Aylesbury United v Harlow Town

Good afternoon and welcome to this Pitching In Southern League Division One Central match against Harlow Town.

We offer a warm welcome to the players, officials and supporters of the Hawks, and hope you have a safe journey home this afternoon.

It seems a long time ago when the two teams met in August in the opening league fixture of the campaign, which was almost called off due to the scorching temperatures. I think it’s fair to say that the season so far has not been the one envisgaed by either side, with the Hawks currently a couple of places above us at the foot of the table, having played a agame fewer. On Saturday they were defeated 2-0 by Cirencester Town in a match that was played away due to issues with the Harlow pitch.

The Ducks led the game in August 3-1, before two late goals pegged us back to draw 3-3. The match was notable for Jake Bewley’s two goals direct from corner kicks against two different goalkeeepers. Jake was the hero again last Saturday, as his injury-time strike past the

the score at 4-4, giving us a vital point after having been 3-0 down after 30 minutes.

You will have seen we’re looking for a new sports therapist to join the club, as Hannah has decided to pursue an alternative opportunity elsewhere. We’re grateful for all her hard work and commitment over the past two seasons. This is a great opportunity for a recent graduate looking for experience. The role is expenses paid, and all equipment is provided. If you know someone who might

be interested, please ask them to contact Jack Wells.

Our next game takes place on Wednesday 7 December, and is our re-arranged game against Kidlington.

Come on you Ducks!

CHARITY PARTNER

Each season

Aylesbury United partners with a local charity to raise funds through various activities associated with the club.

The election of a Charity Partner for Aylesbury United is organised by the club’s supporters’ trust, 21st Century Ducks. The charity partnership concept began in 2018 so that the club’s charitable giving could be more focused. Since then supporters have raised more than £7,000 for the charities involved.

This season Aylesbury United are supporting Aylesbury Foodbank as our charity partner.

Aylesbury Foodbank doesn’t think that anyone in the community should have to face going hungry. That’s why they

Aylesbury

provide three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to them in crisis.

Aylesbury Foodbank is part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.

The foodbank’s website provides a list of urgently needed items, as well as a list of food donation points locally where items can be dropped off.

Aylesbury Foodbank was selected by our fans from a shortlist of four at our Emirates FA Cup match against Ardley United in August.

This season’s partnership has already got off to a fantastic start with our charity walk from Aylesbury to Berkhamsted. On August Bank Holiday Monday, a group of Ducks fans walked 14 miles along the Grand Union canal in

time for the match between the two sides. So far the effort has already raised more than £1,800 for the charity, thanks to the generosity of our supporters.

Kevin Piper, chair of trustees at Aylesbury Foodbank, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been chosen by Aylesbury United as their charity partner for this season, and were staggered by the amount of money raised by their sponsored walk to Berkhamsted. Thank you so much, this will help us to feed those in need in Aylesbury. Well done to the team.”

Donations on behalf of the charity are still welcome, just scan the QR code below.

MATCHDAY MASCOT

Our mascot package includes two adults tickets to a game and two junior tickets to the game. The mascot will receive a tour of the dressing room, meet the players and manager before the game, lead the team out onto the pitch, and an official photograph with the captains and officials before the game. There’ll also be a Ducks goodie bag, and tea, coffee and soft drinks for ther family in the boardroom.

All of this is just £30, or £37.50 with an Aylesbury United scarf.

To book your package, please email Simon Lacey via simon.lacey@oliverlacey.com

Do you know someone who would be interested in being a matchday mascot?

On 5 June 1897

representatives from three local clubs – Night School, the Printing Works and Aylesbury Town –gathered in the Rochester Room of the Bell Hotel in Aylesbury to discuss the merger of three local teams into one club.

The motivation was straightforward, that “some really good football might be seen in Aylesbury if only the clubs would amalgamate”. Mr Kyle, who had proposed the idea to meeting chair Mr Elliston, had travelled around Bucks visiting Wycombe and Marlow “and it struck him that these smaller towns had stronger football teams” than Aylesbury. It appeared to him that “something might be done in Aylesbury to unite them as clubs, so that their football teams might be equal to those in other towns in Bucks”. “Certainly in the county town, and the really competent players they had there, they ought to have a team worthy of it,” he added, and “the united club would be a credit to

themselves, the county town, and to Bucks.”

The Reverend AJ Jones went further, saying “the club should not only be a credit to the county, but to all England”. He drew on his experiences in Sunderland – one of the great centres of the game – where children played football in the streets and policemen were unable to stop them because they had the spirit of football within them. The resolution was carried with one in opposition.

It was proposed four teams be created, with different levels of ability, three to play on Saturdays, and two on Thursdays. Because of this, a motion was proposed that two grounds be secured for the purposes of the club.

Membership of the club was set at two shillings and sixpence, two shillings for under 18s, and one shilling for boys under 12. Members of the Printing Works were exempt from the charge to begin with, as they already paid to be members of their institute which paid for their team.

majority in attendance.

The club played their first match in a “new dark green kit” against Bowes Park on 25 September that year.

