St Neots St Neots
Town F.C. Town F.C.
Established 1879
Established 1879
President-JohnWalker
BoardofDirectors
CEO-LouiseSales
Chairman-BarryCavilla
Secretary/Director-GaryWilson
CommercialDirector-MarkGearing DirectorofFootball-IainParr Director-JezGreen
Director-MikeGreen
BoardMember-BrianBarnes
BoardMember-AndyClay
BoardMember-DanielDodson
ClubWelfareOfficer-GemmaKeech07734821330 email-sntfcwelfareofficer@gmailcom
SaintsMatchDayTeam
FixtureSecretary-MarionIzzard
Hospitality-AndyandEvelynClay,PaulaRobertson StadiumAnnouncer-MikeGreen Music-CharlieGreen
Catering-DianeSales
50/50&Merchandising-ShellyPhypers&LilyDean
Media
PressOfficer-MikeGreen
MatchReports-JohnWalker
SocialMedia-MikeGreen,GrayhamBonfield,Charlie Green
GroundStaff
Pitchmaintenance-BarryOakley,BarryCavilla, BobCarpenter
Ownership:
FirstTeam
Manager-CameronMawer AssistantManager-SteveKuhne Coach-AlexMinall GKCoach-GaryDean Physio-CraigLambert
U18Manager-TylaJoseph Academy
Manager-AlexMinall AcademyWelfareOfficer- ChrissieManly
Academyenquiries -Alexsntfcacademy@gmail.com
ClubInformation
Address: RowleyPark,KesterWay, StNeots,Cambs., PE196SL
Website-www.stneotstownfc.co.uk Enquires-enquires@stneotstownfc.co.uk CommercialEnquiries- mgearing@me.com Events-misslouises@yahoo.co.uk
Inaccordancewiththefootballassociationleaguerule2.13 publicationofownershipinrelationtostep1-4withinthe footballpyramid,weherebyconfirmthelegalstatusofStNeotsTownFootballClubIdentificationNumber02921210,andis aPrivateLimitedCompany
Forthepurposesofpublicationofownershipwecanconfirmthatthefollowing arelistedasDirectorsoftheCompany: LeeKearns(Significantinterest70%),IainParr,LouiseSales,GaryWilsonandasNonExecutiveDirectorsMikeGreen,Jeremy Green,andBarryCavilla CompanySecretaryGaryWilson
Greenie’s Greetings
With Director Mike Green
"FestiveGreetingstoyouallandwelcomebacktothe PremierPlusStadiumfortoday‘sGCEHirePlantUnited CountiesLeaguePremierDivisionSouthmatch.Todaywe extendawarmwelcometoeveryoneconnectedto EynesburyRoversFootballClubandwehopeyouenjoyour hospitalityherethislunchtime”.
Boxingdayfixturesareatraditionandtheydon’tcomemuchbiggerthanalocal derbyandameetingwithourold‘foes’fromontheothersideofHenbrook.Our visitors,whohaveimprovedtenfoldonlastseason’sefforts,warmedupfor today’sChristmasCrackerwithathumping5-1overYaxleyatHallRoadon SaturdaysoI’msuretheywillbecomingheretodayfullyfiredupandfullof confidenceandhopingtoputadentinourpromotionpush.
AdecentcoupleofweeksforourselveshavingbeatenAylestoneParkhereinour lasthomeoutinginwhatwasathrillingencounter,cheeredonbyfourhundred SaintsfansandthenonSaturdaywetravelledtoNewportPagnellTownin anothertrickyencounteronaveryboggypitch.Youcanreadallaboutthe afternoon’sproceedingsinJohnWalker’smatchreportfurtherintothisedition buticantellyouweendedupbringingthethreepointsbacktoRowleyParkand afterRugbyBoroughslippedup,wecomeintothisgamesittingproudlyatthe summitofthedivision. SaturdaysawJamesPetersreturntotheClubforthefirst timesincethe2018/19seasonandwehopethiswillbeasuccessfuland
enjoyabletimewithussecondtimeround.
Enjoytoday’sgameintherightmanner,winorlose andenjoytherestofthefestiveseasonwithfamily andfriendsandI’llseeyouallbackhereonJanuary fourthwhenweentertainEasingtonSports.
