AVDFC vs Crawley Green - 21st Aug 21

Season 2021/22

Green y le w ra C s v C F AVD ugust 2021

st A 1 2 y a rd tu a S ivision D r ie m re P e u g a e L s nd Spartan South Midla

KO 3.00pm

S O M A N Y D E H T O T E M O LC E W The Dynamos Haywood Way Aylesbury Bucks HP19 9WZ

Welcome to another home game at Haywood Way. It’s been a testing start to the season. With Covid restrictions finally lifted we were hit with several cases over pre season.

The lockdown lack of football has also taken its toll on a fair few of the team with injuries that are proving hard to shake. Our physio Steve is putting in the hours to asses and work with each Individual to aid their recovery. So team selection at the moment is sort of picking itself with the players fit getting the nod.

Chris has stepped in to man the ship in Phil’s absence along with Jason Billy and Steve and the watching eye of our injured club captain, the ‘motor in the middle’ Dave Brown.

We go again this week and look to improve on a disappointing result last week. The boys have been training hard this week and March fitness is improving, so we hope to see the hard work pay off.

We hope you enjoy the game and your Saturday visit to the Greenfleets Stadium. Home of the Dynamos.

Mike Borrett - Chairman

Welcome to Haywood Way the home of AVDFC Sponsored by:-

Chairman: Mike Borrett Vice Chairman: tbc Club Secretary: Iain Willcocks Club Treasurer: James Moore Matchday Secretary: Rosanna Martone Head of Social Events: Monique McLaughlin Media & Communications: Mike Farquharson Head of Youth Football: Rob Judge Safety Officer: Craig Broughton Director of Football: Ryan Collings Head Groundsman: Nick Ringsell Asst Groundsman: Dave Thorn

@ValeDynamos @AVDFCOfficial @avdfcsocial Aylesburyvaledynamos.co.uk

Dynamos HISTORY Aylesbury Vale Dynamos is an amalgamation of Aylesbury FC and Bedgrove Dynamos, two local clubs with a rich history in local football. Aylesbury FC enjoyed a long history in senior and junior football dating back to the 1930’s under the previous names of Aylesbury Vale, Haywood United, Belgrave, Stocklake and Negretti and Zambra FC, which was founded in the 1930’s by workers at the Negretti and Zambra company then based in London’s King Cross district. The company moved to the Stocklake Industrial Estate, Aylesbury. in 1949 and by the mid 50’s the premises had a bar, football, cricket and tennis facilities. The football club joined the Aylesbury District League in 1954. The social club changed its name to Stocklake when Negretti and Zambra sold the premises to the local council, who then leased the facilities; hence the different sections adopted the name Stocklake. Under the guidance of Chairman Mr Ernie Crotty, the club gained many honours including runners up in ADL’s top divisions, before gaining intermediate status in the Wycombe and District League first and senior divisions. Sadly Ernie was killed in a road accident just before the club moved premises to the present location at Haywood Way in 1987.

After gaining senior status and promotion to the Chiltern League in 1988, Stocklake enjoyed many further successes including Division One runners up in 1991, Premier Division and League Cup runners up the following season and Wycombe Senior Cup success in 1995. Cup success was also followed on in the following season, this time the Berks and Bucks Intermediate Cup being added to the trophy cabinet. Belgrave FC was formed in 1983

by Jim Sullivan who lived in nearby Belgrave Road. Jim had two sons who were passionate about football but were limited to where they could play, so formed a team himself with the help of neighbours Lynne and David Hatcher. By 1990, under the guidance of Danny Martone, Belgrave had grown to five youth teams providing football for over ninety boys from the Quarrendon and Haydon Hill areas of Aylesbury. 1996 saw the forming of two senior teams under the Belgrave FC name and by the turn of the millennium teams were represented at all levels from Under 8’s through to seniors, At the start of the 2000/2001 season, the senior Belgrave FC team was renamed Haywood United following an amalgamation with Stocklake FC with Danny Martone voted in as chairman of the new club. Haywood United joined the Spartan South Midlands League and won promotion into Division One after two seasons. Notable achievements during the 2001/2002 season included league awards for the best kept and most improved ground; this included the erection of floodlights and perimeter fencing, which Danny and his hard working committee fought hard to establish. Season 2002/2003 saw a difficult start in Division One, but with the arrival of manager Jon Franklin and his assistant Keith Walker just after Christmas, the club eventually consolidated finishing in 9th place. Promotion was gained to the South Midlands Premier Division the following year after a campaign that saw 23 wins, 7 draws and only 4 losses. Haywood United proved themselves capable of staying in the Premier Division after finishing 3rd in the 2004/2005 season in a campaign that only include one loss in the twenty matches after Christmas. The club also entered the FA Cup and Vase for the first time and won the Buckingham Charity Cup in 2006.

