We are delighted to have Florida Vacation Homes as our North Terrace Sponsors for the 2025/26 Season
Established in 2010, Florida Vacation Homes specialize in luxury vacation rentals located in amazing Florida destinations. We’re proud to be one of the leading vacation rental managers in Central Florida using our expertise to match travelers with their perfect Florida vacation homes throughout the state. Choose from villas in the Kissimmee/Davenport area, close to Walt Disney World®, and other world-class Orlando attractions like stunning beach rentals on both of Florida’s stunning coasts. Book online 24/7 through our secure website that has live availability calendars and a full selection of photographs for each individual property. www.floridavacationhomes.com
UK: +44 8081 960500 US: 407 988 0710
CLUB WELFARE OFFICER
GEMMA KEECH
My name is Gemma Keech and I am the Club Welfare Officer (CWO) for St Neots Town Football Club.
Each football club that offers youth and open aged football is required to have a Club Welfare Officer. I am responsible for ensuring the wellbeing of the children, young people and vulnerable adults who attend the club, whether that be within the Academy or players aged Under 18 in the First Team.
My role is to be the first point of contact for all club members and parents / carers regarding concerns for the welfare of anyone within the club that fall within this group.
St Neots Town Football Club have appointed me to this voluntary role because of my employment roles in Education and Children’s Social Care, and therefore my knowledge and experience in Safeguarding and Child Protection.
My aim to be an approachable person for young p parents or carers, as well as club members, wher concerns may arise. These issues may range from about not fitting in or feeling left out, an individua dangerous incident or situation, other adult or yo persons’ behaviour or more serious allegations a another person, volunteer, member or profession the Club.
Please feel free to email me on sntfcwelfareofficer@gmail.com if you have any concerns or wish to discuss an issue, however big or small.
Hunts FA Safeguarding Team can also be contacted on 01480 447484 or by emailing Safeguarding@HuntsFA.com.
St Neots kicked off their new season with a stunning first half performance that left visiting Thurlow Nunn outfit Great Yarmouth Town reeling. Three goals in six minutes just before half time added to the two already in the bag and put the result way beyond the reach of their Norfolk visitors and although the second half was very much lower key it was a victory to savour. The final scoreline equalled their best ever FA Cup result having beaten Holbeach United at home by the same scoreline 16 years earlier. After a thorough testing set of pre-season matches with fresh faces added to his squad Manager Cameron Mawer opted to name ten of last season’s regular eleven in his starting line-up with the holidaying Sam Willis the only absentee. After the break the maximum five substitutes were given a taste of senior football and this naturally broke up the rhythm of the game, but valuable minutes were spent on the pitch by almost the whole squad. The visitors never gave up competing even after losing a player sent off half an hour from time so with that opener complete the squad will now prepare for their first league match back at Step Four in the National League System at home to Belper Town on 9 August. th
It did not take long for the Saints to get into their stride. After just five minutes man-ofthe-match Harvey Williams left his marker in his wake to cross to the near post where Charlie Bowen forced a fingertip save from visiting keeper Brandon Ling at the expense of a corner. Christian Tavernier sent his cross to the far post where Muphy Culkin beat Ling with a rasping low finish. After 14 minutes the visitors made an early substitution replacing the limping Leo Spooner with Aaron Sanders. The closest to a goal for the visitors came after 26 minutes when Ryan Jacobs set up Jake Spooner whose close-range effort rebounded from the crossbar. Three minutes later St Neots extended their lead when a Williams cross found the head of Bowen at the far post and he headed down to hand Rhys Thorpe a close-range tap in finish to make in 2-0. With just seven minutes remaining in the first half St Neots went on a scoring spree adding three further goals. A Culkin corner was not cleared, and Kieran Barnes found a way through the packed penalty area to make it 3-0 and two minutes before the break, a defensive error handed Harvey Williams his side’s fourth goal. Then within a further sixty seconds Kieran Barnes raced onto a lengthy clearance from goalkeeper James Goff to cleverly go round the stranded keeper to tap in a fifth goal.
