Squires Gate V Northwich Vics (FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round)

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

We would like to thank our sponsors for their continued support.

It is very much appreciated. Enjoy the match!

To view all of our available sponsorship opportunities, flick to page 10 or email our Head of Media James Ashton at jamesashton2000@icloud.com

Squires Gate FC Entity Status: Unincorporated

CLUB DIRECTORY President: Brian Addison Club Secretary: John Maguire Committee: Brian Addison, Steve Bellamy, Ian Moore, Micky Farrer, John Maguire Head of Media: James Ashton Media Officer: Jay Hayden Social Media Manager: Dan Hayden Club Photographer: Ian Moore KIT SPONSORS Shirt Sponsors: Central Insurance, Open Recruitment, Taylors Fish & Chips, Global Football Network, Short Sponsor: Marsden Plastering

CLUB MANAGEMENT Manager: Luke Evans Assistant Manager: Andy Baker First Team Coach : Liam Robinson Club Physio: Rhys Daly

TALK OF THE GATE Editors; James Ashton Dan Hayden Jay Hayden Front Cover: Chris Stewart @kitforbrains Printing: Moulton Printing

WELCOME The FA Cup is back! Today we welcome fellow NWCFL Premier Division side, Northwich Victoria to The Brian Addison Stadium as we start a new journey in the historic competition.

FIND US HERE...

As you can see from the front cover, we are excited to welcome FA Cup football back to Blackpool.

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Northwich Vics started their campaign with a 1-0 home defeat to Avro, but at this point in the season, you can’t look too much into any sort of form.

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We’d like to welcome the players, supporters and those involved with Vics and we’d like to thank you for purchasing our matchday magazine. Enjoy the game!

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Squires Gate FC

Dan Hayden

WHAT’S INSIDE

CLUB CONTACT Website: www.squiresgatefc.co.uk Twitter: @squiresgatefc Instagram: @squiresgatefc Email: squiresgatefc@hotmail.com

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#WeAreGate

WANT MORE?

THE GAFFER

20-22 FOOTY BOOK REVIEW

21/22 FA CUP RUN 24-26

MEDIA DIARIES

11

60 SECONDS

28

STAYIN’ ALIVE

12-15

ACTION REPLAY

30

FA CUP IN NUMBERS

16

MATCH-UP

32-33

QUIZ CORNER

17

FOOTYBOOKREVIEW

36

THE TEAMS

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Squires Gate FC

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Good afternoon and welcome to The Brian Addison Stadium for today’s FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round tie between Squires Gate and Northwich Victoria.

players at Northwich Vics. I thought we did well in both our games against Vics last season especially the 1-1 draw at home where, for better finishing, we would have won the game We always love playing in the comfortably.

FA Cup, and it’s a welcome We look ahead to today though break from league action after with both sides having very two defeats from our opening different squads to last season. two league matches. They’ve We need to take the positives both been really frustrating from what we’ve played so far, defeats, especially after taking work on the weaknesses we’ve the lead and starting really displayed and be confident in strongly in both games. our own abilities throughout the Charnock is always a tough home game. place to go, but the manner in which we conceded our goals, just as in the AFC Liverpool game, was just too easy from our point of view. It’s vital that we rectify that straight away so we can get back to winning ways like I know this group is capable of.

Thanks to all those attending today’s game, let’s get another FA Cup run going and improve even further on last year’s record-equalling run. Let’s do this!

Thank you all continued support.

for

your

Gaffer It will be another tough game today, Steve Wilkes always #WeAreGate sets his teams up well and he’s got a really strong group of

THE

LUKE EVANS #WeAreGate

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Squires Gate FC

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FIRST-TEAM SQUAD & MANAGEMENT // SQUIRES GATE FC 2022/23

LUKE EVANS

ANDY BAKER

LIAM ROBINSON

RHYS DALY

NATHAN PENNINGTON

RYAN HOGARTH

JOSH WESTWOOD (C)

ISAAC ABANKWAH

NATHAN BARTRAM

LUKE HOLDEN

DAN SMITH

ALEX WELSH

DAN GRAY

CHRIS WEBSTER

OLLIE BURGESS

ROWAN CHAMBERS

RYAN RILEY

JAMES HUGHES

NATHAN CLIFFE

JAMES BOYD

THEO BALL

OLLY HESFORD

GARY PETT

RYAN POWELL

PRINCE YELEGON

RYAN HOGARTH

After impressing in pre-season, goalkeeper Ryan Hogarth signs and provides competition to Nathan Pennington for the No.1 shirt.

