VS HARLOW TOWN

THE ACRE CARS STADIUM

Saturday February 1st (3pm)

HERTFORD TOWN FC

TEMPORA MUTANUR NOS ET MUTAMUR ILLIS

2019/20 OFFICIAL MATCHDAY PROGRAMME

BETVICTOR LEAGUE SOUTH CENTRAL

VS HARLOW TOWNTHE ACRE CARS STADIUM SATURDAY FEBRUARY 1ST 3.00PM

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Welcome to

The Acre Cars Stadium Today we welcome our nearby neighbours from just across the border,

Harlow Town. This afternoon’s fixture also sees a return to the Acre Cars

stadium for centre-back Hugo Atkinson who served us well in the first half of

the season before talking his boots to Essex. Whilst they still harbour hopes

of a play-off spot it is probably fair to describe Harlow this season as mid-

table so this game will be a good gauge of whether we are capable of

stepping out of the relegation zone.

To say Hertford’s recent form has been up and down would be an

understatement. A superb 4-1 demolition of Staines a fortnight ago was

followed up last week by a demoralizing 6-1 drubbing at Chertsey. Injuries

and a small squad have hampered continuity in selection but, overall, there

are promising signs that the club is on the way up. The additions of Sam

Byron and Harvie Gardiner have strengthened the back line while Alfie Cue

given us more of a goal threat.

With a short trip for our visitors it should be a good crowd and

atmosphere today so enjoy the action.

Pete Hough

Programme Editor

Club Details

Address:

The Acre Cars Stadium

Hertingfordbury Park

West Street

Hertford SG13 8EZ

Tel: 01992 583716 founded 1908

Acting Chairman: Colin Hay Club Secretary: Marc Sinfield Manager: Ben Herd Press Officer: Peter Hough Programme Editor: As Press Officer Safety Officer: As Club Secretary

website: www.hertfordtownfc.com

Today’s Opponents

HARLOW TOWN FC – A BRIEF HISTORY

The club was originally formed in 1879, playing its first match in October of that year against Saffron Walden Town. It is one of the oldest clubs in the County of Essex. In those early days the club, just known as Harlow, played friendly matches against local opposition until the formation of East Herts League in 1896. As with most clubs around this time Harlow had their fair share of amalgamations with other local clubs, and was known as Harlow & Burnt Mill before later becoming Harlow Town. Over the years Harlow, which became a New Town in the early 1950’s, expanded beyond recognition, and the Club grew with the town. The club moved into the Spartan League in 1932 and were granted Senior Status in 1937, competing in the F.A.Cup and Essex Senior Cups for the first time. At this time Harlow had one of the smallest populations for clubs competing at this level, a far cry from today where the population is around 80,000. After the Second World War, Harlow continued to compete in the Spartan League until moving into the London League in 1953. Six seasons were spent in the London League before a move into the Delphian League. In 1960 the club moved away from its roots in Old Harlow, moving into the Sportcentre ground in the new town, which was the clubs home for the next 46 years before moving to The Harlow Arena in September 2006. With the reorganisation of the amateur game in the early 1960’s Harlow found themselves playing in the newly formed Athenian League Division Two for the start of the 1963-64 season, winning promotion at the first attempt after finishing in third place. After eight seasons in Division One, Harlow finally won their first senior championship by winning the Athenian League Division One title. The following season saw the club finish fourth in the Premier Division before joining the Isthmian League for the start of the 1973-74 Season. After joining the Isthmian League Harlow had more than their fair share of ups and downs. Promotion was achieved five times, including lifting the Division One and Division Two (North) titles, whilst the club suffered four relegations and had to sit season 1992-93 out after severe financial problems threatened the club’s very existence. Five seasons were spent in the top flight of the Isthmian League with an 11th place finish in season 1979-80 being the best to date. The Club made a name for itself in season 1979-80 with a terrific F.A.Cup run, which saw the club progress to the fourth round proper, having started out in the

