THE LINE-UPS mighty,The mighty ST ALBANS CITY WEALDSTONE SLOUGH TOWN STONES YELLOW/ BLUE/YELLOW BLUE/AMBER/BLUE SKY BLUE/WHITE G Dean Snedker G Harry Isted G Jack Turner Tom Bender Michee Efete Josh Jackman 2019-20 David Longe-King William Edjenguélé George Wells Joe Howe Billy Clifford Sam Togwell David Diedhiou Connor Stevens Guy Hollis Lewis Knight Jerome Okimo © Lee Togwell Oli Sprague Michael Phillips Max Worsfold MERRY CHRISTMAS David Noble Jack Jebb Matthew Lench AND A HAPPY AND Sam Merson Ross Lafayette Ben Harris Zane Banton Ashley Charles Manny Williams SUCCESSFUL NEW Scott Shulton Dennon Lewis Warren Harris James Kaloczi Danny Green Joe Grant YEAR FROM THE Solomon Nwabuokei Connor Smith Mark Nisbet WEALDSTONE ‘FAMILY’ Taylor Miles Jacob Mendy Mendy Scott Davies Joe Ianciofano Dejon Noel-Williams Dan Roberts League sponsors Jamie Fielding Fumnaya Shomotun Ryan Bird Albert Adu Herschel Watt Simon Dunn Main club sponsor: G Alfie Bonfield Afolabi Coker Nojus Trinovas Munashe Sundire Ashley Charles Sean Fraser Joshua Oyinsan G Jonathan North G Lewis Everett

Wealdstone v St Albans REFEREE Wealdstone v Slough REFEREE WEALDSTONE v Robert Massey-Ellis ASSISTANTS Callum Wallchester ASSISTANTS Kieran BaIley and Stephen Parkinson Mark Chalkley and Paul Burnham ST ALBANS CITY MATCH SPONSORS (St Albans) Tony Platt; (Slough) Recycle DNC BALL DONOR In memory of Bob Hall Vanarama , Saturday 28 December 2019, 3pm NEXT HOME GAME v BATH CITY (Vanarama National League South) Saturday, January 25, kick-off 3pm WEALDSTONE v

Main club YOUR GREAT DOUBLE ISSUE SLOUGH TOWN sponsor: OFFICIAL AWARD-WINNING Vanarama National League South, MATCHDAY PROGRAMME £3 Wednesday 1 January 2020, 1pm [email protected] please E-mailclubPresident If you wouldlikemoredetails ortodiscusstheposition sponsors andguestsoftheBoard ofDirectors. our important relationswithourmatchday help develop involvedinthecluband position isafantasticwaytobecome W HELP REQUIRED HAPPY NEWHAPPY YEAR Tony PlattandRecycleDNC Ltd.aswell Thanks asalwaystoourMatch Sponsors game, afantasticNew Year. this programmeattheStaines reading had awonderfulChristmasandifyouare these notesbutI sincerely hopethatyou week awayfromthebigdayasI compose Duetoprintdeadlineswearestillovera afternoon in our company. Town who we hopehaveanenjoyable near neighbors St.Albans City orSlough Management Teams and Officials from today aretheSupporters,Players, W Whowouldhavepredictedthescenario warmth ofourhospitalitysuite. We hopeyouallenjoyyourdayinthe our BallDonorsInmemoryofBobHall. SLOUGH TOWN ST.ALBANS CITY ST.ALBANS CITY Operating in the roll of sponsor and guest liaison this Operating intherollofsponsorand guestliaison matchday hospitality team. e arelooking for avolunteer to join our amazing festive fixtures.Our guests one or both of our important elcome to Grosvenor Vale for & SLOUGH TOWN & SLOUGH WEALDSTONE MATCH SPONSORS v Paul Rumensat BALL DONOR S t. ALBANS CITY ALBANS CITY HALL

RECYCLEDNCLTD. IN MEMORY OF BOB HappyNew Year Enjoythegameandonceagain pages ofthisveryprogramme. can befoundinthe requirements, individual packages, whichcanbecustomisedtoyour Fulldetailsofalloursponsorship could beahistoricrunin. in what employers armtogetinvolved afternoon ortwistyour for anenjoyable help ifyoucanbygettingagrouptogether a vitalpart of ourpromotionpushsoplease Sponsorshipisalsonowmorethanever month. many twistsandturnsoverthenext3or4 now massiveandI am suretherewillbe guess. The realityisthateverygame many I would Christmas? Not the leagueat topof of usbeing

TONY PLATT BY MARK HYDE BY MARK Mark

Pic. STEVE FOSTER@WealdstoneProg - [email protected] [email protected] OUR TWITTER FEED: @wealdstone_FC WFC WEBSITE: www.wealdstone-fc.com Club Caterer Events Officer Web SiteManager Club Photographer Media Manager Club Historian PA Announcer Nicole Cho-Yee Assist. PressOfficer Dec O’Reilly Press Officer&HeadofMedia Treasurer Life Vice-President CLUB PERSONNEL Andrew Lane Company Secretary (07790 038095) Club Secretary SECRETARIES Keith Davies Peter Worby, MarkBarton, Paul Rumens,Fruin, Associate Directors Director Operations &Community Mark Randall Communications Director Supporter Representative& Dominic Whyley Financial Director Andy Lavin Commercial Director Vice Chairman Chairman Club President PERSONNEL three years. football guidance, authority may to result thePolice, inareport potential prosecution andabanfrom theClubofupto such items inandaround theGround willresult inthoseresponsible beingaskedto leave theground and, inlinewith 5) Wealdstone Football theFA’s Clubsupports campaign onpyrotechnics (e.g. flares andsmokebombs). Any misuseof 4) Vehicles ontheGrosvenor parked Vale site are at theowners’ risk. 3) The consumption ofalcoholic ispermitted INSIDEthesocial clubbar, drinks garden andboardroom areas. ballgames.2) Nospectator • Using obscene orbadlanguage likelyto causeoffenceHitting thesideorbackpanelsof Bullastand to others• • Throwing onto thefieldofplay any •Climbingfloodlight article pylons, fences, standsor orbuilding any structure beverages items whichmay beconsidered• Carrying adangerto others, includingcans, bottles, orglassescontaining alcoholic orunderthe influence ofalcohol ordrugs• drunk, • Being Using violence ofany nature • Entering thefieldofplay before, authorisation agamewithoutprior orafter during • Entering theground through any meansotherthanthrough orentrances theturnstiles following acts: 1) fromThe theright to theground clubreserves eject any personwhoisconsidered to have committed any ofthe People are to onlyallowed entry The Vale onmatch days to thefollowing subject rulesandregulations: GROUND REGULATIONS Nick Symmons

