Saints 09 merthyr town issuu

ST NEOTS TOWN Merthyr Town Football Club ISSUE 09: THE OFFICIAL MATCHDAY MAGAZINE £2.00 The Evo-Stik League Southern Premier Division

INSIDE

Issue 09 V Merthyr Town Evo-Stik League Southern Premier Division

Also Inside 06 Action Replay 08 Match Report - Dorchester Town 12 Chairman’s Views 16 Mascot Feature

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18 Pro Footballers that Made It Late 20 Read All About It 24 Pull-Out Poster

The Stars Who Got Us To Step 3 / This week we salute Shane Tolley

Todays’ Visitors / A warm welcome to The Martyrs

30 Greenies Greetings 32 Leagues Review 34 MD’s Views 37 Away Days - Chesham United 38 Match Report - Dunstable Town 40 First Team Player Stats 2015/16

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View From The Dugout / Batchy gives us his weekly review

44 Season 2015/16 Statistics 46 Premier Division League Table

Player Profile / Showcasing Tom Meechan this week

Owner Mike Kearns

Fiest Team Coach John Beck

Chairman Mike Kearns

Club Secretary Gary Wilson

Managing Director Lee Kearns

Fixture Secretary Marian Izzard

Director Iain Parr

Life President John Walker

Football Manager David Batch

Team Officials Darren Plowman (Goalkeeping Coach)

Assistant Manager Steve Eastaugh

41 Season 2015/16 Fixtures Matrix

Youth Liaison & Development Mick Hunt Physio Carol Holland Functions and Events Coordinator Louise Spark St Neots Town TV Editor Adam Ridley

48 Home & Opposition Squads

Programme Editor Mark Davies Club Photographer Claire Howes Site Manager Irmantas Sabaliauskas Chief Liaison Officer Mike Green Programme Sales Charlie Green

Matchday Music / Scoreboard Simon Hutchinson Pitchcare Working Turf Design & Marketing Blue Prawn Print XL Press Limited

Club Merchandise Linda Walters

WWW.STNEOTSTOWNFC.CO.UK / PAGE 03

Welcome to everyone from Merthyr for today’s match at the Premier Plus Stadium, I hope you all have a very safe journey home.

Merthyr have had an indifferent start to the season, started off very well but have faltered a little of late.

They like all teams in this league though are still formidable opponents and we will have to improve on last Tuesday’s performance to get anything out of this afternoons game.

Last Saturday against a very good Dorchester side we showed a lot of determination and effort to win a match where it really could have gone either way. Dorchester shaded the first half where we gave a very good solid defensive performance of which we never really looked like conceding a goal.

Second half we just went about our business turned up the pressure and scored a terrific goal, a great cross from Issac and a very unselfish he added cross from Ryan for Tom to finish off, over all a deserved win and a good match.

Tuesday against Dunstable was

so very different, games are about taking chances to make things that little easier for yourself and our first half performance created enough chances to go in sa half time in a comfortable position.

Even a hand ball on the line was missed, exactly the same as when we went to Chippenham, blatant hand ball and a certain goal not given, Dunstable got the break against the run of play where Issac provider on Saturday pulled out of a tackle which allowed the opposition to create space for them to rifle in an unstoppable shot again just like the Worthing goal a bad mistake when we should have been more positive in the challange for the ball.

We really did have no doubt that we would eventually score in the second half and go on to win the game, but we came out second half and were quite shocking proberbly the worst half of football since I took over the Management reins.

There was nothing to suggest a performance like that at half time, and once we allowed Dunstable the chance to score a second goal our game went from bad to worse.

These things can and do happen in football and does just like the Chelsea second half performance against Southampton the other

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week. You don’t know why and you have very little chance to put it right especially when the other team is in the accendancy.

The Chairman said it was very similar to a home match against Slough Town last season. We will work on this in training and firstly improve on not giving the ball away so cheaply.

I know that I do go on about our injury situation but for us to give continuity we need most of our players fit, Tuesday again we had to make two changes in Jack and Lee who underwent surgery the day before, in Lees case he was a player in form and maybe man of the match over the previous two games, a big loss. Adam cam in and did a job even though he was not quite fit as did Connor who could have done with another weeks rest on a foot injury. Still at least we know of the quality that is to come back into the squad, and Matt (opposite) could feature today and Drew is back in full time training with Remy not far behind.

These players would be massive for any team let alone us, it will be like new signings to boost the team.

This league is quite new to me as I and my management team have only had half a season to get to know the opposition, and yes we are learning and yes we know just what a hard league it is in that there are certainly no easy games and that supprise results happen every match day, no doubt that will happen today as well.

We are only three points off sixth place with two home games in hand being Histon and Dunstable of which

BACK SOON

we will get our chance to put things right over the next couple of weeks when we play Dunstable at our ground.

Only thirteen games gone and the league is so tight that it might even take half a season to see just who will be in the mix come April and I know that with the quality of the squad we have we will certainly be in that mix of clubs fighting for promotion.

We must not forget that we have now played eight of the top nine clubs, most if the away already this season and moving forward we must take advantage of that when we play the teams that are struggling something we certainly failed to do last Tuesday a very good opportunity lost and no one is more dissapointed than me and my management team.

On to today and we will try and give a performance to send everyone home happy.

Batchy

UCL PREMIER DIVISION (26/OCTOBER/2010)

ST NEOTS TOWN 10 - 0 DESBOROUGH On Wednesday St Neots celebrated a very unique record of being unbeaten in the league home and away for twelve months.

They marked the occasion twenty four hours early by ramming ten goals past the unfortunate Desborough who hold the current distinction of being bottom of the table. It was another quality display by the league leaders with twin strikers Stefan Moore and Shane Tolley each claiming a personal hat trick as their side scored five goals in each half. Desborough were blown away by the force and determination of the St Neots performance and although they had a couple of enforced team changes with Will Fordham suspended and Junior Kanuda nursing a slight hamstring pull there was little evidence of any change to the overall performance.

Teenager Jordan Gent came into defence for his first senior appearance of the season and looked as if he had been there all the time and Lewis Hilliard slotted into Junior’s midfield holding role and pushed the strikers very hard for the man of the match tag. St Neots were in control from the first whistle with the visitors opting for damage limitation from the start with just one player up front. Lewis Hilliard bedded into midfield got in the first shot that was only a foot wide and then Stefan Moore had his first effort

deflected for a corner and saw his second – a header – rebound from a post. Webb also saw a fierce shot blocked but after twenty minutes the contest was decided as St Neots upped their rhythm to score four times in six minutes. Shane Tolley get the goal spree under way collecting a long cross from Dan Jacob to confidently control and slot home and in the next attack Kieran Davies starting for the first time cleverly set up Dan Jacob for the second goal. It was 3-0 with a third goal in less than three minutes as a superb move split the Desborough defence with Lewis Hilliard accepting a perfectly weighted return pass from Stefan Moore to score from close range. The fourth goal after 26 minutes saw Stefan Moore on the score sheet wrong footing the exposed goalkeeper to finish off a stunning approach move involving Matt Haniver and Webb. Then a brief lull in the scoring but seven minutes before half time another searing cross from the left by Jacob was side footed past the helpless visiting keeper by Stefan Moore. Strangely Desborough had their best spell of the match immediately upon the restart. Lee Garvie thudded a free kick into the chest of Tim Trebes who had only had to deal with crosses in the first 45 minutes and then a delightful through ball on the break from Daniel Rogers played Michael Tolton clear of the St Neots defence but as Trebes left his line to narrow

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the angle the Desborough player shot wide. After 59 minutes from a Davies cross Jordan Gent celebrated his return to the side with his first goal since 24th April following a corner and it was 7-0 as another defender Micky Hyem scored after Tim Smith had beaten out a cross from St Neots’ substitute Tony Scully.

Shane Tolley’s second goal of the match came after another mazy run

by Scully and as Desborough tired they lost their composure and had Tolton dismissed when he picked up a second yellow card for a late tackle. With seven minutes left Stefan Moore claimed his third hat trick in the month as he finished off a parried shot from Hilliard and not to be outdone Tolley also claimed a third goal with an extra time finish with Hilliard again the provider.

Footnote – Our underworked goalkeeper in the above match was here again ten days ago playing for St Ives Town against our lads in our Red Insure Cup clash)

St Neots: Trebes, Haniver, Hyem (M), Webb, Fuff, Gent, Hilliard, Davies, Moore, Tolley, Jacob Subs: Scully (for Davies 61 mins), Byrne (for Haniver 65 mins), Essendoh (for Jacob 69 mins), Fry & Smith.

Man of the Match: Stefan Moore Report: John Walker

h

ST NEOTS TOWN 1 DORCHESTER TOWN 0 Southern League Premier Division / 17.10.2015 / Attendance: 313 / Referee: Mark Wardell (Bourne, Lincs)

Last season the corresponding match to this had produced eleven goals – this match by contrast probably produced less than eleven clear chances and just one goal.

