Pictured: Ieaun Lewis Photo Courtesy of Grace Leslie OFFICIAL MATCH PROGRAMME Saturday 6th April 2019 Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division
BIGGLESWADE UNITED v ARLESEY TOWN FC
What’s Inside • Welcome • The Players • Guillem Balague on Biggleswade United • Current League Standings • Results and Fixtures • Up Next at Second Meadow • Our Results So Far • Biggleswade United Under 23s • Biggleswade United Ladies FC • Our Forthcoming Fixtures • Our Club History • Arlesey Town FC – The History • Venue for Hire • In Form Statistics • Player Profiles • Team Photo
Welcome Welcome to Second Meadow Good afternoon and welcome to Second Meadow for today’s Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division fixture. We extend a warm welcome to the players, officials and supporters of our visitors ARLESEY TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB. We also welcome our three match officials and we hope that you enjoy your short stay with us. Match Preview – Courtesy of Leon Waite @leonwaite98 United moved within five points of the leaders after a comprehensive 4-0 win at Cockfosters last time out. Joe Hankins’s hat-trick inspired the visitors to victory in north London as Alex Salvador’s side’s strong response to defeat against second-place Hadley five weeks ago continued. Since that 2-0 reverse, five straight league wins have followed with 16 goals scored and just one conceded in that period. Exiting the North Beds Charity Cup at the semi-final stage at home to local rivals Biggleswade FC a fortnight ago was disappointing but the team’s resurgent league form shows little sign of relenting. United are guaranteed to finish higher than they ever have and if promotion is perhaps slightly beyond the realms of possibility at this stage, the last five games present an opportunity to lay down a marker ahead of next year Our visitors – Arlesey Town Relegated from the Southern League Division One East last term, Arlesey have lingered on the periphery of the top four without quite enough consistency to break into that bracket as they sit 8th. Their 1-1 draw with United in mid-January launched a six-game unbeaten run, although the Blues managed just two wins in that sequence before going down 2-1 at Oxhey Jets. They won the return fixture 4-2 with a 0-0 draw with Edgware Town in between. Most recently they were humbled 5-0 at Tring Athletic and subsequently beaten 1-0 by Wembley at New Lamb Meadow. Next Up On Tuesday night we travel to North Greenford United. Kick Off 7.45pm
The Players..
Picture courtesy of GUY WILLS PHOTOGRAPHY
Pictured: Jaiden Irish
Balague on Biggleswade United GUILLEM BALAGUE Biggleswade United Chairman, Guillem Balague, provides this weekly column for The Biggleswade Chronicle.
With just five games left to play, here at Biggleswade United we continue to fight for the highest possible finish, safe in the knowledge that we are currently enjoying our most successful season ever. In the league, since losing to Hadley back in February, we have racked up five wins on the bounce, scoring 16 goals and conceding just one.
If we can secure maximum points from our last five games it will mean we will finish the season on 83 points. If our rivals for the title - Tring Athletic, Hadley or Biggleswade FC can do better, then we will be the first to shake their hands and congratulate them, primarily because that is the thing to do, but also because they will have won it rather than had it handed to them.
We now owe it to our loyal fans, our stalwart volunteers, but also to ourselves, to keep up the momentum and battle right through to the final whistle.
The key to the success of our first team is continuity and stability as we continue to grow. Its continued growth will be built on those standards that have stood the test of The chances of us actually topping the time; honesty, integrity, passion, hard table at the end of the season are work and commitment and it will be highly unlikely although not yet constructed brick by brick, mathematically impossible and I have painstakingly, unglamorously, been around football long enough to effectively and for the long term and know that in this magnificently crazy most importantly, for everyone. game you should never say never.
Continued Overleaf
Balague on Biggleswade United GUILLEM BALAGUE Continued As ever, not everything is in our hands. Our success this season has attracted - and will continue to do so - the attention of other clubs to both players and coaches alike, and like so many other clubs we face a constant battle in trying to hold on to our assets and persuade them that the grass is not always greener on the other side.
thank all those who have helped us financially, and in kind, and also to show and explain to them where their contributions are going and just what we are trying to build at the club.
