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A WORD FROM THE GAFFER “We will be measured by what we achieve on the pitch this season”
GOOD afternoon and welcome to Barrows Lane Farm for our third home fixture of the 2013/14 season against Cheshire League opponents Rylands FC. We welcome a Rylands team who – going to press have two wins and three losses. No doubt today will be another tough fixture where Billinge FC will need to ensure attitude is spot on and is there to compliment the undoubted ability we have at the club. Welcome to our new signings who will be on parade at Barrows Lane Farm for the just the third time today in a league fixture, I feel that our early work in the pre-season in terms of securing top local players such as Aaron Cameron, Graham Green, Charles Bloomfield Chris Godwin, Jamie Harrison, Dave Quigley and Daniel Curran have strengthened our squad to an extent where our aspirations this year will be to compete at the top end of the division. Billinge FC has been a busy place since last season and we now have a strong committee in place which is headed up by Chairman Ste Dickson. Just a note of thanks to Ste who has been a tremendous support to me in his roles as chairman and right hand man to me for the first team since I took up the post. At the time of writing we have one win, two draws and four defeats but as you can see from the match reports herein – that doesn’t tell the full tale. But regardless of how those results went, today is a big fixture which will have an impact on the momentum we hope to achieve early in the season. The target this season is simple – to bring some First Team silverware to Barrows Lane Farm and there are a number of opportunities to do this with the League Campaign, Divisional Cup, Guardian Cup and Liverpool Challenge Cup. Exciting times are ahead and I feel privileged to be heading up this group of players, but I also understand we will be measured by what we achieve on the pitch this season. Yours in Sport,
PAUL OAKES: MANAGER OF BILLINGE FC
CHAIRMAN’S NOTES BY STEVE DICKSON The new season has started and both Saturday teams have new management teams in place, the first team lead by Paul Oakes who did a magnificent job with the Reserves last season. Paul was in demand during the summer with a number of clubs enquiring about his availability. Paul listened to what was on offer but when he heard what Billinge was offering it didn’t take long for him to make up his mind. A handshake and it was job done; our new first team manager was in place. This left us with a vacancy in the Reserves, word was soon put out there and we were rewarded with a number of high-calibre applicants all extremely experienced and more than capable of doing the job. However Paul Farrell and Keith Amato were interviewed and both had previous experience of running Billinge FC’s first team. Apart from their obvious top quality credentials the deciding factor was their goal and ambition to develop the community aspect of the club, something which may have been overlooked slightly in the recent past. Both Management teams will be allowed to manage their respective teams as they see fit and I will do all I can to ensure they are given the correct support and encouragement to succeed: I am acutely aware that football is a results-driven business however as long as both teams support each other and buy in to the club's ethos no specific goals will be placed upon them. I know both sets of managers have the drive and desire to improve on what their predecessors have done and to develop the club and to bring silverware to the club. They will generate their own pressure and won’t need me to add to what is already a challenging though rewarding job. For the first time this season we encouraged what was last terms U18’s team headed by Dave & Jayne Wood to progress into open age football representing the Club in the South Lancs League. This is a young side that will develop and benefit from the experience again we will support them any way we can and give them the encouragement to succeed. In the background we have made significant leaps forward: Andy Vaughan has come onto the committee as the media manager. Andy has experience of working with a number of NWCL teams and is also a freelance journalist so well- qualified in putting together football-related prose. Andy is responsible for the club's programme which is a massive leap forward for the club, improving our profile and getting sponsors on board along with all things media related. Also on the media front we also have a dedicated photographer in Mark Parkinson. Mark is superb and will add brilliant photos to our online and print presence. We have also invited Jayne and Dave Wood onto the committee: Jayne and Dave are heavily involved with the running of South Lancs League, so bring an understanding and experience of how leagues operate. Jayne has taken on the role of Assistant Secretary to give Les Pilling a hand and is also looking to develop the “Kitchen Experience” at Billinge along with Ann-Marie O'Neill - who joins as catering manager. With Hannah Wood helping they are putting on incredibly tasty food and drink for players, officials and fans visiting our club. Steve Brookes has been appointed Treasurer: Steve has been instrumental in the last couple of Sportsman's dinners we have organised - both of which were incredibly well organised and successful. However Steve is now taking on the clubs biggest fund raiser which will be taking place on May 24th 2014 and the headline speaker will be Neil (Razor) Ruddock. Finally, a massive thanks to all of our sponsors and supporters without whom none of this would be possible.
