2023 - Issue Sixteen - Wellingborough Town by St Neots Town Football Club

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UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISON SOUTH

St Neots Town F.C. Established Established 1879 1879

President - John Walker

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

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

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

First Team Manager - Cameron Mawer Assistant Manager - Steve Kuhne Coach - Alex Minall GK Coach - Gary Dean Physio - Craig Lambert Kit Man - Mick Hunt U18Manager - Nick Schleising Assistant - Ben Webster

Academy Manager - Alex Minall Club Welfare Officer - Chrissie Manly Academy enquiries - Alexsntfcacademy@gmail.com

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

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

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 Gary Wilson

Greenie’s Greetings With Director Mike Green "Good afternoon everyone and welcome back to the Premier Plus Stadium for today‘s United Counties League Premier Division South match. Today we extend a warm welcome to the players, officials and supporters of Wellingborough Town Football Club and we hope you enjoy our hospitality this afternoon“. The big games just keep on coming don’t they and they don’t come any bigger than welcoming the league leaders to our home. Hopefully you will be reading these notes ahead of today’s game and the powers that be upstairs have turned up the heating somewhat and the game is actually going ahead. I just wanted to thank our superb grounds-staff, who have taken every possible preventative measure during the week to protect the playing surface from the freezing temperatures so fingers crossed, their hard work has paid off. I Think, going forward, there needs to be a serious review of the process for calling games off at non league level. Well give us an example why I hear you say. Tuesday evening, Racing Club Warwick away at Leicester Nirvana. The Racers travel to their hosts, only to have the game postponed by the match referee just FIVE minutes before kick off. In these time of ever tightening finances, this simply isn’t good enough for either the home clubs who have to arrange staff, catering etc and obviously utility costs and then the poor away sides who may incur losses at work if midweek games and fuel costs etc. Let’s hope a review takes place before clubs can longer function due to spiralling financial problems. You may have seen our new graphics on social media, something I think raises the profile of the Club to a new level at Step Five. They look fantastic and I would just like to thank supporter Grayham Bonfield for all his hard work in designing and helping to get the ball rolling. I look forward to seeing us evolve as time goes on and hope to see us become the number one UCL club on social media. Back to today’s game. let’s get behind the boys from the off and hopefully come full time, we will have extended our recent unbeaten run.

Greenie

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Boardroom Gossip From The Dugout With Chairman BarryCameron Cavilla With Manager Mawer " I’d like to welcome everyone associated with Wellingborough Town to the Premier Plus stadium. A side I hugely admire at this level, when you’re sitting top after 25 games it shows how well they have done and I have no doubt they will be hoping to stay there come April“. The last meeting between ourselves and Wellingborough was our last defeat and a tight affair and in my opinion could have gone either way but they showed the quality needed to win the game and it’s something we have been working hard to turn in our favour, as in all games in this league it’s about taking your moments. As a management team we continue to add to areas we feel we need to in the squad and the additions we make are not just for the short term but part of long term planning as we need to continue to build foundations that will see us through over the next few years and beyond. We welcome in Michael Amishike a very exciting midfielder from Leighton Town and everybody who came to Coventry would have seen Rob Parker who was an excellent addition on the day. This week saw the departure of skipper Kyle Lincoln, he’s been fantastic out on the pitch for the club and has contributed to us sitting third. However he has only played in 3 of the last 8 games so as much as I feel we will miss him we have built a squad with players capable of replacing individuals without too much difference. I am delighted to hand James Hatch the armband and in all honesty he’s been a leader since day one and I know he will continue to lead the group. We are on a run of 8 games unbeaten and that’s by no means an easy feat in this league but this will be our biggest test of the season and we will have to be at our very best to achieve anything positive. Your support is huge, let’s make Saturday loud, as what you have given us this year home and away has certainly been 12th man.

Enjoy the game.

