Bet Victor Southern League Central Division

Tuesday 10th March 2020 Kick-Off 7:45pm

2017/18 Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division Champions

Southern League DivisionSaturday One Central27th April1 Programme 2019 Kick-Off of3:00pm Welwyn Garden City FC

Welwyn Garden City Welcome to the 'The Isabel Hospice Stadium' Page 3 Football Club Southern League Central league table Page 4

Full Results and Fixtures listing Page 5 & 6 Management Away addresses at a glance Page 6 Nicky Ironton Team management Page 7 This seasons player roll call Page 8 (Manager) Dave Coates gives us A view from the Committee Room Page 9 Jon Stevenson Todays Visitors Daventry Town A club history Pages 10 & 11 Our Mystery Supporter shares his views Page 12 (Assistant) Players and sponsorship Pages 13 & 14 Anish Sachnia Player Roll Call by Gavin Meaden Page 15 Citizens Time-Line Page 16 Sophie Panons Are you “The Face in the Crowd” Page 16 (Physios) Focus on Welwyn Garden City U-18’s Page 17 Our latest Match reports by Phil Ravitz Pages 20 & 28 Ricci Crace WGC FC Fantasy Football League standings Page 21 Dave Bastian The Non-League Newspaper Column Page 23 Var: Cical - Time for a change by Reiss Tigwell Page 24 Paul Hook Club Honours & Achievements Page 25

New Rule changes for 2019/20 by the FA Page 26 Ercan Surge Daventry Town Player Pen-Pictures Pages 29 & 30 (Coaches) Full team line-ups Page 32 Dave Keenleyside Up next at the (Team Captain) Head Groundsman Isabel Hospice Stadium Paul Cox Tuesday 17th March Kit Manager Dave Owen Southern League Citizens v Halesown Town Kick-Off 7:45 pm

Welcome to Herns Way & 25th March. The Isabel Hospice Stadium Please see an important update from Vice- Chairman Dave Coates regarding coach travel on Today we welcome Daventry Town FC to Herns Way page 9. and the Isabel Hospice Stadium for this Southern And Finally: Matty Campbell-Mlope has resigned League Central division match. And, we welcome the for the club from Bishops Stortford – see page 9. players, Officials and supporters of our guests inviting them to join us for hospitality after the game. Our wel- Front cover photo: Citizens players, management come extends to our visiting match officials Daniel and committee celebrate the naming of the Herns Todd who will be assisted by Mario Stetakovic & Way stadium Thomas Burns. We hope you enjoy your visit to Please get behind the lads - your support Herns Way and have a safe journey home. and vocal encouragement are vital! I think we all felt disappointed by Saturday’s performance and ultimately the result on Saturday against COME ON YOU CITIZENS North Leigh. Only in the final 20 minutes did we create the chances to have pulled a goal back. And, so tonight the players and management have the perfect chance to make amends and give us a performance we can be proud of. We can do our bit by getting behind the team. Your continued support is vital to spur the team on as we aim for the 11 games of the season. The corresponding fixture in Northamptonshire in Mid- October, saw ourselves and Daventry secure a point each with a 2-2 draw. Our goal scorers were Jay Rolfe and Carl Mensah in a match that could have gone either way. Tonight’s days affair should be a keenley fought contest between two attack minded sides.

Admission Prices

As we approach the “Business end” of the season we Charlie Payne receives his player of the Month are pleased to announce that we are REDUCING award for February from Club ADMISSION PRICES for our remaining six home Chairman Ray Fiveash league games to just £5 for ALL fans. Under 12’s will still get free entry.

Revised Fixture

Fixture secretary Mike Isaacs has arranged our previously postponed away fixture with Kidlington for the

3 Southern League Central Division - League Table March 2020

Played Won Drew Lost For Against Goal diff Points Berkhamsted 28 20 4 4 69 24 45 64 Halesowen Town 26 20 3 3 71 16 51 63 Corby Town 28 18 5 5 64 26 38 59 THE CITIZENS 28 15 6 7 57 32 25 51 Aylesbury United 28 12 10 6 46 29 18 46 Biggleswade 27 13 5 9 44 33 11 44 Barton Rovers 29 13 5 11 65 55 10 44 Yaxley 29 13 5 11 55 52 3 44 Bedworth United 27 13 5 9 46 43 3 44 North Leigh 26 13 2 11 48 48 0 41 Thame United 27 12 4 11 51 35 16 40 Bedford Town 28 10 7 11 46 53 -7 37 Daventry Town 27 11 4 12 38 46 -8 37 Coleshill Town 27 10 5 12 48 45 3 35 AFC Dunstable 28 10 4 14 50 51 -1 34 Kidlington 28 9 6 13 32 48 -16 33 Didcot Town 27 7 4 16 20 44 -24 25 St Neots Town 28 6 3 19 33 59 -26 21 Kempston Rovers 28 5 2 21 29 68 -39 17 Wantage Town 28 1 1 25 16 121 -105 4

4 Welwyn Garden City FC Fixtures 2019

Sat 6th July (H) Luton Town (F) L 895 1-3 Reece Tues 10th July (H) Barnet (F) D 105 1-1 Carey Sun 14th July (H) Maccabi GB (F) L 55 0-1 Fri 19th July (H) MK Dons (F) L 330 0-1 Tues 23rd July (A) Wormley Rovers (F) W 46 6-0 OG, Payne, Da Silva (2) Alomenu, Cleaver Sat 27th July (H) St Margaretsbury (F) W 75 3-2 Da Silva (2) Keenleyside Tues 30th July (A) Stotfold (F) W 66 5-0 Da Silva, Payne, Carey Spencer, Ironton Tues 6thAugust (A) Sandridge Rovers (F) W 35 3-2 Da Silva, Alomenu, Spencer Fri 9th August (H) Chalfont St Peter (F) D 50 1-1 Da Silva

Sat 17th Aug (H) Wantage Town (SL) W 116 2-1 Ironton, Da Silva Tues 20th Aug (A) Biggleswade (SL) W 86 3-1 Da Silva (2) Rolfe Sat 24th Aug (A) Wingate/Finchley (FAC) L 121 0-2 Mon 26th Aug (H) Berkhamsted (SL) D 151 1-1 Mensah Sat 31st Aug (A) Halesowen Town (SL) W 503 2-0 Rolfe, Ironton Tues 10th Sept (H) Hitchin Town (SLC) W 123 5-0 Cleaver, Keenleyside,OG,Stead, Da Silva Sat 14th Sept (H) Thame United (SL) L 73 1-2 McClelland Sat 21st Sept (A) Kempston Rovers (SL) W 83 3-0 Cleaver, Ironton, Carrington Tues 24th Sept (H) Hadley (HCS) W 77 2-0 McClelland, Keenleyside Sat 28th Sept (H) Canvey Island (FAT) L 186 1-4 Stead Sat Oct 5th (H) Bedworth United (SL) D 104 1-1 Alomenu Tues 8th Oct (H) Royston Town (SLC) W 97 5-3 Bailey(2) Alomenu, Da-Silva, Cleaver Tues 15th Oct (H) St Neots Town (SL) W 125 7-1 Bailey(3)Keenleyside(2) Stead, Cathline Sat Oct 19th (A) Daventry Town (SL) D 108 2-2 Rolfe, Mensah Sat Nov 2nd (H) Coleshill Town (SL) L 82 0-3 Tues Nov 5th (H) Needham Market (SLC) L 73 1-2 Stead, Sat Nov 9th (H) Kidlington (SL) W 62 4-1 Payne, Stead, Bailey, Da Silva Sat Nov 23rd (H) Yaxley (SL) W 90 3-2 Stead, Bailey, Da Silva Mon Nov 25th (A) Hitchin Town (HSC) L 73 1-1(4-3) Stead Sat Nov 30th (A) Aylesbury United (SL) D 128 0-0 Tues 3rd Dec (H) Tring Atletic (HCS) L 60 0-1 Sat Dec 7th (H) Bedford Town (SL) W 145 4-2 Keenleyside(3) Ebengo Tues Dec 10th (A) North Leigh (SL) L 53 0-1 Sat Dec 14th (A) Didcot Town (SL) W 117 1-0 Bradshaw Sat Dec 21st (A) Corby Town (SL) L 354 0-1

