Squires Gate v Irlam by SquiresGateFC

OFFICIAL 40 PAGE MATCHDAY PROGRAMME OF SQUIRES GATE Pic by Albert Cooper

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CONTACT US Squires Gate Football Club School Road, Blackpool, FY4 5DS Email: squiresgatefc@gmail.com Good afternoon, and welcome to opposition to face. Their recent FA Website: www.squiresgatefc.co.uk The Brian Addison Stadium for Cup visit against York City showed Twitter: @squiresgatefc today’s NWCFL Premier Division their ability to compete against Facebook: Squires Gate FC match against Irlam. stronger teams. EXECUTIVE: Today we welcome Luke Evans, Gate are yet to win this month, Chairman: John Maguire and Shane Hudson as they take but Luke Evans will be looking to Co-Chairman: Tony Jo charge of their first home game, get his home record off to a good Treasurer: Mark Ashmore so let’s get behind them and the start, and when a team gets a new Secretary: John Maguire lads. manager, form usually goes out First Team Manager: Luke Evans the window. Irlam come here today in strong Assistant Manager: Shane Hudson form, and are always a tough Jay Hayden, Programme Editor Director of Football: Jimmy Salthouse Physio: Lucy Gray Club President: Brian Addison 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 IN TODAY’S ISSUE Bellamy, Roy Bar: Denise Gibson and Chris Chadwick 4 INTRODUCING LUKE EVANS 8 ABOUT IRLAM

VIEW FROM THE AWAY END

Q&A WITH JORDAN SOUTHWORTH

NWCFL...IN THE FA CUP

MATCHDAY CENTRE

NAME NAMES

NWCFL STATS

NEIGBOURHOOD WATCH

Q&A WITH DEAN ING

THIS DAY IN HISTORY

GROUNDHOPPING WITH MICHAEL HUDSON

VIEW FROM THE HOME END WITH JOHN MAGUIRE

NOTE: The words in this programme are NOT those of Squires Gate FC or Irlam FC, and facts and stats are as accurate as can be at the time of writing. 3

LUKE EVANS Squires Gate are pleased to announce our new first team manager, Luke Evans who was appointed last Thursday and took charge of his first game last Saturday against Avro. We would like to welcome him and his backroom staff to the club, and we look forward to the rest of the season. After parting company with Andy Clarkson after our defeat to Bootle at the start of the month, the committee were in the hunt for a new first team manager and Evans has high hopes for the club. Evans started this campaign as his second year in charge of AFC Darwen, after guiding them to a 10th placed finish in the First Division last season. His playing career was cut short at the age of 24 after he broke both of his legs whilst serving in the army, before taking a scouting role at Cardiff City, and also worked as a full time scout for Manchester United. He has also been involved in a few grassroots and amateur football scenes, so he will be able to add some experience to the club. AFC Darwen was his first full time job as a manager by himself, after being the reserve team manager of Lancaster City. Speaking on the official Gate website, ahead of the game against Avro, Luke said

Welcome one and all to this afternoons game as we take on Irlam. What a whirlwind 10 days or so it has been for me but I would just like to place on record how immensely proud I am to be the new manager here at Squires Gate Football Club. This club is one I have been very fond of from afar for many years and have regularly checked for their results on a Saturday. Coming back home to the fylde coast was a massive pull for me and to get the chance to turn this club around and take strides to climb this league was one I could definitely not turn down. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at AFC Darwen and their support was immense I wish them all the very best for the future. My style is very simple in the fact that I like to put out an honest, hard working, confident team who try to play football in an open attacking way which should excite fans and bring the right results.

In these initial early stages I bring with me as assistant Shane Hudson who worked with me at Darwen. Shane is a young enthusiastic coach who compliments me very well and I enjoy working with him. My aim for this club is to put us firstly back amongst the best teams in this division and then look for promotion I feel that with myself and the guidance of the chairman this can be achieved.

Our first game after just one session was away to Avro and I felt that we competed well and should definitely have come away with at least a point from the game. After 2 sessions this week we go into this game full of confidence. From a personnel point of view I have been pleasantly surprised at the CaliI had a great time at AFC Darwen and I would like to thank bre of player at this football club. Obviously a few changes are them for accepting the approach but also wish them luck in the inevitable but I feel there is a good base here to work with. I future. Without the great people at that club I wouldn’t be look forward to the positive performances coming within the not too distant future. where I am and personally would like to thank Sarah Hindle and Kenny Langford. I will look to update you with comings and goings over the next I can’t wait to get started here and get the team back winning few weeks and it just leaves me to say thank you to those I games and compete at the higher end of the table. I feel that have already met and I look forward to meeting more of you I’m the right man to do this and I will work hard to achieve our soon. Please get behind the lads and let’s all push this great club back where it belongs. Enjoy the game! Up the gate! goals. I bring with me my assistant Shane Hudson our teams are very resilient, hard working and I will leave no stone unturned on and off the pitch. There is already some excellent talent at this football club and I’m looking forward to a positive season” “I am delighted to accept the first team manager’s job at Squires Gate. I feel that the club has great potential to get back up the leagues where it should be.

Luke

Formed: 1969 Nickname: The Mitchells, or The Shack Ground: Silver Street Capacity: 1,000 Colours: Red shirt, black shorts, black socks HONOURS Manchester League Div 1 Cup Winners 2007-08 [Murray Trophy] Div 1 Cup Finalists 2008-09 and MFL Fair Play Winners Div 1 Cup Winners, Div 1 runners up and Bridgewater League Cup Winners 20092010 Division 1 Champions 2010-2011 MFL Fair Play Winners Invitation Cup Winners 2011-2012 NWCFL First Division Trophy Winners 2012-13 7

WELCOMING OUR OPPONENTS FROM IRLAM Irlam football club began life as Mitchell Shackleton FC, who were founded in October 1969 by a group of employees, who worked for Mitchell Shackleton Limited, a well established engineering company based in Eccles, which manufactured marine and diesel crankshafts. Although the club has been in existence for over 30 years, Mitchell Shackleton FC can trace teams playing under the company’s banner as far back as 1935.

the 2015/2016 season when all the efforts and sacrifices made came to fruition. Irlam manager Steve Nixon shaped a fantastic group of maturing young players as they put together a magnificent run of results to take second spot and gain auto promotion to the Premier Division for the first time in their history

Season 2016/207 proved to be the most successful in the Clubs long history, an eighth place finish in the Premier Division showed the growing strength of the Club, whilst a Initially, the club was financially supported through an active treble winning U21’s development side swept all before them sports and social club, however the recession of the late 1970’s led to the company restructuring its business interests, in the Cheshire U21’s league. Point deductions for our U18’s between them and a possible title win as and unfortunately a reduction in the workforce. These events were all that stood th, just six points adrift of Nelson FC. they finished 4 inevitably led to the dissolution of the sports and social club. The club initially entered the Eccles Amateur League before For season 2017/2018 a restructuring of positions at the Club moving in 1972 to the Manchester Amateur League where has seen new faces take control of on the field matters. their reputation began to grow. They won back to back league Manager Steve Nixon and asst Chris Boardman have moved out of the hot seats in order to take over the commercial side titles in 1973/74 and 74/75. of the club, with Steve Nixon taking over from Ron Parker as In their second season, the Club was promoted as Runners chairman of the Club. New manager Michael Dodd, and his Up to take their place in the Premier Division for season assistant Matty Kay, both part of the 1st team backroom staff 1990/91 under the guidance of Paul Traynor and Kenny Davies. In 1993, Mitchells reached the Gilchrist Cup Final, only last season was chosen to take control for the new campaign. They have assembled a strong backroom staff around them to lose out to Woodley Sports in the Final. and we wish them well for future campaigns In 1994 Paul Traynor departed due to work commitments and Arguably the most successful season the Club has embarked Kenny Davies assumed control, ably assisted by Billy Hall. The Club was rocked prior to the commencement of 1997-98 upon since its entry into the national league system in 2008/2009. Although league position remarkably remained the season when Kenny Davies walked out; taking with him same as season 2017/2018 (13th), it was in the national several first team players to a local, at the time rival Club competitions where the young Irlam squad gave a glimpse of Monton things to come in the future. An unprecedented FA Cup run, Dave Rowan and Craig Woodley, who had forged a successful surpassed only by an even greater campaign in the FA Vase, partnership with the reserves, were promoted and asked to saw the side mentioned in dispatches up and down the rebuild the side. A difficult season was to follow, but after country. being adrift at the bottom of the Division for most of the season, a dramatic win against fellow strugglers Wythenshawe A three match winning streak in the FA Cup, including a 2-1 victory away at Prescot Cables set the side up for an away trip Town and mid-table Monton Amateurs saw the club stave of to Gateshead Club Dunston UTS, a match that saw Irlam’s relegation. campaign end with a narrow 2-1 defeat at the hands of the The new ground at Silver St was officially opened in 2003 with North East side. Who would go on to a famous victory over a visit from Brian McClair's Milk Cup winning, Manchester Chester FC in the next round. United youth team. The FA Vase would capture the imagination of all at the Club A further name change saw Irlam MS become Irlam FC, and as the team confidently pushed into the fifth round of the FA the appointment of Warren Dodd as secretary of the Club, Vase, a five match winning run, beating Clubs from up and from Irlam Rangers Junior Club saw development increase at down the region as they overcame Burscough, Yorkshire sides the ground.  Handsworth and Hemsworth, Hull based Winterton and Season 2015/16 season proved to be a watershed moment for Midlands based Cadbury’s Athletic. the Club. Since joining the league in 2008/2009 the focus has The fifth round however would prove to be a bridge too far for been on youth and development of the ground, and it was IRLAM when they lost to Surrey based Chertsey Town FC.

