versus THAME UNITED - Northwood FC

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Apr 21, 2018 - that followed with Millwall and. Northampton. Town before a long non-League career at Yeovil Town and. Wo
Woods

THE OFFICIAL NORTHWOOD MATCHDAY PROGRAMME 2017-18

versus THAME UNITED EVO-STIKLEAGUE LEAGUESOUTH, SOUTH,EAST EAST EVO-STIK

Saturday 21st April 2018 Kick-off 3.00 pm

Northwood FC

UP FRONT

Founded: 1926 Northwood Park, Chestnut Avenue, Northwood HA6 1HR Tel. 01923 617081

VICE-CHAIRMAN & EDITOR

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KEN GREEN

elcome back to Northwood Park this afternoon for our Annual Community Club Day. We are pleased to see all our supporters new and old, and also extend our welcome all connected with Thame United; we trust they enjoy their stay with us and have a safe journey home later. The Community Day started this morning with our Under 6s Respect Festival; there will be our usual Whole Club group photo being taken before kick-off against Thame.

This is the first visit by Thame United to Northwood since November 2002 – when goals from Chris Moore and Scott Fitzgerald gave Woods a 2-0 Ryman League Division One North victory. The clubs initially met in the Hellenic League in the late seventies and early eighties. Our visit to Thame in November was a thrilling goalpacked affair! A very depleted Northwood side took a point from a 3-3 draw after a spirited performance; Wilson Chingoka netting his first goal for the club with a great angled strike from wide on the right on 23 minutes, but two headed Dan West goals within a few minutes put Thame in front at the break. Woods equalised in the 64th minute when a strike from Mahlondo Martin was pushed onto the bar only for Chingoka to follow up and head home the loose ball. Then Lynton Goss put the home side back in front, only for Mahlondo Martin to sweep in Isaac Olurunfemi’s cross to level again within a minute. Then in the final minute Thame were awarded a penalty – but the kick hit the crossbar so the game ended all-square. The clubs have met a total of 19 times previously; of those encounters, Northwood have won 7, Thame 10, with two fixtures ending level. A couple of soft goals cost the Woods at least as share of the points against promotion-hopefuls Cambridge City at Northwood Park on Tuesday evening, with the visitors just hanging on to win 3-2; Wilson Chingoka and Evans Kouassi netting for the Woods. Thanks for your support here this afternoon; this really is appreciated by us all. The Woods have one more home game this season, against Hanwell Town this Tuesday evening; kick-off is at 7.45 p.m., and it would be great to see you all back here for that one!

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Ken

Northwood v Thame United

Life President: Pat Byrne Chairman: Ian Barry  Vice-Chairman: Ken Green Club Secretary & Treasurer: Alan Evans (Tel. 07960 744349) 46 Webster Gardens, Ealing W5 5ND Commercial Manager: David Mosely Youth Officials: Lisa Bennett & Richard Elderfield Additional committee members: David Blincko, Shamira Hamirani, Marc Harding, Sarah Wheeler Acting Manager: Gordon Boateng Physio: Dan Daggett Northwood Football Club is a members’ club Matchday Programme: Ken Green Photographs: James Brown

CLUB HONOURS Isthmian League Division One North champions: 2003 Isthmian League Division Two runners-up: 2000 Isthmian League Division Three promotion: 1997 Isthmian League Cup winners: 2002 Isthmian Charity Shield winners: 2002 Isthmian Associate Members Trophy winners: 1993, 2000 Middlesex Senior Cup winners: 2007, 2016 Middlesex Senior Cup finalists: 2000, 2002, Middlesex Senior Cup semi-finalists: 1992, 1993, 1997, 1999, 2006, 2008, 2010 Middlesex Senior Charity Cup finalists: 1994, 2003, 2005, 2012 Middlesex Intermediate Cup winners: 1979 Middlesex Junior Cup winners: 1938 Middlesex Junior Cup finalists: 1935, 1936 London Spartan League Premier Division champions: 1992 London Spartan League Premier Division runners-up: 1990 London Spartan League Cup winners: 1990, 1992 Hellenic League Division One champions: 1979 Hellenic League Premier Division Cup finalists: 1982 Hellenic League Division One Cup winners: 1979 Middlesex League Premier Division champions: 1978 Middlesex League Premier Division runners-up: 1972, 1977 Middlesex League Challenge Cup winners: 1975, 1977, 1978 Harrow, Wembley & District League champions: 1933, 1934, 1935, 1936, 1937, 1948, 1949

CHAIRMAN

IAN BARRY

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ood afternoon and welcome to Chestnut Avenue for today’s Evo-Stik League fixture.

We extend our welcome to our visitors from Thame United and trust they enjoy their short stay here. Today is our Annual Community Day and we also welcome our younger players and parents on what traditionally has been a busy, enjoyable day. My thanks to all of those who have helped put today on and we hope you enjoy all that is good here. To keep today on a positive note, I’ll write more in my final notes column for the last home game of the season here on Tuesday.

“ We hope you enjoy all that is good here “

Have a great day! Up the Woods!

Ian

Ian www.northwoodfc.com 

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CLUB MATTERS

ALAN EVANS Supporters’ Player of the Year Today’s our annual day for voting for the Woods Player of the Year amongst our supporters and for the first time we are unable to include the slips in a match-day programme so there are slips available on the clubhouse bar alongside the vote collection bucket so please pop into the clubhouse and cast your vote at some stage this afternoon. Last year defender James Budden took the award last season and prior to this it was Andy Lomas, preceded by Berkley Laurencin and Steve Brown. In 2013 it was James Reading and the previous year has seen Oliver Hawkins, now parading his talent at Portsmouth FC that collected. Scott Raper, Michael Peacock, future Manager Mark Burgess and Brad Hewitt were the winners prior to this. So clearly defenders have dominated having won seven of the last ten awards with two goalkeepers and just one striker while no midfielders have managed to win the trophy during that last decade. Former Woods News - @PottersBarTown It’s a matter of what might have been when you look at the success that Potters Bar Town are enjoying in the Bostik (Isthmian) Division One North this season. Former Manager Mark

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Burgess enjoyed his best success here at the club with the side that finished just outside the play-off places and won the Middlesex Senior Cup. Unfortunately, that summer no less than nine of those players moved on to higher-level clubs and Burgo then struggled to find replacements. Meanwhile, former Woods Coach James Duncan (left) had moved to a role with Potters Bar and when those players left their new clubs at Step 3, the majority have ended up signing for Duncan at Potters Bar. With two games to play, the Scholars are in the second automatic-promotion place behind AFC Hornchurch who have already been crowned Champions. Two teams, Bowers & Pitsea and Haringey Borough, are within one point of them though Bowers do have two games in hand so are favourites to catch them. If so, it will be the play-offs for Potters Bar and we will certainly be looking out to see if our former players can make it to the Premier Division for next season. Bowers were due to

play at home to another play-off seeking side in Heybridge Swifts on Thursday night while Potters Bar’s final two matches are both away – at Waltham Abbey and Barking. To clarify, Berkley Laurencin, Andy Lomas, Steve Brown, George Nicholas, Jordan Lawal and Michael Murray have been regulars all season while also on their books are Jack Bennett, Tommy Boxer, James Budden, Ismael Ehui, Joakim Ehui, Danny Hart, Max Holland and Nick Turner. Good luck guys! Former Woods News – Warren Patmore Warren is fondly remembered here at Northwood for the goals he scored in our London Spartan League title-winning side back in 1992 which also earned us a promotion place into the Isthmian League with 16 goals in 16 matches. That success earned him a contract with Cambridge United and spells that followed with Millwall and Northampton Town before a long non-League career at Yeovil Town and Woking, amongst others. Warren has been living in the West Country for much of the past decade and has managed several teams in that area and the latest is Tiverton-based Elmore FC who are currently competing in the Premier Division of the Devon & Exeter Football League and after several seasons in the doldrums they currently top the table, nine points clear with games in hand; though they do still have a remarkable 11 games still to play! Anyway, Warren’s nephew (his sister’s son) Ben Seymour, is on Exeter City’s books and on a season-long loan playing in the Evo-Stik League South for Bideford in the West Division and is amongst the League’s top scorers with 20 goals to date; seemingly following in his Uncle’s footsteps. Other Hidden tables We may all get to see where we currently sit in the East Division table but there are always other tables available which give a different perspective of how we at Northwood FC are doing!

