Squires Gate vs Rylands

OFFICIAL 36 PAGE MATCHDAY PROGRAMME OF SQUIRES GATE Pic by Albert Cooper

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CLUB DIRECTORY & OFFICIALS

CONTACT US Squires Gate Football Club School Road, Blackpool, Good afternoon, and welcome to The Brian Addison Stadium for today’s game against Rylands.

second win on the bounce.

Rylands come in today’s game on a high after a fantastic win against high This is the two club’s first ever meeting fliers Ashton Athletic last week, so just and we would like to welcome the like last week we will have to play at players, fans, and committee to our best and make sure that we are Squires Gate. prepared.

Last week, we witnessed some great free flowing football from Gate, and until we suffered a major set back, it looked as if we were going to get our

I hope everyone enjoys today’s issue, and the game!

Jay Hayden, Programme Editor

FY4 5DS

Email: squiresgatefc@gmail.com Website: www.squiresgatefc.co.uk Twitter: @squiresgatefc Facebook: Squires Gate FC

EXECUTIVE: Chairman: John Maguire Co-Chairman: Tony Jo Treasurer: Mark Ashmore Secretary: John Maguire First Team Manager: Luke Evans Assistant Manager: Shane Hudson Director of Football: Jimmy Salthouse Physio: Lucy Gray Club President: Brian Addison

IN TODAY’S ISSUE 4

FROM THE DUGOUT

10

VIEW FROM THE AWAY END

7

MEET RYLANDS

12

RYLANDS SQUAD

14

MATCHDAY CENTRE

15

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

16

LEAGUE NEWS

17

NWCFL STATS

18

NAME NAMES

20

DIVISION ONE LATEST

22

NON LEAGUE IN THE FA CUP

25

CLUB NEWS

26

GROUNDHOPPING

30

GAME OF THE DECADE

Committee: John Maguire, Mark Ashmore, Steve Bellamy, Brian Addison, Colin Smith, Karl Townson, Spencer Leader, Chris Chadwick, Nick Grindley, Tony Jo Media: Albert Cooper, Mark Ashmore Programme Editors : Jay Hayden, Dan Hayden Gate Attendee: Jay Hayden Groundsman: Brian Addison, Steve Bellamy, Roy Frost Bar: Denise Gibson and Chris Chadwick

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

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HERE’S WHAT THE GAFFERS SAY: LUKE EVANS Good afternoon everyone and welcome to the second of our back to back games, and a warm welcome to Rylands, who are visiting Squires Gate for the first time.

We come into this game, on the back of what should have been 3 points, after such a good performance from the lads against a strong Winsford team last week. But unfortunately, despite the hard work of the volunteers who tried to get the floodlights back on so we could finish the remainder of the game, the match was abandoned. It wasn’t ideal, but we need to move forward and not let it dampen our morale.

DAVID McNABB Ahead of today’s game, Rylands boss David McNabb spoke to The Gate and has this message for the travelling supporters; We travel to School Road for the first ever time, and we are looking forward to seeing another ground and playing another new team at this level.

Life in the North West Counties Premier Division has been a bit of mixed fortunes so far, with us starting the season really well but then having a dip in form over the past couple of months.

It has been a big step up into this league but myself, my The first half last week was very equal, we scored early on and coaching team, the players and the club are enjoying the new we were confident going forward, and that showed second half challenges that comes with it. when we started to dominate and scored the three goals.

Hopefully it will be a good game between two good sides.

Rylands will come here today after a fantastic win over Ashton Enjoy the game!

Athletic, and have probably surprised a few this season after their promotion from the First Division last year but they have a David very good young squad and the manager has ambition to take the club forward, so they are definitely going towards the right direction.

Next up for us we travel to Northwich Victoria next weekend, and despite beating them at home, we will have to be on the top of our game if we want to repeat the result against them.

We have been really pleased by the reaction of the players in the last couple of weeks and the progression is evident for all to see. We need to find a level of consistency now with our performance and we can then start looking up the league and leaving the bottom clubs to fight it out amongst themselves.

Many thanks to our fans for always supporting us, and getting behind the team. We look forward to repaying you once again with another 3 points today although we respect how difficult today’s game is.

Enjoy the game!

Luke

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Pic by Albert Cooper

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Formed: 1911 Ground: Gorsey Lane Capacity: 1,345 Colours: Blue shirt, blue shorts, blue socks HONOURS Depot Cup: 1928 Starkey Cup: 1953 Warrington Premier Division: 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1959 Liverpool Challenge Cup: 1958 Guardian Cup: 1958, 1967, 1972, 1973, 2015 Liverpool County Combination: 1970 Warrington Sunday Premier Division: 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975 Presidents Cup: 1972, 1973, 1975 Lancashire Amateur Shield: 1973 J.E. White Cup: 1973 Mid-Cheshire League Cup: 1979 Mid-Cheshire League: 1981, 1984 North West Counties Division 1 South: 2019 North West Counties First Division Champions Cup: 2019 7

FROM GORSLEY LANE Rylands were formed as Rylands Recreation Club in 2011, as a local works (wire manufacturer). In their early days they played in the Liverpool County Combination before joining the Warrington & District League where they enjoyed considerable success. Establishing themselves throughout the 1950’s they won successive Premier Division Championships from 1955 to 1959. Added to the league in 1958 was Warrington Districts’ prestigious Guardian Cup and to complete a hat-rick of trophies the club also lifted the Liverpool Junior Cup.

on hard times and in 2008 amalgamated with Crosfields to form a new club, Crosfields / Rylands FC. Under the new name both the first and reserve teams reached Mid-Cheshire League Cup Finals, unfortunately losing in both and their anguish would continue when the firsts lost out to Woodley in 2010 and the reserves to Pilkington the season after.

The step up in standard saw a barren trophy cabinet for a number of years, but in 1979 they won their first trophy by defeating Barnton in the League Cup final, which led to a successful period at the club. Rylands won the Mid-Cheshire League championship in 1981 and were again champions in 1984 when Joe Rudge’s side lost only once all season.

After restoring stability to the first and reserve teams, the club decided to grow. An under 21 team was formed in 2015 that entered the new North West Under 21 Development League, before the Rylands merged with local junior club Fife Rangers, bringing seventeen teams and over two hundred players under the Rylands Football Club banner in 2016.

1983/84 was also the season that Rylands thought they were on their way to Wembley when they entered the last 32 of the FA Vase with wins over Blackpool Mechanics, Maghull, Atherton LR and Rainworth MV. But it was against the latter that saw an appeal against the length of the pitch and when it was found to be just over a yard short, a replay was ordered which Rainworth won 1-0.

Alongside the stability and growth of the club on the pitch, year -on-year investment off the pitch was also made to developing the facilities at Rylands Recreation Club with the aim of meeting ground grading criteria for promotion, which came to fruition in the spring of 2018 when the club was successfully admitted in to the North West Counties Football League Division One South for the 2018/19 season – the first season in its 107-year history that Rylands first team will compete at Step 6.

Prior to the start of the 2012/13 season, the club resumed the name of Rylands FC with the backing of a new sponsor, Triple S Sports & Entertainment Group – led by former Rylands Steady progress throughout the 60’s prompted the club to look player Paul Stretford. The first team went on to win the for new mountains to climb and in 1969 the club joined a Warrington Guardian Cup in 2015, whilst also coming Midrelatively new league, The Mid-Cheshire League.

Cheshire League Cup runners up in 2013, 2014 and 2018.

A barren run of years, a time when the club resigned the reserves from the Mid-Cheshire League, was ended when a newly formed youth team lifted the Warrington & District Youth That season was a resounding success on and off the pitch.

Cup with an extra time win over local rivals Warrington Town. The team won the First Division South at the first time of asking, by a clear margin and also made it a double success This provided the springboard for senior honours in 1993.

The Reserves were reinstated and went on to win the Division by lifting the division one champion of champion’s trophy, Two League Cup with an extra time win over Knutsford. Prior beating First Division North Champions, Longridge FC 3-0 at to the start of the 1996/97 season the club formed a link with a AFC Darwen in May 2019. local junior club – Beechfield – and the youth sides continued to bring trophies in to the club. Warrington & District Youth Cup in 1997, Wigan & District League Runners-up in 1998 and in 1999 both the Warrington & District League and Cup. These young players rejuvenated the club and in 1999-00 the first team reached the Mid-Cheshire League Cup Final only to lose out to Knutsford in a penalty shoot-out after being reduced to nine men with twenty minutes of extra time left. Season 2001/02 would see a surprise end to the campaign.

