The Force - the matchday magazine for Shaw Lane AFC

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Ducks kick off with two wins

Now it’s time for the magic of the FA Cup SHAW LANE FC VS COLWYN BAY FA CUP SPONSORED BY EMIRATES PRELIMINARY ROUND SATURDAY AUGUST 20 2016 SHAW LANE FC’S HEADLINE SPONSOR IS:

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FROM THE DUGOUT The thoughts of first team coach Craig Elliott

FA Cup: the underdog’s dream I would like to extend a warm welcome to the players and officials of Colwyn Bay FC. It will be an extremely difficult game for us today as Colwyn Bay are one of the favourites to win their own league and looking at the quality of players they have recruited over the summer it’s easy to see why they are so highly fancied.

It’s a fantastic occasion for everyone at the club to be involved in the FA cup and especially as it’s at home.

It is a competition me and my players would like to

progress in and I know everyone at the club is excited by today’s game.

As I write this we have four key players missing due to injuries, suspension and holidays however I have every confidence in this squad that players coming in will give everything and try to continue our unbeaten start to the season.

It’s the FA cup and anything can happen the competition is full of stories of underdogs and upsets and it would be great to create our own history in

this famous competition.

We have made a very pleasing start to the season winning both our league games and the lads are full of confidence.

Although Tuesday night against Sheffield I thought first half we were not our best. I was more than happy with how we stepped it up in the second half and showed the quality we have in the team scoring two quality goals and if I was slightly critical we should have scored more.

Enjoy the game, Cheers Craig

“As I write this we have four key players missing due to injuries, suspension and holidays however I have every confidence in this squad that players coming in will give everything...”

WOODY ’S WISE WORDS Insight from Shaw Lane AFC chairman Craig Wood

I have a dream... to reach the first round of the FA Cup! GOOD afternoon and welcome to Shaw lane for todays FA cup preliminary round game against Colwyn Bay FC. On behalf of all associated with our club I would like to express a warm welcome to our visitors – along with their supporters and club representatives who have made the long journey over to Barnsley from the north coast of Wales.

After last season’s disappointing FA cup defeat to lower league opposition we get another chance to see how far we can go in this great competition.

Being realistic, the FA cup is so difficult any club at our level can regard a couple of victories as a successful run.

But I am so desperate to see the Ducks progress in the FA cup and it would be a dream come true if we can one day make it to the

first round proper.

Who knows?

That may even be this season – but we have a very tough game this afternoon against a club who have been fortunate enough to make it to the first round proper in the past When all is said and done, it is the league that will be our main focus again this season.

After lasts season’s disappointment I am delighted in the manner that we have started this seasons campaign.

It took us some time last season to find our feet but we seem to have hit the ground running so far.

It's always a bonus when we can play on a good pitch and I must say our playing surface is looking in great condition, like most are at this time of year I suppose.

Over the summer, we have spent heavily again trying to resolve the issues that have hampered us over the past few seasons.

We have highlighted some key areas that we need to focus on this season that will help us get through the winter months, especially in the preparation during the autumn ready for when the wet weather hits us.

A team of experts have put together a maintenance programme and we have employed our own groundsman to concentrate on the pitch.

I hope you all enjoy the game this afternoon and I wish our visitors a safe trip home. The ducks are next in home action on Bank Holiday Monday when we entertain Northwich Victoria.

I hope to see you all then...

FROM THE PRESS BOX Ashley Ball on a keeping dreams alive...

Anything can happen in the FA Cup THE DREAM for Shaw Lane AFC and indeed their owner Craig Wood would be to make it to the first round of the FA Cup proper.

And the dream draw, would of course be Barnsley FC – but the Reds' unbelievable promotion last season has just about put that dream out of reach for now as Paul Heckingbottom's side won't enter the competition until the third round – making that is a wild dream even for the ambitious Ducks. For now...

That is not to say that they cannot enjoy themselves in the competition which still holds some magic for teams

lower down the football pyramid.

Last season's early exit from the FA Cup was a blow for Shaw Lane who generally did well in the cup competitions whilst maintaining strong league form all the way through a hectic season.

Colwyn Bay – an established and well supported club at this level – will be a tough test but home advantage and a good start to the season from Craig Elliott's side will see them as favourites to progress.

Whilst the main aim has always been to rise through the divisions as quickly as

possible, wins in the cup – and indeed trophies in the cabinet – are the things that players remember most from their time in football.