The current attendance table, published by the Evo-Stik League, shows the league based on average attendances and after our bumper crowd against AFC Rushden & Diamonds, the Woods are now up to seventh place in that one with an average of 118 at present. Our top league attendance is that one at 307 while the lowest crowd is now just 71. Hopefully today’s attendance may help us rise slightly higher again. Though now second in the League table, AFC Rushden & Diamonds lead the way with attendances too, currently averaging 473; some 247 more than Bedford Town in second. Today’s opponents Thame United are in 20th place averaging 95 while Chalfont St. Peter are currently the lowest supported with an average of just 81 despite their recent good form. The League also produce a fair-play table each week which takes into consideration cautions & dismissals throughout the season and the Woods are currently 4th best in that table following the rare sending–off that we suffered against Beaconsfield Town. Today’s visitors Thame United are third with the same number of points as ourselves while Cambridge City lead the way, some twenty-eight points clear of Aylesbury United and favourites to win the prize for finishing top. Finally, we can also view the “Respect Awards” table, sponsored by the Football Factory. Points can be picked up in each game for behaviour of Club officials & team benches, Dressing Rooms and Hospitality shown to Officials while at the club while deductions are made for dissent cautions or dismissals due to Foul & Abusive language. Aylesbury United still lead in this one ahead of Barton Rovers though the Ducks have played more home games where more points are scored. We have risen slightly to thirteenth place while AFC Rushden & Diamonds are down in eighteenth place in this one. Programme goes Digital ONLY We are nearly at the end of the season now so you should be aware by now that if you are reading these notes in the programme, you are almost certainly reading it on your phone, tablet or on a PC screen as from the new season we are no longer producing a paper version. The League changed their rules this season to state that the need to produce a programme for each match no longer had to be a printed version and for lots of reasons, we made the decision to end it. It is a change that has been strange for both Ken Green and myself as between us we have produced virtually every printed Northwood programme since Ken first started them in the 1970s. We hope that



www.northwoodfc.com 

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CLUB MATTERS the quality of the programme has remained much the same though and to download it is now free so savings all round. It also makes it more available to everyone. We have already had a massive increase in downloads of people reading the programme. You can either download it in a format that is easy to read or to print it out yourself at home should that be your preference. We hope you will embrace the change and enjoy it. However, we are aware that some people would prefer it to remain a printed edition and indeed, we even received an offer from one of our loyal and regular supporters to cover the losses that the club makes when producing a printed version. So, we will consider it further over the rest of the season but please let us know what you think, either in person at a game or by email to the club email address enquiries@ northwoodfc.com Under-18s – Back to form Just two more games to go for the Under-18s in the Sportswik Isthmian Youth League with an away game against Hampton & Richmond Borough (being played at Hanworth Villa FC) this Wednesday night, 25th April and then a final home game against Wealdstone on Thursday 2nd May 2018 – Kick-Off at 7.45p.m. The Stones still have eight games to play at the time of writing though it’s looking like Camberley Town will win the title. Under-18s – CUP FINAL Meanwhile, our similar Under-17s Sunday side made it through to the Final of the Middlesex County Sunday Under-18s Youth Cup with a 5-3 victory over Headstone Manor quite some time ago. Connor Maher netted a hat-trick and there was one each for Femi Azeez and Kyran Worrell. The final is now scheduled for this coming Thursday night, 26th April 2018 at

North Greenford United FC against an academy side based in Isleworth - Conquest U-18s. It should be a good game and a real test for our lads playing a year above themselves so why not pop along and see for yourself. Your support would be very welcomed. London Tigers FC groundshare extended for another year Our two clubs have recently agreed a further year’s groundshare arrangement for the season 2018/19 as their Avenue Park ground will still not be ready for a return to football. The Tigers have been battling against possible relegation in recent weeks and their 4-2 win over Cockfosters a week ago would have eased their worries a little. However, they went down 1-4 at home to Hadley on Tuesday night and the battle looks like going to the wire at the moment. They do lead bottom club Stotfold by six points though (they have two games in hand) so the Tigers will remain positive. They have three more home games to play here at Northwood Park starting with a game against London Colney on Thursday night, 26th April. This is followed next Saturday with a visit from Leverstock Green and then on Monday, 1st May they take on Crawley Green at 7.45p.m. County Cup Finals Please note that we have also been asked to stage the Middlesex Senior Charity Cup Final on Bank Holiday Monday afternoon, 7th May 2018 so make a note of that one in your diary. The competition has now reached the semi-final stage with those games being: Spelthorne Sports v. AFC Hayes (was played on Thursday night) and Hanworth Villa v. Hampton & Richmond Borough (playing this coming Thursday night).

Alan

www.northwoodfc.com 

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NORTHWOOD

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CAMBRIDGE CITY 3

WEDNESDAY 19TH APRIL 2018 EVO-STIK LEAGUE SOUTH NORTHWOOD PARK

he search for a first win under acting manager Gordon Boateng goes on for Northwood as T they were beaten by play-off bound Cambridge City in an entertaining encounter at Chestnut Avenue, writes Robin Piper. Woods welcomed back Meshach Williams, who resumed his right-sided attacking role with Femi Azeez reverting to the subs bench, while Keir Dickson returned at left-back in place of Temiloluwa Oladejo. Northwood suffered the worst possible start as ‘keeper Borja Loeches-Teixeira was surprisingly beaten by a long range strike from Salom Relizanz to give the visitors the lead on five minutes. Ryan Sharman and Ben Seymour-Shove both went close to extending the visitors’ lead before Jermaine Osei rattled the Cambridge crossbar with a fierce shot after latching onto a Williams through-ball. Cambridge continued to look dangerous and they extended their lead on 33 minutes as Ebby Nelson-Addy converted the rebound after Loaches-Teixeira had spilled Sharman’s initial effort. Woods needed to find something before the break and after Osei had an earlier penalty appeal waved away, Wilson Chingoka reduced the arrears with the last kick of the first half with an emphatic strike from the edge of the box. However, Northwood’s task was made more difficult as they conceded a third goal three minutes into the second period, James Hall sending a shot from out wide arrowing into the far top corner of the net to restore his side’s two goal advantage. Azeez was introduced for Williams on 54 minutes and Woods were showing signs that they might yet get something out the game. Evans Kouassi dragged a shot wide of the far post after being played in by Osei before the latter saw his snap-shot tipped over by City ‘keeper Josh Bexon. And Northwood were rewarded for their endeavours as they pulled a goal back on 79 minutes as Kouassi finished off a swift counter-attack with a fine finish. Youngster Jamie Fulton, who produced a steady performance on only his second senior outing, was replaced by Sam Afolabi on 85 minutes but Woods were growing increasingly frustrated as the clock ticked down with Cambridge looking to see the game out, Dickson’s name going into the referee’s book. Proceedings slowly petered out with no further chances at either end, the win securing the visitors’ place in the end of season play-offs while Woods look forward to the visit of Thame United this afternoon and another opportunity to gain that elusive win.

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ON THIS DAY

2012

On this day in 2012, a winning goal from Spencer Bellotti three minutes into stoppage time of Woods’ final home match of the season against Burnham took the Woods’ quest for the Evo-Stik Southern League Central Division play-offs to the final day of the season. Burnham shocked Northwood by taking a 23rd minute lead through Gavin James, before John Christian (pictured during the game) levelled on 39 minutes. After the break, Gary Meakin’s Woods side created chances as they pressed for the winner, but it looked to have eluded them until Craig White’s chip gave Bellotti the chance to force the ball home for his seventh goal in five games – and a crucial 2-1 victory for Northwood. Northwoood: James Reading, Scott Raper, Warren Gladdy, Lee Grant, Liam Fowler (Garry Senior), Kwasi Frempong (Adamson Ajayi), John Christian, Craig White, Spencer Bellotti, Olly Hawkins, Romaine Walker (Wayne O’Sullivan) www.northwoodfc.com 

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FLEET TOWN NORTHWOOD

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SATURDAY 14TH APRIL 2018 EVO-STIK LEAGUE SOUTH CALTHORPE PARK

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orthwood were unable to build on the creditable draw against the league leaders the previous week as they succumbed to a controversial solitary goal defeat in the spring sunshine at Fleet, writes Robin Piper. Woods were forced to make a number of changes due to injury and unavailability. Borja Loeches-Teixeira made a return between the sticks as Xavi Comas continues his recovery from the knock he received against Rushden while Sam Tring had failed to recover from the ankle injury he suffered in the same game. Lewis Hobbs moved back to central defence to partner Tom Gilbey with 17-year old Jamie Fulton, a product of the Woods youth set-up, making his senior debut in midfield while there was a change at left-back with Temiloluwa Oledejo replacing Kier Dickson for his first Woods start.

