LEA SPORTS PSG
* PIRTON * SHILLINGTON * GRAVENHURST *    

Established 1973

The Recreation Ground, Pirton, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG5 3PX

The 200 Club - The 200 Club consists of players who have made more than 200 recorded appearances for the Club. At the end of the 2022-2023 season, there were 82 Members of the Club:    Club Members               Check out appearances and goals season by season:    APPEARANCES

 

 

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674
Archie Conway - Archie made his debut on 11th October 1981 when he scored in a 2-2 draw vs. Luton Teachers' Social Club. A member of the teaching profession himself, Archie has made between 20 and 30 appearances every season since then. A first-team regular in the mid-eighties, Archie has made most of his appearances for the Second string. A Vice-President of the Club, Archie was Second Team Manager between 2000 and 2003. Archie was Players' Player for the 1st XI in 1985-86, for the 2nds in 1991-92 and 1993-94 and for the Thirds in 1995-96 and 1996-97. He was also Manager's Player for the Seconds in 1993-94 and for the Thirds in 1997-98. He won the President's Award for the Reserves in 1989-90 and again the following year.

He made his 600th appearance for the Club on 30th March 2008 in a Division 4 match vs.Dynamo Old Boys.

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592
Kelvin Callow - Kelvin Callow started playing for Lea Sports in 1973 at the age of 27, but then played for each of the next 27 seasons. His massive frame was a familiar sight in Lea Sports' defences for many years, but he actually started off as a half-decent goalscorer. Some of his finest performances came on the 1991 tour to Dusseldorf, where he was awarded the title by the other players of 'European Footballer of the Year'! Kelvin was the first player to reach 500 appearances for Lea Sports (in 1993) and is shown (right) receiving a silver salver for this achievement.

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645
Phil Thompson - Undoubtedly the greatest goalscorer ever to don a Lea Sports shirt, Phil was still banging in goals for the First Team at the end of the 2010-11 season. He has now scored 685 goals in 671 games, since his scoring debut for the Third Team on 21st November 1982 vs.Toddington Farmers. Despite a spell away with illness and some time playing with Ashcroft, Phil has notched double-figure goal tallies every season bar two since 1982 and now has over 330 first team goals to his credit. Now into his forties, he was one of the most respected strikers in the North Home Counties. Phil was Treasurer between 1987 and 1991 and has been First Team top scorer on 9 occasions between 1989 and 2005. He was also Third Team top scorer 4 times between 1988 and 2000. He was voted First Team Players' Player in 2002-03 and won the President's Award for the Firsts in 1993-94. His 600th goal game after 20 seconds of a Reserve team game vs.Dynamo Old Boys at Lewsey Park on 30th March 2008 in a 6-0 win. Phil's 600th game was a 10-1 romp for the Reserves away to Ashcroft Athletic on 1st February 2009 - Phil scored four times. He was the NHC Division 3 top scorer in 2010-11.             Back to Top
572
Rick Vipers - Rick Vipers was another frustrated striker who always played his best games at the back. He made his debut in a 3rd Team fixture vs. St.Albans Round Table (lost 5-2) on a day when the Reserves only had 9 men! Rick then spent most of the rest of the season in the Reserves. Most of Rick's appearances were for the Reserves in the late eighties and early nineties, although he was a member of the successful Third Team squad in the late nineties. Rick has held a number of positions in the Club: in 1983-84 he was Reserve Team Manager and was Club Secretary in 1987-88 - when he was also voted Clubman of the Year. In 1990-91 he was joint manager of the Third Team with Ali Hearn and was also voted Players' Player for the team that year. In 1994-95 he again took charge of the Third Team and was a joint manager of the Fourth Team, with Mick Marsh and Kevin Knight, in 1996-97.  Always a reliable servant to the Club, Rick was renowned for never taking prisoners!

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605
Bobby McGrath - By the end of 2007-08 Bobby had made 546 appearances, although only 3 of those were in the current season after his move to Woodstock Wanderers. His debut was as a substitute for John Pawley's Third Team on 15th September 1991 in a 0-5 defeat by Strawplaiters. Since then he has appeared for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th teams, as well as the Saturday side, making over 50 appearances in a season on no less than 3 occasions (56 in 1994-95). Bobby has also weighed in with 69 goals in that time, including 10 in 1993-94. Bobby was Manager's Player for the Firsts in 2001-02; for the Thirds in 1993-94 and for the Saturday Team in 2000-01. He was First Team Players' Player in 1998-99 and 2004-05; Second Team Players' Player in 1995-96 and Third Team Players' Player in 1993-94.

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528
Phil Clarke - Another great goalscorer, Phil joined the Club in 1974 not long after its formation. He then scored 427 goals in 528 games, including 168 for the Firsts, 124 for the Seconds and 110 for the Thirds. His best season was in 1996-97, towards the end of his playing days, when he scored 34 goals for the Thirds. Phil has been 1st Team top scorer 5 times (between 1978 and 1984), Second Team top scorer 4 times (1988-1993) and Third Team top scorer 4 times (1993-97). Phil was chosen to receive the Second Team President's Award in 1991-92.