Cam

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Boardroom Gossip Boardroom Gossip With Chairman Barry Cavilla With Chairman Barry Cavilla “ Good afternoon Everyone and welcome todays UCL premier league south fixture. Today we welcome the Table Toppers in Wellingborough Town to the Premier Plus Stadium and I would like to wish all the players ,officals and Supporters of Wellingborough a pleasant stay with us and safe onward journey home”. Both Teams have been in a rich vein of form recently and we are hopefully of a very good contest between 2 solid and Competative teams today . Wellingborough who are looking to continue their challenge for Automatic promotion have been consistently challenging for Top spot all season and will be a Big challenge for the Saint today but one i am positive the Saints will relish and test how far they have come as a group of fine young footballers. Cameron and the lads will know if we are to achieve and make a challenge for playoff places a reality at the end of the season ,then we will need to be at our very Best and on the front foot from now on in and especially looking to hopefully maintain our excellent recent form and maximise on our remaining games and pick up as many points as possible to make that challenge a real possibility. After last Saturday’s emphatic win at a very good Coventry United team, I am sure the lads are full of confidence and will be looking to continue working hard for each other as they have done all season to secure the points we need to keep pace with the leading pack and stay in touch . Your incredible support home and away is so important to the team making these big strides forward together , I know you will give your all again today and help them succeed in all our dreams of bringing success back to this fantastic club of Ours.

Your Town, Your Team.

Barry

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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.

UNITED Boardroom Gossip COUNTIES LEAGUE With Chairman Barry Cavilla

PREMIER DIVISION SOUTH

Boardroom Gossip With Chairman Barry Cavilla

Behind The Scenes With Mick Hunt

Name Marian “Maz“ Izzard Title

Fixtures Secretary

Years Service To Club

How did you get involved with club? My late husband, Graham, introduced me to the Club. Other positions held at club? Started as barmaid, helped out with Secretarial work, hospitality, refreshments and food for players. Favourite highlight? Have two, FA vase run 2001-2002 and the trip to Durham, very exciting game, the last few minutes I didn’t dare not watch, before we were knocked out and Truro City in the league play offs.Fantastic turn out by the St Neots fans, unfortunately we lost, not due to players but a poor decision by the referee. Favourite ground visited with St Neots? Haven’t been to many away games for the few seasons, so can’t judge the new UCL grounds but probably Biggleswade Town Sin Bins YES or NO? Yes to sin bins

Thanks Maz For All Your Time and Efforts

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BLAST FROM THE PAST Saturday 21st September 2010

United Counties League Premier Division ST NEOTS TOWN

WELLINGBOROUGH TOWN 1

St Neots were back almost to their best as they shrugged aside a rather timid challenge from a visiting Wellingborough side that must have been delighted with their late consolation goal from their only clear goal scoring opportunity in the match. A visiting official remarked that St Neots should have had seven or eight goals, and this summed up a very impressive overall performance that was only lacking in the accuracy of the home side’s finishing. Injuries and a lack of full fitness saw Manager Dennis Greene make five changes from the side that had dropped points at the weekend including goalkeeper Tim Trebes making only his second Premier Division start when regular custodian Luke McShane failed a fitness test before the match. However, the changes paired Dan Jacob and Shane Tolley up front and their pace ran the visiting defence ragged whilst Junior Kanuda was fit enough to make only his first league start in midfield since the opening day the season. St Neots were awesome in the first twenty minutes and could have been three or four goals ahead after just ten minutes. Dan Jacob flashed a first minute effort just wide and then Shane Tolley was hauled down on the edge of the area Lewis Hilliard’s net bound shot was deflected for a corner. Junior Kanuda had two efforts in thirty seconds – the first a shot over the bar and the second a curling effort that was only just wide. To complete the early onslaught under pressure visiting keeper Shaun Markie made an excellent save from Tolley. However, St Neots were not to be denied for too long and after 13 minutes Dan Jacob showed silky skill to go round a defender on the goal line and set up Shane Tolley whose calm control set him up for the opening goal.That could have opened the floodgates, but a mixture of bad luck and indifferent finishing saw St Neots kept at bay. Lewis Webb had a shot parried and Jacob, Tolley and Tony Scully all failed to find the net when well placed. Tim Trebes was only a spectator until 24th minutes when Wellingborough’s first shot was a free kick over the bar from Wayne Richardson. It took a brave save at the feet of Jacob by Markie to keep the St Neots striker off the first half score sheet and the visitors will have been well pleased to go to half time only one goal behind.

