2021/22 Issue Nine - AFC Dunstable by St Neots Town Football Club

SAINTS GAZETTE ISSUE 9

Image used under license and is copyright protected

OFFICIAL ONLINE MATCHDAY MAGAZINE SEASON 2021/22 ADMISSION INFORMATION

SATURDAY DECEMBER 4TH 3.00PM KO

(MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT)

AFC DUNSTABLE PITCHING IN SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISON ONE CENTRAL

Saints President - John Walker

First Team

Board of Directors

Manager - Peter Gill Assistant - Sean Greygoose GK Coach - Gary Dean Physio - Craig Lambert Kit Man - Mick Hunt Analyst - Ben Williamson Match Ball Retriever - Stan Scotcher

Chairman - Barry Cavilla Director of Football - Iain Parr Events Director - Louise Sales Commercial Director - Mehmet Mimoglu Secretary - Gary Wilson Director - Mike Green Director - Jez Green Director - Andy Clay Director - Brian Barnes

Sports Scholarship Contact - Iain@stneotstownfc.co.uk

Saints Match Day Team

Academy

Fixture Secretary - Marion Izzard Hospitality - Andy Clay, Paula Robertson, Julia Clarke Stadium Announcer - Mike Green Music & Scoreboard - Charlie Green Catering - Diane Sales

Manager - Iain Parr Development Manager - Alex Minall U18’s Manager - Alex Minall

Media

Club Information

Press Officer - Mike Green Match Reports - John Walker Photographer - David Richardson Social Media - Rowan Presland / Mike Green

Address: Rowley Park, Kester Way, St Neots, Cambs., PE19 6SL

Ground Staff Pitch maintenance - Barry Oakley

Club Welfare Officer - Mick Hunt

Website - www.stneotstownfc.co.uk Enquires - enquires@stneotstownfc.co.uk Events - misslouises@yahoo.co.uk Academy - iain@stneotstown.co.uk

Front cover and Page 41 - Images copyright protected by David R.W. Richardson of Rich In Video, and are used under license

Ownership: In accordance with the football association league rule 2.13 publication of ownership in relation to step 1-4 within the football pyramid, we hereby confirm the legal status of St Neots Town Football Club Identification Number 02921210, and is a Private Limited Company. For the purposes of publication of ownership we can confirm that the following are listed as Directors of the Company: significant interest Lee Kearns, Iain Parr, Louise Sales, Gary Wilson, Mehmet Mimoglu and as Non Executive Directors Mike Green, Jeremy Green, and Barry Cavilla. Company Secretary Keith Gotch, Company Accountant Keith Gotch

Greenie’s Greetings With Director Mike Green

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen and welcome back to the Premier Plus Stadium, home of the Saints and the Goldstraw Goldsmiths Academy, for today’s Pitching In Southern League Division One Central match. Today we extend a warm welcome to the players' officials and supporters of AFC Dunstable and we hope you have an enjoyable stay with us here in St Neots this afternoon. Here we are, a Saturday Home game at long last. This season has been crazy with a number of our fixtures having to be postponed due to opponents continued participation in either the FA CUP or FA Trophy and these games then having to be rescheduled as a midweek fixture. Not an ideal situation at all as obviously crowds are almost certainly going to be higher on a Saturday than in midweek so a loss on gate revenue is made and then the knock on effect is less sales of food and beverages. I really don't know how some clubs are continuing to function with some of the gates I have noticed recently, for example, FC Romania versus ourselves attracted just 80 people (at least half of which travelled down from PE19, Kidlington versus Ware only enticed 55 people through the turnstiles and last Saturday just 46 people witnessed AFC Kempston Rover get trounced at Hillgrounds 6-1 by FC Romania. We really are fortunate and immensely grateful to have a hardcore home following of around 250 on a Saturday. It was fantastic on our last home Saturday fixture versus Ware to exceed the 300 mark on the turnstiles, hopefully we can do this again today. These notes were penned ahead of a tricky looking trip to Step Three club Royston Town on Tuesday 30 th November so hopefully we have picked up no fresh injury problems, suspensions and have given the tie our best shot and who knows, form goes out of the door in KO cup ties. Talking of Cup ties, we have had confirmation the the Huntingdonshire FA Senior County Cup will get under way in January, so, another route for possible silverware opens up. Got to say a big well done to Alex, Iain and all the Under 18 squad for a series of spectular scorelines recently as we sit proudly at the top of the Thurlow Nunn Youth League West Division. Keep it going lads and we could be on for back to back Championship wins. Ok back to today. A tough game in store against a team packed with experience and of course some familiar faces with ex Saints Ryan Frater, Alasan Ann, Ben Farrell and Brett Longden all in the OD's ranks so please do get behind our young squad today, your support could really make all the diference.

