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St Neots St Neots
Town F.C. Town F.C.
Established 1879
Established 1879
President-JohnWalker
BoardofDirectors
CEO-LouiseSales
Chairman-BarryCavilla
Secretary/Director-GaryWilson
CommercialDirector-MarkGearing DirectorofFootball-IainParr Director-JezGreen
Director-MikeGreen
BoardMember-BrianBarnes
BoardMember-AndyClay
BoardMember-DanielDodson
ClubWelfareOfficer-GemmaKeech07734821330 email-sntfcwelfareofficer@gmailcom
SaintsMatchDayTeam
FixtureSecretary-MarionIzzard
Hospitality-AndyandEvelynClay,PaulaRobertson StadiumAnnouncer-MikeGreen Music-CharlieGreen
Catering-DianeSales
50/50&Merchandising-ShellyPhypers&LilyDean
Media
PressOfficer-MikeGreen
MatchReports-JohnWalker
SocialMedia-MikeGreen,GrayhamBonfield,Charlie Green
GroundStaff
Pitchmaintenance-BarryOakley,BarryCavilla, BobCarpenter
Ownership:
FirstTeam
Manager-CameronMawer AssistantManager-SteveKuhne Coach-AlexMinall GKCoach-GaryDean Physio-CraigLambert
U18Manager-TylaJoseph Academy
Manager-AlexMinall AcademyWelfareOfficer- ChrissieManly
Academyenquiries -Alexsntfcacademy@gmail.com
ClubInformation
Address: RowleyPark,KesterWay, StNeots,Cambs., PE196SL
Website-www.stneotstownfc.co.uk Enquires-enquires@stneotstownfc.co.uk CommercialEnquiries- mgearing@me.com Events-misslouises@yahoo.co.uk
Inaccordancewiththefootballassociationleaguerule2.13 publicationofownershipinrelationtostep1-4withinthe footballpyramid,weherebyconfirmthelegalstatusofStNeotsTownFootballClubIdentificationNumber02921210,andis aPrivateLimitedCompany
Forthepurposesofpublicationofownershipwecanconfirmthatthefollowing arelistedasDirectorsoftheCompany: LeeKearns(Significantinterest70%),IainParr,LouiseSales,GaryWilsonandasNonExecutiveDirectorsMikeGreen,Jeremy Green,andBarryCavilla CompanySecretaryGaryWilson
Greenie’s Greetings
With Director Mike Green
"HelloeveryoneandwelcomebacktothePremierPlus Stadiumfortoday‘sGCEHirePlantUnitedCountiesLeague PremierDivisionSouthmatch.Todayweextendawarm welcometoeveryoneconnectedtoLeicesterNirvana FootballClubandwehopeyouenjoyourhospitalityhere thisafternoon”.
SowehaveseenthefirstfewsignsofwinterthesepastfewdayswithSnowheadingdown fromtheNorthandhopefullywewillhaveavoidedanynotablecoveringswhichputthis gameindoubt.
Justthetwooutingstolookbackoninthepastfortnightwiththefirstbeingourlasthome fixturewhenweovercameaverystubbornHinckleyAFCside,comingfrombehindtwice andeventuallywinning4-2 andourlastshowing,lastSaturday,wasawayatDaventry Townandwereturnedhomewithashareofthespoilsandacleansheet,drawing0-0.Byall accounts,notourbestperformancesofarthisseasonbutifyoucan’twin,don’tlose and thedrawwasdue,inalargepart,duetokeeperJamesGoff,harshlyadjudgedtohave fouledtheirmanandgivenayellowcardforhiseffortsandthensavingtheresultantspot kickfromexSaintsplayerLukeKnight.ThisgamealsosawhereturnofdefenderJames Sagetotheclubafteraquiteafewyearsaway,duringwhichhemadetwoWembley appearanceswithNewportPagnellandwinningtheVaseononeoftheoccasionssoplease joinusinwelcomingSageyback.
Youmayhaveseenonoursocialmediaplatforms thatChairmanBarryCavillahadsurgery speedyandsuccessfulrecoveryandhopetoseehim atthePremierPlusStadium.
TicketsarenowonsaleONLINEforourBoxingDayclash withneighboursEynesburyRovers soifyouwantto beatthequeues,pleasedobuyyourticketsinadvance, linktowhichcanbefoundfurtheronintoday’sissue.
