OFFICIAL 40 PAGE MATCHDAY PROGRAMME OF SQUIRES GATE
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CLUB DIRECTORY & OFFICIALS CONTACT US Squires Gate Football Club School Road, Blackpool, FY4 5DS
Good afternoon, over the next week we welcome both Charnock Richard and Avro. I hope everyone has a great Christmas break and hopefully Gate can continue the fine run of form we have been on over the past month.
nearly picked up maximum points from them and climbed to 14th in the table.
Email: squiresgatefc@gmail.com
Website: www.squiresgatefc.co.uk Twitter: @squiresgatefc
Due to PrintIT being closed over Facebook: Squires Gate FC Christmas, we have had to put together a duo programme but I EXECUTIVE: hope both sets of fans enjoy the In December, we have faced some read! Chairman: John Maguire very strong teams and also had I hope you all enjoy the game, and Co-Chairman: Tony Jo our rearranged match against have a great Christmas! Treasurer: Mark Ashmore Winsford United but we have Jay Hayden, Programme Editor Secretary: John Maguire First Team Manager: Luke Evans Assistant Manager: Shane Hudson Director of Football: Jimmy Salthouse Physio: Lucy Gray Club President: Brian Addison
IN TODAY’S ISSUE 4
LUKE EVANS ON LIFE AT GATE
9
FROM THE ARCHIVE
10
VIEW FROM AWAY END
12
MACTHDAY CENTRE
14
GATE FIXTURES IN FULL
17
ABOUT AVRO
20
MATCHDAY CENTRE
23
NWCFL STATS
26
FROM THE ARCHIVE 1991-1992
28
MEET TYLER RUFUS
30
MACTH ACTION
32
GAMES OF THE DECADE PART 4
34
GROUNDHOPPING WITH FGIF
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ABOUT CHARNOCK RICHARDS
Committee: John Maguire, Mark Ashmore, Steve Bellamy, Brian Addison, Colin Smith, Karl Townson, Spencer Leader, Chris Chadwick, Nick Grindley, Tony Jo Media: Albert Cooper, Mark Ashmore Programme Editors : Jay Hayden, Dan Hayden
Gate Attendee: Jay Hayden Groundsman: Brian Addison, Steve Bellamy, Roy Bar: Denise Gibson and Chris Chadwick
NOTE: The words in this programme are NOT those of Squires Gate FC or Charnock or Avro FC, and facts and stats are as accurate as can be at the time of writing. 3
...ON LIFE AT SQUIRES GATE, HIS AIM FO First of all, what got you into football? What encouraged you to get into coaching and management? was interested in football from a very young age as my dad used to take me to games. I broke both my legs at the age of 24 and from that point on I had an idea that I would like to get in to the coaching and management side of the game. Which team did you support growing up? Did you own any football shirts?
I was and still am a Blackpool fan and went to most games on a Saturday. I still try to get to midweek games as and when I can. Growing up I liked collecting different shirts I think my favourite was a yellow Chelsea shirt with 9 Vialli on the back. Could you tell us a bit about your managerial style, and how you motivate your teams?
I believe that I have a direct style and try to score goals wherever possible. I demand hard work and I expect the lads to play with confidence. Upon meeting the lads we just asked them to believe in themselves and that we needed to go back to basics and work hard to grind out results and be hard to beat. Can you give us a brief insight into your career?
Previous to Squires Gate I was the manager of AFC Darwen and this was my first job in the North West Counties. Prior to that I held management roles at Lancaster City, Ashton Athletic, Wyre Villa and Poulton. Away from Squires Gate I am a scout at Manchester United for work. How do you get motivated for every game? How do you get your teams motivated? What is the last thing you do before you leave the dressing room? I tend to have a relaxed build up to games concentrating hard and making sure I leave no stone unturned. The same goes for the team I’m happy with a relaxed dressing room with music pumping and enjoying themselves before we get down to the important parts after the warm up. I always wish the players luck and tell them to do the same with each other.
How are you finding life at Squires Gate? What do you hope to achieve for the rest of the season? 4
I’m really enjoying the challenge. We knew how hard it was going to be but we have embraced it and got our hands dirty and I think we are now reaping the benefits. I would love to think that we can push on get away from relegation and if we finish in the top ten from taking over bottom then we have swam the channel.
Who do you think has been the toughest opposition to come to Gate during your time as manager? I really liked Irlam they stretched the play so much they made it hard for us. 1874 Northwich are probably the best side we have played so far though. They were very clinical and if you finish above them this season you will be promoted in my opinion.
What is your long term target for Squires Gate? I want to guide Squires Gate into the Evo Stik league and I feel this can be achieved
OR THIS SEASON & FOOTBALL MANAGER Do you have any matchday superstitions or rituals that you have to do before a game? I always wear shorts on the touch line. I am always the last one out of the dressing room and I have a picture of my boys Alfie and Charlie in my right boot. Which 3 teams will go up this season? From what I’ve seen. 1874, Irlam, Ashton Athletic.
Any grounds in the NWCFL you enjoy visiting?
first song on your playlist?
Josh Pollard’s music taste needs sorting out. I quite like the song Dance Monkey so that’d be first on mine I think. Which player gets fined the most? What is the highest fine a player can face? Matt Farnworth cannot move without getting fined, absolute nightmare. The highest fine is a weeks wages for not turning up to a club event.
Most embarrassing thing you have seen in the dressing Having been the reserve team manager and first team coach I room? love going back to Ashton Athletic it is a fantastic club and I love going back to see friends. I have to say Tyler Rufus’ initiation song was a little bit special. What is the best and worst game you have seen?
Are you a Football Manager or FIFA player?
The best game I’ve ever attended was the Blackpool v Yeovil I used to play Football Manager, but now it’s usually FIFA with 2007 play off final my best mate Keigan Parker was playing for my kids. Blackpool at the time and scored the winning goal. As for Any message for the home fans? worst game any that we lose always hurts. Thank you for a terrific welcome so far. Myself and the team Who is the best manager in the world at the moment? Do will continue to work hard and I hope that this journey is a you take any styles off them? successful one for us both. I believe the best are the ones at the top of the game: Guardiola and Klopp. As for my own influences I try and take little bits from managers I have worked with in the past. When you watch football on the TV, do often find yourself analysing what you would do differently? I try to watch all games with an open mind but I’m sure we all think we could do a better job from the comfort of our own living room.
What makes non league unique to you? I am always astounded by the constant effort and dedication of the volunteers that we visit at each individual club. You are manager of a 5 a side team. You can pick 2 Squires Gate players and 3 PL legends. Who makes your team? Jordan Gidley, Virgil Van Dijk, Josh Westwood, Kevin De Bruyne and Alan Shearer. Who has the worst music taste in the team? What is the 5
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Formed: 1933 Ground: Mossie Park Capacity: 1,000 Colours: Green Shirts with White Sleeves. Green Shorts, Grey Socks HONOURS: West Lancashire League Premier Division winners : 1997/98, 2002/03, 2008/09, 2011/12, 2012/13, 2013/14, 2014/15 Lancashire Amateur Shield winners : 1967/68, 2001/02, 2006/07, 2010/11, 2011/12 West Lancashire League Richardson Cup winners : 2001/02, 2003/04, 2013/14, 2014/15, 2015/16 Goldline Trophy winners : 2000/01, 2005/06 Northern Counties Senior Cup winners : 2012/13 The Hallmark Security League First Division Runners Up: 2016/17
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WE WELCOME CHARNOCK RICHARD In 1933 the Chorley Sunday League became the Chorley Alliance League and a Charnock Richard village team was entered, but on the outbreak of the Second World War the league and team were temporarily suspended. At the end of the War, in 1945, the Chorley Alliance League was reformed along with Charnock Richard F.C. The team proved to be a tremendous success, eventually winning the league title in the 1947-48 season, losing only two games, and scoring 107 goals. This success prompted them to try and run two teams, but they ran into difficulties and the club closed at the end of the 1948-49 season. In 1955, under the leadership of Ron Wilcox, the present club was reformed, and once again played in the Chorley Alliance League.
Following winning the Reserve Division championship in seasons 1996-97 and 1997-98, they completed a league and Houston Cup double in 2013-14, losing only one game in the entire season. The 2013-14 season was therefore one of the best ever seasons for the club in the West Lancashire League with both the 1st Team and Reserves completing league and cup doubles. The club has however kept its links with the Preston & District League (now renamed The Mid Lancashire League), they have an Academy team and Veterans team playing in that league. The Academy team caters for younger players making the step up into adult football.