COME ON YOU SAINTS

Greenie

g g n i n i m CCoomooonn o S S

To Reedmans Bar

From the Dugout With First Team Manager Peter Gill I’d like to wish a warm welcome to everyone from AFC Dunstable. I hope you enjoy your visit to the Premier Plus Stadium and St. Neots Town FC. You don’t need to do much research to see that AFC Dunstable are one of the best sides in the league. Their league position tells you just how difficult today’s game will be. I have also listened to many opposition managers call them “the best side in the league we have faced”. We know we’ll have to be at our very best to compete in this afternoon’s game. Reflecting on our last two league games we can be pleased with our performance levels. Coming off the back of a poor run of three defeats in a row, we managed to win away vs FC Romania. The lads showed fantastic character and courage to come back after finding themselves one down in the 65th minute. All the stats suggest it was a game we deserved to win so we were pleased to “stop the rot” as they say. We then drew 0-0 at home vs Waltham Abbey. Despite not winning the game, I believe it was our best performance of the season and the only thing missing was the goal to win the game. Apart from a brief spell at the start of the second half, once we changed our shape, we dominated most of the game. Our culture is to not celebrate anything other than a win. So, I asked the players to be disappointed with the result but pleased and proud of their performance. Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen the squad change with several players leaving the club for a variety of reasons. Brendon Shabani leaves us to join Aveley. Brendon is from Chigwell and the commute to us was taking nearly 2 hours, so when the opportunity to join a club 20 minutes from his house came up, he couldn’t really turn that down. Elliot Sartorius used to get a lift with Brendon, so naturally that had an effect on his ability to make the journey from North London for Elliot. Harvey Steel has left to get regular game time. Harvey is still a popular lad amongst the players and staff here and can feel a tad unlucky that he didn’t get the game time he was looking for. After a long conversation with Harvey, he knows he’s always welcome back at the Premier Plus Stadium and we hope to see him around the place in the future. Joe Sutton left us a few weeks ago and has decided to take a short break from the game. Again, a popular figure amongst everyone here and we were really happy to see him supporting the lads in our last two games. We thank Brendon, Elliot, Harvey and Joe for all their efforts in a Saints shirt and wish them nothing but the best of luck for the future. Joining the club we welcome Ky Marsh-Brown. Ky suffered an ankle injury in his first game vs FC Romania. At the time of writing, we are unsure on how serious the injury is. The concern is a potential fracture however we are all hoping it isn’t that serious and we hope to see him in a Saints shirt again soon. We also welcome back Aaron Smith and Dequane Wilson-Braithwaite from their loan spells away from the club. We know a few results have gone against us recently and we’re slightly behind target of where we want to be. I certainly cannot fault the application and effort of the players. As always, thank you for your support. I know the lads have been hurting but always feel a sense of pride when you get behind the team. We had more supporters at the away game vs FC Romania than the home side which is amazing so thank you to those who made the trip! Please get behind the boys this afternoon. Up the Saints!

Pete

Saints Partners - Visit www.stneotstownfc.co.uk to find out how to become a partner.

We pride ourselves on being open minded with a particular emphasis on working closely with our business partners to ensure mutually beneficial achievements. Our aim is to continue developing football for all, to offer duel career pathways and to continue to engage and support the Community and local businesses.

Mehmet Mimoglu Commercial Chat... Welcome to the Premier Plus Stadium for this evening’s home fixture as The Saints take on AFC Dunstable. Over the last month we have entered into two partnerships led by our Football Director Iain Parr. We have partnered with Cambridge Regional College to deliver a Post 16 Football Scholarship Programme from September 2022 and we have joined forces with local sports centre One Leisure. Both partnerships are around Youth Academy, both are aimed at improving education provided and promote a healthy and active lifestyle for our youth. Over the last week we have seen an addition to our pitch banners from Conquest Blinds. After kindly sponsoring Brendon Shabani ; Conquest blinds now are supporting us with a banner on pitch side. Business Partners financial support is a massive contribution to our activities. As well as the financial support, some business partners also support us by way of using our facilities or providing their services at no cost or at a very reduced rate. I want to thank these Business Partners in alphabetical order. Before moving onto Business Partners, I want to say a special thank you to The Cheese & Wine Society who are our committed fans group. As well as following us at every home and away game they support us with a banner at the pitch side. From our business partners AF Golfstore earlier in the season invited our youth players to use their facilities. ABC life Support who provides First Aid Services as well as supporting us with a banner on pitch side and use our club premises for their First Aid trainings. Acerbis, who supports us with several banners around the Club are also our kit suppliers. Within several amounts of kit and sport equipment ordered from them, there is a considerable amount provided at no cost to us. Ballinger Construction as well as having pitch side banner and 3G banner has completed various repair works for our Club at the beginning of the season. Blueline Security as well supporting us as our Social Media sponsor look after the security of the Club Premises overnight. Clean Windows as well as having a banner looks after cleaning of all Club Windows. GESS Scaffolding are our 3G Naming sponsor and have installed a closed viewing area and a stand viewing area at our 3G before the start of this season. Kite Utilities have supported our Academy Youth set up with a banner and recently installed handrails to our main stand. We will see more Kite Utilities banners soon and we are thankful of their support. Oasis Print support us with banners on the pitch and our 3G .They also provide artwork and printing for our banners at a high quality. We also have two food outlet partners; PeriZone Fast Food and Take Away St Neots whom regularly provide much loved and appreciated food to all our teams. I want to extend my thanks to all these Business Partners on behalf of all involved at the Club As always, I have no doubt that you will get behind the lads today and show your continued superb support. Players and all of us at the Club appreciate your support on and off the pitch.

Mehmet

Saints Partners - Visit www.stneotstownfc.co.uk to find out how to become a partner.

Saints

First Team Shirt Sponsor

Reliable and Professional plumbing and heating service. Preferred Plumbing and Heating Ltd in Cambridgeshire

07733304549 / 01480 774723

www.preferredplumbingandheatingltd.co.uk

Saints Partners - Visit www.stneotstownfc.co.uk to find out how to become a partner.

