Potters Bar Town Football Club - Isthmian League - Premier Division Bognor Regis Town
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Potters Bar Town Football Club
Isthmian League - Premier Division
Bognor Regis Town
Saturday September 18th 2021
Saturday September 18th 2021
POTTERS BAR TOWN
v.
BOGNOR REGIS TOWN
Kick off: 3.00 pm
Good afternoon and a warm welcome to Potters Bar and to The LA Construction
Stadium - the world-famous home of ‘The Scholars’.
We welcome the players, officials and supporters of Bognor Regis Town FC; together
with our match officials for a home Isthmian League Premier Division fixture and we look
forward to an exciting afternoon of football.
You can follow ‘The Scholars’ throughout the season with the latest club news and match
reports via the club website at (www.pottersbartown.co.uk) and our local press
WHTIMES (Potters Bar Edition) at (http://www.whtimes.co.uk/potters-bar-edition/sport)
and at the league website (www.isthmian.co.uk) for the latest league and club news and
reports.
Season Tickets:
We are pleased to announce that we will be continuing our FREE* Season Ticket offer for
the 2021/22 season! Season Tickets cover admissions to league games and purchasing
one could save supporters up to £222 over the course of the season!
*There will be a £30 admin fee which includes a club membership.
Due to COVID-19 regulations, we prefer all applications to be done online and we will be
issuing a new card with all applications. There are no renewals from last season.
You can obtain a season ticket via the club website or on match days.
Admissions Prices:
For fans who do not have a Season Ticket, admission prices to league games will be the
following:
Adults- £12
Concessions- £8* **
U16’s- £1
*Concessions includes students and over 65’s.
**ID with proof of age may be required.
COVID-19:
We are operating a COVID safe environment but with no legal restrictions. However, we
ask people to respect social distancing and use the sanitisers around the ground. Masks
are not compulsory within the clubhouse but can also be worn should you choose to.
Dogs:
Well behaved dogs are permitted into the LA Construction Stadium on matchdays.
Your football club needs you!
Seeking additional volunteers to assist the club in various ways – if you can help
– however much time you may have available - please contact a club committee
member- every little helps!
Jeff Barnes
Comments, suggestions, ideas or articles for ‘The Scholars’ programme to the
acting editor Jeff Barnes please on e-mail: jeff@jeffbarnes.co.uk
Next home fixture:
Saturday October 2nd
Kingstonian – Premier Division
3.00 pm kick off
Next away fixture:
Saturday September 25th
Folkestone Invicta – Premier Division
3.00 pm kick off
“The Isthmian Football League strongly supports the FA statement that there should be a
zero-tolerance approach against racism and all forms of discrimination.
Accordingly, any form of discriminatory abuse whether it be based on race or ethnicity,
sexual orientation, gender, faith, age, ability or any other form of abuse will be reported
to The Football Association for action by that Association.”
(The FA 0800 085 0508 / Kick it Out 020 7253 0162)
“The Alliance Leagues applaud the decision taken by the Premier League and EFL to
collectively support all players, managers and individuals who wish to take the knee
ahead of matches this season. Taking the knee is an individual choice that many players
wish to make as a way of peacefully demonstrating against racism, discrimination and
injustice. Consequently, the Alliance Leagues have no objection to players, match
officials and technical area occupants taking the knee at their discretion. Home and away
clubs that wish to do so must notify their opponents and match officials as part of the
match confirmation process, and if players from one club do wish to take a knee their
opponents are under no obligation to do likewise.”
POTTERS BAR TOWN FC GROUND REGULATIONS
Notice: Entry to the Ground is expressly subject to acceptance by the
visitor of these Ground Regulations and the rules and regulations of The
Football Association and The Isthmian Football League in respect of the
relevant competition and the laws of the game.
Entry to the Ground shall constitute acceptance of the Ground
Regulations.
1. The Club management reserve the right of admission to the Ground. On no
account will admission be granted to a person who is subject to a current
Exclusion Order.
2. Play cannot be guaranteed to take place on any particular day or at any particular
time and the Club management reserve the right to change its advertised fixture
without notice or liability.
3. In the event of a match being postponed or abandoned, any refund of the
admission charge will be at the sole discretion of the Club management. This is
subject to a time limitation, the details of which are obtainable from the Club.
4. No alcohol to be consumed within the Ground.
5. The Club management reserves the right to refuse admission to the Ground, or
eject from the Ground, any person who refuses to be searched by any servant or
agent of the Club or any Police Officer.
6. Fireworks, flares, smoke canisters, knives, bottles, cans, poles and any article
that might be used as a weapon and/or compromise public safety are not
permitted within the Ground.
7. The following are offences under the Football (Offences) Act 1991 and
are strictly forbidden: -
- the throwing of any object within the Ground.
- the use of foul and abusive language, obscene chanting or racial abuse
towards any person.
- unauthorised entry onto the Field of Play, except in an emergency.
8. The obstruction of gangways, access ways, exits and entrances, stairways and
like places at all times and the standing in seated areas whilst play is in progress
is strictly forbidden. Any person who persistently contravenes this Regulation will
be ejected from the Ground.
9. The climbing of floodlight pylons stands or any other structure within the ground
is strictly forbidden.
10. Unnecessary noise such as that from the use of radio sets and behaviour likely to
cause confusion or annoyance to any person is not permitted in any part of the
Ground.
11. Only persons specifically authorised in writing by the Club management are
permitted to offer for sale or distribute within the Ground any newspaper,
periodical or other article.
12. Any person found damaging or defacing the property of the Club will be
prosecuted.
