Squires Gate v Northwich Victoria by SquiresGateFC

OFFICIAL 32 PAGE MATCHDAY PROGRAMME OF SQUIRES GATE

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CONTACT US Squires Gate Football Club School Road, Blackpool, Tonight we welcome Northwich Vics, for our third home game in the space of 10 days.

Northwich Vics are a side with history, and I’m sure that they won’t be in this league for long. They have shown this season that they can score a lot of It’s fair to say the fixture list hasn’t been easy on us, and Luke and Shane goals, and with ex York City forward Jamie Reed up front, it is no wonder haven’t had the easiest of starts, as they are very prolific going forward, we have played some of the best having 2 of the highest scores (8-0, teams in this league. and 6-1) this season. Saturday saw us lose 4-0 to 1874, who were by far the better side, but in We need to carry on getting behind the lads, and results will start to come. the second half we showed signs of being able to compete, and managed Jay Hayden, programme editor. to stop them scoring.

FY4 5DS

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EXECUTIVE: Chairman: John Maguire Co-Chairman: Tony Jo Treasurer: Mark Ashmore Secretary: John Maguire First Team Manager: Andy Clarkson Assistant Manager: Jed Starkey Director of Football: Jimmy Salthouse Physio: Lucy Gray Club President: Brian Addison

IN TODAY’S ISSUE 4

FROM THE DUGOUT

VIEW FROM THE AWAY END

NAME NAMES

ABOUT NORTHWICH VICS

Q&A WITH JAMIE REED

FAMOUS FACES

MATCHDAY CENTRE

NWCFL STATS

ACTION REPLAY

VIEW FROM THE HOME END

FROM THE ARCHIVE

TODAY’S SQUADS

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 Editor : Jay Hayden

Gate Attendee: Jay Hayden Groundsman: Brian Addison, Steve Bellamy Bar: Denise Gibson and Chris Chadwick

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

HERE’S WHAT THE GAFFERS SAY: LUKE EVANS Welcome once again to the Brian Addison Stadium for tonight’s fixture vs Northwich Victoria. Back to back games for the lads, having only played a few days ago and we are desperate to turn this run of poor form around.

Spea

STEVE WILKES

Speaking to The Gate ahead of tonight’s game, Steve Wilkes has a few words for the Vics supporters; “We got back to winning ways last time out, with a hard earned victory away at Rylands after two draws that saw us drop 4 points from winning positions.

We know tonight is going to be tough as it always is when a We know how tough that is going to be against tonight’s new manager hasn’t been at the club long. I know Luke will be opponents but we will work as hard as we can to turn tonight’s looking for a reaction after the result on Saturday, so we will game into a winning one. need to make sure we turn up with our mind set right tonight. Steve” Looking back to the game on Saturday, we started bright enough holding our shape but conceding the goals that we did in the last twenty minutes of the half gave us an impossible task. At this level of football you get punished if you switch off and we have to understand this otherwise we face the consequences like we had to endure during the first half on Saturday. Second half we showed character and fight but it was too little too late. On the squad that we have at our disposal I am more than confident that we have the quality to get out of the current situation we are in. The lads just need to muck in and support one another and put their bodies on the line for the cause. On a positive note it was great to see Dave Rossall get through 90 minutes and also a man of the match performance from goalkeeper Jordan Gidley. Our opponents tonight are a very good team and have to be respected their manager is one of the best in the league and the side he has put together is of high quality. Having said that I feel on our day we can be a match for anyone in the division and we will definitely be going for 3 points. I would just like to extend a huge thank you to the ground staff who during these bouts of torrential rain have done so well in getting the games on but also giving us a fantastic playing surface. Please get behind the lads and help us on to victory. We really appreciate your support. Enjoy the game! Luke

Pic by Albert Cooper

Formed: 1874

Nickname: The Trickies, The Vics Ground: Wincham Park (Shared with Witton Albion) Capacity: 4,813 Colours: Green and white hooped shirt, white shorts, white socks HONOURS: The Combination League; Runners Up 1891-92 Manchester League; Winners 1903 Cheshire County League; Champions 1956-77; Runners Up 1924-25; 1947-48 Northern Premier League; Runners Up 1976-77 Conference North; Champions 2005-06 7

WELCOMING OUR OPPONENTS FROM NORTHWICH Northwich Victoria was founded in 1874, and named in honour of the then-reigning monarch Queen Victoria, before becoming defunct and amalgamating with Hartford and Davenham in February 1890 with the new club taking the Northwich Victoria name. The new club was a founder of several leagues which included the Football League Second Division, in which they competed for only two seasons from 1892-1894.

The club reached the FA Trophy final at the old Wembley in 1982-83, where they were beaten 2-1 by Telford United. But the club did achieve some silverware in the following season when they beat Bangor City 2-1 in the same competition in a replay of the final which was played at the appropriately named Victoria Ground, in Stoke. The first game finished 1-1.

