Aylesbury United v Didcot Town

WELCOME

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

A warm welcome to the players, officials and supporters of the Railwaymen this evening. We hope you have a safe trip home this evening.

Didcot have made a good start to the season, winning five and losing three of their league games. They’ve won their previous two league matches, beating AFC Dunstable 3-2 in the week, and following up with a 3-1 victory over Hadley on Saturday.

Unfortunately they’re yet another of our bogey teams, and we haven’t beaten them since we returned to playing them regularly in 2018. Still that leaves with with a good opportunity to turn the tide, and give us something to cheer tonight.

There is no further update since Saturday with regards the appointment of a new manager. The application process has now closed, we’ve had plenty of interest in the position, and now the club is in the process of

role.

Our next match is away against Walthamstow on Saturday. Please be aware that they have no parking for supporters at the ground.

Then we’re back for another two home games at The Meadow. First we welcome Highworth Town on Wednesday 26 October for a midweek match. Then we enetertain Biggleswade at home the next weekend, although please keep your eyes on social media and the website, as the date is likely

to need to change given Chesham United have been drawn at home in the next round of the Isuzu FA Trophy on the Saturday.

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

Do you know someone who’d be interested in being a 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

125 YEARS AGO...

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.

Stoker,

Victoria

Blackwall Tunnel,

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!

WHO’S

Board of directors

Chair Graham Read

Vice chairman Ken Turnbull Club secretary Steve Baker

Fixtures secretary Ian Pluck

AT THE DUCKS

Club volunteers

Safety officer Graham Martin Welfare officer James Byrne

21st Century Ducks chair and matchday announcer Andy Martin

Directors Steve Baker, David Brown, Simon Lacey, Andy Martin, Graham Read, Alan Sherwell, Paul Snell, Ken Turnbull

First team coaching staff

Coach Paul Batchelor

Sports therapist

Hannah Bowra

First team kit Ron Schmidt

GOLD

Liam Ahern

Dave Blackburn

Dave Brown

Dan Cadwell

Josh Cotton Lee Cotton Pete Chilcott

Dan Harvey Rob Hiscock

Simon Lacey Richie Livings

Photographer Mike Snell

Head of communications Paul Snell

Ownership

Legal name Aylesbury United Football Club Company number 05814026

Significant interests (shareholder/ shareholding)

Graham Read (49%), 21st Century Ducks (39%)

© Aylesbury United 2022

Bob Moody

Paul Newman

Peter O’Callghan

Ian Pluck Steve Woodage Jim Rayner

Roger Simmons Greg Smith Jeff Stewart Adey White Steve Woodage

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

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.

FORWARD

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.

FORWARD

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.

DEFENDER

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.

DEFENDER

JET DYER

Young defender who signed for the club in Summer 2022 and is currently studying at West Herts College academy under the supervision of Sonny French. Made his debut against Kidlington this season, and immediately provided an assist for our second goal.

DEFENDER

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.

Laces sponsor Alwyn Lloyd

Sponsored by Courts Accountancy Services Laces sponsor Charlie Lacey

Sponsored by Dave Brown Laces sponsor Santino Iannaccone

MIDFIELDER

LIAM GREVILLE

18-year-old midfielder trained under the tutelage of Sonny French at West Herts College academy. He has also made appearances for Leighton Town Under 18s, and made his debut for the Ducks in the Berks & Bucks Cup against Long Crendon last season. Already has bragging rights over some of his teammates, winning Location Football’s two-touch challenge when the YouTubers visited The Meadow last season.

GOALKEEPER

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.

Sponsored by William and Niamh Seeley

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.

DEFENDER

Laces sponsor William Hutcherson

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 PenningtonDEFENDER

GEORGE JOYCE

18-year-old midfielder came through Vanarama National League side Boreham Wood’s academy and also has Southern League experience while on loan to Kempston Rovers. George is the nephew of the Ducks’ secondlongest-serving manager Tony Joyce.

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 LaceyFORWARD

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 BerryMIDFIELDER

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

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.

DAVE O’CONNOR

Central defender with plenty of experience, Dave 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 in the Spartan League, and Amersham Town before that.

Sponsored by Carl Catling Media

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.

Sponsored by Andy Martin Laces sponsor Elowen Pennington

JAMIE RUDD

Aylesbury-born winger signed in summer 2019 whose first season with the Ducks was severely restricted by injury. Returned in 2020-21 in superb form – scoring five goals in six games before the campaign was prematurely ended due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Previously with Aylesbury FC, he was a highly regarded winger during two spells at Haywood Way that came either side of a year on the South coast with AFC Totton before moving to Dubai where he worked and played for three years.

Laces sponsor Will Harvey

MIDFIELDER

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

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.

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.

