2021/22 - North Leigh - Issue 17

SAINTS GAZETTE ISSUE 17

OFFICIAL ONLINE MATCHDAY MAGAZINE SEASON 2021/22 ADMISSION INFORMATION

SATURDAY MARCH 5TH 3.00 PM KO (MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT)

NORTH LEIGH FC SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE CENTRAL

From the Dugout With First Team Manager Peter Gill I’d like to wish a warm welcome to everyone from North Leigh FC. I hope you enjoy your visit to the Premier Plus Stadium & St. Neots Town FC.

Since I last wrote in the programme notes we’ve seen a few positive shoots from the team as they look to finish the season as strong as possible. We picked up some creditable draws then finally a win away at Wantage! We hope to use this as a springboard to get further results and finish the season in the way we started it. The players have worked really hard throughout this period and deserved that moment away at Wantage. The players continue to Work Hard & Stay Together!

We welcome a few new faces into the group. We are delighted to welcome Harvey Beckettt & Glenn McConnall on loan from Cambridge United. We look forward to helping the boys grow and develop in their first experience of senior football. We also welcome Robbie Mason to the group who debuted vs Wantage. Robbie will need no introduction to those who follow the local non-league community having recently been long serving player-manager of Soham Town Rangers. Robbie offers us a different threat in the top end of the pitch. As soon as Robbie left Soham he was our top target. We felt it important not to move straight away and give Robbie a few weeks to have a well-earned rest. As soon as we heard that he was back playing locally we reached out and are thrilled to welcome him to St. Neots.

We also have seen a few departures. We wish both Joe Dearman & Ky Marsh-Brown well and thank them for their efforts in a Saints shirt. With the 3 players incoming we simply couldn’t offer Joe the game time he needs as he looks to progress up the levels. Ky had an offer from Peterborough Sports that he simply couldn’t turn down and we had no intention of standing in his way and blocking a players progression. Ky is undoubtedly one of the most talented players in the whole league who we wish nothing but the very best of luck to!

Once again, I thank everyone for sticking with the team during what has been a tough 3–4 month spell! Please get behind the boys as we face another tough challenge against a very good promotion chasing team. We know the challenges that North Leigh pose having struggled against them earlier in the season. You only have to look at the league table to see they are one of the best and well coached teams in the league. We know we’ll have to work hard and display our very best traits in order to get anything from todays game.

Up the Saints!

Pete

£25 Per Head Tables of 10

Saints President - John Walker

First Team

Board of Directors

Manager - Peter Gill Assistant - Sean Greygoose GK Coach - Gary Dean Physio - Craig Lambert Kit Man - Mick Hunt Analyst - Ben Williamson Match Ball Retriever - Stan Scotcher

Chairman - Barry Cavilla Director of Football - Iain Parr Events Director - Louise Sales Commercial Director - Mehmet Mimoglu Secretary - Gary Wilson Director - Mike Green Director - Jez Green Director - Andy Clay Director - Brian Barnes

Sports Scholarship Contact - Iain@stneotstownfc.co.uk

Saints Match Day Team

Academy

Fixture Secretary - Marion Izzard Hospitality - Andy Clay, Paula Robertson and Julie 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

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

Greenie’s Greetings With Director Mike Green

Good afternoon everyone and welcome back to the Premier Plus Stadium for today’s Pitching In Southern League Division One Central Match.

Today we extend a warm welcome to the players, officials and supporters of North Leigh FC and we hope your brief stay with us here in Cambridgeshire is a pleasant one before returning safely to Oxfordshire later this tea time.

Well the games have been coming thick and fast in recent weeks as we move towards the season’s end. Firstly, disappointment with the way we departed this season’s Senior Cup at the hands of lower grade Godmanchester Rovers but the very next game on offer, Harlow Town at home, we were looking more like our old selves, playing a high tempo, pressing game and after somewhat unfortunately going behind on the strike of half time to a converted penalty kick, the boys dug in and were deservedly rewarded when the skipper, Lee Watkins stroked home an injury time equaliser which sent our brilliant supporters into a state of delirium. Next up was a rearranged Tuesday evening trip down the A6 to visit Barton Rovers and unfortunately we couldn’t carry our form from Saturday into the game and ended up on the end of 2-0 defeat, some sort of retribution for the hammering we dished out on them earlier in the season at the Premier Plus Stadium, when goal scoring wasn’t a problem.

Next up was a potential banana skin trip to basement club Wantage Town but thankfully we came home with the three points with the skipper once again playing a starring role by scoring the all-important winner. Last Saturday saw our home match with Aylesbury United fall victim to the weather with the referee deeming the pitch unplayable due to standing water, absolutely the right decision in my opinion so this game will be re arranged in due course.

These notes have been penned before our Saturday trip to Waltham Abbey and I really hope we manage to return with another decent performance and of course, some points in the bag.

