Squires Gate vs Bury AFC

Hayden Co-Programme Editor

Dan

Good evening everyone, and welcome to tonight’s league match between Squires Gate and Bury AFC. A warm welcome to the visiting fans, players and committee.

At the time of writing, we’re finaly back at home after about a month away. Last week’s scheduled matches at home to Wythenshawe Town and FC Isle of Man were both postponed due to a frozen pitch, so fingers crossed we’re all good for tonight’s game!

We all know what Bury will bring to us tonight. They’re an excellent side who will push us all the way.

We know that if we are at our best and stick to our game plan that we can get all three points tonight though.

We had hit a bit of a sticky patch after such a good run of form, but we’ve had a good rest now and I’m hoping we’re going to be sharp and back to playing how well I know we can.

I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas too, especially all of our loyal Gate supporters. We massively appreciate your support over the past year. I hope you enjoy the match! Gaffer #WeAreGate

JAMES HUGHES

CHRIS WEBSTER

NATHAN PENNINGTON JOSH WESTWOOD (Captain)

Q& DAN GRAY

Dan! You’re our today’sprogramme!Areyoulooking forward to the match? Yeah I can’t wait, it’s always a good feeling coming into a game especially at this time of year. It busy period with plenty of midweek games knocking about but tonight certainly a game we are looking forward to.

WefaceatoughtestinBuryAFC this evening, what are you expecting from our visitors? It will be a test for sure, they obviously are a good side with some good players but I’m sure it’s one that we can overcome if we stick to the game plan and play how we can. We know on our day we are as good as anyone and we just have to make sure that happens more often and consistently.

You joined Gate just over a year ago and have been an excellentadditiontotheclubboth on and off the pitch - how have you settled in and enjoyed your time at Gate so far? It has been a fantastic 12 months or so, I’m back loving my football

gone so far? Yeah we have been doing well in the cup competitions which is pleasing. I think we had a slow start to the season with being a new squad but we have really picked up of late. I’d probably argue the performances have been as pleasing as anything, we are getting on the ball very well and knocking it about. I’m hopeful that this will continue for the rest and the season and into next which will put us in great stead for the following season.

How do you feel this season’s squad differs to the one you

s totally different. I loved last years changing room with Iley, Ridings, Mike Hale but this season has been just as good with some great new additions. I always felt last year we never quite reached our potential where as this season we are certainly a lot closer to that. I think the balance is there this year with the group we have got

Squires Gate have a growing fan base, as well as a strong social media presence. Has the support this season both at matches and online given the squad a boost? Yeah of course, it’s great for the boys to hear a cheer as the ball hits the back of the net or a little bit of appreciation on Twitter after the game and that’s a credit to job you boys do. I think it’s important to know as well that the players do really appreciate everything you boys do for the club and also everything the fans do. Seeing Mozza, Helen, Ian and the others travelling up to West Allotment was fantastic (even if Westy did get sent off).

RHYS DALY

Your perfect meal deal? (Butty, snack & drink)

Chicken, Bacon and stuffing , salt and vinegar Squares, Dairy Milk and a berry Oasis. Your go to Maccies order?

Double Quarter Pounder (cheese only), 9 chicken nuggets, large coke (NO ICE), and some mozzy dippers if they’re on.

Who would be in your all-time Gate 5-a-side?

I’d have me at the back commanding the line, stick Westy next to me and nothing’s penetrating that line. I’d have Webby in the middle because he gets where water can’t. Next to him I’d have Rowan ratting everyone like a little Jack Russell. 2 up top would be Gal and Boydy.

Which movie can you quote by

Inbetweeners! I still to this day use the roundabout reference from the series when driving!

What’syourfavouritejoke?

Did you hear about the Italian Chef that died? He pasta way.

If all the lads were on Love Island, who would win?

m winning because I keep the dressing room going most the time with my banter.

Roll/Cob/Barm etc What do you call it?

Barm every day of the week!

Worst Banter in the squad?

