Issue 25 Slough Town

ST NEOTS TOWN Slough Town ISSUE 25: THE OFFICIAL MATCHDAY MAGAZINE £1.50 The Evo-Stik League Southern Premier Division

WELCOME Has there been a player for this Club in recent times who has scored any more vital goals than Lee Clarke?

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen and welcome back to the Premier Plus Stadium, home of St Neots Town Football Club and the Mick George Academy, for today’s Evostik League Southern Premier Division match.

Today, we extend a warm welcome to the players, officials and of course, the travelling supporters of Slough Town Football Club and we all hope you enjoy a pleasant, if brief, stay with us here in Cambridgeshire before heading Back down south to Berkshire later this evening.

Has there been a player for this club in recent times who has scored any more vital goals than Lee Clarke? Cast you minds back to the play-off semi-final at Poole last season and it was the veteran striker who nodded home the winner that evening and on Saturday, after missing the previous five games through injury, returned to lead the line with Drew Roberts and popped up in the right place to smash home a delightful cross from loanee Jordan Brown in the eighty-third minute to send the home supporters into joyous celebrations and earn his hard working Saints side the three very precious points in their bid for Premier Division safety. This game also saw central defender Danny Burns make his debut for the club, joining us on loan from

Cambridge United during the week and instantly forming an understanding with Tom Ward, culminating in a clean sheet for the lads after a good, solid performance from everyone defensively. Another bright spot was the return to fitness of wing wizard Remy Gordon, who got some much needed game time so all in all, a very good day for the team as a whole.

While we were making huge strides towards safety, today’s visitors were also enjoying a

one nil home win of their own, seeing off Dunstable Town courtesy of a spot kick by Smith in the eighty-second minute so I expect today’s offering to be another cagey affair but, at the same time, an entertaining one.

Please, do get behind the players today as it does have a positive effect on proceedings and let’s make plenty of noise.

Onwards and Upwards Mike Green

TODAY’S VISITORS

SLOUGH TOWN Founded: 1890 Nickname: The Rebels Chairman: Steve Easterbrook Website: www.sloughtownfc.net A very special welcome for our next Southern League Premier Division engagement with Slough Town our visitors this afternoon. Currently 13th in the league table Slough are gradually working their way back towards the Conference (now the National League) where they enjoyed a spell in the nineties. When our two clubs met competitively for the first time ever at Beaconsfield on 12th November 2011 first half goals from Ben Abbey and Nathan BowdenHasse were sufficient to give our visitors a 2-0 victory leaving them at the top of the Central Division table two points clear of Bedworth and eight points ahead of us at that time in eighth place in the table. Following that meeting St Neots embarked on an inspired promotion clinching run of form playing eighteen league matches, winning 14 drawing 3 and losing 1. However, the Cozy Stadium meeting sharpened St Neots desire and ambition after Slough completed a league double in a thrilling match winning 1-0 thanks to a strike from Sean Sonner after 35 minutes.

St Neots then recovered from this temporary setback putting together seven wins and two draws in their last ten matches to clinch the title and automatic promotion by six clear points with the Slough challenge fading. Slough have always been a bit of a ‘bogey’ side for us because in five Southern League meetings our lads have only recorded two draws – losing the other three encounters.

Today is therefore the ideal opportunity to put this run behind us and record our first league win in six meetings.

Club History The club was officially founded in 1890 after the amalgamation of the Swifts, Slough Albion and the Young Mens’ Friendly Society, who between them forged a new club, Slough FC. Slough joined with Erith and Belvedere, Tottenham, Old St. Stephens, Polytechnic, Windsor and Eton, and Upton Park

to play regular league football for the first time two seasons later in the Southern Alliance. Progress in the Southern Alliance, and later the Great Western Suburban League was not spectacular, but in 1921 the club lost out by a narrow margin of votes to Wycombe Wanderers in an effort to obtain membership of the Isthmian League. Disappointed with this decision the club decided to join the Spartan League instead where it remained until the outbreak of World War II. In 1936 the club committee of Slough F.C. made a dreadful mistake that has haunted the club ever since when they made no effort to buy the Dolphin Stadium from the landlord, George Bennett. Instead Clapton Stadiums Ltd. purchased the site which soon became a greyhound stadium where football could be played. When hostilities began in 1939 Slough F.C. was forced to leave the Dolphin and as a result moved to Maidenhead in order to survive, entering a ground sharing arrangement with the ‘Magpies’ until 1943. It was then that Slough Centre F.C. proposed an amalgamation of the clubs, and a home within the borough at Belfast Avenue. A new name of Slough United was adopted. At the end of the war in 1946 Slough led a move to create a new league which was quickly sanctioned by the F.A. This became known as the Corinthian League.