MICHAEL DODD When Michael was announced as Steve Nixon’s replacement back in 2017, he had already been at the club for 3 years, and had been a coach under Nixon the previous season (2015/16) when they finished 8th. After being announced as manager two years ago, he told the club “I'm obviously delighted to be given the opportunity to step up and manage the first team at this club. I've been at the club for 5 years now in several different capacities, most recently with the first team; driving through a First Division promotion and a 8th placed Premier Division finish as Steve Nixon's first team coach. I feel the players we have at the club are able, willing and driven to improve in the coming season. We have quality throughout the squad and having had a year in the division, we are well placed to make progress both on and off the pitch.” He has certainly done that, as in recent seasons he has pushed Irlam to become a strong top half side, who will definitely be eyeing up a top 3 spot this season, and have been on a fair few cup runs in recent seasons too. Speaking to the NWCFL reflecting on the 2018/19 season, Dodd said “We’re disappointed with our League position last year, as we don’t feel like it reflected the quality of the squad that we had. However, we had a brilliant FA Cup run and we had an even better FA Vase run, which did act as a bit of a distraction from the League. Even though we try and ensure that it’s not a distraction, I think it definitely is. We were only three games from Wembley and the lads were starting to dream of that scenario. The League games subconsciously became a bit of a warm-up almost for the FA Vase games, which were great but I think that’s what happened. When we went out of the FA Vase, we did suffer a little bit of a lull with our League form. We found ourselves mid-table with no danger of relegation and no chance of promotion and we dwindled towards the end. I’m not saying we want to go out of the Cups this year but I think there is a bigger focus on that League position and moving up from the middle group of clubs in the division into the top group of clubs in the division. You can say now which clubs will be in and around the top five or six positions – or which clubs are usually in those spots – and we want to become one of those top clubs. That’s our aim and if that brings us close to a promotion spot then so be it but our aim is to move the club into that top bracket of teams in the division Every point is valuable and you’ve got to pick up points wherever you can. We’ve established ourselves as a Premier Division club so really the next step for us is to have a team that now competes at the top of the Premier Division rather than just sitting in mid-table for another season” Michael is convinced that team spirit has been a key element in his side’s success. “We have a great group of young lads at the club this season; you will do well to find a team with the same togetherness as these lads,” he explained. “Some of the boys are close friends outside of football but there are absolutely no groups or cliques in the dressing room; all the players are buzzing every Saturday and willing each other on. 9

Irlam 2-2 Bootle; Wednesday 24th September 2008; NWCFL Div 1; Attendance: 180 From the archive this week, we have found this piece from footballgroundsinfocus.com from 2008. How many Irlam fans remember this game? Andy Gallon on the footballgroundsinfocus.com website speaks about his visit to Irlam, and a bit about the history of the club: “Manchester vs Liverpool at almost anything would produce a watchable spectacle. This NWCL football version of the cities’ old rivalry went snap, crackle and pop from start to finish. Bootle, who twice came from behind to collect a point, will feel disappointed not to have won having created most of the best chances, particularly in the second half. But then defeat would have been hard on Irlam who played their part in a compelling contest which proved a fitting way to mark the first competitive game under the home club’s new floodlights. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s have a look at the background. The story of Irlam and the Silver Street ground is several chapters long. Irlam Town, who rose as high as the Northern Premier League, used to play at the site until going bust in the early 1990s. The local authority, in what would appear to be a rather myopic move, opted to demolish all the structures after intervention by vandals and other ne’er do wells. Mitchell Shackleton, formed in 1969 as the works team of an engineering company based in Patricroft, were becoming a force in the Manchester League and added Irlam to their name in 2001. The following year they were told that their Salteye Park ground was to be razed to make way for their new stadium for Salford City Reds rugby league club. Grand aid - “a small fortune”, according to Warren Dodd - enabled a new ground to be built on the Silver Street site.

aggregate fronts the access gate and turnstile, the latter which bares a cheery ‘Welcome to Irlam FC’ sign. A red brick single storey building with a pitched roof to the left houses the changing rooms. A plaque in the corridor commemorates the opening ceremony on November 10th 2003. Beyond, next to a raised area of flagged hardstanding, a portable building contains a kitchen and chairs and tables for refreshments. The west touchline boats a small kit stand, and the dugouts, which are of an unusual ‘bus shelter’ design with breeze block wrap arounds.

On a perfect evening, the stage was set for a great game, and the teams did not disappoint. Bootle could have been two up in a high tempo opening spell, with Lee Lambert denying Mark Kilroy and Paul McDonald. Despite swimming against the metaphorical incoming tide, the hosts went ahead with a cracking goal in the 10th minute. Lively winger Chris Palmer, the Irlam skipper, whose holding work and distribution were the main feature of the first half, exchanged passes with Gary Prescott and fired a low shot past Mark Mawdsley. With 34 minutes on the clock, Will Dolan forced the ball over the line from close range after Lambert, never assured when challenged in the air, had flapped at a corner.

Irlam Mitchell Shackleton began playing there from late 2003. The club became Irlam FC in 2004 and this summer (2008) The helter-skelter pace slackened slightly in the second half secured promotion to the NWCL First Division again giving the and Bootle began to get the upper hand as Palmer’s influence community the opportunity to watch senior football. diminished steadily. In the 58th minute, Ryan Hutchinson I never went to the original Silver Street but I can’t imagine it tucked away a penalty which was awarded on the intervention was as well appointed as it’s spotless successor. Irlam are of a linesman for a foul on Andrews. Bootle equalised with a obviously chuffed with the transformation because the inside spot kick of their own with 15 minutes left. Sean Devlin, clearly cover of their matchday programme features a ‘then and now’ waylaid Paul Tosney on the right side of the box and Carl Dale photo montage. There are two open fields on two sides and wasn’t about to look that particular gift horse in the mouth. plenty of trees dotted about. A more orderly enclosure you Neither team could find a winner in a frantic finish. couldn’t wish to find. A decent sized car park covered with

Oliver Boardman & Daniel Anderton In this issue, Oliver Boardman and Daniel Anderton give us an insight into our opponents today Irlam, their expectations for this season, which PL players they would sign for Irlam, and which players are the ones to watch. First of all, how did you get into watching football, and more importantly Irlam?

DA: The draw in the FA Cup against York City created a bit of a buzz around the club, especially when we found out it would be streamed on the BBC, you always want a big club, but at the same time you’d always want a smaller club to hopefully get a bit closer to the bigger clubs, especially with the prize money available. The game itself against York City, I believe was very evenly matched, they didn’t play miles above our level, they just took their chances.

