ABOUT TOWN:
Ground: The Viridor Community Stadium Address: Sandy Lane, Weston Point, Runcorn WA7 4ET Telephone: 07808 737773 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, Roy Roberts, James Holland, Eddie Smith, Tony Richards Photography: Paul Watson
THE MANAGERS:
1st Team Manager: Chris Herbert Assistant: Mark McGregor 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 of this matchday programme. Printer: Match Day Creative: Contact: 07976 131145
WELCOME From the Secretary's Pen...
Hello and welcome to the Viridor Community Stadium for today's game against Abbey Hey. Our opponents today will always be special to us as they were our first ever opponents in the North West Counties League after promotion from West Cheshire. This season has not gone too well for them so far, but regardless of the result, I hope that they enjoy their stay with us today and that results pick up soon. I wasn’t there last Saturday when we succumbed to a heavy 5-1 defeat at Barnoldswick. Looking at the teamsheet we were missing several regular players with players making their debuts so let’s hope it was just one of those days and that we get back to winning ways today. Away from today’s games, the whole league was saddened to hear this week of the passing of Ashton Athletic Secretary Taffy Roberts. He has been visiting here every season we have been in the league, firstly with Wigan Robin Park and then with Ashton. A lot of the crowd today here will know him if not by name, with his distinctive beard and walking stick. He always had time for you, always chatting away and asking how you were and how your family was. He really was one of the nicest men in the league, something that has come out a lot this week. He was universally liked and that is testament to him. He will be sorely missed. Please join us and the rest of the NWCFL family before kick off today in a minutes applause for Taffy. 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 Hallmark Security League clash against Abbey Hey. Our last game here was two weeks ago when we faced 1874 Northwich. It was a good and very hard earned three points on the day. We started slow which I will have to hold my hands up for as I got the shape completely wrong and 1874 took advantage of that and scored from their early pressure. After that we looked at the shape and changed it to a 4-3-3 where we could match them up and we had too much for them to cope with. We pretty much dominated the game after that, and it could prove to be a vital three points as I can't see 1874 Northwich staying on their current run. They will pick up soon I am sure. Going in to the Barnoldswick game I was really happy with the team we had to choose from even though we had five lads missing.
With new signings Craig Lindfield, Harry Brazel and Matty Waters all coming in to the starting XI, I think that on paper it was the best footballing team I've ever managed. However it just goes to show you that have to have have more than just ability to play football at this level. You have to know the players around you and you have to be able to win the battle before you get chance to play football, to "earn the right" so to speak. The first 15 minutes until their penalty I thought we were outstanding but after that we got dominated by a strong Barnoldswick team and deserved everything we got in the end. We now go in to the Abbey Hey game today ready to bounce back.
We won 4-2 and there were some excellent performances for us and it let the new lads settle in a bit quicker ready for today. We are ready to go now and are all looking forward to the clash today. All of the lads who were missing last weekend are back now and there is real competition for places in the squad. Abbey Hey will be boosted after picking up their first win of the season on Tuesday evening and I know they will be looking to push on and get another win today. It's up to us to stop them. We will do our bit on the pitch and I hope that all our supporters can do their bit off the pitch to help cheer us on to another three points. All in it together Herbie #STFW
We played a friendly on Tuesday night away at Vauxhalls FC who are on a really good run of form at the moment having gone eight games unbeaten in the First Division South, winning six of them.
We we got dominated by a strong Barnoldswick team and deserved everything we got in the end. Against Abbey Hey we need to bounce back.
Opposition in Profile
ABBEY HEY FOUNDED: 1902 | GROUND: The Abbey Stadium COLOURS: Red Shirts, Black Shorts, Red Socks RECORD ATTENDANCE: 985 v FC United of Manchester SEASON TO DATE: P 11 W 1 D 2 L 8 F 9 A 28 LAST 6 GAMES (RECENT FIRST): W L L L L L BIGGEST WIN: 2-1 25/09/18 v Irlam (H) HEAVIEST DEFEAT: 08/09/18 v Litherland REMYCA (H)
GETTING KNOW... IN TOWNTO TODAY We take a brief look at our opponents history During the formative years and during the two World Wars, Abbey Hey were disbanded and reformed on a number of occasions.
were asked to make an offer for the ground which was promptly accepted. In 1984, the club at last had their own home.
The Club played in a number of leagues with some success during the intervening years but the Club really came into its own in the 1960s after it took in the players of the Admiralty Gunnery Engineering Department which had for years been based on Ashton Old Road in Openshaw and was at this time closing down.
The eighteen years spent in the Manchester League were fairly succesful, winning the Premiership title five times and runners up on numerous occaisions together with winning many cups.
