Southern League Division One Central 2019/20

Saturday 17th August 2019 Kick-Off 3pm

2017/18 Spartan Premier Division Champions

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

Welwyn Garden City W Football Club Management Welcome to the BP Mitchell Stadium Page 3 Southern League Central league table Page 4 First team Full Results and Fixtures listing Page 5 & 6 Away addresses mileages and links Page 6 Nicky Ironton Last seasons fixtures Pages 7 & 8 (Manager) This seasons player roll call Page 9 Todays Visitors “Wantage FC A club history” Page 10 Jon Stevenson Our latest Match reports by Phil Ravitz Pages 11, 20 & 23 (Assistant) Players and sponsorship Pages 12 & 13 Callem Kingsley Focus on Welwyn Garden City U-18’s Page 14 & 15 (Physio) Are you “The Face in the Crowd” Page 17 Hope Springs Eternal by David Coates Jnr Page 18 Ricci Crace Meet the Welwyn Garden City Committee Page 21 Dave Bastian Club Honours & Achievements Page 24 Phillip Neville Full team line-ups Page 26 (Coaches) Dave Keenleyside Up next at the (Team Captain)

B.P.Mitchell Stadium Monday 26th August Head Groundsman Paul Cox Southern League Central Division Kit Manager Citizens v Berkhamsted FC Dave Owen Kick-Off 3pm

2

Welcome to Herns Way & the them are Halesowen Town, Bedworth Town & St Neots Town who have been relegated from the South- B.P Mitchell Stadium ern League Premier Division Central. Whilst Davent- ry Town are promoted as champions of the Uhlsport Today we welcome Wantage Town FC to Herns Way United Counties League and Wantage Town as for this, our first home game of the Southern League Champions of the Hellenic League Premier Division. Central Division for 2019/20. And we welcome the players, Officials and supporters of our guests inviting Front cover photo: Club captain Dave Keenleyside them to join us for hospitality after the game. Our wel- Lines-up with the match officials and the Luton Town come extends to our visiting match officials Joseph captain which was both clubs first pre Stokes who will be assisted by Simon Parbery & -season game of the current season with Luton Town . We hope you enjoy your visit to Herns running out winners 3-1 Way and have a safe journey home. Please get behind the lads - your support We welcome to the club Nicky Ironton as first team and vocal encouragement are vital! manager. Living locally, Nicky has a wealth of mana- gerial experience with the likes of Arlesey Town and Hemel Hempsted Town and a playing career which COME ON YOU CITIZENS saw him win the Conference championship with differ- ent clubs and also winning England Semi-Pro caps. 100th Appearance for Jay Nicky brings with his a new group of backroom staff to Herns Way. So we also welcome Jon Stevenson, Ricci Crace, Dave Bastian, David Owen and Callem Kingsley.

We also extend our welcome to our new signings Con- nor Samson, Connor Clarke, Matt Crook, Ollie Carey, JP Antwi, Charlie Payne, Jordan Lowal, To- by Cleaver and Aundre Spencer. We welcome back to the club George Ironton Carl Mensah, Will McClel- land, and Lee Close.

Divisional News

There are a few changes to the Southern League Cen- tral Division for this new season.

Not least of all a change of league sponsor. Replacing Evostik are BetVictor. Jay Rolfe receives a framed certificate from We say goodbye to league champions Peterborough Mike Isaacs to commemorate his 100th Sports and Bromsgrove Sporting, Cambridge City who appearance for the Citizens have moved to the and the relegated duo of Town and Aylesbury FC. Replacing 3 Southern League Central Division - Final League Table 2018/19

