Banbury United v Peterborough Sports

BANBURY UNITED V P ETERB o R o U gh S P o RTS

TUESDAY 27 T h FEBRUARY 2024 | K.O. 7.45pm

VANARAMA NATIoNAL LEAgUE NoRTh

ToDAY’S

BANBURY PLANT hIRE CoMMUNITY STADIUM hOmE OF ThE pURITANS, YOUR COmmUNITY OWNED FOOTBALL CLUB

Good Evening all and a warm welcome to Peterborough Sports FC. I would like to extend a welcome to their directors, players, management and supporters to the Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium.

There is not really anymore I can say about our “Pitch Flooding” problems other than it has put an incredible pressure on the club both with ongoing organisation and a financial burden. We have gone down every avenue to highlight our plight to authorities. I sincerely hope we can now get a somewhat clear run to the end of the season!

It really has been a hectic few weeks with an outgoing manager, a caretaker manager, Craig McKay and then the introduction of our new manager, Kevin Wilson, returning to his hometown club and this evening will be his first home game in charge! This is undoubtedly an emotional return for the former Derby, Ipswich and Chelsea legend and I know his parents would have been so proud to see their son return to the club where his career started.

The twists and turns of football never cease to amaze me, seven points from nine, with some battling and committed performances gave us a bit of breathing space from the relegation area, then two defeats on the road at Buxton and Alfreton has put us somewhat back in the mix. The job is far from done and our work rate, passion and effort for every game will be paramount to where we finish at the conclusion of the season. No doubt we will see a few more introductions along the way as Kevin

CHAIRMAN’S WELC o ME

gets his feet under the table and determines his style of play and set-up of the side. But, as he has said, all players presently with the club are being given the opportunity to shine!

I would like to welcome our match sponsor this evening, L. Jarvis & Sons Ltd. They provide scrap metal recycling, skip hire, site clearance and haulage contractor services, offering over 60 years’ experience. May I wish them an enjoyable evening.

Let’s really try and get a good atmosphere going this evening and get behind the new manager, coaches and players as they push for three more precious points. Let’s make sure we encourage and support them throughout and they can feel the zest of our true support and we can ultimately make the stadium a fortress for visiting teams!

It is sad news that Charlie Waller’s injury at Buxton will keep him out for the remainder of the season. May we thank Charlie for his commitment and effort during his time with The Puritans and wish him a speedy recovery.

I will repeat my rallying call to everyone who truly loves this club, we have got to be unified, no cracks, no dissent, get behind the club 100%, that is the only way forward!

Our Club – Our Community – Our Town. We Are United!

RONNIE JOHNSON CHAIRMAN

The New Foscote Hospital is a boutique private hospital located in Banbury, providing a comprehensive range of medical and surgical treatments and services in over 20 specialties to those over 18 and Outpatient services from age 4 The New Foscote Hospital is recognised by all major insurance companies and also welcomes self-funding patients

FRoM ThE DUgoUT Wilson Writes

Good evening, and welcome to the Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium for this evening’s National League North fixture. I would also like to extend a warm welcome to Michael and Luke, and the staff, players, officials and supporters of Peterborough Sports who have made the trip. We hope you enjoy your visit and have a safe journey home after the match.

Well, I’m back where it all started over 40 years ago! My hometown club gave me the opportunity to go and live the dream of playing professional football and now I’m back managing them. This gives me immense pride and I know my family would be, and are, very proud.

This club holds special memories for me; firstly, as a supporter as a young boy watching Jacques and Foster, and then as a player from making my debut as a 17-year-old. I always remember the fantastic support that roared us on and got behind the team.

It has been a bit of a slow start with an excellent draw away from home against Chester followed by two defeats against Buxton and Alfreton. I always said I would leave any changes until I had accessed the squad and played at least three games and watched videos of previous games. I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead. I always knew it wasn’t going to be easy and we would have to battle and scrap for every point to start moving up the league.

