Hunts Senior Cup Semi Final - Godmanchester Rovers 01/02/22

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OFFICIAL ONLINE MATCHDAY MAGAZINE SEASON 2021/22

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GODMANCHESTER ROVERS FC TUESDAY FEBRUARY 1ST 7.45 PM KO

HUNTINGDONSHIRE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION SENIOR CHALLENGE CUP SEMI-FINAL

HUNTINGDON FOOTBALL ASSOCCIATION - BRIEF HISTORY A Meeting Held In September 1894 Resolved To Formalise The Game Of Football In The County Of Huntingdonshire.

Unfortunately, early records of the Association have not survived. However, thirty years later the Earl of Sandwich was still President, Mr W.S. Shepherd was Chairman and Mr F.W. Harding was the Hon. Secretary. It was Mr Harding who represented the Association at the banquet to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the English Football Association on October 26th 1938.

The Association’s activities at this time also reflected national and world events. In February 1939 affiliated clubs were given permission to take a collection on behalf of Lord Baldwin’s refugee fund if they wished, and later in September of the same year, all league matches and cup competitions were automatically cancelled until further notice – friendly matches continued subject to the Rules of the Association.

1940 At a meeting on January 20th 1940, Mr Shepherd, Chairman remarked that “it would, perhaps, be out of place to wish members a Happy New Year, but he hoped the present clouds would soon roll by…” In June 2940 it was agreed to have the Association telephone disconnected, and clubs concerned were ordered to return the various trophies to the Hon. Secretary forthwith so that he could arrange to have them placed in safe custody. The “present situation” was then discussed and it was decided that the A.G.M be postponed. It was also decided that the date of the next meeting be left to the Chairman on Hon. Secretary.

The next meeting was not to take place until June 9th 1945, when an open meeting was called by advertisement. At this gathering the Hon. Secretary, Mr Harding, referred to the great loss of the Council and the County Football Association had sustained by the deaths of Mr Shepherd, Chairman and those members of various clubs in the county who had lost their lives in the war.

In October that year MR H. Bell was elected as the new Chairman with Mr A. Harvey being appointed as Hon. Secretary in December 1945.

GODMANCHESTER ROVERS V BRAMPTON 1946/47 SEASON When competitive football was re-established in Huntingdonshire in the 1946/47 season, after World War II, Brampton and Godmanchester emerged as the leading Junior Clubs in the County, and there was a keen rivalry between the two clubs, especially after they had been drawn against each other in the third round of the Hunts Junior Cup. Before this tie was played on December 28th 1946, a Brampton player transferred to Godmanchester Rovers, and their secretary upon enquiry was advised by the Hon. Secretary Mr Harvey, that his player was eligible to play for Rovers in the cup match. Consequently the player was included in the Rovers squad at Brampton when they obtained a 2-1 victory over their rivals.

Much controversy followed when Brampton lodged a protest to Hunts F.A. claiming that the player was ineligible to player for Godmanchester in the Junior Cup under rule 4 of the competition which stated “A registed player of a club shall not, for the purpose of competing in these competitions (Senior and Junior Challenge Cups) be transferred to or registered for another club in the same season)”

HUNTINGDON FOOTBALL ASSOCCIATION - BRIEF HISTORY When the case was debated by the Council, opinions were divided. Mr Harvey admitted that he had misinterpreted the rule and some sympathy was expressed for the Godmanchester Club, who sought his advice and acted in good faith. However, the final outcome was that the Council ordered the match to be re-played and no fine was imposed. The sequel to this decision was that the Rovers Secretary, on the instructions of his committee, appealed to the English F.A. and all relative correspondence was sent to the E.F.A Secretary. The Rovers suffered further disappointment when the E.F.A declined to intervene stating that the cup competition was under the sole control of the County F.A. and their decision was final.

Because of the peculiar circumstances which led to the match being re-played, unusual interest was aroused in many parts of the County and a record crowd of over 500 were at Brampton to see the two sides provide a thrilling game which ended with the scores level at 2-2.

The second re-play attracted a similar sized crowd at the Recreation Ground, Godmanchester and spectators were treated to another thrilling game in which the two teams again finished level on terms 3-3.

