Saints v Biggleswade FC Matchday Gazette Issue 3

Issue Number 3

Official Online Matchday Magazine Season 2020/21 Admission Information Adults £8.00 Concessions £6.00 16 – 18 years £2.00 Under 16 FREE (Must be accompanied by an adult)

Biggleswade FC Tuesday 27th October 7.45pm gates open 6.30pm

Proud members of The Southern Football League Division One Central

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 – Iain Parr 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

Hello everyone and welcome back to the Premier Plus Stadium for today’s Pitching In Southern Football League Division One Central match. Tonight we welcome the players, officials and supporters of Biggleswade FC and we hope you all have a safe and enjoyable stay with us before returning safely home later today. Let Me Entertain You was a song written by Robbie Williams a few years back and that song could definitely be our signature tune so far this season. A thumping 8-0 win here against Didcot Town was followed by a hard to take defeat against Welwyn here just 72 hours later and then we travelled to Bedworth United in the FA Trophy and put in a tremendous performance to come away with a 4-1 win. Last Tuesday we made the long trek to North Leigh for our rearranged fixture and we returned home with a 2-2 draw, Ben Worman scoring both goals.

This week has seen the return to the Club of Lewis Simper, a young man who made quite an impression last season whilst here on loan so I would again like to thank all at Cambridge United for agreeing to send him back here for more game time and experience and a special mention to goalkeeper George Whitehall, who came in on emergency cover as Chadders was taken ill on the eve of the game. Lots of activity on the commercial front with talks ongoing with local businesses and new advertising banners appearing regularly, everything is ticking along nicely, coupled with the news that we had successfully applied for a grant to help us replace the floodlights on the 3G Arena with new cost saving LED bulbs, the future is certainly looking,(excuse the pun) extremely bright.

Ok onto the match, a local derby which I’m sure will be a good one with both teams looking to play decent football. As ever, get behind Baz and the boys from the first whistle and play your part off the pitch as the lads give their all on it.

Be Loud, Be Proud, Be A Saint

On behalf of everyone at St Neots Town Football Club welcome to all staff, players and officials from Biggleswade FC.

I’m writing these notes after our midweek trip to North Leigh where we drew 2-2. It’s a sign of our ambitions how disappointed we are having only picked up a point. But put into context, it’s a point away from home on a Tuesday night where some of the players had 3-hour journeys to get there. We also had a really good performance and win in the FA Trophy at Bedworth which was really pleasing. I’ve said it already, but I like a lot of what I see and I’m sure we are going to get better and better as the season goes on. I constantly talk to the players about making the game look the way we want it to look to give us an advantage.

And that’s playing out from the back, making the pitch big, being dynamic and free flowing. If we play slowly, go long in straight lines and stand up against the opposition I think we lose our advantage. Being young, most teams will have a physical advantage so the slower the game is the less of a chance we give ourselves. This was apparent in the 2nd half against Welwyn. At 2-0 up the players decided to play ‘less risk’ and went long. What I’ve explained to them is that for us it’s much riskier to go long from restarts and not play our football. The ball will just come back at us much quicker. It takes great bravery and courage for young players to trust this process and play this way, so I’m very lucky that I have the players I do. As I’m sure you’ve seen from our games so far, this is a group of players that are easy to get behind as they play with real energy and commitment. It gives me a great peace of mind that I know the minimum I get is total effort and intensity.

Please get behind them again and hopefully we can get a win.

Best Wishes

Saints

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

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

We specialise in Commercial, Industrial and Domestic scaffolding and are able to advise, plan and design scaffolding solutions to meet your requirements. We are dedicated to a timely completion of all projects large or small, long or short term and always go the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction. Our Scaffolding specialists are committed to providing a 24 hour, 7 day a week service to ensure your project runs to schedule.

Our head office in St Neots Cambridgeshire with a dedicated tean who are equipped to undertake multiple projects simultaneously.

Saints

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

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

Saints

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

Saints Food Terrace

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

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

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

Saints

Covid – 19 Matchday policy

Additional Anti Covid-19 Measures Implemented at St Neots Town FC Moving forward we will be implementing a number of additional measures in the fight to control the COVID-19 virus here at the Premier Plus Stadium on Matchdays.

For those who do not own a Smart Phone – We will continue to take Names and contact numbers in our log book

Firstly, we will be using the new NHS Track and Trace App, available to download from your relevant App store whether it be Apple or Android. Simply download the App to your Smartphone and upon your arrival at The Ground, open the App and scan the QR Code (illustrated here) which will be displayed in various locations and this will automatically check you in to the venue.

Additional Safety Measures Face coverings are to be worn by both Supporters and Staff upon entry to both the Gregory Suite and Reedman’s Bar Face coverings are to be worn AT ALL TIMES whilst inside the Building and this includes queuing for the toilets inside the Gregory Suite and Reedman’s Bar AND OUTSIDE in the Main Stand and Terracing if social distancing measures can not be maintained.

Bar service is no longer available – Outside bar will be open. queuing customers must adhere to social distancing and wear face coverings AT ALL TIMES UNTIL SEATED (Gregory will still be open tables of 6 maximum).

Casual Standing in the Gregory Suite is now prohibited – YOU MUST BE SEATED UNLESS QUEUEING FOR BAR or TOILETS. PLEASE OBSERVE AND FOLLOW THE ONE WAY SYSTEM AROUND THE PITCH (ANTI-CLOCKWISE DIRECTION) AND EXIT THE GROUND VIA THE NEAREST GATE WHILST MAINTAINING THE ONE WAY SYSTEM We are obviously saddened to have to implement these measures but your safety in the ongoing battle against Covid-19 is paramount to us here at St Neots Town Football Club and we hope that these new rules do not detract from your matchday experience with us.

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Saints

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

www.stneotsloftconversionsltd.co.uk Little Paxton, Saint Neots PE19, UK 07932 453477

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

Saints

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

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

Saints

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

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

Saints

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

Call 01480 470931 Mobile 07950 496568

www.oasispandp.co.uk 01480 716 917

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

Saints

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

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

Saints

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

www.sellnew.co.uk 0333 5772796

www.abclifesupport.co.uk 0800 0467 410

www.lovesfarmpharmacy.co.uk 01480 215665

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

Saints

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

www.kazbarsystemsinc.com sales@kazbarsystemsinc.com 01234 780 177

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

www.evolutionpayments.com 0800 001 6190

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 Match day gallery by

Post 16 Sports Scholarship opportunities ASTREA SIXTH FORM DELIVERING EDUCATION All academic subjects for the Scholarship Programme are delivered at the Astrea Sixth Form St Neots.

This allows anyone wishing to study specific courses [such as A-Levels] the chance to do so without compromising on their high quality sport development opportunities

INSPIRING BEYOND MEASURE YOUR ACADEMIC OPTIONS 3 A-Levels offered by Astrea Sixth Form St Neots (2 years).