The three senior teams are now referred to as the first team, In 1957 they moved to the Preston & District League, where Reserve team, and Academy team. A large number of junior they have spent most of their time, apart from a brief flirtation teams also play in the Mid Lancs Colts Junior Football League with the Bolton Combination. In the Preston & District League and the Central Lancashire Junior Football League, with a they were soon amongst the honours, beating English Electric youth team also playing in the Lancashire Sunday Football in 1957-58 to take the Guildhall Cup. Success also came in League. this competition in seasons 1963-64, 1968-69, and more The club moved to Mossie Close in Charter Lane in 1968, after recently in 1992-93. A number of league championships have playing elsewhere in the village, and the adjoining club house also come their way, including winning the Premier Division in was opened in 1988. A new ground has been developed on 1988-89. the opposite side of Charter Lane, known as Mossie Park,
The 1967-68 season saw the village team take the Lancashire Amateur Shield, beating Vickers Sports Club from Barrow after a replay. Further success came in the Shield in seasons 200102, 2006-07, 2010-11 and 2011-12. In 1993 the club moved to the West Lancashire League, and since then both the First and Second teams have gained promotion to the top division of their respective sections. They have also been successful in the West Lancashire League, winning the Premier Division Championship on seven occasions, in seasons 1997-98, 2003-04, 2008-09, 2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2014-15. They also won the Richardson Cup in 2001-02, 2003-04, 2013-14 and again in 2014-15.
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Numerous other honours have also come their way over the years including two recent Goldline Trophy victories at Bolton Wanderers Reebok Stadium ,the Wilf Carr Memorial Trophy in 2009, and the Northern Counties Senior Cup in 2012-13. The Reserve team have also been amongst the honours in the West Lancashire League.
which now stages West Lancashire League games, with the new changing rooms having been opened in July 2011. Charnock progressed to the North West Counties League in 2016-17 after finishing as runners-up in the West Lancashire League in the previous season and won promotion to the Premier Division of the NWCL in the first season when finishing runners up in Division 1.
Saturday 1st August 2015 / Charnock Richard 1 Fulwood Amateurs 2 / Attendance: 100 From the archive this week thegroundhog.blogspot, we go back to 2015 and one of the first games of the 2015/16 season in the Wilf Carr Memorial Trophy. After the disappointment of not finding the venue of Dunkerque v Amiens in Teteghem, it was back to dependable English football; with Sat Navs and mobile internet. We headed up the M6 for the Charity Shield of the West Lancs League – the Wilf Carr Memorial Trophy. This marks the ribbon cutting of the new West Lancs league season, with the current champions playing the winners of the Richardson Cup. Charnock Richard pace with man marking and hustling agogo. Chances were at actually won both these, so Fulwood, as cup finalists, formed a higher premium than 19 year old Porsche drivers’ insurance. the opposition. Something had to give and Charnock duly obliged by having Mossie Park is one of those rare grounds, lying below the step two players sent off in quick succession before the break for six radar, with floodlights and a stand. Rumour had it they’d reckless tackles. Going into half time it was 11 v 9 and the applied to the NWCL, but for now they’re current champions chance of a second half spectacle. and stalwarts of the well respected West Lancs league. They The second half was as fascinating as the first wasn’t. were founded in 1933, entered the West Lancs league in Underdogs Fulwood had a two man advantage; while a one 1993, which they have won seven times, including the last man advantage can often be fruitless, a two man advantage is three seasons straight. rarely wasted. Fulwood did dominate the half, but came up Charnock Richard itself is a very small village between against a brick wall in Charnock’s defence. They tried Preston and Wigan. It was founded in the 13th century by a everything to no avail, the hosts soaked up everything. The landowner called Richard, donating his name to distinguish it best moment of the match came on 65 when, after defending s from the nearby Heath Charnock. Most people have heard of (t)olidly for the first 20 minutes of the half, a hooked through it, but only in the Motorway Services sense of the name. For ball found Carl Grimshaw 30 yards from the Fulwood goal and me Charnock Richard services is up there in the Champions on side. He chose to whack it first time, a choice which League places of Services, alongside Toddington, Watford throughout all steps of football 99 times out of 100 results in a Gap, Membury and Hilton Park. throw in or the ball making orbit. Grimshaw’s strike formed a perfect parabola over the keeper and in to the net. Great The ground is in Charter Lane, just before you get to the scenes ensued and disbelief from the away bench. village centre. Car parks lay either side of the country lane,
with the clubhouse on the other side of the road. Four stick-like floodlights look down on the pitch, adorned by a filled-in surrounding board and modern stand. It’s a great venue, that wouldn’t be out of place a few leagues up the pyramid. It backs on to the cricket ground next door on the long side. Fulwood Amateurs, from Fulwood in Preston, were promoted from Division One last season, to join the West Lancs elite this year. With Charnock being thrice current champions, Fulwood were very much the underdogs today. The first half was lamentable, dire, abysmal. Both teams went at it with plenty of energy but little strategy. It was played at a ferocious
I was rooting for the nine men of Charnock to hold on, but just minutes from time a fast cross from the right was tapped in, and then minutes later a similar move was finished off from close range for 1-2. What started out as the stodgiest match ever turned out to be a bit of a thriller. It’d be good to see the hosts in the NWCL before long.
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Adam Donnellan
What got you into football, and more so Charnock Richard? What team did you support growing up? My dad, from as early as I can remember he took me and my brother to games whether it be Charnock Richard or Premier League games but we always watched Charnock when we could as we lived next to the pitch. Do you own any football shirts growing up? Who was your footballing idol growing up? I think there’s a very early photo of me in an Everton top but not sure why? I always used to get the latest rover kits, my idol was Tugay , he is the best player I have seen in the flesh. He could do anything. What were your expectations at the start of the season? How are you comparing to that so far this season? After Wezzy leaving and finding out my brother was taking over, I was slightly apprehensive about which players we would keep hold of but we have kept everyone and improved the squad, just staying in this league is a great achievement for us but on our day we can beat anyone with this squad. If we finish in the top 10, I will be happy. Do you remember the first game you attended, in general and for Charnock Richard? My first game I went to, which wasn’t Charnock Richard was Blackburn Rovers vs Coventry in 1997. It finished 0-0, Dion Dublin got sent off along with Jason Wilcox. I will always remember that game, I can’t really say what my first Charnock game was but I always remember going to the gold line finals at the Reebok and Shield finals at the LFA. What has been your most memorable Charnock moment? I have got two; 1. Matt Dawson’s equaliser against City of Liverpool in our first season in the NWC, that goal got us promotion and I have never seen our fans go mental like they did that night. 2. Grimmy’s last minute goal against Longridge back on Easter Monday in 2013, we were 3-2 down going into added time and he scored in the 94th minute and 97th minute to win us the league, he dived straight on me in the crowd. Best and worst game that you have seen? There’s lots of Charnock games I could mention but one that stands out was my best mate scoring against Vickerstown, he came in with a big reputation and I wanted him to prove all fans how good he was, he 10
smashed a goal in from 25 yards on the volley and everyone went mental, I was also on the bench that day doing the bucket Worst I could give you a mile long list of Blackburn games, but from a Charnock point of view I think it has to be a few years back when we needed to be win away at Slyne with Hest and it was torrential rain from start to finish. The game should have been abandoned and everything went wrong that day, Woodzy got sent off and we ended up losing which cost us the league. When the fixtures are announced, which fixture do you look out for first? Which teams do you hate visiting and playing? I hate playing Longridge, they just always seem to give us a game even back in the West Lancs when they didn’t have all their money they always seemed to get themselves up for us, the best away day is West Didsbury but unfortunately they got relegated. Any grounds you enjoy visiting? In NWCFL, and in general? Any clubs that have their own ground, nothing worse than going to teams who play on other teams grounds as they are soulless. What makes non league unique for you? After years of watching Blackburn home and away I became disillusioned with pro football and decided to start watching my home town club and it is the best decision I have ever made, just the whole day itself makes it unique. Drinking on the side of the pitch is obviously a massive bonus. Who has been the toughest opposition that you have faced in the time that you have supported the club? It was always Blackpool Wren Rovers but since we came to the NWC, definitely City of Liverpool. You can bring 3 PL players to the club on a free transfer. Who do you sign? Virgil Van Dijk, Kevin De Bruyne and Jamie Vardy You are the manager of a 5 a side team. You can pick 2 Charnock R players and 3 PL legends. Who makes your team? Friedel, Jaap Stam and Frank Lampard as my PL legends. My two CR players would be Andy Roberts and Carl Grimshaw. Prediction for the game? Obviously, I’m going for a comfortable Charnock Richard 4-0 win.
Ross O’Farrell Speaking to us from Charnock Richard this week is defender Ross O’Farrell. He gives us an insight into his career, what his most memorable game is and his embarrassing moment playing football.
derby, we were at home where a corner came in and I took it down at the edge of the box and hit it left footed into the top corner, and made it 2-0.
I’ve always been into football from a young age, and I played through junior football and high school. Growing up and even still I am a Man United supporter.
Do you have any matchday superstitions?
Best goal I have seen for us at Charnock was last year against First of all, what encouraged you to start playing football? Leek Town when Mark Woods crossed a ball into Grimshaw Who did you support growing up? who headed it from 18 yards and wrong footed the keeper.
Did you own any football shirts growing up? Who was your football idol? I had the new United shirt every season, going back as far as I can remember. My idol was David Beckham growing up, not that I was a winger but I just enjoyed watching his influence in a game that could turn just from a free kick. Can you give us a brief insight into your career?