The young Northwood side, with seven teenagers in the starting line-up, started brightly with Declan Nche combining with Femi Azeez who found Jermaine Osei but his close-range shot was blocked. The hosts also threatened with an early chance as Bradley Wilson dragged his shot wide after he broke clear as he latched onto a long goal-kick from Liam Beach. Woods positive start continued as Isaac Olorunfemi found himself in an advanced position and he tried his luck from the edge of the box but his effort flew wide of the target. But the Northwood right-back immediately had some defending to do and after winning the ball on the by-line he appeared to be clipped by Matt Bunyan but to the amazement of most in the ground, the referee awarded a penalty to Fleet which Wilson duly despatched to give the hosts a ninth minute lead. Northwood were ruffled by the penalty controversy and Fleet went close to adding a second as Wilson’s shot deflected wide for a corner before a testing cross from Ross Ewen was scrambled away to safety by Loaches-Teixeira. However, Woods slowly regained their composure and proceeded to put a number of useful moves together. Wilson Chingoka saw a shot on the turn fly the wrong side of the upright after good work from Evans Kouassi and Azeez before another strong run from Kouassi saw him pick out Chingoka but the chance went begging. Northwood continued to ask questions of the fleet defence as Beach was forced to produce two fulllength saves to deny both Osei and Kouassi as the visitors enjoyed a strong finish to the first half. Woods struggled to maintain the momentum after the restart and Sam Oyeniran replaced Osei in attack on 52 minutes. Northwood were seeing plenty of the ball but as so often this season, were making little impression in the final third. The hosts made a couple of substitutions as they looked to freshen things up but it was Northwood who finally began to threaten again as Azeez went close with a shot from outside the box while Oyeniran’s first time strike was turned round the post by Beach. And Oyeniran went close again with a shot on the turn that flew wide of the target. Fleet had barely threatened the Northwood goal with the impressive central defensive duo of Gilbey and Hobbs comfortably averting any danger. However, Fleet finally managed to breach the backline but Loeches-Teixeira was hand to gather substitute Graeme Purdy’s header. Northwood had so far failed to find the equaliser which their share of the play warranted. And they had one last chance deep into stoppage time, Chingoka’s free-kick being cleared out to Fulton, whose ball back in skimmed the head of Azeez and flew agonisingly wide to condemn Woods to another undeserved defeat.

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PHOTO by JAMES BROWN

MATCH REVIEW

www.northwoodfc.com 

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WELCOME TO

THAME UNITED hame United were formed in 1883, making T it one of Oxfordshire’s oldest clubs. The early years were spent in various Oxfordshire Leagues

and in 1906, 1909 and 1910 Thame won the Oxfordshire Senior Cup and the Senior League in 1907,1908, 1910, 1930 and 1931. A switch to the Hellenic League then brought further success culminating in the Hellenic League title in 1962 and 1970, as well as being runners up in 1961, 1977 and 1981. The Oxfordshire Senior Cup was won in both 1976 and 1981 but a poor spell in the mid eighties preceded a crossing of the pyramid in 1989 to join the South Midlands League. The club finished runners up in both 1989 and 1990 before eventually winning the title in 1991. Thame received the green light to join the Diadora League in 1991, three years later winning the Division 2 Championship with 93 points – an 11 point margin. In 1995/96 the Club reached the 3rd Round Qualifying in the FA Cup and the FA Trophy. In the league they finished 13th in their first ever season in the Isthmian League Division One. Andy Sinnott was appointed first team manager in June 1997 and, with a dramatically reduced operating budget, the side were relegated into Ryman Division Two. The club bounced straight

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back into Ryman Division One and reached the semi-finals of the FA Vase. 1999/2000 saw United come within two points of achieving promotion to the Premier Division. 2000/01 saw the team lead the way for most of the season, putting together a club record of 12 consecutive league wins but a slump in form in the latter part of the season resulted in a 5th place finish. A mid-table finish followed in 2002 but the Oxfordshire Senior Cup was retained. Mark West was appointed player/manager when Andy left United during the summer 2003. In October 2003 the club reached the 4th qualifying round of the FA Cup for the first time in its history, before being beaten 1-2 by Conference side Farnborough Town. After a mid-table finish the club moved to the newly formed Southern League, Division 1 West. In October 2004 they again reached the FA Cup 4th qualifying round and finished the season in 11th place. Mark West left to join Slough Town and defender Tony Joyce was appointed player/manager. In July 2005 the club were in financial trouble and, following a visit from bailiffs acting on behalf of HMRC, the landlord enforced a

clause in the tenancy agreement and evicted the club from Windmill Road. However, shortly thereafter Thame United reached a formal agreement with the new owners of Windmill Road that secured £1.7 million to enable a new facility to be constructed in the town and, after several options had been explored and found to be available, settled on Church Farm on the northern edge of the town. Whilst the club progressed procurement of the new site, and the necessary planning permission, a groundshare agreement was reached with Aylesbury United and, with the side struggling at the foot of the Southern League Division 1 West, Tony Joyce resigned in December 2005, with a new joint managerial partnership of Richard Searl and Alan Thorne appointed. Relegation to the Hellenic League was confirmed later in the season. A ground share agreement was reached with AFC Wallingford for 2006/07. Mark West returned to the club mid-way through the season but could not save them from relegation to the Hellenic League Division 1 East. 2007/08 provided greater stability for Thame, and a mid-table finish resulted, which was followed by ninth in 2009. The following season saw Thame win the Division 1 East title by six points and reclaim their place in the Premier Division. 2010/11 was the most significant in Thame United’s recent history. With work on a new £3.1m ground at Meadow View Park commencing in March 2010, United returned to Thame at the ASM Stadium on 11 December 2010, just over five years after their enforced eviction from the town. Boasting eight pitches, a floodlit 3G training pitch and 8000sqft clubhouse, United now have one of the best sporting facilities in the county. The official opening against Oxford United on 18th January 2011 set a record crowd of 1,382. Season 2016/17 was one of the most successful in the recent history of Thame United. Going the whole league season without losing at home, United were crowned Hellenic League Premier Division champions on the final day of the season, defeating Henley Town 9-0 to overturn a seven goal deficit. United were duly promoted to the Evo-Stik League South, East, returning after a spell of twelve years away.

The Players CRAIG HILL – GOALKEEPER

Craig joined Thame earlier in the season, having spent much of last term at Oxford City, having played previously with Kettering Town.

CALVIN EVANS – DEFENDER

Successfully made the transition to right back three years ago and has been a virtual ever present since. He is quick and reads the game well.

FINLAY MURRAY – DEFENDER

Spent much of his youth football at Barnet FC, before joining Thame last season, playing for the youth side.

DAVID LYNN – DEFENDER

Solid and assured left back with good technical ability. Now in his third season with the club, having previously been with Oxford United, Chesham United and Banbury United.

NICK HARRISON – DEFENDER

Nick joined the club at the start of last season. He is a good reader of the game with a wide range of passing.

JAMES MCGOWAN – DEFENDER

Signed in October and made an immediate impact in the central defensive role. Previously with Albion Rovers and Queen of the South, and has Southern League experience with Kidlington.

MATT JOHNSTON – DEFENDER

Versatile defender who can, and has, played in any position across the back four. Progressed from Thame United Reserves.

JAMES ESSEX – MIDFIELDER

Joined the Club in December 2017 from Flackwell Heath, scoring on his debut at Kempston Rovers. A versatile player with previous experience at Abingdon United and Chinnor.

ADAM MORRIS – MIDFIELDER

Hard working midfielder with a great range of passing. Previously with Didcot Town, Oxford City and Flackwell Heath, and is in his second spell with the Club.

 www.northwoodfc.com 

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TOM ASHWORTH – MIDFIELDER



Progressed through the youth team to be an ever-present in the Championship winning side. Thomas keeps it simple, but is a scorer of important goals.

BEN STURGESS – MIDFIELDER

Arriving in the close season from Flackwell Heath, Ben is a vastly experienced central midfield player who commands respect and expects nothing less than winning.

DAN WEST – MIDFIELDER

Joined five years ago from Oxford United, Daniel is a creative and energetic midfield player. He is equally at home playing up front, and scored 25 goals last season.

HARRY MEPHAM – MIDFIELDER

Joined the Club in the close season from Beaconsfield Sycob. He is a ball winner who reads the game well.

BEN CONNELLY – MIDFIELDER

Longest serving player at the club, having progressed from youth football to make his Southern League debut in 2005/06 season. He is quick and capable of creating a goal from nothing.

LUKE RICKETTS – MIDFIELDER

Regular first team player for the last eight years, having been part of the youth set-up. Strong, quick and energetic midfield player with a good touch and passing ability.

LIAM TACK – MIDFIELDER

Joined in January 2018 from Egham Town, having previously been with Flackwell Heath. A versatile midfield player with pace and good passing ability, who also chips in with his fair share of goals.

ASTON GOSS – MIDFIELDER

Joined in January 2018 from Aylesbury. A tricky winger/midfielder with an ability to go past players; has had spells in the Premier Division with St Albans City and St Neots Town .

ABDI FARAH – MIDFIELDER

A new recruit this season, having joined from Reading FC. Good touch and passing ability, and has already proved he knows where the back of the net is.

LYNTON GOSS – FORWARD

Winner of the Golden Boot award last season,

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when he netted 53 goals. Lightning quick, great control, and tremendous strength, he was previously with Aylesbury FC.

ANDY GLEDHILL – FORWARD

Joined the Club four years ago from Launton Sports, and was the scorer of 35 goals last season. One of the most hard working players at the club, he creates as many goals as he scores.

BEN GRAY – FORWARD

He has been with the club for a number of years. Enigmatic but unplayable on occasions, Ben has been the scorer of some great goals.

MARK WEST – MANAGER

Former player with Thame United who rejoined the club for his second spell as manager in January 2007. Mark was a prolific goalscorer with Wycombe Wanderers, Slough Town and Farnborough Town.

