THE OFFICIAL MATCHDAY MAGAZINE £2.00
Southern League Premier Division V
Banbury United Issue 20
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08 Derby Day! / Read the match report from the dramatic 2-1 victory against our local rivals Biggleswade Town
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Managers Notes / Batchy pours praise on the support
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Mascot Feature / Shane Edgar led us out to victory!
50 Years Club Service! / The legend that is John Walker
Owner Mike Kearns
Club Secretary Gary Wilson
Physio Chris Budd
Club Photographer Claire Howes
Pitchcare Working Turf
Chairman Mike Kearns
Fixture Secretary Marian Izzard
Site Manager Irmantas Sabaliauskas
Design & Marketing Blue Prawn
Managing Director Lee Kearns
Life President John Walker
Functions and Events Coordinator Louise Spark
Chief Liaison Officer Mike Green
Print XL Press Limited
Director Iain Parr
Team Officials Darren Plowman (Goalkeeping Coach)
Football Manager David Batch Assistant Manager Steve Eastaugh
Youth Liaison & Development Mick Hunt
St Neots Town TV Editor Adam Ridley Club Merchandise Linda Walters Programme Editor Mark Davies
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Programme Sales Charlie Green Matchday Music / Scoreboard Simon Hutchinson
INSIDE
Issue 20 V Banbury United Southern League Premier Division
Also Inside 06 Action Replay 16 Chairmans’ Views 20 Read All About It 22 Commentators Gaffes
14 The Greatest Defenders / We unveil the top 2 playing today
46 Stews Views / A cracking read by Craig!
28 Focus On Youth 30 Pull-Out Poster 32 Greenies Greetings 36 Away Days 38 Brian Clough Feature 44 MD’s Views 48 Leagues Review 50 Match Report - Histon FC 53 Season 2014/15 Fixtures Matrix 54 The Non-League Paper
24 Todays’ Visitors / A warm welcome to The Puritans! Founded 1879 The Cozy Stadium Rowley Park, Kester Way St Neots PE19 6SL Telephone 01480 470012 Email enquiries@stneotstownfc.co.uk Official Website www.stneotstownfc.co.uk Official Forum www.stneotstownfc.co.uk/forum
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56 Season 2014/15 Statistics 58 Premier Division League Table 60 Home & Opposition Squads
Introducing Paul Bastock / 1000 league career appearances! Southern Football League Division One champions, 1 time United Counties League Premier Division champions, 2 times Division One champions, 1 time League Cup winners, 2 times Metropolitan League Champions, 1 time League Cup winners, 1 time Professional Cup winners, 1 time South Midlands League Champions, 1 time
Huntingdonshire League Champions, 4 times Huntingdonshire Senior Cup Winners, 37 times Hinchingbrooke Cup Winners, 2 times
WWW.STNEOTSTOWNFC.CO.UK / PAGE 03
MANAGERS NOTES
DAVID BATCH Welcome to all the players, staff, supporters and officials from Banbury football club. One month into the role and I think we have identified many strong points about the group. With so many injuries to deal with at the outset as well as others yet to return, it has given me a chance to pretty much have a look at everyone at the club - which of course has been useful. Invariably when a new Manager arrives there are changes in a playing squad, although I believe they should be as minimal as possible considering the circumstances that we are in. Evolution not revolution is required here and as a result I am keen to only recruit players that are capable of making an impact now AND next season, therefore maintaining a bit of stability in the future. We hope to have one more addition appearing today, but thereafter I don’t envisage too much change is needed for the rest of this season.
football. Hopefully you will be seeing more of them in the future. Finally, I know that I commented last time on the great support we had at Dunstable and Paulton, but the last three matches have been even better! Away at Histon was like playing a home match and to even take a soul to Weymouth is astounding. AMAZING SUPPORT The atmosphere and support for the players at our last home game was cracking and it was pleasing the players rewarded that with a last gasp winner. Please get behind them again today and at the same time, let’s hope the players inspire you guys to keep banging the drum!ch as possible. Batchy.
COMING OF AGE Refreshingly we have also had two further additions with the introduction of Luis Viera and Ebey Marango to training and match day squads. Products of our Youth System, these boys aren’t there to make up numbers as I have seen first hand their talent. Now it’s about us managing their development and them knuckling down to the transition into senior
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A cup match here four years ago against one of the current UCL pacemakers
UCL Premier Division (1/February/2011) St Neots Town
6-0
With the weekend visit of Kings Lynn very much in mind St Neots Manager had the luxury of resting six of his FA Vase team and able to give his squad players a good run out. They responded as he no doubt hoped as the side eased to a comfortable 6-0 victory over a very hard working and plucky Yaxley side. There was a senior debut for the most recent addition to the squad Dallas Moore and he marked his introduction with a set piece goal and there was also a first captains’ arm band for Lewis Webb who never stopped running for the entire 90 minutes and was duly rewarded with two goals. Leading 4-0 before an hour St Neots then introduced three substitutes and Junior Kanuda and Stefan Moore delighted the crowd with a display of exhibition football that led to two more goals to complete the rout. All in all it was a satisfactory run out in preparation to what is to be St Neots most important league match of the season in front of what is certain to be a record breaking attendance. With Newport Pagnell dropping points again for the second time in four days St Neots returned to the top of the table extending their goal difference to + 83. St Neots were in the groove from the first whistle and could have been three goals ahead in the first seven minutes. From a Micky Hyem cross Roy Essendoh won the ball in the air but put it
Yaxley the wrong side of a post and then visiting keeper Aaron Bellairs made an excellent save to deny his second headed attempt from a Dan Jacob cross. Lewis Hilliard then had a thunderous shot blocked with the keeper out of position. Yaxley’s first and only serious first half attempt on goal came from the experienced Ricky Hailstone but he was wide of goal and with the possession very much in their favour it seemed that goals would soon arrive. The first on 22 minutes was a real peach as the hard working Shane Tolley won the ball on the edge of the centre circle and his clever flick anticipated the forward surge of Lewis Hilliard and his late curling shot was well outside the reach of Bellairs. Kieran Davies almost added a second with a narrow angled shot that shaved the outside edge of the far post and the visiting keeper saved well from Tolley and Jacob. After 37 minutes a real team goal came as Theo Davis collected a pass from Dallas Moore and progressed infield from the left flank to find Dan Jacob and his low cross was forced home by ace marksman Shane Tolley. It was a first half of much one way traffic but credit to the visiting defence who were always competitive and tight. Just ten minutes into the second half the excellent Bellairs made one costly slip when he dropped a stinging cross from Kieran Davies
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and Shane Tolley pounced for another typical strikers goal. Four minutes later it was 4-0 as Lewis Hilliard curled in a free kick won in the air by Jordan Gent. His header rebounded from the crossbar and Dallas Moore was on hand to open his account for St Neots. That signalled a change in tactics for the home side with a triple substitution and the introduction of Junior Kanuda, Stefan Moore and the evergreen Tony Scully. The game was slowed down as Kanuda weaved his spell around the Yaxley defenders and one shot from him brought the save of the match from Bellairs at the expense of a corner. Little was seen of the visiting attack and two goals in the last seven minutes delighted the St Neots followers. After 83 minutes Scully combined neatly with Stefan Moore who unselfishly picked out Lewis Webb at the far post and he celebrated with a clinical finish. Right on time the biggest cheer of the evening was for Junior Kanuda who mesmerised three defenders to set up Lewis Webb again for a narrow angled final goal. Trebes, Hyem, Davis, Webb, Gent, Moore (D), Davies, Hilliard, Essendoh, Tolley, Jacob. Subs: Moore (S) (for Tolley 60 mins), Kanuda (for Essendoh 60 mins), Scully (for Davies 60 mins), Christon & McShane
CONGRATULATIONS PAUL BASTOCK ON REACHING 1000 CAREER LEAGUE APPEARANCES!
FROM EVERYONE CONNECTED WITH ST NEOTS TOWN FC
ST NEOTS TOWN 2 BIGGLESWADE TOWN 1 17:01:2015 / Southern Premier Division / Att 491 / Referee: James Turner (Kings Lynn) Four wins and a draw in their last six league games seem to be getting St Neots play off hopes back on track after the six points deduction resulting from the demise of Hereford United. A deciding goal from open play in injury time in this match gave St Neots the points that their performance had deserved after the game looked like being decided on two converted penalty kicks.It was a typical derby match with no quarter asked or given but the visitors will think themselves hard done by after playing their part in a game that warmed the enthusiasm of an excellent crowd on a bitterly cold afternoon. In charge for his first home match Manager David Batch made several changes to his starting line up including Theo Davis, Ed Adjei and fit again Lewis Hilliard who had missed the last two matches through injury in the places of Ryan Plowright, David Hutton and Ben Ford. Biggleswade included two former St Neots favourites - long time club captain Gavin Hoyte and Ollie Thorne who is on loan from Hemel Hempstead but both picked up second half bookings. St Neots started well creating two early chances as Nathan Frater glanced a header just wide of the far post from a Lewis Hilliard cross and Frater then pulled a cross back for Jack Wilkinson timing his run into the area perfectly but his shot cannoned off the legs of visiting keeper Ian Brown who knew very little about it. The
visitors’ first chance came on the quarter hour when skipper Steve Gentle up for a Craig Daniels corner directed a header just under the bar but Paul Bastock playing his 997th league match (with variety of clubs) did well to turn the ball over for another corner.
The match continued with a high tempo but St Neots made the better chances – Nathan Frater bringing a good save from Brown and Drew Roberts shooting wide. Ollie Thorne charged down a Ryan Frater clearance to leave himself through on goal but he fired wildly over the top and then a Lee Allinson free kick was wasted. St Neots midfield pair Jack Wilkinson and Adam Tann both shot off target and the first half ended with Drew Roberts close to increasing the St Neots lead with a snap shot narrowly wide after a Max York cross had been blocked by a defender. Both sides looked rather subdued after the break but not for
long. Thorne was upended by Theo Davis earning the St Neots player a yellow card and then a surprise shot from outside the area by Josh Beech caught the St Neots defence unawares but rebounded to safety off the foot of a post. Roberts shot over the bar for St Neots and then the visitors sent on two substitutes and began to look a more attacking outfit. St Neots expertly marshalled in defence by Tom Ward and Ryan Frater looked comfortable and a long ball over the top of the defence by York saw Nathan Frater beat goalkeeper and defender to the ball but his off balance gentle lob towards goal was scraped off the goal line by the retreating Gavin Hoyte. With eleven minutes left York was judged to have nudged Kelvin Bossman in the area and Referee James Turner awarded the second penalty of the game confidently tucked away by Bossman to level the scores. That looked like honours even and points shared until a minute into added time when late substitute Ben Ford on the pitch for just four minutes was perfectly placed to sweep home a Nathan Frater cross to earn full points for his side. It was his first goal of the season and only his third for the club in 42 appearances. John Walker
St Neots Town
Biggleswade Town
Bastock, York, Davis, Tann, Frater (R), Ward, Hilliard, Wilkinson, Frater (N), Roberts, Adjei Subs: Plowright (for Davis 58), Hutton (for Hilliard 73), Ford (for Adjei 86), Ferrari and Vieira. Cards: Davis (Y – 50) Goals: Hilliard pen (17 mins), Ford (90 + 1 min)
Phillips, Tovey, Teale, Anson, Brice, Barnes, Evans, Williams, Wilson, Davies, Page Subs: Ives (for Reed 67), Woolf (for Daniels 67), McNulty and Iwediuno. Cards: Hoyte (Y – 63), Thorne (Y – 63) Goals: Bossman pen (69 mins)
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WWW.STNEOTSTOWNFC.CO.UK / PAGE 09
ADAM TANN
Our previous home game saw 11 year old Shane Edgar be the club Mascot for the local derby versus Biggleswade Town. Arsenal fan Shane had a great day leading the Saints out and witnessed 2 penalties and late drama with St Neots Town coming out 2-1 winners!
