Colne F.C. V Newcastle Town

THE LIONS DEN FROM THE CHAIRMEN

Good Afternoon and welcome to Holt House for todays massive fixture v Newcastle Town.

It feels like a while since we were here at Holt House, but thankfully we’re back on home soil.

Naturally we were disappointed that last weekends game was called off, the loss of Saturday fixtures does have severe implications for clubs like ours, especially when fighting for our lives both off and on the pitch.

Clubs like ours require sustainability and consistency to survive, something we have lacked this season off the field, but are working hard to remedy the situation.

You’ll have all seen the news that we are moving the club structure to a fan owned model, which we believe is a significant step in securing the future of this football club

We’re working hard off the field to get details finalised for this, and for next seasons season ticket

Prices. We want your support, we need your support, but we need to be sensible with pricing, and this has been designed with you the fans on our mind

Enjoy todays game, support the lads and figners crossed come 5pm the league table looks that little bit healthier

Glenn

FOR THE FANS

Following months of discussions, the board met yesterday to sign off one of the biggest changes in the clubs history.

After a turbulent few months off the field following the change of chair person, the club identified that any type of individual ownership is detrimental to the football clubs longevity and in order to be sustainable going forward, the club needed a solution.

Following multiple meetings with the FSA (Football Supporters Association) the club has opted to become a Society for Community Benefit.

What Does This Mean?

This means the club will never be owned by one individual, but by you, the fans.

The board is elected from a membership scheme, which is wholly democratic, eradicating any one individual from any detrimental behaviour within our club.

The society will put the fans and the community of Colne at the heart of what the clubs does.

This will lead to openness and transparency on how the club is being run, including the club finances

Each member will get a share in the club, and more importantly will have the option to voice their opinion in a democratic vote

Currently there are 46 fan owned clubs in the England and Wales, and subject to approval the club will become number 47.

The club still faces a tough road ahead, but this process puts the power into the hands of the fans and the town's wider community.

An information evening for all fans will be held at the earliest opportunity and more information will be available in the next few weeks. We strongly encourage you to come and find out more information on the evening.

The board are confident that this structure leads to a very positive future for the football club.

THANK YOU TO TODAYS MATCHBALL SPONSOR

TODAYS VISITORS

Newcastle Town FC emerged in its current format from a merger with Parkway Clayton in 1986.

The Stadium, deep in the Lyme Valley Parkway in Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire has a capacity of 4,000, covered accommodation for 1,000, seating for 300, a clubhouse and £85,000 floodlighting system. The playing surface is surrounded by one of the few recognised cycling tracks in the north of the country which hosts many competitions and previously used by the Great British Cycling Team.

In the season immediately after the merger, Newcastle Town enjoyed much success ending runners-up in the Mid Cheshire League and moving into the North West Counties League as a limited company in 1987

After promotion from Division Two in the early 1990s the club enjoyed a lot of success in Division One winning the Tennants Floodlit Trophy, the Walsall Senior Cup and the NWCL Floodlit Trophy although constantly just missing out on promotion at the death.

In the ‘96/97 season the club enjoyed a tremendous run in the FA Cup defeating Winsford United, Frickley and Bamber Town from the Unibond League on their way to the First Round proper where they narrowly lost to Notts County, the oldest league club in the world, at what was to be one of the last cup ties at Stoke City’s famous Victoria Ground

Following the turn of the century promotion continued to escape the clutches of Newcastle although playing extremely entertaining football under the likes of managers Ray Walker before his move to Crewe Alexandria and Nigel Gleghorn formerly with Stoke City.

In the season 2006/07, Town form fell away after a very promising start and management duo Greg Clowes and Dorian Garner took over the reins after a successful period with Unibond side Alsager Town Results picked up and new players arrived with Castle only losing four of their last 18 games in the new duos first season in charge. Paul Ratcliffe also took over as Chairman

of the club at this time

The next couple of years saw the management continue to build a side that would challenge for promotion although both proved disappointing with Castle again narrowly missing out mainly due to key players injuries. Despite the disappointment of no promotion Newcastle players Simon Eldershaw (Player of the Month) Jon Ritchie (Safe Hands) and Richard Minor (Division1 Player of the Season) brought success with their awards.

