2021/22 - Colney Heath - Issue 18 by St Neots Town Football Club

SAINTS GAZETTE ISSUE 18

OFFICIAL ONLINE MATCHDAY MAGAZINE SEASON 2021/22 ADMISSION INFORMATION

SATURDAY MARCH 26TH 3.00 PM KO (MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT)

COLNEY HEATH FC SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE CENTRAL

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 Colney Heath FC and we hope your brief stay with us here in Cambridgeshire is a pleasant one before returning safely home later this tea time. Today is the designated NON LEAGUE DAY 2022, a day where there are no Premiership games and a reduced programme in the lower Football League divisions due to international games, a day where football fans are encouraged to go and support their local non league clubs so as well as our regular supporters, if you are here for the first time today in support of either ourselves or our visitors, may I take this opportunity to thank you for your support today and I'm sure you will have been made most welcome on your arrival. Who knows, some of you may enjoy our matchday experience that much you may choose to come back again in the future. Performances and results have, on the whole, improved massively in recent weeks and we can count ourselves very unlucky not to have got anything from thre North Leigh game, losing by the odd goal. We then entertained a plucky Aylesbury side who pushed us all the way but we claimed the points with goals from Glenn (McConnell), Harv (Beckett) and top scorer Joe Rider. Another new, young recruit from the Abbey Stadium, Saleem Akanbi made his first start (as did Glenn) and was rewarded with the MOM from our superb Saints Supporters so i turned out to be a great evening, lots of smiloing faces both on the pitch and off it too. These notes were penned prior to our visit to high flying AFC Dunstable on Saturday 19th March but hopefully we have returned with a positive performance and maybe a point or three. As always, please get behind the lads from the first whistle. Your efforts on the terraces and in the stands can play a massive part on the pitch too in what will no doubt be a very competitive game with our visitors looking to avoid the dreaded drop.

BE LOUD, BE PROUD, BE A SAINT

Greenie

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 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 Clark 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

From the Dugout With First Team Manager Peter Gill I’d like to wish a warm welcome to everyone from Colney Heath FC. I hope you enjoy your visit to the Premier Plus Stadium and St. Neots Town FC. The boys showed great character and resilience to pick up a few wins in recent weeks. Travelling to Waltham Abbey the boys did well to win 3-1 before putting on a good performance and narrowly losing to North Leigh. After a weekend off the boys produced another good performance to pick up the 3 points in a 3-2 win vs Aylesbury. We decided to “shuffle the pack” and rotate the team over the Aylesbury and Dunstable fixtures. We now have a competitive squad and we know any player can step into the X1 and come off the bench at any point and impact the game. We wish Dequane Wilson-Braitwaite all the best as he moves to Potters Bar. I must admit I was frustrated as we served Dequane well and looked after him while he struggled with injuries. Unfortunately we didn’t see the best of D in a Saints shirt this season. We also wish Neo Richard-Noel all the best of luck as he moves on loan to St Ives for the rest of the season. The opportunity to test himself at the higher level was important for Neo at this stage of the season. As always I thank the supporters for sticking with the boys. We’ll need you behind the boys this afternoon as we look to take points off a team who beat us at their place. Hopefully on a better surface we can show what this group is about. Let’s hope today is a day of reflection. When we lost away at Colney it was certainly our lowest point of the season. The boys have dug in and worked hard since then. Let’s hope we’re looking back at 5pm and we can see where the team has come from to where it is now as we prepare for next season. Thanks for your support and please get behind the boys this afternoon!!! Up the Saints!!!

Up the Saints!

Pete

JACOB CRAWSHAW’S MEMORIAL GAME DATE: DATE: SATURDAY SATURDAY 7TH 7TH MAY MAY 2022 2022 VENUE: VENUE: ST ST NEOTS NEOTS TOWN TOWN FC FC KO: KO: 4PM 4PM ENTRANCE ENTRANCE £2 £2 ADULT ADULT £1 CONCESSIONS AND £1 CONCESSIONS AND U16'S U16'S

There will be a Charity Raffle on the day and any donations would be gratefully received Please Email: harri@jacobmemorial.org Visit: www.jacobmemorial.org

To raise funds for

£25 Per Head Tables of 10

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.

