2022/23 - Issue Eleven - Sutton Coldfield Town

Greenie’sGreetings

Good afternoon everyone and welcome back to the Premier Plus Stadium for today's Pitching-In Northern Premier League Midland Division game.

Today we extend a warm welcome to the Players, Officials and Supporters of Sutton Coldfield Town FC and we hope your brief stay with us here in St Neots is an enjoyable one.

Another tough afternoon on the road last Saturday up at Shepshed Dynamo where we found ourselves 2-0 down inside the first four minutes. Gredit though to the boys who dug in, got back into the game via a Trey Charles goal and made a competitive fist of it second half. We've now faced all the clubs in the division once apart from Cambridge City, who visit on Boxing Day, so hopefully going into the second half of the season, we will know a bit more about our opponents, a bit more savvy.

Another tough game in store for us today as we look to avenge the 6 0 trouncing we suffered earlier this season at their place but we have proved if we start well as we did against Corby here, we can get the right results, so fingers crossed.

Just a reminder that we kick off against Cambridge City on Boxing Day at the earlier time of 1.00pm

Back to today and please do get behind the lads from the first whistle, your support really does make a difference out on the green carpet. Here's to wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year, Enjoy time with your families and loved ones and we will see you in 2023

PUMP UP THE VOLUME

WithDirectorMikeGreen Greenie Greenie Greenie

BoardroomGossip

BoardroomGossip

WithChairmanBarryCavilla

WithChairmanBarryCavilla

Good afternoon everyone and welcome back to the Premier Plus stadium for this afternoon’s game in the pitching in Northern Premier League Midland Division against our visitors from Sutton Coldfield Town FC.

A quick glance at the league table will tell you that our visitors have had a reasonable start to the season and find themselves sitting comfortable in mid-table. We know only too well that there are no easy games in this division and if we are to get back to winning ways, then we will have to be at our very best against our visitors today.Whatever the outcome today, we welcome Sutton Coldfield players, official and supporters to the Saints this afternoon; We trust they will enjoy their short stay with us (but not too much!!!) before having a safe journey home.

Last Saturday saw us put under extreme pressure from the first whistle as we struggled to get going and find any flow to our game against a very positive and direct Shepshed Dynamo team who took full advantage and put themselves in a commanding position at half time. However, second half, Pete asked for a response from the Saints and we scored early but unfortunately we could not create enough quality opportunities to unlock a resolute and no nonsense defence.

We now start to play the first of the reverse fixture today against Our visitor and if we are to get ourselves away from the bottom teams then we need to find consistency of performance from start to the finish to secure the much needed points to get this Talented Saints team away from the danger zone and to move to a more comfortable position and safety in this competitive League. I know we all will be focused first on today’s game, however we now have a run of games with teams around us and just above that we are hopeful of making a difference and pushing away from our fellow strugglers.

So, thank you all very much for turning out to support the lads today, enjoy the game and let’s be hopeful for a positive result and performance too.

Finally, The team, staff and club volunteers would like to wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and happy, healthy New Year and Thank you for your support so far this season.

You’re simply the Best, Merry Christmas to you all,

Barry Barry

Barry

BLASTFROMTHEPAST SATURDAY26THNOVEMBER2015

STNEOTSTOWN 5 MERTHYRTOWN 2

In the end St Neots cruised to a predictable victory against a youthful visiting Merthyr side–butnotuntiltheyhadwithstoodacoupleofnastyshocks. Thevisitorsledtwicein the first half and the main after-match post mortem in the St Neots dressing room will have been more about shoddy first half defending rather than the very useful three points gained. The home side was more than usefully assisted by a foolish sending off after just 28 minutes when Gavin Williams collected a second yellow card for dramatic simulation after he had lost control of the ball. Condemned to play for the final hour of the match a man short the Welsh visitors did well to restrict the defeat to a reasonable proportion, but St Neots Manager Matt Clements will be disappointed that his side did not push home their numerical and territorial advantage with more goals in the second half. Home keeper Mike Emery was almost unemployed for the whole of that second period with the visitors operating a damage limitation exercise and the match rather petered out once St Neots had scored their fifth goal. The starting line-up was unchanged from that which had started the match the previous Saturday with Tom Wood, Harry O’Malley and Ryan Horne all starting on the bench after midweek appearancesasotherplayersreturnedfrominjury.

