Bet Victor Southern League Central Division

Tuesday 7th December 2019 Kick-Off 3:00m

2017/18 Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division Champions

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

Welwyn Garden City Welcome to the 'The Isabel Hospice Stadium' Page 3 Football Club Southern League Central league table Page 4 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 Bedford Town FC A club history Pages 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 (Physio) The Mystery Supporter reports Page 20 Ricci Crace WGC FC Fantasy Football League standings Page 21 The Non-League Newspaper Column Page 23 Dave Bastian Club Honours & Achievements Page 24 Paul Hook New Rule changes for 2019/20 by the FA Page 25 Full team line-ups Page 28 (Coaches) Dave Keenleyside Up next at the (Team Captain) Head Groundsman Isabel Hospice Stadium Paul Cox Thursday 26th December Kit Manager Dave Owen Southern League Citizens v Barton Rovers Kick-Off 3:00 pm

Welcome to Herns Way & for November. Jay has been in scintillating form recently and was an easy choice for us this month. The Isabel Hospice Stadium Front cover photo: Citizens players, management Today we welcome Bedford Town FC to Herns Way and committee celebrate the naming of the Herns and the Isabel Hospice Stadium for this Southern Way stadium League Central division match. And, we welcome the Please get behind the lads - your support players, Officials and supporters of our guests inviting them to join us for hospitality after the game. Our wel- and vocal encouragement are vital! come extends to our visiting match officials Jorden Rhys Battye who will be assisted by Michael Iddenden COME ON YOU -Smith & Tommy Breen. We hope you enjoy your visit to Herns Way and have a safe journey home. CITIZENS Transfer News

We are delighted to announce the triple signing of former Citizens striker Stuart Zanone, midfilder Brandon McKenna and Left Back Callum Taylor to the club.

Stuart needs little introduction to us here and has been a prolific marksman wherever he has played. 18 year old Callum has signed for us from Royston Town and has previously worn the colours of Barnet, Bishops Stortford and Ware. Brandon McKenna is a midfielder wh spent last season with Wingate & Finchley having previously worn the colours of South Midlands league side Enfield Boro.

Whilst we welcome Callum and Stuart to the club there is also news of a few departures too. Centre Half Wil McClelland has decided to rejoin former City boss Adam Fisher at Baldock Town. Nick Ironton has re- leased forwards Alex Cathline and Toby Cleaver. Jon- Jess Walklin receives his player of the ny Sexton has left to join fellow Southern League Cen- Month award for October from Club tral side Berkhamsted. Treasurer Leigh Corbit We would like to thank them all for their service to the club and to wish them well with their new ventures.

Presentation

Today will see a presentation for Jay Rolfe who has won the Citizens committee player of the month award

3 Southern League Central Division - League Table September 2019

Played Won Drew Lost For Against Goal diff Points Corby Town 15 12 2 1 37 12 25 38 Berkhamsted 15 11 3 1 45 10 35 36 Halesowen Town 12 10 0 2 33 9 24 30 Aylesbury United 15 7 6 2 21 9 12 27 Bedford Town 15 7 5 3 28 27 1 27 THE CITIZENS 13 7 4 2 29 15 14 25 AFC Dunstable 14 7 2 5 37 25 12 23 Coleshill Town 16 7 1 8 33 25 8 22 Daventry Town 16 7 1 8 25 29 -4 22 Bedworth United 15 6 3 6 25 25 0 21 Thame United 14 6 2 6 31 20 11 20 North Leigh 13 6 2 5 28 25 3 20 Barton Rovers 14 5 4 5 30 27 3 19 Yaxley 14 5 2 7 25 24 1 17 Kidlington 14 5 2 7 14 24 -10 17 Biggleswade 15 4 4 7 16 22 -6 16 Kempston Rovers 15 4 1 10 18 34 -16 13 Didcot Town 15 41 1 10 11 29 -18 13 St Neots Town 15 2 2 11 16 39 -23 8 Wantage Town 15 0 0 15 4 75 -71 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, Alomenu, Spencer Fri 9th August (H) Chalfont St Peter (F) D 50 1-1 Da Silva Sat 17th Aug (H) Wantage Town (SL) W 116 2-1 Ironton, Da Silva Tues 20th Aug (A) Biggleswade (SL) W 86 3-1 Da Silva (2) Rolfe Sat 24th Aug (A) Wingate/Finchley (FAC) L 121 0-2 Mon 26th Aug (H) Berkhamsted (SL) D 151 1-1 Mensah Sat 31st Aug (A) Halesowen Town (SL) W 503 2-0 Rolfe, Ironton Tues 10th Sept (H) Hitchin Town (SLC) W 123 5-0 Cleaver, Keenleyside,OG,Stead, Da Silva Sat 14th Sept (H) Thame United (SL) L 73 1-2 McClelland Sat 21st Sept (A) Kempston Rovers (SL) W 83 3-0 Cleaver, Ironton, Carrington Tues 24th Sept (H) Hadley (HCS) W 77 2-0 McClelland, Keenleyside Sat 28th Sept (H) Canvey Island (FAT) L 186 1-4 Stead Sat Oct 5th (H) Bedworth United (SL) D 104 1-1 Alomenu Tues 8th Oct (H) Royston Town (SLC) W 97 5-3 Bailey(2) Alomenu, Da-Silva, Cleaver Tues 15th Oct (H) St Neots Town (SL) W 125 7-1 Bailey(3)Keenleyside(2) Stead, Cathline Sat Oct 19th (A) Daventry Town (SL) D 108 2-2 Rolfe, Mensah Sat Nov 2nd (H) Coleshill Town (SL) L 82 0-3 Tues Nov 5th (H) Needham Market (SLC) L 73 1-2 Stead, Sat Nov 9th (H) Kidlington (SL) W 62 4-1 Payne, Stead, Bailey, Da Silva Sat Nov 23rd (H) Yaxley (SL) W 90 3-2 Stead, Bailey, Da Silva Mon Nov 25th (A) Hitchin Town (HSC) L 73 1-1(4-3) Stead Sat Nov 30th (A) Aylesbury United (SL) D 128 0-0 Tues 3rd Dec (H) Tring Atletic (HCS) L 60 0-1 Sat Dec 7th (H) Bedford Town (SL) Tues Dec 10th (A) North Leigh (SL) Sat Dec 14th (A) Didcot Town (SL) Tues Dec 17th (A) AFC Dunstable (SL) Sat Dec 21st (A) Corby Town (SL) Thu Dec 26th (H) Barton Rovers (SL)

