ASHFORD TOWN MIDDLESEX F.C - vs Staines Town - Ashford Town (Middlesex) Football Club
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ASHFORD TOWN
MIDDLESEX F.C.
vs Staines Town
Monday 27th December 2021 | KO 3:00pm
Matchday Programme £2
@ashfordtownmx.com 2 #ASHSTA
ashfordtownmiddlesexfc.com
CLUB PARTNERS
If you would like to become a club partner please contact our
commercial team: commercial@ashfordtownmx.com
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CONTENTS
6 From the Dugout
10 Today’s Opponents
12 League Directory
14 Recent Action
16 Fixtures & Results
18 League Table
24 The Non-League Paper
4 #ASHSTA
ashfordtownmiddlesexfc.com
Ashford Town (Middlesex) Football Club Limited
The Robert Parker Stadium, Short Lane, Stanwell, Middlesex TW19 7BH
Telephone: 01784 245908
Email: info@ashfordtownmx.com
Website: ashfordtownmiddlesexfc.com
Member of the Pitching In Isthmian League, affiliated to Middlesex and Surrey FA’s, and an
FA Charter Standard Community Club
Company Registration Number: 07904731 Company Limited By Guarantee
Directors: First Team Manager: Luke Tuffs
Nick Bailey (Chairman) Assistant Manager: Dean Greenwood
Graham Felce (Vice-Chairman) First Team Coach: Liam Balmer
Alan Constable (General Secretary) Goalkeeper Coach: Martin Cook
Paul Blair (Football Secretary) Physio: Lydia Matthews
Steve Clark (Finance Director)
Chris Canderton (Membership Secretary) Women’s Manager: Will Boye
Russell Canderton Women’s Assistant Manager: Matthew Aumeeruddy
Robert Parker
CCL Under 18’s Manager: Jermaine McGlashan
Patrons:
Russell Grant - The Lord of Ashford in Middlesex
Ray Dorset Groundsman: Liam Balmer
President: Programme Edited by: Paul Gully for Elevated Online
Robert Parker Printed by: Total Print
Website and Social Media: Elevated Online
Vice Presidents:
Lynne Morgan
Bob Lewis
Pat Munns Follow us on social media
Stewart Lloyd
Life Vice-Presidents:
Paul Burgess
Alan Constable
@ashfordtownmx
Gareth Coates
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@ashfordtownmx.com From the Dugout Luke Tuffs Good afternoon and welcome to the players, officials and supporters of Staines Town FC. Firstly I hope you’ve all had a lovely Christmas and are enjoying the little bit of no man’s land that exists between the 25th and the 1st January. Today will be a very difficult encounter as all derbies are, against a much improved Staines Town side who beat Tooting & Mitcham last week to move off the bottom. We ourselves are enjoying a good run of form and fresh off the back of a 2-0 victory against Chalfont St Peter with two very late Aaron Mcleish-White goals pushing us into the top half of the table. Midweek we came up against Binfield in the Velocity Trophy 2nd round and bowed out 1-0 with a much changed squad and starting XI. Binfield did the same and the game had abit of a flat feel to it from the start, my feelings being people in and around both camps having 1 eye on Christmas and covid more than the football itself. That’s to be expected at times like this and we do have to remember the human element to everything we do. In saying that, it takes nothing away from what has been an excellent 8 weeks and I know the boys will be looking to finish the year on a high for everyone. See you in the bar! Tuffs 6 #ASHSTA
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PROUD SUPPORTER
Both sides will be playing in their away
strips today in support of the Shelter
No Home Kit Campaign
Right now, 91 families in England are
made homeless every single day”
“Over 180,000 households have made
homeless since the start of the
pandemic”
“Every 90 minutes, 25 households are
made homeless
Text ‘HOME’ to 70455 to donate £5
7 #ASHSTA
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From the
Boardroom Alan Constable
Good afternoon and the compliments of the mysteriously low in the table compared to normal,
season to everyone present today and thank you has soon them out of the relegation area and they
for coming along. Our association with Staines arrive here today in 17th place. We have six more
goes back over a number of years, although points thanks to recent much improved form, and
initially Staines were generally flying much higher find ourselves in 10th place, but it’s not exactly a
than us. The first meeting between our clubs was big gap and we all know it’s likely to be a close
in October 1991 and was a friendly. We lost that encounter this afternoon.
one by 2 goals to nil and that established the
early exchanges with the Tangerines losing the After today, assuming Covid does not interfere,
first three following friendlies until we managed to we travel to Hanwell Town on New Year’s day
come out even back in July 2001, when we drew followed two days later on Monday 3 January,
in the uniquely styled “Lord of Ashford in with another home game against South Park.
