ABOUT TOWN:
Ground: The Viridor Community Stadium Address: Sandy Lane, Weston Point, Runcorn WA7 4ET Telephone: 07808 737773
WELCOME From the Secretary's Pen...
Web: www.runcorntownfc.co.uk Twitter: @RuncornTown Facebook: /RuncornTown Legal Form: Unincorporated (Members Club)
THE HONOURS:
North West Counties League Premier Division Runners Up 2012 Division One Runners Up 2011 West Cheshire League Division Two Winners 2007 Cheshire Amateur Cup Runners Up 1995 Pyke Cup Runners Up 2008 West Cheshire Bowl Winners 1992, 1994 Runners Up 1993, 1995, 2005 Bill Weight Memorial Trophy Winners 1996, 2006, 2008 Runners Up 1992 Runcorn Senior Cup Winners 1993, 1995, 2005, 2006, 2008 Runners Up 1983, 1984, 1988, 1996
THE STAFF:
Chairman: Lindsay Berry Secretary: Martin Fallon Treasurer: Mike Riley Welfare Officer: Martin Fallon Committee: Alan Bennett, Lindsay Berry, Martin Fallon, Geoff Goodall, Ste Kinsella, Kenny Partington, Roy Roberts, James Holland, Eddie Smith, Tony Richards Photography: Paul Watson
THE MANAGERS:
1st Team Manager: Chris Herbert Assistant: Mark McGregor GK Coach: Richard Smith Physio: Gerraint Warr U15's Manager: John Barton U13's Manager: Dave Graven U12's Manager: Adam Telford The views in this programme are not necessarily those of Runcorn Town Football Club or the publisher Printer: Match Day Creative: Contact: 07976 131145
Hello and welcome to the Viridor Community Stadium for this evenings Hallmark Security League meeting with Hanley Town. Saturday was a disappointing day as we bowed out of the FA Cup. After a poor first half, we responded really well and I thought we were cruising at 2-1, but alas it wasn't to be. Irlam's winner from Matty Boland was a great goal but nowhere near as good as Paul McManus' worldie to put us ahead! I think that is goal of the season sorted. Steve Lewis' goal at Padiham was amazing but Macca's was a lot more difficult considering it was a moving ball and he caught it on the volley. He even kindly demostrated how hard it was a few minutes later when he hit Tony Riley's car with another effort! Tonight we need to bounce back. Whilst the financial rewards and publicity for being in the FA Cup are great, we are not going to win it. The league is the aim and is a realistic one I would say so three points is a must tonight. Hanley have not had the best few weeks having lost five of their last seven games. Last season's star men Theo Stair and Dan Cope have moved on, but they have some big players in their team so we have to be on our game. I'm not here tonight but I will be refreshing the Twitter which Bebbs is updating, so here's hoping for a good result tonight. See you Saturday! Martin Fallon, Secretary / Editor
CHRIS HERBERT The Manager gives his thoughts on today's game Hello and welcome to the Viridor Community Stadium for our Emirates FA Cup match against Irlam. It has been a bad week for us, getting beat 4-0 by City of Liverpool and then crashing out of the Emirates FA Cup to Irlam on Saturday when they beat us 2-0. Its two defeats that happened far too easily for me. Against City Of Liverpool we were awful and got what we deserved, as I mentioned in Saturday's programme notes. Saturday against Irlam was different. We were not great in the first half, which is strange as this season we have started most games really well, and we were somewhat fortunate to go in just a goal behind at the break. We came out flying at the start of the second half and should have saw out the game once we went 2-1 up. It was an exciting game with some great goals for those watching but from our point of view in the dugout, it means nothing because we let it slip with some terrible defending.
We need to learn from our mistakes in games. I can accept a certain mistake happening once in a game but when the same mistake happens three or four times in the same match then it becomes incompetent and at the minute certain players seem unable to deal with things that should be bread and butter. We spoke in depth in the changing room after the Irlam game and have gone through where we need to improve, so hopefully tonight we can improve and get our game going again. Hanley are always a difficult team to play against who are trying to kick start their season pretty much like us with the form we have been in. We need to use our experience and be more solid when we are in front and hopefully tonight we can do that and get a big 3 points on the board. We have to bounce back that’s what good teams do. I just want to close with bringing you up to date with a few ins and outs at the club recently.
Kevin Exell as you know has gone to Vauxhall to get some game time and we have done the same with Ryan Dobson who has joined Litherland REMYCA. He is a great prospect but just needs minutes at this stage. Ste Wainwright has come in and played right back for us on Saturday. He has been at Marine for the last four seasons in the EvoStik League. Matty France is a young lad who has come from Morecambe and Connor Dennett is a 16-year old from Runcorn who should have been with our Under 17's team this season. We are just taking a look at these. I have also signed the experienced duo of Paul Dowridge and John Dowridge. Paul has been with us before when I took over and I have signed these on as cover in case we need them for any game. Get behind the lads tonight as you always do. Its easy when things are going well but you can help us get through this sticky patch with your unwavering support. Herbie #STFW
It was an exciting game with some great goals but from our point of view it means nothing because we let it slip with some terrible defending
Opposition in Profile
HANLEY TOWN FOUNDED: 1966 | MANAGER: Michael Edwards COLOURS: All Blue | AWAY COLOURS: All Red GROUND: Abbey Lane | RECORD ATTENDANCE: 1,000 Hanley Town's season can be summed up in one word - underachieving. They opened with a superb 2-1 win at Burscough on the opening day, but since then have won just two of their last nine games played. Just one of those was in the league, that being a 2-0 win over basement boys Abbey Hey. The other came in the FA Vase, with a 4-0 demolition of Pershore Town showing what they can do when it clicks. That put them into the Second Qualifying Round which is
this coming Saturday, with Hanley travelling to Dudley Sports. Hanley's location sees them placed in the Midlands pot when FA Competition draws are made, which pairs them with many teams unknown to us. This was also the case in the FA Cup earlier in the season when they faced Atherstone Town. After a 1-1 draw in the first game, Hanley lost the replay in that when they were beaten 4-0 at home.
GETTING KNOW... IN TOWNTO TODAY We take a brief look at our opponents recent history The name Hanley Town has been around for a long time, with a recorded North Staffordshire Charity Cup game against Leek in 1882. The team played in the North Staffordshire Federation League, playing teams such as Port Vale, Stoke FC (now Stoke City) and Newcastle Swifts. In 1894/95 the club entered the 3rd tier of English Football at the time, The Combination League, but folded after one season. Over the next few years the club was set up and folded again, with records showing the club provided a number of players to professional clubs Stoke and Port Vale between the World Wars. The present Hanley Town Football Club was founded in 1966 when a group of friends got together playing Sunday football based at the Trumpet Public House in the city centre. They joined a Saturday league for the 1966/67 season and won the Longton League and the Longton Charity Cup. The following season was one of the most successful in the clubs history, with both the First and Reserve teams winning six trophies and being runners-up in two others. The club were renting a pitch from a local engineering firm Copestick & Farrell on Victoria Road on the outskirts of Hanley. The club lost the ground in 1971 when the engineering firm sold the land. The club moved into groundshares first with Eastwood Hanley and then Leek Town until the 1976/77 season when the club finally moved into their own ground at Abbey Lane a mile outside the city centre.