BLAST FROM THE PAST Saturday 21st September 2010

Two more goals shortly after half time set the balance straight after Dan Jacob had just failed with a ‘goal of the season’ attempt with an acrostic overhead kick. Lewis Webb claimed his fourth goal of the season after 50 minutes sliding home a low cross from Tony Scully after clever play by Shane Tolley and then nine minutes later Michael Hyem celebrated his 50th senior start for St Neots by playing a major part with Scully in the move that saw Dan Jacob head home from close range.Scully was tearing the defence to shreds but twice should have finished off breathtaking runs with a goal but was both times off target. Manager Dennis Greene then sent on Roy Essendoh and Dan French for Hilliard and Kanuda and Essendoh was instrumental in the 70th minute move that saw Shane Tolley claim his second goal of the match and his sixth in five matches.More substitutions followed with Bryn Williams the final St Neots replacement and the visitors improved their attacking options despite trailing by four goals. They were rewarded when two of their substitutes combined – Mark Redding setting up Tom Liversedge to outjump the defence and score with a well-directed header. There was still time for Tolley to just miss out on a second successive hat trick when his shot was just a foot wide. St Neots Town: Trebes, Jones, Hyem (M), Webb, Fuff, Fordham, Hilliard, Kanuda, Jacob, Tolley, Scully. Subs: French (for Hilliard 62 mins), Essendoh (for Kanuda 62 mins), Williams (for Scully 70 mins) Fry & Haniver.

Man of the match: Shane Tolley

(John Walker)

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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.

The Saints Community Memorial Wall We would like to formally announce that the Saints Community Memorial Wall is now ready and opportunities for Supporters to remember their loved ones, who may have been Saints Supporters themselves, are now available. The Wall is completely under cover and protected from the elements and the flowers/shrubbery are cared for and tended to on a daily basis by our dedicated grounds staff. We would like to thank Kite Utilities, Ballinger Construction and Oasis Promotions and Print for all their collective help in getting this project from an idea by Chairman Barry Cavilla to a quite splendid addition to our stadium. Stainless steel wall plaques are now available for loving messages to be engraved in the following two options: 6” x 4” Stainless Steel Wall plaque – Lasered with black text (feels smooth to touch) Can come with 4 countersunk screws – or they can be without and glued Total cost £36.00 8” x 4” Stainless Steel Wall plaque – Lasered with black text (feels smooth to touch) Can come with 4 countersunk screws – or they can be without and glued Total cost £48.00 Any interested supporters should contact Chairman Barry Cavilla for further details via email on bcavilla77@gmail.com or in person at The Premier Plus Stadium on a matchday.

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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.

Suite Hire Visit www.stneotstownfc.co.uk/facility-hire to find out more...... THE REEDMANS SUITE HOLDS UP TO 80 PEOPLE AND IS PERFECT FOR SMALLER WEDDING RECEPTIONS AND PARTIES Suitable For: Smaller wedding venues / receptions & evening parties Smaller conference and business meeting facilities Party Celebrations young and old Funeral wakes Event hire Music events Presentation events A modern bar serving a vast range of beers, ciders, wines & soft drink We cater for all food requirements including Buffet menu’s, Hog Roasts, Barbeques, Small dance floor perfect for any party or small wedding reception Comfy dining furniture configured to suit requirements. This party venue can be dressed / decorated to suit the celebration. Friendly and experienced St Neots staff Plenty of parking Very adaptable All our facilities are wheel chair accessible

For all enquiries and quotations please contact Louise on misslouises@yahoo.co.uk or call 07753222683 THE GREGORY SUITE HOLDS UP TO 200 PEOPLE AND IS PERFECT FOR WEDDINGS AND LARGE FUNCTIONS. FULLY AIR-CONDITIONED Suitable For: Wedding venues / receptions & evening parties Conference and business meeting facilities Party Celebrations young and old Large funeral wakes Event hire Trade & Craft Fares etc Music events Presentation events A large, impressive bar serving a vast range of beers, ciders, wines & soft drinks We cater for all food requirements including Buffet menu’s, Hog Roasts, Barbeques. Stage area for bands, disco, and productions A large roomy dance floor perfect for any wedding reception Comfy dining furniture configured to suit requirements This party venue can be dressed / decorated to suit the celebration Friendly and experienced St Neots staff Plenty of parking All our facilities are wheel chair accessible We do have a large projector in the Gregory Suite that can be used for corporate events.

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John Walker's Match Preview WELLINGBOROUGH TOWN

