Welcome

Kempston Rovers Football Club is a Community Benefit Society. Affiliation No. CBS7753. KRFC is a registered Community Amateur Sports Club CASC No.CH11754 We are a members Club owned and run by its Members. FA Club Nominee, Mr Russell Shreeves - Chairman

Good afternoon and welcome to Hillgrounds for this Southern League Division One Central fixture

We would like to extend our welcome to the players, officials and supporters of our visitors today, Daventry Town. We hope you have a pleasant stay in Kempston and a safe journey home.

This is our first home fixture since the turn of the decade, so Happy New Year to all our fans, players, officials and volunteers.

What a decade it was, in 2010, Rovers were in UCL Division One. In the space of ten years, we have been promoted twice, won two cup finals, narrowly missed out on the play offs twice and had some rather memorable results along the way. Who knows what the next ten years have in store?

Please enjoy the match and respect those on AND off the pitch. Match Preview

Next up at Hillgrounds… Opponent Daventry Town Competition League Daventry’s Current League position 11/20 Last Time They Were Here… A crowd of just 37 witnessed Daventry win by 3-1 in a UCL League Cup encounter. Rovers goal on the night was scored by Emmanuel Pondayi Daventry’s Current League Form (six games) LLLDWL Did you know… Daventry list former Aston Villa and one time player among their ‘old boys’ alongside long time Charlton and Ireland servant . In the bar It is FA Cup third round weekend, we have the magic of the cup covered on our big screens. Starting with the lunch time kick off between Rochdale and Newcastle, followed by the tea time game where Manchester United travel to Wolves. Join us for a drink or two to watch both games.

On this day in Rovers history… Rovers have only got nine recorded games on this date in the archive The earliest dates back to 1896 when Marston Red Cross were the visitors as Rovers ran out 5-0 winner. In 1975, the club hosted Stamford in the UCL, winning by a single goal, scored by Barry Steele Most recently, in 2000, Potton were the visitors in the first round of the Hunts. Premier Cup. Rovers won one nil thanks to Keith “Snaz” Snaylam, on their way to winning the trophy at the end of the season.

Carl Knox is hoping to be fully fit for this game having missed the trip to St. Neots with a slight knock. Jordan Wright will play his last game before suspension for ten bookings kicks in, forcing him to miss the games with Didcot and Welwyn Garden City.

Rovers are hopeful of having Max Marsh and Cameron Hyde back after having missed them over the festive period.

Jake Newman extended his scoring run to ten goals in ten games and has an impressive strike rate of one in two for the season.

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Kempston Rovers were formed in 1884 and entered the Bedford & District League. Rover’s first league championship was won in 1908 and twelve months later Rover’s retained the title while also carrying off the Senior Cup and North Beds Charity Cup.

The Walnut Boys, the club’s official nickname, comes from the large walnut orchard in Kempston around the time of foundation. This identity is carried forward by one of the main supporters’ groups at the club, “The Nuts on Tour”.

1973 saw the start of a new era as Kempston relocated to a new ground further down Hillgrounds Road. A magnificent season saw the Walnut Boys storm to the Premier title losing only once in 32 games. A golden period in the club's history saw League Cup successes in 1975 and 1977; the Beds Senior Cup was again captured in 1977 while the Walnut Boys reached the last 16 of the FA Vase in 1975. In 1986, the club moved again, this time to the current ground, their third in the same road.

Kempston last won the county’s highest honour, the Beds. Senior Cup, in 1992, the fourth time the trophy has come to Hillgrounds.

In 2002 Kempston Rovers and Kempston Colts began an alliance to pool resources/personnel under the name AFC Kempston. The youth teams at Rovers still go by the name “Colts”, keeping the history of youth football in the town alive.

The beginning of 2005 saw the start of major re-developments at Hillgrounds Road with the building of new changing facilities and the building of an artificial training pitch, which is available to book all year round for training sessions, small sided games or just a kick around with friends. The new ground facilities were completed in 2006 and along with a new stand; on-going ground improvements and the existing clubhouse refurbished and ready to hire for functions and events, Kempston now have some of the best facilities in the area for non-league football.