In 1995-96, they reached the final of the FA Trophy again, A great leap forward was taken in 1892, when the club turned where they returned to Wembley, only to be defeated again, professional, In the league’s inaugural season, Northwich Vics this time to Macclesfield Town. finished 7th, which is the highest finish in the club’s history. The new century saw Northwich Victoria face great financial They would remain professional for one further season, which difficulties and relegation, with the club nearly folding following also seen them record a 5-3 win against Newcastle United at administration in both the 2004-05 season, and 2009-10. Drill Field, a game where Billy Meredith scored his first hat trick for the club. Another notable result was holding Woolwich In September 2004, the club went into administration and thus Arsenal (now known as Arsenal) to a 2-2 draw. However, as a were deducted 10 points under National League rules, which left them in relegation trouble. However, the team recovered result of their final position at the bottom of the league, the club’s board decided not to apply for re-election to the Football and finished in 19th place, nine points clear of relegation. But, unfortunately they were voluntarily demoted due to some legal League at the end of the season. They returned to amateur, regional football in their first and previous league, which was problems.. known as The Combination, where they had a mixture of top On 8 May 2012, it was announced that former Wolves striker half and mid table finishes up to 1898 when they left the Andy Mutch would be taking over as manager for the 2012-13 league. season. Northwich started the season in the lowest league in the club’s history, with their local rivals Witton Albion starting in In 1898, Northwich became a founder member of the newly formed Cheshire League, where they remained for two more a higher league for the first time. seasons, finishing 8th in their first season and runners up in their next season in the First Division.

In 2014-15, Northwich finished fourth and qualified for the play offs but were defeated in extra time. However, the following Up to the middle of this century, Northwich Victoria played in season saw Witton Albion relegated to the same division, and red and blue horizontal stripes, however a major change in the Northwich were able to re-establish a three year ground share club’s livery occurred when they adopted the colours that they agreement with them permitting Northwich to play at Wincham Park. still wear today; green and white. In 1968, Northwich were one of the several members from the Cheshire County League to leave and become a founder member of the newly created Northern Premier League, where they generally finished midtable or in the top half, and it was in the 76-77 campaign that they came closest to winning the league, but they narrowly missed out on the title on GD to Boston United after a draw with Scarborough on the final day. In that same season, they had their best run in the FA Cup in modern times, reaching the 4th round. They were the last ever present team before they were relegated in 2004-05. 8

In the 2015-16 FA Cup, they advanced through 6 rounds of competition to become the last team from step 8 to be in the competition, and they finished third in Division One despite being deducted 9 points for using an ineligible player in four of their matches. In September 2017, Steve Wilkes was announced as manager after the club had been relegated to the NWCFL Premier, the club struggling with administration.

STEVE WILKES Steve Wilkes was announced The Vics boss in September 2016, after resigning as Padiham boss the previous month. He had two spells at Padiham, and in 2013 he managed to lead the Storks to the NWCFL Premier Division title. Over the two spells, he managed over 500 games over the course of a decade. The former Preston midfielder also managed Runcorn Linnets, AFC Darwen and Ashton Athletic so he has some very good experience of this league and will be looking to guide the Vics to promotion. He started his playing career in 1983, at Wigan Athletic as an apprentice, and began his professional career in 1985. and moved to Preston North End in 1986. In October 1989, he had suffered an injury breaking his right femur and didn’t play until 1991, at Bamber Bridge before finishing his career at Darwen in 1997. “I will always remember my 1st game as a manager at Darwen, down at Congleton, in 1997. Going through the years, at Darwen we got to the Lancashire Cup final in 1999 when we lost to Morecambe on penalties, so that is up there as one of my highlights” - Speaking to the NWCFL website in March. “Winning the title with Padiham in 2012/13 was a massive achievement for a small club like Padiham. That season I only used 27 players, which is remarkable when you think about how many players move from club to club at this level. We had only a small budget, but we had the best dressing room in the league, which I think is so important at this level” Steve told the Northwich Vics website back in 2017, which shows that he can get the best out of his teams, and has a title winning mentality. He reached a milestone in March of this year when today’s clubs last met, celebrating his 1000th game as a manager. “It’s been a brilliant 21 years and it’s been a fantastic journey” Northwich Vics finished 16th last season.

First of all, how did you get into watching football and more importantly Northwich Vics?

Vase run last season. To get to the semi finals and beating the teams we did was unbelievable!