On 28 May 1898, at the club’s first annual meeting, it was reported the first team had played 26, winning 14, and losing 12 – scoring 77 goals, and conceding 60. Mr Kyle, who was now the club’s chairman, was very pleased with the outcome. “The attempt to amalgamate the clubs in the town had been fully justified. If the same progress were to be made next season, he believed would be equal to any club in the county,” he said.

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One crucial question remained, which was what should the name of the club be? Mr Kyle proposed the Aylesbury Football Club, which was swiftly amended by AJ Jones to the Aylesbury United Football Club, which was carried by the

Some 125 years later, we hold the principles set down in that original meeting dear – to have a team the town can be proud of, and that is a credit to Aylesbury throughout the county and country.

Thank you for being part of our history for the past 125 years, and here’s to the next 125 – come on you Ducks!

Board of directors

Club volunteers

First team coaching staff

CLUB HISTORY

Aylesbury

United were founded in 1897 when three local sides: Night School FC, The Printing Works and Aylesbury Town decided to merge.

The club, affectionately known as ‘the Ducks’ due to the famous Aylesbury breed, has experienced some incredible highs over our 125year history but now battle for existence without a home ground to call their own.

In the early years United played in local leagues before joining the Spartan League in 1908 where they remained until the Second World War. 1951 saw the Ducks gain their first taste of national publicity as they became the only club from the Delphian League ever to

the First Round Proper of the FA Cup, eventually losing to Third Division side Watford.

Aylesbury turned semiprofessional in 1976 and joined the Southern League, a move which got the ball rolling on the club’s most successful period. A number of events followed which were to help: In 1983 the club appointed Trevor Gould as manager, and then a year later a young local lad called Cliff Hercules made his debut, unaware that he was to become the most successful player in the club’s history. ‘Hercy’ was, and still is, an Aylesbury icon, and some 20-years later he finally hung up his boots having smashed the club records with 669 appearances and scoring 301 goals.

Promotion to the Southern Premier was soon achieved and shortly afterwards the Ducks moved to their new Buckingham Road stadium. This gave the town a new impetus and Gould’s talented squad secured the Southern League in 1987-88 and gained promotion to the GM Vauxhall Conference.

United then hit the headlines again, becoming the only

non-league side ever to take on the full England team, as more than 6000 packed into Buckingham Road to see the Ducks take on the Three Lions. Unfortunately United’s brush with the non-league elite only lasted one season, after which the club were relegated to the Isthmian League.

During the period between 1985 and 1992, Aylesbury boasted the best FA Cup record of any side outside the Football League, reaching at least the First Round Proper every season. The highlights being a victory over then Division Four leaders Southend United, a narrow extra time replay defeat against Northampton Town, and being shown live across Europe against Walsall.

Ironically though it wasn’t Gould, the club’s most successful manager, who led the Ducks to their greatest FA Cup achievement, it was his successor Steve Ketteridge in 1994-95. Once again the club became media celebrities as the ‘Duck Walk’ goal celebration was shown around the world, as Aylesbury went on to reach the Third Round where they lost to Premiership side Queen’s Park Rangers at Loftus Road.

Ketteridge delivered the Isthmian League Cup title to Aylesbury, but it was to be the beginning of a rollercoaster ride for the club. After almost going out of business, the Ducks were pipped to the Isthmian League title by Sutton United a year later,

despite heading the table for long periods. The following season saw United back in administration and fighting for survival both on and off the pitch.

Despite defeating Football League side Reading in the Berks and Bucks Senior Cup, for the second time in four seasons, the club was relegated to Division One for the first time in their history. In October 2000, the legendary Hercules took time out from his duties as the club’s Community Development Officer to manage the Ducks, and in his brief spell in charge he secured promotion back to the Isthmian Premier Division and extended the club’s proud FA Cup record with a First Round trip to Port Vale.

2002-03 saw Aylesbury returned to national prominence twice. First the club was privileged to play a major part in an England get together as the Buckingham Road facilities were used by Sven Goran Eriksson for a media conference and by the squad for a training session. Second the club made their first ever appearance in the FA Trophy semi-finals, where the Ducks were beaten by eventual winners Burscough.

For various reasons the club then began to cycle through a string of managers at an average of two a season –namely Chris Boothe, Kevin Wilson, Paul Curtis, Danny Nicholls, Jon Franklin, Tony Thompson and Mark Eaton. But nothing was to match the low point of summer 2006. Former chairman Bill

Carroll failed in his plans to convert the Buckingham Road pitch to a 3G artificial surface, what he described as his ‘last ditch’ idea for creating a viable football club, when the Southern League and FA baulked at his ideas.

Carroll decided to cut ties with the club he had been involved with since 1997, and popular local businessman Graham Read took over the club. But in a cruel twist Aylesbury were left homeless after their lease expired. Since that time Aylesbury have been forced to play their ‘home’ matches some 20 miles out of Aylesbury whilst the committee work hard keeping the club alive. The campaign to ‘Bring the Ducks Home’ has generated plenty of publicity, but so far, sadly, nothing concrete in terms of a new home for the club.

There are still plenty of reasons to remain positive; a glance to our near neighbours Slough Town, who now have definite plans for a new stadium in place to end their own exile, just goes to show that with patience and perseverance it can be done, and Aylesbury United will return to their rightful place eventually.

