2022/23 - Issue Five - Sporting Khalsa

THE

SAINTS

Official Digital Matchday Magazine Season 2022/23

ISSUE 5 PITCHING-IN NPL MIDLAND DIVISION

FLOORED BY IAN Ltd

Saints President - John Walker

First Team

Board of Directors

Manager - Peter Gill Assistant - Sean Greygoose GK Coach - Gary Dean Physio - Craig Lambert & Sam Roblett Kit Man - Mick Hunt Analyst - Jordan Beale

Chairman - Barry Cavilla Director of Football - Iain Parr Events Director - Louise Sales Commercial Director - Daniel Dodson Secretary - Gary Wilson Director - Mike Green Director - Jez Green

Saints Match Day Team Fixture Secretary - Marion Izzard Hospitality - Andy Clay, Paula Robertson and Julie Clark Stadium Announcer - Mike Green Music - Charlie Green Catering - Diane Sales Media Press Officer - Mike Green Match Reports - John Walker Photographer - David Richardson Social Media - Mike Green

Academy Manager - Iain Parr U18’s Manager - Ben Webster and Iain Parr Club Welfare Officer - Mick Hunt Club Information Address: Rowley Park, Kester Way, St Neots, Cambs., PE19 6SL Website - www.stneotstownfc.co.uk Enquires - enquires@stneotstownfc.co.uk Commercial Enquiries - danieldodson25@hotmail.com Events - misslouises@yahoo.co.uk Academy - iain@stneotstown.co.uk

Ground Staff Pitch maintenance - Barry Oakley

Front cover - Image copyright protected by David Richardson, used under license.

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

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

Company Secretary Keith Gotch, Company Accountant Keith Gotch

Greenie’s Greetings With Director Mike Green Good afternoon everybody and welcome back to the Premier Plus Stadium.

Today we welcome the players, officials and supporters of Sporting Khalsa Football Club and we hope you enjoy your first ever visit to St Neots before embarking on a safe journey home later this evening.

So our adventures in the National Cup competitions have come to an end for another season. We exited the FA Trophy at the first hurdle, losing 3-2 at Coleshill Town and of course, we made a great fist of it at Vanarama National League South Side, Cheshunt FC, in the Second Round Qualifying, with a galant display against the Step 2 side but eventually succumbed to a rather flattering 3-1 defeat. Match reports of both these games can be found in this edition. I’d quickly like to thank everyone who has supported us along the way, some great memories, especially at Bishops Stortford.

Harvey Beckett has been recalled by parent club Cambridge United now our Cup adventures are over and he has moved up the ladder to Step Two side Concorde Rangers on loan so it’s a big thank you to Harvey for his efforts and goals during his two month loan stay with us and we wish him all the very best of luck in his career.

So today it’s back to league action and a home game, the first competitive game here in over a month (not ideal financially but that the way the cookie crumbles sadly). Last Saturday saw a quickly arranged friendly take place here against NPL East Division outfit Grantham Town as we without a fixture due to it being a designated FA Trophy day and the game ended in a 2-2 draw with Sal Akanbi and Andre Hasanally our scorers.

Right then, on with today’s game. Please get behind the lads from the off as we search for three valuable points as we look to transfer or FA Cup form into our league efforts and climb the table.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support.

Greenie

From the Dugout With First Team Manager Peter Gill Good afternoon and welcome to the Premier Plus Stadium for today’s League game vs Sporting Khalsa. We offer a warm welcome to our visitors and wish them well for the season ahead.

Now the hype of the FA Cup is over we now shift our focus and attention to the league where we hope to pick up points as quickly as possible in order to move up the table. We know this league can be unforgiving and the lads need to perform at their very best every game in order to be competitive in this league.

The task for the players is to produce the individual and collective performance levels vs Stortford & Cheshunt in the league.

I must state how disappointed I was in the Northern League for not allowing us to bring forward a game last Saturday. We had agreed with Stamford to bring forward November’s fixture. I must be honest and admit we had missed a league deadline. However, I will contest the league deadline as fairly unrealistic given we are in the mist of FA Cup & Trophy rounds! We applied to the league on Sunday 18th September to bring the game forward and be played on Saturday 24th September. We received a point blank no, despite our protests the league refused to allow two member clubs to play a game of competitive football. It appears it is no longer the leagues priority to help and assist their member clubs which is very disappointing given the current cost of living crisis we are in.

Looking ahead to today’s game, we face a team who have scored plenty of goals recently and have picked up some impressive wins over Coleshill & Gresley as well as going close in most of their games. We’ll have to be at our very best at both ends of the pitch to come away with a positive result.

Your support is always appreciated and felt by the players.

UP THE SAINTS

Pete

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

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

Boardroom Boardroom Gossip Gossip With With Chairman Chairman Barry Barry Cavilla Cavilla Good afternoon and welcome all.

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all the players and officials of Sporting Khalsa from the West Midlands to the Premier Plus stadium for the very first encounter between both teams.

September has seen us competing away throughout the month in the FA Cup & FA trophy respectively and after some excellent performance in the FA cup we bowed out to Step 2 side Cheshunt, We also put in a spirited performance in the Trophy but unfortunately came up short on the night losing 3-2 to Colsehill , so our focus now is league points and improving our league position over the comming weeks ahead.

I am certain it will be a very competitive game between the two teams and the Saints will be looking to get some very valuable league points on the board and push on and get a good run going in the league .

Off the field We are working hard as a Board to keep the club on the front foot and bring improvements to our facilities and looking at new events both at the club and within the local community for you all to come support and enjoy over the comming months.

I would like to say a big Thank You to All staff at Urban & Civic for their community support in helping volunteer for the clubs clean up day this week. This has given the Club a great helping hand to keep these excellent facilities in tip top condition for all the community to enjoy.

Enjoy your day and we all wish Pete and the lads the very best for todays game.

Your Town your Team.... .....Come on you Saints.

Barry

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

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

Boardroom Commercial Gossip Chat With Cavilla With Chairman CommercialBarry Director Daniel Dodson I want to start with thanking the people who help me out with the commercial role.

Firstly, despite taking on his role at Cambridge United Mehmet continues to be worth his weight in gold to me and the club with him bringing in new sponsors and continuing to nurture the relationships he has already forged. Stephen is a man who wear many hats for us with him this year taking the academy secretary role and building on that by renewing the sponsorship deals the academy deals we had in place last year while being on the lookout for new opportunities to forge relationships. Lastly, Lee works harder than, dare I say, most football club owners to ensure the lights can still go on and we all have kits to play in. He has picked up building relationships with sponsors while I have focussed on different opportunities to generate sustainable incomes for the club.

September has been an exceptionally quiet month for us as a football club financially along with 2 heart breaks in a week we look to move on from this. I have in this month come to appreciate just how lucky we are to have our fans. Through thick and thin our supporters arrive home and away with faces of glee and continue to support us enthusiastically. We completely understand the frustrations with some situations and sometimes share them but please don’t lose sight of the fact that we as a board are also fans first.