AH: I have been a football fan all my life and I am a big Man Utd fan. I’m not originally from Northwich, and the local nonleague side I supported as a kid was Altrincham, but when I moved to the area I wanted to get behind a local side and encourage my children to do the same. There was only one local team I was ever going to support due to the history Vics have. I am also heavily involved in our junior set up and both my children Emily and Alfie play for teams and are big Vics fans. TR: I got into football at an early age at school. Everyone was football mad. Watching Vics was a Saturday routine with friends. IB: There has been so many memories watching Northwich Vics. Some not so good but will always stick with me. Some amazing memories too. For me my most memorable moment will have to be my first away day. It was a very early start as lot of fans made the long journey up to Sunderland in the FA Cup 3rd round. We got beat but we gave a good account of What was your first game? Do you remember the score? ourselves against a then Premier League team. The whole AH: My first ever game was Altrincham vs Liverpool in the 3rd achievement I am most proud of is quite recent it has to be round of the FA Cup at Anfield in 1981, Liverpool won 4-1. I’ve buying the club as a fan base and watching everything grow behind the scenes and on the pitch in the last 2 years has disliked them ever since. been fantastic. My first Vics game as a supporter was against Buxton at the Victoria Stadium in 2012. The score was 1-1 and it was one of What are your expectations for this campaign? Do you think promotion is achievable? the last games played there. I had been to the Drill Field previously to watch them against Altrincham. AH: I would have to say promotion has to be the goal this year and with the team we have I certainly think it’s achievable. TR: According to my dad, he had me on the Vics terraces at the age of 4 weeks old! I don’t remember anything about that Another good run in the Vase would be good too. game to be honest! TR: I am hoping we get promoted this season. Now that the IB: My first game was at home to Telford United. I can't really top 3 in the league automatically go up, I think that is very remember the score all I remember was the amazing feeling of achievable. watching my home town club an fell in love with it. IB: My expectations this season have to be high. If I’m honest I expect promotion but a lot of that is down to having a very Northwich Vics are a team with history. What has been competitive squad an fantastic management team. I think us your most memorable moment watching Vics? What fans have helped by being the 12th man whether it be home or achievement are you most proud of? away. I also think we can progress in the vase as well we will AH: I think the game in the Vase last year against Newcastle need a bit of lady luck to succeed in both. Hopefully this can Benfield was a hugely important one for the new fan owned come true an turn into a very successful season. Vics and the away support we had that day was incredible. Who has been the toughest opposition to come to Last years run in the FA Vase has got to be my proudest Northwich Vics? Who do you hate playing in this league? achievement. We were so close to that Arch. TR: There has been so many memorable moments watching AH: Our bogey team has to be Burscough, we have lost all Vics but if I had to choose it would have to be beating Charlton three games I’ve been to at their ground and always seem to raise their game against us. in the FA Cup 1st round in 2009! I am most proud of our FA IB: I have always loved watching football from a very young age. I went to watch Northwich Vics for the first time in 2003. My best mate at the time asked me to come with him and I loved it instantly. It's funny really, the lad at the time is now our goalkeeping coach, Chris Appleton.

TR: Our toughest opposition this season was Irlam. They are a very good side. Until this season, I hated playing Burscough. We never got a result against them until we beat them 6-1 this season. IB: I think Whitchurch were a very well organised side, Very big strong an physical side. They had a bit of fortune to win the game but the league is very competitive. Normally I hate playing Burscough last couple of seasons they have got the better of us. But we have got rid of that this season beating them comfortably at home 6-1. What do you think makes non league unique? AH: The players! They all have full time jobs and then expected to perform on the pitch after a full days work. Think they earn every penny they get playing at this level. Total respect for them all.

season beating Stafford rangers at home. There was 3000 fans there the atmosphere was something else.

TR: The whole match day! You go to the match and you What has been the best goal you have ever seen? For personally know 95% of the people there who all love the club. Vics, and in general?

IB: Non league to me is where the passion is. Everyone gets behind there team an has banter with opposition players an fans. But after the game you sit in the clubhouse together have a drink shake hands an wish each the best. At the Vics, the atmosphere and buzz about the place is amazing it’s like one big family. Everyone gets welcomed in.

AH: Jordan Darr’s goal against 1874 last year was incredible for Vics but my favourite goal of all time is Eric Cantona’s FA Cup Final goal against Liverpool. How he got so much power on the strike when the ball was behind him and how in went through so many players in the box was incredible. It won United the double-double and against the old enemy....magic.

Which 3 Gate players do you think will be ones to watch for Vics today?

TR: The best goal I've seen for vics was Jordan Darr's goal against 1874 Northwich last season. What a goal it was!

AH: Joe Mullen, James Boyd and Dean Ing

IB: The best goal I have ever seen for Vics was probably Stuart Elliot against Woking the FA Cup 2nd replay that set up the clash against Sunderland. It was an unbelievable goal but the circumstances involved made it that extra special.

TR: From following gates results this season it seems that Riccardo Egidi and Dean Ing are quite prolific. James Boyd seems a good player too. Do you have any matchday rituals or superstitions? Anything you have to do before a match kicks off or it'll be bad luck? AH: I tend to watch the away games from behind the goal but like to walk back to the half way line 5 minutes before each half ends in order to clap the boys off win, lose or draw.

If you were to sign 3 PL players on a free transfer, wages already paid for, who would you sign and why? AH: Hard to say as a United fan but, Kevin De Bruyne, Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling. Amazing players. TR: I would sign Harry Kane, Salah and Sterling. With that strike force we would soon be in the football league.

TR: Always have a few pints before the match!

IB: I would have say Kevin De Bruyne unreal talent and the assists he would provide for our attack would be insane. IB: No not really. I just like being at the ground a good time before the game to have a beer and get a feel about the place, Andrew Robertson, as in my opinion is the best left back in league and would be an amazing addition. the atmosphere. The players effort in warm up. But nothing N’Golo Kante would be my last player, he is the best defensive that I specifically do. midfielder by a long way. What has been the best game you have ever seen? For Favourite ever Vics player? Northwich Vics, and in general? AH: Newcastle Benfield was amazing last year and the 1999 Champions League Final is probably the most amazing game for me. From regret to euphoria in 2 minutes. TR: The best game that sticks in my mind was watching Vics at the old Wembley in the FA Trophy final in 1996. Although we got beat that day I'll never forget that game and the whole experience. IB: The best game I have ever seen for vics was probably when we won the league title in the last home game of the

AH: Without doubt, Brian Matthews. In my opinion his 37 goals in the 2017/2018 season probably saved the club from going down and going out of business. He could score a goal from nothing and was also a cracking lad off the pitch. TR: Steve Walters. Always gave 110% every match. IB: There is so many to choose from, I would probably have to say super Jonny Allan. 1 of the nicest people to talk to but an absolute beast to play against. Defenders nightmare. 11

