Bwater Town Prog AUG'18.Indd

robinsthe Fairfax Park, College Way, Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 4TZ

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Supporting Non-League Football Saturday 18th August 2018 Toolstation Western League - Premier Division Bridgwater Town3.00pm v CadburyKick Off Heath FC toolstation.com Photo - Debbie Gould Watermans Garage

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Watermans A5.indd 1 01/08/2017 16:02:04 Chairman’s Welcome

On behalf of myself and Bridgwater I want to formally thank Gareth for Town FC, let me extend a very his commitment and hard work for warm welcome today to our visitors, the football club last year and wish Cadbury Heath FC. him all the best for the future. We hope their supporters, players and officials enjoyed a comfortable One final word – a huge thank you journey here and have a safe and to the 243 fans who turned up for uneventful journey getting back our first home game of the season home again. last Tuesday. You were rewarded with a fine season opening performance After disappointingly losing away and win against Buckland Athletic. at Cheddar FC in the FA Cup Your support is appreciated by all last Saturday it is important the of us involved in the football club managers’ get a good reaction today and long may it continue. Enjoy the in our second league fixture of the game today and thank you for your campaign. Cadbury Heath won’t be continued support! an easy game today of course. They remain unbeaten in the league with two draws after two games, so they Adrian Byrne will be keen to get their first win on the board.

I must also mention the fine 4-1 win Come on Bridgy ! by Bridgwater Town Reserves last week under the new stewardship of Callum Ham; a positive start. We wish Callum and the reserve team players the best for the coming season. I also want to welcome new first team physio Taylor Cornish, who takes over from Gareth O’Neill.

BTFC Life Members Pete Besley | Peter Criddle | Eddie Pike | Keith Setter | Alan Hurford

WE’VE MET BEFORE!

Cadbury Heath FC

03 Feb 2018 A 4 0 Taylor, Jenkins, Duffy (pen) Holland TWL 48 21 Apr 2018 H 3 2 Pearse, Jenkins, Stone TWL 125

Our clubs met for the first time in League action last season. We managed to win both games but it took a last ditch winner from Tom Stone to secure the 3 points in our April encounter at Fairfax Park. Cadbury Heath put up a spirited display that day, which belied their then lowly league position and probably deserved at least a point from the match. Sacha Tong, who proved to be a real handful for our defence on the day, scored both of Cadbury Heath’s goals. Sacha had a brief spell with us a couple of seasons ago but failed to make the score sheet, which is rather surprising when one considers his goal scoring record at Bitton FC, Yate Town and now Cadbury Heath.

Left: Sacha Tong receiving a Man of the Match award. Also in the photograph on the far left is Andy Black, who has filled the role of Manager and Director of Football for the Bristol based club. He also played for Bridgwater Town. In Andy’s case it was back in the 1982-83 season when the old club were members of the Southern League. He also played for Weston-s- Mare, Bath City and Trowbridge Town. As a manager, he has previously held the helm at Mangotsfield Utd, Frome Town and Bitton. ParadeDental Practice

We Care

Proud Sponsor of Bridgwater Town FC & Club Physiotherapist Taylor Cornish

Wishing the team every success this year

Mr. Adrian Byrne BDS 48a North Street, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 3PN (01278) 425796

