Squires Gate v Whitchurch Alport

OFFICIAL 32 PAGE MATCHDAY PROGRAMME OF SQUIRES GATE

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CLUB DIRECTORY & OFFICIALS CONTACT US Squires Gate Football Club School Road, Blackpool, FY4 5DS

Good afternoon, and welcome to Alport have been unable to win in the Brian Addison Stadium for our the league since the start of game against Whitchurch Alport. November so they will be wanting to kickstart the new year with Our first game of the new year some wins. was last Friday and we were not able to get control of the game but I think a 7-3 scoreline flattened Bootle.

I hope Whitchurch fans enjoy the game, and have a safe journey home.

We face another tough team in Whitchurch today, however they are going through a rough patch.

Jay Hayden, Programme Editor

Email: squiresgatefc@gmail.com

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

EXECUTIVE:

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

IN TODAY’S ISSUE 4

FROM THE DUGOUT

7

ABOUT WHITCHURCH

8

FROM YOCKINGS PARK

9

FROM THE ARCHIVE

10

TRIBUTE TO AARON

11

VIEW FROM AWAY END

12

GATE TEAM OF DECADE

14

MATCHDAY CENTRE

16

NAMES NAMES

18

MATCH ACTION

21

NWCFL STATS

22

GROUDHOPPING

24

AROUND THE NWCFL

25

FROM THE ARCHIVE

26

VIEW FROM HOME END

30

LINE UPS

Committee: John Maguire, Mark Ashmore, Steve Bellamy, Brian Addison, Colin Smith, Karl Townson, Spencer Leader, Chris Chadwick, Nick Grindley, Tony Jo, Media: Albert Cooper, Mark Ashmore Programme Editors : Jay Hayden, Dan Hayden

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

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

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LUKE EVANS Welcome and Happy new year to all fans joining us for today’s game. I hope you have had a great Christmas and we are looking forward to entertaining you this afternoon as we welcome Whitchurch Alport to the Brian Addison Stadium.

It has been a terrific December for us with us going unbeaten and the only blip coming in the shape of a 3-3 draw when we led by 3 goals to nil. I have been so pleased with the dedication and hard work carried out by the players that I thought the results were very much deserved for their efforts. Unfortunately last time out we got punished by clinical finishing by the opposition and were punished 7-3. I think it is very rare that you go away from home score 3 and still end up losing but we need to make sure that we don’t make a habit of it and I hope that it was just a bad day at the office.

We welcome today’s visitors and look forward to the game we have no fear of anybody in this league and I want us to play with confidence and enjoy our football.

I just want to finish by saying that Ryan Riley and Jordan Gidley impressed me immensely in December but for me special praise is reserved for James Boyd, the way in which he has led by example has been nothing short of magical and to have 14 goals before Christmas from midfield is a great achievement and I’m excited to see what more he can achieve in the second half of the season.

On a housekeeping point of view I would like to thank the football club, committee, volunteers and our chairman for their tireless work both on and off the pitch. They are working on so much to get this club going in a strong direction.

We have introduced a 100 club that you can take part in for just £1.25 a week and we have also this month welcomed many new sponsors to the club. Anybody wishing to help out in any way can contact myself or any of the volunteers and we would be happy to have you on board.

Cheer us on to victory and Enjoy the game Luke

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5

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Formed: 1946

Ground: Yockings Park Capacity: Colours: Red & White Shirts, Red Shorts, Red & White Socks HONOURS: Shropshire County FA Challenge Premier Cup Winners: 1969/70, 1971/72, 1977/78, 1981/82, 1997/98, 2008/09 Shropshire County FA Challenge Cup Winners: 1950/51, 1953/54, 1957/58 Welsh FA Amateur Cup Winners: 1973/74 West Cheshire League Champions: 1969/70 North West Counties Football League Play Off Winners 2017/18 The Huddersfield Cup Winners 2018/19

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WE WELCOME WHITCHURCH ALPORT Formed in 1946, WAFC took its name from the nearby Alport Farm which was the home of local footballer, Coley Maddox, who lost his life during WWII. Alport started out in the Shrewsbury& District League, winning the title two years after their formation.

The club spent a year in the Birmingham League before becoming one of the founder members of the Mid Cheshire League in 1948. Alport went on to enjoy some success in the 50’s and 60’s, reaching numerous Cup finals – one of which saw the club contest the Welsh Amateur Cup Final against Chirk AAA in front of 5,000 spectators at Wrexham’s Racecourse Ground.

Arguably their finest hour though, came in the 1969-70 campaign when Whitchurch became the first side to take the League Championship outside of Cheshire. They also won the Shropshire County Cup but in pursuit of the treble, Kidsgrove Athletic denied them of unrivalled success with Whitchurch beaten 4-2 in the League Cup Final. Still, it didn’t stop the town’s Council from honouring the club with a Civic reception acknowledging the team’s outstanding achievements.

Whitchurch Alport has always had strong links with Crewe with a number of players having worn the red jerseys of both clubs. Peter Gowans, Billy McGinley, Willy Mailey, Richard Wainwright, Kevin Rafferty and Nick Longley are all fine examples of the association between Alport and the Alex.

Local lad Stuart Mason played professionally for Wrexham, Liverpool, Crewe and Chester, while former Northern Ireland striker Jimmy Quinn began his playing career at Yockings Park. The Reds have always been blessed with a hard working committee but perhaps the most revered of them all was Bernard Painter who served Alport well in several different guises, before he passed away in the mid 90’s Bernard was instrumental in the club’s formation so it’s only right that he’s still remembered with fondness up Black Park Road. Season 1973/74 saw the club achieve its highest honour to date by defeating Cardiff College 2-1 to become the first English side ever to win the Welsh Amateur Cup under the stewardship of the late Eddie Morris. But a decade later and Alport were in decline.

