KEMPSTON ROVERS FC OFFICIAL MATCHDAY PROGRAMME The Evo-Stik League South Division One Central
www.kempstonrovers.org Welcome
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, Bromsgrove Sporting.
We hope you have a pleasant stay in Kempston and a safe journey home.
Sporting are at their highest level since inception in 2009,having won the Midland League last season. The club were also FA Vase semi-finalists in 2017.
The Tony Joyce revolution continues as two more players made debuts against Corby last weekend, while a further two are waiting to make their mark.
Enjoy today’s game
Kempston Rovers FC is a Community Football Club Limited (Community Benefit Society Registration 7753) Match Preview On The Home Front Next up at Hillgrounds…
Opponent Bromsgrove Sporting
Competition Southern League Division One
Sporting’s Current League position 3/20
Last Time They Were Here… Sporting have never visited Kempston before Sporting’s Current League Form (six games) LWWWDW
Did you know… In 1992/93, Bromsgrove Rovers, the forerunner to the current club, finished second in the Con-ference – albeit fifteen points behind Wycombe Wanderers. It remains the highest ever finish for either the current or former club in the football pyramid.
In the bar Manchester City take on Everton in the lunchtime kick off on Sky, while after the end of our game, Fulham host West Ham on BT Sport. Both games will be live on our big screens.
On this day in Rovers history… The earliest recorded result on this date was in 1906, when Kempston beat Woburn Sands Montrose in the second round of the County Cup by 4-0. Last season on this day, on a Friday night, Rovers went down 2-1 to a hard working, industrial AFC Dunstable side. Jake Newman scoring Rovers’ goal. Kempston are without a win in eleven games in all competitions as Tony Joyce looks to steady the ship. The run of games has included Rovers facing all of the preseason promotion favourites as well as a clash with Luton Town.
Bromsgrove didn’t enjoy their last visit to Bedfordshire, losing heavily at our near neighbours Bedford Town. Sporting have also suffered a big defeat against another of their promotion rivals Corby Town, although they have recorded the biggest win in the entire league this season – beating Kidlington by just the eleven goals back in August. Not a bad start to your first season at Step 4. Estate Agents and Valuers For all your property requirements “Hassett House”, Hassett Street,Bedford MK40 1HA 01234 326444 www.taylorbrightwell.co.uk MANY THANKS TO TAYLOR BRIGHTWELL FOR 1ST TEAM SHIRT SPONSORSHIP. Around the club
The Development Team have their first game in three weeks today away at Berkhamsted. The Devs are currently third in the table with nearly half the season gone. In the absence of their fixtures, Evan Beldon has made three appearances for the first team off the bench, nearly scoring against Welwyn Garden City.
Tomorrow, the Girls & Ladies senior side travel to Dunstable to take on AFC Dunstable Ladies reserves in a league clash.
The U16 Lions sit top of their table at the time of writing, ahead of Stony Stratford and Leighton United. The U14 Lions are in a great position to challenge for their league title as they currently sit third ahead of this weekend’s game away at Leighton.
The First Team have announced four more signings as part of Tony Joyce’ revolution. George Boland rejoins the club, while Domenico Morgillo, Tyrik Lee and Dieudonne Longalonga also join. These four add to Scott Joseph, Kye Andrews, Ieuan Riley and Izale McLeod, who joined last week. Joyce has said he still has “irons in the fire”, so watch this space. Kempston Rovers 135 years of Football History
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. 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. 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)
Kempston Rovers Player Profiles 2018-19
Thomas Wyant – Goalkeeper – Thomas rejoined Kempston in November 2018 after previously being with the club in 2017 as a back up. He signed dual registration forms with Leighton Town, with whom he made it all the way to the quarter finals of the FA Vase.
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 to Conway, Carl made a more concerted challenge for the number one spot last season.
Hateley Mercer – Defender – Hateley joined Kempston in August 2017 from Leighton Town, previous clubs include Aylesbury United, and Winslow. He had been playing as a centre back for his previous club, but has been deployed as a full back since arriving at Rovers.
Daniel Akubuine – Defender – Dan has joined Rovers from Scottish football, after a successful spell in Sweden. The former Watford scholar can play either as a full back or wing back.
Alfie Powell – Defender – Alfie has joined Rovers for the 2018-19 season. A young defender, he has represented his country at youth level and joins after impressing during pre-season.
Harlem Sambu – Midfielder – Harlem has rejoined Rovers for this season after having previously represented the club in 2016. The French-born wide player is equally adept at full back or as a wide midfielder.
Sam Macrae – Midfield Sam firstly joined our u18 team and made his senior debut for our reserves in 2008. Sam has played a part in two double winning sides during his time at Rovers and has represented the club in three different divisions.
Seb Simpson – Midfield – Seb joined the club in 2013 from Bedford Town. Seb can play in defence or midfield and has a good eye for a pass. Seb a member of our 2015-16 UCL Premier Division and North Beds Cup winning squad is capable of playing at the back and in the middle of the park.