Mehmet Mimoglu Commercial Chat... Welcome Back to the Premier Plus Stadium Over the last few weeks Commercial Activities led by myself and Daniel Dodson has been very active in preparation for renewing business partnerships for next season and also making new contacts for the new season. We have attended a network meeting organised by Cambridge Chamber of Commerce at St Neots Art & Soul Cafe, and we are invited to Cambridge United Network meeting to be held end of March. We had a meeting with our Academy set up to revise last season Business Partnership work and we are working on a plan of action to shape up the new season business relationships for the Academy. Mindset Care, our Thurlow Nunn Youth League topping U18 team kit sponsors, confirmed their attendance to our U18 teams last game of the season on 28th March. We are looking forward to ending the U18 league season with our kit sponsors Mindset Care and to thank them for their support. We also had a few meetings at the Club with prospective Business Partners namely Cafe2Us St Neots; a mobile coffee business and we also met the agent of singer Ryan Hamilton. We are hoping to form mutually beneficial business relationships with these contacts. Following on our positive meeting with Urban & Civic at the beginning of March; we are in contact with them for a follow up meeting, which should take place in the very near future. We are holding a Business Reception evening at the Club on 8th April where our existing and prospective Business Partners have been invited. So far, we have attendance confirmed from over 30 businesses. We are hoping that this event will be a success and as well as thanking existing Business Partners for their support we are hoping to establish connections with more local Businesses. As always, I have no doubt that you will get behind the lads today and show your continued superb support. The Players and all of us at the Club appreciate your support both on and off the pitch.

COYS

Mehmet

Saints

First Team Shirt Sponsor

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

SAINTS FOOD TERRACE

Boardroom Boardroom Gossip Gossip With With Chairman Chairman Barry Barry Cavilla Cavilla Good afternoon & Welcome everyone for today Pitching Southern league Division 1 central league game. I would like to welcome all the players and officials of our visitors today, Colney Heath and wish them safe and enjoyable visit to the Premier plus Stadium . I am certain Pete and the team will be pleased with the upturn in recent form, we all hope to continue the impressive and committed performances shown over this time now he has a fit Squad to chose from. We welcome our newest members to the team Glen McConnell, Saleem Ahanbi and Harvey Beckett, who have all had impressive starts with the Saints. Everyone at the club wish them all every success for the rest of this campaign and for their future development with the Saints. Our Academy’s coaches and teams are performing very well throughout and are pushing to finish there seasons on a high note., so keep it going lads Off the field, the club has many club and community project on the go and continue to look at ground and facilities improvements. We continue to benefit from the excellent partnerships and support we have in place from Cambridge United to our Business partners, advertisers and volunteers. This support allows us to continue to work together to bring a great family and community spirit and safe environment to the club. We have some excellent Social Events lined up for everyone to enjoy over the coming months ,so please keep an eye on our social media platforms and come and enjoy with us . Finally ,I would like to send our deep condolences to all the Family and friends of John Harmer who sadly passed recently . John had followed SNTFC since early 70s and loved his time coming to watch his team, so Come on You Saints, let’s give John a great send off and hopefully 3 valuable points from the team to say thank you John for your Support over the many years. COYS

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.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 AYLESBURY UNITED FC (H) 15-03-2022 SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE CENTRAL St Neots Town