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Mascot feature Mascot Fact File Name: Jack Gore Age: 11 Favourite St Neots Player: Lewis Hilliard Who do you play for? St Neots under 12s What position do you play in: Central Midfield Who do you support: Man United What do you want to be when older: Pro Footballer Favourite food: Roast Dinner Favourite television programme: Match Of The Day Do you have any pets? 2 Dogs called Max and Hubby Name: Arthur gore Age: 06 Favourite St Neots Player: Ryan Frater Who do you play for? Not one yet Who do you support: Man United What do you want to be when older: Pro Footballer Favourite food: Macaroni Cheese Favourite television programme: Simpsons Do you have any pets? 2 Dogs called Max and Hubby
The Saints Matchday Mascot Experience! • Free entry for mascot and parents • Use of our hospitality room • Signed match day programme by your favourite player, which you will also appear in • Meet your favourite player and have your photo taken • Tour of the stadium • Have a kick about on the main pitch • Lead the Saints on to the pitch • Free portion of chips and drink for the mascot
To apply to be a Matchday Mascot contact Louise Spark on misslouises@yahoo.co.uk
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/STNEOTSTOWNFC / PAGE 13
WORLD’S BEST DEFENDERS 02. MATS HUMMELS (BORUSSIA DORTMUND) Germany international Mats Hummels is another to be consistently sought after in the transfer market over recent years, but has instead helped Dortmund in their rise to the top of the European game. Another who relies more on game intelligence than pace, Hummels is the elegant ball-playing half of the Dortmund central defensive pairing, with the aforementioned Subotic supplying the brawn. That is not to say, though, that Hummels cannot mix it with physical opponents. The German combines his clever positional play with a rugged side that allows him to get the upper hand on many elite strikers. Excellent at bringing the ball out of defence, he has become an important figure when it comes to starting attacks from deep for his club. He is truly a great all-around central defender.
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Defenders never really get the recognition they deserve we take a look at the 10 best defenders in the game today.
01. THIAGO SILVA (PSG) The undisputed best central defender in world football at present is PSG and Brazil star Thiago Silva, captain of his victorious side at the recent Confederations Cup. The former Fluminense and AC Milan star is one of the most rounded players in football, combining physicality, intelligence and high levels of skill to form an astoundingly good defensive player. His leadership qualities will be tested in the coming season when he will be expected to guide the youthful Marquinhos through any challenges ahead, but it would be no surprise to see the Brazilian pair emerge with flying colours. It’s unusual to see a defender move for a fee of ₏42 million but the fact that his first year at the club ended with speculation of an even bigger move to Barcelona says much of his standing within world football at present.
WWW.STNEOTSTOWNFC.CO.UK / PAGE 15
THE CHAIRMANS’ VIEWS
A TOUGH JOB Welcome to the Officials, Players and supporters of Banbury United for today’s fixture, I hope you enjoy your stay with us. Firstly I would like to congratulate Paul Bastock on his milestone of 1,000 first team league appearance’s, a fantastic achievement and we as a club are proud that Paul was playing for us in his 1,000th game. In my last notes I promised to give you all an overview of my experience of being manager for a couple of matches, well here it is.
MIKE BASSETT - FOOTBALL MANAGER Firstly, I like probably all of you have your own opinion on how the game should be played both before and during the match and yes I suppose we could all set up the team on who and how we want to play, of course we can that’s easy. “Well you could not be more wrong” my experience was a serious eye opener and something I am now glad I had first hand experience of. Firstly I had NO time with the players on the training pitch and that was the first massive mistake, thinking myself and young Bassett (my son Jamie) could pick the side and formation, instruct the players in the dressing room and motivate them by building their confidence up with a will to win and not get beaten attitude. Well yes we did that and did it very well, but we quickly found out just how hard it is to coach and give instructions from the touchline. Many of us think if the manger is “Active” in the dugout shouting instructions and waving his arms then that is the right thing to do, well maybe it will help providing the players can actually hear you in the
first place I can assure you all that its not easy to get the message across that way, in fact it is impossible, so the first theory of seeing a manager just standing there with his arms folded and not giving out some instructions is out of the window, lesson number one learned I think. At this level the key to the game plans and I say “Plans” is defiantly on the training pitch, everything can be worked out there yes everything then it’s just a message in the form of a “Code word” to change things on the pitch, of course the players have to understand and buy into what they are being instructed to do. So I am convinced of that in my short time in the dug out, it’s all organized on the training pitch. Now knowing how vital that part of management was and when I was thinking what was needed in the new manager, near the very top of the list was someone who had the very best coaching credentials, with the icing on the cake being his assistance having those same credentials. I’m not saying I would have missed that one but it did make me think a
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lot harder because in David Batch, Steve Eastaugh and Darren Plowman we have three EUFA A licenced coaches and for those of you who don’t know that is a very serious accreditation to have in coaching. Now the life of a Football Manager and the pressures I did not quite understand, “and I thought I knew most of them”, the tension and anguish managers have to put themselves through, the pressure from many quarters to win every game, the disappointment of not doing very well each game, yes us supporters go through some of those emotions but believe me it is nothing like the “football manager of the club” have a look at the picture opposite, look at the disappointment and frustration of myself and Jamie after we pulled ourselves back to a winning position against Corby only to concede victory over the last thirteen minutes. Our first match, the victory over Frome was great and we had that high from the win, but games like Corby where it really came home to us that it is seriously hard to make loads of changes for what ever reason on the pitch
THIS IS FRUSTRATING
Sometimes you are successful like we have been over the years, but lets not forget at any level of football primarily it is nothing more than a “Financial Dogfight” Frustration, disappointment, and many other emotions came to us and the players in the dressing room at the end of that game. Not a very pleasant Boxing Day I must say.
during the game, and not having that game plan organized on the training pitch.Unfortunately we had to make three substitutions before half time forced on us by injury did not help. Only when we had the half time break could we reorganize and try and match the opposition up and press for that vital goal of which we did and then went in front only to collapse at the end.
But as they say “that’s football” well yes I suppose it is if your not involved in the team but watching your team play win or lose and being happy or disappointed for a little while then getting back to reality until the next game. Maybe in future have a little thought for the Manager the Chairman and all of the other active people in the club who seem to never get back to reality and just want the next match to come and hopefully a win that will give us that enjoyable following week. So when you get a little disappointed in the clubs performance and get “Trigger” happy on the Social Media keyboard just remember how hard these guys work, how they take the not so good performances, how they take all this home with them, it really does
run their lives. Sometimes you are successful like we have been over the years, but lets not forget at any level of football primarily it is nothing more than a “Financial Dogfight” yes it is and no one knows that more than I do. Only one team can win the league and be champions, only one team can win the Cup, coming second and not winning anything is in many eyes a failure. But in nonleague there really are no failures as just surviving is an achievement for all clubs. Dave Batch and his team like all other managers in football will give their very best, take home all the worries and hopefully enjoy the successes as well, but above all they will give their everything all the time every time. I know how hard that job is “I have now been there”. Mike Bassett Football Manager “No Thanks” ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL Mike
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/STNEOTSTOWNFC / PAGE 17
PART TWO 50 YEARS WITH ST NEOTS TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB
JOHN WALKER LIFE PRESIDENT I now move on to the lows of the club. The club was evicted from Shortsands on Boxing Day 1986 and left homeless with the kit we stood up in and half a dozen footballs and no assets plus debts of around £2,500. As Club Treasurer it was left to me to rescue the Club’s proud 108 years of history. I negotiated a very temporary lease of playing facilities at Samuel Jones sports ground so we could complete that 1986/87 season but with nowhere permanent to play the inevitable decision to mothball the club had to be taken.
Six) and the rehabilitation of St Neots Town FC was under way. Of course there were other low points but none as devastating as seeing the club out of business. One of those low points was when the first team was relegated from the Premier Division of the UCL to Division One in the mid eighties but the side bounced back the next season to regain its place at Step Five.
That £2,500 had to be raised if the club was not to disappear for ever so I persuaded several supporters and family members to lend me enough (in £50 lots interest free) to pay off our creditors and then I set about repaying those who had loaned me the money. I kept the club weekly fund raising going with the help of some very long standing and loyal agents and in around fifteen months with no club to support the debt was cleared and all the loans repaid. I had around £33 left which I sent to the Huntingdonshire FA Benevolent Fund and my work was complete.
The opening of the original Rowley Park in June 1994 was of course a key date because St Neots had earned their place back in the UCL and it took just one season to win the title and get back to the Premier Division. However having been told that we were to be evicted again a dozen years later was a blow softened by the fact that the developer who had purchased the land was obliged to rehouse the Club in ‘accommodation at least as good’. Imagine my delight and surprise (and that of others) when we arrived at the New Rowley Park in June 2008 to see what we had inherited. Now with a 125 years lease with the rent fully paid we bask in one of the best facilities at this level of football no doubt counting our blessings after the trauma of 1987.
Three years later the club resurfaced playing at Step Seven in the West Anglia League on Priory Park winning the league four times in a row but behind the scenes fund raising was in force with an ambition to get the Club back to its former level. That was achieved in the 1994/1995 season when the club was readmitted to the United Counties League Division One (Step
Of course none of this would have been possible without the unstinting support of my family. My two sons spent much of their childhood at Shortsands and when old enough served the Club in a variety of roles with Bryan going on to become a professional journalist having cut his teeth on St Neots reports and Roger piloted the St Neots records as soon as he was old enough to write –
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many of which still exist today. He also covers for me as the St Neots reporter on my very rare day off. Even now both are extremely upset if they do not get a half time and full time update text when St Neots are in action. However the bulk of my support has come from my wife Janet who arrived at St Neots a couple of months after I joined the Club so she has known nothing else. Today she checks my pockets before I leave home to make sure I have everything I need and packs up my sandwiches for long away trips. She also times evening meal times (home matches) to allow for the production of my detailed match report which I like to be published by 7.00 p.m. after every home game. She celebrates with me when we win and allows for my mood when we do not. She certainly deserves a medal!! What of the future? The club and its Chairman/Owner harbour ambition for still further advancement with membership of the Football Conference on the wish list. That would be great for both supporters and the Town but beware too much progress too soon. Look at Rushden and Diamonds, Kettering Town and of course Hereford United this season. Football is a precarious business and having invested so much effort in getting the club to this level the first concern of all those connected must be to guarantee its long term survival.
