2020/21: Issue 4

CUCKOOS CORNER

The Pitching In Southern League Division 1 Central vs Bedford Town

3pm, Saturday 24th October 2020

Yaxley FC The home of grassroots football in Peterborough 1 TODAY’S TEAMS FROM: No. Sub No THE CUCKOOS Goals THE EAGLES AARON BUTCHER (GK) JAMIE GREYGOOSE (GK) JAMES BLAKE (GK) BRETT LONGDEN JOHN-PAUL DUNCLIFFE JOE STEELE FRAZER GARNER ROSS WATSON SAM SPENCER CHARLEY SANDERS CHARLIE JOHNSON MATT HARRIOTT BRADLEY GOTHARD MATT SPARROW RYAN BAILEY JOSH PAGE JACK DICKERSON STANLEY AYRE JOE BUTTERWORTH DREW RICHARDSON KYLE NOLAN ROB SINCLAIR LIAM HOOK WILL SUMMERFIELD JOEL EARPS CALLUM DONNELLY DAN COTTON CONNOR TOMLINSON AARON HART DAN WALKER JORDAN MACLEOD TOM HITCHCOCK TOM WAUMSLEY RENE HOWE SAM BENNETT JAKE NEWMAN PHIL STEBBING CRAIG MACKAIL-SMITH NAVY BLUE/ORANGE COLOURS ALL WHITE TEAM MANAGEMENT TODAY’S MATCH OFFICIALS ANDY FURNELL MANAGERS: JOEL EZRO- REFEREE: GARY SETCHELL GRIFFITHS SCOTT BOGUSZ ASSISTANTS: DARREN EDEY ASSISTANT REFEREE STAFAN LEWIS BEN WATTS / DAN DOBSON / (Red Flag): HARRY HOGG COACHES: RONAYNE MARSH-BROWN

DAN DOBSON ASSISTANT REFEREE ELLIS MILLS PHYSIOS: (Yellow Flag): JAZZY DOLBY Up next at the Decker Bus Stadium: FIRST TEAM vs North Leigh, Tues 27th October (7:45pm)

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

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

WHAT’S THE best goal you’ve seen live? Not necessarily your favourite or one that meant the most, saw your club win something or, dare I say it, avoid relegation. But the best.

Football is subjective. One person’s best goal might not be to the taste of another’s. Some prefer mazy runs. Others think there’s nothing better than a long range strike that crashes in off the underside of the bar.

We’re fortunate we get to see more Non-League goals than we ever did. Now wonder strikes from across the country are only a few clicks away, be it on the club’s website, YouTube channel or social media. Often we will see a goal just moments after the game has finished.

It used to be waiting to buy the end of season club video to re-live those moments that could have occurred months earlier. Was it quite as good as you remembered? Was it really that far out? Did the keeper really have no chance?

One that will always live long in my memory was a strike by Michael Warner for Farnborough Town against Heybridge Swifts. A headed clearance fell out of the sky to customary cries of ‘SHOOT!’

Often the instruction to take aim is swiftly followed by groans as the ball sails off target, troubling parked vehicles in the car park more than the goalkeeper.

But this day, Warner’s effort was a dream. Like a tracer missile the ball rocketed into the top corner. Two goalkeepers wouldn’t have saved it.

It was brilliant. These days it would have gone ‘viral’ and been retweeted thousands of times on twitter.

Technology has certainly made our annual Goal of the Season at The NLP’s National Game Awards more competitive than ever.

More and more nominations roll in each year, all worthy winners from all different levels of the game. In years gone by, these goals would be the stuff of myth and legend. Now the tangible proof is there.

I was fortunate enough to be at the National League North Eliminator game between Brackley Town and Gateshead a few months ago.

Fans weren’t allowed in the grounds. That was a shame for loyal supporters as it is but even more so when Shane Byrne pulled a spectacular rabbit out of the hat on the stroke of half-time.

Gateshead had just gone one up deep in first-half stoppage time and looked for all the world to be heading into the break in front.

But Byrne, apparently, had other ideas. Receiving the ball from kick-off inside his own half, the midfielder hit an inch perfect ball that flew right into the top corner.

Gateshead keeper Brad James had no chance. It wasn’t like he’d been caught unawares not concentrating.

It left the handful of people inside the ground open-mouthed. A wow moment. The only problem for me being, I didn’t fully see it. I was taking notes down from the first goal. Who shoots direct from kick-off!? I saw it in the air from a long way out, I saw it arrow into the net. I saw 80 per cent of it. But I didn’t see the actual strike itself.