Champions and the mid-80s saw more cup wins, including the League Cup again, the Leek Cup and Newcastle Charities Cup. In 1988 the club applied for membership in to the North West Counties League, but failed in its application, and the next few years were barren. In 1994, the club made the decision to switch to the Midland League, now called Staffordshire County Senior League. The clubs fortunes began to improve and a first cup final in 15 years was reached in the Midland League Cup Final. Success hit massively in 2004/05 as Hanley Town won the treble of Midland League Champions, League Cup and Staffordshire FA Vase winners. The following season the club retained the League title. Further title success followed in 2011/12, with the the 2012/13 season was one of joy and sorrow. Colin Stair and Dave Price guided the first team to a memorable quadruple but tragically, with only four league games remaining, Colin Stair suddenly passed away. The team stayed strong for each other, served the Club with great pride and saw out the remaining four games to win the title. It was Stair's ambition to manage the team at a higher level, and in 2013/14, the club stepped up to the North West Counties League. The first season saw a respectable 4th place in the league and they reached the final of the First Division Cup only to lose on penalties against Formby.
In the late 1970’s, the club moved into the Mid-Cheshire League (now Cheshire League) Second Division. In 1980/81, as well as retaining the League Cup they had won the previous season, they were the first ever winners of the Staffordshire FA Vase.
Another 4th place finish followed, with the club denied promotion as they lost in the Final of the newly formed Play Offs to AFC Darwen. Finally though in 2015/16, they won the First Division Championship, and with it promotion to the Premier Division, their highest ever league.
The following season saw Hanley Town finally become Mid-Cheshire League
The last two years in the Premier has seen them finish in 10th and 8th place.
Two To Watch
The Manager
Tom Ashton
Josh Thorpe
Michael Edwards
Tom has played for Hanley for most of their time in the NWCFL, including helping them to win the First Division title in 2015/16.
Josh is another long serving player with Hanley Town and has played every season with them in the NWCFL.
Michael took over as Hanley Manager at the start of February last year after the resignation of Dean Owen and his assistant Wayne Johnson
He moved to Alsager Town in January but has re-signed for the club at the start of the current season.
He scored just eight goals last season but so far this season has found the net three times, as well as picking up two man of the match awards
Recent Games Home
27 Aug Won 2-0
Away
4 Sep Lost 0-3
1 Sep Won 4-0
Head to Head TOTAL PLAYED: 4 RUNCORN: 4 HANLEY: 0 DRAWS: 0 RUNCORN GOALS: 9 HANLEY GOALS: 3
9 Sep Lost 1-3
There were 12 games to go of the 2016/17 season and he made Hanley really difficult to beat. Last season he got them off to a flyer, topping the league for a time and never in the top four for much of the season. Only a freak run of six successive losses saw them drop down the table, but they still finished in 8th place, the highest position that they have ever finished in. Hanley have struggled this season, but Michael's record is good and will no doubt turn them around.
Total Record Games 75 Won 34 Drew 15 Lost 26 Scored 151 Conceded 112
THE STORYTODAY SO FAR... IN TOWN We take a look at the story of Hanley's season to date
A look at the league table sees Hanley Town in 11th place at the minute. That is pretty much right in the middle of the league table, but I guess it speaks volumes for the success that Hanley have had over the last few years that this position is a little bit surprising. The season started in great fashion, with an away win at Burscough. Josh Thorpe put them ahead early on with the Linnets equalising towards the end of the first half, but Thorpe popped up with the winner with four minutes remaning. After that was the first home game of the season against West Didsbury & Chorlton. An early goal for the visitors put West ahead but a penalty on the stroke of half time from Karl O'Neill-Martin pulled Hanley level. There were no more goals but an unbeaten start was encouraging. Next up was a trip to Atherstone Town in the Emirates FA Cup, a team they were facing in the Cup for the second successive season. Again they conceded early after just three minutes, but a Keiron Ball equaliser just after the hour mark set up a replay.
worse for Hanley as they were beaten 5 1. Again early goals saw them face an uphill battle with Noblet and Ashley Ball putting Charnock 2-0 ahead after just three minutes. Neville Thompson pulled one back but a penalty from Young on the stroke of half-time made it 3-1 at the break. Second half goals from Young and Grimshaw compounded their misery. August Bank Holiday Monday saw Hanley bounce back with a 2-0 win over Abbey Hey. A first-half penalty from O'Neill-Martin and a second half goal from Kieran Ball saw them win comfortably.
In that, Hanley never got going and were comfortably beaten. O'Neill-Martin got Hanley's goal on the night however two goals from Liam Kirton and one each from Mitch Thompson and Joseph Obi saw Atherstone through to the next round.
That set them up nicely for the FA Vase tie at Pershore Town on the Saturday and they romped to the biggest win of the season. Two goals from Leigh Skellern and one each from Callum Tunstall and Jonathan Sheldon saw them cruise through with a 4-0 win.
Next was an away trip to Charnock Richard, and they found themselves two behind at the break thanks to a penalty from Joe Noblet and a goal from Ashley Young. Alex Ralph that made it 3-0 before Hanley pulled one back through Andy Nicholls only for Carl Grimshaw to add a fourth in stoppage time.
The last two games haven't gone to plan now for Hanley. Last Tuesday they were beaten 3-0 at home by Barnoldswick Town, Jack Coop, Rhain Kellawell and Mark Threlfall with Barlick's goals.
With Hanley out of the cup, the league rearranged a game for the next Saturday and the last team they'd want to face was Charnock Richard once again. This was even
And on Sunday they lost 3-1 away at Northwich Vics. Brian Matthews and a Joel Brownhill penalty put them 2-0 ahead by 17 minutes, before former Town frontman Billy Webb made it three. Tom Ashton scored a consolation with four minutes remaining.
ETHAN CAMPBELL
Photo by George Perris
Town welcomed a very special guest against Ashton!
Runcorn Town Football Club were delighted to welcome a very special guest of honour on August Bank Holiday Monday, with 11year old Ethan Campbell inspiring the team to a 1-0 win over Ashton Athletic.