Key: SL = Southern League, FAC = FA Cup, HCS = Herts Charity Shield, FAT = FA Trophy, HSC = Herts Senior Cup

5 Welwyn Garden City FC Fixtures 2020

Wed Jan 1st (A) Berkhamsted (SL) 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) Sat Apr 25th (A) Bedford 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 2019/20 Appearances (Sub) - Goals... Career Appearances - Goals (League & Cup games only)

Greg Adinna 1 (1) 1 (1) Romelle Alomenu 14 (4) 2 31 (5) 4 John-Paul Antwi 2 (2) 2 (2) Elliott Bailey 10 (1) 7 22 (4) 12 Jack Bradshaw 13 (2) 13 (2)

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

Ollie Carey 1 (5) 1 (5)

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

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

Connor Clarke (1) (1)

Lee Close 17 34

Eusebio Da-Silva 11 (8) 7 22 (11) 12

Dylan Ebengo 7 (3) 19 (3)

Alex Harris 1 (2) 1 (2)

George Ironton 17 3 56 (13) 13

Charlie Jones 4 6

Dave Keenleyside 14 (2) 4 38 (3) 8 William McClelland 9 2 15 2 Carl Mensah 9 (3) 2 36 (4) 3 Ali Njie 1 1 Charlie Payne 5 (2) 1 5 (2) 1 Ben Quarrington-Carter Jay Rolfe 16 (1) 3 115 (6) 10 Connor Sansom 2 2 Rory Satterly-Hull 1 (2) 1 (2) Ryan Schmid 8 8 Geraldo Smaldone 5 (5) 5 (5) Jonny Sexton 7 (1) 83 (2) 1 Callum Stead 15 (1) 7 15 (1) 7 Marco Tavares 7 7 Callum Taylor 2 2

Jess Walklin 16 23 (2)