However that was enough to deservedly give St Neots a clean sheet and all three points and take them to within three points of the play off places with two or three matches in hand of the clubs ahead of them. Once again their scorer was ace poacher Tom Meechan who now has sixteen goals in seventeen starts since moving up two steps in the football pyramid at the start of this season. Although St Neots injury list is beginning to improve with three senior players due back in the next couple of weeks or so there were still little genuine selection options for this match so the team was glad to welcome back Jamie Anton after suspension to replace the only partly fit Adam Tann who was on the substitutes bench. Dorchester seeking to win their way back to the National League after struggling last season looked a very compact and well organised side and had a good first half but faded as the game wore on. St Neots was well served in defence by acting skipper Tom Ward and the dependable Shane Blackett and there was another solid midfield display from Josh Beech and but for a couple of good second half saved by visiting keeper Shane Murphy they might have won by a bigger margin. The first half saw two very evenly match sides try to make an impression but clear

chances at either end were at a premium with defences comfortably in control. Josh Beech filling the midfield holding role was twice in attacking action early on glancing a near post header over the bar after ten minutes and five minutes later heading down for Isaac Galliford who blasted his effort high over the bar.

Dorchester’s first two serious efforts on goal both finished up in the side netting from first Jonah Ayunga and then Bradley Tarbuck. However the visitors created the best two first half chances. After 34 minutes Charlie Davis and Lewis Morgan combined to set up Tarbuck and when Andy Wilton dived to parry his shot it fell kindly for Ben Watson whose follow-up shot was well smothered by the goalkeeper. Five minutes later St Neots failed to clear and Jonah Ayunga sent Tarbuck clear on the right but his shot was deflected on to the cross bar by an outstretched defensive leg. Three minutes before the break St Neots were denied a clear penalty when Meechan was brought down but Referee Mark Wardell opted to play the advantage rule only for Galliford through on goal to shoot over the bar again.

Jamie Anton had an early second half shot comfortably saved but St Neots playing a 4-3-3 formation with Lee Clarke just behind the front two were quickly having the

St Neots Town Wilton, Anton, Wilkinson, Beech, Ward, Blackett, Clarke, Longden, Meechan, Hawkins, Galliford Subs: Vieira, Tann, Horne, Mailancol and Hobbs Cards: Clarke (Y – 64) Goals: Meechan (69 mins)

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better of the game. From a Galliford corner visiting keeper Shane Murphy produced the save of the match – a full length diving save from Meechan at the expense of another corner and then Clarke shot wide. The all-important goal came after 69 minutes when Galliford seemingly hemmed in on the bye line by two defenders did really well to produce an accurate cross to find the head of Ryan Hawkins and he unselfishly nodded it down for Tom Meechan to drive into the net. Charlie Davis shot high over the bar in a swift Dorchester counter attack but St Neots looked well in control and Murphy under pressure did well to push away a Hawkins free kick.

The visitors tried to freshen up their attack by introducing two substitutes but St Neots defence was never seriously under threat and they twice broke clear – first for Clarke to fire over the bar and then for Meechan to wriggle between defender and keeper but off balance he could only lob on to the roof of the unguarded goal. It was not St Neots’ most convincing victory of the season but it was workmanlike and efficient and maintained their run of just one defeat in their last nine league matches.

John Walker

Dorchester Town Murphy, Hanger, Smeeton, Martin, Walker, Dillon, Davis, Morgan, Ayunga, Watson, Tarbuck Subs: Crittenden (for Davis 77), Brookes (for Morgan 86), Farr, Taylor, Pashen and Walker-Davis.

Cards: Walker (Y – 72) Goals: None

WWW.STNEOTSTOWNFC.CO.UK / PAGE 09

YES JOSH IT IS YOU!

Welcome to Merthyr FC their Officials, Players and Supporters for today’s fixture.

You have come a long way today and I hope you enjoy your stay with us here at the Premier Plus Stadium.

Merthyr are for those who did not know a supporters owned football club after the club originally went to the wall.

Congratulations on all involved in resurrecting a great football club with some serious history.

Its always nice to see clubs that are run this way and actually find out that nothing is a bed of roses in football at any level.

Which brings me on to our two recent matches against Dorchester of which was a great game with us coming out winners by the only goal of the game.

Well as they say what a difference a few days can make.

Our performance last Tuesday was just not acceptable and it’s not about losing a match it was about the commitment from the players following the high of last Saturday.

A match full of passion and fight from both sides played right up to the full ninety minutes.

Only three days later we went to Dunstable Town who were on a little run of wins having beaten todays opponents down in South Wales last Saturday by three goals to one.

THE MACK IS BACK!

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Very good talented players just do not turn off as we did as a team in the second half of Tuesdays match.

I for one was quite sure that the second half would see us retrieve the goal we were down at half time and certainly go on to win the match.

How wrong could I have been, we just seemed that we wanted to go through the motions of the game with no will to win.

Harsh words of which people will say, The Chairman is not happy, well I am happy and football is about winning and losing and we lost because of our play that night.

My words above about our performance can be taken the wrong way and in the wrong context and also most importantly be read by management and players leaving them quite deflated before todays match.

Hopefully none will read these notes before they take the field of play.

Now the paragraphs above are just a statement that could but should not be take the wrong way as I am making an comparison with the statement below, which leads me to our club forum board, something both management and players look at well before todays match.

“We are not miracle workers; we try things and see if they work, everything is done for what is the good of the club and not any individual” the park, and would have done so again if I did not come in and bail them out some 6 years ago.

I would be just grateful for being able to watch my team after that.

Incapable was said, I think a reality check is in order, thank goodness only one person makes those type of decisions.

I for one really do not mind at all believe it or not of any genuine supporter blowing his or her top at a performance like last Tuesdays, but please lets get this all into context.

Take a deep breath and hold back switching on the computer and going hell for leather at the management, players and anyone that gets in the way.

I will give an example that was written by the same person after our win against Dorchester and our loss against Dunstable.

Dorchester comment, “Terrific fighting spirit from the team today”, and on it went.

Dunstable comment “The management team has got to address this ASAP and if they are incapable of doing so then it may be time for a decision to be made.” (Same person after just three days) This is from someone who has seen this football club go bust and have to play its football in

each individual match. I for one get very disappointed no, not with comments about our style of play or that we were rubbish on Tuesday night it’s the add on comments some have to put up on the forum, maybe for impact, only they will know that. But it certainly does not help. Yes we do have to address some things about everything on and off the pitch, as do all football clubs.

It takes time you learn by your mistakes and tweak it as and when needed. Yes, I was seriously disappointed with last Tuesday’s performance. Yes, David is also seriously disappointed as his staff are as well. And no we are not

Now I am not having a moan just trying to get things into perspective, we are just thirteen games into the season and I remember only too well last season when we were dreadful at home against Slough Town loosing by the same score, also this time last season we lost three or four games in a row.

If I went back to this time last season and looked up the comments on the forum I have no doubt it will be the same, but we got to the play off final at the end of the season.

The reality of all this is you can not win every match, you can not play well every match, football should be viewed over the course of a season and not

miracle workers; we try things and see if they work everything is done for what is the good of the club and not any individual. Now onto todays match and lets get behind the team win or lose we can have a good day or a bad day its called reality.

All for one and one for all.

Mike

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/STNEOTSTOWNFC / PAGE 13

PRO FOOTBALLERS THAT MADE IT LATE To be a pro soccer player you need to get into one of the countries top youth academies, and then hope that you can break into the reserves and then the first team. If you think it’s too late to make it, think again.

He signed his first pro contract when he was 21.

Former Le Mans coach Marc Westerloppe later remarked that “it took Didier four years to be capable of training every day and playing every week”.

Furthermore, Drogba’s complicated family life meant that he had never attended a football academy and only began daily football training as a fully grown adult.

By the age of 21, Drogba realized that he had to establish himself as a player soon or else he would have little chance of becoming a professional footballer.

He made his first team debut for Le Mans soon thereafter and signed his first professional contract in 1999.

After finishing the 2002–03 season with 17 goals in 34 appearances for Ligue 1 side Guingamp, he moved to Olympique de Marseille, where he finished as the third highest scorer in

the 2003–04 season with 19 goals. In the summer of 2004, Drogba moved to English Premier League club Chelsea for a club record £24 million fee. In his debut season he helped the club win their first league title in 50 years, and a year later he won another Premier League title.

In March 2012, he became the first African player to score 100 Premier League goals, and also became the only player in history to score in four separate FA Cup finals the same year, when he scored in Chelsea’s win over Liverpool in the 2012 final. After spending 6 months with Shanghai Shenhua in China, and one and a half seasons with Turkish club Galatasaray he returned to Chelsea.

With a career record of scoring 10 goals in 10 finals winning 10 trophies at club level, Drogba has been referred to as the “ultimate big game player.” His international goal scoring record was just as impressive where he represented Ivory Coast 104 times and scored 65

goals. He is now playing for Montreal Impact in the USA major league soccer and what an impact he is making scoring goals for fun.

Love him or hate him Didier Drogba every manager would love to have him in their team.