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Ethan has cerebral palsy and struggles with his walking and basic day to day things we take for granted, like holding a knife & fork and going the toilet. When first diagnosed his family were told that he would never be able to walk or talk, but Ethan has continued to prove the specialists wrong. His walking though is still very restricted. In July, his family were told that to help Ethan with his walking that he is required to have two procedures. Whilst the second is funded by the NHS, the first procedure called SDR (Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy) is not due to Ethan's age. The family have to therefore fund this procedure themselves at a cost of £21,000, yet the Runcorn community have rallied together and in just over a month, over £17,000 has been raised.
On Monday, Ethan was introduced to both teams before the match before taking to the field as mascot for the day. The smile on Ethan's face throughout the afternoon told its own story, and was an unforgettable experience for him. He was presented with a goodie bag by the football club containing a signed match ball, scarf, mug, pennant and other merchandise. Just as important, the generosity of both sets of supporters added £164.00 to his fund, with a fantastic donation coming from Ashton Athletic too. On top of this, the players had a collection themselves too after the Irlam Cup game on Saturday, and added another £110.00 to the fund, taking the total raised at the two games to a magnificent £274.00. If you would like to donate anything to his fund, please visit the families Just Giving page at the following address: https://www.gofundme.com/sdrsurgery-for-ethan-campbell
CLUB RECORDS Below are the Club Records for Runcorn Town FC CLUB RECORDS
Score and Opponents
Record home win (league):
10–1 vs Stockport Sports, Mar 2013
Record home win (cup):
22–0 vs Roundhouse Rovers, Feb 2010 (Runcorn Cup)
Record away win (league):
8–0 vs Ashton Town, August 2010
Record away win (cup):
9–1 vs Waterloo Wanderers, Nov 2008 (Runcorn Cup)
Record home defeat (league):
2–7 vs Squires Gate, November 2014
Record home defeat (cup):
0-4 vs Chester, January 2014 (Cheshire Senior Cup)
9–1 vs Robin Hood Helsby, Dec 2008 (Runcorn Cup)
0-4 vs Altrincham, January 2017 (Cheshire Senior Cup) Record away defeat (league):
2-7 vs Barnoldswick Town, April 2017
Record away defeat (cup):
1-5 vs Ashton United, September 2011 (FA Cup)
PLAYER RECORDS
Score and Opponents
Most Appearances
James McShane - 288 games from 2007/08 to 2015/16
Consecutive appearances
Karl Wills - 149 games from October 2010 to September 2013
Most Goals
James McShane - 163 goals from 2007/08 to 2015/16
Most Goals in Season
Craig Cairns - 52 goals in 2016/17
Most Goals in Match
Jason Carey - 6 goals vs Roundhouse Rovers, Feb 2010 (Runcorn Cup)
Most Hat-tricks
James McShane - 8 hat-tricks from 2007/08 to 2015/16
Most Hat-tricks in Season
James McShane - 4 hat-tricks in 2007/08
Scoring in consecutive games
Ian Cocks - 9 games from 29 October 2005 to 21 January 2006
Most Clean Sheets
Karl Wills - 87 from 2007/08 to 2013/14 (266 games)
Most Clean Sheets in Season
Karl Wills - 17 in 2012/13
Without Conceding A Goal
Stiart Plant - 531 minutes
SEQUENCES
Details
Without defeat (all comps):
17 games, 9 February 2011 to 7 May 2011
Without defeat (league):
26 games, 26 October 2010 to 9 August 2011
Without a win (all comps):
10 games, 13 February 2016 to 26 April 2016
Without a win (league):
6 games, 21 January 2006 to 8 April 2006 & 11 April 2016 to 13 August 2016
Consecutive wins (all comps):
13 games, 17 February 2007 to 29 August 2007
Consecutive wins (league):
13 games, 26 April 2017 to 10 October 2017
Consecutive defeats (all comps):
6 games, 21 January 2006 to 8 April 2006
Consecutive defeats (league):
6 games, 21 January 2006 to 8 April 2006
BEST PERFORMANCE
Round and Opponents
League Finish
2nd in NWCFL, 2011/12
FA Cup
Third Qualifying Round, 2014/15
FA Vase
Fifth Round, 2012/13
Cheshire Senior Cup
Quarter Finals, 2014/15
PLAYERS v FANS Who knows the most? Our season long quiz will find out! It's Players v Fans to find out who is the smartest at the Viridor Community Stadium! Each week one player will take on one fan in answering eight questions, and after the FA Cup Special last Saturday, we return to General Knowledge. There are eight questions, some obvious and some that you should know but just get stuck on! We end with a nearest-the-pin tiebreak, so if it's a draw, whoever gets nearest to the right answer in the tie-break will win it that week for their team. Questions are below and the correct answers (and the winner) are at towards back of the programme so that you can play along yourself.
TODAY'S COMPETITORS The players are currently 3-1 up in the quiz although the fans won on Saturday. It's down to defender Michael Carberry to try and restore that three point lead for the players. However his opponent tonight is Alan Bennett. Alan has a mind that is full of useless information, but what is he like on his general knowledge and up to date news? Let's find out!
THE QUESTIONS 1.
Which country has UK Intelligence said were responsible for the Salisbury Novichok attacks?
2.
What is David Beckham's new franchise MLS team to be called?
3.
Which American city is home to the following sports teams: Redskins, United, Wizards and Capitals?
4.
France won the World Cup this year. Who were runners up?
5.
Which DJ has announced he will be leaving his breakfast show after 13 years?
6.
Who was the voice of Buzz Lightyear?
7.
What is a baby cow called?
8.
What is the capital of Australia?
Tiebreak (if needed) How many passengers and crew were there on the Titanic when it sank?
PLEDGE FUND Pledge What You Want For Whatever You Want! Kev Holland is continuing the popular Pledge Fund for the 2018/19 season. All pledges are below with pledges going direct to the Ground Fund. Please do get involved and see Kev to join!
STEPH CAWTE
KEV HOLLAND League Game Won
£2
£1
Cup Game Won
£1
£3
Ryan Cox to score
Goal Scored
50p
Clean Sheet Hat-trick
25 or more goals
MARTIN FALLON
£25
GARY LITTLEMORE
Goal Scored
50p
Clean Sheet
£1
Goal Scored
50p
Cup Upset
£5
Clean Sheet
£1
Win a Cup
£20
Hat-trick
£3
Win Promotion
£20
Win Player of Year
SAM HOLLAND
GEORGE PERRIS Goal Scored
50p
Clean Sheet
£1
Every DJ Goal
£5
Cup Goal Conceded
50p
Game
50p
Clean Sheet
£1
Hat-trick
£5
Every straight red card for a Town player
£1
Town beat Runcorn Linnets in any Cup
Goal Scored
ANDY BROWN
JAMES HOLLAND Cup Goal Scored
£20
£50
RUNNING TOTAL
£106.50
£1
WHAT'S OCCURING? News from our fellow Hallmark Security League clubs
It was a memorable week of Emirates FA Cup action for everyone at City of Liverpool, with two fine results in the space of four days booking their place in the Second Qualifying Round. An extra time 3-2 win at Evo-Stik League side Glossop North End in a replay on Tuesday night was followed on Saturday by a fine 5-1 victory at Squires Gate, a team who went into the game unbeaten in five games. It's seven wins and two draws since the season began for the Purps, and on this form Craig Robinson's men will take some stopping.