You are the manager of a 5 a side team. You can have 2 PL legends, past or present, and 3 Vics players. Who makes your team? AH: Peter Schmeichel, Eric Cantona, Brandon Barski, Matty Clarke and Brian Matthews TR: The two Vics players I'd have would be Tommy Kilifin and Jamie Reed. And the 3 PL legends would be Eric Cantona, Vincent Kompany and Peter Schmeichel. IB: 2 Vics players would probably be Brandon Barski and Matty Clarke. 3 PL legends would be Peter Schmeichel, Roy Keane and Thierry Henry. In your opinion, which NWCFL teams do you think will be promoted and relegated this season? Where do you think Vics will finish ? AH: Promoted - Vics, Runcorn Town and Bootle. Relegated Litherland REMYCA. It’s wide open at the moment though. IB: I think it is tough to choose, it really is this year, but I would probably say; Northwich Vics, Bootle and Whitchurch as my three to go up. Litherland to go down, from what I have seen so far. TR: The 3 teams I tip for promotion would be Vics, Irlam and Bootle. As for relegation, I will have to say Litherland REMYCA as we beat them 8-0 this season, and they were very poor. Which grounds do you like visiting the most? AH: Old Trafford obviously, but in this league the Yokings, Whitchurch Alport’s ground. Lovely little ground. IB: There’s a couple of nice grounds in this league. I like Bootle’s especially on a summer’s day. Whitchurch is also a very nice ground. TR: I always love visiting Bootle. Very good club house and a nice little ground. Have you been to Squires Gate before? If so, what was the score? AH: Yes, April 2018. We got demolished 5-0. I remember Steve Wilkes didn’t even go into the changing room at full time and when we went in to clean them after the players had left they had swept and mopped up and folded up all the dirty kit up and left everything spotless. Enough said! IB: Yes, I was here last season, when we won 3-0. TR: Yes, I visited last season with Vics, and we won 3-0. Prediction for today's game? AH: 2-1 Vics TR: I’m going to say an exciting 4-2 Vics win. IB: I predict a 3-1 win to vics. But would like to wish both teams the best of luck for today an the rest of season. Thanks to Tom, Ian and Alistair for contributing to the programme, please remember that these are not the views of Northwich Victoria FC and is only the fans’ opinion. 12

Jamie Reed imagine I was very happy! Would still be happy with a wave off him now!! Do you remember the first shirt you owned growing up? Who was your footballing idol? Yes, I Had every Liverpool shirt growing up. Always liked the away shirts for some reason, also they tended to release the away shirt around my birthday so always got the kit for my birthday. Saying that my favourite shirt has to be the 95/96 shirt. I bought the home 95 shirt in perfect condition with Barnes on the back a few years ago and it’s still probably my favourite.

Speaking to The Gate from Northwich Victoria this week, is former York City and Chester forward Jamie Reed. Jamie In terms of idols as you can tell it started with John Barnes started his career at Wrexham and has 4 caps for the Welsh C when I was really young, then moved on to Robbie fowler team. He gives us an insight into his experienced career. “GOD” but to me there was no one better then Brazilian Ronaldo! I stick by it now I’d take him over Messi or the other What got you into football, and more importantly Vics? Ronaldo. He was incredible!! Which team did you grow up supporting? Football is all I’ve known as a kid so it was all I ever wanted to Most memorable moment in your career? do like most young lads. I was one of the lucky ones that Winning at Wembley twice in week and more specifically sitmanaged to have a full time career and absolutely loved it. ting on the crossbar at Wembley celebrating our win!! I joined Vics due to the size of the club and where they You can pick any player past or present to play alongside currently are at this stage in my career I wanted to be part of a with, who do you pick and why? project and this was the perfect fit! I’m a Liverpool fan again Now the best player I would love to play with live is Ronaldo something I didn’t have a choice with but finally after a child hood surrounded by Manchester United fans, its finally coming however I don’t think Id get to many goals myself. So if I was to be selfish and this may sound strange but someone like to fruition. Emile Heskey would be class to play up top with. He was so Can you give us a brief insight to your career? How many under rated but every striker that played with him says how years have you been at Vics? good he was to play with. He could be a battering ram, win everything so I can get on the end of things and put the ball I joined Vics at the start of this season after quite a diverse career. I started out at Wrexham, as a fresh faced 17 year old away. when they were in League One, and then moved to the Welsh You are manager of a 5 a side team. You can pick 2 Vics League. I also had stints in America and Australia before a players, and 3 PL legends. Who makes your team? move to York City, where we got promoted to the Football League and won the FA trophy. I had a small spell at down at GK - My brother Scott, I’ve played 5 a side with him and you don’t beat him in those goals also he can play a bit always Cambridge before I signed for my home town club, Chester. I then moved back to Australia with South Melbourne and won handed to have a sweeper keeper! CB - Big Virgil Van Dijk, no one is getting past him and he’s an the league there. Unfortunately we had to move back due to family reasons and went in to part time football to pursue my absolute baller. No need for another CB with him playing. Mid – Ryan Winder, loves ratting around and wins everything current career as a financial planner. then manages to pick the right pass (sometimes). Do you remember your first game for Vics, and the first Mid – Jay Jay Okocha, absolute flair player. game you attended as a fan? Up top – Robbie fowler, he is deadly!! don’t need to say any My first game was a 2-0 win v Skelmersdale United. It was a more than that! good game that we more than deserved to win. The first game Who is the toughest opposition you have faced? I remember watching as a fan, was Tranmere v Liverpool not sure what year it was in but I was only young and managed to It would have to be Luton away, at Kenilworth Road. One of the toughest places I’ve been to. Crowd are so close to the get really close and got a wave of John Barnes. As you can 14