It was because of this action that Slough United became known as the ‘Rebels’. In November 1947 the title was changed to Slough Town F.C., and following two difficult seasons the club emerged to win its first championship in its Golden Jubilee year beating runners up Hounslow Town 2-0 in the final match of the season. Under the management of the legendary Bob Gibbs Slough Town narrowly won the championship of Division One in 1964-65. Later the club lifted the Athenian League championship in 1967-68. Slough then won the Athenian title in 1971-72 and 197273 They were semi-finalists in the

Amateur Cup in 1972 and then finalists in 1973 losing to a very late goal at Wembley scored by Roger Connell who had previously played for several seasons with Slough.

In 1973 the club became part of Division One of the Isthmian League, and they were immediately promoted behind champions, Dagenham, into the Premier Division. Following their eviction from the Dolphin Stadium, Slough Town moved to a new ground on the outskirts of the town, Wexham Park Stadium, which was hastily built by the members and supporters. The club flourished at its new level winning the championship in 1980-81 A second championship in 1989-90 enabled the ‘Rebels’ to achieve the ambition to play at the highest level in Non League football in the GM Vauxhall Conference during the club’s Centenary Year.

Playing at this level for the first two seasons was not at all easy. In 1991 the club was forced into receivership.

The club was immediately purchased by a consortium that was previously connected with Millwall F.C who had been upset at the hands of Slough Town in the F.A. Cup in 1982 with Gary Attrell scoring the only goal of the game for Slough. The next season, under the management of Dave Kemp, and after chasing Wycombe Wanderers to the championship throughout the season in the final weeks the club fell away a little to finish fifth. At the end of the following season Slough Town was relegated during the final two minutes when Merthyr Tydfil scored a very late winner to overtake them, with a record 47 points, the highest recorded in the Conference for the drop. After several near misses to get to Step Three last season brought the reward for persistence as Slough finished fifth in the Southern League Central Division and won their promotion the hard way with notable play-off victories against Rugby Town and Kettering Town – both of them away from home.

LUKE WILLIAMS – GOALKEEPER 19 year old goalkeeper Luke Williams joined the Rebels in January 2015 from Hereford United. Luke came through the ranks at Aldershot Town before joining Hereford United in the summer of 2014, where he gained rave reviews for a number of outstanding performances.

MARK SCOTT – GOALKEEPER ‘Scottie’ signed for the club in the summer of 2015 from Conference North club Oxford City. At 24, he has a great deal of experience having spent four years with Swindon Town, and within that time he went out on loan with Salisbury City in the Conference South, the highlight of which was winning the man of the match in their FA Cup Third round game at Sheffield United.

SEAN FRASER – DEFENDER - Sean is a 20 year-old midfielder or full-back who signed for the club in August 2012 and is a former Reading, Coventry City and Falkirk youth academy player. In his first season he made a string of impressive performances, which helped Slough to the First Round of the FA Cup. Previous clubs include Marlow and Southern Premier, Banbury united.

GUY HOLLIS – DEFENDER - Guy is a strong, quick defender. Equally comfortable at right back or centre back, Guy spent several seasons at Ashford Town (Middx.) and then moved up to the Ryman Premier with Carshalton Athletic. Guy’s partnership with Adam at the back has seen numerous clean sheets and with powerful surges from defence Guy is a strong and exciting player to watch.

BILLY JEFFREYS – DEFENDER - Centre-back Billy Jeffreys joined the club from Hampton & Richmond Borough, where he was club captain, in October 2014.Billy was previously at Ashford Town (Middx), and was at Millwall as a young professional.

CRAIG SCOTT – DEFENDER - Craig is another of the summer 2015 signings, joining the Rebels from local rivals Marlow.. He comes highly rated from Marlow boss Mark Bartley, and was their skipper last year. He is a nononsense centre half, and a leader on the pitch. He originally comes from Newcastle and has played for a number of sides in the Northern League, however his job brought him to the south.

DANIEL HICKS – DEFENDER - 24-yearold central defender Dan Hicks rejoined Slough in September 2015 from Marlow, where he was club captain.

