Aylesbury United v Hertford Town by Aylesbury United

Official Matchday Programme 2021-22  #25  Free

Hertford Town

CHARITY PARTNER 2021-22

#BringTheDucksHome

Aylesbury United

19 March 2022  Pitching In Southern League Division One Central

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

Jamie Rudd’s two goals weren’t enough to secure victory over St Neots

ood afternoon and welcome to this Pitching In Southern League Division One Central fixture against Hertford Town. A warm welcome to the players, officials, and fans of the Blues, who are visiting us for the first time since 2013. We wish them a safe journey back to Hertfordshire after today’s match. It’s been a few weeks since Hertford last played, beating Wantage Town 2-1 on 5 March. That ended a run of five games without a win since beating Colney Heath in January. Stats don’t tell the whole story of course, and undoubtedly the team was hampered by having to play its home games away, while they waited for the installation of their beautiful new 3G pitch. When we faced, and lost to, them in December, they were far more impressive than their league position suggested, with a commitment to playing out from the back. We returned from our own unintended break due to the

inclement weather, with defeat to St Neots Town on Tuesday evening. Jamie Rudd’s two firsthalf goals gave us a lead, but we couldn’t hold on for our first win of the year. Hopefully the team can deliver three vital points for us this afternoon. We are away to Harlow Town next Saturday 26 March, and then again on the following Tuesday, as we play our postponed fixture against Welwyn Garden City at Herns Lane.

Come on you Ducks!

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 2022

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

Liam Ahern Dave Brown Steve Cadwell Daniel Cadwell Pete Chilcott Dan Harvey Sean Haywood Rob Hiscock Simon Lacey 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 ________________________________________________________

Duck walk to Dunstable A tremendous result on and off the pitch as sponsored walk boosts donations to the Cancer Care & Haematology Fund

ore than £2,000 has been raised by supporters for the club’s charity partner, the Cancer Care & Haematology Fund, following a sponsored walk to an away game. A group of 10 hardy Ducks – Allan Brace, Andrew Dell, Stuart Andrews, David Horne, Paul Gardner, Lee Cotton, Mark Rickard, Rich Lloyd, Graham Read, and Andy Martin – braved the inclement weather on 30 October, setting off at 7.45am from Buckingham Road in Aylesbury to walk 25 kilometres to Creasey Park in Dunstable – the home ground of the Ducks’ opponents on Saturday afternoon AFC Dunstable. They reached Dunstable in sunnier conditions in just over five hours, rewarded by their hosts with a hot meal

and drinks. The walkers’ were then treated to a fabulous performance from the team, who beat then-second-placed AFC Dunstable 2-1 with two goals from Max Hercules. In addition to raising money for the CCHF, which supports the work of the Cancer Care and Haematology Unit at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, the walk also aimed to draw attention to the fact it is 15 years since the club played its home games in Aylesbury and the continued efforts to #BringTheDucksHome.

Andy Martin, director at Aylesbury United, and chair of supporters’ trust 21st Century Ducks, said: “The generosity of Ducks fans is truly astonishing, and we’re over the moon to be able to raise so much for such a worthy local cause. The amount raised shows that even though the first team has played outside the town for 15 years, we’re a club that remains at the heart of the community.” Richard Lloyd, leader of Aylesbury Town Council and one of the walkers, said: “The show of generosity from fans and the support for this walk makes me ever more determined to deliver the new facilities that Aylesbury desperately needs, and we will continue working towards a Community Stadium for the town”. Donations on behalf of the charity are still welcome, and can be made throughout the season at: www. peoplesfundraising.com/ donation/cchf-and-aylesburyunited

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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, St Ives Town and a stint at Old Bradwell United followed. Sponsored by the Seeley Family

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

CURTIS BROWN

ARCHIE DAVIS

FORWARD

GOALKEEPER

Highly-rated young winger who has been playing for Winslow United and was recently released by Luton Town. Scored Winslow U18s’ goal at Portman Road in the 7-1 defeat by Ipswich Town U18s in the FA Youth Cup First Round, where he played alongside Rocko Tamplin.

