Squires Gate v Ashton Athletic FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round

GATE REVIEW SQUIRES GATE vs ASHTON ATHLETIC¦ ISSUE 1 SATURDAY 5TH AUGUST 2017 THE BRIAN ADDISON STADIUM, 3PM KICK OFF

£2

THE ROAD TO WEMBLEY BEGINS HERE….

CONTENTS The Gaffer Penswick gives his thoughts ahead of the new campaign and todays opposition.

Player Sponsorship's SQUIRES GATE FOOTBALL CLUB

We have at what Gate Player have been sponsored by who.

School Road, Blackpool, FY5 1EB

Q&A with Jamie Harrison

Tel: Website: www.squiresgatefc.co.uk

This week we interviewed Ashton Athletic Plyer Jaime Harrison to found about his time at Ashton his first memory and much more.

Twiter: @squiresgatefc

View From The Away End

EXECUTIVE

Chairman: TBA

Ashton Athletic fan Peter Barton gives us an insight on the opposition and what he expects from todays game.

Treasurer: Mark Ashmore

Fixtures

Secretary: John Maguire

2017/18 fixtures are released.

Email: squiresgatefc@gmail.com

Committee: John Maguire, Mark Ashmore, Steve Bellamy, Brain Addison, Marc Sumner, Colin Smith, Karl Townson, Spencer Leader, Chris Chadwick, Nick Grindley

Q&A With Paul Carroll

This week we interview Gate Defender Paul Carroll where we found out what its like in the dressing room of gates ahead after pre-season and who was his idol Commercial Manager: Marc Sumner growing up.

Media: Albert Copper, Mark Ashmore

Programme Editor : Jay and Dan Hayden First Team Manager: Danny Penswick Assiant Manager: Brain Penswick Groundsman: Brian Addison, Steve Bellamy,

Honours: Blackpool & District Amateur League First Division champions 1956, 1957 West Lancashire League Division Two champions 1981 Rawling Shield winners 1949 Blackwell Cup winners 1959, 1960 Fylde Cup winners 1961 Bannister Cup runners-up 1961 Richardson Cup winners 1987 NWCFL Division Two Trophy winners 2001 Runners-up 1998

The Gaffer DANNY PENSWICK “Desire for FA Cup success will see us through on the day�

I'd like to Welcome Ashton Athletic today in the first game of the season and the start of our FA Cup journey. The FA Cup is a special occasion for the club and all the players and we can't wait to get started.

After a tough but worthwhile 5 week pre season were suitably prepared to today.

The new faces have settled in well and we've progressed game on game.

With seven players leaving at the end of last season it was vital we strengthened and I'm very happy with the squad we've assembled. We've a nice mix of experience and youth and whilst some of them are making a step up from West Lancs I have no doubts about their quality.

Let's hope it a cracker and we see Gate through to the next round.

Up the Gate

PLAYER’S SPONSORSHIP

PART 1

CALLUM CORNWELL

PAUL CARROLL

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

MARTYN WARD

Squires Gate Under 13's

JORDAN CASEY

JORDAN DOUTHWAITE

Sponsored by

SPONSORED BY Duncan Bennett

COREY MOORHEAD Sponsored by

JACK CORNWELL SPONSORED BY

DARREN CORNWELL

ALEX COLQUHOUN Sponsored by

NICK GREENALL SPONSORED BY Squires Gate Under 14's Titans

MIKE HALL SPORNSRED BY SQUIRES GATE FC UNDER’S 14 REDS

DEAN ING SPONSOR BY

PLAYER’S SPONSORSHIP

PART 2

CONNOR SMITH Sponsored by

MARK THORNBER (SPARKY) Sponsored by PAUL DOSETT

GARY PETT

TARRAN MOXON

SPONSORED BY

Sponsored by

MARK ASHMORE

Squires Gate Under 14's

JACK WILLIAMS

BRETT DAWSON

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY CHIRS CHADWICK

I would like to thank all the player sponsor on behalf of Squires Gate FC. We like give a special thanks to all the two Match sponsor MICHAEL’S INDIAN RESTAURANT and My Second Image for sponsor the Chitheroe and against Fleetwood Town game.

ANCHORSHOLME GATE

3 5

The game, played at Fleetwood Town's Poolfoot Farm, was a good test for Danny Penswick's men who start the season on Saturday 5th August at home to Ashton Athletic in the FA Cup. New signing Dean Ing stole the show with a six minute second half hatrick as he played a full 90 minutes.

Gate could have opened the scoring after eight minutes but the impressive effort was called as offside. Brett Dawson played a clever ball into Jordan Casey's chest, he showed good control before firing the ball into the bottom corner.

Gate wouldn't have to wait for long before they'd open the scoring though when just five minutes later Brett Dawson found the net. He showed quick feet after being played in behind the defence, to take the ball around the keeper and slot into the empty net.

The hosts were allowed in too easily behind Gates defence on 27 minutes and levelled the scoring. Striker Luke Robinson tapping in at the back post after the ball deflected into his path for an easy finish.

STING FOR CLITHEROE: Dawson on target for Gate against Evo Stick side Clitheroe.

PICTURE BY ALBERT COOPER

At half time manager Danny Penswick made several changes to both personal and shape as he looked to try out a few different ideas ahead of the season.

It was the homeside who took the lead early into the second half. Young keeper Callum Cornwell's pass from the back was intercepted before Mike Nolan chipped the retreating keeper to give Anchorsholme the lead.