Midway through the 2013-14 season James Stoyles and Gary Flinn took over the 1st Team managerial duties before, in 2015-16, Rovers won the United Counties Football League Premier Division, with a thrilling final win on the last day of the season, a campaign in which they only lost one league game. This resulted in promotion and saw us move into the Southern League Division One which represents the highest level we have attained within the FA pyramid system so far.

Since promotion, the club has twice narrowly missed out on a place in the end of season promotion play offs. On both occasions, finishing above some of the more established sides in the division.

Tony Joyce took over as manager in November 2018 and has reshaped the side in his own unique image.

The club currently operates one of the largest youth systems in the county, with over thirty sides at various age groups with a reserve side, an ‘A’ team and a senior women’s team for players to progress all the way through.

Kempston Rovers, 135 years in the making and we’re not done yet.

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Kempston Rovers Football Club

Club Cup Honours

Beds County Cup Winners: 1908-09 Beds Premier Cup Finalists: 1991-92 Beds Senior Cup Winners: 1937-38, 1976-77, 1991-92 Finalists: 1926-27, 1927-28, 1928-29, 1992-93 Beds Senior Trophy Finalist: 2008-09 Beds County under 18 Floodlight challenge Cup Winners: 2008-09 Beds Intermediate Cup Winners: 1976-77, Finalists: 1977-78 Beds County Hospital Cup Winners: 1930-31, 1932-33, 1935-36, 1936-37, 1938-39 North Beds Charity Cup Winners: 1908-09, 1934-35, 1999-2000, 2000-01, 2015-16, Finalists: 1910-11, 1935-36 Hinchingbrooke Cup Winners: 1926-27, 1928-29, 2010-11, Finalists: 1923-24, 1930-31, 1932-33, 1947-48 Hunts Premier Cup Winners: 1999-2000, 2000-01 UCL Premier Division KO Cup Winners: 1974-75, 1976-77 UCL Premier/Division 1 KO Cup Finalists: 1999-2000 UCL Division 1 KO Cup Winners: 1957-58, 1959-60, Finalists: 1956-57, 1960-61 UCL Division 2 KO Cup Winners: 1955-56, 1974-75, Finalists: 1972-73 Britannia Cup Winners: 1957-58, 1958-59 Finalists: 1947-48 Beds Sunday Junior Cup Winners: 1989-90 Bedford & District Under 16 Cup Finalists: 1995-96 Bedford & District Under 18 Cup Winners: 1983-84 Lisa Slater Memorial Shield Finalists: 2004-05 (AFC Kempston Rovers Ladies) Eastern Region League Plate Winners: 2005-06 (AFC Kempston Rovers Ladies)

Club League Honours

UCL Premier Division Champions: 1973-74, 2015-16 UCL Division 1 Champions: 1957-58, 1985-86, 2010-11, Runners Up: 1956-57, 1959-60 UCL Division 2 Champions: 1955-56 Runners Up: 1967-68 Bedford & District Champions: 1958-59, 1960-61, Runners Up: 1959-60 Bedford & District League Division 1 Champions: 1907-08, 1908-09 Bedford & District League Division 2 Champions: 1922-23, 1933-34 Biggleswade & District League Division 1 Champions: 1911-12, Runners Up: 1909-10 Bedford & District Under 14 Colts League Champions: 1985-86 Bedford & District Under 16 Colts League Champions: 1973-74 Bedford & District Under 18 Colts League Runners Up: 1974-75 Bedford & District Sunday League Division 1 Runners Up: 1990-91 Bedford & District Sunday League Division 2 Runners Up: 1989-90 Bedford & District Sunday League Division 4 Champions: 1987-88 Eastern Region League Division 1 West Champions: 2005-06 (AFC Kempston Rovers Ladies) Eastern Region League Division 1 West Runners Up: 2004-05 (AFC Kempston Rovers Ladies) Chiltern Youth League Under 18 Division 1 Champions: 2017-18 Kempston Rovers Reserves 2019/20

Kempston Rovers Football Club Community Benefit Society Sponsors 2019/20

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Kempston Rovers Player Profiles 2019-20

Carl Knox – Goalkeeper – Carl signed for Kempston in 2014 an experienced goal keeper was a member of our 2015-16 UCL Premier Division and North Beds Cup winning squad. An able deputy, Carl made a more concerted challenge for the number one spot last season.