ANTHONY BALL

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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 his claim for the number one shirt. Sponsored by Ian Pluck

JAKE BEWLEY DEFENDER

Centre forward returned 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

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

ALEXANDRU DUBNIUC

SONNY FRENCH

MIDFIELDER

Joined the Ducks from FC Romania, and played against us in the Wolves’ Southern League Cup victory at The Meadow. The central midfielder is a Moldovan youth international and played for the youth teams at Zimbru Chisinau of the Moldovan National Division before moving to England.

MIDFIELDER

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

LIAM GREVILLE

OLLIE HOGG

JORDAN JENKINS

HARRY JONES

MIDFIELDER

DEFENDER

DEFENDER/FORWARD

17-year-old midfielder training under the tutelage of Sonny French at West Herts College academy. Has also made appearances for Leighton Town Under 18s, and made his debut for the Ducks in this years Berks & Bucks Cup match against Long Crendon.

TYRONE LEWTHWAITE FORWARD

The Northern Ireland youth international joined the Ducks from Bracknell Town, who he switched to in December 2021. Began his youth career at Watford, before moving to Rotherham as an under 18. Has also played for Hampton and Richmond Borough, Chesham United and Beaconsfield Town.

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

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

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

PIERCE McNAMARA

DAVE O’CONNOR

DAVID OZOBIA

MIDFIELDER

DEFENDER

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 has since added to his solitary appearance, and has shown some promising moments in pre-season having re-signed for the Ducks for 2021-22. Sponsored by Colin Brandon

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

MIDFIELDER

Central midfielder who spent five years with Charlton Athletic before his release in summer 2021. He had also been a junior with Queens Park Rangers and Milwall, before signing for Harrow Borough. The 20-year-old joined the Ducks from the Southern League Premier Division South side in December.

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JAEDON PHILLIPS

MARK RIDDICK

JAMIE RUDD

FORWARD

MIDFIELDER

DEFENDER

Striker who joined the squad in November 2021, following his release from Harlow Town. He made five appearances for the Hawks this season, having re-signed for the club in the summer. Prior to Harlow he played for Bromley. Phillips started his career in the Leyton Orient academy, with loan spells at a number of clubs during his time there.

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 pre-season games. Made his competitive debut for the Ducks this season, having been an unused substitute 10 times in the previous curtailed campaign. Previously on the books of Dunstable Town and Hale Leys United.

HARRY SCOTT

BEN SEATON

FORWARD

MIDFIELDER

LEE STOBBS

ROCKO TAMPLIN

Scott signed for the Ducks in February 2022 from Thame United. The winger wore the green and white of the Ducks previously, having played as a triallist during pre-season in 2018-19 and notably scoring twice in a friendly against Colchester United Under-23s. His previous clubs include Aylesbury FC, Berkhamsted, Beaconsfield Town and Winslow United.

KUDA SANGOYA

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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

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

Sponsored by the Turnbull Family

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Back row (l-r): Paul Batchelor (coach), Aaron Berry, Liam McCrohan, Ty Deacon, Archie Davis, Ha Front row: Kuda Sangoya, Ben Seaton, Sonny French, Jack Wood, Ben Williams (mana

arry Jones, James Weatherill, Jordan Jenkins, Lee Stobbs, Dave O’Connor, Hannah Bowra (physio) ager), Ron Schmidt (kit man), Jake Bewley, Anthony Ball, Max Hercules, Mark Riddick

Today’s Opposition T

HERTFORD TOWN FOUNDED 1901 NICKNAME The Blues HOME GROUND Hertingfordbury Park, Hertford CLUB COLOURS Home: Blue shirts with white sleeves, blue shorts, blue socks Away: Yellow shirts with blue sleeves, yellow shorts, yellow socks MANAGER Ben Herd PREVIOUS MEETINGS 4 December 2021 L 2-1 27 April 2013 L 3-1 27 February 2013 W 3-0 17 December 2011 L 3-2 24 August 2011 W 3-0

