Aylesbury United vs Barton Rovers by Aylesbury United

Official Matchday Programme 2021-22  #4  Free

Barton Rovers

CHARITY PARTNER 2021-22

#BringTheDucksHome

Aylesbury United

Saturday 28 August 2021  Pitching In Southern League Division One Central

FOLLOW THE DUCKS ..no matter where you are

Welcome

Aylesbury United FC 01296 487 367 www.aylesburyunitedfc.co.uk

Directors Chairman Graham Read Vice chairman Ken Turnbull General secretary Steve Baker Fixture secretary Ian Pluck Directors James Byrne, Andy Martin, Brian Metcalfe, Ian Pluck, Alan Sherwell, Warren Sheward

Club officials

Four goalscorers from our 8-0 victory in the Emirates FA Cup on Sunday

ood afternoon and welcome to this Pitching In Southern League Division One Central game against Barton Rovers. We haven’t hosted today’s opponents at The Meadow since April 2019 due to the pandemic, so we offer their players, officials and supporters a warm welcome this afternoon. It has been a mixed start to the season for The Rovers, having drawn their opening match away against Wantage Town 1-1, and then lost to North Leigh at home 2-1. But they enjoyed success in the FA Cup last week, beating Essex Senior League side West Essex 3-0. We’re also delighted to welcome representatives from this season’s charity partner the Cancer Care and Haematology Fund – who are at today’s game to see the Ducks debut their new sponsored training tops – alongside the greatest-ever Duck, Cliff Hercules, who’s helping us to promote this year’s partnership. We’ve enjoyed an astonishing

flurry of goals in the past two games – five against Kidlington in the league, followed by the astonishing eight against Brimscombe & Thrupp in the FA Cup on Sunday afternoon. While all Ducks fans will naturally be cautious that we might be ‘using up’ goals we may need later in the season, it has certainly been extremely entertaining. Our own success in the Cup has booked us a place in the First Qualifying Round, the draw for which took place earlier this week. The match against Southern League Division One South side Willand Rovers, who overcame Millbrook in a replay on Tuesday will take place at The Meadow on Saturday 4 September. But before then we’re back in action on bank holiday Monday against Thame United at the ASM Stadium.

Welfare officer James Byrne Safety officer Warren Sheward Ladies team chair James Byrne 21st Century Ducks chair Andy Martin Matchday hospitality Muriel Turnbull First team kit Ron Schmidt Web editor Luke Buckingham-Brown Photographer Mike Snell Head of communications Paul Snell Legal name Aylesbury United Football Club Company number 05814026 Significant interests (shareholder/shareholding) Graham Read: 49% 21st Century Ducks: 39% Editor Paul Snell Contributors Mike Snell, Luke Buckingham-Brown Images Mike Snell, grassrootsgroundswell, Freepik, mavadee, xnimrodx © Aylesbury United 2021

Come on you Ducks!

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The history of Aylesbury United A

ylesbury 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, have experienced some incredible highs over their long 124-year 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 reach the First Round Proper of the FA Cup, eventually losing to Third Division side Watford. Southern League and success 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

1897

Night School FC, The Printing Works, and Aylesbury Town merge to form Aylesbury United.

1908-09

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 Championship 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. Fame and the FA Cup 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

The Ducks pick up their first silverware, as champions of the Spartan League.

1913-14

The club wins the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup for the first time.

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.

1951

A record home crowd of 7,440 sees the Ducks lose to Watford in the FA Cup First Round.

1976

The club turns semi-professional, and joins the Southern League.

Homeless and hopeless 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

1987-88

The Ducks win the Southern League, and are promoted to the GM Vauxhall Conference.

1988

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.

The Ducks playing at Buckingham Road in Aylesbury in 2004

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 moved into a new ground in 2016 having left their previous home in 2003, 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 playoff positions in the Midlands Division for the next three seasons but a new challenge arose last summer when the then manager defected, taking almost the entire playing squad with him. This led to another

The England mens team play the Ducks in a friendly at Buckingham Road to prepare for Euro 88

1994-95

The club reaches the FA Cup third round, losing to Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road

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

2006

2012-13

The club is evicted The Ducks win their from Buckingham most recent trophy, Road, forcing the Spartan League the team out of Premier Division aylesburyunitedfc.co.uk 5 Aylesbury. Cup, beating Hadley.

end of the season. There was disappointment, however, with the team out of all cup competitions by mid November. Rebuilding for the future 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 promotion 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 table. After two seasons ground sharing

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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. Williams 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 as the previous campaign, abandoned after just two months of action. 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. But with the majority of the squad that finished the season signing on again – along with a few shrewd acquisitions – hopes are high to pick up where the team left off.

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 ★Winners 1913-14, 1985-86, 1996-97, 1999-00 Berks & Bucks Benevolent Cup ★Winners 1932-33, 1933-34, 1952-53, 1953-54 Isthmian League Cup ★Winners 1994-95 Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division Cup ★Winners 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 2002-03

Thank you to all our Gold Club members

Liam Ahern Dave Brown Steve Cadwell Daniel Cadwell Pete Chilcott Dan Harvey Sean Haywood Rob Hiscock Richie Livings

Brian Metcalfe Bob Moody Ian Pluck Jim Rayner Roger Simmons Greg Smith Steve Woodage

Join the Gold Club to receive • A season ticket for all home league and league cup matches • Exclusive polo shirt • Pre-match meal three times a season, featuring an update from the manager • Your name in the matchday programme • Company logo on the website and free advert in the matchday programme (business members) aylesburyunitedfc.co.uk

CANCER CARE & HAEMATOLOGY FUND BASED AT STOKE MANDEVILLE HOSPITAL Registered Charity No: 1001358

Aylesbury United Charity Partnership 2021-2022 Aylesbury United will be helping to raise both funds and awareness for CCHF throughout the 2021/2022

The Cancer Care and Haematology Unit (CCHU) at Stoke Mandeville was built and extended through the work of this Fund and the many donations received from local people and businesses. Through the public’s enduring generosity, including this project, the Fund continues to finance extra provision, including the wig service, specialist nurses and additional equipment to improve the care of patients of the Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust.

Contact the Fund:

cchfsocial@gmail.com 01296 315516 Follow on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter www.cchf.org.uk

CCHF, c/o CCHU, Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Aylesbury, Bucks HP21 8AL DONATION FORM Name __________________________________________

Make a DONATION

Online through www.peoplesfundraising.com or cheques payable to ‘Cancer Care & Haematology Fund’. Remember, if you are a UK tax payer, Gift Aid can increase your gift by 25%.

