We return home for back to back fixtures on both Saturday and Monday, first up Hampton & Richmond. The London based side travel to the Focus as the Tudors look to return to winning ways.
Founded: 1921
Nickname: The Beavers
Manager: Alan Julian
Stadium: Beveree Stadium
Capacity: 3500
Alan Julain's side have had a weekend off from action due to game in the FA Cup, but make the journey to Hertfordshire in search of a third consecutive win. Read all about The Beavers below.
The History of The Beavers
Founded in 1921 as Hampton FC before changing their name to Hampton and Richmond
Borough in 1999, the Beavers have existed for 103 years and are the only senior-level
football team to represent the London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames. In their early
years of existence, Hampton and Richmond played their football in the Kingston & District
League and the South West Middlesex Leagues. However, it was after 1959 when they
entered into the Surrey Senior League where the Beavers saw great success. After
promotion to the Spartan League in 1964, they would go on to win that division four times,
never finishing outside the top four positions during their period in the league. The early
period of the 2000s would see Hampton and Richmond experience relegation from the
Isthmian Premier, before bouncing back on their first attempt. The Beavers have had many
former Tudors at their club, including Jamal Lowe, who went on to play for Swansea in the
Championship. As well as this, former Tudors boss Alan Dowson has also managed at the
Beavers.
After being announced as manager of the Beavers in May of this year, Julian is taking on his first full season in his first management job, after his retirement from football last season. Having represented clubs including Stevenage, Gillingham and Newport County as a goalkeeper, Julian has developed his leadership throughout his career, which he will continue to show
in his managerial role. Heading into this fixture, his management has led the Beavers to win their last 2 fixtures, most notably a 3-1 victory at home to top of the league Eastbourne Borough.
Credit - Thom Lang
One To Watch - James Roberts
Striker James Roberts approaches this fixture as the top scorer for the Beavers so far this
season. Having accumulated 6 goals in 11 appearances in the 2024/25 season, the talisman
will look to continue his fine form in front of goal.
Having risen through the youth ranks at Wycombe Wanderers, Roberts made his first
professional appearances at Oxford United, with his time at the U’s spanning 4 years. During
these years was where Roberts learned his trade in the non league pyramid. With
appearances at Chester, Oxford City, Barnet and Guiseley, Roberts has been used to the
top 2 steps of non league football, and has developed his eye for goal.
After a 3 year period with Havant and Waterlooville, including a short loan at the Beavers
during this time, he made the permanent move to Hampton and Richmond at the start of this
season.
The Skipper - Odei Martin Sorondo
Having moved to England from Spain at the beginning of the 2018/19 season, Sorondo has
had a wealth of experience throughout the non league pyramid. Having began his career at
Spanish club Indartsu, the Spanish midfielder has had an influence since his arrival in the
UK. After joining Heybridge Swifts, Sorondo achieved promotion in his first season,
alongside being regarded as a fan favourite at the club. Appearances at Canvey Island,
Concord Rangers and most recently Worthing were to follow as Sorondo was part of the
Rebels squad to reach the National League South Playoff Final last season. Joining the
Beavers ahead of this campaign, Sorondo looks to use his experience in finishing high up
the table to help spur his team onto finishing as high up the table as possible.
Played for both - Dan Wishart
Since joining the Tudors from Hampton and Richmond, Wishart has made the left back
position his own this season. After a two year tenure at the Beavers, Wishart entered his
second spell as a Hemel Hempstead Town player, with his previous spell coming on a loan
from Wealdstone. His defensive qualities, alongside his pass accuracy have proved vital for
Hemel this season, with many assists from crosses this season.
Credit: Club photographer, Jemma Sear (@_PhotosByJem)
Last Time Out
The last encounter between the two teams saw the visitors run out 1-2 winners. After a
closely-fought first half, with a 40th minute goal from Tudors striker Pierre Fonkeu cancelling
out Alex Gibson-Hammond’s opener on the half hour mark, Ben Seymour’s penalty in the
second half proved to be the difference between the two teams, sending Watford loanee
Jonathan Macaulay the wrong way.
We look forward to seeing you all at the Focus tomorrow afternoon. Bring the noise! Up the Tudors!
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