to win. St Neots never played well and will be very happy to have taken all three points. There was an enforced team change with goalkeeper Michael Duggan serving his one match ban and the custodian duties were taken over by Jack Giddens making his league debut for the club. He made several useful saves and stood little chance with the two shots that went past him.However Manager Iain Parr will be looking for more consistency from his players with the money spinning home FA cup tie only one week away.

There was a scrappy start to the match with much of the early play in a competitive midfield. The opening goal after 17 minutes came as a result of an excellent advantage played by Referee Adrian Sannerude when Jay Davies was impeded in the penalty area. The ball ran loose to Stefan Moore who clipped a well placed shot wide of Tom Cross and St Neots were in the lead. However the advantage was short-lived because seven minutes later a home defence miscued a clearance across the face of goal and Banbury’s leading marksman Ricky Johnson made no mistake with a close range volley.Giddens was the busier of the two goalkeepers saving well from a Johnson snap shot and diving at the feet of Adeylinka Talabi to smother his effort. The St Neots front runners were getting little or no service and the visitors were growing in confidence as the half time whistle approached with Josh O’Grady squandering their best opening as he shot high over the bar.

BLAST FROM THE PAST Saturday 1st September 2012 St Neots opted for a half time change taking off Declan Rogers and sending on Callum Stewart in a straight swap.However the visitors continued to hold the advantage of possession although Ben Mackey did break away to shoot narrowly wide for St Neots. Then after 54 minutes the St Neots defence was pulled far over tt the left and a shrewd cross ball found Josh O’Grady in acres of space and he cut inside to beat Giddens with a fine curling shot just under the bar. Fir a short time St Neots were clearly on the back foot but they almost got back in the game when Jason Lee diverted an effort by Dan Jacob onto a goalpost with his keeper flat footed. Play became more open and Jordan Gent was happy to concede a corner when Johnson looked threatening. Callum Stewart looked strong going forward and twice he shot narrowly wide and with twelve minutes remaining a lifeline came. Moore played Jon Paul Duncliffe clear on the right and his cross found Dan Jacob whose low shot levelled the scores and with two minutes what proved to be the winning goal arrived. Again Stefan Moore was the architect with a visionary cross field pass to release Dan Jacob who went inside his full back to hit a shot just inside the far post.Predictable Banbury threw everything forward but a great saving tackle by Stewart denied substitute Tom Lorraine a late equaliser and St Neots hung on to win.

St Neots: Giddens, Duncliffe, Rogers, Thorne, Gent, Lee, Hilliard, Davies, Moore, Mackey, Jacob.

Subs: Stewart (for Rogers 46 mins), Adjei (for Hilliard 73 mins), Werndly (for Moore 87 mins), Manangu & Sharman.

Cards: Thorne (Y – 10), Hilliard (Y – 58), Gent (Y – 74), Mackey (Y – 90 +4), Stewart (Y – 90 +5) Banbury: Cross, Cray, Ashton, Dolman, Lee, Polk, Kingston, Confue, Johnson, Talabi, O’Grady.

Subs: Cole (for Kingston 62 mins), Lorraine (for Talabi 72 mins), AgyemanPrepeh (for O’Grady 80 mins), Woodley & Howell.

Cards: Ashton (Y – 34) Referee: Adrian Sannerude Attendance: 332 John Walker

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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.

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 DAVENTRY TOWN

Year founded: 1886

Chairman: Steve Tubb

Club Website: www.dtfc.co.uk

GOOD AFTERNOON AND A WARM WELCOME TO THE PREMIER PLUS STADIUM TO OUR FRIENDS FROM DAVENTRY TWHO LIKE US HAVE JUST RETURNED FROM STEP FOUR Like St Neots Daventry returned to the UCL this season from the Northern Premier League Central Division. They have had a mixed bag of results so far this season winning two and losing three of their opening five league matches. In addition, they were beaten 7-3 at Bewdley Town in their FA Cup extra-preliminary round tie. Last weekend they played in the FA Vase first round qualifying hosting Burnham FC from the Combined Counties League Premier Division at home, and were beaten 8-1, so their cup hopes for this season now rest on local competitions. However, on Bank Holiday Monday they bounced back with a good 2-0 away league victory at Coventry United, with former Saint Leon Lobjoit scoring a goal in each half.

