biggleswade town fc

division 1 feature

Saturday 26th April - Waders finish on a high

Saturday 19th April - 3rd place secured.

Waders still have a match to go in the SSML Premier campaign, but assured themselves of an excellent 3rd place finish on Saturday with a win at lowly London Colney.

But this quite a turgid affair on the whole, with Colney shutting out a new strike team of Keith Thomas and recent signing Adam Bensaud. The latter however had a superb first half, working hard on the right and up front, but chances to Scott Field and Thomas went begging.

The second period was livened by a Bensaud debut goal for his new club. The cold and wet afternoon air was then suddenly warmed by a 30 yard wonder strike from Bradley Harrison that had the crowd gasping and moves Harrison straight into contention for goal of the season. An excellent overall performance from Graham Buchanan though, snatched man of the match for him.

Final Score -

London Colney 0 - 2 Biggleswade Town

Scorers - Bensaud, Harrison

Saturday 12th April - Title in Beaco's grasp

Waders lost out today to the Premier champions (Beaconsfield SYCOB) in waiting after going 2 goals down in a first half that probably saw Town have the better of the play. A couple of defensive errors let in a professional looking SYCOB (the first on 22 minutes) after Waders had appeared to have the better chances.

An uphill struggle in the second half was not helped by the visitors resolve and it took a penalty from Keith Thomas to halve the defecit. Try as they might, there was not another way through for Town. SYCOB had survived a clearance off the line, and some excellent work ffrom their keeper had denied the home side a point and fellow promotion challengers Chalfont St Peter the ideal result they were seeking (Chalfont went second after a 3-1 win at Aylesbury Vale).

Congratulations to Beaconsfield SYCOB on a thoroughly professional approach and a win that sets them up nicely as champions elect.

Two more league games then for Waders and one cup final to round off an excellent season overall and a fantastic improvement on last season's relegation scrap.

Final Score -

Biggleswade Town 1- 2 Beaconsfield SYCOB

Scorer - Keith Thomas (pen)

SYCOB - O'Connor, Swift

Saturday 29th March - Thomas Breaks Rovers

With standing water through the middle of the pitch at kick off, the anticipation was one of a tricky game of poor quality, but the reality was quite different. Both sides adapted well to the windy and wet conditions with Waders coming out on top as every ball was challenged for in a good competitive game.

Chances fell mainly to the visitors in the first period and on 35 minutes Waders conspired to score a superb team goal that ended with Keith Thomas majestically finishing off a well worked move.

The second period saw the home side battling against the wind and Waders were soon denied a penalty shout. Chances were still being made with the Brimsdown goalkeeper called into action with alarming regularity for them.

As the match wore on, the home side not utilising their wide players well, became increasingly frustrated at not being able to penetrate Waders box, although one effort did rebound from the bar. Almost immediately Dan Heron at the other end was also denied by the woodwork after a fine effort, and then substitute Jamie Steele (replacing Thomas) contrived to tangle with his strike partner to miss an open goal. Brimsdown were fortunate to survive without further loss of goal difference before the referee brought the proceedings to a halt as the sky discourged more heavy precipitation.

In all a good performance across the pitch by players and officials with Biggleswade Town richly deserving of the points.

Final Score -

Brimsdown Rovers 0 - 1 Biggleswade Town

Scorer - Keith Thomas 35 mins

Tuesday 25th March - No Charity From Waders

Biggleswade Town made it through to the final of the North Beds Charity Cup with a fought for midweek 3-0 win away at Division 1 Cranfield Utd.

Scott Field got Waders underway in the 4th minute with an overhead kick spectacular after the hosts made a hash of a set-piece.

But Cranfield appeared inspired by going behind and Town then had to soak up some sustained pressure, although Utd were unable to capitalise.

The second period saw a much better performance from the Premier Division side and the Cup holders, but it took until the 68th minute for Jack Weeden to put Keith Thomas through and score a very well taken goal to double the lead.

Jack Weeden himslef then got a goal he deserved 4 minutes later to put the tie beyond any doubt. Cranfield certainly belied their lowly position, with some hard working and eager youngsters filling their ranks, but Waders better organisation won through in the end to book a cup final place against either Stotfold or Langford on May 9th.