On a sad note, we say goodbye to Charlie Waller who has been outstanding for us and wish him a speedy recovery from his injury. All the best in your future career Charlie, I’m sure it will be a good one.

On a positive note we welcome Joshua Johnson from Oxford United, Lewis Darlington from Peterborough United, Albert Wood from MK Dons and Luca Woodhouse from Wycombe Wanderers. We thank their parent clubs for letting them join us on loan. We really appreciate it and we hope they enjoy their time with us.

Enjoy the game.

The Gaffer

ONE Of YOuR OwN!

BANBURY UNITED F oo TBALL CLUB

is a Community Benefit Society registered under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014. Reg Number 7135, as Banbury United Community Football Club Ltd.

MANAgEMENT BoARD: Ronnie Johnson (Chairman), Lisa Dixon, Claire Dumbreck, Terry Thomson.

FooTBALL SECRETARY: Barry Worsley.

FooTBALL MANAgEMENT: MANAGER: Kevin Wilson.

ThE BANBURY pLANT hIRE COmmUNITY STADIUm, BANBURY, OX16 5AB | info@banburyunitedfc.co.uk

Kevin Wilson's office is sponsored by:

•

We are fully equipped to deal with all aspects of scrap metal recycling and responsible waste disposal.

• Professional site clearance.

• Commercial scrap metal

• Regular bins and collection service.

• Disposal of old piping and wires

• Recycling of scrap metal

• Catalytic converters (Send codes and/or pictures to 07919 561445 for instant valuation)

• Factory production waste

• Scrap Cars (certification of destruction provided)

Call, text or email to find out our latest prices and to find out how we can help.

• Catalytic converters

• Commercial and domestic scrap metal recycling

• Professional site clearance

01295 710223

• Regular bins and collection service

07919 561445

info@jarvismetal.co.uk

• Catalytic converters (send codes and/or pictures to 07919 561445 for instant valuation)

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To find out if we can help you, please get in touch.

01295 710223

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PETERB o R o U gh SP o RTS PLAYER PR o FILES

LUkE STEELE – PLAyEr / MAnAGEr:

Ex-professional goalkeeper who played at the highest level in England and across Europe. Made over 200 appearances for Barnsley and 66 appearances for Greek side Panathinaikos. Since returning to the UK, Steele played for a number of clubs as a striker. Also represented Manchester United, Peterborough United, Coventry City, Nottingham Forest, Bristol City, Millwall, Stamford and Notts County.

MichAEL GASh – PLAyEr / MAnAGEr:

Marquee signing of the 2021/22 season. Began his career with Peterborough United and went onto to play for Cambridge City, Cambridge United, Ebbsfleet, York City, Rushden & Diamonds, Braintree Town, Kidderminster Harriers, Nuneaton Town, Barnet and Kings Lynn.

PETEr crook – GoALkEEPEr:

Became an almost immediate hero to the Turbines fans when saving two penalty in the Southern League Premier Central play-off final against Coalville Town in 2021/22 to secure promotion to the National League North. Signed permanently in the summer of 2022 following a successful loan spell. Previously represented Harrogate Town, Hyde United and Boston United.

LEWiS ELSoM – GoALkEEPEr:

A product of the Peterborough United youth setup who has previously played for Deeping Rangers.

MATThEW TooTLE - DEfEnDEr:

Experienced Football League full-back who signed for the 2023/24 season from Grantham Town.

Also played for Notts County, Shrewsbury Town, Crewe Alexandra and Boston United.

ryAn fryATT – DEfEnDEr:

Played academy football at Norwich City and Cambridge United. Enjoyed a long career at Kings Lynn Town before joining Kettering Town in October 2020. Signed for Sports in June 2021. Also played for Dereham Town and Wisbech Town.

rory McAULEy - DEfEnDEr:

Joined the Turbines in february. Started his career at Cambridge United progressing through the academy and into the first team. Has since played for Dartford, Chelmsford, Lowestoft and King’s Lynn Town

connor JohnSon – DEfEnDEr:

A product of the Northampton Town and Wolverhampton Wanderers academies, where latterly he captained their U23 team and went on to play league football at Walsall and Kilmarnock. Previous clubs also include Boreham Wood and AFC Telford (loans) and Kettering Town.

