Wellingborough Whitworths FC

[Cruz]

Rhodes. I fully appreciate that this club may be of little interest to you as you must spend many hours reporting the developments of South Midlands clubs closer to your home and not so much Northants, as people in Northants appear to have little interest in this league despite your best efforts. I would ask you to post any information you obtain about this club here via info from Whitworths or other club results. As you are aware I am in South America as my son as recently been appointed to a senior position within the club I would appreciate snyy news.

[Rhodes]

Cruz - Yes, by all means, I will find what I can for you, as a starter for ten here is the programme for this evening's SSML Division One fixture with Rushden & Higham United at the Victoria Mill Ground:

https://publuu.com/flip-book/957836/2163611?fbclid=IwY2xjawNSGjJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBhTWM0cG5QOFFBVnVEQUhaAR7SNuhEZWqAWAEt1w3oF5G-ZB6huR4B2fA94nnoCDbWChQSo41hdoHBgX_oxw_aem_pQNgd5TCca8TGt27jVPcOw

[Rhodes]

Cruz - I have found two further Wellingborough Whitworth programmes, against Eaton Socon on Saturday 13 September and Huntingdon Town on Saturday 30 August, I don't believe programmes were produced for any of their earlier home games this season against Belstone, Everett Rovers and Cranfield United:

https://publuu.com/flip-book/957836/2122567?fbclid=IwY2xjawNSKk1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBhTWM0cG5QOFFBVnVEQUhaAR7vmcrNDSlCwToSIHao1rc3OReHTigLU7IYeiwOYAYuzyxUDjmFPNpSX_IIzg_aem__6SCy98Y4H4fIE6FuOhSFw

https://online.fliphtml5.com/qyxsk/wdhe/?fbclid=IwY2xjawNSKqFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBhTWM0cG5QOFFBVnVEQUhaAR64iLD2nkuD270s_Xw_4wNbcZaIu0jpU74LwjAFWrtGl3AmB5jqDxPZpBajZw_aem_6I94diPQRSEg_8_PqG7QjA#p=1

[Cruz]

Most Interesting

 

[Rhodes]

Cruz - See the on-line match programme for tomorrow's (Saturday 11 October) Division One fixture against Stotfold Reserves at the Victoria Mill Ground:

https://publuu.com/flip-book/957836/2170667?fbclid=IwY2xjawNVzmtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBKTFlNbnMyMHJaYktjb08yAR4R91MZsL7tgTUKUHyI4ufYCUS8ufRX4RkSCyl-mBZ_uIxtf_DNj3j5mg7R1g_aem_RitlCBfubHCcpvBbyUODrA

[Cruz]

Really appreciated, this connection brings me closer to home, I spent many years watching Whitworths after my son signed for them, I believe he was only 16 at the time.

[Rhodes]

Cruz - What sort of time span were you watching the Club, were you at this game for instance in 1985/86 at Ramsey Town, on 23 November 1985, in a United Counties League Division One fixture:

[Cruz]

Sorry Rhodes I was not at the Ramsey match although the program was very interesting. I believe it would have been in the region of 2002, I started watching Whitworths.

[Rhodes]

Cruz - I'm not sure whether this match programme will be of interest to you, from a Charity and Fun Day event on Saturday 25 May 2024 to celebrate the Club's 50 year anniversary. Also a photograph taken on the day and an old photograph from back in the day, perhaps you will recognise somebody: 

https://irp.cdn-website.com/254afd7c/files/uploaded/programme_2024_-_whitworths_funday-digital-92f0d8dc.pdf

Thank you to Wellingborough Whitworth for having us at their family fun day in celebration of their 50th anniversary, also raising money for two very worthy causes: Kelly’s Heroes and Maxwell Mallows Brighter Future Fund. We’ve picked up a few new faces since our last game of football.

