THE LIONS DEN COLNE F.C. v MOSSLEY AFC | 23.08.2022 PITCHING IN NORTHERN PREMIER LEAGUE WEST DIVISION ONLINE MATCHDAY MAGAZINE | ISSUE 003
Table of Contents Colne Football Club Founded 1996 Harrison Drive Stadium, Harrison Drive,BB8Colne,9SL Tel 01282 862 545 Life President David secretary@colnefootballclub.comGeoffChiefRyanChairmanBlacklockHaighExecutiveMcDougleSecretaryRogerLister07796331392LifeMembersEdwardLambertJanetteHarriesMatchdaySecretaryDavidPriestleyMediaManagerLucyDixonPressOfficerDavidPriestleyProgrammeEditorsBenMetcalfe&MichaelFletcherFull Members of the Football Association Members of the Lancashire County Football Association FA Charter Standard Community Club Colne Football Club are a private members club 1996 1997 BEP Cup Winners 2003 04 NWFCL 2nd Division Champions 2003 04 NWCFL League Cup Runners Up 2015 16 NWCFL Premier League Champions 2015 16 NWCFL League Cup Runners Up Record Attendance 1742 v AFC Sudbury (2004) Managers Notes 4 Geoffs Notes 6 All about Mossley 7 19 In the away end 20 Colne F.C. History 22 24 Colne v Kidsgrove 27 28 Colne v Trafford 29 31 Colne v Clitheroe 32 34 Match Centre 35 37 U21 in Germany 39 40 Away Days 42 Away Day Review 43 45 Charlie Russell Q&A 48 49 A Red in the Sun 50 Todays Teams 52
THE LIONS DEN PHIL BROWN
Enjoy tonight's game,
Good evening and welcome to Holt House for tonight's game against LastMossley.Tuesday saw us pick up an excellent point away at Trafford. I thought the capableshowedperformancewhatweareofand I’ll be looking for the same again tonight. Hopefully this time we can secure our 1st league win of the season. Mossley have had a good start to the season and we know if we want to take anything from the game we will have to be at our best. Saturdays cup result at Clitheroe was tough to take as I thought we were comfortable for large parts of the game. The result didn’t go out way but there were still positives to take away. Once again we created quite a few goal scoring opportunities and I thought there were some excellent performancesindividual.
The U21 team travelled to Germany last weekend to take part in a game against the twin town of Colne, having spoken to the coaches the boys conducted with great credit, whilst they have been invited back next season for a more extended tournament. We have also introduced a new coach to work along side Peter that will help the squad
Thefollow.Chairman along with the board of Directors are fully committed to developing the club that the town can be proud, however, like any non league football club to function we relay on the support & volunteers of the local community & loyal fans lets get behind the team to make Holt House a fortress as the more fans we get to each game gives the club the better opportunity to develop both the ground & for the Manager to develop the team whilst anyone who wants to volunteer do not hesitate to contact myself as you will always be welcome to strengthen the present hard working committee members. Enjoy the game
Good evening for the NPL West division game v
Thedevelopment.ladiesteam have received their fixtures for the season with the 1st fixture on Sunday September 4th v Darwen Res, lets get behind Sean & the girls as they embark on their 1st season under the Colne F C
GEOFF
Mossley, where we extend a warm welcome to the Directors, Management, players & supporters from Mossley F C. Following the disappointment of losing in the FA Cup to our local rivals on Saturday although the lads performed with great credit, whilst with a little more luck they could have easily won the game. Having the ball in the net twice only to be ruled offside, we also forced a number of good saves from the Clitheroe keeper, as we controlled the game for decent periods. The down side was the two bad injuries with both players having to visit the local hospital. I have to applaud the fantastic support the fans gave the team at LastClitheroe.season we had two very close games with Mossley that resulted in a win for Mossley at Colne whilst we won a close game in the return fixture at Mossley, whilst I am suretonight will be another close encounter.
Thebanner.recent committee that has been set up is working hard behind the scenes to help the club progress, whilst we are always open to more volunteers joining the committee. We have a number of sponsorship deals available including player, matchball & match sponsorship deals. We have also arranged a race night to follow the Prescott Cables game on Saturday October 15th with everyone welcome. Full details to
GeoffTHE LIONS DEN MCDOUGLE COLNE F.C. V MOSSLEY AFC | /colnefootballclub @colne_fc
THE HISTORY OF
THE LIONS DEN MOSSLEY AFC COLNE F.C. V MOSSLEY AFC | /colnefootballclub @colne_fc
Apart from many successes in the Ashton Challenge Cup and various Manchester Cup wins Mossley had many lean years in the League, rarely finishing in the top half of the table, although, in 1961 they won the Cheshire League Cup for only the second time when they beat a strong Tranmere Rovers Reserve side 6 3 at Hyde United's ground under the guidance of former Blackburn Rovers star Eddie Quigley. Mossley's most successful season in their Cheshire League days was in 1969 70 when Don Wilson's side finished runners up in the League, reached the First Round Proper of the FA Cup for the first time in 20 years, losing narrowly in a replay to Stockport County and, made it to the Quarter Finals of the inaugural FA Challenge Trophy going out to then Southern League giants Barnet. After more than fifty years in the Cheshire League, the Lilywhites were elected to the Northern Premier League in 1972.
Mossley were formed in 1903 as Park Villa, initially competing in local competitions but, after just one season the club's name was changed to Mossley Juniors. In 1909 they became Mossley AFC and moved to their present ground Seel Park in 1912 from their previous site at Luzley. The early years of Mossley AFC were spent in the Ashton & District League culminating in a superb season in 1914 15 when Mossley won the League, Manchester Junior Cup and the Lady Aitken Cup, progressing to the South East Lancs League in 1915, the Manchester Amateur League in 1916 and the Lancashire Combination in 1918. In 1919 Mossley became founder members of the Cheshire County League, finishing runners up in the first season in both League and League Cup, returning to win the League Cup the following season beating Sandbach Ramblers in the Final.
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The following season saw Mossley take their only Football League scalp in the FA Cup when they beat Crewe Alexandra at Seel Park. Other League clubs faced in the FA Cup during the glory years were Rotherham United, York City, Mansfield Town, Stockport County, Huddersfield Town and TheDarlington.greatrun of success ended abruptly in 1984 when following financial upheavals the Lilywhites finished bottom of the then one division NPL and had to seek re election. A gradual recovery took place through the ‘80s with 1988 89 being the most successful since the glory days. Under the guidance of Bryan Griffiths and Dave Jones (who went on to manage a number of League Clubs), Mossley won the NPL Cup, Manchester FA Premier Cup, Reporter Floodlit Cup and at the start of the following season, the NPL Challenge Shield. F.C.
During the late ‘70s, Mossley grew into a formidable force in non league football. They won successive League titles in 1978 79 and 1979 80 and finished runners up in each of the next three seasons. With influential manager Bob Murphy at the helm the club also saw its greatest moment. May 1980 saw the Lilywhites at Wembley in the Final of the FA Challenge Trophy. After defeating supposedly bigger clubs like Altrincham, Blyth Spartans and Boston United on the way, Mossley unluckily lost 2 1 in the Final to Dagenham, their first defeat in 31 games. A crowd of 26,000 were at Wembley, and a memorable day for the Club and town was captured for posterity by Granada TV in their documentary “Mossley Goes To Wembley.” At this time Mossley had the most formidable strike force in non league football with the legendary Leo Skeete, Dave Moore and Ian Smith alongside first Eamonn O'Keefe (sold to Everton for a club record £25,000 fee), and then Kevan Keelan.
