2023/24 - Issue Two - Fakenham Town (FAC)

Magazine

MARCHING IN

Official Digital Matchday Magazine Season 2023/24

EMIRATES FA CUP EXTRA PRELIMINARY ROUND

St Neots Town F.C. Established Established 1879 1879

President - John Walker

Board of Directors Joint CEO - Louise Sales & Mehemet 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 Clay, Paula Robertson and Julie Clark 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 Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round game."

Today we extend a warm welcome to the Players, Officials and Supporters of Fakenham Town Football Club and we hope you enjoy our hospitality here this afternoon as we both begin our journey on the hopefully long and winding road that ends at Wembley Stadium.

A solid start to our league campaign was achieved last Saturday as we overcame Bugbrooke St Michaels with a 3-0 win in front of two hundred and seventy seven supporters at the Premier Plus Stadium, our goal scorers on the day were Magloire Muyembe, James Hatch and Joshua Brown. A good start both on and off the pitch and the new found bond between the supporters, particularly our younger fans, was lovely to see at the end of the game and again on Tuesday evening as we headed over to Godmanchester Rovers for the first of quite a few local games this season. The lads dug in on a less than perfect playing surface and were rewarded with a superb 3-1 victory with goals coming from Hatchy (2) and Sam Johnson.

Our visitors today began their competitive season with trip to Heacham FC on tuesday evening and they left the seaside town empty handed, losing 2-1. We will of course not underestimate our opponents today as we all know wierd and wonderful things can happen in the FA Cup Should today's tie end level at the end of ninety minutes, there will be a replay at Fakenham on Tuesday August 8th, kicking off at 7:45pm. There will be NO extra time this afternoon.

As you are probably now aware, we present a player with the Saints Supporters' Man of the Match award at the end of every game and we are delighted that the Greystones Public House, Sawtry, has sponsored these awards for the forthcoming season so its a big thank you to Jimmy and Lisa for this, very much appreciated guys. If you would like to join the matchday Whatsapp voting group for this, then send SHELLY (07534 539824) a text message with your name and you'll be added to the ever growing group.

Finally, I apologise for the lack of PA and music today as myself and Charlie are both away at a family function however normal service will resume at our next scheduled game which is currently Tuesday 15th August when we entertain Desborough Town.

GreeniePUMP UP THE VOLUME

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 to Fakenham Town to The Premier Plus stadium. It’s FA Cup day so everything else goes out the window and it’s all about who performs on the day. We know they have recruited well this preseason and they have the preseason results to show, so I have no doubt we are in for a tough afternoon".

I have to give great credit to Bugbrooke last week, I thought they came and really tried to play, but we showed resilience and character without the ball and a ruthlessness with the ball to win the game. These are all the key features we will need this season if we are to achieve our own personal goals.

I don’t think the league will start to take shape until 10/15 games in, we try and do our homework as management on the opposition but it is difficult to know what you're up against. Having the players to be able to adapt quickly on the pitch is key and I feel we have that with the experience we have in the group. We are still, as a team, in the early process of trying to build and bond on the pitch, but we definitely feel like we are moving in the right direction and although I still believe we won’t hit anywhere near our best until September I think the group can pick up points along the way and be more then competitive.

I feel our fans make a huge difference and the players appreciate the support that has been given to them in preseason and in our opening league game, However I do feel a special shout out to the young fans behind the goal with the drum is called for. It certainly gives the boys that little extra lift especially when maybe we aren’t having a good spell in a game, it does help them dig that little bit deeper.

One of the aims when I joined was to bring the club closer from the fans to the academy. I want every person to know “we are in it together” and we are one club.

The FA cup has such a rich history for non league clubs and I know the club made it to the Fourth Qualifying round in 2018 and we would love to emulate that but we know especially as a step 5 club how hard that is. Let’s hope come 5pm today, we are the side looking forward to hosting Rushden and Diamonds in the next round but we know we will need to be at our very best and will certainly need your support to get us over the line.

Cam

Saints

First Team Shirt Sponsor

Boardroom Gossip Boardroom Gossip With Chairman Barry Cavilla With Chairman Barry Cavilla " Good afternoon and welcome all. It’s been a real pleasure watching our lads in our earlier than expect start to the United Counties league season. Cameron & George have got the squad flying and off to a fantastic start to our league campaign and with two excellent victories and this has put us in pole position and given everyone around the club a very positive feeling that we can really push on this season and make a real impact.