St Neots looked comfortable enough in the early exchanges with Nabil Shariff volleying over the bar from a Johnny Herd cross but he did then get the ball in the net, set up by Lewis Irwin only to be denied by an offside flag. After 10 minutes the home supporters weresilencedasMerthyrtookthelead.Anattackdowntherightwonthemacornerand Ian Traylor’s inswinging corner was met deftly at the near post by the head of Kerry Morgan whose flick bamboozled the St Neots defence. Three minutes later it was parity as a delightful through ball from David Bridges released Lewis Irwin who low shot across goal beat Cameron Clarke. St Neots had learned nothing from their early setback and after 24 minutes some more sloppy defending saw defender Matt Harris given too much space at the back post from a Gavin Williams free kick and his header looped over Mike Emery to put the visitors ahead for a second time. Williams was then dismissed and as Merthyr tried to reorganize they conceded a second goal as Johnny Herd crossed deep to thefarpostwhenDionSembie-Ferrisnettedfromcloserange. Thenwithinsixtyseconds St Neots went ahead as a Sembie-Ferris cross was only cleared as far as Luke Knight and he lashed the ball home to give St Neots a 3 2 advantage. The remainder of the first half sawnomoregoalsbutKyronWiltshireshotwideofanopengoalwiththevisitingkeeper stranded twenty yards upfield and there were further misses with off-target shooting fromJackBradshaw,HerdandKnight.

Itwasaneightminutesspellshortlyaftertherestartthatsettledapredictable outcome to the match. After Sembie-Ferris had ballooned a shot over the bar, he made amends by setting up Luke Knight who scored his sides’ fourth goal with a low shot from the edge of the area. Before Merthyr had recovered from thatshockStNeotsstruckagainasIrwincollectedhissecondgoalofthematch from a measured Knight cross. The flood gates could have opened then, but Clarke dived bravely at the feet of Nabil Shariff after he had danced past his marker and Sembie-Ferris fired disappointingly wide after good work by Bridges. In an attempt to maintain the momentum St Neots introduced all three permitted substitutes but Merthyr were now entrenched as a defensive unitsoakingupthepressureandHornefiredoverwhenheshouldhavescored, and Clarke denied Bridges with a parried save to a blockbusting shot. Late on Shariff had an acrobatic overhead attempt cleared off the line by Adam Davies butthethreepointsliftedStNeotsbacktoninthinthetable.

Yearfounded:1879 Chairman:SteveBanks ClubWebsite:www.sctfc.com

GOOD AFTERNOON AS WE WELCOME SUTTON COLDFIELD TOWN TO THE PREMIER PLUS STADIUMFORTHEFIRSTTIMEFORALEAGUEFIXTURE

Aspecialreturnwelcomeforourvisitorsthisafternoonwhowerethefirstsidetovisitus for 36 years in the FA Trophy in 2012 after the change of rules and our absence from the competition due to a combination of reasons. The match report of that meeting can be found elsewhere in this programme. Note this is the first time we have faced the same teamtwiceinourleagueprogrammethisseason.

Like our lads Sutton have struggled to find a spell of consistency this season and they currently sit in twelfth place in the table a very comfortable nine points ahead of us. Away from home they have already recorded three victories at Chasetown, Dereham and Gresley coupled with home victories over Bedworth, Hinckley and Yaxley plus of course a 6-0 midweek victory over our lads way back on 4th October. Since then, we have recorded just two wins and a draw in eleven league outings so today gives us a chance to chalk out the memory of that defeat and rebuild our confidence as we move into the second half of the season. Last season our visitors finished seventeenth in the final league table – a comfortable thirteen points ahead of the three bottom clubs all of whomsufferedrelegation. In Cup competition our visitors have recorded an inconsistent set of results. In the FA Cup extra-preliminary round, they lost 2-0 at Romulus way back in August before the leagueseasonhadbegunbuttheymadeupforthatdisappointmentintheFATrophy. In the first qualifying round they defeated Grantham Town away from home by the odd goal in three and followed that up with a notable home 2-0 victory in the second qualifyingroundoverhighflyingHalesowenTown. Their third match in the competition was away at higher graded Matlock Town where they were beaten 3-0. Finally in their County Cup competition they recorded another impressive result winning 3 1 away at Sporting Khalsa. Last Saturday they were beaten in the league by a single goal to nil by Spalding United who are currently comfortably placed two points behind league leaders Stamfordwithagameinhand.

