ST NEOTS TOWN Cirencester Town Football Club ISSUE 06: THE OFFICIAL MATCHDAY MAGAZINE £2.00 The Evo-Stik League Southern Premier Division
INSIDE
Issue 06 V Cirencester Town Evo-Stik League Southern Premier Division
Also Inside 06 Action Replay 08 Match Report - Hungerford 12 Chairman’s Views 16 Mascot Feature
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18 Non-League Greats 20 Read All About It 24 Pull-Out Poster
The Stars Who Got Us To Step 3 / This week we salute ‘Big Will!’
Todays’ Visitors / A warm welcome to The Centurions
30 Greenies Greetings 32 Leagues Review 34 MD’s Views 37 Away Days - Redditch United 38 Match Report - Tilbury 40 First Team Player Stats 2015/16
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View From The Dugout / Batchy gives us his weekly review
44 Season 2015/16 Statistics 46 Premier Division League Table
Player Profile / Showcasing the talented Connor Hall
Owner Mike Kearns
Fiest Team Coach John Beck
Chairman Mike Kearns
Club Secretary Gary Wilson
Managing Director Lee Kearns
Fixture Secretary Marian Izzard
Director Iain Parr
Life President John Walker
Football Manager David Batch
Team Officials Darren Plowman (Goalkeeping Coach)
Assistant Manager Steve Eastaugh
41 Season 2015/16 Fixtures Matrix
Youth Liaison & Development Mick Hunt Physio Carol Holland Functions and Events Coordinator Louise Spark St Neots Town TV Editor Adam Ridley
Programme Editor Mark Davies Club Photographer Claire Howes Site Manager Irmantas Sabaliauskas Chief Liaison Officer Mike Green Programme Sales Charlie Green
Matchday Music / Scoreboard Simon Hutchinson Pitchcare Working Turf Design & Marketing Blue Prawn Print XL Press Limited
Club Merchandise Linda Walters
WWW.STNEOTSTOWNFC.CO.UK / PAGE 03
Welcome to the players officials and supporters from Cirencester FC, we hope you have a pleasant and safe journey home. For the first time in a long time, I am in a position to only write about the events for the last week with what has turned into back to back home matches. The circumstances of which are strange to say the least, but seem to be in keeping with our season thus far. For the second time in the space of a couple of weeks an away match has been disrupted due to travel issues. Following the Hungerford match, when we arrived two hours after kick-off to grind a draw, this time we weren’t as lucky and were stuck at Brentwood for two hours waiting for a replacement bus. By the time the bus came it would’ve been too late to get to Worthing and start the match and therefore it was called off which was the sensible decision in
the circumstances by the Football Association. I was very disappointed to hear some of supporters moaning about the quality of play from the team in recent weeks. I read what they say and more importantly so do the players and many are very young players who have just joined the club, this is just not right. Indeed it is strange that while these few are complaining about the performance, the players and staff are overwhelmed by the efforts that every one is giving in extreme circumstances. With TEN players missing last Saturday, Nathan Frater and Issac Galliford played 90 mins, despite being in bed all week with illness. They had to - they wanted to help the team. I didn’t know they would be available until Saturday morning. Jack Wilkinson played through the pain barrier, desperate to not let you or his team down, and at the end of the game called his surgeon to book an operation. Lee Clarke is on the waiting list for an appendix operation. Few will realise he was in agony in the play off semi and final last year, yet played
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through it and had never properly recovered. It was discovered later he had appendicitis. In fact Lee called Tuesday to offer to be on the bench and help in whatever way he can whilst we go through this crisis. So - whilst some are moaning about the team not demonstrating total cohesion at the moment, they then complained that they don’t recognise half the players! Well ditto, 4 of the squad last week I hadn’t seen play!! However, while some keep moaning I know that the hardcore fans appreciate that their team is sticking together, laying their bodies on the line and giving every ounce of effort whilst they continue to grind out results, many of which have been away form home against some of the top teams! Doubtless these doubters will want to join the hardcore fans who have supported us at the end of the year celebrating, if we are fortunate enough to get through this and get played back firing on all cylinders. Let’s remember that. Anyway, hardcore supporters thanks for your support and keep being an important part of our team. Batchy
WHEEL OFF - GAME OFF
JACK WILKINSON
FA VASE ROUND ONE (2/OCTOBER/2010)
ST NEOTS TOWN 11 - 0 FELIXSTOWE & WALTON The big news in the week was St Neots’ signing of former Aston Villa striker Stefan Moore from Halesowen Town for a ‘five figure’ transfer fee. Stefan in his first full season in nonleague football scored 39 goals for Halesowen winning the Zamaretto Premier League Golden boot for 2009/10 in the process. Within three minutes playing time of his debut for St Neots he had scored and he added a further three goals to his tally by half time as St Neots led by a record breaking nine goals to nil. It was inevitable that the tempo would drop after the break but Felixstowe refused to give up despite the score line and to their great credit they restricted St Neots to just two further goals in the second half. A series of substitutions did little to sustain the electric pace of the first half but this was to be St Neots biggest victory in any football since 1968/69 season. Although Moore rightly takes the limelight he was greatly assisted by an outstanding all round team performance and especially by Shane Tolley whose second hat trick for the club took his personal tally to thirteen in just eight appearances. In the most dramatic of starts to a football match the first six minutes of play contained three goals for St Neots and the sad sight of the visiting goalkeeper Liam Jones being stretchered off with a suspected broken ankle. That happed after just seventy seconds in St Neots first attack when the keeper collided heavily with Will Fordham at a corner.
It took five minutes for the injured player to be stabilized and removed from the pitch and replacement goalkeeper James Waters came on and within three minutes saw a brilliant lob from Stefan Moore fly over his head and inside the far post. Less than a minute later it was 2-0 as Lewis Hilliard miss hit a shot across the face of goal and Lewis Webb rose to head home and after eleven minutes Shane Tolley celebrated his UCL award as September leading scorer by drifting past two defenders to score with a well-placed shot. After 19 minutes a superbly unselfish short pass by Moore set up Shane Tolley for his second goal and seven minutes later Hilliard was brought down on the edge of the area and Will Fordham’s free kick was too hot for the keeper who got his hands to the ball but could not hold it. Moore then hit a post as St Neots piled on the pressure but his second and St Neots sixth goal was probably the pick of the lot. Fordham was the provider with a delightful short pass to Stefan Moore who accelerated past a statuesque defender and rounded the keeper to tap in from close range. When Moore was tripped by Martin Calver in the penalty area it was almost inevitable that he would pick himself up to complete his hat trick as he scored from the penalty kick with a tap in after his first effort had been parried by the unlucky Waters. Two more goals in the three minutes before the break from Lewis Hilliard and Stefan Moore made it 9-0 at the
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break. Felixstowe looked far more determined after half time and Adam Hampson had their first real shot of the match after 49 minutes well saved by the previous spectatorial Luke McShane and two minutes later Dan Spencer missed a gilt edged chance with a misdirected header. However St Neots continued to create chances and from a Rob Hughes corner Will Fordham planted a header onto the roof of the net. After 62 minutes it was Fordham again the creator with a shrewd through pass to Shane Tolley whose pace took him past the last defender to send the score into double figures and with Tony Scully and Roy Essendoh on for Lewis Hilliard and Adam Jones new boy Moore was then handed a midfield role. He responded by laying ion the last of the eleven goals for Dan Jacob and that was deserved reward for another impressive performance. Roy Essendoh almost became the seventh scorer for St Neots but his header was cleared off the line by substitute George MacCallum.