13. Persons failing to comply with instructions from a Police Officer Steward or other
authorised agent of the Club will be ejected from the Ground.
The Club Management reserves the right for its servants, agents and police to
remove from the ground any person who does not comply with all these rules
and regulations, or whose presence within the ground is, or could be
reasonably be construed as constituting a source of danger, nuisance or
annoyance to any other person
Potters Bar Town Football Club
Club founded in 1960 and known as ‘The Scholars’
Legal name: Mount Grace Old Scholars (Potters Bar) Football Association,
an unincorporated association
LA Construction Stadium,
Watkins Rise, (off The Walk),
Potters Bar, EN6 1QB
Clubhouse Telephone: 01707 654833 with answer machine
www.pottersbartown.co.uk
Club Officials
President: Peter Waller pbtfc@aol.com
Life Vice-Presidents: Clive Cavalier, John Robinson, Peter Waller & Carole Waller
Vice-Pres: Trevor Adley, Jeff Barnes, Frank Bentley, Alan Bolt, Dale Lavin,
Don Newman, & Bob Small
Chairman: Peter Waller pbtfc@aol.com
Vice Chairman: John Robinson robinson_j1@btinternet.com
Secretary: Jeff Barnes jeff@jeffbarnes.co.uk
Assistant Secretary: Alan Evans evansalan5760@gmail.com
Treasurer: Peter Waller pbtfc@aol.com
Assistant Treasurer: Trevor Adley trevoradley.pb@gmail.com
Technical Director: Adam Waller adamwallerpbt@gmail.com
Commercial & Marketing Officer: Jeff Barnes jeff@jeffbarnes.co.uk
Match Secretary: Adam Waller adamwallerpbt@gmail.com
Acting Programme Editor: Jeff Barnes jeff@jeffbarnes.co.uk
Safety Officer: Jeff Barnes jeff@jeffbarnes.co.uk
Press & Communications Officer: Alan Evans evansalan5760@gmail.com
Website Administrator & Editor: Jeff Barnes jeff@jeffbarnes.co.uk
Social Media Officer: Owen Barnard
Welfare Officer: Malcolm Snook j.snook@ntlworld.com
Ground Manager: John Gibbs gibbsjohn@sky.com
Executive Committee members: Peter Waller, John Robinson, Jeff Barnes, John
Gibbs & Carole Waller Co-opted Executive Committee member: Adam Waller & Matt
Giles
Potters Bar Town FC
- Main Club Honours
F.A. Cup:
4th Qualifying Round 2007, 2016, 2019
F.A. Trophy:
2nd Qualifying Round 2011, 2013, 2017, 2018
F.A. Vase:
Quarter-Finalists 1998
Herts Senior Cup:
Finalists 2013
Herts Charity Cup:
Winners 2007
Herts Charity Shield:
Winners 2003, 2005
Isthmian League North Division:
Runners Up 2017-18 - promoted
Spartan South Midlands League:
Premier Division champions 1996-97, 2004-05
Premier Division League Cup Winners 1997, 2005
Floodlit Cup Winners 1998, 2006
Herts Senior County League:
Premier Division champions 1990-91
League (Aubrey) Cup Winners 1991
Potters Bar Charity Cup:
Winners 1977, 1996, 1999, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2012, 2014
North London Combination:
Premier Division champions 1967-68MATCH REPORT BAR LOSE TO AMBERS ON DERBY DAY By Owen Barnard Two goals from the returning Ken Charles and a Newton strike was enough to see the day end in disappointment for the Scholars Lee O’Leary’s Scholars were defeated 3-1 by rivals Cheshunt in a tense derby match at the LA Construction Stadium. Bar were on the back foot from the start, as Al Droubi made a good stop and Pascal’s last-ditch tackle kept the game goalless in the opening 10 minutes. Parchment had the Scholars’ first effort of the game, which he fired over, but it was a promising break for Bar nonetheless. Young also had a chance to shoot, but he instead elected to cross and could only find the goalkeeper’s gloves. In the 18th minute Cheshunt had the ball in the net, only for it to be ruled out for a foul in the build up to the goal. Two minutes later Bar narrowly avoided conceding a stunner, as a tackle rolled its way out to an Ambers player who smashed a shot narrowly wide from range. Charles crashed a shot against the upright just a few minutes later. Budden made a brilliant tackle to block a shot and Al Droubi stretched to tip the ball over the bar on either side of the half an hour mark. Bar came under significant pressure in the early stages of the game but had held strong to keep the score level. With 10 minutes until half time a ball flashed across the Cheshunt box, but unfortunately none of Lee O’Leary’s players were there to apply the finish to give Bar an unlikely lead. Cheshunt did however have the lead a minute later through the returning Ken Charles. The former Scholar picked the ball up from some 30 yards out and smashed the ball beyond Al Doubi to give the visitors the lead.
