2020-21 St Neots Town FC versus Hitchin Town Pre-Season Friendly (Test Issue)

Saints Matchday Gazette issue one

Admission Pre season friendly Adults/Concessions £5 16-18 £2 U16’s free with accompanying adult www.stneotstownfc.co.uk Follow us on

St Neots Town FC

V Hitchin Town FC 1pm KO - PSF

Saints President John Walker Board of Directors

First Team

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

Manager – Barry Corr Assistant – Sean Geygoose GK Coach – Gary Dean Physio – Craig Lambert Kit Man – Mick Hunt Match Ball Retriever – Stanley Scotcher

Saints Match day team

Sports Scholarship Contact – Iain@stneotstownfc.co.uk Academy

Fixture secretary - Marion Izzard Hospitality – Andy Clay PA – Mike Green Music – Charlie Green Catering – Diane Sales

Manager – Iain Parr Foundation Manager – Alex Cook Development Manager – Alex Minall U18’s Manager – Alex Minall

Media

Club Welfare Officer – Mick Hunt

Press Officer – Mike Green Photographer - Dave Richardson

Club Information Address – Rowley Park, Kester way St Neots Cambs PE19 6SL

Ground Staff Pitch maintenance – Barry Oakley

Website – www.stneotstownfc.co.uk Enquires – enquires@stneotstownfc.co.uk Events – Louise@stneotstownfc.co.uk Academy - iain@stneotstown.co.uk

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: Lee Kearns (significant interest), Iain Parr, Louise Sales, Mike Green , Gary Wilson, Jeremy Green, Barry Cavilla, and Mehmet Mimoglu Company Secretary Keith Gotch , Company Accountant Keith Gotch

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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.

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Covid – 19 Matchday policy

In addition to the clubs general Covid-19 risk assessments and policies.

Further matchday policies 1. Ticket purchase on-line prior to the fixture (minimum one week before the fixture) 2. Cash will be taken with risk assessment measures in place.

3. Gate maximum will be set at 500 paying spectators (non-covid capacity is 3500) or adjusted in line with Government guidelines 4. All players, Staff and Officials upon entry’s will be Temperature checked 5. NHS Track and trace procedures will be in place for all workers, spectators, Visitors, Players and officials . These will be kept on record for 21 days Should you be diagnosed or show symptoms of Covid-19 during the 21 days after the match please call 01480 470012 and inform the club.

1. Social distancing is adhered to throughout the ground including entry queues and Beverage queues 2. A One way system in place for Food and beverage purchases that are clearly identifiable 3. A One way system for internal and external toilet use.

4. A Designated covid- 19 safety area for any individual who shows covid-19 symptoms while on site.

Matchday programmes will not be available to purchase but will be available FOC on line at www.stneotstownfc.co.uk All sports equipment should be sanitised before and after use All players should bring their own identifiable water bottle Further Action 1. We will Assign a Covid-19 responder for all matchday fixtures.

2. We will put in place monitoring and supervision to make sure people are following controls 3. We will Ensure first aid responders have the appropriate PPE available.

4. We will Check that all equipment is in good working order.

The Clubs designated Covid responder is Louise Sales

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Partners Visit www.stneotstownfc.co.uk to find out how to become an Advertiser

Cambridge Artificial Grass Company

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

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

Saints Academy and Post 16 Sports Scholarship opportunities We are very proud of our boys and girls development pathway. The Academy that runs from U8’s through to U16’s .

Most boys and girls that go through the clubs Academy seamlessly move onto our Post 16 sports Scholarship programme Making the most of your talent – Sport Scholarships We have opportunities for aspiring sports students wishing to enter a full-time training programme. This will encompass developing practical skills, high work ethics and team work Who is this Programme aimed at?

Astrea Sixth Form St Neots Scholarship Opportunities are aimed at passionate sports students between the ages of 16 - 18 years old.

We offer you the opportunity to gain academic qualifications alongside your continued development in your chosen. You will also have access to sport specific industry recognised qualifications such as PT and FA Level one What does a scholarship offer you?

In partnership with St Neots Learning and Sports Academy we offers a path to a career in your chosen sport and sports related industries as well a route through to higher education.