On the pitch the club

continued to do remarkably well, going close to the play-off positions in the Midlands Division for the next three seasons but a new challenge arose when the previous manager defected clubs, taking almost the entire playing squad with him. This led to another tumultuous season which saw Martin Stone initially appointed as manager, but due to personal reasons he had to renege on his appointment less than two weeks before the first game of the season. His assistant, Byron Walton, briefly stepped into the mantle and did a sterling job in assembling a competitive team in such a short space of time. He moved on and former United defender Tony Joyce became the club’s new permanent

manager. Unfortunately Joyce was unable to prevent the club’s slide – which had seen them amass just one league win by October – and the club were relegated to the Spartan South Midlands League. However, Joyce built a new and strong squad which finished sixth in the league in 2010-11.

Season 2011-12 saw further progression in the league with the Ducks eventually finishing fourth after a strong run of results at the tail end of the season. There was disappointment, however in the cups with the team being out of all cup competitions by mid November.

The 2012-13 season saw the club competing for the title, being in the top four for the entire season. Finally finishing second to Dunstable Town, gaining promotion to the Southern League courtesy of the FA’s restructuring of the feeder leagues and the additional promotional places that created. The season was capped by securing the Spartan League Premier Division Cup, beating Hadley 3-2 after extra time.

The Ducks’ first season back in the Southern league saw them achieve a creditable 12th place finish in a strong division. Other highlights from the season was a much better FA Cup run and notable victories against Southern Premier League opponents Hemel Hempstead, Chesham and Burnham in the Berks and Bucks Senior Cup and The Red Insure Cup.

The 2014-15 season saw the club finish in 13th place but made the final of the Berks and Bucks Senior Cup for the first time in 10 years, losing 4-0 to Maidenhead United from the Vanarama Conference South.

After a disappointing start to the 2015-16 season, Tony Joyce tendered his resignation after six years at the club and was replaced by Glyn Creaser who had been coach under Tony. In Glyn’s first full season in charge, he led the club to the semi-final of the Southern League Cup, before losing at Premier Division St Ives.

He also guided the team to 13th position in the Central Division.

After two seasons ground sharing at the ASM Stadium in Thame, a decision was made to return to The Meadow, the home of Chesham United for the 2017-18 season. After a disappointing start to the league campaign, manager Glyn Creaser was relieved of his responsibilities following a 6-1 home defeat against Cambridge City in December 2017, with the team lying second from the bottom of the table. His assistant Ben Williams was appointed caretaker manager in his place, before being appointed in a full time capacity in January. Ben steadied the ship successfully, integrating a number of new young players and developing a great team spirit, which saw the Ducks rise to 13th in the league, winning nine of their last 13 matches.

2019-20 began in promising fashion, with the Ducks unbeaten in the first nine league games, and winning ties in both the FA Cup and FA Trophy. Despite a slight dip in form, the Ducks remained in the play-offs before the season was curtailed early and voided due to the global Covid-19 pandemic.

The 2020-21 season suffered the same fate, abandoned after just two months. But that was still long enough for the Ducks to suffer heartbreak in the FA Cup, losing a penalty shoot-out to Moneyfields (in a game that had already seen four penalties) – before bouncing back to win on penalties against Tilbury in the FA Trophy.

There were hopes the form from the two cancelled seasons could be maintained, and 2021-22 began well with out best run in the FA Cup for a decade – scoring more goals than eventual winners Liverpool before being knocked out 1-0 by National League South side Ebbsfleet United. Just outside the play-offs at Christmas, the team unfortunately suffered a collapse in form, losing 10 consecutive games before rallying to avoid a relegation scrap, and finishing in 14th place.

This season is the club’s 125th anniversary, and hopefully the team can achieve success to celebrate this significant milestone in the club’s history.

CLUB HONOURS

Spartan League Champions 1908-09 Runner-up 1913-14, 1928-29

Spartan League Division One Champions 1938-39 Runner up 1934-35

Spartan League Western Section Champions 1945-46

Delphian League Champions 1953-54

Athenian League Division Two Champions 1967-68

Southern League Division One South Runner up 1979-80

Southern League Midlands Division Runner up 1984-85

Southern League Champions 1987-88

Isthmian League Runner-up 1998-99

Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division Runner-up 2012-13

Berks & Bucks Senior Cup 1913-14, 1985-86, 1996-97, 1999-00

Berks & Bucks Benevolent Cup 1932-33, 1933-34, 1952-53, 1953-54

Isthmian League Cup 1994-95

Spartan South Midlands League

Premier Cup 2012-13

FA Cup

First round 1951-52, 1985-86, 1986-87, 1987-88, 1990-91, 1992-93, 2001-02 Second round 1988-89, 1989-90, 1991-92 Third round 1994-95

FA Trophy

Quarter-finals 1980-81 Semi-finals 2003

SQUAD PROFILES

DAVID ALUKO-OLUKUN

Striker currently on loan to the Ducks from MK Dons’ academy.

JOSHUA AMEGANVI

17-year-old goalkeeper signed in September as a back-up for Jack Hopwood. Made his debut in goal for the Ducks against Chesham United in the Berks and Bucks Cup.