As no ‘penalty shootouts’ existed then, a third replay was necessary on neutral ground and after several postponements due to weather, the game was finally played at Hinchingbrooke Park – the then home of Huntingdon Town F.C. – on Sunday March 29th 1947 before a crowd of over 1000 people. Once again, this record crowd for a Junior Cup tie, had their money’s worth and witnessed a fast moving game in which both teams produced some excellent football. However thanks to a fine display by Rovers keeper Roy Drury, who saved a penalty, Godmanchester Rovers won the game 4-3. Following their win over Brampton, Godmanchester Rovers beat Ramsey in the SemiFinal and Phorpres Sports Reserves 2-1 in the final.

By the beginning of 1948 the Council had become increasingly concerned with forget signatures on players’ affiliation forms; whilst the Referee’s Association complained about the lack of Council support and difficulty in travelling to matches because of petrol restrictions. Later in the year it was decided to award long serving medals to any offer serving for fifteen years or more, and, at the end of the 1948 “concern was expressed at the lack of interest in fixing matches shown by some clubs” Unspecified “drastic action” was threatened.

EYNESBURY ROVERS 1947 - 1955 The post war years saw Eynesbury Rovers gain prominence and quickly established themselves as one of the premier clubs in the County. The Hunts. Senior Cup and Hinchingbrooke Cup were won five times each between 1947 and 1955 and the Hunts. Premier in 1950/51 season.

Numerous other charity and challenge trophies were won during this period.

Much of their success can be attributed to the hard work and enthusiasm of their General Manager, E.G. Childs who devoted endless time searching for players throughout the area and building up a successful team to compete in the Eastern Counties and United Counties Leagues.

During the War, Childs was taken prisoner and was in the same camp as the well-known Tottenham Hotspur Manager, Arthur Rowe, and their friendship continued after the war. In 1951 when ‘Spurs won the League Division One Championship, Arthur helped his war-time colleagues by taking all of his famous “push and run” championship team to play Eynesbury at Barford Road.

Later, ‘Spurs signed on Denis Emery, Eynesbury’s promising 18 year old forward.

In 1952, Charlie Revell, the ex-Charlton and Derby County player was appointed player-coach and the Rovers enjoyed further success in local and County Cup Competitions. Then in 1955, Childs brought off another wonderful coup for Eynesbury when he arranged for the illustrious Stanley Matthews to player for Rovers at Barford Road against Fulham F.C.

HUNTINGDON FOOTBALL ASSOCCIATION - BRIEF HISTORY 1958 Events outside of the County continued to make their mark – in March 1958, there was a Council agreement to collect donations for the Munich Air Disaster Appeal.

Three years later, at the A.G.M held on June 26th 1961, Mr E. P. Brand was elected Patron of the Association, a position he held until July 1994. At the same time in 1961, Mr J. C. Jacob succeeded the Rt. Hon. Lord de Ramsey as President after thirty nine years of service on the Council. Mr K. Milner took his place as Chairman. At the following A.G.M Mr Bell was elected as President.

In April 1967, Mr Bell resigned as President after forty three years of service. He was succeeded in due course by Mr G. L. Grey. In January 1967 Mr F. E. Rooke replaced Mr K. Milner as Chairman. One month later Mt Harvey, Hon. Secretary announced his intention to retire after twenty one years in the post. He was eventually replaced by Mr R. D. Lyons. At the July 1967 A.G.M, it was agreed that in the 1967/68 season an additional five shillings charge would be levied on clubs to send one outstanding young player to Lilleshall. This was to be known as the K.A. Milner Award. Two years later a similar exercise with respect to another long-serving councillor resulted in the W.B Everett Memorial Fund.

1970 In July 1971, Mr Harvey, who had been Hon. Secretary to the Association for many years, was elected President. Under his Presidency an attempt in 1973, by The Cambridgeshire Football Association, to absorb Huntingdonshire Football Association was successfully repelled. A year later the Hon. Secretary, Mr Lyons resigned to take up an appointment with Durham F.A., and was succeeded my Mr K. Masters who stayed in post until 1978, Mr Masters’s resignation, to take the post of County Secretary at Kent F.A. led to the appointment of Mr M. Armstrong who remained in post until June 2004.

Mr Harvey, passed away in 1979 and was succeeded by Mr F. Rooke. Mr G, Gayton became the new Chairman and five years later Mr Rooke was re-appointed as Chairman.

