Squires Gate v Ponte Colls by SquiresGateFC

THANK YOU CLUB DIRECTORY Chairman: Tony Jo President: Brian Addison Club Secretary: John Maguire Committee: Tony Jo, Brian Addison, Steve Bellamy, Micky Farrer, John Maguire COVID Officer: John Maguire Media Manager: Jay Hayden Media Assistant: James Ashton Commercial: Dan Hayden Photographer: Albert Cooper Assistant Photographer: Ian Moore Shirt Sponsors: Central Insurance, Open Recruitment Limited, Taylors Fish & Chips, Global Football Network Home Short Sponsor: Marsden Plastering CLUB CONTACT Website: www.squiresgatefc.co.uk Twitter: @squiresgatefc Instagram: @squiresgatefc CLUB MANAGEMENT: Manager: Luke Evans Assistant Manager: Andy Baker Goalkeeper Coach: Des Christie TALK OF THE GATE Editors: Dan Hayden, James Ashton, Jay Hayden Front Cover: @GraphicBomb Printing: Moulton Printing

Squires Gate FC Entity Status: Unincorporated

WELCOME Good afternoon, and welcome to our FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round tie against Pontefract Collieries. A warm welcome to the travelling fans, as well as the home supporters. This is the first of four matchday magazines in 10 days, and we hope you enjoy the content. Some great articles coming in from our contributors, as well as the usual insight of our opposition. Enjoy the game!

CONTENTS PAGE 4: GAFFER’S NOTES The Gaffer looks ahead to today’s game.

PAGE 6: JOSH WESTWOOD Captain Josh Westwood’s notes.

PAGE 8-10: MATCH REPORTS James Ashton reports on our previous matchs against Garforth Town and Skelmersdale United.

PAGE 15: AWAY DAYS Come behind the scenes with our media team for our away day to Skelmersdale.

PAGE 17-25: PONTEFRACT COLLS An insight into today’s visitors including Media Diaries with Charlie Fletcher.

PAGE 30-31: TRANSFER WINDOW Georges Harrison reviews the top 6 clubs’ transfer window.

PAGE 35: 1950’S CONNECTION PAGE 36: PANIC! AT THE XISCO AND MUCH MORE…

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Squires Gate TV

Please note, all articles throughout our matchday magazine are not the opinions of Squires Gate FC, and are only those of the contributors.

GAFFER’S NOTES

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GAFFER’S NOTES

Hi everyone, and a warm welcome to all attending this afternoon’s game! We host Pontefract Collieries in the Second Qualifying Round of the FA Cup, in what is a huge day for the club. Squires Gate has never gone past the Second Qualifying Round, so if we can progress today it’ll be a record breaking afternoon for us. If we want to do that though we will have to improve on Tuesday’s game, where we lost 4-0 to a very strong Skelmersdale United side. The scoreline probably did flatter them, but they fully deserved the three points. We had some promising spells in the game though after making a lot of changes from last weekend’s match, so we take the positives, learn from the mistakes and move on. Today’s game will be a very tough one, with Pontefract Collieries a really good side from the Step above. It’s a huge day for them too, as they’re also hoping to progress past this round for the first time in their history. We’ve beaten some very strong sides in the FA Cup already this season though, including the likes of Macclesfield FC and North Shields, so we know we’ve got what it takes to get the win today. The FA Cup run has been really enjoyable, with each win being a superb day for the football club. It’s a huge honour to be part of such a prestigious competition, and it’s such a big help to all non league clubs financially as well as the exposure you can get once you get through a couple of rounds.

LUKE EVANS

Today’s game is the first of four home games in a row (unless we draw today, which will result in a replay on Tuesday), which gives us a slight advantage going into a tough run of games both in the FA Cup and the league. The three home league games give us a great chance to get some important points on the board and move away from the bottom half of the table. We’ve got multiple games in hand on the majority of teams in the league because of our cup run but it’s all about turning those games in hand into points. We really appreciate all those in attendance today. Whether you’re a visitor from Pontefract, a local neutral, a groundhopper or one of our loyal Gate supporters, you’re support is vital to us and we hope you have an excellent day down at The Brian Addison Stadium with us. We also want to say thanks to those who have purchased today’s matchday magazine, the media team work really hard on them and we love to see all the positive reviews we’ve been getting on them. The bar inside is open, so get yourselves a can of beer or a pie, find a seat in the stands or a nice place to stand around the ground and enjoy the game! It’s going to be a tough game for us, but on such a special day for the club, anything can happen! We’ve got a great group of lads who can accomplish anything so let’s do it!

Up the Gate, Last weekend we also took part in the FA Vase, Gaffer another excellent competition to take part in. We were up against Garforth Town who proved a very tough opponent for us, coming with a strong game Luke Evans is sponsored by MS Society plan which we almost cracked. We took a 1-0 lead on 81 minutes, and just as we thought we’d progressed, Garforth equalised in added time to take the game straight to penalties. Garforth won the shootout, which is anyone’s game, and progressed into the next round. It was a disappointment for us, especially to be leading so late on. We’d limited them to very few chances, especially in the second half, but we can take plenty of positives from the game and concentrate on the league and FA Cup.

JOSH

WESTWOOD

@squiresgatefc

JOSH WESTWOOD

Hello everyone, and welcome to this afternoon’s match at The Brian Addison Stadium between Squires Gate and Pontefract Collieries in the Second Qualifying Round of the FA Cup. Whether you’re a Gate regular, a visitor from Pontefract, or a neutral simply coming to enjoy a good game of cup football, we welcome you with open arms and hope you all have a fantastic afternoon with us. It’s always special for us to just take part in the FA Cup, but to reach the Second Qualifying Round matches our club record, making it that bit more special. I’m led to believe it’s also the club record for Pontefract Collieries, so it’s a huge day for both clubs. We’ve really enjoyed our FA Cup run so far, most recently against North Shields where we played a very professional match, coming away 10 winners thanks to a Dean Ing strike in the second half. We defended superbly and deserved the win. We’ve also knocked out Macclesfield, beating them 6-4 in an incredible match in front of our record crowd, as well as dispatching Ashton Athletic 2-0 in the Extra Preliminary Round. We’ve played superbly in each game in the FA Cup so far this season and we’re hoping we can do that once again this afternoon.

Talk Of The Gate

Hard to get ourselves a goal back. We continued to push numbers forward, which allowed Skem to catch us on the break a couple of times, with the match ending up in a 4-0 defeat which probably flattered them a little, although we weren’t at our best admittedly. We’ll bounce back though, there’s no doubt about that. We’ve got a really strong bond as a group, with some excellent leaders and characters among us. We’re confident in ourselves to get straight back to winning ways today and make some history for the club It’s going to be a huge test for us today though, with our opponents Pontefract Collieries playing in the Step above in the Northern Premier League Division One East. We know all about them and how difficult they’re going to make it for us, but we know we’ve got what it takes to take the game to them and progress into the Third Qualifying Round for the first time in the club’s history. Like I’ve mentioned, today’s game is going to be a really challenging one for us, but we feel confident in our abilities, tactics, confidence, teamwork and support from our loyal fans that we can get the job done and progress into the next round. Cheers for reading,

We were unfortunate last week though in the FA Vase, falling at the first hurdle on penalties to Garforth Town. Deano had us in front, but Garforth managed to equalise deep into stoppage time to take the game to pens, from there it’s anyone’s to win. It was another solid performance from us, especially in the second half with plenty of positives to take from the game. Our most recent match was Tuesday’s trip to Skelmersdale in the league. With Skem second in the form table going into the match and holding an excellent home record, we knew how tough the match was going to be. Skem started strong and got themselves a 2-0 inside the first half an hour. It’s fair to say we dominated from then, pushing

Westy

#WeAreGate

GATE

1 (3) DEAN ING 81’

GARFORTH 1 (4) JOE COLLEY 90’

11.09. 21 / The Brian Addison Stadium Words by James Ashton The visitors had the first chance of the game inside three minutes, with an effort from the edge of the area deflecting wide for a corner that Gate managed to clear. Garforth then countered well on ten minutes but failed to find the target with the eventual finish. Garforth’s number nine then hit an acrobatic effort well off target.

but his effort was well kept out by the Garforth keeper. Riley then hit over from the edge of the box on the rebound. Mekkaoui-Abouzaid then hit a strong effort just wide of the target, before Chris Webster went into the book.