OB: My dad has always been involved with the club, in many different ways, just as my grandad was chairman of the late Irlam Town FC. When my dad became more involved with the What are your expectations for this campaign? Do you first team I began to watch a lot more of the games and have think promotion is achievable? OB: I think if we can keep the players that we have, and play grown more passionate about the club ever since. that we have been so far then there is no reason we shouldn’t DA: I got into watching football from around the age of 10, I didn’t really like watching it before that, I preferred playing, but get promoted. We have only played two teams above us in the always supported man united. I then going into watching Irlam league and beat them both. This is an extremely hard league when I was about 19 (4 years ago) through one of my mates to get out of however, with three teams up for promotion this who’s dad was a coach at the time, I would turn up to a game year, this is the year to do it! every so often, which then became more often until last season I ended up buying a season ticket and following them around, I don’t recall my first game. What was your first ever game? Do you remember the score? OB: I don’t remember the exact game, but the first game I do remember was away to AFC Darwen in the First Division, I distinctly remember losing I think 2-1. When the draw was made for the FA Cup, and you got drawn against former League Two side York City, what was the reaction around the club?

DA: From this year with Irlam FC I definitely believe that promotion is the aim, and so it should with how we’ve been playing, if we can keep our players, and keep them fit we should be up amongst the top of the table.

Who has been the toughest opposition to come to Irlam? OB: I think every game in this league is a tough game and can go either way, but if I had to choose one it would be Hanley Town. There has always been a rivalry between us and them since the year we were promoted and they are always a tough and physical opponent.

DA: I think the toughest opponents to come to Irlam this year OB: Excitement. We knew it would be a huge day for the club, maybe Litherland REMYCA, they’re sat at the bottom of the and although we were wrote off from the start we did ourselves table currently, but it’s only early ins the season, even though proud.

the result ended up 4-2 with Irlam winning, they frustrated us for a long period in the game, but mistakes from them resulted in goals for us. I missed the Charnock Richard game where we lost 4-2, so it could of been them, I heard we struggled even though we were leading 2-0 at one point. What do you think makes non league unique?

However, as much as I hate to say it, I was at the Man City v Crystal Palace game last season when we lost 3-2, and the Andros Townsend volley was unbelievable. If you were to sign 3 Premier League players on a free transfer, wages already paid for, who would you sign and why?

OB: Raheem Sterling - I think his pace and drive can win OB: I love the interaction you get with the players that doesn’t games from nowhere. exist higher up the leagues. I think that it allows fans to see Patrick Aubameyang - I think he is a brilliant striker, and would people playing for the love of the game. be able to outpace any non league defender. DA: It concentrates on the football more than anything else, you get local support, and it brings the community together for Virgil Van Dijk - Non league strikers have strength to bully any defender off the ball but he just wouldn’t allow it. big events.nThe atmosphere is much more friendly too. You are the manager of a 5 a side team. You can pick 2 PL Which 3 players do you think are the ones to watch for legends and 3 Irlam players. Who makes your team? Gate today? OB: David Silva, Paul Scholes, Jordan Southworth, Ryan OB: Different players have their off days, but most are conLedson, and Lee White. sistent week in, week out and our defence has been solid this DA: I’d have to pick my best mate Danny Eyres, but he’s well season but I think that the pace of Marcus Perry can win a game. I also think that Jordan Southworth’s technique can be suited for 5 a side with how he plays, I would also pick Jordan very dangerous to all opposition and Charlie Doyle in midfield Southworth, for the same reason. I’d pick Ryan Ledson for a solid Centre back, two legends I would choose would be Peter is always outstanding. Schmeichel in goal, and then probably Thierry Henry. DA: 3 players I think are the ones to watch for this game, even In your opinion, which teams do you think will go up this though all the team has played extremely well so far, are 2 of season, and which will be relegated? our new signings this year Southworth, who is technically a OB: I have no clue if I’m honest as this can go any way but I great footballer scoring some amazing goals already, and Nicholas who has great energy in the midfield seems to have will go with; Irlam, Rylands and Whitchurch Alport to go up. great vision for a pass. Also I’m impressed with our right back Litherland REMYCA, Padiham, and Avro to get relegated. who’s come in this season from the Under 21’s Dulson who DA: I think the 3 teams that will get promoted will be Rylands, has played very well and consistent. being owned by Wayne Rooney’s agent, and pumping money into the club, they for sure have the best chance, I think Bootle Do you have any matchday rituals or superstitions? Is will be right up there again this year, and I think we could steal there anything that you have to do before a game? the 3rd spot if we keep players fit, and play how we have OB: Not really myself to be honest however this season we been. Relegation this year I believe will be a tight one, but I have had a dog at a few of our games and we believe it to be think Litherland I think might end up going down, or maybe quite lucky. Burscough, ironically 2 teams we struggled against. DA: I personally don’t believe in any superstitions, or bad luck, Which grounds do you like visiting the most? I turn up to the games, get myself a few drinks on the weekOB: I enjoy Whitchurch Alport’s ground in our league but I’ve ends and watch the football. also experienced some great nights at Prescot Cables, Droylsden, and Mossley in cup games. What has been the best game that you have seen? OB: In my opinion, it would be at home to Silsden last year. We played the best 80 minutes I have ever seen us play, absolutely outstanding but 3-0 up with 10 minutes to go, loads of respect to Silsden as they kept going and got a draw.

DA: I’ve not been to a lot of the grounds in the league, but I do like Padiham’s ground, and Congleton’s, that could be the fact every time I’ve been it’s been scorching hot sunshine.

What has been the best goal you have seen? For Irlam, and in general?

OB: Last time we went, I believe it finished 5-2 with that Marcus Perry hat trick. Wonderful.

OB: Jordan Southworth scored two brilliant goals this season against 1874 Northwich however, the best I’ve seen has to be a couple of years ago, Liam Pollitt away at Burscough, only just breaking into the team at the time and he comes on off the bench, dribbles past 3 or 4 defenders and slots it home.

DA: I’ve never been to Squires Gate before so this could be my first time, if work doesn’t get in the way.

Have you been to Squires Gate before?

Prediction for today’s game? OB: It might sound ambitious, but I’m going to say 4-1 Irlam. DA: I’ll be predicting, and hoping for a 3-0 Irlam win. 13

Jordan Southworth

Irlam winger Jordan Southworth spoke to The Gate this week, and gives us an insight into his time at the club and which player he would love to play alongside. First of all, what encouraged you to start playing football? What position do you usually play? Well when I was 6 my uncle ran a local grassroots team and they were running a summer camp, he opened the door to football by asking if I’d like to go down and I went down and really enjoyed it and just continued to go from that day. I can play anywhere in the front 3 but usually play as a winger either left or right and always have really. Did you have any footballing idols growing up? Growing up I always idolized David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo, I am a Manchester United fan and always was number 7 growing up so for me I related to them a lot with them both being the same position and number. I would say I based my crossing of Beckham and dribbling on Ronaldo especially growing up and watching them closely picking up different things from both players. What would you say the expectations are in the dressing room this season? Is promotion achievable? Expectations are definitely to get into the top 3 and promoted, I strongly believe that we can and the other lads andmanagement do to. Can you give us a very brief history of your career? 14

As a youth player, I was at Halifax and Farsley Celtic but pushed towards 1st team football at 18 and left Farsley for Irlam. Spent a season at Irlam before moving to Chorley u21s where I made first team. Had a few loan spells at Bamber Bridge, Colne and Prescot Cables where I really enjoyed so I stayed at Prescot. Until I came back to Irlam this season for personal reasons and work commitments. Do you have any superstitions or rituals that you have to do before any game you play, or before you walk on the pitch? I would say my only superstition is I have to do 4 rolls of tape around my socks and always have since I was a kid. Who are toughest opponents you have faced, personally and as a team? Toughest opposition? Personally I would say South Shields. What would you say your favourite goal of all time is? Favourite goal of all time has to be Cristiano Ronaldo’s free kick for United against Portsmouth. What has been your most memorable moment in your career, and at Irlam? My 1st stint here, when we got promoted from the 1st division. If you were to play alongside one player in the Premier League, who would it be and why? Probably Wayne Rooney in his prime or Kevin De Bruyne. You are DJ before the game, what is the first song that is on your playlist? Who has the worst music taste in your team? Andre Stewart's music is that bad I cant begin to describe it, and I'd go for a bit of an old school mega mix You can sign 2 PL players for Irlam on a free transfer. Who would you sign and why? Kevin De Bruyne, and Virgil Van Dijk If you could play at one stadium in the world, where would you want to play? Wembley, without a doubt. You are the manager of a 5 a side team. You can pick 2 players from Irlam and 3 PL legends. Who makes your team? Schmical, Henry, Scholes, doyle, pollit Your prediction for today’s game? 4-1 Irlam, a Jordan Southworth hat trick.

