Saturday 29th March

Wellingborough Town 1-2 Stewarts & Lloyds

Les Hornby’s rebuilding plans for next season continued against S&L Corby with a 2-1 home defeat.

Cornell Haughton came in to partner Jon Mitchell up front and the Doughboys kicked off reverting back to a 4-4-2 formation and the change in formation seemed to be paying dividends with early pressure on the visiting defence resulting in an early opening goal. Jed Ainge’s cross from the left was headed into his own net by a visiting defender to give the home side the lead. Further chances were created and Mitchell should have scored when he was found unmarked 10 yards out but his first touch let him down and the visiting goalkeeper blocked his effort.

Ainge had two long range efforts in the second half but it was the visitors who stole the points when they equalised midway through the second half before being awarded a penalty for shirt pulling ten minutes from the end which was duly converted. However, the action wasn’t over and with just 10 seconds remaining a scramble in the visitor’s penalty area the ball looked to have crossed the line off a visiting defender but neither the referee nor his assistant awarded a goal for the Doughboys.

In summary, it was a tale of missed opportunities which should have been converted from the early pressure and leaves the Doughboys still searching for a win this month.

Simon Cox

 

Friday 28th March

Wellingborough Town Under 18 1-1 Raunds Town U18

The under-18s played their second game in three days when entertaining local rivals Raunds at the Dog & Duck on Thursday night and dropped two precious points in their quest for the title.

Cick here for Match Report

Thursday 27th March

New Signings

Les Hornby followed up his recent acquisition of defender Martin Flannigan from Rothwell Town by signing goalkeeper Shaun Markie from Northampton Spencer last week

With Alex Malong currently injured and John Hughes returning from long term injury following his recent appearance against St Neots, Hornby swooped to sign Markie, who played for Tamworth the week before in the Blue Square North against Worcester City, and he made his debut at Raunds on Easter Monday whilst Flannigan made his second appearance since signing following his debut in the 3-1 home defeat at home to St Neots

Welcome aboard!

Advertisements

If any “fan” or “business” wants an advert in the Sportsmans Evening programme then we have space available.

A ½ page advert is £75 and full page advert is £125.

Please contact Ben on 0800 781 4861 to reserve your space.

 

Calling all Younger Fans - Lookout for The Travelling Doughboy!

I am the travelling Doughboy and I love to follow the Doughboys wherever I can.

You can find me at our home, The Dog and Duck, London Road at most of our home games and then follow my tour around the world as I go off to visit new places, make new friends and tell everyone about our great football club...... Wellingborough Town.

I recently bought my hat and scarf as it was cold during the winter and I love them so much, I wear them everywhere I go around Wellingborough and when I visit my friends. I'm not allowed to wear them in bed though, even though I want to! I leave them at the end of my bed.

Why not come down and see if you can find me. I can usually be found in the stand singing with the rest of the crowd as we cheer on the Doughboys.

I look forward to seeing you soon and cheering on the Doughboys with me!

www.thetravellingdoughboy.co.uk

Wednesday 26th March

Wellingborough Town V S&L Preview

Les Hornby’s side, with only one win in their last six games, continue their rebuilding programme for next season this weekend with a home game against S&L Corby.

Hornby strengthened his side recently with the acquisition of defender Martin Flannigan and goalkeeper Sean Markie with both playing in the Easter Monday defeat at Raunds.. Markie made a steady debut in place of the injured Alex Malong in goal, whilst Flannigan partnered Matt Green in defence in place of the injured Rob Gould and Luke Dowling.

Top scorer Jon Mitchell, who played as a lone striker at Raunds, will be looking to end his goal drought having last found the net in the opening game of 2008 at home to Newport Pagnell whilst S&L Corby will also be looking to end their own goal drought having scored just once in the last four games.

The visitors will also be looking to improve on their 12th position and close the gap on their hosts and go into the game with only one win in their last four – that came agsinst Cogenhoe last Saturday. Their last away victory though came at St Neots at the beginning of the month when they returned home with all three points following a 1-0 victory.

Wellingborough Town U18 2 - 0 Netherton U18
NFA Cup

The under-18s made it through to the semi finals of the inaugural NFA County Cup with a 2-0 win over Peterborough-based Netherton United at the Dog & Duck on Tuesday night.

Cick here for Match Report

 

Tuesday 25th March

Raunds Town (0) 1, Wellingborough Town (0) 0

Raunds secured the double over the Doughboys at Kiln Park on Easter Monday with a goal six minutes from time from former Whitworths’ man Cavell Jarvis to lift the home side out of the bottom three.

The Doughboys started with Jon Mitchell as the loan striker with a five man midfield and had the better of the opening chances. In a game played on a bumpy pitch and in varying weather conditions, Dan Spaughton had the best opportunity in the first half when he shot high and wide when well placed to hit the target but it was to turn into a tale of missed opportunities for the Doughboys.

Adam Hancock was inches away from giving the Doughboys the lead when he slid in at the far post when he looked odds on to score and Mitchell’s long range effort looked to be destined for the top corner but sailed just over with the home keeper Turner looking helpless.