Kieran Feeney and Max Rogers were then introduced for Gate, replacing Awe and Ridings. Feeney looked to make an instant impact, Gate weathered the storm though, and almost reached a dangerous and went close to an opening goal cross from Riley only to collide with the keeper. A ball in from Ing on 75 on 19 minutes. An excellent turn minutes then deflected to Feeney and pass from James Boyd found whose strong volley was well parRidings but the wing-back fired ried by the goalkeeper. Ing and wide from a difficult angle. Feeney linked up again on 81 Sope Awe then headed straight at minutes to give Gate a 1-0 lead. Feeney threaded a ball in behind the goalkeeper after an excellent cross from Isaac Abankwah, while for Ing who showed superb a through ball from Boyd was ago- strength to through and slot confinisingly close to finding Dean Ing in dently past the goalkeeper. behind. Gate almost got a second on 89 minutes, with a thunderous strike The visitors went close another from distance by Webster hitting couple of times before the break, the woodwork with the keeper rootwith the lively number nine volleyed to the spot. Just as it looked like ing just over from distance, while Gate had done it, Garforth equalMike Hale held onto a tame effort ised deep into added time with a from the edge of the area. header from a long throw to take the game to pens. Gate started the second half strongly, and won a free kick right on the edge of the area after a foul Riley, Ing and Feeney scored Gate’s first three spot kicks with on Ridings. Garforth also netting their first three. Webster missed Gate’s Ryan Riley stepped up but fired his fourth though, and after Garforth effort over the bar. Ridings then scored the reply, Josh Westwood had the best chance of the game had his penalty well saved to see so far on 56 minutes, showing Garforth progress into the next great pace and control to break in round. behind

SQUIRES GATE Hale (GK) Ridings Riley Welsh Abankwah Westwood © Mekkaoui-Abouzaid Webster S.Awe Ing Boyd

GARFORTH TOWN Wells (GK) Leach McGahan Terhaerdt Denton © Barkway Zannos Fitzgerald Burgess Burton Silva

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PICS BY IAN MOORE

Match Reports

SKEM

GATE

14.09. 21 /The JMO Sports Park Words by James Ashton It was an end to end start to the match, with both sides looking to start on the front foot. Jacob Ridings did well to drive into the Skelmersdale area, only for his cross to be slightly too heavy.

Gate started the second half in similar fashion, pushing hard to get a goal back. A ball clipped to the back post from Pollard was headed just over by Rogers, while a free kick from Boyd also flew over the bar.

Bartram fired over from distance after doing well to intercept a loose ball, while the hosts thought they took the lead at the other end only for the offside flag to eventually go up against the goal scorer.

Abankwah and Bartram both showed good pieces of defending at the other end to make great blocks, while a good move from Gate ended with a dangerous cross from Ridings being turned behind for a corner that the hosts managed to clear.

The hosts did take the lead though on 18 minutes through Michael Howard. A cross from the right wing was cleared at the back post by Rogers but the loose ball fell to Howard on the edge of the box who made no mistake with a clinical finish.

Against the run of play though, Skelmersdale got themselves a third goal to kill the game off on 76 minutes. A simple goal kick was flicked in behind the Gate defence, with the ball being played across goal for Elliot Morris who made no mistake Skelmersdale got a second on with the finish. 26 minutes, with an effort from the right side of the box from With Gate putting numbers Tom Croughan deflecting into forward, the hosts made it 4-0 the bottom corner, once again just three minutes later. giving Hale no chance. A brilliant ball was threaded in After two initial corners were behind the Gate back line for cleared, a third delivery from Howard who finished well past Pollard reached Bartram at the Hale clinically to round off the back post who volleyed into the victory. side netting from a tight angle.

SKELMERSDALE Barnes Davies Griffiths Herbert Grogan Strickland Morris Djalo Adegbeno Croughan Howard

SQUIRES GATE Hale Ridings Rogers Welsh Abankwah Bartram Pollard Webster © Feeney Iley Boyd

50 DEAN ING

GOALS

Striker Dean Ing netted his 50th goal for the club last weekend in our FA Vase match against Garforth Town. A huge achievement - well done Deano!

Deano nets his 5th goal in as many pre-season games this summer

Deano celebrates his FA Cup hattrick against Maine Road, broadcast live to the nation on BBC Sport - what a night!

A prolific season for Deano so far, with 7 goals in 10 games already

Deano wheels away in euphoria after netting a huge goal in the 19/20 season

Dean Ing scores his 50th goal for Squires Gate in the FA Vase with a typically clinical finish!

FIRST-TEAM SQUAD & SPONSORS DES CHRISTIE (GK Coach)

MIKE HALE

MATTHEW GARRETT

JOSH WESTWOOD (Capt.)

JACOB RIDINGS

JAKE HIGHAM

LUKE HOLDEN

JOSH POLLARD

CHRIS WEBSTER

RYAN RILEY

OLLIE BURGESS

MAX ROGERS

JACK ILEY

KIERAN FEENEY

JAMES BOYD

DEAN ING

LUKE EVANS - MANAGER

SPONSORED BY DENISE GIBSON NATHAN BARTRAM

SPONSORED BY @THESHIRTUNION

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ALEX WELSH

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MATTY FINNEY

OIL ORR

SAAD MEKKAOUI-ABOUZAID

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AWAY DAYS Words by James Ashton Hi everyone, I hope you’re enjoying you day so far and enjoying this programme too! Today I’ll be giving you an insight into the media team’s journey from Tuesday night’s visit to Skelmersdale United. I kicked off the journey at 4pm, picking Dan up from his shift at the Vue in Cleveleys, it made a nice change Dan coming for once! We made a quick stop off for McDonalds and some petrol, before picking up Dan & Jay’s mum Helen - you’ll struggle to find a louder supporter than Helen! Jay was at work until 5.30 at Riversway in Preston, so we met him there where we all got in his car and made our way to Skelmersdale! We arrived at JMO Sports park at around 6.20pm, and after a few minutes trying to figure out where the entrance was, we made our way inside.

There was a bar area with some seats and some TV’s, so we got ourselves a quick pint (A coke for Jay), and watched Man United lose 2-1 to Young Boys, not a bad way to start the evening!

Skem started really strongly and went 2-0 before the half hour mark. We got ourselv es into the game though and finished the half well, with Pollard and Feeney both going close to getting us a goal back. We pushed in sim ilar fashion in the second hald, but as we pushed numbers forward, After a quick cuppa and some cakes at half time in the away hospitality, we went back out for the second half.

With a couple of late fitness tests and some selection headaches for Evo, we didn’t know the team until around 7pm so we quickly made the team news graphic ready to be shared on the socials. We made sure all our other graphics and tweets were prepared for the match, and We pushed well in the second made our way down to the 4g half, but as we pushed numbers pitch. forward, Skem got 2 goals on the break and sealed a 4-0 win. We positioned ourselves next to We discussed the match the away dugout, got some quick amongst ourselves before snaps of the warm ups and dis- making our way back inside. We cussed our expectations for the got ourselves back home where game ahead. Skelmersdale were I wrote up the match report and second in the form table, only prepared the next day’s social behind us, and had picked up media posts. #WeAreGate some very impressive results so we knew how tough the game was going to be on 4G.

THE VISITORS PONTEFRACT COLLIERIES Pontefract is known to have had a football club as far back as the 1890s when a side, presumably composed mainly of soldiers, completed in the West Yorkshire League as Pontefract Garrison. Much of the history requires further research but it is known that a Pontefract Borough Club reached the dizzy heights of the Yorkshire League in the late 1920s. By 1935 a club called Tanshelf Gems managed to acquire a ground on Ackworth Road, moved there and became Pontefract United. The current club was formed in 1958 enjoying considerable success on and off the field, much work being done during the miners’ strike cementing relationships with the mining industry and the local community. The floodlight opening in 1987 saw the Colls take on Hull City in a friendly watched by a record crowd of 1,000.

2017-18- A fantastic season saw the Colls produce many impressive statistics, best attack, best defence, most goals scored (134), best goal difference (+96), biggest away win (8-0 v Thackley), most clean sheets (17) on their way to promotion to Step 4 of non-league for the first time in their history. 2018/19 – After two consecutive promotions the Colls had an extremely successful first ever season at Step Four of non-league in the NPL Division One East finishing as runners up to Morpeth Town. A good pre-season saw the Colls gain two pieces of silverware – The Bill Cook Memorial Trophy against Glasshoughton Welfare and the Inaugural Colliery Cup from a keenly contested game against NPL Division One West side Atherton Collieries. The Colls narrowly lost out on promotion to the NPL Premier Division at the first time of asking after losing the play-off final!

2015/16 – The Colls fought to the bitter end but ended up third from bottom and back in Division One! 2021/22 – After again retaining the Bill Cook Memorial Trophy, we are very much looking 2016/17 – The League performance saw some forward to a full season under new management brilliant runs of form including one of 21 games team – Craig Rouse, Andy Seed, Jimmy with only 1 defeat. With the Colls fate in their own Williams, Head Coach Gavin Rothery and Goal hands they only needed to win away at Keeping Coach Ross McKenna. Worsborough Bridge in the final game. This they duly did and returned to the NCEL Premier Division at the first time of asking. CURRENT POSITION

BIGGEST WIN 21/22

DEFEATS THIS SEASON

GOALS SCORED 21/22

AWAY GOALS 21/22

17TH

3-1

PONTE COLLS: THE SQUAD RYAN MUSSELWHITE The shot-stopper was our No:1 during our NCEL Premier League title winning season. He also was between the sticks in our first NPL season, almost leading up to promotion before falling short in the Play-Off final.

Ryan claimed a record number of clean sheets in our promotion season and will return to try and beat that when football returns.

NOAH STOKES

JIMMY WILLIAMS

SPENCER CLARKE

DEFENDER

VICE CAPTAIN

Formerly of Curzon Ashton and Mansfield Town, the Australian centre back has joined the Colls to strengthen the depth of the squad in defence.

