Billinge v knutsford programme

A VIEW FROM THE HILL BILLINGE FC PROGRAMME 2013/14 SEASON £2 (including admission)

SATURDAY 7 DECEMBER 2013 BILLINGE FC versus KNUTSFORD FC

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WORD FROM THE GAFFER Billinge FC and myself would like to welcome Knutsford FC to Barrows Farm.

It won't be the warmest welcoming though as I'm looking for my troops to carry forward their valiant efforts in the second half last Saturday, where not only did they match our opponents but outplayed a well organised Greenalls side whilst only playing with ten men.

I welcome back some valuable players this week and hope with their added experience and the fact Knutsford have a few key players missing through suspension we can continue Knutsfords drop in form of late?!

A big positive note as well this week is I get to link up my new signing Johnny Crane, a lad who comes with strong credentials and is good friends with our other recent signing, Tim Lees! It's these two lads I'm looking too add not only experience and composure to my team but that something special needed to unlock well organised defences like Knutsfords!

I add one final thing, play with pride, play with freedom and play with a smile on your faces gents! This is football after all, a game created for enjoyment! COYS! Reserves: Well done last week gents. An outstanding performance which will surely stand you in good stead for a sterner test this week verse Styal!

Good luck.

Yours Gareth Fletcher

MAGNIFICENT SEVEN Billinge Reserves 7-0 Denton Town Reserves Billinge Reserves went into the game short on numbers but high on attitude and confidence.

With the Denton Town minibus delayed the lads had to stay focused as they awaited the arrival of their visitors. When the game got underway Denton passed it around magnificently in the opening 10 minutes to match Billinge's free- flowing style.

Then on 15 minutes the ever- impressive "Ratters" made a great interception on the edge of his own box to feed Tom Ashall who in turn - with a great pass found the young flyer Dan Hauge who put a peach of a cross into skipper Rob Ablewhite who finished with a deft touch.

Geoff Parr started to dominate the game from left back with some great crosses and excellent distribution. Down the right, another kid, Elliot Twigg was a colossus raiding down the right like a flying gazelle as well as putting in some bone- crunching tackles; which seemed to frighten the powerful Denton attack.

The second goal came from an Ashall corner which Phil Burrows powered into the net with a great header. On half-time Ablewhite broke the offside trap to finish neatly and take The Storks into the break three goals ahead.

At the beginning of the second-half Ant Higgins - back from injury - took to the stage in front of the impressive Parr at left back who was still running the show.

On 55 minutes Ashall was again probing down the right to score a magnificent low drive into the back of the net. That's five goals in a row for the consistent Ashall.

On 60 minutes a ball from Jay Parkin found Ablewhite who with a deft header made it five to claim a well-deserved hat-trick.

Was he finished? Not on your life!

For on 75 minutes a great ball from Parr put Ablewhite through to make it six.

Near the end there was just enough time for Ablewhite to miss a penalty but stay sharp and net the rebound to claim his fifth and Billinge's seventh!

Full-time 7-0 After the game Squash joint-manager Keith Amato said: "When you have honest hardworking lads prepared to run through a brick walk for you, you always have a chance.

"I emphasised before the game not to take the opposition too lightly despite their lowly league position and the lads certainly carried out the manager's instructions to a tee."

The other gaffer Fizzer said in his after-match chat: "If there is a better left foot in the Mid-Cheshire than Geoff Parr I've yet to see it!

"He has turned back the clock to produce the best football of his career.

He went on to say, "All 12 lads were a credit with first-class attitudes which goes hand in hand with being first-class footballers. "Take that out of your game and one bad attitude in your dressing room can poison your team. "Thankfully we don't have that at Billinge. "Well done lads."

Man-of-the-match: Rob Ablewhite - a captain's performance.

Closely followed by the most in-form left-sided player in the League: Geoff Parr.

Special mentions to Sean Latham and Chris Duffy who are the rocks that the second team build on every week.

A big thanks from Paul and Squash to you two especially unsung heroes.

Roll on Styal in the cup next week!

