2021/22 Issue Five - Hitchin Town

SAINTS GAZETTE ISSUE 5

OFFICIAL ONLINE MATCHDAY MAGAZINE SEASON 2021/22 ADMISSION INFORMATION

TUESDAY OCTOBER 5TH 7.45PM KO

(MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT)

HITCHIN TOWN FC SOUTHERN LEAGUE CHALLENGE KO CUP - ROUND ONE

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 Stadium Announcer - Mike Green Music & Scoreboard - Charlie Green Catering - Diane Sales

Manager - Iain Parr Development Manager - Alex Minall U18’s Manager - Alex Minall

Media

Club Information

Press Officer - Mike Green Match Reports - John Walker Photographer - Dave Richardson Social Media - Rowan Presland / 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 R.W. Richardson of Rich In Video, used under license.

Ownership: In accordance with the football association league rule 2.13 publication of ownership in relation to step 1-4 within the football pyramid, we hereby confirm the legal status of St Neots Town Football Club Identification Number 02921210, and is a Private Limited Company.

For the purposes of publication of ownership we can confirm that the following are listed as Directors of the Company: significant interest Lee Kearns, Iain Parr, Louise Sales, Gary Wilson, Mehmet Mimoglu and as Non Executive Directors Mike Green, Jeremy Green, and Barry Cavilla.

Company Secretary Keith Gotch, Company Accountant Keith Gotch

Greenie’s Greetings With Director Mike Green

Good Evening everyone and welcome back to the Premier Plus Stadium, home of the Saints and the Goldstraw Goldsmiths Academy, for today’s Southern League Challenge Knockout Cup tie.

This evening we welcome the players, officials and supporters of Premier Division side Hitchin Town and we hope you all spend an enjoyable stay with us here in St Neots before heading south later tonight.

At the time of writing these notes, we have just been knocked out of the FA Trophy by a very experienced (and expensive) Bedford Town side by a solitary goal. This result shows the progress we are making, having lost 3-0 there in the FA Cup some five weeks back. In all honesty, had the Eagles not scored in the fourth minute, I reckon we would have got to a penalty shootout and who knows how that would have ended up.

Football never ceases to amaze, last Tuesday evening we destroyed Barton Rovers 6-2 at the PP Stadium then they go to North Leigh and beat them 2-1, seven days after we lost there 2-0. A week earlier, Welwyn knocked Bedford out of the FA Cup, seven days after we beat them 4-1. Some strange sequences of events but that’s what makes the game so great…

Congratulations to striker JOE RIDER, who has now signed contract with the Club after his electric start to the season with 10 league goals inside the first seven games has been recognised and rewarded appropriately.

A tough game in store tonight against higher grade opposition but as in all cup matches, it’s all on the night. So once again, please get behind the lads as you have done all season.

Come on You Saints

Greenie

From the Dugout With First Team Manager Peter Gill

Good evening to everyone and welcome to the Premier Plus stadium for this evening’s League Cup fixture vs Hitchin Town. I’d like to extend a warm welcome the Players, Staff, Officials and supporters of Hitchin, I hope you enjoy your visit to St. Neots.

At the time of writing we have just come off the back of what was ultimately another disappointing cup result as we go out of the FA Trophy away to Bedford Town. A slow start ended our Trophy ambitions for the year. Despite a really good 30 minute spell at the end of the first half we couldn’t get the goal to take the game to penalties.

With the disappointment of our two early exits in the Football Association competitions we have a real focus on the League Cup. We hope that it is a competition we can go far into. We will also use the game to experiment with a few things. The game also presents a chance to players who haven’t managed to get many match minuets recently to stake a claim in the starting XI for the upcoming game vs Ware. We know hosting step 3 opposition we’ll need to be at our very best in order to have a chance of progressing into the next round.

On the player front we hope to see the second debut for Jake Battersby tonight. There may also be 1 or 2 new additions as we look to bolster the squad ahead of the winter months.

Unfortunately we have lost Erin Amu who has followed his brother to Kings Langley and we wish Erin all the very best of luck and thank him for his contributions in a Saints shirt. We also welcome back George Whitehall back in between the sticks tonight. After a spell with Godmanchester Rovers, George will be in goal for the Saints for the next 2 months.

