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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 second home fixture of the 2013/14 season against Cheshire League opponents Whaley Bridge FC. We welcome a Whaley Bridge team who – going to press have two wins and a draw. 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 second 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 draw and two 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 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.
Steve Dickson Chairman
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 reelection 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
DOWN ON THE FARM BILLINGE FOOTBALL CLUB: FOUNDED 1988 BARROWS FARM, CARR MILL ROAD, BILLINGE, WN5 7TX
THE VILLAGE CLUB
HONOURS
IN THE BOARDROOM
1997-1998: ST HELENS COMBINATION 2ND DIVISION CHAMPIONS AND TOM WORRALL CUP WINNERS 1998-1999: ST HELENS COMBINATION 1ST 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 2003-2004: WARRINGTON LEAGUE 1ST DIVISION CHAMPIONS 2005-2006: THE BILL GREY PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD; ANDY LEDGER 2008-2009: PROMOTED TO CHESHIRE LEAGUE 1ST 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: CHESHIRE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE: BILLINGE v RYLANDS 7 SEPTEMBER 2013 KICK-OFF 3PM ADMISSION: £2 - CONCESSIONS £1 - KIDS UNDER-7 GO FREE BAR OPEN – HOT & COLD DRINKS – HOT FOOD
CHAIRMAN – STEVE DICKSON SECRETARY –LES PILLING ASSISTANT SECRETARY – JAYNE WOOD TREASURER – STEVE BROOKES COMMITTEE MEMBERS DAVE WOOD JAMES WEBB ANDY VAUGHAN GARY FLETCHER
ON THE FIELD FIRST TEAM MANAGER – PAUL OAKES ASSISTANT - STEVE DICKSON RESERVE TEAM MANAGERS –KEITH AMATO & – PAUL FARRELL SUNDAY TEAM MANAGER – DAVE WOOD COACHES HEAD COACH – ADAM LOWERY COACH – JAY HOWARTH
BILLINGE FOOTBALL CLUB FIRST TEAM FIXTURES 2013/14 GOING TO PRESS THE ONLY LEAGUE FIXTURES RELEASED ARE FOR AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013
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 15.00 18.30 15.00
RYLANDS Vulcan HALE Linotype Cheadle HN (A)
15.00 14.30 14.00 14.30
SCORERS
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
Evans Ablewhite Harrison
WARRINGTON CUP LCFA CHALLENGE CUP JB PARKER CHALLENGE CUP
BILLINGE FOOTBALL CLUB RESERVE TEAM FIXTURES 2013/14 OPPONENTS AUGUST 2013 Thu 08/08/13 SAT 10/08/13
Pilkington Res (A) EGERTON RES (H)
L 1-0 W 6-5
THU 15/08/13
GARSWOOD UNITED RES (H)
W 6-4
Sat 17/08/13 Thu 22/08/13 Thu 29/08/13 Sat 31/08/13
RES/KO
SCORERS
Gamesley Res (A) Greenalls PSO Res (A) DATEN RES (H) GRAPPENHALL SPORTS RES (H)
W 4-1 L 3-2 15.00 15.00
Poynton Reserves (A) Linotype Cheadle HN Res (A) Styal Reserves (A) STYAL RESERVES (H)
15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00
LINOTYPE CHEADLE HN RES (H)
14.30
Unsworth (3) ▪ Ashall ▪ Bailey ▪ Twigg
Ashall ▪ Bradshaw ▪ Duffy Hull ▪ Price Unsworth (2) ▪ Bradshaw (2)
SEPTEMBER 2013 Sat 07/09/13 Sat 14/09/13 Sat 21/09/13 Sat 28/09/13
OCTOBER 2013 Sat 19/10/13
RESERVE DIVISION CUP
HOME FIXTURES IN BOLD – BILLINGE SCORE FIRST – PLEASE CHECK ALL FIXTURE DATES ON OUR WEBSITE/TWITTER
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 onegoal 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
STORKS FALL SHORT AT THE LEAGUE CHAMPIONS With conditions perfect for playing football and a pitch that resembled a bowling green, Billinge couldn’t quite get a result at Knutsford last Saturday. The 4-0 scoreline may suggest a heavy beating but the Storks were in the game for large periods and for 40 minutes in the middle of the game were the better team. As it was they were undone by three (maybe four) individual errors and if you gift goals to a team of Knutsford’s class then they will punish you. It was Knutsford who were first out the blocks as Tom Hull had to be alert in the second minute as he pushed the ball around for a corner. The resultant set-piece led to nothing and in fact Billinge broke away when good work in the midfield led to Graham Green being out through on goal only for him to be pulled back for a Billinge free-kick with the referee claiming “no advantage!” It was a bizarre decision and to be fair to the official he had a good game after this. With Billinge getting the upper hand on four minutes Danny Curran won the ball in the area but blasted just over. However after this - Knutsford began a period of dominance. Only a fine tackle by Gareth Fletcher prevented a goal after Hull had palmed the ball into the path of the impressive Carlos Edmondson. Moments later Hull had to be alerted as Edmondson fired over from distance. Billinge were back in the game when a long Hull clearance caught the head of a