Pictured: Dave Parkinson and Sam Holmes. Photo Courtesy of Ben Fullylove @benfullylove
OFFICIAL MATCH PROGRAMME FRIDAY 19TH April 2019 Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division
BIGGLESWADE UNITED v POTTON UNITED FC Tonight’s match sponsor is Bricks and Blox Ltd
What’s Inside • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Welcome The Players Our Match Sponsor Guillem Balague on Biggleswade United Our Mascots Tonight Current League Standings Results and Fixtures Up Next at Second Meadow Our Results So Far Appearances and Goals Biggleswade United Under 23s Biggleswade United Ladies FC End Of Season Presentation 2018 2019 Our Forthcoming Fixtures Our Club History Potton United FC– The History Timeline Venue for Hire In Form Statistics Player Profiles Team Photo
Welcome Welcome to Second Meadow Good evening and welcome to Second Meadow for tonight’s Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division fixture. We extend a warm welcome to the players, officials and supporters of our visitors POTTON UNITED 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 returned to winning ways on Saturday with a convincing 4-1 win at Oxhey Jets as they head into the penultimate game of a superb season. Their run of the six consecutive victories was halted in a 3-1 reverse at North Greenford United but David Parkinson’s hat-trick inspired Alex Salvador’s free-flowing side to a 23rd win of the campaign. It is another example of the vast improvement on the team’s ability to perform on the road and to score goals. The 37 points and 43 goals managed this term eclipses the 19 and 27 totals posted last year with one more away assignment to come. Home form has seldom been an issue and United will host their final match of the season under the lights this week as Bedfordshire rivals Potton United call into Second Meadow.
Our visitors – Potton United The Royals have adapted seamlessly to this level after finishing 2nd in the Combined Counties League Division One and have eyes on 6th place with three matches to go. Steve Kuhne’s men are also in the League Challenge Trophy final to be held at Second Meadow as they hope to enjoy two fruitful trips down the A6001 in a matter of weeks. They arrive in reasonable form having collected four wins from their last eight league outings but they have not won on the road since a 2-1 success at Leighton Town at the start of January. Despite being in different divisions, the clubs faced each other last term and needed two games to determine a winner in an FA Cup tie that ended 0-0 at the Hollow before Potton went through 2-1 in the replay. However, United prevailed in the first league meeting this year by that same scoreline. A victory for United would better last season’s points tally at home while maintaining a bit of pressure on the teams above them, so there is ample incentive to secure the three points
The Players..
Our Match Sponsor
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Balague on Biggleswade United GUILLEM BALAGUE Biggleswade United Chairman, Guillem Balague, provides this weekly column for The Biggleswade Chronicle.
I am thrilled that our Under 16 girls With just two games left to play and a have won the Herts Girls Football minimum fourth place league finish Partnership League with a game to already secured , our thoughts are spare, not least as a final nod to the already turning to next season's magnificent work done by Phil campaign. Smailes, Matt Burgess and Fran Constancio specifically with the girls It is vital that we retain our first team team but also for his tireless efforts in squad and we have told them so, helping us to build up the Academy. although we are always on the look out for new players as well as looking I know how justifiably proud he is of to give chances to those developing everything he managed to achieve youngsters that have impressed with with the Academy over and above any their sides and earned a place in our of the trophies won at the club and top side. we now benefit on a daily basis from the firm foundations put in place by To that end we will be holding trials at Fran during his tenure with us. all levels, both formal and unofficial, to help us try to strengthen ours side Some of the girls in his charge back in from the very youngest side right up the 2015-16 season when he arrived to the first team. have progressed into our full Ladies team and we are continually looking Our mantra here at Biggleswade to strengthen that section of our United has also been that the basis of club. everything we do here is centred on the quality of coaching and the Trials for our ladies team will be held creation of an environment and an at Second Meadow on May 11 at atmosphere that is conducive to Second Meadow from 11.00 to helping all of our players and sides 12.30. Contact tom.farr@hotmail.co become the very best they possibly m. can.
Continued Overleaf
Balague on Biggleswade United GUILLEM BALAGUE Continued Before then, on April 27 also at Second Meadow from 11.0013.00 we will also be holding open trial for our Under 17 boys side that will be competing in next season's Eastern Junior Alliance.
