Runcorn Linnets V Marine Emirates FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round

Club Sponsor

Official Matchday Programme Price £2

RUNCORN LINNETS FC

BY THE FANS, FOR THE FANS

Emirates FA Cup 2nd qualifying Round Runcorn Linnets v marine Saturday 3pm 3rd october 2020

APEC TAXIS—01928 575757 A RUNCORN COMPANY SUPPORTING THE RUNCORN TEAM RUNCORN TO MANCHESTER AIRPORT £30 E/W RUNCORN TO LIVERPOOL AIRPORT £20 E/W

Looking for a new position?

Find your next job with Millbank Whether you’re looking for a more attractive wage, a chance to make better use of your skills, or just a change of scenery, Millbank is here to help you find your next career opportunity.

We have a wide variety of permanent and contract roles available with reputable businesses locally and nationwide.

Find all our advertised jobs: Web: www.millbank.com Phone: 01928 751000 Email CV to: staffing@millbank.com

Register your CV on our website today in just a few clicks, and we’ll match you with roles appropriate to your skills and experience.

Currently available local roles include: • Process Operators • Customer Service Assistants • Manufacturing & Workshop Managers

Linnets Club Sponsor

Club Information Millbank Linnets Stadium Stockham Lane Runcorn Cheshire WA7 6GJ

Telephone (Clubline) 08454860705 (Fax) 07050801734

Runcorn Linnets FC is a Registered Society under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014 (Company Number IP29719R) . The club is a “Trust” - an Industrial and Provident Society, and is registered with the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority). The Trust was originally set up as “The Linnets Independent Supporters Trust”, or “LIST” for short, and was a Supporters Trust in aid of Runcorn AFC, known as Runcorn FC Halton at the time. In April 2006, when the fans decided to take the destiny of Runcorn FC into their own hands and set up Runcorn Linnets FC as a reformed Runcorn AFC, the nature of the Trust changed to one capable of running a football club.

Becoming a Trust member gives you the ability to take part in the democratic running of the club. You will be able vote members on and off the board, participate in the decision making process, etc, and this is done on a purely one person, one vote basis. Regardless of the financial commitments that may have been made to the club by any individual, their vote is only as powerful as any other regular Trust member. If you would like to join the Trust, then you can download an application form at our website. If you prefer, you can pay your membership fee using Paypal, using the payment page, or alternatively have a chat with any of the club officials on matchday.

Chairman: Mike Bignall

COVID-19 Officer: David Jones

Vice Chairman: Paul Eastup

Club Secretary/Social Media/Club PhotograManager: Calum McIntyre pher: James Eastup

Secretary: Paul Eastup Deputy Secretary: James Eastup Treasurer: Phil Wainwright Trust Board Members: Elected: Mike Bignall Ste Bignall Paul Eastup Hedley Edwards David Jones Steve Pritchard Co-Opted: James Sidwell Phil Wainwright

Stuart White (2010)

Programme Editor: Ellis Clarke Trust Secretary: David Bettley

Asst Manager: Colin Woodthorpe First Team Coaches: Mike Allcock

Honorary President: Alan Jones Honorary Life Vice Presidents: Mark Buckley (2018) Derek Greenwood (2017) Lynn Johnston (2017) Robert Johnston (2017) Steven Pritchard (2010)

Goalkeeper Coach: Graeme Hewitt Asst GK Coach: David Phillips Head Sport Rehabilitator: Luke Davies

www.RuncornLinnetsFC.co.uk www.RuncornLinnetsJFC.co.uk RUNCORN REVIEW © 2020-21 RUNCORN LINNETS FC Written by Ellis Clarke and Dave Bettley Photographs © 2019-20James Eastup Unless otherwise indicated

a word with Calum McIntyre

Good afternoon and welcome to this afternoon’s FA Cup Second Round Qualifying Tie at the Millbank Stadium. I would like to extend a warm welcome to the staff and players from Marine, particularly their manager Neil Young. Neil is someone I have got to know very well over the past ten years from his time at Chester. It would’ve been a strange prediction a decade ago to suggest we would be in opposite dug outs at our respective clubs this afternoon but I will relish the challenge of being able to put a team up against Youngy’s in the most prestigious competition in English football.

It feels so long ago since we were last here against Albion Sports in our first competitive game of the season. The games have come thick and fast and we are delighted with the start we have made in the league and to still remain in the FA Cup at the beginning of October. The Albion Sports fixture was a tremendous afternoon for us all and a perfect way to get our competitive campaign under way with a home victory in the FA Cup. I thought we were really unfortunate to not have more goals to show for our dominant performance but we were well worthy of our clean sheet. It was terrific to be able to see Alex Turner and Joe Nolan both make debuts in senior football with such assured performances in the centre of midfield at such a young age. Our first league fixture away at Pontefract was everything we expected it to be. Since taking the job here back in June, lots of people have talked to me about the challenges that certain fixtures face. I know many people would be concerned that we may not have the ability to adapt to certain away fixtures given the

playing surface we are blessed to have at our home ground. We knew Pontefract would make it difficult and we were well briefed on what to expect from the playing surface but even then I was still slightly stunned at what we arrived to. Typically, misfortune struck and kick off was delayed by thirty minutes due to half of our squad being stuck on the M62. I thought we were superb and put in the type of performance that should’ve delivered a victory. We adjusted our style and spent long spells without possession but were undone by some lapses off concentration and the referee not spotting a handball that could be seen from most parts of Yorkshire. Despite the disappointment of conceding late, we had set ourselves a target on the opening day to get ourselves off the mark and we did that.

I am told that Runcorn Linnets share the kind of misfortune in FA Cup draws that seems to have followed me around! To be drawn away at West Auckland in the previous round of the FA Cup posed enormous logistical challenges that I was so proud of the manner in which the players overcame them. Don’t underestimate that despite their talent and continued professionalism, these are semi-professional footballers who have alternative full-time jobs that are their primary source of income. To have so many of our group reduce working hours and make adjustments which would see many of them financially worse off to allow them to represent the club up in the North East was a reflection on the immense individuals we have within our group. As for the game itself, it will never, ever be considered for being shown on television as part of a classic nostalgia piece. We started really well but the longer the game went on at 0-0, the more it became a scrappy affair. Things didn’t quite go for us and a really young referee didn’t manage the clock or let the game flow. When things aren’t quite right in front of goal, I believe a clean sheet is essential and then a belief in the character of your group will get you through. A penalty shootout victory illustrates that point. A word for Paddy Wharton who made two tremendous penalty saves in the shootout. Paddy is a huge character in the dressing room and it was only right that he got the plaudits in taking us to the next round.

