Southern League Division One Central 2019/20

Home , Berkhamsted, Danny Hylton, London League (football), Ryan Tunnicliffe, Welwyn Garden City

Main image: Toby Cleaver goes close with this header against Wantage Town. Inset top: Conor Sansom saves at full-stretch. And Lee Close celebrates our winner on the opening day of the season

Monday 26th August 2019 Kick-Off 3pm

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 Football Club Welcome to the BP Mitchell Stadium Page 3 Management Southern League Central league table Page 4 Full Results and Fixtures listing Page 5 & 6 First team Away addresses at a glance Page 6 Last seasons fixtures Pages 7 & 8 Nicky Ironton This seasons player roll call Page 9 (Manager) Todays Visitors “Berkhamsted A club history” Page 10 & 11 Players and sponsorship Pages 13 & 14 Jon Stevenson Player Roll Call by Gavin Meaden Page 15 (Assistant) Focus on Welwyn Garden City U-18’s Page 16 & 17 Callem Kingsley Are you “The Face in the Crowd” Page 19 (Physio) Citizens Time-Line Page 19 In off the Post interview with Jon Stevenson Page 20 Ricci Crace Our latest Match reports by Phil Ravitz Pages 12, 22 & 25 Dave Bastian WGC FC Fantasy Football League standings Page 23 Phillip Neville Club Honours & Achievements Page 26 (Coaches) Full team line-ups Page 28 Dave Keenleyside Up next at the (Team Captain)

B.P.Mitchell Stadium Head Groundsman Tuesday 3rd September Paul Cox Kit Manager Southern League Central Division Dave Owen

Citizens v St Neots Town Front cover image by Danny Loo @Danny_Loo on Twitter or on Face- Kick-Off 7:45pm book Danny Look Photography

Welcome to Herns Way & the Front cover photo: Main Image, Ollie Carey goes close with this header against Wantage Town. Inset B.P Mitchell Stadium top, Conor Sansom saves at full-stretch. And Lee Close celebrates our winner on the opening day of Today we welcome Berkhamsted FC to Herns Way for this, the season. Images courtesy of Danny Loo photog- our 2nd home game of the Southern League Central Divi- raphy @Danny_Loo on Twitter or on Facebook Dan- sion for 2019/20. And we welcome the players, Officials ny Loo Photography and supporters of our guests inviting them to join us for hospitality after the game. We also welcome back fomer Please get behind the lads - your support Vice-Captain Ben Spaul .Our welcome extends to our visit- and vocal encouragement are vital! ing match officials Thomas Ratharam who will be assisted by Mario Stetakovic & Thomas Burns. We hope you en- joy your visit to Herns Way and have a safe journey home.

News

We have a new fixture to make our supporters away of - we are to host Herts neighbour’s Hitchin Town in the Prelimi- nary Round of the Southern League Challenge Cup. Our fixtures Secretary Mike Isaacs will be speaking with his Hitchin Town counterpart to arrange the exact date. The match will be played week commencing the 9th September. Who can forget last season when we travelled to another of our Herts neighbor’s King’s Langley and came away with a COME ON YOU CITIZENS creditable 1-0 victory.

What a great 2nd half we were treated to on Saturday the George Ironton (No:8) celebrates with Jay Rolfe 17th August, in our first league match of the season! After a (No:2) and Dylan Ebengo after scoring the equaliser fairly lack-luster first half (Where I thought we were un- against Wantage Town lucky to go into the break a goal down) Our 2nd half performance was one of almost total dominance. We hit the woodwork three times, had a goal disallowed and produced some terrific saves from the visiting goalkeeper. We eventually and deservedly took all three points when firstly George Ironton headed home before a Eusebio Da Silva bullet header gave us a 2-1 score-line. Very pleased for Nick, his management team and the players, a well deserved comeback and victory for The Citizens.

On Saturday (31st August) we embark on the first of our long away day travels to a town/team we have never visited before in Halesowen Town. Widely tipped as promotion candidates after relegation from the Southern League Prem- ier Division last season, Halesowen Town will prove to be a tough test for Nicky Ironton’s side. Places on the coach will be limited so please get your coach ticket early. Picture courtesy of Danny Loo Photography 3 Southern League Central Division - League Table August 2019

Played Won Drew Lost For Against Goal diff Points Berkhamsted 2 2 0 0 6 1 5 6 Halesowen Town 2 2 0 0 6 2 4 6 AFC Dunstable 2 2 0 0 5 1 4 6 CITIZENS 2 2 0 0 5 2 3 6 Daventry Town 2 2 0 0 3 1 2 6 Barton Rovers 2 1 1 0 6 4 2 4 Corby Town 2 1 1 0 3 1 2 4 Aylesbury United 2 1 1 0 2 0 2 4 Yaxley 2 1 0 1 6 4 2 3 Kempston Rovers 2 1 0 1 2 2 0 3 Bedford Town 2 1 0 1 2 5 -3 3 North Leigh 2 0 1 1 3 4 -1 1 Thame United 2 0 1 1 3 4 -1 1 Coleshill Town 2 0 1 1 3 5 -2 1 Bedworth United 2 0 1 1 2 4 -2 1 St Neots Town 2 0 1 1 2 5 -3 1 Didcot Town 2 0 0 2 1 4 -3 0 Wantage Town 2 0 0 2 1 4 -3 0 Biggleswade FC 2 0 0 2 1 5 -4 0 Kidlington 2 0 0 2 1 5 -4 0 Points adjustment for Welwyn Garden City for fielding three work experience players in one match –1 point