Back to today and we face a club who are on the verges on the play-offs, so please get behind the boys and be our twelfth man, your support really does make a difference to the lads when the noise levels go up.

BE LOUD, BE PROUD, BE A SAINT

Greenie

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

We pride ourselves on being open minded with a particular emphasis on working closely with our business partners to ensure mutually beneficial achievements. Our aim is to continue developing football for all, to offer duel career pathways and to continue to engage and support the Community and local businesses.

Mehmet Mimoglu Commercial Chat...

Welcome Back to the Premier Plus Stadium I want to start my notes by welcoming Daniel Dodson to our Commercial Team. Daniel has been part of the Club for a long time in various roles and now has taken the first step towards taking over the Commercial Activities of the Club. I have no doubt that he will continue his hard work and continue to be a valuable asset to our Club.

Business Partners at every level of support is very valuable however when we start discussions with a firm with big interest in St Neots area due to their size; the prospect of partnership materialising is very exciting ..The banner of Cala Homes has recently been added to our 3G area with possible further discussions with this firm in future and we have had a recent meeting with Urban & Civic for possible partnership opportunities. We also have ongoing discussions with D&A Recruitment whom are the main stand sponsors of Cambridge United. We are continuing our discussions with these big firms and hoping for a positive outcome.

We are holding second of Hospitality Table at todays game. I want to extend my thanks to Jez Green for taking active part in arranging and supporting our Hospitality offer.

We will also be hosting Kite Utilities team of 12 on our 26th March Home game.

Jez Green is also heading our Community Club card initiative and we have ongoing meetings in that area.We are hoping to launch the Community Club Card for next season.

Another initiative we are in discussions in is with Cambridge Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber of commerce is planning to extend their activities to St Neots area and our Club may be the centre for this with joint business events with the Commerce. This will surely help us gain more local business contacts.

Over the last few weeks we had interaction with our Business Partners away from the ground. We wereasked by ABC life to inform our other Business partners of their further First Aid courses in 2022 and our emails again has been answered positively by quite a few. We manged to create a business interaction amongst our Business Partners. We also recently entertained our long and valuable business partner Floored By Ian at a Cambridge United game at Clubs Signature Suite. It was a game very much we enjoyed with Ian Mclachlan.

I want to finish my notes by congratulating our U18 team for winning the Thurlow Nunn Youth league. I want to thank our sponsors, Scaffolding London Ltd and Mindset for their massive support in us achieving this success.

As always, I have no doubt that you will get behind the lads today and show your continued superb support. Players and all of us at the Club appreciate your support on and off the pitch

Mehmet

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

We pride ourselves on being open minded with a particular emphasis on working closely with our business partners to ensure mutually beneficial achievements. Our aim is to continue developing football for all, to offer duel career pathways and to continue to engage and support the Community and local businesses.

Saints

First Team Shirt Sponsor

WELCOME TO PREFERRED PLUMBING AND HEATING Your go-to plumbing and heating specialists in Cambridgeshire Get in touch!

07463 004120 / 01480 774723

www.preferredplumbingandheatingltd.co.uk

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

SAINTS FOOD TERRACE

We pride ourselves on being open minded with a particular emphasis on working closely with our business partners to ensure mutually beneficial achievements. Our aim is to continue developing football for all, to offer duel career pathways and to continue to engage and support the Community and local businesses.

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

Welcome to the players and officials of our vistors today North Leigh.

It seems a distant memory when we played North Leigh earlier this season in the warm sunshine , unfortunately we also left without any points in a very competitive game.

Congratulations to Pete and the team as they secured an excellent away win and 3 valuable points at Wantage. It was very encouraging that Pete’s team showed our early season form with a more competitive edge and shape to their game. Hopeful, now that we have recovered from injuries covid and a distinct lack of confidence, the team can build on the fine performance and secure as many valuable points to push ourselves further up the table .

Unfortunately our last home fixture against Aylesbury was cancelled to last minute deluge of rain that washed out our chance to build on that fine performance.

Off the field we have been busy building on our social Events & looking at future commercial opportunities with other business partners going forward with Mehmet heading our commercial activities supported by Daniel .

We are also looking at other projects to support our community club and are hopeful of securing support in making a new community remembrance area for family and friends of the club to add there messages for all to remember there times enjoyed at the Saints.

Finally I would like to say a very Big Thank you to Trevor , Rodger & Christine, and not forgetting Karen for all there help so far this season we could not have achieved all what the club has done without your tremendous support.

Your always 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

St Neots Town FC is not just about football we are a community focused business. We have so much more going on which ultimately and significantly increases our footfall and our website site and social media reach.This in turn means that when you advertise with the Saints you get so much more for your money.