Squash

FROM THE BOARDROOM: STEVE DICKSON – CHAIRMAN OF BILLINGE FC Welcome to Billinge to players, management, officials and supporters of Knutsford.

Last season Billinge were in deep trouble staring relegation in the face not many games left and the Champions elect next up. Possibly the best performance of the season saw Billinge win 2-0 and set in motion a new found belief that resulted in the Storks navigating a course to league safety.

As the Champions again visit Carr Mill Road, they will find the home team again in need of some inspiration and looking to kick start the season.

I issed last eek s ga e at Gree alls ut it sho s that dis ipli e is esse tial at this level of football.

If – as a player - you pick up an early booking for dissent then you are on a tightrope for the rest of the game. This is something that we must address; especially as I believe we more than matched Greenalls in the second-half a d it is a ager Gaz s elief e ould ha e o the ga e ith ele e e .

However we press on and we look to have a successful December. After today we travel to Ryland and Styal before ending the year with a home game against Greenalls; where we have an early chance of revenge.

The Reserves meanwhile are going from strength to strength with a good balance of youth and experience delivering some outstanding results, many of the players are on Gaz Fletcher's radar and won't be long before they get the chance with the first team.

Thanks to the supporters for their continued support, I hope you enjoy the game and feel free to enjoy the refreshments on offer in the Boot Room Cafe.

And as this is the last programme before Yuletide may I wish everybody connected with Billinge Football Club a very Merry Christmas.

CHEERS STEVE

NEWS FROM OUR VISITORS Youth International Joins Knutsford K utsford s e est sig i g – Mohammed Jarad - has had a career path unlike most pla ers at this le el, he s a youth international for Iraq and has been at the same club as a former Real Madrid legend.

Jarad, 19, made his Knutsford de ut i “aturda s loss to Eagle Sports and despite the result, he showed some promise upfront.

But it s his pre ious a hie e e ts that got people talki g, e aught up ith him after the game to learn more about his decorated past.

M Dad s Iraqi originally and he was a professional basketballer so he had o ta ts, said Jarad. The said the d ha e a look at e, so e se t the a few tapes and they called me over in preparation for the under-20 World Cup. I pla ed t o ga es for the , o e against the Iraq first team and we beat them 2-1, I came on off the bench and got ten minutes, and against Uruguay under-20s when we drew 0-0.

It as a azi g, I did t get pi ked for the u der-20 World Cup because of fit ess at the ti e, ut there s a u der- s o petitio i Ja uar that I in contention for. They just keep inviting me back, every two months I go to a a p, a d I e just ee i Qatar ith the as ell.

I as or i Ma hester, I did li e i Qatar for a ear a d pla ed for the same club that Raul is at now, called Al-Sadd, and I was back on trial with the t o eeks ago.

Jarad has also been on trial with teams here such as Sheffield United, Hyde and Maine Road, before joining Knutsford last week.

Mohammed is pictured above (second from the left) with some of his Iraq teammates.

FLIGHT OF THE STORKS RYLANDS AWAY –SATURDAY 14 DECEMBER 2013 KICK-OFF 2PM Next Saturday Billinge FC will be traveling to Rylands for a Cheshire League Division One game. Rylands beat us 4-0 at Carr Mill Road earlier in the season when we produced a poor performance that we will be looking to improve on. Many thanks in advance for your support.

Here are all the details you need to get you there:

Rylands Recreation Club, Gorsey Lane, Warrington WA2 7RZ Directions: From Junction 21 on M6. Follow A57 towards Warrington, at 3rd set of traffic lights turn right. Through the next set of lights and under railway bridge.

Entrance to ground is 100 yards on the right.

LOYAL SUPPORTERS 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. Let’s hope we can reward your loyalty with a great season.

THE GAFFERS

Storks knocked out of the Guardian Cup A weakened Billinge side lost 2-0 at Greenalls PSO on Saturday.

Missing at least five regular players and hampered by the early sending-off of James Webb - for two yellows - The Storks fell out of the Cup after conceding two soft goals in the first-half.

The second-half saw a valiant performance from Gaz Fletcher's men but the damage had been done in the first 45 minutes.