St Neots: McShane, Jones, Hyem (M), Webb, Fuff, Fordham, Hilliard, Hughes, Moore, Tolley, Jacob. Subs: Essendoh (for Jones 59 mins), Scully (for Hilliard 65 mins), French (for Hughes 73 mins) Haniver & Trebes. Man of the Match: Stefan Moore Report: John Walker
or
HUNGERFORD TOWN 3 ST NEOTS TOWN 3 Southern League Premier Division / 19.09.2015 / Attendance: 116 / Referee: Dale Wootton (Cheltenham)
St Neots day began badly and got worse as it wore on Then just as their proud away league record looked to have been curtailed full back Jamie Anton popped up with an equalising goal four minutes into added time – time added for the blatant time wasting tactics of their hosts. So they returned home with a point they deserved but looked unlikely to get when trailing 0-2 at half time and even less likely to get seven minutes from time when they conceded a third very sloppy goal. They arrived at Hungerford 25 minutes after the scheduled kick off time having been delayed by a blocked motorway that saw most of their players held up for an hour and three quarters and were allowed twenty five minutes to change and warm up before the delayed start. They then conceded those two first half goals but showed immense character and determination to fight their way back into the match. The enforced team change saw recent signing Josh Beech given his debut in place of the injured Nathan Frater and the return of Isaac Galliford for Gui Mailancol. However a shuffle of the side saw Matt Mitchel-King line up in defence with Jamie Anton moving to full back and Adam Tann in midfield. St Neots had failed to win in two trips to Hungerford so their aim to put this record straight looked doomed in the early stages of the match. After their rushed start St Neots never really settled in the opening 20 minutes and had just a
single shot from Tom Meechan to test the home keeper. Meantime Alan O’Brien broke clear on the left and was only halted by a well-timed recovery tackle by Tom Ward, and Rhys Tyler’s cross-cum shot was well pushed clear by Andrew Wilton. St Neots have relied heavily this season on long throws as an attacking ploy but after 14 minutes they were caught out by the tables being turned on them as James Rusby’s long throw from the left was not cleared and Rhys Tyler bundled the ball in from close range. Ryan Hawkins sent an effort high over the bar but St Neots approach lacked cohesion and after 36 minutes Tyler pulled the ball back to Nat Jarvis unmarked on the edge off the penalty area and he doubled the lead with a neat volley on the turn. St Neots tried to respond by Meechan had a shot well saved by Paul Strudley and Tom Ward won a Jack Wilkinson corner in the air but directed his header over the crossbar. St Neots needed to find some second half inspiration and it came in the form of Luis Vieira back from a loan period with St Ives introduced in place of Galliford and his added pace was an immediate threat on the left flank. They also swapped Connor Hall and Matt Mitchel-King whose presence in midfield seemed to confuse the opposition who seemed content to filter back to concentrate of
defending their two goals advantage. Beech headed narrowly wide from a Meechan corner but after 56 minutes the visitors got a vital toe hold back in the game in the form of a penalty kick. Hawkins pace allowed him to latch on to an under hit back pass by Day and as the St Neots striker went around the advancing keeper he was pulled down. The keeper seemed very fortunate only to pick up a caution and Tom Meechan confidently despatched the spot kick to make it 2-1. Seven minutes later Matt MitchelKing rose high above the home defence to head in a Jack Wilkinson corner and the sides were now level. Now St Neots were in the ascendancy and Hawkins was again upended on the edge of the area earning a second home booking for the offender but the free kick came to nothing. On the break Hungerford still looked dangerous and Wilton made two good saves to deny substitutes Scott Rees and Harry Goodger but with seven minutes left St Neots seemed to have thrown a hard earned point away as Goodger was allowed to score from a narrow angle beating Wilton at his near post. However St Neots refused to be beaten and deep into injury time a corner was only cleared as far as Jamie Anton twenty yards from goal and he gleefully rapped in his first St Neots goal to ensure a share of the points John Walker
Hungerford Town
St Neots Town
Strudley, Horgan, John, Rusby, Day, Jones, Tyler, Collins, Jarvis, Draycott, O’Brien Subs: Brown (for O’Brien 12), Rees (for Draycott 68), Goodger (for Jones 68), Stow and Bossman Cards: Strudley (Y – 56), John (Y – 65) Goals: Tyler (14 mins), Jarvis (36 mins), Goodger (83 mins)
Wilton, Tann, Wilkinson, Hall, Ward, Anton, Beech, Mitchel-King, Meechan, Hawkins, Galliford Subs: Vieira (for Galliford 46), Hobbs, Burton, Marango and Sutton Cards: None Goals: Meechan (pen) (56 mins), Mitchel-King (63 mins), Anton (90 + 4 mins)
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WWW.STNEOTSTOWNFC.CO.UK / PAGE 09
ANY ROOM FOR US ?
Welcome to the Officials, players and supporters of Cirencester Town to the Premier Plus Stadium for todays match, I hope you have a good day with a safe journey home. Cirencester have had a very good start to the season but have had a few not so good results lately. Mainly because of a horrific injury list, so there is another club out there with the same problems as us.The last count we had was eleven injuries to our squad of which only one was a muscle problem which shows that our training is right and we have tried to ensure that this type of injury does not happen. In saying that we have all types of joint injury to players some have been long term like Drew and Remy and some just starting like Matt. Having spoken to David whilst I have been away I have sanctioned him to bring in more recruits and the first one I would like to welcome is Shane Blackett signed from our near neighbours Dunstable Town. Shane was one of the players who David wanted to recruit in pre season but at that time we just could not agree terms. However we got our man in the end. Shane is a left footed very experienced defender who can also play at left back and with Matt King being out for the foreseeable future and Jack still not fully fit David felt that Shane coming in would fill those gaps. There will be a couple more THE MACK BACK! coming in and IS David is in talks with the players now.
Being away for the last three weeks have been quite a testing time as it seems I maybe a bit of a jinx in that every time I’m away something happens and on this occasion we have had the Tilbury problem, a motorway grid lock delaying the coach to Hungerford and now the tire puncture on our way to the FA Cup replay down at Worthing, it has to be me I’m sure of that. For last Saturdays match against Worthing I asked Adam to send me the video as soon as he could after the match had ended, I turned of my mobile and I pad so I did not know the score. Being five hours behind UK time gave me the opportunity to go out and about until about 7pm USA time knowing it would be midnight in the UK, next was to look at my computer and see if Adam had been able to get the video to me. Of course he did and I watched the game by streaming it to my TV. I must say that it was like watching football on Sky it really was that good. Thank you Adam for that and what a great job you do for the club always so professional and of course giving up your Saturday night out to get the video to me. Seeing some of the comments about the match on our clubs forum of which I have promised myself that I will not get involved in any replies in the future that some thought it was not a good game and we should beat a team from a lower division. Well I have just listened to David’s post match interview on the game, which he documented just how we were struggling to get eleven players on the field in the first place. Managers always do things for a reason but unfortunately the supporters do not know what those reasons are, so before
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some of you get trigger-happy on the forum please wait and all will be explained. All matches are tough and none tougher than every match we play in this division; results are so indifferent each week that nothing surprises me anymore. We are now two or three games behind most teams at the top of the table but still in eleventh position and a couple of wins will put us right in the mix. David said to me that it will take at least twenty games to sort all this out and yes he is right about that, but we do have hopefully a huge advantage over most clubs, anyway that’s the way I look at it. I know that we will get a lot more stronger as the season goes on than most other clubs and who is to doubt me with the likes of Drew, Remy, Lee (60 goals last season between those three) also Matt with his experience of some three hundred league games behind him, and add to that our new signing Shane and maybe a couple more quality players. Now can any other club match those signings I very much doubt it. Only nine games played by us so far and we have already played most of the top clubs at the moment. I’m looking forward to having these players back it will be like new signings. So onto todays’ match and lets get behind the team, as I know you will and make plenty of noise please. It’s great to be back and I can’t wait for the upcoming matches we have in both cup competitions and of course the league. All for one and one for all. Mike
SHANE BLACKETT
ADAM AND HIS FATHER IN THE GANTRY
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/STNEOTSTOWNFC / PAGE 13
Born in Hungerford, Berkshire, Charlie Austin trained with Reading’s youth teams as a youngster but was released for being too small when he was 15. Charlie subsequently played for local team Kintbury Rangers and his hometown side Hungerford Town. Austin departed Hungerford in 2008 and was briefly on the books of Thatcham Town but ultimately left without making any appearances for the club. Moving with his family to Bournemouth, he then switched to nearby semi-professional Wessex League Premier Division team Poole Town while also working as a bricklayer. In the season of 2008–09, Austin scored 46 goals in 46 appearances for Poole in all competitions.
Austin spent the pre-season of the 2009–10 season on trial with League Two club Bournemouth. Although Bournemouth’s manager, Eddie Howe, was keen to sign the striker on a permanent deal, Bournemouth were unable to make a move for the striker due to a transfer embargo imposed on the club by the Football League. Austin continued to play for Poole Town, scoring 18 goals in 11 games at the beginning of the season. He was then signed by Swindon Town where he then moved to Burnley. After scoring 58 goals in 113 matches in the Football League Championship for Burnley and
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Queens Park Rangers, Austin made his debut in the Premier League during the 2014–15 season, scoring 18 goals for relegated QPR and receiving a call-up for the England national team. Not bad for a player who played for Hungerford and made his name at Poole Town who are both opponents of St Neots Town in the Premier division of the Southern league.
CHARLIE AUSTIN
WWW.STNEOTSTOWNFC.CO.UK / PAGE 15
Mascot feature
MYLOE HANLEY was our recent Mascot! To apply to be a Matchday Mascot contact Louise Spark on misslouises@yahoo.co.uk
Better advice from your local friendly independent financial advisor
Fenice Court, Phoenix Park, Eaton Socon, St Neots, Cambridgeshire PE19 8EP Email: enquiries@premierplusltd.co.uk Web: www.premierplusltd.co.uk
FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION
WILL FORDHAM PAGE 18 / ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V CIRENCESTER TOWN ISSUE 06
THE STARS WHO GOT US TO STEP THREE Will transferred in from neighbours St Ives Town at the start of our UCL Premier Division championship season to form a regular central defensive partnership with skipper Glen Fuff. He made his debut at home to Northampton Spencer on 7 August 2010 and played regularly that season making 40 appearances plus three as substitute scoring nine goals. However he lost his place to Jordan Gent making just two Southern League appearances away at Barton Rovers and Northwood which was his last appearance on 10 September 2011. Will returned to St Ives and helped them to the southern league Central division.
