FIXTURES

  • Saturday 3rd September Emirates FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round home to Heybridge Swifts kick-off 3.00pm. Tickets must be purchased online and a reminder that season ticket holders will also have to buy a ticket for this game.
  • If the game ends in a draw the replay will be at Heybridge Swifts on Tuesday 6th September kick-off 7.45pm.

MANAGER’S NOTES WITH MARK BURKE

BANK HOLIDAY

A bank holiday weekend is always a difficult period for non-league teams. I do find it strange games are scheduled for the August bank holiday weekend as many people are still on holiday and players are also facing a demanding time with some likely to be unavailable due to family commitments. However it is what it is and we have to get on with it.

BROMSGROVE

We suffered an early setback when Lewis Barker was shown a red card for a challenge that I believe warranted no more than a yellow card. My frustration at the referee was compounded when he only showed a Bromsgrove player a yellow card when Rio Dasilva was blatantly scythed down with a very dangerous challenge.

After the sending off we regrouped and acquitted ourselves very well and even took the lead with a good finish from Finley Wilkinson. We went to the break with a deserved lead but credit to Bromsgrove who made a double substitution at half time which saw them change their formation and employ two very good strikers who each scored a goal. Their fist goal came just two minutes into the second half and this gave Bromsgrove momentum.

I was still very pleased with our performance and work rate especially bearing in mind the fact we played 78 minutes with ten men.

NEEDHAM MARKET

We encouraged the players not to be too disappointed with our first defeat of the season and to take the positives from the performance. Before the bank holiday weekend we had decided we would use the whole squad and would make changes on the Monday to freshen things up. A couple of injuries altered our team selection but we did still bring fresh legs in to the team.

We had had good reports about Needham Market being a very attacking team with dangerous key players. This influenced our team selection as we introduced Callum Kane at left back to deal with the dangerous Ross Crane backed up by the security of Malaki Black as our left sided centre half. Bradley Bell was introduced for his first game of the season while Delsin Ackom came in as the right wing back to replace the injured Jack Green.

We were able to take an early lead through Finley Wilkinson’s third goal of the season and then we were resolute and our defence proved to be impenetrable on the day. We were again hard to break down. On this occasion we adopted counter attacking tactics which is not always easy on the eye but on Monday it led to our success.

At this stage of the season I am not going to apologise for our approach. We have learned the lessons from last season and know it is important to get points on the board . By doing this and keeping as far away from the relegation zone it will take the pressure of the players. Our aim is to get to a position where we are not looking over our shoulder and can relax and play a more entertaining type of football.

HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS

We face a tricky FA Cup tie against an unbeaten Heybridge Swifts from the Isthmian League. We have watched their last two games and have detailed reports on Heybridge Swifts. We will be doing our best to be in the hat for the draw on Monday. The financial aspect of the FA Cup cannot be underestimated and every non league club dreams of a cup run. I hope the supporters turn up in good numbers on Saturday to get behind the team. Your support really does make a difference and the players really appreciate your backing.

PLAYER NEWS

  • Lewis Barker will miss the next three games through suspension.
  • Jack Morrell will be out for between 4-6 weeks.
  • Rio Dasilva and Jack Green face late fitness tests.
  • We have signed Diogo Freitas Gouveia a forward who played for us in the 2019/20 season having originally been with Colchester.
  • We have also signed Aaron Pike who is another forward and has been playing abroad.

FRANK KING WAKE
On Thursday we had the wake for Frank King at the Canary Club. It was very well attended with past and present players as well as family, officials, volunteers and supporters. Dan Webb looked really well and said he is still avidly following our progress. Brett Donnelly never changes and is still enjoying managing Stotfold. Mark Burke, Michael Jones, Charlie Horlock, Josh Mollison, Steve Gleeson were all present to remember a lovely man.

ACADEMY UPDATE BY MICHAEL JONES

PLAYER UPDATE
Callum Kane made his debut for Hitchin Town on Monday 29th August in their home match against Needham Market FC. Callum had a great debut which was topped off with a win, clean sheet and 90 minutes. We are delighted that another player has progressed into the first team and shows the clear pathway we have from the Academy. We hope to see more players progress throughout the season.

FA YOUTH CUP
On Tuesday 30th August we received news from the FA that Cogenhoe United had withdrawn from our scheduled game on Wednesday 31st August in the FA Youth Cup. This means we now have a bye to the next round. The draw was made on Friday and we are at home to Milton Keynes Irish.

APPLICATIONS
If you are interested in being a part of the Academy for the 22-23 season you can still register your interest using this link – https://www.northhertsarena.co.uk/next-trial-dates

MERCHANDISE UPDATE BY PAUL SPRAGUE
We have plenty of merchandise available in the club shop so please call in at tomorrows FA Cup game and have a look whilst buying your matchday programme or teamsheet.

We have finally received some 2XL and 3XL away shirts from Hummel and KC Sports have turned them around very quickly to ensure they are available from Saturday in the club shop.

BY ROY IZZARD