They won the Manchester Amateur League and South East Lancs League as well as many cups, including the Manchester County Amateur Cup on three occassions. In 1978 the Club decided to apply to try and step up and applied for a position in the Manchester League. The application was successfull and the following year the Club began playing in 2nd. Division of The Manchester League which they went on to achieve promotion in their first season. Reaching this position meant that the Club had to find an enclosed ground suitable for playing their home games. They played on St. Werburghs Road in Chorlton, although after two years they moved much nearer to home to Godfrey’s, a ground named after a prominent Council luminary Godfrey Erman who donated the Ground to the local populous of Abbey Hey. After many years on Godfrey’s Abbey were told that as from the start of the new season they would not be playing on the ground. Once again the Club was forced to move or fold to the old English Steel ground on a season to season basis. But after only two years the ground was sold to a large local builder who required the land to build houses on. During these two years they were also in negotiations to buy a dissused ground in Goredale Avenue, Gorton. A deal could not be reached so the council informed the owners that if an agreement was not made, the ground would be the subject of a compulsory purchase order. This tipped the scales in favour of the football club who
In 1997 the Club applied for membership of the North West Counties League and after passing ground grading, was accepted to their second division. In the Clubs first season Jim Clark managed to clinch the runners up spot after a fantastic finishing day of the season when the Club had to win to earn promotion. Promotion to the 1st Division meant that the club undertook more ground improvements, with floodlights installed and the building of the new clubhouse and dressing rooms. In their first season in the top flight, Abbey Hey had a tremendous start, topping the table at one point early in the season, over the next 18 months they struggled, with Jim Clark resigning after 18 years in charge. 2001/02 saw the club celebrate its 100th birthday as it reached the last 64 of the FA Vase for the first time, but they remained a lower mid-table team until 2009/10 when they were relegated. After a season of consolidation, they narrowly missed out on promotion before in 2012/13, they finally won promotion, with Abbey also reaching the Second Qualifying Round of the FA Cup for the first time with and a plum tie away at Halifax Town. Abbey finished 20th back in the Premier, only surviving due to reorganisational changes. Things improved the following season, with Abbey Hey finishing in 10th place, their highest ever finish, and also reached the Second Qualifying Round of the FA Cup, losing to Ashton United. The last two seasons have seen Abbey finish in 14th place and 19th place, and they will be looking to turn things around this season.
Two To Watch
The Manager
Rob Swallow
Ashford Blake
Paul Moore
Rob signed for Abbey Hey at the start of last season from New Mills, where he made his debut in our last visit there!
Ashford signed for Abbey Hey at the start of the 2015/16 season having helped Prestwich Heys to win the Lancashire Cup the previous season.
Paul brings a wealth of football experience to Abbey Hey after being appointment as manager in the summer.
Since being at Abbey he has been in and out of the team but this season he is a virtual ever present, missing just one game all season at Prestwich.
He is a regular goalscorer for Abbey, and has twice found the net against us including their only goal at Abbey last season.
Recent Games Home Away
25 Sep Irlam Won 2-1
11 Sep Congleton Lost 0-3
22 Sep Bootle Lost 1-5
05 Sep Vics Lost 1-3
Head to Head TOTAL PLAYED: 14 RUNCORN WINS: 10 ABBEY WINS: 0 DRAWS: 4 RUNCORN GOALS: 27 ABBEY GOALS: 11
He started at Hull City and Portsmouth before an injury ended any hopes he had of a career in the professional game. He has had a plethora of clubs including his hometown club Warrington Town, as well as Congleton Town and Ashton Athletic in our league. Last season he was manager of Northwich Vics, and after leaving there he spent as the second half of the season on the other side of the fence as Chairman of Market Drayton Town before he opted to return to club management with Hey.
Total Record Games 11 Won 1 Drew 2 Lost 8 Scored 9 Conceded 28
THE STORYTODAY SO FAR... IN TOWN We take a look at the story of Abbey's season to date
Abbey Hey have not had the best of seasons so far, with just one win this season, that coming in their last game on Tuesday evening. Their season started on the road at Winsford United, where they found themselves 2-0 down at the break. However they showed their fighting spirit with Ashford Blake pulling one back before Robert Swallow netted the equaliser. Three days later came their first home game of the season which was against us! Goals in each half from Mark Reed and Ste Lewis gave us a 2-0 win. The second Saturday of the season saw them crash out of the Emirates FA Cup as they lost 2-1 at First Division North side Prestwich Heys. They fell behind after just five minutes before Aaron Rodger equalised pretty much straight away. Another goal at the start of the second half sealed their fate as they were unable to find the equaliser. Three days later they again they showed that they have quality within their squad as they drew 1-1 away at 1874 Northwich. Keiron Dale's goal midway through the first half gave them the lead at the break, but theis was cancelled out by a Scott McGowan penalty in the second half. There was only the game against us in which Abbey Hey had failed to score, but the next two games both ended in losses with Abbey Hey unable to find the net in either of them. On August Bank Holiday Monday they travelled to Hanley Town where they lost 2-0, with their interest in FA Competitions coming to an end four days later when they lost 1-0 at Northern Counties East League side Swallownest, a game that saw Louis Edwards dismissed.
Their fifth successive away game saw another loss and another red card. Defender Stephen Solademi was the one sent off this time, with Northwich Victoria crusing to a 3-1 win, Joseph Ojo netting a late consolation. Returning to the Abbey Stadium did not help against Litherland REMYCA, with the Liverpool side five goals ahead before Adam Farrand scored. That game eventually finished 6-1. And their next home game three days later saw in-form Congleton Town leave with a 3-0 win. Last Saturday saw Abbey register their sixth successive loss in all competitions as they again conceded a number of goals. It was goalless at the break though, with Oliver Walker equalising an early Bootle goal before they capitulated to lose 5-1. The fighting spirit that they have shown on occasions this season was edident on Tuesday night when they finally got their first win at the 11th time of asking. Like Bootle it was goalless at the break before they conceded at the start of the second half, the 8th time this season that has happened. The comeback started with an 85th minute equaliser from Aaron Rodger, which was followed up by a winner from Oliver Walker. four minutes into stoppage time.
JUNIOR ROUND-UP
Photo by George Perris
We look at our junior team results for the last two weeks
After our junior teams failed to win on the opening weekend of the season, things have improved over the last two weeks. Two weeks ago our Under 12's entertained Lymm Pyranhas Athletic in a Warrington Junior League game. Billy Telford grabbed a hat-trick with Lucas Brown scoring twice and Connor Fell once as they secured their first league win of the season.