JAMES BOYD

Boydy left us last season, spending time away from football. But the attacker is back and sharper than ever ahead of the new season!

An exclusive look behind the scenes of your favourite non-league club, with info and pictures from our most recent new signings

GARY PETT Former bagsman Gary Pett returns after a couple of years away from football. We can’t wait to see him banging in the goals again!

PRINCE YELEGON

After an impressive loan from Blackpool Academy last season, forward Prince Yelegon joins us on a permanent deal!

GATE’S 2021/22 FA CUP RUN // WORDS BY JAMES ASHTON // @JAMESASH2000

GATE’S 2021/22.

Words

by

James

Ashton First up was a trip to Brocstedes Park on a rainy Saturday in The FA Cup is back! It’s always a August 2021 to face Ashton pleasure to take part in such a Athletic in the Extra Preliminary prestigious competition, and it Round. A fast start to the game always gives off a special saw Gate lead 2-0 within the atmosphere. opening half hour, with goals Ahead of today’s Extra from Josh Westwood and James Preliminary Round tie against Boyd putting Evans’ men in fellow NWCFL Premier Division charge at the break. Gate side Northwich Vics, I’ll be taking continued to dominate, even a look back at Gate’s run in the despite going down to 10-men FA Cup last season, which saw midway through the second half, the club equal its record run in and progressed into the next the competition as Evans’ men round comfortably.

Macclesfield FC. The match saw a record crowd of 738 flock to The Brian Addison Stadium in what proved to be one of the best days in the clubs recent history.

An early goal for the visitors should’ve set the tone, but Kieran Feeney equalised on 11 minutes before Josh Westwood made it 2 in 2 FA cup games to put Gate 21 up. A wonder strike from Aaron Dwyer made it 2-2 before the break, before Macclesfield retook the lead just a few minutes inside the second half.

defied the odds to reach the 2nd Waiting in the Preliminary Round Gate weren't to be stopped Qualifying Round. was a mouth-watering home though, and a brilliant quickfire match against newly-formed double from Dean Ing saw #WeAreGate

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Squires Gate FC

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GATE’S 2021/22 FA CUP RUN // PICS BY IAN MOORE // @OLDBLUEFOX

.FA CUP RUN Gate turn the game on its head once more. James Boyd made it 5-3 just after the hour mark, before Macc pulled another one back. The game was finally decided with 10 minutes to go, as a ridiculous volley from Jack Iley sealed an incredible 6-4 victory for Luke Evans’ men.

the FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round Before the break to go into half tie. time 2-1 up. A third was scored in Those wanting a similar scoreline the second half, and despite a to the previous round may have late penalty scoed by Boyd (won been disappointed, but a second by ‘keeper Mike Hale), Gate half strike from Dean Ing and a bowed out with a recordresolute defensive display from equalling FA Cup run.

Evans’ men saw Gate win the game 1-0 to reach the 2nd Next up was another tough Qualifying Round of the FA Cup game, with fellow Step 5 side, for just the second time in the and eventual winners of the club’s history.

Northern Football League Gate were again drawn at home Division One, North Shields. for the next round, hosting strong

It was a great run for the team, with huge financial boosts for the club at a time when they were desperately needed.

I would love for this new set of lads this year to experience anything like we had in the FA It was another good crowd, with Step 4 side Pontefract Collieries. Cup this year. Let’s do this!

200 people coming through the An early goal from Dean Ing had turnstiles at the Tad-Stad for Gate in dreamland, but the visitors turned the game around

#WeAreGate

#WeAreGate

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Squires Gate FC

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SPONSORSHIP DEALS // GET INVOLVED // @SQUIRESGATEFC For more information, or any questions regarding commercial deals, email our Head of Media James Ashton at jamesashton2000@icloud.com

SOCIAL MEDIA SPONSOR (£1000 for 2 seasons)

DIRECTORS & SPONSORS STAND SPONSORSHIP (2500 for 2 seasons)

PITCH-SIDE ADVERTISING BOARD (£300 first season, £200 p/season

MATCH SPONSORSHIP (£150 per game)

MATCHBALL

SPONSORSHIP (£75 per game)

> Your business logo will be on every single graphic we put on our social media pages > Your business will be mentioned, tagged or displayed in every single post the club puts on social media. > Regular social media posts directing our followers to your website. > A free advertising board worth £300. > 2 Free 2022/23 season tickets (includes matchday hospitality). > A Matchday Sponsorship Package for a game of your choice.