So does it count as my best goal witnessed live? It’s certainly the best one I nearly saw!

By Matt Badcock

9 2020/21 Detailed Fixtures Grid: League

Date H/A Opposition Result Att 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 19th Sept A Halesowen Town L 1-7 400 Butcher Steel Dickerson Butterworth Johnson Bailey Gow 29th Sept H St. Neots Town D 2-2 142 Butcher Steel Dickerson Butterworth (C) Johnson Gothard 1 Earps 3rd Oct H Didcot Town W 2-1 99 Iron Steel Dickerson Butterworth (C) Johnson Gothard Earps 10th Oct A Kempston Rovers D 3-3 102 Iron Steel Dickerson Butterworth (C) Johnson Gothard Earps 24th Oct H Bedford Town 27th Oct H North Leigh 31st Oct A Thame United P P P 3rd Nov A AFC Dunstable 7th Nov H Kidlington 14th Nov A Coleshill Town 17th Nov A Daventry 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 Gow Nolan Sanders 1 Cotton (C) Macleod Horne (7) Earps Nolan Sanders Macleod 1 Bennett Bailey (11) Earps Nolan Sanders 1 Macleod 1 Bennett Hook (7), Waumsley (11), Bailey (9) Earps Nolan Waumsley 2 Macleod Bennett Cotton (11), Hook 1 (7), Bailey (3)

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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 W W O 31st Oct H Grantham Town FAT 3Q

Upcoming 1st Team Fixtures (subject to change) 3pm Sat / 7:45pm Tues (unless otherwise stated) Tues 27th Oct: HOME vs North Leigh League

Sat 31st Oct: HOME vs Grantham Town FA Trophy 3rd Qualifying Round

Tues 3rd Nov: AWAY vs AFC Dunstable League

Sat 7th Nov: HOME vs Kidlington League

Sat 14th Nov: AWAY vs Coleshill 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 17/11/20 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 2-2 St. Neots Town 10-man Cuckoos hold on for a draw against St. Neots

Bradley Gothard gave Yaxley the lead after 2 minutes when he tapped in from a free kick. However, they found themselves down to ten men after 6 minutes when goalkeeper Aaron Butcher was sent off for handling outside the box, with midfielder Joel Earps forced to deputise between the sticks and immediately saving from the free kick that followed the sending off.

Yaxley made it 2-0 against the run of play after 27 minutes when Jordan MacLeod latched onto a Charley Sanders through ball and placed his shot beneath the keeper. St. Neots pulled one back after 34 minutes when Arron Smith shot low from the edge of the box after a corner was punched clear.

The St. Neots comeback was complete after 67 minutes when Leon Lobjoit placed a free header into the top corner. They spent the rest of the half pushing for a winner, but were unable to find it despite their best efforts and Yaxley held out for a deserved point.

Man of the Match: Joel Earps

By Daniel Tortoise

16 Action from the First Team’s 2-1 league win against Didcot 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 Bradley Gothard Ryan Bailey Harvey Steel Jack Dickerson

T Position: Centre Back Position: Centre Back/ Position: Right Back/ Position: Left Back Right Back Right Wing Back Sponsored by: Clover Building Projects Ltd T H E

Joe Butterworth Kyle Nolan Liam Hook Joel Earps

Position: Centre Position: Centre Position: Centre Midfield Position: Centre Midfield C Midfield Midfield Previous Clubs: Sponsored by: Sponsored by: Wisbech Town U Hailstone Roofing Malcolm Larrington Watson & Barrie Ltd C K O

O Cameron Gow Archie Sootheran Dan Cotton Aaron Hart

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

21 MEET THE CUCKOOS

Jordan Macleod Tom Waumsley Sam Bennett Phil Stebbing

Position: Centre Midfield Position: Striker Position: Striker/Winger Position: Striker

Previous Clubs: Sponsored by: Cambridge United MD Flooring Ltd

1ST TEAM SQUAD 2020/21

22 1st Team: Player Stats (All Competitions)

2020/21 All-Time Player Apps Goals Apps Goals Aaron Butcher 3 0 216 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 Johnson 5 0 20 1

Bradley Gothard 3 1 10 1 Ryan Bailey 5 0 5 0 Harvey Steel 5 0 5 0 Jack Dickerson 5 0 5 0 Joe Butterworth 5 0 175 27

Kyle Nolan 4 0 276 15 Liam Hook 3 1 293 34 Joel Earps 4 0 22 3 Cameron Gow 2 0 5 0 Archie 0 0 2 0 Sootheran Dan Cotton 3 0 282 196 Aaron Hart 0 0 0 0