Edited October 18, 2025 by Rhodes

[Cruz]

Sorry for the short delay in responding, at times I am unable to connect to the forum, who is to blame I have no idea. My son was a regular in the Whitworths team that went undefeated in the season they won the UCL Division 1 Championship 2006/7. I have always found the club so hospitality. Do you know the current situation regarding their ground? I was led to believe that the ground could be used for housing development? I believe the ground is on a floodplain. The committee has worked so hard for the advancement of the club. I hope the building futures leave Whitworths alone. The club provide so many benefit's to the local community providing football for both both boys and girls from a very early age.

[Rhodes]

Cruz - See the on-line match programme for today's (Saturday 18 October) Division One Cup Second Round tie against Langford at the Victoria Mill Ground:

https://publuu.com/flip-book/957836/2182794?fbclid=IwY2xjawNgOVlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETA3bEN4eGNMdlIzVm1RaVlOAR6069MGBbiA104PvZc5H3pmEBRra83dMwBl1joLvjyXZAdkt0yNuiCwSf3NZQ_aem_GKhKxHVcUUCI5k9j-Dw-Lg

[Rhodes]

On 10/10/2025 at 13:36, Rhodes said:

Cruz - See the on-line match programme for tomorrow's (Saturday 11 October) Division One fixture against Stotfold Reserves at the Victoria Mill Ground:

https://publuu.com/flip-book/957836/2170667?fbclid=IwY2xjawNVzmtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBKTFlNbnMyMHJaYktjb08yAR4R91MZsL7tgTUKUHyI4ufYCUS8ufRX4RkSCyl-mBZ_uIxtf_DNj3j5mg7R1g_aem_RitlCBfubHCcpvBbyUODrA

Cruz - See the match report from last Saturday's (11 October) Division One fixture against Stotfold Reserves at the Victoria Mill Ground and a disappointing 4-1 defeat. I used to pen match reports for the Club's I was involved with back in the day and, call me old fashioned, but I would never use abrieviations like 'VMG', 'Whits' and 'refs', you're very much old school yourself aren't you:

Stotfold arrived at the VMG looking to complete an early season double over Whits having secured a late winner on the first day of the season.

Louis was a surprise omission in the starting lineup, Tom replacing him up front as the team looked to build on Tuesday’s excellent win over Rushden & Higham.

A lively start to the game was halted for a few mins as the away goalie received treatment after going down after a goal kick. In hindsight, this enforced break may have seen Whits lose concentration as immediately after the restart a quality pass and finish from Stotfold saw them take an early 1-0 lead.

Whits were working hard and looking to get in behind a well organised defence and managed to do that down the right on a couple of occasions but the left back was quick to get back in to concede a couple of corners. However, the resulting corners were comfortably dealt with by the two big centre backs for the away side.

On a rare attack, Stotfold won a hotly disputed corner that everyone in the ground - plus the delivery driver leaving Subway - saw was a handball, unfortunately the ref didn’t and he gave the corner kick. As is often the case, this decision cost Whits as the aerially superior away team won the first and second headers and the big No5 nodded home. 2-0 against the run of play with a mountain to climb.

We thought we’d pulled one back immediately as a quality cross from Remy was met by Tom’s glancing header in front of the keeper, but the Lino had his flag up before the ball had hit the back of the net, so we went in at HT 2-0 down but playing ok.

With Dydza winning the half time raffle for the 7th match on the trot, the second half started with Whits on the front foot again, trying to break down the well marshalled away defence. After several crosses evaded red shirts, Whits finally got a goal back after Remy did well down the right again and crossed for Liam to volley acrobatically against the crossbar, the rebound dropping to Jacob to coolly slot home a quality finish. The crowd went wild! Well…almost.

The momentum felt like it was with the home side and an Eaton Socon-like comeback was on the cards. This lasted all of 90 seconds as a poorly placed pass was seized by the Stotfold forward and despatched past Darryl to make it 3-1. This took the wind out of Whits sails and effectively ended the game. To add insult to injury a fourth was added right at the end as Darryl made two terrific saves against what felt like half the Stotfold team queuing up to score.

