Littleton

Darlaston Town (1874) F.C.
vs
Littleton F.C.
West Midlands (Regional) League
Premier Division
Saturday 23rd November 2019 Programme £1.00

Chairman:
Darlaston Town (1874) F.C.
Club Directory
Neil Chambers
Tel: 07976 752698
Vice Chairman:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Garry Hale
Tel: 07791139288
Gil Preece
Tel: 07593281513
Bob Jones
Club Directors: Neil Chambers Keith Chambers
Rose Burley Bob Jones
General Commiee: Neil Chambers Garry Hale Bob Jones
Gil Preece Anton Allen Keith Chambers
Rose Burley George Hancocks Craig Wilkinson
First Team Manager:
First Team Coaches:
Sports Therapist:
Andy Parkes
Ant Follows & Nick Lewis
Mike Howe
Trainee Sports Therapist: Aimee Clemson
Club Photographer:
Ground Address:
Jayne Cartwright Coven Photography
The Paycare Ground
Bentley Leisure Pavilion
Bentley Road North
WALSALL
WS2 0EA
Telephone: 01922 616165
Email: general@darlastontown1874fc.com
Website: www.darlastontown1874fc.com
Programme printed by Tom Giles & Co, OLDBURY. Prog. No 51
2

News & Views
from the
Today we welcome the players, management, supporters and officials of
Littleton FC to The Paycare Ground. This will be the first ever meeting
between the two clubs so for the 3rd time in 3 weeks history will again be
made at The Paycare Ground. Win, lose or draw their players and officials
will be most welcome to join us for our award winning hospitality.
The last few weeks have been extremely frustrating with the weather taking
a heavy toll on our fixtures with just two competitive fixtures since 19
October. It seems that every Thursday, Friday and Saturday morning the
heavens open. Due to the fantastic work of Gil and the groundstaff we have
had just one home game postponed, but unfortunately it also means that we
will have plenty of midweek travelling to do later in the season.
Today we are delighted to welcome Jack Warner to The Paycare Ground.
Jack has travelled from his Nuneaton home to be with us today and he can
add The Paycare Ground to the long list of more than 1000 grounds that he
has already visited. We hope Jack has a great day with us and we know he
will be made most welcome by everyone here at Darlaston.
It has remained busy off the field with numerous club and fundraising events
including a Halloween Party, our Cher Tribute night and numerous business
and party hires. The club also featured heavily in the Darlaston
Remembrance Day parade with a poppy display at the Town Hall and a
wreath at the Victoria Road War Memorial.
I had hoped by now to be able to update everyone on our planning
application for security fencing and new grandstands. Whilst a
decision was expected by 12 November we have been informed by
3

the Council that due to a backlog of applications it could be a further 2-3
weeks before we hear. Rest assured as soon as we know our supporters
will be informed.
Some dates for your diary. In addition to our posted League fixtures we also
have several midweek fixtures. Following todayʼs game we have another
floodlit game at The Paycare Ground this Tuesday evening kick off 7.45 pm
when we entertain Midland League FC Stratford and our postponed home
game against Wednesfield has been rearranged for Tuesday evening 10
December kick off 7.45 pm. Last Saturdayʼs postponed game at Shawbury
has now also been rearranged midweek on Tuesday 3 December kick off 7.45
pm. Our J W Hunt Cup away game against BetVictor Southern League side
Coleshill Town will now be played on Monday January 6 2020.
Finally donʼt forget we will again be having a family pantomime “Jack and the
Beanstalk”. We have outgrown the club room so we will again be holding it at
Darlaston Sports and Social Club on Monday 3 December. Family tickets for
4 just £10, please see anyone behind the bar for tickets.
So with 10 first team games, numerous youth and ladies games, plenty of
club hires, Pantomime and New Yearʼs Eve party over the next 7 weeks a
very busy time is in store for our volunteers and committee.
Please enjoy todayʼs game ………………………..
4

5

6

View from the Dugout
Good afternoon and welcome to the
Paycare Ground especially to Littleton
for their first ever visit. I hope everyone
enjoyed last Tuesday night’s game
against Worcester Raiders even though
we didn't get the result we wanted, it
was fantastic to see so many of you
once again support the lads.
We have played two games since my
last programme notes, first we
entertained in midweek under lights
Wolverhampton Casuals in what was a
very competitive game. Also it was a
really important one neither side could
afford to lose. Both sides over the 90
minutes gave their all to take the
points, neither side set up defensively
and played on the front foot in an effort
to gain the upper hand to take the 3 points. We felt we performed well on
the evening and were disappointed not to have got the win. The lads work
rate and application was second to none and what made it even more
impressive was the debut by our new exciting young keeper Connor Hopkins
who kept a clean sheet. Connor was playing instead of our regular keeper
Liam Whittaker who was suspended for receiving two yellow cards against
Worcester Raiders in the League game during the middle of October, in fact
the last competitive game we played
After the 0-0 draw with Casuals we were eager to play again quickly, with an
away encounter against Shawbury United due the following Saturday. As the
week unfolded with even more rain, we knew more than likely the game
would be postponed. But when the Midlands news programmes started
reporting daily on how bad the flooding was in Ludlow after both rivers had
burst their banks. we expected the game was postponed. It was no surprise
when on Saturday morning following an early pitch inspection, we
were told the game was postponed. The management team and the
7