Something we would normally be very envious of others in the past recent seasons".

However, today fixture is all about the magic of the FA Cup and who knows where and what you can achieve with confidence and belief. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all the players, officials and supporters of Fakenham Town FC to the Premier Plus Stadium for this extra preliminary round tie .

Over the past years the Saints have had some challenging ties in the early stages of the FA Cup competition and some very mixed fortunes along the way too. I feel there is a good feeling within the camp that we can believe and if we can put in performances like we have started to in the UCL then anything is possible for the Saints to aspire to. The games come thick and fast so hopefully we can continue the fine start the lads have given us to cheer and we can all enjoy ourselves along the way to.

Finally, I know I say it often but No Club is a Club without it’s supporters and we certainly have the best, so Thank you for your continued support and look forward to hearing from you and any suggestions or ideas how we can make this an even better match day experience for all and offer the community the best club and facilities for the future.

Good luck to Cam and the boys today.

Barry

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

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

Player Sponsorship 2023/24 Cameron Mawer George Thorne Gary Dean Craig Lambert Mick Hunt

John Walker (President) Andrew Dodd RealHeat Plumbing and Heating The Saints Ambassadors Jeremy and Daniel Frome

James Goff Kyle Lincoln Tommy Reynolds Dammy Nickels Joshua Brown Magloire Muyembe Sam Johnson Dean Dummett Demi Romeo Tom Rowley Reece Crowter Harvey Williams Israel Ajana Jack Barnett Lorrell Smith James Hatch Nathan George Dom Lawless

Memorial Makeovers - 01480 700840 Som’s Salon - 01480 473573 Priory Ultras Available Som’s Salon - 01480 473573 Priory Saints Chris Chapman The Farmers Available Available KLF Construction Ltd. Rodney Buckenham Available Philip and Annie Barnett Essential Power Solutions, Bedford Hidden Gem Cupcakes - 07734 821330 The Cheese and Wine Society The Saints Ambassadors

Sponsorship costs £50+vat for the season Interested? Then contact Louise - 07753 222683 or misslouises@yahoo.co.uk. for further details

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 Gossip UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE With Chairman Barry CavillaSOUTH PREMIER DIVISION

BLAST FROM THE PAST Saturday 13th August 2016 Southern League Premier Division ST NEOTS TOWN

3

FROME TOWN

2

For a first game of the season at St Neots this match had everything. A first minute goal, a last minute goal, a red card and six yellows and early season league leaders Frome knocked from their perch. As those details suggest it was a feisty encounter and having led with half an hour left St Neots looked to have blown it when they conceded a second equalizer two minutes into added time. But to the crowds delight they hit back with the latest of winning goals. Without three key players in Tom Ward (suspended) Ryan Hawkins (injured) and Dubi Ogbonna (unavailable), St Neots made two team changes with Peter Clark returning in midfield and teenager Jordan Brown coming in for his first home start in the Southern League. Frome had made a great recovery late last season to finish strongly and avoid what had looked like certain relegation and with maximum points from their two first games they had started this season where they had left off in April. They will feel hard done by to have surrendered that good start but in the final analysis their reduction to ten men early in the second half may have proved pivotal. However, credit to St Neots who showed exactly what it means to keep going right up to the final whistle.

There was a really explosive start when Declan Rogers put St Neots ahead after just 29 seconds with visiting keeper Corey Harvey looking slow to get down to his 25 yards shot but the visitors roared back and three minutes later Peter Clark tripped Jon Davies who had burst past two defenders. The St Neots player was booked and had the referee judged the challenge deliberate rather than clumsy the punishment could have been greater. Frome maintained this early impetus with Darren Jefferies bringing a good save from Alex Archer and Mikey Bryant shooting wide when he had been left unmarked. The same player then headed over the bar after good work by Jefferies and Davies shot across the face of goal. The pressure paid off after 29 minutes when the speedy Jefferies was impeded by Dom Mason and the Referee pointed to the penalty spot. Jon Davies sent Archer the wrong way to level the scores – no less than Frome deserved at this stage of the match. St Neots late first half rally saw Taylor Parr head wide from a Rogers corner and James Hall denied by a good save from Harvey before seeing a second effort blocked.