JWMatchlookingahead

TheLastTimeWeMetHere.........

FATrophyFirstQualifyingRound–22thOctober2012

STNEOTSTOWN 3 SUTTONCOLDFIELD 1

Playing in the FA Trophy for the first time since 1976 St Neots made a winning start with a comfortable victory over visiting Sutton Coldfield. There was a return to the side for Shane Tolley and he obliged with a second half goal but thiswasagenuineallroundteamperformancewithStefanMooreandPearson Mwanyongo impressive up front and Chris Hope looking invincible at the back. AdrianSeargaveanothernon-stopperformanceinmidfield,anditwasdifficult to detect a weak link which gives Manager Dennis Greene an interesting task with the return next weekend of Dan Jacob. The visitors are fourth in their league, and it was understandable that the two sides looked fairly evenly matchedinthefirst45minutes.

Therewasanexplosivestartandthevisitorscouldhavebeeninfrontafterjust 50 seconds when James Quiggin crossed from the left and Dean Rathbone’s fierce volley was brilliantly pushed away by Michael Duggan. However not to beoutdoneDuggan’soppositenumberNiallCooperthrewhimselffulllengthto parry a Pearson Mwanyongo shot curling into the top corner of his net.Sutton looked most dangerous at set pieces and three quick succession corners tested the St Neots defence with Rathbone and Craig Marshall both finishing off target. An opportunistic lobbed free kick from inside his own half by Chris Hope caught the visiting keeper off his line and he had to back pedal to push the ball over the bar but he was beaten after 32 minutes. Lewis Hilliard’s deep corner was headed back by Lewis Webb and Stefan Moore applied the finishing touch. Quiggin might have levelled the scores but with only Duggan to beat he skied the ball over the bar and St Neots finished the half strongly with Cooper savingwellfromHopeandMwanyongostabbingtheballwidefromcloserange.

JWMatchlookingahead

TheLastTimeWeMetHere.........

Two minutes after the restart Shane Tolley displayed his predatory striking ability when Stefan Moore collected a Mwanyongo through ball and set up his strike partner for his first goal since 13th September. This visibly deflated the visitors and for a while St Neots were able to slow the pace and dominate play. Suttonchangedtheirtacticssendingonanadditionalstrikerbuttheygotlittle success against a stubborn St Neots defence. After 66 minutes another excellently executed goal effectively decided the contest. Again Mwanyongo camebackintomidfieldtopickuptheballandhefoundTolleywhosefirsttime flick played Stefan Moore clear and he outpaced his marker to score his eighth goal in just twelve games this season. Towards the end Sutton looked determined to get a consolation goal and James Reid went close and in injury time he made up for his miss driving home through a packed penalty area followingacorner.

St Neots Town: Duggan, Deeney, Steer, Webb, Henebery, Hope, Hilliard, Sear, Moore,Tolley,Mwanyongo.

Subs: Gent (for Henebery 27 mins), Konadu (for Webb 46 mins), Sno (for Hilliard 72mins),Greene&Mitchell.

ManoftheMatch: PearsonMwanyongo

Attendance:311 JohnWalker

Partners Visitwww.stneotstownfc.co.uktofindouthowtobecomeapartner.

StNeotsTownFCisnotjustaboutfootballweareacommunityfocusedbusiness.Wehavesomuchmoregoingonwhich ultimately and significantly increases our footfall and our website site and social media reach.This in turn means that whenyouadvertisewiththeSaintsyougetsomuchmoreforyourmoney.

StNeotsTownFCisnotjustaboutfootballweareacommunityfocusedbusiness.Wehavesomuchmoregoingonwhich ultimately and significantly increases our footfall and our website site and social media reach.This in turn means that whenyouadvertisewiththeSaintsyougetsomuchmoreforyourmoney.

