2021/22 - Welwyn Garden City - Issue 13 by St Neots Town Football Club

SAINTS GAZETTE ISSUE 13

OFFICIAL ONLINE MATCHDAY MAGAZINE SEASON 2021/22 ADMISSION INFORMATION

(MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT)

SATURDAY JANUARY 15TH 3.00 PM KO

WELWYN GARDEN CITY FC

SOUTHERN LEAGUE CENTRAL DIVISION

Saints President - John Walker

First Team

Board of Directors

Manager - Peter Gill Assistant - Sean Greygoose GK Coach - Gary Dean Physio - Craig Lambert Kit Man - Mick Hunt Analyst - Ben Williamson Match Ball Retriever - Stan Scotcher

Chairman - Barry Cavilla Director of Football - Iain Parr Events Director - Louise Sales Commercial Director - Mehmet Mimoglu Secretary - Gary Wilson Director - Mike Green Director - Jez Green Director - Andy Clay Director - Brian Barnes

Sports Scholarship Contact - Iain@stneotstownfc.co.uk

Saints Match Day Team

Academy

Fixture Secretary - Marion Izzard Hospitality - Andy Clay Stadium Announcer - Mike Green Music & Scoreboard - Charlie Green Catering - Diane Sales

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

Media

Club Information

Press Officer - Mike Green Match Reports - John Walker Photographer - Dave Richardson Social Media - Rowan Presland / Mike Green

Address: Rowley Park, Kester Way, StNeots, Cambs., PE19 6SL

Ground Staff Pitch maintenance - Barry Oakley

Club Welfare Officer - Mick Hunt

Website - www.stneotstownfc.co.uk Enquires - enquires@stneotstownfc.co.uk Events - misslouises@yahoo.co.uk Academy - iain@stneotstown.co.uk

Front cover - Image copyright protected by David R.W. Richardson of Rich In Video, used under license.

Ownership: In accordance with the football association league rule 2.13 publication of ownership in relation to step 1-4 within the football pyramid, we hereby confirm the legal status of St Neots Town Football Club Identification Number 02921210, and is a Private Limited Company. For the purposes of publication of ownership we can confirm that the following are listed as Directors of the Company: significant interest Lee Kearns, Iain Parr, Louise Sales, Gary Wilson, Mehmet Mimoglu and as Non Executive Directors Mike Green, Jeremy Green, and Barry Cavilla. Company Secretary Keith Gotch, Company Accountant Keith Gotch

Greenie’s Greetings With Director Mike Green

Good afternoon everyone and welcome back to the Premier Plus Stadium for today’s offering in the form of this Pitching-In Southern League Division One Central Match. Today we extend a warm welcome to the players, officials and supporters of Welwyn Garden City FC and we hope your brief stay with us is an enjoyable one. Here we go then, our first Saturday Home game of 2022 and potentially we are in for a cracker of a match. These notes have been penned prior to the trip to Barton Rovers and our rearranged home game with Kempston Rovers last Tuesday evening. Our previous outing saw a much improved performance away at league leaders Bedford Town, eventually losing by a solitary goal. As some may have noticed, we now have BT Sport showing Premier League and Champions League football among other things in the Clubhouse so when there is an early Saturday kick off being broadcast, why not come up early and take in the game on tv before watching the main event out on the Premier Plus Stadium carpet. Back to today then and let’s hope we have another performance like we did when we faced the Citizens back in September, winning 4-1 at their place when a Joe Rider double and singles from Myles Cowling and Neo Richard-Noel earned us the three points so please play your part off the pitch by getting behind the lads from the first whistle and hopefully come full time we will be celebrating a well earnt win.

BE LOUD, BE PROUD, BE A SAINT

Greenie

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

First Team Shirt Sponsor

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SAINTS FOOD TERRACE

Boardroom Boardroom Gossip Gossip With With Chairman Chairman Barry Barry Cavilla Cavilla Good Afternoon Everyone

Welcome to the Premier plus Stadium for this afternoons Pitching-in southern league Division One tie against Welwyn Garden City FC. , On behalf of the Board, I extend a warm welcome to the players ,Official and supporters and hope your stay with us this evening is a pleasant one. I would like to start by wishing you all a very Happy New year . I hope you have remained safe and Covid Free over the festive period. It has been several weeks since our last home game and along comes 2 within a week (I am writing these notes before the rearranged fixture against Kempston Rovers) It’s been a tough few weeks for Pete and the team with so many injuries to his players and Covid playing a big part in all our lives presently. We are hoping for better news on the squad and welcoming back several of the injured players to help us bounce back and picking up some valuable points . Off the field we have introduced a new match day package to make it even more welcoming for our business partners, advertisers and supporters. In addition to this new initiative we will now be showing live football in both bars which I'm sure will further add to the whole Saints Matchday experience. . So we look forward to seeing you all over the coming week, until then stay safe. Barry

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

www.stneotsloftconversionsltd.co.uk

Little Paxton, Saint Neots PE19, UK

07932 453477 St Neots Town FC is not just about football we are a community focused business. We have so much more going on which ultimately and significantly increases our footfall and our website site and social media reach.This in turn means that when you advertise with the Saints you get so much more for your money.