BLAST FROM THE PAST Saturday 13th August 2016

The second half (like the first) began dramatically with Jordan Brown being mugged

by Jordan Walker who rightly received a straight red card. In the melee that followed Dom Mason was unlucky to booked as he tried to break up the warring factions but the match settled with Frome pulling off a striker to balance up their defence. Switched from a wide berth in the first half to play along James Hall, Brown looked lively and after 62 minutes he drifted wide to provide the cross from which Peter Clark netted to reinstate St Neots lead. Lively on the break Frome saw Alex Archer make two important saves blocking Davies effort after he had gone clear of the defence and then denying Jefferies with a smart take. Taylor Parr cleared another effort from Dan Cleverly off the line but St Neots looked generally in control with A Micky Hyem first touch shot blocked on the line, and Brown testing Harvey.

With 90 minutes played it looked like a home victory but after two minutes’ time added Frome substitute Jake Jackson beat the home keeper with an angled shot. St Neots roared back and in the dying seconds a Brown shot was blocked and Declan Rogers followed up to claim his second goal of the match and all three points for his team.

St Neots Town: Archer, Mason, Jon Hall, McGeorge, Wood, Parr, Patrick, Clark, James Hall, Brown, Rogers Subs: Hyem (for James Hall 79 mins), Butt, Hobbs, Ogbonna and Donkin.

Cards: Clark (Y – 3), Parr (Y – 35), Mason (Y – 55), James Hall (Y – 74) Goals: Rogers 2 (29 secs and 90 + 4), Clark (62) Frome Town: Harvey, Miller, Walker, Mapstone, Roberts, Cleverley, Davies, Miller, Bryant, Page, Jefferies Subs: Green (for Bryant 58 mins), Jackson (for Page 70 mins), Difford, Moss and Teale.

Cards: Walker (RED – 55), Miller (Y – 65), Roberts (Y – 70) Goals:Davies (29 – pen), Jackson (90 + 2) Attendance: 251 Referee: Stephen Bates (St Albans) John Walker

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.

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

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

The Season That Was......2010/11 The first in a series of historical records looking back at our fortunes in a past season.

The first in a series of historical records, highlighting this time the third season at our new Rowley Park stadium depicting both the highs and the lows in the recent proud history of the Club. It was almost certainly the most successful season in the history of the club because after 131 years we achieved Step Four status for the first time ever. The most striking factor apart from the promotion resulting from the UCL Premier Division Championship for the first time, was the phenomenal goalscoring achievements. In 15 seasons in the UCL since reformation we had averaged 71.33 league goals per season but in 2010/11, we scored 160 goals in 40 matches! This was down to two factors – Shane Tolley claiming 54 in 44 starts (league and cup) and Stefan Moore 40 goals in just 36 appearances. The signing of Stefan was Mike Kearns’ most significant achievement in his relatively short spell as Chairman. Stefan announced his arrival in our home FA Vase match with Felixstowe on 2nd October and scored his first goal for the side after just seven minutes and fifty seconds in a St Neots shirt before going on to score four in his first appearance.

League:

UCL Premier Division

Final League position:

Champions/21 Clubs

League playing record:

P40 W33 D6 L1 F160 A33 PTS 105 (a league record)

Cup playing record: P18 W15 D0 L3 F68 A16 KO Cup for playing an ineligible player – Gavin Strachan)

We were removed from the League

In the league we beat Yaxley 13-0 away (6-0 at home) and Desborough 10-0 at home (1-0 away) Our only defeat in 40 league matches was at home to Kings Lynn but we won the return league match 4-2 at The Walks – their only home league defeat that season Lewis Webb and Lewis Hilliard were top of the appearances chart with 49 matches apiece In Cup competition we beat Felixstowe 11-0 in the FA Vase, and Eynesbury Rovers 11-2 in the Senior Cup before going on to beat St Ives 2-0 in the Cup Final The Reserve side finished fourth in Reserve Division One but were beaten 2-0 in the UCL Reserves KO Cup Final by Blackstones Reserves Our leading scorers were as follows: ·Shane Tolley 54 ·Stefan Moore 40 ·Dan Jacobs 30 ·Luke Webb 20 ·Lewis Hilliard 16 ·Roy Essendoh 12 ·Will Fordham 9 Our Manager was Dennis Greene John Walker