Minutes of Council Meetings at this time show that discipline was still a mayor concern of the Association. Again, national events were acknowledged when the Council agreed to make a contribution to the Bradford Fire Disaster Fund. And, at the end of 1986, the Council proposed to set up a fundraising scheme for clubs.

1987 Mr D. Roberts replaced Mr Rooke as Chairman in July 1987, and, by June 1988 the Hon. Secretary was able to report to the A.G.M “County Cup Finals had produced excellent crowds and entertaining matches in the 1987/88 season”.

By this time much of the business of the Association was delegated to sub-committees. There were in existence thirteen which included; Emergency, Disciplinary, Referees and Cup Competitions, Rules, Technical, Finance, Benevolent and Development. This was also when a computer was introduced to aid administration.

Inevitably the Hon. Secretary’s report to the Annual General Meeting in June 1989 mentions the Hillsborough tragedy and the Council’s swift response to support the disaster fund.

HUNTINGDON FOOTBALL ASSOCCIATION - BRIEF HISTORY The administrative workload of the Association continued to expand rapidly, a situation which was recognised at the AGM in June 1991, when Mr Armstrong was appointed County Secretary on a part-time basis; a move made possible by the provision of external funding.

One month later Mr R Carter replaced Mr D Roberts as Chairman and the following year Mr F Hall was elected President.

1990 Throughout the later 1980’s and early 1990’s there were regular reports of improvements in club grounds and facilities. Warboys Football Club played under floodlights for the first time at their home ground on December 5th 1992. So, as the 1993/94 season got underway, a number of clubs looked forward to celebrating their centenary year in style, Somersham, Buckden and Brampton amongst them.

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

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 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

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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.

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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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

Saints v Ware FC

JW Match Report BIGGLESWADE FC (H) 29-01-2022 SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE CENTRAL St Neots Town

0

Biggleswade FC

0

Prior to this match St Neots had gone nine matches without a win and their visitors had not been beaten in their last nine outings so nothing changed. In front of a big crowd neither side deserved to lose but neither keeper was seriously tested and although the visitors get the ball in the net two minutes from time an offside flag kept the scoresheet blank. The worrying thing for Pete Gill the St Neots Manager is that his side have now failed to score in eight of their last ten matches and although he has not been able to name an unchanged side during that run, the supply of goals seems to have dried up.

Another worry is that although his side is still seventeen points above the drop zone, five of the six clubs below them in the league table all picked up points last Saturday.

Three enforced team changes again had to be overcome with Dequaine Wilson Braithwaite serving the first of a three- match ban following his sending off at Ware, Dylan Switters nursing an injury picked up last week at Ware, and Ben Heal undergoing trials with Bristol Rovers. Into their places came fit-again Callum Anderson, Charlie Johnson after his suspension, and skipper Lee Watkins recovered from a COVID break.

St Neots found themselves playing against the wind in the first half and could have been in trouble after nine minutes when they left Michael Simpson unmarked at the far post to a Jack Dreyer cross but goalkeeper Lee Chadwick made an important close-range stop.

At the other end the hard-working Neo Richard-Noel broke clear of the defence but was thwarted by a last-ditch interception by Charley O’Keefe as he bore down on goal.

Ironically the closest to a first half goal came after 20 minutes from a long-distance cross-cum-shot from the left by Richard-Noel that visiting keeper Jack Berman seemed to misjudge but the ball bounced harmlessly on the top of the crossbar and away for a goal kick. Adam Hunt then ran at the home defence leaving players in his wake, but his shot was deflected by the last defender. St Neots leading scorer Joe Rider looked out of touch and his sole effort was a header over the bar four minutes before the break, from a Charley Barker corner and the first half ended with a searching run down the flank by Wynford Marfo to set up Ky Marsh-Brown but his shot was deflected wide for a corner.

The second half was marginally better than the first and it began with Louis Chadwick quick off his line to save at the feet of Ryan Inskip.Richard-Noel set up substitute Kwai Marsh-Brown (on for Rider), but his shot was blocked by a defender and then Barker tried a spectacular 40 yards effort that was tipped over the bar by the visiting goalkeeper. St Neots now began to look more confident but too much of their passing was either speculative or inaccurate and they had little to show for their greater share of possession.

