Issue 03 St Neots Town vs Paulton Rovers

THE OFFICIAL MATCHDAY MAGAZINE £2.00

Southern League Premier Division V

Paulton Rovers Issue 03

08 Great Start / Weymouth FC made the long trip up to The Cozy and witnessed a solid Saints performance in the sunshine

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Management Team / The latest news & views from the trio

A Football History / An insight from its origin to now

Owner Mike Kearns

Club Secretary Gary Wilson

Chairman Mike Kearns

Fixture Secretary Marian Izzard

Managing Director Lee Kearns

Life President John Walker

Director Iain Parr

Team Officials Richard King (Goalkeeping Coach)

Football Managers Gary King Zema Abbey Assistant Manager Nathan Abbey

Youth Liaison & Development Mick Hunt

46 Stews Views / A cracking read by Craig!

Functions and Events Coordinator Louise Spark

Assistant Photographer Paulo Soares

St Neots Town TV Editor Adam Ridley

Site Manager Irmantas Sabaliauskas

Club Merchandise Linda Walters Programme Editor Mark Davies Club Photographer Claire Howes

Physio Chris Budd

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Chief Liaison Officer Mike Green Programme Sales Charlie Green Matchday Music / Scoreboard Simon Hutchinson Pitchcare Working Turf

Design & Marketing Blue Prawn Print XL Press Limited

INSIDE

Issue 03 V Paulton Rovers Southern League Premier Division

Also Inside 06 Action Replay 12 The Scholars’ Review 16 The Chairmans’ Views 20 Read All About It

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22 The Beautiful Game 28 News From The Youth 30 Pull-Out Poster 32 Greenies Greetings

The World’s Greatest Players Ever / Michel Platini & Franz Beckenbauer

Old Footie Programme Covers / This issue we look at the 1960s

36 Away Days 44 MD’s Views 48 Premier Division Review 50 Match Report vs Redditch 51 Season 2014/15 Fixtures Matrix 52 The Non-League Paper 56 Season 2014/15 Statistics

24 Todays’ Visitors / We welcome The Robins to the Cozy Founded 1879 The Cozy Stadium Rowley Park, Kester Way St Neots PE19 6SL Telephone 01480 470012 Email enquiries@stneotstownfc.co.uk Official Website www.stneotstownfc.co.uk Official Forum www.stneotstownfc.co.uk/forum

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58 Premier Division League Table 60 Home & Opposition Squads

Introducing Matt Nolan / Focus on one of the fans’ favourites Southern Football League Division One champions, 1 time United Counties League Premier Division champions, 2 times Division One champions, 1 time League Cup winners, 2 times Metropolitan League Champions, 1 time League Cup winners, 1 time Professional Cup winners, 1 time

Huntingdonshire League Champions, 4 times Huntingdonshire Senior Cup Winners, 37 times Hinchingbrooke Cup Winners, 2 times

South Midlands League Champions, 1 time

WWW.STNEOTSTOWNFC.CO.UK / PAGE 03

THE MANAGEMENT TEAM

GARY / ZEMA / NATHAN Firstly I would like to extend a warm welcome to the staff and players of Paulton Rovers; also I would like to congratulate them on their promotion last season from the South/West division.

After a grueling Bank holiday fixture schedule, I think we can all class our start to the season as a “very good” one. We have totaled 13pts from 6 games, which I think we’d all have taken before a ball was kicked.

The points have also been amassed with out 5/6 players due to injury/ suspension and at times with a make shift front line but credit to JD, Martel and Lorenzo who have played out of their natural position at times but have given everything they can and have helped to add to the total.

We have had some tough games to contend with as most teams we faced occupied a higher position in the league than us at the time.

For me, it will take until the 12th game before we can truly assess the platform in which we build from as the league begins to take shape from that point. Rest assured that will continue to fight for every point that is put in front of us, and

recent games back up the squads ambition in the face of adversity to be challenging at the right end of the table come April.

The Redditch game I thought we started well during the earlier exchanges, our shape was causing them a problem, but credit to Liam, he changed his shape, became more compact and we found it hard to break them down. Our passing was too predictable with too many unforced errors as we tried to force the play in the same fashion throughout the whole 90+ minutes.

It was a game that we learn and get better from, with the lessons being when you’re on top, we must keep the ball with more efficiency and we must make the opposition keeper work hard to keep the ball out of his net as well as a cutting out individual defensive errors.

We then went into a tough Bank Holiday programme, playing 2 away games with first being Truro that as we all know requires an overnight stay due to its location. The result justified the clubs commitment to

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the player’s preparation. Again we started well, and deservedly went in front but then we stopped doing what was causing them problems and allowed the home team to grow into the game. Defensively we were resilient and got in at half time leading. They have a very good front 3 with lots of movement, that we coped overall better than the Redditch game. Nathan Frater continued his fine from and has quickly showed the fans who didn’t know him, the type of player that we signed and gave us a 2 goal

cushion early on in the 2nd half.

Truro then threw everything they had at us and we stopped passing the ball and tried to hold on, which is a dangerous game to play. That culminated in Truro leveling the game 2-2, but credit to the players they showed a determination not to let them 3pts slip away, and Arthur scored a fantastic free kick, taking his tally to 3 which is a good return from a full back so early on. A big

positive from the game other than the 3pts was the return of Drew Roberts, Ben Farrell and Bruce Wilson who for 3 weeks prior had all been unavailable for selection.

After a long journey home, most getting back around 1am, we faced Corby 2 days later who were setting the pace at the top of the league and will be up there come April. Nathan went to watch them on Wednesday vs. Arlesey, so we were able with his report to feed good information in the players what they may expect and what we could do to win the game. It proved to be a game of 2 halves, again we started well scoring a great goal in which Drew finished neatly, Corby put us under pressure for large parts of first half but again credit to the lads we came in at 1-1 each which is a great platform in which to go and attack the 2nd half. The pleasing thing was that all 3 subs (JD, Lorenzo & Martel) came on and made big impacts which allowed us to go on a win the game, with Lorenzo scoring a great individual goal to put us in front.

team we appreciate the commitment and support over the Bank holiday period, it helps to drive the players on and we will always try to reward your commitment with a good performance so that you go away happy and return with a smile.

On the squad front, 3 players as I mentioned have returned from injury/suspension in which is great news but we still have 3 players out in Chris Dillon (ankle), Matty Nolan

(groin) and Dean Cracknell (toe), we hope to see them back soon and all are progressing well.

Hope you all enjoy the game; we appreciate your support and hope that you bring a new face with you the next time you return.

Cheers, Zee

6pts from 2 games in such a short window mixed with the distance travelled in that time showed that the we have a good squad with good depth, the players have great character and that we are all pushing in the same direction to achieve our targets on a game by game, week by week basis.

Yes, we can get better but we are winning games without being able putting in a complete 90 minutes which is what we strive for every game. We will work hard together to get that right.

On behalf of the players and management

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/STNEOTSTOWNFC / PAGE 05

(This week nine years ago the first time we played Hemel Hempstead with Sky cameras in attendance) FA Cup Preliminary Round St Neots

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Hemel Hempstead

St Neots bowed out of the FA Cup in an incident packed match under the glare of the Sky Television cameras but will have few complaints. Hemel are one grade higher in the pyramid playing their football in the Southern League and were therefore expected to win but St Neots gave as good as they got but lacked that important final touch in front of goal. Player/ manager Steve Kuhne admitted that his side had not deserved to win. ‘The difference in class showed when it mattered’ he said. However had St Neots been able to convert their half chances notably from set piece crosses the result could have been different.

In the first twenty minutes St Neots shaded the game although they conceded a goal against the run of play during that period. Two free kicks from Russell Lawes created the first chances of the game. After just sixty five seconds visiting keeper Stephen Smith was only able to parry his first kick from 30 yards but there was no one to follow up and six minutes later Gary Watts headed his second cross into the side netting. Then after ten minutes and in their first real attack the visitors went ahead as Stephen Hale produced a fine burst of speed to outpace the last St Neots defender and slot the ball wide of Stephan

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Shamilan. Undeterred St Neots continued to attack with Peter Gatti having a shot well saved and Nicky Hurst heading over the bar from another Lawes free kick. Simon Claridge wriggled free but also shot off target and in the first half hour St Neots had created six chances to two for the visitors.The balance of play swung in the last quarter hour of the first half. Shamilan twice saved well from Fabio Valenti and Andy Findlay and Nathan Buckland cleared off the line as Hemel upped their game. Probably the most significant moment came after 31 minutes when from a Valenti corner Mathew Glyn produced a stunning volley from thirty yards that flew into the top corner of the net with Shamilan rooted to the spot. It was a goal worthy of a match winner but there was still much more to come.

Five minutes later speedy full back Abdulai Yoki overlapped to cross for Andy Findlay to tap in a third visitors’ goal from a loose ball after Shamilan had stretched too far to gather.

St Neots rallied and three minutes before the break yet another Lawes free kick found the head of Kuhne who headed back and Gary Walker claimed his second goal of the season to keep his side in the match.