NORTHERN PREMIER LEAGUE – MIDLANDS DIVISION

St Neots Town 2 Corby Town 0

After a wait of almost three months St Neots Town recorded only their second home victory of the current campaign and on the strength of play and possession their victory could have been greater. The visitors, sixth in the table with only one away league defeat this season, were easily brushed aside and but for an outstanding display by visiting keeper Jason Alexander, the margin of defeat could have been much more emphatic. St Neots displayed a degree of confidence and control not previously seen this season and managed to shrug off the first half injury loss of central defender Steve Sylvester with Panny Boxer slotted in to substitute. He was one of two players rested from the previous match along with Manny Osei who was unwell and their places in the starting line-up were taken by Joe Rider and Declan Nche. Making his club debut as a second half substitute was striker Liam Smyth signed in the week from neighbours Biggleswade Town. From the start St Neots looked determined and skipper Callum Anderson tested the visiting keeper as early as the second minute. The home side then conceded a free kick and home keeper Jamie Greygoose was in action saving Michael Jacklin’s effort well. Then after nine minutes Trey Charles displayed a great change of pace to round the final defender and when his shot was parried Brandon Njoku was on hand to put the ball in the unguarded net. Once ahead St Neots looked comfortable as Liam Hook and Charles both had efforts well saved by the visiting keeper. Then after 21 minutes a second goal –almost a repeat of the first – put St Neots well in control. The goal came from a move through the centre of the park as Charles once again worked his way clear and when Jason Alexander could not hold his fierce finish, Brandon Njoku again was in position to take full advantage. Daniel Collins shot over the bar for the visitors and Greygoose had to produce a reaction save to keep out a close- range effort from a corner but St Neots looked well in control. A Joe Rider shot was well saved at the expense of a corner and then he saw a second effort pushed over the crossbar and in first half added time Charles went clear again forcing Alexander to save bravely at his feet.

CORBYTOWN (H)26-11-2022

Liam Smyth replaced Rider just after the break and his first touch fed Charles whose effort beat the keeper but deflected off the far post. Looking for his hat trick, Njoku shot narrowly wide and then from a lengthy throw by Aaron Smith the ball was headed on for the keeper to push the ball away via a goalpost. St Neots continued to enjoy the bulk of possession and attacking play, but the visiting defence looked resolute, and many openings were snuffed out. The visiting keeper was again in action pushing away another effort from Njoku and from midfield Declan Nche burst through only for his effort to be deflected for another corner. Corby were then reduced to ten men when Scott Floyd picked up a second yellow card and despite the visitors mounting a late allout attack, the St Neots defence never looked like being breached. Charles had deserved some reward for his constant tormenting of the visiting defence but his final chance five minutes from time was blocked rather than saved by the visiting keeper.Just before time St Neots sent on substitute Robbie Mason for his first appearance since mid-October, finishing with three strikers on the pitch.

St Neots Town: Greygoose, Duncliffe, Smith, Anderson, Lewis, Sylvester, Hook, Nche, Charles, Rider, Njoku

Subs: Boxer (for Sylvester 31 mins), Smyth (for Rider 46 mins), Mason (for Njoku 87 mins) Barnett and Goumou. Cards: none

Goals: Njoku 2 (9 & 21 mins)

Corby Town: Alexander, Thomas, Floyd, Burrows, Gordon, Jacklin, Molyneaux, Matthews, Florian, Collins, Arthur

Subs: Furey (for Arthur 62 mins), Norman (for Jacklin 80 mins), Maddison, Hartley and Slinn.

