2021/22 - Aylesbury United - Issue 16 by St Neots Town Football Club

SAINTS GAZETTE ISSUE 16

OFFICIAL ONLINE MATCHDAY MAGAZINE SEASON 2021/22 ADMISSION INFORMATION

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 19TH 3.00 PM KO (MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT)

AYLESBURY UNITED FC SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE CENTRAL

£25 Per Head Tables of 10

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 and Julie Clarke Stadium Announcer - Mike Green Music - 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 - Mike Green

Address: Rowley Park, Kester Way, StNeots, 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 - Image copyright protected by David Richardson, 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

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

Greenie’s Greetings With Director Mike Green

Good afternoon everyone and welcome back to the Premier Plus Stadium for today’s Pitching In Southern League Division One Central Match. Today we extend a warm welcome to the players, officials and supporters of Aylesbury United and we hope your brief stay with us here in Cambridgeshire is a pleasant one. Well the games have been coming thick and fast in recent weeks as we move towards the season’s end. Firstly, disappointment with the way we departed this season’s Senior Cup at the hands of lower grade Godmanchester Rovers but the very next game on offer, Harlow Town at home, we were looking more like our old selves, playing a high tempo, pressing game and after somewhat unfortunately going behind on the strike of half time to a converted penalty kick, the boys dug in and were deservedly rewarded when the skipper, Lee Watkins stroked home an injury time equaliser which sent our brilliant supporters into a state of delirium. Next up was a rearranged Tuesday evening trip down the A6 to visit Barton Rovers and unfortunately we couldn’t carry our form from Saturday into the game and ended up on the end of 2-0 defeat, some sort of retribution for the hammering we dished out on them earlier in the season at the Premier Plus Stadium, when goal scoring wasn’t a problem. These notes have been penned before our Saturday trip to Wantage Town and I really hope we manage to return from our longest trip with some sort of positive result against the division’s basement club. Back to today and we face a club who are experiencing a similar sort of spell to ourselves, with goals and points hard to come by so please get behind the boys and be our twelfth man, your support really does make a difference to the lads when the noise levels go up.

BE LOUD, BE PROUD, BE A SAINT

Greenie

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.

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

Saints

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SAINTS FOOD TERRACE

Boardroom Boardroom Gossip Gossip With With Chairman Chairman Barry Barry Cavilla Cavilla

Good afternoon Everyone, A warm welcome to you all and our visitors today Aylesbury Utd for today’s game. Aylesbury like our selves find ourselves looking for much needed points from today’s fixture to push ourselves up the league to a more comfortable position so we can enjoy our the remainder of our season. Pete and the lads have battled away to 3 successful draws over past weeks and need to taste a victory or 2 to get back on track and finish as strong as possible. Off the field we have been extremely busy improving ground facilities and hosting many Social and business Events to strengthen our position as a major Event facility for all to enjoy. We will also be hosting a Gala Ball charity Event to raise funds for our chosen club charity this season East Anglian children’s hospice on the 12th March so if you have any Donations you could offer for this excellent charity please let me or the club know . Finally, I would like to welcome a New Member to our board team, Daniel Dobson. He brings lots of new Energy and ideas and especially he brings down the average age Big time A young enterprising man full of positives and support ,so please wish him every success with our fantastic club and all who follow SNTFC. Your town your team . COYS Barry

Barry

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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 HARLOW TOWN FC (H) 05-02-2022 SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE CENTRAL St Neots Town

Harlow Town

St Neots third league point in as many games lifted them one place up the league table as they recorded only their third goal in their last five outings. They left it late – that important goal coming two minutes into added time, giving them a second 1-1 draw with their Hertfordshire visitors this season, when another home defeat appeared to be staring them in the face. It was no more than they deserved because despite their lack of finishing they had competed well throughout a rather torrid match in which there had only been one effort on either goal to seriously test the goalkeepers. Skipper Lee Watkins’ fourth league goal of the campaign was treated with jubilation by players and supporters and should act as a spur in their remaining matches as they seek the comfort of a mid-table finish. Once again injuries prevented Manager Pete Gill from naming a settled line-up with Myles Cowling and Darren Switters side lined and a couple of others only partly fit on the substitutes bench. From their previous league match Myles Cowling, Joe Rider and Charlie Johnson were replaced by Ben Heal, Kwai Marsh-Brown and Joe Dearman.