The Season That Was......2010/11 St Neots Town 11 Felixstowe & Walton 0 FA Vase Round One (2010/11 season) The big news in the week was St Neots’ signing of former Aston Villa striker Stefan Moore from Halesowen Town for a ‘five figure’ transfer fee. Stefan in his first full season in non league football scored 39 goals for Halesowen winning the Zamaretto Premier League Golden boot for 2009/10 in the process. Within three minutes playing time of his debut for St Neots he had scored and he added a further three goals to his tally by half time as St Neots led by a record breaking nine goals to nil. It was inevitable that the tempo would drop after the break but Felixstowe refused to give up despite the score line and to their great credit they restricted St Neots to just two further goals in the second half. A series of substitutions did little to sustain the electric pace of the first half but this was to be St Neots biggest victory in any football since 1968/69 season. Although Moore rightly takes the limelight he was greatly assisted by an outstanding all round team performance and especially by Shane Tolley whose second hat trick for the club took his personal tally to thirteen in just eight appearances.

In the most dramatic of starts to a football match the first six minutes of play contained three goals for St Neots and the sad sight of the visiting goalkeeper Liam Jones being stretchered off with a suspected broken ankle. That happed after just seventy seconds in St Neots first attack when the keeper collided heavily with Will Fordham at a corner. It took five minutes for the injured player to be stabilized and removed from the pitch and replacement goalkeeper James Waters came on and within three minutes saw a brilliant lob by Stefan Moore fly over his head and inside the far post. Less than a minute later it was 2-0 as Lewis Hilliard miss hit a shot across the face of goal and Lewis Webb rose to head home and after eleven minutes Shane Tolley celebrated his UCL award as September leading scorer by drifting past two defenders to score with a well placed shot. After 19 minutes a superbly unselfish short pass by Moore set up Shane Tolley for his second goal and seven minutes later Hilliard was brought down on the edge of the area and Will Fordham’s free kick was too hot for the keeper who got his hands to the ball but could not hold it. Moore then hit a post as St Neots piled on the pressure but his second and St Neots sixth goal was probably the pick of the lot. Fordham was the provider with a delightful short pass to Stefan Moore who accelerated past a statuesque defender and rounded the keeper to tap in from close range. When Moore was tripped by Martin Calver in the penalty area it was almost inevitable that he would pick himself up to complete his hat trick as he scored from the penalty kick with a tap in after his first effort had been parried by the unlucky Waters. Two more goals in the three minutes before the break from Lewis Hilliard and Stefan Moore made it 9-0 at the break.

Felixstowe looked far more determined after half time and Adam Hampson had their first real shot of the match after 49 minutes well saved by the previous spectatorial Luke McShane and two minutes later Dan Spencer missed a gilt edged chance with a misdirected header. However, St Neots continued to create chances and from a Rob Hughes corner Will Fordham planted a header onto the roof of the net. After 62 minutes it was Fordham again the creator with a shrewd through pass to Shane Tolley whose pace took him past the last defender to send the score into double figures and with Tony Scully and Roy Essendoh on for Lewis Hilliard and Adam Jones new boy Moore was then handed a midfield role. He responded by laying on the last of the eleven goals for Dan Jacob and that was deserved reward for another impressive performance. Roy Essendoh almost became the seventh scorer for St Neots but his header was cleared off the line by substitute George MacCallum.

St Neots Town: McShane, Jones, Hyem (M), Webb, Fuff, Fordham, Hilliard, Hughes, Moore, Tolley, Jacob.

Subs: Essendoh (for Jones 59 mins), Scully (for Hilliard 65 mins), French (for Hughes 73 mins) Haniver & Trebes.

Man of the match: Stefan Moore

St Neots Take away – Shop Local, Support Local

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To Advertise with the Saints contact our Commercial Director Mehemt Mimoglu on 07946 318888 or email mehmetmi@hotmail.com

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” be happy to help.

www.goldstraw.co.uk 01480 407704

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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.

John Walker's Match Report Bugbrooke St Michaels 28-07-2023

United Counties League Premier Division South ST NEOTS TOWN

3

BUGBROOKE ST MICHAELS

0

St Neots marked their return to the UCL with an opening day home league victory for the first time since 2014! Notoriously slow starters of late St Neots delighted their shirt-sleeved crowd with a solid if unspectacular start with three goals and a confident defensive performance. When Bugbrooke first visited St Neots, they completed a league double in the 1994/95 season but that was never going to be repeated on this occasion. The home side featured a completely new line-up with none of the players on view having played last season and new Manager Cameron Mawer has had little time to bind them into a unit, so he was delighted with the start. However, Bugbrooke are not one of the fancied sides so there will be stiffer tests to follow.