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Things did not go too well though for the Under 13's in their Warrington Junior League game away at Warrington Town Wires, with the home side running out 3-0 winners. And after losing both of their opening two fixtures in the St Helens and Rainhill Junior League, the Under 15's finally got going with their first home game of the season against Rainford Rangers JFC, running out 6-2 winners. Reece Jones scored for the third successive game, grabbing a hat-trick to take his tally for the seaon to six already, with Louie Callaghan, Matty Lea and Aidan Murphy also on the scoresheet.
Last Saturday, the Under 12's had a return meeting with Lymm Pyranhas Athletic in the Warrington Junior League. This time being away from home wasn't so easy, with the game finishing goalless. After two losses in their opening two league games of the season, the Under 13's grabbed their first league win of the season in a home win against Hurricanes. Euan Fish-Lowrie's fine season continued with the striker grabbing both goals in a 2-0 win to take his tally for the season to seven. The Under 15's meanwhile were without a game last weekend, and they took the opportunity to raise some funds with a sponsored climb to the top of Moel Famau, the highest hill within the Clwydian Range. The successful team are pictured above after their successful climb. Well done to all the players and staff! This morning's matches saw three home games for our sides against Bold Rangers Wolverines (U12s), Irlam Vale Panthers (U13s) and BRNESC Villa (U15s)
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 After players went 3-0 up in the quiz, the fans hit back with a fine run of their own, and the scores are now all square. Today sees right back Liam Turner up for the players. His first words was he won't do very well, but was he playing us? His opponent today is a big fan but doesn't get to many games as he lives in the North East! It's Gary Done!
THE QUESTIONS 1.
What unusual thing was spotted in the River Thames this week?
2.
It is Bill Shankley's birthday today. Which club did he make 297 appearances for as a player?
3.
Which American city is home to the following teams: Marlins, Heat, Fusion & Dolphins?
4.
The President of the United States is Donald Trump. Who is the First Lady?
5.
Wayne Rooney was sent off in England's 2006 World Cup Quarter Final. Which team was this against?
6.
Which US Chat Show host was the voice of Dori in Finding Nemo?
7.
Which catastrophic event happened in 1666, lasting for three days and destoying 13,000 homes?
8.
What is the capital of Germany? Answer: Berlin
Tiebreak (if needed) The first ever Tesco store was opened in Burnt Oak, Middlesex, in which year?
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
Goal Scored
50p
League Game Won
£2
Clean Sheet
£1
Cup Game Won
£1
Hat-trick
£3
Ryan Cox to score 25 or more goals
MARTIN FALLON Goal Scored
50p
Clean Sheet
£1
Cup Upset
£5
Win a Cup
£20
Win Promotion
£20
Goal Scored
50p
Clean Sheet
£1
Every DJ Goal
£5
50p
Game
50p
Clean Sheet
£1
Hat-trick
£3
Win Player of Year
£20
Goal Scored
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 Conceded
GARY LITTLEMORE
SAM HOLLAND
GEORGE PERRIS
Cup Goal Scored
£25
£50
RUNNING TOTAL
£128.00
£1
WHAT'S OCCURING? News from our fellow Hallmark Security League clubs Our league's interest in the Emirates FA Cup may have ended on Saturday, with our remaining representatives Ashton Athletic, City of Liverpool and Irlam all going out of the competition, but there was plenty of consolation to be had for all three clubs. Each of them were playing in the Second Qualifying Round for the first time in their history, they had banked some good prize money in the process, and collected some great memories of fine results along the way. But more than that, their experiences will serve as a reminder of what can be achieved by any club in our league, and what everyone can aspire to.
When talking of cup feats, mention must be made of Abbey Hulton United, who became the latest in a long line of clubs from our league to beat professional opponents in a county cup competition. Abbey's 4-1 defeat of Port Vale at Drayton Beaumont Park in the First Round of the Staffordshire Senior Cup last Tuesday evening was achieved against a line up predominantly from Vale's Youth team. However watching on from the sidelines, Port Vale football advisor John Rudge must have been given food for thought as he witnessed his young charges on the wrong end of a convincing Abbey display.
After Longridge Town recorded the first 11-2 win in league history a week last Saturday, there was another remarkable result last Saturday, with Wythenshawe Town racking up the first ever 11-3 win in league history down at Eccleshall. The performance will certainly go down as one of the best second half displays anywhere this season, given that Town only led 4-3 in the 47th minute before the goals began to rain in, and was all the more notable as Town went into the game on the back of three successive defeats and were level on points with Eccleshall when the game began. Town have now won four out of five on the road in the league this season, but they will have to go some to top Saturday's result.
THE RANDOM RAFFLE ON THIS DAY It's the raffle that everybody wants to win!
TODAY'S PRIZES SPICEWORLD CD It's the second album from everyone's favourite girl group. It sold 13 million copies worldwide, and you can get one in today's raffle!
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 have given away a host of prizes this season already including a cuddly toy, some pegs, a phone charger, and a back scratcher amongst other things. Mrs James was the big winner in our last home game against 1874 Northwich, and she was particularly delighted to win the cheese grater, as you can see in our exclusive photo above. Due to a number of items being returned by previous winners, Raffle #7 this afternoon has seen us refresh our prizes somewhat and the new look prizes are in the column opposite. But don't worry we still have some great prizes for you to take home today. if you did want the Harry & Megan Commemorative Mug though, don't worry as it will make an appearance again later in the season. Tickets cost £1.00 per ticket, so make sure you get your tickets and good luck!!