We hope for an entertaining game tonight. As always, the Saints will set out to win the game and the support you give the boys can make the difference as we hope to overcome higher level opposition.

Enjoy the game. As always, please get behind the boys tonight.

Up the Saints!

Pete

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 for our home cup fixture against Hitchin Town.

I want to start my notes by thanking our Business Partner AF Golfstore for inviting our Youth Academy players to Kingsway Golf Centre for a Golf session..We have Business Partners interaction at First team level and it is pleasing to see similar possibilities at Youth Level. Again at Youth level we are welcoming Madisonbuild as our new U11 Blue team kit sponsors and we also had a kind donation from Ion Science to our U15 team.

There has been more activity with regards to advertising in and around the Club.. We have started the work on Goldstraw Goldsmith Academy banners to be placed on the pitch and 3G area..On our 3G we are welcoming new banners of Kite Utilities, Pane’s Mill Skills and Development Centre,RK Estates,Mindset Social Care and Westgate Shopping.We also have a new banner for Mindset Social Care on the Main pitch; as well as a new banner for Acerbis and Mick George.

At our match programme we are welcoming a new advert for Peri Zone Chicken ; a local Chicken and Pizza take away firm.

On the Business Partnership renewals ;we have renewed our banner advert with ABC Life Support I want to extend my thanks to all these Business Partners on behalf of all involved at the Club. Their massive support on and off the pitch makes a massive difference to our activities.

We have also installed Southern League sponsors Pitching In panel on our main stand which will be donated with our Business Partners company logos.This will be a great way to thank our Business Partners for the massive support we are receiving and Club interviews in front of this panel will proudly be shared on our Social Medial.

Away from the advertising activity at the Club,I was invited to the recent Cambridge United Business Club meeting. There are quite a few Business Partners of Cambridge United who either has personal or commercial connection locally. We already have two Business Partners ;SOS Leak Detection and Scaffolding London who also has partnership with Cambridge United .There may be few more additions in future months..One other important note from the meeting was; Mark Bonner referring to importance of St Neots Town FC connection in Cambridge United FC youth development which underlines the strength of partnership of two Clubs.

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

07733304549 / 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 Gossip With Chairman Barry Cavilla

Good Evening Everyone ; welcome to our game this evening at the premier plus stadium and a very warm welcome to the Players and officials and of Hitchin Town for this league cup meeting.

Hitchin Town play in The Pitching In Southern Central Premier Division and will be very strong opposition for the Saints this evening but one I feel Pete and his talented, high scoring team will relish the opportunity to see how they have grown as a team against higher level opponents .

We all have been enjoying the fast and technical brand of football Peter and the team have been playing so far this season ; we have worked our ourselves in to a strong position in the league at this early stage ,which I trust we can continue and put pressure on the Top teams .

The U18s are also doing very well under the guidance of Alex & Iain and are into the next Qualifying round of the FA cup; away at a strong Rugby team who have done extremely well in this competition; Very Best of luck from us all.

Off the field the club is making new friends commercially and developing and supporting several community projects and raising awareness of what our club offers to our local community.

We are building up a healthy Events and function program for all to come and enjoy over the coming months ;through the hard work of Louise and her team to put on a range of Entertainment ; starting with the Cheese & Wine comedy Evening in early October, so please come and support your club and these excellent events.

Finally we should be getting some further news on our community scheme from Jez and team ; which will give everyone the opportunity to support the club and its ambition to develop and support more community projects this season.

Safe trip to all who are travelling over the coming games with team and remember this club can only function with the Great support you give every week to your team.

Thank you All .

Your town your team; 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.kazbarsystemsinc.com / sales@kazbarsystemsinc.com / 01234 780 177

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

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

Saints Social Media Sponsor BlueLine Security Ltd – Social Media Sponsors

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

03339874277 www.bluelinesecuritylimited.com 01480 407704

Saints

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

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

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

We also have two function rooms.

