Buildbase FA Trophy Extra Preliminary Round

Saturday 28th September 2019 Kick-Off 3:00pm

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 BP Mitchell Stadium Page 3 Football Club Southern League Central league table Page 4 Management Full Results and Fixtures listing Page 5 & 6 Away addresses at a glance Page 6 First team Team management and club records Page 7 This seasons player roll call Page 8 Todays Visitors Canvey Island club history Page 9 & 10 Nicky Ironton Players and sponsorship Pages 13 & 14 (Manager) Player Roll Call by Gavin Meaden Page 15 Jon Stevenson Focus on Welwyn Garden City U-18’s Page 16 Are you “The Face in the Crowd” Page 17 (Assistant) Citizens Time-Line Page 17 Callem Kingsley Our latest Match reports by Phil Ravitz Pages 11, 19 & 23 (Physio) The Welcome return of “The Mystery Supporter” Page 22 WGC FC Fantasy Football League standings Page 21 Ricci Crace Club Honours & Achievements Page 24 Dave Bastian New Rule changes for 2019/20 by the FA Page 25 (Coaches) Canvey Island Pen-Pictures Pages 26 & 27 Full team line-ups Page 30 Dave Keenleyside (Team Captain) Up next at the Head Groundsman B.P.Mitchell Stadium Paul Cox Tuesday 1st October Kit Manager Dave Owen Southern League Cup Citizens v Royston Town Kick-Off 7:45 pm

Welcome to Herns Way & the Front cover photo: Main Image, Lee Close goes close! Inset pics, Brodie Carrington. Will McClelland B.P Mitchell Stadium and Carl Mensah.

Today we welcome Canvey Island FC to Herns Way Please get behind the lads - your support for this, FA Trophy Extra Preliminary Round tie. And and vocal encouragement are vital! we welcome the players, Officials and supporters of our guests inviting them to join us for hospitality after the game. Our welcome extends to our visiting match COME ON YOU officials Stephen Parkinson who will be assisted by Andrew Hickman & Gareth Burton. We hope you CITIZENS enjoy your visit to Herns Way and have a safe journey home.

We also welcome to Herns Way SymonAllemandy who is a reporters for East Herts Radio and the radio show named 90 Minute—Local Football Show which is aired every Sunday eveing between 9 PM for 90 Minutes and covers local Non-League sides and Non League football and news in and around East Hertford- shire and London. Symon will be interviewing our George Ironton receives a bottle of wine from manager Nick Ironton and maybe a player or two too. Committee Member and Fixtures Secretary Mike Isaacs for winning the August Committee Player of Team News the month Bear with me on this one!! We may or may not have a fixture this coming Tuesday, here at Herns Way! It all depends if ….we draw this afternoon against Canvey Island. If today’s game ends in a draw then we are due to play the replay Tuesday evening, the 1st October.

However, if today’s game is victory for either side then we will play Royston Town in the Southern League Cup 2nd round.

We also have a home fixture next Saturday against Bedworth United in a Southern League Central division fixture.

This coming Monday our U-18’s take on Aveley in the FA Youth Cup in Essex. The lads would appreciate your support so why not offer to give people a lift if you are planning to head off to the match.

3 Southern League Central Division - League Table September 2019

Played Won Drew Lost For Against Goal diff Points AFC Dunstable 7 6 0 1 24 6 16 18 Berkhamsted 7 5 2 0 22 2 20 17 Corby Town 6 4 2 0 12 6 6 14 THE CITIZENS 6 4 1 1 12 5 7 13 Aylesbury United 7 3 4 0 8 1 7 13 Bedford Town 8 3 4 1 11 11 0 13 Halesowen Town 6 4 0 2 12 8 4 12 Daventry Town 7 4 0 3 9 12 -3 12 Barton Rovers 7 3 2 2 17 14 3 11 Thame United 6 2 1 3 15 10 5 7 Yaxley 7 2 1 4 13 12 1 7 North Leigh 6 2 1 3 11 10 1 7 Kidlington 6 2 1 3 6 10 -4 7 Didcot Town 7 2 1 4 4 10 -6 7 Biggleswade 6 1 3 2 7 9 -2 6 Kempston Rovers 7 2 0 5 8 14 -6 6 Coleshill Town 6 1 1 4 7 11 -4 4 Bedworth United 5 1 1 3 7 12 -5 4 St Neots Town 6 1 1 4 8 17 -9 4 Wantage Town 7 0 0 7 2 33 -31 0

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) 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 3rd Sept (H) Harpenden Town (F) W 75 5-0 Carrington, Cleaver, Stead 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 Tues 17th Sept (H) Sandridge Rovers (F) W 60 10-0 Bailey (3) Carrington (2) Satterly- Hull, Stead, Quarrington-Carter, 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) Tues 1st Oct (H) Royston Town (SLC) 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) Key: SL = Southern League, FAC = FA Cup, HCS = Herts Charity Shield, FAT = FA Trophy

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 FC - Management Team

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

Dave Owens Callen Kingsley Kit Manager Club Physio All time Welwyn Garden City FC Player records

All time Record Appearances All time record Goalscorers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