As we move in to the final quarter of the calendar year we hope to build our network of community business who support and in this go from strength to strength as a club built for the community. Pete, Sean, Abbo and the boys continue to do their thing and our success will come that I can promise.

I saw a quote this week “Where knowledge, strength and courage deliver on ambition” and these are the principles I believe our club are being built on.

Once again I am an open book and am always willing to talk so come over and have a chat.

That’s all folks

Come on you Saints.

Daniel

Saints

First Team Shirt Sponsor

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

SAINTS FOOD TERRACE

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

BLAST FROM THE PAST SATURDAY 14TH MARCH 2015

Southern League Premier Division

ST NEOTS TOWN

1

HUNGERFORD TOWN

1

Both Managers declared themselves happy with their teams’ performance in a contest that finished all square but was at times uninspiring. ‘A good point each for two good teams’ declared visiting Manager Bobby Wilkinson whilst home boss David Batch said ‘I am happy with a point but I though my team’s performance deserved all three’. Both teams separated only by goal difference on the fringe of the play offs clearly did not want to lose ground on each other and St Neots must now go on to make their game in hand over Hungerford count. The outstanding feature of the game was the corner tally for St Neots had sixteen and their opponents just two and this clearly mirrored the fact that St Neots shaded possession without being able to make it count. St Neots made just one change in their starting line up bringing in goal scorer Nathan Frater up from with Lee Clark moving back into midfield and Ryan Frater giving way. The two sides had shared the points in a goalless meeting at Hungerford a month earlier so this was expected to be a tightly fought contest and so it proved with both defences largely in control.

The opening skirmishes saw both sides threaten without creating clear openings although an off balance Nathan Frater was disappointed when clear on goal he volleyed high over the bar. At the other end Stefan Brown did the same for the visitors but it was Hungerford who took the lead after 20 minutes. A fairly innocuous attack saw James Clark pinned tight to the bye line but he somehow squeezed the ball into the six yard box where Brown seemingly surrounded by defenders bundled it into the net. A direct inswinging Drew Roberts corner looked to be creeping in under the bar but visiting keeper Paul Strudley acrobatically turned it away for another corner and then Lewis Hilliard saw a net bound shot blocked by a defender.From one of St Neots many corners Lee Clarke won the ball well but glanced his header wide of the far post and there was little seen of the home attack but St Neots went to the break within managing a single shot on target.

BLAST FROM THE PAST SATURDAY 14TH MARCH 2015 CONTINUED However the improvement in their fortunes after the break was swift and positive.

Drew Roberts shot straight at Strudley from a narrow angle after delightful approach play by Adam Tann and Lee Clarke, Lewis Hilliard volleyed wide. Then after 51 minutes the scores were levelled as Roberts sent over St Neots’ tenth corner of the match and the recalled Nathan Frater rose to head home.This signalled a spell of St Neots domination but the visiting defence looked solid and Strudley saved well from Matt Spring and Clarke. On the hour a Clarke header rebounded from a post and St Neots leading scorer Drew Roberts squandered his sides’ best chance of all three points when he shot over the bar after skilfully making space for himself. With Bruce Wilson on for Brett Longden St Neots looked to be going for a second goal and all three points but the visitors boast the second best defensive record in the Premier Division and they seemed easily able to snuff out St Neots better attacking moves. With six minutes left another teasing Roberts corner was tipped over the bar by Strudley and at the final whistle both sides seemed happy to preserve their goal and settle for a point apiece for the second time this season.

St Neots: Bastock, Tann, Wilkinson, Clarke, Mitchel-King, Ward, Hilliard, Spring, Frater (N), Roberts, Longden Subs: Wilson (B) (for Longden 68), Ferrari (for Frater (N) 80), Frater (R), Bickerstaff and Harty.

Cards: none Goals: Frater (N) (51 mins) Hungerford: Strudley, Horgan, John, Boardman, Day, Rees, Clark, Rusby, Goodger, Brown Stow Subs: Mpi (for Stow 75), Pilling, Osei-Tutu, Wilson (S) and Chappe Cards: Horgan (Y – 59) Goals: Brown (20 mins) Attendance: 366 Referee: Jonathan Burridge (Papworth, Cambs) John Walker

SAINTS KIDS CORNER SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

G

There are 7 differences above below

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

www.stneotsloftconversionsltd.co.uk

Little Paxton, Saint Neots PE19, UK 07932 453477 St Neots Town FC is not just about football we are a community focused business. We have so much more going on which ultimately and significantly increases our footfall and our website site and social media reach.This in turn means that when you advertise with the Saints you get so much more for your money.

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

www.cpcfinance.co.uk / contact@cpcfinance.co.uk / 01923 655 441

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

JW looking ahead Sporting Khalsa FC SPORTING KHALSA FOOTBALL CLUB

Year founded: 1991 Chairman: Mark Harris Club Website: www.sportingkhalsa.com

TODAY IS AN HISTORIC FIRST BECAUSE IT IS THE FIRST EVER MEETING OF OUR TWO SIDES

A special welcome for the players, officials, and supporters of Sporting Khalsa FC whom we have never played before.Khalsa are based in Willenhall in Staffordshire and were formed as recently as 1991 – the year we celebrated the 112th birthday of St Neots Town FC. Their progress up the football ladder has been meteoric and last season they finished eighth - not far outside the play-off zone as they sought further rapid promotion. Already, they are the first side from the Asian Community to reach this competitive level of football and their ambition to go further is very apparent.

Currently sixth in the league table with only goal difference denying them a play-off place in this early part of the season, Khalsa are currently guarding an unbeaten away record in the league having played three times, winning twice and drawing the other.

However, in cup competition it is a different story when drawn against Boldmere St Michaels in both competitions they were beaten 1-0 at home in the Cup and 4-3 away in the Trophy. Boldmere have had a good start this season and are currently just above Khalsa in the table but only on goal difference.

Checking the fixtures our return match with Khalsa is scheduled for 4th February next year so we look forward to our trip to Willenhall and their Noose Lane premises.

Previous meetings of our teams: None

Enjoy the match John Walker

St Neots Take away – Shop Local, Support Local

orders@takeaway-stneots.com Pizza/fried chicken, Turkish, British, British Cafe Order through our app Order online Order on the pay store

To Advertise with the Saints contact our Commercial Director Daniel Dodson on 07928494493 or email danieldodson25@hotmail.com

SAINTS KIDS CORNER COLOUR IN

AF Golf Store AFGolfStore offers everything a golfer could need, from premium club fitting using Trackman 4 technology to individual or group lessons for all ages and abilities. Whether you're a beginner or elite golfer, child or adult, we have something for you!