Esan tried to get an equaliser just before the break by cutting in on the right-hand side and shooting with his left, but it was saved by the ‘keeper. Half time saw Lee O’Leary’s side behind, having defended resolutely before Charles’ striker gave the Ambers the opener they had been searching for. Ward-Cochrane was brought on by O’Leary after the interval and almost had the perfect introduction, driving at the Cheshunt defence and forcing a save that couldn’t be held, and the eventual clearance away gave Bar a corner that they could not capitalise on. Boachie then fired wide on his home debut in what was a positive start to the second half for Bar. Budden saw his first of what would become two yellow cards for a foul on the edge of the area. On the hour mark he was dismissed as he was at the centre of a coming together with Charles that resulted in 21 players on the pitch pushing each other around Al Droubi’s goal. Cheshunt added their second with 15 minutes left to play, as a mix up at the back and a slip from goalkeeper Al Droubi allowed a virtually empty net for Newton to dispatch the ball into, giving Craig Edwards’ side a two-goal lead. Crowther headed just over from a corner with 9 minutes left to play, and at the other end substitute Carvalho was unfortunate to not find himself on the scoresheet, as he aimed for the far post but was just wide as the Scholars looked to get a goal back. Charles missed from close range with 5 minutes left to play but would be given a chance to grab his brace on the counterattack with a minute of normal time left to play which he took, putting Cheshunt 3-0 up. In added time Bar got a goal back through Ward-Cochrane but it was unfortunately too late to mount a comeback. The striker turned his man and placed the ball into the bottom right-hand corner, a goal which he had deserved for his lively performance off the bench. Full time saw Bar succumb to defeat against their local rivals by 3 goals to 1. The Scholars will now look to bounce back on Saturday, facing Bognor Regis at the LA Construction Stadium.
Bognor Regis Town FC History Bognor Regis Town Football Club was founded in 1883 and their early years were spent playing friendly matches until they joined the West Sussex league in 1896. They enjoyed moderate success at this level, which included winning the league five years in succession in the early twenties. As a result, they joined the Brighton and Hove District League in 1926, however, their stay was short as the following season they applied to join the Sussex County League where they remained until 1972. The club enjoyed mixed fortunes in this league, winning the Division One Championship in the 1948/49 season and finishing runners-up in 1938/39. In 1951/52 the club finished runners up in the County League and reached the Sussex Senior Cup final for the first time, losing to Worthing. In 1954/55 the club won the Sussex Senior Cup for the first time, beating Horsham. They retained the cup the following season when beating Eastbourne United. Relegation to Division Two in 1969 was to start a new era for the club. The Rocks, as they are also known, bounced back at the first attempt, winning Division Two, followed the next season by winning the Division One championship title, which was rewarded with a step up to the Southern Football League. In 1972, Bognor reached the first round of the FA Cup for the first time, losing away to Colchester United. In 1970, a 21-year-old full back called Jack Pearce had arrived in time for the 1970-71 season. In 1976, he was to take on the managers’ job, at the age of just 26. Bognor were bottom of the Southern League and were struggling to survive financially and had lost all their best players but Jack Pearce managed to turn things round and as a result the job was his. This began a long period of success for the club. In 1980 the club won the Sussex Senior Cup, beating Ringmer. The following year they finished Southern League Southern Division runners-up, reached the final of the Southern League Cup, where they lost to Bedford Town, and retained the Sussex Senior Cup, beating Peacehaven & Telscombe. They also won the Southern League Merit Cup for most goals scored in the season. The club switched to the Isthmian League for the following season, to reduce travelling time and costs, even though it meant having to drop a level. They won promotion from Division One at the first attempt as runners-up, whilst retaining the Sussex Senior Cup by beating Lewes. Success in the Sussex Senior Cup continued as the club set a competition record by retaining it for five years with wins in the final against Littlehampton and Lewes in the following two seasons. The highlight of Pearce’s management career was on 21 st November 1984 when Bognor Regis Town beat a Swansea City side including Dean Saunders and seven Welsh internationals in a first round FA Cup replay. Swansea had been in Division One just two years before. In the first tie at the Vetch Field the Rocks were unlucky to be held 1-1 but in the replay at Nyewood Lane they won 3-1 in front of a record crowd of 3,642. Only Jimmy Rimmer in the Swans goal saved the Welsh side from a thrashing as Bognor tore their visitors to pieces. The cup run came to an end at Reading in the second round. The season ended with a Sussex Senior Cup final defeat to Lewes. Bognor repeated the feat of reaching the FA Cup second round the following year, losing at Gillingham. In 1986/87 the club achieved its highest placing in the Premier Division, finishing fifth, won the Sussex Senior Cup, beating Arundel, whilst also winning the AC Delco Cup, beating Hendon 3-2 at Windsor. This was the first cup success for a Sussex club outside of its own county. Further FA Cup success was achieved in 1988 when Division Four outfit Exeter City were beaten 2-1 at Nyewood Lane in the first round, before losing 1-0 at home to Cambridge United in the second round.