JW Match Report BIGGLESWADE FC (H) 29-01-2022 A Barker free kick tested the visiting goal but in the latter stages of the game the visitors began to look dangerous on the break with attacking substitutes prominent.Visiting substitute Scott Joseph had a couple of chances to test the home defence and when he did get the ball in the net he was ruled offside. A worrying injury to Callum Anderson saw him replaced late in the match by Marc Abbott, but Biggleswade returned home having yet to record a victory in six meetings at Senior level with St Neots.

St Neots: Chadwick, Marfo, White, Anderson, Johnson, Barker, Cowling, Watkins, RichardNoel, Rider, Ky Marsh-Brown Subs: Kwai Marsh-Brown (for Rider 46 mins), Abbott (for Anderson 90 mins), Smith, Dearman, and Gill.

Cards: none Goals: none Biggleswade: Berman, Hunt, O’Keefe, McCafferty, Oswick, George, Marsh (A), Draper, Simpson, Coles, Inskip Subs: Bailey (for Simpson 69 mins), Joseph (for Inskip 78 mins), Marsh (L) (for Coles 85 mins), Butler and Bond Cards: none Goals: none

Referee: David Jarrett (Northampton) Attendance: 350 John Walker

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)

Wynford Marfo - Man of the Match

v Biggleswade FC

JW LOOKING AHEAD GODMANCHESTER ROVERS FC (H) 01-02-22

GODMANCHESTER ROVERS Year founded: 1928 Chairman: Karl Hurst Club Website: www.godmanchesterroversfc.co.uk DESPITE THE SHORT NOTICE WE WELCOME OUR VISITORS FOR A HUNTS SENIOR CUP SEMI-FINAL – THEIR FIRST VISIT TO THE PREMIER PLUS STADIUM SINCE 10/APRIL/2019 That April date three years ago will live long in the history books of our visitors for on that occasion they thrashed a poor, vastly understrength and inexperienced St Neots side by six goals to nil in a Senior Cup Final where they had surrendered home advantage. The match report noted that it was St Neots biggest Senior Cup defeat in 35 years and that the home team had included several youth team players.However, this is a new season and a return to the competition that had to be suspended last season because of COVID.The record of the meetings of our two clubs since St Neots reformation in 1994 are set out below. This shows that in this cup competition the two sides have met ten times (including one replay – remember those?) with St Neots winning six times and Rovers three. However for the bulk of that period St Neots have been competing at Steps Three and Four in the National system whilst Godmanchester have been at Step Five. Interestingly several of Godmanchester’s performances came under the managership of Matt Clements who later moved to St Neots to oversee 113 games here at the Premier Plus Stadium. This season after many in the Eastern Counties League, our visitors have found themselves in the United Counties League Premier Division South where they currently sit in tenth place in a very competitive division. They are the best placed of the four local sides and with matches in hand look to have an interesting final third of the season to come.

RECENT MEETINGS OF OUR CLUBS In the Hunts Senior Cup 1994/95 Godmanchester 2-2 aet St Neots St Neots 3-2 Godmanchester 1997/98 St Neots 2-0 Godmanchester 1999/2000 Godmanchester 2-0 St Neots 2002/03 Godmanchester 0-1 St Neots 2003/04 St Neots 1-0 Godmanchester 2007/08 Godmanchester 0-1 St Neots 2012/13 St Neots 1-0 Godmanchester 2016/17 St Neots 1-1 Godmanchester (St Neots won 5-4 on penalties) 2018/19 Godmanchester 6-0 St Neots In the FA Vase 2005/06

Godmanchester 1-2 St Neots

Enjoy the match John Walker

(semi-final) (semi-final replay) (semi-final) (round one) (round three) (semi-final) (round one) (semi-final) (semi-final) (final – at St Neots) (first qualifying round)

Opponent Spotlight GODMANCHESTER ROVERS FC

Situated on the banks of the River Great Ouse, 16 miles North West of Cambridge, on the A14.

Godmanchester is a town, not a village as it was chartered in 1212 and again in 1604.

Godmanchester has been inhabited for over 2000 years and was a very important Roman settlement.

Football has been played in Godmanchester since the late 1890’s Godmanchester Rovers came into existence in 1911, previously playing as Godmanchester Town.