You will have access to professional coaching, qualified teachers and industry experts in order to fulfil your potential.

For more details and a full list of Sports Available please visit www.stneotstownfc.co.uk

The last few months have been rather tricky (as it has for lots of people and businesses) that said we continue to act in a positive way and with the help of a number of Partners, Advertisers, Volunteers and supporters and with our own “rainy day pot” we have viewed this time as an opportunity to invest in area’s of the football club that will hopefully give us increased revenue once things settle down.

Throughout the summer we have Introduces a new commercial director (who is brilliant) Given the whole place a lick of paint We have continued to replace all lighting in the main club house with LED lights (Changing rooms will be completed before the season starts) Purchases a new feed spreader and line marker Had the mower serviced and blades sharpened Replaced the first team nets (thank you Community Vets) Launched a brand new website that is far more user friendly and will make us far more accessible to people who want to book an event with us Replaced the clubs main heating and hot water system with the new one being far more practical and cost effect to run Made the building Covid-19 compliant (hand sanitisers/Signage etc) Installed Air-conditioning unit for the board/Meeting room (to make it more hireable) New TV for the boardroom/Meeting room (to make it more hireable) New table for the boardroom/Meeting room (to make it more hireable) New taps for the outside toilets Still on our purchase list New tables for the Reedman’s function room Replace broken seats in the main stand Replace the astro floodlights with LED (grant application has been submitted) Install a Viewing area for the GESS 3G arena Astro changing block refurbishment Plus one or two other bits and bobs This is all in addition to the investments that were made before lookdown Once we have finished it will amount to around a 25k investment back into the club. Every improvement or new purchase has been done with a few things in mind.

Will the investment give us the opportunity to increase our income streams Will the investment reduce our utility payments Will the investment allow us to continue to increase our support of the Saints Community foundation Will the investment give us the opportunity to increase the financial support afforded to the first team We have also had to make sure that the club continues to reinvest in area’s that are looking a little bit shabby and to make sure we are H & S compliant Non of this would have been possible without the continued support of our business partners, our advertisers, our great supporters and our Volunteer Directors and staff We continue to look to the future with excitement and put behind us the difficult (but ultimately necessary and sensible) decisions of the recent past.

We should all be very proud of what we have achieved thus far but for myself and the board of Directors the real trick is to now turn this huge investment back into income that will allow us to continue to grow, to expand our Community initiatives and support, to increase support for the first team and to thrive in what are very difficult trading conditions.

LK

Pre-Season Friendly St Neots Town 2 Cambridge City 2 St Neots fourth home pre-season run out produced an evenly fought contest with Ryman League neighbours Cambridge City, but St Neots had to show commendable character to come back from a two goals deficit – both conceded in the opening fourteen minutes. City enjoyed a spell of early second-half superior possession but failed to add to their narrow lead and St Neots came back to snatch a deserved second goal two minutes from time to share the spoils. They now prepare for a midweek FA Cup debut at Spalding where they face tenants Pinchbeck United in their first competitive outing in the new season.

The first half was played at a relentless pace with the end-to-end attacking play entertaining the good early afternoon batch of spectators. St Neots created the first chance after four minutes with Leon Lobjoit cleverly lobbing Dan George in the visitors’ goal, but his effort was just too high. Five minutes later City went ahead as a poor St Neots’ clearance found Isaac Maynard twenty yards from goal as his low angled shot beat Lou Chadwick who appeared to be unsighted. Joe Sutton then tested George who twisted in the air to push his effort over the bar. After 14 minutes it was 2-0 to the visitors thanks to some shoddy defending as Jarid Robson was left unmarked to collect a ball over the defence to beat Chadwick from close range. St Neots set about repairing the damage and both Lee Watkins and Lobjoit had efforts blocked by a resolute visiting defence. Then after 18 minutes Lobjoit turned provider as he found strike partner Ryan Robbins in space and he slotted past George. Both sides had further chances but there was no more first half scoring.

