2020/21: Issue 2

CUCKOOS CORNER

A very warm welcome to all visiting players, officials and supporters to the Decker Bus Stadium

The Pitching In Southern League Division 1 Central vs St. Neots Town

3pm, Saturday 26th September 2020

Yaxley FC The home of grassroots football in Peterborough 1 TODAY’S TEAMS FROM: No. Sub No THE CUCKOOS Goals THE SAINTS AARON BUTCHER (GK) LOUIS CHADWICK (GK) JAMES BLAKE (GK) DYLAN MARTIN (GK) JOHN-PAUL DUNCLIFFE LIAM BENNETT FRAZER GARNER JAKE BATTERSBY SAM SPENCER SAM GOODE TOBY SALMON TOM DICKENS CHARLIE JOHNSON AARON SMITH RYAN BAILEY DEQUAINE WILSON-BRAITHWAITE JACK DICKERSON TARIK DALLAS JOE BUTTERWORTH LEE WATKINS KYLE NOLAN ADRIAN O’HARA LIAM HOOK SAM GOMARSALL JOEL EARPS LEON LOBJOIT DAN COTTON JOE SUTTON AARON HART INGLIAN HASANI TOM WAUMSLEY MYLES COWLING CHARLEY SANDERS RYAN ROBBINS SAM BENNETT PHIL STEBBING NAVY BLUE/ORANGE COLOURS RED/NAVY QUARTERS TEAM MANAGEMENT TODAY’S MATCH OFFICIALS ANDY FURNELL MANAGERS: ZAC KENNARD- REFEREE: BARRY CORR KETTLE SCOTT BOGUSZ ASSISTANTS: SEAN GREYGOOSE ASSISTANT REFEREE CLIFFORD MILLS BEN WATTS / DAN DOBSON / (Red Flag): HARRY HOGG COACHES:

DAN DOBSON ASSISTANT REFEREE PAUL MCVEY PHYSIOS: (Yellow Flag): CRAIG LAMBERT Up next at the Decker Bus Stadium: FIRST TEAM vs Didcot Town, Sat 3rd October (3pm)

2 For more details, contact Steve Hook at 07792 648507

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR MAIN 2020/21 SPONSORS:

1st Team HOME AWAY Strip:

PRESIDENT’S VIP LOUNGE: Reserve Team Strip

1st TEAM TRAVEL SPONSOR HOSPITALITY MAIN SPONSOR

3 YAXLEY FOOTBALL CLUB Yaxley Football Club is a members only, unincorporated, OFFICERS & MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE not-for-profit association, managed by an elected voluntary Management Committee and held in Trust as prescribed JEFF LENTON LIFE PRESIDENT/TEMP TREASURER within the Club Constitution. MALCOLM CLEMENTS CHAIRMAN/WELFARE OFFICER DEE WALKER VICE CHAIRMAN YAXLEY FOOTBALL CHRIS HOWARD GENERAL SECRETARY CLUB HONOURS