The pace understandably dropped after the break. Two more free kicks

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produced St Neots half chances but both Kuhne and Hurst headed wide of the target and with 24 minutes left St Neots threw caution to the wind introducing a third striker with Mark Phillips replacing Cameron Clark.

This left gaps further back but St Neots were determined to go out fighting and another substitute Mark Franklin almost reduced the arrears after a fine run but Smith saved with his feet going the wrong way. Then after 71 minutes Andy Findlay was sent off by the referee for using foul language to describe one of the decisions by the Referee. Reduced to ten men Hemel swiftly reorganised bringing on experienced striker Grant Carney to forage up front alone.

Another header by Nicky Hurst from a corner was off-target as St Neots continued to press but predictably their bravery was their downfall as against the run of play Carney broke clear to score the fourth Hemel goal and put the finishing touches to a well-executed victory.

Saints: Shamilan, Hurst, Lawes, Watts, Buckland, Hoggett, Gatti (Franklin 61 mins), Claridge, Kuhne (Dellar 84 mins), Walker, Clark (Phillips 66 mins).

Subs not used: Hart & Fox Goals: Walker 42 mins

BRUCE WILSON

ST NEOTS TOWN 2 WEYMOUTH FC 0 Saturday 16th August 2014 / Southern Premier Division / Att 312 Playing the top of the table side for the second time in five days St Neots scored a goal in each half and that was sufficient to see them rob Weymouth of their 100% record and topple them from the top of the league table.

It was a generally entertaining encounter with both defences mean and secure for much of the match but St Neots finishing was sharper and their victory well deserved.

at the near post and his unselfish flick on left Arthur Lee with the task of scoring his second goal in successive matches – doubling his career record for the club.

The two team changes along with some reshaping saw Mason Spence and Lewis Hilliard replaced by Josh Bickerstaff and Nathan Frater and the changes added impetus to St Neots’ attacking play right from the start. Weymouth never really got a chance to settle and when they did get into the match they found it difficult to create meaningful chances.

At the other end Stewart Yetton rounded Nathan Abbey but was driven wide and Ryan Frater got back to clear and then Matt Spring had a stinging free kick pushed away by the visiting goalkeeper.

It was Jason Matthews who was to be the busiest keeper in the first half saving at the feet of Nathan Frater and then from Jay Davies.

Right from the start Nathan Frater

making his first league start for St Neots was inventive and his pace was a thorn in the side of the visiting defence.

In fact after four minutes he was the principal architect of St Neots opening goal as he drifted wide to find Matt Nolan

Ed Palmer earlier booked then saw a chance fly high and wide after the best early move by Weymouth and Adam Kelly had his shot deflected for a corner. Towards the end of the first half Weymouth came more into the match but St Neots always shaded possession.

The second half had a lively start with Nathan Frater brought down on the edge of

the area for Matt Spring to curl a free kick just beyond the near post whilst from a Shan Krac free kick a close range header by Stewart Yetton was brilliantly saved by Abbey. St Neots replied with a pile driving shot from Davies that left Matthews helpless but rebounded from the woodwork and as play continued end to end a misplaced defensive header by Gavin Hoyte gave Weymouth an unexpected corner kick.

Midway through the second half with Weymouth pushing forward St Neots made a tactical change bringing on Mason Spence to a flat back four and this acted as a containing ploy.

Nolan shot inches wide from a Lee cross and Davies was also only just off target with a curling effort.

The introduction of substitute Lewis Hilliard proved significant for two minutes after his introduction he set up Jay Davies for the clinching second goal. Lorenzo Ferrari was St Neots third substitute just before time but he sent his effort high and wide in added time after more good work by Hilliard.

John Walker

St Neots Town

Weymouth FC

Abbey, Powell, Lee, Bickerstaff, Frater (R), Hoyte, Davies, Spring, Nolan, Frater (N), Ford Subs: Spence (for Frater (N) 66 mins), Hilliard (for Bickerstaff 74 mins), Ferrari (for Davies 89 mins), IveyWard and Greygoose. Cards: Ford (Y – 53) Goals: Lee (4 mins), Davies (76 mins)

Matthews, Wells, Wannell, Krac, Laird, Palmer, McPhee, Kelly, Yetton, Rigg, Sheppard Subs: Sills (for Kelly 58 mins), Ford (for Krac 74 mins), Colwell, Copp and Poole. Cards: Palmer (Y – 9), Krac (Y – 70) Goals: none

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WWW.STNEOTSTOWNFC.CO.UK / PAGE 09

JOSH BICKERSTAFF

ST. NEOTS TOWN F.C

LE A R N I N G & S P O RT S AC A D EM Y

THE SCHOLARS’ REVIEW Keep up-to-date with news and views from our Academy Director Iain Parr A very successful Summer ahead of what we hope is a great season!

Thinks are moving at an alarming rate with all of our teams starting their seasons of league football and I would like to wish them all well and have a successful season not necessary winning trophy’s but in their development as young footballers and adults.

We have a great set up of which many people get involved and I know from first hand just how much time needs to be given (all free time) may I add to helping our young community.

Thank you all so much not only from myself and the Directors of the club but also from all those parents that also help on a match day.

The summer has been very busy indeed and we have been working on many new ideas for our learning and sports Academy.

Our recruitment drive for new applicants has been very successful this summer for our sports Academy and Apprenticeship Scheme.

SPACES STILL AVAILABLE!!

Football Scholarship and Apprenticeship Opportunities with St Neots Town FC Learning and Sports Academy OPEN TO 16 YEAR OLD SCHOOL LEAVERS Please visit www.stneotswtownfc.co.uk and go to ‘downloads’ Email iain@stneotstownfc.co.uk or call 07970 851511

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So good in fact that we now currently have only 5 places remaining for each Programme.

If you’d like to discuss your options with us please contact us via email iain@stneotstownfc.co.uk or by calling 01480 4700132.

The St Neots Town FC Learning and Sports Academy brochure is also available to download from our website.

Have a great season Parry

ENGLAND GOALKEEPING LEGEND PETER SHILTON COMES TO ROWLEY PARK To provisionally book your tickets please email enquiries@stneotstownfc.co.uk

Enjoy an evening in the company of England and Nottingham Forest legend Peter Shilton Date: Friday 3rd October Venue: St Neots Town FC, Rowley Park, Doors Open: 7pm

Ticket Price: (including Fish and Chips) £20 per head or Tables of 10 for £180

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/STNEOTSTOWNFC / PAGE 13

The World’s

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EVER

06. MICHEL PLATINI (1973-1987) Michel Platini’s legendary free kicks secured him titles and awards worldwide.

A star with Nancy, St-Etienne and Juventus, Platini was a European champion for club and country after winning the 1984 European Championship with France and the European Cup the following year with Juventus.

One of the best passers in soccer history and an expert free-kick taker, the attacking midfielder scored nine goals in that 1984 triumph.

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05. FRANZ BECKENBAUER (1964-1984) “Der Kaiser” is the only man to captain and manage his side to World Cup victory.

In the early 1970s, the German revolutionised the game with his switch from central midfield to an attacking sweeper role where he would dictate play from the back by dribbling the ball out of defense and joining in his team’s attacks.

He enjoyed his best years with Bayern Munich, where he won five Bundesliga titles and three European Cups, but he also spent time with Pele at the New York Cosmos.

WWW.STNEOTSTOWNFC.CO.UK / PAGE 15

THE CHAIRMANS’ VIEWS

FOOLS GOLD Welcome to the officials, players and supporters of Paulton Rovers on what is their first vist to Rowley Park, I hope you enjoy your time with us.

As most will know Paulton where promoted at the end of last season.

There has been quite a lot of media coverage to the plight of clubs like Hereford and previously Kettering, Hinckley and Rushden and Diamonds to name a few. Why does this happen and what can we do to avoid this happening to any club.

Firstly and from experience I would say to any potential new owner of a non-league football club, unless you can really afford it and you have liquid capital you are prepared to part with then don’t do it.

NO RETURN Owning a non-league club is probably the worst decision any business person could make and there is certainly no financial return on your investment. I suppose many do it because they like the kudos of owning a football club, without ever really knowing that they will have to put their hand in their pocket and cough up some serious money. It’s only when the penny drops so to say do they realize how much it will cost them.

INFRASTRUCTURE I would certainly not say too much about my ownership of St Neots Town FC except I knew how much capital was needed to try and make the club reasonably successful as a business. Of course it’s not a bottomless pit and the infrastructure we now have at the club should help us hold our own financially in the next couple of seasons.

of consolidation to enable us to build solid foundations.

An owners lot is a joy I suppose when things go well and everyone is behind you and we are all happy, but the moment things do not go according to expectation (not mine by the way) all I can say is watch out.

What frustrates me is that people just do not realize how much the cost is to run any Non League football club let alone the “Wembley” of step three we have at Rowley Park. Mind you I suppose some just don’t really care and that’s where the problems begin.

THICK SKINNED Owners have to be very thick skinned and do it their way and not try and please those who jump on the “what’s going on with our club bandwagon” and why are we not winning every week and gaining promotion every season, (yes it virtually came to that over the last 2 seasons). Of course that cannot always happen and we at St Neots know that.