Spent four campaigns with the club, leading us to back-to-back promotions from the NCEL. The defender had many great moments, none more impressive than his Play-Off Semi Final goal against Ossett United. He is more than capable of a role in the dugout, he will also feature as player this coming season.

Spencer has been a big player during his few spells at the club and has previously led the side, so this seems to be a no brainer.

FABIAN BAILEY

JACK VANN

JACK GREENHOUGH

DEFENDER

This will be Fabian Bailey’s fourth season at the club. He can cover in any of the defensive areas on the pitch and will be a key part of the squad.

Formerly of Tadcaster Albion, Jack is defensive minded player who can play in a number of positions. Despite his age he has a number of years’ experience playing at this level, following a stint at Ossett United. The ex-Leeds United youth product also had spells at Harrogate Town and Gainsborough Trinity, with Jack’s addition he will provide further strength to the squad.

BEN GORDON

SCOTT BROWN

DEFENDER

Experienced full back Gordon is with the Colls for a second season. He has a Scottish Cup Final Winners medal to his name amongst many Football League appearances. He has featured for the likes of Shaw Lane and Gainsborough Trinity and Boston United so has experience at this level.

The colossal centre half will chip in with his fair share of goals. A fantastic player and a leader on and off the pitch.

CAPTAIN

The marauding full back returned to the The hard tackling, defensive minded club with a number of former players in player has returned to the Colls. Scott March and will now captain his homeBrown first joined Ponte the season the town club. club won the NCEL Premier Division, he most recently featured for the Colls in the ‘19/20 season and scored the Jack first signed first team terms in the winning goal in the home game against summer of 2016, after a successful spell for our U19s. Tadcaster Albion.

SCOTT SMITH

DERRY ROBSON

MIDFIELDER

Scott joined the club from Guiseley last The combative midfielder has joined the season and has shown his quality in club from fellow NPL side Belper Town. Robson has played against the Colls on such a short space of time. numerous occasions in the past, he will Great ability and speed on the ball and add key experience and competition for will create numerous chances for his places in the centre of midfield. teammates.

GAVIN ROTHERY

DANNY MIDDLETON

JACK LAZENBY

MIDFIELDER

He has signed up for a further year with The midfield man has impressed over the club, a real fan favourite the mid-season break. Danny that ‘Rousey’ was keen to keep. previously captained Sherburn White Rose and has been a key figure for loHe chips in with goals and assists and cal Sunday side Ferrybridge Proas an experienced member of the gressive. squad, he will play a key part, especially as he has now taken up a coaching role alongside being a player.

The midfield maestro joined mid-way through last season’s interrupted league, arriving at the club from Garforth Town. Jack impressed early on and continued that into the return of Craig Rouse and his backroom staff. Jack possesses a lot of ability both in the attacking third and defensively.

ELI HEY

ANDY SEED

MIKEY DUNN

FORWARD

DEFENDER

The goal scorer scored bags of goals in his first spell with the club, which saw us dominant the NCEL Premier Division before taking the Northern Premier League by storm. Eli suffered a serious injury towards the end of his first season in the NPL, which saw him miss our Play-Off final defeat. before joining Brighouse We are buzzing to have Eli back amongst our ranks.

Andy was a key part of the club’s recent successes and was a real leader on the pitch. He will be looking to transfer this to coaching. Following time away from the game following retiring at the club, he has chosen to come back into football with Ponte.

KANE REECE

CRAIG ROUSE

FORWARD

Kane was a huge fan favourite during his spell for his all-action style. He scored a number of goals in both campaigns, which saw us reach the Northern Premier League. We are delighted have him back with us not only for his on the field performances, but he will be a great part of the squad off the field too. Kane has featured for a few other NCEL clubs since leaving the Colls, in Nostell MW and Emley AFC.

‘Rousey’ has featured for the club in his playing days as a striker, making a lasting impression with his goalscoring exploits during his two spells at the club. However, Craig really placed his name in the history books, being a part of Ponte’s greatest chapter to date. He was a key part of our rise from NCEL Division One to the Northern Premier League.

Andy is a great capture, not only for the club on the pitch but off it too.

FORWARD A fan favourite during his previous spell, keeping fans on the edge of their seats with his incredible ball control and his ability to make something happen from nothing. He scored 13 league goals in The Colls first season in the Northern Premier League, but also scored 27 goals in our NCEL Division One promotion campaign and a further 16 in our NCEL Premier Division title win!

CHARLIE

BEHIND THE SCENES AT PONTEFRACT COLLIERIES FC

MEDIA DIARIES

FLETCHER Charlie! What were the chances of us meeting in the FA Cup! Before we get into how we got to know each other, give us a bit of an insight into how you got involved at Colls. How long have you been at the club? I’ve been involved with Ponte since I was 13/14 so I have been here for over 10 years now. Started in the tea bar and ended I wouldn’t say I am very up doing a bit of everything! organised, if I’m honest it’s all a bit off the cuff. But it seems to Do you remember your first work at the moment so we’ll stick game? to that! I don’t remember the fixture itself, but I can remember we got There are some brilliantly ran beat and it was a cold wet club Twitter accounts at our midweek game. level but are there any that stand out to you in non league What does your usual in terms of professionally ran matchday routine involve? Is accounts? there any grounds you enjoy There are some great ran clubs, visiting? including their media accounts. I Depending on what is happening think South Shields in the league on the day and if I’m working I above us are great, but there’s usually start with a picture in the plenty at our level too that ground and then teamsheets and produce some great content. straight into the game! I wouldn’t say I have a regular ground I To you, what makes a good enjoy, however FC United of matchday programme? Is Manchester is my favourite away there any that stand out to ground to date. you? A good Matchday programme is How do you keep yourself so one that is content based rather organised and come up with than advert based. I’m hoping to some new original content be treated to a good one today at every week? Squires Gate!

What do you think makes a well ran Twitter account? What Premier League clubs accounts do you think lead the way on social media? I think a good twitter account is being able to keep up with the times but also meet the requirements and reach a wide audience from older generations to younger too. For me I like what Craig Wilson does at Leeds United.

What do you think of Squires Gate's platforms? It’s great, you’ve got a great team and provide great content and you guys are smashing it.

What is this season looking like for Colls? How do you think you will get on? Today is a big game in both clubs history, where one of us is guaranteed to break a record getting into the third qualifying round! Are you confident? Ourselves have got into regu- We’ve not got off to the best lar contact about all sort of starts in the league, we had to football related stuff through isolate right at the end of preseaour elite admin group chat. son and it hampered the lads.

We’re not far off and we have played well in patches. If we turn up on the day we can beat any side at our level. It would be a massive achievement for the club. I also believe you are a Leeds fan! Bit off topic, but how do you think you will get on this season? Just a bit! I think we’ll be fine, a lot of people think we’ll struggle but I think we’ll finish mid table at worst. Thanks for your time, Charlie! All the best for the season ahead apart from today, obviously!

BEECHNUT LANE MANCHOPPER AT...

Words by George Cheetham Another weekend with no plans set out came about and I arrived into Manchester still looking at where my fate may lie. Heading into Piccadilly station at around 11am, I popped up to the Hourglass bar for a pint of Shindigger Pale – which gave me a shock at £5.85 – before the twitterverse’s decision was given. Well, sort of. Despite putting it to a vote, the poll would come back levelpegging but a bit of positive feedback from fellow ‘hopper the Wycombe Wanderer, Russ, saw me off to the old Yorkshire mining town of Pontefract and Collieries’ NPL East game with Belper Town.

Both the ground and town looked pretty interesting, so I was rather looking forward to my visit as I caught the Hull-bound train to Leeds where I’d catch the connection over to Ponte.

came across the appropriately named Golden Ball. However, upon entering, it appeared that the golden ball in question was more egg-shaped than round. A Strongbow in here sufficed for a quick one before I continued up the high-street and through the pedestrianised centre, bypassing a few hostelries I made a note of whilst heading right to the other side of the town and to Russ’ recommendation – the Robin Hood.