Played Won Drew Lost For Against Goal diff Points Peterborough Sports (P) 38 30 5 3 109 28 81 95 Bromsgrove Sporting (P) 38 27 6 5 108 44 64 87 Corby Town 38 24 5 9 106 60 46 77 Bedford Town 38 21 2 15 84 52 32 65 Sutton Coldfield Town 38 17 11 10 65 49 16 62 Berkhamsted 38 17 8 13 68 53 15 59 Didcot Town 38 16 10 12 69 61 8 58 Thame United 38 17 6 15 60 61 -1 57 Coleshill Town 38 16 8 14 60 58 2 56 AFC Dunstable 38 16 7 15 58 71 -13 55 Yaxley 38 15 4 19 72 92 -20 49 Cambridge City 38 12 11 15 58 54 4 47 Kempston Rovers 38 11 10 17 58 75 -17 43 THE CITIZENS 38 11 10 17 52 64 -12 42 Aylesbury United 38 12 6 20 62 86 -24 42 Barton Rovers 38 10 11 17 45 68 -23 41 North Leigh 38 9 7 22 67 106 -39 34 Kidlington 38 9 7 22 43 83 -39 34 Aylesbury FC (R) 38 8 7 23 42 79 -37 31 Dunstable Town (R) 38 8 7 23 49 93 -43 31 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) Tues 20th Aug (A) Biggleswade (SL) 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) 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 2019/20 Appearances (Sub) - Goals... Career Appearances - Goals (League & Cup games only) Romelle Alomenu 6 (3) 1 John Paul Antwi Brodie Carrington (3)

Ollie Carey

Toby Cleaver

Connor Clarke

Lee Close 17

Matt Crook

Eusebio Da-Silva

Dylan Ebengo 12

George Ironton 39 (13) 11

Charlie Jones 2

Dave Keenleyside 24 (1) 4 Ashley Kersey 119 (23) 66 Jordan Lowal William McClelland 6 Carl Mensah 27 George Naismith Charlie Payne Jay Rolfe 99 (5) 7 Connor Samson Rory Satterly-Hull (1) Jonny Sexton 76 (1) 1 Jess Walklin 7 (2)

9 Wantage Town FC (the Freds) has gain its position in the Premier Allied County Cup. been affiliated to the Berks and Buck League of the GLS Hellenic Foot- FA since 1892. ball League, and the Reserves fin- Following the installation of the ished top of their league, also win- floodlights in 1996, the Club has Prior to this, they played in the ning promotion. The Reserves suc- continued to invest in the upgrad- Swindon & District North Berks and cess was repeated in 2004/2005 as ing of the facilities at Alfredian Reading & District Leagues., achiev- they secured the Reserve Division Park. In the past sixteen years the ing success in 1903-04 in the Swin- One title. The First Team consoli- main pitch has been renewed and a don Advertiser Cup, which they re- dated their status, training pitch has been established. peated in 1907-08 as well as becom- finishing in 10th place. Two new and additional pitches ing the League Champions. have been formed north of the In 2010-11, the Freds won the Clubhouse, enabling five full sized After the 1st World War, the Freds Premier League title, but despite pitches (including the adjacent briefly played in the North Berks great effort on the part of the Club School pitches) to be used by the League, winning the North Berks management, they were not pro- growing number of teams support- Cup in 1920 and 1921 and the moted to the Southern League due ed by the Club. The old stands have Championship in 1921-22. After a to ground grading criteria not being been replaced with a new stand. brief period playing in the Reading& achieved. In the 2012-2013 season, District League with no success then the club achieved the Southern With sound management in place re-entered the Swindon & District League Ground grading, but fin- throughout the Club, on and off of League, winning the title in 1933-34. ished runners-up to a very strong the pitch, and with growing support Marlow, and again missed out on from the local community, the Club The Fifties was the most successful promotion. has a unique opportunity to put in period for the Club, winning the place the foundation upon which it League in 1952-53 (without losing a The 2013-2014 saw a great season can establish itself at a higher game) and again in 1955-56, while for the Freds . The First Team won standard of football, at each level in 1954-55, the Freds won no fewer the Uhlsport Hellenic Premier within the Club. This is reinforced than five cup competitions, including league title, and with the appropri- with the maintenance of the F.A. the Berks & Bucks Intermediate ate ground grading in place, pro- Community Charter Standard, Cup. motion to Division One (South and which recognises the levels of care, West) of the Southern League. The Since joining the Hellenic League in coaching and management, within Reserves, as Runners Up, were 1956, Wantage have spent most of the Club. The Club also continue to promoted to Division One (West) their seasons in the Premier Divi- invest in Youth football, including of the Uhlsport Hellenic League, sion, Their best finish in the Premier an Allied Counties team, a Junior and the ‘A’ Team squad also Division had been third place on section, as well as supporting gained promotion from the North three occasions - 1973-74, 82-83 and Nursery football (4 to 6 years old), Berks League to Division Two 93-94 but have won promotion from and teams from under 7 to under 15 (West) of the Uhlsport Hellenic Division 1 on six occasions - as run- for boys and girls thus cementing League. ners-up in 1969-70, 1987-88, 1991- the Club’s growing involvement with football at all levels. 92 (where they set a club record of Despite the turbulent start of sea- 32 games unbeaten) and 1995-96, son 2014-15, which saw a change and as Champions in 1980-81 and of management in the First Team 2003-4. and a number of key players de- part, the First Team retained their Season 2003/2004 was one of the position in Division One (South Freds most successful. The First and West) of the Southern League, Team won Division One East to re- and the Allied Youth team win the