Saints - Goldstraw Goldmiths St Neots Town FC Academy & Main Stand Sponsor The Goldstraw Goldsmith’s St Neots Town FC Academy Sponsor Goldstraw Goldsmiths is an established, trusted, successful jewellery shop in the Cambridgeshire town of St Neots. At Goldstraws Goldsmiths we’ve been designing and caring for jewellery for over 30 years. We sell all styles of jewellery; new and antique. If you have a particular item in mind, we will always endeavour to source it. Two experienced goldsmiths work on the premises, offering quality craftsmanship with every newly created piece and repair. We take pride in our work and our customers tell us time and time again that wouldn’t go anywhere else.

Why not come in and say hello we” be happy to help.

www.goldstraw.co.uk 01480 407704

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

St Neots Town FC is not just about football we are a community focused business. We have so much more going on which ultimately and significantly increases our footfall and our website site and social media reach.This in turn means that when you advertise with the Saints you get so much more for your money.

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

Call 01480 470931 / Mobile 07950 496568

St Neots Town FC is not just about football we are a community focused business. We have so much more going on which ultimately and significantly increases our footfall and our website site and social media reach.This in turn means that when you advertise with the Saints you get so much more for your money.

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

St Neots Town FC is not just about football we are a community focused business. We have so much more going on which ultimately and significantly increases our footfall and our website site and social media reach.This in turn means that when you advertise with the Saints you get so much more for your money.

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

www.abclifesupport.co.uk / 0800 0467 410

St Neots Town FC is not just about football we are a community focused business. We have so much more going on which ultimately and significantly increases our footfall and our website site and social media reach.This in turn means that when you advertise with the Saints you get so much more for your money.

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

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

St Neots Town FC is not just about football we are a community focused business. We have so much more going on which ultimately and significantly increases our footfall and our website site and social media reach.This in turn means that when you advertise with the Saints you get so much more for your money.

Saints Social Media Sponsor BlueLine Security Ltd – Social Media Sponsors Your peace of mind is our business We draw all of our operational staff exclusively from the UK Police Force and HM Armed Forces. When it comes to your security, you can trust in us. At Blueline Security Limited we know how important integrity and reliability is to our customers. That’s why we draw our operational staff exclusively from Police and HM Armed Forces backgrounds, and have a stringent selection process to ensure that only the best people join our team. Our business is your peace of mind. To that end, our wide range of services include manned guarding, working dog teams, property/business protection, mobile patrols, close protection and surveillance/investigation. As we continue to expand across England, we pride ourselves on maintaining our ethical trade policy, and we will only ever offer a service when a genuine need exists. If you’re interested in any of our services, get in touch today. We’d be delighted to provide you with further details on any of our services.

03339874277 www.bluelinesecuritylimited.com 01480 407704

Saints

Functions and Events Visit www.stneotstownfc.co.uk To find out how to Book an Event

We have three rooms available for any number of functions and events.

These include a board room/meeting room that holds up to 12 people.

We also have two function rooms.

Reedman's Hold up to 80 guests and is idea for smaller wedding, parties, Funeral wakes, Fitness classes, smaller trade fairs and much more The Gregory Suite Holds up to 250 guests and is ideal for Wedding receptions, larger parties, Dance groups, presentation events, Business networking and much more Our dedicated team have lots of experience and will be on hand to assist in any way possible. Full flexible catering service is also available Give Louise a call on 07753 222683 Full information is available at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk

Saints Functions and Events To book and event visit www.stneotstownfc.co.uk

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

1St Neots Town

2

St Neots long awaited first league victory came at Wantage Town 84 days after their previous victory on 20th November at Chesham over FC Romania. It was a hard-fought victory in very difficult conditions courtesy of a goal four minutes from time by skipper Lee Watkins.However, it will have been a trying watch for their loyal band of supporters who had made the 150 miles round trip after St Neots had presented their hosts with the softest of goals as well as missing a penalty themselves. The swirling wind was often the driving force in this contest, but St Neots gritty determination drove them on for what could prove a pivotal victory as they move towards the end of the season. With a win and a draw in their last three matches Wantage looked to be bidding to get clear of the relegation zone but another much changed St Neots returned home with a well-deserved tree points haul. Recent signing Rob Mason looked a real boost up front being a significant presence on his debut and he was one of four changes in the side that had lost at Barton Rovers in midweek. Back after injury came Charlie Johnson, Aaron Smith and Callum Anderson with the Marsh-Brown brothers and Joe Dearman on the substitutes bench and Marc Abbott omitted from the squad. It was St Neots first victory in league and cup for fifteen matches, their first goal in seven outings, and it completed their first league double of the season.

