Welcome
Kempston Rovers Football Club is a Community Benefit Society. Affiliation No. CBS7753. KRFC is a registered Community Amateur Sports Club CASC No.CH11754 We are a members Club owned and run by its Members. FA Club Nominee, Mr Russell Shreeves - Chairman
Good afternoon and welcome to Hillgrounds for this Southern League Division One Central fixture
We would like to extend our welcome to the players, officials and supporters of our visitors today, AFC Dunstable. We hope you have a pleasant stay in Kempston and a safe journey home.
We have to mention our Reserve side, who have made their second cup semi final of the season. Having already made the last four of the UCL Reserve League Cup (which will be at home, date TBC), the boys reached the semis of the County Intermediate Cup after a comfortable 6-0 win over Houghton Athletic. Congratulations to Roger Martindale and all his players on their achievements so far.
Please enjoy the match and respect those on AND off the pitch.
Match Preview
On The Home Front Next up at Hillgrounds… Opponent AFC Dunstable Competition League AFC’s Current League position 7/20 Last Time They Were Here… Josh Crawley’s goal was not enough as AFC won 2-1 back in April AFC’s Current League Form (six games) LLDLWL Did you know…? We may know it as Dunstable today, but in Roman times the settlement was known as Durocobrivis. Several legends surround the origin of the modern name, but we like this one; Legend tells that the lawlessness of the time was personified in a thief called Dun. Wishing to capture Dun, the King stapled his ring to a post daring the robber to steal it. It was, and was subsequently traced to the house of the widow Dun. Her son, the robber, was taken and hanged to the final satisfaction that the new community bore his name In the bar Join Matty Vine to watch his beloved Charlton take on Sheffield Wednesday in the lunchtime game from the Championship (Newcastle vs Manchester City will also be on) and then after full time for Rovers, join us for a beverage to watch Southampton take on Watford in a relegation six pointer. On this day in Rovers history… The earliest game in our archive on this date is in 1901, when Rovers drew 2-2 at home with a side called Southend Juniors. There was controversy in 1912, Rovers won 4-0 away to Goldington, the result stood in the table but the points were awarded to Goldington after Rovers fielded an ineligible player. Most recently on this date, in 2013, Rovers beat Sleaford Town 2-0 at home. Goals on that occasion coming from Richardson and an own goal, in front of a crowd of fifty five
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Kempston Rovers were formed in 1884 and entered the Bedford & District League. Rover’s first league championship was won in 1908 and twelve months later Rover’s retained the title while also carrying off the Bedfordshire Senior Cup and North Beds Charity Cup. The Walnut Boys, the club’s official nickname, comes from the large walnut orchard in Kempston around the time of foundation. This identity is carried forward by one of the main supporters’ groups at the club, “The Nuts on Tour”.
1973 saw the start of a new era as Kempston relocated to a new ground further down Hillgrounds Road. A magnificent season saw the Walnut Boys storm to the Premier title losing only once in 32 games. A golden period in the club's history saw League Cup successes in 1975 and 1977; the Beds Senior Cup was again captured in 1977 while the Walnut Boys reached the last 16 of the FA Vase in 1975. In 1986, the club moved again, this time to the current ground, their third in the same road. Kempston last won the county’s highest honour, the Beds. Senior Cup, in 1992, the fourth time the trophy has come to Hillgrounds.
In 2002 Kempston Rovers and Kempston Colts began an alliance to pool resources/personnel under the name AFC Kempston. The youth teams at Rovers still go by the name “Colts”, keeping the history of youth football in the town alive.
The beginning of 2005 saw the start of major re-developments at Hillgrounds Road with the building of new changing facilities and the building of an artificial training pitch, which is available to book all year round for training sessions, small sided games or just a kick around with friends. The new ground facilities were completed in 2006 and along with a new stand; on-going ground improvements and the existing clubhouse refurbished and ready to hire for functions and events, Kempston now have some of the best facilities in the area for non-league football.
Midway through the 2013-14 season James Stoyles and Gary Flinn took over the 1st Team managerial duties before, in 2015-16, Rovers won the United Counties Football League Premier Division, with a thrilling final win on the last day of the season, a campaign in which they only lost one league game. This resulted in promotion and saw us move into the Southern League Division One which represents the highest level we have attained within the FA pyramid system so far.