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, Allomenu, 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) Mon 26th Aug (H) Berkhamsted (SL) Sat 31st Aug (A) Halesowen Town (SL) Tues 3rd Sept (H) St Neots Town (SL) Sat 14th Sept (H) Thame United (SL) Sat 21st Sept (A) Kempston Rovers (SL) Sat 28th Sept (H) Canvey Island (FAT) Sat Oct 5th (H) Bedworth United (SL) Sat Oct 19th (A) Daventry Town (SL) Sat Nov 2nd (H) Coleshill Town (SL) Sat Nov 9th (H) Kidlington (SL) Sat Nov 16th (A) North Leigh (SL) Sat Nov 23rd (H) Yaxley (SL) Sat Nov 30th (A) Aylesbury United (SL) Sat Dec 7th (H) Bedford Town (SL) Sat Dec 14th (A) Didcot Town (SL) Sat Dec 21st (A) Corby Town (SL) Thu Dec 26th (H) Barton Rovers (SL) Sat Apr 25th (A) Bedford Town (SL)

5 Welwyn Garden City FC Fixtures 2020

Wed Jan 1st (A) Berkhamsted (SL) Sat Jan 4th (H) Biggleswade (SL) Sat Jan 11th (A) Wantage Town (SL) Sat Jan 18th (H) Kempston Rovers (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 - EVO-STIK LEAGUE SOUTH DIVISION ONE CENTRAL 2018/19 Sat 14th July (A) Wingate/Finchley (F) L 0-4 Tues 17th July (A) Crawley Green (F) L 3-5 Rolfe, Williams, Ferrigno Sat 21st July (A) London Colney (F) W 2-0 Bronti, Ironton Weds 25th July (A) Oxhey Jets (F) L 0-2 Sat 28th July (N) Hertford Town (F) W 1-0 Joy Tues 31st July (H) Biggleswade (F) L 2-3 Clements, Bond Sat 4th Aug (H) Knebworth (F) W 8-0 Bond(3) Rolfe, Hunt, Ironton, Williams, Bronti Fri 17th Aug (A) AFC Dunstable (F) W 4-0 Williams(2) Clements, Lovell Sat 18th Aug (H) Didcot Town W (257) 2-1 Hunt, Rolfe Tues 21st Aug (A) Peterborough Sports L (207) 0-2 Sat 25th Aug (A) Brantham Ath - FAC L (68) 0-1 Mon 27th Aug (H) Barton Rovers W (146) 1-0 Williams Sat 1st Sept (A) Bedford Town W (315) 1-0 Bronti Tues 4th Sept (A) Kings Langley SLC Pre W (82) 1-0 Bond Sat 8th Sept (H) Yaxley FC W (110) 3-2 Payne (2) Fehmi Sat 15th Sept (A) Bromsgrove Sporting L (915) 0-2 Tues 18th Sept (H) Leverstock Green HCS W (60) 6-1 Hunt, (2) Rolfe (2) Ironton, Clements Sat 22nd Sept (H) Cambridge City L (144) 0-1 Sat 29th Sept (H) Berkhamsted Town L (135) 0-1 Tues 2ndOct (H) Barton Rovers SLC 1st W (51) 2-1 Elliott, Bronti Sat 6th Oct (A) Aylesbury United L (106) 1-3 Clements Sat 13th Oct (A) Chipstead - FAT Pre L (125) 1-2 Clements Tues 16th Oct (H) Bishops Stortford - HSC L (114) 1-2 Zanone Sat 20th Oct (H) Kidlington Athletic W (94) 2-1 Zanone, Elliott Sat 27th Oct (H) Ware (F) L (55) 1-5 Zanone Sat 3rd Nov (A) AFC Dunstable D (115) 1-1 Zanone Sat 10th Nov (A) Gt Wakering Rovers (F) L (50) 2-5 Zanone, Bond Tues 6th (H) Kempston SLC 2nd W (65) 8-0 Clements(4), Zanone, Rolfe, Corran, Payne Sat 17th Nov (H) Coleshill Town D (95) 2-2 Payne, Clements Sat 24th Nov (H) North Leigh W (74) 3-0 Payne, Clements, Zanone Sat 1st Dec (A) Kempston Rovers W (121) 3-2 Zanone, Keenleyside, Close Tues 4th Dec (A) Berkhamsted SLC 3rd L (4-2 pens) 0-0 Clements(P) Elliott (P) Tues 11th Dec (A) Yaxley L (53) 3-4 Zanone, Close, Bond Sat 15th Dec (A) Thame United L (58) 2-4 Zanone, Keenleyside Weds 26th Dec (A) Barton Rovers L (153) 0-1 Sat 29th Dec (A) Didcot Town D (171) 3-3 Zanone (2) Bond