Then a mad 8 minutes occurred for Gate with four goals in that time. First Tarren Moxon showed good skill to take the ball to the by-line before cutting the ball back to Jordan Casey for the winger to tap in. Moxon was again on hand two minutes later for Ing's first of the game. This time from the right he squared the ball to Ing who fired past the keeper. Then Alex Colquhoun found space to cross into the box where Dean Ing fired in at the second attempt for his second of the day.

Three minutes later and Ing would find the net again. A good cross into the box was spilled by the Anchorsholme keeper and Ing was there for an easy tap in for his hatrick.

The home side would find the net again with two minutes left of the game with a superb finish. Young winger Corey Harrison heading in across goal to round of the days scoring.

GATE CLITHEROE

3 2

MATCH SPONSORED BY MICHAEL’S INDIAN RESTAURANT New signing Garry Pett scored twice in the second half to complete the impressive fight back for Danny Penswick’s men, who went 2-0 down after the opening 15 minutes.

The visitors, who finished just outside the play offs last season, opened the scoring after 7 minutes. Ex Gate player Robbie Bromley, one of three ex Gate men playing for the visitors, opened the scoring with a superb finish. He dropped his shoulder to get past Paul Carroll before curling the ball past Webb in goal into the top corner.

It wasn’t long after that Clitheroe would grab their second goal. Sefton Gonzales playing MCKENNA RETURNS: Billy McKenna returns to through strike partner Kurt Willoughby, be bared down on goal, before firing past Webb.

Gate, and 3 Clitheroe players can’t keep him out.

Despite the scoreline, Gate were not outplayed by their higher league visitors. Danny PensPICTURE BY ALBERT COOPER wick’s side played some good football with the front three of Jack Williams, Dean Ing and Brett Dawson all looking lively. Five minutes into the second half after Gate had made a couple of changes they’d grab a goal back. Brett Dawson caught between two defenders going down, stepped up to cooley convert the result penalty.

One of the half time subs, Ben Fletcher, had to be alert on his first start back at the club. Not that he knew much about the save, he stood tall to see the ball cannon off his chest to deny Clitheroe.

A couple of minutes later Garry Pett, on his debut for the club, would level the game with a superb goal. From 20 yards out he took aim-firing high into the roof of the net to applause from both sets of fans.

Another of the second half sub, Jordan Casey, came inches from giving Gate the lead. Getting forward from right back his shot rebounded off the inside of the post before being cleared by Clitheroe.

Gary Pett would then round off what was a memorable first start for the midfielder when he won the game for Gate in the 77th minute. Not far out from where he scored his first, Pett fired the freekick low under the wall and under the diving keeper superbly .

PRE SEASON REVIEW...

GATE FLEETWOOD DEV

0 9

MATCH SPONSORED BY MY SECOND IMAGE Former Gate man Jack Sowerby made his return to the club after signing for Fleetwood two season ago and he stole the show from midfield popping up with a goal 7 minutes into the second half.

Fleetwood ran riot against Gate with 7 players on show having trained with the first team in Pre Season and showed their quality. Both technical and fitness was several levels above what Gate could offer.

Gate started the game at a good pace and looked to have matched the visitors for the first 10 minutes but then the floodgates opened.

Four goals in nine minutes silenced Gates efforts from the away side, first Alex Reid then Donohue then Biggins all struck in the space of six minutes. Ash Nadesan got the first of a first half hatrick in the 31st minute before grabbing his second eight minutes later.

FAMILIAR FACE: Sowerby challenges former team mate Anthony Stayte. .

PICTURE BY ALBERT COOPER

The striker signed towards the end of last season then popped up for his hatrick two minutes before half time. Just a minute later his strike partner Alex Reid grabbed his second of the game to end the first half 7-0.

After a few second half changes Gate against started the half well until former man Jack Sowerby popped up.

The former Gate striker finding the net on his return to School Road in the 52nd minute to get the scoring underway for Fleetwood in the second half.

After a lot of possession for the visitors they'd fine the net yet again. Alex Reid grabbing his hatrick late on in the game to round of the scoring for Fleetwood young guns.

Though the scoreline doesn't look good from the outside, Gate will take the positives from the defeat and the display of fitness that professional clubs show.

GATE BAMBER BRIDGE

2 6

Gate led into the second half before the visitors showed their quality with four second half goals.

The Evo Stik visitors took the lead after 15 minutes with some lovely flowing football.

Several one touch passes led down the left hand side and striker Brad Carsley swept it past Ben Fletcher.

It didn’t take Gate long to reply though, after a foul on the edge of the box new signing Gal Pett lined up and fired a superb freekick into the bottom corner past FAMILIAR FACE: Riley returns to face former club and showed why Bridge sign him from gate Rigby in goal. last season Gate would end the game the better of the two sides and took the lead late on.

Brett Dawson converting the penalty to give Gate the lead.

Bamber Bridge could have levelled the scoring just two minutes into the second half. Former Blackpool youth player Macaulay Wilson’s strike cannoning back off the crossbar.Brig would level the game after 49 minutes. An acrobatic effort came back of the post for Carsley to head in the rebound.

Brig could have taken the lead moments later by manager Danny Penswick headed off the line to deny Brig.Brig would take the lead on 55 minutes with a superb finish. Potts stroking the ball into the top corner from outside the box.

As the game went on the fitness began to show. Gate had a great chance to grab a goal back but the Brig defender did well to recover before Moxon could shoot.