Sponsored by Ian Pluck

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 PinchesDEFENDER

PAUL BATCHELOR

Paul joined the club as coach in December 2017, when Ben Williams was appointed caretaker manager. He is managing director of BASE, and also runs the club’s Mini Ducks football sessions for children aged three to six.

Sponsored by Roger Simmons

THERAPIST

HANNAH BOWRA

Sports therapist Hannah joined the Ducks as sports therapist for the 2021-22 season. She has a degree in sports rehab from St Mary’s University, and is licensed by the British Association of Sports Rehabilitators.

Sponsored by Paul Seeley

OPPOSITION HISTORY

In the history of English football the most noteworthy event of 1907 was the death of C.W. Alcock (the administrator who ‘invented’ the FA Cup). But for a small part of Royal Berkshire a more significant happening occurred when Didcot Village FC and Northbourne Wanderers amalgamated to form Didcot Town Football Club (exactly 50 years after the formation of Sheffield FC).

The first silverware in the club’s history was claimed in 1913 when Diddy beat Radley in the North Berks Junior Cup. After four seasons in the Hellenic League, Didcot joined the Metropolitan League in 1957 (where they stayed until 1963) and had some success including reaching the

League Cup Final in 196162. It was during this time that many famous footballers played against Diddy at Station Road, often representing the likes of Arsenal and West Ham Reserves. Among them a certain Geoff Hurst, who played at least twice at Didcot, something which he later recalled when he was a guest speaker at the Club in 2003.

In 1963 Didcot returned to the Hellenic League where it remained until promotion to the Southern League in 2006. One of the most significant events in the club’s 100 years was the move to the impressive new Loop Meadow Stadium. As part of the redevelopment of Didcot town centre, Didcot Town FC were forced to relocate from their old Station Road ground for the start of the 1999-2000 season.

KEY DETAILS

FOUNDED

NICKNAME

Railwaymen

CLUB COLOURS

HOME GROUND

The club moved onto the ever growing Ladygrove housing estate, the other side of the railwayline that cuts the town in two, but only a few hundred yards as the crow flies from the old home. Under new manager Stuart Peace Season 200405 ended up as arguably the most successful in the club’s history so far following a memorable 3-2 win in the final of the FA

Vase at White Hart Lane against pretournament favourites AFC Sudbury. This came on the back of the club retaining the League Challenge Cup with a 5-1 win against Carterton.

Didcot came agonizingly close to claiming the treble but failed to win the League by a point despite amassing 97 points and winning 31 of their 42 matches.

After a wait of 53 years the team finally brought the Hellenic League trophy back to Didcot in 2006 and with it the club ensured a move up into the Southern League for the first time. The Berks & Bucks Senior Trophy and the Hellenic League Challenge Cup were also claimed, the latter to make Didcot the first club to win the competition three times in a row.

The League triumph broke all records with Town becoming the first club to reach more than 100 points in a season in the Hellenic League and the average points per game (2.63) gave Didcot the best record of any club at level 5 or above in British football that year.

REPORT IT. KICK IT OUT OF FOOTBALL.

OPPOSITION PROFILES

Sam Barder

An all-action midfielder with an eye for goal. Always gives 100% for the team, sometimes plays on the right-hand side. Bards likes to get forward but always does his defensive duties as well.

Leigh Bedwell

Leigh started his footballing career at Swindon Town before moving onto Banbury United. Joined Didcot in July 2015 and has proven to be one of the best goalkeepers at this level. An excellent shot stopper who likes to command his area.

Taylor Bedwell

Young defender Taylor Bedwell makes the step up from the Development team where he was a regular last season. Can play right-back or as a central defender. Son of the club legend and assistant manager Paul Bedwell.

Harley Giles

Classy midfielder joined the club from Ardley United at the back end of the 2019-20 season. Has an eye for a pass and very comfortable on the ball it’s easy to forget how young he is.

James Glover

25-year-old box-to-box midfielder from Kidlington. Hellenic League Premier Division winner in 2018-19.

Joe Green

Commanding centre back Joe Green joined the club from Abingdon United where he was previously captain. Mainly a centre back but has played as a striker this

season.

Jamie Heapy, manager

FA Vase winning captain, club legend now manager. In charge since May 2019.

Josh Hedges

One of many in the squad to have come through the academy ranks.

Seth Humphries

Seth joined the club from Oxford United and is an attacking midfielder who likes to try and create things. Good on the ball with lots of energy Seth is always a goal threat.

Adam Learoyd

Rejoined the club from North Leigh having left for the Millers in August 2019.

Cameron McNeill

A tenacious defender who is comfortable at left-back or as a centre-back and did both roles for Didcot in his first spell with the club.

Connor Barrett

18, good energy, always looking to be creative on the ball. Has scored three goals this season.