MATCH REPORT
Great Yarmouth Town (H) 02 Aug
Just after the break Yarmouth opted to change the shape of their struggling side with the addition of no less than three substitutes but it had little significant effect as Kieran Barnes helped himself to his third and his sides’ sixth goal after 56 minutes courtesy of a stunning run and set up by Williams. Two minutes later a lapse in the St Neots defence saw Yarmouth grab a consolation goal as two of their substitute players combined, Kyle Baker netting from a Sanders corner. Within two minutes St Neots had reinstated their six goals advantage as Reegan Perry handled on the visiting goal line to pick up a red card and from the resultant penalty kick the impressive Christian Tavernier added his name to the scoresheet – only his second goal in 34 appearances. St Neots then sent on their remaining permitted substitutes, and the game became almost pedestrian with the visiting side defending in numbers. Visiting keeper Ling produced the save of the match to deny Michael Amaeshike and the game ended with St Neots dominating possession but unable to add to their impressive goals tally.
St Neots Town: Goff, Francis, Culkin, Tavernier, Parker, George, Furlong, Amaeshike, Thorpe, Barnes, Williams
For a first game of the season at St Neots this match had everything. A first minute goal, a last-minute goal, a red card and six yellows and early season league leaders Frome knocked from their perch.As those details suggest it was a feisty encounter and having led with half an hour left St Neots looked to have blown it when they conceded a second equalizer two minutes into added time.But to the crowds delight they hit back with the latest of winning goals. Without three key players in Tom Ward (suspended) Ryan Hawkins (injured) and Dubi Ogbonna (unavailable), St Neots made two team changes with Peter Clark returning in midfield and teenager Jordan Brown coming in for his first home start in the Southern League. Frome had made a great recovery late last season to finish strongly and avoid what had looked like certain relegation and with maximum points from their two first games they had started this season where they had left off in April. They will feel hard done by to have surrendered that good start but in the final analysis their reduction to ten men early in the second half may have proved pivotal. However, credit to St Neots who showed exactly what it means to keep going right up to the final whistle.
There was a really explosive start when Declan Rogers put St Neots ahead after just 29 seconds with visiting keeper Corey Harvey looking slow to get down to his 25 yards shot but the visitors roared back and three minutes later Peter Clark tripped Jon Davies who had burst past two defenders. The St Neots player was booked and had the referee judged the challenge deliberate rather than clumsy the punishment could have been greater.Frome maintained this early impetus with Darren Jefferies bringing a good save from Alex Archer and Mikey Bryant shooting wide when he had been left unmarked. The same player then headed over the bar after good work by Jefferies and Davies shot across the face of goal. The pressure paid off after 29 minutes when the speedy Jefferies was impeded by Dom Mason and the Referee pointed to the penalty spot. Jon Davies sent Archer the wrong way to level the scores – no less than Frome deserved at this stage of the match. St Neots late first half rally saw Taylor Parr head wide from a Rogers corner and James Hall denied by a good save from Harvey before seeing a second effort blocked.
The Wall is completely under cover and protected from the elements and the flowers/shrubbery are cared for and tended to on a daily basis by our dedicated grounds staff. We would like to thank Kite Utilities, Ballinger Construction and Oasis Promotions and Print for all their collective help in getting this project from an idea by Chairman Barry Cavilla to a quite splendid addition to our stadium.
Stainless steel wall plaques are now available for loving messages to be engraved in the following two options:
6” x 4” Stainless Steel Wall plaque – Lasered with black text (feels smooth to touch)
Can come with 4 countersunk screws – or they can be without and glued
Total cost £36.00
8” x 4” Stainless Steel Wall plaque – Lasered with black text (feels smooth to touch)
Can come with 4 countersunk screws – or they can be without and glued
Total cost £48.00
Any interested supporters should contact Chairman Barry Cavilla for further details via email on bcavilla77@gmail.com or in person at The Premier Plus Stadium on a matchday.
Seasons Past - With John Walker
This Edition Focuses on Season 1978/79
This is the second in the series highlighting one of our final seasons at Shortsands to depict both the highs and the lows in the recent proud history of the Club. This was the best season in the UCL in 15 seasons for goals scored even though the final league position of ninth in a competitive and historically strong group of clubs was not very impressive. Five of the sides ahead of St Neots went on to a higher level of football (Irthlingborough Diamonds, Rushden Town, Kempston Rovers, Rothwell Town and Stamford).
