Saints vs Arlesey Town

The Official Matchday Magazine

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Wednesday 1st January 2014 Kick-Off 3pm

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Welcome to Rowley Park - The Cozy Stadium and to the latest edition of the Saints Matchday Magazine, enjoy great football, great hospitality and a great read.

Club honours

inside This issue 03

Management Notes

28

MDs’ Views

04

Action Replay

29

Football Funnies

Division One champions, 1 time

05

Uhlsport Feature

30/31

Mascot Feature

United Counties League

06

SNT News

32

Game For A Laugh

08/09

Match Reports

33

Fixtures Matrix

10/11

Player Profile

35

Fixtures Information

Premier Division champions, 2 times Division One champions, 1 time League Cup winners, 2 times

12

Greenies Greetings

37

The Non-League Paper

Metropolitan League

14

Crazy Managerial Reigns

38

Scorelines

16

A Blast From The Past

39

Non-League Club News

17

Chairmans’ Views

40/41

Season Statistics

Champions, 1 time League Cup winners, 1 time Professional Cup winners, 1 time

18/21

Opponent Feature

42

League Table

22/23

Pull Out Poster

44

The Teams

27

Fan Feature

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South Midlands League Champions, 1 time Huntingdonshire League Champions, 4 times

Club Officials

02

Southern Football League

Owner Mike Kearns Chairman Mike Kearns Managing Director Lee Kearns Director Iain Parr Joint First Team Managers Gary King / Zema Abbey Assistant First Team Manager Nathan Abbey Club Secretary Gary Wilson Fixture Secretary Marian Izzard Treasurer Keith Gotch Life President John Walker Life Vice-Presidents Ena Kester Jack Blyth

Huntingdonshire Senior Cup Mel Hancock Ken Harris David Mackian Terry Reedman Stuart Walters Team Officials Ben Watts (Assistant Coach) Richard King (Goalkeeping Coach) Youth Liaison & Development Mick Hunt Physio Carol Holland St Neots Town TV Editor Adam Ridley Club Merchandise Linda Walters Programme Editor Mark Davies Functions and Events Coordinator Louise Spark

Site Manager Irmantas Sabaliauskas

Winners, 37 times

Chief Liaison Officer Mike Green

Winners, 2 times

Club Photographer Claire Howes Assistant Photographer Paulo Soares

Hinchingbrooke Cup

Club information

Programme Sales Charlie Green

Founded 1879

Matchday Music / Scoreboard Simon Hutchinson

Rowley Park, Kester Way St Neots PE19 6SL

Pitchcare Working Turf

01480 470012

200 Club Stuart Walters Design & Marketing Blueprawn Print XL Press Limited

The Cozy Stadium

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maNagemeNT NOTeS All the latest news at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk

Ahead of Schedule Gary King good afternoon everybody and welcome to our opponents today arlesey Town FC. I am writing these notes before the Cambridge and Stourbridge games due to the Christmas period.

friends there. It was pleasing for me that when I returned to watch Arlesey play Hungerford in December this year I received a very warm welcome, in fact, their Chairman and my friend, Manny, chose to sit next to me in the stand which was nice considering it is natural for them to be disappointed in the fact Nathan and Zema had departed only weeks earlier. I do hope Manny chooses to continue in his role as Chairman next season as he is an asset to ATFC and will be very important in their continued successes. I would also like to wish the new manager, Rufus, well and commend him on what has been a good start to his tenure as Arlesey’s Manager and Director of Football.

Back to St Neots now, for us moving forward, continued progression is the order of the day. Let’s be

honest, if you finish 6th or 20th in this division what difference does it make? You haven’t made the play offs and you haven’t been relegated.

What we need to do is continue working towards building a team that is hungry for success, a team that is good enough to be in the top 5 of this division, a team that is within budget and achieves the right things in the right way, a team that is consistent and has momentum. That is our focus and moving into the New Year we will continue to try to deliver on all of these fronts.

I sign off on behalf of the management team and the squad by wish you all a very Happy New Year.

All for one and one for all.

‘Kingy’

and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC

Of course, Zema, Nathan and myself spent five happy years at Arlesey and the club will always have a place in our hearts; five years which equated to the most successful spell in Arlesey’s history and we have many

Let’s be honest, if you finish 6th or 20th in this division what difference does it make?

Follow the Saints on Facebook /StNeotsTownFC

I was so pleased we signed off for Christmas with such a significant victory against Totton. To send a crowd of 300 home with 6 of the best as well as putting 3 points on the table in the game before Christmas was fitting and for it to be capped with Shane Tolley’s first goal on his return with only his second touch was tremendous. Welcome home Shane. With Bedford losing and Frome not playing the result meant we moved up another place in the table which I was delighted with.

It’s fair to say that looking at the league table after the Totton game we are probably ahead of schedule in terms of moving away from the bottom 3. In such a short timescale we have turned what was a 6 point deficit to Bedford into a five point lead; it has to be said Zema and Nathan’s hard work and know how has had a lot to do with this and we all gave each other a pat on the back after that game. It was a result that took a lot of pressure off the squad going into two very tough games, Cambridge away and Stourbridge home. As I have often said in previous notes it’s beating the teams that are in and around us in the league that will determine our fate, but that said, I also feel that where we are as a squad right now means we can compete and beat any team in this division.

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aCTiON rePlay

04

This week two years ago Evo Stik Southern League Central - 2nd January 2011 St Neots Town 5

barton rovers 3

St Neots rounded off a great Christmas/New year period with maximum points from three games and extended their unbeaten run to seven matches.

However the greatly improved Barton Rovers made them fight all the way for their victory scoring the last two goals in an eight goal thriller with just a hint of defensive overconfidence from the home side. Two goals each for Stefan Moore and Ben Mackey – both within five minutes of introduction as a second half substitute – ensured a comfort zone for St Neots and in front of his sides’ biggest ever Southern League crowd (438) Junior Kanuda celebrated his fiftieth start for the home side with his trademark brand of wizardry in midfield. Three team changes from the last victory showed St Neots undoubted strength in depth and this did not detract from the sides’ now familiar brand of attractive attacking football.

The first tackle of the match after just 22 seconds produced a yellow card for St Neots combative midfielder Adrian Sear and despite being a marked man by the opposition for the remainder of the match he survived the full ninety minutes. Home keeper Michael Duggan had to be on his game early as he stretched to push away an in swinging Lee Wilson corner whilst at the other end after 11 minutes Shane Tolley volleyed over the bar. A minute later Tolley set up the opening

goal for Stefan Moore as he unselfishly knocked back a Pearson Mwanyongo cross which went in despite the visiting keeper getting hands to the fierce shot. Barton were serving up some attractive football but they were not really effective in front of goal but they almost levelled as Max Avory making only his fourth league start did well to clear off the line.

A Dan Jacob volley beat Richard Wilmot but landed on the roof of the net and Junior Konadu had a shot pushed for a corner. Five minutes before the break Moore might have claimed a second goal after defensive hesitation but his shot went wide.

Barton made a blistering start to the second half and after Bobby Dance had spurned an early chance volleying high over the bar they deservedly levelled after 50 minutes with Niran Vaughan making a strong forward run to set up Ricky Case for a crisp finish. However parity lasted just two minutes and then Renee Steer carried the ball from area to area and when his run was halted the ball ran loose and Dan Jacob slotted home – his second goal in successive matches. After 59 minutes Wilmot made a great save from Jacob but could not hold the ball and in the defensive chaos Adrian Sear was pulled back and a penalty awarded which Stefan Moore confidently tucked in to make it 3-1. Duggan then made a crucial stop leaving his line to parry a shot from Theo Swaine and after 64 minutes St Neots opted for a double

substitution with Ben Mackey and Lewis Webb replacing Shane Tolley and Max Avory.

Within five minutes of his introduction Mackey had scored twice increasing the lead to an unassailable 5-1. With almost his first touch he made space in the six yard box to head in a cross from Moore and then from a neat set up by the other St Neots substitute Lewis Hilliard he hit an unstoppable shot in off the underside of the crossbar.

With sixteen minutes remaining Baron pulled a goal back when a opportunist Paul Andrews shot was deflected beyond the reach of Duggan and with just one minute of normal time left a great through pass from Wilson set up Ricky Case for his second goal of the match.

St Neots: Duggan, Avory, Steer, Sear, Gent, Hope, Mwanyongo, Konadu, Moore, Tolley, Jacob.