Cards: Floyd (RED - 2Y – 20 & 80 mins), Arthur (Y – 46 mins), Jacklin (Y – 66 mins), Gordon (Y – 86 mins) Goals: none

Attendance: 294 Referee: Mark Simmons (Ramsey) John Walker

NORTHERN PREMIER LEAGUE – MIDLANDS DIVISION

Shepshed Dynamo 3 St Neots Town 1

An impressive second half display by St Neots did little to offset a poor first 45 minutes. Conceding two goals in the first four minutes of the game gave the visitors what proved to be an impossible task against a home side who displayed the importance of defending stoutly when St Neots produced their much improved second half comeback. The first half loss of full back Jon-Paul Duncliffe to injury did little to boost St Neots’ confidence but they can take some comfort from their spirited second half response. However, on the downside with home victories on the day for Daventry Town and Hinckley LRFC, St Neots became further detached from the sides above them in the league table. They are beginning to look doomed to a second half of season relegation scrap.Only one team change from the winning side the previous Saturday was made this enforced because of the injury sustained by Steven Sylvester, with Panny Boxer brought back to the heart of the defence.

The opening four minutes of the match proved pivotal to the outcome of the contest. In Shepshed’s first attack after just two minutes St Neots conceded a free kick wide on the left and then watched as Cam Moore rose high above the defence to head across goal for Reece Morris to net from close range at the far post. Worse was to follow for two minutes further into the match Morris picked out Zayn Hakeem who got a fortune rebound off a defender to add a second goal. Shell-shocked St Neots responded well, and a Trey Charles shot was blocked. and Liam Hook followed up but off balance could only fire over the bar. St Neots custodian Jamie Greygoose then produced an outstanding reflex save to push a free header from Toby Ritzema over the bar from a Moore corner whilst at the other end St Neots were bombarding the home goal without success. Charles saw a shot deflected over the bar by a defender, a Joe Rider effort was also deflected and Panny Boxer saw his effort cleated off the line with the home keeper beaten. Then seven minutes before the break a long ball from deep in defence saw the speedy Zayn Hakeem outpace the St Neots defence to add a third goal.

St Neots replaced Rider with Robbie Mason after the break and within seven minutes he made his presence felt with a neat flick to find Trey Charles who rounded his marker to pull a goal back for St Neots.That could have sparked a revival, but the home defence was stubbornly uncompromising despite St Neots enjoying the much greater share of possession. From an Aaron Smith free kick Mason saw his close-range header well saved and a second close range effort by Charlie Lewis was also saved by the well-placed home goalkeeper. The home side threw on substitutes to boost their defence to preserve their lead and in the final twelve minutes there was no continuity of play as the referee produced no fewer than six yellow cards which gave the outcome of the match a false impression. From the home sides’ point of view, they had successfully stifled St Neots’ best efforts and those opening four minutes of the match had proved significant and conclusive.

St Neots Town: Greygoose, Duncliffe, Smith, Anderson, Boxer, Lewis, Nche, Hook, Charles, Rider, Njoku

Subs: Soloman (for Duncliffe 37 mins), Mason (for Rider 46 mins), Osei (for Njoku 81 mins), and Barnett. Cards: Hook (Y – 78 mins), Boxer (Y – 86 mins), Anderson (Y – 93 min), Mason (Y –94 mins)

Goals: Charles (52 mins)

Shepshed Dynamo: Ganley, Harper, Medrano, Smith, Betts, Prenderville, King, Ritzema, Hakeem, Moore (C), Morris

Subs: Moore (S) (for Moore (C) 84 mins), Snedden (for King 84 mins), Ruzvidzo (for Hakeem 90 mins), Wakeling and Zona.

Cards: Moore (C) (Y – 56 mins), Harper (Y – 61 mins), Medrano (Y – 81 mins), Snedden (Y – 89 mins)

Goals: Hakeem 2 (4 & 38 mins), Morris (2 mins)

Attendance: 182

Referee: Hayden Lavender (Gloucester)

John Walker

OpponentSpotlight SUTTONCOLDFIELDTOWNFC

SUTTON COLDFIELD TOWN HISTORY

The football club associated with Sutton Coldfield was formed in 1879 with the first game taking place on the 1st of February at "Meadow Plat" in Sutton Park when the club lost 62 to Birmingham. The club moved to its present ground in Coles Lane in 1920.

From just after the Second World War until the early 1980s, the club played its football in regional leagues in the area, including Walsall Senior, Birmingham Comb, Birmingham Senior, Worcester Combination, Midland Combination and West Midlands Leagues.

In 1980-81 we reached the First Round proper of the FA Cup for the first time in our history and were drawn at home to Doncaster Rovers of the then Fourth Division. In front of a record crowd of over 2.200 at Coles Lane we played well but were defeated 2-0 with two late goals.