Quality Dentistry for the People of Bridgwater A Brief Club History

In season 1949/50 the Club were accepted into the Western League Division Two and two fifth place finishes were achieved in their first two seasons. The first football club to bear the town’s This was followed up by claiming runners- name was formed on 28th January 1898 up position in season 1951/52, thus at a meeting held at the Cross Rifles gaining promotion to Division One. The public house on Bath Road. Bridgwater Club were to remain in the top division AFC entered the Somerset Senior of the Western League for the next 30 League, playing at Sydenham House years, winning the Western League title on Bath Road, and lifted the Somerset twice, in seasons 1967/68 and 1980/81. Senior Cup in their first full season, Season 1982-83 saw the club make the beating Yeovil Casuals 1-0 in the Final bold move up to the Southern League played at Wells. Unfortunately, the Club Midland Division, but after only two was forced to disband in 1901 due to lack seasons at the higher level, and with of support and financial difficulties. mounting debts, the club went into Two years later, another Bridgwater voluntary liquidation….the end of an era! AFC was formed and played for ten But like a phoenix from the ashes, years in local leagues from their base Bridgwater Town (1984) FC was formed in the Westonzoyland Road area of the by a loyal band of club stalwarts and town. 1914 saw this club fold due to the started life at a new home, Fairfax Park, outbreak of World War One. in Division Two of the Somerset County 1919 saw the birth of local works side League. Unfortunately, with a young and Wills Athletic who played in local leagues inexperienced side relegation followed from their Victoria Park home. In 1921 at the end of their first season, but they changed their name to Bridgwater steady progression including a hat-trick Town FC and moved to Chilton Park from of Somerset County League titles, the where they played for ten further years, Western League Division One title and winning a few minor honors, until football runners-up spot in the Western League came to an end in the town until after Premier Division in season 2006/07, World War Two. earned the club a place back in the Crown Dynamos, based at the Crown Southern Football League, 23 years after Inn, St John Street, were formed in 1946 the heartbreak caused by the demise of playing at Eastover Park. They played the old club. in the Bridgwater & District League The first three seasons back at the higher for a year before progressing into the level were fairly successful for ‘The Somerset Senior League - finishing a Robins’ with the team just missing out on creditable 3rd in 1948. That year also the end of season play-offs in 2007/08 saw the Club move to a new venue, (6th) and 2008/09 (7th) and missing out Castlefields and change its name to on promotion after being beaten at home Bridgwater Town AFC. by Cirencester Town after extra time in A Brief Club History

the Play-Off final in 2009/10 after finishing of 2017, after early exits in the FA Cup the regular season in 3rd place. Season (Plymouth Parkway), FA Trophy (North 2008/09 also saw the team reach the Leigh) and with just two league victories, Final of the Southern League Cup losing Craig chose to further his career in the on aggregate to Atherstone Town. Southern Premier League with Dorchester However, the Club was left reeling with Town and was replaced in the role by the departure of joint managers Craig Phil Hucker. With 6 games of the season Laird & Leigh Robinson and a mass remaining, Dave Pearse took charge exodus of players during the summer of but by then, relegation was a certainty 2010. so Bridgwater Town began 2017/18 in Seasons 2010/11 and 2011/12 saw the the Toolstation Western League with club battling at the wrong end of the table Dave still in the role alongside former under the leadership of former reserve Barnstaple joint manager Karl Baggaley. team manager Rob Dray. A solid eighth place in the league along Another club stalwart Kevin Milsom took with good runs in the FA Cup and FA charge for season 2012/13 and after Vase and a narrow Les Phillips Cup an indifferent start, things looked to be semi-final defeat to Shepton Mallet was a coming together by Christmas. Then the strong return to Step 5 and the club hope wet weather caused all sorts of problems to perform well this season, once again for the team who eventually had to play under the stewardship of Dave and Karl. 21 league fixtures in just 57 days! They The Club also run a reserve side who finished a disappointing 19th. compete in the First Division of the In 2014/15 Bridgwater Town FC 1984 Somerset County League. They were finished 12th in the Evo-Stik South & Premier League champions in seasons West League and were semi finalists in 2008/09 and 2009/10. The Under 18s the Somerset Premier Cup under the squad play in the South West Counties management of Richard Fey who moved Youth League. on to Paulton Rovers at the start of the 2015/16 season. 2015/16 saw a new look team under the stewardship of former Taunton Town player and manager Paul West. Whilst the club languished nearer the foot of the table, relegation was never a real threat and Paul bought and brought through a fantastic crop of younger players in a bid to help shape the future and ethos of the club. Paul’s resignation at the end of season 2015/16 paved the way for the return of former manager Craig Laird. At the start We extend our thanks and gratitude to all the local companies and individuals who support Bridgwater Town FC, both financially and with services rendered. Today’s Match Day Sponsors Frances & Diana Pearce The Match Ball Sponsor could be you !