> Your business name & logo proudly displayed across our Directors & Sponsors Stand. > Five Free 2022/23 Season Tickets (worth £400). > Unlimited Social Media inclusion across all of our platforms. > Free room hire of our function room. > Free Match Sponsorship Package (worth £150). > Your business logo, company name and any message or contact details displayed on a 8ft x 2ft Alu Panel Board (All costs included) > Exposure for your business in the local newspaper, media highlights and nationally through visiting fans and the non-league community including FA Cup games. > A Matchball Sponsorship Package > 2 Free 2022/23 Season Tickets (inc. hospitality) > Inclusion on our Sponsors section in our match programme and club website. > Social Media post directing over 10k followers to your website / company > Your business logo will be on every single graphic we put on our social media pages leading up to and during your match. > Your business will be mentioned or tagged in every single post the club puts on social media leading up to and your match. > A social media post directing our followers to your website. > Double Page spread on your business in our Matchday Programme. > 6 Free Tickets including free food, drinks, programmes and hospitality. > Choose the Man Of The Match, with a picture taken and shared with your business tagged on social media.

> Your business logo will be on every graphic we put on our social media pages on your matchday > Your business will be mentioned or tagged in every post the club puts on social media on your matchday. > A social media post directing our followers to your website. > A Page on your business in our Matchday Programme. > 4 Free Tickets including free drinks, programmes and hospitality.

60 SECONDS // PART TWO // DAN GRAY

Your perfect meal deal? (Butty, You can listen to one album on crisps, chocolate & drink) repeat. Which do you pick?

Chicken & Bacon, Galaxy ripple, Ed Sheeran - + Seabrook’s salted & Coke. .

Your go to Maccies order?

Chicken Legend meal - fries & Is a Jaffa Cake, a cake or a strawberry milkshake, it has to be biscuit? large as well.

Biscuit - my mum puts them in our biscuit tin.

Which movie can you quote by heart?

Who would be in your all-time None - I don’t watch movies.

Gate 5-a-side?

Gareth Gray (GK), me, Isaac Sinclair, Webby and Boydy.

Your favourite conspiracy theory?

The pharmaceutical conspiracy Worst piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Not sure - something from Luke Holden

If all the lads took part in Love Island, who would win?

Christopher Webster - great Do you have an embarrassing looking lad who’s absolutely story? shredded.

There’s a video of me walking into our villa in Ibiza naked doing the rounds on social media.

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Squires Gate FC

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30.07.2022 // SQUIRES GATE 1-4 AFC LIVERPOOL // THE BRIAN ADDISON STADIUM

#WeAreGate

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Squires Gate FC

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ACTION

PICTURES BY IAN MOORE // @OLDBLUEFOX // @FYLDEFOX

REPLAY

SQUIRES GATE 1–4 AFC LIVERPOOL

1. PENNINGTON 2. ABANKWAH 3. WELSH 4.GRAY 5. BARTRAM 6. WESTWOOD (c) 7. RILEY 8. WEBSTER 9. BALL 10. CHAMBERS 11. YELEGON

#WeAreGate

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Squires Gate FC

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02.08.2022 // CHARNOCK RICHARD 3-1 SQUIRES GATE // MOSSIE PARK

#WeAreGate

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Squires Gate FC

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ACTION

PICTURES BY IAN MOORE // @OLDBLUEFOX // @FYLDEFOX

REPLAY

CHARNOCK RICHARD 3-1 SQUIRES GATE It was Squires Gate who broke the deadlock though on 19 minutes.

Right-back Isaac Abankwah broke away down the wing, finding Rowan Chambers in the box who finished clinically for his first Gate goal.

The hosts started the second half on top, with an effort inside the first two minutes deflecting into the arms of Hogarth, before the goalkeeper was on hand to deny Carsley a second after he broke in behind the Gate defence.

Two minutes into stoppage time of the first half the hosts were level. A corner was flicked to the back post, where a cross-shot deflected off Haydock and into the top corner.