SAINTS FOOD TERRACE

Boardroom Gossip With Chairman Barry Cavilla

Good Afternoon and welcome Everyone for a long awaited Saturday home fixture. Today we welcome the players and officials of AFC Dunstable to Premier Plus Stadium for, no doubt, a very competitive and hopefully highly entertaining game. AFC Dunstable have been quietly getting on with their season and have been picking up results and find themselves up in to the Top 6 and will be very strong opposition for the Saints today . However, Pete and his very talented squad have changed their fortunes in recent games with new players added to our squad and have picked up some much needed points to keep us in touch with the top performers to date. We will be looking to make home advantage count and make it a difficult place for all opposition this season which I am sure Pete will continue bringing our young teams development and consistency forward and picking up some valuable points along the way to keep us in touch with the leading group. Lots of continued hard work goes on behind the scenes to make our community club a great place to come and enjoy and we will shortly be having BT Sport installed for a better Match Day experience for all and hope you enjoy. I would like to say A Big Thank You to our work party volunteers who have helped this year in getting on top of some major projects, helping to make our facilities the best we can for you all to enjoy. Finally, we had some sad news of a past player Peter Hutchinson and also a past club Manager Kenny Davidson, who both sadly passed away this November. Our thoughts and condolences are with their families at this very Sad time.

YOUR TOWN, YOUR TEAM COME ON THE SAINTS!!!

Barry

Saints Partners - Visit www.stneotstownfc.co.uk to find out how to become a partner.

www.stneotsloftconversionsltd.co.uk

Little Paxton, Saint Neots PE19, UK

07932 453477 St Neots Town FC is not just about football we are a community focused business. We have so much more going on which ultimately and significantly increases our footfall and our website site and social media reach.This in turn means that when you advertise with the Saints you get so much more for your money.

St Neots Take away – Shop Local, Support Local

orders@takeaway-stneots.com

Pizza/fried chicken, Turkish, British, British Cafe Order through our app Order online Order on the pay store

To Advertise with the Saints contact our Commercial Director Mehmet on 07946 318888 or email mehmet@stneotstownfc.co.uk

AF Golf Store AFGolfStore offers everything a golfer could need, from premium club fitting using Trackman 4 technology to individual or group lessons for all ages and abilities. Whether you're a beginner or elite golfer, child or adult, we have something for you! Contact AFGolfStore Peterborough Feel free to contact a member of our team with any enquiries you may have using the form below. Alternatively you can call the team direct on 01733 215989 We can be found at Unit 10, Slater Court, Harrier Way, Eagle Business Park, Yaxley PE7 3SE Peterborough Store Opening Times Monday 9am-6pm Tuesday 9am-8pm Wednesday 9am8pm Thursday 9am-6pm Friday 9am-6pm Saturday 9am-5pm Sunday CLOSED Contact AFGolfStore Cambridge Feel free to contact a member of our team with any enquiries you may have using the form below. Alternatively you can call the team direct on 01763 262943. We can be found at Kingsway Golf Centre, Cambridge Road, Melbourn, Cambridge, SG8 6EY Cambridge Store Opening Times Monday 9am-8pm Tuesday 9am-8pm Wednesday 9am8pm Thursday 9am-8pm Friday 9am-8pm Saturday 9am-5pm Sunday 9am-5pm

www.afgolfstore.co.uk

Saints Partners - Visit www.stneotstownfc.co.uk to find out how to become a partner.

St Neots Town FC is not just about football we are a community focused business. We have so much more going on which ultimately and significantly increases our footfall and our website site and social media reach.This in turn means that when you advertise with the Saints you get so much more for your money.

Saints Partners - Visit www.stneotstownfc.co.uk to find out how to become a partner.

Som’s Salon is a Mens Barbershop and Ladies Hairdressers, we are located on Longsands Parade, Saint Neots with FREE parking directly outside the shop!

01480 589037

Saints - Goldstraw Goldmiths St Neots Town FC Academy & Main Stand Sponsor The Goldstraw Goldsmith’s St Neots Town FC Academy Sponsor

Goldstraw Goldsmiths is an established, trusted, successful jewellery shop in the Cambridgeshire town of St Neots. At Goldstraws Goldsmiths we’ve been designing and caring for jewellery for over 30 years. We sell all styles of jewellery; new and antique. If you have a particular item in mind, we will always endeavour to source it. Two experienced goldsmiths work on the premises, offering quality craftsmanship with every newly created piece and repair. We take pride in our work and our customers tell us time and time again that wouldn’t go anywhere else. Why not come in and say hello we” be happy to help.

www.goldstraw.co.uk 01480 407704

Saints Partners - Visit www.stneotstownfc.co.uk to find out how to become a partner.

Call 01480 470931 / Mobile 07950 496568

Saints Partners - Visit www.stneotstownfc.co.uk to find out how to become a partner.

www.abclifesupport.co.uk / 0800 0467 410

Saints Partners - Visit www.stneotstownfc.co.uk to find out how to become a partner.

www.kazbarsystemsinc.com / sales@kazbarsystemsinc.com / 01234 780 177

www.cpcfinance.co.uk / contact@cpcfinance.co.uk / 01923 655 441

Saints Social Media Sponsor BlueLine Security Ltd – Social Media Sponsors

Your peace of mind is our business We draw all of our operational staff exclusively from the UK Police Force and HM Armed Forces. When it comes to your security, you can trust in us. At Blueline Security Limited we know how important integrity and reliability is to our customers. That’s why we draw our operational staff exclusively from Police and HM Armed Forces backgrounds, and have a stringent selection process to ensure that only the best people join our team. Our business is your peace of mind. To that end, our wide range of services include manned guarding, working dog teams, property/business protection, mobile patrols, close protection and surveillance/investigation. As we continue to expand across England, we pride ourselves on maintaining our ethical trade policy, and we will only ever offer a service when a genuine need exists. If you’re interested in any of our services, get in touch today. We’d be delighted to provide you with further details on any of our services.

03339874277 www.bluelinesecuritylimited.com 01480 407704

Saints

Functions and Events Visit www.stneotstownfc.co.uk To find out how to Book an Event

We have three rooms available for any number of functions and events.

These include a board room/meeting room that holds up to 12 people.

We also have two function rooms.