The first recorded mention of the club is from the ‘Cambridge Independent Press’ newspaper dated Friday 26th December 1913 where Godmanchester Rovers had a fixture against St-Ives on Boxing Day. During the 1928–29 season, when they won the Hunts Junior Cup. They played in the Huntingdonshire League for many years before joining the Cambridgeshire League. They won the Hunts Junior Cup again in 1988–89, and in 1992 were promoted to the top division of the Cambridgeshire League. In 1994–95 they won the League Cup, retaining it for the next two seasons. However, they were relegated to the Senior Division in 2000.

With the club about to move into a new ground, they made a speculative application to join the Eastern Counties League in 2002. Despite being in the second tier of the Cambridgeshire League, the club were successful. They finished bottom of the division in 2004–05, but were not relegated as the league was under strength in terms of numbers. In 2011–12 the club won the Eastern Counties Division One on goal difference to earn promotion to the Premier Division, also winning the Division One Knock-out Cup, defeating Whitton United 1–0 in the final.

In the 2014-15 season the club finished as runners-up in the Premier Division also adding the Hunts Senior Cup to an all-round successful record for the season. At the end of season, Nev Nania, retired from his role as First Team manager and took the position of Football Consultant within the club.

The 2015-16 saw the appointment of Matt Clements as First Team Manager, with Matty Haniver keeping his role as First Team Player Coach. The season ended as the previous season with a second place finish, unbeaten in the last 17 League games.

Before the start of the 2016-17 season Rovers saw the resignation of Matt Clements and the appointment of Adrian Cambridge as First Team coach. At the same time, much of the established first team players moved to different clubs, leaving Aidy Cambridge with the job of rebuilding the first team. Shortly into the new season Matty Haniver, 1st team Player Coach, departed, with his role filled by John Bitting.

After 19 games in charge, Manager Aidy Cambridge and Assistant John Bitting stood down from their roles at the club. The clubs football consultant, Nev Nania took temporary charge for the next home match.

Former Godmanchester Rovers player, Chris Hyem was appointed First Team manager after being released from Histon FC. Hyem started his tenure with five straight wins, rapidly moving the team up the league and well away from the relegation zone. After a brief run of loses and draws over the Christmas and New Year period, Rovers found their stride again and finished in 12th place.

Opponent Spotlight GODMANCHESTER ROVERS FC

After securing Premiership football for the 2017-2018 season Chris Hyem stood down as manager, electing for a player-assistant role. Ollie Drake was appointed first team manager, fresh from winning the Kershaw League, Premier Division title with Hardwick. Drake will be joined at Rovers by his father Steve.

The 2017-2018 Season was marred with high number of postponed games creating a large backlog of matches to be played, due to severe weather, notably ‘The Beast From The East’ and heavy rain.

Ollie Drakes aim for the 2017-2018 was to build on the progress made by Chris Hyem during 2016-2017 season and secure a mid-table position. The first few months, in Ollie’s own words ‘A little lack luster’ starting with a run of draws and losses both at home and away.

Results started to improve with the return of a number of players that departed at the end of the 2016-2017 season with a run of 7 winning games putting Rovers in 10th position at the start of October. The next 6 weeks then proved to be a difficult period, losing three premiership games, and knocked out of the Hunts Senior Cup and FA Vase.

Fortune then returned and from Mid-November through to the end of the season, Rovers won 24, drew 1 and lost 6 of their remaining 31 matches landing Roves a 4th place finish in the seasons 24 team league. This also included a run of 9 games undefeated.

During the season break work was undertaken to add addition drainage to the pitch to elevate potential postponed matches.

Starting this new season, Chris Hyem has stepped down from his assistant manager role to focus on his player role at the club. A majority of the 2017-2018 squad have signed on for a further year with further new signings to further bolster the squad for a promotion push.

Our reserves have appointed Alex Ramos as manager and Stephen Hurst as his assistant.

Stephen will also have a role as reserves player.

Godmanchester Rovers is very much a family orientated club and most of the improvements to the facilities have been carried out by the committee, volunteers and friends of the club. 90% of the current first team squad are local lads with seven of them from local families.

The 2018 -19 season sees the club participating in the Thurlow Nunn Premier, Cambs Mead Plant 1B and the Thurlow Nunn Under 18 Youth League. Additionally, the club has Junior Youth sides between the ages of U7 and U15 playing under the Godmanchester Town FC name.

Player Profiles GODMANCHESTER ROVERS FC

George Whitehall ( GK ) – Cambridge United pro on loan to us, this lad is a beast in the goal, we had the chance of him last season and let him slip through our fingers, safe hand’s.

