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6/12/25 - Carterton FC (HL1)

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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

Saturday Dec 13th KO 15:00 Supplementary Challenge Cup

Mr Chairman

WELCOME

A very warm welcome back to Stratford Road as we return to Hellenic League Division One action this afternoon.

Today we host Carterton and as always I’d like to extend a sincere welcome to their players, staff, and supporters. We hope you enjoy your visit to Alcester and the hospitality we take great pride in providing.

It’s been a slightly disrupted period following the postponement of our planned fixture against Stonehouse Town, but the past week has still offered plenty for us to reflect on both positives and lessons to learn.

On Tuesday night, we travelled to Cinderford Town in the League Cup, a tough challenge against Step 5 opposition. The lads rose to the occasion brilliantly. To battle to a 2–2 draw in normal time and then win 4–1 on penalties showed tremendous belief, character, and composure. Victories like that speak volumes about the progress we’re making as a group and as a club.

Last weekend’s local derby against FC Stratford was another stern test. While the 1–0 defeat was disappointing, especially in a game that remained tight right until the final whistle, the work rate, organisation, and commitment on display were clear for all to see. These are the foundations we continue to build upon, and even in defeat there were plenty of aspects to be encouraged by.

As we look ahead to this afternoon, our focus is on getting back to winning ways in the league. The squad has shown consistently this season that it has the togetherness, resilience, and ambition to compete with anyone in this division. Today provides a valuable opportunity to respond positively, show our quality, and continue pushing the club forward.

A heartfelt thank you once again to our loyal supporters, volunteers, and everyone who contributes to making Stratford Road such a vibrant place to watch football. Whether at home or on the road, your backing is invaluable. This club continues to grow because of the effort and passion shown by so many people behind the scenes, and it’s something we should all be proud of.

Let’s get behind the lads this afternoon and create another fantastic atmosphere. Enjoy the match, enjoy the football, and hopefully we can celebrate a strong performance and result together.

Up The Romans!

Steve McAdam

THE GAFFER

Good Afternoon All,

A warm welcome back to Stratford Road as we return to league action. Today we host Carterton, and I’d like to extend a warm welcome to their players, staff and supporters. We hope you enjoy your afternoon with us here at Alcester.

It’s been an odd couple of weeks with the postponement of our original Stonehouse fixture, but the lads have used the time well and our recent away games have given us plenty to build on.

Last Tuesday, we travelled to Step 5 opposition in Cinderford Town in the Wiseman Lighting (UHL) Floodlit Cup a tough test on paper but the group delivered a performance full of bravery, quality, and belief. To draw 2–2 in normal time and then win 4–1 on penalties showed the character and composure we’ve been pushing for, especially against a side from the division above. It was a result the lads fully deserved.

More recently, we faced FC Stratford in a tight local derby. It was a frustrating afternoon, ultimately losing 1–0, but there were elements of the performance particularly our organisation, defensive shape, and resilience under pressure that we can take positives from. We stayed in the game, created moments of our own, and despite the result not going our way, the commitment from the group couldn’t be questioned.

Today is about responding. It’s about showing our quality with the ball, being brave in the right moments, and maintaining the standards we’ve spoken about as a group.

Carterton will come here with their own threats and motivation, and we’ll need to be switched on from the first whistle. What matters now is how we react, how we impose ourselves, and how we use these home fixtures to build momentum as we move deeper into a busy December.

Thank you, as always, for your fantastic support. It makes a real difference, especially during these challenging runs of fixtures. Let’s hope for a strong performance and an enjoyable afternoon of football.

Enjoy the game, and as always – up The Romans!

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.

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

LUXURY TRANSPORT AND DELIVERY SERVICES

WORD SEARCH

Trafford

Burn

Henderson
Pickford
Chalobah
Guehi
James
Konsa
Oreilly
Quansah
Spence
Stones
Anderson
Bellingham
Rice
Rogers
Scott
Wharton
Bowen
Eze
Foden
Kane
Rashford
Saka

MATCH ACTION

Highlights from clashes against Brimscombe & Thrupp at Stratford Road & FC Stratford at Arden Garages Stadium

Images provided by: Mark Williamson (Stratford Herald) & Phill Britt (www.philbrittphotos.zenfolio.com)

JUNIOR ROUNDUP

Novemeber 2025

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 Romans u13 Sundays.

Formed in the Spring of 2024 by Julian Horsley, who'd previously been managing his older son at the club. The new side afforded him the opportunity to manage his younger son.

Over the course of that summer a whole new side was recruited before embarking on the challenge of entering their first CWYFL season.

After playing a number of pre-season games they were able to enter at Mid-Level (Division 5). The side had a fantastic first CWYFL season exceeding expectations by securing 2nd place, finishing just behind a very strong Phoenix United side. This ensured the team would be promoted to play at a higher level in the 2025/25 season.

After the 2024/25 CWYFL season closed, the team played a number of u12 tournaments in the offseason. In total they played in 7 tournaments, and always progressed to the knockout stages. Winning tournaments at Bidford, Alcester Town & KGV Raiders, and runners up at WBA Play-on-the-Pitch & Colwall. The boys had a truly memorable few weeks before the summer break.