The game started reasonably even with maybe Greenalls shading the first ten minutes. An early chance fell for the home side after a free-kick was given for a foul

by Billinge player James Webb, who picked up a clumsy yellow card after the halle ge for disse t. A ad all out of defe e sa Craig Ho la d s shot fro yards go past the post.

On 21 minutes Joe Unsworth was judged to be offside after a great through ball by Gaz Fletcher and sterling work from Elliot Bradshaw.

Two minutes later, disaster struck as Webb picked up a second yellow for a foul on the edge of the box and he was off! And within five minutes Billinge were behind.

Poor defending allowed Neil Sutch to latch onto a simple through ball and place his shot in the corner.

At the other end the nearest The Storks came was when Tim Lees headed over from a Dave Quigley free-kick. It was a case of hold on until half-time and regroup but on 40 minutes a Billinge defender lost his man at a corner and Paul Dobson headed home.

The second-half was far better for Billinge without really creating too many chances.

The best came on 58 minutes when Joe Unsworth broke the offside trap on the left but his shot lacked conviction and was easily saved.

Greenalls also had few chances as the nearest they came to scoring was when Jamie Anderson headed against his own bar.

The game finished 2-0 and Billinge were out of the cup.

Man-of-the-match and manager Gaz Fletcher was obviously disappointed with the result but pleased with the effort they put in the second-half when they were the better side even with ten minute.

While nobody at Billinge is disputing the red card the general standard of officiating in the game was very poor and five yellows and a red for Billinge to Greenall's none when there wasn't a bad foul in the game -tells you everything!

LA“T “aturda s FA Troph progra e thre up a good fe sho ks ut also raised e e ore questions after some worryingly low attendances.

Boston United adorned our Non-League Paper front page after a great 2-1 win at Southport while Bradford Park Avenue stunned Kidderminster and Coalville Town grabbed a replay against Grimsby among others.

But the iggest takea a fro the o petitio s first rou d has to be the gates, or lack thereof.

Hyde were, maybe not surprisingly, knocked out by North Ferriby but just 256 watched on – less than half of their 598 Skrill Premier average.

Alfreton lost to Nuneaton for the second time in a week with just 343 at the Impact Arena, again less than half than their league average.

There were also low turnouts at Gateshead, Dartford and Braintree which somewhat marred the day following some great results.

This is, after all, Non-Leagues premier cup competition but the attitude towards it has always been questioned.

Mo i g the fi al to Mar h as a o e fro the FA to get lu s to take it ore seriousl ut it s lear to see that it has t orked, at least for the fa s o the terra es.

Would reducing admission prices really make mu h of a differe e? I sure lu s ould tell ou it s difficult enough as it is financially at the moment, and why should they have to for Non-League s top trophy?

If ou ask Wre ha or York fa s, the i ers fro the past t o seaso s, the ll tell ou the Trophy is the stuff of drea s, a d it a e. It s just a sha e ore are t a are, or at least e ti ed the prize.

It s ot fair just to pi k o the Troph , though. Lo atte da es see to e a i di t e t of this ou tr s ge eral ie s o up o petitions.

E e the FA Cup suffers. After rou d three, all e ha e to look for ard to is at hi g Ma U ited s reserves on TV – hardly something to get the pulses racing.

A d the ou ha e the Joh sto e s Pai t Troph a d Capital O e Cup – both merely allow Football League clubs to give their academy kids a run out.

It s a e iro i that the o l FA up o petitio that see s to ha e sur i ed the ha ges i attitude is the FA Vase.

Attendances are normally very impressive for Steps 5 and 6. Clubs do everything they can to win, not only to boost their coffers but to also extend that Wembley dream.

There have been rumours lately of including Step 4 teams in the Vase rather than the Trophy, a move which I personally do not agree with.

The Vase has a certain charm and adding Step 4 sides would only help to dilute that. Yes, the Northern League have dominated in recent years but Tunbridge Wells made it all the way to the fi al last ear a d their pla ers are t paid a pe .