pitch and to say they are horrible is an understatement. Some of the things they would say are probably illegal and it was that close you could hear every word. Strangely enough I always scored against them and we tended to beat them. York and Luton had some right battles! What is the best goal you have ever scored? What is the best one you have ever seen? A last min winner against Bath for York, a Di Canio scissor kick, top bin! It is on video somewhere! Best I’ve seen live is an overhead kick in the same season from Jason Walker against Grimsby. Not only was the finish top quality but the build-up play was unreal and everything that York 2012 team was about! Do you have any matchday superstitions, or rituals? Cheesy Beans on toast of some kind whether its bread, a bagel or the current favourite is sourdough. Also always do my right shin pad first, I’m not sure why, not even sure if it is a superstition, or just something I’ve noticed I always do. You are the DJ before the game, what is the first song on your playlist? This varies but one song that has stuck out during my career is “Red Light Spells Danger” by Billy Ocean, it got our Little Llandudno team to the Europa League. Absolute Banger!! What do you usually do before a game? Not telling you, haha! No, nothing in particular really. Just make sure I’m not late because our fines list is ridiculous! Most embarrassing moment you have as a footballer? After being dragged back in from a night out by the gaffer for staying out past curfew was pretty embarrassing, I then had to apologise the next day. Extremely hungover it was like a scene from the inbetweeners. I think I said sorry 20 times “sorry , sorry, sorry” You can bring 3 PL players to Northwich Vics on a free transfer. Who do you sign and why? Virgil Van Dijk is an obvious one. Sterling, and Kevin De Bruyne, as you can tell I’m a big Liverpool fan but you can’t look past their quality and what they provide for their strikers. Prediction for today’s game? Vics win, hopefully a hat trick from myself would be brilliant. I am due one. Squires Gate would like to thank Jamie for contributing to the programme, and giving us some details into his career. The striker, has not only got promoted to the Football League with York City, but has also played European football with Welsh side Llandudno.

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 2001 this week, when England got that famous result against Germany. But how many players can you name?

ENGLAND

GERMANY

Ex Arsenal keeper (5,6)

Now a Sky Sports pundit. (4,7)

15 Played for Dortmund, and PSG.

One of two brothers (3,9)

CB, made 165 apps for Bayern.

Recently left Macclesfield (3,8)

231 apps for Leverkusen. (JN)

Played at Derby last season (6,4)

11 Managed Energie Cottbus (JB)

Made 429 apps for Bayern.

20 Ex Tottenham & Hull (4,6)

10 Played for Liverpool, and City

Ginger United playmaker (4,7)

16 Marko _____.

Liverpool & Rangers (6,7)

24 Ex Chelsea, and Bayern Munich

Famous for his 7 shirt (5,7)

35 Right winger, joined Bayern in â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;02

11 Former Newcastle & Wigan (5,6)

39 Carsten _____

10 Now a pundit for BT Sport (7,4)

18 Oliver _____.

Who’s played for Northwich Vics? BRUCE GROBELAAR Bruce Grobelaar started his career at at Highlanders in 1973. He played for various clubs in Zimbabwe before making a move to Vancouver in 1979 and played under Tony Waiters. He made his move to England in 1981, to Liverpool, where he made a 440 appearances for the Merseyside club, the reason for him signing for them was the fact Tony Waiters had a working relationship with Liverpool and paved the way for a move. Bruce then had spells at Southampton, Plymouth, Oxford United, Oldham and Sheff Wednesday amongst other football league clubs. He made just one appearance for Vics. But still, what a signing he was.

DELE ADEBOLA Bamberdele Olusegun Adebola, or as he is known as, Dele Adebola. He started his career off at Crewe Alexandra in 1992 where he spent 6 years and made 123 appearances for the club. It is within that time that he spent a loan spell at Northwich Victoria in 1994, and made 16 appearances scoring 7 goals. Prolific. He then went on to Birmingham City, scoring 31 goals in 129 games. 31 goals in 163 games for Coventry City, and also being first choice striker for Nottingham Forest and Hull City. Adebola returned to non league football in 2013, when he signed for Rushall Olympic.

GARY TAYLOR-FLETCHER How many of you Blackpool fans knew where GTF started his footballing career? That’s right, Northwich Victoria. Taylor Fletcher worked as a barman in his local hotel, and it was during this time that he was spotted by the scouts of Vics while playing in a friendly against a local team made up of labourers. He went on to score 11 goals in 43 apps before signing for Leyton Orient in 2001 for a fee of reportedly £50,000. Gary signed for Blackpool in 2007 ahead of the seasiders’ first season back in the Championship. He set many records at Blackpool, and also scored the Tangerines first goal in the Premier League campaign. 18

GARETH AINSWORTH Another player who started his footballing career with today’s opposition, Gareth Ainsworth, who is now the manager of Wycombe Wanderers. Gareth was a midfielder for Vics in 1991-92, and scored 4 goals in 14 apps before moving to Cambridge in 1992. He was then loaned back to Northwich Vics where he made a further 5 appearances. He went on to play for many professional clubs, which included Preston, Cardiff, and QPR before signing for the Buckinghamshire based side in 2009. 10 years later, and he has guided them to a comfortable League One position.