League Games unless specified by competition key: FAC= FA Cup, HCS = Herts Charity Shield, SLC = Southern League Cup, FAT = Buildbase FA Trophy, HSC= Herts Senior Cup, F = Friendly

7 WELWYN GARDEN CITY - EVO-STIK LEAGUE SOUTH DIVISION ONE CENTRAL 2018/19

Tues 1st Jan (H) Dunstable Town L (141) 0-1 Sat 5th Jan (A) Aylesbury D (111) 0-0 Tues 15th Jan (H) Sutton Coldfield Town D (138) 1-1 Sexton Sat 19th Jan (H) Aylesbury United D (153) 0-0 Sat 26th Jan (A) Berkhamsted D (168) 2-2 Pattison, Keenleyside Sat 9th Feb (A) Kidlington D (60) 0-0 Tues 12th Feb (H) Hadley HCS L (46) 0-1 Sat 16th Feb (H) Thame United W (126) 3-1 Da-Silva(2), Alomenu Sat 23rd Feb (A) Sutton Coldfield Town D (169) 1-1 Da-Silva Tues 26th Feb (H) Corby Town L (157) 2-5 Bailey(2) Tues 5th March (H) AFC Dunstable L (93) 0-1 Sat 9th March (A) Coleshill Town L (133) 1-2 Bailey Sat 16th March (H) Bromsgrove Sporting L (328) 0-3 Sat 23rd March (A) Cambridge City L (169) 1-4 Bailey Sat 30th March (H) Kempston Rovers L (124) 1-2 Bailey Tues 2nd April (H) Peterborough Sports L (130) 1-3 Campbell-Mhlope Sat 6th April (A) North Leigh D (95) 3-3 Campbell-Mhlope, McKeown, Da Silva Sat 13th April (A) Corby Town W (383) 4-1 McKeown(2) Da Silva, Keenleyside Sat 20th April (H) Bedford Town L (221) 0-3 Mon 22nd April (A) Dunstable Town W (143) 3-1 Keenleyside, Campbell-Mhlope, McKeown Sat 27th April (H) Aylesbury W (122) 2-0 Campbell-Mhlope, McKeown 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) 58 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)

8 Welwyn Garden City 1st team Appearances & goals

2018/19 Appearances (Sub) - Goals... Career Appearances - Goals (League & Cup games only) Romelle Alomenu 1 (1) 7 (3) 1 John Paul Antwi 1 (1) 1 (1) Brodie Carrington (3)

Ollie Carey (2) (2)

Toby Cleaver 2 2

Connor Clarke

Lee Close 2 19

Matt Crook

Eusebio Da-Silva 2 3 13 (3) 8

Dylan Ebengo 2 14

George Ironton 2 1 41 (13) 11

Charlie Jones 2

Dave Keenleyside 1 25 (1) 4 Ashley Kersey 119 (23) 66 Jordan Lawal William McClelland 2 8 Carl Mensah 1 (1) 27 (2) Charlie Payne Jay Rolfe 2 1 101 (5) 8 Connor Sansom 2 2 Rory Satterly-Hull (1) Geraldo Smaldone Aundre Spencer 1 (1) 1 (1) Jonny Sexton 76 (1) 1 Jess Walklin 1 8 (2)