Reedman's

Hold up to 80 guests and is idea for smaller wedding, parties, Funeral wakes, Fitness classes, smaller trade fairs and much more

The Gregory Suite

Holds up to 250 guests and is ideal for Wedding receptions, larger parties, Dance groups, presentation events, Business networking and much more

Our dedicated team have lots of experience and will be on hand to assist in any way possible. Full flexible catering service is also available

Give Louise a call on 07753 222683

Full information is available at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk

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

JW Match Report BARTON ROVERS (H) 21-09-2021 SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE CENTRAL St Neots Town

6

Barton Rovers

2

St Neots twice came from behind to record their highest league victory for eleven months. They were aided by the sending-off of one of their former players, Martel Powell, who was dismissed just before the break for verbally abusing the Referee. A feature of the match was a second hat trick this season for striker Joe Rider, two of which came from the penalty spot. Barton battled well in the second half despite their numerical disadvantage and a key point in the match came immediately after the break when St Neots man-of-the-match goalkeeper Louis Chadwick saved a penalty kick that could have given the visitors the lead in the match for the third time. With Callum Anderson injured at North Leigh three days earlier, the enforced St Neots team change saw the return in midfield of Charley Barker in an otherwise unchanged starting lineup.Two of the goals came in time added at the end of the game but St Neots totally dominated the second half and will have been disappointed not to have scored more goals against a packed defence.

Barton issued an early wake up call to the home side when they took the lead after just five minutes when former Saint Nathan Frater was involved in the build-up as Christopher Regis fired home from close range. St Neots replied quickly, and Joe Rider was twice denied an equalising goal – first when visiting keeper Kyle Forster made a good save and then a minute later when Paul Andrews blocked his close-range finish.

However, after 17 minutes the scores were levelled when St Neots central defender Wynford Marfo netted following a short corner to record his first ever goal for St Neots.

The contest continued at breakneck pace with Lee Watkins having a shot deflected wide and Martel Powell clearing acrobatically off the goal line to deny Neo Richard-Noel. St Neots then uncharacteristically gifted Barton their second goal as an emergency clearance by goalkeeper Louis Chadwick went straight to the unmarked Bradley Bell who fired into the unguarded net. Unperturbed St Neots regained the initiative swiftly as Rider headed over the bar and then had another effort thwarted as the visiting keeper saved bravely at his feet. Richard-Noel then set up his strike partner again but off balance he fired over the bar. As the first half moved into added time Harvey Steel was upended just inside the penalty area and the Barton protests earned a booking for skipper Andrews and a red card for Powell. After the furore had subsided Joe Rider calmly slotted home from the penalty spot to send the sides to their half time break on equal terms.

JW Match Report BARTON ROVERS (H) 21-09-2021 The drama resumed immediately after half time when Barton were awarded a penalty in the 48th minute when Ben Heal was judged to have brought down Luke Williams, but Chadwick pushed away Charlie Smith’s penalty kick and just four minutes later St Neots were ahead for the first time in the match. Richard-Noel rounded his marker on the left and crossed for Joe Rider to slot home to make in 3-2. It got even better for St Neots four minutes later when the best move of the match saw Charlie Johnson feed Rider from deep in the St Neots half and his early cross picked out Neo Richard-Noel who netted.

Barton regrouped with substitutes introduced and they adopted a more defensive approach making it difficult for St Neots to break down their defence. Myles Cowling had a shot deflected and Forster twice saved well from Watkins and defiantly Barton tried to attack the home defence on the break. Bell should have reduced the deficit when played clear, but Chadwick saved well with his legs and as the game moved into added time there was still much drama to unfold. Joe Rider was brought down in the penalty area but got to his feet to slot home to complete his hat trick and three minutes into extra time another smooth three man move produced a sixth goal for St Neots, substitute Joe Sutton feeding Rider and his square pass set up Myles Cowling for his third goal of the campaign.

St Neots: Chadwick, Steel, Heal, Barker, Johnson, Marfo, Cowling, Watkins, Richard-Noel, Rider, Amu Subs: Sutton (for Richard-Noel 79 mins), Smith (A) (for Barker 86 mins), Thomas (for Marfo 90+2 mins), Gomes and Anthony.