Has to be Theo Ball, doesn't shut up on the radio when I’m pitch side. Dan Gray is another one for poor banter, he’s miles off it.

Worst dresser at the club?

There’s a few. Theo wears flared jeans from the 60s, and Luke Holden I’ve only ever seen wearing one outfit.

After a scrappy start to the game, both sides hit their first shots of the afternoon well off target in the opening ten minutes Ryan Moore had a good chance on 13 minutes after good work from Mekkaoui-Abouzaid, but the midfielder was denied from a tight angle.

Just as Gate began to set the tone for the game, a serious injury to a Garstang player just before the half hour mark brought the game to a halt for almost an hour while both clubs awaited an ambulance.

Both sides struggled to find fluidity to their game once play resumed, with a half chance a piece that were both comfortably saved by either goalkeeper the only other action before half time.

Gate won a penalty on 69 minutes, with Mekkaoui-Abouzaid winning the spot kick after the midfielder was blatantly taken down in the area. Ryan Riley stepped up, but his penalty was brilliantly saved by the Garstang keeper to keep the game goalless.

Dimovski had a great chance to grab a debut goal, with the forward showing ~excellent movement to break in behind. He was denied while trying to round the keeper, with the rebound from Ball parried out for a corner.

It was from the corner though that Gate finally found the winner, with an excellent inswinging delivery from Harrison Webster headed into the bottom corner by captain Josh Westwood.

SOUTHPORT FC (p) 1-1 SQUIRES GATE

Josh Westwood had to be switched on inside the first five minutes to block a wellstruck effort from distance, before Theo Ball threatened to break away at the other end but the Southport defence recovered well.

The hosts went close to an opener on 14 minutes, poking wide from just inside the box, but did find the net just two minutes later. A low cross from the right was parried away by Pennington, but Niall Watson was on hand to tap in the rebound from close range.

Gate replied instantly though, and found an equaliser through Nathan Cliffe’s 15th goal of the season. The striker did brilliantly to hold off and beat a couple of Southport defenders, before beating the goalkeeper with a fierce strike into the bottom corner from distance.

Saad Mekkaoui-Abouziad and Nathan Bartram entered the action in the closing stages in place of Moore and Ball, as Gate saw the game out to take higher-level opposition to a penalty shootout.

Dan Gray scored the first spot kick for Gate, with Southport firing their first over the bar. Ryan Riley also netted his, with Southport then pulling one back. Mekkaoui-Abouzaid clipped his penalty over the bar, with Southport keeper Mason burying his to bring the scores level. Harrison Webster and the next Southport player both scored, talking the shootout to sudden death.

The hero from the FA Vase shootout win at Emley was up next, but Nathan Bartram’s effort was saved. Southport scored their next penalty, taking the National League North high -flyers into the Third Round of the Lancashire Challenge Trophy.