Contact AFGolfStore Peterborough Feel free to contact a member of our team with any enquiries you may have using the form below. Alternatively you can call the team direct on 01733 215989 We can be found at Unit 10, Slater Court, Harrier Way, Eagle Business Park, Yaxley PE7 3SE Peterborough Store Opening Times Monday 9am-6pm Tuesday 9am-8pm Wednesday 9am8pm Thursday 9am-6pm Friday 9am-6pm Saturday 9am-5pm Sunday CLOSED Contact AFGolfStore Cambridge Feel free to contact a member of our team with any enquiries you may have using the form below. Alternatively you can call the team direct on 01763 262943. We can be found at Kingsway Golf Centre, Cambridge Road, Melbourn, Cambridge, SG8 6EY Cambridge Store Opening Times Monday 9am-8pm Tuesday 9am-8pm Wednesday 9am8pm Thursday 9am-8pm Friday 9am-8pm Saturday 9am-5pm Sunday 9am-5pm

www.afgolfstore.co.uk

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

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

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

Som’s Salon is a Mens Barbershop and Ladies Hairdressers, we are located on Longsands Parade, Saint Neots with FREE parking directly outside the shop!

01480 589037

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

Saints - Goldstraw Goldmiths St Neots Town FC Academy & Main Stand Sponsor The Goldstraw Goldsmith’s St Neots Town FC Academy Sponsor Goldstraw Goldsmiths is an established, trusted, successful jewellery shop in the Cambridgeshire town of St Neots. At Goldstraws Goldsmiths we’ve been designing and caring for jewellery for over 30 years. We sell all styles of jewellery; new and antique. If you have a particular item in mind, we will always endeavour to source it. Two experienced goldsmiths work on the premises, offering quality craftsmanship with every newly created piece and repair. We take pride in our work and our customers tell us time and time again that wouldn’t go anywhere else.

Why not come in and say hello we” be happy to help.

www.goldstraw.co.uk 01480 407704

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

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

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

Call 01480 470931 / Mobile 07950 496568

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

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

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

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

www.abclifesupport.co.uk / 0800 0467 410

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

Saints Social Media Sponsor BlueLine Security Ltd – Social Media Sponsors Your peace of mind is our business We draw all of our operational staff exclusively from the UK Police Force and HM Armed Forces. When it comes to your security, you can trust in us. At Blueline Security Limited we know how important integrity and reliability is to our customers. That’s why we draw our operational staff exclusively from Police and HM Armed Forces backgrounds, and have a stringent selection process to ensure that only the best people join our team. Our business is your peace of mind. To that end, our wide range of services include manned guarding, working dog teams, property/business protection, mobile patrols, close protection and surveillance/investigation. As we continue to expand across England, we pride ourselves on maintaining our ethical trade policy, and we will only ever offer a service when a genuine need exists. If you’re interested in any of our services, get in touch today. We’d be delighted to provide you with further details on any of our services.

03339874277 www.bluelinesecuritylimited.com 01480 407704

JW Match Report Halesowen Town (A) 27-08-2022 NORTHERN PREMIER LEAGUE MIDLAND DIVISION Halesowen Town

3

St Neots Town

0

St Neots produced a battling performance against the league leaders who preserved their 100% start to the season. Still well short of full strength the visitors will feel hard done by to have lost by a three goals margin given that the third home goal came in time added, but they can be proud of the way they fought back into the game after conceding two first half goals. Clear favourites for the title this season Halesowen were forced to hang on late in the second half, but St Neots hopes of a dramatic comeback were stunted by some rather woeful finishing having done the hard work in their approach football.Robbie Mason was too often left alone up front against a defence that has only conceded three goals this season and Saleem Akanbi in particular should have featured on the scoresheet.There were just two team changes from midweek with fit-again Aaron Smith returning at the expense of Charlie Stallard, and Dominic Nche replacing the unavailable Andre Hasanally. There were however, welcome second half substitute appearances for Tremayne Charles and Charlie Lewis.

The home side began very brightly and after just four minutes a Jack Holmes effort was pushed away for a corner at full stretch by Jamie Greygoose. Sadly, the corner was not well defended as defender Kieron Morris rose high to head home Thomas Turton’s cross to give the hosts their early lead. Five minutes later the lead should have doubled after an incisive move that split the visiting defence, but Richard Gregory fluffed a simple scoring opportunity. This seemed to spur the visitors and a minute later Robbie Mason unselfishly set up Manny Osei, but his finish was wide of its target. The match continued at a blistering pace with both defences stretched and Mason saw home keeper Daniel Platt save well from his header to an Osei cross and the lively Saleem Akanbi had one shot saved and another just wide. However, the home side looked the more likely to score as Gregory shot narrowly wide and Simeon Cobourne fired over the bar with the visiting keeper stranded.Then two minutes before the break Halesowen produced a significant second goal as the St Neots defence was caught short allowing Gregory to tap in from close range to make amends for his earlier miss.

JW Match Report Halesowen Town (A) 27-08-2022 With Tremayne Charles an early second half substitute the visitors took the game to their hosts after the break.They created several good attacking moves that lacked a significant finish and then in a breakaway attack Cobourne had the ball in the net for the home side but was ruled offside. From a Charles free kick after 65 minutes Toib Adeyemi saw a close- range effort scooped off the goal line, but the home side looked dangerous on the break and Jamie Insall saw his header rebound from the crossbar to be cleared by a defender. The introduction of Charlie Lewis for George Hoddle with Joe Tarpey moving into midfield saw St Neots adopt a more attacking approach and Charles shot wide when well placed. Akanbi then squandered a good chance firing wide after good work by Tarpey and in the last five minutes St Neots raised their game as Charles had an effort deflected and Tarpey shot over the bar.

The home side had the last word in added time as Jack Holmes beat Greygoose with a smart finish to complete the home sides’ 3-0 victory St Neots Town: Greygoose, Tarpey, Smith (A), Anderson, Beckett, Adeyemi, Osei, Nche, Mason, Hoddle, Akanbi.

Subs: Charles (for Mason 53 mins), Lewis (for Hoddle 58 mins), Sackey-Mensah and Stallard.

Cards: Smith (Y – 90 + 3 mins) Goals: none Halesowen Town: Platt, Kelly, Quaynor. Turton, Morris, Evans, Holmes, Hayward, Insall, Gregory, Cobourne Subs: Birch (for Hayward 55 mins), Funge (for Cobourne 68 mins), Smith (R) (for Holmes 68 mins), Fuller and Dudley-Toole.

Cards: Holmes (Y – 50 mins), Morris (Y – 64 mins), Quaynor (Y – 74 mins) Goals: Morris (6 mins), Gregory (43 mins), Holmes (90 + 3 mins) Attendance: 874 Referee: Tom Wall (Stoke-on-Trent)

John Walker

JW Match Report Hinckley LR FC (H) 29-08-2022 NORTHERN PREMIER LEAGUE MIDLAND DIVISION

St Neots Town

3

Hinckley LR

0

Neither of the two sides had won a league match prior to this meeting, and it was St Neots Town who broke their duck with a positive if not commanding display. Hinckley, at Step Four after promotion, never looked likely to spoil St Neots’ bank holiday and the visitors’ problems were compounded when they lost Simon Alcott who picked up two yellow cards in just three second half minutes. St Neots, with four team changes, took some time to settle in the first half but the bonus was having back those four players after spells of injury.