I don’t have any superstitions, but I always have a pre match poo which has become a joke that everyone laughs about in the changing rooms. Who has the worst taste in music in your team? What is the first song on your pre match playlist? I have to say, everybody thinks I have the worst taste in the team as I listen to chilled songs and ballads when we travel away. The first song on my playlist to a game would be 2Pac Changes.
Well, I joined Charnock Richard at the age of 19 and started in what was the third team, and from then on I worked my way up through the reserve team to the first team around 6 years ago and I have been in the squad ever since.
What is your usual routine before an away game?
Do you remember your first game for Charnock Richard?
Most embarrassing moment for you playing football?
My first game was against Chipping FC, I played the game at centre back which was weird at the time as I had always wanted to play up front or on the wing. But Zet my manager at the time put me there and we won 3-1 I think. Then from then on I have stuck to that position even though I have played pretty much every position for the first team apart from keeper and striker.
Before an away game I usually get up, walk my dogs and then go get breakfast from the local shop. Scrambled egg on toast every time, that is all I do. Well, that will probably giving two penalties away in two minutes, luckily the opposition didn’t score either of them.
If you were to bring 3 PL players to Charnock Richard on a free transfer. Who would you sign? I’d pick Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford and Virgil Van Dijk. Just 3 solid players that turn up week in, week out.
Do you remember the first game you attended as a kid?
Prediction for the game?
It was a Preston North End game, I can’t remember who against.
I’m going to say a 3-1 win for Charnock Richard.
If you could pick any player in the world, past or present and in their prime to play alongside. Who would you pick? It has to be Paul Scholes. You are manager of a 5 a side team. You can pick 2 Charnock Richard players and 3 PL legends. Who makes your team? Nathan Fairhurst, Carl Grimshaw, Peter Schmeichel, Alan Shearer and David Beckham.
What has been the best goal you have ever scored, and the best one you have seen? The best goal I have scored was against Coppull in a local 11
A PREVIEW OF TODAY’S GAME SQUIRES GATE
CHARNOCK RICHARD
Going into the game against Charnock, Gate have not lost in their previous 4 games so it is going to be a very tough fixture.
Charnock go in to also on good form as they haven't lost in 6 games. They will also be hoping they can keep this going into the Christmas and New Year games.
Gary Pett will be returning to give Gate a boost.
With some tough fixtures coming up for Charnock, they will want to pick up as many points as possible.
GATE FORM GUIDE
CHARNOCK RICHARD FORM GUIDE
WON 3-2
LOST 3-0
WON 3-2
WON 2-1
DREW 3-3
WON 3-1
WON 2-0
WON 2-0
WON 4-0
WON 5-2
09/11/19
23/11/19
30/11/19
07/12/19
14/12/19
17/12/19
19/11/19
23/11/19
30/11/19
04/12/19
07/12/19
14/12/19
League
League
League
League
League
League
League
League
League
League
League
League
DREW 2-2 DREW 1-1
LAST TIME OUT CHARNOCK RICHARD 5
2 SQUIRES GATE
Fairhurst (20) Carsley (48) O.G(58) Grimshaw (69,73p)
Seear (52,81)
Monday 22nd April 2019 / Mossie Park / Attendance: 110 The opening goal in the game came for Charnock. A simple ball down the middle was flicked into the path of Nathan Fairhurst who poked the ball past Povey. Gate came close thereselves just before the break in a good position just outside the box, Gary Pett lines up a freekick but it was fired straight at the keeper. The homeside again looked sharper at the start of the second half and doubled their lead. A cross from the right hand side was headed in at the back post by Troy Carsley. Gate got a goal back a couple of minutes later through Ric Seear. He was found through Gary Pett who burst down the right hand side before crossing to the back post to find Seear. The striker kept his composure to wriggle in between to defenders before slotting past the keeper. In a hectic second half, the homeside then grabbed another goal. Dan Gray the unfortunate player to get the last touch to block Carl Grimshaw’s shot but sadly the ball flew over Max Povey and into the goal. Grimshaw was again involved in the 70th minute when he got himself on the scoresheet. The man who scored a hatrick earlier in the season against Gate controlled the ball well in the box before firing past Povey. Just three minutes later and Grimshaw was again on the scoresheet. Povey with no choice but to bring the striker down, he stepped up and converted from the spot. Gate did get themselves another goal to spare their blushes when Ric Seear got his second of the game. A slip in the Charnock back four was capitalised on by the striker who kept his composure to fire across goal and score.
GATE v CHARNOCK HEAD TO HEAD
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Played
Gate Wins
Draws
Charnock Wins
Gate Goals
Charnock Goals
Highest Score
4
1
0
3
7
14
CR 5-2 SG
30%
0%
75%
1.75 GPG
3.5 GPG
22/04/19
13
AUGUST
H A
3
RUNCORN TOWN
A
2-1
6
BURSCOUGH
H
0-1
25 ASHTON ATHLETIC FEBRUARY
10 WEST DIDSBURY (FAC)
H
1-2
1
RYLANDS
A
17 WINSFORD UNITED
A
5-2
8
LITHERLAND REMYCA
H
20 PADIHAM
A
1-2
15 BARNOLDSWICK TOWN
H
26 BARNOLDSWICK TOWN
A
2-2
29 BURSCOUGH
A
31 WHICKHAM (FA VASE)
A
1-2
MARCH
SEPTEMBER 7
BOOTLE
H
2-4
14 W. A CELTIC (FA VASE 2Q)
H
1-4
24 LANCASTER CITY (LCT 1)
H
1-6
28 AVRO OCTOBER
A
3-2
5
H
1-5
12 1874 NORTHWICH
H
0-4
15 NORTHWICH VICS
H
2-1
19 EMLEY AFC (MACRON CUP)
A
2-1
23 LITHERLAND REMYCA
A
0-0
29 HANLEY TOWN
H
1-2
IRLAM
NOVEMBER
7 RUNCORN TOWN
H
14 HANLEY TOWN
A
21 PADIHAM
H
APRIL 2
1874 NORTHWICH
A
16 LONGRIDGE TOWN
H
23 CHARNOCK RICHARD
A
30 IRLAM
A
TEAM
P
PTS
GD
1
1874 Northwich
18
44
33
2
Charnock Richard
20
38
17
3
Longridge Town
15
36
17
4
Irlam
15
34
19
5
Bootle
16
32
10
6
Rylands
15
31
16
2
ASHTON ATHLETIC
H
0-4
5
WHITCHURCH ALPORT
A
3-2
9
CONGLETON TOWN
A
2-3
23 RYLANDS
H
0-3
7
Whitchurch Alport
18
29
7
30 NORTHWICH VICS
A
2-3
8
Ashton Athletic
17
27
15
9
Avro
19
26
-2
10
Northwich Vics
17
24
11
11
Winsford United
19
24
-3
DECEMBER 7
14
18 SKELMERSDALE
CONGLETON TOWN
H
2-1
14 SKELMERSDALE
A
3-3
12
Runcorn Town
15
22
0
17 WINSFORD UNITED
H
3-1
13
Barnoldswick Town
18
21
-8
21 CHARNOCK RICHARD
H
14
Squires Gate
20
21
-16
26 LONGRIDGE TOWN
A
15
Congleton Town
16
18
-2
28 AVRO JANUARY
H
16
Hanley Town
17
16
-15
17
Padiham
19
15
-20
18
Skelmersdale United
18
14
-9
4 BOOTLE
A
19
Burscough
19
12
-29
11 WHITCHURCH ALPORT
H
20
Lihterland Remyca
17
9
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Squires Gate FC would like to offer a warm welcome to today’s Match Sponsors All Aspects Plumbing and Heating. We hope Darren and family enjoy the game against Charnock Richard and thank them for there support over the past couple of seasons.
With over 25 years industry experience, we’d highly recombined Darren and his team who have helped the club in the past with fixing the showers. They’re Gas Safe Registered and Water Safe Approved. Contact them on 07816 771255. if like All Aspects you’d like to support the club by sponsoring a game, please get in touch on 07895 539194 and speak to Mark Ashmore for more information.