NEIL COTTON SENIOR FIXTURES SECRETARY ALCONBURY INVITATION CUP WINNERS 88/89 KAREN CRAIG YOUTH/JUNIOR SECRETARY BARRY GAUNT CUP WINNERS KARL HUMBER COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OFFICER 88/89 BATTLE OF BRITAIN CUP WINNERS STEVE HOOK COMMITTEE MEMBER/200 CLUB 75/76 GEORGE BLAKE COMMITTEE MEMBER JACK BEDFORD CUP WINNERS 99/00; 00/01 SCOTT BOGUSZ COMMITTEE MEMBER BRAYBROOKE LEAGUE RUNNERS UP 91/92 SANDRA COTTON COMMITTEE MEMBER LIZ BLAKE COMMITTEE MEMBER HINCHINGBROOKE CUP WINNERS 03/04; 12/13 (joint with Royston Town); 17/18 KAREN KIRK COMMITTEE MEMBER HUNTS PREMIER CUP WINNERS 04/05; 05/06 STEVEN FOX COMMITTEE MEMBER HUNTS BENEVOLENT CUP WINNERS MARK GUEST COMMITTEE MEMBER 97/98; 00/01; 02/03; 03/04 HUNTS BENEVOLENT CUP RUNNERS UP GEMMA SAUNDERS COMMITTEE MEMBER 05/06 HUNTS JUNIOR CUP WINNERS KEY ROLES (NON-COMMITTEE) 80/81; 84/85 ROGER POPE FACILITIES ADMINISTRATION HUNTS LOWER JUNIOR CUP WINNERS 57/58; 59/60; 60/61; 64/65; 68/69; 71/72; PETER ROBINSON DUTY BAR MANAGER/FACILITIES MANAGER 73/74; 94/95 HUNTS SCOTT GATTY CUP WINNERS DANIEL TORTOISE PROGRAMME EDITOR/PRESS OFFICER 85/86; 92/93; 94/95; 02/03; 03/04; 04/05; 05/06 DAN COTTON PLAYER REPRESENTATIVE HUNTS SCOTT GATTY CUP RUNNERS UP 87/88 PLAYING / COACHING STAFF HUNTS SENIOR CUP WINNERS 74/75; 75/76; 82/83; 83/84; 88/89; 98/99; 03/04; 04/05; ANDY FURNELL FIRST TEAM MANAGER 07/08 HUNTS SENIOR CUP RUNNERS UP SCOTT BOGUSZ FIRST TEAM ASSISTANT MANAGER 80/81; 09/10 DAN DOBSON FIRST TEAM COACH/PHYSIO PETERBOROUGH JUNIOR CUP BEN WATTS FIRST TEAM COACH WINNERS 75/76 PETERBOROUGH SENIOR CUP HEAD PHYSIO WINNERS 77/78; 83/84 HARRY HOGG FIRST TEAM COACH PETERBOROUGH PREMIER WINNERS 76/77; 83/84 HAMISH CURTIS RESERVE TEAM MANAGER PETERBOROUGH PREMIER RUNNERS UP 74/75; 75/76; 77/78; 80/81; 82/83 PETERBOROUGH DIVISION ONE CLUB MATCH PHOTOGRAPHER - GRAHAM LANGFORD WINNERS 83/84 OFFICIAL BALL BOY - TONY STOCKS PETERBOROUGH DIVISION ONE RUNNERS UP 71/72; 72/73; 73/74 PETERBOROUGH DIVISION TWO WINNERS 50/51; 70/71; 75/76; 80/81 PETERBOROUGH DIVISION THREE WINNERS 68/69; 73/74 PETERBOROUGH DIVISION THREE RUNNERS UP 57/58; 63/64; 64/65

UCL PREMIER DIVISION WINNERS 17/18 UCL LEAGUE KO CUP WINNERS 05/06; 16/17 Would you like to hire our fantastic 3G pitch for your teams UCL LEAGUE KO CUP RUNNERS UP training sessions? 17/18 Or maybe your company would like to join some of our corporate facility UCL DIVISION ONE WINNERS users and use our impressive facility to hold an inter-departmental game. 96/97 We offer exceptional post-match hospitality with hot and cold buffets or UCL RESERVE DIVISION ONE WINNERS even waitress service fine dining with one of our quality partners in our 04/05 function room. Whatever your needs - we’ve got the perfect solution ! WEST ANGLIA PREM DIVISION WINNERS Pick up a brochure from the bar or visit www.yaxley3g.com 94/95 Or call us on 01733 244928 and find out what we can do for WEST ANGLIA DIVISION ONE WINNERS you ! 94/95

4 YAXLEY FOOTBALL CLUB MAIN GROUND REGULATIONS

Yaxley Football Club will grant admission and the right to remain in the ground providing the following conditions are met:

All spectators shall 1. comply with instructions given by any club official or steward. 2. not trespass on the playing area or surrounding area. 3. not climb on any building, wall or fence. 4. shall not use obscene, racist or indecent language at any player or official or make offensive or insulting gestures. 5. shall not throw coins or other missiles. 6. shall be solely responsible for any minors brought to the ground or clubhouse. 7. shall pay an entry fee where appropriate and according to the current entry regulations and prices.

All visiting spectators shall be granted temporary (day) membership to the clubhouse and its facilities. Any persons not covered by this shall make themselves known to the staff or a member of the committee, sign the visitors book, and pay the appropriate fee.

Any drinks brought out of the main clubhouse MUST be in plastic containers - NO GLASSWARE OF ANY KIND IS PERMITTED ANYWHERE OUTSIDE OF THE CLUBHOUSE.

For FA competitions, special arrangements on the day may apply, please listen for special announcements.

Yaxley Football Club accepts no responsibility for vehicles left on the premises. Parking is entirely at the owner’s risk. Yaxley Football Club accepts no responsibility for the loss or damage to any articles on the club’s premises.