THE CLASS OF 92 DVD It's a documentary detailing the rise to prominence of Manchester United footballers David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, and Phil and Gary Neville BUTTERKIST CRUNCHY TOFFEE The perfect accompaniment for when you are settling down to watch the DVD that you will also win. We are very thoughtful at Runcorn Town! HOT CHOCOLATE SACHETS And if you need something to drink for your cozy night in, how about these hot chocolate sachets? They are even low in calories appearently! BAG OF CARROTS It's one of the nations most versitile vegetables. You can have it on your dinner, eat it raw or even make it into a cake! The choice is yours! A SHARK MASK Scare cold callers who knock on your door by answering it wearing this shark mask. It's very realistic! MOTORCYCLE PIZZA CUTTER Be the envy of your friends at your next party with this motorcycle pizza cutter! A real head turner! AA BATTERIES Christmas is coming up and everybody always needs batteries for something. We have you covered nice and early!
MANCHESTER CENTRAL We look at what might have been in East Manchester Ask anybody around the world to name a team from Manchester, and the likely replies will either be Manchester United or Manchester City. United play in the west of the city at Old Trafford, and City until very recently played at Maine Road. In 2003, City left their spiritual home and moved into Eastlands, a ground in the east of the city and a site that was actually closer to today’s opponents than their old home.
he figured that with a Football League club in the west and the south of the city, there was a gap in the market in the east part of the city for another football club. He would obviously make more money than just a weekly speedway meeting, so Manchester Central was born!
City’s ground is just 3.3 miles from Abbey Hey’s Goredale Avenue ground, but halfway between the two is another stadium called Belle Vue, which is more famous for greyhound racing and speedway. However if things had gone differently 90 years ago, there may well have been a third team in Manchester vying for honours, something that could have impacted quite a lot on Abbey Hey at the time.
He managed to attract Billy Meredith as head coach, the former Welsh international who had played for both Manchester clubs. They started life playing in the Lancashire Combination in their first year, finishing seventh in the twenty team league. The Lancashire Combination included names we know including Nelson, Atherton (later Atherton Collieries), Bacup Borough and Barnoldswick Town, with the league continuing until 1982 until it merged with the Cheshire League to form the North West Counties League!
In 1928, a Manchester City Director called John Ayrton owned the Belle Vue Stadium. At the time there were no rules about having a stake in more than one club, so
At the end of that first season, Ayrton applied to take the club into the Football League. At the time there was no automatic promotion between the Football League
and Non-League like there is now. In fact the 92 team Football League was basically a closed shop. Any non-league team could apply which would be voted on at the AGM by Football League club chairman, but it did require a majority vote and with clubs always “looking out for their own”, new teams rarely joined. Unsurprisingly Manchester Central’s application was rejected. In their second season they finished runners up in the Combination and set up a Reserve team that played in the Cheshire County League. At the time, Reserve teams were rare, and the only other Reserve teams in the Cheshire League belonged to Football League clubs. They were set up as a Football League club, so another application went in for League status. It failed again. Their third season saw them finish once again in seventh position in the Combination but they applied again. This time a club was voted in… but it was not Manchester Central. Nelson had finished bottom of Football League Division Three (North) the previous season, and they were replaced by Cheshire County League side Chester City FC instead.
Seeing the Cheshire League as a better route to League football, Ayrton withdrew the team from the Lancashire Combination and the First Team took the place of their own Reserves in the Cheshire League. He was determined to get Central to the Football League. Then just two months into their fourth season, something amazing happened. The Great Depression proved too much for Wigan Borough who were unable to pay the players wages any longer. They went out of business on 26 October 1931 with liabilities of £30,000, and the Football League called an emergency meeting in London. Faced with playing with one club short, the meeting looked at who could immediately step up into the league. Ayrton was straight in there. He had a team in one hand, but perhaps more importantly, he had a 34,000 capacity stadium in the other. Manchester Central looked like they were going to get their chance. With the Football League committee suitably impressed with Ayrton’s pitch, they offered them the vacant spot with immediate effect. However before a ball could be kicked both
Manchester City and Manchester United raised an objection. The two clubs were rivals on the pitch but were together on this, as they both saw the impact Central could have on the future of their own clubs. The two Manchester clubs were nowhere near the force they are today, with Manchester United in particular struggling. The previous season saw Manchester City finish tenth in Division One playing in front of crowds of less than 27,000, whilst Manchester United had finished 12th in Division Two with an average attendance of just over 13,000. In contrast Central were an ambitious side and attracted many significant crowds, such as 8,500 for the visit of Wrexham, this as a non-league club without the higher profile. They formally appealed the Football League’s decision with the League having another emergency meeting, this time in Preston. Who knows what went on behind closed doors but whatever was said changed the face of English football forever. Manchester
Manchester Central’s invitation to play in the Football League was withdrawn, and instead the league played with one less team for the entire season. The end of the season saw Central apply once more for the vacant spot, but this time Newport County got the nod to join the League in the Third Division (South) with Mansfield Town moving to the Third Division (North). Ayrton realised that the game was up. The powers that be would never let another Manchester side in the league, so he folded the football club, instead concentrating on his business portfolio as well as the greyhound racing and speedway at his Belle Vue stadium. Just imagine how things could be now if a third club from Manchester was allowed to play in the Football League! Today, 90 years after this club were formed, the name lives on with a team playing by this name in the Manchester Football League.
ON THIS DAY ON THIS DAY
We take a look at what happened on...