It was a real shame that Shaw Lane could not contest the Sheffield and Hallamshire Senior Cup final last year but they were right to prioritise the league on that occasion under the exceptional circumstances they were thrust into.

It would be nice for the growing fanbase to see some silverware collected this season, that and a promotion, to keep the club's upward trajectory going.

“It was a real shame that Shaw Lane could not contest the Sheffield and Hallamshire Senior Cup final last year but they were right to prioritise the league..”

FOCUS ON TODAY’S VISITORS: COLWYN BAY

New management team looking to turn the tide A team representing Colwyn Bay played its first match in January 1881 and competed in the North Wales Coast Football League from 1901 until that competition folded in 1921 when the majority of clubs joined the Welsh National League.

The Bay enjoyed some success in this, winning the League Cup in 1928 and finishing as league runners-up in both 1928 and 1930 – which was to prove the last season for the competition.

In July of that year, a meeting was held at the Albion Hotel in Chester with a view to setting up the Cheshire Football Combination in which clubs from Cheshire and North Wales would compete – the eventual title of the competition was the North Wales Football Combination. The Bay became founder members, playing in English football for the first time, and celebrated by taking the title at the end of the 1930/31 season.

The club then joined the Birmingham & District League with the the likes of Worcester City, Cradley Heath, Wrexham Reserves and Kidderminster Harriers.

Unfortunately this gave them transport difficulties and results tailed off.

Unable to halt a slide down the table, which saw them finish bottom in 1935-1936 and 1936-1937 seasons, it was perhaps not surprising that they resigned from the league to join the Welsh League (North) in 1937.

After the Second World War the club rejoined the competition and proved to be highly successful, starting off with a runners-up spot at the end of the first season and ending by taking the league title in 1983 and 1984.

Bay also finished as runners-up in 1964 and amongst their cup successes were wins in the Alves

Cup in 1964 and the Cookson Cup in 1974, 1980, 1981, 1982, and 1984, the Barrit Cup in 1980 and 1984 as well as the North Wales Coast Challenge Cup in 1982, 1983, 1984, 1992 and 1996 and 1998.

In 1984, the club crossed the border with election to the Bass North West Counties League. It was also at this time that the Bay left their Eirias Park ground for their present Llanelian Road base.

During their first season in the new league, the club was promoted from the Third Division and following re-organization of the leagues in 1987 the club was promoted to the First Division.

The Bay, under manager Bryn Jones, gained further success, finishing fourth in the League and reaching the Final of the Raab Karcher League Cup Final where they lost to Warrington Town at Gigg Lane, Bury.

The club also reached the First Round Proper of the FA Cup for the first time in their history that season, losing 1-0 away to Northwich Victoria.

The following season the Seagulls again reached the Final of the Raab Karcher Cup and gained revenge on Warrington Town winning 3-0, again at Bury.

In 1990/91, the club finished runners up in the league to Knowsley United, but due to the demise of South Liverpool a vacancy was created in the Northern Premier League, and despite a strong challenge from North Shields to fill the vacancy, the club was duly elected to the Northern Premier League.

The 1991/92 campaign started with the club on the crest of a wave, topping the table and enjoying an FA Cup run which saw them fall to Morecambe in the final qualifying round.

However in October 1991 news broke that the Football Association of Wales, in readiness for a creation of a new League of Wales, would withdraw a sanction for all non league clubs currently playing in England.

The FA of Wales was challenged by the clubs and an appeal was heard. This appeal was set up by the FAW and consisted of members selected by the FAW. The appeal was turned down.

To the credit of the players and management, off the field activities did not affect those on the pitch and the club went on to secure a league and cup double as well as the North Wales Coast Challenge Cup. The Welsh Cup semi-final was also reached including a 3-1 win over Wrexham; only days after the Football League side had beaten Arsenal in the FA Cup. At the end of a highly successful first season in the Northern Premier League, the club had a big decision to make and gave it’s supporters a choice.

Either join the new League of Wales or go into exile whilst the club continued its battle with the Welsh FA for the right to play in the English pyramid.

Financially the clubs choice was not easy, but was supported by the local council, townspeople and supporters alike.

The fight was eventually finalized during April 1995 in the High Court in London and the Bay won the case against the Welsh FA. At the end of the season 2000/2001 manager Bryn Jones stepped down as manager after eighteen years at the helm to be replaced by long serving centre half Colin Caton as player/manager.