Key: SL = Southern League FAC = FA Cup HCS = Herts Charity Shield, FAT = FA Trophy HSC = Herts Senior Cup 5 Welwyn Garden City FC Fixtures 2020 Wed Jan 1st (A) Berkhamsted (SL) W 162 1-0 Bailey, Stead, Watson, Vasey Sat Jan 4th (H) Biggleswade (SL) W 148 1-0 Watson Sat Jan 11th (A) Wantage Town (SL) W 54 5-1 Stead, Keenleyside, Rolfe, Vasey, Bailey Tues 21st (A) AFC Dunstable (SL) L 58 2-0 Sat Jan 25th (A) Thame United (SL) D 143 2-2 Ironton, Da-Silva Tues Jan 28th (H) Barton Rovers (SL) W 68 4-1 Da Silva, Ironton, Keenleyside, Stead Sat Feb 1st (H) AFC Dunstable (SL) W 66 3-1 Close(2) Bradshaw Sat Feb 8th (A) Bedworth Town (SL) L 157 0-2 Tues Feb18th (H) Kempston Rovers (SL) W 52 4-2 Keenleyside(2)Stead, Berchiche Sat Feb 22nd (A) Coleshill Town (SL) D 93 0-0 Sat Mar 7th (H) North Leigh (SL) L 91 0-1 Tues Mar 10th (H) Daventry United (SL) Sat Mar 14th (A) Yaxley (SL) Tues Mar 17th (H) Halesowen Town (SL) Weds Mar 25th (A) Kidlington (SL) Sat Mar 21st (H) Aylesbury United (SL) Sat Apr 4th (A) St Neots Town (SL) Sat Apr 11th (H) Corby Town (SL) Mon Apr 13th (A) Barton Rovers (SL) Sat Apr 18th (H) Didcot Town (SL) Sat Apr 25th (A) Bedford Town (SL)

Tues Apr 28th Play-Off Semi-Final 2nd May Play-Off Final

Club Stadium Name Postcode Distance Travel Time Map AFC Dunstable Creasey Park Stadium LU6 1BB 29.2 45 mins Directions Aylesbury United The Meadow HP5 1NE 30.4 45 mins Directions Barton Rovers Sharpenhoe Road MK45 4LQ 20.3 31 mins Directions Bedford Town The Eyrie MK44 3LW 30.7 39 mins Directions Bedworth United The Oval CV12 8NN 84.1 1 hour 51 mins Directions Berkhamsted Broadwater HP4 2AL 27.8 41 mins Directions Biggleswade Langford Road SG18 9JT 22.8 31 mins Directions Coleshill Pack Meadow B46 3JE 92.1 1 hour 57 mins Directions Corby Town Steel Park NN17 2AE 66.8 1 hour 23 mins Directions Daventry United Communications Park NN11 4NS 61.8 1 hour 27 mins Directions Didcot Town Loop Meadow OX11 7GA 70.2 1 hour 29 mins Directions Halesowen Town The Grove B63 3TB 116.0 2 hours 39 mins Directions Kempston Rovers Hillgrounds Leisure MK42 8SZ 35.3 49 mins Directions Kidlington Yarnton Road Stadium OX5 1AT 70.4 1 hour 29 mins Directions North Leigh Eynsham Park OX29 6SL 76.6 1 hour 45 mins Directions St Neots Town Rowley Park Stadium PE19 6SL 35.4 46 mins Directions Thame United Meadow View Park OX9 3RN 50.5 1 hour 9 mins Directions Wantage Town Alfredian Park OX12 8DW 84.8 1 hour 54 mins Directions Yaxley In2itive Park PE7 3NA 55.3 1 hour 5 mins Directions With thanks to Gavin Meaden for this information Note: All travel times are approximate Average distance - 55.8 miles 6 Welwyn Garden City FC - Management Team

Nick Ironton Jon Stevenson Ricci Crace Dave Bastian 1st Team Manager Assistant Manager 1st Team Coach Fitness Coach

Ercan Surge Paul Hook Anish Sacnia Dave Owens G/K Coach Coach/Physio Club Physio Kit Manager

We’re pleased to announce that we’ve teamed up with sports equipment company Net World Sports

The partnership will see the club receive new football goal posts which will be used on the 3g pitch. Net World Sports sell sports equipment to countries all over the world and their FORZA goals are used by many of the world’s leading football clubs including Manchester United.

Following the announcement of the partnership Ray Fiveash, Chairman of Sophie Panons Welwyn Garden City Football Club said “We are delighted to partner up with Net World Sports who will be providing us with all of our future football Club Physio equipment needs.”

Net World Sports are equally delighted about the partnership saying “It’s great to be working with Welwyn Garden City and we hope that the FORZA football goals we’ve supplied serve the club well for years to come!”.

7 Welwyn Garden City 1st team Appearances & goals

2019/20 Appearances (Sub) - Goals... Career Appearances - Goals League & Cup games only Jean-Paul Antwi 2 (2) 2 (2) Romelle Alomenu 17 (6) 2 34 (7) 4 Elliott Bailey 13 (3) 9 25 (6) 14 Hani Berchiche 2 (1) 1 2 (1) 1 Jack Bradshaw 27 (2) 2 27 (2) 2

Matty Campbell-Mhlope 1 16 (1) 5

Brodie Carrington 2 (6) 1 2 (10) 1

Ollie Carey 2 (9) 2 (9)

Lee Close 29 2 46 2

Eusebio Da-Silva 14 (10) 9 25 (13) 14

Dylan Ebengo 13 (4) 1 27 (5) 1

Alex Harris 2 (3) 2 (3)

George Ironton 29 5 68 (13) 15

Charlie Jones 14 16

Dave Keenleyside 26 (3) 11 50 (4) 15 Imani Matthews 1 (2) 1 (2) Ali Nije 4 4 Thomas Opoku 1 (5) 1 (5) Abushan Pant 1 1 Charlie Payne 8 (2) 1 8 (2) 1 Jay Rolfe 29 (1) 4 129 (6) 11 Rory Satterly-Hull 1 (2) 1 (2) Geraldo Smaldone 5 (9) 5 (9) Jonny Sexton 12 (7) 88 (8) 1 Callum Stead 27 (3) 11 27 (3) 11 Marco Tavares 10 10 Callum Taylor 12 (2) 12 (2)

Jack Vasey 6 (3) 2 6 (3) 2

Jess Walklin 26 33 (2)

Jordan Watson 8 (2) 2 8 (2) 2 8 Dave Coates - Vice Chairman A View from the Committee Room

This is the first of what will be a regular column from me giving you the latest updates from the club committee. As of writing this piece we sit proudly in 4th place in the league, in the playoff spots, 8 points ahead of the 6th place team Yaxley. This is a fantastic achievement from Nicky, his management team and all the players. We haven’t finished the season yet and you can’t take anything for granted, but to be where we are at this stage of the season has exceeded all our expectations. The weather has been awful over the last few months with persistent rain and storms. This has affected our ability to get regular Saturday games on at home and this has also had an impact on our attendances as midweek fixtures see a natural decline in spectators. Taking this into account we have decided to urge the town to help us with our “Push to The Playoffs” so we will be reducing our prices to £5 entry to all fans for the rest of the season with under 12’s gaining free entry. Running a club of this size is a challenge. This committee is not prepared to put the club into debt or spend above our means. Therefore, we have had to make some tough decisions especially in relation to coach travel for away games. However, we will be providing a coach for the rearranged Kidlington away fixture, so we hope to see you on board with the cost of the coach travel being £20 return. Confirmation of the new date will be advised as soon as possible. (Now confirmed as 25th March) We have already starting planning for next season and I will update you further on what those plans are over the coming weeks. In the meantime, thank you for your support and Up the Citizens. David Coates - Vice Chairman Matty’s Back It is with great pleasure that we can announce the signing of former fans favourite Matty Campbell-Mlope. Since leaving Herns Way at the end of last season Matty has seen service with Kings Langley, Stratford Town and signs for us from Bishops Stortford. (Matt is pictured here with Fixture Secretary Mike Isaacs and 1st Team manager Nicky Ironton)