Subs: Hilliard (for Mwanyongo 52 mins), Mackey (for Tolley 64 mins), Webb (for Avory 64 mins), & Henebery man of the match: Junior Konadu

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Club NewS

Official Club News Feed

Never miss a thing relating to St. Neots Town Football Club! For those of you who aren’t online much then the Saints Matchday Magazine will always bring you the latest news so that you are bang up-to-date. we say good-bye to michael Frew and dan Crowie Michael frew has returned to Lowestoft as his loan period has expired. We thank Michael for his time given to the club. Dan Crowie has left to join Kettering Town, as his first team chances at this particular time were limited because of the form of Ryan Frater and Gavin Hoyte. Dan is a first team starter at most clubs but our need for points at this time means a call for experience at the centre of defence. We will be keeping an eye on Dan moving forward.

Sportsmen of the year

Thanks Steve Without doubt the Rowley rabble and the Totton goalkeeper Joe McCormack. Joe was sent off after trying to stop Lorenzo Ferrari going through on goal, Penalty yes sending off absolutely no.

The rabble invited Joe to watch the rest of the game with them behind the goal, Joe accepted and the boys even brought Joe a drink.

This could only happen in Nonleague football.

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Thanks to Steve Pickering for making the roof of the SNTTv Gantry water tight. Adam and his production team can now stay relatively dry.

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maTCh rePOrT

08

Calor Southern League Premier Division Rowley Park - The Cozy Stadium (Att 293) Saturday 21st December 2013 - Kick Off 15:00 Referee Adam Crysell (Braintree)

St Neots Town Nolan 2 (11 & 57 mins), woolley (10 mins), davies (12 mins), hilliard (73 mins pen), Tolley (76 mins)

■ ■ None Abbey, Deeney, Lee, Ford, Frater, Hoyte, Hilliard, Davies, Nolan, Thomas, Woolley Subs: Ferrari (for Woolley 64 mins), Tolley (for Nolan 75 mins), Hibbert (for Hilliard 75 mins), Ann and Conroy.

6:0

aFC Totton

McCormack (■ 72), Beckles (■ 50) McCormack, Beckles, Bridge, Moth, Flooks, Hibberd, House, Ross, Edwards, Roberts, Jennings Subs: Crisp (for House 64 mins) and Mowthorpe (for Jennings 73 mins).

This match had been billed as a ‘six pointer’ with both teams striving to climb clear of the relegation zone but St Neots turned it into a six goals triumph as they recorded their biggest ever Premier Division victory.

Late in the week they had re-signed one of their previous record goal scorers (Shane Tolley – 76 goals in 76 starts at Step Five) and he made it a memorable return with a second touch goal after coming on as a substitute. They also had added to their squad with a signing of speedy winger Lorenzo Ferrari and he also made a second half twenty five minutes debut and he looks to be the most exciting of Gary King’s signings – responsible for that Tolley goal. The two changes to the starting line up saw the return of Lewis Hilliard for Michael Frew whose loan period has ended, and Jay Wilson back after suspension to replace the unavailable Ben Farrell and both celebrated with appearances on the score sheet. Another clean sheet and another place up the table was the result of the afternoon’s work with Frome’s trip to Biggleswade off due to a waterlogged pitch.

Three goals in two and a half first half minutes signalled St Neots determination not to let this opportunity to start the festive season well at the expense of their struggling visitors who had picked up only four points from their previous ten matches. After ten minutes and pinpoint cross from the right

by Lewis Hilliard picked out Jake Woolley and he slotted home for his sixth goal in fourteen matches and within a minute the lead was doubled when Matt Nolan crashed home from a narrow angled after neat play between Jay Davies and Woolley.

Ninety seconds later it was 3-0 to leave Totton shell shocked as Davies ran through to collect a Hilliard cross to leave visiting goalkeeper Joe McCormack helpless. Totton had little to offer in reply with three first half corners their only offering as credible attacking moves. From the third Davies got back to clear as his defence hesitated but at the other end the overworked McCormack was keeping the score down to a reasonable .level with first class saves to deny Davies, Arthur Lee and Simon Thomas. Defender Ryan Frater joined the attacking fun but headed wide when well placed and Simon Thomas headed wide from

a Dave Deeney cross. Totton’s first shot came after two minutes of the second half when Nathan Abbey saved with his legs to deny Taylor Edwards but it was soon business as usual when after 57 minutes a Hilliard cross was not cleared and Nolan pounced for his second goal of the match to make it 4-0. Abbey was then unsighted as Luke Roberts produced a thunderous shot but the keeper recovered to push the ball away for a corner. Ferrari came on to replace Woolley and immediately tormented the visiting defence seeing his first shot deflected for a corner.

Then after 72 minutes he skipped through the Totton defence only to be brought down as he went around McCormack. The keeper was sent off and Hilliard netted from the spot to increase the lead to 5-0. It was then an ‘all our yesterdays’ moment as Shane Tolley on for Nolan scored with his second touch after more skilful play by Ferrari. St Neots could have won by a greater margin but it is hard to criticise a side when they have won by six goals to nil.

John walker

maTCh rePOrT

The Glassworld Stadium (Att 371) Thursday 26th December 2013 - Kick Off 15:00 Referee Ellis Clark (Kettering)

Cambridge City dawkin (16 mins), marriott (60 mins), bossman (64 mins Martin (■ 56), Beasant (■ 74) Brighton (■ 90 + 2) Barrett, Pepper, Brighton, Beasant, Chaffey, Beech, Lewis, Martin, Bossman, Marriott, Dawkin Subs: Burns (for Lewis 66 mins), Ramm (for Lewis 76 mins), de-Haviland (for Beasant 83 mins), Midgley and Ordonez.

3:2

St Neots Town Tolley (86 mins), davies (89 mins pen) Tolley (■ 90 + 2) Abbey, Deeney, Lee, Ford, Frater, Hoyte,Hilliard, Davies, Nolan, Thomas, Woolley Subs: Sear (for Ford 61 mins), Tolley (for Thomas 61mins), Ferrari (for Woolley 72 mins), Hibbert and Conroy.

St Neots made the early chances as Simon Thomas set up Lewis Hilliard to bring a useful save from Zac Barrett and then Jay Davies volleyed over the bar when well placed.

Appeals for a penalty when Jake Woolley tumbled in the area were waved away but after 16 minutes in their first real attack Cambridge went ahead with a beautifully crafted goal.

The impressive Adam Marriott won the ball and slipped the perfectly weighted pass inside the full back to play Josh Dawkin clear and he

kept his cool to fire low past the advancing Nathan Abbey. It was rough justice on St Neots but they reacted positively winning a string of corners but could not find a finishing touch although a Matt Nolan header was only just too high. At the other end Marriott sent a snap shot wide and then St Neots wereunlucky not to draw level when a Hilliard shot was blocked by Chaffey but he collected the loose ball to send a shot against the crossbar. On the stroke of half time Barrett produced another important save to deny Davies.

Cambridge had the better of the play at the start of the second half.

Kelvin Bossman cut in but shot wide, Josh Beech headed wide after good work by Marriott and then on the hour the home side doubled their lead. Once again Adam Marriott was the tormentor-in-chief taking a return pass from Bossman to beat Abbey with a low angled cross into the bottom corner of the net.

St Neots sent on substitutes Adrian Sear returning from a lengthy injury absence and Shane Tolley but before they had a chance to make an impact Cambridge claimed a third goal as Kelvin Bossman went past his marker to score with a swerving shot that went in just under the bar at the far post. St Neots then threw

caution to the wind and went for the preservation of pride. Up for a corner Arthur Lee headed against a post from a Davies corner, Hilliard shot over the bar and Tolley was robbed as he looked to shoot from close range. Then with just four minutes left Shane Tolley maintained his incredible scoring record as he collected an accurate through pass from Dave Deeney to volley past the surprised Barrett and two minutes later Hilliard was hauled down in the area by substitute Jackson Ramm and from the resultant penalty kick Jay Davies rapped the ball home to reduce the deficit to a single goal. Had there been more time left St Neots might have completed a stunning comeback but there was only time for a midfield skirmish in which Brighton and Tolley were both yellow carded.

and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC

They were beaten by the odd goal in five by a Cambridge City side now looking strong in third place in the table but they showed real character coming back from a three goals deficit to go close to snatching an unlikely point with two late goals.

After their six goals home victory just five days earlier Manager Gary King named an unchanged starting line-up but his side trailed by a single goal at the break before conceding two more around the hour mark.

That would have seen most side capitulate but this St Neots squad are made of sterner stuff having been twice denied by the woodwork and their late burst left the home side clinging on to the narrowest of leads to take the three points that keeps the pressure on the leading two clubs.

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St Neots can be proud of their Boxing Day performance although they returned from Histon empty handed.

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Calor Southern League Premier Division

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Player PrOFile

10

Ben Ford Ben is a left footed midfield player who has previously played for Hinckley, Nuneaton and Kettering where he was given a 3 year contract when they were in the National Conference division.

Player PrOFile

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greeNieS greeTiNgS

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Another Exciting Year Lies Ahead Mike Green good afternoon ladies and gentlemen and welcome to rowley Park – The Cozy Stadium, for today’s Calor league Premier division game.