The Trophy can elicit the same joys as the Vase – watching your team play at Wembley, as I personally know, is one of those moments everybody should experience in their lifetime.

It s just a sha e ore do t see i terested i hasi g it.

adidas this week unveiled brazuca, the official 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ at h all with a spectacular 3D light projection launch event held at the iconic Parque Lage in Rio de Janeiro. brazuca was named back in September 2012 following a public vote in Brazil involving 1 million football fans; the name "brazuca" is an informal local term which means "Brazilian", or to describe the Brazilian way of life. The colours and ribbon design of the ball panels symbolise the traditional multi-coloured wish bracelets worn in the country (fita do Senhor do Bonfim da Bahia), in addition to reflecting the vibrancy and fun associated with football in Brazil. brazuca went through a thorough testing process over a two and a half year period involving more than 600 of the world's top players and 30 teams in 10 countries across three continents, making it the most tested ball ever by adidas and ensuring that it is suited to all conditions.

Clubs involved in testing included AC Milan, Bayern Munich, Palmeiras and Fluminese. Players involved in the process included global football stars Leo Messi, Iker Casillas, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Zinedine Zidane.

The technology incorporated into the bladder and carcass of brazuca is identical to the Tango UEFA Euro ™ , Cafusa FIFA Co federatio s Cup a d the popular UEFA Cha pio s League™ Offi ial Mat h Ball. However, a new structural innovation with a unique symmetry of six identical panels alongside a different surface structure will provide improved grip, touch, stability and aerodynamics on the pitch. brazuca has been thoroughly tested to meet and exceed all FIFA metrics for an official match ball, ensuring top performance for every condition. Brazilian star Dani Alves said: "My first impression of brazuca is of a ball that is fantastic and we're going to have a lot of fun with it. adidas has created an incredible-looking ball fitting for a tournament as big as the FIFA World Cup. Most importantly it plays well on the ground and in the air. I'm sure all the players will love it. It's increased my levels of excitement even further and I honestly cannot wait for the opening game!"

FIFA World Cup™ i i g “pa ish aptai Iker Casillas said: " razu a has a stu i g desig that feels inspired by Brazil. Now the ball has been launched the tournament feels a lot closer.

I'm looking forward to playing in Brazil with a great ball. Hopefully with brazuca we can get the same result as in 2010." The launch of brazuca marks the next phase of adidas' "All in or Nothi g" FIFA World Cup Brazil™ a paig , follo i g the lau h of seven national federatio FIFA World Cup™ kits a d the “a a Colle tio , a Brazilia -themed football boot collection.

The FIFA World Cup™ is the orld's largest foot all e e t a d the ulti ate platfor for the adidas state-of-the-art apparel, hardware and footwear. adidas has made every FIFA World Cup™ all si e 97 , a d re e tl e te ded the part ership ith FIFA u til , i ludi g the supply of the official match ball.

League Two: Bury agree stadium sponsorship deal with retailer JD Sports Bury's long time home Gigg Lane will be renamed the JD Stadium in a three year deal as the club look to ease their financial difficulties.

The Shakers have been based at Gigg Lane since their formation in 1885, and have never before renamed the ground.

Bury have had a torrid time recently, with their financial troubles seeing them relegated from League One last season, and only avoiding administration thanks to Stewart Day, who took over the club in May. Speaking to the club's website, he said, "This is an amazing deal for Bury Football Club and highlights the hard work being put in behind the scenes to secure the future of this great club."

"I hope our many loyal fans appreciate the progress being made to ensure financial security at the club."

"This is such an exciting partnership for the club and we would like to thank JD Sports Fashion PLC for their commitment to our vision, which is to take Bury Football Club back to the Championship."

Bury are currently two points above the relegation zone in League Two, and face fellow strugglers, who are two places and one point above them.

Meanwhile Derby County have revealed iPro are to be the club's first-ever stadium naming rights partner.

The new global sports drink company have entered into a 10 year agreement worth £7 million with the Rams, which will next month see Pride Park Stadium renamed as the iPro Stadium.

The deal itself is believed to be one of the biggest independent deals by a club in Football League history.