ALFIE ANDERSON

Winger signed from Beaconsfield Town in August 2022. The 19-year-old Anderson has been part of the Academy23 set-up with 14 appearances for Slough Town U23s last season, scoring eight times. His form earned him a call up to the senior team, and he made his debut for the Rebels against Eastbourne Borough in April, scoring the opening goal. Prior to joining Slough, Anderson was part of the Reading youth system.

EZRA ANTHONIO-FORDE

Striker who joined the Ducks late in July 2021 after impressing during pre-season.He started his career as a youth player with Luton Town before featuring regularly for Oxford City in the National League South. Spells at Hitchin Town, St Ives Town and Old Bradwell United followed. After four goals in seven games for the Ducks, he attracted the attention of North Leigh and joined the Oxfordshire side in October 2021, but returned to the Ducks in December.

ANTHONY BALL

Impressive young right back who can also play in midfield who joined the club at the end of December 2018, ‘Bally’ won Aylesbury FC’s Young Player of the Year award in 2017-18 as he was a regular for town neighbours Aylesbury FC in what was his first season in senior football. A graduate of the Luton Town Cedars development programme, he has also featured for Winslow United before joining Berkhamsted in the summer on his way to the Ducks.

Sponsored by Courts Accountancy Services

Laces sponsor Charlie Lacey

JAKE BEWLEY

Ever reliable left back who has barely missed a game since being recruited from Leighton Town in summer 2014 after a four-year association with the Bedfordshire side, having previously played for Dunstable Town and AFC Dunstable before that. Jake’s year-on-year improvement culminated in him being named Supporters’ Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year at the end of the 2016-17 campaign, having been named the Most Improved Player in 2015-16, and is now the team’s co-vice captain.

Sponsored by Dave Brown

Laces sponsor Santino Iannaccone

FORWARD

DEFENDER

DEFENDER

FORWARD

FORWARD

GOALKEEPER

FORWARD

CHIEF BOATENG

28-year-old striker who joined the Ducks from Desborough Town in November 2022, and counts AFC Rushden and Diamonds, Daventry Town, Kempston Rovers and Wantage Town among his previous clubs.

DEFENDER

LUIS FERNANDES

Experienced Portuguese defender signed in March 2022 from Staines Town, where he was captain. Joined the Swans from Arlesey Town, and the 34-year-old has a host of former clubs in England including Southall, North Greenford United, Chesham United, Ware, Royston Town, Southall, London Colney, Marlow, Waltham Abbey, Hayes & Yeading, and Cheshunt. Returned to the club in November 2022.

SONNY FRENCH

Talented midfielder and co-vice captain signed for Aylesbury United in March 2015 from town neighbours Aylesbury FC, where he was a former Player of the Season winner. The 2022-23 season is Sonny’s ninth campaign with the Ducks, having now amassed more than 200 games, and was in fine form before the Coronavirus pandemic curtailed the past two seasons – enjoying his most prolific season in 2019-20 with 13 goals to his name.

JACK HOPWOOD

Goalkeeper who joined the club from Tring Athletic in February 2018 and quickly showed his quality by starting his Aylesbury career with an impressive three successive clean sheets. Well known to Ben Williams due after graduating through the Bucks Sports Academy, he played for Chesham United Reserved before going on to make nearly 150 appearances for Tring. Jack left the club in Summer 2021 following his relocation, but returned just over a year later having most recently played for Thatcham Town.

by William and Niamh Seeley GOALKEEPER

TYRIQ HUNTE

Striker returned to the Ducks for a second spell in November 2022 on a short-term deal from league rivals AFC Dunstable. Hunte made 17 appearances for the club in his first spell in 2017, scoring six times. Since then he has played for numerous clubs, most recently joining Ware at the start of the 2022-23 season, before joining AFC Dunstable in October.

FORWARD

SHAQUILLE ISHMAEL

Signed from Ware in November 2022, and predominantly plays as a winger and attacking midfielder. Last season he had spells with both Colney Health and Wantage Town, and despite his youth, the 22-year-old also includes Bracknell Town, Hitchin Town, Edgware Town and Hanwell Town among his former clubs.

Laces sponsor Alwyn Lloyd MIDFIELDER

Sponsored

JORDAN JENKINS

Aylesbury-born central defender who joined the Ducks in July 2019 after three years at Aylesbury FC. Jordan was previously captain at Haywood Way, where he made more than 110 appearances having joined from Leighton Town, also playing for Aston Clinton and Winslow United before that. Won the FA Sunday Cup in 2018-19 with his Sunday league side Aylesbury Flooring.

HARRY JONES

Versatile player who, having now turned 22, has played more than 150 Aylesbury United games since making his debut at the age of just 17. Jones was billed as a midfielder on joining the club, but spent a lot of the most recent seasons at fullback, and has also played as an out-and-out centre forward when required. Previous first team experience with Risborough Rangers prior to joining United.

Sponsored by Jim Rayner

Laces sponsor George Pennington DEFENDER

DAVID LYNN

The 27-year-old left-back joined from Thame United in November 2022, where he made more than 200 appearances and won the Manager’s Player of the Season Award in 2018-19, since joining the Red Kites in 2015. He has also previously played for Dunstable Town, Banbury United, and Chesham United.