BELOUD,BEPROUD,BEASAINT
Saints Social Media Sponsor
We are delighted to have ADP Fire and Security as our Media Sponsors for the 2023/24 Season
BoardroomGossip
From The Dugout
WithChairmanBarryCavilla
With Manager Cameron Mawer
"I’dliketostartbysayingMerryChristmastoallyouandahappy newyearandmaythenewyearbringhappinesstoyouall.IfIdidn’t understandtherivalryIcertainlylearntitonBoxingDaylastyear,a dullaffairwhichEynesburymanagedtonullifyanythreatwehad goingforward.FastforwardayearandEynesburyarecertainlya differentoutfittolasttimeround,butsoarewe”.
Theyhaverecruitedrenownedplayersfromtheareaandwiththetypeofpersonal intheirranksitseemstheyhaveacompetitivebudget,whichmakesthemableto competeatthetopendofthetable.Fullrespecttothemanagementteamwhohave improvedthemandbuiltateamthat,ontheirday,canbeatanyoneinthedivision, betweenbothsidesIknowthereisafewexs,soitwilladdevenmorespicetothe derby.
I’dliketousethisopportunitytowelcomeJamesPeterstotheclub.JPissomeone I’vebeenchasingforquiteawhileasIknowwhatqualitieshebringsonandoffthe pitch.He’saleaderandawinner,allqualitiesIfeel,weneedtoaddtoanalready excellentgroup.
SinceIlastpenneddownmythoughts,wehavehadtwoexcellent winsmakingit1defeatin18gamesinallcompetitions,thedefeat toDownhamTownintheFAVaseseemsalongtimeago.Aylestone Parkhomeandawaywasprobablyourbesttwoperformancesof theseasonandtodothedoubleoveranysideistoughletalone onewiththequalityAylestonehave.
LasttimeoutawayatNewportPagnellinmymindwhenIarrived at12:30nomatterhowitlookedat6pmIjustwantedtobe leavingwith3pointsandwemanagedthat.It’satough placetogoandwinandIthoughteven11v11we wereworthywinners,Ihavetosayanyonewho wasthereonthedaywouldhaveseenoneof thebestsavesI’veeverwitnessedfromtheirGKfrom Michael’sheader.Yoursupportin2024hasbeen immenseandlet’smakeit afinalgameofthe yeartoremember.
Together,let’smake2025aspecialone.
BoardroomGossip
Boardroom Gossip
WithChairmanBarryCavilla
With Chairman Barry Cavilla
“Goodmorningandwelcometoyouall.Wehopeyourallare enjoyingyourChristmasbreaksofarandhopeyouhavea gooddaywithusatthePremierPlusStadiumtoday”.
Wewouldliketowelcomealltheplayers,officialsandsupportersofourveryclose neighboursEynesburyRoverstothePremierPlusStadiumforthismuchawaited localderbyfixtureinthebusyfestiveschedule.Eynesburyhaveenjoyedavery positiveseasonsofarandsitinahealthymidtablepositionandwillcomewith confidence.
LastweekendwemadetheshorttriptoaverydampwildandwindyNewport Pagnell,wheretheSaintputinanotherFineperformanceonceagainandifnotfor theexcellentgoalkeepingfromPagnell’skeeper,pullingoffastringoffinesaves includingapenalty,frustratingthedominantSaintsthroughoutthisgame,however thedeadlockwasunlockedbysuperbrunandpassbyManoftheMatchSamWillis who’scutbackpassintothepathofHarveyWilliamstodrivehomeapowerfulshot andverywelldeservedgoalandsecurevictoryand3morevitalpointstomaintain ourquesttostayintouchandleadourowndestiny.AsIknowsfrompast experiences,leaguepositionsandformoftendoesnotcountformuchontheselocal derbyencountersasitoftencomesdown torollingyoursleevesup,determinationgettingstuckinandlocalprideand braggingrightsuntilthenextencounter.SoIamsure Cameronandtheladsknowthatthiswillbeastoughand competitivegamesofarthisseasonandwillneedtodraw onalltheirexperience,determination,skillandquality tosecurethepointsandvictorytoday.
HoweverwiththeSaintsincredibleteamspiritand determinationtokeeppushinghardtomaintainthe solidformandbuildonthererecentperformancessofar thisseasonandtokeepthepressureontheleadingteams. Finallyyourincrediblesupportplayssuchabigpartand influenceontheTeamtokeepthismomentumandconsistency movingforward,Sopleasegivetheladsallyousupportto helptheladsmakeitaBoxingDaytoremember.