Saturday July the 7th 2013, and for me the first game of the season, Nelson FC, "The Admirals", v local rivals Accrington Stanley. On a day too warm for wafting the willow, it was certainly too hot for the association code. Nelson obviously a town that has seen better days, but efforts have been made to spruce up the area with a great range of hanging baskets resplendent from virtually every shop front. A credit to someone from up on high. A ten minute walk from the station brings you to Victoria Park, the relatively new home of the former Football League club, who performed their league heroics at their former enclosure of Seedhill. Nelson entered the Football League in 1921/22 finishing in 16th place, one position up from Wigan Borough, whom they entertained for the debut game for both clubs. However the following season the folk of the Lancashire mill town no doubt were amazed to find their club Champions of Division 3 North, beating Bradford Park Avenue into runners-up spot, with Wigan Borough finishing a creditable 5th place. Sadly it was a return to reality in their only Division 2 campaign finishing only one pace from the wooden spoon spot above Bristol City. It was a return to the Northern section the following season,1924/25, but success was narrowly missed coming runners up to Darlington, and above some great football names as New Brighton, Southport and Bradford Park Avenue in 3rd,4th, and 5th places respectively. In those days and throughout the life of the geographical divisions, only the champions were promoted, leaving those connected to the club to ruminate on what might have been. Two upper mid table finishes were then followed by a poor 1927/28 season, finishing bottom, but gaining re-election at the expense of second from last Durham City. The following campaign brought a slight improvement with the "Admirals" finishing at the lower end of mid-table. However the season after North-Easterners Durham were dumped, Ashington became the latest cast offs from the Division 3 Northern Section. A poor 29/30 season finished with the club third bottom, with Southern Section Merthyr being the fall guys, losing their league status. A disastrous 30/31 term brought a rock bottom finish with the club becoming the sixth in five years to lose their league status. The highlights of their Football League days being the championship season perhaps, but even that could be disputed as a pre-season tour to Spain in 1923 brought wins over Real Oviedo and a 4-2 victory over Real Madrid! To possibly even surpass that, the 23/4, 2nd division campaign brought a home victory over Leeds United, the divisional champions that season, and amazingly an away victory at Lancashire rivals Manchester United. Has any team ever won away against Real and United in the same season? But back to the future, and July the 6th 2013 and my visit to North East Lancashire. With a fine history is it any wonder the club are marketing their history in such a positive way? Now owned by an Asian heritage group of individuals, chaired by Fayyaz Ahmed, who wrote a fine programme article on including all members of the towns community in the future development of the club. And what a fine club it is, I was greeted by smiling faces offering raffle tickets, programmes, and directions towards the bar area selling superb curries, as well as the obligatory Mars Bars and Bovrils. And the pitch was as good as I have seen at any level ever, no doubt earning the club the newly adopted strapline of "Little Wembley", to go with the newly adopted nickname of "The History Boys". With a crowd of 301 enjoying proceedings it's a far cry from various memorable victories in the dim and distant past, but who could deny this forward thinking modern club the opportunity to dream of better days and perhaps a return to the lofty heights of The Football League. DAVE CLARKE
Reserves make it three wins on the bounce Billinge Reserves made the long journey to Gamesley on Saturday and came back with three points after another impressive performance. Billinge reserves got the bit between their teeth after two impressive wins. Gamesley Reserves - the opposition on Saturday - is always a tough place to visit but the reserves started with a new found confidence. With safe hands Tom Hull and a back-four of Adam Dickinson, Jay Parkin, Elliot Twigg and leader Geoff Parr it led to a comfortable first- half for the Storks. While Elliot Bradshaw and Joe Unsworth chipped in with two goals each Dan Campbell and Joe Ratcliffe worked hard all game putting in a good shift for the cause. Mark Bowland - improving with every game - also gave a classy performance in the holding role. Add in the club's utility player Chris Duffy excelling up front on his own and not giving the Gamesley defence any time on the ball this set up a great platform for the lads to win the game. And win it they did - with some ease. With the game out of reach at half-time it meant that when Gamesley upped their game and it was time for some defending to do Billinge hd enough and energy in reserve to deal with anything that was thrwn at them. Billinge defended collectively as a unit and came out 4-1 winners even though it could (and possibly should) have been more. Elliot Bradshaw was unlucky not to bag a hat-trick blasting the ball over the bar from two yards out with the goalie stranded. There were concerns for young Adam Dickinson who came off with a knee injury with the top of the league clash at Greenalls this Thursday on everybody's mind. After the game joint-manager Paul Farrell was a happy man saying: “We were down on numbers but everybody really put a shift in. “The young lads were terrific and are really starting to become part of the Billinge family while the experienced lads like Joe Unsworth and Geoff Parr are taking the game by the scruff of the net and making the team tick. “It’s never easy going to Gamesley but we silenced their fans and did a really professional job and came away with the three points.”
Stand out players: Tom Hull ▪ Geoff Parr ▪ Elliot Bradshaw MOM: Joe Unsworth
FLIGHT OF THE STORKS AWAY –SATURDAY 14 SEPTEMMBER 2013 KICK-OFF 2.30PM Next Saturday Billinge FC will be traveling to Vulcan FC for a Warrington Guardian Cup game. This is our first game in the competition and we look forward to it as a nice change from League action. Kick-off is 2.30pm. Many thanks in advance for your support. Here are all the details you need to get you there: Ground: Mesnes Park Address: Park Road North Newton-le-Willows Telephone: 07788 818698 (Mark Bowen: Secretary) Postcode: WA12 9TD Website: www. clubwebsite.co.uk/vulcanfc/ Registered Colours: White and Black Secretary: Vickie Platt Chairman: Pete Prescott Manager: Phil Smith
L SUPPORTERS
OYAL
May we thank you in advance for your support this season at home and at away matches. Your support is much appreciated by the team’s management and players; especially away from home when the team may be up against it with regards to support. At this level of football every penny is vital and your financial support at home matches is essential and your moral and (very) vocal support at home and away is invaluable to the lads on the field. Lets hope we can reward your loyalty with a great season. THE GAFFERS