Ok,backtotoday’sgame.Getbehindtheboysfromthe offandbeourTwelfthManthisafternoon
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BoardroomGossip
From The Dugout
WithChairmanBarryCavilla
With Manager Cameron Mawer
"’AhugewelcometoeveryoneassociatedwithLeicester NirvanatothePremierPlusStadium.Anyonewhowasat thereversefixturewillhaveaseenafivegoalthriller, afterthefirsthalfandgoingintwodown,noonewould haveseentheturnaroundcomingandthe threegoals thatsawuscomeout3-2winners.Itshowedwhatagood sideLeicesterNirvanaareandhowtoughasidetheyare toplayagainst”.
Theyareinagoodplacerightnowwithonedefeatinfiveandavictoryagainst EynesburyRoversinthatrunofgamessotheywillbecomingherefullof confidence.Weareinagoodspotourselves,unbeateninthirteengamesinall competitionsshowingarealruthlessstreak.Wescoregoalsthisseason,whenyou comparetolastseasonweweregrindingout1-0winswhereasthisseasonweare winningmorecomfortablywhenincontrolofgames.
Saturdayshowedwehavetheabilityevenwhennotatourbestwecancomeaway witharesult.WhenyougotoDaventrywhoare6thintheleagueandbyallmeans playerforplayerareimmenseonpaperandaredisappointedwithapointitshows theexpectationswehaveasaside.
I’dliketousethischancetowelcomeJamesSagebacktothe footballclub,afantasticadditionaltothesquadwhohasbeen atstep4andsomeonewehavebeenchasingforawhileand SteveKuhnewasinstrumentalingettinghiminhavingworked withhimpreviously.WehavelostNathanGeorgeforthe foreseeableandIwishhimaspeedyrecoveryfrominjury.
Let’shopewecancontinuetobuildonourgoodform andhaveapositiveentertainingafternoon.Your supportcontinuestobecrucialtooursuccesson andoffthepitch,sothankyou.
#inittogether
Cam Cam Cam
BoardroomGossip
Boardroom Gossip
WithChairmanBarryCavilla
With Chairman Barry Cavilla
“Welcome to you all for today’s home game at the Premier Plus Stadium. We offer a warm welcome to all the Players ,Officials & Supporters of Leicester Nirvana for this UCL Premier League South fixture.”.
It was not to long ago that we visited Leicester Nirvana who proved stiff opponents on the day ,However a resurgent second half saw the Saints show their class and came away 3-1 winners on the day, so I am certain Cameron and the lads will have to work hard for more success today and three valuable points to maintain their challenge for a successful season. Last Saturday we travelled to an inform and competitive Daventry Town who fought hard for a share of the spoils on the day, which could prove a very valuable point as the season unfolds, should they maintain their bullish performance as shown against us on that day.
The Saints have really shown a great team spirit and put in some excellent, resilient performances to keep pace with the top teams so far this season and maintain their challenge for success.
So with the Fabulous Saints family cheer behind them giving Cameron and all the team and backroom staff the extra lift to achieve and maintain their fine form
Barry Barry Barry
SuitableFor:
Smallerweddingvenues/receptions&eveningparties
Smallerconferenceandbusinessmeetingfacilities
PartyCelebrationsyoungandold
Funeralwakes
Eventhire
Musicevents
Presentationevents
Amodernbarservingavastrangeofbeers,ciders,wines&softdrink WecaterforallfoodrequirementsincludingBuffetmenu’s,HogRoasts,Barbeques, Smalldancefloorperfectforanypartyorsmallweddingreception
Comfydiningfurnitureconfiguredtosuitrequirements.
Thispartyvenuecanbedressed/decoratedtosuitthecelebration.
FriendlyandexperiencedStNeotsstaff
Plentyofparking
Veryadaptable
Allourfacilitiesarewheelchairaccessible
SuitableFor:
Weddingvenues/receptions&eveningparties
Conferenceandbusinessmeetingfacilities
PartyCelebrationsyoungandold
Largefuneralwakes
Eventhire
Trade&CraftFaresetc
Musicevents
Presentationevents
Alarge,impressivebarservingavastrangeofbeers,ciders,wines&softdrinks WecaterforallfoodrequirementsincludingBuffetmenu’s,HogRoasts,Barbeques. Stageareaforbands,disco,andproductions
Alargeroomydancefloorperfectforanyweddingreception
Comfydiningfurnitureconfiguredtosuitrequirements
Thispartyvenuecanbedressed/decoratedtosuitthecelebration
FriendlyandexperiencedStNeotsstaff
Plentyofparking
Allourfacilitiesarewheelchairaccessible
WedohavealargeprojectorintheGregorySuitethatcanbeusedforcorporateevents.