So folks what are we going for at Barrows Farm? For £7 I thi k e d all t a thi g they wanted but being more realistic I can envisage: The Les Pilling Stadium: Amount received - Free ear s suppl of Hei z Baked Bea s The Andy Goulding Comedy Store: Amount received – Free ear s suppl of Gouldi g jokes/humour. Hopefully in the changing rooms not on the pitch The James Webb Arena: Amount received – A ear s orth of oa i g The Paul Oakes Emporium: Amount received – a ear s orth of lothi g ou hers fro … O fa !

Ste Dicko Training Shoe Ground: Amount received – Free ear s suppl of Lotto, Umbro, Lonsdale footwear Quigley Fletcher Vaughan Hair Salon Stadium: Amount received – thin (h)air!

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 lu stal art Les Pilli g is appoi ted as Farrell s Assista t Ma ager a d Coli 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 pla i g i the “outh La s League at Barro s Far as the lu ele rates it s sil er anniversary.

FIRSTS

RESERVES

SUNDAY

JUNIORS

VILLAGE

A BOOK FOR BEDTIME If anybody is interested in the history of Billinge then there is a great book called The Billingers by Richard D Lewis.

It is available from the History Shop/Museum in Library Street in Wigan and Warsleworths in St Helens and is a great read. Basically it’s the history of the village and it shows how much it has changed over the years and how much it hasn’t changed!

Now on its third reprint it’s well worth buying for Christmas.

Here is the official BLURB: The Billingers tells the story of a little Lancashire village called Billinge. The author, Richard D. Lewis, who was born in Billinge in 1930, recounts his memories of life there and paints vivid pictures of all the main - and idiosyncratic - characters who formed the life-blood of the village.

Lewis has also written down the grammar, key vocabulary and expressions of the Billinge dialect, now almost completely extinct. The Billingers is a fascinating, eclectic perspective on bygone years in the north of England.

Richard Donald Lewis was born at Slack Farm, at the bottom of Main Street, Billinge, in 1930. Grandson of a local miner, he was educated at Ashton-in-Makerfield Grammar School, Nottingham University and the Sorbonne, Paris, from which he holds degrees in French, Spanish and Italian and the Diploma of Cultures and Civilisations. He has travelled to 125 countries, speaks 10 European and 2 Asiatic languages, as well as fluent Billinge dialect. He gives lectures around the world on intercultural issues and plays cricket, football, tennis and table tennis in his spare time. He was knighted by the President of Finland in 1997 and elevated to the rank of Commander of the Knights in 2009. Lewis still maintains strong links with Billinge and visits on a regular basis.

Keep an eye out and you might spot him at the Eagle & Child or taking in the views on top of Billinge Hill.

STRAIGHT FROM THE MOUTHS OF THE STORKS For those that all o puter sa a d ha e o ti e for all that paper stuff the pleased e ad ised that ou a read all our programmes online.

All you have to do is go to the following links and take a gander:

http://issuu.com/vaughanie/docs/gamesley_programme http://issuu.com/vaughanie/docs/billinge_v_whaley_bridge_programme http://issuu.com/vaughanie/docs/billinge_fc_v_rylands_fc_programme http://issuu.com/vaughanie/docs/billinge_v_hale_programme http://issuu.com/vaughanie/docs/billinge_v_styal_programme http://issuu.com/vaughanie/docs/billinge_v_page_celtic_programme http://issuu.com/vaughanie/docs/billinge_v_denton_town_programme The e-programmes have now had over 2,700 hits as e go to press so it s good e s for all at Billi ge as e o ti ue to e pa d the lu . Perso all I d soo er ha e the paper ersio ut I a old fart o ada s so o surprise there.

This programme will be online Monday or Tuesday next week We also have a sponsorship brochure online that you can find at: http://issuu.com/vaughanie/docs/sponsorship_brochure Here however are a few of our sponsorship opportunities: KIT SPONSORSHIP TRACKSUIT SPONSORSHIP MATCH BALL SPONSORSHIP MATCH SPONSORSHIP HOSPITALITY PACKAGE

PLAYER SPONSORSHIP PROGRAMME ADVERTISING SPO‘TSMAN S EVENING SPONSO‘SHIP We have packages to suit all pockets. If you are interested then just see one of our committee at the game today.