And it will also be a wonderful way for me to bring the curtain down on a week that saw me meet up with and interview fellow Football Beyond In striving to achieve our Borders patron, Chris Smalling, ambitions it is impossible to and touch base for a BBC feature overstate the importance of with my friend of many years sponsorship to our club and going back to my Liverpool days, today we look forward to hosting, Newcastle manager, Rafa Benitez. potentially, our biggest crowd of the season when we welcome all of our various team sponsors to See you there the club tomorrow for a special sponsors day to coincide with our match against Arlesey Town Guillem It will be a chance for me and all the teams (coaches, players, parents) to meet and personally
Current League Standings
Results and Fixtures
Next Up at Second Meadow SPARTAN SOUTH MIDLANDS LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION
FRIDAY 19TH APRIL 2019 7.45pm
BIGGLESWADE UNITED V
POTTON UNITED SPARTAN SOUTH MIDLANDS LEAGUE DEVELOPMENT DIVISION SATURDAY 20TH APRIL 2019 3pm
BUCKINGHAM ATHLETIC V
BIGGLESWADE UNITED UNDER 23
Our Results So Far
Biggleswade United Under 23
Biggleswade United Ladies
BEDFORDSHIRE & HERTFORDSHIRE WOMEN’S FOOTBALL LEAGUE CUP SUNDAY 14TH APRIL 2019 KICK OFF 2pm
BIGGLESWADE UNITED LADIES V LANGFORD LADIES
Our Forthcoming Fixtures
Our History 1959 - 1999 Biggleswade United Football Club was re-formed on the 16th July 1959. However, local history records indicate that there was a Biggleswade United side playing at Second Meadow as early as 1929. Our first season (1959/60) saw us competing in Division Three of the North Herts. League (NHL). After 10 successful years in the NHL the club made the step up to South Midlands League (SML) football. But towards the end of a 15-year association with the SML the club began to struggle and after three years of finishing in the bottom three of Division One we sought fresh fields. The club joined the Herts. Senior but club continued to find the going tough. In 1986 we elected to return to local League football, joining the Bedford and District Football League and began to build again.
The appointment of Brian Swords as first team manager in 87/88 proved to be the turning point in the club's fortunes. During the next ten years the club achieved a tremendous amount of success on and off the football pitch. Our record of League and Cup honours speak for themselves but aligned to this a great deal of work went on behind the scenes to match the on-field success. The club now boasts one of the best clubhouse and ground facilities in the Mid-Bedfordshire area. The success of the club has also attracted many new players as well as commanding a great deal of loyalty from those players who helped the club progress from Division Three of the Bedford and District League to County Senior Club status in just 15 years. The 1995/96 season was the most successful in the club's history - winning five major honours; the Beds Intermediate County Cup, Bedford and District League Championship, League Cup Championship and as the League's representatives the club won the Beds. FA Centenary Cup. Having won every major Bedford League honour the club felt it was time to move on and made the decision to make the step up once again and returned to Division One of the SML. In an exceptionally successful first season we celebrated a Division One "double" by winning the Championship and the Division One Cup. We also retained the Beds. FA Intermediate County Cup, only the second club in the competition's history to achieve this feat. To crown our success the club were awarded the SML Special Achievement Trophy in July 1997. In the season 1997/98 we finally achieved Senior status. This was achieved not only through the endeavours of the players on the field but ultimately as a result of an extremely hard working committee. With the help of the Biggleswade Town Council a new stand was erected and perimeter fencing installed. And two seasons later the club erected floodlights and on the evening of 26th October 1999 we played our first-ever floodlit game at Second Meadow, Ryman League side Leighton Town were the visitors in the Bedfordshire Premier Cup.
Our History 2000- 2018 The next eleven years saw the first team led by Steve "Snowy" Wright and under his management the club continued to enjoy a very high level of League and Cup success ultimately achieving promotion to the Molten Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division and with it the opportunity to compete in the FA Cup. And under Snowy the club made three Beds FA Senior Challenge Cup final appearances, winning two of the three with victories over Stotfold (4-1) and Leighton Town (1-0) but missed out in 2006/07 going down 2-0 to Dunstable Town. Snowy's other cup successes came in the form of the Hunts Premier Cup, North Beds Charity Cup, Hinchingbrooke Cup, the SML Division One Cup and the SML Special Achievement Award once again. The end of the 2006 2007 saw Snowy step down as manager with his assistant, Nick Burton taking over the first team reins. January 5th 2009 saw the club embark on further ambitious ground improvements. With financial backing from Biggleswade Town Council, Mid Beds District Council and the Football Foundation we installed a 260-seater stand, fully enclosed the ground with a double turnstile entrance and players' secure walkway, which raised the ground to Grade E status. After several years of stability in terms of first team managers the next six years saw a regular turnover of first team and reserve team managers with Nick Burton, Dave Elkin and Phil Childs all taking over the first team reins for a time. At the start of the 2013-2014 season we appointed Mick Reardon and Mark Royal as first team managers