Squires Gate vs Congleton Town

Saturday 18th April 2015 Kick Off: 3:00

Congleton Town

THE GAFFER Good afternoon and welcome to The Royal British Legion Stadium for our final home league game of the 2014/15 season against Congleton Town FC. First of all may I welcome Congleton’s management team and all associated with the club. I hope you feel welcomed and have a safe journey home.

Last Saturday’s result and 2nd half performance was disappointing, especially when you consider it was a solitary goal that lost us the game and we scored it! I’m a big believer in looking at the bigger picture however, and when you consider our 38 performances so far in the league it’s been a very positive season.

We obviously hope to carry on performing in a positive manner for our last 2 league games and then down tools for a well earned rest. We had a good training session on Thursday, a change from the norm, but one that I hope players will consider carefully and realise what they have achieved so far and what they can go on to achieve.

Our opponents today have had a strong end to the season despite suffering a 2-0 loss to 1874 Northwich in their last game. Since Jim Vince’s departure they have steadied the ship well and have the foundations to becoming a very good side so we know that today’s game will be as tough as any we’ve had all season. We will have to be at our best both physically and mentally if we are to gain the points that we want.

I hope you enjoy the game and have enjoyed the season, there have been so special moments that we hope to add too over the next 2 games...

UP THE GATE!

SQUIRES GATE

0

1874 NORTHWICH

1

2 WINS IN 8 FOR GATE AS 1874 TAKE 3 POINTS It was a close affair down at The Royal British Legion stadium on Saturday with two teams both battling to secure a top 5 finish to round off the season. The visitors, 1874 Northwich had been in superb form of late and since there draw against Squires Gate in the reverse of this fixture have gone unbeaten in six with five wins and one draw. The team had found there scoring boots coming into this game as well scoring an impressive fifteen goals in their last three outings with only four conceded. Squires Gate came into the game on the back of a 0-0 draw with local rivals AFC Blackpool. Gates form has been mixed in the last six games with three draws, one loss and two wins to see them sixth in the table. Gate were unlucky earlier in the season not to come away from Northwich with all three points as an 88th minute equaliser denied them all three.

It was the visitors that started the quicker and with just 30 seconds on the clock won a corner. Gate did well to deal with the threat of the early corner which was easily cleared. 1874 Northwich would see alot of the ball in the opening 10 minutes clearly with the intention of scoring early to put their mark on what would undoubtedly be a tight game. Gates first chance came after 15 minutes, Brett Ferguson bursting forward from left back unchallenged before releasing a rasping strike, unfortunately for the defender the wind caught his strike which sent the ball off target and behind for a goal kick. Minutes later Gate had another chance this time from Mark Buchan, after a nice chipped through ball from Alex Murphy, Buchan struggled to keep his shot down after hitting it first time and the ball flew over the cross bar. Gate almost made it hard work for themselves when Westwood's backwards header fell short of its target, luckily for the home side keeper Ben Fletcher was quick of his line to cut out any danger. The last chance of the first half would fall to Neil Chappell, the visitors midfielder riffled a shot towards goal but Fletcher got down well behind the ball to comfortably save what could have been a tricky shot.

Half Time Gate 0-0 1874 Northwich

The second half started much like the first ended both teams looking to get the ball forward and attack the game. Much like the last few games though Gate struggled to really keep possession of the ball often loosing the ball through simple mistakes and sloppy passes not finding a teammate. Gates only clear cut chance of the second half came when Josh Kay found his way into the box but his shot was pulled wide of the post. 1874 sub Wellstead had the chance to open the scoring with his first touch after coming on, but his shot like many others today went over the bar.

Soon after Ben Fletcher made a quality save to deny the visitors but it would be the corner from is save that would produce the first goal.

The ball crossed into the near post deflected off Brett Ferguson to score to unfortunate own goal. Despite throwing extra men forward Gate couldn't find an equaliser. That's how the game would end this being only the third time Gate have lost at home this season.

Report by Mark Ashmore Picture by Steve McLellan

REMAINING FIXTURES Saturday 18th April 2015

Saturday 25th April

1874 Northwich v AFC Blackpool

Abbey Hey vs Runcorn Town

Abbey Hey v Ashton Athletic

AFC Blackpool vs West Didsbury & Chorlton

Bacup & Rossendale Borough v Winsford United

AFC Liverpool vs Congleton Town

Colne v Alsager Town

Alsager Town vs Squires Gate

Glossop North End v Nelson

Ashton Athletic vs Bacup & Rossendale

Runcorn Town v Barnoldswick Town

Bootle vs Colne

Silsden v Bootle

Nelson vs 1874 Northwich

Squires Gate v Congleton Town

Runcorn Linnets vs Glossop North End

St Helens Town v Maine Road

Winsford United vs Silsden

West Didsbury & Chorlton v Runcorn Linnets

Thursday 30th April

Liverpool Senior Cup Final

MEN United Cup Final

Skelmersdale United v AFC Liverpool

(1st First Division vs 1st Premier Division)