FOOTBALL IS A PRECARIOUS BUSINESS AND HAVING INVESTED SO MUCH EFFORT IN GETTING THE CLUB TO THIS LEVEL THE FIRST CONCERN OF ALL THOSE CONNECTED MUST BE TO GUARANTEE ITS LONG TERM SURVIVAL. THANK YOU JOHN FROM US ALL
READ ALL ABOUT IT We take a look at what other non-league clubs are doing that’s making the news this week. CAMBRIDGE CITY Cambridge City have confirmed that Icelandic midfielder Heidar Juliusson has left after Saturday`s defeat at Weymouth. Juliusson has represented his country at under-17, under-19 and under-21 level. He was playing in the Norwegian First Division for Hamarkameratene, where he was on loan from Swedish Club IFK Uddevala, before moving to England last summer. City manager Gary Roberts said: “Following discussions between the club and Heidar, it has been mutually agreed to cancel the remainder of his contract. “This will facilitate a move for Heidar to return to professional football back in Scandanavia. “I would like to thank Heidar for his efforts since joining the club in the summer and wish him all the best for the future.” BANBURY UNITED Banbury United have confirmed two more new signings Attacking midfielder Umit Eminoglu is a 20-year-old dual Turkish-English national who spent eleven years in PAGE 20 /
the Aston Villa academy and was a regular goalscorer for them in the Barclays Premier Academy League prior to being released at the end of the 2012/13 season. He then played professionally for Turkish side Genclerbirligi, making his debut for them in September 2013. In December 2013 he moved back to England to play for Conference North club Hednesford Town but was also dual registered and played for Banbury`s league rivals Redditch United. He moved to Halesowen Town in January 2014 and last summer he returned to Turkey to and was named in the Giresunspor squad for the 2014/15 season but returned to England once more in October to sign once again for Redditch. He has played for the Turkey under-16 side and their under-18 side. Nathaniel Lewars is a 19-year-old striker who joined Hereford United prior to the start of this season having played for Southern Division One South & West side Evesham United and then Bedworth United last season. He played in early season games for the Bulls but was then loaned out in early September for a month to Hereford-based Midland League Premier Division side Westfields before the move was made permanent the following month. HUNGERFORD TOWN Bobby Wilkinson, manager of Hungerford Town, has signed 20-year-old striker Sam Wilson from
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Southern Division One South & West side Sholing FC. Southamptonborn Wilson started his playing career with Vanarama Conference club Eastleigh, where he played twenty-four times and netted 3 goals as a teenager.He had a successful loan spell with Poole Town where he scored 6 goals in fifteen games in 2012/13 and also spent time out at Gosport Borough and Fleet Town before leaving the Spitfires for Sholing last year. SLOUGH TOWN Neil Baker, joint-manager of Slough Town, has announced the signing of a new goalkeeper Joining the club is 19-year-old Luke Williams, who came through the ranks at Vanarama Conference side Aldershot Town before joining Hereford United in the summer where he gained rave reviews for a number of outstanding performances. Baker said: “He was one that really impressed us at the time, and with Hereford being wound up, Luke has become available, and after meeting with us we are delighted to announce he has agreed to come on board. “The decision is
not an easy one as Jake Somerville is someone that we brought to the club with high expectations, and we have worked with him for the past three years. However, we have been discussing his form with him for some time, and his performances have not been at the levels that are required. “Having spoken to him at length this weekend, it has been mutually agreed that ‘Somers’ will go elsewhere for the rest of the season and look to recover his form and confidence. We wish him all the very best and will remain in contact with him as you never know what the future may hold in football.” TRURO CITY Truro City have confirmed that Ben Gerring has been released from his non-contract terms. Gerring was brought in to strengthen the defence in Ed Palmer’s absence. He has completed that role well, scoring 2 goals in the process. Meanwhile, Danny Greenslade played his last game as a loan player and now returns to Vanarama Conference parent club Bristol Rovers. Manager Steve Tully is currently looking to add a new striker to the line-up. DORCHESTER TOWN Graham Kemp has quit as manager of Dorchester Town after just four
months in the job. Kemp left Sydenhams Football League (Wessex) Premier Division side Hamworthy United to replace Phil Simkin in September but the Magpies’ results haven’t improved. Tuesday night’s 2-1 loss at Chippenham Town leaves the club third from bottom following relegation from the Conference South last season. The club are now searching for their third boss of the campaign. A Dorchester statement read: “It is with much regret that DTFC announce the resignation of Graham Kemp as team manager. “Football is a results business and everyone accepts that recent results have not been good enough, despite some valiant performances, “The Board would like to thank Graham for his hard work dedication and enthusiasm that he has shown during his time as manager. In particular he created a positive atmosphere within the club. If anybody deserves success in football it is Graham, the Board sends him good wishes for the future. “The Board will meet this evening to consider Graham’s replacement.” DUNSTABLE TOWN Dunstable Town have signed young striker Elliott Bailey on dual registration with Vanarama Conference South side St Albans
City. A free-scoring striker with the Saints` youth team who has also scored for the reserves and senior side. He was previously with Boreham Wood as a youth, Harvesters and played for the AFA representative side. It is the second time the 19-year-old has been out on dual registration this season, the first time coming with Molten Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division outfit London Colney. Bailey hasn’t scored in five appearances, including four starts, for the Saints this season. For the Blueboys, he scored 7 in eleven appearances. Last season, he scored 6 goals in twenty-two games for St Albans when they were in the Southern League. PAULTON ROVERS Nick Bunyard, manager of Paulton Rovers, has increased his options with the addition of 18-year-old Liam Monelle who joins from Sky Bet League One high-flyers Bristol City on a one month loan deal. Monelle came through the ranks of Southern Division One South & West outfit Mangotsfield United before joining City last season. WWW.STNEOTSTOWNFC.CO.UK / PAGE 21
ES!
COMMENTATORS FOOTBALL GAFF
You can always rely on the good old football commentator to come out with a classic during the big match! Here are a few howlers! Dwight Yorke “They’re a little bit miss and hit”
Jamie Redknapp “Will Chelsea qualify with ease? I think they will, but it won’t be easy”
“I’ll give the ref the benefit of the doubt but he’s got a lot wrong” Mark Bright
Andy Townsend
Paul Ince
“I think one of these teams could win this”
“I hope to be back in management in the next future”
Garth Crookes
Demba Ba
“He done great to get where he got”
“Michael Owen will get double figures this season - or at least 10, possibly more”
“I’m glad I don’t have to face Coloccini, because I don’t think I would touch many balls”
Ray Wilkins
Brendan Rodgers
“West Ham have committed 13 fouls, but they weren’t fouls, they were commitment”
Ray Parlour
“The Merseyside derby games are unique in the city”
“John Terry wears his shirt on his sleeve”
Alan Brazil
Dave Whelan
“Levante have gone fourth in Serie A. If anyone can tell me what part of Italy Levante is in, please call. I’ve no idea”.
“Roberto Martinez’s belief is unbelievable”
Niall Quinn “Look at that roar”
Paul Merson
Glenn Hoddle “Getting picked gives you half that confidence, or 50 per cent of it”
John Champion “Ferdinand has been laid out by Kolarov’s unfortunate follow through”
Grahame Souness “It’s like a stone rolling down a hill it’s gathering more and more moss”
PAGE 22 / ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V BANBURY UNITED ISSUE 20
Gabby Logan “The butterflies will be jangling”
Paul Elliot “Cahill went off, then Botswana came on”
TODAY’S VISITORS
BANBURY UNITED
In the relegation zone for all of the season our visitors are looking for points and inspiration very soon. Today we offer our usual warm welcome to our visitors Banbury United for our next engagement in the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division. What a difference a year makes. When Banbury visited last year on the corresponding Saturday to this they were on the fringe of the play off places in ninth place in the table whilst our lads were struggling at the other end of the table some eleven places lower. Now of course had our lads not been punished with a loss of six points when Hereford went out of business we would be in the play offs whilst Banbury languish at the foot of the table. Our visitors began the season badly losing their first seven league matches and there has only been a marginal improvement since then. They have occupied a place in the relegation zone all season and now with just fifteen games left after today they must be hoping for points and inspiration very soon. Members of the Southern League since 1966 except
for a ten year spell in the Hellenic League, Banbury have a proud cup history having reached the First Round Proper on three occasions before losing to Colchester United, Barnet and Northampton Town. This season their FA Cup adventure saw them beat Bishops Cleeve before losing at Weston Super Mare. Meantime in the FA Trophy they beat Evesham in a replay and Marine before losing at home to Ramsbottom United from the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League. Away from home in the league they have won twice at Dunstable and Cirencester whilst their home wins came over Cambridge and Dorchester. Earlier this season when we visited Banbury the result was a 1-1 draw with a Jay Davies penalty being cancelled out by a Josh Shama equaliser. That match saw former skipper Gavin Hoyte record his 100th league match whilst Jamie Greygoose made his league debut in goal.
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CLUB HISTORY Banbury United’s genesis is to be found in Spencer Villa, a works club formed in 1931. Friendly matches were played on a ground on the town’s Middleton Road. The club joined the Banbury Junior League for the 1933-34 season and won the championship at their first attempt. They changed their name to Banbury Spencer in 1934 and moved to their current ground for the start of the 1934-35 season in which they competed in the Oxfordshire Senior League. This too they won at their first attempt. During the season they were elected to the Birmingham Combination for the start of the 1935-36 season. After the war, Banbury resumed in the Birmingham Combination and turned professional for the 1946-47 season. In 1947-48, with attendances averaging 3,500, they finished runners-up in the league and reached the first round proper of the FA Cup for the first time, losing 2-1 at Colchester United, at
Year founded: 1931 Nickname: The Puritans Chairman: Kim Dumbleton
Website: www.pitchero.com/clubs/ banburyunitedfootballclub Stadium: The Spencer Stadium
Previous Meetings: 2013/14 St Neots 3-1 Banbury 2014/15 Banbury 1-1 St Neots
that time a Southern League club. The status of the Birmingham Combination began to decline in the early 1950s. At the end of the 1953-54 season the league disbanded and, along with most of its remaining clubs, Banbury joined the Birmingham League. In 1959-60 they reached the final of the Birmingham Senior Cup for the second time, again losing to Nuneaton, this time 1-0. In 1961-62, Banbury reached the first round of the FA Cup for the second time, travelling to Third Division Shrewsbury Town and losing 7-1.
new clubhouse. The first round of the FA Cup was reached twice more; in 1972-73, United lost 2-0 at home to Barnet, then a Southern League club, and the following season, after a 0-0 draw at home, they lost 3-2 away to Fourth Division Northampton Town in a replay. United twice reached the last sixteen of the FA Trophy, losing 1-0 in a replay to Hereford United in 1970-71 and, in 1973-74, by the same score in a second replay to eventual Southern League champions Dartford. From the late 1970s United’s fortunes declined sharply as debts mounted and in 1990, United finished 21st of 22 and were relegated for the first time in their history, starting season 1990-91 in the Hellenic League. In 1999/200 the club clinched the Hellenic League championship with two games remaining and Banbury United were back in the Southern League almost ten years after leaving it. The restructure of non-league football meant that the
2004-05 season was anticipated as keenly as any in the history of the club and United were equal to the challenge of Premier Division football – but only just. Winless after five games, they rose to ninth by the end of October but then struggled and by February had sunk to within one place of the relegation zone and spent two months there before a late improvement saw them to safety with a game to spare. Five wins in the first eight games of the 2011-2 season took United to second place but as players left the cash-strapped club, tempted by better offers, an alarming slump followed. Winning only six of their next 31 matches, United fell into the relegation places on Easter Monday. Two wins in the last three games saw them to safety. Two seasons ago Banbury finished 16th in the table nine points above the relegation zone and last season they finished 19th after a very poor second half to the season.
In 1965 a group of local businessmen bought the club and Banbury Spencer became Banbury United and during the summer of 1966 Banbury were elected to the Southern League. Significant improvements were made to the ground. Floodlights were installed and the famous old railway coaches that had been used as changing rooms were removed and replaced by a
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/STNEOTSTOWNFC / PAGE 25
WHO’S WHO
THE PURITANS
PAUL DAVIS
LUKE CRAY
LEIGH BEDWELL
PAUL DAVIS (MANAGER) Former Oxford City, Witney Town, Banbury United and Didcot Town coach and Abingdon Town manager who was appointed manager of Banbury United in August 2014.
midfielder who has spent the last three seasons with South Midlands League side Mursley United after being with Newport Pagnell Town as a junior. Joined Banbury during pre-season.
