Squires Gate v AFC Liverpool

V AFC Liverpool 10.12.16 15:00 Hallmark Security League Premier Division Issue 16

SQUIRES GATE FOOTBALL CLUB INSIDE TODAY’S PROGRAMME...

FROM THE DUGOUT

PREDICTION CORNER

Danny Penswick gives his thoughts on the previous two results and looks ahead to today’s game.

This week we have AFC Liverpool fan Steve and player Paul Speed who give their predictions on the picks.

GIVE IT FIVE

THIS WEEK IN FOOTBALL HISTORY

We have a look at AFC Liverpool last five results.

In our regular feature, we take a look back on this week in football history.

HISTORIC PREMIER LEAGUE GAMES

MATCH ACTION

We take a look back on historic Premier League games which includes a 5 goal thriller between United and City which ended with Robin Van Persie scoring in the last minute.

Mark Ashmore reports on the games against New Mills and Irlam where Gate picked up 4 points.

Q&A WITH RIC SEEAR

Q&A

Ric Seear talks about his first season at Gate, his early years as a striker and who his dream strike partner is.

We interviewed AFC Liverpool midfielder Paul Speed and asked him how he got into football and his career at AFC.

CHAIRMAN

GROUNDSMAN

PHOTOGRAPHY

STUART HOPWOOD

BRIAN ADDISON

ALBERT COOPER (HEAD PHOTOGRAPHER)

SECRETARY

MARK ASHMORE

MARK ASHMORE

JOHN MAGUIRE

PETER BRYANT

CONTRIBUTORS

TREASURER

STEVE BELLAMY

PAUL SPEED

JOHN STOKES

HOSPITALITY

MARK ASHMORE

MANAGERS

DENISE GIBSON

ALBERT COOPER

DANNY PENSWICK

EMMA HOPWOOD

BRIAN PENSWICK (ASSISTANT MANAGER)

CHRISTINE WALSH

MEDIA

PROGRAMME EDITORS

MARK ASHMORE (HEAD OF MEDIA)

JAY HAYDEN

ALBERT COOPER

DAN HAYDEN

FROM THE DUGOUT

DANIEL PENSWICK “”AFC LIVERPOOL WERE ONE OF THE PRE SEASON FAVOURITES, THEY HAVE A SQUAD FULL OF QUALITY” Good afternoon everyone, Today we welcome AFC Liverpool to School Road. I’d like to start by welcoming the supporters, committee and players of AFC Liverpool and I hope you have a safe journey home.

AFC Liverpool were one of the pre season favourites for the title and have a squad full of quality. They’ve probably underperformed so far and will be looking to really kick start their season today. They have the quality to take apart any team in this division so we know we’ll have to be at our best to stop them.

“They have the quality to take apart any team in this division” The lads have looked bright in training and we were just about at full strength going into today’s game. We have had a tough set of fixtures and we’ve not got the results we wanted from them but the last game here was a very good result for us against New Mills who have been struggling at the bottom for most of the season.

We look forward to a good set of fixtures over the Christmas and New Year period as we host Ashton Athletic on Boxing Day and we also travel to Bootle and Runcorn Town before 2017. 3 testing games which will set us up for the new year and we need to make sure we are the top of our game as anyone in this league can challenge and we need to be aiming for a top half finish.

“We need to make sure we are at the top of our game” For me the opening 20 minutes of the game today’s game will be key. We can’t continue to give teams 1 and 2 goal starts before we start playing.. We have to be ready from the start and be very organised at the back as they have some very good attacking threats and pace up front.

Up the Gate,

Danny .

GATE

2

GIBSON 37’ RILEY 59’

NEW MILLS

0

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26 THE ROYAL BRISTISH STADIUM ATTENDANCE: 73 GATE: WOODS, RICHARDS, CARROLL, HIGHAM, ALEXANDER, HALL, B. SEEAR, GIBSON (DAWSON 77) , NOBLET(THORNBER 62) RILEY, R. SEEAR

NEW MILLS: MCDONAGH, GOLDEN, TAYLOR, THARRATT, JOHNSON, WELSBY, MARSHALL, HIBBERT, DOUGLAS-PRINGLE, WAREING, HOPPER

Squires Gate registered their first win in the month of November and a first win in 10 games. They also picked up their first clean sheet in seven games defeating New Mills 2-0.

It would be fair to say that it was New Mills who started the game the better of the two sides and made a lively start. They saw plenty of the ball early on but didn't really test Josh Woods in goal.

Gate carved out some early chances of their own in the first five minutes of the game. First Jake Higham did well to keep the ball in at the byline before passing back to Ben Seear, but Seear's cross in was cleared. Then a couple of minutes later Gate had a freekick after Joe Noblet was fouled. He took the kick himself but could only reach the edge of the ball which was easily cleared.

New Mills had a freekick of their own on seven minutes after a foul by Jamie Gibson just into Gate half. Gate managed to clear the freekick but New Mills played some clever stuff to get the ball back into the box before eventually crossing out for a goal kick. Gate then had another corner on nine minutes which fell to Paul Carroll at the back post but his cross back in went out for a goal kick.

New Mills then played some clever one touch football around Gates box but again a heavy cross in went out for a goal kick. The visitors attacked again four minutes later but headed over the crossbar.

New Mills went close again on 21 minutes again down the left wing. The winger shrugging Joe Noblet off the ball before seeing his shot canon back off the crossbar, another let off for Gate.

After soaking up pressure from New Mills, Gate had chances of their own. Ric Seear picking up the ball on the edge of the box before laying it off to Joe Noblet. Unfortunately for the midfielder his shot was blocked and cleared by one of the three defenders in his way. Gate then had another corner on the half hour mark but again wasted the chance with New Mills easily clearing. It would be Gate who would open the scoring after 37 minutes when Jamie Gibson was sent through with a lovely through ball from Ben Seear. Gibson timed his run to perfection to meet the through ball and slid the ball into the back of the net to give Gate the lead.

Gate went on to hold on until half time which hadn't happened in recent weeks. Gate usually conceding as soon as they score in previous games. Gate started the second half much better than the first and doubled their lead after 59 minutes. A ball played through was ignored by Ric Seear who would have been offside but Ryan Riley used his pace to make up the ground and get onto the pass from behind the defence. Riley took himself into the box and with all the confidence in the world calmly slotted the ball past the keeper for two.

New Mills had the chance to equalise a minute later from a freekick. A short corner taken quickly caught Gate out but Paul Carroll was switched on to get a touch to the shot and turn the ball around the post for a corner. The follow up corner was ruled offside. New Mills again had a chance on 68 minutes. A long throw into the box was cleared to the edge of the box where the follow up shot was fired well over the bar.

Ric Seear had the chance to grab himself a goal on 69 minutes but was mightily unlucky. He was sent through and beat his man at the goal line, but his shot from a very tight angle somehow curled away from the far post and out.

IRLAM

3

BOLAND 10,84 PERRY 32

GATE

1

Gate didn't really start the game with the same intensity as seen in recent weeks and struggled to carve out any concrete chances. A great ball forward from Andrew Richards was looking for the run of Ryan Riley but was just too heavy, before Jamie Gibson and Ric Seear SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3 played some lovely stuff before Irlam cut out the danger.

SILVER STREET Irlam would take the lead against the run of play after 10 minutes. from Gates attack Irlam broke at pace before the home sides man of the match, Matty Boland nipped in at the front ATTENDANCE: 63 post to tap in. It wasn't until after this goal that Gate really got going, something that Gate IRLAM: manager Danny Penswick believed was one of the main reasons for the result after the game.

GREEN, FOWLES, PETERS, SHERWOOD, Gate saw more positive play from the front pair of Seear and Riley in the next 10 minutes BRAITHWAITE, BARLOW, BICKETT, who both tried their hardest to get Gate back into the game. First Ryan Riley broke the offILLIDGE, PERRY, BOLLAND, ICELY side trap before his low shot was well saved. Seear then tried to carve his way through jinkGATE: ing through challenges but was crowded out with plenty of men back for Irlam.

WOODS, RICHARDS, HIGHAM, HALL, CAR- Ryan Riley was then involved again on 23 minutes when he was found in the box from a freekick. Joe Noblet finding Riley's feet with a clever ball but the striker was muscled off the ROLL. ALEXANDER, NOBLET(DAWSON ball after he'd cleverly turned in the box. Ben Seear picked up the ball in the box but his low 45), GIBSON R,SEEAR, RILEY, B.SEEAR striker was pushed wide by the keeper. Ben Seear the found himself on the end of Jake (PENSWICK 77) Higham's cross at the back post but he could only head up into the air rather than at goal.