An undefeated run of nine games saw the first team snatch runners-up spot on goal difference.

In 2003, Rylands again reached a Mid-Cheshire Cup final – The Presidents Cup – but lost out to Styal. The club then fell 8

They also reached the semi-finals of the Liverpool FA senior cup that season, narrowly being beaten by Southport 3-1 in front of over 200 people watching.

The 2019/20 season saw the blues take on The FA Cup for the first time, falling at the first hurdle in a 2-0 loss to Runcorn Town. Rylands did enjoy a run to the second round proper of The FA Vase before being beaten 1-0 by Grimsby Borough.

Off the pitch the ground has undergone further improvements with the addition of floodlights, again another first for the club, and hosted evening matches under the lights for the first time alongside considerable improvements to the ground facilities including a new covered stand, the second stand at Rylands Recreation Club.

DAVID McNABB Joint manager David McNabb is in his second season with the club after guiding the club to the Premier Division after storming to the Division One title last season, with an impressive 85 points.

Talking to the NWCFL website in June 2019, McNabb said “Last season was brilliant. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. It was a massive challenge building the squad from scratch at the start of the season, but we quickly established a strong spine of players that encompassed what we were about. The lads were fantastic throughout the season and to win the league as well as the champions of champions cup was a remarkable achievement in the clubs first season in non league. Everyone involved in the club has worked incredibly hard to get it to where it is and they are all a key part in what we did last year.”

Pictured above: Manager, David McNabb

McNabb knew the challenge ahead of the squad this season, and he had accepted that it was always going to be a challenge, playing some strong opposition. He has built a squad of 23/24 year olds, so it is quite a young group, but so far they have proved that they can compete at this level.

Speaking on the NWCFL website, David states the ambitions of the club and what he expects the long term and short term future to be. “The long terms aspirations are to keep climbing the leagues, I know that is a lot easier said than done but I want to be involved in an ambitious club and environment and that is exactly what we have at Rylands. We are very realistic and we know it won’t happen over night, but we are laying the foundations to ensure that it is possible.”

Pictured above: Assistant Manager, Fraser Ablett

Mike Smith joined the club in the summer, having coached at Warrington Town. Warrington and Crewe United, from Northern Ireland played on Gorsley Lane on July, 6th this year in the annual Peace Cup, an annual fixture that used to take place following the Warrington bombings in 1993.

Following their recent win over Bootle, McNabb spoke to the Warrington Guardian and said “The dip in form has been tough for everybody at the club, but we have kept with it. We have proven how good we can be time and time again over the past 18 months.”

Rylands will no doubt be a top 10 team this season, and with McNabb and his coaching staff at the helm, they will continue to build their young squad.

Pictured above: Coach, Michael Smith 9

Rylands Fan Club & Anthony Bennett Speaking to The Gate this week from Rylands, is the Rylands Fan Club and secretary Anthony Bennett, who give us their insight into the club, and why they support their local non league team. Anthony also tells us which 3 PL players he would love to see playing for Rylands.

First of all, what got you into football, and Rylands?

RF: We’ve been following Rylands for some years now. We have watched the team when we were successful in the 80s, then through the tough years of the noughties.

to be watching this team winning the league at the first ever attempt last season. What a feeling!

AB: Without doubt winning last year’s division one south league title in our first attempt. When I joined the football committee around 3 years ago, just getting into the counties league seemed like a pipe dream, but to then get in the league and actually win it at our first attempt is something special that will stay with me forever. This was only possible of course by the great work done by the then newly formed management team of Dave McNabb and Stu Wellstead, both new to the management at that time, and of course the help and support we received (and still do) from our owner and benefactor Paul Stretford, a former Rylands player and somebody who wants to help drive the cub forward. It’s a team effort here at Rylands and we do all work well together off the pitch I think.

AB: I’ve always been into my football, and sport in general, and have been a lifelong Man Utd supporter – from the time before we were successful so I’m not a glory hunter and am also a season ticket holder as well! Rylands itself has always been close to me, literally, as I grew up a few minutes’ walk away and often snuck onto the 1st team pitch to score goals in Best and worst game you have ever seen? the nets as they were the only club for miles around that used to leave them up and us kids couldn’t resist pretending to be RF: Seen so many good, and so many bad over the years. But our heroes on there and rattling the back of the net. recently, the best was beating Stone Old Alleynians away from home to seal the league title. The worst was the defeat to Did you own any football shirts growing up? Who was Southport in the semi final of the Liverpool Senior Cup. It was your idol in football? the worst because we could, and perhaps should have won AB: Yes, I remember amongst others I had the famous Man the game. So near, yet so far.

Utd blue sharp kit and think I wore it out! My footballing idol was Bryan Robson (still is) and I was there when he signed for AB: Best game has to be the champions league final in ’99 of course (unfortunately I wasn’t there though!) So the next best Utd on the pitch at Old Trafford in 1981, and he was such a game I was actually present at has to be Man Utd V Barcelona talisman for us in the eighties and I wish we had him now! in 1984 when my hero Bryan Robson singlehandedly took on Do you remember the first game you attended, watching Maradona et al and dragged us through.

Rylands?

Worst game has to be the Manchester derby when we got RF: That was a long time ago! It was during the 1982 season, beat 5-1…. Still have shivers over that one! and a game in the FA Vase.

AB: The first game I attended was Man Utd v Ipswich in 1978.My dad took me, and I remember Ipswich had saved a penalty, but I think we won! For Rylands I remember watching them on the banking around the ground that’s still there now from an early age, perhaps 9 or 10 and I remember watching the local Guardian Cup finals there every May Bank Holiday that drew crowds in their thousands to the game What has been your most memorable Rylands moment?

RF: There is great memories over the years but the best has 10

When the fixtures are announced, which fixture do you look for first? Which teams do you hate playing?

RF: In fairness, we don’t really know what or to look out for now. Every year has been a different league over the last three years. Previously, it was Greenhalls and Eagle.

AFC Liverpool and FC Oswestry. Outside of the NWCFL I have to say the new Wembley is the most impressive ground I’ve visited – and Old Trafford of course!

The best goal that you have seen at Rylands?

RF: The best goal award goes to Steve Botham. Last game of the season at home to Sandbach. Left footed magician, how we miss him.

AB: I don’t have any favourites yet to be honest as all the teams this year and last year are still quite new to us.

I suppose this year it was the teams that were going well last AB: In person, it has to be Robbo’s opener at the Barca game, season such as Bootle that we looked forward to, and maybe diving into a sea of boots to head home the opening goal, a teams such as Northwich Vics and Runcorn who are obviously pure instinctive and brave goal local rivals and both have great football histories in the game.

Who has been the toughest opposition you have faced?

In your opinion, which teams do you think will go up from AB: I think quite recently this season when we went to the NWCFL this season? Who will go down?

Longridge and they turned us over 4-1. That was by far the RF: Promotion...well, Longridge have been the best team we best team performance I’ve seen against us so far. They also have seen play for many years so them. Bootle are a very effi- played exceptionally well that night – and our keeper was our cient side and third, without seeing them first hand; 1874 man of the match that night too!

Northwich seem very strong this year. As for relegation, we don’t like to talk negatively about any club so wouldn’t like to You can bring 3 PL players to Rylands on a free, who do you sign and why? say who we think will go down. As long as it is not us.

AB: Well, I hope we are one of the 3 to go up of course! I think AB: I’d have Kevin De Bruyne as he’s such a class player who maybe 1874 and maybe Longridge will go with us. Going down picks out the right pass nearly all the time and always seems is hard to predict as well. Based on current form you have to to be in the right position. I also think Mason Mount is an outstanding young player who will only get better and brings say Remyca and Burscough are struggling at the moment (however Burscough did hold us to a draw at their place and class to any team in midfield. Finally I’d be indulgent and have played well) and maybe Padiham could be the third, however Harry Maguire as well. I think he’s a cracking buy for Man U it’s still early days and there are a lot of ups and downs to go this season and will be a rock in our defence for years. yet I’m sure.

Which 3 Rylands players do you think will cause Gate problems today?

You are manager of 5 a side team. You can pick 2 Rylands players and 3 PL legends. Who makes your team?