But we also have unfinished business and still have a slim chance of finishing even higher then fourth. If we win our final two games and Hadley lose one of theirs we will finish above them, and we could also finish ahead of Tring Athletic if they At the Stratton Way ground in lose their last two games, the Biggleswade boys and girls second one of which is against us wishing to try out for our under 7 at their Grass Roots stadium side can attend training every home next Saturday (April 27, Saturday, while on Thursday ko 3pm). evenings from 6.00 to 7.30 the club is holding regular U15 boys open trials. But before then we bring down the curtain on our home campaign when we welcome Further information can be Potton United to Second Meadow obtained tonight from info@biggleswadeunited.co m or See you there from matt.burgess@biggleswade united.com Guillem
Our Mascots Tonight Our mascots tonight are: • Naomi Perkins • Alannah Perkins • Evie Lightfoot • Cameron Lightfoot We hope you that you all enjoy your evening with us!!
Our away supporting mascots, Naomi and Alannah with: L-R: Ollie Leslie, Rafe Goodman, Kane Farrell and Jaiden Irish, Joe Gauge and Dave Parkinson. Thank you for your support. See you next week at Tring Athletic!!
Current League Standings
Results and Fixtures
Next Up at Second Meadow SPARTAN SOUTH MIDLANDS LEAGUE LEAGUE CHALLENGE TROPHY
SATURDAY MAY 4TH 3pm
POTTON UNITED V
BALDOCK TOWN BEDFORDSHIRE & HERTS WOMENS LEAGUE DIVISION THREE
SUNDAY MAY 5TH 2pm
BIGGLESWADE UNITED LADIES V
AFC DUNSTABLE
Our Results So Far
Appearances and Goals
Biggleswade United Under 23
SPARTAN SOUTH MIDLANDS LEAGUE DEVELOPMENT DIVISION SATURDAY 20TH APRIL 2019 3pm
BUCKINGHAM ATHLETIC V
BIGGLESWADE UNITED UNDER 23
Biggleswade United Ladies
BEDFORDSHIRE & HERTS WOMENS LEAGUE DIVISION THREE
SUNDAY MAY 5TH 2pm
BIGGLESWADE UNITED LADIES V
AFC DUNSTABLE
Our Forthcoming Fixtures
Photo courtesy: Ben Fullylove
Picture courtesy of GUY WILLS PHOTOGRAPHY
Pictured: James Smith
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.
Picture courtesy of GUY WILLS PHOTOGRAPHY
Pictured: Jaiden Irish
The History of Potton United 20th Century 1943—Club formed during wartime. 1945—When peace broke out the Club joined the South Midlands League. The first matches were played at The Recreation Ground in Sandy Road. 1947—A group of local volunteers prepared the present ground at The Hollow, renting the ground from the Land Settlement Association. Won Bedfordshire Senior Cup. 1948—Entered the FA Cup and in First Qualifying Round beat Stewartby Works 6-1 away, which is still our highest score in this competition. Reached second Qualifying Round before losing 3-1 at Hitchin Town in a replay. Won Bedfordshire Senior Cup. 1952—Were drawn away to Bedford Town in the First Qualifying Round of the FA Cup. Supporters organized a train from Potton to Bedford but saw Potton lose 0-6. 1955—Made application to join London-based Parthenon League, but were rejected. 1956—After a season in limbo the Club joined the Central Alliance League Division One (South). 1961—Joined the United Counties League. 1963—Sunday football side Potton Casuals formed and played their home matches at The Hollow. 1964—Won Bedfordshire Senior Cup beating Shillington 5-3. 1967—Potton Casuals Reserves formed and work of volunteers saw a pitch prepared out of rough grassland, the area that is now part of the Cricket Club outfield. 1969—Lost 10-0 away to Cambridge United n the FA Cup (which is still our heaviest defeat in this competition). 1972—Were in First Division of UCL when it was renamed Premier Division. 1973—Our landlords, The Land Settlement Association wanted to sell the ground and our President, Peter Hutchinson, bought the ground and gave the club a 99 year lease at a peppercorn rent. Won League Knock Out Cup beating Bedford Eagles in the final. 1974—Finished bottom of Premier Division. 1976—Won Bedfordshire Senior Cup. 1977—Floodlights installed. 1978—Agreement was reached with Potton Town Cricket Club that they could use the facilities at The Hollow. Won Bedfordshire Senior Cup for fifth time. 1984—Old dressing rooms (including communal bath) and clubroom was knocked down and replaced by the current clubhouse and dressing room. Potton Sports & Social Club formed, which comprised Potton United FC, Potton Town CC and Potton Timber Ltd Sports Club. 1987—Won first League title when they were unbeaten on their travels. 1988—New wooden stand built. Finished fourth in League. 1989—Won League title for second time and Ray Seekings scored a record 56 goals. Potton Tennis Club move to The Hollow with 2 tennis courts. 1990—Finished 14th in Premier Division. Reached the Fifth Round of the FA Vase before losing 3-1 away to Billericay in front of a crowd of 1000 plus. Woodentops Playgroup started using the clubhouse in January 1990. 1991—Finished fourth in League. Long serving Manager Terry King leaves the club and was replaced by Andy Lloyd and won Hunts Premier and Hinchingbrooke Cups.. 1994—Andy Lloyd resigned and was replaced by the charismatic Kenny Davidson. 1995—Won Bedfordshire Premier Cup. 16th in League. 1997—Participated in 6 Cup Finals winning four of them. Finished fourth in Premier Division. 1998—Finished 14th in League. Kenny Davidson left the club and was replaced by Martin Humberstone, then Reserve Team Manager. 1999—Finished bottom of Premier Division but fortunately not relegated. Lost 7-0 at Aveley in Second Qualifying Round of FA Vase..