Mix of A-Level Subjects & BTEC Course (2 Years) (Equivalent to 3 A-Levels).

(Subject to integrated option blocks) Access to A-Levels Course – BTEC Level 2 Technical Diploma in Sport & Activity Leadership (1 Year APS Top Up). + GCSE Maths & English retakes if required

Post 16 Sports Scholarship opportunities SPORTS SCHOLARSHIPS MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR TALENT We have opportunities for aspiring sports students wishing to enter a fulltime training programme. This will encompass developing practical skills, high work ethics and team work

WHO IS THE 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.

CCURRENT AVAILABLE SCHOLARSHIPS Elite football Boys Scholarship Elite football Girls Scholarship College Football Scholarship Cricket Scholarship Teaching and Coaching Scholarship Golf Scholarship Personal Training (PT) and Gym Instructor Scholarship

For more details and a full list of Sports Available please visit www.stneotstownfc.co.uk Bob Geldof, Mohammed Ali, Gordon Banks

Saints Academy We are very proud of our boys and girls development pathway. that runs from U8’s through to U16’s .

The Academy

Most boys and girls that go through the clubs Academy seamlessly move onto our Post 16 sports Scholarship programme We pride ourselves on developing players in a safe structured environment, working to a coaching syllabus which has given us the capability to help both talented boys and girls reach their full potential.

The current St Neots Town FC Academy was established in 2012 under the guidance of the Clubs Director of Football and Academy manager Iain Parr.

Our Ethos Iain Parr-Director of Football/Academy Manager "At SNTFC Academy, we have a minimum of 2 coaches in each age group and a lead coach to oversee u8’s-u11, u12-14’s & u15-18’s. My Job as Academy Manager is to create a stable, structured, safe environment for young players to develop and fore-fill their potential. The player’s individual development comes before winning football matches unlike lots of other grassroots clubs, but if we get the squad balance right, players and parents buy into the philosophy, the team will be competitive and players will progress.

All coaching staff follow an annual coaching syllabus and players have IDP (individual development plan) to complete to aid development” All teams train twice a week and play Saturday fixtures, currently out u8’s-12’s play in the Cambs leagues and the u13-16’s play JPL (Junior Premier League), our Elite boys U18’s play in the Floodlit Eastern Counties and the Elite Girls U18’s play on the stadium pitch Saturday mornings in the S-tec Girls League

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

Saints Academy Coaches Corner

St Neots Town Fc Academy u9– u18 Annual Coaching Syllabus

Social

Technical

Tactical

Physical

Psychological

Together as a Team

Passing & Receiving

Game Management & Momentum

Core Strength, Flexibility,

Prepare for the Season

Leaders

Ball Control

Together as a Team

Passing, Receiving & Turning

Leaders

Ball Control

Together as a Team

Passing & Receiving,

Leaders

Speed & Endurance Movement & Rotation

Core Strength, Flexibility,

Dealing with Success & Failure

Speed & Endurance

Coping Strategies

Core Strength, Flexibility,

A Growth MindSet

Ball Control, Dribbling, RWB,

Speed & Endurance

Decision Making

Together as a Team

Defending 1v1 to Security units

Core Strength, Flexibility,

A Defensive MindSet

Leaders

Protecting the ball

Speed & Endurance

Together as a Team

Finishing Goal Threat & Crossing, Turning Penetration &

Core Strength, Flexibility,

A Positive Attacking MindSet

Leaders

Dribbling, 1v1, 2v2, 3v3 Into units

Speed & Endurance

Decision Making

Width

Saints Match day gallery by

Saints Match day gallery by

Can you spot the 10 differences All correct answers between the two pictures ? will go into a draw and the winner will be announced on the clubs Website and Social media

OPPONENTS SPOTLIGHT

(27/October/2020)

BIGGLESWADE FC Year founded: 2016 Chairman: Jeremy Reynolds Club Website: www.biggleswadefc.co.uk

WELCOME ESPECIALLY TO OUR VISITORS BIGGLESWADE FC WHO VISIT US FOR ONLY THE SECOND TIME IN THE SOUTHERN LEAGUE. The rise of Biggleswade FC to Step Four has been meteoric because just five seasons ago the club (along with several existing players) were an extremely successful U18 side plying their trade in the Thurlow Nunn Youth League. One of three clubs based in Biggleswade, our visitors are competing for local talent with Biggleswade Town (Step Three) who are their present landlords, and Biggleswade United (Step Five). Our two league meeting so far (played last October at Biggleswade away and in January here) both resulted in drawn matches with our scorer here in the 1-1 draw being Tommy Boxer – one of only two goals scored in his brief period with us. Our visitors can be very proud of their first season at Step Four because when the 2019/20 season was unexpectedly cut short because of COVID they were sixth in the league table on the cusp of a play-off place with matches in hand of the two clubs immediately ahead of them. This season has been less successful for them so far and when these notes were penned prior to last weekend only goal difference separated them in the league table from bottom club North Leigh. Their league record showed (so far) just one victory from their five completed league matches. That was at home match last month when they beat AFC Dunstable 2-0 but their other four matches (two at home and two away) have all ended in defeat. In the FA Cup Biggleswade beat Histon at home before being beaten away at Ely City, and in the FA Trophy they made an early first qualifying round exit beaten 2-1 after their long trip to Evesham United.

Continued PREVIOUS MEETING OF OUR CLUBS 2019/20 Southern Central St Neots Biggleswade FC

1-1 0-0

Biggleswade FC St Neots

(although we did compete at Youth (U18 level) in 2014/15 when we lost 4-2 at home before recording a rare 3-1 away victory on the then league leaders.

However, vengeance was meted out in the 2015/16 season when the all-successful Waders Youth team thrashed our youngsters 9-0 at home and 6-1 away) Enjoy the match

John Walker

SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE CENTRAL St Neots Town

8

Didcot Town

0

St Neots ruthlessly destroyed hapless visitors Didcot with a scintillating display of finishing, to record their highest ever league victory since joining the Southern League in 2011. Ironically their dominance over the former Divisional leaders was so convincing that they could, and maybe should, have scored even more goals, because despite conceding eight goals the visiting defence led a charmed life at times, with clearances off the line, and net bound shots blocked by desperate defending. Leading the way for the hosts was recent signing Ben Worman who replaced the departed Joe Sutton in the only team change. He masterminded St Neots’ attacking strategy, scoring himself, as well as having a hand in at least two of the other St Neots goals.

There was also the first two league goals for Ryan Robbins and midweek signing substitute Arel Amu equalled that feat with a very impressive double despite spending only seventeen minutes on the pitch. All in all, it was a performance to remember but it will not always be as easy as this for the visitors were poor and only seriously tested home keeper Louis Chadwick twice – once in each half. Notably after just four hectic weeks of league football, St Neots are the only team in the Division proudly defending an unbeaten record.