Regan Linney would grab his second of the game before Kit Gregory sealed the win with a goal against his former club.

PRE SEASON REVIEW...

GATE GARSTANG

1 5

Gate, testing out a new formation and with several different players, took the lead after just 7 minutes.

The returning Jake Higham gave Gate the lead when he latched onto a superb through ball from Tarren Moxon. He fed a diagonal ball in behind the Garstang right back where Higham read the pass and fired low past the keeper.

Gate then had several chances to extend their lead. First nobody could meet Brett Dawson's cross at the back post after a quick corner. Then Dawson again set up a chance, but Gall Pett's low strike rebounded off the post.

The visitors would level the game in the 35th minute. A mistake at the back let in Garstang and former Gate striker Alan Coar fired past Fletcher to his right.

Garstang would then take the lead two minutes before half time. Alan Coar grabbing his second of the game heading in at the back post after patient play from the visitors.

HIGHAM BACK WITH A BANG: Jake Higham returned to Gate with a bang scoring the only goal for gate when they played low league side Garstang.

The second half would start much the same as the first, Garstang with all the momentum picked up on a weak back pass and fired in for three.

Then in the 55th minute Garstang would make it four. Alan Coar converting the penalty after a Garstang player was pulled down in the box.

Garstang would end the scoring and make it an emphatic win for them in the 76th minute. Too easy down Garstang's right hand side allowed a cross in the middle to be tapped in again too easily.

GATE COLNE

1 4

Evo Stik North side Colne FC were the visitors for this early kick off and were made to work by Gate. This the first time the 2015/16 NWCFL Premier Division champions had returned to Gate after finishing in the Play Offs last season in the league above.

Colne eventually showed their quality but were made to work for the victory after taking the lead early on.

Midfielder Chris Anderson was bought down by Jordan Casey on the edge of the box after two minutes and passed the responsibility onto Danny Wilkins to convert the penalty, though Gate keeper Cornwell was unlucky getting finger tips to the ball.

Gate did well to get back into the game when in previous games they would have perhaps crumbled and conceded another under pressure. Tarren Moxon was lively down the right hand side first his strike went narrowly wide of the goal on 4 minutes.

GREENALL NICKS A GOAL: Nick Greenall nicks a tap in to make gate go in level at half time against Evo-Stick Side Colne

Then Gate had the ball in the net after 15 minutes but the goal was disallowed for a foul. Moxon's strike saved well by the Colne keeper before the follow up corner was disallowed. Corey Moorhead then came to the rescue on 20 minutes when he blocked a Colne shot bound on goal. Straight down the other end, Gate had claims for a penalty turned down. Mark Buchan's header hitting a Colne defender's hand, but the referee waved away the Scotsman's appeals.

Gate's hard work would be rewarded just before half time. Nick Greenall grabbing his first goal for the club after good closing down on keeper Burton, whose clearance hit Greenall's back before the midfielder tapped in.

Tarren Moxon was again lively at the start of the second half as he had an shot on goal blocked early on. Moxon then did well to latch onto Danny Penswick's ambitious ball forward but he was denied at the back post.

Colne took the lead in the 55th minute, a weak back pass was pounced on by Dean who squared the ball to Spencer Jordan to fire past Cornwell.

Colne then had a goal of their own ruled out for offside on 60 minutes. Some lovely football from the visitors finished off by Lee Pugh, but the left back was judged to be offside.

Gal Pett nearly equalised for Gate as the homeside searched for an equaliser, but his long range strike flew narrowly wide of the goal. Brett Dawson then almost scored what would have been goal of the season, before the season has even started. He left the right back on the touchline after a lovely turn to get away from him he then carried on into the box shrugging off a foul, but all his hardwork came to an end after sitting the keeper down, his chip over the keeper hit the side netting.

Colne then extended their lead on 80 minutes when Lewis Hanley latched onto a through ball and slotted past Cornwell.

Then just before the full time whistle, the visitors secured the win. A quality save from Cornwell in goal before Alex Coleman tapped in the spilt ball in the six yard box.

WELCOME TO THE BRIAN ADDISON STADIUM ASHTON ATHLETIC FOOTBALL CLUB FOUNDED:

1968 STADIUM:

Brocstedes Park CAPACITY

1,000 NICKNAME:

The Yellows CHAIRMAN:

James Whyte

RECORDS:

FA Vase Second Round (2007-2008) FA Cup Second Qualifying Round Attendance 479 vs FC Halifax Town Biggest Win

MANAGER:

Jay Foulds

Biggest Defeat

TWITTER:

@AshtonAthletic HIGHEST LEAGUE FINISH:

LAST SEASON:

10th in Premier Division HONOURS:

North West Counties Challenge Cup 2013-14 Atherton Charity Cup Winners 2006-07

LAST TEN SEASONS:

The Gaffer: Jay Foulds and Dougie Pitts Ashton have got Dual Management like most club in the league they have they have one manger on the pitch then the other will giving commands from the touch line .

Ashton had a very good seasons last year under this management fishing a massive 9th and are always in and round that area each season . This season will be except and I sure with the few new faces in the team Ashton and the management team will be challenging again up the top off the table.

A BREIFE HISTORY OF OUR VISTORS ASHTON: The club was formed in 1968, initially as a Sunday league club playing in the Wigan Sunday League. After winning every division in the league in successive seasons, they switched to playing Saturday football, joining the Warrington & District League.