St Neots Take away – Shop Local, Support Local

orders@takeaway-stneots.com

Pizza/fried chicken, Turkish, British, British Cafe Order through our app Order online Order on the pay store

To Advertise with the Saints contact our Commercial Director Mehmet on 07946 318888 or email mehmet@stneotstownfc.co.uk

AF Golf Store AFGolfStore offers everything a golfer could need, from premium club fitting using Trackman 4 technology to individual or group lessons for all ages and abilities. Whether you're a beginner or elite golfer, child or adult, we have something for you! Contact AFGolfStore Peterborough Feel free to contact a member of our team with any enquiries you may have using the form below. Alternatively you can call the team direct on 01733 215989 We can be found at Unit 10, Slater Court, Harrier Way, Eagle Business Park, Yaxley PE7 3SE Peterborough Store Opening Times Monday 9am-6pm Tuesday 9am-8pm Wednesday 9am8pm Thursday 9am-6pm Friday 9am-6pm Saturday 9am-5pm Sunday CLOSED Contact AFGolfStore Cambridge Feel free to contact a member of our team with any enquiries you may have using the form below. Alternatively you can call the team direct on 01763 262943. We can be found at Kingsway Golf Centre, Cambridge Road, Melbourn, Cambridge, SG8 6EY Cambridge Store Opening Times Monday 9am-8pm Tuesday 9am-8pm Wednesday 9am8pm Thursday 9am-8pm Friday 9am-8pm Saturday 9am-5pm Sunday 9am-5pm

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

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

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

Som’s Salon is a Mens Barbershop and Ladies Hairdressers, we are located on Longsands Parade, Saint Neots with FREE parking directly outside the shop!

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Saints - Goldstraw Goldmiths St Neots Town FC Academy & Main Stand Sponsor The Goldstraw Goldsmith’s St Neots Town FC Academy Sponsor

Goldstraw Goldsmiths is an established, trusted, successful jewellery shop in the Cambridgeshire town of St Neots. At Goldstraws Goldsmiths we’ve been designing and caring for jewellery for over 30 years. We sell all styles of jewellery; new and antique. If you have a particular item in mind, we will always endeavour to source it. Two experienced goldsmiths work on the premises, offering quality craftsmanship with every newly created piece and repair. We take pride in our work and our customers tell us time and time again that wouldn’t go anywhere else. Why not come in and say hello we” be happy to help.

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

Call 01480 470931 / Mobile 07950 496568

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Saints

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

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

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

We also have two function rooms.

Reedman's

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

The Gregory Suite

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

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

Give Louise a call on 07753 222683

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

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

JW Match Report BERKHAMSTEAD (H) 14-12-2021 SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE CENTRAL

St Neots Town

Berkhamsted

St Neots’ best performance for several weeks afforded them a deserved share of the points as high flying Berkhamsted came to town. The Hertfordshire side were hoping for a victory that would have taken them back to the top of the league table but in the event, they were fortunate to leave the Premier Plus Stadium with a share of the points.Injury ravaged St Neots produced their best team performance for almost two months and only their finishing in front of goal let them down. With Neo Richard-Noel side lined by an injury sustained in the previous match, and Joe Rider still not fit the home side went into the match without a recognised striker, yet still produced a performance that stunned a side that had spent most of the season at the top of the table. Kwai Marsh-Brown returned to the side after injury having to play up front, and Wynford Marfo was back after his one match ban with Marc Abbott dropping to the bench. The other team change saw Gradi Milange make his first start at the expense of Dequaine Wilson Braithwaite who was also on the bench.

If the visitors had imagined that this would be a routine victory over a struggling side, it did not take long for this notion to disappear. St Neots adopted a defiant attacking policy from the start with visiting keeper Xavier Lomas-Leon having to save an early Charlie Johnson header from a Charley Barker corner. Aaron Smith then saw a net bound shot blocked by a defender, and Joshua Green making only his second start tested Lomas. St Neots then had a very credible appeal for a penalty waved away when Smith broke into the area to be brought down from behind and the first effort by the visiting side saw a Cheyce Grant volley sail harmlessly over the bar.In fact there were only five minutes remaining in the first half when Berkhamsted built their first credible attack.Alie Bangura broke on the right only to see his effort rebound from the woodwork, but before St Neots regained possession a searing 25 yards effort by Cheyce Grant flew into the net to afford the visitors a half time lead against the run of play. However, before the break there was time for the visiting keeper to produce a good save to deny Lee Watkins before seeing another effort by Miles Cowling blocked by a defender.

JW Match Report BERKHAMSTEAD (H) 14-12-2021 Continued

After Barker had sent St Neots’ first second half effort over the crossbar St Neots deservedly levelled the scores after 56 minutes when skipper Lee Watkins netted his third league goal of the campaign after good work by the Marsh-Brown brothers. That seemed to boost St Neots’ confidence and in the next five minutes they squandered a golden opportunity when the unmarked Kwai Marsh-Brown fired over the bar from ten yards and Wynford Marfo then was only inches wide of the far post with an angled effort. Briefly the visitors threatened with Louis Chadwick having to dive bravely at the feet of Lewis Toomey and substitute Jordan Frederick shot wide.Watkins almost doubled his goals tally with a shot that beat the visiting keeper and the far post and then Robbie Goodman brought down Myles Cowling on his way forward and was booked.The lively Kai Marsh-Brown had a shot parried and Barker should have scored but shot over the bar. Both defences cleared off the line in a lively finish – substitute Dequaine WilsonBraithwaite saving St Neots, and Ryan KInnane denying Marfo at the other end.

St Neots: Chadwick, Marfo, Smith, Barker, Johnson, Milenge, Cowling, Watkins (L), Green, Kai Marsh-Brown, Kyjuon Marsh-Brown Subs: Wilson-Braithwaite (for Milenge 65 mins), Abbott, Smalley, and Peacock Cards: Kai Marsh-Brown (Y – 9 mins) Goals: Watkins (56 mins) Berkhamsted: Lomas-Leon, Akubuine, Cooper, Watkins (A), Kinnane, Goodman, Bailey, Kirkpatrick, Toomey, Grant, Bangura (A) Subs: Frederick (for Watkins (A) 53 mins), Draycott (for Grant 58 minutes), Bangura (M), Chamberlain and Groom. Cards: Goodman (Y – 9 mins), Kirkpatrick (Y – 78 mins) Goals: Grant (40 mins)