Knutsford defender that left the excellent Knutsford keeper Mark Higgs scrambling back to tip it over. However on 28 minutes the home side were ahead. A long diagonal ball caught the Billinge back guard out and Edmondson ran onto to it and finished superbly passed the advancing Hull. Five minutes later and it was two as Billinge failed to clear a loose ball. Hull could only parry it out to Edmondson who headed it to Rod Thornley who tapped home from six yards. Credit to the lads though as the response was immediate as Jamie Harrison fired wide from 22 yards. With Bobby Jones getting the better of his left-back he fired just over after an excellent through-ball from Chris Godwin on 40 minutes. Moments prior to this Curran fired just wide after excellent individual skill in the area while on the stroke of half-time Jones and Curran combined superbly as the latter’s shot brought a tremendous save out of Higgs. The second-half saw more quality play from the Billinge lads as they took the game to their illustrious hosts. Green was adjudged offside while Dave Quigley tested Higgs from twenty yards. On the hour mark the action swung to the other end and it took a wonderful tackle in the area from Godwin to stop Thornley shooting on goal. Two minutes later there was a pivotal moment when Higgs produced a wonder save to deny Rob Ablewhite. On 67 minutes it was Jones that tested the home keeper while five minutes later the same player got on the end of Andy Goulding’s cross but his header safely in Higgs arms. Manager Paul Oakes brought Derek Evans on in place of the hardworking Quigley and dropped Harrison into the centre of the midfield and it was from an Evans cross that Ablewhite had a half-chance but just failed to get his head on the ball. On 85 minutes disaster struck as Charlie Bloomfield’s clearance went straight to Ebby Reyzan who volleyed home from 25 yards. It was a “worldie” that Hull had no chance with but was presented to him. If that was a gift then the fourth two minutes later came gift wrapped and covered in baubles as Goulding played a square pass straight to Mike Cartner who gleefully hit home despite frantic efforts from the Storks to get back. It was harsh on Billinge and the game was never a “4-0 game” but that’s how it ended. Manager Oakes was philosophical after the game saying: “We will not play a team like Knutsford every week but we must learn from this and not let it happen again. “We made mistakes, I made mistakes but we move on and look forward to the next game where we can out things right.” From a personal point of view – I’ve been watching North West Counties League football for the last six years and can confidently say that Knutsford would easily be in the top three of the Premier Division. They are a very, very good side. MOM BOBBY JONES
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 shouldf 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 park 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
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 will be sponsoring our home FA Cup tie (today) 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 re-building 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
SUNDAYS
JUNIORS
A VILLAGE CLUB
If you haven’t been to the National Football Museum yet – then why not? Based in the Urbis Museum by Manchester Victoria Railway Station it is quite simply a magnificent place to pass two or more hours of your time. It is entertaining, educational, thought-provoking and quite simply emotional place for all those that care about football. Basically it’s just football-porn for us middle-aged men that (still) spend so match (sic) time talking and reading about it. Never mind watching it and kicking a ball about. The museum is a place to explore football - past and present through their fantastic exhibitions that look at the game from every angle, telling the stories that matter to all of us. Add into this they have the world’s greatest football collection - over 140,000 items - including the FIFA Collection. The National Football Museum exists to explain how and why football has become ‘the people’s game’, a key part of England’s heritage and way of life. It also aims to explain why England is the home of football, the birthplace of the world’s most popular sport and provide the first point of contact with football for non-fans and an introduction to wider aspects of culture and history for football fans. The Museum has a long-term mission, a responsibility to protect football’s heritage and culture for future generations as well as current audiences. It is the leading museum of its kind in the world and as this year is the 150th anniversary of the FA and the 125th anniversary of the Football League then there is no better time to go. Then again if you need more persuading then the Strike a Pose exhibition that occupies the top floor until the end of August is the icing on the cake; the ribbons on the cup! It recognises and celebrates how fashion and football are intertwined through the history of the game. From terrace style and cultural movements to designer brands and high street ranges, meet the men and women who have taken football from Kop to catwalk. 