At the other end, Jarvis missed a good opportunity to open the scoring but shot wide and new Doughboys keeper Shaun Markie saved well minutes later from the same player before Jarvis settled the game with just six minutes remaining.

Jarvis capitalised on a defensive error to race clear and fire past Markie to delight the home crowd.

Raunds: Phil Turner, James Willmott (Joe Moraiarty), Jamie Russell, Gavin Fitzgerald, David Coales, Ricky Chambers (Ben Singleton), Dane Ridgway, Callum Ridgway, Cavell Jarvis, Matt Peacock (Marcus Wharton), Josh Davis.

Wellingborough: Shaun Markie, Tim Wooding, Adam Randall, Matt Green, Adam Hancock (David Glass), Jed Ainge, Dan Spaughton, Martin Flannigan, Jon Mitchell, Dan Grainger, Mark Hewitt (Alfie Taylor).

 

Saturday 22nd March

Reserves Maintain League Challenge

Kirch's lads bounced back from their League Cup semi final defeat with a comfortable win over lowly Potton, who turned up with just a bare 11 players and no subs.

With the swirling wind and snow showers it was difficult to play flowing football. Marc Harrison scored the opening goal in the first half. Alfie Taylor's free kick doubled the lead just after half time and then Harrison completed the scoring with his second after Nathan Heycock's header hit the bar.

Another graduate from the Under 18's, Sean Quirke, made an impressive full debut at right back and left back Ryan Lee managed the entire 90 minutes without swearing at himself!

The lads now travel to Buckingham, weather permitting, on Wednesday evening (ko 7.45pm).

Team: Sam Foulser, Sean Quirke, Ryan Lee (Owen Thomas), Kev Vigo, Ray Hackett, Ben Matthews, Nathan Heycock (Rudi Pipe), Danny Webb (Tom Randall), James Lister, Marc Harrison, Alfie Taylor. Sub not used: Simon Morrice

Terry Whenham

Friday 21st March

1st Team Game Off

Tomorrows away game against Northampton Spencer has been postponed.

The reserves game home game against Potton is on.

Tuesday 18th March

Fan of the week: Laurie Owen - Courtesy of BBC London

By Stuart Croll (NonLeagueToday)

When Wellingborough Town was threatened with closure only one man turned up to a meeting after an appeal for help from the local media and council.

That man was Laurie Owen.

Not surprisingly with that level of interest the club folded and resigned from the league at the end of the 2001-02 season. Undeterred Laurie was determined to bring Wellingborough Town FC ­the sixth oldest football club in England ­back to life.

The retired police detective formed a steering committee of sporting friends in an attempt to resurrect the "Doughboys".

A local businessman, Alan Warwick, whose father played for Wellingborough in the twenties and the then Mayor of the town, David Smith, initially joined him. Together these three people recruited other friends until there were 24 people who were prepared to get the Club back on its feet.

The 24 included Brian Hill the former premiership referee and Peter Ebdon the former World snooker champion. Peter agreed to be the president of the group and even though Peter has moved to Dubai he remains Honorary President and Laurie makes sure he is kept up to date with the club's fortunes.

Through Laurie and his colleague's determination and enthusiasm Wellingborough Town returned to the football pyramid in 2004.

They even returned the team to their old ground ­ The Dog and Duck ­ although that did require a summer of extensive pitch, floodlight and stand repairs. Of course Laurie got stuck in with those chores.

As Laurie says it was worthwhile: "Only 12 fans attended the last game before we folded but more than 400 attended our first game back." And the season went well as the team finished 2nd in the Eagle Bitter United Counties League Division One and were promoted to the Premier Division after losing just one game.

Since the club's return Laurie has worked in many capacities for the club. He has been secretary, written newsletters and edited the matchday programmes. He is also very active in marketing and sponsorship for the club.

Laurie says a double heart bypass had to slow him down but his colleagues at the club are not convinced he has.

Laurie is proud of what he and his colleagues have achieved for Wellingborough in such a short time. He said: "The club is built on solid foundations. We have an excellent youth set-up, great volunteers and a brilliant sponsor."

"All that is missing is a chairman with business acumen or Roman Abramovich's money."

 

Monday 17th March

Byrne back to gun down Wellingborough - Courtesy of Northants ET

KEVIN BYRNE made a goalscoring return to the Dog & Duck as Wellingborough Town slipped to another disappointing defeat.

The former Doughboys striker opened the scoring on the half-hour mark with a crisp volley from close range that flew beyond John Hughes.

Two minutes later, though, Wellingborough skipper Tim Wooding curled a 30-yard free-kick into the top corner of the net following a foul on Dan Spaughton.

St Neots regained the advantage in the opening minute of the second half when Luigi Rocco's low drive was deflected home.

Dean McIlroy's well-struck effort secured victory just before the hour as Wellingborough failed to create any clear-cut chances until substitute Alfie Taylor saw a late shot tipped away.

Wellingborough man of the match: Tim Wooding.

Friday 14th March

Wellingborough V St Neots Preview Courtesy Northants ET

FOR the first time in three weeks, Wellingborough Town will play on a Saturday when they welcome high-flying St Neots Town to the Dog & Duck.