LORENZO FERRARI PAGE 14 / ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V MERTHYR TOWN ISSUE 08

DIDIER DROGBA WWW.STNEOTSTOWNFC.CO.UK / PAGE 15

Mascot feature Last weekend saw 12 year old Jack Woodward be Mascot for the day. Pictured above with his favourite player, Guy Mailancol, Jack proudly lead the Saints out ahead of a cracking victory against Dorchester Town! We hope you enjoyed your day Jack.

Fancy being a Matchday Mascot?

Contact Louise Spark on misslouises@yahoo.co.uk PAGE 16 / ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V MERTHYR TOWN ISSUE 08

Better advice from your local friendly independent financial advisor

Fenice Court, Phoenix Park, Eaton Socon, St Neots, Cambridgeshire PE19 8EP Email: enquiries@premierplusltd.co.uk Web: www.premierplusltd.co.uk

FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION

PAGE 18 / ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V MERTHYR TOWN ISSUE 08

ANOTHER PROLIFIC GOAL SCORER FOR THE CLUB

SHANE TOLLEY

THE STARS WHO GOT US TO STEP THREE Shane had two spells with the club making his debut as a substitute on 4 September 2010 in a UCL Premier Division match at home to Peterborough Northern Star.

On for just 37 minutes he scored the equalising goal in a 1-1 draw.

He went on to score 7 hat tricks (or better) in a dazzling record of better than a goal a game but was unable to hold down a regular place at Southern League level.

record indeed. Shanes commitment to the club upon his return was by signing a seasons contract with the club as he said “this is where I want to be.” Unfortunately for us he decided that he wanted to move to Dubai with his partner Hanna.

The final game in his first spell came on 27 March 2012 in a Hinchingbrooke Cup tie away at Rothwell Corinthians where he scored in his sides’ 2-0 victory.

He reappeared on 21 December 2014 scoring a goal as a substitute in a 6-0 victory but failed to win a regular berth with his final game being the Huntingdonshire Senior Cup Final against St Ives on 2 May 2015 when he scored one of the two goals in a 2-0 victory. Shanes goal scoring record was on par with his striking partner Stefan Moore.

Were they the very best front two ever to grace the non league scene, it would be worth finding out as that is an incredible joint goal scoring

Career Record MATCHES PLAYED 93 plus 23 as substitute GOALS SCORED 95 APPEARANCES IN SOUTHERN LEAGUE ERA 49 plus 21 as substitute GOALS SCORED (2011/12 ONWARDS) 41

WWW.STNEOTSTOWNFC.CO.UK / PAGE 19

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

Non-league game abandoned after players and SUPPORTERS clash in dressing room After a “bad tempered” ending to the first-half, tensions boiled over at the interval and the referee called a premature end to proceedings A non-league football match was abandoned after players and supporters clashed at half-time.

rightly abandoned the game. “The Board, management and players of Dorking Football Club will co-operate fully with all investigations that are held into the incident and it would be inappropriate for us to make any further comment until those investigations have been completed.

Cambridge City announced the signing of defender Dan Gleeson

The match referee called a halt to proceedings prematurely in the Combined Counties League Division One fixture between Abbey Rangers and Dorking when tempers frayed at half-time with the score at 0-0.

The 30-yearold needs no introduction to Cambridge football fans after making over 100 appearances for Cambridge United before leaving the club in 2010.

A post on Dorking’s Twitter page said the last 10 minutes of the first-half were “bad tempered.”

Whilst with the U`s he also played for the England C team, where he won seven caps.

“Game at @ fc_abbeyrangers abandoned by referee after fracas involving players and supporters in the dressing rooms at half time,”.

Stutes ask for help

Dorking released a statement after the match condemning the actions of those involved.

It said: “The scenes involving supporters and players in the tunnel and dressing room at half-time during the game between Abbey Rangers FC and Dorking FC have no place in football and the referee

The Board of Directors of Histon have made the following statement to update shareholders and supporters on the current position and what the future may hold.

The statement reads: “When elected to the Board in the summer of 2012 our aims were simple: return the club to a debt free financial position and deal with the share ownership

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situation in order that the club be debt free and wholly owned by its’ supporters with no individual owning more than 10% of the shares, and those goals have been achieved.

“So what of the future? The current Board are confident that the club has a positive future to look forward to. There are a number of projects that can be pursued in order to grow and develop the club towards an ultimate goal of self-sustainability including the possible installation of a 3G pitch at The Glassworld Stadium and further development of the site in order to support such an installation and maximise income from it. “We have recently launched our partnership with IVC which is a really exciting step forward and will help us to grow and develop our already successful Scholarship Programme further and has the potential to prove to be a mutually beneficial partnership on a number of other possible future projects.

“However, the Board is acutely aware that it needs help in order to deliver these future plans both in terms of new Board members and, more urgently, in terms of financial support and investment.”

Manny steps down as Chairman of Arlesey Town It has been confirmed that Manny Cohen has resigned as Chairman of Arlesey Town Football Club for personal reasons after seven years and steps down onto the Club’s Management Committee.

Under Manny Cohen’s tenure, Arlesey Town attained its highest league position ever after promotion to the Southern League Premier Division, won six awards, including Club of the Year, and reached the FA Cup First Round Proper on two occasions. The Management Committee wishes to place on record their thanks to Manny Cohen for the dedication, time, effort and resources he gave during his time as Chairman.

A suitable replacement is being sought but meanwhile, Gary Thompson has stepped into the role as Interim Chairman with Kieran Dempsey as an interim Vice Chairman and they will work with the Management Committee to take the Club forward in the coming months.

Fey and Rudge call it a day at Paulton

Following the disappointing start to the season, which sees the Club occupying bottom place in the Premier Division table, Paulton Rover’s management Team of Richard Fey (pictured above) and Nathan Rudge (pictured opposite) have tendered their resignations.

Coach Aaron Brown will take charge of training and will take on the role of caretaker-manager for the Club’s match at home to Leamington. The club has expressed thanks for the hard work that both Richard Fey and Nathan Rudge have done this season and wish them every success in the future.

Page leaves Manager and Scholarship roles with Stutes

last week and left the manager’s job following Saturday’s game at Kettering Town.

The Board of Directors have expressed their thanks to him for everything he has done for the club over the last five years, a period of time during which he has had an enormous impact on the football club at all levels. His success at developing talented young players and progressing them through into the first team and, in many cases, further on up into professional football, is a credit to him and his coaching ability. Furthermore, the Board have wished Brian every success in what will surely be a successful future within the game.

Assistant Manager Lance Key will took charge of the team for the match against King’s Lynn Town and it is expected that an announcement regarding new appointments to the vacated positions will be made in the next few days

First Team Manager and Scholarship Lead Co-ordinator Brian Page has stepped down from both positions at Histon with immediate effect.

Page resigned his position of scholarship lead co-ordinator

For the very latest news visit www.southern-football-league.co.uk/league-news WWW.STNEOTSTOWNFC.CO.UK / PAGE 21

SHANE ON THE ATTACK

RYAN SETS UP THE WINNER

TOM HEADS IT HOME

TODAY’S VISITORS

MERTHYR TOWN

For a decade between the two wars the Martyrs was a proud member of the football league – now hoping to climb back to former glories.

A very special welcome for our next Southern League Premier Division engagement with Merthyr Town our visitors this afternoon. We are proud to bill this as our first ‘International’ fixture and we shall be travelling ‘abroad’ in April for the return fixture with the Martyrs. For a decade between the two Wars Merthyr was a proud member of the Football League – at that time sharing the honour of playing in England with Cardiff City, Swansea City and Newport County all of whom still boast a place in the top 92 clubs.

Three times Welsh Cup winners and five times Welsh League Cup winners as well as six times Southern League champions Merthyr are no strangers to success on the football field but having been liquidated in 2010 they were forced to start again at Step Six in the Western League and have begun their quest

to climb back to former glories by reaching Step Three and the Premier Division of the Southern League this season. They play at the Cigg-E Stadium at Penydarren Park on a 3G surface and at the time these notes were written they were 21st in the table still searching for their first away League victory of the season.

Strangely a trip to Wales to play Merthyr is only our second furthest destination with Bideford almost 80 miles further.

However our visitors travelling commitment is immense with a trip to Kings Lynn meaning a round trip of 450 miles – but still less than our ‘day out’ at Bideford! In the FA Cup this season Merthyr won away at Plymouth Parkway but lost at home in the Second Round Qualifying to Hartley Wintney who play at Step Five in the Cherry Red Combined

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Counties Premier Division whilst in the FA Trophy next Saturday they look forward to a visit from Poole Town currently a point off the top of our Division. However on a more cheerful note in the Red Insure Cup last midweek (like us) they progressed to round two beating lower division opponents Cinderford Town on penalty kicks. They now travel to Yate Town in the next round next month whilst we shall be entertaining our nomadic neighbours Cambridge City.