AB: Wow, a great question! I’ll get loads of stick from the AB: That’s a difficult one as I think we can cause problems all Rylands team in picking these 2 from all the great players we have, but if I must, from Rylands I’d definitely have Podge in over the pitch. I think on current form I’d be watching out for goal and of course the legend Gary Kenny at the back! Got to Freddie Potter and Kane Drummond up front as they are in cracking form lately and I also like the attacking threat of Tom have Bryan Robson in there as well alongside Paul Scholes Freeman down the flanks, but I like to think we can cause you and of course Ronaldo up front – what a team trouble on all fronts Have you been to Squires Gate before?

What makes non league unique to you?

AB: I think it’s the ‘honesty’ of it really. You’re up close and personal to all the action and can feel every tackle as they go in and the joy and anguish on the players faces. I also love the football people we get to meet, all the volunteers like ourselves who are just in it because they love football and want their team to do well, but also have a sportsmanship about them.

Any grounds in the NWCFL you enjoy visiting?

AB: In the NWCFL I have been very impressed by most of the

RF: We have never been to Squires Gate but we can’t wait for our first visit!

AB: No, it’s my first time here so really looking forward to it.

Your score prediction for today’s game?

RF: We think it will be a very tough game, and hoping we can get three points but any away game in this league is tough, so we are going with 1-1.

AB: Got to be a Rylands win of course, however I think it will be close, maybe us just sneaking it 2-1 11

GRAEME MCCALL

CALLUM SPENCER

ALEX DAVIES

SHOT STOPPER

Position: Goalkeeper

Position: Defender

Previous clubs: City of Liverpool and Garswood United

.Rylands have won the two games that Callum has played this season.

11 Apps

JOE DENMAN

TOM FREEMAN

ADAM JONES

Position: Defender

Position: Defender

Position: Defender

4 Apps

14 Apps

17 Apps

2 wins, 2 defeats

2 Goals, 1 MotM

2 Goals, 2 MotM

GARY KENNY

CALLUM LEES

CARL LOWNSBROUGH

Position: Defender

Position: Defender

Position: Defender

Previous clubs: Congleton Town, St Helens Town, Billinge

14 Apps

10 Apps

2 Goals

7 wins, 3 defeats

HARRY MOLYNEUX

TOM PARRY

JOHN SHAW

Position: Defender

Position: Defender

Position: Defender

10 Apps

Previous clubs: Tranmere Rovers

10 Apps

3 Goals, 1 MotM

7 wins, 2 defeats

WARREN GERRARD

TOM MCNAMARA

ANTHONY PLANT

Position: Midfielder

Position: Midfielder

Position: Midfielder

15 Apps

15 Apps

4 Apps

3 MotM, 2 Assists

1 Goal, 2 MotM

2 wins, 2 defeats

ANDREW SCARISBRICK

STE WOLHUNTER

KANE DRUMMOND

Position: Midfielder

Position: Midfielder

Position: Forward

18 Apps

18 Apps

9 Apps

5 Goals, 4 Ass’t, 1 MoM

2 Goals, 1 MotM

4 wins, 5 defeats

GEORGE LOMAX

SAM O’HALLERON

FREDDIE POTTER

ONE TO WATCH

Position: Forward

TARGET MAN

16 Apps

3 Apps

13 Apps

11 Goals, 1 MotM

1 win, 2 defeats

8 Goals, 1 Assist

JAY WHITE Position: Forward 9 Apps 8 Goals, 1 Assist 12

8 wins, 3 defeats

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A PREVIEW OF TODAY’S GAME SQUIRES GATE

RYLANDS

Last weekend, Gate were victims of a match abandonment, after the floodlights went out against Winsford with the hosts being 4-1 up.

Rylands started the season exceptionally, but in recent weeks they have took a dip in form; they had lost 3 consecutive league games before their recent win at Ashton Athletic, who they have done the double over this season.

Luke Evans will be hoping to keep his side motivated for today’s game, despite their being no decision on that result yet.

George Lomax will be one to watch today.

GATE FORM GUIDE

RYLANDS FORM GUIDE

LOST 2-1 DREW 0-0 LOST 2-1

LOST 4-0

LOST 3-2

WON 3-2

WON 3-0

WON 5-0

LOST 1-0

LOST 3-1

WON 4-3

WON 3-1

19/10/19

23/10/19

29/10/19

02/11/19

04/11/19

09/11/19

12/10/19

18/10/19

02/11/19

06/11/19

09/11/19

16/11/19

Cup

League

League

League

League

League

Vase

Cup

Vase

Cup

Cup

League

LAST TIME OUT ASHTON ATHLETIC 1

3 RYLANDS Potter (18), Drummond (26), McNamara (58)

Saturday 16th November 2019 / Rylands Recreation Ground / Attendance: 72 This was the second meeting between the two sides, following a 2-1 win for Rylands back in August. They travelled to Ashton on the back of three league defeats, They started brightly, and in the first 10 minutes, it was more of a midfield battle. However, it took only 18 minutes for the away side to take the lead, a cross from defender Gary Kenny which was guided in by Freddie Potter. Constant pressure from Rylands ensured that it wouldn’t be long until they got a second; this time a free kick on the right which was taken by Wolhunter fell to Drummond who netted from close range.

Rylands saw their two goal advantage into the break, and continued their dominance in the second half. On 58 minutes, an interchange of passing between Potter and McNamara, before McNamara slotted it into the right of the keeper. Ashton scored a consolation a minute later, but it was the visitors who took all 3 points.

RYLANDS 2019/20 STATS

14

Biggest Home Win

Biggest Away Win

Biggest Home Defeat

Biggest Away Defeat

Won

Drawn

Lost

6-0

3-0

2-3

1-4

20

1

7

vs Athersley

vs Litherland

vs Bootle

vs Longridge

60%

5%

35%

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.

EUXTON VILLA

4

WREN ROVERS

2

Last week, our neighbours Wren Rovers faced Euxton Villa. They were 1-0 down within 60 seconds as Ian Billington put the hosts ahead.

Wrens pegged the game back through an own goal, despite Euxton being the better side.

FULWOOD AMATEURS 1 LYTHAM TOWN

THORNTON CLEVELEYS

2

POULTON

0

2

Lytham Town travelled to Fulwood last week, and looked to make it 4 wins on the bounce.

Fulwood Amateurs dented the hopes of that just after half time, as Cheetham guided the ball into the back of the net.

Poulton were looking to gain some ground on the top 5 sides when they hosted Thornton Cleveleys, but it wasn’t their day as goals from Harry Rowe and Joe Pratt secured a win for Cleveleys.

Poulton are in action today as they host It was a quick response from Lytham as Fulwood Amateurs, which will give them another chance to catch up with the top 5 Patrick Bibby and Harvey Close restored Scarlett equalised 7 minutes later and the advantage going into the break, and Lytham were slowly getting control of the sides. Kick off is at 2pm. looked comfortable. They made it 4-1 six game, and looked more like the side they minutes after the restart but Wrens were had been in recent weeks. pretty much beaten.

10 minutes from time, they were in front A consolation goal from Alfie Tomlinson for the first time in the game, a goal 17 minutes from time to finish the game. through Watson, which secured the 3 points for Lytham.

Saturday 9th November The reserves were in action the week before as they hosted CMB. Ex Gate midfielder Finley Clarkson was on the scoresheet as the hosts controlled the game well, and CMB struggled to get a hold of the match.

The reserves were in action on the same day, also against Fulwood Amateurs, in which they also won 2-1.

Saturday 9th November The reserves were also in action a week before, as they hosted Wyre Villa, and in what was an 8 goal thriller.

The first goal came before the half hour mark, Lewis Cullen netting for Wrens.

A Nathan Cook hat trick, helped Town to Keiron Bell made it two 12 minutes later, a 5-3 win over Villa. Reece Wilkinson and Clarkson making it 3 before half netted a brace for the visitors. time.

Today, Lytham travel to Euxton Villa and The reserves are in action at 2pm today, could possibly go top of the league if as they host Burscough Richmond, with results go their way. the first team competing in the first round of the Richardson Cup away at Southport Hesketh.

