Programme UCL Cup final

Commerative Cup Final Programme

ST IVES TOWN FC

RESER VES

SPORTS GROUND DEVELOPMENT UNITED COUNTIES FOOTBALL RESERVE LEAGUE KNOCKOUT CUP FINAL V HARBOROUGH TOWN U21

13th March 2026

WELCOME TO QUATTRO TECH WESTWOOD ROAD

6 MANAGERS NOTES FROM MARK FIELD 7 THE BOARDROOM WITH ANDY DUNN 9 MEET THE IVES RESERVES 14 ROUTE TO TEH FINAL 15 MATCH REPORT V WELLINGBOROUGH 16 SEASON PHOTOS 22 TODAYS OPPONENTS 23 MEET CASEY FITZGERALD 32 SPOT THE BALL 34 HALF TIME QUIZ 42 UPCOMING FIXTURES 47 SEASONS RESULTS 49 PLAYER STATS 50 TODAYS TEAMS

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ST IVES TOWN FC Co-Chairman : Andy Dunn Mark Taylor Secretary: Nigel Howlett Treasurer: Maureen Clarke Directors: Paul Reason Chris George Phil Moore Maureen Clarke Gareth Chapman Ollie Jones Gary Clarke Catering & Hospitality Manager Mark Walker Safeguarding lead: Steph Gillett 1st Team Manager Ricky Marheineke Res Team Manager Mark Field

St Ives Town FC was born in 1887 in a packed room at the Unicorn Hotel, where forty locals agreed to create a team that would carry their town’s pride.

From the start, the black‑and‑white‑star shirts became a symbol of ambition. The early decades delivered trophy after trophy Senior Cups, Junior Cups, league titles establishing the Saints as a force across Cambridgeshire and beyond. Even through league changes, setbacks, and wartime interruptions, the club’s identity hardened: resilient, restless, always pushing for more.

Everything changed in the early 2000s. Neville Nania’s arrival as chairman sparked a revolution, pairing club legend Warren Everdell with Jez Hall and Errol McGammon to unleash a fearless new era built on youth, hunger, and belief. Promotions followed, cup finals became routine, and historic FA Vase runs drew record crowds to Westwood Road.

The momentum carried into the Ricky Marheineke era, where a rebuilt squad delivered the unthinkable promotion to Step 3 via a play‑off epic against Rushden & Diamonds. The Saints were no longer just competing; they were rewriting their ceiling.

Recent years have only sharpened that edge. A pandemic couldn’t halt the club’s rise, and by 2023/24 St Ives were hitting their highest Step 3 finish, smashing in 87 goals and watching Jonny Edwards claim the Golden Boot. With a strong core retained and new experience added, the Saints stand on the brink of their next chapter. The ambition is clear, the belief is real, and the target is unmistakable break into the top six and keep climbing.

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MANAGERS NOTES Neutral ground. No welcomes. No distractions. Just us.

We walk into this final on a pitch that belongs to no one, and that suits us. No pressure, no noise, just 90 minutes to show the team we have grown into.

And that growth is what I am proud of.

This season has demanded tough choices. Players have earned their places.

Standards have risen, and people have stepped up. Last week’s 7–3 in the league got us back on track and restored the belief in the group. It reminded us what we look like when we trust each other and play with confidence.

We also know they will bring a big crowd, and we welcome that. It will only drive us on. This group responds to challenges, not shies away from them.

We have seen real development too. Alfie Shepherd has been in and around the first team. Josh Ward has trained with them and shown he belongs in that environment. The pathway between the two squads is stronger than ever, and that only happens because Ricky, Jim and Frank have backed our journey and opened doors for our lads.

We have earned this final through belief, character and performances that reflect who we are. Yes, Harborough have beaten us twice. That is part of the story, but it is not this one. Those games do not define who we are now or what happens on a neutral pitch with everything on the line.

Mark Field

This final is its own moment.

A clean slate.

Two teams.

One chance to create something we can be proud of as a group.