Season 2006/2007 began with Haywood United becoming Aylesbury Vale FC and saw Keith Walker and Steve Gleinster take over as joint managers and steadily build a squad. This was recognised in the 2008/2009 season, under the management of Mark Eaton, with a good cup run in the FA Cup and FA Vase, winning three rounds in the FA Cup losing to Level 4 side Gosport after a replay, and losing out in the 4th round of the FA Vase to Leiston Town. . After Christmas the side suffered due to long term injuries and finished mid table. May 2009 saw a major new development in a new semi professional side vote for a name change. Aylesbury Football Club was formed under the leadership of Chairman Roger Dance and assisted by Vice Chairman Danny Martone

@ValeDynamos @AVDFCOfficial @avdfcsocial @AVDFCSocial @aylesburyvaledynamos.co.uk

Dynamos HISTORY Former Chairman Bill Harrison was made President of the club. Great success on the field of play was to follow, with the team having a fantastic run in the F.A. Cup. We were the last 'level five' team in the country to remain in the competition and were rewarded with a visit to Haywood Way for the F.A. Cup trophy, allowing the team, supporters and local people to get their hands on this famous trophy and make the most of this memorable occasion. We were finally knocked out of the competition by Wealdstone in a close game. A brave and superb display was witnessed by a bumper crowd of 800 plus.

Meanwhile, away from the midst of F.A. Cup drama, our success continued, becoming 'Double Winners' Winning both the Spartan South Midland League and League Cup capping an extraordinary season and gaining promotion to the Southern League Division 1 Central. Steve Bateman took over in 2013/14, steered the club to safety in his first 6 months in charge. Then in 2014/15 with Bateman at the helm FC has their most successful season to date most successful to date. Playing at the highest level in the club’s history, the team finished third in the League, having been pushing for promotion all season and narrowly lost out in the semi final to Bedworth United having already beaten them twice in the league. the 2015/16 finished with a flourish as the club finished just outside the play off positions, but had the consolation of our first major Cup Final, beating Chesham United in the Berks & Bucks Cup at Windsor. Steve Bateman and his management team resigned at the end of the season and Danny Gordon & Gareth Risbridger took the helm , supported by Paul Bonham , Ryan Wiffin & Aaron Norman. Davis Haule took over from Gordon & Risbridger in December 2016, appointed brother Brian as his assistant and recruited former coaches Fraser McLachlan, Aaron Wiffin and added Ryan Collings to his back room staff for the 2017/18 season.

In 2018/19 Scott Reynolds was appointed manager and when he resigned midway through the season it was left to Paul Bonham to take control but because of ground grading issues the Southern League made the decision to relegate the club and so after ten seasons in the Southern League. Phil Granville and Ben Gill were appointed midway through last season and will kick off the 2020/21 season again in the Spartan Premier Division Bedgrove Dynamos Alf Buckland, a resident of Finmere Crescent, formed Bedgrove Dynamos in 1968. It was created to fill a void in activities for boys within the Bedgrove area on the south side of Aylesbury. In 1980, Dave Bayliss became involved when he brought his Cub side to the Bedgrove Park. The teams amalgamated and Dave went on to be the chairman for 21 years, stepping down in the year 2000. Within two years and barely a full strip between them, they managed not only to win the Under 12's Aylesbury & District League (ADL), but went on to win the 13's & 14's league in consecutive years and, by which time, they now had four teams at various age groups.

Over the years the club has grown and has won many tournaments and trophies, especially at county level. Many teams have toured abroad and the club has also entertained boys from Europe and America. We can boost that we are the only boys club to have a club pennant on display in Barcelona's trophy room.

At the start of the season 2001/02 the club was the largest junior club in the Aylesbury area, running teams from under 8's through to under 18's. At the end of the season 2001/02 the club managed to win the coveted Berks and Bucks Cup at under 14's, the Mayor's Cup at under 12's, represented in two other cup finals, won 3 league titles, gained 6 promotions in total and all teams finished in the top 6 to the fairplay awards for their respective leagues. In the last 20 seasons across the age groups the club has won 25 divisional titles, and runners up 20 times.