The reserves have started their season with two contrasting that were both settled by a one goal margin! On Thursday night the opening game of the season saw the reserves travel the short distance to Ruskin Drive to take on Pilkington Reserves. A solid defensive show from Ant Farrell, Jay Parkin, Geoff Parr & Ant Higgins kept Pilks attacks to a minimum. With Mark Bowland, Joe Unsworth and Aaron Bailey battling away in midfield the Storks gained the upper hand which they held for most of the game only to be undone by a Pilks counter attack to go one-goal down with 15 minutes to go. This increased the sorties down both flanks with Tom Ashall & Elliot Bradshaw swinging balls into the opposition goal area with Rob Abbelwhite, Tom Ashall and Joe Unworth all going close. Sadly Billinge just pulled up short being unluckily beaten one-nil. Stand-out players: Jay Parkin, Ant Farrell, Joe Unsworth and Tom Ashall MOM: Elliot Bradshaw On the Saturday the first home game of the season saw Billinge Reserves take on Egerton Reserves it what will be one of the most bizarre games of the season. It was an unusually shaky start from the Billinge backline of Ant Farrell, Jay Parkin, Geoff Parr and 17-year-old Elliot Twigg. Young Elliot is growing into the position as he steps up from the under-17s and he also got on the scoresheet for his first-ever goal in a Billinge shirt. Ant Farrell and Tom Ashall were on fire down the right hand side all afternoon which led to the sides going in at the break all-square at 3-3! In the second-half Billinge upped the tempo with Dan Campbell making his debut giving the midfield a much needed energy with Joe Ratcliffe pulling the strings. Subs Rob Bland partnering Adam Dickinson at the back tightened things up and the chances created in the second half should have taken Billinge well into double figures. As it was Joe Unsworth scored a hat trick with the referee claiming his second goal “a contender for goal of the season� as Billinge Ressies won 6-5 with both teams thoroughly entertaining the exhausted Billinge crowd! Goals scorers: Elliot Twigg, Tom Ashall, Aaron Bailey and Joe Unsworth (3) Stand-out players: Elliot Twigg, Elliot Bradshaw and Tom Ashall MOM: Joe Unsworth
BILLINGE OFF THE MARK On a day that was more December than August Billinge opened their account on Saturday with a scrappy point against Gamesley. With chances at a premium it was Billinge that shaded the first half as Graham Green set the scene by going close after three minutes. That said Aaron Cameron had to be at his best at the other end as he saved well from Andy heath on 11 minutes. Five minutes later Jamie Harrison shot narrowly wide after great work by Green. On 24 minutes James Webb found himself in the area after a corner, beat two men but shot into the side netting when a cross might have been the best option. Around the half-hour mark Billinge upped the tempo as Green and Dan Curran both went close and the latter was harshly adjudged to be offside when through on goal. The final chance of the half fell to Green after he was played through by Webb but his effort was saved for a corner. The second-period was a lacklustre affair and while temperatures rose on the pitch the action was threadbare after Dave Quigley's diving header was saved in the first minute of the half. Chances were few and far between: Green had an effort tipped over for a corner and Bobby Jones should have done better on 68 minutes but these efforts were few and far between. Gamesley appeared to have settled for a 0-0 but credit must go to the back-four of Billinge that excelled all afternoon especially makeshift centre-half Rob Ablewhite who didn't put a foot wrong all afternoon. It was a surprise therefore when the visitors went ahead after 84 minutes when Heath's shot took a wicked deflection off Andy Goulding to leave Cameron stranded. The Storks response was immediate as a cross from substitute Derek Evans was heading for Harrison's head before he was bundled over for a definite penalty. As the visitors complained and Ablewhite attempted to take the spot-kick Harrison got involved in a tangle with a Gamesley player. The referee spotted a stray arm from Harrison and he had no option but to show him the red card. What he didn't see - and what our video evidence confirms is that the Gamesley player threw the first blow and should have also gone. Meanwhile after a short delay Ablewhite stepped up and coolly sent the keeper the wrong way to open his account for the season. The game finished one-all but as manager Paul Oakes confirmed it was a point more than we had prior to kick-off: "We had all the possession but for whatever reason we are not quite clicking yet. "Our defence was excellent with Gareth Fletcher and Rob Ablewhite having very good games. "I thought only one team tried to win the game but on reflection we simply didn't create enough chances. "But we're off the mark and we need to build on that going forward - starting at Pilks on Tuesday." STAND-OUT PLAYERS: GARETH FLETCHER â–Ş GRAHAM GREEN MOM: ROB ABLEWHITE
MOSCOW AHEAD OF THE GAME FOR 2018 WORLD CUP Moscow city authorities say that much progress has been made to improving the Russian capital's once notorious road and rail infrastructure recently that when it comes to transport they are "ready now" to stage the 2018 World Cup. "The World Cup may still be five years away but in terms of our transport infrastructure we are adequately ready now," said Marat Husnulin, Deputy Mayor for Urban Development and Construction, "also there are even more changes to come during the next five years such as 400 km of new roads and fly-overs that are to be built." "Moscow used to be quite difficult to get around in but massive investment on new roads, bridges and fly-overs, including an entirely new third inner ring road, has changed all that. "The same is true of the rail and underground network which has already been fully modernised. In the past few years, 13 kilometers of new underground has been built and six new underground stations have opened. "This has improved the transport situation for 600,000 Muscovites. By the end of this year 14 more kilometers will be built, which will beat the Soviet record that even in the best times never exceeded 13 kilometers per year. "We plan to improve the transport situation even further in order to make travel comfortable inside the city as well as between Moscow and Moscow region with 20 new underground lines totaling 160 kilometers, making life for millions of residents easier. "At the same time we will perform a modernization of railway transport. Under this program we plan to build 240 additional kilometers of rail and purchase 2500 of modern carriages, as well as building convenient connection hubs for railways and underground. "Moscow will be a perfect base for football fans with easy and affordable transport and lots to see and do between matches. "Moscow won't be caught out with last minute infrastructure problems, because today we do our best to be well ahead of the game." he said. Public transport reliability and travel times have been significantly improved, for example from the mainMoscow international airport to Red Square in the heart of the city it is now less than an hour.