8

lads were bitterly disappointed as we wanted to build some momentum after
the two good results firstly against Walsall and then Casuals.
With the game off, our concentration moved to Tuesday evening when
Worcester Raiders returned for the second time this season to the Paycare
Ground for a first-round league cup tie. Fortunately, the rain kept off and no
pitch inspection was required therefor e the game was on. Past history told us
the game was going to be tough as they always are against Raiders and
wanted to put on a good performance after our poor showing against them in
the league last time out.
We felt in the first half on Tuesday night we played ok and had most the ball,
we just couldn't turn our possession and chances into goals. At this level you
need to take your chances. Second half we seemed to go through the motions
and couldn't impose ourselves on the game. It became a scrappy affair, cheap
free kicks were given away by both sides, meaning there was no real tempo in
either teams approach play. I have to say to lose 2-3 was bitterly
disappointing. We have to be better and find a level of consistency, the lads
are well aware of this and know we are much better than the result suggests.
We are confident as a squad and management team there is a lot more to
come from this group, especially when so far this season we have not had a
fully fit squad to select from at any stage since the season started. Both Andy
Heal and Tyrone Clarke-O’Connell are training hard and should be available
for selection very soon, which will be a real boost for the squad as they are
two important individuals on and off the pitch.
Today’s opponents Littleton are another side at the start of the season who
were tipped to finish in the top four and earn promotion. Under Tyrone
Henderson and his management team they have a squad packed with
experience, the majority have all played higher up the non-league ladder.
They are a well-organized outfit with some exceptional talent in their ranks,
so we know today is going to be another tough task. We are prepared and
ready to go, in what is set up to be another exciting game with all to play for,
especially how condensed the league is becoming now that every team is
more than capable of getting a result against anyone, as recent weeks have
shown.
I hope you all enjoy the afternoon and hope to see you in the bar after the
game.
The Gaffa. 9

Darlaston Town (1874) 2
Agyemang 9, Taylor 47
Worcester Raiders 3
Krol 4, 35 Belmonte 61
Darlaston bowed out of the West Midlands Regional League
Premier Division Cup going down by the odd goal in five against a
strong and impressive Worcester Raiders.
Darlaston got off to the worst possible start conceding after just 4
minutes when Roland Krol coolly dispatched a Kyle Belmonte cross
with a well-placed 10 yard header giving keeper Liam Whittaker no
chance.
The home side responded well and were level 5 minutes later
when Jamie Holder glided past two defenders, his goal bound shot
helped over the line by Zico Agyemang under pressure
10

from two
defenders. Lucas
Hough hit the
foot of the post
on 13 minutes
and Worcester
keeper Alex
Pinches saved
well on the goal
line from
Agyemang
following a shot
on the turn after
a defensive miss
kick just outside
the six-yard box.
Worcester responded with Josh Farnworth bringing a good save
from Liam Whittaker and on 32 minutes Darlaston had a glorious
chance to take the lead. Lucas Hough's shot hit the bar and
rebounded to Leon Taylor who blazed over from 8 yards with the
goal at his mercy blasted the ball well over the bar.
Farnworth had a shot blocked by Ryan Jones and a Zaq Hussain
effort was saved by Whittaker.
Worcester regained the lead on 35 minutes with an excellently
constructed goal, a superb incisive ball from Reynolds set up Krol
who drilled home from 15 yards. On 37 minutes Worcester
could've doubled
their lead, a
Jordan Stoddart
header hitting
the bar before
rebounding to
safety.
Two minutes
into the second
half Darlaston
were again on
level terms,
Romano
Graham's cross
controlled by
Leon
11

Taylor who turned his defender before slipping the ball under
keeper Pinches into the un guarded net.
Midfielder Kyle Belmonte was having an excellent game for
Worcester, breaking up play, prompting and probing with some
excellent passes as well as pushing forward and posing an
attacking threat. It was no surprise that Belmonte scored the goal
that decided the tie on 61 minutes. Zaq Hussain slipped a quick
free kick into Belmonte's stride and the midfielder unleashed a
superb 25 yard drive, leaving Whittaker flat footed and no chance
of saving his team.
Minutes later Reynolds brought a superb save from Whittaker,
pushing the ball over the bar whilst Reynolds and Belmonte both
had efforts well wide.
Darlaston responded with Scott Stevenson bringing a good save
from Pinches and a 25-yard drive from Jamie Holder going inches
wide.
Worcester saw out the final minutes comfortably and
professionally to set up a second-round tie at
Wolverhampton Casuals.
12