Cards: Steel (Y – 9 mins) Goals: Rider 3 (45+3 mins pen, 52mins, 90+1 min pen), Marfo (17 mins), Cowling (90+3 mins) Barton: Forster, Powell, Andrews, Williams, Adeoti, Smith (C), Bell, Frater, Thomas, Regis, Burnett Subs: Evans (for Burnett 61 mins), Hudson (for Frater 69 mins), Phelan, Reynolds, and Hosier.

Cards: Powell (RED – 45 mins), Andrews (Y – 45 mins), Adeoti (Y – 87 mins) Goals: Regis (5 mins), Bell (26 mins) Referee: Daniel Todd (Milton Keynes) Attendance: 203 John Walker

JW Match Report BEDFORD TOWN (A) 25-09-2021

FA TROPHY – FIRST ROUND QUALIFYING Bedford Town

1

St Neots Town

0

St Neots bowed out of the FA Trophy at the first hurdle with a deja-vu moment having lost to the same opponents five weeks earlier in the FA Cup. However, their overall performance against neighbours Bedford Town was on this occasion very much better. In fact, given the balance of play over ninety minutes, they can consider themselves unlucky not to have taken the match at least to a penalty shoot-out for they dominated possession late in the game but could not find an equalising goal. Manager Pete Gill had the luxury of naming an unchanged starting line-up from that which had won 6-2 at home to Barton Rovers in midweek and he will have been pleased with the performance but disappointed with the result. Bedford scored early in a storming start to the match but after that the play was largely end-to-end with St Neots unable to find the critical finishing touch. Sadly, this is the first time since joining the Southern League eleven seasons ago that the Saints have been knocked out of the two National competitions at the first hurdle.

Bedford’s brisk start seemed to catch the visiting side by surprise with Craig MackailSmith bringing an important save from Louis Chadwick at the expense of a corner after fifty seconds, and then after four minutes in their second sortie forward, former Peterborough United striker Rene Howe took full advantage of a momentary lapse in defensive concentration as he converted a Will Summerfield cross, to score what proved to be the only goal of the match. St Neots replied with skipper Lee Watkins outpacing the home defence to feed Joe Rider, but his shot was deflected for a corner. Charlie Johnson then won a Charley Barker corner in the air, but Alex Street saved well. Bedford were also creating their own openings and from a Shaun Keane cross a Howe header skimmed the crossbar, and Mackail-Smith headed over when well placed. St Neots resorted to lengthy shooting and both Rider and Erin Amu had chances with the latter seeing Street make an important save. St Neots were fortunate when Josh Page was left unmarked but his shot from a Summerfield cross clipped the crossbar and bounced to safety. The half ended with Street saving at the feet of Rider and defender Johnson spotting the Bedford keeper off his line and almost chipping him with a lengthy free kick.

JW Match Report BEFORD TOWN (A) 25-09-2021

St Neots half time instruction must have been ‘more of the same’. However, twice early second half attacks were foiled by the offside flag and Bedford also continued in attacking mode with Chadwick having to save well to foil Howe. Neo Richard-Noel shot wide for the visitors having an earlier effort saved by Street, and Bedford tried to pep up their efforts by utilising all three permitted substitutes. One of those, Danny Setchell shot over the bar after being released by a Zac Brown cross and then St Neots sent on substitute Joe Sutton and in the last ten minutes the visitors dominated possession.

However, the experienced Bedford side pulled players back to crowd out St Neots’ best efforts and had two played booked for desperate tackles. Despite their dominant possession, St Neots seemed to be unable to create anything seriously threatening, even though they moved defender Johnson up to join the attack. Ironically Bedford could have settled the issue just before full time when the dangerous Howe found space in a counter-attack, but saw his header to a Keane cross deflect off the base of a goalpost to safety.

St Neots’ next cup test comes on Tuesday week (5th October) when Southern League Premier Division outfit Hitchin Town visit the Premier Plus Stadium in the first round of the League Cup.

St Neots: Chadwick, Steel, Heal, Barker, Johnson, Marfo, Cowling, Watkins, Richard-Noel, Rider, Amu Subs: Sutton (for Richard-Noel 69 mins), Smith (A) (for Heal 80 mins), Thomas, Gomes, and Anthony.

