THATCHAM TOWN FC

SEASON 2017/18

P2 : Club Diary P9 : League Table P10 : Results P11 : Appearances & Goals P13 : National Cups P14 : Youth Team P15 : Club Officials

Thatcham Town FC, Season 2017/18 1

CLUB DIARY

JUL 15 After wins away to AFC Aldermaston and Alton Town, Thatcham completed a hat-trick of friendly victories at Southern League Division One side Kidlington.

JUL 22 After a mostly warm and dry summer, Thatcham’s friendly at Milton United was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. On the previous Tuesday, Town’s only pre- season friendly at Waterside Park had been played in torrential rain but that didn’t stop the Kingfishers thrashing step four outfit Uxbridge 4-0.

JUL 28 Town completed their pre-season fixtures with a 1-1 draw at Team Solent.

AUG 1 In a hard-fought encounter Thatcham defeated Abingdon United 1-0 at Waterside Park, to win their first opening fixture since 2010. Ekow Elliott pounced on a half-cleared corner to fire home the winner on 34 minutes.

AUG 5 The Kingfishers defeated Petersfield Town 5-0 in an FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round tie at Waterside Park. Thatcham took an early lead when Harry Grant tapped home from man-of-the-match Joe Blount’s cross, and Ekow Elliott added a second on 51 minutes. Shane Cooper-Clark added two goals, the first from a penalty, and substitute Lamin Sankoh sealed a resounding win.

AUG 12 Shane Cooper-Clark’s early penalty earned Thatcham a 1-0 win away at Brimscombe & Thrupp. The Kingfishers held on to the three points and third successive clean sheet despite playing the second-half with ten men following Ekow Elliott’s red card.

AUG 15 Thatcham defeated a Woodley United side who had kept clean sheets in their opening two games. Having earlier hit the bar from a free-kick, Shane Cooper-Clark headed Town in front on 42 minutes from Tom Browne’s inviting cross. Moments later Josh Helmore swept home, and in the second-half Cooper-Clark rounded the keeper to fire home the third. Chris Rackley made some great saves towards the end to preserve the 3-0 scoreline.

AUG 19 Danny Robinson guided the Kingfishers to victory over one of his former clubs to make further progress in the Emirates FA Cup. Goals in either half from Shane Cooper-Clark and Joe Blount helped Thatcham to a 2-0 win away to Alresford Town, as Thatcham eliminated a second Wessex League club.

AUG 26 After a goal-less first half Thatcham scored three goals in ten minutes to win 3-0 at Wootton Bassett Town. Josh Helmore converted Shane Cooper-Clark’s knock-down before Cooper-Clark fired home from the edge of the box. Joe Blount tucked home the third as Town maintained their 100% record.

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AUG 28 The Kingfishers lost for the first time this season at Wantage Town. In the opening twenty minutes Steve Robertson’s deflected strike plus a red card for Harry Grant gave Thatcham a mountain to climb. Shane Cooper-Clark levelled but Jack Powell’s 89th minute goal consigned Town to a 2-1 defeat.

SEP 2 Thatcham won 5-1 at a previously unbeaten Hamworthy United in the First Qualifying Round of the Emirates FA Cup. After Shane Cooper-Clark opened the scoring the Kingfishers blew the hosts away with second-half goals from Joe Blount, Cooper-Clark again, and Josh Helmore. Hamworthy pulled one back but Anthony White’s strike completed an emphatic win

SEP 4 Thatcham were handed a tough-looking FA Cup draw away to Banbury United. At the time of the draw the Puritans were top of the Southern League Premier Division (two levels above Town) with a 100% record. The Kingfishers have received away ties in 10 of the last 13 FA Cup draws.

SEP 5 The Kingfishers picked up three points in a 2-1 win at Oxford City Nomads. Henry Owen put Thatcham ahead with his first goal for the club. The home side levelled but Lamin Sankoh came off the bench to net a late winner.

SEP 12 On a wet and windy evening at Waterside Park Thatcham defeated lowly Ascot United 3-1. Lamin Sankoh produced a hat-trick of assists, crossing for Joe Blount’s overhead kick finish, and then for Josh Helmore to slot home. After Robert Lazarczuk pulled one back, Sankoh was fouled in the box and Tom Browne converted the penalty for his first league goal since April 2012. That was the Kingfisher’s second penalty of the evening as at 0-0 Lee Allen saved Shane Cooper-Clark’s spot-kick.

SEP 16 Thatcham’s FA Cup run came to an end in a Second Qualifying Round tie at Banbury United. The Kingfishers gave a good account of themselves but fell behind just before half-time when Luke Carnell headed home. Darren Pond made it two on 47 minutes and the Kingfishers were unable to claw their way back. The 2-0 scoreline was the first FA Cup tie Thatcham have lost by more than one goal since the 2000/01 season!

SEP 18 Thatcham’s Under 18s were knocked out of the FA Youth Cup by Marlow, while Town’s FA Cup conquerors, Banbury United, were drawn at home to Shildon (from County Durham) in the next round.

SEP 23 Thatcham gained revenge over Town by defeating them 3-0 at Waterside Park. Having been beaten four times by The Robins last season, they offered little resistance in this game as Shane Cooper-Clark converted Michael Miller’s cross to give Town the lead, then Josh Helmore fired home from Chris Rackley’s long goal-kick. In the second-half Cooper-Clark expertly curled home a free-kick, while Helmore was unfortunate to see what would have been his second goal disallowed for off-side.

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SEP 25 In the FA Vase First Round, Thatcham were drawn at home to Horsham YMCA, currently in the bottom half of the Southern Combination Premier.