Year founded: 1867 Chairman: Mark Darnell Club Website: www.wellinboroughtownfootballclub.co.uk GOOD AFTERNOON AND A VERY WARM WELCOME TO THE PREMIER PLUS STADIUM TO OUR VISITORS WELLINGBOROUGH TOWN Our two clubs share one thing in common from an historical point of view. St Neots were out of business for four seasons from 1988 when we lost our former Shortsands home and our visitors were also dormant from 2002 for two seasons before returning to the UCL via the Northants Senior Youth League.Wellingborough returned to the top division of the UCL in 2006/07 and since then (prior to our promotion to Step Four) our two sides met ten times in league competition with each side winning five times. Our lads have the better record at Wellingborough but here at home our Northamptonshire visitors have won three and lost two. Formerly a UCL side for many years, Wellingborough enjoyed fifteen seasons at Step Four before relegation back to the UCL in 1988/89. This season has seen the Doughboys at their best for some time and currently they are leaders of the Division with ambitions to go further. Our trip to Wellingborough earlier this season saw our hosts record a 2-0 victory with a first half own goal and a late clincher two minutes from time from Tom Iaciofano as our lads pressed for an equaliser.Last Saturday Wellingborough took their unbeaten league run to four matches coming from behind to beat Newport Pagnell 3-1 whilst the other leading side Racing Club Warwick dropped two points in a 1-1 away draw at Histon. Previous meeting of our teams: Twelve meetings home and away in the UCL Premier Division between 1995/96 and 2010/11. Here at St Neots our lads have recorded eight victories and four defeats including wins in our last two matches here at the Premier Plus Stadium (3-1 in 2009/10 – our scorers Liam Harrold (2) and Lee Bassett, and 4-1 in 2010/11 – our scorers Shane Tolley (2), Dan Jacob and Lewis Webb). Away from home our lads have seven wins and four defeats with only draw between the two sides coming in 1996/97 when the match finished 1-1 with our own Steve Kuhne scoring the goal. Alsop worth noting that in that season our match here finished 4-0 to us with Steve Kuhne hitting a hat trick!

Enjoy the match. John Walker

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Seasons Past - With John Walker This Edition Focuses on Season 2000/01

ST NEOTS TOWN FC 2000/2001 SEASON This is another of our historical records, highlighting this time another season at our original Rowley Park stadium depicting both the highs and the lows in the recent proud history of the Club. It was the start of the New Millennium and the team celebrated with a glut of goals. The senior team scored 97 in just 40 matches (plus 31 in 13 cup matches) – the best in any Step Five season for around 40 years prior to our promotion year to Step Four in the 2010/11 season. This was because we had three strikers, Vince Petty, Paul Carey and Wes Byrne all of whom finished with more than twenty goals apiece – 97 being the second best tally in the UCL Premier Division that season despite the team finishing fifth in the table eleven points off top spot. Locally we completed a league double over Eynesbury Rovers for the first time for 23 years, and Rovers were relegated from the Premier Division after a stay of 24 seasons! League

UCL Premier Division

Final League position:

5th/21

League playing record:

P40 W22 D9 L9 For 97 Against 56 pts 75

Cup playing record:

P13 W6 D1 L6 For 31 Against 22

Our exciting 7-5 home victory over Northampton Spencer was the biggest goals tally in a UCL match that season and we followed it up with an 8-1 victory over Long Buckby. The team recorded its best league defensive record at Step Five (just nine league defeats in 40 matches) since the 1976/77 – 24 years previously. We failed to win a trophy after losing to Somersham at Warboys in the Huntingdonshire Senior Cup Final, but several of our first team players including Vince Petty and Iain Parr picked up Scott Gatty Cup winners medals with St Neots RAFA Club. Reserve side finished 5th/21 in their league. Our leading scorers were as follows: ·Vince Petty 34 ·Paul Carey 28 ·Wes Byrne 24 ·Jason Meeds 9 ·Simon Claridge 7 This was the second of four seasons in charge for Chris Howell

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Youth Team Match Report Haverhill Borough (H) 08-01-2024 Thurlow Nunn Youth League West Division ST NEOTS TOWN U183

HAVERHILL BOROUGH U18

St Neots returned to the top of the league table with this workmanlike if not impressive victory over visitors Haverhill Borough. They had to work hard for the points especially in the second half when the visitors staged a determined comeback after a rather pallid first half display.However, second placed Deeping Rangers with matches in hand are still firm title favourites. There was a slow start with St Neots unable to capitalise on clear territorial superiority. It was 19 minutes before there was a serious shot on target and then visiting keeper Harry Humpage saved well from Caleb Wright. Just one minute later Frankie Webster spurned a glorious chance firing high over the bar but after 23 minutes St Neots went ahead as Caleb Wright scored his seventh goal of the campaign with a neat finish. The visitors’ first clear chance fell to Jeffrey Afriyie on the half hour, but he shot across the face of goal and then at the other end the lively Lucca Ugarte-Edwards fired over the bar. The first half ended with the best save of the match from Humpage to deny Wright a second goal after good work by Toby Pendrick. The visitors started the second half in a more positive way and home keeper Alex Bent saved well from Kyle Markwell. However, after 54 minutes the lead was increased when Lucca Ugarte-Edwards burst into the area to be upended and from the resultant penalty award he added to St Neots lead. Undeterred the visitors persevered and nine minutes later won a penalty of their own when Danny Lively was fouled and it was he who netted from the spot. The same visiting player then went clear on goal but shot wide with only the keeper to beat. Visiting substitute Lennie Brindley squandered a great chance top level the scores and his side paid the penalty when defender Joel Jolly confirmed St Neots victory two minutes from time with a goal from a corner. St Neots Town: Bent, Barbi, Olive, Khoo, Jolley (J), Baker (A), Webster, Pendrick, Wright, Ugarte-Edwards, Tonks Subs: Collins, Oakley, Anderson, McCann Cards: none Referee: Peter Howard John Walker

