Bet Victor Southern League Central Division

Saturday 18th January 2020 Kick-Off 3:00m

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 and club records Page 7 (Manager) This seasons player roll call Page 8 Our latest Match reports by Phil Ravitz Pages 9, 12, 20 & 21 Jon Stevenson Todays Visitors Kempston Rovers A club history Pages 10 & 11 (Assistant) Players and sponsorship Pages 13 & 14 Player Roll Call by Gavin Meaden Page 15 Anish Sachnia Citizens Time-Line Page 16 Sophie Parsons Are you “The Face in the Crowd” Page 16 Focus on Welwyn Garden City U-18’s Page 17 (Physios) The return of The Mystery Supporter Page 22 Ricci Crace WGC FC Fantasy Football League standings Page 23 Dave Bastian The Non-League Newspaper Column Page 25 Club Honours & Achievements Page 26 Paul Hook New Rule changes for 2019/20 by the FA Page 27 Ercan Surge Kempston Rovers FC Player Pen pictures Page 29 & 30 Full team line-ups Page 32 (Coaches) Dave Keenleyside Up next at the (Team Captain) Head Groundsman Isabel Hospice Stadium Paul Cox Saturday 1st February Kit Manager Dave Owen Southern League Citizens v AFC Dunstable Kick-Off 3:00 pm

Welcome to Herns Way & The award for the Committee player of the Month goes to Jack Bradshaw. (Picture right) Jack has been The Isabel Hospice Stadium superb at either full-back or Central midfield since joining us from Biggleswade Town. Congratulations Today we welcome Kempston Rovers FC to Herns Jack and keep up your fine form. Way and the Isabel Hospice Stadium for this Southern League Central division match. And, we welcome the Front cover photo: Citizens players, management players, Officials and supporters of our guests inviting and committee celebrate the naming of the Herns them to join us for hospitality after the game. Our wel- Way stadium come extends to our visiting match officials James Please get behind the lads - your support Kevin Saunby who will be assisted by Darren Lander & Christopher Darling. We hope you enjoy your visit and vocal encouragement are vital! to Herns Way and have a safe journey home. COME ON YOU Well what an away day we had at Wantage Town last Saturday. A howling gale greeted us at The Alfredians CITIZENS picturesque home ground. It rained goals for Nick Ironton’s talented young side with all 5 goals coming from different players! The scoring potential here is phenomenal and even the tricky conditions failed to stop our lads from scoring.

Thanks to, to all the Citizens supporters that made the long journey to deepest Oxfordshire, your unfailing support is greatly appreciated. And, we are glad the lads rewarded you with all three points to keep us in touch with the leagues leaders and firmly ensconced in the Divisional play off places.

Transfer and League News

Centre Back Carl Mensah, recently out on loan at Harpenden Town has joined today’s opponents Kemp- ston Rover and we would like to wish Carl all the very Jack Bradshaw receives his player of the best in his move. Month award for November from Club Chairman Ray Fiveash Former Citizen Marc Ducket has joined one of his former clubs Bedford Town as first team manager. Previ- ously Marc was Player coach for the Eagles and joins them after a few seasons at the helm of Eynesbury Rovers. Good luck Marc, we have no doubt you will prove to be a big success at Bedford Town.

Decembers Player of the Month

3 Southern League Central Division - League Table September 2019

Played Won Drew Lost For Against Goal diff Points Corby Town 21 16 2 3 50 18 32 50 Berkhamsted 21 14 3 4 52 19 33 45 Halesowen Town 17 13 2 2 44 12 32 41 THE CITIZENS 20 12 4 4 44 21 23 40 Aylesbury United 22 9 9 4 32 22 10 36 Thame United 20 10 3 7 43 24 19 33 Coleshill Town 21 9 3 9 40 33 7 30 Bedworth United 20 9 3 8 34 35 -1 30 Bedford Town 22 8 6 8 35 41 -6 30 Barton Rovers 20 8 5 7 46 35 11 29 North Leigh 20 9 2 9 37 26 1 29 Daventry Town 20 9 2 9 32 33 -1 29 Yaxley 20 8 3 9 33 35 -2 27 AFC Dunstable 19 7 4 8 40 33 7 25 Biggleswade 19 7 4 8 26 25 1 25 Kidlington 20 7 3 10 22 38 -16 24 Didcot Town 21 6 3 12 15 35 -20 21 Kempston Rovers 22 5 1 16 25 52 -20 16 St Neots Town 20 4 2 14 26 48 -22 14 Wantage Town 21 1 0 20 10 91 -81 3

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 Sat Jan 18th (H) Kempston Rovers (SL) Tues 21nd (A) AFC Dunstable (SL) Sat Jan 25th (A) Thame United (SL) Sat Feb 1st (H) AFC Dunstable (SL) Sat Feb 8th (A) Bedworth Town (SL) Sat Feb 15 (H) Daventry Town (SL) Sat Feb 22nd (A) Coleshill Town (SL) Sat Feb 29th (A) Kidlington (SL) Sat Mar 7th (H) North Leigh (SL) Sat Mar 14th (A) Yaxley (SL) Sat Mar 21st (H) Halesowen Town (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)

Southern League Central Division Ground locations and addresses

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 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-Current)

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

218 Steve Brown (1977-79, 1980-85 & 2012-13) 57 Josh Bronti (2014-Current)

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) 7 Welwyn Garden City 1st team Appearances & goals

2019/20 Appearances (Sub) - Goals... Career Appearances - Goals (League & Cup games only)