In 2019 two became one when the sides amalgamated with the intention of allowing the youth of the town to progress through junior football to youth and then adult football and play at the highest possible level.

Meet The MANAGEMENT Phil GRANVILLE – Manager Phil spent twenty four years at Uxbridge FC, he joined the side at fifteen years of age. Made over Over 450 first team appearances winning 2 x London Challenge Cups, 1 x Middlesex Senior Cup. Phil then spent ten years as Reserve team manager (five as player manager), the side had great success, Middlesex Premier Cup Winners, a Suburban North League Title, Suburban Cup Winners, Suburban Cup Runners up, a Suburban Premier B League Title. He then spent three years as Manager of Harefield United before brief spells at Hanwell and Leverstock Green.

Ben GILL – Assistant Manager Former Arsenal Youth player who has also played for Watford, played in FA Cup & League Cup games before signing professional terms for Cheltenham Town. On July 2009 he signed with Interblock from

Slovenia. His spell in Slovenia was ended in September 2010 however when he returned to England and signed for Forest Green Rovers. Ben has also played for Crawley Town, and Wealdstone.

Chris JURASZEK - Coach Chris needs very little introduction. Most recently with Tring Athletic, wehere he was first team manager, , there’s not much Chris doesn’t know about local football. His experience, knowledge and advice from a llifetime in football is a welcome addition to the club and we are really excited to have him on board. A s first team coach Chris will help to ease the path for players into the senior sides from the U18s

Jason CARR Coach

Billy READY Coach

Steve HOARE Physio

Meet The PLAYERS Dan MCATEER Dan returns for another season at Aylesbury. Started his career at Borehamwood as a Goalkeeper before breaking his leg in an FA Cup match. Has also had spells as an outfield player, has two good feet and fantastic distribution. Adds experience to a young Aylesbury side

Paolo BAGATTI Paolo joins from Leighton Town and has also had spells at Tring Athletic.

Can play anywhere across the back four and will be a threat with his head from set pieces

Terry GRIFFITHS Imposing Central Defender who made one appearance in the season before last. Re joined last season and made an immediate impact shoring up the Dynamos defence.

Has plenty of experience at this level having had spells at AFC Dunstable and Leverstock Green

Ben STEVENS Aylesbury legend returns for another season. A tough tackling versatile defender or defensive midfielder who can play all along the back line.

Ben has been at the club since he was a youth player and has played for the club in all its guises

Jack ELSEY

Ben GILL

Young left sided Defender, Jack has progressed via the talented Dynamos U18s side. Has a lovely left foot and can play at centre half or left back. Jack made his debut for the first team in last seasons truncated campaign and will be a valuable member of the squad this term.

Former Arsenal Youth player who has also played for Watford, played in FA Cup & League Cup games before signing professional terms for Cheltenham Town. Has also played for Crawley Town, Forest Green Rovers and Wealdstone

Dan BALL

Luke NUGENT

Dan is a full back who can play on either side of the defence. Can also play as part of a back three, Dan is a pacey defender and likes to get forward to support the midfield. Good tackler who reads the game well.

Can play full back or at centre half and has made a big impact since signing last season

Dan WILSON Dan is in his third season after joining last year from Holmer Green. He is a tall commanding player in the centre of defence who reads the game well and is good on the ball. Dan does all the simple things very well, uncomplicated and effective and dangerous at set pieces

Nugs is a defender who joined last season after spells at Northwood and Edgware.

Jake BALDWIN Young player who is another player who has progressed from the U18s side. Skilful on the ball and very calm in front of the goal.

Made a great impact last season where he became a regular and scored six goals in a truncated season. Can play anywhere up the left hand side

Meet The PLAYERS Dave BROWN Dave is a skilful and energetic midfielder who signed from Winslow United prior to last season.

Brownie never stops running and is a commanding presence in the centre of midfield and will captain the side this season

Matty CHEW Matty joins the club from Buckingham Athletic. Another energetic midfield player who has impressed during pre season.

Loves to close down play and move the ball quickly.

Will FOLEY

Alfi TOUCEDA Midfielder/Striker who has progressed from the U18s. Has made over 80 appearances since breaking into the first team back in 2017/18. Alfi is able to run all day and a natural talent with the ball.