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he club was established in 1901 as Port Vale Rovers but were soon renamed Hertford Football Club to gain recognition as the town’s main club. Following a merger with Hertford United, the club was renamed Hertford Town. After absorbing two more clubs – Blue Cross and Horns – in 1908, the club joined the Eastern Division of the Hertfordshire Senior County League for the 1908-09 season, which saw them finish as runnersup. League reorganisation in 1909 saw Hertford placed in the Central Division. They finished bottom of the division in its first season, before they were moved back into the Eastern Division in 1910. The club was also playing in the East Herts League, which they won in 1912-13. The following season saw the club retain the East Herts League title and finish second in the Eastern Division of the Hertfordshire Senior County League. After switching to the Middlesex League for the 1920-21 season, the club joined Division One of the Spartan League in 1921. Following league reorganisation in 1928, Hertford were placed in Division One East, with an eleventh-place finish seeing them moved to Division One the following season when a Premier Division was created. In 1938-39 Hertford were Division One runners-up and promoted to the Premier Division. However, the following season was abandoned due to World War II and when the league restarted in 1945, Hertford were placed in the Central Division, finishing bottom of the table in the 1945-46 season. Despite their

poor performance, the club were placed in the Premier Division the following season, but went on to finish bottom of the table again. The club lost the use of its ground in 1947 and left the league for a season before returning to the Spartan League in 1948, when they were placed in Division One East. After winning the division in 1949-50, they were promoted back to the Premier Division in 1950 and were runners-up in 1955-56 and 1956-57. In 1959 Hertford transferred to the Delphian League and were runners-up in their first season. They went on to win back-toback league titles in 1960-61 and 1961-62. The 1962-63 season was abandoned due to bad weather, but Hertford won both the League Cup and the Eastern Section of the emergency competition, going on to lose the title decider to Western Section Champions Edmonton 5-2 on aggregate. They also won the East Anglian Cup by beating Boston United 1-0 in the final, a match played at home in front of a 3,000 crowd. When the Delphian League was disbanded at the end of the season, Hertford joined the new Division Two of the Athenian League alongside most of the other former Delphian League clubs. A fourth-place finish in 1963-64 was enough to earn promotion to Division One at the first attempt and the club went on to win the league’s Memorial Shield in 1967-68. Hertford switched to the Eastern Counties League in 1972. They won the League Cup and finished third in the league in their first season, but left to join the newly-formed Division Two of the Isthmian League. The division was renamed Division

One in 1977, and the club were relegated to Division Two North after finishing bottom of the table in 198485. League restructuring in 1991 saw the club placed in Division Three. They were promoted to Division Two after finishing runners-up in 1998-99, but were relegated the following season. Further league restructuring saw Hertford placed in Division One North in 2002, but they finished bottom of the table in the division’s inaugural season and were relegated to Division Two. After the division was disbanded in 2006, they joined the Premier Division of the Spartan South Midlands League. The club were Premier Division runners-up in 2016-17 and were promoted to Division One North of the Isthmian League after London Colney turned down promotion. For 2018-19 Hertford moved sidewards to the newlyformed South Central Division but the season was a difficult one, with three managers

at the helm and close shave with relegation. Ex-pro Ben Herd and a new committee took over in the summer of 2019 and have fashioned a new-look side and club with a greater emphasis on bringing through young players via the manager’s successful football academy. Both the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons were curtailed due to the Covid pandemic the latter of which saw Hertford’s best start to the season in recent years. The club were then moved to the Southern League (Division 1 Central) for the first time in their history prior to the commencement of the 202122 season.

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Opposition profiles Luke Mewitt Composed goalkeeper who joined the club from Huddersfield Town but is a Hertford born and bred. Lee Axworthy Signed from Kings Langley mid-season and has been first choice keeper since then. Ben Herd, player/manager Ben is an experienced rightback who started his career at Watford before amassing 400 football league appearances for Shrewsbury and Aldershot. Josh Bryant Exciting young prospect at left back who has broken through from the development squad. Formerly with Stevenage.

David Ogbonna Skilful, direct winger signed from Hendon last season. Kit Brown Tricky right-winger formerly at Ware and London Colney. Parys Smith A defender previously with Dunstable U18. Jacob Samber-Richards Formerly had striking success with Billericay U18. Joshua Bryant An impressive defender formerly with Stotfold.

Bradley Epsom Previously with Harrow Borough, usually plays in midfield. Luis Adrien Midfielder now in his second season with the club. Jake Bunyan Came through the ranks at Stevenage prior to joining Hertford. A robust midfielder. Ziad Bakarr Pacy striker having played in our youth setup and also London Colney.