RYAN GURTON (ASSISTANT MANAGER) UEFA “B” Licence coach who was joined the club in August 2014. Has coached alongside manager Paul Davis in recent seasons.
DARIUS BROWNE 18 year-old left sided midfield player who has been with Oxford United and the Coventry City academy. Also played for Easington Sports and Banbury United’s youth side last season.
LUKE CRAY 22 year-old right sided defender who returned to the club in the summer of 2012 after a spell with Wellingborough Town. He had initially played for Banbury three seasons previously on work experience from Northampton Town where he was a regular in their reserve side. Club captain. MARVIN MARTIN 23 year-old left sided defender or midfielder who is a former Oxford United scholar and initially joined Banbury United. LEWIS STRAFFORD 21 year-old full back who joined the club in January 2014. Played for Berkhamsted prior to joining Banbury and prior to that was at Olney Town, AFC Kempston Rovers, Irchester United and St Neots Town. JACK WESTBROOK 19 year-old defender or defensive PAGE 26 /
TOM FISHWICK 18 year-old central defender who joined the club in March 2014 from Midland Combination side Racing Club Warwick. Was previously a youth player at Leamington. JACOB WALCOTT 22 year-old striker who joined the club in August 2014. He started his career in the Reading FC academy and progressed to earn a scholarship and then a professional contract with them having loan spells with Staines Town and Dutch side Telstar before being released by the Royals at the end of season 2011/12. After joining North Leigh in the summer of 2012 he opted to move to Conference North side Oxford City in September 2012 but was back with North Leigh three months later and stayed with them last season. He represented England at Under 16 and Under 17 level and is a distant cousin of
ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V BANBURY UNITED ISSUE 20
TOM RYAN
Arsenal and England star Theo. LEIGH BEDWELL 20 year-old goalkeeper who originally joined the club on loan from Swindon Town in September 2013. He made 18 appearances for Banbury in the three months prior to the expiration of his loan period. He came through the junior ranks at Swindon and earned his first professional contract in the summer of 2012, making his Swindon Town first team debut in September 2012 at Preston North End when Paolo Di Canio decided when 2-0 down to replace starting custodian Wes Foderingham with the on the bench Bedwell. Leigh also had a short loan spell with Conference North side Worcester City last season. He was released by Swindon at the end of last season and joined Banbury on a permanent basis in August 2014. MARCUS GREEN 24 year-old midfielder who impressed in the reserve side early last season to earn a place in the first team squad throughout the second half of the campaign. Previously played for Tooting and Mitcham Utd. CIARAN HOUSTON 18 year-old midfielder who joined the club from Racing Club Warwick in August 2014. LEAM HOWARDS 19 year-old striker who came through
Umit Eminoglu (Striker) 20 year-old dual Turkish-English national who was a regular goalscorer for Aston Villa in the Barclays Premier Academy League prior to being released at the end of season 2012/13. Joined Banbury in January 2015. He has played for the Turkey under-16 side and their under-18 side. He can play in midfield or upfront.
UMIT EMINOGLU
the youth and reserve sides at Banbury United. Joined Abingdon Town in November 2013 and started the current season with Hellenic League side Hook Norton before rejoining Banbury in August 2014. CALLUM WHITE 19 year-old right back who has come through the youth side at Dereham Town. Joined Banbury in August 2014. JOEL MEADE 25 year-old central defender who has previously played for Oxford City, Witney Town and Didcot Town. Had one game for Banbury United back in season 2012/13 playing against Leamington on Boxing Day 2012 before opting to move to Didcot shortly afterwards. Re-joined Banbury in September 2014. DECLAN HARTIGAN 23 year-old midfielder who joined the club in September 2014 from Abingdon United. He had previously been with Abingdon Town and Milton United. JORDAN GREEN 19 year-old wide midfielder who joined the club in October 2014. Previously with Pheonix FC. Was a scholar at Fulham. BEN WHITEHEAD 20 year-old left sided midfielder who joined the club in October 2014 from Didcot Town. He began his
CARL TAPPIN
JACOB WALCOTT
football career as a junior at Oxford United before having a two year scholarship at Swindon Town. After being released by Swindon he joined then Southern League Division One side Abingdon United for the start of season 2012/13 subsequently moving on to Swindon Supermarine in January 2013 before joining Didcot Town in November 2013. Ben is the son of former Oxford United and Reading goalkeeper Phil Whitehead ADRIEL GEORGE 18 year-old second year scholar (known as “AJ”) who joined the club on “work experience” from Oxford United in December 2014. Plays wide midfield. He was born in Antiqua and has been in the Antiqua & Barbuda under 20 squad. LEWIS HAYDEN 17 year-old midfielder who joined the club in December 2014 on “work experience” from Oxford United. Is a first year scholar at Oxford United and came through their academy DURAN MARTIN 18 year-old former Oxford United scholar who joined the club in December 2014. A central midfield player who had been playing for Hellenic League side Old Woodstock Town this season after completing his scholarship at Oxford United at the end of last season. Duran is the younger brother of United player Marvin.
LEAM HOWARDS
NATHANIEL LEWARS 19 year-old striker who joined Hereford United prior to the start of this season having played for Southern League South & West side Evesham United and then Northern Premier League Southern Division side Bedworth United last season. Played in early season games for the Bulls but was then loaned out in early September for a month to Hereford based Midland League Premier Division side Westfields before the move was made permanent the following month. Moved to Banbury in January 2015. LEROU “GUY” TAHIN 27 year-old Lerou “Guy” Tahin is a striker who signed for the club in January 2015. The Ivory Coast born French national had been playing for East Stirlingshire this season prior to joining Banbury. He played for French clubs US Roye-Noyon and FCM Aubervillers in season 2012/13 and had previously had three seasons with another French club AC Amiens. Last season he had spells with Thurrock and London Tigers. KANE POPE 20 year-old who was previously part of the QPR youth set-up. He is an attacking midfield player who can also play up front. Joined Banbury in January 2015.
WWW.STNEOTSTOWNFC.CO.UK / PAGE 27
News from the Youth... ST NEOTS SAINTS 3 - 0 S/L CORBY United Counties League Division One Saints ended a six match losing run to give Anton Fife his first win at the helm. Dan Hobbs was just too high with an early free kick for the hosts. Saints went in front twenty minutes in. Sean Barker’s shot deflected off a defender into the path of Luis Viera who steered a low shot beyond keeper Kris Bartle. Three minutes later the home side added a well worked second. Viera’s flick played Barker in behind the defence and his cut back from the right found Hobbs arriving right on cue to fire a first time cross shot past Bartle. S&L responded with an Alan Campbell free kick taken by Jamie Greygoose at the foot
of the post and Steve Harrison well struck shot which veered away from the target. Barker and Hobbs combined to set up Viera who shot wide for Saints. The last chance of the half fell to the Foundrymen with Greygoose saving from Arron Brown at full stretch. Saints had the points under lock and key after 53 minutes when Barker’s cross from the right was spilled by Bartle presenting Viera with a tap in. Hobbs stung Bartles’s palms with a well struck shot after a strong run. The Foundrymen didn’t give up and Campbell tested
Greygoose after his free kick came back to him off the defensive wall. Long kicks from Bartle caused problems for the home rearguard with Harrison breaking clear to fire against the outside of a post and Greygoose racing out of goal to kick clear from Luke McAuley. Further Foundrymen pressure saw Kieran Jakes force Greygoose into action and Harrison and Jamie Irvine shoot wide. Greygoose saved with his legs to deny Corey McGovern a late consolation. John Walker via Jeremy Biggs
LIGHTNING DOES STRIKE TWICE !! According to folklore lightning never strikes twice in the same place but it has this month for St Neots Town FC. At the turn of the year Hereford United were forced out of business by the Southern League for financial and governance offences and as St Neots had beaten them twice in the league this season (1-0 away and 2-0 at home) that resulted in the deduction of six points and the loss of a goal difference of three goals. As a result St Neots plummeted from fourth to ninth in the league table without kicking a ball! If that was bad enough then there was an encore to follow. Last week Ramsey Colts resigned from the Western Division of the Eastern Counties Youth Football League. You can probably guess the rest. St Neots U18 side had beaten Ramsey twice this season (7-2 away and 12-1 at home) so that meant six points lost and a goal difference of -16 imposed on the league table. After sitting at the top of the table for two months St Neots now find themselves second in the table (again without kicking a ball) behind the new leaders Biggleswade Town U18. PAGE 28 / ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V BANBURY UNITED ISSUE 20
Sponsored by Steve Ridley
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Extended Match Highlights Post-Match Analysis and Interviews All the Goals, Outtakes and Behind the Scenes Coverage Tune in to your club... www.stneotstownfc.co.uk
PAUL SAVES A CERTAIN GOAL
GREENIES GREETINGS
WE NOW SEEM TO BE A TEAM THAT IS HARD TO SCORE AGAINST Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen and welcome to Rowley Park – The Cozy Stadium, for today’s Evostik League Southern Premier Division match. Today we extend a warm welcome to the players, officials and supporters of Banbury United Football Club and we hope you enjoy our hospitality here this afternoon. Well, we are now five games into the reign of the new management team and we have tasted defeat only once, last Tuesday’s long midweek trek down to Weymouth, when we were beaten by a solitary goal to nil to leave us with a very long journey home pointless. A pleasing thing is that we now seem to be a team that is hard to score against, something that has been haunting us all season. No matter how many of strike force seem to tuck away, we have always looked susceptible to conceding at least one goal during games but we look to have addressed this with two clean sheets in recent away games at Paulton and more recently, Saturday’s visit to Histon.
This was a bit of a strange game at the Glassworld Stadium, one in which we looked relatively sound defensively, even with the late withdrawal of Ryan Frater prior to kick off with a calf strain and Tanny dropping into the back four. We created numerous chances and on another day, we would have wrapped up the points with consummate ease however on this occasion, the forces that be did not want that ball to end up in the back of the Stutes’ net and we had to settle for one point rather than the maximum return with a display of somewhat lacklustre finishing. We were cheered on by the usual fantastic travelling support who where vocally and almost numerically superior to the home support. Well done ladies and gents, you never fail to amaze us all with your commitment and passion for this club.
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We are also at home again next Saturday when we entertain near neighbours Arlesey Town so we really should be looking for a maximum return from these two games as we look to get back amongst the play positions as the season approaches the business end. Today is the last time Chris Budd will be physio for us as he has landed a full time position with the Norwich City First Team set up. Please join me in wishing Chris all the very best in this exciting appointment for him and thank him for his sterling efforts during his brief time with us here at Rowley Park. Ok then, on to today’s game and let’s get behind the lads from the first whistle, just like you did at Histon last weekend. PUMP UP THE VOLUME GREENY
BEST SUPPORTERS IN NON-LEAGUE
AWAY DAYS
THE TOWN GROUND Our next away day is a trip down the M4 to the “Town Ground” the home of Hungerford Town. Hungerford were promoted to the Southern League Premier Division at the end of season 2012/13 where they won the playoff final.
THE TOWN GROUND Bulpit Lane, Hungerford West Berkshire RG17 0AY
Moving into the top division the club under the guidance of Bobby Wilkinson just missed out on a playoff position on goal difference. A wonderful seasons performance saw the club finish in 6th position.
Adults £10, Concessions tab, U16s Free
Obviously the club have higher ambitions for the season 2014/15 hoping to go one better than the previous season.