Like us on facebook @BridgwaterTown1984Fc Follow us on twitter @O cialBTFC84 @BTFCRessies @BTFCLive BTFC club shop online http://www.thefootyfactory.com/product-tag/bridgwater-town/ Squad Squad Jake Viney Sam Thomson Dave Thorne Sam Bailey Kurt Robinson (c) Leon Maloney Mike Duffy Callum Ball Josh White Andy Campbell Tom Ellis Harrison Kyte Harry Horton Eugene Keary Mark Armstrong Simon McElroy Jack Taylor Ian Bellinger Sacha Tong Jake Llewellyn Matt Huxley Sam Towler George Boon Charlie White Harry Paice Steve Holland Kelvin Williams Dave Pearse Cameron Love Syd Camper Jamie Powell Tom Richens Horace Ormsby Ryan Burrows Ross Moorhead Harry Hamblin

Managers: Team Manager: Andrew Black Karl Baggaley & Dave Pearse Ass Manager: Glenn Smart Goalkeeping Coach: Steve Laker Kit Man: Steve Green Physio: Taylor Cornish Physio: Steve Britton

Red & White Yellow & Blue

Officials - Ref - Lee Roberts Assts - Stuart Ash / Mark Senior Playing Squad 2017/18 Mike Duffy: Mike is a popular, committed and tough tackling midfielder who made the step up from our reserve side and has held down a regular start ever since. A member of the triumphant County Cup reserve team (lashing home the winning Jake Viney: penalty) of 2014/15, last season Mike was the Former Wellington keeper Jake was the Players winner of the coveted Luke Buckingham Award and Supporters player of the year in 2015/16 for his achievements both on and off the field. and during his time with the club has established himself as a great shot stopper. Kurt Robinson: A former Player’s and Manager’s Player of the Season. Kurt brings experience, calm and Dave Thorne: knowledge after spells with Ipswich Town, A strong right back who joined after a successful Northampton Town, Rushden and Diamonds, spell with Shepton Mallet. A consistent performer, Chelmsford City and Concord Rangers. Kurt has Dave was last year’s ‘Manager’s Player of the played a key role in supporting a very young Season’. and changing side in recent seasons and we are delighted to again have him as our club captain.

Jake Llewellyn: Josh White: A talented left sided player who was signed A strong defender who has played at various from Clevedon Town. He made his first team levels with the club, Josh lifted Somerset debut in 2014 for Weston and made over 60 Senior Cup as captain of the reserve side in appearances. the 2014/15 season. After a short break from football he returned to the side in fantastic fashion last season. Tom Richens: A talented defender who joined Bridgwater Town Charlie White: from Nailsea, Tom was kept on the side-lines for Another proud member of the County Cup most of last season through injury. winning squad from 2014/15, Chaz has made the move from reserve team to first team regular with some spirited displays. Tom Ellis: A ‘no nonsense’ defender, Tom was captain of the Wellington side which won the Toolstation Harry Horton: Division One League in 2016/17. His height Despite successful spells at Yate and Tiverton makes him a threat from set pieces and he Town, County Cup winner Harry returned to comes with an eye for goal. Bridgwater Town last season and will again be looking to impress.

Lee Begg: Harry Hamblin: A former player at Street, Lee has been a A talented young member of the reserve side consistent performer wherever he has been who featured heavily during pre-season and will asked to play in the side. be looking to push for a regular first team place. Sam Towler: Dave Pearse: Signed by former manager Paul West, Sam Hugely experienced, Dave returned to returns to Bridgwater after a successful spell Bridgwater Town as joint player/manger with with Wellington where he was part of the Karl Baggaley last season and will be looking Division One winning squad. to build on an eighth-place finish and league cup semi-final along with extending his playing Mark Armstrong: career. An experienced, hardworking, tough tackling midfielder who joined us from Cheddar. Mark Syd Camper: has had spells at Barnstaple Town, Chard, A versatile player who came to us from Weston- Clevedon Town and Shepton Mallet and was a super-Mare, Syd is a former top goalscorer and consistent high performer last season. will be looking to a find the net on a few more occasions this season. Steve Holland: Steve is a very experienced and versatile Ryan Burrows: midfielder. He was a key member of the A speedy striker stepping up in grade after Illfracombe Town side that won the Les Phillips signing from Cronies FC in Exeter, Ryan scored Cup in 2010/11 and the Barnstaple Town team a memorable double in the FA Vase at Fareham that gained successive promotions in 2014/15 last season. and 2015/16. Jack Taylor: Ian Bellinger: A prolific striker with Berrow and Middlezoy, With a pre-season hat-trick to his name, Jack signed from Wellington and was last Ian returns to Bridgwater as a winger with a season’s top goal scorer, Supporters Player of reputation for goals. A league winner with the Season and Player’s Player of the Season. Wellington, Ian also has a prolific record in front of goal for Tiger Old Boys of Bridgwater.