AShTon fox – DEfEnDEr:

Signed on loan from Peterborough United for the 2023/24 season. Also played for Dereham Town.

MATT y MiLES – DEfEnDEr:

Resigned for The Turbines in the summer of 2023, after previously spending 2 seasons at the club. Rose through the youth ranks at Leicester City before being released. Also played for Eynesbury Rovers, St. Neots Town, Biggleswade Town and Cambridge City.

DAniEL LAWLor – MiDfiELD:

Signed for Sports in the summer of the 2016/17 season and helped the club to their historic UCL Premier division title. An ever-present player for Sports since signing over 7 years ago. Previously Represented Peterborough United, Boston Town (loan), Stamford, Spalding United and St Ives.

JoSh MccAMMon – MiDfiELD:

Signed from Northampton Town in the 2017/18 season. Was one of the standout performers in Sports’ promotion to the National League North, scoring in both the play-off semi-final and final.

hUGh ALbAn-JonES – MiDfiELD:

Joined Sports in February 2023 after playing at Bedford Town. His career began at Peterborough United, but he moved to Spain after his release playing for Lorca, Hercules B and CD Llanes, before returning to the UK.

cUbA MEyEr – MiDfiELD:

Hailing from the Netherlands, played much of his football within his home country featuring for Zeeburgia and FC Emmen.

SiDnEy PErEirA – forWArD:

Part of the Peterborough United youth set up. Played for a number of local clubs before signing for The Turbines in the summer of 2023.

kAnE

fELix – forWArD:

Signed for Sports in October 2023, returning to the club after a brief spell at the beginning of the 2022/23 season. Started his career at St. Neots and went on to play for Boston United, York, Stockport County, Leamington, Brackley Town, Guiseley and Darlington.

bEn foWkES – forWArD:

The first signing of the 2023/24 season by managers Gash and Steele, signing from Leiston FC. Also played for Braintree Town and Needham Market.

MArk JonES – forWArD:

Signed in the 2016/2017 season and made over 250 appearances for The Turbines. Previous clubs include Deeping, Corby Town, Boston United, Gainsborough Trinity and Stamford AFC.

DAn JArviS – forWArD:

Played for Peterborough United from the age of 8 all the way through to a full scholarship. A versatile player who is partial to scoring ‘worldies’ from time to time. Played for Deeping Rangers and Yaxley before joining Sports for the 2020/21 season.

GAbriEL ovErTon - forWArD:

Signed for Sports in February on loan from Peterborough United. Gabe had scored 12 goals in the first half of the season for Posh Under 21s.

Craig Hewitt makes a run in Banbury's 2-0 defeat to Peterborough Sports earlier this season

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CoMINg ho

in a two-week period where we saw plenty of changes on and off the field, and the Puritans picked up an impressive seven points from a possible nine, it was nice to see a couple of familiar faces return to the club.

Last Tuesday, with anticipation building ahead off kick-off in our “six-pointer” against Darlington, a video dropped on the club’s social media channels with the caption “coming home”. The video revealed that former Banbury United star Kevin Wilson was returning to the Puritans as first team manager. The buzz on the terraces was tangible with fans young and old sharing stories and memories of years gone by, where a then 17-year-old Kevin led the line for the Puritans before his club record £25,000 transfer to Derby

County in 1979. Many older Puritans fans probably thought this was the last time they would see their hero represent his home-town club, but on this cold January evening, his return was confirmed.

After departing the Puritans for the Baseball Ground in 1979, Kevin went on to become a fans’ favourite for the Rams where he stayed for six years, making 124 appearances and scoring 30 goals. He played for Derby during some of their darkest days with the club battling financial turmoil and in 1985, they

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could not refuse the offer of £150,000 from Ipswich Town, much to the disappointment of the Derby faithful.