In 1991/92 the club finished 21st, but avoided relegation as Dagenham merged with Redbridge Forest and no Conference side was relegated to the Isthmian League. Jack Pearce stood down as manager, with Mick Pullen becoming player/manager. The reprieve lasted one season, as the club failed to win a league game until 28 th December, and finished bottom. Bognor reached the Sussex Senior Cup final in 1994/95, before losing to Brighton at The Goldstone Ground. Jack Pearce resumed the management role in 1995, coinciding with Bognor reaching the second round of the FA Cup again, where they lost 4-0 at Peterborough United, whilst also reaching the last 16 of the FA Trophy, where they lost 3-1 at home to Radcliffe Borough. Another Sussex Senior Cup final was reached in 2000/01, ending in defeat to Lewes at Eastbourne. After several near misses, Bognor finally gained promotion back to the Isthmian League Premier Division in 2002/03, when finishing runners-up to Carshalton. The following season, a tenth place finish was enough to claim a place in the newly-formed Conference South. They remained in this league for five seasons, with the ninth place finish in 2004/05 being the highest they achieved. In October 2007, Michael Birmingham stepped up from being Jack Pearce’s assistant manager to become player/manager. After saving the club from relegation he stood down at the end of the season, to be replaced by Mick Jenkins, with Andy Awford as his assistant, at the beginning of a turbulent period for the club. Finances were already stretched when an arson attack destroyed the clubhouse in the opening week of the season, severely reducing the funds available. Jenkins and Awford resigned after a defeat on 3rd January, having overseen just two league wins. Darin Killpartrick took over as caretaker manager. Within days the club were deducted 7 points for fielding an unregistered player. Despite an improvement in the results, Bognor were relegated on 4th April 2009 with defeat at Welling. In all, 61 different players either played or were named as substitute during the season. In June 2009 Killpartrick was confirmed as manager, with former player Jamie Howell named as his assistant, although they soon became joint managers. Another difficult season followed, with 1 win in the first 12 league games, leaving the club entrenched in the relegation places. A run of four straight away defeats in 11 days, ending away to Maidstone United on 22nd April saw the club relegated for the second year in a row. The club did reach the final of the Sussex Senior Cup, where they lost 4-0 to Brighton at Eastbourne. Jamie Howell now took on the management role, with Killpartrick becoming coach. Season 2010/11 saw a significant change in fortune, and the club challenged strongly for promotion from the Ryman League Division One South. However, they missed out on the automatic promotion place when they could only draw away to already relegated Chatham on the final day of the season, thus allowing Metropolitan Police to draw level on 96 points, but having a goal difference of +61 to Bognor’s +60. To compound the disappointment, Bognor lost 3-1 at home to Dulwich Hamlet in the play-off semi final. Dulwich had finished 31 points behind them. Following such a dramatic finish to the season, some doubted whether the Rocks could bounce back, but the following season they remained unbeaten at home in the league as they finished second again, this time missing out to Whitehawk by two points. After beating Godalming at home on penalties in an epic play-off semi final which finished 4-4, they overcame Dulwich Hamlet 1-0 in the final thanks to a headed goal from Stuart Axten and a penalty save from Craig Stoner in front of over 2000 spectators, to return to the Isthmian League Premier Division.
The following season, 2012/13, began well and the club were still flirting with the play- offs at the end of January. However, a run of serious injuries to key players took its toll, and the club eventually finished fourteenth. The Sussex Senior Cup final was reached again, which brought a first visit to Brighton’s Amex Stadium, but a strong Brighton side won 4-0. Season 2013/14 began with 1 point won from the first 4 games however, from that point, Bognor embarked on a marvellous run in the league to finish third. Despite opening the scoring in the play-off semi final, Lowestoft struck in each half to win 2-1 at Nyewood Lane. The season finished with another Sussex Senior Cup final at The Amex, but again this ended in defeat, this time to Peacehaven and Telscombe. Season 2014/15 saw another slow start, with only 3 points from the first 21. A good run took Bognor to the fringes of the play offs at the end of February but, once again, a long injury list hampered attempts to sustain the challenge and the club finished fourteenth. Season 2015/16 was arguably the clubs most successful season. Second place in the league, missing out on the championship by just one point, followed by a play-off semi- final defeat at home against Dulwich Hamlet were accompanied by an appearance in the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup for the first time since 2004, with victories over National League North side Lowestoft and National League South side Oxford City. But the highlight of the season was the wonderful ten match run to the semi-finals of the FA Trophy, with dramatic victories at home against National League sides Altrincham and Torquay United, whilst also beating Bath City, Maidstone United and Sutton United from National League South, culminating in a two legged semi-final against Grimsby Town. The quest to reach Wembley unfortunately ended in a 3-1 aggregate defeat. Despite losing several key players at the end of the season to higher placed clubs, Bognor found themselves on top of the Ryman Premier Division by early November 2016. Despite a run which saw only 2 league defeats in 24 matches, Bognor were pipped to the championship by Havant & Waterlooville, when they failed to win either of the last two league fixtures. However, they managed to beat both Wingate & Finchley and Dulwich Hamlet 2-1 at home in the play offs to return to National League South after 8 seasons. An impressive crowd of almost 3,600 saw the final and in fact over 9,500 spectators watched The Rocks’ last four matches of the season. Shortly after the end of the season it was announced that Jamie Howell had resigned as manager to move to Eastbourne Borough. Jack Pearce again took over as manager for the 2017-18 season, but after a good start the team suffered a bad run of injuries to key players. Relegation back to the Isthmian League followed. Season 2018-19 saw another mid-table league position but the Sussex Senior Cup was won at the Amex Stadium, Brighton with a 2-1 victory against Burgess Hill Town. BOGNOR REGIS TOWN FC– PLAYER PROFILES AMADOU TANGARA – Goalkeeper Amadou is an experienced ‘keeper from the Ivory Coast. Formerly with Kingstonian, Cheshunt, Merstham and Dulwich Hamlet as well as having played for Bingeryville in his home country. ASHTON LEIGH – Midfield Joined in 2018 from Wessex League side Baffins Milton Rovers, and has impressed with his calm, determined play and ability to score vital goals.