It was Charnock though who got the all important next goal on 64 minutes, with a pinpoint cross from the right headed into the top corner by Luke Power. Charnock’s third goal killed the Just 5 minutes later, Charnock game off, with the hosts controlling the turned the game on its head to take game and Gate unable to keep any the lead. A ball in the box was consistent possession of the ball. headed back across goal to Brad Carsley, with the clinical striker James Ashton making no mistake from close range #WeAreGate

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Squires Gate FC

1. HOGARTH 2. ABANKWAH 3. WELSH 4. GRAY 5. BARTRAM 6. WESTWOOD (c) 7. RILEY 8. WEBSTER 9. PETT 10. CHAMBERS

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MATCH-UP RREEWWI NI ND D Our previous match at home to Northwich Vics came at the end of last October. Vics forward Carl Grimshaw headed the visitors into the lead on 7 minutes, before a Kieran Feeney strike deflecting off Dean Ing levelled things up for Gate just before the break.

Evans’ men dominated the second half, but despite numerous clear cut chances, the game ended at 1-1.

HEAD-2-HEAD

RECENT FORM

WINS

SQUIRES GATE THE LAST THREE L - 3-1 vs Charnock (A)

3

GOALS SCORED

(2 DRAWS)

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L - 1-4 vs AFC Liverpool (H)

3 W - 3-0 vs Steeton (H)

NORTHWICH VICS THE LAST THREE L 0-1 Avro (H) W - 2-0 Stockport Country (H) L - 0-2 Wittion Alboin (H)

ONES-2-WATCH THEO BALL

MATTHEW BIRCHALL

FOOTBALL BOOK REVIEWS // TROY DEENEY: REDEMPTION. MY STORY // @FOOTYBOOKREVIEW

TROY DEENEY: REDEMPTION MY STORY For me, a great autobiography gives a reader a really authentic, honest insight into the individual and helps them understand that person more. When the subject of the autobiography is particularly complex and nuanced and someone you haven’t necessarily been able to connect with or relate to before, yet you come away from the book with recognition and perspective, that’s all the more telling of a successful autobiography, and in that respect Troy Deeney’s Redemption excels.

Deeney is one of those players that is perhaps largely misunderstood, divisive and dismissed for those without a Watford affiliation and, certainly, I would be guilty of being drawn into this narrative, so I was really intrigued to read this book and came away from it with genuine renewed understanding for Deeney.

Across his career, the Birmingham-born striker has developed, or perhaps rather been tagged with, a persona as something of a rogue, a bit of a pest on the pitch and potentially disruptive off it, but as with any antihero story, there is a backdrop to it all, and Deeney’s is more telling than most in helping readers understand the people, places and events that shaped him, not least a tough upbringing after his biological father abandoned him and his mother and a stepfather not without serious flaws entered his life.

The circumstances of Deeney’s younger years are truly eye-opening and, I think, do a lot to unravel Deeney’s character and personality, his bravado, his

resilience and his tenacity.

underpins the argument that hard work pays off, that good things don’t come He speaks without censor about the easy, that you have to make your own challenges and adversity of his upbring- luck. ing but conversely also with love and appreciation and it’s clear that his early This commitment to hard work, to fight years were both troubling and seminal against the odds, to battle his way to the in shaping, and continuing to shape, top are attributes that have come to him.. define Deeney the footballer as a tenacious, tough, tireless competitor.

Indeed, a large proportion of the book is Qualities that have perhaps often been given over to his life pre-football and used against him, especially by opposieven when football becomes a greater tion fans, yet qualities nonetheless that part of his story, it almost feels should be valued, and qualities that secondary in many ways to everything clearly stem from a tough start else that has happened. Football autobiographies can sometimes get Deeney may be a menace on the pitch, bogged down in the minutiae of training, he may antagonise and rile up defendmatches, dressing-room tales, but ers and fans alike, but being on the having come from where he’s come pitch, working hard to get there, to prove from, having been through what he’s himself, to improve himself, to rise up been through, Deeney’s story is as from the challenges of his birthplace, of much as, if not more so, about the his upbringing, is a success story that journey, rather than the destination. shouldn’t be underestimated. He has his flaws, don’t we all, but what is so That’s not to say, football is not central impressive is that he hasn’t allowed to his life, his passion, but it is part of a them to hold him back. If anything, he much bigger and more significant has channelled them, made the most of narrative. In many ways, this only his attributes and compensated through makes Deeney’s rise to the footballing hard work and determination. He heights all the more miraculous and refused to be defined by disadvantage, impressive. he refused to take the easy route, and that takes incredible conviction and dedHe is the first to admit that he wasn’t ication. necessarily the fastest, most skilful, most talented of footballers, but what he It is easy to see that Deeney’s story lacked in these areas, he made up for could have been a very different one, if in graft, determination and drive. His is not for football and if not for his dedicavery much a success story for the hard- tion to the game, and whether you love working, the underdog, the strong- him or loathe him, reading his story, willed. There is obviously talent there knowing his journey, too, though perhaps underappreciated, but Deeney’s is above all a journey that

FIXTURES & RESULTS // 2022-2023 DATE

VS

KO / RESULT

ATT.