CLUB HISTORY In 1909, Merthyr Town joined the second division of the Southern League, which despite being primarily an English league, contained several other Welsh clubs, notably Cardiff City, Newport County and Swansea Town. After finishing third in 1911–12 the club

Year founded: 1908 Nickname: The Martyrs Chairman: Meurig Price

Website: www.merthyrtownfc.co.uk Stadium: Penydarren Park

Previous Meetings: None

were promoted to the first division, though they were relegated back to the second division in 1913–14. The Southern League did not operate during the First World War, and when it resumed for the 1919–20 season Merthyr were placed back in the top division. In the summer of 1920 the Football League expanded with the creation of a new Third Division, which was made up entirely of the First Division of the Southern League from the previous season. Despite having finished second bottom in season before, usually a relegation place, Merthyr became a new member of the Football League.

11th in 1921–2 and 17th in 1922–3.

The 1923–4 season saw a slight improvement in league form as they finished 13th, but the major news was their appearance in the final of the Welsh Cup, though they lost 1-0 to Wrexham in a replay after a 2-2 draw. From then on the club declined further, and finished bottom of the Third Division in 1924–5. Although they finished 14th in 1925–6, in the following seasons the club finished 17th, 21st, 20th and then bottom again, and were eventually voted out of the Football League in 1930.

Southern League, but lasted only four seasons, before ceasing to play in 1934.

In their first season in the Football League, the club had a much better season and finished 8th. This, however, proved to be their most successful league season, and it was followed by a gradual decline:

They were replaced by the ill-fated Thames. During their penultimate season in the Football League the club had their best season in the FA Cup, getting past the first round for the only time, before losing to Watford in the second round.

The club dropped back into the

THE NEW CLUB In 2010, Merthyr Tydfil F.C. of the Southern Football League Premier Division were liquidated despite finishing the 2009-10 season 17th of 22 clubs. The club was reformed under the name of Merthyr Town and consequently were required to drop three divisions to begin the 2010–11 season in the Western Football League Division One. The club were Western League First Division champions in 2010/11 and Premier Division champions the following season. Since then they successfully navigated their way out of the Southern League (South and West Division) to reach Step Three for this season’s campaign.

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/STNEOTSTOWNFC / PAGE 27

WHO’S WHO

THE MARTYRS

STEVE JENKINS

CORY JENKINS

TOM BRADLEY – Abergavenny born Tom signed for the Martyrs in the summer of 2014 from Welsh League Division 1 side Aberdare Town. Tom was on the books at Motherwell Town and was a non-playing substitute in the Scottish Premier Division. Tom has also played at Telford.

CAMERON CLARKE – Pontypridd born goalkeeper who has been an apprentice at Hereford United and Bristol Rovers.

Signed for the club in summer of 2015 after impressing in the clubs friendlies.

ADAM DAVIES – Merthyr born Adam joined Martyrs in summer of 2014 and can play in either full back position.

Adam is a product of Cardiff City academy and played a key role in the club’s Championship winning season.

CHRIS HUGH – Cardiff born Chris joined the club from Welsh League club Taffs Well in the summer of 2015.

Chris is an attacking full back and has impressed during the club’s pre-season JARRAD WRIGHT – Porth born Jarrad joined Martyrs from AFC Porth in February 2014. Jarrad scored 12 goals and won players player of the year in the 2014/15 Championship winning season.

GUILLERMO BAUZA

JARRAD WRIGHT

October 2015. Cortez has played for Merthyr Tydfil, Chester City, Newport County, Halifax Town and Chippenham Town. Cortez has also played for Carmarthen and Port Talbot Town and can play centre half or centre forward.

Martinez where he remained until 2010 and played in the team that gained promotion to League 1. Guillem has also played for Hereford United, Northampton Town & Exeter City and joined the club in October 2014.

JAMES BLOOM – Began his career with Cardiff City, and joined Falkirk following his release. James played for Alloa Athletic on loan, and joined Gloucester City when his contract ended. James signed for Port Talbot Town in January 2012, before joining Newton in the summer of 2014. James sustained a serious knee injury while at Newton, and signed for the Martyrs in the summer of 2015.

JAYE BOWEN – Merthyr born Jaye joined the club in summer of 2015 after he was released by Cardiff City.

Midfielder Jaye is the son of ex-Welsh international Jason Bowen.

KERRY MORGAN – Merthyr born Kerry came through Swansea City’s academy and played several times in the Championship. In his third season with the club, and has also played for Port Talbot Town, Ostersunds FK, Newport County & Bath City.

RYAN PROSSER – 25 year old Ryan joined the Martyrs from Welsh League Division 2 side Ton Pentre in October 2010. Ryan has scored over 11 goals for the club, better than a goal every other game ratio for the club in his 4 years at the club.

ASHLEY EVANS – Ashley rejoined the Martyrs in the summer of 2015 having played in the Southern League for Merthyr Tydfil. Ashley has also played for Llanelli Town, Neath & Port Talbot Town.

KAYNE MCLAGGON – Barry born Kayne signed for Merthyr from Weston-Super-Mare in November 2013.

Talented all round athlete, Kayne was on Southampton’s books as a youngster and made 7 appearances in the Championship scoring against Norwich City. Kayne has also played for Bristol Rovers and Salisbury City, representing Wales at U17 & U19s level.

RHYS BAGGRIDGE – Neath born Rhys began his career at Yeovil Town, and had spells with Weymouth, Poole Town and Salisbury City. Rhys played for Frome Town in the 2014/15 season before he joined the Martyrs.

KYLE PATTEN – Cardiff born Kyle had a successful loan spell with the club in the 2014/15 season, and signed for the he Martyrs after being released by Newport County at the end of the season. Kyle made his football league debut against Dagenham in 2015 for Newport County.

CORTEZ BELLE – Coventry born Cortez rejoined Merthyr Town in

GUILLERMO BAUZA – Was signed

by Swansea City in 2007 by Roberto

PAGE 28 / ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V MERTHYR TOWN ISSUE 08

ELLIOT SCOTCHER – Haverfordwest born Elliot was with Ipswich Town as a youngster. He played for Cardiff Met during his time at University, before joining the club in summer 2015.

COREY JENKINS – Newport born Corey joined the club in summer of 2014 from Monmouth Town where he won Welsh League Division 1 title.

Corey’s pace and tricky makes him a tricky player for the opposition.

Ian Taylor: (Forward) Ian joined the club from Cwmaman in summer 2011. Ian is a pacy attacking player, and was top scorer in 2013/14 season with 30 goals, and repeated the feat in the 2014/15 season. Ian recently scored his 100th goal for Merthyr against Biggleswade Town.

KAYNE MCLAGGON

MATTHEW HARRIS

RYAN GREEN

RYAN PROSSER

GUILLERMO BAUZA PICTURED PLAYING FOR SWANSEA CITY

WWW.STNEOTSTOWNFC.CO.UK / PAGE 29

GREENIES GREETINGS

Three days is an absolute eternity 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 this afternoon’s Evostik League Southern Premier Division match.

Today we extend a very warm welcome to the players, officials and of course, the travelling supporters of Merthyr Town Football Club and we hope you have an enjoyable first visit to St Neots this afternoon before travelling safely home later this evening.

I can’t comment on the evening’s proceedings other than we were well beaten as I wasn’t at the game so I will leave it there and let those who were, fill you in on the gory details should you wish to be enlightened.

They say a week is a long time in football, or any sport for that matter, well that’s not strictly true at present as I would say just three days is an absolute eternity.

Ok then, on with today’s important game.

Three points at stake which will help keep us in the running for a playoff berth. Plenty of noise like last weekend and hopefully this will help drive the lads on to the victory.

Last Saturday saw us turn in an impressive performance and a well earned win over a well drilled Dorchester Town side who were sitting in the play off positions prior to kick off.

Thirsty-six hours later, we are comprehensively beaten by Dunstable Town in a game which many who watched, said was our worst performance in many, many months.

Tuesday sees us travel to Yaxley for our re-arranged Huntingdonshire Football Association Senior Cup tie so it would be great to see a good following up in the north of the County for this game. Yaxley now have a 3G pitch installed so this could be a very interesting match up.

PUMP UP THE VOLUME GREENY

On a slightly brighter note, last Saturday saw our Under 21 side, The St Neots Town Saints, claim their first three points of the season, winning 2-1 at Bugbrooke St Michaels, Kelvin Osei-Addo (pictured) and Dan Lewis scoring the important goals.

Performances from the youngsters have improved over the past few weeks but the results haven’t been mirroring the efforts put in by everyone so hopefully this game will be a springboard for the rest of the season.

PAGE 30 / ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V MERTHYR TOWN ISSUE 08

WELL THERE YOU ARE

Scorelines..