Saturday was certainly a day to remember for everyone at Rylands. A new record attendance of 172 was set for the game against Abbey Hulton United, and hopefully none of those who turned up at the Recreation Club were late in getting there, because anyone who was would have missed a blistering start to the game. Incredibly Rylands were 4-0 up after 8 minutes, eventually going on to win 6-0, with joint manager Stuart Wellstead leading from the front with two of the goals. A performance that will take some beating!
One club that have put a bad start to the season very much behind them are AFC Liverpool, who recorded their fifth successive league win with a 2-1 victory over St Helens Town on Friday night. It's a far cry from mid-August, when the Reds began their league campaign with two 5-3 defeats, but it certainly appears that joint-managers Stuart Keir and Ben Williams have steadied the ship, and more good times beckon for the Reds. Those results have seen them climb up to fourth in the First Division North, and very much in the frame for a quick Premier Division return if things continue.
THE RANDOM RAFFLE ON THIS DAY It's the raffle that everybody wants to win!
TONIGHT'S PRIZES BATMAN COLOURING BOOK According to the book, join Batman as he battles the bad guys and keeps Gotham City safe. There's hours of fun here! COLOURED PENCILS Not only do we supply the book, but 30 different coloured pencils to colour it in!
Here at the Viridor Community Stadium this season, we are doing a Random Raffle! This is where some lucky person will win a host of prizes that they didn't even know they wanted. We held our first Random Raffle at our first home game of the season, with Mrs Bebbington walking away with a host of prizes including a cuddly toy, Kelloggs variety pack, corn on the cob and some pegs! However since then, the winners have been somewhat reluctant to take their prizes for some reason. Raffle #2 saw Gary Littlemore donate his prize back, apart from the swede which he gave to Roy Roberts for his dinner. Raffle #3 was won by Billy Cumpstey (above) who kept the broccoli, phone charger & back scratcher but gave the rest back. And Raffle #4 on Saturday was not even claimed! So this evening'a raffle is yet another ROLLOVER with loads of prizes!! The prizes are listed in the column opposite, with a brief description of what the item are in true Generation Game style. Tickets cost £1.00 per ticket, so make sure you get your tickets and good luck!!
DODGEBALL DVD We know you will be tired after all your colouring, so sit back and watch a film. AMERICAN GANGSTER DVD It's one of the best films of the last few years and if you haven't seen it, you are in for a real treat with this one. SET OF 'L' PLATES Ever wanted to drive but never had the chance because you didn't have 'L' plates? Worry no more! CHEESE GRATER Do you ever want cheese on toast but can't face getting your fingers chopped to bits with a sharp knife? Worry no more as you can use this fantastic cheese grater! STICKY TAPE It's almost Christmas and you will be wanting to wrap presents. We will get you started with this awesome sticky tape! HARRY & MEGAN COMMEMORATIVE MUG Looking ahead to Monday and back to work. You will be the talk of the office when you start drinking out of your limited edition, mug with Harry & Megan's face on it! HOT CHOCOLATE SACHETS And if you need something to put in your new mug which everyone will be talking about, then we've provided some lovely hot chocolate sachets!
THE WAR CUP We take a look at the little known War League Cup On the 1st September 1939, Adolf Hilter invaded Poland, sparking outrage across Europe and in the corridors of power in Westminster. However, twenty four hours later, the third "round" of games in the Football League took place as normal with barely a murmur of concern for events that were to unfold in the next few years. On that Saturday Blackpool's 2-1 at Bloomfield Road meant they had won three out of three in the Football League Division one, just a point ahead of Sheffield United and Arsenal. A few hours later, on Sunday 3rd September, Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain declared war on Germany and ordered an immediate ban on the assembly of crowds for safety reasons. Faced with a potential long campaign, the Football League announced that the 1939/40 season would be terminated with immediate effect. Whilst Blackpool (and Luton Town in the Second, Accrington Stanley in the Third North and Reading in the Third South) topped their division, they were not awarded any trophy. However, regulations were soon relaxed and the government announced that football could return but with maximum capacities of 8,000 and no travel outside a fifty mile radius. So the guys at the Football League got their thinking caps on and came up with the idea of a cup competition instead of a league competition. And so was born the Football League War Cup.
pushed into France and the threat of invasion increased. But the English showed their stiff upper lip and carried on regardless, turning out in numbers for the final. Over 40,000 spectators filed into Wembley Stadium to see Sam Small score the only goal for the Hammers and they became the first ever winners of the new trophy, commissioned by the Football League.
The competition consisted of 137 games (including replays) which commenced in October and were all complete bar the final by January 1940. However, with London under constant threat of the commencement of bombing raids, no floodlights could be used and so it was decided to play the final during the summer months. The date was set as Saturday 8th June 1940, with West Ham United and Blackburn Rovers due to contest the final at Wembley Stadium.
It was West Ham's first ever victory at Wembley but is reported that after the game there was no official reception for the team. Instead they headed back to Upton Park for a "few pints in the Boleyn".
However, on the 10th May the Germans
The following season saw the commencement of bombing raids on Britain, with London heavily hit. But football still carried on, as the government saw it as "good for morale". The War Cup provided a great tonic for many Londoners who had been almost under siege for months and
in May 1941 the second final took place at Wembley with over 60,000 coming out to see Preston North End take on Arsenal. A Denis Compton goal for the Gunners was enough to earn them a replay at Ewood Park where over 45,000 saw the Lancastrians run out 2-1 winners, who featured a very young Bill Shankley in their line up.
In 1944 with the threat of bombing still high the title was shared between Aston Villa and Charlton Athletic after a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge. The southern semi-final saw Charlton beat Chelsea in front of over 85,000 at Wembley which caused some panic for the authorities.
The cup was still an important part of "business as usual" in England during the almost daily bombing raids. Attendances remained very high, and a number of clubs had players on active military duty, returning to the first team when they came back to Blighty.
Whilst the War didn't finish until September 1945, the war in Europe effectively ended in May of the same year, meaning the cup in that year was the last time it was ever held. On the 2nd June 1945 35,000 people saw Bolton Wanderers beat Chelsea 2-1 to win the cup which fortunately since has never been competed for.