1

2

3

4

5

30 July 22 AFC Liverpool

1-4

68

Pennington

Abankwah

Welsh

Gray

Bartram

2 Aug 22

Charnock Richard

3-1

220

Hogarth

Abankwah

Welsh

Gray

Bartram

6 Aug 22

Northwich Vics (FA CUP E.P.)

15:00

10 Aug 22 Irlam

19:45

13 Aug 22

15:00

Litherland REMYCA

17 Aug 22 Padiham

19:45

23 Aug 22

15:00

Prestwich Heys

27 Aug 22 Easington Collieries (FA V Q1)

15:00

30 Aug 22

Bury AFC

19.45

03 Sep 22

Wythenshawe Town

15:00

07 Sep 22

Ashton Athletic

19:45

10 Sep 22

Northwich Vics

15:00

14 Sep 22

Barnoldswick Town

19:45

17 Sep 22

Vauxhall Motors

15:00

21 Sep 22

Longridge Town

19:45

01 Oct 22

Winsford United

15:00

08 Oct 22

Wythenshawe Town

15:00

15 Oct 22

Cleator Moor Celtic (MACRON R1)

15:00

22 Oct 22

Charnock Richard

15:00

26 Oct 22

Avro

19:45

29 Oct 22

Irlam

15:00

05 Nov 22

Winsford United

15:00

09 Nov 22

FC Isle Of Man

19:45

19 Nov 22

Bury AFC

15:00

26 Nov 22

West Didsbury & Chorlton

15:00

03 Dec 22

Congleton Town

15:00

10 Dec 22

Kendal Town

15:00

17 Dec 22

Ashton Athletic

15:00

26 Dec 22

Burscough

15:00

07 Jan 23

Barnoldswick Town

15:00

14 Jan 23

Lower Breck

15:00

21 Jan 23

Congleton Town

15:00

28 Jan 23

FC Isle Of Man

15:00

04 Feb 23

Northwich Vics

15:00

11 Feb 23

Avro

15:00

18 Feb 23

Longridge Town

15:00

25 Feb 23

Litherland Remyca

15:00

04 Mar 23

West Didsbury & Chorlton

15:00

11 Mar 23

AFC Liverpool

15:00

18 Mar 23

Kendal Town

15:00

25 Mar 23

Prestwich Heys

15:00

01 Apr 23

Vauxhall Motors

15:00

10 Apr 23

Burscough

15:00

15 Apr 23

Lower Breck

15:00

22 Apr 23

Padiham

15:00

YELLOW CARD

RED CARD

SUBSTITUTE 1

SUBSTITUTE 2

SUBSTITUTE 3

SUBSTITUTE 4

HOME FIXTURES IN BOLD

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SUB

SUB

SUB

SUB

SUB

Westwood

Riley

Webster

Ball

Chambers

Yelegon

HOLDEN

Boyd

Burgess

Powell

Hughes

Westwood

Riley

Webster

Pett

Chambers

Hughes

Cliffe

Yelegon

Burgess

Hesford

Ball

NORTHWICH VICS LAST SEASON Premier Division: 5th FA Cup: Preliminary Round FA Vase: 1st Qualifying Round

A BRIEF HISTORY OF VICS…

team produced some fantastic performances, eventually finishing outside the bottom three.

Northwich Victoria were formed in 1874 and named in honour of the reigning monarch, Queen Victoria. The following year the club established themselves at the Drill Field, so named, as it was the former Drilling Ground of the 22nd Company of the 3rd battalion of the Cheshire Rifle Volunteers.