We had 2 back to back promotions of which where the most successful seasons the Club had achieved in their 130 year history, but myself and Lee knew that the infrastructure of the club was not right as a business so we decided to have two seasons

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Was that acceptable, well yes by those who want the club to be here in the future and thankfully there are so many who do want that and understand, on the other hand its not acceptable to many others. Why is this I ask myself! Unfortunately my answer is I suppose that’s how football works at any level.

If you do well you’re king of the hill, but once you go backwards or loose a few games you are kicked down that hill so fast you feel like saying “that’s it no more”.

So who wants to be an Owner of a professional or non-league football club? If its you, have your ‘kiss me quick’ hat on and enjoy the good times. But always have your tin hat at the ready because the bombs will come hard and fast when things don’t go according to plan.

Enjoy the game and always remember we try our hardest all the time and when things sometimes go wrong think of Lee and myself as we have to find the finance to make it better or it’s the old hand in the pocket again. Be an owner of a football club, take me away and lock me up. Only kidding but some would say that.

ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL Mike

GAVIN HEADS WITH POWER

A Football

History from its origin to now

There is no clear documentation stating the date and place of origination of today’s most popular sport - world football. However, most historians agree that some type of a ball game has been played for at least over 3000 years.

The origins of the game can be seen in games played in China, Japan, Egypt, Greece before our modern game developed in England. Here is a brief outline of some of the events that have shaped the game of soccer throughout history.

A Football Timeline (Part Three)

1869

1904

The Football Association rules were further amended to exclude any handling of the ball.

Establishment of FIFA by delegates from France, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland at a meeting in Paris on the 21st of May.

1900 1885 1872 The first official international football match was played, between the national teams of Scotland and England, played in Glasgow Scotland. The game was played on 30 November 1872, and finished with a 0-0 draw.

The first international match played by teams outside of Great Britain was between USA and Canada, played in Newark and ended with Canada winning 1-0.

1888 Introduction of the penalty kick.

1883 The four British associations agreed on a uniform code and formed the International Football Association Board.

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Soccer played at the Olympic Games for the first time.

1930 In 1930, The Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) held soccer’s first World Cup tournament in Montevideo, Uruguay, with 13 teams.

1932 Soccer was taken off the program for the Olympic Games in Los Angeles, due to a controversy between FIFA and the IOC over the definition of amateur and the reluctance of many strong soccer countries to travel the US because of the expense involved.

1991 The inaugural Women’s World Cup in 1991 in China was won by the United States.

1996 The American women’s team won the firstever women’s soccer event at the Olympics.

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/STNEOTSTOWNFC / PAGE 19

READ ALL ABOUT IT We take a look at what other non-league clubs are doing that’s making the news this week.

BYRNE CLEARED TO BECOME A STEELMAN

Manager Adrian Foster added both players, who have both made one substitute appearance for the club in previous seasons, to his squad Bannerman-Williams has featured for Mangotsfield United in the Southern League and Keynsham Town in the Toolstation Western League.

Corby Town finally completed the signing of Shane Byrne after receiving international clearance for the former Republic of Ireland under-19 international.

Frome Town have added two more faces to their squad with Thomas Bannerman-Williams (pictured) and Mario Mateus re-joining the club.

DOLPHINS BORROW GOSNEY

Mateus has been at the Bristol Academy and also had a brief spell with Frome`s league rivals Paulton Rovers.

CHIPPENHAM SIGN TWO STRIKERS

The central midfielder began his career at Dublin, before making the move to Leicester City. He was part of the youth team that reached the quarter-final of the FA Youth Cup during 2010/11 before heading out on loan to Bury. After being released from his contract Byrne returned to Ireland to play for Bray Wanderers.

FROME STRENGTHEN SQUAD

Pawley is a former Bolton Wanderers reserve player who left the Reebok Stadium at the end of 2009. He then had spells with Radstock Town and Frome Town and spent pre-season with Western League Division One side Bradford Town.

Chippenham Town have announced the signing of two strikers in Darren Edwards and George Pawley.

Edwards had only been revealed as a coup signing for Toolstation Western League Premier Division side Cadbury Heath earlier this week.

Although Bristol-born, Edwards actually started out at Bury before going on to enjoy a goal-laden career in the non-League game back nearer home. He had spells with Yate Town, Bristol Manor Farm, Tiverton Town, Bath City,

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Poole Town boosted their attacking options with the signing of Mike Gosney on loan from Vanaram Conference South side Gosport Borough. Gosney 26 joined Gosport in the summer of 2013 having made his name with neighbours AFC Totton. He had signed for the Boatmen from Winchester City in 2005 at the age of 16 and stayed scoring over 150 goals in excess of 300 games for The Stags until his move to Privett Park in June 2013.

STEIN (WE SHOULD NOT LOOSE TO ST NEOTS) QUITS BANBURY Banbury United can confirm following yesterday’s home defeat to Cirencester

Town that Edwin Stein has resigned as manager of the Southern League Premier Division club. Banbury have a 100% of loses this season in the Premier division.

United pro who has also had spells at Team Bath, Weston-super-Mare and Chippenham Town, who will boost the Robins midfield options.

Reed played for Biddy in the 2013/14 season but signed for Ilfracombe Town this term. However, with the sad demise of the Bluebirds shortly before the start of the season, the tough-tackling midfielder became available once again and returns to Bideford.

CONTRACT REWARD FOR YOUNG DEFENDER

The club have placed on record their appreciation of the work and effort that he has put in over the last two years in very difficult circumstances and have wished him all the best in the future.

Truro City have confirmed the signing of Myles James on contract. The 17-year-old defender signed the contract at the St Neots Town game last Saturday.

Wring, 27, is an attacking midfielder and a former Bristol City and Torquay

He said: “I understand our supporters’ frustration but I think they need to come into the real world and accept the fact the way things are, not the way they were.

“I was slightly disappointed with our supporters’ reaction because they’re either completely ignorant of the situation we’re in or they just don’t care, I don’t know which it is.

“I can’t understand what goes through their heads, it’s in front of them - we’ve got no money.

TWO IN AT BIDEFORD

Bideford AFC made two additions to their squad Holiday weekend the signing of Danny Wring and the return of Stephen Reed (pictured).

Dorchester Town fans that called for his head during Bank Holiday Monday’s Southern League Premier Division defeat to Weymouth need to “come into the real world” and “put their hands in their pockets” if they care about the club.

If they really care about the club, instead of slagging me off why don’t they put their hands in their pockets, get themselves together in a big group and help me.”

Teignmouth Community College student James featured in all of Truro`s pre-season games and has impressed manager Steve Tully enough to be offered the contract.

SIMKIN DISAPPOINTED WITH FANS REACTION Manager Phil Simkin reckons WWW.STNEOTSTOWNFC.CO.UK / PAGE 21

THE BEAUTIFUL GAME

WORLD DOMINATION? Whilst we look forward to the new season and the ups and downs we’re now accustomed to, one set of supporters are starting from scratch with the following of their club.

Down the road and over the pond in New York City, a brand new football club is forming with a little help from one of our own. Manchester City’s investment in NYCFC does seem a little odd and rather controversial but at the same time it will help the growth of soccer (football) in the USA. Imagine the excitement of the growing band of supporters who will soon be taking to the stands to watch New York City FC. Although they currently have only four players signed up, their website already boasts a club shop with a range of leisurewear (mostly featuring Frank Lampard and David Villa).

The growth of football anywhere in the world can only be a good thing from a fans point of view but why couldn’t the Man City money have been invested in football here in the UK? The investment of $100 Million into the NYCFC club was split between Manchester City and the New York Yankees baseball team. I guess it’s all about the return on that investment at the end of the day isn’t it. We’d all like to see some of the

Premierships’ big money ploughed into the smaller clubs wouldn’t we?

Each season we see a number of small Non-League sides who have to fold as a club because they simply can’t afford to go on. Why can’t the big clubs help out the small clubs ‘back home’ rather than throw money abroad at starting a new football club? The NYCFC venture is not the first for City; they also own the Australian A-League team Melbourne City FC. So, whilst new NYCFC signing Frank Lampard makes his way to Manchester City (on loan), David Villa goes out on loan from NYCFC to Melbourne City. The big question is, are Manchester City looking to monopolise and dominate world football?? Let’s not worry too much, they’ve a long way to go yet. However, it does seem that the owners of Manchester City do want a finger in every pie, so to speak.

The New York club will possibly also wear the colours of Man City too, with a little bit of the Navy Blue from the NY Yankees thrown in for good measure. This went down well with the new NYCFC Director of Football Operations Claudio Reyna who played for Man City between 2003 and 2007. What does that mean?

‘Director of Football Operations’??