In his first season at the helm, the Bay maintained their Northern Premier League status, but the

following season 2002/2003, the Bay were relegated for the first time in their history and Colin Caton stepped down as manager.

The club was now struggling financially and had lost its sense of direction.

A new group of directors took over running the club part way through 2004. A new clubhouse was opened at the ground in Easter 2005. The club appointed Peter Davenport as manager for the 200607 season but he left half way through the season to be replaced by ex-Witton Albion manager Gary Finley. A strong end of season run saw the club into the play-offs where they were eventually defeated 3-2 by Cammell Laird to an injury time winner.

At the end of the season a new board was appointed with the ambition of reaching Conference level football within 5 years, developing the stadium and a community affairs programme.

The 2007/08 season was spent in the newly formed UniBond First Division North and regrettably the team could not re-produce the form of the previous end of season run and finished outside the play-offs.

As a result a new manager was appointed in former Crewe player Steve Pope alongside the vastly experienced Paul Ogden as his assistant.

Following a disappointing start to the 2008/09 season Steve Pope stood down as manager after only four league games.

Two weeks later Neil Young was appointed as the new manager, assisted by former Tranmere Rovers and Nottingham Forest player Gary Jones.

The team went on a winning streak that saw them rise from 17th to 3rd place, securing two successive UniBond ‘club of the month’ awards for February and March along the way.

The team eventually secured a play-off position finishing in 4th position, almost unthinkable before Young’s appointment.

This was the club’s highest league placing for many years.

Unfortunately, a run of injuries and a recall for influential on-loan midfielder Ashton Taylor back to Tranmere dented the clubs play-off hopes and after a brave effort were eventually beaten away at Newcastle Blue Star on penalties.

A cruel twist being that eventual play-off winners Newcastle BS soon later folded, denying the Bay and

the other teams in UN1 who made the play-offs a place in the UniBond Premier League.

For the start of the 2009/10 season manager Neil Young made a number of signings in order to strengthen the side with the hope that the club could go one better this time around.

Off the field, the club has managed to secure the biggest shirt sponsorship deal in the clubs history with The Co-operative Food Group.

With a planned increase in community based initiatives, the launch of the Elite Performance Centre for the best young players in the area and with efforts continuing on improving ground facilities, the club can look forward to a bright future.

The season started brightly for Colwyn Bay as they held the top spot for much of the season, but it was always a false position as the chasing pack had several games in hand over Colwyn Bay and with each game played, the gap continued to shrink.

Colwyn Bay actually finished the season in 4th place and a massive 25 points behind eventual winners, FC Halifax and 21 points behind 2nd place Lancaster City.

This was enough to secure Colwyn Bay a second successive season in the play-offs and this time the would make full use of them as they travelled to Curzon Ashton where the Bay came from behind to win 21, then travelled to the Giant Axe where in monsoon conditions, Colwyn Bay won the match, and promotion with a late penalty strike from Ian Sheridan.

Manager Neil Young decided to leave Colwyn Bay to join re-formed Chester at the end of the season and club captain and ex-Tranmere Rovers defender Dave Challinor was installed as player/manager.

Challinor immediately brought in Colin Woodthorpe as his assistant.

Challinor’s confidence in his decision making, coupled with an eye for spotting players with the required attributes saw his young side get his first season in charge off to a flyer as they went straight to the top of the table.

Such was the success of this team, Colwyn Bay were very rarely outside of the play-off places and finished 2nd in the league behind the much fancied FC Halifax.

After a comfortable win against North Ferriby, Colwyn Bay then went on to win 1-0 against FC United of Manchester to win

promotion to the Blue Square Conference North.

Challinor and Woodthorpe, dropped a bombshell by moving on in October 2011 to take over at AFC Fylde and striker Jon Newby agreed to step up to take over as playermanager.

He won the league's Manager of the Month award within three months of taking over and successfully kept the team in the Conference North with a 12th place finish in their first season.

The follow season, however, was a struggle on tight budget and Newby was sacked in January 2013 after some disappointing results and replaced by former club goalkeeper Lee Williams.

He lasted only a month and after the team failed to win a point in four successive league defeats, he was replaced by ex-Chelsea and Leicester City defender Frank Sinclair.

