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 (pictured), 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. |