We would like to introduce our new Club Welfare Officer (CWO) Gemma Keech.
Gemma has many years of safeguarding experience through careers in Teaching and Children’s Social Care, as well as being the Club Welfare Officer for Priory Parkside Football Club for almost 4 years.
Gemma’s role as CWO is to be the first point of contact for all club members regarding concerns about the welfare of any child, young person or adult at risk at St Neots Town Football Club. She will liaise directly with the Designated Safeguarding Officer for Hunts FA and is familiar with the procedures for referring any concerns.
Gemma is committed to providing a safe and positive environment for all players, staff and volunteers within SNTFC.
If you need to contact Gemma, her details are as follows:
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/st-neotstown-football-club/st-neots-town-fc-vs-
eynesbury-rovers-fc/e-medprz
Player Sponsorship Season 2024/25
(President)
St Neots Town Reserves Old
Saints Ambassadors
DAMMY
BLAST FROM THE PAST
OUR FIRST MEETING WITH TODAY’S VISITORS
A SHOCK FOR THE SAINTS
FA Cup – Preliminary Round
THURNBY NIRVANA 2 ST NEOTS TOWN 0
The match was billed as ‘the biggest match in Thurnby’s history’ and the home side rose to the occasion to inflict on St Neots a rather embarrassing victory. It was by far St Neots least impressive performance of the season with a side that was only a pale imitation of that which had won five of their six league matches this season and this against a side that plays their league matches two steps below. On a bumpy pitch St Neots never looked comfortable against a side that bustled them out of their familiar passing game and once the home side had their noses in front they always looked likely victors. A measure of the defeat is that this was only the second time in 69 league and cup fixtures in the past eighteen months that St Neots have failed to score in a competitive match. From the first whistle St Neots did not look comfortable against an enthusiastic host side who had two early shooting chances with Mandeep Bains shooting wide and Along range Luke Day effort clearing the cross bar. St Neots first shot was from a narrow angle by Luke Hilliard that was blocked by the home goalkeeper’s legs but this was a rare sortie forward. At the other end Pearson Mwanyongo was running the defence ragged and he had a net bound shot deflected for a corner. Thurnby continued to dominate the attacking play and Michael Duggan made a fine save to push a swerving shot from Matt Melbourne over the bar. Jordan Gent cleared off the line but St Neots relief was short lived for after 36 minutes following left wing corner Ryan Walker drove a fierce shot through a crowd of players to open the scoring. St Neots could have been level but Lewis Hilliard opted to place his shot rather than drive it and Jordan Duffy saved at full stretch. Then two minutes before the break a direct free kick by Ryan Amoo swerved around the wall and in under the bar for a 2-0 half time lead.
BLAST FROM THE PAST
St Neots needed to regain their composure and find a quick response so they shuffled their pack reverting to a 4-3-3 formation with Webb and Neil Mackenzie in midfield for Konadu and Max Harradine on at full back. Then an injury to Duran Reynolds who had to be helped off the field earned Nijah Frank a yellow card and meant more disruption with Will Fordham substituting.Chances were being created by the visitors but inexplicably ace marksman Shane Tolley twice headed wide when scoring looked the easier option. The last glimmer of hope came fourteen minutes from time when Frank earned his second yellow card and was sent off but even against ten men St Neots made little headway. They were even denied a late consolation goal two minutes from time when Tolley volleyed wide of an open goal –it was not St Neots’ day and certainly not Tolley’s!!
St Neots Town: Duggan, Webb, Reynolds, Sear, Gent, Hope, Hilliard, Konadu, Moore, Tolley, Jacob.
Subs: McKenzie (for Konadu 49 mins), Harradine (for Jacob 49 mins), Fordham (for Reynolds 58 mins), Greene, Capocci & Trebes.
Man of the Match: no nomination
Attendance: 92
John Walker.
The Saints Community
Memorial Wall
Wewouldliketoformally announcethattheSaints CommunityMemorial Wallisnowreadyand opportunitiesfor Supporterstoremember theirlovedones,whomay havebeenSaints Supportersthemselves, arenowavailable.
The Wall is completely under cover and protected from the elements and the flowers/shrubbery are cared for and tended to on a daily basis by our dedicated grounds staff. We would like to thank Kite Utilities, Ballinger Construction and Oasis Promotions and Print for all their collective help in getting this project from an idea by Chairman Barry Cavilla to a quite splendid addition to our stadium.