preliminary round. Wins against Lowestoft, Hornchurch, Bury Town, Harwich & Parkeston, Margate, Leytonstone-Ilford, Southend United and finally Leicester City, gave the club a fourth round tie away to Watford. The BBC “Match of the Day” cameras were at Vicarage Road as Harlow eventually bowed out of the competition, although they went down fighting, losing 4-3 to Graham Taylor’s side. Since that time Harlow have appeared in the Competition proper on four further occasions, the last of which was last season when Macclesfield Town finished the club’s dream with a 2-0 win at Barrows Farm in the first round. In recent times the Club have got back on their feet following the problems of the early 1990’s. Having been relegated two divisions by the League for the season that the Club could not compete; the Club worked their way back to where they were before the enforced break. After a few near misses the “Hawks”, as they are now known, won back-to-back promotions from Division Three and Division Two of the Ryman League and after a poor first season back in Division One, managed to establish itself in the Division until the end of the 2003/2004 Season when the re-structuring of the non-league game saw the club switch to the Southern League. The Hawks finished 15th in the Southern League Division 1 East League table in Season 2004/2005 and 9th in Season 2005/2006. The Hawks haven’t had much success in recent years in the FA Trophy or League Cup Competitions but lifted the prestigious East Anglian Cup in Seasons 1989/90, 2001/02 and in season 2005/2006 when Spalding United were beaten 1-0 in the Final. The Club moved in September 2006 to a new ground at Barrows Farm, a mile and a half to the west of their old Sportcentre location, and after awaiting clearance from the Ryman League to start playing at the new Stadium played their first senior match in a Division 1 North fixture versus Ware on 18th October. A highly successful first term at Barrows Farm was complete when the Hawks gained promotion to the Premier Division of the Ryman Football League at the end of the season by clinching runners-up spot and then beating AFC Sudbury on penalties in the Division 1 North “Play-off” Final. The Club’s first season back in the Premier Division saw a 15th place finish, however, despite reaching the first round of the FA Cup, the club were unable to retain their Premier Division status. The build up to the 2009-10 season was severely disrupted when on 21st July the Chairman resigned due to a change of ownership of the club. The manager followed along with the vast majority of the playing staff and various members of the backroom staff. The club wasted no time in appointing a new manager in Anthony Anstead and in just eighteen days he managed to put a squad together to start the new Ryman League season. With the Hawks rooted to the bottom of the division Anstead resigned from his position at the end of November 2009, with former Hawks favourite Marvin Samuel being appointed as the new manager.

In January 2010 new owners took control of the club, with former manager Tommy Cunningham returning to the club with his business partner John Barnett. After many months of turmoil the club can finally look forward to a much brighter future, under Barnett and Cunningham's leadership. The first full season with the new owners in control 2010/11 saw Kevin Warren become the Hawks manager, but a run of defeats led to Danny Chapman replacing him at the helm. Chapman then turned the tide and took the club to the Ryman Division One North play Off Semi-finals after finishing fourth, but they failed to reach the final after being defeated by Wingate & Finchley, whom went on to gain promotion. In 2011/12 saw Chapman lead the Hawks to 7th in the Ryman Division One North, after sitting in the play off race for most of the season, but a dip in form at the business end of the season left the Hawks just short of a play off position. The 2012/13 Season was one to forget for the Hawks, after the two previous seasons when Danny Chapman’s team just missed out on promotion, the Hawks had a mixture of both experience and youth in the squad. Early exits in both the FA Cup and Trophy were disappointing for Chapman and the owners, during the league campaign the Hawks were hit with a further blow, a ten-point deduction for an administration error. With this and a squad of young inexperienced players Harlow had a battle to stay out of the one relegation place, which was achieved by a margin of five points. The close season was spent rebuilding the team and the owners have also invested in a new 3G pitch that was laid during the summer ready for the start of the 2013/14 season. The new pitch provided top of the range facilities for the whole community, so the ground was re-branded as the Harlow Arena. Along with the 3G pitch the Hawks also set up youth teams to play at the club, the first steps towards the Harlow Town Academy. The 2013/14 season saw a new era for Harlow Town. They started the season playing on the newly laid 3G artificial surface, in the newly named Harlow Arena. The owners Tom Cunningham and John Barnett also announced a new shirt sponsorship with Opt FX, while on the pitch Manager Danny Chapman got himself a great squad together to battle out on all League and cup fronts. The first competitive fixture on the 3G surface was on Tuesday 13 August 2013 against newly promoted Barkingside; Harlow won the game 8-3. New signing Alex Read was hit with the fans as he became the Hawks all-time leading goal scorer in one season, netting 52 times in all competitions. His goals helped Chapman’s side to finish fourth in the league, thus earning themselves a place in the play offs. In the semi-final the Hawks travelled to Heybridge Swifts, where a comfortable 3-0 victory saw them into the play off final away to second-placed Witham Town. The Hawks never got going in front over 800