Give TIME to the charity

Help us with the many tasks of running the charity.

Organise FUNDRAISING events Small or large, many ideas on the CCHF website

Visit the website at www.cchf.org.uk Updated Aug 2021

Address ________________________________________ ________________________________________________ Post Code _______________________________________ I enclose a donation of £ ____________________________

Please treat this and all subsequent donations I may make to the Cancer Care & Haematology Fund as a Gift Aid donation (tick box if applicable)

Signature ___________________________________ Date

___________________________________

We will not give your details to any other organisation. If you would like to receive occasional updates from the Cancer Care & Haematology Fund, please tick here £ and provide an email address below ________________________________________________________

This season’s charity partner T

he club has chosen The Cancer Care & Haematology Fund (CC&HF) as our charity partner for the forthcoming season. The CC&HF was set up to support the work of the Cancer Care and Haematology Unit at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. The Club will be helping to raise both funds and awareness for the charity throughout the 2021-22 season. Although part of Stoke Mandeville Hospital, the unit is a unique, stand-alone facility designed and purposebuilt to provide a wide range of outpatient and day-case treatments for patients with cancer, including blood cancers such as leukaemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Patients with nonmalignant blood problems such as clotting and bleeding disorders, various forms of anaemia, immune problems and haemoglobinopathies, are also investigated and cared for in the CC&HU. Graham Read, Chair of

Aylesbury United, said: “We are delighted to be able to support this excellent local charity in the coming season. I’m sure that our officials, players and supporters will do what they can to ensure that the unit at Stoke Mandeville gets recognition for the vital work they do. “Sadly most families are touched by cancer at some time, whether it’s through their relatives or friends, so we must all be prepared to help ensure suitable care services are available for those who need treatment,” added Graham. Aylesbury United’s most celebrated former player, Cliff Hercules, suffered the loss of his wife, Jo, to cancer in 2020. “Jo received regular treatment for three years at the Cancer

Care and Haematology Unit before she passed, so the charity has a special place in my heart,” explained Cliff. In 2018, while undergoing treatment, Jo ran the London Marathon to raise cash for the CC&HU. Dr Ann Watson, Chair of the CC&HF, commented: “It is so exciting you have chosen our charity, The Cancer Care and Haematology Fund, as your charity partner for the coming season. We are looking forward to meeting players and supporters and telling you about the wonderful work that goes on in the hospital to help cancer and haematology patients. Jo is remembered with affection by many of the staff of the CCHU which brings something very special and personal to this collaboration. “The timing of your offer is very important to us as we come out of this difficult year. The work of the Cancer and Haematology services has continued throughout but contact with the outside world, including the charity, has had to be restricted. We look forward getting out and about again, spreading the word and raising some money to support that work. And there is no better way than through sport.” www.cchf.org.uk

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Meet the Ducks

EZRA ANTHONIO-FORDE FORWARD

Striker who joined the Ducks late in July 2021. 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 and St Ives Town followed, and also a brief stint at Old Bradwell United last season.

AARON BERRY

DEFENDER

FORWARD

Right back who also plays in midfield joined the club in December 2018. He won Aylesbury FC’s Young Player of the Year Award in 2017-18 in his first season in senior football. A graduate of the Luton Town Cedars development programme, he has also played for Winslow United and Berkhamsted on his way to the Ducks. Sponsored by The Harveys

MAX HERCULES

TY DEACON

SONNY FRENCH

FORWARD

MIDFIELDER

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DEFENDER

Ever reliable left back and vice-captain who has barely missed a game since being recruited from Leighton Town in 2014 after a fouryear association with the Bedfordshire side, having previously played for Dunstable Town and AFC Dunstable before that. Twice named Supporter’s Player of the Year. Sponsored by David Brown

GOALKEEPER

Striker joined the Ducks early in the 2019-20 season having been linked with the club many times, including turning out for United in 2017 pre-season. Started out with Aylesbury FC and having also had a spell with Kempston Rovers has plenty of Southern League experience with more than 100 appearances. Sponsored by Tony & Ian Lowe

JAKE BEWLEY

Centre forward returns to the Ducks for a second spell in July, having played for Ascot United and Burnham in his two years away. His presence in attack was just what Aylesbury needed when he made the switch from Southern League counterparts Egham Town in February 2018, netting six goals in just 11 games. Sponsored by Allan Brace

ARCHIE DAVIS Young goalkeeper who first signed in March 2018, deputising for regular stopper Jack Hopwood. Marked his debut season with the Manager’s Player of the Year Award, before moving to Aylesbury Vale Dynamos seeking more football. Returned this summer to stake a claim for the number one shirt.

ANTHONY BALL

Talented midfielder and vicecaptain signed for United in March 2015 from neighbours Aylesbury FC, where he was a former Player of the Season winner. The 2021-22 season will be his eighth campaign, and French was enjoying his most prolific season in 201920 before it was curtailed due the pandemic, with 13 goals to his name. Sponsored by Erika Robinson

MIDFIELDER

Exciting winger joined from Tring Athletic in June 2018 after making 60 appearances for the Hertfordshire side in two years. After one season with the Ducks, he stepped up a level to join Kings Langley in summer 2019 and then moved on for a short spell with Berkhamsted, before returning to the Ducks in January 2020. Sponsored by David Horne

BEN HODGES

OLLIE HOGG

JAMIE JELLIS

MIDFIELDER

A new signing for the 2021-22 season, Hodges joined the club from Ascot United (though he was dual registered with his previous Holmer Green) having been with the Ducks throughout preseason. Joined Ascot in 2017 from Holmer Green where he had made more than 70 appearances. Was teammates last season with Aaron Berry at Ascot.