13

Darlaston Town (1874) 0
Wolverhampton Casuals 0
With the weather causing havoc over the last few weeks both teams
were eager to get back to competitive league action after a longenforced
absence. Competitive is exactly what the game was as they
fought out a hard-earned goalless draw.
Defences were generally on top with Dan Turton, Ben Podmore and
Alex Foreshaw superb at the heart of the Casuals defence whilst Liam
Smith and Ricardo Ricketts were excellent for Darlaston repelling the
attacking force of Kieran Miller and Kyle Brady.
Miller had an early shot blocked by Smith, the resulting corner coming
to nothing., Agyemang and Blackham brought comfortable
saves from visiting keeper Clarkson. neither side created a
14

clear chance until
the 23rd minute
when Miller
attempted an
audacious back
heel from 10
yards which went
inches wide with
debutant keeper
Connor Hopkins
stranded. Kyle
Brady brought a
save from
Hopkins on 39
minutes and
Romano Graham
had an effort
blocked by Foreshaw just before the break.
Casuals were dealt a serious blow on 50 minutes when a handball by
Miller saw the striker sent off for a second yellow card.
Foreshaw came to the rescue of Casuals with a superb last-ditch
tackle to deny Leon Taylor a clear strike on goal. Chances were few
and far between but on 57 minutes. following some neat approach
work Casuals carved out their best chance of the game as Joe Daley
shot straight at Hopkins. Two minutes later Foreshaw headed over
from a Kane Cork corner.
Romano Graham and Lucas Hough both had half chances snuffed out
whilst at the other end Dan Turton's header from another Kane Cork
corner was saved by keeper Hopkins. In the final five minutes
substitute Scott
Stevenson brought a
save from Clarkson
whilst Graham had
two half chances
blocked by Foreshaw
and Podmore
respectively.
Both teams worked
tremendously hard
and at times played
some good quality
football but neither
side could break the
deadlock.
15

Football can't exist in a bubble:
Forest Green leading the way on sustainability
The top level of the game is only just beginning to address its huge carbon
footprint but the League Two club have long made environmental responsibility
their ethos
You can imagine the groans at Old Trafford when Manchester United were drawn
with Astana of Kazakhstan in their Europa League group but the cost was more
than tricky logistics and stiffening muscles. That’s a 6,000-mile round trip and a
rough calculation (using myclimate.org) suggests 70 tonnes of CO2 would be
spewed into the air. Some context: in 2016, on average UK citizens were
responsible for 5.6 tonnes of CO2 emissions per head. Again it is hard to be
precise but that round trip accounted for roughly the same as the annual carbon
output of 1,400 people in a less developed country such as Chad.
The scheduling is not Manchester United’s fault, of course, and Trabzonspor v
Getafe and Sevilla v Qarabag were scheduled on the same evening. Nothing, it
seems must get in the way of football’s match schedulers: but as the ice caps melt
and the sea rises does Chelsea against Arsenal really have to be played in Baku?
In 2017 Syria’s national team played a 90-minute World Cup qualifier in Australia.
That’s an atmosphere-choking 17,500-mile round trip. If you can’t think of an
alternative, I would suggest you haven’t grasped the gravity of climate change.
It isn’t just the travelling. Environmental campaigners Friends of the Earth estimate
that at least six million single-use plastic cups were binned at Premier League
grounds last season. Spokesman Neil Verlander has been asking clubs what they
intend to do about it. "Football clubs are hugely influential, and although
most of the focus is on what happens on the pitch, their off-field
activities can have a
16

tremendous impact too particularly on the environment. Token effort isn't good
enough environmental protection should be at the heart of every club’s thinking.”
There have been encouraging signs. Last month Liverpool became the latest club
to introduce reusable cups at their stadium. Leicester, Bournemouth and
Manchester City all have schemes operating already. More are expected to join in
soon, although there has been a deafening silence from others. Tottenham took
advantage of their stadium move to kick off a range of sustainable practices from
waste management and locally sourced food to water use and energy efficiency.
In 2015 Arsenal were rightly pilloried for taking a flight to an away game in
Norwich, just over 100 miles away. Now they have a claim to be the Premier
League’s most environmentally friendly club, working with a green energy
supplier to generate and store their own power. They have an internal working
group which tries to find new ways of improving the club’s sustainability and,
perhaps coincidentally, the most prominent environmental activist footballer is
Tesla-driving vegan Héctor Bellerin.
But the real pioneers of environmental responsibility in English football are Forest
Green Rovers and their chairman Dale Vince, New Age traveller turned Ecotricity
entrepreneur. “Football doesn’t do well enough but I don’t mean that in a harsh
sense. It will do more. There’s a sense that it’s early days for football yet. Football
and footballers have a big responsibility because people look up to them. I have
had people say football shouldn’t get involved in politics but politics is everywhere
and football can’t exist in a bubble. Football takes a stand against racism for
example, and it can take its other responsibilities seriously as well.”
Forest Green serve only vegan food to their players and fans, use sustainable
energy and allow you to plug in your electric car at the stadium. This season they
are calculating the cost of their fans travelling to games and incorporating a
carbon offset into ticket prices.
Vince admits even FGR have to improve: “Offsetting isn’t a long-term solution but
it’s raising the issue. We’re looking to get an electric bus so our players’ travel is
zero carbon. The football authorities need to look at three areas: transport,
energy use and food. Switching to greener energy is easy. Ideally you generate
as much on site as you can using solar panels. It is possible to get vegan foods
into grounds. You can ban single-use plastics and have electric charging points.
“Football players are looked up to, so the way they behave is important and we all
need to fly less. We have to be zero carbon and we’ve got about ten years if we
want to avoid the worst effects of climate change.”
Done smartly and done soon, football becoming sustainable doesn’t have to be
grim. No one truly relishes drinking out of a throw-away plastic cup and if public
transport works fans will use it. If clubs lead, supporters will follow: Forest Green
Rovers have fan clubs in 20 countries, and League Two football really isn’t that
good.
Article written for “When Saturday Comes” by Jon Driscoll
17

