ASHFORD TOWN (MIDDLESEX) FOOTBALL CLUB Tuesday 05Th

ASHFORD TOWN (MIDDLESEX) FOOTBALL CLUB

The Bostik League—Senior South Central Division

Tuesday 05th February 2019 KO:7.45PM

Ashford Town (Mx) v Molesey FC

Todays Match Ball Ashford Town

Juniors

Welcome to the Robert Parker Stadium OFFICIAL MATCHDAY PROGRAMME Season 2018/2019 - For all the latest club news, visit our website at www.ashfordtownmiddlesexfc.com Ashford Town (Middlesex) Football Club Limited The Robert Parker Stadium, Short Lane, Stanwell, Middlesex, TW19 7BH Tel: 01784 245908. W: www.ashfordtownmiddlesexfc.com E: [email protected] Members of the Southern, Suburban, Isthmian Youth and Greater London Women’s Football Leagues. Affiliated to Middlesex & Surrey FA’s. Company Registration Number: 07904731 Company Limited By Guarantee Club Directory

Directors Nick Bailey, Alan Constable, Paul Blair, Steve Clark, Robert Parker

Patrons Mr Ray Dorset, Mr Russell Grant - The Lord of Ashford (Middlesex) President Mr Bob Parker

Life Members Mr Alan Constable, Mr Bob Parker, Mr Steve Clark

Vice-President Ms. Lynne Morgan, Mr Gareth Coates, Mr Bob Lewis.

Chairman Mr Nick Bailey & Mr Alan Constable [email protected]

Vice-Chairmen Mr Nick Bailey

General Secretary Mr Alan Constable [email protected] Football Secretary Mr Paul Blair [email protected] Finance Director Mr Steve Clark Programme Editor Mr Graham Felce Press Secretary Mr Larry Mansell [email protected] Groundsmen Mr Liam Balmer & Mr Steve Honey

Membership Secretary Mr Chris Canderton

Webmaster Mr Gareth Coates [email protected]

Safety Officer Mr Liam Balmer

Welfare Officer Mrs Emma Bailey [email protected]

Football Development Officer Mr Ben Murray Mr Daryl Watson, Mr Jamie Brunton, Mr Graham Felce, Mr John Gully Mr Club General Committee Roger King, Miss S Cooley, 1st Team Manager Mr Ben Murray

Assistant Manager Mr Mark Green

Goalkeeper Coach Mr Steve Honey

Physiotherapist Mr Martin O’Connell Kit Manager Mr Chad Beadle Ladies Team Manager Mr Will Boye

Youth Team Manager

Club Photographer Mr Steve McCarthy

@ashfordtownmx @ashfordmiddxlfc @ashfordtnythfc . 2 For all the latest club news, visit our website at www.ashfordtownmiddlesexfc.com

Good Evening, We would like to extend a warm welcome to the Direc- tors, Management, Players and of course Supporters of Molesey FC to The Robert Parker Stadium for this evening league fixture. This welcome is of course to include todays Match officials, Club Sponsors, hopefully a entertaining match is on offer with action a plenty. Following on from our last out- ing against League leaders Hayes & Yeading when those in attendance witnessed a true tangerine like display and deservedly taking a share of the points.

. 3 For all the latest club news, visit our website at www.ashfordtownmiddlesexfc.com

. 4 For all the latest club news, visit our website at www.ashfordtownmiddlesexfc.com

. 5 For all the latest club news, visit our website at www.ashfordtownmiddlesexfc.com

Molesey FC Ex-Corinthian, and prominent local G.P, Dr. James Jenkinson Knox started the ‘Hampton Court and East Molesey Association Football Club’ in the Autumn of 1892 (the year the song ‘Daisy Daisy’ came out). The first match was played on Saturday 24th September, when we played hosts to Barnes F.C, winning 14 – 5! The club changed its name to ‘The Molesey Football Club’ in 1896, when, in an inter- view the good doctor was quoted as saying, “… I looked about me and started the Molesey F.C., and was appointed its first captain. The club is gradual- ly growing and I have great ideas as to its future.” However, after the untime- ly death on Xmas Day, of the 32-year-old doctor following an illness, interest in the club waned, and the club went through the metamorphosis of Molesey Athletic -> Molesey St. Mary’s before Molesey St. Paul’s emerged as the leading club in Molesey in 1905 playing their Kingston & District League home matches at the Royal Oak Ground owned by one Mr. J. Bourchier.

