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
"Goodafternoontoyouallandwelcomebacktothe PremierPlusStadiumfortoday‘sGCEHirePlantUnited CountiesLeaguePremierDivisionSouthmatch.Todaywe extendawarmwelcometoeveryoneconnectedtoYaxley FootballClubandwehopeyouenjoyourhospitalityhere thisafternoon”.
Herewearethen,Februaryalreadyandwecurrentlysitveryproudlyatthetop oftheUnitedCountiesLeaguePremierDivisionSouthtablewithaniceleadof fivepoints.Januaryturnedouttobeagoodmonthforus,remainingunbeatenin theleague,bouncingbackfromtheBoxingdaydebacletobeatEasingtonSports andCoventryUnitedhereatthePremierPlusStadiumandmostrecently,areally toughtriptoHistonwherewecameawaywithawellearned1-0wincourtesyof ConnorFurlong’slongrangeeffortsendingthelargetravellingcontingentinto raptures.
SandwichedinbetweentheleaguematcheswasourHuntsFASeniorCupSemi FinalversusEatonSoconandafterwhatturnedouttobeanextremelyclosetie, weprogressedtoourfirstfinalforsomesixyearswhentheinformHarvey Williamsnettedwhatwastobethewinnerlateinthesecondhalf.
WewillnowfaceStepThreeSideStIvesTownintheFinal,DateandVenuetobe announcedinthecomingweeks.
ThesenotesarebeingpennedaheadofTuesdayev triptoMarchTownintheHinchingbrookeCupSem sohopefullywewillbetalkingaboutasecondCup appearancebutshouldthisnotbethecase,wehav thesmallmatterofaLeagueChampionshiptowin
GetbehindtheLadsfromtheofftodayandenjoythegam Yoursupportoffthepitchmakessuchadifference......
Saints Social Media Sponsor
We are delighted to have ADP Fire and Security as our Media Sponsors for the 2023/24 Season
BoardroomGossip
From The Dugout
WithChairmanBarryCavilla
With Manager Cameron Mawer
"I’dliketogiveeveryoneassociatedtoYaxleyawarmwelcome tothePremierPlusstadium.Yaxleyhaven’thaditeasyoflate intermsofresultsbutyouonlyhavetolookattheplayersin theirrankstoknowtheyhaveplayersthatcanhurtyouand themakeupofthesidefromlastseasonthatwasn’ttofar fromtheplayoffs”.
WehavealreadyhadtwogoodbattleswiththemthisseasonandIhaveno doubtthisgamewillbethesame,thetwomanagersaretwogoodguys,who arebuildingagoodyoungsidewhocanontheirdaybeatanyone.
WecomeoffthebackofareallygooddisplayagainstHiston,weshowedso muchgritanddeterminationtofindthewinner,itwasahardpitchtoplayon andtheyhadsomanybodiesbehindtheballitwashardtocreateanything clearcutbutIbelievelastseasonwewouldhavedrawnthatgameandatthe momentwearefindingwaystowingamesandthismustcontinue.
Sincemylastnoteswemanagedtosecureacupfinalspot againstlocalrivalsStIvesintheHuntscupwhichwillbea reallyexcitingoccasion.Wehadtofindawaytobeat EatonSocon,itwasn’taclassicbutitneveriswhenitcomes toderbiesandit’sallaboutwinningwhichismanagedto.
WehavehadagreatresponsetoBoxingDaydefeathaving nowwon4inarowsinceandaftergoingouttheFAVase inSeptemberwehavelosttwicein23games, whichisabrilliantrunbutifwearegoingto getoverthelinethenwewillhavetoshowa similarruninthelast11leaguefixtures. There’sstillalongwaytogobutwehave11 cupfinalsnowandweneedyourcontinued supportandnoise,sokeepbeingthe12th playerandkeeppushingthisgroupasit makesahugedifference.
#inittogether
BoardroomGossip
Boardroom Gossip
With
WithChairmanBarryCavilla
Chairman Barry Cavilla
“GoodafternoonandawarmWelcometoyouallfor todaysUCLPremierDivisionSouthhomefixture.Weare pleasedtowelcometothePremierPlusStadiumtoday allthePlayers,Officals&supportersofYaxley”.