Player & Management
Liam Whittaker
Sponsored by
Dominic Harvey
& family
Andy Heal
Sponsored by
Stan Jackson
Sam Causton
Sponsored by
Simon Hingley
Scott Stevenson Aiden Blackham Reis Nadat
Sponsored by
Bob & Sue
Jones
Sponsored by
TG Property
Renovations
Sponsored by
George Hancocks
Adam Cole
Sponsored by
Stuart Hale &
Katie Price
Daniel Bolzon
Sponsored by
Dave Haskett &
Kelly Emery
Andy Parkes
Sponsored by
Allan Dulleston
18

Sponsorships 2019-20
Ricardo Ricketts Liam Smith Connor Fellows Ryan Jones
Sponsored by
John Acton and
Roger Roberts
Sponsored by
Andy Butler
Sponsored by
Rose Burley
Sponsored by
Pete and Alma
Davies
Luke Charlton Jamie Holder Lucas Hough
Liam Cox
Sponsored by
Anton Allen
Sponsored by
Christine Ceney
Sponsored by
Neil Chambers
Tyrone Clarke
Leon Taylor
Zico Agyemang
Romano Graham
Sponsored by
Leah Tranter
Sponsored by
Coven
Photography
Sponsored by
H Steventon
Sponsored by
Graham & Brian
Lloyd
Ant Follows Nick Lewis Mike Howe
Sponsored by
Scott Follows
& Jamie Green
Sponsored by
SMT Painters &
Decorators
Sponsored by
Matthew
Redsell
Aimee Clemson
Sponsored by
Mark James
19

“Beyond the
Dressing Room”
So well despite all these evening games I seem to be
missing an awful lot of games recently so haven't seen
your lovely smiling faces much at all.
I don't think I've wrote anything since the amazing result against Walsall and how
amazing that evening was for everyone involved. It showed our volunteers are the
best, we can just muck in and get the job done and it shows that should our club
ever be lucky to have over 400 supporters a game we can cope. It raised the profile
of the club so much and the lads really gave a good account of themselves.
It's that time of the year that the weather is really causing havoc with fixtures and
it's hard to get any kind of run together when any form is lost because of missing
too many games because of postponements. Most managers at this time of the
year are looking to accumulate points with a view of maybe pushing on in the new
year. The League have now rescheduled all of the games, only one has been
slotted in at the end of the season, the remainder are all in midweek before
Christmas.
So between now and the end of the year our lads will play seven games in four
weeks including today, of those seven games four are at home and three away, one
Shawbury United on Tuesday 3rd December, a long way to go on a dark winters
night. They play their games at Ludlow Town, a journey of well over a hour and
quarter on a quiet day, so add in traveling at peak rimes, youʼre probably looking at
closer to two hours. Full details of the fixtures are on the website including the
address and ground location.
For those of us behind the scenes we are firmly focused on Christmas!
I think it's 35 days and for the club that means we have our annual
20

pantomime. Tickets are on sale so if you want to come you need to get in quick.
Once again this will be at Darlaston sports and social or the old Labour Club to
the rest of us darlo people!
Outside of Christmas we are already confirmed for several events into the new
year and they will be released soon enough!
I guess I should at this point mention that on Christmas Eve Gilbert Preece will be
celebrating another birthday and as Gil is instrumental in the games being played
in the bad weather I wanted to give him some deserved recognition for his hard
work he does for the club. Ahead of the Walsall game he and his merry men spent
5 hours working on the pitch beforehand to make it as pristine as could be. Gil
works so tirelessly and won't let anyone even ride his precious mower. I think we
all should be thinking about looking after our Gil a little bit over the next few
months when the cold and frost sets in and if you see him maybe ensure he has a
hot beverage or give him some praise for his work.
It's always nice to get feedback and know your appreciated and while we all laugh
and joke with Gil he really is the heartbeat of our club. I know I can say on behalf
of everyone that Gil is a real asset not only for his work on the ground. Also for the
trips to the cash ʻnʼ carry to restock the bar and fridges as well as cleaning the
clubhouse after both club and private events. Gil also looks after the first team kit
with the help of his apprentice Myles. Gil and Myles turn up to most away games
at least 2 hours before kick to make sure the changing room is set up for the first
team, nothing is forgotten or left to chance Gil is only one of several people who
do the jobs no one sees, each person is as important as the next. We are so lucky
to have them.
Today is going to be a cold and wet one I am sure. We are very much in winter
season now so hope youʼre all wrapped up nice and warm. Remember the bar
serve hot chocolates, teas, coffees, cup a soup and Bovril to keep you warm and
toasty.
I hope you all shout, sing and cheer and push the lads over the line, hopefully
earning another 3 points
#darloaywe 21