Middlesex Charity Bowl”, sponsored as you may
know by comedian Russell Grant, who has We close by thanking all our loyal supporters,
continued to take an interest in all matters especially those who are here week in, week out,
Middlesex, including toady as he has kindly and also our players. There has been a big turn
sponsored the match ball, not only for today’s over in players this season, and even since our
match, but also on 11 January when we are due match at Staines in August and we thank them all.
to entertain Barnet FC in the Middlesex Senior Recent weeks have suggested a return to greater
Cup. stability which is certainly something we have
needed.
The match today has been sponsored by Lynne
Morgan, stalwart of Ashford Hockey Club and Enjoy the match
also a Vice-President of the football club. We
thank both Russell and Lynne for their ongoing
help, over a long period.
Whilst our progression over the years has been a
somewhat gentle slope, mostly upwards but
occasionally in the other direction, Staines have
had some dramatic jumps. It doesn’t seem too
long ago that the Swans were reaching for the
sky, making it the way to Step 2, (Conference
League South) and regularly making it to the 1st
Round of the FA Cup. Even if you were not a
Staines supporter, it was a magical evening when
they beat Stockport County at Wheatsheaf Lane
in the FA Cup to reach the 2nd Round.
Unfortunately, following the sad loss of Alan
Boon, who had more than a hand in our
promotion to the Isthmian League at the turn of
the century, the club’s fortunes have slipped to an
extent and the unthinkable possibility of relegation
to Step 5 has not gone away, even though a
good 2-0 win over Tooting & Mitcham, also
8 #ASHSTA
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@ashfordtownmx.com Today’s Opponents Staines Town Club History LEAGUES: The Club played in – and won – several local best ever finish in the Conference (South) with 8th spot. leagues before joining the Great Western Suburban Marcus moved on after 2½ years, and was succeeded League in 1905. Two years later they moved into the Great by former Brentford boss Nicky Forster, who was unable Western Combination. The Projectile and Lagonda clubs to prevent a drop back into the Isthmian League. The competed in the London Works League and Munitions changes in Club ownership in summer 2018 coincided League during WW1, and in 1919 Staines Lagonda joined with a switch to the Southern League Premier Division the Hounslow & District League. They reverted to the South, but relegation a year later saw the Club restored Great Western Suburban League after one season, and to the Isthmian fold, in Division One South Central. won the Middlesex Division 2 at the first attempt, to return to Division 1. Runners-up in 1924, they then moved up to the NATIONAL CUP COMPETITIONS: Staines Town had to Spartan League Division 1, which became the Premier wait until 1984/5 before reaching the First Round Proper Division in 1929/30. The end of that season saw Staines of the FA Cup, and were then unfortunately drawn in one relegated to Division 1, where they remained until resigning of only three all non-League ties, losing 2-0 at Burton in 1935. In 1943, Staines Vale were admitted to the Albion in front of 4021 people. However, the club Middlesex Senior League, which became the Parthenon shattered all its records in 2007/8, reaching the 2nd League in 1951. Two years later, the Club was a founder Round Proper and bowing out to Peterborough United, member of the Hellenic League, and were runners-up in after defeating Stockport County in front of 2860 and live 1956. Another switch came in 1958, when Spartan League Sky cameras. After waiting so long, the Swans returned membership was renewed, and the championship was lifted to the First Round Proper in 2009/10, and won their tie in 1960. After finishing 2nd in 1971, Staines Town advanced at Shrewsbury Town, before losing in a replay at Millwall to the Athenian League, and won Division 2 with record in the Second Round. Reaching the 1st Round again in points at the first attempt. A Division 2 runners-up spot in 2013/14, Staines were rewarded with a ‘plum’ tie at 1973 earnt a place in the Premier Division, but this was neighbours Brentford, but went down 5-0 in front of 5263 never accepted as the Club was elected to the new people at Griffin Park. Staines were the only Isthmian Rothmans Isthmian League Division 1 (called Division 2 up League club to make it through to the First Round proper to 1977). At the second attempt, Staines were champions, in 2015/16, losing at Leyton Orient. In the FA Amateur gaining promotion to the top division. The best placing Cup, “The Old Lagonda” reached Round 3 (last 16) in achieved was 4th, but in 1984 the Club was demoted on a 1923/4 but a missed penalty cost them dear in a 2-1 ground grading technicality. However, in 1989, Division 1 defeat by Wycombe Wanderers at Mill Mead. Two late was won again, only for Premier Division status to be lost in goals saw them lose at Barnet in Round 2 a year later. 