Catling Media

TOM MCELROY

Featured on the wing for the Ducks in pre-season, and has made an impression on those watching. McElroy has recently completed a masters degrees in investment and finance at the University of Nottingham, and has played for nearby Shepshed Dynamo, as well as the University of Leicester.

Sponsored by Ken Turnbull

Laces sponsor Lily Lacey FORWARD

PIERCE MCNAMARA

Young midfielder who joined the club from Slough Town’s under-23 side in October 2020, making just one appearance before the season was curtailed due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Showed promise in pre-season and re-signed for the Ducks for 2021-22, and was ultimately named Most Improved Player of the Season at the club’s end of year awards due to his performances.

Sponsored by Allan Brace

Laces

sponsor Scarlett Berry MIDFIELDER

JACK MORIARTY

Midfidler joined the squad in September 2022 from Bedford Town, whom he joined in the summer. Prior to signing for the Eagles, he played for Potton United, and before then the 20-year-old spent time with Berkhamsted Raiders, and Kings Langley, whom he joined having moved through the Stevenage academy.

MIDFIELDER

Sponsored by Carl

DEFENDER

Laces sponsor William Hutcherson

DEFENDER

NASHA MUKWADA

Speedy winger joined the Ducks in summer 2022 from Rushden and Diamonds Under 23 squad, for whom he made 14 appearances, scoring five goals last season.

MARK RIDDICK

Defensive midfielder who joined United in July 2019 after two seasons with Tring Athletic, having previously played for London Colney and Chesham United’s reserve team before that. Enjoyed an excellent debut season and was rewarded with Supporters’ Player of the Year award, and followed that with the Player’s Player of the Year trophy last season.

by Andy Martin Laces sponsor Elowen Pennington

BEN SEATON

Attacking midfielder who brought his fine technical abilities to the club in October 2017 having previously played for Tring Athletic, and ended the season winning the Most Improved Player award. Previously with Tring Athletic, he proved a valuable addition to the squad with his ever-improving displays and, still at a young age, has bags of potential to develop further. Won the inaugural Goal of the Season award in 2022 for his astonishing strike against Kempston Rovers.

Sponsored by The Harvey Family Laces sponsor Greg Pennington

LEE STOBBS

Experienced and versatile player, Lee Stobbs joined Aylesbury from Berkhamsted in July 2020 to link up with a number of his former Tring Athletic teammates currently with the Ducks. First came to prominence at Leverstock Green, he has also featured for the likes AFC Dunstable and Kings Langley, as well as a short spell with Aylesbury FC. The club’s first summer signing of 2020.

by Paul Hopwood

DANIEL STOKOE

Attacking midfielder signed from National League South side Cheshunt in November 2022. Was a highly rated prospect with Oxford City’s under 23 side.

HERBIE TOWNSEND

Midfielder signed in August 2022 who has played for both London Colney and Hadley last season. He was also part of the Hertford Town squad last season, and started his football career in the Cambridge United academy.

MIDFIELDER

Sponsored by Ian Pluck

MIDFIELDER

Sponsored

MIDFIELDER

Sponsored

MIDFIELDER

MIDFIELDER

JACK WOOD

Long-serving club captain initially joined the club on loan from Luton Town in March 2010, before making the move permanent the following summer. A 17-time end of season award winner, Jack passed 500 appearances for the Ducks last season to go second on the all-time list behind Cliff Hercules, and continues to display incredible loyalty to the club despite several offers to ply his trade elsewhere.

Sponsored by Rich Lloyd Laces sponsor Ava Pinches DEFENDER

JACK WELLS

Appointed as manager in October 2022, and joined the club from North Leigh where he has been working as a first team coach, and has also previously held coaching roles at Wantage Town, Stratford Town and Redditch United. He has a record of working with and developing young players, having also worked as a coach in the academy at Northampton Town, as head of female football and ladies team manager at Oxford City, and with Wycombe Wanderers. The 31-year-old is currently working toward his UEFA B licence, and also holds a diploma in sports management.

MANAGER

ANTON JACOB

Anton is a UEFA B Licence coach, who last season was head coach at Kempston Rovers, and also acts as head coach for the Cranfield University team. Joined Jack Wells’ coaching staff in November 2022.

JORDI MULVANY

Jordi had stints as a player at Didcot Town, North Leigh, Oxford City Nomads and Clanfield 85, before injuries curtailed his playing career. Joined the club when Jack Wells was appointed manager in November 2022.

JAMES GIBBS

James joined the Ducks from Hanwell Town, where he has been goalkeeping coach since the summer. He will work with Jack Hopwood and Joshua Ameganvi at training and on matchdays to support their development. Prior to working with the Geordies, he previously coached at Cheshunt, Ware, Chalfont St Peter, FC Romania and Basildon United.

Sponsored by Roger Simmons

COACH

Sponsored by Roger Simmons

AST. MANAGER

OPPOSITION HISTORY

The club was originally formed in 1879, playing its first match in October of that year against Saffron Walden Town. It is one of the oldest clubs in the County of Essex. In those early days the club, just known as Harlow, played friendly matches against local opposition until the formation of East Herts League in 1896. As with most clubs around this time Harlow had their fair share of amalgamations with other local clubs, and was known as Harlow & Burnt Mill before later becoming Harlow Town.