22

I had this theory about there being no big shocks in the FA Cup when the games
are played on a Sunday for the live TV cameras or on the BBC red button.
My thought-process was that for there to be a decent chance of an upset, the prime
ingredients were a night game or a Saturday at the usual 3pm kick-off. Not Sunday
lunchtime. Non-League players are creatures of habit and don’t think much of a day
of graft followed by a big game. Warrington Town beating Exeter City in 2014
always springs to mind or Notts County falling at Salford City the following season.
I was at that game on a cold Friday night and the next day took in Altrincham
against Barnsley where Non-League’s great giantkillers struck again. The ingredients
were there. Non-League team at home, desperate to create history and in their
usual playing slot. Sundays, though? There just seems to be something about them.
Now my theory has increasingly been shot down. Chesham have beaten Bristol
Rovers and, of course, Guiseley beat Cambridge United last season to name a
couple.
But, even so, there can’t be many who would have thought Maldon & Tiptree would
beat Leyton Orient a fortnight ago. Kingstonian beat a Macclesfield Town youth side
on the same afternoon but with all the financial issues at Macc, it sounds like Ks
fans knew that would be the case from the first whistle.
But little Maldon & Tiptree seeing off a League Two side like Orient – a side who
know their way around tricky Non-League situations? It was a fantastic result, surely
one of the best this season’s competition will throw up. Expect everyone to be
talking about Jorome Slew in the coming weeks – he’s scored 22 goals this season
already! Now Wayne Brown’s side will welcome Newport County or Grimsby Town
(depending on Tuesday’s replay) to their Essex home next Friday with the TV
cameras in attendance. The makings of an upset? You bet!
DID you hear the a-moo-sing excuse for missing training that Atherton Collieries
boss Michael Clegg received last week?
Striker Tom Bentham is a butcher by day and had a unique reason for not being at
training on Thursday night. So he sent his gaffer a message.Bentham said: “Cleggs –
I think I’m going to be working till like 11 tonight mate. Got a full cow to do on a
farm and it needs doing today after work.” Clegg responded: “Have a night off
because that’s the best excuse I’ve ever had”
Written by Matt Badcock
23

A BRIEF
HISTORY
The Littletons are three villages (South Littleton, Middle Littleton and
North Littleton) located South West of Evesham, in Worcestershire.
Football has been played in the Littletons since 1893. Littleton Star
joined the Bidford League in 1903/1904, playing their games at the
rear of the Chapel at Shinehill Lane, South Littleton. Various other names
were used by the Club, notably Littleton United and Littleton Rovers,
before being called the Littletons from the mid 1950s.
Various grounds were used for football in the Littletons; The Recreation
Ground at South Littleton, the Graft or Croft at Middle Littleton, as well
as the ground behind the Chapel, South Littleton. Various changing
facilities were also used; the King Edward public house at South
Littleton, the Fire Hut at the Recreation Ground in South Littleton, the
Village Hall at Middle Littleton and the Ivy Inn public house in North
Littleton.
Success took some time to arrive for Littleton football teams and they
had to wait until the 1910/1911 season to win their first league title the
Bidford League. After the First World War Littleton had a long run of
successful seasons winning a number of titles including the Bidford
League, Stratford League, Worcester League and the North Cotswold
and Vale of Evesham League. There were also a number of Cup triumphs
during the 1920s and 1930s. The years after the Second World War
brought more success with league and cup wins. From the mid 1950s
and through the 1960s Littleton struggled to compete with any
consistency and great credit must go to Arnold Drinkwater for keeping
the Club going.
The 1970s saw a Littleton resurgence with Jim Cox and Brian Ramsden
at the helm, and the Club successfully chasing trophies and
league titles. In the late 1970s Littleton Football Club decided to
purchase its own ground at Five Acres on the Pebworth Road at
24

