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31.01.26 - Wellington FC (UHL1)

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ALCESTER TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB

Club Officials

Chairman Steve McAdam 07392 846290 srmcadam@sky.com

Finance Director & Vice Chairman

Ian Chester 07881 508522 ianchesteri@btinternet.com

Fundraising Officer

Gary Williams 07766 664289 garywilliams1@talktalk.net

Head of Junior Football & Child Welfare Officer

Simon McAdam 07565 526035 simonjmcadam@sky.com

Adult Club Secretary Phil Tattersall 07703 020499 tatsphil58webheath@gmail.com

Junior Club Secretary

Marcia Cox 07968 387831 marciaccox22@gmail.com

Marketing & Communications Officer

Dan Archer 07903 418411 dan_archer@hotmail.co.uk

Facilities & Groundcare Manager

Paul Dipple 07800 966956 dipple09@hotmail.com

Football Development Officer

Aaron Blackwood 07581 729008 a.blackwood@perfect-personnel.com

Life President

Jim Kenyon 07711 240732 jim.kenyon@jakwater.co.uk

Manager Aaron Blackwood

Ast. Manager

Tony Round

Head Coach Ryan Faulkner

Coach Colin Tomlinson

Coach Ryan Dipple

Physio

Georgia Armond

Equipment Manager David Kilgallen

At Alcester Town FC, we strive to reduce our footprint on both our facilities and the surrounding community. We kindly request that visitors utilize the designated bins for waste disposal while on our premises.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

NEXT HOME GAME

Tuesday Feb 3rd KO 19:45 Hellenic Division 1

Mr Chairman

WELCOME

Good Afternoon All,

After a frustrating period of postponements due to the recent weather, it’s a pleasure to finally welcome everyone back to Stratford Road this afternoon - with both our league fixture against Bewdley Town and Tuesday night’s cup tie with Highworth Town falling victim to waterlogged pitches, it’s been a stop-start period, but hopefully today marks a return to some consistency and much-needed football.

Despite the recent disruptions, the squad have been in a good run of form in the league, with some excellent results and performances over the past couple of months. Wins against sides such as Redditch Borough, Thame United Reserves, Ludlow Town and Chipping Sodbury Town, along with hard-earned points against strong opposition, show the character and resilience within the group. Defensively, the team have shown real discipline, and Stratford Road has once again proved to be a difficult place for visiting teams.

This afternoon we welcome Wellington FC to Stratford Road in Hellenic League Division One action. Wellington are a side who will be keen to improve on a challenging run of results and will arrive here determined to make a statement. We know from our 2–2 draw earlier in the season that they are capable of causing problems and competing right to the final whistle, so today will require focus, energy and commitment from everyone involved.

For us, this is an opportunity to build further momentum as we move into an important phase of the season. Games are coming thick and fast, and consistency will be key as we look to continue picking up points and pushing in the right direction.

As always, I would like to thank everyone who continues to support Alcester Town Football Club; our players, management, volunteers, sponsors and supporters. Your backing, particularly during disrupted periods like this, is hugely appreciated. The effort behind the scenes week in, week out is what keeps this club moving forward and makes Stratford Road such a special place on matchdays.

Today is about getting back out on the pitch, competing with confidence, showing pride in the shirt, and making Stratford Road a difficult place for any visiting side.

Enjoy the game, thank you for your continued support, and let’s get right behind the lads this afternoon.

Up The Romans!

Steve McAdam

THE GAFFER

Good Afternoon and a very warm welcome to Stratford Road.

After another spell of frustrating postponements due to the weather, it’s great to finally be back in action and welcoming you all once again. The stop-start nature of the last few weeks hasn’t been ideal, but the players are eager to get back out on the pitch and put into practice the work that’s been done on the training ground.

This afternoon we face Wellington FC in Hellenic League Division One, and we’re expecting a competitive and demanding fixture. Wellington are a side who will be looking to turn recent performances into results and we know from our 2–2 draw earlier in the season that they are capable of causing problems if given opportunities. They have attacking threat and won’t come here just to make up the numbers, so our focus and discipline will be crucial from the first minute.

