Squires Gate vs Cammell laird 1907 by SquiresGateFC

V Cammell Laird 1907 07.01.17 15:000 Hallmark Security League Premier Division Issue 18

SQUIRES GATE FOOTBALL CLUB INSIDE TODAY’S PROGRAMME...

FROM THE DUGOUT

PREDICTION CORNER

Danny Penswick gives his thoughts on today’s game and looks forward to the 2017.

This week we have Cammell laird 1907 player Callum Kerr, Squires Gate programme editor Jay Hayden and Cammell Lard 1907 Programme Editor Patrick Burke.

GIVE IT FIVE

THIS WEEK IN FOOTBALL HISTORY

We have a look at Cammell Laird 1907’s last five results.

In our regular feature, we take a look back on this week in football history.

VIEW FROM AWAY END

MATCH ACTION

This week we interviewed Cammell Laird 1907 Programme Editor Patrick Burke who talks about his time at Cammell Laird and gives us his thoughts on this season.

Mark Ashmore reports on the games against Ashton Athletic and Runcorn Town.

Q&A WITH BEN SEEAR

Q&A WITH CALLUM KERR

In a new regular feature, we interviewed Gate midfielder Ben Seear we found out who help him to get involved into football and his sporting hero growing up.

In a new regular feature, we interviewed Cammell Laird defender Callum Kerr ,we found out about his time at Cammell Laird and about football in general.

CHAIRMAN

GROUNDSMAN

PHOTOGRAPHY

STUART HOPWOOD

BRIAN ADDISON

ALBERT COOPER (HEAD PHOTOGRAPHER)

SECRETARY

MARK ASHMORE

JOHN MAGUIRE

PETER BRYANT

CONTRIBUTORS

TREASURER

STEVE BELLAMY

BEN SEEAR

JOHN STOKES

HOSPITALITY

CALLUM KERR

MANAGERS

DENISE GIBSON

PATRICK BURKE

DANNY PENSWICK

EMMA HOPWOOD

MARK ASHMORE

BRIAN PENSWICK (ASSISTANT MANAGER)

CHRISTINE WALSH

ALBERT COOPER

PROGRAMME EDITORS

DANNY PENWSICK

MEDIA MARK ASHMORE (HEAD OF MEDIA)

JAY HAYDEN

ALBERT COOPER

DAN HAYDEN

FROM THE DUGOUT

DANIEL PENSWICK “IT WON’T BE AN EASY GAME, WE HAVE TO BE ON TOP OF OUR GAME. THIS COULD BE A VERY DANGEROUS GAME.” Good afternoon everyone,

Happy New Year and all the best for 2017, and welcome back to Squires Gate for a taste of non league football. This afternoon we welcome Cammell Laird to the newly named Brian Addison Stadium. Brian has been a superb asset to the club, and Squires Gate would not be where they are now without the people like him who do what they do for the club. Brian has played nearly every part at the club, from being a player to being chairman so he has rightly deserved the stadium name in honour of him. I hope the Laird supporters, committee and players have a safe journey home. Cammell Laird may be bottom of the league and without a league win all season but for me that makes them dangerous. They need to start putting points on the board and soon. They look to be stringing some decent performances together within getting there rewards. They were a decent footballing side when we went there back in September and did put up a fight. We were in a similar situation last season and you know they'll come here wanting to do well. We'll have to match them with our work rate and hope our footballing ability can come to the fore. We’ve had a tough couple of games over the past month and came away with 5 points from our last 3 games which included a win at 2nd place Bootle when we had the bare bones of a team, and only 11 players. It goes to show that we can beat anyone on our day but we have been far too naïve at the back. I've seen a real togetherness building in the group and it's vital we embrace this so we can grow as a unit. We've got some important home games in January but none more important than today's game. Let's start the year right and let's start with 3 points.

Up the Gate,

Danny .

GATE

B.SEEAR 73

ASHTON ATHLETIC 1 BROWNHILL 67

MONDAY DECEMBER, 26

GATE:

Midfielder Ben Seear scored his second goal in two games to cancel out Ashton Athletic’s opener in a Boxing Day stalemate at School Road..

SMITH, RICHARDS, BAMBA, ROSSALL, CARROLL, GIBSON(MOXON 65), B.SEEAR, PENSWICK, HIGHAM, NOBLET, DAWSON

Gate made a good start to the game though were restricted by early referee decisions against them, particularly offside’s which slowed the game down.