A disastrous decision to field only local players resulted in back-to-back bottom place finishes with barely a handful of wins across two successive campaigns. The committee approached Pete Wainwright ,then manager of Kidsgrove Athletic ,finally stepped onto the field to compete at the highest level in their history, earning a 1-1 home draw with Rochdale Town in front of a crowd of 83, with Luke Woollam becoming the first player to score for the club as a NWCFL outfit.

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In 2009, Alport won the Shropshire County Cup at Shrewsbury Town’s stadium with a 1-0 win over Wellington Amateurs. But just four years later, the Reds resigned from the Cheshire League just a few short weeks before the campaign began, and there was a question mark against the club’s future. They survived – just - and took the decision to play in the Mercian Premier Division, but it was far from plain sailing from there.

After a couple of seasons in the Mercian, there was an even bigger decision to be made: Alport had seen an opportunity to apply for North West Counties League status. Originally, their application to join NWCFL was declined but an appeal was successfully heard at Wembley Stadium - with the FA’s appeals committee overturning the original decision.

There was much hard work ahead to make the dreams become reality though. The ground had to be brought up to NWCFL regulations, not to mention being able to field a team to be able to compete at Step 6. But in August 2015, Initially, the Reds began brightly, losing only five of their first 15 league games. But a harsh winter saw interest wane and many of the better players decided they’d had enough. Alport limped over the line simply to complete their league fixtures, but a miserly 16 points from 34 league matches told its own story. The club appointed an ambitious young manager, Luke Goddard in May 2016. He set about assembling a brand new youthful and energetic team & WAFC were beaten semifinalists in the play-offs earning the right to compete in the FA Cup. Over 100 fans followed the club to Walsall where they lost 3-1.

Alport were promoted to the Premier Division after a thrilling end to their 2017-18 season. A play off final victory over Cammell Laird in front of a record 733 crowd at Yockings Park sent Alport to the top-flight after just three seasons as an NWCFL club. The Ethelston Cup was won for the first time in 9 years in 2018 and retained last season. Alport finished their inaugural season in the Premier in a respectable 14th place and secured a second trophy by landing the Huddersfield Cup, with a penalty shoot-out victory over Market Drayton.

WHITCHURCH ALPORT 0 ECCLESHALL 5 / 6th February 2016 From the archive this week, Lost Boyos blogger and founder Matt Harrison writes about his trip to Yockings Park back in 2013 for the game against Eccleshall. Originally heading to Nantwich for their game with Warrington Town but the game was postponed so they decided to head to Whitchurch instead.

At half-time we spotted that the Warrington Town fan had finally decided to join us in Whitchurch; apparently he told Gibbo that he didn’t follow us onto the train to Whitchurch as he wanted to check out Nantwich’s pitch for himself; he clearly thought we looked like shift characters, unlike our Stourbridge pal. Also, Gibbo had found us another friend in the shape of another groundhopper ‘The Moon Hopper’, who was proudly “We had noticed that Whitchruch Alport’s NWCFL 1st Division wearing a Truro City hat having recently ventured down there; clash with Eccleshall remained unscathed by the dreaded I’d want a memento too for heading all that way.

‘P-P’ but we were just expecting it to eventually fall by the Half-time was spent with chips from the food hatch housed wayside too. But we took another glance at Whitchurch’s within the club bar, more Carling and Jeff Stelling feeding us Twitter feed and the game seemed to be still very much on having passed a pitch inspection. Train times were looked at the half-time scores from around the country. The gathering of and soon we were back at Nantwich station ready to shuffle on players out on the field though soon prompted us to head back outside into the rain to Whitchurch.

It took just a matter of minutes into the second half for the “They sell Wrexham Lager in here!” I blurted out on spotting the tap of it on entering the Wheatsheaf. Immediately I ordered away team to make it 2-0. A cross from out wide was met at the backpost Steve Hughes who scored with a header. a pint and reeled out my my Wrexham Lager fact, which I

found it almost compulsory to state every time I drink the beer: The game was made more interesting for us neutrals in the 66th minute when Whitchurch’s goalie had to go off with an “Do you know that Wrexham lager was the beer sold on the injury and, just like when I went to Burscough two weeks ago, I Titanic?” The barmaid straightaway looked annoyed, as she found myself witnessing an outfield player being forced to told us that she also states the very same fact every time someone order order Wrexham’s finest in the pub; it seemed play in goals with no substitute goalie on the bench. It was I’d stolen her thunder. Of course, immediately on mentioning very different to Burscough though, as the Burscough ‘keeper’ the Titanic link, I started throwing out my usual rubbish “I’ll sink that day had nothing to do, whereas today the makeshift a few of these,” and “this always goes down well,” jokes. Poor. keeper certainly had a lot to do..

The staff and locals we encountered in The Wheatsheaf were all extremely friendly, although they did question our sanity a little bit, especially when we explained how we started the day with no clue where we were going.

I immediately liked the ground. It’s very humble, but it definitely holds character. On walking in, the small, old sheltered stand is directly in front of you with a small clubhouse alongside it.

The rest of the ground is largely open with some basic sheltering provided down half of the one side of the ground.

It was soon 3-0 when Eccleshall’s forward broke through on goal and simply rolled past Whitchurch’s new goalie and a minute after that it was 4-0. Hughes with his second of the game.

Undoubtedly my favourite moment of the game was Eccleshall’s 5th, although stand-in goalkeeper Will Hopkins will probably want to forget it. A poor throw out went straight to Eccleshall’s Dean Twigg, who took a touch and then went for a 20 yard chip; it wasn’t exactly the most looping of chips, but it seemed to go directly past Hopkins and into the far corner.