Since promotion, the club has twice narrowly missed out on a place in the end of season promotion play offs. On both occasions, finishing above some of the more established sides in the division.
Tony Joyce took over as manager in November 2018.
The club currently operates one of the largest youth systems in the county, with over thirty sides at various age groups and a senior development side. There is a supporters’ club that holds various functions throughout the season to support the first team.
Kempston Rovers, 135 years in the making and we’re not done yet.
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Kempston Rovers Football Club
Club Cup Honours
Beds County Cup Winners: 1908-09 Beds Premier Cup Finalists: 1991-92 Beds Senior Cup Winners: 1937-38, 1976-77, 1991-92 Finalists: 1926-27, 1927-28, 1928-29, 1992-93 Beds Senior Trophy Finalist: 2008-09 Beds County under 18 Floodlight challenge Cup Winners: 2008-09 Beds Intermediate Cup Winners: 1976-77, Finalists: 1977-78 Beds County Hospital Cup Winners: 1930-31, 1932-33, 1935-36, 1936-37, 1938-39 North Beds Charity Cup Winners: 1908-09, 1934-35, 1999-2000, 2000-01, 2015-16, Finalists: 1910-11, 1935-36 Hinchingbrooke Cup Winners: 1926-27, 1928-29, 2010-11, Finalists: 1923-24, 1930-31, 1932-33, 1947-48 Hunts Premier Cup Winners: 1999-2000, 2000-01 UCL Premier Division KO Cup Winners: 1974-75, 1976-77 UCL Premier/Division 1 KO Cup Finalists: 1999-2000 UCL Division 1 KO Cup Winners: 1957-58, 1959-60, Finalists: 1956-57, 1960-61 UCL Division 2 KO Cup Winners: 1955-56, 1974-75, Finalists: 1972-73 Britannia Cup Winners: 1957-58, 1958-59 Finalists: 1947-48 Beds Sunday Junior Cup Winners: 1989-90 Bedford & District Under 16 Cup Finalists: 1995-96 Bedford & District Under 18 Cup Winners: 1983-84 Lisa Slater Memorial Shield Finalists: 2004-05 (AFC Kempston Rovers Ladies) Eastern Region League Plate Winners: 2005-06 (AFC Kempston Rovers Ladies)
Club League Honours
UCL Premier Division Champions: 1973-74, 2015-16 UCL Division 1 Champions: 1957-58, 1985-86, 2010-11, Runners Up: 1956-57, 1959-60 UCL Division 2 Champions: 1955-56 Runners Up: 1967-68 Bedford & District Premier League Champions: 1958-59, 1960-61, Runners Up: 1959-60 Bedford & District League Division 1 Champions: 1907-08, 1908-09 Bedford & District League Division 2 Champions: 1922-23, 1933-34 Biggleswade & District League Division 1 Champions: 1911-12, Runners Up: 1909-10 Bedford & District Under 14 Colts League Champions: 1985-86 Bedford & District Under 16 Colts League Champions: 1973-74 Bedford & District Under 18 Colts League Runners Up: 1974-75 Bedford & District Sunday League Division 1 Runners Up: 1990-91 Bedford & District Sunday League Division 2 Runners Up: 1989-90 Bedford & District Sunday League Division 4 Champions: 1987-88 Eastern Region League Division 1 West Champions: 2005-06 (AFC Kempston Rovers Ladies) Eastern Region League Division 1 West Runners Up: 2004-05 (AFC Kempston Rovers Ladies) Chiltern Youth League Under 18 Division 1 Champions: 2017-18
Kempston Rovers Reserves 2019/20
Kempston Rovers Football Club Community Benefit Society Sponsors 2019/20
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Kempston Rovers Player Profiles 2019-20
Carl Knox – Goalkeeper – Carl signed for Kempston in 2014 an experienced goal keeper was a member of our 2015-16 UCL Premier Division and North Beds Cup winning squad. An able deputy, Carl made a more concerted challenge for the number one spot last season.
Oliver Kirkup – Goalkeeper – Oliver has been with Kempston since he was four years old and has represented the club at every level, still a teenager, he has time on his side to break in to the first team.
Michael Hudson – Goalkeeper – Michael made his first team debut last season and has been a key figure in the reserves and under 18s in recent years
Robbie Goodman – Defender – Robbie was on the books of Rovers since joining from Ampthill in 2015. He was named player of the year in 2018, but left to join Barton shortly after Tony Joyce took over as manager of Kempston. Having seen the error of his ways, he rejoined in the summer of 2019.