Jordan Macleod 4 2 4 2

Tom Waumsley 3 3 122 77

Sam Bennett 4 0 22 5 Phil Stebbing 0 0 134 60

23 Uhlsport United Counties League Reserve Division Table

Upcoming Reserves Fixtures (subject to change) 3pm Sat / 7:45pm Tues (unless otherwise stated) Weds 28th Oct: AWAY vs Bourne Town Reserves League (7:45pm kick-off)

Sat 31st Oct: AWAY vs Newport Pagnell Town Reserves League

Sat 7th Nov: AWAY vs Rothwell Corinthians Reserves League

Sat 14th Nov: HOME vs Wellingborough Town Reserves League

Sat 21st Nov: AWAY vs Lutterworth Athletic Reserves League

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25 Bedford Town: Recent History

Season 2009/10 - The season proved to be another struggle for the Eagles. Conceding 88 goals in the league made life difficult to pick up regular points. After the departure of Manager Lee Howarth in March after a 6-1 defeat at Farnborough, former Reading Captain and Welsh International Ady Williams took over the reigns with the club looking at the distinct possibility of relegation. The fight came down to the last game of the season when we ran out 2-0 winners over Tiverton Town and escaped relegation by a point.

Season 2010/11 - Pre-season promise did not materialise and with only one league win in the first twelve and early exits from FA Cup and Trophy saw manager Ady Williams resign in October. Long serving Assistant and former Reserves Manager Ady Hall was appointed as Manager.

Season 2011/12 - The season did not start well and early exits from the FA Cup and FA trophy both against East Thurrock didn’t help matters. Former manager Nick Platnauer returned to the fold as assistant manager in October. The second half of the season saw an upturn in league form with the club finishing in 10th position its highest finish for six years. Manager Ady Hall resigned at the end of the season due to work commitments and former manager Nick Platnauer took on the role for the second time.

Season 2012/13 - The League campaign was a mixed affair, but the Eagles got their act together in the New Year and an 8-game unbeaten run saw the club come within touching distance of the play offs. Defeats at crucial times meant the Eagles finished in 10th position the same as the previous season. After the departure of Manager Nick Platnauer, the club moved quickly to appoint Cranfield United Manager and former Eagles player Lee Bearman, with a directive to find good local talent rather than searching further afield for players. Following a disappointing run of twenty games without a win, it was decided on Boxing Day 2013 to part company with Lee Bearman. On January 2 2014, former player Danny Nicholls was appointed manager with Alan Biley as his assistant. After 12 consecutive defeats manager Danny Nicholls and assistant Alan Biley resigned in March 2014. Wellingborough Manager Craig Adams was appointed 1st team manager and brought with him his assistant, Jamie Wright and Goalkeeping coach Brian Mapley. However, Adams could not prevent relegation to the Southern League Division One Central on March 22nd.

Season 2014/15 – Life under Craig Adams started inconsistently in Southern League Division One. A 5-3 win at Beaconsfield gave the club their first opening day win in 14 years before a disappointing September saw the Eagles drop down the table. The highlight of the autumn was the club’s FA Trophy run, defeating Chipstead FC, Brightlingsea Regent, Chippenham Town before facing Weston-Super-Mare in the third qualifying round. After the turn of the New Year an inconsistent season took place with a phase of victories and defeats. At the climax of the season, Craig Adams committed himself to another season at the helm before resigning in mid May 2015. With a new management committee appointed, the search for a new manager commenced and on June 3rd, ex Barton Rovers manager Dan Kennoy was appointed.

Season 2015/16 – Having taken over in the Summer, Dan Kennoy assembled a reasonable squad throughout preseason and hopes were high. The Eagles started well with progression in the FA Cup and ten points from the first five league games. However, a poor September lead to Dan Kennoy and his management team resigning. The Management Committee acted quickly and appointed Jon Taylor to the role of manager, where he was joined by former Eagles player Paul Daniels. Taylor led the Eagles to a solid 14th position finish.

Season 2016/17 – After a hard-working Summer, Taylor assembled a strong looking squad that started preseason well with victories against Stevenage FC and Peterborough United XIs. Former Dunstable Town manager Darren Croft joined as assistant manager and John Bell followed as physio. The league season started disappointingly with defeats against Farnborough, Royston, Northwood and exiting the FA Cup to AFC Dunstable. A strong league run continued through late September and October, but this did include a disappointing 4:0 loss at Hanwell Town in the FA Trophy. The club lost again at Hanwell Town in the league on 10th December, but then went on a 20-game unbeaten run. This finished in disappointing fashion at Marlow in early April but had propelled the Eagles up to a respectable eight place finish.