Referee: Andrew Hitchcox (Somersham) Attendance: 173 John Walker

JW Match Report DIDCOT TOWN (H) 18-12-2021 SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE CENTRAL St Neots Town

Didcot Town

St Neots produced a woefully inept home performance and visitors Didcot took full advantage to climb above their hosts in the league table. For the first time St Neots were COVID hit with three players missing (goalkeeper Louis Chadwick, midfielder Myles Cowling and striker Neo Richard-Noel), after testing positive following the midweek game, but this will be no excuse for a well below par performance. With their second senior goalkeeper George Whitehall nursing a broken finger St Neots had to call upon seventeen years old youth goalkeeper George Anthony to make his senior debut, and former manager Marc Abbott returned in midfield in a further patched-up side. They were particularly vulnerable in defence where Charlie Johnson and recent signing Gradi Milenge looked poor and uncoordinated, and they created little in attack without a recognised striker in their squad. It was Didcot’s first win at St Neots having failed to score on their two previous visits and the win took them above their hosts as St Neots dropped three places in the table to thirteenth. It is the goalscoring department that must be of the main concern to Manager Pete Gill because in their last five league matches, they have scored just once, picking up just five points out of their last twentyseven.Now the club physiotherapists take centre stage as they struggle to make an impact on the key players side lined by injury. St Neots actually began well taking the game to their visitors without testing the goalkeeper but after eight minutes they were hit on the break when in Didcot’s first attack striker Noah Alabi cut inside from the left flank past two static defenders, before beating rookie goalkeeper George Anthony with an angled low shot. From a Charley Barker free kick Aaron Smith fired wide and four minutes after their first goal, Didcot went further ahead as a corner from Connor Barratt was headed back across goal for the unmarked Joshua Hedges to add a second goal. From a St Neots corner Barratt headed off the Didcot goal line and that was as close to a goal that St Neots got in a torrid first half. Visiting keeper Leigh Bedwell did have to save at the feet of Charlie Johnson following a Barker corner but despite St Neots sharing possession their attacking ideas were optimistic rather than accurate as Kwai Marsh-Brown fired wildly over the bar and brother Ky failed to test the keeper from close range. Significantly from his midfield role St Neots skipper Lee Watkins looked the player most likely to test the visiting defence and St Neots went to the breaking searching for some inspiration.

JW Match Report DIDCOT TOWN (H) 18-12-2021 continued They started the second half well enough and making for goal Ky Marsh-Brown was hauled down earning visiting defender Harley Giles a caution. Both Joshua Green and Kwai Marsh-Brown shot wide – the second following a Wynford Marfo cross after some patient build up play by St Neots. It was the home side’s defensive play that was causing concern. There seemed to be little protection for their debutant goalkeeper but after an hour they could have struggled their way back into the game but from a Marfo cross Kwai Marsh-Brown was guilty of the miss of the match as he skied the ball high over the bar from six yards. Substitute Max Smalley did liven up the home attack but sent a good chance straight into the arms of the visiting keeper, but the pressure always seemed to be on the home defence and after 75 minutes Gradi Milenge fluffed a clearance and from the edge of the penalty area visiting skipper Seth Humphries smashed the ball into the net for the third goal. Anthony did save bravely at the feet of Alabi before the visitors were reduced to ten men when Humphries was issued with a straight red card for a dangerous tackle. Even so the visitors left their best for last because two minutes into added time they added a fourth goal when Barker missed a tackle on the edge of the area and Connor Barrett became Didcot’s fourth scorer in what for them was a memorable victory.

St Neots: Anthony, Marfo, Smith (A), Barker, Johnson, Milenge, Abbott, Watkins, Green, Kai Marsh-Brown, Kyjuon Marsh-Brown Subs: Smalley (for Green 55 mins), Wilson-Braithwaite, Gomes, Clark, and Dean. Cards: Kwai Marsh-Brown (Y – 83 mins) Goals: none Didcot: Bedwell (L), Barder, Smith (J), Bedwell (T), Giles, McNeill, McKirnan, Barratt, Alabi, Humphries, Hedges Subs: Parsons (for McKirnan 46 mins), Bones and Evans. Cards: Humphries (RED – 85 mins), Giles (Y – 50 mins) Goals: Alabi (8 mins), Hedges (12 mins), Humphries (75 mins), Barratt (90+2 mins)

Referee: Joshua Crofts (Huntingdon) Attendance: 268 John Walker

JW Match Report BEDFORD TOWN (A) 02-01-2022 SOUTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE CENTRAL

Bedford Town1

St Neots Town

Despite losing central defender Charlie Johnson sent off twelve minutes into the second half, St Neots produced a determined gutsy performance against the league leaders only to be beaten by a single goal scored by the divisional leading scorer Renee Howe – his 20th of the campaign. It was St Neots third away defeat at the hands of Bedford, the other two in National Cup competitions, and despite being without four key players the visitors pushed their hosts all the way.Once again team changes were a key factor for the visitors with Neo Richard-Noel and Myles Cowling returning from COVID, and Callum Anderson after injury and they replaced Kyjuon Marsh-Brown, Aaron Smith and Joshua Green with Dequaine Wilson-Braithwaite preferred to Marc Abbott who was on the bench. Bedford on an unbeaten league run of six matches cemented their place at the top of the table three points ahead of Berkhamsted whilst St Neots stayed anchored in thirteenth place – a dozen points shy of the play-off places. Johnson became the fourth player to see red this season and will miss the important trip to Barton Rovers next week. On a very heavy pitch St Neots struggled to settle into a rhythm in the early stages of the contest and were quickly finding the pace of the home side a problem.In their first attack Bedford sliced through the visiting defence and the lively Connor Tomlinson moved inside the last defender but fired high over the bar. Joe Butterworth was the next home player to find himself in a scoring position, but his effort was blocked by a defender. St Neots first attack after14 minutes resulted in them winning a corner when Kwai Marsh-Brown’s shot deflected off a defender and this was a rare visiting sortie with the home defence dominant. Renee Howe’s strength and clever positional play was creating problems and he twice tested visiting keeper Louis Chadwick. St Neots persevered and began to look stronger towards the end of the half with the hardworking Neo Richard-Noel seeing a well-placed free kick neatly saved by home keeper Alexander Street. Both sides squandered late first half chances Will Summerfield finishing carelessly after a great run by Lewis Miccio whilst at the other end Myles Cowling looking off balance shot over the bar after excellent play by Richard-Noel and the half ended with Shaun Keene shooting wide after good work by How