Despite the lack of fixtures recently, the players’ attitude has been excellent. Training standards have remained high, and the group have stayed focused, motivated and together. We’ve been pleased with how the squad has responded to the challenges thrown at us, and there’s been a real hunger to maintain the good habits and form we’ve shown over the past couple of months.

Today is about building momentum and continuing to do the basics well; being organised, working hard for each other, and showing confidence in our play. Stratford Road has been a tough place for visiting teams this season, and we want to make sure that remains the case by starting well and giving our supporters something to get behind.

As we move into a busy and important period of the season, consistency and togetherness will be key. Every game presents a new challenge, and our aim is to keep improving, keep competing and continue taking steps forward as a group.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support. It really does make a difference to the players and staff, and we hope you enjoy the game and your time here at Stratford Road this afternoon.

CLUB HISTORY

The History of Alcester Town Football Club has its roots in the Town's History and its Schools. Alcester Old Boys Football Club was formed after the First World War by pupils of Alcester Grammar School.

Shortly after this, in 1927, the Club became Alcester Juniors and joined the Stratford League becoming Champions of the first Division in their first season. The team played on a pitch by the Spittle Brook and later at the bottom of Bleachfield Street by the river, on what was known locally as the 'Soccer Beds.'

Sometime later in the 1950's the Club became Alcester Town Football Club, sharing their Stratford Road Ground with a Sunday side - 'The Black Horse'. They won a number of Cups, with their finest result being the 1-0 defeat of Alvechurch in the Birmingham Cup.

Alcester Town's most successful years came at the tail end of the 80's and the start of the 90's. In 1989/90 Alcester finished runner-up in the Midland Combination Division Two, this meant promotion to Midland Combination Division One.

The following season, 1990/91, Alcester went on to finish champions of the Midland Combination Division One and secured a place in the Midland Combination Premier for the very first time in Alcester Town's history. Alcester managed two seasons in the Midlands Leagues top division, in the first year finishing a respectable 13th from 21 sides competing. Second season Alcester finished rock bottom of a league hosting twenty sides.

Unfortunately the success of Alcester Town led to its downfall. Despite attempts to move to a new ground the Club were not able to improve their Stratford Road facilities. They needed to build a new covered stand to house 200 people to remain in the Midland Combination and so in 1993, due to lack of funds for the improvements the Club folded. However, one bright moment for Alcester Town was the success of Paul West who was transferred to Port Vale Football Club for £8,000 in January 1991. As part of the deal, Alcester Town hosted Port Vale Football Club in a friendly ahead of the 1991/92 season. Alcester were captained by Colin Saunders, whilst Port Vale had Neil Aspin, Martin Foyle and Trevor Wood in their squad to name just a few.

Was it just a coincidence that at the same time that Alcester Town was disbanded, Alcester Athletic competed successfully in the Mid Warwickshire, Central Warwickshire, Evesham Ambassador and Mercian Junior Festival Leagues and created sides form Under 6's to Under 16's. In September 2007, Alcester Town formed a new adult side playing in the Stratford Alliance - Cutler Division. In their 1st season they finished 4th in the league and got to their 1st Cup Final. So Football is well and truly back on the map in Alcester. In June 2008, Alcester Town merged with Alcester 2000 to create one of the largest youth organisations in the area. With twenty teams from under 6's to Adults and Veterans and girls and boys teams and over 200 members. The club have won several trophies over the last twelve years, including league championships, many Cup successes together with league sportsmanship awards.

The 2012/13 season saw Alcester Town once again join the Midland Combination Leagues, finishing 5th in the Midland Combination Division Two. The 2014/15 season saw a restructure of the Midlands League's and the then Midland Combination Division Two changed to Division Three. Despite leading the race for the title for much of the season, a late collapse saw Alcester finish 3rd.