JORDAN JENKINS DEFENDER

Industrious midfielder who has firmly established himself in the United engine room, having joined in summer 2015. Initially found opportunities limited, but after spells with Tring and Leighton Town, he made his competitive debut in November 2015 and has gone from strength-to-strength. Sponsored by Darren Dixon-Smith

Highly-promising midfielder who made his first team debut at the age of just 16 and began attracting the attention of football league clubs before eventually joining Stevenage’s academy. Returned to the club on loan during the 2019-20 season and showed impressive progress since his move. Sponsored by The Buckingham-Browns

Aylesbury-born centre back who joined in July 2019 after three years at Aylesbury FC, where he previously was captain making more than 110 appearances having signed from Leighton Town. Hit the headlines in the 2018-19 season by winning the FA Sunday Cup with his Sunday league side Aylesbury Flooring FC. Sponsored by John Newman

HARRY JONES

LIAM McCROHAN

PIERCE McNAMARA

DAVE O’CONNOR

DEFENDER/FORWARD

DEFENDER

MIDFIELDER

Versatile player who, having turned 21, has played more than 100 games since making his debut at the age of just 17. Jones was initially billed as a midfielder, but spent much of the 2019-20 season at rightback, and has also played as an out-and-out centre forward. Previous first team experience with Risborough Rangers. Sponsored by Jim Rayner

Centre back joined the club in July 2020 having previously played for Northwood and Hertford Town, and lined up against the Ducks for both Leverstock Green and Berkhamsted before that. He has now recovered from the injuries that limited him to just one competitive appearance for the Ducks in the 2020-21 season. Sponsored by James Stappard

Young midfielder who joined the club from Slough Town’s under-23 side in October 2020, making just before the season was curtailed due to the pandemic. He will be looking to add to his solitary appearance, and has shown some promising moments in pre-season having re-signed for the Ducks for 2021-22.

DEFENDER

Centre back with plenty of experience despite being just 26 joined the Ducks in July 2019 after four years with Tring Athletic where he made more than 140 appearances. Had a short spell with Aylesbury FC having previously played for Chesham United’s reserve team, and Amersham Town before that. Sponsored by Andrea Bone

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BEN SEATON

MARK RIDDICK

JAMIE RUDD

MIDFIELDER

DEFENDER

Attacking midfielder who brought his technical abilities to the club in October 2017 having previously played for Tring Athletic, and ended the season winning the Most Improved Player Award. He proved a valuable addition to the squad with his everimproving displays and, still young, has bags of potential to develop further. Sponsored by Telnik Roofing

Defensive midfielder who enjoyed an excellent debut season with the Ducks prior to its early end by Covid-19, and was rewarded with Supporters’ Player of the Year Award. Joined United in July 2019 after two seasons with Tring Athletic, having previously played for London Colney and Chesham United’s reserve team. Sponsored by Andy Martin

Aylesbury-born winger signed in summer 2019 whose first season was hampered by injury. Returned in 2020-21 in superb form, hitting five goals in six games before the campaign was shut down by the pandemic, and will hope to recapture similar form. Worked and played in Dubai for three years before joining the Ducks. Sponsored by Lee Cotton

Exciting full back who joined the club in August 2020 having impressed in preseason games. Yet to make his competitive debut for the Ducks, having been an unused substitute 10 times in the previous curtailed season. Previously on the books of Dunstable Town and Hale Leys United.

LEE STOBBS

MARCOS USHIRO-LUMB

JAMES WEATHERILL

JACK WOOD

MIDFIELDER

Experienced and versatile player joined from Berkhamsted in July 2020 to link up with a number of his former Tring Athletic teammates. First came to prominence at Leverstock Green, and has also featured for AFC Dunstable and Kings Langley, as well as a short spell with Aylesbury FC. Sponsored by Paul Hopwood

KUDA SANGOYA

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DEFENDER

Technically adept and able to play in multiple positions, Ushiro-Lumb joined the club from Flackwell Heath at the end of pre-season in July. Has also played for Marlow, Beaconsfield SYCOB, and Chalfont St Peter in his career.

GOALKEEPER

Former Aylesbury Vale Dynamos number one who made a return to Southern League football when he signed for the Ducks in August 2020. Previously made more than 100 appearances in their former guise of Aylesbury FC either side of a spell with Berkhamsted, and has also played for Amersham Town. Sponsored by Wendy Brandon

Sponsored by the Turnbull Family

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10 questions with... Ben Seaton What’s your day job? Electrician What team do you support (apart from the Ducks, of course)? Watford Who was your favourite footballer when you were growing up? Ronaldinho and Zinedine Zidane Favourite moment of your Ducks career? Ollie Hogg’s volley away at Corby Town What’s your pre-match routine? The Vardy diet – a ham and cheese omelette, coffee and a Red Bull. Who’s the best player you’ve played with in your career? Jordan Jenkins Favourite takeaway? Indian Which actor should play you in a movie? Vinnie Jones Which teammate would be the most help if you were stuck on a desert island? Jordan Jenkins. Would you rather fight one horse-size duck, or 100 duck-size horses? 100 duck-size horses

Today’s Opposition B

BARTON ROVERS FOUNDED 1898 NICKNAME The Rovers HOME GROUND Sharpenhoe Road, Barton-le-Clay CLUB COLOURS Home: Blue shirts, blue shorts, blue socks Away: Yellow shirts, black shorts, yellow socks MANAGER Tony Fontanelle PREVIOUS MEETINGS 23 November 2019 W 4-2 27 April 2019 D 2-2 5 January 2019 D 1-1 13 January 2018 W 2-0 26 August 2017 L 2-3

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arton Rovers have their home in Barton-le-Clay, a village of some 5,000 people just north of Luton. Formed in 1898 the club played inter-village football for the first 50 years until 1946 when they reformed and joined the Luton & District League. Progress was such that in 1954 they were accepted into the South Midlands League. They enjoyed only limited success until 1964 when former Leicester City and Luton Town defender Barry Reed joined the club as manager. After winning promotion to the Premier Division in 1964-65 the club was never out of the top three until leaving the league in 1979, winning the title eight seasons out of nine and making a clean sweep in their final season the Premier Division title, the Senior Section Challenge Trophy, the Reserve Division title and the Reserve Section Challenge Trophy – the only time this has been achieved to date. In 1976 the club entered the FA Vase for the first time and went to the quarterfinals before losing to Farnborough Town. The following year it was one step better with a semi-final appearance against Sheffield. 1978 saw the pinnacle reached with a crowd of 16,391 watching the final at Wembley where Barton Rovers lost 2-1 to Blue Star of Newcastle. In 1979 the Rovers gained election to the then Isthmian league. In their first season they finished a credible eighth. In 1980-81 this was improved to fourth and the same position was repeated in 1981-82, when the club also enjoyed another good Vase run. At the end of the 1982-83 season Barry Reed retired having achieved the