Max Hudson Had time with Tottenham youth – an accomplished defender.

Vladut Sighiartau Experienced and hard-working striker with and eye for goal recently signed from FC Romania.

Chris Gosling Composed centre back formerly at Northwood who has made a big impression since joining.

Jack Hewitt A midfield academy player previously loaned to Baldock Town.

Charlie Payne Midfielder having recently joined Hertford Town from Welwyn Garden City.

Isaac Pedro Strong and technically gifted young midfielder.

Georgio Cazzi A young goalkeeping prospect previously with the Academy.

Thomas Horsewood Pacey striker previously with Watford, made his debut against North Leigh.

Luke Gymer Another Hertfordshire teen who played his youth football at Biggleswade Town, Luke is an intelligent attacking midfielder with great invention. Last (full) season’s top scorer and Player’s Player of the Season.

Nucroge Ernest Strong midfielder who has experience with AFC Dunstable. Brandy Makuendi Pacy experienced midfielder in his second season with the club.

Herbie Townsend Academy youth player with experience at London Colney.

Ben Weyman Exciting young wing prospect promoted from the Under-23 team the season before last.

Paul Symes Experienced midfielder with previous experience in Sweden and Spain.

Bobby Bolden Pacey young defender previously with London Colney.

aylesburyunitedfc.co.uk

Kayne James-Thompson Midfielder recently joined from Uxbridge, previously with Wingate and Finchley.

Jack Bull Goalkeeper previously with Bishops Stortford. James Collins Striker with recent experience at Buntingford FC. Alexander Cathline Experienced striker most recently at Chalfont St Peter. Colin Hay, assistant manager Pat Sinfield, coach Paige Simms, physio

aylesburyunitedfc.co.uk

Fixtures 2021-22 COMP

RES

ATT

7 Aug 21

DATE

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

Weatherill

18 Aug 21

19:45

Kidlington

LEAGUE

2-5

120

22 Aug 21

13:00 H Brimscombe & Thrupp

FA CUP

8-0

151

Weatherill

28 Aug 21

15:00 H Barton Rovers

LEAGUE

1-1

124

Weatherill

263

Davis

🟨

Sangoya Ball Ball

3⃣

Bewley

McCrohan

🟥 Bewley 🟨 Sangoya

Bewley

Wood

O’Connor

Wood

O’Connor

Hogg

Wood

O’Connor

Her

Hogg

Her

2⃣ 1⃣ McCrohan Jones 🟨 Ball 1⃣ Wood ⚽ Stobbs 2⃣ Jones Bewley Wood McCrohan Stobbs 2⃣ Bewley Wood O’Connor 🟨 McCrohan 2⃣ Hogg ⚽ 3⃣ Jones Bewley Wood Jenkins Hogg 2⃣ Jones Bewley Wood Jenkins Hogg 🟨 Jones Bewley Wood Jenkins Hogg 2⃣ Jones Bewley McCrohan O’Connor Seaton ⚽ Jones Bewley Wood Jenkins Seaton 2⃣ Wood Sangoya 🟨 1⃣ Bewley ⚽ Jenkins 3⃣ Jones ⚽ Sangoya