Despite Gate's good spell of chances it would be Irlam who would strike again. From a freekick Josh Woods punched the low ball in outto the the edge of the area. But back in the ball came and found Marcus Perry who looked offside to slot past Woods.

R.SEEAR 58

Gate then ended the half on top much like they had been all game despite Irlam's two chances which both ended in goals. First Irlam headed behind after Mike Hall did well to win a corner but that was headed over the bar by Ric Seear. Then from the other side Jamie Gibson fired wide with a rushed shot.

Manager Danny Penswick chose to bring striker Brett Dawson on at half time and he made an instant impact. He almost scored direct from a corner but that was headed clear at the front post. Another corner this time from the other side was met by Paul Carroll but headed over the bar. Dawson was again involved on 48 minutes when he cut inside his man but fired wide of the goal.

Gate had two great chances on 54 minutes including appeals for apenalty. That came when Jamie Gibson was taken out in the box with the defender not touching the ball. Ric Seear then picked up the loose ball but the keeper did well to smother the ball at his feet.

Gate would grab themselves a goal back on 59 minutes. Brett Dawson swinging in the freekick to find the head of Ric Seear who rose highest to head through a crowd of people.

Down the other end Josh Woods made a superb instinct save to deny Irlam in what was one of their first attacks of the second half.

Manager Danny Penswick introduced himself to the action after 77 minutes after nearly a month out with injury to try and create something for his side. But it would be Irlam who would grab another goal. Paul Carroll did well to clear the ball off the line after Woods had come off his line to close down the ball. Winger Matty Boland tapped in for his second of the game to secure the three points for Irlam.

Q&A We caught up with Squires Gate forward Ric Seear who joined Gate at the start pf this season making his debut against Garstang in a pre season friendly, coming off the bench to score a quick fire hat trick. Ric speaks about how he started playing football, and the mentality behind the team this season.

What encouraged you to start playing football? Which players inspired you as a kid?

come up against in a friendly, which team would you want to go up against?

We were always into football as kids. But we have a brother a year older who got to play first and our Grandma even got him a brand new Man United kit with us only getting a train set for Christmas and we were gutted, so that probably made us want to play more. As for what players. We were quite a Manchester United family so Eric Cantona was the first one I can remember, my dad calling us downstairs after he scored a superb goal against Newcastle.

Obviously it would be amazing to come up against the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid but I’d much rather have a nice easy win against someone awful.

What is your first ever memory of playing football? Do you remember the first game you played in? Or the first goal you ever scored?

I remember playing in a tournament for Foxhall on Fishers Field, I think it was the last game of the group and we needed to win to go through to the knockout stages. A big lump forward from the keeper in the last minute and I was in on goal, rounded the keeper and slotted home. Turned and celebrated with the referee (who was also our manager.)

There has been goals galore at Squires Gate this season, what is the mentality behind the team compared to last season?

I’m not sure what it was like last season, but I know this season we just want to play attacking football, have the ball and score goals. We know we can match most teams in the league for goals which probably has an impact on us not defending well enough as a team sometimes. I’m sure we will find the right balance and have a strong second half of the season.

Do you remember your first ever game and goal for Gate?

I do, came on at half time 3-0 down for my debut in a pre season friendly at Garstang. Quick fire hat trick to level the scores. But scoring my first 2 competitive goals for Gate in the first league game of the season If you weren’t a striker, which other position would you against 1874 Northwich was a great feeling and a great love to play in? Have you ever played in other positions win. during your time?

What was the first ever game you went to as a kid?

This I was originally a right midfielder, opposite to Ben so people could tell us apart. Then moved up front My Dad used to take us to the odd United game but once they realised I was no good outside the penalty we’d regularly go to the Blackpool games. We’d usually area. I did try and convert to left back once at soccer just run around playing games and getting in people’s school but my mum was having none of it. Maybe have way to be honest. a go at full back when I’m a bit older and my legs have Who would be your dream strike partner if you could gone, I’ll speak to Rico to find out when they usually play with anyone, past or present? go.

What is your favourite celebration when you score a goal? What is the best celebration you’ve ever seen?

My dream partner is a big man who I can play off.

Someone like Drogba who could win all the physical battles and then give me to tap in.

Don’t usually have a particular celebration but my obvious favourite is the twin chest pump if we’re both involved in the goal. But nothing beats a full team pile on if the game is won late on, they’re always good.

Who would you say has been the best opposition to come to Gate this season, and who has been the toughest to play against during your time here?

If you could pick one team for Squires Gate to 0

comment on Runcorn Town as I wasn’t there for that game. Although I was injured for the game, Atherton looked very strong when they came to our place. We nearly nicked a point after they got a man sent off but before that I’d say they look the strongest team I’ve seen.

Favourite ground that you have played at?

Played a couple of finals at Bloomfield Road and Highbury (Fleetwood) which is always a decent occasion.

If you could change one rule in the game, what would it be and why?

I’d quite like there to be no offsides so Paul Alexander can’t keep having a go at me!! Or the protection that goalkeepers get on corners and crosses that could do with changing.. And here’s one, in professional games when the fourth officials announce that there will be a MINIMUM of 3 minutes added time, to make sure that it is the minimum and not If you were to play in a 5 a side team with any 4 players of your choice, past or present, who would you pick and why?

I’d stick Wojciech Szcezesny in net because he’s mental and when he wants to be he can be unbelievable. Luiz playing out from the back, I;; go on the right and put Ben on the left as my Dad makes me take him every team I go to. And I’d give Adel Taarabt a free role to cause havoc. Actually I forgot about Danny Morris, stick Ben in net, Taarabt back on the left and Morris up top.

What was the first shirt you ever owned? Did you have a name on the back of your shirts?

Fulham with Louis Saha on the back.

If you could bring 3 PL players to Squires Gate on a free transfer, who would you sign and why?

Jack Wilshere, Laurent Koscielny and Mesut Ozil.

Prediction for the game?

AFC have won their last 4 games and only conceded Maine Road outplayed us when we went to their place, the one goal so we know it’s going to be a tough game. they looked a decent young side and played the ball But saying that we back ourselves to give anybody a around very well, and I can’t game despite what the form table says. Gate 3 AFC Liverpool 2.

SATUDAY 3RD DECEMBER 2016

SATURDAY 5TH NOVEMBER 2016

MAINE ROAD 0

BARTNON 2

AFC LIVERPOOL 2

AFC LIVERPOOL 1

SATRUDAY 30TH NOVEMBER 2016

FRIDAY 28TH OCTOBER 2016

AFC LIVERPOOL 3

BOOTLE 3

RUN CORN LINNETS 1

AFC LIVERPOOL 0

WEDNESDAY 23RD NOVEMBER 2016

SUNDAY 23RD OCTOBER 2016

AFC LIVERPOOL 1

AFC LIVERPOOL 0

CITY OF LIVERPOOL 0

BOOTLE 6

SATURDAY 19TH NOVEMBER 2016

TUESDAY 18TH OCTOBER 2016

AFC LIVERPOOL 1

RUNCORN LINNETS 3

CONGLETON TOWN 0

AFC LIVERPOOL 0

WEDNESDAY 2ND NOVEMBER 2016

WENDESDAY 12TH OCTOBER 2016

AFC LIVERPOOL 3

AFC LIVERPOOL 1 ABBEY HEY 2

SATRUDAY 30TH NOVEMBER 2016

SATUDAY 3RD DECEMBER 2016

AFC LIVERPOOL 3

MAINE ROAD 0

RUN CORN LINNETS 1

AFC LIVERPOOL 2

WEDNESDAY 23RD NOVEMBER 2016

SATURDAY 12TH NOVEMBER 2016

WEDNESDAY 12TH AUGUST 2015

AFC LIVERPOOL 1

WEST DIDSBURY 2

AFC LIVERPOOL 1

CITY OF LIVERPOOL 0

AFC LIVERPOOL 2

SQUIRES GATE 0

SATURDAY 19TH NOVEMBER 2016

SATURDAY 5TH NOVEMBER 2016

SATURDAY 21ST FEBRUARY 2015

AFC LIVERPOOL 1

BARTNON 2

SQUIRES GATE 2

CONGLETON TOWN 0

AFC LIVERPOOL 1

AFC LIVERPOOL 1

WEDNESDAY 2ND NOVEMBER 2016

FRIDAY 28TH OCTOBER 2016

SATURDAY 24TH JANUARY 2015

AFC LIVERPOOL 3

BOOTLE 3

AFC LIVERPOOL 0

IRLAM 2

AFC LIVERPOOL 0

SQUIRES GATE 0

SUNDAY 23RD OCTOBER 2016

TUESDAY 18TH OCTOBER 2016

WEDNESDAY 19TH MARCH 2014

AFC LIVERPOOL 0

RUNCORN LINNETS 3

AFC LIVERPOOL 2

BOOTLE 6

AFC LIVERPOOL 0

SQUIRES GATE 1

SATURDAY 30TH JANUARY 2016 SQUIRES GATE 3 AFC LIVERPOOL 1

THE REDS FACT FILE

STAR PLAYER

Formed: 2008

Jason Carey

Stadium: Marine Travel Area

Position: Striker 2016/17 Apps & Goals: 24/8

Capacity: 3,185

Well known to everyone in the league for his goal scoring exploits with Formby and Glossop North End.