I am writing these programme notes 24 hours after the win at Mossley. I felt Tuesday night showed the entire spectrum as to the qualities of our group. We played some sensational stuff in the opening half an hour and should’ve had more to show for it than a two goal lead. Equally, their goal came in slightly bizarre circumstances that changed the whole nature of the second half.

For our players to show the character and their sheer appetite to protect their lead for the entire second half is a reflection on what they are like as people. I have an outstanding group of people in my dressing room, both in terms of players and staff. There is real ability and so many skillsets but a drive and a determination to do well that can be the start of something truly positive for everyone involved. The reiteration of my belief in them is not for show, or to say the right thing, it’s genuine and I know there are more high points to come this season. They are a terrific bunch and have developed a genuine rapport. There is a core of older, more experienced players who have been crucial in setting standards and ensuring we are heading in the right directions. Equally, that is combined with an energy and a hunger to do well from the younger contingent of the dressing room who continue to prove their worth on a weekly basis and show why the future is so bright for so many of them.

The support we have received and continue to receive from our supporters is immense. We have played three of our opening four fixtures away from home and you have travelled in numbers and backed us throughout between the whistles.

Your support is recognised and appreciated by the players and staff and we continue to do everything we can to be a team worth supporting. We will need that support again this afternoon and across the coming weeks.

A final note to thank you again for your support today but to encourage you to continue to observe the social distancing measures that are in place around the stadium. I am immensely proud of our club and the volunteers who have worked tirelessly in working with Halton Borough Council and the relevant local authorities to ensure that we can continue to allow spectators into the ground despite the local lockdown restrictions.

This was an immense effort from all involved and it is recognised by everyone who benefits this afternoon. We really are one team.

Enjoy the game this afternoon, we will be doing everything we can to ensure we are still in the FA Cup at 5pm this evening.

Calum

our visitors marine The Club was formed in 1894 by a group of local businessmen and former college students – taking its name from the hotel on the River Mersey sea front at Waterloo, seven miles to the north of Liverpool – where the founders met. They moved to their present ground The Marine Travel Arena (formerly known as Rossett Park) in 1903.

Marine quickly made an impression on local football, winning numerous titles in the I Zingari League and the Liverpool Combination. Their greatest success as an amateur team in this period culminated in an F.A. Amateur Cup Final appearance in 1931/32, when they lost 7 – 1 to Dulwich Hamlet in front of a 22,000 crowd at West Ham United. In 1946 they went close again by reaching the semi-final. In 1935/36 they moved to the all-professional Lancashire Combination and enjoyed limited success before moving to the Cheshire County League in 1969/70. In 1972 Roly Howard was appointed first team manager and completed 1,975 competitive games over a 33 year period before retiring at the end of the 2004/05 season. He was recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the longest serving manager in world football as Marine enjoyed its most successful period winning some 30 trophies.

The Club relinquished its amateur status and became professional in 1974. Three Cheshire League Championships were won in five seasons before progressing to the Northern Premier League in 1979/80. They have twice been Champions (1993/94 and 1994/95) as well as twice being runners-up and have won the League Cup on four occasions (1984/85, 1991/92, 2002/03 & 2015/16) which is a league record.

In more recent times, the club have had a number of managers including Alvin McDonald (20052009), Kevin Lynch (2009-2013), Phil Brazier (20132014), Carl Macauley (2014-2015), Sean Hessey (2015-2016). Alvin qualified for the UniBond Premier play-offs in two seasons, losing to the eventual play off champions on both occasions.

Kevin Lynch narrowly missed out on a play off

place over his reign and Phil Brazier enjoyed his first season of football management. In February 2015, following a disappointing run of results, Carl Macauley left the club and defender Sean Hessey took over team affairs as caretaker manager. In Sean’s final 12 games in charge of the season, the club escaped relegation by losing 1, drawing 5 and winning 6 matches and were handed a reprieve, following the demise of Salisbury City. In February 2017, the club parted company with Sean Hessey following a poor run of results, the increasing threat of relegation and poor discipline on the pitch. With just a few weeks of the 2016/2017 season remaining, former Skelmersdale United manager Tommy Lawson was appointed as manager. In 2017/2018, his first full season in charge, Tommy and his team reached the second round proper of the FA Trophy losing away to Dover and also reached the Liverpool Senior Cup Final for the first time in a decade. Tommy Lawson resigned as manager in September 2018 with experienced and successful manager Neil Young being appointed as manager, assisted by Alan Morgan & coach Ian Johnson. In April 2019, the club were relegated for the first time in their history and will compete in the BetVictor Northern Premier League First Division North West in their 125th Anniversary year.

our visitors marine Marine’s best performance in the F.A. Cup was reaching the 3rd Round in 1992/3 when they lost 3-1 to Crewe Alexandra. Marine have also achieved ten first and two second round appearances in the FA Cup and have beaten two Football League Clubs (Barnsley and Halifax Town) in the competition. Marine have twice reached the semifinals of the F.A. Trophy in 1983/84 and 1991/92 and have been winners of 13 senior county cups.

Marine have won the Liverpool Senior Cup seven times and the Lancashire Trophy Challenge Trophy three times.

The club have twice won the accolade as Football Foundation Community Club of the Year in 2009 and 2010, as voted by readers of the Non League Paper and in March 2011, the club were awarded the FA Charter Standard Community Club award by the Football Association. In 2010, the club was awarded Club of the Year by outgoing league sponsors UniBond.

The club is continuing to make improvements to their Marine Travel Arena base, eight years ago new floodlights were installed at a cost of £70,000. In 2015 the unused area under the stand was turned into a new community facility, matchday boardroom, hospitality suite and offices, all funded by donations. In summer 2016, the club demolished the old wooden building which housed the club shop, kit and groundsman store and extended the car park. In summer 2019, the old wooden buildings at the front of the stadium were demolished in a project costing £120,000.

This saw new modular units replacing the old facilities and housing new offices, hospitality suites, tea room, kit store, first aid room, steward control room and club shop.