9 The club was formed in 2009 wins over AFC Dunstable and also beating Tring Athletic at and won the Molten Spartan Harefield United, but defeat at home in the St Marys Cup fi- South Midlands League Divi- Daventry Town. In 2014 Ash- nal. In 2015 they landed the sion 2 title in its first season, ford Town eliminated the club Premier Division Cup, beating losing only once each at home in the first match and in 2015 Colney Heath after a penalty and away. Winning division 2 the Comrades won against shoot-out in the final. In 2014 by 9 points led to promotion to Hanworth Villa but went out they were on the wrong end of division 1. The team were again to Barton Rovers. Last season the shoot out to Ampthill champions in 2010-11, this Berko went out to Cogenhoe Town in the final of the same time by 15 points and were un- United before the league sea- competition. Two seasons ago beaten at home in the league. son had started. Berko were runners up 4-3 to This earned a second succes- Welwyn Garden City in the Two years ago Berkhamsted sive promotion and movement final of the Challenge Trophy. reached the last 16 of the FA up to the Premier division, 2014/15 featured their best Vase, going out 2-1 at home to where the club has stayed ever run in the Herts. Senior Cup the eventual winners Morpeth since. The total of 107 points when they beat three fellow Town. They got there with six was the highest in the season Premier division sides before wins earning the club the for any club in the non-league going out in the semi- final 2- Houghton Regis Trophy. pyramid, prompting the Herts 1 at home to Conference There were four home wins FA to award the club the pres- South side Hemel Hempstead over United Counties League tigious Sir Stanley Rous Me- Town. sides: Woodford United, morial Trophy. It is named after Northampton ON Chenecks, The club nickname is the a former local referee and ad- Northampton Spencer and Comrades, after Berkhamsted ministrator who rose all the AFC Kempston Rovers and a Comrades which was the way from West Herts. football 3-2 win at Saffron Walden name of the football club to the top job at FIFA. Town. That was followed by a formed in the town by ser- 2011 saw the club enter the FA 4-2 win at home to Hullbridge vicemen returning from the Cup and FA Youth Cup for the Sports, a side they lost to First World War. It later first time. The FA Cup tie with away after extra time in 2013. changed its name to Berkham- St Albans City produced the Last season they reached the sted Town, but that club fold- club’s largest attendance to last 32 by beating Hullbridge ed for financial reasons in ear- date: 351 at Clarence Park, be- again and St Margaretsbury ly 2009. fore going out at Broadwater in but went out at Hinckley AFC. This season Berko for the first the replay. In 2012 they went Berko have reached cup finals time have entered a develop- out to Metropolitan Police in in each of the last five sea- ment side in the APBS Spar- the 2nd qualifying round of the sons. Last season they beat tan South Midlands Develop- FA Cup, having knocked out Tring Athletic 3-2 in the Herts ment division and also on Hoddesdon Town, Hadley and Charity Shield final. They Sunday mornings have an un- Uxbridge. 2013 brought home won their first cup in 2013 by der 14 side in the Watford

10 Friendly League. On Sunday team from the club’s inception v Kent Athletic in Division 2 afternoons the ground hosts after he joined from Lever- in 2009-10 ladies football. stock Green. He has also man- Biggest away league win 11-0 aged Hemel Hempstead Steve Bateman returned to away to Hatfield Town in the (where he had a long playing Broadwater as manager dur- Premier division in 2013-14 career) and Tring Town. ing last season. He took Biggest cup win 12-1 at Stot- Berkhamsted Town to the Ross Blyth and Chloe Pearcy fold in the FA 2001 FA Vase Cup this season final at Villa Park, where Highest aggre- they finished gate score 10-3 as runners up win at Mursley to Taunton United in divi- Town. In the sion 2 in 2009- semi-final a 10 Broadwater Heaviest league record attend- defeat 1-7 at ance of 1,732 Hanwell Town in was recorded the Premier divi- for the win sion in 2011-12 over Bedling- Heaviest cup de- ton Terriers. feat 0-6 at Hem- Steve went on el Hempstead to manage Town in the St Chesham Marys Cup 2011 United, -12 Slough Town and Aylesbury. Best attendance His playing at home 327 career includ- against Morpeth ed spells with Everton, Har- are young physios in their sec- Town in the FA Vase last 16 in row ond season at the club 2015-16

Borough and Chesham Unit- Records to date include: Most goals in a season 43 ed. James Armstrong & Connor Highest Premier Division fi- Calcutt He is assisted by Mick Vi- nal league placing 5th in 2014 pond, who has over 50 years and 2016. Player progressing to the of football experience. Mick Football League: Connor Cal- Vipond was in charge of the Biggest home league win 10-0 cutt-Stevenage 11 Pre-Season friendly Welwyn Garden City 1-3 Luton Town 07/07/19 WELWYN GC’s opening pre- Ironton after the game. They For WGC, there were impres- season fixture was a bumper all gave everything against the sive debuts for full-back Con- occasion. slickest team they will meet nor Clarke and Ollie Carey Now only was it watched by a all season. I couldn’t be more upfront, while in the second- record crowd, but Luton filled a pleased.’’ half, other new signings season-long obligation to field Luton scored twice through George Naismith, Matt Crook a full strength team to the de- James Collins in the 15th and and Will McClelland, all got light of their legion of support- 26th minutes, the first a neat, outings. ers among the 825 paying cus- stooping header, the second a Danny Hylton added a Luton tomers packed into the BP mere tap-in, but not until after third late in the game, after Mitchell Stadium, Herns Lane. new WGC keeper Connor WGC keeper Charlie Jones Sansom had made an excel- made a spectacular tip-over Match Report by lent point-blank save to deny save earlier in the half. the Luton top scorer in the Phil Ravitz The third goal added a little first five minutes. gloss to the result for the visi- For the Hatters; fans there was Two minutes from the inter- tors, but it didn’t detract from the excitement of watching val, WGC shocked their visi- a fine day all round for Wel- their team play a first fixture tors with a spectacular goal to wyn GC FC, under new manager Graeme reduce the arrears, guest play- WGC: Sansom (Jones 45), Jones, as he ran his eye over er Ian Rees hit a thumping 20 Clarke (Crook 62), Ebengo last season’s EFL League 1 yard volley past keeper Harry (McClelland 55), Mensah, champions. Isted. Rolfe (Harris 77), Close From the Citizens’ viewpoint, Sadly for WGC supporters, (Dimmock 55), Rees, Keen- there was equal interest in see- Rees, a former Luton and leyside (Naismith 67), Ironton ing the new man in charge at Hemel Hempstead player, is (Alomenu 62), Carrington Herns Lane, Nick Ironton take only home for the holidays (Hull 77), Carey (A trialist his first game as WGC’s new from the USA and returns to 67). boss. the States shortly. Att: 852 And both managers roused The Kenilworth Road club their new teams into producing fielded an entirely different XI a fine spectacle that resulted in for the second 45 minutes, but a 3-1 win for the Hatters, but still a very strong side. All also a very creditable and en- four of Luton’s close season couraging performance from signings, Callum McMana- their hosts. man, Ryan Tunnicliffe, Martin “I was delighted with every Crainie and Brendan Gallo- player in a WGC shirt,’’ said way, all got 45 minutes apiece.