After this, fortunes faded again following further financial problems with the Club narrowly avoiding relegation in 1992. The following year, after a calamitous series of results not even the return of the legendary Bob Murphy could save the Club from the Overdrop.the next two years Mossley saw no fewer than six managerial changes and the Lilywhites run of 23 years in the Unibond/NPL came to an end in 1995 when they were relegated to the North West Counties League. 1995 96 saw Mossley make a highly promising NWCL debut, involved in the promotion race for most of the season they eventually finished fourth, reaching the Final of the NWCL Floodlit Trophy into the Thebargain.following season, after a bright start, the team failed to stay the pace with the leaders and finally finished in 7th position but did have a great run in the FA Carlsberg Vase, reaching the Quarter Finals. In 1997 the Club parted company with manager Kevan Keelan and installed another former Lilywhites player, Benny Phillips as his replacement. Season 1998 99 then saw Mossley more than unfortunate not to win the title, losing out in controversial circumstances to Workington on the last day of the season. It was a bitter pill to swallow after leading the table for the last three months which included a club record 12 successive wins. The Millennium season saw Mossley again reach the Quarter Finals of the FA Vase, going down 3 1 at eventual winners Deal Town and slip from the title race after that blow to finish fourth. They did though reach the Final of the Manchester Premier Cup, unluckily losing by a last minute goal to Droylsden at Oldham Athletic's Boundary Park. 2000 01 was a disappointing one after a great start which saw the record 12 successive wins equalled but hampered by injuries and suspensions to key players Mossley eventually finished in mid Intable.November 2001 Benny Phillips was replaced as manager by former Coventry City and Stoke City star Ally Pickering and Mossley finished in eighth position.
THE LIONS DEN COLNE F.C. V MOSSLEY AFC | /colnefootballclub @colne_fc
THE LIONS DEN COLNE F.C. V MOSSLEY AFC | /colnefootballclub @colne_fc
Promoted in second place, 2004 05 season saw Mossley consolidate back in the UniBond League, being unfortunate to miss out on a place in the promotion play-off’s after finishing in seventh place. In the 2005 06 season Mossley excelled by becoming Champions of the UniBond League Division One on the last day of the season, finishing two points above Fleetwood Town. This despite losing their last two games earned promotion to the Premier Division where they had last competed in 1993. Unfortunately, the joy was short lived as the Lilywhites were relegated at the end of the season, returning to a newly reconstituted UniBond Division One they were placed in the North Division.
The 2003 04 season saw Jason Beckford replace Pickering as manager just prior to the season and the club fought tooth and nail to win promotion to the UniBond League, going on a 21 match unbeaten run up to the new year. They were then hit by a three point deduction due to an administrative error and form took a nosedive as the team quickly crashed out of four cups and lost poll position in the League. The drama continued to the end as Mossley where just pipped to the title by Clitheroe on the last day of the season.
Mossley finished their Centenary Season 2002-03 in third position, reaching the Quarter Finals of the FA Vase for the third time and won their first silverware in over a decade when beating Clitheroe 2 1 to win the NWCL Worthington Trophy at Gigg Lane, Bury.
Beckford resigned followed quickly by the retirement of the clubs Directors and main sponsors, the Rigby family after a ten year period in control of club affairs. A new Board of Directors made up of club supporters was appointed in the summer and former Emley, Altrincham and Ashton United boss Gerry Quinn was named as manager in what was a hugely transitional time for the club. Summer 2008 saw Quinn replaced by former Mossley player Chris Willcock as manager and the team finished in a creditable tenth position, also reaching the Final of the Manchester FA Premier Cup, unluckily losing 2 1 to Droylsden in the final at Oldham Athletic's Boundary Park.
The 2012 13 season saw Mossley competing at the top end of the Evo Stik League Division One North throughout the campaign finally achieving a play off position on the final day of the season. However, the team were then desperately unlucky to lose to an injury time goal at Cammell Laird in the play off Semi Final. The Lilywhites did, however, retain the Manchester FA Premier Cup beating Salford City on penalties in the final at Stockport County’s Edgeley Park ground following a 2 2 Managerdraw. Halford departed to Ashton United just prior to pre season and Mossley appointed his former assistant Peter Band and ex Winsford United boss Lloyd Morrison as joint managers for the 2013 14 season and with a completely rebuilt team finished just below mid table.
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In late December 2009 severe weather caused two of the 39 year old floodlights to collapse and the remaining six pylons were condemned meaning midweek home games were played at Ashton United's Hurst Cross for the remainder of the season. A new floodlight system was installed in the close season of 2010.
Mossley's 100th year at Seel Park. McClelland resigned in January 2012 and former Accrington and Droylsden defender Steve Halford was appointed player/manager and lifted the team to a comfortable mid-table finish. Mossley also reached the Final of the Manchester FA Premier Cup, but the final was never played as scheduled opponents Droylsden couldn't raise an eligible team and so the Lilywhites were awarded the trophy by default.
Chris Willcock resigned in January 2010 to be replaced by his former assistant John Flanagan and the team enjoyed a great run climbing to seventh position. Flanagan resigned at the end of the season, and he was replaced by former Stalybridge Celtic reserve boss Shaun DespiteHiggins.agood FA Cup run to the final Qualifying Round Higgins reign only lasted until March 2011 when following a poor run of results and form he was replaced by former Woodley Sports boss Gareth McClelland, initially on a caretaker basis. McClelland impressed enough to be given the job for the 2011 12 season
2015 16 saw the Lilywhites on the fringes of the play offs throughout the season but injuries and suspensions took their toll on League form and the team had to settle for a mid table finish.
The 2014 15 season saw Mossley competing all season for a play-off place only losing out in the last week of the campaign. That disappointment was waylaid by success in the Manchester FA Premier Cup as the Lilywhites beat Curzon Ashton on penalties in the Final at Oldham Athletic's Boundary Park to win the trophy for the third time in four seasons.
However, Mossley retained the Manchester FA Premier Cup beating National League North neighbours Stalybridge Celtic 3 1 in the Final at Hyde United’s Ewen Fields Stadium to win the trophy for the fourth time in five years.
2016 17 and 2017 18 were largely disappointing seasons culminating in the departure of the popular Band and Morrison in April 2018 after almost five years in charge.
Former Stockport Town boss Dave Wild and ex Glossop and Cheadle Town coach Terry Hincks were appointed as successors.
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The ManchesterplacebutoffLilywhites2018placein losing afterWildsoleofmanagerHinckstheseasonchargeresigneda captain appointedManageroutbreakduegamescaretaker team manager in June 2020 and along with his assistant Lee Ashworth put together a new look squad. The Lilywhites started the ‘21/22 season in great form and were top of the league by the end of October. However the season petered out with Mossley finishing in eighth place.