Stainless steel wall plaques are now available for loving messages to be engraved in the following two options:
6” x 4” Stainless Steel Wall plaque – Lasered with black text (feels smooth to touch)
Can come with 4 countersunk screws – or they can be without and glued
Total cost £36.00
8” x 4” Stainless Steel Wall plaque – Lasered with black text (feels smooth to touch)
Can come with 4 countersunk screws – or they can be without and glued
Total cost £48.00
Any interested supporters should contact Chairman Barry Cavilla for further details via email on bcavilla77@gmail.com or in person at The Premier Plus Stadium on a matchday.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Matchday Sponsorship Opportunities
Seasons Past - Seasons Past - With John Walker With John Walker
This Edition Focuses on Season This Edition Focuses on Season
2011/12 2011/12
ST NEOTS TOWN FC 1984/85 SEASON
ST NEOTS TOWN FC 1984/85 SEASON
This is another in a series of records highlighting one of our final seasons at Shortsands to This is in a series of records highlighting one of our final seasons at Shortsands to depict both the highs and the lows in the recent proud history of the Club. depict both the highs and the lows in the recent proud history of the Club. This proved to This proved to be another very disappointing season that saw the first team reliant on re-election to the be another very disappointing season that saw the first team reliant on re-election to the UCL Premier Division for the second successive season.However, in the lower Reserve UCL Premier Division for the second successive season.However, in the lower Reserve Division the second team brought some cheer finishing fourth (one place behind Division the second team brought some cheer finishing fourth (one place behind neighbours Eynesbury Rovers Reserves). neighbours Eynesbury Rovers Reserves). However, the season also saw the culmination of However, the season also saw the culmination of a hat trick of personal achievements by present Chairman Barry Cavilla as he recorded the a hat trick of personal achievements by present Chairman Barry Cavilla as he recorded the highest number of appearances for the first team for third consecutive season – the only highest number of appearances for the first team for third consecutive season – the only player ever to achieve this feat – as follows; 1982/83 – 33 out of 34, 1983/84 – 38 out of 41 player ever to achieve this feat – as follows; 1982/83 – 33 out of 34, 1983/84 – 38 out of 41 and 1984/85 4 out of 45. and 1984/85 4 out of 45. League: League:
Champions Arlesey Town inflicted an 8-2 home defeat on us at Shortsands, but we beat
Champions Arlesey Town inflicted an 8-2 home defeat on us at Shortsands, but we beat them 1-0 in the return match (scorer Nick Charter) – one of only two home defeats for them them 1-0 in the return match (scorer Nick Charter) – one of only two home defeats for them that season. that season.
We failed to score in sixteen of our 36 league matches. We failed to score in sixteen of our 36 league matches.
We were unbeaten against our neighbours Eynesbury Rovers beating them at home and We were unbeaten against our neighbours Eynesbury Rovers beating them at home and drawing away. drawing away.
The Reserve team only lost three times away from home in 16 trips. The Reserve team only lost three times away from home in 16 trips.
The top goal scorer was Simon Hill with 11 goals but no-one else scored more than four
The top goal scorer was Simon Hill with 11 goals but no-one else scored more than four goals. goals.
The Manager was Mel Hancock for two months before handing over to Assistant Mick The Manager was Mel Hancock for two months before handing over to Assistant Mick Kemp. Kemp. John Walker John Walker
John Walker's Match Preview LEICESTER NIRVANA
Year founded: 1988 Chairman: Zac Hajat Club Website: www.leicesternirvana.com
GOOD AFTERNOON AND A WELCOME TO THE PREMIER PLUS STADIUM TO OUR VISITORS LEICESTER NIRVANA (formerly Thurnby Rangers)
This is to be the fifth meeting of our two clubs. Last season our lads produced a smash and grab raid in Leicester when a first club goal for Israel Ajana saw us win 1-0 in our initial league meeting. Later that season when Nirvana came here, we completed a league double with a convincing 3-0 victory, James Hatch scoring twice and a third goal from Rhys Thorpe. Then in September we travelled to Leicester to arrest a run of three matches without a win to record a 3-2 victory with goal from Michael Amaeshike (2) and Rhys Thorpe. Today Rhys will be looking to find his name on the scoresheet again for the third consecutive time against our visitors. However, thirteen seasons ago when our visitors played under the banner of Thurnby Nirvana at Step Six they inflicted on our lads a surprise 2-0 victory in a preliminary round FA Cup tie with first half goals from Ryan Walker (a previous Manager of the side) and Ryan Amoo. We had just begun to enjoy life at Step Four with five league victories in six starts and we travelled to Thurnby as proud league leaders in the Southern League Division One. The defeat was only the second time in 69 league and cup fixtures in the previous eighteen months that St Neots had failed to score in a competitive match. Enough of history and back to today’s important UCL tie.