Kevin made quite an impression on the Tractor boys, averaging just under a goal every other game during a two-year spell in Suffolk where he donned the famous Blue and White 119 times before arguably a bigger team in Blue and White came calling. In 1987, Kevin swapped East Anglia for West London joining Chelsea for a fee of £335,000 (roughly £1.2 million today in today’s money).

At Stamford Bridge, Kevin was once more in fine goalscoring form netting 55 times in 155 appearances and it was during this spell in the top division with Chelsea where Kevin made a real big

name for himself. However, it wasn’t without turbulence as Chelsea were relegated in his first season, but they bounced back at the first attempt in 1988/89 pipping Manchester City to the second Division Title. The 1989/90 season saw Kevin Wilson fire the Blues to fifth spot in their return to the top-flight as well as winning the Full Members' Cup which was a tournament created for teams in the top two divisions whilst the English teams were banned from playing European club football.

Kevin departed Chelsea in 1992 and returned to the East Midlands, this time with Notts County. During a two-year spell he made 69 appearances and netted three goals before departing for Walsall in 1994. His switch from East to West proved to be successful with Kevin scoring 38 times in 125 games.

Kevin finished his playing career at Northampton Town making a further 31 appearances and adding two goals before bringing a lucrative playing career to an end. Kevin also had the honour of representing Northern Ireland 42 times and scoring six goals for them.

His managerial career includes many highlights which includes him guiding Northampton Town back to the second division in the 1999/2000 season, as well as more recently guiding Ilkeston Town to the Northern Premier League Playoff Final in 2014/15.

The first bit of business Kevin did upon his return was to bring back legendary goal scorer Ricky Johnson. Ricky’s last game in his previous spell with the club came with the Puritans bowing out of

the FA Cup at the 1st Round Proper stage where, despite netting for the Puritans that day, he was unable to help the Puritans progress in the Cup. Ricky was denied a much-deserved send-off from the fans due to the Covid pandemic. After leaving his home-town club, Ricky reunited with former Puritans’ manager, Mike Ford, joining fellow ex Puritans Charlie Wise and Amer Awadh at Evesham United for the 2022/23 season.

Ricky is a name that will bring back many memories for the Tramway faithful with this being his fourth spell in Red and Gold. Ricky started his career with the Puritans progressing through the club’s youth and reserve teams before making his first team debut in October 2005. With his first spell coming to a close, he went onto play for various local clubs before returning to the Puritans in 2011 for a second spell.

Ricky’s third spell for the Puritans was his most memorable in a Red and Gold shirt as he played a crucial part under the guidance of Mike Ford in helping the club return to the Southern League Premier Central at the first time of asking beating Taunton Town in the Playoff final. Ricky amassed the majority of his 278 appearances for the Puritans in this six-year spell scoring many important goals. He is just three goals shy of a magical century for the club where it all began, and he will be desperate to achieve this feat in the coming games.

Ricky Johnson also returns home, becoming Kevin Wilson's first signing

TURNING THE AIRWAVES RED (...AND go LD )!

Puritans Radio provides home and away commentaries on all of Banbury United’s first team matches.

Since our formation on the first day of the 2015/16 season (coinciding with Banbury United’s launch as a Community-owned club), our volunteer presenters and technical crew have combined our support of this wonderful football club with our love of presenting all genres of music, interviewing local and national guests, and providing Public Address for events throughout the Banburyshire community.

Our Saturday sports coverage starts at noon, before we hand over to our commentary team –headed by Dave England – at 14:30 (although this is subject to change if a kick-off isn’t

scheduled to start at 15:00). If you’re reading this programme on match day, it’s great that you are here to cheer your community Club. Thank you! But for some Puritans supporters, our commentaries are their lifeline: we have avid listeners as far away as Australia, Canada, Brazil, and the USA!

You can find all of our postmatch interviews (usually including Mark; the player of the match chosen by the day’s sponsor; other teammates; representatives from the opposition) at www. puritansradio.com. Tune in when you arrive home!