218 Steve Brown (1977-79, 1980-85 & 2012-13) 58 Josh Bronti (2014-2017)

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

2018/19 Appearances (Sub) - Goals... Career Appearances - Goals (League & Cup games only) Romelle Alomenu 5 (1) 92 (3) 1 John-Paul Antwi 2 (2) 2 (2) Elliott Bailey 1 (1) 13 (4) 5 Jack Bradshaw 4 4

Brodie Carrington 1 (4) 1 1 (8) 1

Ollie Carey 1 (2) 1 (2)

Toby Cleaver 8 (1) 2 8 (1) 2

Connor Clarke (1) (1)

Lee Close 7 24

Eusebio Da-Silva 3 (4) 4 14 (7) 9

Dylan Ebengo 5 (2) 17 (2)

George Ironton 8 3 47 (13) 13

Charlie Jones 3 5

Dave Keenleyside 7 2 31 (1) 6 William McClelland 6 2 12 2 Carl Mensah 7 (1) 1 34 (2) 2 Charlie Payne 2 (2) 2 (2) Ben Quarrington-Carter Jay Rolfe 6 2 105 (5) 9 Connor Sansom 2 2 Rory Satterly-Hull (1) Ryan Schmid 4 4 Geraldo Smaldone 1 (3) 1 (3) Jonny Sexton 6 (1) 82 (2) 1 Callum Stead 3 (1) 1 3 (1) 1 Jess Walklin 6 13 (2)