SEP 26 The Kingfishers hammered Abingdon United 8-1 at Northcourt Road, registering their thirteenth successive victory over The U’s. Ekow Elliott opened the scoring on four minutes, and goals from Shane Cooper-Clark (3), Josh Helmore (2), Tom Melledew and Dylan Knight completed the rout. Ashleigh James came off the bench to make his first appearance since his broken fibula and dislocated ankle 11 months ago.

SEP 30 Thatcham maintained their excellent form by defeating Fairford Town at home by 5-1. Quick-fire goals mid-way through the first-half from Ekow Elliott, Joe Blount and Shane Cooper-Clark put the Kingfishers in control though Liam Gale pulled one back just before half-time. In the second-half Fairford’s top scorer Lee Smith was sent off for two yellow cards, and fine strikes from Cooper-Clark and Harry Grant completed the scoring.

OCT 3 222 spectators were present for the visit of Highworth Town, but Thatcham were unable to prevent the Worthians extending their winning start to the season to 12 games. In a tight first-half Chris Rackley saved a penalty then Joe Blount shot the Kingfishers ahead, but Wayne Turk headed an equaliser from a disputed corner just before the break. Highworth controlled the second half with Aysa Corrick’s goal on the hour earning them a 2-1 win.

OCT 7 On Non League Day 2017 Thatcham trailed at half-time to second-placed Flackwell Heath, but goals from Josh Helmore, Harry Grant and Shane Cooper-Clark looked to have earned Town the win. However the Kingfishers allowed Flackwell back into the game with Dean Allen scoring on 77 and 90+3 minutes to earn the visitors a 3-3 draw and a share of the points.

OCT 9 Thatcham conceded an injury time equaliser for the second time in three days as Woodley United forced a 1-1 draw at Rivermoor. Town struck on 68 minutes when Tom Melledew surged forward and laid the ball off for Josh Helmore to score. But Thatcham were left to rue missed opportunities as Michael Porter snatched a late leveller from a rare Woodley attack.

OCT 14 The Kingfishers drew for a third successive match at home to Binfield. After an even first half Thatcham piled on the pressure in the second-half but were unable to break through and had to settle for a frustrating goal-less draw.

OCT 17 A late own goal ensured Thatcham returned to winning ways at home to Highmoor-Ibis. The visitors started well and took the lead through Mitch Parker, but Tom Melledew’s strike from outside the area levelled the score at half-time. The Kingfishers created and missed countless chances in the second half but with ten minutes remaining Ricardo Catlyn bundled Tom Browne’s cross into his own net to earn Thatcham three deserved points.

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OCT 18 Henry Owen announced his retirement following a persistent knee injury. Owen made 9 appearances for Town having signed from Kidlington in the summer, and has returned to Yarnton Road to join their management team.

OCT 21 Thatcham scored twice in the final twenty minutes to overcome Southern Combination side Horsham YMCA 2-1 in the first round of the FA Vase. Subs Anthony White and Jemel Johnson were on target after Mark Cave’s opener.

OCT 24 Thatcham were knocked out of the Reading Senior Cup as Chris Jackson’s second-half winner earned Wantage Town a 1-0 victory at Waterside Park.

OCT 28 Almost 300 spectators witnessed a tense 1-1 draw between Bracknell Town and Thatcham Town at Larges Lane. Chris Rackley saved a penalty before Shane Cooper- Clark put the Blues ahead on 48 minutes. Thatcham’s makeshift defence was further weakened by a red card for Curtis Angell, and the Robins forced a 1-1 draw when Adam Cornell levelled on 81 minutes. Elsewhere, Highworth lost their 100% record by losing at home to Wantage.

OCT 31 A spook-tacular performance on Halloween night saw Thatcham defeat Southern League Marlow 4-1 in the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup. Ross Cook, a new signing from Fleet Town, gave Town an early lead before he pulled up injured. Two from Shane Cooper-Clark plus a deserved goal for Jemel Johnson made it four, before the visitors notched a late consolation.

NOV 4 The Kingfishers won an entertaining game at Ascot by 2-1. Shane Cooper-Clark scored a brace for Town while James Goodey briefly levelled for United.

NOV 7 Thatcham defeated Oxford City Nomads 5-1, with a comfortable victory a formality once the visitors had Will McEachran sent off for handling on the line at two-nil. Harrison Bayley gave Town the lead with his first for the club, before Shane Cooper-Clark scored twice, the second from the spot. Harry Grant and Josh Helmore added further goals, while the Nomads pulled one back towards the end to reward their endeavour and attractive play.

NOV 11 The Kingfishers hammered Broadbridge Heath 8-2 in the FA Vase. Town led a relatively even first half through goals from Shane Cooper-Clark and Harry Grant. However Thatcham were ruthless in the second-half with Cooper-Clark completing another hat- trick and Josh Helmore scoring twice, while full-backs Michael Miller and Tom Browne even got in on the act. Broadbridge pulled one back at four down and added a second at the end.

NOV 14 Sevenoaks Town’s win at Haywards Heath Town means the Southern Counties East Football League side will visit Waterside Park in the Third Round of the FA Vase. Meanwhile Thatcham announced the signing of prolific scoring striker Liam Ferdinand from Bracknell.

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NOV 18 Debutant Liam Ferdinand struck the winner as Thatcham defeated Longlevens 2-1 at a wet Waterside Park in the Bluefin Sports Challenge Cup. Ekow Elliott had opened the scoring, with all 3 goals arriving in the first half. Ben Greenwood also made his first start having joined from Hartley Wintney.