Finally, in Season 2009/10 Newcastle Town achieved their dream of promotion They led the Vodkat League from Day 1 and by the time they dropped their first points having won the first 28 games, the title was almost secure

Best start, most League wins in a season and most points were three of the records that the club broke. They also lifted the Staffs Senior Cup for the first time with an amazing 6-1 victory over Port Vale at Vale Park.

Hardly had the team’s success sunk in when Newcastle Town were rocked in the close season with both Manager Greg Clowes and Assistant Dorian Garner leaving for Stafford Rangers taking the whole squad with them.

Undaunted the club followed current policy and appointed from within with John Diskin, Dave Sutton and Ivan Lodge being promoted from their respective roles with both the second Team and the Youth Team. Their brief was to rebuild a First Team squad capable of confirming their position within the Evo-Stik First Division. Castle achieved their immediate goal sitting mid table with notable results against teams challenging for promotion this season as well as winning performances in competitions against teams from higher divisions.

Castle ended the 2011/12 season in a respectable position but with higher hopes as there was a great deal of success from the younger players coming through at the club Town’s Under 16s secured a Sentinel Shield win after a gap of 25 years since they last won the trophy in 1987.

Town continued to build for the future in 2012/13 in a season which saw an influx of their successful Youth Team into the First Team Squad as the season progressed. The Sentinel Cup was won for the first time since 1995 beating Alsager Town by a record 8-1 victory. During and after the season, many of Town’s talented players eventually went onto play professional football with Tom Conlon signing for Peterborough United, Josh Gordon eventually going to Leicester City and Rai Simons going to Chesterfield FC

Season 2013/14 saw Castle’s young side improve throughout the season and finish a very respectable eighth in the League With the Young Reserve side reaching the final of the Leek Cup and the Youth Team winning the County Youth Floodlit Cup, it was good season for Town Jeff Harrall took over as Chairman as Paul Ratcliffe stepped down

Further improvement came in 2014/15 with Castle reaching the play-offs where they were defeated by Sutton Coldfield Town, who were promoted to the Premier Division. Town’s policy of developing youngsters looks to be paying dividends as more

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trophies were forthcoming Newcastle also won awards for Fair Play and their lack of dissent as they build a reputation of playing the game in the right manner with good football

A Sentinel Cup win against Meir KA in extra time saw our Under 17s, which included Love Island and Celebrity saw Wes Nelson play, claim the trophy with the Under 16s also claiming the Sentinel Shield, also after extra time

The season saw Town struggle with injuries culminating with Manager Ivan Lodge suffering a stroke. Ivan decided to step down to concentrate on his recovery and at the end of the season his brother-in-law and former Norton and Witton Manager Scott Dundas was appointed to the role to take the Club forward.

The 2016 Sentinel Cup saw more competition history as Newcastle had both their Under 18s and Under 17s competing in the final, which was held at Vale Park. It was the Under 17s who eventually won the competition with a 3-2 win

The Under 16s won the Midland Junior Premier League Trophy as well, the first in the clubs history.

A major development for the club happened in July 2016 when the Youth Section moved to a new home. The Roe Lane Playing Fields site is a 20acre football centre, with 14 well sized changing rooms, a club shop, offices, and community room, located in Newcastleunder-Lyme, just 1 mile away from the First Team’s Lyme Valley home Further developments following in September 2016 when Club Director Gavin Appleby set up the “Newcastle Town Football & Education Academy” allowing 16-19 year olds to study for a BTEC Sports qualification while continuing their football journey under the guidance of exprofessional footballer Robin van der Laan.

The First Team had a strong season, being in contention throughout for a play-off position but narrowly missed out on the last day of the season.

The club saw plenty of success in the youth ranks with the Floodlit Under 18s team finishing second place in the Midland Floodlit League and winning the Midweek Staffordshire Floodlit Cup

The Under 17s won the Sentinel Cup and the

Under 16s won the Sentinel Shield again

At the end of the 2017/18 season, Manager Scott Dundas resigned and was replaced by Bob Askey, and after a promising start Castle dropped down the table towards relegation danger. Striker Jordan Cole was sold to Nantwich Town and Bob Askey was replaced by Robin Van Der Laan, with Town eventually staying up on the last day of the season with a win against Belper Town FC.