The Football League kept tinkering with the format in the next few years, firstly introducing a two legged final (won by Wolves 6-3 against Sunderland), and then in 1943 with Northern and Southern Finals with the winners meeting at Stamford Bridge (won by Blackpool who beat Arsenal).
Whilst Portsmouth's 4-1 over Wolverhampton Wanderers in May 1939 was officially the last FA Cup final until 1946, many will class the War Cup as a continuation of the competition. It cannot be underestimated the effect the cup had on morale of the English general public at the time.
ON THIS DAY ON THIS DAY
We take a look at what happened on...
SELECTED RESULTS 1987 - MOND RANGERS 4 WEST KIRBY RES 0 Steve Wright, Simon Wright, Paul Barlow, Dave Gaynor
1998 - NEWTON 3 MOND RANGERS 4 Richie Jones (2), Ian Mackrell, Karl Thomas
2009 - HESWALL 0 MOND RANGERS 4 Tony Wynne (3), James McShane
TOTAL RESULTS P 8
W 5
D 2
L 1
ALSO ON THIS DAY < 1979 Birth Jennifer Hudson (Singer)
2003 Death > Johnny Cash (Singer)
F 22
A 11
#NOMOREKNIVES We support the campaign to get knives off the street
Everyone at Runcorn Town Football Club was saddened last Friday evening to hear of the death of Eddie O'Rourke, who was stabbed to death outside the Royal British Legion club in Halton Village. We often hear on the news of knifes being used and stabbings, and last year in England and Wales, knife crime rose by 22%, according to the Office for National Statistics, with 39,500 offences. It's not just something that happens on the news or in big cities, it is all over the country. In fact of the 44 police forces, 38 recorded a rise in knife crime last year. However having something as horrific as this happen in our town really brings home the effect knife crime can have.
Over the weekend a campaign has been launched called "Live Your Life, Drop The Knife". The aim of the campaign is to get the message out to younsters all around Runcorn of the effect of knife crime and what can happen. Here at Runcorn Town FC, we fully endorse the campaign, and will be displaying the poster around the ground once they are printed, as well as running the above advert in the programme for the remainder of the season. If you wish to get involved in the campaign, you can do so on Facebook at:
www.facebook.com/LiveYourLifeDropTheKnife
ABOUT HANLEY Alan Bennett takes a look at a borough with history For todays programme article, I thought that I would take a short look at Hanley, a Borough which I and no doubt many readers have passed through on the way east to Derby and Nottingham. I used to regulary visit a ceramics factory along the A52 but never really saw the Potteries area which it is known as. Hanley, its name meaning 'High Lea' or forest clearing, merged with Shelton to become a Borough in 1857 and is the most populated of the six towns that make up the area. It was made famous by Arnold Bennett in his famed book The Five Towns. One of Hanley's most famous sons was Sir Stanley Matthews, of Stoke F.C & Blackpool F.C and England fame, who was born in 1915 and died in 2000 aged 85. Often regarded as one of the greatest players of the British game, he is the only player to have been knighted while still playing football, as well as being the first winner of both the European Footballer of the Year and the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year awards. Matthews' nicknames included "The Wizard of the Dribble" and "The Magician". Matthews kept fit enough to play at the top level until he was 50 years old. He was also the oldest player ever to play in England's top football division and the oldest player ever to represent the country. Matthews was sons of Jack Matthews, a local boxer who was also known as the "Fighting Barber of Hanley". He was a fearsome man, who as well as having a huge influence on establishing boxing in this country, used to cut hair at his shop at 7 Market Street, now Huntbach Street. Another was Captain Edward Smith (pictured above), who was born in 1850 and died going down as the ill fated Captain
of RMS Titanic in 1912, aged 62. What is interesting about Captain Smith is that he left home age 17 to move to Liverpool, and he was a frequent visitor to Runcorn. In fact in the 1901 Census, he and his wife and chid were shown to be staying at 32 Leinster Gardens with Edwards good friend Thomas Jones, a Spirit Merchant. Captain Smith and Edward were known to be frequent visitors to the Navigation Inn on Canal Street, Runcorn. Another notable claim to fame for Hanley is that is Josiah Wedgewood of the famous Wedgewood potter, built his 1st factory there and opened it in 1769 close to the Grand Trunk Canal and the more well known Trent and Mersey Canal which opened the door for worldwide trade Now think of the Trade Union Movement
and an interesting fact came to light while researching the Town. 1842 was the year of General cross country riots about pay and conditions and it soon spread to Hanley. On August 15th, the Dragoons arrived to keep check on the marchers and strikers. The next day the 16th, the Marchers tooked exception to this and stoned the Dragoons who where ordered to open fire killing 1 man, 19 year old Josiah Heape and injuring many including women and children. At the trial soon after 146 persons were sent to prison and 54 deported to the the Penal Colony known now as Australia. As a result of those two days, the County Police Force was formed soon after. The reason for the localised strike, all thanks to a certain W.H Sparrow a mine owner who failed to give 2 weeks notice of a pay cut of 1 shilling (5p) per day. It's amazing how that was partly responsable for the start of Trade Unionism.
Today the area is a modern township and the largest of the six town's that make up the city of Stoke-on-Trent. Despite being the largest of the town's, the city itself took its name from another town called Stoke-upon-Trent, where the main centre of government and the principal railway station were located. The other four towns are Burslem, Tunstall, Longton and Fenton. Hanley is where the City's main shopping centre is located, the Potteries Shopping Centre, which contains many high street chain stores. It also has the City's brand new and modern bus station, which was opened in 2003. Hanley is also home to the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery which has one of the world's best collections of ceramics, the renowned Staffordshire Hoard AngloSaxon treasure trove and a Spitfire aircraft - gifted in honour of its creator, Reginald Mitchell CBE, who was a born and educated in Stoke-on-Trent.
PLAYERS v FANS The answers to this week's quiz!
THE ANSWERS 1.
Which country has UK Intelligence said were responsible for the Salisbury Novichok attacks? Answer: Russia Player: Russia
2.
Fan:
Fan:
Chris Evans
Fan:
Don't Know
What is a baby cow called? Answer: Calf Player: Calf
8.
Croatia
Who was the voice of Buzz Lightyear? Answer: Tim Allen Player: No idea
7.
Fan:
Which DJ has announced he will be leaving his breakfast show after 13 years? Answer: Chris Evans (BBC Radio 2) Player: Philip Schofield
6.
Washington
France won the World Cup this year. Who were runners up? Answer: Croatia Player: Croatia
5.
Inter Miami
Which American city is home to the following sports teams: Redskins, United, Wizards and Capitals? Answer: Washington Player: No idea Fan:
4.
Russia
What is David Beckham's new franchise MLS team to be called? Answer: Inter Miami Player: Inter Miami
3.