James Sage – Defender – An autumn recruit from near neighbours Bedford Town, James has added some more depth to the defence. The left footed central defender has made an instant impact in MK42
Jordan Wright – Defender – Jordan joined on a dual registration with Potton United. He is a tough centre half who takes no prisoners in the challenge.
Cameron Hyde – Defender – Cameron was part of a very successful youth side at Kempston Rovers, before other commitments led to him spending some time at Bedford FC. He has returned to make his mark on the first team.
Lewis Jones – Defender – Lewis joined Rovers in February 2019 from Bedford FC after training with the club for a while. A strong, determined centre half, Jones has already made a number of key appearances for The Walnut Boys
Finlay Brennan – Defender – Fin signed on loan from MK Dons, he has made his first team MK debut this season.
Ben Baker – Midfield – Ben, a pacy and tricky wide player, joined Rovers in the Autumn of 2019 as The Walnut Boys sought to re-shape the midfield.
Evan Beldon – Midfield – Evan is a product of Kempston Rovers Colts youth system and was part of the U18 Chiltern League Champions of 17/18 season. He has made a number of cameo appearances for the first team this season as he looks to establish himself in senior football.
Kye Andrews – Midfield – Kye joined from near neighbours Bedford Town and was one of Tony Joyce’s first signings as manager of the club. Kye can play in the middle but has experience at full back.
Gareth Hunt – Midfield – Gareth was initially with Rovers youth set up in 2010, making over sixty appearances for the U18s and the reserves in three seasons, as well as a number of first team run outs. He returned ‘home’ this season to anchor the midfield for Tony Joyce’ team.
Kempston Rovers
Player Profiles 2019-20
Stefan Bailey – Midfield – Stefan joined Kempston from Barton Rovers as Tony Joyce added some more steel to midfield. The robust ball winner has experience with a number of local sides as well as having made a handful of appearances for QPR
Emmanuel Dahie – Midfield – Manny had featured for the development side under Stuart Mellon, now assistant manager. His technique and eye for goal led him to be top scorer for the Devs in the 2017-18 season.
Harry Stratton – Midfield – Harry has re-joined Kempston from Newport Pagnell to pick up where he left off at the end of the 2017-18 season, establishing himself as a fan favourite and enjoying the sounds of Sham69’s classic “Hurry Up Harry” ringing out from the terraces.
Sam Johnson – Midfield – The flying winger returned to Rovers in November 2019 after a spell with AFC Rushden & Diamonds. Sam has also played in New Zealand, earning rave reviews.
Callum Shortt – Forward – Still only a teenager, Callum is one of the youngest members of the Rovers squad this season, he impressed while on trial with the reserve side during the summer and has been drafted in to the first team by manager Tony Joyce.
Izale McLeod – Forward – Izale arrived at Kempston in November 2018 with one job – score goals. It is something he has done throughout his high profile career. He is the all time top goal-scorer for MK Dons. His goals also kept Barnet in the Football League for two seasons in a row before he joined Portsmouth. He has also had spells at Charlton, Notts County and Crawley among others.
Jake Newman – Forward – Jake rejoined the club on the eve of the new season, having been top scorer in the 2017-18 season with over 30 goals. Jake has played for AFC Rushden & Diamonds, Peterborough Sports and St. Ives Town, scoring goals wherever he has been.
Tony Joyce – Manager – Tony joined Kempston in the summer of 2016. Tony has a wealth of non-league football having previously been manager at Buckingham Town and Southern League Aylesbury United. He moved up the bench from coach to manager in November following the resignations of the previous joint-managers. Also registered as a player, apparently he has to pay into the club fines kitty every time he names himself on the bench.
Stuart Mellon – Coach – Stuart came to Rovers in the summer of 2016, he was the first coach of the Development side and after two seasons’ work in the County League, he is making the step up to work with the first team. His excellent analysis skills have seen the team greatly improve their decision making on the field.
Jardaine Patel-Joseph - Sport Therapist – Jardaine has worked at Rovers for two seasons, shadowing the senior sports therapists during that time He has now taken over the senior role from, the now retired, Colin Hodsden.
Kempston Rovers have also registered a number of players from the reserve team on first team forms to provide cover as needed during the season. During the 2018-19 season, a more than a dozen players that have represented Kempston at youth or development level made first team appearances, a philosophy richly encouraged by manager Tony Joyce.