NOV 20 Thatcham scored three times in each half to hammer Highmoor-Ibis 6-0 at Rivermoor. The result moved Town into second while the hosts dropped to the foot of the table. Liam Ferdinand (3), Harrison Bayley, Shane Cooper-Clark and Tom Melledew scored the goals.

DEC 2 On a gloomy December afternoon perfect for cup football, the Kingfishers progressed to the fourth round of the Buildbase FA Vase by defeating Sevenoaks Town, leaders of the Southern Counties East Football League. Two first-half goals from Shane Cooper-Clark, the second from the penalty spot, gave Thatcham a solid first-half lead. Harrison Carnegie pulled one back, but Ekow Elliott touched home Harry Grant’s cross to seal a 3-1 win.

DEC 4 Town received a fourth successive home draw in the FA Vase. The visitors will be Biggleswade FC, currently fifth in the Spartan South Midlands Premier.

DEC 5 Thatcham were awarded the Hellenic Premier Division’s Team of the Month, but any accompanying curse failed to materialise as Danny Robinson’s side thumped promotion rivals Flackwell Heath 5-1 at Wilks Park. Ekow Elliott, Shane Cooper-Clark (two penalties), Liam Ferdinand and debutant Nathanael Robinson found the target as the club registered an eighth consecutive win.

DEC 9 Two goals from Liam Ferdinand helped Thatcham to a 3-1 win at Windsor. Shane Cooper-Clark scored Town’s other goal, with veteran former striker Barry Hayles on target for the hosts.

DEC 11 A Hellenic League statement reminded clubs there will be changes in the Non League system for 2018/19. Additional Step 3 and 4 divisions will be created in the Midlands, while all Step 5 and 6 divisions will be reduced to 20 teams. The statement also advised lateral transfers to likely to be necessary. DEC 12 Thatcham’s Berks & Bucks FA Senior Cup tie at home to Woodley United was postponed due to the freezing conditions.

DEC 14 Defender Alfie Grant signed for the Kingfishers from Highmoor-Ibis, while midfielder Jordan Brown joined from Marlow.

DEC 16 The Kingfishers thrashed Tuffley Rovers 7-0 at Glevum Park to earn a tenth successive win. Clinical finishing from Dan Rapley and Harry Grant (2) put Town three up at the break, with Liam Ferdinand and Ross Cook (3) adding second-half goals. However the game was marred by absurd refereeing, with Tom Melledew dismissed as both teams received 7 yellow and 1 red card.

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DEC 20 Thatcham again displayed their clinical side by winning 6-0 at Pewsey Vale in the Perpetua Press Floodlit Cup. Shane Cooper-Clark and Nathanael Robinson struck in the first half. Ekow Elliott and Harrison Bayley made it four, and substitute Ross Cook added another late double from the bench.

DEC 23 First-half goals from Jemel Johnson, Harry Grant and Liam Ferdinand earned Thatcham a 3-1 win at Lydney Town. The hosts pulled one back towards the end but couldn’t stop the Kingfishers registering a twelfth straight win.

DEC 26 In the Boxing Day clash between second and third at a wet Waterside Park, Thatcham defeated Wantage Town 3-1. Liam Ferdinand (2) struck twice in the first-half but Steve Robertson pulled one back. However Ross Cook set up Harry Grant to fire home and put the result beyond doubt on 83 minutes.

DEC 30 Liam Ferdinand came off the bench to score twice and continue Thatcham’s incredible winning run. Town left it late before finally breaking through away to a stubborn Longlevens outfit. Ferdinand fired home from the edge of the box on 76 minutes, then seven minutes later nodded home the rebound after Ekow Elliott hit the crossbar.

The Kingfishers end 2017 on a run of fourteen consecutive victories and in second place in the table – 8 points behind Highworth with a game in hand, but 10 points clear of the chasing pack having played more games.

JAN 6 Babs Jarra struck a 78th minute winner at home to Biggleswade FC in the Buildbase FA Vase. 216 spectators watched Harry Grant open the scoring only for Nathan George to level before half-time from a penalty. Thatcham rode their luck at times in the second half before Ross Cook volleyed a corner back across the six-yard box and Jarra bundled the ball home. The visitors received two red cards following a skirmish at the final whistle.

JAN 8 The Kingfishers had the good fortune to receive another home draw in the FA Vase. Bromsgrove Sporting will visit Waterside Park in the fifth round.

JAN 9 Having also received the award for November, Thatcham Town FC were named ‘Hellenic League Premier Division team of the month’ for December.

JAN 13 Thatcham ended a run of three successive home defeats to Royal Wootton Bassett Town by thrashing them 6-0. It wasn’t until the 41st minute that Liam Ferdinand opened the scoring, but the Kingfishers overwhelmed the visitors in the second half. Ferdinand added a further three goals (one from a penalty), while Shane Cooper-Clark and Harrison Bayley also found the net.

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JAN 20 Thatcham showed no mercy against struggling Lydney Town, hammering the Gloucestershire side 8-0 at Waterside Park. Shane Cooper-Clark scored four (two penalties) to take his season’s tally to 40. Liam Ferdinand struck twice, Ekow Elliott fired home a beauty from 25 yards, and Jordan Brown nodded home his first for the club. The beleaguered visitors finished with nine men.

JAN 24 Heavy rain caused the top-of-the-table clash at Highworth to be called off.

JAN 27 Thatcham moved top of the Hellenic League after a 3-1 win at Fairford Town. Shane Cooper-Clark and Liam Ferdinand maintained their incredible scoring records with a goal each while Harrison Bayley was also on target. The hosts competed well and hit the post twice but received a red card near the end.

