2021/22 Issue Ten and Eleven - Berkhamsted and Didcot Town

SAINTS GAZETTE ISSUE 10/11

Image used under license and is copyright protected

OFFICIAL ONLINE MATCHDAY MAGAZINE SEASON 2021/22 ADMISSION INFORMATION

TUESDAY DECEMBER 14TH 7.45PM KO

BERKHAMSTED FC (MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT)

SATURDAY DECEMBER 18TH 3.00PM KO

DIDCOT TOWN 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 - 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

Hello 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 welcome the Players, Officials and Supporters on Berkhamsted / Didcot Town and we hope you enjoy your brief visit to St Neots.

I write these notes after we have just suffered a 4-0 home defeat to AFC Dunstable and in the twenty years I have been a Club Official, I have never known our First Team to be decimated by injury and illness as it currently is, having been without at least five players who would probably start a game and Mamadou Jobe, who was recalled from his loan with us on Thursday by parent Club Cambridge United, to be sent back out on loan at Concord Rangers.

Fair play to the lads who played, we competed well and had we been successful from the penalty spot at a time when we were getting at them things may have ended differently but ultimately, the strength of a very powerful squad told and the rest is history as they say. Also, in a game where there was hardly a bad tackle made by either team, I can't understand how the man in the middle conspired to book eight or nine players in total and give Winnie a second yellow. Wonder if it was the pressure of being assessed?

Hopefully, by the time we kick off today, the absentee list may have shortened a little and we may be playing on a bit more of a level playing field.

Well this leaves me to wish you all a very Merry, Healthy and Safe Christmas and enjoy the time spent with your families and loved ones and don't forget we are back here at The Premier Plus Stadium on Monday 27th December when we entertain AFC Kempston Rovers - kicking off at 3.00pm.

Come on You Saints

Greenie

Now In Reedmans Bar

Versus AFC DUNSTABLE

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.

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

First Team Shirt Sponsor

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

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

SAINTS FOOD TERRACE

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.

Boardroom Gossip With Chairman Barry Cavilla

Welcome to To the Players and officials of Berkhamstead & Didcot respectively for the forthcoming fixtures leading us up to the busy Christmas period at the premier plus stadium.

Tonight we host Berkhamsted who have been on top form and have lead the way so far this season and will be stiff opposition for the Saints this evening , but one I am sure Pete and the lads will be looking to test themselves against and see how the squad is developing.

We then Entertain Didcot Town on Saturday 18th December who have had a good start this season and will be another competitive team.

Pete and the team have had a testing times of late with many away games being played and have picked up lots of injuries in this demanding and competitive league. However, they have given their all and showed real character and will be a match for any team on their day.

Lots of hard work has been put in this year behind the scenes by our excellent team and Saints volunteers. I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you for all the time and support you have given the club this year it has without doubt contributed towards putting the club in a much healthier position both off and on the field.

Finally, no club can thrive and grow without its support so I would like to say a big thank you to our incredible supporters who, in all weathers and conditions, turn up and make such a difference to the team and the club. We are very humbled and appreciative of your support, thank you.

May I take this opportunity to wish you and your families a very Happy Christmas and New year and look forward to seeing you all again on the 27th versus Kempston Rovers.

Your Town, your Team C.O.Y.S

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

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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.

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

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 - 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.

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.

Call 01480 470931 / Mobile 07950 496568

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.

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.

www.abclifesupport.co.uk / 0800 0467 410

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.

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

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

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 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 ROYSTON TOWN (A) 30-11-2021 SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION KO CUP ROUND THREE Royston Town

2

St Neots Town

1

An injury torn St Neots side produced a very courageous performance against higher rated Royston Town in the third round of the League Cup before bowing out by the odd goal in three. All the goals came in the final twenty minutes of a competitive and entertaining contest in very testing conditions. In the first half that was evenly contested, the home side seemed shocked by St Neots positive approach to the game but both sides were hampered by a series of injuries and substitutions. St Neots had to reshuffle in advance with skipper Lee Watkins and Wynford Marfo serving their one match ban for picking up fifth yellow cards this season, and Charlie Johnson nursing the injury suffered in the last match. Into their places were drafted Dequaine WilsonBraithwaite for his first start of the season, Mamadou Job after his one match suspension, and what proved to be a partly fit Joe Rider who unfortunately only lasted for seventeen minutes. That was only the start of St Neots’ problems because his replacement Callum Anderson, after missing the last game through injury, also had to be replaced after just twenty-five minutes on the pitch with a recurrence of his injury.If that were not enough Kwai Marsh-Brown had to be substituted twenty-five minutes from time with a serious calf injury. This meant that the stretched St Neots squad saw two of their U18 players have considerable time on the pitch less than 24 hours after their important league match with Deeping Rangers.