There could not have been a better start for the home side, because with only two minutes on the clock skipper Lee Watkins had powered home their opening goal with a crisp shot through a packed penalty area after a Jake Battersby corner had not been cleared. Didcot replied purposefully and within sixty seconds home goalkeeper Louis Chadwick had to save bravely at the feet of George Jeacock. However, this was a rare attacking sortie by the visitors who were systematically pushed back in defence as St Neots dominated. Leon Lobjoit who surprisingly was not to appear on the scoresheet, was twice close at 1-0 with shots narrowly off-target and then debutant Ben Worman narrowly skimmed the crossbar with an eye-catching finish. After 20 minutes it was 2-0 when Ryan Robbins skilfully chipped over the keeper when a corner was not cleared, and player/manager Barry Corr almost claimed his first goal with a powerful header from a Battersby corner just the wrong side of the bar. Defender Dequaine Wilson-Braithwaite then joined the attack to set up Ben Worman who netted clinically on the turn after 29 minutes, before Robbins added his second from a narrow angle seven minutes later. An almost perfect first half performance was rounded off with two more excellent opportunities for Lobjoit, but his finishes were both too high, with Worman involved in the build-up for both.

Continued There were no half time changes in personnel and St Neots continued where they had left off with a fifth goal just ninety seconds after the restart, as a deep Battersby cross created panic in the visiting defence and Liam Bennett arrived late in the area to score his first goal for St Neots. Chadwick was called upon after a long period of inaction to produce a backbreaking save to turn a Joe Green header from a Thomas Jordan cross over his crossbar, and St Neots were then straight back on the offensive as defender Tom Dickens moved up on the left to pick out Robbins who spectacular half volley finished in the side netting to deny him a hat trick. Throwing caution to the wind Didcot then sent on all their three permitted substitutes and tried to counter-attack to retrieve an increasingly hopeless position. St Neots also made three changes, the third of which saw striker Arel Amu, recently arrived from neighbours St Ives Town on up front to replace two-goal Robbins. Amu took only just over a minute to announce his arrival as he converted a Bennett cross after 74 minutes and ten minutes later doubled his tally when a Lobjoit shot was blocked on the line. Pressure was maintained as Sam Goode claimed his first goal of the season from a Battersby corner after 88 minutes and in time added Lobjoit and Worman could have added to the growing tally.

St Neots: Chadwick, Bennett, Battersby, Wilson-Braithwaite, Dickens, Corr, Watkins, Smith, Robbins, Lobjoit, Worman Subs: Goode (for Corr 59 mins), Cowling (for Watkins 63 mins), Amu (for Robbins 73 mins), Gomersall and Martin.

Cards: none Goals: Ryan Robbins 2 (20 & 36 mins), Arel Amu 2 (74 & 84 mins), Lee Watkins (2 mins), Ben Worman (29 mins), Liam Bennett (46 mins), Sam Goode (88 mins) Didcot: Bedwell (L), Bedwell (T), Wheeler, McEachron, Fry, Green, Hayward, Barder, Ferguson, Jeacock, Thomas Subs: McKirnan (for McEachron 56 mins), Dark (for Hayward 56 mins), Harris (for Thomas 56 mins), Evans, and Lee. Cards: Green (Y – 32 mins), Barder (Y – 90 mins) Goals: none Referee: Sean Gregory (Peterborough) Attendance: 228 John Walker

SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE CENTRAL

St Neots Town

2

Welwyn Garden City

3

St Neots surrendered the final unbeaten record in the Southern League Division One Central, leading comfortably 2-0 after 70 minutes they conceded three goals in a 14 minutes spell to a side that had looked short of ideas and confidence in the opening hour of the match. The significant change in fortunes seems to have arrived on the back of Manager Barry Corr’s decision to withdraw both strikers who had scored their side’s goals and to send on Leon Lobjoit and Myles Cowling and adopt a more defensive approach to the match. To their credit Welwyn took full advantage of the changes to the home side and with two additional attacking substitutes added to their attack they ruthlessly set about the Saints as the match drew to a close.

The only team change from St Neots’ thumping weekend victory over Didcot, saw recent signing Arel Amu start in place of the rested Lobjoit and they started the match in the same vein that had brought so much success and confidence against Didcot. With a trip to Bedworth United looming on Saturday in the FA Trophy, The lads will need to recharge their batteries after 90 minutes of hard graft.

The match had begun so well for the home side as they dominated the opening twenty minutes. Ryan Robbins picked out Jake Battersby at the far post and he brought visiting keeper Charlie Crowley into early action, pushing the ball over the bar and then after 14 minutes Arel Amu left two defenders in his wake but his cross was hacked away by a recovering defender. A free kick conceded by St Neots 25 yards from goal provided Welwyn with their only real chance in the opening half hour, but Jordan Kinoshi could only find the side-netting. Then after 19 minutes an early contender for goal of the season put the home side in front as a Ben Worman cross found Ryan Robbins with his back to goal but he swivelled to half-volley home an unstoppable shot for his third goal in four days. St Neots dominance in possession continued to furnish them with openings to extend their lead but Robbins headed wide from a Jake Battersby cross, Aaron Smith cut through the visiting defence to shoot over the bar and Worman saw his effort blocked by a defender. Welwyn did create two openings just before the break, but defender Lee Close just failed to reach a searching Kinoshi cross in front of a gaping net and Jack Vasey got behind the St Neots defence but his angled effort was smothered by a defender.

Continued Manager Barry Corr replaced himself in defence with Sam Goode after the break and after skipper Lee Watkins had been harshly booked for a mistimed challenge St Neots doubled their lead as a Battersby cross was spilled by visiting goalkeeper Crowley and Arel Amu was quickly in to take his goal tally to three in successive matches. Goalkeeper Louis Chadwick had to produce a brave point-blank save to deny defender Close following a corner that was not cleared and the keeper then kept his goal intact after 62 minutes when he dived fearlessly at the feet of Vasey who had slipped his marker. It was at this point that St Neots made their change in personnel and this seemed to signal a change in the visitors’ approach as they introduced two substitutes in attack. With 20 minutes remaining one of those changes Eusebio Da Silva set up Elliott Bailey for a close range tap in goal, and 12 minutes later the visitors were on terms when Bailey confidently scored his second goal from the penalty spot after Dequaine Wilson-Braithwaite handled in the penalty area. Lobjoit was trying hard up front in his solo capacity but he twice failed to seriously test Crowley after promising counter attacks. The final blow for St Neots came six minutes from time when a long cross by another substitute Patrick Akwasi found the head of Lee Close and he netted the winning goal to propel his side into the play-off places in the early season league table.