SELECTED RESULTS 2012 - ST HELENS TOWN 0 RUNCORN TOWN 2 James McShane, Danny Toone
1990 - MOND RANGERS 2 MERSEYSIDE POLICE 0 Carl Scott, Brian Worrall
1984 - BLACON YC 3 MOND RANGERS 2 Paul Hogkins, Ian Oxton
TOTAL RESULTS P 6
W 2
D 0
L 4
ALSO ON THIS DAY < 1758
The birth of Horatio Nelson
1981 > The death of Bill Shankley
F 9
A 14
THREE BRIDGES Al Bennett look at the bridges linking Runcorn and Widnes
The Railway Bridge Spanning the Mersey and the Manchester Ship Canal, this bridge was built well before the Silver Jubileee bridge which it sits beside and is listed as a National Heritage Grade 2 listed building. Opened in 1868, the Queen Ethelfleda Bridge (to give it it's proper name) after a local Anglo-Saxon ruler, it is still a very busy bridge which is used by high speed express trains to London by Virgin Rail and regional destinations by LNWR. These trains offer exceptional views manly upstream towards Liverpool. A variety of goods trains from containers carriers, car transporters and more can regulary be seen crossing the River Mersey. The railway bridge has 3 spans of 305 feet long and has a clearance of 75 feet. It is made of wrought iron designed by William Baker and built by Brassie and Ogilvie and the ironwork by Cochrane Grove & co.
The Silver Jubilee Bridge After many years of debate between local councils and Government, from 1946 Mott, Hay and Anderson where appointed as consulting engineers. The bridge building began on the 25th April 1956 built by Faircloughs of Adlington with Redpath Dorman Long erecting the steelwork. Named the Silver Jubilee bridge after Her Majesty's anniversary and opened by Princess Alexandra on the 21st July 1961. The Bridge was soon extraordinary busy and with a deathly centre lane. Many an accident or suicide attempt caused total chaos to both towns for hours. With motorways opening the bridge was in full flow daily and in 1974 it was agreed to widen it to four lines by using the existing footpath and making the inside lane from Widnes to Runcorn. It was also decided to put a flying walkway on the outside for cycles and walkers.
Photo by Chris Fallon I was very fortunate to be involved with the engineering of that refurbishment for 13 months, something i am proud of still. Throughout later years it so proved to be inadequate of handling 80,000 vehicles per day when it was designed for just 8,000 a day. A new bridge was commissioned (see below) and after it opened, the Silver Jubilee closed temporarily for much needed refurbishment. It will open in early 2019 and will revert to just two traffic lanes, with a cycle path and public walkway on it. The Mersey Gateway Following much debate with Government and Council a new super bridge would be built to be known as the Mersey Gateway. Being constructed in just over 3 years this magnificent structure (in my opinion) opened on the 14th October 2017. Much to the consternation of others the bridge has been tolled and likewise the newly refurbished Jubilee bridge.
It is a truly beautiful structure spanning a wider part of the river about 1.5 miles from the other two bridges. It is 1.4 miles long, and 60 metres wide. It has three towers of differing heights of 80 metres, 110 metres and 125 metres, with its longest span is 300 metres. Designed by Knight Architects, its was constructed by Merseylink and Kier Construction. Construction work began on 7 May 2014 and the bridge opened to traffic just after midnight on 14 October 2017. It is a toll bridge but there are no toll booths to pay, just banks of overhead cameras identifying registration numbers for fee collection. Users have till midnight the next day to pay their fee. Residents of The Borough have a bar code sticker in their front window for free crossings, with a small fee payable annually. Whether you love it or hate it, and whether you agree about tolls or not, our Borough of Runcorn and Widnes has three superb crossing places of over a river which previously split two cul-de-sac towns.
TODAY'S PLAYLIST ON THIS DAY All the number ones on this date in our history!
Chances are if you have been to Runcorn Town in the past, the same song was playing when you arrived! We have had one CD that has been in the CD player for the last four years or so, so we thought it time for a change! This season we are having a new playlist for every game made up of songs that were number one on this day since the club was formed in 1968! Here we look at some of the songs you could be hearing before the match or at half time.
Other Songs In Today's Playlist 1979
Message in a Bottle The Police
1983
Karma Chameleon Culture Club
Whigfield Saturday Night Everybody knows Saturday Night by Whigfield, but there are a few things with this song that you may not know. The song was actually sung by British singer Ann Lee, as well as every other song on Whigfield's first four albums! It went straight to number one after release in 1994, and was the song that was responsible for finally knocking Wet Wet Wet's chart-topper "Love Is All Around" off top spot after 15 weeks. It was Whigfield’s first single, and she was the first act in UK Chart History to enter at number one in the charts with their debut single.
1985
Dancing in the Street David Bowie and Mick Jagger
1989
Ride on Time Black Box
1995
Shaggy Boombastic
2000
Lady (Hear Me Tonight) Modjo
2004
Call On Me Eric Prydz
2008
Sex on Fire Kings of Leon
Ebeneezer Goode The Shaymen Ebeneezer Goode was the Shaymen's biggest hit, and one of the most controversial UK number ones of the 90s. Released in 1992, its references to recreational drug use saw the song initially banned by the BBC. When appearing on Top of the Pops, the group replaced the lyric "Got any salmon?" with "Got any underlay?". When asked about it, frontman Mr C said "Its not a drug reference. It’s a rug reference". In the video to the song, Ebeneezer is a caped man, who was played by Jerry Sadowitz
PLAYERS v FANS The answers to this week's quiz!
THE ANSWERS 1.
What unusual thing was spotted in the River Thames this week? Answer: Beluga Whale Player: Beluga Whale
2.