Promotion to the Midland Football League Division to 2 was finally secured in 2019 and the team remained in the MFL until 2024-25 season where a sideways move to the Hereford Premier League was made. The team went unbeaten in the league throughout the 24-25 season earning promotion to Step 6.

Club History

THE VISITORS

Following the success of England in the World Cup 1966, the club was reformed as a youth side playing youth team and friendly matches from Wellingtons youth club. The records show a team in Wellington as far back as 1921. Several breaks in the continuation of the club saw teams come and go at different times. In 1968 with players getting too old for youth football, the reformed current team and club, playing on a pitch loaned by a local farmer and changing in the village hall, entered Division 3 of the Herefordshire Football League.

In 1974 the club won its first trophy; the Herefordshire League Junior Cup and it began its rise to the position it has achieved today. In 1978 the club moved to the new village playing field. Following the building of new wooden changing rooms in 1981(now demolished), We were invited into the Herefordshire Premier Division which Wellington won at the first attempt. During the eighties the club continued its development and won the Premier Division again in the seasons 1987-88 and 1988-89 and subsequently a total of fourteen times to date. Five times by the club’s second team. The first team have, on several occasions reached the final of the County Cup which was ‘’always the one that got away’’ but in 2009 we were successful and for the first time the County Cup came to Wellington. In 1994 the club became actively involved in an initiative proposed by the Wellington Community Association to develop the sports facilities on the playing fields. In 1996 those new facilities were officially opened, and on completion, the club achieved a Herefordshire Premier League Cup double. In 1996-97 the club successfully applied to join the West Midlands League and in its second season finished Champions of Division 1 South and League Cup winners. Unfortunately,

promotion to the Premier Division did not result due to the lack of floodlights. The following season 1999-2000, the team achieved runners up position and retained the League cup. Following extensive fund raising, further ground improvements were made, and the club was promoted to the West Midlands Premier Division.

The club officials are active in continuously improving the facilities at the ground and in 2005 purchased the adjacent field with help from the then owner and farmer David Williams to secure permanently a playing surface for Wellington Football Club for future generations. The club prides itself in having a senior first team which is the flagship of the club. In 2019 after 22 years in the West Midlands Regional Football League (18 of them in their Premier Division) we moved leagues in the pyramid within step 6 into the Hellenic League Division 1 West. A different direction to travel in, with new grounds, new people, and new challenges, which we welcomed. The Covid-19 pandemic then obstructed us in having a clear run at this league title with the season being cut short on two occasions forcing us to think our plans as we lost momentum and volunteers thus dropping down to the County League. But, we are now back, having another “go” in step 6 after winning promotion back up from the Herefordshire Premier League. We have progressed with ground improvements and still have plans for more, work is very much in progress. We have one other senior adult men’s team and they will play in the Herefordshire County Football League.

A newly formed Under 18 team which will compete in the Cheltenham Under 18 Floodlit League has been formed. The club has re-focused, and we can report that we also now have one adult women’s team and

eleven junior teams a mini kickers programme and a successful Wildcats girls programme. They all represent us within this and surrounding counties in our tangerine colours. This is a positive step forward for us with some good work being done within our junior section.

that long term responsibility is difficult to recruit for, with local houses in short supply and current ones expensive to buy. We at the club are also fully aware of the concerns in the wider arena of the national game too. The diminishing numbers in the player pool, playing adult men’s association football and the short supply of volunteers helping

BIRTHDAYS | SPORTS | RACES | STAG AND HEN | WEDDINGS | AIRPORTS

LUXURY TRANSPORT AND DELIVERY SERVICES

1. Advertising baord blanked out 2.Windows removed on building 3.Club crest removed 4. sponsor removed 5. White ankle trim removed 6. Mitre removed from ball 7 .Tattoos removed
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JUNIOR ROUNDUP

Winter has well and truly dug its studs in now, and the relentless downpour hasn’t exactly been playing ball.

Last weekend, several fixtures were forced off thanks to waterlogged pitches, leaving plenty of young players standing on the touchline with boots on but nowhere to run. Still, silver linings and all that - we managed to squeeze in some football the following week, even if the conditions looked more suited to a mud-run than the beautiful game. The kids didn’t seem to mind; half of them looked like they were auditioning for a washing-powder advert by the final whistle.