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Assistant Referees
P
G
P
Jordan GIDLEY Jacob DAVIES
Jacob HIGHAM
Ben ASCROFT Referee Alan Bennett
Luke Holden
Ryan DODD Dean ING Matthew FARNWORTH Josh POLLARD
Mark WOODS Assistant Referee
Tyler RUFUS Jack ILEY
Nathan FAIRHURST
Jonathan Chadwick
Carl GRIMSHAW (C)
UP NEXT AT HOME…
Jordan DARR
AVRO
Daniel REGAN
28th December 2019
Oliver OXLEY Ross O’FARRELL
Other fixtures Ashton Athletic v Irlam Avro v Rylands
Oliver TURNER Owen MORRIS
Barnoldswick Town v 1874 Northwich
Aaron GRIFFITH
Burscough v Bootle
Jack BENNETT
Longridge Town v Hanley Town Padiham v Northwich Vics Runcorn Town v Congleton Town Whitchurch Alport v Skelmersdale United Winsford United v Litherland REMYCA
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Matthew DAVISON
Aran Hodgkinson
Sam STAUNTON-TURNER Gary PETT
James WALKER
Ashley YOUNG
Josh WESTWOOD
James BOYD
Spencer BIBBY
Lewis HAYDOCK
Cameron GOURLEY
Robert PARKER
G
Formed: 1936 Ground: Vestacare Stadium Capacity: Colours: Blue and Black Shirt, White Shorts, White Socks
HONOURS: Manchester Football League Premier Division Champions: 2009/10, 2017/18 First Division Champions: 1988/89, 2003/04 Manchester FA County Cup 1939/40, 1940/41, 1955/56, 1987/88, 1993/94, 2008/09, 2010/11, 2011/12, 2014/15, 2017/18 (record 10 times winners) The North West Counties Football League First Division North Runners Up 2018/19.
17
WE WELCOME AVRO hub of the local community and also shared now with Oldham RLFC.
The history of Avro begins in the years just before the start of the Second World War . A.V.Roe established an aircraft factory at Chadderton, which was situated in fields at the end of Moston Lane in North Manchester. The factory would become the home of the famous ‘Dambusters’ aircraft – the Avro Lancaster, as well as the famous Cold War ‘V’ bomber the Avro Vulcan. A.V Roe purchased a smaller factory in Failsworth, where the Failsworth Lodge was also located. 1936 saw the 16th century Lodge purchased by the AVRO works manager Mr Roy Dobson prior to the company opening their main Chadderton factory. In 1950, the Lodge was opened up to all personnel of Avro and took on the Lancaster Club name. The Grade II listed Lancaster Club then became the clubs headquarters for the next 67 years. We joined the Manchester League in 1954/5 season and competed regularly throughout the sixties and seventies. We finally won the Division 1 Championship in 1988/89 and re-established our junior teams, but lasted just three seasons in the Premier Division before being relegated in 1991/92. We again won Division 1 in 2003/04 and promotion to the Premier Division, but we were again relegated after three seasons in 2006/07. We bounced back immediately and were back in the Premier Division in 2008/09, where we have been ever since. There followed a period of success with us capturing the Manchester League Premier Division title in in 2009/10, and retaining it the following year in 2010/11, but losing the second title with a points deduction By this time Oldham Council had bought the Lancaster Club land from Oldham Athletic FC who had purchased it as part of a plan to build a new stadium on the site, which never materialised. After a lot of hard work and lots of meetings on the part of our Chairman Rob Fuller, we were granted a lease on the former Whitebank Stadium in Limehurst Village, Oldham. Again, after an enormous amount of work to bring it up to standard, this has become our new home ground. The Vestacare Stadium, a 18
In Summer 2017 the new management team of Lee O’Brien and James Hampson took over and along with 1st team coach Paul Armstrong and goalkeeping coach Paul Urbano they led the team to Manchester League Premier Division title, and the Manchester FA County Cup in their first season. The move to the new stadium has allowed the club to pursue its ambitions of Step 6 football in the North West Counties Football League, which were finally realised in May as we were promoted into NWCFL Div 1 North on the back of the double win. Our first season in NWCFL ended successfully as we achieved back to back promotions, finishing runners-up in the First Division North and so securing promotion to the NWCFL Premier Division at the first time of asking. Success was also achieved in the cups, reaching the Macron Cup Semi-Final and the First Division Cup Final as well as a run to the 3rd Round Proper of the FA Vase. We are all looking forward to making new friends in the Premier Division and testing ourselves against the very best teams in the NWCFL week in and week out.
Saturday 7th March 2018 / Avro 3 Heyside 1 / Attendance: 55
Also from the groundhog blog, we take an article from his visit It is a tidy stadium and will easily grace the new-fangled to Avro for their game with Heyside at the start of 2018. NWCL next season. I don’t have an issue with ‘plastic’ pitches anymore. “Oldham, famously the ‘home of the tubular bandage’, as it proudly claimed in large letters on the railway bridge outside Oldham Mumps Station. Home town of Professor Brian Cox, the theoretical physicist, presenter of science documentaries and some excellent books. Also home to AVRO FC, who will be playing in the North West Counties League next season. I chose to get a sneak preview of them while still in the Manchester League, as they have a 4G pitch and rain threatened to cancel of lot of other games. As it turned out hardly any games were postponed. This was after a decimation of the fixture list last Monday, where 90% of games in the North were postponed. Since then more rain had fallen on already waterlogged pitches, but weirdly nearly all games were now on?
AVRO are top by miles of the Manchester League and have only dropped two points all season (1-1 at home to East Manchester). Their ground is the Whitebank Stadium, built in 1992 and home to Oldham Rugby League side; it was also home to now defunct NWCL side Oldham Boro between 19922012. It has a main stand above the pitch on the top right of the long side of the ground, as you come in.
The quality has improved enormously since the 90s and nearby Oldham Athletic’s unreasonably bouncy plastic pitch, which was nothing like grass. What with another season of interminably checking twitter feeds for postponements, seemingly every week, it is nice to have that aspect of the matchday taken care of. The problem is exacerbated by increasingly tentative refs, some of whom postpone a game based on mild dew on the grass, and the climate going through a particularly sodden decade – this combination will ensure extensions to league seasons or ridiculous schedules in April. The visitors today were fifth placed Heyside, although they may as well have been in a different division, such was the gulf in class. It could be that I wasn’t in the mood for football, but I found the game quite dull. AVRO were a class above Heyside, but a combination of Heyside packing the defence and AVRO not being clinical enough meant the scoreline was never going to be huge. Heyside’s consolation was the last kick of the game.
It’s elevation of around five foot gives good views and it comprises three rows of around 65 seats. Behind the goal as you come in is some terracing, with a small covered terrace in the near right with a further 18 seats in six blocks of three. 19
A PREVIEW OF TODAY’S GAME SQUIRES GATE
AVRO
This is the first ever meeting between the two sides at The Brian Addison Stadium, and despite losing the return match, Gate will feel they have unfinished business.
Avro come into todays on the back of 2 wins and will be looking to keep points coming in to help them keep up with the 3 teams at the top and they could be contenders for back to back promotion. Avro beat Gate 3-2 in the earlier fixture this season and they be looking to do double over Gate today
GATE FORM GUIDE
AVRO FORM GUIDE
WON 3-2
LOST 3-0
WON 3-2
WON 2-1
DREW 3-3
WON 3-1
09/11/19
23/11/19
30/11/19
07/12/19
14/12/19
17/12/19
02/11/19
League
League
League
League
League
League
League
DREW 2-2 LOST 2-1
WON 2-0
LOST 7-2
WON 2-0
WON 3-1
16/11/19
23/11/19
30/11/19
03/12/19
07/12/19
League
League
League
League
League
TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE AVRO 2
1 SQUIRES GATE
Wallwork 12 Stockdale
Egidi 57