DAVID BARDSLEY Another one for you Blackpool fans, David Bardsley, started his career wit Blackpool in 1981. He was known for his pace, and eventually made a move to Watford in 1983 for £150,000m and featured in every game in the Hornets’ run to the ‘84 cup final where they lost 2-0. He made 100 apps for Watford, before moving to Oxford in 1987 for a then club record of £265,000. He returned to Blackpool in 1998 after making over 250 appearances for Queens Park Rangers, and also picking up 2 England caps. He made 2 appearances for Vics in 1992-93.

SHAUN TEALE Shaun Teale, played as a defender from 1983 to 2004, and was part of the League Cup winning Aston Villa team in 1994. He made 147 apps for Villa between 1991 and 1995, before he moved to Tranmere Rovers in 1995 for £500,000. After that, he spent time at Sing Tao, Motherwell, and Carlisle United. He was appointed Burscough manager in 2003, where he won the FA Trophy, but left 6 weeks after for Northwich Vics. He made 6 appearances for Vics, before leaving at the end of the 2003/04 season.

SCOTT WAGSTAFF Scott was on the books of Charlton Athletic from the age of 8 years old, and in 2008 he was given a 2 and a half year contract aged 20 under manager Alan Pardrew. He made his debut in 2008 in the same match as Jonjo Shelvey. In 2008, he was loaned to Northwich Victoria, albeit only for a month but he scored one goal in 5 appearances. He now plays for AFC Wimbledon, where he has made 40 appearances and scored only 2 goals.

A PREVIEW OF TODAY’S GAME SQUIRES GATE

NORTHWICH VICTORIA

Squires Gate currently sit joint bottom of the league, and have not picked up a point in 6 games now.

On complete opposite form to Gate, Vics recently beat Burscough 6-1 and narrowly lost to Lancaster City

A strong second half on Saturday which showed signs of what is to come, Luke will be keeping a close eye on the players’ performance tonight.

Vics have players who can cause a lot of damage to some of the best defences in the league, hence why they have scored so many this season..

GATE FORM GUIDE

NORTHWICH VICS FORM GUIDE

LOST 4-2

LOST 4-1

LOST 6-1

LOST 3-2

LOST 5-1

LOST 4-0

07/09/19

14/09/19

24/09/19

28/09/19

05/10/19

12/10/19

07/09/19

11/09/19

21/09/19

25/09/19

05/10/19

08/10/19

League

FA Vase

Lancs Cup

League

FA Cup

League

DREW 0-0 LOST 2-1

WON 6-1

DREW 3-3 DREW 1-1

WON 2-1

LAST TIME OUT NORTHWICH VICTORIA 2

1 SQUIRES GATE

Brownhill (11)

Seear (41)

Wednesday 17th April 2019 / Wincham Park / Attendance: 122 A game which signalled the end to Gate’s seven match unbeaten run. The first chance of the game fell to Gate as Seear found himself inside the box but the Vics defence did not hesitate to get the ball clear. It took the home side 11 minutes to go ahead, as Mason cut inside and tried his luck from well out, Povey not being able to deal with the original shot as it fell into the path of Joel Brownhill who fired into the back of the net. Gate’s head didn’t drop as they began to play an attractive style of football on the pitch and the equaliser came in impressive fashion when Seear latched onto a ball and lobbed the keeper from 30 yards out.

The hosts nearly took the lead in the early stages of the second half, but the brave defending from Jacob Davis denied them, however 4 minutes from time, Vics took the lead as sub Ryan Winder was given too much time on the ball and fired home a rocket of a shot through Gate’s defence and into the back of the net.