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WEALDSTONE v ST.ALBANS & SLOUGH TERRY HISSEY

estive greetings to our visiting Stones, Kingsbury Town, Edgware Town, fans and a happy time here at The Wembley and not forgetting the ‘Darts Vale. Do visit the club shop (AKA Team’ from South Harrow! Spread over FMegastore) on the half way line, before three pages, there was interviews, fixtures and after the match and at half time. Lots imagery and match reports by the likes of on offer there including hundreds of retro John Comfort and Aaron Gransby. Of course programmes and footballing gifts for this was before the internet, forum and all. I’m sure you will find something of even the ‘Stones Soccer Line’ which I made seasonal value? mention of in my last notes. As a Junior Well as I type this with Christmas one week Stone I always kept the match report with away, it’s great to still see the Stones top of the programme creating my own archive. the League by 7 points and having the best Now I leave that the to the likes of Peter Worby. “Newspapers are only the first draft goal difference too. A year ago, to just reach www.wfcmegastore.co.uk the premier spot in the League would have of History” someone once said, and what will been considered an achievement. To have the Times be writing if we win the League? stayed there so long is a great achievement The modern day Harrow Times devotes its for everyone at the Club. Well Done! solitary sports page to the Stones and the Those of you that know me will tell Darts Team. I always notice that the former anyone that history is my passion. Recently get more space. Maybe we will move to the I subscribed to the online British Newspaper front page for one issue? Archive to assist me with a local publication I Recently the Supporters’ Club organised a part wrote and entirely edited. Having a surf coach to Bath for the away match. Thanks to of the Harrow Observer (RIP), what amazed those that came, it is appreciated. The Club me was how much reporting has changed is always after new ideas for fundraising or over the years. Small detail such as a small socials. If you have any suggestions, please organisation’s meeting night or someone speak with a committee member. using Lower Mead for this or that function. Coverage that these days would be entirely Here’s to some more points and “Up the online. So much history was available at Stones”! my fingertips within a short time, and some money of course! I can recall 30 years ago MEGASTORE: WFC & @WFCSC1 the Observer gave regular coverage to the Terry WfcMegastore OUR TWITTER FEED: @

St ALBANS CITY WEALDSTONE v St ALBANS CITY

ounded in April 1908, the golden the second highest scoring team in the period in the club history of St Albans Division, had to settle for second place but City FC came during the 1920s but the successfully claimed a place in the Nationwide Fpast ten years have seen some of the most Conference by overcoming Histon in the Play- www.wfcmegastore.co.uk amazing days enjoyed and endured by the Off in front of 3,175 spectators at Stevenage. Hertfordshire club in the run up to its City’s stay in the Conference National centenary. proved to be short lived and after just one In 1999, under manager Garry Hill, the Saints season the club has returned to Conference halcyon days as that championship was won City’s unsuccessful semi-final FA Trophy reached the last four of the FA Trophy but South. The 2007-08 campaign saw the Saints twice in three years paving the way for election appearance in 1999 suggests that, given time, within two years were facing closure after on course for a second successive relegation to the Isthmian League. St Albans City won a new record could be set in that competition. being suspended by the Isthmian League for as two managers, Ritchie Hanlon and then the Isthmian at the first attempt and followed it The 2nd Round or equivalent, of the FA Cup failing to maintain payments agreed by the Dave Anderson, were dismissed within the with two further successes before the decade has been reached on five occasions but, to previous board of directors to clear a six-figure first six months of the season. Former Saints was out. City remained in the Isthmian League date, just one league scalp has been claimed debt. In February 2002, with the club having boss Steve Castle returned in January but it until 2003 but never again did the title return to when Brentford were defeated 5-3 in 1924. already made one visit to the High Court in was only with the return for a second spell of Clarence Park. The most prestigious cup won by the Saints London, a new buyer came forward and goalkeeper Paul Bastock that City’s fortunes was the London Senior Cup in 1971while ten overnight the debt was cleared. improved dramatically with relegation avoided The Famous Old Tree other cups have been won a total of 49 times. during the final week of the season. Castle When an extra Division was added in 1973 St Saints Celebrate Promotion won the Conference South Manager of the Albans, along with Corinthian Casuals, had Despite finishing just three points clear of Month award for March while Bastock, after the dubious honour of being the first club to be relegation in 2003-04, the Saints secured a his first six games, collected the Conference relegated within the Isthmian League. When a place in the Conference South, from the South Player of the Month award. second relegation followed 12 years later the Isthmian League, on the back of remarkable The 2008-09 season saw the club in calmer club turned to its former player John Mitchell, 4-3 and 5-4 Play-Off victories at Heybridge waters as they finished in a safe 12th position whose semi-final goals took Fulham to the Swifts and Bedford Town respectively. Midway but had a poor time in all of the cup 1975 FA Cup final, to lead it to better days. through the following campaign City were competitions. Mitchell duly obliged with two promotions in rooted to the foot of the table and facing an three years. During a second spell in charge immediate return to the Isthmian League. The Early Days he took the Saints to the runners up position in Their fortunes changed with the appointment Football had been played at the Saints 1992-93 only to be denied promotion to the of the experienced Colin Lippiatt, assistant Clarence Park home for 14 years prior to the Conference at that time due to a 140-year old manager to Geoff Chapple during Woking’s formation of the present day club. The original oak tree standing within the terrace behind numerous successes during the 1980s, who St Albans, which also played home matches at one of the goals. In 1998 the diseased tree moulded a struggling outfit into an attack- three other venues within the old Roman was felled. minded one that rose to the safety of 14th stronghold, met its demise in 1904 having place. The 2005-06 Conference South come into existence back in 1881. After a four Cup success season kicked off with two consecutive year lapse a senior club bearing the name of Along with the Saints five championship defeats before Lippiatt’s side found their the city rose again in 1908 and during its successes in eight years during the 1920s the SAINTS FACTS rhythm and ultimately pushed Weymouth for formative years competed in the Herts County club also enjoyed its greatest days in the the championship right to the final week of the and Spartan Leagues. A move to the Athenian Amateur Cup. Three times in that decade St GROUND - Clarence Park season. City, scorers of 14 goals more than League in 1920 heralded the start of the Saints Albans reached the semi-final but progress CAPACITY - 5,007 (667 Seated) through to the final proved to be beyond them. MANAGERS - Ian Allinson WEALDSTONE’S RECORD v St ALBANS CITY The same fate befell the club in 1970 leaving 2018/19 - National League South 9th them with the unwanted record of having PREVIOUSLY IN THE LEAGUE made more semi-final appearances without H 16/02/19 D 2-2 A 03/09/19 W 3-2