Thank you for your cooperation

Email: [email protected] Address: Unit 7 Enterprise Court, Falcon Way, Yaxley, Peterborough, PE7 3GR Telephone: 01733 245451 5 Recent History of Yaxley FC (The Cuckoos)

The ‘03/04, 04/05 and 05/06 seasons have undoubtedly been the club’s most successful ever with the 1st, Reserve, Youth, Ladies and Junior teams all bringing home trophies including at senior level, the prestigious Hinchingbrooke Cup and the UCL League Cup in May 06. The club has maintained FA Charter Club status and was granted planning permission to redevelop the site, improving the facilities (e.g. new clubhouse and additional playing areas) to FA community standard. The project was severely delayed in 2005 resulting in significant commercial loses due to an access dispute halting the club’s entire development plan. The dispute was finally settled and the project restarted in August ’06.

Season 2008-09 saw the move to more temporary accommodation. The last 3 seasons have been some of the toughest in the clubs history as against the pundit’s opinions; Gary Clipston pulled survival from the jaws of relegation.

The 2012-13 season saw a total rebuild of the 1st team and players under the management of former Cuckoos player and Reserve Team manager Brett Whaley (assisted by Chris Lenton) and the reinstatement of the clubs Reserve Team acting as a bridge between our flourishing U18’s and 1st Team. The 1st team finished mid-table and were joint winners (along with Royston Town) of The Hinchingbrooke Cup, the reserve team were runners up in the league and the league cup and the U18’s were league champions and league cup winners (comprehensively beating AFC Rushden & Diamonds). All in all, not a bad season.

2013-14 saw the dismantling of the reserve side due to a lack of bodies to manage the team to an acceptable level and a brand new U18’s team coming up from U16’s football – a very tough season ahead. The 1st team finished 6th in the league table—a highly commendable result but the FA and League Cup competitions were massively disappointing although we probably created a couple of new records in the process.

2014-15 saw the Cuckoos enjoy a very good season with an excellent FA Vase run and a 4th position in the league but one of the worst disciplinary records in the club’s history compounded by an embarrassing county cup final display to round off a poor run-in to the end. The surprise of the season was the “shock” departure of Brett Whaley to Wisbech Town, having only days before presented his plan and budget for the 2015-16 to the club’s committee which was approved.

2015-16 A new brush and a new era with new manager Ian Benjamin, an ex-professional with massive experience in semi-pro and non-league and a track record of promotion at Step 4 and 5. The biggest change for the club was the new 3G pitch that the club and the community have already benefited from enormously. The club would like to place on public record its deep and sincere appreciation to all those silent partners who have made our dream for growth and sustainability a reality. Ian Benjamin resigned at the beginning of April and the position was filled by the return from Wisbech Town of Brett Whaley.

2016-17 Brett Whaley showed his intent to take the Cuckoos to a higher level of football by strengthening the squad with some impressive experience whilst retaining the vast majority of last season’s players. Last season was a disappointing one for the whole club but that was quickly forgotten. Brett brought back players and a great coaching team. In addition to an impressive 3rd place in the league we also won the UCL KO Cup beating Wisbech Town in a fiercely contested battle.

2017-18 Our new Chairman (Malcolm Clements) officially set the clubs target for promotion and building on the success of last season, started what we all hoped was the next forward step for the Cuckoos. Our local attendances began to swell and also got behind our reformed Reserves. Assistant manager Andy Furnell took over the 1st Team management as Brett Whaley once again left the club, leading the club again to the league cup final (runners up), Hinchingbrooke Cup Final (Winners) AND more importantly to the league title and PROMOTION to the SOUTHERN LEAGUE.

2018-19 On the back of a tremendous season, the Cuckoos were looking to sustain their rise to step 4, retaining the entire squad from the promotion season plus bolstering in a couple of areas. After a season of inconsistent form, six wins in the last seven games saw the club finish 11th for a successful first Step 4 season. The Reserve team (led by Lloyd Burton) built on an excellent 6th-place finish in the 2017/18 season and, though they were unable to retain the Reserve KO Cup, they almost claimed the Reserve Division title, finishing just three points off top spot,

2019-20 After a good first season at Step 4, the Cuckoos looked to push on and break into the top half of the table, while the Reserves looked to go one step better and claim the Reserve Division title. Though the season was null-and-voided because of the covid-19 pandemic, it was a positive one for both the first team and the reserves, with the first team pushing for the play-offs and the Reserves well on course to win the title.

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7 The Pitching In Southern League Division 1 Central Table

8 Programme Column

FOOTBALL hangs in the balance following the latest tightening of restrictions by the government which could last for six months in an attempt to limit the rise of coronavirus cases.

No sooner had the 2020-21 season kicked off at Steps 3 and 4 last weekend in front of limited crowds, did it look like it may be nearing its suspension.