Now on the way back to full strength, the side can only grow in confidence but face a tough challenge next with an away trip to Step Three Bishops Stortford in the upcoming weekend FA Cup tie. Back into the side came Trey Charles and Andre Hasanally along with full backs Charlie Lewis and Charlie Stallard.

Making way and starting on the bench were Aaron Smith, Robbie Mason, Manny Osei and George Hoddle.

Understandably, St Neots made a slow start and the visiting team looked sharp in the opening spell with Danny Jenno sending an early free kick over the bar, Simon Alcott bringing a good save from Jamie Greygoose and Dominic Brennan having a threatening corner punched clear. St Neots settled with Trey Charles and Declan Nche seeing efforts just wide of target. With Greygoose unsighted Andre Williams sliced a shot just wide of the far post whilst at the other end skipper Callum Anderson shot wide. Greygoose was again in important action after 31 minutes when the lively Williams got behind the St Neots defence to cross and Joseph Lyne stung the goalkeepers’ hands with a snapshot from ten yards. However, with the visitors not making their openings count, St Neots Town took full advantage after 36 minutes when a searing run from the halfway line by Joe Tarpey left the visiting defence flat-footed as he set up Declan Nche for his third goal of the campaign. En-route to goal the lively Saleem Akanbi was upended by Jenno earning the visiting player a booking and in first half time added Domonic Brennan broke through the home defence but shot over the bar.

JW Match Report Hinckley LR FC (H) 29-08-2022 St Neots looked better after the break and from a Hasanally corner, defender Toib Adeyemi headed narrowly wide. Brennan had a shot comfortably saved by Greygoose, but St Neots were doing the bulk of the attacking and Akanbi had two shots blocked by defenders. Simon Alcott was booked for upending Hasanally as he sped towards goal after 62 minutes and three minutes later an incident almost certainly decided the outcome of this match. Akanbi darted into the area past his marker to be brought down by a defender and the Referee pointed to the penalty spot. The visitors were incensed earning Alcott a second booking and dismissal and goalkeeper Will Highland also found his way into the Referee’s notebook. Amid the chaos, Trey Charles kept his cool to fire home an unstoppable penalty for his first goal of the game. Hasanally and Akanbi both went close to extending the lead before after 77 minutes Trey Charles produced a perfectly placed finish to add his second goal and end any hopes of a Hinckley comeback. St Neots even had the luxury of sending on two new strikers in Robbie Mason and Manny Osei with the goal scorers moving back into midfield.

St Neots Town: Greygoose, Lewis, Stallard, Anderson, Beckett, Adeyemi, Hasanally, Tarpey, Charles, Nche, Akanbi.

Subs: Smith (for Stallard 63 mins), Osei (for Lewis 58 mins), Mason (for Akanbi 80 mins) Sackey-Mensah and Hoddle.

Cards: none Goals: Charles (2) 65 mins – pen - & 77 mins), Nche (36 mins) Hinckley LR: Highland, Acton, Bahrey, Alcott, Jenno, Humphreys, Brown, Lyne, Williams, Brennan, Burrows.

Subs: Reeves (for Jenno 69 mins), Gore (for Burrows 83 mins), Jones, Gill, and Roggero.

Cards: Alcott (RED - 2nd Y – 62 & 65 mins), Jenno (Y - 45 mins), Highland (Y – 65 mins) Goals: none Referee: Chris Darling (Newmarket) Attendance: 247 John Walker

JW Match Report Bishops Stortford FA CUP 1RQ (A) 03-09-2022 FA CUP – FIRST ROUND QUALIFYING Bishops Stortford

0

St Neots Town

2

St Neots Town knocked out higher graded Bishops Stortford in this First Qualifying Round of the FA Cup to repeat a victory over the same opponents four years earlier.

It put St Neots in the Second Qualifying Round of this famous old competition for the first time since that previous victory over Stortford when they went on to reach the Fourth Qualifying Round and eventual defeat by Conference side Alfreton Town.

A goal in each half was enough to beat their hosts on this occasion after Stortford had missed promotion to the Conference last season in the final play-off.Perhaps one of the keys to this success was the ability of Manager Pete Gill to name almost the same line up from the previous match apart from swapping Charlie Stallard for Aaron Smith at full back.Now the side faces two trips in less than a week to Coleshill Town – the first in the league and the second in the First Round Qualifying of the FA Trophy before their next date in the FA Cup on 17th September.

St Neots began confidently, and Joe Tarpey had an early shot blocked after a promising move and Andre Hassanally set up Trey Charles who saw his crisp shot saved at full length by home custodian Noah Phillips. St Neots looked dangerous on the break and in the 24th minute opened the scoring when Andre Hasanally nicked the ball from a Stortford attack on the left hand side deep in his own half and when reaching the half way line, splayed a raking pass out to the right, freeing TREY CHARLES to get at the home defence and once inside the 18 yard box, he unleashed an unstoppable shot across the keeper into the top left hand corner. The visiting defence stood firm as Stortford rallied after conceding the early goal and they had the ball in the net after29 minutes. but the Referee had blown for an infringement.Charles was a constant threat for St Neots bringing another good save from the home keeper and breaking quickly forward to shoot a foot wide with the goal at his mercy. Stortford were unlucky when a lengthy shot by Ollie Peters rebounded from the crossbar and Donell Thomas was only inches from converting a cross from Jonny Giles. In added time at the end of the first half both sides created good openings - Harry Beadle firing wide from a corner for the home side and in a slick attacking move Charles played Andre Hasanally clear but he dragged his shot wide of the far post.

JW Match Report Bishops Stortford FA CUP 1RQ (A) 03-09-2022 Two substitutions by the home side after the break seemed to boost their attacking intentions and in the twenty minutes after the break Stortford enjoyed their best period of the match keeping the St Neots defence at full stretch. Aaron Smith had to produce a saving tackle after substitute Frankie Merrifield had gone clear of the visiting defence, the same player headed wide after Giles had left his marker in his wake and Beadle had a net-bound header saved at full stretch by Jamie Greygoose. It then took a block by the goalkeeper’s legs to deny Thomas and then Giles headed over the bar when well placed. Midway through the second half the pressure on the visiting defence seemed to ease and St Neots began to look dangerous in attack. In one quick break Declan Nche showed a clear pair of heels to the home defence but shot wide and then the same player brought a good save from Phillips.St Neots then finished strongly and after Hasanally had seen his effort parried, substitute MANNY OSEI pounced on a loose clearance to claim his first goal in St Neots colours but was booked for his over-excited personal celebration with his shirt removed.

St Neots: Greygoose, Lewis, Smith, Anderson, Beckett, Adeyemi, Hasanally, Tarpey, Charles, Nche, Akanbi.

Subs: Osei (for Akanbi 73 mins), Hoddle (for Tarpey 75 mins), Mason (for Charles 88 mins), Stallard, Sackey-Mensah, Abbott, and Reid.