In the Sports Ground Development League Cup preliminary round coming up shortly Daventry have to travel to Loughborough to take on the University Students side who led the Northern Premier Division of the UCL for much of last season before fading to finish just a point below a promotion slot. Our League Cup comes next Saturday when we make the long trip to Clipstone who play in Division One of the UCL and are still unbeaten in their league programme this season. So there is likely to be a return to St Neots this afternoon for Leon Lobjoit who played briefly for us three seasons ago in the abandoned 2020/21 season when only eight league games were completed prior to the COVID lockdown. Leon played ten games for us plus two as sub scoring nine goals.

Details of the last meeting of our two sides can be found elsewhere in the programme.

Previous meetings of our teams: We have played Daventry eighteen times in league fixtures over the past twenty-nine seasons – one season at Step Six in the UCL, five seasons at Step Five in the UCL, two seasons at Step Four in the Southern League Midland Division, and last season (also Step Four) in the Northern Premier League. Central Division.

In addition, we have once met in Cup competition – the UCL KO Cup in 1994/95 when we drew at home 3-3 before winning the away replay 1-0 (our scorer John Hunter).

In the league our record is: Played 18 Won 9 Drawn 3

Lost 6

Goals for 44

Goals against 24

Our biggest victory over Daventry was our first home league meeting when we won 8-0 with goals from Iain Parr (2), Steve Galbraith (2), Steve Brown (2), David Albone, and Sean Gale.

Daventry have won three and drawn one of our last four meetings.

Enjoy the match.

John Walker

Previous Meetings - With John Walker The Result Neither Team Wanted

NORTHERN PREMIER LEAGUE – MIDLANDS (14th February 2023) Daventry Town

1

St Neots Town

1

As these two sides scramble for survival at the wrong end of the league table this result was what neither wanted. St Neots maintained their one-point advantage over their hosts leaving them in the second automatic relegation spot above Yaxley, but it is a long way to go for both sides, if their places at step four next season is guaranteed. St Neots began the match well and scored first but conceded a goal in first half added time and a victory could gone to either side if a second goal could have been found. St Neots had to introduce a new goalkeeper with Jamie Greygoose having departed for his new life in Australia and they were pleased to secure the services of James Goff from neighbours St Ives. He had a very promising debut looking confident and assured under pressure and there were three other changes to the starting line-up. Dan Barton, Robbie Mason and Brandon Njoku came into the side for Charlie Johnson (unavailable) and Joe Rider and Manni Osei, both of whom started on the substitutes bench.

St Neots began well and should have made their first half possession and chances count. That was despite suffering an early setback when after just five minutes influential midfielder Liam Hook was forced off with an injury earning the perpetrator a booking. He was replaced by Manny Osei. New goalkeeper James Goff was in early action saving at the feet of Kai O’Keefe and there was concern when Brandon Njoku was injured but was able to continue after lengthy on-field treatment. St Neots then settled and Robbie Mason saw an effort deflected for a corner and a couple of lengthy throws from Aaron Smith caused last ditch clearances from the home defence. Then on the half hour Trey Charles won his way to the bye line and set up Brandon Njoku to open the scoring for the visitors. Tom Lorraine could have levelled the scores soon after, but he shot wide after good work

by Mungo Bridge. Goff saved well from an O’Keefe free kick and Njoku fired over the bar at the other end and the same player shot wide after good work by Callum Anderson.As the half time break approached both Dan Barton and Charles both had chances but shot wide and then deep into first half added time a lengthy throw by Lewis Burgess was not defended and Josh Endall levelled the scores.