JW Match Report BEDFORD TOWN (A) 02-01-2022 CONTINUED Bedford produced what was to prove the knockout blow just nine minutes after the break when Hugh Alban-Jones beat two defenders to cross to the near post for Renee Howe to keep up his goal-a-game record against the Saints for the third time this season. Then it got worse for the visitors for three minutes later central defender Charlie Johnson mistimed a tackle on Connor Tomlinson and was sent off. St Neots swiftly reorganised with recent signing Perry Wilson filling in at the back and they then showed how determined they were to redress the balance. Regardless of the imbalance in numbers they took the game to their hosts but the home defence which is the second tightest in the Division were giving nothing away.For that last half hour the ten men performed as eleven but never really threatened to find an equaliser which their second half performance merited. Late in the game Richard Noel looked to be bursting clear but he was brought down earning the perpetrator only a yellow card. St Neots: Chadwick, Marfo, Wilson-Braithwaite, Anderson, Johnson, Milenge, Cowling, Watkins, Richard-Noel, Kwai Marsh-Brown, Barker Subs: White (for Wilson-Braithwaite 53 mins), Abbott (for Anderson 79 mins), Gomes (for Barker 86 mins), Ronan Marsh-Brown and Anthony. Cards: Johnson – (RED – 57 mins), Richard-Noel (Y – 38 mins), Marfo (Y – 82 mins) Goals: none Bedford: Street, Keane, Steele, Richardson, Brown, Albon-Jones, Tomlinson, Butterworth, Howe, Summerfield, Miccio Subs: Donnelly (for Summerfield 63 mins), Setchell (for Butterworth 72 mins), MackailSmith (for Tomlinson 83 mins), Walker and Swain. Cards: Alban-Jones (Y – 51 mins), Donnelly (Y – 82 mins), Richardson (Y – 89 mins) Goals: Howe (54 mins)

Referee: Luke Scott (Northampton) Attendance: 657 John Walker

JW LOOKING AHEAD WELWYN GARDEN CITY FC (H) 15-01-2022 OPPONENTS SPOTLIGHT (15/January/2022) WELWYN GARDEN CITY FC Year founded: 1921 Chairman: Ray Fiveash Club Website: www.welwyngardencity.org.uk A BELATED HAPPY NEW YEAR AND A SPECIAL WELCOME TO OUR VISITORS WELWYN GARDEN CITY MAKING THEIR SECOND APPEARANCE AT THE PREMIER PLUS STADIUM Our first meeting here was in midweek in October 2020.Leading comfortably 2-0 after 70 minutes we conceded three goals in a crazy 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 our goals and to send on semi-fit leading scorer Leon Lobjoit and adopt a more defensive approach to the match. To their credit Welwyn took full advantage of this apparent lack of assuredness displayed by the home side and with two additional attacking substitutes added to their attack they ruthlessly exposed St Neots’ defensive frailties. Our last meeting with Welwyn was earlier this season in Hertfordshire where we recorded our first victory over our hosts with a 4-1 victory – our best away league result so far this season. A Joe Rider double and goals from Neo Richard-Noel and Myles Cowling sealed that victory which lifted us to the fringe of the play off places. That now seems a distant memory because our New Years Day defeat at Bedford left us twelve points behind the team in the fifth place in the table. Earlier this season Welwyn enjoyed impressive runs in both the FA Cup and FA Trophy. In a very busy season they played no fewer than NINE matches in the two competitions compared to our total of two! In the FA Cup they saw off FC Romania, Mulbarton Wanderers, and Bedford Town before losing to higher graded Bromsgrove Sporting.In the Trophy they collected four scalps (Hythe Town, Ashford Town, Merstham and Carshalton Athletic) before losing to Needham Market. As an inevitable result they are left playing ‘catch up’ on league fixtures going into the New Year two or three matches behind others in the division. Our New Year resolution (or perhaps ambition!) will be to hope for fewer injury problems for key squad members. Our trip to Bedford saw us without several key squad members – leading scorer Joe Rider out for eight of last nine matches, Ben Heal out for last five matches, Callum Anderson out for six of last seven matches, and Kyjuon Marsh Brown out for three of last seven matches. A Happy and injury free New Year to all our squad as we seek to climb back up the league table. PREVIOUS MEETINGS OF OUR CLUBS (post UCL) 2019/20 Welwyn 7-1 St Neots 2020/21 St Neots 2-3 Welwyn 2021/22 Welwyn 1-4 St Neots