Saturday 3rd November 2018 / Vestacare Stadium/ Attendance: 110 The homeside took the lead 12 minutes into the first half. With Gate down to ten men due to Riccardo Egidi changing his shorts, the homeside struck taking advantage. Winger Kane Wallwork firing last Ben Fletcher to open the scoring. Newly appointed player/assistant manager Joe Booth came close to levelling the game just minutes later when he and Brett Dawson linked up. Booth’s shot though was straight at the keeper. Avro came close again in a fast opening 20 minutes. They struck the post from a freekick before firing over from the rebound. Gate’s best chance of the first 20 minutes came from striker Riccardo Egidi. Still looking for his first goal for the club, Egidi was denied by a fine save when he headed Adam Sumner’s freekick towards goal, only to be denied by a fine save. Avro doubled their lead in frustatring fashion from a Gate point of view. From the corner the biggest man on the pitch was left unmarked to head in past Fletcher to make it 2-0. Gate were gifted a lifeline in the game when an Avro midfielder was sent off! The referee judging that Louis Potts had put his head towards Joey Mullen. Gate had a shuffle round in personal at half time with Dean Ing coming on for Andy Richards with Joey Mullen moving to right back. It was Mullen who came close on 57 minutes when an Avro clearance came out to him but he fired over with a first time effort. A minute later and Gate would get on the scoresheet. Striker Riccardo Egidi opening his account for the club when he headed in Adam Sumner’s cross. Gate had plenty of possession in the game but just didn’t test the home keeper enough. A lovely 8 pass move created a chance for Ryan Riley, but his shot was straight at the keeper. Gate had a late chance for a freekick on the edge of the box, but Adam Sumner’s strike was straight at the keeper who saved well, Gate couldn’t convert the corner. Late into the last five minutes of normal time, the homeside saw another player dismissed. This time the goal scorer Mike Stockdale was sent off for a second yellow
GATE v AVRO HEAD TO HEAD
20
Played
Gate Wins
Draws
Avro Wins
Gate Goals
Avro Goals
Highest Score
1
0
0
1
1
2
AVR 2-1 SG
0%
0%
100%
1 GPG
2 GPG
03/10/18
21
22
FACTS & FIGURES FROM THE PREMIER DIVSION MOST CLEAN SHEETS
HIGHEST ATTENDANCES
MOST 2ND HALF GOALS
G. McCall (Rylands)
5
1874 v Winsford
403
Irlam
23
B. Barnes (Skem Utd)
4
Bootle v 1874
351
1874 Northwich
19
A. Reid (Runcorn Town)
3
Whitchurch v Hanley
333
Charnock Richard
16
D. Taberner (N.Vics)
2
N. Vics v Burscough
310
Whitchurch Alport
16
A. Woolrich (Hanley Town)
2
Whitchurch v Congleton
294
Northwich Vics
15
MOST CARDS (Y / R)
TOP SCORERS (ALL)
HIGHEST SCORES
Padiham
41 38 / 3
Paul Turner (LON)
29
REMYCA v 1874
0-9
Lither’ REMYCA
40 33 / 7
Carl Grimshaw (CHA)
23
Winsford v Gate
5-4
Avro
38 34 / 4
Sam McGowan (1874)
20
Bootle v Avro
7-2
Barnoldswick Town 36 31 / 5
Jake Parker (1874)
18
N. Vics v REMYCA
8-0
Skelmersdale Utd
Daniel Cope (CON)
15
REMYCA v Ashton Ath
1-7
36 33 / 3
GATE v AVRO v CHARNOCK: LEAGUE GOALS IN MINUTES 7 6 5 4 3 2
1
0-10
11-20
WHERE TO SEE GOALS 1 Congleton Town
38
2 Charnock Richard
35
3 Squires Gate
34
4 Winsford United
33
5 Avro
31
6 Northwich Victoria
27
7 Rylands
27
8 Irlam
25
9 Runcorn Town
24
10 Ashton Athletic
24
21-30
31-40
41-45
46-50
51-60
61-70
FORM TABLE (Last 6)
71-80
81-89
90+
GATE TOP SCORERS
1 1874 Northwich
16
James Boyd
10
2 Rylands
15
Dean Ing
9
3 Charnock Richard
14
Riccardo Egidi
5
4 Runcorn Town
13
Jack Illey
3
5 Longridge Town
13
Josh Westwood
2
FORM TABLE (LAST 6)
GATE MOST APPS
16 Whitchurch Alport
5
Jake Higham
22
17 Congleton Town
4
Sam Staunton-Turner
22
18 Padiham
4
James Boyd
21
19 Winsford United
1
Josh Pollard
21
20 Hanley Town
1
Dean Ing
20
23
PREMIER DIVISION, THE BRIAN ADDISON STADIUM, 17.12.19 SQUIRES GATE Boyd 16,69p,80p
GATE 1
Jordan Gidley
2
Cameron Gourley
3
Jacob Higham
4
Sam Staunton-Turner
5
Luke Holden
6
Joshua Westwood
7
Ryan Riley
8
Joshua Pollard
9
Gary Pett
10
Dean Ing
11
James Boyd
3-1
Att: 36
WINSFORD UTD Da Silva 9
The game was a rearranged clash from earlier in the season, which Gate had led 4-0 until the 75th minute when the floodlights failed and couldn’t be fixed. he visitors made a bright start to the game but Gate had Jordan Gidley to thank in the opening minutes when he was alive to save. The visitors opened the scoring in the 9th minute when Wealth Da Silva placed the ball past Jordan Gidley. Gate soon equalised when James Boyd broke through the middle of the pitch and drove the ball past the Winsford Gates second of the game came when Dean Ing was fouled in the box, the referee with the choice but to point to the spot. James Boyd then stepped up and fired in the penalty for his and Gate’s second of the game. Ing was again involved and again won Gate a penalty when he was elbowed in the face inside the box. Like the previous spotkick James Boyd made no mistake to beat the keeper from the spot for a quick fire double for Gate.
WINSFORD UTD 1
Michael Langley
2
Andrew Hackett
3
Nathan Cotterell
4
Sean Sherwood
5
Daniel Thomas
6
Jack Lever
7
Samuel Marshall
8
Matthew Coughlan
9
Brian Matthews
10
Ryan Pickford
11
Wealth Da Silva
Pic by Albert Cooper
Pic by Albert Cooper
Pic by Albert Cooper 24
25
A LOOK BACK TO 1991/92 RESULTS - 21 DECEMBER 1991 Cheslea
4
0
Oldham
Sheff Wed
2
0
Wimbledon
C
Leeds United
Liverpool
2
2
Man City
2
Arsenal
4
2
Everton
West Ham
1
1
Port Vale
1
Brighton
PTS
GD
42
37
82
Manchester United
42
30
78
3
Sheffield Wednesday
42
13
75
Sheff Utd
4
Arsenal
42
34
72
1
Wolves
5
Manchester City
42
13
70
3
4
Millwall
6
Liverpool
42
7
64
Bristol Rovers
3
2
Bristol City
7
Aston Villa
42
4
60
Sunderland
1
0
Portsmouth
8
Nottingham Forest
42
2
59
Birmingham
3
1
Fulham
9
Sheffield United
42
2
57
Shrewsbury
1
1
Bury
10 Crystal Palace
42
-8
57
Blackpool
1
0
Carlisle
11 Queens Park Rangers
42
1
54
Halifax
1
1
Maidstone
12 Everton
42
1
53
13 Wimbledon
42
0
53
14 Chelsea
42
-10
53
15 Tottenham Hotspur
42
-5
52
16 Southampton
42
-16
52
FA CUP FINAL 1992 Liverpool
2
0
Sunderland
DID YOU KNOW?
TEAM
P
19 July ‘91
Liverpool pay £2.9m for Dean Saunders from Derby County, breaking the national transfer record.
17 Oldham Athletic
42
-4
51
30 July ‘91
The FA confirm the Premier League will be formed next season.
18 Norwich City
42
-16
45
19 Coventry City
42
-9
44
10 August ‘91
League champions Arsenal, and Spurs share the Charity Shield after a 0-0 draw.
20 Luton Town
42
-32
42
21 Notts County
42
-22
40
22 West Ham United
42
-22
38
11 September ‘91 A year into his reign as England manager. Graham Taylor sees his national team lose to Germany. 14 September ‘91 Ian Wright features for Crystal Palace in a 4-1 loss to Arsenal.
13 November ‘91 England secure their place in the European Champ finals after a 1-1 draw in Poland.
26
DIVISION ONE 1991/92
1 February ‘92
Eric Cantona agrees to join Leeds.
8 February ‘92
Kevin Keegan gets his managerial career off to a good start as Newcastle beat Bristol City 3-0
25 March ‘92
Aldershot go out of business and are forced out of the Football League.
7 April ‘92
Ryan Giggs scores in the Manchester derby, which finishes 1-1.
9 June ‘92
Tony Pulis replaces Redknapp at Bournemouth
A LOOK BACK TO 1992/93 RESULTS - 26 DECEMBER 1992
PREMIER LEAGUE 1992/93
Chelsea
1
1
Southampton
Sheff Wed
3
3
Man United
C
Manchester United
Blackburn
3
1
Leeds
2
Norwich
0
0
Tottenham
Coventry
3
0
Crystal Palace
2
Arsenal
PTS
GD
42
36
84
Aston Villa
42
17
74
3
Norwich City
42
-4
72
Aston Villa
4
Blackburn Rovers
42
22
71
0
Wimbledon
5
Queens Park Rangers
42
8
63
0
0
Ipswich
6
Liverpool
42
7
59
Everton
2
2
Middlesbrough
7
Sheffield Wednesday
42
8
59
Man City
2
0
Sheff Utd
8
Tottenham
42
-6
59
Newcastle
2
1
Wolves
9
Manchester City
42
5
57
Southend
1
2
Watford
10 Arsenal
42
2
56
Blackpool
3
3
Bradford
11 Chelsea
42
-3
56
Grimsby
4
2
Barnsley
12 Wimbledon
42
1
54
13 Everton
42
-2
53
14 Sheffield United
42
1
53
15 Coventry City
42
-5
53
16 Ipswich Town
42
-5
52
17 Leeds United
42
-5
51
18 Southampton
42
-7
50
FA CUP FINAL 1993 REPLAY Arsenal
2
1
Sheffield Wednesday (AET)
DID YOU KNOW?
TEAM
P
6 July ‘92
Liverpool sign David James from Watford for £1m
21 July ‘92
Spurs sign Neil Ruddock for £750k
19 Oldham Athletic
42
-11
49
28 July ‘92
Alan Shearer signs for Blackburn Rovers from Southampton, for a record £3.5m
20 Crystal Palace
42
-13
49
31 July ‘92
Coca Cola becomes the sponsor of the FL Cup
21 Middlesbrough
42
-21
44
15 August ‘92
The FA Premier League begins, Brian Deane scores the first goal in a 2-1 home win.
22 Nottingham Forest
42
-21
40
16 August ‘92
Sky Sports broadcast their first game, as Teddy Sheringham scores the only goal.