So near, but yet so far... IRLAM YORK CITY A game that was broadcasted on the BBC, did not affect the amazing attendance as 798 fans turned up at Silver Street for this FA Cup tie. York City named a strong side against our NWCFL counterpart. York City opened the scoring after 33 minutes after a turbulent first few moments, the forward latching onto a cross from close range.

0 2

Scorers: Alex Kempster (33), Kyle McFarlane (77)

Saturday 21st September 2019 Townfield, Attendance: 357 Scorers: Bradley Fewster (18)

The game itself was a close contest with 1874 having the chances early on, however they failed to make them count and found themselves a goal down after 18 minutes. The NWCFL side continued to pile the pressure on but eventually bowed out to Whitby Town.

RUNCORN TOWN FARSLEY CELTIC The deadlock was broken after 26 minutes, after David Syersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s initial shot was saved by Marcus Burgess the rebound fell to Nathan Cartman who tapped the ball into the goal, but looked to be in an offside position. On the 60th minute, Aidan Roxburgh scored his first goal for Runcorn, with a sweet half volley.

Silver Street, Attendance: 798

Irlam went close to equalising just after the break, Jordan Buckley in from the left but could only fire across the face of goal. Former Birmingham City striker Kyle McFarlane came on for his debut for the visitor s on 60 minutes, and 13 minutes from time doubled their lead. Still, a proud achievement for Irlam.

1874 NORTHWICH 0 WHITBY TOWN 1 1874 knew that this was always going to be a tough fixture, as their opposition are currently top of the BetVictor Premier League The hosts were without some key players, and some would say that this added to their disadvantage going into the game.

Saturday 21st September 2019

1 3

Saturday 21st September 2019 Viridor Community Stadium, Attendance: 168 Scorers: Aidan Roxburgh (60); N.Cartman (26, 72) T. Walton (84)

However, Cartman doubled the Farsley Celticâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lead after Cartman headed home his second of the game from close range, on 72 mins. The game was wrapped up with 6 minutes to play, following on from a mistake by Thelwell, which allowed substitute Walton to slot the ball past the advancing Burgess.

PEN PICS

BEN FLETCHER

JOSH WOODS

ADAM PENNINGTON

Position: Goalkeeper

Apps: 6

Apps: 4

Apps: 1

Clean Sheets: 0

JAKE HIGHAM

JOEY MULLEN

DAVE ROSSALL

Position: Defender

Apps: 7

Apps: 5

Goals: 0

Goals: 1

Goals: 0

JOSH WESTWOOD

JACOB DAVIS

RYAN CHARNLEY

Position: Defender

Position: Midfielder

Apps: 10

Apps: 0

Apps:

Goals: 2

Goals: 0

Goals:

DEAN ING

RYAN DODD

RYAN RILEY

Position: Midfielder

Position: Striker

Apps: 9

Apps:10

Apps: 2

Goals: 5

Goals: 0

JOSH POLLARD

SOHAIB AHMED

JORDAN SALTHOUSE

Position: Midfielder

Apps: 10

Apps: 1

Apps:1

Goals: 0

Goals:0

SAM S-TURNER

MUTUTU CHILUFYA

JAMES BOYD

Position: Midfielder

Apps: 10

Apps: 3

Apps: 10

Goals: 0

Goals: 3

RICCARDO EGIDI

GEORGE FOX

Position: Striker

Apps: 8

Apps: 4

Goals: 3

Goals: 0

A PREVIEW OF TODAY’S GAME SQUIRES GATE

IRLAM

Squires Gate head into today’s game on the back of 4 defeats, and have not won a league game since Padiham in August.

Irlam have had a very good start to the season, competing at the top end of the table and will be looking to push into the top 3 at the end of the season.

New manager Evans will want to get his Gate team winning, and facing a team who currently sit 4th in the league will be a tough challenge.

They have only lost once this season, and have scored 4 goals past 5 opponents, they know how to score, that’s a fact.

GATE FORM GUIDE

IRLAM FORM GUIDE

DREW 2-2

WON 2-1

LOST 4-2

LOST 4-1

LOST 6-1

LOST 3-2

WON 2-0

WON 4-0

LOST 4-2

WON 4-0

LOST 2-0 DREW 3-3

26/08/19

01/09/19

07/09/19

14/09/19

24/09/19

28/09/19

26/08/19

07/09/19

10/09/19

17/09/19

21/09/19

24/09/19

League

FA Vase

League

FA Vase

Lancs Cup

League

FA Cup

League

FA Cup

League

LAST TIME OUT IRLAM 0

2 SQUIRES GATE James Boyd (3), Dean Ing (7)

Saturday 22nd December / Attendance: 87 Gate picked up a sixth straight win after a 2-0 win at Irlam last December. Andy Clarkson was down to the bare bones of his squad, with injuries, and suspensions. Jordan Salthouse was recalled to the squad alongside Joe Mullen who joined him in midfield. Irlam went into this game, on the back of their own unbeaten run, not losing in TEN games. But within 3 minutes, the visitors were ahead. Salthouse involved as he showed awareness to find Boyd who controlled the ball and slotted it underneath the Irlam keeper. It took just another 4 minutes for Gate to double their lead, through Dean Ing. He headed in a James Boyd corner at the near post for his seventh goal of the season. Despite being on the front foot for most of the second half, the hosts couldn’t get back into the game and Gate held on for a valuable 3 points.

SQUIRES GATE v IRLAM: HEAD TO HEAD RECORD Played

Gate Wins

Draws

Irlam Wins

Gate Goals

Irlam Goals

Highest Score

SG 2-5 IRL

33.3%

22.2%

44.4%

0.66 G.PG

2 G.PG 19

BY DAN HAYDEN

In this feature, test your knowledge on some of the most famous results in football, can you name the starting line up for each team? Going back to 2011 this week, and the 10 goal thriller between Manchester United and Arsenal. The game was also famous for Arsene Wenger getting sent to the stands.