A brief round up of the recent results from the teams that matter Weekend Action (17th October) Premier Division

Leaders Leamington scored on the stroke of half time to come away from Kings Lynn Town with a 1-0 victory while second placed Poole Town scored three times after the hour mark to secure a 3-1 home win over Cirencester Town but third in the table Chippenham Town, ahead after just two minutes, had to settle for a 1-1 draw when hosts Stratford Town scored shortly after the half hour mark and Weymouth lost 1-0 at home when Biggleswade Town scored fifteen minutes from time. Redditch United struck twice in the opening eighteen minutes to set up a 2-1 victory at Hitchin Town but Dorchester Town conceded a goal twenty minutes from time to lose 1-0 at St Neots Town and Hungerford Town, a goal behind at the interval and three behind midway through the second half, lost 3-1 at Cambridge City while Slough Town scored twice in the first half and, though conceding a penalty in time added on, secured a 2-1 success over bottom of the table Paulton Rovers. Chesham United, a goal ahead at the break, conceded a penalty four minutes into the second half but went on to win 3-1 at home against second from bottom Bideford while Kettering Town took the lead after seven minutes and, although conceding an equaliser, led by two at the interval and opened up a three goal advantage nine minutes into the second half only for visiting Histon to draw level with twenty minutes to go before the home side secured the points with a 5-4 win. Merthyr Town slipped into the bottom four when, after taking a seventeenth minute lead, they lost 3-1 at home to Dunstable Town while Frome Town moved the

other way when they secured a 2-1 home victory over third bottom Bedworth United with a strike in the third minute of time added on.

Weekend Action (17th October) Division One Central Leaders Royston Town took a sixteenth minute lead and completed a comfortable 4-0 home win over Fleet Town with three goals in the final twenty minutes while second placed Chalfont St Peter, a goal ahead at the interval, completed a 3-0 home victory against bottom club Arlesey Town and third in the table Ware, ahead from a fifth minute own goal, scored twice in four second half minutes to secure a 3-0 success at second from bottom Aylesbury United but St Ives Town conceded two second half goals to go down 2-0 at Petersfield Town. Egham Town recovered from being a goal down at the interval to win 3-1 at home against third from bottom North Greenford United and AFC Rushden & Diamonds, a goal up at the break, completed a 3-2 home victory against Potters Bar Town while Aylesbury, a goal down a minute into the second half, secured a 2-1 home win over Uxbridge with a strike two minutes into time added on but Kings Langley, who had equalised with a quarter of an hour to go, lost 2-1 when hosts Hanwell Town struck six minutes later. Leighton Town scored in the twentieth minute of the second half to beat visiting Beaconsfield SYCOB 2-0 while Bedford Town scored twice in the first half to set up a 2-1 win at Northwood but Godalming Town, leading at the break, lost 2-1 at home when Barton Rovers scored ten minutes into the second half and again ten minutes from time.

PAGE 32 / ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V MERTHYR TOWN ISSUE 08

Midweek Action (w/c 19th October) Premier Division & Red Insure Cup Hungerford Town went behind after just five minutes but, having equalised three minutes later, took the lead with an own goal soon after the half hour before completing a 3-1 home win over Chesham United with a penalty seven minutes after the break while Redditch United moved into the top five when a strike two minutes after the hour mark gave them a 1-0 victory over visiting Slough Town. On Tuesday, Poole Town scored three times in the first half to the top of the table with a convincing 5-1 victory at Dorchester Town while third in the table Chippenham Town were held to a 1-1 home draw with fourth placed Weymouth, who conceded an equaliser seven minutes after taking the lead just after the hour mark but Biggleswade Town, two down after quarter of an hour, were beaten 3-1 at home by Kettering Town. Dunstable Town , a goal up at the break, scored twice in four second half minutes to complete a 3-0 home win over St Neots Town while Kings Lynn Town, who conceded an equaliser two minutes after going ahead with twenty minutes remaining, secured a 2-1 victory at Histon with a second seven minutes from the end and Merthyr Town, ahead from a first half own goal, moved out of the bottom four when they inflicted a 2-1 home defeat on bottom of the table Paulton Rovers. In the night’s other game, third from bottom Bideford dragged Frome Town back into the bottom four when goals two minutes either side of the midway point of the second half secured them a 2-0 home win.

MD’S VIEWS Welcome to Merthyr officials, players and supporters A friend of mine who I play football with on a Friday night lives in Hitchin (as I do) and is an avid Hitchin Town supporter and goes to every home game.

• A product that is attractive • An environment that is conducive to sell the product • A level of customer satisfaction that produces repeat business • The right price points

He tells me that he has so far this season been suitably unimpressed (apart from the McNamara boy) with the way they are playing and the depth of the squad. “We’re buggered if the McNamara boy goes or gets injured” he explains, flaying his arms upwards as if asking God to sign a decent striker “And have you heard about Brian Page leaving Histon, not just the first team but the scholarship programme as well, Camb City are buggered to” “Oh” I shrug “we’re a little bit all over the place at the moment ourselves but it’s nothing that can’t be fixed”. Everyone has an opinion on how their team is playing at the moment including me, him and her over there and I think we all agree that it’s somewhat frustrating.

I for one have never been completely beguiled by football although I clearly enjoy watching us play to our strengths. For me it’s all about balance both on and off the pitch.

From a retail background I always wanted to put a number of achievable basic principles in place:

We have just about got a functional and expandable business model behind the scenes that fits our basic principles (we are always working to better each aspect) what with the Academy, scholarship, functions, sponsorship, Games rooms etc etc however we are still a little way behind on making the first team (at this moment in time) successful, attractive to watch and affordable.

This is a reality and before we start chipping away at what has gone before, I fully recognise and appreciate the History of the club and indeed acknowledge and have been part of the very recent history however history is just that, history, very important, it should always be acknowledged but it’s called history for a reason.

The future is bright, much brighter than it was just a year ago, much much brighter than 4 years ago and ever so much brighter than 10 years ago.

It’s not just because of a few people but because of everyone involved at the club or who has ever been involved with the club, Officials,

PAGE 34 / ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V MERTHYR TOWN ISSUE 08

staff, volunteers and most importantly supporters. It’s our turn (all of us) to make the history of the club something to look back upon with pride while at the same time continue to focus on what we can do to make the next chunk of history better than the last.

Anyway back to my earlier point.

LEE

IT’S MINE THEY SAY

INTRODUCING

TOM MEECHAN Tom signed a contract in June 2015 from Godmanchester Rovers where he was one of the non leagues’ highest goal scorers last season with a staggering total of 53 goals.

Many clubs had an eye on Tom but it was the Saints that moved in and agreed an undisclosed transfer fee for the striker.

With Drew Roberts injured for all of pre-season and the first three months of the new season Tom had the chance to show his worth very early on.

Nothing has changed with his goal scoring exploits and to date Tom has scored 16 goals in just 17 games and leads the leagues Golden boot top goal scorer thus so far, becoming one of the most feared strikers in non league.

PAGE 36 / ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V MERTHYR TOWN ISSUE 08

CHESHAM UNITED Our next scheduled away day is to “The Meadow” the home of Chesham United in Buckinghamshire.

Always a hard place to get any result but that’s exactly what we did last season being down 0-3 at half time we brought the game back to 3-3 and only a last grasp save by the Chesham Goalkeeper denied us a famous away victory. Chesham have had an indifferent start to the season blowing a little hot and cold with their performances, but also having a great run in the FA Cup this season. Usually a title or at least play off contenders The Generals had to settle for a mid table position last season and they look like doing the same this season. But never under estimate them, as they are a very difficult team to get any result against.

A416 to Chesham. Follow this road through Ashley Green (being careful of the speed trap!) past the college on your left, when you get to the bottom of the hill take a left turn at the mini roundabout. Follow the road for about 1.5 miles, go straight over the next two roundabouts, then get in to the left lane to take the first exit from the next roundabout, you will pass a Pub called the Red Lion on your right shortly after this. Follow the road to a mini roundabout, take the right exit going past two petrol stations either side of the road.

Chesham United is on the third exit off the next roundabout.

THE MEADOW Amy Lane, Chesham, Bucks HP5 1NE Wheelchair Access: Yes Matchday Magazine: £2 Capacity: 5,000 Round Trip from (PE19 6SL): 110 Miles

DIRECTIONS: COMING FROM THE NORTH (OR M1) Take J20 off the M25 to the A41 Aylesbury/Hemel follow this road for about 7 miles, your turn off is after the Service Station; the turn off is for Berkhamsted/Chesham, take the right hand lane in the slip road to the

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/STNEOTSTOWNFC / PAGE 37

DUNSTABLE TOWN 3 ST NEOTS TOWN 0 Southern League Premier Division / 20.10.2015 / Attendance: 154 / Referee: Neil Morrison (Heathrow)

This was a very disappointing result and performance for St Neots and it was all of their own making.

The players looked weary and jaded – short in confidence and ideas whilst as a direct contrast Dunstable were fired up and eager – boosted no doubt by their unexpected away victory at Merthyr at the weekend.

The visiting side lacked co-ordination in their approach, were outplayed in midfield and their two front players on whom most of their success this season has hinged received virtually no service throughout. St Neots were the leading scorers in the league going into the game but a measure of their ineffectiveness on the night was that their former goalkeeper Paul Bastock now playing for the Bedfordshire side had only two serious saves to make throughout the ninety minutes.

Injury has played a major part in St Neots’ lack of success this season and Lee Clarke and Jack Wilkinson joined the absentees list for this match but Connor Hall and Skipper Adam Tann were back in the starting line-up. However the injury problem has to be managed with the remainder of the squad rising to the occasion and on this evidence that is not happening.