Greg Adinna 2 (3) 2 (3) Romelle Alomenu 17 (5) 2 34 (6) 4 John-Paul Antwi 2 (2) 2 (2) Elliott Bailey 13 (2) 9 25 (5) 14 Jack Bradshaw 20 (2) 1 20 (2) 1

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

Ollie Carey 2 (6) 2 (6)

Alex Cathline 3 (2) 1 3 (2) 1

Toby Cleaver 10 (4) 3 10 (4) 3

Lee Close 24 41

Eusebio Da-Silva 12 (9) 7 23 (12) 12

Jake Eales 3 3

Dylan Ebengo 8 (4) 1 22 (5) 1

Alex Harris 2 (2) 2 (2)

George Ironton 23 3 62 (13) 13

Charlie Jones 7 9

Dave Keenleyside 19 (3) 8 43 (4) 12 William McClelland 9 2 15 2 Carl Mensah 9 (3) 2 36 (4) 3 Charlie Payne 5 (2) 1 5 (2) 1 Jay Rolfe 22 (1) 4 121 (6) 11 Rory Satterly-Hull 1 (2) 1 (2) Ryan Schmid 10 10 Geraldo Smaldone 5 (7) 5 (7) Jonny Sexton 7 (4) 83 (5) 1 Callum Stead 20 (2) 9 20 (2) 9 Marco Tavares 9 9 Callum Taylor 9 9

Jack Vasey 3 (3) `2 3 (3) 2

Jess Walklin 23 30 (2)

Jordan Watson 2 (2) 2 2 (2) 2

Stuart Zanone 15 (1) 12

8 Southern League Citizens 1-0 CBiggleswade FC 04/01/2020

WELWYN GC ground out what for Biggleswade, in the first at- Callum Stead was next to have assistant boss Jon Stevenson de- tack of the match. the chance to double the lead, scribed as an ‘ugly win’ over Big- Little was seen of the Citizens as played in by a neat Watson flick, gleswade FC, to further cement an attacking force until the 21st but he finished weakly, shooting their place in the Southern League minute when Jordon Watson straight at the keeper. Div 1 Central’s play-off zone. crowned his home debut with Biggleswade remained danger- WGC just got the better of the the only goal of the game and ous and a cleverly flighted pass side that succeeded them as his second in as many games. by Michael Fisher was met on SSML champions last season, in a His persistence forced one-time the full by skipper Tom Coles, game of relatively few chances, WGC full-back Adam Hunt into but his effort went wildly over although most in the 150 crowd, an error, underhitting a back the bar. would think the Citizens probably pass to keeper Tyler Josephs and The changes and bookings just edged matters. Watson burst through to reach it mounted – WGC picking up four Match Report by first and turn past Josephs for a in the quick succession in energy 1-0 lead. -sapping conditions, skipper Jes- Phil Ravitz Within two minutes, WGC al- se Walklin, substitutes Eusebio most had a second. A fine ball Da Silva and Jon Sexton and The victory gives the Herns Lane by Keenleyside put Elliot Bailey Ironton, all going into referee side a seven point cushion in the clean through, but the striker Hurst’s book. play-off positions. was at a tight angle and could Stead cleverly retained posses- Unsurprisingly, manager Nick only fire his effort across the sion while almost grounded, to Ironton kept faith with the side face of goal. get in a low effort that Josephs that finished the spectacular 4-1 Then as a competitive, rather was forced to save, before anoth- away win at Berkhamsted on New than exciting, half closed, good er former WGC player, Dan Year’s Day, which meant that work by George Ironton and Bond had the last meaningful Charlie Jones stayed between the Watson set up a shooting chance effort of the game, with four posts, even though Ryan Schmid for Keenleyside, who saw a minutes left. and Marco Tavares were now goalbound effort blocked out by Biggleswade substitute Bond available. force of numbers. broke past Rolfe to flash a low Jack Bradshaw retained the right- The improved WGC display shot goalward, only to see re- back spot and Dave Keenleyside continued early in the second- turned keeper Jones make a fine returned in midfield. half, when good combination stop with his legs, to protect The tone for the game was set in between Callum Taylor and WGC’s lead and three crucial the opening quarter, when there Watson, saw the WGC newcom- points. wasn’t a single goalmouth inci- er have an effort deflected for a WGC: Jones, Bradshaw, Close, dent despite the commitment and corner. Rolfe, Taylor (Sexton 67), Walklin, Keenleyside, Ironton, endeavour on show from both The Herns Lane side kept up the Stead, Bailey (Vasey 64), Wat- sides. pressure and Keenleyside son (Da Silva 74). Keeper Jones was forced to flip brought a fine, tip-over save over a 15th minute effort, fired in from Josephs to keep the WGC Att: 148 by an off-balance Ryan Inskip, lead to a single goal. 9 100 Years of History ons in 1958 and runners- 1975 and 1977; the Beds up in 1957 and 1960, Senior Cup was again cap- Kempston Rovers were while in the Knockout tured in 1977 while the formed in 1884 and entered Cup they contested five Walnut Boys reached the the Bedford & District successive finals between last 16 of the FA Vase in League. Rover’s first 1957 and 1961, winning 1975. The club nearly league championship was the trophy in 1958 and folded in the early eighties won in 1908 and twelve 1960. and were relegated in month later Rover’s re- 1983, but they bounced tained the title while also When the league returned to a two division format a back to the top flight in carrying off the Bedford- 1986 before moving to the shire Senior Cup and North lack of facilities saw Kempston placed in Divi- current ground, their third Beds Charity Cup. Rover’s in the same road. joined the South Midlands sion Two. The Hillgrounds League in 1927, and while facilities were upgraded Kempston won the Beds league honours eluded but after being readmitted Senior Cup in 1992 and them they continued to en- to the top flight they suf- the Hunts Premier Cup joy cup success, winning fered instant relegation in and North Beds Charity the Senior Cup for a second 1963 with just five points Cup in 2000 to their name. A top divi- time in 1938 and winning In 2002 Kempston Rovers sion place wasn’t regained the Hinchingbrooke Cup in and Kempston Colts be- until 1968 when the Rov- 1926, 1928 and 1932. gan an alliance to pool re- er’s finished runners-up in sources/personnel under The Walnut Boys, the nick- the Second Division. name coming from the the name AFC Kempston large walnut orchard in 1973 saw the start of a but, unfortunately, the Kempston, joined the Unit- new era as Kempston relo- club suffered a fourth rele- ed Counties League in 1953 cated to a new ground fur- gation from the top flight and fortunes took an up- ther down Hillgrounds in 2003. Road. A magnificent sea- turn. After winning the Sec- The beginning of 2005 son saw the Walnut Boys ond Division League and saw the start of major re- storm to the Premier title cup double in 1955, Kemp- developments at ston continued to enjoy losing only once in 32 games. A golden period in Hillgrounds Road with the success as the competition building of new changing reverted to a single divi- the club's history saw facilities and the building sion. Rovers were champi- League Cup successes in