Saints Supporters’ Man of the Match – Lee Watkins St Neots Town: Chadwick, Bennett, Battersby, Wilson-Braithwaite, Dickens, Corr, Watkins, Smith, Robbins, Amu, Worman Subs: Goode (for Corr 46 mins), Lobjoit (for Robbins 65 mins), Cowling (for Amu 68 mins), Gomarsall and Martin.

Cards: Robbins (Y – 31 mins), Watkins (Y – 53 mins), Battersby (Y – 76 mins), Wilson-Braithwaite (Y – 82 mins) Goals: Ryan Robbins (19 mins), Arel Amu (58 mins) Welwyn: Crowley, Mensah, Sexton, Walklin, Close, Njie, Kinoshi, Payne, Vasey, Opoku, Bailey Subs: Da Silva (for Payne 51 mins), Tshikola (for Kinoshi 60 mins), Akwasi (for Vasey 65 mins), Buchanan.

Cards: Da Silva (Y – 45+4 mins) Goals: Bailey 2 ( 70 & 81 mins), Close (84 mins) Referee: Jorden Gibson Attendance: 230 John Walker

De Matos, and

THURLOW NUNN YOUTH LEAGUE ST NEOTS TOWN U18 1 PETERBOROUGH SPORTS U18 2 Two St Neots players suffered serious injuries – one in each half – leading to almost 40 minutes extra being played to make this more of a marathon than a football match!

Then after all that drama including a determined fight back by the home side after conceding two goals, they went on to be desperately unlucky to lose by the odd goal in three. Defender Gabriel Kirk suffered a serious hip injury and was eventually taken for a hospital check-up after 34 minutes and after the break substitute Jacob Styles was helped off with a serious knee injury. So, in only their second league match of the campaign after suffering two weather postponements, St Neots are still searching for their first victory of the season.

The visitors had marginally the better of the opening 25 minutes with striker Elijas Bagdonavicius terrorising the home defence with his lightning speed. He first went clear of the defence after seven minutes forcing a good near post parry from home keeper Dylan Martin who was then relived to see defender Toby Payton clear off his line from the resultant corner. A searching cross from Emmanuel Ochube then rattled the St Neots crossbar and as the pressure mounted the visitors took the lead as Bagdonavicius raced past the last defender to beat Martin from close range. St Neots tried to respond but they were restricted to long range efforts comfortably fielded by visiting keeper Ethan Jones. Then the unlucky Kirk suffered his injury and there was a thirty minutes suspension of the match as medical assistance was awaited.

Upon the resumption the visitors resumed their pressure and two minutes before the delayed half time break a Bagdonavicius cross was tapped in by Marcus Goymour from close range.

The second half was a totally different story. Within five minutes of the restart both Max Smalley and Kushinga Benyu had tested the visiting keeper and St Neots were comfortably back in game and dictating play. Substitute Joseph Jackson saw a shot well saved by Jones and Smalley and Benyu went close. The injury to Styles held up play once more and St Neots had to wait until three minutes from time before from a Jack Roe free kick, Toby Payton got in behind Sports defence to claim the late consolation goal.

St Neots: Martin, Payton, Howell, Roe, Perry, Kirk, Smalley, Clark, Benyu, Edwards, Butt.

Subs used: Hargreaves, Jackson, Styles, Kobus, and Musgrave.

Cards: none Referee: Paul Dobbs (John Walker)

FA TROPHY – SECOND ROUND QUALIFYING

Bedworth United

1

St Neots Town

4

St Neots progressed to the Second Round Qualifying of the FA Trophy thanks to a workmanlike second half performance following the sending-off of a home player, in a game full of incident. In the past – notably the match earlier this season at Yaxley – St Neots have struggled when facing ten men, but on this occasion, they scored three times in thirteen minutes to return home with a handsome, well deserved victory.

Although the home side came back from a goal behind, their recovery was brief before St Neots produced some attractive attacking play to dominate the final 35 minutes. It was their most complete display of the season and will give the side confidence for the next round of their final cup competition in two weeks’ time. With leading scorer Leon Lobjoit still injured, the only outfield change to the side was Sam Goode coming in for player/manager Barry Corr, who was on the bench, but also on the injured list was goalkeeper Louis Chadwick so George Whitehall on a dual registration from Histon, took over in goal.

The opening 25 minutes were dour with neither side able to claim the initiative despite most of the play being end-to-end. In fact, during this period neither goalkeeper was never really tested, with Arel Amu failing to capitalise on St Neots first clear opening whilst at the other end George Whitehall marked his St Neots’ debut with a confident take under pressure in the thirteenth minute. Bedworth lost striker Luke Keen to an early injury and they failed to create a clear opening in the first half. After 26 minutes Jake Battersby sprinted into the penalty are to be upended and a penalty looked certain, but the well-placed Referee waved the appeals away. Ben Worman had a close-range effort smothered and in the ten minutes before the break, the St Neots defence came under some pressure resulting in injuries for Dequaine WilsonBraithwaite and Jake Battersby suffered within their own penalty area. Strangely Wilson-Braithwaite was booked for entering the field of play after treatment, without the Referee’s permission. Just when the first half seemed likely to end in stalemate, it was in time added when the lively Lee Watkins was shoved in the back in the penalty area by Philip Bilson, and Ryan Robbins stepped up to confidently despatch the penalty kick for his fourth goal in as many games.

Continued The second half began with incidents at both ends as Worman beat three players to shoot narrowly over the bar and Bedworth though they had levelled when they got the ball in the net but they were hauled back by an offside flag. The catalyst came after 56 minutes when Reece Blackmore petulantly ignored the Referee’s whistle and then verbally abused the official to earn a red card. St Neots sent on Sam Gomersall for the limping Robbins and he immediately added some pace and new ideas to the visiting attack. However, stung into action after going down to ten men Bedworth defiantly went forward and rewarded when St Neots’ nemesis, striker Mitchell Piggon ran through the defence after 65 minutes to produce a powerful finish into the roof of the net from what seemed to be an impossible angle. That was as good as it got for Bedworth because just 12 minutes after his introduction Sam Gomersall restored St Neots lead with a well-placed finish after impressive approach play by Warman. This rocked Bedworth back on their held and around 90 seconds later Arel Amu punished a poor defensive clearance with St Neots third goal. Now St Neots produced some impressive and relaxed football keeping the ball from their hosts and crating chances.

Home keeper Andrew Walklate produced the save of the match to deny Warman a deserved reward for an excellent performance and St Neots always looked likely to have the final word and this came two minutes from time when Liam Bennett crowned a good personal contribution to the match with a low shot for the visitor’s fourth goal.

St Neots: Whitehall, Bennett, Battersby, Wilson-Braithwaite, Dickens, Goode, Watkins, Smith, Robbins, Amu, Worman Subs: Gomersall (for Robbins 63 mins), Cowling (for Smith 89 mins), and Corr.