He came through the youth team at Slough in the 2008/2009 season and made one substitute appearance under Derek Sweetman, before leaving to join Burnham. He then had spells at Chalfont St Peter and Windsor, where

he was also made club captain.

LEIGH RUMBOLD – MIDFIELDERRummy joined the Rebels in December 2013 from Fleet Town. He made a huge impact at the club with his no nonsense displays. Leigh did not start the 2014/15 season with the Rebels, but came back in to the squad in November 2014 upon his return from the US, where he played for Lansing United. Whilst at Lansing, he won the National Premier League (Mid West Conference).He departed the club again in January 2015 and his footballing adventures continued after signing for Team Taranaki of New Zealand’s Central League before returning in October 2015..

JAKE PARSONS – MIDFIELD - Jake re-joined the club in November 2013 with a view to getting himself fit after having a knee operation last summer.

He immediately integrated into the squad and proved his ability. He can operate on either wing, and also down the middle. His previous clubs include Windsor and Eton and Windsor FC. Jake is a fans favourite, picking up several awards in the 14/15 season.

WARREN HARRIS – MIDFIELD Warren is a right winger who was signed as a loan player for Godalming

by Neil Baker and Jon Underwood from Conference South, Staines Town.

Warren is the younger brother of fellow Rebel Scott, and is a great talent. He is hard-working, quick and has a real eye for goal, having scored 23 in season 2012/13, including 21 league goals.

Warren has also represented Ashford Town (Middx).

GURKAN GOKMEN – MIDFIELDER - Gürkan Gökmen joined Slough Town on loan from Conference South Wealdstone in February 2015.Gürkan is a 20-year-old Dutch midfielder who was a professional at Watford, and has recently been playing professionally in Turkey. He was highly recommended by Gordon Bartlett at Wealdstone.

ADRIAN SEAR – MIDFIELDER - Former Burnham, St Neots Town and Histon midfielder Adrian Sear joined Slough Town in September 2014.Sear joined Burnham briefly on loan from St Neots at the back end of season 2013/14, and decided to join Slough following his release in the summer. Sear has also represented Beaconsfield SYCOB and Ruislip Manor.

NATHAN WEBB – MIDFIELDER Joined the club in July 2015. He is one that Neil Baker and Jon Underwood have been interested in for a while, having played against Slough numerous times for Beaconsfield and Burnham.

He started out at Hayes and Yeading in their youth team, and made the step up to the first team as a 17 year old playing in the Conference National. He then had

spells at Farnborough and Wealdstone, before moving to Beaconsfield initially on loan. His best position is central midfield where he has bundles of energy and quality, and he will give the joint managers great options in there.

EDWARD SMITH – STRIKER - Striker Ed Smith joined the club in August 2012 on a dual-registration basis from Metropolitan Police. Ed wasted little time in making an impact, striking up an excellent goal scoring partnership with Danny Burnell as the Rebels made it through to the First Round of the FA Cup. He scored 33 goals in all competitions in his first season with the club, and won the club’s Golden Boot award. His previous clubs include Chertsey Town and Fleet Town. Edward has had a fantastic start to the season and is currently high up the league’s leading goal scorers table.

SCOTT HARRIS – STRIKER - Scott Harris known as ’Hatchet’ has previously played for Ashford Town (Middx) in the Premier division, where he spent a number of seasons. He is a strong hard-working centre forward with an excellent goal scoring record at this level. He is an incredibly strong forward, who works himself into the ground for the team; always on the move he certainly keeps the opposition defenders on their toes!

DAN READ – STRIKER - Dan Read joined from Egham Town in March 2015 having previously played under the management of Jon Underwood and Neil Baker whilst at Godalming Town, and the striker was top scorer for the ‘Gs’ in his first season, notching 23 goals in the 2011/12 season after joining from Fleet Town in 2011 Lewis Putman – Striker – Putts was the first summer signing in 2015. He is a prolific striker who made his name at Oxhey Jets at Step 5 level, where in one season he scored 84 goals.

CHARLIE MPI – STRIKER -Accountant Charlie Mpi joined the Rebels in the summer of 2011 after impressing in the club’s pre-season campaign.The former Wealdstone and Maidenhead United striker scored three times and impressed Steve Bateman with his direct running and work ethic. Mpi won the BUCS (British Universities & Colleges Sport) Championship whilst at Loughborough University, scoring the opening goal of a 1-1 draw in normal time against UWE Hartpury, before firing home the winning penalty kick in a tense shoot-out, which eventually finished 12-11. Charlie also spent time on loan at Aylesbury, with spells dual registered with Burnham and Thatcham Town before returning to the Rebels early in the 2015/16 season

Scorelines..