Career Record MATCHES PLAYED 42 plus 6 as substitute GOALS SCORED 9 APPEARANCES IN SOUTHERN LEAGUE ERA 2 plus 3 as a substitute GOALS SCORED (2011/12 ONWARDS) Nil
WWW.STNEOTSTOWNFC.CO.UK / PAGE 19
READ ALL ABOUT IT We take a look at what other non-league clubs are doing that’s making the news this week. Breed claims 129 applicants for Gulls managerial vacancy Torquay United’s chief executive Steve Breed says 129 people have applied to be the Gulls’ new manager. Paul Cox resigned from the financially-troubled club last week after being told they would not be able to pay him.The Gulls have also seen director of football Dean Edwards leave and have not won a match in over a month. “129 managers can’t be wrong that Torquay United is still a desirable place to come and ply their trade,” Breed told BBC Sport. Breed says 60 of the applications are being looked at ‘seriously’ and the club have already made contact with candidates. “I’ve met with two managers, I’ve got another three appointments on Wednesday with other managers, so we’re proactive,” said Breed, who is set to meet a further three candidates on Thursday. On the field the club has gone through a tough time, losing 7-3 to Bromley on Saturday - their worst home defeat since October 1995 - and being defeated by Boreham Wood on Tuesday night. But, off the pitch, Breed says the situation is improving with the club coming to an agreement with former boss Chris Hargreaves and a number
of other employees who have left Plainmoor. “Myself and Chris are almost at agreement, we’re just waiting for paperwork to be signed,” said Breed, who was part of a c onsortium that took over the club in the summer. “Lee Hodges (Hargreaves’ assistant) remains on gardening leave, but there’s no real issue with Lee at all.There were two other situations and they have both been abated completely. I would like to thank the two employees I’m not going to mention who they are - but they weren’t really issues brought on by this regime.Apart from waiting to sign paperwork with Chris Hargreaves, those situations have gone away, which is excellent news for the football club.”
Daniels boss Staff departs Stamford AFC and manager David Staff have today parted company following amicable talks about the future. It was agreed that a change of direction was in the best interests of both parties. Former Market Harborough and Corby Town manager Andrew Wilson has been unveiled as the new manager of Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Stamford. Wilson was set to start working with the Daniels squad on Thursday night ahead of their FA Cup clash at Coleshill on Saturday after being named earlier in the day as the successor to David Staff. Staff left the Zeeco Stadium on Tuesday
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after a year at the helm with the Daniels fourth from bottom following Monday night’s heavy 7-1 defeat at Hyde United, their sixth reverse in nine Premier Division outings. UEFA A licence holder Wilson, 39, has built up a notable footballing CV and reputation for developing young players. As well as coaching full-time at Leicester City’s academy, he was the assistant manager of Histon in 2012 when the club preserved their Football Conference status with a threadbare budget and a squad with an average age of 19. During his eight years at Harborough Town after ending his playing career as a midfielder with Southern League Corby Town, he managed them to three promotions in five seasons and was also involved in securing sponsorship and helping to improve the United Counties League outfit’s facilities. Delighted Daniels officials say he is determined to make room for youngsters while Wilson, who has been scouting for Barrow and Championship Reading, is looking forward to playing a brand of entertaining football which will meet with the approval of fans. Wilson said: “I am absolutely delighted to be here. Now that I am, my task is to take us further in the cup while also preparing for the NPL challenges which lie ahead. Having worked with several of the players at different clubs, and watched others play, I know there are some talented individuals here and I will be talking to them all very quickly.
“It’s a fresh start. There will no doubt be comings and goings. That is inevitable if we want to build for the future. Where decisions need making, I will make them.For instance, we can score goals, no doubt, but we can’t go on giving them away as we have. That has to be addressed. He added: “I really am thrilled to be here. This is a great club which has given me a great opportunity. I relish the future.”
UEFA honour Martyrs with Best Grassroots Club Gold Award Merthyr Town FC have been recognised and rewarded at the very highest level for their outstanding contribution to their local community with the announcement that they have won the Gold Award for the Best Grassroots Club in the 2015 UEFA Grassroots Awards. “Football can play an important role in the promotion of positive messages and the tackling of social issues and those are both impressive features of the Best Grassroots Club winner at Merthyr Town FC,” said UEFA President Michel Platini following the announcement. “The club has enabled a variety of target groups to enjoy football by taking part in the sport and this ensures
there is a positive future ahead for those involved.” The 2015 awards were announced as part of UEFA Grassroots Week, which has been aligned for the first time with the European Commission’s Week of Sport. “We really believe that Merthyr epitomise everything that we are trying to achieve through our grassroots programme,” said Jamie Clewer, Head of Growth at the Welsh Football Trust. “There’s a real diversity to everything that they offer. We’re really pleased that it has been recognised.” Merthyr Town FC have been celebrated by UEFA as a club that embodies the very essence of sport and community spirit, embracing coach education, fun football, and small-sided games while facilitating the sport for a wide target group. With the pitch always in use, the club is able to use football as a means of tackling social issues at the heart of the town. “With Merthyr Town, I think what sets us apart is we’re looking to be a club for everyone, not just for the elite, not just for the kids at the academy, not just for the fans, but for every one of all ages, gender, ability, disability ... that’s what makes it special,” said Elliott Evans, the Community Development Officer at Merthyr Town FC. “To be awarded the UEFA Grassroots Award, it’s a massive achievement for us and it’s a privilege to be part of it. For the community project there’s no doubt that it’s our proudest moment yet.”
Stockports Rule Banned For Ten Games Stockport County will have to make do without midfielder Glenn Rule until mid November after he was banned for ten games for allegedly biting an opponent. The 25-year-old was sent off for violent conduct after allegedly biting Stalybridge’s Aaron Chalmers in Celtic’s 3-0 win at Edgeley Park on Saturday, August 29. Rule was initially given the standard three match ban but after investigating the incident, the Football Association have announced it has been raised to ten games. “It was alleged that Mr Rule’s behaviour in or around the 33rd minute of the fixture constituted violent conduct in circumstances where the standard punishment of three games, that would otherwise apply following his dismissal, was clearly insufficient,” the governing body said. A statement from the Vanarama National League North club added: “Stockport County has received notification from the FA that midfielder Glenn Rule will be banned for a total of ten matches following his sending off during the fixture against Stalybridge Celtic on August 29. The club is awaiting full reasons for the extended suspension and will make no further comment until these reasons have been outlined.”
For the very latest news visit www.southern-football-league.co.uk/league-news WWW.STNEOTSTOWNFC.CO.UK / PAGE 21
BRETT LONGDEN
CONNOR SCORES
TODAY’S VISITORS
CIRENCESTER TOWN
The Centurions made a stunning start to their second season to Step Three and at the end of August were joint leaders of the Premier Division. A very special welcome for our next Southern League Premier Division engagement with Cirencester Town our visitors this afternoon. Our visitors won their way to the Premier Division at the end of the 2013/14 season by winning the South and West Division Championship by three points from Merthyr Town and made an immediate impact at Step Three. Last season they finished eighth just four points shy of a play-off place and claimed some notable scalps along the way including Poole Town and a league double over Truro City. At Cirencester our lads drew but beat them on their only trip so far to St Neots although our lads would be very happy to repeat the dose this afternoon. This season the Centurions have again started in sparkling form and prior to last Saturday’s matches (when these notes were written) they were second
in the table just one point behind leaders Chippenham Town. Their only away defeat in the league so far this season came at Slough where they were beaten by a goal to nil. In the FA Cup they drew away at Dorchester winning the replay to earn last Saturday’s trip to Bradford Town who had beaten Hungerford in the previous round. Looking forward to the FA Trophy Cirencester have a first round Qualifying home tie against the lower graded Bishops Cleeve or North Leigh who meet in the Preliminary Round. In the first round of the Red Insure Cup they have another home tie with Hungerford Town their visitors. CLUB HISTORY Cirencester Town Football Club was formed in October 1889. They play at the Corinium Stadium opened in 2002. The complex provides well
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designed and adaptable facilities for parties, celebrations, wedding receptions, corporate conferences, training courses and meetings as well as being the home of a Charter Standard Community Football Club. It is located on the edge of Cirencester, a thriving Cotswolds market town. There are several high quality country hotels within the area as well as a wide range of attractive inns and bed and breakfast locations. Cirencester became founding members of the Gloucestershire County League in 1968–69, but joined the Hellenic League Premier Division the following season. Cirencester were relegated to Division One in 1978, and remained in the division until finishing runners-up in 1990–91; gaining promotion to the Premier Division. The following season they finished runners-up, and then in
Brian Hughes
Keith Knight
Year founded: 1928 Nickname: The Centurions Chairman: Steve Abbley
Website: www.cirencestertownfc.com Stadium: The Corinium Stadium
Previous Meetings: 2014/15 Cirencester 1-1 St Neots St Neots 4-0 Cirencester
1995–96 were crowned champions. This saw the team promoted to the Southern League Southern Division. For the 1999–2000 season they were transferred to the Western Division. Cirencester Town was promoted to the Premier Division after a third placed finish in 2003–04. They were relegated to the South and West Division in 2008, but returned to the Premier Division in 2009–10 after winning the playoffs. The club was relegated again in 2012. After winning the Southern League South and West division in the 2013/14 season Cirencester were returned to the Premier Division for the 2014/15 season. They stormed to the league title in style finishing three points clear of long time favourites Merthyr Town conceding only 45 goals in their 42 matches.
in 2003/04 when they finished third in the Western Division of the Southern League. They have twice reached the Fourth Qualifying Round of the FA Cup – in 2001/02 and 2003/04 and their best performance in the FA Trophy was sandwiched in between in 2002/03 when they reached the Third Round.