Mason Spence – Midfield – Mason joined Rovers in the spring of 2018 and played his part in the run in at the end of the season. He had spent preseason with Biggleswade Town but returned to Hillgrounds for the start of the league season Kempston Rovers Player Profiles 2018-19
Ben Shepherd – Midfield - Sheps joined the club the club in October 2015 a talented midfield passer of the football. A member of our 2015-16 UCL Premier Division and North Beds Cup winning squad, Ben is a key member of the squad.
Nathan Tshikuna – Midfield – Nathan signed for Kempston in the summer of 2017. Nathan is powerful winger and has previously played for Aylesbury United and Bedford Town.
Ben Acquaye – Midfield – Ben joined Kempston in February 2018 and earned rave reviews with his performances to the end of the season, pace, trickery and a keen eye for goal persuaded Rovers to sign him from Buckingham Athletic. This season, he is sponsored by Eastern Engineering.
Josh Crawley– Forward – Josh re-joined Kempston in November 2017 from Leighton Town. Josh was a member of our 2015-16 UCL Premier Division and North Beds Cup winning squad.
Shane Bush – forward – Shane re-joined Rovers for a third spell for the start of this season, having previously played for the club in the United Counties League. Shane has on two occasions finished as top scorer for Rovers. He arrives from Chesham United in the Southern League Premier.
Jermaine Hall – Forward – Jermaine joined Rovers at the end of September after a frustrating spell at Bedford Town, he has previously spent four seasons with AFC Dunstable, where he was noted for his goal scoring, and two seasons with Barton Rovers.
Aaron King – Forward – Aaron arrived at Kempston from Aylesbury. He has previous experience at this level with Daventry Town and Bedford Town.
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.
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.
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. Estate Agents and Valuers For all your property requirements “Hassett House”, Hassett Street,Bedford MK40 1HA 01234 326444 www.taylorbrightwell.co.uk MANY THANKS TO TAYLOR BRIGHTWELL FOR 1ST TEAM SHIRT SPONSORSHIP. KEMPSTON ROVERS FOOTBALL CLUB
FORTHCOMING HOME GAMES
SATURDA Y 15TH 2018 - KICK OFF 3PM THE EVO-STIK LEAGUE SOUTH DIVISION ONE CENTRAL
V BROMSGROVE SPORTING FC
WEDNESDAY 26th DECEMBER 2018 - KICK OFF 3PM THE EVO-STIK LEAGUE SOUTH DIVISION ONE CENTRAL
V KIDLINGTON FC
SATURDA Y 29TH 2018 - KICK OFF 3PM THE EVO-STIK LEAGUE SOUTH DIVISION ONE CENTRAL
V AYLESBURY UNITED FC
ADMISSION PRICES: @Kempston_Roversjj ADULTS - £9 jjjjj CONCESSIONS £5 jjjjjjjjjjj UNDER 18'S £1.00 Kempston Rovers FC, Hillgrounds Road, Kempston MK42 8SZ Tel (01234) 852346 www.kempstonrovers.org BROMSGROVE SPORTING FC Pen Pictures Part 1
Richard Rich joined last October had has not stopped scoring for Gregory the Rouslers - a cult hero amongst the Sporting faithful, a deadly striker who has had spells at Leamington, Stratford and Stafford. Liam Spink Liam is in his 3rd season now having had previous spells with Redditch Utd and Rushall Olympic- a box to box all round complete midfielder - who chips in with his fair share of goals. John Pykett John is enjoying his second spell at the club having been playing down under in the Australian leagues - John is a pacy winger full of tricks and can also chip in with some goals. Charlie Dowd He progressed from our very own U18 under the guidance of our very own Alan Horton who snapped Charlie up from Burton Albion - hugely talented lad who is comfortable anywhere on the pitch William Will signed in the close season of 2018/19 season from Shorrock Walsall Fc where he was involved in the first team squad on 16 occasions last season - great feet who again can play in many positions and also has an eye for goal. Nathan Player of the year last year for Worcester City - Nathan Hayward signed in the close season - a tenacious hard-working midfielder with lots of energy. Marcel Previous clubs include Daventry, Redditch, Alyesbury Utd, Simpson he brings a wealth of experience and calmness to the squad, he joined toward the end of the title winning season off 2017/18. Jono Brown Second spell at the club for Jono who enjoyed a successful loan spell when he joined us from Kidderminster two seasons ago – Jono re-joins us this season having been on loan at Sutton Coldfield for half of last season. A young but very experienced keeper who is extremely vocal and has very good distribution. R’Mar Murray Formerly of Redditch Utd and Rushall Olympic – R’Mar can operate on either wing and played a huge part in the title winning team when Bren Kelly signed him not long after he became manager, again another crowd pleaser full of tricks. BROMSGROVE SPORTING FC Pen Pictures Part 2
Aaron Roberts Mr Bromsgrove, the clubs all-time record appearance maker who has been on the books since he was 15 – he has progressed from youth level and has been pretty much an ever present since – He has deployed himself all across the back and sometimes did a job in midfield , quick , strong , tenacious a real cult hero amongst the fans and always gives 100%. Jack Cresswell Midfield player who joined in the close season from Alvechurch, the Redditch born player began his footballing career as a schoolboy at Manchester United before progressing through the youth ranks at Walsall. Josh Quaynor Josh starts his second full season at the VG having joined from Coleshill Town last summer - Josh was signed as a left back but was redesigned by Bren Kelly as a centre midfielder who finished second place in the fans player of the year last year after a fantastic season.