Aylesbury United

St Neots twice came back from behind to earn a vital three points against a side below them in the league table. The victory propelled back into the top half of the league table for the first time since early December to give them a total of 40 points – enough now surely to ensure they place at Step Four next season. They did not make it easy for themselves, however, conceding two goals in the first half hour but they displayed great resilience to fight back against a resurgent opposing side looking for their first league victory since December 11th. Striker Neo Richard-Noel was injured in the previous match against North Leigh but with the rest of his squad to choose from Manager Pete Gill made no fewer that five team changes handing two of his players their debut. Apart from the injured Richard-Noel the other four players not included from the previous match, Charlie Johnson, Charley Barker, Ben Heal and Callum Anderson were all on the bench along with Kwai Marsh-Brown, with Filipe McConnell and Saleem Akanbi marking their debuts, and Miles Cowling, Perry White and Joe Rider returning to the side - the latter after missing the six previous matches through injury. The result gave St Neots only their second league ‘double’ of the season - the other being over basement team Wantage Town.The match got off to a disappointing start for the hosts when in their first attack Aylesbury took the lead as Sonny French fed the unmarked Jamie Rudd on the left flank and he advanced to beat Louis Chadwick with a well-placed shot. St Neots responded very quickly and from the restart a swift attacking move saw Robbie Mason set up Felipe McConnell for the equaliser – his first goal for the team on his debut. From a free kick Harvey Beckett headed powerfully over the bar from a McConnell cross and as St Neots began to gain in confidence Saleem Akanbi brought an excellent save from visiting keeper Archie Davis. However against the run of play on 29 minutes St Neots found themselves behind again when Jamie Rudd claimed his second goal of the match with a shot from the edge of the area. Five minutes later it could have been worse for St Neots when Tyrone Lewthwaite cleverly sidestepped his marker but to St Neots relief his shot flew wide, and the half ended with a booking for Mark Riddick as he upended Myles Cowling as St Neots mounted a breakaway attack.

JW Match Report AYLESBURY UNITED FC (H) 15-03-2022 SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE CENTRAL The half time break allowed St Neots to re-group, and they came out in a more positive frame of mind. For a quarter of an hour they monopolised possession but made little impression on a stubborn visiting defence, but Aylesbury were now definitely on the retreat.The important breakthrough came after 62 minutes when Mason won a corner and McConnell crossed to the far post where Harvey Beckett rose above the visiting defence to head the goal that levelled the scores. That seemed to boost the confidence of the home side and they created chances and nine minutes after their equaliser they scored what would prove to be the match winning goal. The lively Akanbi had seen an effort well saved but then he ran at the retreating defence to force the visiting keeper to parry another shot and the ball fell to Joe Rider who picked his spot to score his first goal for St Neots since 23rd October ironically in the away match against Aylesbury. The visitors tried to respond and substitute Harry Jones forced Chadwick into a diving save to preserve St Neots’ advantage,before the home visiting keeper Davis also had to produce a brave save at the feet of Mason as he looked to be close to extending the home side’s lead.

St Neots: Chadwick, Marfo, Smith, Cowling, White, Beckett, McConnell, Watkins, Mason, Rider, Akanbi Subs: Marsh-Brown (for Akambi 79 mins), Anderson (for Mason 87 mins), Johnson, Heal and Barker. Cards:None Goals:McConnell (6 mins), Beckett (62 mins), Rider (71 mins) Aylesbury: Davis, Ball, Bewley, Wood Jenkins, Ozobia, Rudd, Riddick, Lewthwaite, French, Scott Subs: Jones (for Rudd 63 mins), O’Connor (for Ozobia 72 mins), Forde (for Bewley 72 mins), and Phillips Cards: Riddick (Y – 43 mins) Goals: Rudd 2 (5 and 29 mins)

Referee: Joe Woolmer (Northampton) Attendance: 132

JW Match Report AFC DUNSTABLE (A) 19-03-2022 SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE CENTRAL AFC Dunstable1