Stuart Zanone 15 (1) 12

8 Bedford Town, nickname “The Eagles” was elected to the South Midlands League and fin- after a replay. founded in 1908 and in the early years they ished fourth Terry King was tempted out of played in the United Counties League and its retirement to team up with Tony Sullivan for Season 2002/03 predecessors, the Northampton League and the 1992-93 season and a number of early wins Northampton Alliance. put them on the way to a runaway champion- After the departure Roger Ashby, former ship. Northampton Town boss Kevin Wilson was The original playing colours were black and am- appointed as manager of Bedford Town on 2nd ber with a change to blue and white at the start of The New Eyrie October. Kevin played at the highest level and the 1950-51 season. was capped by Northern Ireland 42 times. Dave This meant that the Club had to find their own Randall who took temporary charge was ap- In 1945, The Eagles moved to the Southern ground in order to be promoted. The Council pointed as Kevin’s assistant with Ady Hall League but achieved little during the first sea- finally decided a site at Meadow Lane, Card- taking over as Reserve manager. Cup form was sons. The club received a much needed boost ington, a former council tree nursery, would be disappointing with a 3rd Qualifying round exit when in February 1951 Ronnie Rooke was the most appropriate and with financial support at Wisbech in the FA Cup and a FA Trophy 1st signed as Player/Manager. This signing captured from the council and much hard work from round replay defeat at the hands of Marlow. the imagination of the public for “Rookie” was a supporters and committee members, the New However since the arrival of Kevin Wilson, well known footballer, having played for Arse- Eyrie was ready for the opening night game league form improved dramatically and the nal, Fulham, Crystal Palace and England. For the against Peterborough United watched by a club finished in its highest league position of first match under his control, there was an attend- crowd of over 3,000. So the Eagles went into 9th since reformation. In October 2003 Manag- ance of 4,790 and his first appearance for the the SML Premier Division, won their first er Kevin Wilson and his Assistant Lee Howey club playing in the reserves when he scored a hat game and remained top of the league all sea- resigned from the club to join Aylesbury Unit- -trick 3,000 turned up. son. ed. Reserve and PASE Coach Dave Randall took charge in October 2003 but agreed to “Giant Killers” Another race against time saw the ground up- stand down in January 2004 after a poor run of graded and a rollercoaster campaign saw Bed- league results. He was immediately replaced by However, it was not until season 1955-56 that the ford claim the 3rd promotion spot in the final Nick Platnnauer, with Kim Davis coming in as Eagles started on the first of their great CUP runs week of the season. The Eagles started season 1st team coach. Dave Randall took the role of which would see them achieve national fame as 1995-96 with high hopes of a 4th successive assistant manager . “Giant Killers” with a number of fine wins over promotion. But the team who gained promotion league opposition including Watford 3-2, Nor- from Division Three never really settled to life Season 2004/05 wich 2-4, Newcastle 1-2, Exeter 1-2, Brighton 2- at a higher level, and with Terry King undergo- 1 and Oxford 1-0. But possibly their greatest ing lengthy hospital treatment a string of bad After the disappointing defeat in the final play achievement was to draw 2-2 with Arsenal at results meant that relegation was a distinct off game against St Albans City the Eagles find Highbury watched by a crowd of over 55,000 in possibility. The Committee acted quickly to themselves back in the Southern League. Nick season 1955-56. The Eagles nearly caused a ma- bring in Mick Foster from Beazer Homes has had to virtually build a new squad for the jor shock in the replay leading 1-0 until 4 Buckingham Town who brought several play- new season. The season started shakily and by minutes from time before going down 1-2 after ers with him which resulted in the Club finish- mid October the club were second from bottom extra time, having had 2 goals disallowed for ing in a respectable 8th place. of the League. However an up turn in form saw offside. During the 60’s, changes of manager the Eagles win 12 home league games on the were made in a succession of two year spells Season 2001-2002 trot and reach 2nd place. Unfortunately injuries with Reg Smith taking over from Rooke followed took their toll and eventually slipped to 5th by by Basil Hayward in 1963, Ron Burgess 1965, The League campaign got off to a disastrous the end of the season. Bedford reached the Ron Heckman 1967, Alan Wright 1969, Reg start, losing the first seven matches before tak- semi final of the play off losing on penalties to Smith again in 1971, Brian Garvey, Jim Walker, ing three points on the 8th attempt at Hendon Chippenham Town. The Eagles also lost 3-2 Barry Fry 1977 and finally Trevor Gould. The with a 2-1 victory. The league campaign would over two legs to Kings Lynn in the League Cup last game for the Club was against Nuneaton always be difficult after that, and it wasn’t until final, but silverware did come to the club in the Borough away on the 4th May 1982, with the mid February that the club finally pulled away form of the Bedfordshire Senior Cup, beating Eagles going down 1-0. And so after 74 years the from the bottom two when the team put togeth- Barton Rovers in the final 2-1. end came in 1982 when the owners of the foot- er a tremendous nine game unbeaten run. ball ground in Queens Park exercised their right Season 2005/06 The FA Cup campaign was a memorable one, to terminate the lease and when plans to build a reaching the 1st Round proper after victories new stadium near Barkers Lane, Bedford, failed, The club moved into its new facilities at the over, Leyton, Hednesford and Harlow Town. the Club was wound up. beginning of this season with a new function In front of the Match of the Day cameras the room and football facilities up to National Con- Seven years later ...... Eagles drew 0-0 at home to 2nd Division Peter- ference standard. The club were consistent borough United and took the “Posh” to a de- throughout the season remaining in the top 5 On the 5th May 1989, a group of Eagles support- served replay at London Road in front of over from September until the end of the season. 5,500 people. The Eagles eventually went ers met to start a campaign to re-form Bedford Finishing 5th meant away trips in the play offs. down 2-1 and were unfortunate not to have Town FC, which was so successful that they A hard fought 1-0 win at Bath city saw the won the game. obtained Council permission to play their home Eagles facing Chippenham in the play offs for games on a public pitch in Queens Park, ironical- The FA Trophy however was a disappoint- the 2nd year running. The Eagles had their day ly very close to the old ground in Ford End Road. however with a magnificent 3-2 win, the With Tony Sullivan as team manager, they were ment. Victory over Worthing in the 1st Round was followed by defeat by Eastbourne Borough winning goal coming from a wonder strike

9 by Tom Bonner two minutes from time. The for 2008/09 Manager Stuart Bimson left with record appearance holder Eddie Law- Eagles now face a new challenge in Nation- the club to take a position at Cambridge ley and Bedford born Josh Sozzo both wide South, the highest standard the club United has Assistant Manager. Former appointed as Assistant Joint Player Man- have played in since re-formation in 1990. Club Captain and Assistant Manager Lee agers. Howarth has now been appointed 1st Season 2006/07 Team Manager. Season 2011/12