The History of Potton United 21st Century 2000—Finished 18th in Premier Division. Continued 2001—Relegated to Division One after third consecutive season in a relegation place. 2002—Finished 15th in Division One before former Club Captain and fans favourite Dick Newman was appointed Manager. 2003—Wooden stand destroyed by fire. To mark the Club’s 60th Anniversary the Club played Rushden & Diamonds X1 that consisted mainly of youth players in front of a crowd of 450. Finished sixth in Division One. 2004—A storming campaign saw the Royals winning the Division One title with 80 points and scoring at about 3 goals per game. Match between a Potton United X1 (comprising ex players) and an Arsenal Ex Professional & Celebrity X1 was played when the current stand was officially opened and named The Derek Inskip Stand. Recorded highest win in FA Vase (4-1) when we beat Edgware Town away in Round 2. 2005— Early in the year saw the death of two stalwarts of the club. Derek Inskip passed away in January having completed 50 years as Secretary And Terry King passed away in Joint Managers Dick Newman and Roy Bloxham won 3 Manager of the Month awards as well as Manager of the Season award. Dick Newman resigned and was replaced by Ian Donnelly. 2006—Finished runners-up again, this time to Woodford United on goal difference. Roy Bloxham replaced Ian Donnelly as Manager and also bringing back Dick Newman as Assistant. 2007—Finished fourth in League and lost on penalties in Final of League Knock Out Cup to Boston Town. Roy Bloxham resigned as Manager and was replaced by Dean Chapman who had to build a new team as all of the first team had left to join other local clubs. We reached the Fourth Round of the FA Vase before losing 2-1 to eventual finalists AFC Totton. Finished fourth in league. 2008—After finishing our league programme early in April we had a nervous wait for other clubs to finish their programme of matches and escaped relegation by one point. Dean Chapman resigned as Manager and was replaced by Dean Shipp. Another rebuilding of the squad with the emphasis on youth and local players. Constitution of Potton Sports & Social Club revised to now incorporate as members— Potton United FC, Potton Town CC, Potton Tennis Club and Woodentops Playgroup. 2009—Finished second from bottom in the Premier Division, and under instructions from the FA to the UCL the club were relegated to the Division One as the ground did not come up to the required standards. July 2009—Manager Dean Shipp tendered his resignation and Tom Galvin and Declan Milton were appointed Joint Managers, being assisted by Tony Galvin, the ex Spurs and Republic of Ireland player as Head Coach. 2009-10—Finished in the bottom half of Division One and losing finalist in Bedfordshire Senior Trophy 2010-11—In September Tom Galvin decided he wanted to concentrate on playing and so Darren Staniforth and Glen Clark were appointed joint Managers. Finished near bottom of Division One. 2011-12—Darren and Glen still in charge, signing a few new players. Nicky Stocks replaced Glen Clark during the year.Reserves reformed under the management of Duncan Field and Kieran Dempsey and they will compete in Division Two of the Bedfordshire County League. 2012-13—In lower level of both UCL and Bedfordshire County Leagues. Reached final of Beds FA Senior Trophy but lost 1-0 to Bedford FC. In March 2013 ground improvements finished that included fencing round the pitch, hard standing now all the way round the pitch and pay hut. 2013-14—Planning permission granted for covered standing for 50 spectators. Applied for funding for new floodlights. First Team finished 10th in league and Reserves in lower half odf their league. 2014-15—Application for grant for new floodlights has been granted and new floodlights being installed. Small Spectator Stand being installed. Reserves enter UCL Reserve Division under management of Nicky Stocks and a Potton United Under 18 has been entered in the Royston Crow League and will play their home matches at The Hollow on Sundays.
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
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 with 25 goals so far this season. 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 boo with a goal tally of 17 this season so far.
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. Has achieved his goal tally target of reaching double figures with 15 goals so far. 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 in 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.