club’s highest position of third. He had also fulfilled his greatest wish to see Barton Rovers play in the First Round Proper of the FA Cup, which was achieved in 1980 when the Rovers lost 2-0 to Torquay United at Plainmoor. The club had to settle for mid-table obscurity as three managers guided the Rovers through a transitional period in the mid 80s. In 1990-91, Rovers qualified for the new Division Two, for manager Mick Huckle that was his final game in charge after five years, as he retired to step up to general manager. After an unspectacular 1991-92 season with first Ray Brandon and then Tony Dumigan in charge a new man was appointed in May 1992. He was Brian Williams who had been one of the most successful non league managers in the area. Unfortunately his success was limited to cup competitions with the Rovers having their best FA Vase run for seven years, eventually falling to Wembley finalists Tiverton Town from the Great Mills Western League in the fourth round. The semi-final of the Bedfordshire Premier Cup was also reached but the most notable success came in the Isthmian Associate Members Trophy where the Rovers reached the final of an Isthmian League competition for the first time in their history. Despite a 3-1 extra time defeat against Northwood it was an achievement that lit up the reins, retaining Gordon Brown as his coach. May 1993 saw the appointment of Gordon Taylor. His first season at Sharpenhoe Road saw him guide the Rovers to fourth spot, the club’s highest position since 1983, behind

runaway leaders and big spenders Newbury Town, Chertsey Town and Aldershot Town. This platform was built upon in season 1994-95, and Gordon Taylor successfully steered the Rovers into Runners up position behind champions Thame United. But to leave it there would hide the real success story of the season. It was realised at Christmas the club’s financial position was precarious to say the least, and drastic action was needed, initially to cut costs. With the team riding high in the table, and the very realistic chance of promotion, if not the championship, lying ahead the decision to cut the playing budget to nil was not an easy one, but a necessary evil to ensure the club’s survival. This body blow has destroyed many a club before but the loyalty shown by the manager Gordon Taylor, and the bulk of the playing squad, cannot be disputed. Their response had to be seen to be believed. Playing the best football of the season they subsequently swept to nine straight victories, eight in the league that put Barton back on top of the table, scoring 30 goals and conceding just four. Only one victory in March allowed the chasing pack to make up ground, but a return to form in April culminated in promotion being gained in the penultimate match. No praise can be too high for the achievement of the management and players, who after all the adversity, took Barton Rovers into the First Division of the Isthmian League for the first time ever, after 16 seasons of

membership of the league. The elevation also saw the Rovers join the top 176-non league clubs in the country in the FA Trophy. With subsequent cuts being made to the clubs running costs, and increase in revenue from sponsorship, the club was once again heading in the right direction. Barton’s first season in Division One was not an easy one as the club struggled on to finds its feet in the higher division, but lessons were learnt from the early setbacks, and by December the tide was turned and the Rovers hoisted themselves clear of the danger zone. Barton also reached the finals of both county cups, where they met Bedford Town twice. Bedford took the honours in the Senior Cup, winning 1-0. Barton then won the Premier Cup 1-0 on aggregate, with Tony McNally scoring the only goal 11 minutes from the end of the second leg at Sharpenhoe Road. 1996-97 saw Barton top the Division One table twice in September. However a run of seven matches without a win saw manager Gordon Taylor tender his resignation in October 1996 after three and a quarter years in charge, despite the club still being in a healthy position in the top half of the table. Former manager Mick Huckle took over the reins with former coach Ben Harrison on a temporary basis while interviews took place. As a result of these the club selected Gordon Brown as its new manager. The transitional period that followed saw a run of 13 games without a win until a vital 2-1 success at fellow strugglers Canvey Island in February 1997.

With the ‘duck’ broken and a settled side now back in place, results improved and the Rovers pulled themselves away from the danger zone. On the penultimate Saturday of the season with a 3-1 home win over doomed Tooting & Mitcham United, and a win at Molesey on the last day to be absolutely sure. As in the previous season, Barton lifted some silverware. This time it was in the form of the Anglia TV 5 a side Championship. Manager Gordon Brown hoped his second season would see his team improve within their new found level. This was achieved in season 1997-98 with a new record finish of 16th. The Rovers also had their best run in the FA Cup for 17 years, reaching the Third Qualifying Round with wins over Hassocks, Clapton and Windsor & Eton before Braintree Town ended the growing dreams of another First Round Proper appearance. Barton also reached the final of the Bedfordshire Senior Cup for the 11th time, and manager Gordon Brown departed to coach in the US for a year with the cup secured thanks to a 4-0 victory over Potton United. The Club appointed Gordon’s successor in April 1998, on his own recommendation, in former Arsenal and Luton Town player lan Allinson, who was manager at United Counties League club Stotfold. Another record season was recorded, with 15th a new positional high. To cap a memorable season Barton reached three cup finals. The Bedfordshire Senior Cup was retained with a 3-0 win over Bedford Town, in a final played at Bedford

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Town and the South Midlands Floodlight Cup was won for the first time, with a 1-0 win over Hemel Hempstead Town, again on the opponent’s ground. Barton missed out on a cup treble, losing the Hinchingbrooke Cup Final, which they had reached in their first season, 2-1 to Spalding United. 1999-2000 saw an excellent start by the club with Rovers in third spot on Christmas day. However, two defeats over the festive period by local rivals Bedford Town and bottom club Chertsey Town brought Ian Allinson’s shock resignation to join Harlow Town. Ian Donnelly was promoted from assistant to take over the reins, and the club consolidated to record it’s highest ever league finish with a final place of 12th. In addition to this Barton Rovers reached the semi-final of the League Cup losing over two legs to Farnborough Town. With the club suffering a poor start to the next season Ian Donnelly was replaced by Noel Blackwell, who had been assistant Manager at Stevenage Borough. Noel was also a former Barton player from the 1980s but his reign was brief, lasting just 17 days in September. Barton’s third manager in as many months was Alan Biley, the former Everton, Derby County and Cambridge player. Alan was appointed in October 2000 but resigned to take over Diss Town four months later. Dick Newman took over, steadied the ship, but had the job of rebuilding the Rovers following their relegation back to Division Two. With no relegation taking place

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due to the forthcoming league restructure, the club took the opportunity to bring forward some of the younger players from it’s youth academy to give them invaluable first team experience. Although the average age of the side was probably the youngest in the division, the team managed to finish in 14th place in the table. This young team also reached the final of the Bedfordshire Senior Cup and won the Hinchingbrooke Cup for the first time with a 2-0 victory over Yaxley. Immediately after this final match of the season, Dick Newman informed the club of his decision to resign to take up a post with Potton United. However this shock news was tempered by the fact that former manager, Ian Allinson, had left Harlow and agreed to return to Sharpenhoe Road for a second spell in charge, continuing the progress of the young players which had begun the previous season. Season 2002-03 saw another period of consolidation with several young players making the grade, Notably striker Drew Roberts, who coming through from the youth side set the league alight with some great goals before moving on to Bedford Town. Ian continued to mould a side on a tight budget with yet more youth players to come through, hopes were high for this season. In January Ian decided to try his luck elsewhere and so he left to join Boreham Wood on good terms after 18 months with us in his second spell. The club moved fast in finding a replacement and by the following Saturday it had appointed former players