St Neots half time change saw Adrian O’Hara replacing Tariq Dallas the heart of the home defence and with City making several changes the game became rather sterile after the breathless first half. Defences dominated – open chances were few but after 69 minutes former Saint Youth skipper Ryan Sharman almost increased City’s lead with a speculative lob that beat both the keeper and the crossbar. St Neots began to compete and two minutes later Lobjoit produced a burst of pace to pierce the visiting defence, but his low shot clipped the outside of a post. Robbins was caught narrowly offside after good work by Sam Gomersall and there was concern seven minutes from time when Lobjoit limped off injured after a heavy tackle to be replaced

by Max Smalley. St Neots persevered and were rewarded two minutes from time when Ryan Robbins claimed his second goal after a defence splitting through pass by Jake Battersby.

St Neots: Chadwick, Wilson-Braithwaite, Smith, Gomersall, Dallas, Sutton, Watkins, Robbins, Lobjoit, Battersby, Hasani.

Subs: O’Hara & Smalley Referee: Brian O’Sullivan (John Walker)

Getting a Kick Out of Physical Education Who we are....

As Qualified Sport Professionals we are dedicated

to increasing engagement and learning within school sport by using our knowledge and experience to educate staff and pupils to lead and sustain a healthy and active lifestyle.

We provide a Partnership

that is aimed to best fit and mould into your schools values and beliefs by tailoring our support to your school needs and going above and beyond to ensure your school reaches its full potential within sport and physical educations.

We offer continued support and development

from our staff members who are continuingly learning and adapting to the ever changing world of physical education amongst children. We look to work with staff on everything from the planning process, health and safety, and delivery to boost your staff’s confidence and understanding.

We achieve high Standards

through being punctual and professional at all times. Sticking to our own “BE ACTIVE” rules along with adhering to your schools behaviour codes of conduct.

ACTIVE CHALLENGE

BE ACTIVE

We continuing to emphasise this when we deliver any activity in school.

We keep “BE ACTIVE” visible for pupils to see so they can follow and abide by the “BE ACTIVE” principles

We Are Approachable, we

TEAM IMPROVE VERSATILE ENVIROMENT

are always open to new ideas, sharing our facilities, staff and contacts to best improve or provide for your schools sporting needs.

ACTIVE: getting your body and your mind working through exercise CHALLENGE: Taking risks and trying to push yourself TEAM: Supporting each other, working together and sharing idea’s IMPROVE: Learning and developing physical skills and understanding VERSATILE: Trying something new and different ENVIROMENT: Being Happy and having fun

Visit wwwstneotstownfc.co.uk for more information on how we can work with you, your school and your pupils

Saints Academy Coaches Corner

Warm Up

HAMSTRING - Must keep stretching leg as straight as possible. Body weight needs to change from back leg to front leg, maintaining a straight leg. Hold between 10-30 Seconds

HIP FLEXORS - Feet shoulder width apart, hands on hips, then create a circle motion with your hips. Try and create the biggest circle you can.

Rotate continuously for 30 seconds

The Saints Community Foundation Making the most of your

Community Football Club THE SAINTS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION is an independent committee who will work with St Neots Town FC on all matters relating to Community and Charitable fundraising events ST NEOTS TOWN FC is fully committed to providing use of the clubs facilities FREE OF CHARGE to help raise funds for good causes and to help drive and engage in Community initiative.

THE SAINTS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION TRUST FUND. This monetary initiative will see 20% of new advertising board income gifted to The Saints Community Foundation to aid local Community initiatives and Charity Fundraising events

Visit www.stneotstownfc.co.uk for more information or call Louise 07753 222683

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Hitchin Town FC – The Canaries Hitchin Town can trace its roots back to 1865 when Hitchin FC was formed. 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. The club colours of yellow and at that time, blue, were also agreed upon. Prior to that, the old club played in white and magenta. Hitchin gained admission to the Spartan League and in the 1928-29 season, enjoyed a hugely successful campaign, winning the Herts Charity Shield and promotion to the Spartan League Division One. The 1930s were halcyon days for Hitchin Town FC. Promotion to the Spartan Premier Division was won in 1931, but it was the cup successes that captured the imagination of the Hitchin public. Although there is little doubt that Hitchin won more games than at any time in their history, the standard of opposition has to be considered when determining whether the Canaries’ side of the period was the finest in the club’s history.

