Introduction
Matthew James Howard (born 5 December 1970) is an English retired professional football defender who made one appearance in the Football League for Brentford. After his release in 1989, he dropped into non-league football, making over 100 appearances with both Boreham Wood and Hendon.
Playing career
Brentford
After beginning his career in the youth system at hometown club Watford, Driscoll joined the youth team at Division Three side Brentford in 1987. He made his professional debut on the final day of the 1987–88 season, coming on as a half time substitute for Roger Stanislaus in a 2–1 defeat to York City at Griffin Park. He received a yellow card, as manager Steve Perryman forgot to inform the referee of the change. Howard failed to make a first team appearance during the 1988–89 season, but was a part of the youth team which reached the semi-finals of the 1988–89 FA Youth Cup. Howard departed Brentford in January 1990, having made just a single first team appearance.
Non-league
After his release from Brentford, Howard went on to enjoy a long career in non-league football, playing for Isthmian League sides St Albans City, Boreham Wood, Hayes, Chesham United, Hendon, Leyton, Hitchin Town, Leighton Town and Aylesbury United. He wound down his career at Herts Senior County League side Elliott Star, making 24 appearances in his final two seasons.
Honours
Hendon
- Isthmian League Full Members Cup: 1997–98
Career statistics
| Club | Season | League | FA Cup | League Cup | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Brentford | 1987–88 | Third Division | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| St Albans City | 1989–90 | Isthmian League Premier Division | 40 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 12 | 0 | 53 | 0 | |
| 1990–91 | 29 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — | 7 | 0 | 37 | 1 | |||
| Total | 59 | 1 | 2 | 0 | — | 19 | 0 | 90 | 1 | |||
| Hendon | 1997–98 | Isthmian League Premier Division | 32 | 2 | 4 | 0 | — | 14 | 2 | 50 | 4 | |
| 1998–99 | 31 | 0 | 6 | 0 | — | 14 | 1 | 51 | 1 | |||
| 1999–00 | 23 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 6 | 1 | 29 | 1 | |||
| Total | 86 | 2 | 10 | 0 | — | 34 | 4 | 130 | 6 | |||
| Elliott Star | 2004–05 | Herts Senior County League Premier Division | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 11 | 0 | |
| 2005–06 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 2 | 0 | 13 | 0 | |||
| Total | 22 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 2 | 0 | 24 | 0 | |||
| Career total | 168 | 3 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 55 | 4 | 245 | 7 | ||