Why do they have to give them outrageous titles nowadays? Surely, ‘Coach’ is adequate and less of a mouthful. As for the supporters of NYCFC, there’s no doubt they

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will drum up plenty of support with New York being populated by over 18 Million potential fans. The news of Frank Lampard signing for them sent Twitter into a frenzy! Whilst most ‘Tweeters’ expressed their delight (the Americans), others made it quite clear that they were absolutely outraged (the Chelsea fans) that their former Hero had signed for, and then been loaned out by NYCFC to Manchester City FC! The thought of Lampard wearing a shirt of a paler shade of blue just did not go down too well at all! He was labelled as a traitor and a burning Chelsea shirt image was even posted by one Fan/nut-job.

Football (not soccer) is growing even more. Our Beautiful Game is reaching out further and generating new passion amongst others. As supporters, we are an expanding band of merry men and women and others will share our joys and sorrows. Great news for these up and coming clubs but spare a thought for the fans of the little clubs who have ceased to exist in the seasons gone by. They may only be small numbers but their club meant a lot to them.

Enjoy today’s 90 minutes (plus time added on) and you can guarantee that this season, unlike the World Cup, ‘is going to be emotional’!

ADE

TODAY’S VISITORS

PAULTON ROVERS

One of seven new teams in the Premier Division and the first of five of those to make their first trip to the Cozy Stadium.

A very special welcome to Paulton Rovers our visitors today who are making their first ever visit to the Cozy Stadium. They won the right to play in the Premier Division this season by progressing from the South & West Division via the play offs at the end of last season. They finished fourth in the table eleven points behind champions Cirencester Town and faced a trip (in our Red Insure Cup Final footsteps) in the semi final to Tiverton Town where they won 3-1. Then a daunting trip to Wales to face promotion favourites Merthyr Town saw them finish 2-0 victors in front of more than 2200 spectators and so they now appear at Step Three for the first time in their history. These notes are prepared well in advance of today but in

their first three Southern League matches Paulton picked up three points. They faced Cirencester at home on the opening day winning 2-1 and then entertained Truro City but lost by the odd goal in three.

Their third match was away at Poole Town where they lost to the only goal of the match and their second away trip to Hitchin finished with the same result – a 1-0 reversal.

So we wish our visitors well in their new environment starting after the conclusion of today’s match. In the Red Insure Cup Round One in October Paulton are due to travel to Chippenham Town whilst our lads will make the short trip to Royston Town whom we defeated here in the quarter final last season. Before then in two weeks time Paulton will

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entertain either Taunton Town or Clevedon Town in the First Qualifying Round of the FA Cup after those two meet today in the Preliminary Round.

We shall also be watching the results carefully tonight because on 13th September we shall be visited by the winners of today’s clash between Dereham Town and St Ives Town.

The other local match in the FA cup this afternoon sees Godmanchester Rovers at home to Newmarket Town – both teams from the Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties League.

CLUB HISTORY Paulton Rovers were formed in 1881 joining the Western League in 1900.

After playing at several venues in the village, Rovers moved to Winterfield Road in 1950’s. Their best ever Western League finish was runners

Year founded: 1881 Nickname: The Robins Chairman: David Bissex

Website: www.pitchero.com/clubs/ paultonrovers Stadium: The Athletic Ground

Capacity: 2,500 (253 seated) Previous Meetings: None

up in 2003/4 securing promotion to the Southern League. They won the Somerset Senior Cup on twelve occasions, and the Somerset Senior League seven times, the last being in 1974, when they were re-admitted to the Western League after an absence of fourteen years.

Improvements to the Stadium have been made over the past few seasons to originally facilitate Southern League standards. The 2006/7 was the most successful in the club’s history finishing runners up in the British Gas Business League South & West Division One. “Joner’s” team narrowly missed out on the play offs in the 2007/8 campaign on final game of the season They also made their first ever appearance in the Somerset Premier Cup Final and held, Bath City going into extra time when the floodlights failed. The replay saw them go down 3-0.

decided to step down in February 2011. This season Mark Harrington has taken over as manager and is assisted by the vastly experienced, Paul Milsom.

Their best attendance of 2,070 (a deemed maximum capacity) was on 7 November 2009 reaching the FA Cup 1st Round for the first time in Paulton Rovers history. The match against now Premier League side Norwich City was televised live on ITV1 to over 30 countries.

Prior to then a crowd believed to be at least 2,000, saw them take on Crewe Alexandra in the FA Cup 5th qualifying round in 1906.

Last season Paulton had a storming finish to the season to come through to finish fourth in the table to secure a play off place. Away from home in both play off matches they defeated Tiverton Town 3-1 in the semi-final coming back from being a goal behind and then travelled to Wales in the play off final to defeat Merthyr Town by two second half goals to nil in front of a crowd of 2201.

The 2010/11 looked as though a push for promotion was on the cards, but results since Christmas were disappointing. Andy Jones

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/STNEOTSTOWNFC / PAGE 25

WHO’S WHO

THE ROBINS

JORDAN WALKER

RYAN BATTEN

OLLIE KNOWLES

MIKE BRYANT

KIERAN BAGGS

JOSH KLEIN

JON DAVIES

ELLIOTT GIBBONS

NICK BUNYARD – MANAGER “Bunny” had two spells at Winterfield Road as a player. Led Rovers to their first ever Somerset Premier Cup win and the Play Off Semi Final in his first season before going one better last year with a 2-0 win the Play Off Final against Merthyr Town.

JOSH JEFFRIES – PLAYER COACH Now in his second spell with the club having played previously with Bath City, Chippenham Town and Swindon Supermarine. Josh has served Paulton for nearly nine years and in May 2013 was appointed player/ coach. In addition to being a midfield player with a definite eye for goal having provided some memorable moments with spectacular strikes PAUL MILSOM – ASSISTANT MANAGER “Milse” has returned to the club for a second spell as assistant manager.

He brings a wealth of experience, having played for a number of local clubs, primarily as a central defender PAGE 26 /

and his knowledge of the non league scene is invaluable.

attacking flair to midfield and can also play as striker.

BRANDON BARNES – MIDFIELD Joined from Chippenham Town having moved there from Bitton where he came through the u18 set up. Prolific scorer for Rovers in their promotion season particularly from set pieces.

JOSH KLEIN- DAVIES – STRIKER Josh made a number of Football League appearances with Bristol Rovers and played for several sides in the Conference. He was capped

by Wales at U17’s. Joined in summer 2013 from Mangotsfield United

RYAN BATTEN – DEFENDER Ryan signed on loan from Gloucester City in November 2013. Was unlucky to miss the end of season Play Offs last year through injury.

MARCUS MAPSTONE – DEFENDER Versatile defender who play in the centre or either flank and is another who joins from Almondsbury Town where he spent six seasons. Has also played for Yate Town.

SCOTT BRICE – DEFENDER Influential defender who joined from Almondsbury Town. Now Rovers captain for this season and leads by example. Previous clubs include Weymouth Town. Supporter’s player of the season last year.

DEAN EVANS – MIDFIELD Deano rejoined Rovers in May 2013 after four years at Frome Town where he was club captain. He brings an

ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V PAULTON ROVERS ISSUE 03

NICK MCCOOTIE – STRIKER Nick was signed from Cinderford Town in June 2012 and has blossomed at Paulton, hitting the goals and a real team player. That potential was unfulfilled at a host of rival clubs. Scored both goals in Rovers 2-0 Play Off Final win at Merthyr Town.

One to Watch: Ben Lacey - Midfield / Striker Prolific scorer at U18 level with both Rovers and Somerset FA can play wide on either flank or as a striker. Even played at right back in Rovers Play Off Final win!

CONNOR CLIFFORD

SCOTT BRICE

CALLUM HINDER

ASHLEY WILLIAMS

TOM SEARY

BEN LACEY

JENNY MOORE

NICK BUNYARD

MIKE PERROTT- MIDFIELD Mike joined Rovers from Frome Town in June 2013. A versatile player in midfield or in attack who can score goals. Unfortunately work commitments may mean his appearances for Rovers will be few and far between this season.

KYLE PHILLIPS – GOALKEEPER Exciting young goal keeper, having progressed from Youth team and is now firmly established as the No 1 keeper and who will no doubt go on to play a higher level in the future.

STUART TOVEY – DEFENDER ‘Stowey’ is a product of Paulton’s youth squad. He has gone on to play over 200 first team games.

CONNOR CLIFFORD – DEFENDER One of three players to join the club from local rivals, Yate Town. A natural left back he hails from Exeter.

ELLIOTT GIBBONS – MIDFIELD/STRIKER

Bristol lad on dual registration from Bath City. Spend some last season with Toolstation Premier Division, Bishop Sutton.

JON DAVIES – MIDFIELD/STRIKER Jon is based in Westbury and provides Rovers with experience at this level having played last season for Poole Town. Previous clubs include local rivals this season, Chippenham Town.

KIERAN BAGGS – DEFENDER/MIDFIELD Played for Bradford Town last season but has experience of this level with Frome Town. Previous clubs include Salisbury City. Another Wiltshire lad this time based in Trowbridge.

MIKE BRYANT – MIDFIELD Another of the Yate Town recruits he is based in Berkeley Gloucestershire.

OLLIE KNOWLES – MIDFIELD/DEFENCE Experienced player equally at home in central defence or midfield. He

joins from Conference South, Weston Super Mare. Another Devon boy – he hails from Exminster.