The first twenty-five minutes of an evenly contested affair produced very little of noteworthy interest with the two sides largely cancelling each other out with both defences looking comfortably in control. When the game did eventually spring to life the Marsh-Brown brothers had St Neots first real effort with Kwai crossing for Ky to head well wide of goal. From a searching Joe Dearman free kick, Neo Richard-Noel won the ball at the far post but could only direct it into the side netting from a narrow angle. On the half hour the home goal was threatened for the firs time when a cutting through ball from Amar Lewis split the home defence, but Samson Maagbe dithered in possession and only managed to win a corner that was cleared by Perry White. After 36 minutes Syrus Gordon pushed Louis Chadwick to a full-length save and then Lewis shot wide after a promising attack by the visitors. With just two minutes of the first half remaining the visitors eased into the lead. An attack down the left saw a cross from Tiannie Wilson not cleared and in the resultant attempt to get the ball away a close range shot struck Wynford Marfo on the arm and the Referee awarded a penalty kick confidently converted for the visitors by Alexander Read.

JW Match Report HARLOW TOWN FC (H) 05-02-2022 SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE CENTRAL Harlow began the second half well and they created two good openings in the first ten minutes but to the relief of the home side Wilson shot over the bar when well placed, and then Marcus Marku, left unmarked ten yards from goal, headed tamely over the bar.St Neots hit back with the impressive Lee Watkins adopting a forward role, and he saw his effort blocked by a defender and then he slipped a short pass to Kwai MarshBrown who skied his effort over the bar. A free kick by Charley Barker beat the defensive wall but was comfortably saved by Ashley Jones before a looping effort from Read clipped the St Neots cross bar. St Neots most promising efforts on goal were from long range and a Barker shot passed narrowly wide with the visiting keeper beaten, and then a confrontation in midfield resulted in a booking for a player on either side. Right on full-time Richard-Noel was upended but penalty appeals were ignored and then two minutes into time added a penetrating run by Kwai Marsh-Brown was not halted as he slipped the ball to Lee Watkins who earned St Neots a very welcome point St Neots: Chadwick, Heal, Dearman, Anderson, White, Marfo, Barker, Watkins, RichardNoel, Kwai Marsh-Brown, Ky Marsh-Brown Subs: Abbott (for Dearman 84 mins), Johnson and Smith. Cards: Watkins (Y – 71 mins), Abbott (Y – 90+2 mins) Goals: Watkins (90+2 mins) Harlow: Jones, Small, Luke, Simms, Steele, Marku, Maagbe, Gordon, Read, Lewis, Wilson Subs: Attrill (for Marku 70 mins), Eadie (for Wilson 77 mins), Omooba (for Maagbe 87 mins), and Bhamra. Cards: Lewis (Y – 34 mins), Marku (Y – 67 mins), Gordon (Y – 71 mins), Attrill (90 +2 mins) Goals: Read – pen – ( 43 mins)

Referee: Simon Kavanagh (Rugby) Attendance: 238 John Walker

JW Match Report BARTON ROVERS FC (H) 08-02-2022 SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE CENTRAL Barton Rovers

St Neots Town

Two goals in a first half spell of three minutes plundered by the home side set St Neots back on their heels after their unbeaten run of three successive league draws.They had thrashed Barton 6-2 back in September to record their biggest league win of the season but there was never going to be a repeat of that result with St Neots unable to shake off their lethargy in front of goal. The home side just about shaded the first half but after the break St Neots looked re-energised and dominated possession but once again there was no finish in the final third of the pitch. Ironically it was the least St Neots changed line-up for three months with just Marc Abbott in for Callum Anderson the only difference from the weekend match with Harlow, but the defence that had been so reliable was breached twice and that was sufficient for a struggling host side to claim all three points. With their next two fixtures also against sides below them in the league table, St Neots must find the goals to give them confidence and league points or the remainder of the season is going to be a continuous worried glance over their shoulders for the team.