The Sentinel Cup and Sentinel Shield was once again secured by the Under 18s and Under 16s, with Castle becoming a formidable force in these historic competitions.

The 2018/19 season saw big changes behind the scenes with former Chairman Paul Ratcliffe returning to a restructured board, which saw youth stalwart Gavin Appleby become Vice Chairman and former Chair Jeff Harrall move to Finance Director. A major sponsorship deal was agreed, seeing the stadium renamed The Red Industries Stadium and over the course of the season, the home, away and changing rooms were completed refurbished

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now hosting some of the best changing facilities in the league

Unfortunately, in March (2019) the club mourned the passing of club legend Colin Spencer, after 44 years’ service.

On the pitch, the First Team produced a mixed bag of results however secured their place in the league easily, with one of the youngest teams in the Division. Another Town striker, Aaron Bott was sold to neighbours Leek Town FC in September and at the end of the season, popular midfielder James Steele also left, sold to Widnes FC.

There was more success from the youth set up as the Under 18s retained the Sentinel Cup for a record breaking fifth time in a row, the Under 17s won the Staffordshire County Cup and the Under 16s achieved a 3rd in a row Sentinel Shield win

The 2019/20 season saw even more improvements at the club, with an extensive pitch renovation supported by local contractor Campeys which saw visitors from across Europe to see the work being undertaken, and the club office was replaced

also The young team had spells of inconsistency and despite being bottom of the table for three consecutive weeks, Town pulled themselves safely away from the from the relegation area

Town had more success with their continued youth policy with Josh Williams transferring to Crystal Palace Sadly, the season was cut short due to the Coronavirus pandemic

The 2020/21 season saw Town enter the season with restricted attendances due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, however Castle started the season in excellent form and as the second national lockdown hit in December, we sat third in the table having lost just one game away against Chasetown FC.

As the national lockdown proceeded, Ryan Mclean, who had been the clubs star of the season so far, was transferred on loan to Hereford FC until May, with a view to a permanent transfer. In February the news came that the First Team’s season would not resume

In better news, the Under 18s won a sixth consecutive Sentinel Cup beating Abbey Hulton

United in a re-run of the 2019 final by a score line of 3-1. The record sees Town continue to make history in the historic competition.

The redevelopment of the Lyme Valley and Stadium continued with a brandnew café being built, the directors lounge upgraded, and a new club shop located by the away stand installed. Ryan Mclean and James Melhado were transferred from the First Team to Hereford FC and Salford City respectively during the 2021/22 pre-season.

The youth side of the club took on a long-term lease in September for the running of The Wammy playing fields, to continue with the expansion of the clubs activities in the community.

On 28 February 2022, Town were dealt the devasting news that Chairman Paul Ratcliffe had passed away after a short illness The club duly announced that his wife was to become Life President of the Club in honour of Paul’s memory and on Saturday 26t March 2022, we held a Memorial Day on the national NonLeague Day. Gavin Appleby stepped up to become Chairman following a board meeting

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Further success followed for the Youth side of the club, when the Under 18s managed to win the Midweek Floodlit County Cup against Haughmond, coming out 5-4 winners on penalties.

Following a poor start to the 2021/22 season for Town’s young side saw them finish strongly to maintain their NPL status and together with some good results during the season against some of the top sides and averaging over one point per game gives the club hopes that with small tweaks season 2022/23 will show progress as the youngsters start to mature.

Joe SLINN : (Keeper)

Highly rated young keeper who has just returned from Mickleover for his second spell at the club having made a big impression in his last spell. Formally with Port Vale he will be looking to make a big name for himself and has a big future with the club

APPS : 24 Goals : 0

Mike CONLON : (Full Back) Signed towards the end of last season from Sandbach United Shows great energy getting up and down the pitch and is equally at home on the left or right side Started his career at Port Vale.