Pennington Abankwah H.Webster Gray Welsh

Pennington Abankwah H.Webster Moore Bartram

Pennington Hughes H.Webster Chambers Bartram

Pennington Abankwah Shields Chambers Welsh

Westwood Riley Webster Ball Chambers Yelegon Holden Boyd Burgess Powell Hughes

Westwood Riley Webster Pett Chambers Hughes Cliffe Yelegon Burgess Hesford Ball

Westwood Riley Webster Ball Pett Hughes Cliffe Eastham Burgess Kay Powell

Westwood Riley Webster Ball Cliffe Boyd Smith Eastham Kay Powell Hesford

Westwood Riley Webster Ball Cliffe Boyd Smith Yelegon Kay Abouzaid Powell

Westwood Riley Abouzaid Ball Cliffe Boyd Abankwah Gray Kay Pett Yelegon

Westwood Riley Abouzaid Pett Cliffe Gray Smith Burgess Kay Robinson Yelegon

Westwood Riley Abouzaid Pett Cliffe Boyd Shields Powell Eastham Ball Yelegon

Westwood Riley Abouzaid Ball Cliffe Boyd Gray Eastham Yelegon Powell Yilmaz

Westwood Riley C. Webster Pett Chambers Boyd Kay Yelegon Abouzaid Cliffe Ball

Westwood Abouzaid C. Webster Pett Cliffe Boyd Kay Yelegon Riley Gray Ball

Westwood Riley Kay Pett Cliffe Boyd Chambers Yelegon Eastham Abouzaid Ball

Westwood Riley Chamber Yelegon Cliffe Boyd Abankwah Kay Welsh Webster Ball

Bartram Kay Abouzaid Ball Cliffe Boyd Westwood Riley Hughes Gray Pett

Westwood Riley Chambers Pett Cliffe Boyd Abankwah C. Webster Welsh Eastham Ball

Welsh Riley C. Webster Pett Ball Gray Abankwah Yelegon Abouzaid Kay Cliffe Welsh Yelegon C. Webster Aluebhosele Cliffe Boyd Shields Riley Abouzaid Kay Ball

Welsh Riley C. Webster Aluebhosele Cliffe Boyd Shields Kay Abouzaid Yelegon Ball Westwood Gray C. Webster Yelegon Cliffe Boyd Abankwah Welsh Abouzaid Aluebhosele Moore

Westwood Moore C.Webster Ball Cliffe Boyd Bartram Hughes Chambers Yilmaz Yelegon Westwood Moore Chambers Yilmaz Cliffe Boyd Welsh Jungo Riley Kay Abouzaid Westwood Gray C.Webster Ball Cliffe Boyd Abankwah Riley Riley Abouzaid Hesford Welsh Riley C.Webster Ball Cliffe Abouzaid Westwood Kay Chambers Boyd Hesford

Westwood Gray C.Webster Ball Cliffe Boyd Welsh Riley Abankwah Moore Abouzaid Westwood Riley C.Webster Ball Moore Abouzaid Hughes H.Webster Gray Kay Dimoski Westwood Riley C.Webster Ball Cliffe Moore Abankwah Chambers Bartram Hesford Abouzaid Westwood Riley C.Webster Ball Cliffe Moore Abankwah Abouzaid Bartram Kay Boyd

Bartram Kay C.Webster Ball Sandle Boyd Westwood Gray Moore Chambers Cliffe Westwood Riley C.Webster Ball Cliffe Boyd Abankwah Gray Bartram Chambers Aluebhosele Bartram Gray C.Webster Ball Cliffe Boyd Westwood Riley Moore Sandle Aluebhosele

LAST SEASON

First Division North: 1st

FA Vase: 3rd Round Manchester Cup: Quarter Final

Bury AFC were formed in 2019 following the expulsion of Bury FC from the English Football League.

Created and managed entirely by volunteers with the slogan "By the fans, for the fans" the Club is owned by a Community Benefit Society, the Shakers Community Trust, whose Board is elected by its members.

After winning promotion to the NWCFL Premier Division in their first full season under manager Andy Welsh, Bury AFC have had a strong start to the season and look good to be challenging for a second successive promotion.

Bury AFC also won the NWCFL Programme of the Year last season so we can expect some strong competition should we want to win the award for the 2022/23 season.

GROUND-SHARING

Bury AFC play their home games at the Neuven Stadium, where they ground-share with Radcliffe Football Club.

FROM

after the expulsion of Bury FC from the Football League, Bury AFC have reinvigorated the pride of football in the local area.

BY THE FANS…

The club is fan-owned on the basis of one member one vote. Their motto is: "By the fans. For the fans".

FROM THE PRESS BOX

Jonny! It's a pleasure to have you back in our programme for tonight's game. A game between two sides that have become familiar with each other off the pitch over the past couple of years.

Q&A WITH JONNY BASS

As a club, our ethos from management to volunteers and fans is that we take it one game at a time. There are no easy games but this year is definitely a step up from last season.

Bury and Gate both won a programme award last season. What makes a good programme to you?

Don’t get me started I’ve seen some horrors. But the less adverts the better. Some, in leagues above ours are 75% Ads who is buying that?