10 of an artificial training links with Bedford Col- Andy White. lege Football Academy, pitch. On the grass, the club 2015-16 Rovers won the Dave Randall was ap- fortunes on the pitch turned UCFL Premier League, pointed 1st team manager around which saw The Wal- with a thrilling final win with John Guiney acting nut boys only just missed on the last day of the Sea- as assistant, John also out on promotion at the end son; this saw us move into managing our midweek of the 2005/06 season. the Evostik Southern Under 18 team and suc- League Central which rep- The new ground facilities cessfully winning The resents the highest level were completed in 2006 Bedfordshire FA U18 we have attained within and along with a new stand; Midweek Challenge Cup the FA pyramid system so on-going ground improve- beating a strong Stotfold far. ments and the existing side 3 – 1, for the first clubhouse due for refur- time in the clubs history. All at Hillgrounds are bishment shortly, AFC The senior team also looking forward to the Kempston now have some reached the Final of The new season with both ex- of the best facilities in the Bedfordshire FA Senior citement and trepidation, area for non-league foot- Trophy losing to 61FC and hope you will contin- ball. Luton. During the 2010-11 ue to support the Teams as campaign we were fortu- In 2007 Rovers finished and when you can. nate to be winners of Divi- third in division one and We hope the future contin- sion 1 and also win the the club gained promotion ues to bring rewards both Hinchinbrooke Cup for to the Premier Division af- on and off the Pitch, thus the first time since 1932, ter spending four seasons in enhancing the experience which was an extremely division one. Unfortunately for all our local Partners proud moment for many Rovers stay in the premier both old and new Club members and one we division was short lived and we were relegated back to hope can be replicated in Division one after just one the near future. season. Midway through the 2013- The summer of 2008 saw 14 Season James Stoyles and Gary Flinn took over The Walnut Boys complete- ly reshaping the manage- the 1st Team duties, ably ment team, with closer assisted by our Physio

11 Southern League Berkhamsted 1-4 CITIZENS 01/01/2020

TWO seasons ago, WGC produced a minutes later, making a save from But after both Watson and Close had similar four goal performance on fel- the home side’s Alex Witham low- gone into referee Bennett’s book for low challengers Berkhamsted’s down and Berkhamsted midfielder challenges on the dangerous Lacey, Broadwater ground on their way to the Erin Amu struck another opening WGC stretched away to a two goal Spartan South Midlands Premier title over the bar, as the West Herts side lead 20 minutes into the half. and promotion to the Southern looked for a response to falling be- Camped in the Berko half, Callum League. hind so early. Taylor couldn’t find room for a shot They found it on 24 minutes with a in a crowded area. Instead, he Match Report by spectacular solo goal from left- slipped Ironton through down the winger Will Summerfield, who after left, who got over a fine, rising cross Phil Ravitz collecting on the wing, slipped Stead and new boy Watson came in with a with a piece of trickery, did the same firm powerful header for a 3-1 lead, History repeated, as Nick Ironton’s to WGC’s on-loan full-back Jake as the Citizens dominated the second side gave their best away display so Eales and then slipped inside Lee -half. far this season to crush second-placed Close before driving the equaliser Both sides made changes, including Berko with their second-half perfor- low beyond Jones, into the bottom Jack Vasey replacing the hard- mance and elevate themselves to corner. working Bailey for the final 20 fourth place in this season’s Div 1 It was only a fine save from the re- minutes. Central promotion race. turning keeper that kept WGC on The Ironton-Stead combination The day started unpromisingly for terms at this stage, when Jon Lacey worked again as the latter was WGC, with a late goalkeeper crisis, burst through two challenges to slipped through by the former’s both recent choices – Ryan Schmid home in on goal, but Jones stood chipped pass, but Warrington man- and Marco Tavares – being unavaila- firm and blocked well with his body. aged to prevent a fourth with a fum- ble at late notice. Just past the half-hour, boss Ironton bled save. Charlie Jones, who started the season introduced Dave Keeleyside for But the keeper was helpless and at between the sticks for the Citizens, but Eales and switched Jack Bradshaw, fault, as quick thinking undid him hadn’t played in four months, an- doing well in midfield, to full-back. again six minutes from time. swered the call and gave a fine show- Bradshaw immediately hit a fine ball ing , making two crucial saves to- WGC won a throw-in and Taylor from his new defensive position to wards the end of the first-half. took it quickly to find Vasey, who set Bailey free, but the angle was too shocked Warrington, yards off his Manager Ironton recalled Elliot Bailey tight for the striker, who struck his line and well out of his ground, with and Callum Stead to his starting line- effort into the side netting. a precision 25 yard lob over the up upfront and gave recent signing Then four minutes from the break, stranded keeper that dropped into the Jordon Watson, his debut in a new WGC regained their lead. The goal net to complete a fine afternoon’s look attacking unit. owed much to the link-up play be- work for the rampant side in Claret. It took just four minutes for the selec- tween Ironton and Stead, who WGC: tions to pay dividends. George Ironton switched passes. Ironton then made slipped a clever ball down the left to progress down the right-wing and Jones, Eales (Keenleyside 33), Close, put Watson through and as he raced pulled back a fine cross that Stead Rolfe, Taylor (Sexton 78), Walklin, into the area, he was upended by came in on to strike low pat War- Bradshaw, Ironton, Stead, Bailey Berko keeper James Warrington. rington for a 2-1 interval lead. (Vasey 71), Watson.