SQUIRES GATE v VICS: HEAD TO HEAD RECORD Played

Gate Wins

Draws

Vics Wins

Gate Goals

VicsGoals

Highest Score

SG 5-0 VICS

25%

50%

25%

1.75 GPG

0.75 GPG

12.04.2018 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

12 1874 NORTHWICH

15 NORTHWICH VICS

19 EMLEY AFC (MACRON CUP)

23 LITHERLAND REMYCA

26 WHITCHURCH ALPORT

29 HANLEY TOWN

IRLAM

NOVEMBER

1874 NORTHWICH

SKELMERSDALE

16 LONGRIDGE TOWN

1-5

23 CHARNOCK RICHARD

0-4

30 IRLAM

TEAM

PTS

1874 Northwich

+15

Longridge Town

+13

Bootle

Whitchurch Alport

+13

Rylands

Irlam

+12

ASHTON ATHLETIC

CONGLETON TOWN

16 WINSFORD UNITED

Winsford United

23 RYLANDS

Northwich Victoria

+14

30 NORTHWICH VICS DECEMBER

Ashton Athletic

Charnock Richard

Barnoldswick Town

-3

Avro

-2

CONGLETON TOWN

14 SKELMERSDALE

Hanley Town

-1

21 CHARNOCK RICHARD

Congleton Town

-3

26 LONGRIDGE TOWN

Runcorn Town

-3

28 AVRO

Skelmersdale United

-6

Padiham

-16

Burscough

-18

JANUARY

4 BOOTLE

Squires Gate

-13

11 WHITCHURCH ALPORT

Litherland REMYCA

-27

FACTS & FIGURES FROM THE PREMIER DIVSION MOST CLEAN SHEETS

HIGHEST ATTENDANCES

MOST 2ND HALF GOALS

G. McCall (Rylands)

1874 v Winsford

403

Longridge Town

B. Barnes (Skem Utd)

Whitchurch v Hanley

333

Whitchurch Alport

A. Reid (Runcorn Town)

N. Vics v Burscough

310

1874 Northwich

D. Taberner (N.Vics)

Whitchurch v Congleton

294

Irlam

A. Woolrich (Hanley Town)

Runcorn v 1874

287

Rylands

MOST CARDS (Y / R)

TOP SCORERS (ALL)

HIGHEST SCORES

Padiham

34 32 / 2

Paul Turner (LON)

Winsford v Gate

5-4

Lith’ REMYCA

32 27 / 5

Carl Grimshaw (CHR)

N. Vics v REMYCA

8-0

Avro

29 26 / 3

Dale Korie-Butler (ASH)

REMYCA v Ashton Ath

1-7

Winsford United

28 27 / 1

Jake Parker (1874)

N. Vics v Burscough

6-1

Hanley Town

27 25 / 2

David Howarth (WHA)

Avro v Burscough

5-2

GATE v VICS: LEAGUE GOALS IN MINUTES 5 4 3 2

1 0-10

11-20

WHERE TO SEE GOALS

21-30

31-40

41-45

46-50

51-60

61-70

FORM TABLE (LAST 6)

71-80

81-90

90+

GATE TOP SCORERS

1 Congleton Town

1 Longridge Town

Dean Ing

2 Rylands

2 Bootle

Riccardo Egidi

3 Avro

3 Charnock Richard

James Boyd

4 Northwich Vics

4 1874 Northwich

Josh Westwood

5 Ashton Athletic

Joe Mullen

5 Barnoldswick Town

6 Ashton Athletic

7 Litherland REMYCA

8 Runcorn Town

9 Padiham

10 Squires Gate

FORM TABLE (LAST 6)

GATE MOST APPS

16 Skelmersdale Utd

James Boyd

17 Padiham

Sam Staunton-Turner

18 Lith’ REMYCA

Josh Pollard

19 Burscough

Dean Ing

20 Squires Gate

Riccardo Egidi

PIC BY IANPIC DAVIES

PREMIER DIVISION, THE BRIAN ADDISON STADIUM, 12.10.19 SQUIRES GATE

0-4

1874 NORTHWICH Kennerley (22), Parker (28), Cain (39, 44)

Jack Iley was handed a first start for Squires Gate after joining from Division One side AFC Darwen during the week, Ryan Riley was also back in the squad.

GATE

Gidley

Parker

Higham

Staunton-Turner

Rossall

Westwood

Riley

Ing

Iley

Boyd

Charnley

Egidi

Farnworth

Pollard

Another tough assignment for Luke Evans and his side, against an in form 1874 Northwich side who knew victory would lift them to the top of the league. Gate had the first chance of the match four minutes in, Charnleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s freekick unable to find the head of Josh Westwood though. Gidley pulled off a good save but Kennerley showed his poacherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s instinct and slotted home inside the 6 yard box on 22 minutes.

45 45 45 45

88 45

The hosts switched off at the back, as Jake Parker finessed his shot into the far corner of the net and put 1874 into a comfortable lead. The visitors showed ruthlessness as they closed the game down within 5 minutes before half time. A Harry Cain brace sealed the win for 1874 Northwich, who climbed top of the league. Report by Mark Ashmore

1874 NORTHWICH 1

Aghayere

Koral

Russell

Jackson

Jones

Parker

Cain

Ormrod

Knight

Hare

Kennerley

Barrington

Okome

Gardner

CLUB PHOTOGRAPHER ALBERT COOPER Speaking to The Gate this week is club photographer, who has been at the club since 2006, Albert Cooper. Albert has had a glamorous career in the media, having taken pictures for various newspapers and websites. He was at the World Cup final in 1966, and was good friends with the late George Best. Please note that Albert owns every photograph, and has allowed us to use it in the programme.

I don’t think I owned any sports shirts, apart from the school kit in 1946, then 1949 also playing for a youth club in 1952, and then went into the Royal Navy in 1953. Our local village team wore Naval shirts and shorts that a demobbed sailor managed to smuggle out when he came home. The only football scarves and knitted caps were home made from someone’s unpicked old pullover.

What got you into football, more importantly ‘The Gate’?

Did you have any footballing idols growing up?

When I was 5 years old, my grandmother bought me my first football boots. I had measles at the time but couldn’t wait to try them out! So much so that when the doctor came to see me (that’s what they did in 1941) he turned the blankets back on the bed, and discovered I was wearing my football boots. I played football on pitches that were a flattened mining slag heaps, or a refuse tip which was at the bottom of our garden, at Worsboro Common, Barnsley.

From 1960 to 2000, working as a sports photographer freelance, then staff for The Sun, Sunday People, Daily Mirror, as well as Charlie Buchan’s football monthly magazine I never had any favourites, as I had to photograph thousands and thousands of sporting personalities and never wore any memorabilia or admitted to being a fanatical supporter of any team or individual but respected world class talent and I did admire what I considered some of the wonderful humans that I was lucky enough to meet.