9 Leaving the “Hollow” in the cen- first season in the Southern the cup runs took effect. They tre of the town in 1990 when the League almost ended with an- lost the promotion play-offs at club moved to its current home at other promotion however they the semi-final stage at Kettering the Elderstubbs, the club’s for- lost in the play off final to Town, narrowly beaten 1-0. Hitchin Town. tunes suffered a devastating blow Darran Foster resigned as man- in 2005–06, when the Elderstubbs Former Aston Villa, Charlton ager on 30th October 2014 fol- clubhouse and changing rooms and Republic of Ireland interna- lowing budget cuts and was re- were destroyed by an arson at- tional Mark Kinsella became placed by former Watford, Old- tack. manager in the summer 2011 ham and Preston star, Allan Iain Humphrey took the helm and however his season long spell Smart. Former Manager Ady work began to revitalise the club was unsuccessful and former Fuller was appointed as his As- with the introduction of new Daventry United/Ford Sports sistant Manager with the bulk of floodlights, walkways and other Manager Darran Foster was ap- the players supplied by Smart’s infrastructure to support the clubs pointed with Neil Champelovier London based Academy. as his assistant and Paul Demp- promotion ambitions In the Summer of 2015, the club sey as coach in 2012. 2007–08 was a very successful were moved to the Northern season for Daventry Town. They Daventry Town made history in Premier League Division One won UCL Division One, losing 2013-2014 by reaching the First South and with Smart and the just once, and defeated three Round of the FA Cup, a visit to players based in the South, het Premier division teams en route Chesterfield’s Proact Stadium resigned in July 2015. their reward. They were eventu- to the League Knockout Cup fi- Darran Foster returned to Da- ally beaten by 2 – 0 in front of nal, where they lost to Des- ventry Town as Manager just over 700 of their own travelling borough Town 3–2. nine months after resigning supporters and a crowd of over In the season 2009–10, Daventry however he also resigned on 5269. Town also reached the won promotion to the Southern Easter Saturday after a 5 0 home first round proper of the FA Tro- League Division One Central, by defeat to Kidsgrove Athletic. phy losing 1 0 to Maidenhead becoming champions of the Unit- United. Club Goalkeeping Coach Derren ed Counties League under the Midson and the Club’s Juniors Town reached the final of the guidance of manager Ady Fuller. Development Officer Pete Northamptonshire Senior Cup – Daventry Town reached the last Flockhart stepped in as Caretak- Hillier Cup beating Cogenhoe 16 of the FA vase, the final of the er Managers with Brian Porter United, managed by Andy NFA Senior Cup, beaten by Cor- returning as Club Secretary to Marks, 3 – 0, Scott Cross (2) by Town by 3 – 2 and the semi – ensure the club somehow com- and Luke Keen scoring the finals of the UCL KO cup before pleted their remaining 6 fixtures goals. Captain Paul Saunders lifted the of the 2015/2016 season. UCL championship to secure Da- Town had been season-long fa- In a move planned to reset the ventry Town a coveted place in vourites for promotion from the club’s financial problems, Town the Southern League for 2010/11. Southern League Division One took voluntary relegation to step Central in 2013 -2014 but the Under the guidance of Ady Fuller 6 football and the club returned and assistant Paul Lamb, their back log of fixtures caused by to the United Counties League

10 Division 1. Town finished the 2017/18 awarded the UCL Manager of the In April 2016, Steve Tubb season in 10th position, win- Month for August 2018. took over as Chairman. ning the Buckingham Charity Town ended 2018 with a 2 0 vic- Cup for the first time in their tory at local rivals Rugby Town On the 12th May 2016, the history. club appointed Arron Parkin- son and Andy Marks as joint 2018/19 saw the return of the managers. Reserves managed by Andy Emery. With a zero budget for the season, the team manage- Ian King left to join North- ment have worked wonders ampton Town Academy. Ar- in turning the club around ron Parkinson took over as and winning the UCL Divi- Manager with goalkeeper sion 1 title, unbeaten at Matt Finlay as his Assistant home. Manager and Pete Harris coming in a Club Coach re- Andy Marks left the club at spectively. the end of the season due to family and work commit- After an excellent start to the ments. Ian King joined Par- league season and two FA Cup kinson as Joint Manager in wins scoring 16 goals in the May 2017. process. Arron Parkinson was All time Welwyn Garden City FC Player records