Reedman's

Hold up to 80 guests and is idea for smaller wedding, parties, Funeral wakes, Fitness classes, smaller trade fairs and much more

The Gregory Suite

Holds up to 250 guests and is ideal for Wedding receptions, larger parties, Dance groups, presentation events, Business networking and much more

Our dedicated team have lots of experience and will be on hand to assist in any way possible. Full flexible catering service is also available

Give Louise a call on 07753 222683

Full information is available at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk

Saints Functions and Events To book and event visit www.stneotstownfc.co.uk

JW Match Report HERTFORD TOWN (A) 16-11-2021 SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE CENTRAL Hertford Town

St Neots Town

St Neots Town slumped to their heaviest league defeat for two years as they helped hosts Hertford Town christen their newly laid 3G surface under floodlights. The catalyst for this result was the controversial sending off of Mamdou Jobe after just 14 minutes as he clattered into the back of Viadut Sighiartau in the penalty area. With a penalty kick awarded the dismissal seemed very harsh, as a caution is usually awarded in these circumstances, but St Neots were reduced to ten men for the remaining 76 minutes and an almost inevitable defeat was the result. The victory was their first at home this season and the three points lifted Hertford out of the relegation zone. It was only St Neots second sending-off this season. There was limited good news for St Neots with Callum Anderson back after injury for the first time since 17th September, and Dequaine WilsonBraithwaite also made a late substitute appearance having been out for much of the season also with injury. The one absentee for the previous match was striker Joe Rider who is now on the injury list. The St Neots began well and looked to be in good form until the loss of Job. They created the first three chances with Kwai Marsh-Brown firing narrowly wide after a mazy run, home keeper Luke Mewitt making a good save to deny Neo Richard-Noel, and then producing a second impressive stop to deny Callum Anderson.Ben Herd tucked away Hertford’s penalty kick and that blow for St Neots altered the pattern of the match. Brendon Shabani was drafted in as an emergency defender and after 22 mins Obinna Ogbonna was twice close to extending the lead seeing his first effort blocked and his second saved by George Whitehall. A spate of bookings for either side set another trend with the fussy Referee very happy to reach for his notebook. St Neots did break to set up Richard-Noel for a late first half chance but again the home keeper was equal to his effort and the half ended with Whitehall saving bravely at the feet of Ogbonna, and Luke Gymer shooting wide of the target after a shot from Ben Weyman had rebounded from an upright. A goal for the home side just six minutes after the restart seemed to compound St Neots problems when Viadut Sighiartau netted from a narrow angle but St Neots spiritedly hit back within five minutes as Kwai Marsh-Brown netted only his second St Neots goal after good work by Ben Heal. A third Hertford goal after 62 minutes by Jake Bunyan after clever play by Gymer seemed to take the wind out of St Neots sails and play became very scrappy with more bookings for either side and the home side seemed happy to sit on their lead. However, a fourth goal for Hertford after 74 minutes put the outcome of the match beyond doubt as Brandy Makuendi picked up a through ball from substitute Bunyan, and there was very little significant goalmouth action in the final quarter of an hour although the home side were also reduced to ten men two minutes from time when substitute Jack Hewitt was sent off as he picked up a second yellow card in his brief twelve minutes spell on the pitch.

JW Match Report HERTFORD TOWN (A) 16-11-2021

St Neots Town: Whitehall, Marfo, Heal, Anderson, Johnson, Jobe, Cowling, Watkins, Richard-Noel, Marsh-Brown, Shabani Subs: Sartorius (for Marfo 73 mins), Wilson-Braithwaite (for Anderson 56 mins), Abbott, Steel and Barker Cards: Jobe (RED 14 mins), Johnson (Y – 37 mins), Marfo (Y – 64 mins), Heal (Y – 65 mins), Shabani (Y – 69 mins), Cowling ( Y – 90 mins) Goals: Marsh- Brown (56 mins)

Hertford Town: Mewitt, Smith, Hudson, Payne, Herd, Thompson, Weyman, Makuendi, Sighiartau, Gymer, Ogbonna Subs: Bunyan (for Payne 57 mins), Hewitt (for Gymer 74 mins), Horsewood, Njorge and Adrian Cards: Hewitt (RED – 2xY 80 & 88 mins) Thompson (Y – 31 mins), Gymer (Y – 55 mins), Bunyan (Y – 78 mins) Goals: Herd – pen – (14 mins), Sighiartau (51 mins), Bunyan (62 mins), Makuendi (74 mins)

Referee: Neil Bailey (Woodford) Attendance: 156 John Walker

JW Match Report FC ROMANIA (A) 20-11-2021 SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE CENTRAL FC Romania 1 (at Cheshunt FC)

