Season 2024/25 - Issue Two - Rugby Borough

Official Digital Matchday Magazine Season 2024/25

UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISON SOUTH

Affiliated to the Huntingdonshire Football Association

St Neots Town F.C. Established Established 1879 1879

First Team President - John Walker

Board of Directors CEO - Louise Sales Chairman - Barry Cavilla Secretary / Director - Gary Wilson Commercial Director - Mark Gearing Director of Football - Iain Parr Director - Jez Green Director - Mike Green Board Member - Brian Barnes Board Member - Andy Clay Board Member - Daniel Dodson

Saints Match Day Team Fixture Secretary - Marion Izzard Hospitality - Andy and Evelyn Clay, Paula Robertson Stadium Announcer - Mike Green Music - Charlie Green Catering - Diane Sales

Media Press Officer - Mike Green Match Reports - John Walker Social Media - Mike Green, Grayham Bonfield, Charlie Green

Manager - Cameron Mawer Assistant Manager - Steve Kuhne Coach - Alex Minall GK Coach - Gary Dean Physio - Craig Lambert Kit Man - Mick Hunt U18Manager - Mark Pleasants Assistant - Tyla Joseph

Academy Manager - Alex Minall Club Welfare Officer - Mick Hunt Academy enquiries - Alexsntfcacademy@gmail.com

Club Information Address: Rowley Park, Kester Way, St Neots, Cambs., PE19 6SL Website - www.stneotstownfc.co.uk Enquires - enquires@stneotstownfc.co.uk Commercial Enquiries - mehmetmi@hotmail.com Events - misslouises@yahoo.co.uk

Ground Staff Pitch maintenance - Barry Oakley , Barry Cavilla, Bob Carpenter

Ownership: In accordance with the football association league rule 2.13 publication of ownership in relation to step 1-4 within the football pyramid, we hereby confirm the legal status of St Neots Town Football Club Identification Number 02921210, and is a Private Limited Company.

For the purposes of publication of ownership we can confirm that the following are listed as Directors of the Company: Lee Kearns (Significant interest 70%) , Iain Parr, Louise Sales, Gary Wilson, Mehmet Mimoglu and as Non Executive Directors Mike Green, Jeremy Green, and Barry Cavilla.

Company Secretary Gary Wilson

Greenie’s Greetings With Director Mike Green "Good afternoon everyone and welcome back to the Premier Plus Stadium for today‘s GCE Hire Fleet Ltd. United Counties League Premier Division South match. In this edition, we extend a warm welcome to the players, officials and supporters of Rugby Borough Football Club and we hope you enjoy our hospitality here during your visit today“.

So our season finally got underway after the false start at GNG Oadby Town and I’m sure you will all agree with me that the two games played so far have been absolute crackers.

First up was the home meeting with one of the division’s annually fancied sides, Newport Pagnell Town and a game which we fully deserved to take the three points. three goals on the night, two from Rhys Thorpe and an absolute rocket of a finish from the visitors. throw in a late red card for the Swans too and im sure the crowd of 284 would all agree that they got value for money on the night, regardless of with what team their alegencies lie.

Next up was an Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round tie at newly promoted to Step Four, Real Bedford. This is the club run by Bedford resident Peter McCormack and have serious ambitions to climb the footballing pyramid quickly, being funded by Bitcoin, having quite recently received a mammoth investment of 4.5m US dollars, invested into the crypto currency. We put in another tremendous performance with the whole squad playing their part with Kieran Barnes, Rhys Thorpe and an own goal sending us through to a home tie versus Edgeware & Kingsbury of the Combined Counties League next Saturday 17th August. It was fantastic to see James Hatch back in the squad too after time out with his sick son, who, thankfully, is improving day on day now.

Our new home shirt has gone down well with supporters and we have another batch available for sale at the 50/50 hut today. Many thanks to all who have purchased one so far, they look very smart. play your part off the pitch once again today....

