Match Reports

Marlow 1 Biggleswade Town 3

Saturday 28th , 2012

Marlow’s Matchday Cross Bar Challenge Contest.

On a very bumpy pitch Biggleswade made their intentions clear, with both Barnes and Woolf chasing down any pass-backs to the keeper. Using the width of the pitch the Waders put Marlow under pressure, with Lochhead and O’Brien winning balls in midfield. Inside 14 minutes Wader’s lost Darryl Coakley with an ankle injury, replaced by Craig Rydeheard. Against the run of play, Marlow’s No9 Crouch , a cleared ball flew at his feet putting Marlow
one goal up. Continued pressure by the Waders, brought its reward with Woolf chasing down yet another pass-back, this time the goalkeeper brought him down inside the penalty area. The referee immediately showed their keeper a straight red. Woolf’s penalty came over the bar, to be headed home by the quick witted Lochhead to equalise.
After the break Waders continued to pressure the Marlow back four, with an Ashley Fuller special putting the Waders ahead on 48 minutes. The Waders strikers and midfield then laid siege to the Marlow penalty area, with a strange cross bar challenge contest, four strikes on the Marlow crossbar by four different players, virtually all in the same spot !!!..Biggleswade’s control of the game was cemented by Paul Barnes wrapped up the points for Biggleswade in the 82nd minute with a strong 20yard.drive, beyond the stand in goalkeeper to make the final score 3-1.

Crossbar contest winner Ashley Fuller with two strikes on the bar !!!

BIGGLESWADE TOWN 0 v FLEET TOWN 0.
 
Report by Mits.
 
HAS ANYONE GOT A SHILLING FOR THE METER?
 
A week is a long time in football!!! Yes it was a long 7 days ago when I brought you exciting news from the game at Greenford, that perhaps there was light at the end of the tunnel. Alas the Waders performance yesterday firmly switched that off. Wandering from the match day office, scratching my head, what do I write about that game? when I bumped into manager Chris Nunn. The blank or expectant look on my face prompted him to say the following. “We did not have the quality to break them down”
 
Resilient Fleet who beat us on the first day of the season came to Biggleswade with a determination that belies their league position. Being honest Fleet did not offer much of a threat and apart from a dozen goal attempts equally spread through the 90 minutes, the Waders were poor.
 
There is another 7 days before Biggleswade go to bottom placed Marlow but if you remember previous match reports at Marlow, a red kite occupied that space last season. Hopefully Chris Nunn can enthuse and work some magic and come up with a shilling for the meter so the lights can go back on. Up the Waders.
 
Mom Me for writing this report

NORTH GREENFORD UNITED 0 v BIGGLESWADE TOWN 3
 
Report by Mits 14-01-2012
 
Its cold but the sun is shining, the daffodils are shooting and the trees are in bud. The Waders have followed nature and come out of hiding after several months in the dark. Today’s match was the best Biggleswade have played for many a game. Let not a mischievous Greenford supporter give you the impression, that because Greenford were down to ten men after 30 minutes, the result would have been different. The Waders were all over Greenford who could only muster two meaningful shots during the first half.
 
With only one change from the starting line up from last week, Peter Gatti replaced by new boy Mason Blake, the Waders carried the game to Greenford in a very lively half. Barnes, Donnelly, Fuller and Daniel all had chances and with O’Brien trying his luck from distance there was plenty of goal mouth action. On 30 minutes Greenford’s Liam Hind was sent off for a second caution but this did not faze Greenford, they coped very well being a man down, keeping the scores level at half time.
 
It was like a breath of spring air watching the Waders. Playing discipline has been restored and the ball was stroked about with some aplomb. Not too many long balls and the majority of forward passes were to feet. Biggleswade went ahead on 51 minutes an O’Brien shot from outside the box found the keeper beaten down low. Greenford upped the tempo and it was thought that the Waders may need a second to secure the win. The Biggleswade defence were resilient; the back four of Blake, Coakley, Gentle all ably marshalled by Captain Liam Folds played controlled football. With Anthony Ender between the posts the Waders looked very secure at the back. On 70 minutes Ashley Fuller broke into the Greenford area and placed a shot firmly past the keeper to make it 2-0. Biggleswade now made the extra man count as Greenford tired and opportunities came thick and fast. Craig Daniel chasing the ball down robbed the keeper on the edge of the area to tuck the ball into the empty net. Good but sometimes desperate defending by Greenford kept the score line to three. The travelling Waders supporters were pleased with the way the game was played feeling more positive about a possible play-off place. Light at the end of a long tunnel.
 
TEAM A. Ender, M. Blake, D. Coakley, L. Folds, S. Gentle, K. Kilroy (C. Rydeheard), C. Daniel, A. O’Brien, B. Donnelly, P. Barnes (J. Woolf), A. Fuller
 
Mom: Liam Folds

BIGGLESWADE TOWN 2 v CHALFONT ST.PETER 1
 
Report by Mits
 
After Monday's defeat at Leighton the Waders made some changes with Steve Gentle returning to the central defence, Peter Gatti playing at right back, Alex O’Brien back in midfield and Anthony Ender in goal. The game started brightly for the Waders but no real chances were created and the only memorable thing about the half was a series of wayward passes and not a shot on goal.
 
With the second half only minutes old two fine saves from Anthony Ender kept the score line blank but signalled Chalfont's intention to return home with 3 points. After the initial flurry, the game settled to the familiar pattern of the first half with the game being played mostly in the middle of the park. Then it all happened. A precision ball slipped through by Ashley Fuller to Paul Barnes who made no mistake beating the advancing keeper with ease. In the return fixture last year, the Waders opened the scoring only to be pegged back within a minute. Spooky, I know but the same happened today. Within 60 seconds Chalfont equalized through No.7 Lewis Terrell after a real mix up in the Wader's area. Had manager Nunn decided one point was better than none by sending on McGowan and Woolf to replace Barnes and Daniel? That of course did not account for Monday's villain turning hero. As the clock ticked down Brett Donnelly found the ball at his feet only a metre out and he made no mistake from that distance. With the crowd ecstatic with the goal and the possibility of Waders first win in 5 games the final whistle was only minutes away.
 
Retrieving the situation to reach a play-off place may have slipped but best say never, spooky things do happen. Up the Waders.

BTFC Team: A Ender, P Gatti, D Coakley, L Folds, S Gentle, K Kilroy, C Daniel (J Woolf 76), A O’Brien, P Barnes (T McGowan 76), B Donnelly, A Fuller

Mom Brett Donnelly

LEIGHTON TOWN 1 v BIGGLESWADE TOWN 0
 
Report by Mits
 
With all the appeal of a stale mince pie the Waders completed their festive fixtures with another set back. Securing only 1 point from the 3 games making even more difficult, the difficult task of reaching the play-offs in 18 games that are left.
 
Leighton who have enjoyed a good Christmas were looking to take the 3 points and it was fully 5 minutes before Biggleswade entered their territory. The Barnes/ Donnelly combination was working well and both had opportunities. Donnelly had the ball in the net on 17 minutes only to be adjudged marginally offside. At the other end Liam Folds was a real star dealing with Leon Simpson, who is fully 12 inches taller but rarely in the game as the Leighton wingers put the ball in too high or the cunning Folds nipped in to steal the ball. It was perhaps against the run of play that Leighton took the lead on 39 minutes, a miss hit shot that chipped Sam Leggett in the Biggleswade goal. This inspired Leighton who pressed for a second, but for some timely intervention by Peter Gatti and Sam Leggett in goal the deficit at half time could have been greater.
 
Biggleswade came out for the 2nd half kicking up the slope in much more determined fashion. A free kick won just outside the area for handball, somehow got Brett Donnelly a caution. As the players jockeyed ready for the kick the over enthusiastic Donnelly collided with his marker and in the referee’s eyes unfairly, Donnelly was sent off. This altered the course of the game just 2 minutes into the half. Leighton took full advantage and played “keep ball” and successfully so for the next 30 minutes. Kilroy was replaced by Lochhead in the middle of the park and the ever running Paul Barnes back after a five week lay off was replaced by O’Brien. Leighton squandered a hatful of chances during their period of ascendancy and really the Waders never went that close to levelling the match, O’Brien and Lochhead both had difficult chances but on the day, Leighton were the better team and we can only hope that brighter days are ahead down at SG18
 
 
Mom Liam Folds

BIGGLESWADE TOWN 1 v BURNHAM 1
 
Report by Mits
 
Well, it’s New Year, new beginnings and a feeling of optimism. Kicking off early perhaps the players had their minds on the festivities rather than the game. It was the same for both sides cancelling each other out which was reflected in the final score.
 
The Waders certainly had the better of the 1st half but with a shuffled forward line due to injuries, opportunities created by Woolf, Fuller and Daniel came to nothing. The best player for the Waders Alex O’Brien had to be replaced mid-way through the 1st half, with a head injury, Stuart Lochhead taking his place. The closest we came to a goal was a Fuller free kick that went tantalisingly wide of the upright. Due to the injury to O’Brien five minutes of extra time was added. A free kick on the left was whipped in by Fuller and central defender Brad Hewitt met this with his head giving the keeper no chance even though Bayliss in the Burnham goal got his hands to the ball. A satisfactory end to the half albeit 50 minutes long.
 
It was always going to be a fragile lead with Burnham reproducing their recent form. With only 13 minutes left on the clock a free kick from the left eluded all except Adam Dickens who placed the ball firmly past the despairing Anthony Ender in the Wader’s goal. Try as they may the Waders could not find that magic. Bringing on, not so new boy now, Mitchell Cole back after injury, showed us his pace and was unlucky when he was hauled back by a Burnham defender, who was given the opportunity to have the first shower by the referee brandishing a red card. A fair result? Yes, even the bookings were a draw and with Lochhead sent off with 6 minutes remaining both sides finished with 10 men on the pitch.
 
The festive games finish Monday at Leighton kick off 3pm. Up the Waders.
 
Mom - Alex O’Brien for the first 27 minutes. Brad Hewitt for the remainder.

CHERTSEY TOWN 3 v BIGGLESWADE TOWN 2
 
Report by Mits
 
It was no wonder the Chertsey fans were ecstatic, it was only 4 short weeks ago that the 1st team manager left the club taking eleven players with him. Chertsey suffered a mauling on that day going down 7-0 to St. Neots. Yesterday the new manager had put in place a team very capable of giving us the run around.
 
The game opened brightly for the Waders and it was felt that not “if” but “when” we would score the opening goal but as the half progressed Chertsey grew in confidence and on 41 minutes took the lead through Mazzone, firing in through a crowd of players. This stirred the Biggleswade team to action and from a free kick deep into injury time Craig Daniel fired in from a tight angle to level the scores at half-time.
 
Bad news at the start of the 2nd half new boy Mitchell Cole had to go off due to a severe groin strain, replaced by McGowan, which leaves the Waders desperately short of strikers for the forthcoming festive matches. The game was end to end without much of the normal excitement associated with that phrase. As concerns grew from the travelling support Chertsey took the lead after a mix up between Sam Leggett in goal and Peter Gatti allowing Mazzone to steal the ball and score his second of the game. Leggett was injured in the incident and had to be replaced by Liam Folds with Rydeheard also brought on to replace Hewitt in a re-shuffled defence. With a deficit the Waders started to press and were rewarded with a goal from Alex O’Brien on 82 minutes, looking at least to salvage a point. The Waders did well keeping the ball up field and Chertsey were unable to get a shot at the Biggleswade goal until 2 minutes into injury time. A controversial offside was let go and Chertsey scored through the unmarked No.9 John Pomroy, despite vigorous protests the goal stood to make a final score 3-2.
 
The current league leaders are only 10 points in front and with this league so unpredictable the Waders could easily make that up with a good run in the New Year. Up the Waders.
 
This is the last report before Christmas, so can I wish you all a very merry Christmas and see you Boxing Day, kick off 1.30 pm

BIGGLESWADE TOWN 4 v AYLESBURY 1
 
Report by Mits 10-12-2011
 
Both teams came into this encounter with form that denies the early promise. The Waders recent form has not been good with Aylesbury even worse. It was important to start the Christmas fixtures with a win, Christmas? not for another 2 weeks, but our last home game before the big chap in the red suit appears, so for me it has started especially as my wife is putting up the decorations and any minute am expecting a cry of “the lights don’t work”
 
Biggleswade started with the early push bombarding the Aylesbury goal but not able to secure a lead. I counted four or five chances that went begging. A feisty match as games between us and Aylesbury certainly are. There were 2 Waders names in the book before new boy Mitchell Cole opened his account knocking in a rebound that came back off the keeper. A series of Aylesbury injuries and other stoppages seemed to take up the rest of the half and it was a nervous Waders team that went in at half time with a slender lead.
 
After the break Aylesbury were very much contained but it still took Donnelly 20 minutes to double the lead knocking in from a corner. Aylesbury upped the pace and scrambled a goal over the line accredited to No.10 Jamie Rudd although it seemed more to be an own goal such was the confusion on the Waders goal line. McGowan and Rydeheard replaced Cole and Lochhead to sure up the mid-field through to 90 minutes. With Aylesbury pressing the game opened up and Tom McGowan served up his early Christmas cracker which even the Aylesbury fans applauded. The ball came back to McGowan standing outside the box and in one movement sent a rocket ship of a ball crashing into the Aylesbury net. The game was over but with never say die Aylesbury spaces opened with Donnelly and Daniel both having runs at goal only to be thwarted as they approached the box. Finally Daniel was in the clear and made no mistake with a low shot to beat the keeper.
 
What appeared an easy win was really the result of shear persistence from Biggleswade and that will have to do until we get back to some of the early form.

NORTHWOOD 3 v BIGGLESWADE TOWN 0
 
report by Mits 03-12-2011
 
Apologies for no report last week, back now though with a sharp pencil and new pad.
 
The games I go to and that is the majority, I have a very positive frame of mind and expect the Waders to come away with a win, not always in style but a win. What happened yesterday was not really worth writing about but I thought we may need to put down some hard facts in black and white. We can then realise what is happening to a team that could not help but win until the back end of September at Chalfont, where we dropped the first points in seven games.Since then, Played 11, won 2, drawn 5 and lost 4. Out of a possible 33 points the Waders have secured 11.
 
The first half yesterday at Northwood was a “normal” Wader’s performance pressing hard for the early break with Barnes and new boy Cole looking sharp. It was against the run of play that Northwood took the lead on 36 minutes after a mix up in the Wader’s area. At half time it seemed all to play for. With enforced changes at half time, Waders lost their way and 2 more goals sealed an easy win for Northwood who played well and deserved the three points.

RUGBY TOWN 3 v BIGGLESWADE TOWN 2
 
Report by Mits 22-11-2011
 
I wont embarrass the gentleman who came up to me afterwards by telling you his name, a very experienced authority of football at this level with an impartial view and said “That was the best game I have ever seen in the Southern league.” High praise indeed. For the football fan it contained the lot.
 
The start delayed by an incident on the M1 motorway preventing some of the team from arriving on time, the match eventually kicked off at 20.15, thirty minutes late. On a cold evening both sides seemed up for the game and it was end to end with the Waders just having the edge. 32 minutes gone and a speculative shot from O’Brien found the back of the net to make 1-0. The lead held for only six minutes when a corner came in and through a melee of players somehow No.15 Fagan got the ball over the line to make a 1-1 scoreline at half time.
 
The story of the second half was very much of the same end to end game with the Waders still holding the aces and the more likely to break the deadlock. A speculative long ball found the Waders defence flat footed and it needed, according to the referee, a pull on a Rugby Town shirt to prevent a goal scoring opportunity. A penalty awarded, Sam Leggett did well to parry the first attempt only for No. 11 Luke Keen to put in the rebound. Waders upped the pace with Barnes, Donnelly, Daniel and Fuller all creating but not able to finish. A jinking run from Rugby No.6 Miller who shot from outside the box catching Leggett off guard to make it 3-1. It seemed all over but on 87 minutes Donnelly clawed one back. Press as they did the Waders were leaving gaps at the back and Fagan after running half the length of the field pushed the ball past Leggett for a certain goal. From nowhere appeared Darryl Coakley to clear the ball off the line back to Fagan who try as he may could not get the ball in the net. Despite nearly 5 minutes of time added, Biggleswade could not find the elusive goal but can take heart a fine performance.
 
Mom Darryl Coakley

BIGGLESWADE TOWN 1 v SLOUGH TOWN 1
 
Report by Mits 19-11-2011
 
 
Easily the most competent team to have visited the Carlsberg stadium this season, table topping Slough gave the Waders a great test for their new found confidence. Although at the end of the first half my report sheet was blank that only indicated the lack of goal scoring opportunities. The defence on both sides were more than up for the job and although the play was end to end which made the game quick and full of excitement, no clear attempts on goal came during the first half.
 
As the first half ended so the second began each team cancelling each other out. Hewitt, Gatti, McGowan and Coakley, not forgetting Sam Leggett in goal all played their part in thwarting Slough. With the Waders really needing the three points Manager Nunn put on, back from injury, Paul Barnes and new signing Mitchell Cole to try to create that one chance required. No sooner had the change been made, when a Slough corner resulted in a mystery penalty, well mystery to the crowd. It appears that a Biggleswade player had lifted his boot too high. The penalty converted by Danny Burnell gave Sam no chance in the Wader’s goal. Straight from the kick off the Waders equalised through O’Brien after the ball had ricocheted around the Slough area. The game on paper had always looked a draw and finishing 1-1, honours even.
 
Mom Bradley Hewitt

BIGGLESWADE TOWN 3 v WOODFORD UNITED 1
 
Report by Mits 15-11-2011
 
A determined Woodford side came to the Carlsburg stadium tonight and found an equally determined Waders team ready to do battle to put themselves back into a top four position in the league. An unchanged Waders side from the starting line up at Bedfont started well but with Woodford always being difficult to beat it was very much cut and thrust. On 14 minutes a mix up in the Woodford defence saw the ball fall to Stuart Lochhead who placed the ball firmly between the sticks to make it 1-0. Woodford always looking dangerous in attack levelled the score with a jinking run from No.9 Alfie Taylor, whose shot went in off the post. “Cut and thrust, to and fro” both adequately describe the game and as the teams went in at half time the crowd eagerly awaited the second half.
 
The football feast so anticipated in the first half materialised in the second. On this form not too many would live with the Wader’s forwards. Craig Daniel turning on the magic ably assisted by Woolf , Donnelly, Fuller, Lochhead and Rydeheard. The only disappointment being that Craig did not increase his goal tally. Certainly the crowd were appreciative. It was no suprise that a second goal came ten minutes after the re-start, a cross from Woolf found Donnelly’s head, who made no mistake from close range. The suprise was, that we had to wait another 30 minutes for the goal that confirmed the win. Woodford always dangerous in attack kept the contest alive with the few attacks mustered but with gaps opening up at the back a ball from McGowan, on as substitute for Fuller, provided a telling ball which saw Woolf bearing down on the Woodford goal. Jon Woolf made no mistake as he lashed the ball past the keeper to make the game another win for the Waders.
 
Mom Craig Daniel

BEDFONT TOWN 1 v BIGGLESWADE TOWN 3
 
Report by Mits 12-11-2011
 
For the plane spotters this is the ideal ground. Planes were so early into their flight that the wheels were being retracted as they flew overhead. The noise incredible, one Bedfont committee member did admit that the planes favour the home side used to the level of noise from above. A plane every 45 seconds means an awful lot went over in the 90 minutes. I will let you do the maths.
 
After the game at Hitchin on Monday it was important for the team to carry on with the progress made with a solid team performance. The first half can be interpreted as a team getting back to winning ways but for long periods spent in the Bedfont half only one worth while goal effort was recorded. Brett Donnelly controlling the ball turning 180 degrees and firing off a shot that the keeper did well to save. At half-time 0-0 and a rest for the ears albeit only muffled by being indoors.
 
After the break the game livened up with more purpose from both teams. On 51 minutes a loosely controlled ball by a Bedfont defender allowed Craig Daniel to run in and “nick” the ball and fire off a shot from a very tight angle to make it 1-0. Almost immediately Bedfont raced down the other end to score with a well taken goal from No.9 Scott Lee. More pressure from the Waders which was giving Daniel and Woolf space to work in. It was no suprise after 66 minutes that a ball from Rydeheard found Donnelly free in the box, who made no mistake from 6 yards. With a 2-1 lead, Manager Nunn sent on McGowan and O’Brien to replace Woolf and Fuller to consolidate the midfield. It really was all Waders now and a third goal came in injury time. McGowan sliding a ball through to Daniel who easily chipped the advancing keeper to make a final score of 3-1. Not out of the woods yet but a much better performance.
 
Mom Craig Rydeheard
 
And the answer to the question at the top. 120 planes

HITCHIN TOWN 5 v BIGGLESWADE TOWN 4 AET
 
Report by Mits 07-11-2011
 
Bruised and battered the Waders turned out for this Red Insure cup match to face a Hitchin Town fielding their first team. Major changes were needed after Saturday and Manager Nunn made six to the starting line up. Knee jerk reaction or planned? Whatever the answer with all the best laid plans the proof of the pudding..........................
 
I am not intending to report goal for goal but what I can tell you is that the team played their best football of the season to date. Every one of the eleven fielded wanted and called for the ball, playing for each other to restore some pride. The selection worked and for long periods the Waders outplayed the “alleged” superior team. However, against the run of play Hitchin took the lead on 37 minutes through No.11 Lewis. This did not dent the Wader’s spirit, continuing to press. 1-0 at half-time and all to play for.
 
With the second half only minutes old, sloppy marking from a free kick allowed an unmarked Louis Lee to head into an unguarded net. Had the Waders lost their way over half time? It certainly looked like it for ten minutes the momentum had gone but with the first attack Fuller bundled the ball over the line at the far post. Momentum increased and Biggleswade could sense an upset with Hitchin on the back foot. A Fuller special caused mayhem in the Hitchin defence with the ball going between defender and keeper to make the score 2-2. With the inclusion of substitute Gentle an aerial attack changed the game and the Waders had the ball in the net on 89 minutes only to be ruled out for a previous foul. At 90 minutes and 2-2, extra time was required. Right on half time of extra time Arlick made it 3-2. four minutes in and Lochhead on for Woolf powered a shot into the roof of the net 3-3. Another 3 minutes and Cole restored the lead, 4-3. The Wader’s faithful thought it all over, another 3 minutes and Gentle makes it 4-4. four minutes this time and Frendo makes it 5-4. Relief for the home crowd? No, they had to suffer while the Biggleswade forwards gave it the last shot with Bennett making 2 tremendous saves in succession to deny the penalty shoot out.
 
A defeat maybe, but encouragement that perhaps we reached the lowest ebb last week and now the only way is UP, THE WADERS.

BIGGLESWADE TOWN 2 v BEDWORTH UNITED 4
 
 
The Waders are going to have to dig deep after this latest debacle. One of the management team told me afterwards that we all need to pull together and work for one another to get us through this torrid patch.
 