2014 promises to be another exciting year for the Club with the lads looking to hold on to our Premier Division status and of course, building a squad which we hope will be pushing on next season to make a serious challenge at the top end of the table.

Today we extend a very warm welcome to the players, officials and of course, the travelling supporters of Arlesey Town Football Club and we trust you have an enjoyable, if brief stay with us before travelling home safely this evening.

I hope you all enjoyed your New Year celebrations and the hangovers are now clearing as you all have an important job to do this afternoon, cheering on the lads as we look for three very important points against

our visitors from Bedfordshire.

This particular game has a special importance too as I’m sure our current management team will of course want to come out on top against their former employers. If this game is anywhere as exciting as the two games played last season, I’m sure we will be in for yet another blockbuster.

2014 promises to be another exciting year for the Club with the lads looking to hold on to our Premier

Division status and of course, building a squad which we hope will be pushing on next season to make a serious challenge at the top end of the table as well as our Apprentice Scheme hopefully growing larger and stronger too. Make sure you are playing your valued part in building for the future by coming to each game and maybe even bringing some potential new supporters with you each time.

As I mentioned in the previous edition, these notes were penned before the Totton game due to print deadlines so we as yet have no written reports on any of the Festive programme of games but never fear, regular service will resume in our next edition on the 11th versus Poole Town.

Get behind the boys from the off as ever, your efforts on the sidelines are noticed and do make a difference.

Pump up The volume ‘greenie’

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CRAZY

14

MANAGERIAL REIGNS

We count down the top ten bizarre stories that fall off the Managerial Roundabout that leaves us all scratching our bonses every season.

10) Steve Coppell (manchester City) October 1996-November 1996

9) andre villas-boas (Chelsea) June 2011-march 2012

After Manchester City dropped out of the Premier League in the summer of 1996, Alan Ball was shown the door. It took the Maine Road club six weeks to appoint Steve Coppell as his replacement - and then 33 days to lose him. After his first match in charge, Coppell uttered what was thought to be a throwaway remark: ‘They call Manchester Madchester... and now I know why.’

Ushered in by Roman Abramovich in the summer of 2011, this suave protégé of Jose Mourinho was billed as the man who would deliver Chelsea their holy grail of the European Cup. By the club’s impossibly high standards, the start of his reign was stuttering and defeats to Manchester United, QPR, Arsenal and Liverpool left the Blues well off the title pace.

Just over a month later, with City languishing 17th in Division One, he resigned from the post, having been overwhelmed by the stress of his responsibilities.

His voice creaking, Coppell said: ‘I am not ashamed to admit I have suffered for some time from the huge pressure I have imposed on myself.’

By the end of his reign, he had even taken to sleeping at the training ground as there were seemingly not enough hours in the day. Young and inexperienced at just 33, he never gained a firm grip over a notoriously difficult dressing room, with senior players undermining his authority. When Chelsea lost at Everton in February and dropped out of the top four, Villas-Boas called the squad in on their day off for a summit. In front of Abramovich, several senior players ripped into his methods and tactics.Civil war broke out and Villas-Boas left Frank Lampard, Michael Essien and Ashley Cole on the bench for a Champions League match away to Napoli. After the move backfired and Chelsea lost 3-1, Abramovich asked for an explanation. Within a week, he was history.

His six-match reign included two wins, a draw and three defeats before it all got too much.

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These boards will offer maximum exposure during the season and with the ground share agreement with St Neots Town Saints FC you get double exposure. Your advert will also go into our Business Partner page on our bespoke website and you will also be able to take advantage of our membership data base by offering members specific monthly offers or promotions.

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a blaST FrOm The PaST

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Paolo Maldini Full name: Paolo Cesare maldini

A 38 year-old Maldini is now a serious contender for the greatest defender of all time. Dignified and hugely respected, he is the paragon of a professional sportsman. He is one of the rare breed of footballers that looks completely at home on a football pitch. His vision and ability to read the game are second to none, allowing him to position himself so well that despite his lack of pace and advanced years, attacking players still fear the prospect of facing a defence with Maldini at its centre.

date of birth: 26/6/1968 His international career began with the Italian under-21 squad in the 1986-87 season, graduating to the main squad in 1988. His first game was under Azeglio Vicini in Split against Yugoslavia. He distinguished himself, and became a fixture in the ‘Azzuri’ defence until his retirement from international football in 2002.

During his 16 year tenure as an international, he became Italy’s most capped player, representing his country 126 times. One of the big disappointments of Maldini’s otherwise extraordinarily highachieving career, was the lack of major international silverware. Italy finished runner-up in the 1994 USA FIFA World Cup, and in third place in the 1990 competition. He was also in the side that finished second in Euro 2000.

(formerly European Cup) finals with Francesco Gento, although Maldini has 5 winner’s medals to Gento’s 6.

Italy’s post-Maldini triumph in the 2006 FIFA World Cup must have been a bittersweet experience for the retiree. Like the rest of Italy, he was surely ecstatic to see his countrymen lifting the Jules Rimet trophy, but we could forgive him for feeling slightly envious of some of his ex-team mates, basking in the glory of the most coveted trophy in football (perhaps sport), that had eluded him despite two near successes.

In the 2005 final against Liverpool FC, Maldini scored the fastest ever goal in a European Cup final, after only 51 seconds. He also became the oldest player ever to score in the final. He also holds the record for most appearances in the Serie A, Italy’s premier league, with over 600 appearances and counting. His total for all competitions at the end of the 2006/07 season was 846. Although he has publicly stated his desire to achieve 1000 appearances in a red and black shirt, this seems unlikely as he currently plans to retire at the end of the 2007/08 season.

However, Maldini could console himself easily enough by glancing up at his mantelpiece and reminding himself of the incredible success he has had (and still enjoys) for his club.

He has won the Serie A 7 times, and the Italian Super Cup 5 times between 1988 and 2005, making Milan the most successful team in the recent history of the Serie A. He also jointly holds the record for 8 appearances in Champions League

Throughout his 23 seasons at Milan, Maldini has only missed a handful of matches, making more than 25 appearances every year except 2001-02, when he suffered knee problems. These have never completely disappeared, but by moving into a less movement intensive role in central defence and enjoying the attentions of the best physicians in Italy, he has managed to stay fit and competitive.

He also possesses an extraordinary capacity for inspiring and organising his team mates and co-defenders.

His command of the game is such that opponents find themselves playing the game at the pace Maldini sets, which generally is very slow.

The inability of faster English teams to cope with the Maldini Effect is well documented.

Perhaps the best season of Maldini’s career was 93/94, when he played in the side winning the European Cup and was runner-up in the FIFA World Cup finals, losing out to Brazil on penalties. This season saw him winning the prestigious World Soccer player of the year award – the first defender to do so. He said of the award; “It’s a great honour for me to know that so many people consider me so highly. It’s a particular matter of pride because defenders generally receive so much less attention from fans and the media than goal scorers. We are more in the engine room rather than taking the glory.”

One wonders whether if a young Maldini had decided to apply his skills in the other half of the pitch rather than defensively, we would be calling him a contender for best player of all time rather than best defender of all time.

Career appearances: 621 goals: 29 international Caps: 126 goals: 7 Career highlight: World Soccer World Player of the Year 1994

ChairmaN’S viewS

Mike Kearns welcome to the Officials, Players and Supporters of arlesey Town for todays match, i hope you enjoy your day with us.

Todays meeting between the teams is the first of this season with the reverse fixture being next Easter Monday by which time I would like to think that we would be somewhere in mid table.

Its good to see Shane Tolley continuing his goal scoring exploits by netting twice on his first two appearances since re-joining the club, both after coming on as a second half substitute.

The young saints eventually won that game by two goals to one and the reports I have heard were that we fully deserved our historic victory in front of over two hundred supporters.

The bragging rights are very firmly in our corner. A wonderful effort and result of which shows the progress our club has made over the last few years.

I was speaking to a few of our supporters about the rivalry between the two clubs when they both played in the same division of the United Counties League and how intense it was at the time.

How times and fortunes have changed for our club with our association with the St Neots Town Saints and Youth set up,

our Apprentice scheme and the consolidation of the first team at step three of the Non League Pyramid.

Great achievement by all associated with this great club.

Now on to todays match and hopefully we will be coming into it with a decent result against Stourbridge. Whatever that result I’m sure you will all agree with me that our squad has taken shape and our second half of the season will be much more successful than the last four months.

Thank you to everyone connected with our club and I hope you all have a wonderful and prosperous 2014.

I am sure that our football 2014 will be a very good one as well.

Lastly just to let you all know I have been banned from my usual seat in the Directors box and have had to take refuge up in the SNTTV gantry.

I went up there for a better view when we beat Hemel and have been banished to the gantry ever since.