All time Record Appearances All time record Goalscorers

401 Terry Hayes (1977-78, 1980-85 & 1986-93) 214 Terry Hayes (1977-78, 1980-85 & 1986-93)

334 Durk Reyner (1985-91 & 1993-95) 106 Brian Marshall (1974-81, 1982-85 & 1987-88)

326 Stuart Fuller (1986-96) 100 Sean Giddens (1989-92, 1993-95 & 1996-97

281 Neil Draper (1988-92, 1996-98 & 2000-02) 98 Jason Caswell (2013-2016)

265 Andy Stagg (1978-81 & 1985-92) 76 Joel Norris (2013-2016)

257 Barry Hope (1990-2000) 69 Durk Reyner (1985-91 & 1993-95)

243 Garry Simpson (1983-85 & 1988-97) 67 Darren Franklyn (2002-05)

242 Sean Giddens (1989-92, 1993-95 & 1996-97) 66 Ashley Kersey (2014-2018)

221 Kieran Myles (1986-87, 1993-95 & 1999-04) 60 Mick Fredericks (1985-89)

218 Steve Brown (1977-79, 1980-85 & 2012-13) 58 Josh Bronti (2014-2018)

198 Richard Teixeira (1997-2002, 2003-11 & 2012-13) 51 Ade Osobu (2003-2005 & 2010-15)

197 Daniel Teixeira (1997-2010 & 2012-13) 50 Matt Wardle (2005-08)

11 Views from our “Mystery Supporter”

played excellent football to beat the sions, and for the benefit of all levels leaders 4-1. The Berko keeper had of football the Offside rule has to be one of those headless chicken days, changed or removed. Improving but our forwards were turning the VAR will only help the top (and Berko defenders inside out to the wealthy) levels of football. Whatever The Mystery Supporters Diary keeper’s dismay. That excellent per- the rule is it should work throughout formance was followed up by a hard- Christmas Day was wonderful, Boxing football, and all officials should be fought 1-0 win over Biggleswade FC Day was awful. I am talking about the able to enforce the rule correctly. with a goal from Jordan Watson. weather, not the visit that the Mother-In- Goal-line technology has already Law made to us. The 25th was a beauti- As a break from football I went to the shown us that some things will be in ful day with a clear blue sky and I was so Institute of Astronomy at Cambridge the domain of the rich, and the poor looking forward to the Boxing Day for a public session on Cosmic Colli- will have to go without. There are match against Barton Rovers. When the sions and the fate of the Milky Way. problems with VAR and with the weather changed and the match was It’s hard to believe but Galaxies are rules of football. I saw a goal scored called off it felt like all my presents had colliding with each other. Probably on tv from a free-kick where a player been taken away. where the title ‘Star Wars’ comes was offside, in front of the goalkeep- from. A cosmic collision is the spec- With no match at Herns Lane on the er, waving his arms about and yet tacular result of gravity pulling to- 28th, two of us football addicts went to the goal was allowed to stand. I gether planets, stars, and galaxies. see Biggleswade Town v Stourbridge. don’t believe the rule as written They say it’s what created the condi- The Waders had played on Boxing Day, works properly. tions essential for life on Earth—the so maybe this match came too soon. Sun's warmth and ocean waves. The Citizens had chance for quick They started well and scored on 35 revenge at home to Dunstable, but minutes, and hadn’t conceded a goal for I witnessed the defeat at Dunstable on went a goal down early on. Some over 400 minutes when Stourbridge the 21st, the draw at Thame and the great football and 3 goals earned the scored an excellent header 10 minutes excellent win over Barton Rovers. On victory, but with a cost of 2 more into the second half. The Stourbridge the way to Thame United I had seen injuries. visiting supporters were very friendly many red kites flying lazily around. It and when I could tune into the black had been a mild winter until then but The Citizens lost on the 8th February country accent - I thought one of the vis- watching the Barton match was like at Bedworth, and suffered more inju- itors went to the tea bar, asked for a kip- standing on Thwaites Glacier. The ries. In the 8 matches played in per tie, and got a cup of tea - it was obvi- glacier, aka The Doomsday Glacier in 2020, we have won 5 and drawn 1 ous they expected to get the next goal as the Antarctic, might be melting but I which is good, but we could now be The Waders had never beaten The Glass- was frozen. short of strikers. boys. With 5 minutes to go Stourbridge scored the winner which must have made The water company last September On the same day the New Roker the coach journey home quite acceptable. threatened us with a hosepipe ban in Park stadium opened with an impres- the Spring of 2020. This week they sive attendance of 644 fans. Stotfold On New Years Eve I was sent out to buy emailed me to say that the threat has came from behind to win 5-3 against a few food items and I got stuck in the passed (not a surprise to most of us), local SML Division One close rivals supermarket lift trying to get down to but they still asked me to reduce my Shefford & Campton, played in win- the car park. It was lunchtime, and I was shower time by 1 minute in order to ter sunshine with a chilly breeze. stuck for 2 hours getting very cold and save water! After an uninspiring time to late Oc- very hungry. I didn’t fancy the fresh tober, the Eagles have won eight mushrooms in my trolley. I enjoyed the article in the match pro- league games in a row from the 16th gramme on the 1st February about November, and are still in 3 cups. I recovered from the ordeal to travel to VAR, and we will have many differ- far west Herts for the Citizen’s match ent opinions. My own is that VAR The Citizens have 2 home matches with leaders Berkhamsted on a wonder- has shown us how difficult it is for in a row, Saturday and Tuesday – ful New Year’s Day, as the Citizen’s officials to be correct on Offside deci- bring it on!

12 Welwyn Garden City FC Player Sponsorship

JP Antwi Romelle Alomenu Elliot Bailey Jack Bradshaw

Brodie Carrington Ollie Carey Lee Close Eusebio Da-Silva Sponsor WGC Golf Club Sponsor David Coates Snr & Jnr Sponsor Dave Vass & Andy Cornish

Dylan Ebengo Alex Harris George Ironton Fin Jordan Sponsor Gavin Meaden Sponsor Russell Giblin

Dave Keenleyside Imani Matthews Thomas Opoku Charlie Payne Sponsor Ed Clark

13 Welwyn Garden City FC Player Sponsorship

Greg Adinna Jay Rolfe Rory Satterly-Hull Hani Berchiche

Jonny Sexton Geraldo Smaldone Callum Stead Abushan Pant Sponsor Mick Barnett & Wayne Norwood

Ali Nije Taylor Steer Marco Tavares Callum Taylor

Jack Vasey Jess Walklin Jordan Watson

To sponsor a player for the season at £25 please speak with one of the committee

Welwyn Garden City Roll Call 2019/2020 - Compiled by Gavin Meaden

Pant

Antwi

Stead

Opoku

Harris

Bailey

Harris

Sexton

Schmid

Adinna

Schmid

Ebengo

Tavares

DaSilva

Sansom

Spencer

Alomenu

Smaldone

Bradshaw

Smaldone

Carrington

McClelland

Stead

Carey

Antwi

Bailey

Harris

Opoku

Harris

Payne

Schmid

Ebengo

DaSilva

Mensah

Alomenu

Nkansah

Alomenu

Mensah

Smaldone

Keenleyside

Carey

Taylor

Opoku

Bailey

Harris

Payne

Sexton

Ebengo

Adinna

Ebengo

Mensah

DaSilva

Mensah

DaSilva

Alomenu

Smaldone

Matthews

Smaldone

Stevenson

Carrington

Keenleyside

Carey

Stead

Carey

Antwi

Harris

Taylor

Payne

Harris

Opoku

Adinna

Sexton

Ebengo

Watson

DaSilva

Cleaver

DaSilva

Mensah

Cathline

Alomenu

Ebengo

Alomenu

Smaldone

Bradshaw

Matthews

Carrington

Rolfe

Carey

Vasey

Jones

Opoku

Taylor

Payne

Harris

Payne

Sexton

Adinna

Ebengo

Adinna

Ebengo

Vasey

Cleaver

DaSilva

Watson

Cleaver

Sansom

DaSilva

Cathline

DaSilva

Bradshaw

Carrington

McClelland

Berchiche

Taylor

Bailey

Payne

Antwi

Opoku

Ebengo

Adinna

Walklin

Watson

Bailey

Spencer

Alomenu

Bailey

Alomenu

Campbell

Watson

Bradshaw

Carrington

Bradshaw

Payne

Adinna

Walklin

DaSilva

Matthews

Bradshaw

Carrington

Keenleyside

Keensleyside

Keenleyside

Vasey

Carey

Taylor

Bailey

Watson

Vasey

DaSilva

Cleaver

DaSilva

Bailey

DaSilva

Cathline

DaSilva

Cleaver

Berchiche

Cleaver

DaSilva *

DaSilva

Payne

Ironton

Payne

Ironton*

Ironton

Bradshaw

Ironton

Rolfe

Stead

Carey

Stead

DaSilva

Stead

Bradshaw

DaSilva

Bradshaw

Rolfe

Ebengo

Rolfe

Walklin

Mensah

Mensah *

Njie

Rolfe

Ebengo

Mensah

McClelland

Mensah

McClelland

Ebengo

Walklin

Cleaver

Walklin

Ebengo

Walklin

Mensah

Walklin

Mensah

Berchiche

Bradshaw

Payne

Taylor

Harris

Antwi

Sexton

Taylor

Sexton

Mensah

Alomenu

Pant

Rolfe

Eales

Harris

Ebengo

Watson

Rolfe

Bradshaw

Smaldone

Bradshaw

Smaldone

Bradshaw

Jones

Schmid

Tavares

Sansom

Pos

Att

157

143

148

162

354

117

145

127

108

125

104

187

125

503

151

121

149

116

0-1

0-0

4-2

0-2

3-1

4-1

2-2

0-2

5-1

1-0

4-1

0-1

1-0

0-1

4-2

0-1

0-0

1-1

3-2

4-1

1-2

0-3

2-2

7-1

5-3

1-1

1-4

2-0

3-0

1-2

5-0

2-0

1-1

0-2

3-1

2-1

Score

Opponents

BedfordTown

DIDCOT TOWN DIDCOT

BartonRovers

CORBY TOWN CORBY

St NeotsSt Town

Kidlington

AYLESBURY UTD AYLESBURY

HALESOWEN TOWN HALESOWEN

Yaxley

DAVENTRY TOWN DAVENTRY

NORTH LEIGH NORTH

ColeshillTown

KEMPSTON ROVERS KEMPSTON

BedworthUtd

AFC DUNSTABLE AFC

BARTON ROVERS BARTON

ThameUtd

AFC Dunstable AFC

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NorthLeigh

BEDFORD TOWN BEDFORD

TRING ATHLETIC TRING

AylesburyUtd

HitchinTown

YAXLEY

KIDLINGTON

NEEDHAM MARKET NEEDHAM

COLESHILLTOWN

DaventryTown

ST NEOTS TOWN NEOTS ST

ROYSTON TOWN ROYSTON

BEDWORTH UTD BEDWORTH

CANVEY ISLAND CANVEY

HADLEY

KempstonRovers

THAME UTD THAME

HITCHIN TOWN HITCHIN

HalesowenTown

BERKHAMSTED

Wingate&Finchley

Biggleswade

WANTAGE TOWN WANTAGE

FAT

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LCC

HCS

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Date

25-Apr

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07-Mar WELWYN GARDEN CITY FC. BETVICTOR SOUTHERN LEAGUE CENTRAL DIVISION 1. 2019-20201. DIVISION CENTRAL LEAGUE SOUTHERN BETVICTOR FC. CITY GARDEN WELWYN 15 Hard working midfielder Jess Walklin in action and typically winning the ball Citizens Timeline

1921 First WGC FC formed

1922 Joined Mid-Hertfordshire League

1926 Joined Bedfordshire & District League

1927 Joined Spartan League

1935 Resigned from the league at the end of the season as they could not find a suitable pitch. At an AGM held 24th July 1935 it was agreed to wind up the club.