TOM SEARY – DEFENDER Completes the Yate Town trilogy! A central defender he was unfortunate to miss a large part og last season through injury.

ASHLEY WILLIAMS – MIDFIELDER Experienced midfielder who joins from Mangotsfield United. Has previous experience in the Premier Division with Chippenham Town.

CALLUM HINDER – MIDFIELD Exciting prospect, he has come through from Rovers’ U18s.

JORDAN WALKER – DEFENDER Unlucky that his career with Bristol City ended through injury. Re-joins on dual registration from Weston Super Mare having played for Clevedon and Mangotsfield United since leaving Winterfield Road.

WWW.STNEOTSTOWNFC.CO.UK / PAGE 27

News from the Youth...

BOURNE TOWN 4

ST NEOTS SAINTS FC 2

Hinchingbrooke Cup Round One Saints bowed out of the Hinchingbrooke Cup in the first round again this season after a tricky away trip to Bourne. However the new side is bedding in well and have scored eleven goals in five matches so far this season.

Bourne picked up their first competitive win under summer appointment as manager Raff Mazzarella as they outgunned Saints in the entertaining encounter at the Abbey Lawn. Harley Williams was close to a home opener on the quarter hour, surging past a defender on the left and firing against the angle of post and bar.

of his marker to steer a header past Donkin from an inviting centre by Bull. Donkin tipped away a Bull shot from out on the left as the Wakes threatened to run riot, and substitute Jezz Goldson-Williams then shot across goal after surging past his marker on the left. Saints still posed a threat themselves and George Bailey was thwarted by a point blank save from Fagan.

For Saints Tyler Prince could only make glancing contact with a delivery from the left. The pacy Jones De Sousa rounded Saints keeper Sam Donkin but found the angle too tight to finish while Kelton Stringer headed wide when the visitors replied. Donkin superbly tipped Joe Bull’s drive onto the bar to keep the scores level and Williams was too high as Bourne finished the first half strongly.

Bourne broke the deadlock in the first minute of the second half Harley Williams riding two tackles before firing home. Aaron Fagan in the home goal went full length to save from Dan Hobbs, but Cardin Pierre-Liverpool doubled the home advantage on 54 minutes, scoring

On 73 minutes Bailey rounded off a run on the right with a low shot into the bottom corner to put Saints on the score sheet. Dan Bratcher’s goal line clearance then denied Bailey a second after he had rounded Fagan.

Bourne sealed their place in the last eight after 83 minutes. GoldsonWilliams turned his marker, his shot was parried by Donkin but Bratcher was first to react to sweep home the loose ball. Saints scored a consolation after 89 minutes, Bailey sidestepping a defender before finishing confidently. from the spot after being impeded

by George Crofts. A minute before the hour Pierre-Liverpool got in front

John Walker

St Neots Saints Donkin, Whittle, Loasby, Coleman, Stringer, Mason, Hobbs, Taylor, Prince, White, Bailey. Subs: Davis (for Whittle), Blake (for Coleman), Crofts (for Mason). Goals: Bailey 2 (73 & 89mins)

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Sponsored by Steve Ridley

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Extended Match Highlights Post-Match Analysis and Interviews All the Goals, Outtakes and Behind the Scenes Coverage Tune in to your club... www.stneotstownfc.co.uk

MATTY NOLAN JUMPS FOR THE BALL

GREENIES GREETINGS

FOOTBALL IS BACK WITH A BANG Good afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen and welcome to Rowley Park – The Cozy Stadium, for today’s Southern League Premier Division game.

Well, the holiday season is now complete for many of us, just a flicker of a memory of laying by the pool sipping cool drinks remains, ignited only by the thought of the hole in the bank balance but never mind, football is back with a bang. I missed the victories over Weymouth and Truro City and the home defeat to Redditch (thankfully) but returned to witness the fine victory at top of the table Corby Town on Bank Holiday Monday. I say I missed the games but with our fantastic Twitter team keeping everyone worldwide up to speed with events on the pitch it was like I was never away. Makes you wonder how we managed before the birth of Facebook and Twitter.

PHENOMENAL I’ve got to say that the travelling support has been absolutely phenomenal so far this season. The noise that was created by Ryan Bolton on the drum and everyone

in vocal backing at Corby was something quite special, making the hairs stand up on the back of the neck. I just can’t understand why Chesham United don’t allow ‘Percussion Instruments’ into the Meadow, they add to the atmosphere so much, or maybe I’ve just hit the nail on the head as once we’d got our tails up in the second half down there, you could hear a pin drop from the home faithful.

Whilst the First Team were winning away down in Cornwall on Saturday, due to only landing from my Holibobs late on Thursday night, I decided to take in the Youth and Saints Under 21 game here at the Cozy against Irchester United and what an entertaining encounter it turned out to be, with the youngsters eventually running out 3-2 winners. It was Andy Davies’ first competitive game in charge with his Assistant Jason Webb and they have got these young men playing some very good football and fully deserved the win. Tuesday evening however, they bowed out of the Hinchingbrooke Cup, losing 4-2 at Bourne Town.

POTENTIAL STARS Thursday evening our Under 18s were due to begin their Thurlow Nunn Youth League Western Division season, entertaining Royston Town here at the Cozy Stadium however at the time of penning these notes, the

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result was unknown however details may be elsewhere in the publication.

Don’t forget that admission is FREE OF CHARGE for everyone to their home league games so why not come down and have a look at the next batch of potential stars.

Next Saturday we travel to near neighbours Biggleswade Town and please be aware that there will NOT be a coach running to this game due to The Waders only being a matter of minutes away. If people are wanting to organise lifts etc, why not use the MATCHDAY CAR SCHOOL section on the Club’s official forum?

The ideal place to offer / request car travel to away games. Let’s make sure we turn out in force for this one please.

Ok then, enough from me, apart from my usual request that as our 12th man, you give your all on the sidelines for the full ninety minutes and hopefully, when the final whistle goes, we will all have played our part in gaining another three valuable points as we look to maintain our charge up the table. Until next time......

Those Who Believe Will Be Champions.......

GREENIE

AWAY DAYS

THE CARLSBERG STADIUM We make the very short trip to Biggleswade Town for our next away day.

Biggleswades ground hides just behind the A1 motorway, to the right driving south. They have a covered main stand and smart club house with an open stand in front of the dug outs. Behind each goal is open standing areas but with out cover.

The recent results against the Waders suggests that both teams do a little better in the away match with the Waders taking all 6 points at Rowley Park while the Saints have secured 4 points at the Carlsberg Stadium. Both clubs have had a reasonable start to the season which should as usual see a very entertaining match.

DIRECTIONS TO THE GROUND

BY ROAD From The A1 heading North. Ignore first roundabout signposted for Biggleswade (Homebase & Matalan). Proceed up A1 to second roundabout signed for Biggleswade.

There is a Sainsbury’s to the side of this roundabout. Take the third exit to Biggleswade (A6001). Proceed straight over mini-roundabout outside of Sainsbury’s. The road takes a sharp right bend, continue on this road and you will come to a

straight on). This is Teal Road which will turn sharply left after about 600 yards and you will then be at a set of traffic lights. At the traffic lights turn right. Proceed past houses and then some factories. Go under The A1 and the ground entrance is 200m on the right.

mini roundabout at which you will need to take the second exit (going straight on). This is Teal Road which will turn sharply left after about 600 yards and you will then be at a set of traffic lights. At the traffic lights turn right onto Hitchin Street and proceed past houses and then some factories. Go under The A1 onto Langford Road and the ground entrance is 200m on the right. From the A1 heading South. The first exit for Biggleswade is at the roundabout next to Sainsbury’s, take the first exit to Biggleswade (A6001). Proceed straight over mini-roundabout outside of Sainsbury’s. The road takes a sharp right bend, continue on this road and you will come to a mini roundabout at which you will need to take the second exit (going

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RAIL SERVICE Kings Cross to Peterborough Line.

Walk from station 1kmCome out of the station and walk down Saffron Road. At the traffic lights go left onto Hitchin Street. Continue walking past houses and then factories. Proceed under The A1 and the ground is on the right.

THE CARLSBERG STADIUM Langford Road, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, SG18 9JT 3,000 (300 seated) Adult: £12.00 – 18 to 60 yrs Concession: £8.00 – Children under 18 and adults over 60 years of age.

NATHAN SETS OFF

OLD ‘FOOTIE’ PROGRAMMES

1960s

PAGE 38 / ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V PAULTON ROVERS ISSUE 03

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/STNEOTSTOWNFC / PAGE 39

INTRODUCING

MATT NOLAN Matt signed for the Saints in October 2013 where he helped the club win 2 trophies last season.

He started his career with Peterborough United where he made his league one first team debut in 2005 away to Hull City. After 3 seasons with the Posh he moved to Cambridge United making just 10 National Conference appearances for United before moving on to Telford United in the Blue square North.

He found his way to the Saints where he has become a firm supporters favourite. We are yet to see the best of Matty but rest assured that is to come. This season Matt has already been on the score sheet and his hold up play has been exceptional.