YaxleyhavealwaysbeenatoughfixtureovertheyearsfortheSaintsandI amsurethesamewillapplytoday.SoIamcertainCameronandthelads willbehopingtobuildontheirfineperformancelastweekatHistonand continuetopushonandmaintaintherequestforthreevaluablepoints todayandchallengethemselvestoputpressureonalltheteamsontheir heelslookingtoknockthemback.
Thereis,however,aconfidence,spiritandsteelabouttheSaintsthis seasonthathasgrownwiththesquadandwithyourincrediblesupport behindthemthiswillgivethemalltheconfidencetheyneedtocontinue thisfineformandgetthejobdoneinthisbusyandcompetitiveLeaguerun in.
Theclubisbusyworkingbehindthesceneson projectstoimprovebothfacilitiesandoffering excitinganddifferentclubsocialEventsforall thelocalcommunitytoenjoyandwithyour fantasticsupportwecandogreatthingstogether fornowandinthefuture.
Thankyouall andenjoythegamethisafternoon.
COMEONYOUSAINTS
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:
EVENTS at St Neots Town FC
Player Sponsorship Season 2024/25
(President)
St Neots Town Reserves Old
Saints Ambassadors
DAMMY
BLAST FROM THE PAST
YAXLEY 1 ST NEOTS TOWN 6
St Neots eased their way into the Hunts Senior Cup semi-final with six separate players on their scoresheet on what proved to be a simple victory over an out-ofsorts Yaxley side. They must relish a 3G surface for this is the second time this season they have scored six on the synthetic turf. However, they were matched in the first half by their hosts leading by just a single goal and it was not until the home side visibly tired in the second half that the floodgates opened. With their league backlog of matches piling up this was one match St Neots would have been pleased to have avoided but Manager David Batch used the opportunity to rest several regulars and utilise almost the entire extent of his squad making five changes from the side that had been beaten at home on Saturday. It was an ideal chance for the newcomers to show their pedigree and three of the scorers recorded their first goals of the current campaign. Tom Meechan had netted a hat trick for Godmanchester the last time he had faced Yaxley and although he only got one in this match, he also recorded an important assist with three of the other five goals.
The match got off to the perfect start for the visitors when they forged ahead in their first attack after just four minutes. An Isaac Galliford corner was not clear and from twelve yards the unmarked Tom Ward netted with a shot that bounced into the roof of the net. Ryan Horne then should have doubled the lead, but his free shot was too high and then Guy Mailancol, shot disappointingly wide. Playing a 4-33 system with lots of one touch short passing St Neots looked comfortable, but Yaxley had three chances to level. A shot from Jon Stead was pushed away by Ollie Sutton who then saved well after Stead had set up Dan Cotton. Stead was also involved in the third chance setting up Scott Carter who dragged his shot well wide. Tom Meechan almost doubled the lead after 25 minutes skilfully lobbing Andy Stevens, but Sam Spencer got back to clear off the line but in the next attack St Neots did extend their lead when Meechan cleverly flicked a Galliford cross to the unmarked Luis Vieira who netted from close range. Back came Yaxley and deservedly pulled a goal back ten minutes before the break when Cotton’s hard work set up Scott Carter to score with his second attempt after his first had been blocked.
BLAST FROM THE PAST
Stevens made an excellent save to push a stinging shot by Horne over the bar at the start of the second half as St Neots began to cruise although Carter almost got through their defence only to see Ollie Sutton dive bravely at his feet to smother. After 55 minutes St Neots introduced teenage substitute Claudio Ofosu to add pace up front and with his second touch he made the score 3-1 after unselfish skill by Meechan. Now Stevens was busy fielding several shots from Galliford, Horne and Ofosu as St Neots upped their pace. It was clear that Yaxley were wilting and after a net bound shot by Galliford had been deflected wide St Neots capitalised on the corner after 73 minutes as skipper Adam Tann netted a rare goal. That was the start of a five minutes’ spell in which St Neots destroyed the confidence and will of their hosts as they added their last three goals.Two minutes later Tom Meechan was rewarded for his non-stop hard work when he was in the right place to score after impressive work by Ofosu and Vieira and after 78 minutes the scoring was completed when Meechan again took on two defenders to lay on a first goal for the club by Isaac Galliford who had delivered his best game for St Neots. It was especially satisfying for those non-regulars who had featured in a memorable victory.