Barry Barry Barry
SuitableFor:
Smallerweddingvenues/receptions&eveningparties
Smallerconferenceandbusinessmeetingfacilities
PartyCelebrationsyoungandold
Funeralwakes
Eventhire
Musicevents
Presentationevents
Amodernbarservingavastrangeofbeers,ciders,wines&softdrink WecaterforallfoodrequirementsincludingBuffetmenu’s,HogRoasts,Barbeques, Smalldancefloorperfectforanypartyorsmallweddingreception
Comfydiningfurnitureconfiguredtosuitrequirements.
Thispartyvenuecanbedressed/decoratedtosuitthecelebration.
FriendlyandexperiencedStNeotsstaff
Plentyofparking
Veryadaptable
Allourfacilitiesarewheelchairaccessible
SuitableFor:
Weddingvenues/receptions&eveningparties
Conferenceandbusinessmeetingfacilities
PartyCelebrationsyoungandold
Largefuneralwakes
Eventhire
Trade&CraftFaresetc
Musicevents
Presentationevents
Alarge,impressivebarservingavastrangeofbeers,ciders,wines&softdrinks WecaterforallfoodrequirementsincludingBuffetmenu’s,HogRoasts,Barbeques. Stageareaforbands,disco,andproductions
Alargeroomydancefloorperfectforanyweddingreception
Comfydiningfurnitureconfiguredtosuitrequirements
Thispartyvenuecanbedressed/decoratedtosuitthecelebration
FriendlyandexperiencedStNeotsstaff
Plentyofparking
Allourfacilitiesarewheelchairaccessible
WedohavealargeprojectorintheGregorySuitethatcanbeusedforcorporateevents.
We would like to introduce our new Club Welfare Officer (CWO) Gemma Keech.
Gemma has many years of safeguarding experience through careers in Teaching and Children’s Social Care, as well as being the Club Welfare Officer for Priory Parkside Football Club for almost 4 years.
Gemma’s role as CWO is to be the first point of contact for all club members regarding concerns about the welfare of any child, young person or adult at risk at St Neots Town Football Club. She will liaise directly with the Designated Safeguarding Officer for Hunts FA and is familiar with the procedures for referring any concerns.
Gemma is committed to providing a safe and positive environment for all players, staff and volunteers within SNTFC.
If you need to contact Gemma, her details are as follows:
Goldstraw Goldmiths
St Neots Town Main Stand Sponsor
GoldstrawGoldsmiths
GoldstrawGoldsmithsisanestablished,trusted,successful jewelleryshopintheCambridgeshiretownofStNeots.At GoldstrawsGoldsmithswe’vebeendesigningandcaringfor jewelleryforover30years.Wesellallstylesofjewellery;new andantique.Ifyouhaveaparticulariteminmind,wewill alwaysendeavourtosourceit.Twoexperiencedgoldsmiths workonthepremises,offeringqualitycraftsmanshipwithevery newlycreatedpieceandrepair.Wetakeprideinourworkand ourcustomerstellustimeandtimeagainthatwouldn’tgo anywhereelse.Whynotcomeinandsayhellowe”behappyto help.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS at St Neots Town FC
Player Sponsorship Season 2024/25
(President)
St Neots Town Reserves Old
Saints Ambassadors
DAMMY
BLAST FROM THE PAST
(Hunts Intermediate Cup – Scott Gatty – Semi Final) 2008/09
St Neots Reserves 4 Eynesbury Reserves 0
Trophy holders St Neots Reserves eased their way into their seventh Scott Gatty Cup Final in the past eight seasons with what proved to be a very comfortable victory over neighbours Eynesbury Reserves. However, it was not as memorable as it should have been for one player on either side who picked up red cards leaving the sides with ten men each at the final whistle. St Neots man of the match was striker Lee Bassett who terrorised the Eynesbury defence picking up his third hat trick of the season, but he was supported by an impressive all round team performance including another clean sheet from goalkeeper Tim Trebes who was solid and confident throughout. Eynesbury never gave up trying and two goals from St Neots in the final five minutes rubbed salt in the wounds as their visitors visibly tired. With neither senior team in action on the day there was a large crowd, and they were kept entertained by a match that was always competitive.