Oliver Kirkup – Goalkeeper – Oliver has been with Kempston since he was four years old and has represented the club at every level, still a teenager, he has time on his side to break in to the first team.

Michael Hudson – Goalkeeper – Michael made his first team debut last season and has been a key figure in the reserves and under 18s in recent years

Robbie Goodman – Defender – Robbie was on the books of Rovers since joining from Ampthill in 2015. He was named player of the year in 2018, but left to join Barton shortly after Tony Joyce took over as manager of Kempston. Having seen the error of his ways, he re-joined in the summer of 2019. He notched his 200th appearance for the Walnut Boys over the festive period in 2019.

James Sage – Defender – An autumn recruit from near neighbours Bedford Town, James has added some more depth to the defence. The left footed central defender has made an instant impact in MK42. He has formed a good partnership with Jordan Wright at the heart of the defence.

Jordan Wright – Defender – Jordan joined on a dual registration with Potton United. He is a tough centre half who takes no prisoners in the challenge. Jordan has taken on the captain’s armband this season and has demonstrated some really good leadership, despite his relatively young age.

Cameron Hyde – Defender – Cameron was part of a very successful youth side at Kempston Rovers, before other commitments led to him spending some time at Bedford FC. He has returned to make his mark on the first team. His marauding style have made him a favourite with the fans at Hillgrounds.

Max Marsh – Defender – Max began the season in the successful reserve side but has managed to break through into the first team this season. He is tough and eager to learn his trade with Rovers.

Lewis Jones – Defender – Lewis joined Rovers in February 2019 from Bedford FC after training with the club for a while. A strong, determined centre half, Jones has already made a number of key appearances for The Walnut Boys

Finlay Brennan – Defender – Fin signed on loan from MK Dons, he has made his first team MK debut this season.

Ben Baker – Midfield – Ben, a pacy and tricky wide player, joined Rovers in the Autumn of 2019 as The Walnut Boys sought to re-shape the midfield.

Evan Beldon – Midfield – Evan is a product of Kempston Rovers Colts youth system and was part of the U18 Chiltern League Champions of 17/18 season. He has made a number of cameo appearances for the first team this season as he looks to establish himself in senior football.

Gareth Hunt – Midfield – Gareth was initially with Rovers youth set up in 2010, making over sixty appearances for the U18s and the reserves in three seasons, as well as a number of first team run outs. He returned ‘home’ this season to anchor the midfield for Tony Joyce’ team.

Stefan Bailey – Midfield – Stefan joined Kempston from Barton Rovers as Tony Joyce added some more steel to midfield. The robust ball winner has experience with a number of local sides as well as having made a handful of appearances for QPR

Emmanuel Dahie – Midfield – Manny had featured for the development side under Stuart Mellon, now assistant manager. His technique and eye for goal led him to be top scorer for the Devs in the 2017-18 season.

Harry Stratton – Midfield – Harry has re-joined Kempston from Newport Pagnell to pick up where he left off at the end of the 2017-18 season, establishing himself as a fan favourite and enjoying the sounds of Sham69’s classic “Hurry Up Harry” ringing out from the terraces.

Sam Johnson – Midfield – The flying winger returned to Rovers in November 2019 after a spell with AFC Rushden & Diamonds. Sam has also played in New Zealand, earning rave reviews.

Callum Shortt – Forward – Still only a teenager, Callum is one of the youngest members of the Rovers squad this season, he impressed while on trial with the reserve side during the summer and has been drafted in to the first team by manager Tony Joyce.

Izale McLeod – Forward – Izale arrived at Kempston in November 2018 with one job – score goals. It is something he has done throughout his high profile career. He is the all time top goal-scorer for MK Dons. His goals also kept Barnet in the Football League for two seasons in a row before he joined Portsmouth. He has also had spells at Charlton, Notts County and Crawley among others.

Jake Newman – Forward – Jake rejoined the club on the eve of the new season, having been top scorer in the 2017-18 season with over 30 goals. Jake has played for AFC Rushden & Diamonds, Sports and St. Ives Town, scoring goals wherever he has been. Jake recently scored his fiftieth goal for the club in eighty games.

Tony Joyce – Manager – Tony joined Kempston in the summer of 2016. Tony has a wealth of non-league football having previously been manager at Buckingham Town and Southern League Aylesbury United. He moved up the bench from coach to manager in November following the resignations of the previous joint-managers. Also registered as a player, apparently, he has to pay into the club fines kitty every time he names himself on the bench.