And torrid it was. 9 minutes in and a penalty needlessly conceded was converted by Spencer. Twenty minutes later and an own goal put Bedworth firmly in the driving seat. Waders long ball game was easily taken out by the tall Bedworth defenders and very few chances were created. Then, at last some ball played on the floor proved winners with Donnelly scoring twice in as many minutes before half time to level the scores.
 
After the break the crowd anticipated but both teams seemed content to put the ball high where defences were dominant over the opposing forwards. Then a mad 5 minutes which saw Liam Folds sent off for a second bookable offence. The resulting penalty again converted by Spencer. A corner from the right saw Steve Gentle dismissed for a foul on Bedworth No.9 Robinson, the penalty converted by Spencer completing his hat trick. With 9 men chasing the game, the one positive note is that Bedworth did not score again and a final score of 2-4 flattered the visiting team.
 
Mom Peter Gatti

UXBRIDGE 1 v BIGGLESWADE TOWN 0
 
Report by Mits 29-10-2011
 
 
Back from the half-term break so apologies for no reports on the last two games, results can be checked on the website. What to write what to say? Games like this are not easy for the amateur hack. For the past few games the Waders have lost the shine that put the team at the top of the league. I am sure there is plenty of advice being bounded around but it is Chris Nunn who holds the duster to bring winning ways to a team that deserve better.
 
Uxbridge were in front as early as four minutes after Dean Bull had punched clear only as far as Stuart Farrell who volleyed the ball straight back past the out of position goalkeeper. At 1-0 the Waders gathered some momentum and were unlucky through Daniel and Fuller with the best chance falling to Stuart Lochhead, a header at the near post. At the other end the Wader’s defence seemed unusually fragile and it was only luck that kept the score to one.
 
The second half, much the same story Uxbridge hit our post twice and Daniel had a fierce header rebound back off the bar. The game was worn out after 80 minutes when captain Steve Gentle added that extra man upfront which created chances that the Waders forwards were unable to convert. It did make for an exciting ending but still a loss.
 
The one sad note is that Harry Hunt suffered a fractured ankle during the game, We wish him well and a speedy return.

BIGGLESWADE TOWN 1 v BARTON ROVERS 1
 
Report by Mits 15-10-2011
 
No fancy headlines, infact I have had as hard a job writing this report as the Waders had trying to overcome a resilient Barton Rovers. There was not much to commend this dour meeting of local rivals. Barton came for a win and the Waders thought it all over before the first whistle.
 
The opening ten minutes was as usual all Biggleswade doing everything but score. At the other end after the initial Wader advance Barton got to the pace and brought out of Dean Bull his greatest ever save. If the MoTD cameras had been there it would have replayed it over and over. A header from close range, and I mean close was pushed away with Bull’s outstretched right hand to prevent a certain goal. Imagine his frustration when the ball was whipped back only to catch Daniel Flack and fly into the net to give rovers the lead. Speaking afterwards to Dean Bull, he told me it was his best yet.
 
The battle continued with pressure from Barton not letting a Waders team get into its stride. It was fully 20 minutes into the second half when Fuller netted from a Gatti cross to level the scores. A relief to the local support. Rovers and Waders went at each other but no clear chances were created. It turned into a bad tempered affair with the referee issuing warnings to both sides.
 
At the end both sides were happy to come of with a point but perhaps the Waders felt they lost two rather than gained one.
 
 
Mom Dean Bull

FA TROPHY PRELIMINARY ROUND
 
QUORN 0 v BIGGLESWADE TOWN 5
 
Report by Mits 08-10-2011
 
No sooner had we finished with the FA cup than the FA trophy pops up. The Waders visited Quorn a town just north of Leicester (for those who did not know, and there were some on the team bus that did not). Fortunately the driver did and we arrived with plenty of time to prepare.
 
The first fifteen minutes of play saw the teams coming to terms with each other and neither had a worthwhile attack or shot that was on target. Gradually and it was slow the Waders took control of the game with all departments winning their personal battles. On 33 minutes O’Brien slipped the ball through the oncoming defence to Brett Donnelly who had no trouble beating the advancing keeper. From here on it was all Biggleswade and the only surprise was that there was no further score in the half.
 
The second half began as the first had ended. It was all Waders but it took fifteen minutes before the second goal went in via that man Brett Donnelly, again. The flood gates now opened. With Dean Bull a mere lonely spectator, all the action was happening at the other end of the pitch. Donnelly, being his usual nuisance self was fouled in the box and a penalty given. Kris Matthews took a strong line with the ref and earned himself a yellow card. Jon Woolf, watched by his parents, stepped up a put the spot kick away. 0-3 but not the end of the incident, Matthews then spoke out of turn and was sent off. With Quorn down to ten men, Biggleswade eased off the gas but not before Harry Hunt scored from close range. With the game won, Manager Nunn sent on Fuller,Freshwater and McGowan to stretch the legs and it was only minutes before Fuller came up with one of his trade mark goals, low into the bottom corner with venom. With the final whistle a 5-0 scoreline was more than enough to take us to Ilkeston on the 22nd of October for the next round.
 
Mom Brett Donnelly

LEATHERHEAD 2 v BIGGLESWADE TOWN 1
 
FA CUP 2ND QUALIFYING REPLAY
 
Report by Mits 05-10-2011
 
The Waders dreams of Wembley came to a halt tonight at the hands of Leatherhead, cup giants of the past. In a “bad” tempered match reflective of both teams wanting a win to progress through to an away game at Billericay.
 
Leatherhead were certainly at the pace from the off pressurising the Wader’s goal but with Dean Bull in fine form were unable to get the break. Biggleswade had their moments but no clear chance to break the deadlock. On 38 minutes Leatherhead had a corner and with Steve Gentle not being allowed back on the pitch after treatment from the physio, Chris Boulter the Leatherhead No. 4 took full advantage and powered a shot into the top corner. Despite protests at Gentle’s absence the goal stood to make it 1-0 at half-time.
 
With the 2nd half underway the match was finely balanced with both teams attacking the Waders desperate to make up the deficit. A second goal for Leatherhead from No.11 Greg Andrews seemed to put the tie beyond the Waders grasp. Enter Jon Woolf whose tricky run into the Leatherhead area saw him brought down. The resulting penalty converted by Woolf set the tie back on a knife edge. Leatherhead were unable to cope as wave after wave of Biggleswade players surged forward. Another penalty could and should have been awarded as Steve Gentle ran past his markers only for the referee to deny the appeal. It was all Biggleswade in the last 15 minutes, the elusive equaliser just could not be found.
 
Manager Chris Nunn said after the game that he could not have asked more of the team, they gave their all.
 
Just a quick thanks to Team bus driver Les who got us there and back safely. Thanks Les.
 
Mom Dean Bull

FA CUP 2ND QUALIFYING ROUND
 
BIGGLESWADE TOWN 1 v LEATHERHEAD 1
 
Report by Mits 01-10-2011
 
Privileged as I was to listen to Manager Chris Nunn’s pre-match talk to the players, Chris reminded the team that just because Leatherhead’s league form has been less than impressive, with a new manager and a level above us any complacency could see the Waders out of the cup by half-time. Upsets are rare and you always have to bet on the team playing at a higher level and with the history Leatherhead have in the FA cup, it was never going to be easy.
 
Biggleswade started brightly pinning Leatherhead in their own half for the first ten minutes of play but not creating a clear cut chance to repeat the usual habit of scoring early. Leatherhead got into their stride and dominated the remainder of the first half without really testing Dean Bull in the Wader’s goal. At half-time with no score, all to play for in the second half.
 
The game of two halves? Yes Biggleswade came out with renewed purpose and what Leatherhead did in the first 45 minutes, the Waders now repeated with constant pressure on the Leatherhead goal. A stunning free kick from Kevin Kilroy brought out the best in Chico Ramos the leatherhead keeper who tipped the fierce shot over the bar. Within minutes Ashley Fuller found the back of the net with a curling free kick from just outside the box. With less than twenty minutes to go and the Waders not changing the playing style it looked as though victory was in sight. With a very rare attack Leatherhead managed to score through Kev Terry in time added on.
 
A fair result on the day which sees the Waders travel to junction 9 M25 on Tuesday evening for the replay. Manager Nunn said afterwards “ We played well and we are in the hat for Monday’s draw, which could just be the motivation for the Waders to go and finish the job” Well said Chris. Check out the website for our next opponents late Monday afternoon.
 
Mom Ashley Fuller

CHALFONT ST. PETER 1 v BIGGLESWADE TOWN 1
 
Report by Mits 27-09-2011
 
The winning run of 7 games came to an end this evening when the Waders visited the fast running Chalfont side newly promoted to our league. It was fast and furious with both sides creating chances but unable to get the ball between the posts.
 
All the action happened in a two minute spell mid-way through the second half. O’Brien picked up a loose ball on the edge of the Chalfont area to put in a low shot that nestled in the far corner beating all on its passage through the goal area. Joy? relief? The Waders faithful did not have a chance to think about the answer before Chalfont equalised through No 9 Charlie Staunton. No goals for 70 minutes and then, two in two.
 
With both eyes set on Saturday’s FA cup match against Leatherhead, players were rested and rightly so. As manager Chris Nunn said afterwards “Saturday’s game is a one off, we have another 33 league games” The Waders still head the table but with the FA cup and Trophy matches being played over the next two weeks it should come as no suprise if our position slips until we get back into league action.
 
Mom Craig Daniel

BIGGLESWADE TOWN 4 v ASHFORD TOWN ( MIDDX) 1
 
Report by Mits 24-09-2011
 
Manager Chris Nunn after the game was convinced that the suprise inclusion of Scott Field in the starting line up had raised a few eyebrows. Being in the stand I have to report that it did and for the first 20 minutes Scott looked to be uncomfortable in the mid-field. Manager Nunn has a made a habit of the “odd” suprise selection coming good and today was no exception.
 
The first 20 minutes or so neither team had much to offer and the crowd were anxious for some goal mouth action, the Waders not playing the fast fluent football that sees them at the top of the table after seven straight wins. On 26 minutes a free kick from Fuller curled in from the right found Harry Hunt, who with the slightest of touches with his head put the ball into the Ashford net. Normal service now resumed with the Waders attacking in their normal flowing style. With half-time upon us, a corner from the left was hit long for Steve Gentle to head back across the goal, a very acrobatic Scott Field with an overhead kick, reminiscent of Wayne Rooney of last season, found the back of the net with a peach of a goal. Half-time 2-0
 
Ashford were easily contained by the Biggleswade back four, led by Gentle partnered by Peter Gatti and the two full backs of Daniel Flack and the ever improving Darryl Coakley in his third match for the Waders, since his late signing. It was Coakley with a great cross field ball that found Craig Daniel running in from the right, taking the ball in his stride to power a low shot passed the advancing keeper. The dust had hardly settled when Coakley with a run up the left, shot from outside the box which was only deflected as far as Scott Field to claim his second goal of the game. At 4-0 the Waders eased with the game won and Ashford seemed a little suprised to score on eighty minutes with a header from Dan Brown which not all of the crowd were convinced had crossed the line. The goal awarded the game played itself out for the final ten minutes to leave a final score of 4-1.
 
 
Mom Scott Field

BIGGLESWADE TOWN 3 v WALTHAM ABBEY 1
 
Report by Mits 17-09-2011
 
There was an air of expectancy around the Carlsburg Stadium today after the win in mid-week that put the Waders at the top of the table. A welcome break from league fixtures to the FA cup first qualifying round. After the scare in the last round against Haringey which needed a replay, the visitors today were Waltham Abbey. Waltham’s league form sees them sitting mid-table in the Ryman south 1st division. I can tell you the mood in the dressing room was high and with the team having a “bonding” evening out wanted to complete the job today to save the possibility of a replay on Tuesday.
 
Its becoming a habit, albeit a good one, to score early and Alex O’Brien netted with his head within five minutes, a floated free kick from Peter Gatti. This added to O’Brien’s brace that he got last week at Barton. The Waltham forwards tested the Waders defence with their pace but a series of over hit balls were easily gathered by Dean Bull back in the Wader’s goal after missing the last 2 games. The Waders were buoyant and were certainly imposing their football on the opposition. Despite numerous attacks we had to wait until the 38th minute for the Waders to double the lead. Kevin Kilroy with a solid tackle came away with the ball and moved forwards to place a dream pass, better than ice cream on a hot day, inside the fullback for Craig Daniel to run onto and place a curling shot passed the diving keeper. Half-time and the game was firmly in Biggleswade hands with a 2-0 lead.
 
After the break Waltham came out to try and rescue the game with end to end play. On 53 minutes Waltham were given a penalty for trip on the No.9 Stephen Crawley who stepped up to place the spot kick neatly into the corner. The “abbey” faithful saw light at the end of the tunnel only for it to be snuffed out 2 minutes later. Straight from the re-start Biggleswade forced a corner, a ball to the far post from Fuller found Captain Liam Folds waiting to power a header right in the angle between upright and crossbar. This deflated Waltham and their efforts were easily thwarted by the Waders sensing victory. With more than ten minutes to go Waltham had given up on the game and became a spent force. The final whistle and the Waders go into the “hat” on Monday lunchtime for the next round.
 
Manager Nunn said after the game “ We were not at our best but an efficient performance saw us through” Check out the BTFC website late Monday to find out the next opponents. A quick calculation puts us ten wins from lifting the cup at Wembley.
 
Mom Kevin Kilroy.
 

Biggleswade Town 4 – 0 Daventry Town
13/09/2011
Biggleswade Town jumped to the top of the table this evening as second placed Rugby Town lost at St Neots and the game at top placed Bedworth United was abandoned due to floodlight failure.
Biggleswade started the game in a much more lively and determined fashion than on their last outing and took the lead on 22 minutes when Craig Daniel shot from just inside the penalty area beating the Daventry keeper with one of his better goals. The Waders were denied a second goal on thirty minutes when some determined goalkeeping and defending denied Alex O’Brien, Harry Hunt and Brett Donnelly whose shots were blocked in a frenzied attack in the Daventry area. The home side pressure continued and just before half time Daniel added his second of the evening.
The second half started with the same tempo with the Waders having the greater possession and midway through the second half Brett Donnelly headed home the third goal for Biggleswade Town. Daventry had a few chances to score but the Waders defence stood strong and Sam Leggett in the Waders goal pulled off a couple of good saves to keep a deserved clean sheet. With the game reaching the final moments the home side won a free kick some thirty yards out and Ashley Fuller stepped up to show how a free kick should be taken making it 4-0 on the night.
On an evening where every member of the team performed well it is difficult to single out one person for man of the match so it is better to say that the team showed why they are now at the top of the table.

BARTON ROVERS 0 v BIGGLESDWADE TOWN 2
 
Report by Mits 10-09-2011
 
Barton Rovers have in the past proved a real ”bogey” side especially on their home patch. The Waders coming into this game on the back of 5 straight league wins and after Wednesday’s FA cup replay always looked favourites against bottom of the table Barton. The game as expected followed league form with Barton not offering much in attack and the combination of Folds and Gentle in the centre of defence were more than a match for the Barton front line. On 15 minutes a ball to O’Brien via Fuller and Hunt was hammered past the diving keeper to open O’Brien’s account for the Waders. The remainder of the half was fairly uneventful and the crowd restless with the lack of goalmouth action.Half-time 0-1
 
With the Waders kicking down the slope in the second half most of the play was in the Barton half of the field. A corner on 55 minutes was headed out only as far as O’Brien who fired back a fierce half volley to beat the keeper with ease. From the kick off the Barton No.11 . Duffy lashed out at Fuller and was shown a red card by the referee. This only encouraged Barton and with only 10 men set about the task of reducing the deficit. Sam Leggett deputising in the Wader’s goal, for the injured Dean Bull, pulled off some remarkable saves to keep a clean sheet. Not the most attractive of games but another 3 points puts Biggleswade into 3rd place with a game in hand.
 
Manager Chris Nunn was pleased with a workman like performance and the clean sheet after last Saturday’s disaster.
 
Mom Steve Gentle

FA CUP PRELIMINARY ROUND REPLAY
 
HARINGEY AND WALTHAM DEVELOPMENT 1 v BIGGLESWADE TOWN 2
 
Report by Mits 08-09-2011
 
If I was asked once I was asked a dozen times "What went wrong Saturday?" I still don't have an answer but the Waders turned up on a blustery night in North London to secure a place in the next round against Waltham Abbey.
 
It all started well but a strange case of de ja vu when Harry Hunt put through by Paul Barnes opened the scoring on 2 minutes to put the Waders one up. With a strong wind blowing right to left Haringey enjoyed the advantage in the 1st half. Playing neat attractive football Haringey kept the ball on the floor and threatened the Wader's goal on numerous occasions. The one high ball floated in from a free kick caught Folds and Bull in an indicisive mood and Fold's header looped over the despairing Dean Bull. With the wind meaning the Waders could not clear their lines much further than half-way constant ground attacks kept coming. My thoughts at this time were if we could hold out until half-time, the wind advantage in the 2nd half would favour our fast running forwards. The Waders did hang on and the half time whistle was welcome relief for a pressurised Waders defence.
 
The 2nd half underway and as expected the majority of play was in the Haringey half with chances falling to Hunt, Barnes, Fuller and Daniel but all unable to break the deadlock. Haringey were proving dangerous and played well above their league form. Certainly a young team to watch for the future. A free kick from Fuller on 68 minutes found Barnes leaping head and shoulders above the Haringey defence to power home a "trade mark" header. Relief for the Biggleswade fans. Try as they may Haringey were not able to get a clear chance on goal although at times the Wader's defence were desparate with the clearances. Taking off Hunt to be replaced by Donnelly who harried and chased the ball for the remainder of the match. Well done Brett, his efforts kept the ball at the right end. A final twist,there always is in the best suspense thrillers. Haringey throwing all at the Waders were awarded a penalty after Steve Gentle had brought down Haringey No. 11 Harry Honesty, on 89 minutes. After last saturday's penalty from Joe Staunton, hit so hard and true, the crowd were expecting extra time. Such pressure for Staunton who hit the ball equally as hard but without the accuracy and cleared the bar by a least a metre. Relief, such joy for the Wader's fans. With 5 minutes of extra time to play, anxious minutes that saw the Waders win out.
 
Mom Peter Gatti
 
Special Note: I am not sure if they will read this report but 2 football fans travelled from Gloucester last evening after being enthralled by the report of the 10 goal thriller at the week-end. Well done guys.

FA CUP PRELIMINARY ROUND
BIGGLESWADE TOWN 5 v HARINGEY AND WALTHAM DEVELOPMENT 5
 
Report by MIts 03-09-2011
 
What on paper should have been an easy passage to the next round turned into a nightmare for the Waders. Playing a team with not an impressive league form and a full level below, this was their cup final. They made the most of it and take the Waders back to White Hart Lane(no not that one) on Wednesday evening.
 
The game started well, Waders one up inside two minutes by Tom McGowan and the lead doubled by Hunt on 24 minutes. Haringey found their feet and pulled one back to the give them hope. The Waders stepped up a gear and a second goal from Hunt and a cracker from Gatti fully 30 yards from goal sent the crowd in at half-time confident more goals would come and the superiority show.
 
The Waders came out for the second half content to contain the game and keep Haringey in their own half. This worked for a while but the Haringey forwards were breaking and causing problems. Woolf on for Barnes scored with a shot from just outside the box to make it 5-1 and the game appeared over. Quite what happened to Haringey, I am not sure even though I was there to witness events. In 23 mad, second half minutes Haringey drew level, a disbelieving crowd fearing the worst. Waders were relieved to hear the final whistle and knew to a man that not too many would hold their heads high coming off the pitch. Haringey, well they have gone back to North London not believing, along with your intrepid reporter, the events that took place at the Carlsburg Stadium this afternoon but it will mean the Biggleswade team will be up against a very confident Haringey side come Wednesday evening’s replay.
 

BIGGLESWADE TOWN 3 v LEIGHTON TOWN 2
 
Report by Mits 29-08-2011
 
Manager Chris Nunn made five changes from the starting line up on Saturday with Woolf and Donnelly leading the attack. Liam Folds and Steve Gentle in at the back and Ashley Fuller for Tom McGowan on the left wing.
 
The game started brightly with Waders taking the lead within six minutes, a cross from Fuller finding Woolf unmarked in the area who made no mistake from close range. Not always the way to start by scoring early. Leighton found it easy to expose the Wader’s defence down the left and on two or three occasions the ball moved swiftly across the area to find the unmarked number 11 Lewis McBride, who fortunately did not have his shooting boots with him today. On 21 minutes the ball not cleared, was flighted back in for number 6 Grant Fryer to head home from the edge of the box. Despite the warning signs the Waders continued to play in the same style with a lack of commitment to the cause. Thirty nine minutes in and McBride found himself alone at the far post to put Leighton 2-1 ahead. With the time ticking away to the half –time cuppa, Craig Daniel found some space on the left and from just outside the area let fly. And it did, into the bottom corner of the Leighton goal. The whistle for half-time followed shortly, the teams going in all square.
 
For those late back from the break, a Wader’s committee member included, missed what turned out to be the winning goal. Craig Daniel put through, was bearing down on goal. Cox, the Leighton keeper was swift of his line to deny Daniel the goal but the ball rebounded straight to Woolf who hit the ball firmly into the unguarded net from way out on the touch line. Another early goal just 2 minutes into the half. Leighton did not offer much in attack and really never looked like levelling the score. With the harsh dismissal of Sam Pemberton on 70 minutes the game’s course changed again. Woolf off to be replaced by Gatti to take over at the vacant left back position, the Waders really dug deep with only 10 men to hang on for 20 minutes to the precious lead and another win.
 
One of our committee members believed we had hung on for a point. It was a full 10 minutes after the game before he realised we had won.
 
Mom Daniel Flack cool under pressure for the final 20 minutes.

BURNHAM 2 BIGGLESWADE TOWN 4
 
Report by Mits 28-08-2011
 
With 5 players delayed by traffic, Assistant Manager Martin Field had the easiest selection with only 11 players at the ground for kick off, the remainder along with Manager Nunn were stuck on the M25 and arrived too late to be included in the starting line up. The Waders started the game well with Harry Hunt hitting the bar within 3 minutes. However on 23 minutes Burnham’s number 7 Ashley Smith took an opportunist shot at the wader’s goal, which curled in at the far post. The immediate reply saw the unlucky Alex O’Brien volley a shot against the Burnham bar. Burnham had their chances but were unable to convert easy chances. A free kick taken by Dean Bull deep in the Wader’s half found Brett Donnelly whose pass to Hunt was easily converted on 42 minutes. 2 minutes later Paul Barnes with a jinking run, shooting from outside the box put the Waders infront at the interval.
 