St Neots Town

St Neots blunted Dunstable’s play off hopes with a well-earned draw at Creasey Park. With three wins from their last four outings St Neots are now guaranteed Step Four status next season. Three draws and a defeat in their last four matches leaves Dunstable nervous about their play-off hopes with four teams now contesting the three remaining places and a tough run-in to negotiate. The match was contested under a cloudless sky, but it was spoiled by a nagging breeze that neither side could better nor use to their advantage. St Neots had the luxury of making five team changes in their starting line-up without affecting the rhythm or performance of their team and came back from behind to return home with their deserved point.With another goal in consecutive matches since his return to the side Joe Rider took his tally for the season to fourteen in just seventeen starts. Ben Heal, Callum Anderson. Charley Barker, Charlie Johnson, and Kwai Marsh-Brown all returned to the starting line-up as Manager Pete Gill shuffled his pack with three of the replaced players Wynford Marfo, Myles Cowling and Felipe McConnell on the bench alongside Marc Abbott and Gill himself as a replacement goalkeeper. Neither side settled in the difficult conditions, and it was a quarter of an hour before there was a serious effort on goal – this from Rob Mason but his effort was well saved by home keeper Jamie Head.The lively Kwai Marsh-Brown stole the ball from a dithering defender but saw his effort deflected for a corner but from a Brett Longden cross unmarked home striker Bernard Christie should have done better than strike the ball wide of goal. Louis Chadwick saved well from Kieran Hamilton and making towards goal Charley Barker was upended, earning Newman Carney a yellow card. Then after 36 minutes a cross from the left struck a defender’s arm at close range and a harsh penalty was awarded, tucked away by Bernard Christie. St Neots protested but then responded positively as a Lee Watkins shot rebounded from a post for Joe Rider to claim the equalising goal five minutes before the break. A brave save by Chadwick at the feet of Christie ensured parity at the break.

JW Match Report AFC DUNSTABLE (A) 19-03-2022 SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE CENTRAL With the wind after half time St Neots suffered the same fate as their hosts with the ball constantly overhit. Former St Neots defender Ryan Frater was close for the home side with a header from a corner and skipper Lee Watkins picked up his fifth booking since Christmas as both defences began to dominate in a second half that produced little in goal chances. However the match did come to life in the final five minutes plus eight minutes time added with both sides having the chance to snatch a late winning goal with substitutes on to boost their attacking options. Ben Heal cut through the home defence to shoot over the bar and then Christian Tavernier produced a searing free kick that Chadwick did well emerging through a crowd of players to punch clear. Deep into added time St Neots mounted a quick attack with Myles Cowling and Marsh-Brown involved before substitute Felipe McConnell cut in from the left past two defenders to bury his fiercely hit shot in the side netting. A draw was a fair result between two side able to snuff out the others’ attack with the wind playing a major part .

St Neots: Chadwick, Heal, Smith, Anderson, Johnson, Beckett, Barker, Watkins, Mason, Rider, Marsh-Brown Subs: Cowling (for Barker 81 mins), McConnell (for Rider 88 mins), Marfo, Abbott, and Gill. Cards: Watkins (Y – 66 mins) Goals: Rider (30 mins) Dunstable: Head. Longden, Okito, Frater (R), McClelland, Carney, Hamilton, Farrell, Christie, Tavernier, Silford Subs: Williams (for McClelland 65 mins), Frater (N) (for Hamilton 81 mins), Abraham (for Silford 90+3 mins), Ann, and Hall Cards: Carney (Y – 34 mins) Goals: Christie – pen – (36 mins)

