ROYSTON TOWN FC vs STRATFORD TOWN FC - Matchday programme - Saturday 2nd November 2024
CROWS
PITCHING IN SOUTHERN LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION CENTRAL
ROYSTON TOWN VS STRATFORD TOWN
SATURDAY 2ND NOVEMBER 2024
Saturday 2nd November 2024
Kick Off: 3pm
Royston Town FC would like to welcome today's opponents Stratford Town FC for their visit to Garden Walk for this Pitching In Southern Football League Premier Division Central fixture.
We wish their Players, Officials and Supporters an enjoyable afternoon and hope that the match will be a keenly contested and entertaining game.
We also welcome today’s Match Officials and hope they too have an enjoyable game.
ROYSTON TOWN OFFICIAL SHIRT SPONSOR
Royston Town Football Club Founded 1875
President Alan Barlow
Chairman Steve Jackson
Secretary Terry McKinnell
9 Valley Rise, Royston, Herts SG8 9EY
07772 086709
email: secretary@roystontownfc.co.uk
Finance Director Jeff Gill
Welfare Officer Angela Baulk
Fixture Secretary Steve Endacott (07971 512402)
Executive Board
Trevor Burrows, Andy Toovey, Eric Joyce, Angela Baulk, Chris Coote, Duncan Easley, Giles Parnwell, Neil MacLeod, Matt Clowery.
Webmaster Steve Endacott
Programme Editors Angela Baulk, Neil MacLeod
Official Photographer Kevin Richards
Football Management Team
First Team Manager Chris Watters
U23 Manager Franco Nacca
U18 Team Manager Roy Smith
Women's Team Manager Lewis Endacott
Vets Team Manager Lee Wilkinson
Ground
Colours
Garden Walk, Royston, Herts SG8 7HP
Telephone (01763) 241204
First XI
U23
U18
White/Black/White
White/Black/White
White/Black/Black
Women's White/Black/White
Vets
White/Black/Black
Members of:
The Hertfordshire Football Association
Southern League Premier Division
Spartan South Midlands Football League
Thurlow Nunn Youth League
Eastern Region Women’s Football League
Royston Town Football Club is Limited by Guarantee under the trading name o Royston Town FC Limited (Company Reg No. 14261163)
CLUB HONOURS
WINNERS
Herts County League (Div I) 1969-70, 1972-73
Herts County League (Premier Div) 1976-1977
South Midlands League (Div I) 1977-1978
South Midlands Reserve League (Div II) 1978-1979
South Midlands Reserve League (Div I) 1979-1980
North Herts (Div IV) League Cup, 1978-79, 1979-1980
Herts Charity Shield, 1981-82, 1989-90, 1996-1997
Herts Intermediate Cup, 1988-1989
Chiltern Youth League (Div I) 1989-1990
South Combinations Reserve Floodlight Cup, 1992-1993
Chiltern Youth League Cup, 1992-1993
South Midlands Challenge Trophy, 1995-1996
Eastern Region Women’s League (Div II) 1998-1999
Eastern Counties Youth League Cup, 2001-2002
South Midlands Reserve Challenge Cup 2004-2005
KB Tyres Division III Champions 2006-2007
South Midlands League (Div I) 2008-2009
South Midlands League Cup (Div I) 2008-2009
South Midlands Floodlit Cup 1994-1995 2008-2009, 2009-2010, 2010-2011, 2011-2012
South Midlands Reserve League (Div II East) 2008-2009
South Midlands Reserve Challenge Cup 2008-2009
KB Tyres Division I League Cup 2009-2010
South Midlands Reserve Floodlit Cup 2009-2010
BIS Cambs League Division 2A 2010/2011
BIS Cambs League Divisional Champions 2010/2011
Veterans Cambridgeshire Invitation Cup 2010/2011
South Midlands Premier League 2011/2012
South Midlands Premier League Cup 2011/2012
Suburban League North Division 2012/2013, 2013/2014
Joint Winners of the Hinchingbrooke Cup 2013
Eastern Region Women’s League Plate 2013/2014, 2014/15
Suburban Premier League 2015-16
Eastern Region Women’s League Division 1 West 2015/16
Southern League Div 1 Central 2016/17
Southern League Challenge Cup 2021/22
Aubrey Cup 2021/22
Hertfordshire FA Women’s Senior Challenge Cup 2023/24
Eastern Region Women’s League (Div I) 1999-2000, 2013/2014 2014/15
Eastern Junior Plate, 2001-2002
KB Tyres Division I 2008-2009, 2009-2010
South Midlands Reserve Challenge Trophy 2009-2010
South Midlands Reserves Floodlit Cup 2010/2011
Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup 2013/2014
Eastern Region Women’s League, League Cup 2014/15
Southern League Division 1 Central 2014/15 2015/16
IMPORTANT NOTICE