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439
Paul Gathern - Paul made his debut on 11th September 1988 in a Reserve match for Manager Bryn Holmes in an 8-1 defeat away to GIS Leagrave. He went on to make 30 appearances that season and made between 20 and 30 appearances in every season up to 2003 (except for the rain-hit 2000-01 season). He has made around 150 appearances for both First and Second Teams and another 120 for the Thirds. He has also scored 122 goals for the Club, with over 50 for the Reserves. A Vice-President of the Club, Paul was Secretary in 2002-03 and secretary to the NH Counties League from 2003-06. He was Treasurer from 1996-2002 and Second Team top scorer in 2000-01. He was voted Players' Player for the Reserves in 1988-89 and Manager's Player in 2002-03.

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432
Keith Lee - Keith's first match for the Club was on 27th August 1978 for the Reserves in a 3-2 win over Royal Oak Reserves in Division Seven under Manager Glen Pullen. He quickly moved to the First Team where he won Players' Player in 1978/79 and was a regular for the next dozen seasons. From 1990 onwards Keith played two full seasons for the Reserves, in 1992-93 and ten years later in 2002-03. Keith has been Chairman for four periods: from 1989-91, 1994-96, 1999-2000 and 2001-06. He was Secretary in 1983-85 and First Team Manager in 1979-80 (with Elwyn Owen); in 1980-81 (with Phil Holmes); with 1982-83 (with John Forsyth) and in 1990-92, when the Firsts were Division 3 Champions. Keith was 1st XI Manager's Player in 1984-85 and Clubman in 1983-84 and 1989-90 (with Steve Smith). He won the President's Award in 1988-89, 1990-91 and 2001-02. Keith was also the inaugural 'Donkey of the Year' in 1986-87! A great servant to the Club.

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430
Dave Blake - Dave made his debut on 16th September 1979 in a Third Team friendly match vs. Microwave (2-2). He played the rest of the season in the Firsts, where he stayed for 5 seasons before dropping to the Reserves where he was a regular for 7 seasons, before a further 4 years in the Thirds. Dave scored 27 goals for Lea Sports and at least one spectacular own goal, with a bullet header from the edge of the box in the early nineties. He was Manager of the Reserves between 1988 and 1991, when he was renowned for his half-time talks ("they're coming at us in droves"). Dave was Third Team Players' Player in 1991-92 and won the 2nd XI President's Award in 1988-89.

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429
Al Mayman - Alastair Mayman (known to everyone as Al) made his debut on 17th October 1982 in a Reserve Team 3-2 victory over H-Plan in Division 7. He spent most of that season and the next nine in the First Team, making over 170 appearances before moving to the Reserves at the end of the eighties to make a further 150 appearances. Al scored 108 goals in total, and his 100th goal (away to Swan Rangers in April 1995) was greeted with much jubilation by his fellow players. Al was Club Secretary between 1985 and 87 and was Chairman in the 1988-89 Season. He was Second Team Manager in 1992-93 and Clubman in 1986-87. He won the inaugural 1st Team President's Award in 1987-88 and was voted Players' Player for the First Team in 1982-83 and for the Reserves in 1989-90.

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407
Alan Dawson - Another player to have made over 400 appearances is the versatile Alan Dawson. His debut was on 14th September 1980 when, as a teenager, he was one of only 9 players to turn out in a 12-2 defeat by Ashcroft School. The following year he was a regular for the Reserves before going up to the First Team, where he held his place for a dozen seasons, making almost 250 First Team appearances and scoring 109 goals. Sporadic appearances for the Seconds and Thirds followed in the late nineties. In 1988-89 Alan scored 48 goals, 29 of which were for the Firsts and 13 for the Thirds in 4 appearances. In all he scored 175 goals to make him one of the best players in Lea Sports history. Alan was First Team top scorer in 1986-87 and 1988-89 and was First Team Players' Player in 1990-91. Al scored the Club's first goal on foreign soil in the Tour match in Paris in May 1990.

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403
Andy Shiers - Andy made his debut on 15th September 1991 in a Division 5 game for the Reserves in a 2-1 win over Casa Bianca. After a spell in the Reserves, Andy moved to the First Team and was a regular for six seasons in the mid-nineties. In 1997-98 Steve Baggett tempted him into the Thirds where he made 76 appearances in 3 seasons, before 3 seasons in the Reserves and a return to the First Team in 2003. Always appreciated by his fellow players, Andy has been voted Players' Player for the Thirds in 1997-98; the Seconds in 1996-97, 2000-01 and 2001-02 and for the First Team in 2005-06.

Andy made his final appearance on May 3rd 2009 as the Reserves finished off their Championship season with a 7-0 thrashing of FC Toddington. He made 23 appearances before emigrating to New Zealand in the summer of 2009.

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378
Neil Hebron - 'Geordie' made his first appearance as a sub for the Thirds on 2nd October 1988 in a 2-1 defeat at home to The Vine Reserves in a South Beds.Division 3 game in the Thirds first season of league football. Always a reliable defender, Neil's appearances are split almost 50-50 between the 2nd team in the early nineties and early zeroes and the Thirds in the late 90s. He only scored 3 goals, but in October 1993 against Dunstable First & Last he made a surging run into the opponents' box only to be brought down. The ref (a member of the opposition) did not give the penalty, we drew the game 0-0 and lost the League Title by one point. Geordie was Second Team Manager's Player in 1990-91 and 10 years later in 2000-01.