St Neots Town

After 65 minutes St Neots were in danger of suffering a mugging at Cheshunt. Their rather physical opponents had picked up six yellow cards in stopping St Neots best attacking moves, but in the second half they then broke away through a visiting defence caught short, to score the first goal of the match.However, thankfully this proved to be the spur St Neots required and they recovered to score twice, and deservedly take home the three points avenging their opening day league defeat at St Neots. The visitors controlled much of the match throughout but failed to turn their possession into goals and at times seemed intimidated by the home sides’ tactics. There were three changes in the St Neots line up with Aaron Smith back from his loan period, replacing Wynford Marfo at full back, Elliott Sartorius leading the attack for Neo Richard-Noel, and most recent signing Ky Marsh-Brown (brother of Kwai) replacing the departed Brendon Shabani. This most recent signing excited with his pace and skill and looks to be a very useful addition to the squad making an early impact after just six minutes as he rounded the home keeper to set up Myles Cowling but his shot from 25 yards sailed harmlessly over the crossbar. Four minutes later St Neots could have been behind as George Whitehall spilled a cross from Jonathan Edwards, but Charlie Johnson hacked the ball clear. Ky Marsh-Brown was then upended in the penalty area, but the referee waved play on whilst at the other end Olluwatobi Coker brought a full length save from Whitehall. His opposite number Lincon Marques then emulated him with an important save from a low Cowling effort and after 33 minutes Coker’s cross picked out the unmarked Anthony Edgar, but he miskicked with the goal at his mercy. Towards the end of the half St Neots were well in control and Ky Marsh-Brown was twice in significant action, bringing an important save from Marques before rounding off a mazy run through the home defence by shooting over the bar. Two further bookings to the three they had picked up in the first half and two substitutions in the opening quarter of an hour of the second half served to see the home side completely lose their rhythm and St Neots should have taken advantage of their disarray. The closest to a goal for the visitors came after 64 minutes when Ky Marsh-Brown was again brought down earning the sixth caution for the home side but the free kick on the edge of the area Ky Marsh-Brown came to nothing.Just a minute later the home side carved out their first significant attack of the second half and a skilful interplay between Usman Adejini and substitute Kieran Bishop saw the former find the net beyond the dive of Whitehall. It took St Neots eight minutes to recover when Mamadou Jobe scored his first goal for St Neots following a Cowling corner, and four minutes later, substitute Neo Richard-Noel netted what was to prove the match winning goal as he wriggled through a cluster of defenders to score with a clinical low shot. Romania threw everything forward in search of a late equaliser, but the St Neots defence marshalled by the impressive Charlie Johnson held out for a deserved victory.

JW Match Report FC ROMANIA (A) 20-11-2021

St Neots Town: Whitehall, Heal, Smith, Anderson, Johnson, Jobe, Cowling, Watkins, Sartorius, Kwai Marsh-Brown, Ky Marsh-Brown Subs: Barker (for Anderson 59 mins), Richard-Noel (for Sartorius 66 mins), Abbott (for Kwai MarshBrown 86 mins), Marfo and Gill Cards: Kwai Marsh-Brown (Y – 70 mins), Watkins (Y – 86 mins) Goals: Jobe (73 mins), Richard-Noel (77 mins) FC Romania: Marques, Adejini, Smith, Danquah, Bonnett-Johnston, McKenzie-Lowe, Coker, Taban, Edwards, Stylianides, Edgar Subs: Bishop (for Coker 54 mins), Dubniuc (for Edwards 74 mins), Griffith (for Taban 80 mins), Marcimain and Petrov Cards: Adejini (Y – 18 mins), Taban (Y – 32 mins), Edwards (Y – 41 mins), Bonnett-Johnson (Y -46 mins), Stylianides ( Y – 48 mins), Smith ( Y – 64 mins) Goals: Adejini (65 mins) Referee: Jonathan Bolland (Aylesbury) Attendance: 80 John Walker

JW Match Report WALTHAM ABBEY (H) 23-11-2021

SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE CENTRAL St Neots Town

Waltham Abbey

St Neots Town can count themselves unlucky to have come up against keeper Ashlee Jones who almost single handedly thwarted the home offensive line with an inspired display late on when it looked odds on that the Saints would snatch all three points with a barrage of chances but a combination of wayward finishing, the woodwork and a decent shift from the visiting number one ensured the game ended in honours even . It was St Neots’ first goalless draw at home for more than three years since the visit of Tamworth in a Premier League fixture on 6th November 2018. Enforced team changes seemed to upset the rhythm of the home side.Mamadou Jobe was suspended following his dismissal at Hertford, Elliot Sartorious had left the club at the end of a brief stay, and two players injured in the previous match – Callum Anderson and Kyjuon Marsh-Brown – the latter making his debut at FC Romania were side lined. Their replacements were Neo Richard-Noel, Wynford Marfo, Charley Barker and former Manager Marc Abbott – the latter making his first League start in the team. From the start St Neots bossed proceedings but it was to be more than half an hour before the home keeper was called up to make a save. As early as the sixth minute skipper Lee Watkins beat the visiting goalkeeper with a snapshot only to see his effort rebound from a post and then Neo Richard-Noel squandered a glorious chance firing over the bar after good work by Myles Cowling. Although the visiting side seemed happy to concede free kicks to halt St Neots’ attacks it was a home player – Wynford Marfo – who was booked as he committed his sides’ first free kick after ten minutes. An injury to defender Charlie Johnson after 23 minutes further hindered St Neots and his replacement was Julinho Gomes forcing a team reshuffle. Cowling saw visiting keeper Ashlee Jones make a good save but after 34 minutes the visitors mounted their first significant attack and George Whitehall had to be alert to save from Robert Clark and the same player then went past two defenders to shoot wide.Just before the break Kwai Marsh-Brown saw an effort rebound from the bar so the sides failed to break the deadlock before half time.

JW Match Report WALTHAM ABBEY (H) 23-11-2021 After the break the visitors sent on substitute Jack Daveney and he pepped up their attacking play. St Neots then almost committed football suicide when a stray back pass put Clark through on goal, but his effort was woefully wide of target. In the next fifteen minutes, St Neots regained the initiative and the visitors picked up three bookings as they strove to stem St Neots attacks but the best effort the home side could muster was a Charley Barker free kick that was wide. It was accuracy in finishing that was costing St Neots dear as Richard-Noel shot off target from a searching cross by Cowling and then the same St Neots played tried his luck from distance but saw his effort flash wide of goal. In the last ten minutes visiting goalkeeper Jones was the busiest man of the field. Richard-Noel broke clear of the defence but the keeper saved well, and he then dived full length to turn away a net-bound shot from Marsh-Brown. On the break Ibitayo Oyebola was upended by Lee Watkins earning the St Neots skipper a fifth yellow card of the season and a suspension and the match ended with Jones making two more outstanding saves to deny Cowling what would have been a match winning goal.