8 The Club was founded in 1926, but un- ble fifth in the League and retained the breaking season the following year fortunately most of the early records of Essex Senior Cup, defeating Purfleet when they reached the Third Round the Club were lost in the devastating in the Final. Proper of the FA Cup for the first East Coast floods of 1953. The Club time. On the way they beat five teams The following season had seen the were very successful during their days including two from the Second Divi- team win the FA Trophy by beating in the local leagues, winning many cups sion of the Football League, Wigan Forest Green Rovers 1-0 in the final in and league championships in the pro- Athletic at the JJB Stadium, and front of over 10,000 people at Villa cess. During these years, the club ap- Northampton Town in front of a full Park and thousands more watching pointed Denis Neville as manager, his house at Park Lane and five million live on television. To win the FA Tro- first job after leaving his position as the television viewers on 'Match of the phy they had to beat four Conference Dutch National Team manager. Day Live'. Burnley finally knocked League teams in succession - Steven- them out in a memorable game at Turf age Borough, Telford United, Chester However, the club had drifted away to- Moor. They finished runners-up in the City (over two legs) and Forest Green. wards the end of the 1980’s, and the Ryman Premier League, despite win- In previous rounds Canvey defeated very existence of Canvey Island FC was ning thirty games and scoring 108 Harlow Town, Northwood and Bilston in serious doubt. When it looked as goals, and in defending the FA Trophy Town. Earlier in the season the Club though the end was near, local business- the team had a fine run before narrow- had another great FA Cup run and af- man and former Canvey player Jeff ly losing away to the eventual winners, ter beating Braintree Town, King's King took over as manager, as well as Yeovil Town. The team did, however, Lynn and Cambridge City they were helping to generate funds to take the end the season with silverware when drawn against Port Vale from the Sec- club forward. winning the Essex Senior Cup, beating ond Division of the Football League. Dagenham & Redbridge in the final. Canvey the enjoyed a meteoric rise up In an exciting match at Park Lane they the football pyramid, the success start- drew 4-4 after being 4-2 down with Canvey had another fine League sea- ing in 1993 where The Gulls won the only two minutes left to play. Howev- son the previous year, finishing run- Essex Senior League and reached the er, even better was to follow as they ners-up in the Ryman Premier League. semi-final of the FA Vase. went to Port Vale and beat them 2-1 Although this was another superb per- after extra time. They were then drawn The Club then gained promotion to the formance, finishing thirteen points at home to Football League neigh- clear of the third placed club, it was Isthmian League in 1994 and won pro- bours Southend United. To accommo- tinged with disappointment as it was motion from Division Three and Divi- date the number of people wishing to sion Two in successive seasons. In the third season running the Club had see the game, Canvey agreed to trans- 1995/96 after beating Conference team finished runners-up in their quest to fer the match to Southend's Roots Hall reach the Conference League. To- Hednesford Town in the FA Cup they ground. A capacity crowd of 11,400 wards the end of the season the Club reached the First Round Proper and people saw the game, with record gate drew 2-2 with Football League team had a ground record attendance of receipts for a game at Southend, and Brighton & Hove Albion at Park Lane 3,553 when playing the eventual Canvey were narrowly beaten. These in front of a then ground record crowd champions Aldershot Town in a mid- tremendous cup runs took their toll in week League game. However, the dis- of 3,400. The replay was lost at Bright- the League. With a large number of appointment was a mark of how far on in front of a crowd of over 7,000. As matches being postponed on oppo- well as winning Division Two the team the Club had progressed over the last nents’ grounds because of waterlogged were also winners of the Carlton Trophy decade, since winning the Essex Sen- pitches, it meant they had to complete ior League. and Thames-side Trophy. the season with ten league games in The season 1998/99 was yet another fifteen days and consequently dropped The next season saw Canvey reach the exciting one for the supporters as the points that may have taken them to the goal they had been working towards for the previous four years, as they Club won the Division One champion- league title and a place in the Confer- ship and the Essex Senior Cup, beating ence League. However, it was still a won the Ryman Premier League by a Leyton Orient in the final. Season fine performance to finish runners-up margin of nineteen points. Canvey 1999/2000 was the Club's first season in in their second season in the Premier also reached the FA Trophy final and the Premier Division of the Ryman Division. the 1st Round of the FA Cup. The League was clinched at Easter with League and they finished a very credita- The Club had enjoyed a then record- seven Continued on page 11 9 games still to play and the team finally Canvey went one better the following Thurrock FC's Ship Lane. Having de- finished with a total of 104 points. The season, gaining promotion to the Ry- feated another Football League side, FA Trophy run included wins over man Premier League through the Dagenham & Redbridge, on penalties Conference teams Farnborough Town Playoffs. A run of 5 wins from our in the semi-finals, a headed goal from and Telford United, in the two-legged final 6 games earned us a place in the Rob King with 7 minutes to play won semi-final, before losing 3-2 in an ex- playoffs, and after beating AFC Sud- Canvey the cup without having con- citing final at Villa Park against Hed- bury away 3-2 after extra time, The ceded a goal throughout the competi- nesford United. After a fine run in the Gulls travelled to Redbridge for the tion. FA Cup the team was narrowly beaten final. After the match finished 1-1 af- at home 3-2 by Third Division neigh- ter extra time, Canvey won a nailbiting Alzapiedi left the club in July 2012 bours Southend United, after a 1-1 penalty shootout 5-4 to earn promo- and was replaced by former-Canvey draw at Roots Hall. tion. During this season, Canvey also captain Steve Tilson, who 5 years pre- knocked out Ryman Premier League viously was managing in the Champi- Canvey’s first season in the Confer- side Maidstone United from the FA onship with Southend United. ence they finished in 18th position in Trophy, and reached the final of the Another managerial change came at the League table, achieving their ini- Essex Thameside Trophy. tial aim of consolidation. The season the end of the 2012/13 when Tilson started well with a draw at Carlisle The 2008/09 season saw The Gulls and his assistant Craig Davidson were United, in front of a 7,000 crowd, on return to the Ryman Premier League released by the club, with centre for- the opening day and just one defeat in after an absence of 4 years. After be- ward Danny Heale taking the job - his the first seven games, against the ing in and around the playoff positions first managerial role in senior football. eventual champions Barnet. After this for the majority of the season, Canvey After staying up on the last day of the the Club lost some key players eventually finished in a credible 12th season in 2015. Canvey were relegated through injury for several months and position, completing a memorable on the same day of the following sea- struggled in the middle part of the sea- double over rivals Billericay Town in son for the first time due to league po- son but came back strongly at the end the process (4-0 at home, 4-2 away). sition in 19 years. to seal their status for a second season. The following season was a disappointment in comparison, with Canvey The club's first season in the Bostik The following season saw the club in and around the playoffs at Christ- North nearly ended in an immediate achieve it’s highest ever league posi- mas only to fall away and finish 16th return, reaching the playoff final but tion, as they earned a respectable 14th come the end of the season, a place losing 3-1 away to Haringey Borough. place. However, the lack of success which they consolidated the following compared to previous seasons had tak- year. The Gulls picked up their first piece of en its toll on the attendances, so much silverware in six years ahead of the so that Jeff King made the decision to The 2010/11 season was a vast im- 2018/19 season, beating reiging Bostik withdraw his financial and footballing provement, and a superb second half North champions AFC Hornchurch 2- interests from the club. However, the of the season saw Canvey finish in 6th 1 to win the Isthmian Charity Shield. supporters of the club rallied together position, missing out on the playoff to allow the team to continue playing places on goal difference. the following year in the Ryman League Division 1 North. Manager John Batch stood down in January 2012, with the club lying in John Batch take over as manager for 10th place in the Ryman Premier the 2006/07 campaign, with his re- League. Then first team coach Glen serve side from the previous season Alzapiedi took over as manager, with making up the bulk of the squad. A Batch remaining with the club in his learning curve for all concerned very role as a Director. nearly ended up in promotion, though The Gulls narrowly missed out on a In April 2012 The Gulls won the Es- playoff place, finishing 6th on the last sex Senior Cup for the first time in a day of the season. decade with a 1-0 victory against League One side Colchester United at