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YOUR IVES RESERVES Jordan Hudson Goalkeeper Fast feet and great agility give Jordan the edge over opponents, Commands his box well with excellent communication, Brave with excellent distribution.

Dan Johnson Goalkeeper Loud and commanding goalkeeper who controls his box with confidence. Dependable, organised, and a strong shot‑stopper, Dan brings real presence and leadership between the posts.

Jake Kirby Goalkeeper Jake has recently been promoted to the reserves from the U18’s. Very comfortable on the ball and adds a new dimension to the group, good shot stopper with quick reactions .

Alfie Baker Defender Alfie tough‑tackling centre‑back who loves the physical side of the game. Baker is strong, committed, and never afraid to put his body on the line for the team Sam Cooper Defender Another young composed defender who’s comfortable at both centre‑back and left‑back. Sam brings energy, discipline, and reliability wherever he plays. .

Mihayl Mitkov Defender A committed left‑back who’s confident on the ball and never afraid to push forward. Mihayl regularly joins attacking moves, offering energy and support in advanced areas while staying reliable at the back

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YOUR IVES RESERVES Fraser Sutherland Defender Returning from his time in America, Fraser has slotted back into the squad seamlessly. He’s added strength, composure, and reliability to the back four, giving the defence a real boost since coming home.

Ewan Young Defender A big, solid centre‑back who brings strength and consistency to the defence. Ewan wins virtually everything in the air and provides calm, dependable stability at the back George Shepherd Defender Solid confident either in the back line or just in front of, George uses his height well to win aerial battles, tough tackling, confident in being able to break the game up when needed.

Josh Ward Defender The youngest in the squad, Wardy is a versatile defender who’s comfortable at both full‑back and centre‑back.

Calm, dependable, and smart on the ball, he brings maturity beyond his years. .

Cian Collins Defender Cian is a commanding centre‑back — dominant in the air, massively organised, and shaped by spells with Shamrock Rovers, Yonkers FC in New York, and most recently Europa Point in Gibraltar.

Seb Darnell Midfielder Seb is tough‑tackling central midfielder who reads the game controls play with great composure, breaking things up and keeping the team ticking with calm, confident passing.

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YOUR IVES RESERVES Sam Parker Midfielder The team’s resident pretty boy smooth on the ball, smart in possession, and technically one of the sharpest players in the squad. Sam adds control, and real football intelligence.

Casey Stonnell- Fitzgerald Midfielder A midfield grafter who never stops working. Casey pulls the strings all game long, always trying to dictate play.

Whether defending or attacking, he’s everywhere reliable, relentless, and always in the thick of it Elliot Mendes Midfielder Composed midfielder who is very comfortable on the ball, Elliott has transitioned from U18s to reserve‑team football. Confident in possession and calm under pressure.

Dylan Pary-Jones Midfielder Mr Versatile, Dyls has played every position this season, even stepping in as goalkeeper. Full of energy and confidence, he’s scoring goals for fun and always delivers wherever he’s asked to play.

Claudio Pascoal Midfielder Composed midfielder with great vision and real presence on the pitch. Claudio is never afraid to put his foot on the ball, slow things down, and control the game, making him a reliable heartbeat in midfield.

Jacob Dickson Forward Jacob has excelled since returning from Histon.

Hard‑working and adaptable, he’s dangerous whether playing out wide or through the middle, always giving the team energy and quality in the final third

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YOUR IVES RESERVES Florentino Pereira Forward Often found out wide, Lil Jr has mazy feet and loves running at defenders. Skillful, fearless, and direct, he brings creativity and excitement every time he gets on the ball.

David Ca Forward Hardworking wide player who gives everything when called upon. David brings energy, effort, and a positive attitude every time he steps on the pitch.

Adam Parmenter Forward Parms has recently rejoined the group, tenacious winger who works hard both in and out of possession.

Comfortable on the ball and driving at opponents giving them tough decision.