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365
Andy Thompson - Andy was one of the original teacher members, making over 150 First Team appearances in the 1970's, beford playing Second Team in the early eighties and over 100 games for the Thirds in the late eighties. Tall and quiet-spoken, Andy was a stalwart defender for 21 years with the Club. Andy was voted the Third Team's Players' Player in 1988-89.

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351
Trevor Taylor - Trevor made his debut as sub in a Reserve game in Division 7 on 23rd October 1983, in a 4-1 defeat to Boater Reserves. Throughout the eighties and nineties he made almost 150 appearances for the First Team and 175 for the Seconds, including being a member of Laurence Freed's 'invincible' Reserves in 1994-95. He was the first winner of the 'Ted' Trophy in 1991-92 and was First Team Players' Player in 1991-92

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350
Dave Pymont - Another original Club member Dave Pymont scored 108 goals in 166 First Team appearances in the 1970s. Another 84 goals followed in 125 Second Team appearances in the 1980, before Dave notched another 25 in 50 games for the Thirds. Dave was Club President in 1986-7 and again between 1988 and 1991. He was Chairman between 1983 and 1988. Dave was top scorer for the First Team in 1979-80 and for the Reserves in 1980-81, 1981-82 and 1983-84.

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345
Alistair Hearn - The player known to all as Ali made his Club debut in 1977. A member of the teaching fraternity, Ali played a full season for the Firsts in 1977-78, scoring 14 times. Despite 2 more seasons playing for Steve Smith's First Team in the mid-eighties, Ali played most of his games in the Seconds and Thirds, scoring 40 times in 140 games for the Reserves.

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332
Charlie McNerney - Charlie made his debut on 4th December 1977 with Steve Smith in the Reserves after the 'big transfer' from Royal Oak of the two players. The match was against Globe Sports in Division 7 and since Globe had beaten us 5-0 just 2 weeks before the team was happy with a 0-0 result. Both players moved up to the Firsts and Charlie made over 90 appearances for the First Team and then over 200 for the Reserves, scoring a total of 61 goals for the Club. Charlie was Second Team Players' Player in the 1986-87 season.

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328
Tony Riley - Tony made his debut in 1975, but made only four appearances in his first 2 seasons. In 24 seasons with the Club he made only 15 First Team appearances, but played most of his football in midfield for the Seconds (in the late seventies) and in the Thirds (in the eighties and early nineties). He was voted Third Team Players' Player in 1982-83.

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327*
Mick Marsh - Mick made his debut on 1st February 1981 in the First Team under the Managership of Phil Holmes and Keith Lee. Mick came on as sub as the Firsts beat Luton Expo '75 5-1 at Leagrave Park. Mick was a First Team regular for four seasons, followed by 3 years in the Reserves, before reclaiming his First Team place in 1987-88. In all, he made over 150 First Team appearances scoring 9 goals. It is said that it was Mick's love of Sheffield Wednesday that led to the Club's badge being an owl today. Mick took charge of the Reserves with Bill Hind in the 1986-87 season and ran the Thirds in 1995-96 before helping Rick Vipers and Kevin Knight run the Fourths in 1996-97. Mick won the President's Award in 1995-96 and was Manager's Player for the Seconds in 1984-85.

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298
John Darley - Another player who would play anywhere if asked, John made his debut on 18th September 1977 in Glen Pullen's Reserve team in a 5-1 defeat to Park Town Reserves in Division 7. John played most of his football in the Reserves (over 130 games) but did play a full season in the Firsts in 1982-83. In all John scored 21 goals in almost 300 games for the Club.

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295
Phil Hudspeth - Phil made 60 First Team appearances for the Club in its first four seasons, before playing 148 games for the Reserves, both as a goalkeeper and central defender. Fifty games for the Thirds followed, before Phil finally bowed out with a Veterans game in 1994.

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292
Mark Williams - Mark made his debut in April 1999 for the Third XI, but that was his only appearance for the Club that season. He played in the First Team for 6 seasons before moving to the Reserves in 2006-07 and being a part of the Championship-winning side in 2008-09. Mark has now scored 112 goals for the Club.

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Simon Jackson - Jacko started life at Lea Sports in August 2000, playing for the Saturday side and it was not until 2005-06 that he made his debut for the Sunday First Team. Since then he has made over 150 First Team appearances, dropping down to join the Reserves midway through the 2011-12 season. He was First Team Players' Player in 2006-07.

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Simon Mayes - 'Maisie' made his debut for the Sunday Reserves on 14th October 2007 and went on to make a further 199 appearances for the same team, scoring 68 goals in the process. Always a classy and committee midfielder, he has gone on to help manage the Jaguars youth team from their first appearance in 2018. Simon was the Reserves' Players' Player in 2015-16.

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Lewis Manning - Lewis is one of the youngest recipients of the 200 Club award, beginning his Lea Sports life in the Under 7 Panthers & Pumas, managed by Alan Scott, in 2010-11. He made 174 appearances in the mini-soccer setup, before playing 11-a-side for the Under 13 Panthers in the 2016-17 season. His 200th appearance came when playing for the Under 14 Panthers in the 2017-18 season - his last for the Club.