Referee Bennett had no hesitation in Ironton had the chance to make it pointing to the penalty spot and Bailey three early in the second-half as he Att: 162 slid in a confident spot-kick in a fine was put through by Keenleyside’s start for the visitors. astute through ball, but shot weakly at the keeper. Jones was called into action three 12 Welwyn Garden City FC Player Sponsorship

Greg Adinna Romelle Alomenu Elliot Bailey Jack Bradshaw

Brodie Carrington Ollie Carey Lee Close Jake Eales Sponsor WGC Golf Club Sponsor David Coates Snr & Jnr

Eusebio Da-Silva Dylan Ebengo Alex Harries George Ironton Sponsor Dave Vass & Andy Cornish Sponsor Gavin Meaden Sponsor Russell Giblin

Dave Keenleyside Carl Mensah Brandon McKenna Charlie Payne Sponsor Ed Clark Sponsor @WGCFC fans

13 Welwyn Garden City FC Player Sponsorship

Ben Quarrington Jay Rolfe Rory Satterly-Hull Ryan Schmid

Jonny Sexton Geraldo Smaldone Callum Stead Marco Tavares Sponsor Mick Barnett & Wayne Norwood

Callum Taylor Jack Vasey Jess Walklin Jordan Watson

Stuart Zanone Fin Jordan

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

Stead

Harris

Bailey

Harris

Sexton

Adinna

Schmid

Ebengo

Tavares

DaSilva

Sansom

Spencer

Alomenu

Smaldone

Bradshaw

Smaldone

Carrington

McClelland

Stead

Carey

Antwi

Harris

Payne

Schmid

Ebengo

DaSilva

Mensah

Alomenu

Nkansah

Alomenu

Mensah

Smaldone

Keenleyside

Carey

Bailey

Harris

Payne

Sexton

Adinna

Ebengo

Mensah

DaSilva

Mensah

DaSilva

Smaldone

Stevenson

Carrington

Keenleyside

Carey

Antwi

Payne

Harris

Sexton

Ebengo

Watson

DaSilva

Cleaver

DaSilva

Mensah

Cathline

Alomenu

Ebengo

Alomenu

Smaldone

Bradshaw

Carrington

Rolfe

Vasey

Jones

Payne

Harris

Payne

Adinna

Ebengo

Adinna

Ebengo

Vasey

Cleaver

DaSilva

Watson

Cleaver

Sansom

Cathline

DaSilva

Bradshaw

Carrington

McClelland

Bailey

Antwi

Bailey

Payne

Adinna

Bailey

Walklin

Spencer

Bailey

Alomenu

Watson

Bradshaw

Carrington

Payne

Adinna

Walklin

DaSilva

Bradshaw

Carrington

Keenleyside

Keensleyside

Keenleyside

Vasey

Carey

Bailey

Vasey

DaSilva

Cleaver

Bailey

DaSilva

Cathline

DaSilva

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

Bradshaw

Taylor

Harris

Antwi

Taylor

Sexton

Mensah

Alomenu

Rolfe

Eales

Harris

Ebengo

Rolfe

Bradshaw

Smaldone

Bradshaw

Smaldone

Bradshaw

Jones

Schmid

Tavares

Sansom

Pos

Att

148

162

354

117

145

127

108

125

104

187

125

503

151

121

149

116

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

HALESOWEN TOWN HALESOWEN

AYLESBURY UTD AYLESBURY

Yaxley

NORTH LEIGH NORTH

Kidlington

ColeshillTown

DAVENTRY TOWN DAVENTRY

BedworthUtd

AFC DUNSTABLE AFC

BARTON ROVERS BARTON

ThameUtd

AFC Dunstable AFC

KEMPSTON ROVERS KEMPSTON

WantageTown

BIGGLESWADE

Berkhamsted

CorbyTown

DidcotTown

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

HCS

HSC

LCC

HCS

LCC

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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 7 7 0 0 35 6 29 21 Enfield Town 7 6 0 1 24 7 17 18 Takeley 6 5 0 1 40 6 34 15 Welwyn Garden City 5 3 0 2 19 11 8 9 Sawbridgeworth Town 7 3 0 4 20 22 -2 9 Broxbourne Boro 6 2 0 4 16 13 3 6 St Margaretsbury 5 2 0 4 9 34 -25 6 Maccabi London 5 1 0 4 5 27 -22 3 Hoddesdon Town 9 0 0 9 4 46 -42 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 16th Jan League Away v Takeley FC Tuesday 21st Jan League Home v Maccabi London Thursday 30th Jan League Away v Hoddesdon Town

Tuesday 4th Feb League Home v Sawbridgeworth Town

WGC youth team have been badly affected this season by the wet weather and to date have only played four league games meaning they face a backlog to finish the campaign. Of the four games played so far they have won 3 and lost the other. They kicked off the season with a 4-2 victory over Broxbourne and a hugh 13-0 home victory over St Margaretsbury. This was followed up by a 0-5 loss at home to Takeley and a 2-1 Victory away at Sawbridgeworth.