The Eagles fist third of the Season went Season 2008/09 The beginning of the 2011/12 season saw reasonably well with the team consolidating former reserve manager Steve Rigby tak- in 14th position, but things changed after Former captain Lee Howarth started his ing over as assistant manager. The season two defeats in the space of a week in No- first season as manager, with former re- didn’t start well and early exits from the vember. After leading 2-1 at home to Bog- serve manager Ady Hall coming in as as- FA Cup and FA trophy both against East nor with nine minutes to go Bedford con- sistant. Their aim, to halt the slide of the Thurrock didn’t help matters. Former ceded 2 goals in a 3-2 defeat. The week after last couple of seasons. This was achieved manager Nick Platnauer returned to the at Farnborough the Eagles went 2-0 up only with a 15th place in the league which fold as assistant manager in October and to lose the game 3-2. This seemed to dent could have been much better if the teams Steve Rigby left for AFC kempston Rov- the confidence of the team and we then away form had been up to scratch. The ers. The second half of the season saw an failed to win a league game for four months team only picked up 5 results on their upturn in league form with the club finish- and found ourselves at the foot of the table. travels with 4 wins and 1 draw. ing in 10th position its highest finish for Manager Nick Platnauer handed in his resig- six years. Manager Ady Hall resigned at The Eagles went out of the FA Cup in the nation in Februay 2007. Stuart Bimson was the end of the season due to work commit- 2nd Qualifying round after a replay with appointed Caretaker Manager with Dave ments and former manager Nick Platnauer now Conference national side AFC Wim- Randall as assistant. Although results did took on the role assisted by former Noth- bledon. The club went out on their first improve relegation was confirmed on the ampton Town player Adam Sandy. attempt in the FA Tropjhy, losing at home 7th of April in a 2-0 defeat at Newport to Corby Town. County. The FA Competitions were another Season 2012/13 disappointment for the club. The Eagles Season 2009/10 Cup success once again eluded the Eagles, were knocked out of the FA Cup 3rd Quali- losing 1-0 at Waltham Abbey in the 1st fying round at home to Nationwide North The season proved to be another struggle Qualifying round of the FA Cup and los- side Moor Green 2-0 at the Eyrie. The FA for the Eagles. Conceding 88 goals in the ing out in the 2nd Qualifying Round of the Trophy was no better, losing at the first time league made life difficult to pick up regu- FA Trophy to Maidstone United. The of asking in a 2-0 defeat at Basingstoke lar points. After the departure of Manager League campaign was a mixed affair, but Town. Caretaker Manager Stuart Bimson Lee Howarth in March after a 6-1 defeat at the Eagles got their act together in the was given the job at the end of the campaign Farnborough, former Reading Captain and New Year and an 8 game unbeaten run after some impressive end of season form! Welsh International Ady Williams took saw the club come within touching dis- over the reigns with the club looking at the tance of the play offs. Defeats at crucial Season 2007/08 distinct possibility of relegation. The fight times meant the Eagles finished in 10th came down to the last game of the season The Eagles started the season with a poor 4- position the same as the previous season. when we ran out 0 defeat at home to Bromsgrove but results With Chairman David Howell reducing improved and by early November were up 2-0 winners and escaped relegation by a his financial commitment to the Club, to 7th in the league. However with a run of point. The club reached the 3rd Qualifying Manager Nick Platnauer and Assistant Saturday away games over a two and a half Round of the FA Cup before going out Adam sandy resigned. The Club moved month period affected the teams form which after a replay to Southern League Mid- quickly and appointed Cranfield United they never really recovered from and Bed- lands Champions Bury Town. The FA Manager and former Eagles player Lee ford were relegated in the penultimate Trophy was another disappointment losing Bearman as Manager with a directive to league game of the season in a 2-1 defeat at Yate Town 2-1 at the first hurdle. against Corby Town. find good local talent rather than searching Season 2010/11 further afield for players. Coach Steve The Eagles went out of the FA Cup in a 2nd Jackman was appointed Assistant Manag- Qualifying Round Replay against Boreham Pre-season promise did not materialise and er. Wood and were knocked out of the FA Tro- with only one league win in the first phy in the 1st Qualifying Round at Chesham twelve and early exits from FA Cup and United. Due to financial problems with oth- Trophy saw manager Ady Williams resign er clubs Bedford escaped relegation and will in October. Long serving Assistant and continue in the Premier Division for former Reserves Manager Ady Hall was 2008/09. In the middle of our preparations appointed as Manager on 30th October,