The first twenty minutes showed little sign of what was to follow. St Neots made a fairly positive start and Ryan Hawkins tormented the home defence with his pace and

darting runs and was constantly fouled but the free kicks came to nothing. Hawkins shot wide after a lengthy Brett Longden throw was not cleared and then Bastock made a full length stop from Tom Meechan but an offside flag showed that the effort would not have counted. A Shane Blackett header from a Galliford corner was cleared off the line by Adam Watkins and prior to the opening Dunstable goal the visitors had looked the better side. Then a 23rd minute goal seemed to change the complexion of the contest as Adam Watkins surprised Andy Wilton with a perfectly placed bullet of a shot from 30 yards into the top corner of the net. Now Dunstable grew in confidence and both Gary Wharton and Connor Calcutt shooting wide whilst St Neots best effort was a rising shot from Hawkins well saved by Bastock. Just before the break Wharton broke clear but collided with the advancing Wilton on the edge of the area. The keeper was booked but the free kick was blocked by the defensive wall.

St Neots needed to move up a gear after the break but the improvement never materialised. Calcutt had a shot parried at full stretch and Wharton brought a good save from Wilton as the home side increased the pressure on the visiting defence.

Bastock touched a Galliford cross

Dunstable Town Bastock, Reynolds, Pennell, Talbot, Kaloczi, Pepera, Watkins, Keenleyside, Calcutt, Gregory, Wharton Subs: Roache (for Calcutt 80), Vardy (for Wharton 84), McKenzie-Lowe (for Keenleyside 89), and Pedryzc. Cards: Kaloczi (Y – 20), Reynolds (Y – 82) Goals: Watkins (23 mins), Pennell (74 mins) Wharton (76 mins)

PAGE 38 / ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V MERTHYR TOWN ISSUE 08

over the bar but most of the action was at the other end of the pitch.

St Neots seemed unable to string two passes together and their hopeful punts out of defence gave no hope of building a credible attack.

It was clear that a second Dunstable goal would kill the contest and the under pressure Wilton in the St Neots goal made two excellent saves to deny Calcutt and Wharton.Danny Talbot and Adam Watkins were bossing the play in midfield and the significant breakthrough came after 74 minutes when sloppy defending allowed unmarked full back Luke Pennell to head home a Keenleyside corner at the far post. Two minutes later Dunstable made it 3-0 when Keenleyside picked out Gary Wharton on the edge of the penalty area and he drove his shot through a crowd of players.

Despite the introduction of two substitutes St Neots had nothing in reply. They were even denied a late consolation goal when Meechan fired in a fierce volley that Bastock saw late but still managed to divert for a corner and right on time Tom Ward saw a powerful header from a Ryan Horne corner kept out by a combination of keeper and defender.

John Walker

St Neots Town Wilton, Anton, Hall, Tann, Ward, Blackett, Beech, Longden, Meechan, Hawkins, Galliford Subs: Vieira (for Tann 73), Horne (for Galliford 80), Mailancol, Hobbs and Burton. Cards: Wilton (Y – 41) Goals: None

WWW.STNEOTSTOWNFC.CO.UK / PAGE 39

ST NEOTS TOWN FIRST TEAM PLAYER STATS 2015/16 St Neots Town First Team Player Stats 2015/16

1

1

1 1

2 2 4 2

4 1

1 3 3 1

2

1

4 5

1 3 1

1

1 3

7

1

2 4

14 1

5 2

6 1

13 8 1 1

3

2 3 3

4 4 1 1

1 1 0 1 5 4 0 2 0 0 0 0 1

0 1 0 8 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 4

1 1 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 2 3 7 1

0 13 4 0 18 10 0 0 0 1 12 0 1 17 7 15

0 2 4 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 2 3 5 0 0 0

1 0 6 1 0 0 0 4 0 6 4 1 3 0 1 0

0 0 1 0 16 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0

2 1

11

14 5 5 0 0 5 11 12 9 3 16 17 0

GOALS

3

1

GOALS

1

1

UNUSED SUB

4 8 9 8 3 12 12

UNUSED SUB

3 1 1

5 5 3

TOTAL USED SUB

1 1

USED SUB

APPS

1

GOALS

1 1

CUP

APPS

11 4 4

UNUSED SUB

Anton Jamie Beech Josh Blackett Shane Burton Ben Cisse Bamoussa Clarke Lee Frater Nathan Galliford Isaac (LOAN) Gay Danny Gordon Remy Hall Connor Hawkins Ryan Hobbs Dan Horne Ryan (LOAN) Jeckells Evan Longden Brett Mailancol Guy Marango Ebey Meechan Tom Mitchel-King Matt Ofosu Claudio Ossei-Addo Kelvin Roberts Drew Sutton Ollie Tann Adam Trottman Luke (LOAN) Vieira Luis Ward Tom Wilton Andy Wilkinson Jack

USED SUB

APPS

LEAGUE

1 1 2 2

12 4 12

PAGE 40 / ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V MERTHYR TOWN ISSUE 08

