Squires Gate Vs St Helen's

Saturday 10th January 2015 Kick Off: 15:00

St Helens Town

The Gaffer Good afternoon and welcome to The Royal British Legion Stadium for this afternoons home league fixture against St Helen’s Town FC. First of all may I welcome the management team and all associated with the club. I hope you feel welcomed and have a safe journey home.

We are currently on a good run of form if you take into account how many defeats we have suffered over the past few months. We are obviously hoping that this run of form continues today against a St Helens team that will be looking to pull themselves away from the bottom of the league. We expect a tough game and the players will have prepared in the right way in order to get the result we want.

Having reflected on our results over the Christmas and New Year period I’m happy with the vast majority of things. The match day squad has changed quite a lot recently due to injuries, unavailability and suspensions, however, I’m pleased to say that whoever has been involved have done really well and given me a headache as to what to do when other players become available again.

On the comings and goings at the club I’m sad to say that Mark Shaw has departed his role as assistant manager. Mark has had a massive impact in the short amount of time he’s been here. His influence over players and myself is a big reason as to why we have so far had a far better season than last year. He’ll be missed and we wish him good luck for the future.

I hope you enjoy the game and visit us again next Saturday for our league fixture against West Didsbury & Chorlton…..

UP THE GATE!

SQUIRES GATE

1

Buchan 60

AFC BLACKPOOL

0

GATE VICTORIOUS IN “EL SEASIDE-O” DERBY Squires Gate hosted AFC Blackpool on Boxing Day in the first Blackpool derby of the year. Gate made one change from the side that drew with Abbey Hey Brett Ferguson coming in to replace the injured Harry Dunn.

“A derby win is always It was right first half for both teams with a great feeling” both putting in strong tackles and showing real passion. Gates defence had to be at its strongest when Gate were caught on the break early in the first half, the defence though more than equal to Blackpools attack and the game stayed 0-0. Gate struggled to get a real hold on the game and struggled to create a clear chance in the first half. Blackpool had their Chances but Gate made sure the game remained scoreless at half time.

Into the second half the first thing Gate did was make a change Jake Forshaw coming on for Rob Henry. The game was changed. Into the second half when Blackpool were reduced to 10 men, Muscroft judged to have lead with his leg when jumping for a header resulting in a straight red.

This seemed to give Gate the boost they were looking for and they went on to dominate the second half. Gate made the break though shortly after the sending off. From the corner kick Colquhoun headed the ball back into the box to find an unmarked Mark Buchan who's header couldn't miss, the Scot opening the scoring to get his fourth of the season

Gate had chances to double their lead and on another day perhaps would have but in extreme weather conditions luck just wasn't on the home teams side. Gate pilled on the pressure late on to double their lead but looked understandably cautious to risk the result.

“I’m pleased we got the win Late chances for Mckendrick and Forshaw saw the game fizzle out to see for all involved with the Gate win the first Blackpool derby of the club.” season.

After the game Gate manager Dave McCann said: “Overall it wasn't a game for the purists, there was alot of effort put in by all players but it was a scrappy affair. It wasn't about how well we played today it was about the result and I'm pleased that we got the win for all involved with the club. I'm really happy with the win, it was nice considering the situation we were in last season, a derby win is always a great feeling.”

Picture by Brett Ferguson.

Picture by Steve McLellan

TODAY’S FIXTURES Saturday 10th January 2015 Premier Division 1874 Northwich v Ashton Athletic Abbey Hey v AFC Blackpool AFC Liverpool v Alsager Town Colne v Runcorn Town Congleton Town v Glossop North End

Nelson v Maine Road Runcorn Linnets v Bacup & Rossendale Borough Silsden v Winsford United Squires Gate v St Helens Town West Didsbury & Chorlton v Bootle Tuesday 13th January 2015 Cheshire Senior Cup 1st Round Runcorn Linnets v Runcorn Town Derbyshire Senior Cup Quarter Final

Glossop North End v Chesterfield

If you’d like to get the latest programme straight to your phone, follow the Programme Editor on Twitter. @HaydeJay

NELSON

3

O’Neill (40), Akaunu (80), Walmsley (90+4)

SQUIRES GATE

3

Ferguson (16), Murphy (45+2, 70)

ALL SQUARE AS GATE SETTLE FOR THE DRAW Squires Gate stayed 7th in the Premier Division after a 3-3 draw at Nelson, in their first competitive match of 2015 on Saturday.

Gate made one change to the starting line up with Sean Holmes replacing Alex McKendrick in midfield. This was the third time that the sides had met this season with Gate beating Nelson in the first home game of the season before beating them again in the MEN United Cup. Gate took the lead on the 16th minute, after a lot of early pressure from the hosts, the ball finding an unmarked Brett Ferguson at the back post to easily side foot home to give Gate the lead. The game could have been level straight after when Ed O’Neill run free from the home side but Josh Westwood was more then capable to keep up with the striker to make a fantastic challenge on the edge of the box to keep Gate ahead. But Gate could only hold on until the 40th minute, when after plenty of attacking pressure, the home side equalised.

The ball chipped into the box allowed Ed O’Neill to strike the ball first time to find the corner of the net to bring the game level. Gate wouldn’t go down with out and in the 45th minute, they were awarded a penalty.

The second half saw Nelson pile on the pressure looking for the equaliser but Gate stood firm and defended well. But again, against the run of play, Gate got their third goal, which came from a corner fired into the near post beating two men, and Alex Murphy claiming the goal direct from the corner.

The home side reduced the deficit once more with 10 minutes left on the clock as substitute Akaunu looped the ball over Gate keeper Ben Fletcher, on his Nelson debut to give them hope of taking something from the game. The last 10 minutes were nervy for the visitors, having to dig deep and defend to try and see the game out with Nelson having five or six chances to score an equaliser.

But with Literally seconds left on the clock, Nelson got their reward as another goal scramble was cleared to the foot of Kieron Walmsley, 30 yards out who struck the ball into the next via the crossbar. A cruel ending for a valiant Gate performance but one that Gate boss Dave McCann is happy with.

He said: “Some people might be disappointed in the 96th minute whilst being down to 10 men but I’m not, far from it. The character and resilience that we showed over the course of the game, was superb. To come here, and put ourselves 3-1 up against a team that hasn’t lost at home since September says it all. I’m proud of how much the lads dug deep for that result, a tremendous shift was put in by all”.

Report by Mark Ashmore.

That Was The Year That Was...

Squires Gate started 2014 with at The Royal British Legion Stadium where they played Bootle. In what was a very disappointing result, where the visitors put 4 past Gate and took all 3 points.

Following that, was a trip to Alsager Town for their first away game of the year.

The home side took the lead after 14 minutes thanks to a goal from Aaron Best. New striker Zach Clark made his first appearance for Gate away from home, and on the 80th minute, proved his worth as he found room to beat his marker as he raced in from the left to put the ball past the Alsager keeper, to equalise for Gate.

Squires Gate’s first win came at home to Winsford United on the 18th January.