10 Herts Senior Cup Hitchin Town 1-1 The Citizens (4-3 pens) 25/11/2019

The Citizens bowed out of the Herts the home goal. well-struck spot kick was superbly Senior Cup to their Southern League saved by a full length dive by Horlock The last action of the half saw a right Premier division neighbours Hitchin to keep the hosts in the game. wing cross almost converted at the far Town, in cruel fashion losing 4-3 on post from Devonte Simms a product of City boss Ironton replaced the ever penalties after the regulation 90 minutes Hitchin’s youth academy. improving Greg Smaldone with Ro- provided us with a 1-1 score-line. How- melle Allomenu in his last throw of the ever, had Jack Bradshaw converted his Elliot Bailey was substituted by Euse- dice. penalty after 75 minutes of this cup-tie bio Da-Silva at half-time due to an then City would have undoubtedly pro- injury to the striker. City continued to drive forward and from a long Jay Rolfe throw in, Greg gressed in the competition. On 52 minutes the hosts took the lead Adinna was just wide with his right Hitchin Town have an illustrious history when Hitchin’s tall midfielder Max footed shot at the far post. – contributing financially to the pur- Ryan burst through the Citizens de- chase of the original FA Cup and com- fence and neatly clipped the ball over Another Jay Rolfe long throw was met the advancing Tavares. by the head of Eusebio Da-Silva and seemed destined for the top corner be- Match Report by This spurred City into action and their fore Horlock managed to claw the ef- reply was for Callum Stead to drill a fort from under the bar and away to Dave Fallon right wing cross onto the head of Jay safety. Rolfe but his effort flew agonisingly peting in the very first season of the wide with keeper Horlock rooted to City were rampant now and a mazy competition played host to the upstarts his goal-line. run by Greg Adinna, beating three from “down the road” having already players en-route to goal saw his shot Another young City starlet in Brodie been dumped out of the Southern deflected wide for another in a succes- Carrington replaced the ineffectual League Cup by a rampant City on the sion of City corners. Alex Cathline and was soon in the ac- night losing 5-0 at Herns Way back in tion. From a Greg Adinna corner the Hitchin had their own chance late on September. And, so retribution was on youngster produced a fierce volley but when left back Jahi Dhillon’s free kick the cards. his effort was just too high. produced a fine save at full stretch by City made them work hard for the 90 Marco Tavares. City continued to press and got their minutes but the hosts always looked the just rewards when a long clearance The last effort of the 90 minutes again more likely to score, but, they squan- from Marco Tavares caused panic in came from the long throw of Jay dered their chances. the Hitchin defence. And, a race for Rolfe, such an effective weapon in the City boss Nick Ironton gave full debuts the ball ensued between goalkeeper City attacking arsenal. His launched to youth product Alex Harries and left Horlock and Eusebio Da-Silva. The throw saw Eusebio Da-Silva flick a winger and former Barnet Academy big City striker bravely putting his header onto Jack Bradshaw and the starlet Greg Adinna. Both players will body on the line winning the ball but midfielder’s smart shot on the turn was be pleased with their contribution to being found himself grounded after well held at almost point blank range give Ironton further options as he shuf- the collision. Callum Stead showing by keeper Horlock. fles his pack to find the right blend for great anticipation raced onto the loose And so the tie was decided on penal- his squad. ball and hit a first time shot from 25 ties. The first real action came the way of the yards, placing his passed effort into an Eusebio Da-Silva crashed his spot kick hosts when the dangerous Maximillian empty net for a deserved equaliser on against the cross bar, Callum Stead, Ryan hit a stunning volley just over 71 minutes. Lee Close and Jay Rolfe all netted but Marco Tavares’s goal on 15 minutes. A minute later Alex Harries sent a rak- the unlucky Jack Bradshaw saw his The same striker then produced a fine ing pass onto the chest of Da-Silva but effort, despite being powerfully struck save from Tavares some 15 minutes his progress was halted by a mistimed down the middle of the goal, parried later. challenge and the match referee had onto the cross bar by Horlock and out no hesitation in awarding City a penal- City’s first effort of the half came from to safety to earn Hitchin Town passage ty. nd a great shot by Jack Bradshaw that into the 2 round of the competition. stung the palms of Charles Horlock in Up stepped Jack Bradshaw and his Attendance 73

11 Welwyn Garden City FC Player Sponsorship

JP Antwi Brodie Carrington Connor Clarke Ollie Carey 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 Brandon McKenna Rory Satterly-Hull