I

Previous Meetings - With John Walker The Result Neither Team Wanted

t was the visitors who began the second half better. The lively O’Keefe shot wide after a swift build up from defence and then the home side opted for a change sending on George Herbert to replace Jack Bowen. He was quickly in action firing wide with his first touch before Manny Osei also shot wide after Charlie Lewis had set up a St Neots’ attack from the back. With the home side now enjoying the better possession St Neots were guilty of putting pressure on themselves by conceding too many free kicks and from one of these Goff saved well from Tom Lorraine. O’Keefe continued to torment the St Neots defence and from one of his corners Dan Barton cleared off the line and in a bid to freshen up the visiting attack St Neots sent on Joe Rider for the limping Njoku. With his first touch Rider saw an effort deflected over the crossbar and St Neots finished strongly with Barton seeing a shot deflected after good work by Anderson. In the end Neots were unable to avenge an earlier 1-2 home defeat by their Northamptonshire hosts.

St Neots Town: Goff, Duncliffe, Smith, Anderson, Dickens, Lewis, Barton, Hook, Mason, Njoku, Charles Subs: Osei (for Hook 5 mins), Rider (for Njoku 78 mins), Smyth, and Sylvester Cards: Smith (Y – 36 mins), Mason (Y - 42 mins) Goal: Njoku (30 mins) Daventry Town: Patching, Print, Burgess, Endall, Wilson, Nketia, Ball, Bridge, Bowen, Lorraine, O’Keefe Subs: Herbert (for Bowen 52 mins), Masiri, Kille, and Magagada Cards: Nketia (Y – 5 mins), Endall (Y – 71 mins) Goal: Endall (45+3 mins)

Referee: Minesh Gupta (Leicester) John Walker

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Seasons Past - With John Walker This Edition Focuses on Season 1982/83

This is the fourth in a series of highlighting one of our former seasons depicting both the highs and the lows in the recent proud history of the Club. This was our only season in UCL Division One having been relegated from the Premier Division. As you would expect with largely an unchanged squad, we were one of the stronger teams at that level and successfully won promotion back to Step Five.

However, we did not take the championship, being pipped by three points by Raunds Town who returned to the top division after 22 seasons either in Division One or Division Two. Even so, we rewrote the record books losing only four times in the league – the equal lowest number in the top two divisions and had the best defensive record of the 53 UCL sides (including Reserve sides) conceding only 24 goals – goalkeeper Barry Cavilla’s record (33 out of 34 games played).

League: Final League position: League playing record: Cup playing record:

UCL Division One 2nd/16 P30 W16 D10 L4 For 55 Against 24 pts 42 (two for win) P4 W0 D0 L4 For 4 Against 21

No player managed a hat trick with the goals shared around between ten players and we were unbeaten at home in the league – won 12 drew 3 lost 0 We recorded only three league ‘doubles’ – with all of our four league defeats coming in Northamptonshire Our Cup campaign was disastrous – played 4 – lost 4 – but three of those were against higher graded sides and our application for FA Cup membership was refused.

However, the Reserve team brought some cup joy – winning the Scott Gatty Cup beating the first teams of Offord and Godmanchester Rovers and the Reserve teams of St Ives Town and Eynesbury Rovers The Reserve team played six more league matches than the senior side and finished 15th out of 19 – two places below Eynesbury Rovers Reserves The top goal scorer was Guy Loveday with 16 goals followed by Steve Galbraith with 11 The Manager was Roger Currington – his final year with the Club

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.

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’ll be happy to help.

www.goldstraw.co.uk 01480 407704

Youth Team Match Report Wisbech St Mary (H) 29-08-2023

ST NEOTS U18

6

WISBECH ST MARY U18

0

Three goals in the final nine minutes gave league leaders St Neots a victory by a margin that seemed unlikely for much of the second half. Visitors Wisbech St Mary finished runners up to the young Saints last season but had lost their first match and in the first half looked as though they might struggle this time around. However, their second half rally pinned St Neots back, until a sending off for a visiting players handed the initiative back to the home side.