In the first attack of a disappointing first 25 minutes Kwai Marsh-Brown got free on the right but shot over the bar and at the other end Louis Chadwick was untroubled in goal other than one low save from Urijah Gordon-Douglas. From a Charley Barker corner a header by Neo Richard-Noel was too high and it was then against the run of play that the host side took the lead. Barton counter attacked down the right flank and at the far post Maximillian Ryan was given space to turn the ball past the dive of Louis Chadwick after 27 minutes, and worse was to follow just three minutes later.Marc Abbott dithered on the edge of his own penalty area, and he was dispossessed by Ryan who added the second goal. St Neots was stunned and mustered no significant response to their plight before half time with Bradley Bell close to adding to Barton’s lead with a snapshot that skimmed the visitor’s cross bar

JW Match Report BARTON ROVERS FC (H) 08-02-2022 SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE CENTRAL St Neots came out from the interval in a positive frame of mind quickly introducing Myles Cowling for Kwai Marsh-Brown and they began to dominate possession. A further change five minutes later saw Callum Anderson replace Marc Abbott but there was still far too little effect on St Neots finishing. After 63 minutes Cowling freed Richard Noel who was thwarted when home keeper Matthew Boylan dived bravely at his feet and the match became untidy with the referee booking several players. A Kai Phelan free kick from 25 yards was only just too high as Barton began to rely on breakaway attacks and with a quarter of an hour left Ky Marsh-Brown was played clear by Ben Heal but ruled marginally offside. Barton had clearly settled for their advantage and ventured few players forward, happy to concede free kicks when St Neots threatened. Seven minutes from time Urijah Gordon-Douglas picked up a straight red card for a reckless challenge but the numerical advantage was never exploited by a St Neots side looking short of ideas and confidence. It was the eleventh time in their last twenty-two league outings that St Neots have failed to find the back of the net.

St Neots: Chadwick, Heal, Dearman, Abbott, White, Marfo, Barker, Watkins, RichardNoel, Kwai Marsh-Brown, Ky Marsh-Brown Subs: Cowling (for Kwai Marsh-Brown 52 mins), Anderson (for Abbott 79 mins), Johnson, Smith, and Anthony. Cards: Kwai Marsh-Brown (Y – 14 mins), Dearman (Y – 47 mins), Barker (Y – 67 mins) Goals: none Barton: Boylan, Thomas. Ryan, Phelan, Dummett, Akinbusoye, Gordon-Douglas, Ackom, Bell, Greco, Emmanuel Subs: Kalonda (for Emmanuel 78 mins), Andrews (for Akinbusoye 72 mins), Powell, Wilson, and Scott-Culkin. Cards: Gordon-Douglas (RED – 83 mins), Emmanuel (Y – 53 mins), Ryan (Y – 70 mins), Bell (Y – 73 mins) Goals: Ryan (2) (27 & 30 mins)

Referee: Matthew Fletcher (Beaconsfield) Attendance: 133 John Walker

JW Match Report WANTAGE TOWN FC (A) 12-02-2022 SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE CENTRAL Wantage Town

1St Neots Town

St Neots long awaited first league victory came at Wantage Town 84 days after their previous victory on 20th November at Chesham over FC Romania. It was a hard-fought victory in very difficult conditions courtesy of a goal four minutes from time by skipper Lee Watkins.However, it will have been a trying watch for their loyal band of supporters who had made the 150 miles round trip after St Neots had presented their hosts with the softest of goals as well as missing a penalty themselves. The swirling wind was often the driving force in this contest, but St Neots gritty determination drove them on for what could prove a pivotal victory as they move towards the end of the season. With a win and a draw in their last three matches Wantage looked to be bidding to get clear of the relegation zone but another much changed St Neots returned home with a well-deserved tree points haul. Recent signing Rob Mason looked a real boost up front being a significant presence on his debut and he was one of four changes in the side that had lost at Barton Rovers in midweek. Back after injury came Charlie Johnson, Aaron Smith and Callum Anderson with the Marsh-Brown brothers and Joe Dearman on the substitutes bench and Marc Abbott omitted from the squad. It was St Neots first victory in league and cup for fifteen matches, their first goal in seven outings, and it completed their first league double of the season. Wantage won the toss and elected to kick with the strong wind at their backs. After Charlie Kille had headed wide in a first minute attack, St Neots settled quickly and began to take the game to their hosts.From a Neo Richard-Noel cross new boy Mason headed over the bar and in the next attack he collided with home keeper James Foster, who after receiving lengthy treatment limped off to be replaced by Kacper Kowalczyk. Sam Hartley squandered the home sides’ best first half chance sending a free header off target whilst St Neots were defending well and looking dangerous on the break. After 26 minutes in the best move of the first half, Charley Barker exchanged passes with Aaron Smith on the left before sending Richard Noel clear of the defence and he netted with a narrow-angled shot to put St Neots in front. Just before the break a neat move by the home side ended with Ben Lodge sending a well struck shot just inches over the crossbar.