In 2019/2020, the club celebrated their 125th Anniversary Year, which saw the launch of a new club crest, kit, tie, photographic history book and beer.

www.fwpgroup.co.uk Stadium Development Specialists

architecture surveying project management cost planning

marine squad

Germano Mendes – Goalkeeper Guinea-Bissau born goalkeeper Germano, 28, joined the Mariners in summer 2017 after being with groundshare partners AFC Liverpool. Has also had spells at Oeiras (Portugal) and JS Hercules Bayleigh Passant – Goalkeeper Bayleigh, 19, has been training with the club throughout pre season and has featured in most of the friendlies. He began his career in the Youth set up at Tranmere Rovers and went on to earn a professional contract with the Prenton Park club.

He had a three month loan spell with fellow NPL Division One North West club Runcorn Linnets at the start of last season, playing in the FA Trophy game against Marine in September 2019.

Adam Hughes – Defender Adam, 23, joins the club on loan from Welsh Premier club The New Saints until January.

The Wirral based central defender needs no introduction to the Marine faithful, having previously been with the club between summer 2016 and the end of the 2017-18 season. He moved on to Warrington Town in summer 2018 before joining TNS the following summer, going on to make several Champions League appearances for the Oswestry based club.

David Raven – Defender David, 35, is a highly experienced central defender with a wealth of Football League and Scottish Premiership appearances to his name. He began his career at the Tranmere Rovers Academy before joining Liverpool in 2004, making one Premier League appearance for the Anfield club in a two year stay. A move in to the Football League followed making a total of nearly 200 appearances between Tranmere, Carlisle United and Shrewsbury Town. David then moved north of the border for a six year spell at Inverness Caledonian Thistle, the majority of his 153 appearances coming in the Scottish Premiership. He moved to Wrexham before joining Warrington Town in the NPL Premier Division, being selected for the Team of the Year in 2018-19.

James Ellison – Defender James, 20, is a left sided defender who made 40 appearances for Colwyn Bay last season. He joined Tranmere Rovers as a 15-year-old, after playing

junior football in Liverpool, and progressed to their Under 18s side after being awarded a two year scholarship, but was released by the League Two club at the end of the 2017-18 season.

James Joyce – Defender/Midfielder 25 year old James is a left sided defender who originally joined the Mariners in August 2018. He began his career in the Tranmere Rovers Youth system and had a spell at Llandudno last season, where he played a prominent part in their their third place Welsh Premier League campaign, also featuring in the Europa League. Left to join FC United of Manchester in summer 2019 but rejoined Marine in November last year.

Anthony Miley – Defender Liverpool based Anthony, 27, joins the club from Welsh Premier League club Bala Town after joining the Lakesiders from Bangor City in May 2018, where he had spent the previous five seasons. He has also previously appeared for Bootle, Conwy and Colwyn Bay as well as representing Liverpool in the Dallas Cup. Danny Shaw – Defender 24 year old defender Danny initially joined the club in August 2018 after a spell in the Welsh leagues with Llandudno. He left to join neighbours Widnes in summer 2019 before rejoining Marine in December Josh Soloman-Davies – Defender Right back Josh, 21, is a full international having played for St. Lucia U20s and the senior side, making his debut against Grenada in February 2018. He has appeared for Tranmere Rovers in the National League and spent part of last season at NPL Premier Division Stalybridge Celtic. Quickly established himself as a key member of Neil Young’s team, making 36 out of a possible 38 appearances in the curtailed 2019-20 season.

James Barrigan – Midfielder Bootle based James, 22, netted 13 times for the Seagulls last season in the NPL Division One West and can also operate on the left side of midfield or defence. He began his career with Wigan Athletic, making a number of Football League appearances and has also had spells with Warrington Town, Chorley and Skelmersdale United.

James Devine – Midfielder 20 year old midfielder who has also played for the Youth team at Tranmere Rovers.

Josh Hmami – Midfielder Josh, 20, joined the Mariners on 1st July after the expiry of his contract at Welsh Premier League club TNS. The Rochdale based attacking midfielder began his career as a youngster with Bolton Wanderers’ Academy, before crossing the Pennines where he spent a season with Barnsley’s u16 squad. Then it was back to Lancashire, where a two-year scholarship with Accrington Stanley saw him go on to become the captain of the u18s.

Training regularly with the first team and featuring in several behind closed doors friendlies, his senior debut came in December 2017 against Grimsby Town. He joined Oswestry based The New Saints in 2018 and has had loan spells at FC United of Manchester, and last season for Ramsbottom United in the NPL Division One North West.

Kenny Strickland - Midfielder Skelmersdale based Kenny, 29, captained the West Lancashire club where he made over 300 appearances and can operate as a right back or central midfielder. His career started at Youth level, where he had spells with Manchester United and Chelsea. Also had a brief spell with the Mariners in 2010-11, making a single appearance before moving on to Skelmersdale. Signed for the Mariners in February 2017 and is the longest serving member of the squad, having made 138 appearances for the club.

Alex Doyle – Midfielder 19 year old Alex is a central midfielder who hails from Salford and was the first Academy graduate to play in the club’s first team, going on to make several appearances. He signed a professional contract for City in summer 2019 with a further year being agreed this summer. On loan at Marine until January 2021.

Niall Cummins – Striker Niall, 33, is an experienced striker who has a good goalscoring record at National North level. Has had a spell at Burscough and a six year stint at Curzon Ashton, joining the Mariners on loan in December 2018. Signed on a permanent basis in May 2019 and went on to net 21 times last season, winning the Step 4 Player of the Season award.

George Hassall – Striker George is a 21 year old striker who came through the Shrewsbury Town youth set up. Originally with the Mariners on loan in 2017-18 before joining Prescot Cables, returning to the MTA in December 2019 after netting 10 goals for the Tigers.

Michael Howard – Striker The 21 year old striker joined Preston North End at the age of 11 and progressed to the U18s, going on loan to League of Ireland club Cork City in February 2018. A further loan to Hednesford Town during 2018-19 saw him net 12 goals in 19 appearances, before signing for Morecambe in May last year. Joined Marine on loan in February 2020 before signing permanently in summer 2020.

Neil Kengni – Striker Neil, 20, joined the Rochdale Academy in 2016 before moving to Stalybridge in August 2018.

He is noted for his pace and can play in any of the front positions. He netted 14 times in 68 full appearances for the Bower Fold club and joined the Mariners on loan in January, and became Neil Young’s first summer signing in May 2020.