League: UCL Premier Division
Final League position: 9 /19th
League playing record: P36 W16 D7 L13 F 59 A 51 pts 39 (two for win)
Cup playing record: P12 W7 D0 L5 For 31 Against 21
We scored five goals in league matches at home against Stamford and Holbeach.
We recorded five league ‘doubles’.
The highlight of the league season were our two home FA Cup victories against higher graded sides Kings Lynn and Histon (both 1-0).
However, we surrendered the Hunts Senior Cup at home to Phorpres Sports losing 1-0 at home in the semi-final.
Leading scorer was Terry Minett (31 goals) followed by Carmino Picillo (12 goals).
The Manager was Jack Blyth in the final year of his third spell in charge.
Belper Town's unusual nickname, 'The Nailers', came about because the craft of nail making began In Belper in the middle-ages when it was the site of a hunting lodge for John of Gaunt. The huntsmen needed nails for the shoes of their horses and the trade in nails eventually grew.
Like the nail making industry, Belper Town FC has faded away in the past. Originally formed in 1883, the Nailers went out of existence three times through lack of finance.
The main highlight in those early years was an FA Cup 1st Round tie against Sheffield Wednesday on 15th October 1887 in which the Nailers were narrowly defeated 2-3 by the Yorkshire giants.
The Club reformed again in 1951 and took up residence at the current ground at Christchurch Meadow. In those early days, there were very few amenities on the ground and for a number of seasons, players used to get changed at the Talbot Hotel, a few hundred yards from the ground.
The ground was purchased in 1986 from the owners of the adjacent mill complex, for the princely sum of £6,000 and has afforded the club the security of tenure over its facilities ever since.
Lying in an iconic setting, the club has made many improvements in recent seasons and is widely regarded as one of the most modern, picturesque and friendly stadiums in the country. The stadium capacity is currently 2,200.
On the playing side, the club joined the Central Alliance League on its reformation in 1951. In the early years, Belper Town enjoyed its record attendance when 3,600 fans turned up to see Belper play Ilkeston Town and regular four figure attendances were commonplace at Christchurch Meadow in those days.
Season 1958/59 was a turning point as the Nailers outshone wealthy Heanor Town and Ilkeston Town, their strongly backed neighbours, with 2,000+ gates to win the Central Alliance League championship and the Derbyshire Senior Cup.
Three years later, they were invited to join the revamped Midland Counties League although three times the Club finished bottom of the League, the last time in 1978/79, when only the charitable overtures of member clubs at the League AGM saved Belper from comparative obscurity once again.
The following season, the Nailers responded to the challenge in magnificent style by winning the Midland Counties League championship and, just for good measure, the Derbyshire Senior Cup.
The Midland Counties League merged with the Yorkshire League in 1982 to form the Northern Counties East League and the Nailers won the League Championship in 1984/85. The championship success that season coincided with the arrival of former Derby County and England striker, Kevin Hector.
Opponent Spotlight BELPER TOWN FC
However, lack of finance at that time held the Club back from taking up a place in the newly formed First Division of the Northern Premier League.
The club has enjoyed success in the FA Vase, reaching a semi-final appearance in which they lost 2-3 on aggregate to Oxford City, having won the first leg 1-0 at home, in front of nearly 2,000 spectators. Highlights that season included a 5-1 win at Falmouth Town (the longest distance ever travelled for a competitive match) and a 1-0 success at Metropolitan Police in the quarter final.
Having achieved the runners-up position in the Northern Counties League in 1996/97, the Club eventually took its place in the Northern Premier League some 12 years after the first opportunity had been spurned.
Initially the club did well in the NPL but then struggled in subsequent seasons. The late Ernie Moss and his assistant, Sean O’Neill, kept the club safely away from the relegation positions during their time in charge at Christchurch Meadow but the club did not really challenge for honours.
Ernie and Sean resigned their positions midway through the 2006/07 season, to be replaced by goalkeeper, Andy Carney and club captain, Danny Hudson. The joint managers did more than enough though to secure the managerial reins on a permanent basis and enjoyed consistently successful results in the League during their time in charge.