Molesey lost the first ever Teck Cup Final, 0 – 6 to runaway league leaders, Teddington in 1909/10 (the only football trophy to be donated by royalty, still going strong today!). In 1911/12, Molesey St. Pauls amalgamated with a lower-leagued team, Molesey, to form Molesey & St. Pauls United. 1912/13 saw the reserve side win the Surrey Minor Cup (a trophy donated by Sir Ar- thur Conan Doyle), 2 – 1, Vs Tongham, at Woking F.C., and just before WWI, the Surrey Junior Charity Cup was won, 2 – 1, away Vs Chertsey! Discarding the ‘St. Paul’s United’ part, Molesey entered the Surrey Junior League for one season in 1920/21, and won group - section 3. This put them into the semi-finals where they hosted and beat Thornville (Croydon), 4 – 0. The visitors reported, “The winners are the finest junior team we have met this season,… a cleaner set of players than the Molesey side (in our opinion) could not be found”. The league was won in a final at Walton, Vs Godalming Federation, 1 – 0. That amazing season also saw the Surrey Junior Cup won on the ground of Summerstown F.C, 3 – 0, Vs Brighton Railway, whilst the Surrey Junior Charity Cup was won again, 7 – 0, at home to Shottermill! Senior football for Molesey only lasted one season (21/22) when the club entered the Southern Suburban League Division One, where although per- forming creditably (3rd/10), the cost of travel, often into Kent, persuaded the committee to return to the Kingston & District League and Junior football. The ‘roaring twenties’ would see Molesey win the Teck Cup for the first time in 1923/24 and repeat the process 3 more times. The league was won 4 times, Surrey Junior Charity Cup – three times in a row (27-29), the Cham- bers Cup twice and the Kingston League. Cup, joint with Hampton in 28/29. 6

For all the latest club news, visit our website at www.ashfordtownmiddlesexfc.com

During this time, another team, West Molesey Old Boys, was formed and they rose through the divisions. Formed in 1927, they played at the Royal Oak ground where the main club, Molesey had just moved to Hurst Park. The Old Boys won the Teck Junior Cup, 3 – 0, Vs Weston Green Old Boys at Long Ditton in 1929/30, and also won the Kingston Junior League cup the same year, which they repeated in 31/32.

The 1930s saw less silverware as Molesey moved up to the Surrey Interme- diate League (Central Division) in 1933/34, a season in which West Molesey Old Boys were Kingston & District Premier Division Champions! 1934/35, and the Old Boys won the Teck Senior Cup, 4 - 2 Vs Cobham, at Kingstoni- ans F.C! Finally in 1936/37, the Old Boys caught Molesey up into Intermedi- ate football. The following season, the Old Boys won the Surrey Intermediate Charity Cup, beating Woking reserves, 4 – 0 away!

In the summer of 1939, Molesey merged with Molesey Athletic (a successful Kingston & District Junior side) to form Molesey United. Though originally planning to field 4 sides, the outbreak of WWII only saw one side take part in a very reduced war-time Kingston & District League which they won in 39/40, and again in 40/41. The last 2 years of the war saw no Molesey side, and during 1945/46, only West Molesey Old Boys played a season of friend- lies. For 1946/47, the two clubs, Molesey United and West Molesey Old Boys, merged to form ‘Molesey F.C’ and played over the road on the ‘rec in the Surrey Intermediate League. That year, the league title was won, and the Surrey Intermediate Charity Cup Final was reached, losing 1 – 4 to Farnham Town reserves at Guildford City F.C in a final played at the start of the following season. The Surrey Intermediate Challenge Cup Final was also reached during 50/51, but at Leatherhead F.C., old rivals Ditton Old Boys proved too strong, winning 2 – 0.

With the help of an F.A loan, our present site at 412 Walton Road was pur- chased for the start of the 1953/54 season. That season would see the Moles play for the first time in black and white (due to the influence of Ful- ham F.C connections) and enter the Surrey Senior League! Also they enjoyed the visit of Q.P.R in January ’54 – the pro’ side winning 2 – 1. 54/55, saw the clubhouse erected on site, and so enable the club to be allowed to compete in the National F.A. Amateur Cup. A 4 – 1 victory, at Chertsey Town F.C., over Farnham Town (1st team!) in Surrey Senior League Charity Cup Final, saw Molesey’s first Senior honours in 1956/57. The following season (57/58), Molesey won the Surrey Senior League Title (Unfortunately the Moles have not won a league since!) 1958/59 saw Molesey apply for, and succeed in their application to join the Spartan League, pay off their F.A. loan, and begin+44 work (0)1784 on a new 430000 clubhouse; or [email protected] and lose the final of the Surrey Senior League Challenge Cup to Malden Town, in a replay at K’s, 3 – 1

. 7 For all the latest club news, visit our website at www.ashfordtownmiddlesexfc.com

Molesey’s first season in the Spartan League was arguably their most successful in their 14-year stay there. They finished second the league to Staines Town, after leading it for most of the year, reached the second round of the Surrey Senior Cup, where a record attendance (which stands to this day) of 1,553 saw the Moles lose 0 – 6 to top amateur side, Tooting & Mitcham, who, in 58/59, took eventual F.A. cup-winners Nottm Forest to a replay at the City Ground. The Spartan League Cup Final was reached, when Molesey, known as the ‘nearly team’ that year, hosted Met. Police, but lost 2 – 3.

Sir Stanley Rous opened the new clubhouse and bar in 1960, where the architect won an award for the ‘butterfly roof’ design – unfortunately as Gary Mayne points out, “It didn't keep the rain out!” Around this time, the pitch was rotated 90 degrees to its current position. The Spartan League Cup was won, 3 – 2 Vs Crown & Manor, at Ruislip Manor F.C in 1961/62 despite the Moles finishing third from bottom! Easter tours to Germany were orga- nized by Jack Anders after the end of each season from 65/66 to 69/70 and provided much joy and interest for players and supporters alike. The pavil- ion was completed in 1967. New floodlights were installed for 72/73 when a West Ham XI were invited down for its opening, Molesey won 2 – 0, and secretary Roy Dew said of the lights, ”It lit up the whole ground by itself. It was incredible”.