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.

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John Walker's Match Report LEICESTER NIRVANA (H) 06-01-2024

ST NEOTS TOWN

LEICESTER NIRVANA

With the results elsewhere going in their favour, St Neots moved up three places in the table to sit in third place behind joint leaders Racing Club Warwick and Wellingborough Town.Although visitors Leicester Nirvana are bottom of the table and still searching for their first away league victory of the season, they produced a spirited performance and only two second half goals gave the final scoreline the air of respectability that it deserved.The result gave Cameron Mawer’s side three important points and will have done their confidence no harm. Now with an unbeaten seven matches run behind them their next two matches will severely test their improvement – away at Coventry United and at home to Wellingborough. Two team changes were enforced with Magloire Muyembe serving a one match ban, and defender Nathan George failing a pre-match fitness test. Their places were filled by Chris Tavernier in midfield and a debut start in defence for Ollie Brookes. St Neots made their best start to a match this season with a goal inside the first two minutes as a cross field ball from Rhys Thorpe found Jordan Brown unmarked on the left and his measured cross found the head of James Hatch who registered his tenth goal of the season to put his side ahead. Fifteen minutes later the score could have doubled when the lively Thorpe went clear of the defence but visiting keeper Niall Shackleton dived bravely at his feet to save. Despite having much the better of play St Neots were profligate in front of goal with Thorpe firing over the bar and Brown bringing a good save from the busy visiting keeper. The visitors tried to respond with Edward Bamfo seeing an effort blocked by a defender, but St Neots continued to dominate in midfield unable to make their superior possession count. Visiting defender Lynas King gifted the ball to Jordan Brown but he shot wide and when Thorpe was upended St Neots thought they were denied an obvious penalty kick. The lively Harvey Williams had two excellent chances to add to the score, but he delayed his first chance to see his effort blocked and then shot across the face of goal after beating two defenders.

John Walker's Match Report LEICESTER NIRVANA (H) 06-01-2024

The half time pep talk had the right effect on the home side. They were more purposeful after the break and Shackleton was in constant action denying Williams and Hatch two excellent openings. The visitors responded on the break with Tamar Clayton bringing a good save from James Goff but St Neots was clearly in control and a lengthy effort from Dean Dummett rebounded from the cross bar,Eventually the pressure paid off as after 72 minutes substitute Tom Rowley crossed for James Hatch to net his second goal of the match and nine minutes later the hard-working Rhys Thorpe deservedly added his name to the scoresheet with a close range finish. Two late efforts by Williams could have added to the score but the visiting defence held out to keep the final deficit at 3-0.

St Neots Town: Goff, Nickels, Culkin, Tavernier, Brookes, Lincoln, Jordan Brown, Dummett, Thorpe, Hatch, Williams Subs: Rowley (for Jordan Brown 68 mins), Josh Brown (for Tavernier 77 mins), Akinbobola (for Thorpe 86 mins), Reynolds (for Nickells 90 mins), Ajana (for Hatch 90+1 min) Cards: Nickells (Y – 35 mins), Culkin (Y – 53 mins) Leicester Nirvana: Shackleton, Polli, Dassu, Matthew Brown, King, McIntosh, Nelson, Tott, Clarke, Bamfo, Clayton Subs: Jagne (for Clarke 68 mins), Fell (for Matthew Brown 85 mins), Abouraja (for Polli 86 mins), Oliviera (for Clayton 92 mins), and Sunmonu Card: Bamfo (Y – 53 mins)

Attendacnce: 280 Referee: James Cantwell (St Ives)

(John Walker)