St Neots Town: Sutton, Anton, Hall, Beech, Ward, Tann, Vieira, Horne, Mailancol, Meechan, Galliford
Subs: Ofosu (for Mailancol 55), Berkes (for Ward 84), Gomes and Wilton
Cards: none
Goals: Ward (4 mins), Vieira (28 mins), Ofosu (58 mins), Tann (73 mins), Meechan (75 mins), Galliford (78 mins)
Yaxley: Stevens, Duncliffe, Ogbonna, Nolan, Spencer, Morris, Gearing, Hook, Carter, Cotton, Stead
Subs: Napier (for Carter 57) Bogusz (for Duncliffe 76), Henbury (for Gearing 82). Furnell and Coleman.
Cards: none
Goals:Carter (35 mins)
Attendance: 98
Referee: Richard Hart (St Ives)
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 2021/22
2021/22
This continues my statistical recollection of historical records, highlighting our recent spell in the
This continues my statistical recollection of historical records, highlighting our recent spell in the Southern League depicting both the highs and the lows in the recent proud history of the Club. Southern League depicting both the highs and the lows in the recent proud history of the Club. IIt t was good to be back to complete a season after two aborted by COVID. was good to be back to complete a season after two aborted by COVID. It was a season of highs It was a season of highs and lows that saw us challenging well early in the season with a spell in the play-offs up to the and lows that saw us challenging well early in the season with a spell in the play-offs up to the end of September and a league cup victory over higher graded Hitchin Town. However, after end of September and a league cup victory over higher graded Hitchin Town. However, after that it was downhill as spells of successive defeats saw up slip to mid-table. that it was downhill as spells of successive defeats saw up slip to mid-table. From mid- From midNovember to early February, we failed to win a game - drawing five and losing nine league and November to early February, we failed to win a game - drawing five and losing nine league and cup matches slipping to fourteenth in the league table. cup matches slipping to fourteenth in the league table. We did however, rally to finish tenth in We did however, rally to finish tenth in the final league table – a massive eighteen points shy of the play-off places. the final league table – a massive eighteen points shy of the play-off places.
League League Southern League Division One Central Southern League Division One Central Final League position: Final League position: 110/20 0/20 League playing record: League playing record:
The highlight of a disappointing season was our league cup campaign which produced exciting
The highlight of a disappointing season was our league cup campaign which produced exciting consecutive penalty shoot-out victories over Hitchin and Biggleswade FC before losing away at consecutive penalty shoot-out victories over Hitchin and Biggleswade FC before losing away at Premier opponents Royston Town. Premier opponents Royston Town.
We were beaten at home seven times in the league, and we failed to score in twelve of our 38
We were beaten at home seven times in the league, and we failed to score in twelve of our 38 league matches – six times at home and six times away. league matches – six times at home and six times away. We did score six goals in a match twice We did score six goals in a match twice
– at home to Barton Rovers and Colney Heath but lost to both sides in the return league matches!
– at home to Barton Rovers and Colney Heath but lost to both sides in the return league matches!
Apart from our moderately successful league cup campaign we were disappointing in
Apart from our moderately successful league cup campaign we were disappointing in cup matches losing in the first outings in the FA Cup, the FA Trophy, and the Huntingdonshire Senior matches losing in the first outings in the FA Cup, the FA Trophy, and the Huntingdonshire Senior Cup – at home to Godmanchester Rovers. Cup – at home to Godmanchester Rovers. We again ran no Reserve side. We again ran no Reserve side.