Even though the rest of the players had now arrived no changes were made at half-time. Burnham revived by the interval pressed the Wader’s defence and drew level with a fine effort from number 9 Aaron Couch shooting from inside the box. The waders now decided it was time to put the game to bed and shifted into the next gear. A free kick from Kevin Kilroy out on the touch line was hit like a rocket, straight and true to find Paul Barnes who appeared to hang in the air to power a header passed the immobile Burnham keeper. With Burnham not offering too much in reply, changes were made with Barnes and Hunt off to be replaced by Woolf and Daniel. Waders continued to press and on 70 minutes Woolf broke through a static Burnham defence to find Donnelly at the far post and the easiest of chances made the game safe at 4-2. Despite playing 5 minutes stoppage time Burnham were unable to get a clear opportunity and the game finished with what should be counted as an easy win.
 
Mom Tom McGowan not mentioned in the report but caused problems all afternoon on the left wing.

Saturday 20th August 2011
Biggleswade Town 2 – 0 Marlow
A goal in each half was enough for Biggleswade Town to win for the second time this season and keep their second clean sheet but it could have been more goals at the Carlsberg Stadium.
After some early possession a Paul Barnes cross was met at the far post by Brett Donnelly to steer home the opener for the Waders on six minutes. With the Waders continuing to press a Paul Barnes header was adjudge to have been handled by Tom Willment the Marlow captain. The referee awarded a penalty and Kevin Kilroy stepped up to take the penalty but it was well saved by Matthew Collis the Marlow keeper.
Following this set back there were a few chances at either end as the Waders took a 1-0 lead into the half time break.
The second half started with more of the same with the home side gaining a little more possession and midway through the second half the crowd were celebrating Donnelly’s header when the referee checked with the assistant and ruled the goal disallowed for a push into the Marlow defender. Jon Woolf replaced Brett Donnelly and Harry Hunt came on for Craig Daniel with fifteen minutes to go. With nine minutes to go Hunt broke away from his marker and rounded the keeper to make it 2-0 and celebrate his first match of the new season. The last ten minutes or so saw the Waders keep the ball with few chances either end to speak about.

Biggleswade Town: D Bull, D Flack, S Pemberton, P Gatti, S Gentle, K Kilroy (McGowan 88), C Daniel (H Hunt 76), A O’Brien, P Barnes, B Donnelly (J Woolf 76), A Fuller.

Attendance: 95

Tuesday 16th August 2011
Biggleswade Town 4 – 0 North Greenford United
Chris Nunn stood by the team he had chosen for Saturday’s match who had played well but conceded the dreaded last minute goal. Unfortunately an injury to Bradley Hewitt in the warm up forced a change with Steve Gentle dropping into the centre of defence and Brett Donnelly coming in as replacement for Gentle.
The Waders started off in positive spirit with a number of early attempts on goal, this momentum led to a tenth minute goal for Paul Barnes, which settled the team who were playing with greater confidence. Around 20 minutes into the game the North Greenford keeper Richard McCabe was judged to have handled the ball outside of the area as Barnes was heading towards goal. McCabe received a Red card for his efforts and was replaced by Captain Nick Turner. Despite going down to 10 men North Greenford defended well and it was looking as if 1-0 would be the half time score until Brett Donnelly scored a minute before the half time whistle.
The second half started as the first half with Town attacking and North Greenford defending well but as time drew on the visitors were becoming more stretched. Paul Barnes scored his second goal around twenty minutes into the second half and with a 3-0 lead changes were made as Alaa Oujdi, Tom McGowan and Jon Woolf were brought on. North Greenford made their three substitutions and the fresh legs forced a couple of attacks on the hosts goal with Dean Bull forced into making a good last ditch save to keep a clean sheet. The last ten minutes saw several attacks on the visitors goal but North Greenford manage to block the efforts until Craig Daniel scored the fourth goal for the Waders in the last minute.
Whilst it was an evening of attacking for the Waders a mention should be made about the defence of Bull, Flack, Gatti, Gentle, Pemberton and Oujdi who despite having little to do were solid on the occasions that the visitors attacked and kept a clean sheet.

Biggleswade Town: D Bull, D Flack, S Pemberton (A Oujdi 70), P Gatti, S Gentle, K Kilroy, C Daniel, A O’Brien (T McGowan 70), P Barnes, B Donnelly (J Woolf 72), A Fuller.

Attendance: 91

Saturday 13th August 2011
Fleet Town 1 – 0 Biggleswade Town
A late goal two minutes into time added on was enough to win three points for the home side.
The Waders made their longest league trip of the season as they travelled to Hampshire to face Fleet Town for the first meeting of the clubs. Despite an extended journey due to problems on the M25 Biggleswade started brightly and had a number of chances in the opening half as did the hosts. Bull in goal for the Waders and Andy Bayliss making his debut for Fleet were both equal to the attempts on goal. Ten minutes from the break saw a tight offside decision against Paul Barnes who would have been one on one against Bayliss. The first half ended goalless with the Waders slightly edging possession.
Starting the second half kicking down the slope gave the Waders more chances on goal and attempts from O’Brien just wide of the post followed by a great save from Bayliss tipping an O’Brien volley over the bar and another great save from Bayliss stopping a Barnes header earned the Fleet keeper man of the match from the home club. A couple of substitutions bringing on Stuart Lochhead and Jonathan Woolf for Kilroy and Gentle respectively added to the Waders possession but despite chances at both ends the match looked to be heading for a 0-0 draw until one minute from the end when the ball was cleared as far as Fleet’s Craig Davis who shot from just inside the penalty area with the shot beating Dean Bull.
A disappointing start to the season but we have had bad days before and like before we will put this down to experience and look forward to the visit of North Greenford United on Tuesday evening.

Biggleswade Town: D Bull, D Flack, S Pemberton, P Gatti, B Hewitt, K Kilroy (S Lochhead 78), C Daniel, A O’Brien, P Barnes, S Gentle (J Woolf 80), A Fuller. Subs not used - S Leggett, A Oujdi, T McGowan

Attendance: 142

2010-11 ARCHIVE

NORTH BEDFORDSHIRE CHARITY CUP FINAL
BIGGLESWADE TOWN 2 v STOTFOLD 1
Report by Mits 04-05-2011
After the disappointment of losing in the first round of the play-offs, the Waders overcame a 1-0 deficit to take the trophy.
An unusual line up for the Waders still having players injured or resting, for next week’s senior cup final against promoted Arlesey, one that took all of the first half to find a rhythm and start to play the football that Wader’s fans know the team are capable of.
Stotfold unsettled Biggleswade, their fast flowing style unexpected from a club playing at a lower level. Certainly Stotfold had the better of the first half taking a well deserved lead after 32 minutes through No.7 Taylor who hit the ball on the turn to beat Dean Bull. Press as they did Stotfold were unable to add a second. With the kettle boiling for half-time tea, Freshwater picked up the ball on the left and ran with some purpose towards the Stotfold goal. A tackle that was deemed a bit over enthusiastic was adjudge a penalty and Freshwater sent the keeper the wrong way to make the game all square at half-time. Just as a small note: The fruit cake at half-time in the hospitality room was second to none.
The second half only 6 minutes old and the three subs were on for Biggleswade. Pemberton, Freshwater and Rydeheard making way for Radcliffe, Gentle and Fuller. This bolstered Waders and the attacks were more frequent with very little offered in return and good chances were not converted. One scare for Dean Bull when a looping shot had him beaten and the rebound off the bar was headed over by No. 9 Bnonti. The Waders had the game by the throat but were unable to get the winner. The crowd assuming that extra time was looming did not account for Fuller’s late winner. On my watch we had about twenty seconds to play and although the fourth official indicated two extra minutes, Fuller’s goal was enough to send the trophy back to Biggleswade.
One disappointment there was no cake left. One big plus, on the night the game raised over £600 pounds for the North Beds charity plus all the other monies from previous rounds.
Mom Kevin Kilroy

BIGGLESWADE TOWN 1 v SOHAM TOWN RANGERS 1
Report by mits your away day reporter 25-04-2011

The last game of the season was exactly what it was. The Waders had already secured a place in the play-offs and Soham were playing for their departing manager. Entertainment was not high on the agenda with some scrappy football.
Biggleswade looked promising taking an early lead through Harry Hunt, the ball adjudged to have crossed the line despite the goalkeeper’s efforts to scoop the ball away. After that my notebook is blank through to half time.
The game resumed and Soham were on the offensive and they looked the more likely to score, hitting both the Waders post and bar. The substitution of Hunt and Donnelly for Gentle and Barnes brought together the two strikers who have not played together for weeks due to injury. Both lacked match fitness and despite having reasonable chances finished without their usual aplomb. On 76 minutes Soham had the ball in the Wader’s net to level the score through No.9 Forster. The last 15 minutes was all Soham and some desperate defending saw the game end in a draw.
The Woodford v Daventry game finished goalless leaving the Waders fourth in the table and travelling to Daventry this Thursday for the play-off semi-final. The Wader’s faithful will be hoping that the complacency of the past few games, since our inclusion in the play-offs was confirmed, will be gone and a performance to be proud of, win or lose.

Mom: Sam Pemberton

REBELS WITH A CAUSE.
Slough Town 3 v Biggleswade Town 2
Report by Mits your way day reporter 23-04-2011
Slough Town affectionately known as the Rebels by their noisy following had two reasons to win this game.
1. It would guarantee them a play-off place.
2. The only club that the Waders have not taken points from this season.
On a dusty dry pitch both teams struggled to make an impact. Reynolds went close with a power header from a corner and Steve Gentle back from injury fired tamely at the keeper when through on goal. Much against the run of play Slough took the lead after 18 minutes when Swift teed up the ball to beat Dean Bull with a fierce shot down low at the post. A shocked Waders side now needed to roll the sleeves up and take the upper hand in a match they were more than capable of winning. 40 minutes in and a long throw from Radcliffe found Stuart Lochhead unmarked in the box and his firmly hit shot beat the Slough keeper. Still unsettled Slough gave away a free kick on the edge of their box. James Freshwater taking the kick which was unstoppable into the top corner. To see this goal check out the Slough Town website. Slough were down hearted at half time conceding 2 goals in as many minutes.
On the re-start Biggleswade looked to increase the lead and opportunities fell to Gentle, Hunt , Fuller and Freshwater with most of the play in the Slough half. However, it was Slough who scored with Logie shooting through a crowd of players to level the score on 72 minutes. With Donnelly on for Steve Gentle and Paul Barnes making a welcome comeback on for Freshwater the Waders looked for the elusive winning goal. The more determined rebels had the last shout in the dying minutes when Burnell got his foot to a cross to deflect the ball into the net. Final score 3-2.
Manager Chris Nunn said after the game “ the better team lost on this occasion, we had chances but did not take them” Agreed we were the better team but Slough needed and wanted the win more. Final league game Monday and we will know who we will be up against in the play-offs. Oh!! Ok then at this moment if all stays the same we are away to Daventry on Thursday but don’t bet on it. The fat lady has not started singing yet.
Mom Stuart Lochhead
Team: D Bull, P Gatti, C Radcliffe, M Webster, P Reynolds, S Smith, J Freshwater (P Barnes), S Lochhead,
 S Gentle (B Donnelly), H Hunt, A Fuller

AFC HAYES 2 v BIGGLESWADE TOWN 1
Report by Mits your away day reporter 16-04-2011

Watching the team in the warm up, the lads were certainly on a high and this was reflected early on with some good football allowing Fuller to shoot at goal but without his normal accuracy. After the initial ten minutes Hayes settled and pressurised the Waders goal, desperate defending keeping the score line blank. Donnelly and Hunt were given a rough ride all afternoon by the Hayes defenders who persistently” climbed” all over the Waders attackers without too much protection from the referee. Half time, the teams going in level with all to play for.

With Lochhead on for Rydeheard at the start of the second half and a change of tactics with Hunt and Donnelly playing wide to avoid the constant attention of the Hayes central defenders. On 55 minutes Hunt was alleged to have kicked out at the Hayes No.3 and after consulting the assistant referee on the far side , the referee dismissed Hunt with a red card. Warning bells should have rung as Hayes pressed the one man advantage. With Reynolds replacing the injured Folds the tight discipline of the defence slipped allowing Hayes No.9 Chakadza to score from close range. Hayes constant attacking prevented a Waders reply. Biggleswade faithful were unable to see where the equaliser would come from but on 76 minutes quick thinking Kevin Kilroy took a free kick just inside his own half. So quick that Hayes were mesmerised as the ball sailed over all of them including the keeper and nestled in the back of the net. Even the referee was unsure and it took “for ever” for him to signal a goal. The national press measured the goal at 70 yards. The longest range goal of the Waders season to date. That get out of jail card lasted 6 minutes when tricky winger Aikin made his way into the Waders area to fire off a shot that beat Dean Bull and went in off the post. A final score of 2-1 felt bad but the Waders had not played the football and the score line reflected the game.
A downbeat Chris Nunn commented that the boys had not played well but on a positive note, we have got that performance out of the way and can only look forward to the next 4 games. 2 league and the 2 play-off games. Win all four and promotion is guaranteed.
Mom Kevin Kilroy
Team: D Bull, D Flack, C Radcliffe, L Folds (P Reynolds), M Webster, K Kilroy, J Freshwater, C Rydeheard (S Lochhead),
B Donnelly , H Hunt, A Fuller

ASHFORD TOWN(MIDDX) 2 v BIGGLESWADE TOWN 3
Report by Mits your away day reporter 12-04-2011

Checking the Ashford Town report for last night’s game, they would like me to tell you that the pitch is not always in such a poor condition and has been fine for the majority of the season. Due to lack of rain and the failure of the sprinkler system, large areas of the pitch were reduced to fine soil resembling sand which created the illusion of playing in a dust storm.
No pun intended but the dust had hardly settled when Ashley Fuller, with one of his trade mark goals opened the scoring. The ball coming in from an early Waders corner was only partially cleared to Fuller standing outside the box. With no thought at all, his well placed shot found the top corner. The pace was furious and the Wader’s defence were kept busy by the high looping balls trying to find the Ashford attack. A foul by Folds, which earned him a yellow card, a free kick taken by Nanetti beat the Wader’s wall and Dean Bull to put the match level on 13 minutes. Waders had plenty of chances through Donnelly, Hunt and Fuller but were unable to restore the lead. On 19 minutes Nanetti picked up the ball in mid-field and with a jinking run cleared the Wader’ s defence to put the ball past a diving Dean Bull. There was no let up in the pace and Biggleswade were unable to get into the flowing passing game that has been so successful this season. Late in the 1st half a Donnelly flick from a corner looped over the keeper only for the condition of the pitch to prevent a certain equaliser when the ball did not roll and was cleared. 2-1 at half time seemed reasonable and the crowd had been treated to 3 quality goals.
Those late back from the half time cuppa missed the controversy on the restart. James Freshwater picking up the ball made his way past 3 defenders to put the ball into the net. The referee’s assistant on the far side indicated offside but after consultation with the referee a goal was awarded. Biggleswade were now on the up playing their own football and it was not long before Hunt had the Waders ahead. The ball slipped through Ashford’s defence by Donnelly, inch perfect, into the path of Hunt who made no mistake, Hunt’s second goal in the last 2 matches. The Wader’s started to boss the game and Fuller, Freshwater, Hunt and Donnelly all had shots on target. With the time pressing on Ashford upped their game but were unable to get past Dean Bull, who pulled off one great save in the closing minutes.
Chris Nunn’s comment” A great team performance” and on this pitch a 3-2 win and another 3 points was indeed tremendous.
Mom James Freshwater
Team: D Bull, P Gatti, C Radcliffe, L Folds, P Reynolds, S Smith, J Freshwater, C Rydeheard, B Donnelly, H Hunt (S Lochhead),
A Fuller (K Kilroy )

Biggleswade Town 5-1 Atherstone Town
 
Stunning goals from Ashley Fuller and Craig Radcliffe topped off an easy win for Biggleswade against Atherstone Town.
Harry Hunt opened the scoring in the eighth minute when he burst through the middle and scored a well placed shot into the bottom corner. Dean Bull had to be on top form to prevent Atherstone from equalising. He tipped Tom Weale’s shot onto the crossbar and had to save once again from Weale at a point blank angle.
Jonathan Woolf scored the second for Waders when Hunt’s crossed was powerfully volleyed by Brett Donnelly. The goalkeeper parried but Woolf was able to thump home the rebound. Stuart Lochhead then grabbed a third for Waders just before the break.
The second half provided few chances early on with Fuller and Donnelly having the best opportunities. Fuller sliced a shot that nearly dipped in and Donnelly was able to turn and shoot in the box, but both efforts were saved.
Another goal didn’t come until the 85th minute when Atherstone pulled one back through Tom Weale who scored a simple tap in. Ashley Fuller scored a magnificent fourth when he hit an unstoppable left foot strike past the Atherstone goalkeeper. Craig Radcliffe rapped up the win in style when he dribbled past several defenders and curled the ball in, sealing a great win for Biggleswade.
Man of the Match: Harry Hunt
Team: D Bull, D Flack, C Radcliffe, L Folds, M Webster, S Smith (K Kilroy), J Woolf, S Lochhead, B Donnelly (J Freshwater),
H Hunt, (C Rydeheard), A Fuller

BIGGLESWADE TOWN 2 v NORTH GREENFORD UNITED 0
Report by Mits your mid-week reporter 05-04-2011
It’s never going to be easy playing clubs fighting for survival. North Greenford made life uncomfortable for the first fifteen minutes rushing and pressing the Waders defence with Dean Bull having to be very much on his toes.
After the initial rush the game settled to a procession of Wader’s attacks. Hunt, Barnes, Fuller and Woolf all going close but the feel good factor eluded the fans as the teams went in at half time all square despite Biggleswade having the majority of play.
The second half underway and more of the same good looking football but no end product. Sean Murphy in the Greenford goal was outstanding keeping Greenford in the game. It needed something special; 64 minutes gone and a corner taken from the right by Fuller, found Paul Barnes leaping head and shoulders above all, to head home to rapturous applause. The unfortunate injury to Paul’s ankle as he landed led him to be substituted immediately. On came Brett Donnelly and led the attack with some purpose. A lively performance. Greenford’s only real attack in the second half brought the best out of Dean Bull, diving full length to push a fine shot over the bar. The Wader’s faithful wanted a second goal to wrap it up and Harry Hunt provided this with the coolest of finishes. A through ball from Flack and the fast running Hunt beat the defenders and rounded the goalkeeper and just simply rolled the ball in the net. Cool, Harry cool!!! With the game won Manager Nunn replaced Hunt and Woolf with Freshwater and good to see him back, Stuart Lochhead who has been out for several months. The two subs did not even dirty their knees before the final whistle. Another Wader win at 2-0.
A disciplined and strong performance was Chris Nunn’s take on the game. Patience as well Chris, springs to mind, for players and supporters. Exciting times down at Sg18 with 5 matches remaining the play-offs are becoming a reality.

Team: Bull, Flack, Radcliffe (especially for you Nan), Webster, Reynolds, Smith, Woolf (Lochhead), Rydeheard, Barnes (Donnelly), Hunt (Freshwater), Fuller

BEDWORTH UNITED 0 v BIGGLESWADE TOWN 0
Report by Mits your away day reporter 02-04-2011
Walking down the road this morning with son of Mits, He asked how the Waders had got on yesterday. The reply 0-0, oh! that’s not so bad. Four games in 8 days and not lost. How obvious is that and it had not even occurred to me.
The team are tired after the week’s effort and like a knife, keep using it and it becomes blunt and loses its shine. The long journey to the suburbs of Coventry, a warm day and just about as bare as a team can get with only 3 subs none of whom were 100% fit.
Certainly the Waders were the better team restricting Bedworth to very few opportunities on goal. Biggleswade had their fare share, the best which came after six minutes when Brett Donnelly headed wide. Barnes came on for the injured Donnelly mid way through the half but even this accomplished forward could not get that elusive break. It was going to be one of those days and the Waders faithful concerned that by half time the score sheet was still blank.
The re-start saw a succession of chances by Folds, Hunt and Fuller with the best effort from Steve Smith with a long range effort that crashed against the Bedworth bar. As the time ran down, Biggleswade accepted that a draw was always better than defeat. And so it ended 0-0.
Speaking to assistant Manager Martin Field after the game he said” all the lads were suffering from the punishing schedule over the past 8 days and look forward to a few days rest until Tuesday” Our league position has not altered with other results going in our favour.
Next game at Sg18 The Carlsberg Stadium on Tuesday against North Greenford. Ko 19.45. Up the Waders.

BIGGLESWADE TOWN 2 v LEIGHTON TOWN 1
Report by Mits your mid-week reporter a.k.a. man with no name 31-03-2011

Manager Nunn came to me this evening and said “you know Mits sometimes football is like that, the good, the bad and the ugly” Tonight’s report is going to reflect that, so a somewhat different format.
THE GOOD.  We secured a win and 3 points. All the players came through without injury although a bit jaded after their 3rd game in six days.
THE BAD. That 121 spectators had to sit and watch a match that never flowed and did not get into the momentum of Tuesday’s flowing football against Marlow. You could blame the wind blowing from left to right and you could blame the fixture congestion. Let’s just put it down as one of those games!!!!
AND THE UGLY.  In the previous two fixtures against Leighton Town this season, one league and one Senior Beds cup had seen them on the wrong end of a defeat. Tonight they came with a resolve to reverse that situation. It did not start well for Leighton, a quick free kick on 3 minutes, just outside the box taken by Fuller found Folds unmarked , who put the ball away with his usual aplomb. Few chances were created by either side in the 1st half, the ball mainly high in the night sky. Waders had the better of the game only because Leighton were unable to clear their lines with the strong wind constantly keeping the ball in their half of the pitch. Half time 1-0
The second half with Leighton playing with the wind kept the ball up against the Waders last line of defence. The Waders seemed to accept an inevitability of Leighton scoring and were fighting the tide but denied Leighton a clear chance on goal. Waders created a few good chances with Woolf missing a clear opportunity and Donnelly on for Hunt in the 66th minute put his solo effort wide. On 80 minutes Leighton got the break when Folds was adjudged to have fouled a Leighton player inside the box. The resulting penalty was converted by Alex O’Brian who gave Waders keeper Dean Bull no chance to repeat the heroics of previous penalties against Biggleswade. Strange but true the levelling of the scores settled the Waders with Fuller and Radcliffe combining to get to the Leighton Town line for Radcliffe to cross for Donnelly to head home. At 2-1 it was an anxious last ten minutes but the Waders came through to claim the win that I am sure found Leighton bemused to lose yet again.
Mom Ashley Fuller

BIGGLESWADE TOWN 3 v MARLOW 1
Report by Mits your mid-week reporter 29-03-2011

The importance of having a good squad of players was emphasised tonight , 7 games in 14 days takes its toll on the players. Manager Nunn was able to rest players and still put out a team easily capable of winning.
The reverse fixture back in early February saw the teams managing a 0-0 draw and the feature of my report was the red Kite hovering over the pitch. Both teams wanted to play tonight and it was Marlow who showed the early intention, having the better chances in the first 15 minutes and certainly looked the more likely side to break the deadlock. The Waders with the spearhead of Barnes and Hunt ably assisted by the 2 wide men Fuller and Woolf and the attacking runs of Radcliffe and Flack started to cause problems for the Marlow defence and although the early runs were adjudged offside, Woolf on 21 minutes broke free and put his shot through the goalkeepers legs to open the scoring. Marlow were partially wounded by this and retreated into their own half letting the Waders come on to them. Watkins in the Marlow goal positioned himself well and was able to stop most that came at him. Enter Craig Rydeheard. Receiving a ball from Woolf, Rydeheard, 25 yards from goal let go a screamer which flew in under the bar to earn him a standing ovation, his first goal for the Waders. Going in at half time two up, the crowd expected more when the teams returned.
The second half was one way traffic although the Waders superiority was not reflected in the scoreline, Marlow seemed spent and unable to cope with the pace of the attacking force that saw Biggleswade keep up the pressure. It was only time and a neat cross from Fuller to Barnes, saw the striker’s first effort saved only for the ball to rebound back to him. No mistake with the second attempt. With the game won, Manager Nunn replaced Barnes with Steve Smith to bolster up the mid-field and give the free scoring Barnes a rest before the next game on Thursday.
Unfortunately the game went downhill after a strange refereeing decision saw Woolf get a red card after an incident with a Marlow defender, who equally guilty was only shown yellow. Down to 10 men, Waders set about preserving the scoreline and did a great job right to the end, well nearly the end when Marlow got a consolation goal through Marcus Mealing on 90 minutes. Just a few minutes more and the game was over. Another Waders victory and moving one place up the league to fourth.
After the game, I am sure Manager Nunn thinks about his comment walking across the pitch, said” Pleased with the result, disappointed with the referee” I think we all thought the same Chris. It soured what had been a display of fine attacking football.