Cirencester Town FC believed they had a fighting chance of breaking their record attendance for a Southern League game when they held their 125th anniversary celebrations at the end of last season at the Corinium Stadium.
Prior to last season Cirencester achieved their best ever league finish
Whilst at Step Five in the 1975/76 season they reached the Third Round of the FA Vase. In the Red Insure Cup last season they won two away matches against South and West Division opponents – at Cinderford Town in Round One and at Swindon Supermarine in Round Two. Their Third Round Tie at home to Premier Division Hungerford was twice delayed by the weather but played at the third attempt and seniority prevailed with Hungerford winning 4-1 after being behind at half time.
The first team took on Arlesey Town in a 3pm kick-off as they bid to follow up their championship winning season in 2013/14 with promotion from the Southern Premier to the Football Conference. And the call has went out to all former players, coaches, managers and supporters alike to come back and enjoy the anniversary party. Of course, it is not just for those formerly connected with the club, anyone was welcome to go along and help celebrate the success story on the edge of town.
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/STNEOTSTOWNFC / PAGE 27
WHO’S WHO
THE CENTURIONS GLYN GARNER – GOALKEEPER Glyn started his career at Cwmbran Town before moving to Llanelli. In 2000, he joined Bury, where he played over 140 games over five seasons. He turned down a new contract with Bury and joined east London side Leyton Orient in May 2005 on a twoyear contract. Manager Martin Ling described him as “a big, commanding goalkeeper who is widely rated as one of the best in the lower divisions.” He went on to make nearly 100 appearances for Orient. In May 2011 he signed for Bath City before moving to the Centurions in January 2012 and has been an influential signing for the club ever since. LEIGH HENRY – CENTRE BACK/DEFENDER Signed from Maidenhead Leigh began his career at Swindon Town in 2003/04 season and had loan spells with Bath City and WestonSuper-Mare before signing for Swindon Supermarine in February 2007. He played a major role in the Wiltshire side’s promotion to the Premier Division via the playoffs. He made 152 appearances for Swindon Supermarine before joining the Magpies in the summer of 2011 where he spent 2 seasons before joining the Centurions midway through the 2012 season on loan before making the switch permanent. A commanding centre back who can play from the back with either foot and dominates in the air.
GETHIN JONES – DEFENDER Gethin made 342 appearances for Bath City before returning to play in the WPL with Port Talbot before making the switch to Cirencester. Previous clubs include Cardiff City, Merthyr Tydfill and Bath City. A strong no nonsense centre back who is now in his second season at Cirencester. MARK PRITCHETT – DEFENDER Mark returned to the Centurions mid-way through the 2012-13 season for his second spell at the club following a short move to Shortwood where he enjoyed success in their famous FA Cup run before losing out to Port Vale in the second round. A tough tackling, no nonsense defender who has the ability to score goals and scores his fair share from dead ball situations. BEN BROWN – DEFENDER Ben joins us from Oxford City having previously spent time as a scholar at Reading before earning a 3 year professional contract at QPR. Ben also had a short time at Hayes & Yeading in the conference before ending up at Oxford City. A strong ball playing defender who is a great addition to our squad this term. BEN PRICTOR – DEFENDER Ben has signed from Brimscombe & Thrupp and has established
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himself in the first team squad. A left sided defender with plenty of pace. Ben has also previously played in Cyprus before joining the Centurions but injury cut short a promising season last term. ELLIS DUNTON – DEFENDER Ellis has been with Cirencester since he was 6 years old and despite a short break at Chippenham Town last season he came back to Cirencester. A strong, no nonsense defender who is good on the ball. Still only 22 years old and already has clocked up an impressive 135 appearances for the Centurions. CALLUM HENRY – DEFENDER Big tall strong centre half who is commanding in the air. Re-signed for the Centurions after previously on loan from Forest Green Rovers back in 2012. OLLIE KNIGHT – MIDFIELDER A left sided player who joined from Forest Green Rovers Academy and broke into the first team last term making a number of appearances from the bench. Left sided and very tricky player who can change any game. AIDAN BENNETT – ATTACKING MIDFIELDER A promising young attacking midfielder who put in some really good performances in a number of positions during last season
and quite often played up front. Aidan has also been at Cirencester since he was 6 years old and a great product of our youth system. Player of the year last season in an impressive season which saw him score his first ever senior hat trick against Cambridge City. Bags of pace and ability and likes to run at defenders. Hard working and unselfish player. IAN HERRING – MIDFIELDER Ian is a combative midfielder who arrived from Hungerford Town half way through last season and made an immediate impact in the heart of the midfield.Former clubs also include Swindon Town, Chippenham Town, Northwich Victoria, Salisbury City and Forest Green Rovers. JAMES MORTIMER-JONES – MIDFIELDER Joined from Didcot Town in 2010 and has been an ever present at the heart of the Ciren midfield clocking up over 218 appearances to date. He is an intelligent player, good on the ball and has a wide range of passing and has the ability to score wonder goals. BEN WELLS – MIDFIELDER Ben joined from neighbours Swindon Supermarine and was part of their amazing FA Cup run. Previous clubs include Supermarine and Basingstoke Superb range of passing and dangerous dead ball deliveries. Ben will be looking to be part of the team again after a difficult season in his bid to return to fitness following a cruciate ligament injury in 2013-14. BRAD HOOPER MIDFIELDER Brad has come through from our Academy and is still only 21 years
old. A great talent who likes to keep the ball on the deck and has great range of passing. Made the central midfield role his own last season which saw some impressive display’s in his first season in the Southern Premier following our promotion the previous season. ROSS LANGWORTHY – STRIKER Ross has joined us from neighbours Shortwood United and was their top scorer for the last 2 season’s (he also scored the winner against Cirencester last season which knocked us out of the FA Cup) and has caught the eye of several non-league clubs before deciding on joining us. A great addition to Brian’s squad adding quality to our attacking options. CHARLIE GRIFFIN – STRIKER Vastly experienced striker who joins us from Chippenham Town. A prolific striker who has scored goals whichever club he has been at. Former clubs include Swindon Town, Forest Green Rovers, Stevenage Borough (who he won promotion to the football league) and also Gloucester City. Charlie has won a lot of silverware in his career and has been instrumental with his goal scoring, hopefully he will continue to bang the goals in for the Centurions this season. JOSH PARSONS – STRIKER Recent signing from Hungerford Town who previously played at Swindon Supermarine and was instrumental in helping them reach the play off’s last season scoring 25 goals in 27 appearances. Josh has already impressed in his few games with the Centurions with his quick feet and free kicks, no doubt he will score a lot of goals
for us.
MANAGEMENT TEAM BRIAN HUGHES— MANAGER Previous to becoming Manager of Gloucester figure Hughesy served City for many seasons as a skilful ball playing right sided midfielder, captaining the side to the Midland Division title and to within minutes of the Conference in 1990/1. When Murphy took over as manager the following summer Hughes stayed at Meadow Park as player-coach, Continued to learn from Murphy as his assistant at both Witney and Trowbridge before returning to Meadow Park as Rosenior’s assistant in November 1997. Took over as manager of Witney Town in May 2000 and has since moved on to Cirencester Town. JODY BEVAN – COACH A non league legend scoring over 250 goals during his playing career and he has now moved into coaching. He supported Brian Hughes last term and is a fans favourite at the Corinium Stadium. KEITH KNIGHT— ASSISTANT MANAGER Keith had a great professional and non league career. In his playing days he played football league for Reading which also included a spell in the Netherlands for BV Veendam. He also played for Cheltenham Town and won the conference with them before joining Worcester City and then Gloucester City. Other clubs include, Swindon Supermarine, Cinderford and Cirencester. Part of Brian’s coaching staff for the last few seasons.
WWW.STNEOTSTOWNFC.CO.UK / PAGE 29
GREENIES GREETINGS
Are we the unluckiest team to enter the FA Cup this season? Good afternoon everyone and welcome back to The Premier Plus Stadium, home of St Neots Town Football Club and The Mick George Academy, for today’s Evostik League Southern Premier Division game. Today we extend a very warm welcome to the players, officials and of course, the travelling supporters of Cirencester Town Football Club and we hope you all have an enjoyable stay with us here in St Neots this afternoon. Well, here we are again, after weeks without a home game, they seem to be coming thick and fast right now which means frantic typing etc from all our contributors to get the matchday magazines to print on time. A lot of work goes into this but Its all very worthwhile as it really is a classy publication and a good read too. Are we the unluckiest team to enter the FA Cup this season? At present it would seem so what with the replaying of the first game and now, to top that, a replay down at Worthing which never went ahead as the team never even made it there due to the coach suffering a blow out of one of it’s tyres on the way there and once a replacement coach had been sent,
it was going to be impossible for us to reach our destination in good time for a greatly delayed 21:00 kick off so we will now be making the trip next Tuesday. THIS WILL REPLACE OUR SCHEDULED HOME GAME WITH HISTON. We are now three games behind in the league with a home game with Dunstable to be rescheduled and an away trip to Redditch to fit in too. Not ideal, but that’s football for you. So, what’s causing this bad luck you may ask? A gypsy curse perhaps? Hmmmmm, it is coincidental however that our bad luck started once the chairman flew off to his Florida retreat. Maybe we should suggest that he curtails his mid season breaks until further notice. Lady luck should be back with us now though as he is back for today’s game so let’s see what she has in store for us. Remember Rene Steer’s wonder strike a couple of years back in the FA Cup against Canvey Island? A boomer of a strike I’m sure you’d all agree, which went viral on YouTube. I think I have witnessed an even better strike in this season’s competition when Holbeach United were a goal down in injury time against Worcester City on Saturday. A free kick to the Tigers on the half way line was lifted high up to the edge of the box and there was none other than their
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keeper, Ricky Drury, who scored with a sublime overhead kick, to spark scenes of deserved wild celebrations and earn the UCL side a second shot at their visitors, which they eventually lost 2-0 on the same evening as we were enjoying the views just off the M25. Have a look for yourselves, pretty damned good effort lol Ok then, on to today and back to the bread and butter of the league. Three points will be very welcome come 4:50 so get behind the lads from the off. BE LOUD, BE PROUD, BE A SAINT GREENY
NATHAN CUTS INSIDE
Scorelines..