John Walker's Match Preview YAXLEY FC
WeaccompaniedeachotherinrelegationfromtheNorthernPremierLeaguetwoseasonsago soourcommongoalnowistoearnpromotionbacktothehigherlevel.Webothmadea promisingstarttothecampaignwithStNeotsnowleadingtheway,butYaxley’schallengehas falteredrecentlywithjustonewinandonedrawintheirlasttenleaguematches.Bothhome andawaytheyhavestruggledforresultsandarecurrentlyinthelowerreachesoftheleague table.ThisistobethethirdmeetingofourtwosidesthisseasonbutthefirstatStNeots.Back onAugustBankHolidayatthestartoftheseasonourladswon4-2atYaxleyrunningupa4-0 leadinthefirst64minuteswithRhysThorpe,ConnorFurlong,MichaelAmaeshikeandHarvey Williamsallonthescoresheet,butaspiritedcomebackinthefinaltenminutessawformerSt NeotsplayerJulinhoGomes,andEnochOpayincaregistergoalsforthehomeside.Thenin OctoberourtwosidesmetagainatYaxleyintheHuntsSeniorCup. Thatprovedtobeamuch closerencounterwithourladssurrenderinganearlyleadasYaxleycamebacktobeleading31asthematchmovedintoaddedtime.ThengoalsfromJamesHatch(90+4)andRobbieParker (90+7)gaveusanunlikelylifelinetogoontowintheresultantpenaltyshoot-outbyfivegoals tofour.IntheFACupthisseasonYaxleybeatGodmanchesterRoversbeforelosingathometo GranthamTown,whilstintheFAVaseTheybeatKirkleyandPakefield4-3athomeandFoley Meir(StokeonTrent)4-2awaybeforelosingathometoMeltonTown.IntheLeaguecupthey werebeaten3-1athomebyEastwood.
Previousmeetingsofourteams:
Therecordsofmatchesbetweenourtwoclubssinceourreformationin1994makes interestingreading.Ourtwoclubshavefacedeachothernolessthan53timesinthepast31 seasonsinavarietyofcompetitions.Wehavemetasfollows:
SouthernLeague 3times
NorthernPremierLeague 2times
UCL 30times
SouthernLeagueCup 1time
UCLCup 2times
HuntsSeniorCup 9times
HinchingbrookeCup 4times
HuntsPremierCup 2times
Thegoalstallyinthose53matchesisinteresting–StNeotshavescored104goalsandYaxley 81.
TherehaveonlybeenthreegoallessdrawsoneatStNeotsin2009/10andoneatYaxleyin 2006/07,andofcoursethematchherelastseason
St Neots Town Academy Team Sponsors
John Walker's Match Report
COVENTRY UNITED (H)
18-01-2025
GCE HIRE PLANT UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION SOUTH
ST NEOTS TOWN 3
COVENTRY UNITED 1
With Aylestone Park without a game, St Neots moved four points clear at the top of the league table with this victory over Coventry United. The result avenged a 2-1 defeat at Coventry in November and set St Neots up for two important Cup semi-finals in the next ten days. It was an unchanged side that took the field for the home side. The visitors came to town on the back of a well-earned home draw with former league leaders Aylestone Park and were looking for their first league points at the Premier Plus Stadium.
In the first half the visitors had a good share of possession but made little attacking progress again a sturdy home defence in which skipper Rob Parker and Charlie Bowen were outstanding. St Neots took the lead early after just seven minutes when a trademark long throw into the six yards box from Murphy Culkin was only cleared as far as Charlie Bowen and from the edge of the penalty area, he drove home past a visiting keeper who may have been unsighted. Eight minutes later following a build up out of defence Harvey Williams was close to extending the lead, but his low shot passed the wrong side of a goalpost. However, St Neots did double their advantage on 16 minutes when the lively Williams was hauled down in the area and Sam Willis stepped forward to net from the penalty spot. Rhys Thorpe should have added to the lead three minutes later after intercepting a careless pass, but his finish was wide, and then Williams saw another net bound effort deflected for a corner. The same player saw another effort just off target after good work by Culkin and the only serious first half threat to the home goal came after 40 minutes when visiting striker Curvin Ellis volleyed over the bar from close range. The half ended with a speculative effort from Barnes going just wide with the visiting keeper out of position.
John Walker's Match Report
COVENTRY UNITED (H)
18-01-2025
The visiting team looked more positive and aggressive upon the restart with the addition of two substitutes in attacking roles. St Neots soaked up most of the attacking play without looking in danger of relinquishing their comfortable advantage and both Barnes and substitute Danny Baulk tested the visiting keeper. Williams continued to threaten down the left flank and visiting keeper Jake Bull did well to parry his effort after he had broken clear. Then, after 78 minutes, a visiting defender handled in the area and Sam Willis tucked away his second spot kick of the match to increase St Neots’ lead. That seemed to stiffen the visitors’ determination and they set about pressurising the home defence. James Goff saved well from substitute Scott Hammond but with one minute of normal time remaining they did get a consolation goal from Cameron Dunn, another substitute. In a rather generous ten minutes of added time St Neots were happy to defend their lead to pick up three more valuable points to cement their position as league leaders.