Final Score

Cranfield Utd 0 - 3 Biggleswade Town

Saturday 22nd March - Back On Top

With the weather postponing much of the SSML Premier action this weekend, Waders took full advantage with this 2-1 win and the double over Hanwell Town. Biggleswade didn't perform to their best in the first half but Dan Heron opened the scoring with the run of general play direct from a corner on 36 minutes. His left footed in-swinger sneaking in under the bar at the far post. But the lead didn't last long as a lack of concentration let in the visitors for an equaliser 10 minutes later.

Chances for Hanwell were few and far between in the second period with Waders newly tatooed keeper Aaron Springham an onlooker for much of the time. A much better approach to play in midfield brought dividends in the Hanwell area, with Scott Field, Chris Hewitt and Bradley Harrison creating chances for the front men.

With Jamie Steele out injured, Dan Heron was partnered by Keith Thomas and the Hanwell defence came under increasing pressure as the half wore on, with chance after chance keeping the visitors keeper busy.

Then a through ball found Thomas whose sublime one touch fed an eager Heron who ran through on goal and took his chance superbly to regain Waders lead.

The lead could easily have been increased further minutes later when Hanwell were at full stretch again, but with shots coming off the post and being tipped over the bar, the match ended without further score. A valuable 3 points then for Biggleswade Town who move once more to the top of the Premier table, admittedly with the chasing duo having games in hand.

 

Final Score:

Biggleswade Town 2 - 1 Hanwell Town

Monday 17th March - Waders Off Target.

Waders went in at half time on this very cold evening one goal to the good, but with a hat-full of chances squandered. In a 45 minutes that was totally dominated by the visitors, it was staggering that only one goal was the bounty from so much possession and effort returned such a slim leading margin.

Scott Field missed a penalty after Keith Thomas had given Waders the lead through a super lob shot.

The seocond period saw Town kicking up hill and again chances were missed before Dan Heron made it seem comfortable by doubling the lead. Waders then lost their concentration and from a match they should have buried, lost a goal during one of Manors rare forays into the danger zone.

Now buoyed up with a sniff of an equaliser the hosts pressed forward and Waders had to endure 10 minutes before the final whistle was blown.

Credit to the match referee who handled proceedings very well and to Ruislip Manor for keeping on until the very end. But manager Chris Nunn must be wondering what he has to do to motivate his team to finish off a dominating performance.

Final Score:

Ruislip Manor 1 - 2 Biggleswade Town

Saturday 15th March Derby honours even

Awaiting report

Final Score

Biggleswade Utd 2 - 2 Biggleswade Town

Scorers

Bigg Utd - Luke Lincoln & Robbie O'Dell

Bigg Town - Keith Thomas & Graham Buchanan

Saturday 8th March. Thriller ends in controversy.

The big match in The Premier Division today saw 2nd play 3rd as Waders took on Chalfont St Peter, witrh both sides determined for a top two position in the table come May. With Chalfont already 2 matches to the good against Town this season (League and Cup), the home side came out battling from the first minute to regain pride and take all 3 points.

Early efforts were thwarted, but Waders pressed on, Steele and Heron continuing to worry the CSP defense and with the back line coping well with the visitors forays forward, Town were in command

In the 40th minute Waders finally took the lead through Jamie Steele who received a clinical through ball from Scott Field and that's how it remained at the break.

The second period saw the game ebb and flow, with chance after chance being thwarted by Chalfont and 2 fine saves from their keeper. Heron, Steele and Field all came close, whilst at the other end the visitors tried to get back into the game without luck.

As normal time came to a close Chalfont became more urgent and pushed on for their best spell of the game, but a resolute wall of Green and White stripes stood firm with Aaron Springham making a fine tip-over save from their best effort.

Now with 100 minutes showing on the clock a fierce Welsh strike from the edge of the area flew through a crowd of bodies and skimmed the paint off the inside of the near upright to cross the goaline and send the visitors into raptures.

Their was literally only time to take the re-start and the referee immediately blew his final whistle and Waders felt robbed of two points for the sake of 10 minutes added time, although other watches in the ground made it more than that!

A great performance and a deserved victory was cruelly denied and the team now have a week to lift themselves for the derby clash away at Biggleswade Utd next Saturday.

Good luck to Chalfont in their Premier Cup Final and with Beaconsfield winning at Leverstock Green to another injury time goal, the championship now looks to be a two horse race at best.

Final Score

Biggleswade Town 1 - 1 Chalfont St Peter.

Wednesday 5th March - Enough for 3 points.

On paper this was a very tricky fixture, but Waders managed all 3 points (just) to go back to second in the Premier Division table.