Manager: Kevin Dally Chairman: Chris Stirrup Record attendance:

He has everything you want from a striker and is lethal in and around the box, he can’t be given much time on the ball.

Website: www.afcliverpool.tv Twitter: @AFCLiverpool 2015/16 position: 17th

THE REDS HISTORY MIDDLE OF THE PARK

AFC Liverpool was formed in 2008 by 1,000 Liver-

Francis Smith Position: Midfielder 2016/17 Apps & Goals: 19/4 Known as Franny Smith, the former Linnets man knows exactly what is needed to compete at the highest level in this league. He has netted 4 times in 15 starts and can control the midfield if he is given the chance.

He has an excellent eye for a pass and can pick out his team mates from anywhere, so his vision will be key to how AFC Liverpool do for the rest of the campaign.

THE ROCK Michael White Position: Midfielder 2016/17 Apps & Goals: 27/2

The former Linnets man re joined his former manager at the start of the season.

White will certainly be solid at the back and bring organisation to his back line which could cause problems for the Gate attack.

He has netted twice this season in 27 appearances.

pool FC fans who had become increasingly frustrated at the cost and difficulty in obtaining tickets for Premier League matches. The mooted ‘39th game’, in which Premier League fixtures would be played in different parts of the world, proved to be the final straw as it clearly highlighted that those who ran top flight football were more concerned with money than its fans.

A website was created and, with the response being positive, work began to move to the next stage and create a steering group to make the club a reality. At the beginning of March 2008, AFC Liverpool was officially formed and it was made clear that the club was not in any way a response to the contentious ownership issue at Anfield or as a protest against Liverpool Football Club. It was a response to issues at the top end of football in general.

By May, AFC Liverpool had appointed its first manager in Derek Goulding. The following month the club arranged a ground share with Prescot Cables and had been accepted into the North West Counties Football League.

On 16th July 2008 the club played its first game at the home of Ashton Town, a 1-1 draw in a friendly with St Helens Town. Mark Crowder scored the Reds first goal with a well taken penalty and a crowd of nearly 600 augured well for the season ahead.

HONOURS North West Counties League 2008-2009, 2009/10 Joe Fagan Commemorative trophy 2008-2009, 2009-2010 and 2010-11 The Fans Club Trophy 2008-2009, 2009-2010, 2010-2011

INTRODUCING

AFC LIVERPOOL This afternoon we welcome AFC Liverpool to The Royal British Legion Stadium. AFC Liverpool started the season as one of the favourites for promotion and their recent form has been excellent, as the form table shows, they are unbeaten in their last 4 games in all competitions. Winning at home to fellow promotion challengers Runcorn Linnets made a huge statement of where the club wants to be.

They come into today’s game full of confidence so it will be a tough task for Gate. They currently sit 8th in the league and a win could see them go as high as 6th. Emini Adegbenro has netted 11 times in 17 appearances so he will be handful for Gate this afternoon and will not let the defenders have a minutes peace all game.

AFC Liverpool’s last visit here was at the start of August 2015, where they picked up a 1-0 win before Gate picked up the 3 points in Merseyside in March this year, winning 3-1. This will be the 7th meeting between the two sides since todays opposition formed in 2008

THE BOSS: KEVIN DALLY Kevin, who joined the club last summer, taking over from Joe Gibbons to become the Clubs fourth manager in its history. He was appointed as manager in February of this year and guided AFC Liverpool to a top half finish last season which they will be looking to improve on this season.

Kevin has a vast wealth of experience, notably at Formby FC, as they took the NWCFL First Division Championship in 2012/13 in what they called their ‘best ever’ season. They also got to the NWCFL League Cup final. In 2013/14, they took league and cup honours for the second season running, winning the First Division Trophy and finishing runners up in the First Division.

You only need to see him on the touchline to see how enthusiastic he is and if that rubs off on the players and supporters, then we are going to have some exciting times ahead. I can only wish Kevin all the best and ask everyone to give him all the support he needs’.

LAST TIME OUT

AFC LIVERPOOL 1 CITY OF LIVERPOOL 0 THE LIVERPOOL SENIOR CUP ROUND 1 / THE MARINE TRAVEL ARENA / WEDNESDAY 23RD NOVEMBER 2016 It was the Reds who made the early running with full back Josh Essery bombing forward to have the game’s first effort on goal.

City of Liverpool were determined not to be overawed by their opponents and made some firm but fair challenges. Even in the early stages, it was clear the game would be played at a hectic pace. Emini Adegbenro playing in an unfamiliar central role was proving to be a thorn in the side of the City of Liverpool defence giving them a torrid time. On the quarter of an hour mark, Reds midfielder Franny Smith was on the end of a roughhouse challenge and needed to go off the field for treatment The first clear chance of the game fell to City of Liverpool in the twentieth minute. The ball was swung in to the Reds box from the right and eluded the defenders.

The Purples number 9, Aaron Rey, was lurking at the far post and only needed to get an eyelash on the ball to score. However, he couldn’t connect and the ball flashed passed him and out for a goal kick. The Reds hit back through the persistence of Jack Leamey. He collected the ball on the left, cut inside, weaving his way towards the 18 yard linehalf had been played at with both

01 R0SS DALTON

01 BARTOSZ KOWALCZYK

02 KIERON BRISLEN

02 CHIRSTOPHER LESTER

the Purples keeper again on sixty three minutes, but his powerful

03 JOSHUA ESSERY

03 JOEL BURNS

drive was well saved. City of Liverpool began to enjoy more of

04 JONATHON SWATTON

04 KEVIN MCELLIN

05 MICHEAL WHITE

05 DANIEL DALTON

The Reds defence has a settled look now so were content to

06 DIMITRIOS CHIRSTOU

06 ALLEN WESTON

drop back and defend and hit on the break. Skipper Jonathon

07 EMMINI ADEGBENRO

07 JOSEPH CAMOZZI

08 PAUL SPEED

08 MICHEAL ROBERTS

Reds got forward several times, and saw an effort by Calvert

09 FREDRICK CHAMPION

09 AARON REY

blocked and a Mikey White drilled cross almost turned into his

10 FRANCIS SMITH

10 MATT WILLIAMS

11 JACK LEAMEY

11 THOMAS PETERSON

sides breaking forward at every opportunity. Adegbenro tested

the possession but didn’t have a cutting edge in the final third.

Swatton and Mikey White repelled everything that was thrown at them whilst Dimitrios Chrsitou was adept at breaking up play. The

own net by a Purples defender. On seventy-five minutes, Freddy Champion was replaced by Jason Carey, a player Reds fans have been clamouring to see start a match. Momentum swung back towards City of Liverpool but they didn’t have enough to trouble Ross Dalton in the Reds goal. Marvin Molyneux replaced

12 KEVIN TOWNSON

12 DALEY WOODS

14 MARVIN MOLYNEUX

14 MICHEAL SMITH

wide and Dimitrios Christou’s low drive forced a fingertip save

15 JASON CAREY

15 ANDREW FOWLER

from Kowalczyk.

16 CONNOR BELGER

16 CHRISTPOHER DYKES

17 SEAN CALVERT

17 DECLAN GREGSON

Jack Leamey and in the dying minutes Paul Speed fired a shot

VIEW FROM THE AWAY END

STEVE FRASER

In our regular feature, we ask away fans to give us an insight into their expectations for the season, about their time watching their club and some general football questions. This week AFC Liverpool fan Steve Fraser gives us his thoughts on the campaign so far, what he expects for the rest of the season and which players will give Gate a test today.

What are your expectations for the season after Which players do you think will be the biggest your last year threat to Gate?

Have you been to Squires Gate before? If so, what was the score?

I was hoping for us to possibly be in the promotion shake-up but with so many new players to integrate this hasn't been sustainable. It looks like the top 5 are clear of the rest and so I am looking for us to be "best of the rest" and finish 6th.

I alternate between Barca home games and AFC matches and so I've visited Gate every time we've played when I wasn't in Barcelona. The three I remember are one where we scored a last minute equaliser as I was running out on the whistle to get to the Super League Grand Final, another where Gate won and the Vase game where AFC won at Gate the week after Gate won at our place in the FA Cup.