Round Trip from (PE19 6SL): 157 Miles
The clubs playing record for season 1013/14 was as follows. W 26 D 6 L 12 F 83 A 45 A slow start to this season saw a mixed bag of results but the club have regained their form and are now sitting in 5th place in the Southern League Premier Division. This will be the first meeting between the two clubs this season.
Wheelchair Access: Yes Car Parking: Yes Matchday Magazine: £2 Capacity: 6,600 (900 seated)
DIRECTIONS From M4 Junction, take A338 to Hungerford. First Roundabout turn right on to A4, next roundabout first left, 100 yards roundabout first left up High Street, go over three roundabouts, at fourth roundabout turn first left signposted ‘Football Club’. Take second left into Bulpitt Lane, go over crossroads, ground on left.
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FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FENCE
BRIAN CLOUGH Some great stories about the people who knew and worked under the great man GONE TO THE DOGS Forest ace KENNY BURNS
As I was having a flutter at the Perry Barr greyhound track that night, there was no way I could have known I was being watched. Unbeknown to me, Brian Clough had ordered his mate Peter Taylor to go under cover and monitor my every move to see just how much I was spending on my nights at the dogs. Their concern could be seen as simply being caring and thoughtful but for one thing… I wasn’t even their player at the time. I was at Birmingham City and the pair of them had seen something about me that they liked. They wanted to sign me, but weren’t prepared to make a move until they found out more about a man with a rebellious reputation. Clough and Taylor didn’t mind someone having a bet. But had I gone to the dogs? That’s what Taylor’s special assignment was all about.
As it happens I wasn’t a big gambler. My team mate Paul Hendrie and me used to put £15 in each so we had a kitty of thirty quid to have a bet with. Small time stuff really but its just something we really enjoyed doing. Anyway, Taylor dutifully reported back that he’d certainly seen nothing untoward and that if I had any vices, gambling didn’t appear to be one of them. They signed me and set me off on a career that was to be laden with trophies and some fantastic days in my footballing life. That story for me just shows the fantastic attention to detail Clough and Taylor had in those days. They wanted to know everything about you and left no stone unturned. They had a lot of people scattered about the place that they trusted. They knew everything that happened in Nottingham. If you went to a nightclub, they knew where and when you’d been. So long as you weren’t stupid they didn’t care. Birmingham was off their patch, but that didn’t stop them putting me under surveillance to see just how I was getting my kicks and if I
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was chucking worrying amounts in the direction of the bookie’s. I must have passed the test because they took me on and, I’ve got to say, it was a marriage made in heaven in many ways. Clough was the easiest manager I have ever worked with. It was an absolute dream. Everything was so simple and the gaffer was so laid back it was untrue. But you know, a lot of people who didn’t know him reckon he was some kind of dictatorial bully who was always giving his players a hard time. Nothing could be further from the truth. In my first season with Forest we played 75 games and only had a squad of just 14 players so Clough made sure he got enough rest into us as he could. We hardly did what you’d call conventional training. We had so much fun. We would have five-a-side games and Cloughie would say, “Right today we will play “English V Jocks” and things like that. Ill always remember one day, he says. “Today it’s going to be the Whites V Blacks” Viv Anderson piped up that he was the only black player there. “Hey” Bad luck son, Said Cloughie with a huge grin. There was nothing racist about it, it was just the banter we all had and we had such a tight dressing room, it was unbelievable.
The man was an absolute genius-I’m in no doubt about that at all.
WE HARDLY DID WHAT YOU’D CALL CONVENTIONAL TRAINING. WE HAD SO MUCH FUN. WE WOULD HAVE FIVE-A-SIDE GAMES AND CLOUGHIE WOULD SAY, “RIGHT TODAY WE WILL PLAY “ENGLISH V JOCKS”
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/STNEOTSTOWNFC / PAGE 39
INTRODUCING
PAUL BASTOCK Celebrating a wonderful career. 1,000 league games. Paul started his career in the youth team at Coventry City in the eighties and was a member of their 1987 FA Youth Cup winning side that beat a Southampton youth side including Alan Shearer and Matt Le Tissier. He was released by Coventry and signed his first professional contract in 1988 with Cambridge United where he stayed for one season during which he also played once on loan for Bath City in October 1988, a 1–1 draw against VS Rugby. He then moved to Malaysia to play in the Malaysian Super League where he had a short spell with Sabah FA. He then moved back to England to play in the non-league with Fisher Athletic. After a season with Fisher, he transferred to Kettering Town in 1990 where he spent two years. At Kettering, he impressed and was snapped up by Boston United in 1992. His next twelve years with the Lincolnshire club were to prove the best of his footballing career. His first season with Boston was a disaster, with the club finishing bottom and being relegated from the Football Conference to the Northern Premier League. However, despite conceding 69 goals in 42 games, Bastock was still voted Player of the Season by supporters. He started to concede less goals the season after and Boston had a string of respectable league positions from 1993–1998 when the Pilgrims were moved to the Southern Premier League and their fortunes took an upturn. Bastock helped them to a second-place finish in the 1998–99 season and the team won the league and were promoted back to the Conference in 2000. He spent two seasons in PAGE 40 /
the Conference before Boston were promoted Football League Third Division, Bastock missing just one game all season as Boston won the Conference. He won the Player of the Season award again in the 2002–03 season, ten years after last winning it. However, his time with Boston started to come to an end when he received a knee injury midway through the 2003–04 season. He lost his regular place to the then substitute goalkeeper, Nathan Abbey. Abbey played well and Bastock could not regain his place in the first time after recovering, despite having been the first choice keeper for the past 11 seasons and missing just one game in the three years prior to his injury. At the end of that season, he left the Pilgrims to find first-team football. Whilst playing for Boston, he also worked as a care assistant in a nursing home. He was awarded a testimonial match for his great service to the club before leaving to join Scarborough in October 2004. However, he stayed with Scarborough for just one week, before leaving due to family and travelling issues. He signed for Dagenham & Redbridge later the same month. He stayed there for two months, making just one appearance, before he was signed by then Conference South side St Albans City in November 2004. He played in 84 consecutive league games for St Albans between
ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V BANBURY UNITED ISSUE 20
his debut match on 23 November 2004 against Hornchurch and 10 November 2006 before he received a suspension after being sent off in an FA Cup tie against Yeading. During the 2005–06 season he was named Supporters Player of the Year, having kept a club record seven consecutive home clean sheets and also equalled the record of six consecutive clean sheets home or away as St Albans win promotion to the Conference. In 2006 took a part-time position as part-time goalkeeping coach with Boston United, continuing to play for St Albans until May 2007 when he joined Rushden & Diamonds after St Albans relegation from the Conference. However, he was released by Rushden in February 2008 and rejoined St Albans City the following month. Within six games of returning was named Conference South Player of the Month He played a crucial role in helping St Albans escape a further relegation and was named as the Supporters Club Player of the Year at the end of the season, only the second player to with the honour twice. Bastock rejoined former club Boston United, in March 2011. He left the club at the end of the season. After spending the 2012–13 season at Worksop Town it was announced he would be rejoining St Albans City for a third time for the 2013–14 season. After one season with St Albans City, Bastock joined Royston Town in the summer of 2014, linking up with ex St Albans manager Steve Castle. Bastock then moved up a division to sign for St Neots Town in October 2014.
WWW.STNEOTSTOWNFC.CO.UK / PAGE 41
JACK WILKINSON
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/STNEOTSTOWNFC / PAGE 43
MD’S VIEWS “IF GOD HAD WANTED US TO PLAY FOOTBALL IN THE SKY HE’D HAVE PUT GRASS UP THERE” I’ve not read many biography’s (auto or otherwise) to be honest so it’s probably a testament to the genius of Brian Clough that I’ve read his twice. If you get a mo’ google him and listen to his discussion with John Motson about punditry (this was in the late 70’s remember) it’s fascinating stuff and makes a mockery of what is perceived to be a fairly recent observation that referees are scrutinised. Would he be the best manager in the premiership today? It’s a question that cannot be answered with any great certainty however the general consensus would be yes he would. “Are you the best manager in the premier league?” “Not sure but I’d definitely be in the top one” Ok here’s the quiz for a free season Ticket for next season “There are more tears than smiles, there is more sea than earth, one day the insupportable grief of mankind will sweep over the land and an ark will float on that liquid expression of misery”
Quick update The 3G astro has still not been signed off due largely to the fact that HDC are not prepared to help in any way shape or form (I have this in writing). This is a huge disappointment not only to us but also to all the youth teams who play FA affiliated fixtures on it. I could argue for ever and probably will however the undeniable issue is that there are new FA guidelines that are only fit for new astro’s and any astro that has a dynamic base is in trouble. We have a dynamic base. The Main pitch flood light was lowered and the bulb replaced however it was brought to my attention that there is no isolator (a particular joy when seeing if the new bulb works) and also the housing for the ignitors are on upside down (put in at time of building the ground) so are full off water. I do wonder I am expecting confirmation from
Name the film Name the lead actor and how many times did he marry the same women. There’s always a clue somewhere
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SNLP (Ernulf and Longsands) on Friday (yesterday) about whether we can expand on our current partnership (not that there’s been much of one) this will be announced on our website in full detail. The implications of this agreement are humongous (if that is a word) so keep an eye out.
Finally congratulations to Luis Viera on his progression to the first team squad it just goes to show that things are progressing in the right direction. Welcome to Banbury players, officials and supporters. LEE
WWW.STNEOTSTOWNFC.CO.UK / PAGE 45
STEWS VIEWS
MATURITY, REALISM AND NO EXPECTATION Well what an eventful few weeks that was just past? A change in the management team, Established first team players moving on to pastures new and others struggling for fitness, making it virtually impossible to name an unchanged team for consecutive matches. In fact nearly making it impossible to name a starting 11 at all in a couple of games. In what is a devilishly difficult league, this season is turning into a rather trying one, certainly for the owner anyhow! For the regular fan though, I sense rather than a foreboding loss of faith with the mass of changes currently being seen, weirdly its seemed to be having a galvanising effect on the majority of St Neots supporters. Causally, to the outsider, the recent changes may appear very unsettling. Therefore are we indeed “Maturing” in all aspects as a Semi Professional Football Club? Below I’ll try and explain why I think we are. May I ask the reader to take a look at the new manager David Batch for starters. Does it not now seem that after a difficult period, with an experienced management team at this level leading the squad, the club have secured the services of one that could really take us forward? In unison with the now current Director of Development Iain Parr. Big Tick in
stand down. What could be better then, than having a top level coach as your 2IC?