Since our victory at Hamilton Park, our visitors have continued to find points hard to come by especially away from home whether they have won just one match so far. That was at Bugbrooke – their favourite ground – where they also recorded a league cup victory early in the season. That had been their only cup success so far until very recently when they recorded a surprise 4-0 home victory in the Leicestershire & Rutland Challenge Cup over higher graded Harborough Town. In the FA Cup they lost 6-0 at home to ON Chenecks, in the FA Vase also at home they were beaten 2-0 by Aylestone Park, and in the League Cup they lost 3-1 at home to Clay Cross Town following that Bugbrooke victory.
Previous meetings of our teams:
Enjoy the match.
St Neots Town Academy Team Sponsors
John Walker's Match Report
HINCKLEY AFC (H)
09-11-2024
GCE HIRE PLANT UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION SOUTH
ST NEOTS TOWN 4
HINCKLEY AFC 2
Twice behind to their first time visitors Hinckley AFC, St Neots scored three times in a twelve minutes second half spell to stretch their unbeaten run to twelve matches and remain a point behind league leaders Aylestone Park – still with a match in hand. With many of the chasing pack involved in the FA Vase, the St Neots lead over the third placed club was extended to eight points as they prepare for an away trip to sixth placed Daventry Town. With four separate scorers in this match the goals are being shared around with Rhys Thorpe still leading the way with fifteen goals this season. There were two team changes from the previous match with Mike Amaeshike and Murphy Cullin returning to the side for Dammy Nickels and the injured Nathan George.
St Neots made all the early running after a speculative long shot by visiting striker Jared Bradshaw had been comfortably fielded by James Goff. Harvey Williams had a shot blocked by a defender and Connor Furlong cut in to bring a full length save from visiting keeper Keelan Fallows. Centre half Charlie Bowen then joined the attack to see his effort rebound from a post into the grateful arms of the visiting keeper but then after twenty minutes the visitors went ahead against the run of play when Jared Bradshaw netted from close range from a low Brad Middleton cross .It took St Neots just eight minutes to cancel out that early lead as Rhys Thorpe headed home a Williams cross to restore parity. From a Kieran Barnes free kick Mike Amaeshike saw a header deflected for a corner and just before half time Thorpe saw another effort rebound from a post with the keeper beaten. The visitors began the second half strongly and after Goff had saved well from Adan Barber, Hinckley were ahead for a second time when slack defending allowed Brad Middleton to turn in a Leo Farruch cross from close range after 49 minutes. Again, St Neots responded quickly and six minutes later after Williams had tested Fallows, the scores were levelled for a second time when Thorpe chased a long ball down the left to cross, for Connor Furlong to score past the diving goalkeeper.
John Walker's Match Report
HINCKLEY AFC (H)
09-11-2024
That second goal spurred the home side and after 63 minutes from a second successive Furlong cross, defender Charlie Bowen powered the ball home from close range to put St Neots in front for the first time. They then capitalised on their lead four minutes later from another Barnes corner when Sam Willis netted at the far post to give the home side a two goals advantage.A series of substitutions broke up the pattern of the game, but St Neots had learned how to defend, and the visitors failed to test Goff after his side had established their two goals advantage.
St Neots Town: Goff, Willis, Culkin, Tavernier, Parker, Bowen, Furlong, Amaeshike, Thorpe, Barnes, Williams
Subs: Baulk (for Williams 80 mins), Hatch (for Thorpe 90+1 min), Joseph (for Barnes (90+4 mins), Nickels, and Jammeh.
Cards: Willis (Y – 59 mins)
Hinckley AFC: Fallows, De-Longa, Martin, Donzo, Vineall, Syzmanski, Barber, Evans, Middleton, Bradshaw, Farruch
Subs: Kohyrelon (for Martin 67 mins), Jones (for Bradshaw 67 mins), Walker-Donovan (for Evans 78 mins), Nguesseu (for Middleton 85 mins), and Shilton.