Before the game, a one minute silence was in order to show respect for exSquires Gate keeper Jack “The Cat” Drinkwater who sadly passed away just after the Christmas break of 2013. Gate kicked off this game in search of their first win since the start of November, where they beat table topping Maine Road. It took only 20 seconds for the home side to take the lead, when Jack Sowerby pushed the ball into space down the right hand side and delivered a pin point cross for Zach Clark to tap in at the back post. In the second half, Squires Gate were on the back foot for at least 10 minutes and the away side finally broke through and made it 1-1. Winsford were now the better side and kept the attacking football, until the 70th minute when Gate striker Jack Sowerby was taken down by the keeper, and Danny Penswick struck an unbeatable penalty to put the home side back in front.

January Gate ended the month away on a cold, and rainy day in Glossop. Squires Gate made four changes to the side that won in the game at home to Winsford United. Surprisingly, it was the visitors who took the lead after seven minutes when Charlie Russell bagged his first goal for Gate, who had been called up from the English Schools squad. It didn’t take Glossop long to equalise, when Gate couldn’t clear and the ball fell to Lincoln Adams who beat Rogerson to make it 1-1. In the second half, Glossop gained a lot more confidence going forward and this showed as they bagged another 4 goals, coming from Kieran Lugsden, Tom Bailey, Lee Blackshaw and Ben Richardson.

4

NWCFL

1-4 vs Bootle

11

NWCFL

1-1 vs Alsager Town

18

NWCFL

2-1 vs Winsford United

25

NWCFL

1-5 vs Glossop North End

That Was The Year That Was...

After a disappointing month, Gate were looking to get back to winning ways away at high flying Runcorn Linnets, in what was going to be 1 of the toughest games of the season.

The game took place on a cold, windy and wet Saturday afternoon in Runcorn.

What more could we expect from the weather at the start of February? Straight away, Linnets were taking the game to the visitors and kept pressuring keeper Rodgerson. Despite keeping the hosts out for a good 30 minutes, a scramble in the Gate area led to a strike from Anthony Hickey which Dave Rodgerson could only push onto the wrong side of the upright and Linnets broke the deadlock. Squires Gate began to push further forward against a far more experience side, and came unstuck 9 minutes later as Linnets doubled their score through Kevin Towey. The second half, Gate came out to try and reduce the deficit but were unable to do so, Craig Carney came the closest when his shot hit the crossbar, which ended up going out for a goal kick. Just as their was a goal in sight for the visitors, Linnets were awarded a penalty after a handball incident. Kevin Towey converted and bagged all three points for Linnets.

Next up for Gate was a back to back fixture against West Didsbury and Chorlton. After the weather was taking it’s toll on the Premier Division fixtures, only 4 out of the 17 NWCFL games went ahead. It was the first meeting between Gate and West Didsbury & Chorlton, so both sides were unsure of each other having never met before. It was the home side who took the game to the visitors as Craig Carney tested Didsbury keeper Paul Hughes with a 30 yard shot.

February Closely followed by an effort from Callum Cooke who managed to break free from his marker, but saw his shot saved. The visitors also made runs at the Gate defence and striker Mark Woodcock beat the home side’s defence, but his shot hit the crossbar from 35 yards out. It took 63 minutes for the hosts to take the lead, when Jack Sowerby broke into the box, and hammered the ball past a helpless Paul Hughes, which turned out to be a worthy match winning goal.

The reverse fixture saw Gate travel to South Manchester, which took place 2 weeks later. West Didsbury hadn’t played a home game since the start of January. Before the game, a minutes silence was held in memory of Preston legend Sir Tom Finney. Early tests from Gate’s Seydou Bamba and Jack Sowerby were close but not enough to put Gate ahead. It was the home side who took the lead after 22 minutes, when Graham Kay pounced on a loose ball and tapped it past keeper Rodgerson. As the game progressed, it was harder to pass the ball about and the hosts doubled their tally in the 62nd minute from a Matthew Key goal. Jack Sowerby got on the scoresheet once again but it was not enough as Gate left empty handed.

1

NWCFL

0-3 vs Runcorn Linnets

8

NWCFL

1-0 vs WD&C

22

NWCFL

1-2 vs WD&C

That Was The Year That Was...

After a poor start to 2014, Squires Gate were on a bad run of form, where they won only twice out of their seven games. March was not going to get any better for them as they faced Runcorn Linnets, AFC Liverpool and Maine Road in the space of 3 weeks.

So, Dave McCann’s side started a slightly warmer March at home to Runcorn Linnets, a team who were trying to keep the pressure on league leaders Maine Road. The game could have been completely different had defender Sam Christensen got good contact on his head when he managed to jump unmarked after 8 minutes. Another effort from Gate when Jack Hindle tried his luck from 25 yards out, which was inches away from being the opener. The Runcorn Linnets fans, were making themselves heard and had plenty to sing about when they took the lead after 20 minutes. Warren Bellew doubled their lead 15 minutes later, when he drove home his effort from 25 yards out. On the hour mark, things got worse for the hosts as they were reduced to ten men, when Sam Christensen got a second booking. The game was put to bed straight after as Matthew Atherton added a third, and as a result of that, Gate were now struggling to get out of their own half. A miskick from keeper Rodgerson enabled Michael Simpson to tuck away a fourth for Linnets.

Another home game against Stockport Sports followed, and Gate were keen to get revenged for the 3-0 defeat at the start of the season, and also were trying

March to recover from the defeat at Runcorn Linnets the week before. Gate started the game with a strong wind behind them but it was more of a disadvantage, as the ball had a mind of it’s own. The visitors took the lead, when Gate failed to clear their area and Ben Halfacre shot through a crowded 6 yard box, which gave keeper Dave Rodgerson no chance. Despite Gate adding pressure from the both flanks, the chances just weren’t converted by the players up top and Gate were punished once again just before the break, when Sam Pollard leaped unchallenged from a corner and headed past Rodgerson. In the second half, Gate pulled one back through defender Neil Unsworth. The goal sparked Gate into life, but Stockport Sports managed to see the game out and take all 3 points.

By this point, Gate had now lost three games on a trot and with three games in March remaining, they were looking to turn their form around. However, they would have to do this against two of the divisions best sides, AFC Liverpool and Maine Road. Both games ended in a 2-1 defeat, and that left Gate in a real relegation battle going into the last month. They ended March at Congleton Town, and walked away with a vital 3 points, and ended their run of 5 straight defeats.

1

NWCFL

0-4 vs Runcorn Linnets

15

NWCFL

1-2 vs Stockport Sports

19

NWCFL

1-2 vs AFC Liverpool

22

NWCFL

1-2 vs Maine Road

25

NWCFL

2-0 vs Congleton Town

That Was The Year That Was...