Referee: Richard Walton (Hatfield) Attendance: 204 John Walker

JW LOOKING AHEAD COLNEY HEATH FC (H) 26-03-2022

COLNEY HEATH – THE MAGPIES

Year founded: 1907

Chairman: Richard Timpson Club Website: www.colneyheathfc.co.uk

WELCOME ESPECIALLY TO OUR VISITORS COLNEY HEATH WHO VISIT US HERE AT THE PREMIER PLUS STADIUM FOR THE FIRST TIME Whatever happens in the final month, this season has been a real keynote one for Colney Heath. Promoted to Step Four at the start of the season after a mathematical exercise saw them elevated to this level, it has been a learning curve for the club. When these notes were penned, they were mounting a spirited attempt to pick up points that could drag them out of the dreaded relegation zone after achieving home victories over fellow strugglers Kempston Rovers and Aylesbury United plus an away win at Didcot. St Neots fans will remember our first trip to Colney Heath on a very wet December afternoon when we were beaten by a goal to nil. Probably needing four or five wins from their last six matches to have any chance of avoiding relegation is a tall order but if they are relegated the experience gained this season at Step Four will hold them in good stead. It is their home form which has been more promising but looking at the fixtures list I see that their three remaining home fixtures are all against sides hopeful of a play-off place (or better) in a month’s time – Berkhamsted, Thame and North Leigh, so their task could not be more challenging! In the FA Cup Preliminary Round Colney made an impressive start comprehensively defeating Harlow Town 3-0 at home but two weeks later Ware Town also from our league visited Colney to inflict a 4-0 defeat. Then in the FA Trophy they enjoyed a third consecutive home cup draw but were well beaten 5-2 by Basildon United. In the League Cup, again at home, they shared a 2-2 draw with Hertford Town before going on to win 6-5 in a penalty shoot-out, but then in a fifth consecutive home match in cup competition they lost to Waltham Abbey 4-1 on penalties after another 2-2 draw. PREVIOUS MEETING OF OUR CLUBS 2021/22 Colney Heath 1-0 Enjoy the match John Walker

St Neots

Saints v North Leigh FC

Opponent Spotlight COLNEY HEATH FC

Colney Heath Football Club The “Magpies” were founded in 1907 and played their early football in the Hatfield District League and, after the 1st World War, joined the Mid Herts League, where the 3rd team played until recently. Earlier records indicate the winning of a Harcourt Cup but in is believed that this was Junior football some 18 month earlier, 1905-6. Earlier matches were played on two grounds in Coursers Road (the Meadow and the Warren). Success was a long time coming - 1935-36, and was disrupted by the 2nd World War. The golden era of football came from 1946 through to 1960 when the club won the Mid Herts Benevolent Shield twice, the Bingham Cox Cup, Division 1 and Premier Division titles. In 1952 the switch was made from Fuzzen Field to the Recreation Ground and into the Herts County League. Division Two was won at the first attempt and success continued with two Playing Fields Cups, the Aubrey Cup twice, Division 1 and Premier titles. This culminated over the Easter weekend in 1960 with the Herts Intermediate Cup and Aubrey Cup double. The Reserve side also completed a double in 1958 winning both Cup and League. In 1965-66, 1968-69 and 1975-76 saw relegations and a slip down to Division 3. Promotions in 1979-80, 1983-84 and 1985-86 saw a return to the Premier Division after a 20 year gap only to be relegated back immediately. Odd trophies were picked up in the 60’s 70’s and 80’s but these were pretty barren years on the field. Off the field, however, the club fought for permission to use its old clubhouse. This was secured with leases still running today. In August 1988 while modernising the building, the club burnt down. Without a clubhouse, the Magpies, playing from a Portacabin, regained entry to the Premier Division winning the Division 1 title. A new clubhouse was built in 1989 and an extension added in 1993, along with post and rails. Floodlights were erected in February 2000. The wish to play South Midlands football eluded the club with 3rd, 3rd, 4th, 4th finishes from 1994 1998, when second place would have been enough. Centenary Trophies back to back and another Aubrey Cup were won but the Herts County title only came in 1999/2000, when coming from 15 points behind in January to win by 10 points from rivals, Wormley. The club’s ambition was to gain Premier Division status and with it FA Cup entry. Finishes of 5th 3rd 5th 6th and 5th were not enough in the initial seasons, despite numerous semi-final appearances and consecutive Charity Cup successes in seasons.(2001/2 and 2002/3) The South Midland Reserve Challenge trophy was collected in 2004/5.The First Division title eventually came in 2005/6. With this came the Premier Division and the FA Cup. We hadur 15 happy seasons and steadily improving picking up the Premier Division Cup in 2010/11 with a 2-0 win against Leverstock Green. Our FA Vase run of 2013/14 saw us to a 3rd round replay which we followed up by being thrown out of the competition in 2014/15 which was a troubled season with many managerial changes. Our last few seasons have continued with changes for the better with Ryan ‘Tomo’ Thompson installing a togetherness across the club and an FA Cup run that may take some beating in future years and the little reward of second and third Charity Shield wins in 2017-18 and 2018-19. Our aim of promotion was achieved by a FA restructure with the continuing of ground improvements to the fore. Turnstiles have been acquired and with the support of local authorities and sponsors we hope to continue to make the small village proud for many years to come.