And Doughboys boss Les Hornby will be hoping the return to the usual playing time will help his side back to winning ways.

Wellingborough have lost their last two and dropped out of contention for third place as a result with a 13-point gap between themselves and the top three.

That may well mean another season without promotion for Hornby's side – although his first aim is to get back into the top six.

The Doughboys are currently eighth – seven points behind sixth-placed Deeping Rangers – with tomorrow's opponents St Neots sandwiched between them.

"We've had a few indifferent performances over the last few weeks and performances haven't been good in all honesty," admitted Hornby.

"When I took over as manager I said I would give all the players a chance.

"I've done that and now I see that some are not up to it so I will be looking to strengthen the squad and bring a couple of players in over the next couple of weeks.

"That said, it's not all doom and gloom. We do have some good players here and the top six is certainly within our grasp."

The Doughboys have two missing for this weekend with Rob Gould banned and Matt Green unavailable.

Wellingborough from: Malong, Wooding, Randall, Pritchard, Dowling, Glass, Taylor, Spaughton, Ainge, Haughton, Mitchell, Hancock, Hewitt.

Wellingborough Town U18 2-2 S&L U18

In the end will it be two points dropped or two gained? That`s a question which will only be answered at the end of the season as the under-18 side were held to a 2-2 draw at the Dog & Duck by S & L.

Match Report Here

Sunday 9th March

Reserves Set Up Final With Netherton

Kirch's young squad came through a difficult semi final tie at North Bucks League side Yardley Gobion.

The afternoon started badly when striker Adam Kirchin was injured in the warm up so 16 year old Tom Randall was called up to make his debut in the Reserves.

Some of the lads seemed to be nervous early on but Adam Randall gave us the break through just before half time when he charged down a clearance and smashed in a fierce left footed shot. Earlier, Ray Hackett had hit the crossbar with a wind assisted free kick and Danny Webb forced a good save from the goalkeeper.

Seen after the start of the second half leading scorer Cornell Haughton doubled the lead. But the home side continued to battle and it was no surprise when they made it 2-1 with 20 minutes left.

Any doubts we had evaporated when Webb netted with a superb shot after an excellent passing move through midfield.

Under 18's Sean Quirke also made his reserve debut as sub near the end.

We will play Peterborough side Netherton United in the final some time in April at a venue to be decided. Watch this space.

The lads next game is a league game at St Ives on Wednesday evening (7.45pm). Then we travel to Hayden Road to play another league game against Rushden & Higham next Saturday. The Reserve KO Cup Semi Final at Division 1 leaders Blackstone is the following Wednesday 19th March (KO 7.45pm).

Team: Sam Foulser, Neil Codner, Ryan Lee, Kev Vigo, Ray Hackett (capt), Jimmy Partridge, Adam Randall, Danny Webb (Sean Quirke), James Lister, Cornell Haughton, Tom Randall (Rudi Pipe)

Terry Whenham

Friday 7th March

Important Under 18's Fixtures

The Under 18's have a couple of important fixtures coming up.

We have the NFA County Cup quarter final at home to Netherton United on Monday (7.45) and a vital league game against S & L on Thursday.

Support would be very welcome!

Thrapston Town 0-4 Wellingborough Town

The under-18s maintained their unbeaten run with a comfortable 4-0 win at Thrapston on Thursday night.

Cick here for Match Report

Monday 3rd March

Alfie Fires Reserves to Victory

With the top 2 sides (Northern Star and Huntingdon) drawing 4-4 this was a great result against ON Chenecks who are one of the better sides in the Division.

Kirch was missing young Ryan Lee and brothers Marc/Nick Harrison. But Alfie Taylor and Luke Pritchard stepped down from the first team to help out.

It was Taylor who gave Boro the lead after being set up by man of the match Ben Matthews. Ben had also hit the post in the first minute with a rasping shot. He is getting closer but is yet to find the net. Then a miss hit cross from Nathan Heycock doubled the lead. Cornell Haughton should have put the game out of sight before half time but he missed 2 one on ones with the goalkeeper. Someone also hit the bar but I can't remember who it was!

In the second half Chenecks came out strong, with the wind at their backs. They nearly scored during a goalmouth scramble with Sam Foulser somehow keeping the ball out with the visitors claiming the ball had crossed the line. A few minutes later they did narrow the deficit with a genuine goal.

Within a few minutes Jimmy Partridge made it 3-1 with a close range effort and late on Taylor added his second to make the final score 4-1.

Next Saturday the lads travel to Yardley Gobion for their Lower Junior Cup semi final (ko 1.30pm). The next league game is at St Ives on Tuesday 12th March (ko 7.45pm).

Team: Sam Foulser, Kev Vigo, Ray Hackett (capt), Neil Codner, Luke Pritchard, James Lister, Jimmy Partridge, Ben Matthews, Nathan Heycock, Cornell Haughton, Alfie Taylor.
Subs: Rudi Pipe, Danny Webb, Kyle Pacey-Vigo, Adam Kirchin.