So with the season coming to a close, Gate were facing a relegation battle, and with games coming thick and fast, it was not going to help. First up for Squires Gate was a trip to Bacup, and after an impressive win over Congleton, there was hope. It was a lively start, with constant attack from McKenna and Sowerby. Also, having to face the strong wind against them, they were battling well and Billy McKenna tested the Bacup keeper, which turned out to be the only chance for Gate in the first half. Bacup took the lead against the run of play, when a free kick from the left was put into the box and Seydou Bamba deflected the ball into his own net. From then on, Gate were struggling to get out of their own half and Bacup were unfortunate not to increase their lead. As visibility got worse, and the wind increased, benches were unable to see the far touchline. Bacup’s substitute Paul Socha made it 2-0 as he shot from 25 yards out, and the game was rounded off by Adrian Bellamy who made it 3 for the home side. The game was put to bed and Gate left empty handed, and faced top of the table Norton United next.

Norton showed why they are odds on favs to become the league champions. They were attacking straight from kick off and they done more then enough to settle the game within the first fifteen minutes, after they took a two goal advantage. Gate were doing well to stop Norton from scoring more, Neil Unsworth doing surprisingly well winning the high balls that were being played into the box.

Despite pulling a goal back through Jack Sowerby, they were unable to find that elusive equalising goal in order to pick up a point and now faced a relegation decider away at Wigan Robin Park.

In what was going to be a fixture that decided either sides league status, this was going to be a 6 pointer for both sides. 17 minutes gone and the hosts took the lead through Stephen Milne, closely followed by a game changer. A ball played through the middle of the Gate defence, resulted in keeper Ben Fletcher taking down the Wigan attacker and was given a straight red, penalty given. With Rodgerson unable to play, defender Andy Richards stepped in and could not do enough to stop the penalty Gate now had a mountain to climb if they were to get something from this game.

April Wigan Robin Park were on the brink of relegation and a win would have put Squires Gate on the edge as well.

I’m not quite sure what Dave McCann said at half time, but Gate had nothing to lose and took the game to the home side. On the hour mark, Gate pulled one back through an own goal. At 2 -1, the goal seemed to raise the morale of the away side who again started attacking. Billy McKenna was introduced and with 15 minutes to go, and with a poor touch and rebound from the keeper allowed McKenna in to slot home. Gate full of confidence, and with seconds to spare James Washburn met the cross from Billy McKenna and celebrations began as what looked like a defeated Gate had turned a 2-0 loss into a 3-2 win with 10 men.

Gate went into the last game of the season, needing all three points to guarantee safety and it was against a team that they had a terrible record against, Ashton Athletic. It did not start well for Gate as they went 1-0 down from yet another penalty. It was going to be a tough 80 minutes to try and turn things around knowing that relegation was in sight.

Just past the half hour mark, skipper Danny Penswick headed the equaliser, much to the supporters delight. The second half was pure determination from Gate, with every player knowing what lie ahead if they didn’t win this game. On the 86th minute, Gate were awarded a free kick, where nothing was expected to come from it. Jack Sowerby stepped up and struck it so well, that it hit the back of the net before the keeper could even dive towards it. That was surely it, and celebrations from the away fans began, and no one could actually believe what had just happened. Gate just had to see out the last 3 minutes, and with 11 men defending at2 NWCFL 0-3 vs Bacup R&B tack after attack from Ashton Athletic.

5 NWCFL 1-2 vs Norton United The final whistle blew and the season 12 NWCFL 2-3 vs Wigan Robin Park was over, Gate had survived another 15 NWCFL 0-2 vs Congleton Town season in the Premier Division.

21

NWCFL

1-3 AFC Blackpool

26

NWCFL

2-1 vs Ashton Athletic

St Helens Town Meet today’s visitors, St Helens Town Manager: Ian Price

Nickname:

Ground: Brocstedes Park

Capacity:

Town were Champions of the Lancashire Combination in 1971/72 season, losing only one game, finishing 6 points clear of Accrington Stanley. 1975 brought a switch to the Cheshire League, where they remained until the formation of the North West Counties League in 1982 and St. Helens Town is still the only club to feature in the top division of that league throughout its existence.

The club’s major achievement was to win the FA Vase at Wembley in 1987. After a stuttering start in the Preliminary Round with a 5-4 extra-time win over Colne Dynamoes, further home successes over General Chemicals, Wren Rovers, Guisborough Town and Wythenshawe Amateurs, led to wins at Wisbech Town, at home to Rainworth Miners Welfare, away to Falmouth Town (after a replay) and in the away leg at Emley when, following a 1-0 home defeat in the first-leg, a 2-0 win in Yorkshire secured a Wembley Final against local rivals Warrington Town, who were dispatched 3-2 with goals from Phil Layhe (2) and Brian Rigby.

St. Helens Town boast an impressive “Hall of Fame”, including legendary goalkeeper and former German Prisoner-of-War Bert Trautmann, who signed for Manchester City over 60 years ago and who went on to play the game of his life in the 1956 FA Cup Final, despite breaking his neck in the latter stages. Bill Foulkes was transferred to Manchester United, where he had a glittering career, surviving the Munich Air Disaster in 1958, in which he bravely rescued some of his stricken team-mates. John Connelly, an England squad member in the victorious 1966 World Cup campaign, was sold to Burnley and he later moved to join Foulkes at Old Trafford. Sadly, all three have passed away in the last few years.

Other future stars, groomed at St. Helens Town, include John Quinn (Sheffield

Wednesday), Geoff Nulty (Burnley, Newcastle United and Everton) and, most recently, ace goalscorer Dave Bamber, who began and ended his league career at Blackpool and who played in all four divisions of the Football League. Captain of the FA Vase winning team was Tommy O’Neil, who began his league career playing alongside George Best, Denis Law and Bobby Charlton at Manchester United.

Town sold their Hoghton Road ground in 2000 to move in with St. Helens Rugby League Club at their Knowsley Road base. Their farewell appearance at Sutton produced a 1-0 win over Champions Vauxhall Motors and the initial campaign at Knowsley Road got off to a cracking start, with Town leading the table for most of the season, before finishing in a rather disappointing fourth place. Recent seasons have been more of a struggle, ninth place in 2009/10 being the best finish since. Season 2010-11 saw Town slide to 16th and next to bottom in 2011-12, when they would have been relegated, but for Flixton’s decision to resign from the league. Town began the 2012-13 season under new manager Ian Granite, who brought in a new team and coaching set-up and they battled well to avoid relegation, their status being confirmed with a couple of games remaining.

2013-14 was a mirror-image of the previous campaign, with a 14-game unbeaten run between September and December putting the club just behind the front runners for two thirds of the campaign. Granite resigned in November 2013 due to work and family commitments and his assistant Ian Price took over the reins, assisted by Paul Jones and Nick Matthews, but the long breaks caused by the winter weather interrupted their earlier rhythm and Town finished the season once again in the lower reaches, although never in any serious danger of the drop. Following the demolition of the Knowsley Road ground in 2010, Town have led a nomadic existence up the road in Ashton-inMakerfield, sharing Ashton Town’s Edge Green Street ground for three seasons before moving across town to Brocstedes Park at the invitation of Ashton Athletic in 2012.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS v ST HELENS TOWN A 0-0 result away at St Helens back in October, was a very weird result for this fixture, as in the past it has thrown up quite a lot of goals. Gate might have only lost once in their previous 14 games, but St Helens are no pushovers, as they have proved in previous meetings between the two sides.