Danny Morris The clubs' managers player of the year for the last two seasons – Mozza did leave The Victoria ground for a short spell to Lichfield City but returned and has never looked back, his performances would stand out in leagues way above where we are right now, quick, brave and cultured with a very cool head. Danny A wonderful player previously of the football league with Jackman spells at Gillingham, Northampton, Stockport, bags of quality and experience, Danny joins from Redditch Utd in the close season - a huge coup for the club. Tom Rankin Tom joins from Loughborough Uni after previous spells with Leamington and in the United States - a local lad who can play many positions. Jack Wilson Jack has been at the club a few years now and is a quick pacey left back and probably one of the strongest full backs you’ll come across – he had previous spells at Lichfield but has really found home at the Victoria ground and after finishing last season really well he has had a great preseason and looks ready to kick on again.
BROMSGROVE SPORTING FC Pen Pictures Part 3
Craig has captained the side in the last 2 full seasons – leading the squad to 2 consecutive promotions and a domestic cup competition – An old fashioned centre half who refuses to lie down, a true leader and another Craig Jones Bromsgrove stalwart who has notched up 5 seasons of service for the club putting in some memorable performances. Jason Cowley The clubs all-time leading goal scorer, the tenacious front man has been with the squad throughout two successive promotions, including the 2016/17 invincible season. Ashanti Pryce A bright young talent formerly of AFC Mansfield and Solihull Moors Academy, joining us this season Ash likes to run in behind defenders leaving them for dead. Cameron Talent and composure beyond his years, Peters Cameron who is on loan from Walsall, is nightmare for defenders who is very similar to fellow frontman Jason Cowley. Tenacity, hunger and desire with a rifle of a right foot. Tom Taylor A no nonsense centre half who joins us after plying his trade in the Welsh Premier League for many years. Tom is a commanding centre back who is calm and composed with the ball at his feet. Louis Hall A young bright left sided player formerly of the Aston Villa academy and Stourbridge before joining the Rouslers in October 2018 Dan Crane Joining in October 2018 from Bedworth United, Dan is veteran non-league goalkeeper who spent 7 years at Hednesford Town. Jake Heath A tenacious midfielder who joined us from Barwell in October 2018. BROMSGROVE SPORTING FC History Part 1
Bromsgrove Sporting Football Club was formed in 2009 by a group of former Bromsgrove Rovers directors and supporters when the latter was in serious financial difficulty and facing closure. That would have meant the town having no football club playing at a serious non-league level. The Club has an unusual constitution with a rule that nobody can own more than 10% of the Club to ensure that nobody ever gains overall personal control. In addition, the Bromsgrove Sporting Supporters Trust has a stake in the Club and appoints three directors. With Rovers’ difficulties deepening, Sporting were offered the tenancy of the town’s Victoria Ground by the District Council but had to play all home matches at the Beehive, home of Studley FC, as the pitch at the Victoria Ground had been left in an unplayable condition. Their first ever match (a pre-season friendly) was away to Stratford Town in July 2010 then a month later the season started in the Midland Combination Division Two away to Young Warriors in Coventry. After a lot of work and expenditure, Sporting were able to play their first match in Bromsgrove on 6th November in front of a crowd of 458 and ran up an impressive and unforgettable 7-0 win against Greenhill. Up to that point Myles Day had been the manager but he resigned due to family and work commitments and was replaced by former Rovers legend Stewart Brighton. Sporting missed out on the two promotion places but a reorganisation of the Midland Combination saw them move into Division One for season 2011/12. Not long after the start, Brighton stood down owing to work commitments and was replaced by Keith Draper as manager with Ron Mellor as his assistant. They finished 3rd in the division and got to their first cup final losing the Evesham Hospital Junior Cup to Littleton on penalties. Although missing out on automatic promotion, Sporting were promoted to the Midland Combination Premier Division when the League increased the number of teams at the top level. BROMSGROVE SPORTING FC History Part 2