David Fish - Manager David was appointed Mossley manager in June 202 after spending the three previous seasons in charge at North West Counties Leaguers Chadderton. As a player Fish was a goalkeeper who played at Manchester United as a junior before joining Stockport County, where as a pro he was understudy to the likes of Paul Jones and Carlo Nash. Following his release by Stockport, David joined Woodley Sports and was an integral part of the team that won the NWCFL Second Division title. His performances caught the eye of several teams and he moved to Stalybridge Celtic where he was part of the side that won the Northern Premier League, League Cup and Cheshire Cup treble and the side that played in the Conference the following season. He then moved to Witton Albion, Hyde United and finished his semi pro career with a long stint at Curzon Ashton. Following a break from the game he returned initially as a player, then player manager and head coach at Lancashire Amateur League side Rochdale St Clements, where he met Lee Ashworth, who spent 19 years at the club, coaching and managing teams in both the junior and adult sections, including managing the first team to a Lancashire Amateur League cup win before the pair joined Chadderton as manager and assistant manager respectively in October 2017.
Scott Thompson - Coach Scott joined Mossley in May 2021 after coaching under Peter Band's management at Glossop North End. He was previously First Team Coach at Tintwistle Athletic and worked across the youth teams at Uppermill FC. Scott has also
Alex Craddock – Asst Manager Alex Craddock joined Mossley in June 2020 from North West Counties side Shelley FC who finished the previous season firmly in the promotion places. He was appointed as Assistant Manager in December 2021 following Lee Ashworth's decision to step down.
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MOSSLEY AFC
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JackPLAYERSBanister — Winger / AM Talented attacking wide midfielder Jack Banister was signed from Widnes in September 2021. Jack began his non league career with Widnes helping them to promotion to the Northern Premier League in the 2017/18 season. He then spent the 2018/19 season with FC United of Manchester where he scored 7 goals in 38 appearances in National League North before signing for Curzon Ashton in July 2019.
previously worked at Manchester United Soccer Schools and Oldham Athletic and is working towards his UEFA B Licence.
Jimmy Longdin - Keeper Coach Jimmy joined Mossley in June 2020 having spent the 2017/18 season at Chadderton FC before moving to Chester FC for the 2018/19 campaign. Chloe Hampson – Sports Rehabilitator
Jack has also had spells with Warrington Town and Atherton Collieries before re joining Widnes for a third time in late 2020. Jordan Butterworth – Mid/Def A creative central midfielder Jordan was signed from Chadderton in July 2020. He was previously a member of the first ever quadruple winning Curzon Ashton Youth Team in 2016/17, having earlier been part of the academies at both Manchester United and Oldham JordanAthletic.was an ever present in the Lilywhites team last season, appearing in all 47 games.
Nicky Clee — Midfield Vastly experienced midfielder Nicky was David Fish's first new arrival at Seel Park for the 2022/23 Huddersfieldseason. based Nick has spent the last five seasons in National League North with Bradford Park Avenue where he made over 150 Theappearances.leftsided midfielder or full back began his non league playing career with Ossett Albion. Nicky was signed by later Mossley manager Gerry Quinn for Ashton United in 2004 making 50 appearances and scoring 9 goals. A lengthy spell with Hyde United (159 21) followed before he joined Altrincham in 2009. He went on to make over 250 appearances scoring around 35 goals for the Robins in his first of two spells with
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@colne_fc
Chloe joined Mossley during in the 2021/22 season She has since graduated from the University of Bolton with a First Class Degree in Sports Rehabilitation.
Jack Grundy – Defender Versatile defender Jack initially signed for Mossley on work experience from Oldham Athletic in December 2019. He then joined the Lilywhites on a permanent basis following his release from the Latics in June 2020. Will Hartshorne — Defender Will is a talented young central defender signed in December 2021 from Glossop North End where he has been a regular starter, making a total of 40 appearances since joining the Hillmen in November 2019. The 6' 4" central defender began his career as an Academy player at Bolton Wanderers. Kane Hickman - Midfield (dob 21/07/1997) Manager’s Player of the Year last season, Kane is a talented and industrious midfielder who was signed in August 2020 from the currently inactive Droylsden FC. Previously Kane came through youth football with Avro and Rochdale before spells with Abbey Hey, Hyde United, Prestwich Heys, Glossop North End and Buxton. COLNE F.C. V MOSSLEY AFC /colnefootballclub @colne_fc
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season was Nicky have brief spells with Guiseley and Harrogate Town preceding a return to Altrincham where he made a further 21 appearances before transferring to Bradford PA in the closed season of 2017. He re signed for Ashton United in August 2019 making a further 20 appearances but returned in Bradford for a second time in December 2019.
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Josh Dickin - Defender Central defender Josh Dickin was signed in the 2022 preseason from Prestwich Heys. Previously with Abbey Hey Josh is the brother of Mossley Womens team goalkeeper Meg Dickin. Mason Fawns - Forward / AM Attacking midfielder Mason Fawns signed for Mossley from Ramsbottom United in the 2021 closed season. Mason came through the ranks at Blackburn Rovers and Oldham Athletic, making his first team debut for Oldham in 2017 and going on to make 6 first team appearances while also have loan spells at Ashton United and AFC SinceFylde. leaving Oldham in 2019 he has also had spells with Curzon Ashton and Altrincham.
the Theclub.2016./17
The Huddersfield based player began with Ossett Albion before he signed for Huddersfield Town making two first team appearances for the Terriers. A brief spell with Oxford United followed before he joined AFC Telford United going on to make 132 appearances for the Shropshire club before signing for Harrogate Town in 2012. A spell with Hyde United in 2015/16 was followed by a successful move to Bradford Park Avenue making almost 100 appearances and scoring 8 goals. In the two covid affected seasons he played for Alfreton Town and Buxton before joining Stalybridge Celtic last summer.
Shane Killock — Defender Experienced central defender Shane Killock joined Mossley in July 2022 following a season with Stalybridge Celtic.
Andy Keogh – Anywhere
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Dale Latham - Goalkeeper Dale is an experienced goalkeeper signed from Glossop North End in the closed season of 2021. He has previously with Chadderton, Winsford United, Radcliffe Borough, Droylsden, Avro, Atherton Colls and Ramsbottom United. Dale’s debut season with Mossley was ended prematurely by injury but he is now fit again to return as Mossley No.1.
Andy is a highly versatile player able to play in defence, midfield or attack and who re signed for his third spell with Mossley in February 2018 having returned from a year with Trafford. He began his playing career as a youth teamer at Altrincham and then had spells with Wythenshawe Town and Flixton before joining Winsford United in 2012 and Mossley in August 2013, departing for Nantwich Town in December 2013 after scoring 9 goals in 29 Mossley appearances.
Andy returned to Mossley in August 2014 and made a further 95 appearances scoring another 17 goals before transferring to Trafford in February 2017.
Andy was re appointed as team captain in 2018 and has currently made a total 284 appearances and scored 58 goals for the Lilywhites and has twice been voted Supporters Player of Year, most recently, last season.
The skilful attacking midfielder or front man has had a superb season for Avro having scored 17 goals and a good number of assists in 43 appearances for the Oldham based club this term.
Louie Potts - Forward Mossley signed forward Louis initially on dual registration forms from Avro just before transfer deadline day in March 2022.
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Freddie Sass - Defender Freddie Sass is a left sided defender who was signed from Tadcaster Albion in December 2021. He was an Academy player at Macclesfield Town and then moved into senior football with Egerton FC in the Cheshire League before joining up with Stalybridge Celtic in at the beginning of the 2020/21 season.