A brief round up of the recent results from the teams that matter Premier Division Saturday 5th March

Division One Central Saturday 5th March

Division One South & West Saturday 5th March

Poole Town, two ahead at the interval, moved four points clear at the top when a goal on the hour completed a comfortable 3-0 home win over Histon but third placed Redditch United conceded a goal just before the hour and another in time added on to go down 2-0 at Weymouth while fourth in the table Hitchin Town, held one goal each at the break, took the lead just after the hour and, after conceding an equaliser secured a3-2 home win over Dorchester Town eleven minutes from time.

Leamington scored after thirteen minutes and again with thirteen minutes to go to record a 2-0 victory at Merthyr Town which took them into the play-off places but Dunstable Town conceded a penalty with eight minutes remaining to lose 1-0 at Slough Town while Kettering Town, three up in the opening twenty minutes before letting in two goals before half time, found themselves all square when they conceded a penalty with eight minutes to go but secured a 4-3 home win against Cirencester Town six minutes later. Fourth from bottom Frome Town picked up three valuable points when, after being two up at the interval, they secured a 2-1 home victory over Biggleswade Town but second last Bedworth United conceded two goals in each half to go down 4-2 at Chesham United and third bottom Paulton Rovers lost 1-0 when hosts St Neots Town struck three minutes from time while last placed Bideford picked up a point from a 0-0 draw at Stratford Town.

Despite going a goal down after just six minutes, Kings Langley went three points clear at the top when they went on to record a comfortable 4-1 win at third from bottom Aylesbury United while third in the table Egham Town, behind to a seventh penalty but level before the interval, secured a 2-1 home win against Arlesey Town but fourth placed Royston Town, ahead soon after the hour, needed a strike five minutes from time to take a point from a 2-2 home draw with Beaconsfield SYCOB whereas St Ives Town scored midway through the first half to win 1-0 at Hanwell Town.

Northwood, behind after four minutes but level just after the hour, snatched a 2-1 home win over Fleet Town in time added on while Chalfont St Peter, having conceded a second equaliser seven minutes before the end, also scored in time added on to win 3-2 at home against bottom of the table North Greenford United but Aylesbury, who scored four and conceded one in the first half, had to settle for a point from a 4-4 home draw when Potters Bar Town converted a penalty nine minutes after the break and struck two more late on whereas Ware scored ten minutes from time to win 1-0 at Godalming Town. In the day’s other match, Petersfield Town, two up at the interval, defeated visiting Bedford Town 2-1.

With second placed Cinderford Town’s game postponed, Banbury United opened up a four point lead at the top when an own goal six minutes before the break sealed a 1-0 victory at Banbury United while Winchester City, a goal up after ten minutes and again just before the interval, completed a 3-1 win to replace visiting Swindon Supermarine in third place and fifth placed Taunton Town, two ahead after twenty minutes but dragged back level by two goals in two minutes early in the second half, struck soon after the hour to win 3-2 at Slimbridge. Evesham United, leading by the odd goal in three at the break, recorded a 5-2 home victory over Larkhall Athletic while Tiverton Town, trailing after just three minutes, scored twice after the interval to win 2-1 at home against AFC Totton and Didcot Town scored just after the half hour to chalk up a 1-0 win at Bridgwater Town. Marlow, who shared four first half goals, took the lead with a penalty twelve minutes after the break but had to settle for a 3-3 home draw when Wimborne Town also scored from the spot six minutes from time and Bishops Cleeve, ahead after thirteen minutes, were also held at home when second from last Burnham made it 1-1 with eight minutes remaining while Yate Town, a goal up at half time, scored eight minutes after the break to set up a 2-1 win and a rare close encounter at bottom of the table Bashley who converted a penalty soon after the hour mark.

UCL Premier Division (15/March/2011) ST NEOTS TOWN

4

Two uncharacteristic errors

by St Neots goalkeeper Luke McShane (now playing at Peterborough Sports in UCL Division One) gifted Holbeach two soft goals and took some of the gloss off St Neots’ sixth consecutive league victory.