Cards: Vineall (Y – 72 mins)
Attendance: 339
Referee: Darren Lander
(John Walker)
John Walker's Match Report
DAVENTRY TOWN (A)
16-11-2024
GCE HIRE PLANT UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION SOUTH
DAVENTRY TOWN 0 ST NEOTS TOWN 0
St Neots returned from Daventry Town with a point from a drab uninspiring match that is best forgotten. Neither goalkeeper had a significant save to make except for James Goff’s penalty save at the end of the first half when he denied former Saints skipper Luke Knight from the penalty spot after he had conceded the penalty himself. Goff was booked but he kept his side on terms with a stunning full length save to make good his misdemeanor. Apart from that moment of drama there was little that will last in the memory as the two sides slugged out a stalemate played largely in midfield in the rain. It was the eleventh league meeting of the two sides in the past 23 years but the first to finish without goals.
Two former Saints were on parade against their former side with Tom Wood anchoring the home defence and Luke Knight in midfield. Meantime there was just one change in the St Neots line-up with James Sage replacing the suspended Murphy Culkin to make his first appearance for the Saints for almost twelve years. Harvey Williams produced the first shot for the visitors after seven minutes but saw the ball deflected for a corner. Ten minutes later Kieran Barnes burst into the Daventry penalty area to be upended but the Referee waved away his penalty appeals. After twenty minutes the home sides’ first serious attack brought them a corner from which Tom Wood won the ball but headed wide. Nine minutes before the break Williams was brought down in full flight earning a caution for home defender Aiden Print but the real notable action in the drab first 45 minutes came just before the interval. Visiting keeper James Goff raced from his line to misjudge a cross colliding with Rhys Hoenes to concede the home side a penalty kick.
Former Saint Luke Knight stepped up to take the kick but James Goff dived full length to his right to smother the kick and retrieve the ball at the feet of an onrushing forward. There was still time before the break for St Neots skipper Rob Parker to pick up a yellow card for a late tackle.
John Walker's Match Report
DAVENTRY TOWN (A)
16-11-2024
The second half followed a similar pattern to the first 45 minutes. Both sides were happy to clear their lines by sending the ball up field without picking out their own players. Barnes did see one effort on target easily saved by the home keeper whilst both Hoenes and Mitchell-Gears both squandered promising openings for the home side. In a bid to freshen up their attack St Neots replaced Williams with Danny Baulk but was unable to add much to the visitors’ efforts. As the game wore on it seemed that both sides had reluctantly settled for a share of the points and the game petered out with neither goal really threatened.
St Neots Town: Goff, Willis, Sage, Tavernier, Parker, Bowen, Furlong, Amaeshike, Thorpe, Barnes, Williams
Subs: Baulk (for Williams 66 mins), Nickels, Jammeh, and Sutherland.
Cards: Goff (Y – 44 mins), Parker (Y – 45+3 mins), Furlong (Y – 78 mins)
Daventry Town: Bewley, Print, Moyo, Ashton, Wood, May, Knight, Price, MitchellGears, Hoenes, Bruce
Subs: Cerga (for Bruce 84 mins), Fuller, Ronaldi, Nketiah, and Dogbe.
Cards: Print (Y – 36 mins), Knight (Y – 82 mins)
Attendance: 232
Referee: Luke Pilley (Northampton)
(John Walker)
PLAYING RECORD
SEASON
7 8 9 10 11
Opponent Spotlight LEICESTER NIRVANA
Leicester Nirvana Football Club (Nirvana) nurtures junior talent from the age of 2 years (Nirvana Nippers) up to Seniors football. Providing a clear pathway for young players to develop in to men’s football. The club has grown tremendously over the years and now has close to 20 teams throughout the ages of under 7’s through to men’s. The club structure also includes Nirvana Nippers ages 2 years to 4 years and Nirvana Development club ages 5 years to 8 years.
Nirvana is known for developing young talented players and strong teams with many of those teams playing at the higher end of the league structures. Today, Nirvana embodies more than a football club and aims to be a platform that allows young people life changing opportunities via football or other arenas. With a strong community focus, Nirvana will continue to fuse football and the sporting development of individuals, with the wider support of advocacy to influence public policy and the decisions that ultimately affect our members.
