Aylesbury United v Welwyn Garden City by Aylesbury United

Official Matchday Programme 2021-22  #18  Free

Welwyn Garden City

CHARITY PARTNER 2021-22

#BringTheDucksHome

Aylesbury United

5 January 2022  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

Ezra Anthonio-Forde scores in the final minute against Berkhamsted

ood evening and welcome to this Pitching In Southern League Division One Central match against Welwyn Garden City. We haven’t faced the Citizens for two years, so a warm welcome to their players, officials and supporters, and we wish you a safe journey home after the match. The Ducks have only faced the Citizens four times in our history, and so far we haven’t lost – although the previous two meetings between the sides ended 0-0, so we hope for more entertainment this evening. Welwyn have been in very good form as they attempt to catch up on their fixture backlog caused by good runs in both the FA Cup and the FA Trophy. They are unbeaten since the start of December, having won four and drawn one of their past five games. On New Year’s Day they thrashed Barton Rovers 5-2 away from home – scoring in the first minute, and subsequently propelled by a hat-trick from

striker Matty Campbell-Mhlope, so they will provide a stern test this evening. Unfortunately our own form has been heading in the opposite direction as of late, with just one win since the start of December. Hopefully our injury problems have started to recede, along with the intense fixture schedule. Manager Ben Williams was open about his dissatisfaction at Saturday’s performance 3-1 defeat to Berkhamsted, so we hope the players can rise to the occasion this evening. As there wasn’t the opportunity at the postponed game against Thame United, if you have ordered a replica shirt, these shall be available to collect at games either this evening or at the weekend. We’re back at home on Saturday for only the second time since October, when we face Waltham Abbey, and hope to see as many of you there as possible.

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! aylesburyunitedfc.co.uk

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 ________________________________________________________

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

MAX HERCULES

SONNY FRENCH

LIAM GREVILLE

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

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

JAKE BEWLEY

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

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

ANTHONY BALL

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.

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

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.

GAVIN JAMES FORWARD

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

Striker signed from Burnham in October 2021, who has won nine caps for St Vincent and the Grenadines, scoring once. The 32-year-old made his senior debut for Maidenhead United, and has enjoyed a career that has included stints at Marlow, Flackwell Heath, Slough Town, Bracknell Town, in addition to a number of loan spells elsewhere.

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 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

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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AYODEJI OWOEYE

DAVID OZOBIA

JAEDON PHILLIPS

FORWARD

MIDFIELDER

FORWARD

MIDFIELDER

19-year-old forward joined the Ducks from Harrow Borough in November, having made 15 appearances for the Southern League Premier Division South side this season. He was previously on the books of Grimsby Town before his release from the Mariners in August.

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, where he was teammates with Owoeye, in December.

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

JAMIE RUDD

KUDA SANGOYA

BEN SEATON

MIDFIELDER

DEFENDER

MIDFIELDER

LEE STOBBS

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

MARK RIDDICK

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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. Sponsored by Alan Sherwell

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

ROCKO TAMPLIN FORWARD

MARCOS USHIRO-LUMB

JAMES WEATHERILL GOALKEEPER

JACK WOOD DEFENDER

DEFENDER

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

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 16-time end of season award winner, and having reached 500 appearances, he continues to display incredible loyalty to the club despite several offers to ply his trade elsewhere. Sponsored by Rich Lloyd

BEN WILLIAMS

MIKE HOGG

PAUL BATCHELOR

HANNAH BOWRA

MANAGER

ASSISTANT MANAGER

COACH

Youngster who is currently a student at Bucks Sport Academy. He has also played for Risborough Rangers Allied Counties and Winslow United U18s, and was a member of the team who took on Ipswich Town in the FA Youth Cup First Round at Portman Road earlier this season.

Appointed on a permanent basis in January 2018, he initially joined the club as assistant manager before taking over the reigns He is a UEFA A licensed coach and on a day-to-day basis manages Bucks Sports Academy’s 16-19s years football and education programme. Sponsored by G Williams Builders

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.

Joined the club in 2015 to assist then-manager Glyn Creaser. Continued in the role when Ben Williams was appointed as manager to form part of his backroom team.

Sponsored by Oliver’s Plumbing and Heating

Joined the club as coach in December 2017 when Ben Williams was appointed caretaker manager.

PHYSIO

Bowra joined the Ducks as physio for the 2021-22 season.