He engineered a tremendous finish to the season as the team won six games in the space of 15 days to secure their Conference North status.

Last year the Seagulls finished 12th after being in contention for the play-offs at one stage.

Sinclair was in charge for 23 months, but resigned in January 2015 after a poor run of results. His assistant Gus Williams took over until the end of the season when the Seagulls were relegated on goal difference to end four seasons in the Conference North.

Williams then stood down with assistant and former Burnley winger Ash Hoskin taking over, assisted by former Macclesfield and Accrington Stanley manager Phil Staley.

They both left in October 2015 after a disappointing start to the campaign and were replaced by former Chesterfield first team coach Kevin Lynch.

After a disappointing five months, Lynch departed at the end of March 2016.

Captain Carl Rodgers and vicecaptain Luke Denson took temporary charge until the end of the season, but couldn’t prevent back to back relegations with the team finishing second bottom of the Evostik Premier Division.

In May 2016 the club appointed former Hull City and Portsmouth player Peter Moore as the new manager, assisted by Phil Hadland and Dave Hughes as they prepared for life back in the Evostik Division One North.

FOCUS ON TODAY’S VISITORS: COLWYN BAY PETER MOORE MANAGER A former professional player with Hull City and Portsmouth, Peter’s pro playing career was cut short by injury, but he did play on at non-league level with Gosport Borough, Widnes, Runcorn, Warrington and Daten. He then enjoyed some success after turning to management, twice winning promotion with Cheshire club Daten and after a spell at Clitheroe helped save Leek Town from relegation in the NPL before spending two years at his home town club Warrington Town and later having spells at Ashton Athletic and Clitheroe.

DAVE HUGHES ASSISTANT MANAGER (recruitment) Dave, who has previously worked with Paul as assistant at Clitheroe and has had managerial stints at Atherton LR and Runcorn Linnets, was more recently scouting for Salford City FC. PHIL HADLAND ASSISTANT MANAGER (coaching) Phil has played for Reading, Rochdale, Leyton Orient, Carlisle, Brighton, Darlington and Colchester, before embarking on a non-league career with Hednesford, Leek, Kidsgrove and Warrington Town. He is in charge of training and player fitness.

PLAYERS: TOM HARDWICK (captain) DEFENDER An experienced central defender who started at Southport, Tom has won

promotion with both Skelmersdale United and Warrington Town, helping both clubs to title success in the Evostik Division One North and was a key member of the Warrington side that beat Exeter City in a the FA Cup. CHRIS GAHGAN (vice-captain) FORWARD Chris was a key member of the Warrington Town side that reached the second round proper of the FA Cup in 2014/15 season and won promotion as Evostik Division One North champions the following season with an attack that scored 122 goals. He previously had short spells with Witton Albion and Northwich Victoria.

SHAUN PEARSON GOALKEEPER Former Welsh semi-pro international keeper Shaun started his playing career with Llangefni Town before joining his brother Mike at Barrow in 2010. He made 29 appearances for the Cumbria club before leaving in February 2013 to a play in Australia.

SIMON WILLIAMS GOALKEEPER North Wales based Simon was with Everton and Wrexham academies and was then with Chester City before spells at TNS and Prestatyn Town. He had a year in Australia with Ballarat FC and then two seasons in New Zealand with Auckland based Eastern Suburbs and Waitakere United, before returning to Wales and signing for Colwyn Bay in July 2016.

SHAUN DOWLING DEFENDER

A very versatile utility player, Shaun was released by Chester City as an 18-year-old and has had successful spells with Rhyl and also played for Marine in the Evostik Premier before joining Nantwich Town. He signed for Colwyn Bay in June 2015.

LUKE DENSON DEFENDER Luke is in his second spell with the Seagulls, where he won two successive promotions in 2010 and 2011. In between, the left back, who started his career with Tranmere Rovers, has had spells at Chester and AFC Fylde where he also celebrated promotion by helping them win the Evostik Premier Division title in 2013/14.

LOUIS CORRIGAN DEFENDER Former Tranmere Rovers youth player Louis is in his second spell at the Bay after playing in the 2009/10 promotion season before being hit by injury. He has since spent much of his time at Warrington Town, interrupted by short spells at Skelmersdale United and in Australia.

GARETH GRANT DEFENDER A strong centre half was signed from Runcorn Town, where he scored 11 goals in 36 appearances. He has also had spells with St Helen’s Town and Ashton Athletic.