Opponent Spotlight COLNEY HEATH FC

Colney Heath Football Club THE MANAGERS AND THE PLAYERS As with all clubs, the Heath - or the Magpies - as they are more commonly known now, had its own breed of characters throughout the years. The pre war sides, would have been drawn from entirely local players. Sides would have featured an Allen, a Franklin, or a Littlechild. In recent times a Whitehead or an Eames. The most well known club man of yesteryear was the manager around the War Years who later went on to hold positions in The County League and Herts FA whom he served for many loyal years. This was Jesse Saywell. In the olden days it was eleven players and the manager, where a Committee picked the side. Assisting off the field were Messrs Pickett, Archer, Kiff and Costain. C S Kiff ‘Charlie’ later became Secretary of the club and the Mid Herts League producing the League Centenary brochure in 1993. Players of this time included Roy Turner who went on to Barnet and Jimmy Whiting and Dickie Last who went on to St Albans, then both top amateur sides in the Country. Last and Whiting both returned in the 70’s. They helped to win the trophies of the 50’s. Many players of the sixties were drawn away to the emerging London Colney and latterly Selby but had their roots and early times for the Magpies of this period. The foes of these years were North Mymms, Redbourn, Markyate and of course London Colney. During the emergence of Sunday ‘factory’ football of the sixties the club slipped down the reconstituted County League. Con Patient had a few years at the helm where he had an up and coming star in Ian ‘Grumpy’ Whitehead. Grumpy went on to captain both St Albans and Stevenage and later returned to manage for a year in the early 90’s. Another of Con’s stars was Tony Chapman, who must have had the longest throw ever. It is alleged that Tony injured himself slipping in the Marble Halls at Highbury when he was with the other Magpies, Newcastle! Geoff Blundell along with Jim Eames dragged the sides along after this with the assistance for a short period (6 games) of Ronnie Dukes. He was the famous City manager at the time of the Torquay United FA Cup tie. Torquay complained that they had no soap, so Ronnie took a case along for the replay. Malcolm Waller a centre forward under Geoff Blundell had a spell leading the side of mainly Hatfield boys during the 80’s. Geoff did provide us with the ‘legend’ who served us well before departing to play for and later manage Hertford. ‘Lege is of course Dave Whitehead. Dave scored over 200 goals for Hertford before moving to Potters Bar and then back home, where he continued to score goals until breaking a leg in 2002.. Tony Draper then had a spell before the most successful side of the late 80’s was managed by Ian Yule, who plucked stars from all over the place. He was a successful Sunday League manager but still ended getting the sack after failing to produce the goods with his aging allstars in the Premier Division of the County League.