LOCAL HEROES – NEWS FROM OUR FOOTBALL NEIGHBOURS St Helens Town have announced that they have joined forces with much-respected local hero Andy Reid. The partnership will see the club work alongside Andy on a number of projects over the coming few years. Andy, a triple amputee war veteran, has become an inspiration to young and old alike after fighting back from his horrific injuries to forge an outstanding career as a motivational speaker, author and charity fundraiser. The multi-award winning hero’s inspirational story of triumph over adversity was published in his new book Standing Tall in February 2013. His fundraising exploits for many charities doing things some thought he would never be able to do again including parachuting, abseiling and cross country bike rides have astounded people, gained national media coverage and rightly earned Andy the esteem of people all over the UK. Town Chairman John McKiernan explained: "Andy’s first role in partnership with the club was to deliver a motivational session to the clubs playing and coaching staff on the eve of the new season. It is hoped this will inspire us to a much improved season on the pitch to follow what has been a great summer of progression off it. "Following this Andy’s new business venture, the Cinema Bar located in St Helens town centre sponsored our home FA Cup tie with Ashton Athletic. "As the season progresses there are numerous other projects in the pipeline which Andy and the club will work in unison on including fundraising for our Hearts & Goals Campaign and the setting up of an amputee football team in partnership with Andy’s AIM project which will also see our coaching staff assist with the development of players. "Andy will also join us at our end of season sporting dinner as one of two guest speakers". For more information on Andy and his work, visit his website www.andyreid.org
Billinge Juniors Football Club Sportsman’s evening. To be held on Friday 20th September With guest speaker ex-Manchester United, Everton and Northern Ireland international footballer Norman Whiteside. Together with comedian Venn Tracey and MC for the night Mr Lenny Lowe. All three fantastic after dinner speakers together with a superb meal; all for the price of £30.00 per ticket with tables of ten. Tickets are limited and only secured on payment. Available now on a first come basis. Book them now so not to be disappointed.
THE CONCISE HISTORY OF BILLINGE FOOTBALL CLUB Billinge Football Club was founded in 1988 By Phil Middlehurst. They played then in the St Helens Combination at the Eddleston Playing Fields, Billinge. 1988-1989 to 1991-1992 Geoff Maggs was the first manager to take the reins of the newly-formed club. 1992-1993 to 1996-1997 Following Geoff Maggs' departure to pastures new, Les Pilling was installed as the club manager. 1997-1998 and 1998-1999 Billinge FC form a Reserve Team, Brian Collins is appointed First Team Manager and Les Pilling takes on the Manager's Job of the newly-created Reserve Team. 1999-2000 to 2004-2005 Manager Keith Amato, replaces Brian Collins as First Team Manager. Les Pilling continues his sterling work with the Reserve Team. Amato enjoyed success with Billinge FC bringing silverware to the club and being the first manager to take a Billinge team into the prestigious Mid-Cheshire League. 2005-2006 Paul Farrell is appointed as First Team Manager to replace Keith Amato, long time club stalwart Les Pilling is appointed as Farrell’s Assistant Manager and Colin Betts is appointed as Reserve Team Manager. 2007-2008 Ex-Wigan Athletic legend Bryan Griffiths is appointed as First Team Manager, assisted by Andrew Clough. Dave Knowles is appointed as the Reserve Team Manager. Knowles is the first Billinge manager to take a team to a Mid-Cheshire Cup Final, losing narrowly to Poynton on a penalty shootout. Following the highs of the Cup Final, various on-going issues meant that Knowles was to leave the club at the end of the season. 2008-2009 Griffiths and Clough get Billinge promoted to the top division in the Cheshire League. The club move grounds from Eddleston Fields to purpose-built facilities at Barrow Farm. Steve Dickson is appointed as Reserve Team Manager. 2009-2010 Griffiths and Clough consolidate the First Team in the Cheshire League top division and Dickson looks to re-build the Reserves with strong links into the Billinge Youth system. 2010-2011 Ex St Helens Town Manager Jimmy McBride comes out of retirement to take over the job of First Team Manager, Bryan Griffiths steps down to become assistant to McBride and Andrew Clough takes on the position of club Chairman.
High points include Neil McDermot, Gary Jones, Scott Tickle and Andy Ledger being named in the Cheshire League Inter-League Squad. Steve Dickson continues as Reserve Team Manager. At the end of the season McBride resigns after being offered his old job back at St Helens Town, McBride comes back for Andrew Clough as his Assistant Manager at Town. 2011-2012 Steve Dickson is promoted from the Reserves to the First Team, he appoints a Management Team including Adam Lowry as Head Coach, Rob Dainty as Assistant Manager and Les Pilling as Match Day Secretary. Dickson is given the task of rebuilding the team to have a more youthful look. A new Reserve Team Management Team is appointed with Brian Mather, Chez Tideswell and Campbell Wilson coming in with a host of new players. The First Team had a really good run of results which lead to a mid-table finish considering the disastrous start this was a great achievement, they were the first Billinge Senior Team to get to the Cheshire League's prestigious League Cup Final and the average age has been reduced to 22 years. The Reserves have equalled Dave Knowles feat of getting the Reserves to the Reserve Cup Final, they also went on to a league and cup double, beating Farnworth 3-0 in the Northern Cup Final then to be crowned as Cheshire League Reserve Division Champions. Following the Reserve Team's success at Billinge the management accepted an approach from Daten F.C and left to form Daten's first team. Billinge moved quickly to appoint Paul Oakes as the Reserve team manager, Oakes had enjoyed success with St Helens Combination Premier outfit Greenfields FC. Dave Knowles returned to the club as Assistant Manager to Oakes, with Rob Dainty taking on an advisory/youth development role, this position is temporary as Dainty will return to First Team duties. 2012-2013 Steve Dickson steered the First Team to safety in the top division while the Reserve Team, under Paul Oakes, finished a very respectable 7th. The Reserve Team became the first club to retain the Northern Cup when they beat Quarry Bank 3-1 in the final. 2013-2014 Paul Oakes and Steve Dickson take up the reins of the First Team management whilst Paul Farrell and Keith Amato are appointed Reserve Team managers. New members are added to the committee with Steve Dickson installed as chairman while the club runs a Sunday Team managed by committee member Dave Wood and playing in the South Lancs League at Barrows Farm as the club celebrates it’s silver anniversary.