Actually managing to find a Northern service running on a Saturday (shock, horror, I know) the short half-hour hop to Pontefract was completed with little issue and I was soon paying a brief visit to the town’s castle, though it was under a fair bit of reconstruction work meaning it It certainly was a good pointer didn’t look quite as classic as it too as it was probably the most usually would, I suppose. craft/real ale centric pub I visited during the day, opting for a pint of Anyway, with the castle not at its London Fields Brewery’s Pale full glory, I continued back down Ale (£4.45) whilst watching some towards the town centre and first of the early kick-off before

returning back towards the centre I and, more importantly, the ground. Pontefract is a historic market town in the West Riding of Yorkshire and is one of five towns within the metropolitan borough of Wakefield. The area has been inhabited since Neolithic times and the modern town is located upon an old Roman road from Doncaster known as the “Roman Ridge”, likely used as an alternative route to the main road in the direction of the gate. £2 over the Humber to York in times lighter, I made my way into the of bad weather. main stand ahead of kick-off, which was just moments away at Nowadays, the town continues to this time, the seats within are host a market as it has done some of those that previously since the middle ages, and is resided in Maine Road back-inknown in jest by locals as “Ponte t’day. Carlo” (I’d like to see that track). Elsewhere, Beechnut Lane is a The former General Infirmary is great little ground. Its quirky, also infamous as it was the place ramshackle nature is highly Harold Shipman began his appealing to those who like murder spree, whilst beneath this places with character to them, building is an old hermitage. Its the Main Stand retaining the barracks currently house a style that seems fairly commonrecruitment regiment of the Ri- place in and around the Ridings fles, whilst the town hosts three and has a mix of seats and a railway stations (Tanshelf, Baghill small area of benched seating and Monkhill), which would have towards the middle. been handy when the town (allegedly) held the record for Behind the near-end goal is a most pubs per square mile in the covered terrace that runs most of country. the width of the pitch, whilst both the far side and end are open, Passing underneath the hard standing, though the far neighbouring railway line via a side does host a small grass small tunnel, you head round mound with a stream right behind past a couple of warehouses and and the railway embankment down a dirt track before arriving above it, featuring a number of at the turnstiles. passing choo-choos for those into grounds featuring the two! Handing over my £8 entry, I ini- The hospitality area is between tially thought the programmes the terrace and entrance, tucked were sold out, before being back from the pitch and is helped out by one of the guys on adjoined to the food bar. The raffle duties who pointed me back dressing rooms and bar,

meanwhile, are located within the stand. That’s the ground in a nutshell… The game got underway and the first real chance of the game produced the first goal. Within the first ten minutes, the strong starting Belper outfit were awarded a pretty clear-cut penalty for a push, with skipper Craig Nelthorpe taking responsibility from the spot and making no mistake with a confident finish. I would leave the relative comfort of the stand at this point, proclaiming to the Belper tracksuit-clad guy next to me that I “was off”, making him think I was there for just the solitary goal and that was enough!

Belper continued to be on the front foot and were well and truly dominating the early phases of the contest and would see further chances for Danny Gordon and Nathan Curtis go off-target as the Nailers looked to push home their apparent advantage.

By the time I’d completed my lap and gotten back around to the food bar – ordering some cheesy chips as the half drew to its conclusion – the game had settled down a little and become more competitive, though there wasn’t a whole lot in the way of action as a result bar a scramble in the Belper box that saw Leigh Overton keep out the initial freekick, the loose ball eventually being cleared by the visiting defence. But then, on the stroke of the break, Belper would double their advantage as Pitou Crouz sprung clear and advanced upon the Pontefract goal, where he fired across the home ‘keeper and into the far corner to secure a twogoal advantage heading into the dressing rooms, although I had missed most of the action for this strike whilst queuing, my view obscured by the stand. Ah well, what can you do? It was little more than Belper’s first-half showing had deserved and I returned back to the clubhouse for a bit of a warm. The second-half was soon underway and if you wanted a proverbial “game of two halves”, then this was the one for you. It couldn’t have been any different from the first from both sides’ perspectives as, after a fairly inconspicuous start, Ponte would come on strong.

With renewed vigour and belief, Ponte came at Belper straight from the resultant kick-off and found themselves level just seconds later when Michael Dunn was found on the left flank and he cut inside prior to firing above Overton and into the roof of the net, sparking some scenes.

Post-match it was back from whence I came, with me giving a lad on a bike a cheap laugh by splashing through an unseen puddle in the increasing darkness. Unscathed by mud somehow upon inspection, I carried on undeterred and to the Windmill Inn back in the town centre. A bonus of this place was that it was that it was a Sam Smith’s pub and, if you follow my blogs regularly, you know what that means. Cheap pint alert!!!! A Taddy Lager (£2.30) was most welcome as I warmed up in the cosy, traditional bar area prior to continuing to head more towards the station for the last train back to Leeds…..at half five.

The blue-touch paper had now been lit and Belper almost hitback themselves, Louis Danquah striking the upright soon afterwards, but this would only prove to be a false dawn for Belper’s hopes of recovering their position and the hosts’ comeback was completed with around twentyfive minutes to play, when a corner from the right was met by the head of Spencer Clarke – the ball nestling into the net to spark The remainder of the journey jubilation in the Colls ranks. back to Manchester and onwards home was completed without As the clock began to wind down issue to end off the day which, to the game’s end, the Nailers again, had been good fun despite began to throw caution to the having been up in the air wind somewhat and commit approaching midday. Pontefract more bodies to their attacks it as a town far exceeded my seemed. Nathan Curtis again expectations on arrival, whilst the went close, as did right-back ground was one of those that Isaac Assenso, but it was to be appeals to me for sure, in many in vain and things would end on an aspect. even more of a sour note for the visitors from Derbyshire, as Cur- The game was brilliant too, the tis was given his marching orders food decent and the programme for a second yellow for a rash a good read. Complaints? Nada. challenge and Pontefract would add a fourth late in stoppage Just the fact I was hamstrung for time as Eli Hey was felled in the time could be a small gripe, but area and, in some ways sum- that’s not really anything I’m too ming the game up, he would con- concerned about. vert Colls’ own pen to complete the scoring.

Overton would deny a header early on in the half in something of a precursor of what was to come, before the hosts did pull one back on the hour, a cross Full-time, 4-2 and a quick exit eventually finding its way to the was made through the ever more feet of Chris Jackson, who cold evening air. knocked home from close-range.

FROM THE

AWAY END An interview with Colls supporter, Gareth Athorn

What inspired you to start watching football, and more importantly Ponte Colls? Like most kids, it started by kicking a ball around the garden, wanted to go watch Leeds but my dad wasn't convinced I would sit still for 90 mins, Ponte had just had their floodlights installed and had opening against Hull City so he took me there to see if I would watch and we got the bug and carried on with the Colls, way back in 1987. Can you give us a brief run down of your season so far? Don't think the points total we have so far has done the lads justice, the footballs been good but the ball won't go in the net, hopefully that changes today! Any stats or interesting information that we should know about Ponte Colls? It's more about me than the team but I had to turn out couple of times for the first team due to

goalkeeping crisis, got to play for Ponte in the fa cup with former leeds player Brendon Ormsby managing, result didn't go our way but loved every minute.

atmosphere and we normally get a good result there. One that springs to mind is when Workington came to ours few years back on New Year's Day, we won the game but on heavy pitch they What memorable moments played some cracking football. have you had watching The Colls? Any favourite games? If you were to bring in 3 Favourite moment has to be get- Championship players in on a ting promoted on final day from free, wages paid for. Who NCEL Division 1 need to win on would you sign and why? final day to guarantee promotion Tom Cairney, if he's ever fit but in typical Ponte fashion made cracking player. Gary Cahill, old it hard for ourselves by having head at the back, been there our keeper sent off early. Current done it and won it. Aleksandar assistant manager Jimmy Mitrovic, what a hand full he is, Williams went in goal and must be horrible to play against thankfully we got over the line and scores goals as well. winning 2-0. Are you looking forward to Which grounds do you enjoy your visit to Squires Gate? visiting in your league? Who Love coming to a new ground so has been the toughest really looking forward to it, don't opposition you have come up know much about Squires Gate against during your time but sure you guys will be up for it watching them? so should be a cracker. In our league now got to be Ossett United, always a cracking

EARLY

Words by Chris Stewart It’s hard to find the words to say this. I always knew the day would come, but it’s still heartbreaking when it gets here. With a heavy heart, I am officially announcing my retirement from professional football. Granted, I’ve never actually *played* a game of professional football, but its still disheartening to know that I’m now too old to get started. My dreams of lifting the European Cup over my head in front of a crowd of thousands is in tatters. Scoring a late winner in the FA Cup final will never happen. Saying “We gave it 110% today, we were just unlucky, going to take it one game at a time” in a post match interview, now just a pipe dream.

I should add that I’m not ‘old’. I’m in my mid thirties, which means I’m part of the generation that predates the internet but are young enough to know how to use it. However if you listen to pundits -and especially fans- talk about footballers born before 1990 you’d think we were all around for the signing of the Magna Carta.

Iniesta in his last few seasons at Barcelona was described as being in the twilight years of his career- he was 32 at the time. James Milner, a top flight veteran, an experienced stalwart, 3-time Premier League winner, Champions League winner, considered to be in his last season with Liverpool before he ages out- just 35. The oldest regular player in the Premier League this season is Thiago Silva- a mere 36. The trouble is, we’re talking about elite athletes here. Being 36 is fine for people like us who work in an office or drive a van for a living but these are finely tuned physical specimens who need to be able to run marathons without breaking a sweat. The last time I broke a sweat was when I ran out of Marathons and if you’re old enough to get that reference then you’re probably too old to start for the first team on Saturday. That’s not to say you’re automatically washed up as soon as you hit the big three-o. There are plenty of players who carried on playing past their twilight and back in into the dawn. Brazilian legend and World Cup ‘94 winner Romario didn’t retire until 42.

Italian legend and World Cup ‘94 loser, Divin Codino himself, Roberto Baggio hung on until 37, as did Gazza. Lothar Matthäus was 39 when he called it quits, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic is still going strong at the same age. However, the most inspirational over 30 story is from one of the greatest footballers who ever lived. Johan Cruyff first retired at 31, having accomplished more than most footballers would in two lifetimes. However money troubles saw him come out of retirement and play for a bit in the USA, then go back to his beloved Ajax. And because it’s Johan Cruyff, he and the team won the Eredivisie and Dutch Cup double that year when he was 36. Then presumably Ajax got cold feet about his age and decided not to offer him a contract for the next season. Incensed, Cruyff joined bitter rivals Feyenoord and won the double with them out of spite before finally hanging up his boots at 37. So, thirtysomethings, we’re not past it just yet. We may be heading for a face full of wrinkles and making a noise when we get up from a chair, but maybe, just maybe, we can win the Eredivisie first.