The youth went through three rounds of the FA Youth Cup, the first being a narrow 6-5 home win over Takeley followed by a thumping 6-2 away victory at Braintree. They exited the cup on a wet and windy night away to Aveley with a narrow 2-1 defeat.

The youth team are through to the 3rd round of the Brian Hitchins Cup following a win on Penalties after the game finished 4-4 in normal time. They face Crawley Green at home in the next round whenever it is rescheduled.

Some of the boys have been involved with the first team, namely Brodie Carrington, Alex Harris and Rory Satterley-Hull with others training frequently with Nicks side. Fyn Jordan has recently taken over the captaincy from the injured Jake Robertson and is showing fine leadership with the lads.

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 CITIZENS 1-0 Biggleswade FC 14/12/2019

WELWYN GC ground out what the match. and a cleverly flighted pass by Mi- assistant boss Jon Stevenson de- Little was seen of the Citizens as an chael Fisher was met on the full scribed as an ‘ugly win’ over Big- attacking force until the 21st minute by skipper Tom Coles, but his ef- gleswade FC, to further cement when Jordon Watson crowned his fort went wildly over the bar. their place in the Southern League home debut with the only goal of The changes and bookings mount- Div 1 Central’s play-off zone. the game and his second in as many ed – WGC picking up four in the WGC just got the better of the side games. quick succession in energy- that succeeded them as SSML His persistence forced one-time sapping conditions, skipper Jesse champions last season, in a game WGC full-back Adam Hunt into an Walklin, substitutes Eusebio Da of relatively few chances, although error, underhitting a back pass to Silva and Jon Sexton and Ironton, most in the 150 crowd, would think keeper Tyler Josephs and Watson all going into referee Hurst’s the Citizens probably just edged burst through to reach it first and book. matters. turn past Josephs for a 1-0 lead. Stead cleverly retained possession Match Report by Within two minutes, WGC almost while almost grounded, to get in a had a second. A fine ball by Keen- low effort that Josephs was forced Phil Ravitz leyside put Elliot Bailey clean to save, before another former through, but the striker was at a WGC player, Dan Bond had the tight angle and could only fire his last meaningful effort of the game, The victory gives the Herns Lane effort across the face of goal. with four minutes left. side a seven point cushion in the Then as a competitive, rather than Biggleswade substitute Bond play-off positions. exciting, half closed, good work by broke past Rolfe to flash a low Unsurprisingly, manager Nick George Ironton and Watson set up a shot goalward, only to see re- Ironton kept faith with the side that shooting chance for Keenleyside, turned keeper Jones make a fine finished the spectacular 4-1 away who saw a goalbound effort stop with his legs, to protect win at Berkhamsted on New blocked out by force of numbers. WGC’s lead and three crucial Year’s Day, which meant that points. The improved WGC display contin- Charlie Jones stayed between the ued early in the second-half, when WGC: Jones, Bradshaw, Close, posts, even though Ryan Schmid Rolfe, Taylor (Sexton 67), good combination between Callum and Marco Tavares were now Walklin, Keenleyside, Ironton, Taylor and Watson, saw the WGC available. Stead, Bailey (Vasey 64), Watson newcomer have an effort deflected (Da Silva 74). Jack Bradshaw retained the right- for a corner. back spot and Dave Keenleyside The Herns Lane side kept up the Att: 148 returned in midfield. pressure and Keenleyside brought a The tone for the game was set in fine, tip-over save from Josephs to the opening quarter, when there keep the WGC lead to a single goal. wasn’t a single goalmouth incident Callum Stead was next to have the despite the commitment and en- chance to double the lead, played in deavour on show from both sides. by a neat Watson flick, but he fin- Keeper Jones was forced to flip ished weakly, shooting straight at th over a 15 minute effort, fired in the keeper. by an off-balance Ryan Inskip, for Biggleswade remained dangerous Biggleswade, in the first attack of