Success in the Warrington League saw the club join the Lancashire Combination in 1978.However, the move up saw the club struggle, finishing bottom of the league in 1978–79 and 1981–82.When the league merged with the Cheshire County League to form the North West Counties League in 1982, Ashton were placed in Division Three, which they finished bottom of in both 1982–83 and 1983–84. After a fourteenth-place finish in 1984–85, they finished bottom of the table again in 1985–86.

At the end of the season the club were expelled from the league due to Brocstedes Park failing to meet the ground grading criteria. They subsequently dropped into Division One of the Manchester League.They continued to struggle in the Manchester League, with several lower-half finishes before finishing bottom of Division One in 1989–90. They finished bottom again in 1994–95, The 2005–06 season saw them finish fourth in Division One, and after applying for rejoin the North West Counties League following improvements to Brocstedes Park, the club were accepted into Division Two, bypassing the Premier Division of the Manchester League. In 2007–08 a third-place finish saw them promoted to the renamed Premier Division of the league.[3] Although they finished bottom of the division in 2010–11, they were reprieved from relegation after New Mills were promoted from the division and Formby were relegated due to a breach of the rules. In 2013–14 they won the Challenge Cup, defeating Maine Road 1–0 in the final.

The 2016–17 season saw them win the Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy with a 2–1 win over Radcliffe Borough

SQUIRES GATE 2017-18 NWCFL FIXTURES AUGUST 5 12 26 29

ASHTON ATHLETIC (FA EP) HANLEY TOWN IRLAM BARNOLDSWICK TOWN

H A A H

SEPTEMBER 2 RUNCORN TOWN 5 CHARNCOK RICHARD 9 CONGLETON TOWN 16 WIDNES 20 AFC DARWEN 30 RUNCORN LINNETS OCTOBER 3 PADIHAM 7 WEST DIDSBURY 10 BOOTLE 14 AFC LIVERPOOL 21 1874 NORTHWICH 28 CONGLETON TOWN 31 CITY OF LIVERPOOL

H A H H A H H A H H A H A

NOVEMBER 4 11 14 18 25

ASHTON ATHLETIC WIDNES IRLAM BARNOLDSWICK TOWN MAINE ROAD

DECEMBER 2 BOOTLE 9

BARNTON

26 BURSCOUGH 30 AFC DARWEN JANUARY 6

A H

16 RUNCORN TOWN

A

23 WINSFORD UNITED

H

AFC LIVERPOOL

A

13 ABBEY HEY

H

20 BARNTON

A

27 PADIHAM

A

FEBRUARY 3

NORTHWICH VICTORIA

H

10 WINSFORD UNITED

A

17 CITY OF LIVERPOOL

H

24 CONGLETON TOWN

A

MARCH 3

RUNCORN LINETS

A

10 WEST DIDSBURY

H

17 ABBEY HEY

A

24 CHARNOCK RICHARD

H

31 MAINE ROAD

A

APRIL 2

H A H A H

A H

BURSCOUGH

H

14 ASHTON ATHLETIC

A

21 HANLEY TOWN

H

28 NORTHWICH VICS

A

MAY

5

1874 NORTHWICH

H

P

W

D

L

F

A

GD

PTS

1

1874 NORTHWICH

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2

AFC DARWEN

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

3

AFC LIVERPOOL

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

4

ABBEY HEY

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

5

ASHTON ATHLETIC

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

6

BARNOLDSWICK TOWN

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

7

BARNTON

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

8

BOOTLE

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

9

BURSCOUGH

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

10 CHARNOCK RICHARDS

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

11 CITY OF LIVERPOOL

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

12 CONGELTON TOWN

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

13 HANLEY TOWN

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

14 IRLAM

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

15 MAINE ROAD

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

16 NORTHWICH VICTORIA

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

17 PADIHAM

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

18 RUNCORN LINNETS

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

19 RUNCORN TOWN

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

20 SQUIRES GATE

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

21 WEST DIDSBURY

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

22 WIDNESS

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

23 WINSFORD UNITED

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

TODAY’S FIXTURES FA Cup Exrta Prelimary Round

Maine road v Winsford United Northwich Victoria v 1874 Northwich

Saturday 5th august

Padiham v City of Liverpool

Albion Sports v Nelson

Parkgate v Barnton

Athersley Reaction v West Didsbury

Pontefract Col v Alsager Town

Atherstone v Hanley Town

Runcorn Linnets v Hemsworth MW

Barnoldswick Town v Jarrow Roofing

Runcorn Town v AFC Darwen

Cammell Laird v Maltby Main

Squires Gate v Ashton Athletic

Charnock Richards v Penistone church

Walsall Wood v Whitchurch Alport

Congleton Town v New Mills

Sunday 6th August

Irlam v Abbey Hey

AFC Emley v Burscough

Litherland REMYCA v AFC Liverpool

Hallam v Bootle

Widnes v Handsworth Parrmore

VIEW FROM THE AWAY END PETER BARTON We caught up with Ashton Athletic Photographer and ’Programme Editor Peter Barton What are your expectations for the new season after your 9th place finished last season?

I think we had the ability to finish higher than 9th last season but for some reason couldn’t put a consistent run together. If we cut out the costly mistakes and are more clinical in front of goal then I think we could finish in the top 8. Winning the Lancashire Cup was a fantastic achievement and 3 trophies in the last 4 seasons shows what we can be successful in the cup competitions so I’d like some more success in one of the cup competitions. A good run in the FA Cup and Vase would also be nice, but whoever gets through today’s game will have a tough match against either Runcorn Linnets or Hemsworth Miners Welfare.