Jamie Greygoose ( GK ) – 28, too pretty to be a goal keeper, should off been a model instead, only gets in the squad as he is dad is the gaffa ! last club Bedford Town FC. Best goal keeper around.

Reece King – Winger now turned right full back with and absolute worm foot, one of the senior players now in the squad coming into his 5th season with us and he has spent the majority of them years being shouted at by Errol.

Richard Chadwick – Senior member of the team with great experince, versatile forward with over 200+ goals at this level, good in the air and a great left foot, also can put a shift in at the back.

Isaac Moss – 19, hardworking ginger centre back, won’t shy away from a challenge! some people say he looks like the Sherminator from American Pie. Jack Dickerson – 20, very talent young left back that started out at Royston Town in the youth teams then moved onto Yaxley FC last season to get first team action and now looking to carry that on at Godmanchester and become a fans favourite.

Ross Munro - Box to box midfield magician, probably would have made it pro if it wasn’t for a bad knee injury, should still be playing at least two leagues higher we’re lucky to have him as a club.

Michael King – 27 years old with a body of a 40-year-old, had a tough paper round. Centre midfielder who loves a Hollywood pass. Previously played for Kettering Town, Hitchin, Biggleswade Town, Kings Langley, Cambridge City and Haverhill Borough.

Simon Unwin ( CAPTAIN ) – What can you say about this lad, true leader on and off the pitch, was vice captain last season and has stepped up to captain the team this season, now one of the most senior players in the squad, midfield machine that don’t stop working from box to box. Captain Unners.

Daniel Baulk – The younger version of his brother on the opposite wing, 20 played for Royston Town FC from U6 all the way to the first team, mainly played in their Reserves set up. This lad only has the mentality of winning and wants to improve daily and weekly.

Matthew Allan – 23, 3rd season with the club and one of the senior players now, very talented striker / forward, quick, direct and loves scoring goals. Credit to the club and fans favourite.

Michael Baulk – 21, Young flying winger, played for Royston Town FC from U6 all the way to the first team, made a handful of appearances and went on loan to Soham for a season, came back to Royston playing for the reserves. Attacking winger who likes to get crosses into the box and shots on goal.

Player Profiles GODMANCHESTER ROVERS FC

Alfie Warman – Another solid young centre back, don’t like using his head but loves to play the ball out with his feet.

Jamie Judge – 20, A young striker from Royston Town and Haverhill Rovers, a big number 9, who will run the channels all day and loves winning headers, big powerful beast upfront.

Jamie Short – New addition to our squad this season, young centre back from the local area, we are delighted to have him and look forward to what he will bring to our team.

CJ Lewis – Young flying winger, my go to meal is beans on toast can never go wrong with that really, my best quality is my pace going forward and getting at players and entertaining the crowd.

Lawrence Hammond – 20, young winger/striker from the local colts football scene, came through the Godmanchester youth set up, was sucked in by the St Neots Dream then ended up pro for Leyton Orient, before coming back home to Godmanchester, This young lad hates running just ask Errol….

Poquena Junior Augusto – One of the very talented U18 players who have stepped up to the first team, who likes to go forward and express himself with skill, pace and very direct, creates lots of opportunities and is very clinical.

Kian Harness – 18 Young centre mid, came through the U18’s program within the club, very talented young man, suffered with injury in preseason and look forward to getting him back on the pitch ASAP.

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

Manager – Dean Greygoose Assistant - Dan Gleeson GK Coach - Ben Dunmore Physio - Connor Seaman Kit Man - Richard Cosbey

Squad List

Squad List

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

George Whitehall (GK) Jamie Greygoose (GK) Reece King Alfie Warman Jamie Short Isaac Moss Jack Dickerson Ross Munro Michael King Simon Unwin (CAPTIAN) Daniel Baulk Matthew Allan Michael Baulk Lawrence Hammond Jamie Judge CJ Lewis Kian Harness Jordan Slama Poquena Junior Augusto Mohammed Akhtar

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

Referee Joshua Crofts.

Colours Red Shirts Black short Black socks

Assistant 1 Shaun Gregory.

Next Home Match V Harlow Town Saturday 5th February 3.00 pm KO Gates Open 1.30pm

Assistant 2 Robert Stanley.

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