Bailey Marsden - Midfield Hard working attacking midfield player Bailey was signed in the 2021 closed season following his release by Crewe Alexandra. He was previously a junior player at Manchester United.
Joe Rothwell - Defender Right back Joe Rothwell was signed from Prestwich Heys in March 2022 where he had made around 65 appearances. He was previously with Maine Road, New Mills and Colne.
Louis began his playing career as a junior with Manchester United and Bolton Wanderers before stepping into non league with Avro. He then two spells with Northwich Victoria with a brief time at Matlock Town sandwiched between before returning again to Avro last year.
COLNE F.C. V MOSSLEY
AFC | /colnefootballclub @colne_fc
IN NUMBERS 11.9k Twitter Followers Mossley were founded in 1903, originally as Park Villa FC. A season later they were renamed Mossley Juniors. 5 Years later they renamed again as Mossley AFC. 1903 6,640 A record attendance of 6,640 witnessed a game in the Cheshire County League v Stalybridge Celtic. 9 Mossleys biggest win was 9 0 v Urmston in the Manchester Sheild in 1947 13 Mossleys heaviest defeat came in 1926 v Witton Albion, losing 13 2 in the Cheshire County League POS W D L GF GA 8 17 6 15 60 59 2021/2022 SEASON AT A GLANCE MOSSLEY THE LIONS DEN COLNE F.C. V MOSSLEY AFC | /colnefootballclub @colne_fc 2.5k Instagram Followers 3.4k Facebook Followers
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COLNE
We caught up with Mossley AFC Fan Raymond Ingham (aka Derker Dave). Originaly from Shaw but now lives in HowOldham.Long have you followed Mossley for? I have been following Mossley for around 7 years. I started watching after a workmate kept telling me how good his son was, so I went to Glossop North End to see my first Mossley game in the FA cup. Who do you normally go to games with? I go with a group of lads, Colin Bond, Alan, Paul Steenman, Ian and Sylvia, Dave and Anne, Clarkey & Leanne, Colin Buckley, Mike, all under the banner of Mossley Away Days. What is your favourite away ground?
Favourite ground is Trafford always friendly. Best thing about supporting Mossley? The best thing about supporting Mossley is a great view and also the people are so welcoming and friendly plus the people I go with are now all true mates. Best player you've seen in a Mossley shirt? Best player is easy Ben Richardson he is just a legend at Mossley but also plenty of other very good players. Hopes for the season ahead? Its going to be a very competitive division this season, but I think we can be there are there abouts. A lot of teams are going to take points off each other. Players we should look out for? Mossley are a team that have plenty of player to watch out for, we have players that can turn it on all over the pitch. My best memory watching Mossley is our Trophy win at Hyde United last season. Prediction for todays game? As for today I think it will be close but Mossley to take it by the odd goal.
IN THE AWAY END
F.C. V MOSSLEY AFC | /colnefootballclub @colne_fc
COLNE F.C. V MOSSLEY AFC | /colnefootballclub @colne_fc
Nigel had played for the Dynamoes, being in the FA Vase winning team and had experience of management at local rivals SeasonNelson.2003/04 brought back the glory days to Colne with a string of successes. In the League Colne had to play catch up after a successful cup run but ended the season 10 points clear in Division two, scoring 102 goals in their 38 games. Colne completed the
1996, by a group of like minded people under the wing of now Life President Dave Blacklock. The enthusiasts combined their strengths and knowledge of non league football, and arrangements were made for a new club to use the vacant Holt House Stadium, once used by the Dynamoes in the North West Counties Football League Division Two. Colne FC’s first ever competitive game was on the 17th August 1996 against Middlewich and the result ended in a 1 0 defeat. The team was then managed by Keith Mason, but after his resignation soon after, Denzel Hart was appointed to the hot seat. His first game was a 6 0 defeat away at Ashton Town, but just two games later Colne FC recorded their first ever victory thumping Bacup Borough 5 2. The highlight of the season, coming when the reserves won the BEP Cup at Clitheroe’s Shawbridge ground. In the summer of 2002 James Webster took control of the club, to become the youngest chairman in the league at the age of 24.
Webster responded immediately by appointing Nigel Coates as the new manager as well as player Gary Rishton as his number two.
COLNE F.C. HISTORY
THE LIONS DEN COLNE F.C. V MOSSLEY AFC | /
James was a player at the club with plenty of experience and along with his father who was vice chairman, had a strong desire to see the current side emulate the success of its predecessors.
wereTheUtilitybackingandinappointedJune2017withtheofRenewals.Redsagaincompetitive missing out on the final play off place on difference.goal
Season 2014/15 proved to be a year of progress in terms of league placing, with Colne finishing a creditable fourth.
The season was capped by an amazing run in the FA Vase for a North West Counties Football League Division Two club, they progressed all the way to the Semi Finals, (via an incredible 1 2 away win at AFC Wimbledon) before being defeated over two legs 4 3 on aggregate to AFC Sudbury. As the season progressed attendances started to rise as the local population realised we were no longer the whipping boys of the league, and the famous RED ARMY was formed. In November 2013 Colne’s manager for the past 10 years Nigel Coates stepped down from the hot seat and former Colne player Steve Cunningham was appointed manager, with another former Colne favourite Ted Cockett as his No.2 and Coach. Steve and Ted had ambitious plans for the club and wasted no time in bringing in a few new faces to boost the playing squad, consolidating for the rest of the season but with big hopes and plans for the following seasons.
COLNE F.C. V MOSSLEY AFC | / Season 2015/16 proved to be the best ever in Colne FC twenty year history. The Reds battled for the NWCFL Premier title with Runcorn Linnets and Atherton Collieries with the Reds winning the title with an 81 minute goal at 1874 Northwich securing 100 points and 100 + goals upon the way. The Reds also reached the Final of the League Cup before falling to 2016Atherton./17saw the club compete at Step 4 for the first time in their history and finished a more than creditable 5th and the final play off spot which the Reds lost in the semi final to Farsley Celtic. The Colne fans earned many accolades throughout the season for their fine and vocal support of the team. The 2017/18 season saw Steve Cunningham lead his team for another tilt at the title. A new Chairman Ryan Haigh was
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2019/20 saw the season null and voided due to the Covid epidemic with Colne in a mid table position.
This season was our 25th anniversary since the demise of Colne Dynamoes and had the challenge of a new league to play in with several new signings and Lee Pugh taking over as captain from long time servant Alex Coleman. After 13 games and with the squad blighted by injuries to key players, the record was Played 13, won 5 drawn 3, lost 5. In the FA Cup we played our old friends Trafford away and took them back to Harrison Drive to win the replay 2 1. Next up were Stalybridge Celtic away who we beat 1 0 before losing at home to Guiseley AFC 1 0. In the FA Trophy we drew City of Liverpool FC away winning 1 0.
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The next round took us to Buxton beating them 2 1 to progress to the First Round proper. The draw then paired us with a Step 3 team from the Southern League Central Division, Tamworth FC. In a hard fought game which ended 1 1 Colne bowed out 4 3 on penalties. The First Round is our best progress so far in the completion. Nathan Rooney resigned in December stating personal reasons He was replaced by Jonathon Macken who brought in Steve Atkinson as his assistant for our New Year’s Day game against Kendal Town a scrappy 1 0 defeat. January 2022 was a month of comings and goings with six players in and an equal number being moved on and saw just 1 point from the last 6 games. February was no better with another four defeats but signs of improvement. March saw three wins and a draw with no goals conceded which effectively ensured safety for the season at this level. The club finished the campaign in 14th place with a record of: Played 38, won 12, drawn 8, lost 18, 44 points. 2022/23 The campaign starts with a new manager, Macken having moved to Witton, Phil Brown comes in with experience in the league at Lancaster City and Clitheroe.