Jess Walklin Callum Taylor Alex Harries Romelle Alomenu

Elliot Bailey Geraldo Smaldone Ben Quarrington Greg Adinna

Marco Tavares Stuart Zanone

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

Welwyn Garden City Roll Call 2019/2020 - Compiled by Gavin Meaden

Stead

Harris

Bailey

Harris

Schmid

Ebengo

Tavares

DaSilva

Sansom

Spencer

Bradshaw

Smaldone

Carrington

McClelland

Carey

Antwi

Harris

Payne

Ebengo

DaSilva

Mensah

Nkansah

Alomenu

Mensah

Smaldone

Keenleyside

Carey

Payne

Sexton

Adinna

Ebengo

Mensah

DaSilva

Mensah

DaSilva

Smaldone

Stevenson

Carrington

Antwi

Payne

Harris

Ebengo

DaSilva

Cleaver

DaSilva

Mensah

Cathline

Alomenu

Bradshaw

Carrington

Rolfe

Jones

Harris

Payne

Adinna

Ebengo

Cleaver

Sansom

Cathline

DaSilva

Bradshaw

Carrington

McClelland

Bailey

Antwi

Bailey

Payne

Bailey

Walklin

Spencer

Bailey

Alomenu

Bradshaw

Carrington

Payne

Adinna

Walklin

Carrington

Keenleyside

Keensleyside

Keenleyside

Bailey

DaSilva

Cleaver

DaSilva

Cathline

DaSilva

Cleaver

DaSilva *

DaSilva

Payne

Ironton

Payne

Ironton*

Ironton

Bradshaw

Ironton

Rolfe

Stead

Carey

Stead

DaSilva

Rolfe

Walklin

Mensah

Mensah *

Njie

Rolfe

Ebengo

Mensah

McClelland

Mensah

McClelland

Ebengo

Walklin

Cleaver

Walklin

Ebengo

Mensah

Walklin

Mensah

Bradshaw

Taylor

Harris

Antwi

Sexton

Mensah

Alomenu

Rolfe

Harris

Ebengo

Rolfe

Smaldone

Bradshaw

Smaldone

Bradshaw

Jones

Schmid

Tavares

Sansom

Pos

Att

127

108

125

104

187

125

503

151

121

149

116

0-1

0-0

1-1

3-2

4-1

1-2

0-3

2-2

7-1

5-3

1-1

1-4

2-0

3-0

1-2

5-0

2-0

1-1

0-2

3-1

2-1

Score

Opponents

BedfordTown

DIDCOT TOWN DIDCOT

BartonRovers

CORBY TOWN CORBY

St NeotsSt Town

HALESOWEN TOWN HALESOWEN

AYLESBURY UTD AYLESBURY

Yaxley

NORTH LEIGH NORTH

Kidlington

ColeshillTown

DAVENTRY TOWN DAVENTRY

BedworthUtd

AFC DUNSTABLE AFC

ThameUtd

KEMPSTON ROVERS KEMPSTON

WantageTown

BIGGLESWADE

Berkhamsted

BARTON ROVERS BARTON

CorbyTown

AFC Dunstable AFC

DidcotTown

NorthLeigh

BEDFORD TOWN BEDFORD

TRING ATHLETIC TRING

AylesburyUtd

HitchinTown

YAXLEY

KIDLINGTON

NEEDHAM MARKET NEEDHAM

COLESHILLTOWN

DaventryTown

ST NEOTS TOWN NEOTS ST

ROYSTON TOWN ROYSTON

BEDWORTH UTD BEDWORTH

CANVEY ISLAND CANVEY

HADLEY

KempstonRovers

THAME UTD THAME

HITCHIN TOWN HITCHIN

HalesowenTown

BERKHAMSTED

WingateFinchley&

Biggleswade

WANTAGE TOWN WANTAGE

FAT

HCS

HSC

LCC

HCS

LCC

FAC

SLC1

Comp

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

17-Dec

14-Dec

10-Dec

07-Dec

03-Dec

30-Nov

25-Nov

23-Nov

09-Nov

05-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 Hard working midfielder Jess Walklin in action and typically winning the ball Citizens Timeline

1921 First WGC FC formed

1922 Joined Mid-Hertfordshire League

1926 Joined Bedfordshire & District League

1927 Joined Spartan League

1935 Resigned from the league at the end of the season as they could not find a suitable pitch. At an AGM held 24th July 1935 it was agreed to wind up the club.

1937 At a meeting held on the 20th May 1937, after they were offered the A word of special thanks to Nicholls and Clarke who kindly sponsored and facilities of Shredded Wheat FC, it was supplied all of the tiles in not only both of our recently redecorated toilets but agreed to set up a new Welwyn Garden also in the newly built disabled toilet facilities too, a great gesture thank you. City FC.

Are you “ The Face in the crowd ? 1937 Joined Spartan League

1939/1940 Joined East, North & Mid- Hertfordshire Combination and then the Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Combination.

1944 The ‘recently revived’ team joined the Mid-Hertfordshire League

1945 Joined Spartan League

1951 Joined London League

1955 Joined Spartan League

1959 Joined Hertfordshire County League

1970 Joined Greater London League (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 Colney Heath 5 5 0 0 26 4 22 15 Takeley 5 4 0 1 36 5 31 12 Enfield Town 5 4 0 1 15 6 9 12 Welwyn Garden City 4 3 0 19 8 11 9 9 Broxbourne Boro 5 2 0 3 14 9 5 6 Sawbridgeworth Town 6 2 0 4 15 21 -6 6 St Margaretsbury 5 2 0 3 8 29 -21 6 Maccabi London 4 1 0 3 4 23 -19 3 Hoddesdon Town 7 0 0 7 3 35 -32 0

Thursday 29th Aug League Away v Broxbourne Boro W 4-2 Carrington(2), Desa, Gibson

Thursday 5th Sept FAYC Home v Takeley W 6-5 Carrington(4), Desa, Edge Wednesday 19 Sept FAYC Away v Braintree Town 1st Qual W 6-2 Carrington(3), Desa (2) Harris

Thursday 26th Sept BH Cup Home v AFC Dunstable W 4-4(P) Reed(2) Desa, Gammon Monday 30th Sept FAYC Away v Aveley L 1-2 Desa

Thursday 10th Oct League Home v St Margaretsbury W 13-0 Carrington(4)Desa(4) Reed, Dones, Satterly-Hull, Coates, Kendrick-Gibson Monday 28th Oct League Home v Takeley L 0-5 Thursday 21st Nov League Away v Sawbridgeworth Town W 2-1 Coates, Jordan Tuesday 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

Goalscorers: Carrington (13) Desa (10) Reed (6) Coates (2) Gibson, Edge, Harris, Gammon, Dones, Satterly, Kendrick, Jordan

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 Aylesbury United 0-0 The Citizens 30/11/2019