What improvements do you think need to be made to improve on last seasons finish?

Pace is always a big threat and so I'd mention Emini Adegbenro - fast, skilful winger or forward and always a challenge to the announcer reading out the teams. Some bottle it and just call him "Mini". Depending who plays, both Freddy Champion and Jason Carey and also Franny Smith from midfield are a big threat also.

Any players that Gate fans should watch out for?

If you were manager of a 5 a side team and had Our issue so far this season has been conceding It is worth watching out for Jack Leamey, a great to 2 AFC Liverpool players and 3 young player who has broken into the side resome really soft goals through defensive misBPL legends. Who would be in your side and cently and possesses a fierce shot from distance. takes. We have been much better in recent why games with a run of clean sheets and this will be What has been the most memorable moment Great question. I'd want a sweeper keeper and key to us managing the highest possible finish. and game for you within your time so Bruce Grobbelaar. From AFC I's take Emini watching AFC Liverpool?

After a good start to your season what do u Adegbenro for pace and trickery and Franny expected for the rest season?

Whils winning the first division trophy twice was Smith for passing. For the man at the back, I'd have Jan Molby as he is the only ex-Premier I am expecting us to compete for a finish around great, for me it has to be beating Everton FC in the Liverpool Senior Cup, 4-3 at our current Leage player who could pass like Xavi and finally 6th and hopefully manage a good run in the Livhome the Marine Travel Arena. To come from it has to be Matt Le Tissier just for being my faerpool Senior Cup. behind and deservedly beat a professional club vourite former Premier League player. Now that What teams are you looking forward to going whose young side included players they had paid would be worth watching. up against this season? significant sums for and some who were youth I don't really prefer going up against one team or internationals was fabulous.

Have you ever been to Wembley before? And another, rather I prefer the away games to the Which players will be key for you this season?

What would be your ideal scenario homes as it is a day out. As I'm gateman when Whilst I have highlighted attacking players so there?

I'm at our home games then I don't see the first far, the key for us now is defensive strength and ten minutes which is again why I prefer the I've been to both "old" and "new" Wembley so the defensive unit is key with players like capaways. plenty of times as I watched Liverpool until the tain Johnno Swatton and Mikey White. club was sold to the USA and have also seen Any grounds that you enjoy visiting?

If you could sign 3 Premier League players on a Barca play there and rugby league finals. I doubt There are some great people in the North West free transfer, who would you I'd go again as I don't like the stadium but the Counties clubs and my favourite grounds are sign and why? ideal scenario would be the Vase Final with AFC those where we get on best with the people Liverpool, ideally playing and beating a fellow You are asking the wrong person really as I don't there - teams, officials and supporters. For this North West Counties club so the league had both reason my personal favourite aways venues are support a Premier League club and really hold finalists.

West Didsbury & Chorlton and Maine Road (we the Premier League in very low regard. It isn't once had a bottle of red wine which was repeat- half as good as it thinks it is, hence la liga teams edly won on a matchday raffle and then donated beating Premier League ones so often.As a Barca Prediction for tonight’s game? back by a group of Road fansAlan Harrison (AFC member and season ticket holder, I would take AFC are on a great run right now and so I'm conVice Chairman and matchday announcer) and I). I Pedro Rodriguez first as I watched him score a 90th minute equaliser in Abu Dhabi for Barca in fident. I'll take Gate 1 AFC always enjoy visiting Gate as well, both for the the Final of the World Club Championship and I friendly welcome and also the meal we go for in will always love him for that. The others would The Shovels beforehandIn terms of a matchday be Alexis Sanchez and Claudio Bravo as ex-Barca. experience, the further the better. In our first division days I loved the trip to Holker Old Boys and I miss Silsden since they were relagated.

OPPOSITION

KO

H/A

SCORE

ATT

POS

PTS

COMP

LINEUP

FLETCHER, RICO, CARROLL, PENSWICK, SEEAR, HALL, NOBLET, MCKENDRICK, RILEY, SEEAR, DAWSON

AUGUST SAT 6TH AUG

MALTBY MAIN

15.00

A

0-1

68

-

-

FA CUP (EPR)

SAT 13TH AUG

1874 NORTHWICH

15.00

H

4-1

185

4TH

3

NWCFL

FLETCHER, RICO, CARROLL. PENSWICK, SEEAR, HALL, STYATE, NOBLET, R.SEEAR, TANSER, GIBSON

MON 15TH AUG

ATHERTON COLLEIRIES

19.45

A

1-1

182

1ST

4

NWCFL

FLETCHER, RICO, HIGHAM. PENSWICK, CARROLL, HALL, STAYTE, THORNBER, RILEY. DAWSON, GIBSON

SAT 20TH AUG

WEST DIDSBURY

15.00

A

2-3

105

-

-

FA CUP (PR)

FLETCHER, RICO, HIGHAM, PENSWICK, CARROLL, HALL, MCKENDRICK, NOBLET, THORNBER, DAWSON, R.SEEAR

TUE 23RD AUG

BOOTLE

19.45

H

4-3

65

4TH

7

NWCFL

FLETCHER, RICO. HIGHAM, PENSWICK, CARROLL, NOBLET, MCKENDRICK, GIBSON, B.SEEAR, R.SEEAR, DAWSON

SAT 27TH AUG

CONGLETON TOWN

15.00

A

3-2

90

10TH

7

NWCFL

SPEIGHT, RICO. HIGHAM, PENSWICK, CARROLL, NOBLET, MCKENDRICK, STATYE, GIBSON, TANSER, R.SEEAR

TUE 30TH AUG

AFC DARWEN

19.45

H

2-3

105

10TH

7

NWCFL

FLETCHER, RICO. HIGHAM, PENSWICK, CARROLL, HALL, GIBSON, NOBLET, TANSER. DAWSON, R.SEEAR

SAT 3RD SEP

HANSWORTH PARRMORE

15.00

H

2-5

105

-

-

FA CUP (1QR)