Fan:
Fan:
Calf
What is the capital of Australia? Answer: Canberra Player: Canberra Fan:
Canberra
Tiebreak (if needed) How many passengers and crew were there on the Titanic when it sank? Answer: 1,503 Player: 2,000
Fan:
3,000
THE WINNER - ALAN! A decent performance from Carbs today with five out of eight, and even getting nearest on the tiebreaker. However it was not needed as Alan Bennett was in great form, scoring seven out of eight and picking up a point for the fans. So thats two on the trot now for the fans but the players still lead 3-2. Can the fans equalise on Saturday or can the players put this bad quiz form behind them? There's only one way to find out and that's to buy the next programme on Saturday!
RUNCORN TOWN 2 Shaun Weaver, Paul McManus
IRLAM 3
Photo by George Perris
Jordan Buckley (2), Matty Boland
RUNCORN TOWN TEAM
IRLAM TEAM
Adam Reid Ste Wainwright Michael Carberry John Shaw Marcus James Simon Thelwell Paul McManus Shaun Weaver Mark Reed Ryan Cox Jamie Menagh
Lee White Sam Bolton Edward Griffiths Charlie Doyle Joel Amado Karl Cassell Marcus Perry Liam Morrison Jordan Buckley Matty Boland Haydn Foulds
Used Subs: Leon Wright Mark McGregor Jack Sheppard Unused Subs: Danny Jarrett Matty French Connor Dennett Jack Irlam
Subs Used: Liam Pollitt Unused Subs: Andre Stewart David Jones Daniel Eyres Connor Martin
LAST TIME HERE A look at our last home game against Irlam in the FA Cup The days downpour of rain thankfully stopped as kick off time approached with a larger than average crowd set for this Emirates FA Cup Qualifying 1st round match with Irlam Irlam started the game well with their quick controlled football causing all sorts of problems for the Runcorn defence. Irlam’s Doyle broke through and it took a perfectly timed tackle from Shaw in the penalty area to clear the danger. A tremendous direct free kick from Doyle then brought a superb save from Runcorn keeper Reid. Irlam looked the more dangerous and took the lead in the 13th minute, a cross field ball took a high bounce to deceive Carberry and Perry broke down the right he pulled the ball back to the edge of the penalty area for JORDAN BUCKLEY to fire across Reid into the far bottom corner. The goal had been coming and resulted in a response from Runcorn, Shaw found Thelwell and his ball to Cox was whipped off the toes of the striker by Irlam keeper White. A foul on Reed as he broke through on the edge of the area, resulted in a yellow card and free kick, Thelwell’s shot flew high over the angle without troubling White. Irlam still looked dangerous and when Morrison created space wide on the left his low hard crossed ball took a full length diving Reid to hold on to the ball as Buckley waited for a spill. Runcorn were hanging on but right on
half time Shaw found Menagh out on the right, the winger cut inside and curled his shot just over the angle with White stranded. The half time team talk worked well for Runcorn who came out much more determined for the second half. Runcorn equalised in the 50th minute a long ball from James found Reed who headed the ball on into the path of SHAUN WEAVER who rounded White before firing home. It got even better in the 53rd minute when from a Carberry free kick the ball was headed clear where PAUL McMANUS struck a dipping volley from 40-yards that gave White no hope of saving. Runcorn were right back in the game and Irlam were struggling to maintain control. Credit has to go to Irlam who did fight their way back and it took an opportunist goal from JORDAN BUCKLEY to secure an equaliser in the 71st minute, a ball down the left seemed covered by James and Reid but they were both outpaced for the Irlam striker to clip the ball into the net from the narrowest of angles. The game now swung to Irlam, and they got the winning goal in the 84th minute when Bolton broke down the right touchline before playing the ball to MATTY BOLAND who cut inside then curled a superb shot into the far top corner of the net.
CLUB STATS All the stats from the Viridor Community Stadium League
Player Name
Cup
AP GL/CS YC
RC
Total
AP GL/CS YC
RC
All Time
AP GL/CS YC
RC
AP GL/CS
1
Adam Reid
6
3
1
0
4
1
0
0
10
4
1
0
29
2
Jack Sheppard
6
1
2
0
4
0
0
0
10
1
2
0
10
10 1
3
Paul McManus
6
1
1
0
4
0
1
0
10
1
2
0
96
15
4
Marcus James
6
0
0
0
4
0
0
0
10
0
0
0
83
5
5
Liam Turner
6
0
0
0
3
0
0
0
9
0
0
0
36
1 38
6
Mark Reed
6
4
1
0
3
0
0
0
9
4
1
0
65
7
Shaun Weaver
5
2
2
0
4
1
0
0
9
3
2
0
9
3
8
Simon Thelwell
5
2
0
0
4
0
1
0
9
2
1
0
85
20
9
Michael Carberry
1
6
0
2
0
3
0
0
0
9
0
2
0
46
10 Stephen Lewis
4
4
1
0
3
2
0
0
7
6
1
0
7
6
11 Jack Irlam
4
0
0
0
3
0
0
0
7
0
0
0
106
11 1
12 John Shaw
4
0
0
0
3
1
0
0
7
1
0
0
7
13 Carl Rodgers
4
0
1
0
2
0
0
0
6
0
1
0
43
1
14 Kevin Exell
2
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
4
0
0
0
84
18 0
15 Ryan Dobson
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
0
0
0
4
16 Ryan Cox
2
0
0
0
2
1
0
0
4
1
0
0
4
1
17 Drew Matthews
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
0
0
3
0
18 Leon Wright
2
0
1
0
2
0
0
0
4
0
1
0
4
0
19 Jamie Menagh
2
1
1
0
1
0
0
0
3
1
1
0
16
4
20 Danny Jarrett