1993 with a first relegation for 63 years. Third place ensured There have been three appearances in the last 32 (2nd a return to the Premier in 1996, but this was to last only one Round Proper) of the FA Trophy, the most dramatic season. With the reorganisation of summer 2002, Staines being in 1976/7 when losing to Morecambe in a 2nd played in Division 1 South, but by securing 6th place on the replay. The 3rd Round (new style) was reached in last day of season 2003/4, they gained inclusion in the 2000/1, when Staines came within a few minutes of Premier Division for 2004/5. Season 2007/8 saw Staines defeating holders Kingstonian, before losing in a replay, achieve their best-ever Isthmian placing, finishing runners- and they reached the 4th Round in 2003/4, going out in up to Chelmsford City: they reached the Play-Off Final, in a controversial replay against Halifax Town. Season which a first half lead over AFC Wimbledon controversially 2013/14 brought another exciting tie – and a replay – disappeared in the final 8 minutes. They were also top with non-League giants Luton Town. The 2021/2 scorers in the division, and fielded Golden Boot winner Mark encounter with Brentwood Town represented a first Nwokeji, who moved up to League Two club Dagenham & appearance at this stage since then. Redbridge in the close-season. However, completing the job in 2009, the Swans again finished as runners-up, this time comfortably so, and duly lifted the play-off trophy and with it, promotion to the Conference South. Manager Steve Cordery stood down hours after the end of Swans’ third campaign at that level, and can proudly reflect on elevating the club from the Isthmian 1 (South), and two glittering cup runs. His successor was former Jamaican World Cup player Marcus Gayle, who in 2013/14 guided the Club to match its 10 #ASHSTA
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COUNTY CUPS: Staines FC and St Peter’s Institute
competed in the London and Surrey Cups in the 1880s, but
the present Club has always played in the Middlesex
competitions. The Middlesex Junior Cup was won in 1902
and 1904; and in 1910 Staines were Middlesex Senior Cup
finalists, losing 4-0 to Shepherd’s Bush. Another defeat
came in 1933, this time in a replayed final v Barnet (1-1, 1-
3), and it was not until 1974 that Staines reached the final
again, this time defeating Hendon in a replay. Staines went
on to make it three in a row, by beating Enfield and Hampton
in ’75 and ’76. The next victories came in 1988, 1990, 1994,
and in 1997, when Staines achieved the unique distinction
of coupling both the Middlesex Senior and Youth Cups.
After a 13 year wait, Staines regained the Senior Cup in
2010, defeating Uxbridge 2-0 at Wheatsheaf Park and
retained it twelve months later following an exciting ‘odd
goal in five’ win over Hayes & Yeading United at Harrow
Borough. Marcus Gayle marked his first season in charge
by taking the club to another Senior Cup victory in 2013, this
time against Spelthorne rivals Ashford Town (Middlesex),
and Johnson Hippolyte’s side reached the final in 2017/18.
There was also a county cup double in 1994, as Chris
Wainwright’s side lifted the Middlesex Charity Cup for the
only time, beating Northwood 4-0. In the London Senior
Cup, Staines were runners-up in both 1977 and 1981, the
earlier final went to a replay v Wimbledon which The Dons
won in their last match as a non-League club.
OTHER CUPS: One of the biggest matches in Staines’
history was in 1975, against Italian Amateur Cup winners
Banco di Roma for the Barassi Cup. A crowd of 70,000 saw
Staines win in Rome’s Olympic Stadium, and a record 2,500
saw The Swans complete the job 2-0 at home. With the aid
of a late equaliser scored following England’s last ever kick- Memorial Vase. In pre-season 2013-14 they recaptured
in, Staines won the 1995 Carlsberg (Isthmian Full the John Livey Memorial Trophy after a 20 year wait, and
Members’) Cup on penalties v Boreham Wood. Staines the inaugural Magna Carta Trophy was won in 2015, the
have lifted the Southern Combination Challenge Cup in 800th anniversary of the famous document being signed
1965, ’67,’95 (by default), and again in 2006, beating near the town.