1960s Britain saw a revolution in style, youth culture, and football. With the maximum wage abolished, young footballers with disposable income were suddenly style leaders off the pitch – accessible heroes for a generation discovering a voice on the terraces and in the high street. George Best and Bobby and Tina Moore may have paved the way for today’s Balotellis and Beckhams, but it’s the mods, skinheads and casuals on the terraces who have hit the high street and the headlines. This exhibition charts the journey football and fashion has taken together over the last half century. Featuring iconic on-and-off pitch outfits such as Jose Mourinho’s coat and Robbie Fowler’s white Wembley suit alongside era-defining images and photography from Terry O'Neill and Fila BJ tracksuits! Kit Fashions, Georgie Best’s boutique and Terrace Trends, with classic looks from the pitch and the stands, help tell the story of half a century of style and football revolution. Basically it’s just plain ace. Strike A Pose is inspired by the book The Fashion of Football, From Best to Beckham, From Mod to Label Slave by Paolo Hewitt and Mark Baxter.
The Non-League Paper programme column By NLP chief reporter Stuart Hammonds
NOT since he woke me up on a late-night Calais to Dover ferry at the end of an exhausting trip to EuroDisney with the kids have I been more surprised to see my old Ware team-mate Anthony Anstead’s greying barnet. As I devoured last Sunday’s NLP, there he was on pages 26 and 41, firing in a goal during Hertford Town’s FA Cup extra preliminary round win over Colney Heath. What’s unusual about that? I hear you ask. Well, Ant used to be our goalkeeper…last seen trying to control a ball on his goal-line and flick it over an onrushing Potters Bar Townstriker’s head early in the 2007-08 season, only for it to be nodded straight into our net! He was always a confident lad, and I knew that after a brief spell in charge of Harlow Town four years ago, he’d been playing up front in the Herts Senior County League for Wodson Park and then at Step 5 for St Margaretsbury with prolific results. A summer move has seen him switch to Spartan South Midlands Premier rivals Hertford, and fair play to him – he’s now banging in goals in the world’s greatest cup competition at the age of 34. It got me thinking about other big position transitions. We can all reel off a Dion Dublin or a Paul Warhurst, who would alternate between centre-half and centre-forward from one week to the next – or even within the same 90 minutes if their side were chasing a game. Then there are the likes of Staines Town manager Marcus Gayle, who played up front in the topflight for the original Wimbledon, but often played centre-half under Terry Brown at Aldershot Town and AFC Wimbledon as his legs matured. I also recall seeing Gary Hooper play right-back for Grays Athletic, although his destiny always promised to be in the opposition’s penalty area – as he has proved in the Champions League with Celtic and hopefully will now in the Premier League as a £5m Norwich City striker. The best example for me, however, involves another player who cast off the gloves to play outfield. Step forward Matty Taylor, who was so good as a Non-League goalkeeper he won the FA Trophy with Burscough ten years ago with an outstanding display against Tamworth at Villa Park. He also played for Matlock, Hucknall, Halifax and Guiseley, before TeamBath boss Ged Roddy – who selected him as a centre-half for English Universities – signed him for the Students’ 2006-07 Southern League Premier campaign. Taylor proceeded to step up a division virtually every season up to 2011 by moving to Exeter City and being the rock at the heart of their defence as they rose from the Conference to League One, before captaining Charlton Athletic in the Championship. This summer the 32-year-old has dropped back – not in position but division, to join League One new-boys Bradford City – but there can’t be many who have enjoyed as successful a switch as man-mountain Matt. Let me know via stuarthammonds@gmail.com or tweet @stuhammonds_NLP if you can think of any others.