TEAM

P

PTS

GD

Hurst Green

14

28

+16

Slyne with Hest

12

27

+18

Lytham Town

13

27

+14

Fulwood Amateurs

13

25

+24

Tempest United

12

25

+11

Euxton Villa

14

22

+9

CMB

13

21

+9

Poulton

12

21

+6

Thornton Cleveleys

12

18

+6

Turton

9

15

+4

Coppull United

12

14

-7

Wren Rovers

12

12

-10

Southport Hesketh

11

11

-4

Burscough Richmond

13

10

-9

Vickerstown

10

7

-12

Whitehaven

13

3

-75 15

THE LATEST FROM AROUND THE NWCFL FORMER NWCFL PRESIDENT BILL KING PASSES AWAY The North West Counties Football League website announced with deep regret and sincere sadness, the passing of Bill King on Wednesday.

Bill first became involved with the league as managing director of Bass Brewery, setting up the leagues first major sponsorship in 1986 and had served as president of the league for many years.

He had also been chairman of Northwich Victoria, Runcorn Town, and a similar role with Altrincham afterwards. He had worked with the late Jim Thompson of Maidstone United to establish the Football Alliance in 1979, which later changed it’s name to The Football Conference, which is known as the National League nowadays.

John Deal, the secretary of the North West Counties League was deeply moved to hear of Bill’s passing and on the NWCFL website he said “I first met Bill in 1986 and his advice and vision for the game knew no bounds, and he was devoted to The Conference and gaining promotion to The Football League but never let that diminish his alliance to our league. He will be sadly missed.”

CHRIS ANDERSON’S AFC LIVERPOOL WIN DIVISION ONE CLUB OF THE MONTH Last Saturday, ahead of their game against Abbey Hulton United in the MACRON Cup 2nd round, former Squires Gate full back Chris Anderson who is now manager of AFC Liverpool, picked up the award for club of the month.

Anderson’s side won all three of their games during the month and only conceded two goals whilst scoring 14 goals. They won 5-0 away at St Martins in the Division One Playermatch Cup 1st Round. The went on to win 8-0 at home to AFC Darwen in the league, and 4-2 away at Sandbach United in the MACRON Cup 1st Round.

BARNOLDSWICK TOWN ANNOUNCE JAKE DAVIES AS FIRST TEAM COACH Barnoldswick Town announced the former Stockport Town manager Jake Davies, as first team coach and will join Endrit in the dugout for today’s match with Runcorn Town.

“As a UEFA B licensed coach and current FA mentor, I feel I can add a lot of value to the management team and support Endrit and Matt. I have a lot of experience in the NWCFL working with Stockport Town as the first team manager most recently and also with Maine Road as a coach. Due to the experience I now have within this level of football I feel my coaching ability as well as my contact book of players within the Manchester area I can move the club forward.” Jake said in a statement on the NWCFL website.

He will join former Gate players; Joe Noblet and Ric Seear at Barnoldswick Town.

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FACTS & FIGURES FROM THE PREMIER DIVSION MOST CLEAN SHEETS

HIGHEST ATTENDANCES

MOST 2ND HALF GOALS

G. McCall (Rylands)

4

1874 v Winsford

403

Irlam

23

B. Barnes (Skem Utd)

3

Bootle v 1874

351

1874 Northwich

19

A. Reid (Runcorn Town)

3

Whitchurch v Hanley

333

Charnock Richard

16

D. Taberner (N.Vics)

2

N. Vics v Burscough

310

Whitchurch Alport

16

A. Woolrich (Hanley Town)

2

Whitchurch v Congleton

294

Northwich Vics

15

MOST CARDS (Y / R)

TOP SCORERS (ALL)

HIGHEST SCORES

Padiham

41 38 / 3

Paul Turner (LON)

27

REMYCA v 1874

0-9

Lither’ REMYCA

40 33 / 7

Carl Grimshaw (WIN)

18

Winsford v Gate

5-4

Avro

38 34 / 4

Jake Parker (1874)

16

N. Vics v REMYCA

8-0

Barnoldswick Town 36 31 / 5

Dale Korie-Butler (ASH)

14

REMYCA v Ashton Ath

1-7

Skelmersdale Utd

Craig Cairns (RUN)

14

N. Vics v Burscough

6-1

36 33 / 3

GATE v RYLANDS: LEAGUE GOALS IN MINUTES 6 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

81-89

90+

GATE TOP SCORERS

1 Congleton Town

38

1 1874 Northwich

15

James Boyd

8

2 Charnock Richard

35

2 Ashton Athletic

15

Dean Ing

7

3 Winsford United

33

3 Longridge Town

15

Riccardo Egidi

5

4 Avro

31

4 Winsford United

12

Jack Illey

3

5 Rylands

12

Josh Westwood

2

5 Northwich Victoria

27

6 Rylands

27

7 Squires Gate

27

8 Irlam

25

9 Runcorn Town

24

10 Ashton Athletic

24

FORM TABLE (LAST 6)

GATE MOST APPS

16 Hanley Town

4

Jake Higham

20

17 Squires Gate

4

Sam Staunton-Turner

20

18 Avro

4

James Boyd

19

19 Burscough

4

Josh Westwood

19

20 Barnoldswick Town

3

Josh Pollard

19

17

BY DAN HAYDEN

Test your knowledge on some of the famous results in football history, can you name the starting XI for each team? Going back to 2011 this week, when Blackpool hosted Manchester United in a game of controversy. Can you unscramble the players and name the 22 players that started?

MANCHESTER UNITED

BLACKPOOL

18

25 ORCHARD SINKING

1

INVADERS DAWN ARE

5

ARENA YELLED

3

CREATIVE PAR

6

NEAT VITA

12 CHARMING SILLS

15 BLAST EXPLATE

15 JIVED CAN MAIN

20 TRAGIC CHAT ARC

21 FERVID ALAS ALA

11 GHANA VIVA DUD

17 Nani

14 RATTLED NILINGO

18 COUPLES LASH

26 LARCH MEDIAA

24 FLARED TRENCHER

12 CARTAGERY FLY LOTHER

28 GARRISON BEND

16 UNRAVEL KEY

9

39 PALMC BJLED

10 EYERYAW NOON

ABORTIVE MAT BIRD

25 15

20

5

3

12

26

14

11

16

39

9

28

3

10

24

15

18

17

12

21

1

19

THE LATEST FROM DIVISION 1 DIVISION 1 NORTH TEAM

P

DIVISION 1 SOUTH PTS

GD

TEAM

P

PTS

GD

1

Lower Breck

13

31

+33

1

FC Oswestry Town

16

37

+19

2

Emley AFC

16

30

+11

2

Vauxhall Motors

12

33

+28

3

AFC Liverpool

14

27

+31

3

Stone Old Alleynians

14

30

+13

4

Holker Old Boys

16

25

-5

4

Abbey Hey

14

29

+8

5

Ashton Town

11

23

+18

5

Eccleshall

15

25

+8

6

Pilkington

16

22

6

West Didsbury & Chorlton

12

24

+12

7

Prestwich Heys

14

22

0

7

Cammell Laird 1907

16

23

+6

8

Atherton LR

16

22

-7

8

Cheadle Heath Nomads

15

23

+3

9

Golcar United

13

21

+11

9

Sandbach United

15

21

0

10 AFC Blackpool

14

20

-1

10 Wythenshawe Town

12

20

+23

11 Chadderton

15

20

-5

11 Stockport Town

14

17

-2

12 Nelson

16

20

-9

12 Maine Road

13

17

-2

13 Daisy Hill

15

20

-11

13 Barnton

16

16

-12

14 Shelley

13

19

+2

14 Wythenshawe Amateurs

13

15

-4

15 Cleator Moor Celtic

13

19

+1

15 Cheadle Town

14

15

-9

16 St Helens Town

16

17

-4

16 Abbey Hulton United

13

15

-16

17 Bacup Borough

15

16

-4

17 Alsager Town

14

14

-9

18 Garstang

13

13

-15

18 New Mills

16

13

-20

19 AFC Darwen

14

11

-22

19 St Martins

16

10

-15

20 Steeton

15

8

-28

20 Ellesmere Rangers

14

6

-31

RESULTS

20

AFC Liverpool

8

0

Steeton

Cammell Laird 1907

1

1

Cheadle Heath Nomad

Atherton LR

3

2

Cleator Moor Celtic

Ellesmere Rangers

2

0

New Mills

Bacup Borough

4

2

Holker Old Boys

Sandbach United

0

1

Barnton

Shelley

0

2

St Helens Town

Wythenshawe Town

0

1

Vauxhall Motors

Daisy Hill

0

6

Lower Breck

Abbey Hey

2

1

Maine Road

AFC Blackpool

2

3

Atherton LR

Alsager Town

0

2

New Mills

Chadderton

0

3

Lower Breck

Barnton

2

3

Cammell Laird 1907

Daisy Hill

2

3

Nelson

Cheadle Heath N’md

1

0

Eccleshall

Garstang

4

4

Bacup Borough

FC Oswestry Town

1

3

Cheadle Town

Holker Old Boys

1

0

Prestwich Heys

Stockport Town

2

0

St Martins

21

A look at some of the FA Cup results...