FIND A WHOLE OF THE WORLD WEALDSTONE MEMORABILIA MEGASTORE: AT P 38 W 14 D 9 L 15 F 54 A 59 going on to play in the final than any other club. St ALBANS CITY OPPOSITION IN FOCUS WHO’S WHO? DEAN SNEDKE - GOALKEEPER 2008, developing into an integral piece of the JOE HOWE- MIDFIELD DAVID LONGE-KING - DEFENDER Experienced goalkeeper who joined the side that suffered play-off final heartbreak Howe moved across Hertfordshire following Longe-King arrives at the club after a Saints in the Summer of 2017, Dean has had against Dulwich Hamlet at the end of the his release from Hemel Hempstead Town. very successful season at Biggleswade spells at Nuneaton Town, Hemel Hempstead, 2017/2018 season. Dave made almost four The right back enjoyed a long career at Town in the Evo-Stik South under former Kettering and Northampton Town. hundred appearances during his time with Ebbsfleet, having signed for the club in City assistant Lee Allinson. An England C TOM BENDER - DEFENDER the North London club, scoring 43 goals in 2010. The 31-year-old started his career International. the process. He signed for the Saints in June at MK Dons and after spells at Welling Bender is a product of the Colchester 2018. TOMMY BREWER - MIDFIELD United academy and spent 4 years there United, Fisher Athletic and Croydon Athletic, Popular Ex Wealdstone player has put pen before moving to Millwall. He then moved SCOTT SHULTON - MIDFIELD joining Ebbsfleet in 2010. He made 234 to paper on a permanent deal with the Saints on to Dartford FC for the 2014/2015 season Arrived from Hemel towards the latter end appearances for the Fleet but found starts having been initially signed by Tonbridge www.wfcmegastore.co.uk He then made 10 appearances for Forest of last season. Shulton was a consistent hard to come by at Stonebridge Road after Angels boss Steve McKimm in May. returning from injury therefore Howe opted Green Rovers before he joined the Saints in performer for the Tudors over the last two Tommy has plenty of experience of the non- for a fresh start by putting pen to paper at November 2015. He has represented Wales years and widely regarded as one of the best league pyramid and has featured for the likes Bromley under manager Neil Smith with at under-15, under-16, under-17, under-19 midfielders in the division. Shulton started of Lewes, Hampton & Richmond Borough, whom he had worked with previously. The and under-21 levels. in the Watford youth ranks before signing Staines Town and Kingstonian DAVID NOBLE - MIDFIELD professional with Wycombe Wanderers. right back departed Hayes Lane to enjoy a season with Leatherhead before settling at LEWIS KNIGHT - DEFENDER David Noble agreed to join the club in August Opportunities were limited at Adams Park Vauxhall Road in 2017 where he made 70 2016 having been released by Exeter City meaning spells at various clubs followed Formerly at Concord Rangers before signing appearances for the Tudors. with over 300 football league appearances including Ebbsfleet, Enfield Town and for East Thurrock. The twenty-six year old left to his name, He began his career at Arsenal, Braintree before making his mark in the OLI SPAGUE - DEFENDER the Saints to join Maidstone United during with whom he won the FA Youth Cup in Hemel midfield. Sprague joins the Saints after featuring for the summer, where he has featured on 2000 . A brief spell at West Ham United and JAMES KALOCZI - MIDFIELD Hampton & Richmond Borough last season. five occasions. He returns to this corner of Previously with Hendon, the left-back also Hertfordshire on a one-month loan deal. Boston United followed before he moved to James Kaloczi was part of the successful Bristol City. Following his exploits at Ashton had a brief spell with Welling United before JAMIE FIELDING - DEFENDER promotion side in 2014 under James Gray signing a deal with Billericay Town. He won Gate he joined Yeovil Town on loan i before and Graham Golds. He made his first team Arrives at Clarence Park on a loan deal until he signed for Exeter City but was released the Bostick Premier division title with the January . The talented defender initially debut in December 2012 during a county cup Essex side before his loan move to Hampton. after the Grecians were relegated in 2012. win over Watford and settled as a midfield signed from Hastings United in the summer David signed for Rotherham United where player. James Has also played for the City TAYLOR MILES - MIDFIELD having won the Isthmian League South East he enjoyed two years before returning to his Youth and Reserve teams and previously City wasted no time in snapping up the Division side’s Young Player of the Season. former club Exeter City. with Harvesters and Boreham Wood Youth. creative midfielder following his release from The 19-year-old turned down reported ZANE BANTON - MIDFIELD He then left the Saints in the summer of 2015 fellow National League South opponents interest from side Leicester City. Zane an exciting winger had a loan spell with and joined Dunstable Town in his favoured Chelmsford City. Miles joined the clarets in the Saints at the back end of the 2016/17 position of centre back. He quickly settled January 2018. He started his career in the MUNASHE SUNDIRE - MIDFIELD season, he made his move permanent in July and soon became captain. In March 2016, youth setup at West Ham United and the Munashe is a versatile and energetic player 2017. Sadly a foot injury picked up earlier this he re-joined the Saints on dual-registration midfielder arrives with an excellent pedigree who can play either full-back or midfield, and year ended his 2018/19 campaign early and Previously with Hemel Hempstead before having played for both Braintree Town and in addition to his time at Vauxhall Road has has spent the summer undergoing extensive following Dean Brennan in moving to The Concord Rangers in recent seasons. In enjoyed spells with Hemel Hempstead Town, rehabilitation. K’s earlier last season. Signed a new deal at 2016 he joined National League champions Kempston Rovers, Kettering Town and St Clarence Park this summer. Lincoln City from Cressing Road, having Ives Town. SAM MERSON - FORWARD previously worked with the Cowley brothers JOSHUA OYINSAN - FORWARD Sam Merson signed for the Saints in May JOE IACIOFANO - FORWARD at Concord Rangers. From Lincoln, Miles had 2016. Merson joined from Southern Premier 21-year old who signed this summer from loan spells at Boston and enjoyed a return to The former Cambridge player signed League side Redditch United. he began the Northampton Town. He came through the Concord, before leaving the Imps following for Welling United but was unable to get 2015/2016 season at fellow Southern League Cobblers academy and after a spell on work their promotion to League Two and signing sufficient game time. As a teenager, he was side Biggleswade Town where he scored 15 experience with Corby Town in 2016/17 he for Hemel Hempstead Town before settling at at Bromley before moving on to Potters goals. He then added eight more following was rewarded with a professional contract Chelmsford. Bar Town. He has also played for Ware, Dunstable Town, Barton Rovers and Royston his move to Redditch before making the step that summer. His first team opportunities SOLOMON NWABUOKEI - MIDFIELD up to the Saints for the 2016/2017 season. were limited at Sixfields and spent most of Town Sam signed a 18-month contract with the the last few years on loan with Chesham Utility man Solomon Nwabuokei arrived at FRANKIE MUSONDA - DEFENDER Saints in October 2016. United and Brackley Town along with a Clarence Park after agreeing a transfer from Joined on a three month loan deal from Biggleswade Town. formarly at Biggleswade DAVE DIDEHIOU - MIDFIELD period with Northern Premier League side Championship side Luton Town. Also played AFC Mansfield. & Enfield Borough FIND A WHOLE OF THE WORLD WEALDSTONE MEMORABILIA MEGASTORE: AT The twenty-nine year old joined Hendon in at Oxford City, and Hemel Hempstead Town. FACTS, STATS, IDLE CHIT-CHATS ALSO OCCASIONALLY BY MARTIN READ ACTIVE ONLINE AT: @WEALDIPEDIA Don’t Top believing! Celebrating Stones fans’ sudden fear of high places… o - new around these parts, are you? fingernails or sweating at the brow. No, this The brother, sister, uncle or aunt of a is all internal psychological torture. Because regular Stones fan who just tagged from this vantage point, the only way is down. Salong to walk off those pigs in blankets? Get In our heads, it’s all “It’ll never last. It can’t a bit of air? See what’s happened to the old possibly last.” place since you moved away? Thought you’d This isn’t the normal state of things. 