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September opens with a visit from the Hertfordshire side Bishop’s Stortford, and a first meeting between the two teams. After being crowned champions of the Isthmian League in 2022/23, the Blues made it known that they were not comfortable with their placement in the National League North and many wrote them off as potential fodder for the coming season. An opening day defeat of Chester however sent a quick message to those doubters. Sitting 16th after six games, the Blues cannot be entirely displeased with their start to the season as they adjust to life at this level and they will arrive at Victory Park after an excellent last minute home win against Boston United last time out. The squad that were crowned champions in the last campaign has lost some of its experience but manager Steve Smith has made a number of additions to balance out those losses. Those Magpies of a keen eye will recognise signing Marvel Ekpiteta from our clashes with Ebbsfleet United in the 2019/20 National League season.
Bishop Stortford’s playing record in the Isthmian League for 2022/23 was:
1st. Played: 42. Won: 27. Draw: 7. Lost: 8. Goals For: 75. Goals Against: 33. Points: 88.
Incomings:
Jack Thomas – 25 years old, midfielder. Previously with the club but left in February to join Concord Rangers.
Marvel Ekpiteta – 27 years old, defender. Most recently of Billericay Town.
Jack Morrell – 22 years old, defender. Finished last season with Kings Lynn Town.
Rob Howard – 23 years old, midfielder. Previously at Welling United.
Ola Ogunwamide – 23 years old, midfielder. Scored nine goals and made 23 assists in 60 appearances for Hornchurch.
Billy Cracknell – 21 years old, defender. Made 24 appearances on loan from Colchester United in 2021-22.
Zain Walker – 21 years old, midfielder. On loan until January from Aldershot Town. Last season was spent with Kings Lynn Town.
Ayo Shogbeni – 19 years old, defender. Formerly a youth team player at Crystal Palace and Morecambe.
Fraser Alexander – 20 years old, midfielder. Made 32 appearances on loan from Ipswich at Cheshunt in the National League South last season.
Morgan Mahoney – Recently represented Biggleswade Town and Hullbridge Sports.
Adam Messaoudi – goalkeeper. Former representative of Witham Town.
Andre Godfrinne – 20 years old, striker. Former Anderlecht and Stoke City youngster, most recently of Belgian side RFC Wetteren. Signed on dual registration with Isthmian Premier side Cheshunt.
Tobias Braney – 19 years old, forward. On loan from Luton Town.
Aaron Powell – 20 years old, defender. On loan from Peterborough United.
Outgoing:
Sam Deering > Joined Brentwood Town,
Jay Porter > Joined Billericay Town,
Frankie Merrifield > Joined Billericay Town,
Jonny Giles > Joined Slough Town,
Matt Johnson > Joined Billericay Town,
Chris Harris.
Stats and information compiled by Martin Ramsbotham are correct at the time of publishing.
Trust Matchday Information:
We are looking forward to welcoming the fans of Bishop's Stortford and we hope they have a pleasant trip to Victory Park. As always, we like to meet visiting fans of the opposition and members of fellow Supporters Trusts, so visit us at our matchday headquarters situated just along the touchline from the fan zone.
We have a comprehensive matchday Visitor Guide which can be consulted here.
At our matchday headquarters we sell:
- Trust Membership - It's just £10 per year, or you can purchase online.
- 50/50 tickets - These can also be purchased online here.
- Golden Goal – Today’s Golden Goal sponsor is: The Plough pub.
- Pin Badges – Also available online here.
Visit our online store to see what else we can offer.
We’d like to express our gratitude to The Plough pub for sponsoring today’s Golden Goal draw. If you enjoy your match day experience, tell your friends and bring them next time. If you don’t, tell us and we will do our best to make sure your next visit is what you would have expected the first time.
Part of our role is to ensure the supporters are happy around Chorley Football Club and Victory Park.
Enjoy the game.
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