Stuart Mellon – Coach – Stuart came to Rovers in the summer of 2016, he was the first coach of the Development side and after two seasons’ work in the County League, he made the step up to work with the first team. He was promoted to assistant manager after Joyce took the hotseat, making himself indispensable as Joyce’ trusted lieutenant.

Jardaine Patel-Joseph - Sport Therapist – Jardaine has worked at Rovers for two seasons, shadowing the senior sports therapists during that time He has now taken over the senior role from, the now retired, Colin Hodsden.

Kempston Rovers have also registered a number of players from the reserve team on first team forms to provide cover as needed during the season. During the 2018-19 season, a more than a dozen players that have represented Kempston at youth or development level made first team appearances, a philosophy richly encouraged by manager Tony Joyce

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FORTHCOMING HOME GAMES

Saturday 11th January RESERVES v Rothwell C’ns

Sunday 5th January LADIES v Flitwick Eagles

Saturday 25th January ROVERS v Yaxley

@Kempston_Rovers @KRFC_Reserves @rovers_team

£9 adults £3 adults FREE £5 concessions £1 children £1 children

Kempston Rovers FC, Hillgrounds Road, Kempston MK42 8SZ Tel (01234) 852346 www.kempstonrovers.org DAVENTRY TOWN HISTORY

Since forming in 1886 Daventry Town Football Club has had a chequered history over its 132 years, from a devastating fire in 2005 which threatened the club’s existence to an incredible cup run which saw over 700 fans travel to League 2 Chesterfield in 2014.

Switching to the Northants Combination in 1987, under the guidance of Manager Willie Barrett, the clubs fortunes began to flourish, Barrett leading the club to successive championships in the Northants Combination First and Premier Divisions and in 1989/90 they secured promotion to the United Counties League Division One

Leaving the “Hollow” in the centre of the town in 1990 when the club moved to its current home at the Elderstubbs, the club’s fortunes suffered a devastating blow in 2005–06, when the Elderstubbs clubhouse and changing rooms were destroyed during an arson attack.

With the cub on the brink of going out of business, Iain Humphrey took the helm and work began to revitalise the club with the introduction of new floodlights, walkways and other infrastructure to support the clubs promotion ambitions.

2007–08 was a very successful season for Daventry Town. They won UCL Division One, losing just once, and defeated three Premier division teams en route to the League Knockout Cup final, where they lost to Desborough Town 3–2.

In the season 2009–10, Daventry won promotion to the Southern League Division One Central, by becoming champions of the United Counties League under the guidance of manager Ady Fuller. Daventry Town reached the last 16 of the FA vase, the final of the NFA Senior Cup, beaten by Corby Town by 3 – 2 and the semi – finals of the UCL KO cup before Captain Paul Saunders lifted the UCL championship to secure Daventry Town a coveted place in the Southern League for 2010/11.

Under the guidance of Ady Fuller and assistant Paul Lamb, their first season in the Southern League almost ended with another promotion however they lost in the play off final to Hitchin Town.

Former Aston Villa, Charlton and Republic of Ireland international Mark Kinsella became manager in the summer 2011 however his season long spell was unsuccessful and former Daventry United/Ford Sports Manager Darran Foster was appointed with Neil Champelovier as his assistant and Paul Dempsey as coach in 2012.

Daventry Town made history in 2013-2014 by reaching the First Round of the FA Cup, a visit to Chesterfield's Proact Stadium their reward. They were eventually beaten by 2 – 0 in front of over 700 of their own travelling supporters and a crowd of over 5269. Town also reached the first round proper of the FA Trophy losing 1 0 to Maidenhead United.

Town reached the final of the Senior Cup - Hillier Cup beating Cogenhoe United, managed by Andy Marks, 3 - 0, Scott Cross (2) and Luke Keen scoring the goals.

Town had been season-long favourites for promotion from the Southern League Division One Central in 2013 -2014 but the back log of fixtures caused by the cup runs took effect. They lost the promotion play-offs at the semi-final stage at Kettering Town, narrowly beaten 1-0.