Fan:
Fan:
Germany
Fan:
Rikki Lake
Which catastrophic event happened in 1666, lasting for three days and destoying 13,000 homes? Answer: The Great Fire of London Player: Great Fire of London
8.
Melania
Which US Chat Show host was the voice of Dori in Finding Nemo? Answer: Ellen de Generes Player: Ellen de Generes
7.
Miami
Wayne Rooney was sent off in England's 2006 World Cup Quarter Final. Which team was this against? Answer: Portugal Player: Portugal Fan:
6.
Huddersfield Town
The President of the United States is Donald Trump. What is the name of the First Lady? Answer: Melania Player: Melania
5.
Fan:
Which American city is home to the following sports teams: Marlins, Heat, Fusion and Dolphins? Answer: Miami Player: Miami
4.
Beluga Whale
It is Bill Shankley's Birthday today. Which club did he make 297 appearances for as a player? Answer: Preston North End Player: Nottingham Forest
3.
Fan:
Fan:
Great Fire of London
What is the capital of Germany? Answer: Berlin Player: Berlin
Fan:
Berlin
Tiebreak (if needed) The first ever Tesco store was opened in Burnt Oak, Middlesex, in which year? Answer: 1929 Player: 1980
Fan:
1932
THE WINNER - LIAM! He wasn't very confident coming into it but Liam Turner puts in a stellar performance with seven correct answers! Is it the start of another run by the players or can the fans equalise once more? Buy the next programme in on Wednesday to find out!
RUNCORN TOWN 2 John Shaw, Paul McManus (p)
1874 NORTHWICH 1 Daniel Thomas
RUNCORN TOWN TEAM
1874 NORTHWICH TEAM
Adam Reid Liam Turner Michael Carberry John Shaw Marcus James Paul McManus Jamie Menagh Shaun Weaver Simon Thelwell Ryan Cox Stuart McDonald
James Coates Jordan Tucker Matty Russell Jack Pritchard Danny Thomas Mark Jones Joe Woolley Matt Woolley Scott McGowan Sam Freakes Taylor Kennerley
Used Subs: Leon Wright Ste Wainwright Unused Subs: Matty French Chris Herbert Mark McGregor
Subs Used: Kazim Waite-Jackson Callum Gardner Josh Winthrop Unused Subs: Paul Connor Danny Meadowcroft
LAST TIME HERE A look at our last home game against Hanley on Wednesday
15'
19'
27'
33'
GOAL! 1874 had a number of early corners with one cleared almost off the line. Lessons weren't heeded with a corner to the far post eventually landing at Danny Thomas’ feet to poke it in.
It's another opening for 1874 Northwich when a long ball was flicked on to Scott McGowan who’s shot was saved by Reid. Town are lucky not to be three or goals down by this point.
Better from Town with Menagh’s cross right across the face of goal. Two minutes later, we should be level, Menagh's free kick found Cox in space, but his header was just wide.
GOAL! It is simplicity as a corner from the left is headed in by John Shaw. Shaun Weaver almost doubles the lead two minutes later with his 25 yards shot brilliantly saved by Coates.
67'
70'
77'
90'
Best chance of the half for Town, Carberry's cross falls to Cox who had a shot blocked, then Menagh shot just wide. At the other end Gardner found shot into the side netting.
The game has sprung to life all of a sudden! Another chance for 1874, this time Gardner's shot saved by Reid. Town go straight up the other end and see Coates save from Cox.
GOAL! There's a foul on Stuart McDonal with officials trying to decide between them if it was in the box. A pen is eventually given with Paul McManus finding the very top corner!
There's little goalmouth action for either side after the goal until stoppage time, with Taylor Kennerley shooting wide of the target for 1874 Northwich a minute into stoppage time.
Referee: Lewis Raper Assistants: Paul Ellis & Sam Orritt Attendance: 214
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
9
4
1
0
4
1
0
0
13
5
1
0
32
11
2
Paul McManus
9
2
1
0
4
0
1
0
13
2
2
0
99
16
3
Marcus James
9
0
0
0
4
0
0
0
13
0
0
0
86
5
4
Liam Turner
9
0
0
0
3
0
0
0
12
0
0
0
39
1
5
Michael Carberry
8
0
2
0
3
0
0
0
11
0
2
0
48
1
6
Shaun Weaver
7
2
2
0
4
1
0
0
11
3
2
0
11
3
7
Simon Thelwell
7
2
0
0
4
0
1
0
11
2
1
0
87
20
8
Mark Reed
7
4
1
0
3
0
0
0
10
4
1
0
66
38
9
John Shaw
7
1
0
0
3
1
0
0
10
2
0
0
10
2
10 Jack Sheppard
6
1
2
0
4
0
0
0
10
1
2
0
10
1
11 Ryan Cox
5
2
0
0
2
1
0
0
7
3
0
0
7
3 0
12 Leon Wright
5
0
1
0
2
0
0
0
7
0
1
0
7
13 Stephen Lewis
4
4
1
0
3
2
0
0
7
6
1
0
7
6
14 Jack Irlam
4
0
0
0
3
0
0
0
7
0
0
0
106
11
15 Carl Rodgers
4
0
1
0
2
0
0
0
6
0
1
0
43
1
16 Jamie Menagh
4
1
1
0
1
0
0
0
5
1
1
0
18
4
17 Ryan Dobson
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
0