THURSDAY 28TH MARCH 2013 ST HELENS TOWN 5-0 SQUIRES GATE A few days into March 2013, Squires Gate had recorded a 3-0 win over St Helens, but it was a different story come the end of the same month. They stormed into a 4-0 lead before half time, with goals from Ashton, Stoker, Williams and an own goal. Only one goal in the second half, which came on the 80th minute, which all but secured the 3 points for St Helens.

TUESDAY 6TH AUGUST 2013

SQUIRES GATE 3-0 ST HELENS TOWN

TUESDAY 8TH OCTOBER 2013 ST HELENS TOWN 5-0 SQUIRES GATE Squires Gate went into this game having won their previous three league games but came crashing down as the Saints put five past Gate once again.

St Helens went 1-0 up from a 30 yard free kick, and it stayed that way until half time. Into the second half, and Gate were looking to continue their record of coming from behind, but the Saints were having none of it. They had a bit of a wake up call as Jack Sowerby hit the cross bar. Despite many attacks, St Helens netted four more and give Gate their worst defeat of the season

Squires Gate’s first home game of the 2013/14 season ended in a 3-0 win over the Saints. It took Gate only 16 minutes to go ahead as Andy Harvie was bought down inside the box and Jack Hindle scored from the spot. St Helens best chance came from a well worked opportunity for Cole Ashton, but his shot went well over the bar. Into the second half, and it only took 20 seconds for Gate to double their lead. Seydou Bamba with the goal. On the hour mark, the home side wrapped up all three points with a 30 yard strike from Ben Fishwick.

Head To Head Record TOP SCORERS

Record vs Top Half

Alex Murphy

11

Chad Whtye

11

W

D

L

W

D

L

Jake Forshaw

6

Andy Gillespie

8

3

3

4

0

1

9

Harry Dunn

4

Kristian Bell

8

Record vs Bottom Half W

D

L

W

D

L

7

4

0

7

1

7

Record when scoring first

GAMES SINCE:

W

D

L

W

D

L

7

5

1

0

1

8

10 SEASON RECORD

1

Win

3

0

Home Win

2

5

Away Win

4

8

Defeat

0

23

Home Defeat

2

7

Away Defeat

0

2

Score Draw

9

7

No Score Draw

14

0

Conceding 1+

0

0

Scoring 1+

3

1

Clean Sheet

3

5

Back To Back Wins

8

2

Gaining A Point

3

0

Losing A Point

0

Facts & Stats Squires Gate - last 6 matches until 10/01/15

All Competitions

St Helens Town- last 6 matches until 10/01/15

All Competitions

Home

W

D

W

W

D

W

Home

D

D

W

L

W

L

Away

W

W

W

L

W

D

Away

W

L

W

L

L

L

Collated

W

W

W

D

W

D

Collated

W

L

W

L

L

L

At Squires Gate (9)

At St Helens Town (9)

Overall

On Neutral Ground

Squires Gate and St Helens Town have never played on neutral ground.