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Brian Langley - Brian made 2 appearances for the First Team in the 1975-76 season, starting with a 2-3 defeat vs. The Brewery on 11th April 1976 (the week after losing the Beds.Lower Junior Cup Final). Brian made 30 First Team appearances at full back over all, but over 90 for the Reserves and 80 for the Thirds, before going over to the dark side and becoming a well-known local referee!

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Oliver Palmer - Ollie made his debut for the Sunday Reserves in September 2008 in a North Home Counties Division 4 victory over FC Toddington. He played a total of 13 seasons all for the same team, apart from one appearance as substitute for the First XI in 2009 in a Premier Cup match, when he scored twice!  Ollie was Manager's Player for the Reserves in 2009-10 and 2012-13 and Players' Player in 2011-12 and 2016 17.

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Ben Bayley - Ben was one of the crop of players making his debut at Under 7, playing for the Panthers and Pumas. He was a natural goalscorer, notching 38 goals in his first season and going on to score 165 mini-soccer goals in 192 appearances in his 6 mini-soccer seasons. A further 25 games followed between 2016 and 2018 at 11 vs. 11`, but the goals dried up as Ben only scored a further 5 goals in those 2 seasons. Nevertheless, his total of 170 goals in 217 appearances is a remarkable record.  Ben won the Mini Golden Boot for top scorer at 7-a-side in 2010-11 (jointly with Louie Lomas), 2011-12 and 2012-13 (jointly with Alex Matsukatov). He won the Nines Shield, for top scorer in the 9 vs. 9 format, in 2014-15.

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Henry Huxley - Henry made his debut in October 2011, playing for the Under 8 Panthers and Pumas. In 5 mini-soccer seasons, he made 183 appearances, including 52 in 2013-14. He scored 56 mini-soccer goals, before playing 35 more matches at 11-a-side between 2016 and 2018.

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Liam Brooks - Like Sam Tonge, Oliver Scott, Teddie Rowe-Trelford and Ben Bayley, Liam made his Club debut on 11th September 2010 for the Under 7 Panthers & Pumas. Liam made 156 mini-soccer appearances up to 2016, then a further 63 for the Panthers, then the Cougars up to 2019.

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Felix Folbigg - Felix made his debut for the Under 7 Leopards on 8th January 2017 and went on to make 195 mini-soccer appearances, scoring 120 goals, including 47 appearances on Saturdays and Sundays in 2018-19. 18 appearances for the Under 13 Cougars Whites in 2022-23 saw his induction into the 200 Club.

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Elijah Bean - Elijah is one of the youngest players to join the 200 Club, having made his debut for the Under 7 Leopards on 10th September 2016. Elijah made 187 mini-soccer appearances up to 2022, then made 24 appearances for the Under 13 Cougars in 2022-23.

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Sam Tonge - Sam made his debut for the Under 7 Panthers & Pumas, managed by Alan Scott, on 11th September 2010. He made 160 appearances for that team up to 2016, then played 11 v 11 for the Panthers in 2016-17 and 2017-18. His final season, in 2018-19 was for the Under 15 Cougars, who unfortunately lost all 11 matches played that season.

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Joe Hennem - Joe is one of the finest goalscorers to play for the Club, making his debut for the Saturday 1st XI on 9th August 2014 in the Beds County League Division 3. The following year he won the Golden Boot with 20 goals in Division 2. He went on to win 2 further Golden Boots: in 2018-18 with 32 goals in Division 1 and again in 2020-21 with 23 goals, also in Division 1. By the end of the 2022-23 season, he had made 207 appearances and scored 169 goals.

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Steve Bingham - Steve made his debut on 13th August 1991 for the Reserves against Kent's Athletic Reserves (lost 0-3): at the same time as Gavin Campbell. Bingy went on to make exactly 100 appearances for the Seconds between 1991 and 2000, scoring 69 goals along the way. He was almost ever-present in Laurence Freed's very successful side of 1994-95, finishing up as top scorer with 25 goals. (He was also top scorer for the Fourths in 1992-93, despite only 3 appearances!).  Steve also made over 50 appearances for the First and Third teams, scoring over 20 times for each, in a total of 125 goals for the Club.

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Ben Thomson - Since joining the Club in September 2001 Ben has made most of his appearances for the Reserves, appearing for his brother Ed during his time as Manager. Ben was in fact top scorer in 2005-06, but with only 6 goals! He was Manager's Player for the Reserves in 2001-02 and again a decade later in 2011-12. Ben has been Players' Player on 3 occasions: 2003-04, 2005-06 and 2008-09.

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Phil Holmes - Phil was an original member of the Club and turned out for Lea Sports for 21 years from 1973 to 1995. He made 120 First Team appearances, scoring 25 goals, before dropping to the Reserves where he appeared a further 55 times. Phil then appeared a further 30 times for the Thirds before making his final appearance in a Veterans game on 30th September 1994. Phil was Club Secretary between 1977 and 1979, before becoming Chairman in the 1979-80 season. He then adopted the Club Presidency between 1981 and 1985.

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Dan Little - Dan made his debut in October 2012, playing for the Sunday Reserves, but has since played on Saturdays and Sundays in approximately equal measure. Always a reliable keeper, Dan always fancied himself as an outfield player too, but successive managers have not agreed!