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Saturday 14th December RESERVES v Daventry Town
Sunday 5th January LADIES v Flitwick Eagles
Saturday 7th December ROVERS v Aylesbury Utd
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Kempston Rovers FC, Hillgrounds Road, Kempston MK42 8SZ Tel (01234) 852346 www.kempstonrovers.org AFC DUNSTABLE HISTORY
AFC Dunstable started life as Old Dunstablians Football Club in 1981. The name Old Dunstablians originated from an organisation formed in 1888 for old boys from Dunstable Grammar School. The most famous member of the club is Hollywood actor Gary Cooper, who attended the school in the early 1900’s. When the Grammar School closed and Manshead School opened they took over the mantle but the old boys club was in decline. In 1981 the head teacher was asked if he could re launch the name, hence the football club was born. By 1988 after its centenary, the Old Dunstablians Club ceased to exist but the football club carried on in commemoration and to this day still bears the club crest on its badge. The club started in the Dunstable Alliance Football League for a couple of seasons then moved onto the Luton District and South Bedfordshire League in 1983. Still playing at Manshead School with the 1st team and reserves, success was limited with the 1st team runners up twice in Division One and runners up in the William Pease Cup. While in the Luton League though the 1st team did land the Bedfordshire Junior Cup beating Leighton Athletic on penalties in 1989 –90 season. With the club using Dunstable Town Cricket Club as their social base in Bull Pond Lane, the cricket club was looking to move to a larger site in Totternhoe and when the new club was opened in 1994, a football pitch was accommodated, so the football club moved there from Manshead School. An improvement in facilities gave the club a chance to apply to join the South Midlands League in 1995. Accepted into the then Division One (Premier and Senior Divisions were the higher divisions) the club struggled, as they flirted with being relegated straight back to the Luton League in the first 2 seasons. Going through new managers every season, we finally started to gain some consolidation and in season 2001-02 the 1st team finished 4th in the league and won the Division One Cup. The following season we just missed out of the title, which was now Division Two. Looking to go one better we finally clinched the title the next season and was runners up in the Division Two Cup. Ground Grading issues were now starting to stop the team from getting promoted, as 2 ground sharing agreements were turned down by the league. This was now the start of a trophy laden period, as the Division Two title again was secured and back-to-back Bedfordshire Senior Trophy’s. Added to that, the Division Two Cup was won again. The club in 2003-04 decided to launch its youth policy and when the Under 15’s were runners up in the Chiltern Youth league, it started on the path to work its way through the FA Charter Standard. We achieved Adult status in 2003-04. The club then made the decision to change its name to AFC Dunstable (when the prefix AFC was not as prevalent as it is nowadays), so not to get confused with the local rugby club, as the club started to grow and the name was more associated to a football club. The club kept the name The OD’s, as their nickname. The youth then was awarded the Charter Standard in 2005-06. The next big step was to become a Development Club and a great deal of work saw the club achieve this in 2007. Next up was our goal to become a FA Charter Standard Community Club and 2008 saw the club get there. In that time the club has been awarded the Development Club Of The Year in 2008 and the Community Club Of The Year in 2009. The club now run 30 teams for 2016-17. Then Bedfordshire Football Association approached the club to become partners in the new Creasey Park Community Football Centre in 2008 and this gave the chance to move the 1st team to Creasey Park and apply for promotion to Division One for the start of the 2009-10 season, which was accepted. The team finished a very creditable 5th in its first season at the higher level. History was also made in 2010-11, as the team was accepted to participate in the FA Vase. A fine run through to the 2nd Round Proper was achieved. Looking to improve on the league position the previous season, the team went all out for promotion and finished runners up in the league and gained promotion to the Premier Division at their 2nd attempt. The SSMFL Division One Cup was secured as well. Now with the team in the SSMFL Premier Division and entry into the FA Cup for 2011-12, finished a fine 3rd in the league. 2012-13 the team consolidated in the Premier Division and finished a respectable 8th. Their run the FA Cup saw them get through 3 rounds eventually going out to Northwood after a replay. After the team being managed by the most successful pair in the club’s history Alex Butler and Dermot Butler, they decided to step down after 9 years at the helm half way through 2013-14. This left the team in disarray, which saw many stalwarts of the team leave. The club decided to appoint current manager Steve Heath and the club went on a re building exercise. 