12 Welwyn Garden City FC Player Sponsorship

JP Antwi Brodie Carrington Connor Clarke Ollie Carey Sponsor Sponsor Sponsor Sponsor WGC Golf Club

Lee Close Eusebio Da-Silva Dylan Ebengo Matt Crook Sponsor David Coates Snr & Jnr Sponsor Dave Vass & Andy Cornish Sponsor Gavin Meaden

Dave Keenleyside Charlie Payne George Ironton Ashley Kersey Sponsor Ed Clark Sponsor Russell Giblin

Will McClelland Charlie Jones Carl Mensah Jordan Lawal Sponsor @WGCFC fans

13 Welwyn Garden City FC Player Sponsorship

Connor Sansom Jay Rolfe Jonny Sexton Rory Satterly-Hull Sponsor Sponsor Sponsor Mick Barnett & Wayne Norwood

Jess Walklin Toby Cleaver Alex Harries Romelle Alomenu

David Owen Callem Kingsley Aundre Spencer Geraldo Smaldone

Nick Ironton Jon Stevenson Ricci Crace Dave Bastian

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

Welwyn Garden City Roll Call 2019/2020 - Thank you to Gavin Meaden

Smaldone

Alomenu

Carey

Mensah

Jones

Spencer

Keenleyside

Cleaver

Ironton

DaSilva

McClelland

Ebengo

Antwi

Rolfe

Sansom

Pos

Att

116

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

ThameUtd

KEMPSTON ROVERS KEMPSTON

WantageTown

BIGGLESWADE

Berkhamsted

BARTON ROVERS BARTON

CorbyTown

DidcotTown

BEDFORD TOWN BEDFORD

AylesburyUtd

YAXLEY

NorthLeigh

KIDLINGTON

COLESHILLTOWN

DaventryTown

AFC Dunstable AFC

BEDWORTH UTD BEDWORTH

CANVEY ISLAND CANVEY

KempstonRovers

THAME UTD THAME

HITCHIN TOWN HITCHIN

ST NEOTS TOWN NEOTS ST

HalesowenTown

BERKHAMSTED

WingateFinchley&

Biggleswade

WANTAGE TOWN WANTAGE

SLC1

FAC-P

SLCup

Comp

FAT-EP

Date

25-Apr

18-Apr

13-Apr

11-Apr

04-Apr

25-Jan

18-Jan

11-Jan

04-Jan

01-Jan

19-Oct

08-Oct

05-Oct

29-Feb

22-Feb

15-Feb

08-Feb

01-Feb

28-Sep

21-Sep

14-Sep

10-Sep

03-Sep

31-Aug

26-Aug

24-Aug

20-Aug

17-Aug

26-Dec

21-Dec

14-Dec

07-Dec

30-Nov

23-Nov

16-Nov

09-Nov

02-Nov

28-Mar

21-Mar

14-Mar

07-Mar WELWYN GARDEN CITY FC. BETVICTOR SOUTHERN LEAGUE CENTRAL DIVISION 1. 2019-20201. DIVISION CENTRAL LEAGUE SOUTHERN BETVICTOR FC. CITY GARDEN WELWYN 15 Southern Counties Floodlit Youth League - Olympian Division

Played Won Drew Lost Goal diff Points Enfield Town 14 12 2 0 22 38 Broxboure Boro 14 11 0 3 23 33 Takeley 14 10 2 2 19 32 St Margaretsbury 14 4 5 5 -4 17 Hertford Town 14 3 3 8 -10 12 Codicote 14 3 2 9 -11 11 CITIZENS 14 3 2 9 -22 11 Sawbridgeworth 14 2 0 12 -43 6 Thurs August 30th (A) St Margaretsbury (League) 1-1 Carrington Tues September 4th (H) Sawbridgeworth T (League) 5-2 Carrington(3) Reed(2) Weds September 5th (A) Cheshunt (FA Youth Cup Pre) 20-0 Tues September 11th (H) Broxbourne Boro (League) 2-6 Coats(2) Thurs September 20th (H) Ware FC (FA Youth Cup 1Q) 4-2