North Littleton. This saw a move into the Midland Combination where
they stayed for three seasons before financial constraints made them
return to local league football. Since then the Club has improved
facilities with purpose built changing rooms, a small clubhouse, a seating
stand for spectators and floodlights.
The 1980s and 1990s were a rollercoaster with frequent promotions
and relegations until they joined the Worcester League and started
winning regularly.
In 2001/2002 Littleton returned to the Midland Combination and
gained instant success with promotions from Division 3 into Division 1
over three successive seasons. Alongside the league success the club
was also very successful in winning cup competitions including the
County Cup and Evesham Hospital Cup wins, establishing Littleton not
only in the Midland Combination but the local area.
In the 2010/2011 season Littleton won two cups and were runners-up
in a third. Finishing fifth in Division One of the Midland Football
Combination.
The 2011/2012 was a very successful year for Littleton retaining the
President’s Cup and Evesham Hospital Cup and were runners-up of
Division One in the Athium Midland Football Combination gaining
promotion to the Premier Division.
The 2012/2013 season saw Littleton make their debut in the Premier
Division of the Athium Midland Football Combination finishing the
season runners-up. The following season saw the club finish mid-table
before the reorganisation of Midlands Football by the FA, which resulted
in the club being placed into Division One of the Midland Football
League.
Littleton remained in Division One where they remained. for five seasons
finishing generally in mid table.
Along the way Littleton have nurtured young players resulting in the
likes of Matt Smith and Joe Lolley who have now gone on to play
professional football.
Due to lateral movement this season from the Midland Football League
Littleton find themselves competing in the West Midlands (Regional)
League. We look forward to a successful season.
25

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26

GMB Birmingham & West Midlands Region
Regional Secretary Joe Morgan
Will Thorne House, 2 Birmingham Road, HALESOWEN, B63 3HP
Tel 0121 550 4888 Fax 0121 550 4272
Email: joe.morgan@gmb.org.uk
Website www.gmb-westmids.org.uk
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Features include:
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27

Around the League
The weather has taken its toll over the last few weeks and again on Saturday
with just 3 games beating the weather. Worcester Raiders played their first game
at their new home the Nunnery Sports Centre but Smethwick Rangers spoiled the
party with a 2-0 away win George Taylor and Harvey Walker with the goals.
On the 3G at the Aspray Arena Dudley Town entertained near neighbours Bilston
Town, the visitors taking the spoils by the odd goal in a 7 goal thriller. Hinesh
Patel gave the home side an early lead with a mazy run which saw him beat
three defenders and slide the ball home from 10 yards. Bilston equalised when
Dudley failed to clear a corner, after the first chance hit the bar, Kevin Nickle
headed home from 3 yards, just before half time the visitors went ahead. The
second half was played at a frantic pace and with Dudley pressing forward Lewis
Taylor Boyce slotted the ball through to Patel who stroked home from 16 yards
into the far corner.
Bilston regained the lead when one of the forwards nipped in between defender
and keeper to easily score from 6 yards. Dudley again equalised through Dan
Jones after some excellent approach play by Ben Lawley and Connor Archer. The
winner came in controversial circumstances when the ball struck the hand of
Todd Perry and the referee awarded a penalty, Kevin Nickle struck the ball into
the keeper’s top left hand corner.
The game finished with five former Darlo players on the field. Ben Lawley, Danny
Mayne, Lewis Taylor Boyce and TJ Davies for Dudley and Sam Melia for Bilston
Town.
In the only other game to beat the weather AFC Bridgnorth eased past Wem
Town 5-2 in the Shropshire derby.
This mid-week has seen several cup matches, Pershore travelling Dudley Town in
the League Cup on Tuesday evening. Pershore progressed into the next round
with a convincing 1-4 win. Two goals from forward Nick Seabourne who also
missed a penalty and goals from Jake Cavens and James Clarke put the
Riversider’s into the next round. Debutant Jermaine Johnson scoring Dudley’s
goal late on.
AFC Bridgnorth lost at home to Division One side Wrens Nest 3-4 in the J.W.
Hunt Cup two goals from Bridgnorth’s in form striker Anwar Olugbon
28

and a Ben Allison goal were not enough to win the game. Three of Wrens Nest’s
four goals were scored in a six minute spell around the half time break by
Arnold Chaponda, Nathan Guest, Luke Brooks. The fourth was scored by Jordan
John halfway through the second half.
Wolverhampton Casuals lost out to EFL Championship side Stoke City in a
second round Staff’s Cup tie at Brinsford Stadium. Kane Cork took advantage to
give the home side the lead in the second half following a mistake by Stoke’s
keeper. Ryan Shawcross who is recovering from a broken leg levelled the scores
heading in at the near post from a corner. The winner which broke Wolves
Casuals hearts came really late in the game as a penalty shootout loomed
substitute Adam Porter latched onto a through ball to score his first goal for the
Under 23’s.
The only League game in midweek saw Wolves Sporting beat Smethwick
Rangers 1-0 a Oliver West goal separated the sides. Sporting gave a debut to
the ex-Coventry City, Mansfield Town, Rochdale striker Iyseden Christie.
Only one game beat the weather in Division One on Saturday Droitwich Spa
thrashing Gornal Athletic 9-1 at Walshes Meadow. Spa burst into a 5 goal half
time lead. Matthew Hunt gave Spa the lead with goals from Mike Seeley, James
Lemon and a Connor Collins Brace settling the game before half time. Second
half goals from Brad Burgess, Connor Collins completing his hat trick and a
brace from Ben Tilbury completed the rout.
In the Birmingham County FA Vase Division One FC Darlaston lost 1-0 at Queen
Street to last season’s finalists Enville Athletic. Also in the Vase Wrens Nest went
down 4-2 on penalties following a 2-2 draw at Birmingham AFA Premier
Division side Nineveh FC.
None of the games in Division Two beat the weather but AFC Bentley were in
County FA Vase action with a 4-2 win at Birmingham University. Nick Turton
netted twice with Liam Hughes and former Darlaston striker Ryan Bradshaw also
on target.
Some other news from around the League……………………………..
Congratulations go to Premier Division teams Shifnal Town and Wolves Casuals
who are among just 8 step 6 clubs in the Country that remain unbeaten in their
respective Leagues. Just proves how difficult and competitive this Division is.
Bottom club Cradley Town have signed former Walsall and Accrington Stanley
midfielder George Bowerman.
29