Monday 20th April 2015

Atherton Colleries vs Glossop North End

Glossop North End v 1874 Northwich

(Played at Curzon Ashton)

Runcorn Town v Nelson

Saturday 9th May

Tuesday 21st April 2015

FA Vase Final

Colne v Runcorn Linnets

Glossop North End vs North Shields

St Helens Town v Silsden

(Played at Wembley)

Winsford United v Maine Road Wednesday 22nd April Bacup & Rossendale Borough vs Bootle Glossop North End vs Runcorn Town

CHAIRMAN’S REVIEW After the 1874 Northwich game, we interviewed Squires Gate chairman Stuart Hopwood. Find out what he has to say about this season.

This time last season, Squires Gate were facing relegation. However, they survived on the last day. Before this season, what were your expectations? Where was you hoping to finish?

Good memories at the end of what was a bad season for us. At the start of the season, I said I wanted a minimum of 1.5 points a game, which would of taken us to 63 points and also to finish in the top half or top third of the table. I’m pleased that we have surpassed it, and we will hopefully build on this season.

In your opinion, who would you say has been the best team this season, based on performances against Squires Gate?

Glossop North End. They’ve also played something like 6 games in 10 days and won 5 of them, drawing once. Fantastic club and best of luck to them in the FA Vase Final.

If you could sign any player for Squires Gate, who would it be and why?

Jack Sowerby. A proven goalscorer at this level.

What has been the greatest game in your time at Squires Gate?

New Mills away in the FA Cup. With 5 minutes to go, we were 2-1 down and certain to be knocked out of the cup. 2 late goals, and we went on to win 3-2.

A few months ago, Jack Sowerby moved to Fleetwood Town. What was your thoughts on the move?

Well, of course it’s good for Jack and his future and hopefully will make a break through into their first team in a few years. It was also good for the club financially, but it poor for the overall team balance. I do wish him all the best for the future though..

If Gate were to finish in the top 6, what would you expect next season? Or is it too early to talk about?

I would hope that we could build on what we have done this season, and would expect a minimum of 6th and to get an average of 2 points a game, which would put us on 84 points and in the top 4.

Overall, are you happy with the team and managers performance?

Yes, definitely. Surpassed all of my expectations at the start of the season, and very impressed with our record. We’ve only lost 7 games and that’s been against the 5 teams above us. We’re yet to lose to any side below us and that’s a great achievement for our club.

Anything else that you would like to add? Any messages to the supporters or staff?

Thank you for your continued support. Many thanks to all the helpers who give their free time to support the club, it has been a great season for us all.

AN INSIGHT ON CONGLETON TOWN FORMED: 1901 MANAGER: MIKE MCDONALD / STEVE HARDY GROUND: IVY GARDENS 2014/15 ADMISSION PRICES: £6 ADULTS (18+), £3 CONCESSIONS, 12 AND UNDER ARE FREE CHAIRMAN: PETER EVANS FAVOURED FORMATION: 4-2-1-2-1 C. ELISON A. LANGFORD

A. ALSTON

R, ANANE

L. JAMES N. HAYNES

S. SEPHTON B. BUCKLEY

P. HUDSON

S.. BARLOW L/ CRELLIN-MYERS

REGISTERED KIT COLOURS:

HOME

AWAY

BIGGEST HOME WIN:

6-1 v Stockport Sports (CSC)

BIGGEST AWAY WIN:

5-1 v Northwich Flixton Villa (CSC)

BIGGEST HOME DEFEAT: 0-4 v AFC Blackpool (League) BIGGEST AWAY DEFEAT: 0-3 v Runcorn Town (League)

CONGLETON TOWN The Hornets played at the Willow Street ground famed in Congleton, and competed in the South Cheshire League and recorded it’s record league win, 10-0 against Audley in the 1897/98 season. Congleton Town Football Club succeeded the Hornets in 1901, playing in the Crewe and District League for four years, the first three of which saw the club lift the League Championship. The Club then moved into the North Staffordshire League in 1905, and won the League Championship in the 1919/20 season. The following year they joined the Cheshire County League, regarded at the time as the best League outside the Football League. The following season they finished runners-up and won the coveted Cheshire Senior Cup in their first appearance in the Final. The Club then suffered a barren spell until the Senior Cup was won again in 1938.