APPS : 39 Goals : 5

Luke DENNIS : (Defender)

Young Defender who was on loan from Port Vale three seasons ago. Deceptively quick and good both in the air and on the deck. Already made a big impression in the games as his confidence grows Castle immediately snapped him up on a contract on his release from Port Vale and is now becoming a top Defender in the League and is Vice-Captain of the team. APPS: 166 Goals : 1.

PEN PICS

James ASKEY : (Defender)

Highly rated Defender who is equally at home at full back or in the centre Castle skipper who has returned to lead the team after short spells at Stafford Rangers and Chasetown. Having just passed 350 appearances he will be hoping to lead the team as they progress Has the second most appearances for the club

APPS : 393 Goals : 39

Jack VAN DER LAAN : (Midfield) One of Town’s newer generation who has already become a regular in the team. A hard-working Midfielder who can pull the strings. Son of former Derby player Robin Van Der Laan so comes from a good pedigree

APPS : 112 Goals : 18

Tommy VAN DER LAAN (Midfield) Made his debut at Runcorn Linnets three seasons ago and went on to make 6 appearances. Defensive Midfielder with good passing ability. Will be looking to establish himself this season. Another of the Manager’s sons. APPS : 83 Goals : 7

Nathan MORLEY : (Defender/Midfield) Young wide player signed two seasons ago from Burton Albion. Started on loan and will be looking to make his mark this season. Equally at home in defence or Midfield. Has bags of pace.

APPS : 62 Goals : 8

Ethan VALE : (Midfield) Another highly rated youngster signed from Burton Albion following a successful Now signed full-time on his release from Burton Albion Midfield player with a good range of passing and good from dead ball situations. Will be looking to develop into one of the top Midfield players in the League APPS : 71 Goals 6

Will LLOYD : (Midfield) Young Midfield player who through his fine Youth Team performances has forced his way into the reckoning for the first team. Strong, battling player who has all the attributes to go a long way with the promise of good things to come. Formally with Shrewsbury Town

APPS : 26 Goals : 2

Ryan BAXTER: (Forward)

Quick, young Forward who will be looking to establish himself having stepped up from Eccleshall at the start of last season where he made a big impression with his pace and goals towards the end of his stay there APPS : 31 Goals : 4

Chris SMITH (Forward)

Recently re-joined the club following a spell out through injury An experienced striker with an eye for goal A quick Forward with an eye for goal, he will be looking to establish himself in the side again. APPS : 49 Goals : 17

Jake LOVATT (Forward)

Back at Newcastle following spells at Uttoxeter Town, Chasetown and Kidsgrove Athletic

Jake made his name scoring plenty of goals at youth level before stepping up to the first team where he continued to develop. Scored on his return to the club, A real danger in and around the box APPS : 29 Goals : 9

Connor RUSSO (Midfield)

Back at Castle having recently signed from Market Drayton Town and being on loan from Stoke City. A hard working player who is happy in various positions. He will be looking to establish himself

in the team. Grandson of former Newcastle Groundsman Colin Spencer APPS : 15 Goals: 0

Joe HURST (Defender)

Joined the club in the close season from Rochdale looking to progress up the pyramid. Good on the ball and gets Forward well to add to his defensive qualities. Already making a big impression APPS : 1 Goals : 0

Oliver RITCHIE (Midfield/Defender} Joined in the close season from Uttoxeter Town for his second stay at the club having made his debut as a youngster at left back. Equally at home anywhere down the left side. Looking to establish himself back in the side APPS : 19 Goals :1

Lewis HOLDHAM (Midfield) Young Midfielder having come through the Youth/Academy teams. Has a good engine and loves to get Forward. Will be looking to establish himself in the first team squad. APPS : 0 Goals : 0

Callum LOVATT (Defender/Midfield) Returns to the club after spells at Chasetown and Kidsgrove Athletic. Left sided Defender in the middle or on the left flank

Can play as a defensive Midfielder and is consistent wherever he plays.

Max VAN DER LAAN (Midfield) Has come through the Youth Section and now looking to establish himself in the First Team squad. Following in the footsteps of his father and brothers.