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Call Garry on
07791139288
30

Premier Division
League Table
Pos P W D L GD Pts
1 Shifnal Town 12 12 0 0 40 36
2 Bewdley Town 10 8 0 2 23 24
3 Worcester Raiders 12 6 1 5 4 19
4 Darlaston Town (1874) 13 5 4 4 2 19
5 AFC Bridgnorth 12 6 1 5 -3 19
6 Wolves Casuals 8 5 3 0 9 18
7 Dudley Town 11 6 0 5 3 18
8 Lileton 12 5 2 5 8 17
9 Black Country Rangers 10 5 2 3 7 17
10 Wolves Spor9ng Comm 11 4 4 3 3 16
11 Bilston Town 14 5 1 8 -12 16
12 Pershore Town 12 4 3 5 2 16
13 Smethwick Rangers 13 4 2 7 -11 14
14 Shawbury United 9 3 3 3 -2 12
15 Wednesfield 10 3 1 6 -9 10
16 Dudley Sports 10 2 2 6 -14 8
17 Wem Town 13 2 1 10 -35 7
18 Cradley Town 10 1 0 9 -15 3
Next Game
Darlaston Town (1874) vs FC Stratford
Tuesday 26th November KO 7.45 pm 31

PLAYER APPEARANCE
Ezekiel Agyemang 1 1 1 1
Joe Baker
Aiden Blackham
Daniel Bolzon 1
Morgan Campbell
Sam Causton 1
Luke Charlton
Tyrone Clarke-O'Connell
Isaac Cooper 1
Adam Cole
Liam Cox
T.J. Davies 1
Noah Diallo 2 1
Connor Fellows
Scott Glasby
Romano Graham 1 1
Andy Heal
Jamie Holder
Connor Hopkins
Lucas Hough 1 1
Ryan Jones
Reis Nadat 1
Ricardo Ricketts
Liam Smith
Alex Solomon
Scott Stevenson 1 2
Leon Taylor 2 2 2 2 3 1 1
Liam Whittaker
Luke Wilson
Match Result 1-1 0-6 2-2 5-0 4-0 2-0 2-1 3-0 0-0 3-1 1-2 3-2 4-8 2-2 0-0
KEY
Starting XI
Used Sub
Unused Sub
Goal Scored
Cup Game
1
A
Pershore Town
03-Aug
H
Shifnal Town
10-Aug
A
Smethwick Rangers
17-Aug
H
Wem Town
24-Aug
H
Black Country Rang
31-Aug
A
W'ton Casuals
07-Sep
A
AFC Bridgnorth
14-Sep
H
Bilston Town
21-Sep
A
Black Country Rang
28-Sep
H
Bewdley Town
05-Oct
A
Cradley Town
12-Oct
H
Walsall Swifts
15-Oct
H
Worcester Raiders
19-Oct
H
Walsall
05-Nov
H
W'ton Casuals
12-Nov
H
Worcester Raiders
19-Nov
H
Littleton
23-Nov

S SEASON 2019-20
26-Nov
30-Nov
03-Dec
07-Dec
10-Dec
14-Dec
21-Dec
28-Dec
04-Jan
06-Jan
11-Jan
18-Jan
25-Jan
08-Feb
15-Feb
22-Feb
29-Feb
07-Mar
14-Mar
21-Mar
04-Apr
11-Apr
FC Stratford
Shifnal Town
Shawbury Town
Pershore Town
Wednesfield
Wem Town
Smethwick Rangers
Wednesfield
W'ton Sporting Com
Colehill Town
Bilston Town
AFC Bridgnorth
Bewdley Town
Worcester Raiders
Cradley Town
Littleton
Dudley Town
Dudley Sports
Shawbury United
Dudley Town
Dudley Sports
W'ton Sporting Com
H
A
A
H
H
A
H
A
H
A
A
H
A
A
H
A
H
A
H
A
H
A

