Abingdon Town welcome the younger county team to Culham Road this Saturday for an uhlsport Hellenic Premier League game.
Whilst Henley put claim to being the oldest club in the OFA,in Oxfordshire they are the younger team as The Abbots beat them to that claim by a year.
Both teams are steeped in History having both been formed in the 1870's and tomorrows game will just be another chapter. Henley will be bouyed up by their recent thrashing of Highworth midweek 4.0 whilst Town despite a great performance against higher level Didcot Town had to endure extra time and the heartache of losing. Abingdon can take heart though as over the 2 periods of 90 minutes Didcot couldn't beat them and still have not won a competitive game over the 90 minute time limit, given that Didcot players are paid quite handsomely I think the bragging rites are probably shared.
Henley will be led by Manager Dave Tuttle who can add, Sheffield United, Crystal Palace, Spurs and Millwall to his career, so its no suprise that Henleys fortunes are changing.
Town are looking for their second win and the team are encouraged by recent performances. Doubts for Town Lance Williams who was injured Tuesday. Kick Off 3.00pm at Culham Road.
(Editor footnote: Prior to County boundary changes in the early 1970's Abingdon was in the county of Berkshire.)
Prime Local Cup Derby Awaits The Winners - 19 August
Abingdon Town's game in The FA Cup (sponsored by Budweiser) Extra Preliminary Round tomorrow against local team Milton United has an important outcome for the eventual winners.
The next round drawhas been made and the winners of the game will be at home to Evo-Stik Southern League Didcot Town, another great local derby. Not only will this be a great test for either Town or The Miltonians, the opportunity to play a team in a higher league is always a great test, and as a player it is something to relish. You have a desire to prove you are as good as the opposition whichever league they are in.
Added to this the potential revenue from a big crowd and the boost it gives to any club can set your stall out for the season ahead.
A further prime local derby lays beckons in the Cup for the victors from Abingdon Town, Milton United and Didcot Town. The First Round Qualifying is away to Oxford City!
Abbots Training 7 Days & Counting - 28 June
Pre season Training is starting in 7 days at Abingdon Town, all players past or new, are welcome to attend the sessions.
We start Tuesday July 5th at 6.45pm sharp at the club in Culham Road Abingdon, you will need trainers and boots. Town will aim to get match fit as quick as possible this year and to aid this we have 8 yes 8, pre-season games booked in, the first game will be on the 16th of July.
Fixtures look like this.
JULY
Sat 16th Away Cricklade Town
Tues 19th Away Saxton Rovers
Sat 23rd Away Lambourn Sports
Tues 26th HOME Didcot Town XI
Sat 30th HOME Milton United (Including Reserves game)
AUGUST
Tues 2nd Away Banbury United
Sat 6th Away Holmer Green (Including Reserves game)
Tues 9th Away Abingdon Utd (Charity Cup)
This is a tough schedule but the aim is to get match fit and ready for the off as the season starts August 13th EVERYONE WELCOME please come down for the first training session or call Chris Fontaine 07590 480266 to register your intention and join the revolution at The Abbots.
Coles To Abingdon - 22 June
The Abbotts are pleased to announce that Mark Coles has been appointed Manager of their Reserve team for the following season.
Abingdon Town Press Officer Kenny More commented. "Mark has come over to us from Hambleden FC, living in Didcot Mark wanted to ply his trade locally and approached Towns First Team Manager Chris Fontaine for the vacant position, which after interview Fonty was pleased to confirm."
"Three friendlies have already been confirmed for The reserves and we wish Mark the best of luck for the coming season, in one of the hardest positions in the club to occupy."
Mark's Bio reads thus: Played for first senior team Hithercroft in the Wycombe League at the age of 16, also played for Lane End and Beacons Bottom F.C. before turning semi-pro playing at Flackwell Heath, Bracknell Town and Marlow Town from the age of 26 until joining Hambleden at 31.
Gave up on a semi-pro career, to take over as player-manager of Hambleden in the summer of 1995. Made debut on 2/9/05 against Naphill at home, keeping a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw. Went on to make over 200 appearances for Hambleden but not all of them in goal, though did have a season playing in defence.
Played a part in Hambleden winning the Wycombe Junior Cup Final in 2002, twenty-one years after their last silverware, with a wonder save late in the game ensuring a 2-1 victory against favourites Penn & Tylers Green Reserves.
Gave up playing at the end of the 2003/04 season, only now plays occasionally if required.
Abbots Pre-Season - 7 June
Abingdon Town are pleased to announce pre-season training starts on July 5th, 6.45pm at the football club's Culham Road ground, all players new and old are welcome.
We will be training Tuesdays and Thursdays without fail so please make a note and turn up if in doubt please call Chris Fontaine on 07590 480266
With two pre-season games already organised, against a Didcot Town XI at home on July 26th and away to Abingdon United on August 9th. Pre-season is looking much better than last year with some strong opposition, we have games to be arranged and we are hoping to get some similar opposition to play.
Chris Fontaine and his team are looking to build on last season and 'Fonty' is excited about the new players indicating their involvement and desire to play for the Abbots this coming season. Make sure you are part of it.
Pre season Training is starting in 7 days at Abingdon Town, all players past or new, are welcome to attend the sessions.
The Abbotts are pleased to announce that Mark Coles has been appointed Manager of their Reserve team for the following season.