Playing in the Athenian League Division Two for four seasons between 1973-77, one Mr. Cyrille Regis (one of England’s first black international players) played for the Moles during 75/76, during which they won Section D of the Premier Midweek Floodlit League with a record points haul, reached the final of the Surrey Senior Shield, losing 1 – 2 to Woking, at Stompond Lane and also reached the Vase 5th round losing down in Bristol

The club were elected into a newly formed Division Two of the Isthmian League for the start of 1977/78 when for the first 2 seasons, the club narrowly missed promotion. The 1981/82 season saw Molesey’s furthest run in the F.A. Vase, the quarter-finals, where, under a crowd of 604 in Molesey, the Notts Alliance side, Rainworth Miners Welfare cruelly ended Molesey’s dreams, 1 – 0. The close season following 1985/86, saw Gary Mayne head the members in refusing the relocation of the football club proposed by the then committee, due to mounting debts. The result was that part of the club was sold off. The rebuilding under Gary reaped rewards when, under Martin Eede, the club won promotion to the Isthmian League Division One in

. 8 For all the latest club news, visit our website at www.ashfordtownmiddlesexfc.com

1989/90 and won the Southern Combination Cup, 3 – 2 Vs Feltham at Wal- ton Road the year after. The 1992/93 season saw the club promoted to the Premier, and reach the final of the Isthmian League Cup at Aldershot Town where they lost 1 – 2 to Marlow. In 1993/94, the club reached the F.A. Cup First Round Proper stage, losing 0 – 4 at home to Conference side, Bath City. The league’s refusal to again grant the club an ‘A’ grading for their Walton Road ground mid-way through 95/96, condemned the club to their first ever relegation.

This started a bleek period in the club’s history when the club slowly but surely slipped down the Isthmian leagues, hastened by off field dramas instigated by a former chairman and later, a ‘legal secretary’. Yet there were one or two bright spots. One such getting featured in a documentary ‘under the moon’ in the late 90s; and also being player-manager Clive Walker’s time at Walton Road during 2000/01 when, due to his connections, he took a Molesey side out to Hong Kong to take part in a six-a-side tournament, one of their opponents were – Glasgow Celtic!! (the Moles lost 0 – 1).

Staines Town won the Southern Combination Cup back from Molesey (who beat them in the 93/94 final with mostly their reserves) in 2005/06 – when it was Staines turn to field mostly reserve and youth players and win! In 2007/08 the Moles went out the Isthmian League and didn’t win at home all season! Since then, we have consolidated our Combined Counties status, even reaching the Surrey Senior Cup Semi Final in 2010/11 for only the third time in our history! Last season (12/13), the Moles won the Southern Combination Cup on a penalty shoot-out, 5 – 4, against Spelthorne Sports following a 1 – 1 draw after extra time – watched by a crowd of 246 at home. The club is going through a legal process to sell a part of the ground to Rushmon Homes at the moment despite having already gained planning permission from the council. The committee are fighting very hard, under good guidance and are confident of a successful outcome. Also the management team of Steve Webb, Peter Lelliott and Alan Maynard enter their seventh consecutive term in charge - appointing a new coach, Dan Carroll and look to be competitive again in this season’s Combined Counties League

. 9 For all the latest club news, visit our website at www.ashfordtownmiddlesexfc.com

. 10 For all the latest club news, visit our website at www.ashfordtownmiddlesexfc.com

. 11 For all the latest club news, visit our website at www.ashfordtownmiddlesexfc.com

. 12 For all the latest club news, visit our website at www.ashfordtownmiddlesexfc.com

. 13 For all the latest club news, visit our website at www.ashfordtownmiddlesexfc.com

A TV camera crew from Brazil popped into NLP offices last week. They were keen to see look at a different side of English football, they wanted to know why we enjoy covering the Non-League game so much, what makes it different to the higher echelons and just how do we get the paper out for a Sunday morning. Of course, Brazilian football has many of its roots in English football and the bond for many fans has even led to pilgrimages to this country. Corinthian-Casuals are seen as the forefathers by fans of Corinthians in Sao Paulo and the Bostik Premier club will often have visitors turn up out of the blue to see the ground and see if they can purchase a scarf in their famous colours. It’s easy to forget what a source of intrigue the English football sys- tem is. Unrivalled anywhere in the world, the Pyramid is the cor- nerstone of this country’s game. The opportunity – albeit with a fair amount of cash – to go from bottom to top. Or vice versa. Yes, there are lots of intricacies and there are often frustrations at all levels – particularly with the slow drip of money that comes down from the top – but we should be hugely proud of what we have. Non-League football allows you to get closer to the game. The chance to mingle with the players after, feel like your presence at the ground really matters and the pennies you spend vital for keeping your club going. It’s to be part of something.