FEB 2 Preparations were drawing to a close for the FA Vase visit of Bromsgrove Sporting and their large travelling fan base. The club had made extra security and catering arrangements, and promoted the tie heavily within the town, on social media and on Kennet Radio.

FEB 3 Thatcham Town defeated Bromsgrove Sporting 2-1 in the fifth round of the FA Vase, with all the goals coming in the first-half. The kick-off was delayed fifteen minutes to ensure the crowd of 701 safely gained entry. Ekow Elliott struck for Town on 18 and 27 minutes before Harry Grant, who set up the second, fired against the crossbar from 20 yards. Richard Gregory replied from the penalty spot for Sporting after Chris Rackley upended John Pykett.

FEB 5 In the Quarter Finals of the FA Vase, the Kingfishers were drawn away to Melksham Town who are currently third in the Western League.

FEB 10 Thatcham won their 20th successive match after defeating Brimscombe & Thrupp, who themselves had won their last seven games. Despite the dismal conditions the Kingfishers played some great football and eventually won by 3-0. The scores were level at the break after Liam Ferdinand had a penalty saved, but second-half strikes from Lewis Brownhill, Ferdinand and Shane Cooper-Clark ensured Thatcham ran out comfortable winners in the end.

FEB 12 Thatcham Town FC received the accolade of ‘Non League Team of the Week’ from Tony Incenzo on Ray Stubbs’s TalkSport2 radio show.

FEB 13 The Berks & Bucks Cup tie at home to Woodley was postponed due to rain.

FEB 17 Thatcham’s winning run came to an end as fellow FA Vase quarter-finalists Windsor earned a 2-2 at Waterside Park. The visitors struck in each half through Riccardo Cannon and Kieran Knight to lead twice, but goals from Babz Jarra and Shane Cooper- Clark restored parity for Town.

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FEB 19 Thatcham enjoyed a comfortable 2-0 win at home to Woodley United. Agents Gareth Thomas and Ross Cook fired the goals to ensure Town travel on into the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup semi-finals.

FEB 24 Thatcham made history by winning their FA Vase quarter-final tie at Western League side Melksham Town. A crowd of 2,208 watched a game of few chances which was settled in the 90th minute. Ekow Elliott received Lewis Brownhill’s throw-in, advanced into the penalty area and fired a low shot across goal for the game’s only goal.

FEB 26 Thatcham will play 1874 Northwich in the semi-final of the FA Vase. The first leg will be played at Waterside Park and the return leg in Cheshire. The other tie features two Northern League sides, Marske United and Stockton Town.

Meanwhile Town will host Chesham United in the semi-final of the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup.

FEB 28 Thatcham announced the signing of forward Gavin James on dual registration from Slough Town. Gavin, the brother of Kingfishers midfielder Ashleigh, has international experience with St Vincent and the Grenadines.

MAR 3 The whole Hellenic League programme, including Thatcham’s home game against Burnham, was wiped out due to snow.

MAR 6 1874 Northwich confirmed that the second leg of the FA Vase semi-final will be played at Witton Albion’s Wincham Park ground in Northwich. Meanwhile the first leg at Waterside Park was confirmed as all-ticket.

MAR 10 A goal in each half from Dan Rapley and Ross Cook earned Thatcham a 2-0 win at Brackley Town Saints. The Kingfishers move within two points of the top after Highworth Town slipped to defeat at home to Flackwell Heath.

MAR 12 Thatcham cruised to a 3-1 win over Windsor in the Perpetua Press Floodlit Cup thanks to first-half goals from Shane Cooper-Clark (2) and Jemel Johnson. Former Premier League striker Barry Hayles fired past on-loan keeper Aaron Holt to pull back a late goal for the visitors.

MAR 17 Thatcham defeated 1874 Northwich 1-0 in the first leg of the Buildbase FA Vase semi- final at Waterside Park. A crowd of 1,134 watched a tie played in blizzard conditions on a brutally cold afternoon. Ross Cook rolled home the only goal after four minutes from the penalty spot after Shane Cooper-Clark was fouled, however Cook pulled up with a hamstring injury not long after.

The Kingfishers missed chances to add further goals, but had Chris Rackley to thank for making a couple of great blocks to preserve the clean sheet.

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MAR 24 Que sera sera. Whatever will be, will be!!! On a historic day for Thatcham Town FC, the Kingfishers defeated 1874 Northwich in the second leg of the FA Vase semi-final, to reach the final at Wembley!!!

Thatcham added to their first leg advantage when Gavin James swept home after just 3 minutes, then the same player bundled home a second shortly after. Scott McGowan pulled one back from a soft-looking penalty but Shane Cooper-Clark fired home Town’s third early in the second-half. After Matt Woolley’s thumping header from a corner, Thatcham defended the lead to win 3-2 on the day and 4-2 on aggregate at Witton Albion’s Wincham Park.

MAR 26 Danny Robinson made eleven changes for the trip to Didcot Town Reserves in the Bluefin Sports Challenge Cup, with Yash Romeo, Mark Hughes and Journey Waters making their first appearances of the season. The Kingfishers raced into an early four goal lead, and eventually triumphed by a ridiculous 8-5 scoreline. Hughes was on the score-sheet, along with Liam Ferdinand (2), Jemel Johnson (2), Gareth Thomas, Harry Grant and Tom Browne (penalty).

MAR 31 After the midweek postponement at Highworth, the home game against Longlevens survived the rain - though the game was temporarily suspended due to ducks on the pitch! The Kingfishers blasted in another eight goals with Shane Cooper-Clark scoring four (including three penalties) to take his season’s tally to 50. Liam Ferdinand (2), Ekow Elliott and Curtis Angell were the other scorers. Chris Rackley saved a late penalty as Town won 8-1.