29 September ‘92 United are knocked out of the UEFA Cup by Torpedo Moscow 26 November ‘92 Manchester United sign Eric Cantona from Leeds for £1.2m 19 December ‘92 Coventry thrash Liverpool 5-1 at Highfield Road 12 February ‘93
Newcastle sign Andy Cole from Bristol City for £1.75m.
19 April ‘93
Ipswich Town end Norwich’s hopes of winning the league as they beat them 3-1 26
Speaking to The Gate this week, is midfielder Tyler Rufus.
If I was given the DJ role before the game, I would whack on a First of all, what encouraged you to start playing football? bit of Travis Scott or Rich the Kidd. But I can be a versatile DJ too and might switch it up with some house music. The worst Who did you support growing up? music taste goes to Jake, as he is stuck in 2012. Seeing David Beckham play on TV for Manchester United was What do you usually do before a game to prepare? a moment as a child that I decided that I would be interested in football, and my passion for the game grew from that moment Before a game I usually listen to my favourite music on the on really. way to the ground, and think what I can do in the match to do well and I try and vision scenarios in my head and what I Who was your footballing idol as a kid? would do in each one of those scenarios on the pitch. My footballing idols are Zlatan Ibrahimovic and David Villa. You can bring 3 PL players to Gate, on a free transfer. They are both great strikers, and two of my all time favourites. Who do you sign? Can you give us a brief insight into your career? Well, it has to be Raheem Sterling, Kevin De Bruyne and Virgil I started playing for Bolton Wanderers at the age of 12 until I Van Dijk. For obvious reasons, I don’t think any club in this was 14, and then I was a scholar for Blackpool FC until I was division would pick anyone else to sign and they would be a 18. Shortly after my spell at Blackpool, I went out to the north very welcome addition for any team. of Sweden where I played for Boden BK. Do you remember your first game playing football? I started my first football team when I was about 4, and I do remember my parents telling me that I had to try and score in the opponents net. What was the first game you attended as a fan?
It was Bolton Wanderers vs Inter Milan, I can’t remember the score though. If you could pick any player in the world to play alongside, past or present and in their prime. Who would you pick If I could pick any player in the world, at this moment, it would be Neymar without a doubt. His football brain and intelligence is crazy so I can only imagine that playing alongside him would be unreal. What is the best goal you have ever seen? The best goal I have seen would have to be Ibrahimovic’s goal against England for Sweden. An overhead kick from near the halfway line, which beat Joe Hart and I think it was a crucial goal where Sweden won the game too. That has to go down as the best goal ever. You are DJ before the game, what is the first song on your playlist? Who has the worst music taste? 28
29
PREMIER DIVISION, THE BRIAN ADDISON STADIUM, 07.12.19 SQUIRES GATE BOYD 67 RILEY 90+3
GATE 1
Jordan Gidley
2
Matt Farnworth
3
Jake Higham
4
Sam Staunton-Turner
5
Cameron Gourley
6
Joshua Westwood
7
Ryan Riley
8
Josh Pollard
9
Jack Iley
10
Dean Ing
11
James Boyd
2-1 ATT: 31
CONGLETON BRISLEN 90
Manager Luke Evans welcomed back Josh Westwood into the defence in place of Ryan Dodd who dropped to the bench. The first half was a fairly even affair between the two sides with Gate seeing more of the ball, but the visitors looking dangerous on the break. Gate then saw a goal line clearance from the visitors from a Gate freekick as Luke Evans men got closer and closer. It was James Boyd who continued his fine form to put Gate in front. Congleton couldn’t clear the ball with Boyd moving it quickly and beating the keeper. It looked like Gate were all set for an important freekick but the visitors weren’t to be beaten easily. Defender Kieron Brislen popping up to equalise for Congleton. That looked to be that until late into added time Congleton were reduced to ten men for a late challenge on Dean Ing on the edge of the box. From the resulting freekick, Ryan Riley stepped up curling the freekick past the keeper to win the game for Gate.
CONGLETON 1
Ben Chapman
2
Paul Connor
3
Ricky Bridge
4
Kieron Brislen
5
Thomas Morris
6
Joshua Ryder
7
Kyle Diskin
8
Jonathan Beaumont
9
Daniel Cope
10
Arron Johns
11
Paul Speed
Report by Mark Ashmore
Pic by Albert Cooper
Pic by Albert Cooper
Pic by Albert Cooper
Pic by Albert Cooper 30
PREMIER DIVISION, 14.12.19 SKELMERSDALE Adebengro (52) Clone-Davies (59,80) SKELMERSDALE UTD 1
Ben Barnes
2
Joe Herbert
3
Alex Griffiiths
4
Khalil Osi-Efa
5
Daniel Murphy
6
Jordan Tyrer
7
Jack Grimshaw
8
Marvin Molyneux
9
Josh Clone-Davies
10
Tom Croughan
11
Emini Adegbenro
3-3
SQUIRES GATE Riley (19), Boyd (27), Pollard (35)
Gary Pett making his second debut for the club. After a good spell from the homeside, Gate broke through James Boyd but the return pass from Dean Ing caught him offside. Ing was then fouled on the edge of the box with the referee awarding a freekick. From that freekick Ryan Riley stepped up to fire into the top corner leaving the home keeper stranded. Not content enough with his goal, Ryan Riley was back involved when he set up team mate James Boyd on 27 minutes for Gate’s second of the afternoon. As quick as Gate made it two, it was soon 3-0. He took his time on the edge of the box before picking his spot which the keeper couldn’t keep hold off with the ball going through his hands. To say it was a game of two halves would be an understatement with the homeside blowing Gate away in the second half.Emini Adegbenro nipping in at the back post unmarked to grab a goal back from the homeside. Just seven minutes later and Skem were in again. Joshua Clone-Davis beating the offside trap and slotting the ball past Jordan Gidley. Despite a few half chances for Gate, it was Skem who found the equaliser. A long ball forward from the keeper bounced in front of Gate’s defence with Klein-Davis nipping in for his second of the game.
GATE 1
Jordan Gidley
2
Ryan Dodd
3
Jacob Higham
4
Sam Staunton-Turner
5
Cameron Gourley
6
Joshua Westwood
7
Ryan Riley
8
Joshua Pollard
9
Gary Pett
10
Dean Ing
11
James Boyd
Pic by Albert Cooper
Pic by Albert Cooper
Pic by Albert Cooper
31
PART FOUR As the decade draws to a close, at Squires Gate, Dan Hayden looks back on some of the best games of the decade. In part four, we have a look at some of the Premier League’s most entertaining games. A decade which has seen Blackpool play in the Premier League, Leicester go from being relegation favourites to winning the title as 5000/1 winners, and we have seen the demise of clubs like Bolton, Blackburn and Charlton who continue to play in the lower leagues of the English pyramid. We will be counting down the top 5 games of the decade, which have some thrillers, some high scoring derbies and some unbelievable comebacks.
5. LEICESTER 3 EVERTON 1 7 May 2016, KingPower Stadium The party had started in Leicester, as they had won the league during the week thanks to Chelsea holding Spurs to a draw. The atmosphere was in party mode, and so were the team as the 5000/1 winners went on to claim their title through a 3-1 win over Everton. In form Jamie Vardy added to his season tally, after just 5 minutes on the clock. Andy King doubled the champions lead. A late Mirallas goal wasn’t enough, as Leicester were officially crowned Premier League champions.
Possibly the shock of the decade so far.
4. WEST BROM 5 MAN UNITED 5 19 May 2013, The Hawthorns Sir Alex Ferguson was in charge for his 1,500th and final game at Manchester United but was denied a win thanks to Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku. United raced into a 3-0 lead, and looked as if they were comfortable in the game. Kagawa, Buttner and an own goal gave them the advantage. However, West Brom reduced the deficit before United restored it. Goals from Hernandez and Van Persie weren’t enough to secure the 3 points in Sir Alex Ferguson’s last game. A game with everything. 32
3. 13 May 2013, Vicarage Road I know I have done Premier League games up to now, but this game has became famous in recent years because of the final minutes of the game. For those who don’t know, Watford needed to win to either take the game to extra time or win the game. The game was heading to extra time, before Knockaert went down in the box and was awarded a penalty. He goes on to miss the penalty, Watford go up the other end and score to make it 3-1 within seconds. Magical stuff.
2. May 2011, Etihad Stadium Ballotelli, AGUEROOOOOO… A lot of people’s game of the decade and it only just misses out for me. It was a game that ran high of emotions for every single football fan. The final day of the season, which City needed to win in order to become champions of the Premier League for the first time. It looked to be fading away as QPR led with minutes left on the clock but the most famous moment of recent times meant that City won the league and United lost out. QPR also stayed up on the day.
1. 7 April 2019, Wembley (FA Cup Semi Final) Maybe it is a bit biased but for me, the game of the decade has to be the FA Cup semi final last season. Watford were trailing 2-0 to a strong Wolves side, and to be honest, it should have been the final. Goals from Doherty and Jimenez looked to put Wolves in the final of the FA Cup, however a Deulofeu wonder strike gave the Hornets hope. Deeney earned a penalty with seconds left on the clock which he converted calmly.