Goals from Jack Weeden (head) and Dan Heron (head) gave a seemingly comfortable cushion, but credit to Cockfosters for constantly battling in what was not a great spectacle for the watching crowd.

They pulled a goal back from their man of the match Laney and then hit the upright as the minutes passed painfully at the end of the second half. Town had chances themselves, but with injury problems still racking the squad, had to hold on for the points.

Final Score

Biggleswade Town 2 - 1 Cockfosters.

Saturday 1st March - Town Not United In Second Half Woe.

On paper, this was match of the day in the Premier Division and the first half lived up to that despite the none too perfect conditions in a strong blustery wind.

Harefield took the lead and deservedly so as they claimed the majority of pressure and possession in the opening period. Waders took time to settle but once in their stride came good. A superb cross from Theo Aherne needed the merest touch for Dan Heron to equalise.

Waders pushed on again and Heron took the visitors into the lead with a few minutes left of the half. A moment of defensive madness and more than a hint of double offside left Harefield with a tap in for an added time equaliser.

The second period saw Towns makeshift defence shifted again as the first half battle had taken its toll. More changes were enforced within minutes and the balance of the team just didn't work thereafter. Harefield took the lead and then hung on well despite chances for the visitors.

With 5 minutes to go and the score at 3-2, Waders pushed on looking to salvage a point, but Harefield took full advantage and 2 quick goals ended the match and gift wrapped the home side all 3 points.

The scoreline flattered the victors, but in reality the out of sorts Waders had missed a couple of injured players and just couldn't match Harefields winning obsession on the day. For them, 2 goal Sean Sonner was the star and proved too tricky for Towns makedo team.

Biggleswade Town slip to 3rd whilst Beaconsfield go 2nd. Leaders Chalfont St Peter lost 2-0 at home to Colney Heath.

Final Score

Harefield Utd 5 - 2 Biggleswade Town

(Full credit to Harefield for such as excellent playing surface).

Tuesday 26th Feb - Waders Bow Out.

A super Dan Heron goal on 15 minutes gave Waders the lead in this semi-final Premier Cup tie and that lead was to last for 70 minutes. Both sides had chances in an entertaining and highly paced first period, with the visitors disappointed not to go in at the break further ahead.

The second half proved just as frenetic but it wasn't until the 85th minute that another goal was achieved and this time it went to the home side, forcing 30 minutes of extra time.

The game turned a bit unsavoury in the first 15 minute period with the Chalfont number 17 sparking a mass players scuffle which resulted in the already booked Bradley Bubb receiving his second Yellow Card and subsequent marching orders. But the home side continued to battle and despite chances for the Waders, the 113th minute saw Chalfont score the eventual winner to send Chris Nunns team out of the Cup.

It was a good performance all round and on the night Town deserved a victory that cruelly eluded their efforts.

Final Score (aet)

Chalfont St Peter 2 - 1 Biggleswade Town

Saturday 23rd Feb - No way through.

Waders suffered a serious setback this afternoon at McMullen Park with this frustrating 0-0 draw, only the teams third single point collection of the season so far.

Leverstock Green came to town to defend and they did their job with hardly a shot on the home goal in 90 minutes. A sure fire penalty was commuted to a free kick outside the box on the referee's orders and the resultant action was so nearly converted by Jamie Steele. Dan Heron regained a starting place and also had first half chances that just failed to open the scoring.

The visiting goalkeeper remianed busy and his best save of the match came from a fierce Bradley Harrison drive that was just tipped over the bar. Try as they might Waders just couldn't find a way through and Leverstock were the happier team at the final whistle.

After the match manager Chris Nunn conceded that Chalfont and Harefield will the teams looking to take the Premier Championship now.

Final Score

Biggleswade Town 0 - 0 Leverstock Green.

Wednesday 20th Feb - Back on top.

Waders went back to the top of the SSML Premier Division this evening thanks to a 3-1 defeat of Aylesbury Vale. (Click on the small table above for a full sized view).

Illness and injury forced manager Chris Nunns hand as far as team selection was concerned with those unavailable including keeper Aaron Springham, defenders Neil Morgan and Kevin Randall, midfielder Scott Field and league top scorer Dan Heron.

Drafted into the number 1 shirt, Robin Timms made an outstanding save before Keith Thomas opened the scoring on 25 minutes and a minute before half time Jamie Steele had made it 2-0.

Waders continued to press in the second period and on the hour Keith Thomas made it a brace with his second and Waders third. A sloppy final 20 minutes gave a penalty opportunity to Vale and and Sam Cooley duly converted. A reasonable performance all round for the Waders, an excellent performance from the 3 match officials and a much needed 3 league points.