both of whom had enjoyed success as coaches at the higher levels of football. Their disciplined approach was quickly adhered to and responded to by the players and under their stewardship we achieved the highest Premier Division position in nine years and first silverware in seven years winning the North Beds Charity Cup for the first time in the club’s history. In November 2014 the club took a further positive step to realise our ambitions with the appointment of Sky Sports Presenter and renowned author, Guillem Balague as Biggleswade United’s Director of Football. Following Mick and Mark’s decision to step down at the end 2014 2015, Guillem was quick to act and recruited a new Head Coach in Cristian Colas Beccera. Cristian was assisted by former professional player, Stuart Bimson, and under their guidance the team finished in eighth spot in the Premier Division in 2017 2018 - the highest position in the club’s history. Having built a strong reputation for their outstanding coaching ability and playing philosophy Cristian and Stuart moved up to Step 3 level club, Staines Town, for the start of the 2018 2019 season. Guillem was again in search for a high quality coach and Jimmy Martin came highly recommended by his predecessor, Colas, who worked with Jimmy at Stevenage FC Academy. Jimmy was appointed Manager in May 2018 and will be assisted by a former United playing legend and well respected character in SML football, Dean Bull. Also on the coaching staff is Spanish coach Emilio Gutierrez. The club has certainly come a long way in relatively few years but we could not have done it without the help of a very supportive Town and District Council who clearly understands the benefits of having a community based club in Biggleswade. Our success is also very much down to a very hard working committee who throughout the year - not just the football season continue to volunteer their time and commitment to the club, to help it continue to thrive and be a source of enjoyment for our supporters and the Biggleswade community.
The History of Arlesey Town The club was established in 1891.[ They initially played in the Biggleswade & District League, before joining the Bedfordshire County League in 1922. They were runners-up in the league's first season, and runners-up in the subsidiary competition in 1923–24. After finishing bottom of Division One in 1925–26, they left the league before returning to Division One for the 1927–28 season. Although they left again after finishing bottom of Division One, the club rejoined the league in 1929, this time in Division Two. The club rejoined the (renamed) South Midlands in Division Two in 1929–30, winning the Division at the first attempt and earning promotion to Division One. However, they were relegated back to Division Two at the end of the following season.[Arlesey won the Division Two title in 1931–32, but were not promoted and Division Two
was not played the following season. They returned in 1936, winning a third Division Two title in 1936–37, resulting in promotion to Division One. Division One became the Premier Division in 1947.[ The club were Premier Division runners-up in 1950–51 and won the division the following season. They retained the league title in 1952– 53, but left to join the Parthenon League in 1954, where they played for four seasons. In 1958 they switched to the Senior Division of the London League. After leaving the London League in 1960, the club returned to Division One of the South Midlands League in 1961.
Continued Overleaf
The History of Arlesey Town Continued Despite finishing in the bottom three of Division One in 1961–62, Arlesey were promoted to the Premier Division. They finished second-frombottom of the Premier Division the following season and were relegated back to Division One. However, a third-place finish in 1963–64 resulted in an immediate return to the Premier Division. In 1982–83 the club transferred to the Premier Division of the United Counties League, which they won in 1984–85. However, rising costs forced the club to resign from the United Counties League in 1992, moving back to the Premier Division of the South Midlands League in 1991–92. The 1994–95 season saw the club win the Premier Division with a record 107 points, as well as beating Oxford City 2–1 in the final of the FA Vase at Wembley Stadium. Following the merger of the South Midlands League with the Spartan League to form the Spartan South Midlands League, the club were placed in the Premier Division North, and following league reorganisation at the end of the season, became members of the Premier Division for the 1998–99 season.
In 1999–2000 Arlesey won the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division, earning promotion to Division Three of the Isthmian League. Their first season in the new division saw them win the title scoring an Isthmian League record 138 goals with a record 100+ goal difference, earning promotion to Division Two. In 2002 league reorganisation saw them placed in Division One North. They were transferred to the Eastern Division of the Southern Leage in 2004, before being moved back to Division One North of the Isthmian League in 2006. Another move in 2008 led to the club playing in Division One Midlands of the Southern League, which became Division One Central in 2010. The 2010 2011 saw the club win Division One Central, earning promotion to the Premier Division. In 2011 - 12 Arlesey reached the first round proper of the FA Cup for the first time, where they lost 3–1 at Salisbury City. They repeated the feat the following season, losing 3–0 to Coventry City at the Ricoh Arean The club were relegated back to Division One Central at the end of the 2014 - 15 after finishing secondfrom-bottom of the Premier Division.