Terry Whenham

Friday 29th February

Wellingborough Town U18 4-0 Irchester United U18

The under-18s moved into second place in the Senior Youth League table after a `disappointing` 4-0 victory over neighbours Irchester United on Thursday.

Click here for match report

Click here for Under 18 Fixtures

24th February

We were poor, says Les - From Northants ET

LES HORNBY admitted his Wellingborough Town side were "very poor" as they went down 2-1 at struggling Potton United.
The Doughboys boss said: "We weren't up for it and they were. They're fighting for their lives at the bottom and it showed.

"The pitch was atrocious – it looked like a ploughed field – but we can't use that an excuse because we simply were very poor."

Potton netted twice in the second half through Nathan Frater and John Mulholland to wrap up the points while Jed Ainge scored a late consolation for the visitors.

Wellingborough man of the match: Matt Green.

22nd February

Sportsmans Dinner Update

We have now sold 210 tickets for the Annual Sportsmans Dinner being held at the Dog & Duck ground on Thursday 24th April.

We only have another 90 remaining!

Please contact Ben Thomas 0800 781 4861 ben@bmt-uk.com to reserve your ticket.

Desborough Town U18 0-3 Wellingborough Town U18

The young Doughboys maintained the pressure on Corby Town and Rothwell Town above them with a comprehensive 3-0 win against Desborough Town at the Dog & Duck on Thursday night.

Match Report

19th February

Under 18 - NFA County Cup
Wellingborough Town 3-2 FC Aztec

Wellingborough`s under-18 side nearly went the way of Liverpool a couple of days earlier in being ousted from the cup at home to lower league opposition.

Click here for Match Report

18th February

Report from Northatnts ET

WELLINGBOROUGH TOWN bounced back from last week's 6-0 hammering at Premier Division leaders Stotfold with a home victory over Northampton Spencer.

Rob Gould's goal on the half-hour was enough to see the Doughboys claim all three points at the Dog & Duck.

Gould headed home Luke Pritchard's corner for what proved to be the winning goal.

Alfie Taylor, David Glass and Dan Spaughton also went close for the Doughboys.

And Wellingborough boss Les Hornby was delighted with the response of his players after last week's heavy defeat.

He said: "It was a very pleasing performance after last week and to be honest we should have scored more.

"We dominated the game from start to finish and I don't think our goalkeeper Alex Malong had a save to make.

"We were camped in their half for most of the first half without creating much in terms of goalscoring chances. But in the end we were more comfortable winners than the scoreline would suggest."

Wellingborough travel to struggling Potton United next Saturday as their push for promotion from the Premier Division continues.

Wellingborough man of the match: Adam Randall

16th February

UCL Eagle Bitter NEWSLETTER NO. 220 FEBRUARY 2008

The latest league newsletter can be seen here

 

15th February

Hornby's looking for a positive response - From Northants ET

WELLINGBOROUGH TOWN boss Les Hornby is demanding a strong response from his side after their nightmare 6-0 defeat at Eagle Bitter UCL Premier Division leaders Stotfold.
The Doughboys face Northampton Spencer at the Dog & Duck looking to get their promotion bid back on track after seeing their five-game winning streak come to an abrupt halt last week.

A top-three finish may well be enough for them with Deeping Rangers the current target. However, they are four points better off than the Doughboys with a game in hand.

"Last Saturday was very disappointing. But fair play to Stotfold they did their job well and as a manager you can learn a lot about your squad from games like that," said Hornby.

"What matters now is how well we react. Our aim this season was the top six and then the top three. We've had a blip at Stotfold and we're out of the top six. Our first target is to get back there."

Wellingborough from: Malong, Wooding, Randall, Gould, Dowling, Taylor, Green, Ainge, Spaughton, Glass, Mitchell, Haughton, Hancock, Pritchard, Shrieves, Harrison.

 

13th February

Reservers Reach Semi's of League & NFA Lower Junior Cup

Kirch included several first team players in this quarter final tie tonight, as did their opponents Rushden & Higham.

Our lads dominated the game front start to finish with keeper Sam Foulser having little to do. At time we played some superb football with great goals being scored. Rushden had no answer to the skill, speed and pace of David Glass and Alfie Taylor, in particular and the finishing skills of Adam Hancock.

It was Glass who gave the Doughboys the lead with an over head kick after Hancock's shot was blocked and then Hancock netted twice before the break with clinical finishing. The third goal was the best of the night. Jed Ainge picked out Glass with a long range pass and Glass' low cross was tucked away in style by Hancock.

Alfie Taylor scored twice in the second half to complete the nap hand and set up a semi final trip to Stotfold.

Team: Sam Foulser, Luke Pritchard, Luke Dowling (Ben Matthews), James Lister, Ray Hackett (capt), Jed Ainge (Jimmy Partridge), Dan Sproughton, Nick Harrison (Marc Harrison), David Glass, Adam Hancock, Alfie Taylor.
Subs not used: Neil Codner, Cornell Haughton.

Wellingborough Town Reserves will play away to Yardley Gobion in the semi final of the NFA Lower Junior Cup on Saturday 8th March (ko 1.30pm).