Wood

Ball

Seaton

Ball

Wood

McCrohan

Stobbs

Her

LEAGUE

1-3

FA CUP

4-1

142

Davis

11 Sep 21

15:00 H North Leigh

LEAGUE

1-3

122

Weatherill

14 Sep 21

19:45

LEAGUE

4-3

Weatherill

18 Sep 21

15:00 H Bishops Cleeve

FA CUP

5-1

171

Davis

28 Sep 21

19:45 H Colney Heath

LEAGUE

2-0

Davis

2 Oct 21

15:00 H Ebbsfleet United

FA CUP

0-1

317

Davis

6 Oct 21

19:45 H FC Romania

SLCC

1-2

Weatherill

9 Oct 21

15:00 H Chipstead

FA TRO

1-1

127

Davis

12 Oct 21

19:45

LEAGUE

1-5

Davis

17 Oct 21

15:00 H Ware

LEAGUE

2-1

174

Davis

Jones

Bewley

Wood

Jenkins

23 Oct 21

15:00 H St Neots Town

LEAGUE

1-2

171

Davis

Jones

Bewley

Wood

Jenkins

🟨

30 Oct 21

15:00

AFC Dunstable

LEAGUE

1-2

176

Davis

6 Nov 21

15:00

Kempston Rovers

LEAGUE

2-3

Davis

Jones

17 Nov 21 19:45 H Kidlington

LEAGUE

3-0

127

Davis

Jones

20 Nov 21 15:00

Didcot Town

LEAGUE

3-3

202

Davis

1 Dec 21

19:45

Biggleswade

LEAGUE

0-0

106

Davis

4 Dec 21

15:00

Hertford Town

LEAGUE

2-1

200

Davis

8 Dec 21

19:45

Long Crendon

Jones

🟨 ⚽ Bewley ⚽ Greco

Bewley

Wood

🟨 ⚽

Wood

O’Connor

3⃣

Hogg

3⃣

2-2

162

Davis

Sangoya

Wood

J. Seaton

135

Davis

Jones

Bewley

Wood

Jenkins

Ozobia

15 Dec 21 19:45 H Bedford Town

LEAGUE

1-1

164

Davis

Jones

Bewley

Wood

19 Dec 21 15:00

FC Romania

LEAGUE

3-1

112

Davis

Jones

Bewley

Wood

1 Jan 22

15:00

Berkhamsted

LEAGUE

3-1

367

Davis

Jones

Bewley

Wood

5 Jan 22

19.45 H Welwyn Garden City

LEAGUE

3-4

124

Davis

Jones

Bewley

Wood

Jenkins

15 Jan 22

15:00

LEAGUE

4-2

191

Davis

Jones

Wood

Jenkins

22 Jan 22

15:00 H Wantage Town

LEAGUE

0-1

123

Davis

Bewley

Wood

Jenkins

26 Jan 22

19:45 H Waltham Abbey

LEAGUE

1-2

109

Davis

Ball

Jones

Wood

O’Connor

29 Jan 22

15:00

Colney Heath

LEAGUE

3-1

161

Davis

Jones

Bewley

Wood

2 Feb 22

19:45 H Thame United

LEAGUE

0-1

171

Davis

Ball

Bewley

Wood

5 Feb 21

15:00 H Biggleswade

LEAGUE

0-4

172

Davis

Ball

Bewley

Wood

2⃣ Jenkins 1⃣

O’Connor

Bewley

Wood

Jenkins

Bewley

Wood

12 Feb 22

15:00

LEAGUE

5-2

192

Davis

26 Feb 22

15:00 H AFC Dunstable

LEAGUE

1-1

169