The win extends Thatcham’s unbeaten run to an incredible 30 games.

APR 3 Thatcham defeated Binfield in the quarter-final of the Bluefin Sports Challenge Cup. Tom Browne, who became a father the previous night, fired Town into an early lead from a free-kick. Following Harry Laflin’s equaliser, Gavin James scored a goal in each half to earn the Kingfishers a 3-1 win.

APR 5 Thatcham scored three goals in eleven minutes early in the second half to overcome Brimscombe & Thrupp in the quarter-final of the Perpetua Press Floodlit Cup. Dan Rapley fired Town into the lead half-way through a competitive first-half, but quick-fire goals from Joe Blount, Tom Moran and Shane Cooper-Clark ensured Town ran out comfortable 4-0 winners.

APR 7 In the first half of a double header against Burnham, the Kingfishers cruised to a 6-0 victory at The Gore to move top of the table, with Liam Ferdinand rounding off the scoring in the 89th minute to complete his hat-trick. Gavin James, Ekow Elliott (with a cheeky penalty) and Ross Cook were the other scorers as Thatcham made it 33 games unbeaten.

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APR 10 Thatcham completed the double over Burnham, although the bottom side were much improved from their weekend showing. Ross Cook, who had replaced the injured Gavin James during the first half blasted the opener, before Liam Ferdinand added the second. Dan Rapley then swept home Ekow Elliott’s centre, and Ferdinand made it 4-0 following Jordan Brown’s surging run.

APR 12 Thatcham returned to Larges Lane where the long unbeaten run began back in October, and defeated Bracknell Town 2-0 in the Perpetua Press Floodlit Cup semi-final. Shane Cooper-Clark, returning from suspension, scored from a fifth minute free-kick to get the Kingfishers off to a flying start, and Jemel Johnson added a second later in the first half. Towards the end Kensley Maloney was red-carded for The Robins, and Binfield now await Thatcham in the final.

APR 13 Members of the committee and management attended a meeting at to discuss arrangements in advance of the FA Vase Final.

APR 14 The Blue Army continue to march on, hammering Binfield 5-0 at Stubbs Lane, with Shane Cooper-Clark (3), Harry Grant and Ekow Elliott on target.

APR 16 A 2-0 win at second-placed Highworth Town guarantees Thatcham a top-two finish and promotion to the Southern League!!! Following a tight first-half, the Kingfishers threw the proverbial kitchen sink at the Worthians when kicking downhill after the break. Town had a man advantage after Rory Sproule’s second yellow card, and Tom Melledew went close when his shot hit the bar. Just as it seemed that it wasn’t to be Thatcham’s night, Liam Ferdinand made the breakthrough, firing home a loose ball from inside the box in time added on. Moments later the same player added a second amid scenes of jubilation.

APR 19 The Kingfishers will end the season with three cup finals after winning 4-2 at Abingdon United in the semi-final of the Bluefin Sports Challenge Cup. Town were fortunate to be on level terms at the break after the hosts hit the woodwork twice, but overpowered Abingdon in the second-half, particularly once United had Jason Smith red-carded. Tom Browne converted two penalties, both awarded for fouls on Jordan Brown, while Babz Jarra and Shane Cooper-Clark were also on target.

APR 21 Shane Cooper-Clark scored his sixth hat-trick of the season as Town defeated Tuffley Rovers 4-1 on a warm Spring afternoon. After heading home Ekow Elliott’s second minute cross, he tucked home the rebound after his spot-kick was saved to restore the Kingfishers’ lead. The third was from a penalty that led to Brett James’s dismissal, while substitute Ross Cook fired a late fourth.

APR 26 Thatcham completed their league campaign by winning 2-0 at home to Brackley Town Saints in front of almost 300 supporters. Liam Ferdinand scored a goal in each half and both teams hit the woodwork as the lively Saints made life difficult at times for Town. The result extends the Kingfishers’ unbeaten run to an amazing 40 games.

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APR 28 Thatcham Town were crowned Hellenic League Champions following Bracknell Town’s failure to overturn a goal difference deficit of 10, in their final fixture at home to Tuffley Rovers. However the Robins gave Thatcham an almighty scare by scoring five in the first-half, eventually falling just short with an 8-0 win. Bracknell have won every league fixture they’ve played during 2018 but Thatcham win the title on goal difference!

APR 30 The club’s 40 match unbeaten record was ended by Binfield in the Perpetua Press Floodlit Cup Final. Thatcham had most of the possession in a competitive final but The Moles took their chances, with Sanchez Commock scoring a goal in each half. In a frantic second-half Shane Cooper-Clark, who earlier hit the crossbar, scored a late consolation from a penalty, but Binfield triumphed 2-1 at Windsor’s Stag Meadow ground.

MAY 7 On a baking hot Bank Holiday afternoon, the Kingfishers were defeated 3-1 by Bracknell Town in the Bluefin Sport Challenge Cup Final. Shane Cooper-Clark blasted home a 50th minute penalty to cancel out Carl Withers’ headed opener, but Thatcham were left to rue missed chances. Adam Cornell nodded The Robins back in front, and as Thatcham threw men forward and tired in the heat, Elliott Legg made it three.

MAY 11 Thatcham drew 1-1 with Basingstoke Town in an end-of-season friendly at Waterside Park, with Shane Cooper-Clark levelling from a penalty with the final kick of the game. Following the match the squad were presented with the Hellenic League Trophy.