Looking ahead, next weekend brings the last few league fixtures for our junior sides before we all catch our breath for the Christmas break. Every age group is gearing up for a final push, and then it’s a brief pause before we’re back in action on 3rd January 2026. Enjoy the mince pies while you can - the season won’t wait for anyone.

A special shoutout goes to our two Sunday teams, the U13 Juniors and U13 Sunday Romans, who put together an excellent run of results throughout November. Both squads just keep raising their levels, week after week, and it’s been a real pleasure watching them develop. With a bit of luck — and a few more willing volunteers — we’re hoping more age groups will join the Sunday ranks next season.

Well done to all players, coaches, and parents for your effort, commitment, and good humour during what has been an unforgiving winter spell.

Let’s finish the year strongly and head into the festive break with plenty to be proud of.

Fundraising

We’ve got plenty of exciting events on the way.

Keep an eye on our social media pages for details - your support really does make a difference!

We’re also continuing to grow entries into the Alcester Town Club Lottery - a fun and easy way to support the club while being in with a chance to win!

• Just £1 a week

• Pick six numbers between 1 - 59

• Numbers are knocked off each Saturday alongside the National Lottery

• The first to cross off all six wins 50% of the cash pot – with the other 50% going straight back into the club

To enter, please contact Gary Williams on 07766 664289 or alcestertownfootballclub@gmail.com

Finally...

A huge thank you to all our parents, volunteers, and sponsors who make it possible for our young players to enjoy their football each week.

Your continued support keeps the spirit of Alcester Town alive - we couldn’t do it without you!

IN FOCUS

This week our spotlight turns to one of our newer teams, the Alcester Town U12 Rangers

The Alcester Under-12’s Rangers have come a long way since their early days as an Under-8’s team, formed directly from Gary Williams’ development squad. Originally a mixed group of boys and girls, the team has evolved into an all-boys side, with over 40% of the current squad made up of original members—a testament to their loyalty and passion for the game.

For the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of managing this fantastic group of players. I’m fortunate to have the full-time support of two dedicated parents, and most of our wider parent group are always willing to lend a hand when needed. This sense of community has been instrumental in shaping the team’s success.

Our players have developed tremendously this season, earning praise from parents and opposition managers alike. They’ve embraced the true spirit of football—understanding that it’s a team sport where supporting each other on and off the pitch makes all the difference. This camaraderie has translated into strong performances and a string of recent wins.

Transitioning to senior school has brought new challenges for many of our players. Some of the newer members started out lacking confidence, but being part of the team has helped them

grow—not just as footballers, but as individuals. The confidence gained on the pitch is now shining through in other areas of their lives.

The season so far has been outstanding. Starting in Pool A, we currently sit in second place at the halfway mark. With continued hard work and a little luck, we’re aiming for a top finish—though I’ll keep my hopes of clinching first place between us!

Coaching isn’t without its challenges, but it’s incredibly rewarding. Along the way, we’ve built lifelong friendships, and the children have learned valuable skills that extend far beyond football. These experiences will stay with them for years to come.

Here’s to a strong finish and an even brighter future for the Alcester Under-12’s Rangers!

2025/26 SQUAD

FIXTURE & RESULTS

AUGUST

Sat Aug 02

Tue Aug 05

Sat Aug 09

Sat Aug 16

Sat Aug 23

Mon Aug 25

Sat Aug 30

SEPTEMBER

Tue Sep 02

Sat Sep 06

Sat Sep 13

Sat Sep 20

Sat Sep 27

Tue Sep 30

OCTOBER

Sat Oct 04

Sat Oct 11

Sat Oct 18

Tue Oct 21

Sat Nov 01

NOVEMBER

Tue Nov 04

Sat Nov 08

Sat Nov 15

Tues Nov 18

Tues Nov 25

Sat Nov 29

Stonehouse Town Wellington

Malmesbury Victoria

Carterton

Thame United Reserves

Bewdley Town

Brimscombe & Thrupp

Woodford United

Cheltenham Saracens

Chipping Sodbury Town

Wantage Town

Ludlow Town (Cup)