For season 2012/13, Graham Scott was appointed joint manager to share duties with Keith Draper but Draper stepped down at the end of March leaving Graham Scott assisted by Ron Mellor in charge to the end of the season eventually finishing 6th. Sporting also claimed their first pieces of silverware with the Reserves winning the Midland Combination Reserve Division Two and the Under 18’s claiming County success in the Worcestershire F. A. Youth Cup Season 2013/14 saw Adrian Mander as joint manager with Graham Scott assisted by coaches Les Palmer, Duane Darby and Matt Lowe, former Rovers stalwarts. Scott stepped down in October 2013, leaving Mander in charge of the first team. Sporting ended the season 2nd to Brocton and also gained their first cup success in winning the Smedley Crooke Memorial Challenge Cup by beating Paget Rangers. Season 2013/14 also saw Sporting enter the FA Vase for the first time, but bowed out to Westfields after wins against Lye Town and Stafford Town. After 2 games of the 2014/15 season Adrian Mander resigned as manager and Paul Smith was appointed his successor with Martin Sockett and Nick Smith as his coaches. Smith guided “The Rouslers” to runners-up in the league for the second season. They also lifted the League Cup at Walsall’s Bescot Stadium beating Southam United 3-2 in the final. Sporting also competed in the FA Cup for the first time but bowed out to Coleshill Town after a replay. In the FA Vase Sporting progressed to the 3rd. Round before losing to Thurnby Nirvana. 2015/16 saw “The Rouslers” as the bridesmaids again, finishing second in the Midland Football League Division One to Coventry United, despite gaining a club record 91 points. In both the Worcestershire Senior Urn and the Smedley Crooke Memorial Challenge Cup, Sporting were losing finalists. Season 2016/17 was Sporting’s most successful to date winning the league with 104 points (19 ahead of their nearest rivals Hinckley AFC) and remaining undefeated for the whole campaign. In addition, they reached the semi-finals of the FA Vase before losing narrowly 2-1 on aggregate to Cleethorpes Town. They were also awarded the Worcestershire Senior Urn for the first time despite losing the final on penalties to Highgate United who were subsequently disqualified. BROMSGROVE SPORTING FC History Part 3
The season also saw a vast increase in the support for Sporting with several crowds of over 1000 including a record 3349 for the home match against Cleethorpes. Season 2017/18 sees Sporting playing in the Midland Football League Premier Division for the first time. Paul Smith, who guided the Rouslers to the Premier Division, stepped down as Manager in February 2018, which saw Assistant Manager Brendan Kelly take over as First Team Manager, while Andy Mason became his Assistant Manager. Kelly and Mason brought in a very experienced first team coach, Kevin Barry, who is currently the manager of the RAF Senior Representative Football Team. Despite the managerial changes the club won the Midland Football League Premier Division title losing just 6 of their 42 league fixtures and scoring 110 goals in the process and earning a place in the Evo-Stik Southern League Division One Central. Sporting’s F. A. Vase run came to an end at the hands of eventual winners Thatcham Town, but the club did run out winners of the Worcestershire Senior Urn after a penalty shoot-out victory over Lye Town at Kidderminster Harriers’ Aggborough Stadium. Season 2018/19 sees Sporting facing a new challenge with their first encounter of step 4 football, which everyone at the Victoria Ground are looking forward to. Having left some old friends behind in the Midland Football League, we now look forward to making new friends with everyone involved with the Evo-Stik Souther Football League Match Report Steelmen show their mettle
By Matthew Wilmot Corby Town 5 – 1 Kempston Rovers
Kempston Rovers battled hard, but eventually succumbed to a Corby Town side who showed their ruthless streak to prevail in this encounter. The first half was slow to get going, the first real goal mouth action came on the quarter hour mark, as a left flank cross was played into the Kempston area to the feet of Elliot Sandy, who could only put the ball back across goal. Tom Wyant, seemingly stranded, produced a magnificent recovery scramble to block at the feet of Bradshaw to maintain the deadlock. Shortly after the half hour, Crawford was played in on goal, but he hesitated a split second, allowing Daniel Akubuine to recover and make the challenge. Wyant produced another spectacular save to deny Bradshaw again, stretching low to his left to tip the forward’s effort for a corner. Ten minutes from the break, the hosts deservedly hit the front. A long ball from the back was nodded across goal when captain Gary