Alfie Shepherd Forward Playing in the front line with ability to use both left and right feet Alfie has forced his way into 1st team reckoning, with fantastic appearances for the reserves. Can be found on heh left or the right in the front line.

Reuben Huggins Forward The team’s top goal scorer this season, Reuben has worked relentlessly to hit the target and it’s paid off with major success. Clinical, determined, and always hungry for more, he’s been a constant threat in front of goal all year.

Ollie Gaillard Forward Another one off the young players in the group, committed to developing and growing every week. Ollie brings real power and physical presence to the pitch, working hard showing huge potential for the future.

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ST IVES RESERVES ‌M ANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT

Mark Field Manager

Jack Clarke Assistant Manager Jack has been part of the club for a decade, starting as a youngster in the youth programme and growing into a cornerstone of our footballing setup. He now leads the Academy, assists with the U18s, and the Reserves a triple role that reflects his commitment and versatility.

Behind the scenes, Jack is just as pivotal. From match analysis to managing kit and equipment, he ensures the group runs smoothly and professionally. His attention to detail and tireless work ethic make him an indispensable part of the club’s engine room.

Joining St Ives at the start of the 2025/26 season, Mark arrived from Beds County Premier side Riseley Sports, Alongside his role at St Ives,Mark works within the Cambridge United Boys’ and Girls’ Development Programmes, supporting the progression of young players across multiple age groups. This dual involvement gives him a strong grounding in both football environments, adding technical insight, to the club.

Harry O’Brien GK Coach Joining midway through the 2025/26 season, Harry has added a specialist edge to the coaching setup as our dedicated goalkeeping coach. His ongoing work with Cambridge United injects valuable professional insight into our environment, elevating standards across the squad.

Harry’s influence is already evident in the development of our keepers sharper technique, smarter decision-making, and greater confidence. His presence strengthens not just the goalkeeping unit, but the entire management group.

ROUTE TO THE FINAL Northampton ON Chenecks

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ST IVES TOWN RES

A last‑minute Dylan Parry‑Jones goal secured a dramatic 4–3 victory and booked our place in the next round. It was a tough, hard‑fought contest from start to finish, end‑to‑end throughout, and one that genuinely could have gone either way. But the lads dug deep, showed real character, and found the winner right at the death.

1-1 9-8 Pens

Godmanchester Rovers Res

ST IVES TOWN RES

Playing local rivals Godmanchester, we battled through a very cagey and hard‑fought game that finished 2–1, taking us all the way to the dramatic moment of penalties. After a tense shootout, we held our nerve and came out on top, winning 9–8 to seal our place in the next round. A thrilling derby and a fantastic result for the lads.

Bugbrooke St Micheal Res

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ST IVES TOWN RES

Composed, dominant and completely in control from the first whistle, we powered our way into the final with a commanding 5–1 demolition of Bugbrooke. Every area of the pitch saw us on the front foot — sharp in possession, aggressive in the press, and ruthless in the final third.

Once we settled into our rhythm, there was only ever one outcome, and the lads delivered a semi‑final performance full of quality, confidence and conviction

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MATCH REPORT ST IVES TOWN RES

7-3

Wellingborough Town Development

St Ives Town FC produced a ruthless attacking display to overcome Wellingborough 7–3 in a thrilling contest, delivering the perfect momentum heading into the upcoming cup final.

From the very first whistle, St Ives played with a high tempo, hunger, and a clear desire to win. Pressing aggressively, moving the ball quickly, and attacking with confidence, the tone was set early and Wellingborough struggled to cope.

The standout performer was Alfie Shepherd, whose superb hat‑trick lit up the afternoon and gave St Ives the cutting edge in the final third. Shepherd’s movement, awareness, and clinical finishing were on full show as he continually stretched the opposition back line.

But this was far from a one‑man performance.

St Ives controlled large spells of the game with sharp passing, intelligent support runs and relentless energy out of possession. Ellingborough threatened at times — scoring three well‑taken goals but every time they looked to build momentum, St Ives responded with quality and authority.