THE ROYAL BRISTISH STADIUM ATTENDANCE: 100

ASHTON ATHLETIC: PEARSON, CRINGLE, HOWARD, FARNWORTH, KAY, WEBSTER, CUSANI, ASPINALL, BROWNHILL, WATSON, BAILEY

Though Gate got in some good positions early on, it was Ashton who had the first chance of the game and forced debutant keeper Mark Smith into a good save. Ben Seear then had Gates best chance of the first half when he fired over. He jinked his way into the box but his shot went over and wide of the post. Then Jamie Gibson took aim but was denied by a fingertip save from away keeper Martin Pearson. Gibson sent his marker one way then the other before firing across goal but Pearson stretched to save well. Despite a couple of more half chances both sides went into half time 0-0. If the first half didn't have much to report, then the second was a slight improvement. The game didn't come to life until the 67th minute when Ashton took the lead. Joel Brownhill in the right place at the right time in the middle of the box to fire into the bottom corner. It would be down to midfielder Ben Seear to grab his second goal in two games to get Gate back into the game. Joe Noblet whipped in a freekick from the right hand side to find the head of Seear who headed down and under keeper Pearson to level the game for Gate. Gate bought striker Tarren Moxon on for the last 20 minutes after the goal in search of a winner but they couldn't break Ashton down despite some late pressure.

RUNCORN TOWN 1 CARINS 44

GATE

DAWSON 90 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31 The Pavilion STADIUM ATTENDANCE: 174 RUNCORN TOWN: MACKIN,WOODWARD,HEATH,JAMES,HO LLETT,KEARNS,EXELL,MCMANUS,ISAAC,C AIRNS.THELWELL

Squires Gate ended 2016 with a superb point away from home at top of the league Runcorn Town, and could have had all three. When the twos sides had previously met, top of the league Town had won 6-1 though both managers admitted after the game that the score line flattered Town. Runcorn came into the game with a three point lead at the top of the league. It was Town that had the first chance of the game when former Gate striker Isaac Kusaloka took aim from distance but fired straight into Griffiths arms. Just a minute later though it was Gate who had a chance of their own. Brett Dawson picking the ball up deep played a lovely ball into the path of both Ben Seear and Jake Higham but neither could finish.

GATE: GRIFFITHS,CARROLL,BAMBA,HALL.ROSSALL, PENSWICK,RICO (SMITH 84),THORNBER,DAWSON,B.SEEAR,HIGHA M

Leading goal scorer Craig Cairns then had a great chance after striker partner Kusaloka pulled the ball back to him at the edge of the box, but he fired well over the bar. Again Gate replied with a good chance of their own but again couldn't capitalise. Bamba passing the ball into the feet of Ben Seear, Seear flicked the ball up then fired towards goal but the shot went straight into the keepers arms. Gate then had probably their best chance of the first half on 30 minutes. Thornber flicking the ball into Richards, he headed onto Brett Dawson but the strikers thunderous strike was fired wide. The turning point would come on 42 minutes when thehomeside were awarded a penalty. Manager Danny Penswick judged to have bought down striker Craig Cairns in the box though the decision looked soft. Cairns stepped up to convert the penalty and give Runcorn the half time lead. The second half saw Gate dominate most of the half after a good first 10 minutes for the home side. Gate could have equalised on 65 minutes, Town clearing the ball off the line from a Gate corner. Before that striker Brett Dawson was unlucky to see his effort saved. Gate then had another chance this time frm a freekick, but that was headed wide at the back post. Gate then forced Town’s keeper into a great save to keep them in the game. Dave Rossall sent a lovely ball forward to find Seydou Bamba, but Bamba’s shot is pushed clear by the keeper. Bamba had a second chance from Mike Hall’s cross back into the box but he just couldn’t stretch far enough to meet the ball. All Gate’s hard work would be rewarded with six minutes left to play. Like at title contenders Atherton Colls earlier in the season Gate would work their socks off and get a deserved equaliser. Jake Higham firing a thunderous strike which cannoned off the post into the path of Brett Dawson to tap in. It’s a win which keeps Gate in midfield but shows what Penswick team can do, with just Runcorn Linnets the only team in the top five, Gate haven’t picked up points against.

Q&A We caught up with Squires Gate we caught up with Gate midfielder Ben Seear. Ben join gate with his twin brother Rick from AFC Blackpool at start of season. We interviewed him on his life at gate so far and who was the reason he got into football.. What encouraged you to start playing football? Which players inspired you as a kid? My Dad was a big football fan so he got me in to football from an early age. I think having brothers my age helped too as we always had someone to have a kickaround with, which beats kicking the ball against a wall. We were a Manchester United supporting family so being a left footer I always tried to emulate Ryan Giggs, he is definitely the player that inspired me most. He was a true professional and a great guy off the pitch.

If you could pick one team for Squires Gate to come up against in a friendly, which team would you want to go up against? Probably my Foxhall Under 8’s team, they would give us a good game as well? There has been goals galore at Squires Gate this season , what is the mentality behind the team compared to last season?

Obviously I can’t compare it to last season as I was busy scoring against Gate instead. This season we are enjoying some great attacking football, and What is your first ever memory of playing football? we’re always a threat going forward which gives us Do you remember the first game you played in? Or a chance against anyone. Over the last few weeks the first goal you ever scored? we have been quite solid at the back too, so fingers My first memory is playing for Foxhall as a youngcrossed that continues. ster in my purple Ascot boots. Me, Ric and the gaffa Do you remember your first ever game and goal Danny Penswick were a great trio scoring all the for Gate? goals. I don’t remember my first ever goal but I remember the three of us mercenaries jumping ship Yes my first goal was earlier on this season in our first game against Bootle at home in a 4-3 win. Nobas we were offered a better deal to play in the orby put a decent corner in and I managed to get my ange and black of YMCA. stud on it and it trickled in. The gaffa tried to claim If you weren’t a midfielder , which other position it until he realised I was behind him! would you love to play in? Have you ever played in What was the first ever game you went to as a kid? other positions during your time?