the plus box that one. David Batch’s C.V speaks volumes, the work he oversaw at his previous two clubs being of particular interest. With David comes an equally qualified “Number 2” Steve Eastaugh, surely another Big Tick? Particularly if business or private affairs come become an issue to the Part time manager? Certainly the last incumbent sited Personal and Business reasons in his decision to
PAGE 46 / ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V BANBURY UNITED ISSUE 20
Speaking of the new management team, what a couple of great signings they seem to have made? Jack Wilkinson a superb young prospect, versatile and obviously easy to manage. The other being the very experienced and local Adam Tann. How has a player like this eluded previous Managers when looking for good solid performers. Tann was once a hero on the terraces at the not so distant Cambridge UTD. Early performances from both have been very encouraging. Four massive pluses on the personnel side, for me anyhow, with many other Saints Fans agreeing. On the pitch, we seem to have found some steely resolve. Tom Ward’s performances have improved and he’s now looking like a terrific signing. A perfectly capable replacement for the departed Gavin Hoyte. When injury has forced the
managers hand Frater/Ward and Tann/Ward have looked equally settled, I guess if the need arises Frater/Tann will pair up nicely together as well. Up front Roberts has been fantastic. Initially I don’t mind saying that I wasn’t a huge Roberts fan, but his enthusiasm and work rate have totally changed my mind on that front. He works tirelessly for his team mates and fully deserves his tally of goals so far this season. Again, whether playing alongside Ben Mackey or Nathan Frater who have both had injury troubles, that hasn’t fazed him and in my humble opinion he’s got to be in contention for player of season already. In my mind when it comes to matters on the pitch it’s really only the midfield that needs to find some balance and stability. Hilliard’s form being indifferent this season, blighted by an early injury, he’s found consistency hard to come by so far this term. As our longest serving player, I’m expecting a great end to
the season from Lou, he’s just that type of player. With the extremely talented, but also hugely frustrating at times, Jay Davies having left the club and an injury to his obvious baller in crime Matt Spring, our midfield has possibly lacked a “flair” player in recent games. Springy’s return away to Histon FC was a much needed boost in Midfield. I think with all squad players fit, the “Realism” is that our Midfield problems will sort themselves out
very nicely. Wilkinson in my mind looking particularly capable of playing the “Searsy” type role, so important when surrounded by flair players. The “expectation” from the Saints faithful seems to have subsided, the title hopes of earlier in the season, having all but vanished. The play offs places, at first looking bolt on, are still there, but rely on us having a very good last third of season. Cast your minds back a couple of seasons and you’ll possibly remember Gosport Borough FC staging a late run worthy of a Derby Winner, to pinch the last Play Off spot away from Stourbridge I think. Yes we need a bit of a run, but with the squad now getting back to somewhere near full health, the new management team looking in control of the players and recently backed by some very vocal and great home support, I don’t see why that shouldn’t be possible to achieve? Yours Aye (still hopeful, but in a mature realistic way) Craig
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/STNEOTSTOWNFC / PAGE 47
Scorelines.. A brief round up of the recent results from the teams that matter Premier Division
(w/c 19th January)
Corby Town moved to the top of the table when, having taken a two goal lead in the opening sixteen minutes, they completed a comfortable 4-2 victory at Hitchin Town on Monday. Weymouth regained top spot when a goal midway through the second half secured a 1-0 home victory over St Neots Town and Poole Town, who scored three times in the opening quarter of their home game against Chippenham Town, returned to second place with a 3-1 win while Truro City, having gone behind after seventeen minutes, recovered to lead at half time but visiting Redditch United equalised within 6 minutes of the restart only for the home side to secure a 3-2 success with a quarter of the match remaining. In Tuesday’s other match Slough Town twice trailed but snatched a point from a 2-2 home draw with bottom of the table Burnham when they struck in the fifth minute of time added on. WEEKEND (24th January) It was all change again at the top of the table again as Weymouth slipped to third when they went down 1-0 at home to a Chippenham Town strike with just a minute
remaining and were replaced at the summit by Poole Town who scored twice in each half to complete a comprehensive 4-0 victory at Slough Town and Corby Town, trailing after ten minutes, moved into second when two goals in the opening ten minutes of the second half gave them a 3-1 home win against Cambridge City. Truro City maintained their challenge when they secured a narrow 2-1 home win over third from bottom Dorchester Town but Redditch United, a goal ahead at the break, lost ground when they conceded twice in the second half to lose 3-2 at Cirencester Town while Hungerford Town, ahead from a penalty after fourteen minutes but level at the break, secured a 2-1 win at Banbury United with a goal in the second minute of time added on, a result which sent the hosts back to the foot of the table. Hitchin Town converted a penalty on the half hour, two minutes after going behind, and added a second before the break to set up a 4-1 home win over Chesham United but St Neots Town were held to a 0- 0 draw at Histon while Dunstable Town scored twice in the final twenty minutes to secure a 2-0 victory at Arlesey Town.
PAGE 48 / ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V BANBURY UNITED ISSUE 20
Bideford took a first half lead at Frome Town and completed a 2-0 victory with a second in the fourth minute of time added on while Burnham, trailing at the the interval, moved off the bottom of the table when a goal in the second minute of stoppage time secured a 1-1 home draw with Biggleswade Town. Midweek (w/c 26th January) Poole Town moved five points clear at the top of the table when three goals in each half gave them a resounding 6-0 win at Bideford but third placed Weymoutb, a goal behind after eight minutes, went down to a 2-0 defeat at Hungerford Town who moved into the play-off places while Truro City kept up their challenge when two second half goals gave them a 2-0 home victory against Chippenham Town. In Tuesday’s other game, Paulton Rovers made it three away wins on the run when a goal ten minutes into the second half secured a 1-0 victory at Cirencester Town.
HISTON 0 ST NEOTS TOWN 0 24:01:2015 / Southern Premier Division / Att 386 / Referee: James Hillier (Bletchley) When Manager David Batch arrived in late December one of his priorities looked to be tightening up the St Neots defence that had leaked 43 goals in just 26 matches and he has addressed this problem quite successfully for the side has conceded just three goals in the first five games of his reign including two clean sheets away from home. Unfortunately at the same time the goals have dried up at the other end with only five scored in those five games and that includes three against Dunstable. Leading scorer Drew Roberts last hit the back of the net on January 1st and Ben Mackey returning from injury in this game for the suspended Nathan Frater has not scored since 6th December drawing a blank in each of his last four outings. However this was a game in which the strikers should have improved on their recent records because opponents Histon whom St Neots beat 4-0 at the Cozy Stadium in September are a poor and very young side and never looked like scoring in this match. St Neots dominated possession especially in the disappointing first half and should have been out of sight by half time. Luck was with Histon whose defence blocked innumerable efforts and deflected others but if St Neots are to retain play off hopes they must dramatically increase their strike rate – and soon. Josh Bickerstaff also returned after missing thirteen games through injury and he slotted in comfortably and confidently at full back and also restored to the side following injury was midfielder Matt Spring.
It began badly for St Neots when central defender and skipper Ryan Frater broke down in the pre-match warm up with a recurrence of a calf strain to be replaced by David Hutton with Adam Tann handed Frater’s place in defence and the captain’s armband. Tom Ward’s headed flick from a Spring corner was St Neots first goal attempt but it was blocked and then from a free kick on the edge of the box Spring shot wide. St Neots was dominating despite never adapting to an extremely heavy pitch and Jack Wilkinson shot wide and Mackey headed over from a corner and had a second effort deflected wide. He was then tripped but no penalty was awarded and Drew Roberts headed over from one of half a dozen first half corners. Whilst all this was going on Histon managed just two serious shots on goal from Tye Phillips and Eugene Lambertucci but both were well off target with Paul Bastock in goal having a very easy half. Histon began the second half much better and a Stuart Wall header from a corner forced Bastock into his only real save of the match at the foot of a post. Then after 52 minutes in a scene resembling panic in the Histon defence three close range shots were blocked before Mackey headed down a cross from the right