In 1982-83 we joined the Southern League following the introduction of the revised football pyramid. We secured promotion to the Premier League after finishing runners up to Cheltenham Town.

Relegated the following season and then remained in the Southern League at step 4 until 2010-11.

In 1992-93 we reached the First Round proper of the FA Cup for the second time in our history and were drawn away to Bolton Wanderers of the then Second Division at Burnden Park. In front of a crowd of over 5,000, a major shock was on the cards when a late goal for Sutton was ruled out for offside and the game finished with a 2-1 win for Bolton who were promoted that season and also reached the Fifth Round of the FA Cup winning at Anfield along the way.

Another highlight came in 1998-99 the club won the Dr Martins League Cup, beating Cambridge City.

In season 2007-08 Sutton lost in the play-offs to eventual winners Stourbridge and in the following season 2008-09 missed out on the play-offs on goal difference when Chesham United equalized two minutes from time against Bromsgrove Rovers.

In season 2010-11 we were moved by the FA into the EVO-STICK Northern Premier League Division 1 South and again missed out on the play-offs finishingsixth for the third year in a row.

OpponentSpotlight SUTTONCOLDFIELDTOWNFC

In 2009-10 and for the first time in our 132-year history we won the Birmingham Senior Challenge Cup beating Nuneaton Town 1-0 in the Final.

2011 saw the installation of the 3G artificial pitch at Coles Lane.

In September 2012, Chris Keogh stepped down as manager after 12 years and joined the Board, his assistant Neil Tooth taking over as manager.

In 2014-15, the Club took the big step of changing the status of the club from a Members Club to a Company Limited by Guarantee.

In the same season, we earned a play-off berth by finishing fourth in the regular season. In the Semi-Finals we travelled to Newcastle Town, who had finished third, and came away with a 3-1 win. This put us in the Final, away at Leek Town, who had finished second. This turned out to be a great game and Sutton scored a very good 2-0 victory to get promoted to the NPL Premier Division. The last time we had played at level 3 was some 30 odd years ago in the Southern League.

Season 2015-16 was a new experience for us, after promotion via the play-offs, to the Premier Division. Many people were saying we would immediately get relegated, but the team proved them all wrong. After a steady start of 3 draws and 2 losses in the first 5 games, we hit a purple patch over the next 9 games, winning 7, drawing 2, putting us second place in the league. Following a number of injuries, we slipped down the league to finish a creditable 12th. In the FA Cup we were knocked out in the First Qualifying round by Oadby Town but in the FA Trophy we were more successful, when we reached the First Round proper only to lose to National League side Barrow AFC 1—0 to a late goal.

After a poor start to season 2016-17, Sutton struggled to pick up points and were knocked out of the FA Cup and Trophy in the early rounds. A difficult decision was made and the club parted company with the management team having won 3 and drawn 5 of the 20 league games played. Despite some improvement in form we remained in the bottom four for almost the entire season and went into the last game needing to better Corby’s result to survive. A tremendously spirited performance earned a point with a 0 –0 draw at much fancied Workington and with Corby losing at Coalville survival was ensured.

OpponentSpotlight SUTTONCOLDFIELDTOWNFC

The 2017-18 season mirrored that of the previous year; again, Sutton struggled to pick up league points and were knocked out of the FA Cup and Trophy in the early rounds by lower league teams. At the beginning of 2018 with the team having only 5 wins and 5 draws from 29 games and a goal difference of minus 48 the decision was once again taken to change the management. Neil Tooth (Toothy) was reappointed with a new management team and reinvigorated the team doubling the number of wins and being competitive in almost all the remaining games. However, the deficit inherited was too great and relegation became something of a formality.