FIRSTS
RESERVES
SUNDAY
JUNIORS
VILLAGE
IT WILL BE ALL WHYTE ON THE NIGHT‌ Billinge went to previously unbeaten Eagle Sports on Saturday, put in their best performance of the season and came away with an excellent 1-0 victory. It was just reward for the Storks as their new look side began to show what they are capable of by dominating the first half and finishing the game off in the second. Billinge showed their intent in the first minute when Andy Goulding found Chad Whyte with a delightful through-ball but the striker's shot was tipped behind for a corner by Sports' keeper Neil McDermott. It was Whyte's strike partner Graham Green that next tested the Eagle custodian as his left-footed shot was saved and when the ball came back to Green, McDermott did well to knock his effort away for a corner. From the corner Whyte could only head over while under pressure. On 19 minutes it was Billinge's keeper Aaron Cameron that had to be alert as he saved well from Owen Ellis. Five minutes later Whyte again troubled the Eagle defence but his effort was scrambled away. As the visitors dominated McDermott did well to palm away a Jamie Anderson rocket while Robert McNabb should have done better after being put clear by a through-ball from Green but his chipped shot drifted wide. In the final minute of the half McNabb appeared to be bundled over in the area but the referee waved 'play on' as the half finished goalless. The second half was more even in terms of possession but it was Billinge's keeper Cameron who was first tested as he pulled off a superb save to deny Ellis. On 55 minutes Eagle hit a Billinge upright but from the rebound the Storks broke with pace before Whyte forced a corner. While the corner came to nothing Billinge were now increasing the tempo as Anderson, Green and substitute Sean O'Neill all went close. On 70 minutes O'Neill's cross found Whyte whose header again brought the best out of McDermott who tipped the ball around the post. However from the corner Billinge made the breakthrough as man-of-the match Whyte rose above the Sports' defence to head home. The remaining 20 minutes saw Billinge get a hold of the game and limit the home side to just one effort that Cameron saved well. At the other end Danny Curran blasted a shot over while deep into stoppage time Dave Quigley fired just wide. That was the last action of the game leaving Billinge the deserved victors. After the match their delighted manager Paul Oakes said: "We've played well in patches in all our previous games but this was the best 90 minutes so far. "The team spirit amongst the lads is fantastic and the attitude of the players on the bench summed that up. "All 14 of them played their part in winning at one of the best teams in our division.
TODAY IS NON-LEAGUE DAY Non-League Day was set up by James Doe in 2010 as a social media experiment, after being inspired by a pre-season trip to Devon to watch Queens Park Rangers play at Tavistock. It has now grown to become an annual part of the football calendar, backed by Premier League and Football League clubs, MPs, celebrities, media organisations, charities and most importantly the non-league clubs themselves and the fans that decide to turn up on the day. Always scheduled to coincide with an international break, Non-League Day gives fans across the country the chance to see what's going on at a club that might be on their doorstep which they may be unfamiliar with or even knew existed. Many non-league clubs are almost exclusive volunteer run, with money taken at the turnstiles often funding thriving youth set-ups, projects and facilities which are of benefit to the whole community. The level of skill on offer at non-league grounds will never compare to that at the Emirates Stadium or Old Trafford, for example, but there are other sides to the experience, from which the smaller club will always win hands down. For many supporters of non-league football it's the sense of belonging and preservation of traditional values that remains so appealing. The vast majority of games still kick off at 3pm, ticket prices are realistic, you can often stand anywhere in the ground and will always be guaranteed a warm welcome by people who run their clubs for a love of the game. Non-League Day isn't about supporting just another team, it's about supporting grassroots football which will ensure the foundations of the game in this country stay strong. Moreover, Non-League Day is a celebration of the diversity, passion and commitment that makes football in this country so popular and enduring.