Throughout the week, Puritans Radio provides a diverse mixture of music, conversation, Community news and What’s On announcements. Would

you like us to promote your forthcoming event? Or even provide the Public Address for it? We’d love to hear from you! Contact us at studio@ puritansradio.com – or pop over to our studio while you’re here today. Have a chat with one of our team.

If today is your first visit to the Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium, or the first time you have come across Puritans Radio, we hope that you have had an enjoyable experience. Please stay tuned: tell friends and family about Banbury’s Community Radio Station… and invite them to join you on your next visit to watch the football team!

L-R: Puritans Radio President Mark Pougatch (Chief Sport Presenter, ITV Sport), Dave England (Puritans Radio matchday Commentator), Stewart Green (Station Manager and Banbury United Stadium Announcer)

02-Mar

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P REVI o US E NC o UNTERS :

B ANBURY U NITED AND P ETERB o R o U gh S P o RTS

The first meeting between the sides took place in season 2019/20, Peterborough Sports having been promoted to the Southern League Premier Division Central after winning the Division 1 Central Championship the previous season. The game in Cambridgeshire was played first that season, on a Tuesday evening at the beginning of September. In the seventh minute a corner from Banbury’s Giorgio Rasulo saw Jack Westbrook’s strong goal-bound header well saved by Lewis Moat, the ball then running along the goal-line before being cleared but only as far as Claudio Dias who smashed the ball home from the edge of the penalty area. United doubled their lead in the 38th minute when Ricky Johnson played a perfectly weighted pass through the middle for John Mills to run onto and although his first attempt was half-blocked, he reacted first by hooking the ball home from the edge of the six-yard box.

After the half-time interval, Peterborough pushed forward but magnificent defending by United kept the Turbines out and indeed it was Banbury who got the all-important third goal in the 72nd minute. A long ball up the middle saw Jaanai Gordon slot the ball past the advancing Lewis Moat from 12 yards to make the score 3-0. Sports pulled a goal back in the 89th minute when Cameron Johnson poked the ball home from close range following a goalmouth scramble but it was a consolation goal against a resolute Puritan side that were well worth the three points.

The return game at Banbury in 2019/20 was played in mid-January. After a goalless first half, it was Banbury who looked, after the interval, the more likely to break the deadlock, going very close to taking the lead in the 66th minute through Ravi Shamsi but Lewis Moat in the Sports goal made a fantastic save to tip the ball over the bar for a corner. It was though Peterborough who began to dominate proceedings in the last quarter of an hour and in the 81st minute, following a goalmouth scramble, Joshua McCammon poked the ball home from close range to put them ahead. Then with five minutes left and Banbury pushing forward, looking to get level, Sports added to United’s misery by getting their second when a free kick by ex-Puritan Lewis Hilliard was converted by Joshua Moreman to confirm the three points would be returning to Cambridgeshire.

Though neither league game was played in season 2020/21 due to Covid restrictions, the teams met at Lincoln Road in Peterborough on a Tuesday evening in mid-October for a Third Qualifying Round FA Cup game. Banbury would take the lead on 35 minutes when Connor Roberts lashed the ball home from the edge of the six-yard box. After the break, Banbury had the better of the game but in the 79th minute, Sports substitute Jordan Nicholson tapped the ball home at the far post, following a left wing cross. This goal now led to a frantic last ten minutes, but it was Banbury who went the closest to notching a winner when, in the 82nd minute, Ricky Johnson’s shot beat Lewis Moat in the home goal, only for the ball to be cleared off the line. With no extra time or replays that season, a penalty shoot-out was the order of the day. The first twelve penalties gave the respective goalkeepers little chance. Sympathy has to go to Peterborough substitute Nicholson who, having earlier equalised for Sports to set up the penalties, saw his spot-kick crash against

FA Cup goalmouth action at Peterborough Sports in October 2020

the crossbar and present United with their entrance into the fourth qualifying round with a 7-6 win on penalties.