On the pitch, the game was entertaining with the opening 20 minutes being a relatively end-to-end game. It would take 18 Full-time: Whitchurch Alport 0 – 5 Eccleshall. minutes for the deadlock to be broken and it would be the visitors Eccleshall who would take the lead. A shot from 20 yards from Dan Counter headed straight for the bottom corner, although it did look like the keeper should have probably saved it. 1-0 to Eccleshall.

The goal seemed to have knocked the stuffing out of Whitchurch and the rest of the half was fairly one-sided in Eccleshall’s favour. The away team were denied by a couple of saves and the crossbar at one point, but they failed to add to their tally and the score remained 1-0 at half-time.

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AARON MILLINGTON On Monday 6th January, Whitchurch Alport announced the tragic and sudden death of supporter Aaron Millington. We would like to send our deepest condolences to Aaron’s family.

On the Alport website, Martin Wild said: “Aaron - just 22 years old - was involved in a car accident in the early hours of Sunday morning and we received the tragic news of his passing this [Monday] morning. “Azza” was more than just a supporter at Yockings Park, he was the embodiment of the spirit and togetherness that makes WAFC unique. If something was happening at Whitchurch Alport, you could guarantee that Aaron would be involved whether that was a matchday, work at the ground or even a fundraising event. He embraced Alport and we embraced him as one of our own.

At the beginning of the 2017-18 season, a bank holiday game against AFC Blackpool bought glorious weather following from the town. As usual, Aaron was there but the circumstances were very unusual. Thinking he had no chance of a lift to the game, he had taken it upon himself to pay for train travel from Whitchurch to Blackpool at a cost of £80! We immediately gave him a free season ticket to Yockings Park and he was emotional accepting it.

At the end of last season, alongside his good friend Tommy Knowles, both were presented with signed Alport jerseys from the club as a thank you for their commitment to both home and away matches.

Probably the lasting and most recent memory where Aaron showed his love for his local football club was back in the summer when he promised if his team won the Huddersfield Cup he would have his first tattoo in the form of the Alport crest on his chest! We went on to win the cup, and Aaron stuck to his word by having the tattoo done. A crazy thing to do for a club at our level but that was Aaron and why we loved him so much at Yockings.

Despite the teams recent poor form, he was first to clap the lads off and show his support to everyone just as he always did, no matter what the result or where we played in the country. It is an understatement to say that he will be missed; it simply will not be the same up at Yockings Park or on the away coach without him present. His smile and personality will shine down on us all.

As a club we will keep all supporters and the #AlportFamily updated with any future arrangements we have but for now our thoughts and support are with Aaron’s family and friends.

Especially his mum Jane, and his dad Tony”

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Martin Wild

Speaking to The Gate from Whitchurch Alport this week is media man Martin Wild. He talks about non league, which 3 Premier League players he would sign and his 5 a side team.

Note: This is not the words of either Whitchurch Alport FC, or Squires Gate FC and we ask each interviewee for their own opinion.

What got you into football, more importantly Whitchurch Alport? What team did you support growing up?

I support Bolton Wanderers, and I caught the football bug in 1973. I saw the first game at Burnden and the first game at the Reebok. I joined Whitchurch Alport in June 2016 after 9 years in media with Shrewsbury Town.

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

My first shirt was the yellow admiral Leeds United one. My idols were Peter Thompson and Frank Worthington.

What were your expectations at the start of the season?

How are you comparing to that so far this season?

At the start of the season, I would say our expectations were to finish in the top 6 and we are not far off that despite the past two months being tough.

Do you remember the first game you attended, in general and for Whitchurch Alport?

My first game for Alport was Daisy Hill at home back in 2016 when I took on my current role. In general, Bolton vs Notts County at Burnden was the game that got me hooked.

What has been your most memorable moment watching Alport?

For me, that is easy. Winning the Shropshire Senior Cup by beating Shrewsbury Town 3-1.

Best and worst game that you have seen?

The best game was coming from 3-0 down to win 7-3 at Daisy Hill, and the worst was losing a 2-1 at home to Congleton, who had 8 men.

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

There’s no fixtures that stand out for me, Burscough is vile and Litherland REMYCA always do well at our place.

Any grounds you enjoy visiting? In NWCFL, and in general?

For me AFC Blackpool and Padiham are grounds that I enjoy visiting.

What makes non league unique for you?

The friendliness and watching full blown tackles go without punishment are reasons why I love non league.

In your opinion, which 3 teams will go up this season.

Who will go down?

It’s a tough one as there are many teams who look capable of going up this season but I’ll say Bootle, 1874 Northwich and possibly Irlam or Longridge. To go down, I hope Burscough will go, wretched club.

Who has been the toughest opposition to come to Alport?

Silsden was always a game with an edge and Prestwich were always up for a battle, especially at Yockings.

You can bring 3 PL players to the club on a free transfer.

Who do you sign?

Sergio Aguero, Harry Kane and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

You are manager of a 5 a side team, you can have 2 Alport players and 3 PL legends. Who makes your team?

Parton, Cuff, Okocha, Cantona and Le Tissier.

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SQUIRES GATE 2010-2019 In the last week of 2019, fans could vote on Twitter for their ‘team of the decade’ by voting one of three players in each position and here are the results. We have had some very good players over the last 10 years at Gate, and some of the polls were very close. We also had to leave some players out. How does this compare to your team of the decade? Who would you pick? I’ve wrote my picks under each result.