MANCHESTER UNITED 1

Still the current United number 1

ARSENAL 13 Polish Juventus goalkeeper

12 Signed from Fulham in 2010

25 Now plays for Nottâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m Forest

Currently on loan at AS Roma

20 Swiss CB, made 86 apps

Signed from Blackburn in 2011

Frenchman, played at West Ham

30 Armand ____

Signed for Bordeaux in 2019

17 Famous for his celebrations

16 Welshman, now at Juventus

39 Frenchman, now at Valencia

Brazilian signed from Porto

23 Midfielder, now plays for Watford

18 Now plays at left back

14 Englishman, now at Everton

19 Recently left Arsenal, for Watford

10 Went on to play for United

10 Made his United debut in 2004

23 Russian. Hattrick v Liverpool.

Czech who made 170 apps

13 30

1 21

25 ASHTON ATHLETIC

AUGUST 3

RUNCORN TOWN

2-1

FEBRUARY

BURSCOUGH

0-1

RYLANDS

10 WEST DIDSBURY (FAC)

1-2

LITHERLAND REMYCA

17 WINSFORD UNITED

5-2

15 BARNOLDSWICK TOWN

20 PADIHAM

1-2

29 BURSCOUGH

26 BARNOLDSWICK TOWN

2-2

MARCH

31 WHICKHAM (FA VASE)

1-2

SEPTEMBER 7

BOOTLE

7 RUNCORN TOWN

14 HANLEY TOWN

A H

2-4

21 PADIHAM

14 W. A CELTIC (FA VASE 2Q)

1-4

APRIL

24 LANCASTER CITY (LCT 1)

1-6

28 AVRO OCTOBER

3-2

1874 NORTHWICH

SKELMERSDALE

16 LONGRIDGE TOWN

23 CHARNOCK RICHARD

12 1874 NORTHWICH

30 IRLAM

15 NORTHWICH VICS

19 EMLEY AFC (MACRON CUP)

23 LITHERLAND REMYCA

26 WHITCHURCH ALPORT

29 HANLEY TOWN

IRLAM

NOVEMBER

TEAM

PTS

Rylands

+13

Whitchurch Alport

+12

1874 Northwich

+10

Irlam

Longridge Town

Bootle

ASHTON ATHLETIC

CONGLETON TOWN

16 WINSFORD UNITED

Barnoldswick Town

-1

23 RYLANDS

Northwich Victoria

+13

30 NORTHWICH VICS DECEMBER

Ashton Athletic

10 Avro

11 Charnock Richard

-1

12 Hanley Town

-1

CONGLETON TOWN

14 SKELMERSDALE

13 Runcorn Town

-1

21 CHARNOCK RICHARD

14 Winsford United

-5

26 LONGRIDGE TOWN

15 Congleton Town

-4

28 AVRO

16 Skelmersdale United

-5

17 Padiham

-12

18 Burscough

-17

JANUARY

4 BOOTLE

19 Squires Gate

-5

11 WHITCHURCH ALPORT

20 Litherland REMYCA

-22

FACTS & FIGURES FROM THE PREMIER DIVSION MOST CLEAN SHEETS

HIGHEST ATTENDANCES

MOST 2ND HALF GOALS

G. McCall (Rylands)

1874 v Winsford

403

Irlam

B. Barnes (Skelmersdale)

Whitchurch v Hanley

333

Northwich Vics

D. Taberner (N.Vics)

North Vics v Burscough

310

1874 Northwich

A. Reid (Runcorn Town)

Whitchurch v Congleton

294

Whitchurch Alport

A. Woolrich (Hanley Town)

Runcorn v 1874

287

Ashton Athletic

MOST CARDS (Y / R)

TOP SCORERS

HIGHEST SCORES

Charnock Richard 18 16 / 2

Paul Turner (LON)

Winsford v Gate

5-4

Avro

Carl Grimshaw (CHA)

N. Vics v REMYCA

8-0

Barnoldswick Town 14 12 / 2

Jamie White (RYL)

REMYCA v Ashton Ath

1-7

Winsford United

14 14 / 0

Scott McGowen (1874)

North Vics v Burscough

6-1

Padiham

13 12 / 1

Jordan Buckley (IRL)

Avro v Burscough

5-2

15 14 / 1

GATE v IRLAM: GOALS IN MINUTES 5 4 3 2

1 0-10

11-20

21-30

WHERE TO SEE GOALS

31-40

41-45

46-50

51-60

61-70

FORM TABLE (LAST 6)

71-80

81-90

90+

GATE TOP SCORERS

1 Northwich Vics

1. Ashton Athletic

Dean Ing

2 Avro

2. Rylands

James Boyd

3 Congleton Town

3. Whitchurch Alport

Riccardo Egidi

4 Irlam

4. Charnock Richard

Josh Westwood

5. 1874 Northwich

Joe Mullen

5 Ashton Athletic

6 Rylands

7 Charnock Richard

8 Barnoldswick Town

9 Runcorn Town

10 1874 Northwich

FORM TABLE (LAST 6)

PIC

GATE MOST APPS

16. Runcorn Town

James Boyd

17. Squires Gate

Sam Staunton-Turner

18. Winsford United

Josh Pollard

19. Litherland REMYCA

Dean Ing

20. Burscough

Riccardo Egidi

A warm welcome to Alfie Lund T

Squires Gate would like to give a warm welcome Alfie Lund The community of Burscough and beyond has taken Alfie to The Brian Addison Stadium for today’s game against under their wing and we have been incredibly touched by Irlam, which will be his 160th game. how many people have done amazing things to raise funds His dad spoke to The Gate and explained what encouraged him for our little boy. to start the Alfie Lund Fund, and how he wants people to be We have been lucky enough to be shown fantastic support aware of the disorder. “Alfie is 11 and suffers from a rare life limiting disorder called MECP2 duplication syndrome. About 5 from the likes of Steven Gerrard, boxing legends Steve years ago, we came up with the idea to raise awareness for his Collins and Ricky Hatton, and Jimmy Bullard to name a few. disorder by going football matches and sharing our experience We have since been able to purchase a specially adapted as a dad and lad and collecting scarves and shirt's on our bed to meet Alfie’s needs, a disability trike, travel bed, eye travels the shirts and they get sold to collectors worldwide and it gaze technology and some sensory toys for Alfie.” has helped raise thousands for mecp2 UK. The scarves, so far, What can we do to help Alfie? he has had 2,070 donated by clubs and fans worldwide which As mentioned, Alfie loves football and collects scarves. If you will eventually be all seen together to create a world record for have any spare scarves of football shirts then please visit the longest multiple football fan scarf.” their fundraising page and get in contact. The most important What is mecp2 duplication syndrome? Mecp2 duplication was first discovered in 2005. It is rare chromosome abnormality on the long arm of the x chromosome at xq28. Although there are a couple of reported cases in girls it occurs almost exclusively in boys. This is because girls have two x chromosomes and carry the abnormality on only one so the other unaffected x chromosome usually kicks in and takes over. In most cases, they are unaffected however as males only have one x chromosome, they are fully affected by the abnormality. The story behind the Alfie Lund Fund so far? “In August 2012, we set up The Alfie Lund Fund with the aim of raising enough funds to buy Alfie a specially adapted bed. Together with the help of some fantastic friends we organized a football tournament and family fun day. It was a huge success and exceeded all our expectations. 24

thing is raising awareness, and the work that has been done so far is amazing.

AROUND THE LOCAL FYLDE CLUBS Following the progress of our next door neighbours Wren Rovers, and fellow Fylde coast non league side Lytham Town and Poulton, who play in the West Lancs League. Squires Gate, Wren Rovers and Clifton Rangers have recently formed a partnership on the Fylde Coast. WREN ROVERS

SOUTHPORT HESKETH 4 Since we last played at home, our local neighbours have been very busy. They hosted a charity night last Thursday and raised £2585 for Julie Pearson who was taken ill on holiday and had a £9200 medical bill. In the league, they played at home to Slyne with Hest on the 14th September and suffered a 4-1 defeat, after they had equalised on 35 minutes, the second half saw the visitors control the game and comfortably come away with 3 points.

LYTHAM TOWN

POULTON

COPPULL UNITED

EUXTON VILLA

Lytham Town have also been in action Poulton have slipped off form recently, as over the past few weeks, as they played they have fell from top of the league to away to CMB on the 14th September. 4th in 3 weeks. After the hosts took the lead within 5 minutes, Lytham eventually got into the game and goals from Tom Watson, Dan Scarlett, and Gareth O’cock gave Lytham a 2 goal cushion just after the break.

A draw with Coppull United on the 14th September, after being in losing positions twice.

Followed by a defeat to Euxton Villa on the 21st September, after they had taken CMB pulled a goal back with 58 minutes the lead through Jack Flackett. on the clock, however any chance of a Poulton face Fulwood Amateurs in the comeback was soon put to bed as Ross Richardson Cup 1st round this afternoon. Ainsworth restored Lytham’s 2 goal lead. On the 21st September, Wrens played at An own goal with 10 minutes to go home again and this time it was against sealed the 3 points for the away side. P PTS GD Southport Hesketh who are comfortably Lytham climbed to 3rd in the table on the TEAM Tempest United 10 22 +11 sat in midtable at the minute. 21st September, after they beat Coppull The visitors took the lead just after 10 minutes, when Dan Singleton slotted home, before Joe Tierney doubled their lead on the stroke of half time.

United. An early goal from Ross Ainsworth, and a goal from Tom Watson 10 minutes from time sealed off a 6th win in a row for Lytham Town.