Tues September 25th (H) Berkhamsted (Hitchings Cup 1st) 7-6 Reed(2) Carrington, Slark, Nanou, Nixon, Andreas Tues October 4th (H) Buckingham Ath (FAYC2Q) 9-0 Thurs October 11th (A) Codicote (League) 4-5 Andreas, Reed, Colbolt, Gammon Thurs October 18th (A) Broxbourne Boro (League) 3-8 Coates, Ramsdale, Taylor Thurs October 18th (H) Andover Town (FAYCup 3Q) 1-3 aet Tues October 21st (H) Haringey (Hitchings Cup 2nd) 1-3 Taylor Thurs November 8th (A) Takeley (League) 2-12 Taylor, Edge Thurs November 22nd (A) Sawbridgeworth T (League) 3-0 Reed (2) Ramsdale Tues December 11th (H) Codicote (League) 1-4 Ramsdale Tues January 8th (H) Takeley (League) 1-3 Ramsdale Thurs January 24th (A) Hertford Town (League) 3-0 Carrington, Reed, Coates Mon 28th January (A) Enfield Town (League) 2-5 Carrington(2) Tues February 5th (H) Enfield Town (League) 2-3 Carrington, Satterly-Hull Tues February 19th (H) Hertford Town (League) 3-5 Carrington(2) Reed Thurs March 7th (H) St Margarestsbury (League) 3-3 Carrington(2) Coates Thurs March 21st (H) Sawbridgewoth T (Merton Shield) 3-3 Banahene Colbolt Kendrick Thurs March 28th (A) St Margaretsbury (Merton Shield) 0-2 Thurs 4th April (A) Cockfosters (Merton Shield) 0-5 Tues 16th April (H) Takeley (Merton Shield) 1-4 Taylor

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

Played Won Drew Lost For Against Goal diff Points Broxbourne Boro 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Codicote 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Colney Heath 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Enfield Town 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Hoddesdon Town 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Maccabi London 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Sawbridgeworth 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 St Margaretsbury 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Takeley 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Welwyn Garden City 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Thursday 29th Aug League Away v Broxbourne Boro Thursday 12 Sept League Away v Codicote Monday 30th Sept League Away v Colney Heath Tuesday 8th Oct League Home v St Margaretsbury Monday 14th Oct League Away v Enfield Town Tuesday 29th Oct League Home v Takeley Thursday 7th Nov League Away v Maccabi London Tuesday 12th Nov League Home v Hoddesdon Town Thursday 21st Nov League Away v Sawbridgeworth Town Tuesday 26th Nov League Home v Broxbourne Boro Tuesday 3rd Dec League Home v Codicote Tuesday 10th Dec League Home v Colney Heath Thursday 19th Dec League Away v St Margaretsbury Tuesday 7th Jan League Home v Enfield Town 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

17 18 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 Conor Samson in action against Luton Town 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 (Division 2) To thank you, our fans, the supporters of Welwyn Garden City Football Club we offer free 1971 Joined Metropolitan London League(Reserve Division 1) tickets to fans who appear in this slot of the programme. It is our way of saying thank you for your 1973 Joined South Midlands League loyalty in supporting us. 1997 Joined SS MidlandsLeague

Are you one of the “Face in the Crowd” If so then 2018 Joined the Southern League please contact One of the Committee members for your free ticket Information kindly collated by club supporter Mick Barnett