20 Southern League Central Wantage Town 1-5 CITIZENS 11/01/2020

WELWYN GC blew away bottom- Minutes later, Elliot Bailey latched Lyle. Ironton retrieved to cross in of-the-table Wantage in the Oxford- onto a poor goalkick and ran through again, and Vasey came through shire side’s 20th league defeat of the to miss a sitter, firing the chance of a powerfully to breast it home past season, as Nick Ironton’s side ce- quick second wide of an undefended the keeper for 4-1. mented their fourth place play-off goal! WGC made two changes after the spot in the Southern League Div 1 Back came Wantage and shocked break with Romelle Alomenu and Central. WGC with an equaliser just 12 Jon Sexton replacing Walklin and The beleagured home side – who minutes in, although the visiting con- Taylor. have lost all but one of their league tingent felt that an Ibie push on Cal- The action dried up a little in the fixtures this season – were no match lum Taylor, to concede the corner second-half, Ironton and Stead for the Citizens, the biggest danger from which Trevor Mutero scored missing chances to stretch the lead to the Herns Lane side being the gale with a well placed header, went un- before WGC added a fifth 20 punished by referee Stevens. -force wind blowing across minutes in. Wantage’s picturesque, but exposed The Clarets responded immediately This time Stead was slipped in Alfredian Park ground, throughout and Jack Vasey and Stead had efforts down the middle. He tried to go the 90 minutes. cleared off the line in the next attack, around the keeper, but lost control. before keeper Mackenzie-Lyle finally Match Report by Fortunately, Bailey following in, grabbed the ball at the third attempt. just managed to scramble in the Phil Ravitz WGC restored their lead in 16 fifth, at full stretch. minutes with a bizarre second, mid- Jordon Watson was the third change fielder Dave Keenleyside lofting for- for the final 20 minutes, replacing The very gusty conditions threatened ward what looked like an overhit Stead and he scorned yet another to make a mockery of the match, but through ball from fully 40 yards out. chance, shooting straight at Mac- WGC managed to maintain suffi- The effort – caught on the wind – kenzie-Lyle when put clear. cient control to score five times, bounced a couple of times to deceive miss a host of other chances and re- Keeper Jones was called into action keeper Mackenzie-Lyle and dropped turn home with the expected three to make sharp saves from in behind him, for a freakish goal. points. Wantage’s Regragui and substitute There was nothing lucky about the McKeon in the closing stages, to Jay Rolfe headed a wind-assisted Citizens’ third three minutes later. prevent the home side doubling cross wide of the home goal inside An Ironton corner finding Rolfe on their tally. two minutes of the start, but there the edge of the area, who curved a was a shock in store two minutes Vasey had WGC’s best effort of the fine shot around the defensive wall later for WGC, as one-time loanee half, four minutes from time, a into the bottom corner for a two goal from last season Sydney Ibie got beautifully hit snap volley from a cushion. away from the visitors’ defence to right-wing cross that flew just past bring a good save from keeper Char- We had to wait nearly 20 minutes, the post, to close the action. after all the frenzied goalmouth ac- lie Jones, with his legs, four minutes WGC: Jones, Bradshaw, Close, in. tion in the early stages, for a fourth, Rolfe, Taylor (Sexton 46), Walklin but this was a well constructed goal. It took WGC eight minutes to go (Alomenu 46), Keenleyside, Iron- ahead. George Ironton swung in a The combined efforts of skipper Jes- ton, Stead (Watson 70), Vasey, Bai- deep cross from the left and Callum se Walklin and Ironton won it in mid- ley. field to play Keeleyside through the Stead got free to loop a header over Att: 54 home keeper Mackenzie-Lyle for 1- middle. His powerful shot was turned 0. away, but not held by Mackenzie-

21 Views from our “Mystery Supporter”

hundreds of yards, splitting open 6 of the 16 watertight compartments. If 4 that it should be auctioned off. had been damaged the ship would have Boyd Tunnock confirmed he was be- survived. In just over two and a half hind the gift and said he just wanted hours, the Titanic filled with water and to do "a good thing" for the city. The sank. owner of the Tunnock's biscuit busi- I also tried to visit the Crown in Bel- ness says he has been "surprised" by fast which is a world famous pub al- the reaction to his donation of a Rolls most opposite a world famous hotel. -Royce to Glasgow City Council. He The Europa Hotel is a four-star hotel in said: "All sorts of important people I have a lot of good memories of the sum- Great Victoria Street which opened in come to Glasgow. I thought it would mer, with the exception that my wife 1971. It has hosted presidents, prime be right to give them a nice experi- broke the loft hatch going into the loft ministers and celebrities. It is known ence." Boyd Tunnock was knighted at when I was out and we still haven’t man- as the "most bombed hotel in Europe" Buckingham Palace on Thursday the aged to fix it. What little wood was in the and the "most bombed hotel in the 21th November. hatch had rotted away, and my efforts to world" after having suffered 36 bomb refill it have all been wasted. I have been One evening in Italy my wife wanted attacks during the Troubles. The told I need to spend a fortune on an alu- to know how Spurs were getting on Crown is described as both ageless and minium hatch, and I don’t always do what against Bayern Munich. The hotel priceless, a gem of Victoriana and one I’m told. reception ensured that we could re- of the great bars of the world. It was ceive a Sky channel in our room formerly known as The Liquor Saloon One of the happy memories of 2019 was which was covering multiple matches and is famed for its décor, with carved- visiting Belfast and enjoying it far more (Sky collection in Italy). The cover- mahogany booths, etched-glass, plus than I expected. Like most tourists I went age went to several European stadi- gas lamps which featured in an 1820's to The Titanic Experience, and it was very ums but went to Wembley a lot, as pub. interesting. The Titanic needed 3 million there were 9 goals to show. My wife rivets, 2 million of which were hammered I wanted a drink but couldn’t get wished she had gone to the bar in- into place by hand. It worked best if a through the Wolves supporters who stead. right-handed man and a left handed man were there for a Europa match and alternately struck the rivet. A team of 5 Hadley, Cockfosters, St Mar- were having a pleasant stand-off on the men made up the rivet crew – the heater garetsbury and Hoddesdon all joined pavement with the charming Belfast boys to heat up the rivet who then passed the Essex Senior League for the 2019 police. it to a catch-boy who passed it to a holder- -2020 season. At the beginning of up and then the hot rivet was hammered I also managed to visit Scotland, in December the beautifully named in to place by 2 men. These men made a fact I did the whole of the UK in 2019, Hashtag United were the leaders of total of 1p between all 5 of them for a and while I was visiting a friend in the Essex Senior League. day’s work in the Harland & Wolff ship- Turnberry I purchased some Tunnocks I have always said I don’t think ladies yard! teacakes, and my friend told me a story should play football. Now, Darts, of having a ride in the Rolls Royce What struck me (a hammer wasn’t need- that’s different altogether. owned by Boyd Tunnock. They ed) was that the tour told you that the un- stopped for tea somewhere , and Mr sinkable Titanic hit an iceberg and sank, Fallon Sherrock , a 25-year-old lady, Tunnock went into salesman mode but didn’t actually explain why. I had to made history by becoming the first offering to make a deal with whichever ask. The Captain had the ship going too woman to win a match at the World restaurant they were in. fast which I probably would have done darts at Alley Pally. Fallon then beat world number 11 Mensur Suljovic to too, but on realising that they were going It could have been the same Rolls- reach the third round of the PDC to collide with the iceberg he tried to veer Royce which was anonymously given World Championship. away from it which might have worked at to Glasgow City Council in 2018. a slower speed. Hitting the iceberg head- Some politicians criticised the coun- I’ll be cheering for her into 2020. On on while stopping might have been safer. cil's decision to accept the car, with the oche! The ship scraped along the iceberg for Labour MP Paul Sweeney suggesting