PTS

Macclesfield

2021/22 SEASON SUMMARY (ALL COMPS)

Wythenshawe Town

Pld

Congleton Town

Skelmersdale United

Charnock Richard

Northwich Vics

Longridge Town

Winsford United

-4

Avro

Irlam

Lower Breck

-3

AFC Liverpool

-1

Vauxhall Motors

-6

Barnoldswick Town

Burscough

Runcorn Town

-2

Squires Gate

Prestwich Heys

-8

Ashton Athletic

-15

Padiham

-5

Litherland REMYCA

-22

LEAGUE Apps Goals

FA CUP Apps Goals

FA VASE Apps Goals

*CS: Clean sheet **FS: Failed to score

2021/22 MINUTES ON PITCH: James Boyd 985, Mike Hale 900, Josh Chris Webster 891,Westwood 864, Dean Ing 799, Ryan Riley 764, Kieran Feeney 748, Isaac Abankwah 720, Jacob Ridings 678, Nathan Bartram 642, Josh Pollard 432,Alex Welsh 320, Max Rogers 355, Jake Higham 278, Ollie Burgess 192, Sope Awe 184, Mekkaoui-Abbouzaid 256, Jack Iley 237, James Cottam 90 ,Cameron Gourley 90, Oli Orr 0, Luke Holden 0, Matty Finney 0

2021/22 DOMESTIC BOOKINGS Nathan Bartram 5,Chris Webster 4, Isaac Abankwah 1, Josh Pollard 2, Jake Higham 1

Mike Hale

Jacob Ridings

Jake Higham

CLUB APPEARANCES (2018-PRESENT)

Nathan Bartram

Luke Holden

Josh Westwood

A big thank you to Kevin Lawton from Congleton Town for the stats from the past few seasons.

Josh Pollard

Dean Ing

James Boyd

Jack Iley

Kieran Feeney

Ryan Riley

Ollie Burgess

Alex Welsh

Chris Webster

CLUB GOALS (2018-PRESENT)

Isaac Abankwah

Matty Garrett

Sope Awe

James Cottam

Dean Ing 42, James Boyd 40, Josh Westwood 8, Ryan Riley 5, Jack Iley 4, Kieran Feeney 4, Jake Higham 2, Josh Pollard 2, , Luke Holden 1, Mike Hale 1,Max Rogers 1, Mekkaoui-Abbouzaid 1

Max Rogers

M—Abbouzaid

Dean Ing 95, Ryan Riley 72, James Boyd 84, Joshua Pollard 53, Josh Westwood 54 Jake Higham 49, Jack Iley 26, Luke Holden 19, Kieran Feeney 16, Ollie Burgess 14, Jacob Ridings 15, Chris Webster 13 , Mike Hale 10, Alex Welsh 9, Nathan Bartram 8, Isaac Abankwah 8, Max Rogers 6, Mekkaoui-Abbouzaid 5, Matty Garrett 2, John Maguire 1, Oli Orr 1,

TRANSFER WINDOW: Georges Harrison gives a review of the ‘top 6’ clubs’ transfer window, and rates the clubs’ business.

ARSENAL So far, the Gunners have had an extremely underwhelming start to their ‘rebuilding’ season. They have moved in and out of the relegation zone and are now sitting in 16 th place. Arsenal have spent the most (£149.04 million via Transfermarkt) in the last window out of the Premier League clubs. Mikel Arteta prioritised strengthening his defence, bringing a promising and young defender Ben White (£50 million), a right sided defender in Takehiro Tomiyasu (£16 million), fullback Nuno Tavarez (£7 million) and goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale (£25 million). The Gunners were able to resign Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid (£31 Million) after his loan spell last season. Albert ‘Sambi’ Lokonga was also added to the midfield ranks and has looked worth his £15 million price tag. Highly paid players such as Willian and David Luiz have been let go, freeing up wages to be spent on new players. They also received £26 million for Joe Willock’s transfer to Newcastle United. On paper, the Arsenal team does look promising and when the team is fully integrated, good results might start coming their way.

7/10

CHELSEA The European Champions look an unstoppable defensive unit under Thomas Tuchel and have only strengthened by bringing in one of the best strikers in the world, Romelu Lukaku, for £103 Million. They are joint-top of the league and look prepared for a real title challenge this season. The Blues also brought in highly rated LaLiga midfielder, Saul Niguez, on loan for £4.5 million. They were able to make a statement signing like Lukaku by offloading lots of their players, accumulating £110 million in sales. The returned academy student was exactly what they needed, as Jorginho was their top goal scorer in the league last season with seven goals. Chelsea’s top paid departures were all from their academy, Fikayo Tomori (£26 million), Kurt Zouma (£31 million) and Tammy Abraham (£36 million). Tuchel’s team looks frighteningly good, it wouldn’t be a surprise if they won a couple of titles by the end of the season.

9/10

LIVERPOOL The Reds are starting to look like their title and champions league winning team now with a fully fit defence. However, there is some unrest with the fans, most were calling out for the owners to invest in a back-up forward to the front three and Diogo Jota. The only signing that was made was RB Leipzig defender, Ibrahima Konate, for £36 million, and it felt like a panic purchase in order to try prevent another defensive crisis. Harvey Elliott has returned after an exciting loan spell for Blackburn Rovers, and from the few games that have been played, you can tell Jurgen Klopp rates the 18-year-old highly. The youngster has been replacing week-in and week-out starter Georginio Wijnaldum who left on a free transfer to PSG. Xherdan Shaqiri left for a measly £5 million to Olympique Lyon, he was a good servant to the club and contributed to the iconic 4-0 win against Barcelona at Anfield. In total, Liverpool only spent £36 million and sold £24.75 million, it was a very quiet window for Klopp’s Reds.

4/10 4/10

SUMMER ‘21 REVIEW MANCHESTER CITY

6/10

The league Champions experienced a very unsatisfying transfer window after failing to sign a replacement for Sergio Aguero after his departure to Barcelona. But they did break the British transfer record for Jack Grealish, with the deal equating to £105 million. A great player for Aston Villa and England, Grealish was on fire last season when he was fit and adds to Manchester City’s endless creativity. However, the club failed to nail down a deal for Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane who was valued at £150 million. Then when Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest goal scorers in footballing history, became available for as little as £25 million, City fumbled the deal to neighbours Manchester United who were able to hijack the signing. Pep has gone into the 21/22 season without a senior striker in the squad, now Gabriel Jesus is preferred on the right wing. City still have the best goal difference in the league and are currently one point from top of the league, but there are question marks over their goalscoring ability in the bigger games against tougher defences. The Cityzens were able to offload academy players, Angelino, Jack Harrison and Lukas Nmecha for a total of £35 million. They lost their top goalscorer in the club’s history, Aguero, and academy centre-half, Eric Garcia, to Barcelona for free.

MANCHESTER UNITED What a summer it has been for the Red Devils, after disappointment in the league and European competitions for the past few years, they now have a brilliant squad. United have brought in one of the top young wingers in the world with Jadon Sancho (£76 million), with the addition of Champions League and World Cup winning defender Raphael Varane (£36 million). The biggest transfer is Cristiano Ronaldo for £13.5 million, who made a last-minute swerve to join United over their rivals, Manchester City. However, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer failed to sign a defensive midfielder for the perfect transfer window. Ronaldo and Varane brings in this winning mentality that the club has been craving for years, and their squad depth is now one of the best in the world. United were able to sell Dan James for £26 million as their only paid-for departure.

9/10

A total of £126 million was spent on their signings, which is cheap if you bring in all the factors that the players bring to the squad and what price they should have been valued at. Solskjear sits at the top of the league with his unbelievable squad and have looked relentless in a couple of their league games.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR Spurs’ transfer window was a success because they were able to keep their two best players, Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son. After Manchester City’s refusal to budge on their valuation of Kane, he decided to stay another season with the Lilly Whites. Meanwhile, Son stayed loyal from the start, signing a 4-year contract back in July. Tottenham also made some signings, acquiring promising winger Bryan Gil (£22.5 million), Barcelona academy fullback Emerson Royal (£22.5 million) and Atalanta players, Cristian Romero and Pierluigi Gollini, on loan with an option to buy.

7/10

On the other hand, Nuno Esperito Santo’s squad has lost a few senior players, such as Toby Alderweireld, Moussa Sissoko, Erik Lamela, Danny Rose and Serge Aurier. Spurs have only made £29 million from all their departures and spent a total of £60 million. Most fans predicted Nuno to struggle with his squad, but before their 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace, they were top of the league and beat the Champions in their first league game. If Kane or Son don’t get hit with an extensive injury in the next few months, Tottenham’s season looks positive, and they should aspire for European placements in the table.

THE BEST FOOTBALL Words by Elliott Thompson The Premier League has always been the European league that stands out and for many reasons. Those reasons can sometimes be argued as the wrong reasons, especially when it comes to money. However, the quality of the league has always been at a high level so that money has been vindicated. But has it ever been as good as it right now?