BE LOUD, BE PROUD, BE A SAINT

Greenie

Saints Social Media Sponsor We are delighted to have ADP Fire and Security as our Media Sponsors for the 2023/24 Season

Boardroom Gossip From The Dugout With Chairman BarryCameron Cavilla With Manager Mawer A huge welcome to the players, members of staff, directors and supporters from Rugby Borough to the Premier Plus Stadium. They are a side who have made a perfect side to the league campaign with two wins from two. They have put together a strong squad and will be competing for the league title come April. We had two tough battles with them last year and we know today’s game will be even tougher. They are a club investing in their facility and doing things the right way as a football club and I have huge respect for that.“ Since my last notes we have managed to pick up three points in our only league game with a robust strong performance against a good Newport Pagnell side. Also, we progressed in the FA Cup against Real Bedford last weekend.

I was unfortunately on a stadium ban for the Pagnell win but I was delighted for Alex and Steve to lead the boys to a comfortable win against one of the promotion favourites, it meant a lot to me personally as I felt very hard done by to be on a ban in the first place. After what occurred during the replayed Hunts cup game against Godmanchester back in February, the whole saga was something I’ve personally never been involved in.

This group showed they have all the tools to adapt to the opposition and showed that on our day we will create chances if we do the nitty gitty part of the game. We then travelled to Real Bedford in the FA Cup, a division above and the favourites in their own league, so not the ideal draw, but again this group did the town and the football club proud. A performance which in truth, could and should have been a lot more comfortable than the score line showed. In the first 20 minutes we could have been 3 or 4 goals up but for some sloppy play in the final third.

We have a difficult next round against a very dangerous Edgware side full of pace and power, but we look forward to welcoming them to the Premier Plus stadium in which should be an exciting cup tie.

Over the next few weeks we need every single fan to continue to back this group of players and I have no doubt they will repay you with their endeavour and spirit.

Cam

Saints

First Team Shirt Sponsor

Boardroom Gossip Boardroom Gossip With Chairman Barry Cavilla With Chairman Barry Cavilla “ Welcome everyone to the Premier plus stadium for todays game. We have hit the ground running with fixtures coming thick and fast . I would like to take this opportunity of welcoming our visitors today, Rugby Borough and wish all the players, officals and supporters a warm welcome to the Saints.

It has been an exciting start to our season with 2 very good performances including last Saturdays fine 3-2 win in the FA cup against higher opposition in Real Bedford”.

Today it’s back to our league programme and we entertain a very strong Rugby Borough, who like ourselves, have started very well and will be strong opponents today. Cameron and his squad of very talented players will have to be at their very best to build on their positive early start to the new season which has been exciting to watch.

So we wish Cameron and the team all the very est for today and with your fantastic support behind the Saints, I know they will give their all for you and club.

The new Gregory Suite bar was opened last week and we are delighted to have it back up and running and looking great for all to enjoy. So, please enjoy the great facilities and wonderful staff who provide you with a smile and great service so you can relax and enjoy that well deserved drink with friends and family at the end of a busy week and time to relax and follow your team.

Good luck Saints and all who join us today.

Your Town, Your Team

Barry

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

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

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

Suite Hire Visit www.stneotstownfc.co.uk/facility-hire to find out more......

THE REEDMANS SUITE HOLDS UP TO 80 PEOPLE AND IS PERFECT FOR SMALLER WEDDING RECEPTIONS AND PARTIES Suitable For: Smaller wedding venues / receptions & evening parties Smaller conference and business meeting facilities Party Celebrations young and old Funeral wakes Event hire Music events Presentation events A modern bar serving a vast range of beers, ciders, wines & soft drink We cater for all food requirements including Buffet menu’s, Hog Roasts, Barbeques, 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 Plenty of parking Very adaptable All our facilities are wheel chair accessible

For all enquiries and quotations please contact Louise on misslouises@yahoo.co.uk or call 07753222683 THE GREGORY SUITE HOLDS UP TO 200 PEOPLE AND IS PERFECT FOR WEDDINGS AND LARGE FUNCTIONS. FULLY AIR-CONDITIONED Suitable For: Wedding venues / receptions & evening parties Conference and business meeting facilities Party Celebrations young and old Large funeral wakes Event hire Trade & Craft Fares etc Music events Presentation events A large, impressive bar serving a vast range of beers, ciders, wines & soft drinks We cater for all food requirements including Buffet menu’s, Hog Roasts, Barbeques.

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 Plenty of parking All our facilities are wheel chair accessible We do have a large projector in the Gregory Suite that can be used for corporate events.

UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE Boardroom Gossip With Chairman Barry CavillaDIVISION SOUTH PREMIER

Player Sponsorship Season 2024/25 CAMERON MAWER

STEVE KUHNE

ALEX MINALL

John Walker (President)

CRAIG LAMBERT

Barry Cavilla and Paula Robertson

MICK HUNT

JAMES GOFF

Jeremy and Daniel Frome

Memorial Makeovers 01480 700840

CHARLIE BOWEN

NATHAN GEORGE

MURPHY CULKIN

Saints Ambassadors

The Cheese & Wine Society

St Neots Town Reserves Old Boys

GARY DEAN

DAMMY NICKELS

LIL FRANCISCO

ROBBIE PARKER

MICHAEL AMAESHIKE

SAM WILLIS

CONNOR FURLONG

KIERAN BARNES

Bobby Bolton

Michael’s School of Motoring

RHYS THORPE

JORDAN BROWN

SCOTT JOSEPH

HARVEY WILLIAMS

JAMES HATCH

AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP

AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP

AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP

DANNY BAULK

PRIORY SAINTS

JULINHO GOMES

PLAYER SPONSORSHIP COSTS £75 + vat IF YOU ARE INTERESTED, PLEASE CONTACT OUR COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR MARK GEARING ON 07748 986932 OR VIA EMAIL ON MGEARING@ME.COM

BLAST FROM THE PAST

FA CUP PRELIMINARY ROUND F A CUP EXTRA-PRELIMINARY ROUND Pinchbeck United

0

St Neots Town

4

St Neots heralded the new season with a very impressive victory in the Extra-Preliminary Round of the FA Cup to earn a sponsorship reward and earn a visit to Ryman Leaguers Soham Town in the next round. Their hosts were level five Pinchbeck United from the United Counties League who are ground sharing at Spalding United. Last season the hosts only avoided relegation due to the COVID lockdown, but they had boosted their squad for the new season. St Neots fielded a new look line up from that last featured in the FA Cup with only skipper Lee Watkins having played in their line-up in the defeat by Biggleswade Town last season. St Neots were short of a couple of players with striker Ryan Robbins on a suspension carried over from last season, and Dequaine WilsonBraithwaite on an early season injury list. It was the first ever meeting of the two sides.

The victory was as comprehensive as the final score line suggests and will have been a good confidence builder for the visit to Soham that precedes the start of the league season.

St Neots took little time to get into a rhythm as they could have scored twice in the opening five minutes. First Jake Battersby burst through on the left to force a smart save by home keeper Ben Martin, and then Sam Gomersall slid in to only just avoid turning a Liam Bennett shot into an unguarded net. Battersby then had a shot deflected for a corned from which Tom Dickens headed narrowly over the crossbar. However, the pressure was soon to pay off and after 13 minutes Adrian O’Hara climbed high above the defence to head home a Battersby corner to put St Neots ahead. Two minutes later the score was doubled as from a Lee Watkins free kick it was Tom Dickens who headed past the keeper. Little was seen of the home attack although goalkeeper Louis Chadwick had to leave his line smartly to cut out their first meaningful attack after twenty minutes. The home side were guilty of some over-physical challenges earning two first half bookings but St Neots persevered and after 26 minutes Leon Lobjoit netted but was ruled fractionally offside. However, he was not in the mood to be denied and after 36 minutes after good approach work by Bennett he twisted in the area to produce a delightful chip over the keeper for a 3-0 half time lead.

BLAST FROM THE PAST

It was Lobjoit again catching the eye immediately after the restart bringing the save of the match from Martin at the expense of a corner and in the next attack the St Neots striker beat Martin only to see his shot rebound from the cross bar. Sam Gomersall who had gone close in the first half saw his 56th minute shot pass just the wrong side of a post and then St Neots Manager Barry Corr decided to ring the changes bringing on substitutes Ingi Hassani and Aaron Smith. That did nothing to upset the St Neots rhythm and after 61 minutes Lobjoit again showed his predatory skills latching on to a Gomersall corner for his second and St Neots’ fourth goal.