A brief round up of the recent results from the teams that matter Weekend Action: FA Cup Second Round Qualifying Uxbridge produced the result of the day when a goal after fifteen minutes secured a 1-0 victory at Conference South Dartford and there were also successes against Step 3 opposition for Poole Town, 3-2 at Hayes & Yeading, and Kettering Town who overturned a half time deficit to defeat visiting Telford United 2-1 while Larkhall Athletic, a goal down after four minutes, scored on the hour to draw 1-1 at home with Havant & Waterlooville, Taunton Town recovered from two goals down to hold visiting Truro City 2-2, Biggleswade Town, trailing at the interval, earned a replay with a 1-1 draw at Wealdstone, and Winchester City, ahead after half an hour, conceded a goal a minute from time to draw 1-1 at home with Maidenhead United. Petersfield Town took a sixth minute lead and, despite conceding an equaliser in the opening minute of the second half, went on to eliminate high riding Premier Division visitors Cirencester Town 3-1 while Dunstable Town scored twice after the interval to win 2-0 at home against Kingstonian and Chesham United also struck twice in the second half to win 2-0 at Paulton Rovers. Chippenham Town won 3-2 at Bradford Town while AFC Rushden & Diamonds, two ahead at the break, won 3-0 at Deeping Rangers, Hanwell Town defeated visiting Mildenhall Town 1-0, Kings Lynn Town won 1-0 at home with a fifteenth minute penalty against Witham Town, Hitchin Town
scored after four minutes to set up a 2-0 victory at Kirkley & Pakefield, North Leigh scored four times in the second half to win 4-1 at home against Slimbridge, and Didcot Town recovered from going behind in the third minute to win 2-1 at Northwood. St Neots Town went behind to a penalty in time added on to the first half but hit back twenty minutes from time to earn a replay with a 1-1 home draw against Worthing but Bideford, three down at half time, crashed out 7-0 at Conference South Gosport Borough, Slough Town went down 4-2 at Basingstoke Town, Bedworth United lost 2-0 at Hednesford Town, Merthyr Town fell to a shock 1-0 home defeat when Hartley Wintney scored ten minutes into the second half, Shortwood United lost 3-1 at Oxford City, Potters Bar Town conceded two goals in time added on to crash to a 5-1 home defeat by Margate, St Ives Town, two down at the interval, went out 3-0 at home to Harlow Town, and Wimborne Town slumped to a 6-1 home defeat at the hands of Wessex League Blackfield & Langley.
Weekend Action: Premier Division In the day’s only game, Weymouth went behind in the first half but levelled two minutes after the break and moved up to fifth in the table when they secured a 2-1 home win over Hungerford Town seven minutes later.
Weekend Action: Red Insure Cup First Round Redditch United took the lead shortly before the break but visitors Aylesbury United made it
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1-1 soon after the hour mark and went on to take the tie 4-3 on penalties.
Midweek Action: Premier Division On Monday, Hitchin Town took a third minute lead but Hungerford Town secured a point from a 1-1 home draw when they scored nine minutes after the break. On Tuesday Chippenham Town went in front twelve minutes into the second half but were held to a 1-1 draw at home when Frome Town scored with a quarter of an hour remaining leaving Leamington, who scored three times in the first half, to take over top spot with a 3-0 home victory over Slough Town while Weymouth, a goal ahead at the break, moved into third place with a 3-0 win at Cirencester Town, who dropped four places to seventh, and Poole Town took over in fourth with a 2-1 success at Bideford. Dorchester Town went behind six minutes after the interval but earned a 1-1 home draw with Merthyr Town when they converted a penalty soon afterwards while Histon, ahead after two minutes, conceded an equaliser soon after the hour mark but completed a 3-1 home victory over Chesham United with two goals in the final quarter of an hour and Dunstable Town, three up at half time, scored again a minute after the break to complete a comfortable 4-0 home win against Kettering Town. In the night’s other game, Bedworth United took a third minute lead and scored again five minutes before the break to set up a 3-0 home win over Kings Lynn Town which moved them out of the bottom two.
MD’S VIEWS Football is much more than just a game The Scholarship programme Football has long remained the most popular sport in the world, with fans of all ages and gender immersing themselves in the drama, excitement and tension that is part and parcel of the beautiful game. Whether it is the Premier League or non-league, every fan has their own personal taste in football that keeps them hooked and on the edge of their seat. Going to a football game has always been a family tradition for parents to take their children along to spark their interest in the sport, but there are now numerous ways in which fans can satisfy their need for anything football. Betsafe, for example, include football-themed games within their extensive range of slot, table and card games which provide fans with the chance to experience victory in a different form, but the more popular options also offer endless hours of entertainment and gameplay fun that incorporate what it feels like to be a football manager or player out on the pitch.
FIFA games Although FIFA remain in a tussle for market supremacy with Konami in providing football enthusiasts with the best game possible, they currently hold the bragging rights in delivering big-selling titles that capture the imagination of millions of gamers on an annual basis. When there are no football games to watch at a stadium or on television, fans can turn to their console or PC in search of creating glory with their favourite
team. FIFA games provide a wide range of modes which incorporate the tastes of every football fan, with training regimes, Be a Pro and Career recreating the experience of being a professional footballer or manager. Real Madrid, Barcelona and Chelsea are amongst the most popular chosen teams, but EA’s ability to gain official licenses across several countries, leagues and teams ensures that fans have a plethora of choice, whether they wish to play as Accrington Stanley, Las Palmas or Al-Ittihad. The ever-popular Ultimate
be in control of training, dealing with agents, transfers and creating tactics that could lead their team to glory. Picking teams which provide an embarrassment of riches, such as Manchester City and Paris SaintGermain, is inevitable in a game where money is vital to building a team capable of enjoying instant success, but Football Manager has created a vibrant gaming community in which taking on a real challenge at a club playing in the Conference North or South (or even lower) is where pure managers make a name for themselves. Climbing up the football ladder is the ultimate dream for lower league fans who wish to see the likes of Ilkeston or Woking reach the promise land of the Premier League.
Soccer Manager
Team mode also enables football fanatics to create their own dream team through packs that provide players of all levels, with only the most fortunate able to get their hands on Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Football Manager Most games often find it difficult to recreate all the elements and pressure that comes with management, but Football Manager is undoubtedly the leading light for football-based games of its type. Sports Interactive have perfectly captured every aspect of life as a football manager, with avid fans able to put themselves in the hotseat and
PAGE 34 / ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V CIRENCESTER TOWN ISSUE 06
Another popular football manager-based game that fans should consider is Soccer Manager – a free-toplay online title that enables gamers to build their own fantasy team whilst also balancing the books and trying to keep player happy. Over 1.5 million members are registered to Soccer Manager as it continues to develop; although its multiplayer service continues to receive considerable gameplay enjoyment and fun, a single player mode which resembles a similar feel to Football Manager is currently in beta mode. Soccer Manager covers several thousands of players across an extensive database which is updated on a daily basis with upratings, downratings, positional changes and new players to keep the game fresh and innovative LEE
ISSAC GALLIFORD
INTRODUCING
CONNOR HALL Connor is a commanding central defender who can also play central midfield Connor has spent nearly all of his football Career with Bury Town, only 21 years of age even though he lives and was brought up in St Neots. Connor is a very commanding player who but for an untimely injury would have been playing for Cambridge United today. Like most of the Saints players Connor can play in different positions giving flexibility to the team. Connor is on a one year playing contract with the Saints.
PAGE 36 / ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V CIRENCESTER TOWN ISSUE 06
DUNSTABLE TOWN Our next away game is at Creasey Park over the border in Bedfordshire and the home to Dunstable Town.
There will be many familiar faces in the Dunstable team with a whole load of last seasons’ St Neots Town squad finding their way to Dunstable to play in the Blues’ colours. One Dunstable player has a few weeks ago made the opposite trip and Shane will be out to show his former club that he made the right decision. David Batchs’ very first game in charge of the Saints was the away trip to Creasey Park last January new years day where we came away with a 3-1 win with Drew scoring an absolutely brilliant goal. This season
so far Dunstable have looked as though they have under achieved but local derbies mean anything can happen and we need to be at our very best to get anything from the match. DIRECTIONS: Turn right at the traffic lights in the centre of Dunstable. Turn left at the next main set of lights into Brewers Hill Road. You will immediately pass the fire station on your left. Carry on until you hit the first roundabout. Go over the roundabout, and take the immediate right into Creasey Park Drive.