Think I might just have my very own little mini Directors box up there.

all for one and one for all.

Follow the Saints on Facebook /StNeotsTownFC

Having to write these notes before the Stourbridge fixtures our Christmas results have been one win and one very unlucky loss to Cambridge City. Everyone who saw that match would not have denied us at least a draw in that game. City were third from top and we were forth from bottom but on the day there was really nothing between the two sides and I thought that we were by far the better side in the first half where we just did not take our chances. That seems to be the story of our season so far, but I’m sure that will be corrected very soon.

Before travelling to the away match against Cambridge City I took in the first half of the Under 21s Boxing day fixture against our local rivals Eynesbury. I had to leave at half time with the score level at one goal each, but I was most impressed by the quality of the young guns in that half. Skill, patience and quality football come to mind against our more experienced opponents who were second in the league table at the time.

All the latest news at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk

Bragging Rights

mike

and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC 17

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OPPONeNT SPOTlighT

Arlesey Town The Blues Arlesey will be familiar opposition for our management team who were in charge at the Armadillo Stadium last season.

Previous meetings of our clubs 2012/13 Season: St Neots Town 1-2 Arlesey Town

year Founded: 1891

Chairman: Manny Cohen

Club website: www.arleseyfc.co.uk

Welcome to our visitors this afternoon for our next engagement in the Calor Southern League Premier Division.

They are the players, Directors and supporters of Arlesey Town and we extend to them our usual warm Cozy Stadium welcome. Arlesey have always been a bit of a ‘bogey’ team for St Neots because records show that of our eleven league and cup meetings to date home and away our visitors have won eight, drawn two and lost just one. That one victory for St Neots came back in the 1984/85 season – the year that Arlesey were champions of the Premier Division of the United Counties League. Having lost 8-2 at our former ground at ‘Shortsands’ our lads travelled to Arlesey and delayed their charge to the title with a 1-0 victory with the goal coming

from midfielder Nicky Charter. Our two Southern League meeting last season both resulted in odd goal victories for today’s visitors so we are now hoping to get three points today to start clawing back our rather poor sequence of results. Arlesey are current holders of the Red Insure Cup although they failed to retain that trophy having been defeated 3-0 at home by Kettering Town in a recent second round tie.

Club history Arlesey Town Football Club celebrated their centenary in 1991, having been formed by a group of local people before the turn of the

Photo courtesy of Dave Braybrook - www.arleseyfc.co.uk

18

Arlesey Town 4-3 St Neots Town

last century. Before the Second World War, Soccer was played on a localised basis, and in common with many clubs in the area, Arlesey competed in the flourishing Biggleswade & District League and entered the Biggleswade Knock-out Cup. The first competitive match under floodlights was played in January 1981 against the now defunct ‘Pirton FC’ and two months later the Blues played host to Luton Town for the official opening in front of over 1,000 spectators.

Playing fortunes have fluctuated since the war and season 1950-51 saw the Blues finish as runners-up to Bletchley Town in the S.M.L. Premier

OPPONeNT SPOTlighT

adult:

£10

Concession:

£6

under 16 yrs:

£2

Child with paying adult:

£1

armadillo Stadium Capacity: 2,920 disabled access: Yes

In February 1954, the developing Arlesey Town Colts, local players, reached the 4th round of the F.A. Youth Cup and were drawn away to Portsmouth. The 1950’s had seen the Blues compete in the South Midlands and Parthenon Leagues. Season 1968-69 saw one of Arlesey’s favourite sons in charge of team affairs; Roland Legate, (who played football professionally for Luton Town) took the helm as player-manager and during his four-year spell, he took the Blues to a league runners-up spot. The start of the 1975-76 season saw Legate return as manager and the trophies came with him, 3 Hinchingbrooke Cup successes, one Beds Senior Cup, the Biggleswade K.O Cup twice and the South Midlands League Challenge Trophy once.

The club then crossed the pyramid to the United Counties League and after two indifferent terms in the U.C.L., Arlesey lifted the Premier Division crown in season 1984-85.

With the rising cost of UCL travel and the attraction of more ‘local derbies’ in 1991-92 it was decided to resign from the United Counties League and cross to the familiar surroundings of the South Midlands League. A successful first year campaign saw the Blues finish in third place and in their second season finished sixth in the league and lifted the Premier Division Cup. The club also gained national recognition following a marvellous run in the FA Vase to the quarterfinals where they faced old U.C.L. foes Boston in a thrilling game and lost out to an injury time winner. With changes to support and playing staff for 1994/5 the results exceeded expectations.

The South Midlands League championship was won with a record 107 points, but even this memorable feat was eclipsed when Arlesey Town defeated Oxford City at Wembley Stadium in front of over 13,000 spectators to lift the F.A. Carlsberg Challenge Vase on May 13, 1995.

For season 1997-98 teams were unable to keep pace and their

did you know?..

Last season again saw a good FA Cup run that went again to the 1st round proper evenyualy losing away to Coventry City. Arlesey missed out on the play off spot by just a single point, Gosport beat St Neots by the single goal to take that place. However the Red Insure League Cup was won in a 2 legged final against Frome to cap off a very good season.

did you know?...

In season 2010-11 saw Arlesey in the top echelons of Southern league central division season which finished in dramatic stile as they won 10 games on the bounce, had 9 points deducted on the day they thought they had won the league away at Hayes and then beat long term arch rivals and near neighbours Hitchin Town on Hitchin’s own ground on their last game of the season to be finally crowned League Champions.

did you know?...

Arlesey Town defeated Oxford City at Wembley Stadium in front of over 13,000 spectators to lift the F.A. Carlsberg Challenge Vase on May 13, 1995. In the semi Final they lost the first leg against Raunds 0-3 but won the second leg 5-0 after extra time to take them to Wembley.

and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC

championship aspirations soon evaporated. An FA Vase 3rd round exit occurred in Cornwall’s Porthleven in December and the Blues’ last chance of picking up any silverware disappeared at the hands of arch rivals Stotfold who loosened Arlesey’s grip on the Hinchingbrooke Cup with a 2-0 semi-final victory. After a lengthy campaign the club finally received planning permission for a new ground just a few hundred yards along Hitchin Road.

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Division. The following season the 1st XI lifted the championship crown and the second string were crowned S.M.L. Division Two champions with the Youth team winning three trophies. The 1952-53 season began North Beds Charity Cup final win over Biggleswade Town (the match was held over from the previous season), and ended with a second successive championship win, Arlesey amassing S.M.L. record 52 points.

All the latest news at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk

admission Prices

19

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Find your voice on the official club forum at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk/forum

whO’S whO

20

who calls the shots?... rufus brevvett manager Came to the club in November 2013. A vastly experienced ex-professional footballer who has played for Doncaster Rovers, Queens Park Rangers for whom he played 153 times and Fulham with whom he has the “legend” status, West Ham and Plymouth. He brings an ethos of hard work and fitness to the team and will be looking for rapid improvement at all levels throughout the club as he also comes as Director of Football.

Sam wyer: goalkeeper

andre maltey: defender

Jeanmal Prosper: midfield/ defender

Signed on this season to compete in the goalkeeping department.

Didn’t feature preseason because of injury but will be looking to learn from those around and ultimately compete for the spot. Previously with Luton Town and Biggleswade Town.

A tough and uncompromising defender that can either play at full back or centre half and is equally good in either slot. Signed this year from Barton Rovers. Previous clubs include Leighton Town, Biggleswade Utd, St Neots, and Potton Utd.

Young defender with lots of pace and shows good skill levels and strength. Signed on from Aylesbury FC at the start of last season. Was young player of the year last season and has impressed everybody with his enthusiasm for the game and his versatility.

adam lawrence: goalkeeper Another keeper signed on this summer. Featured in preseason games and showed he is a good shot stopper. Provides good competition in the goalkeeper dept. Previous clubs are Kempston Rovers, Bedford Town, Biggleswade Utd and Langford. Was at Stevenage at under 18 level.

luke abraham: defender Another defender who signed on this season and immediately impressed and has made the left back spot his own. Started at Peterborough before going to Aylesbury FC from whom he came to us from.

Photos courtesy of Dave Braybrook - www.arleseyfc.co.uk

Jordan browne: defender/midfield Young defender who joined last year and rapidly made the right back position as his own. Was voted joint young player of the season on his 1st season and impresses everybody who sees him play. He has had a more forward role so far this year and has again impressed in his new position.

whO’S whO the break through into the ranks of established English football.

An experienced player with time at Spurs before playing for Northampton Town and Boston Utd and Kettering. Also was at St Albans before an injury but is now getting back to full fitness. He is a skilful, direct and technically good player who “makes thing happen”

Nathan hilaire: midfield/ Forward

Kai Francis: midfield Young midfielder who signed on this summer. Has bags on natural ability and is learning all of the time.