Both sides began cautiously testing out the other, but St Neots always look in control in the first half. As early as the sixth minute visiting keeper Luke Reeve had to leave his line swiftly to clear as his defence was breached and five minutes later Lorrell Smith lost his marker but saw his low effort well saved. St Neots went ahead after 15 minutes when the pacey Harvey Williams saw his cross not cleared and Magloire Muyembe pounced to net from close range. That settled any early St Neots nerves and they set about building on their foundation as the lively Williams sent an angled shot the wrong side of the far post after neat work by Dean Dummett. Maurice Alhassan had the first two efforts for the visitors around the half hour mark – the first wide and the second easily gathered by teenage loan goalkeeper Seb Stacey. The keeper also saved bravely at the feet of Ed Panter but then St Neots lost injured defender Nathan George with Tommy Reynolds substituting in a reshaped defence.Five minutes before the break St Neots doubled their lead as Williams was again the architect with a cross that picked out James Hatch for a crisp finish. Substitute Reynolds did well to get back to clear off the line after Stacey had fumbled a shot from Panter to ensure that St Neots went to the break with their two goals advantage.

John Walker's Match Report Bugbrooke St Michaels 28-07-2023

After the break Bugbrooke enjoyed a brief spell when they looked capable of getting back into the match, but they never really bothered the home defence despite enjoying a better share of possession. Both sides introduced substitutes and St Neots began to look dangerous again with the speedy Williams a constant thorn in the side of the visiting defence, and twice he tested the visiting custodian. As the second half wore on St Neots looked more and more confident against the tiring visiting side and four minutes before the end of normal time Williams was upended in the penalty area and the reliable Josh Brown tucked away the penalty to confirm the first day victory. There was still time is six added minutes for more action at both ends with Williams going close for St Neots and the home keeper made two excellent saves to deny visiting substitutes Shad Raza and Tom Binder.

St Neots Town: Stacey, Brown, Nickels, Dummett, George, Lincoln, Crowter, Muyembe, Smith, Hatch, Williams Subs: Lawless, Ajana, Rowley, Reynolds, Romeo.

Cards: Crowter (Y – 56 mins), Myembe (Y – 62 mins)

Bugbrooke St Michaels: Reeve, Calver, Shehi. Powell, Smyth, Walton, Webster, Malkin, Panter, Porter, Alhassan Subs: Spencer, Raza, Hallmark, Binder, Webster.

Cards: Alhassan (Y – 18 mins), Binder (Y – 90+5 mins)

Referee: Zachary Cunningham Attendance: 277

John Walker

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.

John Walker's Match Report Godmanchester Rovers 01-08-2023 GODMANCHESTER ROVERS

1

ST NEOTS TOWN

3

St Neots maintained their solid start to the season with a confident performance at neighbours Godmanchester to top the league table after two games. Rovers had scored five in their first match at Oadby but there was little evidence of that in this encounter with the visitors’ goal never really threatened until late in the first half.

“Early days” said St Neots Town Manager, Cameron Mawer, with his immediate attention on the upcoming home FA Cup visit by Fakenham next weekend. The only team change with Nathan George still nursing his opening day injury, saw Tommy Reynolds included in the defence in an otherwise unchanged side.

After Harvey Williams had sent his second minute effort over the home crossbar the game settled into an early stalemate with both defences looking solid and confident. The home side had fractionally the better possession but made little use of it whilst St Neots were happy to probe patiently although they did feel they should have had a penalty after 28 minutes when strong appeals for a defensive handball were waved away.

The last 15 minutes of the first half saw some more positive play after St Neots had taken a 29th minute lead. The goal came after home defensive hesitancy as Lorell Smith stole the ball from a defender and crossed for James Hatch to head powerfully past home keeper Sam Clare. Godmanchester’s best first half effort came from Manny Gbejuade whose angled chip rebounded from the crossbar.

John Walker's Match Report Godmanchester Rovers 01-08-2023

The visitors made a half time change with Sam Johnson replacing Reece Crowter before Harvey Williams raced through the home defence to fire over the bar. St Neots pressure was beginning to tell and Takula Chijota picked up a yellow card after two wild challenges. A free kick by Johnson then rebounded from the Godmanchester crossbar and then from a corner a James Hatch header brought the save of the match from Clare. Chijota then committed a further ugly foul earning him a second yellow card and a sending off and that saw St Neots take over.