The club claimed their first league scalp for 17 years defeating Bury at the Drill Field in a first round replay, before turning a 2-0 deficit against Leyton Orient into a 3-2 lead before a late equaliser earned the Londoners a replay at Brisbane Road, a game which they in turn won 3-2 after extra time having trailed the Vics' 2-0,a thrilling Before joining the national elite match screened live on Sky TV . however, Vics' name had been on the tips of the nation’s In September 2004 the club went tongues following the remarkable into administration and suffered a FA Cup run in 1976/77. Five 10 point deduction. However, years on, Vics' sampled further against all the odds current FA Cup glory under the manage- manager Steve Burr and his ment of Keith Alexander. #WeAreGate

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However due to a technicality in the club administration Vics suffered their first relegation since the foundation of the conference league & started the 2005/2006 season in the conference north.

Season 2016 - 2017, change and stability allowed Northwich Victoria to start to build its base back up and its community status within the town and a season playing at Barnton FC allowed ensured the club could start to rebuild and this also saw the appointment of Steve Wilkes as its manager who would guide them forward.

Squires Gate FC

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JAN MCPHERSON

THE NUMBER CRUNCHER

How long have you played for Northwich Vics?

I signed this summer, after a successful pre season.

2021/22 STATS

W

Where have you previously played in your career?

I have played for different clubs growing up including the juniors, Hartford, then being older playing for rivals Witton Albion, Airbus, Macclesfield, as well as a local charity team.

Your all time Vics 5 a side?

Ben Connett, Junior brown, Wayne Riley, Carlos Roca, Johnny Allan, my favourite players growing up when I used to go and watch with my Dad.

What is your matchday routine? Any superstitions?

For my routine, I wake up, I have 3 Weetabix for breakfast then for dinner before I leave I always have beans on toast. I do some stretches and make sure everything is packed in my bag which I will need.

QUICK FIRE Your perfect meal deal?

Chicken and bacon sub roll, bottle of water and a Mars bar.

Worst banter at the club?

Joe Cammozzi, he’d kill me if I said him, he’s one of the funniest to be fair!

If you were all to go in the I'm a Celebrity jungle, who would back out of the challenges?

Jacko, he loves the gym, but I reckon he’s proper soft with stuff like that.

L

GF

GA

19 6 15 74 64

Who has been the toughest opposition, and player you have faced in your career?

I have played a few tough teams as well as players in my career, but I enjoyed playing in Hull against a Hull City past and present team, with the likes of Michael Dawson, Dean Windass, Bryan Hughes, they made it look effortless..

3 players from the Championship that you'd sign for Vics?

Max Aaron’s from Norwich, Ben Brereton from Blackburn, Ismaila Sarr from Watford.

D

YEAR FORMED

YEARS IN PREM DIV

TWITTER FOLLOWS

1874

5

9.3K

2017

2-3

1,273

YEAR CURRENT BOSS STEVE WILKES WAS APPOINTED

THE AGGREGATE SCORE BETWEEN THE TWO CLUBS LAST SEASON

INSTA FOLLOWS

GATE RECORD VS VICS

P

W

D

L

8

3

2

3

F

A

14 12

MEDIA MEMOIRS

FROM THE AWAY PRESS BOX // JAMIE DEWSBURY

Brandon Barski - CB Vics’ current longest serving player; Mr.consistent, can count on one hand the amount of bad games he has had in nearly 6 seasons. Strong in the tackle and very good in the air. Has everything you need in a centre half and can pop up with a crucial goal or too as well. Great pro, again like Dave; never lets the club down and legendary status is almost certainly secured for Bran.

FROM THE AWAY PRESS BOX JAMIE DEWSBURY First of all, why Northwich Vics? What encouraged you to start supporting the club?

I started supporting the Vics’ at around 5/6 years old. When i was growing up, the ground (the famous Drill Field) was only 3/4 mile from where I lived so it was a great option to watch football locally. Also loved playing football in the local field by my house, so all fitted in nicely. That was in the 1982/3 season.

What are your expectations for the new season?

Hopefully to earn a promotion place after finishing 5th & 4th in the last 2 completed seasons. (The two in between were obviously curtailed by the covid pandemic).

A good cup run in either the F.A Vase or F.A Cup (or both!) would not go amiss either.

Ken Jones - CB and captain - Vics’ biggest legend. Long serving & elegant defender who also did the rough and tough stuff well.

Captained the Vics’ to the F.A Trophy in 1984 in our finest hour after also leading us to the final the year before Vs Telford Utd when we were quite unfortunate to lose.