Cards: none Goals: none Bedford: Street, Keane, Brown, McAuley, Sanders, Alban-Jones, Richardson, Howe, Page, Summerfield, Mackail-Smith Subs: Setchell (for Page 61 mins), Steele (for McAuley 70 mins), Tomlinson (for MackailSmith 78 mins), Duffy, Donnelly, and Miccio.

Cards: Alban-Jones (Y – 69 mins), Steele (Y – 83 mins) Goals: Howe (4 mins) Referee: C. Martland (Swiss Cottage, London) Attendance: 324 John Walker

JW LOOKING AHEAD HITCHIN TOWN FC (H) 05-10-2021

OPPONENTS SPOTLIGHT (5/October/2021)

HITCHIN TOWN

Year founded: 1928 Chairman: Terry Barratt Club Website: www.hitchintownfc.co.uk

THIS IS TO BE THE THIRD MEETING OF OUR TWO TEAMS IN THE FIRST ROUND OF THE SOUTHERN LEAGUE CUP IN JUST TEN YEARS A very special welcome this evening to our visitors HITCHIN TOWN for the third league cup meeting of our two clubs in the first round of this competition in just ten years. In 2012/13 – our first season in the Premier Division we were drawn away at Hitchin and were beaten 2-0 but twelve months later we received home advantage and responded with a convincing 5-0 victory with goals from Jake Woolley (2), Lewis Hilliard, Dave Deeney and Joe N’Guessan.That signalled the start of our best ever run in the competition and six matches later in April 2014 we lifted the trophy for the only time with a narrow 1-0 victory here at St Neots with Lewis Hilliard scoring the only goal over the two legged final. Two seasons ago (neither completed because of COVID) we were relegated and therefore our last league meeting with Hitchin here at the Premier Plus Stadium was on 29 September 2018 when out two sides fought out a goalless draw.

This season Hitchin have made a stuttering start to their league season and a couple of weeks ago they defeated Barwell at home to move out of the relegation zone.In the FA Cup, Hitchin convincingly defeated neighbours Biggleswade Town 3-0 in the first round qualifying and earned a second-round home tie with Cheshunt (result not known when these notes penned).

In the FA Trophy Hitchin join the fray later in the competition. Hitchin Town's best ever league finish was second-place in the Isthmian League (then at level 5 of the overall English football league system) in 1968–69, the sixth in a spell of 10 seasons played at that level.

Hitchin have reached the second round of the FA Cup four times, in 1973–74, 1976–77, 1994–95 and 1995–96. The record for highest attendance was set in 1955–56, when an FA Amateur Cup tie against Wycombe Wanderers attracted 7,878 spectators.

Enjoy the match John Walker

Goldstraw Goldsmiths ST NEOTS TOWN FC ACADEMY

FFA YOUTH CUP FIRST ROUND QUALIFYING KETTERING TOWN U18

2

ST NEOTS TOWN U18

4

St Neots progressed to the Second Qualifying Round of the FA Youth Cup with an assured away victory over Kettering Town U18. It was the first time for six years that they had won two matches in the competition, and they must now travel to face Rugby Town U18 in the next round in two weeks’ time. The result avenged a home defeat by the same opponents’ last season. The outcome was effectively decided by half time when the visitors rapped in their four goals and despite a spirited second half from the home side the result was never seriously in doubt.

St Neots made the perfect start moving ahead after just seven minutes when Marley UgarteEdwards met a cross from Julinho Gomes to beat home keeper Sam Sweke. Four minutes later the lead could have doubled as Newman Nshangalume sent a towering header the wrong side of a post from a free kick. The only attacking reply from the home side came after 19 minutes when Jack Empson ran at the visiting defence but shot high over the bar, and four minutes later St Neots extended their lead as Julinho Gomes outpaced his marker to go clear and when the keeper parried his first effort he followed up to net from close range. As the first half moved into its final minute Gomes turned provider to set up Marley Ugarte Edwards to make it 3-0 with his second goal of the match – his ninth in four games this season. That would have been a good haul for the first half but in time added there was a fourth goal for the visitors when Kacper Kobus pounced on some sloppy defending to make it 4-0 to the visitors.