Relegation saw us competing in the Southern League Division 1 Central for the 2018-19 season. ‘Toothy’ completely rebuilt his squad and, unsurprisingly, this took time to come together and there were some early season disappointments. However, given a little time, and how often have Managers at all levels craved for that, the new squad with its balance of experience and youth got to grips with the league and two very good runs in the season saw us finish 5th and qualify for the play-offs. This saw us lose 3–2 after extra -ime to Bromsgrove Sporting in front of a crowd of 1,850 in what was possibly the best and most exciting game of the season. Other highlights were a good FA Cup run which saw us beat Rushall Olympic of the South Premier League Central after a replay before losing to Alfreton Town of the National League North in another replay. We had a little earlier lost on penalties to another National League North Team, Leamington, in the Birmingham Senior Cup. Our last game of the season was against Boldmere St. Michaels in the Final of the Walsall Senior Cup where we lost 2 – 0. Coming so close after the playoff Semi-Final this just proved a game to far for the team.

With a further revision of the National League Structure the 2019-20 season saw us back in the North/East section after one season away “down south”. This was an opportunity to re-acquaint ourselves with a number of former adversaries, while for many of the Club Players, Officials and Supporters it was an opportunity for a number of first-time visits to some Clubs. Again, ‘Toothy’s’ philosophy for the season was to blend experience with the continuing development of, in particular, U21 players and many were given the chance to play at senior level. We had considerable success in the FA Cup with a win over Gresley Rovers, while Redditch and Kettering were beaten after replays. The dream ended with a 1 – 0 defeat to a very good Boston United team in the Third Qualifying Round. There was some success in the FA Trophy with wins over Yaxley and Stafford Rangers before a defeat at the hands of Hednesford Town. The League season started slowly, the cup runs taking a toll, but the results improved as the season progressed including six wins on the bounce in February and March and gave hope that the final weeks of the season might see a play-off place. However, it wasn’t to be and in March the season was terminated, and all football activity ceased with the onset of the Covid pandemic.

OpponentSpotlight

SUTTONCOLDFIELDTOWNFC

Sadly the 2020-21 season was significantly compromised by the continuing COVID-19 pandemic which had a significant impact on all clubs; not just from a playing perspective but survival became a real issue for many across all levels of football. The season didn’t start until September and was curtailed and then cancelled in November. We had a slow start losing the first games in both the FA Cup and FA Trophy, while only 7 games were possible in the league and we finished with a record of 3 wins, 2 draws and 2 defeats.

After losing last season we approached 2021-22 with anticipation, expectation and a little trepidation. Budgets had been compromised due the closure of facilities, after two difficult seasons a number of players had retired or moved on and some supporters (the life blood of clubs at our level) were uncertain about attending games. Nevertheless, we retained key players from the previous year’s squad, with a number of former U21 players maturing well and putting themselves in contention. As always, our Manager, ‘Toothy’, was watching the local scene and made some key signings. During the lockdown the Board continued to invest in the Club’s future with a number of facility improvements and a commitment to other long-term developments. We also looked to continue the total development of the club as the Ladies and Junior sections went from strength to strength and continued our commitment to working with the local community.

2021-22 began with a 2-0 home win against Soham Town, which proved to be one of only a handful of wins in 2021 in what became a difficult season for the Royals. Under Neil Tooth’s leadership only one more win was recorded before the end of October against Sporting Khalsa and following a 5-1 defeat to Ashton United in the FA Trophy resulted In ‘Toothy’ and his assistants resigning as the management team. Ross Thorpe was appointed as the new manager following a short stint as interim manager, with Steve Hinks later joining as assistant. A resurgence in December saw the Royals record their first away wins at Soham Town and Coleshill Town and further wins at home against Stamford and Shepshed also followed. The key game to avoid relegation came in a home tie which saw an incredible attendance of 823 witnessed a crucial 3-0 win against fellow strugglers Wisbech Town. This run of results helped the Royals beat the drop with games to spare on 37 points.

On guaranteeing Step 4 for the Royals, Ross Thorpe resigned as first-team manager to follow other career options. The Royals appointed former Chasetown and Shepshed Dynamo manager David Stringer to take the Royals forward in the 2022-23 season. As well as a new management team, it was also an important pre-season for the Royals as the 3G pitch has been replaced following the original being installed back in 2011 along with the new LED lights and a refurbished main stand ready for the 2022-23 season. We look forward to the challenge ahead in the new season under David Stringer.