AS good a 0-0 draw you could ever Manager Nick Ironton introduced immediately ruled out for a foul in wish to see, was marred by a mass latest signing full-back Callum Tay- the build-up. brawl two minutes into stoppage lor, from Royston, at left back and There was almost a carbon-copy time at the end of a pulsating fixture. switched teenager Alex Harris to five minutes after the restart, when After all the outfield players on both right back. George Ironton returned Da Silva had an effort blocked in sides became in involved in the con- to the midfield after a three match front of goal and again Payne frontation, referee Russell Jones ban. squeezed in the rebound, but this sought advice from his assistants and Ironton was quickly in the action time the flag was up for offside. in the aftermath, dismissed WGC’s with a long cross in from the left. It Manager Ironton made a couple of Eusebio Da Silva with a straight red found Callum Stead off balance and changes to try and find the break- card. he screwed his effort wide in the through, fit again Dave Keenleyside opening five minutes. replacing Bradshaw and Romelle Match Report by Jack Bradshaw provided the next Alomenu coming on for Payne. Phil Ravitz good WGC cross, but Da Silva Hopwood foiled Keenleyside al- couldn’t turn it and the action contin- most immediately with a fingertip ued mainly in the Aylesbury half save over the bar that left the WGC th The big Citizens pleaded his inno- when in the 27 minute, WGC hit the midfielder holding his head in frus- cence and a case of mistaken identi- home woodwork for the first time, tration and then Da Silva beat the ty, but left the Clarets depleted for Bradshaw exploding a free-kick from home keeper with a header from a the final two minutes action. fully 35 yards that crashed against deflected cross, only to see it In contrast, Aylesbury substitute junction of bar and post. bounce off the bar! Ken Feyi, who was clearly seen to Home central defender Brian O’Con- Hopwood’s legs protected Ayles- throw a punch in the direction of nor was forced to clear over his own bury’s point in the closing stages WGC central defender Lee Close, crossbar to keep out another Ironton with two outstanding saves from a escaped with a very lucky yellow. cross destined for the head of Da Sil- marauding Da Silva, the last and the It was a sad end to the Southern va, before Aylesbury provided their better of the two saves coming just League Div 1 Central’s ‘Match of first real threat of the afternoon, with a minute from time. 35 minutes gone. the Day’ between the sides in third Then into four minutes into stop- and fifth place prior to the fixture, A long, straight ball down the middle page time, the game descended into but WGC, who began the afternoon bisected the WGC defence, striker Ty chaos all sparked off by new boy two places lower than their hosts, Deacon ran free and struck his effort Taylor being fouled down the left. can take consolation from the fact past Tavares, only to see it rebound Tempers frayed and Da Silva got that they dominated this clash. off the foot of the post. his marching orders. They twice hit the Aylesbury wood- WGC had their clearest opportunity It was a sad end to an otherwise to- work, twice had the ball in the home of the half on 41 minutes, when from tally dominant WGC performance net – both times through Charlie Harris’ throw-in, Stead got clear, to against fellow promotion contend- Payne, only for one to be disallowed cross over the face of goal. Payne ers. for offside and the other, a foul - looked like he couldn’t miss, but his and forced home keeper Jack effort from little more than a yard WGC: Tavares, Harris, Close, Hopwood into a string of excellent out, got blocked on the line. Rolfe, Taylor, Walklin, Bradshaw saves. (Keenleyside 65), Ironton, Payne Payne did find the net on the stroke (Alomenu 67), Stead, Da Silva. At the other end, WGC keeper of the interval, when Ironton’s fierce Marco Tavares had a comparatively shot rebounded off keeper Att: 128 quiet afternoon. Hopwood’s chest, but the effort was 19 Views from our “Mystery Supporter” Canadians, Australians, South Amer- them) that many of the Irish farmers icans (in The Isles Bar) and so many get a subsidy, which came up during Europeans (on the roads), most of a chat about Brexit (sorry, I have whom were in RVs. I always thought mentioned it). His wife’s cousin that was an American thing. gets £12K a year, for not producing The Mystery Supporters Diary goods! The cousin is well off with a The political farce has been driving big house and a top of the range Summer 2019 was interesting and sur- me mad. I think we must look like Range Rover. I won’t go into it any prisingly enjyable, with really hot days, idiots to the rest of the world. We all further, because I don’t know lots of rain in some areas, and the visit knew Boris would be PM, but they enough about it, and that sort of of Luton Town to Herns Lane. The at- wasted weeks over confirming that thing annoys me. tendance for the Hatters is believed to and I am not sure he has won a vote be the second highest ever, behind the since. I will try not to mention it Finally the football season started, visit of Spurs in 1987. The Spurs XI did again. and the Citizens were just excellent. the honours for the inauguration of We of course got knocked out of the I went to Banbridge in Northern Ire- floodlights at the end of the 86-87 sea- FA Cup at the first hurdle, but 3 land at the end of July to stay with son, with possibly a crowd of 2000 at- wins and a draw was a superb start relatives, and on the Monday evening tending. in the league programme. It was a after too much dinner I went for a big surprise to lose at home to On Thursday 25th July, on the hottest walk. I turned up a lane, and came Thame, but that’s football, full of day of the year so far I went into Lon- across Crystal Park, the home of surprises, and we haven’t lost in the don by train to meet up with about a Banbridge Town. It was a beautiful league since. Then we showed dozen ex-colleagues, some of whom I evening, the floodlights of course against higher league teams what hadn't seen for over 20 years! They were not on, but I realised a match we could do with 2 superb wins in were all coming by train from as far was in progress. It was a pre-season the League Cup. What a season, and afield as Brighton, Birmingham and Ips- friendly for the Reserve side with no what pleasure! wich. The advice from the train net- admission fee so I strolled around the works was DON'T TRAVEL ! They ground. The away team were the bet- I couldn’t believe that this an- were afraid of the tracks buckling in the ter side and were 3 up at half-time, so nouncement was made in Septem- heat, and were giving away bottles of I strolled back to my cousin’s for tea ber - Despite today's wet weather it water on the local platform to hot and and cakes. On the Wednesday even- may come as a surprise that over the thirsty travellers. A few days later we ing I was well and truly stuffed with last three years we've had much less had incredibly loud thunderstorms over- food yet again, and went for another rain than normal. This means we are night for 2 nights, and the rain was wel- walk, a bit later in the evening but now in drought and we may need to come and made everything fresher. It still with beautiful light. I walked to introduce water restrictions (also had been so hot that at least 4 people Crystal Park and as I was just about known as a hosepipe ban) in spring went missing after going into water, 3 in to walk past it, I realised there was a 2020. the Thames and 1 who went into the game on, and no entry fee. The teams lake at the Cotswold Water Park, had different colours from Monday, Once we entered October, bookies Gloucestershire. Then it rained so much and this was the first team playing were predicting that it would be the that places in Derbyshire were evacuat- Premier League Glenavon, and I saw coldest October, the wettest Octo- ed. some of the second half. I found out ber, and the wettest Autumn for 2 it had been 3-1 at half-time to the decades. And they could be right, In August I made a trip to the Isle of Lurgan Blues, but Banbridge fought judging by the rainfall I have seen. Skye, and managed to be there on a day back to 3-3. The match finished at So it was quite a surprise to play at when it didn’t rain until 5pm! Skye was 9.30pm, and I walked home for tea Daventry on a perfect autumn day amazing for being beautiful, wild and and cake. My first experience of Irish which produced an exciting, full unspoilt, and for being a tourist destina- football, and it’s very good when blooded match which showed that tion for so many people. On that one followed by tea and cake. I found out the team never gives up! Give me island I was able to meet Americans, from an Irish cousin (I have 8 of more! 20 Jeffrey Haggerty Associates ------Consulting Building Engineers