The Southern League Premier Central game at Peterborough in season 2021/22 was played on the Tuesday before Christmas. Banbury started off the better side and in the eighth minute Ben Acquaye set-up Morgan Roberts whose shot found its way past goalkeeper Paul White to give Banbury the lead. It wouldn’t be long before this lead was doubled, Chris Wreh found himself one-on-one with the home custodian and did brilliantly to take the ball around White and then slot it home into an empty net.

Peterborough pulled a goal back through Dion Sembie- Ferris but Banbury should have restored their two-goal lead when Jack Stevens worked his way into the box, only to be taken down by a defender. Morgan Roberts stepped up to take the spot-kick but his effort was put well over the bar. However, Banbury were soon two goals to the good once more when on 31 minutes, from a corner, Jay Williams rose above the Peterborough defenders and headed the ball with power past White. The second half saw Peterborough enjoy more possession but Banbury defended well. As the game entered stoppage time, Sports won a free kick on the edge of the box. Dan Jarvis stepped up and curled a wonderful effort into the top left corner, leaving Ben Taylor no chance of saving it. This set up a nervy last few minutes with Peterborough pushing for an equaliser but Banbury held out for what was, over the 90 minutes, a deserved three points.

The return game at Banbury in season 2021/22 was played on the last Saturday in February. Sports went ahead after 18 minutes when a long cross from the right was headed back across goal for Joshua McCammon to score easily from inside the six-yard box. Banbury were though well on top for the rest of the first half with Sports goalkeeper Paul White almost single-handedly responsible for keeping Banbury out. The best chance for Banbury fell to James Golding

from a Giorgio Rasulo left-sided corner-kick and only White will know how he managed to flick the ball over the bar from point blank range. The second half saw the Puritans consolidate their control of the game with the equaliser finally arriving in the 65th minute when, following a goal-mouth scramble, Chris Wreh cleverly back-heeled the ball home from a couple of yards out. Then, just three minutes later, Golding went on a solo run from his own half and smashed an unstoppable left-foot drive from the edge of the penalty area into the bottom corner of the net.

With United and Peterborough Sports both promoted to National League North for the start of last season, United as Southern League Premier Central Champions and Sports through the play-offs, the two sides met in league action on a Tuesday night at Lincoln Road back in mid-September. Banbury had an early set-back when Jay Williams was shown a straight red card and that was the signal for the home side to take control. The combination of Dion Sembie-Ferris and Jordan Nicholson opened up the Banbury defence in the 20th minute with the latter taking the ball around goalkeeper Jack Harding before knocking it home. And it was 2-0 three minutes later when Mark Jones prodded the ball home from a corner. However, despite the numerical disadvantage, United responded well and reduced the deficit when though Giorgio Rasulo saw his penalty kick saved by Peter Crook, the Banbury captain was on hand to slot home the loose ball. Sports looked to be firmly back in control when Jones scored his second of the game at the start of the second half but full-back Isaiah Bazeley was sent off in the 50th minute to even up the numbers and Banbury then started to dominate possession. However, it took until the 89th minute for United to score through Jack Stevens which proved too little too late and it finished 3-2 to Peterborough.

The return game last season, played on Easter Monday, saw neither goalkeeper unduly troubled in

Ravi Shamsi in action against Peterborough Sports in January 2020

Giorgio Rasulo and Henry Landers in action at Peterborough Sports in October 2020

the first half. Banbury pushed forward with more regularity in the second half, Stockport County loanee Cody Johnson poked a shot just a fraction too high from 12 yards and Aidan Elliott-Wheeler was also fractionally too high with a decent effort following good interplay with Alex Babos. But with no goals, the spoils were shared.