Molesey. Staines were the first winners of the Merthyr-
Middlesex Charity Shield in 1990/1, but lost out when PERSONALITIES & ACHIEVEMENTS
returning to Wales in 1994/5. Further “European” success A former Youth, Scott Taylor, became the Club’s record
was achieved with four wins over Spain’s CD Mijas in the sale when he signed for Millwall, going on to play in the
Trofeo El Cañuelo. The Club has also won the inaugural Premiership with Bolton and at Wembley for Tranmere.
Melksham Middlesex Charity Shield (1998) and Jim Following James Younghusband (Philippines), two more
Lawford Memorial Cup (1999). They shared, with Ashford Staines players made full international appearances for
Town (Mx), the first Lord of Ashford Middlesex Charity Guyana in 2008 – brothers Howard and Jake Newton,
Bowl at the start of season 2001/2, and won it outright at the followed by Chris Bourne and Terence Vancooten. Joey
start of 2010/11, along with two other cups – the Middlesex Taylor became a Montserrat international, gaining World
Super Cup (George Ruffell Shield) and Geoff Harvey Cup caps, while a Staines player in 2019. Other successful
past players have included Dominic Dwyer (Kansas City),
John Love (Crystal Palace), Peter Shaw (Charlton
Athletic), Eric Young (Wimbledon, Wales), Gordon Hill
(England, Manchester United), Robin Shroot (N Ireland
u21),
Staines players George Link and Bob Mather captained
opposing Oxford and Cambridge sides in the 1987 Varsity
Match at Wembley Stadium.
Alan Boon chaired the Club for almost 30 years prior to his
passing in 2011, and oversaw the massive enhancement of
the Wheatsheaf Lane ground. Cliff Lane served in every
capacity from player to President between 1949 and ’95.
Fred Terry and Jim Bone were instrumental in reviving the
Club after WW2. Dick Watmore and Kevin Fidler both
played over 600 First Team games in careers devoted to the
Club. The Nicholas family (Steve snr, Steve jnr, Peter)
were synonymous with the Club either side of WW2, and
going back further still, HW Dix snr and Harry Scott
Freeman (a Staines Hockey Club player and 1908 Olympic
gold medallist) played important roles in furtherance of the
Club.
Staines won the Conference (South)’s Programme of the
Year award in 2010/11 and 2011/12, and has accumulated
four Federation of Middlesex Sport awards.
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South Central Division 2021/2022
Ashford Town (Middlesex) FC Basingstoke Town FC
Robert Parker Stadium, Short Lane, Winklebury Football Complex,
Stanwell, Middlesex TW19 7BH Winklebury Way, Basingstoke RG23 8BF
ashfordtownmiddlsexfc.com btfc.co.uk/
Bedfont Sports FC Binfield FC
Bedfont Sports Recreation Ground Hill Farm Lane, Off Stubbs Lane
Hatton Road, Bedfont TW14 9JR Binfield RG42 5NR
bedfontsportsclub.co.uk binfieldfc.com
Bracknell Town FC Chalfont St Peter
Larges Lane Mill Meadow, Gravel Hill
Bracknell RG12 9AN Chalfont St Peter SL9 9QX
bracknelltownfc.com chalfontstpeterafc.co.uk
Chertsey Town FC Chipstead FC
28 Alwyns Lane High Road
Chertsey KT16 9DW Chipstead CR5 3SF
chertseytown-fc.co.uk chipsteadfc.com
Guernsey FC Hanwell Town FC
Footes Lane Stadium, Footes Lane The Powerday Stadium, Perivale Lane
St Peter Port, Guernsey GY1 2UL Greenford UB6 8TL
guernseyfc.com hanwelltownfc.co.uk
Marlow FC Northwood FC
Alfred Davis Memorial Ground Acretweed Stadium, Chestnut Avenue