21 just blag your mate’s copy of the programme sets of supporters in any 22 club league set to see what we’re about? up will be in standard ‘chase’ mode. It’s what Well, good on you - and welcome to you come to expect. This is non-league; it’s Wealdstone. Forget all that Premier League meant to be a bit grungy, a bit unfinished, Away marksman danger, nonsense with its TV deals, generic hogwash a bit out of kilter. There’s not meant to be Lafayette well fed, spouting ex-player pundits, blinding elec- a period in which you win nine consecutive He’ll put us one up when tronic advertising boards, season-long pre- league fixtures. it hits his sweet head scribed seating and all that malarkey. Here, in this land VAR, VAR away, is all the theatre, High hopes the significance. “Yeah, we’re top of the table, we to genuinely end up winning this thing, pantomime and winter holiday entertainment Oh sure, sure, it’s the whole point of league but…” - as you try not to let all that potential we’d achieve something we haven’t done for you could possibly desire. football to be, you know, leading it. You can’t for end-of-season euphoria go to your head more than thirty - yes, thirty! -years: compete complain, of course. This is what we’re all in front of that bloke from Digital Ops who’s at non-league’s toppermost level. (There’s Lead the world, let them know it’s here for. But let me tell you, it can be psycho- an Arsenal fan looking at you as if you’re a a Liverpool connection too - we could win Christmas time logically challenging as a fan coming to terms freak. back Tier 5 status after thirty years while the scousers win their first Tier 1 title in pretty Particularly pantomime, in fact, because (and with top. And perhaps that’s even more the much that same timespan.) here we go) – “they’re behind you!” Whose case for a club like ours. Summit’s up that? “The rest of the National League South” The further up the footballing world you So think yourself lucky if you’re not a “Oh no they aren’t.” “Oh yes they bloody go, the more you’ll find league leading clubs Stones fan here today. You don’t have to The peak shall inherit the earth well are! At time of writing! Subject to other who believe firmly in their right to be doing shoulder the worry. It’s bad enough being on Pace-setters, table toppers, league lead- results!” so. I doubt there’s a Liverpool fan alive who the fringes of the play-offs or “skirting” the ers - none of this sits easily with us fans. Yes, this season it’s Wealdstone play- doesn’t think their apparent certain success relegation zone. Those are both perfectly And none of it will, until the precise moment ing the part of the, er, fairy at the top of the in 2020 is the rightful return to the good old reasonable situations in which to worry. But when the referee lifts the whistle to his lips tree. So chances are that unless you’re a days. Entitlement tends to start at the top of when you support the league leaders you’re and brings an end to the game that seals the Liverpool, West Brom, Wycombe or Swindon the footballing world and work its way down. constantly of two opposing minds: You think result mathematically. supporter (or Celtic - obviously Celtic), we Leeds fans will think it similarly outrageous it inevitable that we’ll be caught and passed, So, yeah, thanks a bloody bunch, Dean will have something that your club doesn’t: that they could be anything other than in while simultaneously reacting with outrage if Brennan and company. I suppose you think the absolutely crippling, debilitating status of the frame for promotion. And you only have we drop even so much as a point because, it’s clever to be putting us through the abject league leaders. to look to Old Trafford to see the long term come on, we’re surely too good to be caught misery of having to constantly worry about We’re at the peak, the pinnacle, the sum- effects of suddenly being wrenched from a and passed. what we might win? Can’t you just give us mit. The crest, the crown, the highest point. long-standing status as league leaders. Here at Wealdstone, I’d venture to suggest the inner-peace of being part of the competi- Oh what, we should be so lucky, you But for Wealdstone? This is as refreshingly we’re all quietly smiling at passers-buy but tion’s perennial chasing pack, just as it’s say? Get away with ya - because let me tell unusual as it is tortuously scary. How do you inwardly experiencing an eclectic range of always been? No? Contracted to actually win you, it’s bloody agonising. Not obviously, of describe all of this to others around the water unusual emotions. Going into the festive this thing, you say? Er, OK - go on then. course; not so’s that anyone could tell from cooler? With confidence? Indifference and a period with a genuine shot at mustering our our outward demeanour. We’re not biting our fatalistic shrug of the shoulders? Your work fiftieth point of the season is a genuinely PS: Apologies to any opposition fan reading this whose club’s mates will in general have not a clue about surreal experience, not least because, were league position may be diametrically opposed fo ours. MATCH SPONSORS A great way to celebrate a special occasion or advertise your organisation’s *Please note that we can accommodate multiple match support of Wealdstone, match sponsorship packages start at just £345 (fans) sponsors and can tailor the experience to whatever are or £395 (corporate). As match day sponsor you will enjoy: your requirements. For example, we can cater for as many as 25 people in your group in our magnificent newhospitality • Match tickets for four people (inc. prime main stand seats if required) lounge. This facility has undergone a comprehensive re-fit with • A fantastic advertising package, including publicity over the PA system, website and substantial investment courtesy of our club sponsors GPF Lewis & Ruislip Social Club. social media Our match sponsors and their guests are all entertained in surroundings befitting such a • Boardroom hospitality includes pre match and half-time refreshments as well as a su- special occasion be it a birthday, anniversary or any other special event! perb array of culinary delights post match, courtesy of in-house caterer Lynn Evans • Match-day programmes for all in your party We will work with you to ensure you and your guests get to enjoy a truly • VIP car parking memorable experience. If you or your organisation are interested in sponsoring a match • Name and present the ‘Man of the Match’ award here at The Vale, please contact Club President, Paul Rumens • A stunning dedicated glass award ([email protected] or call 07710 929692) to discuss. MATCH SPONSORS MATCH SPONSORS DARTFORD WELLING UNITED Saturday, 3rd August Support the Stones – sponsor a match! Saturday, 21st December GPF Lewis Vanarama National League South Vanarama National League South CHIPPENHAM TOWN ST.ALBANS CITY Tuesday, 13th August Wealdstone FC Supporters Club Saturday, 28th December Tony Platt Vanarama National League South Vanarama National League South HUNGERFORD TOWN SLOUGH TOWN Saturday, 24th August Ray Corner and Peter Carter Wednesday, 1st January Recycle DNC Ltd Available Vanarama National League South Vanarama National League South MAIDSTONE UNITED CHELMSFORD CITY The Simon Ricketts Harrow Sales Saturday, 31st August Markie Barton Saturday, 11th January Vanarama National League South Vanarama National League South Matchday & Marketing OXFORD CITY BATH CITY Saturday, 7th September The Guild Saturday, 25th January Available Available Vanarama National League South Vanarama National League South HAVANT & WATERLOOVILLE BILLERICAY TOWN Saturday, 28th October First Financial Saturday, 8th February Glide & Friends Available Vanarama National League South Vanarama National League South BRISTOL MANOR FARM DORKING WANDERERS Tuesday, 8th October GPF Lewis Saturday, 22nd February Available Available FA Cup 3rd Qualifying Round Vanarama National League South MAIDENHEAD UNITED DULWICH HAMLET In memory of Tuesday, 22nd October GPF Lewis Saturday, 7th March People for Print FA Cup 4rd Qualifying Round Vanarama National