Mo Touray - Striker Striker Momodou, 21, was born in the Gambia and has several Wales U-19 and U-21 caps to his name. He began his career with Newport County in 2017, moving on to a successful spell at Barry Town United before joining Salford, making his debut for the Ammies in September 2020 against Manchester United U21 in the EFL Trophy. On loan from Salford City until January 2021.

Ryan Wignall – Striker Winger who joined Marine in summer 2020 from Connah’s Quay Nomads. Ryan, 31, joined The Nomads in January 2017. A product of the Liverpool Academy system, he won the FA Youth Cup twice with the Merseyside giants and was a regular in the reserve side before being released.

He then went on to play for AFC Liverpool, Cammell Laird, Wimborne Town, Burscough and Conwy United whilst also having a full-time spell with Belgian side Royal Racing FC Montegnee. He would go on to make 61 starts in all competitions for the Nomads, scoring on 15 occasions having won the JD Cymru Premier and Nathaniel MG Cup in the 2019/20 season to add to his JD Welsh Cup in 2018.

The Daniel Wilkinson Foundation is a charity set up in memory of Daniel Wilkinson who died in 2016 aged 24, while playing the game he loved, from an underlying heart condition called Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC).

Dan played football from an early age and joined Hull City AFC when he was 10, earning a professional contract aged 18. Loughborough University followed where he completed a degree in Accounting and Financial Management while playing non-league football. He was an athlete who enjoyed the gym and took his health and nutrition very seriously. He lived life to the full and had so much ahead of him.

Other than feeling light-headed on a few occasions in the month before he died, he had no symptoms!

SUDDEN CARDIAC DEATH IN THE YOUNG (SCD) SCD is the leading cause of death in young athletes during sport and the majority of deaths occur with NO SYMPTOMS or family history.

ARVC can be found in one in every 1,000 to 5,000 young adults - IF IT IS LOOKED FOR. Warning signs may include light-headedness, fainting, palpitations, swollen legs, breathlessness.

Every week in the UK, 12 apparently fit and healthy young people (aged 35 and under) die from previously undiagnosed heart conditions.

In Italy, where screening is mandatory for all young people engaged in organised sport, they have reduced the incidence of young sudden cardiac death by 89%.

OUR MISSION The Daniel Wilkinson Foundation has been set up to raise awareness of SCD and to provide funding towards heart screening, defibrillators and CPR/defibrillator training primarily for grass-roots sporting teams.

Tragedies can be prevented through cardiac screening. It is vital that young people are identified and treated.

Find out more @dannywilks5 thedanielwilkinsonfoundation dwfoundation5 contact@thedanielwilkinsonfoundation.org thedanielwilkinsonfoundation.org

To donate: mydonate.bt.com/charities/thedanielwilkinsonfoundation

interview with ryan brooke The switch of the Mossley game to their ground might have meant that this interview didn’t get published, but we are always grateful for the players and staff that give us these kind of insights, so here it is. Thanks Ryan.

You played against Linnets for Mossley in the first week of last season. Here we are again but this time you’re on our side. How have you found your new surroundings?

Really enjoying them. Everyone at the club players, staff, fans, board members are brilliant and have been really welcoming.

What are your memories of the aforementioned game - apart from your goal (we are glossing over that haha)?

Not a lot else to be honest. Scoring the winner in a match is a brilliant feeling and one that will hopefully repeat itself later.

How did the move to The Millbank come about and what were your prime reasons and motivation in coming here?

I had a message of a mutual friend of both myself and the manager asking me if I’d be up for a chat.

The Gaffer then sold the club to me with his beliefs and philosophy. The way he spoke to me along with his desire to bring me to the club made it easy for me to buy into what he’s trying to achieve with the football club.

How do you feel things have gone so far, both individually and for the team?

Personally it’s been a stop start preseason, with niggling injuries halting progress which has been frustrating. However I’m building back up to fitness so hopefully you’ll see the best of me very soon!

The boys have been class, attitude and application is spot on and there’s a willingness to do things for each other which is essential if you want to be successful.

I imagine it’ll have been very strange returning to action after the lockdown. Has it been difficult?

It was strange with no fans to begin with, but now they’re allowed back in it is so much better!

The summer saw a lot of changes at the club, your own arrival included. From the performances, it would appear the bonding process on the field and off has been quick?

That’s testament to the players that were here previously and the management. The environment they’ve created for the news lads has been amazing. The players have all seemed to buy into what the club is trying to achieve.

The FA Cup trip to West Auckland will only have helped with that? What a great night!

Yeah it was a good night, bad game. I’ll leave it at that...

There will still be a fair few players in the Mossley side that you’ll know a lot about so you’ll have been able to brief the gaffer and your team mates on strengths and weaknesses?

Hopefully! There are very good players in that squad and some good ones have been brought in too.

You look like someone who enjoys their football.

Many good memories no doubt from your spell at Seel Park - any you’d like to share (your goal against us excluded) Sorry to mention it but there was 2 goals against Linnets! Obviously, it was a strange year with the season being null and void, but the players at Mossley were great but we didn’t click properly until the ‘end’ of the season. However I did enjoy scoring a belter against Trafford!

How does our style of play compare to other teams you have played for and have you had to make any changes to your game to adapt?

The manager has his own identity and ways he wants us to play. Personally I feel as if he has adapted his style to suit our players strengths which will hopefully stand us in good stead for the season.

Much has been mentioned about the quality of our new pitch but what’s it like to actually play on?

You only have to look at it to see how good it is.

It is as good to play on as it looks.

Have you set yourself any personal goals for the season and what is the general feeling among the players about what can be achieved?

Score a few goals and win a few games. We have set some in house targets for the season and if we achieve those, we’ll have a successful season!

Any predictions for tonight?

We play to win.

And we did!

Grangeside 1967

2017

Automotive Engineers “Quality is not expensive, it’s priceless”

All Mechanical Work Undertaken

M OT T E S T I N G— S E R V I C I NG—E NGINE G E A R B OX— C LUTC H ES —AIR CON E N GI N E MA N AGE M E NT B O S C H DI AGN O S T I C CE NTRE --- only manufacturer and quality replacement parts used ---

Supporting Local Sports Persons & Clubs for 50 Years

CONTACT OR VISIT US AT Weston Road Weston Village Runcorn WA7 4LL

01928 565431

01928572306

pontefract collieries 1 runcorn linnets 1 saturday 19th september 2020 northern premier league north west division

The belated opening game in The Pitching In Northern Premier League North West Division season was loaded with ironic contrasts with our last visit to Beechnut Lane, almost a year ago. On that occasion, our third trek across the Pennines in twelve days was not hampered by horrendous traffic problems, unlike the first two.