. 14 For all the latest club news, visit our website at www.ashfordtownmiddlesexfc.com

From a journalist's point of view there are so many wonderful sto- ries to tell each season that the only problem is managing to fit them all in. Covering the whole country is a challenge but one we all relish. And it all feels much more intimate. I’ve covered games at big grounds and it’s fantastic. You might get a hot meal beforehand, the WIFI works great, the press rooms are warm. But I enjoyed covering an FA Vase semi-final while sat in a disused open air dug-out, umbrella perched to keep my laptop dry and the chance for a Wroxham player to make sure we all knew he meant to score the free-kick that looked more like a cross and bounced a couple of times before ending up in the corner! Looking through the attendances each week serves only as a re- minder at how passionate football fans in this country are for ‘their club’. Stockport County had 4,644 at their win over York City last weekend – in the sixth tier. Nearly 3,5000 saw Bath City v Tor- quay in the National League South. On the same day, there were more than 2,000 to see a top of the table clash between South Shields and Farsley Celtic in the seventh tier! It’s remarkable when you think about it in real terms. Brazili- ans love their football and are just as passionate as we are. We’re looking forward to seeing how the documentary comes out. As to how we get the paper in shops every Sunday morning – that’s a tough question to answer. But somehow, thanks to all the dedi- cated reporters and photographers across the country, we always do.

. 15 For all the latest club news, visit our website at www.ashfordtownmiddlesexfc.com First Team Fixtures 2018/2019

Date Result Opponent Goalscorers 11/08/2018 1-1 H—Hertford Town Wilson 18/08/2018 2-4 A—Chipstead Bitmead(3), Cottee 21/08/2018 0-1 H– Hayes & Yeading Utd (LGE Cup) 25/08/2018 4-1 A– Cray Valley (PM) (FA Cup Pr Rd) Wilson 27/08/2018 1-0 A—Hanwell Town 01/09/2018 1-1 H—Cheshunt Bitmead 15/09/2018 2-3 A—Tooting & Mitcham Utd Poley, Cottee, Webb 22/09/2018 0-5 H—Bracknell Town 25/09/2018 2-0 A—Molesey Webb, Wilson Bitmead(2), Webb, 29/09/2018 4-2 H—Heybridge Swifts (FAT XP Rd ) Cottee H– Chessington & Hook (Com Cp Lockhart– Adams 02/10/2018 2-0 Rd1) Haile, 06/10/2018 7-1 A—Hayes & Yeading Utd Howard 13/10/2018 0-0 H—Westfield (FAT Prem Rd) Lockhart-Adams, 16/10/2018 2-3 A—Westfield (FAT Prem Rd Replay) Wilson Lockhart-adams 20/10/2018 3-0 H—Westfield Bitmead (2), 23/10/2018 0-0 A—Hanworth Villa (Mdx Snr Cup) Lost on Pens 27/10/2018 1-2 H—Lewes (FAT Q Rd 1) Baigent Green, Decabo. 30/10/2018 4-1 H—Horley Town ( Surrey Snr Cup Webb, Cottee 03/11/2018 3-0 A—Northwood 10/11/2018 2-1 H—Waltham Abbey Beadle (2) 13/11/2018 2-1 H—FC Romania Bitmead, Webb 17/11/2018 2-2 A—Ware Brunton, Cottee 20/11/2018 1-1 A—Camberley Town Comb Cup R2 Kazi ( 1-3 Pens) 24/11/2018 0-3 H—Marlow Lockhart-Adams, Beadle 01/12/2018 0-5 A—Uxbridge Bitmead(2) , Baigent . 16 For all the latest club news, visit our website at www.ashfordtownmiddlesexfc.com First Team Fixtures 2018/2019

Date Result Opponent Goalscorers Bitmead(3) Cottee, 08/12/2018 2-5 A—South Park Haile 11/12/2018 1-4 H - Chipstead (Surrey Snr Cup R2) Haile 15/12/2018 2-0 H—Chalfont St Peter Cottee, Haile 22/12/2018 1-4 H—Hanwell Town Beadle 29/12/2018 4-0 A—Bedfont Sports 05/01/2019 2-1 H—Egham Town Webb, Gockman 08/01/2019 2-1 H—Southall (Mdx C Cup) Bitmead, Haile 12/01/2019 1-0 A—Cheshunt 19/01/2019 0-2 A—FC Romania Cottee ( 2) 26/01/2019 2-2 H—Hayes & Yeading Utd Bitmead (2) 02/02/2019 P-P A– Westfield 05/02/2019 H—Molesey 09/02/2019 A—Hertford Town 16/02/2019 H– Chipstead 23/02/2019 H– Northwood 02/03/2019 A– Waltham Abbey 09/03/2019 H—Ware 16/03/2019 A– Marlow 23/03/2019 H– Uxbridge 30/03/2019 H– South Park 06/04/2019 A– Chalfont St Peter 13/04/2019 H– Tooting & Mitcham Utd 20/04/2019 A—Egham Town 22/04/2019 H– Bedfont Sports 27/04/2019 A—Bracknell Town

. 17 For all the latest club news, visit our website at www.ashfordtownmiddlesexfc.com

ASHFORD TOWN (MIDDLESEX) SPONSORSHIP OPTIONS

PLAYER SPONSORSHIP (£60 + VAT) Complementary Match Ticket to game of your Choice Company listing on the website Photo of you and the Player