Brian Butler - central midfielder. Had absolutely everything you would want to see but we should have won with the chances in a midfielder. A tireless worker; left that we created and spurned during the everything out on the pitch. Box to box, game; or at least earned a point. But we did scorer of a fair few goals too and had a great play well in large spells, just the finishing range of passing to boot. touch in the final third was lacking. So a lot Malcolm O’Connor - Striker. One of my to build on. favourite ever players; a scorer of over 150 Who is the one to watch for Gate’ fans goals for us in just over 320 appearances - a scorer of different types of goals, tap-in’s, today?

I’d say wide-man Liam Martin. An industri- long range shots, free-kicks, headers. Ran ous forward, honest player, quite pacy - his blood to water off the ball too. A always has a trick or two up his sleeve and manager’s dream. Also still pops down to dove-tails well with his fellow forwards. our games like Dave Ryan.

F.A Cup now - What is your most memorable F.A Cup match, for Vics’ and in general?

Probably has to be the first round proper win Vs then League one side (top of the league at that time) Charlton Athletic in 2009. Won 1-0 but largely dominated the game and Vics’ Vs Gate is usually a closely contest- should have won by more. Main highlight is ed game. With Gate off to a rough start, winning the F.A Trophy in 1984 beating do you fancy Vics to pick up the win Bangor City after a replay at Stoke following today? a draw at Wembley. Heady days !

That’s what worries me! You have had some bad results, but bad form has to stop Your all time 5 a side Vics’ squad? somewhere, and the F.A Cup always brings Dave Ryan (GK) - over 700 appearances for out the best in players no matter what level the Club and a two time Wembley appearof the football. ance maker for the club in 1983 & 1984.

Famously scored a goal at Altrincham in a We had a narrow defeat last Saturday 30th league game! The ultimate professional too; July in our only game of the season (league never let the Club down and is still a visitor opener) so far - one nil at home to Avro FC; to our games to this day.

Very difficult choices to make, agonised over this for ages.

Have you ever visited Squires Gate before? What did you think of your visit?

I have been several times. Lovely set-up with nice people running the Club and behind the scenes. Tony Jo your ex-chairman was such a nice man and it was a terrible loss for your Club; and to the non-league community in general. A sad loss. Had the pleasure of sharing his company several times. Sorely missed.

Score prediction?

I’m obviously hoping for a win; but I think the spoils will be shared this afternoon in a 1-1 stalemate. Unfortunately I won’t be here as I’m at my sister’s wedding but I wish you all the best here (after today of course) haha.

MEDIA DIARIES // CHARLIE FLETCHER // PONTEFRACT COLLIERIES

MEDIA DIARIES

CHARLIE FLETCHER So Charlie, welcome back to Talk Of The Gate! You featured in our last FA Cup match, which was against Pontefract Collieries.

For those who missed the interview, could you tell us how you got involved with the club, and what is your role?

Hi Dan, thanks for having me back! I got involved with Pontefract Collieries about 10/11 years ago now. My uncle runs the football club and I started by helping out in the Tea Bar serving drinks and snacks. I’ve done many a role since and took over the social media and website in 2015/16. Since then our socials and website input has improved and are looking to continue that moving forward!

I'd definitely say you have one of the stand out social media outputs for this step of non league. The graphics especially are consistently effective.

What do you think makes a good social media platform for a non league club? Are there any that inspire you?

I just think it’s a matter of being simple and effective, non league is about hitting audiences for all.

So social media is no different, if you keep your content clear and easy to read and gather the information you need it will be successful.

Then I think being able to keep with what’s going on around you and you won’t go far wrong. I get most of my inspiration from other clubs, then being able to put my own twist on it and I think that’s the best way to do it.

I think that's the key to any non league social media platform, taking ideas and piecing it together to create something authentic. It's great to see 20 or so of us throwing our ideas in to the groupchat. Moving on, how do you prepare your matchday content? Do you have a specific routine?

I like to get a few designs ready and prepared in the week and get those out dependant on how the fixture list is.

This year I’ve also taken on programme creating and editing so that plays a big part, but it’s mainly just getting info out for fans.

As you are a Leeds fan. A second (or third?) season in the Prem now. How are you feeling ahead of kick off this weekend?

Into our third season back now, I’m really not sure. The last preseason game I saw, our new signings looked bright which is a positive but we’ve lost two really mega players for us. Be interested to see how we fair, but I’ll put us down to win opening day!