Previously with AFC Dunstable.

Might be one for the future.

Another signed on in the Summer, Plays in midfield or at full back.

Previous clubs are Hitchin Town, Biggleswade Town and Stotfold.

Christian Tavernier: midfield Signed on when released from Luton Town last season which is his only other club. Can play in midfield or defence Stefan Powell: midfield Brother of Martel Powell who joined last year. Was on the fringes of the team last season but is a serious contender for a midfield slot this year. martel Powell: midfield

Kristian michalak: midfield Signed this season but hales from Poland where he played for Gornik Leczna in Liga 1. Enthusiastic player who works hard and aims to make

Joined from Barton Rovers in the Summer. A busy player who is always working hard to disrupt attacks and turn them around. Good at pushing forward and looking for any loose ball. barry hayles: Forward A vastly experienced striker who joined from Truro in the summer. He has represented Jamaica 10 times and has Football League experience with Bristol Rovers, Fulham (with who he scored 44 goals in 175 appearances), Sheffield Utd, Milwall, Plymouth, & Leicester City. Started his career with local club Stevenage when they won the Conference and has also played for Cheltenham Town, St Albans and Truro City non League. Has shown he still has the appetite for the game pre-season and also that he still can excite in front of goal.

James hatch: Forward Signed from Bedford Town. A forward who is skillfull on the ball and also has a good eye for his fellow forwards. Has been county captain and has had spells at Baron Rovers and Leighton Town as well as several spells at Bedford.

Kim Forsythe: Forward A young forward who has always scored goals. A player who lives and was brought up in Arlesey and who has come up through the clubs youth and reserve teams before going down the road to Langford where he scored 38 goals in 28

Tall and strong centre forward who joined from Uxbridge last season who is both good in the air and on the floor.Is also a qualified Sports theripist. andrew Osei-Siribour: Forward Signed on in the Summer from Ilckston in the Northern Premier League. A strong and direct looking forward or winger who is always looking for the goal. Previous clubs inclued Port Vale and Wycombe Wanderers lorrell Smith: Forward Signed on this season from Stotfold.

A young player who is tricky getting into the box and is looking for the chance to break into the ranks of the more established forwards.

and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC

Talented player who signed on from Maidenhead in the Summer.

Was at MK Dons as a youth and had a couple of good years with Maidenhead. A skilful and tricky player who is another who is comfortable with the ball at his feet and is the sort of player that “makes things happen”.

Jonny mcNamara: midfield/Forward

Stuart Farrell: Forward

Follow the Saints on Facebook /StNeotsTownFC

Sam Pemberton: midfield

Signed on in the Summer from Kettering. A tricky player through the middle or on the wings who also likes going forward. Previous clubs include Biggleswade Utd and Banbury Utd.

games before going to Cambridge City. Signed for his home town club last season and aims to break into the ranks of the more established strikers around him.

All the latest news at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk

david galbraith: midfield

21

STEVE KHUNE MANAGER OF THE MONTH

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feature advertising

26

FaN FeaTure

Ray Willard welcome to our feature “one minute with” you, our supporters.

A simple question and answer to give us all a chance to get to know each other. Put a name to a face, and get that face “yours” into our match day magazine. If you would like to take part in this feature then contact Louise Sales on misslouisesales@yahoo.co.uk

Wine or beer?

None

Beer on the way to the game, wine on the way back

How long have you followed the Saints?

Who wears the trousers in your house Ray? We share them one leg in each

What changes would you make?

Fish and chips or curry?

None

Chips and curry sauce Are you scared of anything?

Do you have a favourite player?

Have you passed out through drinking too much alcohol?

Stefan Moore

Too many times to remember

What is your occupation?

Do you have a favourite film?

Where do you see us in the next three years?

Conveyor Engineer

Life of Brian. He is a very Naughty Boy.

Conference North / South

Most memorable goal?

This time Gav!

I have been a regular supporter for the last 5 years

What’s your favourite colour?

Blue is the colour football is the game

Not really

Your catchphrase?

and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC

Do you have a nick name?

Follow the Saints on Facebook /StNeotsTownFC

I support the best two 3 clubs in the world St Neots Town, Chelsea and Chelsea Reserves. I played for St Neots Town in the early 80’s.

All the latest news at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk

One Minute With...

Dan Jacob away to Gresley in the FA Vase

27

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managing director’s views

28

New Partnership Agreement Lee Kearns

Saints In Exciting Link-Up With The St Neots Learning Partnership St Neots Town FC is very excited to announce that a new link agreement has been created with the St Neots Learning Partnership that will enable us to deliver further programmes of academic study within our apprenticeship scheme.

The St Neots Learning Partnership is a federation of the two secondary schools within St Neots, namely Longsands and Ernulf Academies.

At present, St Neots Town FC offers a pathway to a career within sport and related industries via our apprenticeship programme.

This scheme can also provide an additional route for students to progress into higher education.

The new agreement with the St Neots Learning Partnership will enable us to offer an enhanced range of academic studies for our students, comprising the opportunity to study both level 2 and level 3 qualifications via the two secondary schools.

The new partnership between St Neots Town FC and both secondary education providers will provide the opportunity for a wide range of people within St Neots to benefit from the outstanding facilities on offer at the football club.

In addition, the new partnership between St Neots Town FC and both secondary education providers will provide the opportunity for a wide range of people within St Neots to benefit from the outstanding facilities on offer at the football club. As well as increasing the usage of our facilities at the football club, we are also hoping that further educational opportunities could be based at the club in the future, for example learning about areas such as physiotherapy.

This is the first small step towards an integrated partnership between the football club, and the secondary education providers within St Neots.

This is a unique opportunity for us to put something in place that will benefit not just the schools and the football club, but the whole of St Neots.

Lee

FOOTball FuNNieS

There’s never a dull moment supporting your favourite team, the beautiful game has been kicking around for years but will always throw up some lunacy! Check these beauties out! world Cup Thief’s Own goal

rubbergate did roland linz wear Jewellery?

Austria Magna striker Roland Linz was sent of for supposedly wearing jewellery. However, on appeal Austria’s football league overturned the decision by referee Dietmar Drabek. Nevertheless, it was not all good news for Austria Magna because the disciplinary committee ruled that Austria Magna’s 3-0 defeat away to title rivals Salzburg will stand.

What happened was Austria Magna striker Roland Linz was sent off for a second yellow card in the 28th minute of Sunday’s clash. The referee’s version was he saw the player taking a bracelet over to his team dugout. Referee

In delivering a judgement of Solomon, the disciplinary committee said that it would uphold the appeal against Linz’s dismissal. However, they were not going to sanction a re-match. Earlier on Monday, the league’s refereeing commission gave its backing to Drabek - citing FIFA regulations which ban the wearing of jewellery during football matches.

Speaking to the club’s web site shortly after the disciplinary committee’s announcement, Austria Magna’s sporting director Peter Stöger said the matter, which had been labelled ‘rubbergate’ was now closed.‘This judgement shows that mistakes have happened, and that it was therefore right of us to question events. Of course we cannot say what would have happened if we had played 90 minutes with 11 men, but in the spirit of sport and fairness we accept the result.’ Director Stöger added that the team would now be concentrate on Sunday’s home match, which coincidentally is against the same opponents, Salzburg.

and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC

A thief who stole a World Cup ticket from a woman’s handbag was caught after sitting down to watch the game next to his victim’s husband. The 34-year-old mugged Eva Standmann, 42, as she made her way to the Munich stadium for the Brazil-Australia game at the weekend and discovered the ticket in her bag. He took the woman’s place in the stadium where he was met by her husband Berndt, 43, who immediately called security.

A Munich police spokesman said, ‘The thief found the ticket in the bag and decided to watch the game, not expecting to sit next to his victim’s husband, who immediately informed officers on duty at the stadium.’

Drabek, who had booked an opposition player for wearing jewellery a few moments earlier, told reporters that he had told Linz to remove the bracelet before the kick-off. What league leaders Austria Magna wanted was the game replayed. They insist that their player was not wearing a bracelet and had in fact taken some coins and a rubber band off the pitch.

Follow the Saints on Facebook /StNeotsTownFC

OLD GAME!

All the latest news at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk

ITS A FUNNY

29

maSCOT FeaTure

The Saints got a great result, drawing 1-1 with Stourbridge, watched by a good crowd at the Cozy Stadium.

The cousins had a great day and got to lead their team out and get some great souvenir photos to remember their experience.

• Free entry for mascot and parents • Use of our hospitality room • Signed match day programme by your favourite player, which you will also appear in • Meet your favourite player and have your photo taken • Tour of the stadium • Have a kick about on the main pitch • Lead the Saints on to the pitch • Free portion of chips and drink for the mascot

To apply to be a matchday mascot contact louise Spark on misslouises@yahoo.co.uk

Sponsored by Steve Ridley

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Vi EE ew n R !