COLNE F.C.
At the end of the season long time manager Steve Cunningham stepped down and was replaced by Nathan Rooney. 2020/21 With a new manager and back room staff in place Colne were looking forward to being a challenger in a very strong league. Colne ended the curtailed season sitting in first place after nine 2021/2022games.
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2018/19 saw a new era for the club with the formation of the NPL West Division. Again Colne suffered play-off heartache losing to a last minute extra time goal in the Semi Final at Leek Town.
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Starting Line-Up Hakan Burton 1 Tom Fagan 2 Adam Mayor 3 Harry Winstanley 6 Mateusz Kardacz 5 Ellis Wallbank 4 Lucas Weaver 7 Harry Jones 8 Owen Watkinson 9 Craig Carney 10 Luke Stowe 11 Paul Dugdale 12 Ezio De Santis 14 Tom McCann 16 Jack Doherty 17 Daniel Thorpe Substitutes18 Starting Line-Up 1 Ryan Brown 2 Will Byers 3 Jack Derbyshire 6 Declan O’Riordam 5 Scott Lycett 4 Jack Bromfield 7 Kyle Diskin 8 Jake Chadwick 9 Kieron Brown 10 Enest Ofosu 11 Kingsley Adu-Gyamfi 12 Aaron Bott 14 Kieran Knapper 15 Ryan Allcock 16 Harry Farnsworth 17 Joe SubstitutesMinshall COLNE F.C. KIDSGROVE ATHLETIC Saturday 13th August 2022 | NPL Division 1 West | Holt House 0-2 MAN OF THE MATCH CRAIG CARNEY Kieran Brown 15’ .. Kyle Diskin 31’ . GOALS THE LIONS DEN COLNE F.C. V MOSSLEY AFC | /colnefootballclub @colne_fc
THE LIONS DEN COLNE F.C. V MOSSLEY AFC | /colnefootballclub @colne_fc
Colne’s hopes of a good start to their league campaign evaporated in the heat of a sun baked Holt House as they slipped to a 2 0 defeat against Kidsgrove Athletic on the opening day of the season. Phil Brown’s young side found themselves two goals behind at half time and despite a good second half performance finished empty-handed. Colne looked good going forward in the opening stages and Luke Stowe’s shot was blocked in the visitors’ penalty area after just four minutes. A minute later, Lucas Weaver opened up the Kidsgrove defence with a promising run through the middle but lost his footing at the vital moment inside the penalty area. And Adam Mayor’s runs and crosses from the left wing offered more chances for the Reds strikers. But Kidsgrove looked dangerous going forward and after 15 minutes a cross from the left wing was knocked back across the face of the Colne goal and Kieran Brown came in at the far post to turn the ball home and give the visitors the lead. Colne looked for a reply but it was Kidsgrove who added a second goal on the half hour when a cross from the left wing fell to Kyle Diskin to fire home from inside the area. Three minutes later, Colne suffered another blow when Harry Jones’ tackle on Kingsley Adu Gyamfi earned him a straight red card and the Reds were reduced to ten men. And Colne keeper Hakan Burton needed to make a good save to keep out Diskin’s 20 yard free kick as Kidsgrove pressed home their advantage with half time approaching.
reshuffled the side at half time and steadied the ship. The Reds had a great chance after 50 minutes when substitute Jack Doherty won the ball off a defender and broke clear but as he rounded the keeper, the defender got back to clear the ball from the goalmouth. Ten minutes later, Colne came close again when Craig Carney’s cross from the bye line found Tom McCann and his shot was blocked by defenders in the goalmouth. As the Reds continued to create chances, Mayor’s cross gave Owen Watkinson a sight of goal but again the Kidsgrove defence stood firm to block his effort in the area. At the other end, the reshuffled Colne defence dealt capably with Kidsgrove’s attacks and limited them to few shots. And it was Kidsgrove keeper Ryan Brown who made the last save of the game when he kept out Carney’s well struck shot on the half volley to deny Colne a consolation goal in the last minute of the game.
COLNE F.C. V MOSSLEY AFC | /colnefootballclub @colne_fc
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Colne Manager Phil Brown
Starting Line-Up Conor Robson1 Matty Morgan 2 Jayden Matthew 3 Glenn Matthews 6 Harry Norris 5 Astley Mulholland 4 Ollie Ford 7 Rob Worrall 8 Tom Bentham 9 Mike Burke10 Sajjad Elhassan 11 Jack Dorney 12 Ben Finley 14 Ryan Morton 15 Jack Sloan 16 Aaron Fleming Substitutes17 Starting Line-Up 1 Daniel Thorpe 2 Tom Fagan 3 Paul Dugdale 6 Harry Winstanley 5 Tom Dean 4 Glenn Steel 7 Craig Carney 8 Tom McCann 9 Owen Watkinson 10 Jack Doherty 11 Adam Mayor 12 Mateusz Kardacz 14 Ezio De Santis 16 Luke Stowe 17 Ellis Wallbank 18 Lucas Weaver Substitutes COLNE F.C. TRAFFORD FC Tuesday 16th August 2022 | NPL Division 1 West | Shawe View 1-1 MAN OF THE MATCH CRAIG CARNEY Craig Carney 20’ .. Tom Bentham 57’ GOALS THE LIONS DEN COLNE F.C. V MOSSLEY AFC | /colnefootballclub @colne_fc
Colne got their first point of the season with a well deserved draw at Trafford on Tuesday evening. The Reds took the lead in the first half and created plenty of chances to extend their lead but were pegged back by a Trafford equaliser in an end to end second half. Colne got off to a good start with some promising attacks and after only three minutes Craig Carney saw his looping header come back off the Trafford crossbar with the keeper beaten. As play switched to the other end, Trafford’s forwards tested the Colne defence but Tom Fagan and Glenn Steel made vital stops to prevent an early goal by the home side while Danny Thorpe showed safe handling in the Colne goal.
Colne threatened again as Jack Doherty flashed a diagonal shot across the home goalmouth just eluding Owen Watkinson in front of goal and Adam Mayor’s cross from the corner was cleared by the home defence after a series of shots had been Inblocked.aquick break to the other end, a well struck shot across the Colne goalmouth was just out of the reach of two Trafford men coming in at the far post. But after 20 minutes, Colne took the lead when Carney dispossessed a Trafford defender just inside his own half and chipped the ball over Trafford keeper Connor Robson from 40 yards out into the empty net.
THE LIONS DEN COLNE F.C. V MOSSLEY AFC | /colnefootballclub @colne_fc
Theshot.Reds came close after 84 minutes when Mayor outpaced a home defender with his run to the bye line and his low cross was cleared from the goalmouth by the Trafford rearguard under Thepressure.performance will build confidence in Phil Brown’s young side as they face the challenge of the coming season.