Success after the War did not descend on Booth Street until the 1971/72 season when the Club, now playing in the Mid-Cheshire League, won the League Cup after being runners-up in the League both that season and in the previous season. Three Mid-Cheshire League Championships then came to Booth Street in the 1973/74, 1975/76 and 1977/78 seasons, together with the League Cup and the Cheshire Saturday Cup. Although this was the most successful period of the Club�s history as regards silverware, the truly successful period began in the 1981/82 campaign, when the Second Division of the Cheshire County League was gained on the last game of the season, and Town were narrowly beaten to the Cup by Macclesfield Town. That was the last season of the Cheshire County League before the North West Counties League came into existence. As founder members of this new League, Congleton finished the first three campaigns in mid-table and then were narrowly beaten to the Championship by Clitheroe on goal difference in the 1985/86 season. The Club then had its, application to join the Northern Premier League rejected, but joined the higher league when the First Division of the NFL was formed in 1987.

The early season of 2001/02 saw the club take just 9 points from 17 league matches and early exit from FA Cup and FA Vase. Sean Connor was replaced as manager by Kevin Langley, ex Everton and Man City. The club made a fine revival and had reached virtual safety before Langley’s shock move to Kidsgrove Athletic. Bryan Griffiths took over as manager and gained the points to make safety a certainty and stake a strong claim to keep the manager�s job. He was formally appointed at the end of the season. Gary Bickerstaffe joined him as assistant and in September 2002 he invited Kevin Langley to return as a player and to help with coaching. When Griffiths left to join Rossendale Utd, Kevin Langley was re-appointed as manager and Mark Cox joined to complete an experienced management team.

With promotion missed, a number of players left the club in the summer of 2004 leaving Kevin Langley with the task of rebuilding the side for the 2004/05 campaign. After a poor start and early exits from all major cup competitions, Karl Wilcox replaced Kevin Langley after he resigned in November 2005. In a further twist in an already difficult season, Karl Wilcox resigned after 11 defeats in 12 games. Paul Moore was appointed for the remainder of the season and he guided the team to safety before confirmation of his appointment signalled the start of rebuilding of a side aiming to challenge for honours.

2005/06 started brightly with SSG adding a third year to its already valuable sponsorship, but swift exits from cup competitions were a disappointment. After many changes in personnel, the team settled to end the season with a creditable run in that held promise for 2006/07. The start of a football academy for 6-15 year olds and the introduction of a reserve side were positive steps to help build the teams of the future.

2006/07 saw new sponsors STD Limited, part of the Pallex network, entering a 2-year deal which they then extended a further year.

The supporters trust provided kit for the reserve team. After a steady start to the 2006/07 campaign, Paul Moore left to manage Leek Town and Andy Lee took over the managerial reins as the club strived to maintain continuity. The Bears lifted their first piece of silverware for some time when they won the Mid-Cheshire Senior Cup after defeating Witton Albion 3-0 at Wincham Park. At the end of the season Andy Lee stepped down as he announced a proposed move to Blackpool and Anthony Buckle and Darren Twigg were appointed with the task of rekindling the on-field performances.

Off the field new floodlights were installed and the stand behind the bottom goal was re-roofed. After a reasonable season, despite a poor final run in, both Anthony and Darren stayed with the club and continued to build a side with promotion the target within the next couple of years.

That plan was maintained in 2008/09 as the Bears ended a creditable 4th, just 1 point away from a 3rd place finish. A final run in of just 1 league defeat in the last 20 matches encouraged everyone. With two new key local businessmen, Nick Shatwell and Martin Lenton teaming up to add impetus to the club�s ambition, significant development of the clubs facilities were started.

A redesigned entrance, turnstiles and car park were the first step. Refurbishment of the club house followed and tarmac has been laid in the car park. For the start of 20010/11 the club now has a hospitality suite for sponsors and a new boardroom. With Ant and Twiggy remaining at the helm, they have been busy strengthening the squad for a serious attempt to lift some silverware and to complete the ambition for a return to Northern Premier League football. However, after an indifferent season in 2010/11 the pair tendered their resignation.

2011/12 saw the club jointly managed by Joe Paladino and Adriano Rigoglioso.

Head To Head Record TOP SCORERS

RECORD VS TOP HALF

Alex Murphy

18

Ben Halfacre

19

W

D

L

W

D

L

Mark Buchan

11

Scott Barlow

11

4

8

7

5

3

7

Jake Forshaw

6

Scott McGowan

8

RECORD VS BOTTOM HALF W

D

L

W

D

L

12

7

0

12

4

7

RECORD WHEN SCORING FIRST W

D

L

W

D

L

10

8

3

10

5

7

GAMES SINCE:

10 SEASON RECORD

2

Win

1

1

Home Win

0

2

Away Win

1

0

Defeat

0

0

Home Defeat

4

7

2

Away Defeat

0

9

6

Score Draw

25

1

No Score Draw

32

0

Conceding 1+

0

1 2 3 4 5 6

8

10 11 12 13 14 15

2

Scoring 1+

1

1

Clean Sheet

2

17

3

Back To Back Wins

7

19

16

18

20

1

Gaining A Point

1

0

Losing A Point

0

21 22 04/05

05/06

06/07

07/08

08/09

09/10

10/11

11/12

12/13

GOALS

GOALS CONCEDED

AV. GOALS PER GAME

CLEAN SHEETS

AV. GOALS CONCEDED PER GAME

AV. POINTS PER GAME

GOAL TIMES (SCORED)

GOAL TIMES (SCORED)

HIGHEST HOME ATTENDANCES

HIGHEST HOME ATTENDANCES

Congleton Town The story so far

COMPETITION

DATE

SCORE

LEAGUE

02.08.14

ASHTON ATHLETIC 1-1 CONGLETON TOWN

LEAGUE

05.08.14

CONGLETON TOWN 1-2 RUNCORN LINNETS

LEAGUE

09.08.14

CONGLETON TOWN 4-2 SILSDEN

FA CUP EP ROUND

16.08.14

PARKGATE 1-3 CONGLETON TOWN

LEAGUE

19.08.14

CONGLETON TOWN 2-1 BOOTLE

LEAGUE

23.08.14

CONGLETON TOWN 0-0 SQUIRES GATE

LEAGUE

26.08.14

GLOSSOP NORTH END 0-0 CONGLETON TOWN

FA CUP PRELIM

30.08.14

CONGLETON TOWN 0-0 SALFORD CITY

FA CUP REPLAY

02.09.14

SALFORD CITY 6-4 CONGLETON TOWN (AET)