The home side dominated the first half and scored three times without any threatening reply. Will Jolly fired just wide in the first minute as St Neots began well and then Caleb Wright had a shot pushed for a corner at full stretch by under-pressure visiting keeper Jack Brocklehurst. The first goal came on ten minutes when Asher Banton rode two defensive tackles to beat the keeper and ten minutes later Will Jolly finished off a move down the right side with a crisp finish. Set up by Banton, Brandon Jessup shot wide, but the one-way traffic continued and when Caleb Wright was upended by a defender, he got to his feet to score the third goal from the penalty spot.

In driving rain after the break, the pattern of the match changed. With several substitutions the visiting side looked sharper and more determined, and St Neots were forced back on to the defensive. Substitute Ellis Goodchild headed wide after neat work by Callum Taylor and then Taylor went clear but could only find the side netting. However, he was then sent off after picking up a second yellow card and this handed the initiative back to St Neots. After a shot had rebounded from the woodwork home substitute Rocco Smith scored St Neots fourth goal after 81 minutes and the same St Neots player added a further goal as the match moved towards the final whistle. There was still time for another St Neots substitute, Nigel Coleman to round off the score with their sixth goal.

St Neots Town: Bent, Olive, Harrison, Baker, Hughes, Miller, Jessup, Webster, Jolly, Banton, Wright.

Subs: Camfield, Smith, Collins, Coleman.

Referee: Simon Ward

John Walker

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John Walker's Match Report Lutterworth Town (a) 26-08-2023

United Counties League Premier Division South LUTTERWORTH TOWN

1

ST NEOTS TOWN

3

“Sometimes you have to win ugly” was the concise summing up of Manager, Cameron Mawer after watching his side struggle to beat basement side Lutterworth Town who have yet to pick up a league point this season after six matches. St Neots struggled to find their usual rhythm on a difficult pitch in first half driving rain and will have been relieved to retain their 100% record after an indifferent afternoon in Leicestershire. Even the final scoreline does not replicate the match, for St Neots’ third and clinching goal came six minutes into added time when the home side threw everything forward in the vein hope of a share of the points. With successive matches to follow against two of the pre-season promotion favourites St Neots will need to return to a more confident performance if they are to retain their unbeaten record. With skipper Kyle Lincoln injured and Rav Kalek unavailable, St Neots rested Tom Rowley and included Tommy Reynolds, Dean Dummett and Sam Johnson in their starting line-up.

Neither side looked comfortable in the driving rain in the first half hour, but St Neots broke the deadlock in their first real attack when Sam Johnson rounded his marker to pull the ball back for Harvey Williams to open the scoring after 15 minutes. The home keeper did have to save at the feet of Lorrell Smith and after Nathan George had headed over from a Johnson corner, St Neots began to dominate the attacking play. The home side then levelled the scores against the run of play after 33 minutes when a harsh handball offence against George handed the home side a penalty kick confidently netted by Jack Bonell. Williams shot wide for the visitors and George again headed over the bar but two minutes into first half added time Williams crossed for James Hatch to give St Neots a narrow half time advantage.

Although the weather improved after the break the contest lacked any real continuity with St Neots defensively comfortable but making little attacking headway. After 66 minutes another corner was despatched over the bar by George and the home side lost a player, sin-binned, giving St Neots some numerical advantage and still more possession. Both Williams and substitute Dom Lawless sent efforts over the target and St Neots seemed to be coasting to victory but after 85 minutes the largely unemployed St Neots custodian James Goff had to pull out a top class full-length save to deny Divine Okyere.

John Walker's Match Report Lutterworth Town (a) 26-08-2023

In the sixth minute of added time with the home keeper joining his attack for a corner, substitute Israel Ajana broke from his own half to outrun the solitary defender and put the ball in the unguarded home net to clinch a welcome but rather pallid, if hard earned victory.

St Neots Town: Goff, Reynolds, Nickels, Dummett, Brown, George, Johnson, Muyembe, Smith, Hatch, Williams (H) Subs: Black (for Brown 32 mins), Lawless (for Smith 53 mins), Rowley (for Hatch 58 mins), Ajana (for Johnson 85 mins), and Romero (for Williams 87 mins).