GEORGE MANNION DEFENDER George signed from Prescot Cables after previously being with Mossley and spending a pre-season on trial with Salford City.

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KYLE ARMSTRONG MIDFIELD Kyle is in his second spell at Colwyn Bay, having previously been part of the squad that reached the Unibond play-offs in 2006/7. He was at Preston North End as a teenager, before signing for York City. He has also had spells at Southport, Skelmersdale United, Chorley, Airbus UK, Northwich Victoria and Runcorn Linnets.

MARK KEDDIE MIDFIELD A strong goal scoring midfielder, Mark was signed from Runcorn Town where he spent four seasons following spells with Trafford and Warrington Town.

TOM SCHOFIELD MIDFIELD A versatile midfield player signed from Witton Albion, Tom helped Trafford win promotion via the play-offs in 2012/13. He set up a goal and then scored one of the penalties to help Trafford win the Manchester Premier Cup for the first time in 2014 when they beat Hyde United. He started last season with Curzon Ashton in the National League North before returning to Witton.

STEPHEN WILSON MIDFIELD Stephen is on loan from AFC Fylde, having previously been on loan at North West Counties side Bootle.

WILL BOOTH MIDFIELD Will was signed from Kidsgrove after coming through the ranks at Port Vale, and was a member of the Cheshire team that won the FA County Youth Cup in 2015.

CHRIS BIBBY MIDFIELD An all-action centre midfielder, Chris captained Warrington Town Reserves last season and his performances earned him a first team call up towards the end of the campaign.

DANNY ANDREWS FORWARD A quality wing back with an eye for goal, Danny was on Liverpool’s books as a youngster and after a spell at Cammell Laird where he was Player of the Year in 2009/10, he joined Witton Albion in 20112013/14, and made over 250 appearances for the Cheshire club, scoring over 80 goals – including 24 in 52 appearances last season.

Colwyn Bay paid a transfer fee to bring him to the club in the summer.

RHYS BOWERS FORWARD A prolific goalscorer with Warrington Town Reserves last season, where he scored 43 goals in 21 starts, Rhys was with Manchester City for six years as a boy and then had two seasons at Chester.

GARY BURNETT FORWARD Renowned for his pace and goalscoring ability, Gaz netted over 50 goals in two spells at Northwich Victoria, interrupted by a short spell at Curzon Ashton at the start of last season, and helped them to two cup successes, winning in the Cheshire Senior Cup in 2013/14 and Mid-Cheshire Senior Cup last season. He rejoined Northwich in November and went on to score 14 goals in the last five months of the campaign, including a hat-trick

in a 6-1 Doodson Cup win against Premier Division Skelmersdale United – the club where he first made his debut.

WILL JONES FORWARD A big, strong centre forward, Will was signed from Burscough where he was top scorer last season and has previously had spells with Marine and Warrington Town.

SCOTT BAKKOR FORWARD A forward who is quick and intelligent in possession, Scott was with manager Paul Moore at Clitheroe, where he became a crowd favourite and has also had spells at Skelmersdale United and Witton Albion in the Evostik League.

ADAM WHITLOCK FORWARD Adam was on Wrexham’s books, originally as a goalkeeper, but switched to an outfield player due to his lack of height and was a prolific scorer with Bay Reserves last season when on loan. He was released by Wrexham at the end of the season and had a trial at York City – unluckily cut short by a hamstring injury – before signing for Bay and making his senior debut for the Seagulls as a second half substitute in a 3-1 win over Hyde on August 16.

DREW MATTHEWS FORWARD Drew was with Preston North End as a junior and then had a move to Morecambe ruined by a serious knee ligament injury which sidelined him for six months. He is now making a comeback from that injury at the Bay.

THE REST, AS THEY SAY, IS HISTORY...

Journey continues for Shaw Lane FC In our relatively short time the history of Shaw Lane AFC has been, to say the least, eventful and entertaining with memorable moments never far away.

We have made some great friends in this time and we would like to think we have gained the respect of many clubs with much richer histories.

We enter into the Evo-Stik Northern League no expectations, but we have our hopes and dreams and will do our utmost to add to quality of this fine league.

Shaw Lane FC was formed in 2012 with the merging of two clubs, Barugh FC (1991) one of Barnsley’s finest junior clubs, and Aquaforce FC (2007) – the successful senior club who were causing quite a stir in the Barnsley and Sheffield leagues.