Overall, the away team deserved the win as they were well organised at the back and took their chances well, although 4-1 didn’t reflect the game. Whits continue to play well in patches, but need to find more consistency game-to-game as they did last season when they went on a long run and almost got back into the playoff places.

The man of the match today was the Stotfold No.5, he didn’t lose a header all game, organised everyone around him and got on the scoresheet himself in the first half.

A quick word on the officials this week from a fan’s perspective. Away at Ampthill last Saturday and today the refs were sensible and managed the game pretty well. Cards were only brandished when absolutely clear and obvious, which is fine. However, Tuesday’s game was almost ruined by the official making himself the centre of the game and dishing out cards like Michael Oliver on speed. They have to remember that players get fined and it costs them money, so when refs walk away with their match fee, regardless of how well they have performed, the players are left to cough up hard earned cash, which in the current climate is tough to take. Come on refs, think about it before dishing out cards for next to nothing, it’s not all about you!

[Rhodes]

Cruz - See Wellingborough Whitworth's match report from last Saturday's (18 October) SSML Division One Cup Second Round tie against Langford at the Victoria Mill Ground and a surprise 2-1 defeat to sadly relinquish the Club's hold on the trophy:

Division 1 Cup holders Whits welcomed Langford in a re-match of last season’s semi final, with the pitch looking magnificent, all credit to the groundsman.
A number of changes to the team with Nathan and Henry serving one match suspensions for their recent red cards with Connor and Rorke joining Kyran, Munya and Louis in the starting XI.
The match followed a similar pattern to a lot of the games recently; Whits in control of the ball and trying to get in behind a stubborn defence. Munya especially looked dangerous getting forward down the right.
Whits had a number of chances to take the lead, even having one cleared off the line by the impressive Langford left back but we went in at HT with no goals to show for a completely dominant performance. The talk in the clubhouse was how were the Whits not three or four up, but confidence was high that it was only a matter of time before they took the lead.
The second half started in the same vein, however after 50 mins Vik got in at the back post and slotted in a nice finish to give Whits a deserved lead. Surely the lads would go on and put the game to bed from here?
However a 7 minute spell of madness once again cost Whits, as a misplaced pass let the Langford striker in on goal and Kyran clattered him to give the away side a penalty to make it 1-1. Then a speculative shot/cross deceived young Kyran and the ball flew inside the near post and gave Langford a lead out of nowhere. Unbelievable Jeff!
Whits took a while to settle down after this and having seen a few games go the same way (it was very similar to Rothwell away) the writing appeared on the wall, but we did still have a number of situations that we didn’t make the most of. The Langford keeper did well to deny Antonio right at the death but they held on for a 2-1 smash and grab. Good luck to them in the next round.
The Langford left back was a stand out player for the away side, but the man of the match today for his non-stop energy down the right was Munya.

[Cruz]

Very disappointing result, one would imagine they were quietly confident of beating Langford. Whitworths appear to be a very well run club. If I recall they once went a complete season without losing a league match in winning the UCL Division One Championship.

[Cruz]

On 18/10/2025 at 05:52, Rhodes said:

Cruz - See the match report from last Saturday's (11 October) Division One fixture against Stotfold Reserves at the Victoria Mill Ground and a disappointing 4-1 defeat. I used to pen match reports for the Club's I was involved with back in the day and, call me old fashioned, but I would never use abrieviations like 'VMG', 'Whits' and 'refs', you're very much old school yourself aren't you:

Stotfold arrived at the VMG looking to complete an early season double over Whits having secured a late winner on the first day of the season.

Louis was a surprise omission in the starting lineup, Tom replacing him up front as the team looked to build on Tuesday’s excellent win over Rushden & Higham.