MAIDSTONE TORQUAY

1 0

Saturday 9th November 2019

Gallagher Stadium, Attendance: 2,330 Scorers: Wishart (18)

Maidstone United took on Torquay United, who are one league above them in the National League.

minutes on the clock though, Dan Wishart drove the ball across the box and the unfortunate Matt Buse stuck With 6 minutes on the clock, Stones his foot out, and the ball tumbled into the back of his own net and past the could have found them in front when Saidou Khan got to the byline Torquay keeper. and pulled the ball back into the six Maidstone will now travel to the Fylde yard box but it cannoned off Ibby coast on the 1st December, when Akanbi’s toe and went inches wide. they play Blackpool at Bloomfield Road.

The hosts did get in front with 18

CARSHALTON BOSTON UNITED Carshalton Athletic were looking to get into the second round of the FA Cup for the first ever time, but knew it would be a tough task playing former Football League side Boston United.

Within half hour, Thanoj put the visitors ahead from a free kick.

War Memorial Sports Ground, Attendance: 1,859 Scorers: Pattison (72); Thanoj (33. 90+1), Shiels (37), Wright (90+3)

A Carshalton goal in the 72nd min was not enough to unsettle the nerves of Boston as they went on to score 2 injury time winners. Thanoj getting his second of the game.

MALDON & TIPTREE

22

Saturday 9th November 2019

Luke Shiels doubled Boston’s lead 4 minutes later, as he guided a header into the top corner.

LEYTON ORIENT Orient started the tie brightly and were finding a lot of joy down their opposition’s left-hand side with Ling and Maguire-Drew combining well.

1 4

1 2

Saturday 9th November Breyer Group Stadium, Attendance: 3,425 Scorers: Dayton (67); Parish (43), Slew (65)

The home side came close in the 63rd minute when Clay played a pass in for Maguire-Drew, only for a defender to deny a certain goal.

From that same attack, the visitors Parish broke the deadlock for the visitors, cutting inside and finishing went up the other end and grabbed low past Sargeant to give his side a second. the lead just before the break.

Dayton scored a consolation for Orient.

...who’s in the 2nd Round?

DULWICH HAMLET

CARLISLE It was a big occasion for the South London based side, when they welcomed League Two opposition in this FA Cup first round tie.

1 4

Saturday 9th November 2019

Champion Hill, Attendance: 3,336 Scorers: Smith (49); Olomola (8). McKirdy (37, 86) Jones (55)

before the break, this time Harry McKirdy scoring from inside the six yard box.

Scenes in the home end, when It took just 8 minutes for Carlisle to Dulwich Hamlet scored a goal of their break the deadlock, a fast counter own, a header in the centre of the attack which caught out the non box into the bottom right corner. league side before Olufela Olomola However, their hope lasted just 6 netted from close range. The away minutes before Carlisle saw the side doubled their advantage just game off.

EASTLEIGH STOURBRIDGE In this all non league encounter, it was all set up to be a very close game.

3 0

Saturday 9th November 2019 Silverlake Stadium, Attendance: 1,509 Scorers: Rendell (50), Smart (69), Johnson (78)

arrive, and it was the hosts who got it.

Rendell converted a penalty, after a The first half was equal, both sides foul by Sam Smart in the box. It got having a share of possession and worst for the visitors as Williams was chances to score, and it showed as it shown a straight red. 2 goals in 9 took 50 minutes for the first goal to minutes settled the game.

FA CUP ROUND 2 DRAW Oldham v Burton

Blackpool v Maidstone United

Shrewsbury v Mansfield

Coventry v Ipswich Town

Walsall v Oxford United

Solihull Motors v Rotherham

Forest Green v Carlisle

Northampton v Notts County

Cheltenham v Port Vale

Bristol Rovers v Plymouth Argyle

Portsmouth v Altrincham

Exeter City v Hartlepool United

Kingstonian v AFC Fylde

Crawley Town v Fleetwood

Peterborough v Dover Athletic

Rochdale v Boston United

Eastleigh v Crewe

Tranmere Rovers v Chichester City 23

25 ASHTON ATHLETIC

AUGUST 3

RUNCORN TOWN

A

2-1

FEBRUARY

6

BURSCOUGH

H

0-1

1

RYLANDS

A

10 WEST DIDSBURY (FAC)

H

1-2

8

LITHERLAND REMYCA

H

17 WINSFORD UNITED

A

5-2

15 BARNOLDSWICK TOWN

H

20 PADIHAM

A

1-2

29 BURSCOUGH

A

26 BARNOLDSWICK TOWN

A

2-2

MARCH

31 WHICKHAM (FA VASE)

A

1-2

SEPTEMBER 7

BOOTLE

7 RUNCORN TOWN

H

14 HANLEY TOWN

A H

H

2-4

21 PADIHAM

14 W. A CELTIC (FA VASE 2Q)

H

1-4

APRIL

24 LANCASTER CITY (LCT 1)

H

1-6

28 AVRO OCTOBER

A

3-2

5

H

12 1874 NORTHWICH

2

1874 NORTHWICH

A

9

SKELMERSDALE

H

16 LONGRIDGE TOWN

H

1-5

23 CHARNOCK RICHARD

A

H

0-4

30 IRLAM

A

15 NORTHWICH VICS

H

2-1

19 EMLEY AFC (MACRON CUP)

A

2-1

23 LITHERLAND REMYCA

A

0-0

29 HANLEY TOWN

H

1-2

IRLAM

NOVEMBER

TEAM

P

PTS

GD

1

1874 Northwich

13

31

+27

2

Longridge Town

11

27

+15

3

Charnock Richard

15

27

+8

4

Whitchurch Alport

12

26

+11

5

Bootle

13

26

+6

6

Irlam

12

25

+16

7

Ashton Athletic

13

22

+12

2

ASHTON ATHLETIC

H

0-4

5

WHITCHURCH ALPORT

A

3-2

9

CONGLETON TOWN

A

2-3

16 WINSFORD UNITED*

H

A-A

23 RYLANDS

H

8

Rylands

12

22

+10

30 NORTHWICH VICS

A

9

Winsford United

13

21

+6

10

Northwich Victoria

13

20

+11

11

Runcorn Town

13

19

0

12

Congleton Town

14

18

0

DECEMBER 7

CONGLETON TOWN

H

14 SKELMERSDALE

A

13

Avro

15

17

-1

21 CHARNOCK RICHARD

H

14

Hanley Town

13

16

-3

26 LONGRIDGE TOWN

A

15

Barnoldswick Town

14

14

-10

28 AVRO

H

16

Squires Gate

15

11

-11

17

Padiham

15

11

-18

18

Skelmersdale United

14

10

-11

JANUARY

24

A

4 BOOTLE

A

19

Burscough

15

9

-26

11 WHITCHURCH ALPORT

H

20

Litherland REMYCA

13

8

-34

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT SQUIRES GATE? THANK YOU STEVE BELLAMY Congratulations to Steve Bellamy on reaching 50 years service in local football, and particularly to Squires Gate FC. Steve was awarded the long service award at the LFA awards which was held at Bolton Wanderers.

Steve joined Squires Gate in 1968, and has been a very active committee member, he is down at the ground every week, helping maintain the fantastic playing pitch, as well as helping out the staff behind the bar, and has been organizing sportsman dinners over the years which have raised much needed money for the club.

Everyone at Squires Gate would like to thank Steve Bellamy for his time, and efforts in helping the club.

MATCH ABANDONED vs WINSFORD UNITED Squires Gate were 11 minutes away from a second victory in a week when a power cut at the club caused the game against Winsford United to be abandoned.