Favourite ground that you have played at? I would say either Bloomfield Road or Highbury Stadium. It’s always a good occasion to play in grounds like that when you get to a cup final. If you could change one rule in the game, what would it be and why? Get rid of the offside rule because it isn’t fair on Stinger. If you were to play in a 5 a side team with any 4 players of your choice, past or present, who would you pick and why? I’d like to play alongside Titus Bramble, Jordan Henderson, Nicholas Bendtner and Simon Mignolet because I reckon they would make me look unbelievable What was the first shirt you ever owned? Did you have a name on the back of your shirts? My first shirt was a United shirt but I don’t think it had a name on the back. Although I did manage to get Van Nistelrooy on the back of one of my shirts, it cost a fortune at £5 a number and £1 a letter! If you could bring 3 PL players to Squires Gate on a free transfer, who would you sign and why?

I can’t remember the first ever game but I do remember going to a United champions league game The first one would be David De Gea because it against Juventus as a youngster. You can’t beat that would stop us changing keepers every week, and I wouldn’t ever have to go back in nets. I would also feeling of seeing the pitch for the first time. bring in Paul Pogba and Sergio Aguero as I think Who would be your dream midfielder partner if they would do okay in this league. I think the club you could play with anyone, past or present? could afford them too with the chairman’s recent I would say Roy Keane. He was an absolute warrior bonus ball win. and I reckon he would let me hide behind him when What is the last thing you do before you walk out it kicked off. onto the pitch prior to kick off? What is your favourite celebration when you score Who would you say has been the best opposition a goal? What is the best celebration you’ve ever I usually kick Rico’s trainers after he’s gone out to come to Gate this season, and who has been the seen? because he does some weird ritual with them. toughest to play against within your time here? My favourite celebration is the twin chest pump, as Maine Road absolutely took us apart earlier this seen away at Runcorn Linnets after my first goal. season. They were a good young side with loads of Although we won’t be seeing that one for another energy, and they caught us on a very bad day. I few weeks until Colne realise what they’ve done. would say Runcorn Town were the best though – The best celebration I’ve ever seen is probably the the table doesn’t lie and they have the ability to Stinger Boom, it’s a classic. score goals out of nothing which they proved when they came to our place. Most of my footballing life I have played left midfield but in recent years I’ve played a lot at left back. I’ve played in every single position, including a memorable stint in nets this season for Gate. I managed to save a penalty but I’d rather not talk about the rest of my performance. I’m Squires Gate’s utility man – I’m basically like John O’Shea which is nice because everyone wants to be like big John O’Shea.

INTRODUCING

CAMMELL LAIRD 1907 Everything you need to know about today’s visitors This afternoon we welcome Cammell Laird 1907 to The Brain Addison Stadium. This is the first game of 2017 and both teams will looking to kick 2017 off with a win. Cammell Laird are coming into the new year without a win so far this season. Even though they are still yet to win this season, the hosts will know that Laird are no push overs after the game back in September, with Gate coming away as the victors in what was a very close game. The two sides have met 3 times now, with the first meeting ending in a 2-2 draw, which was a very entertaining game for the neutral with all 4 goals coming in 20 minutes. In the reverse tie, Laird ran away 3-1 winners in a game that Gate just could not get started in. This is Laird’s 2nd season in the Premier Division and they come into the new year on the back of a 6-0 defeat to Barnton, having also lost 6-1 to title challengers 1874 Northwich. Last season they finished 15th with 50 points and if they are wanting to have a third consecutive season they will be looking to Elliot Toner who has netted 13 goals in 18 appearances already this season. The obvious problem that lies ahead for Cammell Laird is tightening their defence, having conceded 103 goals already this season in the league.

LAIRDS FACT FILE Formed: 2014 Stadium: North West Construction Capacity: 2,000 Manager: Mick Mcgrea Chairman: Terry Swanick Record attendance: 654 Website: www.cammelllaird1907.co.uk Twitter: @cammelllairdfc 2015/16 position: 15th

LAIRDS HISTORY The club was formed on 28th May 2014 and entered the NWCFL Division One for their inaugural campaign in 2014/15. In October, the club lost manager Tony Sullivan to Witton Albion, and appointed Paul McNally in the same month. He ably guided the team to promotion, which was achieved on Saturday 4th April. In the end, Lairds finished 21 points clear of 3rd placed AFC Darwen. Last season saw the club finish 15th in its first season in the NWCFL Premier Division. Early on, Lairds didn’t get the results that their performances deserved, drawing or even losing games that they largely dominated. However, the 3-1 triumph over Bootle at the end of August was a superb first three points of the season, and Lairds soon found their feet in the Premier Division. Undoubtedly their best result was an emphatic 4-0 victory against eventual champions Colne in October. In February, Tony Sullivan replaced Paul McNally as manager, and he was able to guide the team towards a solid mid-table finish.