CALVIN DAVIES – Defender Former Portsmouth defender who joined Bognor in 2016 and quickly became a favourite with his strength in the tackle. Sadly missed two seasons with a serious knee injury but has come back as good as ever. JOE HANCOTT – Defender Had a short spell on loan from Portsmouth two seasons ago, and has joined this season on a permanent basis. Became Portsmouth’s youngest ever first team debutant at just over 16 years old. CRAIG ROBSON – Defender Re-joined the club in the summer, having played with distinction for several years at Nyewood Lane earlier in his career. Moved from Bognor to Dagenham & Redbridge and then to Barnet, Billericay and Havant & Waterlooville. TOMMY FARR – Defender A local lad who was promoted this season from the Youth team, and has already impressed with his determined style of play. JOE DANDY – Defender Versatile defensive player who was previously with Portsmouth and Finnish second division side Pallo-Lirot. Previously spent time on loan at Bognor from Fratton Park. JAMES CRANE – Defender Played for the club for nine years before leaving to join Worthing for one year, returning to Nyewood Lane in 2020. Previously played for Arundel, Heart of Midlothian, Reading, and Cypriot sides Famagusta and AEK Larnaca. Scored Bognor’s goal of the season against Altrincham three years ago. JOE COOK – Defender Powerful central defender with an eye for goal. Joe joined from Havant & Waterlooville in 2020, having played on loan at Bognor prior to this. ETHAN ROBB – Midfield/Defender Signed for the club in 2020 following his release from Portsmouth. Can play in midfield or central defence and spent time last season on loan at Brentford. CHARLIE BELL – Midfield Having played twice for Portsmouth’s first team last season, Charlie was released at the end of the season. Despite interest from other EFL sides, he has opted to join the Rocks. JAKE FLANNIGAN - Midfield Jake spent time at Nyewood Lane last season on loan from Havant and Waterlooville and has now joined Bognor on a permanent basis. Began his career at Southampton where he featured in the first team. Has also played at Hampton & Richmond Borough. CHAD FIELD – Defender A strong, calm central defender who spent a season on loan from Portsmouth FC. Chad then signed permanently for the club, having impressed many with his reading of the game, thoughtful play and excellent timing in the tackle. Sadly, Chad missed the past two seasons with a serious injury. HARVEY WHYTE – Midfield Played for the club during two loan spells before signing permanently six years ago from Havant & Waterlooville. Great ball control and a blistering pace makes him very popular with the Rocks faithful. Son of 1980’s Rock’s favourite Dallas Whyte. Began as a winger but is now an accomplished attacking midfielder. Club captain.
BEN MENDOZA – Midfield Ben developed in the Bognor Youth championship winning side of a few years ago, before moving to the USA where he played for Lakeland Tropics, University of Rio Grande and Derby City. Returned to the UK to join Worthing before switching in late 2019 to Nyewood Lane. Has also played for East Preston. GAVIN McCALLUM – Midfield Canadian international who scored v. Venezuela in his first start. Joined Bognor from Dartford in the summer and has played for many clubs including Yeovil, Weymouth, Havant & Waterlooville, Sutton United, Hereford, Lincoln City, Eastbourne Borough, Barnet and Welling United. JORDY MONGOY – Forward Jordy has played, and scored, for Hastings United, Lewes and IK Gauthiod in Sweden before signing for Bognor in 2019. KAYNE FRIEDRICK-ROBERTS – Forward Began his career at Fulham before joining Manchester United's Youth set-up where he played regularly for their Under 18s and UEFA Youth League sides. After leaving Manchester his footballing career took him to Greenwich Borough and Lewes before moving to IK Gauthiod in Sweden's second tier. NATHAN ODOKONYERO – Forward Developed in Chelsea’s academy before joining Lincoln City. Moved to Bognor in the summer and quickly impressed with his goal scoring ability. CLUB MANAGEMENT JACK PEARCE – Team Manager Now in his 52nd year with the club after joining as a player from Portsmouth, Jack has been player, player-manager, manager, chairman and is now first team manager/Vice Chairman of the club. He is also a highly respected FA Councillor of many years standing and was appointed to the Main Board of the FA last year. Was named Vice Chair of the FA’s Main Board in July. Was also appointed as Chairman of the National League in the summer. ROBBIE BLAKE – Head Coach Made over 500 appearances in the Football League and the Premier League, including scoring the winner for Burnley against Manchester United. Robbie was previously first team coach at Portsmouth before making the switch to Bognor three years ago. Potters Bar Town FC History The foundations for the Mount Grace Old Scholars (Potters Bar) Football Association were laid in spring 1960. The school's first team were having a good season, but many of the boys were due to leave at Easter. It was then that Ken Barrett; the P.E. Master of Mount Grace School asked them and old 'Scholars' to support him in raising a team. We were accepted into the Barnet & District League on 29th June 1960. Ken enlisted Bert Wright, the school's Caretaker and Sven Hammarling and then Bill Venneear. Reserve, 3rd and 4th Teams were added in the following seasons.
In 1965, the Barnet & District and Finchley & District Leagues merged to form the North London Combination. By 1967/68 we had won the Premier Division and the Reserves the Division 1 title and were admitted to Division 2 of the Herts County League. In 1976 Bill Venneear and Clive Cavalier stepped down and Peter Waller, then the 3rd Team manager, was ‘persuaded’ to take over. In 1978 many recommended the closure of the Club. But we continued and our three sides were relegated. But from the experience grew a desire never to repeat the mistakes again. Micky Holson became Manager and in 1981/82 we were in the Premier Division, as Division One Champions. Clive Cavalier rejoined in 1979 and with Peter Waller planned the new Clubhouse and changing rooms. Construction started in July 1982 and in six months, with Frank Bentley's considerable involvement and help from members, the clubhouse opened on the 9th January 1983. In 1990/91, we reached the FA Vase 3rd round, before we came back from a 24 point deficit to win the Herts Senior County League Premier Division and the Aubrey Cup. We accepted promotion to the South Midlands League and changed our playing name to Potters Bar Town FC, to reflect the growing stature of the club and promote the Town. Don Newman stood down as Chairman after 11 years. We installed the Floodlight system in 1993, the Youth section was reformed in 1993/94 and FA Cup football came in 1995/96. At the end of that season, Peter Waller stepped down as Secretary, after twenty years, to become Chairman. In 1996/97, the South Midlands Premier Division title was won, but we knew there was too much work to do to apply to the Isthmian League. The following season, 1997/98, the club reached the quarter final of the FA Vase, going down 2-0 to Kidsgrove Athletic, only conceding in the second period of extra time. We were Runners-up in the league, but won the Challenge Trophy and the South Midlands Floodlight Cup. The Reserves went one better, winning Reserve Division One. In 1998, Peter Waller and Eddie Harvey, secured a new 21-year lease on the ground, whilst on the site the old school was demolished, replaced by a new Ladbrooke School, Care Home, new car park and Watkins Rise. Sadly, we lost Bill Venneear in November 2000, a victim of cancer. The 150 Seater Main Stand was added in May 2001. For Season 2001/02, Steve Smart became Manager and by 2002/03, with Paul Surridge, we achieved 3rd place in the league and won the Herts Charity Shield. The Potters Bar Charity Cup followed in 2003/04, but 2004/05 was the most successful of his 3 year reign, winning four trophies; the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division and the Premier Division Cup, Herts Charity Shield and Potters Bar Charity Cup. The club went on to take the title by sixteen points, remaining unbeaten in the final 19 league matches, including sixteen victories. Off the pitch, in 6 weeks Club members and Players carried out major improvements and we passed the FA Ground grading and earned promotion to the Southern League Division 1 East for season 2005/06.