Mulligan didn’t need a second chance to tap home from the goal line. Ben Acquaye had Kempston’s best chance of the half, striking a powerful shot from the edge of the box, which required Dan George to dive and tip the ball onto the post. After the break, Corby continued to turn the screw. However, just before the hour, Kempston found an equaliser against the run of play. Nathan Tshikuna outmuscled two opponents before placing the ball into the corner from twenty yards to stun the large home crowd into silence. Parity lasted for barely three minutes, Connor Kennedy getting on the end of a corner to restore the Steelmen’s lead. Kempston’s frustrations threatened to boil over with twenty minutes to go, Acquaye making a challenge that saw a Corby player crash into the advertising boards around the pitch saw a mass confrontation of players, seeing three booked and Acquaye hastily subbed. Rovers were managing to hold Corby at arms length and look for an unlikely point on the break. But the hard defensive work was undone with three goals in the last seven minutes of the game. Sam Grouse got on the end of a Crawford cross with his first touch to nod in for three one. Then two goals from Elliot Sandy in stoppage time added gloss to the scoreline. First turning home on the line from a corner that looked to be heading straight in with more than a little help from the wind, before putting tapping home a loose ball after Bradshaw closed down a Wyant clearance. The defeat drops Rovers to eighteenth, just above the drop zone. Next up for Kempston is another tough test against another side flying high in the league table, Bromsgrove Sporting. Match Report Plenty of positives
By Matthew Wilmot Kempston Rovers 2 - 3 Welwyn Garden City
Rovers gave first starts to three of their four signings this week, with the other coming off the bench. Two of last season’s champion under 18 side were also named as substitutes as new manager Tony Joyce looks to re-shape the squad he inherited. Kempston nearly had the perfect start as new front man Izale McLeod laid the ball square to Ben Acquaye in just the third minute, the lively winger saw his shot blocked by the legs of Dan Green. Less than sixty seconds later, Nathan Tshikuna lofted a ball through to Acquaye who returned the favour to McLeod. The powerful forward took a touch to get past Green, only to see the shot cannon back off the post and behind. Welwyn could’ve taken the lead on the quarter hour in the most bizarre circumstances, a ball in from Zanone saw Daniel Akubuine slide in to make a clearance, which sliced horribly. Fortunately for him, it went over the bar. Midway through the half, Ben Shepherd crossed into the box, causing chaos and nearly an own goal. Acquaye on the follow up saw his shot tipped round for a corner. The danger wasn’t over for City, as from the corner, Shepherd dropped the ball perfectly onto the head of the towering Alfie Powell, who powered the ball into the top corner to give Kempston the lead. Minutes after the goal came the incident that changed the game. Ieuan Riley, admired by Rovers fans for his robust nature, went into a lunging challenge that took out his own man in Kye Andrews. Andrews’ fall resulted in him knocking a Welwyn player off balance. The referee was in no doubt that it was a straight red card for Riley. The official went to consult with his assistant after brandishing the card to check that he had made the right decision, despite protestation that Riley had clipped his own man and not an opponent the dismissal stood and Rovers were down to ten men. Six minutes later, Welwyn were level. Zanone was played in wide on the right, he got half a yard on his man and whipped a cross in on goal which flew over the head of Wyant and into the top corner. Only he will be able to tell you if he meant it or not. McLeod had a late header over the bar, while Keenlyside couldn’t turn the ball home for City in stoppage time. Just before the end of the half, the referee stopped play after Nick Elliot was deemed to have raised his boot to kick Alfie Powell in the head. A yellow card was given for the dangerous challenge as the sides went in level at the break. Early in the second half, Tom Wyant was at his spectacular best to deny Zanone, a shot came in from the right, which was blocked. The looping ball fell kindly for Zanone to nod goalward, seemingly into the empty net. Rovers young keeper performed heroics to scramble across and clear the danger. Wyant wasn’t to know that the flag was raised for offside against the Welwyn man and his wonder save did not count. A little under ten minutes into the second period however, and City did hit the front for the first time in the