MAY 20 The biggest day in the club’s history! After training sessions at the and , and two nights at the Cobham Hilton, Thatcham Town arrived at Wembley Stadium to take on Stockton Town in the Buildbase FA Vase Final. The Anchors made the brighter opening but the Kingfishers gradually took control and were awarded a penalty on 20 minutes after a foul on Jordan Brown. Shane Cooper-Clark fired his spot-kick down the middle but despite the diving keeper getting a strong arm to the ball, it hit the net, and this proved to be the winning goal. Stockton put Thatcham under increasing pressure as the second half progressed, but Danny Robinson’s side came close to extending the lead as Gavin James hit the underside of the bar from close range, and Ross Cook rolled a long-range shot towards an unguarded net only for a defender to clear. On a game broadcast live by BT Sport and watched by over 12,000 fans, Thatcham Town lifted the FA Vase!

JUN 15 At the club’s end-of-season presentation evening, Shane Cooper-Clark picked up the Supporter’s Player of the Year award alongside the Golden Boot for his 62 goals. Babz Jarra won the Manager’s Player of the Year, and Harrison Bayley the Player’s Player of the Year awards.

From the Youth Team, Josh Davis won the Player’s Player of the Year and the Golden Boot. Harrison Luffrum was the Manager’s Player of the Year and Tom Unsworth the Most Improved player.

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UHLSPORT HELLENIC LEAGUE PREMIER

Pos Team P W D L GD Pts Home Away 1 THATCHAM TOWN 38 31 5 2 104 98 - - 2 Bracknell Town 38 32 2 4 102 98 3-0 1-1 3 Highworth Town 38 28 4 6 63 88 1-2 2-0 4 Wantage Town 38 27 5 6 50 86 3-1 1-2 5 Flackwell Heath 38 22 8 8 33 74 3-3 5-1 6 Brimscombe & Thrupp 38 22 4 12 17 70 3-0 1-0 7 Binfield 38 19 7 12 6 64 0-0 5-0 8 Windsor 38 15 7 16 1 52 2-2 3-1 9 Longlevens 38 14 8 16 -14 50 8-1 2-0 10 Tuffley Rovers 38 14 7 17 -22 49 4-1 7-0 11 Oxford City Nomads 38 14 2 22 -10 44 5-1 2-1 12 Brackley Town Saints 38 12 7 19 8 43 2-0 2-0 13 Abingdon United 38 11 10 17 -15 43 1-0 8-1 14 Ascot United 38 12 4 22 -28 40 3-1 2-1 15 Royal Wootton Bassett 38 11 6 21 -41 39 6-0 3-0 16 Lydney Town 38 9 6 23 -42 33 8-0 3-1 17 Highmoor Ibis 38 7 8 23 -48 29 2-1 6-0 18 Fairford Town 38 6 10 22 -39 28 5-1 3-1 19 Woodley United 38 6 8 24 -48 26 3-0 1-1 20 Burnham 38 6 6 26 -77 21 4-0 6-0 * Burnham 3 points deducted

Promoted : Thatcham Town, Bracknell Town & Highworth Town

Relegated : Burnham & Woodley United

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LEAGUE & CUP RESULTS

Date Comp. Opposition Result Att. Scorers Tue 1 League H Abingdon United W 1-0 102 Elliott Sat 5 FA Cup XP H Petersfield Town W 5-0 122 Cooper-Clark 2 (1p), Grant, Elliott, Sankoh

Sat 12 League A Brims. & Thrupp W 1-0 83 Cooper-Clark (p) Tue 15 League H Woodley United W 3-0 91 Cooper-Clark 2, Helmore AUG Sat 19 FA Cup P A Alresford Town W 2-0 80 Cooper-Clark, Blount Sat 26 League A R Wootton Bass W 3-0 103 Helmore, Cooper-Clark, Blount Mon 28 League A Wantage Town L 1-2 78 Cooper-Clark Sat 2 FA Cup 1Q A Hamworthy Utd W 5-1 180 Cooper-Clark 2, Blount, Helmore, White Tue 5 League A Oxford City N W 2-1 59 Owen, Sankoh Tue 12 League H Ascot United W 3-1 79 Blount, Helmore, Browne (p) Sat 16 FA Cup 2Q A Banbury United L 0-2 450 - SEP Sat 23 League H Bracknell Town W 3-0 102 Cooper-Clark 2, Helmore Tue 26 League A Abingdon United W 8-1 71 Cooper-Clark 3, Helmore 2, Elliott, Melledew, Knight Sat 30 League H Fairford Town W 5-1 76 Cooper-Clark 2, Elliott, Blount, Grant Tue 3 League H Highworth Town L 1-2 222 Blount Sat 7 League H Flackwell Heath D 3-3 120 Helmore, Grant, Cooper-Clark Mon 9 League A Woodley United D 1-1 - Helmore

Sat 14 League H Binfield D 0-0 86 - Tue 17 League H Highmoor-Ibis W 2-1 60 Melledew, own goal OCT Sat 21 FA Vase 1 H Horsham YMCA W 2-1 92 White, Johnson Tue 24 Read SC 1 H Wantage Town L 0-1 74 - Sat 28 League A Bracknell Town D 1-1 279 Cooper-Clark Tue 31 B&B SC 2 H Marlow W 4-1 74 Cooper-Clark 2, Cook, Johnson Sat 4 League A Ascot United W 2-1 86 Cooper-Clark 2 Tue 7 League H Oxford City N W 5-1 60 Cooper-Clark 2 (1p), Bayley, Grant, Helmore Sat 11 FA Vase 2 H B’bridge Heath W 8-2 120 Cooper-Clark 3, Helmore 2, Grant,