FLETCHER, RICO, HIGHAM, PENSWICK, CARROLL, HALL, THORNBER, MCKENDRICK, R. SEEAR, TANSER, B.SEEAR

TUE 6TH SEP

NELSON

19.45

H

4-3

98

13TH

10

NWCFL

FLETCHER, RICO, B.SEEAR, HALL, PENSWICK, CARROLL, MCKENDRICK, THORNBER, R.SEEAR. BUCHAN, DAWSON

SAT 10TH SEP

ALSAGER TOWN

15.00

A

2-1

44

-

-

FA VASE QR1

FLETCHER, RICO, B.SEEAR, CARROLL, PENSWICK, GIBSON, HALL, MCKENDRICK, HIGHAM, RILEY, TANSER

TUE 13TH SEP

PADIHAM

19.45

H

1-4

100

12TH

10

NWCFL

FLETCHER, STAYTE, B.SEEAR, PENSWICK, CARROLL, HALL, MCKENDRICK, THORNBER, BUCHAN, RILEY, GIBSON

SAT 17TH SEP

CAMMELL LAIRD 1907

15.00

A

1-3

54

10TH

13

NWCFL

FLETCHER. STAYTE, B.SEEAR, CARROLL, BAMBA, PENSWICK, NOBLET, TANSER, RILEY, DAWSON, BUCHAN

TUE 20TH SEP

BARNOLDSWICK TOWN

19.45

H

2-3

98

12TH

13

NWCFL

SPEIGHT, RICO, HIGHAM, CARROLL, PENSWICK, RILEY, KAY, STAYTE, BUCHAN, R.SEEAR, GIBSON

SAT 24TH SEP

MAINE ROAD

15:00

A

6-1

56

14TH

13

NWCFL

WOODS, RICO, B.SEEAR, BAMBA, CARROL, PENSWICK, RIELY, NOBLET, BUCHAN, R.SEEAR, DAWSON

SAT 1ST OCT

NEW MILLS

15.00

H

0-1

50

-

-

MACRON CUP R1

FLETCHER, RICO, HIGHAM, PENSWICK, BAMBA, HALL, THORNBER, B.SEEAR, STATYE, NOBLET, R.SEEAR

TUES 4TH OCT

WEST DIDSBURY

19.45

A

2-3

90

11TH

16

NWCFL

FLETCHER, RICO, BAMBA, PENSWICK, ALEXANDER, HALL, THORNBER, GIBSON, DAWSON, R.SEEAR, TANSER

SAT 8TH OCT

HANLEY TOWN

15.00

A

4-2

75

14TH

16

NWCFL

B.SEEAR, RICO. BAMBA, CARROLL, ALEXANDER, HALL, THORNBER, NOBLET, TANSER, DAWSON, R.SEEAR

TUES 11TH OCT

BARNOLDSWICK TOWN

19.45

A

2-4

65

11TH

19

NWCFL

FLETCHER, RICO, BAMBA, CARROLL, ALEXANDER, HALL, THORNBER, B.SEEAR, RILEY, DAWSON, R.SEEAR

SAT 15TH OCT

BARNTON

15.00

H

0-2

60

12TH

19

NWCFL

FLETCHER, RICO, BAMBA, CARROLL, ALEXANDER, HALL, THORNBER, B.SEEAR, RILEY, DAWSON, R.SEEAR

WED 19TH OCT

PADIHAM

19.45

A

1-0

129

13TH

19

NWCFL

FLETCHER, STATYE, BAMBA, CARROLL, ALEXNADER, HALL, B.SEEAR, THORNBER, DAWSON, R.SEEAR, NOBLET

SAT 22ND OCT

NELSON

15.00

A

0-0

45

16TH

20

NWCFL

FLETCHER, STATYE, BAMBA, CARROLL, ALEXANDER, HALL, B.SEEAR, THORNBER, DAWSON, BUCHAN, NOBLET

SAT 29TH OCT

IRLAM

15.00

H

1-1

56

16TH

21

NWCFL

FLETCHER, STATYE, HIGHAM, CARROLL, ALEXANDER, HALL, RICAHRDS, RILEY, R.SEEAR, BUCHAN, GIBSON

TUES 1ST NOV

ATHERTON COLLIERIES

19;45

H

3-4

130

16TH

21

NWCFL

FLETCHER,CARROLL.ROSSALL,HIGHAM,ALEXANDER,HALL,GIBSON,RICHARDS,RILEY,BUCHAN,DAWSON

SAT 5TH NOV

RUNCORN TOWN

15:00

H

1-6

125

16TH

21

NWCFL

FLETCHER,STATYE,ALEXANDER,ROSSALL,HIGHAM,HALL,GIBSON,B.SEEAR,RILEY,TANSER,DAWSON

TUE 8TH NOV

CHORLEY

19:45

H

1-2

98

-

-

LCC R2

FLETCHER,STATYE,ALEXANDER,ROSSAL,B,SEEAR,PENSWICK,HALL,GIBSON,NOBLET,RLEY,DAWSON

SAT 12TH NOV

HANLEY TOWN

15;00

H

4-4

85

16TH

22

NWCFL

FLETCHER,STATYE,BAMBA,ROSSALL,HIGHAM,PENSWICK,GIBSON,NOBLET,RICHARD,RILEY,R.SEEAR

SAT 19TH NOV

RUNCORN LINNETS

15;00

A

4-3

290

16TH

22

NWCFL

FLETHCER,RICHARDS,HIGHAM,ALEXANDER,CARROLL,HALL,B.SEEAR,NOBLET,GIBSON,RILEY,R,SEEAR

SAT 26TH NOV

NEW MILLS

15:00

H

2-0

73

14TH

25

NWCFL

WOOS,RICHARDS,HIGHAM,CARROLL,ALEXANDER,HALL,NOBLET,GIBSON,B,SEEAR,R,SEEAR.RILEY

SAT 3RD DEC

IRLAM

15:00

A

1-3

63

15TH

26

NWCFL

WOODS, RICHARDS, HIGHAM, HALL, CARROLL. ALEXANDER, NOBLET, GIBSON. R,SEEAR, RILEY, B.SEEAR

SAT 10TH DEC

AFC LIVERPOOL

15:00

H

NWCFL

SAT 17TH DEC

BOOTLE

15:00

A

NWCFL

MON 26TH DEC

ASHTON ATHLETIC

15:OO

H

NWCFL

SAT 31ST DEC

RUNCORN TOWN

1:00

A

NWCFL

SAT 7TH JAN

CAMMELL LAIRD

15:00

H

NWCFL

SAT 21ST JAN

MAINE ROAD

15:00

H

NWCFL

SAT 4TH FEB

ABBEY HEY

15:00

H

NWCFL

SAT 11TH FEB

1874 NORTHWICH

15:00

A

NWCFL

SAT 18TH FEB

BARNTON

15:00

A

NWCFL

SAT 4TH MAR

AFC LIVERPOOL

15:00

A

NWCFL

SAT 18TH MAR

WEST DIDSBURY

15:00

H

NWCFL

SAT 25TH MAR

WINSFORD UNITED

15;00

A

NWCFL

SAT 1ST APR

ABBEY HEY

15:00

A

NWCFL

SAT 8TH APR

CONGLETON TOWN

15:00

H

NWCFL

SUN 16TH APR

ASHTON ATHLETIC

11;30

A

NWCFL

SAT 22TH APR

RUNCORN LINNETS

15:00

H

NWCFL

SAT 29TH APR

NEW MILLS

15:00

A

NWCFL

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECMEBER

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

NORTH WEST COUNTIES PREMIER DIVISION NORTH WEST COUNTIES FIXTURES

POS

CLUB

P

W

D

L

F

A

GD

PTS

1

RUNCORN TOWN

21

17

0

4

64

24

40

51

(3pm unless stated))

2

BOOTLE

21

15

1

5

65

30

35

46

GAMEWEEK 35 RESULTS

3

RUNCORN LINNETS

22

13

5

4

52

23

29

44

City Of Liverpool 2 Hanley Town 0 (Mon 19:45)

4

4THERTON COLLS

20

13

4

3

52

23

29

43

Winsford United 1 Widnes 2 (Mon 19:45) AFC Liverpool 3 Runcorn Linnets 1 (Wed 19:45)

5

1874 NORTHWICH

20

13

4

3

41

22

19

43

New Mills 0 Bootle 3 (Wed 19:45)

6

HANLEY TOWN

24

10

6

8

53

43

10

36

GAMEWEEK 36 RESULTS

7

PADIHAM

20

11

2

7

45

33

12

35

The FA Vase Round 3

8

AFC LIVERPOOL

22

11

5

6

45

35

10

35

9

IRLAM

20

8

7

5

29

33

-4

31

Premier Division

10

WEST DIDSBURY

21

9

3

9

53

45

8

30

Barnoldswick Town 2 Cammell Laird 1907

11

ABBEY HEY

21

9

2

10

39

38

1

29

12

MAINE ROAD

19

8

4

7

42

33

9

28

Hanley Town 3 AFC Darwen 1

13

ASHTON ATHELTIC

20

8

4

8

49

41

8

28

Irlam 3 Squires Gate 1

14

CONGETLON TOWN

21

7

5

9

44

48

-4

28

15

SQUIRES GATE

23

7

4

12

48

61

-13

25

New Mills 2 1874 Northwich 4

16

BARNOLDSWICK TOWN

19

7

3

9

35

32

3

24

Runcorn Linnets 2 Abbey Hey 2

17

BARNTON

24

7

5

15

28

67

-39

23

18

WINSFORD UNITED

19

6

4

9

31

43

-12

22

19

AFC DARWEN

22

4

7

11

23

55

-32

19

Barnoldswick Town 1 Abbey Hey 1 (Tue 19:45)

20

NEW MILLS

22

3

6

13

33

52

-19

15

Bootle 5 St Helens Town 1 (Tues 19:45)

21

NELSON

21

2

6

13

24

45

-21

12

22

CAMMELL LAIRD

24

0

6

18

18

84

-66

6

Cleethorpes Town 2 Bootle 1 Penrith 0 Atherton Collieries 3

Bootle 0 Runcorn Town 3 Congleton Town 2 West Didsbury 1

Maine Road 0 AFC Liverpool 2 Nelson 2 Ashton Athletic 2

Winsford United 2 Padiham 5

GAMEWEEK 36 RESULTS The Macron Cup Round 3

Premier Division Nelson 1 AFC Darwen 2 (Tues 19:45) Lancashire Challenge Trophy QF Daisy Hill Chorley (Mon 19:45) Ashton Athletic 3 Atherton LR 0 (Tues 19:45)

FORM TABLE P

W

D

Radcliffe Boro 1 West Didsbury 1 (Tues 19:45)

L

PTS

FORM

Derbyshire Senior Cup Round 3 New Mills 2 South Normanton Athletic

1

RUNCORN TOWN

6

5

0

1

15

WLWWWW

GAMEWEEK 37 FIXTURES

2

BOOTLE

6

5

0

1

15

WLWWWW

1874 Northwich v Runcorn Town

3

ATHERTON COLLS

6

5

0

1

15

WLWWWW

4

ASHTON ATHLETIC

6

4

2

0

14

WDWDWW

Ashton Athletic v Irlam

5

AFC LIVERPOOL

6

4

1

1

13

WWWWDL

Atherton Colls v Hanley Town

6

PADIAHAM

6

4

0

2

12

WWLLWW

Barnton v Nelson

7

1874 NORTHWICH

6

4

0

2

12

WLLWWW

8

RUNCORN LINNETS

6

3

1

2

10

DLWWLW

Runcorn Linnets v New Mills

9

MAINE ROAD

6

3

1

2

10

LLWWDW

Squires Gate v AFC Liverpool

10

BARNTON

6

3

1

2

10

LLWDWW

Abbey Hey v Barnoldswick Town AFC Darwen v Bootle

Congleton Town v Cammell Laird Padiham v Maine Road

West Didsbury v Winsford United

Q&A In our new feature we interviewed AFC Liverpool midfielder Paul Speed who gives us an insight on his time at AFC Liverpool and some football questions in general.