Before the season which was spent in front of invisible crowds Pep Guardiola broke an insane number of records getting 100 points and then Liverpool and his Manchester City had two seasons fighting each other for the illustrious Premier League crown. The points haul the two sides got in the 2017/18, 2018/19 and the 2019/20 seasons were obscene.

Manchester City were called centurions for a reason as they managed a remarkable 100 points in 2018.

Chelsea under Tomas Tuchel have become a different animal hence why they went onto win the Champions League and now they have added one of the most Fast forward a year and they lethal strikers in the world in went onto beat Liverpool to the Romelu Lukaku. title by one point as they managed 98 points whilst Manchester United have added Liverpool also won the Champi- one of the worlds best defenders, ons League. one of the most exciting youngsters in the world and one of the Then in the 19/20 campaign greatest ever players to play the Liverpool steamrolled the division game. winning the title with 99 points. Add those two with the ruthless Standards of football have machines that are Liverpool and realistically never been so high Manchester City. It is a scary and then the grounds were sight for the rest of the league abandoned making football a life- and Europe. less chore to watch. Now though we might be back to those magi- Also it is probably an even cal high standards but this time scarier sight for each set of fans they are even higher. for those four clubs as every weekend now they are praying Four teams who have squads that three other sides slip up that can be argued are the best whilst also hoping that their own in Europe in one league going for team win. one title, it is mental.

WE’VE EVER SEEN? Yes, we are only four games in but it genuinely does already feel that tense. It is chaotic but in a way that all football fans love. The sweating, the nail-biting, the panicking and then the crazy celebrations filled with joy and relief. And that’s not even watching your own team. Stress levels through the roof every weekend, it is hilarious when you think about it. The high level of quality though is not just in the Premier League, it is through the whole football pyramid. What other European country has three divisions like the Championship, League 1 and League 2?

playing enjoyable football which So yes, it will be about those four is filled with quality. That moves big boys throughout this season me nicely onto non-league. and rightly so as they provide us with some of the best football we These players are technically not are likely to ever see from one professionals and yet the Nation- league with a special title fight. al League shows its value every weekend. You go further down in However, when you are sat there the non-league pyramid, and you appreciating just how good they still find these immense quality might be. moments on the pitch. I want to reiterate that word quality. Or even how good the Premier League is when there is an upset. The Premier League has it in Don’t forget to think about how it abundance yet a team like is not just the big boys with all the Squires Gate also does. Worlds money that can wow you. apart but there is always that one thing in common. Your next ‘that’s quality’ comment at a game could be just round the Quality. corner from you, because this country is almost definitely seeing Getting to the second qualifying the best football it is ever seeing round of the FA Cup, equalling at every single level. the best run in the competition and letting you, the fans, dream of a fairy-tale.

Three divisions that aren’t the elite yet are documented so well and ran with teams who are all either capable of being in the Premier League, going on cup runs, causing massive upsets or Quality.

THE

1 9 5 0’ S

The first meeting between the two sides today, but there is one connection between the two clubs. Gate striker, Jack Iley let us know of this story a few days ago and we just had to include it in today’s matchday magazine, showing how small the footballing world can be at times.

Gate striker Jack Iley is in his third season at the club, and has proved a valuable member of Luke Evans’ squad.

Jack Iley has football in his blood. His grandad, Jim Iley, captained Newcastle United back in the 1960’s, making 232 appearances for the Magpies. He also played for the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Nottingham Forest and Peterborough United. You might be wondering why we decided to include this story in today’s programme. ..

Well, Jim Iley started his footballing career at today’s opponents Pontefract Collieries in the early 1950’s before being picked up to play professional by Sheffield United, where he went on to make 99 appearances.

If there are any Pontefract supporters with any memories of Iley, feel free to find Jack today and tell him, or any of our staff members too - we’d love to hear them! After scoring a screamer in the 6-4 Preliminary Round victory over Macclesfield FC, Jack Iley and the rest of the squad are looking to help Gate reach the Third Qualifying Round for the first time in the club’s history.

PANIC! AT THE

XISCO

Four games into the Premier League season and there’s already a cause for concern regarding the outcome of Watford’s campaign. Words by @louorns

Javi Gracia finished a few points off Europa League and got us to a Cup final, wanted two number 10s, but instead got Sarr, a winger which Gracia doesn’t use In his system. Ivic wanted a left back, didn’t get one — Xisco I could look back on what I’ve wanted a DM and also didn’t get said here In a few weeks time one. and think, what on earth was I on about, classic overreaction after The club and the Head Coach a game of football. However, are rarely ever on the same before I get into Xisco and his page, and It seems we haven’t flaws, this piece isn’t entirely learnt from our mistakes. Going down to him — but a more bad Into a Premier League season indictment on how the hierarchy with a squad of 23, with Centreat Watford have been acting at Back options being Troostthe club. Ekong, Sierralta, Cathcart and Kabasele is absurd, as well as Gino Pozzo and Scott Duxbury not having one DM in the squad, obviously have good intentions, or a striker that has a good but they do get credit for things history of scoring goals. they should be doing. The club have a habit of hiring the wrong Watford are effectively relying on Head Coach and not backing Joao Pedro’s potential and them in the Transfer Window; Ismaila Sarr going up another and when I say back in the level. People seem to think Transfer Window, I don’t mean Joshua King is a good goalscorer spend lots of money — I mean at this level which is a myth; He buy players for their system. has 36 non penalty goals in 12,341 minutes — which is the Only Head Coach we’ve actually equivalent to 137 games. 14 of bought for their system and way those came In one season as of playing was Walter Mazzarri, well, In a Bournemouth team that and that was a disaster. Marco created far more chances than Silva wanted a target man, Watford did. He’s clearly capable preferably Mitrovic or Slimani — of scoring goals, but It’s unlikely ended up signing Andre Gray for to be enough. £12m rising to £18m.

Regarding Xisco, the conversation around if he was out of his depth has always been there, despite the ridiculous run we went on and the promotion we achieved last season. As a newly promoted team, coaching keeps you up, as the players you have aren’t as good as the rest of the league. Some managers have a skillset which allows them to be more successful and adaptable, a good example of that is Thomas Frank at Brentford, Graham Potter at Brighton and for a long time, Eddie Howe at Bournemouth and Chris Wilder at Sheffield United. Xisco has never been in an environment where he has to coach a team that has to be more than some of it’s parts. Tiblisi are by far the biggest and best team in Georgia, and Watford had arguably the best team in the Championship – a league where the competitive gap has become wider and wider. There was at least 10 games in the Championship where Watford didn’t play well and had no attacking identity. Those 10 games were Xisco’s first 10, then you can add Middlesbrough away, Luton away and Bournemouth away to the

mix. Middlesbrough away was the most noticeable, as all they did was let Troost-Ekong bring the ball out, man mark Will Hughes and double up on Ismaila Sarr. The best performance of the season was the 1 – 0 away win at Norwich, but after looking deeper, Norwich players were on the piss the day and two nights before, celebrating their promotion; Farke even mentioned it in a post match interview joking they might have still been drunk. Fast forward to the Premier League season, and Watford are playing the exact same way but without a midfield wanting the ball.

What I mean by that is, TroostEkong is still bringing the ball out, but he’s got nobody to pass it to, so it goes back to Sierralta, Sierralta back to Troost; until an option in midfield becomes available.

keeper error, Sarr was a big Mings deflection and Cucho capped it off with a worldie. Given Villa were under-prepared for the first game of the season, I think It gave us a false sense of expectation going into Brighton.

It worked against Villa because they had only been together 10 days prior to the game according to Villa contributor to The Athletic; Dan Bardell. Even in that game we nearly blew a 3–0 lead with Matty Cash close to making something happen to make it 3–3. Watford were good value for the win, but there was some worrying signs as soon as Kucka went off; Gosling just isn’t cut out for this level. You could also say all 3 of Watford’s goals weren’t sustainable – Dennis’ was a rebound shot and a

Lack of physical presence in the midfield with the absence of Kucka. Watford’s game plan was non existent, Sarr was locked down by Solly March and that was that. We did go to a variation of three at the back with Sarr as a wing back which was odd, and then brought Deeney on which completely killed the attack as King was moved wide left which had the opposite effect of creating more chances.

Before yesterday, I thought our performance against Spurs was relatively good, but after watching Palace dismantle them with ease shows to me we paid them far too much respect. We defended well and looked good in parts, but again there was no attacking style or patterns of play. Midfield has zero creativity and we’re relying on goals from wide areas. But again, King involved in a sub, this time coming off for Cucho changed the dynamic of our attack, we had nothing when he went off. It became a training game for both teams, not creating anything; just meaningless passes on a bit of grass.

