Spartan South Midlands Football League, Premier Division
Date: 23 November 2024
Kickoff: 15:00
Wormley Rovers FC vs. Kempston Rovers FC
View from the chair
Welcome everyone to The Lane for todays SSML Premier division league encounter against Kempston Rovers and a particular warm welcome to the players officials and supporters of Kempston Rovers. Unbelievably this is our first home Saturday league fixture since the victory over Shefford & Campton on the 7th of September 2024.
Since that game, our away league games have seen us record wins at Tring (2-1) and Arlesey Town (1-0) whilst suffering defeats at MK Irish (3-0) and Potton Utd (4-1) and some reminders that this is a tough league as bar the Potton game all of these games could have had a very different outcome even the MK Irish one where their keeper made three ridiculously good saves at important moments.
Our cup exploits during this period have seen us first lose to and then beat Harpenden Town, beat Ampthill Town (3-2), beat Colney Heath on penalties 4-3 after a 0-0 draw and lose to London Lions last weekend 2-0 in a game that we were in without ever looking like winning it.
It’s been a tough few months with injuries taking its toll on the squad which has disrupted our early season rhythm but that’s where our young squad must learn lessons quickly and adapt to the challenges in front of them.
I get to see how incredibly hard Ryan and his management team are working to improve the squad, to improve players both individually and as a unit and there is something incredibly pleasing about watching young players develop and thrive in an environment where we want them to enjoy their football but also improve. There is certainly a togetherness amongst the whole squad that has carried over from last year that should help us through the inevitable tough times that every team goes through.
On that note we send our best wishes to 18-year-old Kyle Finlayter-Lynch from the first team squad who suffered a leg break and dislocation ten days ago on loan at Enfield Borough and we wish him well in his recovery.
Congratulations to Danny Haigh who picked up Player of the Month award for September and to Cormac Clark who wins the October award.
Welcome to the club new signings Elijah Grant and Rueben Campbell and great to see Alex Clark step up from our reserves to take his chance at first team football.
Bizarrely given how the fixtures have gone so far this season we now have seven fixtures at home in a row right up until the New Year so hopefully we will get to see some good football at The Lane.
Enjoy the game
Welcome to our opponents
Kempston Rovers were formed in 1884 and entered the Bedford & District League. Rovers’ first league championship was won in 1908 and twelve month later Rover’s retained the title while also carrying off the Bedfordshire Senior Cup and North Beds Charity Cup. Rover’s joined the South Midlands League in 1927, and while league honours eluded them they continued to enjoy cup success, winning the Senior Cup for a second time in 1938 and winning the Hinchingbrooke Cup in 1926, 1928 and 1932.
The Walnut Boys, the nickname coming from the large walnut orchard in Kempston, joined the United Counties League in 1953 and fortunes took an upturn. After winning the Second Division League and cup double in 1955, Kempston continued to enjoy success as the competition reverted to a single division. Rovers were champions in 1958 and runners-up in 1957 and 1960, while in the Knockout Cup they contested five successive finals between 1957 and 1961, winning the trophy in 1958 and 1960.
1973 saw the start of a new era as Kempston relocated to a new ground further down Hillgrounds Road. A magnificent season saw the Walnut Boys storm to the Premier title losing only once in 32 games. A golden period in the club’s history saw League Cup successes in 1975 and 1977; the Beds Senior Cup was again captured in 1977 while the Walnut Boys reached the last 16 of the FA Vase in 1975. The club nearly folded in the early eighties and were relegated in 1983, but they bounced back to the top flight in 1986 before moving to the current ground, their third in the same road.
Kempston won the Beds Senior Cup in 1992 and the Hunts Premier Cup and North Beds Charity Cup in 2000
The beginning of 2005 saw the start of major re-developments at Hillgrounds Road with the building of new changing facilities and the building of an artificial training pitch.
The new ground facilities were completed in 2006 and along with a new stand; on-going ground improvements and the existing clubhouse due for refurbishment shortly, AFC Kempston now have some of the best facilities in the area for non-league football.
In 2007 Rovers finished third in division one and the club gained promotion to the Premier Division after spending four seasons in division one. Unfortunately Rovers stay in the premier division was short lived and we were relegated back to Division one after just one season.