Five minutes after the dismissal an attack down the right flank saw Williams’ cross pick out Sam Johnson to increase the visitors’ lead. St Neots then used their numerical advantage to dominate and James Hatch headed his second goal from a cross by substitute Dom Lawless but the home side claimed their late consolation goal in added time through substitute Dom Butkus.

St Neots Town: Stacey, Reynolds, Nickels, Dummett, Brown, Lincoln, Crowter, Myembe, Smith, Hatch, Williams Subs: Lawless, Rowley, Romeo, Johnson, Barnett.

Goals: Hatch 2 (29 & 80 mins), Johnson (78 mins) Cards: none Godmanchester Rovers: Clare, Squillace, Chijota, Ilunga, Kusi, Spark, Turner, Dear, Tait, Hamilton. Gbejuade Subs: Goumou, Tagg, Hall, Myles, Butkus.

Cards: Chijota (RED – 72 mins), Butkus (Y – 90 mins) Goals: Butkus (90 mins) Referee: Lewis Fletcher Attendance: 226

John Walker

John Walker's Match Preview FAKENHAM TOWN

FAKENHAM TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB Year founded: 1884

Chairman: Douglas Colman

Club Website: www.fakenhamtownfc.org

GOOD AFTERNOON AND A WARM WELCOME TO THE PREMIER PLUS STADIUM TO OUR FIRST VISITORS IN NATIONAL COMPETITION THIS SEASON This is to be the first ever meeting of our two clubs, so I begin by extending a warm welcome to the visiting players, officials, and supporters of Fakenham Town FC. This is to be St Neots’ first foray into cup competition this season but there are a further three knock out competitions to follow (FA Vase, League Cup and Hinchingbrooke Cup), Fakenham are members of the Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties League Premier Division and last season they finished seventeenth in the final table with 36 points from their 38 matches.In the FA Cup last season, they won their way through the Extra-Preliminary round with a 2-1 victory at Kirkley and Pakefield but lost in a Preliminary Round replay at Sheringham after a home 0-0 draw. However, it is in the FA Vase where they have enjoyed far more National success twice reaching Round Four in successive seasons 2020/21 and 2021/22.

Fakenham have had a yo-yo recent past at Step Five of the National League system and are currently in their second spell at Step Five of the National League system. First promoted to the ECL Premier Division in 1991/92 they were relegated just over a decade later having finished runners-up in that top division in 1998/99. Promoted again in 2013/14 their best finish was in 2021/22 when they finished sixth.They began their current league campaign last Tuesday away at Heacham (result not known when these notes were penned). They begin their FA Vase programme this season on 26th August away at Norwich United.

Previous league meetings of our teams: None Enjoy the match John Walker

Opponent Spotlight FAKENHAM TOWN

FAKENHAM TOWN FC HISTORY The club was established in 1884 and played their first match against Lynn Alexandria, winning 2–1. In 1899–1900 they won the Norfolk Junior Cup, a feat repeated in 1905–06. In the early 1900s the club joined the Norwich & District League.

After World War I they did not rejoin the league until 1921–22. In 1935 they moved up to the Norfolk & Suffolk League.

When the league merged with the East Anglian League to form the Anglian Combination in 1964, Fakenham were placed in the top division for the 1964–65 season, but were relegated at the end of the 1965–66 season. In 1970–71 they won the Norfolk Senior Cup for the first time.

The following season they won Division One and returned to the Premier Division.

They went on to win the Norfolk Senior Cup again in 1972–73 and 1973–74, as well as the Anglian Combination Senior Cup in 1978–79.

In 1988 Fakenham became founder members of Division One of the Eastern Counties League. After finishing second in 1991–92, a season in which they defeated Diss Town after a replay to win the Senior Cup again, the club were promoted to the Premier Division.

In 1994 they won the Senior Cup again with a 4–0 win against King’s Lynn in the final.

They retained it the following season, beating Gorleston 2–1 in the final, before going on to win it for a seventh time in 1999. After finishing as runners-up in 1998–99, the club went into decline, and was relegated back to Division One in 2003–04, finishing bottom of the table. In 2005–06 they won the Division One Knock-Out Cup, but a slump in league form saw them finish bottom of Division One in 2008–09 and 2009– 10.

At the end of the 2013–14 season the club were promoted back to the Premier Division after finishing as runners-up in Division One. Today the club’s First Team play in the Premier Division Eastern Counties League (Step 5) while the club’s Reserve Team play in Division One of the Anglian Combination League

Player Profiles FAKENHAM TOWN FC

Luke Pearson - Goalkeeper that returns to the club from Wisbech Town. Has lots of experience and commands his box well. One of the best keepers around who is great non and off the pitch. An excellent signing.