Nonetheless it was three more valuable points in their quest for the league title and once again Stefan Moore played a major role with two more goals to take his personal tally to thirteen in his last seven matches. Holbeach competed well but created little and it was to St Neots credit that they stayed focused and patient when the goals failed to come in the opening forty minutes.

Theo Davis returned at full back in place of the unlucky Micky Hyem who had done little to suggest that he should lose his place and Dallas Moore was preferred to Will Fordham in defence. Kings Lynn also won away at Wellingborough so it is as you were at the top of the Premier Division.There was a slow start to proceedings with Holbeach defending in numbers and St Neots not really incisive enough to break through. A curling Lewis Hilliard free kick was just the wrong side of a post with visiting goalkeeper Ricky Lovelace caught out of position and Lewis Webb just failed to reach a Kieran Davis

HOLBEACH

2

cross in front of a yawning net.

At the other end Luke Kennedy sent a shot way over the bar and McShane saved well from Nick Brown. Dan Jacob looked to be the spark that was needed to inspire St Neots and he saw Lovelace pounce on a deflected cross, brought a good save from the keeper and then shot wide after neat play by Shane Tolley.

Davies should have opened St Neots account when played clear by Stefan Moore but his shot was wide and then a Moore cross deflected to Tolley but his involuntary touch sent the ball the wrong side of a post.

However patience did pay off four minutes before the break when defensive hesitation allowed Dan Jacob to roll the ball into the empty net despite being off balance as the ball fell to him. In the second half St Neots looked more positive but both Lewis Webb and Stefan Moore were off target.

Holbeach had a couple of players booked as they tried to slow St Neots approach with some over physical tackling but after 61 minutes a delightfully weighted pass over the visiting defence saw Stefan Moore use his pace to reach the ball and lob the advancing goalkeeper to double the lead. Luke Kennedy’s frustration at Junior Kanudu’s wizardry earned him only a yellow card when he aimed a late kick at the

St Neots player – that could well have been a sending off.

The pressure seemed to be off after 72 minutes when a goal straight from the training pitch made it 3-0. Hilliard’s square free kick was flicked on to the unmarked Stefan Moore and he netted from an oblique angle.

However three minutes later Luke McShane spilled a Tommy Treacher free kick allowing Holbeach veteran substitute Shaun Keeble a simple finish and that spurred the visitors.

Omar Joof could easily have further reduced the arrears but unmarked he shot over the bar and it was left to Dan Jacob to calm the nerves with his second goal of the match created cleverly by Stefan Moore and Lewis Hilliard. A second McShane error a minute from time gifted Cameron Mawer an unexpected goal which meant little in the final analysis.

St Neots: McShane, Hilliard, Davis, Webb, Gayle, Moore (D) Davies, Kanudu, Moore (S), Tolley, Jacob.

Subs:: Hyem (for Davies 74 mins), Montique, Fordham, Scully & Trebes.

Man of the match: Dan Jacob Report: John Walker

ST NEOTS TOWN 1 PAULTON ROVERS 0 Southern League Premier Division / 05.03.2016 / Attendance: 260 / Referee: Adrian Sannerude (Lowestoft)

Lee Clarke returning to the side after missing the last six matches through injury claimed an important late goal – only his fifth league goal this season – to give St Neots a vital three points against relegation haunted Paulton.

The victory completed St Neots’ first league double of the season and should boost their confidence in their remaining nine matches.

Paulton still seven points from safety were looking for only a second away win of the season and they played their part in a closely competitive match and created chances but seldom tested home keeper Alex Archer.

St Neots once again shuffled their pack welcoming back Lee Clarke for the injured George Casey and included loanee centre half Danny Burns along with Ben Burton and Charlie Coulson with Jordan Brown and Dan Schiavi starting on the bench and teenage full back Jordan Heywood rested.

Despite the stormy weather the sides produced some attractive, if cautious football with the three points at stake vital to the ambitions of both teams to feature at Step Three next season.

The early skirmishes were end to end but produced few clear chances although Drew Roberts was looking sharp up from for St Neots seeing visiting keeper Ben John save a low shot before a second effort rebounded from a goalpost to be cleared.

Leon Jeanne was lively for the visitors on the left flank and he

twice tested Alex Archer from distance. After 20 minutes Alex Grimshaw dallied on a clearance and was robbed by Roberts who was thwarted when John dived bravely at his feet. A free kick

by Steve Williams cleared all the home defenders and bounced dangerously in front of the surprised Archer but he managed to claw the ball away for a corner.