The opening twenty minutes was to say the least combative as both sides sought to stamp their authority on the match from the start. The busiest man on the pitch was Referee Peter Moore who kept a tight grip on the early exchanges booking a player on either side for over enthusiastic challenges. In fact, Eynesbury created the first two clear chances as a Stuart Humphries free kick was glance headed by David Fisk sending Trebes tumbling to his left to turn the ball for a corner and then a rising shot from Nick Gibson was palmer away by Trebes. St Neots began to enjoy the better share of possession, but they created little until 24th minute when Kevin Ashby headed over from a Luke Swain corner but four minutes later the home side were ahead with a sweet move that split the visiting defence. Luke Swain sent a trade- mark cross field pass to find Lee Barrett wide on the left and he moved inside his marker to fire a right foot low shot across goalkeeper Alan Hills and into the net. There could have been further St Neots goals, but James Duckett volleyed wide after good work by Bassett and then Hills allowed a shot by Shane Fox to slip through his arms but was relieved to see the ball rebound from the foot of a post back into his arms.
BLAST FROM THE PAST
Bassett put St Neots firmly in control just five minutes after the restart when he was left unmarked at the far post to rise to head a cross from Kevin Ashby firmly past Hills to double his sides’ lead. He then brought an excellent save from the goalkeeper with a volley after unselfish work by Shan Fox and Eynesbury then had a good chance when they won a free kick just outside the penalty area but Darren Blackhall’s free kick was too high. Bassett continued to torment the visiting defence with his speed and after he had been denied a hat trick goal by a post he was hauled down when clear on goal by Rovers’ skipper Kirk Kidd who picked up his second yellow card and was sent off on the hour. Four minutes later numerical parity was restored when James Duckett also picked up a second yellow card for a high challenge and he became the first St Neots Reserve player to be sent off this season. Any hopes that the visitors could force their way back into the match were soon dashed as both Luke Knight and Fox squandered good chances to increase the lead and then after 85 minutes Shane Fox took on several defenders to fire a clinching goal past Hills. That might have been it, but Lee Bassett was not going to lose his chance of a hat trick and two minutes later he put the finishing touch to a neat move between Fox and Knight that had opened up the Rovers defence.
St Neots Reserves: Trebes, Knight, J.Duckett, Wale, Ashby, Woodhead, R.Duckett, Coles, Bassett, Fox, Swain.
Subs: Cook (for Fox 87 mins), Warwick (for R.Duckett 87 mins), Oakley & Laine.
Man of the Match: Lee Bassett
The Saints Community
Memorial Wall
Wewouldliketoformally announcethattheSaints CommunityMemorial Wallisnowreadyand opportunitiesfor Supporterstoremember theirlovedones,whomay havebeenSaints Supportersthemselves, arenowavailable.
The Wall is completely under cover and protected from the elements and the flowers/shrubbery are cared for and tended to on a daily basis by our dedicated grounds staff. We would like to thank Kite Utilities, Ballinger Construction and Oasis Promotions and Print for all their collective help in getting this project from an idea by Chairman Barry Cavilla to a quite splendid addition to our stadium.
Stainless steel wall plaques are now available for loving messages to be engraved in the following two options:
6” x 4” Stainless Steel Wall plaque – Lasered with black text (feels smooth to touch)
Can come with 4 countersunk screws – or they can be without and glued
Total cost £36.00
8” x 4” Stainless Steel Wall plaque – Lasered with black text (feels smooth to touch)
Can come with 4 countersunk screws – or they can be without and glued
Total cost £48.00
Any interested supporters should contact Chairman Barry Cavilla for further details via email on bcavilla77@gmail.com or in person at The Premier Plus Stadium on a matchday.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Matchday Sponsorship Opportunities
Seasons Past - Seasons Past - With John Walker With John Walker
This Edition Focuses on Season This Edition Focuses on Season
1978/79 1978/79
This is one of a series of summaries highlighting one of our final seasons at
This is one of a series of summaries highlighting one of our final seasons at Shortsands to depict both the highs and the lows in the recent proud history of Shortsands to depict both the highs and the lows in the recent proud history of the Club. This was the best season in that 15 seasons UCL stay for goals scored the Club. This was the best season in that 15 seasons UCL stay for goals scored even though the final league position was not very impressive. Five of the sides even though the final league position was not very impressive. Five of the sides ahead of St Neots went on to a higher level of football (Irthlingborough ahead of St Neots went on to a higher level of football (Irthlingborough Diamonds, Rushden Town, Kempston Rovers, Rothwell Town and Stamford). Diamonds, Rushden Town, Kempston Rovers, Rothwell Town and Stamford).
League: League:
Final League position: Final League position: 9th/19 9th/19
League playing record: League playing record: P36 P36 W16 W16 D7
for a
L13 For 59 For 59 Against 51 Against 51 pts
We scored five goals in league matches at home against Stamford and Holbeach.