This season’s game at Peterborough Sports was played on a Saturday in mid-October. United went very close to taking the lead on the half hour mark when Aidan Elliott-Wheeler unleashed a powerful shot which cannoned back off the post into the path of Adi Yussuf whose goalbound effort was then cleared off the line by goalkeeper Peter Crook. The second half saw Banbury well on top but Peterborough’s defence got in the way of every United goal-bound effort, with both Yussuf and Craig Hewitt having shots blocked. Against the run of play, the home side took the lead in the 86th minute when a Josh McCammon shot squeezed through a crowded goalmouth, low into the far corner of the net. With Banbury pushing forward, looking for the equaliser, Peterborough got their second when Jack Harding lost the ball as he attempted to send a long clearance up-field, and Kaine Felix gleefully placed the ball into an empty net.

2019/20

Tue 03 Sep SLPC A 3-1 Claudio Dias

John Mills

Jaanai Gordon

Sat 18 Jan SLPC H 0-2

2020/21

Tue 13 Oct FAC A 1-1 Connor Roberts

Banbury won on penalties League games not played due to Covid

2021/22

Tue 21 Dec SLPC A 3-2 Morgan Roberts

Chris Wreh

Jay Williams

Sat 26 Feb SLPC H 2-1 Chris Wreh

James Golding

2022/23

Tue 13 Sep NLN A 2-3 Giorgio Rasulo

Jack Stevens

Mon 10 Apr NLN H 0-0

2022/23

Sat 14 Oct NLN A 0-2

SLPC - Southern League Premier Central FAC - FA Cup Third Qualifying Round NLN - National League North

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Tell me 10 interesting facts about Peterborough

Join us for an alternative look at today's opponents!

1. Peterborough is a cathedral city and unitary authority area in Cambridgeshire, England, with a population of 202,110 in 2017. It was originally part of Northamptonshire but became part of Cambridgeshire in 1974.

2. The Peterborough Lift Lock, constructed in 1904, is the highest hydraulic lock in the world with a rise of 65 feet (19.8 m)

3. Two Queens have been buried in the city. Katharine of Aragon is buried at Peterborough Cathedral and in 1857 Mary Queen of Scots was executed at Fotheringhay Castle and buried in Peterborough at the orders of Queen Elizabeth.

4. The Peterborough Millennium Green Wheel is a 50-mile (80 km) network of cycleways, footpaths and bridleways which provide safe, continuous routes around the city with radiating spokes connecting to the city centre. The project has also created a sculpture trail, which provides functional, landscape artworks along the Green Wheel route and a Living Landmarks project involving the local community in the creation of local landscape features.

5. When Peterborough Sports FC was founded in 1908 they were a non-competitive factory side called Brotherhoods Engineering Works. The company was founded by Peter Brotherhood in 1867 and was famed for designing and manufacturing the first steam turbine engine in the world. The club honours its heritage to this day with the turbine engine featuring in the club badge and “The Turbines” being the club’s nickname.

6. Two films from one of the biggest move franchises ever were in fact filmed in Peterborough. Scenes from GoldenEye were filmed at Nene Valley Railway and the tank chase was filmed outside of the British Sugar factory. Octopussy was also shot in part at the railway, Orton Mere, Ferry Meadows and Wansford station also feature.

7. Many famous people were born in Peterborough including TV presenter Jake Humphrey, JLS band member Aston Merrygold, Olympic gymnast and Strictly winner Louis Smith, Erasure lead singer Andy Bell and former Spurs and England footballer David Bentley.

8. Peter Boizot who is the founder of the PizzaExpress chain was born in Peterborough.

9. The world’s first mini-roundabout was built in Peterborough in 1969. Designed by Frank Blackmore and located near London Road and Oundle Road, the design was written into government design manuals in 1975.

10. Peterborough's Central Park is home to Jimmy the Donkey. He died in 1943, and was posthumously awarded the Dickin medal for bravery - the highest honour an animal which has served in the military can receive. Jimmy was born on the battlefield during WWI and became the mascot of the 1st Scottish Rifles, helping to supply ammunition to British soldiers in the Somme and carry away the wounded. He survived being shot three times and was retired by the RSPCA to Peterborough.

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CoMINg UP...