From the start St Neots playing against the wind took the game to their hosts and after the early skirmishes the match suffered a four minutes’ delay as Freddie Brown was injured and eventually replaced by Makai Murray. St Neots then enjoyed a good spell of pressure on the home defence with a cross by Neo Richard-Noel being well saved under pressure by home debutant goalkeeper Dimitros Kyriatzis, and the keeper then fielded a low shot from Joe Rider who then limped off. The visitors continued to press and Kyriatzis had to leave his line quickly to gather at the feet of Richard-Noel but towards the end of the first half the home side came more into the match with Ed Asafu-Adjaye shooting over the bar when well-placed and George Whitehall saving well from the lively Brandon Adams. The first half ended with St Neots reshuffling their side as they strove to bed in their two substitutes.

JW Match Report ROYSTON TOWN (A) 30-11-2021 After the break St Neots had the wind at their backs but like their hosts in the first half, they failed to control their forward passing. Kwai Marsh-Brown shot wide of target for the visitors after good work by Charley Barker and when Richard-Noel was brought down on the edge of the area he picked himself up to drive the free kick into the wall to earn a corner which was cleared. Barker also had an effort deflected wide and at this stage St Neots were looking full of confidence. However, the injury to Marsh-Brown seemed to stop St Neots in their tracks and in the final twenty minutes Royston looked more in control. After sixty-eight minutes Adams broke clear of the defence but sent his angled shot just wide of the far post but three minutes later the breakthrough came as St Neots were dispossessed in midfield and this time in the clear Brandon Adams made no mistake with a clinical finish to open the scoring.

A second goal ten minutes later from substitute Tom Newman effectively settled the outcome although St Neots never gave up and Neo Richard-Noel deservedly claimed a late consolation goal as the game went into added time.

St Neots Town: Whitehall, Heal, Smith, Abbott, Wilson-Braithwaite, Jobe, Cowling, Barker, RichardNoel, Rider, Kwai Marsh-Brown Subs: Anderson (for Rider 17 mins), Gomes (for Anderson 43 mins), Smalley (for Marsh-Brown 67 mins) Clark and Anthony Cards: Wilson-Braithwaite (Y – 75 mins), Richard-Noel (Y – 84 mins) Goals: Richard-Noel (90 mins) Royston Town: Kyriatzis, Garrett-Douglas, Brathwate, Newton, Henry, Murray (A), Goldbourne, Adjaye, Brown, Galliford, Adams Subs: Murray (M) (for Brown (11 mins), Newman (for Murray (M) 66 mins), Green (for Brathwate 86 mins), Endacott and Titchmarsh.

Cards: Goldbourne (Y – 64 mins), Adams (Y – 90+4 mins) Goals: Adams (71 mins), Newman (81 mins) Referee: Nathan Oakes (Colchester) Attendance: 172 John Walker

JW Match Report AFC DUNSTABLE (H) 4-12-2021 SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE CENTRAL St Neots Town

0

AFC Dunstable

4

Visiting striker Bernard Christie earned the man-of-the match award as he claimed all four goals as visitors AFC Dunstable humbled an injury-hit understrength St Neots side scoring twice in each half. It was the visitors’ first ever victory at the Premier Plus Stadium. The match was littered with cautions – each side picking up five as Referee Tom Hancock ensured his mention in the match report – and St Neots lost defender Wynford Marfo sent off after picking up two cautions upon his return from suspension! St Neots have struggled recently with injuries, suspensions, and unavailability resulting in their inability to field a settled side, and this has been a major contributory factor to them winning only one of their last six league and cup matches. On this occasion further injuries to Ben Heal, Callum Anderson, Kwai Marsh-Brown and Joe Rider plus the recall of central defender Mamadou Job by parent club Cambridge United, saw the return to the side after their injury breaks of Dequaine WilsonBraithwaite and Kyjuon Marsh-Brown, and skipper Lee Watkins after suspension, with loanee Joshua Green making his debut.