Terry Whenham

 

12th February

Under 18's Update

The under-18s moved to within four points of leaders Corby Town and one of second-placed Rothwell Town after a fine performance in a 5-0 success at Rushden & Higham on Monday night.

Click here for match report

Click here for Under 18 Fixtures

 

5th February

Doughboys look to keep up form - From Northants ET

LES HORNBY is hoping Wellingborough Town can keep up their impressive revival when they travel to Northampton Spencer tonight.
The Doughboys moved into the top five of the Eagle Bitter UCL Premier Division at the weekend as a 2-1 success at Holbeach United made it five wins in a row since a 1-0 home defeat to Raunds Town on Boxing Day.

And Hornby has been delighted with the response of the players since he took over the reigns at the Dog & Duck.

He said: "I am very pleased with the players' efforts and attitude and a run of wins like we have had brings with it plenty of confidence.

"It's another tough game for us tonight. But it's a local derby and we are all looking forward to it."

Luke Dowling – who has an eye injury – is the only doubt for the Kingsthorpe Mill clash while John Hughes remains sidelined with a thigh problem.

Wellingborough from: Malong, Wooding, Randall, Gould, Dowling, Taylor, Ainge, Spaughton, Glass, Grainger, Mitchell, Shrieves, Haughton, Pritchard, Hancock, Green.

 

25th January

Web site Updates

We are now in a position to start making updates to the site once again.

The Fixtures and results pages are now up to date but watch this space for more news.

UCL Eagle Bitter NEWSLETTER NO. 219 JANUARY 2008

The latest league newsletter can be seen here

The newsletter includes information about who has applied for promotion, former Wellingborough Town Manager Nick Ashby joining Cogenhoe, as well as a transfer update.

 

11th September

Nick Boosts Squad as Doughboys Hunt First Home League Win

Doughboys v Desborough Preview

The Doughboys get the chance to leapfrog over Northamptonshire rivals Desborough Town tonight when the two clubs meet in a Dog and Duck derby (KO 7.45pm).

A win by two clear goals could see Wellingborough move into third place, depending on how other results go this evening.

And for the second game running the Doughboys will be introducing a fresh face with Brackley Town left back Phil Murphy being available this evening after signing dual forms that allow him to play in the UCL as well as the Southern League.

Manager Nick Ashby has been determined to introduce further quality into a side that has been heavily depleted by injury since the season began.

It will mean that midfielder Daniel Grainger will start again in centre midfield, where he teamed up with an in-form Matt Green to impressive effect during Saturday's 2-0 victory at St Ives.

It is expected that this will be former Rushden and Diamonds starlet Grainger's first and last game at the Dog and Duck before signing for a club higher up the pyramid following his release from Corby Town.

Said Nick: "Don't get me wrong. I'd love to have Daniel here as he really does have some ability. But we have to be realistic that he wants to play at a higher level, and understandably so.

"As far as Phil Murphy is concerned, I have been trailing him for some time. He won the United Counties with Ford Sports, won the Southern League First division with Brackley last season and knows what it's all about. Brackley don't have a game tonight, so he's free to play for us. Brackley have been a bit short of players, like us, so he hasn't been available earlier. Eventually, he's the sort of player I'd love to see here at the Dog and Duck as a regular. We'll just have to see how it goes."

The capture of Murphy could mean a place on the bench for Ben Matthews, a right back who deputized so well for the injured James Lister on the left. Otherwise the Doughboys are expected to start with the same eleven which picked up maximum points on Saturday, with striker Richard Thompson hoping to complete his first full competitive 90 minutes at the Dog and Duck.

Definitely missing the chance to face their old club will be ankle injury victims David Glass and Mike Sneddon although for Desborough, so far unbeaten in the UCL, former Doughboy Jamie Gilsenan is expected to start, despite being sent off in Ar Tarn's 2-0 weekend victory over Blackstones, in which he also scored.

_________________________________________________________

5th September

Injury Ravaged Doughboys Can’t Halt Forest Fire

Doughboys 0 Waltham Forest 2

A replay that promised much ended with a palpable sense of bitter disappointment for Wellingborough players and fans alike.  

And yet, few could deny that the notably improved Waltham side deserved their victory on the night, armed with an impressively pacey strike force and a defence that was virtually impenetrable for 90 minutes.

Perhaps the biggest regret that Nick Ashby and his players will no doubt be feeling is the fact that there was a replay at all.  So emphatic was The Doughboys authority in their performance at Wadham Lodge on Saturday that only the most blinkered of Staggs supporters would deny that the 1-1 score line was flattering to the Isthmian League first division outfit. It was highly unlikely that Waltham would be as submissive this time round, having weathered the storm and shaken off the shell shock of being outplayed by a team ranked the equivalent of a league below them.  And so it proved.

The Doughboys started efficiently enough, largely dominating the play and piecing together a series of fluid moves with crisp, purposeful passes.  The 13th minute saw a fine passage of one-touch football on the edge of the box and a deft through ball by Michael Sneddon put Jed Ainge clear, but his indecision forced him to shoot from an acute angle, an ambitious attempt that was deflected to safety.  