for Wilkinson to net but he was ruled offside. In the melee Histon full back Ashley White was injured and stretchered off to the dressing room. The closest St Neots came to a goal was when Max York crossed to pick out the unmarked Mackey but his hurried shot hit Histon goalkeeper Enol Ordonez to rebound and be cleared. The Histon keeper continued to dominate his box cutting out dangerous crosses from York, Bickerstaff and substitute Ed Adjei and in a rare Histon attack Evan Key got the ball in the net for the home side but he had impeded Bastock and fortunately the effort was disallowed. Youngster Luis Vieira was also introduced in a bid to add pace and variation in attack and he skied over the bar but St Neots was looking increasingly frustrated as a Bickerstaff shot was blocked and a Mackey effort deflected for a corner. Four minutes from time what looked like a deliberate handball in the penalty area by a Histon defender was missed by the Referee and that seemed to sum up St Neots’ afternoon. However deep into added time there was a yellow card for third substitute Ben Ford just five minutes after his late introduction. John Walker
Histon FC
St Neots Town
Ordonez, Smith, White, Key, Wall, Rumens, Clark, Libertucci, Phillips, Simpson, Freeman Subs: McDonald (for White 53), Relizani (for Phillips 71), Fulcher (for Simpson 86) McCoy and North. Cards: None Goals: None
Bastock, York, Bickerstaff, Tann, Hutton, Ward, Hilliard, Spring, Mackey, Roberts, Wilkinson Subs: Adjei (for Hutton 65), Vieira (for Hilliard 76), Ford (for Mackey 90 + 1), Plowright and Davis Cards: Ford (Y – 90 + 7) Goals: None
PAGE 50 / ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V BANBURY UNITED ISSUE 20
WWW.STNEOTSTOWNFC.CO.UK / PAGE 51
THEO DAVIS CLEARS
21-Mar
04-Apr
3 -- 0
06-Apr
0 -- 4
1 -- 1
21-Mar
3 -- 0
28-Mar
3 -- 2
tba
Bideford
Biggleswade Town
Burnham
Cambridge City
Chesham United
Chippenham Town
Cirencester Town
Corby Town
Dorchester Town
3 -- 0
2 -- 0
4 -- 1
07-Mar
2 -- 0
tba
6 -- 2
3 -- 1
Hereford United
Histon
Hitchin Town
Hungerford Town
Paulton Rovers
Poole Town
2 -- 3
Frome Town
31-Jan
4 -- 1
07-Feb
18-Apr
3 -- 0
St Neots Town
Truro City
Weymouth
3 -- 2
2 -- 1
Slough Town
06-Apr
2 -- 0
14-Feb
Redditch United
tba
0 -- 0
4 -- 0
1 -- 0
4 -- 2
5 -- 1
2 -- 3
Dunstable Town
3 -- 1
14-Mar
1 -- 5
3 -- 0
25-Apr
07-Feb
tba
2 -- 2
2 -- 1
5 -- 0
28-Mar
4 -- 1
7 -- 2
21-Mar
06-Apr
28-Feb
3 -- 2
tba
14-Feb
0 -- 2
1 -- 1
3 -- 3
tba
6 -- 2
25-Apr
4 -- 2
18-Apr
5 -- 1
3 -- 0
2 -- 3
0 -- 1
28-Feb
Arlesey Town
0 -- 2
Banbury United
Arlesey Town
Bideford
Banbury United
Biggleswade Town
3 -- 2
07-Mar
2 -- 1
1 -- 1
18-Apr
1 -- 0
14-Feb
28-Mar
14-Mar
3 -- 0
2 -- 1
1 -- 2
1 -- 0
0 -- 1
tba
tba
tba
07-Feb
1 -- 1
1 -- 1
11-Apr
2 -- 2
2 -- 1
Burnham
28-Mar
31-Jan
3 -- 1
2 -- 2
0 -- 0
1 -- 0
3 -- 0
1 -- 0
18-Apr
2 -- 1
2 -- 5
1 -- 2
4 -- 2
1 -- 0
07-Mar
25-Apr
14-Mar
06-Apr
17-Jan
1 -- 0
07-Feb
0 -- 2
21-Feb
Cambridge City 1 -- 0
1 -- 0
0 -- 1
07-Mar
2 -- 4
28-Mar
1 -- 1
2 -- 0
06-Apr
1 -- 1
2-0
2 -- 1
25-Apr
2 -- 2
3 -- 1
14-Feb
11-Apr
4 -- 4
1 -- 2
21-Feb
tba
2 -- 0
0 -- 2
Chesham United tba
0 -- 3
2 -- 3
0 -- 3
2 -- 2
tba
07-Mar
11-Apr
4 -- 1
21-Feb
14-Mar
14-Feb
04-Apr
0 -- 0
1 -- 1
2 -- 2
1 -- 1
1 -- 0
0 -- 2
1 -- 3
2 -- 1
1 -- 1
0 -- 3
1 -- 2
Chippenham Town 0 -- 0
0 -- 1
2 -- 0
18-Apr
2 -- 2
2 -- 1
3 -- 1
2 -- 1
0 -- 0
1 -- 1
1 -- 3
07-Feb
06-Apr
5 -- 1
0 -- 1
14-Feb
1 -- 1
28-Mar
1 -- 1
tba
0 -- 2
5 -- 0
21-Feb
1 -- 4
07-Mar
1 -- 2
tba
2 -- 1
2 -- 1
1 -- 1
0 -- 0
11-Apr
01-Jan
14-Mar
0 -- 3
07-Feb
2 -- 1
2 -- 1
31-Jan
1 -- 3
0 --1
04-Apr
0 -- 2
0 -- 5
Cirencester Town
07-Mar
Corby Town 18-Apr
tba
2 -- 4
07-Feb
21-Mar
25-Apr
31-Jan
3 -- 0
03-Jan
06-Apr
1 -- 2
1 -- 2
1 -- 2
2 -- 1
0 -- 0
0 -- 2
0 -- 1
2 -- 2
0 -- 3
28-Feb
04-Apr
0 -- 5
1 -- 2
Dorchester Town 2 -- 0
2 -- 1
6 -- 5
2 -- 1
3 -- 0
0 -- 0
18-Apr
31-Jan
07-Mar
1 -- 0
4 -- 0
tba
14-Feb
28-Mar
6 -- 1
2 -- 1
3 -- 2
04-Apr
1 -- 5
4 -- 1
21-Feb
2 -- 1
1 -- 0
0 -- 2
Dunstable Town 07-Mar
28-Mar
06-Apr
0 -- 3
2 -- 1
1 -- 0
2 -- 2
0 -- 0
3 -- 2
1 -- 2
18-Apr
tba
1 -- 2
2 -- 2
1 -- 1
31-Jan
tba
1 -- 2
2 -- 0
0 -- 2
1 -- 2
21-Feb
Frome Town 4 -- 2
tba
3 -- 1
18-Apr
2 -- 0
7 -- 0
21-Feb
1 -- 1
tba
1 -- 2
28-Mar
28-Feb
21-Mar
11-Apr
3 -- 1
1 -- 0
3 -- 0
31-Jan
3 -- 1
1 -- 2
4 -- 0
1 -- 1
2 -- 2
Hereford United 04-Apr
6 -- 0
1 -- 0
2 -- 0
tba
0 -- 0
1 -- 2
21-Mar
25-Apr
0 -- 0
1 -- 3
1 -- 1
3 -- 0
21-Feb
06-Apr
2 -- 1
3 -- 0
28-Feb
10-Jan
31-Jan
3 -- 3
1 -- 5
1 -- 1
2 -- 1
Histon 31-Jan
7 -- 2
4 -- 0
1 -- 1
2 -- 0
2 -- 0
04-Apr
1 -- 0
07-Feb
17-Jan
4 -- 2
1 -- 3
28-Feb
1 -- 0
2 -- 0
1 -- 0
2 -- 1
6 -- 0
21-Mar
1 -- 1
14-Mar
18-Apr
Hitchin Town 2 -- 2
3 -- 0
21-Feb
2 -- 1
31-Jan
11-Apr
3 -- 0
2 -- 1
1 -- 1
tba
04-Apr
21-Mar
2 -- 1
2 -- 0
2 -- 3
28-Feb
0 -- 1
2 -- 4
0 -- 0
3 -- 7
2 -- 1
0 -- 3
0 -- 2
Hungerford Town 3 -- 1
2 -- 1
14-Mar
1 -- 2
0 -- 2
1 -- 0
2 -- 3
14-Feb
2 -- 1
0 -- 2
07-Mar
07-Feb
1 -- 0
1 -- 1
18-Apr
0 -- 1
1 -- 2
2 -- 1
2 -- 2
1 -- 1
1 -- 0
1 -- 2
04-Apr
11-Apr
Paulton Rovers 2 -- 4
2 -- 0
1 -- 1
4 -- 2
07-Feb
1 -- 0
25-Apr
1 -- 0
tba
24-Jan
2 -- 0
0 -- 2
3 -- 4
4 -- 1
0 -- 1
1 -- 1
2 -- 2
14-Mar
28-Feb
1 -- 0
3 -- 0
28-Mar
Poole Town tba
21-Feb
3 -- 2
0 -- 4
0 -- 1
4 -- 5
0 -- 0
1 -- 0
14-Feb
07-Mar
0 -- 1
14-Mar
06-Apr
1 -- 0
tba
04-Apr
18-Apr
0 -- 2
1 -- 3
10-Jan
0 -- 6
0 -- 1
31-Jan
Redditch United 14-Feb
3 -- 2
0 -- 3
1 -- 7
0 -- 1
1 -- 0
21-Feb
4 -- 0
28-Mar
1 -- 2
0 -- 4
2 -- 1
14-Mar
0 -- 0
3 -- 2
1 -- 2
0 -- 1
tba
11-Apr
2 -- 5
07-Mar
0 -- 0
25-Apr
Slough Town 3 -- 2
1 -- 2
0 -- 3
28-Feb
2 -- 1
2 -- 2
06-Apr
28-Mar
10-Jan
2 -- 2
1 -- 1
11-Apr
25-Apr
1 -- 2
21-Mar
21-Feb
0 -- 0
3 -- 3
0 -- 2
3 -- 3
31-Jan
tba
1 -- 0
St Neots Town 1 -- 0
2 -- 3
04-Apr
2 -- 0
28-Feb
0 -- 0
10-Feb
3 -- 4
0 -- 0
0 -- 2
25-Apr
1 -- 3
11-Apr
1 -- 3
1 -- 1
0 -- 1
3 -- 3
21-Mar
14-Feb
2 -- 2
1 -- 1
1 -- 1
1 -- 3
2 -- 3
Truro City
1 -- 1
07-Feb
21-Mar
2 -- 0
0 -- 3
3 -- 0
tba
tba
1 -- 3
0 -- 3
13-Dec
0 -- 3
2 -- 3
28-Feb
0 -- 1
1 -- 2
25-Apr
tba
11-Apr
14-Mar
1 -- 0
0 -- 2
06-Apr
2 -- 0
14-Mar 3 -- 0
04-Apr
3 -- 0
1 -- 2
2 -- 0
1 -- 2
25-Apr
11-Apr
07-Feb
1 -- 2
1 -- 2
1 -- 0
28-Feb
21-Mar
3 -- 0
1 -- 1
2 -- 2
3 -- 2
1 -- 3
14-Feb
Weymouth
GAINSBOROUGH TRINITY are trying to lure X Factor and I’m A Celebrity star Jake Quickenden to the Northolme it was revealed last week, but is the potential signing any more than a publicity stunt? Understandably, the approach drew a lot of attention with many questioning what the reason for the approach was. Granted, Quickenden played for his local side Scunthorpe United as a youngster and more recently Frickley Athletic and Bottesford Town in NonLeague. But is the attention a guy like Quickenden would bring really wanted by a club that is as close to the Conference North relegation zone as it is the play-offs? This isn’t the first time music and football have crossed over. Pop sensation Olly Murs used to turn out for Witham Town before making it big. However, I can’t see Mr Murs heading back down to Spa Road any time soon! Quickenden rose to fame through his appearance on X Factor before entering the I’m A Celebrity jungle shortly after. He fared better down under, finishing second behind winner Carl Fogarty. Could he be a jack of all trades, master of none? Gainsborough boss Steve Housham defended the approach after Trinity’s 2-0 win against Stockport County on Saturday - a result that moved them up to 14th in the table. “The chairman (Richard Kane) is just doing what anybody would do,” he said. “Nobody had a go when the One Direction star (Louis Tomlinson) played in a reserve game PAGE 54 /
for Doncaster. They had 10,000 there. “He wouldn’t be coming in to kick one of our players out. He would probably only come on for ten minutes if we were safe, that was the agreement. “It went viral and brought the club and the town publicity. It was a good PR stunt and the chairman just wants to generate interest in Gainsborough Trinity.” Housham mentions the Tomlinson and Doncaster situation although I think it’s fair to say One Direction are a special case. Not many reserve games get thousands through the gates! The publicity stunt signing and Non-League seem to go hand in hand. Clubs are always desperate for that extra cash boost or some national exposure. I think we all remember a few years back when Wembley FC ‘experimented’ in the FA Cup with an all star cast made up of internationals such as David Seaman, Graham Le Saux, Claudio Caniggia and Ray Parlour with former England boss Terry Venables as ‘technical advisor’. Unsurprisingly it didn’t go down very well with the Non-League fraternity and thankfully the idea was shelved after their exit. Mark Wright, of The Only Way Is Essex fame, may have been a former England C international but his move
ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V BANBURY UNITED ISSUE 20
to Thurrock in the Conference South in 2011 was never going to turn out well. After a few too many broken promises, the relationship broke down. And that’s one of the questions Non-League clubs must ask themselves when a potential ‘big’ signing is on the table. Will their hearts be in it? Can they actually play football and will they be an asset? If the answer to any of those questions is no then surely clubs should err on the side of caution and look elsewhere, as tempting as it may be. For every Ralf Little and MC Harvey who make a positive impact, there’s a Gazza waiting around the corner. Just don’t ask Kettering fans about his 39-day spell in charge of the Poppies! With the arrival of Quickenden seeming unlikely, Gainsborough moved to sign former player Jamie Yates from North Ferriby. Maybe sense has prevailed! Sam Elliott Follow us on twitter: @NonLeguePaper @SamElliott_NLP @Stuhammonds_NLP @MattBadcock_NLP
Opposition in CAPS denotes home fixture. Player name in BOLD CAPS denotes goal scorer.