League South Darren Hooker TONBRIDGE ANGELS In memory of BRAINTREE TOWN Saturday, 26th October AFC Lightning Saturday, 21st March Wealdstone FC Ladies Available Vanarama National League South John O’Connor Vanarama National League South EASTBOURNE BOROUGH HAMPTON & RICHMOND In memory of Saturday, 9th November Emin Alibey & Family Saturday, 4th April Turf Doctor Vanarama National League South Vanarama National League South Ian Spicer ROYSTON TOWN WEYMOUTH Saturday, 23rd November Bearings Scaffold Services Easter Monday, 13th April Available Available FA Trophy 3rd Qualifying Round Vanarama National League South CONCORD RANGERS HEMEL HEMPSTEAD TOWN In memory of Saturday, 30th November Jim Sorrell Saturday, 25th April Available Vanarama National League South Vanarama National League South Harry Leigh KEY TO SYMBOLS ABC Three-letter Player ID  1st substitution  Caution  Goals RESULTS & FIXTURES 2019/2020 (See list)  2nd substitution  Red Card  Penalty  3rd substitution  Straight Red  Goal + Pen AUGUST Competition Result Crowd Lge Wind|Sky|Temp 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17/GK 3 DARTFORD NLS 4-1 930 2  5  23 OXB ARN EFE CLI  STE  OKI PHI SMI  LAF  GRE  WAT  LEW  RBR SHE  MEN  RIN 6 Dulwich Hamlet NLS 0-1 1484 10 10  20 OXB ARN EFE CLI  STE OKI PHI SMI  LAF GRE WAT  LEW  RBR  SHE  MEN RIN 10 Braintree Town NLS 4-0 482 6 24 20 OXB ARN EFE CLI  STE OKI PHI  SMI  LAF GRE   LEW  ROB  RBR SHE  MEN   RIN 13 CHIPPENHAM TOWN NLS 1-0 837 2  7  18 OXB ARN EFE  CLI  STE OKI PHI SMI  LAF GRE  LEW  ROB  RBR  SHE  MEN  RIN 17 Hemel Hempstead Town NLS 3-0 732 1 18 20 OXB ARN EFE CLI  STE OKI PHI  SMI  LAF GRE LEW   ROB WAT  SHE  MEN   NOR 24 HUNGERFORD TOWN NLS 3-1 771 1  8  29 OXB ARN EFE CLI  STE OKI PHI MEN  LAF  GRE LEW   ROB WAT  SHE  RBR NOR 26 Weymouth NLS 4-3 1522 1  4  24 OXB  ARN  EFE CLI STE OKI PHI  MEN LAF  GRE  LEW  ROB WAT  SHE  RBR NOR 31 MAIDSTONE UNITED NLS 2-1 1066 1 15  21 OXB ARN EFE CLI  STE OKI PHI MEN  LAF GRE  LEW ROB WAT  SHE  COK NOR SEPTEMBER 3 St.Albans City NLS 3-2 805 1 11 18 OXB ARN EFE CLI STE OKI PHI MEN  LAF   GRE  LEW  ROB WAT SHE  COK  NOR 7 OXFORD CITY NLS 1-0 1102 1 10 17 OXB ARN EFE  CLI  STE OKI PHI MEN LAF GRE LEW  ROB WAT SHE  SMI  NOR 14 Welling United NLS 2-1 594 1  4  22 OXB ARN EFE CLI  STE OKI PHI  MEN LAF GRE LEW  ROB WAT SHE  SMI  NOR 21 Farnborough FAC2Q 5-0 404 1  12  24 OXB ARN EFE CLI  STE OKI PHI SMI  LAF   GRE LEW  MEN  WAT   MCL  SAU NOR 28 HAVANT & WATERLOOVILLE NLS 1-4 1140 1  15 18 OXB ARN EFE  CLI  STE OKI  PHI SMI  LAF GRE LEW MEN WAT  MCL  SAU NOR OCTOBER 5 Bristol Manor Farm FAC3Q 0-0 422 1  9  14 OXB ARN EFE CLI STE OKI PHI  MEN LAF GRE LEW SMI  WAT  CHA SAU RIN 8 BRISTOL MANOR FARM FAC3QR 4-0 524 1 11 12 OXB ARN EFE  CLI  STE OKI PHI SMI LAF MEN  LEW  GRE WAT CHA SAU RIN 12 Chelmsford City NLS 3-1 1263 1  9  12 OXB ARN  EFE CLI  STE OKI  PHI  WAT LAF  GRE  LEW DNW SAU CHA  COK  RIN 19 Maidenhead United FAC4Q 1-1 871 1 13 14 OXB  MEN EFE CLI  STE OKI PHI WAT LAF  GRE LEW SMI SAU CHA COK RIN 22 MAIDENHEAD UNITED FAC4QR 0-2 835 1  6  12 OXB MEN  EFE CLI  STE  OKI PHI WAT LAF  GRE LEW SMI  SAU CHA SHE  RIN 26 TONBRIDGE ANGELS NLS 3-1 866 1 16  15 OXB ARN  EFE CLI  STE OKI  PHI  SMI MEN  GRE LEW SHE  WAT CHA  DNW   RIN 29 CB HOUNSLOW UNITED MCC1 5-1 TBA 1  9  8 RIN  EKO MEN CLI COK  SHE SAU  CHA DNW  WAT  AND ARN LOP   MND EVE  NOVEMBER 2 Dorking Wanderers NLS 2-2 817 1 13  10 OXB ARN EFE SHE  STE OKI WAT  SMI  DNW   GRE  LEW SAU RBR  CHA  COK  EVE 16 Hampton & Richmond NLS 0-2 927 1  2  7 NOR ARN EFE CLI  STE OKI PHI SMI DNW  GRE  LEW MEN JEB  CHA LAF  EVE 23 ROYSTON TOWN FAT3Q 2-3 436 1  9  10 NOR ARN EFE CLI STE OKI  PHI  SMI  LAF  GRE  LEW MEN DNW  JEB  CHA EVE 30 CONCORD RANGERS NLS 3-0 832 1 11 6 IST EFE EDJ CHA  STE  OKI PHI  MEN  LAF  JEB LEW  DNW GRE  CLI  ARN EVE DECEMBER 3 HAYES & YEADING UTD MSC2 6-2 114 1  2  7 IST ARN EDJ  CLI   STE MAT CHA  SMI DNW  GRE  SHO  JEB MEN LOP   SAR  7 Bath City NLS 0-0 1203 1 12  9 IST EFE EDJ CLI CHA OKI PHI MEN LAF  JEB  LEW  DNW GRE  SMI ARN SHO 10 EASTBOURNE BOROUGH NLS 2-0 676 1 19  10 IST ARN EDJ  CLI  STE OKI  PHI MEN LAF  CHA LEW  DNW GRE  JEB  SMI SHO 21 WELLING UNITED NLS — — — 26 Slough Town (1:00pm) NLS — — — CLI Billy Clifford GRE Danny Green MAT Daniel Matsuzaka OXB Aston Oxborough SAU Matthew Saunders 28 ST.ALBANS CITY NLS — — — KEY TO JANUARY PLAYER IDS DNW Dejon Noel-Williams IST Harvey Isted MCL George McLennan PHI Michael Phillips SHE Jake Sheppard 1 SLOUGH TOWN (1:00pm) NLS — — — EDJ William Edjenguele JEB Jack Jebb MEN Jacob Mendy Mendy RBR Reece Beckles-Richards SHO Fumnaya Shomotun 4 Oxford City NLS — — — AND Enoch Andoh EFE Michee Efete LAF Ross Lafayette MND Douglas Mendes RIN Joe Ringer SMI Connor Smith 7 Billericay Town NLS — — — ARN Nick Arnold EKO Enoch Ekoneo LEW Dennon Lewis NOR Jonathan North ROB Phil Roberts STE Connor Stevens 18 Havant & Waterlooville NLS — — — 25 BATH CITY NLS — — — CHA Ashley Charles EVE Lewis Everett LOP Eric Lopes OKI Jerome Okimo SAR Elliott Sartorius WAT Sanchez Watt 28 HARROW BOROUGH MCC — — — FEBRUARY 1 Tonbridge Angels NLS — — — PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY RESULTS 2019 / 2020 8 BILLERICAY TOWN NLS — — — 15 Eastbourne Borough NLS — — — July 5, away vs. Bracknell Town — W 4-1 (Mendy, Lewis 2, Efete) 22 DORKING WANDERERS NLS — — — North, Nick Arnold, Okimo, Jacob Cook, Stevens, Olomowewe, Sheppard, Connor Smith. Lafayette, Green, Azeez Subs: Paterson, Cotter, Jacob Mendy Mendy, Noel-Williams, Michee Efete, Dennon Lewis, Afolabi Coker, Yaw Ofosu, Alfie Young, Matt Saunders, 29 Dartford NLS — — — Hassan Jalloh MARCH 7 DULWICH HAMLET NLS — — — July 9, away vs. Hayes & Yeading United — D 2-2 (Green, Lafayette (pen)) 14 Chippenham Town NLS — — — (Squad Friendly) 21 BRAINTREE TOWN NLS — — — July 12, away vs. Reading U23 s — L 0-2 28 Concord Rangers NLS — — — Paterson, Michee Efete, Sellars, Matt Saunders, Ed Cook, Yaw Ofuso, Dylan Switters, Sheppard, Noel-Williams, Jacob Mendy Mendy, Dennon Lewis Subs: Eric Lopes, Billy Clifford, Femi Azeez APRIL July 13, away vs. Hitchin Town — W 3-2 (Lafayette 2, Lopez) 4 HAMPTON & RICHMOND NLS — — — 10 Hungerford Town NLS — — — Theo Richardson, Nick Arnold, Sellars, Billy Clifford, Yaw Ofuso, Okimo, Beckles-Richards, Connor Smith, Lafayette, Green, Dennon Lewis Subs: Jacob Cook, Dylan Switters, Sanchez Watt, Eric Lopes 13 WEYMOUTH NLS — — — July 16, home vs, Colchester United — L 0-3 18 Maidstone United NLS — — — Theo Richardson, Michee Efete, Nick Arnold, Billy Clifford, Stevens, Okimo, Jacob Mendy Mendy, Connor Smith, Lafayette, Green, Dennon Lewis Subs: Sheppard, Matt Saunders, Afolabi Coker, Yaw Ofosu, Reece Beckles-Richards, Jacob Cook, Dejon Noel- 25 HEMEL HEMPSTEAD TOWN NLS — — — Williams, Sanchez Watt, Eric Lopes, Sellars TO BE ARRANGED July 18, away vs. Chesham United — L 2-3 (Watt, Clifford) — CHELMSFORD CITY NLS — — — Paterson, Michee Efete, Sellers, Matt Saunders, Afolabi Coker Yaw Ofosu, Reece Beckles-Richards, Jacob Cook, Sanchez Watt, Sheppard, Dennon Lewis Subs: Nick Arnold, Joe Ringer Stevens, Okimo, Connor Smith, Billy Clifford, Green, Jacob Mendy July 20, home vs. Watford Under 23s — W 4-0 (Green, Noel-Williams, Mendy, Lewis) Richardson, Arnold (Efete, 78), Sellers, Clifford (sheppard 61), Stevens, Okimo 9Coker 78), Michael Philips (Lewis 61), Smith (Cook 78),Noel-Williams (Beckles-Richards 45), Green (Saunders 89), Mendy (Watt 61), Subs not used: Paterson, Ringer July 23, home vs. Watford Under 23s — W 4-0 (Green, Noel-Williams, Mendy, Lewis) Richardson, Arnold (Efete, 78), Sellers, Clifford (sheppard 61), Stevens, Okimo 9Coker 78), Michael Philips (Lewis 61), Smith (Cook 78),Noel-Williams (B July 27, home vs. Wycombe Wanderers — L 0-1 Joe Ringer, Nick Arnold, Ryan Sellers, Billy Clifford, Stevens, Okimo, Sheppard, Connor Smith, Lafayette, Green, Jacob Mendy-Mendy SUBS: Michee Efete, Sanchez Watt, Afolabi Coker, Jacob Crook, Matt Saunders, Reece Beckles-Richards, Noel-Williams, Dennon Lewis August 20, home vs. Hayes & Yeading United — W 2-1 (Roberts, Faniyan) North, Bay Downing, George McLennan, Matt Saunders, Afolabi Coker, Kevin Songolo, Reece Beckles-Richards, Sheppards, Dejon Noel-Williams, Phil Roberts, Sanchez Watt. SUBS: ~Joe Ringer, Ayomide Faniyan, Luca Perrin, Richie Malunda, Jahmali Esprit WEALDSTONE v ST ALBANS CITY 28.12.2019 YULETIDE FOOTBALL: DON’TCHA LOVE IT? WEALDSTONE v SLOUGH TOWN 01.01.2020