Wantage won the toss and elected to kick with the strong wind at their backs. After Charlie Kille had headed wide in a first minute attack, St Neots settled quickly and began to take the game to their hosts.From a Neo Richard-Noel cross new boy Mason headed over the bar and in the next attack he collided with home keeper James Foster, who after receiving lengthy treatment limped off to be replaced by Kacper Kowalczyk. Sam Hartley squandered the home sides’ best first half chance sending a free header off target whilst St Neots were defending well and looking dangerous on the break. After 26 minutes in the best move of the first half, Charley Barker exchanged passes with Aaron Smith on the left before sending Richard Noel clear of the defence and he netted with a narrow-angled shot to put St Neots in front. Just before the break a neat move by the home side ended with Ben Lodge sending a well struck shot just inches over the crossbar.

JW Match Report WANTAGE TOWN FC (A) 12-02-2022 SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE CENTRAL St Neots began the second half in the ascendancy and long throws into the six yards box

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

St Neots: Chadwick, Marfo, Smith, Anderson, Johnson, White, Barker, Watkins, RichardNoel, Mason, Heal Subs: Ky Marsh-Brown (for Richard-Noel 41 mins), Kwai Marsh-Brown, Rider, Dearman, and Gill.

Cards: none Goals: Richard-Noel (24 mins), Watkins (86 mins) Wantage: Foster, Bestley, Kille, Hartley, Alexander, Hammond, Lodge, Crosbie, Crook, Branker, Henshall Subs: Kowalczyk (for Foster 19 mins), Logongo (for Henshall 74 mins), Price (for Lodge 86 mins), Pemberton and Horwood Cards: Kille (Y – 84 mins) Goals: none

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

JW Match Report WALTHAM ABBEY FC (A) 26-02-2022 SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE CENTRAL

Waltham Abbey

1

St Neots Town

3

A second consecutive away league victory for the first time since September eased St Neots concerns about being dragged into a relegation scrap and lifted them a comfortable twenty-one points above the bottom two sides in the table. An almost settled side from their previous outing saw just one change in the starting line-up with Cambridge United loanee Harvey Beckett replacing Perry White at the heart of the defence. It was their first ever trip to Waltham Abbey for a league fixture, although St Neots had lost 4-2 at Capershotts to their Hertfordshire hosts in the FA Cup in 2000.

However, this time there was to be no repeat, and the victory improved on the goalless draw shared by the two sides at the Premier Plus Stadium last November. They next take on promotion chasing North Leigh hoping to avenge a 2-0 defeat suffered in the first meeting of the two sides this season.

There was a slow start to the match with little early goalmouth action. In fact the home side might have scored with their first significant effort on goal after 17 minutes but the narrow-angled cross from Nathan Koranteng saw a header by home skipper Billy Holland clip the crossbar with Louis Chadwick beaten.St Neots most effective form of attack was from lengthy throws by Aaron Smith into the six yards box that saw some nervous home defending. From one of these debutant defender Harvey Beckett saw a close-range shot blocked with the home keeper on the ground. After half an hour Neo Richard-Noel was brought down on the edge of the penalty area and from Charley Barkers’ free kick, Charlie Johnson headed narrowly over the bar whilst at the other end an Ace Laurent free kick was well saved by Chadwick. Almost inevitably when St Neots did manage a break-through, it came from a long throw by Smith after 36 minutes flicked on at the near post for Lee Watkins who netted with a low shot – his sixth league goal of the campaign. That strike separated the sides at half time to give the visitors a lead which they just about deserved based on first half possession.

It was the home side that began the second half in a more positive frame of mind. After Chadwick had saved at the feet of Christian Gyamti the home side levelled the scores after 50 minutes. The third of three second half corners proved significant as home skipper Billy Holland met a well struck corner at the near post with a header that gave Chadwick no chance. Once level the home side seemed to grow in confidence and for a quarter of an hour St Neots looked untidy, but Manager Pete Gill quickly reshaped his side with two substitutions – Felipe McConnell and Myles Cowling replacing Neo RichardNoel and Wynford Marfo.

JW Match Report WALTHAM ABBEY FC (A) 26-02-2022 SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE CENTRAL Now St Neots looked more comfortable, but their defence could have been breached after 65 minutes when Gyamti stole in at the far post to head just wide. St Neots third substitution three minutes later saw the significant benefit to the visiting side as Joe Rider replaced Watkins and within two minutes, he had shot narrowly wide. Then just five minutes after his introduction he produced the perfectly weighted pass inside the last defenders to set up Rob Mason who took a touch before shooting past George Oake to restore St Neots’ lead. That put a different complexion on the contest as St Neots visibly grew in confidence to boss the remainder of the contest. The icing on the cake came two minutes from time with the home defence absent, as Rider set up Ben Heal for the third goal to seal an important victory.

St Neots: Chadwick, Marfo, Smith, Anderson (C), Johnson, Beckett, Barker, Watkins, Richard-Noel, Mason, Heal Subs: McConnell (for Richard-Noel 56 mins), Cowling (for Marfo 61 mins), Rider (for Watkins 68 mins),Kwai Marsh-Brown, and White.