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Extended Match Highlights Post-Match Analysis and Interviews All the Goals, Outtakes and Behind the Scenes Coverage

and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC

Official TV Channel

Follow the Saints on Facebook /StNeotsTownFC

The Saints Matchday Mascot Experience

All the latest news at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk

Last Saturdays’ mascots were cousins Johnathan lovittedwards and henri Nazir. Johnny is 7 and plays for St Neots under 8’s and Henri is 12 and plays for Priory Parkside under 12’s.

Tune in to your club... www.stneotstownfc.co.uk 31

Find your voice on the official club forum at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk/forum

game FOr a laugh

ES!

COMMENTATORS FOOTBALL GAFF

You can always rely on the good old football commentator to come out with a classic during the big match! Here are a few howlers! david Coleman “And now an International Soccer Special, Manchester United v Southampton.”

byron butler

John helm “Real possession football, this.

And Zico’s lost it.”

Jimmy greaves Become a Member today at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk

“52,000 people here at Maine Road tonight, but my goodness me, it seems like 50,000.”

“I think Charlie George was one of Arsenal’s all time great players. A lot of people might not agree with that, but I personally do.”

garth Crooks “That goal surprised most people, least of all myself.”

david Coleman “Nottingham Forest are having a bad run, they’ve lost six matches in a row now without winning.”

Jimmy greaves “He hit the post, and after the game people will say, well, he hit the post.”

don howe “At the end of the day, the Arsenal fans demand that we put eleven players on the pitch.”

mitchell Thomas “All that remains is for a few dots and commas to be crossed.”

alan Shearer “One accusation you can’t throw at me is that I’ve always done my best.”

Johnny giles “I’d rather play in front of a full house than an empty crowd.”

Thierry henry

les Ferdinand “I was surprised, but I always say nothing surprises me in football.”

richard rufus “It was like the ref had a brand new yellow card and wanted to see if it worked.”

gary lineker “There’s no in between - you’re either good or bad. We were in between.”

wayne bridge.

“If you don’t concede any goals you’ll win more games than you lose.”

“Sometimes in football you have to score goals.”

Heard a howler? Pass it on and we will look to feature it in a future issue. email saintsmag@stneotstownfc.co.uk

32

Image credit: TalkFootball

FiXTureS maTriX

All the latest news at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk

Follow the Saints on Facebook /StNeotsTownFC

and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC

33

Lorenzo Ferrarii wins a penalty against afc totton

Everything you need for the next two away fixtures

Calor league Premier division

red insure Cup 3rd round

Chippenham Town v St Neots Town

dunstable Town v St Neots Town

Saturday 4th January 2014 – K.O. 15:00pm

Tuesday 7th January 2014 – K.O. 19:45pm away Ticket Prices: Information not made available

Opponent website: www.pitchero.com/clubs/chippenhamtown

Opponent website: www.pitchero.com/clubs/dunstabletownfc

Team Coach departs: TBC

Team Coach will not be running

Sat Nav Postcode reference: SN14 6LR

Sat Nav Postcode reference: LU6 1BB

round Trip (from St Neots): 192 miles

round Trip (from St Neots): 65 miles

Travel in style on the Team Coach for only £10pp return Advance bookings (recommended) can be made at the Club Bars, email enquiries@stneotstownfc.co.uk for more information and to check availabilty. Don’t leave it late as spaces are limited to 25 for each game.

upcoming Fixtures - Visit www.stneotstownfc.co.uk for the latest updates 01.01.14 Calor league Premier division

04.01.14 Calor league Premier division

v

Burnham

15:00

Arlesey Town

v

Poole Town

15:00

Banbury United

v

Stourbridge

15:00

Bashley

v

Redditch United

15:00

Biggleswade Town

v

St Albans City

15:00

Bedford Town

v

Corby Town

15:00

Chesham United

v

Hemel Hemp’ Town 13:00

Bideford

v

Hungerford Town

15:00

Corby Town

v

Cambridge City

15:00

Burnham

v

Truro City

15:00

Frome Town

v

Bideford

15:00

Cambridge City

v

Banbury United

15:00

Hitchin Town

v

Bedford Town

15:00

Chippenham Town

v

St Neots Town

15:00

Hungerford Town

v

Chippenham Town

15:00

Hemel Hemp’ Town v

Biggleswade Town

15:00

Poole Town

v

Bashley

15:00

St Albans City

v

Frome Town

15:00

St Neots Town

v

Arlesey Town

15:00

Stourbridge

v

Hitchin Town

15:00

Truro City

v

Weymouth

15:00

Weymouth

v

Chesham United

15:00

and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC

AFC Totton

Follow the Saints on Facebook /StNeotsTownFC

away Ticket Prices: Adults £9, Concessions £5, Under 16 Yrs £3

All the latest news at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk

Away Days

35

The NlP All the latest news at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk

iT’S that time of the year for resolutions and reflections. So what better place to begin those resolutions and reflections than looking at last year’s….err… resolutions and reflections.

Best moment, best goal seen live, player and team of the year – you know the drill. We also took time to look ahead to 2013 so let’s now see how that went.

19-year old striker Duncan Watmore, signed for Sunderland after a spectacular first full season as a regular starter for Altrincham in the Blue Square Bet Conference North.

hopes for 2013 this one and still we see clubs like Hinckley United going to the wall with insurmountable debts. Overall clubs seem to be getting better and new financial rules appear to be having an effect. But you wouldn’t bet your last pound on everyone surviving 2014.

Player to watch 2013

Elsewhere, Alan Alger and NLP reporter Steve Coney were hoping for a Conference Premier title race that went to the wire – and they got that with Mansfield Town winning it on the final day.

Sam was worried about more rain.

Stuart went for Antoni Sarcevic – now at Fleetwood – after continuing to star in Chester’s Conference North title win before a wonderful goal on his England C debut.

Chief reporter Stuart Hammonds is still waiting for the Football League to allow clubs to play on 3G pitches, while my vision of successful NonLeague managers getting a chance higher up the chain has been met with a big fat slap in the face.

Fear for 2013 Caroline Barker said it was time for more clubs to get fans on board in order to halt the worrying trend of clubs dying.

That was a familiar answer for

what you’d Change in 2013 The powers that be obviously didn’t agree with this section. Alan wanted three-up/three-down between the Conference Premier and League Two, Sam thought the FA should fund new pitch covers.

Stuart wanted away with the rule that every player who receives treatment has to leave the pitch, Steven said clubs should lower ticket prices and Caroline insisted on allowing Conference clubs to play on 3G pitches.

At least the Conference North and South play-off finals will be on a Saturday this season as was my wish.

A roaring success here. Alan, Sam and Steve went for Kidderminster Harriers’ Jamille Matt who was soon on his way to the Football League when Fleetwood Town forked out around £300,000.

And I went for Altrincham’s Duncan Watmore. He scored one of the goals of the season and, after interest from Peterborough, was snapped up by Premier League Sunderland.

matt badcock Follow us on twitter: @NonLeguePaper @SamElliott_NLP

and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC

Our News Editor Sam Elliott was clearly fed-up of all the postponements we were having at the time with his call for no more rain.

Ambitious maybe, but compared to last November/December we’re not in bad shape so far!

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At the end of 2012, we at The Non-League Paper, along with Alan Alger and BBC Non-League Show’s Caroline Barker donned our tin hats and gave our opinions of the previous 12 months.

@Stuhammonds_NLP @MattBadcock_NLP

37

Find your voice on the official club forum at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk/forum Become a Member today at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk 38

Scorelines..

A brief round up of the weekly results from the teams that matter

Premier division Weekend Action Leaders Hemel Hempstead Town made sure they finished the year on a high when a goal in each half gave them a 2-0 victory at Corby Town and second placed Cambridge City conceded an equaliser on the stroke of half time but secured a 2-1 win at Biggleswade Town with a goal thirteen minutes from time while third in the table Chesham United, who had opened up a two goal lead, were hit by late strikes in each half but, having regained the advantage in the first minute of time added on, had to settle for a 3-3 home draw when Arlesey Town scored a minute later. Bideford came from behind to lead at half time but a penalty two minutes before the midway point of the second half secured a 2-2 home draw for AFC Totton and Stourbridge, who had taken the lead from a first half penalty, also had to settle for a point from a 1-1 draw at St Neots Town when the home side scored eight minutes from the end while St Albans City, two goals behind at the interval, went down 3-1 at Hungerford Town. Banbury United went behind in the second minute and let in a second three minutes into the second half but rescued a home point from a 2-2 draw when Burnham conceded twice in the final ten minutes while Redditch United scored two in the opening ten minutes of the second half to win 2-0 at home against Bedford Town and leave the visitors six points from safety and Weymouth came from behind to win 2-1 at

fourth from bottom Frome Town.