Colne might have increased their lead after 34 minutes when Fagan’s low cross into the six yard box was blasted over the Trafford goal from close range by Doherty. As the second half began, a good move by Carney and Paul Dugdale gave Carney a sight of goal but he fired just over from 20 yards. And Colne were made to pay for their misses after 56 minutes when a Trafford corner was headed home at the far post by Tom Bentham to level the scores at 1 1. As Trafford were lifted by the goal, Mike Burke broke clear and looked sure to score but Thorpe got down to make a great close range save from his angled shot and deny the Trafford striker. Harry Winstanley worked tirelessly alongside Tom Dean with a series of headed clearances to contain the Trafford attack.
THE LIONS DEN Colne looked to restore their lead with some good attacking moves and Mayor’s head flew just over the bar after 72 minutes before Lucas Weaver made a good run from Thorpe’s long clearance and saw his final shot blocked at the expense of a corner by home keeper Robson. But as Colne pushed forward, Trafford were quick on the break and Dugdale made a vital tackle to deny Ryan Morton after a speedy counterattack before Thorpe made another good save to keep out a goal bound
COLNE F.C.
The Reds pressed forward again looking for a second goal but in a quick counterattack Trafford forced a corner and from the resulting cross Thorpe made a vital save as Ollie Ford tried a well placed shot through a crowd of Colne defenders.
V MOSSLEY AFC | /colnefootballclub @colne_fc
Starting Line-Up Chris Thompson 1 Waqas Azam 2 Bailey Sloane 3 Billy Priestley 6 Cameron Lancaster5 Richard Baker 4 Jamie Edwards 7 Danny Wilkins 8 Sefton Gonzalez 9 Ross Dent 10 Reece Webb-Foster 11 Jack Burrows 12 Joel Byrom 14 Callum Leigh 15 Lewis Richmond 16 Max Cane Substitutes17 Starting Line-Up 1 Hakan Burton 2 Tom Fagan 3 Paul Dugdale 6 Harry Winstanley 5 Tom Dean 4 Glenn Steel 7 Craig Carney 8 Tom McCann 9 Owen Watkinson 10 Jack Doherty 11 Adam Mayor 12 Kian Ellis 14 Mateusz Kardacz 15 Ezio De Santis 16 Luke Stowe 17 Ellis SubstitutesWallbank COLNE F.C. CLITHEROE Saturday 20th August 2022 | FA Cup | Shawbridge 2-0 MAN OF THE MATCH TOM MCCANN Ross Dent 70’ Max Cane 90’ GOALS THE LIONS DEN COLNE F.C. V MOSSLEY AFC | /colnefootballclub @colne_fc 18 Daniel Thorpe 19 Lucas Weaver Terry Cummings 18 George Bristol 19
THE LIONS DEN COLNE F.C. V MOSSLEY AFC | /colnefootballclub @colne_fc
After 40 minutes, Tom McCann’s through ball released Watkinson for a run into the Clitheroe penalty area and only a great
Colne bowed out of the Emirates FA Cup in their derby clash at Clitheroe on Saturday. The Reds looked the better side for much of the game but it was the Blues who came out on top with two second half goals to go through to the next round. Colne made a lively start to the game and Owen Watkinson had the ball in the net twice in the opening five minutes only to be denied by an offside flag. And the Reds continued to threaten the Clitheroe goal with some good attacking play with Jack Doherty opening up the Blues defence on the left wing with some penetrating runs and Craig Carney seeing his chip just clear the home crossbar after 12 minutes. A minute later, Colne came close again when Doherty again provided the chance from the left wing before Carney’s shot was parried by Chris Thompson in the Clitheroe goal and Watkinson’s follow up was deflected wide for a corner. At the other end, Sefton Gonzales threatened but was well shackled by Tom Dean and Harry Winstanley in the early stages. However as Clitheroe pushed forward on the right wing with Waqas Azam providing crosses into the area, Gonzales and Billy Priestley posed a greater danger with their aerial threat but their headers failed to trouble Hakan Burton in the Colne goal.
Clitheroe pressed for a second goal and Thorpe showed good handling to cut out some high crosses. But Colne suffered a further setback when central defender and captain Harry Winstanley was badly injured in a tackle causing him to leave the Ingame.the closing stages Colne pushed forward looking for an equaliser and Thompson was at full stretch to punch away a high cross from a corner off the heads of the Reds strikers after 85 minutes. And three minutes later, Thompson was relieved to see Adam Mayor’s deflected shot spin inches over his crossbar in a spell of Colne pressure. With the game in injury time, Clitheroe made the game safe when Max Cain added a second goal as he converted a low cross at the far post to round off the scoring at 2 0.
tackle by Blues central defender Cameron Lancaster prevented an opening goal for the Reds at the expense of a corner.
Clitheroe began to create chances and Jamie Edwards saw his diagonal shot from the right wing fly high over the Colne goal. And after 71 minutes, the Blues took the lead when Ross Dent cut in from the right wing and scored with a low shot under the advancing Thorpe.
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As the second half began, Colne pushed forward again and Doherty tested the Blues defence with a series of shots from half chances around the Clitheroe penalty area. But after 52 minutes, a Clitheroe corner at the other end resulted in a serious injury to Colne keeper Burton as he collided with Gonzales when collecting a high cross and he was replaced by Danny Thorpe in the Colne goal.