St Neots Town: Goff, Willis, Culkin, Tavernier, Parker, Bowen, Furlong, Amaeshike, Thorpe, Barnes, Williams
Subs: Baulk (for Furlong 68 mins), Hatch (for Thorpe 90+6 mins), Peters (for Williams 90+7 mins), and Sutherland
Cards: Bowen (Y – 74 mins), Baulk (Y – 85 mins).
Coventry United: Bull, Osazee, Dickens, Cox, Ritson, Mussa, Dube, Merrick, Ellis, Parker, Devoile
Subs: Cairns (for Ellis 64 mins), Hammond (for Merrick 64 mins), Dunn (for Dickens 68 mins), Mort (for Parker 80 mins), and Owen.
Cards: Ellis (Y – 53 mins), Bull (Y – 85 mins)
Attendance: 252
Referee: Daniel Miller (Northampton)
(John Walker)
John Walker's Match Report
EATON SOCON (H)
21-01-2025
HUNTINGDONSHIRE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION SENIOR CHALLENGE CUP SEMI FINAL
ST NEOTS TOWN 1
EATON SOCON 0
St Neots made hard work of this narrow victory over their lower-graded neighbours to reach their first Hunts Senior Cup Final for six years. Visting Eaton Socon did themselves proud in defeat pushing their hosts for the whole of the match and were unlucky not to win a penalty shoot-out decider. St Neots were outplayed at times by their opponents and never reached the level of momentum that has taken them to the top of their league table. They fielded their usual league side with just the single change of teenage full back Robbie Sutherland coming in at full back for Christian Tavernier, but they lacked the rhythm and confidence displayed in recent outings. They will face St Ives Town in their first Senior Cup Final for six years as they attempt to lift the trophy for the first time since 2018 when they had beaten St Ives in that seasons’ semi-final.
St Neots began well enough with plenty of possession in the opening quarter of an hour. Michael Amaeshike broke through the visiting defence after ten minutes but dragged his shot wide and then defender Murphy Culkin saw a searching cross pushed away at full length by the visiting goalkeeper.Gradually the visiting side gathered confidence and in a confident first half spell they created a couple of good chances but both Hayden Armiger and Ben Hickling saw their efforts both blocked by defenders. St Neots were having to defend in numbers but after 33 minutes they broke away to get the ball in the Socon net only to be thwarted by an offside flag. Just before half time the visitors created the clearest first half chance and when Jake Williams’ shot was parried at full stretch by James Goff the ball fell to Dom Mason, but his free shot was disappointingly wide. St Neots better chances emanated from searching runs down the left by Harvey Williams, but his crosses failed to find a home forward.
S
John Walker's Match Report
EATON SOCON (H)
21-01-2025
St Neots made a half time change replacing Robbie Sutherland with Christian Tavernier with Sam Willis moving to full back and a Willis corner presented Kieran Barnes with a shooting opportunity, but his effort was wide of its target. The visitors growing in confidence then had their best spell of the match dominating play from midfield. Goff had to dive bravely at the feet of Armiger after the home defence was breached, and a dipping free kick by Mason was pushed over the crossbar by the home keeper. St Neots retaliated with a coupled of breakaway attacks with Barnes firing wide and Thorpe testing Shay Griffiths with a rising shot. Then after 69 minutes a cross from the right to the far post from Connor Furlong set up Harvey Williams who netted with a low shot to open the scoring. Any thoughts of that signalling a spell of St Neots pressure were quickly dispelled as Socon hit back but they lost Mason to the sin bin which did not help their cause.Griffiths then kept Socon’s lingering hopes alive when he denied Williams a second goal but a series of substitutions by both sides added valuable minutes to the match which ended with Socon unsuccessfully bombarding the home defence which stood firm until the final whistle.
St Neots Town: Goff, Sutherland, Culkin, Willis, Parker, Bowen, Furlong, Amaeshike, Thorpe, Barnes, Williams
Subs: Tavernier (for Sutherland 46 mins), Baulk (for Furlong 78 mins), Hatch (for Thorpe 87 mins), Jessop and Fox.