spectators at Spa Road, many following The Hawks and fell to a 3-0 defeat. The season also saw the hawks reach the Robert Dyas League Cup Quarter Finals and also the Essex Senior Cup Quarter Finals. At the start of the 2014/15 Harlow Town launched The Harlow Academy, a youth set-up which incorporated 21 youth teams playing at The Harlow Arena. After a tightly contested league campaign, Harlow missed out the league title and automatic promotion by just 1 point, finishing behind Needham Market. Another appearance in the playoffs beckoned, but this time the Hawks fell down in the semi-final with a 3-4 defeat to Thurrock after extra time. The 2015/16 season saw Harlow Town promoted for the first time since 2007. After successes in several rounds of various cup competitions, the Hawks found themselves in mid-table, albeit with a number of games-in-hand. Harlow Town went on a winning streak of 12 consecutive wins between 19 December 2015 and 13 February 2016, to propel themselves up the table and set a new club record in the process. Harlow Town finished third in the league, and comfortably won the playoff semi-final, beating Cray Wanderers 3-0. The Hawks hosted the final at the Harlow Arena, where 1,655 spectators saw Harlow see off AFC Hornchurch to claim promotion to the Ryman Premier Division. In 2016-17 the Hawks had a successful first year back in the Premier Division, and with only a handful of games remaining they were still in with a chance of clinching a playoff place. The challenge ultimately fell away, but Harlow Town finished in a respectable 10th place, recording their highest ever Premier Division points tally of 67. The Hawks suffered from "second-season syndrome" in 2017-18, finding themselves battling against relegation for the majority of the year. Ultimately, they were successful with a couple of games to go, securing their place in the Isthmian Premier Division for a third consecutive year for the first time in their history. There were significant changes in the playing squad during the summer of 2018, with a number of the long-serving players who had secured promotion moving on to pastures new. The squad was rebuilt with a mixture of experience and a number of youth loans, however the challenge proved too great, and Harlow Town finished bottom of the league table, seven points from safety. With the Hawks heading back to Step 4, there was a surprise in store as they were allocated to the Isthmian League South Central division, a move that would throw up a lot of new opponents that the Hawks hadn't faced before. Another challenge faced Hawks manager Danny Chapman in the close season, with the entire squad being rebuilt from scratch. With a new team assembled, the aim is for promotion back to Step 3 at the first time of asking.

HARLOW TOWN FC PEN PICTURES 2019-20 (updated 13/01/19) Danny Chapman (Manager) Experienced defender who made over 200 appearances for the Hawks having first signed for the club in 2003, after spells with the likes of Barnet and Wingate & Finchley. Chapman left the club in December 2008, but returned in February 2010. He was appointed as the club’s manager in February 2011 leading them to the Ryman Division One North play-off semi-final. He led the team to a triumphant play-off victory in 2015/16 after the heartache of being losing finalists in 2013/14 & semi-finals in 2014/15. Jordan Adeyemi (Striker) Jordan Adeyemi signed for Harlow Town on loan from Leyton Orient in December 2019. He is a young striker who has come through the Orient Academy. Christian Adu Gyamfi (Striker) Christian Adu Gyamfi signed first team forms with the Hawks in July 2019. He is a striker who was part of the reserves set-up for the 2018-19 season, and during the course of the campaign he was called up to the First Team to make five appearances, scoring once. In the summer of 2019 he was promoted to the First Team squad. Josh Bexon (Goalkeeper) Josh Bexon signed for the Hawks in August 2018 on loan from Southend United, and held the number 1 jersey for the rest of the season. He first joined the Shrimpers in 2014 as a 15-year old, and then signed his first professional deal at the age of 18 in 2017. Upon his release by Southend in the summer of 2019, he re-signed for the Hawks for the 2019-20 season. Raul Callejo Diaz (Midfielder) Raul Diaz signed for the Hawks in October 2019. His an attacking midfielder who joined from CD Tenerife. The 18-year old has also been with the Tottenham Hotspur Academy and has played for CD Santa Ursula in his home country of Spain Terrell Egbri (Midfielder) Terrell Egbri signed for the Hawks in July 2019, initially on Work Experience terms from Southend United. Egbri is a dynamic winger who can play on either the left or right side of the pitch, and his pace is an effective weapon against the opposition defence. Ahmed-Salim Futa (Midfielder)