Connor Wright put the game to bed 4 minutes into the second half, and added Lytham are in action today when they his second of the game 15 minutes from face Vickerstown in the Richardson Cup the end. 1st round at home. Wrens now sit 4th bottom, but the first team are not in action today, the Wrens reserves face Stoneclough at home in the Stewart Rowe Memorial Cup 1st round.

Fulwood Amateurs

+25

Lytham Town

Poulton

Hurst Green

+12

Euxton Villa

+10

Slyne with Hest

CMB

Thornton Cleveleys

Turton

Southport Hesketh

-1

Coppull United

-8

Wren Rovers

-9

Vickerstown

-10

Burscough Richmond

-9

Whitehaven

-61 25

Pic by Albert Cooper

DEAN ING

Speaking to The Gate this week is midfielder Dean Ing, who scored 14 goals for the club last campaign. He talks about life at Squires Gate, and which player he’d love to play alongside. Firstly, going into your 3rd season at Gate, what would you say your expectations are and have you set any personal targets? Although we’ve started the season pretty poorly in terms of our results, the performances displayed have also shown very promising signs and I’m still very optimistic about where we will finish in the league. Once we get on a good run I’d say we’d be in the running for a top 5 finish. My personal target for this year is to add to my goal tally of last years 14 which I’d say is possible after starting well as well as adding a few more assists to my game. What inspired you to start playing football? Did you have any footballing idols as a kid? I didn’t really have any interest in football when I was really young apart from having a kick about with my dad and brother in the back alley. It wasn’t until I went to one of my mates before their parents realised I wasn’t that bad and told my dad to take me down to spirit of youth which I did and I went from there. Growing up I enjoyed watching the likes of Lampard & Gerrard and their goal scoring record from midfield is something I was inspired by. Did you own any football shirts as a kid? If so, did you have any favourites? I grew up with many Blackpool shirts growing up as a kid but I

remember having a Barca kit my dad bought me when I was little which stands out for me. Are you a superstitious guy? Do you have any pre match rituals that you HAVE to do before kick off? I’m not very superstitious at all before games. If I have a good game the week before I tend to copy that routine to a tee on the next game day but whether that works or not is just down to luck I guess. Before kick off, you are the DJ, what is the first song that you put on in the dressing room? Who has the worst taste in music? You wouldn’t catch me on the tunes before a game, not sure I’ve got the stones to stick a song on before a game but by choice I’d pick “My head is a Jungle”. But Joey Mullen loves being connected to the speaker before a game and id say his taste in music is bizarre to say the least. You have already scored a fair few goals for Gate this season, do you set a personal tally for goals? What is your favourite goal that you have scored for Gate? I personally hope to score 15+ goals this season, but my favourite goal that I’ve scored for gate was a volley against Congleton which went in off the bar and to this day don’t know how it came off - it’s a shame Nick Greenall stuck one in the top bins from 35 yards to make mine look half average 10 minutes later. Best goal you have ever scored? The best goal I’ve scored that I can remember was for my Sunday team when I was at school playing for Layton Clarets,

bicycle kick from just outside the box. Fair to say I won’t ever be able to do that again. As a fan, what is the best game you have ever watched, live or on tv? The best game I’ve seen on tv is without a doubt the second leg of Barca vs PSG in the champions league where Barca came back from 4-0 down to knock PSG out. You’ll never see anything like it again. If you were to play in any other position, where would you choose to play and why? I’ve always been a volunteer to go in nets since being in school so I’d be up for giving it a go as a goalkeeper-. You can pick any 2 PL players to join Squires Gate on a free transfer, who would you pick and why? If I had to choose 2 premier league players to join gate I’d have to pick KDB and Van Dijk, imagine the solidarity down the centre of the park with them two. As a centre mid, if you could play with anyone in the world? Who would it be and why? As a centre mid I’d love to play with KDB, that guy could find you anywhere with a pass making it look effortless. Who would you say is the toughest opposition you’ve faced? Toughest player to play against? The toughest team I’ve had to play against in the league would definitely have to be City Of Liverpool FC! Before they went up last season into the evostik they were a team that no matter how well we played we got turned over by and that is why they Pic by Albert Cooper got promoted. Their fan base is exceptional. However, the toughest player I’ve had to play against for Gate Pic by Albert Cooper would be James Hardy for AFC Fylde in the 18/19 pre-season. That guy could be stood next to you not doing anything and before you knew it he had spun off you and gone through on goal- he was a handful to try and mark, I had head loss. We both know The NWCFL league is the most difficult league to get out of, do you feel we have the team to challenge for one off them 3 places this season? The NWCFL is a hard league being that anyone can beat anyone and the results are so unpredictable but with changes happening surrounding the club and what players we already have, I think top 3 after a good run of form wouldn’t be too much to ask for. If you could play at any ground in football where would it be and why? I’d love to play at the nou camp with the amount of history it has there however going off more recent stadium upgrades, I’d definitely like to play at Spurs’ new stadium. Prediction for today’s game? I’m going to go with 2-0 Gate!

Pic by Albert Cooper

LANCASHIRE CUP, THE BRIAN ADDISON STADIUM, 23.09.19 SQUIRES GATE Egidi 44

LANCASTER CITY Dawson 12, 30, 34, C. Bailey 36, Armer 80, S. Bailey 90+1

Squires Gate hosted Lancaster City in the Lancashire Cup, with no permanent manager and still without a win in September. It always was going to be a tough encounter for Gate, with Lancaster two leagues above.

GATE

1-6

Ben Fletcher

Joey Mullen

Jake Higham

Sam S-Turner

Robert Parker

Josh Westwood

Josh Pollard

Ryan Charnley

Riccardo Egidi

Dean Ing

James Boyd

George Fox

The second half was more one way traffic, two goals in the last 10 72 minutes for Lancaster, rounded off a miserable night for Gate.

Ryan Dodd

From the first minute of the game, Lancaster piled on the pressure, and it was a sign of what was to come for Gate. Within the first 10 minutes, Lancaster had some very good chances to break the deadlock but coulnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get on the end of any of the crosses that were put into 72 the box. 58

A 20 minute hat trick for Paul Dawson and a Bailey goal gave the visitors a comfortable lead heading into the break despite a Gate consolation Egidi goal on the stroke of half time.

Report by Jay Hayden

LANCASTER CITY 1

Max Povey

Lewis Fensome

Jack Armer

Niall Cowperthwaite

Luke Thompson

Glenn Steel

Sam Bailey

Paul Dawson

Brad Carsley

Rowan Roache

Charlie Bailey

Simon Wills

James Eccles

3 57

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

5 OCTOBER 2002

Kenwyne Jones (left) Kevin Mirallas (right) Kate Winslet DID YOU KNOW? After a £13,000 move from Bradford Park Avenue to Newcastle, Len Shackleton made his debut for the magpies in a Division Two match against Newport County on this day in 1946 in front of a crowd of 52,137. Newcastle went on to equal the highest score in football league history with a 13-0 victory with Shackleton scoring SIX of the goals. Now that is a perfect debut!

Southampton

Man City

Middlesbrough

Bolton

Grimsby

Reading

Blackpool

Cheltenham

Swansea

Rochdale

Yeovil

Southport

Looking back at some old results from 2002, there were some crazy fixtures. Stockport in League One, Bournemouth in League Two with Swansea and Hull City. Does anyone remember Leigh Genesis from the old conference?

5 OCTOBER 2013

In 2014, North West Counties side Cheadle Town played against an Under 19 Russia side who were preparing for their European Championship qualifying tournament in Northern Ireland. However, despite how impressive that was, Cheadle went on to lose 22-0.

Liverpool

Crystal Palace

Doncaster

Leicester

Bournemouth

Millwall

Middlesbrough

Yeovil

Portsmouth

Rochdale

Luton

Halifax

Fast forward 11 years, and Bournemouth are now playing in the Championship, with Yeovil. Fleetwood in League Two and Luton Town are playing football in the Conference. That’s how quickly football can change.