What do you like most about non-league football?

The comraderie, the beer, the lack of goons that just want to kick off.

Could you tell us a bit about yourself, your role at Bury and how you got involved with the club?

Hey! I’m Jonny I’m a lifelong Bury fan. In real life I’m a Dad, husband and Marketing Manager. I got involved in the first season of the club’s journey after reaching out to Adam, our head of media.

Gate and Bury have met already this season at the Neuven in what I'd say was a close contested game. A great set-up at Bury and overall some decent fans. What are you expecting to see against Luke Evans' men tonight in what will be some cold conditions?

We’ve had some great trips up to Squires gate, and this one will be ourfirst competitive visit.

Footy scran now. Which clubs have the best footy scran that you have been to so far, and who has the worst?

I had a mint cheese and onion pie up at Longridge, it was fantastic but the pie chips and gravy up and Lancaster topped it! The worst…. I’m going to say it. The salt and pepper steak and Chips at Avro did not live up to the hype.

For those looking at the NWCFL from the outside, Bury were expected winners of the Division One North last season but how have you found life in the Premier Division as opposed to the league below?

Luke sets up a good attacking team, I don’t think he will hold back and we will see an open end-to-end game.

Who are the ones to watch for Bury tonight?

We have a team of amazing players from Jack Atkinson in goal, Jimmy Moore in defence,

Harry Brazel in the middle and Gilboy, Comber and Wharton up top!

Social media now, and we've become quite good friends through being club admins, the Twitter and WhatsApp groupchats, etc. But what makes a good social media page to you? What platform do you prefer using?

Yeah! All hail the group chat! Hi Kian! Twitter is my go-to and as a club we have built a great following on there. You need to know what your audience wants, the tone and what they will be receptive too. A bit off sassiness also goes a long way.

Could you talk us through your typical matchdayroutine?

I’ll get up and hang with my little lad, maybe play some video games together. Then pack up the laptop and head to the ground about 1230.

Once I’m there make sure all the graphics are sorted and the playlist is ready to go. Then it running match build up online, live comms during the game and a beer after.

Pick an all time Bury AFC 5 a side team?

Ooft, weve only had 2.5 seasons. Hmm. Jack Atkinson Jimmy Moore Chris Rowney Lewis Gilboy BenWharton

Finally, your score prediction?

3 - 1 Bury Win, Gate go one up early with a second half brace for Gilboy and Wharton to score a worldie.

THE INSIDE LINE

Our co-programme editor caught up with a few Bury AFC fans ahead of tonight’s game. Steve Wilson, Ryan Jackson-Fogg and Samantha Harman give us an insight into Bury AFC

Firstly, why Bury? What encouraged you to start watching the Shakers?

SW: I first started watching Bury FC when my Dad took me to Gigg Lane around the age of 5, so 56 years, after the debacle with the EFL and Bury being booted out of the Football league, Bury AFC was formed by the Fans and so I began to watch. I supported more so after Covid restrictions were lifted.

RF: The reason I started watching was because all of my family were all Manchester United fans, I loved playing football but never supported someone so my landlady who's son played for Bury used to give me his match day tickets so I got the bugfor it.

SH: Bury AFC isn’t just a football team it’s a community and a family built from the ashes of our beloved Bury FC being expelled from the football League. It’s my local club and many family and friends have also watched them for years

What are your expectations for the rest of the season?

This season on current form and having 5-7 games in hand on teams above us, I think we will be there or there abouts for promotion, we seem to have a bigger squad this season so Andy can rotate his squad.

RF: My expectations for the season? It's going to be a tough slog with so many games in hand but I think with the squad depth we still can challenge for the title and continue a good run in the FA vase.

SH: After our promotion last season, obviously we would like that to happen again, however we have a lot of games to play due to doing well in the cup games so anywhere close to the top of the table would be great.

The NWCFL is a tough league, how have you found the experience at this level. What do you enjoy most about non league?