2014-15 saw the team secure 3rd place in the SSMFL Premier Division as they challenged for the title all season. They also equalled their best run in the FA Vase getting to the 3rd Round proper. 2015-16 was the season that the team broke all club records. Before clinching the SSMFL Premier Division title, they progressed through 2 rounds of the FA Cup before finally going out to Ryman Premier leaders at the time Leiston 1-0 in the 1st Qualifying Round. The FA Vase was a great ride as the team made it to the 4th Round proper. Unfortunately, we drew phoenix club Salisbury who had competed in the Conference Premier only two seasons previous but had been demoted to step 5. Going out 3-0, Salisbury made it all the way to the semi final. The league campaign was an unbelievable roller coaster ride. As the season got underway, it was becoming apparent that quite a few teams were vying for the title. As the season reached October, only 5 points separated the top 6. By Christmas it looked like London Colney were starting to break away going 5 points clear. The chasing pack were bunching up behind as only 6 points was the difference between 2nd and 7th. When the team lost to a last-minute penalty to Biggleswade United on January 2nd, we went 8 points behind London Colney and it looked like our title ambitions had faded. That would be the last time we tasted defeat in the league. Hoddesdon Town were now becoming a title contender and it was a 3-horse race. With 7 games left, the team went top of the league and never looked back and won the league by 13 points. 2016-17 saw us compete in the Southern League Central Division, a position we never thought we would see the club at. We competed nearly all season in a playoff place right up to the last game of the season just to miss out by 3 points. The team though did pick up some silverware winning the prestigious Bedfordshire Senior Cup 2-0 against Dunstable Town at Kenilworth Road. The beginning of this season, the Bedfordshire Premier Cup was won. After only our 2nd season at step 4, 2017-18 saw us top the table at the start of the season. We occupied a play off place all season, which in the end saw us finish 5th. So, a semi final play off berth was achieved and we came up against Hartley and Wintney. A 2- 0 loss in North Hampshire ended our season but what a great experience it was. 2018-19 season saw us make it 3 years in succession to play at step 4. It was probably our most challenging as we stuttered at the start of the season. At Christmas we were flirting with a relegation place, but we turned the corner and went on a decent run that saw us looking at an outside chance of a play-off spot. We fell away to finish 10th.
Betvictor Southern League Division One Central 2019/20
AFC DUNSTABLE – Player Profiles
DAN GREEN – AGE 26 – GOALKEEPER – Sponsored by Steve Cantellow Joined the club in January 2019 after a couple of seasons with Welwyn Garden City. All tall commanding keeper, he also counts Biggleswade FC as one of his former clubs.
RYAN FRATER – AGE 33 – DEFENDER – A highly experienced player, who has many clubs to his name. A great signing for the club last season, as he picked up a championship medal for Royston Town after the club won the Evo-Stik Southern League Central two seasons.
LEON CASHMAN (C) – AGE 35 – DEFENDER – Sponsored by Carl Newbury A tall inspiring centre half, he is captain of the team. Joined the club in 2014 just for a month’s loan from Dunstable Town but has remained ever since. Leads by example and has vast experience at the highest non-league level. Former clubs include Corby Town & Havant & Waterlooville. Has also represented the Royal Navy at football.
TERRY GRIFFITHS – AGE 28 – DEFENDER – Sponsored by CME Heating This no-nonsense centre half, Terry defends as if his life depends on it. Joined the club in 2015 after moving in the area from Essex. His story is quite extraordinary, after he tweeted looking for a club. Terry is now approaching 150 appearances.
BILLY BAIRD – AGE 25 – DEFENDER – Having played for the club 4 seasons back, Billy re-joined AFC from Ware in October. Playing at right back, Billy has been a sound addition to the squad. Was a member of the Potters Bar Town’s promotion winning team from the 2017-18 season, when they went up to the Bostik Premier Division.
GRANT FRYER – AGE 28 – DEFENDER – Sponsored by Tony Barbato Grant had a spell at the club in our Spartan South Midlands days. In between then, he has turned out for Leighton Town & Kempston Rovers. Returned to the club at the back end of last season. NEWMAN CARNEY – AGE 25 – DEFENDER/MIDFIELD – Sponsored by Richard Church Joined AFC on a month’s loan from Dunstable Town at the beginning of 2014 but decided to stay with the club. An ex professional with Luton Town when he was 18, he is one of the youngest players to represent the Hatters. Newman is one of 3 ex Luton Town players in the squad.