After Lee Watkins had shot narrowly wide, the match became fragmented as a spectacle with the Referee booking three players in the first fifteen minutes. Gradually the visitors began to dominate the attacking play and Kieran Hamilton broke through to shoot across the face of goal from a narrow angle. Up for a corner Samuel McClelland was brought down by a St Neots defender and from the resultant penalty kick Bernard Christie opened his account. St Neots hit back with Myles Cowling setting up Kyjuon Marsh-Brown to bring a full length save from visiting keeper Jamie Head, and Charlie Johnson had a header from a Charley Barker corner headed off the goal line with the keeper beaten.

However, Dunstable were creating the better openings and after half an hour home custodian Louis Chadwick at full stretch had to touch a Newman Carney corner over the bar and from the resultant corner Ryan Frater had a header cleared off the line by Aaron Smith. Then after 33 minutes Johnson was dispossessed by Hamilton who fed Bernard Christie who claimed his second goal. The half ended with three more cautions for what seemed trivial offences, so the visitors went to the break week in control.

After an early second half Barker effort that cleared the cross bar, the Referee looked as if he was going to issue further punishment to former St Neots player Alasan Ann booked in the first half but appeared to change his mind so that visiting player was quickly substituted by the visiting Manager!

Barker and Johnson then saw their names added to the Referee’s notebook and St Neots sent on Joe Sutton for Marc Abbott. Six minutes later Sutton was scythed down in the area, and he got up to take the spot kick which was saved by Head and St Neots route back into the match lost. Aaron Smith then cleared off the line for St Neots but a major altercation fifteen minutes from time saw St Neots reduced to ten men and three more booked. After84 minutes a rare mistake by Chadwick let in Bernard Christie to complete his hat trick and the same player rounded off the scoring with his fourth goal two minutes from time.

JW Match Report AFC DUNSTABLE (H) 4-12-2021 St Neots Town: Chadwick, Marfo, Smith, Abbott, Johnson, Wilson-Braithwaite, Cowling, Watkins, Kyjuon Marsh-Brown, Barker, Green Subs: Sutton (for Abbott 65 mins), Stokes (For Barker 86 mins), Smalley (for Marsh-Brown 86 mins) Thomas, and Peacock Cards: Marfo (RED – 75 mins – 2 x Y), Abbott (Y – 14 mins), Barker (Y – 63 mins), Wilson-Braithwaite (Y – 63 mins), Marsh-Brown (Y – 75 mins), Gill – Manager – (Y – 75 mins) Goals: none AFC Dunstable: Head, Tavernier, Okito, Frater (R), McClelland, Carney, Hamilton, Harvey, Christie, Ann, Pattison Subs: Longden (for Tavernier 53 mins), Farrell (for Ann 58 minutes), Frater (N) (for Carney 87 mins), Ferrell and Campbell.

Cards: Carney (Y – 10 mins), Frater (R) (Y – 15 mins), Ann (Y – 40 mins), Harvey (Y – 45 mins), Okito (Y – 75 mins) Goals: Christie (4) (21 mins, 33 mins, 84 mins, 88 mins)

Referee: Tom Hancock Attendance: 233 John Walker

JW LOOKING AHEAD BERKHAMSTED (H) 14-12-2021 OPPONENTS SPOTLIGHT (14th December 2021) BERKHAMSTED Year founded: 2009 Chairman: Steve Davis Club Website: www.pitchero.com/clubs/berkhamstedfootballclub WELCOME, ESPECIALLY TO OUR VISITORS BERKHAMSTED WHO VISIT US HERE AT THE PREMIER PLUS STADIUM FOR THE SECOND TIME. Berkhamsted were promoted to Step Four of the National League system for the first-time in 2018 less than a decade after forming in the ashes of the defunct Berkhamsted Town. So they have progressed up to this level of football very quickly and are now mounting a determined and very convincing bid for further promotion.As things stood after last weekend, they were a close third in the league table behind leaders Bedford Town with a match in hand. In 2018/19 in their debut at Step Four they narrowly missed out on a play-off place in their first Southern League season finishing sixth and finishing with the best goal difference outside that top five. Two seasons ago we made our first trip to Berkhamsted where after trailing 2-0 in the first half we got back into the match with a Prince Mutswunguma goal just before the break, but the sending-off of Jonny Butler late in the match saw us concede a late third goal to lose 3-1.

The return meeting of out two clubs that season on 7th March saw the visitors win by a single goal to nil scored as early as the eighteenth minute, and that proved to be the final match for both of our clubs due to the enforced COVID break that saw the season abandoned with our visitors as clear leaders of the division. The following season (also abandoned) with only around seven or eight matches completed we did not play Berkhamsted so today becomes only our third meeting with our lads hoping to avoid a third consecutive defeat. In fifteen completed matches so far League leaders Berkhamsted have conceded just five goals – one of those to Ware who registered Berkhamsted’s first league defeat of the season.