Josh Dawkin then set up Roberts with a delightful square pass but John produced the save of the match to deny the home striker.

With Lee Clarke partnering Roberts up front St Neots looked a far better balanced side but they almost gifted Paulton a goal when Archer raced from his lined to clear but miskicked and it was left to a good interception by Tom Ward to save the day and the two sides went to half time with everything still to play for.

If St Neots had just shaded the first half the visitors had the better of possession and play upon the restart. Kelvin Douglas sent a dangerous free kick across the face of goal and a rare mistake by Tom Ward freed Mario Mateus who was slow to capitalize and Ward got back with a well-timed tackle. Archer had to be alert to save a well-placed shot by Jeanne and in a bid to pep up their approach St Neots introduced substitutes Remy

Gordon who had been missing with injury since Christmas and teenager Jordan Brown. Both had an effect on St Neots attacking efforts with Gordon’s first shot on target deflected narrowly over the crossbar. Peter Clark had a shot deflected after neat footwork by Lee Clarke and Tom Ward just failed to reach a Gordon cross at the far post. Then with ten minutes left St Neots went on the offensive creating three chances in as many minutes. From a Gordon corner skipper Adam Tann had a header cleared off the line by Josh Ford and then Peter Clark burst through and held his head in disbelief as the keeper going the wrong way blocked his shot with his feet.

The keeper then was beaten again when a defender blocked a header from debut boy Danny Burns from a Roberts corner and St Neots supporters were beginning to think that the ball would just not go into their opponents’ net. However, with just less than four minutes remaining Peter Clark sent Jordan Brown down the right and he outpaced his marker to cross to the far post for Lee Clarke to convert from close range. It was no less than St Neots deserved and with Histon losing at Poole the gap between Iain Parr’s side and the club immediately above the drop zone widened to six points.

St Neots Town Archer, Anton, Burton, Tann, Ward, Burns, Coulson, Clark (P), Clarke (L), Roberts, Dawkin Subs: Gordon (for Coulson 62), Brown (for Dawkin 74), Schiavi (for Roberts 84), Muya and Jeckells.

Cards: Dawkin (Y – 43), Clarke (Y – 85) Goals: Clarke (86 mins)

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MINEZONE ROOM!

CHAIRMANS’ VIEWS Welcome to Slough Town FC Ok here are the gate receipt figures for the first 6 months of the season (August-January) 2015-2016 the overall gate receipts (net money taken) were just under 10% down on year to date figures. This is also reflected in Match day bar takings and match day food takings. It doesn’t take into consideration who we have played and when, however the overall decline is a big worry taking into consideration that every other aspect of the football club has shown continued growth.

And you know what...I get it, we all get it, the lower gate numbers and hence the lower income figure TOM is a direct reflection (and combination) of first team performance and away support numbers.

Not making excuses or trying to point out the obvious I’m just saying it because I need to draw some kind of solace from the fact that it’s (in part) recoverable and if its recoverable it means that growth is still a word that can be optimistically thrown at the first team without feeling like I’m cheating myself into believing for believing sake.

RYAN HAWKINS

Well done to Parry for taking the game Saturday against Paulton in Andy’s absence, a deserved and much needed 3 points that will go some way to insuring league survival. Without wanting to repeat myself recruitment is key and as such we are looking at ways we can spread a bigger net more locally without compromising on the quality we need to progress. Saturday’s game saw Pete Clark slip a ball inside the fall back to Jordan Brown who crossed it to Lee Clarke, a goal made in St Neots and converted by a wealth of

experience, how long do we have to wait for a team that is made up of players that are a product of the club?

UPDATE The scholarship trials have been a great success and with a further Easter trial booked in we are hopeful that this year’s uptake will be our strongest yet.

A number of lads from league

club academies have been training with our U16’s with a view to joining the scholarship ranks for Sept 2016 start which again illustrates the level of commitment we have on insuring we recruit a number of lads who all have the potential we are looking for. Five scholars are out on loan at present and all are affecting the team they are playing for. Well done to all the lads involved.

The Rock a Sal evening has been poorly supported which a real disappointment is bearing in mind one of the main things to come out of the supporters meeting was the fact that the club do not have a social calendar.

The very first one we do and it looks like we may have to cancel. Do we give up?

Please call Lou on 07753 MEECHAN 222683 to support this event, all ticket sale profits will go towards purchasing new equipment for the academy.