Ahmed-Salim Futa signed for the Hawks in July 2019. Salim is a tall attacking midfielder or striker, who counts Leatherhead, AC London, Palace Development, Fisher FC and most recently Tooting & Mitcham among his former clubs. Oliver Gnandi (Defender) Oliver Gnandi signed for the Hawks in July 2019. A powerful centre-back, he impressed during pre-season, and put pen-to-paper for the 2019-20 season. He spent the 2018-19 season at Hoddesdon Town. Syrus Gordon (Midfielder) Syrus Gordon signed for the Hawks for a second spell in August 2019. He had previously played for the Club between August 2015 and September 2018, making 142 appearances in all competitions. He is a tough-tackling midfielder who has also previously played for Cheshunt. Billy Jones (Striker) Billy Jones signed for the Hawks for a fourth time in December 2019. He initially joined Harlow Town in the 2014-15 season after impressing for the Hawks' then-tenants Enfield 1893. He left early in the 2015-16 campaign however after relocating elsewhere in the country. After featuring for a handful of other local clubs, including Walthamstow at the start of the 2019-20 season, Jones re-joined the Hawks once again to bolster the attack. Yanick Kissi (Defender) Yanick Kissi signed for the Hawks in July 2018. Kissi can play at left back or in left midfield. He came through the 10 Coaching academy, and has also been on the books at Northampton FC. Kissi made 45 appearances during the 2018-19 season, second to only one other player, and during the off-season signed on again for the 2019-20 campaign. Elwin Lartey (Defender) Elwin Lartey joined the Hawks in July 2019. He is a young defender or midfielder who has played for Hendon in their youth set-up before spending the 2018-19 season at Harrow Borough. Amar Lewis (Midfielder) Amar Lewis signed for the Hawks in July 2019. He is an attacking midfielder or forward who was previously with Stanway Rovers. Julian Lopez-Cascante (Defender) Julian Lopez-Cascante signed for the Hawks in August 2019. Jules is right-back or winger who has recently played for Barking. He has had spells plying his trade in

Spain and Sweden for various clubs, and he was also in the Hawks’ Under 21’s side several years ago. Miles Mitchell-Nelson (Defender) Miles Mitchell-Nelson signed for the Hawks in July 2019, initially on Work Experience terms from parent club Southend United. He is a defender who was spotted by Southend United playing in non-league, before signing a two year scholarship with the Shrimpers where he has gone on to become a mainstay in the Under 23 side. Hugo Constantine Odogwu-Atkinson (Defender) Hugo Constantine Odogwu-Atkinson joined Harlow Town from neighbours Hertford Town in November 2019. Hugo can play in defence or defensive midfield. He is a former Tottenham Hotspur youth player who has also spent time with Mildenhall Town, Romford and Ebsfleet United. Ibitayo Oyebola (Striker) Tayo Oyebola signed for the Hawks in August 2019. He is a forward or winger who has previously been with Molesey and Chipstead, before a brief stint at Hartley Wintney. Matt Rush (Striker) Signed for the Hawks on initial Work Experience terms from parent club Southend United. A clever forward with good movement. Caught the attention of Harlow Town when he scored a hat-trick against them in a pre-season friendly with the Shrimpers. Jeremie Sivi (Midfielder) Jeremie Sivi signed for Harlow Town on loan from Leyton Orient in December 2019. He is a young winger who has come through the Orient academy, and he plays predominantly on the right. De'Jaune Taylor-Crossdale (Midfielder) A product of the Reading Academy, Taylor-Crossdale signed for a second spell with Harlow Town in July 2019. He originally joined the Hawks in October 2015, but with opportunities limited in the first team, he left the club in February 2016. He can play on the wing or in attack, with good strength and finishing abilities. Tiannie Wilson (Midfielder) Tiannie Wilson signed for Harlow Town in November 2019. He is an attacking winger who was promoted to the First Team after impressing for the Reserves.