1937 At a meeting held on the 20th May 1937, after they were offered the A word of special thanks to Nicholls and Clarke who kindly sponsored and facilities of Shredded Wheat FC, it was supplied all of the tiles in not only both of our recently redecorated toilets but agreed to set up a new Welwyn Garden also in the newly built disabled toilet facilities too, a great gesture thank you. City FC.

Are you “ The Face in the crowd ? 1937 Joined Spartan League

1939/1940 Joined East, North & Mid- Hertfordshire Combination and then the Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Combination.

1944 The ‘recently revived’ team joined the Mid-Hertfordshire League

1945 Joined Spartan League

1951 Joined London League

1955 Joined Spartan League

1959 Joined Hertfordshire County League

1970 Joined Greater London League To thank you, our fans, the supporters of (Division 2)

Welwyn Garden City Football Club 1971 Joined Metropolitan London we offer free tickets to fans who appear in this slot of League(Reserve Division 1) the programme. It is our way of saying thank you for 1973 Joined South Midlands League your loyalty in supporting us. 1997 Joined SS MidlandsLeague Are you one of the “Face in the Crowd” If so then please contact One of the Committee members for 2018 Joined the Southern League your free ticket Information kindly collated by club supporter Mick Barnett

16 Southern Counties Floodlit Youth League - Olympian Division 2019/20

Played Won Drew Lost For Against Goal diff Points Colney Heath 9 8 0 1 49 9 40 24 Takeley 8 7 0 1 47 7 40 21 Enfield Town 8 7 0 1 34 9 25 21 Welwyn Garden City 8 6 0 2 30 15 15 18 Broxbourne Boro 8 3 1 4 22 17 5 10 Sawbridgeworth Town 9 3 0 6 21 31 -10 9 Maccabi London 8 2 1 5 15 34 -19 7 St Margaretsbury 10 2 0 8 15 65 -50 6 Hoddesdon Town 10 0 0 10 4 50 -46 0

Thursday 29th Aug League Away v Broxbourne Boro W 4-2 Carrington(2), Desa, Gibson

Thursday 5th Sept FAYC Home v Takeley W 6-5 Carrington(4), Desa, Edge Wednesday 19 Sept FAYC Away v Braintree Town 1st Qual W 6-2 Carrington(3), Desa (2) Harris

Thursday 26th Sept BH Cup Home v AFC Dunstable W 4-4(P) Reed(2) Desa, Gammon Monday 30th Sept FAYC Away v Aveley L 1-2 Desa

Thursday 10th Oct League Home v St Margaretsbury W 13-0 Carrington(4)Desa(4) Reed, Dones, Satterly-Hull, Coates, Kendrick-Gibson Monday 28th Oct League Home v Takeley L 0-5 Thursday 21st Nov League Away v Sawbridgeworth Town W 2-1 Coates, Jordan Tuesday 7th Jan League Home v Enfield Town L 0-3

Thursday 23st Jan League Away v Maccabi London W 5-3 Harris(2) Desa,Gammon,Jordan Tuesday 4th Feb League Home v Sawbridgeworth Town W 3-0 Harris, Birke, Zinga Thurs 27th Feb League Away v St Margaretsbury W 3-1 Dones, Abe, Zinga Thurs 17th March League Away v Hoddesdon Town Thurs 19th March League Home v Maccabi London Tues 24th March League Home v Colney Heath Thurs 9th April League Away v Takeley

17 18 Should you or your company wish to advertise with us, either in the programme, pitch surround or on our club web-site then in the first instance please contact Leigh Corbit via email [email protected]

19 Southern League Central Coleshill Town 0-0 CITIZENS 22/02/2020

A DESPERATELY depleted WGC acting skipper Jack Bradshaw and keeper Jones proved dangerous in side took a hard earned point from central defender Ali Nije, supported the high wind and when Coleshill’s their second visit to Coleshill Town by sound displays from the likes of Mannion jabbed the loose ball goal- - a side that had beaten the Citizens Jay Rolfe, Jon Sexton, Callum Stead wards, young defender Harris did in the clubs’ last two meetings. and Charlie Payne, WGC began the wonderfully well to get across and game in good shape, Nije making a stop it in front of goal, before clear- WGC- lacking nine of their first- fine interception to set up a shooting ing for a corner. team squad through injury and una- opportunity for Stead, which he With six minutes to go, Watson was vailability - could just about field a struck just wide in four minutes. side, but their makeshift line-up gave put clear for the second time in the a defiant display and adapted much Coleshill’s dangerous George Wash- game. Coleshill’s impressive central better to the synthetic surface at bourne broke forward menacingly, defender Cole half stopped him Coleshill, then they did at Warwick- but his goalbound effort struck Nije with a full blooded challenge, but shire neighbours Bedworth, where to deflect for a corner, moments later. the WGC forward staggered on, on- they lost 2-0 on a disastrous after- WGC had a glorious chance to take a ly to go down from the impact. noon a fortnight earlier. 10th minute lead, when new boy Ber- With forward, defender and home chiche glided on a fine header into keeper Paul Hathaway all grounded, Match Report by the path of Jordon Watson. He was it was a question of who got up clean through, but pulled his final first. Sadly for WGC, it was the Phil Ravitz shot across the face of goal. keeper who managed to smother the At the other end, the gusting wing on ball, before Watson could recover In addition, the Clarets lost skipper a very exposed pitch, helped to turn it into an empty net and the Jesse Walklin and George Ironton to Coleshill’s Antonio volley just wide, visitors’ best chance of snatching a injury that afternoon and that injury before Nije came forward to meet a late victory was gone. list has since swelled with Dylan WGC corner, only to head over, in- WGC: Jones, Pant (Harris 62), Ebengo (groin) and Callum Taylor juring himself in the process, when Nije, Rolfe, Sexton, Matthews (unwell) from their midweek win falling heavily. He recovered after (Opoku 46), Bradshaw, Payne, over Kempston. treatment. Stead, Berchiche (Smaldone 62), Watson. In addition, mainstays Lee Close and The Citizens made a change at the Dave Keenleyside were unavailable break, replacing Imani Matthews Att: 93 for this trip, meaning WGC gave full with Thomas Opoku, the diminutive debuts to recent signings striker Matthews clearly having difficulty in It is also worthy of mention that three players made their full debuts Hani Berchiche and full-back making an impression in the difficult for the Citizens at the match. Abushan Pant, while keeper Charlie conditions. Jones (foot) passed a fitness test to The home team’s raiding full-back Imani Matthews, Hani Berchichi play. made a strong run, slipping Opoku and Abushan Pant. WGC needed their remaining first and Pant to burst through, but fired Add to that Geraldo Smaldone, Ali choices to play well to take some- wildly over when well placed. Nigi, Jordan Watson, Alex Harris, thing from a match-up with a A double change for WGC midway Charlie Payne and Thomas Okopu Coleshill side with a good home rec- through the half, saw teenager Alex who have all made under 10 ap- ord. They succeeded in being the Harris and Gerardo Smaldone replace pearances for the club. first side this season to prevent the Pant and Berchiche, who had a recur- Midlands side scoring on their own A truly remarkable achievement rence of an old knee injury. patch. Prog-Ed A back header from Sexton to his With outstanding performances from

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Welwyn Garden City FC Fantasy Football

Team Name Manager Points Coatesy Hotspurs David Coates 1537 Alan Peyniril Yiyeni Mike Winter 1441 The anarchists Paul Butters 1414 Welwyn Spurs Steve Lovejoy 1371 Best of British Dave Fallon 1339 Pique Blinders Alex Harries 1283 DJ Gooner HM Stroud 1282 2inPink1inStink Brodie Carrington 1229 Vauxhall Insigne Ollie Carey 1226 #Merky Eddie Corbit 1164