Matty had his best spell playing for Ryman Premier side Lowestoft Town where he scored 54 goals in 119 games for the club.

After 2 seasons with Lowestoft he needed to play for a club a little nearer home and moved to Hemel Hempstead where he scored 23 goals in his first season with the Tudors.

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WWW.STNEOTSTOWNFC.CO.UK / PAGE 41

GOALMOUTH ACTION

MD’S VIEWS

ALL IN IT TOGETHER It’s a fantastically exciting time to be involved with and supporter of this football club.

We are all in it together and I hope that this fact is not lost on all those that want to be part of the clubs ongoing success. Shout out loud and be proud. Can non-league football learn from the mistakes that other sports industries have made? Every non-league (and most professional league clubs) are in trouble, they just don’t know it yet. The reason we are all in trouble is because the very powers that determine whether the industry we are working within works, are themselves unable to see clarity or are unwilling to face up to the reality that the current structure is not financially sustainable to any club save the very few. Its lunacy that we have to travel to Truro, Bideford, Frome, Hereford etc etc and its complete lunacy that Truro and the rest from the west have to travel east to everyone (Truro by all accounts have 11 overnight stays) When will the FA wake up and smell the coffee? How many more clubs have to go under before someone has the nuts to ask the right questions and implement a structure that will ensure development and financial stability?

on the day we were the better side the same as Redditch who whopped our arses 10 days ago. I believe that this unfounded perception is down just that, perception.And so it’s not lost on me that other clubs consider St Neots Town FC as a wealthy club however let me make things perfectly clear, we have to work within a budget that is in line with projected income streams. Our player’s budget is on a par with most clubs at this level, a budget which is way too high not because we want to but because we have to be at this level in order to be competitive and successful and success can lead to growth. Everything we do away from the playing side of things is about trying to generate enough income (and bring talent through) to balance the books, the same as every other football club. This is why we have a scholarship, apprenticeship, youth development, youth grassroots, this is why we hold coaching courses, this is why Iain is moving us towards an accreditation for first4sport, this is why we are doing afterschool clubs and curriculum support, this is why we work with the Hunts FA to be they’re home for the U18’s rep side and stage a number of youth finals and this is why we need your continued support to help get these bloody gate numbers up.

I read on a forum associated with another club (not like me to read forums but) that it was unsurprising that St Neots beat us because they are the Man City of non-league football. No we beat you because

Back to my point and food for thought. Let me tell you about another sports industry that didn’t listen to the guys on the front line, those retailers that were selling the sport and the product. A few years

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ago the R&A (the governing body of golf) decided to put restriction on the development of the most exciting club in the bag, the driver (One wood) as a result all the subsequent drivers that the manufacturers release did very much the same job at the last, so sales plummeted.

People want to see improvement and the only improvement that mattered to 75% of golfers is Distance off the tee. The knock on effect was, in a word, catastrophic. You see golfers hitting the ball further meant that they lost more golf balls, had more golf lessons and purchased new sets of irons on a more regular bases, it’s a fact. So the manufacturers had nowhere to go and the retailer’s turnover dropped dramatically almost overnight. The front line of football is non-league/semi pro football, youth Development and Grassroots football for all. If football is viewed as a giant jigsaw puzzle then surely its best to get all the straight edges in place so as to ensure that the rest of the puzzle is as easy to get right as possible.

Back to today’s game and welcome to Paulton Rovers players, staff and officials. We would like to be your friends because that’s the type of people we all are but we’d also like to send you home with nil points from today’s game because we are a driven and determined sort of club.

LEE

STEWS VIEWS

NUMBERS & HOT GOSSIP Football they say, is a numbers game.

negative. Here is a small selection of what our fans have said in passing to me before, during and after our 6 matches: Firstly it takes money to run any football side in a structured league, quite eye watering numbers sometimes, even at our level.

“Great Stuff, we finally look like contenders” “Fantastic ball retention in Midfield”

Fact! Lots of clubs sign and try out a high number of players, whilst trying to find the winning formula. Fact!

“Spring, Frater and Powell look great signings and have strengthened the squad”

Fans turning out to support their favourite team in numbers, can make a real difference, when looking at success on and off the field. Fact!

On the flip side I have also heard the following comments on the terraces and in the club house;

Here are the numbers that count for the team currently they are; 13 goals for, 9 against, 4 wins, 1 draw, 1 defeat, 13pts from 6 games. Is this a good start we ask ourselves? I have my own opinions on this and will conclude them a bit further on.

Gossip can be both part truth and fiction and have a positive and negative effect on a clubs ambition.

Maybe a fact? But certainly written evidence would suggest, as does that old adage that, any publicity positive or negative is good publicity.

So I’d thought I’d write about some of the views and opinions gathered from you guys and also from our opposing fans both positive and

forums where teams performances are usually critiqued by like minded fans, both from our club and others.

“Abbey’s looked suspect so far this season and I don’t think Arthur Lee is a winger” “For a long periods of that match, we seemed to have lacked ideas going forward” “We made them look good” “We were lucky to get anything today” “They (The opposition) weren’t a bad side, better than I expected!”

A real mixed bag from our own supporters, both positive and some negative.

What about other teams fans? What do they think about us? Here are some other views and opinions, quotes taken from open internet

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Whilst reading posts on The Southern League Forum, a popular forum, dedicated to clubs from the Premier league, as well as Division 1 and Division 1 South West I came across this quote, posted by ATFC, just before the season started.

“With King and Kearn’s ‘support’ St Neots are a force to be reckoned with. The Abbeys and King know the kind of players they want and who can do a job. Already 5 or 6 of the successful Arlesey team have been recruited. Looking at St Neots web site others are on there way”.

Later in the same post the same person goes on to say, “The fact is Arlesey Town are a village side who are arguably punching above there weight in this league on crowds of less than 200. St Neots has much more potential with excellent facilities and good attendances, so can see the attraction for Gary King

and the Abbey’s. Although they are always keen to shout about it, the fact is that the whole set up is pretty professional from the pitch preparation for the new season to the excellent match day programme that they produce.

it comes in the form of a Cambridge City fan whose user name is @Cambridgecityfc. This insensitive drivel posted on Twitter, after our midweek defeat to Redditch (who by the way have a 100% record against us at our place 3/3)

Good luck to them, cant see past them for the title. It will be interesting to see their title odds (not sure when available) as they are usually based on last years league finish, can feel a little flutter coming on !!”

“Some interesting results tonight. Most eye catching St Neots 0-3 Redditch #moneycantbuyyouhappiness”

A lot of factual truth, a small slur, but plenty of sentiment and good wishes which I personally found good to read. Especially because this forum poster has a bit of a reputation for wind ups. Here is another quote from the same website forum, this time the posters ID is DodgeUltra a Frome fan. It was posted after our midweek home defeat to Redditch Quite simply it reads; “Looking forward to reading the St Neots match report!

Poole quietly jump to the top, Chippenham right up there and Dunstable and Slough both started well, the 3 B’s at the bottom still without a point!!”

This was the reply a week or so later from one of our own fans Rawsaint; “I do hope your looking forward to reading the St Neots match report as much as I am the Frome one again this weekend Mr Dodge!!!” This after Frome’s 7-0 defeat away to Poole Town. In all fairness to DodgeUltra, proving that he like many football fans, has a sense of humour in crisis, his own post included a picture of Len Goodman, the Strictly come Dancing Judge, holding aloft a card with the number 7 on. The whole thread made me laugh and proved on the whole what a great bunch of people non-league supporters are in general. Of course there is always one bad egg and in this case

As my Twitter ID has my photo attached and also uses my real name “@Lambrettacraig” I suggested when @Cambridgecityfc visits us, he perhaps asks at the bar for me, so I can introduce myself and point out the error of his/her ways to them? All good fun of course, I’m sure said fan is a decent spud and was probably just having a moment.

It’s just in today’s internet driven world, such comments normally spawn a reaction of some kind, but I’m pleased to say it was just me and few other saints fans that took a little offence, everyone else kind of ignored it.

So have we started well? These 2 posts sum it up for me and was written by Corby Town Fans Steelman93 and davemac, after Mondays exciting encounter;

Poole or Cambridge will win the league. Decent crowd of 518 considering the weather, interesting to see how we bounce back on Saturday vs Truro” “A decent game of football, Corby dominated the first half but didn’t take there chances. St Neots were the better team second half but they took one of there chances. Neither team will be far from the play offs but both have defensive frailties that need to be sorted. Have to give St Neots fans credit for there support today but we still have the bigger drum. Considering the weather a crowd 511 was not to bad and although we didn’t get the result we wanted I think most who were there would think we were a little unfortunate.”

Are we league beaters then?

Probably not right now in truth.

Can we beat anyone on our day?

Absolutely yes to that. Am I looking forward to Cambridge City at home you bet ya! I think it’s been a terrific start, let’s get behind our team in numbers and perhaps take a look on our website forums and other forums where your opinions can be read by like minded folk.