Cards: Watkins (Y – 40 mins) Goals: Watkins (36 mins), Mason (73 mins), Heal (88 mins) Waltham: Oakes, Anderson (A), Mongwele, Silverman, Twumasi, Rydings, Koranteng, Holland, Gyamti, Laurent, Asamoah Subs: Bakalandwa (for Asamoah 62 mins), Michael (for Koranteng 72 mins), Domafriyie (for Laurent 81 mins), Drafu and Cani.

Cards: Asamoah (Y – 6 mins), Laurent (Y – 40 mins), Silverman (Y – 79 mins) Goals: Holland (50 mins)

Referee: Jamal Horne (Croydon) Attendance: 164 John Walker

JW LOOKING AHEAD NORTH LEIGH FC (H) 05-03-2022

OPPONENTS SPOTLIGHT (5TH MARCH 2022) OPPONENTS SPOTLIGHT (5/March/2022) NORTH LEIGH – THE MILLERS Year founded: 1908 Chairman: www.pitchero.com/clubs/northleighfc

Edward

Martin

Club

Website:

WELCOME ESPECIALLY TO OUR VISITORS NORTH LEIGH FC FOR OUR SECOND MEETING HERE AT THE PREMIER PLUS STADIUM Our first meeting here was on 31st August 2019 and was only our second match in Division One following our relegation from the Premier Division. We were making a less than impressive start to our new surroundings and had lost our first home league match 5-2 to Yaxley ten days earlier before North Leigh heaped further problems on Manager Marc Abbott as his side shipped in a further five goals losing 5-1 to our Oxfordshire visitors. Alfie Connor scored his third and final goal for the club in that defeat – a late consolation goal three minutes from time after our visitors had almost completely dominated the game. We have since then faced North Leigh twice away from home. The first of those meetings was last season when a Ben Worman double gave us a 2-2 draw with the home side scoring their equalising goal in added time, and earlier this season we visited Eynsham Hall to be beaten 2-0 by the then league leaders.North Leigh took full advantage of getting in their league matches to lead the league table for several months, but as other clubs caught up with their matches, our visitors now find themselves in sixth place – one place outside the play-off zone.

North Leigh is an Oxfordshire village close to Witney and has a population of just over 2,000. It progressed to the Southern League via the Hellenic League and is one of five Oxfordshire clubs in the Southern League Central Division One this season. Last season North Leigh finished seventeenth in the table some three points shy of the relegation zone. In the FA Cup this season North Leigh made a very early exit losing 2-1 at home to near neighbours Kidlington.

In the FA Trophy they fared a similar fate at home losing to Binfield from the Isthmian League South Central, 4-2 in a penalty shoot out after a 2-2 draw in normal time. In the League Cup they also bowed out at the first hurdle again at home beaten 2-0 by higher graded Beaconsfield.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS OF OUR CLUBS 2019/20 St Neots 1-5 North Leigh 2020/21 North Leigh 2-2 St Neots 2021/22 North Leigh 2-0 St Neots Enjoy the match John Walker

Saints v Wantage Town FC

Opponent Spotlight NORTH LEIGH FC

North Leigh Football Club North Leigh were formed in 1908, but it was only following the Second World War that the club started to make its mark in Witney and District League. The club won the Witney and District League Premier Division title seven times in the 1950’s and also enjoyed success in the Oxfordshire Senior Cup. In the 1980s the club resumed its trophy winning habits with five successive Witney and District League titles earning it a place in the Hellenic League Division 1 for the season 1990/91. The club enjoyed a good first season in the Hellenic League, finishing in 4th position and being the Division’s highest goal scorers apart from Champions Cinderford Town. In the club’s second season it again achieved 4th position averaging two points per game, scoring 84 goals in the process. In the third season, the club finished runners up to Tuffley Rovers in Division 1 and so took its place in the Hellenic League Premier Division along with the champions.

In 1997/98 the club reached the second round of the FA Vase for the third time before losing to Elmore. They finished the season in 4th place in the Hellenic League Premier Division, and capped their season off by reaching the final in the Oxfordshire Senior Cup where they were only narrowly beaten by their Oxfordshire rivals Witney Town 1-0 after extra time.

The season 2001/02 was without doubt been the most successful in the club’s history to date. After a superb season of consistently high performances and an epic struggle with both Gloucester United and Yate Town throughout the season to occupy top spot, the club eventually succeeded in winning for the very first time, the Premier Division title. The club also reached the final of both the Oxfordshire Senior Cup and the Hellenic League Challenge Cup. In season 2002/03 the club went one better and with smaller squad than the previous year and arguably stronger league opposition, retained the title with a winning margin of 10points over Yate Town (the team pipped the previous year) and local rivals Carterton. Unfortunately the ground at this stage was not up to required standard for the team to take promotion to the next level.

In season 2003/04 a disappointing eighth place in the league was offset by a tremendous run in the FA Vase where club reached the last 32 and with reasonable luck would have progressed further.