10 Southern League Central Kempston Rovers 0-3 The Citizens 21/09/19

WELWYN GC won their third chance was lost. but the skipper pulled his effort across goal. successive away match in the WGC continued to dominate. Southern League Div 1 Central to Home full-back Finlay Brennan A second wasn’t long in coming. stay fifth in a very congested up- almost volleyed into his own A good interception and through per table in the division. goal and Jesse Walklin struck a ball by Bradshaw set Stead on The Citizens added Kempston 30 yarder just wide. his way. This time he found Rovers’ scalp to those of Biggles- The chances mounted with Ironton, who checked inside a wade and Halesowen, already lift- Cleaver and George Ironton be- defender before lashing his ef- ed away from Herns Lane. ing particularly prolifigate, with fort past Knox. Kempston hardly giving the vis- Both sides rang the changes, Match Report by iting defence any worries. Bailey replacing Cleaver on the hour and Gerardo Smaldone Phil Ravitz Then with half-time beckoning and a goalless scoreline looking coming on for Walklin for the inevitable, WGC struck. Again final 15 minutes. It took the Herns Lane side until a Stead was the provider, put Kempston didn’t have a shot on minute from the interval to actual- away by fine work by Walklin. goal until the final quarter when ly take the lead in a game in This time Ironton’s shot brought a slick move down the left saw which they were clearly the slick- substitute Beldon find Ben er, more inventive side. a full length save from home keeper Knox, but he couldn’t Baker on the right of the area. Suspended manager Nick Ironton, He fired goalwards, but Jones who had to watch the game from made a good save, blocking with Toby Cleaver the stands as he began a two his legs to deny the Beds team match ban, was without keeper any route back into the game. Ryan Schmid (calf) and striker Two minutes from time, Car- Eusebio Da Silva (hamstring). rington continued his current Charlie Jones was drafted in be- rich vein of scoring form, with tween the posts, while striker El- the third. Another fine break by liot Bailey, who re-joined the club the outstanding Stead created the in midweek after a spell at Hert- chance. Teenager’s Carrington’s ford, was included on the bench. first effort was blocked, but he A fine long range ball from the whipped in the rebound with his back by Jack Bradshaw that found hold the effort and Cleaver left-foot in fine style, to com- Romelle Alomenu created the swept in the rebound for a de- plete a satisfying and comforta- first WGC chance, but both Alo- served WGC lead. ble afternoon’s work for the Citi- zens. menu’s shot and the follow-up WGC’s young striking star Bro- effort from central defender Carl die Carrington replaced Alo- WGC: Jones, Bradshaw, Men- Mensah, were blocked. menu immediately after the in- sah, Close, Sexton, Stead, Walklin (Smaldone 78), Keen- The trickery of winger Callum terval and teenager was straight leyside, Ironton, Cleaver (Bailey Stead created the next chance, but into the action with a left-wing 62), Alomenu (Carrington 46). striker Toby Cleaver took his fi- run and cross that found Stead, nal effort too wide and a golden who set up Dave Keenleyside, Att: 83 11 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 Callum Stead Sponsor David Coates Snr & Jnr Sponsor Dave Vass & Andy Cornish Sponsor Gavin Meaden

Dave Keenleyside Charlie Payne George Ironton Ryan Schmid Sponsor Ed Clark Sponsor Russell Giblin

Will McClelland Charlie Jones Carl Mensah Jack Bradshaw Sponsor @WGCFC fans

12 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

Elliot Bailey Geraldo Smaldone Ben Quarrington

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

Clarke

Stead

Bailey

Harris

Sansom

Spencer

Smaldone

Carrington

Antwi

Harris

Payne

Ebengo

Alomenu

Smaldone

Carey

Sexton

DaSilva

Smaldone

Carrington

Antwi

Payne

Harris

Ebengo

Cleaver

DaSilva

Mensah

Carrington

Jones

Payne

Sansom

DaSilva

Bradshaw

McClelland

Antwi

Payne

Walklin

Spencer

Alomenu

Carrington

Walklin

Keenleyside

Bailey

Cleaver

Payne

Ironton

Rolfe

Stead

Carey

Stead

DaSilva

Walklin

Mensah

Mensah *

Mensah

McClelland

Mensah

McClelland

Ebengo

Walklin

Ebengo

Walklin

Mensah

Bradshaw

Antwi

Sexton

Mensah

Alomenu

Rolfe

Smaldone

Bradshaw

Jones

Schmid

Sansom

Pos

Att

125

503

151

121

149

116

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

ThameUtd

KEMPSTON ROVERS KEMPSTON

WantageTown

BIGGLESWADE

Berkhamsted

BARTON ROVERS BARTON

CorbyTown

DidcotTown

BEDFORD TOWN BEDFORD

AylesburyUtd

YAXLEY

NorthLeigh

HitchinTown

KIDLINGTON

COLESHILLTOWN

DaventryTown

ST NEOTS TOWN NEOTS ST

AFC Dunstable AFC

BEDWORTH UTD BEDWORTH

CANVEY ISLAND CANVEY

HADLEY

KempstonRovers

THAME UTD THAME

HITCHIN TOWN HITCHIN

HalesowenTown

BERKHAMSTED

Wingate&Finchley

Biggleswade

WANTAGE TOWN WANTAGE

HSC

HCS

LC-1

SLC1

FAC-P

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

15-Oct

08-Oct

05-Oct

29-Feb

22-Feb

15-Feb

08-Feb

01-Feb

28-Sep

24-Sep

21-Sep

14-Sep

10-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

12-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 14 Eusebio Da Silva & Will McClelland in action against Thame United 14/09/19 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 (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

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

Played Won Drew Lost For Against Goal diff Points Enfield Town 2 2 0 0 8 2 6 6 Sawbridgeworth Town 2 2 0 0 8 2 6 6 Takeley 2 1 0 1 14 4 10 3 THE CITIZENS 1 1 0 1 4 2 2 3 Colney Heath 1 1 0 0 2 0 2 3 Maccabi London 2 1 0 1 3 13 -10 3 Codicote 1 0 0 1 1 3 -2 0 Broxbourne Boro 2 0 0 2 2 6 -4 0 St Margaretsbury 1 0 0 1 1 5 -4 0 Hoffesdon Town 2 0 0 2 1 7 -6 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 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