Cards: Nickels (Y – 33 mins), Johnson (Y – 56 mins), Rowley (Y – 87 mins) Lutterworth Town: Butlin, Coleman, Sanderson, Williams (B), Parish, Warren, Adomako, Marrs, Bonell, Butler, Okyere Subs: Crawford (for Bonell 60 mins), August (for Butler 68 mins), Budu (for Warren 77 mins), Wilson (for Coleman 83 mins), and Allton.

Cards: Coleman (Y – 56 mins), Warren (sin binned – 66 mins) Attendance: 65 Referee: Adam Brierley-Lewis (Oakham) (John Walker)

John Walker's Match Report Newport Pagnell Town (H) 28-08-2023

United Counties League Premier Division South ST NEOTS TOWN

0

NEWPORT PAGNELL TOWN

3

St Neots Town’s spectacular unbeaten start to their league season came crashing to an end on Bank Holiday Monday as a well organised visiting side put them to the sword. Newport Pagnell Town moved above them in the league table with a well-managed victory in front of a bumper crowd of 483.

It was a salutary lesson for Manager Cameron Mawer and his squad as the deliberately organised tactics of the visitors paid off leaving St Neots with plenty to mull over post-match.

Pagnell set out to defend in numbers in the first half and did not manage a significant shot on target until they opened the scoring against the run of play in first half injury time. However, their approach was very different after the break when they took the game to their hosts scoring again after just nine minutes and rounding off the victory with a breakaway goal ten minutes from time. St Neots, with James Hatch and Josh Brown both injured two days before at Lutterworth, brought in Malaki Black and Tom Rowley. Dom Lawless started in place of Lorrell Smith and with Skipper Kyle Lincoln back after injury, Tommy Reynolds started on the bench.

After a cagey start by both sides St Neots began to dominate first half possession but failed to turn their openings into goals. Dammy Nickels joined their attack but saw his effort blocked and Harvey Williams went around the outside of the visiting defence but could only find the side netting.After 19 minutes playing against his former club striker Dom Lawless carved out a chance but shot wide and then a dangerous Williams cross was punched away under pressure by visiting keeper Lewis Patching.

A Williams volley was then deflected as St Neots failed to make their pressure tell. and then as the match moved into first half added time the visitors produced the sucker punch as Jack Bowen was allowed time and space to put Pagnell in front.

John Walker's Match Report Newport Pagnell Town (H) 28-08-2023

Whether that goal was the catalyst or not, the visitors came out after the break in a very positive frame of mind creating two good chances in the first six minutes. James Goff, so long a spectator, had to save full length from a Kieran Barnes free kick and then left in space with time, Joel Nkeita volleyed wide of goal. However, the second half pressure brought its reward after 54 minutes when an incisive break through the St Neots defence left Dan Walker free at the far post to double the visitors’ lead. St Neots looked shell shocked and introduced speedy substitute Israel Ajana in a bid to pep up their attack, but they lacked a finish in front of goal.

Williams fired over the bar, whilst at the other end Goff had to be alert, to keep out a shot from Christian Small. St Neots threw players forward in a bid to retrieve some reward but left gaping holes in defence fully exploited ten minutes from time when Dan Walker was once again left time and space to add his second goal and leave St Neots well beaten.

Cameron Mawer’s side must now re-group quickly to next host pre-season promotion favourites Daventry Town, whom they accompanied in relegation at the end of last season.

St Neots Town: Goff, Nickels, Black, Dummett, George, Lincoln, Johnson, Muyembe, Lawless, Rowley, Williams Subs: Smith (L) (for Lawless 52 mins), Ajana (for Rowley 58 mins), Reynolds, Romeo and Smith(E).

Cards: none Newport Pagnell Town: Patching, McNeil, Swann, Small, Wilson, Ashton, Barnes, Shepherd, Bowen, Walker, Nkeita Subs: Gosnal (for Barnes58 mins), Price (for Shepherd 73 mins), Valentine (for Swann 83 mins), McNulty (for Ashton 88 mins), and Pryke (for Bowen 88 mins).