STUART BLAIK – ASSISTANT MANAGER

FA Level 3 Coach now in his fourth season with the club. Previously with Aylesbury United, Corby Town, Nuneaton Borough, Brackley Town, Buckingham Town and Tring Town.

HUGH MCCLUSKIE – COACH

Now in his third season with Thame, and a keen member of the backroom staff. He works with all age groups within the club and is keen to develop the next crop of first team players.

MEMORABLE MEETING Saturday 20th February 1993 Northwood 2 Thame United 1

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or this Diadora League Division Three game, Northwood gave first team debuts to Troy McAuliffe, signed from Uxbridge and John Parsons, an 18 year old who had recently been playing in Chelsea’s youth and reserve sides.

The match took time to warm up but Northwood took the lead after 18 minutes with a superb goal. Tim Vincent won a crucial tackle with a strong challenge and played the ball out to Frank Omere. He beat his man and sent over a fierce cross towards the far post and Paul Rogan dived full-length to score. Omere almost made it 2-0 on 23 minutes when a Vincent corner eluded keeper Steve Mayhew and he just failed to make sufficient contact with his header. Thame always looked dangerous on the break and Ken Lavender did well to narrow the angle and thwart Adie Blake a minute later. On the half-hour, a Vincent free-kick led to a defenders mistake and the ball fell kindly to Martin who should have scored but he snatched his shot and the ‘keeper was able to gather easily. Matthew Hayward headed a Martin Shepherd free-kick over the bar two minutes later and that was the last real action of the half. In the second half it again took a while before either keeper was troubled and both sides tried substitutions; Buckley replacing Martin for the Woods on 52 minutes. On 68 minutes, another Hayward header flashed just wide of the goal. Two minutes later, Omere losing the ball inside the Thame half led to a quick breakaway and only a brilliantly timed tackle from Parsons prevented top scorer Nigel Mott from taking an almost certain goal. As the game entered the final ten minutes, the Woods began to get on top again and with five minutes left, Buckley was put clean through. His chip of the keeper was way off-target but Omere retrieved the situation and crossed again for Buckley whose shot took a deflection and was only just scrambled away by Mayhew.

In the final minute of normal time, Frank Omere won a good tackle 35 yards out after the keeper had cleared a back-pass to the wing, and he chipped the ball forward before lifting it over Mayhew and into the empty net, nursed in by Tim Vincent, for a fine second goal. There was still time for Thame to threaten in injury-time and Lavender saved from substitute Steve Lambert during a goalmouth scramble but could do nothing to prevent Nigel Mott from grabbing a late consolation goal. Northwood: Ken Lavender, Troy McAuliffe, John Parsons, Ronnie John, Rob Holland, Steve Sailsman Paul Rogan, Tim Vincent, Frank Omere, Henry Pacquette, Andy Martin (Danny Buckley). Thame United: Steve Mayhew, Martin Shepherd, Kevin Williamson (Watson), Matthew Hayward, Richard Carr, Ronnie Russell, Gregory, Kelly Lonergen, Phil Rodney (Steve Lambert), Nigel Mott, Adie Blake. www.northwoodfc.com 

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Meet The 2018 PAT ADAMSON

Pat joined the Woods this season following his release from Leyton Orient where he was a regular on the left flank for their Under 18 side. Only 18, he had a loan spell with Soham Town Rangers last season and was establishing himself well in senior football before suffering a broken leg in November.

XAVI COMAS

Experienced Spanish-born goalkeeper, now 29 who joined the Woods in December 2017 following a brief spell with Hayes & Yeading. Started the season at Hanwell Town having previously played at Kings Langley, Hemel Hempstead and a series of Spanish clubs; CD Canillas, Gramanet, Masnou, and Cornell.

FEMI AZEEZ

A young forward, just 16, Femi has impressed in the Under 18s during this season, and has been rewarded by a number of senior appearances.

CHRIS BENJAMIN

Experienced striker who joined the Woods on registration deadline day from Haringey Borough. The 25-year-old has also played for St. Albans City, Redbridge, Sutton United, Harrow Borough, Grays Athletic and Bury Town.

JOE BENJAMIN

Joe is a former Northampton Town striker who is now 27 and joined the Woods on registration deadline day from Haringey Borough. In recent years he has also played for Billericay Town, Lowestoft Town, St. Neots Town, Grays Athletic, Bury Town, Dulwich Hamlet, Harlow Town and Bishop’s Stortford.

MICHAEL BUCKLEY

Long-serving Hanwell Town midfielder who signed for Northwood in September 2017 having previously played for Simon Lane at Wingate & Finchley. Now 26, he also played for AFC Hayes.

HAMILTON BUNGA

Tall defender, recruited in February 2018 from Royston Town where he had a short spell. The 22-year-old has been well travelled having also had short spells with Arlesey Town, Kingstonian, Thurrock, East Grinstead, Ware and Barkingside amongst others.

WILSON CHINGOKA

A former Wingate & Finchley youngster, Wilson has just turned 19 and played last season for the successful Herts County side AFC Oaklands where he starred in a midfield role.

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Northwood v Thame United

BEN DUFAUX

Under 18 player Ben has been added to the squad for the final month of the season and will be hoping to get some involvement.

KEIR DICKSON

Left-sided defender, 21, who joined Northwood in March 2018 on dual-registration from Wingate & Finchley. Keir was with Barnet and Fleetwood Town as a youngster before short spells at Hayes

Woods Squad & Yeading, Enfield Town and Kingstonian.

JAMIE DOOLAN

Jamie is a product of the club’s youth structure having progressed through the Under-18s and reserves to earn a place in the first-team squad last season. A versatile player who usually operates in midfield, Jamie is now 20 and will be looking to establish himself in the squad for the new campaign. He is currently on dual-

United as a youngster and then for clubs in the North of England while at University in Durham.

KOJO GYIMAH

Kojo is a 19-year-old former Stevenage Borough and Wycombe Wanderers academy forward who joined in the summer and is dual registered with Cockfosters.

NEBAY HAILE

Young attacking player who has joined the Woods in November 2017 on dual-registration from Staines Town to gain some senior experience. He was part of the Middlesex County side that won the FA County Youth Cup in 2017.

BRAD HEWITT

Now 30, central defender Brad returned last summer to Chestnut Avenue for his third spell at the club which he originally joined from Boreham Wood back in October 2006. He has now topped 210 appearances for the Woods, and has also played for Hemel Hempstead, Beaconsfield, Burnham, Slough Town, Hendon, Biggleswade Town and Dunstable Town.

LEWIS HOBBS

Young defender who joined the Woods on a season-long youth loan from Barnet and after impressing for several months had his contract cancelled with the Bees and subsequently moved to Southern Premier side Royston Town. Still only 18 he returned to Northwood to get more game time and continue his football education in February 2018.

EVANS KOUASSI

registration loan at Rayners Lane.

JAMIE FULTON

Under 18 player Jamie has been added to the squad for the final month of the season and will be hoping to get some involvement.

TOM GILBEY

Young left-sided defender who joined the club on dual-registration from Staines Town, where he moved in the summer. Played for Maidenhead

Experienced 28-year-old attacking wide player who joined the Woods last summer having played at Bishop’s Stortford last season. Has also had spells with Billericay Town, Chelmsford City, Concord Rangers and Hayes & Yeading amongst others. Signed for Wealdstone in November 2017 but is now regaining fitness with a spell back at Northwood.

BORJA LOECHES-TEIXEIRA

Spanish-born goalkeeper, now 28, who joined www.northwoodfc.com 

17



2018 Woods Squad the Woods in December 2016 after a spell with Edgware Town having previously played for Walton & Hersham.

MARK MCLEOD

Experienced midfielder who joined the Woods in January 2018 on dual-registration from Harrow Borough. The 31-year-old was born in Sunderland and played in the Football League for Darlington as well as loan spells with Harrogate Town, Durham City and Workington. He played for Newcastle Blue Star and Sunderland RCA before moving south and playing for Walton & Hersham and Chipstead before joining Harrow last summer.

PAOLO MONTELLA

Young midfield player who joined the Woods in December 2017 from London Colney having previously played at Ware. The 19-year-old will be hoping to gain more experience in the second half of the season.

DECLAN NCHE

18-year-old bustling midfielder who joined the Woods in October 2017 from Brentwood Town, where he had been a regular in their Development side.

HARRY NEWMAN

A left-sided midfield player, 28-year-old Harry was a regular for Harrow Borough in the Isthmian Premier for the past two seasons having joined them in 2015 following spells with Harefield United, Hanwell Town and Australian side Clifton Hill.

HAKIM NYARIKI

18-year-old Hakim is a former member of the successful Wingate & Finchley Under-18 side who joined the Woods last summer after a spell with Barnet.

ISAAC OLORUNFEMI

19-year-old defender who joined the Woods in October 2017 having previously played for Maidenhead United youth as well as having short loan spells with Aylesbury and Chalfont St Peter.

JERMAINE OSEI

Young striker who joined the Woods in October 2017 on dual-registration with Wealdstone and

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Northwood v Thame United

was an instant hit with two goals on his debut. The 22-year-old previously played at Enfield Town and Bishop’s Stortford as well as briefly at Hampton & Richmond Borough and Margate. He is the Woods’ top scorer.