COMICAL red and yellow cards are becoming more and more common – and considering our love for football funnies here at The NLP, long may that continue! Referees are letting little slide these days. The book is coming out for increasingly bizarre incidents, there's little place for comedy where the men in black are concerned. So in the aftermath of one the more strange red cards on record last weekend, we thought we would chart the very best – or very worst – of the ones that have got on the wrong side of referees. Now that's a mis-timed tackle! Louis Smith wasn't having the best of days last Saturday. Left out of the AFC Croydon side to face Colliers Wood in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round, at 5-2 down there was little he could do when he got the call to come on finally came after 66 minutes. Referees don't like these thermal cycling shorts that seem to be in fashion, and whistle blower Jack Ohene didn't believe Smith when he said he had taken them off when the black ones he warmed up in didn't match the club’s maroon shorts. Smith protested that he'd removed the offending undergarment.... by not so subtly proving it! Sent off for flashing an official, his game was over before it started. Pires booked for taking the... When you've got to go you've got to go. Welling's Loick Pires couldn't wait in September 2011 during the Wings Conference South clash with Woking. He jumped over the barrier in the first half and legged it into the supporters' toilets for a comfort break. His return was greeted with a yellow card for re-entering the field of player without permission. It left likeable Pires feeling rather flushed! Borat blunder is not niiiice! Ashley Vickers isn't a man to be messed with. So when a fan ran onto the pitch wearing nothing but a green mankini made famous by Borat and the stewards can't catch him, the 6'2 powerhouse is going in! The 38-year-old Dorchester player manager knew the importance of three points against Havant back in March 2011, and time was running out. So Vickers took down the illusive intruder and presented him to the club's security – only to be rewarded with a red card. “It beggars belief,” he grumbled. “The stewards actually thanked me!” It's a wind breaker! Levi Foster became the first player in the history of the game to be yellow carded... for breaking wind! The AFC GOP player was having his boots checked by referee Bunny Reid before the Portsmouth Sunday League clash with Apsley House in November 2009. The 30-year-old couldn't hold it in – and was lucky to be allowed to continue after team-mates talked the unimpressed official round after a red card looked to be forthcoming. Levi, who went on to win man of the match in the 5-0 victory, blamed a dodgy Saturday night curry. SAM ELLIOTT
CHESHIRE LEAGUE TABLES AS @ 1 SEPTEMBER 2013 FIRST DIVISION 1 Garswood United 2 Knutsford 3 Greenalls PSO 4 Whaley Bridge 5 Eagle Sports 6 Rudheath Social 7 Barnton 8 Crewe 9 Gamesley 10 Rylands 11 Linotype Cheadle HN 12 Billinge FC 13 Pilkington 14 Styal 15 Middlewich Town 16 Denton Town FC
P 7 7 6 7 7 6 6 7 7 6 7 7 7 7 7 7
W 6 6 5 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 0
D 1 0 0 2 2 1 0 1 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0
L 0 1 1 1 1 1 2 3 3 3 4 4 6 6 6 7
GD 19 18 8 15 8 4 21 5 -2 7 3 -11 -15 -15 -28 -37
POINTS 19 18 15 14 14 13 12 10 10 9 9 5 3 3 3 0
RESERVE DIVISION 1 Greenalls PSO 2 Linotype Cheadle HN 3 Styal 4 Barnton 5 Whaley Bridge 6 Billinge FC 7 Garswood United 8 Poynton 9 Pilkington 10 Rylands 11 Daten 12 Gamesley 13 Eagle Sports 14 Middlewich Town 15 Grappenhall Sports 16 Egerton 17 Denton Town
P 7 6 7 6 7 7 7 7 7 6 7 7 7 6 5 5 6
W 6 5 5 4 3 4 4 3 3 2 2 2 1 1 1 0 0
D 0 0 0 1 4 1 0 2 2 3 1 1 1 1 0 1 0
L 1 1 2 1 0 2 3 2 2 1 4 4 5 4 4 4 6
GD 20 20 14 12 12 6 -2 5 -1 1 -2 -5 -11 -24 -7 -17 -21
POINTS 18 15 15 13 13 13 12 11 11 9 7 7 4 4 3 1 0
BILLINGE GOALSCORERS FIRST TEAM: Rob Ablewhite, Derek Evans, Gareth Fletcher, Jamie Harrison, Chad Whyte – one goal each RESERVE TEAM: Joe Unsworth (6), Elliot Bradshaw (5), Rob Ablewhite (3), Tom Ashall (3), Terry Jepson (2). Aaron Bailey, Chris Duffy, Tom Hull, Billy Longshaw, Joe Ratcliffe, Elliot Twig – one goal each
BILLINGE FOOTBALL CLUB FIRST TEAM FIXTURES 2013/14 GOING TO PRESS THE ONLY LEAGUE FIXTURES RELEASED ARE FOR AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013
AUGUST 2013 Sat 10/08/13 Tue 13/08/13 Sat 17/08/13 Tue 20/08/13 Sat 24/08/13 Tue 27/08/13 Sat 31/08/13 SEPTEMBER 2013 Sat 07/09/13 Sat 14/09/13 Sat 21/09/13 Sat 28/09/13
OPPONENTS
RES/KO
Knutsford (A) Greenalls PSO (A) GAMESLEY (H) Pilkington (A) WHALEY BRIDGE (H) Garswood United (A) Eagle Sports (A)
L 4-0 L 2-1 D 1-1 L 3-1 D 0-0 L 6-1 W 1-0
RYLANDS Vulcan (WARRINGTON CUP) (A) HALE (LCFA CHALLENGE CUP) Linotype Cheadle HN (JB PARKER CUP ) (A)
15.00 14.30 14.00 14.30
BILLINGE FOOTBALL CLUB RESERVE TEAM FIXTURES 2013/14 OPPONENTS AUGUST 2013 Thu 08/08/13 Pilkington Res (A) Sat 10/08/13 EGERTON RES (H) Thu 15/08/13 GARSWOOD UNITED RES (H) Sat 17/08/13 Gamesley Res (A) Thu 22/08/13 Greenalls PSO Res (A) Thu 29/08/13 DATEN RES (H) Sat 31/08/13 GRAPPENHALL SPORTS RES (H)
RES/KO L 1-0 W 6-5 W 6-4 W 4-1 L 3-2 15.00 15.00
SEPTEMBER 2013 Sat 07/09/13 Sat 14/09/13 Sat 21/09/13 Sat 28/09/13
Poynton Reserves (A) Linotype Cheadle HN Res (A) Styal Reserves (A) STYAL RESERVES (H)
15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00
OCTOBER 2013 Sat 19/10/13
LINOTYPE CHEADLE HN RES (RES CUP) (H)