JW Match Report WANTAGE TOWN FC (A) 12-02-2022 SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE CENTRAL St Neots began the second half in the ascendancy and long throws into the six yards box by Smith were testing the home defence. After49 minutes one such throw found the head of Richard-Noel forcing the replacement keeper into the save of the match at the expense of a corner but three minutes later disaster for the visitors as a measured back pass bobbled in front of Louis Chadwick who missed his clearance leaving Jamal Branker to walk the ball into the unguarded net to level the scores. Richard-Noel then had a net bound shot deflected for a corner, and on a smart St Neots break from a Wantage corner, St Neots were two on one and Ben Heal slipped the ball to the unmarked Barker who delayed his finish and Kowalczyk saved bravely at his feet. After 77 minutes Barker was brought down in the area by James Hammond, but Richard Noel sent the keeper the wrong way only to see his penalty kick rebound from a post. That miss might have cost St Neots two points but with four minutes left Ron Mason crossed to find the head of Barker and he laid the ball into the path of skipper Lee Watkins who netted to claim all three points for his side.

St Neots: Chadwick, Marfo, Smith, Anderson, Johnson, White, Barker, Watkins, RichardNoel, Mason, Heal Subs: Ky Marsh-Brown (for Richard-Noel 41 mins), Kwai Marsh-Brown, Rider, Dearman, and Gill. Cards: none Goals: Richard-Noel (24 mins), Watkins (86 mins) Wantage: Foster, Bestley, Kille, Hartley, Alexander, Hammond, Lodge, Crosbie, Crook, Branker, Henshall Subs: Kowalczyk (for Foster 19 mins), Logongo (for Henshall 74 mins), Price (for Lodge 86 mins), Pemberton and Horwood Cards: Kille (Y – 84 mins) Goals: none

Referee: Benjamin Duffill (Salisbury) Attendance: 129 John Walker

JW LOOKING AHEAD AYLESBURY UNITED FC (H) 19-02-2022 OPPONENTS SPOTLIGHT (19/February/2022) AYLESBURY UNITED Year founded: 1897 Chairman: Graham Read Club Website: www.aylesburyunited fc.co.uk WELCOME ESPECIALLY TO OUR VISITORS AYLESBURY UNITED WHO VISIT THE PREMIER PLUS STADIUM FOR JUST THE SECOND TIME Our nomadic visitors who play their home games at Chesham United currently sit in thirteenth place in the league table one above ourselves when these notes were penned. Our meeting earlier this season at Chesham saw us concede a goal after just 18 seconds (!) but recover with a goal in each half from Lee Watkins and Joe Rider to take all three points. That was only our second meeting with Aylesbury as our sides lost three scheduled fixtures to COVID. Formerly members of the Football Conference for one season in 1988/89 they have had a roller coaster existence which culminated in three seasons at Step Five in the Spartan South Midlands League just a decade ago. However, since that adventure at Step Two, Aylesbury United have had fourteen seasons at Step Three and this is their fourteenth at Step Four.Their problems during that 30 years period have included the loss of their Buckingham Road Stadium after their lease had expired hence their nomadic existence. Their recent history is littered with FA Cup highlights including a Third-Round Proper home tie with Queens Park Rangers in 1995. Added to that they have reached the competition Proper on seven occasions in the past thirty years. Recently they were in local competition with Aylesbury FC at Step Four, but that club has now suffered demotion back to Step Five. This season their cup exploits show that in the FA Cup they began their cup season in excellent form with three victories in the early rounds beating Brimscombe and Thrupp 8-0, Willand Rovers 4-1, and Bishops Cleeve 5-1, all at home before losing narrowly to Ebbsfleet from the Conference by a goal to nil. With seventeen goals scored in the Premier competition they looked well set for an outstanding season, but they were beaten in the first rounds in the other competitions by Chipstead (F.A. Trophy), and FC Romania (League Cup).However in all six of those cup outings they had the luxury of home ties.

PREVIOUS MEETING OF OUR CLUBS 2019/20 St Neots 0-1 Aylesbury 2020/21 (covid – no matches) 2021/22 Aylesbury 1-2 St Neots Enjoy the match John Walker

Goldstraw Goldsmiths ST NEOTS TOWN FC ACADEMY

THURLOW NUNN YOUTH LEAGUE – WEST DIVISION

Champions - fourth consecutive season ST NEOTS TOWN U18

WISBECH ST MARY U18

This routine victory over Wisbech St Mary sealed St Neots’ fourth consecutive League championship after two seasons had been lost to COVID and with two matches to spare. The visitors arrived unbeaten away from home in the current campaign but their hopes of maintaining that unique record began to disappear after just sixty seconds when St Neots scored in their first attack.It was a victory built on an impressive first half display and after the break the young Saints were able to almost freewheel their way to the title as a well-organised defensive display by the visiting side kept them at bay.