Cards: Bennett (Y – 30 mins), Wilson-Braithwaite (Y – 32 mins), Dickens (Y – 62 mins) Goals: Robbins – pen - (45+2 mins), Gomersall (75 mins), Amu (76 mins), Bennett (88 mins) Bedworth: Walklate, Bilson, Steele, Parrott, Barnett, Mulders, John, Blackmore, Piggon, Keen, Blythe Subs: Deards (for Keen 15 mins), Walton (for Bilson 58 mins), Dawson (for Piggon 72 mins), Moore, Truslove, Rowe, and Templeton Cards: Blackmore (RED – 56 mins) Goals: Piggon (65 mins) Referee: Scott Chalkley (Birmingham) Attendance: 154 John Walker

SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE CENTRAL North Leigh 2 St Neots Town 2 St Neots conceded a late goal in injury time to drop two more league points after their long midweek trip to Oxfordshire. They deserved better after recovering from being behind at the break, to dominate for long spells in the second half, but the ariel threat from the home side especially at set pieces proved to be their undoing. It was pleasing that the goals continued to come - fifteen now in five matches that makes them the second best in the league, but defensively there are still gaps to be plugged if they are to capitalise on their improvement at the other end of the field. For the first time the starting line-up was unchanged with recovering striker Leon Lobjoit and player/manager Barry Corr on the bench, and the overall performance was solid with Ben Worman’s two goals looking likely to hand his side a first away victory of the current campaign, but the sheer persistence of the home side after going behind afforded them their point as they still seek their first league victory of the season.

The loyal band of St Neots’ followers returned home disappointed but will have been boosted by the overall performance of their side.

Kicking up the slope in the first half, St Neots took some time to find their rhythm, with a long-range effort from Ton Dickens their most notable effort after a quarter of an hour. The home side had begun well with St Neots keeper George Whitehall twice having to leave his line to block early efforts. Then the pressure by the home side paid dividends after 29 minutes, when Aaron Smith was dispossessed in midfield and Lance Williams fed George Seacole, his delightful lob over the advancing Whitehall put North Leigh in front. Shortly afterwards Elliott Osborne-Ricketts should have done better than shoot wildly over the bar following some pressure from St Neots that had failed to produce a positive result. As half time approach another defensive error by the visitors allowed the lively Seacole a free run at goal but he shot wide.

The second half saw a transformation of fortunes as St Neots settled to dominate much of the play. They were rewarded after 57 minutes when the impressive Ben Worman picked up a pinpoint cross from Liam Bennett to beat the home keeper to level the scores. The pressure on the home defence was continued as Dequaine WilsonBraithwaite broke up a home attack and raced almost the full length of the field unchallenged before being thwarted by a defender. Lee Watkins then set up Worman for a shot from the edge of the area that was blocked, but the visitors’ were not to be denied and after 73 minutes St Neots substitute Leon Lobjoit beat two but saw his effort blocked, but the ball ran loose and Ben Worman struck home a low shot to put St Neots ahead.

Continued It was no more than they deserved and four minutes later it could have been even better, but the Referee waved away what looked to be a deliberate handball offence in the North Leigh penalty area. Shortly afterwards a Worman free kick was deflected for a corner and then a Lobjoit shot after neat play by Jake Battersby failed to test the home keeper. Four minutes from time North Leigh squandered a free kick on the edge of the St Neots penalty area and a first away league victory for the Saints was looking on the cards. Then a minute into added time St Neots conceded a free kick and one of a trio of very tall home players Adam Learoyd rose high above the packed defence to head past Whitehall to rob St Neots of the two extra points they had deserved.

St Neots: Whitehall, Bennett, Battersby, Wilson-Braithwaite, Dickens, Corr, Watkins, Smith, Robbins, Amu, Worman Subs: Lobjoit (for Robbins 57 mins), Cowling (for Smith 80 mins), Gomersall and Corr.

Cards: Wilson-Braithwaite (Y – 43 mins), Robbins (Y – 55 mins) Goals: Ben Worman 2 (57 & 73 mins) North Leigh: North, Isherwood, McNeill, Brown, Carnell, Learoyd, Osborne-Ricketts, McNish, Seacole, Williams, Nash Subs: Mills (for Osborne-Ricketts 61 mins), Odhiambo (for Williams 77 mins), Williams (for Isherwood 86 mins) Cards: McNish (Y – 27 mins), Learoyd (Y – 90 mins) Goals: Seacole (29 mins), Learoyd (90+1 mins) Referee: David Nicholson (Bicester) Attendance: 150 John Walker

SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE CENTRAL AFC Dunstable

2

St Neots Town

2

For the third time in four games St Neots were in front going into the final stages of a match before finishing up either losing or dropping two valuable points. This was their fourth draw in just six league outings this season and the consensus of their fans is ‘we must learn how to close matches down when we are in front!’ Having been critical of the outcome it must also be said that in this match they did everything except return home with three points. They dominated possession throughout and served up some delightfully attractive football but failed to convert their superiority into goals, as well as gifting their opponents two goals in less that half a dozen openings they had created in a one-sided contest. Their domination was centred around the performance of their midfield trio of players, forceful skipper Lee Watkins, tireless Ben Worman and the inspirational Lewis Simper returning for a second spell on loan from Cambridge United. After suffering defeat in their two previous encounters with Dunstable this was a well-deserved draw that should have resulted in all three points. The team changes saw goalkeeper Louis Chadwick return after injury, and player/manager Barry Corr make a significant return to the side at the expense of Tom Dickens. After a three-match absence Leon Lobjoit returned to lead the attack at the expense of Ryan Robbins, and Simper was preferred to Aaron Smith.

Conditions were terrible with rain heralding the start of the match. Playing with the swirling wind at their backs in the first half, St Neots were guilty of overhitting their forward passes and crosses yet still managed to dominate possession, An early Leon Lobjoit cross deflected from the head of a defender to be blocked on the goal line, and the same visiting player went around the home goalkeeper but ran out of pitch to benefit. In the next attack after 19 minutes St Neots caused panic in the home penalty area only to see two close range efforts following a corner, blocked by desperate defending. A clever set piece short corner saw Barry Corr heads narrowly wide, and with 30 mins gone the home side had not been able to test Louis Chadwick in the St Neots goal. As half time approached, they did get further forward, and Bernard Christie beat an offside trap to advance on goal, but the speedy Liam Bennett got across to smother his effort at the expense of a corner. However, from that corner seven minutes before the break, the ball was pulled back to former St Neots full back Brett Longden and his cross found the unmarked Sam McClelland whose header put Dunstable ahead. There was still time before half time for defender Sam Goode to have two attempts to find an equaliser – the first a header well saved from a Ben Worman cross, and the second from Jake Battersby assist, a rising shot over the crossbar.