We scored five goals in league matches at home against Stamford and Holbeach.
We recorded five League ‘doubles’.
We recorded five League ‘doubles’.
The highlight of the league season were our two home FA Cup victories against
The highlight of the league season were our two home FA Cup victories against Kings Lynn and Histon (both 1-0). Kings Lynn and Histon (both 1-0).
However, we surrendered the Hunts Senior Cup at home to Phorpres Sports
However, we surrendered the Hunts Senior Cup at home to Phorpres Sports losing 1-0 at home in the semi-final. losing 1-0 at home in the semi-final.
Leading scorer was Terry Minett (31 goals) followed by Carmino Picillo (12
Leading scorer was Terry Minett (31 goals) followed by Carmino Picillo (12 goals). goals).
The Manager was Jack Blyth in the final year of his third spell in charge
The Manager was Jack Blyth in the final year of his third spell in charge
John Walker John Walker
John Walker's Match Preview
EYNESBURY ROVERS
Year founded: 1897 Chairman: Matt Plumb Club Website: www.eynesburyrovers.com
GOOD AFTERNOON AND A WARM FESTIVE WELCOME TO THE PREMIER PLUS STADIUM TO OUR NEIGHBOURS – EYNESBURY ROVERS
Festive greetings to everyone this afternoon especially to our visitors who arrive for only the second league match here between our two sides since 2001.However, we have been in opposition several times since then in a variety of cup competitions (details below).Last season our two league meetings were in stark contrast with a rather dull Boxing Day goalless draw at Hall Road followed by a more entertaining encounter here on Easter Monday which produced much competitive football for the first hour again without producing a goal. Then St Neots substitute Nabil Shariff announced his arrival with the first goal followed seven minutes later by a second from Connor Furlong. Defender Charlie Bowen then clinched our victory with a third goal from a Dammy Nickels free kick. Our visitors went on to finish seventeenth in the final league table whilst our lads featured in the end of season play-offs but were beaten in a penalty shoot-out at Aylestone Park. Both sides are currently showing an improvement on last season’s final placings with our lads competing in a two-way struggle for the league leadership and Eynesbury showing a recent upsurge in form in midtable. However, it is still a long way to go this season and both sides will be happy if their final placing is an improvement on last season. Away from home in the league Rovers have won three times at Bugbrooke, Oadby and Yaxley as well as drawing at Histon. In the FA Cup Eynesbury held FA Vase holders Romford to a home draw before narrowly losing in the replay whilst in the FA Vase they beat Lakenheath before losing away at Great Yarmouth. Meantime in the League Cup They defeated Sleaford in a penalty shoot-out at home and Deeping Rangers away before reaching the quarter final with a penalty shoot-out victory at Kimberley Miners Welfare. They now look forward to meeting Clay Cross at home in the last eight.Like our lads they will feature in the semi-finals of the County Cup where they entertain holders St Ives Town next month. A victory in that match and a victory for our lads over Eaton Socon could see a town Cup Final!
Previous meetings of our teams:
The last League meeting of our two sides here at St Neots prior to that on Easter Monday was twenty-four years ago when we completed a league double over our neighbours winning 4-1 at Hall Road and replicating the score at St Neots. A Jason Meeds hat trick was the highlight of the home tie with Paul Carey the other scorer whilst away from home Vince Petty scored twice plus goals from Simon Claridge and Michael McDonnell. Since then, our two sides have met no fewer than ten times in assorted cup competitions as follows: Hunts Senior Cup - seven times: Hinchingbrooke Cup twice: UCL KO Cup once. Out last cup meeting was on 10th December 2019 in a Hunts Senior Cup quarter-final here when our visitors defeated us 4-1 in a penalty shoot-out after a 3-3 draw. Unfortunately for them that was the COVID affected season and the competition was abandoned.
Enjoy the match.
St Neots Town Academy Team Sponsors
John Walker's Match Report
AYLESTONE PARK (H)
14-12-2024
GCE HIRE PLANT UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION SOUTH
ST NEOTS TOWN 3
AYLESTONE PARK 2
Four goals in nine second half minutes set this contest alight as the top two sides in the UCL Premier Division South locked horns in an early pre-Christmas special. The outcome after ninety minutes plus added time was a narrow but deserved victory that took St Neots to the top of the league table with a superior goal difference of just one goal. The visitors played their part coming twice from behind to level the scores after St Neots had deservedly shaded the first half to lead by a goal to nil at the break. A bumper home crowd of 418 cheered their side to victory on a cold afternoon. For St Neots, the result represented a significant league double as they became the first side to beat their visitors home and away. With home skipper Robbie Parker unavailable, Charlie Bowen, Kieran Barnes and Harvey Williams all returned to the starting line-up with Dammy Nickels and Danny Baulk rested on the substitutes bench.