Cards: Charles (Y – 68 mins), Greygoose (Y – 81 mins), Osei (Y – 90 mins), Mason (Y – 90+3 mins) Goals: Charles (2) 65 mins – pen - & 77 mins), Nche (36 mins) Bishops Stortford: Phillips, Porter, Henshaw, Giles, Johnson, Harris, Olufemi, Thomas (J), Peters, Beadle, Thomas (D) Subs: Edwards (for Thomas (J) 46 mins), Merrifield (for Harris 46 mins), Egbri (for Henshaw 74 mins), Church and Haines.

Cards: none Goals: none Referee: Thomas Hood (Tring) Attendance: 431 John Walker

JW Match Report Coleshill Town (A) 05-09-2022 NORTHERN PREMIER LEAGUE MIDLAND DIVISION Coleshill Town

4

St Neots Town

0

St Neots suffered their heaviest away defeat for three seasons just 48 hours after their creditable FA Cup victory at higher graded Bishops Stortford. It was very much the case of a hangover for a side facing fresh opponents who had enjoyed a weekend off following their earlier FA Cup exit. St Neots were hampered by the unavailability of two players - defender Toib Adeyemi and midfielder Andre Hassanally and an early recurrent injury to midfielder skipper Callum Anderson.

The loss of their central defender was particularly significant, and it led to a first half where the home side were almost totally dominant with the visitors restricted to breakaway attacks. Particularly noticeable was St Neots usual passing precision because it seemed that when they were in possession, they gave the ball away too easily. The balance of the side – so important in the FA Cup match – was missing, and they will be looking for massive improvement this weekend when they return to Coleshill for their opening match in this season’s FA Trophy. The four team changes including Adeyemi and Hasanally saw two other players Joe Tarpey and Saleem Akanbi both rested on the substitutes bench after picking up knocks at Stortford.

Colehill began very brightly with Jamie Greygoose required to produce an outstanding save after five minutes to deny the lively Kai Tonge. At the other end Trey Charles had a shot deflected but the home pressure continued as Tonge outran the defence to cross for Kyle Jardine to squander a great opening as he fired wildly over the bar. Coleshill then had two dangerous crosses – the second from a corner – pushed away by the hardworking Greygoose, but the sustained attacking bore fruit after 18 minutes when Alex Tomkinson rounded his marker to pull the ball back to Amarvir Sandhu who netted past the unsighted goalkeeper to open the scoring. Two minutes later St Neots lost their inspirational skipper to injury with Joe Tarpey substituting.

Two breakaway efforts by Trey Charles were the best St Neots could offer before the break – a volley well saved and a set up for Robbie Mason whose effort was pushed for a corner. Then Declan Nche was robbed in midfield and Kyle Jardine took full advantage to net Coleshill’s second goal for their comfortable half time lead.

JW Match Report Coleshill Town (A) 05-09-2022 With their defence looking fragile St Neots had swapped full back Aaron Smith and central defender Charlie Stallard but the latter was injured shortly after the break with Saleem Akanbi substituting and the defence switching to a back three. The quality of St Neots passing let them down too often, but they survived the early part of the second half with their other substitute utilised.

Then after 78 minutes a sharp finish by Kai Tonge added the home sides’ third goal with St Neots resistance still struggling. Any chance of salvaging anything from the game had disappeared, and the icing on the cake for the home side came three minutes into added time when substitute George Washbourne was left unmarked to slide in their fourth goal from close range.

St Neots Town: Greygoose, Lewis, Smith, Anderson, Beckett, Stallard, Osei, Hoddle, Mason, Nche, Charles.

Subs: Tarpey (for Anderson 20 mins), Akanbi (for Stallard 75 mins), and SackeyMensah (for Smith 77 mins).

Cards: Smith (Y – 61 mins), Mason (Y – 72 mins) Goals: none Coleshill Town: Hathaway, Sandhu, Carter-Byrne, Rowe, Dainty, Doyle, Tonge, Wills, Jardine, Molesworth, Tomkinson.

Subs: Marselia (for Jardine 67 mins), Washbourne (for Tomkinson 82 mins), Philips (for Tonge 82 mins), Higginson and Forbes.

Cards: Willis (Y – 90 mins) Goals: Sandhu (18 mins), Jardine (30 mins), Tonge (78 mins), Washbourne (90+4 mins) Referee: Thomas Johnson (Bromsgrove) Attendance: 128 John Walker

JW Match Report Coleshill Town (A) 13-09-2022 FA TROPHY – FIRST ROUND QUALIFTING Coleshill Town

3

St Neots Town

2

After 58 minutes with St Neots trailing 1-2 Dan Barton beat two players and was unceremoniously upended by two home defenders inside the home penalty area. As the visitors awaited the Referee’s whistle, Mr Forest from Halesowen waved play on to deny the visitors an obvious spot kick. It was frustrating for the youngster who was injured in the tackle and had to be replaced, for it was his first match back after missing the last seven games due to an injury picked up in the first league match. From that point on both sides adopted an attacking style of play and although St Neots pulled a goal back to level the scores it was the home side that snatched the late winner. It was the third time in the past four seasons that St Neots have exited the FA Trophy at the first hurdle. Without regulars’ goalkeeper Jamie Greygoose and skipper Callum Anderson both injured St Neots also rested George Hoddle and Robbie Mason, and into their places came Barton, Joe Tarpey, Andre Hasanally and Cambridge United loan goalkeeper Tom Finch.

St Neots began well with Trey Charles having two early chances – the first set up by Charlie Stallard – and although his pace saw him clear of the defence home keeper Paul Hathaway blocked with his legs, and the second a snapshot into the side netting. Then the home side settled and began to dominate the attacking play.Tom Finch was quickly in action saving full length from Isia Marsilla and then Josh Willis headed narrowly over the bar from a corner. The pressure paid off after 14 minutes when Kia Tonge was left unmarked to head home the opening goal from a right wing cross. St Neots tried to respond, and Andre Hasanally saw a free kick comfortably gathered by Hathaway, but it was the home side in the ascendancy as a through pass from Josh Willis freed Kia Tonge to slot home his second goal after 36 minutes. Again, St Neots rallied and after their neatest attacking move of the first half four minutes before the break Manny Osei shot disappointingly over the bar.Then just sixty seconds prior to half time Hathaway made a mess of trying to clear a back pass presenting Dan Barton with a simple tap-in finish for his first St Neots goal.

JW Match Report Coleshill Town (A) 13-09-2022 The visitors began the second half promisingly as they had the first, and Barton forced another full length save from Hathaway who also fielded an opportunistic effort from Charles. Up with his attack home full back Taylor Byrne sent a near post header from a corner the wrong side of a goalpost and then the Barton incident set off a series of substitutions by both sides. St Neots adopted a more attacking approach with three in defence with Saleem Akanbi and Callum Anderson on for Barton and Charlie Stallard and both sides adopted a long ball approach in attack. St Neots were rewarded after 71 minutes when from a Charles corner a Charlie Lewis head was parried by the home keeper and when his defence failed to clear Harvey Beckett forced the ball home from close range to level the scores.It was, however, the home side that snatched the late winning goal just three minutes from time when substitute Liam Molesworth netted from a narrow angle to send the visitors home disappointed after a much better display than eight days earlier.