SAM OYENIRAN

Signed from Barton Rovers in March 2018, am is 19 years old and came up through the junior ranks with Ebbsfleet United before playing at Tilbury Under 23s, Herne Bay, BIllericay Under 23s, and Norwich United.

JOE RUSSELL

Youngster recently recruited to the Northwood squad having had previous experience at Ware. The 19-year-old had also represented Hertfordshire at Under 18 level.

SAM TRING

Young 20-year-old central defender who joined the Woods on a month’s loan from Kings Langley in February 2018 having made around 20 Premier Division appearances for the Kings. Following some solid performances, that loan was then extended until the end of the season. He joined them last summer from Luton Town Cedars.

MESHACH WILLIAMS

Pacy, 26-year-old forward who has been amongst the goals in pre-season having joined the Woods in the summer from Cockfosters. He has also played for Hatfield, Hoddesdon, Hanwell and Broxbourne as well as a spell with Wingate & Finchley in the Isthmian Premier.

KYRAN WORRELL

Under 18 player Kyran has been added to the squad for the final month of the season and will be hoping to get some involvement.

GORDON BOATENG - ACTING MANAGER

Gordon, who took charge of the squad following the departure of Jake Heracleous, has previously been in charge at Bishop’s Stortford, amongst others.

Northwood F.C. Six-a-side tournaments 2018 Saturday 12th May - Under 10’s, 11’s, 12’s Sunday 13th May - Under 7’s, 8’s, 9’s, 13’s

We are pleased to announce that we will again be holding our 6-a-side tournament at Northwood FC in our stadium at Chestnut Avenue, Northwood HA6 1HR. U7’s, U8’s and U9’s will be competitive with trophies for the winners and runners up only. All players involved will receive a medal. U10’s to U13’s will be competitive with cup and plate finalists receiving trophies. The cost to enter will be £35 per team before March 31st, any entries after this date will be £40. There is free parking on the field outside the stadium which we would like you to use as parking is very restricted on the road, with a £2 entry fee for all adults entering the stadium. You are advised to book early as there are only 10 spaces for each group, with a maximum of 8 players per team. Full registration details and match schedules will be provided upon sign up. In addition to enjoying lots of good football in our stadium, there will be a BBQ and a licensed bar. Our tournament is always over-subscribed so please respond quickly to avoid disappointment. For more information including the entry form, contact: Andrew Baynes on 07958 770 510 or email [email protected]

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19

TALKING POINT

In conjunction with THE NON LEAGUE PAPER

Farai Hallam

The FA’s senior officer for referees

CHANGING FACE OF MATCH OFFICIALS Previously there has been a perception of who a referee is and what they look like – now they come from all walks of life and backgrounds. We meet our new Level 3 referees every July. You could line those 90-100 people up in any walk of life and you wouldn’t necessarily pick them out as referees. They are young, many from BAME backgrounds and more and more females – probably not what you’d expect 20 or 30 years ago. People are really seeing refereeing as a career where they can really achieve. This could either be at the elite level, where it can be a full-time career, or taking charge of games in front of big crowds, even in Non-League football. People really aspire to take charge of important games where they can have a really positive influence. Every game matters to players, managers, clubs and supporters – but also referees. If they have ambition to progress, they know they also need to perform. One bad decision could change your season. Just like promotion and relegation for clubs, it’s the same for officials. For every game someone referees, there are two marks – one from each club. There are also observers out watching and that is put into an Observers Merit List. The two are compared and more often than not, are not too dissimilar. If you’re showing in a season you are consistently one of the best referees, you have a good chance of promotion. It’s much like a player culture. If you prove you are good enough you will get an opportunity at the next level. Why should you be held back if you’re the best National League North referee even if you are in your early 20s? Similarly if you’re 52 – just because you have less active years in front of you, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be able to progress up. It gives service to competition and also rewards the referee. FROM NON-LEAGUE TO THE WORLD CUP FINAL The National League System structure in this country provides an unbelievable learning experience for English match officials. As a country we are blessed we have this 150-year-old structure that has effected itself now into such a strong Pyramid. In the ninth tier of football in this country can mean refereeing in front of 1,000 people. In other countries the ninth tier could be a local park. So it’s real credit to the structure, the clubs, the teams and the players for providing such good quality for referees to get such good experience at what can be an early stage of their career. You grow with the Pyramid.

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Northwood v Thame United

We always use Howard Webb as the example. Like every referee we now see in the Premier League, he came through the National League System. He was in charge of Northern Counties East games, the Northern Premier League and so on. In 2010, he took charge of the World Cup Final between Spain and Netherlands. INCREASE IN APPOINTMENTS AT STEP 3 & 4 With the additional Step 3&4 divisions being introduced into the National League System next season, it brings an increase in the amount of appointments that will have to be made. The appointments at those levels are made by the FA. We have a Northern Appointments Officer and a Southern Appointments Officer, who make a vast amount of appointments and re-appointments each season. A Level 3 referee, who takes charge of Step 3 and 4 matches, will on average have between 30 and 40 appointments per season. Some will also act as assistants on the National League as well as the National League North and South divisions. But just taking Steps 3 and 4, it will increase by two or three games per referee. That might not sound much, but if you times that by 330 Level 3 referees it soon adds up. Every April and May, we have a calculation that looks at the amount of fixtures we’ll have the next season, geography, the average availability time of any Level 3 referee – work commitments, the average injury time, availability over Bank Holidays, Christmas and New Year – and gives us a number of how many referees we need. EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT This is a side that, naturally, people don’t always see. We at The FA, alongside the PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited), have made a vow to offer more training, education and development for match officials. Not only does it service the game at Steps 4, 3, 2 and 1, it’s also planning for the Football League and Premier League officials of the future. So, who is going to be the next Howard Webb refereeing the World Cup final? FA CORE The FA Centre of Refereeing Excellence is comprised of around 300 referees and 50 performance coaches. A number are referees at the top level while others are retired. It is designed to enhance the training and development given to the officials identified as a having potential to progress. If you’ve got someone on the phone three or four times a week, your chance of becoming a better referee is enhanced. Hopefully leading to better chances of promotion. Over the past three years in England we’ve also taken on specialisation – people are now focusing on being a referee or an assistant referee. By people making that commitment, it says to The FA that we need to invest in them. Previously people may have wanted to keep their status as a Level 3 referee and take charge of, say, Wingate & Finchley, but only so they could run the line at Leeds United the week after. Nowadays it’s, ‘I’m refereeing at Wingate & Finchley because I want to’. IMPROVING RELATIONSHIPS Previously a referee has been seen as out on their own, working in silos. When you actually sit down and explain to clubs what we’re trying to do and the positive impact the work with referees has, they are very receptive to it. For the first time this year, we’ve offered visits to all clubs at Step 1 to 4. A member of The FA or PGMOL will go and talk about what’s topical, what laws have changed and explain to clubs how they can really help themselves. It’s also an opportunity for clubs to offer their thoughts on things they may be confused on or bits of law that they have queries on. We also attend the National League, Isthmian League, Northern Premier League and Southern League pre-season meetings. It’s vital there is a two-way relationship.

www.northwoodfc.com 

21

NORTHWOOD

1

AFC RUSHDEN & D. 1

SATURDAY 7TH APRIL 2018 EVO-STIK LEAGUE SOUTH NORTHWOOD PARK

orthwood finally stopped the rot as they ended their six game losing run with a well deserved N draw against the league leaders, writes Robin Piper. Woods’ performance was all the more admirable as they had to play almost the whole of the second period with an emergency

goalkeeper after Xavi Comas suffered a nasty blow to the head while bravely attempting to keep out the Rushden equaliser.