Mom Craig Rydeheard

Biggleswade 2-1 Beaconsfield By Sam Store
 
Brett Donnelly scored twice as Biggleswade secured a scrappy victory over bottom club Beaconsfield.
Biggleswade were ahead after just ten minutes when Craig Radcliffe broke away down the left side, taking the ball around three players. His cross was then met by Donnelly who was on hand to head home into the top corner to give the Waders the lead.
Beaconsfield went on the offensive for the rest of the half with the combination of Peter Gatti and Liam Folds needed to keep the ball off the line from a Beaconsfield corner. Matt Seedell almost levelled for the leaders but his header hit the bar. The away side finally got a goal when Adam Bernard cut inside a tapped home a simple finish past Waders keeper Dean Bull.
Biggleswade responded straight after the break and it was Donnelly who scored again, this time from an Ashley Fuller corner. Folds flicked on the corner and Donnelly put the ball in from point blank range. The game then became scrappy with both sides failing to create chances and the tackles flying in from both teams. Seedell had another chance to score for Beaconsfield but once again he missed an easy finish. Seedell’s day got worse when he was sent off for a second bookable offence.
With the away side town to ten men Biggleswade should have grabbed a third goal but couldn’t find the net. Fuller tormented Beaconsfield down the left but failed to find targets with his crosses.
Biggleswade’s best chance to score fell to substitute Paul Barnes who tapped in a Radcliffe cross in the dying minutes. But the referee deemed the move to be offside and the goal was disallowed. The victory sees Waders heap the pressure on the leading teams, whilst still maintaining their belief that they can still achieve a top league spot.
 
Man of the Match: Craig Radcliffe

WADERS GO GENTLE ON ASHFORD TOWN
Biggleswade Town 4 - 0 Ashford Town
Report by Mits your mid-week reporter 22-03-2011

Who could blame Ashford Town for having that little swagger in the step on the back of a 3-0 win against league leaders Hitchin last Saturday and certainly for the first 30 minutes they matched and held the Waders at bay.
Ashford created the best chance of the half when No. 9 Rankin raced into the box to power a header over the bar when it looked easier to score. It took Biggleswade most of the 1st half to break down a resilient Ashford defence. Paul Barnes after scoring 5 on Saturday was looking to increase that total to become the league’s leading goal scorer. One great effort saw Barnes with a shot that rebounded back off the keeper only for his 2nd attempt, a header to skim the bar. On 37 minutes Waders had the luck going with them, when a free kick on the right from Freshwater found Folds at the near post. Just taking the pace off the ball was enough for it to drop into a melee of players for Steve Gentle to prod home a ball that trickled over the line. It looked a tough assignment for the Waders, Ashford playing up to their recent form were more than determined and at half time a slender lead was taken into the changing room.

The half time team talks done, the teams set off on the 2nd half but whatever Ashford’s management said came to an abrupt halt when Waders doubled their lead in the 46th minute. Again that man Steve Gentle was on hand. As the Ashford keeper fumbled, Gentle got his toe to the ball and another “slow motion” ball crossed the line. With Barnes going off injured on 51minutes, enter Harry Hunt who has become a firm favourite with the crowd in only his 3rd start for the Waders. Ashford created chances but never enough to trouble Dean Bull in the Waders goal, the Biggleswade defence looked superb with Paul Reynolds having a great game. The best move of the match involving Hunt, Fuller and Radcliffe saw the latter put in a great cross to the far post, that man Gentle powering in to head the ball home for his 3rd goal of the night. For regular readers you will remember that it was only 21 days ago when Steve scored another hat trick against Soham. With the game in the bag, Manager Nunn brought on Jon Woolf for Fuller and within minutes Woolf had the ball over the line to make it 4-0. It was not the Ashford keeper’s night as he fumbled successive efforts from Gentle and then Hunt before the ball came to Woolf who had the easiest of conversions. Gentle was replaced by Donnelly and went off to rapturous applause from the appreciative crowd. The last 5 minutes was just Waders playing out time and what was expected to be a difficult match proved an easy win at 4-0.
Catching Manager Nunn after the game his beaming face painted a thousand pictures. Chris was very pleased with the performance and especially the quality of players we have at Biggleswade. The squad has depth and the subs bench tonight contained 1st team players not make weights. The boys unlucky enough not to be included on the team sheet, there offering encouragement and support. There ‘s an expectant atmosphere here at SG18, the Carlsberg Stadium and with the end of the season looming who would bet against the Waders?
Mom Paul Reynolds

Biggleswade Town 6 - 2 Northwood
Paul Barnes scored five for Biggleswade as they knocked Northwood for six at the Carlsberg Stadium.
Northwood almost took the lead early on after they were awarded a penalty, but Dean Bull was on hand to save it. Barnes scored his first when he converted in a James Freshwater free kick with a half volley at the far post.
Five minutes later Barnes got his second, linking up well with Freshwater who crossed for Barnes to head home. The hat trick was complete just before the break when Barnes’ shot from outside the area took a cruel deflection sending it beyond the Northwood goalkeeper. A minute later Biggleswade and Barnes had a fourth when he headed in a Freshwater corner giving them a comfortable lead at half time.
The visitors got a goal back after the break when Seldyn Grant scored an easy finish past Dean Bull. However just two minutes later Biggleswade added a fifth when Harry Hunt crossed for Barnes to add another to his tally. Barnes was then taken off to a well deserved round of applause.
There were still more goals to be had and Hunt scored one himself when he headed in a Craig Radcliffe cross. Scott Orphanou got a second for Northwood but it was a mere consolation. Their day was summed up when they were awarded another penalty, only for Bull to save it once again.
Biggleswade’s win keeps them in the play off hunt but the day belonged to Barnes who was the difference between the two sides.
 
Man of the Match: Paul Barnes/ James Freshwater

BEDFONT TOWN 2 v BIGGLESWADE TOWN 1

Report by Mits your away day reporter 16-03-2011

“It’s a funny old game” The highs and lows of football. Elation on Saturday at Hitchin followed by a set back at Bedfont although to be fair, Bedfont have only lost twice at home this season.
The Bedfont pitch could be no nearer to the runway at Heathrow or the players and spectators would have to duck every time a plane, that is every minute, took off. The noise was exceptional and certainly off-putting for your intrepid reporter let alone the players.
No excuses, chatting with manager Nunn after the game his comment was the Waders were not hungry for the result and lacked effort and drive to get the result needed. It is only a hiccup in the chase for a playoff place as we have games in hand .
Waders started the game lively enough although Bedfont were setting a fast pace which unsettled the Waders defence. The Waders had two or three good opportunities to take the lead but all went high or wide. On 35 minutes Bedfont No. 11 Reis Stanslaus broke through the Waders defence to beat Dean Bull with a low shot. Waders continued to carve out the better chances but were just unable to apply that final touch. Half time 1-0
Not much changed after the interval. It was not going to be a Wader night and Bedfont went further ahead after 61 minutes with a penalty from Wayne O’Sullivan. Immediate changes were made and new boy Harry Hunt came on for his debut in the green and white shirt with Woolf being replaced. The tempo upped slightly and the Waders faithful thought, when they could hear themselves think because of low flying aircraft that maybe Biggleswade time had arrived. Kilroy replaced Smith on 71 minutes and 5 minutes later Gatti was withdrawn making way for Flack. A free kick from the Waders right taken by Flack found Reynolds unmarked in the area and his header gave Biggleswade hope as it cut the deficit in half. A frantic last ten minutes in which the Waders strived for that elusive equaliser which even with 4 minutes added just would not come. Final score Bedfont 2 Biggleswade 1.
Not too much harm done with 12 games to play but back to winning ways Saturday. Up the Waders

WADERS GO GA GA ON LADIES DAY AT HITCHIN
HITCHIN TOWN 1 - 2 BIGGLESWADE TOWN
Report by Mits your away day reporter 12-03-2011
Hitchin town have set the bench mark all season but of late the wheels have come off and recent defeats to Barton and Uxbridge have put their season in doubt.
628, the biggest crowd of the league this season were not settled before Hitchin took the lead after 3 minutes when Howell’s looping header from a corner hit the back of the net. The early exchanges saw Hitchin have success down the left side where Gatti was exposed on several occasions. The Waders settled and started to play the football with chances from Woolf, Barnes and Gentle all going close, testing the Hitchin keeper. It seemed only a matter of time before Biggleswade would even up the score. The noisy crowd led by girls from a local school added to the atmosphere and my ears were relieved when half time arrived with Hitchin holding their lead.
The same fixture last season was one of the most exciting I have witnessed even though it ended with a Waders defeat. This game was to surpass even that. With Biggleswade playing all the football, Bull in the Waders goal largely untroubled during the 45 minutes. It was only a matter of time and when Bull put a free kick high into the Hitchin area the heading contest was won by Gentle or was it Reynolds? The result was the ball fell to Paul Barnes who made no mistake from 6 yards. The scene was set for a great final 30 minutes. Wave after wave of Waders attacks came to nothing. 2 good penalty shouts were ignored by the referee. On 71 minutes justice was done when from a corner Reynolds was adjudged to have been felled by the Hitchin defenders. Jon Woolf who had tormented Hitchin all afternoon stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way to score from the spot. At this point Hitchin will have remembered losing to Uxbridge with a late penalty and all their confidence seemed to drain. Brett Donnelly replaced Barnes on 78 minutes and did a great job chasing and harrowing the Hitchin defence. After 80 minutes hero Jon Woolf turned villain getting his 2nd yellow card of the afternoon and having 1st choice in the showers. Manager Nunn always aware sent on Kevin Kilroy to replace Fuller to bolster up the midfield. Reynolds suffering from extreme cramp had to be replaced on 88minutes by Freshwater with Steve Gentle moving back to the centre of defence.
With Waders on 10 men and 5 minutes of added time to play it got a little nervous but the Hitchin forwards could only shoot high or wide when given the opportunity and Waders saw out a great game with another fine win.
Hitchin were magnanimous in defeat and gave the Waders the credit deserved. Reading their website from last season’s fixture and from yesterday I just wish the references to Wader players being former Hitchin players would stop. They are with us now and one can only wonder why.
Catching Chris Nunn on the pitch after the game, not normally lost for words he uttered “PHENOMENAL” Chris, you are not wrong.

CAPTAIN COURAGEOUS AND HIS MEN SEE FINAL GLORY

BIGGLESWADE TOWN 3- 1 LEIGHTON TOWN
Beds senior cup semi-final. 08-03-2011
Report by Mits your away day reporter

I watched as the Leighton Town players came back to the dressing room, disbelieving their fate, beaten by a team who had no recognised goalkeeper, yet only managed to score once.
Dean Bull out of action for last night, injured in last Saturday’s win against Woodford, Liam Folds, I can’t believe he volunteered, was given the gloves to keep at bay a level 4 club in the top half of the same league as the Waders. Courage indeed!
The Waders were faster out of the blocks and far the better side. Manager Chris Nunn had instructed the team to keep the ball up the pitch and away from Folds in goal and to a man they played their part. 19 minutes gone and birthday boy Paul Barnes stooped low to a corner to head in the opener. Leighton did not seem alive to the fact of our goalkeeping situation and applied no real pressure letting Waders dominate the game. On 36 minutes and one of the few attacks that Leighton mustered No.7 Hewitt put a shot past Folds that flew into the top corner. A slight disappointment from the crowd as they thought Leighton had now found the measure but no, Waders pressed on and the lively Jon Woolf on his return to 1st team action after a long layoff tormented the full back. Honours even at half-time.
Leighton’s manager must have given his team a hearty talk for they came out frantic to get at Folds. The whole Waders team has to be admired, especially Reynolds, Gatti, Pemberton and Flack for the never say die attitude. For the next 40 minutes Leighton tried to get a clear shot at the Waders goal. Body after body was thrown in the sometimes desperate attempt to keep the ball away from Folds. With 67 minutes gone Pemberton was replaced by Radcliffe to add that little bit of experience at the back. Free running Radcliffe linked well with Fuller to gain some ground on the left side but were unable to convert the few chances Waders had in the 2nd half. With extra time beckoning and Folds trembling at the thought of the game even going to penalties, a Waders break on the left by Gentle who had earlier replaced Barnes, found Fuller who passed on to Donnelly and from 2yards had no trouble putting Waders in front on 87 minutes. Not long to go!! Leighton played the final card of a double substitution which seemed to take longer than normal. Try as they may Waders found the heart and energy to keep Leighton at bay. A ball cleared long found Fuller who neatly lobed the defender to find Woolf with only the advancing keeper to beat. A measured lob and the game was done.
The whole team deserve praise but if pressed, Mom Peter Gatti

Biggleswade Town 1 - 0 Woodford United
5th March 2011

The Waders continued their play off push with a close win at home to mid table Woodford.
Dean Bull was the hero, saving a penalty in the last minute to ensure Biggleswade hung on to their slender lead.
Paul Barnes put Biggleswade ahead in the 41st minute after a Craig Radcliffe cross caused chaos in the Woodford defence. Barnes capitalised and finished with precision to give the home side the advantage.
Barnes had looked lively prior to his goal, narrowly missing the chance to open the scoring with two one on one chances. Craig Rydeheard also missed a good opportunity after dribbling through the Woodford defence only to have his shot saved by Matt Findley.
Woodford had plenty of chances to equalise and Biggleswade were lucky to survive two goalmouth scrambles. Fortunately Liam Folds was on hand to get the ball away both times. Bull pulled off a magnificent save from Guy Clarks long range effort as the Waders continued to keep Woodford out.
There were few chances after the break but Bull had to be good form again to save Nathanial Liburds header in 53rd minute. The second half proved scrappy with both teams playing long ball tactics leaving chances few and far between. But in the dying moments the referee deemed Peter Gatti to have fouled the Woodford forward and gave a penalty to the away side. However Bull was able to save Chris Jackson’s decent penalty with a dive down to his right. Biggleswade hung on to win and continue the push for the play offs.
 
Man of the match: Craig Radcliffe

WADERS GENTLE TOUCH
Soham Town Rangers 0 - 3 Biggleswade Town
Report by Mits your away day reporter 02-03-2011

The Waders travelled to Soham last evening the fixture rearranged after the Boxing day postponement due to bad weather.
The first 5 minutes was scrappy to say the least, each team getting the feel of the pitch and the measure of the opposition. On 10 minutes Ashley Fuller gave notice that he was back with a shot that rattled, no crashed the underside of the Soham bar and on another day would have ended up in the back of the net. Today it was scrambled clear for a corner. The resulting corner saw Steve Gentle open the scoring on 11 minutes. The Waders laid siege to the Soham goal and it was only desperate defending that kept the score to 1-0. However on 25 minutes Gentle again converted a cross past the diving keeper. Sohams first attack did not come until about 40 minutes gone, a glancing header that flew over the bar but a wakeup call for Biggleswade. The sides going in at half time with the Waders leading 2-0.

The 2nd half started with Soham players back in their shells and Biggleswade making all the play. On 52 minutes passing between Fuller and Freshwater resulted in a shot ricocheting of the goalkeepers legs and high in the air coming down just in front of the bar. Steve Gentle being the tallest by a merry mile had no difficulty heading the ball into the unguarded net, to make it 3-0, game over and his personal hat trick. It was not to be Sohams night. A dubious penalty given on 68 minutes was taken by providence ably assisted by No.9 Luke Hipwell to put the ball well over the Waders bar and into the trees. Justice done. Another purple patch by Soham saw them go close but the resilient Waders defence kept yet another clean sheet.
Chris Nunn was pleased with the performance and especially the 3points which propels the Waders back into 4th place, top of the chasing pack. Special mention for the hard working Steve Smith and Craig Rydeheard in the midfield but man of the match has to be Steve Gentle.

Mom Steve Gentle

BIGGLESWADE TOWN 2 v AYLESBURY 4
Report by Mits your away day reporter 22-02-2011

It is unusual to report on defeat and the last time was way back in late November. I awoke this morning thinking it had all been a bad dream but alas despite having most of the play and great opportunities in the 1st half to bury this game we ended up on the wrong side of a 4-2 defeat.
With captain Liam Folds suspended , the defence looked unsettled and did not have his calming influence. In the time it takes to boil an egg Aylesbury took the lead after a mix up in defence allowed Miller to place a low shot past Dean Bull. Pressure from the Waders drew the scores level in the time it would take to boil a second egg. A long throw from Barnes with Steve Gentle heading the ball to Steve Smith ideally positioned to score with a positive strike. The game was all Waders chance after chance came and went. Radcliffe flying down the wing, beating the full back on most occasions, providing crosses that were not converted. Not until the 42nd minute did Barnes latch on to a ball laid in his path by Smith easily beating the keeper to send the Waders in at half time 2-1 to the good.
The 2nd half was feisty to say the least, each side coming to this game with an impressive record over the season and both vying for a playoff position. 67 minutes gone and Miller cut between the 2 central defenders to hit a fierce shot that cannoned off the underside of the bar to level the scores. Waders again picked up the pace and Radcliffe’s runs down the wing provided crosses just begging for a Wader to get on the end of it. 86 minutes gone and that man Miller completed his hat trick after a real mix up in the Waders area. Try as they may the Waders pushed forward leaving an unguarded goal. With a hefty punt from the Aylesbury goal area, found Miller who ran up field and it was not until Miller was in the Waders goal area that Gatti caught up with him and was adjudged to have fouled the Aylesbury forward. With No.3 Daniel Mead stepping up to put the spot kick past Dean Bull in the 90th minute the game was over.
Defeat is hard to take from any game but with the importance of this fixture, both teams starting on equal points but with Waders above on goal difference, it seemed especially hard to swallow. All is not lost there is still plenty of games to play and if history is indeed anything to go by after the last defeat we went 12 games undefeated and with only 16 remaining games that sort of form should see us, hopefully in the top five and a playoff position.

Mom: Stephen Smith

Biggleswade Town 3-1 Barton Rovers
 
A diving header from captain Liam Folds sealed the win for Biggleswade over Barton. Folds scored the third of waders goals after heading in from a Craig Radcliffe free kick.
Both sides failed to find the net in first half, with chances few and far between.
After few chances in the first half the deadlock was finally broken after the break when a through ball from Stephen Smith found Paul Barnes who took the ball round the keeper for an easy finish.
Brett Donnelly doubled Biggleswade’s lead with a simple finish in the box after a mix up in the Barton defence. Barton got a goal back after a scramble in the six yard box but Folds put Biggleswade out of touch with his diving header.
Biggleswade might feel they should have had a fourth, but Stephen Gentle’s header was ruled not to have crossed the line. Barton had two good chances late on to get back into the match, but Dean Bull was on hand to save both. The win sees the Waders remain in the play off positions with the hope the recent good form will continue.

LEIGHTON TOWN 0 V 3 BIGGLESWADE TOWN
Report by Mits - your away day reporter 08-02-2011

The Waders returned to winning ways last night after the below par performance last Saturday at Marlow.
A fast and furious start by Leighton trying to catch the Waders defence cold saw a couple of chances go begging in the first 10 minutes. The game settled with Leighton perhaps edging it with crisp passing and as the home side, expected to take the lead. As the game went on Smith and Rydeheard began to dominate the midfield setting up the chance for Ashley Fuller to score, perhaps against the run of play, with a trademark goal that kept low and bent round the defence to go in off the post for Waders to take a one to nil advantage at half-time.
The second half saw much of the same with the Waders easily containing the Leighton attack and with a second goal, a free kick from Smith deflected into the net by Donnelly the game was sewn up. Leighton changed their tactics throwing on another attacker to replace a centre back to try and reduce the deficit. Two great saves from Waders keeper Dean Bull frustrated the Leighton forwards. With only a 3 man defence it was no surprise when James Freshwater received a pass from Steve Gentle and easily beat the advancing keeper to make the win safe at 3-0.
Speaking to Chris Nunn after the game, he was pleased with the workman like performance that moved the Waders 5 places up the table to 5th still with games in hand over the 2 clubs immediately above.

Men of the Match; Steve Smith and Craig Rydeheard

WADERS GET THE BIRD
MARLOW 0 v BIGGLESWADE TOWN 0
Report by Mits your away day reporter 05-02-2011
Marlow who conceded five 2nd half goals against Uxbridge last Saturday were only concerned about not loosing. Steadying the rocking defence was a priority and with an under the weather Waders attack the game was always going to finish with no goals.
The best opportunity of the 1st half fell to Ashley Fuller with the goal at his mercy and 4 dynamic goals in his last two matches , every Waders supporter would have put their shirt on Ashley scoring. His usual accuracy was missing and the chance went high and wide. A Marlow supporter commented that I had not written much in my notepad and he was correct as nothing of much note happened and the teams went in all square at half time.
Chris Nunn’s half time chat had some effect as the Waders started to gain momentum with Barnes unlucky with a goal bound shot being blocked on the line. Steve Gentle and Ashley Fuller were all busy around the Marlow area but to no gain. On 71 minutes captain Liam Folds was booked for a foul and received a yellow card followed 5 minutes later with a 2nd yellow for a near identical offence and was sent back to the dressing room. With Gentle now moved into defence to replace Folds the attack lost its impetus and the game finished 0-0.
The headline of “Waders get the Bird” Well during the 2nd half, I am reliably informed, it was a Red Kite, that hovered over the pitch watching the game but did not stay too long apparently not over excited about what was happening below.
The players worked hard at the game and a point gained rather than 2 lost was Chris Nunn’s opinion, with other games ending in draws Waders did not slip too far in their quest for a play-off place.