14.30
HOME FIXTURES IN BOLD – BILLINGE SCORE FIRST – PLEASE CHECK ALL FIXTURE DATES ON OUR WEBSITE/TWITTER
TH AUGUST 2013 CHESHIRE LEAGUE FIRST DIVISION BILLINGE SOCCER CENTRE BARROWS FARM KICK-OFF 3PM
BILLINGE FC SQUAD
VERSUS
RYLANDS SQUAD
Aaron Cameron Andrew Goulding Charlie Bloomfield Chris Godson Gareth Fletcher (CAPTAIN) Dave Quigley Bobby Jones Jamie Anderson Chad Whyte Graham Green Rob Ablewhite
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 SUBS 12 14 15 16 17
Christopher Brown James Daniels Lee Dermody Joshua Green Andrew Moor Jonathon Priest Jon Shakestaff Janes Sinker Ben Slater Michael Sullivan Scott Swainbank
Sean O’Neill Nathan Ogden Derek Evans James Webb Elliot Bradshaw MANAGER: PAUL OAKES ASSISTANT: STEVE DICKSON
SHIRTS: CLARET & SKY BLUE SHORTS: CLARET & SKY BLUE SOCKS: CLARET & SKY BLUE
Scott Tebb Jay Waldron Liam Walker Alex Lowe Benjamin Warder MANAGER: DAVE PARR ASSISTANT: PAUL ANDERSON
SHIRTS: BLUE SHORTS: BLUE SOCKS: BLUE
OFFICIALS: PHILIP STUBBS, EDDIE BERESFORD, DANIEL BOWDEN
NEXT GAME AT BARROWS FARM SATURDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2013 BILLINGE RESERVES VERSUS LINOTYPE CHEADLE HN RESERVES ADMISSION FREE
THE CHESHIRE SET: NEWS FROM AROUND THE CHESHIRE LEAGUE
PRESS REPORT 24 AUGUST: Garswood United and Eagle Sports remain unbeaten as they battled it out in an even game that finished 0-0. Goal keepers Graham McCall and Neil McDermott were both excellent on the day ensuring their teams left with the point they deserved. Bill Sutton, Colin Moss and Joe Burgess were in fine form as they helped Whaley Bridge to a 32 home win over Linotype CHN, while Rudheath Social finished on top as they beat Barnton 42 in the Northwich derby. Crewe stormed to a 6-1 win over local rivals Middlewich Town where Stevie McNichol and Nathan Southern stole the show scoring two goals each, while Josh Rowley and Carl Everall both scored to take Crewe’s tally up to six. Champions Knutsford strolled to a comfortable 3-1 win away at Styal where Lee Mannion, James Pickford and Joe Woolley hit home to give Knutsford a valuable three points despite the sides being level at half time. Pilkington secured their first victory of the season as goals from Alex Pool, Luke Sephton and John Thompson made them 3-1 winners at home against Billinge. Gamesley stormed to a 5-2 victory mid-week with Mike Dewhurst scoring a hat trick and goals also coming from Nathan Aldred and Josh Stevenson. Greenalls PSO finished 5-1 winners when they travelled to Denton on Saturday despite a lacklustre first half performance. A rare Lee Hughes mistake gifted the Denton forward an easy finish to give the hosts the lead before Paul Benns levelled the scores after a jinking run saw him skip past three challenges and fire home well into the top corner. The second half followed a different pattern as Greenalls were dominant and were soon in the lead. Lee Hughes made amends for his earlier error with the second goal for Greenalls, before Craig Hoyland released a thunderous strike from 20 yards. Hoyland's second came soon after as he finished neatly following great work from Lee Vaughan. The fifth came from Ben McWilliams, which was undoubtedly the pick of the goals as he finished superbly. Danny Topping found time to fire over from two yards for Greenalls, but luckily the game was already won. Gamesley continued their winning streak with a 3-2 win at home against in-form Rylands, where Stevenson and Aldred hit home again with the third coming from Nathan Clarke. Garswood United remain top of the league following a 3-0 win away at Styal. The game started at a fast and furious pace with Styal’s front two pushing hard to break down the Garswood defence. The away side also had their chances but were unable to pick out striker Chris Francis. Garswood took the lead when a Danny Walsh free kick saw Danny Bell soar above the keeper to head home for 1-0, banishing the demons that have plagued him since his poor display at Altrincham Road last season. Styal fought back and only a fantastic one handed save by Graham McCall kept the scores level. Garswood put on an impressive second half performance where Scott Baker’s return to form saw him arc a wonderful cross into the box that saw Lloyd Dean score with a bullet header that may not be bettered all season. The third goal came when Nicky Prescott found Chris Francis with a slide pass that he finished superbly to seal the victory for the visitors.
TODAY’S FIXTURES SATURDAY 7 SEPTEMBER 2013 First Division Billlinge v Rylands Crewe v Knutsford Gamesley v Middlewich Town Greenalls PSO v Rudheath Social Linotype Cheadle HN v Eagle Sports Pilkington v Barnton Styal v Denton Town Whaley Bridge v Garswood United Second Division Congleton Vale v Moore United Daten v Poynton Golborne Sports v Grappenhall Sports Maine Road Reserves v Lostock Gralam Malpas v Warrington Town Reserves Penlake v Barnton Wanderers Sandbach United v Sale United Tarporley Victoria v Egerton Reserve Division Denton Town Reserves v Linotype HN Reserves Eagle Sports Reserves v Styal Reserves Egerton Reserves v Pilkington Reserves Garswood United Reserves v Grappenhall Sports Reserves Greenalls PSO Reserves v Gamesley Reserves Poynton Reserves v Billinge Reserves Rylands Reserves v Whaley Bridge Reserves