Opponent Spotlight COLNEY HEATH FC

Laird Budge (Spurs kit man) and Dave Lawrence ex City and Bishops Stortford skipper in their Trophy days had a spell before the club turned to ex Watford Coventry and Irish International, Pat Morrissey. Pat’s first job was to save the club from relegation. He kept the side up on a goal difference of one goal on the last day of the season back in 1993, at then Champions Sandridge, after being 15 points adrift at Xmas after taking over from Frank Patrick. Pat was unable to fulfil the promotion dream but did bring Cup success with Centenary Trophies and a Charity Cup. ‘Grumpy’ had a year then Pat returned from Hemel leaving us with ‘Shag’ Jeggo. Pat is sadly no longer with us. Darren, to give (Shag) his correct name did not really possess stars, other than Welsh International Malcolm Allen and a talented group of Stevenage Trainees, but kept us there or thereabouts in a plan to get us further up the ladder, both on and off the field. He introduced the club to ‘Sven’ O’Vell and since then between them the Aubrey Cup and the Championship, along with successful youth teams have provided us with what you have today. Geoff, like Pat gave us Cup successes and got us very close to the position we felt we ought to be in but handed the reins to Craig ‘Jonno’ Johnstone to pursue the grail. Craig almost single handedly fulfilled this dream in 2005/6 after an amazing unbeaten run of 18 league games (including 14 straight wins at the start of the season) that carried us to our first Senior South Midlands title. The title winning season saw us score 106 league goals conceding only 27, with 26 wins, 3 draws and 3 defeats. Going into our second Centenary having come a long, long way. The FA Vase was a regular feature; we had improved our league position to a best ever 3rd in 2013/14. We also won the Premier Cup in.2011. The managerial pair of ex-Magpie players, Scott Lacey (102 club goals) and Wesley Awad called it a day and we hoped to continue the pattern with Kevin Cooper and Glenn Draper. However despite their best efforts and an indifferent start we had to turn to the experienced local ex-pro Gary Phillips. In the past he had donned the gloves for Barnet before managing at Aylesbury, Hemel Hempstead and Grays before taking time out to refresh himself at the Rec. After a few months the ‘professional lure’ of a coaching position at League 2 Stevenage proved too much for him (and latterly Crystal Palace) and so we found ourselves with a Parry / Beels combo. Glen played over 250 games for Cheshunt before a caretaker spell gave him the whiff of a managers office and Mark was a former number one at Broxbourne Borough who actually won a Challenge Trophy success at Colney Heath over London Colney in 2010. This didn’t last long for personal reasons! Wes returned with Matt Chalkley a year later to give our best finish and another first. A Herts Charity Shield with a 2-1 win at Letchworth against St Margaretsbury. The 2014/5 season was a bit of a nightmare. Great expectations ended with 4 managers and expulsion from the FAVase (and subsequently the following two FA Cup entries) but a creditable runners up spot in the Premier Cup where we lost on penalties to Berkhamsted. The search for managers led us to a loss of an entire team twice in a season and the ones who did remain loyal went at the start of the following season. A new management team headed by Steve Rolfe with a new team then struggled to come to terms with the rigours of step 5 football. We saw the experience of Micky Nathan added and we stayed up on the last day of the season ironically at Broxbourne. 20th was our lowest table position. So onward and upward we were back in the Vase for 2016-17.