LEAGUE

06.09.14

BACUP BOROUGH 2-2 CONGLETON TOWN

LEAGUE

16.09.14

CONGLETON TOWN 1-2 1874 NORTHWICH

LEAGUE

20.09.14

BARLICK TOWN 1-3 CONGLETON TOWN

LEAGUE

27.09.14

CONGLETON TOWN 2-0 AFC LIVERPOOL

LEAGUE

30.09.14

CONGLETON TOWN 1-0 RUNCORN TOWN

LEAGUE

04.10.14

MAINE ROAD 0-0 CONGLETON TOWN

LEAGUE

11.10.14

AFC BLACKPOOL 2-1 CONGLETON TOWN

LEAGUE

14.10.14

CONGLETON TOWN 1-1 ABBEY HEY

LEAGUE

18.10.14

CONGLETON TOWN 2-0 ST HELENS TOWN

M.U CUP R2

25.10.14

CONGLETON TOWN 1-4 RUNCORN TOWN

LEAGUE

01.11.14

ABBEY HEY 2-4 CONGLETON TOWN

LEAGUE

04.11.14

WEST DIDSBURY 1-3 CONGLETON TOWN

LEAGUE

08.11.14

CONGLETON TOWN 1-1 ASHTON ATHLETIC

LEAGUE

11.11.14

RUNCORN LINNETS 4-3 CONGLETON TOWN

LEAGUE

15.11.14

CONGLETON TOWN 0-1 WINSFORD UNITED

FA VASE R2

22.11.14

CONGLETON TOWN 0-1 WHITLEY BAY

LEAGUE

29.11.14

CONGLETON TOWN 0-4 AFC BLACKPOOL

LEAGUE

06.12.14

COLNE 1-3 CONGLETON TOWN

LEAGUE

13.12.14

CONGLETON TOWN 3-1 BARLICK TOWN

LEAGUE

20.12.14

BOOTLE 2-1 CONGLETON TOWN

LEAGUE

03.01.15

RUNCORN TOWN 3-0 CONGLETON TOWN

LEAGUE

10.01.15

CONGLETON TOWN 1-3 GLOSSOP NORTH END

LEAGUE

17.01.15

WINSFORD UNITED 3-2 CONGLETON TOWN

LEAGUE

24.01.15

CONGLETON TOWN 1-3 COLNE

CHESHIRE CUP R1

27.01.15

NORTHWICH VILLA 1-5 CONGLETON TOWN

LEAGUE

14.02.15

CONGLETON TOWN 6-2 MAINE ROAD

CHESHIRE CUP R2

17.02.15

CAMMELL LAIRD 1907 1-3 CONGLETON TOWN

LEAGUE

21.02.15

CONGLETON TOWN 2-1 WEST DIDSBURY

LEAGUE

28.02.15

SILSDEN 0-3 CONGLETON TOWN

LEAGUE

07.03.15

CONGLETON TOWN 4-2 BACUP BOROUGH

CHESHIRE CUP SF

10.03.15

CONGLETON TOWN 0-1 NORTHWICH VIC

LEAGUE

14.03.15

ST HELENS TOWN 1-3 CONGLETON TOWN

LEAGUE

21.03.15

NELSON 1-0 CONGLETON TOWN

LEAGUE

28.03.15

CONGLETON TOWN 0-2 ALSAGER TOWN

LEAGUE

06.04.15

ALSAGER TOWN 0-3 CONGLETON TOWN

LEAGUE

11.04.15

CONGLETON TOWN 2-1 NELSON

LEAGUE

14.04.15

1874 Northwich 2-0 Congleton Town

Gate Fixtures in Full Sat 2nd Aug

Bootle

A

1-1

109

6th

League

Tue 5th Aug

Nelson

H

3-0

102

6th

League

Sat 9th Aug

Maine Road

H

3-1

72

6th

League

Wed 13 Aug

Silsden

A

0-0

98

8th

League

Sat 16th Aug

AFC Liverpool

A

0-3

172

N/A

Cup R1Q

Sat 23th Aug

Congleton Town

A

0-0

108

11th

League

Tue 26th Aug

Ashton Athletic

H

1-2

105

15th

League

Sat 30th Aug

New Mills AFC

A

2-3

101

N/A

Cup R2Q

Tue 9th Sep

Barnoldswick Town

H

0-0

65

15th

League

Sat 13th Sep

Bamber Bridge

A

2-2

264

N/A

Cup R3Q

Tue 16th Sep

Bamber Bridge

H

2-3

155

N/A

Cup R3QR

Sat 20th Sep

Alsager Town

H

7-2

55

13th

League

Tue 23rd Sep

Colne

A

3-0

151

16th

League

Sat 27th Sep

Bacup & Rossendale

A

3-4

45

15th

League

Sat 4th Oct

Glossop North End

A

3-2

273

16th

League

Sat 11th Oct

St Helens Town

A

0-0

56

16th

League

Sat 18th Oct

Winsford United

H

2-2

65

16th

League

Sat 25th Oct

Nelson

A

1-3

66

N/A

MUCupR2

Tue 4th Nov

Barnoldswick Town

A

1-3

94

14th

League

Sat 8th Nov

Runcorn Town

A

2-7

97

12th

League

Tue 11th Nov

Ashton Athletic

A

4-0

56

12th

League

Sat 15th Nov

Bootle

H

1-0

85

11th

League

Tue 18th Nov

Colne

H

0-0

82

9th

League

Sat 22th Nov

Maine Road

A

2-3

60

8th

League

Sat 29th Nov

Winsford United

H

1-1

60

N/A

MUCupR3

(6-5) Sat 6th Dec

Silsden

H

2-0

45

7th

League

Sat 20th Dec

Abbey Hey

H

1-1

45

6th

League

Fri 26th Dec

AFC Blackpool

H

1-0

92

7th

League

Sat 3rd Jan

Nelson

A

2-2

125

7th

League

Sat 10th Jan

St Helens Town

H

1-1

65

7th

League

Sat 17th Jan

West Didsbury & Chorlton

H

2-0

52

5th

League

Sat 24th Jan

AFC Liverpool

A

0-0

89

5th

League

Tue 27th Jan

Glossop North End

H

0-2

125

5th

League

Sat 7th Feb

Bacup & Rossendale Borough

H

2-0

55

5th

League

Tues 17th Feb

Glossop North End

A

3-0

148

N/A

MUCUPQDF

Sat 21st Feb

AFC Liverpool

H

2-1

95

4th

League

Sat 28th Feb

Abbey Hey

A

1-2

58

5th

League

Sat 7th Mar

Winsford United

A

0-0

118

5th

League

Tue 10th Mar

Runcorn Linnets

H

1-1

350

5th

League

Sat 21th Mar

1874 Northwich

A

1-1

250

6th

League

Sat 28th Mar

Runcorn Linnets

A

2-0

335

6th

League

Tues 31st Mar

West Didsbury & Chorlton

A

1-2

60

6th

League

Sat 4th Apr

Runcorn Town

H

2-0

75

6th

League

Mon 6th Apr

AFC Blackpool

A

0-0

380

6th

League

Sat 11th Apr

1874 Northwich

H

0-1

205

6th

League

Sat 18th Apr

Congleton Town

H

League

Sat 25th Apr

Alsager Town

A

League

P

W

D

L