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
67
1
21 Ste Wainwright
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
35
1
22 Mark McGregor Goal Times
Scored
Conceded
Games Since
No of Games
0-15
3
2
Last Win
16-30
4
0
Last Defeat
31-45
3
1
Goalless Draw
46-60
6
2
Score Draw
7
61-75
4
5
Scored a Goal
0
76-90
2
2
Fail to Score
1
1st Half
2nd Half
Clean Sheet
2
10
10
7
3
Goal Total No Goals
1
4
One Goal
3
3 1
Half Record Played Won Drawn
1
5
Lost
2
2
First Goal
No of Times
2 0 32
Penalty awarded
2 For
Against
Two Goals
3
Games Played
10
Three Goals
1
1
Town score first
8
Four Goals
0
1
2
0
Opponent score first
2
Five + Goals
No goals scored
0
How We Score
Town score first and win
7
Headers
6
Town score first and draw
1
Penalties
2
No of Games
Town score first and lose
0
Own Goals
0
Opponent score first and they win
2
Free Kick
0
Opponent score first and draw
0
Opponent score first and they lose
0
Inside The Box
Opponent fail to score
4
Outside The Box
17 5
LEAGUE STATS All the stats you need from the Hallmark Security League League Table 1
Silsden
P
W
D
L
GD
Pts
8
6
2
0
13
20
Goalscorer
Club
C
T
T
1
Lee Spires
Silsden
6
4
10
2
Runcorn Town
6
5
0
1
8
15
2
Zack Dale
Barlick Town
4
3
7
3
Northwich Victoria
8
4
2
2
6
14
3
Carl Grimshaw
Charnock Rich
5
2
7
4
City of Liverpool
5
4
1
0
11
13
4
Stephen Lewis
Runcorn Town
4
2
6
5
Squires Gate
6
4
1
1
9
13
5
Aidan Kirby
Silsden
5
1
6
6
Padiham
8
4
1
3
-1
13
6
John McGrath
City of Lpool
4
2
6
7
Congleton Town
4
4
0
0
8
12
7
Mark Reed
Runcorn Town
5
0
5
8
Charnock Richard
6
3
1
2
5
10
8
Billy Whittle
Northwich Vics
4
0
4
9
9
Liam ONeill
Padiham
4
0
4
Barlick Town
3
1
4
Barnoldswick Town
6
3
1
2
3
10
10
Bootle
6
2
3
1
2
9
11
Hanley Town
7
2
1
4
-9
7
10 Jack Coop
12
Irlam
5
1
3
1
0
6
Club Records (League Only)
13
Litherland REMYCA
4
1
2
1
4
5
Biggest Home Win - 5 Goals
14
West Dids & Chorlton
7
1
2
4
-9
5
07/08/18 - Squires Gate 6 Burscough 1
15
1874 Northwich
6
0
3
3
-8
3
18/08/18 - Runcorn Town 5 West Didsbury 0
16
Burscough
6
1
0
5
-11
3
17
Whitchurch Alport
5
0
2
3
-4
2
Biggest Away Wins - 4 Goals
18
Winsford United
6
0
2
4
-9
2
25/08/18 - Hanley Town 1 Charnock Richard 5
19
Abbey Hey
6
0
2
4
-11
2
20
Ashton Athletic
5
0
1
4
-7
1
Most Goals In A League Game - 9 Goals 04/08/18 - 1874 Northwich 3 City of Liverpool 6
W
D
L
Last 6
1
Form Guide Silsden
6
0
0
WWWWWW
2
City of Liverpool
4
2
0
WWWWDD
Total Games
60 games
3
Barnoldswick Town
4
1
1
WWWLWD
Total Goals
215 goals
LWWWDW
Game and Goal Analysis (League Only)
4
Squires Gate
4
1
1
5
Runcorn Town
4
0
2
LLWWWW
Home Goals
117 goals
6
Congleton Town
4
0
2
LLWWWW
Away Goals
98 goals
7
Litherland REMYCA
3
2
1
WWDDWL
8
Irlam
3
2
1
WWDWLD
First Half Goals
95 goals
9
Bootle
3
1
2
WLDWWL
Second Half Goals
120 goals
10
Padiham
3
1
2
WDLWLW
11
Burscough
3
0
3
LLWLWW
12
Northwich Victoria
2
2
2
WWDDLL
13
Charnock Richard
2
1
3
LDWLWL
14
Hanley Town
2
0
4
LLWWLL
15
Whitchurch Alport
1
1
4
LWLLDL
16
Ashton Athletic
1
1
4
DLLWLL
17
West Dids & Chorlton
1
1
4
LLLWDL
18
1874 Northwich
0
3
3
LDLDDL
19
Winsford United
1
0
5
WLLLLL
20
Abbey Hey
0
1
5
LLLLDL
1
Top Six Attack (League)
P
F
GPG
City of Liverpool
5
17
3.00 2.75
2
Northwich Victoria
8
22
3
Litherland REMYCA
4
11
2.75
4
Runcorn Town
6
15
2.50
5
Silsden
8
19
2.37
6
Barnoldswick Town
6
14
2.33
1
Top Six Defence (League)
P
F
GPG
Congleton Town
4
0
0.00 0.50
2
Squires Gate
6
3
Attendance Analysis (League Only)
3
Silsden
8
6
0.75
Total Games
60 games
4
Runcorn Town
6
7
1.16
Total Attendance
10,775 supporters
5
Bootle
6
7
1.16
Average Attendance
180 per game
6
City of Liverpool
5
6
1.20
2018/19 LINEUPS A breakdown of all Runcorn Town lineups from DATE AUGUST 2018
OPPONENT
RES
1
2
A.Reid
L.Turner
S.THELWELL J.Shaw
A.Reid
L.Turner
J.Sheppard
J.Shaw
S.LEWIS
A.Reid
L.Turner
M.Carberry
J.Sheppard
M.James
Sat 4th Aug
Padiham
5-2
Tue 7th Aug
Abbey Hey
2-0
Sat 11th Aug
Hemsworth MW (FAC)
1-1
Wed 15th Aug
Hemsworth MW (FAC)
1-0
Sat 18th Aug
West Didsbury & Chorlton
5-0
S.LEWIS
A.Reid
L.Turner
J.Sheppard
J.Shaw
S.LEWIS
A.Reid
L.Turner
J.Sheppard
J.Shaw
S.LEWIS 2 M.James
L.Turner
M.Carberry
J.Sheppard
L.Turner
S.Thelwell
J.SHAW
M.James
A.Reid
L.Turner
M.Carberry
J.Shaw
M.James
0-4
A.Reid
L.Turner
M.Carberry
J.Sheppard
M.James
2-3
A.Reid
inwright
M.Carberry
J.Shaw3
M.James
2-1
Penistone Church (FAC)
3-1
Mon 27th Aug
Ashton Athletic
1-0
Sat 8th Sep
Irlam (FAC)
Wed 12th Sep
Hanley Town
7.45pm
Sat 15th Sep
1874 Northwich
3.00pm
Sat 22nd Sep
Barnoldswick Town
3.00pm
Sat 29th Sep Abbey Hey OCTOBER 2018
3.00pm
Wed 3rd Oct
Congleton Town
7.45pm
Sat 6th Oct Tue 9th Oct
Silsden
3.00pm
Bootle Charnock Richard (MC)
3.00pm 3.00pm
Sat 27th Oct Burscough NOVEMBER 2018
3.00pm
Sat 3rd Nov
Charnock Richard
3.00pm
Sat 10th Nov
Litherland REMYCA
3.00pm
Sat 17th Nov
Northwich Victoria
3.00pm
Sat 24th Nov Squires Gate DECEMBER 2018
3.00pm 3.00pm
Sat 1st Dec
Padiham
Sat 8th Dec
Burscough
3.00pm
Sat 15th Dec
Irlam
3.00pm
Sat 22nd Dec
Hanley Town
3.00pm
Wed 26th Dec
Whitchurch Alport
3.00pm
Sat 29th Dec West Didsbury & Chorlton JANUARY 2018
5
A.Reid
Winsford United
Sat 20th Oct
4
A.Reid
Mon 20th Aug Sat 25th Aug
Fri 31st Aug City of Liverpool SEPTEMBER 2018