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Gavin Bidgood - Gavin made his first and only appearance for a Lea Sports youth side when playing for the Under 18s on 31st August 1995. Since then he has gone on to make over 100 appearances for the Reserves and over 30 for the First Team. Always a reliable keeper, Gavin is known as a specialist penalty saver and has made some important penalty saves in his time.

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Bill Hind - Bill started his Lea Sports career in goal in a 5-0 defeat at the hands of Microwave in a Division 7 game for the Reserves on 16th October 1977. Fortunately, he didn't stay there long and most of his games were in defence, where he gained a reputation as an awkward, if none too skilful, full-back. Bill was always ready to help out, however, and although he made 92 starts for the Reserves, he made 97 appearances as substitute for the second string. In all, of Bill's 227 games, 113 were as a sub. Bill was Second Team Manager in Division 6 from 1984 to 1988 (jointly with Mick Marsh in 1986-87) and was Clubman of the Year in 1985-86.

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Teddie Rowe-Trelford - Teddie was another mini-soccer player who began with the Under 7 Panthers and Pumas in 2010, under Manager Alan Scott. He went on to make 175 mini-soccer appearances, scoring 50 goals in 6 seasons, before playing 2 seasons for the Panthers at 11 vs. 11. In all, he scored 68 goals in his 226 appearances.

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Graham Carter - Graham spent 12 seasons at the Club, although in his first season, in 1990-91, he made just one appearance - in a Third Team game on 4th November 1990 against King William Reserves in the Luton Sunday League Division 1 (lost 1-3). Graham then made 16 appearances for the First between 1992 and 1996, although he played 130 times for the Thirds in their successful sides of the mid-nineties. Graham could play in defence, midfield or in goal and also made fifty appearances for the Reserves and 25 for the Fourth Team, scoring 37 times in all. Steve Baggett named him as his Manager's Player for the Thirds in 1996-97, as the team won the Challenge Cup.

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Chris Gathern - Chris actually spent 12 seasons at the Club, making his debut for the Under Thirteens on 25th October 1992 as a sub in a 3-3 draw away to Lewsey Centre. Unfortunately, Chris became typecast as a substitute and although he played for the Under Thirteens, Under Fourteens, Under Fifteens, Under Sixteens, First, Second, Third and Fourth teams he always made more appearances as sub than starts. In total, he started 84 games, but appeared 144 times as a substitute, scoring a total of 13 goals for the adults and one for the Under Fifteens.

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Richard Randall - Randall made his debut for the Sunday First Team in January 2004 and was Manager's Player in the 2003-04 season. He has since made over 200 appearances in the First Team, scoring 15 goals to the end of 2011-12. In 2005-06 he took over as joint First Team manager with Greg Whelan and after the 2006-07 season he assumed the post on his own leading the team to third place in Division 1 in 2011-12.

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Andy Bownes - Andy played his first game in a First Team fixture on 7th April 1988 at home to Lilley Rangers in Division 3 (lost 1-2). He was a regular in the firsts for the next two seasons, before dropping down to the Seconds, where he made almost 90 appearances. Andy played over 30 times for both the Third and Fourth teams in his eight years at the Club. He was Fourth Team Manager's Player in 1994-95 as the Fourths under Kevin Knight took the Championship of the Luton Sunday League Division Two.

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Matt Day - Matty made his debut for the Club as a 12-year-old in September 2004. In 2011-12 he established himself as a regular in both Saturday and Sunday First Teams and was voted Sunday 1st XI Players' Player.

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Steve Goldsmith - Goldie made his Club debut in a Luton Sunday League Division 1 game for the Thirds against Stopsley Athletic on 23rd September 1990 (lost 0-2). He went on to make almost 150 appearances for the Thirds in 11 years with the Club. He did play over 60 Reserve team games, however, between 1990 and 1993 and a dozen games for the Firsts. Steve was Manager's Player for the Reserves in 1991-92.

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Jim Gahagan - Another holder of the Long-Service Award presented to players who appeared in many unrecorded games in the seventies. Jim's first recorded appearance was in goal on 18th September 1977 as the Reserves lost 5-1 at home to Park Town Reserves in Division 7. Although Jim played 31 times for the First Team and 48 times for the Reserves, most of his career was spent in the Thirds, for whom he made 150 appearances - all of them in goal. Jim spent at least 14 seasons with the Club and was a great servant to Lea Sports. He was joint Manager of the Thirds in 1987-88 and 1988-89 and was Third Team Players' Player in 1984-85 and Manager's Player for the Thirds in 1990-91.

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Mark Turner - Mark joined the Club in 1984, making his debut in defence for the Reserves on 23rd September in a 5-1 defeat at home to Luton British Rail in Division 6 - although he did score the team's consolation goal. In total, Mark made almost the same number of appearances for the Firsts, Seconds and Thirds in his 11 seasons with the Club (about 75 appearances for each). An uncompromising defender, Mark could also turn his hand to goalkeeping when things got tough. Mark was also active off the field, taking the Club Chairmanship between 1991 and 1994. Mark won Manager's Player for the Reserves in 1989-90.

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Matthew Morton - Matthew made his debut for the Under Sevens on 11th September 2010 and is the first Lea Sports player to make over 200 mini-soccer appearances. Playing on Saturdays and Sundays he made 59 appearances in the 2013-14 season, while in 2015-16 he won the Nines Shield with 40 goals, as well as being U12 Cougars Manager's Player and U12 Panthers Players' Player.