By the hour mark, the hosts were fully in command, adding goals through confident team moves and showing real determination to keep pushing forward. The 7–3 scoreline reflected not only attacking dominance, but also the squad’s hunger to make a statement.

As preparation for the cup final, this performance could not have been better.

Fast, fearless, disciplined, and full of goals. St Ives Town FC showed exactly the level they are capable of.

Momentum is building.

Confidence is high.

The cup final awaits.

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SEASON PHOTOS

2025/26

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Amelia Darnell 19

TODAYS OPPONENTS Harborough Town Football Club began life in 1975, originally formed as Harborough Town Juniors. What started as a small youth setup quickly grew into one of Leicestershire’s most active community football organisations. For decades the club focused on developing young players, building a reputation for strong coaching, inclusive values, and a clear pathway into senior football.

A major turning point arrived in 2008, when Harborough Town merged with local side Spencer United. This move unified football in the town and created the modern club structure seen today — a single identity, a single home, and a shared ambition to climb the football pyramid.

The club’s home, Bowden Park, has become a genuine community hub.

With its modern 3G surface, clubhouse, and year‑round activity, it is one of the busiest grassroots facilities in the region. Hundreds of players — from youth teams to walking football groups — wear the yellow and black every week.

On the pitch, Harborough Town have enjoyed a steady rise through the non‑league system. The 2020s marked a period of rapid progress, with promotions pushing the club into the Southern League Premier Division Central (Step 3) — the highest level the club has ever reached. Their growth has been built on organisation, ambition, and a commitment to developing players the right way.

Today, Harborough Town FC stand as a model of modern grassroots‑to‑senior football: community‑driven, professionally run, and always looking upward..

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A MOMENT WITH CASEY If you had to describe your playing style using only items from a supermarket, what are you picking and why?

Rice, butter and popcorn. People can come to their own conclusions and I’m already cringing.

Which teammate would you trust to dog sit for you, and which one would lose the dog within an hour?

I could trust Claudio with my life, so probably him. If we’re talking about losing my dog, I feel like Oli would only need ten minutes.

If the team went on a pre season tour anywhere in the world, which player is definitely getting stopped at airport security?

Baker. No explanation needed.

What’s the most footballer thing you’ve ever done, the moment you realised you’re basically a walking stereotype?

The post game Saka limp. Has to be.

You’re in charge of fines for one week. What’s the most ridiculous rule you’re introducing?

Anyone who tries to mug me or Seb off about our hair gets a £10 fine.

Which teammate would you least want as your taxi driver after a night match, and what’s the reason?

Mitkov and Youngy both worry me for my life, but Youngy in particular. Ask him about Soham (A).

If you could borrow one skill from any teammate for a match, whose are you stealing I’d take Cooper’s pace. No brainer.

Who would you not want to share a room with on holiday?

Baker and Mitkov. They fart so much I think I’d wake up with pinkeye.

d l a r e g z t i F y e Cas

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A MOMENT WITH THE GAFFER If you could only use one phrase on the touchline for an entire match, what would it be and why?

Sort it out., a term that I use too much

Which player would you trust to run a training session if you overslept, and who would turn it into absolute carnage?

I’d trust Youngy. Carnage would be Baker.

If you could ban one phrase players always say to you, what’s getting scrapped?

One word: “But”.

What’s the strangest excuse you’ve ever heard for a player being late?

Waiting for the dog sitter.

If you had to swap jobs with one member of staff for a day, whose role are you taking and why?

Gary Clarke. Mr St Ives. Respected by so many people, and he’s got a world full of contacts.

Which player would accidentally turn the warm‑up into a circus act if you left them in charge for five minutes?

Baker — and it wouldn’t be by accident either.

If the club gave you a blank cheque to add one completely unnecessary luxury to the training ground, what are you choosing?

A swimming pool.

If you could guarantee one thing happens in every match for the rest of the season, what would you pick?

Excuses for missing good chances.