Sponsored by the Turnbull Family

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Happy New Year from the directors We wish our fans and everyone involved with the club a very happy New Year, and a peaceful and prosperous 2022

s we come to the conclusion of another challenging year for us all – not just in football, but across all spheres of our lives – it’s an opportunity for us to celebrate those achievements that have raised our spirits in these difficult times. At least football is back (as we write this, fingers crossed!), and we’ve all been able to share our collective love for the game and support for the Ducks. This wasn’t a certainty at this time last year, so there’s been progress of a sort, even if the situation remains precarious. The safety of our players and supporters is the most important thing, so we ask you to continue to observe the Covid-19 protocols we’ve put back in place to keep you safe at games next year. It was so disappointing to be unable to welcome you to The Meadow on Monday for the match against Thame, but the relentless rain of the past few days made the pitch unplayable. Hopefully we shall see you all early in the New Year, starting with the home visit of Welwyn Garden City this evening. The first half of the season has brought progress on the pitch too. It may be a cliché

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to say that we punch above our weight in terms of the resources in comparison to other teams in the division, but that doesn’t make it any less true. The management team of Ben, Mike and Paul (and Hannah, who’s had plenty to do in the first half of the season) – and all the players – have done a tremendous job to maintain the good form we showed during the abandoned seasons. To be in touching distance of the play-offs with games in hand as we enter the New Year is superb. To have done so while bedevilled by injuries, absences and departures, as the manager has pointed out, makes it even more significant. We know the team will want to build on, rather than settle for, our current position in the top half of the table next year. We’re also fortunate to have a manager willing to put himself in front of the camera after every game to give an honest

appraisal of the game, no matter the result. We have celebrated some significant milestones in the first half of the season, none more so than Jack Wood’s 500th appearance for the club and moving into second place on the list of all-time appearances for the Ducks, which was a momentous achievement. There will be more to recognise in the New Year, with Harry Jones, Ben Williams, Jake Bewley and Max Hercules all approaching significant stats before the end of the season (all being well!). There have been highlights off the field too. This season’s FA Cup run brought us welcome publicity, with a BBC interview allowing us to highlight the #BringTheDucksHome campaign. Most significant is the money raised and awareness generated for our charity partner, the Cancer Care and Haematology Fund.

More than £2,000 has been raise already, which is a phenomenal sum. We know we rely on the generosity of our fans – through initiatives such as the Gold Club, merchandise sales, and the Bucks Lottery, to name but a few – to keep the club going. So to be able to generate such a large amount for our charity partner on top of that is simply astonishing, and proof of our place at the heart of the community. Of course Aylesbury United is not just the exploits of the first team. The Ladies and Girls, Juniors, and Walking Football sections of the club continue to go from strength-to-strength, testament to the hard work and long hours all our volunteers put in behind the scenes. Due to some recent departures and illnesses, we’re in desperate need of new volunteers to keep things running, so if you’re looking for a new challenge in the New Year, we’d love to hear from you. Even if the time you can spare us is limited, we would still appreciate it and find a way to make it work that suits your circumstances. 2022 shall be a special year for the club as we celebrate our 125th anniversary. We know that everyone is

desperate for us to announce we’re returning to the town – no-one more so than us – but until we can, and as we continue our efforts to do just that, we will do our utmost to keep the club on an even keel so we remain United for another 125 years.

Happy New Year and Come on Your Ducks!

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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 Not pictured: Ezra Anthonio-Forde, Ben Hodges, Gavin James, Ollie Hogg, Mike Hogg (assistant manager)

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 ), Pierce McNamara, Ayodeji Owoeye, Jaedon Phillips, Jamie Rudd, Rocko Tamplin, Marcos Ushiro-Lumb

Today’s Opposition F

WELWYN GARDEN CITY FOUNDED 1921 NICKNAME The Citizens HOME GROUND Herns Lane, Welwyn Garden City CLUB COLOURS Home: Red and white quartered shirts, red shorts, red socks Away: Sky blue shirts, white shorts, white socks MANAGER Nick Ironton PREVIOUS MEETINGS 30 November 2019 D 0-0 19 January 2019 D 0-0 6 October 2018 W 3-1 14 September 1996 W 4-1

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ounded in 1921, when the town itself was in its infancy (the first house was completed in December 1920), Welwyn Garden City began by playing friendlies (the first being against Lemsford Reserves in September 1921, a 3-1 win) before being admitted to the Mid-Hertfordshire League (Division IIa) for the 1922-23 season, with home games played at Parkway and our first opponents Markyate FC at home on the 26th August 1922, a 4-0 defeat (in fact they didn’t register a single competitive win all season, drawing one league game, losing the other 21 and losing two cup ties).The club then moved to the Bedfordshire & District League for one season – 1926-27 (finishing ninth of 11 teams) before joining the Spartan League for season 1927-28, where we stayed until the end of the 1934-35 season. Our first outing in the FA Amateur Cup, 1926-27, saw us lose to Wood Green after a replay in the First Qualifying Round. After being beaten in the final of the Perry Cup by Ware at the end of the 1926-27 season, the following season we gained our first honour, winning the Hertfordshire FA Charity Shield, beating Hoddesdon Town 5-2. We also entered the FA Cup for the first time, losing 7-4 away to Hampstead in the 1st Qualifying Round having previously knocked out Hitchin Blue Cross and Ware. In July 1934 the club announced amalgamation with local rivals Shredded Wheat FC. This was due to the club’s poor financial position (a deficit of £12 was reported by the treasurer) and the Spartan League’s refusal to admit Shredded Wheat as it