The new managerial team achieved their first piece of silverware in 2008 by winning the Derbyshire Senior Cup with a 4-3 aggregate victory over neighbours, Alfreton Town
In 2008/09, the Nailers finished the league campaign in second place, having secured 81 points and equalling their record points score of 1984/85 when the club won the Northern Counties East League championship. A heartbreaking home defeat in the play-off final against Stocksbridge Park Steels was a bitter pill to swallow.
But the Nailers went close again the following season before just missing out for a play-off position by finishing in sixth position. They did capture the League President’s Cup with a 3-1 victory over Stamford.
The end of the season saw the resignation of manager Andy Carney after a six-year stint at the club and the appointment of former West Ham and England International defender, Tommy Taylor, as the club’s new manager. Early season expectations failed to materialise and Taylor resigned his position after just nine games in charge, leaving the Nailers with only two wins to their credit.
Opponent Spotlight BELPER TOWN FC
The Belper board acted quickly to appoint former Retford United manager, Peter Duffield into the hot seat, supported by Mick Godber as his assistant. Results in their first season at Christchurch Meadow were quite remarkable with the team winning 44 points out of possible 48 in the final run-in to the campaign, but the club just missed out on the play-offs by a single goal difference.
Despite a poor start to the 2012/13 season and lying in bottom place in mid-October, the Nailers embarked on a 25-match unbeaten league sequence that saw them gain an automatic play-off position. But heartbreak was to repeat itself at the end of the season when a home defeat against eventual promotion club Stamford in the first play-off match, consigned the Nailers to another season in the First Division.
The club finally made it into the NPL Premier Division at the end of a hard fought 2013/14 League campaign in which they finished the regular season in fourth place. A 2-0 semi-final play-off win at Leek Town set up a home tie against Derbyshire rivals Mickleover Sports and a 10 success in that final game earned the Nailers the promotion they had been craving after 17 seasons in the League’s lower tier.
But the 2014/15 season proved to be a major disappointment as Peter Duffield and Mick Godber resigned after a winless opening 10 games.
Arriving in the hot seat was former Grantham Town manager Jimmy Albans and he was joined by his former assistant, Wayne Hallcro, later in the season but despite an encourage spell of late season form and results, the damage had been done and the club lost its place in the NPL Premier Division at the end of the campaign.
Season 2015/16 saw a continued decline in playing fortunes and Albans and Hallcro were relieved of their duties in September 2015 after a dismal start to the season, to be replaced by former Derby County and Notts County defender Charlie Palmer and his assistant, Lee Barrow
The new management team steadied the ship, securing a comfortable mid-table finish and an appearance in the Derbyshire Senior Cup final against Alfreton Town, which ended with an undeserved defeat on penalties.
Another mid-table finish was secured in 2016/17 but Palmer decided to end his ties with the club and former Belper player, Anthony Danylyk and Paul Donnelly took over the managerial reins, having earned their positions through their managerial exploits at Leek Town the previous season.
Lee is a dynamic young manager who was appointed in December 2022 following Steve Kittrick’s departure from the club. Lee was recruited from Corby Town, where he had led the Steelman to a play-off position but decided on the move to the Raygar Stadium, opting for the challenge of keeping the Nailers in the Premier Division. Before that, Lee took charge of Loughborough Dynamo as one of the youngest managers in the Northern Premier League and also has managerial experience at Sileby and Ashby Ivanhoe. As a player, he made appearances for Coalville Town, Shepshed Dynamo and Loughborough before he was forced into retirement through a cycling accident.
Matt Wain
Matt was Lee Attenborough’s assistant manager and performance coach at Corby Town and continued their partnership with a joint move to the Raygar Stadium. Holding a UEFA B licence, Matt is responsible for planning training sessions, handling and working on performance data, and developing fitness plans for the players.
Goalkeepers
Harvey Adams
Goalkeeper Harvey joined the Nailers from local side Holbrook St. Michaels. Earlier in his career he was on the books at Burton Albion and Port Vale.
Kieran Preston
Regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the Northern Premier League, former Scotland U21 international KP started out at Derby County before a spell with Bristol Rovers. Following his release from the Pirates, he moved to Grantham Town, from whom he signed for Basford United in July 2018, where he spent six productive years and was voted Supporter’s and Manager’s Player of the Season last term after another solid season between the sticks. After a great career at Greenwich Avenue, he was signed by the Nailers in September 2024.
