Hitchin Town by Biggleswade United

THE “SAVE TOP FIELD” CUP Tuesday 10th February 2015 Biggleswade United FC V Hitchin Town FC

The “Save Top Field Cup” Tuesday 10th February 2015

Biggleswade United

Colours: Red / Navy

Hitchin Town Colours: Yellow / Green

Grant Beckwith

Charlie Horlock

Jake O’Neill

Lewis Rolfe

Chinua Cole

Ben Walster

Martin Russell ©

Alasan Ann

Will Wright

Dan Webb

Adam Randall

Sam Barker

Lee Bilcock

Jonny McNamara

Sam Nair

Matt Lench

Jack Boyd

Brett Donnelly

Tom Cookman

Simon Martin

Reynaldo Carbon

Michael Noone

Tre Grant

Lucas Kirkpatrick

Tyrell Samuda

Ian Rees

James Chisholm

Michael Johnson

Jason Darvall

Saul Williams

Jude Eboji

Harry O’Malley

Stuart Richardson

MATCH BALL SPONSOR

Russell Clarke

3q SPORTS

James Lamptey

TEAMWEAR & EMBROIDERY

Manager: MICK REARDON

Manager: MARK BURKE

Assistant: MARK ROYAL

Assistants: ADAM PARKER

Physio: VANESSA FOUCHER

Coach: Match Officials

Referee: Mr Chris O’Donnell: Assistants Mr John Nettleton and Mr Bradley Hallybone

Welcome to Second Meadow Good evening and welcome to Second Meadow. Tonight we extend a warm welcome to the players, officials and supporters of HITCHIN TOWN FC for this special fundraising event – The “Save Top Field” Cup which will support Hitchin Town’s fight to save their ground. We also welcome our three match officials who have kindly agreed to officiate this evening. The efforts to prevent Top Field from going under the demolition ball to make way for a proposed superstore started with a protest march by over 1300 supporters and residents in December. Our club’s Director of Football, Guillem Balague led the march and spoke out in support of Hitchin Town’s campaign to save the ground that has been their home since 1860. We are extremely pleased to be able to give our support to their campaign and tonight’s game; the planning of which started only three week’s ago, so please forgive us if everything does not go quite to plan. What we are hoping for though is a great game, played in a good spirit and sizeable wedge of money raised to help our visitors’ fund raising efforts. If my memory serves me right I believe that this is the first time the two sides have met. With United playing in Bedfordshire and Hitchin affiliated to the Herts FA we will never meet in our respective County Cups. Hitchin are also playing at Step 3 of the Pyramid and compete in the Evo Stik Southern League Premier Division and the FA Trophy. We play at Step 5 and compete in the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division and the FA Vase. The only chance we would meet competitively would be in the FA Cup and assuming we made our way past the first two rounds! That said, I am sure the players from both sides will make every effort to entertain us this evening. The players will be presented to our special guests before the game. We are very proud to announce that Sky Sports Presenters, Jim White and Guillem Balague are with us this evening and they are accompanied by former Eire international, Tony Cascarino. We extend our thanks to them for giving their support to tonight’s game. Although the sides are playing for the “Save Top Field” cup, the game will finish after 90 minutes tonight and will not go through extra time or penalties . The next game at Second Meadow is on Saturday 14th February when we entertain Cockfosters in the Premier Division. Our visitors entertain Hungerford Town at Top Field. Both games Kick Off at 3pm. Let’s hope for an enjoyable and exciting game this evening.

Tracey James – Secretary and Programme Editor

CURRENT LEAGUE STANDINGS

THE HISTORY OF BIGGLESWADE UNITED (2)

Spartan South Midlands Football League Premier Division Up to and including Saturday 7th February