0
0
4
0
18 Kevin Exell
2
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
4
0
0
0
84
18
19 Drew Matthews
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
0
0
3
0
20 Stuart McDonald
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
0
0
3
0
21 Ste Wainwright
2
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
3
0
0
0
3
0
22 Danny Jarrett
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
67
1
23 Harry Brazel
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
15
6
24 Matty Waters
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
25 Craig Lindfield
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
26 Matty France
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
27 Mark McGregor
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
35
1
Scored
Conceded
0-15
Goal Times
3
3
Last Win
1
16-30
5
2
Last Defeat
0
31-45
4
2
Goalless Draw
35
46-60
7
4
Score Draw
10
61-75
4
5
Scored a Goal
76-90
4
2
Fail to Score
4
Clean Sheet
2
Penalty awarded
2
First Goal
No of Times
Games Played
13
Town score first
9
Games Since
No of Games
0
Opponent score first
4
Goal Total
No goals scored
0
No Goals
1
5
Town score first and win
8
One Goal
4
4
Town score first and draw
1
Two Goals
5
1
Town score first and lose
0
Three Goals
1
1
Opponent score first and they win
3
Four Goals
0
1
Opponent score first and draw
0
Five + Goals
2
1
Opponent score first and they lose
1
Opponent fail to score
4
For
Against
LEAGUE STATS All the stats you need from the Hallmark Security League League Table 1
City of Liverpool
P
W
D
L
GD
Pts
9
8
1
0
21
25
1
Goalscorer
Club
C
T
T
Lee Spires
Silsden
7
4
11
2
Silsden
10
7
3
0
14
24
2
John McGrath
City of Liverpool
8
3
11
3
Congleton Town
8
7
0
1
13
21
3
Zack Dale
Barnoldswick
6
3
9
4
Runcorn Town
9
7
0
2
7
21
4
Craig Cairns
City of Liverpool
5
3
8
5
Barnoldswick Town
9
5
1
3
7
16
5
Liam O`Neil
Padiham
4
4
8
6
Padiham
9
5
1
3
3
16
6
Aidan Kirby
Silsden
6
1
7
7
Northwich Victoria
10
4
2
4
4
14
7
Jack Coop
Barnoldswick
5
2
7
8
Squires Gate
8
4
1
3
7
13
8
Carl Grimshaw
Charnock Richard
5
2
7
9
Bootle
7
3
3
1
6
12
9
Peter Watling
Winsford United
2
5
7
10
Charnock Richard
7
3
1
3
4
10
10 Thomas Peterson City of Liverpool
6
0
6
11
Hanley Town
9
3
1
5
-10
10
12
1874 Northwich
9
2
3
4
-7
9
Club Records (League Only)
13
Whitchurch Alport
8
2
2
4
-2
8
Biggest Home Win - 5 Goals
14
Irlam
7
1
4
2
-1
7
07/08/18 - Squires Gate 6 Burscough 1
15
Burscough
7
2
0
5
-7
6
18/08/18 - Runcorn Town 5 West Didsbury 0
16
Litherland REMYCA
7
1
2
4
-5
5
17
Winsford United
9
1
2
6
-13
5
Biggest Away Wins - 5 Goals
18
West Didsbury
9
1
2
6
-13
5
08/09/18 - Abbey Hey 1 Litherland REMYCA 6
19
Abbey Hey
9
1
2
6
-17
5
20
Ashton Athletic
6
0
1
5
-11
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
5
1
0
WWDWWW
2
City of Liverpool
5
0
1
WLWWWW
Total Games
83 games
3
Barnoldswick Town
4
0
2
WLLWWW
Total Goals
299 goals
Game and Goal Analysis (League Only)
4
Padiham
3
2
1
WWLDWD
5
Northwich Victoria
3
1
2
LLWWWD
Home Goals
169 goals
6
Charnock Richard
3
1
2
WLWLDW
Away Goals
130 goals
7
Bootle
3
1
2
WLWLDW
8
Irlam
3
1
2
LLWDWW
First Half Goals
146 goals
9
Congleton Town
3
0
3
LWWWLL
Second Half Goals
153 goals
Hanley Town
3
0
3
WWLLLW
10 11
Whitchurch Alport
3
0
3
WWLLLW
12
Litherland REMYCA
3
0
3
LLWLWW
13
Winsford United
3
0
3
WLWLWL
14
Runcorn Town
3
0
3
LWWLLW
15
1874 Northwich
2
1
3
WLWLDL
16
Burscough
2
0
4
LWLLWL
17
Squires Gate
2
0
4
LLWLLW
18
Ashton Athletic
1
1
4
LLWDLL
19
West Didsbury
1
0
5
LLLLLW
20
Abbey Hey
1
0
5
WLLLLL
Attendance Analysis (League Only)
1
Top Six Attack (League)
P
F
GPG
City of Liverpool
9
29
3.22 2.55
2
Barnoldswick Town
9
23
3
Silsden
10
25
2.5
4
Northwich Victoria
10
24
2.4
5
Congleton Town
8
18
2.25
6
Runcorn Town
9
20
2.22
Top Six Defence (League)
P
F
GPG
1
Congleton Town
8
5
0.62
2
Squires Gate
8
7
0.87
3
City of Liverpool
9
8
0.88
Total Games
83 games
4
Silsden
10
11
1.1
Total Attendance
14,975 supporters
5
Bootle
7
8
1.14
Average Attendance
180 per game
6
Charnock Richard
7
10
1.42
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 S.LEWIS
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
Mon 20th Aug
Winsford United
2-1
Sat 25th Aug
Penistone Church (FAC)
3-1
Mon 27th Aug
Ashton Athletic
1-0
Fri 31st Aug City of Liverpool SEPTEMBER 2018
0-4
Sat 8th Sep
Irlam (FAC)
2-3
Wed 12th Sep
Hanley Town
2-0
Sat 15th Sep
1874 Northwich
2-1
Sat 22nd Sep
Barnoldswick Town
1-5
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 Guisborough Town (FAV)