Pinchbeck seemed better organised in defence and although St Neots continued to dominate chances were harder to create. Martin had to make another top drawer save to deny Gomersall the goal he deserved, and Bennett will have been disappointed only to shoot high over the bar when well placed. It was late in the game when Richard Krashigi broke clear of the defence but St Neots keeper Louis Chadwick for so long a spectator left his line to smother the ball at the forward’s feet. The final two chances came when Martin produced another good save to deny Battersby and substitute Smith joined the attack to shoot over the bar after a flowing move.

St Neots: Chadwick, Bennett, Dickens, O’Hara, Goode, Dallas, Sutton, Watkins, Gomersall, Lobjoit, Battersby Subs: Hassani (for Goode 67 mins), Smith (for Sutton 67 mins), Cowling (for O’Hara 76 mins) and Martin.

Cards: none Goals: Lobjoit 2 (36 & 61 mins), O’Hara (13 mins), Dickens (15 mins) Pinchbeck United: Martin, Cottingham, Kacirek, Dunn, Worthington, Eyes, Barber, Neves, Britton, Krashigi, Daws Subs: Kingston (for Barber 57 mins), Abayomi (for Cottingham 57 mins), Onyon (for Britton 67 mins), Ashall, Sebtane and Shores.

Cards: Neves (Y – 18 mins), Barber (Y – 24 mins) Goals: none Referee: Sean Gregory (Peterborough) Attendance: unknown John Walker

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

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

The Saints Community Memorial Wall We would like to formally announce that the Saints Community Memorial Wall is now ready and opportunities for Supporters to remember their loved ones, who may have been Saints Supporters themselves, are now available.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seasons Past - With John Walker This Edition Focuses on Season 1987/88

This is another in the series, highlighting what was to be our final season at Shortsands depicting both the highs and the lows in the recent proud history of the Club.This was not to be our most memorable season in terms of our league performance, but Manager Tony Holden was under immense pressure and a very restricted budget. However, fate was to deliver an unexpected but brilliant finale to our almost ninety years at the ground which had seen our eviction midway through the season. After struggling to complete our league programme on a makeshift ground at Samuel Jones in Little Paxton we returned to the town and Eynesbury Rovers ground for the Hinchingbrooke Cup Final. Our opponents were Langford who were doing well in the South Midlands League and after a keenly fought match a late goal from Steve Kester clinched the trophy for the eighth time – a competition joint record. At the end of the season Club Chairman John Delaney revealed that the club were in consultation with the Council seeking planning permission for a strip of land at Loves Farm on the outskirts of the town – a development that was to be completed six seasons later.

League: UCL Premier Division Final League position: 18/21 League playing record: P40 W9 D8 L23 F 35 A 84 pts 35 (3 for win – first time) Cup playing record: P10 W5 D2 L3 F 15 A 12 Our league form was disappointing but with three points for a win our points tally looked almost respectable.

Fifteen goals in 18 away league matches underlined our lack of scoring power and a record 8-1 home defeat by Long Buckby was the low point of the season.

Our Hinchingbrooke Cup Final victory came after defeating hot favourites Irthlingborough Diamonds in an away replay after a home 0-0 draw.

Our extremely youthful Reserve side finished seventeenth out of 20 in the top Reserve Division under Manager Barry Cavilla and lost to Eynesbury reserves in the Scott Gatty Cup. The top goal scorer was Val Simpson with 9 goals followed by Warren Brown and Steve Kester – 8 each. However, worth a mention were our only three hat tricks – Warren Brown (first team) at Kempston and Kevin Anderson and Carden Smith (reserves) - both at home to Bourne Town. Finally mention for Kevin – a total of 16 goals for the Reserves and one for the senior side away in that Hinchingbrooke Cup semi-final at Irthlingborough.