FLIGHT OF THE STORKS AWAY –TUESDAY 27 AUGUST 2013 KICK-OFF 6.30PM
LOYAL SUPPORTERS May we thank you in
On Tuesday night Billinge FC will be traveling to Garswood United for a Cheshire League Division One game. Local derbies are always feisty affairs and games against Garswood are even more so. Kick-off is 6.30pm. Many thanks in advance for your support.
advance for your support this season at home and at away matches. Your
Here are all the details you need to get you there: support is much
Ground: The Wooders Address: Garswood Road Telephone: 07788 818698 (Mark Bowen: Secretary) Postcode: WN4 0XH Website: www.garswoodunitedfc.com Registered Colours: Blue Secretary: Mark Bowen Chairman: Barry Mavers Manager: Chris Finnigan
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
Directions: From A580, M6 junction, towards Liverpool on A580 (East Lancs road). At second set of traffic lights turn right onto A58 towards Ashton. After about 1 mile turn left into Garswood Road ( ski board shop on junction on right). Follow Garswood Road across mini roundabout past garage on left and past Garswood Labour Club on left to crossroads with mini roundabout and Simms Road public house on right. Go across junction and ground is 50 metres on the left.
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
LAST SATURDAY Arsenal took on Manchester City – no the Premier League season hadn’t kicked off a week early, this was a friendly. In Finland. For that is what English football’s big boys spend their summers doing these days; jet off around the world to spread their gospel and expand their brand. It brings in the cash and is all very nice for fans in Bangkok, New York, Sydney and Tokyo. But should they be doing more for the little club on their doorstep? Now of course it’s not unusual to see a Non-League club taking on a Premier League side in preseason. Stoke City recently sent a full first team to Wrexham and even when the star names aren’t in tow it can be a great opportunity to see future talents at their rawest. We might not have heard of them at the time but there is a certain satisfaction in saying, ‘I remember watching him in pre-season once,’ when they are banging them in on the biggest stages. But all too often these teams are academy based while the main squad is abroad. It’s rare we see a really big name – a Van Persie, Aguero, Rooney or Bale – trotting out at a Step 4 club on a Tuesday evening. Last week we had two stories in The NLP that got us thinking. The first was Histon answering a Friday night SOS from Spanish side Real Sociedad. La Liga’s fourth best team, who are in the mix for this season’s Champions League, needed a game the next day after their original fixture had been cancelled. Stutes boss Brian Page had planned on having a training day for his side but couldn’t turn down an elite opposition featuring the likes of ex-Arsenal forward Carlos Vela. Yes, Histon got an 8-1 pasting but as Page said: “Listening to the players talk about what they experienced in the game I just know it’s going to make us better.” Then a few days later Ryman Premier Enfield Town got a fantastic opportunity to take on Tottenham Hotspur at the Premier League giant’s training ground. Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas wheeled out his full team including new signings, Nacer Chadli, Paulinho and Roberto Soldado, the Spanish international who has just arrived from Valencia for a cool £26m. He scored a hat-trick in an 11-0 win. Despite the scoreline, talking to Enfield boss Steve Newing you could sense how good the experience was for his players. Both these games were played behind closed doors, which is understandable. Histon didn’t have time to get everything in place that is needed to get a game on and Enfield were guests of Spurs. But wouldn’t it be great if the money making machines did pop around the corner in pre-season? Take the marquee names along and help small clubs bring some much needed cash into the coffers. And while we’re on the subject of money making machines, Sky TV charge £500 for clubs to beam out all the live action – a month! When we read about the eye-watering sums dished out to Premier League clubs for being rubbish all season and getting relegated, it does make you wonder if a clubhouse attached to a football ground could get a small discount. After all, it’s the saturated live schedule that is arguably contributing to low attendances at actual football games further down the Pyramid.