Defenders
Jack Broadhead
Jack joined in the close season ahead of the 2024/25 campaign from NPL Premier Division side Worksop Town. He made over 100 appearances for the Tigers, helping them to the Division One East title in 2023 as well as finishing in the playoffs on their return to Step 3. A vastly experienced centre half, 29-year-old Jack also counts Chesterfield, Mickleover, Boston United, AFC Mansfield and Grantham Town among his former clubs. Jack was presented with the captain’s armband ahead of his first season at the Raygar Stadium and picked up the Managers Player of the Season award.
PLAYER PROFILES BELPER TOWN FC
Ioan Evans
A strong and commanding centre half, Ioan joins the Nailers from local rivals Matlock Town where he spent three seasons. The 26-year-old started his career in the Newport County Academy and represented Wales at U17 and U19 levels. He earned a move to Sheffield United, from where he embarked on a loan spell at Boston United before his release. He moved on to Gainsborough Trinity, Tadcaster Albion and Stalybridge Celtic before joining the Gladiators in September 2021. Ioan formed a solid central defensive partnership with fellow new signing Jack Broadhead in his debut season and collected the Players Player of the Season award.
Louis Keenan
Louis returned to the Nailers in November 2024, having previously played at Belper during the 2015/16 campaign. A solid and dependable left-sided defender, he links up again with manager Lee Attenborough having played under him at Loughborough Dynamo. He enjoyed success at Leek Town, winning the NPL West division and appearing in the Team of the Season twice. Most recently he was at Hanley Town.
Ben Rhodes
Ben is an attacking right back who joined the club from Worksop Town in summer 2020. His adaptability made him a key addition to the Nailers squad last season, particularly as he is able to play anywhere across the back four. With a great attitude, Ben has really made his presence felt at the Raygar Stadium. He has also played at Stocksbridge Park Steels from where he had a dual registration spell with Penistone Church. Ben won the Manager’s Player of the Season award in 2022/23 and Supporters Player of the Season in 2024/25 and has been a consistent high-level performer for the club.
Tommaso Zerboni
Left sided player Tommaso caught the eye of manager Lee Attenborough playing against the Nailers on Boxing Day 2024, and his services were secured just ahead of deadline day later in the season.
Midfielders
Kingsley Adu-Gyamfi
Powerful forward Kingsley joined the Nailers from Kidsgrove Athletic in the Summer of 2025. He had impressed manager Lee Attenborough the previous season, scoring 18 goals while playing mainly as a winger and putting in a star performance in our FA Trophy encounter early in the 24/25 season. He adds pace, trickery and a goal threat to the Belper squad and also boasts a 60 goal season at Silverdale Athletic as well as spells at Widnes FC and Newcastle Town on his CV.
PLAYER PROFILES
BELPER TOWN FC
Keaton August
25-year-old pacy winger Keaton bagged 10 goals in the 23/24 season for Heanor Town, catching the eye of Lee Attenborough and earning a move to the Raygar Stadium during the Summer of 2024. He signed for Heanor in September 2023, having spent a brief spell at Anstey Nomads. Prior to that he represented Ascot United and helped them lift the FA Vase at Wembley in 2023. Keaton has also represented Windsor FC, Aylesbury United, Walton Casuals and Chalfont St Peter. Born in South Africa and moving to New Zealand at the age of one, Keaton had trials with the Kiwis U17 team as well as at West Ham and Brentford. After a brief spell back at Heanor then on to Belper United, he returned to the Raygar Stadium for the 25/26 season.
Lewis Austin
Lewis is a product of the successful Belper Town Academy where his impressive displays have earned him a place in the first team squad. He made his debut for the first team as a substitute in the Derbyshire Senior Cup against Ashbourne Town and scored within minutes of his arrival onto the pitch. In his first NPL League start against Ashington in March 2024, Lewis put in a Man of the Match performance after an assured display. With composure and accuracy on the ball a trademark of his midfield prowess, Lewis has an outstanding football career ahead of him. After featuring mainly as a substitute, the second half of the 24/25 season saw Lewis cement his place as a regular starter for the Nailers.