Barugh Boys u11s was first entered into the Barnsley Junior League as the only team in the club.

We were a small village team whose popularity created a lot of interest and soon developed into a club who initially played all our home games in the village of Barugh.

In 2005, Barugh FC changed to accommodate several girls and ladies teams and were invited to play our games at Shaw Lane Sports Club to accommodate our growing membership.

We gained FA Charter

SO CLOSE: The Ducks came close to securing promotion again last year but missed out in the play-offs.

Standards and in 2007, we were awarded a £1,000,000 grant from the Football Foundation / Sport England to build new changing rooms and function rooms – a massive step forward.

We have currently 12 junior teams, girls and boys running from Shaw Lane and are currently the only Barnsley club with the FA Community Charter status.

Aquaforce FC. was formed in 2007 as a Sunday morning pub tea.

The following season they entered in the Sheffield County Senior League which is a Saturday league, and quickly made a big impression by winning the league and the Rosehill Cup. Then promoted into the first division (this was the first of five successive promotions for the club) we

knew that any further progress would require a ground that was suitable.

Aquaforce won the County Senior premier league and a move was made to move to Shaw Lane where the junior club, Barugh FC and the senior club Aquaforce FC would merge into one which was a move that gave both parties the progression they craved.

In 2012 under our new name, Shaw Lane Aquaforce FC, we had a team capable of an assault on the County Senior Premier League with a mix of young and experienced players.

The season was hard fought and the club suffered only one defeat which was incredibly the opening fixture!

The next stage in our plan was to enter into the North East Counties League.

We had entered into an

agreement with our Shaw Lane partners, Barnsley Rugby Club, to share their pitch and consulted with officials from the NECL to ensure that the ground came up to the conditions required.

The ground at Shaw Lane was lengthened by 16m and endorsed by the F.A. and all that was left now was to attend the NECL AGM and secure the votes from the League members. We were not accepted into the league which was unprecedented and would ultimately mean that league rules were changed to ensure that this could never happen again.

The only course that was for us now was to appeal to the FA! We attended the hearing at Wembley along with league officials from the NECL, who were fully supportive of us to be part of the league and were successful in our hearing.

We were now officially promoted into the NECL! Our season 2013/14 was a big step into the unknown for us both on and off the field.

We got off to a great start and began playing good football despite doubters saying that football and rugby couldn’t work side by side, picking up points along the way.

By Christmas we had become league leaders but we never opened up any sizeable leads and were always aware of other clubs being within striking distance of our position.

The wet winter months took their toll on the playing surface at Shaw Lane and we were constantly battling against the rain with games being postponed to create a fixture pile up at the end of the season.

Our form after Christmas suffered but we held on and although we didn’t win the league, we gained promotion at our first attempt by finishing

READY FOR THE KICK-OFF: The first team squad for 2016/17. runners–up to Cleethorpes FC This was a remarkable achievement by any standards.

What was equally important is that we did this playing attractive football on the field.

This was rewarded with good support from a healthy fan base that continues to grow.

Promotion to the NECL Premier League was another huge step forward for the club and it was also the first year we would be able to enter the FA Vase.

We approached the Vase competition as a bonus to our main aim, the League title, but as we progressed through the rounds, Wembley became a realistic target.

We were interviewed in a light-hearted, humorous manner by Colin Walker on his Talk-Sport show He likened us to a side of ‘Super-Heroes’ prior to our quarter final encounter with Glossop FC which we eventually lost after extra time in a replay at Glossop.

Losing to Glossop – who went on to play in the final at Wembley – was of course a big disappointment but it had been the most remarkable journey in our first venture into the Vase.

In the League, we had been equally successful with Shaw Lane Aquaforce FC always top

or thereabouts.

However our FA Vase run and pitch problems had put us behind with our fixtures.

In our run-in to the season, an unbeaten run of 11 games meant that we clinched the NECL Premier League title at our first attempt!

The following season, 201516, saw us compete in the EvoStik Division One South for the first time in our history and despite the extremely wet winter and many postponed home games, we reached the play offs but unfortunately lost out to Coalville Town in the final.