Deulofeu played a one-two with Deeney in extra time, before slotting the ball past Ruddy. However, we will not mention the final... 33
MARTIN WRAY @FGIF Speaking to The Gate this week is Martin Wray who is one of the founders of footballgroundsinfocus.com. We first got in contact with Martin to use one of his articles from his visit to Irlam which featured in our programme vs “The Shack”. Martin was full of praise for our programme, and we received a 5* special rating in his programme reviews, which you can read on the blog! Martin has kept frequent contact with us and has given us an insight into his groundhopping adventures; First of all, what encouraged you to get into football, and more importantly your groundhopping adventures? It was my Dad, Harry who got me into football in a big way. He encouraged me to play the game from a young age and came along to watch me play my first ever match for my school, Willerby Carr Lane County Primary School. I was only nine years old and the youngest in the team (by two years) and still remember scoring my first ever goal with a header against Hessle Church of England School. He also took me to my first ever game in the same year; Hull City v Crystal Palace in the Football League played at Boothferry Park back in 1967. He used to buy me football related magazines and books such as Charles Buchan’s Football Monthly and the end of year CBF Annual and my first football board game called Waddington’s Table Soccer using hard plastic players who kicked the ball (tiddlywink style) – it came out in 1965. He also helped me collect commemorative coins made for the 1970 World Cup when he bought fuel from the local Esso petrol station.
When I moved away to study PE and Sports Science at Loughborough University in 1980, I started to watch Hull City play some away games and really enjoyed it. This continued when I began teaching and one day, I decided to complete the 92 Football League clubs which I finished at Swansea (Vetch Field) in 1987. My next challenge was to visit all Scottish 38 clubs which took longer but I eventually managed to do this with a trip up to Forfar Athletic (in 1992). By now the ground collecting bug had already taken hold and involved ticking off non-league football grounds from about 1989. I stating with the Conference and moving down the pyramid. Thirty years have passed since then I am still as excited to tick off a new ground as I did in the beginning. All the details of my visits have been kept in pocket sized note books to this day.
these published including a front cover photo (action shot from Hednesford v Sutton United in the Conference) as well as a few in the annual Non-League Football Directory as a Senior Photographer. I also contributed to other magazines including The Football Traveller and starting to write reports and complete programme reviews for their weekly magazine. In the early 2000’s when digital publishing became popular, I decided to set up the Football Grounds in Focus website to show case the wonderful world of groundhopping by featuring ground, action and matchday photos, reports, football programmes. And so FGIF was born in 2004. With the help of a dedicated team of snappers and reporters who have contributed regularly over the years, the site has grown in popularity and readers can find photos and reviews from many clubs not only in the UK but also abroad. We provide a useful service for those fans looking for new ground photos and club reviews to inspire their own travels. At the start of this season we have over 100K pictures (in almost 6000 albums) in the A to Z club photo database which covers nearly 3500 clubs in total. Anyone can send digital photos or reviews from their travels to the site and we credit each and every contributor that helps us. We are always full of praise for our contributors and are only too happy to share our interest in football. Above all, it’s a fun hobby, made for hoppers by hoppers. You have been full of praise for the Gate programme this season. What makes it stand out from the others? What makes a good football programme to you?
When we first received a copy of the Squires Gate FC programme, we knew it was something special. We have reviewed literally thousands of programmes over the last fifteen years but this copy (for the match v West Allotment Celtic in the FA Vase) immediately stood out from the rest. It is not only beautifully laid out and well presented but covers fresh and interesting content that is relevant to the match. It is also well researched and full of statistical information. At its heart it is aimed at you the football fan which is often lacking in many much bigger and more expensive publications. Above all what makes a really good programme for me at any level is not necessarily the number of pages (a lot of top teams You run the “footballgroundsinfocus.com” blog, started produce loads of glossy pages but there’s little of interest taking photographs what was the influence behind that? inside it) but it’s more about the amount of time, effort and care taken in producing a matchday magazine. You can tell straight What can readers expect to find on the blog? away how much hard work goes into compiling Talk of The During my early years of groundhopping I liked to take photos Gate – it really is a true labour of love and excites the reader. of new grounds particularly the Scottish grounds. When I got For that reason, Dan & Jay deserve great praise. into non-league football, I often sent my pictures to the Team Talk monthly football magazine and was lucky enough to have 34
Which non-league club to you live closest to? Can you give us a brief insight into their ground, their league, etc?
Did you have any football shirts growing up? Who was your footballing idol? Although I knew the club colours of most football teams when growing up, I don’t think I ever owned a shirt in my younger days. I think I have only ever owned four shirts since and these include various styles of Hull City FC, Portsmouth FC, Raith Rovers FC and Hertha Berlin SC (don’t ask why, they were all given to me as presents!). The proudest moments wearing the Tigers’ shirt has been our family trips to Wembley for the Play off Finals in 2008 and 2016 and the FA Cup Final v Arsenal in 2014 – it was definitely team Hull. My footballing idol growing up was the Hull City inside-forward Ken Wagstaff, a smiling roly-poly figure who had a penchant for scoring goals and who played for the Tigers between 1964 and 1975. Whenever ‘Waggy’ (as he was known) got the ball on the edge of the box you got excited because you knew something was about to happen – hopefully a goal. During his 374 appearances for the club he scored 173 times. Which team did you support growing up? What was the reason behind supporting them? As you’ve probably guessed I supported Hull City growing up. It was my Dad who took me to watch football first before I was old enough to go with my school mates. During the seventies I attended most home games with my best friend Nigel whose parents ran the local greengrocers store in Willerby where we lived. We used to travel to the ground by bus getting off at Spring Bank West and walking the last mile to the ground. We used to queue for ages before making our way to stand in Bunkers Hill, a large covered terraced stand behind the goal. We used to stand in the same place about halfway up the stand. Along with many other fans we often joined in the singing and over the years knew many variations to many well-known tunes. I also liked to follow some of the top First Division teams (as many youngsters do) and supported Chelsea growing up and can still remember when they beat Leeds United in an FA Cup replay in 1970. The reason I liked them was because they played in royal blue – my favourite colour still to this day!! As for non-league I also supported Newmarket Town FC (Eastern Counties League) my local club when I moved to East Anglia to start my teaching career. It was quite a family affair as my Dad-In-Law Eddie was club secretary for many years.
Although there are a large number of clubs from the Humber Premier and East Riding County Leagues all within a few miles of FGIF HQ, the nearest team of note is North Ferriby FC members of the Northern Counties East League Division One which is about three miles away and easily found off the A63 by-pass. The former Conference North club and FA Trophy winners in 2014-15 (known then as North Ferriby United FC) hit the headlines last season when they were expelled from the Northern Premier League after getting into debt and being wound up in the High Court in March of this year. Newly reformed this season the club still plays at the Dransfield Stadium, a tidy covered little ground that holds up to 3000 spectators and is found off Grange Lane in the village. Technically, Costello FC and Malt Shovel FC (both ERCL) and Hessle Sporting Club (HPL) are all within a mile of my front door.
How many grounds have you visited? Including nearly all the former and current English and Scottish League grounds as well as many non-league clubs, my total number of grounds is probably just over 2000 now. I say probably - although I have recorded every visit to a new ground in a number of note books and on-line for each season I have yet to add them all up. Maybe now I’m semi-retired and have a bit more time to devote to it, I hope to log all the details on one single spread sheet to get the exact number. In terms of targets I originally wanted to get the 92 Football League and 38 Scottish League clubs done. After that it was to reach 1000 non-league grounds (achieved at Tooting & Mitcham FC in 2005) and to visit 100 non-league grounds in one season (the only time I’ve done this was back in the late 1990’s). I would in the future like to re-complete those new FL and SFL grounds which have opened over the last few years.
Do you remember the first game you attended? What was the score? My Dad took me to my first ever game. It was Hull City v Crystal Palace in the Football League Division Two played at Boothferry Park on Saturday 16th September 1967, kick-off 3pm. Although the Tigers lost 1-0, I will never forget the experience – seeing the big stadium with tall floodlights, the railway platform behind the stand, the atmosphere of a bid crowd and the ‘hoppertunity’ to watch top footballers. I was hooked there and them.