1

2

3

4

5

6

B. Fletcher

56.9

Rico

50.5

J. Higham

42.1

S. Bamba

48.8

D. Rossall

35.6

D. Penswick

41.8

J. Gidley

25

D. Gray

38.6

A. Sumner

37.5

D. McCann

28.2

T. Barlett

32.4

S. S-Turner

34.2

N. Beesley

18.1

T. Benfield

10.8

S. Horn

20.4

N. Taylor

23

J. Westwood

32

M. Hall

23.9

B. Fletcher

Rico

Higham

Bamba

Westwood

7

8

9

10

11

Staunton-Turner

J. Sowerby

64

D. Ing

47.8

R. Seear

74.7

S. Harries

47

A. Harvie

77.3

K. Mayers

19.7

J. Noblet

36.4

C. Bennett

15.4

J. Kay

35.4

G. Pett

16.4

I. Kusaloka

16.3

B. Fishwick

15.8

L. Mayers

9.9

M. Rothwell

17.7

J. Boyd

6.3

Sowerby

Ing

R. Seear

Kay

Boyd

1

2

5

4

7

6

3

11

8 9 12

10

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A PREVIEW OF TODAY’S GAME SQUIRES GATE

WHITCHURCH ALPORT

Gate were on a fantastic run going into this year, being unbeaten in their previous 5 games. However, when they came up against promotion favourites Bootle, they were on the wrong side of a thrashing.

Whitchurch have not won in the league since November, manager Matt Burton will be wanting to put that right and climb back up the league.

In fact, their last league win came against Squires Gate back at the start of November.

Today, it’ll be another tough test but a good chance to turn the fortunes around.

GATE FORM GUIDE

WHITCHURCH ALPORT FORM GUIDE

WON 2-1

DREW 3-3

WON 3-1

WON 2-1

WON 2-1

LOST 7-3

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

WON 3-2

LOST 3-0

LOST 3-0

07/12/19

14/12/19

17/12/19

21/12/19

28/12/19

03/01/20

02/12/19

09/12/19

14/12/19

18/12/19

28/12/19

04/01/20

League

League

League

League

League

League

League

League

League

Cup

League

League

LAST TIME OUT SQUIRES GATE 4

0 WHITCHURCH ALPORT

Egidi 1, Seear 29, Boyd 58, Own Goal 72 Saturday 29th December 2018 / The Brian Addison Stadium / Attendance: 87

Gate opened the scoring near enough straight from kick off as they looked to take the game to the visitors. Riccardo Egidi showed great strength to hold off his man inside the box before keeping his composure and firing past the keeper. Gate were more clinical down the other end and doubled their lead 25 minutes in. A lovely ball down the line by Seydou Bamba found the run of Ryan Charnley, he crossed into the box which looped over the keepers head to find Ric Seear arriving late at the back post to head in. The second half started as the first had finished with Gate still applying the pressure looking for a third goal.

That opportunity came just a minute into the second half when Ric Seear was brought down in the box, but missed the following penalty. The goal eventually did come for Gate through James Boyd. He was found in the box when Ryan Charnley lobbed the ball over the Alport defence he took the shot first time on the volley to beat the keeper. His long range effort cannoned back off the crossbar though, a sure goal of the season winner had it gone in. A fourth came for Gate in comical circumstances.

James Boyd sent a crossfield ball looking for the run of Ryan Riley, the ball was intercepted by the left back who played it back to the keeper but the lads had too much on it and rolled past Parton into the empty net.

GATE v WHITCHURCH HEAD TO HEAD

16 14

Played

Gate Wins

Draws

Whitchurch Wins

Gate Goals

Whitchurch Goals Highest Score

3

1

1

1

7

4

WA 3-2 SG

33.3%

33.3%

33.3%

2.3 GPG

1.3 GPG

04.11.19

3

RUNCORN TOWN

A

2-1

25 ASHTON ATHLETIC FEBRUARY

6

BURSCOUGH

H

0-1

1

RYLANDS

A

10 WEST DIDSBURY (FAC)

H

1-2

8

LITHERLAND REMYCA

H

17 WINSFORD UNITED

A

5-2

15 BARNOLDSWICK TOWN

H

20 PADIHAM

A

1-2

19 LONGRIDGE TOWN

A

26 BARNOLDSWICK TOWN

A

2-2

A

31 WHICKHAM (FA VASE)

A

1-2

29 BURSCOUGH MARCH 7 RUNCORN TOWN

H

14 HANLEY TOWN

A

21 PADIHAM

H

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER 7

BOOTLE

H

2-4

14 W. A CELTIC (FA VASE 2Q)

H

1-4

24 LANCASTER CITY (LCT 1)

H

1-6

APRIL

28 AVRO OCTOBER

A

3-2

2

5

H

1-5

12 1874 NORTHWICH

H

0-4

15 NORTHWICH VICS

H

2-1

19 EMLEY AFC (MACRON CUP)

A

2-1

23 LITHERLAND REMYCA

A

0-0

29 HANLEY TOWN

H

1-2

IRLAM

NOVEMBER

1874 NORTHWICH

A

A

16 LONGRIDGE TOWN

H

23 CHARNOCK RICHARD

A

30 IRLAM

A

TEAM

P

PTS

GD

1

1874 Northwich

21

53

39

2

Bootle

21

47

25

2

ASHTON ATHLETIC

H

0-4

3

Charnock Richard

24

44

22

5

WHITCHURCH ALPORT

A

3-2

4

Longridge Town

18

42

18

9

CONGLETON TOWN

A

2-3

5

Rylands

20

38

16

23 RYLANDS

H

0-3

6

Ashton Athletic

21

34

16

7

30 NORTHWICH VICS

A

2-3

Irlam

19

34

13

8

Avro

23

32

-1

9

Whitchurch Alport

20

29

1

10

Winsford United

21

27

-2

11

Runcorn Town

20

27

-2

12

Squires Gate

23

27

-18

DECEMBER 7

CONGLETON TOWN

H

2-1

14 SKELMERSDALE

A

3-3

17 WINSFORD UNITED

H

3-1

13

Northwich Vics

20

26

10

21 CHARNOCK RICHARD

H

2-1

14

Barnoldswick Town

21

24

-12

28 AVRO

H

2-1

15

Congleton Town

21

23

-2

16

Skelmersdale United

21

20

-6

17

Hanley Town

21

20

-16

18

Padiham

22

19

-19

JANUARY

7-3

3 BOOTLE

A

11 WHITCHURCH ALPORT

H

19

Burscough

22

15

-37

18 SKELMERSDALE UNITED

H

20

Litherland REMYCA

21

12

-45

15

BY DAN HAYDEN

Test your knowledge on some of the famous results in football history, can you name the starting XI for each team? Going back to 2007 this week when England hosted Croatia in a crucial Euro 2008 fixture. The game finished 3-2. and it was curtains for Steve McLaren as England boss. Which England keeper made a howler in this game too?