The Manager was Tony (Pedro) Holden and his was Assistant Barry Cavilla John Walker

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

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

John Walker's Match Preview Rugby Borough FC

Year founded: 1994 Chairman: Brian Crinigan Club Website: www.rugbyboroughfc.co.uk GOOD AFTERNOON AND A VERY WARM WELCOME TO THE PREMIER PLUS STADIUM TO RUGBY BOROUGH OUR VISITORS FOR ONLY THE SECOND TIME It was in March this year that Rugby Borough made their first visit to the town, and they left after taking part in a 0-0 draw. Earlier last season our two clubs had met for the first time at the Nationwide Windows Area where our lads had managed a 3-2 victory thanks to two goals from James Hatch and a third from Tommy Reynolds. Our visitors had led early in that match and come back to level at 2-2 but that late strike from James Hatch had seen us return home with all three points. Rugby made their debut in the UCL last season finishing sixteenth in the final table but this season they have made a blistering start currently joint leaders of the league table having won both of their opening two matches – 5-1 at home to Leicester Nirvana and 3-0 away at Bugbrooke. Last Saturday they made their FA Cup debut this season at home to Darlaston Town of the Northern Premier League Midland Division and their more senior side prevailed to go through to the next round. However, it has been a great start for new boss Dave Stringer the ex-Sutton Coldfield, Coalville, Shepshed Dynamo, Rugby Town and Chasetown Manager who has a proven successful record over many years and he is accompanied by his trusted No.2 Craig Herbert. Since their appointment at the end of May, Stringer and Herbert have revitalised the existing squad adding new players creating a good competitive squad at Rugby Borough.

Previous meetings of our teams: 2023/24

St Neots 0 Rugby Borough 0 Rugby Borough 2 St Neots 3

Enjoy the match.

John Walker

St Neots Town Academy Team Sponsors

U7s

U8s

U9s

U10s

Thank You for your ongoing support

U11s

St Neots Town Academy Team Sponsors

U12

U13

U14

U15

Thank You for your ongoing support

U16

John Walker's Match Report NEWPORT PAGNELL TOWN (H) 30-07-2024 UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION SOUTH ST NEOTS TOWN

2

NEWPORT PAGNELL

1

St Neots began their new league campaign three days late but picked up all three points thanks to this odd goal victory over visiting Newport Pagnell.

After dominating the first hour of the match St Neots had to repel a late Pagnell surge and defend in numbers towards the end of the match.

Manager Cameron Mawer had to miss the match serving his one match ban carried over from last season and he will have been relieved to hear the result after the final whistle. In Kieran Barnes and Sam Willis St Neots had just two players making their league debut and they look certain to stay but with other squad members pushing for places competition will be guaranteed.

St Neots settled quickly and had the better of the early exchanges.

However, it was 17 minutes before they took advantage of their better possession and then a Dammy Nickels free kick was headed home by Rhys Thorpe to give them a deserved lead. In the next five minutes the advantage could have been extended as the two debutants went close – Sam Willis trying his luck from outside the area but seeing his effort skim the wrong side of the crossbar, and Kieran Barnes also going close.Little was seen of the visiting attack with Robbie Parker and Charlie Bowen holding the home defence tight but after 41 minutes in their first threatening attack Bruce Tsinonis hit a 25 yards effort just under the crossbar to level the scores for the visitors.The home side replied swiftly and positively as a minute before the break Rhys Thorpe went clear to confidently round the advancing goalkeeper to restore the lead.

The second period started with St Neots still in a positive mood and Alvin Magadada earned an early caution for illegally ending a St Neots attack.

After 55 minutes St Neots had the ball in the visitors net but the effort was chalked out for a foul in the build-up. After 57 minutes St Neots opted for a change with Danny Baulk replacing Jordan Brown in a straight swap.

John Walker's Match Report NEWPORT PAGNELL TOWN (H) 30-07-2024 He set up Thorpe who shot across the face of goal and then Michael Amaeshike shot over the bar after clever play by Willis. Two more substitutions by the visitors served to alter the pattern of play as the visitors adopted a more positive approach.Substitutes Harrison Lynham and Koreda Akande combined for the latter to test James Goff and then the keeper saved again to deny Luke Abraham. As the final whistle approached Murphy Culkin picked up a yellow card for time wasting at a throw-in and then St Neots had to defend as the visiting side threw players forward in search of a late equaliser. It all finished with Magadada picking up second yellow card to be sent off as he tried to cut short St Neots time-wasting tactics in the closing minutes.

St Neots Town: Goff, Nickels, Culkin, Willis, Parker. Bowen, Furlong, Amaeshike. Thorpe, Barnes, Brown Subs: Baulk (for Brown 57 mins), Williams (for Furlong 77 mins), Joseph, Francisco, and Bomolo.