Gordon Guile and Graham Golds from Harpenden Town as joint player/managers. The club started the new season in the Southern league following the restructure full of confidence as the rebuilding continued. Unfortunately in early October Guile found that work commitments meant he could no longer give his full commitment to the club as manager, and he stepped down. The club moved quickly again and moved coach and former manager Gordon Taylor up into the management hot seat. They also appointed longterm player and club captain Tony McNally as player coach, and they continued to keep the club together and moving in the right direction. After a season that saw the team consolidate its position in the league, and the departure of top goal scorer Paul Barnes to AFC Wimbledon for a club record fee the season ended with a second Hinchingbrooke Cup win and the final retirement of stalwart Tony McNally. The club then regretfully accepted the resignation of manger Gordon Taylor. With a view to the future the club appointed youth team manager Kevin Thoburn as general manager and the vastly experienced Neil Rodney as coach and the job of rebuilding the team went on with the team looking very impressive in the preseason period. The period after Kevin Thorburn’s departure has somewhat been a transition of turning old way’s into new. Manager Gary Fitzgerald took charge during the 2007-08 season, Gary was the youngest manager to ever take charge of

the Rovers team. The 2007-08 season was looked at by many as trying to achieve stability after the previous regime. The season ended in the Rovers finishing in a comfortable position in the league, safe from any relegation battle. The following season Fitzgerald was still at the helm, his passion and knowledge of the non-league game guided Barton to safety once again. For a team that has such a small population, playing football in the Southern League is somewhat of an achievement in itself, Fitzgerald was building a young and vibrant squad by the end 2008-09 Season. The 2009-10 season witnessed Gary Fitzgerald’s third season in charge of the club. This season was to be a struggle, but there were many highlights along the way. In the league the club battled with relegation throughout the season, and had to await news on a reprieve which gladly came in the summer of 2010. Barton Rovers played some fantastic football throughout the season and the lads battled till the end. The club enjoyed a great run in The FA Trophy, beating Ryman Premier side Horsham on the way. The start of the 2010-11 season saw Barton Rovers in the Southern Football League, this time in the newly created Central Division. Fitzgerald departed the club after four seasons in charge due to an unconvincing start to the season and was replaced with Dan Kennoy. Dan was recruited from neighbours Arlesey Town where he held a coaching position with their first team. At 30 years of

age the former Rovers player managed to assemble a vibrant squad that ended the season in a solid 12th position. One of the plum results in his first season was the 2-1 away win at promoted Hitchin Town. The 2011-12 season saw Dan Kennoy retain a majority of the squad so the season started with an air of optimism. It’s fair to say that it didn’t quite go as planned. Just four points from the opening nine games and an FA Cup defeat to lowly Hatfield Town and the young manager was starting to feel the pressure. Then just one defeat in the next nine league games saw the confidence rise as well as the Rovers league position. Some convincing results continued notably the 5-1 away win at Chertsey Town and a 4-0 home win against Chalfont St Peter and the play off places were starting to look achievable. The final quarter of the season unfortunately ended the same as the season started and with only 13 points from the last 30 available the season ended with a league position of 11th place which meant a top half of the table finish, something that hasn’t happened since 2005. Kennoy stayed on for another crack at the helm in 2012-13 guiding the side to a respectable mid table finish. Some success in both FA cup and Trophy with the season ending with silverware in the shape of the North Beds Charity Cup. Arguably Rovers under the stewardship of Kennoy had its best season for many years in 2013-14. Flirting with the play-off places all season before finishing sixth with a last day of the season defeat which saw the side miss out

by just 3 points. The club’s highest league position in its history was coupled by back to back North Beds Charity Cup success. Following Dan Kennoy’s decision to stand down, the 2014-15 season saw new managers at the helm in the shape of former players Richard Wilmot and Wes Byrne. The season bettered the previous with Wilmot and Byrne achieving a club best of play-off finalist beaten by Bedworth Utd 2-0, but going on to lift the Beds Senior cup with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Biggleswade Town at Kenilworth Rd. The 2015-16 season saw yet another new management team of Matt Endersby and Jon Reed taking the reins to push the small village outfit to bigger things. Sadly the season was a right off with neither manager staying to the end of the campaign but the club did manage to retain the Beds FA senior cup with a 2-1 win over AFC Dunstable. Former player Jimmy Gray took over in the Sharpenhoe Road hot season for the promotion chase in 2016-17, assisted by Mark Boyce while Keith West stayed on as coach. Again it was close but no cigar as Rovers lost in the play-off final in an enthralling match against Farnborough. The 2-0 loss did not reflect the game but goals are all that matter. Barton regrouped for 2017-18, Mark Boyce moved up to the hot seat for the early part of the season but after a poor run of results was replaced after 16 games by ex-Dunstable Town manager and a former Barton player, Tony Fontanelle.

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Opposition profiles Niall Cooper An experienced goalkeeper who won the Southern Premier while at Leamington. Niall relocated to the area and was snapped up by Bedford Town and then secured a move to Rushden & Diamonds. Niall is a goalkeeper that has been on the manager’s radar for a while and was finally pleased to secure his services during the 2019-20 season. Previous clubs: Redditch United, Rugby Town, Stratford, Leamington, Bedford Town, Rushden & Diamonds Kyle Forster An excellent goalkeeper who has vast experience at step three and four of the pyramid. Kyle re-signed for the 2021-22 season having returned from Biggleswade Town. A good shot stopper with pinpoint accuracy on his delivery who has made in excess of 200 appearances for the club. Previous clubs: Bedford Town, Biggleswade Town Garry Jones An accomplished left-sided defender who can play also in the centre of defence. Good on the ball with a sweet left foot and lots of experience at this level. Mr Consistent with his performances, who is a valued member of the squad. Previous clubs: Hitchin Town, Potters Bar, Aylesbury, Berkhamsted Town Murphy Scott-Culkin ‘Murphs’ signed for the 202122 season from Biggleswade United where he impressed last season. A target for Tony

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Fontanelle who was pleased to be able to sign for Barton. Previous clubs: Biggleswade United Paul Andrews PA is the club captain and now in his testimonial season with the club. A commanding centre-back who is strong in the tackle and dominant in the air. An ever-present in the squad who is proving as valuable now as the day that he signed. Previous clubs: Diss Town, Ampthill Town Jay Palmer Jay ventured into the first team last season after an excellent season with the Under-18s. An athletic defender who will become a top player in the future. Kai Phelan Kai is an ex-Barton Rovers youth team player who has come on leaps and bounds in the past few months. Another young player who has agreed to stay with Barton for a second season. Kai gained some valuable experience abroad and has returned an even better player. Previous clubs: Hitchin Town, Luton Town Lewis Thomas Lewis has joined Barton on loan from Biggleswade Town following a promising pre-season campaign with the Southern Premier club. Lewis is also in his second season with Barton Rovers and won the Young Player of the Year award. Previous clubs: Biggleswade Town