Nevertheless there is little doubt that this was a golden age for Hitchin Town. The club won the AFA Senior Cup in 1932, beating Derbyshire Amateurs in the final and in 1935, 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, all of which saw Hitchin score seven goals, Adolf Hitler intervened.

Hitchin FC took part in the first FA Cup in 1871-72, reaching the quarter finals. fast forward to the 21st century

In an age when clubs seem to lurch from crisis to crisis financially, Hitchin’s recent history has been relatively stable.

Andy Melvin stepped down in 2001, handing over to his assistant Robbie O’Keefe. Robbie was the mastermind of the club’s youth academy, and at times, O’Keefe promised to bring success back to Hitchin. In 2003, however, he left the club, and former Chelsea and England striker Kerry Dixon took over. At the end of the 2003-04 season, Hitchin left the Isthmian League after more than 40 years, and moved to the Southern League. At the halfway stage of the following season, Dixon, who was unable to commit himself fully to the job, was replaced by Darren Salton. Salton had to rebuild a team that had alarming weaknesses in every department. The last few months of the season were tough and Hitchin failed to win any of their last 11 games. But the following year was better and at the end of 2005-06, the Canaries won the Southern League Cup, beating Bromsgrove Rovers in the two-legged final.

In 2006-07, the Canaries started well and at the halfway point were among the title challengers. But a spectacular collapse, fuelled by player unrest, saw Hitchin fall down the table and into relegation trouble. Eventually, Hitchin finished 11th, perhaps a flattering position, but nevertheless one which secured Premier Division football in 2007-08.

After a lack lustre start to 2007-08, Darren Salton was released by the club and former player Darran Hay was appointed as manager. Hay had to rebuild his team and it took time to turn things around, but a revitalised squad, with a strong team spirit, lifted Hitchin out of trouble.

After a poor start to the 2008-09 season, Darran Hay left Hitchin in January 2009. Colin Payne, the former Chertsey, Northwood and Boreham Wood manager was appointed in February 2009, but despite an improvement, the club was relegated at the end of the campaign.

Payne rebuilt the Hitchin squad in the summer of 2009, with the aim of achieving promotion at the first attempt.

Hitchin enjoyed a successful 2009-10, winning 31 of 42 league games. A vibrant young side was moulded by Payne and his assistant Carl Williams and for long periods, the Canaries topped the Zamaretto Midlands Division. Hitchin lost just four games in the league but Bury Town topped the division by two points – despite Payne’s men amassing 100 points. As only one team was automatically promoted, Hitchin had to enter the play-offs for the second promotion place. Sadly, the young Canaries ran out of steam and lost the play-off semi-final to Slough, a team that finished 23 points behind Hitchin!

A few days after the end of the season, Payne left the club to join Hemel Hempstead. In his place, Carl Williams was appointed as manager. He had a tremendous first season in charge and for much of the 2010-11 campaign, Hitchin looked certainties for the title. But a mid-season drop in form gave local rivals Arlesey the chance to take top place. On the final day of the season, the two clubs met at Top Field for the title decider. Arlesey won 1-0 in front of over 1,500 people, but the occasion was marred by the ungentlemanly behaviour of Hitchin’s opponents. Williams and his team cast that disappointment aside to beat Slough and Daventry in the play-offs to claim the second promotion spot. In their first season back in the Premier, Hitchin enjoyed some bright moments, notably beating eventual champions Brackley and promotion chasing AFC Totton and Cambridge City.

Once again, the goals of John Frendo lit up the campaign and attendances at Top Field were among the best in the division.

The final placing of 14th was considered satisfactory and the club went into 2012-13 looking to improve on that showing. Carl Williams’ second season in charge started brightly but despite the massive goals contribution of John Frendo (who won the non-league football “Golden Boot” the previous season with 44 goals), it proved a difficult season overall. However, despite a couple of months where confidence had ebbed away and relegation looked a distinct possibility. Previous manager Colin Payne returned to assist the Management team, and the Canaries managed to pull through with three or four astute loan signings bolstering both confidence and results.