Cards: Small (Y – 62 mins), McNeil (Y – 89 mins) Attendance: 483 Referee: Ryan Allison (Peterborough) (John Walker)

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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.

Playing Record 2023/24

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Opponent Spotlight DAVENTRY TOWN

Since forming in 1886 Daventry Town Football Club has had a chequered history over its 132 years, from a devastating fire in 2005 which threatened the club’s existence to an incredible cup run which saw over 700 fans travel to League 2 Chesterfield in 2014.

Switching to the Northants Combination in 1987, under the guidance of Manager Willie Barrett, the clubs fortunes began to flourish, Barrett leading the club to successive championships in the Northants Combination First and Premier Divisions &in 1989/90 they secured promotion to the United Counties League Division One Leaving the “Hollow” in the centre of the town in 1990 when the club moved to its current home at the Elderstubbs, the club’s fortunes suffered a devastating blow in 2005–06, when the Elderstubbs clubhouse and changing rooms were destroyed during an arson attack.

With the club on the brink of going out of business, Iain Humphrey took the helm and work began to revitalise the club with the introduction of new floodlights, walkways and other infrastructure to support the clubs promotion ambitions. 2007–08 was a very successful season for the Town. They won UCL Division One, losing just once, and defeated three Premier division teams en route to the League Knockout Cup final, where they lost to Desborough Town 3–2.

In the season 2009–10, Daventry won promotion to the Southern League Division One Central, by becoming champions of the United Counties League under the guidance of manager Ady Fuller.

Daventry Town reached the last 16 of the FA vase, the final of the NFA Senior Cup, beaten by Corby Town by 3 – 2 and the semi – finals of the UCL KO cup before Captain Paul Saunders lifted the UCL championship to secure Daventry Town a coveted place in the Southern League for 2010/11. Under the guidance of Ady Fuller and assistant Paul Lamb, their first season in the Southern League almost ended with another promotion however they lost in the play off final to Hitchin Town.

Former Aston Villa, Charlton and Republic of Ireland international Mark Kinsella became manager in the summer 2011 however his season long spell was unsuccessful and former Daventry United/Ford Sports Manager Darran Foster was appointed with Neil Champelovier as his assistant in 2012. Daventry Town made history in 2013-2014 by reaching the First Round of the FA Cup, a visit to Chesterfield's Proact Stadium their reward. They were eventually beaten by 2 – 0 in front of over 700 of their own travelling supporters and a crowd of over 5269. Town also reached the first round proper of the FA Trophy losing 1 0 to Maidenhead United.

Town reached the final of the Northamptonshire Senior Cup - Hillier Cup beating Cogenhoe United, managed by Andy Marks, 3 - 0, Scott Cross (2) and Luke Keen scoring the goals. Town had been seasonlong favourites for promotion from the Southern League Division One Central in 2013 -2014 but the back log of fixtures caused by the cup runs took effect. They lost the promotion play-offs at the semifinal stage at Kettering Town, narrowly beaten 1-0.

Opponent Spotlight DAVENTRY TOWN

Darran Foster resigned as manager on 30th October 2014 following budget cuts and was replaced by former Watford, Oldham and Preston star, Allan Smart. Former Manager Ady Fuller was appointed as his Assistant Manager with the bulk of the players supplied by Smart’s London based Academy. In the Summer of 2015, the club were moved to the Northern Premier League Division One South and with Smart and the players based in the South, het resigned in July 2015.

Darran Foster returned to Daventry Town as Manager just nine months after leaving however he also resigned on Easter Saturday after a 5 0 home defeat to Kidsgrove Athletic. Club Goalkeeping Coach Derren Midson and the Club’s Juniors Development Officer Pete Flockhart stepped in as Caretaker Managers with Brian Porter returning as Club Secretary to ensure the club somehow completed their remaining 6 fixtures of the 2015/2016 season. In a move planned to reset the club’s financial problems, Town took voluntary relegation to step 6 football and the club returned to the United Counties League Division 1.