CHESHIRE LEAGUE TABLES FIRST DIVISION 19 AUG POS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
TEAM GARSWOOD UNITED CREWE EAGLE SPORTS BARNTON WHALEY BRIDGE KNUTSFORD LINOTYPE CHEADLE NH RYLANDS RUDHEATH SOCIAL GREENALLS PSO GAMESLEY BILLINGE FC STYAL MIDDLEWICH TOWN PILKINGTON DENTON TOWN FC
PLAYED 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
WON 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 0 0 0 0 0
DRAWN 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0
LOST 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 3 3 3 3
GD 10 4 3 16 9 8 6 6 1 -4 -1 -5 -6 -13 -13 -21
POINTS 9 7 7 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 4 1 0 0 0 0
PLAYED 4 4 4 4 4 3 4 3 4 4 4 4 3 4 4 2 3
WON 4 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0
DRAWN 0 0 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 0 0
LOST 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 2 2 2 3 2 3 3 2 3
GD 13 13 8 5 9 3 -2 7 3 -2 -1 -6 -8 -10 -17 -3 -12
POINTS 12 9 9 9 8 7 7 6 6 6 4 3 1 1 1 0 0
RESERVE DIVISION 19 AUG POS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
TEAM BARNTON RESERVES GREENALLS PSO RESERVES STYAL RESERVES BILLINGE RESERVES WHALEY BRIDGE RESERVES RYLANDS RESERVES PILKINGTON RESERVES LINOTYPE CHEADLE HN RES POYNTON RESERVES GARSWOOD UNITED RES GAMESLEY RESERVES DATEN RESERVES EGERTON RESERVES EAGLE SPORTS RESERVES MIDDLEWICH TOWN RES GRAPPENHALL SPORTS RES DENTON TOWN RESERVES
TODAY’S TEAMS – SATURDAY 24TH AUGUST 2013 CHESHIRE LEAGUE FIRST DIVISION BILLINGE SOCCER CENTRE BARROWS FARM KICK-OFF 3PM
BILLINGE FC
VERSUS
WHALEY BRIDGE FC SQUAD
Aaron Cameron Andrew Goulding James Webb Rob Ablewhite Gareth Fletcher (CAPTAIN) Dave Quigley Bobby Jones Danny Curran Graham Green Jamie Harrison Charlie Bloomfield
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 SUBS 12 14 15 16 17
James Tattersall James Gemmell Robert Newton Colin Moss Daniel Whelan Jack Gregory Jace Broome Bill Sutton George Burgess Daniel Christie Joe Burgess
Kieran Murphy Chris Godson Derek Evans Jamie Anderson Chad Whyte
Ciaran Hegarty Jake Drayson Matthew Peck Ray Dwolitka Paul Walker
MANAGER: PAUL OAKES ASSISTANT: STEVE DICKSON
MANAGER: JOHN BROGDEN ASSISTANT:
SHIRTS: CLARET & SKY BLUE SHORTS: CLARET & SKY BLUE SOCKS: CLARET & SKY BLUE
SHIRTS: NAVY BLUE SHORTS: NAVY BLUE SOCKS: NAVY BLUE
OFFICIALS: CHRISTOPHER DUCKWORTH, CHRIS PAYNE, TIM WILLIS
NEXT GAME AT BARROWS FARM THURSDAY 29 AUGUST 2013 BILLINGE RESERVES VERSUS DATEN RESERVES ADMISSION FREE
THE CHESHIRE SET: NEWS FROM AROUND THE CHESHIRE LEAGUE
CFL Memorial Cup Result Knutsford hosted Eagle Sports
for the second year running in the Cheshire Football League
Memorial Cup. Eagle took the lead after 20 minutes when Stuart Welstead's cross shot looped over Knutsford keeper Mark Higgs to make it 1-0 only for Knutsford to reply ten minutes later through Sean Lynch with a smart finish from a well worked short corner. Knutsford then took the lead in the 37th minute when Mike Cartner struck the ball from 30 yards, the strike was misjudged by Eagle keeper Perry who thought it was going wide, only for it to nestle into the corner. Knutsford started the second half much stronger and made it 3-1 when a rebound off the post was tucked away by Sean Lynch. Eagle upped the pressure and the sides continued to battle away in an entertaining game played in good spirits. Captain Rob Hope gave