Mom Liam Folds

Biggleswade Town 5-2 Burnham by Sam Store
 
Paul Barnes scored a hat trick as ten man Biggleswade eased past Burnham in a highly eventful game at the Carlsberg Stadium.
Burnham started strongly and went ahead through a Jordan Dowdican header in the seventh minute. Things got worse for the Waders when Paul Barnes was denied a penalty and Ashley Fuller was sent off for dissent.
However Biggleswade appeared spurred on by the awful opening and found themselves level when they had a penalty shout given, which James Freshwater coolly slotted home.
Burnham almost took the lead when Ryan Bird shot with power from outside the area, but Dean Bull was on top form and tipped the ball over. The Waders took the lead in the 40th minute when Barnes scored a magnificent individual goal. Barnes picked up the ball just inside the opposition half and dribbled past two defenders before cutting inside a slamming the ball in from the tightest of angles.
Barnes had the chance to increase the lead after the break when Biggleswade were given another penalty. However Barnes skied the penalty over the bar. But it didn’t take long for him to redeem himself and he scored his second after placing in Craig Radcliffe’s cross to make it 3-1.
Barnes completed his hat trick in the 65th minute when he latched onto Freshwater’s neat back heel and calmly finished the one on one chance. Burnham provided little retaliation and Stephen Smith added a fifth waders goal late on when he found himself completely unmarked in the box. Dowdican scored a consolation goal for Burnham in the 89th minute but it wasn’t enough to save their blushes as the game ended 5-2 to ten man Biggleswade.
 
Man of the Match: Paul Barnes

WADERS FULLER JOY
UXBRIDGE 1 v 4 BIGGLESWADE TOWN
Report by Mits your away day reporter
22-01-2011
Having not played for nearly 2 weeks the Waders squad were anxious to get going on a dry but windy afternoon in Uxbridge.
Biggleswade started brightly with crisp passing and early efforts at the opposition goal and we only had to wait 5 minutes before Craig Radcliffe scored from what seemed an impossible angle after the initial shot from new boy Ashley Fuller was saved by the Uxbridge keeper. Uxbridge wounded by this early score took the bit between the teeth and went for a very direct approach which the Waders defence had difficulty coping with. The Uxbridge reply after 9 minutes was a rocket shot from inside the 6 yard box by No.7 Stuart Farrell. Uxbridge continued their direct assault on the Waders goal and at times desperate defending was required. 25 minutes gone and some great play between Radcliffe, Fuller and Rydeheard ended with a maiden goal for Fuller, a low shot from the edge of the box into the far corner to restore the lead. Uxbridge continued to press but clear opportunities were now being limited by the Wader’s defence and the teams went in at half time with no further score.
Before the 2nd half Biggleswade chairman Maurice Dorrington asked your intrepid match reporter how the game would end. My thoughts were as new boy Fuller was adding that “extra” on the left and with Craig Rydeheard playing his best game for the Waders so far, the crystal ball said four to one. We settled in our seats to watch the action and the prediction unfold.
One minute of the half gone and we witnessed the most stunning of strikes. Fuller collected the ball on the left and moved inside towards the Uxbridge goal before unleashing a shot that curled round the diving and despairing Uxbridge keeper. The Waders faithful were overjoyed not only by the goal but the quality. Waders were on the up, pressing for more. From a corner on 71 minutes Steve Gentle got his to the in swinging ball to make the score 4-1.
Uxbridge now worked up a head of steam and laid siege to the Biggleswade goal. Dean Bull in the Waders goal made 3 point blank saves to keep the score line and the prediction safe. With 6 minutes of added time Waders held and to my delight the game finished 4-1.
On this form the Waders can have a very big shout in the top of the table scramble for the play-off places and we look forward to entertaining Burnham, who won the return fixture, next Saturday. Up the Waders.
Mom. It would be easy to name Ashley Fuller but I am with Paul Barnes for his contribution and effort.

BIGGLESWADE TOWN 1 v 0 BEDFONT TOWN
Report by Mits your mid-week reporter 11-01-2011

Manager Chris Nunn said after the game “The boys worked hard and got the result they deserved.” On a very sticky pitch, only just playable one has to agree with Chris.
After Saturdays lack lustre performance, Manager Chris Nunn named a team with the 4 main strikers in the starting 11, Barnes, Banks-Smith, Donnelly and Harman. This plan was undone in the first minute when Donnelly had to go off with a nasty cut to his leg which needed hospital treatment. Paul Reynolds came on pushing Steve Gentle upfront to play alongside Barnes.
The Waders forwards created chance after chance only to be frustrated by the Bedfont keeper or just not having the run of the ball. Lady luck has been missing from the Waders play of late and on a mild evening I thought she would have ventured out, but no. At half time Biggleswade went in 0-0 having had most of the play in an entertaining game and the crowd looked forward to the second half with high expectations of a Waders goal.
Manager Nunn was not wrong in his after match comment. The team did work hard. Barnes, Gentle, Banks-Smith and Harman all tried their best to create just that 1 opportunity, while the rest of the team defended stoutly. Dean Bull back in goal for the Waders made a couple of good saves from the rare visits of the Bedfont forwards into the Biggleswade half but frustration was setting in and the time ticking away. With the ball being played out wide to Barnes his run took him past several Bedfont defenders to cross the ball to Harman unmarked in front of goal. No mistake this time as Harman placed the ball firmly between the posts. The crowd were jubilant, what had looked like a point from the game now turned into a possible 3. Bedfont applied the pressure. Their recent form had taken maximum points from their last 4 games. Ten plus minutes to see the Waders across the line and secure the win. It was tense but Bedfont, despite the push could not get a clear opportunity at goal and Waders ran out winners to the delight of the crowd.
I mentioned on Saturday that despite a draw Waders lost 2 places in the league table, this win puts Waders into 5th place, 5 places up and going well. Up the Waders.

Mom Steve Gentle

RUGBY TOWN 0 v 0 BIGGLESWADE TOWN

Report by Mits your way day reporter 08-01-2011

Happy New Year to you all as this is my first report of 2011.
On the form book this match always looked a draw and that proved correct. Post Christmas and New Year blues? Neither team’s forwards had their shooting boots on with most efforts going well wide of the mark.
A game that swung like a pendulum, with both teams having attacking spells but to no gain. Will Viner was in top form to make 3 point blank saves to deny Rugby the win that has eluded them for their past 8 games.
As the afternoon grew colder the spectators tried to warm themselves with some noisy encouragement but even a series of substitutions could not break the deadlock. Lochhead for the Waders hit the post in the 2nd half but that was as close as Biggleswade came to scoring.
Strange but a draw dropped Biggleswade down the table by two places but it is very tight at the top and with the next three games all at home one can only hope that the Waders rediscover the form from before the long bad weather break.
Come on lads give me something to write about next game. Up the Waders.
MotM - Will Viner

Biggleswade Town 2 - 2 Arlesey Town
Report by Sam Store

Liam Folds scored a dramatic late equaliser as local rivals Biggleswade and Arlesey drew at the Carlsberg Stadium.
Biggleswade had started the new year in the perfect way by taking the lead in 24th minute. Craig Radcliffe beat two defenders before crossing perfectly for Lee Harman to finish. The Waders could have doubled their advantage with Harman having a header cleared off the line and Paul Barnes having a goal ruled out for offside.
Arlesey also had their fair share of chances but Will Viner was in top form in the first half, denying the visitors on numerous occasions.
After the break Arlesey managed to find an equaliser when Harry Hunt curled home past Viner in the 54th minute. The next goal didn’t come until the 75th minute when Adam Watkins fired in an unstoppable shot from just inside the box that whistled into the top corner.
Biggleswade pressed in the final minutes for an equaliser with Paul Barnes and Stephen Smith going close. But in the 88th minute centre back Folds scored an unlikely leveller to earn the Waders a point.

BARTON ROVERS 4 v BIGGLESWADE TOWN 2
Report by Mits your away day reporter 20-11-2010

Sometimes the life of the away day reporter becomes very difficult. Having to report on this local derby which on paper and league positions should have ended with a happier report for the Waders.
As with all local derbies, passion should run through both teams with a will to win. Waders’ performance was woeful from the 1st minute to the last. Neither central defender could come to grips with Barton’s No. 9 Leon Simpson who was head and shoulders in height above both Gentle and Folds. As early as the 1st minute Barton had the ball in the Waders net through Russell Bull after Simpson had created the chance. The 2nd minute produced another chance but a timely header from Gatti put the ball over the bar. The initial start from Barton cooled and Waders gained some ground Gentle scoring with a header from a Radcliffe corner on 19minutes to level the score. Ok so we had a bad start but I could now see the Waders go on to take the match. How wrong!!! After 35 minutes Barton scored again through Bull who broke clear of the Waders defence to put his shot past Viner. Going in at half time, 2-1 down.
Barton continued to cause problems to the Waders defence and on 65 minutes scored again through Bull who completed his hat trick. A 2nd yellow card for Donnelly saw him sent off and with Waders down to 10 men any hope of a result disappeared. Barton scored again in the 84th minute through Luke Knight and were awarded a penalty 3 minutes later which Viner saved well, low at his left hand post. A consolation goal by Harman in the last minute of play added some respectability to the score line.
A sorry day for the Waders and on this display can only cause more problems for your away day reporter.

NORTHWOOD FC v BIGGLESWADE TOWN
Report by Mits your away day reporter 13-11-2010

After the disappointment of the mid-week game against Bedworth, the Waders set about licking their wounds with a 1st half of consistent, efficient play to guide themselves back on to winning ways. Banks –Smith, Donnelly and Freshwater all had efforts on goal saved or blocked but it appeared the whole team were wanting to sit back and regain the confidence lost on Tuesday. Northwood did not pose much of a threat and Viner in the Waders goal had nothing more to do than collect the ball from the Northwood long ball game. At half time Waders were happy to go in level with the thoughts of expanding the game after the break.
James Freshwater is starting to get back to the early promise that he showed when first joining the club and it was he that opened the scoring on 55minutes with a shot from the edge of the box from a ball passed to him by Banks-Smith. Great relief now Waders were in front, for Biggleswade were the far better side in this contest and deserved more. Northwood proved to be no more of a threat than in the 1st half and the majority of play was in their half. Hard working Donnelly got his reward on82 minutes when he cleverly chipped the keeper from the edge of the box to make it 2-0. Not over yet, a Radcliffe corner went straight in through a melee of players on 87 minutes to complete a well earned victory. Radcliffe assured me after the game it was meant but the grin perhaps told more of the truth.
A very satisfying afternoon with a 3-0 win and puts the Waders into 5th place in the Zamaretto league central.

Mom James Freshwater

BIGGLESWADE TOWN 3 v BEDWORTH UNITED 4
Report by Mits your away day reporter 09-11-2010

Over the last few reports I have mentioned the stability of the defence and how well that foursome have played conceding very few goals. It is only fair to mention now that last night the wheels came off and the previous discipline shown fell apart with the Waders conceding as many goals in this game as in the previous 7 league games in a mad 26 minutes.
After 21 minutes the Referee Mr. Furneaux was taken ill on the pitch with a resulting delay of half an hour while a replacement was found. With the re-start Banks – Smith caused the Bedworth defence all sorts of problems with his direct running and skill on the ball. After 36 minutes his shot from outside the area beat the keeper with ease and had the crowd gasping and expectant every time he had the ball. After a half that had lasted 75 minutes including the delay, Waders went in one to the good.
The 2nd half started with a Freshwater goal after just a minute played, Donnelly crossing the ball from the left to find Freshwater unmarked and with the task of just of tapping the ball past the diving keeper. Waders pressed and Banks –Smith and Donnelly kept the pressure on the Bedworth defence. On 64 minutes Bedworth won a free kick mid-way into the Waders half. The kick taken, it found its way to the Bedworth No. 6 Rathbone who promptly shot past the despairing Dean Bull. From the kick off Banks-Smith outpaced the Bedworth defenders to chip the oncoming keeper, for his 2nd of the night. At 3-1 the game should have been over but with 80 minutes gone Bedworth forward Pringle scored and within a minute the scores were level when Blyth added another. Waders pressed and from a corner in the 85th minute went close but an incident between Waders defender Gentle and the Bedworth No.3 Reece saw both players receiving yellow cards with Reece being sent off for his 2nd bookable offence. How Waders did not score in the final minutes with the goal at their mercy defies belief but with Folds and Gentle both up field Bedworth broke and scored a winning goal through Withers, to the total disappointment of the Waders faithful who had stayed late. Final score Waders 3 Bedworth Town 4.
All at Biggleswade Town wish Mr. Furneaux a speedy recovery.
Waders are away Saturday at Northwood where hopefully the “wheels” can be put back on.
Mom Geoffrey Banks-Smith

Biggleswade Town 1-2 Hitchin Town
 
A second half goal from Lewis Lee gave Hitchin the win over local rivals Biggleswade in a closely fought game.
A season high attendance of 366 at the Carlsberg stadium saw Hitchin continue their unbeaten run and put an end to Biggleswade’s own recent undefeated streak.
Biggleswade had dominated early on and deserved to lead after Brett Donnelly forced a double save from the Hitchin Goalkeeper Martin Bennett. Stephen Gentle hit the bar from the resulting corner but the Waders still couldn’t find the breakthrough.
Hitchin then began to take control and opened the scoring when Zak Burke cut inside a slammed the ball home past Dean Bull in the 25th minute.
After the break Biggleswade hit back when Donnelly finally scored after slotting home a rebound for the equaliser. He then almost gave them the lead when he nearly finished Craig Radcliffe’s cross but Bennett was equal to it.
The winning goal came in the 70th minute when Lee rose to head home a Hitchin corner and give the league leaders a vital win over the Waders.
 
Man of the match : Craig Radcliffe

NORTH BEDS CHARITY CUP
POTTON UNITED v BIGGLESWADE TOWN
Report by Mits your away day reporter 02-11-2010

Chris Nunn took the opportunity to rest the majority of the 1st team players for this fixture. Potton proved resilient in the 1st half and attacked the Waders goal with some purpose. The Waders team made up of reserves and players coming back after injury took time to get into their stride. With 16 minutes gone a cross from the left via Sam Pemberton saw the impressive Bradley O’Donovan score easily at the far post. Potton were contained and the score remained 1-0 at half time.
With more changes at half time with Field and Reynolds being replaced by Labiche and Sharples the game turned to stalemate with the Waders doing enough for Potton not to get too close to goal but not creating much themselves. It took something special from Lochhead on 84 minutes jinking his way past 3 players before placing his shot past the diving keeper. Within 3 minutes the score became a respectable win when O’Donovan scored is 2nd of the night.
Full time Potton 0 Waders 3

Saturday 30th October 2010 – Woolf scares the Rooster - aided and abetted by Messrs. Smith & Barnes
Woodford United 1 – 3 Biggleswade Town

The Waders faced their toughest trip of the League season so far when they visited Woodford United, second in the league with an unbeaten home record. A lively start saw chances at both ends with the Waders just about shading the possession. On five minutes a Jonathan Woolf header put the Waders into the lead. Shortly after, an appeal for handball in the Waders penalty area was turned down by the referee much to the annoyance of Woodford, although it was more a case of ball to hand rather than a deliberate attempt of handling. Woodford’s Neill King who proved to be the hosts’ most influential player levelled the scores on 22 minutes. The remainder of the second half saw a number of chances falling to each team go begging.
The second half again started brightly and two minutes after the restart Stephen Smith shot with the ball hitting the post and into the net to give the Waders the lead. More chances followed for both sides but as the clock ticked towards full time the Waders looked more comfortable holding onto the one goal lead. Despite the Waders having more chances and possession as the game went on, the home side showed moments of real danger and the growing feeling that another goal was still possible. Fortunately for the visitors that goal came three minutes from time as Paul Barnes found himself in a one on one with Finlay the Reds keeper and slotted the ball home to put the visitors into a two goal lead.
A big result for the Waders, which moved them into fifth place in the table and marked the third away win of the season. Those interested in the facts will recall that last season it was not until the 10th of April that the third away win of the season was secured. A good overall team performance with everyone showing the determination to win the match but for me one player stood out and so the man of the match goes to Kevin Kilroy who showed great composure in a confident and very effective midfield display. It is often forgotten when a team wins that there is another team that needs some credit and that is the backroom team that selects and prepares the team, so well done and thank you to Messrs. Nunn, Field & Gatti and Natalie.
BTFC: Bull, Gatti, Radcliffe, Gentle, Folds, Kilroy, Freshwater (Cox), Smith, Barnes, Donnelly (Banks- Smith), Woolf
MOtM: Kevin Kilroy

Biggleswade Town 0 v 2 Arlesey Town
Report by Mits your away day reporter 26-10-2010
With a heavy case for “déjà vu” Arlesey Town defeated a changed Waders side in the Red Insure cup for the second consecutive year. Not the epic contest we saw last year at Arlesey when extra time was played.
The Waders making 6 changes from last Saturday’s starting line up made a bright start with constant attacks on the Arlesey goal. Barnes had one shot saved at close range and Donnelly, Smith and Freshwater all had chances that went close. With maybe the only attack Arlesey mounted on the Waders goal, No.9 Blackett headed the ball in from a corner. Waders went in at half time one down but having had all the possession.
Within 5 minutes of the restart Arlesey had doubled their lead through No.11Herron, a shot hitting the far post to rebound past Waders keeper Dean Bull back after injury. Try as they may Waders were unlucky with several efforts and the change to bring Steve Gentle on to add height to the attack did not bring the required result. A disappointing night for Waders fans to run out losers in this local derby.
Mom Kevin Kilroy

Biggleswade Town 4-0 AFC Hayes by Sam Store
 
Jonathan Woolf put on a midfield masterclass as Biggleswade cruised to victory over woeful Hayes.
Woolf pulled all the strings in midfield and was both scorer and creator. Waders took the lead in the 16th minute when winger Woolf found himself unmarked in the box and his left footed strike clipped in off the post. The lead was doubled in the 36th minute after a cheeky lob from defender Stephen Gentle sailed over the head of Hayes keeper Simon Grant.
The scoreline could have been much worse for Hayes with both Woolf and Stephen Smith tormenting them down the wings. Smith came close to adding a third after the break when his half volley whistled just wide of the post. Waders finally found a third when Gentle dribbled through the Hayes box and found Paul Barnes in space who curled home.
The scoring was completed in the 85th minute when a Woolf burst down the left wing and put in a perfectly placed cross for Brett Donnelly to add a fourth. In an utterly one sided game Biggleswade fully deserved to win by such a commanding margin.
 
Man of the match: Jonathan Woolf

WHERE THERE IS NO WILL, THERE IS STILL A WAY.
ATHERSTONE TOWN 0 BIGGLESWADE TOWN 3
Report by Mits your away day reporter 19-10-2010

After travelling for almost 2 hours we reached Atherstone on a very cold evening, that was to get even colder for the Atherstone faithful but a very warm night for the ten men of the Waders and the travelling support.
The writing was on the wall as early as the 4th minute when, a back to normal service, Paul Barnes broke through the Atherstone defence only to be thwarted by a fine tackle by a defender. Next Brett Donnelly broke a very square back line to see his shot hit the post. The 6th Minute saw Jon Woolf break and place a shot past the keeper to make 1-0. The game settled but with the Waders very much the more likely side to score again. Atherstone played the long ball which was food and drink for the Waders defence, unchanged for 5 matches. However on 23minutes a mix up saw Will Viner, the Waders goalkeeper adjudged to have handled the ball outside his area and after vigorous protests was shown a red card, to the delight of the Atherstone supporters behind the goal, who had encouraged the referee with shouts of “OFF”. Captain Liam Folds took over the gloves and jumper. Paul Reynolds replacing Folds at centre back and the unlucky Graham Rush being sacrificed.
Atherstone were convinced that goals would now follow. As the minutes ticked away their anxiety increased and the more the Atherstone forwards tried the higher and wider shots became. The Waders made it through to half time their lead intact.
The 2nd half onslaught continued but Atherstone could not find the target. The opportunities in the Waders box very limited and Folds was not troubled. All credit to the whole Waders team for keeping Atherstone at bay. Steve Gentle marshalled the defence extremely well. Lochhead and Kilroy chasing and harrying to prevent the ball being played into the Waders half of the pitch. Atherstone were stunned in the 70th minute when Barnes broke on the left to place his shot firmly past the advancing keeper. Game over at 2-0 with 20 minutes to play? Another twist in the 73rd minute saw that man Barnes again break and hit the back of the net with his 2nd of the night. Now the game was over, a disbelieving Atherstone crowd had expected more of their team. Playing 10 men, a substitute keeper, a hatful of goals was on the cards but with the Waders so resolute in their play, Atherstone never looked like scoring.
Every player deserves a mention but having to choose one as man of the match brought fierce debate. The deciding vote went to Steve Gentle.

Mom Steve Gentle

FA Trophy first qualifying round
Biggleswade Town 0-1 Billericay Town
 
Biggleswade were unlucky to lose against Billericay Town having two penalty appeals turned down and coming close to scoring on several occasions.
Underdogs Biggleswade were able to match Billericay for much of the game but lost out to a Sean Bonnet-Johnson goal in first half stoppage time. Bonnet-Johnson struck home a finely placed half volley into the bottom left corner giving Billericay the lead. The home side thought they had a penalty when Craig Radcliffe was brought down in the box but the referee waved play on.
Biggleswade almost found a leveller when a mix up at the back almost resulted in an own goal for Billericay. Brett Donnelly missed the chance to equalise in the 89th minute when his powerful effort glance passed the post. The home side were then denied a penalty for a second time when James Freshwater was clattered over but the referee once again allowed play to continue. Biggleswade continued to pile on the pressure in added time but couldn’t find a way through the Billericay defence and the away side held on for victory.
 