CROATIA

ENGLAND

16

25 Currently the City third keeper.

1

Started career at Hadjuk Split

5

Former Villa right back

3

Former Spurs RB

6

Started his career at Wolves

12 Played for AC & Inter Milan

15 Ex Tottenham & Arsenal CB

15 Born in Germany originally

20 Went into I’m a Celeb

21 Now manages Croatia U19

11 Son of Ian Wright

17 Current Shakhtar assistant

14 Currently at West Brom

18 World Cup runner up in 2018

4

24 Recently managed Bayern

Famous Liverpool no.8

12 Former West Ham and Chelsea

28 Former Pompey and Rangers

8

Made 429 for a London club

9

9

Has just released his 2nd book

10 Broke Martin Taylor’s leg in ‘08

Assistant coach of Croatia

1

3

12

15

21

17

24

18

24

10

9

9

11

20

4

8

13

13

6

12

5

25

17

PREMIER DIVISION, THE BRIAN ADDISON STADIUM, 21.12.19 SQUIRES GATE Boyd (4), Darwika (84)

GATE 1

Jordan Gidley

2

Cameron Gourley

3

Jacob Higham

4

Sam Staunton-Turner

5

Luke Holden

6

Josh Westwood

7

Ryan Riley

8

Matthew Farnworth

9

Gary Pett

10

Dean Ing

11

James Boyd

2-1

Att:81

CHARNOCK RICHARD Darr (24)

Gate opened the scoring early on the game, after just four minutes. James Boyd who scored a hatrick on the previous Tuesday night was able to turn in Sam Staunton-Turner’s Cross inside the box to give Gate the lead. The visitors had a chance of there own but Jordan Gidley was on hand to deny them and keep Gate’s lead. Charnock equalised in the 24 minute when Gate just couldn’t clear the ball in the box. A round of head tennis ensued before what looked like a foul on keeper Jordan Gidley saw Charnock striker Jordan Darr score.

CHARNOCK 1

Ben Ascroft

2

Aaron Griffith

3

Oliver Turner

4 Striker Carl Grimshaw, who is usually potent in the front of goal wasted the chance 5 to put his side ahead at the start of the second half when he headed over the bar.

Gate manager Evans could smell blood and made two attacking changes which 6 proved to be a masterstrock from him. First he introduced Josh Pollard before flying 7 winger Nana Adarkwa, back from injury, joined the action. It was Adarkwa who scored the winning goal with his first touch of the game. Dean Ing chased a long ball 8 forward before taking the quick throw in which found Adarkwa and he fired home 9 with his first touch of the ball. The winger was again involved when he beat the Charnock right back with ease before finding Josh Pollard in the box but he missed 10 the open net. The visitors were then reduced to ten men when Ashley Young was shown a red card for hacking down Nana Adarkwa from behind.

11

Ashley Young Ross O’Farrell

Jack Bennett Spencer Bibby Nathan Fairhurst Carl Grimshaw Jordan Darr Nathan Nickeas

Pic by Albert Cooper

Pic by Albert Cooper

Pic by Albert Cooper 18

Pic by Albert Cooper

19

20

FACTS & FIGURES FROM THE PREMIER DIVSION MOST CLEAN SHEETS

HIGHEST ATTENDANCES

MOST 2ND HALF GOALS

G. McCall (Rylands)

5

1874 v Winsford

403

Charnock Richard

37

B. Barnes (Skem Utd)

4

Bootle v 1874

351

1874 Northwich

36

A. Reid (Runcorn Town)

3

1874 v Rylands

348

Bootle

32

D. Taberner (N.Vics)

2

Whitchurch v Hanley

333

Rylands

30

A. Woolrich (Hanley Town)

2

N. Vics v Burscough

310

Longridge Town

26

MOST CARDS (Y / R)

TOP SCORERS (ALL)

HIGHEST SCORES

Padiham

41 38 / 3

Paul Turner (Long)

32

Barnoldswick v 1874

4-8

Lither’ REMYCA

40 33 / 7

Carl Grimshaw (Char)

25

Bootle v Gate

7-3

Avro

38 34 / 4

Scott McGowan (1874)

22

REMYCA v 1874

0-9

Barnoldswick Town 36 31 / 5

Jake Parker (1874)

19

Winsford v Gate

5-4

Skelmersdale Utd

Sam Madeley (Win)

17

Bootle v Avro

7-2

36 33 / 3

GATE v WHITCHURCH: LEAGUE GOALS IN MINUTES 6+ 5 4 3 2

2

1 0-10

11-20

WHERE TO SEE GOALS

21-30

31-40

41-45

46-50

51-60

61-70

FORM TABLE (Last 6)

71-80

81-89

90+

GATE TOP SCORERS

1 Charnock Richard

50

1 Bootle

18

James Boyd

10

2 Northwich Vics

50

2 1874 Northwich

18

Dean Ing

9

3 Avro

49

3 Longridge Town

16

Riccardo Egidi

5

4 Bootle

49

4 Squires Gate

13

Jack Illey

3 2

46

12

Josh Westwood

5 Longridge Town

5 Avro

6 Winsford United

46

7 Runcorn Town

45

8 Rylands

43

9 Skelmersdale United

43

10 Squires Gate

43

FORM TABLE (LAST 6)

GATE MOST APPS

16 Burscough

6

Jake Higham

22

17 Congleton Town

5

Sam Staunton-Turner

22

18 Hanley Town

4

James Boyd

21

19 Whitchurch Alport

4

Josh Pollard

21

20 Winsford United

3

Dean Ing

20

21

Steve Salagnac @FromParisToUK Speaking to The Gate this week, Steve Salagnac speaks to us about the football experience in France. Steve is a groundhopper in France, but tends to visit a lot of English games. He also talks about Football Manager, why he supports Marseille and a not so memorable game in Woking.