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Ashley Burgess - Ash made his Club debut with John Temple in the First Team friendly vs. Ashcroft Reserves on 13th August 1992 (lost 0-2). He made 120 Reserve team appearances for the Club, including in the Division 5 Championship side under Laurence Freed in 1994-95. In fact, Ashley took over as Manager from Laurence at the end of that season, but found the job tougher than he had expected. Ash was also a Saturday team regular with Sheppard, Connolly and Temple in the mid-nineties. He scored 52 goals in all in his eight seasons with the Club.

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Kevin Connolly - Irishman Kev Connolly was undoubtedly one of the most skilful players to appear in the Lea Sports' midfield. His first game was on 15th October 1989 as the Thirds lost 2-3 in the South Beds Sunday League Division 3 to Luton College, but he spent the rest of that season in the Reserves, scoring 7 times. The following year he played for the First Team, where he stayed for six seasons, including the Division 3 Championship side of 1990-91. In all, Kev made 135 First Team appearances, plus 30 for the Reserves and 60 for the Saturday side in nine seasons with the Club. Kev was First Team Manager's Player in 1991-92.

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Oliver Scott - Oli was one of the first 200 Club members to begin life in the mini-soccer format, playing for dad Alan in the Under 7 Panthers and Pumas. In 6 mini-soccer seasons he made 181 appearances, including 55 in 2013-14. He played 59 games at 11-a-side, ending up in the ill-fated Under 15 Cougars team of 2018-19. Oli scored a total of 41 goals in his 240 appearances.

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Rob Hennem - Rob made his Lea Sports debut 2 weeks after his brother Joe, as substitute for the Saturday 1st XI in a 4-0 win over Clifton in the East Beds Junior Cup on 23rd August 2014. Since then, he has played a further 206 games for the First XI (plus 1 for the Reserves) as the team has risen to the top of Division 1. Rob has scored 29 goals in that time, but his total of assists must far outweigh that. He is pictured with brother Joe.

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Russell Sheppard - Russell's lightweight frame belied the fact that he was one of the best midfield players ever to wear a Lea Sports shirt. His debut was in a 1-1 First Team draw at home to Markyate in a Division 3 fixture under Manager Steve Smith on 15th November 1987. He quickly established himself in the team and was a First Team regular for 7 seasons, scoring 55 First Team goals. He was also a fixture in the Saturday side in the mid-nineties, scoring 23 goals in 23 games as top scorer in 1993-94. His overall tally was 119 goals in 240 matches for the Club. Russell also scored 109 goals in 96 five-a-side matches for Lea Sports as the team won league and cups in the 1990s. Russ was voted Players' Player for the First Team in 1989-90.

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Steve Moreton - Steve made his official debut in the same match as Geoff Richardson: on 4th September 1977 for the Reserves against UGA in Division 7 (lost 0-3), although he is the holder of a Club long-service award given to players who played many in many unrecorded games in the seventies. The majority of Steve's games were for the Thirds, sometimes in goal (although we don't talk about those games!). After a 4-year break from 1989, Steve came back to play 30 games for the Vets, although he never once scored for Lea Sports in 22 years. Steve was Treasurer from 1985 to 1987. He unfortunately passed away in 2011.

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Tom Newland - Tom is one of the Lea Sports goalscoring legends. He joined the Club for the 2008-09 season, under Manager Ed Thomson, and his total of 14 goals that season helped the team to the top spot in the North Home Counties Division 4 (Phil Thompson top scored with 34 that year). In the following 12 seasons, Tom was top scorer for 11 of those, with only Phil Thompson spoiling his run in 2010-11. Playing all his games for the Sunday 2nd XI (which became the First XI in 2016-17) Tom has scored an amazing 218 goals in 246 games and won the Golden Boot in 2018-19. Tom was Manager's player in 2017-18 and 2018-19 and Players' Player in 2009-10, 2012-13 and 2013-14.

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Marek Diduszko - Marek joined the Clun in August 2008, playing for the Sunday First team in the North Home Counties Division 2. He played for 13 seasons in all, making 241 appearances, of which 214 were for the First XI and 31 for the Reserves (plus 3 for the Vets and one appearance as sub for the Saturday XI in 2010). Always a dependable midfielder, Marek scored 9 goals in total.

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Chris Castle - Chris was another original Club member. Built like a bull, he played over 150 games in the First Team midfield in the late seventies, before another 50 games for the Reserves and 30 for the Thirds in his 11 seasons with the Club. Chris was the first secretary of the Club in 1973 and did another stint in 1974-75.

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Ryan Darby - Darbs' first season with the Club was in 2010-11, playing for the Saturday Reserves side in the Beds County League Division 4, when he managed just one goal in 19 appearances. He returned to the Club in the 2014-15 season, recording 30 appearances for the Saturday 1st XI, scoring 16 goals in Division 3. Since then, he has regularly made over 20 appearances for the Saturday 1st team each season, appearing a total of 253 times and scoring 65 goals.

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Bruce Bonfield - Bruce was one of the original members of the Club, gradually moving from First to Second and then to Third Team in his 13 seasons with Lea Sports. He played in the Bedfordshire Lower Junior Cup Final in 1976 and will be remembered as a soft-spoken but hard-tackling full-back.