Cards: Thorpe (Y – 82 mins)
Eaton Socon: Griffiths, Hickling, Fisher-Diaz, Buckle. Roberts, Ducket (R), Mason, Ducket (R), Williams, Burnside, Armiger
Subs: Ryan(for Armiger 85 mins), Ansell-Carter (for Mason 88 mins), Dawkes (for Fisher-Diaz 88 mins), and Banton.
Cards: Burnside (Y – 61 mins)
Attendance: 243
Referee: Ryan Andrews
John Walker's Match Report
HISTON FC (A)
25-01-2025
GCE HIRE PLANT UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION SOUTH
HISTON FC 0 ST NEOTS TOWN 1
St Neots extended their lead at the top of the table to five points with this single goal victory over Histon.The home side boasted one of the best home records in the UCL Premier South Division this season with just a single league defeat prior to this visit by St Neots. Elsewhere Aylestone Park moved into second place after comprehensively defeating Rugby Borough who are now third – seven points behind St Neots with one match in hand. St Neots had one enforced team change with James Peters coming in for the unavailable Charlie Bowen and also brought back Christian Tavernier for Robbie Sutherland. The goal came late in the second half after St Neots had dominated proceedings after the break, although the home side did create chances of their own after soaking up constant pressure from the visiting side.
In front of a sizable crowd St Neots began well with Kieran Barnes shooting wide in the third minute after good work by Christian Tavernier but the home side responded with former Saint Joe Sutton seeing a shot deflected wide. A spectacular overhead effort by Rhys Thorpe was too high and then Danny Setchell drove a free kick into the St Neots defensive wall. The sides were looking evenly matched, and St Neots appeals for a penalty were waved away. As the first half moved into its final ten minutes St Neots began to dictate play as Barnes tested home keeper George Whitehall, Connor Furlong got the ball in the net to be denied by the offside flag and defender Murphy Culkin burst through the defence but his finish was wide.
fter the home side had squandered an early second half opening as Connor Barnes miscued his effort when played clear of a square lying St Neots back four, the visitors began to dominate play and James Peters got behind the home defence to set up Barnes but his lob over the home keeper also cleared the crossbar.
John Walker's Match Report
HISTON FC (A)
25-01-2025
AAs St Neots pressed both Culkin and Harvey Williams had shots blocked and in another concerted St Neots attack Furlong had two shots blocked in succession with the home defence always in the right place.In a breakaway Histon attack, Taylor Franklin went clear of the visiting defence but shot disappointingly wide of the far post and then with substitutes on Histon seemed to find second wind having survived St Neots best efforts. However, the chances kept coming for the visitors as Williams and Culkin linked cleverly down the left side, but Whitehall was equal to the full back’s finish. Then after 77 minutes St Neots made the important breakthrough as the lively Connor Furlong moved inside two defenders to send a shot over the diving Whitehall and under the bar for what proved to be the winning goal. The competitive nature of the game did not relent as it moved to its finish with visiting keeper James Goff having to make a crucial save to deny Charlie Black deep into added time.
St Neots Town: Goff, Willis, Culkin, Tavernier, Parker, Peters, Furlong, Amaeshike, Thorpe, Barnes (K), Williams
Subs: Baulk (for Furlong 89 mins), George, Sutherland, Jessop, Fox.
Cards: Willis (Y – 70 mins), Thorpe (Y – 83 mins)
Histon: Whitehall, Black, Leka, O’Neill, York, Saffery, Franklin, Crisp, Barnes (C), Setchell, Sutton
Subs: Binder (for Setchell 64 Mins), Cole (for Franklin 69 mins), Cardines (for Sutton 77 mins), Kirkup, and Bruce.
Cards: Setchell (Y – 61 mins), O’Neill (Y – 70 mins), Leka (Y – 83 mins)
Attendance: 304
Referee: Andrew Hitchcox
(John Walker)
PLAYING RECORD
SEASON
7 8 9 10 11
Goldstraw Goldmiths
St Neots Town Main Stand Sponsor
GoldstrawGoldsmiths
GoldstrawGoldsmithsisanestablished,trusted,successful jewelleryshopintheCambridgeshiretownofStNeots.At GoldstrawsGoldsmithswe’vebeendesigningandcaringfor jewelleryforover30years.Wesellallstylesofjewellery;new andantique.Ifyouhaveaparticulariteminmind,wewill alwaysendeavourtosourceit.Twoexperiencedgoldsmiths workonthepremises,offeringqualitycraftsmanshipwithevery newlycreatedpieceandrepair.Wetakeprideinourworkand ourcustomerstellustimeandtimeagainthatwouldn’tgo anywhereelse.Whynotcomeinandsayhellowe”behappyto help.