A lively start to the game was halted for a few mins as the away goalie received treatment after going down after a goal kick. In hindsight, this enforced break may have seen Whits lose concentration as immediately after the restart a quality pass and finish from Stotfold saw them take an early 1-0 lead.

Whits were working hard and looking to get in behind a well organised defence and managed to do that down the right on a couple of occasions but the left back was quick to get back in to concede a couple of corners. However, the resulting corners were comfortably dealt with by the two big centre backs for the away side.

On a rare attack, Stotfold won a hotly disputed corner that everyone in the ground - plus the delivery driver leaving Subway - saw was a handball, unfortunately the ref didn’t and he gave the corner kick. As is often the case, this decision cost Whits as the aerially superior away team won the first and second headers and the big No5 nodded home. 2-0 against the run of play with a mountain to climb.

We thought we’d pulled one back immediately as a quality cross from Remy was met by Tom’s glancing header in front of the keeper, but the Lino had his flag up before the ball had hit the back of the net, so we went in at HT 2-0 down but playing ok.

With Dydza winning the half time raffle for the 7th match on the trot, the second half started with Whits on the front foot again, trying to break down the well marshalled away defence. After several crosses evaded red shirts, Whits finally got a goal back after Remy did well down the right again and crossed for Liam to volley acrobatically against the crossbar, the rebound dropping to Jacob to coolly slot home a quality finish. The crowd went wild! Well…almost.

The momentum felt like it was with the home side and an Eaton Socon-like comeback was on the cards. This lasted all of 90 seconds as a poorly placed pass was seized by the Stotfold forward and despatched past Darryl to make it 3-1. This took the wind out of Whits sails and effectively ended the game. To add insult to injury a fourth was added right at the end as Darryl made two terrific saves against what felt like half the Stotfold team queuing up to score.

Overall, the away team deserved the win as they were well organised at the back and took their chances well, although 4-1 didn’t reflect the game. Whits continue to play well in patches, but need to find more consistency game-to-game as they did last season when they went on a long run and almost got back into the playoff places.

The man of the match today was the Stotfold No.5, he didn’t lose a header all game, organised everyone around him and got on the scoresheet himself in the first half.

A quick word on the officials this week from a fan’s perspective. Away at Ampthill last Saturday and today the refs were sensible and managed the game pretty well. Cards were only brandished when absolutely clear and obvious, which is fine. However, Tuesday’s game was almost ruined by the official making himself the centre of the game and dishing out cards like Michael Oliver on speed. They have to remember that players get fined and it costs them money, so when refs walk away with their match fee, regardless of how well they have performed, the players are left to cough up hard earned cash, which in the current climate is tough to take. Come on refs, think about it before dishing out cards for next to nothing, it’s not all about you!

Rhodes. I could not agree with you more when it comes down to abbreviations. In my mind the article is cheapened by abbreviations.

[Rhodes]

On 21/10/2025 at 14:43, Cruz said:

Very disappointing result, one would imagine they were quietly confident of beating Langford. Whitworths appear to be a very well run club. If I recall they once went a complete season without losing a league match in winning the UCL Division One Championship.

Cruz - That's right, it was in 2006/07 that they did an 'Arsenal invincibles' from 2003/04 and finished the United Counties League Division One unbeaten, apparently, if it's true, it was the first time that had happened in United Counties League history for 99 years which was founded in 1895. You have to hand it to the previous season Champions Sleaford Town who were in second place, losing just one game and scoring the same number of goals as Wellingborough Whitworth however they had three points deducted for, I believe, playing an un-registerred player at home to Irchester United after winning the game 2-0. Were you at the pulsating 3-3 draw between Wellingborough Whitworth and Sleaford Town on Saturday 24 February 2007, see a match report as well as an interesting summary of that season and a results grid:

https://football.mitoo.co.uk/shownews.cfm?leaguecode=ucl2006&seasonname=2006-2007

https://football.mitoo.co.uk/SeeMatchReport.cfm?MatchReportID=2519&LeagueCode=UCL2006&TblName=Matches&LeagueName=United Counties Football League&SeasonName=2006-2007 Season

https://football.mitoo.co.uk/ResultsGrid.cfm?TblName=Matches&DivisionID=843&LeagueCode=UCL2006