What encouraged you to start playing football? Which players inspired you as a kid?

It was my dad who had me playing football from a young age. I’ve not stopped since.

What is your first ever memory of playing football? Do you remember the first game you played in? Or the first goal you ever scored?

I was around 6/7 years old when I had my first football match. My first memory of scoring a goal was in a final, we were getting beat 2-1 and I came on at half time and scored 2.

If you weren’t a midfielder, which other position would you love to play in? Have you ever played in other positions during your time?

I used to play up front when I was in a 7 a side team and in my first year at 11 a side, my manager put me centre mid because I was always offside.

What is your favourite celebration when you score a goal? What is the best celebration you’ve ever seen?

friendly, which team would you want to If you were to play in a 5 a side team go up against? with any 4 players of your choice, past or present, who would you pick and Being an Everton fan it would be good why? playing a game against them.

My keeper would be Josh O’Connell.

Do you remember your first ever game Then I’d have Franny Smith, Conor Beland goal for AFC Liverpool ? ger and Kieron Brislen. I’d pick these What season did you join? because this is usually or team in trainI joined AFC Liverpool at the start of ing and we rip teams apart. last season, my first game was in a pre What was the first shirt you ever season friendly. owned? Did you have a name on the What was the first ever game you went back of your shirts? to as a kid?

My first shirt was an Everton one, with I was only 1 and my nan and Grandad Speed 9 on the back. took me to my first Everton match at What is the last thing you do before you Goodison Park, it’s fair to say I can’t rewalk out onto the pitch prior to kick off? member much from it.

Go for a wee.

Who would you say has been the best opposition to come to Gate this season, Prediction for the game? and who has been the toughest to play Hopefully a good game, and we get the against within your time here? win, 3-1 AFC Liverpool.

It has to be that nightmare game against Bootle, I’m not even going to say the score line. They’ve got a good team and are doing well this season though.

Favourite ground that you have played I don’t really have a celebration, I guess at?

I normally just put my hand up.

I’d say Tranmere’s Prenton Park. I If you could pick one team for AFC Liverplayed there with Liverpool school boys. pool to come up against in a

WE’VE MET BEFORE? AFC LIVERPOOL 1 SQUIRRES GATE 0 WEDNESDAY 12TH AUGUST 2015 Gate made a solid start to the game much like how they ended the second half on Saturday. Captain Danny Penswick had Gates first chance, but his run forward from midfield was saved well. Mckendrick on his first start of the season was next with a chance but after Mark Buchan layed the ball off on the edge of the box Mckendricks shot was blocked. The opening half hour was full of chances for Gate with Wes Benjamin next but his header was over the bar from the freekick. A scramble in the box insued with chances falling to McKenna and Mckendrick but again neither really tested the keeper. The final chance of the first half was to the home side and unfortunately for Gate they scored it. Fletcher beat at the near post by striker Ryan Cox. It was the only real chance the home side had with Fletcher not really tested.

Gates heads seemed to drop at the start of the second half, the goal probably coming at the right time for the home side. The home side seemed happy to see the game out and take the 1-0 win. Although a good sign for Gate is that they didn't give up. They kept probing and attacking the home side looking for an equaliser. They introduction of Trout and Cummings gave Gate a new style and in going direct created more chances for themselves. Josh Kay had the chance to equalise after a lovely ball behind the striker from Danny Penswick but Kay's first time shot was saved well by the goalkeeper. Ben Fletcher saved well to give Gate a fighting hope late on but

SQUIRRES GATE 3 AFC LIVERPOOL 1 SATURDAY 30THJANUARY 2016 Gate made two changes from last Saturdays defeat away at Abbey Hey with Mike Hall and Mark Buchan, who picked up a shoulder injury in Saturdays game, replaced by Daniel Morris and Jamie Gibson.

Gate made the best possible start to this game and took the lead after two minutes. First Jamie Gibson’s shot was deflected for a corner. This was fired in to find Danny Morris on his first start for the club free at the front post to head home! Ryan Tanser could have made it 2-0 for Gate quickly after the restart after strike partner Morris fizzed the ball across the box but Tanser just couldn’t find the extra inch to meet the ball.

Gates lead didn’t last long though as on the 10th minute AFC would equalise. The lethal striker Ryan Cox, who already has over 20 goals this season, catching Fletcher off his line first time to equalise. There wasn’t much Fletcher could have done differently the shot coming out of the blue from 30 yards out caught everyone by surprise.

Gate looked dangerous on the break and as the ball was cleared from a Liverpool corner Gate broke. Unfortunately Gates counter came to nothing as Tansers cross went out but the opportunity was clear with Liverpool pushing so many men forward. Minutes later the visitors had the chance to take the lead but Barry’s shot cannoned off the bar as Gate soaked up the pressure.

Captain Richards and Joe Noblet linked well down the right hand side as part of a good flowing move for Gate but the latter ran out of room on the edge of the box and he tried to beat his man. Gate had a chance from a free kick soon after. The wind caught the ball, which was eventually found by Westwood who headed down to Morris, but his shot was fired over.The second half bought a sour note for Gate as Alex Colquhoun went down under a heavy elbow from AFC’s left back. Thankfully after a long period of stoppage he was back to his feet, soon to be substituted for Stayte.

It was Stayte who would set up Gates second goal. His ball sent Ryan Tanser through in behind the Liverpool defence but his shot bounced off the post. But Danny Morris was in the right place at the right time to fire into the roof of the net for his and Gates second of the game. Liverpool had the chance to level but Josh Westwood was in the right place at the right time to poke the ball wide before an AFC attacker could touch the ball. Gates third came in the 80th minute. A free kick sent in by Joe Noblet found the head of Danny Morris who leapt highest to put Gate 3-1 up. Ben Fletcher

made sure of the points in the 90th minute with a quality double save to deny AFC

Groundhop In our regular feature we speak to groundhopper and Liverpool fan Chris and ask him what encouraged him to get into watching football, how many grounds he’s visited and some of the best moments he has seen live.

First of all, what encouraged you to start your football adventures? What is the earliest memory of going to football as a kid? Do you remember your first game?

I was a Liverpool fan growing up in the 70's so with all the success I didn't need any other encouragement to follow the Reds. My first game was against West Ham at Anfield in the 76/77 season.

Who was your biggest footballing idol as a kid?

Kenny Dalglish is my all time footballing hero, but as a child it's probably Kevin Keegan or Allan Clarke from Leeds. See The Greatest value for money transfer ever article on my website.

What do you enjoy the most about non league football? What makes it unique?

Have you ever watched any games abroad?

If not, what grounds would you be wanting to visit?

GK Ray Clemence, Defence Jamie Carragher, Alan Hansen & Sami Hyypia. Midfield Gareth Bale, Graeme Souness, Steven Gerrard, Kenny Dalglish & Cristiano Ronaldo.

Apart from the above i have also seen LiverStrikers Luis Suarez & Ian Rush. pool v Real Madrid in 1981 Champions League Final in Paris and Malaga v Real Ma- What was the first football shirt you owned drid at La Rosaleda in Nov 14. as a kid? Did you get a name on the back of them?

Have you ever witnessed any memorable/ historic momens for a team (play off wins, West Brom away kit with broad yellow and cup wins, etc)? green stripes and it was far to big on me!!

As a Liverpool fan I've been very lucky and seen many finals and have loads of good memories of trips to Wembley.

Have you ever been to Squires Gate before?

If so, what was the score?

No I haven't been to Squires Gate but have The best game you have ever seen live? The seen AFC Liverpool play at Marine's ground worst game you have ever seen live? as I follow Marine

The fans are closer to the players both on the pitch and off it. Non league football is more local The best game would be a toss up between Have you ever been to Wembley before?