MATCHDAY SPONSORSHIP PACKAGE 1 (£150 + VAT) Four Matchday Tickets Company Logo on Programme cover Company listing on the website Reserved seating in clubhouse Bar Complimentary refreshments

MATCHDAY SPONSORSHIP PACKAGE 2 (£200 + VAT) Four Matchday Tickets Company Logo on Programme cover Company listing on the website Reserved seating in clubhouse Bar Complimentary refreshments Junior Mascots for the day

MATCHBALL SPONSORSHIP PACKAGE 1 (£50 + VAT) One Matchday Ticket Company Logo on Programme cover Company listing on the website

MATCHBALL SPONSORSHIP PACKAGE 2 (£75 + VAT) One Matchday Ticket Company Logo on Programme cover Company listing on the website Junior Mascot for the day

. 18 For all the latest club news, visit our website at www.ashfordtownmiddlesexfc.com

Ashford Town (Middlesex) FC Player Sponsorship Player Sponsor

Adam Baigent Tom Brunton Eddie Hutchinson

Mark Bitmead John Gulley

Brannon Daly

Russell Canderton Lynne Morgan

Jack Beadle Paul Blair

Leo Decabo Thomas Dilloway

Joe Green Nebay Haile Tom Howard Samad Kazi Dan Butler Kofi Lockhart-Adams Steven Loveridge Tristan Noel

Elliot Pooley Warren Thomas Tyler Tobin Graham Felce Max Webb Simon Gibson Scott Weight Nick Bailey Bradley Wilson Ben Murray Bob Lewis

Mark Green Bob Lewis

. 19 For all the latest club news, visit our website at www.ashfordtownmiddlesexfc.com

. 20 For all the latest club news, visit our website at www.ashfordtownmiddlesexfc.com

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. 21 For all the latest club news, visit our website at www.ashfordtownmiddlesexfc.com Ashford Town Middlesex Brief History Until recently, it was assumed that Ashford Town Football Club was formed in 1964. However, new research has indicated the club was formed in 1958 as Ashford Albion and first competed in the Houns- low & District League. Albion won two consecutive promotions to reach the Premier Division of the Hounslow League and were still competing at this level when the club changed its name to Ashford Town in 1964. It was at this time that the club adopted its distinctive Tangerine & White colours. The club endured a difficult first campaign as the Town club and withdrew from the Prem- ier Division, assuming the Reserve Team's place in Division Two. Having rebuilt the club with a very young team, Ashford Town rapidly advanced through the various divisions of that League, absorbing Staines Youth Club FC. on the way. Several individuals from that era have remained with the Club and now form the backbone of the Committee, including the Vice-Chairman and Sec- retary. The Club were elected to the Surrey Intermediate League (Western) in 1967 and were promoted at the end of their first season. The Ash Trees were League Cup finalists in 1970-71 and League runners-up in 1972-73. In 1974-75, Ashford enjoyed their best season under the managership of ex-Fulham player Frank Reid, winning the League by three points from perennial contenders Merrow. Although the championship eluded the Club in following seasons, it usually finished in the top four and prior to season 1982-83 an invitation was extended by Surrey County FA. to become founder members of the Surrey County Premier League. The invitation was readily accepted and Ashford played their first match in the new league on 4 September 1982, drawing 0-0 away to Farleigh Rovers. Almost from its foundation, the Club had aspirations to acquire its own ground and after one or two disappointments, this was achieved in August 1985, when a long lease was signed with Spelthorne Borough Council, enabling the Club to move to its present home at Short Lane, Stanwell. From what was nothing more than a field, the facilities were quickly developed, with the first match at Short Lane taking place in February 1986, following two postponements for snow. The Club now possesses a modern clubhouse and bar, kitchen facilities and boardroom. Floodlights were erected in September 1995, whilst the pitch is railed all round and partly walled, with standing covered accommodation, plus a purpose built 150-seater stand, built in 1998 (pictured). An additional 100 seats were installed on the opposite side of the ground to this stand in 2006, after the club won promotion to the Isthmian League Premier Division. For both geographical and historical reasons, Ashford affiliate to both Middlesex and Surrey F.As and in 1989-90, their last season as an Intermediate Club, they reached the final of both Counties Premier Cup competitions, beating Farnham Town in the Surrey version but losing to Willesden Hawkeye in the Middlesex final. Runners-up spot in the League was also secured and with it the opportunity to enter senior football, as members of the Combined Counties League, sen-