The first half saw St Neots produce some of their best football at home this season as they dominated their visitors in terms of possession and chance creation, and they really should have been in a much stronger position at the break. However, the visiting side have the second-best defensive record in the division, and they were able to repel St Neots’ best efforts with visiting keeper Liam Castle in almost constant action. In the first action of the match inside the first minute the stage was set as the hard-working Rhys Thorpe chased a long forward pass to cross for Connor Furlong whose effort was deflected for a corner. Chris Tavernier then had another early effort deflected as St Neots set out their stall and the only response from the visiting side was a through ball which was retrieved at the feet of an attacker by James Goff. After a quarter of an hour St Neots took the lead when Kieran Barnes first shot was blocked but he followed up with a second low effort which took a wicked deflection into the far corner of the net to open the scoring. Thorpe volleyed over after a good through pass from Tavernier and skipper Charlie Bowen sent a header narrowly over the bar from a Sam Willis cross. A Furlong snap-shot was well saved by the visiting keeper who then had to dive bravely at the feet of Thorpe to smother another St Neots opening. Just before the break both Furlong and Thorpe had chances to extend the lead, but both were squandered as St Neots had to settle for their slim half time advantage.
John Walker's Match Report
AYLESTONE PARK (H)
14-12-2024
The second half was just ten minutes old when the contest exploded into life. The visitors dragged themselves level as Abdul Sunmonu set up Sam Hollis to even up the contest at 1-1 but just 45 seconds later straight from the restart a long Murphy Culkin throw into the penalty area set up Michael Amaeshike for his eleventh goal of the season to restore St Neots’ lead. Two minutes later the visiting keeper produced a stunning full length save to push away a Furlong drive and after 62 minutes from a Corey Bucalossi corner Billy Kee forced the ball into the net from close range to restore parity for the second time at 2-2. Again, St Neots’ response was swift and significant for two minutes later Rhys Thorpe netted a Williams cross to make the score 3-2. After this flurry of excitement, the game settled with St Neots still looking in control but with both sides looking less ambitious going forward. Seven minutes from time Williams went close after beating two defenders, but his finish was too high, and St Neots should have scored a late fourth goal but substitute James Hatch shot wide after good wide play by Thorpe.
St Neots Town: Goff, Willis, Culkin, Tavernier, Sage, Bowen, Furlong, Amaeshike, Thorpe, Barnes, Williams
Subs: Baulk (for Furlong 68 mins), Hatch (for Barnes 85 mins), Ajana, Sutherland and Nickels.
Cards: none
Aylestone Park: Castle, Kilburn, Articolo, Preston, Peace, Sunmonu, Parkes, Duffy, Hollis, Bucalossi, Kee
Subs: Keenan (for Rashan 68 mins), Brodella (for Bucalossi 85 mins), Watts, Sanches, and Young
Cards: none
Attendance: 418
Referee: Oliver Hollyoak
(John Walker)
John Walker's Match Report
NEWPORT PAGNELL TOWN (A) 21-12-2024
GCE HIRE PLANT UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION SOUTH
NEWPORT PAGNELL TOWN 0 ST NEOTS TOWN 1
A Harvey Williams goal after 65 minutes was enough to keep St Neots at the top of the United Counties League South division by just one goal difference from the chasing Aylestone Park who also won their match. The goal was set up by St Neots man-of-the-match Sam Willis. However, the contest will be best remembered for the home side finishing the match with just nine players after having two dismissed early in the second half. That meant that the final half hour was largely a one-way street with home keeper Marcus Bauld defying St Neots best efforts to boost their goal difference with notable saves from Williams, Rhys Thorpe, Kieran Barnes and Michael Amaeshike. Earlier St Neots had been awarded a fourteenth minute penalty kick when Thorpe was scythed down by the home keeper, but Marcus Bauld was spared a booking and then guessed right to save the penalty kick by Barnes who had formerly played for the home side. St Neots made just one team change with Connor Furlong withdrawing due to sickness just before the match, so Danny Baulk came into the side with Manager Cameron Mawer taking his place on the bench.