They have also drawn two league matches – but won the remaining twelve.In the FA Cup Berkhamsted lost by a goal to nil at Walthamstow and in the FA Trophy at Cheshunt they were beaten by a goal to nil by their higher graded opponents.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS OF OUR CLUBS In the Southern League 2019/20

Berkhamsted

Enjoy the match John Walker

3-1

St Neots

St Neots

0-1

Berkhamsted

JW LOOKING AHEAD DIDCOT TOWN (H) 18-12-2021

OPPONENTS SPOTLIGHT (18th December 2021) DIDCOT TOWN Year founded: 1907

Chairman: John Bailey

Club Website: www.didcottownfc.co.uk

WELCOME ESPECIALLY TO OUR VISITORS DIDCOT WHO VISIT US HERE AT THE PREMIER PLUS STADIUM FOR THE THIRD TIME AND THIS TIME TO JOIN US AT OUR SPECIAL PRE-CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS Two seasons ago despite the premature ending to the season because of the first round of COVID, Didcot were one of the sides that we managed to play twice. Our first meeting at Didcot in September 2019 was a highly competitive and controversial affair. We took an early lead through a Joe Sutton opportunistic effort but two minutes before the break Mark Francis levelled the scores. In the 70th minute an incident saw players on both sides booked and substitute Stevan Shaw sent off reducing us to ten men and the home side took full advantage with another Mark Francis goal nine minutes from time. The return match here in January 2020 saw us gain revenge with a narrow 1-0 victory – the goal coming from central defender Tommy Boxer – his first for the club. Then in one of only four completed home matches in the abandoned 2020/21 season we equalled our biggest ever home Southern League victories beating Didcot 8-0.Our scoresheet recorded doubles forRyan Robins and Arel Amu and singles for Ben Worman, Sam Bennett, Sam Goode and our present skipper Lee Watkins and that was only his second Southern League goal for the club, having previously netted against another Oxfordshire side – Wantage Town. When last season was abandoned due to COVID Didcot had completed just eight matches, winning twice, and were sharing bottom place in the league table with three other clubs. The previous season with 27 out of 38 matches completed they were 17th in the table four points ahead of our lads.

In the FA Cup this season, Didcot bowed out in the Preliminary Round losing by a single goal at Oxhey Jets, whilst in the FA Trophy they also suffered defeat – this time by 5-1 at home to Southern League Division one leaders Frome Town. However in the League Cup they produced a very spirited performance drawing 1-1 at home with Premier Division leaders Banbury United before losing 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS OF OUR CLUBS In the Southern League 2019/20

St Neots

1-0

Didcot

2020/21

St Neots

8-0

Didcot

Enjoy the match John Walker

Didcot

2-1

St Neots

POST 16 FOOTBALL SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITES in partnership with CAMBRIDGE REGIONAL COLLEGE

POST 16 FOOTBALL SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITES in partnership with CAMBRIDGE REGIONAL COLLEGE

Opponent Spotlight BERKHAMSTED

BEKHAMSTED The club was founded in 2009 after Berkhamsted Town folded, taking the name of a club that had played in the Herts County League in the early 20th century.

They joined Division Two of the Spartan South Midlands League, winning it in their first season and earning promotion to Division One. The following season they won Division One with 107 points and were promoted to the Premier Division. Their points total was the highest in the National League System and saw the Herts County FA award the club the Stanley Rous Memorial Trophy.

The 2012–13 season saw Berkhamsted win the St Mary's Cup, beating Tring Athletic 3–1 in the final. In 2014–15 they won the Premier Division Cup, beating Colney Heath 5–3 on penalties after a 1–1 draw. The club won the Hertfordshire Charity Shield in 2016–17 with a 3–2 win over Tring Athletic in the final. In 2017– 18 the club were runners-up in the Premier Division of the South Midlands League, earning promotion to Division One East of the Southern League.

The club play at Broadwater, located between the Grand Union Canal and the West Coast Main Line. The ground has a seated stand on one side of the pitch, with an uncovered terrace adjacent to it. There is also covered terracing behind both goals.