. 22 For all the latest club news, visit our website at www.ashfordtownmiddlesexfc.com Ashford Town Middlesex Brief History—Continued 2 ior status having been granted in May 1990. It was at this point that the club changed its name to Ashford Town (Middlesex) FC, to avoid confusion with the Kent club of the same name. During its ten year membership of the Combined Counties League, the Club never finished below sixth place, and after finishing 3rd and 2nd in seasons 1992-93 and 93-94, it went on to win the League Championship for four succes- sive seasons. It was a relative disappointment to only come 4th in 1998-99, even though the Club won the League Cup but a 5th championship in just six seasons was secured in 99-00, along with the Middlesex Charity Cup, the first ever senior county cup honour. With the ground up to the required standard, Ashford took their place in the Isthmian League for season 2000-2001 and by finishing in 3rd place, secured promotion to Division 2 at the first attempt. The first season in Division Two did not the Club making sufficient progress and after a series of indifferent results, long serving manager Dave Kent left the Club on 28 March. His replacement was Nathan Wharf, an ex long serving player, who stepped up from Reserve Team management. Further major improvements were made to the ground to enable the Club to be granted a B-grade and to take its place in the newly regionalised Division One of the Ryman League. A poor start saw the Club in the bottom echelons of the table but a number of new signings saw a significant improvement and a 17th place finish, which was an excellent performance after winning just one of the opening 16 league matches. Further progress was made in 2003-04 as the Club finished 12th in Div 1 South. In the close season prior to 2004-05, the pitch has been completely re- laid to include both irrigation and drainage systems, at a cost of around £50,000, mostly financed by the Football Stadia Improvement Fund. Further medium term plans include new changing accommodation adjacent to the pitch, which will allow enlargement of the present clubhouse, and a hard surface floodlit train- ing area. The Club embarked upon new adventures in season 2004-05 in the Southern League for the first time, having been transferred over as a result of the FA Re- structure. The 4th Qualifying Round of the FA Cup was reached for the first time and Mark Butler, renowned goal scorer in his day with Aldershot Town, Staines Town etc, was promoted from Assistant Manager to Manager following the resig- nation of Nathan Wharf in December 2004. The play-offs were reached but re- sulted in a narrow defeat at Evesham United after extra time. In 2005-06, Ashford went one better, finishing second in Division One West of the Southern League, to secure promotion to Step 3. This brought about a return to the Isthmian League for season 2006-07 and saw Ashford competing at their highest ever level. The season brought consolidation with the added bonus of reaching and winning the Westview (League) Cup Final when Ashford tri- umphed 4-1 over Dover Athletic at Bromley. The Reserves also lifted a trophy, securing the Middlesex Premier Cup. Ashford built on this success, rallying from the foot of the table in November

. 23 For all the latest club news, visit our website at www.ashfordtownmiddlesexfc.com Ashford Town Middlesex

2007 to narrowly miss a place in the promotion play-offs at the end of the 2007-08 season, a campaign which saw all of the club's senior sides challenge for honours. The senior side reached the Final of the Southern Combination Cup, the Reserves reached the Finals of both the Middlesex Premier and Surrey Premier Cups, while the Under 18s, led by club stalwart, Mick Snowden were champions of the Southern Youth League. The 2008-09 season saw Ashford begin the campaign in electrifying form, winning their opening six matches to top the table. Mark Butler's side followed this up with a fantastic FA Cup run which saw them come agonisingly close to elimi- nating Forest Green Rovers in the Fourth Qualifying Round at Short Lane. Rov- ers won the replay and went on to run Derby County close in the Third Round. Ashford endured a difficult winter, which saw them flirt with relegation, before a late resurgence saw the side safely into mid-table. The cup competitions added much adventure to the season, as Ashford followed up their exploits in the FA Cup with runs to the semi-finals of both the Middlesex Senior and Isth- mian League Cups and end their campaign by defeating Conference Premier outfit Woking 3-2 at Metropolitan Police to win the Surrey Senior Cup. The 2009-10 season saw Ashford make a reasonable start to the campaign, but the Ash Trees were shocked when manager Mark Butler tendered his resigna- tion on Friday 23rd October, in order to take up the Manager's role at Margate FC, who were struggling at the foot of the table. Ashford appointed former Leicester City and Bradford City midfielder Jamie Lawrence as his replacement, and the Jamaican international immediately led his new charges on a twelve- match unbeaten run. However, issues off the pitch were causing problems for the club and a number of players, including leading goal scorer Byron Harrison left for Carshalton Athletic, where Mark Butler had accepted a coaching role after leaving Margate, where he had been in charge for just three months. Ash- ford found scoring a problem after Harrison left and a dreadful run of form saw them go from the fringe of the play-off zone to battling relegation. Ashford went into their final match knowing a win would almost guarantee survival, while a draw would see them finish fourth from bottom - technically a relegation place, but certain to receive a reprieve owing to the demise of various other clubs. Sadly, a heavy defeat for Ashford, coupled with wins for Carshalton and Margate saw the latter two clubs survive - Margate receiving the reprieve for finishing fourth from bottom. During the summer of 2010, the club were initially placed in the Central Division of the Southern League but were then offered the chance to remain at Step Three of the non-league pyramid. However, as this offer was as a direct replacement for defunct Southern League side Merthyr Tydfil, the decision was made that the vast increase in travelling would be too great a burden for the club and the club elected to remain in the Central Division. During this time, Bob Par- ker stepped down from his role as Chairman after twenty-eight years in the role. The club's home ground was renamed the Robert Parker Stadium in hon-