Firstly, how did you get into football? How did you start your groundhopping?

I've loved football since always, in the mid 90's with the victory of Olympique de Marseille in Champions League Final. I didn’t start my groundhopping until very late in 2009, and I say very late because I followed the English football and especially the lower leagues since 1998 with the game football manager.

What is your earliest memory of going to football? Do you remember your first game?

It's not a joke but my earliest memory was in the stadium of the big rival of the club that i support. With our educative center it was free (entrance), and i waited discreetly to see them lose. (Paris Saint Germain) How many grounds have you visited up to now? What has been your favourite?

I've visited something like 100 grounds (include non matchdays). My favourite was Th

24 22

1998 because i thought it was incredible to see that such a club in League One. After that I followed Peterborough Utd because it was my time on the Football Manager game. And now I'm looking about all clubs except Premier League teams, as there is too much business there.

What has been the most memorable game you have ever watched? The best and worst game?

My most memorable was my first game Derby County v Man Utd in the league cup. By pure chance, I was just behind the bench of Man Utd and all their stars that were on the bench.

C. Ronaldo, Rooney, Evra.

The worst game, I would say a Woking v Ebbsfleet in January, a very cold day.

Squires Gate are a team based in Blackpool. Have you ever attended a non league game in France? What makes it unique?

I have see some games, but unfortunately it is not comparable because in France, no one supports their local club. In level 3 for example, neither have more than 1000, or maybe 2-3 clubs.

Any favourite grounds in particular?

I loved a lot in England. Difficult to choose but Edgeley Park e Oval, Glentoran.

(Stockport County) was a special place.

Do you have any plans to come to watch a game of football in England? Can we expect to see you at Squires Gate one day?

Definitively yes. I try to come at least once a year. And you can expect to see me at Squires Gate. I was close in 2015, as You are based in France, could you give us an insight into I see a game of Preston North End, and I have see the signs how the football experience is different in other for Squires Gate. countries?

I'm not happy to say that but on and off the pitch it's a disaster.

On the pitch our football is so much more defensive, chilly.

And off the pitch, our instances forbid everything. For example, 90% of travel ban for fans. Nevertheless we do have a big potential, it’s sad.

What is your usual match day routine? What do you normally do before a game?

I tend to open my eyes wide and enjoy every corner of history, culture. I like to visit the city, consume on the spot. The place interests me more than the game.

What team do you support? Why did you choose them?

Could you tell us a bit about the team you support?

I support Olympique de Marseille since 1993. My dad was a fan, it’s as simple as that. It's a club where something is Thanks to Steve for his contribution to our programme. In our always going on in excess. feature this year, we have now managed to speak to fans from What was the first football shirt you owned growing up? Russia, France, Southampton, Shropshire, Wales and Do you keep an eye on any English teams?

Newcastle!