CREASEY PARK Brewers Hill Road, Dunstable, Bedfordshire LU6 1BB Wheelchair Access: Yes Matchday Magazine: £2 Capacity: 3,200 Round Trip from (PE19 6SL): 70 Miles
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/STNEOTSTOWNFC / PAGE 37
TILBURY FC 2 ST NEOTS TOWN 5 FA Cup First Round Qualifying (match replayed per Football Association instruction) / 22.09.2015 / Attendance: 97 / Referee: Mark Mellor (Hemel Hempsted)
This re-match proved to be an exhilarating and pulsating match crammed with incident and controversy and was one St Neots could easily have lost. However they kept their nerve and produced a performance full of effort and determination to survive to return to FA Cup battle in four days’ time. The Referee was probably the busiest man on the pitch issuing an astonishing ten yellow cards in all two of which were second offences and converted to red for two Tilbury players plus a straight red for Jamie Anton. St Neots were reduced to ten men in the second minute of the second half and then under intense pressure with their backs to the wall for more than half an hour until the double sending off of Tilbury players which reduced them to nine men for the remaining twelve minutes of the match. During that time St Neots added three goals in a six minutes spell to clinch the victory after at one time looking very likely losers. The match also included two penalty kicks, one converted the other saved, plus a third awarded and then withdrawn and a controversial incident after 40 minutes that set the tone for an ill-tempered second half. St Neots went into the match with Andrew Wilton and Josh Beech cup tied and so recalled Danny Gay in goal and included Luis Vieira for his first Southern League start and the fit again Gui Mailancol in place of Isaac Galliford. The first half started quite slowly with the sides aware of the others’ abilities after their recent first meeting. Tom Ward headed wide from a tenth minute corner and two lengthy Tilbury efforts were comfortably dealt with. After 17 minutes St Neots took the lead as Jack Wilkinson sent in a right wing corner and Tom Ward climbed high above the defence to head in. After
23 minutes St Neots suffered a setback as influential midfielder Matt Mitchel-King was helped off injured and unable to return with rookie youngster Dan Hobbs coming on in his place. This saw playmaker Ryan Hawkins slotted into central midfield and with two minutes his forward pass saw Tom Meechan win a corner from which Ward was bundled to the ground and a penalty kick awarded confidently slotted home by Tom Meechan. Leading 2-0 St Neots looked comfortable and apart from a header by Jake Pooley well saved by Gay the home side threatened little. Then five minutes before the break with Luis Vieira laying injured the Referee signalled for Gay to throw the ball into touch. Upon the restart a home player sportingly threw the ball back to the goalkeeper but against the spirit of the game Neil Richmond attempted to rob the goalkeeper in an attempt to score. Fortunately for St Neots his effort was wide but the action upset the St Neots players and Tom Ward was booked for his protest. In added time at the end of the half Gay brought down Richmond to concede a penalty but then the keeper made amends by saving Kurt Smith’s spot kick. The second half was just two minutes old when Kurt Smith broke towards goal to be barged off the ball by Jamie Anton who was shown a straight red card for the challenge. It looked a harsh decision but the well placed Referee Mark Mellor viewed the incident as serious foul play and St Neots were reduced to ten men. From the free kick the ball was scrambled off the line by a St Neots defender but
Tilbury Bogard, Mead, Glazier, Smith (D), Pooley, Game, Aiken, Carlile, Cook, Richmond, Smith (K) Subs: Babalola (for Richmond 67), Webb, Awokoya, Collins and Hanlon Cards: Carlile (RED – 78 – 2 x Y), Smith (K) (RED – 78 – 2 x Y), Smith (D) (Y – 25), Richmond (Y – 68), Aiken (Y – 900 + 2) Goals: Carlile (71 mins), Cook (86 mins)
from that point ion Tilbury gave an almost perfect exhibition as to how to make an extra man count. They dominated play pouring forward in wave after wave of attacks and the St Neots defence was under siege. There was some poor finishing after promising approach play and with Gay making two excellent saves St Neots survived until the 71st minute when Jack Carlile curled a delightful shot beyond the reach of Gay to give Tilbury a foothold back in the match. Survival continued to be St Neots main aim but after 78 minutes discipline was lost as Richmond was dismissed picking up a second yellow card for a blatant dive in a bid to earn a penalty and the follow up protests of Kurt Smith tried the Referee’s patience too far and he also picked up a second yellow card to follow his team mate into the dressing room for an early bath. St Neots quickly capitalised on their good fortune playing now against nine men and within two minutes of the double dismissal clever play against a sparse defence by Hobbs and Meechan set up Ryan Hawkins for the simplest of tap-in goals to restore the visitors’ two goals advantage. With nothing to lose now Tilbury pushed forward and sixty seconds later they made it 3-2 as Danny Gay fumbled a shot by Harry Cook into his goal. However that was only a temporary scare because with two minutes normal time remaining Tom Meechan capitalised on an absent defence to score his second goal of the match and in added time a delighted Tom Hobbs scored his first even senior goal to complete the scoring.
St Neots Town Gay, Tann, Wilkinson, Hall, Ward, Anton, Vieira, Mitchel-King, Meechan, Hawkins, Mailancol Subs: Hobbs (for Mitchel-King 23), Burton (for Vieira 67), Galliford, Roberts and Sutton. Cards: Anton (RED – 47), Meechan (Y – 29), Ward (Y – 40), Tann (Y – 45 + 2) Goals: Meechan 2 (25 & 88 mins), Ward (17 mins), Hawkins (85 mins), Hobbs (90 + 1 min)
PAGE 38 / ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V CIRENCESTER TOWN ISSUE 06
WWW.STNEOTSTOWNFC.CO.UK / PAGE 39
ST NEOTS TOWN FIRST TEAM PLAYER STATS 2015/16 St Neots Town First Team Player Stats 2015/16
1 1 1
1 2 2 1
2 1 1
2
1
1 1 1
1 1
7
1 3
1 3 1
9 8
1
3
11 1
3 2
2 1
1
5
8 1 9
2 3 1
3
1
4 2 1
1 3
1
PAGE 40 / ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V CIRENCESTER TOWN ISSUE 06
1 3 2 3
1
1
11 1 0 0 2 9 7 9 3 12 11 0 0 7 3 0 12 10 0 0 0 0 8 0 1 11 3 12
1 0 1 5 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 3 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 2 3 2 0 0 0
0 1 5 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 3 1 0 0 0 4 0 5 2 1 1 0 0 0
1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 2 3 2 1 0 0 1 0 13 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0
GOALS
1
3 3
GOALS
1
UNUSED SUB
3
1 4 5 2
USED SUB
APPS
GOALS
UNUSED SUB
1
UNUSED SUB
2 7 6 8 3 9 8
1
TOTAL USED SUB
8 1
CUP
APPS