There was a cagey start to proceedings from both sides before Jermaine Osei rippled the Diamond’s net after an incisive move but was denied by an offside flag after being played in by Evans Kouassi. At the other end, Spencer Weir-Daly had a volley charged down before another smart strike from the edge of box was comfortably gathered by Comas. Comas was almost left red-faced as Liam Dolman launched an audacious attempt from inside his own half but the ferociously back-pedalling Northwood stopper just managed to claw the ball to safety. And Diamonds continued to threaten as they went close through Sam Brown whose header from a corner flashed wide of the far post. But it was Northwood who opened the scoring against the run of play on the half-hour mark. A swift counter-attack saw Osei combine with Kouassi who jinked his way through the Diamonds defence before rounding goalkeeper Ben Heath and rolling the ball into the unguarded net. Rushden responded positively to the setback as Joel Gyasi was denied by Comas, Jack Westbrook fired over from close range and Gilbey cleared off the line as Lorraine lifted the ball over Comas. Having soaked up the Rushden pressure, Woods countered again through Kouassi but he decided to go it alone to no avail when a ball to Azeez might have been the better option. And not for the first time this season, Northwood were indebted to Comas who pulled off a point-blank save to deny Weir-Daly on the stroke of half-time as the hosts’ rearguard was caught out by a ball over the top. The second period was only five minutes old when the main talking point of the match arrived as Weir-Daly squared the ball to Gyasi who bundled the ball home for the equalising goal despite the brave efforts of Comas. After a lengthy delay the Northwood keeper was stretchered from the field to generous applause from both sets of supporters; the Rushden fans behind the goal no doubt regretting their earlier chants of ‘let him die’ when Comas received treatment for a head injury sustained in an earlier incident. With no reserve keeper on the bench, substitute Paolo Montella donned the gloves for Northwood. After Woods worked a good opening which saw Kouassi drag his shot wide of the target, the hosts inevitably had some defending to do as the visitors looked to test Northwood’s rookie goal-keeper. But Montella was up to the task as he produced a full-length save to turn Gyasi’s free-kick round the post before confidently collecting another ball into the box with one hand! Despite enjoying the better of the possession, Diamonds were struggling to create any real openings with the impressive rearguard of Gilbey, Tring and Hobbs shielding the Northwood goal to great effect and restricting the visitors to long-range efforts. Sam Oyeniran and Haile were introduced for Kouassi and Osei and the hard-working Woods reminded Rushden of their defensive responsibilities as Azeez saw his shot deflected wide before another shot from the Northwood youngster was gathered by keeper Heath. Diamonds made a double substitution as they sought the elusive winning goal in the extended period of stoppage-time, but it was Northwood who went closest to snatching the win as Haile’s floated pass picked out an unmarked Azeez but he blasted over from a good position.

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Northwood v Thame United

PHOTO by JAMES BROWN

MATCH REVIEW

www.northwoodfc.com 

23

Player Sponsors 2017-18

GORDON DAN BOATENG DAGGETT

Sponsored by

Trims for Men Northwood Hills

TOM GILBEY

XAVI COMAS Sponsored by

John Robertson

Available for sponsorship

KOJO MESHACH BRAD GYIMAH WILLIAMS HEWITT

LEWIS HOBBS

KEIR PAOLO EVANS KOUASSI DICKSON MONTELLA

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

Available for sponsorship

HAKIM NYARIKI

Available for sponsorship

Lee Whittaker

Available for sponsorship

SAM OYENIRAN

FEMI AZEEZ

HAMILTON BUNGA

Available for sponsorship

Available for sponsorship

Southern Territory (UK) Ltd

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ISAAC WILSON PAT ADAMSON OLORUNFEMI CHINGOKA Available for sponsorship

Available for sponsorship

Sponsored by

SAM TRING

Ken Green

Northwood v Thame United

Sponsored by

Robin Piper

Southern Territory (UK) Ltd

NEBAY HARRY HAILE NEWMAN Available for sponsorship

Sponsored by

Tino Nannavecchia

Available for sponsorship

Available for sponsorship

Available for sponsorship

Available for sponsorship

DECLAN JERMAINE MARCUS NCHE OSEI ROSE Available for sponsorship

Sponsored by

Pete Reynolds

Sponsored by

Mark Bunting

Woods Roll Call 2017-18 including 20.4.18 Arash Abdullahi Pat Adamson Sam Afolabi Romelle Alomenu Jean-Paul Antwi Mohammed Ayoub Femi Azeez Charley Barker Tommy Boxer Michael Buckley Hamilton Bunga Andrew Camilo Tajeco Wilson Chingoka Ned Clarke Xavi Comas Brandon Daly Tayo Davies-Coker Keir Dickson Jamie Doolan Jamie Fulton Tom Gilbey James Gurteen Kojo Gyimah Nebay Haile Louis Hall Matt Hall Ashley Harris Tyler Hatherly Tayshan Hayden-Smith Brendan Hazlett Brad Hewitt Lewis Hobbs Montel Joseph Pat Kelly Evans Kouassi Borja Loeches-Teixeira George Lutaaya Mahlondo Martin Andrew McCorkell Jack McDonnell Tom McDonnell Mark McLeod Paulo Montella Declan Nche Harry Newman Matt Nolan Hakim Nyariki Lewis Ochoa Issac Olorunfemi Jermaine Osei Michael Osei Sam Oyeniran Temiloluwa Oladejo Leonardo Pedro George Robinson Marcus Rose Joe Russell David Taylor Jay Thorne Sam Tring Harry Voss Antonio Walker Matt Walsh Meshach Williams Dernell Wynter

League League apps sub

2 8 0 3 1 0 3 4 4 11 2 5 27 2 15 1 1 6 0 2 17 0 0 3 0 3 1 5 21 12 18 31 1 8 28 2 2 13 2 4 3 1 0 4 27 1 2 15 20 22 2 3 1 1 6 5 4 6 0 11 4 0 1 20 2

1 1 0 2 1 0 6 0 0 0 2 1 8 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 5 11 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 7 0 3 0 0 13 5 1 0 6 0 5 0 0 2 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 0

Cups apps

Cups sub

Total apps

League goals

Cup goals

Total goals

1 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 2 3 3 0 2 4 1 0 2 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 2 1 1 0 0 0 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0

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0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 1 1 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0

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0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 1 1 12 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0

Northwood career apps goals

5 11 0 5 2 1 9 4 6 11 4 6 39 3 15 1 2 6 2 2 17 2 6 14 1 3 4 6 26 14 211 34 25 12 33 19 2 22 2 8 4 1 13 11 29 1 10 17 26 23 2 5 2 2 9 7 5 6 4 11 4 3 1 24 2

0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 22 0 0 0 8 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 1 1 12 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0

Cards Y

R

1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 1 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 1 3 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

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25

Alan Evans looks back at Northwood events of a decade ago PHOTOS by JAMES BROWN

T

oday we continue with our popular feature where we look back to events here at Northwood Park from exactly a decade ago. This has meant a review of our first season back at Step 4 of non-League following the first-ever relegation in the senior club’s history as we succumbed to the drop in our second season of Southern Premier Division football having been transferred across following two years of Isthmian Premier competition.

After a slow start to the season, there had been an upsurge in fortunes as we passed halfway. Firstly a series of solid home wins was followed by a brilliant FA Trophy replay win over Isthmian Premier side AFC Hornchurch and then the first away league win of the season, a 3-1 success at league leaders AFC Sudbury with 18-year-old Elliott Buchanan netting his first Northwood hat-trick, taking his tally to six goals in three

much as it is now a decade later. The first of those four games was on Saturday 5th April 2008 when we travelled to play North Essex side Maldon Town, our opponents just above the Woods in the Division One North table. Injury to Ryan Tackley afforded a first league start for reserve defender Gary Edwards who came in at centre-back. Matt Baxter regained his place in attack at the expense of Jerome Hall whilst Rodney Hicks was preferred to Abdul Yoki on the left flank. The Woods started in a positive vein and it wasn’t long before Maldon ‘keeper Darren Gould was called into action, clawing away an in-swinging corner from Danny Murphy, before producing a smart save to deny Michael Gordon after he was sent clear by Dwane Williams. Northwood thought they had gained the reward for their bright start on 17 minutes as Hicks found the net following another Murphy free-kick but an offside flag riled it out. But they weren’t to be denied for long and they deservedly took the lead after 23 minutes, Sean Sonner converting from the penaltyspot after Glen Revell was adjudged to have handled Bradley Hewitt’s knockdown following

games and into double figures for the season; the boy was getting noticed and he then signed for Conference side Stevenage Borough in January! Defeat in the Trophy was 2-1 in front of a big crowd at AFC Wimbledon. As we left things, a 1-0 win over Wingate & Finchley was the fourth victory from five games and with just three losses in the last twenty-two league matches, it was form that Manager Colin Payne was hoping would be carried on, not only for the final contests of the season but also for the following campaign – play-off challenging form without a doubt. It left four matches to play to finish the season, no more midweek games so quite a relaxing end to the season,

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Northwood v Thame United

another Murphy free-kick. The in-form Sonner missed a good chance to double the lead soon afterwards when he lifted his shot wide of the far post. Hicks then had a shot saved by Gould

TEN YEARS AFTER but Maldon gradually started to get forward and then grabbed an equaliser just before the break when Matthew Cutchey knocked in a James Robinson cross. With a stiffening breeze now in their faces for the second-half the Woods had to do plenty of defending in the second-half but actual chances were few and far between and in the end they had to settle for just a point apiece. The following Saturday it was third-placed Redbridge who paid a visit to Northwood Park with the Woods looking to put an end to a long losing run against their Essex opponents as both Redbridge and their former guise of Ford United. Northwood had failed to notch a league win over their opponents in over ten years of competition!

rounding the ‘keeper and slotting into an empty net. Although Sean Sonner went close to quickly doubling that lead, showing a poor touch following a good ball from Baxter, the Woods found themselves under a lot of pressure as the half progressed. It needed Mitch Swain to be at his alert best to keep out several efforts on goal from the Motormen while both Bradley Hewitt and Gary Edwards looked solid in the centre of the defence. Having soaked up that pressure, the Woods dealt a sucker punch seven minutes after the

However, Redbridge were top of the current

restart. A long throw into the box by Holland wasn’t dealt with properly and a handball resulted in a penalty being awarded and Sonner tucked it away for his eighth goal in nine appearances to make it 2-0.

