Saints 0
Bedworth United 2 (Naughton 30, Dubidat 79)
Southern League Division One Central
Saints made a disappointing start to the season as two well-taken goals by the visiting Bedworth side were enough to take the points.
Former Saint snapped up
After just a season away from Chalfont, the club is delighted to report that Jerome Okimo has been signed by League Division Two side Stevenage.
A long time Saint, stand-out player and regular Player of the Year award winner, Jerome spent last season with Wealdstone, playing a major part in their title winning promotion drive to the Conference.
Jerome receives the Supporters Player of the Season award from Chairman Denis Mair at the end of the 2012-13 season
Jerome joined Chalfont eight years ago, aged 17, and under the guidance of manager Danny Edwards quickly became an integral part of the then Spartan League side. Originally a lightning quick winger, Jerome's talents soon came to the attention of other clubs.
A move to the professional ranks could, and perhaps should, have come four years ago when he was having trials at Gillingham only for a snapped cruciate to seemingly put paid to his dreams.
Jerome is made of sterner stuff and he battled back to his best and was possibly the best left back in the Southern League at the end of the 2012-13 season. Chalfont have a proud record of progressing players into the professional ranks. Bradley Bubb, Terrell Lewis and Charlie Strutton have all had an opportunity at the highest levels and Jerome was bound to follow. Encouraged by the club to follow his dream, Wealdstone were the natural beneficiaries of his talents as the two clubs have a close relationship.
With 308 games for Chalfont, Jerome spent last season at The Vale refining the talents he had developed with the Saints and so it was no surprise, but no less pleasing, to hear the news of his signing with Stevenage.
As we fast approach the new season, there will inevitably be new faces to the club just as former favourites leave for pastures new. Such is the way of football and so it is a rarity that players stay at a club long enough to build up a history of appearances.
Chalfont has been lucky enough to attract good players and is clearly the sort of club that players want to stay at.
Last season several players achieved landmarks that deserve recognition.
Alan Hedley 350 appearances
Alan has been a key figure in recent seasons and it is no surprise that recent successes have coincided with Alan's time at the club. A competitive midfielder Alan is usually at the heart of the play and is a regular threat in front of goal.
Terrell Lewis 300 appearances
A talented and mercurial player, Terrell is in his third spell at Mill Meadow. An impressive start to his career saw him signing professional terms at Chesterfield but things didn't quite work out and he made a welcome return to the club. A brief detour to Harrow Borough last season again saw him return to Mill Meadow where he continues to enthrall.
Gareth Paxton 200 appearances
Gareth has played a major role in Chalfont's defensive strength on recent seasons. Work duties took him away from the club for a period but his return to the club has been an important part of the continuing success of the club. His organisation of an ever-changing lineup last season was crucial.
Michael Power-Simpson 200 appearances
In two spells with the club, keeper Michael has been an entertaining part of the Chalfont defence with many memorable performances and a string of remarkable saves to often rescue the club from defeat.
Chalfont Ladies won their first trophy recently when they were awarded the trophy for "The Most Sporting Team" at the Clacton 7s tournament. Well done on another first for the Ladies! Photos can be found in the Photo Gallery
Saints pre-season friendly with Chipstead gave them a lot of encouragement for the forthcoming game at home to Conference side Hayes and Yeading this Tuesday (29th).
The result of 5-1 to the Saints followed on from wins at AFC Dunstable 2-1, Hanworth Villa 2-1, Rayners Lane 1-0 and a draw at Penn & Tylers Green 0-0.
All the goals against Chipstead came after a quiet first half when returning Danny Hughes rifled in a free kick on 51 minutes. Chipstead equalised 40 seconds later before a headed own goal gave Saints back the lead. Aaron Lansquiot added a third before two trialists scored goals four and five in the last 10 minutes.
Saints kick off the new season on August 9th with a home game against Bedworth Utd. On August 12th Saints are again at home when Aylesbury are the visitors to Mill Meadow. Saints visit Marlow for the first saw derby of the season on August 16th
Manager Danny Edwards has announced the pre-season friendlies.
Saints kick off the pre-season this Saturday away at AFC Dunstable, with Saints visiting Penn&Tyler Green next Tuesday. Fixture details, please see calendar
FA cup and Trophy draws are made
Saints travel to Slimbridge or Thatcham Town in the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup with the match to be played on 30th August. The winners are then at home to Hungerford Town in the first Qualifying Round.
In the FA trophy, Saints have been drawn at home to AFC Hayes in the Preliminary Round, to be played on 18th October. The winners play Dulwich Hamlet.
The Calor Southern League has announced the constitution for the new season
The Southern League Division One Central constitution for the season:
Chalfont St Peter AFC held their Annual Awards Dinner at the Ethorpe Hotel in Gerrards Cross after returning from their victorious last game of the season at Daventry Town on Saturday.
In a convivial atmosphere there were thanks made to the players, management, officials and supporters.
Chairman Denis Mair gave a wide-ranging speech, littered with humorous asides, before sharing the award presentations with Manager Danny Edwards.
The main awards were:
Top Scorer: Scott Fitzgerald
Supporters' Player of the Year: Alan Hedley
Players' Player of the Year:Alex Paine
Manager's Player of the Year:Alan Hedley
Denis made a final, special award to Danny to mark his more than 10 years in charge of the team.