Skilful, classy and with and dangerous around the oppositions box

Ollie LEMON Tricky midfielder/striker joined last season after having spells at Oxford City and Rushden & Diamonds Good balance and excellent on the ball with the ability to go past opponents with ease.

James YOUNG

Another new signing is 20 year old midfielder from Tring Athletic, Will Foley. Will made 12 appearances last season in what was a truncated season

James is 17 years of age and has signed from Winslow Utd U18’s where he was their longest serving youth player. Will is a two footed goal scoring midfielder who made his senior debut at Tring Athletic last season. He about to start his 2nd year with Luton Town Elite Dev Programme at Cedars.

Tom McELROY

Dan LAMBETH

Tom is a strong, physical midfielder who joins from Buckingham Athletic after also playing for both Chelsea U21s and MK Dons U18s. Good with both feet and excellent in possession.

Dan is a powerful Centre Forward who joins the Dynamos after playing Semi Professional football in New Zealand with Lower Hutt City .

Dan last played in England for Totternhoe FC where he scored sixty three goals in sixty one appearances.

After being out for most of the the last year with a serious injury

Will SALMON

Charlie OGLE

The 27 year old joins us from Tring Athletic. Where he made 15 appearances at Cow Lane last season. Comfortable on the ball and good int ha air a great addition to the squad Was at Marlow of the Isthmian League last season.

Charlie is a wide midfielder/forward who can play either on the left or right side of the pitch.

Pacey, lots of skill and a great engine, we look forward to seeing Charlie threatening defences

Meet The PLAYERS Joe OXLEY

Davide POBBE

Experienced centre half/centre forward who is also an FA A Licenced coach. Tall, good in the air with good touch for such a big man, will keep defenders under pressure this season

Davide joins us from Dunstable Town. This is his second spell with the club having made 19 appearances in 2017/18. Pacey attacking midfielder with a real eye for goal.

Callum SHORTT

Chris SHENNAN

Callum is an attacking winger who joins us from Newport Pagnell. He can play on the left or the right

Striker with a great touch. Scored lots of goals in the past for Aston Clinton and also spent time at London Colney.

Finds great positions between defenders and will always create himself an opportunity

Fixtures Results Fixtures&&Results

New Club Shop: www.apx.performace.com/ AYLESBURY-VALE-DYNAMOS-FC

2021/2022

New Club Shop: www.apx.performace.com/ AYLESBURY-VALE-DYNAMOS-FC

Last Time OUT Saturday 14th August 2021 AVDFC 1 Leverstock Green 4 Team: Dan McAteer; Dan Wilson, Luke Nugent, Paolo Bagatti, Terry Griffiths; Tom McElroy, Alfi Touceda, Ollie Lemon, Will Foley, Callum Shortt; Jake Baldwin Subs: Archie Clarke, Charlie Ogle, Chris Shennan, Dan Ball, Marcus Rivers After the disappointment of the FA Cup loss, Chris Juraszek took control with Phil Granville away. Jake Baldwin was back in the squad and Will Foley was in the starting eleven too, making his debut. An early free kick given away by Dan Wilson saw the Leverstock free kick snatched by Dan McAteer, making his 40th start in a Dynamos shirt. Alfi Touceda then won the ball in the middle and set up Callum Shortt but his shot was straight at the keeper.

Thirteen minutes in and Will Foley beat a couple of players with great skill but ballooned his shot high over the bar. TheDynamos had started well and Foley and the returning Jake Baldwin both had half chances to break the deadlock. Leverstock though were battling well and had a couple of chances themselves, one going over the bar and Paolo Bagatti getting an important block on another attack. In a somewhat scrappy match, with both sides not playing any fluid football, was summed up with a comedy moment. Luke Nugent took a free kick, tapping it to Dan McAteer, but he picked the ball up to “set up” the free kick. The referee penalised Macca giving Leverstock an indirect freekick which was cleared by Terry Griffiths. A couple of minutes before half time, Leverstock broke through the Dynamos defence and their player tapped the ball past the helpless Dan McAteer. [b]Half Time: AVDFC 0-1 Leverstock Green[/b] The second half started with both teams again looking poor in possession however Leverstock were gaining more control and on 54 minutes this proved fruitful. Another attack down the Dynamos left side saw Leverstock hit a low cross which was easily converted making it 0-2. Aylesbury made a couple of changes to try and improve bringing on Archie Clarke in the middle for Tom McElroy and then a few minutes later Charlie Ogle was introduced, replacing Ollie Lemon. On seventy three minutes it was Leverstock again showing the way, another low cross from their right winger was again sidefooted past Dan McAteer to make the game out of reach for Dynamos. 0-3. With fifteen minutes to play 75 minutes a rash tackle from the clearly frustrated Captain, Terry Griffiths, resulted in a Yellow card for the defender. A minute later and Jake Baldwin was taken off and replaced with Chris Shennan. There was a brief moment of hope as Chris Shennan battled well and hit a cross finding Callum Shortt who controlled and hit his shot past the keeper. 1-3.