10 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 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, , Martin “I was delighted with every Crainie and Brendan Gallo- player in a WGC shirt,’’ said way, all got 45 minutes apiece.

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 Matt Crook Sponsor David Coates Snr & Jnr Sponsor Dave Vass & Andy Cornish Sponsor Gavin Meaden Sponsor

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

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

12 Welwyn Garden City FC Player Sponsorship

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

Jess Walklin Toby Cleaver Alex Harries Romelle Alomenu Sponsor Sponsor Sponsor Sponsor

David Owen Callem Kingsley

Nick Ironton Jon Stevenson Ricci Crace Dave Bastian

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

13 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

14 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

15 16 Pre Seaon action with Citizens Timeline Jess Walklin at Stotfold 1921 First WGC FC formed

1922 Joined Mid-Hertfordshire League

1926 Joined Bedfordshire & District League

1927 Joined

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

1955 Joined Spartan League

1959 Joined Hertfordshire County League

1970 Joined (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 pro- gramme. 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

17 Hope Springs Eternal an article written by Dave Coates Jnr

wealthy and bigger opponents. I write this piece as we are stone for him in his career. Kings Welwyn Garden City can be three games into pre-season Langley is a step up for him, so one of these teams this season. with a visit of MK Dons on we wish him well. This squad already looks and the horizon and the fixture list But we were back to square one. feels different compared to has been released. The committee acted quickly, and this time last season. The foot- This is a great time of year. we now have local man Nicky ball we have played in pre- Every football fan, no matter Ironton at the helm. This feels season so far has been excel- what club you support at right. lent. whatever level, is full of opti- It feels a good fit. Bet Victor are the new league mism. This is the only time of sponsor. the season where everyone is Nicky has an impressive CV and equal. The excitement of sup- you get the sense that he and his We have been installed at 20-1 porters up and down the coun- coaching team want to be here to to win the league. lay some foundations for the club try is palpable and that is cer- Who is going to have a flutter? at step 4. tainly the case at Welwyn Gar- Personally, when we got pro- den City. Some old faces have returned to motion to this league I said we Last season was a desperate the club. The stalwarts of Keen- would need three to four sea- one. But with everything that leyside, Sexton and Rolfe remain. sons of staying in this league went on we still stayed in the Some new faces have arrived and for us to then think about the league and that’s all we want- the excitement at the lane has re- next step of becoming a mid- ed from the start of last sea- turned. The fans know its difficult table team. for us at this level currently. son. Mission accomplished. The club and Nicky may think Two managers and two squads We are a small club compared to differently but another season in one season was always go- some of the teams we will be fac- of staying in this league with ing to be tough but the news ing, and our budget will be one of some decent cup runs would that Dean Barker and his team the smallest in the league. be a success for me. But we had committed himself for this Money is important, but it isn’t have reasons to be excited. coming season was a positive everything. What is essential is a The hope has returned and statement of intent. That end- players desire to be with you. that’s all what you want as a ed when Dean signed up as That they buy into the vision of football supporter. Hope manager for Kings Langley, the manager. springs eternal. taking his coaching team with The connection the players have him. with the supporters cannot be un-

This wasn’t a surprise. Dean is derestimated and it feels like we held in high regard in non- are getting that back. league circles and you always Football history is littered with felt Welwyn was a stepping small clubs beating their more David Coates Jnr