Biggleswade United FC Clubhouse is available to hire for every occasion – Birthdays*, Children’s parties, wedding parties, christenings, naming ceremonies and lots more… The clubhouse can accommodate up to 100. Hire charges are from £25 to £100. For more information contact Tracey James on 07714 661827 or 01767 316270
* We are unable to accommodate 18th birthday parties
In Form Statistics
Picture courtesy of GUY WILLS PHOTOGRAPHY
Pictured: James Smith
BIGGLESWADE UNITED PLAYER PROFILES Ollie Leslie – Goalkeeper Highly respected goalkeeper in the SML, Ollie joined United at the start of the season. Great shot stopper whose height adds to the all round ingredients needed for United’s number 1. James Cooper – Defender. Joined United in 2015 as a striker from local side Gamlingay United. “Coops” has made over 150 appearances for the club. Extremely fit player who combines the defensive full back / attacking wing back position to great effect. Kane Farrell – Defender Former player with Southend United Centre of Excellence who joined United in 2015. Kane has made almost 200 appearances. Highly committed player who rarely misses a training session. High technical ability and a complete allrounder who chips in with some stunning goals. Charlie Briggs – Defender Joined United in June 2018 having previously played at Stotfold. Impressed as an opponent and was very much on the United wanted list. A young, solid, no nonsense centre half who is growing in stature in every game he plays.
Joe Gauge – Defender 18 Year old Joe is having an amazing start to senior football and is already one of the fans’ favourites. Eager to learn and showing a great maturity in every game. Is certainly one to watch for the future. Is part of the Stevenage Elite Development Progarmme. James Smith – Defender “Snoops” joined United in 2017 and became an instant hit with the United fans with his never say die attitude. Beset by injury last season, he managed only 14 games but this season has already notched up 24 appearances and fingers crossed he’ll make it to 50 this season. Matt Clark – Defender Former Watford Academy player, Matt has bided his time as captain of the Development side but has recently broken in to the first team reckoning where his growing from game to game. Strong player who is quickly adapting to the United style of play.
BIGGLESWADE UNITED PLAYER PROFILES Jaiden Irish – Midfield United’s midfield powerhouse who recently made his 100th appearance for the club since joining in 2016. Don’t let his shy persona fool you, he is a terrier in the middle of the park and uses his high quality technical ability to great effect. Dylan Logan – Midfield Another young player who joined United from Stevenage at the start of the season. Highly skilfull player who has the ability to wreak havoc on unsuspecting defenders .
Liam Andrews – Midfield A player who has impressed since the very start of the season and is adapting superbly well in the midfield and in his first full season at senior level having spent his youth years at Stevenage. Excellent technical ability and superb engine. Rafe Goodman – Midfield – Another young player who was previously at Stevenage. Started the season with United but ventured in to Step 4 football with AFC Dunstable returning to United in January. A long pass technician who has also chipped in with the goals. Taz Andrews – Midfield – Began his playing career at United in the Under 11s before moving to the Stevenage Academy. Another technically gifted player who looks comfortable on the ball and despite his small stature proves difficult to shake off the ball. Ricky Christie – Midfield – Joined United at the start of last season having spent his young playing days in his native Scotland. Gritty hardworking player who takes no prisoners.
Ieaun Lewis – Midfield / Striker / Captain – Vastly experienced and highly respected player who has played at Step 3 and Step 4 with the likes of Hitchin Town and St Neots Town. Has been the Academy coach at Stevenage for many years and he is passing on his knowledge and experience to the younger players. A leader on and off the pitch.
BIGGLESWADE UNITED PLAYER PROFILES Dave Parkinson – Midfield / Striker Highly popular player within the League, “Bullet” is a renowned goal machine and probably the fastest frontman in the Premier Division. Currently the club’s leading goalscorer. Sam Holmes – Striker – Prolific goal scorer who was previously with Division One side Ampthill Town where he was leading goal scorer with 35 goals from 43 appearances. Hot on the heels of his United strike partners for the golden boot. Joe Hankins – Striker – Previously with Royston Town, Joe joined United in September and is a key player in United’s forward line. A creative wide man he has assisted in many of United’s goals this season. Will be looking to take his goal tally to double figures by the end of the season. Codi Spavins – Striker – Definitely a young player to watch out for, Codi enjoyed a highly successful season with the Under 18s last season and made the transition to senior football with regular appearances for the Under 23 and I November justifiably took his place in the first team squad. George Brinkman - Striker. A likeable rogue and the changing room joker, George is well known in football circles having played for many clubs at the higher level including Hitchin Town, Barton Rovers and Bedford Town. Sadly a broken ankle sidelined him for much of the season but celebrated his comeback with a wonder goal against Harpenden in February. Taylor Rhiney - Midfield Striker Returned to the United line up recently after a short spell at Bedford Town and has already made his mark with a brace at Leverstock Green.