In 2004/05 the club finished in seventh place in the league but the highlight was the truly memorable run in the FA Cup as the last Hellenic team left in the competition defeating Deal Town, Walton Casuals and Edgware Town and only losing out to Conference South outfit Newport County in Wales after holding them to a draw at Eynsham Park.

In season 2005/06 after an excellent start and leading the table during the early part of the season the club narrowly missed out on promotion to the Southern League finishing in fourth place after a disappointing late run.

In season 2006/07 after a head to head contest with Slimbridge and narrowly finishing behind them after an epic struggle and a particularly strong finish to the season including a double win home & away against them, the club were severely disappointed to learn of their withdrawal from promotion to the Southern League at a stage too late for them to be replaced them even though North Leigh’s home ground had by now received the necessary FA approval to play at the higher level.

Opponent Spotlight NORTH LEIGH FC

North Leigh Football Club In season 2007/08 in the club’s centenary year it looked to be a minor image of the previous year with the team vying for the top spot throughout the season and just losing out in the final push for promotion. However in a truly magnificent finish to the season the team overhauled the long term leaders of the division, Almondsbury Town in their very last league game, winning the league title and promotion on goal differences. In addition and a few weeks later prior to winning the league title, the club won the Oxfordshire Senior Cup for the first time in history defeating on Oxford United team in the QF and Banbury United (Southern League Premier in the final.

So the club climbed to its highest ever position in the non-league pyramid by joining the Southern League S&W in 2008 and during its membership over the past eleven years has been a model of consistency finishing in a top ten position in every season until last. Major changes occurred in 2016 with the departure of long serving Manager Mark Gee and the appointment of John Brough who had just won the league with Cinderford Town. John had a successful first season steering the club to its best ever FA Cup and Trophy run and just missed out on a play off place in the league.

2018/19 saw North Leigh fighting for their survival both in the Southern League and as a club with financial struggles impacting every decision made on and off the pitch. With the departure of John Brough, joint Managers Craig Dore and Darren James took the helm with an almost impossible task ahead. Arriving from years working in the Oxford City youth programme, they had a strong desire to play young attacking football but a very limited playing budget meant a lot of hard results to swallow including an 8-1 home defeat to Corby Town. Despite occupying a relegation zone spot for most of the season and being 8 points from safety with 6 games to go, the Millers completed the great escape with a final day draw against league champions Peterborough Sports.

Following a season of restructuring and consolidation, the Millers started the 19/20 season in a much-improved position. A number of familiar faces returned to the first team fold, following spells playing elsewhere and these were joined by a couple of standout additions. The first team were clearly much stronger as the team hovered around mid-table and looked well positioned to make a late push towards the play-offs as the season came to a conclusion. However, nobody would have foreseen in August of 2019 how the 19/20 season would be curtailed and in what manner. The season still deemed a success by the club; highlights included reaching the Second Qualifying round of the FA Cup and a trip to local rivals Oxford City and young starlet Henry Landers notching all 5 goals in an away victory at Bedford Town.

Only a handful of matches were completed during the 20/21 season, with the club sitting second bottom of the league when proceedings were halted in November 2020. It had been a difficult start to the season for the Millers, exiting the FA Cup in the first competitive match of the season at Marlow and only registering a single victory in the seven completed league matches. The undoubted highlight was an FA Trophy run to the First Round proper, equalling the club’s best run in the competition.

Much of 2020 and 2021 has seen North Leigh consolidate and safeguard the club’s future during the Covid-19 pandemic. It has worked hard to ensure the club remains on a sound financial footing, whilst where possible working hard to continue modernising and ensuring the club is in a positive position for the resumption of competitive football for the 2021/22 season. There is an optimistic and confident feeling around the club, and everyone associated is extremely excited about the opportunities that lie ahead, both on and off the field.

Opponent Spotlight - PLAYER PROFILES NORTH LEIGH FC Craig Dore director of football Played for Oxford United and Oxford City during his on-field careers. Before joining the Millers at the start of the 2018/19 season, he coached various youth teams at Oxford City.

In his inaugural season of men’s football management, he guided North Leigh to Southern League survival on the final day with a sensational 3-3 draw against league champions Peterborough Sports. The following year he guided the Millers to a vastly more comfortable mid-table position, pushing towards the playoffs before the season was curtailed. Dore now takes up a role overseeing all football related activities at the club, covering all age groups and teams.

Eddie Odhiambo manager Eddie joined the club 12 months ago from Banbury United in a player/coach role for the 2020/21 season. Over the summer he accepted the Managers role and now takes his first steps into football management with the Millers. Eddie is determined to build a great atmosphere and winning environment within the club. He has vast football experience as both a player and a coach in league and non-league football with a proven pedigree of effectively working with players.