Gate had took the lead through Josh Pollard after 18 minutes when the homeside broke from a Winsford attack. The man in the middle played a good advantage as James Boyd was held back, after the midfielder was away from his man he released Pollard who made no mistake to fire past the visiting keeper. Calls for a penalty were then turned down for Gate when Boyd went down in the box, all be it softly.

The visitors equalised the game on the half hour mark when a clearance from defence fell behind Gate’s backline for Obi Anurou to run onto and fire past Gidley.

Gates lead was increased when Jack Iley made it two in two games. A ball down the line from Ryan Dodd was left by Dean Ing and Winsford’s defence with Iley reacting quickest to fire past the keeper at the second attempt. Five minutes later and Iley struck again for Gate. A ball into the box was headed clear by Winsford into the path of Iley who got his second of the game volleying in the clearance.

Gates lead could have been increased further when the man in the middle pointed to the spot when Ryan Riley’s cross in was blocked with a hand. Iley stepped up looking for his hatrick but was met by a fine save from the visiting keeper. The home sides lead was increased further when Ryan Riley pulled off a sublime freekick past the wall and into the top corner for his first goal of the season and Gate’s fifth of the game.

The day came to and end when The Brian Addison Stadium was plunged into darkness. Despite the best efforts of the volunteers, the floodlights couldn’t be repaired. The result of the game will now be decided by a league panel as to whether the result will stand or a replay will be needed.

Match report by Mark Ashmore.

25

NATHANIEL HOLLAND @TerraceTrav Speaking to The Gate this week, is Nathaniel Holland who is a groundhopper based in Norfolk. Nathaniel writes about how he got into football, which teams he follows, and his favourite grounds.

First of all, what encouraged you to get into football, and more importantly your groundhopping adventures?

is impossible not to fall in love with the club. They have really worked hard over the years to get the locals engaged and they average around 100-150 people for a home game which is a fair attendance for that level of football. Romsey’s colours are red, just like Crewe so that makes it easier for me to follow them.

I first got into football through my Uncle, he lives in Norfolk and I started following Norwich aged six, despite growing up in Cheshire! He took me to my first game which was Wroxham FC in the early 2000s. Closer to home I went to my first Crewe Alexandra game as my local professional club aged ten and I was hooked, and I have supported them ever since.

As for groundhopping, I have been doing it regularly for the last five seasons now. I have always liked going to new grounds, from watching Crewe away all over the country, to supporting my local non-league sides as a kid. I think it has always been a part of my life following football.

Did you have any football shirts growing up? Who was your footballing idol?

I had a lot of Norwich shirts thanks to my Uncle, I also had a few Manchester United kits, Gary Neville was (and still is) my all-time hero! I have had every Crewe home shirt of the last 15 years too!

Which team did you support growing up? What was the reason behind supporting them?

Pictured above: Romsey FC, in Hampshire

How many grounds have you visited?

Currently I am on 276 grounds visited for a game of football. I keep a separate list of grounds that I have been to but not seen a game at and that is on 67.

Do you remember the first game you attended? What was the score?

The first game I attended was Wroxham in Norfolk in the early It was Crewe as my main team, Norwich as my second team 2000s. I don’t remember who they were playing or what the score was. I was very young and more interested in running and then Manchester United as my glory hunting team! It is around with my cousins whilst my uncle watched the game. quite a mixture when you consider it. I was hooked with my first couple of Crewe games. I went to Crewe against Norwich The first game that I can remember was Derby County versus Norwich City at Pride Park on Boxing Day 2003. My cousin when the Canaries got promotion to the Premier League in was the Norwich mascot that day and my whole family came 2004 and I went back to Crewe the following season with a to the match. It finished 4-0 to Norwich too which was family friend against Plymouth. I was hooked and convinced awesome. my dad to start taking me regularly from then on. He was a Leeds fan growing up in the 1970s, but he is Crewe through The best game you have ever watched? The worst? In and through now. general, and ones that you have attended on your travels?

Which non league club to you live closest to? Can you The best game is easy. Crewe Alexandra versus Cheltenham give us a brief insight into their ground, their league, etc? Town in the League Two play-off final in May 2012. Nick I moved away from Cheshire seven years ago and moved to Powell scored one of the best goals I have seen and to see my Southampton. I have lived in various parts of the city and also team play at Wembley, win and get promoted was a dream.

We went back 11 months later and won the Football League lived in Romsey which is a market town just outside of Trophy by beating Southend United. Not many fans of smaller Southampton. When I lived in Romsey, I watched Romsey Town FC fairly regularly and I still do, so I will talk about them. teams can say they have seen their team at Wembley, never mind twice and not to mention we won both times.

They play in the tenth tier of English football in the Wessex

26

Division One. They have a small ground with plenty of Picking the worst game is a trickier question. I have seen character, they have cover on three sides of the ground and some poor games in non-league football, but one springs to the people behind the scenes are so lovely and genuine that it mind. Horndean versus Sholing in the Wessex Premier in

2015. It was a wet Thursday night; I had travelled 40 minutes to find the floodlights weren’t working. Both sides were warming up under street lamps in the neighbouring field. They got the lights on five minutes before kick-off and both sides played out a 0-0 draw. The slope at Horndean and the wet conditions made for a tricky game and that one sticks in the mind.

Your favourite grounds?

Gresty Road is a special place. Highs and lows of watching Crewe over the years. I had my 18th birthday party there, and I also did my A-Level examinations at the ground due to refurbishments to my college, so it has played a part in my life so far.

I have a few favourites. Brockenhurst FC’s Grigg Lane of the Wessex Premier is one of my favourites in my local area. NewNon-League is just unique. The people you meet, the grounds castle Town holds a place in my heart too- the cycle track you visit and what it means to the local people makes it around the pitch and it was the first game that I went to alone special. It is easy to forget that Non-League clubs are run by as a kid. My mum wasn’t too pleased when she found out! volunteers. These people live and breathe the clubs that they I visited York City’s Bootham Crescent this year, which was are involved with. That in itself is endearing to any football fan great, it will be a shame when they knock that down. Nou with a heart. It isn’t all about the money at the elite side of the Camp is a great ground for any football fan too. I have been to game. The non-league players have real jobs and play for the so many grounds that it is hard to pinpoint one favourite. Racfun of it, everything just means that little bit more in the lower- ing Club Leiderdorp is a brilliant non-league ground in Holland echelons of the game. Buying a programme, or having a drink too. in the clubhouse are just a few ways to help support the club.

Your £5 admission might go a long way to a small team. Your What is your usual matchday routine when visiting a new £40 to watch a Premier League game probably pays a player ground? enough time to tie his shoelaces.

I don’t really have a set routine. I usually haven’t left enough time to get there and I end up rushing to where I need to be. I What is the best goal you've ever seen, live and in genwill usually try and research a little bit to check parking etc, but eral?

I try and not spoil the surprise of a new ground. I have a list of I have seen some obscure goals, some goals from range, grounds that I want to do and there are a few grounds that I some cracking team goals and also some comical goals. My need to complete some leagues so that structures some of my favourite has to be Nick Powell’s in the 2012 League Two play plans but at the moment I am happy with staying close to -off final. He was the season’s brightest young talent, he sent home, even if it means revisiting a few places. two defenders for a hot dog with his first touch and swung his Do you have any rituals or superstitions when it comes to supleg at the shot into the top corner to take the lead. porting your team?

I was also in the stand as Peter Crouch scored that great volley past Joe Hart as Stoke played Man City in the Premier I never bet on Crewe games. I am not a big gambler anyway League. I remember silence for two seconds as fans worked but my advice to anyone is not to bet on Crewe as they are so unpredictable. I don’t have any real superstitions though. out if they believed what they saw before some cracking When dad and I were season ticket holders we had a routine celebrations behind the goal. of getting there an hour before, we chat to the same familiar One thing I hate when I see a great goal in non-league football faces and that kind of thing, but I am not a superstitious peris that it probably wasn’t on video. That means it is special to son those few that are in the ground, that makes it special, but you can’t sit and watch it over and over to appreciate how genius it Have you ever visited any games abroad? What makes the experience different in other countries? could have been.

What makes non league unique to you?

I am fortunate in that I am quite well travelled. It is a bonus if I can squeeze in a game whilst I am abroad too. It is always a unique experience when I am abroad, the stadiums look very different, the fans are different. It is just nice to experience what the locals do. There are so many places that are very tourist focussed, so to step away from the tourism and do something that the locals do is how I get a sense of real life for these people.