Opponent Spotlight
Yaxley FC
2The club was formed in 1900 with the forerunner of today’s club, Yaxley Rovers, being members of the first Peterborough League campaign contested during the 1902/03 season. History up until the Second World War is not well documented and the first instance of a post-war championship came about in 1950/51 when the club won the Peterborough League Division Two. Relegation was just around the corner though, and it was back in Division Three by the end of the 1950’s.
The Club has always played either in or on the fringes of the highest levels of local leagues which, over the years have been sponsored and known by many names such as Eastern Counties, Jewson, and Peterborough League. The Cuckoo’s finished as runners-up three seasons in a row, the last of these being enough to see the club promoted to the Premier Division of the Peterborough League. The club’s first taste of Premier Division football came at the start of the 1975/76 season and once again they finished runners-up. The following season they went one better and won the Premier Division title.
The 1983/84 season was a superb one with the first team winning the treble, the Peterborough Premier Division, the Peterborough Senior Cup and the Hunts Senior Cup, and the Reserves winning the Peterborough Division One Championship. The Cuckoos left the Peterborough League at the end of the 1987/88 season and made the step up to the Eastern League at the start of the following season.
1993/94 saw the purchase of the new ground and the facilities to step up to the United Counties League and the 1994/95 season was at that time, probably the most successful in its history. This was the debut season of the ill-fated West Anglian League (amalgamation of the Hunts & East Northants Leagues) and the first team won promotion to the United Counties League after winning the championship. The Reserves also won Division One of the same competition thus emulating the feat of 1984/85. During the close season floodlights were erected and a stand was put up at the Leading Drove ground. The following season saw the Division One championship come to Leading Drove.
The 2002/03 season saw the Reserve and Youth teams win the lion’s share of league and cup silverware whilst Jim Watson took over the management of the First Team making a magnificent charge from the relegation zone of the United Counties League Premiership to finish seventh with 67 points – the club’s highest ever finishing position. The same season saw plans unveiled for new facilities that are part of a five year objective to take the club into the Dr. Martens (or equivalent) league. Plans were also made to incorporate Yaxley Juniors and establish a new Ladies team to assist in creating a community orientated football club.
Opponent Spotlight
Yaxley FC
The ‘03/04, 04/05 and 05/06 seasons have undoubtedly been the clubs most successful ever with the 1st, Reserve, Youth, Ladies and Junior teams all bringing home trophies including at senior level, the prestigious Hinchingbrooke Cup and the UCL League Cup in May 06. The club has maintained FA Charter Club status and was granted planning permission to redevelop the site, improving the facilities (e.g. new clubhouse and additional playing areas) to FA community standard. The project was severely delayed in 2005 resulting in significant commercial loses due to an access dispute halting the club’s entire development plan. The dispute was finally settled and the project restarted in August ’06. Season 2008-09 saw the move to more temporary accommodation. The last 3 seasons have been some of the toughest in the clubs history as against the pundit’s opinions; Gary Clipston pulled survival from the jaws of relegation.
The 2012-13 season saw a total rebuild of the 1st team and players under the management of former Cuckoos player and Reserve Team manager Brett Whaley (assisted by Chris Lenton) and the reinstatement of the clubs Reserve Team acting as a bridge between our flourishing U18’s and 1st Team. The 1st team finished midtable and were joint winners (along with Royston Town) of The Hinchingbrooke Cup, the reserve team were runners up in the league and the league cup and the U18’s were league champions and league cup winners (comprehensively beating AFC Rushden & Diamonds). All in all, not a bad season.
2013-14 saw the dismantling of the reserve side due to a lack of bodies to manage the team to an acceptable level and a brand new U18’s team coming up from U16’s football – a very tough season ahead. The 1st team finished 6th in the league table— a highly commendable result but the FA and League Cup competitions were massively disappointing although we probably created a couple of new records in the process.