In the day’s other game Truro City, who scored twice in the final four minutes of the first half, completed a comfortable 5-0 home victory over bottom of the table Bashley.

Premier division Boxing Action Leaders Hemel Hempstead Town, two up at the interval, conceded two goals inside the opening thirteen minutes of the second half but had restored their two goal lead midway through the half and a further strike in time added on saw them complete a 5-3 home win over Banbury United while Cambridge City, having held a three goal lead, conceded twice in the final five minutes but held on for a 3-2 home victory over St Neots Town and moved into second place but Chesham United, behind after three minutes before leading at half time, dropped to third when they were held to a 2-2 draw at St Albans City.

Poole Town, a goal up at half time, secured a comfortable 3-0 win at Weymouth to move into fourth place where they replaced Bideford who were held to a 0-0 draw at home by Truro City while Stourbridge, leading by the odd goal in three at half time, scored three times in the final eleven minutes to stay in touch with the leading pack with a 5-1 home victory over Redditch United. Biggleswade Town, who scored four times in the first half, including twice in the opening six minutes, completed a 5-1 win at third from bottom Bedford Town but Arlesey Town were held

0-0 at home by Hitchin Town while a goal three minutes after the break gave Burnham a 1-0 home win over Hungerford Town and Chippenham Town, trailing after eleven minutes but two ahead fourteen minutes into the second half, had to settle for a 3-3 home draw when Frome Town scored with fifteen minutes remaining and again in time added on. On Wednesday, third placed Cambridge City scored twice in the opening half hour but needed a penalty in the final minute to win 3-2 after visiting Hitchin Town had fought back to be level just after the midway point of the second half while Corby Town, behind after sixteen minutes, scored twice in two minutes but were pegged back level from a penalty on the half hour mark before going on to record a 4-2 home win over Banbury United with two second half strikes

Fa Trophy Third round Proper Hungerford Town will play at home against Conference South Gosport Borough who won on penalties at Nuneaton Town when the Second Round Replay ended goalless after extra time.

Cambridge United v Luton Town Aldershot Town v Guiseley Hungerford Town v Gosport Borough Eastleigh v Dover Athletic Tamworth v Chorley Lincoln City v North Ferriby United Grimsby Town v Maidenhead United Havant & Waterlooville v Ebbseet United

For more information visit www.southern-football-league.co.uk/news

Non-League Club News

We take a look at what other non-league clubs are doing that’s making the news Frome Town FROME PART COMPANY WITH O`DONNELL

luton Town STILL SIGNS NEW CONTRACT WITH THE HATTERS Luton Town manager John Still has signed a new contract with the Conference Premier club. The 63-year-old former Dagenham and Redbridge boss was appointed in February, taking over from Paul Buckle. Managing director Gary Sweet confirmed Still’s new deal would initially run to the summer of 2015, with an additional year added for every promotion he achieves with the Hatters.

aFC Fylde TICKETING FURORE CAUSES UPSET AFC Fylde’s home clash against FC United of Manchester in the Premier Division last weekend was marred by a ticketing furore. The visitors were left incensed by the Coasters’ refusal to grant free access to some of their dressing room staff. But Fylde have insisted the decision was taken to prevent a number of what they call ‘freeloaders’ gaining entry to Kellamergh Park. The Coasters flatly declined FC United’s request for extra passes and insisted anyone without a pass would have to pay at the turnstile.

POPPIES BRING IN MOREMAN Calor League Southern Division One Central club Kettering Town have signed striker Josh Moreman.

Moreman is still only 21 and started his career with ChromaSport & Trophies United Counties League Premier Division side Deeping Rangers where he was a prolific scorer. Signing for Corby Town in 2012 he continued to score goals at the higher level but, when things did not work out for him at Steel Park at the start of the season, he rejoined Deeping where he has scored thirteen goals in eighteen games.

dunstable Town DUNSTABLE GO THREE POINTS CLEAR Calor League Southern Division One Central leaders Dunstable Town twice came back from being behind to secure a 3-2 win over Northwood at Creasey Park last Saturday. The saints of course visit Dunstable in the 3rd round of the Red Insure cup on Tuesday 7th January in what should be an exciting match.

and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC

Kettering Town

Follow the Saints on Facebook /StNeotsTownFC

Calor League Southern Premier Division club Frome Town have parted company with manager Brian O’Donnell. A statement from the club read: “Frome Town have confirmed that they have parted company with manager Brian O’Donnell. “The club will be making no further statement but wish to thank Brian for his efforts while with the club and wish him well for the future.’’ O’Donnell leaves the club with Frome fourth bottom of the table.

All the latest news at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk

Read all about it!

39

SeaSON STaTiSTiCS 2013/14

Become a Member today at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk

Find your voice on the official club forum at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk/forum

Opposition in CAPS denotes home fixture. Player name in bold CaPS denotes goal scorer.

40

aTT

COmP

r

Pos

1

2

3

4

Sat 17 Aug

H Weymouth

354

CLPD

0-2

22

Heath

Rodgers

Adjei

Sear

Tue 20 Aug

A Stourbridge

447

CLPD

1-2

22

Heath

Rodgers

Steer

Sear

N

Sat 24 Aug

A Bashley

209

CLPD

3-1

15

Heath

Rodgers

Steer

Sear

Sh

Mon 26 Aug

H Cambridge City

451

CLPD

1-2

18

Heath

Rodgers

Adjei

Sear

Sat 31 Aug

H Redditch United

231

CLPD

2-3

21

Heath

Rodgers

Steer

Sear

H

Wed 04 Sep

A Corby Town

317

CLPD

0-1

22

Conroy

Nkinga

Steer

Davies

C

Sat 07 Sep

A Hemel Hempstead

669

CLPD

0-2

22

Conroy

Nkinga

Steer

Sear

C

Sat 14 Sep

H (Wroxham)