After your pre season what do you think you need to improve on to make a good challenge in this league?

We’ve had a decent pre-season. I don’t take much out of the results because the friendlies are all about getting match sharpness and the managers try different players, formations and tactics so as disappointing as the 1-0 loss to Prescot Cables was last Saturday, if we start the season off on a winning run then it’ll have been worth it. I think we need to be more consistent this season.

Knowing it's Fa Cup weekend, What has been your most memorable fa cup game you have seen or been to?

There are 2 games that come to mind. One I remember fondly and one that had me in disbelief for days afterwards. I’ll start off with the latter which was the replay against Maltby Main in Maltby during the 2015/16 season. After being 2-0 up we lost the game 3-2 with the winner coming in the last 10 minutes. It was the longest trip home over the Pennines I’ve ever had after a game. My fondest game has to be the 7-2 win over Mossley last season. The weather was shocking and the rain was so bad that I thought there was a chance the game wouldn’t last the full 90 minutes. It is definitely one of the best performances I’ve seen.

What teams are you looking forward to going up against this season?

Now Atherton Colls have been promoted I think our closest rivals are Widnes, Charnock Richard and Burscough so they will be games to look forward to and games against Runcorn Linnets are always interesting. I’m happy that our Boxing Day game is at home because it was the only match I missed last season.

What grounds are you looking forward to visiting this season?

I always enjoy coming to the Brian Addison Stadium and I was gutted that I couldn’t make the game last season. I’ve never been to Widnes or Northwich Victoria taking photos before so I’m looking forward to those trips.

Which players do you think will be the biggest threat to gate?

I think we have players all over the squad who can turn a game. Jacob Jones scored at Quorn and he’s not stopped talking about it.

What has been the most memorable moment and game for you within your time watching Ashton Athletic?

I’ve had a great 4 ½ seasons following the Yellows and most of that time I have been taking photos for the club. Winning the League Cup in the first season Jay, Dougie and Ben were in charge was fantastic and getting to the 2nd Qualifying Round of the FA Cup last season and playing Halifax Town was a great experience, but I think my best moment and game has to be coming from 1-0 down at the Macron Stadium to beat Radcliffe Borough 2-1 to win the Lancashire Cup. Danny Smith levelling the score and a last minute winner from Lee Vaughan. It gets the blood pumping every time I think about the game. I took around 1500 photos at that game and I think that’s the most I’ve ever taken at a match.

Which players will be key for you this season?

We’ve had a few new arrivals over the pre season and they all look like they could cause teams problems. I think the most important thing is having a settled team. All of our attacking players have the ability to unlock a defence and if we can keep players free from injury I think we will be quite solid at the back.

If you could sign 3 Premier League players on a free transfer, who would you sign and why?

Sadio Mane. Liverpool missed him when he was away at the African Nations Cup. N’Golo Kante. He’s won the league with Leicester and Chelsea in the 2 seasons he’s been in the Premier League.

Harry Kane. He’s scored over 20 goals in the last 3 seasons.

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

I have been 3 times. The first game was a 1-0 win for Ashton Athletic, Richie Livingston scoring for the Yellows and my last visit was a 0-0 draw.

If you were manager of a 5 a side team and had to 2 Ashton players and 3 BPL legends. Who would be in your side and why?

The 2 Ashton players would be Calum Wilson and Martin Pearson. Calum is a quality defender and Martin would be in goal. The 3 Premier League Legends would be Alan Shearer, Dennis Bergkamp and Paul Scholes. They are 3 of the best attacking players to have played in the Premier League.

Have you ever been to Wembley before? And What would be your ideal scenario there?

No I haven’t been to Wembley. I would love to see Ashton get there in the FA Vase and score a last minute winner to lift the trophy.

Are you looking forward to the start of the new season and what do you expect to see from your team?

I am looking forward to the start of the new season. I have to admit I was a bit disappointed in the FA Cup draw. As much as I enjoy visiting the Brian Addison Stadium, I was hoping to avoid a Hallmark Security League team in the draw and was hoping both teams could get as far as they could in the competition. If the new signings hit the ground running then I think we will play some good football and hopefully score more goals than we did last season.

Where would be your dream Finish this season?

It would be great to win the league but there are some strong teams this season. I’ll be surprised if Bootle, Runcorn Town, Runcorn Linnets and 1874 Northwich aren’t fighting for promotion. I think City of Liverpool will be up there challenging as well. They have a good following and have been extremely successful in their first year in the league. Widnes will be strong with Joey Dunn in charge. West Didsbury & Chorlton will look to kick on from their 6th place finish and I think Congleton will surprise a few people this season. It will be a close battle for promotion. If we play to our potential I think we could finish the season in the top 8 Finally Prediction for today's game?

The games are always close here with the teams drawing in the last 2 seasons but I will say a very close 1-0 win to Ashton Athletic.

Q&A WITH...

JAMIE HARRISON We caught up with Ashton Athletic striker Jamie Harrison, where we ask him how long has he been at the club, we also

First of all, how long have you been at Ashton Athletic? Which team did you sign from? T After finishing 9th last season, what would you say the aim for the club is going into the new season?

The aim is pretty simple, we want promotion. We have signed some good players so there is no reason that we can’t and

What is the most memorable moment in your playing career?