Noah Alabi

Tricky winger who is capable of beating his man and making runs into the box.

Michael McKirnan

Calm holding midfield player with good vision. Hard worker and gives all for the team.

Harry Evans

Another young and up and coming forward to come through the Procision Academy.

George Jeacock

Returned to the club in late2021.

Jack King

Jack brings the experience of a successful professional playing career that included more than 150 games for Didcot, four promotions at higher levels and another 150+ games in the football league.

Charlie Hawtin

Joining us in the summer of 2022, Charlie can operate in the centre back or full back position.

George Palmer

George is an attacking full back/winger. He joins from Loughborough University in 2022 following a move to the area and started his career at Cray Valley.

Josh Grant

Another Procision Oxford graduate, Josh broke into the first team in 21-22 with some impressive performances.

Ollie Nadin

Winger Ollie was the Golden Boot winner in Hellenic Division One East with Milton in 21-22, joining Diddy in the Summer of 22.

Andi Noka

Joining from Oxford City, Andi is an attacking midfielder with good pace who likes to run at defenders.

Tyler Webb

Another Procision Oxford Academy talent, a central midfielder who likes to get on the ball and create.

19:45

15:00

AUG 15:00

19:45

SEP 19:45

SEP 15:00

Barton

Berkhamsted

Margate

Evesham

Welwyn Garden City

OCT 19:45 A FC Romania

OCT 15:00 H Biggleswade Town

OCT 15:00 H Kempston Rovers

OCT 19:45 H Didcot Town LEAGUE

OCT 15:00 A Walthamstow LEAGUE

26 OCT 19:45 H Highworth Town LEAGUE

29 OCT 15:00 H Biggleswade LEAGUE

5 NOV 15:00 A Ware LEAGUE

12 NOV 15:00 A Cirencester Town LEAGUE

19 NOV 15:00 H Waltham Abbey LEAGUE

23 NOV 19:45 A Kidlington LEAGUE

26 NOV 15:00 A Hertford Town LEAGUE

3 DEC 15:00 H Harlow Town 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

LEAGUE

Wood O’Connor

Bewley Wood O’Connor Townsend Jones

Bewley Wood O’Connor Seaton Mukwada

Anderson Wood Bewley Jenkins Townsend

Bewley Wood Anderson McNamara Mukwada

McElroy Anthonio-Forde Seaton Lamboh French Jenkins Clifford

⚽ �� McElroy Seaton Lamboh Mukwada Dyer

�� McElroy

Aluko-Olukun Anthonio-Forde Appiah Rudd

Anthonio-Forde

Seaton

Mukwada Dyer Aluko-Olukun Riddick Appiah Clifford Riddick Anthonio-Forde

Seaton Mukwada

Lamboh

Anderson Rudd Jenkins Anderson Riddick Anthonio-Forde

Seaton

Rudd

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

Mukwada

Aluko-Olukun French Rudd Anderson Seaton Moriarty Chidyausiku Mukwada Mukwada Moriarty Anthonio-Forde French McElroy

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

Townsend Stobbs McNamara Joyce Townsend Moriarty McElroy

Seaton French Stobbs Joyce McNamara Rudd Mukwada Mukwada Moriarty Jones French McElroy

Townsend Riddick Stobbs O’Connor Rudd

DUCKS IN ACTION

STADIUM SAFETY

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.

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

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.

Consultants

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

Town

Romania

Town

Thame United

United

Harlow Town

Cirencester Town

Rovers

Dunstable

United

Rovers

Town

Town

Town

Ware

Kempston Rovers

Highworth Town

Walthamstow

FC Romania

Didcot Town

Berkhamsted

Garden City

-8

20 -1

2 8

9 1 8

17 -7 8

22 -12 8

9 -2 7

21 -11 7

15 -4 6

15 -4 5

-11

AYLESBURY

MANAGER: Paul BATCHELOR

Jack HOPWOOD

George JOYCE

Jake BEWLEY

Jack WOOD

Alfie ANDERSON

Pierce MCNAMARA

Nasha MUKWADA

Jack MORIARTY

Harry JONES

Sonny FRENCH

Tom MCELROY

Dave O’CONNOR

Lee STOBBS

Herbie TOWNSEND

Mark RIDDICK

Jamie RUDD

DIDCOT TOWN

MANAGER: Jamie HEAPY

Leigh BEDWELL

Sam BARDER

George PAINTER

Taylor BEDWELL

Harley GILES

Adam LEAROYD

Ben PUTLAND

James GLOVER

Jamar SMITH

Jenson WRIGHT

Andi NOKA

Connor BARRETT

Joshua HEDGES

Seth HUMPHRIES

Ollie NODIN

Ethan BONES