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21 22 The Non-League Newspaper Column - this week David Richardson .By David Richardson told The NLP: “We make it game wants. clear within all the commu- The court ruling that has seen It is only right the authori- nications – and it’s in the Ossett United ordered to pay ties reflects on this case, third line of the first para- £135,000 will have given takes the views of clubs and graph of the communication Non-League clubs plenty of experts and then decides the that goes out to clubs – that food for thought about how best course of action. it does not include player-to they approach the issue of -player cover. Will this also put additional player-to-player insurance. pressure on referees? As the “We will continue to recom- The BetVictor Northern sole independent party in mend the policy we have for Premier League North West these types of cases, a lot public liability and personal club have been sued by Rees will be put on their reports accident. If anything this is Welsh, who broke his ankle and evidence. It is quite the to remind clubs it doesn’t in a tackle while playing for position to be in. include player-to-player.” Radcliffe Borough against We must also not forget Ossett Town in April 2015. Whether the ruling will about Welsh. It can’t have spark a wave of cases re- Just over £19,000 in damages been an easy route to go mains to be seen. It remains were awarded to the full- down and, however you feel true that these incidents are back, making his debut, with about the ruling, he has suf- very hard to prove, but there the club also having to pay fered a major injury that will is no doubting it will leave out £115,000 in costs and le- have affected not only his much of the Non-League gal fees. footballing career, but also game very uncomfortable. his day-to-day life. Ossett’s insurance, which in- As it stands, the FA don’t cluded a public liability poli- The impact of any injury to have player-to-player insur- cy offered by the Northern any player can’t be underes- ance as mandatory. Clubs Premier League and the min- timated. are – or at least should be – imum requirement as set out aware of what they are cov- by the FA, did not cover ered for and that there is a player-to-player incidents potential risk of what has and only covered their own happened to Ossett happen- legal fees should they lose a ing to them. claim. Harris believes clubs don’t The club is now considering have an appetite for that selling their ground in order level of cover to be manda- to pay off the hefty bill. tory and the FA say their NPL chairman Mark Harris rules are reflecting what the

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 Welwyn Garden City FC Officials

Ray Fiveash - Chairman Dave Coates - Vice Chairman Gemma Carter - Club Secretary

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

Chairman: Ray Fiveash Secretary: Gemma Carter

Members: Ray Fiveash, Leigh Corbit, Maureen Hay, Gemma Carter & Phil Ravitz & David Coates Jnr.

Welwyn Garden City FC

Leigh Corbit - Treasurer FA League Rule 2.13 Maureen Hay - Memberships

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

Chairman: Ray Fiveash,

Secretary: Gemma Carter

Members:

Leigh Corbit (Club Treasurer)

Maureen Hay (Membership Secretary)

Phil Ravitz (Football Secretary)

David Coates Jnr (Vice-Chairman)

Phil Ravitz - Football Secretary Mike Isaacs - Fixture Secretary

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

26 MALMECH & MANNION

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Manager: Nicky Ironton Manager: Nathan Abbey

Assistant: Jon Stevenson Assistant: Gil Octave Coach: Ricci Crace Coach: Physio: Callem Kingsley Physio: Sam Roblett

Welwyn Garden City v Bedford Town Wearing: All Claret Wearing :Blue and White

Ryan Schmid (G/K) Aaron Dillon (G/K)

Marco Tavares (G/K) Dan Benney

Romelle Alomenu Brett Longden

Jay Rolfe Mason Watkins-Clark

Dylan Ebengo Joe Steele

Callum Taylor Derek Ubah

Jack Bradshaw Louis Hall

Ali Njie Cade Stephens-Abbey

Lee Close Callum Donnelly

George Ironton Ben Ford

Dave Keenleyside (C) Ebby Nelson-Addy

Jess Walklin Nathan Olukamni

Charlie Payne Connor Tomlinson

Eduardo Smaldone Jack Vasey

Callum Stead Dan Walker

Brandon McKenna Tom Hitchcock

Greg Adinna

Eusebio Da Silva

Elliot Bailey Stuart Zanone Alex Harries

Today’s match officials: Referee: Rhys Battye Assistants: Michel Iddenden-Smith & Tommy Breen