SW: I’ve got to say I’m a Non league convert, I know it’s easy to say when your winning and being promoted, but the football that is played, the ethos of Bury AFC and atmosphere at the games is brilliant, I don’t think I could go back to league football.

RF: I love the NWCFL, it’s a very tough league with some games and results that have shocked me. I must say the best experience is for me especiallyat Bury AFC is how close players are with the young fans. Always having time for them always going above and beyond for the fans it's amazing.

SH: I’m absolutely loving the NWCFL. Every club you visit are friendlyand welcoming.

There are some great clubs at this level, what clubs do you enjoy visiting the most? Any favourite grounds so far?

SW: The best ground I have visited so far was last season Cleator Moor. The club house was great and pitches back drop was breathtaking.

It’s early days for Bury AFC in the non league so it’s hard to give a favourite ground, We (Bury) were taking hundreds of fans to away games so the atmosphere was brilliant, to a lot of teams who averaged 100 fans normally it was pay day, I remember Steeton setting up beer tents, financially it was brilliant for these teams.

RF: I have to put Squires Gate up. Been there with both my boys and enjoyed a day in the sun in Blackpool, then down to the ground and the game was a great advert to football.

Have you ever been to Squires Gate before? If so, how was your experience?

SW: This will be my first visit to Squires Gate, last season we visited a close neighbour Blackpool mechanic, it was cold wet and one of the few games we lost, hopefully a warmer evening and better result this time.

SH: I haven’t yet had the chance to visit.

What is your matchday routine?

SW: Match day routines, don’t really have one, however home matches we like to get to the ground early, enjoy a pint and chat with fellowfans.

RF: Get up early with my two boys. Always go for a Wetherspoons breakfast/dinner and nip to the local shops to get some sweets, chocolate and drinks for the public transport and then try to get to game as early as possible. Then walk round the ground with my boys, get a programme, a brew and try to speak to as many volunteers as possible because they are amazing.

SH: As I volunteer for the club, I arrive early and go around selling the half time draw tickets, watch the game and then head home for home games. For away games we generally travel via train or coach, find a local pub for food and drink before heading to the game.

Who is your all time 5 a side team for Bury& Bury AFC?

All time Bury FC , some may disagree as there are many. David Lee, Ryan Lowe, Neville

Southall, Alan Knill, and Craig Madden.

Favourite Bury AFC players are Jack Atkinson, Jimmy Moore, Lewis Gillboy, Callum Comber and Joe Denman

RF: My 5 a side has to be Jack Atkinson, Jimmy Moore, Nicky Adams, Danny Mayor, Tom Greaves.

SH: Andy Bishop, Tom Greaves, Jimmy Moor, Matty Williams and Jack Atkinson.

Which players are the ones to watch for Gate fans today?

SW: All of them really. Look out for Callum Comber.

RF: My stand out player has to be Jimmy Moore. He's a rock a leader and for me been the best player this season by a country mile .

Your best ever Bury game?

SW: Best ever BuryFC game, so difficult, but in recent times winning promotion at Tramere Rovers twice.

Best AFC game(s) twice against Golcar and final day promotion.

RF: Promotion at Tranmere in 2019. Being able to be there was really amazing. Once in a lifetime opportunity.

SH: Darwen last year. We were 2 -0 down at half time and went on to win 5-2.

Your score prediction?

SW: 2-1 Bury AFC.

RF: 3-1 Bury. Goal scorers; Gilboy, Wharton and Moore. Nathan Cliffe to scorefor Gate.

SH: 1-3 to bury

Words By Emma Kennedy

Once again I got takento an away day by Jay, but an afternoon in Manchester definitely beat the wind and rain that I’d have found at Steeton’smatchinHolker!

After a little bit of convincing our trip started with a trip to SandwichSmithsontheway to Cleveleys, with three bacon sandwiches and Helen’s customary latte consumed while we were waiting for James. It was a relatively smooth journey across to the Step Places Stadium until we reached the outskirts of Manchester, where it seemed that everybody was taking advantage of the Black Fridaysales.