Moving to under 13 football brought about the challenge of 11v11 football and a need to recruit additional players. They added 5 new players to the squad, all of whom came in as friends of existing team members. These 16 boys were relishing the opportunity of playing in Division 4 of the CWYFL.

As of 19th November, they have played 12 games in there 2025/26 campaign (9 CWYFL & 3 friendlies). So far winning 7 games, drawing 1 and losing 4. Scoring 36 goals, with 13 different players proving goals contributions (Goals or Assists).

Currently sitting in 4th Place in the league the group are massively excited to see what the next few months brings, which we are sure will have a lot of competitive matches. But win, draw or lose, the coaches and parents are immensely proud of this bunch.

Everyone involved with the team would like to say a massive thankyou to all our sponsors for their invaluable support.

HENRY GIBSON

This season we’re giving supporters the chance to know the lads behind the shirts a little better. From dressing room banter to favourite meals and footballing heroes, it’s time to shine a spotlight on one of Alcester Town’s first-team regulars.

This week, we catch up with Henry Gibson.

Football Questions

Q. How did you first get into football?

A. By joining my local U5s team.

Q. Who was your footballing idol growing up?

A. Roy Keane

Q. Best player you’ve ever played with?

A. Jordan Jones, Duggy or even Dys.

Q. Toughest opponent you’ve faced?

A. Luke Rowe

Q. Favourite position you’ve played in?

A. CM or right back for my U18s

Q. Best goal you’ve ever scored (or seen)?

A. I rarely score goals but probably my goal for my U18s against my old club

Q. Most memorable moment in an Alcester Town shirt so far?

A. Either winning the league or the winning penalty against Cinderford in the cup.

Q. If you could play at any stadium in the world, which would it be?

A. San Siro.

Q. Which teammate is the biggest joker in the dressing room?

A. Either Azza or Wicko.

Q. Who’s the most serious before a game?

A. Definitely Ez.

Off the Pitch

Q. What’s your day job outside football?

A. Currently at university in Cardiff but also a bartender.

Q. Favourite food?

A. Steak.

Q. One song that gets you pumped before a game?

A. Fade – Solu Music, KimBlee

Q. TV series or film you can watch on repeat?

A. The Wolf of Wall Street or Project X.

Q. Dream holiday destination?

A. Probably the Maldives

Q. Hidden talent most people don’t know about?

A. I like to say I’m a decent cook

Q. If you weren’t a footballer, what sport would you play?

A. Table tennis because I’m unreal at it

Q. Who would play you in a film about your life?

A. Tom Holland.

Q. First car you owned?

A. Vauxhall Corsa

Q. If you could invite three people (dead or alive) to dinner, who would they be?

A. Ryan Dipple, Killa and Bob Marley.

Full Name: Henry Gibson

Age: 19

Position: CM

Joined Alcester Town: 2023

Previous Clubs: Inkberrow FC

Proudly sponsored by:

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 10

Tue Jan 13

Sat Jan 17

Sat Jan 24

Sat Jan 31

FEBRUARY

Sat Feb 07

Sat Feb 21

Sat Feb 28

MARCH

Sat Mar 14

Sat Mar 21

Sat Mar 28

APRIL

Sat Apr 04

Mon Apr 06

Sat Apr 11

Sat Apr 18

Carterton

Redditch Borough (Cup)

Redditch Borough

Cheltenham Saracens

Highworth

Shortwood United

Bewdley Town Wellington Clanfield 85

Malmesbury Victoria

Wantage Town

Newent Town

Woodford United Ludlow Town

Stonehouse Town FC Stratford

Redditch Borough

Shortwood United

MATCH REPORT

FC Stratford secured a hard-earned Hellenic League Division One victory, 1–0 over a stubborn Romans side in a match Stratford controlled for much of proceedings

Alcester set up deep and compact early on, allowing Stratford to dictate possession but limiting clear openings.

After a few half chances for the hosts, the breakthrough — Stratford’s Dan shaw picked the ball up in the middle, plays through James Batchelor who finishes well.

Alcester nearly hit back when an Adam Garmson cross come shot clipped the crossbar, but Stratford carried the greater first-half threat and deservedly went in a goal up.

The pattern continued after the break: Stratford owning the ball but finding Alcester’s low block tough to break down.

As the clock ticked into the final ten minutes, the game stretched, with Alcester throwing bodies forward in search of an equaliser, but Stratford stayed organised, saw out the pressure, and closed out the 1–0 win.

Alcester Town XI:

J.Bowen, A.Bunn, G.Davis, L.Dugmore, A.Garmson, H.Gibson, S.Hart, L.O'Donnell, D.Ricketts, W.Skelton, A.Xavier

Subs: W.Hawkett, S.Homans, D.Jarvis, A.Richmond, J.Lev

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

Ash Horne (GK)

Corey Kelly (GK)

Ryan Moore

Woody Casciaro

Auzaan Paul Perviaiz

Ciaran McGarry

Josh Crossman

Ben Brown

Owen Belcher-Marks

Liam Day

Kieran Day

Rory Linford-Pill

Ryekin Kruger

Finley Baker

Allando Davies

Zach Scott

Jozef Fullerton

Cian Fitzgerald

George Seacole

Theo Cortez

Dylan Gaynor

Ollie Booker

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