John Walker's Match Report COVENTRY UNITED (A) 13-01-2024

COVENTRY UNITED

ST NEOTS TOWN

St Neots produced their best performance of the season to record their highest UCL victory since their return from Step Four. In theory, travelling to play a side that in the past month had beaten Wellingborough and Newport Pagnell at home and Daventry away was a big test but the visitors rose to the occasion and swept away a pallid second half performance by the home side. They had to regroup pre-match after suffering the loss of two key defenders with skipper Kyle Lincoln and full back Dammy Nickells both injured but they brought back Tommy Reynolds and included Robbie Parker on loan from Biggleswade Town and both settled in quickly. The newcomers looked confident throughout and goalkeeper James Goff ensured the clean sheet with several important saves. The home side began well and looked the better in the opening ten minutes or so. Joe Blowers shot wide when well-placed and James Goff had to smother bravely at the feet of Mitch Mollinson. Gradually the balance of play shifted, and St Neots announced their intention when Jordan Brown and Rhys Thorpe combined to prise open the home defence to lay on a 14th minute opening goal for James Hatch. Harvey Williams was terrorising the home defence down the right flank, and he twice tested home keeper Harvey Randle before setting up Rhys Thorpe who volleyed disappointingly over the bar from six yards. After 34 minutes a clearance by Goff was headed on by Hatch to free up Jordan Brown but as he bore down on goal, he was upended to earn a penalty kick which he took himself to double the lead. Right-on half-time Goff did well at full stretch to save from Blowers. There was never any suggestion that St Neots would settle back to defend their two goals advantage and after 10 minutes Jordan Brown increased the lead with a direct free kick. Briefly the home side rallied, and Goff saved a header from Alex Vinehall and a rasping shot from home substitute Samir Muzaffar. From a Murphy Culkin free kick, a Rhys Thorpe header was well saved by the home custodian and then Goff produced his best save of the match full length to deny Stan Dube. However, the pressure on the home defence was increasing and St Neots added three further goals in the final ten minutes. Rhys Thorpe deservedly scored twice in three minutes - just reward for his tireless performance and substitute Ayo Akinbobola on the pitch for just five minutes celebrated with a first goal for the club. It was an impressive al-round performance that cemented St Neots position in the table just behind the leading pair and now there will be a Rowley Park showdown next as league leaders Wellingborough Town visit on Saturday.

John Walker's Match Report COVENTRY UNITED (A) 13-01-2024

St Neots Town: Goff, Reynolds, Culkin, Tavernier, Brookes, Parker, Jordan Brown, Dummett, Thorpe, Hatch, Williams Subs: Muyembe (for Dummett 69 mins), Rowley (for Williams 76 mins), Josh Brown (for Tavernier 79 mins), Ajana (for Jordan Brown 88 mins), Akinbobola (for Thorpe 89 mins) Cards: none Coventry United: Randle, Bambah, Oka-Zeh, Vinehall, Baynham, Bolton, Dube, Wilson,Miles,Mollinson,Blowers Subs: Muzaffar (for Oka-Zeh 46 mins), Merrick (for Mollison 46 mins), Motshweni (for Bolton 56 mins), Morgan and Cassidy. Cards: none Attendance: 133 Referee: Callum Lockley (Leicester)

John Walker

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Playing Record 2023/24

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Opponent Spotlight WELLINGBOROUGH TOWN

The original club was formed in 1867 and is the sixth oldest football club in the country. The club was a founder member of the first professional football club in the country. Wellingborough Town are also the oldest club in the County of Northamptonshire. Upon formation in 1867 the club played under part Handling Code until 1869 when they became a true soccer club. At that time the club ground was in Broad Green, Wellingborough. The club colours were old gold and black. The first secretary was a gentleman by the name of Thomas Slinn. In 1879 Wellingborough Town became the first club to play under floodlights when they entertained Bedford at the Bassett’s Close, Wellingborough. The game was a close encounter with Bedford winning 1-2. The lights were powered by generators positioned at each end of the pitch. In the 1880s Wellingborough F.A was formed as was the East Midlands Association and in 1887 these two Associations merged to become the Northamptonshire F.A. In 1894 the Wellingborough Charity Cup Competition started and by this time the Club was playing on the Thomas Field, Union Lane. Wellingborough. In the same year the Club became founder members of the Leicestershire & Northants League and in the following season joined the Midland League. The first recorded winners of the now 1st Division of the United Counties League were Wellingborough Town Reserves. The following year, 1896-97, saw the Club become founder members of the United league. In 1899-00 the Club were runners-up in the Midland League before joining Division 1 of the Southern League in 1901-02. It was at this time they moved to their current ground at the Dog & Duck, London Road, Wellingborough. The Secretary at that time was a Mr S.J.Burns. In 1905 the Club changed it’s name to Wellingborough Redwell but resigned at the end of the season after finishing bottom of Division 1. The first recorded silverware was won when they became League Champions in 1910-11. The Club continued to be known as Wellingborough Redwell until 1919 when they reverted back to their former name of Wellingborough Town F.C.