Final Score

Biggleswade Town 3 - 1 Aylesbury Vale.

Saturday 16th Feb - Honours even.

A good crowd at Hertingfordbury Park this afternoon saw out a draw in the weekends big match in the Premier Division. Whether a point was satisfactory fior either side is a moot point though, as Hertford failed to gain on the chasing pack, whilst Biggleswade lost ground to leaders Chalfont St Peter (3-0 winners against Bigg Utd), but stay second in the table (click on the small table above for a full sized view).

Waders certainly had the best of the first half despite Hertford taking the lead in the 12th minute with a Kevin Kilroy penalty. Waders only to had to wait 4 minutes though until Scott Field had the chance to equalise, also from the penalty spot and he took it gratefully.

Waders again had the best chances in the 2nd period. Although the home side will claim better possession of the ball, it will be the visitors that will see the final score as a missed opportunity.

MoM for Waders was Peter Gatti, whilst the Hertford goalkeeper Mark Virgo will rightly claim his accolade as their best player on the day, pulling off a string of fine saves to keep his team in the points. Indeed a Jamie Steele spectacular overhead kick with seconds left on the clock was matched by Virgo's acrobatics to save the day for Hertford.

Final Score:

Hertford Town 1 - 1 Biggleswade Town

Wednesday 13th Feb - Cup win

Waders progressed to a semi-final date against Chalfont St Peter with a 2 -0 win tonight at Ruislip Manor in the 3rd round of the Premier Cup.

Both goals came courtesy of Nick McFarlane with one in each half (36, 63) in a changed team from the one that collected all 3 points in the league on Saturday at Holmer Green. Hosts Ruislip Manor played some good football, but the Waders stuck to their game and deserved the victory.

Waders showed off new signing Graham Buchanan (from Barton Rovers) to good effect in a 6 man change for this match by Manager Chris Nunn.

The squad now look forward to the important league fixture away at Hertford this weekend.

Final Score:

Ruislip Manor 0 - 2 Biggleswade Town

Saturday 9th Feb - 3 goals, 3 points

Waders went to Holmer Green today in search of a run of form that can keep them near the head of the table and came home with a clean sheet and all 3 vital points to stay second in the Premier Table.

Goals came courtesy of Dan Heron, Jamie Steele and man of the match Scott Field. A good all round performance that sets up the squad nicely for Wednesday nights Premier Cup tie away at Ruislip Manor.

Final Score -

Holmer Green 0 - 3 Biggleswade Town

Wednesday 6th Feb - 3 point fight back

A crucial second half fight back tonight saw Waders overcome a Colney Heath 2 goal lead to finally claim all 3 points with an 88th minute winner.

The visitors made the early running and surprisingly found themselves 2 goals to the good before Town mustered the fight back from the 50th minute. Goals came from Jack Weeden (2) and Dan Heron.

Final Score - Biggleswade Town 3 - 2 Colney Heath

Saturday 2nd Feb - Waders go to town.

Three important league points gained and two more goals for leading scorer Dan Heron as Town hosted Welwyn Garden City today.

But it was the visitors who opened the scoring with a goal in the 10th minute before Waders could settle. Heron then weaved his magic either side of the interval (44, 46) with a brace to increase his impressive season tally so far. A deserved win then but perhaps a chance to improve on Waders goal difference missed. Nevertheless a good performance and an important win.

Please note that holidays have prevented the league table on the this website being updated.

Saturday 12th Jan - Back on top!

Town got back to winning ways this afternoon with this 3-1 win over St Margaretsbury to go back to the top of the Premier Division table. 0-0 at half time meant that all the main action was to come in the second period and 2 penalties (Scott Field) and a debut goal for Steffan Dancy ensured the points for Waders.

Final score - Biggleswade Town 3 - 1 St Margaretsbury

5th Jan 2008 - Chalfont make good points

An 86th minute strike from Chalfont's deadly striker Bradley Bubb ensured that the points went to the home side as they leapt over Waders to go top of the Premier Table.

This was an entertaining match throughout despite the fact that neither keeper had a huge amount of work to do. Chalfont's scorer may count himself to be lucky to have still been on the pitch after an early yellow card was followed up by a similar challenge that the referee saw in more leniant terms.

For the second match on the bounce waders failed to find the back of the net.

Final score - Chalfont St Peter 1 - 0 Biggleswade Town