Jack Guyton - An experienced player who was the Managers player of the Season last Season. Well respected player who ahs played at a good standard for many years. A tireless worker who can (and probably has) played in every position on the pitch.

Mitch Rasberry - An exciting prospect who joined form Kings Lynn. Technically gifted right sided player, became a regular last season and a fans favourite. Works tirelessly for his team mates and is well liked throughout the club.

Ben Terry - Another young lad who is stepped up last season, excellent on the ball, strong tackler, will I am sure play a huge part in the 1st team this season after suffering from an injury towards the end of last season.

Finley Whiteley - Exciting young player, who plays beyond his years. Great on the ball with a knowledge of the game that belies his age, one to watch, who will at some point play higher.

George Edwards - Signed from Great Yarmouth at the beginning last season, Strong player who can play anywhere along the back line, He will play a huge part this season along side Josh Youngs.

Jake Watts - A lovely lad who is thought of very highly by everyone at the club, certainly a fans favourite especially when running at opposition defenders. Has no fear and will score his fair share of goals again this season.

Josh Gauntlett - Young player who has broken into the first team, comfortable on the ball and will being looking to push himself into 1st team reckoning during the season.

Jayden Wright - Another player who has made the step up from the successful U18 team. Strong centre half who is good on the ball, he has knowledge beyond his young age and will be a strong presence at the club for many years, future team captain for sure.

Finley Page - Strong young player, reads the game well, can play anyway along the back four. Comfortable in possession but also has that ability to get stuck in if needed.

Cameron Beazer – Another player who returns to the club following a short spell at Norwich United. Strong player who loves a tackle. Great in the air and leads well on the pitch, well liked around the club.

Josh Youngs - Returns to the club after having a one year break from football. A huge presence around the place. He leads from the front and is Mr Fakenham Town. Loved by everyone at the club. Great to have him back.

Player Profiles FAKENHAM TOWN FC

Fraser Field - Returns to the club after suffering from various injuries over the last two seasons. A huge player that can play anywhere along the back line or on the left.

Strong and a great ability to pick a pass. His knowledge will prove invaluable this season.

Lewis Sturman - Returned to the club after spending last season at Wells Town.

Strong player who has played at Step 4. Pushes those around him on with his attitude and never give up attitude. Loves a tackle !!!!.

Jude Frostick - Will be looking to make a huge impression this year, did well last season. Great on the ball with a knowledge of the game that belies his young age.

Daniel Tuddenham - Another player returning to the club. Footballing centre half who reads the game well. Can play anywhere along the back line. Will another great addition to the squad and always gives everything when called upon.

Jay Myhill - Joins from Wells Town where he was a prolific goalscorer, will cause defences all sorts of problems this season. Loves nothing better than to run at the opposition, will be looking to top the scoring charts this season.

Tanatswa Malenguka - Signed last season and made a handful appearances in the first team, strong lad who loves a trick or two, will run all day for his teammates, loves taking on defenders, will be a crowds favourite when settled into the team.

Jake Poore - Had an excellent season last season with the Reserves, will be looking to make the same impression in the 1st team this season. Strong running player who also works hard in midfield. Will get a few goals along the way this season with his forward runs.

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

Squad List James Goff (GK) Tommy Reynolds Dammy Nickels Kyle Lincoln Nathan George Dean Dummett Joshua Brown Demi Romero Debola Reece Crowter Sam Johnson Magloire Muyembe Harvey Williams Tom Rowley Israel Ajana James Hatch Lorrell Smith Dom Lawless Jack Barnett

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

Manager - Andy Cunningham Assistant - Neil Jarvis

Squad List Luke Pearson Ben Terry Alex Walpole Josh Youngs Fraser Field Jayden Wright Mitch Rasberry Tanatswa Malenguka Jack Guyton Lewis Sturman Cameron Beazer Fin Whiteley Jake Watts Jay Myhill George Edwards Jude Frostick Jake Poore Jonathan Dack Jaiden Vadhir

Colours Amber Shirts Black Shorts Black Socks

Referee Scott Hanna Assistant 1 Ben Bright Assistant 2 Jacob Southall

Next Home Match....

Desborough Town Tuesday 15th August 7.45pm 7.45pm KO.