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

19 Pre-Season friendly Welwyn Garden City 1-1 Barnet FC 09/07/19

THIS game – Welwyn GC’s sec- On 25 minutes, a short corner rou- But it was a prelude to a WGC ond in three days – was another tine saw new WGC striker Ollie equaliser just on the hour, substi- very useful run-out against Na- Carey narrowly over, with a clever tute Smaldone getting over a tional League Barnet’s under 23 clipped effort. good cross from the right and side. Young Barnet keeper Aymen Carey striking a fine volley past Azaze, to bring the sides level. Although the BP Mitchell Stadi- Azaze was brought into action um attendance was just an eighth with a fine, full length save from a Boss Ironton continued to ring of Saturday’s bumper crowd for Keenleyside free-kick, after the the changes, giving runs-out to the Luton Town visit , the 100 or Citizens’ skipper had been George Naismith and Rory Hull so spectators were treated to a re- brought down himself 20 yards and trialists Lewis Croucher, al nip and tuck affair with the out. Jake Anthony and Stephen Wade drawn result, just about the right The deadlock was broken three in the closing stages, replacing one. minutes from the break, the Barnet Keenleyside, Walklin, George side breaking out down the right Ironton and Brodie Carrington. Match Report by and a low cross was swept past Forward Anthony saw a deflect- Charlie Jones in the home goal, by ed shot bring a sharp save out of Phil Ravitz Mo Bettamer, from close in for 1- Azaze as the deadlock continued. 0. Two minutes from time, Barnet New WGC manager Nick Ironton On the stroke of the interval, visit- came within an ace of winning it, stuck with a similar side that did ing keeper Azaze made an even as a left-wing cross took out battle with Luton’s first-teamers, more spectacular stop than his first keeper Sansom and the entire although had three new trialists 10 minutes earlier, somehow WGC defence, but Bettamer put on his bench. keeping out a close-in effort from the chance of a second and win- He also welcomed back last sea- Close, after Carey had flicked on ning goal, wide on the back post. son regulars Jon Sexton and Jesse another Keenleyside free-kick. WGC: Jones (Sansom 45), Walklin, who had missed the Lu- Five minutes after the restart, Clarke (Smaldone 50), Close ton visit. manager Ironton replaced Close, (McClelland 50), Ebengo WGC opened proceedings with Ebengo, Sexton and Conor Clarke (Mensah 50), Sexton (Alomenu two well struck long distance ef- with Carl Mensah, trialist Gerardo 50), Rolfe, Walklin (Hull 65), forts from George Ironton and Smaldone, Romelle Alomenu and Keenleyside (Naismith 60), Iron- skipper Dave Keenleyside, one Will McClelland - the latter two ton (Croucher 65), Carey going just over and the other nar- going on to give noticeable perfor- (Anthony 75), Carrington (Wade rowly wide, in the opening 10 mances in the closing 40 minutes. 75). minutes. Connor Sansom had already taken Att:- 105. the keeper’s gloves from Jones for Their defence with Lee Close playing alongside Dylan Ebengo the second-half. in the centre, was stretched sever- Jesse Walklin put in a high ball al times in the early exchanges, that fellow midfielder Jay Rolfe by a lively, young Barnet side, pulled down well, but drove his but held firm. shot across the face of goal.

20 Welwyn Garden City FC Officials

Oliver Croft - Chairman Ray Fiveash - Vice Chairman Ron Oliver - Club Secretary Welwyn Garden City Football Club is a Mem- bers Club. All positions below are elected annu- ally by members of the club at the Annual Gen- eral Meeting which is held in August of each year as per club rules.

Chairman: Oliver Croft, Secretary: Ron Oliver, Members: Ray Fiveash, Leigh Corbit, Maureen Hay & Phil Rav- itz. Leigh Corbit - Treasurer Maureen Hay - Memberships Welwyn Garden City FC FA League Rule 2.13

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

That committee is currently:

Chairman: Oliver Croft, Vice Chairman: Ray Fiveash, Secretary: Ron Oliver, Members:

Maureen Hay (Membership)