Season 2017/18 – After the departure of Darren Croft over the summer, coach Gil Octave was promoted to assistant manager. The season started with a disappointing defeat at Uxbridge but wins against Aylesbury United and Swaffham Town in the FA Cup meant the Eagles finished August on a high. The Eagles spent most of the autumn in midtable and Jon Taylor continued to add to his squad. At the start of 2018, former Histon coach and St Ives Assistant Manager Jack Cassidy was brought into the management team. At the end of January 2018, the club was taken over, ending 17 years of ownership under David Howell. Local businessmen David and Jon Taylor headed a consortium including Jason Brown, Ashley Jones, Doug Nurse and Alan Gudjin who took over tenure at the Eyrie. The Eagles went on a solid run from January, but were unable to reach the playoffs, falling short to finish in 8th place.

Season 2018/19 – After a summer of rebuilding on and off the pitch, the new ownership began to stamp down their vision for the Eagles to progress. Several former league players were signed, and the Eagles started with three wins from three against Kidlington, Yaxley and Dereham (In the FA Cup). A strong FA Cup run continued, defeating Bostik Premier side Enfield Town, before narrowly going out to AFC Telford away in late September. Cup football took priority in the autumn, as the Eagles went on an incredible run in the FA Trophy. They reached the first round, travelling all the way from the extra preliminary round to get there. The journey involved five ties, three replays, knocking out two Bostik Premier League sides on the way with Cheshunt, Tilbury, Kingstonian, Chipstead and Worthing all falling to town as their March to the first round proper of the trophy continued. Due to the large amount of cup football, the Eagles had only played 10 league fixtures by 1st December, and they sat in eighth place at this point, albeit with several games in hand over the playoff sitting sides. The fine FA Trophy form continued when on 15th December, the Eagles came back from 2:1 and 3:2 behind to earn a draw at National League side Aldershot Town. The following Tuesday the Shots travelled up from Hampshire with a much depleted squad, consisting of youth players. The Eagles ran riot, knocking seven past them to set up a trip to Chesterfield in the second round proper. Unfortunately, the trophy proved a distraction to the league form, as Bedford struggled to pick up points in the new year, especially on the road. Nonetheless, on 12th January the Eagles visited Chesterfield and after an excellent effort went down 1:0 to the National League side in the 89th minute. A reasonable spring saw the Eagles finish in fourth place and qualify for the playoffs, going down 5:3 to Corby Town in the semi-final. A game which was overshadowed by the Eagles knowing they could not be promoted due to a poor points per game ratio.

Season 2019/20 – The new season started with strong hope after an excellent preseason campaign. The opening day saw a hard fought 2-1 win at home to Thame United. However, in the following week, disappointment hit with a hammering defeat at Berkhamsted and exiting the FA Cup to Deeping Rangers at the Eyrie. Throughout September and October, the side picked themselves up, going unbeaten and progressing in the FA Trophy and Southern league Cup. In mid-October, the club were knocked out of the League Cup at Biggleswade Town, before losing at Carlton Town in the FA Trophy. Sadness followed on 13th October 2019, when owner and director David Taylor passed away at the club. Manager Jon Taylor was promoted to director, and Nathan Abbey took on full responsibility of the management of players at the club. Nathan won his first game in charge, officially, with the 2:1 win at Kempston Rovers. However, a run of 7 defeats in 9 games led to Nathan departing and Mark Ducket joined as manager, his first game being a defeat at Yaxley on 18th January 2020. The COVID-19 outbreak caused the season to be ended early and work began building a side for the resumption of football in September 2020.

Season 2020/21 – After an early exit from the FA Cup and defeat in the first League match at Thame, manager Mark Ducket resigned from the club. He was replaced in September 2020 by current manager Gary Setchell.

26 Bedford Town: Player Profiles

Jamie Greygoose (Goalkeeper): Jamie is a lively goalkeeper, who surprises people with his size. He joined the club in February 2020 and went on to make several man of the match performances before lockdown. Before coming to the Eagles, he was with Eynesbury Rovers, St. Neots Town, Haverhill Rangers and Bury Town.

Brett Longden (Defence): Has signed for the Eagles in 2018 in the close season. Brett was previously at AFC Dunstable and before that St. Ives Town, Chesham United, St. Neots Town, and Luton Town.

Joe Steele (Defence): Joe joined the Eagles in November 2018 from AFC Dunstable. He is a local player and established himself into the side in February 2019.