Steve Smart stepped down; Kevin Lucas was appointed, and then replaced by Andy Milne. Though we were bottom for six months, we would not give up. Andy Leese agreed to join us in February 2006 and with new players our fortunes changed and we survived relegation, finishing 16th. The club was devastated that season by the death of Ken Woodward, who had spearheaded the ground improvements. For 2006/07, we were moved to the Ryman League Division 1 North. We enjoyed a most successful FA Cup run, losing away by 3-2 to full-time Woking, of the Conference National, in the 4th qualifying round, after wins against Waltham Abbey, Wealdstone, Maldon Town and Margate by 2-1 away. But we won the Herts FA Charity Cup, for the first time, but lost Kevin Wilmot, as Secretary. Andy Leese left in May 2007 and we appointed Steve Browne, though he resigned in December 2008. In the summer of 2007, a spectators covered area was added and a turnstile block. All four turnstiles have a unique history, as they were all in use at the old Wembley Stadium, until it closed in 2000. Adam Lee was appointed in 2008 and for 5 years served the Club with great distinction and commitment, always improving our league position and reached the Herts Senior Cup Final in 2012/13 for the only time. In May 2010, to celebrate our 50th year, many former players returned, including 9 who had played in the very first match in September 1960! Bert Wright, one of our 'founders', received the FA 50 years service Award. To commemorate the occasion, the Club reverted to Maroon shirts, the same colours that we wore in June 1960. In January 2012, Bert Wright died at the age of 93, having given the club 52 years of service. In his honour, we renamed the Main stand after him. For 2013/14 we were back in the Southern League. In late 2013, Adam Lee stepped down, succeeded by Jack Friend, then in early 2015, by Steve Ringrose. Our Free Season Ticket Offer was launched for 2014/15 and made the national press. Sadly, we lost Eddie Harvey. In 2015/16 we reached the semi-final of the League Cup, and then in 2016/17 we made the 4th qualifying round of the F.A. Cup for the second time, including a replay win at Bath City on penalties (our best result against a team from a higher level). In Summer 2017 the Clubroom was totally refurbished and in August 2018, after raising £100,000 ourselves and 3 years work by John Gibbs, our new Changing Room complex was opened. For 2017/18 we were back in the Isthmian League Division 1 North. In September 2017, Peter Waller, celebrated 50 years of service to the Club and received an FA Award. Steve Ringrose 'promoted' James Duncan to Head Coach and several experienced players arrived. We started with another successful run in the FA Cup, losing to National South Play Off Finalists Hampton & Richmond Borough, whilst in the FA Trophy we fell to Southern League Premier Division Champions, Hereford, both after replays. We then targeted the Play offs, being 8th in January. However, in our remaining 22 fixtures, we won 15 and drew 5 and came through to take 2nd spot and promotion, with a win on the final day. As a result, we proudly started 2018/19 in the Premier Division. The 2018/19 season was to present two challenges:
One: Make the necessary ground improvements to reach the next level ground grading requirements which meant the addition of two new stands - one a 100-seater and the other a 100 standing - this was achieved on time - thanks to the hard work of club members and supporters and fund-raising and grants. Two: Establish ourselves at step three. This we did - finishing 16th in the in the Bostik Premier League despite the departure of our management team in the season, but we again promoted from within with Lee O'Leary stepping up to player/manager and being joined by Scott Cousins as joint manager. It was another season of significant progress. The shortened 2019/20 season was another successful one as the club solidified its position at Step three and gained national interest as we took Barnet to a replay in the FA Cup Fourth Round Qualifying, whilst the home game being shown on the BBC with a crowd 0f 2011 in attendance. The 2020/21 season was also curtailed, with the last game being played in October, a 3- 1 loss against Leatherhead. The season’s termination did not prevent us from continuing to make progress on and off the pitch however, as on the pitch we were able to enjoy 3- 0 wins against both Cheshunt and Cray Wanderers, the latter ending our opponent’s 17 game unbeaten run. Off the pitch, further improvements were made to the renamed LA Construction Stadium, as a state-of-the-art sprinkler system, a perimeter barrier around the pitch and a new draining system were all installed, whilst the main grandstand was changed to a maroon and white colour with new seats and a repaint in order to match the new club colours. Potters Bar Town FC Player Profiles: Lee O’Leary Having been appointed manager of Potters Bar Town in October 2018, Lee has managed to keep the Scholars in the Isthmian Premier division and will now enter the second full season in the division due to the curtailment of the previous two seasons with his relatively new-look Potters Bar side. Lee is responsible for Bar’s joint best ever FA Cup run, as he was at the helm for the 2019/20 cup run that saw Bar take Barnet to a replay at The Hive in the Fourth Qualifying Round. Scott Cousins Scott will be hoping to play a major role in a successful season for the Scholars as Lee’s assistant. A vocal character, Scott can often be heard on matchdays giving instructions to the players and is a valuable member of Lee’s coaching staff. Hafed Al Droubi Hafed, or Haf as he is affectionately known, is our new number one having joined from Northwood. Al Droubi has experience playing across Europe and is known for his ability to command his area and his brilliant distribution. Devonte Aransibia Devonte makes his debut season for Bar, having been a product of Norwich’s academy. The midfielder will be hoping to assert a place in the starting eleven and have a positive start to life as a Potters Bar player.