Tim Wooding's dangerous cross in the 33rd minute - one of many that ultimately came to no fruition in the course of the game - very nearly presented a chance for Jon Mitchell to give the home team the initiative.  Surging in at the back post, an outstretched Mitchell was thwarted by the Waltham keeper, Peter Goodman, who scrambled across his goal line and extingushed the threat with a brave block.   

These were chances, but by no means clear-cut, and this would set the tone for Wellingborough's frustrating night ahead.

A flare up between the coaching staff in the dugout eighteen minutes in was a strange anomaly in a game that was generally played in good spirit and refereed sensibly by Mr D. Keen.  The only card he produced on the night was the booking of Mitchell for bouncing the ball aggressively in disgust of a free kick awarded against the Doughboys in the 35th minute.  It was an unnecessary caution, but arguably a deserved one.  

The old adage goes: 'it takes shots to score goals and goals to win games', and while the Doughboys had the majority of the first half possession, it was Waltham who looked the more dangerous in terms of creating the scoring opportunities.  

The phenomenally fast Paul Olima caused the Wellingborough defence major problems, outpacing Rob Gould and Luke Pritchard with disconcerting ease on a number of breakaway attacks.  One such run culminated with a one on one with the Wellingborough goalkeeper, but John Hughes was equal to the task, producing an excellent save with his legs.  

However, the resulting corner in the 39th minute led to an increasingly inevitable Waltham breakthrough.  Olima headed home after the in swinging delivery was sent back across the face of goal and found the Forest number nine unmarked and unable to miss.

Another goal, conceded early in the second half, as well as an uncanny and ever-worsening injury crisis rendered the prospect of a Wellingborough revival virtually impossible.  Steve Blackwood, James Lister, Jed Ainge and Michael Sneddon were all casualties in the course of what proved to be a damaging 45 minutes of football.

Slow to react to another good save by Hughes, the defence again failed to clear their lines when Danny Kenny's stinging shot could only be parried.  Jeff Hammond was first to pounce, converting from close range and effectively putting the result beyond any doubt in the 49th minute.

To their credit, The Doughboys produced a handful of chances in response to the two goal deficit.  Throwing caution to the wind, Ashby moved Gould into an attacking position in the hope he could cause an aerial threat, leaving the defence somewhat exposed to a barrage of speedy counter attacks.  The gamble very nearly paid off in the 63rd minute when Gould connected with a beautifully whipped cross by Wooding, only for his header to flash inches wide.  It clearly would not be Wellingborough's night.

It is hard to guage what will concern Nick Ashby the most; his team's exit from the FA Cup competition after failing to win a first tie they dominated or the dwindling number of players that will be fit for the forthcoming games against St. Ives and Desborough.  It is more likely to be the latter that causes the greater headache for the Wellingborough manager with the UCL Championship as his prime target.  

What is for sure is that the Doughboys look a cohesive unit when they are on their travels.  Now Nick will just be hoping that his walking wounded can keep that away form going on Saturday and that Richard Thompson, who has been so badly missed these last weeks, is back to lead the line. Wellingborough are overdue some good news.  

David Rankin.

_________________________________________________________

4th September

Same Again for Doughboys as Cornell gets Call-Up

Doughboys v Waltham Forest FA Cup Preview

Reserve marksman Cornell Haughton has been added to the Doughboys squad as Wellingborough look to book their place in the FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round at the Dog and Duck tonight (kick off 7.45pm).

Haughton scored a hat-trick in the second string's 4-3 home defeat to Huntingdon on Saturday and has been rewarded with a call up to the first team as they look to finish off Ryman Division One North outfit Waltham Forest after the Doughboys dominated for long periods in the 1-1 draw.

A second reserve player, Ben Mathews, has also been added to the squad, which suffered no injuries in the trip to Walthamstow.

The Doughboys will again be without Richard Thompson (ankle), David Glass (ankle) Mark Hewitt (shoulder), Luke Dowling (honeymoon) and Matt Curtis (cup-tied), though Curtis and Thompson are likely to travel to St Ives on Saturday.

Said Nick: "Steve Kirchen, the reserve team manager, told me that Cornell and Ben have really shone in the reserves this season. If players do well week in week out at that level then, when the opportunity presents itself, they will be added to the first team squad."  

Since changing their name to Waltham Forest, the visitors have never been dismissed from the FA Cup at the Preliminary Round stage.

The winners face a tough hurdle in the next round, an away trip to Wealdstone of the Ryman league premier Division.

_________________________________________________________

31th August

One Back and Two Out as Doughboys Hunt FA Cup Glory

Winger Steve Blackwood looks set to make his first appearance of the season tomorrow when the Doughboys travel to Waltham Forest for an FA Cup Preliminary Round showdown.

But although striker Richard Thompson will also be making the trip to north London but will take no part in the game, having been given more time to recover from his ankle injury. And with new signing Matt Curtis cup-tied it looks as though Wellingborough will continue with their diminutive strike partnership of Jon Mitchell and Kev Ward as they look to book a place in the First qualifying round at Wealdstone.

Midfielder Matt Green, out since picking up a hamstring problem against long Buckby, will also be traveling with the squad but is not expected to start, although a place on the bench looks likely.