Continued Playing into the breeze in the second half, St Neots looked more in control as they set about retrieving the deficit. After 50 minutes from a Battersby corner, Simper saw his close range effort blocked on the goal line and four minutes later, in the same attack, Lobjoit brought a great save from home custodian Dan Green and then Goode had a net bound volley blocked by a defender. A dipping shot from Lobjoit was acrobatically pushed over the bar by the keeper, and another visiting effort was headed off the line. However, almost inevitably, the pressure brought the reward St Neots deserved with a well-taken equaliser from debut boy Lewis Simper who stole in to convert an accurate Liam Bennett cross after 65 minutes and six minutes later St Neots were deservedly ahead with the goal of the match. Corr won the ball on the edge of his own area and launched a sixty yards cross to the feet of Battersby who skipped past his marker and crossed to find Leon Lobjoit’s his seventh goal of the season. At that point St Neots should have gone onto win but nine minutes from time they failed to clear a Dylan Baker corner and defender Sam McClelland joyfully claimed his second goal of the match to steal a share of the points. In the remaining time both Simper and Corr had shots saved by man-of-the match home goalkeeper Dan Green.

St Neots: Chadwick, Bennett, Battersby, Wilson-Braithwaite, Goode, Corr, Watkins, Simper, Amu, Lobjoit, Worman Subs: Robbins (for Amu 86 mins), Dickens and Smith.

Cards: Corr (Y – 39 mins), Simper (Y – 63 mins) Goals: Lewis Simper (65 mins), Leon Lobjoit (71 mins) Dunstable: Green, Longden, Gedron, Frater, McClelland, Hanks, Griffin. Elliot, Christie, Ann, Baker Subs: Turner (for Elliot 31 mins), Brooks (for Longden 49 mins), Newman (for Hanks 72 mins) Cards: McNish (Y – 27 mins) Goals: McClelland 2 (38 & 81 mins) Referee: Harry Tarrant (Towcester) Attendance: 169 John Walker

RECORDS Saturday 10th October 2020 was the tenth occasion in the past nine seasons during our period in the Southern League, that we have scored six or more goals in a league match – and it was the first time for five seasons. We have only achieved this once away from home at Bedworth – and we visit Bedworth next Saturday in the FA Trophy!

Our 8-0 demolition of Didcot was the joint highest victory in the league during that period. Full details as follows: Season 2020/21 St Neots 2015/16 Bedworth away from home) 2014/14 St Neots St Neots 2013/14 St Neots 2012/13 St Neots 2011/12 St Neots St Neots St Neots St Neots John Walker

8-0 0-6

Didcot St Neots

6-5 6-2 6-0 6-1 9-2 7-0 6-0 8-0

Dorchester Hitchin Totton Hemel Hempstead Aylesbury Chertsey Marlow North Greenford

(the only time

U18’S League game information 2007-2020

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

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 Quiz Just for fun

Who am I ?

Clue One for 5 points I was born on the 5th Oct 1951 Clue two for 4 points My paternal grandfather father was a Belgian immigrant and my grandmother was Jewish born in London, I however was born in Dublin Clue Three for 3 points I formed my band in 1975 but am most famous for my charity work as well as my attitude towards the establishment.

Clue four for 2 points I have suffered tragedy in my personal life on more than one occasion Clue five for one point I once swore live on TV (actually more than once) and I don’t like Monday’s Clue one for 5 points I was born January 17th 1942 Clue two for 4 points I am a gold medal Olympian Clue three for 3 points I was stripped of my title because I was a conscientious objector and refused to be drafted.

Clue four for 2 points I changed my name Clue five for one point I am the greatest Clue one for 5 points I was born 30th December 1937 Clue two for 4 points I played for Stoke City Clue three for 3 points I together with 10 others achieved something that has never been repeated Clue four for 2 points My career was cut short through a very unusual injury Clue Five for 1 point I made the save of the century against Pele and Brazil at the 1970 world cup Answers on Post 16 Scholarship page

Biggleswade FC was formed in May 2016 from the very successful Biggleswade Town Under 18s side that competed in the Thurlow Nunn Youth League.

2014/15 season Town’s Under 18s lost just one league game all season as they romped to the Northern Division title.

The young Waders, along with all the other area divisional league champions in the Thurlow Nunn Youth Leagues, entered a knockout competition called the Champions Trophy.

After defeating Brightlingsea in the Semi-Final, they won a thrilling Final beating Woodbridge Town 4-2 after extra time with goals coming from Keinan Davis, Lee Northfield, Zac Tyrell and George Bailey. Keinan was later to secure a five-year professional contract with Aston Villa – a magnificent achievement for both himself and the Under 18s side.

2015/16 season After league changes, the Waders were placed in the Cambridge Division, which provided a number of different opponents to the previous season.

Two defeats by Ely City and Godmanchester Rovers early in the campaign were not enough to stop them taking the league title once more. The feat being achieved with a solid victory against Royston Town in the final match of the season.

Victory away to the Northern Champions Kings Lynn set up the chance to retain the Champions Trophy. Waiting in the final were Sudbury Town Academy, whose side contained many exIpswich Town and Colchester United Academy players.

Although the first half was a tight affair, Sudbury took a half time lead. The second half though was a totally different matter as the Biggleswade youngsters took total control. Goals from Rhys Thorpe, George Bailey and George Riley ensured that the young Waders emphatically retained their Trophy and title as Champions of East Anglia.

The team also entered the FA Youth Cup that season, where they progressed through four ties to reach the Second Round Proper before going down to Worthing in a seven-goal thriller.

The competition was eventually won by Chelsea FC. At the end of that season, with no further pathway at Biggleswade Town available, the decision was taken to form a new club. After a ground share agreement was put in place with Biggleswade Town at their fantastic facility on Langford Road - Biggleswade FC was born.

The Club applied to enter the Spartan South Midlands Football League Division One at Step 6 of the Non-League System. After two meetings and a successful appeal with The FA at Wembley, on 7th June 2016, Biggleswade FC were awarded their place at Step 6.

2016/17 season In their very first season in senior football, Biggleswade FC’s squad of young, talented players won the SSMFL Division One title. They finished with 99 points, six clear of Harpenden Town in second place and were duly promoted to the Premier Division - totally vindicating the decision to start off at Step 6 football.

The new club made a huge impact on and off the pitch and succeeded in doing things the right way. The players, under the astute management of Dave Northfield and Mark Inskip, deserved a huge amount of credit. Not only for playing football as it should be played, but also for working and bonding so well together – a real team in every respect.

Some of the performances were breathtaking and the 8-1 destruction of high-flying Langford at Christmas and the 4-2 away win at previously unbeaten Baldock Town were both particular highlights.