Meanwhile may we give a massive thanks to all our sponsors and spectators that put money behind the bar/admission/programmes etc.

NEWS FROM OUR NEIGHBOURS Managerial appointments at Town Following the resignation of manager Ian Granite at the weekend the club have appointed Ian Price (Manager) and Paul Jones (Assistant) as the caretaker management team until further notice.

Club Chairman Joh M Kier a said, I e spoken with both Ian (pictured) and Paul over the past few days and we are all happy that this is the right move at this moment in time.

While disappoi ted ith Ia Gra ite s departure we have had get on with the job at hand and that is ensuring we build on the start the lads have given the club this season.

The lu s o ittee felt that a degree of o ti uit ill help us through the next few weeks and the duo will receive our full support. Ian and Paul have been part of the first team set-up for the past two seasons and have worked closely with Ian Granite so we are hoping that we continue to move in the right dire tio .

The club would also like to announce the appointment of Alan Gillespie and John Whelan as manager and assista t respe ti el of the lu s ‘eser e Team who are currently top of the West Cheshire League Division Three.

Joh M Kier a said, We lost the ser i es of ‘eser e oss Ni k ‘o i so a few weeks ago and while we did initially look to recruit to the position the club have decided that in light of other events this is the best course of action.

Joh a d Ala ha e ee arou d the lu for so e ti e a d ha e re e tl taken over the management of the Youth team who play in the North West Youth Alliance League. Both of them had been involved in helping out Nick earlier in the season, know most of the players and are happy to take charge for the remainder of the campaign.

We do ha e so e o erlap et ee pla ers pla i g a ross all three se ior tea s so are o fident this will work until the club reviews its structure for next season and beyond.

I apologise to those ho took the ti e appl for the ‘eser e tea positio ut the lu s o ittee u a i ousl de ided agai st aki g a permanent appointment at this moment in time.'

CHESHIRE LEAGUE TABLES AS AT 6 DECEMBER 2013 CHESHIRE LEAGUE FIRST DIVISION

L

GD

Crewe Rudheath Social Garswood United Whaley Bridge Knutsford Barnton Eagle Sports Rylands Greenalls PSO Linotype Cheadle HN Gamesley Billinge FC Styal Pilkington Denton Town FC Middlewich Town

P 17 13 13 15 15 14 11 13 13 14 15 14 14 18 16 15

W 12 9 9 8 8 8 7 7 7 6 5 4 3 3 2 1

1 3 2 4 3 2 2 1 1 1 3 2 3 2 1 1

4 1 2 3 4 4 2 5 5 7 7 8 8 13 13 13

30 17 26 20 19 32 10 14 4 5 -1 -14 -13 -37 -56 -56

34 27 26 23 23 22 22 20 19 19 17 14 11 10 3 0

RESERVE DIVISION Greenalls PSO Whaley Bridge Styal Linotype Cheadle HN Billinge Poynton Barnton Garswood United Rylands Daten Eagle Sports Grappenhall Sports Pilkington Middlewich Town Gamesley Egerton Denton Town

P 18 15 16 15 17 18 11 16 13 15 16 15 16 13 16 13 15

W 15 11 11 10 9 7 8 8 5 5 5 3 4 4 2 2 2

D 1 4 1 0 3 5 1 1 4 2 1 6 3 1 2 1 0

L 2 0 4 5 5 6 2 7 4 8 10 6 9 8 12 10 13

GD 48 35 37 16 15 9 22 2 4 -10 -11 -9 -28 -25 -30 -30 -45

POINTS 39 34 30 27 26 22 22 22 16 15 14 13 13 10 8 6 4

Don t forget to

D

POINTS

@BillingeFC

BILLINGE FOOTBALL CLUB FIRST TEAM FIXTURES 2013/14 GOING TO PRESS THE ONLY LEAGUE FIXTURES RELEASED ARE FOR AUGUST/SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 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 OCTOBER 2013 Sat 05/10/13 Sat 12/10/13 Sat 19/10/13 Sat 26/10/13 NOVEMBER 2013 Sat 02/11/13 Sat 09/11/13 Sat 16/11/13 Sat 23/11/13 Sat 30/11/13 DECEMBER 2013 Sat 07/12/13 Sat 14/12/13 Sat 21/12/13 Sat 28/12/13