21 22 The Non-League Newspaper Column - this week Matt Badcock THEY say age is just a num- Perhaps it’s something Stimson describes Cureton ber but in football it’s one about those genuine as a “clever” player and he’s that can increasingly count goalscorers that, while the sure the youngsters in their against you – especially as it legs might not be as quick squad will take plenty on increases! as they used to be, the board from the former Nor- minds is just as sharp. That wich City man. So let’s show our apprecia- gets them into the right tion for some Golden Oldies, Cureton himself says it is all goalscoring positions and who are doing their bit to about diet and re-fuelling then, when the ball is at show if you’re good enough, the right way after matches. their feet or the cross is in you’re young enough also When I spoke to Cureton the right place, they just rings true. last year as he reached his know how to stick the ball 1,000th game, he said he After all, it was only a few into the back of the net. genuinely felt like he could years ago that Chris Swailes Jamie Cureton has scored at do a job in the League still. became the oldest scorer at every level from the Prem- And while you’re feeling Wembley when he notched ier League down. At 44 he good, why not keep play- for Morpeth Town in their 4- isn’t just on the back nine of ing? 1 FA Vase final win over his career, he’s strolling up Hereford. Back in the FA Vase, there the 18th. was a familiar name on the Swailes was 45 years old But he’s still one of the scoresheet in Wroxham’s when he turned the ball into leading scorers in the Isth- win over Stowmarket Town. the net to silence the mass of mian Premier Division and Hereford fans who had made Grant Holt, another former despite a surprise departure the trip. Norwich striker, turns out from Bishop’s Stortford last regularly for the Thurlow Not bad for a defender who week – the club couldn’t Nunn Premier Division has had a long, career that guarantee his continuing Yachtsmen. He hit a penalty took in plenty of stops in the role as player-manager next in the 2-0 win that has put Football League. season – he has already them in the last eight of the found the net for new club Non-League is always good competition. A final hurrah Hornchurch. for an evergreen footballer, at Wembley Stadium for particularly the strikers. Paul I caught up with his new Holt? Brayson has been a regular manager, Mark Stimson, Although aged 38, he could scorer for Newcastle Ben- last week and he spoke to have far more opportunities field in recent years and he is Cureton’s desire to get in yet. Just ask Swailes! still knocking them in aged behind the back four burn- 42. ing as bright as ever.

23 an idea which has been implement- ed in the Bundesliga. This would allow the referees to physically see the incident for themselves, rather than relying on others. Not only that, but a so-called ‘wrong decision’ would be in the hands of the referee rather than those at ‘VAR HQ’ which may help to cut down the length of time it takes to make a decision. Or, perhaps the answer is more fan involvement when decisions are taking place which would at least allow fans to become more en- in any way, and are left wonder- VAR-cical: Time for change gaged and it may help to remove ing what on earth is going on at Fans brand VAR a “failed experi- the agony of what feels like a life- Stockley Park and why it is taking ment” but would its removal be time for a decision to be made. so long. right for the modern game? Just a few weeks ago, Teemu Puk- It is strikingly odd that outside of The issues surrounding VAR has ki’s goal for Norwich in a Premier the Premier League, VAR is im- surfaced once again for the wrong League home match was ruled out plemented in some games, but not reasons, as they have and will con- by VAR, albeit by the finest of others. Take the third-round FA tinue to do all season long. margins. Cup tie between Middlesbrough and Tottenham for example. Yet fans continue to complain Article Created and written by about these decisions. An offside is There was no VAR in the first Reiss Tigwell game at the Riverside, a match simply an offside. Whether its off-

which ended in a 1-1 draw. How- side by a hand, a toe, a nose or a Before the introduction of VAR, ever, for the replay at White Hart boot it does not matter. It is hard to fans up and down the country called Lane, VAR was in place. A sympathise with fans who argue for its implementation, but now it is strange choice and one which with this. If it is an offside by the here, fans are sceptical. seems unfair. laws of the game, then surely there is no argument in this department. It is fair to say VAR is suffering So what is the answer? Improve- from teething problems, as do many ment, not removal. VAR is need- Human error is not something that things in the sporting world, but ed. The level of officiating in this is limited to the sporting sphere. It there is no doubt that improvements country has deteriorated signifi- is not possible for officials to get are needed, and fast before fans be- cantly. Removing VAR would be everything right on the pitch. It is come even more disillusioned than taking the game in a backwards inevitable that they will miss they already are. direction, to a time where fans things, particularly given how fast the modern day game is. As a concept, its brilliant. But what moaned at officials for getting is has produced so far, is not bril- things wrong, costing their team Just as goal-line technology was liant at all. The amount of time it points, a place in a cup competi- needed, as is VAR. The introduc- takes to make a decision is quite tion, or even worse a trophy. tion of VAR is part of the progres- frankly ridiculous. Fans at the One answer may be the introduc- sion and is representative of the games like myself are not involved tion of pitch-side TV monitor’s, modern day game.

24 Herns Lane, Welwyn Garden City Herts AL7 1TA Telephone: (01707) 329358 Club website: www.welwyngardencityfc.org.uk

South Midlands League Champions 1974/74, 2017/18 South Midlands League Runners-Up 1985/86 South Midlands League Division One Champions 1981/82 Spartan South Midlands League Division One Champions 2014/15 South Midlands League Challenge Trophy winners 2015/16 Dudley Latham Memorial Cup Runners-Up 2015/16, 2017/18 Division One Cup Winners 2014/15 Herts Charity Shield Winners 1927/28, 1968/87, 1987/88 Herts Charity Shield Finalists 1948/49, 1994/95, 1996/97, 2003/04, 2007/08, 2017/18 Herts Senior Centenary Trophy Winners 1984/85 Herts Senior Centenary Trophy Finalists 1988/89, 2003/04 Southern Combination Cup Finalists 1996/97 SSML Reserve Division One Runners Up 2005/06 SSML Reserve Division Two Runners-Up 2003/04 SSML Reserve Division Two East Runners-Up 2002/03 North & Mid-Herts Premier Division Winners 2009/10 SML Reserve Challenge Trophy Winners 1986/87 SSML Reserve Challenge Trophy Winners 2005/06 SSML Reserve Challenge Trophy Finalists 2006/07 SCYFL Olympian League Champions 2015/16 SCYFL Championship Play-Off winners 2015/16 Herts County U-18 Cup Winners 1981/82 North & Mid Herts League Winners (A-team) 2009/10 Record attendance of 825 v Luton Town in a Pre-season Friendly 2019