LUKE ABRAHAM – AGE 28 – DEFENDER – This will be Luke’s first season with AFC after a 4 season stay at Arlesey Town. Before that, he has had an array of clubs including Aylesbury FC, Chesham United and Dunstable Town.
KYAL McNULTY – AGE 28 – MIDFIELD – Sponsored by Exact Scaffolding A new acquisition following his transfer from Kempston Rovers. Kyal was at AFC as a 17 year old when playing for the Reserve Team. Moved onto Leighton Town, then had spells with Banbury United, Biggleswade Town, Bedford Town & AFC Rushden & Diamonds.
NICK ELLIOT – 28 – MIDFIELD – New signing for this term having helping Hayes & Yeading United to the Bostik Central Division One title last season. Also has a Spartan South Midlands Premier Division medal to his name when Welwyn Garden City clinched the title a couple of seasons ago.
MARTEL POWELL – 27 – MIDFIELD – Joining the club at the beginning of December 2018 from Biggleswade Town, Martel has brought that final jigsaw to our midfield. A very skilful player, he can cause defences problems with his surging runs. Chips in with the odd goal as well.
KYLE AJAYI – 19 – MIDFIELD – Sponsored by Craig Renfrew A success story of AFC’s youth system. Kyle joined the club at 15 and has made his way through the Under 18’ & Under 21’s. A tall strong player for his age, the club have very high hopes for Kyle. Represented England Schools at Under 18 last season.
CHRISTIAN TAVERNIER – AGE 26 – MIDFIELD – Sponsored by J&R Coaching Another player who has spent time at Luton Town. Chris joined the club last season, after 5 years at Arlesey Town, where he was a regular goal scorer. Another tall elegant player, the club have high hopes with Chris in the team this season.
SONNY-NEWBURY BARR – 18 – Midfield – Sonny is the first AFC player to play for every group in the club to make an appearance for the 1st team. Starting out at Under 8, he progressed through all the youth teams, then broke into the Under 18’s & Under 21’s. Made is full debut in the FA Cup this season.
TAYLOR RHINEY – 25 – MIDFIELD/FORWARD Taylor is new to AFC after spending starting last season at Bedford Town, before moving to Biggleswade United in the Spartan South Midlands. A tricky winger, he can cause havoc on his day.
JERMAINE HALL – AGE 31 - FORWARD – Sponsored by Irmak BBQ This will be Jermaine’s 5th season with the club, even though he left for pastures new at the beginning of the season. Saw sense and returned to the club in January. He was the league’s top scorer in 2016- 17 season which he won the Golden Boot. Last season he was the club’s top scorer once again.
JOSH CRAWLEY – 26 – FORWARD – Sponsored by Tony Barbato Spent many seasons with Kempston Rovers, Josh is a very hardworking forward. He always chases lost causes and has an eye for goal.
BJ CHRISTIE – 30 – FORWARD – Sponsored by 1981 Events The clubs record goal scorer with over 250 goals to his name & now all-time record appearances. First turned out for the club at 15. Has had a couple of spells away from the club with Barton Rovers and Berkhamsted but always returns. As you can imagine, many clubs chase his signature in close seasons.
NATHAN FRATER – 32 – FORWARD Nathan was a member of our Spartan South Midlands Premier Division title winning squad. Has left the club on 2 previous occasions but has always returned.
MANAGEMENT TEAM MANAGER – STEVE HEATH – Sponsored by Magic Touch (GB) Ltd Steve joined the club midway through the 2013-14 season. The 1st team was in disarray due to the former management duo resigning. Many of the players decided to leave, so Steve had a massive rebuilding job to do. He guided the team to a mid-table position in the SSMFL Premier Division and handed so many youngsters 1st team debuts. 2014-15 season saw him re-strengthen the side which saw us finish 3rd in the league. The following season the club went all out to clinch the Premier Division title and success was achieved. Steve’s and the club’s first attempt at step 4, a very respectful 7th place was secured, and the Bedfordshire Senior Cup was won. At the beginning of this 2017-18, a 2-0 win over Luton Town saw the club lift the Bedfordshire Premier Cup. Last season Steve guided the club to 5th in the league and a play-off spot. A defeat in the semi-final did not take away what he achieved.