GATE RENAME GROUND IN HONOUR OF BRIAN ADDISON Squires Gate are proud to announce that the ground has been renamed in honour of it’s longest serving member Brian Addison. The committee have been trying to find a new sponsor of the ground for the past couple of months before finally deciding that it should be renamed after a man who has done a lot for the club over the past couple of decades. Brian started life at Squires Gate as a player, playing under many different managers and seeing the good and the bad times at Gate. He has pretty much played every part at the club and it’s fair to say that no one has a bad word to say about him. The club would not be where it is today if it wasn’t for people like Brian. It is clear to see how hard he works on the pitch, keeping it in the excellent condition it’s in for the season. Away supporters are always giving positive feedback on how good the pitch is, and it is an asset that Brian takes pride in, and the club is proud of it. Chairman Stuart Hopwood cannot express his gratitude enough for the man who gets down to the ground at least 4 times a week, making sure that it is ready for the players on Saturday. “It really is fantastic to have a man like Brian at the club, the amount of work he puts in, in his own time. He does it, for the love of the club, the club that he has been a part of for many many years. Renaming the ground after him is the least we can do.”

VIEW FROM THE AWAY END

PATRICK BURKE

In our regular feature, we ask away fans to give us an insight into their expectations for the season, about their time watching their club and some general football questions. This week, Cammell Laird Programme Editor Patrick Burke he tells us what he would like to change for the rest of the season. What are your expectations for the season after your 15th place finished last season? In pre-season, to be honest I think everyone knew that to stay in the division would be a massive achievement. Although we were never in any danger of relegation last season and deserved to finish higher in my opinion, we lost all but three players from 2015/16 and now only have one remaining. I think there was a recognition that it was always going to be difficult to build a squad with limited resources, but we were going to give it our best shot. What improvements do you think need to be made to improve on last season’s finish? I think a more settled squad than last season would have been the key thing. We had over 60 players signed on, so although we had a very good spine of a team, it’s never easy having so many different faces come through the door. Better luck with injuries would have done us no harm either! We lost our first choice keeper and Adam Hughes, who won Players’ Player of the Season, for a few weeks in August and September; Joe Gibiluru was really the heart of the team who made it click for me, but we lost him for three months, and we badly missed Craig Cairns, who was never really fully fit last season. You’ve seen what he can do at Runcorn Town this year, and I think everyone at the club knew he was easily capable of that.

Unfortunately, this season we’ve struggled to maintain a settled squad again, and injuries have also cropped at the most inconvenient of times! After a up and down start to the first half of the season what are your expectations for the rest of the season? Let’s be honest, I think most people have written us off with regard to staying up. We’ve got 6 points from 28 games, and I think realistically, we’re going to need 30 more from the remaining 14 fixtures to stand a chance, which would require a bit of a miracle. However, Mick McGraa had begun to integrate some very promising young players into the squad – I think there was one game in November or December were 9 or 10 of the starting XI were under the age of22, and that’s obviously huge at this level. At the risk of appearing to view our season through rose tinted spectacles, I also expect our luck to turn now that the year has turned! Casual viewers just see that we haven’t won a game this season (that’s not entirely true because we thoroughly our victory over AFC Darwen in the FA

Cup back in August!). What I will say is that we only seem to get any luck when we have a bad day at the office. What I mean by that is we end up getting beat 4-0 at Abbey Hey or Padiham for instance, and it might be just a bit of luck, a goalkeeper in inspired form or a favourable refereeing decision which prevents the margin of defeat from being wider. Whenever we play really well (and you’ll have to believe me when I say there have been many games this season where that’s been the case), all luck seems to desert us!

Congleton; I could go on, but I have probably gone off question way too much already! What teams are you looking forward to going up against this season?