While stationary on the slip road, we took in some

picturesque scenery, including Old Trafford cricket groundandanoddlyshaped buildingthatturnedouttobe an indoor ski slope and skydivingcentre.

My fantastic directions got us to the ground at 10 to 2, where Jay of course parked nexttoaTesla.

Jay and James did a tour of the ground for social media before we checked out the facilities, buying some hot drinks, chocolate and a sausage roll from the outsidebar.

The first half could have been compared to England’s stalemate against the USA the night before, with Gate controlling the possession,butchances

for either side were few and farbetween.

JayandImissedtheopener, an apparently deflected strike from the edge of the box, after the lads in front of us ordered the kitchen sink ofrefreshmentsathalftime.

But Ry Riley’s clever free kick had us celebrating before long, with Gate comingawaywithapoint.

The Maccies down the road was the obvious choice for our post-match meal before we headed back to Blackpool.

STADIUM FOOD & DRINK

The residential street brought flashbacks of my trip to Ashton Town a fortnight before, but Jay managed to negotiate the narrow track and find us a parking spot.

Two decent sized stands provided plenty of cover, but the clubhouse reminded me of my cricket team’s pavilion, and it’s safe to say I won’t miss the mud that was literally everywhere.

There was a lot of choice across the three bars and a tea hut, but we opted for a bog standard coffee, tea, Mars bar and sausage roll.

I was happy that it was fairly cheap compared to other clubs, and the sausage rolls seemed to go down well with Jay and James.

SCORE: 4/10 SCORE: 7/10

PROGRAMME HOSPITALITY

At first glance the 28-page programme looked like being a contender, but again it proved to be one that lacked much content in the middle, despite the club boasting a lot of teams down the age groups. Some nice quality paper, a spine and team sheets on the back saving this one from being ranked lower.

I was delighted that the Fox’s Selection Biscuits I spotted before kick-off were indeed for the half time hospitality, and wasted no time in going straight for some Golden Crunch Creams.

The Madeira cake and sandwich selection also seemed to go down well, and we had a nice chat with their committee.

SCORE: 7/10

JOURNEY

A fairly standard trip down the M6 for another Gate away day, but one made better with good company, good conversation and my Spotify playlist.

SCORE: 8/10

SCORE: 8/10

Words ByDan Hayden

The last day of November had arrived, and it was a trip to Wincham Park that awaited us. We were without James for this one as he was on the night shift.

We also came to the conclusion that we were all from down south. 4 southerners going down to Northwich on a random Wednesday night, to watch Squires Gate…

With the FA Vase game against Holker due to approach the following Saturday, there were 8 changes for this game.

After work, I picked up Mr and Mrs Kicksy after offering them a lift the night before. We were also joined by their friend Kyle. We were also on a tight schedule as I was in charge of taking the balls for this one so if I was late, there was no warm up.

We swiftly got onto the M55 and the M6, and I thought I knew the journey; however, after passing the M61 exit I questioned whether we had the right postcode as I was sure we should of came off at the M61. I was wrong.

We arrived at 7:05pm, 5 minutes after we were supposed to be there so it was a rush to get the balls to Luke ready for the warm up.

Now that we had arrived, it was a quick tour of the ground for Instagram and George was in charge of Twitter for this one.

Vics got off to a flyer, and were 2 up in quick succession. A goal from Boyd wasn’t enough as there was an own goal just before the break.

There’s a great bar situated inside the stand, which is where I was for Boyd’s consolation goal. I do have a habit for missing goals.

Mr Kicksy and Kyle were chatting about Blackpool, and life under Appleton in the back, and me and Mrs Kicksy were sorting the tunes out for the journey. A mixture of England and Christmas songs,

Jay and Helen arrived 15 minutes before kick off, and we headed to the tea hut. There was a good selection of pies, sausage rolls and chips on offer but for me, I opted for the standard meat and potato pie, peas and gravy. This can be seen in the picture above! It was very much needed with the temperatures dropping.