Davis

15 Mar 22

19:45

St Neots Town

LEAGUE

3-2

132

Davis

19 Mar 22 15:00 H Hertford Town

LEAGUE

26 Mar 22

15:00

Harlow Town

LEAGUE

29 Mar 22

19:45

Welwyn Garden City

LEAGUE

2 Apr 22

15:00 H FC Romania

LEAGUE

9 Apr 22

15:00 H Kempston Rovers

LEAGUE

16 Apr 22

15:00

LEAGUE

18 Apr 22

15:00 H Berkhamsted

LEAGUE

23 Apr 22

15:00

LEAGUE

Ware

Barton Rovers

Bedford Town

🟨

Jones

🟨

Ball

Jenkins

Wood

O’Connor

Wood

Sangoya

Bewley

2⃣

Wood

Stobb

Sto

2-1

Ball

Her

Jenkins

Bewley

⚽

Herc

Bewley

French

B&BSC

North Leigh

Her

French

LEAGUE

Wood

Jenkins

11 Dec 21 15:00 H Harlow Town

Bewley

Jenkins

🟨 McNamara 🟨

Jones

⚽

O’Connor

⚽ Sangoya 1⃣ Jones 🟨 Jones ⚽

McN

Jones

15:00 H Willand Rovers

Wantage Town

3⃣

🟨

Jones

15:00

6 Riddick McCrohan

4 Sep 21

Waltham Abbey

3⃣

O’Connor

30 Aug 21

Thame United

Weatherill

2 Ball

Jenkins

⚽

Jenkins Jenkins

🟨 3⃣

Jenkins Jenkins

🟨

Hogg

Her

Hogg

McNamara

3⃣

Ozobia Ozobia Ozobia

1⃣

O’Connor Ozobia Ozobia

1⃣ 🟨

O’Connor

2⃣ Hogg 1⃣ Ozobia 3⃣ Hogg

Gre

McNamara McNamara

Her

Seato

Rudd

Hercules

1⃣ rcules ⚽ rcules ⚽

Namara

Hercules

rcules

⚽

⚽🟨 Riddick 🟨 Riddick 🟨

Jellis

Riddick

1⃣ 2⃣

Riddick Hogg

Hercules

Hogg

Hercules

Ushiro-Lumb

Hercules

rcules

⚽

Hercules

Rudd

2⃣

Hercules

⚽ 🟨 2⃣

Stobbs

2⃣ cules ⚽⚽ rcules ⚽

obbs

Hercules

3⃣ 3⃣ woeye 1⃣ eville 1⃣

🟨 1⃣

Riddick Riddick

1⃣ Riddick 🟨 Riddick

Riddick Riddick

⚽🟨

Riddick

2⃣ Riddick 2⃣ Riddick

Riddick

rcules

Riddick

woeye

Riddick Riddick Tamplin

2⃣

Hercules

Riddick

Hercules

Riddick

Hercules

3⃣ 1⃣ all 🟨 2⃣

rcules

Hogg

Ozobia

rcules

⚽

2⃣ Riddick 🟨 1⃣ Riddick ⚽ Hogg

Riddick Riddick

3⃣ 🟨 Riddick 2⃣

Hercules

Riddick Riddick

Hercules

1⃣ 🟨🟨🟥 d ⚽⚽ 1⃣

eaton

🟨

Riddick

Hercules

Riddick

🟨 Riddick 🟨 Riddick

1⃣ Berry 2⃣ Deacon ⚽⚽⚽ 2⃣ Deacon ⚽ Anthonio-Forde 3⃣ Deacon ⚽

French French

3⃣

French

Jellis

⚽

French

Deacon Hercules

French

⚽ Deacon ⚽ Deacon ⚽ 3⃣ Deacon ⚽ 🟨 1⃣ Deacon

Deacon

French

⚽ 2⃣ Deacon ⚽ 1⃣ Deacon 1⃣ Berry 1⃣ Owoeye 2⃣ James ⚽ 2⃣ James 2⃣ James ⚽ Shawwal 3⃣ James ⚽ 1⃣ Owoeye 1⃣ Anthonio-Forde ⚽ 1⃣ Anthonio-Forde ⚽ Deacon