Opponent Spotlight WELLINGBOROUGH TOWN

In 1922 the Club ground record of 7,169 was set when they entertained Kettering Town in the Maunsell Cup Final, winning 2-1. The Wellingborough goals were scored by Harry Loasby and Stevens. The Club records during the twenties, thirties and forties in the Northants, East Midlands, United Counties and Central Alliance leagues are somewhat scant and it was not until the fifties that that the league history of the Club was recorded in more detail. However, there were lean periods in the fifties before some success was recorded when Wellingborough became winners of Division 1 of the United Counties league in 1962-63. They repeated this success in 1964-65 during which time they only dropped six points. They successfully applied to join the Metropolitan League in 1968-69 and finished a creditable 7th. The following year however, they were League Champions and in 1970-71 they joined the West Midlands (Regional) League Premier Division finishing a creditable 3rd. With their ambitions now on a ‘high’ the Club joined the Southern League Division One North in 1971-72. The Club was able to maintain mid-table positions throughout the seventies before a reorganisation of the league saw them entered into the Midland Division of the Southern League after the League was split into Southern and Midland Divisions with no Premier Division. They remained in what was known as the Southern league, Midland Division until 1988-89 when they were relegated to the United Counties l League. There then followed 13 years of struggle with the Club avoiding relegation from the Premier Division of the United Counties League on several occasions. Their worst dreams became a reality when in season 2001-02 they folded and resigned from the League. This was a black period in the history of a club that had formed the back-bone of the first professional league. Wellingborough Town has figured prominently in the annals of the F.A.Cup and many exciting encounters have been recorded against old opponents such as Peterborough United, Kettering Town, Corby Town and Cambridge City. The pinnacle of their Cup success was when they reached the First Round proper in 1965 being drawn against Aldershot, who at that time were in the Football League Third Division. Despite losing 2-1 Wellingborough were not disgraced.

Opponent Spotlight WELLINGBOROUGH TOWN

The Club has been traditionally known as ‘The Doughboys’ which derived from the traditional local dish of ‘Hock & Dough’. Wellingborough’s most ‘famous’ son is Phil Neal who started his career at the Town before moving to Northampton and then to Liverpool. His glittering career with Liverpool and England was followed closely by his many local admirers who saw him progress from the Dog & Duck to such exalted venues as Wembley, the San Siro and numerous other international stages. The Town had been without a senior football team for a period of two years when a local retired Senior police Officer, Laurie Owen, formed group of sporting friends in an attempt to resurrect the ‘Doughboys’. He was joined by a local businessman, Alan Warwick, whose father played for the ‘Doughboys’ in the twenties and the then Mayor of Wellingborough, David Smith. David’s brother was formerly Manager of Aberdeen and St. Mirren in the Scottish League. Together these three persons recruited other friends including Peter Ebdon the former World Snooker Champion who agreed to be President of the Group, Paul Joy a local Magistrate and Brian Hill, the former Premiership referee. Each member recruited additional friends until there were 24 people who were prepared to get the Club back on it’s feet. The Dog & Duck Football Ground was owned by Geoff Coles a local businessman who has since moved to Portugal. 10 years ago part of the ground was sold to Whitbread’s who built a travel-lodge. This obviously reduced the overall size of the ground, the training ground and grandstand remained with the pitch being moved and a new clubhouse and dressing room block built. In their first season back in senior football the team finished second in the United Counties League Division One and were promoted to the Premier Division after losing just one game. The NFA Junior Cup was also won after beating Peterborough Northern Star 2-0 after extra-time at Northampton Town’s Sixfields stadium. A third-place finish under new player-manager Nick Ashby was a very creditable effort and very nearly culminated in promotion back to the Southern League.