Yours Aye Craig

“Extremely hard defeat to take, 3-1 flattered them massively.

Game should have been dead and buried by half time, had them rattled defensively but if you don’t take your chances then you get punished against the stronger sides. St Neots are a decent team but not as good as everyone are making out...

Certainly not going to ‘do a Hemel’.

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/STNEOTSTOWNFC / PAGE 47

Scorelines..

Rounding up the holiday weekend results from the teams that matter Southern Premier Division Weekend Action Corby Town scored just after the hour to win 1-0 at Chesham United and take over at the top of the table while Poole Town moved into second when, after equalising seven minutes after going behind to an early strike at Burnham, they scored twice in the second half to record a 3-1 victory whereas Chippenham Town scored twice in the opening thirteen minutes to set up a 3-1 success at Histon to stay in touch with the leading pair together with Redditch United who scored a goal in each half to inflict a 2-0 defeat on visiting Frome Town. Dunstable Town, a goal behind at the interval, secured a 1-1 draw at Cirencester Town to head four clubs on ten points with Hitchin Town, behind in the second minute but ahead with fifteen minutes remaining, having to settle for a 2-2 draw at Weymouth when the hosts scored a late equaliser and St Neots Town, having lost a two goal advantage, scored twenty five minutes from time to secure a 3-2 win at Truro City while overnight leaders Cambridge City dropped to seventh when they lost 2-0 at Hungerford with both goals coming in the second half.

Slough Town recovered from being two down at the break to take a point from a 2-2 draw at Paulton Rovers but Biggleswade Town, ahead after ten minutes, wrapped up a 4-1 home win over Dorchester Town with a goal in time added on and Arlesey Town

were held to a 1-1 draw by visiting Hereford United while Bideford, a goal up in the opening minute, picked up their first points of the season with a 3-1 victory at still pointless Banbury United. Division One Central – Hanwell Town held on to top spot in style when, having been two up at the break, they completed a 5-0 home success over Bedworth United and Potters Bar Town continued their good start to the season with a goal just after the half hour mark to secure a 1-0 home win against Egham Town while Kettering Town, a goal down at half time, returned to winning ways when three second half strikes gave them a 3-1 home success over North Greenford United.

Daventry Town, a goal ahead at the break, secured a 2-1 win with a winner eleven minutes from time at Beaconsfield SYCOB but Godalming Town, a goal down after fifteen minutes, conceded a second half penalty and went down to a 2-1 defeat at Chalfont St Peter while Royston Town, one up at the interval, completed a 3-0 home win against Aylesbury United while St Ives Town, having taken the lead after eight minutes, were trailing after conceding a penalty mid-way through the second half but scored three times in the final ten minutes to complete a thrilling 5-3 victory at Leighton Town.

A goal in the final minute of the first half secured a 1-0 home win for Aylesbury against Barton Rovers while Bedford

PAGE 48 / ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V PAULTON ROVERS ISSUE 03

Town scored twice in each half to win 4-0 at AFC Hayes but Rugby Town, having taken the lead on the half hour mark, went down 2-1 at home to Marlow but Uxbridge completed a 3-2 home win over Northwood with a goal four minutes from time.

Bank Holiday Monday Poole Town, just a single goal ahead at half time, added six more after the break to go top of the table with a comprehensive 7-0 home win over Frome Town while Redditch Unites, one up at the interval, conceded an equaliser mid-way through the second half but secured second spot when a goal ten minutes from time gave them a 2-1 success at Hereford United and Cambridge City scored three in each half to complete a 6-0 success over Histon, their ‘visiting tenants, who were reduced to ten men mid-way through the first half. Chippenham Town, a goal behind at half time, scored ten minutes after the break to secure a 1-1 home draw with Paulton Rovers while Hitchin Town scored twice in the opening eight minutes to inflict a 2-0 home defeat on Arlesey Town and overnight leaders, Corby Town, conceded a goal seven minutes from the end and a penalty in time added on to lose 3-1 at home to St Neots Town and plummet to eighth in the table but Dunstable Town scored five minutes from time to record a 1-0 home success against Biggleswade.

CHRIS DILLON

ST NEOTS TOWN 0 REDDITCH UNITED 3 Tuesday 19th August 2014 / Southern Premier Division / Att 310 Shoddy, is the kindest word to describe the St Neots performance in their first home midweek match of the season in front of a very healthy crowd of 310 hoping to see the side extend its unbeaten record.

Redditch returned home with a final score line in victory that flattered their performance but it served to underline the carelessness of the St Neots showing. Each of the three goals was gifted to their opponents as St Neots totally lost their shape and confidence and the final whistle was greeted with some relief as the punishment ceased. It is difficult to assess why the performance was so inept given that the starting line up was the same that had dominated in their previous showing on the ground just three days earlier.

Even the second half substitute debut appearance by new striker Drew Roberts who had missed the opening three games because of a carry over suspension from last season failed to inspire his team and now the Management team will have to rebuild the confidence of the side that will be very bruised after this evening to forget. It all started so well with Matt Spring and Ben Ford orchestrating play in midfield leaving the visiting side with only the occasional breakaway attack.

In the opening two minutes Callum Flanagan was happy to break up an attack by heading over his own crossbar and then the same player cleared off the line from Matt Nolan

from the corner. A slick fifth minute move saw Nathan Frater head a Spring corner back into the six yards box for Arthur Lee to see his shot cleared off the line by Daniel Scarr and then Gavin Hoyte head onto the roof of the net with visiting keeper Sam Hornby scrambling across his goal. In the first real Redditch attack Ashley Sammons shot across the face of goal and after 25 minutes of play largely in the Redditch half the visitors took a surprise lead.

Gavin Hoyte uncharacteristically totally misjudged a back pass sending the ball well wide of goalkeeper and goal and from the surprise corner Jamie Molyneux picked up Ashley Sammons with a short pass and his fierce near post shot caught Nathan Abbey by surprise and although he got his hands to the ball it went through them into the net. St Neots did not seem too upset by this setback and both Nathan Frater and Arthur Lee brought good saves from Hornby but St Neots were not making their superior possession count in terms of creating meaningful openings. In the five minutes before the break Leavi Oshungbure should have doubled the lead volleying wide

when played clear and Nathan Abbey then produced a fine reaction save to deny the same player. If that Redditch burst had rung any alarm bells it did not show as St Neots continued to be profligate with their better openings after the break. Jay Davies shot wide, Nathan Frater headed tamely into the goalkeeper’s arms and Matt Nolan missed his finish in front of goal. Then after an hour Molyneux was clumsily tripped

by Davies to concede a penalty and Ashley Sammons sent Abbey the wrong way to double the Redditch lead. St Neots sent on Roberts and Lorenzo Ferrari but even with three strikers on the pitch they failed to seriously test the visiting defence.

The final blow came after 68 minutes when substitute Liam Spink was allowed acres of space on the right and he went clear to force a fine reaction block from Abbey but the ball went up in the air and Molyneux was on hand without serious challenge to force the ball into the net from close range. Now St Neots were reduced to just be preserving their pride but that was bruised as they picked up three second half bookings fuelled by frustration.

John Walker

St Neots Town

Redditch United

Abbey, Powell, Lee, Bickerstaff, Frater (R), Hoyte, Davies, Spring, Nolan, Frater (N), Ford Subs: Roberts (for Powell 59 mins), Ferrari (for Frater (N) 74 mins), Spence, Ivey-Ward and Greygoose. Cards: Frater (N) (Y – 59), Roberts (Y – 70), Davies (Y – 74) Goals: none

Hornby, Jones, Flanagan, Oshungbure, Scarr, Mutton, Loveridge, Sammons, Molyneux, Hylton, Carline Subs: Spink (for Oshungbure 66 mins), Maye (for Sammons 76 mins), Ahenkorah (for Molyneux 82 mins), Reed and Caines. Cards: Sammons (Y – 11) Goals: Sammons (2)(25 mins and 60 mins (pen)), Molyneux (68 mins)

PAGE 50 / ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V PAULTON ROVERS ISSUE 03

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/STNEOTSTOWNFC / PAGE 51

MASON ON THE BALL

WE’VE all been there. The Sat-Nav says the journey to the ground takes an hour and a half, so you leave at midday.

Although as we all know, that isn’t always the case. Lincoln City players would have left their house last Saturday morning in plenty of time to get to Barnet, but they were left in the lurch when their coach failed to turn up. In true Non-League spirit, the players jumped in their cars and drove to The Hive themselves, and duly won 2-1!

Thankfully, the kick-off time didn’t need to be moved, but we’ve all been stuck in traffic thinking will I or won’t I make the start of the match. Inevitably, you miss the first five minutes, and the first goal – of course the game finishes 1-0.

The full-time whistle blew gone 11pm and the Kent side made their journey home – a 634 mile round trip.

“I left my house at 7.30am that morning, I put my key back in the door at half-past-seven the following morning,” said then Ebbsfleet manager Liam Daish. That’s more time spent out of the house than some Premier League teams will have for a European tie!

So what better way to calm those butterflies than to turn up late?