St Neots Town: Finch, Lewis, Stallard, Tarpey, Beckett, Smith, Barton, Nche, Charles, Hasanally, Osei.

Subs: Anderson (for Barton 62 mins), Akanbi (for Stallard 62 mins), Mason (for Lewis 79 mins) and Clark.

Cards: Lewis (Y – 79 mins) Goals: Barton (44 mins), Beckett (71 mins) Coleshill Town: Hathaway, Sandhu, Byrne, Higginson, Hendrickson, Tomkinson, Tonge, Willis, Marsilla, Phillips, Washbourne.

Subs: Forbes (for Phillips 62 mins), Molesworth (for Marsilla 62 mins), Dainty (for Washbourne 71 mins), Doyle, Landers, Rowe, and Ashmore.

Cards: Phillips (Y – 52 mins), Willis (Y – 85 mins), Forbes (Y – 90+1 min) Goals: Tonge 2 (14 & 36 mins), Molesworth 87 mins) Attendance: 57 Referee: Kieran Forest (Halesowen) John Walker

JW Match Report Cheshunt FC (A) FA CUP 2ND RQ 17-09-2022 FA CUP – SECOND ROUND QUALIFYING Cheshunt

3

St Neots Town

1

The defining moment in this FA Cup tie came in the 53rd Minute when the home side had the ball in the net, but a goal was originally ruled out by an offside flag. Home side protests followed and after consultation with his Assistant, Referee Luke Scott reversed his decision deciding that the ball had struck a defender on its passage to the scorer. That was a second bitter blow for the visitors who had surrendered their early first half lead when they conceded an equaliser deep into time added on at the end of the first half. St Neots boss Pete Gill was pleased with his sides’ overall performance against their higher graded hosts but rued his sides’ missed chances especially in the first 45 minutes when a second goal could have proved crucial. So, St Neots attempt at a fourth FA Cup victory this season foundered despite a brave display against a side two levels higher than themselves. Jamie Greygoose returned in goal, Toib Adeyemi was back at the heart of the defence, skipper Callum Anderson had recovered from injury and Saleem Akanbi was preferred to Manny Osei who was with Charlie Stallard on the bench alongside goalkeeper Tom Finch. Also missing was the injured Charlie Lewis.

Cheshunt began well and a rising shot from Isaac Newton was deflected for a corner with Jamie Greygoose unsighted. The visitors then gave the ball away in midfield and it took a fine save by Greygoose to deny Newton as he tipped the ball over the bar and from the corner the hosts had a third early chance, but Joe Tarpey was well placed to clear off the line. After this uncertain start St Neots settled taking the match to the home side and creating their own chances. Aaron Smith dashed down the left but shot over the bar, home keeper Preston Edwards was forced into a full length save from Andre Hasanally and then the visitors took the lead after 23 minutes. Trey Charles burst through the home defence to be brought down by Ola Williams earning the home skipper a caution and when Hasanally’s free kick was only parried by Edwards, Harvey Beckett claimed his second goal in successive matches to put the visitors in front. Three minutes later the score should have been doubled when Decan Nche split the home defence to free Hasanally but with only the keeper to beat he shot the wrong side of a post.

JW Match Report Cheshunt FC (A) FA CUP 2ND RQ 17-09-2022 Edwards then produced a fine save to deny Charles whilst at the other end Greygoose was in action saving from Mohamed Camara. Just as it looked as though St Neots lead would take them to the break the lively Isaac Newton beat Greygoose with a well-struck low shot to level the scores.

After Charles and Hasanally had failed to convert early second half chances the controversial home side second goal netted by Brandon Adams saw the Conference side in front for the first time after 53 minutes. However, St Neots recovered well for Charles to have one free kick saved before ballooning a second over the crossbar. Cheshunt broke forward for Adams to test the St Neots keeper who pushed his shot for a corner, but St Neots were enjoying better possession and Charles had another free kick saved and Saleem Akanbi brough a fine near post save from the home keeper after neat play by Nche.

In a home side breakaway attack Greygoose saved bravely at the feet of Adams and in the final ten minutes St Neots mounted an all-out attack looking for an equaliser. Three home players were booked as they desperately defender their narrow lead but caught short in defence St Neots conceded a very late third goal as substitute Reece Richards was left in acres of space and took full advantage.

St Neots Town: Greygoose, Smith, Tarpey, Anderson, Beckett, Adeyemi, Barton, Nche, Charles, Hasanally, Akanbi.

Subs: Osei (for Akanbi 82 mins), Mason (for Nche 85 mins), Stallard and Finch.

Cards: none Goals: Beckett (23 mins) Cheshunt: Edwards, Cracknell, Williams, Camara, McKenzie, Da Silva, Econgo, Re, Liburd, Adams, Newton.

Subs: Golding (for Williams 64 mins), Soca (for Re 76 mins), Richards (for Liburd 78 mins), Chima, Snow and Rose.

Cards: Williams (Y – 23 mins), Cracknell (Y – 58 mins), Soca (Y – 90+2 mins), Newton (Y – 90+4 mins), Camara (Y – 90+6 mins).

Goals: Newton (45+1 min), Adams (53 mins), Richards (90+7 mins) Attendance: 356 Referee: Luke Scott (Northampton) John Walker

Opponent Spotlight SPORTING KHALSA FC SPORTING KHALSA FOOTBALL CLUB – HISTORY 2022/23 The club was established in 1991. Over the years the club has always played senior football in the local Walsall & District Sunday leagues. For two seasons between 1995 and 1997 the club played Saturday football at a semi-professional level. It has enjoyed modest success throughout.

From 1991 to 1997 it used to have a small number of youth sides and gained considerable success within the season 1995/96 by winning the Birmingham boys Under 16 league.

Due to lack of resources, both financial and manpower, it reluctantly abandoned the youth policy.

With a more solid foundation and re-organization of the executive committee in 2004, the club re-joined the West Midlands Regional League Division Two (semi-professional level seven league). In season 2004/05 the first team gained promotion into Division One of West Midlands Regional League (FA League Pyramid Structure level six). It also restarted a youth policy this season.

2005 became a year to remember, as the club became the first Asian semi-professional football club in the country to own its own ground. The decision to purchase the Abbey Park Stadium (formerly home to Bloxwich Town) was taken by the club as it needed a permanent base from which to build upon its successes and built a centre for footballing excellence. Walsall Football Club played a friendly to mark the official opening of the new ground. A ladies team was introduced in 2006 that played in the South Staffordshire League. In 2007 the club played in the FA Vase for its first time and lost in the First Qualifying Round and also introduced a Veterans Over 35s side in the Central Warwickshire Over 35s League.