St Neots Town: Whitehall, Heal, Smith, Abbott, Johnson, Marfo, Cowling, Watkins, RichardNoel, Kwai Marsh-Brown, Barker Subs: Gomes (for Johnson 27 mins), Wilson-Braithwaite, Thomas, Ky Marsh-Brown and Anthony Cards: Marfo (Y – 10 mins), Watkins (Y – 88 mins) Goals: none Waltham Abbey: Jones, Appiah, Anderson, Winn, Muantondo-Nkosi, Fraser-Allen, Koranteng, Holland, Assombalonga, Clark, Oyebola Subs: Daveney (for Assombalonga 46 mins), Twumasi, Dalipi, Livings-Corbyn and Duguid. Cards: Appiah (Y – 49 mins), Anderson (Y – 53 mins), Daveney (Y – 67 mins), Muantondo-Nkosi (Y - 69 mins), Clark (Y – 70 mins0 Goals: none Referee: Joe Woolmer (Northampton) Attendance: 155 John Walker

JW LOOKING AHEAD AFC DUNSTABLE (H) 04-12-2021

OPPONENTS SPOTLIGHT (4th December 2021) AFC DUNSTABLE Year founded: 1981 Chairman: Simon Bullard Club Website: www.afcdunstable.com WELCOME ESPECIALLY TO OUR VISITORS AFC DUNSTABLE FOR OUR SECOND MEETING AT THE PREMIER PLUS STADIUM Our first meeting was here two years ago on 21st September and for the third time that season (in less than two months) St Neots let in five goals in a home league match – and that was after taking the lead in 40 seconds of the start and dominating the second half ! It was a tale of shoddy first half defending that left us chasing the game after the break at 4-1 behind, and although the improvement in the second half was significant, the deficit conceded in the first 45 minutes proved pivotal. In three league meetings with our visitors so far, our lads have picked up just a single point and that was in a 2-2 at Dunstable last season. AFC Dunstable moved to their present home at Creasey Park in the Town in 2009 as joint tenants but the junior partner with Dunstable Town playing in the Premier Division of the Southern League. However, the roles have changed with Town having suffered relegation to the South Midlands League at the end of last season. Founded just over a Century after St Neots Town FC, AFC Dunstable have made remarkable progress up the football ladder and already this season they are challenging for further promotion. When these notes were penned Dunstable were fifth in the league table just two points behind leaders Bedford Town and we were six points behind them but with a game in hand. Dunstable’s record in the National competitions this season were in contrast to one another. In the FA Trophy they fell at the first hurdle losing 3-0 away on the south coast at Hastings. However, their performance in the FA Cup saw them win three matches away from home at Clapton (3-1), Biggleswade FC (1-0) and Barking (3-1) before losing their Third qualifying round tie at home to Premier Division Peterborough Sports by the odd goal in five. That demonstrates their form on the road this season. In the League Cup they were beaten 4-1 at home by Biggleswade FC. Their league form shows just four defeats in their first 16 matches – two home and two away. Didcot recorded a league double over our visitors who also lost away at Ware and at home to Aylesbury. In the League programme they are one of the two league sides who have so far beaten leaders Bedford Town. Today will be the fourth meeting of our two sides and we have yet to record a victory over our visitors. Two seasons ago we lost by a single goal at Dunstable and 5-2 here at the Premier Plus Stadium with Prince Mutswunguma and Sam Bennett out scorers, and in last season’s meeting goals from Leon Lobjoit and Lewis Simper earned us a point in that 2-2 draw at Dunstable. PREVIOUS MEETINGS OF OUR CLUBS 2019/20 2020/21

Dunstable St Neots Dunstable

Enjoy the match

1-0 2-5 2-2

St Neots Dunstable St Neots

John Walker

POST 16 FOOTBALL SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITES in partnership with CAMBRIDGE REGIONAL COLLEGE

Opponent Spotlight AFC DUNSTABLE

AFC DUNSTABLE AFC Dunstable started life as Old Dunstablians Football Club in 1981. The name Old Dunstablians originated from an organisation formed in 1888 for old boys from Dunstable Grammar School. The most famous member of the club is Hollywood actor Gary Cooper, who attended the school in the early 1900’s. When the Grammar School closed and Manshead School opened they took over the mantle but the old boys club was in decline. In 1981 the head teacher was asked if he could re-launch the name, hence the football club was born. By 1988 after its centenary, the Old Dunstablians Club ceased to exist, but the football club carried on in commemoration and to this day still bears the club crest on its badge. The club started in the Dunstable Alliance Football League for a couple of seasons then moved onto the Luton District and South Bedfordshire League in 1983. Still playing at Manshead School with the 1st team and reserves, success was limited with the 1st team runners up twice in Division One and runners up in the William Pease Cup. While in the Luton League though the 1st team did land the Bedfordshire Junior Cup beating Leighton Athletic on penalties in 1989/90 season. With the club using Dunstable Town Cricket Club as their social base in Bull Pond Lane, the cricket club was looking to move to a larger site in Totternhoe and when the new club was opened in 1994, a football pitch was accommodated, so the football club moved there from Manshead School. An improvement in facilities gave the club a chance to apply to join the South Midlands League in 1995. Accepted into the then Division One (Premier and Senior Divisions were the higher divisions) the club struggled, as they flirted with being relegated straight back to the Luton League in the first 2 seasons. Going through new managers every season, they finally started to gain some consolidation and in season 2001/02 the 1st team finished 4th in the league and won the Division One Cup. The following season they just missed out of the title, which was now named Division Two. Looking to go one better they finally clinched the title the next season and was runners up in the Division Two Cup. Ground Grading issues were now starting to stop the team from getting promoted, as 2 ground sharing agreements were turned down by the league. This was now the start of a trophy laden period, as the Division Two title again was secured and back-to-back Bedfordshire Senior Trophy’s. Added to that, the Division Two Cup was won again. In 2003/04 the club decided to launch its youth policy and when the Under 15’s were runners up in the Chiltern Youth league, it started on the path to work its way through the FA Charter Standard. They achieved Adult status in 2003/04. The club then made the decision to change its name to AFC Dunstable (when the prefix AFC was not as prevalent as it is nowadays), so not to get confused with the local rugby club, as the club started to grow and the name was more associated to a football club. The club kept the name The OD’s, as their nickname. The youth setup was awarded the Charter Standard in 2005/06. The next big step was to become a Development Club and a great deal of work saw the club achieve this in 2007. Next up was a goal to become a FA Charter Standard Community Club and 2008 saw the club achieve this. In that time the club has been awarded the Development Club Of The Year in 2008 and the Community Club Of The Year in 2009. The club now runs over 30 teams.