THE LIONS DEN MATCH CENTRE LAST WEEKS RESULTS City Of Liverpool 1 2 Skelmersdale United Clitheroe 2 0 Ramsbottom United Hanley Town 3 3 Newcastle Town Kidsgrove Ath 1 3 1874 Northwich Leek 1 0 Macclesfield Mossley 1 0 Runcorn Linnets Precscot Cables 1 1 Workington AFC Trafford 1-1 Colne F.C. Widnes 1 1 Bootle Witton Albion 0 1 Glossop North End TONIGHTS FIXTURES 1874 Northwich v City of Liverpool Bootle v Witton Albion Colne v Mossley Glossop North End v Leek Town Macclesfield v Kidsgrove Ath Newcastle Town v Widnes Ramsbottom United v Prescot Cables Runcorn Linnets v Hanley Town Skelmersdale United v Clitheroe Workington AFC v Trafford COLNE F.C. V MOSSLEY AFC | /colnefootballclub @colne_fc THE LIONS DEN
THE LIONS DEN COLNE F.C. V MOSSLEY AFC | /colnefootballclub @colne_fc MATCH CENTRE P W D L F A +/- PTS 1 Macclesfield 2 2 0 0 6 1 +5 6 2 Glossop North End 2 2 0 0 2 0 +2 6 3 Mossley 2 2 0 0 2 0 +2 6 4 Kidsgrove Athletic 2 1 1 0 5 3 +2 4 5 Trafford 2 1 1 0 4 3 +1 4 6 Newcastle Town 2 1 1 0 3 2 +1 4 7 Leek Town 2 1 0 1 5 3 +2 3 8 Hanley Town 2 1 0 1 4 3 +1 3 9 Runcorn Linnets 2 1 0 1 3 2 +1 3 10 Skelmersdale United 2 1 0 1 4 4 0 3 11 Clitheroe 2 1 0 1 2 3 -1 3 12 1874 Northwich 2 0 2 0 3 3 0 2 13 Prescot Cables 2 0 2 0 1 1 0 2 14 Witton Albion 2 0 1 1 1 2 -1 1 15 Workington AFC 2 0 1 1 1 2 -1 1 16 Widnes 2 0 1 1 2 4 -2 1 17 Colne 2 0 1 1 1 3 -2 1 18 Bootle 2 0 1 1 1 5 -4 1 19 City of Liverpool 2 0 0 2 1 3 -2 0 20 Ramsbottom United 2 0 0 2 1 5 -4 0
Date H/A Opponent Comp KO Attd Scorers August 2022 Sat 6 Aug H 1874 Northwich FA C EP 2-1 W 238 Watkinson, Doherty Sat 13 Aug H Kidsgrove Athletic NPL West 0 2 L 112 Tue 16 Aug A Trafford NPL West 1-1 D 334 Carney Sat 20 Aug A Clitheroe FA C P 2 0 L 604 Tue 23 Aug H Mossley NPL West 7.45pm Sat 27 Aug A Widnes NPL West 3pm Mon 29 Aug H Hanley Town NPL West 3pm September 2022 Tue 6 Sep H City of Liverpool NPL West 7.45pm Sat 10 Sep A Bridlington Town FA T 1Q 3pm Tue 13 Sep A Glossop NE NPL West 7.45pm Sat 17 Sep H 1874 Northwich NPL West 3pm October 2022 Sat 1 Oct A Runcorn Linnets NPL West 3pm Sat 8 Oct A Witton Albion NPL West 3pm Sat 15 Oct H Prescot Cables NPL West 3pm Sat 22 Oct H Skelmersdale NPL West 3pm Sat 29 Oct A Newcastle Town NPL West 3pm November 2022 Sat 5 Nov H Bootle NPL West 3pm Sat 12 Nov A Ramsbottom United NPL West 3pm Sat 19 Nov H Workington AFC NPL West 3pm Sat 26 Nov A Leek Town NPL West 3pm December 2022 Sat 3 Dec H Macclesfield NPL West 3pm Sat 10 Dec A 1874 Northwich NPL West 3pm Sat 17 Dec A Kidsgrove Athletic NPL West 3pm 26 Dec H Clitheroe NPL West 3pm January 2023 Mon 2 Jan A Hanley Town NPL West 3pm Sat 7 Jan H Trafford NPL West 3pm Sat 14 Jan A Mossley NPL West 3pm Sat 21 Jan H Glossop N.E NPL West 3pm Sat 28 Jan A Macclesfield NPL West 3pm February 2023 Sat 4 Feb H Runcorn Linnets NPL West 3pm Tue 7 Feb A City of Liverpool NPL West 7.45pm Sat 18 Feb A Prescot Cables NPL West 3pm Sat 25 Feb H Witton Albion NPL West 3pm March 2023 Sat 4 Mar A Skelmersdale United NPL West 3pm Sat 18 Mar H Newcastle Town NPL West 3pm Sat 25 Mar A Bootle NPL West 3pm April 2023 Sat 1 Apr H Ramsbottom United NPL West 3pm Sat 8 Apr H Widnes NPL West 3pm Mon 10 Apr A Clitheroe NPL West 3pm Sat 15 Apr H Leek Town NPL West 3pm Sat 22 Apr A Workington AFC NPL West 3pm FIXTURES & RESULTS THE LIONS DEN COLNE F.C. V MOSSLEY AFC | /colnefootballclub @colne_fc
V MOSSLEY AFC | /colnefootballclub @colne_fc
The young reds are now planning an away training trip to Spain next summer . Both Pete Ellis and Nick Elliot were very proud of the lads, both on and off the pitch as they represented the Club, Town and Pendle away from home, conducting themselves in a very professional manner.
U21’S IN GERMANY THE LIONS DEN
Colne F.C. Under 21's have returned from Germany with their heads held high after representing Pendle in Marl. The Under 21's travelled as part of a council backed initiative to strengthen the relationship with their "twinned" district, Marl. In an action packed weekend, the young reds FC Marl 11 2 with a Hattrick from Kian Ellis and goals from Tom Clamp, Tom Elliott, goalkeeper Zac Hamilton, Zak Bailey, Adam Hodge before Cameron Waddington rounded off the scoring for the Reds. The event was so successful whereby the team and staff were looked after on every front and a lot of friendships were formed, special thanks to Claus, Heidi, Jenny, Bridget, Ingrid and Judith from the Pendle Twinning FCCommittee.Marlare hoping for a return visit to Colne and a further visit to Marl for a multi club tournament next June 23. .
COLNE F.C.
FROM MARL
AWAY DAYS ADDRESS & POSTCODE DCBL WidnesLowerhouseStadiumLane Cheshire WA8 7DZ WIDNES FC THE GROUND Widnes play their home games at the DCBL Stadium Halton, shared with Widnes Vikings. The 13,350 capacity stadium is the biggest stadium in the league and better than many league 1 and 2 Allgrounds.supporters are to gain entry via turnstiles SE1 and SE2. Widnes train station is less than 1 mile to the Stadium. 27.08.2022 / Northern Premier League Division One West / DCBL Stadium AdultsADMISSION £8 | Concession - £4 | Under 16’s - £1
THE OPPOSITION Widnes ended the 2021/22 campaign just three points above the reds, sitting in 13th position. Despite this being their 5th season in the NPL west, Widnes have only completed two seasons at this level due to the pandemic. Manager David Dempsey returned to Widnes in 2021 after previously serving as 1st Team Coach during the curtailed 20/21 season/ LAST SEASON Colne travelled to the DCBL stadium last November, coming out 3 1 victors thanks to an OG and goals from Matthew Morgan and Olatunde Bayode. In the return fixture at Holt House, the reds came out on top again, 2 0 thanks to Daniel Edwards and a Elliot Rokka penalty.
THE LIONS DEN COLNE F.C. V MOSSLEY AFC | /colnefootballclub @colne_fc
AWAY DAY THE LIONS DEN REVIEWS
COLNE F.C. V MOSSLEY AFC | /colnefootballclub @colne_fc
Extra point for the wonderful array of banners on show and another for the great selection of pre game music (especially the choice of “Hit the North” by The Fall) 8/10
STADIUM In the first edition of our away day reviews, David Moy shares his thoughts on our trip to Trafford FC Last week. Tthis was just my second visit to Trafford, following our opening away league fixture of season 2021/22. Nevertheless, it is already one of my favourite grounds to visit. The Colne fans tend to congregate behind the goal at the Car Park End (I made up that name look at me!) and there is a decent amount of cover, which was not required on this balmy summer evening. There is a snack bar (see more detail below) and a bar/outdoor can seller. There was no club shop that I found and therefore I wasn’t able to add to my pin badge collection – perhaps it was in the bar. Flash (my 5 month old cavapoochon puppy) enjoyed exploring the wasteland behind the stand opposite the Main stand at half time. Unfortunately, spectators were not allowed to stand on the grass banks I understand this is due to new rules but I feel it is a shame (and Flash knocked off a point for this reason). Admission was the standard £9 and it was disappointing to note there was no student/young adult concession price (clubs at this level must surely realise that this is the age at which many youngsters start making their own decisions on where to attend and therefore should be a target of local non league clubs well done to those that offer this discount, especially when Dad is still paying).