Date
ATT
COMP
R
Pos
2
3
4
Sat 09 Aug
Opposition Hereford United
568
SLP
2-0
7
Abbey
Spence
Lee
Ford
F
Tue 12 Aug
Chesham United
331
SLP
3-3
5
Abbey
Spence
LEE
Spring
F
Sat 16 Aug
WEYMOUTH
312
SLP
2-0
2
Abbey
Powell
LEE
Bickerstaff
F
Tue 19 Aug
REDDITCH UNITED
310
SLP
0-3
9
Abbey
Powell
Lee
Bickerstaff
Sat 23 Aug
Truro City
503
SLP
3-2
8
Abbey
Spence
LEE
Bickerstaff
Mon 25 Aug
Corby Town
518
SLP
3-1
6
Abbey
Spence
Lee
Bickerstaff
Sat 30 Aug
PAULTON ROVERS
298
SLP
1-1
7
Abbey
Spence
Lee
Bickerstaff
Sat 06 Sep
Biggleswade Town
301
SLP
2-2
6
Abbey
Spence
Wilson
Bickerstaff
Tue 09 Sep
HISTON
401
SLP
4-0
4
Abbey
Spence
Lee
Farrell
Sat 13 Sep
DEREHAM TOWN
312
FAC
1-1
-
Abbey
Spence
Lee
Spring
Sat 20 Sep
Banbury United
281
SLP
1-1
5
Greygoose
Spence
Lee
Farrell
Tue 30 Sep
Arlesey Town
217
SLP
3-1
2
Greygoose
Spence
Bickerstaff
Hilliard
Sat 04 Oct
BURNHAM
282
SLP
3-1
3
Greygoose
York
Lee
Wilson
Mon 06 Oct
Hitchin Town
291
SLP
4-3
2
Greygoose
York
Lee
Wilson
Sat 11 Oct
POOLE TOWN
619
SLP
3-2
2
Bastock
York
Bickerstaff
Wilson
Sat 18 Oct
Cirencester Town
141
SLP
1-1
2
Bastock
York
Bickerstaff
Thorne
Tue 21 Oct
CHESHAM UNITED
233
SLP
2-3
2
Bastock
YORK
Bickerstaff
Thorne
Sat 25 Oct
HEREFORD UNITED
329
SLP
1-0
2
Bastock
York
Bickerstaff
Wilson
Mon 27 Oct
Redditch United
141
SLP
0-2
3
Bastock
York
Lee
Cracknell
Sat 01 Nov
ILKESTON TOWN
330
FAT
2-1
-
Bastock
York
Bickerstaff
Ford
Sat 08 Nov
TRURO CITY
299
SLP
0-2
3
Bastock
York
Bickerstaff
Ford
Sat 15 Nov
DARLINGTON 1883
715
FAT
3-1
-
Bastock
Deeney
York
Ford
Tue 18 Nov
CAMBRIDGE CITY
322
SLP
0-1
3
Bastock
Deeney
York
Ford
Sat 22 Nov
Bideford
199
SLP
1-1
4
Bastock
Deeney
Adjei
Ford
Sat 29 Nov
AFC SUDBURY
431
FAT
1-1
-
Bastock
York
Adjei
Ford
Tue 02 Dec
AFC Sudbury
229
FAT (R)
0-1
-
Bastock
York
Adjei
Ford
Sat 06 Dec
DORCHESTER TOWN
292
SLP
6-5
4
Bastock
Deeney
York
Hutton
Tue 09 Dec
SLOUGH TOWN
299
SLP
0-3
5
Bastock
Deeney
Wilson
Hutton
Sat 13 Dec
Chippenham Town
285
SLP
1-0
4
Bastock
York
Ford
Wilson
Sat 20 Dec
FROME TOWN
307
SLP
3-1
5
Bastock
YORK
Davis
Cracknell
Fri 26 Dec
CORBY TOWN
462
SLP
2-4
8
Bastock
York
Ford
Cracknell
Thu 01 Jan
Dunstable Town
205
SLP
3-1
7
Bastock
York
Plowright
Ford
Sat 10 Jan
Paulton Rovers
167
SLP
0-0
8
Bastock
York
Wilkinson
Tann
Sat 17 Jan
BIGGLESWADE TOWN
491
SLP
2-1
8
Bastock
York
Davis
Tann
Tue 20 Jan
Weymouth
409
SLP
0-1
8
Bastock
York
Plowright
Tann
Sat 24 Jan
Histon
386
SLP
0-0
9
Bastock
York
Bickerstaff
Hutton
Sat 31 Jan
BANBURY UNITED
SLP
Sat 07 Feb
ARLESEY TOWN
SLP
Sat 14 Feb
Burnham
SLP
Sat 21 Feb
HITCHIN TOWN
SLP
Sat 28 Feb
Poole Town
SLP
Sat 07 Mar
CIRENCESTER TOWN
SLP
Sat 14 Mar
HUNGERFORD TOWN
SLP
Sat 21 Mar
Cambridge City
SLP
Sat 28 Mar
BIDEFORD
SLP
Sat 04 Apr
Slough Town
SLP
Mon 06 Apr
DUNSTABLE TOWN
SLP
Sat 11 Apr
Dorchester Town
SLP
Sat 18 Apr
CHIPPENHAM TOWN
SLP
Sat 25 Apr
Frome Town
SLP
PAGE 56 /
ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V BANBURY UNITED ISSUE 20
F
T
B
F
Player name in these colours denotes substitute
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
14
Frater (R)
Hoyte
Spring
Davies
Dillon
Hilliard
Powell
NOLAN
FRATER (N)
15
Frater (R)
Hoyte
DAVIES
Ford
Nolan
Hilliard
Powell
FRATER (N)
Frater (R)
Hoyte
DAVIES
Spring
Nolan
Ford
Frater (N)
Spence
Hilliard
Frater
Hoyte
Davies
Spring
Nolan
Frater (N)
Ford
Roberts
Ferrari
Frater
Hoyte
Davies
Spring
FRATER (N) 2
Ford
Powell
Roberts
Ferrari
Farrell
Frater
Hoyte
Ford
Spring
Frater (N)
ROBERTS 2
Farrell
FERRARI
Davies
Powell
Frater
Hoyte
Davies
Spring
ROBERTS
Farrell
Ford
Ferrari
Wilson
Powell
Frater
Hoyte
Davies
Spring
FRATER N
ROBERTS
Powell
Deeney
Nolan
Farrell
FRATER
Hoyte
DAVIES
Powell
Nolan
ROBERTS 2
Hilliard
Wilson
Ferrari
Bickerstaff
Frater
Hoyte
Davies
Wilson
NOLAN
Roberts
Hilliard
Ferrari
Farrell
Powell
Frater
Hoyte
DAVIES
Wilson
Nolan
Roberts
Hilliard
Ferrari
Ford
Frater
Hoyte
Davies
THORNE
FRATER N
ROBERTS
Wilson
Ferrari
Spring
Nolan
Frater
Hoyte
Davies
Spring
Frater N
ROBERTS 3
Hilliard
Thorne
Nolan
Peacock
THORNE
Hoyte
Farrell
Spring
FRATER N
ROBERTS
Hilliard
Ford
NOLAN
Ferrari
Frater
Hoyte
Davies
Spring
Frater N
ROBERTS 2
HILLIARD
Ford
Nolan
Thorne
Frater
Hoyte
Davies
Spring
Nolan
Roberts
HILLIARD
Ferrari
Ford
Frater
Hoyte
DAVIES
Spring
Nolan
Roberts
Hilliard
Cracknell
Ford
Frater
Hoyte
Davies
Spring
Nolan
ROBERTS
Hilliard
Frater N
Cracknell
Lee
Bickerstaff
Hoyte
Davies
Spring
Frater N
Roberts
Ford
Farrell
Hilliard
Ferrari
Deeney
Hoyte
Davies
Spring
FRATER N
Roberts
HILLIARD
Ferrari
Deeney
Hoyte
Davies
Spring
Frater N
Roberts
Hilliard
Ferrari
Dillon
Frater
Hoyte
Davies
Spring
Frater N
ROBERTS
HILLIARD 2
Cracknell
Dillon
Frater
Hoyte
Davies
Spring
Dillon
Roberts
Hilliard
Ferrari
Nolan
Frater
Ward
Davies
CRACKNELL
Dillon
Roberts
Hilliard
Mackey
Frater
Ward
Davies
SPRING
Dillon
Roberts
Hilliard
Mackey
Ferrari
Nolan
Frater
Ward
Cracknell
Spring
Mackey
Roberts
Ferrari
Hoyte
Hilliard
Davies
Ferrari
Hoyte
Ward
Davies
Spring
DILLON
ROBERTS 3
HILLIARD
Wilson
MACKEY
Cracknell
Ward
Hoyte
Davies
Spring
Dillon
Roberts
Hilliard
Mackey
Cracknell
Frater (N)
Deeney
Ward
Cracknell
Spring
Mackey
ROBERTS
Hutton
Plowright
Frater (N)
Hilliard
Frater
Ward
Hilliard
Spring
Mackey
ROBERTS
HUTTON
Davies
Plowright
Frater N Ferrari
Frater
Ward
Hilliard
Frater N
Mackey
ROBERTS 2
Hutton
Davis
Davies
FRATER
Ward
Ferrari
Wilson
FRATER N
ROBERTS
Hutton
Vieira
Davis
Frater
Ward
Hutton
Ford
Frater N
Roberts
Plowright
Adjei
Mackey
Frater
Ward
HILLIARD
Wilkinson
Frater N
Roberts
Adjei
Plowright
Hutton
FORD
Frater
Ward
Hilliard
Wilkinson
Frater N
Roberts
Ford
Adjei
Ferrari
Davis
Tann
Ward
Hilliard
Spring
Mackey
Roberts
Wilkinson
Vieira
Adjei
Ford
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/STNEOTSTOWNFC / PAGE 57
SOUTHERN PREMIER DIVISION / 29.01.15
P
W
D
L
GF
GA
+/-
Pts
01
Poole Town
26
20
2
4
52
15
+37
62
02
Corby Town
28
17
6
5
52
30
+22
57
03
Weymouth
27
18
3
6
51
34
+17
57
04
Truro City
30
18
3
9
59
43
+16
57
05
Hungerford Town
30
15
8
7
41
24
+17
53
06
Redditch United
29
15
6
8
55
31
+24
51
07
Cirencester Town
30
13
9
8
56
37
+19
48
08
Hitchin Town
31
14
6
11
55
46
+9
48
09
St Neots Town
29
13
8
8
53
46
+7
47
10
Chesham United
29
12
10
7
54
38
+16
46
11
Dunstable Town
30
13
5
12
51
45
+6
44
12
Slough Town
28
10
9
9
47
50
-3
39
13
Chippenham Town
30
10
9
11
33
38
-5
39
14
Paulton Rovers
30
10
8
12
48
48
0
38
15
Bideford
29
10
4
15
48
68
-20
34
16
Cambridge City
28
7
10
11
41
44
-3
31
17
Biggleswade Town
28
7
9
12
39
50
-11
30
18
Histon
28
8
5
15
32
49
-17
29
19
Arlesey Town
29
7
3
19
29
59
-30
24
20
Frome Town
28
6
5
17
33
61
-28
23
21
Dorchester Town
28
6
4
18
37
56
-19
22
22
Burnham (-3)
29
5
7
17
29
50
-21
19
23
Banbury United
28
4
7
17
29
62
-33
19
PAGE 58 /
ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V BANBURY UNITED ISSUE 20
Don’t succumb to just putting up a bookshelf, show your walls some love! Wall Art
Wallpaper
Wall Stickers
www.ilovemywalls.co.uk
Manager: David Batch Assistant Manager: Steve Eastaugh Goalkeeping Coach: Darren Plowman
Manager: Paul Davis Assistant Manager: Ryan Gurton Fitness Coach: Matt Giles
Goalkeepers
Leigh Bedwell
Paul Bastock
Luke Cray
Jamie Greygoose
Marvin Martin
Defenders
Callum White
Josh Bickerstaff
Carl Tappin
Adam Tann
Tom Ryan
Ryan Frater
Jordan Green
Tom Ward
Declan Hartigan
Max York
Leam Howards
Ryan Plowright
Jacob Walcott
Jack Wilkinson
Darius Browne
Theo Davis
Umit Eminoglu
Midfielders
Guy Tahin
Dean Cracknell
Nathaniel Lewars
Matt Spring
Ben Whitehead
Lorenzo Ferrari
Kane Pope
Ben Ford
Duran Martin
Lewis Hilliard Edd Adjei David Hutton Forwards Ben Mackey Bruce Wilson Chris Dillon Nathan Frater Matt Nolan Drew Roberts
Colours Dark Blue Shirts, Shorts & Socks
Colours Red Shirts, Gold Shorts & Red Socks
The match line up will be displayed on the electronic scoreboard Referee: Sam Lewis Assistants: Doug Steele / Lee Grimsey Next Home Game: St Neots Town v Arlesey Town Southern League Premier Division / Saturday 7th February / KO 15:00
As a Club we support Grass Roots Football and stand firm against racism within football, visit www.thefa.com for more information on playing your part.