ASK any manager or coach, proven goalscorers are so desperately hard to come by these days, so, to see not one, but two, Non-League striker legends hang up their scoring boots, it’s only right their achievements are celebrated. Both Sam Higgins and Dave Tarpey have bowed out of the game these last few weeks with their legendary status intact Stacks of goals wherever they’ve played and trophies gleaming in the cabinet back home.
When Sam Higgins first stepped into Non-League football as a fresh-faced 17-year-old, little did he know he would forge a career to bring joy to so many After nine years at the Millwall academy and a brief stint at Southend United, Higgins dipped his toes in Non-League waters and the rest was history. In 16 years, Higgins established himself as one the parttime game’s most decorated figures, scoring a whopping 403 career goals and picking up an unrivalled haul of collective and individual accolades along the way.
Undoubtedly, his highlight was an iconic first spell at East Thurrock United, which yielded 275 goals and no fewer than four Golden Boots, at Steps 2, 3 and 4 He also won the Isthmian Premier and North division titles and steered the Rocks to a first-ever Essex Senior Cup success. At Hornchurch, he lifted the FA Trophy at Wembley and Isthmian Premier title as well as a Player of the Year and Golden Boot double. With further success came at Chelmsford City (two spells), Bromley, Canvey Island, it’s no wonder Higgins made such an impact in and around his native Essex
But, last week, after picking up a heel injury while playing for Hashtag United, the 35-year-old finally called time on his glittering career, to a social media fanfare from past clubs, managers, teammates and fans. From his first loan spell at Fisher Athletic to his last hurrah at Hashtag United, Higgins was highly regarded by all and will go down as one of NonLeague’s all-time greats.
“It’s been a very long time and, at some point, it had to come to an end, unfortunately,” said Higgins, before admitting he has no burning desire to return to the game in a coaching capacity
“It was a tough decision, but it felt like the right one I’ve had quite a few injuries over the last few seasons and a couple of weeks back I had a heel injury which is probably going to take a few months to recover from. Having a lot of injuries can be mentally draining so to be able to come out of it with a sense of achievement is something to be proud of. The thing I will miss most about the game is the people I’ve met friends for life; managers, players and the people working within the game. Those are the best relationships, ones to last a lifetime.”
Tarpey, meanwhile, has a similar tale to tell. A hat-trick of promotions, a deal to become a professional footballer and a record-breaking goalscoring season, the 35-year-old too boasts a CV that many aspiring footballers could only dream of Tarpey announced his retirement last week after rupturing his ACL for a second time, while playing for Marlow against Biggleswade Town in the FA Trophy
Starting at Basingstoke Town and then Hampton & Richmond, the skilful forward also enjoyed a spell at Farnborough before taking his game to a whole new level at Maidenhead United, scoring 44 goals in their National League South title winning season – still a league record That earned him a two-year pro deal at National League high-fliers Barnet but Tarpey suffered a serious knee injury on his home debut, prompting a lengthy period of rehabilitation. A stint at Woking saw him rediscover his form before Bracknell Town and Leatherhead led him to a promotion-winning season at Marlow under manager Mark Bartley before his latest injury
“I always said over the last few years, as long as I can stay injury free I’ll keep playing,” Tarpey told the Maidenhead Advertiser. “I’ve got three children and a fiancé at home who have had to put up with me travelling up and down the country for the last 13 years I got three promotions, won numerous county cups and I can retire and say for the level I’ve played, I feel I’ve had a great career with what I’ve done. Some people don’t get promoted at all in their career, to say I’ve won three is a great achievement ”
WHO'S WHO OF THE CROWS
Dixon-Hodge (Goalkeeper)
CrowsfromKingsLynnTowninthesummerof2024 Startedhiscareerwith nty before moving to Braintree in January 2021 Had a loan spell at Maldon before switching to FC Romania and then rejoining the Jammers In March oinedKingsLynnTownoftheNLN.