Callum PARKER (Forward) Young Forward who joined the club in the close season from Nantwich Town where he was a prolific scorer in the Reserves averaging more than a goal a game. Will be looking to make the step up to First Team level. APPS : 0 Goals : 0

Oliver TORJUSSEN : (Midfield) Young Midfielder who has come through the Youth Section and has already tasted First Team football last season. Will be looking to establish himself in the squad this season. APPS : 2 Goals : 0

Jayden BAILEY-HUNTER : (Forward) Recently signed from Rocester. A quick Forward with a real eye for goal. Previous Clubs include Stafford Rangers and West Brom. APPS : 1 Goals : 0

MANAGEMENT

Robin VAN DER LAAN : (Manager) Needs no introduction the former Port Vale and Derby County star has got the players playing his brand of football and an expert at developing young players.

Paul GROVES : (Assistant Manager) Been with the club a long time both as a player and Reserve Team Manager. Knows the Club through and through so a perfect foil for the Manager.

Nigel KEOGH : (Coach) Recently joined the club from Buxton. His experience at the higher level will be invaluable to the clubs progress and fits in well to the club’s philosophy

Alan BAXTER : (Coach/Analyst) Plays an important part in the preparations for games with his analysis and scouting to bring in players who fit into Castle’s way of playing

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Jake RATCLIFFE : (Keeper Coach) A highly rated goalkeeping Coach who works with all the keepers developing their individual aspects of the game.

Owyn HUGHES : (Physio) Recently joined the club and plays an important part in the fitness of players and treatment of injuries.

COLNE F.C. HISTORY

Colne FC were formed in January 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 NWCFL 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.

James was a player at the club with plenty of experience and along with his father who was vicechairman, had a strong desire to see the current side emulate the success of its predecessors.

Webster responded immediately by appointing Nigel Coates as the new manager as well as player Gary Rishton as his number two. Nigel had played for the Dynamoes, being in the FA Vase winning team and had experience of management at local rivals Nelson.

Season 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 double by winning the Division Two Trophy 1 – 0 over Great Harwood.

The season was capped by an amazing run in the FA Vase for a NWCFL Division Two club, they progressed all the way to the SemiFinals, (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.

Season 2014/15 proved to be a year of

progress in terms of league placing, with Colne finishing a creditable fourth.

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 Atherton.

2016/17 saw 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 appointed in June 2017 and with the backing of Utility Renewals. The Reds again were competitive missing out on the final play-off place on goal difference

2018/19 saw a new era for the club with the formation of the NPL West Division

Again Colne suffered playoff heartache losing to a last minute extra-time goal in the Semi-Final at Leek Town.

2019/20 saw the season null and voided due to the Covid epidemic with Colne in a mid-table position. 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 games

2021/2022 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 players, the record was Played 13, won 5 drawn lost 5.

Nathan Rooney resigned December stating personal reasons. He was replaced by Jonathon Macken brought in Steve Atkinson as his assistant for our Year’s Day game against Kendal Town - a scrappy 0 defeat. January 2022 a month of comings 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 started 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. 3-0 G.N.E

Colne lifted themselves out of the bottom four at the foot of the table with a convincing win ove Glossop. The result sees the Reds leapfrog over their opponents to give themselves a much better chance of climbing the table and reaching a respectable position by the end of the season

On the night, it was Glossop who started the better of the two sides with some quick attacks and dangerous free kicks into the Colne penalty area But Colne’s new signing Jake Forshaw almost made a dream debut when he nipped in past the static Glossop defence to chip the ball towards an empty net but his angled shot went just wide And as Colne produced more attacking ideas, Lucas Weaver saw his header well held by North End keeper Jaden Bevan.

But Glossop looked dangerous going forward and Nathan Valentine saw his shot on the turn savedby the feet of Colne keeper Hakan Burton.

After 18 minutes, a stray back-pass by the North End defence let in Owen Watkinson to the right of goal and his low cross found Forshaw in the goalmouth and when his shot was blocked, Luke Stowe fired the loose ball into the top corner of the net to give Colne the lead

Two minutes later, Colne put the visitors under pressure again with a high cross into their goalmouth which the North End defence struggled to clear and Weaver forced the ball home from close range to double Colne’s lead at 2-0.