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)

L 0-4 W 7-3 W 3-2 L 3-2

STYAL (H) PAGE CELTIC (H) (LCFA CHALLENGE CUP) Whaley Bridge (A) Winwick Athletic (WARRINGTON CUP) (A)

W 2-1 L 8-2 L 3-2 W 5-1

Middlewich Town (A) LINOTYPE CHEADLE (H) DENTON TOWN (H) Denton Town (A) Greenalls PSO (WARRINGTON CUP) (A)

W 4-2 W 3-1 L 1-0 L 2-0 L 2-0

KNUTSFORD (H) Rylands (A) Styal (A) GREENALLS PSO (H)

2PM 2pm 2pm 2PM

BILLINGE FC LEADING GOALSCORERS GRAEME GREEN 12 CHAD WHYTE 8 GARETH FLETCHER 3 ELLIOT BRADSHAW 2 DEREK EVANS 2

TODAY’S TEAMS – SATURDAY 7th DECEMBER 2013 CHESHIRE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE BILLINGE SOCCER CENTRE BARROWS FARM KICK-OFF 2PM BILLINGE FC SQUAD

VERSUS

Aaron Cameron Andy Goulding James Webb Gareth Fletcher Chris Godson Dave Quigley (CAPTAIN) Elliot Bradshaw Bobby Jones Joe Unsworth Graham Greene Tim Lees

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

KNUTSFORD FC SQUAD Mark Higgs Scott Beattie Mohammed Jarad Steven Jenyons Robert Jones Sean Lynch James Pickford Richard Smart Joel Swift Simon Williamson Matthew Woolley

Jonathan Crane Adam Clare Martin Seddon Adam Dickinson Chad Whyte

12 14 15 16 17 18

Liam Crellen-Myers Jack Woolley Reece Davies Nicholas Crerand Michael Cartner Lee Shakoor

MANAGER: GARETH FLETCHER ASSISTANT: MARTIN SEDDON ASSISTANT: STEVE DICKSON

MANAGER: JOHN FERGUSON ASSISTANT:

SHIRTS: CLARET & SKY BLUE SHORTS: CLARET & SKY BLUE SOCKS: CLARET & SKY BLUE

SHIRTS: RED SHORTS: BLACK SOCKS: BLACK

OFFICIALS: ALI EBRAHIMI ▪ NIGEL BOOTH ▪ DANIEL MORRELL

Match ACTION: GREENALLS PSO AWAY Photos courtesy of Mark Parkinson

www.markparkinson.net

TODAY’S FIXTURES SATURDAY 7 DECEMBER 2013

First Division Billinge FC v Knutsford Denton Town v Linotype Cheadle HN Gamesley v Greenalls Padgate St Oswalds Pilkington v Rudheath Social Rylands v Barnton Whaley Bridge v Styal

LCFA Saturday Challenge Cup Quarter Final Eagle Sports v Old Xaverians Garswood United v Waterloo Dock

Reserve Division Challenge Cup Barnton v Whaley Bridge Greenalls Padgate St Oswalds v Denton Town Styal v Billinge

Reserve Division Daten v Pilkington Egerton v Grappenhall Linotype Cheadle HN v Gamesley MIddlewich Town v Garswood United TOMORROW: 8 DECEMBER 2013 KICK-OFF 11AM BILLINGE FC SUNDAY TEAM v LOWER INCE ADDRESS: BARROWS FARM ADMISSION FREE BOOT ROOM CAFÉ OPEN BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER THE GAME YOUR SUPPORT IS MUCH APPRECIATED

Cheshire Football League Statement - Penlake FC Liverpool FA have suspended Penlake FC from all football until further notice following their fixture versus Poynton FC on Sat 30 November 2013 The Cheshire Football League have therefore suspended Penlake?s fixtures during this timeframe.