25 The latest FA Rule changes For the 2019/20 season The latest FA Rule changes

Football's new laws - changes to back- Another change to the handball rule relates to or if the net or posts are still moving after being passes, penalties, handballs and subs for the goalkeeper: touched. The goalkeeper must have one of his/ 2019-20 her feet partly on the goalline (or above it if If the goalkeeper attempts to clear ("release jumping) when the kick is taken. He or she can- Goalkeepers picking up backpasses (sort of), into play") a throw-in or backpass and their not stand behind or in front of the line. The law uncontested drop balls and more handball clearance fails, then they can handle the ball will come into the Premier League this season, decisions - football's laws have changed "when the goalkeeper clearly kicks or tries to but the decision will be left for the on-field offi- again. But, they are bound to cause plenty of kick the ball into play, this shows no intention cials and VAR will not be used to look out for it. talking points in the opening weeks of the to handle the ball". season as every tournament worldwide, in- The other change to penalties means an attacker cluding the Premier League, adopts them for Goal-kicks can take a penalty if he needed treatment (as long the coming season. as the treatment is quick). Before now, a player Another change involving goalkeepers is to would have to go off the field until after the kick Drop balls goal-kicks, which can now be played to a was taken if he needed medical help. team-mate inside the penalty area. The law Drop balls can no longer be contested, but now says the ball is considered in play once Substitutions the change is more positive than it sounds. If the kick is taken. Until now a goal-kick had to play is stopped, the ball will be dropped to a be retaken if it did not leave the box. Oppo- A player who is being substituted must leave the player on the team that last touched the ball - nents must still remain outside the penalty pitch by the nearest point on the touchline or and where they touched it. All other players area until the kick is taken. byeline - unless the referee says they can leave must be 4.5 yards (4 metres) away. What that quickly at the halfway line - or elsewhere for means is if a team's attack is stopped, they Free-kicks safety or injury reasons. This change is to stop will get the ball back in that position - instead players time-wasting. Any player who "infringes of the opponents booting the ball down the When a defending team has three or more the spirit of this law" will be booked for unsport- field. However, any play stopped in a penalty players in a wall, the attacking team can no ing behaviour. area will be returned to the goalkeeper, even longer place a player in or next to it. If an if the attacking team had the ball. attacker is standing within one yard (1m) of Cards for coaches the wall when the kick is taken, they will be Another big change now sees a drop ball penalised with an indirect free-kick. A team official guilty of misconduct can be awarded if the ball hits the referee and goes shown a yellow card or red card. If the offender to the other team as a result, or if the referee Another change means - similar to the goal- cannot be identified, the senior coach in the tech- accidentally scores a goal, as happened in the kick change above - if a defending team takes nical area at the time will receive the card. Dutch fourth division a week before the law a free-kick in their own area, the ball is con- change. sidered in play immediately and does not have The other changes to leave the box before another player touches Handballs it. Again, opponents must remain outside the A player can now be booked for celebrating - for box. removing his shirt or celebrating with the fans - The law remains that deliberate handball is even if the goal is disallowed. The team that wins an offence. But accidental handball will also Quick free-kicks the pre-match coin toss can now choose whether be a free-kick or penalty if the ball goes into to take the kick-off or which goal to attack - pre- the goal off an attacker OR a player gets the If the referee is about to show a yellow or red viously they could only choose which goal to ball using his or her arm or hand and then card but the non-offending team takes a quick attack. scores, or creates a goalscoring opportunity free-kick and creates a scoring chance, the (such as Ellen White's disallowed goal official can come back and show the card There is now a difference between cooling breaks against Sweden in the Women's World Cup when the ball goes out of play. Before the new (90 seconds to three minutes) and drinks breaks third-place play-off) OR the player's arm or change, the card would have to be shown (maximum of one minute) in certain competi- hand is above their shoulder (unless the play- before the free-kick could be taken. However, tions played in high humidity and temperatures. er has controlled the ball onto his own arm or if the referee had distracted the offending Multi-coloured or patterned undershirts are al- hand) OR a player's hand or arm has made team by starting to show the card, the quick lowed if they are the same as the sleeve of the their body "unnaturally bigger" free-kick is not allowed. main shirt.

In addition a handball will not be a free-kick Also if the offence was going to be a red card if: for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity, but the opposition take a quick free-kick, The ball is knocked on to a hand by the play- then the player will only be booked because er in question or a nearby player, the arm or the other team are considered to have restarted hand is close to their body and "has not made their attack. their body unnaturally bigger" a player is falling and the ball touches their hand or arm Penalties when it is between their body and the ground to support the body - but not extended to The laws have changed concerning what goal- make the body bigger. However, keepers can do for penalties. "unnaturally bigger" is open for some debate. The penalty kick cannot be taken while the goalkeeper is touching the woodwork or nets - 26 Welwyn Garden City FC Officials

Ray Fiveash - Chairman Dave Coates - Vice Chairman Gemma Carter - Club Secretary

Welwyn Garden City Football Club is a Members Club. All positions below are elected annually by members of the club at the Annual General Meeting which is held in August of each year as per club rules.

Chairman: Ray Fiveash Secretary: Gemma Carter

Members: Ray Fiveash, Leigh Corbit, Maureen Hay, Gemma Carter & Phil Ravitz & David Coates Jnr.

Welwyn Garden City FC

Leigh Corbit - Treasurer FA League Rule 2.13 Maureen Hay - Memberships

Ownership: In accordance with The Football Association Rule 2.13 Publication of Ownership in relation to Step 1 to Step 6 clubs within the football pyramid, we hereby confirm that the Legal Status of Welwyn Garden City Football Club, takes the form of an Unincorporated Associ- ation. It has a constitution which sets out the rules that govern its relationship and membership, and elects a Management Committee to run the organisation on behalf of its Private Members. That committee is currently:

Chairman: Ray Fiveash,

Secretary: Gemma Carter

Members:

Leigh Corbit (Club Treasurer)

Maureen Hay (Membership Secretary)

Phil Ravitz (Football Secretary)

David Coates Jnr (Vice-Chairman)

Phil Ravitz - Football Secretary Mike Isaacs - Fixture Secretary

Dave Fallon - Programme Editor Tracy Woolhouse - Hospitality Malcolm Kiely -Youth Secretary

27 Southern League Central CITIZENS 4-2 Kempston Rovers 18/02/2020

Keeper Charlie Jones was troubled the effort around a post. WELWYN GC cemented their fourth with a foot injury so Marco Tavares spot and play-off place in the South- But that was clearly a warning and was recalled, while Thomas Opuku ern League Div 1 Central table and two minutes after the restart, Kemp- was given a full debut and Charlie quickly erased the memory of their ston had reduced arrears. A high ball Payne played for the first time in four last display, away at Bedworth 10 in from the left, deflected off Close’s months, in a midfield lacking skipper days previously, when they lost 2-0. head, again to Johnson who this time Jesse Walklin, out for the rest of the drove it past Tavares for 2-1. The three points from the win in this season with a broke tibia. re-arranged fixture with second bot- It needed an immediate response The Clarets also had Ali Nije at the tom Kempston Rovers, also completed from the home side and that was what heart of their defence, for only the sec- a quintet of victories for the Citizens the paltry crowd on a an inclement ond time this season. over the teams from the neighbouring night got. Opoku got over a good cross from the county of Bedfordshire, in their divi- Opoku did well to get over a cross, right within two minutes of the start, sion. Payne had a goalbound effort with no one on hand to take advantage, blocked, but Stead was on hand to but WGC had a let-off in seven poke the loose ball home to restore Match Report by minutes, when keeper Tavares com- the two goal lead. pletely missed a corner and a close-in Phil Ravitz header from Kempston skipper Jordan New boy Berchiche replaced Opoku, Wright shaved a post. before Kempston again reduced arrears when a pass from Robbie Good- On 17 minutes, the Herns Lane side The victory, meant that WGC have man somehow eluded Jon Sexton, had the lead, from the penalty spot. triumphed over all five Beds sides – Payne and the outstretched Close, to Lee Close’s long ball from the back Bedford Town, Biggleswade, Barton let Johnson in again. This time he saw Jordon Watson cut through the Rovers, AFC Dunstable and now crossed to the back post and fellow visiting defence only for him to be Kempston – when they have visited winger Ben Baker had an easy finish. Herns Lane. brought down by Kempston defender Stefan Bailey. Ironton brought on Callum Taylor for But, at times, in this largely dominant Sexton and saw his team respond by Referee Lunganella awarded the spot- display by Nick Ironton’s side, they again restoring the two goal cushion kick and Dave Keenleyside obliged, had to work hard for the win. with 18 minutes to go. sliding his shot wide of keeper Hud- Twice Kempston came back to close son’s dive. Stead began this one with a fine the advantage to a single goal, but cross, the impressive Payne then On the half-hour, Keenleyside doubled WGC always managed to keep their chipped up a perfect ball for new- his and the side’s tally, with a spectac- noses in front to justify the victory. comer Berchiche to dive full length ular strike at the end of some good It was pleasing for Ironton that his and head firmly beyond Hudson, to WGC build-up, crashing his shot past a latest signing, striker Hani Berchiche put the game beyond Kempston and static Hudson, to see the effort rebound came on for the final 35 minutes to secure another vital win towards that off a post and in. score the goal of the night - WGC’s play-off place. Then the midfielder came with a fourth - and show signs that he will WGC: Tavares, Rolfe, Nije, Close, help the side overcome the injury cri- whisker of a hat-trick, when Opoku Opoku (Berchiche 53), Ebengo sis that has bedeviled their strikers. and Callum Stead set up a shooting (Matthews 74), Keenleyside, Payne, chance, but the effort pinged off a post. WGC currently have Eusebio Da Silva Sexton (Taylor 68), Stead, Watson. (calf), Elliot Bailey (ankle) and ham- Tavares was brought to his first real Att: 52 string victim Jack Vasey all sidelined save of the game in first-half stoppage along with teenage frontman Brodie time, when Kempston winger Sam Carrington, who hopes to be fit in a Johnson got the better of Jay Rolfe, to fortnight. bring a fine save from Tavares, turning