Darran Foster resigned as manager on 30th October 2014 following budget cuts and was replaced by former Watford, Oldham and Preston star, Allan Smart. Former Manager Ady Fuller was appointed as his Assistant Manager with the bulk of the players supplied by Smart’s London based Academy.

In the Summer of 2015, the club were moved to the Division One South and with Smart and the players based in the South, het resigned in July 2015.

Darran Foster returned to Daventry Town as Manager just nine months after resigning however he also resigned on Easter Saturday after a 5 0 home defeat to Kidsgrove Athletic.

Club Goalkeeping Coach Derren Midson and the Club’s Juniors Development Officer Pete Flockhart stepped in as Caretaker Managers with Brian Porter returning as Club Secretary to ensure the club somehow completed their remaining 6 fixtures of the 2015/2016 season.

In a move planned to reset the club’s financial problems, Town took voluntary relegation to step 6 football and the club returned to the United Counties League Division 1.

In April 2016, Steve Tubb took over as Chairman.

On the 12th May 2016, the club appointed Arron Parkinson and Andy Marks as joint managers. With a zero budget for the season, the team management have worked wonders in turning the club around and winning the UCL Division 1 title, unbeaten at home.

Andy Marks left the club at the end of the season due to family and work commitments. Ian King joined Parkinson as Joint Manager in May 2017.

Town finished the 2017/18 season in 10th position, winning the Buckingham Charity Cup for the first time in their history.

2018/19 saw the return of the Reserves managed by Andy Emery. Ian King left to join Town Academy. Arron Parkinson took over as Manager with goalkeeper Matt Finlay as his Assistant Manager and Pete Harris coming in a Club Coach respectively.

After an excellent start to the 2018/19 league season and two FA Cup wins scoring 16 goals in the process, the Town went on to win the UCL Premier Division with a 1 1 draw at Pinchbeck United. The club were presented with the trophy on Easter Monday after a 3 0 win over local rivals and pre-season favourites Rugby Town in front of a crowd of 393. Town also won the UCL Knock Out Cup by beating United 3 1 in the final at Raunds Town. Town returned to step 4 in the BetVictor Southern League Division One Central for the 2019/20 season.

Club Honours

Northants Combination League Division One

Winners: 1987–88

Northants Combination League Premier Division

Winners: 1988–99

United Counties League Division One

Winners: 1989–90, 1990–91, 2000–01, 2007–08, 2016–17

United Counties League Premier Division

Winners: 2009–10, 2018–19

United Counties League Knock Out Cup.

Winners: 2018–19

Finalist: 2007–08

Northamptonshire FA / Lower Junior Cup

Winners: 1930-31, 1960-61 and 1990-91

Runners Up: 1988–99

Northamptonshire FA / Hillier Cup

Winners: 2013–14

Runners Up: 2007–08, 2012–13

Daventry Charity Cup

Winners: 1997–98, 1999-2000

Buckingham Charity Cup

Winners: 2017–18

Betvictor Southern League Division One Central 2019/2

DAVENTRY TOWN – Player Profiles

Goalkeepers:

Iustin Cerga - Previous Clubs: FC Dacia of the Moldovan First Division

Iustin has been first choice for over three seasons now and will complete 100 appearances this year. Made his debut in 2013 and would have made many more appearances if work commitments had not got in the way. He was last season’s joint supporter’s player of the season. He produced several excellent saves in last seasons double winning season, none more so than the memorable double save he made at Desborough Town.

James Martin – Previous Clubs: Kempston Rovers, , Bedworth, Belper, Long Buckby AFC

James is a very recent signing to the club making his debut in December 2019. A vocal presence at the back, James is very good at organising his defence and is capable shot stopper.

Defenders:

Rico Alexander – Previous Clubs: Wellingborough Town and Rugby Town.

Virtually ever present in the championship season, Rico formed a solid partnership with Ross Harris at the back and “Rico” became a crowd favourite. He joined Rugby Town in the summer along with Kieran Fitzgerald however both failed to settle at the Valley and returned as soon as FA rules permitted.

Joe Merrill - Previous Clubs: AFC Rushden & Diamonds, Northampton Sileby Rangers

Joe is a great athlete who excites, with his desire to venture forward regularly and his long range goals last year were a joy to watch. Would be every present if work commitments did not limit his appearances

Dean Lukeman - Previous Clubs: Northampton Sileby Rangers, Cogenhoe United

Over 80 appearances for Daventry Town after having four seasons with Cogenhoe United. A tenacious full back who loves to get forward and never shirks a challenge. Came back well after a long term knee injury. One of a number of players who joined the Town when we dropped to step 6. Another who would have a made over 100 appearances had injuries not got in the way.