16 17 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]

18 Southern League Central Citizens 1-2 Thame United 14/09/19

WELWYN GC lost their unbeaten McClelland missed a high ball into Blake outpaced the home defence league record in a lack-lustre display the area, new Thame signing Ryan down the left and crossed, keeper that completely upset the Southern Blake outmuscled Jack Bradshaw Ryan Schmid blocked but couldn’t League Div 1 Central formbook at down the right and pulled over a low hold the effort and Thame’s Marcus Herns Lane on Saturday. cross that left the visitors’ top scorer Mealing put in the rebound, only to The Citizens, lying third prior to Dan West with a tap-in for 1-0. be denied by an assistant’s flag. kick-off, went down in the league WGC were level in six minutes, It was brief respite. Five minutes for the first time this season to a McClelland making amends by rising later Thame did net a 2-1 lead from well on the back post to bury a down- the penalty spot, referee Chard spot- Match Report by ward header that found its way into ting a handball as right-winger Greg Thame’s net. Hackett crossed into the WGC area. Phil Ravitz George Ironton, WGC’s most in- Mealing did get on the scoresheet, sliding in an accurate penalty wide ventive performer on the day, collect- Thame United side, at the other end ed a blocked clearance and cleverly of Schmid. of the confidence table, with just one switched feet to shoot inches wide of WGC tried to response for a second point from their opening four games the far post, with a clever piece of time in the game, but much of their before this clash. play. final half-hour efforts were borne But the Oxfordshire side deserved out of frustration and with little co- their victory in face of a WGC dis- hension. play that lacked any of the flair and The exception were an Ironton free- invention of their exciting midweek kick, seven minutes from time, ar- cup win over Hitchin or the steel and rowed towards the top corner, that grit of their outstanding away win at saw Hill make the save of the after- Halesowen in their last league out- noon, tipping it over in great style. ing. A goalline scramble moments later, WGC welcomed back Carl Mensah in which Stead’s low cross found to defence after a one match suspen- Da Silva almost on the goalline, but sion, allowing Lee Close to switch to somehow his effort was deflected midfield in place of the unavailable Will McLelland over the crossbar, was WGC’s clos- Jesse Walklin, who battling qualities est attempt. were badly missed. But in the final minute, Thame sub- The tone for the game – also New boy Callum Stead turned well onto a Bradshaw cross but shot wide stitute Jason Balogun got free and watched by a pitifully low crowd of set up Hackett with a clear chance, just 85 - very disappointing in view of the post and Romelle Alomenu brought a low save from Thame the winger wasting the opportunity of WGC’s fine start to the season – keeper Craig Hill, as the Citizens to make Thame’s unlikely victory was set in the opening 15 minutes, even more emphatic. where nothing of note happened. looked to improve towards the interval. WGC: Schmid, Bradshaw Just after the quarter hour, WGC had (Smaldone 58), McClelland, Men- their first opportunity when Close Alomenu was replaced by Eusebio Da Silva seven minutes into the sec- sah, Sexton, Ironton, Keenleyside, found skipper Dave Keenleyside, Close, Stead, Cleaver (Carrington ond-half to give the Herns Lane side who fired a low effort just past a 62), Alomenu (Da Silva 52). post. some spark upfront. Att: 73 Four minutes later, Thame were Moments later WGC survived a ma- ahead. WGC central defender Will jor scarce as the ever-dangerous 19 Views from our “Mystery Supporter”