Man of the match: Liam Folds

NORTH GREENFORD UNITED 1 v 1 BIGGLESWADE TOWN
Report by Mits your away day reporter 12-10-2010
On the night England were playing at Wembley, traffic was heavy. The Waders only playing 5 miles away at Greenford, road conditions delayed some of the players and your intrepid travelling reporter. However, we all made the ground on time for the pre-match formalities to be completed.
It would appear that over the last 4 matches we have come up against some of the best goalkeepers playing at this level. Tonight was no exception. Jallow in the Greenford goal saved most that the Waders could “throw” at him. Chance after chance was saved. Greenford had one chance on33 minutes, Danny Tilbury working his way past Webster, on his return to the 1st team after injury and past Folds to unleash a shot high into the Waders net. It would seem to be the start of another frustrating evening. At half time Greenford went in one to the good.
The 2nd half started with Waders playing all the football but unable to get past Jallow who made a series of saves at point blank range. The one mistake Jallow made allowed Lochhead to head in from a corner taken by Woolf. Waders pressed and pressed but were unable to increase their goal tally. Greenford had 2 attempts at goal during the 45 minutes, one saved well by Viner in the Waders goal the other from a corner cleared off the line. The Waders have to look at 2 points lost as they were by the far better side. Full time score 1-1
We look forward to the next game on Saturday, home to Billericay in the next round of the FA Trophy. See you there.
Mom Steve Gentle

BEACONSFIELD SYCOB 0 v 1 BIGGLESWADE TOWN
Match report by Mits Your away day reporter 09-10-2010
WADERS SEE THE POINT (S)
After seeing off the Met police on Tuesday’s Trophy replay, it was back to league action at Beaconsfield today.
Waders were by far the dominant side but unfortunately played down from the level achieved in their last 3 matches. Beaconsfield hardly troubled the Waders goal, easily contained by the same defensive line up that has started the last 3 games. The strikers were not on song today, Barnes and Donnelly both admitted after the game that a “hatful” was possible but chances came and went with shots flying high and wide. A frustrating 1st half saw the Waders 0-0 at the break.
All credit to the referee who 2 minutes into the 2nd half saw an illegal challenge on Donnelly. Talking after the game the ref told me he was going to give a penalty seconds earlier for a push on Donnelly but hesitated, the goalkeeper went in on Donnelly “studs up” and the spot kick was given. Lochhead stepped up to send the keeper the wrong way with a well taken penalty.
Chances were created and missed and at full time Waders were happy to take the game 0-1. It was an average game but a win is 3 points and some days this funny old game just does not go your way.
Mom Stuart Lochhead.

BIGGLESWADE TOWN 2 v METROPOLITAN POLICE 0
Report by Mits 06-10-2010

WADERS BREAK THE LAW
Tonight Waders replay in the preliminary round of the FA Trophy saw the 1st defeat of the season for the Met police team.
Opening the game with pace the Met had their opening shot of the game within the 1st minute, pushed away by keeper Will Viner for a corner. Certainly the Met had the best of the opening 20 minutes but the defensive pairing of Folds and Gentle ably assisted by Radcliffe and Gatti not forgetting Viner in goal kept the score line blank. Waders then started to play with Barnes, Freshwater and the ever running Harman all testing the Met keeper. Close to half time Steve Smith unleashed a shot tipped over superbly by Smalley in the Met goal. All square at half time.
The 2nd half Waders refreshed by the break and motivated by Chris Nunn’s half time team talk stepped up a gear. With only 6 minutes gone a corner from Woolf found Barnes with his glancing header flying into the net. The Met were rocked back, just as on Saturday in the previous game, strong arm tactics were employed. !5 minutes gone and a cross from the right found Woolf free in the area and he made no mistake with his shot. 2-0. The Met were defeated at this point and most of the play for the next 30 minutes occurred in their half of the pitch. Chances were created but Waders were unable to add to the score line.
A great night for the Waders. The punishment for breaking the law, Billericay in the next round. Talking to the supporters and management after the game a man of the match was difficult to choose. All players having played their part. The deciding vote, Lee Harman, for his tireless running and effort throughout the 90 minutes.

Mom Lee Harman

Metropolitan Police 1 v 1 Biggleswade Town FA Trophy Preliminary Round
02-10-2010 report by Mits - your away day reporter

CLUB VICE –PRESIDENT JIMMY TARBUCK WITNESSES WADERS ARREST OF MET POLICE RECORD.

A surprise visit from Vice-President, Jimmy Tarbuck who witnessed the outstanding record of the Met police, 8 games, 8 wins, 26 goals scored only 2 conceded in the Ryman league broken in front of a disbelieving crowd who until today thought their team invincible.
The spirit of the Waders continued from Tuesday night’s draw with Arlesey and set about the task of progressing in the FA trophy. A defence only beaten twice this season was broken as early as 15 minutes by Paul Barnes after a swift passing move with Brett Donnelly. The waders were on the up, the Met unable to come to terms with being behind started playing a very physical game. Intimidation was not on the menu today and the Waders defended well with Folds, Gentle, Gatti and Radcliffe dealing with all that came their way. New signing Will Viner replacing the injured Dean Bull in goal did not have a save to make. A mix up in the Waders area saw 3or 4 goal attempts with Wader bodies blocking each attempt. A well worked free kick involving Freshwater and Lochhead saw the Met keeper save low at the post, the ensuing corner left Barnes with a free header that went tantalisingly just over the bar.
Loitering with intent was the Met police No.9, who looked suspiciously offside, levelling the score just before half-time with a header that looped over the keeper and hit the undersides of the bar before dropping over the line. Half-time 1-1
The 2nd half was end to end with chances falling to both Barnes and Donnelly with one goal bound effort cleared off the line. Donnelly was replaced by Harman, his pace troubling the Met police defence and the longer the game went on the more likely the Waders were to clinch the victory. Time ran out and we are having to do it all over again on Tuesday 5th October at the Carlsberg stadium.
The vice-presidents thoughts “the Waders played exceptionally well and is only sorry he can’t make the replay” But after this performance I don’t think it will be long before he attends another match.

MoM: Liam Folds

28-09-2010 ARLESEY TOWN 0 v 0 BIGGLESWADE TOWN Report by Mits

Not the bore draw the score line suggests but an entertaining match in which the unbiased, amongst which I count myself, would say the Waders had the better and more chances to take all 3 points.
Arlesey have an unbeaten home record this season, averaging 2 goals a game and 2nd in the table, the game looked a formidable task to a Waders side yet to produce their best form this season.
This local derby inspired Waders to find that will and desire to give all and I commend the whole team. Harman and Donnelly upfront both going close on several occasions. The midfield welcoming back Stephen Smith from his travels. Woolf, Freshwater who also brought out a fine save from the Arlesey keeper and Lochhead. The “old dependables” at the back , Folds and Reynolds both booked for feisty tackles. Cox and Radcliffe the wide men. Not forgetting Dean Bull who with a heavily strapped leg did his best but fortunately was not greatly troubled by the Arlesey forwards. The subs Gatti , Kilroy and Gentle all played their part.
I was going to use the old cliché “end to end” but it was really only one end and that was the Arlesey goal which came under constant threat, Hayward the Arlesey keeper had the game of his life, without him Arlesey may have been on the wrong side of a 3or 4 to nil defeat.

MOM Stephen Smith

25-09-2010 Biggleswade Town 2 - 1 Uxbridge
 
Stuart Lochhead scored a late winner for Biggleswade in a closely fought contest against Uxbridge.
Chances were hard to come by for both sides in the opening half an hour but Uxbridge came closest when they had a Mark Dennison header ruled out for offside. However there was eventually a breakthrough when Dennison crossed for Craig Moore to tap in and give the visitors the lead in the 42nd minute.
After the break Biggleswade responded immediately when Brett Donnelly turned and shot to score from inside the six yard box. Uxbridge missed the chance to take the lead back when Jermaine Gumbs missed an open goal. With the game looking like a draw Paul Barnes found Lochhead in the box who then curled home an 85th minute winner for Biggleswade.
 
Man of the match: Paul Barnes
 

11-09-2010 Biggleswade Town 3-3 AFC Stamford by Sam Store
 
An injury time equaliser from Adam Bensaud kept Biggleswade in the FA cup as they were held at home by Stamford.
Stamford had taken the lead in the opening minutes after a Ricky Miller goal but Biggleswade fought back and equalised when Brett Donnelly headed home powerfully from a corner. He scored his second just a few minutes later when he once again headed in, this time from a free kick. Biggleswade’s lead didn’t last long and Stamford once again went ahead after two goals in quick succession for Stamford. Miller adding his second and a free kick from Lee Beeson. However Stamford were reduced to ten men when scorer Miller was sent off for dissent receiving two yellows in the same minute.
With Stamford down to ten men Biggleswade pressed for an equaliser throughout the second half. They failed to create many chances and it looked as if the Waders would be out of the cup. However substitute Bensaud grabbed a 96th minute equaliser placing a shot into the bottom left corner to take Stamford to a replay.
 
Man of the Match: Brett Donnelly

04-09-2010 Biggleswade Town 1 - 5 Slough Town
Report by Mike Draxler Match Day secretary Biggleswade Town FC
Unbeaten Biggleswade Town were given a lesson in loosing today by the visitors from Slough Town. Playing open attractive football from the outset Slough unsettled the Waders defence as early as the 8th minute with a goal from Logie. Biggleswade were off the pace today after a fine win in the FA cup last week at Newmarket. Slough continued to create chances but the Waders defence held firm. The 2nd half stepped the contest up a gear with Slough going further ahead through Sinclair in52minutes. Biggleswade fought back and a fine solo effort from Barnes made it 1-2. The contest was on for the equaliser but a series of mistakes cost the Waders with Sinclair scoring 2 more and Bateman finishing off the rout.

FA CUP PRELIMINARY ROUND. Only 11 winning games to Wembley.

28-08-2010 - Newmarket Town 1 - 5 Biggleswade Town (Report by Mits)

The Waders travelled to Newmarket today for the preliminary round of the FA cup. 3 goals to the good in 17 minutes, Waders took their foot off the gas and had to wait until the 73rd and 88th minutes to increase their lead and make the game a true reflection of the team’s superiority.
The travelling supporters did not have to wait long for Paul Barnes to open up the Newmarket defence to score the opening goal with only 3 minutes gone. Fluent football kept up the pressure and on 14 minutes Lee Harman netted after the goal keeper parried a shot from James Freshwater. Barnes again ever present on the score sheet this season left the central position and with a fine run down the wing cut in to beat the keeper at the near post.
Biggleswade eased and with one of the few attacks that Newmarket had drew the Waders defence and a crossed ball found 2 Newmarket forwards unmarked for No. 6 Jonathan Olive to drive the ball past Dean Bull in the Waders goal. A hatful of chances came and went to the Waders forwards and at half time the teams went in with the score at Newmarket 1 – Biggleswade 3.
The 2nd half much as the 1st saw the Waders create chances that they were unable to take, frustration growing from the team and the travelling support. On 70 minutes Harman was replaced by Brett Donnelly for his 1st appearance of the season. Within 3 minutes good inter-play between the forwards saw Barnes complete his hat-trick with a shot from just inside the box. Fact changed to farce when so many chances went begging. Jonathan Woolf rounded off the scoring with a fierce shot on 88minutes to give a more true reflection of the game. Final score Newmarket Town 1 – Biggleswade Town 5.
MOM Craig Radcliffe

 Biggleswade Town 1-1 Rugby Town (Written by Sam Store)

Biggleswade were unlucky to be held as they drew 1-1 with Rugby down despite being down to ten men in the final minutes.
Dean Bull had a strong first half making a number of saves from the Rugby forwards with Biggleswade struggling to get going early on. As the half went on Biggleswade improved a Jonathon Woolf and Paul Barnes looked especially dangerous going forward.
The first half started brightly with Barnes dribbling around three players before having his shot well saved by the Rugby Keeper Clark. However Rugby then scored against the run of play when a low cross was easily tapped in by Niki Preston. Biggleswade fired back just four minutes later when Paul Barnes lifted a looped ball over the Rugby goalkeeper and into the bottom right corner. For the rest of the game the balance of play was even with both sides producing some good attacking football. However in injury time Biggleswade had Stuart Lochhead sent off for a sliding tackle. With the scores level Dean Bull then produced a brilliant double save from Rugby forward Warwick Alexander to round off a great performance.
MoM: Paul Barnes

Biggleswade Town 1-0 Daventry Town (Written by Sam Store)

Biggleswade recorded their first win of the new season with a close victory over recently promoted Daventry Town.
The Waders created some good chances early on with Jonathon Woolf and Geoffrey Banks-Smith looking dangerous down the wings. Banks- Smith and Lee Harman both had chances to put Biggleswade ahead in the opening twenty minutes but Daventry Keeper Andrew Kemp was equal to both. Kemp made another good save when Stuart Lochhead attempted a cheeky chipped free kick which was tipped over the bar. The deadlock was finally broken on twenty three minutes when Banks-Smith broke free down the left wing before cutting into the box and sliding home the opener for Biggleswade. After the opener Daventry posed more of a threat with John Mitchell attacking down the left wing and after a corner into the box Peter Gatti was at hand to clear the ball of the line.
The second half proved to be less entertaining than the first with less attacking play from both sides. Woolf and Banks-Smith who had been so impressive in the first half failed to make a similar impact in the second. With ten minutes to go the game began to open up and Dean Bull was forced to make a good save from Mitchell on the left side. He then produced another good save from a Wayne Blossom header just two minutes later. There was drama at the end as Daventry were awarded a late free kick on the edge of the area but it was blaster well over Bull’s goal. Biggleswade hung on the win in a game they should have won by more but some good goalkeeping by Bull and a solid defence performance by Mark Webster ensured they hung on to the win.

Mom : Mark Webster

14-08-2010 - Aylesbury FC 2 - 2 Biggleswade Town (Report by Mits)

The new season kicked off with the undying cliché of “A game of 2 halves” The waders dominated the 1st half with 2 goals from new boy Paul Barnes ably assisted by Lee Harman. Biggleswade’s new look mid field of Rush, Woolf, Lochhead and Banks-smith controlled the middle of the park releasing Barnes and Harman to do the damage to the Aylesbury defence. The waders were 2 up in 40 minutes, Harman releasing the ball to Barnes, leaving only the keeper to beat on both occasions.
Half time came and a buzz of excitement from the waders travelling support looked forward to a 2nd half of more of the same.
Aylesbury came out with renewed purpose and set about reducing the deficit. 65 minutes in and Aylesbury got the reward through No.9 Jon Douglas. Biggleswade had chances but were unable to increase the lead and Aylesbury looked the more likely and levelled the score on 84 minutes with a disputed goal by Kyeremeh. Aylesbury pressed but were unable to get the decider and relieved Waders fans went home happy to have the point.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Match Reports 2009/10

LEE!! HAR-MANY??
ROTHWELL TOWN 0 BIGGLESWADE TOWN 7
Report by Mits 13-04-2010
Lee Harman scored a well deserved hat trick, taking his tally to 8 goals in 5 games as the Waders overwhelmed Rothwell .
Your man in the stand is back in his rightful place after a short break away in the sun. Last night’s game made it 4 wins in a row, unfortunately I missed the past 3 but have had regular texts updating me on the scores whilst away.
The opening exchanges were even on a rock hard surface and Rothwell had the easiest chance of the match when No.10 Mills let the ball through his legs with the goal at his mercy. With 10 minutes gone the Waders started scoring at regular intervals, the 1st from Lee Harman after a flick on from Jamie Steele with Harman lobbing the keeper from the edge of the box. Michael Cox got the 2nd from the half way line after a slip from the Rothwell keeper sent the ball straight to Cox who returned it with interest lobbing the ball over the whole Rothwell team into the empty net. Unbelievable, certainly Cox could not believe it and stood in the centre circle for his team mates to congratulate him. With Bobby Dance operating on both wings a fine up-field ball dummied by Steele found its way to Harman who ran into the Rothwell box and placed his shot around the advancing keeper, whose frustrations were taken out on his own woeful defenders, earning him a yellow card. With 4 minutes of the half remaining Paul Reynolds ventured forward for a corner. The 1st from the right was cleared for another corner from the left. Kilroy’s corner found Reynolds lurking at the far post and a bullet header made it 4-0 for the Waders at half time.
The 2nd half was much the same “carnival” atmosphere as the first with only 6 minutes gone when Lee Harman completed his hat trick. Ben Colmer receiving the ball in the box was “pirouetting” and “dancing “ round the Rothwell defence releasing the ball to Harman to score for the easiest of his 3 goals. Rothwell , with a rare attack hit the Waders bar only for the ball to rebound out and start another Waders attack at the other end with the ball at Steele’s feet, who crossed for Dance to head passed the despairing keeper. Wonder goal scorer Cox was taken off to be replaced by Liam Folds. Within 10 minutes Folds followed his fellow centre backs onto the score sheet. A quick free kick taken by Kilroy found Donnelly out wide to cross and Folds to power the ball over the line. The remainder of the half was really just one way traffic with Waders unable to score again. Glad about that or I could not use the headline “Waders in seventh heaven” Final Score 7-0.
Team: Bull: Gatti: Radcliffe: Reynolds: Cox: Kilroy: Colmer: Dance: Steele: Harman: Hall:
Subs used; Cox: Freshwater: Donnelly:
Mom : Michael Cox

BIGGLESWADE TOWN 1 BEACONSFIELD SYCOB 1
Report by Mits 16-03-2010
Last Saturday against Slough the Waders raised the bar to one of the most complete performances of the season so far. Unfortunately, the Waders let a Beaconsfield side drag that bar down to a level that has seen Beaconsfield not win, in the league, since mid-January with a no-nonsense type of football. Some wag suggested we call Luton flight control as the ball spent that much time in the air!!!
Beaconsfield went ahead after 6 minutes given an undeserved free kick. The ball flighted in to the back post, where No. 10 unmarked headed the ball home. The bad tempered match was not helped by silly fouls and unnecessary bookings. It was always going to be “catch up” for Waders and try as they may it was not happening. H-T 0-1
The same pattern continued through the 2nd half with the only chink of light, a very clever move from the Waders ending with James Freshwater shooting wide. With 10 minutes to go Waders got lucky a ball won by Steele to release Hall to get in a low cross for Dance to manage a glancing header past the keeper. Liam Folds playing his captains part had a header just over the bar in the final minute but the score stood at F-T 1-1

Mom Bobby Dance

WADERS HALT REBELS.
BIGGLESWADE TOWN 1 SLOUGH TOWN 0
Report by Mits 13-03-2010
Slough Town nicknamed the” Rebels” came to Biggleswade today hoping to improve on their current fourth place league position. A changed Waders line up was playing to dash those hopes.
A strong cold wind blowing left to right saw Waders start strongly, kicking with the wind and forcing an early corner and chances at the Slough goal. With 15 minutes gone, Slough started to play and forced Dean Bull into 3 fine saves low to his left in quick succession. Slough continued to press looking for the break through but the Waders weathered the storm and with only minutes to go before half time Steele tried lobbing the keeper to be only inches wide. H-T 0-0
“ A game of 2 halves” this certainly was. Whatever Chris Nunn said to the Biggleswade players during the half time team talk, worked. Slough were a spent force and did not compete at the same level in the 2nd half. The Waders dominated play with Kilroy, Cavill and Radcliffe all going close. With only 10 minutes gone Biggleswade forced a corner. Kilroy found Reynolds head with the kick who flicked on to Dance. Bobby being Bobby juggled the ball before placing a shot out of the keeper’s reach through a crowd of players. Steele’s battle with the Slough central defenders was a feature of the game continued by substitute Donnelly when he replaced Steele. Radcliffe with surging runs tormented the fullback on 2 or 3 occasions. Only one opportunity came Sloughs way late in the game when Sinclair blazed over the bar. An all round great team performance. Well done lads. F-T 1-0
TEAM: Bull: Webster: Radcliffe: Folds: Reynolds: Kilroy: Gatti: Cavill: Steele: Dance: Hall:
Subs used: G.Lamacraft: Donnrelly: A. Lamacraft:
Mom Craig Radcliffe

BIGGLESWADE TOWN 2 STOURPORT SWIFTS 2
Report by Mits 11-03-2010
With Stourport arriving late the kick off was delayed until 9.00pm, an extended warm up for the Waders with the night getting colder.
After 4 hours in a car and the prospect of the journey home it was difficult to guess the mood of the Stourport players. After their release from the confines of a car, Stourport started brightly attacking the Waders through the middle. It took 10 minutes for Biggleswade to settle, end to end with both teams showing purpose. The first goal by Peter Gatti, his 1st of the season was a peach. All the superlatives can be used. After what seemed an age of head tennis and inter-passing by the Waders forwards the ball came out to Gatti who struck the ball from 25yards with such venom it screamed into the net, the crowd roared their approval. The game resumed its pattern of both teams probing and Waders gaining success down the flank with James Hall but with no further score. H-T 1-0
The half time break over it was now 10.00 pm when the 2nd half started with the weather getting colder and the yawns longer, especially for us old reporters in the stand. However this was no time to sleep with Stourport out on their toes and leveling the score with just a few minutes played through No.8 Richard Tomkins. 10 minutes later Stourport 11, Dan Polan fired from the edge of the box to make it 1-2. Waders needed this wake- up call and it was only 5 minutes before being back level through James Freshwater with a shot through a crowd of players. Substitutions were made by both sides trying to look for that winning goal but on reflection a draw was a fair result. F-T 2-2
Team: Bull; Gatti: Radcliffe: Webster: Folds: Kilroy: Freshwater: Cavill: Donnelly: Dance: Hall:
Subs used: Lamacraft: Reynolds:
Mom: Aaran Cavill

WOODFORD UNITED 1 v BIGGLESWADE TOWN 1
Report by Mits 09-03-2010
The Waders and the travelling “green Army” well blue tonight as we were away from home, journeyed through the country lanes of Northamptonshire to arrive at Woodford United. The journey had taken the best part of 90 minutes.
No sooner had the small crowd sat down, when Woodford No. 11, Neil King burst down the Waders left flank. He alone will know whether it was a shot, lob, cross or combination of all three. The result was that it completely caught the Waders defence cold and the ever reliable Dean Bull wrong footed. The ball left the foot of King and found its way into the far corner with only 3 minutes gone. This set the tone of the game with each team probing with Waders having the better chances. Donnelly was impressive with his attitude and at 35 minutes after a goal bound header from Reynolds hit the bar, Donnelly was first to the ball to put in the rebound. H-T 1-1.
The second half was much the same with chances going to both teams with Waders just edging it but unable to convert and the final score of 1-1 to send the “army” home happy.
Team: Bull: Gatti: Radcliffe: Cox: Reynolds: Kilroy: Lamacraft: Cavill: Donnelly: Dance: Hall:
Subs used: Folds: Lyons:
Mom Brett Donnelly