Talk of the Town

Ben on the beeb

Player-boss Ben Herd was interviewed at length by Ollie Baylis for his ‘Non-League Show’ on BBC 3 Counties radio on January 21st. Ben discussed his professional playing career- which included appearances at Wembley and against Man United- and how he very nearly came to play abroad for CSKA Sofia. Bern also discussed Hertford Town’s progress this season and his plans for the future. Follow the link below to listen to an interesting discussion.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p07xzn5s#play

On the Balle for a football Quiz

Last night the club held a fundraising football quiz- at Simon Balle School- featuring players, staff and fans in teams competing for prizes. We do not have the results at time of going to press but rest assured that beer was drunk, sausage and chip suppers were eaten and a good time was had by all. Look out for more of these events in future. They are a good opportunity to meet the players and raise vital funds for the club.

fixtures

Date Opponents co R At 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Subs used Sa 17 Aug Tooting & Mitcham L 0-1 160 Hayes Herd Whiting2 Ehui Jessop Atkinson Domafriyie Moses3 Bailey Gymer McBrien1 Tshikala1; Yildiz2;

Merlo3

Tu 20 Aug Waltham Abbey L 5-2 122 Hayes Herd Whiting Ehui Jessop Atkinson Domafriyie2 Merlo Bailey Gymer1 Tshikala Batt1 Rus2

Sa 24 Aug Whitton FAC 2-1 55 Hayes Herd Whiting Ehui Jessop Atkinson Domafriyie Merlo2 Bailey Moses Guymer1 Pedro1; Jones2

Mo 26Aug Barking L 2-1 180 Hayes Herd Whiting Ehui1 Yildiz Atkinson2 Domafriyie Pedro Bailey Batt Rus3 Tshikala1; Jessop2; Jones3

Sa 31 Aug Hanwell Town L 4-1 207 Hayes Herd Whiting Ehui2 Yildiz Atkinson Domafriyie Pedro Bailey Batt Jones1 Tshikala1; Gymer2

Sa 7 Sep Cambridge City VT 0-0

(p0-3)

155 Hayes Rus Whiting2 Pedro Jessop Atkinson Domafriyie Herd5 Bailey4 Batt1 Zola3 Gymer1;Merlo2; Brown3; Odeh4; Yildiz5;

Tu 10 Sep Ware VT 3-1 139 Hayes Rus Whiting Pedro3 Jessop Atkinson Domafriyie Herd Odeh2 Batt Zola1 Brown1; Merlo2;

Gymer3

Sa 14 Sep Westfield L 1-9 133 Hayes Rus Herd Pedro Jessop Atkinson1 Brown Merlo2 Domafriyie Batt Gymer Yildiz1; Whiting2

Tu 17 Sep Chalfont St Peter L 1-5 80 Hayes Rus Whiting Pedro Jessop Atkinson Domafriyie Herd Odeh1 Batt2 Brown Belshaw1; Gymer2

Sa 21 Sep Harlow Town L 2-1 171 Hayes Rus Whiting Ehhui2 Jessop Atkinson Domafriyie Herd Odeh1 Gymer Brown Belshaw1; Batt2

Sa 28 Sep Heybridge Swifts FAT 4-1 162 Hayes Rus Herd Ehui1 Joseph Atkinson Domafriyie3 Pedro Odeh2 Gymer Brown Batt1; Zola2; Merlo3

Sa 5 Oct South Park L 0-0 132 Hayes Rus Herd Ehui Jessop Atkinson Domafriyie Pedro Oyeniran2 Gymer1 Brown Batt1 Zola2

Tu 8 Oct Soham TR VT 0-2 64 Hayes Rus Herd Pedro3 Joseph Atkinson Domafriyie Kiangebeni Oyeniran2 Gymer Brown1 Weyman1; Batt2;

Ehui3

Sa 19 Oct Staines Town L 2-3 119 Hayes Rus Herd Pedro3 Yildiz Atkinson Domafriyie1 Kiangebeni Oyeniran Gymer Brown2 Weyman1; Batt2;