Nirvana FC began its activities in Leicester in the mid-1980s growing out of the Red Star youth group in the city. The club has always had a strong BME holding but discriminates against no one and welcomes all. A real local community club for the whole city, especially for parents and their children from multi-racial inner city backgrounds. Nirvana is a true local melting pot around the integrative sport of football. Starting on Victoria Park in south Leicester in the local Mutual League, Nirvana lacked the resources and the facilities demanded by the local football pyramid. In 1989 the club’s senior adult side moved out of Leicestershire football to join the Central Midlands League. But in the early 1990s, frustrated with a lack of access to resources in adult football in Leicester, club members began to think about developing a very different sort of club focusing on youngsters only. In 1994 Leicester Nirvana was born. As football for children really took off in Leicester in the 1990s so Nirvana grew, a positive haven for inner city kids, and for Leicester children from wider afield. Because of its enthusiasm and care the club recruited some of the most talented young players in the city.
After establishing as a very successful junior club, the club initiated discussions to re-establish a senior team for the young players to aspire to. This started in 2008 and the club entered a team in the Leicester City Football League. However at the same time the club initiated conversations relating to the possibility merging with Thurnby Rangers to give us a pathway to Step 7, at this point Thurnby Nirvana was born.
Opponent Spotlight LEICESTER NIRVANA
Leicester Nirvana FC and Thurnby Rangers FC had both established their own identities at a local football level. Thurnby Rangers being a successful senior side in the early years 2001-03 in which time Leicester Nirvana no longer had a senior side but had an outstanding reputation at mini, junior and youth football levels both locally and nationally. Over the past period they have contributed to the development of players with to date 8 professionals playing at pro clubs and approximately 15 youths at academies across the country, who have been through the clubs youth system, an outstanding return.
In the build up of the 2008/09 season the decision to merge was only reached seven days before the season kicked off which left us scrambling to sign 15 players and get a team ready for the first fixture. Thankfully with the hard work of many individuals and a new merged management committee, we managed to field a team and finish in a very respectable 5th place. Considering our initiation to senior league football and the steep learning curve relating to the entire off field responsibility, as a club we were pleased with our return, although as a club first is always our goal.
Season 2009/10 started with more optimism, we had time to plan and prepare a good pre season programme with many new players being attracted to the club given our total football style of play. Again with both the on and off field learning curves we finished a respectable third in only our second season involved in adult football. We, as a club applied to the East Midland Counties League for promotion and after an extremely eventful summer and an enormous amount of effort and work behind the scenes, secured a place at Step 6 of the National league system. The 2010/11 season was a new chapter in the club’s history, competing in the East Midlands Counties league at Step 6 for the first time.
The club firmly established themselves at this level with a respectable 9th place finish in the league, which was a good return with a young and somewhat inexperienced squad with an average age of 23. The season also saw defeat in the County Cup final and was topped off with success in the League Cup with a 4-2 victory over Holbrook Sports.
The 2011/2012 season was another learning curve in the history of the club, competing in The FA Cup for the first time. The season looked rather promising at the beginning after an explosive start and a memorable scalp of St Neots Town in the FA Cup, however inconsistency led to a 7th place finish in the league.
Opponent Spotlight
LEICESTER NIRVANA
The 2012/13 season proved to be another exciting chapter in the short history of the club. Once again The FA Cup brought excitement with great victories over Lincoln Moorlands and Lincoln United in the Preliminary rounds, however we again fell at the First Qualifying round losing to Gresley in the replay. In terms of the league, this season was our best to date, an incredible run from December, which included 19 victories, 1 draw and 2 defeats ensured a third place finish.
The 2013/14 season once again looked promising for manager Damion Quailey who had managed to add some good depth to his squad while keeping together the majority of the players from the previous season. There had also been additions to the coaching team behind the scenes which again improved our young squad. Hannah Dingley was appointed Assistant Manager with Chris Gowan and Brain Quailey making up the coaching staff. This paid off for the club by winning the East Midland Counties League.
The 2014-15 season saw us playing at Level 5 in the United Counties Premier Division. A new venture for the club at this level which was again a memorable year in the history of the club. After securing the majority of the squad and again adding the few quality additions we made our mark on the UCL by finishing runners up in our first attempt. The season was also memorable as we embarked on our best run in The FA Vase by reaching the last 32, only to go out in ET during a thrilling encounter with Holbeach United.
Season 2015/16 once again has seen tremendous change in the club. The club had to move from the site in Thurnby to Gleneagles Avenue and has also reverted back to its original name of ‘Leicester Nirvana. On the playing side, while a few players have progressed up the Non league ladder, Manager Damion Quailey has re-signed the whole squad from the previous season and in addition made some good signings. This, with the promotion of some very talented youngsters from the youth, gave the players the appetite to improve on last year’s achievements. Once again we finished runners up only missing out on the title by Goal Difference. However, there was a sweet ending to the campaign as for the first time in the club’s history we were crowned Champions of the Leicestershire Challenge Cup by beating Barwell 3-0 at the King Power Stadium, the home of the Premier League Champions.