Luke Williams Luke was spotted playing in the local area and has impressed during pre-season whereby he has agreed to sign for the 2021-22 season. A versatile player who is comfortable playing in defence or midfield. Previous clubs: Pitstone & Ivinghoe Charlie Smith Charlie is the first team captain and a player with a cultured left foot and has re-joined Barton Rovers in the 2019-20 season having previously worked with the manager at Dunstable Town. Charlie has also played at a higher level in the Southern Premier and Conference South, having learnt his trade as a professional at Luton Town. Previous clubs: Luton Town, Dunstable Town, St Albans City, Hendon, Welwyn Garden City Afolabi Adeoti ‘Toff’ is a midfield general who has come in for the 2021-22 season. A player who has played in Poland and is looking to share that experience with his teammates on the field. Previous clubs: Unia Turza (Poland) Chris Regis Chris comes with a high pedigree having plied his trade at Arsenal. Chris moved to Southampton and was an England Under-17 international. A fantastic addition to the squad and will add some real quality to the side. Previous clubs: Arsenal, Grimsby Town, Colchester

United, Torquay United, Port Vale, Wealdstone Freddie Knight Freddie is another young player from the youth team who has impressed during preseason. A combative, energetic midfielder who will gain invaluable experience with the first team. Alex Shepherd Alex is another new player who impressed during preseason. Alex has a great pedigree having plied his trade at Barnet. A combative midfielder who is equally as good in attack as he is in defence and will be a real asset to the squad. Previous clubs: Barnet, Potters Bar Town

Victor Osobu Strong, lively forward with a great eye for goal. Vic is a really exciting player that has also taken on the mantle of being one of the more senior members of the group to share his vast knowledge of the game. Previous clubs: Dunstable Town, Chalfont St Peter, Hemel Hempstead Town Connor Vincent Connor re-joined Barton Rovers in the 2018-19 season and is a real coup for the club. Connor has been plying his trade in the Southern Premier with Biggleswade Town and Hitchin Town. Previous clubs: Biggleswade Town, Hitchin Town

Louie Tigwell Louie has joined Barton Rovers having developed in the youth team. A combative midfielder who has a really bright future ahead of him as he gains experience in senior football.

Sam King Sam joins Barton for the 202122 season having previously come through our successful youth team. Sam has gained valuable experience at Shefford & Campton where he received rave reviews. Previous clubs: Shefford & Campton

Martell Powell Martell is a combative midfielder who can play in a number of positions. Martell joins Barton Rovers from local rivals AFC Dunstable. Martell previously won the Southern League Central with Royston Town. Previous clubs: Royston Town, AFC Dunstable

Rhys Lee Rhys is a young striker who has signed from our youth team. He has lots of potential and great attributes. Definitely one to watch for the future as he learns his trade with our first team.

Aaron Hudson A wide man who has joined Barton for the 2021-22 season. A previous product of the MK youth team but has been out injured during the past couple of seasons and one with a lot of potential. Previous clubs: MK Dons

Tony Fontanelle, manager Tony is now into his fifth season with Barton Rovers and has steadily improved the squad and league position along the way. He stepped up from assistant manager into the number one seat after a very successful spell at Dunstable Town. He has good experience from a long playing career

and vast technical knowledge of the game. Previous clubs include Barton Rovers, Dunstable Town, Hitchin Town, Borehamwood and Brackley Town. Leon Gutzmore, assistant manager ‘Gutz’ joined the management team after a long and established playing career with clubs including Cambridge United, Billericay and Aldershot. After retiring from football Leon had successful management spells at Arlesey Town and Knebworth. Ryan Wiffin, coach Ryan is now an established part of the management team having joined from Aylesbury United. After a long playing career cut short by injury, Ryan took his skills to coaching and has developed to becoming an integral part of the coaching team. Clive Palmer, coach Another member of the management team who provides a great insight to the game and philosophies. Clive has been integral in the growth on the first team and how we are developing as a group. Shaun Reece, coach Shaun was first team coach in the Southern Premier with Chesham United before a short stint at Dunstable Town and eventually jumping into the hotseat at Enfield Borough. Paul Sheridan, goalkeeping coach ‘Shezza’ is an ex-goalkeeper with loads of experience and had a very distinguished career in the Bedfordshire area.