HALF TIME QUIZ

The highest scoring Premier League game finished 7-4. Which two teams played? A. Chelsea vs Southampton B. Aston Villa v Coventry C. Portsmouth v Reading

Which defender has scored the most own goals? A. Jamie Carragher B. Richard Dunne C. Zat Knight

Which manager has been promoted to the Premier League a record FOUR times? A. Tony Pulis B. Mark Hughes C. Steve Bruce

What was the final score in Arsene Wenger’s 1,000th game at Arsenal? A. 0-0 B. 7-1 C. 0-6

Who was Jose Mourinho’s first signing at Chelsea in 2004/05? A. Didier Drogba B. Petr Cech C. Paulo Ferreira

ANSWERS: EASY - 1.B, 2.C. INTERMIDIATE - 1. B, 2.C. EXPERT - 1.C, 2.C

Who scored the first Premier League goal? A. Micky Quinn B. Brian Deane C. Ian Wright

“The Accidental Groundhopper” MICHAEL HUDSON In our groundhopping feature, we interview groundhoppers from all over the country and ask them what encouraged them to start their footballing adventures, what they love about non league football and how many grounds they have been to. Speaking to The Gate this week, is Michael Hudson who runs the blog The Accidental Groundhopper.

So, which grounds have you visited abroad?

How many grounds have you visited up to now?

the cost, the atmosphere and the lack of restrictions. You can pay £2 to see Dynamo Kyiv in the Olympic Stadium oraround a tenner more to watch top flight football in Japan.

Living abroad, I’ve seen games in South Korea, Japan, France, Spain, Austria, Czech Republic, Italy, Latvia, Turkey, Ukraine, Estonia, Moldova, Belgium, Belarus and Greece. I also saw Newcastle United play in the UEFA Cup and in the Champions League - you can’t beat a grim 1-0 defeat in a First of all, what encouraged you to start your footballing quarter filled Nou Camp to Barcelona! I’ve also been at the adventures? What is the earliest memory you have of going 2002, and 2014 World Cups. If I could go to just one more to football as a kid? Do you remember your first game? foreign ground, it would be the Maracana. The closest I managed to get was kicking a beach ball around the My first game was at St James Park. A dull, end of season Copacabana. home defeat by Coventry City that I watched from a crash What makes the experience different to the English barrier in the Gallowgate End in April 1985. Aside from a few seasons, supporting Newcastle United has carried on much the game? same ever since. It depends on the country, obviously, but generally speaking

331. About 80 while following Newcastle United around the UK and continental Europe in the 1990s. I left South Tyneside for South Korea in 1999 and have lived in 10 different countries since then, so I’ve seen games all around the world. Not many trophies, though. Have you visited any obscure grounds? Loads. In fact, the obscurer the better is probably my general and probably only - rule of groundhopping. I’ve seen the once mighty Zimbru Chisinau at not one but two grounds in the Moldovan capital., Sheriff Tiraspol at an indoor stadium behind a bloke dressed as a bee, Seagull Park in Kanagawa, Japan, and a field in Scots Gap Northumberland where I watched Wallington play Shankhouse the week before I moved to a flat a goal kick away from the stadium that hosted the 2002 World Cup final.

The quality might not always be as great as the Premier League but that’s not always a bad thing. As a long term connoisseur of mediocrity in the worlds football game, I’m at my happiest with a beer in my hand listening to a crowd sing themselves hoarse while their centre forward shanks a shot out of play. What was the first football shirt you owned as a kid? Did you get a name on the back of it? Bukta’s rather natty 1979 Newcastle United home shirt, though I have only got a single photo to prove it. I’ve never had a name on the back of any shirt - my relationship with my footballing heroes has largely been of disappointment. Who was your footballing idol growing up? Kevin Keegan, of course. I missed him as a player but I was 15 when he came back as a manager. I also liked Waddle, Beardsley and Gascoigne until they abandoned us for more ambitious clubs. What is your usual routine when visiting a new ground? Any rituals? I don’t do any of the stuff that other groundhoppers do. No programmes, and not many places I see games at do pies.

As I live in the Canary Islands now, the first thing I do is try and find somewhere to sit in the shade. That’s almost as important as ensuring you’re not standing in a place where you end up chasing after every misplaced pass in the depths of English non league. What has been your most memorable game? The most memorable game was definitely South Korea vs Italy in the 2002 World Cup. Whatever the controversies surrounding that tournament, the atmosphere inside the ground was actually The best, and worst game you have ever seen? phenomenal. I was also lucky enough to be at both the 4-3 Newcastle against Liverpool games, the 5-0 win over Antwerp in the 94/95 UEFA Cup, and in the home end at Grimsby Town when Newcastle were promoted to the Premier League in 1993. We’ll never see the likes again…

As a Newcastle fan, there are too many worsts to mention. An away game at Leicester where the only memorable incident was Alan Shearer’s boot connecting with Neil Lennon’s head comes to mind. Or the1996 Charity Shield at the old Wembley where we lost 4-0 to Manchester United and then got drenched as soon as we stepped outside. The best might be the 5-0 win against the same opposition a few months later. Have you visited Squires Gate before? I haven’t yet, but it is definitely on the list. If you were to pick a “Dream XI” of players that you have seen live. Who would be in your team?

About Non League What do you enjoy most about non league football? What makes it unique? To make a musical analogy, it’s a lot like punk coming along after prog-rock disappeared. I got sick of a lot of things around the Premier League. I don’t know if there’s anything unique about non league football but I do know it captures a lot of the stuff that I used to love about the game at higher levels.

That’s far too difficult to narrow down, so I’ll just take the Newcastle United 1995/96 team but swap Pavel Srnicek for Peter Schmeichel. So near, and yet so far… Have you been to Wembley before? I have been twice, for the ‘96 Charity Shield and the FA Cup final two years later. I can’t say I’m In a hurry to go back. Any grounds that you are planning on visiting over the next couple of months?

My next game will be CD Mulagua on La Gormera, in the One of the things I like the most is the feeling that, by and large, Canary Islands. You can see a volcano from one end, and you’re handing money over to people who will put it to good use. banana plantations from the other and there’s an aloe vera Football’s not just a game, it’s the cultural glue that binds so farm next door. A bit different from where I started. many communities together. Any favourite grounds in particular? I love Shildon’s pyramid stand (pictured, right), though the wooden seats are off limits for safety reasons nowadays. Crook Town is also a wonderfully atmospheric stadium. A lot of the old Northern League grounds were built and funded by the miners and steel workers who filled the stands after work every Saturday. I understand that finances dictate that we get a lot of identical designs these days but there’s still great beauty in difference.

NWCFL PREMIER DIVISION, VESTACARE STADIUM, 28.09.19 AVRO Potts (33, 56) Abdallah (89)

AVRO

3-2

SQUIRES GATE Ing (16), Egidi (90+1)

Gate started a new era at the club last Saturday as Luke Evans took charge for the first time. He made only one change, with keeper Ben Fletcher being unavailable, so Adam Pennington stepped up.

Jordan Latham

Jack Poxon

Anthony Hough

Lewis Lacy

Alexander Frost

Kyle Jacobs

Joe Bevan

Joe Rathbone

Louis Potts

Harry Odell

Jake Pollard

Vincent Howell

Jack Morrow

Potts doubled his, and Avroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tally 10 minutes into the second half, with substitute Abdallah scoring a third with minutes left. A penalty awarded to Gate in injury time, with Riccardo Egidi being brought down in the box before calmly slotting home, but it would finish 3-2.

Abdulkadir Abdallah

Report by Mark Ashmore

Gate started the game on the front foot, and could have opened the scoring after just 30 seconds, and moments later found themselves inside the Avro penalty box, but could not finish their chances. After 16 minutes, Avro were finally broken down as Dean Ing was there to fire home from 6 yards. Avro equalised after Louis Potts headed over Pennington who was in no mans land after coming for the cross. Half time, both teams were level.