Could The Dynamos make a classic comeback again??? Simple answer was not a chance…two minutes and Leverstock were back in control and worked the ball wide, hitting a decent cross which they put away making it 1-4. Only a long range effort from Alfi Touceda was left as the home side heads dropped even lower and the final whistle went.

It is early days in the campaign but clearly the squad is taking time to gel. We go again on Saturday at home to Crawley Green.

Last Time OUT

Support Your CLUB

Development update Tuesday 17th August 2021 AFC Hayes RES 0 AVDFC Development 1 Team: George Zammit; Harvey Matthews, Will Mullarkey, Jack Elsey, Jack Hodgins; Archie Clarke, Owen Heale, Matt Tagliarini, Tafara Dube, Prince Nimoh; Marcus Rivers Subs: Oli Hassall, Josh Edworthy, Jude Guest-Brainch, Jamie Carter, George Armstrong The new Dynamos Development team had their first ever league game away at AFC Hayes and the Management team of Michael East, Damian Eatwell and David Percival picked a strong squad to search for a victory. Jack Elsey will captain the team this season with a mix of familiar faces and new signings.

The Dynamos started on the front foot as Prince Nimoh collects a ball from Archie Clarke and gets a shot on target which the keeper is equal to. Another opportunity within a couple of minutes saw Tafara Dube cross and Prince Nimoh was in the box to head the ball wide of the mark. The away side had a couple of free kicks as the “whistle happy” referee seemed to give every little nudge. Owen Heale took a free kick into the mix and a goal mouth scramble was cleared just before Marcus Rivers could get his shot away. Hayes were not without a couple of chances in the first quarter of an hour. Jack Elsey and the defence held a decent line catching the Hayes attackers offside a couple of times.

17 minutes and a crunching tackle from Harvey Matthews saw him get a Yellow Card. The resulting free kick was dealt with by George Zammit easily. Hayes were getting a foothold in the match and started moving forward well.

A half chance was blocked by Jack Hodgins and another shot was calmly saved by George Zammit as Hayes threatened. Just after half hour and Prince Nimoh controlled a ball out from Will Mullarkey, he found Owen Heale and he played a lovely ball through to Tafara Dube who skipped past a challenge and hit a shot just wide of the far post.

38 minutes and the Hayes nippy wingers were getting some joy. This time Dynamos left back, Will Mullarkey, saw Yellow for a tackle. Both full-backs were now on Yellow Cards. A minute later and a Hayes free kick was headed clear by Jack Hodgins and Marcus Rivers controlled well and played a ball over the top to Prince Nimoh. He ran through on goal and slipped the ball past the keeper to give Dynamos a deserved lead. 0-1. 43 minutes and a long throw from Hayes is cleared by Jack Elsey to Prince Nimoh and he ran into trouble, giving a foul away at the same time…the referee decided it was worthy of another Yellow card !? Not sure on that one…!

Half Time AFC Hayes 0-1 Dynamos Aylesbury started the second half well and an early free kick from Owen Heale is just grabbed at the second attempt as Marcus Rivers almost snatched it. 52 minutes and a potential game changer…Jack Hodgins loses control on the edge of the Dynamos box and brings down the Hayes striker. Red Card immediately shown by the referee and the Dynamos were down to 10 men. The away side were then forced into making a substitution bringing on Oli Hassall alongside Jack Elsey and sacrificing Matt Tagliarini. The resulting free kick was hit well into the far corner but George Zammit flung himself to his right and clawed it away, great save and the ball fell to Harvey Matthews who cleared to Marcus Rivers. He played a lovely ball out to Tafara Dube who outpaced the Hayes defence but his shot was too close to the keeper who saved well. for Hayes.