Over the years Harlow, which became a New Town in the early 1950’s, expanded beyond recognition, and the Club grew with the town. The club moved into the Spartan League in 1932 and were granted

Senior Status in 1937, competing in the FA Cup and Essex Senior Cups for the first time. At this time Harlow had one of the smallest populations for clubs competing at this level, a far cry from today where the population is around 85,000.

After the Second World War, Harlow continued to compete in the Spartan League until moving into the London League in 1953. Six seasons were spent in the London League before a move into the Delphian League. In 1960 the club moved away from its roots in Old Harlow, moving into the Sportcentre ground in the new town, which was the clubs home for the next 46 years before moving to The Harlow Arena in September 2006.

With the reorganisation of the amateur game in the early 1960’s Harlow found themselves playing in the newly formed Athenian League Division Two for the start of the 1963-64 season, winning promotion at the first attempt after finishing in third place. After eight seasons in Division One, Harlow finally won their first senior championship by winning the Athenian League Division One title. The following season saw the club

finish fourth in the Premier Division before joining the Isthmian League for the start of the 1973-74 Season.

After joining the Isthmian League Harlow had more than their fair share of ups and downs. Promotion was achieved six times, including lifting the Division One and Division Two (North) titles, whilst the club suffered five relegations and had to sit season 1992-93 out after severe financial problems threatened the club’s very existence.

The Club made a name for itself in season 1979-80 with a terrific FA Cup run, which saw the club progress to the fourth round proper, having started out in the preliminary round. Wins against Lowestoft, Hornchurch, Bury Town, Harwich & Parkeston, Margate, Leytonstone-Ilford, Southend United and finally Leicester City, gave the club a fourth round tie away to Watford. The BBC “Match of the Day” cameras were at Vicarage Road as Harlow eventually bowed out of the competition, although they went down fighting, losing 4-3 to Graham Taylor’s side. Since that time Harlow have appeared in the Competition proper on four further occasions, the last of which was in season 2007-08.

In recent times the Club have got back on their feet following the problems of the

early 1990’s. Having been relegated two divisions by the League for the season that the Club could not compete; the Club worked their way back to where they were before the enforced break. After a few near misses the “Hawks”, as they are now known, won back-to-back promotions from Division Three and Division Two of the Ryman League and after a poor first season back in Division One, managed to establish itself in the Division until the end of the 2003/2004 Season when the re-structuring of the non-league game saw the club switch to the Southern League. The Hawks finished 15th in the Southern League Division 1 East League table in Season 2004/2005 and 9th in Season 2005/2006.

The Hawks haven’t had much success in recent years in the FA Trophy or League Cup Competitions but lifted the prestigious East Anglian Cup in Seasons 1989/90, 2001/02 and in season 2005/2006 when Spalding United were beaten 1-0 in the Final.

The Club moved in September 2006 to a new

ground at Barrows Farm, a mile and a half to the west of their old Sportcentre location, and after awaiting clearance from the Ryman League to start playing at the new Stadium played their first senior match in a Division 1 North fixture versus Ware on 18th October. A highly successful first term at Barrows Farm was complete when the Hawks gained promotion to the Premier Division of the Ryman Football League at the end of the season by clinching runners-up spot and then beating AFC Sudbury on penalties in the Division 1 North “Play-off” Final.

The Club’s first season back in the Premier Division since 1984 was a struggle with an epic win at AFC Wimbledon securing a second season in the top division. Unfortunately the club failed to maintain their Premier Division place the following season, returning to Division One North for the start of the 2009-10 season.

The build up to the 2009-10 season was severely disrupted when on 21st July the Chairman resigned due to a change of ownership

of the club. The manager followed along with the vast majority of the playing staff and various members of the backroom staff.

After a very difficult start to the season new owners took control of the club in January 2010, with former manager Tommy Cunningham returning to the club with his business partner John Barnett. With so much turmoil the club finished bottom of the table but were reprieved from relegation due to another club having issues with their ground grading.

There has been steady progress since the new owners took control. In the first full season the club reached the play-offs, only to lose 2-4 at Wingate Finchley in the semi-finals. During this season former player Danny Chapman was appointed manager and has since gone on to become the club’s longest serving manager.

In 2013 the club invested in a new 3G pitch that was laid during the summer ready for the start of the 2013/14 season. The new pitch provided top of the range facilities for the whole

community, so the ground was re-branded as the Harlow Arena. Along with the 3G pitch the Hawks also set up youth teams to play at the club, the first steps towards the Harlow Town Academy.

The season finished with another place in the play-offs. This time the club reached the final after a 3-0 win away to Heybridge Swifts. However, Witham Town were victorious, with a 3-0 win at Spa Road.

At the start of the 2014/15 Harlow Town launched The Harlow Academy, a youth set-up which incorporated 21 youth teams playing at The Harlow Arena. After a tightly contested league campaign, Harlow missed out the league title and automatic promotion by just 1 point, finishing behind Needham Market. Another appearance in the playoffs beckoned, but this time the Hawks fell down in the semi-final with a 3-4 defeat to Thurrock after extra time.

The 2015/16 season saw Harlow Town promoted for the first time since 2007. Again, the club missed out on the top spot but secured wins against Gray Wanderers and then AFC Hornchurch to finally become winners of the play-offs.