Mark Field

Who’s the last person you’d want sitting next to you on a long coach trip and why?

Dan Johnson. Attention span of a goldfish

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1ST TEAM UPDATE Tomorrow the first team make the trip to Needham Market for what has become a crucial fixture in the context of the season.

Performances have shown plenty of promise, but with the side still fighting at the wrong end of the table, every point now carries real weight.

The recent additions to the squad have brought not only extra quality but also a welcome injection of grit and determination—exactly what’s needed for the run‑in ahead.

Good luck to Ricky and the lads. Bring home all three points.

UPCOMING GAMES 14th Mar - Needham Market -Away 21st Mar - Spalding -Home 24th Mar - Alvechurch -Away 28th Mer -Stourbridge - Away Sat 7th Feb A Alvechurch 3pm Sat 14th Feb H Kettering 3pm Tue 17th Feb A Stamford 7:45pm Sat 21st Feb A Bishop Stortford 3pm

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YOUTH SECTION UPDATE Spotlight on the U15s

The boys entered 2026 still searching for their first league win, and with a new management team taking charge over the Christmas break, there was a real sense of fresh energy and determination around the squad. And the response on the pitch could not have been more impressive.

The new year started in style with a superb 4–1 victory over Saffron Walden, finally securing that long‑awaited first league win of the season. Confidence lifted immediately, and the momentum continued as the team headed into the County Cup quarter-final, where another strong performance saw us progress into the semis to face local rivals Godmanchester.

A challenging double‑header away at Godmanchester followed. Despite battling hard across both fixtures, the boys were edged out on both occasions — two narrow defeats that brought an unfortunate end to our County Cup run. But the effort, commitment, and togetherness shown across those games highlighted just how far the team had come.

A revised fixture schedule then set up a run of four crucial league games against our local rivals Huntingdon Town and St Neots Town. The boys responded brilliantly. Showing fight, focus and a growing belief in their own ability, they delivered four wins from four, taking all 12 points available.

That run of form lifted us from 9th up to 7th in the table, and with four consecutive wins behind us, confidence is higher than it has been all season.

Now, attention turns to this Sunday, where we look to continue our winning streak at home against Bedford Town. The boys are in excellent shape hungry, motivated, and determined to push even higher up the league.

Tyler Marheineke 25

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SPOT THE BALL

ANSWER ON PAGE 25

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HALF TIME QUIZ 10 TO TACKLE 1. Which manager won the UEFA Champions League with two different clubs before 2010?

2. Who scored the fastest goal in Premier League history?

3. Which African nation was the first to reach a World Cup quarter‑final?

4. Who was the top scorer at Euro 2004?

5. Which club did Andrea Pirlo begin his professional career with?

6. Who captained Spain in the 2010 World Cup final?

7. Which player has the most assists in Premier League history?

8. Who scored the winning goal in the 1999 Champions League final for Manchester United?

9. Which country hosted the 1982 World Cup? 10. Who is the only goalkeeper to win the Ballon d’Or?

ANSWER ON PAGE 2532

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UPCOMING FIXTURES Harborough Town U21 At Moulton FC 13th March 2026 19:45 ko Desborough Town Away 21st March 2026 15:00 ko DaventryTown Res Home 28th March 2026 15:00 ko GNG Oadby Dev Away 4th April 2026 14:00 ko

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ON THE ROAD Desborough Town FC Away 21st Mar 2026 14:00 ko

DESBOROUGH TOWN FC, THE VPK STADIUM BRAYBROOKE ROAD, DESBOROUGH, KETTERING, NN14 2LJ

From the A14 Leave the A14 at Junction 3, following the signs for Rothwell and Desborough.

Join the A6 heading north towards Desborough and Market Harborough.

Stay on the A6 for a couple of miles until you see the turn-off for Desborough, then turn left into the town.

Follow the main road through Desborough until you reach Braybrooke Road.

Turn right onto Braybrooke Road and the ground appears on the left shortly after.