3.00pm
Sat 13th Oct Sat 20th Oct
3.00pm
Charnock Richard (MC) Sat 27th Oct Burscough NOVEMBER 2018
3.00pm 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
Sat 1st Dec
Padiham
3.00pm
Sat 8th Dec Sat 15th Dec
Burscough Irlam
3.00pm
Sat 22nd Dec Wed 26th Dec
Hanley Town Whitchurch Alport
3.00pm 3.00pm 3.00pm
Sat 29th Dec West Didsbury & Chorlton JANUARY 2019
3.00pm
Sat 5th Jan
3.00pm
Bootle
Sat 19th Jan Charnock Richard Sat 26th Jan Barnoldswick Town FEBRUARY 2019
3.00pm 3.00pm
Sat 2nd Feb
Ashton Athletic
3.00pm
Sat 23rd Feb MARCH 2019
Irlam
3.00pm
Sat 9th Mar Sat 16th Mar
Congleton Town Silsden
3.00pm
Sat 23rd Mar Sat 30th Mar APRL 2019
Squires Gate 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
3.00pm 3.00pm
3
4
5 S.LEWIS
A.Reid
L.Turner
J.Sheppard
J.Shaw
A.Reid
L.Turner
J.Sheppard
J.Shaw
S.LEWIS 2
A.Reid
L.Turner
M.Carberry
J.Sheppard
M.James
A.Reid
L.Turner
S.Thelwell
J.SHAW
M.James
A.Reid
L.Turner
M.Carberry
J.Shaw
M.James
A.Reid
L.Turner
M.Carberry
J.Sheppard
M.James
A.Reid
S.Wainwright
M.Carberry
J.Shaw
M.James
* A.Reid A.Reid
L.Turner
M.Carberry
J.Shaw
M.James
L.Turner
M.Carberry
J.SHAW
M.James
A.Reid
L.Turner
M.Waters
J.Shaw
M.James
2
Home games are 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 L.Wright, M.McGregor, J.Sheppard L.Wright
S.Thelwell
P.McMANUS
S.WEAVER
M.Reed
R.Cox
J.Menagh
S.Thelwell
P.McManus
S.Weaver
M.Reed
R.COX
S.McDonald
L.Wright, S.Wainwright
P.McMANUS
J.Menagh
S.Weaver
S.Thelwell
R.Cox
S.McDonald
L.Wright, S.Wainwright
P.McManus
J.Menagh
H.Brazel
C.Lingfield
R.COX
S.McDonald
L.Wright, M.France
UP NEXT We take a look at Runcorn Town's next opponents
CONGLETON TOWN Runcorn Town’s next match is on Wednesday evening when we entertain Congleton Town in Hallmark Security League game. In many people’s eyes, Congleton Town have underachieved for years and never looked like getting back to the EvoStik League in which they were relegated from in 2000/01 season. In the 17 seasons since then, their best finish is fourth in 2008/09, and they have only finished in the top ten in the Premier Division in eight of those seasons. This season however they look the real deal. They
sit in third place in the Premier Division table at present, with seven wins from eight games. Their progress this season has been build on a solid defence, keeping five clean sheets in those eight games, all of which came in their first five games of the season. They have conceded just five goals in the league this season, three of which came in their last match on Tuesday evening when they dropped points for the first time in a 3-1 home defeat to Whitchurch Alport. Before that, the only times they have failed to win this season was in the national cup competitions. A 2-1
defeat at home to Bootle at the start of the month saw them crash out of the out of the FA Vase, and a week later they also bowed out of the FA Cup, losing 1-0 at home to Consett. This does mean that they have no distractions from the league campaign, and it will be interesting to watch their progress over the coming months. Congleton should have former Town winger Emini Adegbenro lining up for them. Mini playings more central these days than he did with us, and coming into the match he is the Bears’ joint leading scorer alongside Dan Cope, who signed from Hanley Town in the summer.
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 Stuart Morland
RUNCORN TOWN
ABBEY HEY
Assistant Referees
Manager Chris Herbert
Manager Paul Moore
Harry Brazel
Adam Barlow
Michael Carberry
Ashford Blake
Ryan Cox
Remero Coley
Referee
Michael Southern Philip Woodward
NEXT HOME GAME CONGLETON TOWN
Matty France
Keiron Dale
Wed 3rd October 2018
Marcus James
Louis Edwards
7.45pm Kick Off
Danny Jarrett
Nathan Edwards
TODAY'S LEAGUE GAMES
Craig Lindfield
Kijani Evans
Jamie Menagh
Elisene Fernandes
Paul McManus
Ross Heywood
Mark Reed
Karim Ibrahim
Adam Reid
Kwazinkosi Mpofu
1874 Northwich v Bootle Barnoldswick v Ashton City of Lpool v Winsford
Carl Rodgers
Thomas Murray Samuel Oko
Irlam v Charnock Richard
John Shaw
Lith REMYCA v Congleton
Jack Sheppard
Aaron Rodger
Simon Thelwell
Matthew Shaw
Northwich Vics v Silsden Padiham v Burscough RUNCORN v ABBEY HEY
Liam Turner Steve Wainwright
Robert Swallow
Matthew Waters
Edmund Walker
Squires Gate v WD&C
Shaun Weaver
Whitchurch v Hanley
Leon Wright
www.runcorntownfc.co.uk
Stephen Solademi
@runcorntown
Oliver Walker Matthew Wilkinson
/RuncornTown