clean sheet as toothless Ipwich were beaten lmost 3,500 people 2-0. watching a Weald- o, after that drama, you can easily stone league game... imagine that by the time Boxing Day Athat was a sight that the 1972 came round I was all fired up and They were dire ....but what about a embittered former com- Sexpecting great things when the whole Parks mittee men never thought family, plus Aunt and Uncle and Cousin, they’d see again when they’d decided to forego The Sound of Music on fought (and lost) to keep the BBC1 and pile into assorted Austin couple of 1970s & 80s Xmas crackers club’s amateur status just Cambridges and Hillman Minxes to three years earlier. accompany me to Wealdstone v Bletchley. Those were the sort of The previous ‘family’ trip to Stones v Hendon crowds that had been the had been a cold and gloomy disaster... surely norm in the late 1950s and www.wfcmegastore.co.uk www.wfcmegastore.co.uk this would be a goal-laden feast of football early 1960s when the Stones with Sid Prosser’s free-scoring Blues taking on were rumbling along at the Southern League Division One (South) whip- top of the Athenian and ping boys Bletchley? Isthmian Leagues and, quite I regaled my folks with tales of the deadly frankly, any form of enter- goalpoacher George Duck; arch creator Mick- tainment would draw large ey Brown; and especially the genius of John attendances. Connell, the pint-sized amateur international inside forward who had surprised and de- Then came the dark years lighted the fans by re-joining us from Hendon of 300-400 crowds. In 1971 only a few weeks previously. the club narrowly decided And hadn’t we pulled off an excellent 3-0 to join the semi-professional win at Bognor just a few days earlier? world of the Southern Wimbledon League - a gamble, but one Yes, this was going to be a Boxing Day to keeper remember! that stuttered and then Dickie Guy paid off with promotion to But, you’ve probably got the gist of this by plucks this now. Instead of being in the raucous bearpit the Premier Division and cross off the high-profile games against of the Elmslie End, I was now standing in the head of unfamiliar territory of the High Mead terrace the Yeovils, Bath Citys , Bobby Moss Ketterings, and Maidstones with my puzzled relatives as the most in front of Godawful game unfolded. It was all a bit the 3,400 of this world. And then, surreal. The free-flowing Stones failed to crowd at on New Years Day 1975 the string more than two passes together; the Lower Mead perfect ‘storm’ of a Lower stodgy pitch was as uneven as a Sainsburys Mead clash with glamour side rich fruit pud and Bletchley beat us 1-0 Wimbledon. without rising above the mundane. The Dons and the Stones They had one decent player, the winger were in the top four - Wim- Johnny Henderson (who would be lured bledon, though, with games across to become a key cog in our title- in hand after a great FA Cup winning team the next season) and he was all run that was taking them they needed to hoover up the points. Even to Division One high flyers now, almost a half-century later, the football- Burnley in the Third Round loving side of my family (now in their dotage) just three days after facing find it hard to believe my devotion to a team Eddie Presland’s Stones. they’ve only seen bedevilled by Christmas So. A bright Wednesday spirits. afternoon. Nothing on I should add that Stones director Pete telly. Everyone on holiday on Worby (who is so enamoured of Christmas those days before zero hours football that he is currently in the middle of contracts. Even Sopers was a six week cruise to Thailand) argues that we closing early, with New Years have had some cracking Yuletide games, so