Opponent Spotlight LEICESTER NIRVANA
Season 2016/17 once again threw up new challenges for the club after manager Damion Qualiey and his coaching staff moved on and the club found itself in a transition period. Many of the senior players followed suit and moved on to play at a higher level. This presented a number of talented young players with the opportunity to compete at this level. Martin Sockett, who has a vast amount of managerial experience in Non League football, was given the task to develop the youngsters in order to compete, however this was short lived as Martin also moved to coach at a higher level. The club appointed Scott Goodwin as Manager, with Cheddi Gore as his assistant to stabilise the club and provide guidance to the very young squad. They were excited to work with the talent and the imminent development of moving to our very own ground. Friday 23rdDecember was an historic occasion when we played our first ever game at our own home of Hamilton Park, Oadby were the visitors and unfortunately for us the result went in the favour of Oadby, an entertaining 3-2 defeat in our first game at ‘Home.’
The season was once again a steep learning curve for the club and its young players. At times some of the football played was incredible, however we lacked that consistency over a stretch of games. A very inexperienced and young squad competed well given the circumstances and eventually finished 17thin the league. This season the club have appointed Nick Anderson, who has plenty of experience in Non-League football and in particular the UCL. This will allow Nick to build on the players’ experience from last season and bring more consistency to our play. Winning the League Knock Out Cup against a strong Yaxley side was the highlight of the 2017-18 season.
During the summer Nick Andersen stood down as manager. So we go into the 201819 season with a new management team of Dave Clay and Graham Chambers. The club in football history terms is still very immature but with a great thirst and desire to keep moving onwards and upwards. The club is also proud to represent a very diverse population from across all cultures within the city. We have created a club that represents the communities in which we live today. A great achievement whilst striving for football success.
Looking forward, the club is hopeful we can continue to grow at the current pace and who knows? In a short period of time we may be plying our trade at the very top of the national league system knocking on the door of the football league.
The beauty of football and the reason we all love it is, you never know!
Manager - Cameron Mawer
Assistant - Steve Kuhne
Coach - Alex Minall
GK Coach - Gary Dean
Physio - Craig Lambert
Manager – Matt Melbourne
Assistant - Connor O’Neill
Coach – Matt Finnegan
GK Coach – Dan Farrell
Physio - James Popat
SquadList SquadList
JJamesGoff(GK) amesGoff(GK) DammyNickels DammyNickels
NathanGeorge NathanGeorge
RobbieParker RobbieParker
MurphyCulkin MurphyCulkin
CharlieBowen CharlieBowen
JJamesSage amesSage
ChristianTavernier ChristianTavernier
MichaelAmaeshike MichaelAmaeshike
SamWillis SamWillis
KieranBarnes KieranBarnes RhysThorpe RhysThorpe
ConnorFurlong ConnorFurlong
DannyBaulk DannyBaulk
ScottJoseph ScottJoseph HarveyWilliams HarveyWilliams
MarleyPitts-Wallace-Luke MarleyPitts-Wallace-Luke LaminJammeh LaminJammeh
RobbieSutherland RobbieSutherland BrandonJessop BrandonJessop
Colours Colours
LightBlueShirts LightBlueShirts
DarkBlueShorts DarkBlueShorts
Light LightBlueSocks BlueSocks
Squad List Squad List
Patryk Cichosz Patryk Cichosz
Daniel Farrell Daniel Farrell
Jorrin Jorrin John John
Mahmoud Juma Mahmoud Juma
Lynas King Lynas King
Shaquille Master Shaquille Master
Erald Memaj Erald Memaj
Shemar Pettet Shemar Pettet
Callum Amar Rai Callum Amar Rai
Bahada Sandhu Bahada Sandhu
Mussa Bham Mussa Bham
Noah Ingham-Wright Noah Ingham-Wright
Jesper Kutshienza Jesper Kutshienza
Oliver Punt Oliver Punt
Michael Akintunde Michael Akintunde
Colours Colours
Red/Black Red/Black Shirts Shirts
Black Shorts Black Shorts
Black Socks Black Socks
Referee Daniel Miller Assistant I Peter Moore Assistant 2 Ian Reynolds