On an extremely boggy surface both sides looked unsure at the start, but the home side had the first notable effort when Christian Small fired over after the first real attacking move by either side after five minutes. Six minutes later the same home player found his way into the Referee’s notebook after a clumsy trip, and in the visitors first notable attack they were awarded that saved penalty. They set about making up for that miss as Harvey Williams tested the home keeper with a low shot, but at the other end a free kick by Adam Pryke sailed harmlessly over the crossbar. A shot by Danny Baulk forced a good save by Marcus Bauld and then Alfie Powell was booked for a clumsy challenge. Bauld was again equal to a Barnes free kick and the keeper then had to dive bravely at the feet of Rhys Thorpe after good play by Christian Tavernier. Eight minutes before the break the best chance of the first half fell to Pagnell’s Albie Hall but with only James Goff to beat, he directed a weak volley into the keepers’ grateful arms. As half time approached Murphy Culkin brought a good save from the home keeper and Barnes broke clear of the home defence, but his finish was wide of its target.
John Walker's Match Report
NEWPORT PAGNELL TOWN (A)
21-12-2024
The second half began with the home side pressing the self-destruct button as they were reduced to nine men with two players sent off in a crazy seven minutes’ spell. First to go was Albie Hall who picked up a straight red card for a blatant and dangerous trip and he was followed by Alfie Powell in a separate incident that saw him pick up a second caution. That led to the home side regrouping with an emphasis on defence and St Neots tried hard to capitalise. Now, home keeper Bauld became the hero as he pushed a dipping Baulk shot over the bar but he was helpless when Sam Willis went past the final defender on the right flank to set up Harvey Williams for what was to prove to be the winning goal. Bauld then defied Barnes and Thorpe with two fine saves as well as parrying a close-range effort from Williams. Two further saves including a parry to a header from Michael Amaeshike kept his goal intact and at the end he was rightly congratulated by players from both sides.
St Neots Town: Goff, Willis, Culkin, Tavernier, Sage, Bowen, Baulk, Amaeshike, Thorpe, Barnes, Williams
Subs: Ajana (for Baulk 78 mins), Peters (for Barnes 85 mins), Parker, Nickels and Mawer.
Cards: Culkin (Y – 90+3 mins)
Newport Pagnell Town: Bauld, Pryke, Orphanides, Small, Powell, Shariff, Stewart, Nketta, Watkinson, Hall Kille
Subs: Sule (for Stewart 60 mins), Drew (for Shariff 60 mins), Lynham (for Watkinson 75 mins), Drewe, and Tsinonis.
Cards: Hall (RED – 47 mins), Powell (RED – 2Y – 54 mins), Small (Y – 11 mins)
Attendance: 220
Referee: Sam Anderson (Corby)
(John Walker)
PLAYING RECORD
SEASON
7 8 9 10 11
Opponent Spotlight
Eynesbury Rovers
The club were formed in 1897 and played friendly matches before joining the Biggleswade & District League and then the St Neots Junior League, which they won in 1910/11. They lifted the Huntingdonshire Senior Cup for the first time in 1914 and won the County Junior Cup in 1921, 1927 and 1932. Rovers competed in the Bedford & District League and in 1934 they joined the South Midlands League. Promotion was achieved at the first attempt whilst the Scott-Gatty Cup was won, while Senior Cup finals in 1937 and 1939 ended in defeat. The post war era began with Rovers joining the United Counties League and they enjoyed spectacular cup success winning the Hunts Senior Cup and Hinchingbrooke Cup four times each in a five year period. In the 1950-51 campaign a Premier Cup success made it a cup hat trick. In 1952 Eynesbury joined the Eastern Counties League finishing fourth in their second season. Three years later a crowd of 4,000 packed into Hall Road to watch a friendly against Fulham with the legendary Stanley Matthews guesting for Rovers. The club continued to enjoy cup success lifting the Senior Cup in 1955 and 1957, the Hinchingbrooke Cup in 1959 and Cambs Invitation Cup in 1962, but they were finding life difficult in the league. In 1963 they rejoined the UCL. Successes in the Hinchingbrooke Cup in 1967 and Hunts Senior Cup in 1970 masked a continued decline and relegation was suffered in 1972. A top flight place was regained in 1977 and floodlights were installed in 1981 with Luton Town providing the opposition for the official opening in front of a four figure crowd. The Hunts Senior Cup was won in 1985 before the club enjoyed a successful spell finishing a best ever third place in the league, two Hunts Senior Cup wins, a Premier Cup success and two East Anglian Cup finals, and a 1993 Senior Cup success. Barry Cavilla led Eynesbury to fifth in the league and wins in both the Senior and Premier Cups. Peter Schofield took over and done well to keep the team in the Premier Division on a small budget. Neil King enjoyed success in the Hunts Senior Cup in 2000 but was followed by relegation a year later. Steve Galbraith took over and in 2002 Rovers again won the Senior Cup beating St Neots 3-0 in the final, while the 2003-04 campaign saw them reach the Premier Cup final only to lose 4-2 to Wootton Blue Cross.