Records

Previous Meetings

Gate Fixtures in Full Sat 2nd Aug

Bootle

A

1-1

109

6th

League

Tue 5th Aug

Nelson

H

3-0

102

6th

League

Sat 9th Aug

Maine Road

H

3-1

72

6th

League

Wed 13 Aug

Silsden

A

0-0

98

8th

League

Sat 16th Aug

AFC Liverpool

A

0-3

172

N/A

Cup R1Q

Sat 23th Aug

Congleton Town

A

0-0

108

11th

League

Tue 26th Aug

Ashton Athletic

H

1-2

105

15th

League

Sat 30th Aug

New Mills AFC

A

2-3

101

N/A

Cup R2Q

Tue 9th Sep

Barnoldswick Town

H

0-0

65

15th

League

Sat 13th Sep

Bamber Bridge

A

2-2

264

N/A

Cup R3Q

Tue 16th Sep

Bamber Bridge

H

2-3

155

N/A

Cup R3QR

Sat 20th Sep

Alsager Town

H

7-2

55

13th

League

Tue 23rd Sep

Colne

A

3-0

151

16th

League

Sat 27th Sep

Bacup & Rossendale

A

3-4

45

15th

League

Sat 4th Oct

Glossop North End

A

3-2

273

16th

League

Sat 11th Oct

St Helens Town

A

0-0

56

16th

League

Sat 18th Oct

Winsford United

H

2-2

65

16th

League

Sat 25th Oct

Nelson

A

1-3

66

N/A

MUCupR2

Sat 1st Nov

Stockport Sports

H

3-2

51

14th

League

Tue 4th Nov

Barnoldswick Town

A

1-3

94

14th

League

Sat 8th Nov

Runcorn Town

A

2-7

97

12th

League

Tue 11th Nov

Ashton Athletic

A

4-0

56

12th

League

Sat 15th Nov

Bootle

H

1-0

85

11th

League

Tue 18th Nov

Colne

H

0-0

82

9th

League

Sat 22th Nov

Maine Road

A

2-3

60

8th

League

Sat 29th Nov

Winsford United

H

1-1

60

N/A

MUCupR3

(6-5) Sat 6th Dec

Silsden

H

2-0

45

7th

League

Sat 20th Dec

Abbey Hey

H

1-1

45

6th

League

Fri 26th Dec

AFC Blackpool

H

1-0

92

7th

League

Sat 3rd Jan

Nelson

A

3-3

135

7th

League

Sat 10th Jan

St Helens Town

H

League

Sat 17th Jan

West Didsbury & Chorlton

H

League

Sat 24th Jan

AFC Liverpool

A

League

Sat 31 Jan

Abbey Hey

A

League

Sat 7th Feb

Bacup & Rossendale Borough

H

League

Sat 14th Feb

Glossop North End

A

MUCupQF

Sat 21th Feb

Stockport Sports

A

League

Sat 7th Mar

West Didsbury & Chorlton

A

League

Sat 14th Mar

AFC Liverpool

H

League

Sat 21th Mar

1874 Northwich

A

League

Sat 28th Mar

Runcorn Linnets

A

League

Sat 4th Apr

Runcorn Town

H

League

Mon 6th Apr

AFC Blackpool

A

League

Sat 11th Apr

1874 Northwich

H

League

Sat 18th Apr

Congleton Town

H

League

Sat 25th Apr

Alsager Town

A

League

P

W

D

L

F

A

GD

PTS

1

Runcorn Linnets

28

22

5

1

75

27

48

71

2

Glossop North End

23

19

2

2

72

9

63

59

3

Ashton Athletic

28

15

8

5

50

26

24

53

4

1874 Northwich

22

15

4

3

42

12

30

49

5

Nelson

25

13

5

7

53

38

15

44

6

AFC Liverpool

25

13

4

8

58

38

20

43

7

Squires Gate

24

11

9

4

47

32

15

42

8

Bootle

25

12

4

9

44

33

11

40

9

Slisden

24

12

4

8

41

37

4

40

10

Colne

22

12

3

7

43

28

15

39

11

Congleton Town

26

10

8

8

44

39

5

38

12

Maine Road

29

10

6

13

45

53

-8

36

13

West Didsbury & Chorlton

25

10

3

12

41

48

-7

33

14

Winsford United

23

9

5

9

43

41

2

32

15

Runcorn Town

23

9

4

10

52

43

9

31

16

Alsager Town

27

9

4

14

48

57

-9

31

17

Abbey Hey

27

9

3

15

37

58

-21

30

18

St Helens Town

25

7

2

16

33

69

-36

23

19

Barnoldswick Town

28

4

4

20

35

70

-35

16

20

AFC Blackpool

29

3

7

19

25

62

-37

16

21

Stockport Sports

26

3

5

18

34

95

-61

14

22

Bacup & Rossendale Borough

24

1

3

20

18

65

-47

6

Editor’s View Good afternoon and welcome to The Royal British Legion Stadium, for this NWCFL fixture between Squires Gate and St Helens Town. We would like to welcome all supporters, players and committee of St Helens and we hope you all have a safe journey home.

First of all, I hope you all had a fantastic Christmas, and filled your boots with food. We’re already ten days into the New Year and I’m sure both of today’s sides will want to start 2015 with a few wins under their belt.

A great win for Gate in their previous home game, as they beat local rivals AFC Blackpool 1-0 on Boxing Day, and it’s always good to get a win over your rivals. Runcorn Linnets also beating Runcorn Town in the fierce Runcorn derby, and will now play again in the Cheshire Senior Cup. Our visitors St Helens’ last game was back on the 20th December where they lost 4-0 to high flying Nelson. Speaking of Nelson, Gate travelled to East Lancs last weekend for their first game of the year. In what was going to be a tough game, with only two places between the two sides, and the result reflected that as it ended 3-3.

Squires Gate ended 2014 in fantastic form, losing once since the start of October, with a record: W 10, D4, L1. In 2015, Gate still have to face Runcorn Linnets, 1874 Northwich and AFC Liverpool twice, in what will prove to be a very difficult set of games. Last season, saw Squires Gate reach a tally of 40 points, which they have already beat this season, and we are only halfway through.

St Helens go into today’s game on the back of 3 away defeats, where they have conceded 11 goals in their past two. Losing 7-3 against AFC Liverpool and 4-0 against Nelson. They will want to turn their form around but it’s going to prove hard against a Gate side who have only lost once at home this season.

I won’t be here today as I am off to Huddersfield for the Watford game, but I hope you all enjoy the hospitality and have a safe journey home.

Oh, and enjoooooooy the game!

By Daniel Hayden. Programme Editor.

(Please note that all opinions in this programme are of my own, and not of Squires Gate FC. Facts and stats are 99.9% accurate.)

ST HELENS TOWN: The story so far...

Comp

Date

Results

NWCFL

02 Aug

Maine Road 1-2 St Helens Town

NWCFL

05 Aug

St Helens Town 3-0 AFC Blackpool

NWCFL

09 Aug

St Helens Town 0-4 Alsager Town

NWCFL

13 Aug

B&RB 2-6 St Helens Town

FA Cup

16 Aug

St Helens Town 2-5 Atherton Colls

NWCFL

18 Aug

Runcorn Town 7-2 St Helens Town

NWCFL

23 Aug

Colne 4-0 St Helens Town

NWCFL

26 Aug

St Helens Town 2-4 Stockport Sports

NWCFL

30 Aug

St Helens Town 4-3 Barlick Town

FA Vase

06 Sep

Irlam 1-2 St Helens Town

NWCFL

09 Sep

St Helens Town 2-1 Abbey Hey

NWCFL

13 Sep

St Helens Town 0-9 AFC Liverpool

NWCFL

16 Sep

St Helens Town 0-1 Runcorn Linnets

NWCFL

20 Sep

Winsford United 3-0 St Helens Town

NWCFL

23 Sep

Bootle 3-0 St Helens Town

NWCFL

27 Sep

St Helens Town 0-3 WD&C

L. S. C

30 Sep

Burscough 1-4 St Helens Town

FA Vase

05 Oct

Nostell Miners 2-0 St Helens Town

NWCFL

11 Oct

St Helens Town 0-0 Squires Gate

NWCFL

18 Oct

Congleton Town 0-2 St Helens Town

NWCFL

21 Oct

AFC Blackpool 2-1 St Helens Town

MU Cup

25 Oct

Widnes 4-4 St Helens Town (4-3)

NWCFL

28 Oct

St Helens Town 2-2 Runcorn Town

FA Vase

01 Nov

St Helens Town 3-1 Yorkshire Amateurs

NWCFL

04 Nov

Stockport Sports 0-2 St Helens Town

NWCFL

08 Nov

St Helens Town 2-5 Colne

NWCFL

15 Nov

Runcorn Linnets 1-0 St Helens Town

FA VASE

22 Nov

Alnwick Town 4-5 St Helens Town

NWCFL

25 Nov

AFC Liverpool 7-3 St Helens Town

NWCFL

29 Nov

St Helens Town 2-0 B&RB

FA VASE

06 Dec

St Helens Town 2-4 Tadcaster Albion

NWCFL

20 Dec

Nelson 4-0 St Helens Town

Results Fri 26th December 2014

Sat 27th December 2014

Sat 3rd January 2015

1874 Northwich 0-1 Winsford United

Abbey Hey 3-0 Bacup R&B

AFC Blackpool 2-2 AFC Liverpool

AFC Liverpool 0-1 Bootle

Colne 2-0 Nelson

Ashton Athletic 2-0 WD&C

Glossop North End 6-0 Stockport Sports

Silsden 2-0 Barnoldswick Town

Barnoldswick Town 1-2 Abbey Hey

Runcorn Linnets 2-1 Runcorn Town

WD&C 2-2 Maine Road

Bootle 5-0 Bacup &RB

Squires Gate 1-0 AFC Blackpool

Maine Road 1-0 1874 Northwich Nelson 3-3 Squires Gate Runcorn Town 3-0 Congleton Town Silsden 2-1 St Helens Town

The Form Table #

Team

P

W

D

L

F

A

PTS

+/-

FORM

1

Glossop North End

6

5

0

1

24

3

15

21 WWWWWL

2

Runcorn Linnets

6

5

0

1

17

9

15

8

WWWLWW

3

Bootle

6

5

0

1

12

6

15

6

WWWWWL

4

Squires Gate

6

4

2

0

11

7

14

4

DWDWWW

5

Ashton Athletic

6

4

1

1

15

4

13

11

WLWWDW

6

West D&C

6

3

2

1

14

7

11

7

LDWWWD

That Was The Year That Was...