Enjoy the Match

John Walker

Goldstraw Goldsmiths ST NEOTS TOWN FC ACADEMY

THURLOW NUNN YOUTH LEAGUE – WEST DIVISION

ST NEOTS TOWN U18

DEEPING RANGERS U18

Dubbed as the League decider this top versus second contest lived fully up to expectation. It was an excellent match between the two best sides in the Division and the result left St Neots needing just four points from their final three games to finish as Champions. However, it was sad that in the final five minutes plus no less than ELEVEN minutes added time the visitors completely lost their discipline winding up with a total of seven yellow cards (two of which resulted in one player being dismissed). St Neots also had two yellow cards both issued to Marley Ugarte-Edwards (one in each half) meaning an automatic one match ban for this charismatic young striker. After a cautious start by both sides which included a good save by visiting keeper Max Rigby from home skipper Ryan Thomas, St Neots stamped early authority on the contest after 17 minutes when Enoch Opayinga making only his third appearance played Marley Ugarte-Edwards clear of the defence to open the scoring. After 22 minutes Alfie Carberry was upended in the penalty area, but the Referee waved play on, but just sixty seconds later he made up for his disappointment as he netted St Neots second goal. Opayinka looking very sharp then saw a rising shot pushed for a corner at full stretch and Ugarte-Edwards had a close range shot blocked on the goal line as St Neots dominated. Deeping came out after the break determined to make an impact on the game and after 55 minutes a Keelan Walker free kick found the head of William Howard who beat the home keeper, but the ball rebounded from the bar. On the break Opayinka brought an excellent save from Rigby and as the visitors pressed, Beck McCarthy broke through on 75 minutes but Brooklyn Peacock dived bravely at his feet to save. However a rare mistake by the goalkeeper sixty seconds later, as he spilled a cross, set up Mapalo Mwansa for a goal for the visitors and that signalled a frantic finale to the match. St Neots still created the better chances with Julinho Gomes and Opayinka close to sealing the result but with three minutes left a skirmish involving most of the players saw the visitors reduced to ten men with Keelan Walker dismissed.A second lengthy stoppage as the Referee struggled to keep control saw that total of eleven added minutes with Ugarte-Edwards dismissed seconds from time as he collected his second yellow card. St Neots: Peacock, Hargreaves, Thomas, Clark, Fransisco, Camfield, Gomes, Timberlake, Carberry, Ugarte-Edwards, Opayinka Subs used:Kobus and Perry. Cards: Ugarte-Edwards (RED - 2 x Y 38 mins & 45+10 mins)) Referee:Paul Gregory (John Walker)

Saints V Bedford Town

Opponent Spotlight WELWYN GARDEN CITY FC

History of Welwyn Garden City Football Club Founded in 1921, when the town itself was in its infancy (the first house was completed in December 1920), Welwyn Garden City FC began by playing friendlies (the first being against Lemsford Reserves in September 1921, a 3-1 win) before being admitted to the Mid-Hertfordshire League (Division IIa) for the 1922/23 season, with home games played at Parkway and our first opponents Markyate FC at home on the 26th August 1922, a 4-0 defeat (in fact they didn’t register a single competitive win all season, drawing one league game, losing the other 21 and losing two cup ties).The club then moved to the Bedfordshire & District League for one season - 1926/27 (finishing 9th of 11 teams) before joining the Spartan League for season 1927/28, where we stayed until the end of the 1934/35 season. Our first outing in the FA Amateur Cup, 1926/27, saw us lose to Wood Green after a replay in the 1st Qualifying Round. After being beaten in the final of the Perry Cup by Ware at the end of the 1926/27 season, the following season we gained our first honour, winning the Hertfordshire FA Charity Shield, beating Hoddesdon Town 5-2. We also entered the FA Cup for the first time, losing 7-4 away to Hampstead in the 1st Qualifying Round having previously knocked out Hitchin Blue Cross and Ware. In July 1934 the club announced amalgamation with local rivals Shredded Wheat FC. This was due to the club’s poor financial position (a deficit of £12 was reported by the Treasurer) and the Spartan League’s refusal to admit Shredded Wheat as it would admit no more works teams. It was believed that this merger would prevent competition between the clubs for players and increase gate receipts. The terms of the amalgamation were that City would be regarded as the team representing the town and would play in the Spartan League and have first call on players whilst Shredded Wheat FC (each team retained its own name) would play in the South Midlands League. Separate committees would be retained and both teams would play at Shredded Wheat’s ground, which was adjacent to the works in Bessemer Road. However, following a very successful 1934/35 season, where we achieved our highest ever league position to that time of third place in the Spartan League Division 2 East (out of 14 teams), the club was forced to resign from the league just nine days before the League AGM as use ofthe Shredded Wheat facilities was withdrawn “… owing to extensive programmes that are being arranged for the Wheat teams.”(quoted from The Welwyn Times)and no other suitable ground in the town was available (the Club needed an enclosed ground to enable it to collect gate money, without which it was unable to cover running costs and our former Parkway ground had by then been redeveloped). As a consequence the club was formally wound up in July 1935 with debts of just over £20. This situation lasted until May 1937 when Shredded Wheat FC was wound up by the company management who finally lost patience at the team not being allowed to compete in higher level leagues. Shredded Wheat management then took the generous decision of making their football facilitiesavailable for the reestablishment of a Welwyn Garden City team and in addition included a donation to help establish the new team. This enabled the newly-established team to re-join the Spartan League for the 1937/38 season where we finished bottom. The use of the Shredded Wheat ground only lasted for that one seasonand during the 1938/39 season we ground-shared with Murphy Radio FC at theirHandside Playing Fields ground. Following repeated requests to the local authority, a permanent home was found in Springfields in time for the start of the 1939/40 season. However, in common with all leagues, the Spartan League was suspended in August 1939 due to the war, the club only playing one league fixture and an FA Cup tie. For the remainder of the 1939/40 season we competed in the Hertfordshire & Bedfordshire Combination. However, the club committee was finding it increasingly difficult to raise a team and so, at a meeting held in August 1940, they decided, “to carry on with the club with the present committee”.