Darlaston Town (1874) F.C.
Ground Regulations
1. Permission to enter or to remain within the Ground is at the absolute
discretion of the Club or any authorised officer.
2. In the event of the postponement or abandonment of the Match,
refunds (if any) will be made at the discretion of the Club. The
Club will have no further liability whatsoever.
3. All persons seeking entrance to the Ground acknowledge the Club’s
right to search any person and to refuse entry to or eject from
the Ground any person refusing to submit to such a search.
4. The following articles must not be brought into the Ground knives,
fireworks, smoke canisters, air-horns, flares, musical instruments,
weapons, dangerous or hazardous items, laser devices, bottles, glass
vessels, cans, poles and any article that might be used as a weapon,
compromise public safety or annoy neighbours. Any person in breach
of these requirements will be refused entry or will be ejected from
the Ground.
5. The use of threatening behaviour, foul, aggressive, racist or abusive
language is forbidden and will result in immediate ejection from the
Ground at the discretion of the Club. The police will be called if
appropriate.
6. Racial abuse, chanting or harassment is strictly forbidden and will
result in arrest and/or ejection from the Ground at the discretion of
the Club. A ban for one or more matches will be imposed.
7. The following acts are arrestable offences under the Football
(Offences) Act 1991, as amended and conviction of such acts
may result in a banning order being imposed on the guilty party.
7.1 The throwing of any object within the Ground without lawful
authority or excuse.
7.2 The chanting of anything of an indecent or racial nature.
7.3 The entry onto the playing area or any adjacent area to
which spectators are not generally admitted without lawful
authority or excuse.
8. Nobody may stand in any seating or marked area whilst play is in
progress. Persistent standing in seated areas whilst play is in
progress is forbidden and will result in ejection from the Ground.
9. The obstruction of gangways, access ways, exits and entrances,
stairways and like places is strictly forbidden. Nobody
34

entering the Ground shall be permitted to climb any structures within
the Ground.
10. Smoking in No-Smoking areas is strictly forbidden.
11. Under the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc) Act 1985 as
amended, the following are offences for which a person can be
arrested by a Police Officer and conviction will result in a
Banning Order being made:
11.1 Attempting to enter the Ground or being inside the Ground
whilst drunk or in possession of alcohol.
11.2 The consumption of alcohol is entirely at the discretion of
the club, glass will not be allowed pitch side.
12. Any individual who has entered any part of the Ground designated
for the use of any group of supporters to which they do not belong
may be ejected from the Ground either for the purposes of their own
safety or for any other reason.
13. No goods of any nature may be offered for sale without the prior
written permission of the Club.
14. Photographs and videos
14.1 Photographs and videos cannot be taken or recorded at any
Youth Team games without specific consent being obtained
prior to the fixture or permission is granted from the relevant
Darlaston Town (1874) Youth Team manager prior to kick off
14.2 Photographs and videos are allowed to be taken or recorded at
all First Team matches. To enhance its standing with the
football and local community, to promote the interests of the
club and sponsors, and to keep supporters and followers fully
informed the club has a legitimate interest in publishing First
Team photos and videos including in their match day
programmes on their website and on their social media sites.
The photographs and videos will be destroyed in line with
GDPR Regulations
15. At all times whilst in the Ground, persons must comply with any
and all instructions of any committee member or authorised person.
Failure to comply with any instruction will lead to ejection from the
Ground.
16. The Club reserves the right to eject from the Ground any person
failing to comply with any of the Ground Regulations or whose
presence within the Ground is, or could reasonably be, construed as
constituting a source of danger, nuisance or annoyance to any
other person or neighbour. This will lead to further action by the
club including, but not limited to the issue of a banning order.
17. Entry to the Ground shall constitute acceptance of the
above Ground Regulations. 35

DARLASTON TOWN (1874)
SQUAD LIST
Aiden Blackham
Daniel Bolzon
Sammy Causton
Luke Charlton
Adam Cole
Ezekiel Agyemang
Tyrone Clarke-O'Connell
Liam Cox
Connor Fellows
Romano Graham
Andy Heal
Jamie Holder
Connor Hopkins
Lucas Hough
Ryan Jones
Reis Nadat
Ricardo Rickes
Liam Smith
Sco Stevenson
Leon Taylor
Liam Whiaker
Luke Wilson
LITTLETON
SQUAD LIST
Ben Billingham
Lewis Brade
Myles Brooks
Ben Cassidy
Jade Ferron
Dean Fisher
Adam Garmson
Karl Gardner
Brogan Halpin
Dan Handley
Lewis Handley
Dan Holloway
Jourdain Masidi
Lewis Mcpike
Taylor Morrison
Jack Pearlman
Will Rawlins
Anthony Smith
Haden Smith
Aaron Xavier
Jimmy Ward
Harvey Warmington-Christmas
Manager:
Coaches:
Management Team
Andy Parkes
Ant Follows
Nick Lewis
Sports Therapist: Mike Howe
Trainee Sports Therapist
Aimee Clemson
Referee:
Ma>hew Bond
Assistants:
Adam Mullins
Kris Owen
Match Officials