In the summer of 2005 Dean Shipp took charge and the following season Rovers reached the final of the South Midlands Floodlit Cup losing 2-1 to Saffron Walden. In December 2007 Rovers appointed the management duo of Al Lenihan and former player Pat O'Keeffe. Season 2008/09 saw Rovers near the top of the table for most of the season but had to settle for 9th place after being deducted six points. Al & Pat resigned at the end of that season and Eynesbury appointed Matt Plumb to take charge for the start of the 2009/10 campaign and with Martin Field he guided Rovers back to the Premier Division in 2013/14. In a record breaking season they finished with a record number of points (98) and goals (118) and recorded a club record 11 consecutive wins.
Opponent Spotlight Eynesbury Rovers
Matt Plumb took on the role of chairman in the summer of 2015 before Martin Field resigned in October. Mark Ducket was appointed as manager and in four campaigns he led Rovers to three Hunts Senior Cup Finals, winning 1-0 against St Neots Town in 2017. Whilst in the same season recording 119 league goals and equaling their second best ever league placing finishing fifth. In 2019/20 Rovers joined the Spartan South Midlands League and enjoyed their best ever run in the FA Vase reaching the 4th Round. In January 2020 Mark Ducket left to manage Bedford Town and Rovers appointed Steve Kuhne as his replacement. After two aborted seasons in the Spartan South Midlands League Rob Sinclair led Rovers to a ninth placed finish back in the UCL but moved on at the end of that season. The 2022/23 campaign started with former Eynesbury United manager Mark Spavins in charge with ex-player Neil Morris as coach but after a tough start Spavins resigned and Morris took over. In a difficult campaign the club finished 15th in a division of 18 clubs. Last season started with former players Mark Garwood and Craig Smith in charge but they left midway through the season and Darren Fairbrass & Callum Douglas took charge and led the team to safety. They remain in charge for the 2024/25 season with Neil Morris and Haani Rasool making up a four strong management team.
Manager - Cameron Mawer
Assistant - Steve Kuhne
Coach - Alex Minall
GK Coach - Gary Dean
Physio - Craig Lambert
Manager – Darren Fairbrass
Manager – Neil Morris
Coach – Callum Douglas
Coach – Haani Rasool
Physio - Jack Field
SquadList SquadList
JJamesGoff(GK) amesGoff(GK) DammyNickels DammyNickels
NathanGeorge NathanGeorge
RobbieParker RobbieParker
MurphyCulkin MurphyCulkin
CharlieBowen CharlieBowen
JJamesSage amesSage
JJamesPeters amesPeters
ChristianTavernier ChristianTavernier
MichaelAmaeshike MichaelAmaeshike
SamWillis SamWillis KieranBarnes KieranBarnes
RhysThorpe RhysThorpe
ConnorFurlong ConnorFurlong
DannyBaulk DannyBaulk
HarveyWilliams HarveyWilliams
RobbieSutherland RobbieSutherland
Colours Colours
LightBlueShirts LightBlueShirts
DarkBlueShorts DarkBlueShorts
Light LightBlueSocks BlueSocks
Squad List Squad List
Sam Roach (GK) Sam Roach (GK)
James Hoskin (GK) James Hoskin (GK)
Stevan Shaw Stevan Shaw
Harry Hurst Harry Hurst
Leon Fulianty Leon Fulianty
Oliver Brookes Oliver Brookes
Dan Hammer Dan Hammer
Josh Howard-Dobson Josh Howard-Dobson
Michael King (C) Michael King (C)
Nathan Mullings Nathan Mullings
Victor Osobu Victor Osobu
Takula Chijota Takula Chijota
Axel Owusu Axel Owusu
Richard Chadwick Richard Chadwick
Reece King Reece King
Jonny Hall Jonny Hall
Oskar Ciach Oskar Ciach
Luke Young Luke Young
Colours Red Shirts
Black Shorts
Black Socks
Referee James Badcock Assistant I Callum Horn Assistant 2 Gary Halliday