would admit no more works teams. It was believed that this merger would prevent competition between the clubs for players and increase gate receipts. The terms of the amalgamation were that City would be regarded as the team representing the town and would play in the Spartan League and have first call on players while Shredded Wheat FC (each team retained its own name) would play in the South Midlands League. Separate committees would be retained and both teams would play at Shredded Wheat’s ground, which was adjacent to the works in Bessemer Road. However, following a very successful 1934-35 season, where we achieved our highest ever league position to that time of third place in the Spartan League Division 2 East (out of 14 teams), the club was forced to resign from the league just nine days before the League AGM as use of the Shredded Wheat facilities was withdrawn “owing to extensive programmes that are being arranged for the Wheat teams.” (quoted from The Welwyn Times) and no other suitable ground in the town was available (the club needed an enclosed ground to enable it to collect gate money, without which it was unable to cover running costs and our former Parkway ground had by then been redeveloped). As a consequence the club was formally wound up in July 1935 with debts of just over £20. This situation lasted until May 1937 when Shredded Wheat FC was wound up by the company management who finally lost patience at the team not being allowed to compete in higher

level leagues. Shredded Wheat management then took the generous decision of making their football facilities available for the re-establishment of a Welwyn Garden City team and in addition included a donation to help establish the new team. This enabled the newly-established team to re-join the Spartan League for the 1937-38 season where we finished bottom. The use of the Shredded Wheat ground only lasted for that one season and during the 1938-39 season we ground-shared with Murphy Radio FC at their Handside Playing Fields ground. Following repeated requests to the local authority, a permanent home was found in Springfields in time for the start of the 1939-40 season. However, in common with all leagues, the Spartan League was suspended in August 1939 due to the war, the club only playing one league fixture and an FA Cup tie. For the remainder of the 1939-40 season we competed in the Hertfordshire & Bedfordshire Combination. However, the club committee was finding it increasingly difficult to raise a team and so, at a meeting held in August 1940, they decided, “to carry on with the club with the present committee”. Our next recorded action on the pitch is from the 1944-45 season with the club competing in the MidHertfordshire League. Things returned to normality for the 1945-46 season with the club once again competing in the Spartan League, where we remained until joining the London League for the 195051 season. Our three season stay in the London League

lasted until the end of the 1954-1955 season, when we re-joined the Spartan League, where we stayed until 1959. At this time the Club were managed by Harry Hibbs, the former England goalkeeper (25 caps), Harry being one of two ex-internationals to be in charge of The Citizens, the other being Alex Massie who was capped by Scotland. In 1956 we were elected Associate Members of the Football Association. After finishing 15th (out of 16 teams) in the Spartan League (1958-59 season) our next stop was county football with a move to the Hertfordshire County League for the 1959-1960 season, where we stayed until the end of the 1969-1970 season. During this time we moved to our present home, Herns Way, in 1968 and staged our first fixture at senior level, against Knebworth in the Aubrey Cup, on the 16th November that year. In 1970 the club joined the London League for the second time in our history. The following season – 1971-72 – the club became a founder member of the Metropolitan London League, where we remained for two seasons. In 1973 we merged with local rivals Welwyn Garden United to form Welwyn Garden FC. The merged club took over Welwyn Garden United’s place in the South Midlands League for the 1973-74 season, winning the Premier Division championship at the first attempt - the first championship win in our history (Welwyn Garden United reformed as a separate club for the 1974-75 season

and took up a place in the Hertfordshire County League). Here we stayed for 24 seasons – our longest uninterrupted period in one league to date. During this time, in the 1974-75 season, we reached the final of the South Midlands League Challenge Trophy, only to be beaten by Barton Rovers 3-1 on aggregate.1976-77 saw us lose our top-flight status and there began a five-year battle to reclaim it. During these First Division years the club was to finish no lower than fifth. In 1981-82 we won the First Division title and changed our name back to Welwyn Garden City prior to the 1982-83 season. In that league-topping year we also reached the final of the South Midlands League Challenge Trophy but once again had to settle for runnersup, this time losing 3-0 on aggregate to Stotfold. The season 1984-85 brought us cup success for the first time since the club was reformed, when under the management of John Sneddon we beat Pirton 2-0 to lift the first ever Hertfordshire FA Senior Centenary Trophy. At the end of the season John decided to call it a day and he was replaced in the close season by ex-Sudbury Court boss, Ray Sullivan, whose first task was to rebuild the side. 12 months later we finished runners-up, missing out on the Premier Division title by four points (two points for a win) to Selby FC,due to some erratic form in the closing games. In 1986-87 and 1987-88 we lifted the Hertfordshire FA Charity Shield, making us only the sixth team to retain the Shield. The close of the 198687 season also saw floodlights