Michael Alexis assistant manager Returned to Eynsham Park at the start of the 2019/20 season in a role that has developed into a player/coach arrangement. He has vast experience having originally played for Oxford United, Forest Green Rovers and Burton Albion but has gone on to enjoy a lengthy career in non-League football with the likes of Slough Town, Abingdon United and Marlow. Can be seen on a match-day taking charge of the warm up’s and issuing instructions from the technical area.

Aaron Woodley player/coach Aaron is a highly skilled player capable of playing in a variety of positions and has plied his trade with North Leigh for almost a decade. This season he takes up a new role assisting with coaching responsibilities whilst maintaining an on-pitch presence as well. He started as a professional with Oxford United after spending his early years in their Academy. Subsequently he has spent time with Oxford City, Banbury United, Swindon Supermarine and Didcot Town.

John McDonough physio “Macca” has been with the club for that many years that nobody actually knows how long, around about 16 in total. He keeps himself in shape playing regularly for, and organising, the North Leigh Veterans team. He has incredible knowledge and experience in his field and is an integral part of the coaching setup at the club.

Connor Walton performance analyst Connor joins the club at the beginning of his personal journey into the world of football.

After a very brief appearance last season, he has committed to North Leigh for this foreseeable future and will be providing vital support to Eddie and the coaching staff as he analyses and reports back on First Team matches. He will also provide personal feedback to the players on areas of their game that can be improved.

Opponent Spotlight - PLAYER PROFILES NORTH LEIGH FC GOALKEEPERS Adam North - Although he is only 20-years-old, Adam joined the Millers with a huge variety of experience already. He started his career in the Northampton Town academy, but has experience at this level having played for AFC Rushden & Diamonds at 17. He then joined Bodens BK in 2018, playing in the Swedish football pyramid. Prooved himself to be a fine shot stoper last season and has made the position his own.

Redman Evans - Signed as a back up keeper for the remainder of the season, 16 year old Redman is a local lad who has played much of his youth football in Witney at Tower Hill.

Has recently had trials with league clubs Coventry City and Swindon. He joins the Millers to gain experience in and around mens football. Will be working closely with current number 1 Northy.

DEFENDERS Ben Brown - Re-joined the club in 2018 after leaving in the 2013/14 season. He is solid at the back and calm under pressure, his experience was essential in our unbeaten run to survive when times get tough at the end of the 18/19 season. Found playing opportunities curtailed due to injury last season, he’ll be looking for more pitch time this season.

Scott Isherwood – Former development Squad defender for Bristol Rovers FC, he joined on a youth loan deal in order to get first-team football last season. Has since shown himself to be a very solid defender with great athleticism and composure for his age. Loves to get forward and has already scored and notched assists from his wing back role.

Luke Carnell – Experienced defender Luke Carnell signed for the Millers from local rivals Didcot Town ahead of last season. The right-footed centre back will this season be going into his 13th year in the Southern League, giving him an unbelievable amount of experience. Extremely vocal during a match, loves an aerial challenge and is a real threat from set plays.

Owen Dore – The son of previous Millers manager Craig Dore, Owen has been amongst the First Team setup and club for the last 3 years. He has gained good experience during his time with the Southampton and Oxford academies and is another looking to make the step into senior football.

Wesley Jodo – 19 year old defender that has joined the Millers over the summer. Has previous experience at Oxford United, Swindon Town and most recently Oxford City. Has played at centre back and wing back during pre-season and has shown himself to be cool, calm and collected on the pitch. Away from football, he is studying for a degree in Sport and Exercise Science.

Christopher Francis - A youngster who has joined the Millers ahead of the 21/22 season.He has previous experience coming through the Swindon Town academy system. He’s an adventurous full back who has already shown himself to be calm on the ball, good in the air and confident beyond his age. Not afraid to get forward and pose and attacking threat as well.

Opponent Spotlight - PLAYER PROFILES NORTH LEIGH FC Andrew Gunn - Enjoying his 3rd stint with the Millers now; Gunny has played for Oxford United, Banbury Town amongst others, most recently for Thatcham Town. Possesses a calmness on the ball, is great in the air and is strong in communication. A solid defender who has immense experience andalways shows commitment to the cause.

MIDFIELDERS Callum McNish - Part of the clubs most successful season in 2016/17, Callum returned last season after a stint at Division One rivals Didcot Town. A powerful Midfielder with a slick passing game and a great desire to be on the winning side. He is the creative part of the midfield with the ability to read the opposing defence in order to deliver defence-splitting passes to the strikers.

Morgan Williams - A North Leigh legend who re-signed for the 2019/20 season following a couple of years away. A strong running left sided attacking midfielder player who has the ability to be a match winner from out of nowhere. Loves a free kick and is equally adept between the posts if required.