Honours: Spartan South Midlands League Division One champions 2010–11 Division Two champions 2009–10 Premier Division Cup winners 2014–15 St Mary's Cup Winners 2013–14 Hertfordshire Charity Shield Winners 2016–17

Opponent Spotlight DIDCOT TOWN

DIDCOT TOWN The club was founded in 1907 and in their early days competed in the North Berks League from the 1910–11 season. They left the North Berks league at the end of the 1927–28 campaign and later joined the Reading League and then the Metropolitan League. They then became founder members of the Hellenic League in 1953, where they won the championship at the first attempt. Although they returned to the Metropolitan League for the 1957–58 season they re-joined the Hellenic League Premier Division in 1963.

They spent the next thirteen seasons in the premier division before being relegated to Division one at the end of the 1975–76 season, the same season they made their debut in the FA Cup; however, they bounced back up as champions of Division one the next season. They moved between the Hellenic League's two divisions on two more occasions before they established themselves for the rest of their time in the top-flight of the Hellenic league from the 1995–96 season. In 2004–05, under manager Stuart Peace, they were only denied the title due to the deduction of one point for fielding an ineligible player in a 1–1 draw at Tuffley Rovers at the start of the season, but made up for it by beating A.F.C. Sudbury to claim the FA Vase. The following season they finally claimed the league title, becoming the first team in Hellenic League history to accrue 100 points in a season, and were thus promoted to the Southern League Division One South & West.

In May 2009 they gained promotion to the Southern Football League Premier Division, when they beat AFC Totton 2–1 after extra time in the play-off final. Didcot reached the play-offs after finishing fifth in the league and, in consecutive matches, beating the first- (Truro City), second- (Windsor and Eton) and third-placed (AFC Totton) teams, all away from home. The 2010–11 season saw long-term manager Stuart Peace leave the club in January, to be replaced by Adrian Williams; however, he could not save them from relegation.

Manager Adrian Williams then resigned in May 2011 to be replaced by Francis Vines, but he only stayed until September 2011, after a poor start to the season. He was replaced with Dave Mudge, who guided the club to the first round of the FA Trophy for the first time, but resigned at the start of the 2012–13 season for personal reasons to be replaced by Gary Elkins.

Elkins was replaced by former Didcot FA Vase winners Ian Concannon and Jamie Heapy, who were appointed as joint managers in November 2013.

The football club gained nationwide attention when it reached the FA Cup First Round Proper in season 2015–16 and was awarded a home tie with Exeter City, which was shown live on BT Sport. At the end of the 2018-19 season, Didcot reappointed Jamie Heapy as their first team manager after Andy Ballard resigned.

Correct at 10.00pm Saturday 4th December 2021 The Southern League Division One Central

The Southern League Division One Central

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OPENING HOURS MONDAY – SUNDAY 4PM-10PM

01480 211 771 1 KESTER WAY ST NEOTS PE19 6SL

www.perizone.co.uk

Free local delivery (minimum order applies) Delivery up to 8.0 miles (see prices) Card payments accepted

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.

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

Manager - Chris Devane Assistant - Trishan Patel Physio - Kim Harris

Manager - Jamie Heapey Assistant - Paul Bedwell Physio - Amy Kirton

Squad List

Squad List

Squad List

Elliot Bailey Alie Bangura Alie Bangura Mohamded Bangura Charlie Briggs Adam Cash Joshua Chamberlain Carl Chambers Xavier Comas Leon Matt Cooper Philip Draycott Max Farrelly Jordon Frederick Robbie Goodman Cheyce Grant Cameron Groom Joe Hubbard Samuel Irish Daniel Jones Ryan Kinnane Lucas Kirkpatrick Adiel Mannion Ryan Neufville Tommy Smith Jake Tabor Connor Toomey Lewis Toomey James Verney

Maurice Alhassan Samuel Barder Connor Barratt Leigh Bedwell Tayler-Jay Bedwell Ethan Bones Thomas Carter Harry Evans Connor Ferguson Ryan Fry Harley Giles James Glover Joe Green Casey Groves Luke Hayward Jamie Heapy Joshua Hedges Seth Humphries George Jeacock Louis Joyce Adam Learoyd Michael McKirnan Cameron McNeill Shem Musvaburi Noah Parsons Jamar Smith Tyler Webb Matthew Woodley

Colours White White & Black Shirts Black Shorts Black Socks

Colours Red & White Shirts Red Shorts Red Socks

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

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

Referee Andrew Hitchcox Referee Lee Hartley

Assistant 1 Laurentiu Hantea Assistant 1 James Cliffe

Next Match V Kempston Rovers (Home) Monday 27th December 3.00pm KO

Assistant 2 Douglas Lawson Assistant 2 Simon Lilley Next Match V Bedford Town (Away) Saturday 1st January 3.00pm KO