Winning the Challenge Cup against Maine Road a couple of years ago, we were the underdogs going into the game and no

Is there any teams you look forward to facing the most? Any grounds that you enjoy going playing at?

The obvious one is Runcorn linnets, always a few hundred fans on so I'd say them, also look forward to seeing what city of

Have you ever played at Squires Gate before, if so what was the score?

Yeah played a couple of times now, can't remember the score tho think we won 1 and drew 1

Best game you have ever watched?

What has been the best goal you have ever scored?

What is the last thing you do before you walk out onto the pitch?

Favourite game you have ever played in?

Play off semi final at Gigg lane for Witton Albion against fc united

If you were to be in a 5 a side team with 4 Premier League legends, who would you pick and why?

Rio Ferdinand, Paul scholes Thierry Henry and frank lampard, every single one of them were absolute quality players who

What/who encouraged you to start playing football?

What is your first football memory?

Who was your footballing idol as a kid?

Prediction for today’s game?

An ashton win of course 3-0

FIRST FIVE IN LEAGUE FOR GATE Hanley Town (A) Saturday 12th August 2017 Potteries Park Adults £5 Concessions £3

Irlam (A) Saturday 26th August 2017 The Ambietek Stadium Adults £5 Concessions £3 Barnoldswick Town (H) Tuesday 26th August 2017 The Brain Addison Stadium Adults £6 Concessions £3

Runcorn Town (H) Saturday 2nd September 2017 The Brain Addison Stadium Adults £6 Concessions £3 Charnock Richard (A) Tuesday 5th September 2017 Mossie Park Adults £5 Concessions £3

PREDICTION LEAGUE Last season, we had great success in the prediction league with football fans from all over the country taking part and entering every week. It is quick and easy to do if you would like to get your name in the programme, just email your entries for todays games to haydendan@live.co.uk with your name and the team you support.

Over the course of last campaign, we had over 60 entries with AFC Liverpool fan Steve Fraser taking the crown of Gate keeper Ben Fletcher.

CORRECT SCORE = 3 POINTS, CORRECT RESULT = 1 POINT. Bookies Say:

Dan:

Jay:

Jamie

Peter:

Fulham vs Norwich

HOME WIN

2-1

1-2

2-0

1-2

QPR vs Reading

AWAY WIN

0-2

3-1

1-1

1-1

Southend vs Blackburn

AWAY WIN

1-2

0-1

0-1

0-3

MK Dons vs Wigan

AWAY WIN

0-

0-0

1-2

2-1

Bookies Say:

Dan:

Jay:

Jamie

Peter:

AWAY WIN

1-2

1-1

1-1

2-0

DRAW

2-0

2-1

3-0

2-1

Doncaster vs Gillingham AWAY WIN

3-1

3-1

2-1

1-0

Bradford vs Blackpool

HOME WIN

2-1

3-0

1-1

3-1

DRAW

1-3

1-0

0-2

0-0

0-0

1-0

1-1

2-2

“SUPER 6” TREBLE POINTS. Forest Green vs Barnet Carlisle vs Swindon

Burton Albion vs Cardiff

Southport vs Boston Utd AWAY WIN

Q&A WITH… PAUL CARROLL As the new season begins, we speak to Gate centre back Paul Carroll, as he gives us an insight into the mood behind the scenes after pre season. Paul rejoined Gate last summer from AFC Blackpool and was a key part in the side last campaign.

Going into today's first domestic fixture, Gate have won only two of their pre season friendlies.

What is the mood in the dressing room at the moment?

The mood in the dressing room is very good, we've had a real good calibre of opponents to test ourselves against which has been enjoyable for the lads. Pre season friendlies are what they are, most players don’t enjoy them and just want the competitive element of that first fixture.

Our pre season had to be integrating about 7/8 new players and getting to knoe them and how we all play and importantly how we will gel together, which takes time.

With the league now expanding to 23 teams, what teams are you looking forward to facing this season? Which teams were the toughest to play against last season?

My mum worked at Man Utd for about 17 years when I was a kid, so going to games from a young age got me hooked, although I was definitely no glory hunter as we were terrible in those days.

What encouraged you to start playing football? Who was your footballing idol as a kid?

My idol has to be Bryan Robson, for Man United and England was just a huge driving force with will and determination off the scale. Although I would have to say Mark Hughes was up there for me as well.

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

I’ve covered most positions either as cover, including up top or to man mark an opponent say. I remember being Ciaran Donnelly’s shadow for one game in midfield, Don’t think he's ever forgiven me. Pretty much a defender since turning to adult football which is definitely where my strength lies.

If you could pick one team for Squires Gate to come up against in the FA Cup, who would you want to face any why?

Probably FC United

was the first ever game you went to as a kid? no idea i was probably 3 or 4

If you could pick 3 Premier League players, past or present, to play ? rio Ferdinand, tony Adams, sol Campbell.

What has been your favourite moment at Gate so far? Do you have any memorable games here?

The fa vase run when in my first stint here, to get to the quarter final was a great achievement and we were unlucky on the

With it being FA Cup weekend, could you give us your 3 most memorable FA Cup matches that you have 1985/86 Manchester utd vs Everton 1st trip to Wembley to see Norman Whiteside bend the ball round Southall and i was sat right behind it., 1999 - fa cup replay against arsenal where giggs scored that wonder goal but the whole epic 10 men, missed

With a fair few rival games being played today, what is your favourite derby to watch? merseyside derby

Prediction for today's game?