different tooth from that specified in home loss 0-3 to Bedford Town, a 3 the paperwork. -1 win at Dunstable Town and finally a 2-0 win over Aylesbury. The Having struggled with the road clo- season finished with 6 teams below sure to get there, I now couldn’t have The Citizens in the table. the tooth extracted and would have to come back. Fortunately he agreed to With happy friends from East Lon- squeeze me in the next day, so I just don who support Leyton Orient I had to persuade my dental surgery to was at Wembley for the FA Trophy send new paperwork at the speed of final. They were disappointed that Storm Gareth struck with Hurricane light so when I turned up the next Orient lost 1-0, but delighted that force in March 2019 in what was a bad morning my upper left 5 could be they had won the Conference and week for me. I had decided to visit sent to the recycling bin, or wherever were also in a Final, which became Bradford for an evening football match teeth go. the Promotion Party. The new at Valley Parade and a daytime visit to Wembley stadium is really excel- At the end of the week The Citizens the amazing Salts Mill in Saltaire which lent. I hadn’t been since they lost at home, and the season had be- is a former textile mill and is now an art knocked the old concrete dump come very difficult. gallery, shopping centre, and restaurant down. complex. Sir Titus Salt actually built a A week later and I travelled to His- I believe that The Womens World town and the mill in 1853. Calling it a ton, where I had seen the impressive Cup occurred during the summer. I textile mill doesn’t do it justice as the and upwardly mobile Histon FC may be alone in thinking that wom- mill was the largest industrial building quite a few times in the ‘noughties’ en should not play football – they in the world by total floor area. as I worked nearby, to see Cam- cannot fall properly – and should bridge City hosting the Citizens. It The storm rather ruined the trip as the play games like netball, rounders, was a disaster for the Citizens. One wind and rain blew throughout the hockey and tennis, but that’s what I day the ‘Lilywhites’ will play at their match, and even under cover I was think, and it isn’t from any lack of own ground in Sawston, where con- soaked and cold as the wind was so respect for women because I have a struction work is set to begin in Sep- strong. I drove home early the next day great deal of that. I very much enjoy tember 2019. Good luck to them, and to escape the storm, and to prepare for spending time with women, but I their sideways move to the Isthmian having a tooth out on Thursday. I ar- am not going to watch women’s League, but on the day they were a rived home to find damage to the roof football. I did see the joke badge for far superior team and we finished and to fence panels, unsurprisingly. the England women’s team which like a team who could get relegated. had 3 Irons on it, for the Ironesses. The extraction was to take place at an On the 30th March Aylesbury and Oral Surgery in Watton-on-Stone. I took I was disappointed that Welwyn Dunstable Town both lost at home, the direct route through Datchworth on- Garden City stayed in the same di- and the Citizens lost at home to ly to find that the road was closed for vision in the Evo-Stik, as I was hop- Kempston Rovers. April showers roadworks. The diversion was diabolical ing for a lateral move to the Isthmi- looked likely to wash us back into and I was a little agitated on arrival at an League aka BetVictor South the Spartan league, especially as Pe- the Oral Surgery. I filled in forms and Central Division. A few years ago terborough won 3-1 at Herns Lane on drank some water, and had one of those because a friend of mine was in- the 2nd April. Dunstable Town did- moments when you think someone is volved with Arlesey Town I saw n’t get any points in April, and having a little joke with you. The paper- Nicky Ironton on many occasions, Aylesbury only got 3 by beating work from my dentist should have said and I am delighted that he has be- Aylesbury Utd 3-1. The Citizens upper left 5, but erroneously pointed the come manager of The Citizens. managed to get 10 points in April, pliers at my lower left 7. My dentist There’s a lot to look forward to with which was the best of the bottom 7 couldn’t be contacted, and the surgeon excellent signings, and winning is a teams, with a 3-3 draw at North wouldn’t agree, despite the horrible con- habit which Nicky enjoys. Bring it Leigh, a 4-1 win at Corby Town, a dition of my upper left 5, to remove a on! 20 Jeffrey Haggerty Associates ------Consulting Building Engineers

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Team Name Manager Points Coatesy Hotspurs David Coates 288 Alan Peyniril Yiyeni Mike Winter 272 The anarchists Paul Butters 261 Welwyn Spurs Steve Lovejoy 257 #Merky Eddie Corbit 241 Pique blinders Alex Harris 228 DJ Gooner HM Stroud 226 Best of British Dave Fallon 220 2in Pink1inStink Brodie Carrington 196 Vauxhall Insigne Ollie Carey 153

21 22 Southern League Cup Preliminary Round Citizens 5-0 Hitchin Town 10/09/19 WELWYN GC took a Southern signing Layne Eadie being Schmid began the second half League Premier scalp for the played in, but WGC’s Jack making another good save second successive season in the Bradshaw got across to de- with his legs to foil the ma- first round of the League Chal- flect the goalbound effort for rauding Eadies before WGC lenge Cup. a corner. made it four 10 minutes after But whereas last season, the The Citizens’ keeper Ryan the restart, new boy Callum Citizens edged into the second Schmid had to kick away a Stead, capping a fine display round by a solitary goal win at Lewis Barker effort on the far with a flying header after Kings Langley, this time they post after WGC’s defence had Keenleyside had provided the outgunned and outclassed been outpaced down the left cross. Premier neighbours Hitchin, and Jesse Walklin got across Horlick then made a fine div- hitting the Canaries for five on to make a timely clearance ing save to prevent Cleaver their first visit to Herns Lane in from an Leon Okuboyjo effort bagging his second of the many years. moments later. night from a sharp, low effort before WGC completed a nap Match Report by But WGC soon squashed any mini Hitchin revival with a hand 20 minutes from time. Phil Ravitz second on 25 minutes. Again Will McClelland, another of Stead did well down the right, WGC’s stars on the night, loft- Nick Ironton’s in-form side, pulling it back for Bradshaw ed in a long free-kick, the with three wins and a draw to put over another dangerous Hitchin defence allowed it to from their four opening league cross. Hitchin cleared but only bounce and home substitute games, were just too much for to WGC skipper Dave Keen- Eusebio Da Silva latched onto a Hitchin side at the other end leyside, who fired his low ef- it, to take it around the keeper of the confidence table, with fort through a crowded area and roll in. just one point from their first into the bottom corner. Hitchin had arguably their four. Walklin then turned attacker, best spell of the game in the From the early moments the breaking from defence, to hit closing stages and WGC keep- Clarets swarmed all over their a fierce 30 yarder just over er Schmid had to make two opponents, taking a seventh mi- keeper Horlock’s bar. good late saves to deny the nute from a picture goal, WGC Two minutes from the break it Premier side even the scantest new boy Callum Stead cleverly was 3-0 and again a tantilising consolation. tricking his full-back before cross from the right did the WGC: Schmid, Bradshaw, putting over an excellent cross damage, Bradshaw’s ball in, Sexton, Walklin, McClelland, that Toby Cleaver glanced past being headed into his own Close, Stead, Ironton (Da Silva Hitchin keeper Charlie Horlock goal by Hitchin captain Josh 56), Cleaver, Keenleyside for 1-0. Bickerstaff getting in front of (Ebengo 68), Alomenu The Canaries tried an immedi- WGC’s eager forwards. (Carrington 58). ate response with their new Att: 125