F

A

GD

PTS

1

GLOSSOP NORTH END

36

31

3

2

95

18

77

96

2

RUNCORN LINNETS

37

27

8

2

86

36

50

89

3

1874 NORTHWICH

37

24

8

5

82

31

51

80

4

COLNE

37

24

4

9

80

40

40

76

5

ASHTON ATHLETIC

38

20

11

7

67

38

29

71

6

SQUIRES GATE

38

16

15

7

59

41

18

63

7

BOOTLE

37

16

6

13

71

55

16

60

8

AFC LIVERPOOL

39

18

7

15

73

55

18

58

9

CONGLETON TOWN

38

17

7

14

66

55

11

58

10

SILSDEN

37

17

7

14

54

58

-4

55

11

NELSON

37

16

6

15

66

55

11

54

12

WINSFORD UNITED

37

13

10

14

56

57

-1

49

13

ABBEY HEY

38

14

4

20

56

73

-17

46

14

MAINE ROAD

38

12

9

17

50

67

-17

45

15

ALSGER TOWN

38

12

5

21

62

83

-21

41

16

RUNCORN TOWN

36

10

7

19

65

72

-7

37

17

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON

38

11

4

23

52

83

-31

37

18

AFC BLACKPOOL

38

6

9

23

33

76

-43

27

19

BAROLDSWICK TOWN

39

7

6

26

45

97

-42

27

20

ST HELENS TOWN

38

6

4

28

43

114

-71

22

21

BACUP & ROSSENDALE BOROUGH

37

4

6

27

35

92

-57

18

Facts & Stats Squires Gate - last 6 matches until 18.04.15

Congleton Town last 6 matches until 18.04.15

All Competitions

All Competitions

Home

L

W

W

D

W

L

Home

W

W

W

L

L

W

Away

W

D

D

L

W

D

Away

W

W

W

L

W

L

Collated

D

L

W

W

D

L

Collated

W

L

L

W

W

L

At Squires Gate (10)

At Congleton Town (10)

Results

Total

%

Results

Total

%

Squires Gate

4

40

Squires Gate

2

20

Congleton Town

3

30

Congleton Town

5

50

Draws

3

30

Draws

3

30

Goals

Total

Av.PG

Goals

Total

Av.PG

Squires Gate

18

1.80

Squires Gate

8

0.80

Congleton Town

18

1.80

Congleton Town

16

1.60

Overall (20)

On Neutral Ground Results

Total

%

Squires Gate

6

30

Squires Gate and Congleton Town

Congleton Town

8

40

have never played on neutral ground.

Draws

6

30

Goals

Total

Av.PG

Squires Gate

26

1.30

Congleton Town

34

1.70

Records Highest Aggregate Score:

8

Squires Gate

4-4

Congleton Town

Highest Squires Gate Score:

5

Squires Gate

5-1

Congleton Town

Highest Congleton Town Score:

4

Squires Gate

4-4

Congleton Town

Previous Meetings Season 2012/2013

2011/2012

Date

Score

Sat 10 Nov

Squires Gate

1-3

Congleton Town

Sat 18 Aug

Congleton Town

3-0

Squires Gate

Sat 14 Apr

Congleton Town

3-0

Squires Gate

NWCFL FACTS & STATS

MOST PLAYERS USED

AV. ATTENDANCES

CLEAN SHEETS

AV. GOALS PER GAME (ALL COMPS)

TOP SCORERS

HIGHEST ATTENDANCES

GOALS SCORED

AV. GOALS CONCEDED PER GAME (ALL COMPS)

MANCHOPPER AT SQUIRES GATE George Cheetham also known on Twitter as “@ManchopperBlog” is a ground hopper and visits many grounds in non league. He recently visited The Royal British Legion for our game against Runcorn Town on Saturday 4th April. He has wrote an article on his blog about his visit, and here it is!

If Good Friday was dull, wet and miserable over crap fest, then Easter Saturday didn’t really have much to outdo it. But, it started off on a fine note, with sun blazing out over the North West as I sat on the platform at Manchester Oxford Road awaiting my train to Preston. Indeed, I was off to Blackpool to enjoy the sun, but not in the same way that most others making the journey to England’s famous seaside resorts were planning on, oh no. I was off to more entertaining matters…

A 45 minute journey later, I was sat on a sunbaked Preston platform with a 40 minute wait to undertake amongst holiday makers heading to the seaside, or Carlisle. Luckily for me, the rain arrived a good 12 minutes before it’s scheduled departure time and soon I was off down the Fylde coast stops of Kirkham & Wesham, Lytham, St Annes before finally rocking up in the shadow of the Big One, at Squires Gate.

A 30-35 minute stroll later, including passing the sort of open/not open yet Blackpool Airport and I was within the sights of the floodlights of both Gate and their neighbours Wren Rovers. Both grounds run alongside each other, effectively sharing a stand, Wren’s having more cover and looking full of character on the slight glimpse I had of it. But, that’s for another day. Today was all about School Road, The Royal British Legion Stadium. Sadly, I had arrived slightly to late to enjoy the Shovels pub which I had been recommended on Twitter, so it was straight to the ground for me, where I entered for my discounted rate. Upon entry, I was directly behind a couple who enquired about the programmes.