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Richard Knock - Knocky started out playing for the Under Elevens on 13th April 1997 as his Dad Godfrey began to put a team together which 3 years later would be Champions of the Chiltern Youth League Under Fourteen Division 2. That season the team remained unbeaten in the league until the final match when, despite Knocky scoring, the team let slip a 5-1 lead to lose 6-5 at home to Ampthill! Having made 140 youth appearances, Richard has now claimed a First Team place and played over 60 games for the premier adult side, scoring 16 times to add to his 40 youth goals. Richard was voted Players' Player for the Under 12s in 1997-98 and Manager's Player for the Under Seventeens in 2002-03. In the 2008-09 Season he was chosen as Manager's Player, scoring 12 goals in 20 games, as the First Team claimed runners-up spot in Division Two.

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Jack Baggett - Jack first played for the Club in September 2002 for the Under 12s when he came on as a substitute vs. Luton Asians in a 2-2 draw in which Steve Smith's son Chris scored one of the goals. He went on to make over 150 youth appearances, finishing in another 2-2 draw in March 2009, playing for the Under 18s vs. Celtic alongside Matt Day. Since then he has played over 70 times for the Reserves, with the occasional First team appearance. His tally of 63 goals to the end of 2012-13 include 34 for the youth teams and 26 for the Reserves.

Jack was voted Players' Player for the Reserves in 2010-11.

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Dave Newman - Dave's Lea Sports career started on 6th November 1983 in a First Team match in Division 5 at home to Griffin Reserves (lost 2-3). He made 43 First Team appearances in all, being first choice in 1987-88. Although he made 76 appearances for the Thirds and 38 for the Fourths, most of Dave's appearances were in goal for the Seconds (just under 100 games). In his 17 seasons with Lea Sports he scored just one goal - in a howling gale at Stopsley on 12th February 1995 he scored the winning goal against Wells Stars with an enormous kick downfield which bounced once and flew into the net.

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Geoff Richardson - The holder of a Club long-service award given to players who appeared in many unrecorded games in the seventies, Geoff's official debut was for the Reserves on 4th September 1977 against UGA in Division 7 (lost 0-3). The vast majority of his football was played in the Thirds and he never once appeared in a First Team match. All those who knew him will remember Geoff's distinctive style and single-mindedness when it came to scoring goals...

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Steve Baggett - Baggy joined the Club in 1991, making his playing debut on 8th September in a Third Team game vs. Independent in the Luton Sunday League Division 1. Baggy came on as sub and scored as John Pawley's side ran out 7-0 winners. Since then Baggy has appeared for the Firsts, Seconds, Thirds, Fourths, Saturday Firsts, Saturday Reserves and Veterans teams, although the majority of his 250 appearances have been for the Third Team (107, plus 59 as sub). Steve was Manager of the Thirds from 1996 to 2000 when they won the Challenge Cup twice, were league champions and runners-up and TT Trophy finalists. He was given the President's Award in 1993-94 and 1997-98. From 2000 to 2005 Steve was First Team Manager, taking the Division 3 Championship in 2001-02. He was also joint manager of the Saturday side in 2002-03 and sole manager in 2003-04. Since leaving the manager's post Steve continued to take an active role in the Club through refereeing and coaching with the youth teams and agreed to manage the Reserves again in 2010-11, taking them to 2 Cup Finals and 6th place in Division 3.                                 

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Pete Mather - Known principally as a goalkeeper Pete was also an accomplished midfield player. He first played on 30th November 1986 in goal for the Thirds as they thrashed Oaklands College 10-0 in a friendly. He played 15 times for the Thirds that year, followed by a season split between First and Second Teams in equal measure. He disappeared from the radar in 1988-89, making just one Reserve Team appearance, but in all played over 120 First Team games up to 1997. He also made 70 appearances for the Seconds and fifty for the Thirds, scoring 29 goals in all. Perhaps his most memorable performance was on 3rd November 1996 when the Firsts lost a County Cup tie to Langleybury Old Boys 4-1 - Pete famously threw his boots away after the game.

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Steve Moorhouse - Steve made his debut in a Third Team victory over Central Round Table (6-3) on 22nd November 1981, but he only made 24 appearances in his first four seasons with the Club. Over the next 15 years he made over 50 First Team appearances, 90 for the Reserves, 75 for the Thirds and over 30 for the Saturday team. His long flowing black hair and uncompromising tackling meant that he stood out whenever he played.

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Gavin Campbell - Gavin Campbell looked anything but a footballer when he turned up to play in a friendly vs. Kent's Athletic Reserves for Steve Smith's Reserve team on 13th August 1991. He proved himself as a defender, however, and played 20 times for the Reserves that season before moving up to the First Team where he commanded a regular place for five years. In all Gav played over 200 times for the First Team in a Lea Sports career spanning 12 seasons. He was awarded the 'Ted' Trophy in 1992-93 and was First Team Players' Player in 1993-94 and 1996-97. He was also First Team Manager's Player in 1993-94, 1994-95 and 1996-97.