In April 2016, Steve Tubb took over as Chairman and on the 12th May 2016, the club appointed Arron Parkinson and Andy Marks as joint managers. With a zero budget for the season, the team management have worked wonders in turning the club around and winning the UCL Division 1 title, unbeaten at home. Andy Marks left the club at the end of the season due to family and work commitments. Ian King joined Parkinson as Joint Manager in May 2017.

Town finished the 2017/18 season in 10th position, winning the Buckingham Charity Cup for the first time. 2018/19 saw the return of the Reserves managed by Andy Emery. Ian King left to join Northampton Town Academy. Arron Parkinson took over as Manager with goalkeeper Matt Finlay as his Assistant Manager and Pete Harris coming in a Club Coach respectively.

After an excellent start to the 2018/19 league season and two FA Cup wins scoring 16 goals in the process, the Town went on to win the UCL Premier Division with a 1 1 draw at Pinchbeck United. The club were presented with the trophy on Easter Monday after a 3 0 win over local rivals and pre-season favourites Rugby Town in front of a crowd of 393. They also won the UCL Knock Out Cup by beating Holbeach United 3 1 in the final at Raunds Town. Town then returned back to the BetVictor Southern League Division One Central. In 2019–20, the club returned to the Southern League, however, the Covid 19 Pandemic meant that they would not complete this or the 2020–21 season. Sadly during this time, the Town lost three members of the Hobbs family in quick session. Club President, Frank Hobbs died just two weeks after his wife Sarah. Frank's younger brother, Malcolm Hobbs died just three months later. Between them, they had covered just about every position within the club and had given almost 200 years of combined service to the Town.

In 2021–22, the club moved to the Northern Premier League Midlands Division. After a difficult start to the season, Jim Scott joined the coaching team and along with a number of new signings, Town ended the season in 16th place but 15 points clear of the relegation spots. The club also started a third male adult team playing in the Northants Combination League Division 3. This team was named Daventry Town Hobbs after the sadly missed Hobbs family. Off the pitch, the club announced that it had cleared all inherited debts since taking over in 2016 and that the club was now debt free.

The 2022-23 season was challenging for Daventry. A slow start in the tough Northern Premier League led to the budget being cut and manager Arron Parkinson walked away along with all players leaving a scratch side of reserves and youth team to unsuccessfully avoid relegation from the Northern Premier League. Prior to the 2023-24 season Manager Daren Young was unveiled along with assistant Graeme Archer as the club looked forward to a return to the United Counties League Structure.

PLAYER PROFILES DAVENTRY TOWN

Kacper Kurylowicz New signing to the club. Kacper was a member of the Tottenham’s U23’s team having signed a professional contract with the North London club in July 2021. The goalkeeper looks to be an impressive addition to the side having represented Poland at youth level. He is dual registered with step 3 side St Ives Town.

Iustin Cerga Iustin has been at the club for over a decade and is a reliable performer.

Currently at the swansong of his career he made a number of impressive performances last season despite relegation, the highlight being a man of the match performance when applauded off by over 1000 fans at Halesowen.

Conor Bird Previously at Burton, Rothwell, Desborough, Peterborough U18s.

Describes himself as a no-nonsense centre back. Comfortable on the ball and loves to commit to a tackle!

Connor Butler Centre Half who has yet to start for Town. Has looked useful in his appearances from the bench. Previously with North Greenford Oran Jackson Rolls Royce of a centre back. Previously at MK Dons and Leighton Town. Oran is very composed in defence and has the skill of making the game look easy. Very rarely out of position and will be a key player this season for Daventry Town.

Brad Marshall Tall centre half who has previously been at Cogenhoe and Burton.

Another new signing to the club who has impressed so far with his distribution from the back with a killer crossfield ball in his repertoire.

Lewis Campbell Lewis is another centre half who has joined the club in the summer of 2023/24. Previously at Nuneaton Borough, Northampton Academy and Brackley Town. He is good on the ball and is tough in the tackle.

Aiden Print Can play either as winger or full back. Very pacey and tricky player.