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Fixtures 2021-22 DATE

COMP

RES

ATT

7 Aug 21

15:00 H Fairford Town

TIME

VERSUS

FA CUP

2-0

116

Weatherill

14 Aug 21

15:00 H Didcot Town

LEAGUE

0-2

135

18 Aug 21

19:45

LEAGUE

2-5

120

22 Aug 21

13:00 H Brimscombe & Thrupp

FA CUP

8-0

151

28 Aug 21

15:00 H Barton Rovers

LEAGUE

30 Aug 21

15:00

LEAGUE

4 Sep 21

15:00 H Willand Rovers

FA CUP

11 Sep 21

15:00 H North Leigh

LEAGUE

14 Sep 21

19:45

Waltham Abbey

LEAGUE

18 Sep 21

15:00

Wantage Town

LEAGUE

29 Sep 21

19:45 H Colney Heath

LEAGUE

2 Oct 21

15:00

LEAGUE

9 Oct 21

15:00 H Hashtag United or Chipstead

FA TRO

17 Oct 21

15:00 H Ware

LEAGUE

23 Oct 21

15:00 H St Neots Town

LEAGUE

30 Oct 21

15:00

AFC Dunstable

LEAGUE

6 Nov 21

15:00

Kempston Rovers

LEAGUE

Kidlington

Thame United

Biggleswade

14 Nov 21 15:00 H Bedford Town

LEAGUE

17 Nov 21 19:45 H Kidlington

LEAGUE

20 Nov 21 15:00

LEAGUE

Didcot Town

27 Nov 21 15:00 H Welwyn Garden City

LEAGUE

4 Dec 21

LEAGUE

15:00

Hertford Town

11 Dec 21 15:00 H Harlow Town

LEAGUE

18 Dec 21 15:00

LEAGUE

FC Romania

27 Dec 21 15:00 H Thame United

LEAGUE

1 Jan 21

15:00

LEAGUE

8 Jan 21

15:00 H Waltham Abbey

LEAGUE

15 Jan 21

15:00

LEAGUE

22 Jan 21

15:00 H Wantage Town

LEAGUE

29 Jan 21

15:00

LEAGUE

5 Feb 21

15:00 H Biggleswade

LEAGUE

12 Feb 21

15:00

Ware

LEAGUE

19 Feb 21

15:00

St Neots Town

LEAGUE

26 Feb 21

15:00 H AFC Dunstable

LEAGUE

5 Mar 21

15:00

LEAGUE

Berkhamsted

North Leigh

Colney Heath

Welwyn Garden City

19 Mar 21 15:00 H Hertford Town

LEAGUE

26 Mar 21

15:00

LEAGUE

2 Apr 21

15:00 H FC Romania

LEAGUE

9 Apr 21

15:00 H Kempston Rovers

LEAGUE

16 Apr 21

15:00

LEAGUE

18 Apr 21

15:00 H Berkhamsted

LEAGUE

23 Apr 21

15:00

LEAGUE

Harlow Town

Barton Rovers

Bedford Town

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Weatherill Weatherill

🟨

Weatherill

Ball

🟨

Bewley

McCrohan

Sangoya

Bewley

Ball

Bewley

Ball

3⃣

🟥 🟨

Sangoya

5 O’Connor

3⃣

6 Riddick

Wood

O’Connor

McCrohan

Wood

O’Connor

Hogg

Wood

O’Connor

3⃣

Hogg

🟨

⚽🟨 McNamara 1⃣ Riddick 🟨 Hercules ⚽ Riddick 🟨 Riddick Hercules ⚽ Hercules

Jellis

1⃣ Berry 2⃣ Deacon ⚽⚽⚽ 2⃣ Deacon ⚽ Berry

French French

3⃣

Seaton Seaton

Stobbs

2⃣

Seaton

1⃣ ⚽⚽

Rudd Jellis

3⃣ Rudd 1⃣ French 3⃣ ⚽ French 2⃣ ⚽ Sangoya

14 McNamara

2⃣ Anthonio-Forde 1⃣ Anthonio-Forde 1⃣ ⚽ Anthonio-Forde

1⃣ ⚽ Hodges 3⃣ Jellis 2⃣

Jones

Stobbs

Seaton

Rudd

2⃣

Sangoya

McCrohan

3⃣

McCrohan

Jones

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Match report Aylesbury United 8-0 Brimscombe & Thrupp Emirates FA Cup Preliminary Round Sunday 22 August 2021 The Meadow, Chesham By David ‘Brains’ Figg Aylesbury United made it through to the First Qualifying Round of the Emirates FA Cup in sensational style and with the minimum of fuss as they steamrollered their way to an 8-0 home win over Hellenic League Premier Division side Brimscombe and Thrupp in their Preliminary Round tie on a goal-crazy afternoon at The Meadow, Chesham on Sunday. It was United’s biggest FA Cup win since demolishing Brentwood Town 10-1 in a Preliminary Round tie at Buckingham Road on 1 September 2001 and the first time they had scored eight goals in a competitive game since an 8-0 home win over Whyteleafe in the Ryman League Division One on 19 January 2002. United took the lead in just the fourth minute when Max Hercules’ corner from the left bounced on the edge of the six yard box in front of Brimscombe defender Kyle Pitts’ outstretched right leg and hit Pitts on the head before going into the centre of the net for an unfortunate own goal. Aylesbury went close to doubling their lead in the 12th minute when Anthony Ball’s low through ball down the right found the on-running Jamie Jellis who beat his man 24

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before sending a low ball across the six yard box but no Ducks player was on the end of it. Another chance came United’s way deep into the 15th minute when keeper James Weatherill’s throw out found Max Hercules on the left inside his own half and he took a touch to control before sending a long cross-field ball to Jellis 25 yards out on the right. He took a touch to control before crossing but again, no Ducks player was on the end of it. Just 33 seconds later (now in the 16th minute), it was 2-0 when Ball’s great low through ball down the right of middle from the edge of his own D found Ty Deacon 30 yards out, who beat Pitts before firing his low right foot shot from the right front of the box into Brimscombe keeper Adam Thomas’ right hand corner. The Ducks went close in the 28th minute when Ball’s long ball over the top from inside his own box down the right found Jellis 15 yards into the Brimscombe half, he took a touch to control and drove diagonally infield before feeding Ollie Hogg. He slipped it to Deacon whose powerful right foot shot from 20 yards was beaten away by Thomas. It was 3-0 in the 29th minute when Ball’s aerial cross-field ball from the right found Ben Seaton who chested it down, beat two men and drove forward on the left of middle before flicking a short diagonal ball to his right to Deacon. He took a touch to

control and turned Pitts in one movement to pass diagonally to his right for the on-running Hercules to fire his low first time right foot shot from 10 yards into Thomas’ right hand corner. A rare chance came Brimscombe’s way just into the 37th minute when Ben Snook’s free kick from 30 yards out on the right towards the far post found Harlie Price, whose header was held to his right by Weatherill. Another chance came United’s way deep into the 41st minute when Hercules’ cross from the left to the far post found Jellis, whose header back across goal saw no Ducks player able to get on the end of it. United went close right at the end of the 43rd minute when Jellis’ long ball over the top down the middle from 12 yards inside his own half found Hercules at the left hand corner of the box. He took a touch to pass to his right for Kuda Sangoya, who took a touch before sending his right foot curling shot from 12 yards not far wide of Thomas’ left hand post. Brimscombe made their first change in the 44th minute when Jones Welch came on to replace Pitts. Second Half The first chance of the second half came United’s way in the 49th minute when Mark Riddick’s long slightly diagonal ball over the top from the halfway line on the left found Ollie Hogg, who took a touch

to control before having his right foot shot from 22 yards blocked on the line by Jack Bartman. The Ducks made a double change in the 55th minute when Ezra Anthonio-Forde came on to replace Deacon and Sonny French came on to replace Seaton. An opportunity came Brimscombe’s way just 25 seconds later when a through ball found Oliver Barnes, who ran on before having his tame shot easily held by Weatherill. If the visitors thought that with Deacon and Seaton going off Aylesbury would take their foot off the gas with the game realistically over as a contest, they were sadly mistaken. United went 4-0 up in the 58th minute when a long through ball on the left from 10 yards inside his own half found Hercules, who held the ball up well before passing low infield to Anthonio-Forde. He beat his man on the left-hand edge of the box on his way to the byline before pulling the ball back low for Jellis, who took a touch to get the ball out from under his feet before firing his right foot shot from nine yards into Thomas top right hand corner. The Ducks went close in the 61st minute when Ball’s low through ball down the left from the halfway line found Anthonio-Forde, who took a touch to control before having his right foot shot from nine yards on the left of middle saved to his right by Thomas. Aylesbury made their final change right at the start of the 65th minute when Harry Jones came on to replace Ball. Meanwhile, Brimscombe made their second change in