What was said in the home dressing room at half time is not recorded but it was a different more positive Kettering side that resumed after the break. Before the hour visiting keeper George Anthony had to throw himself bravely at the feet of Connor Duncan to save but the home side were not to be denied and after 66 minutes Jamie Buck pulled a goal back for the home side.Now St Neots had to be resolute in defence with centre backs Rhys Perry and Ethan Camfield in the thick of the action.On the break substitute Max Smalley had a shot blocked on the line as St Neots regained some composure but on the half hour Kettering struck again. With St Neots skipper Ryan Thomas on the ground awaiting attention Kettering took their chance and when Jack Cawkill’s initial shot was blocked he followed up to make it 4-2. St Neots regrouped and looked comfortable in the final few minutes with Ugarte-Edwards close to further extending their lead as the clock ticked down.

St Neots: Anthony, Payton, Thomas, Clark, Perry, Cranfield, Kobus, Nshangalume, Carbery, UgarteEdwards, GomesSubs used: Hargreaves, Bell, Musgrove, Kimpton, Addai, and SmalleyCards: Payton (Y – 32 mins) Referee: Dave Jarrett (Northampton)(Joh

(John Walker)

Louis Chadwick Man Of The Match versus Barton Rovers

Opponent Spotlight HITCHIN TOWN FC

HISTORY – Hitchin Town The first Hitchin FC was formed in 1865. The club took part in the first FA Cup in 1871-72, and reached the quarter finals of the competition, losing to eventual finalists Royal Engineers. That first Hitchin club, a struggling professional outfit, folded in 1911, debt-ridden and the victims of a fire at their ground.

It was not until 1928 that Hitchin Town FC was formed, and it was at this point that the nickname, “The Canaries”, was established. Hitchin Town gained admission to the Spartan League. The 1930s were a golden age for Hitchin Town. The club won the AFA Senior Cup in 1932, beating Derbyshire Amateurs in the final and in 1935, they won the Spartan League Premier Division. The club entered the Athenian League in 1939, but after two league games and a Herts Charity Cup tie, WW2 intervened.

Hitchin struggled in the aftermath of World War Two in the Athenian League, not recovering until the mid-1950s. In 1956 a record crowd of 7,878 watched Hitchin Town beat Wycombe Wanderers 1-0 in the FA Amateur Cup. At the end of the 196263 season, the Canaries moved into the Isthmian League. This move was not an easy one for the club, and the early years were a constant struggle. But in 1968-69, Hitchin finished runners-up in the Isthmian League and a year later, won the London Senior Cup, beating St.Albans 4-2 in the final. Hitchin stayed in the Isthmian League until 2004, when as a result of a reorganisation they transferred to the Southern League. They won the Southern League Cup in 2006, and despite relegation in 2009, they won promotion back to the Premier Division in 2012, and in 2015-16 and 2016-17 they enjoyed their best-ever seasons in the Southern League, reaching the play-offs on both occasions but missing out on promotions through defeat in the semi-final and then the final. The team also won the Herts Senior Cup in both seasons. 2017-18 saw the start of the break-up of the play-offs team, with three of the key players from that team moving on to pastures new.

Opponent Spotlight HITCHIN TOWN FC

HITCHIN TOWN CONTINUED Nevertheless that team achieved a safe and creditable league position of 11th, and they won the Southern League Cup and the Herts Charity Cup. Season 2018-19 was a season of rebuilding, and consolidation in the new Evo-Stik League South Premier Division Central was the objective. The team often struggled in the league, and despite some bad runs of results managed to finish 18th and so realised their objective. They fared very much better in the FA Cup, reaching the First Round Proper for the first time in 23 years before bowing out at home to Solihull Moors in front of a crowd of 3,148, the highest attendance at Top Field for over 40 years. The season ended on a high with some silverware, retaining the Hertfordshire Charity Cup by beating Hemel Hempstead Town 2-0.