19 In off the POST an interview with Jon Stevenson by Gavin Meaden

Can you talk us through your tact with Nick Ironton and what does playing career and previous I think that over the years, the Eng- he do that maybe other managers coaching appointments, sparing land team has suffered because of don’t? no detail? the lack of English players playing I first met Nick when I signed for Ware, regularly from a relatively young I started my playing career with he came in as manager but I knew of age in the Premier League. I have a Enfield FC coming through the him from his Arlesey Town days. For theory that Scotland have probably u18's before making my way into me Nick is a players dream in terms of suffered more. There are hardly the 1st team. However it was the manager as he simply says it how it is. any Scots in the Premier now and same year that the ground was sold He will be honest whether it be good or going back to when Scotland quali- which resulted in me moving to bad. That style of management was fied for tournaments, all top teams Boreham Wood to play games, after perfect for me as a player. had two or three at least. What do two years I then moved to Potters you think? Bar Town where I was part of a Who did you support as a lad? winning team which went onto win I do believe that the amount of the Spartan Premier League. After I have always been an arsenal fan overseas players playing in the Premier League may have caused this I had a number of moves at the How familiar with WGC FC were the England team to suffer how- following clubs Enfield Town, you before coming in? Hitchin Town FC, Hemel Hemp- ever it's also due to the lack of stead, Borehamwood (where we I knew of Welwyn from my St Mar- trust from coaches in young play- won the league and reached the garetsbury days, it was the year they ers and are England as good as semi final of the FA trophy) St Al- won the league and I remember playing we all think ? them both home and away which we bans, Harlow, Slough, Brimsdown, VAR. Yes or no? i was in the yes won one and lost one. Ware and lastly St Margretsbury camp but the way it was imple- where I started my managerial ca- The old adage is, “Ah, but can he do mented in the summer made a reer. This gave me the step into it on a rainy Tuesday night in Stoke mockery of games in my opinion. management as I was player assis- in November?” What’s your town of Where do you stand? tant but I found the playing side a choice near the A50? little difficult due to injuries so Nope not a fan at all. The game has spent two seasons as assistant man- Let's go with Derby (first thing I no- always been made from snap deci- ager. It was a hard transition at the ticed with Google search) sions and the old quote of they al- start but I wanted to see if I could ways level out over a season was make the move over which looking If you had the opportunity to coach fine for me. The game that I grew back now I'm glad I did. or manage in a different country, up watching and played is going in which would you choose and why? my opinion. What would you describe as your strong points? I would say England simply because we Out of the current playing squad don't dive or cheat as much as the other based on your experience so far I would say my strong points would leagues. Although it's starting to get after the friendlies, who would be having a winning mentality and worse. I hate players cheating. you least like to hear singing kar- being very passionate. Hard work aoke and why would this be? will always pay off. As a player I What was the first football match was a centre half or centre mid- you can remember attending as a This is a tough one as the majority fielder who enjoyed the physical boy? already have too much to say let side of the game. I'd like to think I alone hearing them sing ha ha ha... It was Arsenal at Highbury. I went with was firm but fair but I'm sure Ricci I would hate to hear Closey to be my dad and remember Alan Smith scor- and Basto would disagree. fair as he would moan throughout ing. the song let alone sing. But I reckon How did you first come into con- Mensah would be a decent shout. 20 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]

21 Southern League Central Welwyn Garden City 2-1 Wantage Town 17/08/19

A POWERFUL second-half display gle, for 1-0. crossing into the goalmouth and this gave Welwyn GC a winning start to WGC picked up a couple of bookings time Ironton crowned his display their new Southern League Div 1 before the interval, new winger with a good downward header be- Central campaign and a first victory Aundre Spencer for barging into yond McCready for a fully deserved under new manager Nick Ironton’s Wantage keeper Charlie McCready equaliser. reign. and then Ironton and the visitors’ WGC introduced Olly Carey up The new Herns Lane boss was de- Jozef Fullerton both got cautioned for front with 15 minutes remaining. lighted with his side’s response to their parts in a brief flare-up. Striker Toby Cleaver, who moments his half-time team talk, having been Boss Ironton introduced Romelle before had brought McCready to a less pleased with the opening 45 Alomenu for Spencer inside five fine save from his flicked header, minutes of the Citizens’ season minutes of the second-half’s start and that full-back Pettit had hacked off against League new boys Wantage, Carl Mensah for out-of-sorts Jean- the line, switched to central de- last season’s Hellenic League cham- Paul Antwi at full-back, five minutes fence. pions. later. Will McClelland had taken a knock Match Report by Both had fine second-halfs with Alo- and was replaced. menu making an immediate impact, WGC looked to have their winner giving Wantage full-back Tyron Lee when Carey glanced home a fine Phil Ravitz a torried time, bursting past him to header from Dave Keenleyside’s set up Da Silva, whose powerful shot pinpoint cross three minutes after Certainly the Oxfordshire side set- was beaten away well by keeper coming on, but the effort was ruled tled to their game much better than McCready. out on an assistant’s flag for offside. WGC in the opening stages and new WGC, who were without five players keeper Connor Sansom was forced Still the Citizens kept pressing, Lee for this opening game, dominated th into action in the first minute of this Close’s 89 minute header from an proceedings for the remainder of the game, turning around Wantage’s Ironton corner was headed off the game. Jack Dunmall’s low effort. line by defender Jackson, before a Dylan Ebengo came forward from further corner brought the winner. The visitors grew in confidence and the back to hit a fierce cross-shot that Jack Buchanan was just wide with a Da Silva atoned for earlier misses flew across goal and struck the far snapshot on the turn, as Wantage with a powerful header high beyond post with McCready beaten, before a showed little nerves on their South- McCready into the net, to give defence-splitting ball from Mensah ern League debut. WGC a deserved three points and and a Jay Rolfe cross saw a full much confidence after their impres- WGC’s best chance came from the stretch Da Silva jab another effort th sive second-half revival. outstanding George Ironton’s 15 also against Wantage’s woodwork. minute free-kick. The manager’s son WGC: Sansom, Rolfe, McClel- It was one-way traffic at this stage deceived the visiting defence with land (Carey 75), Ebengo, Antwi and when Alomenu’s strength again his kick, but pre-season top scorer (Mensah 55), Close, Keenleyside, proved too much for Lee, Da Silva Eusebio Da Silva seemed to be sur- Ironton, Da Silva, Cleaver, Spencer somehow contrived to put a golden prised that the ball found him and (Alomenu 51). chance over from almost on the goal- toe-ended the chance wide! line! Att: 116 On 27 minutes, Wantage broke the Eventually this intense pressure deadlock. Ryan Markham’s through brought its reward. ball found Buchanan, who slipped in from the left and beat Sansom with a Again Alomenu was the provider via well placed effort from an acute an- the usual route of rounding Lee and