23 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

24 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 - 25 Mark Bentley - Manager - Appointed as first team manager in October 2018 having previously been in charge of Grays Athletic. As a player Mark represented clubs including Dagenham & Redbridge, Southend United and Gillingham. He joined Grays in the summer of 2014, going on to become player/manager and oversee the creation of an excellent Blues side before departing in 2016. Mark has also worked in academy football at Leyton Orient and Stevenage.

Brad Wellmen - Assistant Manager - Experienced coach who joined the club in the summer of 2013 having spent 16 years coaching in the USA with Chicago Fire. Promoted to assistant manager in November 2017.

Stacey Shave - Goalkeeping Coach - A former Canvey Island goalkeeper who now puts the current crop of keepers through their paces. A popular character at the club.

Alex Waller - Physio - Club physiotherapist who joined the club ahead of the 2017/18 season.

Lamar Johnson - Goalkeeper - Experienced goalkeeper who signed ahead of the 2018/19 season having finished the previous campaign with Aveley. He has also played for Grays Athletic, Concord Rangers, Waltham Abbey and Hertford Town. Date of Birth: 04/11/1991

Sam Dulieu - Defender - Local right back who follows in his father Barry’s footsteps of playing for the Gulls. Made 11 appearances in the 2018/19 season having impressed playing for Benfleet. Date of Birth: 21/03/1995

Michael Finneran - Defender - Central defender who joined in June 2019 from Bostik North rivals Grays Athletic. A local lad, Michael supported Canvey as a child, going on to play for the youth team and reserve team before leaving in search of first team football. Having cut his teeth in the Essex Senior League, he went on to captain Romford in the Bos- tik North before joining Grays in February 2018 where he played regularly in the heart of their defence. Date of Birth: 03/05/1994

Sammy Knott- Defender - Canvey-born full back signed in June 2019 from Waltham Abbey. He is the son of ex-Gulls player from the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, Steve Knott. Sammy played for our successful Academy side before moving into senior football with the likes of Concord Rangers, Aveley and East Thurrock United. His 2016/17 and 2017/18 seasons were hampered with injury, but last year saw a return to fitness with spells with Concord Rangers, Tonbridge Angels and Waltham Abbey where he spent most of the campaign. Date of Birth: 13/01/1996

Martin Lacey- Defender - Left back who joined the first team squad during pre-season after impressing while playing for Benfleet.Date of Birth: 07/05/2000

Zack Littlejohn- Defender - Defender who arrived on a dual registration with Concord Rangers in February 2019. Re- signed for the start of the 2019/20 season before heading off to university. Date of Birth: 07/05/2000

Ade Osifuwa - Defender - Right back who joined the club in February 2019. Came through the ranks at Southend Unit- ed and has since played for clubs including Hayes & Yeading United, Concord Rangers, Cray Wanderers, East Thurrock United, Aveley and Barking. Date of Birth: 15/08/1992

Alex Stephenson - Defender - Central defender who joined from Aveley in August 2018 for a second spell having previously featured on loan from Billericay Town in March 2017. He has also played for Braintree Town. Missed a lot of last season with a recurring shoulder injury. Date of Birth: 17/09/1996

Elliott Warren- Defender - Young defender who joined the club from Chelmsford City's youth setup. Elliott has made over 60 appearances over the past three seasons. Date of Birth: 21/03/1997

Dan Humphreys - Defender/Midfielder- A full back who is also comfortable in midfield, Dan signed for us in August 2019. He played for Aveley last season on loan from Southend United. Date of Birth: 13/04/2000

Continued on page 27

26 James White – Defender/Midfielder- Experienced central defender or midfielder who signed for the club from East Thurrock United in June 2018. James rose to prominence with Dartford between 2010-2012, going on to play for Thur- rock before signing for Concord Rangers in 2014. He spent five years with our island neighbours, becoming club captain before leaving to join East Thurrock United ahead of the 2017/18 season. He featured for Gulls in the 2018 Bostik North playoffs having joined on a dual registration in March 2018.Date of Birth: 05/08/1988

Jose Figura - Midfielder- Central midfielder who has previously played for BÍ/Bolungarvík (Iceland), Billericay Town, Thamesmead Town and VCD Athletic. He also represented Britain in the final of The Chance, a global search for talented footballers organised by Nike that saw him play at Manchester United's Carrington training ground and against FC Barce- lona out in Spain. Date of Birth: 05/07/1993

Samrai Gebrai - Midfielder - Winger who joined from Essex Senior League side Walthamstow in August 2018 having impressed against us during pre-season. Date of Birth: 07/02/2001