From the Dug Out….. Afternoon everyone, Another campaign is underway after what was a tough but enjoyable preseason. Our four new signings, Tom Ellis, Ian Bellinger, Sam Towler and Jake Brown I know, will make a huge impact on our season. Bags and I know that you will make them all feel very welcome, just as you always do. We couldn’t have provided you with two very different performances already. In the Buckland game at home we could hardly asked for a better start in which was one of our best performances since we took the reins at the start of last season. However, Saturday was very much at the other end of the scale; nothing clicked and we were beaten by the better team on the day. A big shame to be knocked out of the FA cup so early, but we are confident that it will be a catalyst for a good run in the league games that are coming up. Pearcy THE HISTORY OF masters of our own destiny. Even so, Gloucestershire county League CADBURY HEATH championship in 1971-72, 1972-73, 73 FOOTBALL CLUB 74 and runners up 74/75 at the same (THE HEATHENS) time winning the GFA Senior Amateur Cup in 1972/73 73/74 and 1974-75, The Club was first established in 1894 under Ralph Miller’s Management. The by Cadbury Heath Adult School (later success pushed the club into joining the to be known as Cadbury Heath Primary Midland Combination after being turned School) when Cadbury Heath was just down by the Western League due to a little narrow, one-street village, way the dressing rooms being situated too outside the boundaries of Bristol. far from the pitch (what is now the Our first pitch was situated at Mill Lane, Social Club bottle store). A stand was changing in the Social Club and heating built for the requirement of the Midland up water for tin baths. With a break Combination (with tea bar). After for the War years, and the transferring finishing fifth and reaching the quarter to what is now Coronation Park, we finals of the FA Vase with a crowd of progressed from the Bristol & District 2,000 at Springfield, and more listening League to Division Two of the Bristol live on local Radio Bristol for the tie Premier Combination, and then to against Billericay Town from Essex, Division One in 1961, after winning the the Manager left after a disagreement GFA Junior Cup in 1950. In the 60’s the with the committee, and took most of team (only a first team then) built their the players, to Cinderford Town. This own baths at the Social Club. This period shook the club to the core, we were of success coincided with the renting of relegated and had to drop two divisions our present ground – Springfield – for to the Avon Premier Combination (we £10 per annum from a local farmer and were founder members) there was President Jim Warner. This was then an no `Pyramid System’ in force. A slow open pasture land with cows, a rope recovery took place, half time rooms had to be put around the playing area. being built, then a terrapin to provide on- It had no Electricity Water or Drainage. pitch dressing rooms, taking advantage The tea bar was a garden shed. The of newly laid drains for the new houses, offer to purchase for £250 was short- a water supply, and electricity for sighted declined, as the field was later training floodlights. Elected back into the sold as part of major development land Gloucestershire County League in 1984 and only intense lobbying led by the a reserve team was started in 1988 ran by then Chairman, Mike Packer persuaded John Clarke formed from CHYMCA the the Council to allocate Springfield as first team finished as runners-up in the part of Public Open Space leased to County League in 1990. The Managers the Football Club for dual use. This has in this period were Bob Williams, Dave meant that we have not been entirely Pitman, Les Allan, John Harris, Andy Stone, Keith Cottrell, Brian Knighton, Plenty became Chairman when Dave Mike Ratcliffe, and Chris Stone. We Smart stood down. After five years of celebrated our Centenary by winning planning tribulations Floodlights were the League Championship for the fifth successfully installed at the end of season time in 1994, under the consistent 2008/2009 this being Phase one of Heaths managership of Brian Knighton, and redevelopment plan, being largely due we continued to dominate the league to the efforts of Chairman Steve Plenty. once again. Continued improvement The Heath and The Social Club went on and off the field saw new dressing their separate ways in season 2011/12. rooms built on the ground in 1997, a Andy Black joined the club for his third youth academy started under Malcolm spell in season 2010/11 appointing Knowlson and a new terrapin replaced Glenn Smart as his assistant culminating the one for the youth section formed in the first division championship and from an amalgamation with local youth promotion to the Premier Div. in season football club, Grimsbury Rangers. After 2011/12. Then followed two good winning the Gloucestershire County seasons in the premier division with the League for a record sixth time, under last two seasons being a period of trying the management of Andy Black, an to rebuild the side after most of the application to join the Western League original players either retiring or moving was again turned down due to the lack on to higher level football. Phase two, is of a fence. Andy then left the club to join in the planning stage which is for a new Bitton and Steve Plenty was appointed dressing room facility incorporating a Manager along with Lee Knighton. After new clubhouse & new 100 seat stand a public open meeting and a long battle with a covered area for a further 100. with the Council, the fence was finally During season 2015-2016 Roger Coke erected at a cost of £15,000 funded by joined the club as coach. Season 2016- Cadbury Heath Football Club. Steve 2017 starts with a new first team coach and Lee’s first season in charge got Phillip Bater Ex Bristol Rovers and the runners up spot, of which consequently introduction of a U18 side who will be secured our election to the Toolstation playing in the Bristol & Glos U18 league. Western League at long last! After 2 Mid season Rob Mallett joined the seasons in charge, Steve Plenty stood coaching staff to assist Andy Black. First down due to family commitments and team won the GFA Challenge Trophy Lee Knighton took over the hot seat beating Fairfield Town 4-3 0n penalties. for a season and then the reigns were End of season Andy Black resigned handed over to his assistant, Glen Smart, as manager and became director of who consolidated our position for four football. Season 2017-2018, Rob Mallett seasons. Lee Knighton took over as First was appointed first team manager. Team Manager for his second spell and appointed Andy Weeks as his assistant in season 2005/6, also that year Steve BRIDGWATER TOWN FC 1ST TEAM FIXTURES 2018/19