Anton Jamie Beech Josh Burton Ben Cisse Bamoussa Clarke Lee Frater Nathan Galliford Isaac (LOAN) Gay Danny Gordon Remy Hall Connor Hawkins Ryan Hobbs Dan Jeckells Evan Longden Brett Mailancol Guy Marango Ebey Meechan Tom Mitchel-King Matt Ofosu Claudio Ossei-Addo Kelvin Roberts Drew Sutton Ollie Tann Adam Trottman Luke (LOAN) Vieira Luis Ward Tom Wilton Andy Wilkinson Jack
USED SUB
APPS
LEAGUE
1 1
WWW.STNEOTSTOWNFC.CO.UK / PAGE 41
5.3.15
5 -- 0
26.3.15
7.11.15
23.4.15
17.10.15
Chesham United
Chippenham Town
Cirencester Town
Dorchester Town
Dunstable Town
Frome Town
19.3.15
3.10.15
6.2.15
2 -- 0
3.10.15
Weymouth
1 -- 0
5.3.15
17.11.15 28.11.15
Stratford Town
St Neots Town
Slough Town
26.3.15 21.11.15
16.1.15
1 -- 0
3 -- 0
1 -- 2
0 -- 0
20.2.15
1 -- 0
1 -- 0 1 -- 2
6.2.15
26.3.15
3.10.15
0 -- 0
14.11.15 13.2.15
2.4.15
16.4.15
2.4.15 1 -- 1
16.4.15
1 -- 1
17.10.15
16.1.15
2.4.15
16.4.15
1 -- 3
26.3.15 21.11.15 14.11.15
19.3.15
9.1.15
5.12.15 24.10.15 6.10.15
1 -- 0
9.4.15
23.1.15
4 -- 3
3 -- 1
3.10.15
0 -- 3
9.1.15
Dunstable Town
12.3.15
1 -- 1
22.8.15
1 -- 4
26.3.15
4 -- 1
3 -- 1
6.2.15
0 -- 0
6.10.15
6.2.15
20.2.15 26.12.15
2 -- 1
16.4.15
12.12.15
6.2.15
5.12.15
16.4.15
12.12.15
0 -- 0
2.4.15
TBA
5.3.15
0 -- 0
5 -- 1
0 -- 4
4 -- 2
2.4.15 17.11.15
5 -- 0
2.1.15
5.3.15
16.4.15
9.1.15
0 -- 0
TBA
7 -- 1
9.1.15
14.11.15
23.1.15
27.2.15
2.4.15
1 -- 0
9.1.15
3 -- 2
26.12.15
0 -- 0
6.2.15
28.3.15
2 -- 2
2 -- 1
1 -- 2
3 -- 2
30.1.15 12.12.15
19.3.15
13.2.15
5.12.15
0 -- 1
30.1.15
2 -- 0
3 -- 2
5.3.15
10.10.15
17.10.15 28.11.15
17.11.15
2.4.15
2.1.15
2 -- 2
1 -- 0
24.10.15
6.2.15
16.4.15
2 -- 1
1 -- 1
9.4.15
5 -- 1
30.1.15
7.11.15
1 -- 2
St Neots Town
5.12.15
6.10.15
1 -- 1
9.4.15
0 -- 0
6.2.15
5.3.15
4 -- 1
0 -- 0 6.2.15
28.3.15
9.1.15
2 -- 3
1 -- 3
30.1.15
13.2.15
23.1.15
0 -- 2
5.3.15
26.12.15
20.2.15
1 -- 0
27.2.15
27.2.15
3 -- 1
1 -- 0
0 -- 3
27.2.15 20.10.15 30.1.15 20.10.15
1 -- 1
9.1.15
9.4.15
1.12.15
28.3.15
19.3.15
3 -- 3
23.4.15
12.12.15
1 -- 1
12.3.15
19.10.15
3 -- 0
2.1.15
23.4.15
16.1.15
3 -- 2
0 -- 1
10.10.15
2.1.15
1.12.15
7.11.15
1 -- 1
9.4.15
1 -- 1
23.1.15 12.3.15
2 -- 2
5.12.15
19.12.15
5.12.15 21.11.15 19.3.15
TBA
26.3.15
16.1.15
28.10.15
12.12.15 13.2.15
2 -- 3
27.2.15 10.10.15 29.9.15
23.4.15
3 -- 0
7.11.15
26.3.15
2.1.15
3 -- 1
9.4.15 30.1.15
3.10.15 19.12.15 21.11.15 26.3.15
12.3.15
28.3.15
12.3.15 27.10.15
3 -- 2
28.11.15
28.11.15 10.8.15 16.11.15
17.10.15
30.1.15
7.11.15 19.12.15 23.4.15
28.10.15 7.11.15
7.11.15 10.10.15 12.12.15 17.11.15 13.2.15 9.4.15
1.12.15
10.10.15 17.11.15 26.12.15 13.2.15
4 -- 4
0 -- 6
Stratford Town
10.10.15 20.10.15 27.10.15 21.11.15
13.2.15
28.3.15 26.12.15 23.4.15 28.11.15
19.3.15
9.4.15
17.11.15 27.2.15 28.11.15 16.1.15 27.10.15 20.10.15
20.2.15 14.11.15 17.10.15
2.4.15
5.12.15
23.1.15
1 -- 1
9.1.15
1 -- 2
Redditch United
27.10.15 6.10.15
23.4.15
0 -- 1
1 -- 2
Slough Town
23.4.15 17.11.15 7.11.15 27.10.15
2 -- 1
14.11.15 28.3.15 17.11.15 20.2.15
2.1.15
16.4.15
2 -- 0
16.1.15
19.12.15 24.10.15 20.10.15
2 -- 0
27.2.15
2 -- 1
26.3.15
1 -- 1
27.2.15
1 -- 1
1 -- 0
1 -- 0
4 -- 1 9.1.15
5.10.15 19.12.15 3.10.15
0 -- 3
3.10.15
0 -- 2
19.3.15
16.4.15
9.1.15
Poole Town
23.1.15 12.12.15
Paulton Rovers
13.2.15 26.12.15
26.3.15 28.11.15 16.1.15
23.1.15 24.10.15
2 -- 1
12.12.15
9.1.15
30.11.15
1 -- 0
0 -- 1
Merthyr Town
26.12.15 12.3.15
30.1.15 10.10.15 14.11.15
27.10.15 21.11.15
23.4.15
5.3.15
3.10.15
2.4.15 2.12.15
27.2.15 20.10.15
1 -- 2
4 -- 0
20.2.15 26.10.15
9.4.15
7.11.15
24.10.15 3.10.15 28.11.15 19.3.15
26.3.15
5.12.15 10.10.15
24.10.15 1.12.15
30.1.15
5 -- 1
30.1.15 21.11.15 13.2.15
6.10.15 12.12.15
9.4.15
10.10.15 21.11.15 23.4.15
1.12.15 26.12.15
3 -- 0
2 -- 2
Kings Lynn Town 3 -- 0
Leamington
7.11.15 21.11.15 23.1.15
28.3.15
23.1.15 20.10.15
1 -- 2
0 -- 2
Hungerford Town
12.3.15 26.12.15 13.2.15
1 -- 1
16.4.15 24.10.15 28.9.15
16.1.15
12.3.15
3 -- 2
0 -- 0
24.10.15 19.12.15 14.11.15 19.3.15
0 -- 0
2.4.15
3.10.15 17.10.15
1 -- 0
0 -- 1
23.1.15
20.2.15
24.10.15 13.2.15 14.11.15
28.11.15
2.1.15
26.12.15 20.2.15 17.10.15 1.12.15
17.10.15
Hitchin Town 20.10.15
Kettering Town
3.10.15 21.11.15 26.12.15 28.3.15 17.10.15 12.3.15
14.11.15 20.2.15 19.12.15 17.10.15
2 -- 3
0 -- 5
2.4.15
Histon
17.11.15 10.10.15 28.3.15
12.3.15 20.10.15
7.11.15 12.12.15 16.1.15
23.1.15
5.3.15
12.3.15
5.3.15
23.4.15 28.11.15
7.10.15 18.11.15
30.11.15 5.12.15 21.11.15
3 -- 1
23.1.15
28.3.15
17.10.15 28.11.15 14.11.15
6.10.15
2 -- 0
2.1.15
28.3.15
6.2.15
1 -- 2
30.1.15 19.12.15 1.12.15
27.2.15 19.10.15
2.1.15
2 -- 3
0 -- 4
30.1.15
16.1.15
19.3.15
5.3.15
Frome Town
16.4.15 14.11.15 27.2.15
Dorchester Town
1.12.15 27.10.15 28.3.15
9.1.15
Cirencester Town
12.3.15 24.10.15 12.12.15
27.2.15
1.12.15 24.10.15 26.12.15
6.2.15
16.1.15
Redditch United
0 -- 0
0 -- 0
19.3.15
3.10.15
Chesham United
10.10.15 12.12.15
19.12.15 20.10.15
27.10.15
22.9.15
1 -- 0
7.11.15
2.1.15
5.3.15
2 -- 1
26.3.15
Poole Town
20.2.15
29.9.15
1 -- 1
19.3.15 19.12.15
9.4.15
Chippenham Town
13.2.15 10.10.15 21.11.15
Cambridge City
5.12.15 17.11.15
20.2.15
23.4.15
2 -- 4
Biggleswade Town
Paulton Rovers
6.10.15
2 -- 1
0 -- 0
5.12.15
Leamington
Merthyr Town
0 -- 1
16.4.15
2.1.15
20.2.15
Kings Lynn Town
19.12.15 16.1.15
21.9.15
Kettering Town
Hungerford Town
Hitchin Town
3 -- 0
5.12.15
2.1.15
2.4.15
2 -- 0
5 -- 1
6.2.15
27.10.15 19.12.15
7.10.15
Histon
24.10.15
Bideford
28.11.15 14.11.15
9.4.15
Bedworth United
Cambridge City
Biggleswade Town
Bideford
Bedworth United
Weymouth
More often than not, an official would prefer not to get a mention in The Non-League Paper. It’s a job where it’s much better to fly under the radar. But sometimes we just have to talk about them and United Counties League flagger John Clark is no exception. On Tuesday night at Desborough Town v Harborough Town the 61-year-old reached a remarkable 1,000 games. Nearly all have been as an assistant referee since he ran the line for a UCL game back in December 1974.
Clark remembers his debut fondly. The man in the middle for Stamford against Spalding that day was Brian Hill, who went onto take charge of the 1988 FA Cup final between Liverpool and Wimbledon.
At the park levels it can’t be easy to turn up all by yourself and take charge of 22 players, plus substitutes, supporters and managers, all trying to put pressure on you and influence you.
He also recalled an irate Stamford-supporting pensioner trying to attack the officials as they left the pitch with her umbrella! Something he assured was seen as humorous in those days.
If they don’t like your decisions then you are on your own.
Speaking to John it was clear how much he loves his time in the black. He says he’s made many friends through the refereeing community and he plans to keep going as long as he can. When he does decide to hang up his flag, the leagues in the area will no doubt feel his retirement. Without people like John giving up their time to do something they love, football won’t happen. Officials may be maligned by some, but where would we be without them and their dedication? When starting out, it can be a lonely, dare I say, an intimidating job.