The National League campaign had been scheduled to start on October 3 with the intention of fans being allowed back in grounds at Steps 1 and 2 but Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed on Tuesday (22nd) this would not be allowed to happen. It is believed the division will not start without fans.

Four test events had been scheduled to take place involving National League clubs in front of 1,000 fans and three of the friendly fixtures went ahead on Tuesday. Notts County against York City, scheduled for Saturday (26th), suspended ticket sales following the new restrictions pending further updates from the government and football authorities.

This is an ever-changing scenario and at the time of writing it is impossible to say what will happen next.

Local lockdowns in north England shows crowds in football grounds are on a knife edge.

At midnight last Thursday (17th), restrictions were introduced in the north-east aimed at halting the rise in coronavirus cases.

Then, the next day, similar measures were announced for large parts of Lancashire while Yorkshire and the Midlands were also seeing restrictions.

The responsibility lies with local authorities meaning there can be inconsistencies in different regions.

A joint-statement from the Northumberland FA and the Durham FA confirmed football below Step 6 in the Sunderland, Gateshead and South Tyneside areas is not allowed, but said clubs at Step 6 and above can play on for now although there is a possibility the 30 per cent capacities could be reduced back to 15 per cent.

As part of the measures, people are “advised not to attend amateur or semi-professional sporting events as a spectator”, which has only added to a confusing picture.

Where the latest restrictions leaves football remains to be seen but never has it been more important for clubs and particularly fans from Step 3 and below to follow the rules and protocols in order to keep stadiums open.

Fans must cooperate with social distancing at games – clubs do not have the finance to deploy an army of stewards to make sure they are doing so at all times during games.

9 2020/21 Detailed Fixtures Grid: League

Date H/A Opposition Result Att 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 19th Sept A Halesowen Town L 1-7 400 Butcher Steel Dickerson Butterworth Johnson Bailey Gow Nolan 29th Sept H St. Neots Town 3rd Oct H Didcot Town 6th Oct A Daventry Town 10th Oct A Kempston Rovers 24th Oct H Bedford Town 27th Oct H North Leigh 31st Oct A Thame United 3rd Nov A AFC Dunstable 7th Nov H Kidlington 14th Nov A Coleshill Town 21st Nov H Barton Rovers 28th Nov A Bedworth United 5th Dec H Welwyn Garden City 12th Dec H Aylesbury United 19th Dec A Berkhamsted 26th Dec A Corby Town 2nd Jan H Biggleswade 9th Jan A St. Neots Town 16th Jan H Wantage Town 23rd Jan A North Leigh 30th Jan H Thame United 6th Feb A Kidlington 13th Feb H AFC Dunstable 20th Feb H Bedworth United 27th Feb A Barton Rovers 6th Mar H Coleshill Town 13th Mar A Welwyn Garden City 20th Mar H Kempston Rovers 27th Mar A Bedford Town 3rd Apr A Wantage Town 5th Apr H Corby Town 10th Apr A Didcot Town 17th Apr H Halesowen Town 24th Apr H Berkhamsted 1st May A Aylesbury United 3rd May A Biggleswade 8th May H Daventry Town

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8 9 10 11 Subs Used Nolan Sanders 1 Cotton Macleod Horne (7)

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12 www.deckerbus.co.uk Tel: 01733 242034

Official sponsors of Yaxley FC - 1st Team Travel

Proudly supporting “The Cuckoos” and the development of Sport in the Community

13 2020/21 Detailed Fixtures Grid: Cups

Date H/A Opposition Comp Result Att 1 2 3 4 5 6 12th Sept H Stowmarket Town FAC P L 1-2 133 Butcher Bailey Dickerson Butterworth Johnson Garner 17th Oct H Chasetown FAT 2Q

Upcoming 1st Team Fixtures (subject to change) 3pm Sat / 7:45pm Tues (unless otherwise stated) Sat 3rd Oct: HOME vs Didcot Town League

Tue 6th Oct: AWAY vs Daventry Town League

Sat 10th Oct: AWAY vs Kempston Rovers League

Sat 17th Oct: HOME vs Chasetown FA Trophy 2nd Qualifying Round

Sat 24th Oct: HOME vs Bedford Town League

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7 8 9 10 11 Subs Used Gow Hook Waumsley 1 Cotton Earps Bennett (11), Sanders (6), Steel (2)

2020/21 Away Ground Details (Match dates subject to change)