No further comment will be made on this matter until Liverpool FA have completed their disciplinary proceedings.

CFL Press Report - 30 November 2013 Barnton took full control of their local derby as they gave opponents Middlewich Town a 7-0 thrashing. Hat tricks from Billy Webb and Colin Quirk were finished off by a goal in the 87th minute from Josh Smith to complete a successful day for the Northwich side.

Denton Town continued their run of form as they held high flying Rudheath Social to a 1-1 draw. A goal from Liam Newman earned Rudheath a point to keep the title race wide open.

Garswood United moved up to third place as they beat Linotype CHN 1-0 away from home.

Garswood sit eight points behind Crewe in top spot with four games in hand.

Goals from Chris Jackson and Stevie McNichol helped Crewe to a 2-1 win away at Pilkington, while Whaley Bridge finished 1-0 winners in their local derby at home against Gamesley.

Eagle Sports climbed up to seventh spot following a 1-0 win away at Knutsford. The home side started well and were well on top in the opening thirty minutes. Joel Swift forced a good save from Eagle keeper Simon Perry when he flicked the ball towards goal from Rob Jones superb cross. New signing Mohammed Jarad was showing some promise, his tenacious work on the right wing set up Swift again but his first-time strike flew over the bar. Moments later Sean Lynch was sent clear down the left by Simon Williamson, only for Perry to smother the ball after Lynch s loose touch in the area. Eagle began to grow in to the game as the half went on, Liam Walker wasted one of their best chances when he stooped to head over the bar at the near post from Jay Waldron s cross. Waldron then came close himself when he ran clear down the right and drove into the area but his shot from angle clipped the post before going wide.

Eagle thought they had taken the lead just before the break, Ged McAllister sent a curling strike into the top corner only to see the offside flag had been raised.

The second half was much tighter, both teams only threatened from distance in the opening fifteen minutes. Stuart Bruce and Liam Walker both had efforts from outside the area for Eagle but they didn t trouble Higgs in the Knutsford goal. Jones half-volley from the edge of the area went just over the bar for Knutsford before Swift forced another good save from Perry with a curling free-kick. McAllister had a great opportunity to take the lead for Eagle Sports when Richard Chinn s flick on found him wide open ten yards from goal, he tried an audacious overhead kick that went wide when he had more time than he realised. The goal came with 15 minutes remaining. Waldron fired at goal and his shot was caught by Higgs but the force took the ball behind the line for an Eagle corner. Knutsford failed to clear and the ball fell to the unmarked Eagle captain Craig Hall who hit home for 1-0.

Kat Davey - CFL Press Officer

BILLINGE FOOTBALL CLUB SPORTSMAN’S EVENING

BIRCHLEY ST MARY’S CLUB FRIDAY 23 MAY 2014 PRESENTATION EVENING ▪ AUCTIONS ▪ RAFFLES TOP COMEDIAN & TOP MC THREE GREAT SPEAKERS ▪ GREAT FOOD ▪ GREAT NIGHT TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW: £35 EACH TABLES OF TEN AVAILABLE

FOR ALL YOUR TRANSPORT NEEDS

PROUD TO SUPPORT BILLINGE FOOTBALL CLUB

SUPPORTING BILLINGE FOOTBALL CLUB

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 ________________________________________________________________

MA‘KET ∙ P‘ODUCT ∙ APPLICATION ∙ CUSTOMISATION ∙ LOGISTICS ∙ INF‘AST‘UCTU‘E 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

Pro idi g a

e ha i al e gi eeri g reakdo competitive and reliable.

ser i e that’s fast,

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 Tel: 01942 824742 Web: www.wigantyresltd.co.uk 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 Tel: 07931 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 plus large screen Sky TV Large games room with two f EVERYBODY IS WELCOME TO JOIN THE PLAYERS, MANAGEMENT AND COMMITTEE FOR A PIE AND A PINT AFTER THE GAME