Gate started the 2014/15 season against the same team that they started the year against, Bootle. This time they were hoping to get their season of to a good start, after the dramatic ending to the previous campaign. Gate had a convincing 2-1 win against Clitheroe in preseason and there were many new fresh faces in the squad, including six debutants to face Bootle. However, it was the reliable Jack Sowerby who scored the equalising goal in what proved to be a well earned point after the home side took the lead in the 74th minute.

Squires Gate played their first home game against the newly promoted Nelson, in what was going to be a tough game as the hosts didn’t know what to expect from the newcomers. But, it was Jack Sowerby who put Gate in front inside 20 minutes and the young lad doubled his tally when he slotted home on the 36th minute after skilfully weaved through the Nelson defence before putting it past the keeper. Into the second half, and Gate were awarded a penalty 18 minutes from time and Sowerby finished off his hat trick from the spot, and securing all 3 points. Up next for Gate was a tough test against Maine Road, who missed out on promotion. Again, it was Gate who took the lead after half an hour, when Harry Dunn slotted home from the back post.

Maine Road had many chances to equalise, but Ben Fletcher was in fine form to keep them quiet. Jack Sowerby delivered once again and scored his fifth goal of the season and it looked like Gate were completely in control of the game. 7 minutes from time, the Maine Road keeper had a howler as he missed the ball and watched it run into his net. Road scored a consolation goal with 5 minutes remaining but the final score was Squires Gate 3-1 Maine Road.

August Following two impressive results for Squires Gate, the atmosphere around the team was positive as they now faced two consecutive away trips to Silsden and Congleton Town. Both games were similar in a way, as the result against both teams finished 0-0 despite both sides having various chances. However, it was still an unbeaten start for Squires Gate.

Next up, Gate faced the side who they secured their safety against in the last campaign, Ashton Athletic. On a Tuesday night, and with their focus on New Mills coming up on Saturday, it was always going to be tough to beat Ashton.

Gate failed to make possession count in this game, and soon paid as their number 9 finished past Ben Fletcher. In the second half, the home side came out the better of the two, but the first chance fell to the visitors as the ball was given away from a thrown in, letting their number 9 through again to slot home his and Ashton’s second. Gate replied through Jack Cook but it was not enough to get anything from the game.

Gate ended the month away at New Mills in their 2nd qualifying round of the FA Cup. In the previous round, they beat AFC Liverpool 3-0. Everyone involved with Gate knew just how tricky this game was going to be, and I doubt anyone expected them to get anything from this game. After New Mills showed their strength as they went 2-0 up by the 55th minute, and Gate looked beat.

However, Gate got one back straight away from Billy McKenna, followed by an equalising strike from Jake Forshaw was sure to send the game into a replay with just minutes left. But up stepped the youngest member of the squad, Sam Dickinson, who rifled home to win the game for Squires Gate.

2

NWCFL

1-1 vs Bootle

5

NWCFL

3-0 vs Nelson

9

NWCFL

3-1 vsMaine Road

13

NWCFL

0-0 vs Silsden

16

FA CUP

3-0 vs AFC Liverpool

23

NWCFL

0-0 vs Congleton Town

26

NWCFL

1-2 vs Ashton Athletic

30

FA CUP

3-2 vs New Mills

That Was The Year That Was...

After a fantastic result against New Mills in the FA Cup, Squires Gate were drawn against highly rated Bamber Bridge in the next round. But first up, they had to get past a tricky league fixture at home to Barnoldswick Town. After losing in the Vase to AFC Liverpool the previous Saturday, Gate welcomed back captain Danny Penswick and handed a debut to Sean Holmes who made his first appearance for Squires Gate. Despite having many chances to win the game, neither side could find the goal, and Gate recorded their third 0-0 of the season.

Gate travelled to Bamber Bridge for their second FA Cup tie, and morale was high as they looked to cause the Evo Stick side an upset. Everyone knows the FA Cup is full of magic, and anything can happen in these sort of games. “Brig� took the lead a expected but Gate battled well and a super strike from Andy Richards got them on level terms.

With 10 minutes to go, the home side went back in front and it was surely certain that Bamber Bridge were going through to the next round. Alex McKendrick had other ideas, as he netted the equalising goal with 5 minutes left on the clock, which was enough to take the game to a replay at the Gate.

The replay was 3 days later, as Gate tried to prepare for their biggest home game of the season. The winner of the tie would face Workington Town away.

Gate were bossing most of the proceedings, pretty impressive for a side that were one flight below and they were the first to open the scoring after just 15 minutes. Brett Ferguson tricked the ball past the Bridge keeper. The second half saw Bamber Bridge come out as a completely different side, you could tell they had a stern talking to during the break. It only took them five minutes to get level as Paul Alexander stepped up to slot past Ben Fletcher.

September From then on, Squires Gate were finding it hard to get forward, but no task is too difficult for the young Jack Sowerby, who managed to beat three defenders and slotted the ball home on 59 minutes, which was applauded by both sets of fans. The lead only lasted 3 minutes though, as Brig equalised for the second time. With the game finishing 2-2 after 90 minutes, it looked like it was going to be settled in extra time or penalties. Both sides looked to attack the game, looking for that all important winner. With minutes left of extra time, a lucky deflected shot took the ball past Ben Fletcher and won the game for Brig.

Dave McCann said “It was heartbreaking to lose the game in them sort of circumstances, but we can be proud of our performances over the two games�.

After the excellent display against a higher opposition, Alsager was next for Squires Gate. An early goal from Alsager bought out the goals from Squires Gate who netted seven times and recorded an impressive 7-2 victory. A hatrick from Jake Forshaw, and goals from Ryan Riley, Harry Dunn and Penswick got Gate their biggest ever home win under Dave McCann.

Squires Gate ended September away at Bacup and Rossendale, in a seven goal thriller. They travelled there on the back of a disappointing 3-0 defeat at Colne on Tuesday night. The away side look beat once again when they fell 3-1 behind, and it was going to be tough to take something from the game let alone win it.

But after great determination and a fight back from the visitors, they pulled off an excel-

9

NWCFL

0-0 vs Barlick Town

13

FA CUP

2-2 vs Bamber Bridge

16

FA CUP

2-3 vs Bamber Bridge

20

NWCFL

7-2 vs Alsager Town

23

NWCFL

0-3 vs Colne

27

NWCFL

4-3 vs Bacup & RB

That Was The Year That Was...

After a busy September, the fixtures were slowing down as Glossop North End were the first trip of the month for Gate. Both sides were inform as Gate had come from 3-1 down the week before against Bacup, but today was going to be a bit tougher as Glossop were scoring for fun.

Another player making their debut, Steven Eyango-Bwanga came in for the unavailable Harry Dunn. Glossop kept applying pressure, and had Gate defending for long periods of the first half. But it was surprisingly the visitors who took the lead, with clever play from Jack Sowerby and Harry Dunn, where Sowerby added another to his season tally and put Squires Gate one up. Gate were on the attack once again, with the impressive debutee Steven Eyango-Bwanga running down the left hand side and his cross found Alex Murphy who doubled Gate’s lead. The hosts pulled one back just before the break to show the visitors what they were capable of.