I recently visited Venice with my girlfriend. We went to Venezia vs Carpi in the Serie B (Italian second division) it is an old crumbling ground and great to see a different side to the island. I have seen soccer in America, mainly college games.

The US collegiate system is so interesting so to see a bit of college soccer in Texas and Florida was great in my recent trips. I have seen Barcelona play, but I don’t usually go for the 27

big teams. I watched Union Berlin in March against Paderborn and I saw some Spanish fourth division a few years back in Fuerteventura.

I was in Holland for most of May, I was able to see Waalwijk beat Excelsior in the play offs. The Dutch play-off system is complex but Waalwijk beating Excelsior from the top division was cool and the atmosphere was fantastic.

Have you visited any obscure grounds? What made them different to the others?

I am not sure what is classed as obscure. I have done a lot of non-league grounds, anything from Notts County and Wrexham which were former Football League grounds, to park pitches.

I like unique grounds, maybe with a different looking stand for instance. That is why I like Brockenhurst as their stand is not just the generic pre-made metal stands that many newer grounds have adopted.

Pictured above: Brockenhurst FC

I can’t think of anywhere in particular off the top of my head.

Have you visited Squires Gate before? If so, what was the score? If not, can we expect to see you up here at some point in the future?

I have never visited Squires Gate. I have never been to Blackpool and I don’t visit that part of the country very often.

The only ground I have done in that region is Fleetwood Town to see Crewe play.

I would certainly love to visit at some point, especially after being asked to help with this programme feature. I am not sure when I will squeeze it in but maybe I can make an effort to come back to the North West at some point. You play teams like Hanley Town, Whitchurch Alport and Congleton Town which are all sides that I grew up watching as a child so maybe I can come along when you are playing a Staffordshire/ Cheshire side.

What grounds are you planning on visiting in the next few months?

I tend not to plan too far ahead if I am honest. I like the FA Cup so I will try and do a game in round one and two before the turn of the year. I am trying to save a bit of money at the moment so staying local and watching some cheaper games is definitely the plan. I have a few grounds in the Hampshire Division One and Southampton Saturday Premier to do to complete the leagues, these are basically park pitches so it will certainly be a cheap few weeks if I focus on those grounds.

Pictured above: Crewe win promotion in 2012

Please note that this article was written by Nathaniel Holland who is the founder of The Terrace Traveller blog: (www.theterracetraveller.wordpress.com). You can follow him on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram too.

Pictured above: Venezia FC, in Venice 28

The Terrace Traveller

VALENCIA CF B 0-4 Vfl Wolfsburg II...at AFC Totten If you are interested in your random matches, then this was a must see game! It was a fixture from the Premier League International Cup Group B, which Nathaniel Holland attended. He writes about his visit on his blog;

So, the summer had passed, and I was scrolling Twitter and stumbled across Totton announcing that they were hosting this Group B fixture between Valencia and Wolfsburg. It is a classic game for fans of the obscure. A chance to see some international calibre, with both sides “It seems that I am coming here to watch anyone brimming with youth internationals and potential but AFC Totton’s first team at the moment, stars of the future. whether it’s the Stags under-18s, Saints Women or a random fixture between B teams of 2 Euro- I may head over to Aldershot Town in a couple of weeks as PSG youth take on Athletic Bilbao for pean giants. some more PL International Cup silliness.

Valencia B versus Wolfsburg II played at AFC Totton was too good to miss. An obscure fixture It is safe to say I hadn’t seen either of these sides play before. I had seen Valencia’s first team back played just a few miles from home. in the 2011/12 season when they beat Stoke City Stats away in the knockout stage of the Europa League at the Britannia Stadium.

I only found out about this cup competition last season when I watched Southampton U23’s take The game was played at the Testwood Stadium, on Dinamo Zagreb II in the semi-final at St Mary’s home of Southern League Division One South Stadium. I hadn’t given it much thought since as side AFC Totton as Marcel Beifus netted a first the young Saints were knocked out and Zagreb half brace and Omar Marmoush scored a third went on to lose to Bayern Munich II, who had before the break. With the game dead and beaten Reading U23s in the other semi-final. buried, Wolfsburg added a fourth from the penalty The final was played at Millwall’s The Den. spot through Yannik Moker in the second half to kill the game completely.

The competition has been going since 2014/15 and every game has to be played in the UK, even It took just seven minutes for the game’s first goal if no British team are involved as it is a Premier through Germany Under 18 international Marcel League organised competition. Manchester City Beifus. The 17-year-old centre back rose highest won the first ever final against Porto at the City to send a powerful header into the back of the net Academy Stadium. Villarreal won the 2016 final past Emilio Bernad. and Porto won in 2017 and 2018 before Bayern Munich won it this year. The final has been held Bernad had to be alert three minutes later when at Millwall’s The Den twice, Sunderland’s he parried Moker’s free kick away from danger.

Stadium of Light and Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium. Some comical defending from the Spaniards Plenty of chance to see some foreign B teams, allowed Egypt U23 Marmoush the chance to many of which play within the football pyramid of shoot but he dragged the shot wide. Carlos Perez their respective countries, unlike our U23 sides had a chance for Valencia at the other end, but over here. I won’t spark any debate about the his shot didn’t do anything to trouble Jannes inclusion of B teams in our FL structure.

Tasche in the Wolfsburg goal.

The height of Beifus and his incredible heading ability led to Wolfsburg’s second goal of the evening when he rifled the ball into the back of the net from a corner to make it 2-0.

And just two minutes later Valencia were caught in attack and a long ball forward looked routine as Hugo Guillamon left the ball for Bernad but Marmoush was rapid to react and as he was pushed wide, he showed great skill to somehow still loop the ball into the back of the net.

It was a routine outing as Wolfsburg looked unfazed by their Spanish counterparts in the second half.

Jose Maria Sanz made a double change for Los Che as Sergio Moreno, who is on loan from Segunda Division side Rayo Vallecano, and Vicente Esquerdo replaced youth international duo Koba Koidredi and Noha Ndombasi.

Wolfsburg’s Ole Pohlmann replaced Mamoudou Karamoko.

The game was all but over as a contest when Wolfsburg were awarded a penalty for handball from Davide-Jerome Itter’s cross. Moker, who is a former Germany U18, stepped up and dispatched the penalty to make it 4-0 on 70 minutes.

More subs disrupted the flow of the final stages of the game as Valencia piled on the pressure to grab a late consolation. Tasche made a great double save to protect his clean sheet as Wolfsburg had to dig in and soak up the pressure inside their own box.

In the late stages of the game, all that pressure left plenty of space for Wolfsburg to attack and Marmoush raced away, turning the last man to have a free run at goal but Bernad did well to make a good save.

29

PART TWO As the decade draws to a close, at Squires Gate, Dan Hayden looks back on some of the best games of the decade. In part two, we have a look at some of the Premier League’s most entertaining games.

A decade which has seen Blackpool play in the Premier League, Leicester go from being relegation favourites to winning the title as 5000/1 winners, and we have seen the demise of clubs like Bolton, Blackburn and Charlton who continue to play in the lower leagues of the English pyramid.

In our next issue, we will be counting down the top 10 games of the decade, which have some thrillers, some high scoring derbies and some unbelievable comebacks.

15. LEICESTER 5 MAN UNITED 3 21 September 2014, King Power Stadium Louis Van Gaal’s United side were defensively fragile in this game, and they had won just one game in 5 as Leicester moved up to 6th after this win.

United took the lead through Robin Van Persie after 11 minutes, and Di Maria doubled their lead 5 minutes later. Ulloa reduced the deficit when he headed past De Gea. Herrera looked to put United out of sight when he scored their third, but then the visitors fell apart and allowed Leicester to play their football. Goals from Nugent, Cambiasso and Vardy put the foxes ahead with 10 minutes to go. Blackett was sent off for the reds and Ulloa converted the penalty.

14. CHELSEA 2 TOTTENHAM 2 2 May 2016, Stamford Bridge “We don’t want Tottenham to win the Premier League - the fans, the club and the players.” Eden Hazard said before their meeting with Spurs, which decided the 2015/16 title.

At half time, they were looking good for that: goals from Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min had the visitors in command of the game, which made it look like that Leicester would have go again against Everton the following Saturday.