Glossop looked for a quick reply and Jacques Etia saw his shot well saved by Burton after a good run on the left wing But as Colne looked for a third goal, Watkinson and Forshaw came close with shots from inside the North End area and Weaver saw his chip to the far post fly inches over the bar. As Colne pressed forward from the kick off of the second half, Stowe’s through ball released Watkinson to the bye line

inside the Glossop area and his low cross was fired home by Weaver to give the Reds a three goal lead But five minutes later, Weaver pulled up with a hamstring injury and was substituted.Minutes later, Forshaw looked likely to score as he embarked on a run through the middle of the visitors defence but Glossop keeper Bevan did well to block his shot. And on the hour, a Colne free kick was headed down in the North End area for Watkinson who saw his shot saved by the keeper’s feet. And two minutes later in the end to end play, Burton did well to punch a high ball away under pressure at his far post in a Glossop attack.

Burton made a good save to keep out Harry Freedman’s shot when he burst into the Colne penalty area while at the other end Bevan did well to prevent Forshaw from scoring after Craig Carney had sent him on an attacking run with a through ball.

Line Up: Burton, Wallbank, Anderson, Kardacz, Winstanley, Carney, Weaver (Kyobe 52’), Doyele, Watkinson (Bradley 82’), Forshaw (Bridges 73’), Stowe

Subs Not Used: Cormack, Islam

WITTON A. 1-0 COLNE F.C.

Colne suffered a narrow defeat at Witton Albion, where they conceded a late penalty. The Reds had battled throughout the game but failed to find a finishing touch to some promising attacks

In the opening stages, Witton looked the most likely to open the scoring with some good attacks and James Lawrie flashed a shot across the face of the Colne goal after 15 minutes. Elliot Rokka threatened with a run into the Colne area along the bye line before keeper Hakan Burton reacted quickly to claim the ball at his feet

Colne came more into the game on the half hour and Owen Watkinson’s promising run was stopped by a last ditch tackle on the edge of the home penalty area. And Craig Carney provided some good through balls as the Reds built some useful attacks. But at the other end, Prince Haywood’s run and shot saw the ball cleared from the Colne goalmouth and

minutes later Matty Kardacz made a good clearance following a penetrating run by Rokka into the Colne area.

With half time approaching, Colne came close when Watkinson’s cross from the bye line was headed over his own crossbar by Witton defender Ben Harrison And from the resulting corner keeper Ollie Martin claimed the ball in a goalmouth scramble at the near post. And as Colne continue to press with good play by Ellis Wallbank and Jake Forshaw, another corner was met by Glenn Steel and his header flew across the face of the Witton goal on the stroke of half time

As the second half began, Witton pressed forward with some good runs by Harry McGee and on the hour, they had loud claims for a penalty when McGee went down under challenge in the Colne penalty area but the referee gave a free kick in Colne’s favour.

But Colne began to create more chances at the right end of the field and after 63 minutes a great shot by Ben Anderson brought a flying save from the keeper to push the ball round the post for a corner. And keeper Martin frustrated the Colne attack with a good command of his area and some safe handling

As Colne looked to attack, they were still vulnerable to quick counterattacks by Witton and Haywood and Lawrie both blasted wild shots off target when they had sight of the Reds goal

After 80 minutes, it was Colne who came close when Watkinson’s shot was blocked in the home penalty area and Carney’s follow-up was parried by the keeper before a defender whipped the ball off Luke Stowe’s toes in the goalmouth

But six minutes later at the other end, Lawrie was brought down on a run into the Colne area and McGee fired home the spot kick for the winning goal for Witton.

Line Up: Burton, Wallbank (Fagan 78’), Anderson, Kardacz, Steel, Winstanley, Carney, Doyle, Watkinson, Forshaw (Kyobe 73’), Stowe (Bridges 90’) Subs Not Used: Cormack, Hale

Colne went down to a narrow defeat despite a good second half fightback against Skelmersdale United on Saturday. The Reds conceded twice in the first half as the home side produced some fast attacking play which stretched the Colne defence on many occasions but they might well have salvaged a point after the interval but for an outstanding performance by the Skelmersdale keeper.