The sad thing about it all is he’s a wonderful human being, but being a nice person doesn’t mean you’re the right man for the job; what it does do is buy you time. I personally would get rid now, as there’s a plethora of upgrades available currently, because the last time we waited, keeping/appointing QSF cost us Watford currently sit in 20th for big time. xG and 19th for npxG, which isn’t surprising at all given the reasons The issue isn’t sacking Xisco, it’s I’ve put forward throughout this the replacement – getting rid of article. Gracia for QSF is one of the worst decisions I’ve ever seen. The simplistic way to look at this Now I hope to look back on this would be It’s only 4 games of the in 6 weeks time thinking what season, but another way to look absolute garbage this is, and at it is in 60% of the games Xisco Watford are sitting in 11th or has been in charge of Watford, something. But if you mix a beWolves at home on Saturday there’s been no attacking identity, low average transfer window with afternoon was the biggest uh-oh game plan, or outright good an inexperienced manager, it’s a for me. A 2–0 loss, after a first performances from start to finish. recipe for disaster. half of decent football, both teams not creating anything really; Wolves had the best chance of the 45 when Semedo was put through and Bachmann saved his one on one shot. Whilst it was fairly even in chances; the buildup play and the way Wolves moved the ball was a cut above what Watford were producing. Second half and the game was completely flipped on It’s head when Xisco again brought King off for Cucho. It wasn’t injury related, It was pre planned, and the moment Watford lost all control of the game. Was only minutes prior King got in behind the Wolves defence to create a chance, as well as holding off their centrebacks and dragging them away from Sarr to create space. As soon as he went off, Wolves pushed up higher and started to find the space in wide areas through overloads – extremely

similar to what Brighton did. Watford have been out-coached by a Brighton and Wolves, two teams you’d hope the club would be competitive against, but they beat us with ease. No goals in the last 3 and 5 conceded, with the same mistakes being made game after game.

Words by Tom Sleeman Following the eagerly awaited return of Cristiano Ronaldo to Old Trafford it has been suggested that Manchester United's tie with Newcastle United this weekend should be televised, despite the 3pm 'blackout' that remains in place to protect the sanctity of the English football pyramid. The 3pm blackout, which has been in place since the 1960's, prohibits matches being shown between 2:45pm and 5:15pm in order to protect attendances throughout the footballing structure. Following a familiarity of football all day, every day that was experienced during the COVID pandemic, many sections of media have unironically suggested from behind their own paywall, or 'blackout' if you will that this event be televised across the country as well as the rest of the world. Many UK football fans feel the ruling is outdated, especially when streams of these matches are so readily available to watch online. The issue is heightened because for other countries across the world, the blackout is not an issue with at least one televised match at 3pm every Saturday. For fans that can't or simply won't attend matches for whatever reason, there's an ongoing scrutiny that with subscription prices to the likes of Sky Sports and BT Sport continuing to rise, they should get a little more 'bang for their buck'. Taking away the absurdity that the blackout should be removed for a single player, one that has previously played in the division

and is now dwindling in power, there's certainly an argument to be had on the subject.

3PM BLACKOUT

Whilst the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal rarely struggle to see a full capacity crowd through the turnstiles, regardless of whether they are playing at 3pm on a Saturday or even a televised slot on a Sunday afternoon, the same doesn't ring true for the rest of Furthermore in the National the Football League and indeed League, clubs only receive Non-League. £7,000 per home appearance and £1,000 per away appearance People often underestimate the for live televised matches, an effects that a blackout will have amount that is pitiful in terms of on smaller clubs that have their matchday income. Below already struggled and barely this level, the only broadcasting made it out of the pandemic. The money received by clubs comes traditionally bigger ties in English from rare televised appearances football have often been in the FA Cup. shoehorned for Sunday entertainment to ensure record There seems to be an ongoing viewing figures because of the strained relationship between blackout. broadcasters, 'armchair' fans and match going fans. Supporters of Whilst these ties reverting back Bolton Wanderers and Burton to Saturday's might not attract were inconvenienced during the season ticket holders of smaller recent international break at the clubs, it will attract casual fans mercy of Sky Sports, who after who make up the majority of the previously scheduled tie matchday revenue, buying between Portsmouth and tickets on the door, purchasing Plymouth Argyle was postponed, drinks from the bar and had to find another fixture to fill souvenirs from the club shop. the slot. It's these people that will decide that they would prefer to stay at home in the comfort of their own home on a rainy November afternoon to watch the Manchester derby as opposed to Harrogate v Carlisle.

At lower levels these arrangements are far an few in-between but go some way as to demonstrating that such ties are shuffled to suit people who won't be in attendance at the game. For this alone it's important to remember that football is a sport, rather than a television pro gramme.

SE DONS: FROM SUNDAY LEAGUE TO THE WORLD Words by Alfie Clark In a football sub-category that is stereotyped with beer bellies, two footers and hungover full backs, these lads from Lewisham are spearheading a new era of grassroots football. For SE Dons, success is the only avenue and failure is never an option. A team with backgrounds of rough upbringings and struggles across all walks of their life, they are really a huge example of anything being possible. The Rise of the Dons Founded in 2014 by UK grime artist, Don Strapzy, whose real name is Andrew McHugh, he is no stranger to a hustle. Growing up in Lewisham, he's seen it all. From crime to his own friends being sent to prison, his story is worthy of a feature length documentary. With help of integral members of the SE Dons core, such as George Kamurasi (Big G), Mitchell AKA 'The Crook' and dead ball specialist, Ryan Palmer; SE Dons was born.

The start was never going to be smooth. Being turned over week in week out and only scoring 19 goals in their first season, which were all scored by Ryan Palmer, the Green Army had a mountain to climb to get to where they wanted to be. Success would not be too far in front of them, however. 2018 would be the year where the Dons would be the year that an iconic 7-0 thumping of FC Cortez would take place at Beckenham Town's stadium, where the Dons would lift their first piece of silverware, the George Harley Cup. With Big Flips fitted out to the nines, Big G screaming 'They don't want us here!' in the tunnel, the script was already written. 2019 would then see SE Dons complete a domestic double, as they won the Kent Cup and Paul Picard Cup, against Sun FC and Kenningwell, respectively, and nearly pulled off an outrageous treble, falling short in the Orpington and Bromley league by a mere one point, but would go on to win the 2020/21 season.

The Bonds that Tie the Squad Together There's always an element of love in every team and there is no shortage of it at the Dons. In 2018, it was with a heavy heart that one of the cornerstones of the club, Paula McHugh, mother of Drew and loving wife to his dad, passed away. She was always their biggest fan and li ves long in the hearts of anyone acquainted with the Dons, so for them to win the George Harley Cup just a few weeks after he passing is beautifully poetic. Since her passing, it has always been 'Anything for Paula' and always will be. George Kamurasi also faced family heartbreak during his time as a goalkeeper. Both of his parents, Jimmy and Priscilla also sadly passed away a few years ago and live in memory and spirit of the Dons faithful. Strapzy and the rest of the side always refer to SE Dons as a 'family club'. Everyone is loved. Everyone is accepted.

Everyone has a place at the Dons. The brotherly bonds between the squad is evident and even if you've only seen them in action just once, you can clearly see how much they all mean to each other and the community around them. People of all ages turn up in their hundreds to see this beloved this YouTube team and no matter how muddy a random pitch in South London may be, the Dons will always coming marching in on a match day. What makes SE Dons so entertaining There are many reasons to why the Dons are such an interesting team to watch. From the pre match banter with Kris the cameraman to Don Strapzy's legendary one liners on commentary, like, "Some of you are just here for the tackles" and "Some things don't need... commentary", the thing that does it for me is the pure talent on show. You wouldn't associate Sunday League with Hollywood football, but it's rare that the Dons come out and don't put on a show. With head coach, JR, at the wheel and an arsenal of star players to dispatch onto the field, the possibilities for his match day sqaud are endless. You can't talk about the team without mentioning Big G. The 6'6 Ugandan kept 11 clean sheets last season, has made many excellent saves throughout his time at the club and could strike fear into lions with his bellowing voice and stature. His back line has many components that make up the SE Dons wall.

Their newest centre half partnership is like a modern day Terry and Ferdinand, RJ and JD, informally known as 'The Full English'. Matty'The Kitman' Parsons is the left back of choice, who in his hay day made appearances for Crystal Palace, with SK providing leadership and adaptability on the right hand side, but can do a standout job at centre half. The centre of the park is where the bulk of talent really lies. Jack Sammoutis, more commonly known as 'Jackaldinho', has had his last year and a half of football plagued by an ACL injury, but can still turn back lines inside out. Montel and Diggers are two club legends, with Diggers being the lad who does the dirty work in the 6 role and Montel bringing the skills. Finally, Lefty could have no eyes and pick out a 50 yard pass, with all the midfield talent you could ask for. Upfront is just pure striking power. The main man is Zak Ansah, Arsenal alumni and now SE Dons golden boy. Quick feet, a stinger of a right foot and the purest heart this side of London. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Nathan Palmer. Two time Dons golden boot winner and a terrible attitude. No stranger to a screamer or a sin bin. On the wings you've got Kingy, who has SIS performance gel running through his veins and famously sunk fellow YouTube team, Rebel FC. K Runna is another tricky customer, who is dishing out broken ankles when he isn't running his cocktail business.