Development update 57 minutes and Jack Elsey played a ball out from the back which Prince Nimoh controlled and sprinted forward hitting another shot wide of the target. He could have had a hat-trick. A Second substitution saw Archie Clarke replaced by Josh Edworthy in the centre of midfield. Despite being down to 10 men, the Dynamos were still creating chances. Will Mullarkey worked the ball wide to Tafara Dube and his ball over the top found Marcus Rivers who had strayed into an offside position. At the other end Hayes were getting closer, only George Zammit was there to thwart any shot on goal as he stood firm in the Dynamos goal.

72 minutes and Michael East made another substitution. Jude Guest-Brainch coming on for the impressive Tafara Dube. Aylesbury were now on the back foot as Hayes searched for an equaliser. However the Dynamos held firm with Owen Heale protecting the back 4 making some great tackles. Jack Elsey and Oli Hassall were both clearing their lines well as Hayes threw everything at the 10 men. Jamie Carter was introduced to add some more pace to Dynamos attack with 15 minutes left.

At the other end George Zammit made another great save landing awkwardly on his shoulder. It looked bad, but he managed to continue and see out the game. The final 10 minutes saw George Armstrong introduced for Prince Nimoh who had a very good debut . The Dynamos had to endure a few more attacks in the final few minutes but in fairness never threatened to score as the defence held firm. Some good work at the end from Jude GuestBrainch and Jamie Carter saw them retain possession in the corner as time fizzled out for

Venue HIRE The Venue at Haywood Way has been refurbished over the past couple of years and is available to hire for Birthdays, Weddings, Anniversaries, Wakes etc. Prices are very competitive, start at £100 for members and we have a fully licensed bar. for more info please contact Christine on avdfcsocial@gmail.com or call 07557 982908

e Spartan South MidlaPrenmider Lg Division POS

Team

Pl

W

D

L

GD

Pts

1

Leverstock Green

2

2

0

0

5

6

2

Hadley

2

2

0

0

2

6

3

Risborough Rangers

2

1

1

0

7

4

4

Milton Keynes Irish

2

1

1

0

4

4

5

Oxhey Jets

2

1

1

0

2

4

6

Arlesey Town

2

1

1

0

2

4

7

Harpenden Town

2

1

1

0

1

4

8

Leighton Town

2

1

1

0

1

4

9

London Colney

2

1

0

1

-1

3

10 Ardley United

2

1

0

1

-1

3

11 Broadfields United

2

1

0

1

-4

3

12 Harefield United

2

0

2

0

0

2

13 Tring Athletic

1

0

1

0

0

1

14 New Salamis

2

0

1

1

-1

1

15 Holmer Green

2

0

1

1

-2

1

16 Aylesbury Vale Dynamos

2

0

1

1

-3

1

17 Crawley Green

2

0

0

2

-2

0

18 Flackwell Heath

2

0

0

2

-2

0

19 Baldock Town

2

0

0

2

-4

0

20 Dunstable Town

1

0

0

1

-4

0

Crawley Green HISTORY Crawley Green Sports & Social Club was formed in November 1989 after arsonists caused the virtual destruction of the present building. Members of Stopsley Harriers, The Wyvern and Ramridge Rangers Sunday Football Clubs amalgamated to form the present club and were successful in securing a 99 year lease from the Council. The New Club house was formally open on 19th June, 1992 by then Luton Town manager, David Pleat.

The badge incorporates all the elements of the three founding clubs but also local history. The club badge was adopted in 1996 after many years of discussion. Maroon was the colour of the largest single club Ramridge Rangers and it was adopted as the club colour. It is incorporated in the Club badge as the bar across the middle. Stopsley Harriers were well known for their red and blue quarters, whilst Wyvern Members were predominantly blue since their foundation. Both these colours are reflected in the badge. Crawley Green FC Saturday side was formed in 1993 after another local team, Somerset Tavern came under the Crawley Green umbrella. The club colour of maroon was adopted by the team.

In 2018 Luton Town FC and Crawley Green FC further enhanced their club partnership with the announcement that Crawley Green FC will play their home games at The Brache training ground from season 2018-2019.

Crawley Green, who are the only Luton based team to play at step 5 or above of the National League System, have been trying since 2008 to get permission to build a suitable stadium. Unfortunately in that time they have failed to receive the support needed from Luton Borough Council, despite there being no cost involved for the Council. This decision has meant that they have had to ground share with Barton Rovers FC for 11 years now, to enable the team to continue to play at that level.