The Hawks return to the Premier Division had a touch of déjà vu as, after a successful first season back, the club struggled the following two seasons, before returning to Step 4 football at the end of the 2018-19.

The club were placed into the Isthmian League South Central League for the start of the 2019-20 season, however, both the 2019-20 and 20-21

seasons were cut short as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. There was another change of leagues for the start of the 2021-22 season when the club were moved sideways into the Southern League Central Division.

REPORT IT. KICK IT OUT OF FOOTBALL.

DATE TIME VERSUS COMP RES ATT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

6 AUG 15:00 A Ashton and Backwell Utd FA CUP 0-2 85 Davis A. Ball Jones Wood O’Connor ⚽ McNamara ⚽ Hogg

13 AUG 15:00 A Harlow Town LEAGUE 3-3 222 Davis A. Ball Bewley ⚽⚽ Wood O’Connor McNamara Hogg ⚽ ��

16 AUG 19:45 H Kidlington LEAGUE 2-0 111 Davis A. Ball �� Bewley Wood McNamara Lamboh Hogg �� 19 AUG 19:45 H Ardley United FA CUP 1-0 161 Davis A. Ball Bewley Wood McNamara McElroy Hogg 27 AUG 15:00 H Barton Rovers LEAGUE 2-1 101 Davis A. Ball Bewley Wood Jones McNamara �� Anderson 29 AUG 15:00 A Berkhamsted LEAGUE 4-0 394 Davis �� Jones Bewley Wood O’Connor McNamara �� Anderson

2 SEP 19:45 H Margate FA CUP 0-1 293 Davis A. Ball Bewley �� Wood O’Connor McNamara Jones 14 SEP 19:45 H Evesham United FA TRO 0-3 107 Clifford Jones A. Ball Wood O’Connor Townsend Mukwada

17 SEP 15:00 A Welwyn Garden City LEAGUE 3-0 124 Davis A. Ball Bewley Wood O’Connor Townsend Jones

4 OCT 19:45 A FC Romania LEAGUE 4-1 35 Hopwood Jones Bewley Wood O’Connor Seaton Mukwada

8 OCT 15:00 H Biggleswade Town LEAGUE 1-3 134 Hopwood Jones Anderson Wood Bewley Jenkins Townsend

15 OCT 15:00 H Kempston Rovers LEAGUE 1-3 110 Hopwood Joyce Bewley Wood Anderson McNamara Mukwada

18 OCT 19:45 H Didcot Town LEAGUE 0-1 111 Hopwood Joyce Bewley �� Wood Anderson �� McNamara Mukwada

22 OCT 15:00 A Walthamstow LEAGUE 2-1 326 Hopwood Joyce Bewley Wood O’Connor McNamara Stobbs

26 OCT 19:45 H Highworth Town LEAGUE 5-1 102 Hopwood Jones Anderson Wood O’Connor Townsend Stobbs

29 OCT 15:00 H Biggleswade LEAGUE 0-2 144 Hopwood Jones Anderson Wood O’Connor �� Townsend Stobbs

5 NOV 15:00 A Ware LEAGUE 3-0 144 Hopwood Jones Fernandes Wood Jenkins �� Townsend Mukwada 8 NOV 19:45 H Chesham United B&B 0-2 97 Ameganvi Joyce Bayliss Wood Bewley McNamara Mukwada 12 NOV 15:00 A Cirencester Town LEAGUE 0-3 151 Hopwood Joyce Fernandes Wood Bewley Townsend Mukwada 19 NOV 15:00 H Waltham Abbey LEAGUE 0-2 104 Hopwood Bewley Fernandes Wood Lynn Moriarty Stobbs 26 NOV 15:00 A Hertford Town LEAGUE 4-4 173 Hopwood Jones Bewley ⚽ Wood Lynn Moriarty �� Hunte ⚽ 3 DEC 15:00 H Harlow Town LEAGUE 7 DEC 19:45 A Kidlington LEAGUE 10 DEC 15:00 A Hadley LEAGUE 17 DEC 15:00 H AFC Dunstable LEAGUE 26 DEC 15:00 A Thame United LEAGUE 2 JAN 15:00 H Berkhamsted LEAGUE 7 JAN 15:00 A Barton Rovers LEAGUE 14 JAN 15:00 H Hertford Town LEAGUE 21 JAN 15:00 A Didcot Town LEAGUE 28 JAN 15:00 H Cirencester Town LEAGUE 4 FEB 15:00 A Biggleswade Town LEAGUE 11 FEB 15:00 H FC Romania LEAGUE 18 FEB 15:00 H Hadley LEAGUE 25 FEB 15:00 A AFC Dunstable LEAGUE 4 MAR 15:00 H Welwyn Garden City LEAGUE 18 MAR 15:00 A Kempston Rovers LEAGUE 25 MAR 15:00 H Walthamstow LEAGUE 1 APR 15:00 A Highworth Town LEAGUE 8 APR 15:00 A Waltham Abbey LEAGUE 10 APR 15:00 H Thame United LEAGUE 15 APR 15:00 A Biggleswade LEAGUE 22 APR 15:00 H Ware LEAGUE