The second half saw Glossop North End come out trying to get the equaliser, and you could tell they had been on the back of a roasting at half time. A defensive error enabled them to get that goal and get level, and the home side took the lead when the ball was fired from outside the box and beat keeper Ben Fletcher.

Next up for Squires Gate was an away trip to Brocstedes Park, where they faced St Helens Town. Both sides went into the game looking for a win, after losing their previous one. It started to show, as both sides were struggling to create chances and couldn’t move forward. The best chance came when Harry Dunn’s low drive bought a top draw save from the St Helens keeper, but neither side could find breakthrough as the game ended 0-0.

October Winsford United travelled to the Royal British Legion Stadium for the last league game of October, and looked to improve on their 0-0 draw with St Helens the previous Saturday, which was their fourth 0-0 of the season. Surely another one wasn’t on the cards? Gate having the early chances, with Harry Dunn forcing a save and the home side could have had a penalty in the 35th minute but the referee waved play on. Jack Sowerby however was able to add to his season tally and put the hosts a goal up.

Two minutes into the second half and Jack Sowerby had scored yet another goal to put Gate 2-0 up. But straight from kick off, Winsford got back into the game as they pulled one back through Ryan Matthews, and now it was game on. After many attacks from Winsford, Gate were made to pay in the 66th minute when Alex Byrne was found at the back post to equalise.

After two consecutive draws, Squires Gate were to face Nelson in the Men United Cup. Both sides showed some great football, and showed why they were both battling in the top half of the league table.

With Gate leading at half time, it was going to be a close second half. Nelson equalised through a Danny Mahoney free kick, which Gate would have been disappointed to concede as they could have dealt with it better. Josh Westwood made it 2-1 to the visitors with a great connection, and they put the game out of sight when Jack Sowerby scored his 13th goal of the season in all competitions, as he beat two defenders before slotting home showing great composure and technique.

4

NWCFL

2-3 vs Glossop North End

11

NWCFL

0-0 vs St Helens Town

16

NWCFL

2-2 vs Winsford United

26

NWCFL

3-1 vs Nelson

That Was The Year That Was...

Squires Gate were in fine form, as they sat 11th in the league table. November was to be a rollercoaster of a month for the club, as they had seven fixtures in the next 4 weeks and they were games that would test the clubs real ambitions for this season. The month also saw one of Gate’s star players move to a local league one club.

Starting off with a home game against struggling Stockport Sports, Squires Gate were the favourites to take all three points from the game but despite 2 goals from the visitors, it was still not enough as the result finished 3-2 and the hosts walked away lucky victors.

The fixtures started to come thick and fast as Gate travelled to Barnoldswick Town for the two sides second meeting of the season, and with the first game ending 0-0, there was bound to be goals in this tie. The visitors kept attacking during the first half, and had many chances to go into half time in the lead, but were unlucky not to. The goal finally came, and it was the home side who drew first blood as Gate lost the ball from the throw in and Barlick pounced to open the scoring. However, goals from Harry Dunn, Jack Sowerby and Westwood turned the game around and saw Gate take all three points.

A minute of silence was held prior to the game against Runcorn Town, and with both sides being separated by one league place, manager Dave McCann said he would have been pleased with a 1-0 win, but the away side surprised once again as they netted seven past the hosts. It was their second 7-2 victory of the season, and teams started to sit up and take notice of Squires Gate, who had extended their run to five unbeaten.

November After the impressive result against Runcorn Town, it was Ashton Athletic next for Squires Gate. Brocstedes Park, bought back many memories for all involved with Gate when they secured Premier Division status. But this game will not be so memorable for Gate as the hosts showed why they were battling for promotion when they gave Squires Gate a lesson in how to finish. McCann described it as ‘one of the worst performances he has seen’ and it was Gate’s heaviest defeat of the season.

There was some fantastic news to boost the spirits, as 19 year old Jack ‘Sowers’ Sowerby, signed a professional contract with league one Fleetwood Town. The young lad scored an impressive 21 goals in all competition for Squires Gate and it was enough to draw attention from the league one outfit. Dave McCann added “We’re disappointed to see him go, but it’s great to see the young lad get the chance to prove himself at Fleetwood” Gate showed that they were able to cope with the loss of Jack though, as they went on to beat Bootle and Maine Road scoring four goals in the process.

Squires Gate ended the month in impressive form despite the disappointing defeat at Ashton Athletic.

Chairman Stuart Hopwood commented on how he was happy with the squad togetherness, and the superb run that Gate has been on in recent weeks. He also added how he was over the moon for Jack Sowerby, moving to Fleetwood Town.

That Was The Year That Was...

After what has been a rollercoaster of a year for Squires Gate FC, 2014 was coming to an end. It has been an eventful year, which has seen the club transform from relegation strugglers into a solid top 8 team, despite the loss of top scorer Jack Sowerby.

Gate started December at home to Silsden, with an impressive home record, where they have only lost once at home. There was a lot of difference since the game back in August, and it was down to goals from Mark Buchan and Alex Murphy that bagged the points for the home side. Alex Murphy was given a big task to fill Sowerby’s shoes when he left and he has done a superb job in doing that .

The win over Silsden was extended the run to one loss in 13 games, and they were now on 37 points - 3 points of last seasons tally. After the game, Dave McCann commented: “I thought that we deserved our win, we had to work extremely hard against a good Silsden side.”

Abbey Hey were the next team to visit The Royal British Legion stadium, and a win would see Squires Gate move to 6th in the league. The home supporters were optimistic about the game, knowing the circumstances and expected to breeze past the visitors, but the early proceedings saw Abbey Hey boss the possession. Squires Gate were making hard work of the game, as they were always second to the ball. It took just one minute into the second half for Abbey Hey to take the lead, and it was well deserved. Captain Danny Penswick found the equaliser in the 72nd minute when he headed home.

After the Christmas break, Gate were to face local rivals AFC Blackpool, who have struggled to get the points this season and currently sit in the bottom three. The spirits and morale were high around Squires Gate going into the game.

December The first half showed just exactly the things you would expect in a local derby, with strong tackles coming in from every direction. Players showing passion, and everyone wanting to win the game. Gate’s defence had to be the strongest when they were caught on the break early on but AFC Blackpool couldn’t break through the partnership of Colquhoun and Westwood. Squires Gate also had chances of their own but AFC Blackpool did their best to ensure that the game was scoreless at half time.

In the second half, the first thing that manager Dave McCann did was bring Jake Forshaw on for Rob Henry, which showed Gate’s intentions for the game.

The game changer was when AFC had Muscroft got sent off. Squires Gate making the break through a few minutes later, when Mark Buchan headed home the match winner. The game had everything you would of expected, and Dave said after the match “There was a lot of effort put in by all players but it was a scrappy affair. It wasn’t about how we played today, it was the result.”