DATE OPPONENTS H/A COMP ATT F A SCORERS 7/8/18 BUCKLAND ATH H TWL 243 2 0 LLEWELLYN 2 11/8/18 CHEDDAR A FAC 120 2 3 TAYLOR, J WHITE 18/8/18 CADBURY HEATH H TWL 21/8/18 HALLEN A TWL 25/8/18 BRISLINGTON H TWL 1/9/18 CHIPPING SODBURY A TWL 8/9/18 PLYMOUTH PARKWAY H TWL 12/9/18 HENGROVE ATH A TWL 15/9/18 EXMOUTH OR CALLINGTON A FAV 22/9/18 BRADFORD TOWN H TWL 29/9/18 CLEVEDON TOWN A TWL 2/10/18 SHEPTON MALLET A TWL 7/10/18 BRIDPORT H TWL 13/10/18 BITTON A TWL 20/10/18 RG ST.GEORGE H TWL 27/10/18 CHIPPING SODBURY H TWL 3/11/18 BRISLINGTON A TWL 10/11/18 SHORTWOOD A TWL 17/11/18 ODD DOWN H TWL 24/11/18 CRIBBS H TWL 1/12/18 RG ST.GEORGE A TWL 8/12/18 BUCKLAND ATH A TWL 15/12/18 WILLAND ROVERS H TWL 22/12/18 BITTON H TWL 26/12/18 WELLINGTON A TWL 29/12/18 BRADFORD TOWN A TWL 5/1/19 WESTBURY UNITED H TWL 12/1/19 HALLEN H TWL 2/2/19 SHORTWOOD H TWL 9/2/19 WILLAND ROVERS A TWL 16/2/19 CLEVEDON TOWN H TWL 23/2/19 BRIDPORT A TWL 2/3/19 SHEPTON MALLET H TWL 16/3/19 CRIBBS A TWL 23/3/19 HENGROVE ATH H TWL 30/3/19 ODD DOWN A TWL 6/4/19 PLYMOUTH PARKWAY A TWL 19/4/19 WELLINGTON H TWL 22/4/19 WESTBURY UNITED A TWL 27/4/19 CADBURY HEATH A TWL

Clubhouse