Colne started brightly and Craig Carney forced a good save by Skem keeper Joel Torrance after seven minutes But five minutes later, a break down the left wing by the home side saw Danny O’Brien collect a cross to the right of goal and he forced Hakan Burton into a diving save to push his shot away but Finnan Croften followed up to knock home the loose ball from close range and give his side the lead.

Colne pressed forward looking for an equaliser and Carney’s 20 yard shot was pushed wide by a

good save by Torrance. But as play switched to the other end, Elliot Morris rattled the Colne crossbar with a free kick from just outside the area

Colne began to find gaps in the home defence and good work by Jake Forshaw released Luke Stowe in a one-on-one with the keeper but Torrance managed to deflect his shot just wide of the post After 26 minutes, a Colne corner was played into the middle of the goalmouth and a home defender knocked the ball into his own net under pressure to level the scores at 1-1.

Skelmersdale responded with some good attacks and Burton did well when he clawed away Morris’ header from the top corner of his goal. But just three minutes after the equaliser, Morris restored the home side’s lead with a run down the left and a low diagonal shot into the far corner of the Colne net.

Colne emerged for the second half with a more determined attitude and

began to create chances Carney’s cross from the right found Stowe coming in from the left wing and his shot brought a great save from Torrance to push the ball away from the top corner of the goal. And as Colne continued to attack, further chances fell to Stowe who forced more good saves from Torrance

Lucas Weaver joined the game from the subs bench to add more bite to the Colne attack and his shot from the edge of the area brought a great save from Torrance to push the ball over his crossbar. Owen Watkinson battled hard up front for Colne and saw his shot blocked by defenders after Carney had released him with a through ball into the penalty area

The Reds kept up the pressure right to the final whistle but were unable to score a second goal mainly thanks to the outstanding performance of Joel Torrance in the Skelmersdale nets.

Line Up: Burton, Wallbank Anderson, Kardacz, Steel, Winstanley, Carney, Doyle, Watkinson, Forshaw (Weaver 74’)

Subs Not Used: Bradley, Cormack, Fagan, Kyobe,

THE LIONS DEN IN THE NEWS

The Football Association have revealed traditional four-team play-offs will be introduced for all Step 5 leagues from next season to replace the current InterStep play-offs.

The move, subject to FA Council approval, will guarantee two clubs are promoted into Step 4 each season from the 16 Step 5 divisions – one as champion and a second through the play-offs.

At the end of the 2023-24 season, two clubs will be relegated from each of the eight Step 4 divisions in order to increase league sizes to 22 clubs There will be one relegation spot from each Step 5 division

From 2024-25, four teams will be relegated from every Step 4 division, while Step 5 will revert to two relegation places.

The Inter-Step play-offs were introduced last season with clubs finishing third and fourth bottom of Step 4 at risk of relegation through one-off winnertakes-all matches against Step 5 runners-up

An FA statement read: “Subject to FA Council approval, the Inter-Step Play-Offs currently in place at Steps 4 and 5 of the National League System (NLS) are to be replaced after the 2022/23 season.

“The change will see the introduction of a traditional four-team Play-Off in each of the sixteen Step 5 divisions – thus guaranteeing a second promotion place from Step 5 to Step 4, subject to Clubs meeting the eligibility criteria which includes an independent ground grading assessment.

“At the end of the 2023/24 season, this will mean that an additional 16 Clubs will be guaranteed promotion from Step 5 to Step 4 (32 Clubs in total), with the number of Clubs automatically relegated from each of the eight Step 4 divisions to remain as two in order to increase the divisional size at Step 4 to 22 Clubs per division. The resulting 16 vacancies at Step 5 will be filled by only relegating one Club per Step 5 division, as opposed to two

“From the 2024/25 season, it is intended that the number of Clubs automatically relegated from each of the eight Step 4 divisions to Step 5 will increase from two to four, two Clubs from each of the sixteen Step 5 divisions will continue to be promoted to Step 4 (one automatic and one via the Play-Off) and the number of clubs automatically relegated from each Step 5 division will revert to two

“These changes reflect a long-term aim of The FA to create consistency at each Step level of the NLS pyramid.”