FIND A WHOLE OF WORLD THE MEMORABILIA WEALDSTONE MEGASTORE: AT Sales/Black Fridays etc etc here, to balance it up, are a couple... still a thing of the future.

CONTINUED OVERPAGE WEALDSTONE v ST ALBANS CITY 28.12.2019 YULETIDE FOOTBALL CONTD WEALDSTONE v SLOUGH TOWN 01.01.2020

So what to do? Oh yes, Wealdstone are playing Wimbledon at 3pm. Both near the top of the table you say? Only 80p to get in? Might as well toddle along. I remember arriving on my usual 183 bus from Pinner to Harrow on the Hill and wondering why there was a huge tailback along Hindes Road. And then surprisingly long queues as you approached the ground. Our crowds had been decent, averaging around 1,200 on the back of promotion the previous season but home performances weren’t great and this was a real shock. I’d not seen over 3,000 inside Lower Mead since FA Cup tues against Wycombe and Enfield in the late 60s so this was fantastic! And so was Wealdstone’s performance as they ripped into a Wimbledon side with probably half a mind on the trip to Turf Moor. In the end it was an own goal from the Dons’ Jeff Bryant, a deflected header from Adrian Eglite’s wicked cross, that conjured the 1-0 win and sent the huge crowd home to reflect on the Stones’ arrival at the top of the non-League game. And it became even more of a scalp when Wimbledon went to Burnley and won 1-0! And then held the mighty Leeds United to 0-0 at Elland Road in the 4th Round! The Dons, managed by Allen Batsford (who would of course go on to manage the Stones in the glorious 1980s) were finally beaten 1-0 in the replay at a sold-out Selhurst Park. And then the joy of bashing Barnet 6-0!