That game kicked off two minutes early, so by 3pm Pontefract Collieries had already scored what proved to be the only goal of the game. This time a major accident on the M62 more than doubled the journey time, and due to several players being stuck in the traffic, kick-off was delayed until 3.30pm.

By 3.36, the score was Pontefract Collieries 0 Runcorn Linnets 1. Craig Lindfield had put Linnets ahead with what was reputedly an unmissable goal. I wouldn’t know. I missed it.

We arrived ten minutes after kick-off, plus another five minutes for the walk from the distant car park, so my account of the early exchanges will be sketchy at best. I had also missed Sam Phillips’ description of Lindfield’s goal on Linnets Live Radio, thanks to Josh Christian’s attempts to set off my passsenger-side airbag with his maniacal celebrations. Fortunately he was asleep on the way home when Crystal Palace went 2-0 up at Old Trafford.

In the sixth minute, Ryan Brooke won the ball out on the right and played a diagonal ball through the home back four for Craig to fire home first time, giving ex-Linnets ‘keeper Mike Emery no chance. Thanks for the Motty-like summary at full-time, Sam. Both sides were seizing their share of possession, a visible contrast as Runcorn tried a passing game on the deck to advance, the home side making quick long passes out to both wings to create openings. The hosts were to look more assured in possession in the second half.

The Runcorn approach did appear more feasible than it would have done a year ago, with a massive improvement in the Beechnut Lane pitch. The dandelion farm had been replaced with a goodlooking carpet of grass. But it was still very hard and uneven, causing awkward and unpredictable bounces that caused repeated problems for

Report by Dave “Bill” Davies

visiting target man Ben Wharton as he set out to turn his marker and run on goal, or lay off passes.

The other thorn in the side of a sterling afternoon’s work by Ben was Ponte No5 Tom Clare - my man of the match. The big centre-half was quick and tireless, and the stand-out performer in a side with even more new faces than Calum McIntyre’s newlook Runcorn squad. Almost the whole Ponte team that was lying third in the 2019-20 table when the season was terminated have since defected to Worksop. Clare did set up the late equaliser with a volleyball pass, but it’s the officials’ job to spot that, not his to admit it.We knew possibly better than the home fans that they have a good goalkeeper, Mike Emery having impressed in a brief spell at the Millbank last season before his departure to Rylands FC. Several times he thwarted attempts on goal (Runcorn having considerably more of these) that could have put the game beyond reach for the men in blue long before their controversial late equaliser.

Full-backs Brizell and Short instigated a number of moves up both flanks involving Hayes, Lindfield, Welsh, Brooke and Wharton, and Ally Brown, usually the right back but this time in a more attacking midfield role. But the space to make much of them was limited with aplomb by the Pontefract back-line of Bailey, Gordon, Tingle, Clare and Walmsley. Similarly, more airborne assaults by the home side into the Runcorn third were covered and cleared by Lycett, returning captain Wylie, Brizell and Short.

After the half-hour a rare fumble by Paddy Wharton in the Linnets goal might have spelled danger, but it fell to his back-tracking namesake to clear, rather than the attendant Ponte forwards Keane and Smith. Shortly afterwards, Linnets skipper Wylie earned a yellow card for his robust halting of Ibrahimi’s progress on the left. The victim’s free-kick from out wide sought to catch Paddy off his line, but it cleared the bar. The latter stages of the first half were scrappy, testament to swift and physical defending by both sides, and both attacking units being ready to accept free-kicks that subsequently came to not much. A minute before the break, in a crowded Pontefract

penalty area, Lindfield and Wharton snap shots caused consternation, but not panic, for the home defence. Runcorn ‘keeper Paddy Wharton was yellow carded for time wasting as his opposite number waited to take a free-kick with two balls on the pitch. Paddy launched the extra ball not to the dugouts, but long to Emery, apparently unaware that it wasn’t the only one. The referee saw gamesmanship, but it wasn’t as though Linnets were desperately eyeing half-time like a lifeboat.

I guessed that Calum McIntyre’s half-time team talk had called for swifter assaults on the home third, as they came quickly after the break. A Louis Hayes flick over the defence drew an unfortunate fresh air shot by Ben Wharton, a whisker away from his intended rocket volley on goal. Seconds later, a Brooke shot from wide left evaded Emery but bounced squarely off the far post rather than glancing into the net. The former Linnets ‘keeper might not have admitted it to us, but I’d bet he was as surprised as anybody when it rebounded straight into his arms. Five minutes into the second half a Louis Hayes ball into the box did feed a successful Wharton volley, but with Emery rooted to the spot, it whistled past the left post.

On 55 minutes, a Pontefract man lying on the floor was enough reason for Mr Tomlinson to award a free-kick for something he didn’t see, but it was headed wide from close range under pressure. A wave of substitutions came around the hour mark, that of Nathan Modeste for Sam Cable ultimately proving critical.

Ruffer’s first contribution was to force a throw-in near the corner flag after which Jacques Welsh was pushed to the ground in possession, apparently fairly. Two bursts of Pontefract intent came close together, a decent long shot by Ibrahimi clearing the top left angle of post and bar, and Paddy Wharton being forced to punch clear under twoman aerial pressure. The ball came back in, and a close-range header by Gordon had the home fans at the other end celebrating briefly. But the roof of the net had been ruffled from the outside.

Linnets players were becoming increasingly disgruntled at the officials’ apparent default setting of giving every close call in their opponents’ favour. Josh Brizell was perhaps fortunate not to see yellow for his frank exchange of views with the assistant who had flagged a

throw-in to Pontefract when the last three players to touch the ball had all been in blue. A moment after that, a neat one-two between Wharton and Brown put Ally into the area wide right. He was expected to cross for the advancing Ruffer, but Mike Emery did well to make a two-handed save from a surprise tight-angled shot. At the other end, a rash trip by Peter Wylie 20 yards out conceded a Ibrahimi free-kick which cleared the goal by at least three times its height. Inside the last ten minutes, Pontefract sub Nebard collected an inevitable yellow card for a protracted half-nelson on Ben Wharton as he broke into the home third.