We reached the final of the Sheffield Senior Cup but due to the back to back weekday games, which included the prestigious play offs, we took the extremely difficult decision to not fulfil the final fixture and AFC Frickley were awarded the win and the Cup. Following some correspondence from the FA and the League we were informed that we could not include our sponsor name or business ‘Aquaforce’ in our club name.

So from this season we will be known as Shaw Lane AFC. It’s time for another exciting chapter to unfold..

FACT AND FIGURES: THE SEASON SO FAR...

Home win!

Photographer Shaun Colborn’s gallery of action from Tuesday’s 2-0 win over local rivals Sheffield FC

Shaw Lane FC club contacts Chairman Craig Wood 07899 831450 Club Treasurer Tony Green 07779 938710 Senior Section Secretary Dave Exley 07939 558124 Junior Secretary Karen Parton 07740 012056 Club Welfare Officer Karen Parton 07740 012056 Commercial Doug O'Connor 07702 911081 Operations Dave Clayton 07941 537181 1st Team Manager Craig Elliot 07772 757217 1st Team Match Day Secretary Barry Hinchcliffe 07500 857217 Ladies Manager Mark Jacobs 07715 306266 Under 16 Reds Manager Dave Tasker 07788 574091 Under 16 Greens Manager Martin Lowes 07939 608917 Under 16 Whites Manager David Bursztyn 07943 234103 Under 15 Utd Manager Simon England 07833 093552 Under 12 Ducks Manager Matt Woodhall 07712 116775 Under 12 Boys Manager David Cooper 07958 982866 Under 11 Reds Manager Steven Loring 07984 247098 Under 9 Boys Manager Jon Carr 07885 996744 Under 8s Managers Mike Dunning 07708 623504 Justin Saxton 07712 881712 Under 7s Manager John Utley 07742 088589 Under 6 Development Officer Martin Beaumont 07799 890501

‘The game will benefit from changes to the refereeing structure’ Shaw Lane FC’s matchday official liaison officer Trelford Mills on changes affecting the man in the middle It is with great pleasure that I welcome referee Tim Walker and his assistants Peter Dobson and Kieran Hatfield to our FA cup tie against our visitors Colwyn Bay. We will have a cuppa and a chat about referring matters, then the afternoon is theirs and I am sure that they will have a brilliant game.

I have been asked about the changes to the laws of the game and over the next few weeks I will be writing about these, however for this week I would like to highlight some of the changes to the structure.

After the first three seasons, referees are allowed to operate in a dual role as referees and assistant referees.

After that, the prospective match official must elect to either run the line or be the man in the middle.

Obviously, every official can choose to change pathways, however after the level of 2B – which is National League level – an official must be a specialist referee.

The game has realised that the skill sets for a referee vary considerably from that of an assistant referee.

We may have lost a few of the older refs who have elected to run the line in the

CHANGES: Trelford Mills thinks they will benefit the game.

Football League.

Time will tell, however I’m sure the game will benefit from the changes in the long run.

Trelford Mills is a former football league referee who has officiated in many top flight matches between 1973 & 1990.

He is the Match Day Officials Liaison Officer for Shaw Lane AFC.

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WHO’S WHO:

THE DUCKS’ SQUAD FOR

JONATHAN STEWART

2016/17

BEN ALGAR

Right Back

Goalkeeper

Another ex Matlock Town player in his first season with the Ducks, Ben is an attacking leftsided player.

Signed from Bradford Park Avenue this season.

Big John is 6’4” and hoping to better last seasons tally and beat Deakin’s record.

GARY STOHRER Right Back In his 4th season at Shaw Lane, Gaz signed from Ossett Town. He is a forward thinking full back.

DARRON LUCAS

Right Back

Another signing from Ossett Town and this is his first season with the Ducks. He is quick!

KIERAN SCARGILL

Midfield

Kieran is a versatile midfield player who we have signed this season. A local lad who played for NCEL side Handsworth Parramore.

SPENCER HARRIS

Midfield

Another new signing, this time from Buxton. Spencer is a tough, competitive midfielder.

STEVIE ISTEAD

Midfield

In his third season at Shaw Lane, Stevie is a workhorse who is an ex-Hartlepool United player.

OSCAR RADFORD (Ozzy)

Centre Half

Ozzy joined us last year from Matlock Town.

He is a long throw specialist… and the joker of the squad!

KIERAN LUGSDEN

Striker

The twin brother of Kelvin, also from Glossop North End, he can play up front or in a holding position. Both played in the FA Vase Final two years ago.