The summer of 2008 saw The Walnut Boys completely reshaping the management team, with closer links with Bedford College Football Academy, Dave Randall was appointed 1st team manager with John Guiney acting as assistant, John also managing our midweek Under 18 team and successfully winning The Bedfordshire FA U18 Midweek Challenge Cup beating a strong Stotfold side 3 – 1, for the first time in the clubs history. The senior team also reached the Final of The Bedfordshire FA Senior Trophy losing to 61FC Luton. During the 2010-11 campaign we were fortunate to be winners of Division 1 and also win the Hinchinbrooke Cup for the first time since 1932, which was an extremely proud moment for many Club members and one we hope can be replicated in the near future.
Match Day Squads
Wormley Rovers FC
Keeper: All Green or All Purple
Red Shirts | Black Shorts | Black Socks
Joshua Asiedu
Reece Barrett
George Beattie
Lee Brennan
Cormac Clark
Zion Dos Santos Sinclair
Bradley Empson
Danny Haigh
Archie Hammond
Adam Hart
Charles Hill
Prince Will Madu
Luke Marshall
Kaidyn Michael
Reece Mosanya
Noah Mosanya
Tom Mulqueen
Louis Offer
Connor Scully
Carlos Simeon
Ryan Stevenson
Craig Tolley
Elijah Grant
Rueben Campbell
Alex Clark
Karmani Collington
Manager: Ryan Wade
Asst Manager: Tony Faulkner
Coach: Adam Hart, Lee Protheroe
Physio: Stephanie Symeou
Kempston Rovers FC
Kacper Kurylowicz – Kacper’s a top goalkeeper that’s been on the radar of most teams in the off season, again, the club are delighted to bring in a keeper with such experience and reliability, a big season for Kacper is in store.
Rafal Wielblad – Raf is a popular player at the club, after a successful campaign last season, the club are delighted to have him on board for this season.
Caleb Bolton – Caleb is a quick and strong forward, creative and hard working. He will bring lots of energy and determination to the squad, the club pleased to have got Caleb back in for the season.
Alusine Kamara – ‘Kam’ is back for the season, a successful campaign in the reserves last year earning himself the trust to play up in the first, a popular member of the group who will give everything for the shirt.
Bradley Collins – Bradley came through our open trial day, and a central midfielder that shone on the day. He has good awareness, a good communicator and another young player that has the skill set to match.
Aaron Myles – A tidy full back who can both attack and defend. Aaron can use both feet and uses his speed and body well in duels.
Levi Squillace – Manager Darren Clarke has worked with Levi before and was keen to bring him in again. We will need his experience and leadership qualities, this lad will give 110% for the shirt.
Joshua Yoane – A silky central defender with experience at step 4, athletic too, Josh is returning to us after a very brief spell last season.
Michael Donkor – A central defender that brings his athleticism and considerable height, this is the step up he needs, and we’re sure his qualities will see him shine here at Kempston.
Wayne Mubayi – Wayne burst onto the scene with the reserves last season, an explosive talent who deserves his opportunity to shine with the first team this season.
Nikita Suprun – One of last season’s reserve team players, Nikki can play in a few different positions, giving us many options having him in the squad.
Cassius Hudson – A product of the Academy at Kempston Rovers, Marley is a talented young forward with an eye for goal, looking for big things from this lad.
Elijah Muya – An exciting winger, powerful and quick, and brings with him previous experience at this level, looking forward to seeing him in our colours again this season.
Perry Appiah – Perry comes to us as a new player, Perry can play both at centre back and full back. A very gifted young player and one we’re looking forward to working with this season.
Alessandro Romagnolo – Alessandro is an energetic full back who featured for us in Step 4 last year. A young talent with a bright future ahead.
Jake Baker – A solid central defender, manager Darren Clarke has known Jake for a number of years and once he knew of his availability he had to get him in, he will add that extra quality and steel to our defence.
Axel Ampedu – A technical central midfielder who shows great calmness on the ball, an exciting player to have in the middle of the park.
Matt Phelan – A local player who loves a battle in the middle of midfield, a real fans favourite at Hillgrounds.
Aaron Pike – An exciting forward who loves taking on defenders but works hard winning the ball back, a big season in store.
Dennis Nkrumah – After featuring a few seasons ago, Dennis returns to the Walnuts. An exciting and direct winger who has also featured for the Reserves this campaign.
Taylor Bakogeorge – A short spell away from the club, fans favourite Taylor is back at Hillgrounds. A versatile player who is direct and is excellent on the ball.
Austin Sparkes – A tidy central midfielder with lots of composure in the middle of the park, a great trainer and player to have around the club.
Yassine Tamallkoute – Yas joined the club in October, a relaxed player with the ball and has a great eye. A welcome addition to the club.