game. Keenlyside was played in on the right hand channel, timing his run to look to have beaten the offside trap, he clipped the ball calmly over the on rushing Wyant to make it two one. Rovers young sub Evan Beldon had a snap shot tipped wide for a corner on the hour. Nick Elliot drew another fine save from Wyant midway through the half as he burst forward and hit a low curling effort, which was tipped round for a corner. Zanone wasted a glorious chance moments later when he blazed wide after being put through. Beldon then did magnificently well to dance his way through on the left flank before pulling the ball back to Acquaye, who could only drag the shot across goal. On seventy two minutes, Rovers were level in spectacular fashion. Tshikuna created some space and fed the ball into McLeod on the edge of the box, the forward then laid the ball off to Mason Spence. Spence took aim and unleashed a thunderbolt shot into the roof of the net from fully twenty five yards, beyond Green before he could even react. Parity lasted just eight minutes, as from a right sided corner, the ball found the head of Lee Close, which found the net to put Welwyn back in front. In search of another leveller to get the point they more than deserved, Rovers poured forward. Tshikuna forced Green into a good save with a long effort after a corner wasn’t cleared properly. Harlem Sambu fired wide after good set up play from Beldon. Then finally in stoppage time, sub Scott Joseph showed great skill to perplex two defenders, but couldn’t find the finish to match his build up play. Welwyn closed the game out to win. After the game, the visiting manager claimed that the red card changed the game and admitted it would’ve been tough to beat Kempston had they kept eleven men on the field for the whole game
Kempston Rovers 2018-19 e m s a s l g p a
r p o e a g e
p r r
s m l e e s s a t a t e e p r r e g o e p
a a e r s e s A G h e C C p h p
s p p l s s S n n n s p l s s t
o a g o o r r a g s i s n n l t i s s e e a a E E a s a a s p p v v e e o u s l e e o u l o o Player G G P L L C C A C S S G C R R Acquaye, Benjamin M 15 4 8 3 4 23 7 0.30 35 9 Akubuine, Dan D 8 0 7 0 1 15 0 0.00 15 0 Amadi, Ekene* F 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 0.00 16 4 Andrews, Kye M 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 0.00 31 0 Ashley, Dan # F 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0.00 1 0 Barrett, Will # M 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0.00 1 0 Beldon, Evan # F 2 0 2 0 0 4 0 0.00 4 0 Boland, George M 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0.00 40 2 Burnapp, Josh # D 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0.00 1 0 Bush, Shane F 10 2 12 2 3 22 4 0.18 119 46 Cheema, Naron # F 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ### 0 0 Collard, Alex* D 9 0 8 0 0 17 0 0.00 36 1 Conway, Martin* GK 9 0 10 0 0 4 19 0 0.00 0.21 310 1 Crawley, Joshua F 11 4 12 4 2 23 8 0.35 60 19 Deacon, Ty* F 9 1 7 1 1 16 2 0.13 16 2 Felts, Jamie # F 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ### 0 0 Fryer, Grant D 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0.00 71 7 Goodman, Robbie* D 12 2 11 0 0 23 2 0.09 177 23 Hall, Jermaine F 2 0 4 4 0 6 4 0.67 6 4 Heneghan, Luke* M 4 1 10 5 1 14 6 0.43 65 18 Horne, Simeon # F 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0.00 1 0 Hudson, Michael # GK 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0.00 0.00 1 0 Johnson, Sam* M 4 0 1 0 0 5 0 0.00 148 33 Joseph, Scott F 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 0.00 44 23 King, Aaron F 3 1 1 1 0 4 2 0.50 4 2 Knox, Carl GK 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0.00 0.00 27 0 Lam, Jonny # D 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0.00 1 0 Lee, Tyrik 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ### 0 0 Libertucci, Eugene* M 0 0 3 0 0 3 0 0.00 3 0 Longanlonga, Dieudonne D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ### 0 0 Lowe, Harry # D 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0.00 1 0 Macrae, Samuel M 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ### 266 41 McGuinness, Angus # M 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0.00 1 0 McLeod, Izale F 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0.00 1 0 McNulty, Kyal* D 12 0 9 0 2 21 0 0.00 64 0 Mercer, Hateley D 7 0 4 0 0 11 0 0.00 34 0 Morgillo, Domenico M 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0.00 1 0 Moscaritolo, Angelo # M 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0.00 1 0 Olodude, Deji # M 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0.00 1 0 Palmieri, Dom # D 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0.00 1 0 Powell, Alfie D 12 1 10 0 0 22 1 0.05 22 1 Riley, Ieuan M 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0.00 58 4 Ronayne, Perry # M 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0.00 1 0 Sambu, Harlem D/M 9 0 10 1 1 19 1 0.05 24 2 Shepherd, Benjamin M 15 4 10 1 2 25 5 0.20 132 17 Simpson, Sebastian* D 12 0 11 0 3 23 0 0.00 244 11 Spence, Mason M 9 1 7 0 3 16 1 0.06 27 1 Thick, Jonathan # GK 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0.00 0.00 1 0 Tshikuna, Nathan M 14 2 8 1 9 22 3 0.14 64 6 Wyant, Thomas GK 5 0 1 0 0 0 6 0 0.00 0.00 7 0