As for Squires Gate, when I retired, my grandson Matthew came to play for Squires Gate juniors in 2006. I took him to watch the 1st team, and bought a programme. I wasn’t at all impressed with the photograph on the cover and asked the chairman if he would like me to take photos covering matches, heads and shoulders etc. Also to supply action shots for the Blackpool Gazette, when there was no staff photographer available. He agreed to this, and so this was the start of my association with ‘The Gate’. I ended up doing pictures for the website and programme, which I also edited and printed for two years. But throughout my time at the club, the very best ones are the ones that Dan and Jay are now producing.

Favourite grounds to visit? Apart from The Brian Addison Stadium, I enjoy the friendliness when I visit Bootle and Ashton Athletic. What makes non league football unique to you?

When I started out as a professional sports photographer, it was a more sporting and honest game played by very talented individuals. Unfortunately it has changed, the fitness and skill levels are far greater, but finance has robbed it’s soul. But the appeal non league holds for me is that is it played by and supported by people who give more to the sport than they take out of it. We all love to see genuine success, but when clubs Do you remember your first match? like Bury, win promotion on the field but go to the wall when I don’t remember my first Gate match, but my very first match the millionaire clubs and individual players could have put their was at Oakwell, Barnsley, when my father came back from hands in their pockets with their loose change to give Bury WWII where he was a Royal Navy gunner on merchant ships. players and genuine fans another chance, another season. When he came home in 1945, he took me to watch Barnsley Prediction for today’s game? play Doncaster Rovers. Did you own any football shirts growing up? Growing up during the second world war and the following years were completely different for supporters, restrictions on buying many things including clothes rationing that went on from 1941 until 1949. 26

Today’s game will be tough, but Gate and the players look forward to a good game, and may we be the best team and win!

A LOOK BACK TO 1985/86 FA VASE 1st ROUND

DIVISION ONE 1984/85

Saturday 19th October 1985

TEAM

PTS

Liverpool

+52

Everton

+46

West Ham United

+34

Manchester United

+34

Sheffield Wednesday

Chelsea

Chadderton

Arsenal

Clitheroe

Nottingham Forest

+16

Atherton Collieries

Luton Town

+17

Waterloo Dock

Wren Rovers

10 Tottenham Hotspur

+22

Morecambe

St Helens Town

11 Newcastle United

-5

(REPLAY) Clitheroe

Thackley

12 Watford

13 Queens Park Rangers

-11

14 Southampton

-11

15 Manchester City

-14

16 Aston Villa

-16

17 Coventry City

-23

18 Oxford United

-18

19 Leicester City

-22

20 Ipswich Town

-23

21 Birmingham City

-43

22 West Bromwich Albion

-54

Atherton LR

Merseyside Police

Darwen

West Allotment Celtic

Droylsden

Sheffield

Ellesmere Port & Neston

Liversedge

Irlam Town

Emley

Maghull

Garforth Town

Nelson

Kirkby Town

Rossendale United

Thackley

Warrington Town

FA CUP FINAL 1986 Liverpool

Everton

DID YOU KNOW? WORLD CUP ‘86 England reached the quarter finals of the 1986 World Cup, losing to Argentina.

31 August ‘85

Ian Wright, makes his debut for Crystal Palace in a 3-2 defeat to Huddersfield, at 21 years old.

28 September ‘85 Charlton depart from their Valley stadium, and begin a groundshare at Selhurst Park. 18 January ‘86

United have stayed at the top of the league since August, but now only have a 2 point lead on Everton.

12 March ‘86

Oxford United reach the League Cup final.

21 March ‘86

Manchester United announce that striker Mark Hughes will join Barca for £2m at the end of the season.

14 April ‘86

Tottenham agree fee for Neil Ruddock, reported to be £50,000

21 April ‘86

West Ham United beat Newcastle 8-1.

5 May ‘86

Oxford United beat Arsenal in their final game to avoid relegation which sends Ipswich down. Everton clinch runners up spot to Liverpool. Watford defeat Chelsea 5-1 at Stamford Bridge. 29

Jack HARGREAVES Jacob DAVIES Jacob HIGHAM

Daniel TABERNER Referee D Croft

Joe CARNOZZI Dan VINTEN

Joseph MULLEN

Ryan WINDER

Dave ROSSALL

Kieron KENNY

Josh WESTWOOD Ben FLETCHER

James BOYD

Assistant Referees P Woodward D Tyas

Ryan CHARNLEY Ryan DODD Dean ING Callum KIRLAND

Jordan SALTHOUSE Sam STAUNTON-TURNER Mututu CHILUFYA

Riccardo EGIDI Josh WOODS Matthew FARNWORTH Jordan GIDLEY

Brandon BARSKI Harvey WHYTE

Matty CLARKE Jamie REED

UP NEXT AT HOMEâ&#x20AC;¦

HANLEY TOWN Tuesday 29th October

Josh POLLARD

Tom KILIFIN Ben GREENOP Andy FITZGERALD Rob HENRY

Other fixtures 1874 Northwich v Hanley Town Bootle v Barnoldswick Town Charnock Richard v Congleton Town

Mike WILSON Martin GRUNDY Saul HENDERSON