Opponent Spotlight AFC DUNSTABLE

The Bedfordshire Football Association approached the club to become partners in the new Creasey Park Community Football Centre in 2008 and this gave them the chance to move the 1st team to Creasey Park and apply for promotion to Division One for the start of the 2009/10 season, which was accepted. The team finished a very creditable 5th in its first season at the higher level. History was made in the 2010/11 season, as the team was accepted to participate in the FA Vase. A fine run through to the 2nd Round Proper was achieved. Looking to improve on the league position the previous season, the team went all out for promotion and finished runners up in the league and gained promotion to the Premier Division at their 2nd attempt. The SSMFL Division One Cup was won too Now with the team in the SSMFL Premier Division and entered the FA Cup for the 2011/12 season, they finished a fine 3rd in the league. In the 2012/13 season the team consolidated in the Premier Division and finished a respectable 8th. Their run in the FA Cup saw them get through 3 rounds eventually going out to Northwood after a replay. The team were being managed by the most successful pair in the club’s history; Alex Butler and Dermot Butler, but they decided to step down after 9 years at the helm halfway through 2013/14 season. This left the team in disarray, which saw many stalwarts of the team leave. The club decided to appoint current manager Steve Heath and the club went on a re-building exercise. 2014/15 saw the team secure 3rd place in the SSMFL Premier Division as they challenged for the title all season. They also equalled their best run in the FA Vase getting to the 3rd Round proper. 2015/16 was the season that the team broke all club records. Before clinching the SSMFL Premier Division title, they progressed through 2 rounds of the FA Cup before finally going out to Ryman Premier leaders at the time Leiston 1-0 in the 1st Qualifying Round. The FA Vase was a great ride as the team made it to the 4th Round proper. Unfortunately, we drew phoenix club Salisbury who had competed in the Conference Premier only two seasons previous but had been demoted to step 5. Going out 3-0, Salisbury made it all the way to the semi-final. The league campaign was an unbelievable roller coaster ride. As the season got underway, it was becoming apparent that quite a few teams were vying for the title. As the season reached October, only 5 points separated the top 6. By Christmas it looked like London Colney were starting to break away going 5 points clear. The chasing pack were bunching up behind as only 6 points was the difference between 2nd and 7th. When the team lost to a last-minute penalty to Biggleswade United on January 2nd, they went 8 points behind London Colney and it looked like the title ambitions had faded. That would be the last time AFC tasted defeat in the league. Hoddesdon Town were now becoming a title contender and it was a 3-horse race. With 7 games left, the team went top of the league and never looked back and won the league by 13 points. The 2016/17 season saw them compete in the Southern League Central Division, a position they never ever thought they would see the club at. They competed nearly all season in a playoff place but just missed out by 3 points. The team though did pick up some silverware winning the prestigious Bedfordshire Senior Cup 2-0 against Dunstable Town at Kenilworth Road. The beginning of this season, the Bedfordshire Premier Cup was also won. After only their 2nd season at step 4, 2017/18 saw them top the table at the start of the season. They occupied a play-off place all season, which in the end saw them finish 5th. So, a semi-final play-off berth was achieved and they came up against Hartley Wintney. A 20 loss in North Hampshire ended their season but what a great experience it was. 2018/19 season saw them make it 3 years in succession to play at step 4. It was probably their most challenging as they stuttered at the start of the season. At Christmas they were flirting with relegation but turned the corner and went on a decent run that saw them looking at an outside chance of a play-off spot, but they fell away and finished 10th. With the club firmly established at step 4 everyone is looking forward to the 2021/22 season and the challenges that it will bring.