They received the words that no-one wants to hear. “They’re all gone, sold out.” PANIC!!!

Luckily, the programme issue was sorted out by Mark Ashmore who dug out a programme from somewhere, which is very much appreciated as it allows me to say just how good a read it is and how much effort is clearly put into it. Stats, head to head, staff and player articles and in colour. Really good effort. Worth the £1.50, no question.

I have to say that the day was going very much to plan up to about 12 minutes into the game when the ref became ill, gave up the ghost and was replaced by Premier League official Mike Salisbury. This did make my journey home somewhat rushed, as the resulting stoppage was a good 10 minutes or so. But as it was, we were back underway with Gate vs Runcorn Town. A bit about the ground first. School Toad is a real counties style ground, a rickety old place, full of character. It’s position at the end of Blackpool runway is also something different. It features three stands, a bus stop style covered terrace which runs the majority of the Wren Rovers side. Opposite is the clubhouse and another small terrace/seating combo and behind the goal is a small seated stand, which seemed a popular place for the old-timers, who gave out the “banter” to the ill ref. When he made his way off, one stated “Bet you don’t get clapped off often do you?!” When Salisbury was clapped on as a linesman, the ref remarked “Bloody hell, you get clapped back on too!” Refs need love too sometimes! Capacity is only around 1,000.

Soon enough, I was back home after a thoroughly enjoyable day at a thoroughly welcoming club. Great people, and a great welcome is assured at Squires Gate, in the shadow of the Tower and Amusement Park, the best entertainment is sometimes found off the beaten track…

My Squires Gate M.o.M - Harry Dunn My Runcorn Town M.o.M - Chris Lawton Ratings: Game: 5 - Not the greatest of contests.

Ground: 7 - One of those that you’ll like if you like the old, rickety ones.

Fans: 8 - Good natured and some good shouts on the way.

Programme: 8 - One of the better ones for this level, surely.

Food: 9 - A highlight, properly good food. Alternative to fish and chips at Blackpool now?

Value for money: 8 - £10 travel, discount in, £1.50 programme and cheap food. Late cider too.

If you want to read the full article, and enjoyed reading this then go to https://manchopper.wordpress.com/ to see all of his footballing ventures.

There are some great reads!!

BILLY MCKENNA Just like the famous questions on Soccer AM, we asked Gate Midlefield Billy Mckenna questions about his team

Best trainer – Besides myself I’d have to say Fletch, the lads got a great attitude, he wants to learn how to catch and how to kick whilst the rest of us are just learning how to kick.

Worst trainer – Alex McKendrick – only turns up if it’s at the ground. (massive time) Most Skilful – Anderson – cool, calm and collective at the back, throws a cruyff turn in now and again.

The Joker – There’s a good team spirit at the club so it’s hard to single someone out but Ricos a bit of joker but in all the wrong ways!

Fastest – Wingers union have to go with Harry Dunn.

Most Intelligent – No one is intelligent in this team.

Least intelligent – Channy by a mile – gets every training drill wrong and comes out with some of the worst shouts I’ve ever heard.

Worst dress sense – Mark Buchan and his fake cast just so he can wear his bracelet that his girlfriend bought him Worst taste in music – Josh Kay – He hurt everyone’s ears at AFC Blackpool.

Longest in shower – That’s a tough one seeing as are showers are either red hot or freezing cold but I’d have to say Rico, he absolutely loves a shower after a game!

Results Saturday 4th April

Monday 6th April

Saturday 11th April 2015

Glossop North End 2-1 Bootle

Abbey Hey 2-3 Glossop North End

AFC Liverpool 2-0 Silsden

1874 Northwich 6-2 Bacup &RB

AFC Blackpool 0-0 Squires Gate

Bacup &RB 1-1 Maine Road

Colne 0-0 Ashton Athletic

Alsager Town 0-3 Congleton Town Barnoldswick Town 0-2 Glossop NE

Maine Road 1-0 Alsager Town

Ashton Athletic 4-3 St Helens Town

Colne 1-0 Abbey Hey

Nelson 0-3 Abbey Hey

Barnoldswick Town 1-0 Nelson

Congleton Town 2-1 Nelson

Squires Gate 2-0 Runcorn Town

Bootle 1-2 AFC Liverpool

Runcorn Linnets 0-3 Ashton Athletic

WD&C 1-1 Silsden

Maine Road 1-0 WD&C

Runcorn Town 1-2 Bootle

Runcorn Town 1-1 Runcorn Linnets Squires Gate 0-1 1874 Northwich

Winsford United 1-3 !874 Northwich Winsford United 0-1 AFC Blackpool

Form Table As the form table shows, today is set to be a very close game as both sides have picked up around half of the points on offer in the last 6 games. Congleton Town just edge it as they have won more, however Gate have lost less. #