After that first significant attack in which Charlie Clark guided home a searching cross to put St Neots in control, the match settled with St Neots dictating the pattern of play and leading home scorer Julinho Gomes had two efforts well saved by visiting keeper Tyler Key. However after 22 minutes St Neots doubled their advantage as the impressive Luke Hargreaves weaved his way through the visiting defence to set up Gomes for a routine finish. Marley Ugarte-Edwards almost added to the score when he ran through to angle a shot narrowly wide of the far post but towards the end of the first half the visitors became more adventurous carving out a couple of openings for themselves.Martin Tudosa tested home keeper George Anthony with a well-struck free kick, and then a cross-cum shot from Jordan-Lee Woods clipped the St Neots crossbar. St Neots attacking domination continued for a white after the break as Alfie Carberry headed narrowly over the bar from a Ryan Thomas cross but the third goal just past the hour mark from a lengthy effort from Julinho Gomes – his twentieth goal in just fourteen appearances this season – gave the visitors an unsurmountable task. They opted not to vary their defensive tactics and Gomes almost claimed a fifth hat trick of the season, but his firmly hit drive was deflected for a corner. St Neots then sent all five permitted substitutes to afford them some game time and their attacking became limited as the visiting defence stood firm. It was St Neots’ sixth consecutive home victory this season in which they have netted thirty- two goals.

St Neots: Anthony, Hargreaves, Thomas, Clark, Fransisco, Camfield, Smalley, Timberlake, Carberry, Ugarte-Edwards, Gomes Subs used:Kimpton, Nshangalume, Conway, Jackson and Payton. Cards: none Referee: Paul Dobbs (John Walker)

Goldstraw Goldsmiths ST NEOTS TOWN FC ACADEMY

Saints U18's League Champions

Saints v Harlow Town FC

Saints v Barton Rovers FC

Opponent Spotlight AYLESBURY UNITED FC

Aylesbury United were founded in 1897 when three local sides: Night School FC, The Printing Works and Aylesbury Town decided to merge. The club, affectionately known as 'the Ducks' due to the famous 'Aylesbury' breed, have experienced some incredible highs over their long 112-year history but now battle for existence without a home ground to call their own. In the early years United played in local leagues before joining the Spartan League in 1908 where they remained until the Second World War. 1951 saw the Ducks gain their first taste of national publicity as they became the only club from the Delphian League ever to reach the First Round Proper of the FA Cup, eventually losing to Division Three side Watford. Aylesbury decided to turn semi-professional in 1976 and joined the Southern League, a move which got the ball rolling on the club's most successful period. A number of events followed which were to help: In 1983 the club appointed Trevor Gould as manager, and then a year later a young local lad called Cliff Hercules made his debut, unaware that he was to become the most successful player in the club's history. 'Hercy' was, and still is, an Aylesbury icon, and some 20-years later he finally hung up his boots having smashed the club records with 669 appearances and scoring 301 goals. Promotion to the Southern Premier was soon achieved and shortly afterwards the Ducks moved to their new Buckingham Road stadium. This gave the town a new impetus and Gould's talented squad secured the Southern League Championship in 1987/88 and gained promotion to the GM Vauxhall Conference. United then hit the headlines again, becoming the only non-league side ever to take on the full England team, as over 6000 packed into Buckingham Road to see the Ducks take on the Three Lions. Unfortunately United's brush with the non-league elite only lasted one season, after which the club were relegated to the Isthmian League. During the period between 1985 and 1992, Aylesbury boasted the best FA Cup record of any side outside the Football League, reaching at least the First Round Proper every season. The highlights being a victory over then Division Four leaders Southend United, a narrow extra time replay defeat against Northampton Town, and being shown live across Europe against Walsall.

Ironically though, it wasn't Gould, the club's most successful manager, who lead the Ducks to their greatest FA Cup achievement, it was his successor Steve Ketteridge in 1994/95. Once again the club became media celebrities as the 'Duck Walk' goal celebration was shown around the world, as Aylesbury went on to reach the Third Round Proper where they lost to Premiership side Queen's Park Rangers at Loftus Road.