Deacon

James James Anthonio-Forde

1⃣

James James

⚽ 2⃣

Seaton Seaton

3⃣

Seaton

⚽ 1⃣ Seaton 1⃣ Jones

Greco Greco

⚽ 1⃣

O’Connor

Greco

3⃣ 1⃣

Phillips Phillips

2⃣ ⚽

Stobbs Phillips

French

Anthonio-Forde

Phillips

Dubniuc

French

2⃣ Phillips 1⃣ Ball ⚽ Brown 1⃣ Jones 3⃣ Jones 3⃣ Scott 2⃣

French

Scott

Jenkins

3⃣ ⚽

Sangoya Sangoya

1⃣ Hogg 1⃣

Phillips

French

Hogg James

3⃣ 2⃣

French

3⃣ 3⃣ O’Connor 3⃣ McNamara 2⃣ Sangoya

O’Connor

French Hercules

3⃣

Sangoya

French

Owoeye

Sangoya

3⃣

Sangoya

3⃣ 2⃣

McNamara

McNamara McNamara Ozobia

3⃣ Rudd 3⃣

Rudd

Rudd Jones

1⃣ 🟨 Rudd 2⃣ French 3⃣ French 3⃣ Hogg 2⃣ Hogg 1⃣ Stobbs 1⃣ Stobbs 1⃣ Tamplin 3⃣

O’Connor

1⃣

McNamara

2⃣

Sangoya

1⃣ O’Connor 3⃣ Anthonio-Forde Seaton

1⃣

1⃣ ⚽ 3⃣ Anthonio-Forde 3⃣

Anthonio-Forde

3⃣ 1⃣ 🟥 French 3⃣ French 1⃣ Deacon 2⃣ 🟨

Sangoya

Hercules Greco

Berry

1⃣

O’Connor

2⃣ ⚽ Owoeye 2⃣

James

McCrohan

1⃣ ⚽ 2⃣ 🟨

James

Stobbs

Tamplin

1⃣ ⚽ Phillips 1⃣ 🟨 ⚽ Jones 1⃣ Ball

2⃣

Phillips

2⃣ Ozobia 2⃣ Ball 1⃣ O’Connor 2⃣ Hogg

2⃣ 🟨

Weatherill Stobbs Davis Weatherill

Jellis Hogg

1⃣

2⃣

Owoeye

1⃣ 2⃣ Greville 3⃣

Stobbs

Sangoya

1⃣ 2⃣ Tamplin 3⃣

Riddick

Phillips

1⃣

Bewley

Ushiro-Lumb

Berry

Jenkins

Brown

Davis

2⃣ Berry 1⃣ Berry 2⃣

Berry

Seaton

Anthonio-Forde

McCrohan

O’Connor

Tamplin

1⃣ McNamara 2⃣ James 1⃣ Stobbs 2⃣ Bewley

McCrohan

3⃣

Davis

Sangoya

1⃣ ⚽

2⃣

Sangoya Jones

Sangoya

Stobbs

2⃣ 1⃣

Anthonio-Forde

17 Rudd

Jenkins

Hogg

Phillips

French

2⃣

16 Seaton

Sangoya

Jenkins

French

⚽ 2⃣

Stobbs

McCrohan

Hercules

French

Stobbs

Jellis

French

Anthonio-Forde

Seaton

1⃣

Sangoya

Seaton

1⃣ ⚽ Hodges 3⃣ Jellis 2⃣

Jones

Stobbs

Anthonio-Forde

McCrohan

Stobbs

Lewthwaite

Berry

Seaton

French

⚽ 3⃣

Stobbs

Anthonio-Forde

Sangoya

French

Lewthwaite

Sangoya

McCrohan

McNamara

1⃣ 3⃣ Rudd 2⃣ Rudd 3⃣

Seaton

Hercules

Jones

Lewthwaite

1⃣ ⚽🟨 Seaton 2⃣

2⃣ Anthonio-Forde 1⃣ Anthonio-Forde 1⃣ ⚽ Rudd 3⃣ Rudd 1⃣ Anthonio-Forde 2⃣ ⚽⚽ Sangoya 1⃣

Seaton

French

2⃣

Rudd Jellis

3⃣ Rudd 1⃣ French 3⃣ ⚽ French 2⃣ ⚽ Deacon 1⃣ Seaton 2⃣ Seaton 3⃣ McNamara 2⃣ Berry 2⃣ Sangoya

Seaton

French

2⃣

Stobbs

1⃣ ⚽⚽ Jellis 🟨 Jellis ⚽ Jellis ⚽

Seaton Seaton

3⃣ 1⃣ French ⚽ Jellis ⚽⚽ Jellis 3⃣ Jellis 3⃣

Deacon

Jellis Riddick

Berry

Phillips

Seaton

Hercules

James

2⃣

Phillips

3⃣ 🟨

Greville

Hogg

Adebiyi

3⃣

Seaton

2⃣

Dubniuc Dubniuc

1⃣

Dubniuc Sangoya

Phillips

McNamara

Phillips

Ozobia

2⃣

Ducks in action

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@PitchingIn_

Pitching In Southern League Division One Central TEAM

PTS

Bedford Town

Berkhamsted

AFC Dunstable

North Leigh

Welwyn Garden City

Ware

Thame United

Harlow Town

Biggleswade

FC Romania

-1

St Neots Town

-3

Didcot Town

-11

Barton Rovers

-15

Waltham Abbey

-10

Kidlington

-24

Aylesbury United

-9

Hertford Town

-24

Kempston Rovers

-37

Colney Heath

-51

Wantage Town

-56

Last updated: 17 March 2022