Liverpool 7 Tottenham 0, or Everton 0 Liver- What would be your dream scenario there? and friendlier.

How many grounds have you visited up to now?

38 Any favourite grounds in particular? What made them different to other non league grounds?

The Hawthorns was one of my favourite away grounds as was pretty easy to get to and they were usually good games, especially when Ron Atkinson was the West Brom Manager and they had some great players.

pool 5, as both great games. The worst game is possibly the 1988 FA Cup Final v Wimbledon, or when Liverpool lost to Coventry City at Highfield Road in Dec 83. The story of the Coventry game is one of the articles on my website.

The best goal you have ever seen live? Terry McDermott's header in the Liverpool v Spurs 7-0 game, which was absolutely superb. The run from his own half to get on the end of Steve Heighway's first time cross was just brilliant. If you haven't seen it have a look on YouTube I'd recommend it.

Have you visited any obscure grounds?

Camp Minicipal, home of CF Lloret who were then in the Tercera division in Spain, who played CD Sabadell of the Segunda If you were to pick a "dream XI" of players division in a pre season friendly in 1983. See you have seen live, who would be in your article on website.

Yes, as already mentioned above have been lucky to have been at Wembley many times.

Dream scenario would be for Liverpool to play Barcelona or Real Madrid in the Champions League Final at Wembley in the next year or so.

Any grounds that you are planning on visiting over the next couple of months? Was thinking of going to Palmerston Park home of Queen of the South as have followed them since I watched a game on BT Sport v Rangers a few years ago, or the Carlos Tartiere Stadium home of Real Oviedo as I have followed there fortunes since coming back from obscurity back to the Segunda

HISTORIC PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS

DECEMBER

We take a look back in Premier League history at so

TOTTENHAM 6 READING 4

2007

Bulgarian Dimitar Berbatov bagged four goals for Spurs as they played out a topsy-turvy game with Reading. The moody marksman opened the scoring early on, before the Royals stunned White Hart Lane with goals from Kalifa Cisse and Ivar Ingimarsson either side of half time.

Reading then proceeded to miss a string of great chances before Berbatov smashed home the equaliser. Dave Kitson nodded his side back in front before Berbatov scored again with a neat volley on the turn. Not to be outdone, Kitson dinked the ball over Paul Robinson when through on goal, to put Reading 4-3 up. But Steed Malbranque struck back for Spurs, with Jermaine Defoe putting them ahead by turning in the rebound after Marcus Hahnemann had saved Robbie Keane’s penalty.

Berbatov then lashed home his fourth to seal the game and rub salt in Reading’s wounds. “If you were impartial it would have been a magnificent game to watch,” said Royals boss Steve Coppell. He wasn’t wrong

MANCHESTER CITY 6 ARSENAL 3 In a season of bonkers matches between the Premier League’s top seven sides (Liverpool walloped Spurs 5-0 on the same weekend), this ranks as the craziest.

Arsenal started the game top of the Premier League with the best defensive record in the division, having shipped just 11 goals in their first 15 matches. Although they still ended the weekend top of the pile, their defensive record was severely dented. Sergio Aguero volleyed City into an early lead, but Theo Walcott tucked home the equaliser. City re-took the lead through Alvaro Negredo, with Gunners defender Laurent Koscielny picking up a knee injury in the process. The visitors suddenly looked far less stable at the back, and Fernandinho swept home a third shortly after half-time. Walcott pulled one back, but David Silva made it 4-2 minutes later.

A frantic end saw Fernandinho slot in a fifth for City, Mertesacker head in Arsenal’s third and Yaya Toure tuck in an injury-time penalty

MANCHESTER CITY 2 MANCHESTER UNITED 3 The first derby of Sir Alex Ferguson's last season summed up the 12/13 campaign in which United snatched the title back from the noisy neighbours: although United were often defensively suspect, they simply outscored the opposition – and Robin van Persie was the difference.

Wayne Rooney's first-half brace took him to a record 10 derby goals and threatened City's near two-year unbeaten home record; Yaya Toure halved the deficit and Pablo Zabaleta levelled in the 86th minute. But in injury time, Van Persie – whom Roberto Mancini had loudly admitted he'd tried to sign before the Dutchman chose Old Trafford instead – fired a free-kick past a wincing (some might say mincing) Samir Nasri for a winner marked by Rio Ferdinand getting coined by the home support.

With Van Persie racking up 30 goals, runaway title winners United ended up scoring as many away as City did at home (41.

2012

—— SAT ——

07 JAN 15:00 VS CAMMELL LAIRD 1907

£6 ADULTS £3 CONCESSIONS FREE FOR UNDER 12’S

STATISTICALLY SPEAKING

1

WIN

0

1

HOME WIN

0

9

AWAY WIN

0

0

DEFEAT

4

4

HOME DEFEAT

4

0

AWAY DEFEAT

2

8

NO SCORE DRAW

25

3

SCORE DRAW

4

0

CONCEDING 1+ GOALS

1

0

SCORING 1+ GOALS

0

1

CLEAN SHEETS

5

26

BACK TO BACK WINS

0

GOALS

48

45 CLEAN SHEETS

2

4 CONCEDED

61

35 AVERAGE GOALS PER GAME

2

AFC LIVERPOOL: 10 SEASON RECORD

2

ON THE ROAD

BOOTLE 17.12.16 WHO’S IN CHARGE? Joe Duran

GROUND The Delta taxi Stadium

LAST SEASON

BOOTLE 5 SQUIRES GATE 1 .The home side lined up with a young energetic looking side and didn’t take long to get into the game. It took them just 5 minutes to find a way though Gates backline and open the scoring. Josh Hamilton finding his way into the box unmarked to finish well past Fletcher. Bootle looked lively and were first to most lose balls and kept looking to launch a quick attack each time they got the ball. Gates first real chance came down the right hand side with Mckenna his run was found by Penswick but Mckenna’s cross was cleared at the near post. Josh Kay had a chance shortly after when he was found in the middle of the six-yard box but his volley was straight at the keepers chest who did well to quickly clear the ball. Josh Westwood was the next to take aim but like Kay previously his volley was blocked this time by the face of his own player Mark Buchan. Bootle made it two when a long ball over the top caught Gates defence out and Peterson made it two. The homeside looked ever confident with a two-goal lead and made it three after 42 minutes. The ball bobbled up onto the hand of Alex Colquhoun who was judged to have deliberately handled the ball Hamilton converting from the spot to make it three before half time.

Gates first chance of the second half came from manager Danny Penswick. He lined up the free kick perfectly but the home keeper did magnificently to save the shot. Gate pulled a goal back after Ash Rowley spotted the home keeper of his line. He lined up the shot from out side the box and with the goalkeeper on the floor from Buchan’s challenge, the ball bounced over the line and in.

Gate tried to attack the home side but couldn’t find the fluidity they had on Wednesday night and struggled to add to the one goal they had. Bootle were ruthless in Gates box and made it 4 on 73 minutes. Right back Ste Rothwell somehow found himself inside the box to fire to Fletcher’s left and score. Unfortunately that would be the defender’s last act as a couple of minutes later he would dislocate his knee. Substitue Dom Marie rounded off the scoring for the game a couple of minutes later when his fresh legs burst past Gates tiring defence to make it 5-1 and game over.

PRICES ARE AS FOLLOWS: Adults £5 Concessions (Over 60 & Under 16) - £3 Under 12’s - FREE

Paul

Steve

Dan

Liam

Rob

Peter

Arsenal v Stoke

2:0

3:0

2:1

H

3:0

4:1

Burnley v Bournemouth

1:2

1:1

1:1

A

0:2

2:2

Hull v Crystal Palace

1:1

1:1

0:2

A

1:3

1:0

Aston Villa v Wigan

2:1

2:1

2:1

A

2:1

4:1

Newcastle v Birmingham

2:0

4:0

1:0

H

2:1

1:1

Port Vale v Northampton

1:1

1:2

1:3

D

2:2

1:0

Manchester United v Tottenham (Sun 14:15)

2:2

1:2

1:1

D

3:1

2:1

Liverpool v West Ham (Sun 16:30)

3:1

2:2

2:0

H

4:1

4:0

DOUBLE POINTS

10 POINTS = CORRECT SCORE; 6 POINTS = CORRECT RESULT

Leicester v Manchester City (Sat 17:30)

1:2

1:4

1:2

H

0:1

0:3

Swansea v Sunderland

1:2

1:0

0:2

A

1:1

0:3

Reading v Sheffield Wednesday

0:1

2:1

1:2

A

0:1

1:2

CURRENT STANDINGS:

