More Optimism at Hillgrounds

Plethora of new signings for Walnut Boys.

It`s been a difficult start to the season for Pitching In Southern Football League Division One Central club Kempston Rovers.

The resignation of Tony Joyce shortly before the start of the season, some poor friendly results, an Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round exit to a Step 5 team and the late arrival of a new manager in Scott Dash hasn`t exactly meant it`s been plain sailing at Hillgrounds.

But although Kempston lost their opening league game at North Leigh, there were signs of much better things to come.

The managerial change has meant that it`s been almost all-change in terms of playing staff at the Walnut Boys, and after having to rely on several reserve team regulars to help them out in the cup and friendly commitments, Dash has been busy adding new players to his squad.

And there were a number of unfamiliar faces in the 16 at Eynsham Park on Saturday.

Defender Caleb Steele, 22, has experience at Step 4 level with new league rivals Waltham Abbey and Welwyn Garden City.

He has also been with Essex Senior League outfit Ilford and Spartan South Midlands League side Stotfold.

Forward Jake Davis also arrives from Stotfold and was previously with another SSML outfit, Harpenden Town.

Central midfielder Charlie Hayford joins the Walnut Boys after being on the books at both Isthmian League South Central side Uxbridge and then-SSML Premier Division outfit Biggleswade United in 2020/21.

The 23-year-old had joined Uxbridge in the summer of 2020 from league rivals Northwood.

He had moved to the Woods in late August 2019 after a short spell with Southern Premier Central side Hitchin Town.

He started his youth career with Tottenham Hotspur aged just 4-years-old, before leaving for the Sheffield Wednesday`s under-23 squad.

He then departed Hillsborough to move to spend some time in Johannesburg with the then South Africa champions Bidvest Wits.

He returned to join Hemel Hempstead Town in July 2017 before spells with Biggleswade Town, Chesham United, Barton Rovers, Bedford Town and SSML side Baldock Town.

Striker Marley Hamilton, 26, arrives after being with league rivals Wantage Town since September 2020.

He had joined the Freds from another Division One Central outfit, Berkhamsted, who he had signed for in late August 2019 from Northwood.

He had only joined the Woods in July 2019, having previously played at Staines Town and Molesey.

Earlier in his career he was at Liverpool and Chesterfield, before moving to Hucknall Town, Nuneaton Town, Belper Town, Lichfield City, Brocton, Gresley FC, Hilton Harriers and East Grinstead Town.

Winger Merdi Maki is a pacey 25-year-old who was on the books at Southern Premier Division Central side AFC Rushden & Diamonds a few seasons back where he played mainly in their under-23s.

He also has experience in the United Counties League with Sileby Rangers and, more recently, with Spartan South Midlands League Division Two outfit Old Bradwell United.

Towering defender Tariq Dallas was another late arrival at Hillgrounds, although he is not unfamiliar to Kempston supporters.

The 23-year-old, who wins more than his fair share of aerial battles, was at Peterborough United until the 17 and then moved on to Kempston for the first time.

Spells at Bedford FC and Harpenden Town followed before joining Rovers` league rivals St Neots Town in the summer of 2020.

Kempston Rovers Web Site