Previously at Ilkeston, Barwell and Rugby Borough. In his 2nd spell at Daventry, Aiden is a local player who is another popular with fans. Currently on a dual registration with Woodford United.

Charlie Kille Solid defender capable of playing anywhere across the back line. Good range of passing and loves defending. Previously at Brackley, Wantage and Kidlington as well as the Town. A very underrated player and another fans favourite.

Aaron Dickens New signing for this season and has impressed. A full back who likes to join the attack and has scored in preseason with a composed finish.Previously at Sutton Coldfield and will fit in well at Elderstubbs.

Marsh Willock Commanding Centre Half, the 23 year old signed on a dual registration from Stamford AFC . Previously played with Melton Town

PLAYER PROFILES DAVENTRY TOWN

Ryan Bell Box to box workhorse who has impressed since joining Daventry.

Previously at Sileby, Ryan will be a fans favourite with his ability to break down play and deliver a killer through ball.

Louis Martin Probably the player with the best strike of a ball in the squad.

Previously at Desborough, Cogenhoe, Harborough.Describes himself as a technical Centre Attacking Midfielder and one to watch from set pieces Alvin Magadada THE fans favourite. A utility player that can play on either wing.

Previously at Desborough and in his 2nd Daventry spell. Describes himself as “Quick, determined to win, and eager to make sure he can be the best he can.”

Jamie Fulton A hard working tenacious midfielder who has a bite in a tackle in the centre of the park.Previously has played for Northwood and Ampthill before playing at Leighton Town last season.

Andrew Osei-Bonsu Joins the club with a very good previous CV having made appearances at MK Dons, Wealdstone, Larne, East Fife and Billericay Town.

Comfortable and has ability on the ball and makes the ball move around midfield.

Joshua Keane An exciting attacking midfielder with a great eye for goal. The Irishman was signed from Chalfont St Peters in August 2023. Had previously played with Galway United and Athlone Town.

Michal Tkacik Previously at Corby Town and played at Burton Park last season. Has impressed when played and despite his height is very mobile. Comfortable across the back line and in defensive midfield and reads the game well.

Leon Lobjoit Big addition to Daventry Town this season as the Town look to his goals.

He was the top scorer in England last season with 60 goals in 50 games at Leighton Town. Very quick over 10 yards and has a dead shot eye for goal, described as an animal in the box. The one to watch.

Zac Allen Another new signing for the Town, previously at Rothwell Corinthians and Burton PW. Describes himself as energetic, lively and dangerous. He is a talented forward capable of playing anywhere across the front line.

Jake Bettles A hard working and another forward capable of playing in multiple positions in attack. This is his second spell at Daventry Town. Previously has turned out for Desborough Town, Harborough Town, Corby Town and Bugbrooke SM.

Manager - Cameron Mawer Assistant - George Thorne GK Coach - Gary Dean Physios - Craig Lambert Kitman - Mick Hunt

Manager - Daren Young Assistant - Graeme Archer

Squad List

Squad List

James Goff (GK) Tommy Reynolds Dammy Nickels Kyle Lincoln Nathan George Rav Kalek Malaki Black Dean Dummett Joshua Brown Demi Romero Debola Sam Johnson Magloire Muyembe Harvey Williams Tom Rowley Israel Ajana James Hatch Lorrell Smith Dom Lawless

Kacper Kurylowicz Oran Jackson Marshal Willock Ryan Bell Conor Bird Jake Bettles Zac Allen Jamie Fulton Nabil Sharriff Leon Lobjoit Alvin Magagada Josh Keane-Quinlivan Charlie Kille Aaron Dickens Lewis Campbell Iustin Cerga

Colours Navy/Light Blue Quarters Dark Blue Shorts Dark Blue Socks

Colours Purple Shirts Purple Shorts White Socks

Referee Matthew Basterfield Assistant 1 Peter Moore Assistant 2 Donald Maclarty MBE

Next Home Match....

Easington Sports Saturday 16th September 3.00pm 3.00pm KO