This is a poor indictment of the Council’s attitude to football in Luton, considering that other major towns in Bedfordshire have at least one team each playing step 6 or above. Their lack of support in comparison to the likes of Biggleswade (3 teams), Bedford (2 teams), Dunstable (2 teams), Leighton Buzzard (1 team) and Kempston (1 team), means that even our local leagues have the ignominy of having to travel to local villages to host their cup finals.

Luton recently installed a brand new all-weather surface down at the training ground and to comply with national ground grading criteria Crawley Green will complete the remaining requirements. This will include new changing rooms, dugouts, turnstile and spectator standing area. Tony Talbot, Chairman of Crawley Green stated: “We would like to thank Gary Sweet and Kevan Platt and everyone at Luton Town FC for firstly affording us this opportunity and then their support in making this happen.

“In the past we have seen a number of ex-Crawley Green players go on to play for Luton, but our partnership has really continued to grow in recent years. It’s with great satisfaction for us that we are currently seeing James Justin starring for the first team. In addition the recently transferred Tyreeq Bakinson and four of the current U18s team, Josh Neufville, Joe Mead, Ciaren Jones and Michael Shamalo all came through our youth system.

“A town the size of Luton needs a successful professional club, as well as teams playing in the national league pyramid”. This gives our talented youngsters a pathway to development, without having to go outside the borough to develop. “In addition, underneath these clubs is a large community hub, which affords lots of youngsters the opportunity to play football. These community hubs ensure all young people have the opportunity to participate in football in a safe supportive environment,

Crawley Green HISTORY which preserves the dignity and respect of the individual regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, religion, disability, income and any other social deprivation. With Government statistics showing a concerning rise in childhood obesity throughout the UK, these community hubs encourage our children to stay active and engage in physical activity. This all helps promote health, self-confidence and importantly social cohesion, and hopefully leads to the wider benefits in raising standards.”

Hatters chief executive Gary Sweet said: “We see ourselves as guardians of elite football in our region and part of that responsibility is to help – wherever possible – other local, aspirational clubs develop and thrive, staying at the core of their roots. “The challenges faced at Crawley Green were difficult and, with the great relationship we’ve had over the years, having recruited numerous young players from their excellent development structure, we’re proud to help Crawley Green retain a local home for their competitive games, just as we are happy to utilise our existing training facility at perhaps the only time when it won’t get used.”

In recognition of his services to the community and sport, Crawley Green Sports & Social Club Chairman, Tony Talbot was awarded a BEM – British Empire Medal - in the 2018 New Year’s Honours List. Finally Crawley Green would like to sincerely thank all their programme advertisers, match ball and match day sponsors for their generous support throughout the season.

Club SPONSORS

To join the ever growing band of local businesses who are supporting the Dynamos please mail us at

infoavdfc@gmail.com

MATCHDAY SQUADS Spartan Premier League 21st August 2021

Match Officials:

The Dynamos Yellow & Blue

Crawley Green Maroon

Dan McATEER (GK) 1 San Fearon-McCaulsky

REFEREE: Douglas LAWSON ASSISTANTS: Neil HOWARD Gary OGDEN

Paolo BAGATTI 2 Daniel Blackman Jake BALDWIN 3 Oliver Brennan Dan BALL 4 Isiah Brown-Smith Dan WILSON 5 Chris Crook Joe MISTRETTA 6 Chad King Terry GRIFFITHS 7 Adam Hughes Luke NUGENT 8 Kieran Floyd Daniel BOATENG 9 Phil Draycott Matty CHEW 10 Danny Watson Dave BROWN © 11 Taylor Rhiney Alfi TOUCEDA 12 Sam Holmes Will FOLEY 13 Tariq Foster Will SALMON 14 Lewis Osbourne Tom MCELROY 15 Steven Redmond Oliver LEMON 16 Luke Andrews James YOUNG 17 Lejhai Henriques Davide POBBE 18 Mark Blower Joe OXLEY 19 Dan LAMBETH 20 Charlie OGLE 21 Callum SHORTT 22 Jamie CARTER 23 Chris SHENNAN 24 ) Manager: Phil GRANVILLE

Manager: Craig MEYRICK

Featured Sponsor

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Next Match:

Away vs Harpenden Town Saturday 28th August 2021 Kick Off 3.00pm Rothamsted Park, Amenbury Ln, Harpenden AL5 2EF