It triggered a chain of events which decided the outcome of the game. Brizell’s powerful free-kick beat Emery all ends up, but cracked off the centre of the crossbar to rebound well clear. On the break, the Linnets defence couldn’t cover the counterattack quickly enough, and struggling to control a bouncing ball at the edge of the area, Tom Clare palmed the ball forward into the path of substitute Nathan Modeste to finish with ease. PCFC’s photo montage of the game features numerous studies of the finish and celebrations, but none at all of the pass. Ah, well.

Calum McIntyre and his players were furious, and the latter used their ire to fuel a barage of attacks in the dying minutes, to the extent that Stuart Crilly was involved in several of them after coming on for Ryan Brooke right on 90 minutes. A Wharton volley was blocked at close range, and a Brown cross (or shot?) reached the ‘keeper rather than Ben’s head.

A breathless finish failed to break the ultimate deadlock, and despite inevitable away chagrin at the nature of the ‘assist’ for Modeste’s equaliser, a draw was probably a fair reflection of a hardfought first league game. Runcorn undoubtedly had more attempts on goal and close shaves to extend their early lead - the woodwork a repeated frustration - but as the game wore on Pontefract possession looked increasingly confident and prolonged, and their new defensive unit is going to cause problems for most if not all of the division.

Runcorn Linnets: Paddy Wharton, Josh Brizell, James Short, Louis Hayes (Joe Nolan 83), Peter Wylie, Scott Lycett, Ally Brown, Jacques Welsh, Ben Wharton, Ryan Brooke (Tom Ruffer 61), Craig Lindfield (Stuart Crilly 90). Subs not used: Iwan Murray, Alex Turner.

#ANDYSMANCLUB SUICIDE IS THE BIGGEST KILLER OF MEN UNDER 45 1 MAN EVERY 2 HOURS

ALL OUR GROUPS MEET MONDAY 7PM TO FIND YOUR NEAREST GROUP VISIT OUR WEBSITE

WWW.ANDYSMANCLUB.CO.UK

JOIN THE CONVERSATION info@andysmanclub.co.uk andysmanclub WWW.ANDYSMANCLUB.CO.UK andysmanclubuk

@andysmanclubuk

We are a peer to peer support group for men.

Come have a brew and a chat!

#ITSOKAYTOTALK

Linnets Pride Linnets fan and former Trust Board member

Adrian Taylor has found a novel way to show his support for the club.

During the close season, Adrian commissioned this stunning plaque of our new club crest.

Made by a contact in the North East, it now takes pride of place on an outside wall at his home (just as well Adrian’s wife Barbara is a Linnets follower too!).

Adrian said: “It is made out of steel plate and is around 300mm diameter.

“It came untreated, so I made up my own metal preservative.

“Only time will tell if it does the job.”

Well, we certainly think it looks the business!!

LOOKING out on his back garden is an illuminating experience for Linnets supporter,

Dave Thompson.

Dave, also one of our regular sponsors, has shed a little light on the history of the area where he lives in all its yellow and green glory! He said: “You may know I live in Canal Street and the goalmouth is in my back garden, which I have been improving in the lockdown.

“I have recently installed solar lights and I thought you might like to see what the goalmouth at Canal Street now looks like.

“It is looking good at night, although I doubt some neighbours understand the significance of the colours.”

Nice one, Dave!

Historic FA Cup goes under the hammer!

It might be argued that the FA Cup has been devalued since the launch of the FA Premier League but to traditional football fans, it remains absolutely priceless. This week, however, saw the oldest-surviving version of the trophy go up for sale.

Anyone with £700,000 to £900,000 burning a hole in their pocket was in with a chance of bagging a unique piece of football history, at Bonhams saleroom in London.

Contested 15 times, between 1896 and 1910, the cup on offer to the highest bidder (assuming, of course, any reserve was met) was a restrike of the original FA Cup, which had been stolen from a Birmingham sports outfitters in 1895.

This “replica” was presented by the Football Association to The Right Hon Lord Kinnaird on the 21st Anniversary oof his appointment as President of The Football Association. It stayed in the family by descent until being sold at Christie’s on May 19th 2005 for £478,400, including Buyers Premium.

It has been exhibited ever since at the National Football Museum, initially based in Preston but more recently in Manchester.

Pre-sale information published by Bonhams, of New Bond Street, tells the history of the trophy: “Made by Vaughtons & Sons of Birmingham in 1895, the silver trophy is 40.6cm high (50.7cm with plinth) and is formed as a two-handled cup and cover, surmounted by a figure of a footballer with a football at his feet. The body has four oval cartouches, inscribed with the winning teams from 1872 to 1910. Winners from 1872 to 1895 had lifted the original FA Cup trophy. The first FA Cup used between between 1872 and 1895 was stolen from the Birmingham football outfitter William Shillcock’s window on 11th September 1895 when it was on display after Aston Villa had won it that year.

A £10 reward was offered for the recovery of the cup but sadly, the trophy was never seen again.

In 1958 an 80-year old Harry Burge came forward and said he had stolen it to make counterfeit halfcrown coins and in 1975 Joseph Piecewright was

implicated in the original theft but neither of these claims have been substantiated.

As current holders of the trophy and therefore custodians, Aston Villa were fined £25 for the loss of the trophy.

In 1953, 90 years after the formation of the Football Association, Geoffrey Green wrote his seminal work ‘The History of The Football Association’ and page 173 notes that “......and at a Council meeting on January 22nd1896, it was proposed by A. Sharman that the new Cup to be purchased for competition in place of the old one lost, should be of gold, the cost not to exceed £200.

The proposal was lost and a resolution put forward

by R. P. Gregson, seconded by Dr. Morley ‘that a cup as nearly as possible like the old cup should be purchased’ was carried. Thus another trophy costing £25 and of twin design to the original, was set upon its high pedestal”.

Fortunately, a cast of ‘the old cup’ existed and Vaughton & Sons of Birmingham were commissioned to produce an exact replica of it at rhe cist of £25. This is the cup offered for sale. It bears the winners’ names from 1872 onwards including Wanderers who won five of the first seven finals including three in a row (they were then presented with the trophy in perpetuity only to apply the true ‘Corinthian’ spirit of the amateur

game at the time and return it to The Football Association – ironically, they never won it again!), Oxford University, Royal Engineers, Old Etonians, Clapham Rovers (who were strong in both codes of football – association football and rugby union) and Old Carthusians.