Opponent Spotlight WELLINGBOROUGH TOWN

During 2007-08, Nick Ashby resigned and was replaced by Jason Burnham. Jason himself stood down a year later with the 1st team seeing the season out with Joe Smythe and just avoiding relegation. With Joe standing down at the end of 2008-09, Rob Gould was appointed manager, having been a player at the club 12 months earlier and had just spent a season as manager at Northampton Spencer. They finished the season in a creditable mid-table position. Season 2010-11, after a hesitant start they finished 5th in the League table, with most of the players signing on for 2011-12. Season 2011-12 saw the Club finishing in a mid-table position. For Season 2012-13 they had a ground share agreement with the newly formed AFC Rushden & Diamonds making their inaugural appearance as a senior club, taking part in the UCL Division 1. After a poor start to 2012-13, Rob Gould stood down as Manager. Craig Adams, U-18’s Manager stood in temporary before the appointment of Phil Mason. Phil had previously managed Woodford Utd. for 10 years during which time he took them from the UCL to the Southern League. Due to private commitments, Phil stood down at the end of November with Craig taking over again as Manager. A couple of months prior to the end of Season 2013/14, Craig resigned from the Club to take over at Bedford Town. After a short spell of senior players looking after affairs, Ben Watts was appointed Manager ably supported by Ash Civil. After a poor start to Season 2014/15, Ben Watts was replaced by joint managers Steve Herring and Joe Smyth. At the end of season 2014/15, Steve Herring and Joe Smyth stood down with Jamie Wright being appointed manager assisted by Colin Cooper. Jamie had recently been assistant manager at Bedford Town but was well known at Wellingborough, having had a number of spells as a player originally starting as a 16 year old in the U-18 team. Colin Cooper had been manager at Bugbrooke. Following an unsuccessful start to season 2015-16, Jamie Wright and Colin Cooper resigned from the Club, mid September. Craig Adams having recently departed from Rugby Town was appointed Manager.

Opponent Spotlight WELLINGBOROUGH TOWN

Craig after a few weeks stood down, to seek pastures at a more senior level, following which Dave Williams was appointed Manager, with Jon Mitchell his assistant. Stuart Goosey being a coach. Dave had been involved with the UCL for a number of years and also managed Rothwell Town when they were in the Southern League. Dave himself stood down early November, due to distance he was living from the Club. This left Jon Mitchell as Manager and Stuart Goosey as his assistant. Jon Mitchell stood down at Christmas, 2016 leaving Stuart Goosey as manager who was ably assisted by Mark Starmer, as a coach. Stuart stood down as Manager, early January, 2018 and his assistant Nathan Marsh, who had only been appointed a few weeks earlier, was asked to take on as Caretaker Manager. He then appointed Gary Petts as his assistant. At the close of Season 2017/18 Nathan was replaced by Gary Petts who in turn appointed long standing player Joe Rich, as his assistant. Again at the end of season 2018/19 they had a change of Managers and players when they appear to have made a complete swap with Cogenhoe. Jake Stone joined them as Manager with his brother as assistant, and they saw the return of Rob Gould as coach. Seasons 2019/20 and 2020/21 were badly affected with the Covid-19 pandemic, and League fixtures being suspended due to Government legislation restricting activities. In 20/21 the Club proceeded to their furthest stage ever in the FA Vase when they played Anstey Nomads to lose 4-2. At the end of Season 2021-21, the Management Team of Jake Stone and Ben Stone, decided to retire due to other commitments. The Club was pleased to appoint Paul lamb as Manager and Andrew Batty as his Assistant, both experienced and well qualified coaches. During the Covid pandemic of 2021-22, Paul Lamb unfortunately became badly affected by Covid and had to stand down as Manager. Jake Stone returned and appointed Jake Cayton as his Assistant.

Manager - Jake Stone Assistant - Jake Cayton Coach: Ollie Northover Coach: Jay Buzzone Physio - Peri Martin

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

Squad List

James Goff (GK) Tommy Reynolds Dammy Nickels Nathan George Robbie Parker Ollie Brookes Murphy Culkin Malaki Black Dean Dummett Joshua Brown Michael Amaeshike Magloire Muyembe Christian Tavernier Harvey Williams Israel Ajana James Hatch Jordan Brown Rhys Thorpe Tom Rowley Ayomide Akinbobola

Adam North Charlie Green Will Bates Brett Solkhon Jack O’Connor (C) George Barnell Sean McBride Lloyd Buckby Jorrin John Neo Richard-Noel Jessi Obeng Tom Iaciofano Matt Allan Rico Alexander Kiantay Mullings Eniola Agemoah-Davies Jamari Hart Eddie Panter

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

Referee

Colours Red Shirts Red Shorts Red Socks

Lewis Fletcher Assistant 1 Kieron Hawthorn Assistant 2

Next Home Match.... Godmanchester Rovers Hunts FA Senior Cup S/F Tuesday 23rd January 7.45pm 7.45pm KO

Stewart Glendenning