Opponent Spotlight WELWYN GARDEN CITY FC

Our next recorded action on the pitch is from the 1944/45 season with the club competing in the MidHertfordshire League. Things returned to normality for the 1945/46 season with the club once again competing in the Spartan League, where we remained until joining the London League for the 1950/51 season. Our three season stay in the London League lasted until the end of the 1954/1955 season, when we re-joined the Spartan League, where we stayed until 1959.At this time the Club were managed by Harry Hibbs, theformer England goalkeeper (25 caps), Harry being one of two ex-internationals to be in charge of The Citizens, the other being Alex Massie who was capped by Scotland. In 1956 we were elected Associate Members of the Football Association. After finishing 15th (out of 16 teams) in the Spartan League (1958/59 season) our next stop was county football with a move to the Hertfordshire County League for the 1959/1960 season, where we stayed until the end of the 1969/1970 season. During this time we moved to our present home, HernsWay, in 1968 and staged our first fixture at senior level, against Knebworth in the Aubrey Cup, on the 16th November that year. In 1970 the club joined the London League for the second time in our history. The following season - 1971/72 - the club became a founder member of the Metropolitan London League, where we remained for two seasons. In 1973 we merged with local rivals Welwyn Garden United to form Welwyn Garden FC. The merged club took over Welwyn Garden United’s place in the South Midlands League for the 1973/74 season, winning the Premier Division championship at the first attempt - the first championship win in our history (Welwyn Garden United reformed as a separate club for the 1974/75 season and took up a place in the Hertfordshire County League). Here we stayed for 24 seasons – our longest uninterrupted period in one league to date. During this time, in the 1974/75 season, we reached the final of the South Midlands League Challenge Trophy, only to be beaten by Barton Rovers 3-1 on aggregate.1976/77 saw us lose our top-flight status and there began a five-year battle to reclaim it. During these First Division years the club was to finish no lower than 5th. In 1981/82 we won the First Division title and changed our name back to Welwyn Garden City prior to the 1982/83 season. In that league-topping year we also reached the final of the South Midlands League Challenge Trophy but once again had to settle for runners-up, this time losing 3-0 on aggregate to Stotfold. The season 1984/85 brought us cup success for the first time since the club was reformed, when under the management of John Sneddon we beat Pirton 2-0 to lift the first ever Hertfordshire FA Senior Centenary Trophy. At the end of the season John decided to call it a day and he was replaced in the close season by exSudbury Court boss, Ray Sullivan, whose first task was to rebuild the side. Twelve months later we finished runners-up, missing out on the Premier Division title by four points (2 points for a win) to Selby FC,due to some erratic form in the closing games. In 1986/87 and 1987/88 we lifted the Hertfordshire FA Charity Shield, making us only the sixth team to retain the Shield. The close of the 1986/87 season also saw floodlights installed at the HernsWay ground. This was celebratedwith a match versus Tottenham Hotspur. In 1988/89 we gained a top six league finish along with an appearance in two cup-finals, the South Midlands League Challenge Trophy and the Hertfordshire FA Senior Centenary Trophy. However these were both lost in the space of five days. The 1990/91 season saw yet another cup final loss, losing on penalties in the final of the Hertfordshire FA Charity Shield.

Opponent Spotlight WELWYN GARDEN CITY FC

Ray Sullivan stepped down as manager in 1990 and so followed a lean spell during which we tried several managerial combinations, including Dave Lawrence, John “Jock” Bruce, former player Pat Maslen and Ian Priest. The closest we came to winning anything was another Hertfordshire FA Charity Shield Final appearance, during Pat Maslen’s reign. However, this was lost onpenalties. In 1996/97 the club looked as manager to local man Malcolm Doctor, who the previous season had guided our arch-rivals Hatfield Town to second place in the South Midlands League. Everyone at the Club was optimistic about glory days returning to HernsWay. Four cup-finals were reached, the South Midlands League Challenge Trophy, the Hertfordshire FA Charity Shield, the Southern Combination Cup and the O’Brien Challenge Trophy but all of them were lost. However, there was some consolation with the Reserve team winning the Southern Combination Reserve Challenge Cup. 1997/98 saw the merger of the Spartan League and the South Midlands League to form the Spartan South Midlands League, with the club joining the Premier North Division and finishing high enough (6th) to qualify for the Premier Division the following season. In 1998, following the departure of Malcolm Doctor, we forged a link with near neighbours Stevenage Borough FC and strengthened our squad with Boro’s EFCO youngsters along with the management pairing of Dave Bullock and Bill Bannister. However despite reaching the 3rd Qualifying Round of the FA Cup for the first time, losing 4-2 to Ford United after a 2-2 draw at Herns Way (the furthest the Club has ever progressed in the competition to date),the season collapsed midway through and with the break-up of the squad a battle with relegation followed. 1999/2000 saw a rebuilding process with former Somersett Ambury V&E boss Dave Steadman being appointed manager and being given the task of leading the Citizens into the new millennium. However the Club’s downward trend continued and at the end of the 2000/01 season we were relegated to the First Division, thus ending one of the longest unbroken spells in the Premier Division. Guillermo Ganet was appointed manager in 2002 with the task of restoring the glory days back to the club and after two seasons steered the club back to the Premier Division. Our first season back in the top flight (2004/05) saw us finish in a very creditable eighth place. However, the end of that campaign saw the manager and most of the playing squad depart for Berkhamsted Town. Howard Cowley was given his chance as manager in 2005/06; he brought a wealth of experience from not only the Spartan South Midlands League but also all divisions of the Ryman League. During his tenure the teamachieved a 19 game unbeaten run in all competitions and also equalled our best ever FA Cup run when losing narrowly 2-1 away to the then Conference South leaders Histon in the 3rd Qualifying Round. The team also exceeded its best ever run in the FA Vase by reaching the 5th Round only for an administrative error to deny them the chance to go even further. The 2006/07 season saw the club achieve fourth spot in the league, becoming the only side to beat eventual League and Cup champions Edgware Town at their White Lion ground whilst doing the double over local rivals Hertford Town with two fine victories.