Ehui3

Tu 22 Oct Harlow Town VT 6-2 79 Hayes Jessop Rus Ehui1 Yildiz Atkinson Weyman Kiangebeni Domafriyie2 Gymer Brown3 Batt1; Oyeniran2;

McBrien3

Sa 26 Oct Ashford Town (Mdx) L 3-5 121 Hayes Rus Herd Pedro3 Joseph1 Atkinson Domafriyie Kiangebeni Oyeniran Gymer Brown2 Jessop1; Batt2JThompson3

Tu 29 Oct Chertsey Town L 2-3 71 Hayes Herd Whiting Pedro Jessop Atkinson Rus1 Kiangebeni Oyeniran Gymer Weyman2 Batt1; Belshaw2

We 6 Nov Histon VT 0-4 71 Hayes Herd Rus1 Pedro Jessop James-T. Weyman Kiangebeni Oyeniran3 Gymer2 Bindit Ikoku1; Batt2; Odeh3

Sa 9 Nov Uxbridge L 1-5 102 Hayes Herd Rus Pedro1 Jessop Gardiner Cue Kiangebeni Oyeniran Gymer Weyman Fuma1

Sa 16 Nov Ware L 3-3 402 Hayes Herd Rus Pedro Jessop Gardiner Cue Kiangebeni Oyeniran1 Gymer Weyman Brown1

Sa 23 Nov Northwood L 1-6 111 Hayes Herd Byron Pedro Jessop Gardiner Rus Kiangebeni Oyeniran1 Gymer Weyman Brown1

Sa 7 Dec Marlow L 1-0 111 Malone Herd Byron Pedro Jessop Gardiner Rus Kiangebeni Oyeniran1 Gymer Weyman Brown1

Tu 10 Dec Chipstead L 6-0 42 Malone Herd Brown2 Pedro Jessop Gardiner Rus3 Kiangebeni Oyeniran1 Gymer Weyman Odeh1; Batt2;

Fuma3

Sa 14 Dec Bedfont Sports L 1-4 125 Malone Herd Fuma JThompson Jessop Gardiner Batt Kiangebeni Odeh Gymer1 Weyman Brown1

Th 26 Dec FC Romania L 2-1 102 Hayes Fuma Byron Pedro Jessop Gardiner Cue Herd Odeh1 Gymer Weyman2 Oyeniran1; Brown2

Sa 28 Dec Barking L 4-1 68 Hayes Fuma Byron Herd Jessop Gardiner Weyman Batt Odeh Gymer Cue1 Ogbonna1

Sa 4 Jan Hanwell Town L 0-3 220 Hayes Pett Fuma Pedro Jessop Gardiner2 Cue Batt Odeh1 Gymer Ogbonna3 Weyman1; Brown; Oyeniran3

Sa 11 Jan Bracknell Town L 2-0 188 Hayes Herd Byron Pedro Gardiner Jessop Cue Pett Oyeniran3 Gymer2 Ogbonna1 Weyman1; Brown;

Odeh3

Sa18 Jan Staines Town L 4-1 141 Hayes Herd Byron Pedro Gardiner Jessop Brown Fuma Cue Gymer Weyman1 Ogbonna1

Sa 25 Jan Chertsey Town L 6-1 308 Hayes Herd Byron Jewers Gardiner Jessop Brown Batt Cue Gymer Ogbonna