KELVIN LUGSDEN

Defence

New pre-season from Glossop North End, Kelvin is a tough tackling defender.

DAN WILKINSON

Centre Half

His first season for the Ducks, this tough tackling centre half played with Rushall Olympic last season.

JASON YATES Midfield Our latest signing , Jason captained Hemsworth MWFC to promotion last season in the NCEL Division 1.

A quality midfield asset for the Ducks.

CRAIG ELLIOTT

Manager

Craig starts his third season as the Ducks manager.

His remarkable run of promotions ended with a play off final defeat to Coalville Town. A fantastic season saw the Ducks named as runner up to league winners Stafford Rangers with a one point deficit.

GAVIN ALLOTT

Striker

Gav was named as EvoStik League Managers’ Player of the Year and is in his second season with the Ducks.

JOE THORNTON

Striker

Joe is back again with Shaw Lane for his third season. A lively left winger, Joe has an eye for a goal.

JONATHAN WAFULA (Jono)

Midfield

Jono is starting his second season with the Ducks. A quick and versatile midfield player, he started his career at Chesterfield.

JOHN WILLIAMSON

Physio

A former physio with Barnsley FC, John is in his third season with the Ducks. He has an FA Diploma in the treatment of injury, qualified sports massage therapist and advanced kinsiotape practitioner.

DARREN SMITH

Assistant Manager RYAN QUALTER

Centre Half

Ryan is a new signing who played with Bradford Park Avenue and Farsley last year. He is a strong central defender.

Trusted assistant Daz has been part of Craig’s backroom staff since their first club.

JOHN REED

Coach

An ex Leeds United player and manager of a string of teams. John is a vastly experienced member of our backroom staff who joined us last season.

12 QUICK QUESTIONS: WITH CRAIG WOOD We put 12 quickfire questions to Craig Wood: Favourite Food?

Penne Arrabiata (with extra chillies) Any other sports apart from football appeal to you - and why?

Tennis. It’s five per cent ability and 95 per cent mental strength.

Pulp Fiction – the interwoven storyline and philosophical discussions Do you have any football habits?

Biting my nails – especially when we’re hanging on How do you relax after a game?

With a beer. Obviously...

Who is your all-time sporting icon?

Roger Federer

What’s your greatest sporting achievement?

Scoring two goals at Hillsborough

What’s your favourite film?

Best non-league memory?

Beating Stafford away last season.

Who’s the joker in the dressing room?

Joe Thornton Aim for the season?

Promotion. Obviously...

What’s your most prized possession?

My positive mental attitude.

Which cocktail sums you up?

I’m not metrosexual enough to drink cocktails, I’m afraid...

HOW TODAY ’S SQUADS LINE UP

Shaw Lane FC

Colwyn Bay FC

1 Jonathan STEWART 2 Gary STOHRER 3 Darron LUCAS 4 Ryan QUALTER 5 Dan WILKINSON 6 Oscar RADFORD 7 Ben ALGAR 8 Kelvin LUGDSDEN 9 Stevie ISTEAD 10 Spencer HARRIS 11 Jonathan WAFULA 12 Kieran SCARGILL 13 Jason YATES 14 Gavin ALLOTT 15 Joe THORNTON 16 Kieran LUGSDEN

1 Shaun PEARSON 2 Luke DENSON 3 Louis CORRIGAN 4 Gareth GRANT 5 Tom HARDWICK (C) 6 Tom SCHOFIELD 7 Chris GAHGAN 8 Chris BIBBY 9 Gary BURNETT 10 Will JONES 11 Danny ANDREWS 12 Scott BAKKOR 13 Will BOOTH 14 Kyle ARMSTRONG 15 Rhys BOWERS 16 Stephen WILSON

Match officials: Referee – Tim Walker; assistants – Peter Dobson and Kieran Hatfield Shaw Lane Aquaforce Football Club Ltd was founded in 2003.

It is a private limited company, registered at Companies House – Company number 08627381. Registered office address is Fairclough House 105 Redbrook Road, Gawber, Barnsley, S75 2RG Chairman & Director – Craig Wood; Secretary – Dave Exley; Treasurer – Tony Green; Commercial Director – Doug O’Connor; Merchandise Manager – Karen Parton; First Team Manager – Craig Elliott. For Junior Section Officers see www.shawlaneafc.com