NOV Miller, Browne Sat 18 Bluefin 2 H Longlevens W 2-1 47 Elliott, Ferdinand Mon 20 League A Highmoor-Ibis W 6-0 92 Ferdinand 3, Bayley, Cooper-Clark, Melledew Sat 2 FA Vase 3 H Sevenoaks Town W 3-1 145 Cooper-Clark 2 (1p), Elliott Tue 5 League A Flackwell Heath W 5-1 - Cooper-Clark 2 (2p), Elliott, Ferdinand, Robinson

Sat 9 League A Windsor W 3-1 117 Ferdinand 2, Cooper-Clark Sat 16 League A Tuffley Rovers W 7-0 51 Cook 3, Grant 2, Rapley, Ferdinand DEC Wed 20 P Press 2 A Pewsey Vale W 6-0 25 Cook 2, Cooper-Clark, Robinson, Elliott, Bayley Sat 23 League A Lydney Town W 3-1 97 Johnson, Grant, Ferdinand Tue 26 League H Wantage Town W 3-1 152 Ferdinand 2, Grant Sat 30 League A Longlevens W 2-0 70 Ferdinand 2 Sat 6 FA Vase 4 H Biggleswade W 2-1 216 Grant, Jarra

Sat 13 League H R Wootton Bass W 6-0 134 Ferdinand 4 (1p), Cooper-Clark, Bayley Sat 20 League H Lydney Town W 8-0 120 Cooper-Clark 4 (2p), Ferdinand 2, Elliott, JAN Brown Sat 27 League A Fairford Town W 3-1 84 Cooper-Clark, Bayley, Ferdinand Sat 3 FA Vase 5 H Bromsgrove Sp’ W 2-1 701 Elliott 2

Sat 10 League H Brims. & Thrupp W 3-0 99 Brownhill, Ferdinand, Cooper-Clark Sat 17 League H Windsor D 2-2 200 Jarra, Cooper-Clark FEB Mon 19 B&B SC 3 H Woodley United W 2-0 58 Thomas, Cook Sat 24 FA Vase QF A Melksham Town W 1-0 2,208 Elliott

Thatcham Town FC, Season 2017/18 14

Date Comp. Opposition Result Att. Scorers Sat 10 League A Brackley Town S W 2-0 81 Rapley, Cook Mon 12 P Press 3 H Windsor W 3-1 90 Cooper-Clark 2, Johnson Sat 17 FA Vase SF1 H 1874 Northwich W 1-0 1,134 Cook (p) Sat 24 FA Vase SF2 A 1874 Northwich W 3-2 1,693 G James 2, Cooper-Clark

MAR Mon 26 Bluefin 3 A Didcot Town Res W 8-5 53 Ferdinand 2, Johnson 2, Thomas, Hughes, Grant, Browne (p) Sat 31 League H Longlevens W 8-1 188 Cooper-Clark 4 (3p), Ferdinand 2, Elliott, Angell Tue 3 Bluefin QF H Binfield W 3-1 111 G James 2, Browne Thu 5 P Press QF H Brims. & Thrupp W 4-0 118 Rapley, Blount, Moran, Cooper-Clark Sat 7 League A Burnham W 6-0 65 Ferdinand 3, G James, Elliott (p), Cook Tue 10 League H Burnham W 4-0 129 Ferdinand 2, Cook, Rapley

Thu 12 P Press SF A Bracknell Town W 2-0 277 Cooper-Clark, Johnson Sat 14 League A Binfield W 5-0 123 Cooper-Clark 3, Grant, Elliott APR Mon 16 League A Highworth Town W 2-0 291 Ferdinand 2 Thu 19 Bluefin SF A Abingdon United W 4-2 130 Browne 2 (2p), Jarra, Cooper-Clark Sat 21 League H Tuffley Rovers W 4-1 213 Cooper-Clark 3 (1p), Cook Thu 26 League H Brackley Town S W 2-0 283 Ferdinand 2 Mon 30 P Press F N Binfield L 1-2 268 Cooper-Clark (p)

Mon 7 Bluefin F N Bracknell Town L 1-3 452 Cooper-Clark (p) Sun 20 F A Vase F N Stockton Town W 1-0 31,430 Cooper-Clark (p) MAY

Thatcham Town FC, Season 2017/18 15

LEAGUE & CUP APPEARANCES AND GOALS

Started Sub Played Goals Chris Rackley 62 0 62 Shane Cooper-Clark 62 (15p) Harrison Bayley 56 2 58 Liam Ferdinand 34 (1p) Shane Cooper-Clark 54 3 57 Ekow Elliott 15 (1p) Baboucarr Jarra 53 1 54 Harry Grant 12 Tom Melledew 50 3 53 Josh Helmore 12 Harry Grant 41 11 52 Ross Cook 12 (1p) Ekow Elliott 34 17 51 Jemel Johnson 7 Curtis Angell 43 4 47 Joe Blount 7 Jemel Johnson 28 17 45 Tom Browne 6 (4p) Tom Moran 41 1 42 Harrison Bayley 5 Tom Browne 36 6 42 Gavin James 5 Michael Miller 35 4 39 Dan Rapley 4 Joe Blount 29 8 37 Baboucarr Jarra 3 Liam Ferdinand 25 1 26 Tom Melledew 3 Lewis Brownhill 19 5 24 Lamin Sankoh 2 Josh Helmore 15 9 24 Gareth Thomas 2 Ross Cook 8 16 24 Anthony White 2 Jordan Brown 9 12 21 Nathanael Robinson 2 Ashleigh James 12 8 20 Curtis Angell 1 Dan Rapley 9 11 20 Tom Moran 1 Lamin Sankoh 1 13 14 Michael Miller 1 Gareth Thomas 12 0 12 Lewis Brownhill 1 Anthony White 2 9 11 Jordan Brown 1 Gavin James 6 4 10 Dylan Knight 1 Dylan Knight 0 10 10 Henry Owen 1 Henry Owen 9 0 9 Mark Hughes 1 Nathanael Robinson 1 6 7 own goals 1 Mark James 5 1 6 Alfie Grant 3 1 4 Aaron Holt 2 0 2 Ben Greenwood 1 1 2 Danny Lachacz 1 0 1 Mark Hughes 1 0 1 Yashwa Romeo 1 0 1 Josh Howell 0 1 1 Journey Waters 0 1 1