Chelsea introduced Hazard and became a completely different side, they halved the deficit with half hour remaining when Gary Cahill lashed in from a corner.

Hazard equalised with 7 minutes left to crush Spurs’ hopes.

30

13. LIVERPOOL 1 BLACKPOOL 2 October 2010, Anfield Blackpool travelled to Anfield for the first time since 1971 and were looking for their first win there since 1967. Charlie Adam put the visitors ahead when he drove in a penalty after Glen Johnson tripped Luke Varney.

The defeat continues Liverpool's nightmare start to a season which has also seen them dumped out of the Carling Cup by League Two Northampton and left them third from bottom of the Premier League.

Varney doubled the tangerines lead which stunned the home fans, and then Kyrgiakos made no mistake as he powered in a header from a Steven Gerrard free-kick but it wasn’t enough to

12. BOURNEMOUTH 4 LIVERPOOL 3 December 2016, Vitality Stadium Bournemouth pulled of one of the comebacks of the 2016/17 season. The cherries battled from 2-0 down at half time, and they were 3-1 down with 15 minutes to go.

Liverpool were looking to extend their 12 games unbeaten, and it looked certain that they were going to do just that, They were inches away from making it 4-1 as Boruc holds Milner’s corner but nearly takes the ball behind the line.

Goals from Fraser and Cook put the hosts on level terms in dramatic fashion. Origi almost won it on the 90th minute, but fired over from close range.

Ake netted in the 93rd minute. Scenes in the home end.

11. CARDIFF 3 MAN CITY 2 25 August 2013, Cardiff City Stadium Cardiff City recorded their first top flight victory, against the 2011-12 champions.

Dzeko put the visitors ahead after a 52nd minute header, but the Prem newcomers were not there to roll over as Aron Gunnarsson equalised for the bluebirds.

Former Man United youngster Frazier Campbell scored twice to give Cardiff some breathing space heading into the last 10 minutes, before Negredo set up a grandstand finish in the 6 minutes of injury time, Malky Mackay’s men held on to secure a famous victory over Pelligrini’s stars.

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FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

23 NOVEMBER 2002

Marouane Fellaini Chris Smalling Asamoah Gyan DID YOU KNOW? On the 22 November 2007, a day after England’s hopes of qualifying for Euro 2008, at a soggy Wembley stadium. The FA sacked Steve McLaren, and the “wally with the brolly” was born when it was in the Daily Mail. McLaren had only been in charge for 18 games, and his assistant Terry Venables was also dismissed following the failure to qualify for the European Championships.

On this day in 2014, England’s women played their first match at the revamped Wembley against Germany. A crowd of 45,619 turned up which was 5,000 more than the previous mens friendly. The Germans spoilt the party though, as they won 3-0.

Man United

5

3

Newcastle

Fulham

3

2

Liverpool

Southampton

3

2

Arsenal

Bradford

0

5

Sheff United

Crewe

3

0

Blackpool

Southend

0

1

Bournemouth

Going back to this day in 2002, and there was a 8 goal thriller between Man Utd and Newcastle with a hat trick from Ruud Van Nistelrooy. Two goals from Facundo Sava stun Liverpool and a James Beattie brace defeats 10 man Arsenal.

23 NOVEMBER 2013 Everton

3

3

Liverpool

West Ham

0

3

Chelsea

Birmingham

1

1

Blackpool

Watford

0

1

Bolton

Coventry

1

5

Tranmere

Fleetwood

5

4

Mansfield

A six goal thriller in the Merseyside derby on this day in 2013. Chelsea eased past the hammers with Lampard on the scoresheet twice netting against his former club. Fleetwood and Mansfield were involved in a 9 goal thriller in the Conference.

HALF TIME QUIZ Which manager was announced the new Barnsley head coach this week?

A. David Wagner B. Gerhard Struber C. Neil Morris

Hernan Crespo joined Chelsea in 2003 from which club?

A. AC Milan B. Genoa C. Inter Milan

Bobby Gould and Phil Nel have both been managers of which club?

A. Aston Villa B. Coventry C. Norwich

Who managed Liverpool to the 1986 FA Cup and League double?

A. Kenny Daglish B. Bob Paisley C. Ian Rush

Which player was nicknamed “The Divine Ponytail” A. Paolo Maldini B. Ruud Gullit C. Roberto Baggio

At which club, did Damien Duff and David Dunn play in the same side?

A. Watford B. Blackburn Rovers C. Fulham

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

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A LOOK BACK TO 1989/90 RESULTS - 25 NOV 1989

DIVISION ONE 1986/87

Charlton

1

1

Man City

Sheff Wed

2

2

Crystal Palace

C

Liverpool

Tottenham

1

2

Derby

2

QPR

0

0

Millwall

Nottingham Forest

1

0

Coventry

1

Wimbledon

PTS

GD

38

79

+41

Aston Villa

38

70

+19

3

Tottenham Hotspur

38

63

+12

Everton

4

Arsenal

38

62

+16

0

Norwich

5

Chelsea

38

60

+11

0

2

Aston Villa

6

Everton

38

59

+8

Southampton

6

3

Luton Town

7

Southampton

38

55

+7

Man United

0

0

Chelsea

8

Wimbledon

38

55

+8

(D2) Watford

3

1

Wolves

9

Nottingham Forest

38

54

+7

(D2) Newcastle

2

0

Sheffield Utd

10 Norwich City

38

53

+8

(D2) West Brom

2

1

Leeds

11 Queens Park Rangers

38

50

+2

(D3) Blackpool

0

3

Tranmere

12 Coventry City

38

49

-20

13 Manchester United

38

48

-1

14 Manchester City

38

48

-9

15 Crystal Palace

38

48

-24

16 Derby County

38

46

+3

17 Luton Town

38

43

-14

18 Sheffield Wednesday

38

43

-16

19 Charlton Athletic

38

30

-26

20 Millwall

38

26

-26

FA CUP FINAL 1990 REPLAY Crystal Palace

0

1

Man United

DID YOU KNOW? 19 July ‘89

Former Spurs player Ossie Ardiles is appointed player-manager of Swindon Town

7 August ‘89

Everton sign Martin Keown for £750,000

19 August ‘89

On the first day of the 1989/90 season, Arsenal are beaten 4-1 by United and Liverpool beat City 3-1.

29 August ‘89

Gary Pallister becomes Britain’s most expensive defender costing £2.3m in a move from M’boro to United.

TEAM

P

14 September ‘89 United sign Paul Ince from West Ham for £1m 11 October ‘89

England secure World Cup qualification after a 0-0 draw with Poland in Chorzow.

21 November ‘89 Nigel Martyn becomes the first £1m goalkeeper when he joined Crystal Palace from Bristol Rovers.

19 December ‘89 Dwight Yorke signs for Aston Villa 12 March ‘90

Bristol City striker Dean Horrix is killed in a car crash, a week after joining from Millwall.

28 March ‘90

England beat Brazil 1-0 at Wembley, with a goal from Gary Lineker.

29 April ‘90

Nottingham Forest retain the League Cup, after they beat Oldham Athletic 1-0 in the final.

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P

G

P

Graeme McCALL

Jordan GIDLEY Jacob DAVIES Jacob HIGHAM

G

Referee Liam Corrigan

Alex DAVIES Joe DENMAN

Joseph MULLEN

Tom FREEMAN

Dave ROSSALL

Adam JONES

Josh WESTWOOD

Gary KENNY

Robert PARKER

James BOYD

Assistant Referees Daniel Goldman Michael Southern

Ryan DODD Dean ING Matthew FARNWORTH Josh POLLARD

Carl LOWNSBROUGH Callum SPENCER

UP NEXT AT HOME…

Harry MOLYNEUX

CONGLETON TOWN

Tom PARRY

7th December 2019

John SHAW

Sam STAUNTON-TURNER Riccardo EGIDI

Callum LEES

Warren GERRARD Other fixtures Ashton Athletic v Whitchurch Alport Barnoldswick Town v Runcorn Town Burscough v 1874 Northwich Hanley Town v Bootle Irlam v Congleton Town Litherland REMYCA v Avro Longridge Town v Padiham

Tom McNAMARA Anthony PLANT Andrew SCARISBRICK

Ste WOLHUNTER Kane DRUMMOND George LOMAX

Skelmersdale United v Northwich Vics

Sam O’HALLERON

Winsford United v Charnock Richard

Freddie POTTER Jay WHITE

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