. 24 For all the latest club news, visit our website at www.ashfordtownmiddlesexfc.com Ashford Town Middlesex our of Bob, who remains at the club as President. The club entered a new era in the Central Division of the Southern League with Jamie Lawrence at the helm and with a mixture of established local players and new faces but the season was a challenging one. The club played some spar- kling football at times and enjoyed an exciting run in the FA Trophy, reaching the Last 32 in the competition before losing at home to Dart- ford. However, League form was patchy and the club finished 16th. One bright spark was the club winning the Southern Combination Cup, defeating Hanworth Villa 1-0 in the Final. Jamie Lawrence resigned as Manager in June 2011 and the club immediately appointed his assistant, Paul Burgess, to take the helm after more than 21 years at the club, including 683 First Team appearances. Despite having little time to do it and few resources at his disposal, "Burgo" assembled a young and exciting team. Although any hopes of a tilt at the promotion play-offs were dashed by a dreadful run where the club failed to win at home for four months, Ashford finished the season strongly, winning two Cup Finals in 48 hours. In the Middlesex Charity Cup Final, the Ash Trees were 3-0 down to Northwood after 48 minutes before substitute Kofi Lockhart-Adams scored four times to put his team ahead. the game finished 4-4, with Ashford winning the penalty shoot-out 4-2. Two days later, Ashford defeated Badshot Lea 3-1 to add the Aldershot Senior Cup to the cabinet, aided by a fine performance from Paul McCarthy, who had saved two penalties in the first Final. A memorable season was capped by the club being named winners of the Southern League Fair Play Award.

In recent times Ashford now managed by Ben Murray and ably assisted by Mark Green have been renowned for playing attractive football firstly in the Combined Counties and after the team gained promotion in the Southern League. The return of the side into the Combined Counties was a result of being relegated in the 2013-14 season from the Southern League. That season despite a late run of good results after the team was invigorated by the appointment of Ben Murray the team just fell short in trying to stay up. In the 2014/15 season the team had a fantastic start to the campaign winning ten League games in succession after losing the first game at home to Cove. Despite that Ashford lost out to Molesey for the title and finished third as Cam- berley Town took second place. The exciting brand of football made Ashford very pleasing on the eye to watch but the doggedness of the Molesey side saw them deserved Champions. Mark Bitmead and Dan Fleming were top scorers in the season as the emergence of this young team promised good times ahead. A notable victory was a 3-0 at Woking in the Surrey Senior Cup where Tyler Tobin was unbeatable on the night.

. 25 For all the latest club news, visit our website at www.ashfordtownmiddlesexfc.com

In the 2015/16 season Ashford again started the season excellently and were amongst the front runners but found the red hot form of the excellent Hartley Wintney too much to take the title but due to the Champions ground grading not being of step 4 standard Ashford took the promotion place on offer to the runners up. This was achieved on the last game of the season as rivals Camberley Town went down 3-2 at champions Hartley Wintney. Mark Bitmead scored an impressive 42 goals in the season with Dan Fleming scoring 25 goals. Back in the Southern League Ashford started brightly in the 2016/17 season oc- cupying one of the play off places in October before a dip in form in the winter period cost Ashford and the team slid down to mid table. A strong ending to the season culminated in Ashford finishing in 9th place. The side also won the Mid- dlesex Senior Cup Final played at Hanwell Town by beating Conference South side Wealdstone by two goals to one. Alex Fisher and Dan Fleming were the scorers on the evening. Russell Canderton was outstanding on the evening making one miraculous clearance off the line. Samad Kazi caught the eye as the supporters player of the season. The current season saw Ashford win three rounds of the FA Cup before losing out to Leatherhead in the 3rd Qualifying Round. Unfortunately serious injuries to Joe Green and Mark Bitmead saw Ashford fall out the play off places again. Mark had started tremendously well in the season scoring 11 goals in the first 11 games. A poor run in the winter months saw Ashford hover in midtable but once again the side has returned to form and have currently have only lost one out of the last nine games. The return of Mitchal Gough has been instrumental in the recent good run. Alex Fisher, James Cottee, Max Webb & Jack Beadle have been impressive throughout the season.

And so to the New Season, 208/2019 looks set to be one of Transition for the club, with the sad loss of our Chairman Dave Baker during the close season the position of Chairman has been split into a joint role between Alan Constable & Nick Bailey both of whom are keen to continue the development of the club and its ever-growing Tangerine brand, on the playing front there too have been some changes with a number of the previous incumbents moving on during the close season to a higher level within the Non-League Pyramid we wish them all the well and thank them for there efforts whilst in the Tangerine colours, and now allows for the next chapter to be written and some new faces to entertain the tangerine faithful.