Date Opposition Ground Name Postcode Distance (Miles) 3/11/20 AFC Dunstable Creasey Park LU6 1BB 59.1 1/5/21 Aylesbury United The Meadow HP5 1NE 79 27/2/21 Barton Rovers Sharpenhoe Road MK45 4LQ 45.3 27/3/21 Bedford Town The Eyrie MK44 3LW 32.3 28/11/20 Bedworth United The Oval CV12 8NN 65.7 19/12/20 Berkhamsted Broadwater HP4 2AL 71.3 3/5/21 Biggleswade Langford Road SG18 9JT 33.3 14/11/20 Coleshill Town Pack Meadow B46 3JE 74.5 26/12/20 Corby Town Steel Park NN17 2AE 27.8 6/10/20 Daventry Town Elderstubbs NN11 4NS 58 10/4/21 Didcot Town Loop Meadow 0X11 7GA 98.2 19/9/20 Halesowen Town The Grove B63 3TB 97.8 10/10/20 Kempston Rovers Hillgrounds Leisure MK42 8SZ 36.1 6/2/21 Kidlington Yarnton Road OX5 1AT 79.3 23/1/21 North Leigh Eynsham Park OX29 6SL 88.7 9/1/21 St. Neots Town Rowley Park PE19 6SL 22.7 31/10/20 Thame United Meadow View Park OX9 3RN 74.7 3/4/21 Wantage Town Alfredian Park OX12 8DW 97.4 13/3/21 Welwyn Garden City Herns Lane AL7 1TA 54.7

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Match Report: Yaxley 1-2 Stowmarket Town Cuckoos suffer early FA Cup exit against Step 5 Stowmarket

Yaxley got off to a poor start by falling behind within the first five minutes of this match when the defence failed to clear a Stowmarket shot, allowing Craig Parker to latch onto the loose ball and shot low past Aaron Butcher to score. The Yaxley response was positive as they started to play forwards with quick attacking interplays, only to fall short in the final third or struggle to break through the rugged Stowmarket back line. Other than the early goal, though, it was a first half of few clear-cut chances as both teams battled in midfield and struggled to break into the final third.

Yaxley brought on Sam Bennett at half-time to try and change things up in search of an equaliser, but the momentum started to shift in Stowmarket's favour as they had a solid spell of possession and created a few good chances, one of which came at the cost of an injury to Yaxley defender Frazer Garner. Charley Sanders took his place and immediately made his presence known. In the 67th minute, however, he was penalised for a ball-winning tackle in the box, with Stowmarket striker Josh Mayhew converting from the spot to double the away side's lead.

The rest of the match saw Yaxley push in search of any way back into the game, but chances were hard to come by as the Stowmarket defence held firm and they managed the game very well. There was a flurry of chances in the last fifteen minutes as the match started to open up. Liam Hook smashed a shot into the post from 25 yards and the rebound was moving too quickly for Tom Waumsley to properly connect with, while a Joe Butterworth free kick from similar range hit the bar.

As one last throw of the dice, Sanders was thrown forward as Yaxley switched to a back three and he immediately set up a goal in the 94th minute: he charged down the right wing unchallenged and lashed a cross into the box for Tom Waumsley to head low and just behind the line. The keeper did make the save - only for Cameron Gow to bundle it in at the far post anyway - but when he did it had already crossed the line. From the kick-off, Yaxley nicked the ball again and sent one last ball forwards, but it was cleared and Stowmarket held on to progress.

By Daniel Tortoise

16 Action from the First Team’s 1-2 FA Cup Preliminary Round loss against Stowmarket Town

Photos courtesy of Graham Langford

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19 M E E Andy Furnell Scott Bogusz Ben Watts Daniel Dobson

Position: Manager Position: Assistant Position: First Team Position: Coach/Physio T Manager/Committee Coach Sponsored by: Previous Clubs: Peterborough Wisbech, Northern Star, Scaffolding Oundle Town T H E

Harry Hogg Aaron Butcher James Blake John-Paul Duncliffe

Position: Coach Position: Goalkeeper Position: Goalkeeper Position: Right Back C Sponsored by: Sponsored by: ETCS Ltd Simple Recruitment U C K O

Frazer Garner Sam Spencer Toby Salmon Charlie Johnson O

Position: Left Back Position: Centre Back Position: Centre Back Position: Centre Back S Previous Clubs: Previous Clubs: Sponsored by: Peterborough United Peterborough United Clover Building Projects Ltd

20 M E E Ryan Bailey Harvey Steel Jack Dickerson Joe Butterworth

T Position: Centre Back/ Position: Right Back/ Position: Left Back Position: Centre Midfield Right Back Right Wing Back Sponsored by: Sponsored by: Clover Building Hailstone Roofing Projects Ltd Watson & Barrie Ltd T H E