With midfielders David Bond and Scott Goodwin no longer at the Dog and Duck it is likely that the central midfield positions will fall to Luke Pritchard and Jed Ainge.

Goodwin was released by manager Nick Ashby after limping off the pitch after just ten minutes in Saturday's disappointing home defeat to Yaxley. While David Bond has called time on his footballing career and retired from the game.

Said Nick: "Really, David had more or less retired during the close season and came back only to help out because we had such a severe injury crisis. I can't thank him enough for that. He was a really excellent character to have around the club and we all wish him well.

"The only good thing to say about last Saturday is that, for once, we didn't pick up an injury. Otherwise I'd like to draw a line over the whole the whole day.

"This is the FA Cup and gives a great opportunity to regroup."

It will be a tough test for the Doughboys. Waltham Forest are one of only four teams still unbeaten in the Ryman League Division one North, though they occupy a mid-table position after winning one and drawing three of their opening four games.  

Meanwhile Nick announced that he had also put a seven day approach in to sign another player, though is no panic to sign more: "I know two players have left and we still have a few injured or away but I will only sign players when I identify ones good enough to come here."

A coach leaves the Dog and Duck tomorrow at 11.15am. There are still one or two seats available, tickets costing £7.

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15th August

Ice Cool Foster's Not to Doughboys' Taste

Doughboys 2 Long Buckby 2

Long Buckby striker Ben Foster continued his love affair with the Dog and Duck last night when his second half brace dented the Doughboys' perfect start to the season.

Foster had been on the score sheet in Spencer's 2-0 victory at Wellingborough last season and twice lost his former Kinsthorpe Mill team mate Luke Dowling to underline the Buck's promotion credentials by coming back from a two-goal half-time deficit.

However, his 89th minutes equaliser - which was no more than Long Buckby deserved - came about thanks to the piece de resistance of referee David Jarrett whose inept display had the distinction of angering managers, players and supporters from both sides.

Having spoiled much of the first half as a spectacle by blowing for the most petty of infringements, real and imaginary, he inexplicably allowed a ludicrously blatant ram into the back of Scott Goodwin to go unpunished. As Wellingborough players looked on aghast, the ball was fed to Foster to fire home.

Foster, in turn will have felt justice had been served because earlier he had been bearing down on goal with only John Hughes to beat when play was stopped for a free kick - to the Bucks.

For the Doughboys the second period was 45 minutes they will want to forget. As well as losing two points, they also picked up a string of injuries, none more serious than that of Mark Hewitt. He had been placed up front to partner Jon Mitchell after Richard Thompson had limped off with an injury that is likely to rule him out of Saturday FA Cup encounter at Halstead.

But in chasing a bouncing through ball into the visitor's penalty area he collided horribly with Bucks keeper Martyn Margason, dislocating his shoulder in the process. After being stretchered off in obvious distress he was taken to hospital and now faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines. By then the Doughboys had already been disrupted when Matt Green had been forced to hobble off the field.

The Doughboys, without ever reaching anything like top gear had previously been in command of the game until losing Green and Thompson.

They had found themselves 2-0 up and that was down, yet again, to the trusty right foot of Tim Wooding. In the 36th minute he had stepped up to send a free kick deflecting off the wall and beyond the despairing Margason, and shortly before the break it was his pin-point inswinging free-kick that found the head of Rob Gould whose deft flick sent the ball just inside the far post.

The Bucks must have reached the interval wondering how they were two down, with the Doughboys failing to muster another shot and having taken the game to Wellingborough from the off, although Hughes had also been rarely troubled.

However, the Bucks had a piece of massive fortune shortly after the break when Jon Mitchell was shoved to the ground inside the penalty area whilst chasing a through ball, another dreadful miss by the match officials.

And Buckby took full advantage of the let off when former Doughboy Ryan Nash skinned James Lister wide on the right, sent over a far post cross which was headed back across goal for the unmarked Foster to tap in on 63 minutes.

Then came the controversial decision which left the right result on the night…but for all the wrong reasons.

Afterwards Doughboys boss Nick Ashby lamented: "With us down to ten men with the injuries, I suppose it could have been even worse. Long Buckby deserved the draw but you can't help feeling unhappy about how the equaliser came about."

Now Nick will have to patch up his walking wounded and see who is available for the FA Cup on Saturday. With Wisbech playing in the Eastern Counties League last night striker Kev Ward should have now served his suspension and be available for selection. Also there are hopes that Luke Pritchard may have overcome his ankle injury in time to play.

What is needed now is a return to the form of Saturday so the players can forget the night with the Bucks that lost its fizz.

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14th August

Doughboys New-Look Programme Makes Its Debut Tonight

Doughboys supporters will notice a whole new look when they buy their Matchday Programme tonight.

The 20 page publication includes only one page of adverts - with the remainder of the programme being dedicated to all matters Wellingborough Town…and the match.

Last season the programme made a loss and this term the club are determined to register a profit.

Said joint programme editor Jim Murray: "We were aware that last season's programme concentrated on too many matters that really had nothing to do with Wellingborough Town FC, which was a turn off for some people. We want to woo those supporters back and get them buying the programme again.