Division One 2006-2007
 Pos  Name                            Pld    W    D    L   GF   GA  Pts
   1  Wellingborough Whitworths        30   23    7    0   87   34   76
   2  Sleaford Town                    30   21    8    1   87   35   68 *
   3  A F C Kempston Rovers            30   17    9    4   83   37   60
   4  Daventry Town                    30   15    8    7   75   43   53
   5  Peterborough Northern Star       30   13    6   11   68   51   45
   6  Higham Town                      30   13    4   13   53   44   43
   7  Rothwell Corinthians             30   12    7   11   52   49   43
   8  Thrapston Town                   30   12    7   11   60   64   43
   9  Olney Town                       30    7   14    9   48   55   35
  10  Eynesbury Rovers                 30    9    8   13   49   73   35
  11  Burton Park Wanderers            30    8    9   13   42   58   33
  12  Northampton Sileby Rangers       30    9    4   17   53   69   31
  13  Bugbrooke St Michaels            30    9    2   19   41   82   29
  14  Huntingdon Town                  30    7    8   15   49   70   28 #
  15  O N Chenecks                     30    5    7   18   49   80   22
  16  Irchester United                 30    2    8   20   34   86   14
* - Sleaford Town 3 points deducted
# - Huntingdon Town 1 point deducted

Edited October 23, 2025 by Rhodes

[Cruz]

Although this posting is not directly linked to Whitworths FC it is still related to Wellingborough, but Town, it is more than rumored that the ex Newcastle United striker Nile Ranger on a  reputed salary of £900 per week has signed for the doughboys, according to Nile his release by Kettering was not mutual and he wanted to remain. How can Wellingborough Town afford his wages of £900 per week, this has been reported in numerous social media posts.

[Rhodes]

Cruz - It is not rumoured, Nile is now a Wellingborough Town player, there are possibly reasons for him going to London Road of all places, presumably being resident in Northamptonshire and having family in the area, if he can help the Doughboys get to the Northern Premier League Premier Division next season it will be money well spent. Anyway the Club's Chairman Mark Darnell has very deep pockets as he is the joint owner of the Company 'Home Instead', the World’s leading provider of in-home care, £900 per week will be 'chicken feed', and loose change, to him:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nile_Ranger

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-15203169/Ex-Premier-League-bad-boy-convicted-armed-robbery-15-jail-twice-joins-eighth-tier-bid-continue-football-career.html

[Rhodes]

Cruz - I see that Wellingborough Whitworth host Oxfordshire Senior League Premier Division Halse United tomorrow (Saturday 25 October) in an interesting looking Northamptonshire FA Les Underwood Junior Cup Second Round tie, hopefully they can make up for the very disappointing home defeat to Langford last week in the Division One Cup Second Round. See a link to the impressive 54 page match programme:

https://publuu.com/flip-book/957836/2194965

Edited October 25, 2025 by Rhodes

[Rhodes]

Cruz - See Wellingborough Whitworth's match programme from last Saturday's (1 November) SSML Division One fixture against Shefford Town & Campton. It erroneously had a 2.00pm kick off so the Club's programme editor obviously forgot to change the template from the previous Northamptonshire FA Les Underwood Junior Cup Second Round tie which was a 2.00pm kick off, it's easily done I guess although when I was a programme editor I always treble checked every word 😉:

https://publuu.com/flip-book/957836/2206101?fbclid=IwY2xjawN2zjBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBFdjU4bk5pUVk5dTFZSDZ6AR6w6kMiwYlAI4O-JpE5kX3_E1W2BG4fJpfd1KgmaP-3OoZS8dYGT61g3mg42A_aem_Qz1EuEdo1mIJr3AQGgRyVw