Cards: Culkin(Y – 84 mins) Newport Pagnell Town: Bald, Walker, Print, Magadada, Miles, Abraham, Henson, Nkeita, Shariff, Tsinonia, Kille Subs: Connor (for Walker 56 mins), Lynham (for Print 70 mins), Akande (for Henson 76 mins), Pryke, and Olukanmi.

Cards: Magadada (RED – 2Y – 51 & 90+2 mins) Attendance: 284 Referee: George Sewell John Walker

John Walker's Match Report REAL BEDFORD (A) 03-08-2024 EMIRATES FA CUP EXTRA PRELIMINARY ROUND REAL BEDFORD

2

ST NEOTS TOWN

3

St Neots won this thrilling FA Cup Extra-Preliminary Round tie at the expense of their higher graded hosts. Both sides led in a highly charged first half that finished all square at 2-2 and then despite missing a penalty kick, St Neots held their nerve to see out the final quarter of an hour after taking the lead again. About to start their life at Step Four following their promotion, Real Bedford tested the St Neots defence at times in the first half but always looked vulnerable in defence – a weakness exploited by the visitors who could have won by a more convincing margin. Manager Cameron Mawer had little hesitation in naming the side that had won in midweek as well as having an experienced substitutes bench that included Nathan George after suspension.

The first half was full of fast-moving end-to-end football almost from the first whistle and it was the visitors who struck the first blow after just three minutes when an early cross from Connor Furlong on the right saw Kieran Barnes drift in to net at the far post. Then after 16 minutes the scores were levelled when St Neots conceded a free kick thirty yards from goal and Ben Steven’s sweetly struck effort crept in just beyond the reach of goalkeeper James Goff. At the other end Jordan Brown left his marker behind only to see his effort blocked by a defender and then after 16 minutes in a counter-attack Stevens set up Jack Snelus to put the home side in front. The match was very competitive with Referee issuing several yellow cards but ten minutes before the break the scores were levelled again when Murphy Culkin sent a pass through the defence for the lively Rhys Thorpe to take full advantage of square lying defence. Goff then had to produce an important save to deny the lively Stevens and just before half time Furlong appeared to be brought down as burst into the penalty area, but the Referee waved play on.

John Walker's Match Report REAL BEDFORD (A) 03-08-2024 If the first half had been contested fairly evenly it was St Neots who looked the better side in the early stages after the break. Thorpe had a header deflected narrowly over the crossbar and Barnes only just failed to take advantage of some sloppy defending. In their first serious attack of the second half Bedford were denied when Bowen cleared off the goal line whilst the home side made several more substitutions in a bid to revive their efforts. Then on 58 minutes Jordan Brown streaked clear of the defence to be brought down from behind by Jack Morrell and a penalty was awarded. Barnes stepped up to see his spot kick pushed away at full length by the home keeper, but this setback failed to dampen St Neots’ efforts. They plugged away at the home defence with Thorpe and Barnes testing the home keeper, but the game became disjointed with a series of substitutions by both sides.

The deciding goal came fifteen minutes from time when after a series of corners St Neots saw Culkin’s in swinging corner turned into his own net by Kpohomouh. It was no less than St Neots deserved and now they can plan for a home tie in the next round on 27th August.

St Neots Town: Goff, Nickels, Culkin, Willis, Parker. Bowen, Furlong, Amaeshike, Thorpe, Barnes, Brown Subs: Baulk (for Brown 67 mins), Williams (for Furlong 67 mins), Hatch (for Barnes 79 mins), Joseph (for Thorpe 88 mins), Francisco, and George.

Cards: Furlong(Y – 11 mins), Culkin (Y – 25 mins), Thorpe (Y – 31 mins) Real Bedford: McGregor, Morrell, Kpohomouh, Richardson, Watkins, Setchell, Nicholson, Evans. Stevens. Ahmed, Snelus Subs: S.Ward (for Evans 46 mins), T.Ward (for Snelus 55 mins), Corbit (for Nicholson 72 mins), Swain (for Nichols 72 mins), Agemoh-Davies (for Setchell 84 mins), and Longden.

