Page 63 - Phonebox July 2013

The road is long (so they say) but contrary to the opinion of a fellow manager in our division I can say on behalf of Tim Ray, Ian Barnes and myself that our journey has been thoroughly enjoyable.
Indeed we feel privileged to have worked with such an excellent group of lads, many of whom started with us in the u7s and have progressed to become the excellent footballers they now are. I believe it is the rst time certainly in recent memory that Olney Town Colts has secured the U18 Division One title.
On Saturday 4th May we were pleased to be invited to play a friendly game against the MK Dons u18s at Woughton. The Dons would normally only play other professional club academies but in view of our unbeaten record we were happy to test our standard against a higher level. It was a wonderful experience and whilst we lost 5-1 we did briefly lead before going to the break 2-1 down. However in the second half the Dons superior speed and tness began to tell and we could only be impressed by the quality and ability on display. Mike Dove and his team have already developed some excellent young players two of whom have signed for premiership clubs whilst many others have professional contracts
at the Dons. The Dons Academy is clearly in good hands
On Sunday 5th May we hosted Bromham knowing we needed only a draw to secure the league title. Strong winds made play dif cult but when Josh Barnes scored in the second half we imagined we would go onto a comfortable win. However the lads were clearly tired from their exertions the day before and Bromham had other ideas. After scoring an equaliser from a corner they pushed forward for the win but fortunately we were able to hold out and the league title was secured. William Ray was quick to open the champagne!
The following Sunday we hosted Bedford Park Rangers who turned up with only ten players. Having been in that position ourselves twice last year we knew how dif cult these games can be to win and so it proved. After taking a 2-1 lead into half time with goals from Josh Barnes (after a lovely cross by Charlie Malcolm) and a superb individual effort by Richard Bettermann we took control in the second half scoring twice through Tom Megeary and Will Knowles. However Bedford came back strongly scoring two quick goals to set up a nervous nal ve minutes. The 4-3 win meant we maintained our record of being unbeaten in the league for the entire season.
Our nal game of the season on Sunday 19th
May was the Cup Final versus Scot at the MK Dons Stadium in front of a very enthusiastic crowd, some of whom had travelled from as far away as the south coast. It is very generous of Pete Winkelman to allow the Border Counties Cup Finals to be played at such a wonderful venue and an experience that the teams and coaches (and some spectators ... my father couldn’t believe the comfort of padded seats!) will never forget. The game remained goalless until the 85th minute when Scot scored form a corner. As we then pressed forward for an equaliser we conceded a second close to the 90th minute. Nevertheless if we had thought at the start of the season we would win the league unbeaten, play the MK Dons Academy and play at the Dons Stadium in a cup nal it is fair to say we would have taken that. The players and coaches would like to thank the considerable number of fans who turned up for their wonderful support.
I would like to also take this opportunity to wish good luck to the lads in the next stage of their footballing careers, the majority of whom will be going to university, but not forgetting the four younger members of the squad who remain available to Olney Town next season. It has been an exceptional season and it feels good after 11 years for the management team to retire on a very high note!
UNDER 18
Practice Nurse required
General treatment room nurse required to join our busy, friendly practice in Olney. The post is for 12 hours a week – Monday – 3.5 hours, Tuesday – 3 hours and 5.5 hours on a Friday. A willingness to also cover holidays would be preferable. General practice experience essential. Salary according to experience.
Please apply with CV and a covering letter, by email to andrea.swords@mkpct.nhs.uk or by post to Mrs A Swords, c/o Cobbs Garden Surgery, West street, Olney MK46 5QG.
2x Receptionists required for GP surgery
Two part time receptionists required to join our busy, friendly practice in Olney. One post is for 17.5 hours and one is for 18.5, various times, Monday to Friday between 8am and 7pm plus overtime to cover holidays.
Must be of smart appearance, a good communicator, enthusiastic and good at working under pressure. Salary according to experience.
Please apply with CV and a covering letter, either by email to andrea.swords@mkpct.nhs.uk or by post to Mrs J Shaw c/o
Cobbs Garden Surgery, West Street, Olney MK46 5QG
Phonebox Magazine 63
OLNEY TOWN COLTS CHAMPIONS OF DIVISION ONE