22 Jeffrey Haggerty Associates ------Consulting Building Engineers

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42 Daniells, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire AL7 1QX

Telephone: 01707 887618 Mobile: 07885 659798

Email: [email protected]

Welwyn Garden City FC Fantasy Football

Team Name Manager Points Coatesy Hotspurs David Coates 1251 Alan Peyniril Yiyeni Mike Winter 1158 The anarchists Paul Butters 1151 Welwyn Spurs Steve Lovejoy 1110 Best of British Dave Fallon 1082 Vauxhall Insigne Ollie Carey 1057 Pique Blinders Alex Harries 994 #Merky Eddie Corbit 983 DJ Gooner HM Stroud 981 2in Pink1inStink Brodie Carrington 899

23 24 The Non-League Newspaper Column - this week David Richardson The introduction of VAR is numbers,” the league’s chair- wait for a stoppage in play be- causing a significant stir at the man Paul Lawlor told The fore putting his gloves back top levels of the game, but how NLP. “The bigger picture, be- on. has the launch of sin-bins in yond the data collected so far, Doran said: “When it happens Non-League faired this season? goes further; lads are chang- to one of your players, it’s def- ing how they conduct them- The FA trialled the scheme, initely an effective deterrent. selves on the field. where a referee can temporarily He’s 6ft 5in and we put him dismiss a player for ten minutes “The feedback we’ve had so up top until there was a throw- as punishment for dissent, far from our members it that in. across 31 grassroots leagues the impact has been positive. “I’m all for nipping it in the during the two campaigns prior However it’s probably too bud, but dissent has always to this one. early yet to draw firm conclu- been a bookable offence, it’s sions.” During that time, 25 reported a just referees have been too reduction in dissent with a 38 “It’s been brilliant,” said Ste- scared to caution people for it. per cent fall in the competitions ve Wilkes, manager at North- “This feels like a halfway that took part in the pilot, with wich Victoria, who saw mid- house.” a survey finding the majority of fielder Harvey Whyte sent to 1,500 participants wanted the the sin-bin as punishment for What do you think? Have you sin-bin rule to become perma- sarcastically applauding a de- witnessed a player being sent nent. cision by the referee when to the sin-bin this season? Vics visited Longridge for a Email us at Following the feedback, the FA Premier Division fixture in chose to implement the change October. [email protected]. up to Step 5 of the National uk League System from this sea- Elliot Pond scored the win- son and figures so far have re- ning goal for the hosts while vealed it’s having a positive Whyte watched from the impact. touchline. Wilkes believes his players are even less likely to By the end of November, in the err as a result. North West Counties League, there were 95 recorded instanc- It is a view shared by Joe es of dissent that resulted in a Doran, his counterpart at Boo- player being dismissed tempo- tle. Ryan Jones was the first rarily. goalkeeper to fall victim of the new rule during the At this stage last season, a total Bucks’ defeat at Runcorn of 246 yellow cards had been Town back in August. shown for the same offence. However he returned wearing “It’s hard to argue with the an outfield shirt, having to

25 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

26 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 - 27 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

28 Carl Knox – Goalkeeper – Carl signed for Kempston in 2014 an experienced goal keeper was a mem- ber of our 2015-16 UCL Premier Division and North Beds Cup winning squad. An able deputy, Carl made a more concerted challenge for the number one spot last season.

Oliver Kirkup – Goalkeeper – Oliver has been with Kempston since he was four years old and has represented the club at every level, still a teenager, he has time on his side to break in to the first team.

Michael Hudson – Goalkeeper – Michael made his first team debut last season and has been a key fig- ure in the reserves and under 18s in recent years

Robbie Goodman – Defender – Robbie was on the books of Rovers since joining from Ampthill in 2015. He was named player of the year in 2018, but left to join Barton shortly after Tony Joyce took over as manager of Kempston. Having seen the error of his ways, he re-joined in the summer of 2019. He notched his 200th appearance for the Walnut Boys over the festive period in 2019.

James Sage – Defender – An autumn recruit from near neighbours Bedford Town, James has added some more depth to the defence. The left footed central defender has made an instant impact in MK42. He has formed a good partnership with Jordan Wright at the heart of the defence.

Jordan Wright – Defender – Jordan joined on a dual registration with Potton United. He is a tough centre half who takes no prisoners in the challenge. Jordan has taken on the captain’s armband this season and has demonstrated some really good leadership, despite his relatively young age.