Mitch Swain, Lee Holland, Danny Murphy, John Christian, Bradley Hewitt, Gary Edwards, Michael Gordon, Dwane Williams, Sean Sonner, Matt Baxter, Abdul Yoki. Subs. Jamie Tompkins, Dwain Williams, Jerome Hall, Prince Toku, Danny Power.

Could the Woods finally be heading for a league win over their close-rivals? Well, first Baxter was denied a third when Tony Tucker pushed over a fierce strike over the bar. Then, Redbridge pushed forward again and Aaron Gayle had one effort saved by Swain before then missing a gilt-edged opportunity to pull a goal back when clean through on goal. Substitutes were utilised but without much effect and with five minutes to go Redbridge threw themselves a lifeline as Lee Townrow seized on a rare error from Hewitt to make it 2-1 but the Woods battled on gallantly to hold on to that first-ever league win over their visitors.

And what a great start the Woods made. Straight into the attack and after eight minutes Matt Baxter held off a number of challenges before

We will have more from everything Ten Years After as we wrap up yet another season in our final programme on Tuesday night.

form with five wins and a draw from their previous six matches so it was going to be a real test of the Woods good form too. Lee Holland returned from injury to replace Danny Brown who was out with a knock himself and Abdul Yoki was back in to replace the newly-injured Rodney Hicks. The actual side was:

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Northwood v Thame United

EVO-STIK LEAGUE SOUTH, EAST

ROUND-UP

A crowd of over 400 saw Hitchin Town narrowly defeat Didcot Town to lift the BFB Challenge Cup on home soil on Wednesday evening. An early goal by Conner Vincent secured the trophy for the Canaries, but they were made to work hard to keep the lead. It was a classic game of two halves, with the Canaries showing nice passing movements creating chances.

TODAY’S FIXTURES Ashford Town v Hartley Wintney Aylesbury United v Chalfont St Peter Barton Rovers v Aylesbury Beaconsfield Tn v Hayes & Yeading Bedford Town AFC Dunstable Cambridge City v AFC Rushden & D. Egham Town v Fleet Town Hanwell Town v Marlow Kempston Rovers v Arlesey Town Northwood v Thame United Uxbridge v Moneyfields

Didcot had other ideas after the break and took the game to Hitchin, with some impressive link play cutting down the Canaries. A chance in the dying minutes could have provided the equaliser Didcot deserved, but instead it was Hitchin that lifted the trophy, whilst both clubs picked up sizeable sponsorship payments. AFC Rushden & Diamonds returned to the top of the Evo-Stik League South East table on Tuesday night. In front of a crowd of 452 at Hayden Road, there was a tight contest against playoff chasing AFC Dunstable. And it looked as though the visitors would take a point away with them, until seven minutes from time when sub Ben Farrell was brought down in the box by Drew Roberts. Shortly before that, Diamonds` keeper Ben Heath proved the hero with a stunning save to deny Leon Cashman.

League table Including 20.4.18

P

W

D

L

F

A

Pts 83

Beaconsfield Town

38

26

5

7

89

44

AFC Rushden

39

24 10

5

83

24

82

Hartley Wintney

39

25

4

10

92

48

79

Hayes & Yeading

40

24

5

11

97 49

77

Cambridge City

38

23

6

9

98

50

75

AFC Dunstable

39

21 10

8

72

32

73

20

13

64

Bedford Town

39

Chalfont St Peter

39 18

6

46

66

51 38

Moneyfields

38

17 10

65

11

74

61

Kempston Rovers

38

17 10

61

11

69

66

Thame United

39 18

61

4

17 73 73

58

11 10

Ashford Town

38 16

7

15

80

63

55

Aylesbury

39

15

4

20

44

67

49

Uxbridge

39 13

6

20

55

85

45

Marlow

38

8

18

51 72

44

17

12

Egham Town

37 12

8

49

78

44

Northwood

39

8

11 20 48

66

35

Fleet Town

40

8

10

22

38

81

34

Hanwell Town

37

9

6

22

45

75

33

Aylesbury

37

9

5

23

36

71

32

Barton Rovers

38

6

9

23

34

78

Arlesey Town

38

2

5

31

33

27 11

Chalfont St Peter kept their outside play-off hopes just about alive but could have done with all three points against a Marlow side who failed to show for their game at the weekend. The players were back in harness and took the lead right on half-time through Kameron English only for Adam Kirby to pull the home side back on level terms in stoppage time. Arlesey Town were finally put out of their misery when their 2-0 home defeat by Aylesbury FC and Barton Rovers` 2-2 draw at Sharpenhoe Road against Kempston Rovers sent them down. Arlesey beat the Moles 5-1 a few weeks ago but have won only one other game all season. Antony Njogu five minutes into the second half and Shayne Almond nine minutes from time sealed the visitors` win. Jake Newman had Kempston in front after 14 minutes, but Michael Gyasi and then Romaine Walker gave Barton the advantage until Nathan Tshikuna equalised 18 minutes from time. Elsewhere, Joe Briggs and Lewis Fennemore sealed Moneyfields` 2-1 win at the Runnymede Stadium after Michael Kalu had given them a 35th minute lead, and the other match ended in a draw. Ashford Town shared the spoils with Thame United, whose Dan West cancelled out Tom Howard`s 51st minute opener just four minutes later.

www.northwoodfc.com 

29

Fixtures/Results 2017 Date AUGUST Sat 12 Tue 15 Sat 19 Sat 26 Mon 28 SEPTEMBER Sat 9 Tue 12 Sat 16 Sat 23 Tue 26 Sat 30 OCTOBER Sat 7 Sat 14 Tue 17 Sat 21 Tue 24 Sat 28 NOVEMBER Sat 4 Sat 11 Sat 18 Sat 25 Tue 28 DECEMBER Sat 2 Sat 16 Sat 23 Tue 26 JANUARY Sat 6 Tue 9 Sat 13 Sat 27 FEBRUARY Sat 3 Tue 6 Sat 17 Tue 20 Sat 24 MARCH Tue 6 Sat 17 Wed 21 Sat 24 APRIL Mon 2 Sat 7 Sat 14 Wed 18 Sat 21 Tue 24 Sat 28

30 

Venue

Hartley Wintney MONEYFIELDS Swindon Supermarine (FAC) Arlesey Town HAYES & YEADING UNITED

Away HOME Away Away HOME

L 0-2 D 1-1 L 0-1 W 3-1 W 2-0

135 103 132 87 243

19 18 12 9

Cambridge City EGHAM TOWN (BFBC) EGHAM TOWN Uxbridge ASHFORD TOWN MARLOW

Away HOME HOME Away HOME HOME

L 0-1 L 1-3 L 0-1 L 1-2 L 1-7 L 1-2

145 52 96 90 89 106

13 14 16 17 18

MALDON & TIPTREE (FAT) Bedford Town AFC Hayes (MSC1) AYLESBURY UNITED Hanwell Town FLEET TOWN

HOME Away Away HOME Away HOME

L 2-5 D 0-0 L 0-3 W 3-0 W 3-1 W 2-1

97 174 39 194 121 74

18 16 15 12

Hazlett Hazlett Hazlett Hazlett Hazlett Hazlett

KEMPSTON ROVERS Barton Rovers AFC Rushden & Diamonds AYLESBURY Thame United

HOME Away Away HOME Away

W 3-0 D 1-1 L 0-4 L 0-1 D 3-3

131 101 451 85 68

11 12 13 13 13

Hazlett Hazlett Hazlett Hazlett Hazlett

Olorunfemi Olorunfemi Olorunfemi Ochoa Olorunfemi

Adamson Adamson Adamson Gilbey Haile

Beaconsfield Town Moneyfields HARTLEY WINTNEY Hayes & Yeading United

Away Away HOME Away

D 2-2 L 0-2 W 3-1 L 2-4

85 74 96 172

13 16 15 16

Hazlett Hazlett Comas Nolan

Ochoa Olorunfemi Olorunfemi Olorunfemi

Buckley Gilbey ΠAlomenu Hayden-Smith Gilbey Taylor Gilbey Taylor

Egham Town AFC DUNSTABLE ARLESEY TOWN Kempston Rovers

Away HOME HOME Away

D 2-2 D 2-2 W 3-1 D 1-1

101 71 79 71

15 15 14 16

Comas Comas Comas Comas

Ochoa Chingoka Chingoka Olorunfemi

Ashford Town CHALFONT ST PETER Marlow BARTON ROVERS BEDFORD TOWN

Away HOME Away HOME HOME

D 2-2 L 0-2 L 0-1 D 1-1 L 1-2

93 91 164 82 102

14 15 16 15 17

Comas Comas Comas Harris Comas

Olorunfemi Tring Chingoka  Williams Newman Kouassi Olorunfemi Camilo Tajeco Chingoka Olorunfemi Camilo Tajeco Chingoka Camilo Tajeco Gilbey Chingoka

UXBRIDGE AFC Dunstable Aylesbury United BEACONSFIELD TOWN

HOME Away Away HOME

L 0-1 L 0-2 L 0-2 L 2-3

86 51 89 96

17 17 17 17

Comas Comas Comas Comas

Oyeniran Gilbey Camilo Tajeco Dickson Camilo Tajeco Dickson Olorunfemi Dickson

Chalfont St Peter AFC RUSHDEN & DIAMONDS Fleet Town CAMBRIDGE CITY THAME UNITED HANWELL TOWN Aylesbury

Away HOME Away HOME HOME HOME Away

L 0-2 D 1-1 L 0-1 L 2-3

103 307 123 108

17 17 17 17

Northwood v Thame United

Result Gate

Lge. pos.