the 70th minute when Ollie Pitt came on to replace Snook. It was 5-0 in the 71st minute when Hogg ran forward from just inside the Brimscombe half on the left of middle towards the left hand corner of the D before being challenged by Sam Folkes. The ball ran to his right to Hercules whose low diagonal forward ball to his right found Jellis, who fired his low first time right foot shot from 15 yards under Thomas at his left hand post. Exactly three minutes later, it was 6-0 when AnthonioForde made a diagonal run from right to middle along the front of the box before having his left foot shot blocked. The ball ran to the defender’s left to the on-running Anthonio-Forde who cut to his left and took a touch to control before firing his low left foot shot from the left hand corner of the D into Thomas’ left hand corner. A rare chance for the visitors came their way in the 76th minute when Price cut in from the right 30 yards out before having his left foot shot from 18 yards tipped over the bar by Weatherill. Brimscombe went close in the 78th minute when, from Dan Hill’s long ball over the top down the middle, Jack Wood’s misplaced header from inside the centre circle left Barnes with a clear run at goal on the left. He ran towards the left hand corner of the box before having his low right foot shot from 16 yards held by Weatherill. The visitors made their final change just before the end of the 78th minute when Jack Smith came on to replace Price.

Just before the end of the 85th minute, it was 7-0 when a United break saw AnthonioForde’s low diagonal ball from right of middle midway between the halfway line and the edge of the box find the on-running French, who sent a delightful right foot dink from 17 yards in a central position over the advancing Thomas into his left hand corner. United went close with 43 seconds of normal time left when Riddick’s low diagonal through ball from 30 yards out on the left found AnthonioForde, who took a touch to control before having his left foot shot from 10 yards saved to his left by Thomas. Then with two seconds left of normal time left, it was 8-0 when Hercules’ corner from the left was punch out by Thomas back to the in-running Hercules, who took a touch to control and another before seeing his cross from 30 yards out on the left into the middle where Elijah Simpson’s flicked header from 12 yards went into Thomas’ left hand corner for an unfortunate own goal. 8-0 Aylesbury That was the last touch of the game because the final blast of referee Mario Stetakovic’s whistle after just seven seconds of added time brought the game to an end and confirmed Aylesbury’s place in the draw for the First Qualifying Round. It had been a dominant display by The Ducks and without wishing to tempt fate, one hopes they don’t end up wishing they had saved some of those goals for future games.

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Ducks in action

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THE TRIDENT

TRUST FUND

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@PitchingIn_

Pitching In Southern League Division One Central TEAM

PTS

Berkhamsted

Bedford Town

Didcot Town

FC Romania

North Leigh

Welwyn Garden City

Ware

Aylesbury United

AFC Dunstable

Waltham Abbey

Biggleswade

-1

Harlow Town

-3

Barton Rovers

-1

Hertford Town

-1

St Neots Town

-1

Thame United

-1

Wantage Town

-5

Kempston Rovers

-3

Colney Heath

-5

Kidlington

-10

Last updated: 19 August 2021

Saturday 14 August 2021 AFC Dunstable 2-0 Colney Heath Aylesbury United 0-2 Didcot Town Biggleswade 0-3 Berkhamsted Harlow Town 2-1 Hertford Town North Leigh 1-0 Kempston Rovers St Neots Town 1-2 FC Romania Waltham Abbey 2-5 Bedford Town Wantage Town 1-1 Barton Rovers Ware 5-1 Kidlington Welwyn Garden City 1-1 Thame United

FC Romania 1-0 Ware Kempston Rovers 0-2 Welwyn Garden City St Neots Town 1-1 Hertford Town Thame United 1-3 Biggleswade Wednesday 18 August 2021 Kidlington 2-5 Aylesbury United

Tuesday 17 August 2021 Barton Rovers 1-2 North Leigh Bedford Town 4-0 Harlow Town Berkhamsted 5-0 Wantage Town Colney Heath 0-3 Waltham Abbey Didcot Town 1-0 AFC Dunstable aylesburyunitedfc.co.uk

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Stadium safety To ensure the safety of everybody, please observe the following: • DO NOT use foul or abusive language, or obscene gestures. Any form of racial abuse, or language used to incite or provoke others is a criminal offence under the Football Offences Act 1991. • NO glasses or bottles are permitted outside the clubhouse. • DO NOT throw any items onto the pitch. • DO NOT run onto the pitch or encroach on the playing area. • Aylesbury United reserves the right to remove or refuse entry to the ground.

Covid-19 protocol With the Covid-19 restrictions lifted on Monday 19th July, we hope we can enjoy matches this season with most of the previous requirements on all of us lifted. However, in line with government guidelines, we advise supporters to take sensible precautions when attending the game. While masks are no longer mandatory, we recommend that if you are more comfortable wearing one, you continue to do so. Please respect others at the game, and stay safe.

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Today’s Squads

AYLESBURY UNITED

BARTON ROVERS

1. James WEATHERILL 2. Anthony BALL 3. Kuda SANGOYA 4. Jack WOOD 5. Dave O’CONNOR 6. Mark RIDDICK 7. Max HERCULES 8. Ollie HOGG 9. Ty DEACON 10. Ben SEATON 11. Jamie JELLIS

1. Kyle FORSTER 2. Jay PALMER 3. Murphy SCOTT-CULKIN 4. Kai PHELAN 5. Lewis THOMAS 6. Charlie SMITH 7. Martell POWELL 8. Bradley BELL 9. Christophe REGIS 10. Nathan FRATER 11. Sam KING

12. Sonny FRENCH 14. Ezra ANTHONIO-FORDE 15. Lee STOBBS 16. Harry JONES 17. Liam McCROHAN

12. Luke WILLIAMS 14. Paul ANDREWS 15. Tony BURNETT 16. Victor OSUBU 17. Aaron HUDSON 18. Rhys LEE

Manager: Ben WILLIAMS Manager: Tony FONTANELLE

Referee: Charles MARTLAND Assistants: Thomas HEALY Andreas ANASTASIOU

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NEXT MATCH vs Thame United at the ASM Stadium Monday 30 August, kick-off 3pm