W D

Pts

1 Kings Langley

25 19 2

4 75 24

2 AFC Dunstable

28 17 6

5 61 40

3 Harefield United

30 16 6

8 72 47

4 Sun Sports

26 16 2

8 56 39

5 St Margaretsbury

24 13 7

4 62 30

6 Tring Athletic

27 14 3 10 45 36

7 Berkhamsted

25 14 2

9 56 37

8 Wembley

23 14 2

7 53 34

9 Hertford Town

26 13 5

8 55 40

10 London Colney

23 13 3

7 40 20

11 Biggleswade United

29 12 5 12 57 55

12 Hadley

26 12 3 11 51 50

13 Colney Heath

28 10 7 11 53 42

14 Oxhey Jets

26 10 5 11 44 48

15 Cockfosters

9 3 12 35 52

16 Hoddesdon Town

8 5 13 37 52

17 Leverstock Green

8 5 14 40 64

18 Stotfold

7 7 13 43 64

19 London Tigers

4 8 11 37 53

20 Ampthill Town

4 4 20 27 78

21 Holmer Green

4 1 20 31 84

22 Hillingdon Borough

2 5 21 46 87

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 Premeir 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 season saw Snowy step down as manager with his assistant, Nick Burton taking over the first team reins. The 2006 2007 season marked a crucial time in the club's history with the formation of a youth structure that sees Biggleswade girls and boys aged 7 to 18 able to be part of Biggleswade United. We now have twelve youth teams including three girls teams with a well established youth committee. The profile of the club as a community club is very much boosted by the association with such a well organised and well structured youth set up. 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 have enjoyed success as coaches at the higher levels of football. Their disciplined approach was quickly adhered to and responded to by the players. The new 2014 – 2015 season has seen the arrival of several new young players to the club following the club’s positive decision to introduce a side that will compete in the Suburban League as well as continuing to compete in the SML Premier Division. The Suburban side will be managed by Gary Burkett who enjoyed success with Shefford Saints Under 18s and many talented young players will be part of the United Squad. Gary will be assisted by former Bushey Met Police manager, Tony Jones. 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. 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 understand 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.

BIGGLESWADE UNITED : OUR HISTORY SO FAR Biggleswade United Football Club was reformed 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.

WHAT THE PAPERS HAD TO SAY…. Sky Sports’ broadcaster Jim White will be making a dash from presenting live on air at their London studios to catch the friendly match between Hitchin Town and Biggleswade United on Tuesday night at Second Meadow. Speaking exclusively to the Comet, anchorman Jim said: “I know of the plight of Hitchin Town from having discussions with my friend – and Hitchin resident – Guillem Balague. “He has told me it is imperative we do all we can to save Hitchin Town and their historic Top Field ground. I am very happy to add my name to the campaign, and will be doing all I can to help this great little club which I know does so much in the local community. “I know Guillem is so passionate about both clubs, and it’s a tremendous gesture by Biggleswade to contribute their gate money towards the Hitchin Town cause. It’s great to see such solidarity between teams. “I also know the Comet has been at the forefront in covering the story of the Save Top Field campaign. “Non-league football, and grass roots football are so important to the fabric of the game in this country, and I am looking forward to coming down and watching Hitchin Town and Biggleswade United. “I’m used to pressure presenting ‘Deadline Day’ on Sky Sports News – but the pressure to save Hitchin Town is a different kind of pressure. “I will be doing all I can to spread the word about the save Hitchin Town campaign – keep watching Sky Sports News to see if I can ad-lib a line about Hitchin Town! “Like so many others in this country I love football. On my days off I normally go and watch a Premiership match. But now I’m aware of the Save Top Field campaign you may well see me down at Canary Corner having a pint – although being a Scotsman I won’t be buying a round!

“I wish both clubs all the best on Tuesday – I can’t wait for the match.” Sky Sports pundit and former Republic of Ireland international Tony Cascarino will also be attending the match staged to raise awareness of the fight to save Top Field. The former forward, who is revered in Ireland for his part in Jack Charlton’s successful national team performances at the World Cup in 1990 and 1994 and the 1988 European Championships, told the Comet: “I have heard about the campaign to Save Top Field and had to get involved. “I hope Hitchin Town gets their way. I will be at the friendly against Biggleswade United and I hope everyone can join us.” Hitchin resident and Sky Sports broadcaster Guillem Balague added: “It’s a tremendous gesture by Jim and Tony which is very much appreciated by both clubs. We hope to see as many fans as possible on Tuesday night in the ongoing fight to save Hitchin Town.” Pictured above: Jim White with Biggleswade United shirt