Cameron Hyde – Defender – Cameron was part of a very successful youth side at Kempston Rovers, before other commitments led to him spending some time at Bedford FC. He has returned to make his mark on the first team. His marauding style have made him a favourite with the fans at Hillgrounds.

Max Marsh – Defender – Max began the season in the successful reserve side but has managed to break through into the first team this season. He is tough and eager to learn his trade with Rovers.

Lewis Jones – Defender – Lewis joined Rovers in February 2019 from Bedford FC after training with the club for a while. A strong, determined centre half, Jones has already made a number of key appearances for The Walnut Boys

Finlay Brennan – Defender – Fin signed on loan from MK Dons, he has made his first team MK de- but this season.

Ben Baker – Midfield – Ben, a pacy and tricky wide player, joined Rovers in the Autumn of 2019 as The Walnut Boys sought to re-shape the midfield.

Evan Beldon – Midfield – Evan is a product of Kempston Rovers Colts youth system and was part of the U18 Chiltern League Champions of 17/18 season. He has made a number of cameo appearances for the first team this season as he looks to establish himself in senior football.

Gareth Hunt – Midfield – Gareth was initially with Rovers youth set up in 2010, making over sixty appearances for the U18s and the reserves in three seasons, as well as a number of first team run outs. He returned ‘home’ this season to anchor the midfield for Tony Joyce’ team. Stefan Bailey – Midfield – Stefan joined Kempston from Barton Rovers as Tony Joyce added some more steel to midfield. The robust ball winner has experience with a number of local sides as well as having made a handful of appearances for QPR

Emmanuel Dahie – Midfield – Manny had featured for the development side under Stuart Mellon, now assistant manager. His technique and eye for goal led him to be top scorer for the Devs in the 2017-18 season.

Harry Stratton – Midfield – Harry has re-joined Kempston from Newport Pagnell to pick up where he left off at the end of the 2017-18 season, establishing himself as a fan favourite and enjoying the sounds of Sham69’s classic “Hurry Up Harry” ringing out from the terraces.

Sam Johnson – Midfield – The flying winger returned to Rovers in November 2019 after a spell with AFC Rushden & Diamonds. Sam has also played in New Zealand, earning rave reviews.

Callum Shortt – Forward – Still only a teenager, Callum is one of the youngest members of the Rov- ers squad this season, he impressed while on trial with the reserve side during the summer and has been drafted in to the first team by manager Tony Joyce.

Izale McLeod – Forward – Izale arrived at Kempston in November 2018 with one job – score goals. It is something he has done throughout his high profile career. He is the all time top goal-scorer for MK Dons. His goals also kept Barnet in the Football League for two seasons in a row before he joined Portsmouth. He has also had spells at Charlton, Notts County and Crawley among others.

Jake Newman – Forward – Jake rejoined the club on the eve of the new season, having been top scorer in the 2017-18 season with over 30 goals. Jake has played for AFC Rushden & Diamonds, Peterbor- ough Sports and St. Ives Town, scoring goals wherever he has been. Jake recently scored his fiftieth goal for the club in eighty games.

Tony Joyce – Manager – Tony joined Kempston in the summer of 2016. Tony has a wealth of non- league football having previously been manager at Buckingham Town and Southern League Aylesbury United. He moved up the bench from coach to manager in November following the resignations of the previous joint-managers. Also registered as a player, apparently, he has to pay into the club fines kitty every time he names himself on the bench.

Stuart Mellon – Coach – Stuart came to Rovers in the summer of 2016, he was the first coach of the Development side and after two seasons’ work in the County League, he made the step up to work with the first team. He was promoted to assistant manager after Joyce took the hotseat, making himself in- dispensable as Joyce’ trusted lieutenant.

Jardaine Patel-Joseph - Sport Therapist – Jardaine has worked at Rovers for two seasons, shadowing the senior sports therapists during that time He has now taken over the senior role from, the now re- tired, Colin Hodsden.

Kempston Rovers have also registered a number of players from the reserve team on first team forms to provide cover as needed during the season. During the 2018-19 season, a more than a dozen players that have represented Kempston at youth or development level made first team appearances, a philoso- phy richly encouraged by manager Tony Joyce.

30 MALMECH & MANNION

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4, Southfield,

Chequers Industrial Estate,

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Free MOT with full service

Manager: Nicky Ironton Manager: Tony Joyce

Assistant: Jon Stevenson Assistant: Stuart Mellon Coach: Ricci Crace Physio: Jordaine Patel-Joseph Physio: Anish Sachnia

Welwyn Garden City v Kempston Rovers Wearing: All Claret Wearing :Red and Black

Ryan Schmid (G/K) Carl Knox (G/K)

Charlie Jones (G/K) Oliver Kirkup (G/K)

Romelle Alomenu Michael Hudson (G/K)

Jay Rolfe Robbie Goodman

Dylan Ebengo James Sage

Callum Taylor Jordan Wright

Jack Bradshaw Cameron Hyde

Jonny Sexton Max Marsh

Lee Close Lewis Jones

George Ironton Finlay Brennan

Dave Keenleyside (C) Ben Barker

Jess Walklin Evan Beldon

Charlie Payne Gareth Hunt

Eduardo Smaldone Stefan Bailey

Callum Stead Emmanuel Dahie

Jordan Watson Harry Stratton

Greg Adinna Sam Johnson

Eusebio Da Silva Callum Short

Elliot Bailey Izale McLeod Jack Vasey Jake Newman

Today’s match officials: Referee: Kevin Saunby Assistants: Darren Lander & Christopher Darling