Joseph Boachie We are delighted to announce the signing of striker on a dual registration with Concord Rangers. Boachie’s ability to score goals has already been proven, as he was on the scoresheet in a friendly against us in pre-season, a performance which contributed to a successful trial period that convinced Concord to sign him. Boachie was also named in the 2018/19 Evo-Stick Team of the Season for his performances for Stamford AFC, a club at which he still remains a popular figure. James Budden The former captain brings a wealth of experience to the backline, the centre back has a no-nonsense approach to defending and isn’t afraid to put his body on the line in order to help the team. Keiron Cathline The versatile defender has filled in the centre of defence despite making more appearances as a right back. Keiron has made 23 appearances for the Scholars so far and will be looking to add to his tally for this season. Chinua Cole Chinua is also making his debut season for Bar, having played for Harrow Borough last in the 20/21 season. The 27-year-old defender will bolster the numbers available to Lee in defensive positions and will hope to make his mark on the side, having attained 117 career appearances which the experience will surely be of use to the team this season. Keagan Cole The new captain is a fan favourite amongst the Bar Army. A selfless player willing to fill in as a defender and has been able to cover the defensive and attacking side of the midfield during his time in a maroon shirt. Keagan will be hoping that his first season as skipper is a memorable one! Charlie Edwards New signing Edwards is a tenacious central midfielder who also doesn’t shirk a challenge, his determination in the middle of the park makes him an asset to Bar, having played for Waltham Abbey last year. Callum Ellesley Callum will be looking to build on his first season at Bar in this campaign, as the defender found his way into the squad before the season’s end, making 6 appearances for the Scholars last time out. Samson Esan Samson will be looking to build on an impressive first season at Bar in which he made 10 appearances and won the Player of the Month Award for September. Having arrived from Enfield Town as an U23’s player and quickly gained an important status in the First Team, Samson has proven that he can go from strength to strength, as he also possesses great pace is a very accurate passer of a football too.
Jack Fletcher The youthful goalkeeper is making the step up into the men’s game this season having played for the U18’s previously. Jack will be hoping to learn from Hafed, the club’s first choice goalkeeper, and make the most of any opportunities he has with the First Team to impress Lee and his coaching staff. Sydney Ibie Sydney’s physical presence makes him a threat to any side. The striker’s combination of height and pace makes him a defender’s worst nightmare, as he gained some appearances for Bar towards the end of last season before it was curtailed but will hope to be a central figure for the Scholars this time round. Nathan Livings Having signed from Enfield Town, this will be Nathan’s second season at Bar, and the midfielder will hope to make good use of his accurate passing for the Scholars. Nathan was also the set piece taker at Enfield and due to the short nature of last season, he could be effectively a new signing for Lee and his side this season. Dwight Pascal Dwight returns for his second spell at the club having left to join Barnet last season. The young right back has experience playing at higher levels and will be an asset to Lee this coming season due to his ability to get forwards and join in with attacks to outnumber the opponents. Amine Sassi Amine began to gain some appearances towards the end of last season having been an academy product beforehand. The midfielder has flair and the ability to do the unexpected, which he will hope he can build on to earn a place in the starting XI for this season. Jaden Sharman The young defender can play in both a central position and on the right-hand side, Jaden arrives for his debut season with Bar having joined from Northwood, for whom he had made 12 appearances despite still only being a teenager. Scott Shulton The experienced defensive midfielder has been described by Lee as like having a coach on the pitch in the past, his leadership is clear despite having only arrived this season and had pre-season to settle in. Scott isn’t afraid to make a challenge and is a team player who will ensure that he gives everything he can to help the Scholars this season. Aryantaj Tajbakhsh Aryan re-joins Bar for his third stint at the club, having played for Bar in the 2008/09 season and in 2013. The central midfielder is also well known for putting challenges in and doing whatever he could to win the ball back. His last club was Dulwich Hamlet in 2019.
Luke Tingey
Tingey was a regular starter in his first season at Bar last campaign, the defender, who
arrived from Hendon, will be looking to have another successful year with the Scholars
commanding the backline.
Ben Ward-Cochrane
The star striker will be hoping to have yet another great season for Bar, having scored
24 goals for the Scholars since arriving in 2017. Ben will be vital in ensuring that we can
reach our goals for the 2021/22 season and is also a favourite with the Bar Army.
Ryan Young
Ryan has made 42 appearances for the Scholars during the time he’s been at the club.
This will be the pacey winger’s third season with Bar, who has the ability to cross the ball
into the box from the by-line and is also not afraid to take players on.
NLP Column
by Matt Badcock
It’s funny how things fall into place sometimes. As much as we plan The NLP’s pages
each week, occasionally you stumble into the perfect storm.