Cards: Morrell (Y - 34 mins) Referee: Darren Lander Attendance: 351 John Walker

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

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

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

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

Boardroom Gossip With Chairman Barry Cavilla

PLAYING RECORD DATE

OPPONENTS

COMP

RESULT

ATT:

30 July

NEWPORT PAGNELL TOWN Real Bedford

UCL PREM FA CUP

2-1 3-2

284 351

RUGBY BOROUGH

UCL PREM

Godmanchester Rovers

UCL PREM

SHERINGHAM FC

FA VASE

03 Aug 10 Aug 13 Aug 17 Aug 24 Aug

FA CUP

1

2

3

4

5

Goff

Nickels Nickels

Culkin Culkin

Willis Willis

Parker Parker

Goff

SEASON 24/25 6

7

8

9

10

11

S1

S2

S3

S4

Bowen Bowen

Furlong Furlong

Amaeshike Amaeshike

THORPE 2 THORPE

Barnes Barnes

Brown Brown

Baulk Baulk

Williams Williams

Hatch

Joseph

S5

GCE Hire Fleet Ltd United Counties League Premier Division South

Opponent Spotlight Rugby Borough FC

RUGBY BOROUGH FC HISTORY “Rugby Borough FC as it is now, began life in 1994 under the name of Rugby Town Junior Football Club, and it was the Junior club who masterminded the development of our home ground facilities at Kilsby Lane.

The site, which is 35 acres, contains 2 full size 3G Astro pitches, 2 medium Astro pitches, and 17 grass pitches. For season 2023/24 over 70 teams will train and play at the site.

The forward vision of the club enabled Rugby Borough FC senior section to be set up in 2017/18 with the management team of Darran Tank, Ady Fuller and Danny Finlay, who between them had many years of non-league experience.

After being accepted into the Leicestershire Senior League Division 1 we became champions in our very first season, and were promoted to the Premier Division for 2018/19 The new season saw Borough win the Premier Division title, but promotion was denied because of a local planning decision delay, preventing us from meeting the ground standards required in the allocated timeframe.

Although the 2019/20 and 20/21 seasons were curtailed by the pandemic there were some major changes going on behind the scenes, culminating in the Junior Boys and Girls, and Senior Men and Women’s sections unifying, and taking the name Rugby Borough Football Club.

In 2022 Liam O`Neill was welcomed to the club to as Head of the Rugby Borough Academy of Football, with students aged from 16 to 19 playing, training and being educated at Kilsby Lane. This move has allowed the club to enter the National League U19 Alliance and the Midland Floodlit Youth League .

Borough fully focussed and ready for the 2021/22 season won the Leicestershire Senior League Premier Division under the leadership of Dan Carter and Kiel Mullen. With the ground now up to standard, promotion to the Spartan South Midlands Division 1 and step 6 of the non-league pyramid was finally achieved. Promotion to step 5 was achieved at the first attempt, via the playoffs, having finished third in the league during the 2022/23 season.

We look forward to visiting and meeting other clubs in the United Counties League Premier Division South for the 2023/24 campaign.”

Manager - Cameron Mawer Assistant - Steve Kuhne Coach - Alex Minall GK Coach - Gary Dean Physio - Craig Lambert Kitman - Mick Hunt

Manager - Dave Stringer Assistant - Craig Herbert Coach - Dan Gibson Physio - Kirsty Alderman

Squad List

Squad List

James Goff (GK) Dammy Nickels Nathan George Robbie Parker Murphy Culkin Charlie Bowen Lil Fransisco Michael Amaeshike Sam Willis Kieran Barnes James Hatch Jordan Brown Rhys Thorpe Connor Furlong Danny Baulk Julinho Gomes Scott Joseph Harvey Williams

Joshua Baker Michael Blair James Bryson Antonio Cristofaro Luke Downes Ethan Flaig Daniel Fraser Ethan Hulley Oran Jackson Samuel Jackson Max Johnson Courtney Lashley Kye Little Gerard McGahey John Meadows Karabo Motshweni Max Proudlock Harrison Sawyer Yahiya Todd Jordan Wilson

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Referee Paul McVey Assistant 1

Next Home Match....

Edgware & Kingsbury FC Saturday 17th August Emirates FA Cup Preliminary round

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Paul Buck

Assistant 2 Paul Dobbs