After five years at Abbey Park ground, Sporting Khalsa announced in May 2010 that they would be purchasing the five acre freehold grounds of Willenhall Town FC from the Receivers. After extensive work on the pitch and social facilities with the total outlay of over half million pounds the stadium was finished on the eve of the 2010/11 season. In its first season at their new Aspray Arena home the club gained promotion to the Premier Division of the West Midlands Regional League.

2012/13 the club played in the FA Cup for its first time in its history and progressed to the First Qualifying round. Our Sunday team won the Warley Sunday Premier League and also progressed to the Fourth Round of the FA National Cup. The following season the first team finished sixth in the league and were runners up in J W Hunt Charity Cup at the Molineux Stadium.

Opponent Spotlight SPORTING KHALSA FC SPORTING KHALSA FOOTBALL CLUB – HISTORY 2022/23 At the start of 2014/15 season we appointed our current manager Ian Rowe who promotion to Step 5 Midland Football League by winning the West Midlands Regional Premier League's in its 125th Anniversary year, with a record points total, on top of this they were crowned winners of the Staffs FA Vase too.

2015/16 season was our first season for the club at Step 5 saw us finish a credible third in the league. On top of this the club cemented it's place amongst the non-league fraternity with a memorable FA Cup run, missing out to another non-league giant FC United of Manchester for a place in the First Round Proper. The final game of the season saw us lift the JW Hunt Cup in its 90th year at Molineux. The season also saw the introduction of our Ladies and Girls teams with the Ladies first team playing the National Women’s League.

2016/17 season saw us reach the Quarter-Finals of the FA Vase losing narrowly to Coleshill Town and also finish third in the League. The next season we finished fifth in the league.

Season 2018/19 saw the opening of the 3G stadia pitch with a total investment of £1 million which also included a new 300 seater stand and new changing rooms. Again we finished a creditable third in the league and won the J W Hunt Cup for the second time this time the Final was against Highgate United and again was played at Molineux.

Both the 2019/20 and 2020/21 never were completed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

2019/20 season we were second in the league when the season were curtained in March 2020 and also reached the FA Vase Quarter-Final. 2020/21 season we were first in the league when the season was curtained in December 2020. Due to the re-structure of the National League at Steps 3-6 we gained promotion for the first time in our history to Pitching In Northern Premier League Midland Division (Step 4) on PPG over the two seasons, finishing top of the Midland League.

Season 2021/22 saw our men’s first team in the Pitching In Northern Premier League Midland Division the highest league the club has played in and had an impressive first season by finishing eighth. In the FA Cup, Khalsa progressed to the Second Qualifying Round eventually losing to Conference North side Kidderminster Harriers. It was our debut in the FA Trophy, Khalsa lost in the Third Qualifying Round to Rushall Olympic who did the double over Khalsa by beating Khalsa in the Final of the Walsall Senior Cup played at Bescot Stadium, which saw goalkeeper Sam Arnold given his marching orders after six minutes.

Opponent Spotlight - PLAYER PROFILES SPORTING KHALSA FC IAN ROWE (Manager) - Formerly a robust and no-nonsense striker with local outfits including Gornal Athletic and Causeway United, Rowe entered management at Dudley Town in 2008. After leading the club to their highest league positions in two decades, Rowe moved to neighbours Gornal Athletic in the summer of 2010. In three seasons at the helm, he led the Garden Walk outfit to the West Midlands title, Quarter-Finals of the FA Vase and the top three of the Midland Football League. After a season at Tipton Town – where he led the club to the top six of the MFL and the Final of the League Cup – Rowe moved to Sporting Khalsa in the close-season of the 2014/15 season. Bringing some of his trusted soldiers and adding some new recruits to the ranks, Rowe’s side swept all before them in winning the title with a record points tally and goal total. Since then, Khalsa have finished in the top six consistently in the Midland Football League in addition to winning the JW Hunt Cup, reaching the Fourth Qualifying Round of the FA Cup and the Quarter-Finals of the FA Vase.

SAM ARNOLD - Joining a few weeks into the 2017-18 season, Sam soon established himself as the default first choice goalkeeper at Khalsa, impressing with a series of Man-of-theMatch performances. His second season was even more impressive, winning the Supporter’s Player of the Year award at the end of the 2018-19 season which saw him help Khalsa to third place in the league and the JW Hunt Cup. The former Wednesfield, Hinckley and Rushall custodian is as impressive with his feet as he is his hands, often proving a decisive first line of attack as much as a last line of defence.

CARLO FRANCO - Free-scoring full-back and occasional centre-half who, since joining Khalsa in the summer of 2014 having spent several seasons with Wolverhampton Casuals, has held a cast-iron grip on the number two shirt, impressing with his defensive duties and forward duties alike. After helping Khalsa to the West Midlands Regional League title in 2014-15, Carlo really established himself as one of Khalsa’s stars in the 2015-16 season where his performances earned him Supporter’s Player of the Year.

TES ROBINSON - Towering centre-half for Sporting Khalsa and St Kitts and Nevis, Tes joined part way through the 2014-15 season as a series of injuries to centre halves threatened the championship winning campaign and was appointed captain for the start of the 2016-17 season Tes has previously turned out for a host of non-league sides, including Shawbury, Oldbury United, Rushall Olympic, Romulus, Redditch United, Evesham, Chasetown and Halesowen Town.

LEWIS WORSEY - Left sided defender signed for Khalsa prior to the 2019-20 season having previously played for Lye Town and made his debut in a 1-0 win away to Boldmere St Michaels in the opening game of the season. Scored his one goal for Khalsa in a 7-0 win over Selston that same season.

JAMES McGRADY - A left sided attacking midfielder who joined Khalsa prior to the start of the 2019-20 season making his full debut against Stourport Swifts in August 2019. James scored ten goals in a pandemic shortened season, his first coming in a 5-0 win over Coventry Sphinx.

Opponent Spotlight - PLAYER PROFILES SPORTING KHALSA FC KIERON WHITTAKER - Former Wednesfield midfielder who signed for Khalsa in February 2019 having spent the rest of the season at West Midlands Regional League side Wolverhampton Casuals. He made his first appearance for Khalsa in a 1-0 win against Lye Town in March 2019 and followed this with a string of impressive performances which he wrapped up by scoring his first goal in Khalsa colours during the 5-2 win against Dunkirk on the last day of the 2018-19 season.

LIAM ARMSTRONG - Liam arrived at Sporting Khalsa in September 2018 having started the season at Bromsgrove Sporting after joining the 2017-18 Midland Football League champions in the later stages of their campaign. The former West Bromwich Albion and Shrewsbury youngster was previously with Shawbury and Bridgnorth. Made his first appearance for Khalsa as a substitute in a 4-2 win against South Normanton Athletic in September 2018 and scored his first goal for the club in a 3-2 victory against Paget Rangers in the Walsall Senior Cup in November 2018.