Kyle Nolan Liam Hook Joel Earps Cameron Gow

Position: Centre Position: Centre Position: Centre Midfield Position: Centre Midfield C Midfield Midfield Previous Clubs: Sponsored by: Sponsored by: Wisbech Town Simple Recruitment U Malcolm Larrington C K O

O Archie Sootheran Dan Cotton Aaron Hart Tai Williams

Position: Centre Position: Winger/Wing Position: Winger Position: Winger S Midfield/Centre Back Back/Striker Previous Clubs: Previous Clubs: Previous Clubs: St. Sponsored by: Peterborough United, Peterborough Northern Neots Town, Deeping NLB Hair Wisbech Town Star Rangers

21 MEET THE CUCKOOS

Tom Waumsley Charley Sanders Sam Bennett Phil Stebbing

Position: Striker Position: Striker Position: Striker/Winger Position: Striker

Sponsored by: Previous Clubs: Previous Clubs: Sanders Windows & Cambridge United Blackstones, Stamford, Doors Deeping, PNS 1ST TEAM SQUAD 2020/21

22 1st Team: Player Stats (All Competitions)

2020/21 All-Time Player Apps Goals Apps Goals Aaron Butcher 2 0 215 0 James Blake 0 0 18 0 John-Paul 0 0 370 5 Duncliffe Frazer Garner 1 0 43 0 Sam Spencer 0 0 146 3 Toby Salmon 0 0 14 0 Charlie 2 0 17 1 Johnson Ryan Bailey 2 0 2 0 Harvey Steel 2 0 2 0 Jack Dickerson 2 0 2 0 Joe 2 0 172 27 Butterworth Kyle Nolan 1 0 273 15 Liam Hook 1 0 291 33 Joel Earps 1 0 19 3 Cameron Gow 2 0 5 0 Archie 0 0 2 0 Sootheran Dan Cotton 2 0 281 196 Aaron Hart 0 0 0 0

Jordan 1 0 1 0 Macleod Tom 1 1 120 75 Waumsley Charley 2 1 83 31 Sanders Sam Bennett 1 0 19 5 Phil Stebbing 0 0 134 60

23 Uhlsport Reserve Division Table

RESERVE SQUAD 2019/20

24 Match Report: Yaxley Reserves 4-1 Desborough Town Reserves

On the back of last weeks away win at Kempston the lads were keen . Mind you we had a Full Squad today. We decided to keep last week’s formation the same. We needed to have another look; could be helpful to us in future away games especially.

The game was not a great one early on to be fair. Desborough started pushing us back, maybe down to our formation, I except that. Desborough went 1-0 up when we failed to compete in our own box . Good finish. As it went on it was clear we needed to change the formation, we did . A lovely Yaxley thorough ball found Pilbeam one on one with the Desborough GK. 1-1 excellent finish.

This pushed us on and the 2nd came only for a very very late Desborough flag! To be fair the Desborough management team said he’ll be changed 2nd half. Fair play he was.... The game got a little scrappy 1st half but ended 1-1. Half-time chat was positive.

2nd half we started on the front foot creating chances. We soon got the deserved 2nd , good play from the Yaxley lads only for Williams to finish 2-1. For me we dominated again with some good football. The game soon became over with both Pilbeam & Williams getting their 2nd goals a piece 4-1 Yaxley.

I cant really remember GK J. Blake (Yaxley) having much to deal with today.

3pts and we keep plodding on in this tough Reserve league and let’s see we’re we end up.

By Lloyd Burton

Upcoming Reserves Fixtures (subject to change) 3pm Sat / 7:45pm Tues (unless otherwise stated) Sat 3rd Oct: AWAY vs ON Chenecks Reserves League

Sat 10th Oct: HOME vs Cogenhoe United Reserves League

Sat 17th Oct: AWAY vs Desborough Town Reserves League

Tues 20th Oct: HOME vs Irchester United Reserves League

Sat 24th Oct: AWAY vs Kempston Rovers Reserves League

25 St. Neots Town: History

The Club was formed in 1879 when it was know as plain ‘St Neots’, the first formal honour recorded being the Hunts Senior Cup in its inaugural season 1888/89. The Club went on to lift that trophy a further four times before the turn of the Century. In the 1901/02 season the Club recorded its first known ‘double’ when it won the Hunts Senior Cup, for the sixth time, and the Fellowes Cup. In 1924/25 or thereabouts St Neots was renamed ‘St Neots and District’ and celebrated by winning the Hunts Senior Cup again. At this time in the Club’s history, honours seemed to have been primarily from County competitions with the Scott Gatty Cup being won on three consecutive occasions between 1927/29.