DArLinGTon v bAnbUry UniTED

Saturday 2nd March 2024 k.o. 3.00pm

Blackwell Meadows, Grange Road, Darlington, County Durham, DL1 5NR

Our victory at home to Darlington on the night Kevin Wilson was appointed manager will be fresh in the memory for the Puritans faithful with goals from Manny Maja and Charlie Waller seeing the Puritans edge past Darlo for a crucial three points.

This time next week, we aim to replicate that as we make the last of our mammoth trips to the far North East for this season to do battle with the Quakers. Since that game against Darlo, the Puritans have only played three games, picking up a valuable point on the road at Chester before failing on the back-to-back trips to Derbyshire, at Buxton and Alfreton. Darlo on the other hand have picked up six points in this time, falling to defeat over the Northamptonshire border at Brackley and to Alfreton, before achieving wins against near neighbours South Shields and Buxton.

Ticket prices

Price category

Adult

Standing Seating

£15 £17

Senior / Student / Under 24 / Disabled £11 £13

Under 18 £5 £7

Under 12 FOC FOC

Travel

There will be a coach running which will cost £20 for members and £25 for non-members. The departure time is 8.15am.

For those wishing to make their own way, parking is available onsite and can be booked in advance through the Darlington ticketing website costing £5 per car.

If you’re travelling by train, Darlington station is on the main East Coast Mainline route between London and Edinburgh. The station is a 1.8 mile walk from the ground or you can hop on either the X26 or X27 bus.

bAnbUry UniTED v rUShALL oLyMPic

Tuesday 5th March 2024 • 7.45pm

Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium

The inclement weather has left the Puritans with a very unforgiving run-in seeing Kevin Wilson having to prepare his side for 14 games in the next 54 days as they look to fight off relegation. The first of a number of big home games sees Rushall Olympic make the relatively short trip from the West Midlands. The Pics currently occupy the last relegation spot and sit just two points behind the Puritans. Let’s get the Townend rocking for a massive relegation six pointer and back Kevin and the lads in their quest for a big three points to pull away from the relegation zone.

Ticket Prices

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BANBURY UNITED

Kevin WILS o N MANAgER

PETERB o R o U gh SP o RTS

MANAgER Luke S TEELE / Michael gAS h

l A st si X form guide (le A gue g A mes)

Up to and including results on Saturday 24th February 2024.

number shows the position in the 'Form Guide' table based on the last six games.

Jack hARDIN g (GK) 1

Jack To MPKINS 2

Jack D AVIES 3

Simeon M AYE 4

Josh Joh NS o N 5

Tai F LEMIN g 6

Aidan e lliott-Wheeler 7

Lawson D’A T h 8

Ken

Criag hEWITT

Albert Woo DS

Lewis

Harley

Ricky

Zach S C o TT 17

Freddie M

Louis hALL 20

manny M AJA 32

Rudi P AC h E 41

Luca Woo D ho USE

ToDAY'S

MATCh oFFICIALS REFEREE

Tommy B REEN

ASSISTANT REFEREE

Andrew T RE go NIN g

ASSISTANT REFEREE

Craig Davenport

1 Peter C R oo K

2 Matthew Too TLE

3 Elicha Ah UI

4 Ryan F RYATT

5 Connor Joh NS o N

6 Daniel L AWL o R

7 Ben Fo WKES

8 Josh M CCAM o N

9 Mark Jo NES

10 Dan J ARVIS

13 Lewis E LS o M

14 Hugh Alb A n-Jones

15 Luke S TEELE

17 Sidney P EREIRA

18

Ashton Fox

19 Cuba M EYER

22 Kaine F ELI x

23 Michael gAS h

26

Rory M C A ULEY

27 matty M ILES

29 Gabriel oVERT o N

UPCoMINg AT ThE BANBURY PLANT hIRE STADIUM

Banbury United U18 v Darlaston Town

Saturday 2nd March 2024 • 10.30am

Midland Junior Premier League

Banbury United v Rushall olympic

Tuesday 5th March 2024 • 7.45pm

vanarama National League North