CURRENT LEAGUE TABLE

THE EARLY & RECENT HISTORY OF HITCHIN TOWN The Early Years Hitchin Town can trace its roots back to 1865 when Hitchin FC was formed. The club took part in the first FA Cup in 1871-72, and reached the quarter finals of the competition, losing to eventual finalists Royal Engineers. That first Hitchin club, a struggling professional outfit, folded in 1911, debt-ridden and the victims of a fire at their ground. It was not until 1928 that Hitchin Town FC was formed, and it was at this point that the nickname, “The Canaries”, was established. The club colours of yellow and at that time, blue, were also agreed upon. Prior to that, the old club played in white and magenta. Hitchin gained admission to the Spartan League and in the 1928-29 season, enjoyed a hugely successful campaign, winning the Herts Charity Shield and promotion to the Spartan League Division One. The 1930s were halcyon days for Hitchin Town FC. Promotion to the Spartan Premier Division was won in 1931, but it was the cup successes that captured the imagination of the Hitchin public. Although there is little doubt that Hitchin won more games than at any time in their history, the standard of opposition has to be considered when determining whether the Canaries’ side of the period was the finest in the club’s history. Nevertheless there is little doubt that this was a golden age for Hitchin Town. The club won the AFA Senior Cup in 1932, beating Derbyshire Amateurs in the final and in 1935, won the Spartan League Premier Division. The club entered the Athenian League in 1939, but after two league games and a Herts Charity Cup tie, all of which saw Hitchin score seven goals, Adolf Hitler intervened. The Recent Years Hitchin enjoyed a successful 2009-10, winning 31 of 42 league games. A vibrant young side was moulded by Payne and his assistant Carl Williams and for long periods, the Canaries topped the Zamaretto Midlands Division. Hitchin lost just four games in the league but Bury Town topped the division by two points - despite Payne’s men amassing 100 points. A few days after the end of the season, Payne left the club to join Hemel Hempstead. In his place, Carl Williams was appointed as manager. He had a tremendous first season in charge and for much of the 201011 campaign, Hitchin looked certainties for the title. But a mid-season drop in form gave local rivals Arlesey the chance to take top place. On the final day of the season, the two clubs met at Top Field for the title decider. Arlesey won 1-0 in front of over 1,500 people. Williams and his team cast that disappointment aside to beat Slough and Daventry in the play-offs to claim the second promotion spot. Carl Williams’ second season in charge started brightly but it proved a difficult season overall. However, despite a couple of months where confidence had ebbed away and relegation looked a distinct possibility. Previous manager Colin Payne returned to assist the Management team, and the Canaries managed to pull through with three or four astute loan signings bolstering both confidence and results. They finished a creditable thirteenth, but despite this Carl decided it was time to take a break from the managerial role and focus on his young family. Mark Burke was appointed manager in the summer of 2013 and Carl’s side almost entirely moved on. Despite this Burke and his assistant Adam Parker recruited some new young talent and finished in a creditable 13th position, same as the previous season. For 2014-15, most of the squad have been retained from last season, with some new faces being added including Jonny McNamara from Arlesey and Robbie Burns returns from Cambridge City. Mark hopes that the huge promise shown by youngsters such as Sam Barker, Matt Lench and Lewis Rolfe in their first full season can be carried forward to the present campaign and that the flowing football produced last term can be served up again this time.

BIGGLESWADE UNITED PEN PICTURES Grant Beckwith Goalkeeper

Joined United from Barton Rovers last season and has held the Number 1 shirt for most of that time – except when he is serving match suspensions!!

Jake O’Neill Right Back

This is Jake’s first season at Step 5 and has already established himself as a regular in the first team line up.

Chinua Cole Left back

Second season at United and is regarded as one of the best attacking left backs in the League. Has had spells at North Greenford United but has made United his home.

Martin Russell © Central Defender

Mr United, “Marv” has been a United player for a record unbroken ten years and recently enjoyed a testimonial in a friendly against Biggleswade Town.

Will Wright Central Defender

Great things are hoped for in this teenager who signed for United at the start of the season. Currently at Luton Town he is gaining fantastic experience playing at Step 5.

Adam Randall Central Defender Lee Bilcock Central Defender

Third season at United after joining from Step 7 side Eaton Socon. Has moved into a central defensive role and his no nonsense style of play usually gets the better of most strikers. Moved up to Step 5 from Step 7 side Shefford Town in 2012 and has been a United regular ever since. Can play in a central defensive role or midfield. Chips in with a goal or two now and then.

Stuart Richardson Central Midfield

Another long serving member of the United line up, Richio, is the United midfield general, dictating play and linking well with both front and back line “Lampard” style.

Jason Darvall Central Midfield

Has been with United for many years. Well respected player who in his younger years captained the Bedfordshire Under 18s National Cup winners. When he’s not talking he’s sleeping.

James Chisholm Central Midfield

Possibly the find of the season who caught the manager’s eye when United played Step 7 side Wootton Blue Cross in the FA Vase at the start of the season.

Sam Nair Wide Midfield

Second season with United. Technically superb and tricky player who causes havoc when running at defenders.

Reynaldo Carbon Wide Midfield

Joined United at the start of last season from Welsh side Airbus UK. Another pacey, skilful player who has scored some pretty spectacular goals.

Tre Grant Wide Midfield

In his third season at United. Although thwarted by injury he always adds an extra attacking dimension and impressive goal tally.

James Lamptey Wide Midfield

Recent signing who joined in November from Welwyn Garden City. Yet to break in to a regular first team slot but will certainly be getting a chance towards the final stages

Jude Eboji Striker

In his second season as a United player. Commanding and strong front man who has scored 10 goals this season in 23 starts.