PLAYER PROFILES AFC DUNSTABLE

JAMIE HEAD - GOALKEEPER Jamie returns to the club having had a spell away from Creasey Park at clubs including Bedford Town and Cambridge City. He is another successful product of the AFC Dunstable youth setup. RYAN FRATER - DEFENDER A highly experienced player, who has many clubs to his name. A great signing for the club in the 2018/19 season. Frater picked up a championship medal for Royston Town after the club won the Evo-Stik Southern League Central three seasons ago. LEWIS FERRELL – DEFENDER Signed for AFC in the summer of 2021 having had spells at clubs including Biggleswade Town and Braintree Town. Has already put in a series of fine performances in pre-season. Not afraid to put the boot in and will offer both experience and stability to the defensive line. NEWMAN CARNEY – DEFENDER Joined AFC on a month’s loan from Dunstable Town at the beginning of 2014 but decided to stay with the club. An exprofessional with Luton Town when he was 18, he is one of the youngest players to represent the Hatters. Newman is one of 3 ex-Luton Town players in the squad. LUKE ABRAHAM - DEFENDER This will be Luke’s third season back with AFC after a 4 season stay at Arlesey Town. Before that, he has had an array of clubs including Aylesbury FC, Chesham United and Dunstable Town. ALASAN ANN - DEFENDER Ann spent the last 3 years at York University studying physiotherapy. Whilst in York he played for Selby Town of the Northern Counties East league. Has already played in several positions and his versatility will make him a key member of the team this year. SAM McCLELLAND – DEFENDER Sam is another that is no stranger to Creasey Park as he too is a product of the AFC Dunstable youth setup. Returned to the club last season after playing for Dunstable Town. GEDEON OKITO – DEFENDER Gedeon is an energetic left back who played against us for Cambridge City in a pre-season friendly last season. Previous clubs include Dunstable Town and Banbury United. Adds competition to an already strong defensive unit. BRETT LONGDEN – DEFENDER Brett returned to AFC from Bedford Town last season, where he had spent the past couple of seasons, having signed for them from us in the close season of 2018. A combative right back, his previous clubs include St Ives Town, Chesham United, St Neots Town and Luton Town. BEN COLLINS – DEFENDER Development team graduate that will be looking to play regular first team football this coming season. Chips in with the odd goal too. CHRISTIAN TAVERNIER - MIDFIELDER Another player who has spent time at Luton Town. Christian joined the club after 5 years at Arlesey Town, where he was a regular goal scorer. Another elegant player, Christian will be looking to build on the foundations he laid last season. JACK HARVEY – MIDFIELDER Jack signed in pre-season from Dunstable Town, after impressing in a pre-season friendly playing against AFC. Toughtackling, hardworking midfielder, it is difficult to believe Jack is so young with the mature performances he regularly puts in.

PLAYER PROFILES AFC DUNSTABLE JAMES LAUDER – MIDFIELDER Signed Southern League forms for AFC in the summer having spent a couple of seasons at Sholing FC whilst studying on the south coast. A ball winning midfielder that also looks to make things happen going forward. JACK McCOOL – MIDFIELDER Was a regular in the development team last season and will be looking to break into the first team this season. Has suffered some horrific injuries which we all hope are behind him. KIERAN HAMILTON – MIDFIELDER Kieran is a pacy winger that opened his AFC goalscoring account during pre-season. Will be looking to take that form into the regular season. Previous clubs include Arlesey Town. BEN FARRELL – MIDFIELDER Ben signed for AFC on the eve of the 2021/22 season. Having made over 100 appearances for AFC Rushden & Diamonds, he will add valuable experience to the AFC Dunstable midfield. Previous clubs include Weymouth, Cambridge City and St Neots Town. KWON HEPBURN – MIDFIELDER Following some impressive displays in pre-season Kwon signed for AFC on the eve of this season. Previous clubs include Potton United and Hertford Town. LEWIS SMITH – MIDFIELDER Lewis signed for AFC in August 2021, having previously played for Stevenage. CHARLIE PATTISON – MIDFIELDER Charlie returned to the OD’s after a very short spell at Banbury United. Having played for MK Dons his return will add to the midfield options available to the manager. BJ CHRISTIE - FORWARD The clubs record goal scorer with over 250 goals to his name & now record appearance maker. First turned out for the club at 15. Has had a couple of spells away from the club but always returns. As you can imagine, many clubs chase his signature in close season. JERVON CAMPBELL – FORWARD Jervon returned to the club at the beginning of September, having left the club last season to join league rivals Berkhamsted. Enjoyed success playing alongside BJ last time he was here, OD fans will be hoping to see more of the same. JOE HANKINS – FORWARD Another Summer 2021 recruit, Hankins signed from Creasey Park rivals Dunstable Town. Has already been on the scoresheet in pre-season and will look to take that into the regular season. Offers more to the forward line than just goals. PATRICK TSHIKALA – FORWARD Forward signed from Welwyn Garden City. Has also played at Vanarama National League South side St Albans City, Southern Premier Division Central Hitchin Town, and Hertford Town.

Correct at 6.00pm Sunday 28th November 2021 The Southern League Division One Central

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Manager - Peter Gill Assistant - Sean Greygoose Coach - Marc Abbott GK Coach - Gary Dean Physio - Craig Lambert Kitman - Mick Hunt

Manager - Steve Heath Assistant - Leon Cashman Coach -Matt Langston Gk Coach - Sean Griffith Physio - Nikini Jayakody Kit manman- Steve Tiffin

Squad List

Louis Chadwick (GK) George Whitehall (GK) Dequane Wilson-Braithwaite Mamadou Jobe Lee Watkins (c) Callum Anderson Joe Rider Neo Richard-Noel Myles Cowling Wynford Marfo Charlie Johnson Charley Barker Aaron Smith Ryan Thomas Ben Heal Julinho Gomes Kwai Marsh-Brown Ky Marsh-Brown Marc Abbott

Luke Abraham Alasan Ann Jervon Campbell Newman Carney Bernard Christie Ben Collins Ben Farrell Lewis Ferrell Ryan Frater Kieran Hamilton Joe Hankins Jack Harvey Jamie Head Kwon Hepburn James Lauder Brett Longden Samuel Mcclelland Jack McCool Gedeon Okito Charlie Pattison Lewis Smith Christian Tavernier Patrick Tshikala

Colours Navy/Light Blue quarters Dark blue short Light blue socks

Colours Red Shirts Red Shorts Red Socks

Referee

Thomas Hancock

Assistant 1

Next Match V Colney Heath (Away) Saturday 11th December 3.00pm KO

Darren Lander

Assistant 2

Jack Birch

Next Home Match V Berkhamstead FC Tuesday 14th December 7.45 pm KO Gates open 6:30pm