Thatcham Town FC, Season 2017/18 16

Career totals, for players who had played in previous seasons:

Started Sub Played Goals Gareth Thomas 257 5 262 22 Chris Rackley 188 0 188 0 Tom Melledew 169 10 179 9 Tom Browne 157 18 175 10 (6p) Mark Hughes 142 11 153 17 Jemel Johnson 101 39 140 24 Mark James 106 5 111 8 Shane Cooper-Clark 102 8 110 105 (19p) Josh Helmore 73 26 99 48 Tom Moran 83 4 87 3 Yashwa Romeo 68 14 82 32 (1p) Danny Lachacz 51 14 65 4 Baboucarr Jarra 56 6 62 3 Michael Miller 45 15 60 2 Curtis Angell 45 5 50 1 Lewis Brownhill 34 7 41 4 Ashleigh James 30 8 38 1 Journey Waters 2 6 8 0

(Note that records only date back to the 2009-10 season.)

Thatcham Town FC, Season 2017/18 17

NATIONAL CUPS – ROUTE TO THE FINAL

FA CUP

Round Result Extra Preliminary THATCHAM TOWN 5 Petersfield Town 0 Preliminary Alresford Town 0 THATCHAM TOWN 2 First Round Qualifying Hamworthy United 1 THATCHAM TOWN 5 Second Round Qualifying Banbury United 2 THATCHAM TOWN 0 Third Round Qualifying Banbury United 2 Shildon 3 Fourth Round Qualifying Guiseley 6 Shildon 0 First Round Guiseley 0 Accrington Stanley 0 Replay Accrington Stanley 1 Guiseley 1 (aet, 3-4 on pens) Second Round Mansfield Town 3 Guiseley 0 Third Round Cardiff City 0 Mansfield Town 0 Replay Mansfield Town 1 Cardiff City 4 Fourth Round Cardiff City 0 Manchester City 2 Fifth Round Wigan Athletic 1 Manchester City 0 Quarter Final Wigan Athletic 0 Southampton 2 Semi Final Chelsea 2 Southampton 0 Final Chelsea 1 Manchester United 0

FA VASE

Round Result First Round Qualifying Snodland Town 0 Horsham YMCA 3 Second Round Qualifying Horsham YMCA 3 Langney Wanderers 1 First Round THATCHAM TOWN 2 Horsham YMCA 1 Second Round THATCHAM TOWN 8 Broadbridge Heath 2 Third Round THATCHAM TOWN 3 Sevenoaks Town 1 Fourth Round THATCHAM TOWN 2 Biggleswade 1 Fifth Round THATCHAM TOWN 2 Bromsgrove Sporting 1 Quarter Final Melksham Town 0 THATCHAM TOWN 1 Semi Final First Leg THATCHAM TOWN 1 1874 Northwich 0 Semi Final Second Leg 1874 Northwich 2 THATCHAM TOWN 3 (agg 2-4) Final Stockton Town 0 THATCHAM TOWN 1

Thatcham Town FC, Season 2017/18 18

ALLIED COUNTIES YOUTH LEAGUE CENTRAL

Pos Team P W D L GD Pts Home Away 1 Binfield 14 11 1 2 18 33 1-4 1-6 2 Camberley Town 14 9 1 4 16 27 1-2 3-4 3 Hartley Wintney 14 8 1 5 14 25 1-3 5-2 4 Bracknell Town 14 8 1 5 10 25 1-3 2-0 5 THATCHAM TOWN 14 6 2 6 6 19 - - 6 Ascot United 14 3 3 8 -5 12 5-3 3-1 7 Highmoor Ibis 14 3 2 9 -23 10 8-1 n/a 8 Sandhurst Town 14 2 1 11 -36 7 4-0 2-2 * Binfield, Camberley, Thatcham & Highmoor Ibis deducted 1 point for games not played before the end of the season, but shown as draws in the league table.

Thatcham Town FC, Season 2017/18 19

CLUB OFFICIALS

Management Committee

PRESIDENT : David Downs

VICE CHAIRMAN: Eric Bailey

GENERAL SECRETARY: Ron Renton

TREASURER: Sylvia Bailey

FOOTBALL SECRETARY: David Ray

Other Committee Members

Alan Rashbrook, Adam Page, Charlie Heaver, Joe Burke,

Luke Edwards, Nigel Brock, Paul Lovelock, Peter Woodage

Football Management

DIRECTOR OF FOOTBALL: Stuart Bailey

First Team: Danny Robinson (Manager), Andy Darnton (Assistant),

Keith Pennicott-Bowen (Coach), Yashwa Romeo (Coach), Joe Wells (Goalkeeping Coach),

Mark Horrix (Fitness & Conditioning Coach), Nat Stearn (Physio)

Youth: Adam Page (Manager), Mike Aspell (Assistant), Jamie Povey (Coach)

Thatcham Town FC, Season 2017/18 20