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installed at the Herns Way ground. This was celebrated with a match versus Tottenham Hotspur. In 1988-89 we gained a top six league finish along with an appearance in two cup-finals, the South Midlands League Challenge Trophy and the Hertfordshire FA Senior Centenary Trophy. However these were both lost in the space of five days. The 199091 season saw yet another cup final loss, losing on penalties in the final of the Hertfordshire FA Charity Shield. Ray Sullivan stepped down as manager in 1990 and so followed a lean spell during which we tried several managerial combinations, including Dave Lawrence, John ‘Jock’ Bruce, former player Pat Maslen and Ian Priest. The closest we came to winning anything was another Hertfordshire FA Charity Shield Final appearance, during Pat Maslen’s reign. However, this was lost on penalties. In 1996-97 the club looked as manager to local man Malcolm Doctor, who the previous season had guided our arch-rivals Hatfield Town to second place in the South Midlands League. Everyone at the Club was optimistic about glory days returning to Herns Way. Four cup-finals were reached, the South Midlands League Challenge Trophy, the Hertfordshire FA Charity Shield, the Southern Combination Cup and the O’Brien Challenge Trophy but all of them were lost. However, there was some consolation with the Reserve team winning the Southern Combination Reserve Challenge Cup. 1997-98 saw the merger

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of the Spartan League and the South Midlands League to form the Spartan South Midlands League, with the club joining the Premier North Division and finishing high enough (sixth) to qualify for the Premier Division the following season. In 1998, following the departure of Malcolm Doctor, we forged a link with near neighbours Stevenage Borough FC and strengthened our squad with Boro’s EFCO youngsters along with the management pairing of Dave Bullock and Bill Bannister. However despite reaching the Third Qualifying Round of the FA Cup for the first time, losing 4-2 to Ford United after a 2-2 draw at Herns Way (the furthest the club has ever progressed in the competition to date),the season collapsed midway through and with the break-up of the squad a battle with relegation followed. 1999-2000 saw a rebuilding process with former Somersett Ambury V&E boss Dave Steadman being appointed manager and being given the task of leading the Citizens into the new millennium. However the Club’s downward trend continued and at the end of the 2000-01 season we were relegated to the First Division, thus ending one of the longest unbroken spells in the Premier Division. Guillermo Ganet was appointed manager in 2002 with the task of restoring the glory days back to the club and after two seasons steered the club back to the Premier Division. Our first season back in the top flight (2004-05) saw us finish in a very creditable eighth place. However, the

end of that campaign saw the manager and most of the playing squad depart for Berkhamsted Town. Howard Cowley was given his chance as manager in 2005-06; he brought a wealth of experience from not only the Spartan South Midlands League but also all divisions of the Ryman League. During his tenure the team achieved a 19 game unbeaten run in all competitions and also equalled our best ever FA Cup run when losing narrowly 2-1 away to the then Conference South leaders Histon in the Third Qualifying Round. The team also exceeded its best ever run in the FA Vase by reaching the Fifth Round only for an administrative error to deny them the chance to go even further. The 2006-07 season saw the club achieve fourth spot in the league, becoming the only side to beat eventual League and Cup champions Edgware Town at their White Lion ground whilst doing the double over local rivals Hertford Town with two fine victories. Following the departure of Howard Cowley, a quick succession of managers tried to revive the fortunes of the club. However this did nothing to ensure success; in fact it had the opposite effect with relegation back to the First Division at the end of the 2009-10 campaign. A feature of the 2009-10 season was the forming of an ‘A’ team (the Reserve team having relocated to Arlesey Town), managed by Simon Braine who was assisted by Mark Zienkowicz and which won the North & MidHertfordshire League Division One title.

2010-11 saw our poor form continue, against a background of severe financial struggle which at one time threatened the survival of the club. This wasn’t helped by having three managers during the season, Phil Read, Rob Pattwell and Simon Braine. The latter, with the help of assistant manager Adam Fisher, helped to steer the club away from potentially ruinous relegation. Adam then moved on to Barton Rovers FC as their Assistant Manager. 2012-13 saw manager Scott O’Donoghue working alongside Pablo Ardiles as his assistant. Scott left at the end of the season and was replaced by our former player and assistant manager Adam Fisher, assisted by another former player, Richard Teixiera. In his first season in charge in 2013-14, Adam led us to a highly creditable fourth place in the First Division, having challenged for promotion until the final run-in. A feature of the season was 51 goals from striker Jason Caswell, a new club record, outstripping Terry Hayes’ previous best of 47 from the late 1980s. Jason was ably assisted by strike partner Joel Norris, who scored 33 goals as the side topped 100 goals for the season. The 2014-15 season was one of the most successful for many years with a First Division Championship and Cup ‘double’. We won the division title by seven points, ahead of FC Broxbourne Borough – who were promoted alongside us – and took the Division 1 Cup for the first time – thanks to a 2-0 final victory over Crawley Green at Langford FC. Joel Norris surpassed his 33 goals of the