Take last week’s paper, where three of our FA Cup previews worked perfectly in tandem
with a family theme.
In many ways, it shouldn’t be a surprise. Non-League football in particular has always
had the family feel. In this weekend’s FA Cup, that’s no different.
But these feel-good stories only served two under line just how many strong links run
through the game.
First stop is Nuneaton Borough, where dad and son are making waves in the FA Cup.
Carl Baker has had a fine career that took him from Non-League with Prescot Cables and
Southport to the Football League where he won promotions with MK Dons and
Portsmouth, after spending five seasons with Coventry City.
At 38 he may be on the back nine of his career, but he’s still going strong — although
son Louis is now grabbing the headlines too.
There can’t have been a much better feeling for Carl to be on the same pitch as his 20-
year-old son, and Boro team-mate, when he scored an excellent goal against Lichfield
City.“I probably celebrated his goal more than I’ve ever celebrated any of my own,” he said. “The stats on my GPS probably showed I ran quicker then than at any other time in the game as I went to jump on his back. It was a fantastic feeling. “We were leading 1-0 at the time with about five minutes to go. As he’s striding up the pitch I’m on the opposite side thinking he should just go and hold it up in the corner. “I could see what he was going to do so when he cut in and scored it was probably the best feeling I’ve ever had on a football pitch - you can see that from my reaction.” There will be a slightly different feel at Brackley Town’s game with Coalville Town where Dean twins Gaz and Alex play each other in a competitive game for the first time. At 31, they’ve had to wait for the chance — although mum Gill isn’t thrilled about the showdown! “Mum’s not happy,” Brackley defender Gaz told us. “I got a text saying, ‘Be nice to your brother’. She says it’s her worse nightmare come true because she’s going to have one disappointed twin. “But it’s probably my dad’s dream to see us go toe-to-toe with each other – it’s opposite ends of the spectrum between the two parents, I think.” Alex added: “When we were little we were terrible — we used to fight all the time over any sport in the garden. “We were blessed with where we lived because we had a good sized garden so we were forever playing football, cricket, badminton – anything like that. I am competitive. But he is ten times worse. He gets ever so grouchy.” Although Gaz has promised to buy his brother a pint in Brackley’s bar after. And at Sutton Common Rovers it will be a proud day for manager Darren Salmon. The gaffer has been involved with the club for 35 years having played and become manager of the team, then playing in Sunday League, aged 21. His dad, Alan, founded the club in 1978 and is still chairman while his brother Justin is club secretary. “I think that’s been a real strength for us keeping that family feel and continuity,” said Salmon, whose in-laws look after the matchday hospitality and stewarding, brother-in- law is youth club secretary and sister operates the tea bar on matchdays. Family ties will be everywhere in Non-League this weekend. We enjoyed scratching the surface.
Isthmian League - Premier Division Table
PWDL F A +/- Pts
1 Kingstonian 6 5 0 1 13 6 +7 15
2 Folkestone Invicta 6 4 20 9 3 +6 14
3 Enfield Town 6 4 11 9 6 +3 13
4 Worthing 6 4 0 2 14 9 +5 12
5 Lewes 6 3 2 1 13 8 +5 11
6 Margate 6 3 21 9 6 +3 11
7 Haringey Borough 6 3 03 9 6 +3 9
8 Hornchurch 6 3 03 9 6 +3 9
9 Bognor Regis Town 6 2 31 7 5 +2 9
10 Cheshunt 6 2 22 9 6 +3 8
11 Carshalton Athletic 6 2 22 7 5 +2 8
12 Bishop's Stortford 6 2 2 2 9 10 -1 8
13 Corinthian-Casuals 6 2 13 8 7 +1 7
14 Wingate & Finchley 6 2 1 3 9 12 -3 7
15 Brightlingsea Regent 6 2 1 3 6 10 -4 7
16 East Thurrock United 6 1 3 2 8 11 -3 6
17 Cray Wanderers 6 2 0 4 7 11 -4 6
18 Potters Bar Town 6 2 0 4 6 12 -6 6
19 Merstham 6 2 0 4 3 10 -7 6
20 Horsham 6 1 23 6 8 -2 5
21 Bowers & Pitsea 6 1 2 3 9 12 -3 5
22 Leatherhead 6 1 0 5 6 16 -10 3
Last updated: Tuesday 14th September 2021Today’s potential Line Ups
POTTERS BAR TOWN Vs BOGNOR REGIS TOWN
Maroon Shirts White Shirts
White Shorts Green Shorts
FROM FROM
Hafed Al Droubi (G) Amadou Tangara
Dwight Pascal Calvin Davies
Corey Parchment Joe Dandy
James Budden (C) Joe Cook
Kieron Cathline James Crane
Nathan Livings Harvey Whyte (C)
Ryan Young Jake Flannigan
Scott Shulton Ethan Robb
Joseph Boachie Nathan Odokonyero
Samson Esan Jordy Mongoy
Devonte Aransibia Kayne Diedrick-Roberts
Keegan Cole Ashton Leigh
Ruben Carvalho Gavin McCallum
Luke Tingey Ben Mendoza
Ben Ward-Cochrane Charlie Bell
Jaden Sharman Craig Robson
Lee O’Leary Manager Jack Pearce
Scott Cousins Asst Mgr
Robert Ursell Coach Robbie Blake
Luke Muldowney Coach
Ryan Court Gk Coach
Earle Abrahamson Physio
Kevin Strutt Physio
REFEREE Jorden Gibson
Assistant REFEREE Dean Carney
Assistant REFEREE Mark BrightYou can also read