SOHAM TOWN RANGERS 3 BIGGLESWADE TOWN 2
Match report by Mits 02-03-2010
On arrival at Soham I was amazed to see the pitch in such good condition after all the rain, snow and frost of recent weeks. A cold night welcomed the Waders and their travelling fans.
The game started brightly for Waders forwards but unfortunately , most wanted to see the whites of the Soham keeper’s eyes before shooting and chances were lost. It took the first 10 minutes for Soham to know that the game had started but after this they attacked with pace and numbers resulting in a goal from Libam the Soham No. 9, a header at the far post. With 20 minutes gone played stopped for an injury to Linesman Reeve and it took 10 minutes for a replacement to be found. An impatient crowd waited while both management teams kept the players moving to stay warm. Shortly after the restart Waders were caught again by Soham No.7 Napier, who after a fine save from Dean Bull, put the ball in the net. H-T 2-0
A comment from a “senior” Waders fan suggested that in the first half that Biggleswade “did not have their boots on” not so in the second half. A new Waders came out and with only 3 minutes gone Lamacraft had the ball in the net. The pressure building, Waders were awarded a free kick just inside the Soham half. A fine lofted ball from Gatti saw Steele win the header which went on to Donnelly, who with a fine hook shot found the back of Soham’s net. Once level Waders took their foot off the gas and although chances were created at both ends there was no further score. A series of substitutions did not change the game too much and Waders looked to be content with the draw. However, with 5 minutes to go the ball broke loose from the Waders area to Carter, the Soham 8 who powered a shot into the Waders goal. F-T 3-2.
Team: Bull: Gatti: Radcliffe: Cox: Folds: Kilroy: Dance: Lamacraft: Steele: Donnelly: Freshwater:
Subs used: Webster: Hall: Cavill:
Mom: Peter Gatti

AYLESBURY UNITED 1 v BIGGLESWADE TOWN 3
Report by Mits 20-02-2010
One has to feel a little sympathy for Aylesbury. Hungry and homeless can be no fun. Hungry for another win this season to make it 2. Homeless having to ground share with Leighton, Leighton being their landlords yet still they gave the Waders a game and were no way overawed. 136 supporters turned out to watch this match.
The game was only 3 minutes old when Donnelly was too strong for the Aylesbury defence muscling his way through to cross the ball for Freshwater to side foot the easiest of chances into an empty net. With a change at centre back after only 10 minutes, Aylesbury settled and attacked Biggleswade down both flanks. Gaining in confidence, Aylesbury were knocked back by a 2nd goal, Lamacraft the provider with a cross onto Donnelly who headed in from close range. It seems to happen most weeks just as I am writing the half time score Waders concede a goal. Aylesbury with their own “Rory Delap” in the shape of Tyrone Taylor, took a long throw into the Waders penalty area where it was only half cleared to Montgomery, who will wait a long time to hit a ball as perfect again. On the volley and with pace it hit the back of the net. H-T 1-2
Mark Webster feeling not quite himself was substituted at half time with Cox coming on as his replacement. Aylesbury continued to press the Waders back and it only seemed a matter of time for an equalizer but the defence held firm from the numerous attacks and the long throws from Taylor. It was in the 76th minute that the much awaited goal came and it was that man Dance, who had replaced James Hall, who popped up with yet another goal. A corner from Freshwater to the far post where Kilroy headed it back for Dance to meet it first time and power a shot into the Aylesbury net. Still Aylesbury came forward urged on by their supporters with cries of come on the “ducks” Quack Quack came the reply from the travelling supporters of Biggleswade. What noise does a Wader make? Reply? unprintable. F-T 1-3
Team; Bull(welcome back): Gatti: Radcliffe: Webster: Folds: Kilroy: Lasmacraft: Cavill: Donnelly: Hall: Freshwater: subs used: Cox: Dance: Steele: not used Reynolds.
Mom Craig Radcliffe

BIGGLESWADE TOWN 0 v HITCHIN TOWN 3
Report by Mits 13-02-2010
The match report for the return fixture last December was of the highest praise for a wonderful team performance. This game was always going to disappoint .
315 fans watched this match on a very cold afternoon and although the score line suggests an easy win for Hitchin both teams were well below par. Hitchin took the lead on 20 minutes after the Waders goalkeeper parried a shot that then dropped behind him, only for Hunt to run in and score the easiest of chances. 2 minutes later the Waders keeper, trying to direct a free kick on the edge of his box to Craig Radcliffe the waders fullback, did not notice Hitchin’s No.9 who intercepted the ball and took an even easier chance with Radcliffe and Timms, the Biggleswade keeper, just looking on in disbelief. Chances were created at both ends but no further score was added. H-T 0-2
The Waders came out with more resolve in the 2nd half and looked to peg back the deficit. Bringing on Freshwater and Cavill for Dance and Steele in the 55th minute, fresh legs for a very energy sapping pitch, trying to keep the attacking momentum going. Then disaster struck the Waders keeper again when he failed to deal with a deflected high ball and could only palm it into his own net. The nightmare complete, Waders lost all confidence and the game fizzled out with only numerous substitutions being made by both sides. F-T 0-3
Team: Timms: Gatti: Radcliffe: Reynolds: Webster: Kilroy: Dance: Lamacraft: Steele: Donnelly: Hall:
Subs: Freshwater: Folds: Smith: Cavill: Cox:
Mom Brett Donnelly

WADERS SINK IN THE MIST AT COLDFIELD.
Sutton Coldfield 5 v Biggleswade Town 2
Report by Mits 06-02-2010
In a “niggly” match Biggleswade Town paid the price of having 10 men for the whole of the 2nd half despite valiant efforts from the team Sutton were just too strong.
The match started well with Waders being the better of the 2 teams and with only 6 minutes gone Brett Donnelly made it 1-0 with a shot after his initial header had been saved. Both teams had chances with Reynolds clearing off the Waders line and Smith firing wide at the other end. With minutes to go to half-time Sutton’s No.10 broke with Smith chasing. Smith was adjudged to have brought down the attacker unfairly and was shown the red card. The resulting penalty was saved by Ashley Timms deputizing for regular keeper Dean Bull. Right on the stroke of half-time Waders conceded a corner and Sutton’s No.6 with a glancing header made the score level at the interval. H-T 1-1
With the Waders able to reorganize during the break , Steele was replaced by Aaran Cavill and Glen Lamacraft filled in for Smith at fullback. It was not long before the Waders management realized with Lamacraft missing from his customary midfield role that Sutton were running amok. On came Peter Gatti into the defence with Lamacraft moving into midfield and James Freshwater sacrificed from attack.
However Sutton capitalized on their superior numbers and with 10 minutes of the 2nd half gone Sutton No.9 shot passed the advancing Timms. Hopes were raised when for the 2nd week running Kilroy fed a ball through to Hall who went on to shoot passed a diving keeper. The game remained 2-2 for the next 20 minutes with The Waders defence holding firm.
Sutton No.7 Marshall then made his mark on the game. With the Waders tiring and mist starting to descend onto the pitch, Marshall produced a hat-trick in the last 10 minutes to make the final score 5-2.
Team: Timms: Smith: Radcliffe: Webster: Reynolds; Kilroy: Freshwater: Lamacraft: Steele: Donnelly: Hall:
Subs used: Gatti and Cavill
Subs not used: Folds and Cox
Mom Mark Webster

BIGGLESWADE TOWN 2 v BURNHAM 1
Report by Mits 30-01-2010
After last weeks game at Leighton, Team Manager Chris Nunn sat the squad down for his pre-match talk with the request to listen only. I was privileged enough to be in the changing room and when Chris had finished even I felt like putting my boots on!!
What a difference a week makes!! Burnham 4th in the league and a team that are playing consistently well. Waders came out prepared to take Burnham on and in a goalless 1st half had the better chances and more of the possession. A great effort from Brett Donnelly brought out the best, a finger tip save from the Burnham keeper just before half time. H-T 0-0
The 2nd half started with Waders again on the offensive and pressurized Burnham’s goal for 25 minutes without success. The tide turned, not for long but long enough for Burnham No.8 Swift to score with a rocket shot that left Dean Bull no chance. Swift had scored the winner in the return fixture earlier in the season. With Gatti on for the injured Reynolds, Waders started to push again, Steele in a melee of players managed to cross the ball for Dance, who in what appeared to be one movement , controlled, beat the defender and put the ball passed the advancing keeper. Almost from the kick off Burnham launched an attack culminating with a shot against the underside of the Waders bar, the crowd were still talking about that incident when a “killer” ball from Kilroy to wingman James Hall, who beat the fullback to cross the ball into the path of the advancing Lamacraft, who made no mistake. Burnham were rattled. More chances were created and Waders could have had one or two more. The crowd anxious that the ref was adding more time than necessary were pleased to hear the final whistle. F-T 2-1
Team: Bull; Smith: Webster: Folds: Reynolds: Kilroy: Dance: Lamacraft: Steele: Donnelly: Hall:
Subs used: Gatti: Cox; Heron
Mom Kevin Kilroy

LEIGHTON TOWN 3 v BIGGLESWADE TOWN 1
Report by Mits 23-01-2010
The 1st league match since Boxing Day did not see the Waders return to their pre-Christmas form. A disjointed performance, with too many players not playing to potential.
The compact ground saw Leighton take the lead after 24 minutes with paceman Aston Goss, who tormented Webster all afternoon, crossing for Gallant to put the home team 1 up. The next attack saw Leighton’s No.10 Porter hit the waders bar after a finger tip save from Dean Bull with Gallant following up pushing the ball wide, when it was easier to score. Waders got back into the match under controversial circumstances. The Leighton keeper holding the ball, Jamie Steele standing in front of him. Steele turned away and with the keeper trying to clear the ball downfield hit Steele in the back with his clearance. As the ball fell behind Steele he turned and put the ball in the empty net despite the keeper’s attempts to stop him. Protests from the Leighton team, the referee consulted his assistant, the goal stood. With 41 minutes gone it looked to go in at half time all square but alas that man Aston Goss ran down the Waders right beating Webster and being fouled by Cox to gain a penalty converted by Gallant. H-T 2-1
With Leighton kicking up the slope in the 2nd half more and more chances were created, hitting the Waders post and bar on several occasions. Manager Nunn brought on Kilroy for Cavill to try and bolster up the midfield which it did but with the clock ticking away Waders needed goals. On came Heron and Hall for Dance and Donnelly but this had little impact on the game. After 70 minutes, that man Goss provided another cross for Gallant to complete his hat trick. According to the crowd it was the best that Goss had played all season and he continued to torment down the flank but with no further addition to the score. F-T 3-1
TEAM: BULL: WEBSTER: GATTI: COX: REYNOLDS: CAVILL: DANCE: LAMACRAFT: DONNELLY: STEELE: FRESHWATER: Subs used: KILROY: HALL: HERON:
Mom: Jamie Steele

North Beds Charity Cup
CRANFIELD 0 – 10 BIGGLESWADE TOWN
Report by Mits 19-01-2010
For both teams this was a welcome game after so many weeks lay off due to weather conditions. Cranfield and the Waders preparing to go back to their respective leagues on Saturday both needed a run out.
Although the final score of 10-0 reflected the different levels of football both teams play by no means did Cranfield rollover. A sloppy back pass in the 4th minute opened the scoring with Brett Donnelly rounding the keeper. Within minutes the score had doubled with Ivan Nunez opening his account for the Waders. Cranfield were now spurred on and attacked the Waders creating chances. Junior George with a fierce shot bringing out the best in Dean Bull. It was not until the last kick of the half that Waders increased their lead, Nunez running clear only to see his shot parried by the keeper with Lamacraft following up to put the ball into the empty net. H-T 3-0
With 3 changes for the Waders at half time, bringing on Freshwater, Steele and Heron all forward players the emphasis of the game changed. Cranfield had played well in the 1st half but the obvious superior fitness of the Waders told in the 2nd half, the 4th goal going in after just 3 minutes played, a penalty from Lamacraft. Attack after attack was thrown at Cranfield and a further 6 goals were added including a 2nd penalty. The best saved till last was a Jamie Steele “special” a shot from the edge of the area which FLEW into the top corner.
Cranfield were overwhelmed but not disgraced and made a game of it for the 90 minutes.
Goalscorers. Donnelly, Nunez, Lamacraft 4 , Steele 2, Heron, Freshwater
Team. Bull: Gatti: Smith: Reynolds: Cox: Kilroy: Cavill: Lamacraft: Donnelly: Dance: Nunez. Subs used: Freshwater: Steele: Heron:
Mom Dean Bull for being a spectator for most of the 2nd half and enduring the cold.

BOBBY’S DAZZLER LEADS SOHAM A MERRY DANCE
BIGGLESWADE TOWN 1 - 0 SOHAM TOWN RANGERS
Report by MITS (Man in the stand) 26-12-2009
Due to the bad weather this game was in doubt until the pitch inspection at 9.30am. Game on, which caught most unawares, convinced that the 50mm of snow on the pitch on Thursday would postpone this fixture.
With Liam Folds not passing a fitness test, both sides were without key players. The 1st half showed very little from either side although Waders had the better chance with Lamacraft making a good run to beat the offside only to put his final shot wide of the advancing keeper. With 5 minutes added for injuries the crowd were anxious for that half time cuppa.
The 2nd half started brighter, Waders having run off the previous day’s lunch in the 1st half, started to attack Soham with some purpose. The introduction of James Hall for Jamie Steele added pace down the Waders left flank and created chances, not taken. The goal on 80 minutes was a Bobby Dance special, cutting in from the right, he beat 2 or 3 players to find himself on the edge of the Soham box. Unleashing a shot that beat the keeper easily to his right. The last 10 minutes of the game with Waders still in control, Lamacraft and Donnelly both went close. FT 1-0
TEAM: BULL: COX: GATTI: REYNOLDS: KILROY: BEXFIELD: DANCE: LAMACRAFT: DONNELLY: STEELE: FRESHWATER: subs used: HALL: HERON:
Mom Bobby Dance
Great to see team manager Chris Nunn back in the dugout after missing recent games.
Happy New Year to all our readers. The next game away to Arlesey, Saturday 2nd January 2010 Ko 3pm.

BIGGLESWADE TOWN DON’T PLAY THE GAME
Hitchin Town 1 - 0 Biggleswade Town
Tuesday 15-12-2009
By MITS (Man in the stand)
I heard a comment from a top TV soccer presenter who said “ Football is one of those strange games where the best team does not necessarily win” I thought about that comment last night and its true.
Biggleswade were meant to be cannon fodder for table topping Hitchin but this proved far from the truth, the Wader’s players had not read the script.
Despite loosing players late in the day to a flu bug Waders fielded a side to be proud of. The writing seemed to be on the wall after just 4 minutes when the Hitchin No. 10 Harry Hunt slipped the Waders defence to round the keeper and place the ball into the empty net. Bad to worse when an injury to captain Liam Folds meant his substitution after 5 minutes bringing on James Hall.
The pace of the game was electric and Hitchin fans were convinced this would be the undoing of the Waders. However this was not the case!!! The Waders attacked time after time throughout the 1st half and did everything but score. Half time 1-0
With the weather getting colder, the game warmed home and visiting fans alike. The pace not easing, all the Waders outfield players had attempts on goal. It was not to be. The crowd of 303 had seen a match that was end to end. A match for football to be proud of. Biggleswade were the better team but just did not have the luck to score and extend the unbeaten run.
A Hitchin fan said to me “I didn’t think Biggleswade would play like this” No praise high enough for a wonderful team performance. In last Saturday’s report I suggested the team may be saving themselves and after last nights game I am really pleased they did.
TEAM: BULL: BEXFIELD: WEBSTER: FOLDS: REYNOLDS: KILROY: DANCE: LAMACRAFT: STEELE: DONNELLY: FRESHWATER: subs used: HALL: HERON:
MOM ALL OF THE ABOVE AND THE COACHING STAFF: MARTIN: TONY: JO AND NATALIE;
Take a bow boys (and girl) you thoroughly deserve the applause.
This is the last match report before Christmas so on behalf of my very good friend Mike and myself (Mits) can we wish all our readers a very merry Christmas. See you Boxing day at the Carlsburg Stadium k o 1pm.

BIGGLESWADE TOWN 1 - 0 BEDWORTH UNITED
Match Report by MITS (Man in the stand)
12-12-2009
The team bus from Bedworth arrived late putting extra pressure on the newly appointed manager to prepare his side to face a Waders team who have been unbeaten in their last 9 league games. The afternoon as forecast was dry but cold.
Waders started brightly putting pressure on the Bedworth defence but the visitors soon got into their stride and looked threatening when moving forwards, containing the Waders with ease. After 20 minutes with Biggleswade conceding a free kick just inside their own half, Bedworth No.4 slid 2 footed into the Waders No.6 Kevin Kilroy. A moment of madness? A red card was shown and the Bedworth player left the pitch. This unsettled Bedworth and on 26minutes Brett Donnelly collected a ball from Mark Webster. Donnelly turned and shot at goal, this was parried and Donnelly got another chance through a crowd of players to make it 1-0. Bedworth gradually regained the earlier momentum but were unable to level the score. HT 1-0
The 2nd half, Bedworth continued to press but Webster, Folds, Reynolds and Gatti plus the impressive Dean Bull in goal kept yet another clean sheet. There were chances at both ends but the game was not one to warm the crowd. Hopefully the Waders were saving themselves for Tuesday’s match at Hitchin.
TEAM - BULL, WEBSTER, FOLDS, REYNOLDS, GATTI, KILROY, DANCE, LAMACRAFT, DONNELLY, HERON, BEXFIELD sub used YALLEY:
Mom Brett Donnelly

SANTA ARRIVES EARLY FOR THE WADERS.
AFC SUDBURY 0 - 1 BIGGLESWADE TOWN
Match Report by MITS ( man in the stand)
3 wise men in black came from afar (well 60 miles actually) to officiate at the game last night. Santa arrived with an early Christmas present for the Waders, their 1st away win of the current campaign and a run of 7 games without defeat.
Down the dark lanes to Sudbury, the weather closing in, not yet raining but expected. Sudbury started the game at a fierce pace forcing a very early corner and shots on the Waders goal within minutes of the kick off. Waders weathered this early storm(no pun intended)and composed themselves to settle and play some very attractive football. Mid way through the half Dan Heron chasing down a long ball won a throw, deep into the Sudbury half. Glen Lamacraft launched the throw with Liam Folds getting on the end to shoot goalwards. This was blocked but rebounded to Heron who made no mistake from 6 yards. Waders dominated the 1st half and deserved greater rewards. The long ball game from Sudbury being easily taken care of by the miserly Waders defence. Half Time 0-1
When the players came out for the 2nd half the rain had arrived making the playing surface even more slippery. Sudbury’s change of tactics trying to keep the ball on the floor saw a change of fortune but were still unable to get the ball into the Waders net. With a poor home record Sudbury lost confidence and despite using all 3 subs the game finished with a Waders win 1-0.
Team: BULL: COX: WEBSTER: FOLDS: REYNOLDS: BEXFIELD: DANCE: LAMACRAFT: DONNELLY: HERON: FRESHWATER: Subs used YALLEY: KILROY: BISHOP:
Mom James Freshwater
Away match next Tuesday 15-12-2009 at Hitchin. Coach travel from the club costing just a £1. Don’t miss this local derby. Contact the club or look on the website for details. We want your support.

Tuesday 1st December
Bedfordshire FA Senior Cup Round One
Dunstable Town 0 - 4 Biggleswade Town
Having been postponed last week due to floodlight problems at Creasey Park the venue was switched last week to the Carlsberg Stadium but there was still to be a further twist as the weekend downpour put tonight’s match in doubt. However, a late morning pitch inspection deemed the surface suitable for the game to proceed.
The match featuring last year’s finalists and of course Dunstable Town as holders of the Beds FA senior Cup saw two teams whose positions in the Football Pyramid have changed since their last meeting so pride was certainly at stake in this Round One fixture. From the start the Waders took the game to Dunstable and after some early pressure the Waders were rewarded when Brett Donnelly’s shot deceived everyone by sneaking just inside the right hand post. Six minutes later it was Glen Lamacraft who found himself at the end of some good passing movement and he shot home from about 10 yards out. Dunstable were finding themselves under more pressure and just before the half hour mark Donnelly added his second of the night. Just before half time Bobby Dance was struck by the ball on his wrist which meant the introduction of Kieran Bishop just after the break.
The second half started with much the same possession for the Waders and two minutes after the restart a great run by Kieran Bishop down the right wing finished with a great low cross across goal and Brett Donnelly steering the ball home for his hat-trick and the fourth goal for the Waders, which effectively ended the game. Dunstable’s problems increased further when six minutes into the second half their keeper was shown a straight red for a mixture of dissent and industrial language.
With the one man advantage and four goal lead the Waders introduced Chris Johnson on his return from injury replacing Jamie Steele and Kevin Kilroy after a three week suspension as he replaced Mark Webster. The Waders created a few chances and maybe should have increased their lead but the stand in keeper played well and managed to stop some shots. Dunstable had a couple of half chances but the Waders back three dealt with the attacks and calmly played the ball back up the pitch.
This of course sets up a Quarter Final for the Waders as they entertain Luton Town in late January.
BTFC: Bull, Webster (Kilroy 56), Gatti, Folds, Cox, Bexfield, Dance (Bishop 45), Lamacraft, Steele (Johnson 53), Donnelly, Freshwater

Saturday 28th November
Romulus 1 – 1 Biggleswade Town
On a very grey and dark Saturday afternoon, with the floodlights needed from the start, the Waders started their first game in Sutton Coldfield against Romulus who ground share with Sutton Coldfield Town. From the start the home side looked dangerous and only some good quality goalkeeping and defending, most notably Paul Reynolds' overhead kick clearance denied Romulus an early goal. However on nineteen minutes Romulus’s Lei Brown found himself just outside the Waders penalty area and drove his shot into the bottom right hand side of the visitor’s goal. The Waders absorbed more pressure until ten minutes from half time when the balance of play turned and the Waders found themselves attacking more than the hosts. Six minutes from the break one such attack resulted in a corner for the Waders and from the initial corner Paul Reynolds was just beaten to the ball by the head of a Romulus defender who put the ball out for another corner. From the second corner Liam Folds rose and headed home the equaliser.
The second half saw a fairly equal amount of possession with Romulus coming closest to breaking the deadlock when they hit the crossbar but the Waders keeper and defence of Bull, Cox, Folds, Reynolds and Webster were as solid as the Romulus back four and keeper and any chances were quickly stifled. On reflection the final score of 1-1 was probably fair. Somebody commented that the Waders are becoming a bit of a draw specialist but that is better than being the whipping boys. The result marked the first month at step 4 without a defeat and an unbeaten league run stretching back to 24th October.
Waders: Bull, Cox, Webster, Folds, Reynolds, Smith, Dance (Bexfield), Lamacraft, Steele (Heron), Donnelly, Freshwater

BIGGLESWADE TOWN 1 - 0 ATHERSTONE TOWN
21-11-2009
Report by MITS (man in the stand)
Atherstone Town, with the best winning away record in the league arrived at the Carlsburg stadium full of confidence against a Waders side who have drawn their last 3 games. On a damp afternoon the crowd of 145 awaited the kick off.
A bright start by the Waders saw opportunities in front of the Atherstone goal being wasted and despite being well on top the score at half time was 0-0.
The 2nd half saw the contest become more even with Atherstone looking threatening and Waders still unable to break the deadlock. On 75 minutes Martin Fields and Tony Lamacraft (Waders coaches) changed the formation and brought on Steele for Heron. Within minutes this paid dividends with a cross from Daniel Flack missing out Donnelly and going straight to Steele who shot from the edge of the area to beat the keeper. Atherstone continued to press but were no real threat in the closing minutes. A win at last during November for the Waders and on the balance of play, much deserved.
Team. BULL, FLACK, COULSON, WEBSTER, REYNOLDS, SMITH, DANCE, LAMACRAFT, DONNELLY, HERON (STEELE), FRESHWATER
MOM (man of the match)
DANIEL FLACK

BROMSGROVE ROVERS 1 - 1 BIGGLESWADE TOWN
14-11-2009
Match Report by MITS
The extreme bad weather had put this match in doubt as early as Friday afternoon but an early pitch inspection confirmed the playing surface fit. The Waders bus left Biggleswade to be faced with road closures traffic jams and severe weather conditions all the way to Bromsgrove, where the afternoon was fine and dry.
A strong Waders team took on promotion hopefuls (according to their programme) Bromsgrove Rovers who are in the bottom 3 due to a 10 point deduction. The 1st half was an end to end game with Waders having the better chances playing up the slope. An uneventful half came to a close at 0-0.