Of course, it wasn’t done on purpose but it’s how Martin Foyle, Minstermen manager at the time, looked at it.

“The players had half an hour to warm up. Yes, it’s a little bit of a panic, but look on the bright side they didn’t have time to think about it, go out, look at the pitch and start worrying about Stoke City,” said Foyle, after the 3-1 defeat in 2010.

Ebbsfleet suffered the journey from hell a couple of seasons back. What is already a long journey from Kent to Barrow took even longer after a baked beans spillage from a lorry on the motorway.

With the midweek game scheduled to start at 7.45, the delay meant the Fleet didn’t get to Holker Street until 8.40 and the game eventually kicked-off at 9.30, just as it was meant to be finishing!

For Non-League teams in the FA Cup, it’s a dream to get through to face a Premier League side. The nerves are jangling as you wake up in early January read to play possibly the biggest game of your life.

Of course, traffic tends to be the issue for teams or fans being delayed but Robert Lewandowski’s career could have been oh so different if it wasn’t for the eruption of a volcano in 2008.

The striker, currently at Bayern Munich, was reported to be on the verge of signing for Blackburn. The ash cloud put a hold on that though as it cancelled his flight. The rest, as they say, is history.

PAGE 54 / ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V PAULTON ROVERS ISSUE 03

So, if you’re reading this after scrambling through the turnstiles a few minutes late, just think – it could be worse!

Joshua Peck Follow us on twitter: @NonLeguePaper @SamElliott_NLP @Stuhammonds_NLP @MattBadcock_NLP

Opposition in CAPS denotes home fixture. Player name in BOLD CAPS denotes goal scorer.

Date

ATT

COMP

R

Pos

2

3

4

Sat 09 Aug

Opposition Hereford United

568

SLP

2-0

7

Abbey

Spence

Lee

Ford

Tue 12 Aug

Chesham United

331

SLP

3-3

5

Abbey

Spence

LEE

Spring

Sat 16 Aug

WEYMOUTH

312

SLP

2-0

2

Abbey

Powell

LEE

Bickerstaff

Tue 19 Aug

REDDITCH UNITED

310

SLP

0-3

9

Abbey

Powell

Lee

Bickerstaff

Sat 23 Aug

Truro City

503

SLP

3-2

8

Abbey

Spence

LEE

Bickerstaff

Mon 25 Aug

Corby Town

518

SLP

3-1

6

Abbey

Spence

Lee

Bickerstaff

Sat 30 Aug

PAULTON ROVERS

SLP

Sat 06 Sep

Biggleswade Town

SLP

Tue 09 Sep

HISTON

SLP

Sat 13 Sep

DEREHAM/ST.IVES

FAC

Sat 20 Sep

Banbury United

SLP

Tue 30 Sep

Arlesey Town

SLP

Sat 04 Oct

BURNHAM

SLP

Mon 06 Oct

Hitchin Town

SLP

Sat 11 Oct

POOLE TOWN

SLP

Sat 18 Oct

Cirencester Town

SLP

Tue 21 Oct

CHESHAM UNITED

SLP

Sat 25 Oct

Weymouth

SLP

Mon 27 Oct

Redditch United

SLP

Sat 01 Nov

ILKESTON TOWN

FAT

Sat 08 Nov

Truro City

SLP

Sat 15 Nov

Hungerford Town

SLP

Tue 18 Nov

CAMBRIDGE CITY

SLP

Sat 22 Nov

Bideford

SLP

Sat 29 Nov

SLOUGH TOWN

SLP

Sat 06 Dec

DORCHESTER TOWN

SLP

Sat 13 Dec

Chippenham Town

SLP

Sat 20 Dec

FROME TOWN

SLP

Fri 26 Dec

CORBY TOWN

SLP

Thu 01 Jan

Dunstable Town

SLP

Sat 03 Jan

HEREFORD UNITED

SLP

Sat 10 Jan

Paulton Rovers

SLP

Sat 17 Jan

BIGGLESWADE TOWN

SLP

Sat 24 Jan

Histon

SLP

Sat 31 Jan

BANBURY UNITED

SLP

Sat 07 Feb

ARLESEY TOWN

SLP

Sat 14 Feb

Burnham

SLP

Sat 21 Feb

HITCHIN TOWN

SLP

Sat 28 Feb

Poole Town

SLP

Sat 07 Mar

CIRENCESTER TOWN

SLP

Sat 14 Mar

HUNGERFORD TOWN

SLP

Sat 21 Mar

Cambridge City

SLP

Sat 28 Mar

BIDEFORD

SLP

Sat 04 Apr

Slough Town

SLP

Mon 06 Apr

DUNSTABLE TOWN

SLP

Sat 11 Apr

Dorchester Town

SLP

Sat 18 Apr

CHIPPENHAM TOWN

SLP

Sat 25 Apr

Frome Town

SLP

PAGE 56 / ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V PAULTON ROVERS ISSUE 03

Player name in these colours denotes substitute

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

14

Frater (R)

Hoyte

Spring

Davies

Dillon

Hilliard

Powell

NOLAN

FRATER (N)

15

Frater (R)

Hoyte

DAVIES

Ford

Nolan

Hilliard

Powell

FRATER (N)

Frater (R)

Hoyte

DAVIES

Spring

Nolan

Ford

Frater (N)

Spence

Hilliard

Frater

Hoyte

Davies

Spring

Nolan

Frater (N)

Ford

Roberts

Ferrari

Frater

Hoyte

Davies

Spring

FRATER (N) 2

Ford

Powell

Roberts

Ferrari

Farrell

Frater

Hoyte

Ford

Spring

Frater (N)

ROBERTS 2

Farrell

FERRARI

Davies

Powell

Ferrari

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/STNEOTSTOWNFC / PAGE 57

SOUTHERN PREMIER DIVISION / 26.08.14

P

W

D

L

GF

GA

+/-

Pts

01

Poole Town

6

5

1

0

14

2

+12

16

02

Redditch United

6

5

0

1

12

6

+6

15

03

Cambridge City

6

4

1

1

14

5

+9

13

04

Chippenham Town

6

4

1

1

11

4

+7

13

05

Hitchin Town

6

4

1

1

11

6

+5

13

06

St Neots Town

6

4

1

1

13

9

+4

13

07

Dunstable Town

6

4

1

1

11

7

+4

13

08

Corby Town

6

4

1

1

9

6

+3

13

09

Weymouth

5

3

1

1

11

7

+4

10

10

Truro City

6

3

1

2

10

10

0

10

11

Slough Town

6

2

3

1

9

9

0

9

12

Cirencester Town

6

2

2

2

14

7

+7

8

13

Biggleswade Town

6

2

2

2

8

7

+1

8

14

Hungerford Town

6

2

2

2

7

7

0

8

15

Chesham United

6

2

1

3

9

6

+3

7

16

Dorchester Town

6

2

0

4

9

9

0

6

17

Paulton Rovers

6

1

2

3

6

8

-2

5

18

Hereford United

6

1

2

3

5

10

-5

5

19

Arlesey Town

6

1

1

4

4

11

-7

4

20

Burnham

6

1

1

4

8

17

-9

4

21

Bideford

5

1

0

4

9

16

-7

3

22

Frome Town

6

1

0

5

6

18

-12

3

23

Histon

6

0

1

5

4

15

-11

1

24

Banbury United

6

0

0

6

3

15

-12

0

PAGE 58 / ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V PAULTON ROVERS ISSUE 03

Don’t succumb to just putting up a bookshelf, show your walls some love!

Wall Art

Wallpaper

Wall Stickers

www.ilovemywalls.co.uk

Manager: Gary King / Zema Abbey Assistant Manager: Nathan Abbey

Manager: Nick Bunyard Assistant Manager: Paul Milsom

Goalkeepers

Goalkeepers

Nathan Abbey

Kyle Phillips

Jamie Greygoose

Defenders

Defenders

Tom Seary

Josh Bickerstaff

Jordan Walker

Ryan Frater

Stuart Tovey

Gavin Hoyte (C)

Scott Brice (C)

Jordan Ivey-Ward

Ryan Batten

Arthur Lee

Midfielders

Midfielders

Kieran Baggs

Dean Cracknell

Ollie Knowles

Jay Davies

Dean Evans

Matt Spring

Mike Bryant

Ben Farrell

Ben Lacey

Lorenzo Ferrari

Elliot Gibbons

Ben Ford

Josh Jeffries

Lewis Hilliard

Forwards

Martel Powell

Nick McCootie

Forwards

Jon Davies

Bruce Wilson

Callum Hinder

Chris Dillon Nathan Frater Matt Nolan Drew Roberts Colours Dark Blue Shirts, Shorts & Socks

Colours Burgundy Shirts, Shorts & Socks

The match line up will be displayed on the electronic scoreboard Referee: Mathew Buonassisi Assistants: Jon Panconi / Jeffrey Aldous Next Home Game: St Neots Town v Histon FC Southern League Premier Division / Tuesday 9th September / KO 19:45

As a Club we support Grass Roots Football and stand firm against racism within football, visit www.thefa.com for more information on playing your part.