The second half was one way traffic and Gate barely got into the game. It was cold, and we had a long journey home. At this point, I just wanted the game to end.

The journey home was very entertaining as we overtook Jay and despite his best efforts, he was unable to regain the lead. So I think that’s a win for my little Peugeot 107 vs Jay’s SEAT Ibiza.

STADIUM FOOD & DRINK

Northwich Victoria groundshare with Witton Albion and as grounds go, it’s definitely one of the best in the division. A nice view from the seated area, and plenty of roofed terraces to stand on each side of the ground.

There’s also a club shop and a programme shop on the right as you enter the ground too.

As you can see pictured on the left, there was some great food available atWincham Park. A little hut that sold pies, sausage rolls and chips. The only thing that stops this getting higher marks is that it was cash only.

I went for a meat and potato pie, but definitely would have had some chips alongside it if I had more cash.Went down a treat for a freezing night.

SCORE: 7.5/10

PROGRAMME HOSPITALITY

Northwich have always had a good programme, and one that is definitely worth the price. Plenty of content, and full of colour.

SCORE: 6/10

JOURNEY

With no Jay or James, I was joined by Mr and Mrs Kicksy and their mate Kyle for this one. It was great company, and we had a good laugh by listening to some England songs, and Carnival De Paris.

SCORE: 7/10

SCORE: 6/10

There are some great people at Northwich Vics, and they even got Ian’s George and Archie a jug of orange juice so a special mention to them for that.

In terms of cakes, there was nothing memorable to note. The brew was pretty good too.

SCORE: 6/10

Words byDan Hayden

This was an away day that, as a media team, we were very excited for. A trip to Southport who were 4th in the National League North at the time of visiting. It was a new ground to tick off for all of us, and we were going to get a brief look at how clubs are ran behind the scenes furtherup the pyramid.

Before we started our travels, it was a pretty standard day at work. Jay was the designated driver for this one and after a quick change of clothes into something a bit warmer, we were off down the motorway to Southport.

It was a pretty standard drive down, with James’ spotify playlist and a couple of dark fruits in the back for me.

On arrival to the ground, we could already see the difference as Southport had designated turnstiles for away supporters as well as a bag search as we entered the ground.

Me and James were on the list as the media guys and Helen and Jay used their committee passes so there were no issues getting in for us.

The stadium was as expected; however, there were only 2 sides in use for the game. Me and James got some pictures and videos for the social media platforms and then headed straight to the burger van.

As you can see in the picture, I opted for a cheeseburger and chips which was definitely worth the £6.50. It was Carling Dark Fruit on draught which I was quite happy with; however, James was not a fan.

I’ll be honest, on the journey down; me, Helen, James and Jay were not very optimistic and we all predicted a comfortable home win but yet again the lads put on a fantastic solid performance against a team who were in the top 6 of the National League North.

I asked the photographer sat in front of us in the first half whether it was a strong side that Southport had put out or if they had a few younger players for some game time, and I was shocked that she said it was pretty much a full strength side.

The Port took the lead, but Gate responded with a superb goal from Nathan Cliffe. It was a great defensive display which saw out a 1-1 draw and it was straight to penalties. We were quietly confident with our chances on penalties with Penni in net, and our recent Vase victory. But tonight was not ournight.

A special mention to the fantastic hospitality that we received from Southport, who treated us as an equal from the start. The half time leek and potato soup with a free programme was class, and the pasta that we received after the game. It would be unfair to put this on our Away Day reviews because this one would win hands down. Thanks,Southport!

Which of these 4 nations were not in the semi-finals of the 2021 AFCON?

A. Burkina Faso

B. Senegal

C. Egypt D. Morocco

Who scored the opening goal in the Womens Manchester Derbylast weekend?

A. Ella Toone

B. Alex Greenwood C. Leah Galton D. Chloe Kelly

Which of these 4 nations were not in England’s 2002 World Cup group?

A. Sweden B. Nigeria C. Japan D. Argentina