I always enjoy the derbies against our fellow Merseysiders, so Bootle and AFC Liverpool, and also the two Runcorn clubs and Ashton Athletic, as they tend to have plenty of lads from the Liverpool area. It is a bit of a stereotype, but teams from our part of the world are always fiercely competitive and will do anything to win, which always makes for a great spectacle. They also get the ball down and play The two most obvious examples are AFC Darwen exciting football. One of the best games I’ve seen away (0-0) and Congleton away (0-1). At Darwen, watching Lairds was against Ashton last season. It we missed five or six golden opportunities, not least finished 2-2 at our place, but it could easily have a penalty, and I will never know how their goalkeep- finished 6-6, with both teams playing at such a high er has remained on the pitch. Five minutes into the tempo and high intensity for 90 minutes. A great game, he completely missed the ball, his boot was advert for the league! raised at least six feet and he sent six studs crashing Any grounds that you enjoy visiting? into our lads’ face – our lad had to go off, yet inBarnoldswick is always the first one I think of when I credibly the keeper didn’t! It looks unbelievable when you see a photograph of the incident. At Con- get asked this. I just love everything about it. The gleton just last month, a neutral’s blog said it was a fact it is a bit of a day out, the fact it is a bit out in the sticks, the picturesque setting, the hotpot they case of “fairness well and truly thrown out of the always put on for us and just generally the way the window,” and even made the prediction that we would beat the drop, that’s how well we played and volunteers there are so welcoming. I also enjoy going to Congleton. I could live off the beef stew how robbed we felt that afternoon! and chips I had there in December! Darwen, Padiham, Ashton, Bootle and yourselves at Squires There are more examples too. I look back to the Gate to name a few are also all great set ups. start of the season and genuinely can’t believe how There’s something I like about each individual unlucky Neil Prince (the manager) and his set of ground at this level to be fair though. players were. At New Mills in our first league game, Which players do you think will be the biggest we were 2-0 up and cruising. They won a free kick threat to gate? which, from 30 yards out, the lad struck brilliantly. Goalkeeper Dave Parkinson has received plenty of The tide had turned and they won 4-3. Against Abplaudits for his displays this season – he has some bey Hey, it was 0-0 in the 89th minute and our strikgames where he just seems to make save after save er was a quarter of an inch from converting a cross and get in the way of everything! However, I genuto win the game. He didn’t unfortunately and they inely don’t think we’re a team of individuals went up the other end and got the winner themI think it’s the collective threat that you guys should selves. Two of our best performances this season be most concerned about – Lairds teams have alwere against Runcorn Linnets at home and Atherton Colls away. We drew 3-3 against Linnets, and at ways worked hard for each other, and this bunch of Colls, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing in the first lads that we’ve got give it absolutely everything that they’ve got for their team mates, for Mick and half. We were outstanding, 1-0 up and it should have been more. It was so tough to take to lose 4-1 the management team and for the people that go in the end, picking up injuries at the worst possible and watch them. points during the game, missing one-on-ones and What has been the most memorable moment and goalmouth scrambles somehow not being turned game for you within your time watching Cammell home which prevented us having a more commandLaird ing lead. Mick and his team have been just as unforThere have been so many! At the time, the most tunate – I’ve already mentioned Darwen and euphoric moment was undoubtedly West Didsbury away last season. We were 2-1 down

with ten men with only eight minutes to play, and were that short on players we had to bring our assistant manager on, but our lads kept grafting away for each other. We won a penalty to make it 2-2, and I just felt we’d get one chance, one shot at goal to turn one point into three. We got it in injury time, when Joe Holt just let fly from 20 yards and it went right into the top corner. I will never forget the scenes that followed – an explosion of joy as he sprinted towards the dugout and every player and everyone on the management team joined in the celebrations. I was tempted to run across the pitch to join them but probably wisely decided against it!

his own, who has a great range of passing and who is always good for a goal. Jan Vertonghen is my third player because he is a centre-back who I have always liked and I feel he has the pace, the strength and the tackling ability to deal with anything a striker has to throw at him

Before that, we were battering teams, creating chances at will but struggled to convert them. That night, we had to weather a storm and took three of our only chances, but smash and grab wins like that are always memorable, especially when you’ve been on the receiving end on multiple occasions in the weeks prior! Looking back at my time at the club now, though, I’d probably say that beating Colne 4-0 last season was the biggest achievement.

They obviously won the league in the end, but I think it was the best Lairds performance I have ever seen, and one I still don’t believe we got the credit we deserved for it. I think people just saw that they had three men sent off and assumed that was the reason for such a huge victory, but it was already 2-0 by that point, and the way we managed the game from then on was exceptional.

I’ve already mentioned Dave Parkinson in goal, but on top of that, Danny Lomax has made the most appearances for us this season and has been a very consistent performer across a number of positions, and even a team like Atherton Collieries struggled to deal with the strength of Luke Camden (he scored twice against them last month). However, it is very much a collective effort at Lairds, and in that sense everyone is a key player! f you could sign 3 Premier League players on a free transfer, who would you sign and why?

Have you ever been to Wembley before? And What would be your ideal scenario there? I have been twice – both times for an FA Cup semi-final between Everton and Manchester United. The first was in 2009, and seeing Phil Jagielka tuck away the winning penalty in the shoot-out when I was just 9 years old is probably my best footballing moment ever. In contrast, when Anthony Martial made it 2-1 in the 94th minute last April, that ranks as one of the worst. A real dream would be a Lairds vs Everton FA Cup final there, but on a more realistic level, I think it’s got to be seeing Lairds there in an FA Vase final. I don’t care who it would be against or any of the details, just Lairds in an FA Vase final! Are you looking forward to the second half of the second and what do you expected to see from your team?

.Have you been to Squires Gate before? If so, what was the score?