previous season by scoring 41 in the campaign and was deservedly voted player of the season by both the management and his fellow players. The highlight of the following season was winning the Spartan South Midlands League Challenge Trophy for the first time, having lost in the final of this and its South Midlands League equivalent on four previous occasions. We were also runners-up in the Dudley Latham Memorial (Premier Division) Cup. The following season, 2016-17, was one of consolidation on and off the pitch as extensive ground improvements were completed, necessary for us to compete at a higher level. The 2017-18 season was one that supporters will remember for a long time. A club record of 25 consecutive games unbeaten in all competitions was set as well as going 18 consecutive league games unbeaten, also a club record. On the 12th November 2017 Tottenham Hotspur Ambassador and World Cup winner Osvaldo Ardiles unveiled stadium upgrades – which included two turnstiles from the old White Hart Lane ground donated by Tottenham Hotspur – after we had received a Premier League grant. The league championship was won for the first time since the merger of the Spartan and South Midlands leagues and was only the second title ever for the club at this level. Even the disappointment of yet another defeat in the final of the Hertfordshire FA Charity Shield – our sixth defeat in nine finals – and another loss in

the final of the Dudley Latham Memorial (Premier Division) Cup couldn’t overshadow the achievement of Level 4 football in the Southern League for the first time in our history. The 2018-19 league season began well but exits from the FA Cup and FA Trophy at the first hurdle were disappointing. Crisis struck in January when manager Adam Fisher was suddenly dismissed for persistently exceeding his playing budget. This led to an immediate walkout of almost the entire squad and backroom staff. Only players Jonny Sexton, Jay Rolfe and David Keenleyside remained for the rest of the season. Thanks to quick action by the club’s football committee, Fisher was quickly replaced by Dean Barker who worked tirelessly to put together a backroom team and a playing squad at extremely short notice. Having been given the job on the Thursday there was not enough time to have a team ready for the home tie with eventual league champions Peterborough Sports the following Saturday, for which the club was later fined. The next fixture was three days later but the battling draw against Aylesbury United by the hastily put together team was later cancelled out when the club was fined and deducted the hard-won point by the league for playing an ineligible player (the club played three work experience players when the limit is two). Four draws and eight defeats in Barker’s first twelve games in charge saw the team drawn into the battle to avoid relegation. However, a rally of three wins – two of which were

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away from home - and a draw in the final five games ensured survival with a game to spare and ensured a comfortable 14th place finish. Barker was given the manager’s job on a permanent basis shortly after the end of the season and he spoke with optimism about his plans for the future. However, a few days afterwards the ambitious Barker accepted the manager’s job at Step 3 club Kings Langley. The club then appointed Nick Ironton as his replacement. Whilst not enjoying any notable cup success, Ironton’s team was challenging strongly for a play-off place when the 201920 season was declared null and void due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Covid-19 was again responsible when the 2020-21 season was curtailed in March 2021. Welwyn Garden City had only played six games when this decision was taken but a magnificent run to the third round proper of the FA Trophy – the furthest we have reached in our three attempts – was a small consolation.

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Aylesbury United FC

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Opposition profiles Dave Keenleyside Signed from Hertford Town of the Isthmian League, after an outstanding time in the SSML with Harpenden Town. Picked in the SSML team of the season for two seasons running and that league’s ‘Team of the Decade’. Talented passer of the ball and very creative in midfield, who has also played for St Albans and Dunstable. Jesse Walklin Played most of his early football on the South Coast for the highly successful Southampton-based outfit Sholing FC, in both Southern and Wessex League football. Combative, hard tackling midfield, who has also played Varsity representative football while at Newcastle University. Captaining the side for a third season. Lee Close Combative, adaptable player, equally at home in central defence or midfield. Rejoined WGC two seasons ago, having finished previous season at Barton Rovers. Began his career with National League Borehamwood. George Ironton Son of manager Nick and in his second spell with the club having been a regular in their SSML days five seasons ago. Creative midfielder, who has also seen service with Cockfosters and with Tring Athletic. Jay Rolfe Very consistent performer at the heart of the defence and

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very adaptable if needed. Has been at the club for past six seasons, after joining from Essex Senior League Cockfosters. Very popular with all at the club. Jon Sexton One of the club’s longest serving players, who joined with George Ironton from Cockfosters six seasons ago. Briefly left for a short spell at Berkhamsted two seasons ago, but re-joined the Citizens at the start of 2020. Charlie Crowley Joined the club for the 202021 season from Isthmian South Central club Waltham Abbey. Experienced keeper, who has also seen service with Wingate & Finchley and Hayes & Yeading. Ryan Doherty Powerful young defender who is a product of the club’s Under 23’s side. Originally with Essex Senior Leaguers Hoddesdon Town, he has been a regular performer for the first-team in the last season. Cyrus Babaie Athletic, pacy young forward, who has come through from the club’s Under 23 side to claim a spot for the 2021-22 season. Began with Hoddesdon Town of the Essex Senior League. Very highly rated. Jordon Watson Powerfully built forward who rejoined the club for a second spell from Ware, from whom he originally joined