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23 24 Southern League Central Biggleswade FC 1 - 3 Welwyn Garden City 20/08/19

WELWYN GC took their second James Connell, cleared off the line. latched onto another Ironton free- scalp of a newly promoted side in kick six minutes after the restart, But three minutes later underlined before the dangerous Coles wrong- three days, as they stretched their their strong start, when Romelle footed WGC’s Carl Mensah before unbeaten start to the new Southern Alomenu – in the starting line-up shooting over the bar, as Biggles- League Div 1 Central campaign to after his fine second-half display wade gave a better account of two wins from two games, at Big- on Saturday - crossed high to the themselves in the second-half. gleswade in midweek. back post, where the raiding Jay The victory sees Nick Ironton’s side Rolfe looped a header over Connell A fine curving pass from Da Silva one of five sides to win both their into the opposite corner for 1-0. put Cleaver in for a good opportunity, but the striker allowed Big- opening games – Berkhamsted, Three minutes on and the in-form gleswade defender Michael Fisher Halesowen, AFC Dunstable and Eusebio Da Silva laid on a shoot- to get to him and block out the dan- newcomers Daventry – being the ing chance for Alomenu, but the others. ger. wide player dragged it across goal. Both sides rang the changes – Match Report by Cleaver stabbed a George Ironton WGC bringing on Jean-Paul Antwi, corner just past a post on 18 Aundre Spencer and Olly Carey – Phil Ravitz minutes, but a minute later WGC with Dylan Ebengo, Will McClel- doubled their advantage, Da Silva land and finally Cleaver making If both clubs steer clear of an FA taking a through ball, cleverly way. Cup replay, then WGC will host switching feet to slip a challenge Berkhamsted on Bank Holiday Mon- and crash in his second goal in as Four minutes from the end, keeper day at Herns Lane, before travelling many games. Sansom failed to collect a corner to Halesowen the following Satur- and Coles fired in a consolation Moments later, he almost had a day, in what looks to be a tough amid the resulting scramble and the second, heading a long free-kick week for the Citizens. home skipper spurned another over. This game was the polar opposite to chance almost on the final whistle, Saturday’s opening day win over But WGC’s pre-season top marks- from a free-kick. man wouldn’t be denied and just Wantage, when WGC overpowered Had that counted it would have giv- past the half-hour he notched his last season’s Hellenic League cham- en the game an unjust scoreline. pions with a very strong second-half second and the side’s third, when showing. an Ironton free-kick eluded the en- WGC dominated this clash for the tire home defence and Da Silva had opening two-thirds, although man- This time, Ironton’s men tore into a simple task of tapping home. ager Ironton will be less pleased their successors as Spartan South with the way his side closed it. Midlands League champions – Big- Biggleswade didn’t have their first gleswade FC – from the first whistle chance until five minutes from the WGC: Sansom, Rolfe, Ebengo and had built up a 3-0 lead by the interval, when Lee Northfield’s (Antwi 63), McClelland (Spencer first half-hour. dipping volley just cleared WGC 63), Mensah, Walklin, Close, Iron- keeper Connor Sansom’s crossbar. ton, Cleaver (Carey 70), Da Silva, It was after the interval that WGC Alomenu. slackened off when comfortably in Sansom was called into action on control and allowed the home side in the stroke of the break, making a Att: 86 for a late consolation, just before the fine body block to keep out a Tom end. Coles effort, as the Beds side im- proved in the half’s closing stages. The Herns Lane side had a sixth minute effort, a clever back-header Da Silva struck a hat-trick chance from Toby Cleaver past home keeper straight at keeper Connell, when he

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

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Manager: Nicky Ironton Manager: Steve Bateman

Assistant: Jon Stevenson Manager: Lee Bircham Coach: Ricci Crace Asst: Dan Jones Physio: Callem Kingsley Coach: Fred Benning Welwyn Garden City v Berkhamsted Wearing: All Claret Wearing: Blue & Yellow Connor Sansom (G/K) Xavi Comas Leon (G/K) Charlie Jones (G/K) Lee Bircham Jonny Sexton Daniel Akubiune Jay Rolfe Daniel Murphy Dylan Ebengo Ryan Kinnane Carl Mensah Darren Locke Connor Clarke Harry Seabrook Romelle Alomenu Cameron Brooks Lee Close Josh Chamberlain Will McClelland Max Farrelly Dave Keenleyside (C) Steve Hatch Jess Walklin Dan Jones Jordan Lawal Ashley Morrissey George Ironton Ben Spaul JP Antwi Marcus Wylie Toby Cleaver Louis Austin Charlie Payne Steve Dodds Eusebio Da Silva Jonathan Lacey

Ollie Carey Lewis Toomey

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