Curtis Burrows
Born in Nottingham, Curtis began his career in the Colts team at Burton Albion before gaining a scholarship with Ilkeston FC. He graduated from the Robins’ Under-21s and reserves to make his first team debut against Whitby Town in April 2013. In December 2015 Curtis began a loan spell at Grantham before leaving Ilkeston permanently to join Coalville Town. He then moved to Loughborough Dynamo in March 2019 and scored 28 goals in 83 appearances for them before arriving at Corby Town in July 2022. He subsequently followed manager Lee Attenborough to the Raygar Stadium in February 2023. His excellent performance in midfield saw him awarded the Supporters’ Player of the Season in 2023/24.
Micah Edwards
Versatile defender/midfielder Micah joined the Nailers from Step 3 side Barwell in the Summer of 2025, having made 130 appearances there over five seasons. He had impressed Nailers manager Lee Attenborough with his performances over a number of years having originally come through the Academy at Derby County. Spells at Ilkeston Town, Gresley and Rugby Town also sit on his CV prior to signing for Belper.
Brad Munns
Central midfielder Brad joined the Nailers just before deadline day towards the end of the 2024/25 season. He is known for his energy, getting from box to box and contributing goals.
PLAYER PROFILES
BELPER TOWN FC
Jonathan Wafula
Kenya-born versatile midfielder Jonathan joined the Nailers from Ilkeston in February 2025. He had previously played for Guiseley, Boston, Matlock and Gainsborough with the majority of his career at Step 2 and 3. The 30 year old can operate through the middle or wide and has an eye for goal.
Forwards
Kevin Bastos
Kevin is one of the most exciting players in the league after scoring 16 goals and grabbing 17 assists for Loughborough Dynamo last season, having joined the ‘Moes’ in summer 2021 from Tamworth. His exploits captured the attention of Basford United who paid a substantial figure for his services last season. Prior to his spell at Loughborough, Kevin played at Spalding United and before that at Ilkeston Town and Grantham. He decided to follow former manager, Lee Attenborough to Belper, signing in June 2023. After pursuing a full time opportunity in Kosovo, Kevin returned to the UK and joined re-joined Basford before joining up with the Nailers again in January 2025.
Harry Draper
24-year-old striker Harry signed for the Nailers having spent his career to date playing around the south of England. Starting out at Stevenage, he had spells at Hitchin Town and Royston Town before joining Biggleswade Town. It was here that he enjoyed great success in the 23-24 season, netting a goal every other game to help the Waders to promotion and earning a place in the Southern League Division One Central team of the year. Belper fought off competition from several other sides to bring Harry to the Raygar Stadium when he became available. He bagged 24 goals in his debut season at the Raygar Stadium before seeing it curtailed due to injury.
James Tague
James started his career at the Derby County Academy and also earned a scholarship contract at Mansfield Town. He spent the bulk of the 2019/20 season at Matlock Town under Steve Kittrick and broke into the first team at the beginning of 2020, impressing with goals from the middle of the park and his ability to drive into the box. He moved to Gainsborough Trinity in March 2020 but after a short stay opted to sign a two-year deal at Basford United having impressed boss Steve Chettle whilst playing for Matlock. Following the expiry of his contract, James moved on to Loughborough Dynamo at the start of the 2022/23 season but decided on a move to Belper in January 2023, where his goal scoring ability was evident. After spells at Sutton Coldfield Town and Anstey Nomads he returned to the Raygar Stadium in the Summer of 2025.
ANDYSMANCLUB
WHATISANDYSMANCLUB?
ANDYSMANCLUBisafreepeer-to-peergroupthat providesaplaceformentocometogetherinasafe and open environment to talk about the issues or problemsthattheyhavefacedorarecurrentlyfacing
Theprocessisaboutbringingmentogetherwhohave been in similar situations, to help each other on a peertopeerbasis,sharinghowtheyhavedealtwith various situations through lived experiences No matter how big or small your problem feels, we are heretosupporteachother The5questionsthatare askedeachweekaredesignednotonlytoencourage mentotalk,buttostarttofocusonthepositivesand on strategies to keep moving forward. There is no pressuretoansweranyofthequestionsanditisnot uncommon for men to just listen for the first few sessions. The clubs all run on the same format and adhere to the same guidelines. A key principle of ANDYSMANCLUBisanythingthatissaidintheclub,