Oak Tree Road, Marlow SL7 3ED Northwood HA6 1HR
marlowfc.co.uk northwoodfc.com
South Park FC Staines Town FC
King Georges Field, Whitehall Lane Wheatsheaf Park, Wheatsheaf Lane
South Park, Reigate RH2 8LG Staines, Middlesex TW18 2PD
Southparkfootballclub.co.uk stainestownfootballclub.co.uk
12 #ASHSTAashfordtownmiddlesexfc.com
Sutton Common Rovers FC Thatcham Town FC
The Borough Sports Ground (Sutton Stacatruc Stadium, Waterside Park
United FC) Gander Green Lane, Sutton Crookham Hill, Thatcham RG19 4PA
SM1 2EY suttoncommonrovers.com thatchamtownfootball.club
Tooting & Mitcham United FC Uxbridge FC
Imperial Fields, Bishopsford Road Honeycroft, Horton Road
Morden SM4 6BF West Drayton UB7 8HX
tmunited.org uxbridgefc.com
Westfield FC
Woking Park, Kingfield Road
Woking GU22 9BA
westfield-fc.com
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Recent Action
14 #ASHSTAashfordtownmiddlesexfc.com #ASHSTA 15
@ashfordtownmx.com
Fixtures
& Results
DATE TIME H/A OPPONENTS COMP RESULT GOALSCORERS
SAT 03 JUL 2021 15:00 A ALTON PSF 0-1
TUES 06 JUL 2021 19:45 A SPELTHORNE SPORTS PSF 2-2
SAT 10 JUL 2021 15:00 H HARROW BOROUGH PSF 1-1
TUES 13 JUL 2021 19:45 H HAYES & YEADING PSF 1-3
SAT 17 JUL 2021 15:00 H RAYNES PARK VALE PSF 0-2
TUES 20 JUL 2021 19:45 H BANSTEAD ATHLETIC PSF 3-1
SAT 24 JUL 2021 15:00 A MERSTHAM PSF 2-2
SAT 31 JUL 2021 15:00 A ST AUSTELL PSF 3-5
TUES 03 AUG 2021 19:45 H ALDERSHOT TOWN U23 PSF 3-1
SAT 07 AUG 2021 15:00 H AFC UCKFIELD TOWN FAC 2-1 French, Coles
SAT 14 AUG 2021 15:00 A CHALFONT ST PETER IST 0-2
SAT 21 AUG 2021 15:00 H KNAPHILL FAC 1-1 French (pen)
TUES 24 AUG 2021 19:45 A KNAPHILL (REPLAY) FAC 2-1 AET Coles, Brown
SAT 28 AUG 2021 15:00 H BEDFONT SPORTS IST 2-3 Bunyan, Brown
French (pen), Bunyan,
MON 30 AUG 2021 15:00 A STAINES TOWN IST 5-0 Coles, Spiers, Mongey(og)
SAT 04 SEP 2021 15:00 H TILBURY FAC 2-1 French (pen), Ive
SAT 11 SEP 2021 15:00 H SUTTON COMMON ROVERS IST 1-2 Brown
SAT 18 SEP 2021 15:00 H FOLKESTONE INVICTA FAC 2-7 Brown, Bunyan
French (pen), Woodward,
SAT 25 SEP 2021 15:00 A WESTFIELD IST 3-2
Spiers
SAT 02 OCT 2021 15:00 A UXBRIDGE IST 0–2
SAT 09 OCT 2021 15:00 A WELWYN GARDEN CITY FAT 0-3
Bunyan (4), McLeish-
TUES 12 OCT 2021 19:45 H NORTH GREENFORD TOWN MSC 6-2
White, Brown
SAT 16 OCT 2021 15:00 A MARLOW IST 0-3
TUES 19 OCT 2021 19:45 H CHERTSEY TOWN IST 1-2 McLeish-White
SAT 23 OCT 2021 15:00 H BASINGSTOKE TOWN IST 2-3 Cullen, Hellyer
TUES 26 OCT 2021 19:45 H BINFIELD IST 1-2 Gavin (og)
TUES 02 NOV 2021 19:45 H EDGEWARE TOWN MCC 1-3 Brown
SAT 06 NOV 2021 15:00 H TOOTING & MITCHAM UTD IST 2-1 McLeish-White, Cullen
Obdo (2), Cullen,
TUES 09 NOV 2021 19:45 H WINGATE & FINCHLEY MSC 4-3
McLeish-White
SAT 20 NOV 2021 15:00 A BRACKNELL TOWN IST 0-4
TUES 23 NOV 2021 19:45 A CHIPSTEAD IST 1-1 McLeish-White
SAT 27 NOV 2021 15:00 A NORTHWOOD IST 3-0 McLeish-White (2), Cullen
SAT 04 DEC 2021 15:00 H GUERNSEY IST 3-2 McLeish-White(2), Brown
SAT 11 DEC 2021 15:00 A BEDFONT SPORTS IST 1-2 McLeish-White
SAT 18 DEC 2021 15:00 H CHALFONT ST PETER IST 2-0 McLeish-White (2)
16 #ASHSTAashfordtownmiddlesexfc.com
DATE TIME H/A OPPONENTS COMP RESULT GOALSCORERS
TUES 21 DEC 2021 19:45 H BINFIELD VT 0-1
MON 27 DEC 2021 15:00 H STAINES TOWN IST
SAT 01 JAN 2022 15:00 A HANWELL TOWN IST
MON 03 JAN 2022 15:00 H SOUTH PARK IST
SAT 08 JAN 2022 15:00 A THATCHAM TOWN IST