3
3.00pm
Sat 5th Jan
Bootle
3.00pm
Sat 19th Jan
Charnock Richard
3.00pm
Sat 26th Jan Barnoldswick Town FEBRUARY 2018
3.00pm
Sat 2nd Feb
Ashton Athletic
3.00pm
Sat 16th Feb
City of Liverpool
3.00pm
Sat 23rd Feb MARCH 2018
Irlam
3.00pm
Sat 9th Mar
Congleton Town
3.00pm
Sat 16th Mar
Silsden
3.00pm
Sat 23rd Mar
Squires Gate
3.00pm
Sat 30th Mar APRIL 2018
Winsford United
3.00pm
Sat 13th Apr
Litherland REMYCA
3.00pm
Sat 20th Apr
Northwich Victoria
3.00pm
Mon 22nd Apr
Whitchurch Alport
3.00pm
Sat 27th Apr
1874 Northwich
3.00pm
Home games are light blue background with away games in white background. Goalscorers are identified in BOLD writing with numbers indicating number of goals if more than one. Asterix is an own goal scored for Runcorn Town in that game. p is lost on penalties 4-3. Yellow background is yellow card received. Red background is red card received. 6
7
8
9
10
11
Substitutes Used
M.James
P.McManus
J.SHEPPARD
M.Reed
S.WEAVER
J.MENAGH
R.Dobson, D.Jarrett, K.Exell
M.James
P.McManus
C.Rodgers
M.REED
S.Weaver
J.Menagh
R.Dobson, D.Matthews, K.Exell
C.Rodgers
P.McManus
S.Weaver
S.Thelwell
S.LEWIS
K.Exell
J.Irlam
M.James
P.McManus
C.Rodgers
M.Reed
S.Weaver
S.Thelwell
J.Irlam, K.Exell
M.James
P.McManus
C.Rodgers
M.REED 2
J.Irlam
S.Thelwell
R.Dobson, M.Carberry, D.Matthews
C.Rodgers
P.McManus
S.Weaver
M.REED
S.Leris
S.THELWELL J.Irlam, R.Dobson
J.Sheppard
P.McManus
S.WEAVER
M.Reed
S.Lewis
R.COX
M.Carberry, J.Irlam, L.Wright
J.Sheppard
P.McMANUS
S.Weaver
M.Reed
R.Cox
S.Thelwell
L.Wright, D.Jarrett, J.Irlam L.Wright
C.Rodgers
P.McManus
S.Weaver
M.Reed
S.Thelwell
R.Cox
L.Wright, J.Irlam, D.Matthews
S.Thelwell
P.McManus
S.Weaver
M.Reed
R.Cox
J.Menagh
L.Wright, M.McGregor, J.Sheppard L.Wright
UP NEXT We take a look at Runcorn Town's next opponents
1874 NORTHWICH Runcorn Town’s next match is on Saturday when we entertain 1874 Northwich here at the Viridor Community Stadium. Statistically speaking, 1874 are one of the opponents that we have done worst against throughout our history.
Here at the Viridor Community Stadium, 1874 won their first three games with Town picking up our first victory in our last meeting, which was here in April.
We have faced each other eight times, and in the first seven of those meetings, 1874 were victorious.
That saw Scott McGowan put 1874 ahead towards the end of the first half, with Paul McManus levelling from the penalty spot with 20 minutes remaining. Joe Holt then won it for Town with a goal in stoppage time.
Away from here, 1874 have a 100% record, with three wins at their St Luke's Barton Stadium in Winsford and one at Wincham Park as a warm up game before an FA Vase tie last season.
That was a blip on an otherwise fine season for 1874 last season, which saw them reach the Third Qualifying Round of the FA Cup, 3rd Round of the League Cup, 1st Round of the Cheshire Senior Cup
and the Semi Finals of the Mid Cheshire Cup. Their best performances came in the FA Vase where they reached the Semi Finals, but all this football impacted on their league campaign and they finished 7th, playing a massive 69 games in the season. This seems to have had a given them a hangover this season, with 1874 currently in 15th place in the table. They also went out of the FA Cup and the first hurdle and are still looking for their first win of the season at the time of asking. Kick off on Saturday is at 3.00pm and our usual admission charges apply at the turnstiles.
BOOK ON THE FUN BUS AWAY! Runcorn Town FC runs a supporters minibus to every away game. There are just 14 seats available to supporters (we STILL need to get a bigger bus!) so it is advisable to book early, and because of the popularity of it, we have had to make a recent change to how supporters book the minibus. To book your seat, simply go to the club website and select Book Away Minibus from the Matches dropdown tab. Fill in your information which will send you a confirmation email and book you on the bus! Bookings are open for all away games this season, with competitive pricing for every game!
OFFICIALS Referee Daniel Bruce Assistant Referees Mark Hanson David Truman
NEXT HOME GAME 1874 NORTHWICH Sat 15th September 3.00pm Kick Off
NEXT AWAY GAME BARNOLDSWICK TOWN Sat 22nd September 3.00pm Kick Off
TONIGHTS GAMES First Division Cup Holker OB v Garstang
RUNCORN TOWN
HANLEY TOWN
Manager Chris Herbert
Manager Michael Edwards
Michael Carberry
Thomas Ashton
Ryan Cox Connor Dennett Matty France Jack Irlam
Kieron Ball Joshua Bristow Ryan Connor Joe Donaldson
Marcus James
Jordan Erdmann
Danny Jarrett
Mackenzie Faulkner
Jamie Menagh Stuart McDonald Paul McManus
David Harry Jakob Higginbotham Joseph Mellor
Mark Reed
Andrew Nicholls
Adam Reid
Kartel ONeill-Martin
Carl Rodgers
Jonathan Sheldon
John Shaw
Jamie Skellern
Premier Division
Jack Sheppard
Leigh Skellern
RUNCORN v HANLEY
Simon Thelwell
Fabian Spiess
First Division North AFC Darwen v Atherton LR First Division South Cheadle Town v Sandbach
www.runcorntownfc.co.uk
Liam Turner Steve Wainwright Shaun Weaver
Martin Stanyer Neville Thompson Joshua Thorpe
Leon Wright
Callum Tunstall
@runcorntown
/RuncornTown