Others saw the team fighting to the very last minute to secure vital wins, such as the matches at Risborough Rangers and Hillingdon Borough. Setbacks against Kensington Borough at home and the unexpected loss at Bedford merely served to galvanise the players and they then went on subsequent runs of wins to get back on course.

One of the defining moments of the season was the titanic home game against Baldock.

Bombarded by a very physical side and long balls, FC went behind in the second half and were seconds away from losing the league leadership.

However, a last-minute penalty got it back to 3-3 in front of a large crowd that exploded with excitement, shattered our opponents and effectively secured us promotion and subsequently the title.

Another side was shown by the youngsters on that evening. They stood up to immense pressure, really dug in and showed how much they had matured into senior players. The sheer excitement of the journey during the season was fantastic to experience by everyone connected with the club and its growing band of supporters and football ‘family’.

As well as the successes in the league, the Club also had a thrilling FA Vase run. There was another last-minute winner against Essex Senior League Takeley and then the extraordinary “see-saw” game down in London as FC beat Essex Olympian League Canning Town 5-4 after extra time.

The nine-goal thriller was a game that some social media sites called the “Match of the Season” at Step 6 – this to go with the statistic that the Club were also the leading goalscorers in the country at this level. This was all the more remarkable when one considers that the team’s goals were shared around so many members of the team.

The toughest possible draw came in the Second Round Proper where FC were handed an away draw at Peterborough Sports, who were current leaders and eventual comfortable winners of the United Counties League Premier Division.

In going down 5-3, FC made a huge impression on their high-flying opponents and they were glowing in their praise of the football the youngsters played.

On and off the field, Biggleswade FC won a lot of friends over their first season in senior football. Crowds increased, more supporters and sponsors came on board and the club set out to cultivate links with the local community, especially children and their families.

There have been match day mascots from Biggleswade Academy and Biggleswade Town Under 7s, whilst the club’s badge was designed by a local 12-year old school girl for whom there was a special presentation on FC’s ‘Launch Day’ back in October 2016. The Chairman of the SSMFL and an FA representative were also in attendance.

League officials have been regular attendees at matches and there have also been visitors from as far afield as Suffolk and Southampton. Biggleswade FC has had excellent weekly coverage in The Biggleswade Chronicle and has also featured in the national Non-League Paper.

2017/18 season The 2017/18 season, the Club's second full season in senior football, will probably be remembered for our exploits in the FA Vase. Victories over Northampton Sileby Rangers (53), Basildon United (2-0), Crawley Green (2-0) and eventual SSML Premier Division champions Welwyn Garden City (2-1 after extra time) saw FC reach the last 32.

We were drawn against Hellenic League highflyers Thatcham Town, who were in the middle of an incredible 41-match unbeaten run that would take them to a league title and FA Vase double. We had our chances on the day and with a bit more luck might have progressed, but it wasn't to be as we went down 2-1. The fact everyone was deeply disappointed and that we lost to the eventual winners speaks volumes for the ambition at Biggleswade FC. The experience has only whetted the appetite and created a bigger determination to go further in the competition. The exciting run means FC will enter at the Second Round Proper stage (last 128) for the 2018/19 season.

It was a case of an opportunity missed not lifting the League Challenge Trophy. Broadfields United (who again went on to lift the trophy) played FC in the Semi-Final at possibly the best time when we had suspensions and were in the middle of a poor run. Broadfields would go on to beat Risborough in the Final after leaving Langford Road with a 2-1 win.

The league campaign on the whole was a successful one, finishing in 5th place in our first season at the ninth tier of English Football. Six wins and a draw from the opening seven games - including a 7-2 rout at Holmer Green - had FC setting the pace early on, but ultimately inconsistency and dropping points against sides in the bottom half of the table saw them fall away in the final couple of months.

Our first venture into the FA Cup ended with a 4-1 home defeat to Wisbech Town, but again we can point to the fact that it has taken a team who went on to get promotion to stop us in our tracks. Other notable moments in the season were taking our landlords Biggleswade Town to penalties in the Beds Senior Cup Semi-Final, whilst also beating eighth tier AFC Dunstable 5-3 in one of our best performances in an earlier round. We also claimed four points from two meetings with local rivals Biggleswade United, which both attracted healthy three-figure crowds.

As for the Reserves, they enjoyed a solid first season in the Bedfordshire County League finishing just below mid-table in Division One. After a difficult start in which many of the squad were making their first steps into senior football, Phil’s side finished the season strongly picking up 20 points from a possible 33.

Another pleasing aspect of the season was that by the end, there were a number of players on the fringes of the first team squad. George Holman in particular didn’t look out of place when called upon and announced himself with a wonder goal at Stotfold.

2018/19 season In 2018/19, the club really announced itself on the local and national stage. For the second time in three seasons, FC were league champions - this time clinching the SSMFL's Premier Division title by six points after a four-way tussle with Tring Athletic, Hadley and Biggleswade United for much of the season.

They made it a league and cup treble lifting the Premier Division Cup with a 2-0 win over Baldock Town in front of over 300 spectators and in excess of 200 turned out to see FC lift the North Beds Charity Cup for the first time with a 5-1 demolition of Ampthill Town at Bedford FC. They also captured the imagination of the local community with crowds in excess of 500 at home to both Stowmarket Town and Windsor in the FA Vase. The fairytale didn't quite go as far as Wembley, but a memorable day out saw three coaches travel to Faversham and in excess of 600 witnessed FC go down 2-1 to an experienced Canterbury City side at the Quarter-Final stage.

Not to be outdone, our promising young Reserve side claimed a Beds County League Division One and Centenary Cup double going unbeaten in all competitions over 23 matches, a run that stretched back November. Although the club is very much in its infancy, Saturday 20th April 2019 will go down as a special day in our history as both teams clinched their respective league titles on a baking hot afternoon, celebrated together at Stotfold's Roker Park before the party went on long into the night.

The forthcoming 2019-2020 season sees the club rub shoulders with some illustrious nonleague opponents in the Southern Football League for the first time and we cannot wait to get started!

Tyler Josephs (Goalkeeper) Following the departure of Ross Tompkins, FC's management team identified Tyler as their number one target to replace him. The young keeper arrived in July 2019 from neighbours Potton United and has fitted seamlessly into the FC rearguard.

Luke Oswick (Defender) 21-year-old Luke arrived from Royston Town in July 2019 and featured as a left back initially. However, having picked up some injuries at centre half, he was moved into the heart of the FC defence for the win over Kempston Rovers in December and he’s been an absolute revelation since.

Michael Simpson (Defender) “Simo” arrived from Stotfold in July 2018. A player that was on Dave Northfield’s wanted list for a while. After initially starting in the Reserves, once he forced his way into the 1 st Team he has made the left back position his own. A solid and dependable player who rarely has a bad game.