PAGE 42 / ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V CIRENCESTER TOWN ISSUE 06
That’s why John says it’s so important for officials to help each other. “I just really enjoy it.” he told me. “But I can honestly say if all matches under the auspices of the FA were controlled by three officials then there would be more referees. “One of the reasons why there’s a fall-out of referees at grassroots level is because they are all on their own. It’s like the loneliness of the long-distance runner. When these young lads start refereeing on the local parks, it’s them against the rest of the world. “I’m a big believer that nobody helps us because they are not there to help us. So if we don’t help each other in our three person team then we’ve got problems. We must support each other.” And we must support them. Matt Badcock Follow us on twitter: @NonLeguePaper
Opposition in CAPS denotes home fixture. Player name in BOLD CAPS denotes goal scorer.
THE FAMOUS FIVE! Date
ATT
COMP
R
Pos
Sat 8 Aug
Opposition Bideford
233
EVO
4-4
11
Gay
Tue 11 Aug
LEAMINGTON
368
EVO
1-0
5
Sat 15 Aug
POOLE TOWN
366
EVO
2-3
11
Tue 18 Aug
Bedworth United
193
EVO
6-0
Sat 22 Aug
STRATFORD TOWN
298
EVO
Sat 29 Aug
Weymouth
608
EVO
Mon 31 Aug
BIGGLESWADE TOWN
456
Sat 5 Sept
Chippenham Town
Sat 12 sept
2
3
4
Anton
Wilkinson
Tann
Gay
Tann
Wilkinson
Mitchel-King
Gay
Anton
Wilkinson
Tann
5
Gay
Anton
Wilkinson
HALL
2-2
6
Gay
Anton
Wilkinson
Hall
1-1
9
Gay
Longden
Wilkinson
Hall
EVO
2-0
6
Gay
Longden
Wilkinson
Hall
382
EVO
1-1
9
Gay
Tann
Wilkinson
Hall
Tilbury
110
FAC
1-1
-
Wilton
Tann
Wilkinson
HALL
Sat 19 Sept
Hungerford Town
116
EVO
3-3
9
Wilton
Tann
Wilkinson
Hall
Tue 22 Sept
Tilbury
97
FACR
5-2
-
Gay
Tann
Wilkinson
Hall
Sat 26 Sept
WORTHING
342
FAC
1-1
-
Wilton
Anton
Wilkinson
Tann
Sat 3 Oct
CIRENCESTER TOWN
EVO
Tue 6 Oct
Worthing
FACR
Sat 10 Oct
Paulton Rovers
EVO
Tue 13 Oct
St Ives Town
EVO
Sat 17 Oct
DORCHESTER TOWN
EVO
Tue 20 Oct
Dunstable Town
FAT
Sat 24 Oct
MERTHYR TOWN
EVO
Wed 28 Oct
Cambridge City
EVO
Sat 31 Oct
BEDWORTH UNITED
EVO
Sat 7 Nov
Chesham United
EVO
Sat 14 Nov
HITCHIN TOWN
EVO
Tue 17 Nov
BEDWORTH UNITED
EVO
Sat 21 Nov
Poole Town
EVO
Sat 28 Nov
BIDEFORD
EVO
Tue 1 Dec
Leamington
EVO
Sat 5 Dec
Slough Town
EVO
Sat 12 Dec
KETTERING TOWN
EVO
Sat 19 Dec
WEYMOUTH
EVO
Sat 26 Dec
Biggleswade Town
EVO
Sat 2 jan
KINGS LYNN TOWN
EVO
Sat 9 Jan
Frome Town
EVO
Sat 16 Jan
CHIPPENHAM TOWN
EVO
Sat 23 Jan
Stratford Town
EVO
Sat 30 Jan
Cirencester Town
EVO
Sat 6 Feb
HUNGERFORD TOWN
EVO
Sat 13 Feb
Histon
EVO
Sat 20 Feb
REDDITCH UNITED
EVO
Sat 27 Feb
DORCHESTER TOWN
EVO
Sat 5 Mar
PAULTON ROVERS
EVO
Sat 12 Mar
SLOUGH TOWN
EVO
Sat 19 Mar
Kettering Town
EVO
Sat 26 Mar
FROME TOWN
EVO
Mon 28 Mar
Kings Lynn Town
EVO
Sat 2 Apr
CAMBRIDGE CITY
EVO
Sat 9 Apr
Merthyr Town
EVO
Sat 16 Apr
CHESHAM UNITED
EVO
Sat 23 Apr
Hitchin Town
EVO
PAGE 44 / ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V CIRENCESTER TOWN ISSUE 06
Player name in these colours denotes substitute
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
14
Hall
Mitchel-King
Frater
Longden
MEECHAN 3
Hawkins
GORDON
Clarke
Cisse
15
Ward
Hall
Frater
Longden
MEECHAN
Hawkins
Gordon
Anton
Clarke
Cisse
Ward
HALL
Frater
Longden
Meechan
Clarke
GORDON
Cisse
Ossei-Addo
Mailancol
WARD
Mitchel-King
CLARKE
Longden
MEECHAN 2
Hawkins
Galliford
MAILANCOL
Cisse
Trottman
Ward
Mitchel-King
Frater
Longden
MEECHAN 2
Hawkins
Galliford
Trottman
Cisse
Tann
Ward
Anton
Frater
Mitchel-King
MEECHAN
Hawkins
Galliford
Ward
Anton
Frater
Mitchel-King
MEECHAN
HAWKINS
Galliford
Tann
Trottman
Ward
Anton
FRATER
Mitchel-King
Meechan
Hawkins
Galliford
Mailancol
Longden
Ward
Anton
Frater
Mitchel-King
Meechan
Hawkins
Mailancol
Galliford
Longden
Ward
ANTON
Beech
MITCHEL-KING
MEECHAN
Hawkins
Galliford
Vieira
WARD
Anton
Vieira
Mitchel-King
MEECHAN 2
HAWKINS
Mailancol
HOBBS
Burton
Ward
Hall
Frater
Galliford
Meechan
Hawkins
Mailancol
Vieira
Ofosu
WWW.STNEOTSTOWNFC.CO.UK / PAGE 45
EVO-STIK LEAGUE SOUTHERN PREMIER DIVISION / 01.10.15
P
W
D
L
GF
GA
+/-
Pts
01
Leamington
11
7
2
2
18
8
+10
23
02
Chippenham Town
11
6
4
1
19
7
+12
22
03
Weymouth
12
6
4
2
14
6
+8
22
04
Poole Town
11
6
3
2
20
12
+8
21
05
Dorchester Town
11
5
4
2
18
11
+7
19
06
Redditch United
10
5
4
1
14
8
+6
19
07
Cirencester Town
11
6
1
4
16
12
+4
19
08
Hitchin Town
11
5
3
3
22
18
+4
18
09
Hungerford Town
12
4
6
2
18
14
+4
18
10
Stratford Town
10
4
3
3
16
17
-1
15
11
St Neots Town
9
3
5
1
22
14
+8
14
12
Cambridge City
10
4
2
4
12
11
+1
14
13
Merthyr Town
11
3
4
4
18
13
+5
13
14
Biggleswade Town
9
4
1
4
18
14
+4
13
15
Chesham United
11
3
4
4
15
16
-1
13
16
Histon
11
4
1
6
21
24
-3
13
17
Kettering Town
10
4
1
5
11
15
-4
13
18
King's Lynn Town
11
4
1
6
10
16
-6
13
19
Dunstable Town
10
3
2
5
13
16
-3
11
20
Slough Town
11
2
3
6
14
21
-7
9
21
Bedworth United
11
2
2
7
9
25
-16
8
22
Frome Town
11
1
4
6
9
25
-16
7
23
Bideford
11
1
3
7
9
22
-13
6
24
Paulton Rovers
10
0
5
5
5
16
-11
5
PAGE 46 / ST NEOTS TOWN F.C. V CIRENCESTER TOWN ISSUE 06
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Manager: David Batch Assistant Manager: Steve Eastaugh First Team Coach: John Beck Goalkeeping Coach: Darren Plowman
Manager: Brian Hughes Assistant Manager: Keith Knight First Team Coach: Jody Bevan
Goalkeepers
Line Up:
Andrew Wilton
01: Glyn Garner
Jamie Greygoose
02: Gethin Jones 03: Mark Pritchett
Defenders
04: Ben Brown
Brett Longden
05: Brad Hooper
Jack Wilkinson
06: Leigh Henry (Captain)
Adam Tann (Captain)
07: James Mortimer-Jones
Tom Ward
08: Ian Herring
Connor Hall
09: Charlie Griffin
Jamie Anton
10: Aidan Bennett
Sam Harty
11: Zak Kotwica Â
Midfielders
12: Ben Wells
Ryan Hawkins
14: Ollie Knight
Lee Clarke
15: Josh Parsons
Mat Mitchel-King
16: Ellis Dunton
Guy Mailamcol Remy Gordon Forwards Drew Roberts Tom Meechan Nathan Frater
Colours Dark Blue Shirts, Shorts & Socks
Colours Red & Black Striped Shirts, Black Shorts & Red Socks
The match line up will be displayed on the electronic scoreboard Referee: Nicholas Cooper Assistant 1: Duncan Foreman Assistant 2: Lee Kendrick
Next Home Game: Dorchester Town The Evo-Stik League Southern Premier Division Saturday 17th October / KO 15:00
As a Club we support Grass Roots Football and stand firm against racism within football, visit www.thefa.com for more information on playing your part.