Team

P

W

D

L

F

A

PTS

+/-

FORM

1

1874 Northwich

6

5

1

0

18

4

16

14

DWWWWW

2

Glossop North End

6

5

1

0

11

2

16

9

WDWWWW

3

Colne

6

4

1

1

8

3

13

5

WLWWDW

4

Maine Road

6

3

3

0

6

2

12

4

DWDWWD

5

Ashton Athletic

6

3

2

1

10

6

11

4

DWWDLW

6

Abbey Hey

6

3

0

3

12

9

9

3

LLWWLW

7

Runcorn Linnets

6

2

3

1

9

6

9

3

LDWWDD

8

Congleton Town

6

3

0

3

8

7

9

1

LWWLLW

9

AFC Liverpool

6

3

0

3

5

4

9

1

WLWLWL

10

Squires Gate

6

2

2

2

5

5

8

0

LDWWLD

GATE WIN THE RESPECT AWARD

Picture by Steve McLellan

You can find us on Twitter and Instagram - @squiresgatefc. For the latest news from the club.

Or if you would like the latest programme straight to your phone then follow @HaydeJay.

MARK BUCHAN Just like the famous questions on Soccer AM, we asked Gate forward Mark Buchan questions about his team ma-

Best Trainer: Ben Fletcher

Worst Trainer: Billy “No Show” McKenna Most Skilful: Thommo?

The Joker: Rico. I can’t say what the best prank is though. It’s a bit too explicit for the programme...

Fastest: Harry Dunn.

Most Intelligent: Me. Mr Brain Box. Least Intelligent: Channy!! (Brett Ferguson) Worst dress sense: I would say it’s between Channy and Danny Penswick but seeing as I’ve already mentioned Channy, I’ll give it to Penswick.

But both of their dress senses are horrific.

Worst Taste In Music: Josh Kay, after what he played at the AFC Blackpool game.

Who’s The Longest In The Shower: Macca.

BRAIN TEASER ANSWER THE QUESTIONS BELOW TO REVEAL THE SQUIRES GATE PLAYER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

1. Who is the shortest serving Blackpool manager in their history? Michael __________ 2. Who was the England manager for the 2010 World Cup? Fabio ________ 3. What nationality is Arsenal striker Oliver Giroud? ________ 4. Which championship club is nicknamed the Tractor Boys? _______ Town 5. Who won the FA Cup in 2013? ________ 6. Which Spanish team won the 2003 UEFA Cup? ______ 7. Which Chelsea striker joined from Atletico Madrid last summer? Diego ______ 8. Name of Barnsley’s home ground?

ANSWERS: PENSWICK. 1. Appleton, 2. Capello, 3. French, 4. Ipswich, 5. Wigan, 6. Sevilla, 7. Costa, 8. Oakwell.

Club Information Chairman Stuart Hopwood Secretary John Maguire

BEN FLETCHER

CRAIG ELLISON

ANDREW RICHARDS

ANDREW LANGFORD

CHRIS ANDERSON

ANDY ALSTON

Manager

JACK COOK

ANDY HURST

Dave McCann

JOSH WESTWOOD

ARRON KIRK

ALEX MURPHY

BEN HALFACRE

DANIEL PENSWICK (C)

CHRIS MIDDLETON

HARRY DUNN

CHRIS SMITH

Micky Farrar

BRETT FERGUSON

DANIEL ELLIS

Peter Bryant

ALEX MCKENDRICK

DANNY BRUCE

Steve Bellamy

RYAN RILEY

DECLAN FLETCHER

JAKE FORSHAW

EDER RUIZ

MARK BUCHAN

GEORGE WHITEOAK

ZACH CLARK

GRIFFITH JONES

SHAUN HOLMES

JACK HUNTER

Steve McLellan

BILLY MCKENNA

JAMES KIRBY

Albert Cooper

JOSHUA KAY

JAY BURGESS

Danny Braid

KEIFFER CUNNINGHAM

LEE JACKSON

Mark Ashmore

ASHLEY ROWLEY

LEWIS KILLEEN LIAM CRELLIN-MYERS LOUIS JAMES

MATCH OFFICIALS

Treasurer John Stokes

Assistant Manager Richard Thomas Groundsman Brian Addison

Bar & Hospitality Denise Gibson Emma Hopwood Christine Walsh Media

Programme Editors Daniel Hayden Jay Hayden Twitter

@squiresgatefc

REFEREE

ASSISTANT REFEREES

Matthew Parry

Kieran Johnson Phillip Howard

Instagram @squiresgatefc