Opponent Spotlight AYLESBURY UNITED FC

Ketteridge delivered the Isthmian League Cup title to Aylesbury, but it was to be the beginning of a rollercoaster ride for the Buckinghamshire club. After almost going out of business, the Ducks were pipped to the Isthmian League title by Sutton United a year later, despite heading the table for long periods. The following season saw United back in administration and fighting for survival both on and off the pitch. Despite defeating Football League side Reading in the Berks and Bucks Senior Cup, for the second time in four seasons, the club was relegated to Division One for the first time in their history. In October 2000, the legendary Hercules took time out from his duties as the club's Community Development Officer to manage the Ducks, and in his brief spell in charge he secured United's promotion back to the Isthmian Premier Division and extended the club's proud FA Cup record with a First Round trip to Port Vale. 2002/03 saw Aylesbury returned to national prominence twice. Firstly the club was privileged to play a major part in an England get together as the Buckingham Road facilities were used by Sven Goran Eriksson for a media conference and by the squad for a training session. Secondly the club made their first ever appearance in the semi-final of the FA Trophy, where the Ducks were beaten by eventual winners Burscough. For varying reasons the club then began to cycle through a string of managers at an average rate of two a season - namely Chris Boothe, Kevin Wilson, Paul Curtis, Danny Nicholls, Jon Franklin, Tony Thompson and Mark Eaton. But nothing was to match the low point of summer 2006. Former Chairman Bill Carroll failed in his plans to convert the Buckingham Road playing surface to a 3rd generation artificial surface, what he described as his 'last ditch' idea for creating a viable football club, when the Southern League and FA baulked at his ideas. Carroll decided to cut ties with the club he had been involved with since 1997, and popular local businessman Graham Read took over the club. But in a cruel twist Aylesbury were left homeless after their lease expired. Since that time Aylesbury have been forced to play their 'home' matches some twenty miles out of Aylesbury whilst the committee work hard keeping the club alive. The campaign to 'Bring the Ducks Home' was launched in earnest, and has generated plenty of publicity, but so far, sadly, nothing concrete in terms of a new home for the club. There are still plenty of reasons to remain positive; a glance to our near neighbours Slough Town, who now have definite plans for a new stadium in place to end their own exile, just goes to show that with patience and perseverance it can be done, and Aylesbury United will return to their rightful place eventually. On the pitch the club continued to do remarkably well, going close to the playoff positions in the Midlands Division for the next three seasons but a new challenge arose last summer when the previous manager defected clubs, taking almost the entire playing squad with him.

Opponent Spotlight AYLESBURY UNITED FC

On the pitch the club continued to do remarkably well, going close to the playoff positions in the Midlands Division for the next three seasons but a new challenge arose last summer when the previous manager defected clubs, taking almost the entire playing squad with him. Unfortunately Joyce was unable to prevent the club's slide - which had seen them amass just one league win by October - and the club were relegated to the Spartan South Midlands League.

The following season saw a marked improvement in the clubs performances and Joyce's prediction of a top six finish proved spookily accurate as the club ended the season in exactly that position.

Season 2011/12 saw further progression in the league with the Ducks eventually finishing 4th after a strong run of results at the tail end of the season. There was disappointment, however, in the cups with the team being out of all cup competitions by mid November. Tony has yet again strengthened the team for 2012/13 with the introduction of some more experienced players and we are hopeful of further progression both in the league and cup competitions.

St Neots Town FC Playing Record - Season 2021/22

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

Manager – Ben Williams Assistant - Michael Hogg Coach - Paul Batchelor Physio - Hannah Bowra Kit Man - Ron Schmidt

Squad List

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

Archie Davis (GK) Anthony Ball Jake Bewley Jack Wood Jordan Jenkins David O'Connor Mark Riddick Tyrone Lewthwaite Sonny French Harry Jones Jamie Rudd Ben Seaton Ollie Hogg Kuda Sangoya Jaedon Phillips David Ozobia Curtis Brown Alexandru Dobniuc Ezra Antonio-Forde

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

Referee Steve Swann

Colours White/Green Quarters Green Shorts Green Socks

Assistant 1 James Cantwell

Next Home Match V North Leigh Saturday 5th March 3.00 pm KO Gates Open 1.30pm

Assistant 2 Samuel Next Home Match V Colney Heath Saturday 26th March 3.00 pm KO Gates Open 1.30pm