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ON THE ROAD Oadby Town FC Away 28th Feb 2026 14:00 ko

Oadby Town Football Club Braunstone Ln E, Braunstone Town, Leicester LE3 2FD

From the M1 Head towards Leicester from the motorway and enter the city on the south‑west side. Make your way into the Braunstone area, which sits between Narborough Road and the A563 ring road. Riverside Football Ground is located off Braunstone Lane East, close to Fullhurst Community College . The ground sits behind the housing area with access from the main road.

From the Market Harborough direction Approach Leicester from the south‑east and continue towards the city centre before joining routes that lead to the south‑west side. Head into Braunstone and follow the main roads through the estate until you reach Braunstone Lane East. Riverside Football Ground is located off Braunstone Lane East, close to Fullhurst Community College . The ground sits behind 42 the housing area with access from the main road.

QUIZ ANSWERS 10 TO TACKLE 10 TO TACKLE

1. José Mourinho 2. Shane Long 3. Cameroon (1990) 4. Milan Baroš 5. Brescia 6. Iker Casillas 7. Ryan Giggs 8. Ole Gunnar Solskjær 9. Spain 10. Lev Yashin

SPOT THE BALL

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RESERVE RESULTS

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RESERVE TABLE

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PLAYER STATS Player

3 or over appearances

Appearances

Goals

Yellow Cards

Red Cards

Alfie Baker

25

1

3

0

Casey Fitzgerald

23

13

5

1

Dylan Parry-Jones

23

8

2

0

Reuben Huggins

22

11

1

0

Joshua Ward

21

0

2

0

Mihayl Mitkov

21

1

2

0

Alfie Pollard

21

0

1

0

Samuel Parker

20

5

1

0

Claudio Pascoal

18

1

0

0

Florentino Pereira

15

3

0

0

Sam Cooper

17

0

0

0

Oliver Gaillard

16

3

1

0

Grady Dudley

14

1

3

0

Jacob Dickson

13

9

1

0

David Ca

10

0

0

0

Elliott Mendes

10

1

0

0

Sebastian Darnell

11

0

0

0

Ewan Young

8

0

0

0

Fraser Sutherland

7

0

0

0

Alfie Shepherd

5

6

4

0

Max Tipper

3

1

0

0

Archie Sillett

3

0

0

0

Daniel Johnson

3

0

0

0

Tom Barratt

3

0

0

0

George Shepherd

4

0

0

0

TODAYS SQUADS Alfie Baker David Ca Sam Cooper Sebastian Darnell Jacob Dickson Grady Dudley Louis Ehiabhi Oliver Gaillard Jordan Hudson Reuben Huggins Daniel Johnson Jake Kirby Elliott Mendes Mihayl Mitkov Samuel Parker Adam Parmenter Dylan Parry-Jones Claudio Pascoal Florentino Pereira Alfie Pollard Fayed Nazir Rhaman Alfie Shepherd George Shepherd Casey Stonnell-Fitzgerald Fraser Sutherland Max Tipper Joshua Ward Ewan Young Manager Mark Field Assistants Jack Clarke Harry O’Brien

Match Officials Referee Clinton Ormshaw Assistant Referee Callum Horn) Assistant Referee Lucas Brace 4th Official Kieron Salmons

Adebola Adeniran Beriszl Safo Asante Connor Bernhardt Corey Birch Oliver Jack Buzzard Isiah Campbell Lovell Edwards Alexander Fisher Kekeli Fometu Bakari Furbert Luca Gillespie Zak Gillespie Saad Hamrad Thomas Derek Hoey Charlie Howard Coen Hughes Noel Las Reece Loyal Leighton Mcwilliams Nazir Mohummod Cyprian Oscar Mtenga Archie Bon O’Donnell Ollie Price Jarred Rawlins Gui Rodrigues Riley Simpson Casey Stanton Miron Szymanski Euan Trejtnar Martin Tsvetkov Shaan Virk Archie Woolmer Manager Joshua Unsworth

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