Ross Harris - Previous Clubs: Cogenhoe United, Woodford United

What a player in the heart of the Town defence and wearing the captain's armband. Experience and composure are two of his biggest assets and when Ross bites into the tackle, it's with power and timing. It's easy to understand why he is a hit with the fans. Ross completed 100 appearances for Town last season and is another who has risen with us from step 6.

Dan Childs - Previous Clubs: Long Buckby, Woodford United

Utility player Dan is content anywhere across the back 4 or in the middle of the park. Now nearing a 150 appearances since his debut as a 17 year old back in 2012. Gives his all physically and sounds out his passion on the pitch. When not wearing the purple shirt, he will jet off the watch his beloved Sunderland.

Aiden Print – Previous Clubs: Nuneaton Borough, Rugby Town, Rugby Borough

Aiden joined Daventry in October 2019 and has made the left back position his own this season. Quick and comfortable on the ball, he has become a favourite of the fans with his attacking play. Has a trick or two to watch out for. Scored his first goal for the club in dramatic style curling in a 25 yard effort against Dunstable.

Kyle Barnett – Previous Clubs: Coventry United

Commanding centre half, Kyle put pen to paper just a week before the start of the season. Made 40 appearance for Coventry United last season and made his Town debut v Boldmere St Michaels in the FA Cup.

Midfielders:

Adam Confue - Previous Clubs: Woodford United, AFC Rushden & Diamonds, Banbury United

A fan’s favourite in the middle of the Park and now has well over 300 Town appearances to his credit. He reads the game so well and often averts danger before it occurs. A true box to box player who every team commented on after last season’s matches. Played for Town in the 2013 FA Cup run which ended with a First Round defeat at Chesterfield. Congie is also involved as a Coach with the Town’s Juniors

Ollie Stanbridge - Previous Clubs: Banbury United, Ardley United, Aylesbury United, Tring Corinthians, Brackley Town, Kidlington

An experienced performer with bags of class. Another player who never stops running and it is hard to see that he will turn 40 this season. Uses the ball well and rarely gives the ball away.

Tommy McGowan - Previous Clubs: Cogenhoe United

Every club should have a player like Tommy, who has starred all season expertly protected the back four. A big hit with his team mates and the coaching staff, he does his work efficiently and without any fuss. With us since step 6 when a serious knee injury kept him out for nearly the whole season.

Phil Cassidy - Previous Clubs: Northampton Sileby Rangers, Cogenhoe United, Desborough Town

Phil is certainly fulfilling his potential and thriving under Arron Parkinson at Daventry. A great athlete who can drift into dangerous areas, create opportunities and score goals from the midfield. Played over 100 games for the Town and another player from our step 6 days.

Jack Finch - Previous Clubs: Coventry City, Kidderminster Harriers and Banbury United

Jack progressed through the Coventry City academy to sign professionally at the end of season 2013/14. He made 16 Football League appearances for the Sky Blues in season 2014/15 before suffering a serious knee injury. Jack improves with every game he plays.

Jordan Orosz - Previous Clubs: Kettering Town, AFC Kempston Rovers

Taylor’s younger brother, had a good couple of seasons at Kettering Town before his moving to the Town in 2016. He is a useful asset to the squad with strength and passing. Like his brother, bags of pace and he can score a few too.

Forwards:

Luke Emery - Previous Clubs: Cogenhoe United, Newport Pagnell Town, Biggleswade Town.

Luke Emery was top scorer for the Town during the Double winning season netting 31 goals and being the UCL Premier top goal scorer. One of two players brought in last summer who goals changed a mid table team into the UCL double winning side.

Jack Bowen - Previous Clubs: Rushden and Diamonds, Biggleswade Town, Brackley Town, Cogenhoe United.

Jack is another recent signing joining the club in October 2019 from Rushden and Diamonds. He is a capable striker playing on his own up front or in a pair. Very good in the air, you will see him dominate defenders aerially. Typical number 9 in the fact that he is very demanding and will always claim the final touch!