2014-15 saw the Cuckoos enjoy a very good season with an excellent FA Vase run and a 4th position in the league but one of the worst disciplinary records in the clubs history compounded by an embarrassing county cup final display to round off a poor run-in to the end. The surprise of the season was the “shock” departure of Brett Whaley to Wisbech Town having only days before presented his plan and budget for the 2015-16 to the clubs committee which was approved.
Opponent Spotlight
Yaxley FC
2015-16 A new brush and a new era with new manager Ian Benjamin, an exprofessional with massive experience in semi-pro and non-league and a track record of promotion at Step 4 and 5. The biggest change for the club was the new 3G pitch that the club and the community have already benefited from enormously. The club would like to place on public record its deep and sincere appreciation to all those silent partners who have made our dream for growth and sustainability a reality. Ian Benjamin resigned at the beginning of April and the position was filled by the return from Wisbech Town of Brett Whaley.
2016-17 Brett Whaley showed his intent to take the Cuckoos to a higher level of football by strengthening the squad with some impressive experience whilst retaining the vast majority of last season’s players. Last season was a disappointing one for the whole club but that was quickly forgotten. Brett brought back players and a great coaching team. In addition to an impressive 3rd place in the league we also won the UCL KO Cup beating Wisbech Town in a fiercely contested battle.
2017-18 saw our new Chairman Malcolm Clements officially set the clubs target for promotion and building on the success of last season, started what we all hoped was the next forward step for the Cuckoos. Our local attendances began to swell and also got behind our reformed Reserves. Assistant manager Andy Furnell took over the 1st Team management as Brett Whaley once again left the club. Ferns led the club again to the league cup final (runners up) but more importantly to the league title and PROMOTION to the Evo-Stik SOUTHERN LEAGUE.
2018-19 on the back of a tremendous season, the Cuckoos are looking to sustain their rise to step 4 retaining the complete squad from last year. And bolstering in a couple of areas. The Reserve team led by Lloyd Burton is looking to improve on a successful last season having finished a solid 6th in the league and UCL Reserves KO cup title. We are all looking forward to the challenge – COME ON YOU CUCKOOS!!
SquadList SquadList
JJamesGoff(GK) amesGoff(GK)
NathanGeorge NathanGeorge
RobbieParker(C) RobbieParker(C)
MurphyCulkin MurphyCulkin
CharlieBowen CharlieBowen
JJamesPeters amesPeters
Manager - Cameron Mawer
Assistant - Steve Kuhne
Coach - Alex Minall
GK Coach - Gary Dean
Physio - Craig Lambert
Manager – Wilkins Makate
Manager – Raph Frascogna
Head Physio - Pete Foskett
Physio - Jemma Hill
ChristianTavernier ChristianTavernier
MichaelAmaeshike MichaelAmaeshike
SamWillis SamWillis
KieranBarnes KieranBarnes
ShaneFox ShaneFox
RhysThorpe RhysThorpe
ConnorFurlong ConnorFurlong
DannyBaulk DannyBaulk
HarveyWilliams HarveyWilliams
RobbieSutherland RobbieSutherland
BrandonJessop BrandonJessop
JJamesHatch amesHatch
Colours Colours
LightBlueShirts LightBlueShirts
DarkBlueShorts DarkBlueShorts
Light LightBlueSocks BlueSocks
Squad List Squad List
Adrian Bilicz (GK) Adrian Bilicz (GK)
Jay Chilvers Jay Chilvers
Denys Dushkin Denys Dushkin
Julinho Gomes Julinho Gomes
Matthew Harris-Hercules Matthew Harris-Hercules
Enoch Opayinka Enoch Opayinka
Max Rigby Max Rigby
Harvey Robertson Harvey Robertson
Jordan Venters Jordan Venters
Evan Watkins Evan Watkins
Jae Mead Jae Mead
Mark Baines Mark Baines
George Carder George Carder
Lewis Lilley Lewis Lilley
Callum Pratt Callum Pratt
Joshua Turner Joshua Turner
Colours
Orange Shirts
Orange Shorts
Orange Socks
Referee Wyndham Trusler Assistant Ian Brown Assistant 2 Paul Buck