22nd August 2015 to watch Squires Gate 2-2 Lairds. It wasn’t the best game you’ve ever seen to be honest, but we came from behind to lead 2-1 at the break. Unfortunately, we gave a really poor goal away early after the restart, and the game fizzled out. That said, it was a great day out in the sunshine, and we took a few more fans than usual with us bringing a coach. There was also the legendary Lairds karaoke on the way As I say, though, there have been so many memorable home, with plenty of tales to remember! I went to moments, and I’ll certainly never forget the promotion Pleasure Beach in the summer with a few mates, and season of 2014/15, Silsden away on the coach last did try and convince them to pay a visit to the three April, nor the comeback at Darwen in the FA Cup this grounds on the same road. Sadly, none of them took season to draw 3-3 and the way we responded to going me up on the opportunity! th 3-2 down in the 90 minute against Linnets by pegging them back up the other end! Have you been to Squires Gate before? If so, what Which players will be key for you this season?

defence and attack.

was the score? 22nd August 2015 to watch Squires Gate 2-2 Lairds. It wasn’t the best game you’ve ever seen to be honest, but we came from behind to lead 2-1 at the break. Unfortunately, we gave a really poor goal away early after the restart, and the game fizzled out. That said, it was a great day out in the sunshine, and we took a few more fans than usual with us bringing a coach. There was also the legendary Lairds karaoke on the way home, with plenty of tales to remember! If you were manager of a 5 a side team and had to 2 Cammell Laird players and 3 BPL legends. Who would be in your side and why

Sergio Aguero is an easy one – I find it phenomenal the I’ll have Dave Parkinson in goal – a tremendous shot way he seems to score every type of goal there is. I’ll stopper; Luke Camden as well because he can hold the also put Yaya Toure in there as a player who can almost ball up well, score goals for us and defend for the team dominate the midfield on if we are under the cosh! For the three Premier League legends - Nemanja Vidic is the kind of tough tackling centre-back we’ll need. Cristiano Ronaldo is also in for the way he has taken goalscoring to a new level! Patrick Vieira is the final player – a box-to-box midfielder who can provide the link between

I always look forward to going to Lairds, so yes I am looking forward to the second half of the season. Performances in December (Barnton aside) seem to have installed a bit of belief that we can win games and compete at this level. I don’t know where we’ll finish come 29th April, but what I do know is that we will give it everything to climb the table, and hopefully it will bode well for the future if we can give our young lads more valuable experience at a very good level of football. Prediction for tonight’s game? A difficult one. If you play as you have done in draws at Runcorn Town or victories at Bootle, it will be very tough for us to get anything. However, if we can play as well as we did in December against Barnoldswick, Congleton and even Colls, then we are certainly capable of earning a favourable result. On balance, I’ll say a 1-1 draw.

Q&A We interviewed Cammell Laird Defender Callum Kerr. We found out when he joined Cammell laird and we also found out who was the person the encouraged his getting into football . What encouraged you to start playing football? Which players inspired you as a kid? I started playing football when I was 8, the thing that encouraged me was that I needed to do something on the weekends, the players that inspired me have to be the likes of Steven gerrard and frank lampard who in their prime were top draw players.

If you could pick one team for Cammell Larid to come up against in a friendly, which team would you want to go up against?

If you could change one rule in the game, what would it be and why?

That's a hard one, but I think if one more sub was The one team would have to be Tranmere Rovers, allowed to be made would be a good rule change. I've supported them from a young age so to play If you were to play in a 5 a side team with any 4 against them would be great. players of your choice, past or present, who What is the mentality in the dressing room before would you pick and why? the game? The four would be: Buffon, Gerrard, Messi and What is your first ever memory of playing footThe mentality is always good going into a game, Ronaldo. All of these four players have proved ball? the lads are always up for giving everything and how good they are and they would be even better My first memory of playing football was going to a putting in a good performance playing together. training session for my local team in the park, it Do you remember your first ever game for Cam- What was the first shirt you ever owned? Did was my first time playing with any other players mell Laird and do you remember what season you have a name on the back of your shirts? other than my brother on the street so that's you joined Cammell Laird ? The first shirt I owned was a England shirt. I alprobably why I can remember it. This is actually my first season with lairds and my ways had my own name on the shirts I owned Do you remember the first game you played in? first game was a pre season friendly we ended up with the number 4 as that was my lucky number. Or the first goal you ever scored? drawing 1-1. If you could bring 3 PL players to Cammell The first game I played I was a game against anWhat was the first ever game you went to as a Laird on a free transfer, who would you sign and other local team in a mid week game I think we kid? why? won 2-0. I don't score many goals so rememberMy first game that I ever went to was Liverpool vs Eden hazard would be my first signing I haven't ing my first goal is quite easy, it was a 1 v 1 with real betis, it ended up being a 0-0 draw so it wereseen anyone like him in the premiership his agility the keeper and it somehow skimmed past the n't really a interesting game. is superb. The next player would have to be kante keepers hand and ended up in the goal. Who would be your dream Defensive partner? he's a typical box to box midfielder and doesn't If you werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a defender, which other position Past or present? stop running for 90 minutes. And the last player would you love to play in? Have you ever played would have to be aguero, he's a natural goal scorThat's easy, it would have to be Carlos puyol, he in other positions during your time? er. had to be one of the best defenders ever and his The only position I would love to play in would leadership skills were next to none. What is the last thing you do before you walk out have to be up front, who doesn't like playing up onto the pitch prior to kick off? front? When I started playing football I started as Who would you say has been the best opposition We always have last minute preparations before a striker but as I've grown up I've got further back to come to Cammell Laird this season, and who we head to the pitch talking about what we want on the field and ended up becoming a right back. has been the toughest to play against within your time here? from the game and how we are going to play and What is your favourite celebration when you get ready for the game! score a goal? What is the best celebration youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve There's been a load of good teams it would be hard to say, one of the hardest teams to play Prediction for the game? ever seen? against was Runcorn town, there a really good I'm hoping that we get the three points as we are I don't really celebrate when I score, I just do a team and there showing that by challenging to in need of a good three points. It should be a good little jump in the air. And the best celebration I've win the league. game and I'm looking forward to seen would have to be the robot done by peter Favourite ground that you have played at? crouch when he scored for England. We played at stalybridge in the Cheshire cup and the set up and ground were great.