Kieran Fitzgerald - Previous Clubs: Northampton Town trainee, Brackley Town, St Ives Town, Cogenhoe United and Wellingborough Town.

Kieran is now on his third stint with the Town, returning to the club in September after a brief few weeks with Rugby Town. Fitzy scored 17 goals in 44 appearances during the Town’s championship season. Kieran is one of five players who’ve made over 100 appearances for the club.

Taylor Orosz - Previous Clubs: AFC Rushden & Diamonds, Newport Pagnell Town, Wellingborough Whitworth, Kempston Rovers, Cogenhoe United, Kettering Town

Taylor is a pacy player who carries the ball forward as if it's stuck to his boot. Made 40 appearances and scored 26 goals during the double season. One of two players brought in last summer who goals changed a mid table team into the UCL double winning side.

Adam Creaney - Previous Clubs: Racing Club Warwick, Daventry United, Woodford United

If you can play the game at the pace you want then you're a talent, and Adam does just that. He has a great appreciation of time, space and where players are around him. The Ginger Pele is an exceptional forward who scored 23 goals last year including 15 from the spot. Free Kick specialist. Over 120 games for the Town.

Match Report

St. Neots dominated this New Year’s Day clash between two of the league’s bottom three sides in front of a larger than normal crowd at Rowley Park.

Kempston named rookie keeper Michael Hudson in the starting line up, after regular keeper Knox couldn’t shake off the injury that forced him off against Biggleswade last time out.

It was Rovers that created the first real chance of the game, Izale McLeod’s ball across the box was fractionally too far ahead of the incoming Jake Newman and Ben Baker for them to divert into the net. Hudson at the other end had to be alert after his poor clearance let to Mutswunguma having a one on one with the young keeper, but Hudson was equal to it and smothered the danger. Midway through the half and the hosts took the lead through a wonderfully placed shot from outside the box by Sam Gomarsall, beyond the desperate reach of Hudson. Thereafter, the hosts turned the screw and doubled the lead shortly before half time. Winning the ball back in the corner, the cross came in for Joe Sutton to nod into the bottom corner of the net. McLeod thought he had the chance to pull one back before half time, but his point blank range effort was blocked by Crosby.

Less than ten minutes into the second period and St. Neots had their third of the afternoon. Sutton beat the offside trap and squared to Gomarsall to sweep home. Ben Baker curled Rovers best effort wide of the mark before Prince Mutswunguma had an easy finish to make it four nil. With a quarter hour to play, Rovers pulled one back. A smart cross from the left by Finlay Brennan found Jake Newman, who scuffed his left foot shot into the opposite corner, extending his streak to ten goals in his last ten games. Any faint hope of a comeback was quashed with ten minutes to go. Joe Sutton scoring directly from a corner to compound Rovers’ miserable afternoon. Frustration got the better of Rovers in stoppage time, as a flurry of late cautions saw four names taken for niggly offences. At the final whistle, captain Jordan Wright led the majority of the Kempston players over to the loyal band of followers behind the goal and apologised for the sides performance.

The result keeps Rovers in eighteenth place, but now only two points ahead of St. Neots, for whom two of their four wins this season have now come against Kempston. Rovers must dust themselves off ahead of this Saturday’s game at home to Daventry Town

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THE TEAMS Saturday 4th January Betvictor Southern League Division One Central

Red /White, Black, Black. Purple, Purple, Purple.

Carl Knox – GK James Martin - GK James Martin – GK Dan Childs Robbie Goodman Aiden Print James Sage Ross Harris (Captain) Jordan Wright Cameron Hyde Kyle Barnett Lewis Jones Adam Confue Finlay Brennan Jack Finch Ben Baker Jack Bowen Evan Beldon Adam Creaney Gareth Hunt Taylor Orosz Stefan Bailey Jordan Orosz Emmanuel Dahie Harry Stratton Kieran Fitzgerald Sam Johnson Joe Merrill Callum Shortt Rico Alexander Izale McLeod Phil Cassidy Jake Newman Ollie Stanbridge

Tony Joyce – Manager Arron Parkinson – Manager Stuart Mellon – Coach/Assistant Manager Matt Finlay, Ady Fuller – Manager Jardaine Patel-Joseph – Sport Therapist Martin Dundas - Physio