WGC three seasons ago. Has recovered from injury, to find his best form recently. Previously served Hertford, Aveley and Tilbury. Ben Spaul Hard working midfielder, who rejoined the club for a second spell after three seasons with Berkhamsted, where he was captain for a time. Reliable performer, who first came to WGC five seasons ago from Cockfosters. Matty Campbell-Mhlope Another returnee to Herns Lane after a couple of seasons away, the former Millwall and AFC Wimbledon junior has played for a number of clubs at both National League and senior Southern League level. Callum Taylor Has also returned to play at WGC for the 2021-22 season, rejoining from Isthmian Premier outfit East Thurrock United. Midfielder or full-back who played at Herns Lane two seasons ago, whom he joined from Royston Town. Jon Clements Recently re-signed for the club after three seasons away, since when his goals have helped secure the Spartan South Midlands League title and promotion for Colney Heath, from who he rejoins WGC. Locally based striker, whose goals have helped three clubs win the SSML title and also a regular marksman with Tring Athletic and Walthamstow of the Essex Senior League.

Lewis Franklin Teenage full-back signed midseason from Spartan South Midlands Leaguers Baldock Town for whom he was an ever present before joining WGC. A former Hitchin Town youth player, who spent time at Tottenham as a schoolboy. Yemi Adelani A recent capture from Walthamstow FC, runaway leaders of the Essex Senior League, While not always a regular starter with the ‘Stow, he notched 10 goals prior moving to WGC and a club nearer his Herts home. Was a prolific scorer with Ilford FC, his hometown club and Hullbridge Sports, who he helped to the Essex League title, prior to joining Walthamstow.

Tamas Amgbaduba Recently promoted from the club’s Under 23 side, he is an adaptable player who can play in defence, or more recently as a forward. Formerly with Chalfont St Peter of the Isthmian League South Central division, he is currently skipper of the Herts University side. Ari Krasniqi Also promoted after a spell playing in the club’s Under 23s, this skilful midfielder joined WGC after playing for Edgware Town in the Combined Counties League. Previously with Royston Town.

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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

18 Aug 21

19:45

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

Kidlington

Weatherill Weatherill

🟨

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

2⃣ 1⃣ McCrohan Jones 🟨 Ball 1⃣ Wood ⚽ Stobbs 2⃣ Jones Bewley Wood McCrohan Stobbs 2⃣ Bewley Wood McCrohan 2⃣ O’Connor 🟨 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