Ross Watson (Defence): Ross joined the club in January 2020 from Yaxley. Before coming to the Eyrie, he was involved with King's Lynn Town, Holbeach United, Spalding United, AFC Sudbury, Stamford, Blackstones, Cambridge City and Rushden & Diamonds. The defender agreed to become Club captain in the summer of 2020.

Matt Harriott (Midfield): Matt joined the Eagles for a second time in November 2019. He was previously with Hendon, Wealdstone, Hemel Hempstead Town, Hayes & Yeading United, Northampton Town, Alfreton Town (loan), Burton Albion (loan), Sheffield United.

Matt Sparrow (Midfield): We welcomed Matt to the club in August 2020. The 25-year-old lively winger joined the club from Peterborough Sports, where he was last season. Previously, he was also with Cambridge City and Yaxley, where he scored 21 goals in 51 appearances.

Josh Page (Midfield): Josh is a product of our youth system. He played in Australia with Perth Scorchers before returning the UK for his education. He was involved with the first team throughout preseason 2020, while still playing for the u18’s.

Stanley Ayre – (Midfield): Stanley is another product of our successful youth system. He has been involved with the first team throughout preseason 2020 whilst still playing for Bedford Town u18’s.

Drew Richardson (Midfield): Drew joined the Eagles in the summer of 2020, having spent last season at Biggleswade Town FC. The young prospect spent his youth at Luton Town. His performances secured a contract in August 2020.

Rob Sinclair (Midfield): Rob is an experienced midfielder who has played most of his career in the National League or Football League. He joined the club in the summer of 2020, returning to his hometown club where he grew up. Previously he has been with Hemel Hempstead Town, Oxford City, Forest Green Rovers, Salisbury City, Aldershot Town (loan), Stevenage and Luton Town.

Will Summerfield (Midfield): Will joined the Eagles in the summer of 2020. He originally played for the club on a months loan deal back in 2014 whilst he was with MK Dons. Following his release from stadium:MK he has been on to play for Bovingdon, Hemel Hempstead Town and Arlesey Town. He is another local lad who lives in Bedford.

Callum Donnelly (Midfield): Callum joined the Eagles in the 2017/18 season from Hitchin Town where he made over 300 appearances. He left Bedford in the Summer of 2020 before re-joining late September 2020. His previous clubs include Cambridge City and Boreham Wood.

Connor Tomlinson (Attacking Midfield): Connor joined the Eagles in the summer of 2019 following his release from Luton Town. He is a lively 19-year-old who has extreme talent. The son of former Eagle, and Manchester United forward, Greame, Connor agreed a two-year contract with the club in 2019.

Dan Walker (Attack): Dan joined the club in the summer of 2018, ten years after he first signed for the Eagles. He has played for numerous Conference National sides, including Luton Town and Aldershot.

Tom Hitchcock (Attack): The 26-year-old forward joined the Eagles in October 2019, following a wealth of experience in the game. At a young age, he made Premier League appearances for Blackburn Rovers and Queens Park Rangers. After loan spells at Plymouth, Bristol Rovers, Crewe Alexandra and Rotherham, he joined Milton Keynes Dons in 2014 and was with them for three seasons. After leaving the Dons, he had spells with Biggleswade Town, Boreham Woods, Chelmsford and Chesham. He also spent time with Cheshunt and Harlow, where he scored 5 goals in 11 games.

Rene Howe (Attack): Rene returned to the Eyrie in the summer of 2020, fourteen years after he departed as a teenager. The young Rene was instrumental in our promotion to Conference South in 2006 but moved to Kettering Town the same summer. A successful spell in the football league followed playing at Peterborough, Burton, Torquay United, Rochdale and Newport County. Since dropping out the football league, he has played at Farnborough, Walton Casuals and Kettering. He is now back at the Eyrie where it all began.

Jake Newman (Attack): Jake joined the club in the New Year of 2020, signing transfer forms from Kempston Rovers. He has previously been with St Ives Town, Peterborough Sports, AFC Rushden & Diamonds, Stamford, Spalding United, Wellingborough Town, Oadby Town, Kettering Town, Northampton Sileby Rangers. Most notably, he has an impressive record for our neighbours Kempston Rovers, scoring over 50 goals in two and a half seasons at the club.

Craig Mackail-Smith (Attack): Craig joined the Eagles in September 2020 following his release from Wycombe Wanderers. The former Scottish International has had a career that saw over 200 appearances for Peterborough United - scoring 85 goals, and over 100 appearances for Brighton & Hove Albion. His career started at St Albans and included Dagenham & Redbridge and Luton Town.

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