Adam Hunt (Defender) An exciting attacking right back, "Hunty" captained FC to the SSML Division One title in the club's debut season in 2016/17. His performances got him a move to Welwyn Garden City for 2018/19 and despite some good performances for The Citizens, Adam decided to "come home".

One of only two players to clock up over 150 appearances for the club.

Nathan George (Defender) Played in the club's first-ever game in 2016. An impressive goalscoring record reaching doublefigures in two out of four campaigns, mainly down to him being the club’s regular penalty-taker.

An influx of new centre-halves saw him lose his place in the side earlier in the 2018/19 season, but he returned with some big performances in the run to the Treble.

Joe Gauge (Defender) A January 2020 arrival from Southern League neighbours Hitchin Town. Joe caught the eye of the FC management team at cross-town rivals Biggleswade United where he scooped three awards at the club’s End of Season Presentation in his first season of senior football. Has already formed a solid partnership with Luke Oswick.

Dom Mason (Defender/Midfield) Signed this summer having scored 12 goals in 23 appearances for Cambridgeshire County League outfit Eynesbury United last season. Another ex-Cambridge United scholar - Dom was training with Bedford Town earlier in pre-season, but made the switch to Langford Road. A larger-thanlife character who has already opened his FC account with a goal against AFC Dunstable.

Tom Coles (Midfield) - Club Captain A mid-season arrival from Eynesbury Rovers in 2017/18 where he had scored over 100 goals in just over six seasons, “Colesy” averaged just over a goal every other game for FC in his first couple of seasons. Having dropped into a deeper midfield role his goalscoring contributions may have lessened, but his leadership, experience and all-round importance to this young squad has only increased.

Elliot Kettle (Midfield) The 23-year-old American joined us this summer. The creative midfielder had been training with a number of clubs since moving to the UK in December 2019, but FC moved quickly to secure his services after a couple of impressive displays in pre-season. A classy footballer that already looks like being a very good addition to the FC squad.

Pat McCafferty (Midfield) Pat spent all of his youth playing days with Luton Town, but was released as a 16-year-old. Their loss has certainly been FC’s gain though, making over 120 appearances for the club to date.

Always in the right place to break up play, but equally as adept at driving from midfield with the ball at his feet. An all-action class act, who will be essential to FC’s future successes.

Matt Richardson (Midfield) 20-year-old Matt already has Senior Football experience with Ampthill Town under his belt and has shown plenty of promise since arriving at the club. Been very stop, start for him over the past couple of seasons as he’s been unlucky with injuries, but he’s another local lad with bags of potential.

Conor Inskip (Midfield) Another midfielder who has had his injuries problems in recent seasons, but he looks to have put them behind him now with some solid and combative performances in pre-season. Will provide good competition in the centre of the FC midfield.

Joe Bradbury (Midfield) An experienced midfield player who has formerly been with Eynesbury Rovers, Crawley Green and Bedford FC. He maybe one of the older members of the squad, but he is undoubtedly one of the fittest. His opponents always know they've been in a game when they come up against his all-action and energetic style of play.

Lee Northfield (Midfield/Forward) “One of the originals” from the all-conquering Biggleswade Town under 18s side. Lee spent six years at Ipswich Town before moving on to Stevenage FC. Over 40 goals and 25 assists for FC to date and despite getting a bit of stick for being the manager’s son, he is certainly a creative cog in the free-scoring FC machine.

Kian Coles (Midfield/Forward) After some impressive performances for the Reserves in the last couple of seasons, the Biggleswade-youngster has forced his way into the 1st Team squad. Technically gifted and a sweet left foot. A player who could be an important part of FC’s success in the coming years.

Alan Fleming (Forward) The 21-year-old former Norwich City and Luton Town youngster could well be one of the finds of the season. Recommended to us by ex-Northwood & Welwyn GC manager Dean Barker after he left Wingate and Finchley. After an impressive substitute appearance in pre-season, the FC management team moved quickly to secure his services. He's already repaid some of that faith with key goalscoring contributions against Histon and AFC Dunstable.

Ryan Inskip (Forward) First FC player to reach 150 appearances for the club. "Skippy" was one of FC’s star performers in 2018/19 chipping in with 20 goals including a cup final brace against Baldock Town.

His quick feet and close control make him equally adept at creating goals as he is at scoring them.

Sam Johnson (Forward) Another late pre-season acquisition for FC. The 25-year-old all-action attacking midfielder will bring some much needed experience to a young FC squad having been in and around the Southern League for the past two or three seasons with spells at Kempston Rovers and AFC Rushden and Diamonds.

George Bailey (Forward) Prolific in his first season and a half for Biggleswade FC. Form that earned him a crack at Step 3 football with both Biggleswade Town and St Ives Town. Dave Northfield has tried on numerous occasions to bring him back to the club, but finally he’s got his man this summer.

Could be another excellent attacking addition.

Scott Joseph (Forward) October 2019 capture from neighbours Bedford Town. The 31-year-old forward has bags of experience with spells at AFC Rushden & Diamonds, Bedford Town, St Ives Town and Barton Rovers to name a few. The strong and powerful front man made an immediate impact scoring eight goals in seventeen games including at hat-trick at Wantage Town.

Tom Cookman (Forward) “Cookie” is a talismanic forward who leads from the front. Although his goal return has dwindled over the past couple of seasons, there is no doubting his importance and experience to this young squad. One of only three players to score over 50 goals for the club so far. He is a nightmare for defenders (and referees ;-p).

Daniel Bond (Forward) “Bondy” arrived from neighbours Langford in November 2019 having scored 12 goals in 16 appearances in a short stint down the road at Forde Park. He also has Step 4 experience though having had spells goalscoring spells with both Hertford Town and Welwyn Garden City in recent seasons.

Adam Drakulic (Forward) “Drax” has found regular 1st Team appearances hard to come by since his arrival in October 2018, but there is no doubting his first-class attitude and his infectious character. Made some very key contributions for both 1st Team and Reserves in their trophy-laden 2018/19 campaign. " was one of FC’s star performers in 2018/19 chipping in with 20 goals including a cup final brace against Baldock Town. His quick feet and close control make him equally adept at creating goals as he is at scoring them.

Sam Johnson (Forward) Another late pre-season acquisition for FC. The 25-year-old all-action attacking midfielder will bring some much needed experience to a young FC squad having been in and around the Southern League for the past two or three seasons with spells at Kempston Rovers and AFC Rushden and Diamonds.

The Southern Football League Division One Central Last Updated: Monday 26th October 2020

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Squad List

Squad List

Louis Chadwick Dylan Martin

Tyler Josephs Adam Hunt Michael Simpson Luke Oswick Joe Gauge Nathan George Tom Coles (c) Alfie Williams Adam Drakulic Kian Coles George Bailey Ryan Inskip Sam Dreyer Leon Okuboyejo Elliot Kettle Mousa Jammeh Selch Ulug

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