Still Olympique de Marseille. Yes I started to follow Man City in

23

THE LATEST FROM DIVISION 1 DIVISION 1 NORTH TEAM

P

DIVISION 1 SOUTH PTS

GD

TEAM

P

PTS

GD

1

Lower Breck

21

45

39

1

Vauxhall Motors

21

55

38

2

Emley AFC

21

40

13

2

FC Oswestry Town

23

48

26

3

AFC Liverpool

21

38

36

3

Stone Old Alleynians

22

44

21

4

AFC Blackpool

21

35

4

4

Abbey Hey

21

43

13

5

Shelly

20

34

5

5

Eccleshall

23

39

16

6

Daisy Hill

23

34

-6

6

Wythenshawe Town

18

34

28

7

Ashton Town

19

33

17

7

West Didsbury & Chorlton

20

34

9

8

AFC Darwen

22

32

-11

8

Maine Road

19

29

5

9

Pilkington

22

31

2

9

Cammell Larid 907

22

29

1

10 Chadderton

24

30

-5

10 Stockport Town

22

28

2

11 Nelson

22

29

-7

11 Cheadle Town

21

27

0

12 Prestwich Heys

19

28

-2

12 Cheadle Heath Normads

23

26

-10

13 Cleator Moor Celtic

20

26

-7

13 Sandbach United

21

24

-6

14 Garstang

20

25

-10

14 Wythenshawe Amateurs

19

22

-5

15 Holker Old Boys

21

25

-17

15 New Mills

21

22

-17

16 Golcar United

18

24

7

16 Abbey Hulton United

22

21

-30

17 St Helens Town

23

24

-11

17 Alsager Town

21

20

-24

18 Atherton LR

22

24

-15

18 Barnton

21

19

-18

19 Bacup Borough

21

23

-4

19 Ellesmere Rangers

21

19

-27

20 Steeton

24

22

-28

20 St Martins

21

15

-22

RESULTS

24

AFC Darwen

1

0

AFC Liverpool

Abbey Hulton United

1

4

St Martins

Bacup Borough

2

0

Ashton Town

Alsager Town

1

2

West Didsbury

Chadderton

7

0

Cleator Moor Celtic

Cheadle Town

1

0

Sandbach United

Daisy Hill

1

2

AFC Blackpool

Eccleshall

2

0

Cheadle Heath

Emely

3

2

Holker Old Boys

Ellesmere Rangers

1

2

Wythenshawe Town

Garstang

2

0

Nelson

FC Oswestry Town

2

3

Wythenshawe Amateur

Pilkington

3

1

Atherton LR

New Mills

1

0

Barnton

Shelley

2

0

Lower Breck

Stockport Town

4

1

Cammell Laird 1907

Steeton

5

1

St Helens Town

Stone Old Alleynians

0

2

Maine Road

Vauxhall Motors

2

1

Abbey Hey

A look back to 1993/94 RESULTS - FA VASE 1993/94

PREMIER LEAGUE 1993/94

Kimberley Town

1

2

Nantwich Town

Lincoln United

2

0

Darwen

C

Manchester United

Maghull

0

1

Ilkeston

2

Prescot

2

0

Hallam

Radcliffe Borough

2

0

Clitheroe

1

Brigg Town

PTS

GD

42

92

42

Blackburn Rovers

42

84

27

3

Newcastle United

42

77

41

North Trafford

4

Arsenal

42

71

25

2

Bacup Borough

5

Leeds United

42

70

26

3

1

Flixton

6

Wimbledon

42

65

3

Cammell Laird

6

2

Bootle

7

Sheffield Wednesday

42

64

22

Holwell Sports

1

6

Nantwich Town

8

Liverpool

42

60

4

Burscough

2

3

Penrith

9

QPR

42

60

1

Cammell Laird

2

3

Glossop North End

10 Aston Villa

42

57

-4

Kings Lynn

1

0

Nantwich Town

11 Coventry City

42

56

-2

Aldershot Town

0

2

Atherton LR

12 Norwich City

42

53

4

13 West Ham United

42

52

-11

14 Chelsea

42

51

-4

15 Tottenham Hotspur

42

45

-5

16 Manchester City

42

45

-11

FA CUP FINAL 1994 Chelsea

0

4

Manchester United

DID YOU KNOW?

TEAM

P

17 July ‘93

The domestic transfer record was broken as Roy Keane signs for Manchester United for £3.75m

17 Everton

42

44

-21

7 October ‘93

Kevin Keegan rules himself out of the England position after Graham Taylor fails to qualify for the 1994 World Cup.

18 Southampton

42

43

-17

19 Ipswich Town

42

43

-23

20 Sheffield United

42

42

-18

21 Oldham Althletic

42

40

-26

22 Swindon Town

42

30

-53

30 October ‘93

18 year old Robbie Fowler scores a hat trick against Southampton.

3 November ‘93

Man United are eliminated from the European Cup on away goals by Galatasaray.

20 January ‘94

Former Manchester United manager Matt Busby dies at the age of 84.

12 March ‘94

The biggest Premier League win of the season sees Newcastle beat Swindon 7-1 at St James Park.

27 March ‘ 94

Villa beat United 3-1 and end the Manchester side’s bid to win the domestic treble.

11 April ‘94

Alan Shearer scored his 30th goal of the season in Blackburn’s 1-0 win over Aston Villa

24 May ‘94

Matt Le Tissier signs a contract to stay at Southampton, rejecting United.

10 June ‘94

Bobby Charlton, record goalscorer for England and Manchester United, receives a knighthood.

25

ROY FROST Speaking to The Gate this week, is groundsman and volunteer Roy Frost who has been a part of the club for many years, and whose help is much appreciated by everyone at the club. Roy talks about his love for working in non league football, which Premier League players he would bring to Gate and his 5 a side team.

First of all, what encouraged you to get into football, and more importantly Squires Gate?

I started playing premier division and Preston and District league when I was 15, and my love of football stemmed from there. I played for Goss FC, and later Greenbank Celtic in the back 4. I got involved with Squires Gate, first time round I was the physio when Gordon Fell was manager. The second spell, Pictured above: The Brian Addison Stadium in 2013 I was approached by Brian Addison to come and join the Who are the toughest opponents you have seen come to ground staff about 3 years ago.

Gate?

Did you have any football idols growing up? Who did you Runcorn Linnets when they were in this division were always a support? tough team to play, and played good football. In the division When I was growing up, Sir Tom Finney from Preston and now, I’d say 1874 Northwich are the toughest team for us to Stanley Matthews from Blackpool. Also, the two full backs; play against. They always come and play us off the park.

Jimmy Armfield who I tried to model my play off how he If you were manager of a 5 a side team. You can pick 2 played. Cunningham from Preston too was another inspiration Gate players and 3 PL legends, who would you pick? for me. I supported any local team who were playing at home Dean Ing and Josh Westwood. My PL legends would be Peter when I hadn’t had a fixture. Normally Blackpool, Preston, Shilton, Steven Gerrard and Ryan Giggs.

Burnley, Blackburn, etc.

If you were to bring 3 PL players to Squires Gate on a free What are your expectations for the rest of this season? transfer. Who would you sign?

Basically to play well and stay up after the trauma of the Jordan Pickford - one hell of a goalkeeper. beginning of the season. I think Luke and Shane need time to Harry Maguire - because he’s a very good ball playing centre gel the team in to how they want the team to play. back Do you have any match day superstitions or rituals?

When I was playing, I always used to strap my ankles up, right Jordan Henderson - he always gives 100% one first and left one second. When it comes to supporting, I don’t really have any superstitions!

26

What has been your most memorable game, playing or watching Squires Gate?

As a physio, I had to put one of the lads’ shoulder back into place twice in one game. The player was Richard Shaw and that was against Tetley Walker.

Favourite game of all time?

Has to be the 1966 World Cup final, no words need to say what happened and why it’s my favourite game.

Favourite goal of all time?