TUES 11 JAN 2022 19:45 H BARNET MSC
SAT 15 JAN 2022 15:00 A CHERTSEY TOWN IST
TUES 18 JAN 2022 19:45 H BADSHOT LEA SCC
SAT 22 JAN 2022 15:00 H WESTFIELD IST
SAT 29 JAN 2022 15:00 A BINFIELD IST
SAT 05 FEB 2022 15:00 H UXBRIDGE IST
SAT 12 FEB 2022 15:00 A BASINGSTOKE TOWN IST
SAT 19 FEB 2022 15:00 H MARLOW IST
SAT 26 FEB 2022 15:00 A TOOTING & MITCHAM UTD IST
SAT 05 MAR 2022 15:00 H CHIPSTEAD IST
SAT 19 MAR 2022 15:00 H BRACKNELL TOWN IST
SAT 26 MAR 2022 15:00 H NORTHWOOD IST
SUN 03 APR 2022 15:00 A GUERNSEY IST
SAT 09 APR 2022 15:00 H THATCHAM TOWN IST
SAT 16 APR 2022 15:00 A SOUTH PARK IST
MON 18 APR 2022 15:00 H HANWELL TOWN IST
SAT 23 APR 2022 15:00 A SUTTON COMMON ROVERS IST
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SOUTH CENTRAL
League Table
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@ashfordtownmx.com REPORT IT. KICK IT OUT OF FOOTBALL. 20 #ASHSTA
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@ashfordtownmx.com “The Isthmian Football League strongly supports the FA statement that there should be a zero tolerance approach against racism and all forms of discrimina�on. Accordingly any form of discriminatory abuse whether it by reason of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion and belief, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, sex and sexual orienta�on or any other form of abuse will be reported to The Football Associa�on for ac�on by that Associa�on.” (The FA 0800 085 0508 / Kick it Out 020 7253 0162) The Isthmian League and all Member Clubs in the League are commi�ed to promo�ng equality by trea�ng people fairly and with respect, by recognising that inequali�es may exist, by taking steps to address them and providing access and opportuni�es for all members of the community. 22 #ASHSTA
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@ashfordtownmx.com
By Sam Emery
WHETHER they be taking charge of a local game on a Sunday morning or a cup final in front of a
80,000 capacity stadium, referees and their assistants get called all sorts. But certain names that
never get muttered by managers, players or supporters alike are “vital”, “integral” and “lifeblood” of
the game we all love.
Last week, we ran a feature on a dangerous shortage of officials which is threatening to send the
grassroots game spiraling into crisis. Already, it has led to matches at Step 7 and above being
played without a qualified referee or, even worse, cancelled altogether. Indeed, the Liverpool
County Premier League has even had to scratch scheduled games in the divisions below its top
flight this season due to their pool of referees being required to officiate matches in FA
competitions or County Cups.
And it’s not just a problem being experienced at local level. This season, three referees who
normally operate in the Championship were drafted in to take charge of FA Trophy qualifiers
during the October international weekend due to shortages. Just why the situation has worsened
so suddenly is unclear but it doesn’t take a genius to work out where the problem may lie. Covid
hasn’t helped, of course, but abuse directed at match officials for just doing their job (voluntarily in
many case) is a problem which sadly won’t go away. The NLP’s feature highlighted the work done
by Cheshire FA to recruit new match officials and protect existing referees from becoming victims.