OPPOSITION

H/A

SCORE

ATT

POS

PTS

COMP

LINEUP

AUGUST SAT 6TH AUG

MALTBY MAIN

15.00

0-1

FA CUP (EPR)

FLETCHER, RICO, CARROLL, PENSWICK, SEEAR, HALL, NOBLET, MCKENDRICK, RILEY, SEEAR, DAWSON

SAT 13TH AUG

1874 NORTHWICH

15.00

4-1

185

4TH

NWCFL

FLETCHER, RICO, CARROLL. PENSWICK, SEEAR, HALL, STYATE, NOBLET, R.SEEAR, TANSER, GIBSON

MON 15TH AUG

ATHERTON COLLEIRIES

19.45

1-1

182

1ST

NWCFL

FLETCHER, RICO, HIGHAM. PENSWICK, CARROLL, HALL, STAYTE, THORNBER, RILEY. DAWSON, GIBSON

SAT 20TH AUG

WEST DIDSBURY

15.00

2-3

105

FA CUP (PR)

FLETCHER, RICO, HIGHAM, PENSWICK, CARROLL, HALL, MCKENDRICK, NOBLET, THORNBER, DAWSON, R.SEEAR

TUE 23RD AUG

BOOTLE

19.45

4-3

4TH

NWCFL

FLETCHER, RICO. HIGHAM, PENSWICK, CARROLL, NOBLET, MCKENDRICK, GIBSON, B.SEEAR, R.SEEAR, DAWSON

SAT 27TH AUG

CONGLETON TOWN

15.00

3-2

10TH

NWCFL

SPEIGHT, RICO. HIGHAM, PENSWICK, CARROLL, NOBLET, MCKENDRICK, STATYE, GIBSON, TANSER, R.SEEAR

TUE 30TH AUG

AFC DARWEN

19.45

2-3

105

10TH

NWCFL

FLETCHER, RICO. HIGHAM, PENSWICK, CARROLL, HALL, GIBSON, NOBLET, TANSER. DAWSON, R.SEEAR

SAT 3RD SEP

HANSWORTH PARRMORE

15.00

2-5

105

FA CUP (1QR)