George Nash –Nash is a 28-year-old defensive midfielder and a key signing ahead of the 20/21 campaign. He will be a pivotal link between the front and back lines and tasked with getting on the ball at every opportunity to get the team passing and moving forward.Another player to join the Millers from Didcot, but also has experience at Banbury and Worcester City.

Aaron Heap - Heap returned to the Millers for a second spell from Southern Premier Division side Banbury United in December of last year. The 20-year-old began his career in the junior sides at Southern Division One Central side Kidlington and he was also a part of the Oxford United academy, completing his scholarship with the latter and then being rewarded in the summer of 2018 with a professional contract. He made two appearances for Oxford in the EFL Trophy in 2018/19 and was a regular in their under-23 side that season.

Roger James - This young man needs no introduction to Millers fans having featured prominently for the club in previous seasons. A dangerous winger who can turn on a sixpence and his electric pace and determination make him almost unbeatable 1-on-1. He returns to North Leigh having spent time last year at Cirencester Town.

Jordan Thomas - Jordan has come up through the Procision Academy system and was handed his chance at Southern League level last year by Didcot Town. Has made the switch to his local team in the Millers over the summer. He loves to run with the ball and try to create things in the final third.

Jordan Alves - a graduate from the John Madejski Academy football performance programme based in Reading. He appeared for Hartley Wintney and Basingstoke Town during the 19/20 season. He has also enjoyed a couple of spells with Reading City. He last season signed for Thatcham Town, making 10 appearances in total and scoring 2 goals in those matches.

Opponent Spotlight - PLAYER PROFILES NORTH LEIGH FC Jenson Wright - Jenson joins the Millers from local National League South side Oxford City.

Wright joined City from MK Dons at the beginning of 2019/20 and has spent time on loan at Banbury United as well. Millers fans may remember Wright as one of the scorers in the clubs 7-0 FA Cup defeat at the hands of City 2 seasons ago.

Aaron Woodley - Aaron is set to start his 6th season at Eynsham Park this season. With his eye for goal looking sharper than ever, he will undoubtedly be making a few headlines throughout the season and will be a great asset to this strong side.Possesses well-honed ball control, great technical skills and the ability to create chances; never neglects his defensive duties as well.

Aaron MacCreadie - 20-year-old McCreadie is Oxford-born and joined Oxford United’s academy at the age of 9. He captained the U’s youth side to the league title during the 18/19 season and was rewarded with his first professional deal the following summer.He joined Gosport Borough on loan part way through the 18/19 season as well as spending time at Hayes & Yeading.Following his surprise release from United, Gosport snapped him up on a more permanent basis in July 2020 before switching to league rivals Salisbury in June 2021.

Amer Awadh - 24 year-old forward who came through the youth system at Oxford City, playing primarily for their Nomads side, though he progressed to make a few first team appearances. Had been playing for Fanja SC in Oman prior to joining Banbury in February 2018, whom he made 84 appearances for. He started this season at Nuneaton Borough and joins the Millers from Statford Town.

FORWARDS Lance Williams - Returned to Eynsham Park from local rivals Didcot Town, talented midfielder Lance has shown his abilities in previous seasons with the Millers. Another of the 2016/17 season squad, he helped lift the Oxfordshire Senior Cup and set records in both the FA Cup and FA Trophy. He is excellent on the ball and has immense aerial presence.

Jefferson Louis - Jefferson is undoubtedly football’s ultimate journeyman; the 42-year-old has almost as many clubs on his CV as he does years on earth. We reckon North Leigh will be the 41st club of his career. He remains a tall and powerful striker, who has adapted his game superbly to remain a handful for opponents.

Levi Steele - 21-year-old Steele joins us from fellow Oxfordshire side Easington Sports; he is a prolific striker whom certainly knows where the back of the net is.Previously played for Southam United in Hellenic League Division Two and bagged 57 goals in just 36 competitive games for them. In 19 appearances earlier in the season, he scored 16 goals for FC Stratford. Easington Sports then came calling in November 2021 where he made 10 scoring an impressive 12 goals.

St Neots Town FC Playing Record - Season 2021/22

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

Director of football - Craig Dore Manager – Eddie Odhiambo Assistant - Michael Alexis Coach - Aaron Woodley Physio - John McDonough Performance analyst - Connor Walton Squad List

Squad List

Adam North (GK) Redman Evans (GK) Ben Brown Scott Isherwood Luke Carnell (c) Owen Dore Aaron MacCreadie Callum McNish Morgan Williams George Nash Aaron Heap Roger James Jordan Thomas Jenson Wright Aaron Woodley Lance Williams Wesley Jodo Jordan Alves Christopher Francis Andrew Gunn Jefferson Louis Amer Awadh Levi Steele

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

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

Referee Shaun Barry

Colours Red Shirts Red Shorts red Socks

Assistant 1 Scott Hanna

Next Home Match V Aylesbury United FC Tuesday 15th March 7.45 pm KO Gates Open 6.30pm

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