-Adjaye (Defender)
defender who re-joined the Crows in 2019 after spending a season at Yeading Started his playing career at Luton Town and broke into the 1st ng the 2008/9 season In total he made 64 appearances for The Hatters oving to Forest Green Rovers and then to Hemel Hempstead Town
rray (Defender)
ned us at the beginning of 2017/18, having spent the previous two Cambridge City where he made 60 appearances. He quickly settled into and has proved to be a formidable addition for the Crows.
ghton (Defender)
d full-back who joined us in November 2019 from Kettering Town, where ent a successful four seasons James has previously played for Hemel Town, Cambridge City & Cambridge United
tt (Defender / Midfield)
2024 following his release by Cambridge United Whilst at The t time on loan at St Neots Town, Concord Rangers and a succesful Crows at the start of the 23/24 campaign
on (Defender)
rows in November 2023 from St Ives Town, having previously been 8/19 Charlie started out at the Cambridge United academy and has ed St Neots Town and Bury Town.
-Stevens(Midfield)
trip up the A505 when he joined the Crows from local rivals Hitchin mer BeganhiscareeratBorehamWoodin2016andwentoutonloanto ingsLangley-wholikedwhattheysaw,andsignedhimonapermanent t two seasons there before signing for Hitchin Town in the 2019-20
u (Midfield / Defender)
ruary 2024 Started his career at Arsenal academy where he spent a moving to Sheffield Wednesday in 2017 Signed his first pro contract in 2018. Josh was released by Wednesday in July 2022 and joined also appearedforBraintreeTown,Wingate&Finchleyand Kingstonian.
Ben Weyman (Midfield)
Joined the Crows at the start of this season from AFC Dunstable after winning both their Manager’s and Fans player of the year last season. Prior to joining AFC DunstableBenplayedforColneyHeathandHertfordTown
Jesse Akubine (Midfield)
Started his career at Brentford before moving to Queen of the South in 2017 After 2 years North of the border Jesse joined AFC Rushden & Diamonds before spells with Stratford Town, Bedford Town and Waltham Abbey Joined the CRows at the start of this season.
SEASON TICKET HOLDERS
e Baker (Midfield)
d the Crows in the summer of 2024. Previously had spells at Potters Bar Tow, St Ives BasildonUnited,Bowers&PitseaandHeybridgeSwifts
Hamilton-Campbell (Midfield)
sing and combative young midfielder who joined the Crows at the start of this n.PreviousclubsincludeSawstonUnited,NewmarketTownandHaverhillRovers
Harrison Rookard (Forward)
oined the Crows at the start of this season from Cockfosters FC Harrison was ockfosters’ leading goalscorer last season and won their Players Player award Previously l dforStMagetsburyandHertfordTown.