1 1

1 5

1

1 5 3 3

2

2

2 1

1 1

WWW.STNEOTSTOWNFC.CO.UK / PAGE 41

5.3.16

5 -- 0

26.3.16

7.11.15

23.4.16

2 -- 1

Chesham United

Chippenham Town

Cirencester Town

Dorchester Town

Dunstable Town

Frome Town

3 -- 0

5.12.15

2.1.16

2.4.16

2 -- 0

3 -- 1

6.2.16

2 -- 1

2 -- 1

6.2.16

2 -- 0

1 -- 0

Weymouth

1 -- 0

5.3.16

17.11.15 28.11.15

Stratford Town

St Neots Town

Slough Town

26.3.16 21.11.15

16.1.16

Chesham United

0 -- 0

14.11.15

0 -- 1

3 -- 0

2 -- 0

3 -- 1

1 -- 2

1 -- 0

9.1.16

13.2.16

2.4.16

1 -- 1

16.4.16

28.11.15 14.11.15

16.4.16

2.4.16

28.3.16

6.2.16

1 -- 2

1 -- 2

0 -- 0

20.2.16

6.2.16

26.3.16

2 -- 0

1 -- 2

1 -- 0

1 -- 1

1 -- 1

16.1.16

2.4.16

16.4.16

1 -- 3

18.11.15

23.1.16

4 -- 3

3 -- 1

3 -- 4

0 -- 3

9.1.16

Dunstable Town

12.3.16

1 -- 4

23.1.16

20.2.16

26.3.16

4 -- 1

3 -- 1

6.2.16

0 -- 0

1 -- 1

16.4.16

12.12.15

1 -- 3

4 -- 1

6.2.16

1 -- 0

0 -- 0

2.4.16

TBA

5.3.16

16.4.16

12.12.15

20.10.15

6.2.16

5.12.15

0 -- 0

5 -- 1

0 -- 4

4 -- 2

5 -- 4

2.4.16 17.11.15

5 -- 0

2.1.16

1.12.15

5.3.16

16.4.16

9.1.16

0 -- 0

2.4.16

24.10.15

26.3.16

1 -- 0

1 -- 2

TBA

7 -- 1

9.1.16

1 -- 3

9.4.16

12.3.16

2 -- 1

0 -- 0

6.2.16

28.3.16

2 -- 2

9.1.16

2 -- 1

2.4.16

3 -- 2 1 -- 2

3 -- 2

26.12.15

2 -- 0

1 -- 2

19.3.16

13.2.16

5.12.15

0 -- 1

30.1.16

2 -- 2

0 -- 3

0 -- 0

0 -- 2

19.3.16

16.4.16

9.1.16

5.3.16

0 -- 1

17.11.15

2.1.16

2 -- 2

1 -- 2

1 -- 0

24.10.15

6.2.16

16.4.16

3 -- 0

23.1.16

1 -- 1

9.1.16

1 -- 2

Redditch United 2 -- 1

1 -- 1

9.4.16

5 -- 1

30.1.16

7.11.15

1 -- 2

9.4.16

10.10.15

13.2.15

5.12.15

2 -- 1

1 -- 1

9.4.16

0 -- 0

6.2.16

28.11.15

5.3.16

4 -- 1

6.2.16

0 -- 0

16.11.15

1 -- 2

28.3.15

9.1.15

2 -- 3

1 -- 3

30.1.15

13.2.15

23.1.15

5.3.16

26.12.15

20.2.16

0 -- 2

2 -- 1

12.3.16

28.3.16

12.3.15 27.10.15

3 -- 2

28.11.15

0 -- 0

9.4.16

7.11.15 10.10.15 12.12.15

St Neots Town

1 -- 1

1.12.15

12.12.15

1 -- 1

12.3.15

1 -- 0

30.1.16

1 -- 0

27.2.16

17.11.15

27.2.16

2 -- 5

9.4.16

1.12.15

28.3.16

19.3.16

3 -- 3

23.4.16

13.2.16

9.1.16

3 -- 0

27.2.16

9.4.16

26.3.16

16.1.16

28.10.15

29.9.15

3 -- 0

2.1.16

23.4.16

16.1.16

3 -- 2

1 -- 1

2.1.16

1.12.15

7.11.15

1 -- 1

9.4.16

0 -- 1

12.12.15 13.2.16

2 -- 3

30.1.16

1 -- 1

23.1.16 12.3.16

2 -- 2

5.12.15

19.12.15

5.12.15 21.11.15 19.3.16

TBA

1 -- 0

0 -- 3

1 -- 1

27.10.15 21.11.15

3 -- 1

30.1.16 20.10.15

1 -- 1

7.11.15 19.12.15 23.4.16

28.10.15 7.11.15

26.12.15 13.2.16

4 -- 4

0 -- 6

Stratford Town

19.12.15 21.11.15 26.3.16

27.2.15

23.4.15

3 -- 0

7.11.15

26.3.16

2.1.16

3 -- 1

1 -- 2

28.3.16 26.12.15 23.4.16 28.11.15

19.3.16

1 -- 5

17.11.15 27.2.16 28.11.15 16.1.15 27.10.15

20.2.16 14.11.15 17.10.15

2.4.16

5.12.15

1 -- 0

28.11.15

3 -- 2

2.4.16

27.10.15

23.4.16

0 -- 1

1 -- 2

Slough Town

23.4.16 17.11.15 7.11.15 27.10.15

2 -- 1

19.12.15 3.10.15

26.3.16

1 -- 1

27.2.16

1 -- 1

1 -- 0

1 -- 0

4 -- 1 9.1.16

14.11.15 28.3.16 17.11.15 20.2.16

2.1.16

16.4.16

2 -- 0

16.1.16

19.12.15 24.10.15

2 -- 0

27.2.16

2 -- 1

23.1.16 24.10.15

2 -- 1

12.12.15

9.1.16

30.11.15

1 -- 0

0 -- 1

30.1.16 12.12.15

Poole Town

23.1.16 12.12.15

Paulton Rovers

13.2.16 26.12.15

26.3.16 28.11.15 16.1.16

2.12.15

Merthyr Town

26.12.15 12.3.16

30.1.16 10.10.15 14.11.15

27.10.15 21.11.15

23.4.16

5.3.16

28.11.15 19.3.16

14.11.15

23.1.16

27.2.16

27.2.16

1 -- 2

4 -- 0

20.2.16 26.10.15

9.4.16

7.11.15

Kings Lynn Town 3 -- 0

Leamington

7.11.15 21.11.15 23.1.16

28.3.16

5.12.15 10.10.15

24.10.15 1.12.15

30.1.16

5 -- 1

30.1.16 21.11.15 13.2.16

12.12.15

2 -- 2

3 -- 1

23.1.16

1 -- 2

10.10.15 21.11.15 23.4.16

1.12.15 26.12.15

3 -- 0

Hungerford Town 0 -- 2

Kettering Town

12.3.16 26.12.15 13.2.16

1 -- 1

16.4.16 24.10.15 28.9.15

16.1.16

12.3.16

3 -- 2

0 -- 0

24.10.15 19.12.15 14.11.15 19.3.16

20.2.16 26.12.15

2 -- 1

1 -- 2

1 -- 0

0 -- 1

0 -- 0

2.4.16

26.12.15 20.2.16

3 -- 0

1 -- 1

5 -- 1

14.11.15 20.2.16 19.12.15

2 -- 3

28.3.16

0 -- 5

2.4.16

Hitchin Town

21.11.15 26.12.15 28.3.16

3 -- 0

2 -- 0

Histon

24.10.15 13.2.16 14.11.15

28.11.15

2.1.16

1 -- 1

17.11.15

12.3.16

7.11.15 12.12.15 16.1.16

23.1.16

5.3.16

12.3.16

5.3.16

23.4.16 28.11.15

3 -- 2

9.4.16

30.11.15 5.12.15 21.11.15

3 -- 1

23.1.16

28.3.16

26.3.16 21.11.15 14.11.15

19.3.16

20.10.15

1 -- 0

2.1.16

19.3.16

5.3.16

30.1.16 19.12.15 1.12.15

5.12.15 24.10.15

27.2.16

2.1.16

2 -- 3

0 -- 4

30.1.16

16.1.16

3 -- 0

10.10.15 12.12.15

1 -- 0

Frome Town

16.4.16 14.11.15 27.2.16

Dorchester Town

1.12.15 27.10.15 28.3.16

9.1.16

Cirencester Town

12.3.16 24.10.15 12.12.15

27.2.16

1.12.15 24.10.15 26.12.15

6.1.16

16.1.16

Redditch United

0 -- 0

20.2.16

0 -- 0

19.3.16

1 -- 2

27.10.15

22.9.15

1 -- 0

7.11.15

2.1.16

5.3.16

2 -- 1

26.3.16

Poole Town

6.10.15

16.4.16

29.9.15

1 -- 1

19.3.16 19.12.15

9.4.16

Chippenham Town

13.2.16 10.10.15 21.11.15

Cambridge City

5.12.15 17.11.15

20.2.16

23.4.16

2 -- 4

Biggleswade Town

Paulton Rovers

0 -- 0

5.12.15

Leamington

Kings Lynn Town

Merthyr Town

0 -- 1

2.1.16

20.2.15

Kettering Town

16.1.16

5 -- 1

Hungerford Town

19.3.16

21.9.15

Hitchin Town

27.10.15 19.12.15

4 -- 2

Histon

24.10.15

Bideford

28.11.15 14.11.15

9.4.16

Bedworth United

Cambridge City

Biggleswade Town

Bideford

Bedworth United

Weymouth

FA CUP day – not that some in the wider football world have noticed that the grand old competition has even kicked off yet!

Anything this side of the first round is often treated as a prelude to the introduction of the Football League clubs and, eventually, the Premier League big boys. You can usually set your watch to when the competition begins for those poor souls unaware of anything except what Sky Sports News force-feed them.

It’s usually about the same time the tabloids go to town on our Non-League builders, window cleaners and waiters but here’s some breaking news to stick on Sky’s yellow ticker there’s some fantastic stories already developing.

Today’s the day the dreammaking really begins. The first round is 90 minutes away and some brilliant ties will light up the weekend. We’ve already had our fair share of tales, fabulous games and goals and, you guessed, classic upsets. One of the best may not be beaten. Goalkeeper Ricky Drury has a place in FA

Cup folklore as he scored a wonderful injury-time leveller for Holbeach… with a stunning overhead kick! His Step 5 side were 1-0 down to National League North Worcester City when his bicycle beauty saved the day – it was caught on camera and made him an online star. Overhead Kick Rick also made the NLP’s front page!

Could that goal be bettered? Wealdstone fans may think so – Scott Davies’ 70 yarder in the last round has been renamed the Brockenhurst Blockbuster! Some 20-yards into his own half, the former Aldershot player took aim to devastating effect. It earned him and his team-mates a visit from the famous cup last week and he told his pals: “I think they should all remember the hype my goal created!”

The beauty of the Cup is that you can uncover real characters with real stories attached to them. Luke Tuffs, 28, is a key part of Combined Counties League Hartley Wintney’s management team. Nothing unusual or different about a young coach making his way.

Except Luke is openly gay, and at a level of the game where social issues are still commonplace he made a

PAGE 42 / ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V MERTHYR TOWN ISSUE 08

stand in a public way to fight from the front. “I wouldn’t say it was a crusade, but I would love to help other gay people in the game,” he told us. “As a teenager if I had older people in football that were successful and ‘out’ it would have been a huge confidence builder. I know so many players and coaches that are gay, including many higher up the Pyramid, but they all say it would be impossible for them to come out, so maybe me doing this will help them and others in a small way.”

Alex Parsons is a model pro – his two goals for Bognor Regis helped dump National League South Oxford City out… weeks after we had him on page 3 winning The Sun’s ‘Hunk Hunt’ competition.

Who doesn’t love a Cup comeback?

We do, and so do Westfields. Evo-Stik NLP South Kidsgrove were 4-0 up at half time against their Midland League opposition. Suddenly, something changed. By the time the full-time whistle went after extra-time Westfields won 6-5 to progress. Talk about getting your money’s worth.

Where will we find the stories this weekend? Let the action commence!