Overall, the year has ended on a high after what has been a difficult year for Gate. From nearly getting relegated, to being in the top 7 and beating the previous seasons tally already.

Bring on 2015.

6

NWCFL

2-0 vs Silsden

20

NWCFL

1-1 vs Abbey Hey

26

NWCFL

1-0 vs AFC Blackpool

NWCFL Newsletter A tremendous game involving Premier Division promotion chasers 1874 Northwich, and goals galore in the First Division were among the highlights in the first league games of 2015.

In the Premier Division, with Runcorn Linnets and Glossop North End both inactive, Ashton Athletic maintained their position in third place with a 2-0 win over West Didsbury & Chorlton, thanks to goals in each half from Danny Greene and Mike Downing.

1874 Northwich missed a chance to narrow the gap on the top two when they lost 1 -0 at Maine Road.

Connor Hughes scored the only goal of the game in the 28th minute, but another talking point emerged when 1874 missed two penalties for the second game in succession Two missed spot kicks cost the Greens dearly in the 1-0 defeat against Winsford United on Boxing Day, and amazingly they repeated the unwanted feat when exMaine Road skipper Neil Chappell blazed a first half penalty over the bar, and late on Lee Duckworth had his kick saved by Road goalkeeper Ryan Livesey.

An entertaining game at Victoria Park ended with Nelson sharing a 3-3 draw with Squires Gate. The Admirals were 3-1 down with 10 minutes to go, but Mamoke Akaunu reduced the deficit before a last minute equaliser from Kieran Walmsley rescued a point.

Bootle were the division's highest scorers with a 5-0 win over Bacup & Rossendale Borough, Tom Peterson grabbing his third hat trick of the season Silsden moved level on points with Bootle with a 2-1 win over St Helens Town, Craig Nicholls grabbing both goals for the Cobbydalers.

Runcorn Town were convincing winners by 3-0 in the Cheshire derby against Congleton Town, with the goals all arriving in the opening 39 minutes courtesy of Paul Shanley and two from Andrew Potter At the bottom end of the table, Barnoldswick Town remain just out of the drop zone on goal difference despite losing 2-1 at home to Abbey Hey, Nico Collins scoring both goals for the visitors.

AFC Blackpool are level on points with Barlick, after a late equaliser from Chris Thomas salvaged a point from a 2-2 draw at home to AFC Liverpool.

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TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE 1 Can you name the five English league clubs that start and end in the same letter?

3 Who were the last five England managers?

2. Can you name the only five teams to win the Premier League?

4. Who were the last five hosts of the World Cup?

5 Can you name five football clubs that have had a cup final song?

BRAIN TEASERS Can you name these championship teams that have got themselves in a bit of a scramble?

ROBNDTECYYU KORVCLRBBNUSERA NOTDEMHREIUAHRT GAATCHWINTELI DHFSEEAIWLDDFEYSEN NORBALDEERSNOWT BIRDHOUSEDGLM CHRONICITYW AFHLMU Can you name the player who’s linked with the clubs listed?

Manchester United, Real Madrid, PSG, LA Galaxy (DB)

Liverpool, Barcelona, Ajax (LS) Atletico Madrid, Liverpool, Chelsea (FT) Liverpool, Newcastle, Real Madrid, Stoke, Man United (MO) Portsmouth, Tottenham, West Ham (JD) Blackburn, Southampton, Newcastle (AS) Chelsea, West Ham, Manchester City (FL) Tottenham, Chelsea, Monaco, Swindon (GH) Manchester United, Tottenham, Fulham, Monaco (DB) Leeds, Manchester United (EC)

Prediction Corner For those of you who like league football, why not have a go at predicting some scores for this week’s games? Award yourself 1 point for correct result and 2 points for a correct score.`

Score to beat: 11

Your score: _____

Huddersfield

-

Watford

2-1

Chelsea

-

Newcastle

2-0

Sunderland

-

Liverpool

1-0

Burnley

-

QPR

2-1

Blackpool

-

Millwall

0-0

Bournemouth

-

Norwich

2-1

Leyton Orient

-

Fleetwood

1-3

Sheffield Utd

-

Preston

1-1

Everton

-

Man City

1-3

Leicester

-

Aston Villa

1-0

Swansea

-

West Ham

2-2

Crystal Palace

-

Tottenham Hotspur

1-4

Brentford

-

Rotherham

3-0

ANSWERS Brain Teasers Team Unscrambler 1.

Derby County

2.

Blackburn Rovers

3.

Rotherham United

4.

Wigan Athletic

5.

Sheffield Wednesday

6.

Bolton Wanderers

7.

Middlesbrough

8.

Norwich City

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Fulham

Manager Link 1.

David Beckham

2.

Luis Suarez

3.

Fernando Torres

4.

Michael Owen

5.

Jermaine Defoe

6.

Alan Shearer

7.

Frank Lampard

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Test Your Knowledge 1.

Liverpool, Aston Villa, York City,, Northampton Town, Charlton Athletic

2.

Chelsea, Man City, Man United, Arsenal, Blackburn Rovers

3.

Peter Taylor, Sven Goran Eriksson, Steve McLaren, Fabio Capello, Roy Hodgson

Glenn Hoddle

4.

Brazil, South Africa, Germany, South Korea, France

Dimitar Berbatov

5.

Any of following teams:

10. Eric Cantona

Chelsea, Tottenham, Arsenal, Liverpool, Coventry, Man United, Leeds United, West Ham United, Nottingham Forest, Everton, Brighton, Crystal Palace, Middlesbrough, Yeovil, Bristol City

Club Information Chairman Stuart Hopwood Secretary John Maguire

Ben FLECTHER

Chris BRINKSMAN

Andrew RICHARDS

Chris COTTINGTON

Chris ANDERSON

Hamish FALCONER

Jack COOK

Aaron MORRIS

Joshua WESTWOOD

Lewis SAUNDERS

Jonathan HOTHERSHALL

Karl BERGQVIST

Alexander MURPHY

Sam COULTER

Steven EYANGA-BWANGA

Alex GLILLESIPE

Daniel PENSWICK (C)

Neil HULME

Harry DUNN

Jack MCKAY

Brett FERGUSON

James RUSHTON-WOODS

Alexander MCKENDRICK

Andy GILLESPIE

Ryan RILEY

Paul COOKE-HANNAH

Jake FORSHAW

Tom LIGHTBODY

Mark BUCHAN

Marcus PERRY

Alex COLQUGHOUN

Ryan DUFFY

Steve McLellan

Shaun HOLMES

Gaz GRANT

Albert Cooper

Treasurer John Stokes Manager Dave McCann Assistant Managers Richard Thomas Mark Shaw Groundsman Brian Addison

Micky Farrar Peter Bryant Steve Bellamy Bar & Hospitality Denise Gibson Emma Hopwood Christine Walsh

Media

Danny Braid Mark Ashmore Programme Editors

Match Officials

Daniel Hayden

Jay Hayden

Referee: Dean Watson

Twitter

Assistants: Karl Bardsley, Abid Hussain

@squiresgatefc