DOWN ON THE FARM BILLINGE FOOTBALL CLUB: FOUNDED 1988 BARROWS FARM, CARR MILL ROAD, BILLINGE, WN5 7TX HONOURS
THE VILLAGE CLUB ND
1997-1998: ST HELENS COMBINATION 2 DIVISION CHAMPIONS AND TOM WORRALL CUP WINNERS ST 1998-1999: ST HELENS COMBINATION 1 DIVISION CHAMPIONS 2000-2001: ST HELENS COMBINATION PREMIER DIVISION RUNNERS-UP 2001-2002: ST HELENS COMBINATION PREMIER DIVISION CHAMPIONS AND FINALISTS IN THE HOSPITAL CUP AND DH GRIFFITHS CUP ST 2003-2004: WARRINGTON LEAGUE 1 DIVISION CHAMPIONS 2005-2006: THE BILL GREY PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD; ANDY LEDGER ST 2008-2009: PROMOTED TO CHESHIRE LEAGUE 1 DIVISION 2009-2010: THE BILL GREY PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD; ANDY LEDGER 2010-2011: CHESHIRE LEAGUE CLUB OF THE SEASON 2011-2012: CHESHIRE LEAGUE CUP FINALISTS NEXT AT BARROWS FARM:
IN THE BOARDROOM CHAIRMAN – STEVE DICKSON SECRETARY –LES PILLING ASSISTANT SECRETARY – JAYNE WOOD TREASURER – STEVE BROOKES COMMITTEE MEMBERS DAVE WOOD JAMES WEBB ANDY VAUGHAN
LCFA CHALLENGE CUP: BILLINGE v HALE GARY FLETCHER 21 SEPTEMBER 2013 KICK-OFF 3PM ADMISSION: £2 - CONCESSIONS £1 - KIDS UNDER-7 GO FREE BAR OPEN – HOT & COLD DRINKS – HOT FOOD
ON THE FIELD FIRST TEAM MANAGER – PAUL OAKES ASSISTANT - STEVE DICKSON RESERVE TEAM MANAGERS –KEITH AMATO & – PAUL FARRELL SUNDAY TEAM MANAGER – DAVE WOOD
BILLINGE FOOTBALL CLUB SPORTSMAN’S EVENING
BIRCHLEY ST MARY’S CLUB 23 MAY 2014 PRESENTATION EVENING ▪ AUCTIONS ▪ RAFFLES TOP COMEDIAN & TOP MC THREE GREAT SPEAKERS ▪ GREAT FOOD ▪ GREAT NIGHT TICKETS AVAILABLE SOON
Andy McDonald BA (Hons) Independent Financial Adviser Tel: 01744 895989 Email: andymcdonald@abacusadvisers.co.uk 1 Avon Road, Billinge, Near Wigan, Lancashire WN5 7QU
www.abacusadvisers.co.uk ________________________________________________________________
MARKET ∙ PRODUCT ∙ APPLICATION ∙ CUSTOMISATION ∙ LOGISTICS ∙ INFRASTRUCTURE KNOW-HOW MAKES THE DIFFERENCE
ERIKS UK Integrates Solutions Services Centre c/o H J Heinz Co Limited Engineering Stores, Goods Receiving, Spring Road, Kitt Green Wigan WN5 0JL LEE RULE Service Centre Manager Tel: 01942 224430 Mob: 07740 452824 Email: lee.rule@eriks.co.uk Web: www.eriks.co.uk
Fernland Engineering (Liverpool) Ltd
Providing a mechanical engineering breakdown service that’s fast, competitive and reliable. Unit 16 Millers Bridge Industrial Estate, Seymour Street, Bootle, Merseyside. L20 1EE
Tel: 0151 922 8492 – Fax: 0151 922 2336 E-mail: sales@fernaland.co.uk
AFTER HOURS Phil Kelly – 0151 924 0756 Mobile – 07899 955300
Carpets ∙ Laminates ∙ Vinyls ∙ Beds Free Luxury Underlays ∙ New Carpet Binding Service Tel/Fax: 01942 522007 Neil: 07515 252324 Jason: 07956 373610 Email: carpetsandflooring@rocketmail.com 10-11 Tattenham Works Leigh Road Hindley Green Wigan WN2 4SZ
carpetsandflooringwigan.co.uk
WIGAN TYRES Unit 5 Whinfield Close, Miry Lane, Wigan WN6 7TL Wigan Tyres Ltd is a family run business based in Miry Lane, Wigan. Established in 1990, Wigan Tyres has built a reputation for offering exceptional levels of service to its customers and was voted No1 by Tyres & Accessories Magazine. Specialist in car, motorcycle and truck tyres
MARDEC Decorators
Painters & Decorators Martin McDonald (Advanced Craft, City & Guilds Painting and Decorating 1985) 38 AVON ROAD, BILLINGE, NEAR WIGAN WN5 7QU Email: martinmardec@yahoo.co.uk Web: www.mardecdecorators.co.uk
Mob: 07932 282 896 Tel: 01744 894 431
For all your dressmaking needs
Day & Evening Wear Ball Gowns Christening Robes Confirmation Dresses Wedding Dresses Bridesmaid Dresses Mother of the Bride Wedding Ring Cushions Christening Cushions Waistcoats Bow Ties / Cummerbunds to match Name Embroidery and Much More!
Call Carolynne on 07830 181497 or email: Carolynne@englishelegance.co.uk www.englishelegance.co.uk
At CPBooks we aim to take your bookkeeping worries away from you and leave you to concentrate on growing your business. Operating on a fixed fee basis, we were established in 2004, yet are still proud to be a small company that is big on personal service. We can take care of your ▪ Accounting ▪ Bookkeeping ▪ VAT returns and Payroll needs whether you are self-employed, a sole trader or a medium size company. Why not call us on 01942 418740 or email info@cpbooks.co.uk You can find us at www.cpbooks.co.uk
BIRCHLEY ST MARY’S CLUB
Trent Road, Billinge WN5 7QT Tel: 01744 892836 (After 7pm) 01744 603160 (Daytime)
Function room for hire (Friday/Saturday/Sunday) Seating for up to 200 Weddings ∙ Birthdays ∙ Anniversaries ∙ Christenings etc
All welcome Comfortable lounge for smaller parties (Up to 60) Christenings ∙ Funerals ∙ Birthdays etc
Self-catering or catering provided Resident DJ Large games room with two full-sized snooker tables plus large screen Sky TV