Oyebola (Forward)
g forward with a gymnastic goal celebration signed from Cray Wanderers in the r of 2024, Tayo previously spent time at Hastings United, Corinthian Casuals, wandHartleyWitney.
iny-Prendred (Forward)
oinedtheCrowsintheclose-season.PreviousclubsincludeWatford, amsted, Hertford Town, Berkhamsted Raiders and St Mary’s Rattlers
ld)
rleston FC in the summer of 2024 Began his career at Kings Lynn toDerehamaheadofhismovetoGorleston
rd)
Garden Walk Previous clubs include Ilford, Athletic Newham and
y ( field)
ductoftheHemelHempsteadTownU18s,Bradleyhassignedonaseasonlongloan Tudors. Made his National League South debut for Hemel coming on as a nstDoverin2023
ein (Goalkeeper)
ned the Crows after coming in at the tail-end of last season The big shotvious clubs include Leverstock Green, Welwyn Garden City, New Salamis, ough,Wingate&Finchley
(Defender)
g from Harpenden Town. Archie is a versatile and commanding defender rgoal.HehasalsoplayedforHertfordTown.
(Midfield)
ll the Crows pre-season games and secured himself a deal for the 24/25 eviousclubsincludeMansfieldTown,MeltonTownandPeterboroughSports
SEASON TICKET & RTYFC CARD HOLDERS
Stratford Town FC history
Stratford Town FC history
Stratford Town FC history
Stratford Town FC history
Stratford Town FC history
WHO ARE YA?
STRATFORD TOWN PEN PICS
WHO ARE YA?
STRATFORD TOWN PEN PICS
Dan Vann
Previous Clubs played for: Walsall, Stafford Rangers, Chasetown, Matlock
Vannsy joined from Walsall where he started in youth team football. Where he progressed to the first team, a few loan spells away from the Saddlers and this brought him to Stratford where the versatile defender has been an inspiration to the dressing room, fully recovered from a season ending injury last year he will be back at whatever position needed
Dan Lafferty
Previous Clubs played for: Coventry City Youths
Laffs came straight to Stratford from Coventry City where he went through their youth system, he also gained Northern Ireland youth caps at U17 level.
Lewis Ison
Previous Clubs played for: Coventry United, Hednesford.
Former Hednesford club captain joined The Bards in February last year and instantly added the foundation to the midfield, his all-action style made him an instant fan favourite who can score spectacular goals. The 25-year-old had a couple of years in the Bristol Rovers academy before injury stopped his progress.
Tom Solanke
Previous Clubs played for: West Brom U21, Stourbridge, Weymouth, Alvechurch, Ilkeston, Boston.
Tom was brought through the youth ranks at West Brom before moving into senior football at Stourbridge he has risen through the divisions and last year was at Boston. The rock-solid tenacious midfielder was the interest of several higher league clubs this summer, but he chose The Bards
Midfield general Hawks has returned to Stratford from Halesowen, He was joint top scorer for The Bards last season. His career start in the Birmingham youth set up and he has player at higher levels with Hereford, Leamington, and Solihull Moors.
Charlie Williams
Previous Clubs played for: Burton Albion, Leamington, Banbury, Redditch
Charlie is a product of the Burton Albion Youth system and had loan spells at Leamington and Banbury before signing for Stratford last season, he made an immediate impression for The Bards in his debut coming on as substitute against Leiston by scoring an injury time equaliser for The Bards.
WHO ARE YA?
STRATFORD TOWN PEN PICS
PLAYER SPONSORSHIP
TOMMY DIXON-HODGE
CHARLIE JOHNSON
ADAM MURRAY
DAVID GRAY
ROBIN COLES
JEFF GILL
JAKE ASLEY
KELSHALL PLASTICS
PLAYER SPONSORSHIP
HARRISON ROOKARD
STEVE ENDACOTT
KATHERINE THOMPSON
JESSE
PAUL FANTHORPE
PLAYER SPONSORSHIP
HARVEY BECKETT
EDU TOINY PENDRED
ZANE HAMILTON CAMPBELL
MICK & ENID TOOVEY
DANIEL IZEKOR
BRADLEY ROBERTS AVAILABLE
Saturday 2nd November
Kick Off: 3PM
MATCHDAY SPONSOR:
Scott Taylor / Juan Borrageiro SPORTS THERAPISTS Nadine Tipple
Chris Watters / Harry Smart MANAGER Gavin Hurren / Paul Davis