In 1883 Blackburn Olympic won the little tin idol’ and the game of Association Football changed forever. The domination of the former pupil’s public-school teams had come to an end and the North of England and Midlands teams began a new era in the game.”

This was the trophy being contested when Manchester United, Everton, Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur, to name but a few, lifted the FA Cup for the first time.

During its lifetime all finals were held and decided at Crystal Palace bar the replays of 1901 and the 1910 - at Burnden Park in Bolton and Goodison Park, respectively.

The background to the trophy being presented to Lord Kinnaird is further explained by Bonhams along with news of an interesting discovery.

“This was a splendid gesture on the part of the council members for Kinnaird’s services to the game was unmatched, but there was also an underlying reason why the life of the second FA Cup was brought to an end. It had been discovered that the design, without the authority of The Football Association had two seasons earlier been pirated in Manchester. The association naturally disapproved strongly at the time, but no steps could be taken in the matter since the design of the cup was then not copyright.

The Association’s answer was to pass the following resolution at Overstrand on July 9th 1910: ‘That the present Football Association Challenge Cup, having been duplicated without the consent of the Association, be withdrawn from competition and a new cup offered, the design of which should be registered’.

During a recent clean of the trophy, by Bonhams Head of Silver Department Ellis Finch, the figure of the footballer was carefully removed revealing hitherto unknown graffiti in the form of various initials (presumably of former players/club officials of winning teams of the trophy and other scribbles), the most decipherable being ‘J P Watt Newcastle 1910’. From research there was no J P Watt who played for Newcastle United but Frank Watt is listed as their first unofficial manager and oversaw the winning of the cup this season.”

Arthur Fitzgerald Kinnaird, later 11th Lord Kinnaird, was born on 16th February 1847 in Kensington, London. He played and scored a goal in the second FA Cup final in 1873 when Wanderers defeated Oxford University 2-0 and went on to play in a further eight finals for either Wanderers or Old Etonians. ended up on the winning side five times in total between 1873 and 1883.

Although he was born in England, the family seat was in Perthshire and he made a solitary appearance for Scotland, against England in 1873, when England won 4-2.

He was football’s first superstar, the superstar, the equivalent of cricket’s WG Grace. He played in several positions including goalkeeper, half-back and forward and was an imposing figure on the field of play with his white long trousers and distinctive red beard.

In 2016, the longest serving FA Cup trophy was valued at more than £1 million by BBC Antiques Roadshow. It was the trophy presented from 1911-1992 when it it was replaced by a new trophy of the same iconic design. This was taken out of service in 2014 after quickly showing signs of wear.

A heaviier replacement of the 1911 trophy was commissioned and is the FA Cup that both teams will have in their sights today!!

While we’re on the subject of historic trophies...

For football fans with a strong appreciation of the past, the trip to West Auckland is something of a pilgrimage. Linnets’ club secretary, Paul Eastup found time when we travelled North for the previous round of The FA Cup to view some silverware of major significance. Displayed in the West Auckland working men’s club is the Thomas Lipton Trophy, which recognises an incredible feat by the local football club more than 100 years ago.

In 1909, West Auckland Football Club of the Northern League, journeyed to Italy after being invited to contest the Sir Thomas Lipton Trophy.

They were crowned as winners of the Turin tournament, considered by many the forerunner of the World Cup. To prove it was no fluke, they returned two years later to triumph again, thrashing Italian giants Juventus 6-1 in the final!

In 1994, the precious trophy they brought back was stolen from the WMC and it has never been recovered. But fortunately, the loss was covered by insurance and a stunning replica ensures that the unique part played by West Auckland in the history of the global game continues to be celebrated.

Building - Joinery - Maintenance - Division * Kitchens * Bathrooms * All Aspects of Building, Joinery & Maintenance

_________________________________________________________________

Chris Parkinson Tel: 07957 624 395 Tel: 01928 771 752 House Keeping - Domestic Duties - Division * Ironing * Weekly/Monthly * End of Tenancies * General Cleaning

_________________________________________________________________

Kelly Parkinson Tel: 07415 283 417 Tel: 01928 771 752 Email: kkspropertyservices.ltd@gmail.com

Bully Darts - A5 - July 2019 - Final.pdf 2 18/07/2019 15:47:56

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

WWW.BULLYDARTS.CO.UK 01928 890 492 /BullyDartsRuncorn

VISIT OUR STORE

-

sales@bullydarts.co.uk @Bully_darts

@bully.darts

BULLY DARTS, 25 REGENT STREET, RUNCORN, WA7 1LJ

Raising Awareness Saves Young Lives

Cardiac Risk in the Young Every week in the UK at least 12 young people die of undiagnosed heart conditions. Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) aims to reduce the frequency of young sudden cardiac death (YSCD). CRY supports young people diagnosed with potentially life-threatening cardiac conditions and offers bereavement support to families affected by YSCD. CRY promotes and develops heart screening programmes and funds medical research. CRY publishes and distributes medical information written by leading cardiologists for the general public. CRY funds fast track referral, screening and cardiac pathology services at leading UK hospitals.

Address: Unit 1140B The Axis Centre, Cleeve Road, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 7RD Telephone: 01737 363222 Email: cry@c-r-y.org.uk Web: www.c-r-y.org.uk /CardiacRiskintheYoung A5 single page.indd 1

@CRY_UK 28/03/18 12:42:14

Official Benchwear Supplier Follow us!

Proud to be the Official

For any kit enquiries,

Benchwear Supplier to the

get in touch!

@Kappa_UK

Northern Premier League.

Email: kappa-uk@kappa.com

@kappauk

Phone: 0161 393 9440

@kappa_sport

www.kappastore.co.uk

runcorn linnets ladies 3 ellesmere port lfc 1 Chelsea Gillies treble, completed deep into added time, helped Runcorn Linnets Ladies to round off a successful pre-season in fine style. A seventh straight made it eight wins from nine attempts with 49 goals scored by a team about to open its North West Women’s Regional League campaign after promotion. The sequence of impressive results was completed with a hard-working 3-1 victory over Ellesmere Port LFC, behind closed doors at The Millbank Linnets Stadium.