The 2nd half started much as the 1st had ended but on 55 minutes with Waders loosing the ball in midfield a long hopeful ball saw the Bromsgrove No.7 Cameron Jones clear of the defence and putting the ball past a diving Dean Bull in the Waders goal. Within minutes multiple changes to both line ups saw Cox and Steele go off to be replaced by Dance and new signing Brett Donnelly for Biggleswade and Walters on for Richards and Owen for Spence for Bromsgrove. Waders pressed hard for an equalizer and on 70 minutes saw the ever reliable Dance shoot through a crowd of players and past the despairing goalkeeper. With Chris Johnson coming on to replace Heron the Waders forwards looked to threaten the opposition goal even further. Combination play between Dance, Johnson and new boy Donnelly created chances but no further goals. Full Time 1-1
Team: Bull, Flack, Coulson, Folds, Reynolds, Cox,(Dance), Lamacraft, Smith, Steele (Donnelly), Heron (Johnson), Freshwater
 Men of the Match
Liam Folds and Paul Reynolds

BIGGLESWADE TOWN 1 - 1 CHESHAM UNITED
Match Report 07-11-2009
By MITS (man in the stand)
Attendance 161
Promotion hopefuls Chesham United came to the Calsburg stadium today looking to improve their league position against a Waders team with changes from the side who drew 3-3 against Sutton Coldfield on Tuesday.
Although the line up looked defensive with Cox playing in front of a very solid back four, Waders had the better of the 1st half with chances being missed. A score line of 0-0 at half time did not reflect the Waders greater possession.
With the floodlights on Waders continued to press and after 61 minutes took a deserved lead. With the free running Flack exchanging passes with Lamacraft an eventual cross was headed away only as far as James Freshwater who from the edge of the box struck an unstoppable shot into the top corner. Cox, with this game being his 1st start since being out injured was replaced by Heron. Chesham replaced 2 players Laws and Archer going off to bring on Burnell and Marsala to try and salvage the game. On 75 minutes this paid dividends when Chesham No. 10 Cox (no relation)fired through the Waders defence. Chesham stepped up a gear and went looking for the winner only to be denied by a fine double save from Dean Bull in the Waders goal. Tense moments for the home crowd as the referee added nearly 5 minutes stoppage time. Final score 1-1
Team BULL: FLACK: COULSON: FOLDS: REYNOLDS: COX: LAMACRAFT: SMITH: STEELE: DANCE: FRESHWATER: Sub used HERON.
MITS Mom Mark Coulson

BIGGLESWADE TOWN 3 - 3 SUTTON COLDFIELD TOWN
03-11-2009
By MITS (Man in the stand)
96 miles from home saw the visitors Sutton Coldfield Town have plenty to talk about on the return journey.
A crisp cool evening, a crowd of 112 saw the Waders dominate the 1st half with a goal, after only 10 minutes from James Freshwater after a mix up in the Sutton defence saw most of the Waders forwards have a go at trying to getting the ball past the keeper. A rare attack from Sutton brought a corner and a shock equalizer from No. 6 Batchelor beating all with a fine header half way through the 1st period. Waders restored the lead on the half hour with a fine move involving Daniel Flack running forward and delivering a pinpoint cross for Dan Heron to head past a stranded Sutton keeper. Half Time Waders 2 Sutton Coldfield 1.
There was more purpose about Sutton in the 2nd half and the game became even on 71 minutes with a diving header from the Sutton forward James Quiggin. Waders pressed and great inter play between Johnson and Heron brought rewards with Heron finishing off the move with a goal. Heron was taken off to be replaced by Yalley and Sutton made their own substitutions bringing on 2 new forward players. This paid dividends on 81 minutes with Matt Jamille heading into the Waders net. Final score 3-3
Team: Bull, Flack, Coulson, Webster, Folds, Smith, Dance, Lamacraft, Heron (Yalley), Johnson, Freshwater. Subs not used: Reynolds, Gatti, Jobe, Cox
MITS MoM: Bobby Dance

Burnham 2 - 1 Biggleswade Town
13-10-2009
Match report by Mits
By Tom-Tom, map or just knowing the way, the team and assorted others met at Burnham in Bucks on a clear crisp evening to take on a side who had only conceded 1 goal in 7 league outings this season. 117 crowd watched an entertaining match with quality football and goals.
Both defences proved miserly in the 1st half of end to end football. Burnham playing at pace and the Waders playing the patient passing game, both teams had chances. Extra entertainment from the linesman who fell over his own feet but recovered like a true pro and bowed to the crowd. HT 0-0
The 2nd half continued much the same but sooner or later something had to give. With only 8 minutes gone Papali the Burnham No. 9 picked up a loose ball on the left took a couple of paces, a shot that bent and twisted in the air to hit the back of the Waders net. 1-0 Waders took up the challenge and pressed hard. Heron injured was replaced by Hewitt just 21 minutes into the 2nd half to change the Waders formation. On the half hour James Freshwater picked up a ball midway in the Burnham half and weaved his way through to score a magnificent goal. 1-1. Waders were looking happy to take the draw but with 5 minutes to go Burnham’s No.10 Ryan Bird seemed to fly to a great height to head home past the Waders defence. Try as they may Waders could not get that vital 2nd goal. Final score 2-1
Team: Bull, Smith, Coulson, Gatti, Reynolds, Kilroy, Dance, Lamacraft, Steele, Heron(Hewitt), Freshwater
Mits Mom Peter Gatti

Barton Rovers 2 – 2 Biggleswade Town
10-10-2009
Match Report by MITS
Can you believe its mid October? The Waders travelled not too far this week to Barton Le Clay but still brought the good weather with them. A crowd of 154 enjoying the autumn sunshine.
The matrix clock (donated by Luton Town FC) hit 3pm and the game underway. 3 after 3 and the Waders were in front from a Dan Heron goal, his 2nd in as many weeks. Waders continued to press and were easily the better side, pushing back Barton time and again with chances being missed. With 15 minutes gone Barton’s No.10, Mason slipped the Waders defence and scored with a low shot beating the keeper. Still the Waders had more of the play but a mix up in defence between Bull, Webster and Reynolds allowed the Barton 7, Case to score with his head. The resulting injury led Webster to be replaced by Michael Cox. Unbelievable, Waders had had most of the play yet were going in 2-1 down at half time.
From the re-start the same story continued with Waders pressing. With an injury to Dan Heron, early in the half, James Freshwater came on. Waders continued to press with flowing football and on the half hour replaced Weeden with Kevin Kilroy. Barton’s only attacking ploy seemed to be the long high ball which either went out or was dealt with by the Waders defence. With the matrix clock still ticking, Bobby Dance and James Freshwater exchanging passes, with a wonderful final flick from Dance, saw Freshwater at the by-line and crossing for Dance to put the ball in the back of the net. 2-2 and Waders pressed again with chances falling again to Freshwater and Lamacraft. Deep into injury time Callum Donnelly No.15 for Barton was sent off for a 2nd bookable offence but there was not enough time for Waders to make this advantage pay and a final score of 2-2.
Team: Bull, Gatti, Coulson, Webster (Cox), Reynolds, Smith, Dance, Lamacraft, Steele, Heron (Freshwater), Weeden (Kilroy)
MITS Man of the Match - Stephen Smith

MATCH REPORT 03-10-2009
TILBURY 1 - 2 BIGGLESWADE TOWN
FA TROPHY PRELIMINARY ROUND
Today The Waders went into the FA Trophy after many years in the FA Vase, travelling to Tilbury in the “team bus” and arrived in good time, full of anticipation for the task ahead.
The afternoon was dry with a stiff breeze blowing down the pitch. The Waders playing with the wind in the 1st half found it difficult to measure passes most over hit to the Tilbury keeper. Early chances fell to Lamacraft, Weeden and Johnson but all were unable to find the net. On 17 minutes Tilbury No.6 Chris Taylor picked up on a loose ball and fired a low shot past The Waders defence to score. This lifted Tilbury and they had more of the play during the remaining time of the 1st half but were unable to increase their lead. Score at half time 1-0.
From the kick off The Waders play was more determined, playing into the wind suited the team. Waders kept pressing and on 15minutes Bobby Dance shot passed the Tilbury keeper to level the scores. Within minutes Manager Nunn replaced Chris Johnson with Dan Heron, just back from a long lay off due to injury. Tilbury were being forced back, on 25 minutes the Tilbury manager replaced 3 players at the same time but to no advantage as this appeared to disrupt the whole team. On 30 minutes Heron latched on to a loose ball to claim his comeback goal with a shot which easily beat the Tilbury defence. Tilbury tried to get back into the game pushing the centre half Golby into attack. Tilbury skimmed the Waders bar, with the ref playing what seemed an unfair amount of injury time, Tilbury were pressing hard but to no avail. Waders held out with a final of score of Waders 2 Tilbury 1
MITS mom Paul “Reyno” Reynolds.
Team Bull: Coulson: Gatti:Webster:Reynolds:Smith:Dance:Lamacraft:Steele:Johnson:Weedon: Subs: Folds, Freshwater, Heron, Carter, Samways
A small mention for the Tilbury support who for 6 guys made a huge amount of noise. In the end , back in the bar I am sure I heard them chant “GREEN ARMY”

Saturday 19th Sept. 2009
Biggleswade Town 2 - 3 Marlow
Match Report by MITS
Another warm sunny day at the Carlsberg stadium with a crowd of just over a hundred, in summer clothes awaiting the arrival of the 2 teams. Our visitors today Marlow, just one league position below The Waders.
The 1st half opened brightly for both teams, Marlow missing the opportunity to open the scoring with just 3 minutes gone. The Waders then had the better of the game with Lamacraft going close on 2 occasions with passes slid through the Marlow defence by Kevin Cooper. Marlow went ahead on the half hour from a corner with No. 8 slipping his marker to score with his head. From the restart The Waders pressed and were rewarded 5 minutes later with Bobby Dance living up to his name, going round 3 players and a pass to an unmarked Kevin Cooper who made no mistake beating the keeper to his left. The Waders had one more opportunity before half time a header from defender Michael Cox seemed to roll along the bar before going out of play. Half Time BTFC 1 Marlow1
Marlow came out the brighter team at the start of the 2nd half and after 6 minutes No.9 Alex Stewart scored low to Dean Bulls left side. With only another 4 minutes passed Marlow increased their lead with a breakaway goal. Chris Elsegood who had been injured was returning to the pitch and picked up on a loose ball to run at The Waders defence. A pass through to No. 10 who beat Dean Bull with a ground shot that just crept in at the far post. Substitutions followed and James Hall came on for James Freshwater and Mark Webster for Peter Gatti. Waders pressed but with no rewards and on the half hour manager Chris Nunn made the final substitution with Kevin Cooper off for Kieron Bishop to come on. Waders continued to press, with 3 minutes to go a long free kick from Bull found the head of Liam Folds whose attempt at goal bounced up off the pitch and over the advancing keeper. Despite a nervous few minutes for the Marlow defence, The Waders were kept at bay with the final score BTFC2 Marlow 3.
MITS Man of the Match - Jamie Steele
Team Bull. Gatti. Coulson. Cox. Folds. Smith. Dance. Lamacraft. Steele. Cooper. Freshwater. Subs. Hall. Webster. Bishop.

Thursday 17th September
Capital Football League
BTFC 5 - 1 Concord Rangers
The Waders Capital League side treated the handful of fans at the Carlsberg Stadium to an entertaining surprise as they put five goals past second placed Concord Rangers.
Concord Rangers had made the long trip from Canvey Island with a squad of only eleven players but their league form suggested that this game could be a very tough test for the young home side. After one minute the visitors were a goal up and it appeared that things might be going against the Waders.
However, the home side gathered their composure and started to gain more possession of the ball and then ten minutes of domination as Kieran Bishop scored two goals in two minutes and four minutes later Kevin Kilroy added the third with a thirty yard free kick. Kieran Bishop added a fourth to the tally and got his hattrick on twenty seven minutes and effectively it was game, set and match with a little over an hour to go.
The Waders now with a three goal cushion took more control of the game and had a few chances to increase the score but had to wait until the seventieth minute when Bishop added his fourth of the night. The result moves the Waders up to fourth spot in the league and maintains the 100% home record.

Saturday 12th September
Atherstone Town 1 - 1 Biggleswade Town
Match report by MITS
A warm sunny afternoon greeted the Waders to Atherstone Town FC just to the east of Birmingham. The pitch in good condition, the crowd in summer clothes awaited the kick off.
The first half started at a quick pace with both sides pushing forward. On 6 minutes Atherstone had a goal disallowed for offside that was fiercely disputed by the home team. On 23minutes another great save from Dean Bull with a goal line clearance from Liam Folds kept the Waders clean sheet intact. Almost immediately Bobby Dance was at the oppositions goal with a long range shot that nearly caught out Dave Whatsize the Atherstone keeper, the ball took a wicked bounce only to go wide. On 40 minutes Waders went ahead with a goal from Jamie Steele, the ball passed to him from Bobby Dance at chest height and Steele tried to chest the ball past the keeper, who parried, Steele turned away, chance gone, but the keeper had pushed it back to Steele and he made no mistake the second time. Half time score Atherstone 0 Waders 1
Atherstone started the second half pushing the Waders back and a shot just wide and a succession of corners all dealt with by the Waders defense kept the score line intact. James Hall and Jack Weeden broke away from the Atherstone defence only to see their efforts go wide of the goal. Penalty appeals from both sides were waved away by the ref. Late in the game with 4 minutes to go a shot from Atherstone No. 11 Matty Lewis went through a crowd of players and into the net to make the final score 1-1.
Dean Bull made 3 or 4 great saves which kept Waders in the match and he is to be congratulated on yet another fine performance. MITS man of the match Glen Lamacraft.
BTFC; Bull, Gatti, Coulson, Cox, Folds, Smith, Dance, Lamacraft, Steele (Webster), Hall, Weeden (Flack)

Saturday 5th September
Slough Town 4 - 2 Biggleswade Town
Match report By MITS (man in the stand)
On a bright sunny afternoon the Waders visited Beaconsfield, the temporary home of Slough Town. An even first half saw opportunities from both sides with Slough just having the upper hand - however Dean Bull pulled off 3 fine saves, one of which was at the feet of the Slough forward bearing down on the Waders goal. Half time arrived and the score was 0-0 which reflected an even performance from both teams.
The game restarted in much the same way as the first half had finished, however the noisy Slough fans which had been behind the Waders goal in the first half now vacated the stand and moved to the other end to again try and distract Dean Bull.
On 57 minutes the Slough captain Edgeworth found himself free at the far post to power a shot into the Waders net. It was only 3 minutes later and Slough doubled the lead with a goal from a similar position by No. 8 Tyrone Sealey who had been running at the Waders defence all afternoon.
Following the second goal immediate action was taken by manager Nunn and on came Bobby Dance and James Hall to replace Jamie Steele and Daniel Flack. This added life to the Waders attack and within minutes paid off with combination play between Dance and Hall with Hall netting the return pass. Waders hearts were lifted.
On 77 minutes the Waders conceded a free kick on the edge of the box and much taunting from the crowd saw a fine free kick from Edgeworth leave both the defence and goalie Bull motionless as the ball flew into the top corner. Waders pressed and brought out saves from the Slough keeper but another break saw Slough increase their lead on 87 minutes with a goal from Sinclair.
In the last throws of the game Glen Lamacraft ran into the Slough box only to be hauled down by the keeper. Lamacraft scored from the spot to make the final score 4-2.
MOM - Liam Folds
BTFC – Bull, Gatti, Coulson, Webster, Folds, Hewitt (Feakes), Flack (Hall), Lamacraft, Weeden, Steele (Dance), Freshwater

Tuesday 25th August
Biggleswade Town 3 – 1 Woodford United
Biggleswade Town took control of this game fairly early and with a changed forward line of Jamie Steele and Jack Weeden along with a couple of further changes from Saturday the Waders were looking a lot more determined on the night. A couple of half chances came and went which led to the opening goal on twenty minutes when Jack Weeden slotted home his shot beating the keeper at the far post. With Woodford playing five across midfield it made for an entertaining battle in the middle of the park but the Waders were breaking down any attack with the back four clearing any attacks that beat midfield. In fairness the home side should have doubled their advantage before the break but the score remained 1-0 at half time.
The second half started in much the same vane as the first half with the Waders having more of the possession. Just before the hour mark the Waders won a corner from which a looping header by Paul Reynolds travelled across the goal and was bundled home by Glen Lamacraft. On seventy two minutes a shot from Bobby Dance hit the underside of the crossbar and bounced downwards and was kicked away by a Woodford defender and from the stands it looked like Woodford had prevented the goal being scored but a quick confirmation between referee and assistant referee confirmed that a third goal had been scored. With the clock counting down James Freshwater replaced James Hall which saw some extra pace introduced on the wing. Five minutes before the end Dan Douglas and Phil Feakes replaced Steele and Weeden up front and the game looked as if it would end 3-0 when with the last kick of the game Woodford’s James Fountain shot home for a consolation goal for Woodford. The result puts the Waders in seventh place sharing the same points as seven other teams positioned from third to ninth in the league.
BTFC: Bull, Gatti, Coulson, Reynolds, Cox, Hewitt, Dance, Lamacraft, Weeden (Douglas), Steele (Feakes), Hall (Freshwater)

Saturday 22nd August
Stourport Swifts 0 - 0 Biggleswade Town
The welcome to unbeaten Stourport Swifts lasted three minutes for Waders Captain Mark Webster when the elbow of a Stourport forward made contact with his eye forcing an early substitution. The incident not seen by the referee or assistant referees went unpunished. Paul Reynolds replacing the injured Webster soon found himself on the end of an ungainly challenge but was soon back on his feet. Unfortunately this set the tone for some of the challenges in the early part of the game which the Waders soon were dominating. Unfortunately a number of chances were missed or saved by the Swifts keeper Paul Evans who was largely responsible for keeping a clean sheet for the home side. Any attacks from the Swifts were dealt with comfortably by the Waders back four with some good performances from Peter Gatti and especially Michael Cox whose experienced defending was clear to see.
The second half carried on much in the same vane with more goal scoring chances for the Waders going begging and the Waders defence dealing with the few Stourport attacks. The home side won a free kick some ten yards outside the Waders box and from the resultant free kick the ball did find the back of the net but it was obvious to all including the match officials that Swifts Captain Wes Joyce had punched the ball into the net and Joyce was duly cautioned for his efforts. The introduction of James Hall for the Waders injected some more pace into the attack but as the clock counted down it was a case of some good play but no end result. It’s always good to get a point away from home against an unbeaten side but on reflection the amount of possession and attempts on goal should have seen the Waders heading south with three points. For the Waders the Man of the Match has to go to Michael Cox whose defending was definitely a key factor in keeping a clean sheet.
Biggleswade Town: Bull, Gatti, Coulson, Webster (Reynolds), Cox, Lamacraft, Dance, Hewitt, Steele, Douglas (Hall), Weeden.

Tuesday 18th August
Bury Town 2 – 1 Biggleswade Town
This was always going to be a tough match, Bury are a good team who last season finished seventh in this Division just missing out on the play-offs by a couple of points. The opening quarter of an hour saw a fairly even game of football with Bury just looking the more likely to score when Jamie Steele received the ball some thirty yards out from the Bury goal on the left hand side, he turned and shot into the top right hand side of the goal leaving Bury keeper Marcus Garnham diving into empty space. Bury had a few more attempts at the Waders goal and the Waders defence found themselves working hard to keep the Bury forwards at bay. Then on 37 minutes what appeared to be a clear case of pulling Glen Lamacraft to the ground went unpunished by the referee and now with possession of the ball Bury launched an attack on the Waders goal with Sam Reed slotting home his shot. The remainder of the half saw a couple of chances at either end with both keepers making good saves.
After the break Bury had more of the possession and had several shots saved by Dean Bull whose efforts were really frustrating the Bury forwards. The introduction of Kieran Bishop for the Waders caused a few problems for Bury but their back four managed to thwart the Waders attacks. Bury were increasing their efforts on the Waders goal but each attack was met with a resolute back four and keeper. It was all beginning to look like a draw when two minutes into added time Bury won a corner and through a sea of bodies Gavin Johnson managed to head home a winner for Bury. There was just enough time for the Waders to launch one more attack on the Bury goal but some good defending kept the ball out. It is almost certain that Bury will be near the promotion places again if they continue as they played in this match and for the Waders some consolation has to be taken from the fact that we went to Bury, nearly came away with a draw and by no means disgraced ourselves.
BTFC: Bull, Gatti, Coulson, Webster, Cox, Kilroy, Dance (Hewitt), Lamacraft, Cooper (Bishop), Steele, Weeden

Saturday 15th August
Biggleswade Town 3 -1 Aylesbury United
The opening game of the season saw newcomers Biggleswade Town secure all three points with a 3-1 victory over Aylesbury United.
At a sundrenched carlsberg stadium 150 spectators, watched as Biggleswade’s fast breaking forward Jack Weeden twice dribbled round the Aylesbury defence, firstly in the 8th minute for Jamie Steele to tap home from 2 yards.
Biggleswade continued to dominate and following good work down the left, James Freshwater cut inside the full back and scored from just outside the box on 33 minutes.
On 43 minutes Jack Weeden, man of the match, collected the ball on the half way line, beat 5 defenders and dribbled round the keeper to net the third goal.
The second half continued to be dominated by the home team and several good chances went wide or were cleared from the line, and the game was drawing to a close when a mistake between the goalkeeper and defender allowed Ashleigh James to net a consolation goal for Aylesbury.
man of the match – Jack Weeden
entertainment rating-- 4