MIKE PERKS - Although ostensibly a defensive midfielder, ‘Nosha’ is a frequent goalscorer, spending as much time in the final third as he does the first third. Previously of Gornal Athletic and Tipton Town fame, he arrived at Sporting Khalsa part of the way through the 2014-15 season and, although needing time to adapt to his new surrounds after a spell out of the game, played an invaluable part in the championship winning campaign., Played an injury-interrupted role in the 2015-16 season which saw Khalsa finish in third spot, come within one game of the First Round proper in the FA Cup and win the JW Hunt Cup at the Molineux. Both the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons were frustrating and injury-ravaged ones for ‘Nosha’, a series of injuries meaning his impact on the side was limited by his standards and he left Sporting Khalsa in the summer of 2018 returning to the Aspray Arena during pre-season ahead of the 2019-20 season.

SEAN WILLIAMS - Returning to Khalsa in December 2018 from Quorn, ‘Willo’ has been a regular on the local non-league scene for many years, turning out for Willenhall Town, Oldbury Athletic, Cradley Town, Bromsgrove Sporting, Studley and Highgate United amongst others. He previously had a short spell with the club during the final stages of the 2014-15 championship season. Despite being one of the senior players in the squad, he plays with the energy and enthusiasm of someone half his age. He made his first appearance during his second spell in a 4-1 Boxing Day victory over AFC Wulfrunians and got his first goal in the following game against his old side Quorn. During the 2018-19 season he bagged five goals in 21 appearances and was awarded the Midland Football League Player of the Season.

JOSH McKENZIE - Veteran striker who joined Khalsa for a third time in 2019-20 having played for Lye Town the previous season. Scored 13 goals in 2019-20 and kicked off this season with a hat-trick in the FA Cup win over Coventry Sphinx. Previous clubs include Studley, Bromsgrove Sporting, Redditch United and Alvechurch.

Opponent Spotlight - PLAYER PROFILES SPORTING KHALSA FC GAZ SINGH - A dynamic front-man with an excellent goalscoring record, Gaz was a prolific scorer for Smethwick and Tipton Town before clinching a move into the full-time game with Kidderminster Harriers in the summer of 2015. During his time at Aggborough he did well at National League level before moving on to Hednesford Town and Redditch United prior to his arrival at Rushall. After a spell with Sutton Coldfield Town, he returned to Rushall before joining Khalsa in March 2018. Injuries meant his contribution was restricted to four starts and three substitute appearances and a single goal (in the final game of the season against Dunkirk). Gaz returned to Khalsa for the start of the 2019-20 season scoring 13 goals.

TODD FERRIER - Promising young midfielder who was developed at Dudley Town before moving to Wolverhampton Casuals and then to Bilston Town for the curtailed 2020-21 season. Joined Khalsa last summer and established himself as a regular feature in the midfield in his first season at this level.

DAN OKOJIE – A former Worcester City midfielder who has also featured for Walsall Wood in the Midland Football League Dan has played over 30 times for Khalsa this season.

MATT FULLOWAY - Central defender signed from Stourport Swifts in the summer of 2020 having made over 150 appearances for the Worcestershire side. His debut came in the FA Cup defeat at Leek Town in September 2020 with his league debut a few days later in the 2-1 win against Highgate United. Missed the start of the NPL campaign last season due to injury but performed well when returning to the side.

JUMAANE MEGGOE – ‘Jamma’ was signed from local rival AFC Wulfrunians in August and has bagged a dozen goals this season including a late winner in the Boxing Day winner over Chasetown.

MIRACLE OKAFOR - Young striker who signed in January after starting the season with Stourbridge and moving onto Racing Club Warwick early in the campaign. Started his career at Scunthorpe United’s Academy with spells at Frickley Athletic, Highgate United, Alvechurch and Guiseley before his move to the Glassboys.

RAAJAN GILL - Signed from Witton Albion in the summer Gill began his career at Leicester City and has also featured for Circencester Town, Newcastle Town, Tamworth and Alvechurch. The ‘keeper has also represented Panjab on the international stage.

HARRY CUNNINGHAM - A summer signing from Chasetown Harry is a tough tackling midfielder who began his senior career at Wolverhampton Casuals with spells at Shifnal Town and Wednesfield before joining the Scholars late last season.

ISAAC JAGROOP - A striker who signed from Highgate United in the summer after beginning his career at Ipswich Town before being released as a teenager.

JAY SANGHA - A product of the Khalsa youth system Jay captained the U19’s last season and made his debut in the FA Trophy win over Dereham Town in September.

Opponent Spotlight - PLAYER PROFILES SPORTING KHALSA FC ANDY PARSONS - An experienced defender ‘Parso’ is no stranger to football at this level having played for Alvechurch, Halesowen Town and Bedworth United before making 17 appearances for Chasetown last season. Having won promotion at this level with Alvechurch his experience will be invaluable.

YUBBIF ADAM - A young defender who made a dozen appearances last season during the club’s first season at Step 4 having made his debut the previous season.

St Neots Town FC Playing Record Season 2022/23

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

1 KESTER WAY, ST NEOTS, PE19 6SL

01480 211771 www.flamesgrillstneots.co.uk Free local delivery (minimum order applies) Delivery up to 8.0 miles (see prices) Card payments accepted We pride ourselves on being open minded with a particular emphasis on working closely with our business partners to ensure mutually beneficial achievements. Our aim is to continue developing football for all, to offer duel career pathways and to continue to engage and support the Community and local businesses.

Manager – Ian Rowe Assistant - Ross Miller GK Coach - Joe Ball Physio - John Bird & Mia Cole Kitman - Steve Bagby

Manager - Peter Gill Assistant - Sean Greygoose Coach - Marc Abbott GK Coach - Gary Dean Physios - Craig Lambert & Sam Roblett Kitman - Mick Hunt

Squad Squad List

Squad List

Sam Arnold Carlo Franco Lewis Worsey Mike Perks Tesfa Robinson Andy Parsons Liam Armstrong Harry Cunningham Josh McKenzie Isaac Jagroop James McGrady Kieron Whittaker Raajan Gill Arman Khoshkhoo Imudianosa Okojie Gurjit Singh Yussif Adam Remie Birch Matt Fulloway Nathan Oyemade Dilsher Bhandal Todd Ferrier Miracle Okafor Sean Williams Kieron Berry Jay Sangha

Jamie Greygoose (GK) Darryl Reid (GK) Alex Bent (GK) Theo Sackey-Mensah Aaron Smith Toib Adeyemi Charlie Lewis Charlie Stallard George Hoddle Joe Tarpey Decland Nche Callum Anderson Manny Osei Saleem Akambi Daniel Barton Andre Hassanally Brandon Njoku Robbie Mason Tremayne Charles

Colours Navy/Light Blue Quarters Dark Blue Shorts Light Blue Socks

Colours Yellow Shirts Black Shorts Black Socks

Referee

David Nicholson

Assistant 1

Next Home Match versus Spalding United FC Saturday Saturday 15th October 3.00 pm KO

James Samways

Assistant 2

Neal Templey