Sa 1 Feb Harlow Town L

Tu 4 Feb Chalfont St Peter L

Sa 8 Feb Marlow L

Sa 15 Feb Bedfont Sports L

Sa 22 Feb Chipstead L

Sa 29 Feb Ashford Town (Mdx) L

Sa 7 Mar Ware L

Sa 14 Mar Uxbridge L

Sa 21 Mar Westfield L

Sa 28 Mar Bracknell Town L

Sa 4 Apr Tooting & Mitcham L

Sa 11 Apr Waltham Abbey L

Mo 13 Apr FC Romania L

Sa 18 Apr Northwood L

Sa 25 Apr South Park L

League Table

Pld. GD Pts

1 Ware 23 +29 47 (promotion)

2 Hanwell Town 22 +30 45 (play- offs)

3 Westfield 21 +36 44

4 Uxbridge 22 +20 41

5 Waltham Abbey 23 +26 41

6 Tooting & Mitcham 20 +23 40

7 Barking 23 +6 37

8 Chertsey Town 22 +20 36

9 Bracknell Town 21 +13 35

10 Chipstead 22 +8 33

11 Harlow Town 23 -9 31

12 Marlow 20 +4 29

13 Bedfont Sports 23 -5 29

14 Chalfont St Peter 23 -9 29

15 South Park 21 -3 27

16 Hertford Town 23 -39 17

17 Staines Town 21 -19 13

18 Northwood 22 -41 13

19 FC Romania 23 -43 12

20 Ashford T. (Mdx) 22 -39 10 (relegation play-off)

(before 28 / 01 /20)

Non-league matters

3G or not 3G?

Our visitors today, Harlow Town, are one of a growing number of non-league clubs with an artificial playing surface. Our even-nearer neighbours Ware have also ‘gone 3G’ as have South-Central rivals Bedfont Sports and many other clubs in the pyramid, including Sutton United and Maidstone. It is no secret that many at Hertford Town would like us to follow suit.

An artificial playing surface is an expensive outlay but in the long run is undoubtedly a great investment. The potential for hiring out the pitch is almost limitless and ongoing pitch maintenance costs are also greatly reduced. Hence an artificial pitch provides a great income stream and this is probably the biggest attraction for non-league clubs who have gone down this road. Another potential gain from the investment, though, comes from the fact that a perfectly even and weather-proof playing surface lends itself to better football. Ben Herd is on record as saying that Hertford’s great performance at Ware earlier in the season was as a result of the surface suiting our short-passing game.

A downside of installing an artificial playing surface for non-league clubs, though, is that- as things stand- you would not be able to progress to the football league with such a pitch. If Sutton United were to be promoted from the National League they would have to dig up or abandon their current pitch. Whilst such a dilemma is some way off for Hertford Town, the reason for the League’s lack of enthusiasm for artificial surfaces does rest in another concern at moving away from grass; the pitches are not always an improvement from the natural option. Artificial pitches are legal and widely used in the Scottish League but not without controversy. Celtic and Rangers have been highly critical of Kilmarnock’s playing surface which- from the armchair perspective of this fan- does seem to resemble the awful plastic pitches laid by Luton and QPR in the ‘80s which turned the Football League against this development. However, it has to be admitted that Ware’s pitch is way better than Kilmarnock’s is and QPR’s was and if there is anyone out there interested in financing such a surface at the Acre Cars stadium we would love to hear from you!

Hertford Pen Pics Nick Hayes – Nick is on loan from Premier League side Norwich City. A very talented

young keeper, Nick is an England youth international.

Ben Herd – Player/Manager Ben is an experienced right-back who started his career

at Watford before amassing 400 football league appearances for Shrewsbury and

Aldershot.

Andrei Rus – talented young right back, Andre made his Isthmian League debut at 16

for Potters Bar Town.

Toby Byron- classy, attack-minded left back previously with Luton Town.

Nathan Fuma- versatile and technically-gifted young full back, equally at home on

either flank.

Max Jessop – Teenage central defender starting only his second season in senior

football, played last season at Hatfield. Played his youth football at Potters Bar Town.

Sam Whiting – A tenacious left back with good experience, Sam had previously

played with Ware and Aylesbury.

Harvie Gardiner- Strong, commanding Centre Back formerly at Hendon and Real

Betis

Sukru Can Yildiz – Can is a strong, effective central defender who previously played

for Enfield Borough and Potters Bar.

Isaac Pedro – Strong and technically gifted young midfielder, Isaac made his senior

football debut last year at Broxbourne Borough.

Elias Moses – attacking midfielder who was once on the books of Sheffield

Wednesday and Fulham, Elias is an experienced non-league campaigner. Played at

Arlesey last season.

Dane Batt – formerly of Colney Heath, Dane is another teenager looking to make his

mark in senior football. A gifted attacking midfielder.

Marco Merlo – Hertfordshire native who played last season as a professional in the

Czech League for FC Vysocina. Still in his teens, Marco is an all-action midfielder.

Niall Jones – another young player with senior experience, Niall made his senior

debut last season aged 17 at Cranfield. Niall is a strong runner with huge potential.