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The best game you have ever watched? The worst? In Shota and even some from the goal keeper. One that stands general, and ones that you have attended on your travels? out above all others is Ryan Giggs’ wonder goal (almost a fulllength pitch dribble beating half a dozen players before There are three live games that stand out the most: The first was Orient v Hull City in the FL played at Brisbane Road back shooting). He scored for Manchester United against Arsenal in an FA Cup Semi-Final replay in 1999. The winning goal came in November 1984. Hull were losing 4-0 and miraculously in extra-time to make it 2-1. Check the You-Tube video to see came back to win 5-4. An unforgettable experience. The second also involved Hull City when they beat Bristol City 1-0 it for yourself. in the Championship Play-Off Final at Wembley. We only managed to get tickets the day before and drove up to Hull from Newmarket (where I used to live) to collect them at 5pm. It was a terrific family day out with my wife Frances and twin daughters Steph and Jo. It was also the first time in the club’s (then) 104 -year history that the Tigers joined the top flight Premier League. A couple of years ago whilst hopping in the Norfolk Broads I visited Hickling FC (v Runton United) for a North East Norfolk League match. The visitors won 17-1 which at the time was (and still is) the highest number of goals I’ve seen in a game of football. My worst experience watching football was an evening Isthmian League cup game at Croydon FC in South London. The game started at 8pm, went into extra-time during which a player sustained a serious injury. The match stopped for 40 minutes until an ambulance arrived to take the casualty to hospital. The match finally re-started, went on to penalties and finished at 11.15pm – over three hours after the kick-off. With essential maintenance work (re-surfacing) on both the M25 and M11 I didn’t get home until 1 o’clock the following morning!! Definitely an experience to forget!!
Your favourite grounds? There are far too many to list here. My favourite pro club grounds other than the KCOM (Hull City) would be Old Trafford (Manchester United) and Ibrox (Glasgow Rangers) purely based on sheer size, viewpoint of fans watching the game and atmosphere created. Apart from the old-fashioned grounds with vast terraces and large cantilever stands (preTaylor report) I am also drawn to those grounds with a unique setting. Here are three of my favourites and ones I would recommend to your readers: Gayfield - Arbroath FC of the Scottish Football League (next to the North Sea); The Nest – Lakenheath FC of the Eastern Counties League (set well below ground level in a pit) and The Wellesley - Great Yarmouth Town FC of the Eastern Counties (beautiful ornate grandstand – built in 1892, a grade II listed building and believed to be the world’s oldest stand still in use!). Check them out in the FGIF album gallery if you get chance.
What makes non-league unique to you? For me non-league football represents everything that is great about football. It stands for pure enjoyment, meeting lovely people and represents the true love of the game itself whatever the result. It also provides the chance to travel somewhere new, you don’t need a ticket (99% of the time), you always meet like-minded people and get a friendly and warm welcome wherever you go. The people who run clubs or get involved are the life-blood of the game – they represent the community and as unpaid volunteers deserve great credit. Without their efforts the game would not exist and we should always be grateful to them. I also love it because it offers unlimited access to the ground, the chance to take photos from different sides and at different angles without the interference or hassle of stewards or CCTV which is commonplace at the pro-level these days.
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What is your usual matchday routine when visiting a new ground?
I usually check that the game is on first before setting off either by: referring to the relevant FA Full-Time league fixture board, by using the club’s twitter account or by phoning the secretary (especially in cases of bad weather). I like to get to a new What is the best goal you've ever seen, live and in genground up to 45 minutes before kick-off so that I can get a eral? programme before they get sold out. Before the match starts, I The best live goal I have seen was scored by Dean Windass try to find a club official or team manager to confirm I can use my camera in the ground and then spend a few minutes taking for Hull City when they beat Bristol City 1-0 in the Play-Off Final at Wembley Stadium in 2008. Frazier Campbell crossed some photos covering a few personnel (with the home club); the ball for Windass who volleyed it from just outside the box main club buildings (inside and out) and a quick circuit of the into the top right-hand corner of the net. This proved to be the pitch taking pictures of the stands and dug outs from different match winner and importantly, sent the Tigers into the Premier angles. Where time permits, I try to get a few shots of the teams coming out onto the pitch and a group picture of the League for the first time in their 104-year history. A surreal referee and team captains just before kick-off. Once the game moment in football. I have seen many cracking goals on TV is underway and depending on the light (position of sun) I try including those scored from free-kicks, bicycle kicks; long and capture a mixture of action and general crowd shots etc
from a number of positions (near the half-way or the goal) using a variety of different lenses. On a busy afternoon I can take up to 1000 photos during my visit to a new ground.
and Rockland United FC (cracking wooden stand with seats built by club who play in the Central & South Norfolk League). Check out the FGIF album gallery to see more photos of these and many other wonderful gems found off the beaten footy Do you have any rituals or superstitions when it comes to track. supporting your team? Can we expect to see you down at Squires Gate in the As I choose to travel to a new ground each week, I have not near future? been to watch a game at the KCOM this season, yet. However, I do keep a close a close eye on what is happening I have visited Squires Gate Football Club once already for a at Hull City by checking the Hull Live website and club twitter memorable FA Vase Fifth round tie against Newcastle Benfield Park played at School Road on 11/02/2006. The Gate opened apps at least three, four or even five times a day to follow all the scoring through Chris Palmer after only 93 seconds before the latest club news. It’s become quite a habit now. We are the visitors equalised from the spot minutes later. Chris Cairns also lucky to subscribe to Sky Sports on TV and this now scored the winner in the second-half to earn the hosts a place makes it possible to watch scheduled live games and those in the last eight. According to my archived report the Championship matches covered on the Red Button menu op- attendance was 146 and the chips from the tea bar were tion. In fact, I have managed to watch the Tigers half a dozen apparently some of the best (apart from Hull) ever eaten on times already this season. The latest match saw us get a point my football travels. If I’m ever in the area one day I won’t against Charlton Athletic at the Valley scoring the equaliser hesitate to take in another game – oh, and to pick up a with the very last touch of the match to make it 2-2! cracking programme and decent bag of chips!! . Have you ever visited any games abroad? What makes the What grounds are you planning on visiting in the next few experience different in other countries? months? With over thirty years of hopping experience I have actually only ever visited two foreign grounds, both totally unique experiences. In the early 2000’s during a family holiday I had the opportunity to visit to AC Venezia (1907). We travelled by boat to the game (it’s not often you can say that, is it?) and got off on Sant'Elena island where the Pierluigi Penzo stadium (second oldest in Italy) is located. Visitors Cagliari won the Serie B game 2-1 with Gian Franco Zola (ex-Chelsea) scoring the winner amid great scenes of excitement and bright flares blazing in the stand. My wife who speaks Italian was chief translator and told us what the crowd was singing (including some choice swear words). When the home fans realised that we were visitors from England they gave us their (green & orange) scarves which still sit proudly on display in our study today. Our second game a couple of years later was again attended on holiday, this time in Berlin when we attended the Olympic Stadium for Hertha v SC Freiburg in the Bundesliga (2-0). It was a superb atmosphere and the partisan home crowd really got behind their team who won 2-0 with the second goal being scored from the half-way line. Watching football abroad is different experience both in terms of travel and atmosphere.
Having re-located back to my native East Yorkshire I still have plenty of grounds to visit in many of the local leagues from the Northern Premier League down to county level. I don’t really set out to complete a particular league but am often attracted to new ground that may be unique or even visit somewhere based on the importance of the game (such as an interesting FA Vase tie). I also try to visit about 50 new grounds a season. On my list at the moment are Salford in the Football League as well more local lower league stuff – Sheffield County League, York League, West Yorkshire League etc which always spring up a few (photographic) surprises along the way.
Have you visited any obscure grounds? What made them different to the others? There have been quite a few over the years. It’s always exciting to visit a ground that’s set in a unique location or has an interesting backdrop (especially from a photographic point of view). Here are five examples (in no particular order) of the more obscure grounds I’ve been to (quite a few are fairly low down the football pyramid: Hatton Lane - Bedfont Sports FC (next to the run-way at Heathrow airport); BS Sports Ground, Bury St Edmunds - RF Saints FC (inside the grounds of the imposing British Sugar plant); Khalsa Avenue- Guru Nanak FC (behind a beautiful Seikh temple); Old Church Road Snettisham Maroons FC (large church on an embankment)
We would like to thank Martin for his contribution to our programme, and we hoped you all enjoyed reading his trips to various grounds. If you would like to visit his blog, you can find it at footballgroundsinfocus.com. Some great content on there for all football fans.
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Assistant Referees
P
G
P
Jordan GIDLEY Jacob DAVIES
Jacob HIGHAM
Dale LATHAM Referee Christopher Porter
Luke Holden
Kane WALLWORK Andrew Daniels Shaun Taylor
Ryan DODD Dean ING Matthew FARNWORTH Josh POLLARD Sam STAUNTON-TURNER
Callum JACKSON
Mike SHENTON
Josh WESTWOOD
James BOYD
Liam BENNION
Sam RATHBONE
Cameron GOURLEY
Robert PARKER
G
Daniel GRIMSHAW
Ryan HANSON Vincent HOWELL
UP NEXT AT HOME…
Whitchurch Alport 11th January 2020
Lee O’BRIEN Jake POLLARD Louis POTTS Joe RATHBONE
Gary PETT
Neil SAGAR
Tyler RUFUS
Joe BEVAN
Jack ILEY
James HAMPSON
Michael NORTON Ash AINSWORTH Liam ELLIS Mason FALLON Sam FITZGERALD Alex FROST Kane HICKMAN 38
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