Opponent Spotlight WELWYN GARDEN CITY FC

Following the departure of Howard Cowley, a quick succession of managers tried to revive the fortunes of the club. However this did nothing to ensure success; in fact it had the opposite effect with relegation back to the First Division at the end of the 2009/10 campaign.A feature of the 2009/10 season was the forming of an ‘A’ team (the Reserve team having relocated to Arlesey Town), managed by Simon Braine who was assisted by Mark Zienkowicz and which won the North & Mid-Hertfordshire League Division 1 title. 2010/11 saw our poor form continue, against a background of severe financial struggle which at one time threatened the survival of the club. This wasn’t helped by having three managers during the season, Phil Read, Rob Pattwell and Simon Braine. The latter, with the help of assistant manager Adam Fisher, helped to steer the club away from potentially ruinous relegation. Adam then moved on to Barton Rovers FC as their Assistant Manager. 2012/13 sawmanager Scott O'Donoghue working alongside Pablo Ardiles as his assistant. Scott left at the end of the season and was replaced byour former player and assistant manager Adam Fisher, assisted by another former player,Richard Teixiera. In his first season in charge in 2013/14, Adam led us to a highly creditable fourth place in the First Division, having challenged for promotion until the final run-in.A feature of the season was 51 goals from striker Jason Caswell, a new club record, outstripping Terry Hayes' previous best of 47 from the late 1980s. Jason was ably assisted by strike partner Joel Norris, who scored 33 goals as the side topped 100 goals for the season. The 2014/15 season was one of the most successful for many years with a First Division Championship and Cup ‘double’.We won the division title by seven points, ahead of FC Broxbourne Borough – who were promoted alongside us–and took the Division 1 Cup for the first time - thanks to a 2-0 final victory over Crawley Green at Langford FC.Joel Norris surpassed his 33 goals of the previous season by scoring 41 in the campaign and was deservedly voted player of the season by both the management and his fellow players. The highlight of the following season was winning the Spartan South Midlands League Challenge Trophy for the first time, having lost in the final of this and its South Midlands League equivalent on four previous occasions. We were also runners-up in the Dudley Latham Memorial (Premier Division) Cup. The following season, 2016/17, was one of consolidation on and off the pitch as extensive ground improvements were completed, necessary for us to compete at a higher level. The 2017/18 season was one that supporters will remember for a long time. A club record of 25 consecutive games unbeaten in all competitions was set as well as going 18 consecutive league games unbeaten, also a club record. On the 12th November 2017 Tottenham Hotspur Ambassador and World Cup winner OsvaldoArdiles unveiled stadium upgrades – which included two turnstiles from the old White Hart Laneground donated by Tottenham Hotspur - after we had received a Premier League grant.The league championship was won for the first time since the merger of the Spartan and South Midlands leagues and wasonly the second title ever for the club at this level. Even the disappointment of yet another defeat in the final of the Hertfordshire FA Charity Shield – our sixth defeat in nine finals –and another loss in the final of the Dudley Latham Memorial (Premier Division) Cup couldn’t overshadow the achievement of Level 4 football in the Southern League for the first time in our history.

Opponent Spotlight WELWYN GARDEN CITY FC

The 2018/19 league season began well but exits from the FA Cup and FA Trophy at the first hurdle were disappointing. Crisis struck in January when manager Adam Fisher was suddenly dismissed for persistently exceeding his playing budget. This led to an immediate walkout of almost the entire squad and backroom staff. Only players Jonny Sexton, Jay Rolfe and David Keenleyside remained for the rest of the season. Thanks to quick action by the club’s football committee, Fisher was quickly replaced by Dean Barker who worked tirelessly to put together a backroom team and a playing squad at extremely short notice. Having been given the job on the Thursday there was not enough time to have a team ready for the home tie with eventual league champions Peterborough Sports the following Saturday, for which the club was later fined. The next fixture was three days later but the battling drawagainst Aylesbury United by the hastily put together teamwas later cancelled out when the club was fined and deducted the hard-won point by the league for playing an ineligible player (the club played three work experience players when the limit is two). Four draws and eightdefeats in Barker’s first twelve games in chargesaw the team drawn into the battle to avoid relegation. However, a rally of three wins – two of which were away from home - and a draw in the final five games ensured survival with a game to spare and ensured a comfortable 14th place finish.Barker was given the manager’s job on a permanent basis shortly after the end of the season and he spoke with optimism about his plans for the future. However, a few days afterwards the ambitious Barker accepted the manager’s job at Step 3 club Kings Langley. The club then appointed Nick Ironton as his replacement. Whilst not enjoying any notable cup success, Ironton’s team was challenging strongly for a play-off place when the 2019/20 season was declared null and void due to the COVID 19 pandemic. COVID 19 was again responsible when the 2020/21 season was curtailed in March 2021. Welwyn Garden City had only played six games when this decision was taken but a magnificent run to the third round proper of the FA Trophy – the furthest we have reached in our three attempts - was a small consolation. FIRST TEAM HONOURS Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division Champions, 2017/18 South Midlands League Premier Division Champions (as Welwyn Garden FC), 1973/74. Runners-Up 1985/86 Spartan South Midlands League Division 1 Champions, 2015/16 South Midlands League Division 1 Champions, 1981/82 Spartan South Midlands League Challenge Trophy Winners, 2015/16. Runners-Up 1996/97. South Midlands League Challenge Trophy Runners-Up, 1974/75, 1981/82, 1988/89 Spartan South Midlands League Dudley Latham Memorial (Premier Division) Cup, Runners-Up 2015/16, 2017/18. Spartan South Midlands League Division 1 Cup winners, 2014/15 Hertfordshire FA Senior Centenary Trophy Winners, 1984/85. Runners-Up 1988/89, 2003/04 Hertfordshire FA Charity Shield Winners, 1927/28, 1986/87, 1987/88. Runners-Up 1948/49, 1994/95, 1996/97, 2003/04, 2007/08, 2017/18 Southern Combination Cup finalists, 1996/97 O’Brien Challenge Trophy finalists, 1996/97 Perry Cup finalists, 1926/27