2015/16 CHAMPION: BEN FLETCHER

Name

Team

Role

Pts

Name

Team

Role

Pts

1

Peter Murray

Abbey Hey

Supporter

38

29

Danny Braid

Squires Gate

Member

17

2

David Knowles

Nelson

Supporter

33

30

Paul Stanton

New Mills

Supporter

17

3

Bill White

Squires Gate

Member

31

31

Timothy Baker

1874 Northwich

Supporter

17

4

Spencer Leader

Squires Gate

Member

31

32

Daniel Hayden

Squires Gate

Editor

15

5

Brian Addison

Squires Gate

Groundsman

30

33

Robert Handley

Barnton

Supporter

15

6

Peter Harlow

Groundhopper

28

34

Paul Metcalfe

Chorley

Supporter

14

7

Alan Lowe

Atherton LR

Supporter

27

35

Jack Owen

1874 Northwich

Supporter

14

8

Mark Buchan

Squires Gate

Striker

26

36

Callum Waters

1874 Northwich

Supporter

13

9

Ray Richards

Squires Gate

Member

26

37

Lee Rooney

Atherton Collieries

Supporter

12

10

Jay Hayden

Squires Gate

Programme Editor

26

38

Jake Higham

Squires Gate

Defender

12

11

Amy Stanton

New Mills

Supporter

25

39

Robin Squelch

Cheadle Town

Supporter

11

12

John Booth

Hyde United

Supporter

25

40

Neil McGuinness

Nelson

Nelson Media

11

Atherton Collieries

Supporter

25

41

Matthew Murphy

AFC Darwen

Supporter

11

13 Emile Anderson 14

Colin Marrison

Handsworth Parramore

Player

25

42

Joe Noblet

Squires Gate

Midfielder

9

15

Albert Cooper

Squires Gate

Photographer

24

43

Glyn Davies

Runcorn Town

Supporter

9

16

Russell Cox

Wycombe Wanderer

Groundhopper

24

17

Steve Palmer

Squires Gate

Member

24

18

Martin Fallon

Runcorn Town

Committee

23

19 Steve McLellan

AFC Fylde

Photographer

21

20 Danny Penswick

Squires Gate

Manager

21

21

Gary Langley

NWCFL

Committee

20

22

Steve Leader

Squires Gate

Member

19

23 Brian Penswick

Squires Gate

Assistant Manager

18

24

Mark Ashmore

Squires Gate

Media Manager

18

25

Mark Riding

1874 Northwich

Supporter

18

26

Ryan Brown

Nelson

Supporter

18

27

Sarah Hindle

AFC Darwen

Secretary

18

28

Ben Stanton

New Mills

Supporter

18

THIS WEEK IN FOOTBALL HISTORY In our regular feature, we take a look back on this week in football history. `

1997

THE REF SEES RED

On 2 December 1997, Wigan Athletic and Bristol Rovers matched an English record by receiving a total of five red cards--four of them in the first half.

The two teams met in a Second Division contest at Wigan's Springfield Park, where a crowd of 2,738 watched the newly-promoted Latics take an early lead against second-place Bristol City with a 20th-minute goal from midfielder Ian Kilford.

But the real excitement started in first-half stoppage time, as referee Kevin Lynch (pictured) issued a second yellow card to Rovers defender David Pritchard. As the remaining players jockeyed for position in front of the Bristol goal for the ensuing free kick, a fight broke out, resulting in three more ejections--for Wigan striker Graeme Jones and Bristol's Jason Perry and Andy Tillson.

The day's final red card came in the 71st minute, as Rovers midfielder Josh Low received a second yellow. Wigan took advantage of their 10-to-7 man advantage and got two goals from winger David Lowe (78', 85').

BILLY BREMNER PASSES AWAY

1959

On 7 December 1997, former Leeds United captain Billy Bremner died after being hospitalized for pneumonia. He was 54 years old.

Born in the Scottish city of Stirling, Bremner joined Leeds United in 1959 at the age of 17 and played there for 18 seasons. He became a regular starter in just his second season and helped them earn promotion to the top flight in 1964 under manager Don Revie.

He played with an intensity and toughness that belied his small stature (he was 5' 5"), earning the respect of teammates and opponents alike. In 1966, he took over as captain and pushed Leeds to domestic and European heights, winning the League Cup (1968), FA Cup (1972), two league titles (1969, 1974), and two Inter-Cities Fairs Cups (1968, 1971), while also reaching the finals of the European Cup (1975) and Cup Winners' Cup (1973). His career was not without controversy, however, as he developed a reputation for dirty play and once received a suspension for fighting with Liverpool's Kevin Keegan.

By the time he left Elland Road in 1976, he had made 772 appearances for the club, only one match behind their all-time leader, Jack Charlton. He moved to Hull City briefly (1976-79), then joined Doncaster Rovers (1979-81) as player-manager. He returned to Leeds in 1985 as manager, then moved back to Doncaster in 1989 and retired in 1991.

In December 1997, he contracted pneumonia, then died of a suspected heart attack just two days short of his 55th birthday

1929 On 8 December 1929, Lazio and Roma faced off for the first time, with Roma winning thanks to a late goal from striker Rodolfo Volk.

Tensions existed between the two teams even before that first match. Roma were founded in 1927, consolidating three other clubs based in the Italian capital in an effort to build a team that could compete with the more powerful northern clubs. Lazio, founded in 1900, resisted inclusion in that group, the only major team from Rome to do so Their first meeting was a Serie A match, played at Lazio's Campo Rondinella.

Roma claimed victory as Volk's 73rd-minute goal was the only one of the day. Roma have dominated the derby recently, going undefeated for seven matches, with five wins and two draws. They also hold the record for the longest winning streak, however, taking six consecutive matches from 1950 to 1953.

The rivalry--known as the Derby della Capitale--has become one of the more heated derbies in football, with several incidents of violence on both sides.

THE START OF A RIVALRY

UP NEXT FOR GATE ASHTON ATHLETIC Saturday 26th December 2016 The Royal British Legion Stadium

2015/16 Final Position:7th Current League Position:13th Last Meeting: Squires Gate 0 Ashton Athletic 0

Kick Off: 15:00 Adults £6, Concessions £3

Current League Form (Most Recent First):D W W L W W

CAMMELL LAIRD 1907 Saturday 7th January 2017 The Royal British Legion Stadium

2015/16 Final Position:15th Current League Position:22nd Last Meeting: Squires Gate 2 Cammell Laird 2

Kick Off: 15:00 Adults £6, Concessions £3

Current League Form (Most Recent First):L L D L L L

MAINE ROAD Saturday 21st January 2017 The Royal British Legion Stadium

2015/16 Final Position:12th Current League Position:10th Last Meeting: Squires Gate 0 Maine Road 5

Kick Off: 15:00 Adults £6, Concessions £3

Bootle Saturday 17th December 2016 The Delta Taxi Stadium Kick Off: 15:00 Adults £6, Concessions £3

Current League Form (Most Recent First):W W D W W D

2015/16 Final Position:8th Current League Position:2nd Last Meeting: Bootle 5 Squires Gate 1 Current League Form (Most Recent First): W W W W W D

THE TEAMS

v SQUIRES GATE FOOTBALL CLUB

AFC LIVERPOOL FOOTBALL CLUB

Manager: Daniel Penswick

(GK) Ben FLETCHER (GK) Josh WOODS Andrew RICHARDS

Manager: Kevin Dally

TODAY’S MATCH

(GK) Ross DALTON (GK) Germano MENDES

Paul CARROLL

OFFICIALS

Emini ADEGBENRO

Jacob HIGHAM

REFEREE

Connor BELGER

Calvin ROSS

Barry Lamb

Sean CALVERT

David ROSSALL Ben FISHWICK

ASSISTANTS

Jamie GIBSON

Bob Richards

Mike HALL

Kieron BRISLEN

Matthew Mcquillam

Joe NOBLET

Jason CAREY Freddy CHAMPION John CHEETHAM Dimitrios CHRISTOU John DILLON

Ben SEEAR Anthony STAYTE

Georgie DONNELLY

Mark THORNBER

Josh ESSERY

Danny PENSWICK

Marcos FORTUNA

Mark BUCHAN

Brandon GASKELL

Brett DAWSON

Jack HONT

Danny MORRIS

Mark KIRBY

Ryan RILEY

Andrew MILLER

Ric SEEAR

Marvin MOLYNEUX

Ryan TANSER

Callum MORRISON

Ryan STAYTE

Lewis MOYNES

Seydou BAMBA

Emil PELKA

Paul ALEXANDER

Paul SPEED

NEXT: Home Match NEXT: Away Match ASHTON ATHLETIC BOOTLE Monday 26th December 2016 - 3PM Saturday 17th December 2016 - 3PM