"The programme is a vital tool in keeping supporters informed with what is happening with the club. In many ways it is the first point of contact between the club and those who come to watch every week. So it is imperative that we engage with the supporters and give them something that makes them feel more attached and interested in the club itself. Also to keep them bang up to date with all that is happening at the Dog and Duck. To do that the voice of the programme must be the club's voice."

The entire publication is under a new editorial and production team. Designed by Dram Good Books, publishers of the Whisky Bible, the programme has retained its cover price of £1.

Added Jim: "We are not charging for origination but even so it costs around £1 a copy to print so we must ensure its quality is such that supporters will feel that buying a programme is an important part of the matchday experience. Also, by being of pretty high production values we hope to attract a company to sponsor the programme as they will feel confident there is a lot more incentive for supporters to buy one.

"Fans are a lot more sophisticated than they used to be. So we have incorporated sections in the programme which will engage their interest and make them feel that little bit closer to the club. It also doesn't hurt for people who don't normally come down the Dog and Duck to see a programme and realise that we are setting high standards here. On and off the pitch."

As part of the re-vamp there are plans for the programme to be available on subscription.

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14th August

Happy Nick looks to build on Kempston Victory

Doughboys v Long Buckby

A new league season returns to the Dog and Duck tonight when the Doughboys face fellow UCL favourites Long Buckby.

Wellingborough boss Nick Ashby will have to make one enforced change from the side that began the campaign in such convincing fashion at Kempston on Saturday with midfielder Luke Pritchard ruled out with an ankle injury.

Pritchard limped off during the second half, having scored the opening goal. His place is likely to be taken by Alfie Taylor, who came on to cause Kempston all kinds of problems with his direct running and pace. David Glass has been added to the squad.

Meanwhile the Bucks will include a number of ex-Doughboys. Likely starters will be defender Stuart Smeathers who joined Long Buckby from Wellingborough during the summer, as well as Andy Peaks Kevin Slinn and Ryan Nash who departed the Dog and Duck for Station Park during the course of last season. Peaks, who is now assistant manager, is expected to occupy a substitute's berth.

Bucks boss Glen Botteril has publicly tipped the Doughboys for the championship this season, despite having made some major signings, including Carl Holmes from Cogenhoe, bringing former Rushden and diamonds striker Richard Bailey out of early retirement and capturing promising young goalkeeper Martyn Margason on loan from Nene Park.

Said Nick: "It's very flattering. But Glen knows, as I know, that this is going to a long season with many clubs looking to win that Championship and investing in much stronger squads. This could be one of the toughest UCL campaigns in living memory so I, for one, won't be making any predictions.

"But the lads got off to a pretty impressive start on Saturday and if we can build on that I know we stand every chance. It really was the complete team performance from keeping a clean sheet to both strikers getting a goal apiece.

"It is a shame for Luke, who took his goal well and didn't do much wrong all game. But it shows that we on the right tracks when we can have someone like Alfie Taylor to come in who can cause teams lots of problems.

"Long Buckby have a very decent squad by UCL standards but if we perform to what we are capable of, then hopefully we can begin our home programme with a win."

14th August

Happy Nick looks to build on Kempston Victory

Doughboys v Long Buckby

A new league season returns to the Dog and Duck tonight when the Doughboys face fellow UCL favourites Long Buckby.

Wellingborough boss Nick Ashby will have to make one enforced change from the side that began the campaign in such convincing fashion at Kempston on Saturday with midfielder Luke Pritchard ruled out with an ankle injury.

Pritchard limped off during the second half, having scored the opening goal. His place is likely to be taken by Alfie Taylor, who came on to cause Kempston all kinds of problems with his direct running and pace. David Glass has been added to the squad.

Meanwhile the Bucks will include a number of ex-Doughboys. Likely starters will be defender Stuart Smeathers who joined Long Buckby from Wellingborough during the summer, as well as Andy Peaks Kevin Slinn and Ryan Nash who departed the Dog and Duck for Station Park during the course of last season. Peaks, who is now assistant manager, is expected to occupy a substitute's berth.

Bucks boss Glen Botteril has publicly tipped the Doughboys for the championship this season, despite having made some major signings, including Carl Holmes from Cogenhoe, bringing former Rushden and diamonds striker Richard Bailey out of early retirement and capturing promising young goalkeeper Martyn Margason on loan from Nene Park.

Said Nick: "It's very flattering. But Glen knows, as I know, that this is going to a long season with many clubs looking to win that Championship and investing in much stronger squads. This could be one of the toughest UCL campaigns in living memory so I, for one, won't be making any predictions.

"But the lads got off to a pretty impressive start on Saturday and if we can build on that I know we stand every chance. It really was the complete team performance from keeping a clean sheet to both strikers getting a goal apiece.

"It is a shame for Luke, who took his goal well and didn't do much wrong all game. But it shows that we on the right tracks when we can have someone like Alfie Taylor to come in who can cause teams lots of problems.

"Long Buckby have a very decent squad by UCL standards but if we perform to what we are capable of, then hopefully we can begin our home programme with a win."

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