Unfortunately, no records exist for the next twenty years, although the Hunts Senior Cup was won again on four occasions during this period. In the 1949/50 season the Club were amongst the founder members of the Metropolitan League and recorded a fine League and Cup double but for some reason the Club resigned to join the Central Alliance League. During the 1950’s the Club was renamed for the third time to its present name of ‘St Neots Town FC’ and rejoined the Metropolitan League.

For a decade the Club Manager was former West Ham full back John Gregory who was the first full time official the Club had employed. His son became Manager of Aston Villa FC. In 1961/62 the Club were runners up in the Metropolitan League Professional Cup - a trophy eventually won in 1965 beating Gillingham in the Final. In 1966/67 the Club joined the UCL for a three year spell and in that same season the team progressed through five rounds of the FA Cup to reach the First Round proper for the only time. The draw took us to Fellowes Park, Walsall who were second in the Third Division with an unbeaten home record. The team lost 2-0 with both goals coming in the last nine minutes but the crowd was a record for Walsall in the competition. The next season the UCL League and Cup double was recorded (the first time the Senior side won the title - although the RESERVE side had won the League in 1956/57!). The League Cup was retained the following season but the next major senior League honour did not come until the 1982/83 season when the team finished runners up in Division One of the UCL. In 1969/70 the Club opted to join the Eastern Counties (now Ridgeons) League because it was felt it would be a stronger League. In its four years membership Club fortunes declined. The Club then rejoined the UCL in 1973/74. In the next eight seasons the Club had a reasonable run of success finishing at best fourth and at worst nineteenth. At Christmas 1987 the Club was evicted from its long time ‘Shortsands’ home and had to complete the season on a sub-standard borrowed works pitch. At the end of that season just four places from the bottom of the table the Club was forced to disband and then the outstanding debt had to be cleared.

Out of football for just two seasons the Club was reformed in Junior football in the Hunts League with a pitch at Priory Park, St Neots rented from the District Council and the flame of desire to re-establish the Club at Senior level was rekindled. In 1994/95 after a spell of six years absence from senior football they were readmitted to the UCL. The spell in the UCL Premier Division lasted 17 years but in 2008 the Club was relocated around half a mile from their original Rowley Park premises in Cambridge Road to the north end of the loves farm estate as the club approached it's 130th anniversary. In February 2010 Mike Kearns purchased all of the club’s shares to become Owner / Chairman and was to sign ex Aston Villa striker Stefan Moore for a transfer fee of £10,000 from Halesowen Town.

The following season 2010/11 season was the club’s best ever. The Championship of the UCL Premier Division was won for only the second time. The club broke a whole raft of league records clocking up a record 105 points and scoring 160 league goals in just 40 matches. Unbeaten away from home in the league the side suffered just one home defeat and picked up the County Senior Cup for the 36th time as well as finishing runners-up in the Hinchingbrooke Cup and reaching the fifth round of the FA Vase.

2011/12 saw the Club reach even greater heights winning the Southern League Central Division in their first season at Step Four to move up to the Southern League Premier Division in 2012/13. Consolidation over the next two seasons saw the club finish mid table on both occasions, the 2013 /14 season saw the club win the Southern League Cup and the Hunts Senior Cup. Season 2104/15 saw the club under the guidance of First Team manager David Batch finish in fifth position in the Southern League Premier Division, narrowly losing out by a single penalty goal in the play off finish. 2015-2016 season saw the team struggle and David Batch resigned in January 2016 with the club was fighting for step 3 status. Mike Kearns stepped down as chairman at the same time and his majority share holding was acquired by Lee Kearns the MD of the football club. Andy Davies the Academy manager stepped in to steady the ship and ensured step 3 football for the following season. 2016-2017 season started well but once again the mid season jinx struck with Andy stepping down due to ill health. Matt Clements was appointed manager in Late December 2016 and with the full backing of the board has started the process of changing the first team to reflect his own beliefs and football philosophy. January 2019 Matt Clements changes his role at the club to become Director of Football with his first job in the new role finding a replacement manager. Marc Abbott is identified and joins the clubs from Haverhill Rovers to become the first team manager. In April 2019 the club was relegated for the first time in it's history and was to play at Step Four in the newly named BetVictor Southern League Division One Central.

Manager Marc Abbott was to leave the Club in late 2019, citing family reasons as the main factor behind his sudden departure and January 2020 saw the appointment of ex Cambridge United centre forward Barry Corr as the new man in charge, combining his full time job as Development Officer with the U’s as part of a newly formed collaboration between the two clubs, a partnership that would see young U’s players joining the Saints on loan as part of their own personal development.