McElroy Anthonio-Forde Seaton Lamboh French Jenkins Clifford

McElroy Seaton Lamboh Mukwada Dyer

Aluko-Olukun Anthonio-Forde Appiah Rudd McElroy ⚽ Anthonio-Forde ⚽ Seaton �� Mukwada Dyer

Aluko-Olukun Riddick Appiah Clifford

Riddick Anthonio-Forde �� Seaton Mukwada ⚽ Dyer Lamboh �� Anderson Rudd Jenkins

Riddick Anthonio-Forde ⚽ Seaton �� Rudd ⚽ Aluko-Olukun Mukwada Jenkins Townsend Lamboh

Lamboh Anthonio-Forde Seaton McElroy Aluko-Olukun Dyer Duggan Townsend Clifford Lamboh Anthonio-Forde Seaton Townsend Aluko-Olukun French Duggan Anderson Rudd

Seaton Aluko-Olukun French Anderson Rudd Jenkins McNamara Greville Anthonio-Forde

Riddick �� Aluko-Olukun French Rudd Anderson Seaton Moriarty Chidyausiku Mukwada Moriarty Anthonio-Forde French McElroy ⚽ Townsend Stobbs McNamara Joyce Moriarty McElroy ⚽ Seaton French Stobbs Joyce McNamara Rudd Mukwada Moriarty Jones French McElroy ⚽ Townsend Riddick Stobbs O’Connor Rudd Townsend Jones French McElroy Moriarty Riddick Stobbs Jenkins Ameganvi Townsend McElroy ⚽ Moriarty Anderson French Riddick Jones Jenkins Mukwada Moriarty McElroy ⚽⚽⚽ French ⚽⚽ Mukwada Jenkins McNamara

Moriarty McElroy French Mukwada Jenkins Joyce McNamara Moriarty Aluko-Olukun French Anderson Bayliss Joyce Shawwal McNamara Williams Aluko-Olukun �� Moriarty Stobbs French Jenkins Fernandes Shawwal Townsend

Moriarty �� Jones French Anderson Lynn Bayliss Shawwal McNamara McNamara Boateng French Ishmael Aluko-Olukun �� Seaton Bayliss Townsend Stokoe �� Boateng ⚽ French ⚽ Mukwada Aluko-Olukun Fernandes Stobbs

DUCKS IN ACTION

STADIUM SAFETY

Aylesbury United want to make you aware of new measures being taken across all of football, and the National League System (NLS), to ensure everyone can have a safe and enjoyable experience.

We are supporting strong action from the FA, and across the NLS to tackle antisocial and criminal behaviours that put all of us at risk.

Please remember the following activities are illegal, dangerous, have serious consequences and have no place in our game:  Carrying or using smoke bombs or pyros  Invading the pitch or

entering the pitch without permission  Throwing objects onto the pitch

 Drug use within the football ground  Discriminatory behaviour

For everyone’s safety, we will report anyone carrying out these offences to the police, which can result in a criminal record.

Anyone who enters the pitch without permission and those carrying or using smoke bombs or pyros will now receive an automatic club ban. These measures could also now apply to the parents or guardians of children involved in these activities.

This reflects the seriousness of the risks to fans and staff – pyros can burn at 2000 degrees Celsius and cause life-changing injuries, while entering the pitch endangers players, managers and match officials.

It also impacts the hard working volunteers, who ensure that our special part of the game continues to run.

We know those who commit these illegal acts do not represent the majority of supporters. Please work with us to call out the risks.

Aylesbury United reserves the right to remove or refuse entry to the ground at any time.

www.oliverlacey.com Simon.lacey@oliverlacey.com

Ever thought of volunteering to help your local football club?

There are many different volunteer roles in non-league football and Southern League football clubs need your help with them.

The Trident Leagues and Pitching In have recently launched a new online Volunteer Hub where you can find opportunities and contact your local football club.

Please visit Pitchinginvolunteers.co.uk to find out more

1 Berkhamsted 17 14 1 2 43 13 30 43 2 Biggleswade 19 10 6 3 33 21 12 36 3 Ware 16 11 1 4 37 19 18 34 4 Didcot Town 17 10 1 6 32 24 8 31 5 AFC Dunstable 15 7 5 3 26 15 11 26 6 Kidlington 16 8 2 6 26 24 2 26 7 Cirencester Town 16 7 4 5 30 20 10 25 8 Waltham Abbey 16 7 4 5 30 22 8 25 9 Kempston Rovers 16 7 4 5 29 25 4 25 10 Welwyn Garden City 16 7 2 7 27 31 -4 23 11 Biggleswade Town 14 5 7 2 30 21 9 22 12 Walthamstow 17 6 4 7 17 23 -6 22 13 Hertford Town 17 5 5 7 40 38 2 20 14 Hadley 15 5 2 8 21 21 0 17 15 Thame United 18 4 4 10 24 31 -7 16 16 Harlow Town 15 4 4 7 21 29 -8 16 17 FC Romania 17 4 3 10 20 37 -17 15 18 Highworth Town 16 3 4 9 20 43 -23 13 19 Aylesbury United 16 3 2 11 20 39 -19 11 20 Barton Rovers 17 2 3 12 15 45 -30 9

Last updated: 28 November 2022 LEAGUE TABLE AND RESULTS