232

FAC

3-1

–

Conroy

Wood

Steer

Davies

N

Tue 17 Sep

H Hinckley United

208

CLPD

3-0

19

Conroy

Nkinga

Steer

davieS

C

Sat 21 Sep

H Truro City

307

CLPD

2-0

16

Conroy

Nkinga

Steer

Davies

C

Sat 28 Sep

A Canvey Island

256

FAC

2-2

–

Conroy

Crowie

Steer

Sharman

H

C

date

Opposition

C

Tue 01 Oct

H Canvey Island

289

FAC R

1-2

–

Conroy

Hurst

STeer

Sear

Sat 05 Oct

A Hungerford Town

105

CLPD

0-1

19

Conroy

Hurst

Steer

Davies

Mon 07 Oct

A Hitchin Town

309

CLPD

0-4

21

Conroy

Goss

Steer

Hurst

C

Tue 15 Oct

H Hitchin Town

96

RIC

5-0

–

Conroy

deeNey

Dhillon

Ford

C

Sat 19 Oct

A Halesowen Town

273

FAT

3-0

–

Conroy

deeNey

Dhillon

Ann

H

Tue 22 Oct

H Chesham United

223

CLPD

0-5

21

Conroy

Deeney

Dhillon

Hibbert

Sat 26 Oct

A Bideford

238

CLPD

2-3

22

Conroy

Deeney

Duckett

Hibbert

Tue 29 Oct

H Corby Town

261

CLPD

0-3

22

Conroy

Deeney

Dhillon

Hibbert

C

Sat 02 Nov

A Matlock Town

244

FAT

0-2

–

Conroy

Ann

Ford

Crowie

H

Sat 09 Nov

H Hemel Hempstead

436

CLPD

4-1

21

Conroy

Ann

Ford

Crowie

H

Tue 12 Nov

H Biggleswade Town

306

CLPD

3-4

21

Conroy

Ann

Ford

Crowie

H

Sat 16 Nov

A Poole Town

402

CLPD

0-2

21

Conroy

Crowie

Lee

Frater

H

Tue 19 Nov

H Corby Town

93

RIC

3-0

–

Conroy

Longden

Lee

Ford

F

Sat 23 Nov

H St Albans City

364

CLPD

2-3

21

Abbey

Longden

Lee

Deeney

F

Tue 26 Nov

H Bedford Town

281

CLPD

2-2

21

Abbey

Longden

Lee

Deeney

Fr

Sat 30 Nov

A Banbury United

271

CLPD

1-0

21

Abbey

Deeney

Lee

Ford

F

Sat 07 Dec

H Frome Town

252

CLPD

3-1

20

Abbey

Deeney

Lee

Ford

F

Sat 14 Dec

A Burnham

124

CLPD

0-1

20

Abbey

Deeney

Lee

Ford

F

Sat 21 Dec

H AFC Totton

293

CLPD

6-0

19

Abbey

Deeney

Lee

Ford

F

Thu 26 Dec

A Cambridge City

371

CLPD

2-3

20

Abbey

Deeney

Lee

Ford

F

Sat 28 Dec

H Stourbridge

CLPD

Wed 01 Jan

H Arlesey Town

CLPD

Sat 04 Jan

A Chippenham Town

CLPD

Sat 11 Jan

H Poole Town

CLPD

Sat 18 Jan

A St Albans City

CLPD

Sat 25 Jan

A Bedford Town

CLPD

Sat 01 Feb

H Banbury United

CLPD

Sat 08 Feb

A Frome Town

CLPD

Sat 15 Feb

H Burnham

CLPD

Sat 22 Feb

A AFC Totton

CLPD

Sat 01 Mar

H Hungerford Town

CLPD

Sat 08 Mar

A Truro City

CLPD

Sat 15 Mar

H Hitchin Town

CLPD

Sat 22 Mar

A Biggleswade Town

CLPD

Sat 29 Mar

H Bideford

CLPD

Sat 05 Apr

A Chesham United

CLPD

Sat 12 Apr

A Weymouth

CLPD

Sat 19 Apr

H Bashley

CLPD

Mon 21 Apr

A Arlesey Town

CLPD

Sat 26 Apr

H Chippenham Town

CLPD

SeaSON STaTiSTiCS 2013/14 Player name in these colours denotes substitute.

6 Steer

Nkinga

7

8

Hilliard

Taylor

9

10

11

Benjamin

Sogbanmu

Fuller

12 Sharman

Crowie

Hilliard

SharmaN

Benjamin

Adjei

Taylor

Safee

harman

Crowie

hilliard

Fuller

beNJamiN 2

Adjei

Taylor

Sembie-Ferris

14

15

Safee

Palmer

Crowie

Hilliard

Sharman

Benjamin

Davies

Taylor

Nkinga

Fuller

Crowie

Hilliard

Davies

Benjamin

Palmer

Adjei

SaFee

Sembie-Ferris

Taylor

Crowie

Hoyte

Hilliard

Sharman

Sogbanmu

Sear

Taylor

Adjei

Joseph

Safee

Crowie

Hoyte

Hilliard

Davies

Sogbanmu

Sharman

Adjei

Nkinga

Hoyte

hilliard

hurST

Safee

Sear

Adjei

Taylor

Joseph

Sharman

Crowie

Hoyte

Hilliard

Sear

Hurst

aNN

Adjei

TaylOr

Joseph

Sharman

Crowie

Hoyte

Hilliard

Sear

hurST

Ann

Adjei

SaFee

Sembie-Ferris

Sharman

Hibbert

Hoyte

hilliard

Davies

Ann

Hurst

Adjei

SaFee

Taylor

Wood

Crowie

Hoyte

Hilliard

Hibbert

Adjei

Davies

Taylor

Safee

Felix

Ann

Ann

Crowie

Goss

Sharman

Hilliard

Safee

Adjei

Felix

Wood

Palmer

Crowie

Hoyte

Hilliard

Hibbert

Ann

Ford

Davies

Taylor

Felix

Wood

Crowie

Ann

hilliard

Davies

Nolan

wOOlley 2

Adjei

N’gueSSaN

Sharman

Duckett

Hoyte

Hibbert

Hilliard

Sear

wOOlley

adJei

Davies

N’Guessan

Ford

Hurst

Ann

Hoyte

Hilliard

Sear

Woolley

Davies

Adjei

Taylor

Hurst

Ford

Ann

Hoyte

Woolley

Sear

Nolan

Hurst

Taylor

wilSON

davieS

Crowie

Crowie

Hoyte

Wilson

Ford

Nolan

Davies

Woolley

Taylor

Hilliard

N’Guessan

Hoyte

Deeney

Hilliard

Hurst

Woolley

Davies

Taylor

Wilson

N’Guessan

Hoyte

Deeney

hilliard

davieS

Nolan

wOOlley

adJei

Taylor

Wilson

Hoyte

Deeney

hilliard 3

Davies

Nolan

Woolley

Adjei

Hurst

Wilson

Hurst

Hoyte

Deeney

Hilliard

Davies

Nolan

Woolley

Ford

Adjei

Wilson

Frater

Hoyte

hilliard

Sharman

wilSON

davieS

Adjei

Crowie

Felix

Wood

Frater

Hoyte

Hilliard

Sharman

Woolley

davieS

Adjei

NOlaN

Frew

Wilson

raTer

Hoyte

Frew

davieS

Nolan

Woolley

Hilliard

Ford

Wilson

Ann

Frater

Hoyte

Frew

Farrell

Nolan

davieS

Hilliard

Wilson

Woolley

Hibbert

Frater

Hoyte

Woolley

Farrell

NOlaN 2

Wilson

Frew

ThOmaS

Hibbert

Wood

Frater

Hoyte

Woolley

Farrell

Nolan

Thomas

Frew

Hilliard

Felix

Wilson

Frater

Hoyte

hilliard

davieS

NOlaN 2

Thomas

wOOlley

TOlley

Hibbert

Ferrari

Frater

Hoyte

Hilliard

davieS

Nolan

Thomas

Woolley

TOlley

Sear

Ferrari

Sharman

Follow the Saints on Facebook /StNeotsTownFC

Steer

Hoyte

All the latest news at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk

5

Crowie

and on Twitter @StNeotsTownFC 41

league Table

Become a Member today at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk

Find your voice on the official club forum at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk/forum

First Team - Calor League Premier Division (26.12.13)

42

P

w

d

l

gF

ga

+/-

Pts

Hemel Hempstead Town

22

17

3

2

77

17

60

54

Cambridge City

23

15

4

4

47

23

24

49

Chesham United

23

15

3

5

54

25

29

48

Poole Town

18

12

5

1

37

19

18

41

Bideford

21

11

7

3

46

28

18

40

Stourbridge

20

12

1

7

57

23

34

37

St Albans City

19

11

4

4

43

24

19

37

Biggleswade Town

23

9

9

5

46

31

15

36

Arlesey Town

22

9

6

7

37

30

7

33

Banbury United

22

10

3

9

38

36

2

33

Hitchin Town

22

9

5

8

35

28

7

32

Burnham

22

8

6

8

30

35

-5

30

Corby Town

19

8

5

6

30

30

0

29

Hungerford Town

19

9

1

9

32

23

9

28

Redditch United

25

9

1

15

33

60

-27

28

Weymouth

20

8

3

9

29

36

-7

27

Truro City

24

6

7

11

27

49

-22

25

Chippenham Town

23

6

3

14

32

57

-25

21

Frome Town

21

5

5

11

27

45

-18

20

St Neots Town

23

6

1

16

34

46

-12

19

Bedford Town

23

3

5

15

29

67

-38

14

AFC Totton

21

3

1

17

25

71

-46

10

Bashley

19

1

2

16

15

57

-42

5

Stunning Online Gallery • Print Your Photos • Bespoke Commissions Creative Services • Gift Cards • Trade Discounts

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The TeamS

ST. NeOTS TOwN

V

arleSey TOwN

Dark Blue Shirts, Shorts & Socks

Colours

Yellow Shirts, Yellow Shorts & Socks

Gary King & Zema Abbey

Manager

Rufus Brevvett

Nathan Abbey

Assistant Manager

Bobby Watson

Carol Holland

Club Physio

Len McMain

SQuad NumberS

Rating Goals Rating

SQuad NumberS

1. Niall Conroy (GK)

1. Jack Bonham

2. Dave Deeney

2. Harold Joseph

3. Edd Adjei

3. Luke Abraham

4. Adrian Sear

4. Rohdell Gordon

5. Ryan Frater

5. Kevin M’bala

6. Gavin Hoyte (C)

6. Jeanmal Prosper

7. Lewis Hilliard

7. Jonny Mcnamara

8. Jay Davies

8. James Hatch (C)

9. Matt Nolan 10. Alasan Ann 11. Lewis Wilson

9. Stuart Farrell 10. Barry Hayles 11. Joseph N’guessan

12. Nathan Abbey (GK)

12. Hallelujah Basmel

14. Lorenzo Ferrari

14. Martel Powell

15. Karl Saffee

15. Stefan Powell

16. Kaine Felix

16. Jordan Ivey-Ward

17. Ben Ferrell

Gk. Adam Lawrence

18. Shane Tolley 21. Arthur Lee 23. Leon Hibbert

Teams will be displayed on the electronic scoreboard Officials: Information not supplied at time of going to press Your Man of the Match

Attendance

Match Rating

Opposition Support Rating

Ratings: Albeit just for fun - why not give your rating from 1 to 10 with 10 being perfect!

Next home game: We value your continued support, thank you Calor league Premier division St Neots Town v Poole Town Saturday 11th January - KO 15.00pm 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.

44

Officials Rating