It could be said that Ellesmere Port have given the Linnets their two toughest warm-up games. Now it’s down to business this Sunday (October 4th) with the visit of Didsbury in Division One South.

Runcorn’s Lile Ashley forced the Port ‘keeper into a save after only 20 seconds as Runcorn looled to finetune preparations. Within a minute, Ashley went agonisingly close again, this time sending the ball wide. Chelsea Gillies was equally close from an Ashley corner before Runcorn had a goal disallowed for offside after good combination play between Becky Barker and Marcia JonesSacharewicz. Ashley found the back of the net but had mistimed her run - all this coming in a frantic opening five minutes.

Jones-Sacharewicz was put through on nine minutes but aimed straight at the ‘keeper.

Another Ashley corner presented Gillies with a great headed opportunity, the midfielder’s effort narrowly clearing the bar.

Ashley’s set pieces were causing the visitors problems but only a sign of things to come later in the half. Ellesmere Port had been hemmed but managed to break free. They would have taken the lead on 22 minutes but for an excellent double save by Megan Pickering. The ‘keeper rushed out, quickly narrowing the angle to make the initial save and she reacted quickly to complete the job.

Still on the offensive, Ashley again put the ball past a post in the 24th minute. This was followed by a Gillies miss and then, on 28 minutes, another Ashley effort wide.

Although the visitors had now crept into the game, the home side looked dangerous every time they went forward and finally opened the scoring on the half-hour mark.

Another precise corner from Ashley found the unmarked Gillies to side foot home from close range. With his team in front and this being the final friendly, manager John Pickering made a few changes. Katie Evans replaced Beth Graham at right back and Emma McLarney substituted for Molly Cawley at the heart of the defence The pattern of play continued, and Runcorn doubled the lead on 35 minutes. Ashley provided the assist, from yet another corner, and Gillies headed in at the near post.

As half time approached, an Ellesmere Port snap shot lcked power and direction.

For the second half, Jones-Sacharewicz made way for Demi Rogers while left back Caitlin Gibbons was replaced by Ellie Isherwood. Amy Kelly replaced Molly Hewitt on the right (54 minutes) Carys Beech came on for Beth Middleton at centre half (60 minutes) and Ella Clifton-Stringer replaced Katie Evans at right back (60 minutes) Ellesmere Port came out looking a different team, nearly getting a foothold back in the game as the Linnets defence gift wrapped a chance after only 15 seconds. Another tremendous save from Pickering kept it out.

With shouts from the Ellesmere Port bench “It’s coming”, it was no surprise when it did. The visitors had bossed and bullied the half from the first whistle. The Runcorn defence, dwelling too long on the ball in the 67th minute, allowed the Port forward to pounce - leaving a one on one with Pickering. Now it was game on again.

Jones-Sacharewicz returned to the action with 16 minutes remaining in place of the industrious Ashley. Captain Barker and Ellie Dyson swapped midfield positions in an attempt to make it more compact while providing more of an attacking threat. Within seconds, Megan Pickering came to the rescue again, tipping a powerful long-range effort by an Ellesmere Port midfielder on to the bar with 15 minutes left. Runcorn continued to push forward, looking to kill the game off, but missed chances hindered them, notably in the 88th minute when Barker hit wide when it had looked easier to score..

Three minutes into stoppage time, Ellesmere Port gave away an unnecessary free kick on the edge of their own box. What might have been deemed a good tackle on Barker was penalised, possibly for the follow through.

Up stepped Gillies whose posture said “pick this one out” as she nonchalantly put the ball into the top corner for her hat-trick goal to seal the win.

Runcorn Linnets Ladies: Pickering, Gibbons, Middleton, Cawley, Graham, Dyson, Barker, Gillies, Hewitt, Jones-Sacharewicz, Ashley. Subs: Mclarney, Evans, Isherwood, Beech, Ella Clifton-Stringer, Rogers, and Kelly. Not used: O’Gorman, Hatfield.

The amount of substitutions made by Runcorn probably had an adverse effect on their second half performance but this takes nothing away from Ellesmere Port, who on this showing must surely be one of the title contenders in Cheshire Championship West.

Chelsea Gillies - photo by Neil Thornton

GAME CHANGER footballfoundation.org.uk

Poo

t ec

e ch P rf

Pooch Perfect Walking Cutting Caring Next to Webbs, Halton Road Contact Louise on 07753 911000 Pooch Perfect: Born out of a love for all things canine, Pooch Perfect is here to look after your best friend and add a little sparkle too. /PoochPerfectRuncorn

PROTECT YOUR CLUB WITH SPECIALIST INSURANCE FROM TYSERS Our Football Club insurance policies provide wide and flexible cover to meet the needs of Football Clubs of all shapes and sizes. As well as Stadia we can provide cover for equipment, kit, volunteers, events/functions held and more.

Contact us to talk about your insurance requirements on: 0161 419 3035 colette.eustace@tysers.com Proud to be working in partnership with:

www.tysers.com

Tysers Insurance Brokers Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Registered office: 71 Fenchurch Street, London EC3M 4BS. Registered Company No. 2957627 England. R37.7.20V.10

upcoming fixtures

RUNCORN LINNETS FC

marine FC

paddy wharton (gk) RYAN NEILD (GK) JAMES SHORT PETER WYLIE ALLY BROWN JACK HINNIGAN SCOTT LYCETT JOSH BRIZELL ADAM BARTHRAM LOUIS HAYES JOE NOLAN JACQUES WELSH IWAN MURRAY TOM RUFFER CRAIG LINDFIELD BEN WHARTON RYAN BROOKE KURT SHERLOCK STUART CRILLY ALEX TURNER

germano mendes (gk) bayleigh passant (GK) adam hughes david raven james ellison james joyce anthony miley danny shaw josh soloman-davies james barrigan james devine josh hmami kenny strickland alex doyle niall cummins george hassall michael howard neil kengni mo touray ryan wignall

MANAGER: CALUM MCINTYRE ASST MANAGER: COLIN WOODTHORPE COACH: MIKE ALLCOCK GK COACH: GRAEME HEWITT ASST GK COACH: DAVID PHILIPS HEAD SPORTS REHABILITATOR: LUKE DAVIES

manager: neil young asst manager: alan morgan physio: richie cailes kit manager: tony mawdesley (mex)

REFEREE: nik storey ASSISTANTS: jack lambert & james wright