We will soon be announcing what our plans are for next season with regards to a second team that will help aid the transition form youth to senior football. We have a number of options available and will therefore be doing our homework to make sure we take the right path.

We will again be staging a number of youth and senior cup finals during the final two months of the season so please keep an eye out.

I have mixed feelings about the two adults for £15 promotion.

I’m unsure whether we just gave money away or gained new supporters, some feedback would be helpful.

Sunday 3rd April is still in diary for the supporters match. Ryan Bolton has offered to take ownership of this so please support him (and the club) in making this a great Sunday afternoon.

We have had discussions with another club about a ground share agreement but it is not going to come to fruition with this particular club.

Our development Partners Stevenage FC will be setting

up and running an Advanced Regional development centre at St Neots Town FC next season.

This will greatly enhance our own recruitment capabilities across all age groups.

REMAINING FIXTURES Monday 14th March U18’s V St Ives Thurlow Nunn Cup Semi-final-KO 7.45 Thursday 24th March U18’s V Newmarket-7.45pm KO Free entry Saturday 26th March First Team V Frome-3pm KO

Saturday 16th April First team V Chesham-3pm KO Sunday 24th April Joe Mansfield Trophy-12.30pm KO-entry fee TBC Wednesday 27th April Hunts Youth County Cup U14’s Final- 7.30pm KO-entry fee Thursday 28th April Hunts Youth County Cup U15’s Final-7.30pm KO-entry fee TBC Friday 29th April Hunts Youth County Cup U16’s Final-7.30pm KO-entry fee TBC

Saturday 2nd April First Team V Camb City-3pm KO

Sunday 7th May Dave Jackson/Gary Whitbread Trophy-KO TBC-entry fee TBC

Sunday 3rd April Supporters match-3pm KO

Right dare I hope for 3 points against Slough today??

Wednesday 13th April Hunts Senior Cup FinalEynesbury Rovers V St Ives7.45pm KO- entry fee TBC

Lee

Gregory Suite Suitable For Wedding venues / receptions & evening party's Conference and business meeting facilities Party Celebrations young and old Large funeral wakes (free room Hire) Event hire Trade & Craft Fares etc Fitness classes Music events Presentation events Stage productions Baby Classes Details Private and separate from the football - holds up to 250 people(120 seated) A large impressive bar serving a vast range of beers, ciders, wines & soft drinks We cater for all food requirements including Buffet menu's, Sit down Meals, Hog Roasts, Barbeques, Traditional Fish and Chips Stage area for bands, disco, and productions A large roomy dance floor perfect for any wedding reception Comfy dining furniture configured to suit requirements This party venue can be dressed / decorated to suit the celebration Friendly and experienced St Neots staff Door staff if required Plenty of parking Very adaptable...

How Much Gregory Function Suite Day Hire Hourly rate - £30 Evening Parties £350 Day/Evening Weddings £500 Food and beverage POA All our facilities are wheel chair accessible.

We do have a large projector in the Gregory Suite that can be used for corporate events Call 01480 470012 or email stneotstownfunctions@stneotstownfc.co.uk

Reedmans Suite

Suitable For Smaller Wedding venues / receptions & evening party's Smaller Conference and business meeting facilities Party Celebrations young and old funeral wakes (free room Hire) Event hire Trade & Craft Fares etc Fitness classes Music events Presentation events Baby Classes Details Private and separate from the football - holds up to 80 people A modern bar serving a vast range of beers, ciders, wines & soft drinks We cater for all food requirements including Buffet menu's, Sit down Meals, Hog Roasts, Barbeques, Traditional Fish and Chips Disco area Small dance floor perfect for any party or small wedding reception Comfy dining furniture configured to suit requirements This party venue can be dressed / decorated to suit the celebration Friendly and experienced St Neots staff Door staff if required Plenty of parking Very adaptable...

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IF you had gone into a coma three years ago and woken up recently just before the FA Vase semi-final draw, you’d have been asking a lot of questions.

How exactly did Hereford United and Salisbury City fall so much that they’re now competing in a competition for clubs at Step 5, 6 and 7? Of course, the two clubs matched in the Vase semi-final were Hereford FC and Salisbury FC, not United and City, and they face off in the first leg at Edgar Street on Saturday.

The pair themselves went into somewhat of a coma after terrible mismanagement meant we lost two great Non-League names.