Sam Elliott Follow us on twitter: @NonLeguePaper

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

THE FAMOUS FIVE! Date

ATT

COMP

R

Pos

Sat 8 Aug

Opposition Bideford

233

EVO

4-4

11

Gay

Tue 11 Aug

LEAMINGTON

368

EVO

1-0

5

Sat 15 Aug

POOLE TOWN

366

EVO

2-3

11

Tue 18 Aug

Bedworth United

193

EVO

6-0

Sat 22 Aug

STRATFORD TOWN

298

EVO

Sat 29 Aug

Weymouth

608

EVO

Mon 31 Aug

BIGGLESWADE TOWN

456

Sat 5 Sept

Chippenham Town

Sat 12 sept

2

3

4

Anton

Wilkinson

Tann

Gay

Tann

Wilkinson

Mitchel-King

Gay

Anton

Wilkinson

Tann

5

Gay

Anton

Wilkinson

HALL

2-2

6

Gay

Anton

Wilkinson

Hall

1-1

9

Gay

Longden

Wilkinson

Hall

EVO

2-0

6

Gay

Longden

Wilkinson

Hall

382

EVO

1-1

9

Gay

Tann

Wilkinson

Hall

Tilbury

110

FAC

1-1

-

Wilton

Tann

Wilkinson

HALL

Sat 19 Sept

Hungerford Town

116

EVO

3-3

9

Wilton

Tann

Wilkinson

Hall

Tue 22 Sept

Tilbury

97

FACR

5-2

-

Gay

Tann

Wilkinson

Hall

Sat 26 Sept

WORTHING

342

FAC

1-1

-

Wilton

Anton

Wilkinson

Tann

Sat 3 Oct

CIRENCESTER TOWN

306

EVO

1-2

16

Wilton

Anton

Wilkinson

Hall

Tue 6 Oct

Worthing

403

FACR

5-6 (P)

-

Wilton

Tann

Mailancol

Longden

Sat 10 Oct

Paulton Rovers

180

EVO

5-2

14

Wilton

Tann

Hall

Clarke

Tue 13 Oct

St Ives Town

173

RIC

2-1

-

Sutton

Tann

Galliford

Beech

Sat 17 Oct

DORCHESTER TOWN

313

EVO

1-0

12

Wilton

Anton

Wilkinson

Beech

Tue 20 Oct

Dunstable Town

154

EVO

0-3

9

Wilton

Anton

Hall

Tann

Sat 24 Oct

MERTHYR TOWN

EVO

Wed 28 Oct

Cambridge City

EVO

Sat 31 Oct

BEDWORTH UNITED

FAT

Sat 7 Nov

Chesham United

EVO

Sat 14 Nov

HITCHIN TOWN

EVO

Tue 17 Nov

BEDWORTH UNITED

EVO

Sat 21 Nov

Poole Town

EVO

Sat 28 Nov

BIDEFORD

EVO

Tue 1 Dec

Leamington

EVO

Sat 5 Dec

Slough Town

EVO

Sat 12 Dec

KETTERING TOWN

EVO

Sat 19 Dec

WEYMOUTH

EVO

Sat 26 Dec

Biggleswade Town

EVO

Sat 2 jan

KINGS LYNN TOWN

EVO

Sat 9 Jan

Frome Town

EVO

Sat 16 Jan

CHIPPENHAM TOWN

EVO

Sat 23 Jan

Stratford Town

EVO

Sat 30 Jan

Cirencester Town

EVO

Sat 6 Feb

HUNGERFORD TOWN

EVO

Sat 13 Feb

Histon

EVO

Sat 20 Feb

REDDITCH UNITED

EVO

Sat 27 Feb

DORCHESTER TOWN

EVO

Sat 5 Mar

PAULTON ROVERS

EVO

Sat 12 Mar

SLOUGH TOWN

EVO

Sat 19 Mar

Kettering Town

EVO

Sat 26 Mar

FROME TOWN

EVO

Mon 28 Mar

Kings Lynn Town

EVO

Sat 2 Apr

CAMBRIDGE CITY

EVO

Sat 9 Apr

Merthyr Town

EVO

Sat 16 Apr

CHESHAM UNITED

EVO

Sat 23 Apr

Hitchin Town

EVO

PAGE 44 / ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V MERTHYR TOWN ISSUE 08

Player name in these colours denotes substitute

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

14

Hall

Mitchel-King

Frater

Longden

MEECHAN 3

Hawkins

GORDON

Clarke

Cisse

15

Ward

Hall

Frater

Longden

MEECHAN

Hawkins

Gordon

Anton

Clarke

Cisse

Ward

HALL

Frater

Longden

Meechan

Clarke

GORDON

Cisse

Ossei-Addo

Mailancol

WARD

Mitchel-King

CLARKE

Longden

MEECHAN 2

Hawkins

Galliford

MAILANCOL

Cisse

Trottman

Ward

Mitchel-King

Frater

Longden

MEECHAN 2

Hawkins

Galliford

Trottman

Cisse

Tann

Ward

Anton

Frater

Mitchel-King

MEECHAN

Hawkins

Galliford

Ward

Anton

Frater

Mitchel-King

MEECHAN

HAWKINS

Galliford

Tann

Trottman

Ward

Anton

FRATER

Mitchel-King

Meechan

Hawkins

Galliford

Mailancol

Longden

Ward

Anton

Frater

Mitchel-King

Meechan

Hawkins

Mailancol

Galliford

Longden

Ward

ANTON

Beech

MITCHEL-KING

MEECHAN

Hawkins

Galliford

Vieira

WARD

Anton

Vieira

Mitchel-King

MEECHAN 2

HAWKINS

Mailancol

HOBBS

Ward

Hall

Frater

Galliford

Meechan

Hawkins

Mailancol

Vieira

Ofosu

Ward

Blackett

Frater

Longden

Meechan

HAWKINS

Galliford

Vieira

Clarke

WARD

Hall

Frater

Horne

Meechan

HAWKINS

Galliford

CLARKE

Ofosu

Ward

Blackett

BEECH

Longden

MEECHAN 2

HAWKINS 2

Wilkinson

Ofosu

Galliford

Horne

Ward

Blackett

CLARKE

Longden

Meechan

HAWKINS

Horne

Ofosu

Vieira

Mailancol

Ward

Blackett

Clarke

Longden

MEECHAN

Hawkins

Galliford

Ward

Blackett

Beech

Longden

Meechan

Hawkins

Galliford

Vieira

Horne

Burton

Beech

WWW.STNEOTSTOWNFC.CO.UK / PAGE 45

EVO-STIK LEAGUE SOUTHERN PREMIER DIVISION / 22.10.15

P

W

D

L

GF

GA

+/-

Pts

01

Poole Town

15

10

3

2

32

15

+17

33

02

Leamington

15

9

4

2

22

10

+12

31

03

Chippenham Town

15

7

6

2

23

12

+11

27

04

Weymouth

16

7

6

3

17

9

+8

27

05

Redditch United

15

7

5

3

19

15

+4

26

06

Hungerford Town

16

6

6

4

28

21

+7

24

07

Biggleswade Town

14

7

1

6

25

21

+4

22

08

Cirencester Town

14

7

1

6

20

19

+1

22

09

Dorchester Town

15

6

4

5

24

24

0

22

10

Kettering Town

14

7

1

6

22

23

-1

22

11

Cambridge City

13

6

3

4

20

15

+5

21

12

Slough Town

16

6

3

7

24

26

-2

21

13

St Neots Town

13

5

5

3

29

21

+8

20

14

Stratford Town

14

5

5

4

22

21

+1

20

15

King's Lynn Town

15

6

2

7

15

19

-4

20

16

Hitchin Town

13

5

4

4

25

22

+3

19

17

Dunstable Town

14

5

4

5

21

19

+2

19

18

Chesham United

15

5

4

6

25

24

+1

19

19

Merthyr Town

15

4

4

7

22

20

+2

16

20

Histon

15

5

1

9

29

34

-5

16

21

Frome Town

16

3

5

8

14

33

-19

14

22

Bideford

15

2

4

9

14

28

-14

10

23

Bedworth United

15

2

2

11

13

37

-24

8

24

Paulton Rovers

14

0

5

9

10

27

-17

5

PAGE 46 / ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V MERTHYR TOWN ISSUE 08

PROUD TO SUPPORT AND SPONSOR THE SAINTS

#AllForOneAndOneForAll

Experts in Company Branding, Marketing and Website Design www.blueprawndesign.co.uk

@blueprawndesign

01767 677559

Manager: David Batch Assistant Manager: Steve Eastaugh First Team Coach: John Beck Goalkeeping Coach: Darren Plowman

Manager: Steve Jenkins Assistant Manager: Gavin Williams First Team Coach: Ashley Thomas Physiotherapist: Andrew Needs

Goalkeepers

Possible Line Up:

Andrew Wilton

01: Tom Bradley

Ollie Sutton

02. Adam Davies 03. James Bloom

Defenders

04. Ashley Evans (Captain)

Brett Longden

05. Rhys Baggridge

Jack Wilkinson

06. Cortez Belle

Adam Tann (Captain)

07. Jon Brown

Tom Ward

08. Jarrad Wright

Connor Hall

09. Ryan Prosser

Jamie Anton

10. Elliott Scotcher

Sam Harty

11. Ian Traylor

Shane Blackett

12. Jaye Bowen 13. Cameron Clarke

Midfielders

14. Jordan Chapelle

Ryan Hawkins

15. Guillem Bauza

Lee Clarke

16. Corey Jenkins

Mat Mitchel-King Guy Mailamcol Remy Gordon Josh Beech Forwards Drew Roberts Tom Meechan Nathan Frater

Colours Dark Blue Shirts, Shorts & Socks

Colours Red Shirts, White Shorts & Red Socks

The match line up will be displayed on the electronic scoreboard Referee: Dave Bushell Assistant 1: Andrew Loe Assistant 2: James Killin

Next Home Game: Bedworth United FA Trophy Saturday 31st October / KO 15:00

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