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Jamie Richards - Jamie played five youth games for the Club - at Under 14 - before moving up to the senior ranks. He scored a hat-trick on his debut on 26th January 1997 in a 6-1 win over Markyate in the Chiltern Youth Division 3 and followed it up with another hat-trick in the next match away to Crawley Rams in a 4-1 win. He scored a further 8 goals in 3 games for the Under 14s that season. The following 2 seasons brought 24 goals in 32 games for the Thirds. Since then, Jamie has made over 70 appearances for both First and Second teams, scoring 30 First Team goals and over 50 for the Reserves. He was Reserve team top scorer in three successive seasons from 2002 to 2005, before becoming top scorer for the Firsts in 2005-06.

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Steve Close - Closey made his debut on 10th December 1989, scoring one of the goals in the Reserves 4-2 win away to Luton YS in Division 5. He made almost 100 First Team appearances in the first half of the nineties, scoring 33 times. In the last 10 years he has made just over 60 appearances for the Club. Steve was top scorer for the First Team in 1992-93 and bizarrely won the 'Best Newcomer' award for the Saturday Reserve team in 2001-02!

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Colin Bradley - Colin made his debut in the Reserves on 10th April 1988 in a 2-2 draw at home to Old Moat House in Division 6. In the nest 5 seasons he made over 80 appearances in the First Team defence before making 131 appearances for the Reserves and a further 30 for the Third Team in a total of twelve seasons with the Club. Colin was voted Third Team Players' Player in 1994-95.

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John Temple - After making his debut on 13th August 1992 in a First Team friendly vs.Ashcroft (0-2), the 'Serial Killer' played just 7 seasons for Lea Sports, but racked up 276 appearances in that time and 167 goals. John's 180 First Team appearances were made in Division 2 (4 seasons); Division 1 (2 seasons) and the Premier Division (1 season). He also played 78 times for the Saturday Team, scoring 67 goals. John was top scorer for the Saturday side in 1994-95 and 1995-6 and for the First Team in 1995-96 and 1997-98. He was the First Team Manager's Player in 1995-96 and 1997-98, although he did win the dubious honour of the Old Golden Boot (score at all costs) in 1996-97. Undoubtedly one of the best strikers to play for the Club.

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Mark Booth - Boothy actually started his Lea Sports career with an appearance in the Vets on 13th October 1996! Since then he has played over 160 times for the First Team, 65 times for the Saturday team and 30 times for the Reserves, scoring a total of 72 times for the Club.

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Alan Palmer - Al Palmer made his debut on 25th November 1984 in a Third Team 2-2 draw with Sugarloaf, but he soon moved to the First Team and made 75 appearances in the late eighties, scoring 27 goals. After just a dozen appearances in 3 seasons in the early nineties, Al returned to the Fourth Team in 1994 and scored 14 times in 15 games. Four more seasons followed in the Thirds and Fourths producing 54 goals before Al returned to the Reserves, making 50 appearances between 2000 and 2005. Al was top scorer for the Seconds in 1985-86 and was voted First Team Players' Player in 1988-89. He was also Fourth Team Manager's Player in 1997-98.

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255
200
201
226
217
218
218
219
211*
207
207*
206
213*
211
213
227
225
228
379*
229
317
230
298*
231
237
235
238
241*
240
240
241
246*
249
298
243
253*
254
255
262
256
257
259
262
416
266
393
389*
381
276
291
Greg Whelan - Club Chairman between 2006 and 2010 Greg Whelan made his debut in the Reserves in February 2003, but spent most of that season playing for the Saturday team. Since then most of his appearances have come in the First Team, where he was top scorer in 2007-08 and 2009-10, when he won the Golden Boot. Greg  was given the President's Award in 2006-07.

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Ed Thomson - Ed made his debut for the Club in August 2000, but it was to be one of only six appearances for the First Team, as he established himself in the Reserves. In 2003-04 he took over from Archie Conway as Player/manager of the second string and had seven successful seasons in charge. During that time the Reserves went from Division 5 to Division 3, including winning Division 4 in 2008-09 with an unbeaten league record. They also reached the Final of the North Home Counties Challenge Cup (losing 2-0 to Bird & Bush). In 2009-10 they were semi-finalists in the Beds.Lower Junior Cup, while they were Reserve Cup semi-finalists in 2003-04, 2004-05 and 2009-10. Ed was Players' Player for the Reserves in 2004-05.

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Jonathan Whitehead - All but two of Jon's appearances for Lea Sports have come for the Sunday Reserves since his debut in September 2001, when he scored twice against Lilley Rangers in a 3-3 draw. A very skilful player with great ball control. Jon has now scored over 60 goals in his eleven seasons with the Club to date.

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Paul Maclennan - Macca joined the Club in the 2003-04 season and was virtually ever-present in the Reserves for the next 6 years. In 2011-12 he took over as Reserve Team manager and made most of his appearances thereafter from the substitute's bench. All of his appearances have been in the Second Team, plus a couple for the Vets.

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Ben Alderton - Sunrise made his Club debut in August 2005 for the First Team, where he has made the vast majority of his appearances. He was First XI Clubman in the 2011-12 season and again in 2013-14.

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Scott Morgan - Scotty made his debut in the Saturday side in July 2000 and scored twice on his debut, playing alongside Bobby McGrath and Simon Jackson. They were his only appearances on Saturdays as he went on to play over 200 games for the Sunday First XI - the majority in goal. Scott took over as First XI Manager for the 2015-16 season.

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This site was last updated 4th July 2023