Season 2019-20 was a time of real transition and consolidation. The Canaries found themselves in the relegation zone for much of the early part of the season. However a remarkable transformation in the middle of the season saw the team display form which if it had been continued, would have steered the team towards a play-off spot. When the season was cut short by the pandemic, the Canaries were comfortably placed in 17th position, safe from relegation. Season 2020-21 promised much for the Canaries. The team that finished the previous season stayed, and the continuity was starting to show dividends. When the season was curtailed, the Canaries were sitting in a very comfortable tenth place in the League, having bounced back from a nightmare 7-1 defeat at AFC Rushden and Diamonds to record impressive away wins at Stratford Town and Bromsgrove Sporting. This was followed by impressive wins in the FA Trophy against Herne Bay from the Isthmian League and Mickleover FC who at the time were league leaders in the Northern Premier League, before bowing out to eventual semi-finalists Peterborough Sports in the Second Round Proper.

The Canaries start the new season with most of last season’s players staying, and the hope that the work from last season can be continued. They will also be celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the start of the FA Cup competition, in which the first Hitchin FC team participated. With many new ground improvements in place, the future is looking very bright for the Canaries.

Correct as at 31/07/2021

Opponent Spotlight PLAYER PROFILES

Hitchin Town Football Club Pen Pictures 2020/2021

Charles Horlock: Goalkeeper who started his career at Wycombe Wanderers before spells at Stevenage U18s, Harrow Borough and Hendon. Horlock signed for the Canaries from Wycombe in November 2014, making 87 appearances between the sticks in what was initially a loan deal. After two seasons, Eastbourne Borough swooped for Horlock- he spent a year there before moving east along the coast to Hastings in late 2017. The goalkeeper returned to Top Field for the 2019/20 season, and is Mark Burke’s first choice once again in the upcoming campaign. Widely viewed as one of the best shot stoppers at this level.

Josh Mollison: Back-up goalkeeper and academy coach who highly impressed in Hitchin’s FA Youth Cup campaign of 2017/18, before loan spells at Biggleswade United Barton Rovers, Potton United and most recently Eynesbury Rovers, where he is currently on a dual registration.

Daniel Akubuine: Full-back who signed from Berkhamsted in October 2020 , immediately developing a very strong presence and providing competition at right-back Alex Brown: Brother of Hitchin attacking midfielder Luke.19 year-old left-back formerly of Soham Town Rangers and Godmanchester Rovers, who was signed at the start of 2021/22 pre-season and quickly impressed.

Malaki Black: Quick and energetic full back who can double up as a wing back if needed. Former MK Dons schoolboy who spent time on loan in Spain as part of the academy programme.

Daniel Webb: Hitchin captain, an experienced centre back going into a tenth at Top Field; who is nearing his 400th appearance for the club. Fan favourite Webb started out at Hitchin in 2012 after being spotted playing for Shefford and Campton FC, and has gone on to score 31 goals from centre back.

Ciaren Jones: Bedford-born promising 20 year old centre-back who played for Luton U18s before a move to Norwich City’s U23 side. Played for Gloucester City last season. Highly rated by the Hitchin coaches.

Darion Furlong: Centre-back most recently plying his trade with Potters Bar Town. Joined the Canaries in preseason and has impressed with his tackling and awareness.

Samuel Okaye-Ahaneku: Right-back who signed from Wingate & Finchley in October 2019.

Former Arsenal .Converted to centre back where he has impressed since. Trialled with Watford pre-season but has currently returned to the Canaries.

Kye Tearle: Versatile 18 year old product of the Pro:Direct Academy in Baldock. Broke into the first team in the 2020/21 season, initially featuring as a right-back before moving into the number 10 role in 2021, a position he will compete for with Luke Brown this season.

Opponent Spotlight PLAYER PROFILES

Ryan Smith: Young central midfielder who started off his career at Northampton as an 18 year old first year scholar in July 2018. Mark Burke signed him initially on a work experience loan deal from the Cobblers in February 2020, and he will challenge for his place in the centre of midfield this season.