Saving the best for last, Ryan Palmer is a man who lives and breathes SE Dons. 90 minutes plus of hard graft. A true club legend who will fill in wherever he needs to and will always give 110%. The XI's Dubbed 'The Lost Toys' by striker, Mad B, The XI's are a rag-tag group of Dons who will fight tooth and nail to get some minutes. Normally participating in games down five-a-side pitches or representing the Dons in charity matches, they are a crucial cog in the SE Dons machine. Some may argue that the players are just as entertaining as the first XI, or even more. You've got the 'Man Whale' in goal, Khaled. Ginger Joe and Lamar at centre backs, a partnership that wouldn't look out of place in the WWE. The two in the centre is normally Scotty and Guardie, who would rather be in a night club with vodka cokes than putting in twofooters. The Kidd is one of the Dons' greatest prodigies, who we wish will never grow up, with club icon and youth team coach, Drops, also providing pace down the wings too. Finally, the strikers are easily the two of the most recognisable at the club. Mad B aka The Patch, a visually impaired target man who plays with an eye patch on, and Big Doug, Sunday League's answer to Adebayo Akinfenwa. For SE Dons, the sky is the limit. There is nothing you can say to anyone of these lads to put them down. I'll leave you with one question: Why don't you love them?

NATHAN’S OF LAYTON Traditional English Gentleman’s Hairstylist - with 35 years experience

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WANT TO GET

INVOLVED? Words by Dan Hayden At the start of this season, as we started the rebrand on our matchday magazine, I wanted to give people the chance to get articles featured, providing a range of articles for our home and away supporters to read, as well as increasing interest from people all over social media. A massive thank you to those who have wrote a piece for us already this season. We have a wide variety of articles submitted, covering a whole range of topics.

Ethan Hoijord gives us a preview ahead of this weekend’s games in the National League. After a summer of transition as clubs came to terms with the blows of the COVID-19 pandemic and looked forward to a near future with fans in once again, the National League has started in exceptional fashion.

It’ll be an interesting and exciting season ahead, there’s been managerial changes, ownership changes (hopefully for the better) and there have been some crazy signings. Cambridge’s Paul If you are interested in writing an Mullin to Wrexham, for one. article to be featured in our You’ll hear many a time that matchday magazine, here are clubs shouldn’t be in the fifth tier. some details:

•

It can be on any topic you wish, as long as it is football related, and preferably non league.

•

Ensure it isn’t controversial

•

It is voluntary, but you will get a digital copy of the programme that you feature in.

•

600 words to fit an A5 page.

You can message me on Twitter - @dhwfc or email me: haydendan@live.co.uk #WeAreGate

Their impact hasn’t took too long to shine through, instilling pride back into the North Eastern outfit in many forms including the new matchday food menu which looks delicious and is priced relatively cheap.

Solihull Moors and Wrexham are another two clubs to keep an eye out for this season too. Neal Ardley taking over, what he described as a ‘great project’ this summer, following his dismissal at Notts County earlier this year. Wrexham signing Cambridge’s Paul Mullin, finding themselves on the new FIFA’s ‘rest of world’ Just a quick look through the section and gaining attention via table and you’ll come across the their new Hollywood owners. It’s names of Grimsby and Notts a National League to look out for. County, there are also some clubs with a proud history who The games to place an eye on have spent near enough a this weekend being Grimsby v decade in the league. Stockport, Eastleigh, Solihull Moors v Wrexham etc. However, for one Boreham Wood and showcased reason or another, here they are on BT sports at 5.20 Weymouth v in the search for promotion back Dover. to the football league. I look forward to bringing this The Mariners have started the programme the latest updates new campaign off well, at the from the league, enjoy today’s time of writing they’re 5th in the game at Squires Gate! table. It is their off pitch matters that are probably more interesting though as following their devastating relegation in May Jason Stockwood and Andrew Pettit took over as owners.

FIXTURES/RESULTS 2021/22 JULY 31

Lower Breck

3PM

0-1

18th

Hale

Riley

Higham

Abankwah

Bartra

AUGUST 3

Barnoldswick Town

7:45PM

2-2

221

13th

Hale

Riley

Rogers

Abankwah

Higha

Ashton Athletic (FA CUP EP)

3PM

0-2

N-A

Hale

Ridings

Riley

Abankwah

Bartra

Padiham

3PM

1-1

107

16th

Hale

Ridings

Riley

Welsh

Bartra

Burscough

7:45PM

0-0

15th

Hale

Ridings

Riley

Welsh

Bartra

Macclesfield (FA CUP P)

3PM

6-4

738

N/A

Hale

Ridings

Riley

Welsh

Bartra

Litherland REYMCA

3PM

0-3

13th

Hale

Ridings

Riley

Welsh

Abank

Cottom Ridings

Riley

Welsh

Abank

SEPTEMBER 4

North Shields (FA C 1Q)

3PM

1-0

199

N/A

AFC Liverpool

7:45pm

4-1

14th

Hale

Rogers

Higham

Garforth Town (FA VASE)

3PM

1-1 P

N/A

Hale

Ridings

Riley

Welsh

Abank

Skelmersdale United

7:45PM

4-0

17th

Hale

Ridings

Rogers

Welsh

Abank

Pontefract Colls (FA C 2Q)

3PM

Avro

7:45PM

Ashton Athletic

3PM

Longridge Town

7:45PM

OCTOBER 2

Prestwich Heys

3PM

Congleton Town

7:45PM

Runcorn Town

3PM

Macclesfield

3PM

Vauxhall Motors

3PM

Charnock Richard

7:45PM

Northwich Victoria

3PM

NOVEMBER 5

Winsford United

3PM

Wythenshawe Town

3PM

Abankwah Westw

Westwood

Pollard

Webster

Iley

Ing

Boyd

Welsh

Burgess

Rogers

Feeney

Garrett

Westwood

Pollard

Webster

Feeney

Ing

Boyd

Welsh

Wyres-Roebuck

Garrett

Burgess

Iley

Westwood

Pollard

Webster

Feeney

Ing

Boyd

Rogers

Wyres-Roebuck

Welsh

Garrett

Burgess

Westwood

Pollard

Webster

Feeney

Ing

Boyd

Iley

Mekaoui-Abouzaid

Holden

Garrett

Burgess

Westwood Burgess Webster

Feeney

Ing

Boyd

Iley

Mekaoui-Abouzaid

Holden

Pollard

Higham

Westwood Burgess Webster

Feeney

Ing

Boyd

Holden

Mekaoui-Abouzaid

Pollard

Higham

Iley

kwah

Gourley

Mekaoui-

Webster

Feeney

Ing

Boyd

Rogers

Garrett

Burgess

Pollard

Iley

kwah Westwood

Mekaoui-

Webster

Feeney

Ing

Boyd

Bartram

Rogers

Higham

Iley

Awe

wood

Pollard

Webster

Awe

Ing

Boyd

Ridings

Mekaoui-Abouzaid

Riley

Burgess

Welsh

kwah Westwood

Mekaoui-

Webster

Awe

Ing

Boyd

Garrett

Burgess

Rogers

Bartram

Feeney

kwah

Pollard

Webster

Feeney

Iley

Boyd Westwood Mekaoui-Abouzaid

Riley

Ing

Awe

Bartram

ATALANTA BENFICA JUVENTUS LEIPZIG LILLE SEVILLA VILLARREAL WOLFSBURG

Hidden team? ______________

HALF TIME TEASER

THE NUMBERS GAME Words by Ben Wright @ben_wrightyy14

JUVENTUS

BARCELONA

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL, 2015

526 Apps for Juve

Swiss full back

22 Brazilian left for Juve in 2016

Italian spent 8 years at Juve

Now back at Juve for a 2nd time

14 Signed from Liverpool in 2010

Former Man Utd left back

18 Been at Barca since 2012

Italian midfielder retired in 2019

Scored the opener in this game

Also managed Juve in 2020

418 appearances for Barca

Now back at Man United

Scored the 2010 WC final winner

127 caps for Chile

10 Left for PSG this summer

Most recently at Boca Juniors

Spent 2 seasons at Chelsea

11 Joined from Santos in 2013

MANAGER: MASSIMILIANO ALLEGRI

Now in his 8th season at Barca

102 caps for Spain

Also played for Ajax & Liverpool

MANAGER: LUIS ENRQIUE

THE TEAMS SQUIRES GATE | PONTEFRACT COLLS Manager: Luke Evans Manager: Craig Rouse

Mike HALE (GK) Jacob RIDINGS

Ryan MUSSELWHITE (GK) Gavin ROTHERY

Jake HIGHAM

Noah STOKES

Luke HOLDEN

Scott SMITH

James BOYD Dean ING

Fabian BAILEY Ben GORDON Derry ROBSON Craig ROUSE Jimmy WILLIAMS

Andy SEED Eli HEY

Matthew GARRETT (GK)

Kane REECE

Oliver BURGESS

Mikey DUNN

Jack WYERS-ROEBUCK Oli ORR Isaac ABANKWAH Josh POLLARD Alex WELSH

Vaughan REDFORD Jack LAZENBY Jack VANN Jack GREENHOUGH Spencer CLARKE

Matty FINNEY

Scott BROWN

Max ROGERS

Danny MIDDLETON

Kieran FEENEY Cameron GOURLEY Sadd MEKAOUI-ABOUZAID Sope AWE FA Cup Second Qualifying Round / Date 18.09.21 / The Brian Addison Stadium Referee: Barry Lamb Assistant Referees: Joseph Hind, Andrew Cottrell