Opponent Spotlight COLNEY HEATH FC

Micky was retained as manager with support from Mark Royal and Pete Waller and like previous generations wanted to make his mark but at the end of November 2016 he was relieved of his duties after a series of heavy defeats and replaced by Ryan ‘Tomo’ Thompson with assistance from Tony ‘Kavs’ Kavanagh. This change saw us stay up in 18th place and the hope of continuing forward. A 10th place finish followed and was climaxed by a return to the FA Cup and a best ever FA Cup performance going out in a 2nd Qualifying Round Replay at Burgess Hill Town after wins against Tring Athletic, Shortwood United and Cockfosters. The seasons highlight was the addition of our second Charity Shield with a win over Welwyn Garden City at Hemel Hempstead by 2-0.With the fruit of the under 18’s being pushed forward and the re-establishing of the Reserves in the County League Premier Division it is believed we can go on to a brighter future as we forward. .In 2018-19 a finish coming 6th and an unbeaten 11 match run culminating with the retention of the Herts Charity Shield with a 1-0 win over Berkhamsted. We took that run forward to see where it led. That run was indeed taken forward with an undefeated run of seven league wins at the start of the 2019-20 season and it continued in an amazing undefeated run of home games which stretched to over a year. Games in hand over Tring Athletic were caught up and with continuing success in both the Premier Division Cup and the Herts Charity Shield we looked forward to the possible of a treble. The Leagues top scorer Jon Clements along with the League’s meanest defence were a possible 11 games from history. A Semi Final against Leighton Town (with the winners playing either Leverstock Green or Newport Pagnell Town) in the Premier Cup was up for grabs and we were already waiting for London Colney to play Ware Town in the Herts Charity Shield Final. We did become only the second side ever to reach three consecutive finals. Cheshunt did back in the mid 1950’s, but only won one out of three. That brings us back to the Spartan South Midland League Premier Division. Team of the month twice, top discipline side three times and top overall, top of the league for four months with a 6 point league and a game in hand and the world is hit by the worst pandemic for over 100 years. As at the time of writing, over 4 million people had died worldwide from Covid 19 Coronavirus, (nearly 130,000) from the UK including the SSML secretary, Mike Appleby. What is clear is that people and health is more important than football but I can only write with the respect of the history of Colney Heath Football Club. The decision to null and void the seasons 2019-20 and 2020-21 and at a very late stage use points per game (ppg) over the two seasons and a restructure at all levels of the non league pyramid enabled us to be promoted to Step 4. The Southern League Central Division One awaits for season 2021-22. We shall miss the FA Vase and embrace the Buildbase FA Trophy.

Opponent Spotlight - PLAYER PROFILES COLNEY HEATH FC Tiernan Parker A recent signing between the sticks, making his debut in November 2021 having signed from Haringey Borough. Dom Knaggs Dom is a product of our youth system, and regularly impresses in his full-back role. Over eighty league appearances for the Magpies already, and still only 20 years old. Kyle Rahho Another product of the U18s, Kyle is dependable and solid in the middle of the defence. Yasin Boodhoo A reliable centre half moving towards his twilight years, but still a threat at set pieces. Peter Mokwenye Solid and reliable at left-back having joined at the end of 2021. Harry Shepherd Despite making his debut in 2017/18 season, Harry will only turn 20 in August. Harry has 65 appearances in two spells with the club going in to this campaign. Max Jessop Max has proved himself to be a vital player in midfield. Twenty-two appearances last season was the highest for an outfield player. Chris Griffin A regular place in the engine room for the Magpies last season for this reliable and responsible player. Kwon Hepburn An instant impact, Kwon joined from AFC Dunstable in November 2021. Larry Balogun Larry brings pace and power to the Magpies. Holds the ball up superbly and possesses a powerful strike. Ibs Sawaneh Lively and gifted, Ibs brings creativity to the Magpies from his wide position Guerin Nimi Powerful midfielder who came to the club in December 2021 Hadley Gleeson Part of our U18 crop of 2021, Hadley has pace to burn and a keen eye for goal. Harry Lewis Harry provides powerful options from his full-back role, and is one of the longest serving of the players at the club since making his debut in 2017/18. Jack McShane Jack exhibited guile and power in his debut season last campaign as he stepped up from U18 football

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

Manager – Ant Burns Coaches - Dan Norris GK Coach - Shane Cheadle Physio - Dan Foster

Squad List

Louis Chadwick (GK) George Anthony (GK) 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 Ben Heal Dylan Switters Robbie Mason Glenn McConnell Harvey Beckett Saleem Akanbi

Tiernan Parker (GK) Dominic Knaggs Kyle Rahho Yasin Boodhoo Peter Mokwenye Harry Shepherd Max Jessop Chris Griffin Kwon Hepburn Larry Balogun Ibs Sawaneh Harry Lewis Jack McShane Aaron Hudson Guerin Nimi Colours Yellow Shirts Yellow Shorts Yellow Socks

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

Referee Gary Connell

Assistant 1 Fanran Meng

Next Home Match versus Thame United FC Saturday 9th April 3.00 pm KO Gates Open 1.30pm

Assistant 2 Douglas Lawton Next Home Match verus Bedford Town Saturday 18th April 3.00 pm KO Gates Open 1.30pm