Kane Gilbert - Midfielder- Young winger who joined from Halstead Town in December 2018. He has previously spent time on trial with FC Barcelona after impressing while playing for Peterborough United's youth team. Date of Birth: 27/05/1999

Josh Hutchinson - Midfielder- Young winger who joined from Essex Senior League side Redbridge in July 2018. Made 31 appearances last season, scoring 6 goals. Date of Birth: 30/04/1996

Rob Lacey - Midfielder- Older brother of Martin, another who impressed having played regularly for Benfleet last season. Date of Birth: 16/10/1995

Albert Levett- Midfielder- Central midfielder who signed in June 2019 from Brentwood Town where he was captain last season. This will be Albert’s third spell with the Gulls, but in both of his last two stints he found first time football hard to come by. Since then however he has picked up plenty of experience with Barking and Brentwood, scoring seven times from midfield for the latter in 2018/19 and gaining plenty of plaudits for his performances. Date of Birth: 05/10/1993

Ryan Melaugh - Midfielder - Attack-minded player who signed from Tilbury in October 2017. Comfortable either on the wing or up front, Ryan came through the ranks at Colchester United, earning a professional contract in the summer of 2012 before leaving in January 2014. Dropped into non-league football with the likes of Bishop's Stortford, Billericay Town and Harlow Town, being a virtual ever-present in the latter’s Isthmian North promotion winning 2015/16 season. Joined Tilbury in February 2017, scoring against Canvey in a league match less than a month before signing for the Gulls. Date of Birth: 28/08/1994

Jason Hallett - Forward - Prolific goalscorer who has rejoined the Gulls for a fourth spell from Cheshunt in August 2019. Jason first joined Canvey via the Youth & Reserve Teams after John Batch had brought him to the club from Waltham Abbey. He made his senior debut for the club in the Conference before leaving to have a three-year spell with Chelms- ford City upon our resignation from the league. He went on to sign twice more, first in September 2009 and then again in December 2013. He has also played for Concord Rangers, Waltham Abbey and East Thurrock United. Date of Birth: 01/08/1986

Tobi Joseph - Forward - Forward who signed in July 2019 having impressed during pre-season, having spent the previous five seasons with Hornchurch. He has also spent time playing in Sweden for Östersunds FK and IK Brage. Date of Birth: 04/12/1992

George Purcell - Forward - Prolific goalscorer who joined the club from Bostik Premier side Hornchurch in May 2019. Purcell is the Urchins' all-time record goalscorer, notching 149 times in 279 appearances. Having played youth team football for Gillingham, he went on to play for the likes of Ebbsfleet United, Braintree Town, York City, Dartford and Ton- bridge Angels. He joined Hornchurch from Margate in July 2013, going on to finish each of the six seasons he spent at Bridge Avenue as the club's top scorer. Date of Birth: 02/04/1988

27 Welwyn Garden City FC Officials

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

Chairman: Ray Fiveash Secretary: Ron Oliver

Members: Ray Fiveash, Leigh Corbit, Ray Fiveash - Chairman Maureen Hay & Phil Ravitz. Ron Oliver - Club Secretary

Welwyn Garden City FC

FA League Rule 2.13

Ownership: In accordance with The Foot- ball 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 Leigh Corbit - Treasurer Garden City Football Club, takes the form of Maureen Hay - Memberships an Unincorporated Association. It has a con- stitution which sets out the rules that govern its relationship and membership, and elects a Management Com- mittee to run the organisation on behalf of its Private Members.

That committee is currently:

Chairman: Ray Fiveash,

Secretary: Ron Oliver

Members:

Leigh Corbit (Club Treasurer)

Maureen Hay (Membership Secretary)

Phil Ravitz (Football Secretary). Phil Ravitz - Football Secretary Mike Isaacs - Fixture Secretary

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

28 MALMECH & MANNION

Motor Engineers

4, Southfield,

Chequers Industrial Estate,

Welwyn Garden City, Herts Telephone: 336111

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Manager: Nicky Ironton Manager: Mark Bentley

Assistant: Jon Stevenson Assistant: Brad Wellman Coach: Ricci Crace Coach: Stacey Shave Physio: Callem Kingsley Physio: Alex Waller

Welwyn Garden City v Canvey Island Wearing: All Claret Wearing: Blue and Yellow Ryan Schmid (G/K) Danny Confrey (G/K) Charlie Jones (G/K) Lamar Johnson (G/K) Jonny Sexton Ade Osiuwa Jay Rolfe Daniel Humphreys Dylan Ebengo James White (C) Carl Mensah Alex Stephenson Jack Bradshaw Michael Finneran Romelle Alomenu Josh Hutchinson Lee Close Albert Levett Will McClelland Jason Hallett Dave Keenleyside (C) George Purcell Jess Walklin Tobi Joseph Brodie Carrington Kane Gilbert George Ironton Sam Dulieu Callum Stead Elliott Warren Toby Cleaver Sammy Knott Charlie Payne Robert Lacey Eusebio Da Silva Jerome Mayhew

Elliot Bailey

Today’s match officials: Referee: Stephen Parkinson Assistants: Andrew Hickman & Gareth Burton