ASSISTANT MANAGER - MATT LANGSTON – Langers had a very impressive non-league playing career. He turned out for many Premier Conference clubs (now National League). He was made famous for a day, when he scored the only goal for Histon v Leeds United in the FA Cup which Histon won 1-0 back in 2008-09, which was televised live on ITV.
COACH – STEVE JACKMAN Jacko joined the club in 2016 after many playing seasons at Bedford Town. Left last season to manage Grendon Rangers, but decided to return for this term
SPORTS THERAPIST – BIANCA HEWER – Sponsored by Magic Touch (GB) Ltd It would not be an understatement, to say that Bianca must be one of the best Sports Therapist in the league. With qualifications of Sports Therapist BA (Hons), her knowledge for such a young person is quite extraordinary. We are very lucky to have her.
KIT MANAGER – STEVE CANTELLOW For a job that no one wants, Steve does an unbelievable job. His association with the club goes back 20 years. Has held many posts within the club, which includes Treasurer and Reserve Team Manager. Another person we really appreciate the job he does.
Match Report
Bedworth United secured a victory in this encounter despite a late Kempston rally to record a win that carries them in to the top half of the table.
Rovers were behind within ten minutes, a cross from Bailey-Nicholls was missed by two defenders, allowing Piggon to head back across goal to find the net. The game settled and neither side carved out any real chances until the half way point of the half, when the Greens should’ve doubled their lead. Piggon snapping his shot wide of the post when given room to shoot. The same player was denied from a free kick moments later and he completed a hat-trick of spurned opportunities on the half hour when his effort from a corner was blocked by Alfie Powell. Rovers best moment of the half saw Izale McLeod firing over from the edge of the box on his wrong foot. Kempston were made to rue that miss right on half time as a long ball caught out the Rovers back line and saw Troke in on goal to slot home and make it two nil to the hosts at the break.
Piggon and Troke picked up where they had left off at the end of the first half and both had chances to further extend the lead in the early moments of the second period. Home sub Pryce also went close as they looked to assert their dominance. The wasted chances looked to be coming back to haunt the Greens as Rovers created a superb move with twenty minutes left. the superb Emmanuel Dahie threaded a ball through the eye of a needle to find Cameron Hyde marauding down the left flank. The youngster’s cut back cross ran perfectly for Jake Newman to powerfully sweep into the net without breaking stride. Inside the final five minutes, Rovers thought they had snatched an unlikely point, Ben Baker’s free kick floated into the box and saw Stefan Bailey stab goalwards, only to be denied by Dan Crane in the Greens goal. Sensing the danger Rovers were now posing, Bedworth closed shop and tried to manage the clock and see out the win. Rovers’ frustrations at these tactics got the better of them and saw a flurry of cards issued in stoppage time, including a straight red for Finlay Brennan, for throwing the ball at an opponent after conceding a free kick. Bedworth held on for the three points.
Betvictor Southern League Division One Central
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267-271 Bedford Road Kempston MK42 8BP Sales Service 01234 855757 01234 851108
www.kingsleygarage.com
MANY THANKS TO KINGSLEY GARAGE FOR 1ST TEAM SHIRT SPONSORSHIP.
THE TEAMS Saturday 30th November Betvictor Southern League Division One Central
Red /White, Black, Black. Blue, Blue, Blue.
Carl Knox – GK DAN GREEN KYLE AJAYI James Martin – GK LUKE ABRAHAM Robbie Goodman SONNY NEWBURY BARR James Sage NEWMAN CARNEY Jordan Wright GRANT FRYER Cameron Hyde RYAN FRATER © Lewis Jones LEON CASHMAN Finlay Brennan MARTEL POWELL Ben Baker CHRISTIAN TAVERNIER Evan Beldon KYAL McNULTY Kye Andrews NICK ELLIOT Gareth Hunt ASHTON GRANT Stefan Bailey TAYLOR RHINEY Emmanuel Dahie BJ CHRISTIE J Harry Stratton ERMAINE HALL Sam Johnson JOSH CRAWLEY Callum Shortt NATHAN FRATER Izale McLeod Jake Newman
Tony Joyce – Manager Steve Heath - Manager Stuart Mellon – Coach/Assistant Manager Matt Langston – Assistant Manager Jardaine Patel-Joseph – Sport Therapist Steve Jackman – First Team Coach