OpponentSpotlight-PLAYERPROFILES SUTTONCOLDFIELDTOWNFC

Jonno Brown- GK Jonno is a strong keeper with a big presence. The keeper impressed when coming into the side at the back end of last season to help The Royals to survive relegation and will be looking to help the team push forward this season.

Kieran Hart - GK

Kieran is a young goalkeeper who has come up through the youth teams. He made his first team debut last season and went on to save three penalties in the five appearances he made. Kieran will be continuing to gain experience and push for the number one spot.

Tom Hurley - DEF

Tom is a young fullback who has come up through the junior and youth teams. He was a regular since he made his debut last year against Halesowen at home at just the age of 16. Tom will be looking to cement his place in the side.

Will Mansfield - DEF

Will is a versatile player who can play across the back four or in midfield. Previously of Heather St John, Will was able to score 8 goals from right back and centre half last season.

Harry Sawyer - DEF Previously of Coventry United and most recently Hinckley United, Harry was instrumental in their push for promotion last season. Harry operates at right back and brings a threat going forwards.

Sam Walton - DEF

A young defender who is previously of Heather St John, Bedworth and Tamworth Academy. Sam will be looking to compete for his place with a strong selection to go from at centre half.

James Beresford - DEF

Club captain and central defender ‘Bez’ is a true defender who will put his body on the line. James is looking for a successful season and to help the team push on from last year’s position.

Matt

Hunt - DEF

With a tall and physical presence, Matt has been able to impress in pre-season. Previously of Tividale, Matt is looking to help The Royals in the step up for success.

Yahiya Todd - DEF

The centre half, previously of Highgate and most recently Heather St John captain is a pacy defender who can drive forward at the opposition and get fans of their seats.

OpponentSpotlight-PLAYERPROFILES SUTTONCOLDFIELDTOWNFC

Tom Armitage - DEF

Previous Nuneaton Town left back joined Sutton last season. Tom is an exciting young full back who shows energy going forward.

Aaron Dickens - DEF

Previously of Heather St John, Aaron will be looking to compete for the left back spot in the step up in the non-league pyramid.

Harry Eden - DEF

An energetic full back who spent the last few games on loan at Rugby Town last season. The left footer will be looking to compete for a starting place on a regular basis.

Tim Oyanda - MID

A young player who can operate across the midfield. Tim is a tidy footballer who can fit in and adapt to different systems. Tim will be looking to push for his place in the starting XI this season.

Cameron Collins - MID

A midfield with lots of natural ability, Cameron is a brave, typical midfielder who will want to get on the ball no matter the situation. Cameron is previous player of Highgate and Heather St John.

John Mills - MID

The left footed midfielder who will be keen to help the team get ticking with his passes this season, John is previously of Rugby Town, Highgate and Heather St John.

Lamin Ceesay - MID

Lamin is a young footballer who has progressed through the ranks of Sutton Coldfield. Previously being involved with the first team last season, Lamin will be looking to cement his place in the starting XI.

Benedict Wilson - MID

The young midfielder gained experience in last season’s campaign. A player who will work hard and use this season to push for his place in the team.

Flavio Tavares - MID

Flávio is an exciting player who will get fans off their seats. With pace and his tricky feat, Flavio will be looking to stretch the oppositions defence this season.

Rhys Hilton - MID

Rhys can operate in the higher areas of midfield and likes to take players on. The left footer is certainly a threat to defenders and will pose a threat throughout the season.

OpponentSpotlight-PLAYERPROFILES SUTTONCOLDFIELDTOWNFC

Sam Ellis - MID

A 20 year old attacking midfielder who has worked his way up the non-league pyramid over the last few years. Sam is a hard-working player who is happy to get the ball in congested areas.

Stuart Hendrie - MID

An experienced midfield player who will work well into The Royals playing style. Stuart will be looking to help the team and younger players progress with his experience.

James Spruce - FWD

A goal scorer who netted 30 times for Heather St John last season. James can work across the attacking midfield area or as a centre forward.

Ashanti Price - FWD

Ashanti will be looking to display his page, energy and physical presence throughout the season. A centre forward who will be looking to rack up his tally of goals for The Royals.

P l a y i n g R e c o r d S e a s

P l a y i n g R e c o r d S e a s