Luke Gymer – another Hertfordshire teen who played his youth football at

Biggleswade Town, Luke is a intelligent attacking midfielder with great invention.

Connor McBrien – another young player from Herts, Connor played with Luke

Gymer at Biggleswade. Another crafty number 10, who can also play across the front

three.

Ben Weyman- exciting young wing prospect promoted from the Under-23 team

Alfie Cue- roaming goalscoring winger formerly at Dartford and Hitchin.

Sam Belshaw – local lad and Hertford Town fan, Sam is a graceful forward who made

his senior debut at 17 for Hatfield last season.

David Ogbonna- direct, skilful left winger signed from Hendon.

Kit Brown- skilful right-winger formerly at Ware and London Colney

Sam Oyeniran- strong, pacy centre-forward previously with Northwood and Welwyn.

Iken Odeh- Strong, bustling centre-forward formerly with Berkhamsted

Match Reports

Right on Cue: Alfie sinks the Swans

Hertford Town ran out comfortable winners in this basement battle with

Staines Town with a fine performance featuring some scintillating attacking

football. The tactical decision to redeploy winger Alfie Cue as a centre

forward paid off spectacularly as he ran in a hat-trick and could easily have

had more. The Blues unsettled the visitors from the start by pressing them

high up the field and moving the ball around at pace. Cue opened the scoring

within 10 minutes with a penalty after Ben Weyman was tripped and then

twice went close to increasing the lead after scooping a shot over the bar

from a Ben Herd free-kick and firing just wide after being set up by Luke

Gymer. However, Cue did finally double the lead on 37 minutes following a

stunning move down the left. Herd, Weyman, Byron and Gymer all combined

in an intricate exchange of one-touch short passes and back-heels before the

ball was lofted over to Cue to nod home from close-range.

The Swans pulled a goal back early in the second half, when Campbell broke

free and lobbed the advancing Hayes, but never really looked like getting

anything out of the game. Three valuable points were then sealed for the

Blues just after the hour when Cue completed his hat-trick, this time finishing

off a great move down the right flank. Kit Brown and Nathan Fuma

exchanged passes at pace before the latter hit a perfect cross for Cue to

thump home. A further goal from Gymer near the end, drilled in from close

range after a free-kick, sealed a fine win for Hertford and opened up an eight

point gap from the drop zone.

Photo Gallery

Alfie Cue (above) and Luke Gymer (below) netting in the fine 4-1 win against

Staines (Thanks to Ian Bush)

Next on the Road

Chalfont St Peter (Tuesday 4th Feb)

1 Gravel Hill SL9 9QX Car

Leave the M25 at Junction 17 and follow the A412 for Maple Cross. At a roundabout turn right for the A405 and then- at the next roundabout- turn right again for the A412 to cross the M25 (i.e. you have effectively done a ‘U Turn’). In Chalfont at the roads (A412) end turn left on the A413, turn right round at the next roundabout to head back up the same road and then take a left turning for the ground.

Public Transport

Take the tube (Metropolitan Line) to Amersham and then a 105 bus into Challfont. Making a Day of it

• The Chiltern Open Air Museum is nearby featuring displays

illustrating historical building styles and often hosting military

re-enactments.

LINE UPS Hertford Town Harlow Town

1 Josh Bexon 2 Julian Lopez-Cascante 3 Elwin Larty 4 Hugo Odogwu Atkinson 5 Oliver Gnandi 6 Amar Lewis 7 Jeremi Sivi 8 Yanick Kissi 9 Tayo Oyebola 10 Christian Adu Gyamfi 11 Terrell Egbri

12 Charlie Collis 14 Ellis Ashworth 15 Raul Diaz 16 Sergen Erkarslan 17 De'juane Taylor-Crossdale

Nick Hayes Nathan Fuma Toby Byron Isaac Pedro Max Jessop Harvie Gardiner Ben Weyman Ben Herd Alfie Cue Luke Gymer Kit Brown Sam Oyeniran Dane Batt Andrei Rus

Iken Odeh David Ogbonna

MATCH OFFICIALS

• Referee: Joe Woolmer • Assistant Referee: David Jarrett • Assistant Referee: Stuart Lathan