They finished a creditable thirteenth, but despite this Carl decided it was time to take a break from the managerial role and focus on his young family.

Mark Burke was appointed manager in the summer of 2013 and Carl’s side almost entirely moved on. Despite this Burke and his assistant Adam Parker recruited some new young talent and finished in a creditable 13th position, same as the previous season.

Season 2014-15 saw the addition of Jonny McNamara from Arlesey and Charlie Horlock on loan from Wycombe Wanderers, and the experienced Brett Donnelly returning to the club for a second spell from Biggleswade Town.

With a solid backline including Alasan Ann and Dan Webb and the huge promise of youngsters such as Sam Barker, Matt Lench and Lewis Rolfe being realised, the flowing football produced reaped dividends and Hitchin finished in ninth position, their best-ever in the Southern League.

The 2015-16 season proved to be even better. The season started with the prestigious game against a fullstrength Premier League Norwich City side, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the formation of the first Hitchin football team. Despite the ten goal defeat, and defeat on the first day of the season to the newly promoted Stratford Town at home, Mark Burke’s young side (average age 24) picked up, went from strength to strength, defied all expectations and finished in third place in the League, showing a marked improvement on the previous season and qualifying for the Play-Offs. Here they took a 2-0 lead in the semi-final against the eventual winners Hungerford Town, but eventually ran out of steam and succumbed to a 3-2 defeat.

Again despite this tremendous disappointment, this young team showed great strength of character and picked itself up again to beat National League Boreham Wood to win the Hertfordshire Senior Cup for the first time in 19 years.

The 2016-17 season started with great hope, and most certainly did not disappoint. The now established squad fared even better than the previous season, qualifying for the Play-Offs in fourth place but with more league points than the previous season.

After a fantastic penalty shoot-out victory in the semi-finals at Merthyr Town, the Canaries took on Leamington for a place in the National League South. They came within one minute of promotion in normal time before conceding a 90th minute penalty equaliser, and then succumbing to a winning goal from Leamington six minutes from the end of extra time.

They retained the Hertfordshire Senior Cup by beating Bishops Stortford 2-1 and also reached the Herts Charity Cup Final, where a “bad day at the office” resulted in a 0-1 defeat against lower league opposition in the form of Cheshunt.

The Canaries enter the 2017-18 season knowing that the League competition will be considerably tougher this season with a greater number of well-established and hopeful teams. Hopefully they can compete again – third time lucky?

Not Available Pre-season Friendly

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Team AFC Dunstable Aylesbury United Barton Rovers Bedford Town Bedworth United Berkhamsted Biggleswade Coleshill Town Corby Town Daventry Town Didcot Town Halesowen Town Kempston Rovers Kidlington North Leigh St Neots Town Thame United Wantage Town Welwyn Garden City Yaxley

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The Southern Football League Division One The Southern Football League Division One Central Central

Media Sponsors of St Neots Town FC

John Walker Club President

Lee Kearns

Ramsey Decorators

The Football Fun Factory

Rodney Buckenham

Real Heat 07739 709546

James Jack

Huntingdon Flooring Company

Mehmet Mimoglu

Mick Cox

Clean-Windows

01480 216599

07514 691581

Phil and Becky

The atelier brown Biggleswade

Andy Clay

The Cheese & Wine Society

The Bolton Family

Priory Saints

Real Heat 07739 709546

The Southern Football League Division One Central

Manger - Barry Corr Assist - Sean Greygoose GK Coach - Gary Dean Physio Craig - Lambert Kitman - Mick Hunt Keepers Louis Chadwick Dylan Martin Defenders Sam Goode Aaron Smith Tarik Dallas Dequane Wilson-Braithwaite Tom Dickens Liam Bennett Midfield Lee Watkins Joe Sutton Adrian O’hara Jake Battersby Sam Gomarsall Myles Cowling Rajan Badiani Inglian Hasani Forwards Ryan Robins Leon Lojoit Colours Navy/Light Blue quarters Light blue short Light blue socks

Match Officials Ref Assistant Assistant

Next Home Match V Bedworth United Saturday 19th Sept 3pm KO Gates Open 1pm