With so many phoenix clubs successfully fighting back in recent times, there was hope that Hereford

and Salisbury would be supporting ambitious clubs once more.

Not surprisingly, as I write this, Hereford are top of the Midland League Premier and Salisbury are at the Wessex League Premier summit.

Of course with any story like this,

some people are supportive and others scoff at it. The reaction to the pair drawing each other in the semifinal was mixed. Some were pleased they wouldn’t be meeting in the final against either Morpeth Town or Bowers & Pitsea while others weren’t happy that clubs of their size were at this stage, taking up a slot that could have gone to a ‘proper’ Step 5 or 6 club.

Just a few years back when Sholing won the Vase after taking voluntary relegation from the Southern League the season before, they were criticised for their decision with some even claiming they did it as they planned to win the Vase.

If only it was that easy! The Vase is the most unpredictable and difficult FA competition so to win it is a fantastic achievement, regardless of the club’s size. Success often attracts detractors. I followed and reported on the slow demise of Hereford United. The club was a farce towards the end of its life and from my first conversation with Hereford FC chairman Jon Hale, you could tell he had the passion and the plan. Ian Ridley has helped spearhead Salisbury FC and both clubs are being run by the right people - what’s there to dislike about that? Two weeks ago we had a brilliant column in The NLP from Bulls great Ricky George, who scored arguably Hereford’s most important goal ever as they beat Newcastle United in the FA Cup third round in 1972 - one of the biggest upsets ever. George still loves the Bulls and said: “The words of the club’s motto, ‘our greatest glory lies not in never having fallen but rising

when we fall’, would never be more appropriate than now.

“Credit goes to every single person who has helped in the emotional re-birth of the Bulls, but the ghosts of the Giant Killers and the hallowed Meadow End at Edgar Street where the two goals against Newcastle were scored, will forever play a part in uniting the supporters of this famous old club.” Salisbury City’s recent past was littered with difficulties and problems but happier times have arrived under the management of Steve Claridge.

Vice-chairman Ridley said: “Both Hereford United and Salisbury City were failing clubs who let a lot of creditors down, including in City’s case, plenty of unfortunate season ticket holders whose money they still took as the club was going under.

“We have paid a price, believe me.

A lot of people and companies were sceptical about the club and would not touch it again. It had been a hard sell this season at times, particularly early on. “We’ll suffer the odd barb with a smile, I hope. They will matter not when our wonderful Whites we’ll be in blue, actually - step out at Edgar Street. Such moments make all the heartache and hassle in running a club worthwhile.”

Whatever your views on both clubs, Hereford and Salisbury are back in good hands and making some more history - surely that’s only good for Non-League?

Steven Cooney Follow us on twitter: @NonLeaguePaper

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Akinyemi Dipo (L) Anton Jamie Archer Alex Beech Josh Blackett Shane Burton Ben Brown Jordan (L) Burns Danny (L) Casey George (L) Clark Peter Clarke Lee Coulson Charlie Dawkin Josh Frater Ryan Galliford Isaac (L) Gay Danny Gordon Remy Hall Connor Hawkins Ryan Heywood Jordan Hobbs Dan Horne Ryan (L) Jackson Ben (L) Jones Ben Lewis Dan Lewis CJ Longden Brett Meechan Tom Muya Junior Mitchel-King Matt Nurettin Erhan Ofosu Claudio Roberts Drew Schiavi Dan Smyth Matthew (L) Sutton Ollie Sweeney Robbie (L) Tann Adam Vieira Luis Ward Tom Wilton Andy Wilkinson Jack

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Goalkeepers Alex Archer Evan Jeckells Defenders Brett Longden Adam Tann (Captain) Tom Ward George Casey Jordan Heywood Danny Burns Midfielders Charlie Coulson Peter Clark Josh Dawkin Dan Schiavi Dan Hobbs Harley Mazeo-Kelly

Line Up From: Mark Scott Sean Fraser Jhai Dhillon Guy Hollis Dan Hicks (Captain) Nathan Webb Lewis Putman Leigh Rumbold Lee Barney Ed Smith Warren Harris Scott Harris Gurkan Gokman Jake Parsons Ryan Hope

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The match line up will be displayed on the electronic scoreboard Referee: Joshua Few Assistant 1: Glovanni Marasca Assistant 2: Matthew Morrison

Next Home Game: Frome Town Evostik League Southern Premier Division Saturday 26th March / KO 15:00

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