Cheltenham Saracens (Cup)

Ludlow Town

Chipping Sodbury Town

Clanfield 85

Cradley Town First

Thame United Reserves

UDA Glos Dev.(cup)

Newent Town

Brimscombe & Thrupp

Sutton United (Cup)

Cinderford Town

FC Stratford

DECEMBER

Sat Dec 06 Sat Dec 13

Sat Dec 27

JANUARY Sat Jan 31

FEBRUARY

Tue Feb 03 Sat Feb 07

Sat Feb 14

Sat Feb 21

Tue Feb 24 Sat Feb 28

MARCH

Sat Mar 14

Sat Mar 21

Tues Mar 24

Sat Mar 28

APRIL

Sat Apr 04

Mon Apr 06

Sat Apr 11

Sat Apr 18

Carterton

Redditch Borough (Cup)

Redditch Borough

Wellington

Highworth Town (Cup)

Clanfield 85

Woodford United (Cup)

Malmesbury Victoria

Bewdley Town

Wantage Town

Newent Town

Cheltenham Saracens

Woodford United

Ludlow Town

Stonehouse Town

FC Stratford

Redditch Borough

Shortwood United

MATCH REPORT

Alcester Town made the short trip to Redditch Borough just a couple of weeks after defeating the hosts in a penalty shootout, and once again it was Alcester who came out on top.

The visitors began brightly, setting the tone early by winning the majority of duels, dominating in the air and consistently picking up second balls. That positive start was rewarded inside three minutes when a long throw from Jake Wicketts on the left was flicked on into the path of Dan Jarvis, who struck left-footed. A slight deflection helped the ball past the Borough goalkeeper to give Alcester a 1–0 lead.

With Borough shooting down the slope in the first half, the hosts looked to play direct, but Alcester remained strong, compact and well organised. Clear-cut chances were few and far between, and Alcester went into the break holding a deserved advantage.

Half Time: Redditch Borough 0-1 Alcester Town

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Alcester showing greater hunger across the pitch and being led from the front by Danny Murphy. The visitors remained a constant threat from corners, going close to extending their lead when a Borough defender produced a goal-line clearance before an outstanding point-blank save kept the score at 1–0.

Borough threw the kitchen sink at it in the final ten minutes, but with Bren Bunn commanding in goal and a resilient Alcester side in front of him, the visitors stood firm to see out the pressure and secure a hard-fought victory.

Full Time: Redditch Borough 0-1 Alcester Town

SQUADS

Jack Atkinson

Adam Bourn

Josh Bowen

Luke Brown

Aaron Bunn

Ashley Bunn

Jack Cole

Cameron Crook

Kian Davies

George Davis

Harrison Dodd

Billy Eric Duggins

Luke Dugmore

Christopher Dyson

Henry Gibson

Samuel Hart

Woody Hawkett

William Haycock

Dan Jarvis

Louis Jones

James Lev

Connor McCarthy

Daniel Murphy

Jack Nicholls

Liam O'Donnell

Joe Reynolds

Arran Richmond

Drew Ricketts

Tristan Roberts

William Robert Skelton

Kyle Stenson

Jake Wicketts

Daniel Williams

Luke Wyatt

Aaron Xavier

Ryan Young

Reagan Huckin

Henry Hancocks

Charlie Jenkins

James Beaumont

Alfie Althorp

Ashley Lear

Curt Driscoll

Freddie Fox

Tom Dixon

Sam Griffiths

Lucas Hipwell

Elliot Potter

Jack Feighan

Josh Bryden

Ben Febery

Levi Ellis

Jayden Makondora

Caden Allport

Lewis Protheroe

James Hancock

Sam Archer-Plane

Harry Waybourne

Tyler Brookes

Ben Pritchard

Kieran Twigg

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