Eagle a lifeline with a smart finish going one on one with Higgs with fifteen minutes to play but Knutsfird held on to secure victory for the second year running. Final Score: Knutsford FC 3: Eagle Sports FC 2 Knutsford have dedicated their Memorial Cup victory to their former secretary Kevin Deeley who recently passed away after a long battle with cancer. It seems fitting that they should secure the victory in Kevin's memory, as he was not only a long standing stalwart of Knutsford Football Club but also a valued and adored member of the Cheshire League committee.
The FA Inter League Cup Draw The draw for the next round of The Inter League Cup
was recently made by The League's Committee of The Football Association and The Cheshire League was drawn as follows:
The Cheshire League v Wearside League The match is to be played on 12 October 2013 at The Cumberland Arena, Crewe. Kick-off time to be confirmed.
The draw for the Liverpool County FA Saturday Challenge Cup has been made and we have been handed a home draw against West Cheshire League side Hale. The game will be played at Barrows Farm on Saturday 21 September 2013 14.00.
OTHER CUP DRAWS Warrington Guardian Cup: Sat 14/09/13 14.30 Vulcan v Billinge J B Parker Division 1 Challenge Cup: Sat 28/09/13 14:30 Linotype Cheadle HN v Billinge Reserve Division Challenge Cup: Sat 19/10/13 14:30 Billinge Reserves v Linotype CHeadle HN Reserves
TODAY’S FIXTURES SATURDAY 24 AUGUST 2013 First Division Billlinge v Whaley Bridge Denton Town v Greenalls PSO Eagle Sports v Middlewich Town Gamesley v Rylands Linotype Cheadle HN v Crewe Pilkington v Knutsford Styal v Garswood United Second Division Congleton Vale v Penlake Grappenhall Sports v Barnton Wanderers Lostock Gralam v Daten Moore United v Sandbach United Poynton v Malpas Sale Town v Golborne Sports Egerton v Warrington Town Reserves NO RESERVE FIXTURES TODAY TODAY’S VISITORS: WHALEY BRIDGE FC The Club has existed in some form or other for over 100 years and, apart from World War 1 and a single season in the mid 70s when the pitch was renovated, has an unbroken & prominent history in local amateur football playing in the Buxton, New Mills, Manchester; Stockport and Hope Valley Leagues. At their respective AGMs in 20007/08 under Chairmen Steve Rampley and Ralph Pettingell the Senior and Junior Club (formed in 1990) voted in principle to merge and create a revised organisation and constitution etc. This was eventually ratified in June 2010 by Steve & Dean Campbell the then Junior Chair and now Vice Chair (Juniors). The new structure comprises 2 senior teams; a full compliment of junior boys & some junior girls teams providing continuity and development from an early age through to the senior level. The strength/quality of our organisation is recognised at FA Community Charter Standard; the highest possible status achieved in December 2010.
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
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 _
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WIGAN TYRES ARE PROUD TO SPONSOR BILLINGE FOOTBALL CLUB
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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
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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 Bowling green for hire Saturdays and Sundays for outings PROUD TO SUPPORT BILLINGE FC