“Abuse directed at match officials is one factor but that’s been a problem for a while,” said
Cheshire League chairman Rob Goodwin-Davey. “But it’s definitely not the sole reason.
“We’ve all lost match officials, but not been able to replace them. There isn’t a quick fix.”
Cumberland FA have run a series of extra courses throughout the summer to attract the new
batch of matchday officials with a number having hung up their whistle since the Covid outbreak.
The average age of those attending was 15, showing that a demand still exists among the next
generation, both male and female.
“I’m encouraged by the take-up,” said Scott Taylor, the area’s referee development officer.
“We’ve got youngsters who are still playing and want to referee alongside, those who referee for
health reasons, and those who want a bit of pocket money.
“Because we’ve not been able to put on courses for almost two years, those 14 or 15-year-olds
are now 16 or 17 and might now be doing other things.”
Another bone of contention is the cost of applying for a place on the course – a problem which the
West Lancashire League is trying to address. The fee, around £130, is said to have put off
potential match officials – and it’s easy to see why. I mean, who would cough up £130 just to
qualify to be abused week in, week out? With this in mind, the West Lancashire League has
pledged to reimburse newly-qualified referees a percentage of the course price once they’ve taken
charge of five fixtures in that competition. Barry Cropp, referee appointments officer for the West
Lancashire League said: “Registrations are down in Lancashire and the £20 fee for doing so
should have been waived this season to encourage people back.
“The same goes for the course fees. It’s a lot of money when you don’t often read positive news
about refereeing.”
Keeping the conveyor belt of new referees rolling with courses such as this have now become
vital in ensuring the grassroots game has a future. For all the negativity which is publicised, a
career as a matchday official has many perks and advantages and can often provide a healthy
second income at senior Non-League level. As New Year’s Resolutions go, I would thoroughly
recommend you get in touch with your local county or regional FA and enquire about becoming a
football referee. You may just even contribute to help save the beautiful grassroots game.
We would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all at The NLP.
24 #ASHSTAFollow the Non-League Paper Online
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first competitive fixture.
“It’s a new era for us all here,” said
the Silkmen after victory in their Macc legend Whitaker, who won pro-
to motion
Supporters returned to Moss Rose
to the EFL with the old club.
“It’s been a long journey to get
to ENTRY FORM Telephone No:
see the phoenix club beat Burscough this point but I have to say that today
1-0 in the North West Counties Premier. ranks up there with some of my best
Macclesfield Town were wound-up ever days at the club.”
INSIDE!
last September before local business-
Email:
Or subscribe online at www.thenonleaguefootballpaper.com@ashfordtownmx.com 26 #ASHSTA
ashfordtownmiddlesexfc.com #ASHGUE 27
Ashford Town Staines Town
(Middlesex)
1 Paul McCarthy 1 Joe Ringer
2 Fred Hill 2 Jesus Mendoza
3 Abraham Henao-Enomorado 3 Reece Cave
4 George Spiers 4 Derek Feyi
5 Rhys Paul 5 Jordan Hector-Smith
6 Clyde Obdo 6 Manny Omrore
7 Dan Brown 7 Jack Torbett
8 Siao Blackwood 8 Javin Dougan
9 Aaron McLeish-White 9 Andrew Ofusu
10 Sam Humphries 10 Elliot King
11 Antonis Vasiliou 11 Ernest Murmylo
12 Dale Burnham 12 Sernad Hoxha
13 13 Matty Bonnett
14 Ethan Hellyer 14 Shayan Ghamarinezhad
15 Ben Geraghty 15 Luke Massingham
16 Dquame Copeland 16 Argjend Ahmetaj
17 Mamadou Doukoure 17
18 18
19 19
Manager: Luke Tuffs Manager: Chico Ramos
Match Officials Programme Sponsor Match Sponsor
Referee | David Nicholson Russell Grant
Assistant | Josh Osofa The Lord of Ashford in Middlesex
Assistant | Tom Lathey
Match Ball Sponsor
Lynne Morgan
Next up at the RPS:
South Park
Monday 3rd January 2022 | KO 3pm
The Pitching In Isthmian League | South Central Division
@ashfordtownmx ashfordtownmiddlesexfc.comYou can also read