FLETCHER, RICO, HIGHAM, PENSWICK, CARROLL, HALL, THORNBER, MCKENDRICK, R. SEEAR, TANSER, B.SEEAR

TUE 6TH SEP

NELSON

19.45

4-3

13TH

NWCFL

FLETCHER, RICO, B.SEEAR, HALL, PENSWICK, CARROLL, MCKENDRICK, THORNBER, R.SEEAR. BUCHAN, DAWSON

SAT 10TH SEP

ALSAGER TOWN

15.00

2-1

FA VASE QR1

FLETCHER, RICO, B.SEEAR, CARROLL, PENSWICK, GIBSON, HALL, MCKENDRICK, HIGHAM, RILEY, TANSER

TUE 13TH SEP

PADIHAM

19.45

1-4

100

12TH

NWCFL

FLETCHER, STAYTE, B.SEEAR, PENSWICK, CARROLL, HALL, MCKENDRICK, THORNBER, BUCHAN, RILEY, GIBSON

SAT 17TH SEP

CAMMELL LAIRD 1907

15.00

1-3

10TH

NWCFL

FLETCHER. STAYTE, B.SEEAR, CARROLL, BAMBA, PENSWICK, NOBLET, TANSER, RILEY, DAWSON, BUCHAN

TUE 20TH SEP

BARNOLDSWICK TOWN

19.45

2-3

12TH

NWCFL

SPEIGHT, RICO, HIGHAM, CARROLL, PENSWICK, RILEY, KAY, STAYTE, BUCHAN, R.SEEAR, GIBSON

SAT 24TH SEP

MAINE ROAD

15:00

6-1

14TH

NWCFL

WOODS, RICO, B.SEEAR, BAMBA, CARROL, PENSWICK, RIELY, NOBLET, BUCHAN, R.SEEAR, DAWSON

SAT 1ST OCT

NEW MILLS

15.00

0-1

MACRON CUP R1

FLETCHER, RICO, HIGHAM, PENSWICK, BAMBA, HALL, THORNBER, B.SEEAR, STATYE, NOBLET, R.SEEAR

TUES 4TH OCT

WEST DIDSBURY

19.45

2-3

11TH

NWCFL

FLETCHER, RICO, BAMBA, PENSWICK, ALEXANDER, HALL, THORNBER, GIBSON, DAWSON, R.SEEAR, TANSER

SAT 8TH OCT

HANLEY TOWN

15.00

4-2

14TH

NWCFL

B.SEEAR, RICO. BAMBA, CARROLL, ALEXANDER, HALL, THORNBER, NOBLET, TANSER, DAWSON, R.SEEAR

TUES 11TH OCT

BARNOLDSWICK TOWN

19.45

2-4

11TH

NWCFL

FLETCHER, RICO, BAMBA, CARROLL, ALEXANDER, HALL, THORNBER, B.SEEAR, RILEY, DAWSON, R.SEEAR

SAT 15TH OCT

BARNTON

15.00

0-2

12TH

NWCFL

FLETCHER, RICO, BAMBA, CARROLL, ALEXANDER, HALL, THORNBER, B.SEEAR, RILEY, DAWSON, R.SEEAR

WED 19TH OCT

PADIHAM

19.45

1-0

129

13TH

NWCFL

FLETCHER, STATYE, BAMBA, CARROLL, ALEXNADER, HALL, B.SEEAR, THORNBER, DAWSON, R.SEEAR, NOBLET

SAT 22ND OCT

NELSON

15.00

0-0

16TH

NWCFL

FLETCHER, STATYE, BAMBA, CARROLL, ALEXANDER, HALL, B.SEEAR, THORNBER, DAWSON, BUCHAN, NOBLET

SAT 29TH OCT

IRLAM

15.00

1-1

16TH

NWCFL

FLETCHER, STATYE, HIGHAM, CARROLL, ALEXANDER, HALL, RICAHRDS, RILEY, R.SEEAR, BUCHAN, GIBSON

TUES 1ST NOV

ATHERTON COLLIERIES

19;45

3-4

130

16TH

NWCFL

FLETCHER, CARROLL, ROSSALL, HIGHAM, ALEXANDER, HALL, GIBSON, RICHARDS, RILEY, BUCHAN, DAWSON

SAT 5TH NOV

RUNCORN TOWN

15:00

1-6

125

16TH

NWCFL

FLETCHER, STATYE, ALEXANDER, ROSSALL, HIGHAM, HALL, GIBSON, B.SEEAR, RILEY, TANSER, DAWSON

TUE 8TH NOV

CHORLEY

19:45

1-2

LCC R2

FLETCHER, STATYE, ALEXANDER, ROSSALL, B,SEEAR, PENSWICK, HALL, GIBSON, NOBLET, RILEY, DAWSON

SAT 12TH NOV

HANLEY TOWN

15;00

4-4

16TH

NWCFL

FLETCHER, STATYE, BAMBA, ROSSALL, HIGHAM, PENSWICK, GIBSON, NOBLET, RICHARDS, RILEY, R.SEEAR

SAT 19TH NOV

RUNCORN LINNETS

15;00

4-3

290

16TH

NWCFL

FLETHCER, RICHARDS, HIGHAM, ALEXANDER, CARROLL, HALL, B.SEEAR, NOBLET, GIBSON, RILEY, R,SEEAR

SAT 26TH NOV

NEW MILLS

15:00

2-0

14TH

NWCFL

WOOOS, RICHARDS, HIGHAM, CARROLL, ALEXANDER, HALL, NOBLET, GIBSON, B,SEEAR, R,SEEAR, RILEY

SAT 3RD DEC

IRLAM

15:00

3-1

15TH

NWCFL

WOODS, RICHARDS, HIGHAM, HALL, CARROLL. ALEXANDER, NOBLET, GIBSON. R,SEEAR, RILEY, B.SEEAR

SAT 10TH DEC

AFC LIVERPOOL

15:00

5-4

15TH

NWCFL

WOODS, RICO, HIGHAM, CARROLL, ALEXANDER, PENSWICK, HALL, GIBSON, R.SEEAR, RILEY, DAWSON

SAT 17TH DEC

BOOTLE

15:00

2-0

109

15TH

NWCFL

HALL, CARROLL, BAMBA, ALEXANDER, ROSSALL, PENSWICK, B.SEEAR, DAWSON, NOBLET, RICO, HIGHAM

MON 26TH DEC

ASHTON ATHLETIC

15:OO

1-1

100

15TH

NWCFL

SMTIH,RICAHRDS,BAMBA,ROSSALL,CARROLL.GIBSON,B,SEEAR,PENSWICK,HIGHAM,NOBLET,DAWSON

SAT 31ST DEC

RUNCORN TOWN

1:00

1-1

174

16TH

NWCFL

GRIFFITH,CARROLL,BAMBA,HALL,ROSSALL,PENSWICK,RICO,THORNBER.DAWSON,B.SEEAR,HIGHAM

SAT 7TH JAN

CAMMELL LAIRD