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

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

21 22 Pre-Season friendly Welwyn Garden City 0-1 MK Dons 19/07/19

WELWYN GC have certainly said afterwards he thought that Then, as both teams rang the served the best of their pre-season WGC would feel unlucky to lose to changes, Houghton’s deflected ef- performances for their sternest tests. such a goal. fort broke the deadlock, but within minutes WGC had the chance to A fortnight ago, they fully extended Some fine defending in the opening level. The lively Bishop escaped Championship new boys Luton 10 minutes by both skipper for the the MK backline to race clear, but Town, who sent two full teams of night Lee Close and midfielder Jes- his cross-shot was excellently first-team players to Herns Lane, in a se Walklin, forced MK’s Dylan turned away by a diving Nicholls 3-1 win for the Hatters, only sealed Asongayi to shoot over from a and WGC’s best chance of the by a late, third goal. good position. night was foiled. These two went on to have out- It didn’t really matter. Match Report by standing games in a Citizens’ shirt and were arguably the stand-out Their performance on the night was Phil Ravitz performers among many fine dis- a winner and now Ironton’s side plays. look to close their pre-season build- up with easier tasks than meeting On Friday evening, in dismal weath- More good work from Close, in er and in front of a 300 plus crowd, the likes of Luton and MK Dons. central defence, blocked a Ben they gave another highly encourag- Reeves effort after MK full-back They finish with away games at ing performance in going down even Finn Brennan had made a strong Wormley, Stotfold and Sandridge more narrowly, 1-0 to MK Dons - run down the left. and by entertaining St Mar- newly promoted to League 1 - who garetsbury and Chalfont St Peter at Antwi showed the form that im- also paid WGC the undoubted com- Herns Lane. pliment of bringing their entire first- pressed boss Ironton to sign him, team squad. winning a challenge, only to have WGC (starting line-up): his goalbound effort cleared by Citizens’ manager Nick Ironton said Sansom, Rolfe, McClelland, Close, Brennan, now showing a defensive Sexton Walklin, Rees, Ironton, afterwards he couldn’t have been side to his game. more pleased with the players he Antwi, Cleaver, Chitongo. Subs: used and he rewarded one trialist in The combination of Walklin and (second-half): Bishop, Payne, Da winger Jean-Paul Antwi by adding Close also demonstrated their of- Silva, Ebengo, Naismith, Crook, him to his burgeoning squad. fensive qualities, when the mid- Carrington. fielder’s clever chip was met by Att: 330 Popular striker Eusbio Da Silva has Close’s header that was just past a also rejoined for the new campaign MK post, to close the half. and midfielder Charlie Payne, son of former Watford and Barnet midfield- WGC were fielding a new striker er Derek, has signed from Baldock in Toby Cleaver, formerly of Ha- Town. ringey Boro, and he put the first decent second-half opening wide, The game was always a tight affair when set up by fellow trialist with WGC defending manfully Kieran Bishop. throughout and was decided by a fortunate MK winner in 72 minutes, Twelve minutes in, Cleaver had the Jordan Houghton’s shot effort taking Herns Lane side’s best chance to a huge deflection off a home defend- date, but just couldn’t stab home a er to beat the otherwise inpregnable right-wing corner that fell at his Connor Sansom in the WGC goal. feet, MK keeper Lee Nicholls man- aging to smother. Even MK Dons boss Paul Tisdale

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

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MIND YOUR LANGUAGE DELETE THAT EXPLETIVE!

Our Club is fully supportive of the Leagues’ Mind Your Language Initiative, to eradicate offensive behaviour within these grounds. It is our wish for everybody to feel comfortable here and to encourage everyone, especially younger people to enjoy their time with us, this won’t happen if they are listening to constant foul and offensive language. Cheer your team, enjoy the day, but keep those swear words far away…

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Manager: Nicky Ironton Manager: Tom Austin

Assistant: Jon Stevenson Manager: Matt Biddle Coach: Ricci Crace Asst: Roy Clark Physio: Callem Kingsley Coach: Josh King Welwyn Garden City v Wantage Town Wearing: All Claret Wearing: Green & White Connor Samson (G/K) Harry Whitehead (G/K) Charlie Jones (G/K) Brad Cox Jonny Sexton Chris Jackson Jay Rolfe Ty Lee Dylan Ebengo Joe Broadbank Carl Mensah Jack Buchanan Connor Clarke Ryan Markham Matt Crook Nick Thorne Lee Close Daniel Timbrell Will McClelland James Webster Dave Keenleyside (C) Jack Dunmall Jess Walklin Max Dunmall Jordan Lowl Connor Mattimore George Ironton Jack Badger JP Antwi Luke Ballard Charlie Smith Jack Daley Toby Cleaver Andrew Goodchild Eusebio Da Silva Jared Jones

Ollie Carey Jack Heggie

Today’s match officials: Referee: Joseph Stokes Assistants: Simon Parbery & Jack Hobbs

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