Pic by Albert Cooper

GATE 1

Adam Pennington

Joey Mullen

Josh Westwood

Robert Parker

Jake Higham

Josh Pollard

Sam S-Turner

Dean Ing

Ryan Charnley

James Boyd

Riccardo Egidi

Ryan Dodd

George Fox

Sohaib Ahmed

86 54 64 86

A LOOK BACK TO 1983/84 FA CARLSBERG PRELIMINARY ROUND

DIVISION ONE 1983/84

8th October 1983

TEAM

PTS

Atherton Collieries

Lytham

Liverpool

Blackpool Mechanics

Rylands

Southampton

Bradley Rangers

Nelson

Nottingham Forest

Chadderton

Maghull

Manchester United

Cheadle Town

Waterloo Dock

Queens Park Rangers

Daisy Hill

Graham Street Prims

Arsenal

Eastwood Hanley

Anstey Nomads

Ellesmere Port & Neston

Skelmersdale United

Everton

Fleetwood Town

Linotype

Tottenham Hotspur

-1

Ford Motors

Garforth Miners

West Ham United

Prescot Bl

Warrington Town

10 Aston Villa

-2

Prestwich Heys

Athetton LR

11 Watford

-9

Rossendale United

North Withington

12 Ipswich Town

-2

13 Sunderland

-11

14 Norwich City

-1

15 Leicester City

-3

16 Luton Town

-13

17 West Bromwich Albion

-14

18 Stoke City

-19

19 Coventry City

-20

20 Birmingham City

-11

21 Notts County

-22

22 Wolverhampton Wanderers

-53

FA CUP FINAL 1984 Everton

Watford

DID YOU KNOW? 20 October ‘83

Coventry City signed 21 year old Stuart Pearce from Alliance Premier League side Wealdstone.

16 November ‘83 England failed to qualify for the 1984 European Championships despite a 4-0 win over Luxembourg. 10 December ‘83 Coventry City achieved one of the most surprising results of the season, as they beat Liverpool 4-0. 7 January ‘84

AFC Bournemouth pulled off one of the biggest FA Cup upsets, beating Man United 2-0 in the 3rd round. Blackpool defeat Man City 2-1.

29 January ‘84

Brighton &Hove Albion beat Liverpool in the FA Cup for the second season running.

25 March ‘84

Liverpool draw 0-0 with Everton in the first ever all Merseyside Football League Cup final. Liverpool won the replay 1-0 at Maine Road.

14 April ‘84

Everton and Watford reach the FA Cup final after wins over Southampton and Plymouth respectively.

19 May ‘84

Everton win the FA Cup, after beating Watford 2-0 at Wembley.

23 May ‘84

Tottenham Hotspur draw 1-1 with Anderlecht in the UEFA Cup final, and win 4-3 on penalties.

30 May ‘84

Liverpool win the European Cup against Roma. 33

CLUB SECRETARY

The Gate team managed by Mickey Rudd in the late 1980s was the one I enjoyed playing in the most, we had great spirit on and off the pitch. However, the best side was the one that won the West Lancs 2nd Division title in 1981. You can bring 3 Premier League players to Squires Gate, with their wages paid for, past or present, and in their prime. Who would you sign and why? I’d have to say Alan Shearer for his goals, Steven Gerrard as the complete midfielder, and John Terry as captain and to be able to organise the defence. What is it that makes non league so unique? Why have you wanted to be a part of it for so long? Speaking to The Gate this week, is a man who has played a Why have I been a part of it for so long? Honestly, it doesn’t key part at Squires Gate over the past few decades, playing feel that long to me - there is always new challenges to face for the club, and is now secretary and co-chairman. John but as long as I keep getting the thrill of 3 points and seeing Maguire is as big a Squires Gate fan as you’ll see and we our players develop I will keep going. Plus, I’m still one of the managed to catch up with Magsy to get his insight on his love youngest on the committee! Your most memorable Gate moment? for the club. Here’s what he had to say: First of all, you have been at the club for many years. Can Without a doubt, captaining the club to win the Richardson you give us a brief insight into why you first joined the Cup back in 1987, at Morecambe. club, and how many years it is that you have now been a Over the years though, we have had some great games, even part of Squires Gate? though we are normally fighting for survival. We are also the I joined Gate when I was 16, from a junior club called South longest serving team in the Premier Division. In recent years, Shore Athletic, who had a link with us in 1975. I have been we have beaten Runcorn Linnets and Ashton Athletic, twice, to here ever since. stay up on the last game of the season. What are your expectations for this season? These were memorable games but the one that tops them all Due to the number of quality players we have lost, I would say is the game away at Wigan Robin Park, being 2-0 down at half finishing mid table would be a good achievement. time with 10 men as our keeper had been sent off and club Do you remember your first game? What was the score? legend Andy Richards was playing in goal. We somehow went My first game for the first team was in April 1978, Taddy (Brian on to win 3-2, and that result went a long way to keeping us in Addison) was the manager, and we lost 5-2 to Colne. I had a this league. couple of season in the reserves before that. Growing up, what got you into football? As a kid, we all played football , there was nothing else to do! Did you own any football shirts growing up? What was the first one you owned? My first football shirt was a Manchester City one, as my dad used to take me to Maine Road. I’ve supported Blackpool ever since I moved here when I was 6 though! You have seen many players come and go over the years, but out of those, which did you enjoy playing with/ watching?

THE LATEST FROM DIVISION 1 DIVISION 1 NORTH TEAM

DIVISION 1 SOUTH PTS

TEAM

PTS

Lower Breck

+25

FC Oswestry Town

+18

Ashton Town

+16

Vauxhall Motors

+25

Shelley

West Didsbury & Chorlton

+13

Holker Old Boys

Stone Old Alleynians

Daisy Hill

-1

Abbey Hey

Chadderton

Eccleshall

AFC Liverpool

Cammell Laird 1907

Golcar United

Wythenshawe Amateurs

-2

Atherton LR

-6

Abbey Hulton United

-5

10 AFC Blackpool

10 Wythenshawe Town

+11

11 Emiley AFC

11 Maine Road

-1

12 Prestwich Heys

-4

12 Sandbach United

13 Nelson

-8

13 Cheadle Heath Nomads

-1

14 Bacup Borough

-4

14 Alsager Town

-7

15 AFC Darwen

-5

15 Barnton

-9

16 St Helens Town

-5

16 Stockport Town

17 Cleator Moor Celtic

-6

17 St Martins

-9

18 Garstang

-7

18 Cheadle Town

-14

19 Steeton

-11

19 New Mills

-16

20 Pilkington

-7

20 Ellesmere Rangers

-30

RESULTS AFC Blackpool

Lower Breck

Alsager Towm

Eccleshall

AFC Darwen

Nelson

Cammell Laird

West Disbury

AFC Liverpool

Golcar United

Cheadle Heath

St Martins

Chadderton

Ashton Town

Cheadle Town

Abbey Hulton United

Emiley AFC

Cleator Moor Celtic

FC Oswestry Town

Barnton

Garstang

Prestwich Heys

Maine Road

Sandbach United

Holker Old Boys

Atherton LR

Stockport Town

Ellesmere Rangers

Shelley

Daisy Hill

Stone Old Alleynians

Abbey Hey

St Helens Town

Bacup Borough

Wythenshawe Am

New Mills

Steeton

Pilkington

Wythenshawe Town

Vauxhall Motors 37

Jack HARGREAVES Jacob DAVIES Jacob HIGHAM

Lee WHITE Referee Daniel Bruce

Zack DULSON Dylan MEREDITH

Joseph MULLEN

Ryan LEDSON

Dave ROSSALL

Karl CASSELL

Josh WESTWOOD

Charlie DOYLE

Ben FLETCHER

James BOYD

Assistant Referees James Naisbett Joshua Mitchell

Ryan CHARNLEY Ryan DODD

Liam MORRISON

Marcus PERRY Jordan SOUTHWORTH

UP NEXT AT HOMEâ&#x20AC;¦

Callum NICHOLAS

Dean ING

1874 NORTHWICH

Liam POLLITT

Callum KIRLAND

Saturday 12th October

Andre STEWART

Josh POLLARD Jordan SALTHOUSE Sam STAUNTON-TURNER Mututu CHILUFYA

Riccardo EGIDI Josh WOODS

Sam BOLTON Other fixtures Avro v 1874 Northwich Barnoldswick Town v Whitchurch Alport Burscough v Charnock Richard Litherland REMYCA v Longridge Town Northwich Victoria v Hanley Town Padiham v Ashton Athletic Rylands v Bootle Skelmersdale United v Winsford United

Danny EYRES Callum McCARTY George FARRELLY

Jordan ICELY