Gate 2-1 ; up the gate

THIS WEEK IN FOOTBALL HISTORY...

We take a look back at the history of football as it happens week by week, how many of these headlines can you remember? After a busy summer of transfers, and the potential transfer of Neymar to PSG for over £100m, 21 years ago Shearer moved from Blackburn to Newcastle for a world record fee of £15m -

SHEAR CLASS

1996

On 30 July 1996, Newcastle signed 25-year old striker Alan Shearer from Blackburn for a world record fee of £15M. Shearer, who was born in Newcastle, started his career with Southampton, where he scored 43 goals in 158 appearances across all competitions from 1987 to 1992. But he blossomed at Blackburn, claiming the Premier League Golden Boot in the 1994-95 and 1995-96 seasons, with Rovers winning the league in 1995. He scored over thirty league goals in his last three years there, for a four-season total of 130 in 170 appearances. His scoring prowess attracted the attention of several clubs, including Manchester United. But shortly before he was set to move to Old Trafford, Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan persuaded him to join Newcastle.

He maintained his form at St. James's Park, collecting another Golden Boot for the 1996-97 season with 25 league goals. But injuries and a succession of managerial changes hampered his effectiveness, resulting in uneven production from him over the next several years (he crossed the 20-goal barrier in the league only three more times in his ten seasons at Newcastle) and he retired in 2006. Still, his Newcastle total of 206 remains the most of any player in club history.

Shearer returned to Newcastle as manager in 2009, taking over from Chris Hughton for the last eight games of the season in a bid to save the club from relegation. He was unable to prevent the

MAKING £7M THE EASY WAY

2008

On 28 July 2008, Tottenham confirmed the £19M sale of striker Robbie Keane to Liverpool, but his stay at Anfield lasted barely 6 months.

Keane had already been well-traveled, playing for Wolves (1997-99), Coventry City (1999-2000), Inter (2000-01), Leeds United (2001-02) before joining Spurs in August 2002. He had a very successful six years at White Hart Lane, scoring 82 times in 197 league appearances and helping to victory over Chelsea in the 2008 League Cup Final.

His success drew the attention of Liverpool, who pried him away from Spurs. The four-year deal included £1.3M in performance incentives that raised the total value to a potential £20.3M. Upon arriving in Liverpool, Keane announced that he had "been a Liverpool fan all [his] life" and that the move was "a dream come true."

But it was a short-lived dream, as he failed to replicate his previous form. After only five goals in nineteen league appearances, Liverpool sold him back to Spurs for £12M. He later went on loan to Celtic and West Ham before joining the LA Galaxy in 2011.

THE KING OF ALL CLASICOS

On 2 August 1908, Boca Juniors hosted River Plate in the first Superclásico between the two teams and won, 2-1.

River, the older of the two clubs, formed in Buenos Aires's La Boca district in 1901, while Boca Juniors arrived there two years later. Despite their proximity, they did not meet until 1908 in a friendly. Records from the day are sparse, but indicate that Boca won by the score of 2-1. Despite losing that first match, River got a measure of revenge by winning the first competitive meeting 2-1 in 1913.

Since then, the rivalry has grown to become one of the most passionate in football.

The teams have played each other a total of 338 times, including friendlies, league matches, Copa Libertadores meetings, and other competitions. Of those, Boca have

1908

FA CUP QUIZ With it being Fa cup weekend and could be some be upset we going test your knowledge on some giant killing in the fa cup.

1.

On the 18th January 2005 the 3rd Round Liverpool Dijimi Traaore scored a comical own goal to knock Liverpool out FA Cup against which team?

2.

In the 2011 Fa Cup Campaign league one Notts County played Man city in the 4th round but what other Premier League did they knock out in the last round?

3.

In the 3rd round of the 2010 season Leeds beat Man united 1-0 but who was the goalscorer to send Leeds into the next round?

4.

In the 2008 Barnsley pulled off the most Famous giant killer by beating two off the top Premier league but who where they ?

5.

In the 2011 fa Cup Campaign which league two side beat Newcastle United 3-1 at home

6.

Which league Two side fought their way tothe5thround of the 20011 fa cup campaign to face Man United defeating the likes of derby on the way

7.

On 3rd January 2009 which league one team, played at home, defeated stoke City in the 3rd round of the fa cup

8.

In the 1984 FA Cup campaign which giants who were the current holders of the fa cup did Bournemouth Defeat?

9.

In the Fa Cup 1973 FA Cup Final Division Two team Sunderland beat which Division one team 1-0

10. In last year FA Cup which Non League made it t the Quarter final beating premier league side Burnley on there way 11. In the 2001 FA Cup which non-league team beat Everton 3-0 away from home to seal a fifth 12. Which non-league side beat Blackpool 1-0 in the third round of the 2009 FA Cup 13. Which Championship side beat West Ham United 5-0 in the 2014 fa cup 14. In the quarter final of the 2014 Fa Cup which Team send Cup Favourites Man city out of the 15. Which team beat Chelsea 2-4 to knock them out off the 2015 Fa Cup

8. MANCHESTER UNITED 7. Hartlepool United 6. Crawley Town 5. Port Vale 4. Chelsea and Liverpool 3. Jermaine Beckford 2. NEWCASTLE UNITD 1.BURNLEY