*Player has left the club 4 463 170 # Player dual registered with Development Team
DATE Time OPPONENTS COMPETITION F A Pos Notes ATT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Substitute(s) Used 17-Jul-18 19:45 St. Ives Town Friendly H 0 - 0 21-Jul-18 15:00 Bigglswade FC Friendly H 1 - 2 24-Jul-18 19:45 Buckingham Athletic Friendly H 5 - 2 28-Jul-18 15:00 Leighton Town Friendly A 3 - 2 31-Jul-18 19:45 AFC Rushden & Diamonds Friendly H 0 - 2 4-Aug-18 15:00 Felixstowe & Walton United Friendly H 3 - 3 11-Aug-18 15:00 Sandridge Rovers Friendly H 1 - 0 18-Aug-18 15:00 Aylesbury United Southern League Central A 1 - 3 16th 108 M.Conway R.Goodman H.Mercer A.Powell A.Collard K.McNulty N.Tshikuna B.Shepherd 1 T.Deacon S.Bush B.Acquaye M.Spence E.Amadi J.Crawley 21-Aug-18 19:45 Coleshill Town Southern League Central H 2 - 5 19th 89 C.Knox R.Goodman M.Spence A.Powell S.Simpson K.McNulty N.Tshikuna B.Shepherd 1 J.Crawley 1 S.Bush B.Acquaye H.Mercer T.Deacon 25-Aug-18 15:00 Desborough Town FA Cup Preliminary Round A 3 - 0 - 123 M.Conway M.Spence H.Mercer G.Fryer S.Simpson K.McNulty N.Tshikuna 1 B.Shepherd J.Crawley 1 S.Bush 1 B.Acquaye A.Powell T.Deacon H.Sambu 27-Aug-18 15:00 Kidlington Southern League Central A 3 - 0 12th 69 M.Conway M.Spence H.Mercer A.Powell S.Simpson K.McNulty N.Tshikuna 1 B.Shepherd J.Crawley 2 S.Bush B.Acquaye R.Goodman T.Deacon H.Sambu 1-Sep-18 15:00 Berkhamstead Southern League Central H 3 - 0 10th 117 M.Conway R.Goodman 2 S.Simpson A.Powell A.Collard K.McNulty N.Tshikuna B.Shepherd 1 T.Deacon S.Bush B.Acquaye H.Sambu E.Amadi H.Mercer 8-Sep-18 15:00 Chalfont St. Peter FA Cup First Qualifying Round A 1 - 1 - 106 M.Conway R.Goodman S.Simpson A.Powell A.Collard E.Libertucci N.Tshikuna B.Shepherd J.Crawley 1 S.Bush B.Acquaye H.Sambu L.Heneghan 11-Sep-18 19:45 Chalfont St. Peter FA Cup First Qualifying Round Replay H 2 - 2 - W 4-1 pens 108 M.Conway R.Goodman H.Sambu A.Powell S.Simpson L.Heneghan N.Tshikuna B.Shepherd J.Crawley 1 S.Bush B.Acquaye H.Mercer T.Deacon 1 E.Libertucci D.Akubuine 15-Sep-18 15:00 Bedford Town Southern League Central H 1 - 3 13th 357 M.Conway R.Goodman H.Sambu A.Powell S.Simpson K.McNulty M.Spence B.Shepherd J.Crawley L.Heneghan 1 N.Tshikuna B.Acquaye T.Deacon 18-Sep-18 19:45 AFC Dunstable Southern League Cup Preliminary H 3 - 1 - 57 C.Knox R.Goodman S.Simpson M.Spence A.Powell H.Sambu D.Akubuine L.Heneghan 3 J.Crawley S.Bush T.Deacon K.McNulty B.Acquaye E.Libertucci 22-Sep-18 15:00 Marlow FA Cup Second Qualifying Round H 1 - 0 - 145 M.Conway R.Goodman S.Simpson M.Spence A.Powell H.Sambu 1 D.Akubuine B.Shepherd J.Crawley S.Bush L.Heneghan K.McNulty T.Deacon J.Hall 29-Sep-18 15:00 Barton Rovers FA Trophy Extra Preliminary Round A 3 - 1 - 102 M.Conway R.Goodman S.Simpson K.McNulty A.Powell H.Sambu D.Akubuine L.Heneghan J.Crawley S.Bush J.Hall 3 A.Collard B.Shepherd M.Spence 2-Oct-18 19:45 AFC Rushden & Diamonds Southern League Cup Round 1 H 2 - 2 - W 3-1 pens 123 M.Conway R.Goodman A.Collard M.Spence A.Powell K.McNulty N.Tshikuna B.Shepherd J.Hall 1 S.Bush B.Acquaye 1 D.Akubuine J.Crawley L.Heneghan 6-Oct-18 15:00 Woking FA Cup Third Qualifying Round A 2 - 3 - 944 M.Conway R.Goodman S.Simpson A.Powell A.Collard K.McNulty D.Akubuine M.Spence J.Hall S.Bush 1 L.Heneghan N.Tshikuna J.Crawley 1 B.Shepherd 9-Oct-18 19:45 Aylesbury Southern League Central A 2 - 1 12th 121 M.Conway D.Akubuine S.Simpson M.Spence A.Collard K.McNulty N.Tshikuna B.Shepherd J.Crawley S.Bush 1 B.Acquaye L.Heneghan T.Deacon R.Goodman 13-Oct-18 15:00 Dereham Town FA Trophy Preliminary Round A 3 - 1 - 203 M.Conway D.Akubuine S.Simpson H.Sambu A.Collard K.McNulty N.Tshikuna B.Shepherd J.Crawley S.Bush L.Heneghan 2 R.Goodman B.Acquaye 1 T.Deacon 16-Oct-18 19:45 Barton Rovers Southern League Central H 1 - 3 13th 84 M.Conway R.Goodman D.Akubuine S.Simpson A.Collard K.McNulty N.Tshikuna B.Shepherd J.Crawley 1 L.Heneghan B.Acquaye J.Hall T.Deacon 20-Oct-18 15:00 Thame United Southern League Central A 3 - 1 10th 94 M.Conway M.Spence D.Akubuine A.Powell A.Collard K.McNulty L.Heneghan S.Simpson J.Hall S.Bush 1 B.Acquaye 2 R.Goodman T.Deacon B.Shepherd 23-Oct-18 19:45 Sutton Coldfield