Jones

Ball

Wood

McCrohan

Stobbs

15:00

LEAGUE

1-3

4 Sep 21

15:00 H Willand Rovers

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

O’Connor

30 Oct 21

15:00

AFC Dunstable

LEAGUE

1-2

176

Davis

Jenkins

French

6 Nov 21

15:00

Kempston Rovers

Waltham Abbey

Wantage Town

Jones

🟨

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

B&BSC

2-2

162

Davis

⚽ Sangoya 1⃣ Jones 🟨 Jones ⚽

11 Dec 21 15:00 H Harlow Town

LEAGUE

2-1

135

Davis

15 Dec 21 19:45 H Bedford Town

LEAGUE

1-1

164

Davis

19 Dec 21 15:00

FC Romania

LEAGUE

3-1

112

1 Jan 21

15:00

Berkhamsted

LEAGUE

3-1

367

5 Jan 21

19.45 H Welwyn Garden City

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

Colney Heath

LEAGUE

TBC

19:45 H Thame United

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

North Leigh

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

🟨

Hogg

Jones

30 Aug 21

Thame United

2 Ball

Jones

🟨 Bewley ⚽ Bewley ⚽ Greco

Bewley

🟨 Wood ⚽

Jenkins

Wood

Jenkins

Bewley

Wood

⚽

Jenkins

O’Connor

French Hogg

3⃣

Hogg

Bewley

Wood

O’Connor

Bewley

Wood

Sangoya

McNamara

Sangoya

Wood

J. Seaton

McNamara

Jones

Bewley

Wood

Jones

Bewley

Wood

Davis

Jones

Bewley

Wood

Davis

Jones

Bewley

Wood

Jenkins Jenkins

⚽

Jenkins Jenkins

🟨

3⃣

Hogg

🟨 🟨

Ozobia McNamara McNamara Ozobia

3⃣

Hercules

1⃣ Hercules ⚽ Hercules ⚽

McNamara

Hercules Hercules

⚽

⚽🟨 Riddick 🟨 Riddick 🟨

Jellis

Riddick

1⃣ 2⃣

Riddick Hogg

Hercules

Hogg

Hercules

Ushiro-Lumb

Hercules Hercules

⚽

Hercules Hercules Rudd

2⃣

Hercules Stobbs

⚽ 🟨 2⃣

Stobbs

2⃣ Hercules ⚽⚽ Hercules ⚽ Stobbs

Hercules

3⃣ 3⃣ Owoeye 1⃣ Greville 1⃣

🟨 1⃣

Riddick Riddick

1⃣ Riddick 🟨 Riddick

Riddick Riddick

⚽🟨

Riddick

2⃣ Riddick 2⃣

Riddick

Hercules

Riddick

Owoeye

Riddick Riddick Tamplin

2⃣

Hercules

Riddick

Hercules

Riddick

2⃣ Hercules 3⃣ Riddick 🟨 1⃣ Hercules

Hogg

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

⚽ 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

French

⚽ 2⃣

Seaton Seaton

3⃣

Rudd Jellis

1⃣ ⚽🟨 Seaton 2⃣

Sangoya

Stobbs

McCrohan

Anthonio-Forde

Berry

Greco Greco

⚽ 1⃣

O’Connor

Greco

3⃣

French

1⃣

Hercules

French

Phillips

French French

Phillips Phillips

3⃣ 2⃣

Phillips Stobbs

3⃣

Sangoya

3⃣ 3⃣ O’Connor 3⃣ McNamara 2⃣ Sangoya

O’Connor

French Hercules

2⃣

Hogg James

3⃣ ⚽

Sangoya Sangoya

1⃣ Hogg 1⃣

Owoeye

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

1⃣ McNamara 2⃣ James 1⃣ Stobbs 2⃣ Bewley

McNamara

McCrohan

3⃣

McCrohan

Davis

O’Connor

Sangoya

O’Connor

2⃣

Bewley

1⃣

Davis

Stobbs

1⃣ ⚽

Rudd

Sangoya Jones

Sangoya

Hogg

Anthonio-Forde

Jenkins

French

⚽ 2⃣

2⃣

16 Seaton

Sangoya

McCrohan

2⃣ 1⃣

Sangoya

French

Stobbs

Jellis

Stobbs

French

Stobbs

Seaton

1⃣

Seaton

Jones

Anthonio-Forde

1⃣ ⚽ Hodges 3⃣ Jellis 2⃣

Jones

Stobbs

Anthonio-Forde

McCrohan

Sangoya

⚽ 1⃣ Seaton 1⃣

McNamara

1⃣ 3⃣ Rudd 2⃣ Rudd 3⃣

Seaton

Hercules

Seaton

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

Seaton

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

3⃣ 1⃣ 🟥 French 3⃣ French 1⃣ Deacon 2⃣ 🟨

Ushiro-Lumb Sangoya

2⃣ Berry 1⃣ Berry 2⃣

Hercules

Berry

Greco

Berry

1⃣

O’Connor

2⃣ ⚽ Owoeye 2⃣

James

McCrohan

1⃣ ⚽ 2⃣ 🟨

James

Stobbs

Tamplin

1⃣ 2⃣ Greville 3⃣ Seaton

Stobbs Davis Weatherill

Jellis Hogg

1⃣

2⃣

Owoeye

Riddick

2⃣ 🟨

Weatherill

Sangoya

1⃣ 2⃣ Tamplin 3⃣

Tamplin

Stobbs

Phillips

Seaton

Hercules

James

2⃣

Phillips

3⃣ 🟨

Match report Berkhamsted 3-1 Aylesbury United Southern League Division One Central Saturday 1 January 2022 Broadwater, Berkhamsted By David ‘Brains’ Figg

ylesbury United’s hopes of bouncing back from their 1-3 away defeat by FC Romania on Sunday 19 December were dashed as their return to action following the postponement of the local derby at home to Thame United on Monday 27 December saw them slip to a 1-3 away defeat by near neighbours and title-chasing Berkhamsted in their New Year’s Day local derby in the Pitching In Southern League Division One Central in front of a 367 crowd at Broadwater on Saturday. The Ducks had gone into the game in 10th place, level on points with 11th placed FC Romania but ahead on goal difference with both eighth placed Thame United and ninth placed Welwyn Garden City a point ahead with Thame narrowly ahead on goal difference. Meanwhile, like Aylesbury, Berkhamsted went into the game on the back of a blank Bank Holiday Monday after their scheduled away game at Welwyn Garden City was postponed. Results elsewhere the same day had left Berkhamsted in second place, three points behind leaders Bedford Town