It was a Preston player called George Lyle, he picked the ball up on the half way line, did keepy uppy all the way down the pitch to the edge of the 18 yard box and then lashed it into the top corner. It was an amazing goal to see.

Prediction for the game?

I’m gonna say a score draw!

27

PREMIER DIVISION, THE BRIAN ADDISON STADIUM, 28.12.19 SQUIRES GATE Pett (5, 44)

GATE 1

Jordan Gidley

2

Cameron Gourley

3

Jacob Higham

4

Sam Staunton-Turner

5

Luke Holden

6

Joshua Westwood

7

Ryan Riley

8

Matthew Farnworth

9

Gary Pett

10

Dean Ing

11

James Boyd

2-1 ATT: 90

AVRO Rathbone (8)

Gate started the game on the front foot but it was Avro that had the first chance of the game. Making just his third appearance back in a Gate shirt since his return to the club, it was no suprise to see Gary Pett back amongst the goals. Surpassing 20 goals on the his first spell at the club, Pett showed his marksman instincts for his first of the game when he lobbed the Avro keeper from 25 yards to five Gate the lead in this game. The visitors had a chance of themselves just after the restart but a flick from the striker at the near post could only find the side netting. They came forward again a minute after and found the equaliser. Joe Rathbone pouncing on a backwards header and slotting the ball past Jordan Gidley.

It was Gate who took the chance when it came there way just before the half time whistle. After a clever touch down from a lofted ball in by Dean Ing, Gary Pett made no mistake firing into the bottom corner for his and Gate’s second of the game.

Ryan Riley picking out Dean Ing at the back post but his diving header was wide.

Jake Higham and James Boyd combined down the left hand side for Gate on 63 minutes, the latter played a cross into Gary Pett but his shot wasn’t strong enough.

The visitors looked for the equaliser and pilled the pressure on late on. Gate hit Avro on the counter twice when first Dean Ing broke away but his shot was dragged wide.

Pic by Albert Cooper Pic by Albert Cooper

28

Pic by Albert Cooper

AVRO 1

Jordan Latham

2

Jack Poxon

3

Adam Mather

4

Daniel Hewitt

5

Jacob Wood

6

Kiarno Samms

7

Joe Rathbone

8

Kyle Jacobs

9

Joe Bevan

10

Jack Morrow

11

Daniel Parkinson

PREMIER DIVISION, BERRY STREET GARAGE STADIUM, 03.01.2020 BOOTLE Peers (2), Grant (24), Millington (34, 48) Foy (54), Hoy (64), Doran (80)

BOOTLE 1

Jack McGovern

2

Kieran Halligan

3

Steven Hoy

4

Daniel Brady

5

Ben Cartwright

6

Connor Millington

7

Cameron Grant

8

Johnny Foy

9

Cameron Dalton

10

Carl Peers

11

John Connolly

7-3 ATT:177

SQUIRES GATE Ing (22, 60), Riley (35)

The homeside opened the scoring after just two minutes through midfielder Carl Peers. Gate’s pressure since Bootle’s goal paid off when Dean Ing levelled the game on 22 minutes. He chopped past two Bootle defenders before firing into the roof of the net. Bootle soon retook the lead though, poor defending from Gate again saw Grant this time unmarked inside the box to fire past Gidley. The third goal came in quick succession and was a near carbon copy of the first goal.

Straight from kick off though Gate grabbed another goal back. Gary Pett’s cross into the box was spilt by the homesides keeper, Ryan Riley reacted quickest to fire in the loose ball.

Connor Millington added his second of the game just after the half time break.

Gate’s nightmare start to the second half continued when Bootle added a fifth in the 54th minute. Nana Adarkwa, who had extended his work experience deal from Blackpool FC before the game, made an instant impact when he set up Dean Ing to pull another goal back for Gate. Bootle added to the scoreline but this time from the spot, Steven Hoy stepped up and beat Jordan Gidley from the spot. Gate pushed forward looking to reduced the deficit again Bootle hit them on the break.

The move ended with Rob Doran finishing the move off inside the six yard box.

GATE 1

Jordan Gidley

2

Cameron Gourley

3

Jacob Higham

4

Sam Staunton-Turner

5

Robert Parker

6

Joshua Westwood

7

Ryan Riley

8

Joshua Pollard

9

Gary Pett

10

Dean Ing

11

James Boyd

Pic by Albert Cooper

29 31

Assistant Referees

P Jordan GIDLEY (GK) Jacob DAVIES

G

P Referee Ian Gittins

Jacob HIGHAM

Owen SKELTON (GK) Nicholas PORTER

Ben CHILCOTT

Luke Holden

Daniel SKELTON

Cameron GOURLEY

Darren CAMPION

Josh WESTWOOD

Sean GRIFFITHS

Robert PARKER

Assistant Referee

James BOYD

David Gillion

Ryan DODD

Mariusz Kurkiicz

Dean ING Matthew FARNWORTH

Josh POLLARD Sam STAUNTON-TURNER Gary PETT Matthew GARRETT Jack ILEY

Nana ADARKWA

UP NEXT AT HOME…

SKELMERSDALE UNITED 18h January 2020 OTHER FIXTURES

Sam PHILLIPS Jud ELLIS David HOWARTH Lewis JARMAN Joe CUFF

Blake ROBINSON Stephen JONES

BARNOLDSWICK V SKELMERSDALE

Alex HUGHES

CHARNOCK RICHARD V RYLANDS

Kevin STREET

CONGLETON TOWN V BOOTLE IRLAM V ASHTON ATHLETIC LITHERLAND REMYCA V HANLEY TOWN NORTHWICH VICS V AVRO PADIHAM V 1874 NORTHWICH WINSFORD UNITED V RUNCORN TOWN

30

G

Luke GODDARD

David PARTON (GK)

31