Town Southern League Central A 1 1 10th 85 M.Conway M.Spence D.Akubuine R.Goodman A.Collard K.McNulty N.Tshikuna S.Simpson T.Deacon B.Shepherd B.Acquaye 1 H.Sambu J.Crawley 27-Oct-18 15:00 Beaconsfield Town FA Trophy First Qualifying Round H 1 - 1 - 102 M.Conway K.McNulty H.Sambu R.Goodman A.Collard S.Simpson L.Heneghan B.Shepherd 1 T.Deacon S.Bush B.Acquaye J.Crawley N.Tshikuna 30-Oct-18 19:45 Beaconsfield Town FA Trophy First Qualifying Round replay A 1 - 3 - 59 M.Conway M.Spence H.Sambu R.Goodman A.Collard S.Simpson L.Heneghan B.Shepherd J.Crawley S.Bush B.Acquaye 1 A.Powell T.Deacon H.Mercer 3-Nov-18 15:00 Dunstable Town Southern League Central H 1 - 3 11th 134 M.Conway H.Sambu D.Akubuine R.Goodman A.Powell S.Simpson N.Tshikuna B.Shepherd 1 J.Crawley S.Bush B.Acquaye S.Johnson A.King M.Spence 10-Nov-18 15:00 Cambridge City Southern League Central A 0 - 1 12th 203 T.Wyant R.Goodman H.Mercer A.Powell A.Collard K.McNulty J.Crawley S.Simpson S.Bush B.Shepherd B.Acquaye H.Sambu S.Johnson N.Tshikuna 13-Nov-18 19:45 Welwyn Garden City Southern League Cup Round 2 A 0 - 8 - 65 M.Hudson H.Lowe J.Burnapp P.Ronayne J.Lam D.Palmieri D.Olodude W.Barrett D.Ashley A.McGuinness E.Beldon S.Horne J.Thick A.Moscaritolo 17-Nov-18 15:00 Peterborough Sports Southern League Central H 1 - 2 15th 112 T.Wyant R.Goodman S.Simpson A.Powell A.Collard K.McNulty J.Crawley B.Shepherd A.King S.Bush B.Acquaye 1 S.Johnson N.Tshikuna 20-Nov-18 19:45 Luton Town Bedfordshire Senior Cup Round 1 H 1 - 3 - 126 T.Wyant H.Sambu S.Simpson A.Collard A.Powell K.McNulty S.Johnson A.King 1 J.Crawley S.Bush N.Tshikuna R.Goodman H.Mercer E.Beldon 24-Nov-18 15:00 Didcot Town Southern League Central A 1 - 2 15th 128 T.Wyant H.Sambu H.Mercer A.Collard A.Powell K.McNulty S.Johnson S.Simpson A.King 1 S.Bush B.Acquaye B.Shepherd D.Akubuine N.Tshikuna 1-Dec-18 15:00 Welwyn Garden City Southern League Central H 2 - 3 16th 121 T.Wyant H.Sambu M.Spence 1 D.Akubuine A.Powell 1 I.Riley B.Acquaye B.Shepherd I.McLeod N.Tshikuna K.Andrews E.Beldon S.Joseph 8-Dec-18 15:00 Corby Town Southern League Central A 1 - 5 18th 329 T.Wyant H.Sambu H.Mercer D.Akubuine A.Powell K.Andrews B.Acquaye B.Shepherd S.Joseph N.Tshikuna 1 G.Boland J.Crawley E.Beldon D.Morgillo 15-Dec-18 15:00 Bromsgrove Sporting Southern League Central H - 22-Dec-18 15:00 AFC Dunstable Southern League Central A - 26-Dec-18 15:00 Kidlington Southern League Central H - 29-Dec-18 15:00 Aylesbury United Southern League Central H - 1-Jan-19 15:00 North Leigh Southern League Central A - 5-Jan-19 15:00 Yaxley Southern League Central H - 12-Jan-19 15:00 Coleshill Town Southern League Central A - 19-Jan-19 15:00 Barton Rovers Southern League Central A - 26-Jan-18 15:00 Sutton Coldfield Town Southern League Central H - 2-Feb-19 15:00 Dunstable Town Southern League Central A - 9-Feb-19 15:00 Thame United Southern League Central H - 16-Feb-19 15:00 Bromsgrove Sporting Southern League Central A - 23-Feb-19 15:00 Corby Town Southern League Central H - 2-Mar-19 15:00 Cambridge City Southern League Central H - 9-Mar-19 15:00 Peterborough Sports Southern League Central A - 16-Mar-19 15:00 Bedford Town Southern League Central A - 23-Mar-19 15:00 Aylesbury Southern League Central H - 30-Mar-19 15:00 Welwyn Garden City Southern League Central A - 6-Apr-19 15:00 Didcot Town Southern League Central H - 13-Apr-19 15:00 AFC Dunstable Southern League Central H - 20-Apr-19 15:00 Berkhamstead Southern League Central A - 22-Apr-19 15:00 North Leigh Southern League Central H - 27-Apr-19 15:00 Yaxley Southern League Central A -
The Evo-Stik League South Division One Central League Table Estate Agents and Valuers For all your property requirements “Hassett House”, Hassett Street,Bedford MK40 1HA 01234 326444 www.taylorbrightwell.co.uk MANY THANKS TO TAYLOR BRIGHTWELL FOR 1ST TEAM SHIRT SPONSORSHIP. THE TEAMS Saturday 15th December 2018 The Evo-Stik League South Division One Central League Kempston Rovers FC Bromsgrove Sporting FC
Red/White Green Black Green Black Green
From
Tom Wyant Daniel Crane Carl Knox Aaron Roberts Hateley Mercer Jack Wilson Alfie Powell Nathan Hayward Harlem Sambu Craig Jones Mason Spence Daniel Morris Daniel Akubuine Charlie Dowd Kye Andrews Josh Quaynor Evan Beldon Jason Cowley George Boland Richard Gregory Ben Shepherd William Shorrock Nathan Tshikuna Tom Taylor Ben Acquaye Jack Cresswell Josh Crawley Michael McGrath Shane Bush John Pykett Jermaine Hall Ashanti Pryce Aarron King Scott Joseph Domenico Morgillo
Manager Manager Tony Joyce Brendan Kelly Coach Assistant Stuart Mellon Andy Mason Physio Sports Therapist Jardaine Patel-Joseph Faye Westlake
The Match Officials Referee: Mr S Cheek Assistant Referees: Mr M Ball & Mr M Norton