28 Goalkeepers: Iustin Cerga - Previous Clubs: FC Dacia of the Moldovan First Division Iustin has been first choice for over three seasons now and will complete 100 appearances this year. Made his de- but in 2013 and would have made many more appearances if work commitments had not got in the way. He was last season’s joint supporter’s player of the season. He produced several excellent saves in last seasons double winning season, none more so than the memorable double save he made at Desborough Town. James Martin – Previous Clubs: Kempston Rovers, Loughborough, Bedworth, Belper, Long Buckby AFC James is a very recent signing to the club making his debut in December 2019. A vocal presence at the back, James is very good at organising his defence and is capable shot stopper. Defenders: Rico Alexander – Previous Clubs: Wellingborough Town and Rugby Town. Virtually ever present in the championship season, Rico formed a solid partnership with Ross Harris at the back and “Rico” became a crowd favourite. He joined Rugby Town in the summer along with Kieran Fitzgerald however both failed to settle at the Valley and returned as soon as FA rules permitted. Joe Merrill - Previous Clubs: AFC Rushden & Diamonds, Northampton Sileby Rangers Joe is a great athlete who excites, with his desire to venture forward regularly and his long range goals last year were a joy to watch. Would be every present if work commitments did not limit his appearances Dean Lukeman - Previous Clubs: Northampton Sileby Rangers, Cogenhoe United Over 80 appearances for Daventry Town after having four seasons with Cogenhoe United. A tenacious full back who loves to get forward and never shirks a challenge. Came back well after a long term knee injury. One of a number of players who joined the Town when we dropped to step 6. Another who would have a made over 100 appearances had injuries not got in the way. Ross Harris - Previous Clubs: Cogenhoe United, Woodford United What a player in the heart of the Town defence and wearing the captain's armband. Experience and composure are two of his biggest assets and when Ross bites into the tackle, it's with power and timing. It's easy to understand why he is a hit with the fans. Ross completed 100 appearances for Town last season and is another who has risen with us from step 6. Dan Childs - Previous Clubs: Long Buckby, Woodford United Utility player Dan is content anywhere across the back 4 or in the middle of the park. Now nearing a 150 appearances since his debut as a 17 year old back in 2012. Gives his all physically and sounds out his passion on the pitch. When not wearing the purple shirt, he will jet off the watch his beloved Sunderland. Aiden Print – Previous Clubs: Nuneaton Borough, Rugby Town, Rugby Borough Aiden joined Daventry in Oc- tober 2019 and has made the left back position his own this season. Quick and comfortable on the ball, he has become a favourite of the fans with his attacking play. Has a trick or two to watch out for. Scored his first goal for the club in dramatic style curling in a 25 yard effort against Dunstable. Kyle Barnett – Previous Clubs: Coventry United Commanding centre half, Kyle put pen to paper just a week before the start of the season. Made 40 appearance for Coventry United last season and made his Town debut v Boldmere St Michaels in the FA Cup.

29 Ollie Stanbridge - Previous Clubs: Banbury United, Ardley United, Aylesbury United, Tring Corinthians, Brack- ley Town, Kidlington An experienced performer with bags of class. Another player who never stops running and it is hard to see that he will turn 40 this season. Uses the ball well and rarely gives the ball away. Tommy McGowan - Previous Clubs: Cogenhoe United Every club should have a player like Tommy, who has starred all season expertly protected the back four. A big hit with his team mates and the coaching staff, he does his work efficiently and without any fuss. With us since step 6 when a serious knee injury kept him out for nearly the whole season. Phil Cassidy - Previous Clubs: Northampton Sileby Rangers, Cogenhoe United, Desborough Town Phil is certainly fulfilling his potential and thriving under Arron Parkinson at Daventry. A great athlete who can drift into dangerous areas, create opportunities and score goals from the midfield. Played over 100 games for the Town and another player from our step 6 days. Jack Finch - Previous Clubs: Coventry City, Kidderminster Harriers and Banbury United Jack progressed through the Coventry City academy to sign professionally at the end of season 2013/14. He made 16 Football League appearances for the Sky Blues in season 2014/15 before suffering a serious knee injury. Jack improves with every game he plays. Jordan Orosz - Previous Clubs: Kettering Town, AFC Kempston Rovers Taylor’s younger brother, had a good couple of seasons at Kettering Town before his moving to the Town in 2016. He is a useful asset to the squad with strength and passing. Like his brother, bags of pace and he can score a few too. Forwards: Luke Emery - Previous Clubs: Cogenhoe United, Newport Pagnell Town, Biggleswade Town. Luke Emery was top scorer for the Town during the Double winning season netting 31 goals and being the UCL Premier top goal scorer. One of two players brought in last summer who goals changed a mid table team into the UCL double winning side. Jack Bowen - Previous Clubs: Rushden and Diamonds, Biggleswade Town, Brackley Town, Cogenhoe United. Jack is another recent signing joining the club in October 2019 from Rushden and Diamonds. He is a capable striker playing on his own up front or in a pair. Very good in the air, you will see him dominate defenders aerially. Typical number 9 in the fact that he is very demanding and will always claim the final touch! Kieran Fitzgerald - Previous Clubs: Northampton Town trainee, Brackley Town, St Ives Town, Cogenhoe United and Wellingborough Town. Kieran is now on his third stint with the Town, returning to the club in September after a brief few weeks with Rugby Town. Fitzy scored 17 goals in 44 appearances during the Town’s championship season. Kieran is one of five players who’ve made over 100 appearances for the club. Taylor Orosz - Previous Clubs: AFC Rushden & Diamonds, Newport Pagnell Town, Wellingborough Whitworth, Kempston Rovers, Cogenhoe United, Kettering Town Taylor is a pacy player who carries the ball forward as if it's stuck to his boot. Made 40 appearances and scored 26 goals during the double season. One of two players brought in last summer who goals changed a mid table team into the UCL double winning side. 30 MALMECH & MANNION

Motor Engineers

4, Southfield,

Chequers Industrial Estate,

Welwyn Garden City, Herts Telephone: 336111

Free MOT with full service

Manager: Nicky Ironton Manager: Aaron Parkinson Assistant: Jon Stevenson Assistant:

Coach: Ricci Crace Coach: Physio: Anish Sachnia Physio: Welwyn Garden City v Daventry Town Wearing: All Claret Wearing : Purple and White

Marco Tavares (G/K) Iostin Cerga (G/K)

Charlie Jones (G/K) James Martin

Romelle Alomenu Rico Alexander

Jay Rolfe Joe Merrill

Dylan Ebengo Dean Lukeman

Abushan Pant Ross Harris

Jack Bradshaw Dan Childs

Jonny Sexton Aidan Print

Lee Close Kyle Barnett

Ali Nije Adam Confue

Dave Keenleyside (C) Tommy McGowan

George Ironton Ollie Stanbridge

Imani Matthews Phil Cassidy

Matty Campbell-Mlope Sam Cassidy

Callum Stead Jack Finch

Charlie Payne Jordan Orosz

Thomas Opoku Luke Emery

Hani Berchice Jack Bowen

Elliot Bailey Kieran Fitzgerald Jack Vasey Taylor Orosz Ollie Carey Adam Creaney

Today’s match officials: Referee: Daniel Todd Assistants: Mario Stetakovic & Thomas Burns