Jack Boyd Striker

United’s leading goalscorer with 25 to his name in 31 starts including two hat tricks. Joined United towards the end of last season from Step 7 club Caldecote.

Tom Cookman Striker

Another player who made the move up to Step 5 from Caldecote where he and Jack Boyd amassed a record breaking number of goals. Formidable strike partnership that is the talk of the SML.

BIGGLESWADE UNITED PEN PICTURES (Continued) Ollie Peters Defender

In his third season at United and at 21 has commanded a regular first team place although injury has plagued him in recent months. Hoping to get back to full fitness soon and return to the line up.

Tyrell Samuda Wide midfield

A recent signing from St Neots Town who has had apprentice experience with AFC Wimbledon. Strong teenager who could have a great future in football. One to watch!

Russell Clark Midfield

Another newcomer who has played at Dunstable Town and Aylesbury United. Beset with a knee injury but will be looking to become a regular feature after knee operation.

Adam Drakulic Full Back

In his second season at United. Feisty and tenacious full back who has made several first team appearances. Great clubman and committed player.

Enrique De Lucas Central Midfield

Yet to make an appearance in a United shirt but the former Espanyol and Chelsea professional caused shock waves on Deadline Day by announcing his signing for Biggleswade United. Watch this space…

Nick Threadgold Striker

Another player plucked from Step 7 and has made the transition with ease. A regular goal scorer he has also been known to don the keeper’s gloves or move to central defender.

Josiah Hunte Wide midfield

“Pepsi” joined United mid way through last season. A powerful, attacking wide man he has scored five goals in just 13 starts.

Brett Leader Midfield

Returned to United in November after two years playing at Step 7 with Buntingford Town and Bengeo. Skilful player who has an eye for goal.

Premier Division Results: Saturday 7th February Ampthill Town Berkhamsted Biggleswade United Cockfosters Harefield United Hertford Town London Tigers Oxhey Jets Stotfold Sun Sports Wembley

P 1 4 2 1 2 0 2 1 0 3 3 3 1 0 2 4 3 1 2 2

Holmer Green St Margaretsbury Hadley Hoddesdon Town Tring Athletic London Colney AFC Dunstable Leverstock Green Kings Langley Hillingdon Borough Colney Heath

HITCHIN TOWN FC â&#x20AC;&#x201C; PEN PICTURES Charlie Horlock Goalkeeper

Young keeper who was previously with Wycombe Wanderers, Stevenage and Hendon (played against United in the FA Cup)

Lewis Rolfe Full Back

22 year old Lewis arrived at the club from Chesham United at the start of the 2013/14 season. A versatile player, he can play in defence or midfield but has established himself in the right back position

Ben Walster Full Back

20 year old left back who joined the club at the start of this season. Previous club was Milton Keynes Dons.

Alasan Ann Defender

20 year old who first signed for Hitchin at the start of the 2013/14 season as a forward. Moved to St Neots briefly last season before returning to Top Field where he successfully converted to the centre back position and is now established in our back line. Hails from The Gambia.

Dan Webb Defender

23 year old Defender who was first spotted playing for Shefford and Campton FC in the Bedfordshire League, Joined the club in 2012/13 and is now the Team Captain.

Sam Barker Midfield

22 year old Sam is a holding Central Midfield player with a good range of passing, Also signed for Hitchin Town at the beginning of the 2013-14 season from Chesham United. Originally came through the successful youth system at Luton Town FC.

Jonny McNamara Midfield

20 year old Jonny signed in the close season from neighbours Arlesey Town. Competitive midfielder with an eye for goal. Formerly played for Stotfold FC and Hitchin Town Youth.

Matt Lench Midfield

21 year old Matt joined the club at the start of the 2013-14 season from Chesham United. A young exciting talent, Matt is an attacking midfielder and can also play at full back.

Brett Donnelly Striker

31 year old striker who has signed from Biggleswade Town for his second spell with Hitchin Town. Previous clubs include Barton Rovers, Arlesey Town and Stotfold FC.

Simon Martin Striker

Experienced 35 year old striker, Simon signed from St Albans City at the start of the 2013-14 season, and has previously played for Hucknall Town, Cambridge City, Thurrock and Slough Town

Michael Noone Midfield

25 year old central midfield player who served his apprenticeship at Millwall. Former clubs Eastbourne Boro and Dover Athletic,

Lucas Kirkpatrick Midfield

19 year old hungry combative midfielder who is a product of the Clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Scholarship Scheme. Signed at the start of the 2013-14 season. Has shown a lot of promise during the pre-season.

With Guillem Balague Jim White Gaizka Mendieta Enrique De Lucas

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