COLNE F.C. V MOSSLEY AFC | /colnefootballclub @colne_fc PROGRAMME JOURNEY
A stand out aspect of the issue for the Colne game was a page providing details of Trafford’s fixtures 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years ago, complete with the Trafford line ups and scorers. Nice to see a club proud of their history. Also good to see a page providing Pen Pics on the Trafford squad great information for the away fan visitor. Finally, a 12 page section (with no adverts) with details/scores/tables of the National Leagues, the North West Counties, and all the NPL divisions. This statto enjoyed that section of the publication very much indeed.
Overall, hard to find fault here (although I do prefer the teams being printed on the back cover, rather than on page 3) he rush hour roads behaved themselves on the way and for once, the SatNav decided not to send me all over the place (or simply stop talking to me, as it does every time I hit that dreadful roundabout from Hell at the end of the M58 when doing an away trip in Large,Liverpool).freecarpark right next to the ground (always a bonus). The trip home was not as good (although this was not the fault of our hosts). First, we met the traffic leaving Old Trafford cricket ground (I believe they were playing some kind of fake game of cricket called the Hundred cricket for those who don’t like cricket I told you I was turning grumpy), then junction 18 off the M60 was advertised as being closed. Thought I was being clever by nipping off onto the M61 until I found that junction 9 was closed and I was diverted up and around junction 31 on the M6. Finally, approaching home I found that the roads around Tur* Moor were still shut after the Clarets had secured their usual home draw, even though it was by then approaching 11pm. (score seems a bit harsh On Trafford, to be fair) 4/109/10
first of all, well done to Trafford for still producing a “hard copy” version. Yes, I appreciate I’m turning into a grumpy middle aged man, and yes I see the irony given I’m currently writing for an on line only publication, but part of the away day experience for me is buying a match day programme and then finding it in my clutter of memorabilia several days/months/years later and remembering the day. Ok, moan over. Trafford’s effort is certainly one of the better examples at this level. Full colour and stretching to 44 pages for a very reasonable outlay of £2. Only 11 pages of adverts. What’s not to like. Well done to all those involved.
Trafford v Colne
OVERALL
I cannot comment on the bar as I didn’t fancy a beer. Looked nice Thethough.snack bar was decent. Connor had a cheeseburger with onions. I decided upon a cheese and onion pie (they had a splendid choice of 6 different pies), peas and gravy (they even had vegetarian gravy for me top marks!). We each had a large cup of tea. Came to a tenner, which is good value compared to a few outlets at this level. Lost a mark due to a lack of chips (peas weren’t mushy and this also lost them a mark)
From the guys on the gate (joking that Flash was full price now he is over 4 months old), to the friendly staff in the snack bar (who went the extra yard to double check they had a veggie gravy option for me), to the chatty steward at the Colne end of the ground (who was the most Manc person I have spoken this side of Liam Gallagher and who (the steward, rather that Mr Gallagher) randomly described in great detail to me his usual weekend intake of Disaronno and coke always good to know!), the place felt very welcoming indeed. If I lived in North Manchester, this would be the team of choice for me. 38.5/50
FRIENDLINESS
With most marks lost for matters beyond the control of Trafford FC, they set us off for the season with a very respectful score. 9.5/10 8/10
COLNE F.C. V MOSSLEY AFC | /colnefootballclub @colne_fc FOOD AND DRINK
Nice to see they had clear signs up around the ground confirming how they expected their fans to behave shame it is needed at this level, but I would rather see these signs than muppet behaviour and chanting.
Leeds United and Blackburn Rovers. Clubs you have played for? Stockport County, Lancaster & Clitheroe Best coach you have worked under? Phil Brown. He’s always should a good balance of old school and modern day coaching whenever I’ve worked with him. I’ve been lucky enough to play under him at college level and non league.
RUSSELL THE LIONS DEN
COLNE F.C. V MOSSLEY | @colne_fc
/colnefootballclub
Team supported as a child?
AFC
CHARLIE This week, we caught up Charlie Russell. He might have been sidelined for the opening games, but as he approaches full fitness, we wanted to get to know him a little more! A fantastic coach I must mention would be Rene Meulensteen when I was younger. Top draw and his coaching career speaks for itself. . Best player you have played with? Kristian Dennis. I was lucky enough to play with him at Stockport and he opened my eyes to how sharp and clinical you need to be if you want to play higher, again he’s gone on to play in the football league. What do you do outside of football? I’m a teacher at The Football College in Bury through the day and I have my own Football Academy in Clitheroe which takes place on a Friday night.
Growing up, which sports star was your idol and why?
Half a duck from the Chinese, extra pancakes & sauce. Always has been and always will be. Finally, is a Jaffa Cake, a cake or a biscuit?? It’s neither, the Jaffa holds it’s own identify and I see it as a English delicacy.
Most memorable game you’ve watched live? I don’t watch much football as it bores me. (Sorry to all you paying fans) But if I had to pick a game it would be Manchester United V Blackburn Rovers, I was in the away end following Blackburn and Morton Gamst Pederson scored the winner to win 2 1. What is your go to pre-match song? Strings for Yasmin Leeds played it as there tunnel song when I was growing up and it takes me back to been a kid at Elland Road.
Alan Smith/David Batty. What does your other half do whilst you're at football? Sits at home refreshing her Twitter to check when I’ve been booked or dragged of!! Sometimes she comes the games and other times she goes Goodison to watch Everton. What is your favourite food?
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COLNE F.C. V MOSSLEY AFC | /colnefootballclub @colne_fc
Paid a flying visit to the UK partly as a consequence of not being able to drive for nearly 4 months as negotiations between Spain and the UK drag on re the exchange of driving Luckily,licences.Itookin the FA Cup victory over 1874 but in the next week I caught Covid which rather scuppered my plans. Back to Spain this week and my Complex is busy and you need to book a table for food a couple of days in advance. Weather still warm buttheirMazarrón32temperatureswithofbetweenand36degrees.FChavestartedpre-seasonscheduleasyetIhaveseenno results or reports. A RED IN THE S The League fixtures are out with Mazarrón playing in the Murcia League Group 1 ( I assume there will be 2 groups ) but struggling to find any details. Group 1 has 12 teams in it with the season starting on the 18th September and finishing on the 5th March , thereafter I assume there will be some play off system, just like the UK it gets complicated.. TODO LO MEJOR MIS AMIGOS DEL EJERCITO ROJO ALL THE BEST MY RED ARMY FRIENDS
COLNE F.C. v MOSSLEY AFC TODAYS TEAMS Manager: David Fish Dale Latham Joe Rothwell Freddie Sass Jordan Butterworth Will Hartshorne Shane Killock Kane Hickman Andy Keogh Louis Potts Mason Fawns Jack Banister Bailey Marsden Josh Dickin Jack Grundy Oumar Camara Will Shepherd NEXT UP AT HOME NEXT AWAY DAY Hanley Town Monday 29th August Division One West Kick off 3:00 PM Widness FC Saturday 27th August Division One West Kick off 3:00 PM Manager: Phil Brown Hakan Burton Daniel Thorpe Thomas Fagan Adam Mayor Paul Dugdale Tom Dean Thomas McCann Mateusz Kardacz Harry Winstanley Ellis Wallbank Glen Steel Aaron Turner Craig Carney Charlie Russell Kian Ellis Luke Stowe Lucas Weaver Jack Doherty Ezio de Santis Leon Donnelly Harry Jones