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(albeit with two games in hand) but four points ahead of third placed AFC Dunstable with just a game in hand. The first chance of note came Berko’s way in the 12th minute when Lucas Kirkpatrick’s right foot free kick from 23 yards just to the right of middle towards Ducks keeper Archie Davis’ left hand post found former Duck Ryan Kinnane, whose header from six yards was deflected for a corner. The hosts took the lead just into the 14th minute when Kinnane’s low through ball found Cheyce Grant on the right and his deep cross to the far post found Tommy Smith, who rose above his marker to send his looping header from six yards across goal over a rooted Davis into his left hand corner. A good chance came Aylesbury’s way deep into the 15th minute when David Ozobia’s diagonal ball found Lee Stobbs on the right, who took a touch to control before crossing low for Max Hercules who fired his left foot shot from six yards over the bar under pressure. A possible opening came Berko’s way just into the 23rd minute when a long ball over the top down the right was chased by Grant but the pass just had too much weight on it and the ball ran out for a goal kick. The hosts went close just into the 22nd minute when debutant Ben Walster’s left footed free kick from 25 yards on the right just in from the touchline towards the far post

found Kinnane, who rose above Jordan Jenkins but sent his header from nine yards over the bar to Davis’ left. United went close in the 38th minute when Sonny French’s low diagonal ball from middle to right found Ezra Anthonio-Forde, who took a touch to control and cut in before seeing his low left foot shot deflected to reduce its power and the ball was held by debutant Berko keeper Cameron Groom. The last chance of the half came Berko’s way just into the 44th minute when Alie Bangura’s low diagonal through ball from left of middle found the on-running Walster on the left, who ran towards the byline before crossing to the in-running Grant inside the six yard box. However, the ball was a little too high for him and hit the back of his head before going over the bar. Second half United made a double change to start the second half with Ollie Hogg coming on to replace Mark Riddick and Gavin James coming on to replace Stobbs. The first chance of note in the second half came United’s way with exactly nine completed minutes played when Hogg’s low long through ball on the right found the on-running James, who took a touch to control and cut infield before squaring low to his left to Anthonio-Forde but he fired his powerful shot over the bar to Groom’s right. The Ducks had come out

stronger for the second half and they went close again deep into the 56th minute when Jenkins’ lob forward from just inside his own half on the right was partly cleared out to Hogg, who dragged his first time right foot angled shot from 23 yards on the right just wide of Groom’s right hand post. Berko made their first change in the 63rd minute when Lewis Toomey came on to replace Elliot Bailey. Aylesbury went close in the 66th minute when Ozobia’s right foot shot from the edge of the box on the right was superbly parried one handed to his right by Groom before the ball was cleared. The Ducks made their final change in the 67th minute when Jaedon Phillips came on to replace Hercules. The visitors went close in the 70th minute when Jake Bewley’s low through ball on the left found Phillips, who took a touch to control and cut infield before squaring low to his right to French. He took a touch to take the ball to his right before dragging his low right foot shot from 23 yards wide of Groom’s right hand post. Berkhamsted went close deep into the 73rd when a long ball over the top through the left of middle found Toomey who beat Jack Wood as the Ducks captain slipped and ran on before firing his right foot shot from the left hand corner of the D wide of Davis’ left hand post. Another chance came the hosts’ way in the 79th minute when a cross from the right found Toomey at the far post, who sent his shot from a tight

angle back across goal and past Davis’ left hand post. Berko went close again in the 80th minute when, from Walster’s corner from the right into the middle, a scramble ensued before the ball eventually bounced to former DuckJordon Frederick, whose first time right foot shot from 12 yards was blocked. The hosts made their second change in the 81st minute when James Verney came on to replace Grant. A great chance came Berko’s way right at the end of the 82nd minute when a counter-attack saw a good through ball find the onrunning Verney on the right, who beat his man and ran towards the byeline before crossing for the in-running Toomey who, with the goal at his mercy, somehow fired his low first time right foot shot from six yards wide of Davis’ left hand post when he should have scored. Then in the 86th minute, it was 2-0 when the hosts broke out and good low diagonal through ball from inside their own half found Bangura on the left. He took a touch to control before sending a low forward ball to Toomey who fired his first time right foot shot from 15 yards through Davis’ legs into the centre of the net. It was 3-0 deep into the 88th minute when Daniel Akubuine’s forward header from halfway between the edge of his own box and the halfway line found Toomey, who took a touch to control before sending a chipped diagonal ball to Bangura on the left. He took a touch to control before cutting back inside and sending his right foot chip from 12 yards

inside the left hand corner of the box high into the centre of the net. Then after two minutes 30 seconds of added time, Aylesbury pulled a consolation goal back when Phillips’ corner from the left to the near post was headed out by Adam Watkins from inside the left hand corner of the 6 yard box. The ball fell to French, whose first time dinked ball forward from 25 yards out found Jenkins 14 yards out, his first time low diagonal ball to his right found the unmarked Anthonio-Forde seven yards out with his back to goal. However, he took a touch and turned before firing his low left foot shot into Groom’s left hand corner. There was just enough time for Berko to kick off again before the final blast of referee Daniel Simpson’s whistle three seconds after the restart brought the game to a close. It hadn’t been a particularly good performance by Aylesbury in their first game for two weeks and they will be hoping to bounce back quickly when they entertain sixth placed Welwyn Garden City at The Meadow tonight.

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Bedford Town

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Didcot Town

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FC Romania

Biggleswade

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St Neots Town

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Last updated: 2 January 2022