. 26 For all the latest club news, visit our website at www.ashfordtownmiddlesexfc.com

Why not enjoy a free cup of tea or coffee !! Just present this voucher

at the snack bar for your free

Cup of tea or coffee

Only 1 voucher per person

Only valid on Tuesday 05th February 2019 Cannot be redeemed for anything else. No cash value

. 27 For all the latest club news, visit our website at www.ashfordtownmiddlesexfc.com

Position Team P W D L F A GD PTS 1 Hayes & Yeading United 23 18 3 2 95 22 +73 57 2 Marlow 23 13 6 4 40 19 +21 45 3 Bracknell Town 23 12 8 3 63 35 +28 44 4 Cheshunt 23 12 8 3 45 26 +19 44 5 Westfield 23 13 3 7 47 33 +14 42 6 Waltham Abbey 24 13 1 10 38 33 +5 40 7 Tooting & Mitcham Und 23 11 5 7 44 35 +9 38 8 Ware 24 10 7 7 53 39 +14 37 9 Ashford Town (Middx) 23 11 4 8 40 43 -3 37 10 Hanwell Town 24 8 8 8 43 48 -5 32 11 Northwood 23 9 5 9 40 45 -5 32 12 Bedfont Sports 23 9 4 10 43 47 -4 31 13 Chipstead 24 9 3 12 42 46 -4 30 14 Uxbridge 23 8 5 10 36 44 -8 29 15 Chalfont St Peter 23 6 9 8 31 34 -3 27 16 Hertford Town 24 5 8 11 39 54 -15 23 17 FC Romania 23 6 2 15 25 60 -35 20 18 South Park 22 5 3 14 26 48 -22 18 19 Molesey 22 2 5 15 16 47 -31 11 20 Egham Town 24 2 3 19 16 64 -48 9

. 28 For all the latest club news, visit our website at www.ashfordtownmiddlesexfc.com

1958-59 Hounslow & District League Division Two Runners-Up (promoted) 1959-60 Hounslow & District League Division One Runners-Up (promoted) 1965-66 Promoted from Hounslow & District League Division Two (3rd place) 1966-67 Hounslow & District League Division One Runners-Up (promoted) 1970-71 Surrey Intermediate League (Western) League Cup Finalists 1974-75 Surrey Intermediate League (Western) Champions Surrey Premier Cup Winners 1989-90 Middlesex Premier Cup Finalists Surrey Premier League Runners-Up (promoted to Combined Counties League) 1991-92 Dan-Air Class Elite Cup Finalists 1992-93 Parasol Challenge Cup Finalists Parasol Challenge Cup Finalists 1993-94 Parasol Challenge Vase Finalists Combined Counties League Runners Up 1994-95 Combined Counties League Champions Combined Counties League Champions 1995-96 Southern Combination Cup Winners Combined Counties League Champions 1996-97 Southern Youth League Champions 1997-98 Combined Counties League Champions 1998-99 Worldwide Carpets Premier Cup Winners Combined Counties League Champions 1999-2000 Middlesex Charity Cup Winners 2000-01 Promoted from Isthmian League Division Three (3rd place) Southern Combination Cup Finalists 2001-02 Lord of Ashford in Middlesex Charity Bowl Joint Winners 2002-03 Aldershot Senior Cup Winners 2003-04 Aldershot Senior Cup Finalists 2004-05 Middlesex Premier Cup Finalists Southern League – Div One West Runners-up. 2005-06 Promoted to Ryman League – Premier Division Isthmian League Cup Winners 2006-07 Middlesex Premier Cup Winners Southern Combination Cup Finalists Finalists Middlesex Premier Cup 2007-08 Finalists Surrey Premier Cup Champions Southern Youth League Surrey Senior Cup Winners 2008-09 Lord of Ashford in Middlesex Charity Bowl Winners Southern Youth League West Division Champions and League Runners-Up Jim Richardson Memorial Trophy Winners 2009-10 Suburban League Cup Finalists Jim Richardson Memorial Trophy Winners 2010-11 Southern Combination Cup Winners Middlesex Charity Cup Winners Evo-Stik Southern League Fair Play Trophy Winners 2011-12 Aldershot Invitation Cup Winners Jim Richardson Memorial Trophy Winners 2012-13 Middlesex Senior Cup Finalist 2013-14 Lord of Ashford in Middlesex Charity Bowl Winners 2015-16 Promoted to Evo-Southern Central Division One 2016-17 Middlesex Charity Cup Winners . 29 TODAY’S SQUADS 05th February 2019 Bostik South Central Division

Ashford Town (Middlesex) V Molesey FC

Tangerine & White Colours All Blue

Tyler TOBIN 1 Alex Kozakis

Steven LOVERIDGE 2 Ashby Charles Tom DILLOWAY 3 Craig Lewington Adam BAIGENT 4 Chris Wales Elliot POLEY 5 Ryan David Scott WEIGHT 6 Dre Grobler Jack BEADLE 7 Ross Chalke Max WEBB 8 Sasha MBaye

Kofi LOCKHART-ADAMS 9 Ryan Marklew

Tom BRUNTON 10 Andrew Mensah Mark BITMEAD 11 Nathan Wood

Joe GREEN 12 Ashley Lodge Leo DECABO 14 Marley Hamilton

Russell CANDERTON 15 Edilson Panzo-Antonio

James COTTEE 16 Reis Stanislaus Warren THOMAS 17 Aaron McCallum Nebay HAILE 18 Joe Yeates Samad KAZI 19 Tom HOWARD 20 Gurkan GOCKMAN 21 Ben MURRAY MANAGER Craig Lewington Mark GREEN ASSISTANT Paul Cross Russell CANDERTON COACH Adrian Browne Steve HONEY COACH Martin O’CONNELL PHYSIO Dick Errington Today’s Match Officials: Referee: Andy Bennett Assistants: Christopher Williams Connor Fanelli