Opponent Spotlight PLAYER PROFILES

Welwyn Garden City Football Club Pen Pictures 2020/2021

Dave Keenleyside (midfield): Signed from Hertford Town of the Isthmian League, after an outstanding time in the SSML with Harpenden Town. Picked in the SSML team of the season for two seasons running and that league’s ‘Team of the Decade’. Talented passer of the ball and very creative in midfield, who has also played for St Albans and Dunstable. Jesse Walklin (midfield): Played most of his early football on the South Coast for the highly successful Southampton-based outfit Sholing FC, in both Southern and Wessex League football. Combative, hard tackling midfield, who has also played Varsity representative football while at Newcastle University. Captaining the side for a third season. Lee Close (defender): Combative, adaptable player, equally at home in central defence or midfield. Rejoined WGC two seasons ago, having finished previous season at Barton Rovers. Began his career with National League Borehamwood. George Ironton (midfield): Son of manager Nick and in his second spell with the club having been a regular in their SSML days five seasons ago. Creative midfielder, who has also seen service with Cockfosters and with Tring Athletic. Jay Rolfe (defender): Very consistent performer at the heart of the defence and very adaptable if needed. Has been at the club for past six seasons, after joining from Essex Senior League Cockfosters. Very popular with all at the club. Jon Sexton (full-back): One of the club’s longest serving players, who joined with George Ironton from Cockfosters six seasons ago. Briefly left for a short spell at Berkhamsted two seasons ago, but re-joined the Citizens at the start of 2020. Charlie Crowley (goalkeeper): Joined the club for the 20-21 season from Isthmian South Central club Waltham Abbey. Experienced keeper, who has also seen service with Wingate & Finchley and Hayes & Yeading. Ryan Doherty (defender): Powerful young defender who is a product of the club’s Under 23’s side. Originally with Essex Senior Leaguers Hoddesdon Town, he has been a regular performer for the first-team in the last season. Cyrus Babaie (forward): Athletic, pacy young forward, who has come through from the club’s Under 23 side to claim a spot for the 21-22 season. Began with Hoddesdon Town of the Essex Senior League. Very highly rated. Jordon Watson (forward): Powerfully built forward who rejoined the club for a second spell from Ware, from whom he originally joined WGC three seasons ago. Has recovered from injury, to find his best form recently. Previously served Hertford, Aveley and Tilbury.

Opponent Spotlight PLAYER PROFILES

Welwyn Garden City Football Club Pen Pictures 2020/2021

Ben Spaul (midfield): Hard working midfielder, who rejoined the club for a second spell after three seasons with Berkhamsted, where he was captain for a time. Reliable performer, who first came to WGC five seasons ago from Cockfosters. Matty Campbell-Mhlope (forward): Another returnee to Herns Lane after a couple of seasons away, the former Millwall and AFC Wimbledon junior has played for a number of clubs at both National League and senior Southern League level. Callum Taylor (midfield): Has also returned to play at WGC for the 21-22 season, rejoining from Isthmian Premier outfit East Thurrock United. Midfielder or full-back who played at Herns Lane two seasons ago, whom he joined from Royston Town. Jon Clements (striker): Recently re-signed for the club after three seasons away, since when his goals have helped secure the Spartan South Midlands League title and promotion for Colney Heath, from who he rejoins WGC. Locally based striker, whose goals have helped three clubs win the SSML title and also a regular marksman with Tring Athletic and Walthamstow of the Essex Senior League Lewis Franklin (full-back): Teenage full-back signed mid-season from Spartan South Midlands Leaguers Baldock Town for whom he was an ever present before joining WGC. A former Hitchin Town youth player, who spent time at Tottenham as a schoolboy. Yemi Adelani (striker): A recent capture from Walthamstow FC, runaway leaders of the Essex Senior League, While not always a regular starter with the ‘Stow, he notched 10 goals prior moving to WGC and a club nearer his Herts home. Was a prolific scorer with Ilford FC, his hometown club and Hullbridge Sports, who he helped to the Essex League title, prior to joining Walthamstow. Tamas Amgbaduba (forward): Recently promoted from the club’s Under 23 side, he is an adaptable player who can play in defence, or more recently as a forward. Formerly with Chalfont St Peter of the Isthmian League South Central division, he is currently skipper of the Herts University side. Ari Krasniqi (midfield): Also promoted after a spell playing in the club’s Under 23’s, this skilful midfielder joined WGC after playing for Edgware Town in the Combined Counties League. Previously with Royston Town.

St Neots Town FC Playing Record - Season 2021/22

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Squad List

Louis Chadwick (GK) George Whitehall (GK) George Anthony (GK) Dequane Wilson-Braithwaite Gradi Milenge Lee Watkins (c) Callum Anderson Joe Rider Neo Richard-Noel Myles Cowling Wynford Marfo Charlie Johnson Marc Abbott Charley Barker Aaron Smith Ryan Thomas Ronayne Marsh-Brown Kwai Marsh-Brown Kyjuon Marsh-Brown Ben Heal Julinho Gomes Max Smalley

Dave Keenleyside Jesse Walklin Lee Close George Ironton Jay Rolfe Jon Sexton Charlie Crowley GK Ryan Doherty Cyrus Babaie Jordon Watson Ben Spaul Matty Campbell-Mhlope Callum Taylor Jon Clements Lewis Franklin Yemi Adelani Tamas Amgbaduba Ari Krasniqi

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

Colours First – Red/White quarters (2021/22 season) Shirts Red (21/22 season) Shorts Red Socks

Referee Andrew Hitchcox Next Home Match V Biggleswde FC Saturday 29th January 3.00 pm KO Gates Open 1.30pm

Assistant 1 Ellis Mills

Assistant 2 Simon Lilley

Next Home Match V Harlow Town FC Saturday 5th february 3.00 pm KO Gates Open 1.30pm