15.Bradford City

14. Wigan 13.Notts Forest 12.Tquary united 11. TRANMERE ROVERS 10.LINCOLN CITY 9.LEEDS UNITED

The FA Cup: A History of Magic “I fell in love with football as I was later to fall in love with women: suddenly, inexplicably, uncritically, giving no thought to the pain or

disruption it would bring with it.” – Nick Hornby, Fever Pitch The FA Cup is the oldest cup competition in the world. It is just shy of a century and a half old. In the same year as the first ever FA Cup match, Germany was created, there was a Napoleon in captivity having been removed as leader of France, Queen Victoria opened the Royal Albert Hall, and the President of the United States was former Civil War General Ulysses S. Grant. The FA Cup has survived from that alien, ancient time, to provide us with something that few other competitions in the world can provide. As unlikely as it may seem, it is still possible, 146 years later, for a team that starts in the earliest rounds – the first weekend of August, before the elite clubs have even returned from their far-flung pre-season tours – to go all the way and win the FA Cup. That’s something worth celebrating.

Of course, the competition has evolved significantly in that time. Only fifteen teams entered the original competition (this season there are over 700), which was of course won by Wanderers. Before the construction of a national stadium in Wembley (The Empire Stadium, as it was originally known), the final took place at one of the other great British sporting venues – the Oval. Slightly under 90,000 fans poured into Wembley to watch last year’s final. In 1872, it was just 2,000, and they saw Morton Betts score in a single goal victory for Wanderers against Royal Engineers. It was the first of 5 FA Cup victories, the last of which came in 1878, 140 years ago by the time we reach this season’s final. That puts them in the top 10 all-time FA Cup winners, joined on 5 by Everton and Manchester City.

The Cup is famous for, almost synonymous with, giant killings. We all know about Hereford beating Newcastle and Sutton beating Coventry, but it was going on long before the television cameras were there to pick up the action. In the late 1940s, Swindon won away at Burnley, who were the FA Cup holders, in one of the biggest shocks of all time, and a year later tiny Yeovil, playing deep in non-league, beat mighty Sunderland of the old First Division – a Sunderland side referred to as The Bank of England because of the amount of money they had spent chasing success. As far back as 1907, non-league (as they were at the time) Crystal Palace, in difficult form, travelled to a Newcastle United side who were second in the league and unbeaten at St. James’ Park, and won. Perhaps this was the first great giant killing.

Over the years, the FA Cup has fallen from grace as the showpiece final, the ultimate goal, to be seen as secondary prize to the clubs that often win it. As much as loyal supporters might want silverware, to the richest in the land it is not as worthwhile as finishing fourth and a coveted place in the Champions League, but this should not diminish the famous old competition.

Some say the magic of the cup is gone, or at least in short supply, but they are mistaken. Just look at the competition and ask fans of Brackley Town, of Sutton United, how magical they think the cup was. Just look ask Bishop Auckland, who made it from the ExtraPreliminary Round to the Fourth Qualifying Round, or Westfields, who went one better. Look at Stamford, who beat National League side Wrexham.

So, while the boys at the top argue that the cup has no magic left to give, let us remember that Lincoln City captured the imaginations of football fans up and down the country last season. While they persist that it is a secondary competition and that they would rather finish third in the league, let us remember that it was this diminished competition that saved Arsene Wenger’s job, the longest serving manager in the country. And let us not forget that it all begins on the first weekend of August. There might only be a few paying attention to the earliest rounds of the FA Cup, only a few who realise that the competition starts before January. But it is those few, who come to an Extra-Preliminary Round game at the height of summer, who make the competition what it is. The smallest of teams has a chance to provide the magic, and that’s all we ask for, a chance.

Enjoy the game.

Martyn & Tom Follow the #RoadtoWembley at www.acrossthepark.co.uk or across social media @acrossparkmag If you are interested in contributing to the #RoadtoWembley, get in touch!

THE TEAMS

ASHTON ATHLETIC

SQUIRES GATE (GK) Callum CORNWELL

(GK) Martin PEARSON

Paul CARROLL

Jacob JONES

Jordan CASEY

Ben CARTWRIGHT

Jordan Douthwaite

Referee

Corey MOORHEAD

EDWARD DUCKWORTH

Bram JOHNSTONE Callum WILSON

Danny PENSWICK

Daniel REGAN

Alex COLQUHOUN

Charlie MUNRO

Daniel GREEN

Jamie HARRISON

Nick GREENALL

Josh NICHOLSON

Mike HALL

Assistant

Joel BROWNHILL

STEVEN HOLDEN

Lee VAUGHAN

Dean ING Gary PETT

KIERAN CHELL

Connor SMITH

Christopher WEBSTER

Mark THORNBER

Joe NICHOLSON

Mark BUCHAN

Samuel BAILEY.

Brett DAWSON Tarren MOXON Jack WILLIAMS Manager

Jack CORNWELL

Jay Foulds

Manager

Danny Penswick

Assistant Manager Dougie Pitts

Assistant Manager

Brian Penswick

Physio

Alison Houghton

Goalkeeping Coach

Martyn Ward

Coach

Daz Mullen

NEXT HOME GAME

NEXT AWAY GAME

BAROLDSWICK TOWN

HANLEY TOWN

TUESDAY 29TH AUGUST 2017

SATURDAY 12TH AUGUST 2017

BRAIN ADDISON STADUIM

POTTERIES PARK

ADULTS £6 CONCESSIONS £3

ADULTS £6 CONCESSIONS £3