The clubs finishing in third and fourth from bottom in each of the eight divisions at Step 4 at the end of the Regular Season will take part in InterStep Play-Off Matches against the clubs finishing in 2nd position in each of the sixteen divisions at Step 5 to determine whether they remain at Step 4 or are relegated to step 5 for the following playing season.

THE WEEKENDS RESULTS

Friday 10th March

Widnes 3-0 City of Liverpool

Today

Bootle 2-3 Runcorn Linnets

Colne P-P Workington AFC

Hanley Town 2-2 Kidsgrove Athletic

Leek Town P-P Mossley

Newcastle Town 0-2 Macclesfield

Ramsbottom United P-P 1874 Northwich

Trafford 2-1 Clitheroe

Witton Albion 1-0 Prescot Cables

TODAYS FIXTURES

Saturday 18th March

City of Liverpool V Workington AFC

Clitheroe V Prescot Cables

Colne V Newcastle Town

Glossop North End V 1874 Northwich

Hanley Town V Bootle

Kidsgrove Athletic V Ramsbottom United

Macclesfield V Runcorn Linnets

Mossley V Skelmersdale United

Witton Albion V Trafford

Back to back home defeats for the young lions , but not disheartened The team and individual performances remain positive and sets them up for the remaining league campaign .

A defeat at home against Vauxhall Motors was in complete contrast to the previous week , where we dominated at their home turf in every department .

We stepped forward to a home encounter on the hallowed turf at Holt House on the 5th March , only to go down to 10 men on 60 mins after ruing chances missed earlier in the game A great display from the opposition keeper kept us .

back . The reds put on a good display in front of a good crowd, but it proved too difficult with limited fire power up front .

The faithful support was there to take in a frustrating afternoon . But we are still in with a chance of the playoffs , with chasing teams having games in hand , but not the points.

Next game is away at Runcorn and with 8 players out with injuries , we’ll have to step up a plan to bring the points home

We welcome Workington at todays game . Our U21 lads will be out and about amongst the crowd cheering the reds on to victory .

07.02.2023 / Northern Premier League Division One West / Moss Rose Stadium

AWAY DAYS BOOTLE

Founded:

1887

NWCFL Div One Champions:

2008–09

CCL Div Two Champions:

1978–79

Lancashire Combination Champions

1975–76, 1976–77

Liverpool Senior Cup Winners

2012–13

Liverpool County Football Combination Champions

1964–65, 1965–66, 1967–68,1968–69,

1969–70, 1970–71,1971–72, 1972–73,

1973–74

Liverpool Challenge Cup Winners

1964–65, 1975–76,1978–79

Liverpool Amateur Cup Winners

1965–66, 1967–68,1973–74

League Position: 13th

Last 6: L W W D D L

Leading Scorer(s): Tom Peterson

Programme: £3

Average Attendance: 502

Admission: Adults £10 | Concess £6 |

18-21 £4 | U18s £2 |

Bootle FC play their home games at the Delta Taxis Stadium

Vesty Road Bootle Merseyside L30 1NY 01518323030

TODAYS TEAMS

Manager: Phil Brown

Hakan Burton

Craig Carney

Jack Doherty

Kian Ellis

Thomas Fagan

Mateusz Kardacz

Thomas McCann

Glen Steel

Luke Stowe

Ellis Wallbank

Lucas Weaver

Harry Winstanley

McDaniel Kayobe

Oil Roberts

Ben Anderson

Cuan Bradley

Rory Cormack

Jake Forshaw

Alex Doyle

Manager: Robin Van Der Laan

Joseph Slinn

Michael Conlon

Jack Derbyshire

Joseph Thompson

James Askey

Luke Dennis

Connor Russo

Jack Van Der Laan

Maxwell Chimenes

Luke Walsh

Nathan Morley

Kyle Stubbs

Jacob Lovatt

Patryk Mazurkiewicz

Tommy Van Der Laan

Will Lloyd