The Season was cut short, with ourselves sitting second from bottom but in relative safety, due to the COVID-19 virus and the 2019/20 season was declared null and void with the records being expunged from the record books.

26 St. Neots Town: Player Profiles

Barry Corr (Manager) Barry joined us as First Team Manager in January 2020 as part of the growing collaboration between ourselves and Cambridge United, combining the role with his full time job as a Youth Development Coach at the League Two club. During his playing career, centre forward Barry numbered Cambridge United, Southend United, Exeter City, Swindon Town, Bristol City, Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United as his former clubs.

Louis Chadwick (Goalkeeper) Son of former U’s and Manchester United player Luke Chadwick, Louis is a young, highly rated goalkeeper who has joined us on Work Experience from League Two Cambridge United for the 2020/21 season.

Dylan Martin (Goalkeeper) Dylan has earned his place in the First Team Squad after a string of fine performances last season for the Youth Team and will be looking to push Louis hard for the Number One shirt.

Liam Bennett (Right Back) Liam joined us in the summer of 2020 from AFC Sudbury. Another hot prospect who, despite his small frame, is very strong, exceptionally quick and can deliver pinpoint crosses.

Aaron Smith (Left Back) Aaron had a superb, debut season for the Saints before the season was cut short due to COVID-19, missing just one league game and we were delighted when he put pen to paper for the coming season. A strong tackling, marauding left-back.

Sam Goode (Centre Back) Sam is in his second season with us after his release from Cambridge United and has grown in stature as time has gone on. We are expecting big things from this towering Centre Half this season.

Tom Dickens (Centre Back) Tom, or Ossie as he is more commonly known has re-joined us on loan from Cambridge United for the 2020/21 season after an impressive spell with us in last season’s aborted campaign. A towering centre half with bags of potential.

Dequane Wilson-Braithwaite (Centre Back) Dequane is a left sided defender who has played in all our pre-season friendlies and manager Barry Corr saw enough to sign him. Was with both Tottenham Hotspur and Luton Town as a youngster.

Tarik Dallas (Centre Back) Tarik is a towering defender who played in all our pre-season fixtures, a player who wins more than his fair share of aerial battles. Was at Peterborough United until the 17 and then moved on to AFC Kempston Rovers. Spells at Bedford FC and Harpenden Town followed before joining the Saints in the summer of 2020

Sam Gomarsall (Midfield) Gommers was the first player to commit for the 2020/21 campaign, much to the delight of the management and supporters alike. His work ethic is second to none and as one of the more senior members of the squad, he’s a great role model for the younger lads.

Adrian O’Hara (Midfield) Adrian is another product of our Youth Academy and manager Barry Corr saw enough in his performances to award him with a place in the first team squad. Big and strong, we hope Adrian goes on to cement a place in the starting eleven on a regular basis.

Lee Watkins (Midfield) The engine room of the midfield, this lad can run forever. Lee joined us last season upon his release from Cambridge United and has grown into a man both mentally and physically over the last twelve months.

Joe Sutton (Midfield) Joe is an extremely gifted young man who can pick a pass and has the ability to tear defences apart with the ball at his feet. In his third season with us now after joining us on loan from Histon and has become a regular starter with his high energy performances.

Myles Cowling (Midfield) Myles is another youngster who has joined us on work experience from League Two side Cambridge United. Diminutive but as strong as an ox, big things are expected from this young man in the coming seasons.

Inglian Hasani (Midfield) Ingi was with Cambridge United previously and has successfully come back from two major injuries. A stylish player who will add competition to the midfield berths.

Jake Battersby (Striker) Jake is a young striker with an eye for goal who joined us in the summer of 2020 with a huge future ahead of him. He is equally at home playing out wide or down the middle.

Leon Lobjoit (Striker) Leon joined us in the summer of 2020 after a somewhat nomadic career so far. After a remarkable season with the now defunct Buckingham Town, a move to Northampton Town, for whatever reason, didn’t quite work out and he returned to non league football after a number of loans. Has already shown how deadly he can be in pre-season with a number of goals as he looks to enjoy his football once again.

Ryan Robbins (Striker) Ryan is a powerful, strong target man who joined us in the summer of 2020 after leaving Corby Town and has forged a very productive partnership with Leon Lobjoit. Deceptively quick and deadly in the air, he brings great experience with him at Step 3 and 4 and will be a massive asset to the squad and the younger players.

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