Josh Coldicott-Stevens: Yet another central midfielder who is enjoying stiff competition for a starting role in Mark Burke’s side this season. Josh began his career across Hertfordshire for Boreham Wood in 2016, and went out on loan to both St. Neots and Kings Langley in the 2016/17 season. Kings Langley clearly liked what they saw, and signed Coldicott-Stevens on a permanent deal. He spent two seasons there before signing for the Canaries midway through the 2019/20 season.

Lawrie Marsh: Right sided defensive midfielder or centre back who arrived from Biggleswade FC after four seasons there, making a total of 105 appearances across all competitions, scoring 17 goals.

Lewis Barker: Strong, no-nonsense defensive midfielder who never loses an aerial battle. Barker started out for Baldock in the 2013/14 season, before staying at the club for another five seasons, making a total of 222 appearances for Baldock. Lewis signed for Hitchin at the start of the 2019/20 season and is a regular in the centre of midfield.

Luke Brown: Attacking midfielder is the son of former Canary Stuart Brown, who played at Top Field in the early 1990’s. Luke started out at Cambridge City as a youngster, before going to play University soccer in the USA, where he represented the University of Maryland and USL League Two team Lionsbridge FC. Returned to England, where he played for Ely City before joining the Canaries for the curtailed 2020/21 campaign. Signed for St. Albans City, where he featured in this pre-season before re-joining Hitchin where travelling demands proved to be somewhat easier. A massive asset to Mark Burke’s squad.

Callum Stead: Speedy forward who signed for Hitchin from Welwyn Garden City after scoring 11 goals in 2019/20, including a goal in Welwyn’s 5-0 win against the Canaries in the Southern League Cup. Stead became an instant fan favourite after scoring both goals in a pre-season win against Barnet last year, and continued his fine form in the short 20/21 season. Only played roughly half of pre-season but scored eight goals.

Henry Snee: Right footed striker who trialled with the Canaries for the 2020/21 pre-season after spending the 19/20 season at Shefford Town and Campton, scoring an incredible 38 goals in 40 appearances. Injury problems plagued his progress at Top Field last season, but Snee returned for pre-season 2021/22 and was regularly on the scoresheet. His persistence has been rewarded with him signing for the Canaries for the forthcoming season and he will be looking to challenge for the number 9 shirt.

Rio Da Silva: 21 year old winger or attacking midfielder whose career began in the Luton Town academy setup before spending four years as a Chelsea academy prospect. After leaving the Blues, Da Silva spent a year at Dunstable Town before joining Hitchin at the start of the 2020/21 season.

Urijah Gordon-Douglas: Former Northampton Town Academy striker who has recently signed for the Canaries.

Has also played for Daventry Town.

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

Manager – Mark Burke Assistant - Adam Parker GK Coach - Richard Wilmot Physio - Nick Sopowski, Charlotte Wright, Sam Backhouse

Squad List

Squad List

Louis Chadwick (GK) George Whitehall (GK) Dequane Wilson-Braithwaite Mamadou Jobe Lee Watkins (c) Callum Anderson Joe Rider Neo Richard-Noel Myles Cowling Wynford Marfo Charlie Johnson Joe Sutton Lawrence Hammond Charley Barker Aaron Smith Ryan Thomas Harvey Steel Jake Battersby Ben Heal Julinho Gomes Brendon Shabani

Delsin Ackom Daniel Akubuine Lewis Barker Malaki Black Alex Brown Luke Brown Stephen Cawley Joshua Coldicott-Stevens Rio Dasilva Darion Furlong Stanley Georgiou Urijah Gordon-Douglas Marlow Gough Charles Horlock Ciaren Jones Jonas Kalonda Lawrie Marsh Joshua Mollison Samuel Okoye-Ahaneku Maximillian Ryan Ryan Smith Henry Snee Callum Stead Kye Tearle Ben Walster Daniel Webb

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

Referee

Colours Yellow Shirts Green Shorts Green Socks

Ryan Dix

Assistant 1

Next Home Match V Ware FC Tuesday 12th October 7.45pm KO Gates Open 6.30pm

Steve Swan

Assistant 2

Stuart Latham

Next Match V Wantage Town (H) Saturday 16th October 3.00 pm KO Gates Open 1.30pm