Fast forward seven years, and Christmas 1982 was the best in living memory... football- wise. We followed up a storming 6-0 win over old rivals Barnet at Lower Mead with a trip to Enfield, ‘the best team in non-League’ according to their manager Eddie McCluskey. Imagine our joy at stealing a -0 win thanks to a Mark Graves goal... although Enfield ended iup winning the Gola League title that season to prove McCluskey right. WEALDSTONE v ST ALBANS CITY 28.12.2019 YULETIDE FOOTBALL: DON’TCHA LOVE IT? WEALDSTONE v SLOUGH TOWN 01.01.2020

honestly! would be taking on Hendon in the snow Often, of course, the weather led to one without me - and I was right. The lines were or both games being called off. I came late cleared, an orange ball dug out from the kit Wealdstone playing in snow on Xmas to these frivolities, only seeing the last two room under the main stand and a crowd of seasons of Isthmian League rivalry with some 1,500 watched one of the few Stones’ the Greens, and my first-ever Xmas game games ever played in proper snow. morning. And David was on Boxing Day 1969 when I dragged my We were near the foot of the league and Chelsea season-ticket- Hendon flying high but holding- Grandad along we grabbed an unlikely to a very cold and dank 1-1 draw with Alan Pen- Webb playing Lower Mead. I’d sung the tecost hammering our praises of the Stones all goal past the Greens’ the way there on the England Amateur train from Hatch End to International keeper www.wfcmegastore.co.uk www.wfcmegastore.co.uk in goal for Harrow & Wealdstone John Swannell, who and well remember feel- had spent most of the Chelsea. Did ing quite embarrassed game being pelted with by the awful match the snowballs by hundreds two teams served up in of schoolboys behind front of a 2,000 crowd. the goal. I should have it really happen? The Stones lost 1-0 to a been one of them! Peter Anderson goal. The following Christ- hen was the last time he following sea- mas, 1971, something you enjoyed a game son - our last as an equally extraordinary over the Chritsmas amateur side - the happened. With my Wholiday? Tabsolutely unbeliev- uncle away on business Well, obviously the Boxing Day able occurred for this and his season ticket 6-0 win over Harrow Borough in our Stand-in keeper David Webb makes a routine football-daft 12-year- at Stamford Bridge first season at the Vale was pretty memo- save in the famous Boxing Day game 43 years old. It was Christmas available, I found myself rable. And come to think of it, didn’t we ago. Paddy Mulligan is in the background morning, there was watching a Boxing Day game with my Grandad beat Barnet 6-0 at Lower Mead back in spiring Yuletide matches where the players thick snow on the the glory days of ‘82-83, on our way to ground and Wealdstone again - only this time it seemed just as stodgy and leaden as the Our programme was usually blue was Chelsea v Ipswich. finishing third in our first year back in the fans.It got me pondering whether there was were playing at 11am. It but 1969’s Boxing Day issue had a Conference? was going to be the best And it’s a match still an alternative to these Christmas Pudding red cover. It didn’t cheer anyone up talked about by Chelsea And then more recently, on Boxing Day matches.The players would clearly rather day of my life! 2016 there was the 2-1 win over a Maiden- Except that, er, it wasn’t. I fans, even 44 years later. not be running around; is it just tradition There we were, sipping our pre-match tea head side nine points clear at the top of that keeps the holiday programme more joyously left my half-opened presents be- the National League South. Yes, real Bulla hind, waved my parents farewell and set off on the old West Stand wooden benches, chocca than the post-turkey dining table when a buzz went around the crowd as the Stand delirium when Elliott Godfrey when the Cadbury’s Celebrations are being through the snow drifts and falling flakes volleyed that late winner. towards Hatch End station. How naiive Chelsea team was announced. Centre-half handed out? David Webb would be starting the game in But honestly, in the space of 50 years Well actually it’s all our fault. We was I? And why didn’t my mum and dad watching the Stones, that’s not a great realise? It certainly didn’t occur to me that goal! supporters just LOVE to get out in the fresh Now, we’ve seen this at non-League level, return. air and away from the relatives on Boxing a) No trains would be running on Christmas This article is prompted by the Day; and b) The snow would have KOd any not least at Wealdstone when centre-half Day - hence the bigger-than-average crowds Sean Cronin started a match v Molesey in memories of the dismal 3-0 defeat we even at non-League level. It’s a payday for trains that had been scheduled. witnessed last Boxing Day when newly And the end of my mile walk I reached goal when Jonathan North the clubs and a holiday footie fix for the suffered a pre-match migraine a few years promoted Slough came to the Vale and fans..... but does the entertainment pro- the station to find the gates barred shut. I played us off the pitch, the match was devastated. I trudged back home and ago. But at First Division level? Unheard of. vided live up to the anticipation? First-choice keeper Peter Bonetti was effectively ended after 50 minutes when The very first Christmas football I didn’t even bother asking if I could have Guy Hollis headed the third. I had to a lift to the ground as Christmas lunch injured, as was his deputy Tommy Hughes. watched came (naturally enough) at Lower Third choice Steve Sherwood (later to play go into work afterwards and remember Mead back at the fag end of the 1960s when preparations, involving both parents, were feeling quite relieved to have that excuse. well underway. for Watford in the 1984 Cup Final) was away the bonkers tradition was to play our local in Yorkshire at his parents for Christmas and I NEVER leave a match early. This was a rivals Hendon on Christmas morning, and Even my dad’s comment ‘The game won’t first, and a welcome one at that. be on in this weather anyway’ failed to couldn’t be contacted in time. So Webby FIND A WHOLE OF WORLD THE MEMORABILIA WEALDSTONE MEGASTORE: AT then stage the return match less than 24 pulled on the gloves... and actually kept a It was just the latest in a string of unin- hours later on Boxing Day afternoon! Yes, sooth my misery. I just knew the Stones CONTINUED OVERPAGE