Opponents

Voss Voss Ayoub Voss Voss

Adamson Adamson ΠAdamson Adamson Adamson

Hobbs Hobbs Hobbs Boxer Hewitt

Joseph Kelly Adamson Loeches-Teixeira J McDonnell Adamson Daly J McDonnell Antwi Kelly J McDonnell McCorkell McCorkell Kelly Robinson Hazlett Kelly Robinson

Hewitt Hewitt Hewitt Buckley Buckley Buckley

Kelly Kelly Kelly Kelly Kelly

Kelly Robinson Ochoa Robinson Olorunfemi Robinson Ochoa Robinson Ochoa Robinson Robinson Olorunfemi

Comas Olorunfemi Comas Olorunfemi Loeches-Teixeira Olorunfemi Loeches-Teixeira Olorunfemi

Hall Gilbey Gilbey Gilbey

Dickson Dickson Oladeyo Dickson

Ochoa Hewitt Hewitt Buckley Buckley Buckley Buckley Buckley Buckley Buc kley Buckley

Taylor McLeod Taylor Chingoka

Chingoka Chingoka Chingoka Chingoka Chingoka Chingoka Chingoka Chingoka Œ

7/18 Hewitt Hewitt Hewitt Hewitt Boxer Œ

Rose Rose Rose Hobbs Hobbs

Key: goalscorer Πown goal +

Woods

Woods

OFFICIAL NORTHWOOD MATCHDAY PROGRAMME £2

OFFICIAL NORTHWOOD MATCHDAY PROGRAMME £2

versus MONEYFIELDS Tuesday 15th August 2017 Kick-off 7.45pm

versus MONEYFIELDS

EVO-STIK LEAGUE SOUTH, EAST

yellow card

M Osei Williams Hayden-Smith Newman Nyariki Chingoka M Osei Williams Hayden-Smith Newman Nyariki Kouassi Nyariki Kouassi Hayden-Smith Walker Martin Thorne Hayden-Smith Kouassi ΠWilliams ΠAbdollahi Chingoka Martin ΠChingoka Williams Hayden-Smith J McDonnell Kouassi ΠAbdollahi

Hobbs Boxer Kousassi J McDonnell Williams Hobbs Chingoka T McDonnell Kouassi ΠWilliams Hobbs Kouassi Williams T McDonnell Chingoka Hobbs Hewitt Kouassi T McDonnell Williams Hobbs T McDonnell Kouassi Williams Rose Davies-Coker Hobbs Chingoka Hayden-Smith ΠWalsh EVO-STIK LEAGUE SOUTH, EAST

sub 1 sub 2 sub 3

Tuesday 15th August 2017 Kick-off 7.45pm

J Osei  J Osei Pedro J Osei Ž J Osei Œ J Osei

Antwi Nyariki

Williams Williams Gyimah Martin Martin ΠMartin

Nche Nche Chingoka Olorunfemi Olorunfemi Chingoka

Ochoa Œ Ochoa Ochoa Martin Chingoka 

Hobbs Hobbs Hobbs Hobbs

Hewitt Hewitt Ochoa Hewitt

Hayden-Smith Chingoka Ochoa Chingoka Hayden-Smith Chingoka ΠHayden-Smith Ochoa

Newman Martin Alomenu Alomenu

Martin Olorunfemi ΠAlomenu Taylor Newman Montella Martin ΠNewman ΠMontella Martin Newman Montella

Hatherly J McDonnell Taylor Hatherly Hatherly Williams  Williams Hatherly

J Osei J Osei ΠJ Osei J Osei

Martin Œ Martin Œ Wynter Kouassi Œ

Newman Olorunfemi Newman Olorunfemi Newman ΠOlorunfemi Newman Montella

J Osei J Osei Wynter Clarke J Osei

Kouassi Chingoka Kouassi Kouassi ΠKouassi

Newman Gilbey Newman Newman Olorunfemi

J Osei J Osei Oyeniran J Osei 

Kouassi Kouassi Kouassi Kouassi

J Osei J Osei J Osei J Osei

Kouassi Kouassi Œ Kouassi Kouassi Œ

Russell Tring Tring Tring Hobbs

Williams Olorunfemi Williams Williams Williams Œ

Tring Gilbey Hobbs Hobbs

Hobbs Tring Tring Tring

Williams Williams Azeez Williams

Hobbs Gilbey Gilbey Gilbey

Tring Tring Hobbs Hobbs

Williams Nche Nche Williams

Nyariki Hatherly Barker Barker Barker Barker Hobbs Russell Russell Newman Hobbs Fulton Fulton

Newman Newman Martin Newman Gilbey

Chingoka Kelly Kelly Doolan Doolan Williams

Hewitt Hewitt Hewitt Hewitt Ochoa

Bunga Bunga Gilbey Gilbey Tring

Martin Martin Kouassi Hayden-Smith Hayden-Smith

Gyiamah Boxer Martin Gurteen Martin Rose

Hobbs Hobbs Hobbs Hobbs Hobbs

Chingoka ΠHobbs Hobbs Nyariki

Newman Olorunfemi Abdollahi Newman Newman Newman Œ

J McDonnell Nyariki

Hobbs Pedro Nche Hewitt Hewitt Hewitt

Hayden-Smith J Osei  Kouassi J Osei Œ Hayden-Smith Newman Lutaaya J Osei Lutaaya Martin Œ

Kouassi Kouassi Kouassi Kouassi Kouassi ΠKouassi

Walker Walker Chingoka Nyariki Hall

Davies-Coker Boxer Boxer Hobbs Rose Rose

Hobbs Hall Hall Russell

Chingoka Hayden-Smith Chingoka Hayden-Smith Ochoa Hayden-Smith Chingoka Hayden-Smith Nche Hayden-Smith Ochoa Hayden-Smith Œ

Hayden-Smith Martin Hayden-Smith Martin Hayden-Smith Newman Hayden-Smith Newman Hayden-Smith Newman ΠKouassi Newman

red card

Kouassi Chingoka Hayden-Smith Chingoka Robinson Chingoka Chingoka Olorunfemi Gyimah Haile Nche Gyimah Haile

Chingoka Martin Abdollahi Abdollahi Nche Gurteen Adamson Gyimah Haile

Nche Gyimah J McDonnell

Alomenu Haile Montella Haile

Haile

Hatherly Azeez Bunga Montella Montella

Haile Russell Azeez Nyariki Clarke

Montella Haile Nyriaki Nche Haile

Clarke Oyeniran Newman Haile

Azeez Azeez Haile Montella

Bunga Montella Montella Newman

Camilo Tajeco

Haile Azeez Azeez Nche

Oladeyo Montella Oyeniran Azeez

Montella Oyeniran

Azeez Haile

Haile

Afolabi

www.northwoodfc.com 

31

The Squads NORTHWOOD

THAME UNITED

Acting Manager: Gordon Boateng Physio: Dan Daggett

Manager: Mark West Asst. Manager: Stuart Blaik Coach: Hugh McCluskie

Kit: All red

Kit: Green & white

XAVI COMAS

CRAIG HILL

BORJA LOECHES-TEIXEIRA

CALVIN EVANS

ISAAC OLORUNFEMI

HARRY MEPHAM

SAM OYENIRAN

DAVID LYNN

TOM GILBEY

JAMES MCGOWAN

KEIR DICKSON

MATT JOHNSTON

SAM TRING

JAMIE ESSEX

WILSON CHINGOKA ©

BEN STURGESS

LEWIS HOBBS

LIAM TACK

JOE RUSSELL

ADAM MORRIS

HAMILTON BUNGA

TOM ASHWORTH

HAKIM NYARIKI

LYNTON GOSS

MESHACH WILLIAMS

LUKE RICKETTS

JERMAINE OSEI

DAN WEST

HARRY NEWMAN

ASTON GOSS

PAOLO MONTELLA

FINLAY MURRAY

EVANS KOUASSI

NICK HARRISON

JAMIE FULTON

HARRY MEPHAM

NEBAY HAILE

BEN CONNELLY

SAM OFALABI

ABDI FARAH

BEN DUFAUX

ANDY GLEDHILL

TEMILOLUWA OLADEJO FEMI AZEEZ JAMIE FULTON

The Officials REFEREE: James Simpson ASSISTANT: James Barry ASSISTANT: James Kerten