AWAY THE LADS // PART ONE // CHARNOCK RICHARD

Words by Dan Hayden Away days are back, and on paper it was “supposed” to be a nice short trip to our fellow Lancastrians, Charnock Richard.

More on that later…

After a finishing work at 5 I picked up James, my mum (Helen) and nan who is up from London for the month, and was excited for her first ever Squires Gate away day. A quick pit stop at mine to get changed into my Squires Gate polo and we were off down the M55.

Me and James were having a chat about Kendal Calling which we had got back from on Monday and giving our opinions on the bands that we saw. For those that are interested, my top 3 bands for the weekend were: 1.

The Vaccines 2.

Scouting For Girls 3.

The Snuts / The Wombats

Anyway, back onto Charnock Richard away...

topic.

We arrived at the ground just before 7pm, and started putting together our content for the social media channels before heading across the road to grab a quick drink.

After the disappointment of returning from the clubhouse to the news that there were no pies left, I settled for the ham butties that my mum had got from the hospitality - one of the best butties in the league by the way!

We met up with fellow Gate fan A good ratio of ham to butter.

Carl, and had a brief chat ahead of the game, discussed the line Just the one goal in the second ups and our potential trip to the half, and considerable amount of Isle of Man at the end of stoppage time due to Nathan January. getting a head injury - (glad he has recovered well now) but it After re-entering the ground, I wasn’t enough as Gate fell to a decided against having a pie second consecutive defeat. despite James offering to buy it for me - I regretted this later on After waiting for James to finish as they had sold out! his post match interview with the Gaffer, we headed back to Gate started the game on the Blackpool via a quick Maccies pit front foot, taking an early lead stop. The usual order for me; 20 before the referee went down chicken nuggets, 2 large fries injured, and the guy asked over and a chicken mayo without the the tannoy whether there was a mayo. Does anyone else dip qualified referee in the stands. A nuggets in their milkshake or is it crucial turning point in the game just me? for us, as we soon found ourselves behind at the break.

Away days are back! Litherland REMYCA up next...

AWAY DAY REVIEWS // CHARNOCK RICHARD // DAN HAYDEN

AWAY DAY

REVIEWS STADIUM

FOOD & DRINK

Having visited Charnock previously, I definitely rate the ground as one of my favourites. A great pitch, which had just been resurfaced; a couple of roofed stands; and a pub across the road.

As I was a bit late in buying a meat and potato pie this time round, I’m going to have to go off previous experiences. There were a good amount of options, and last time the pie was decent.

For me, I have to knock a couple of points off due In terms of drink, they had Birra Moretti and Dark to having to go across the road at half time for a Fruits on tap. If only the bar was located in the drink and as a result, missing some of the second ground…. half.

SCORE: 7/10

SCORE: 5/10

PROGRAMME

HOSPITALITY

A full colour 28 page programme which had all the necessary content. I liked the design, but there was nothing that really stood out from memory in terms of articles.

Although me and James didn’t actually go into hospitality this time round, my mum and nan did so I asked for their score. From what I remembered, they got their ham butties spot on and I was right.

It was a solid effort in all fairness. Smart, and However, apparently there was no cakes which consistent with it’s design. Worth the £2. means a couple of marks lost on this one!

SCORE: 6/10

JOURNEY As much as we can’t really fault Charnock for the journey, it still was part of the away day, and the journey home was a nightmare. A standstill on the M55 and eventually got home at 1am - from Leyland!

Also, how many mini roundabouts does a place need!?

SCORE: 1/10

SCORE: 7/10 Our next away game is Litherland REMYCA, so we will have a full review from a member of our media team from that trip in the Padiham programme.

Please note: These are only the views of the media team, and not those of Squires Gate FC.

RATING: 26/50

STAYIN’ ALIVE: THE ULTIMATE PREMIER LEAGUE SURVIVAL GUIDE // TOM HANCOCK

STAYIN’ ALIVE THE ULTIMATE PREMIER LEAGUE SURVIVAL GUIDE What is the successful formula to avoiding relegation as a newly promoted team in the Premier League?

With the gap between the top tiers of English football seemingly wider than it’s ever been, the fight for Premier League survival among promoted teams can feel like a season-long affair these days.

The previous new boys to do so were the 2018-19 Wolves’ side – who returned to the top flight in style, racking up 57 points (the most by a promoted side in 18 years) to come seventh.

BEST POINTS TALLIES FOR NEWLY PROMOTED TEAMS AFTER FIVE GAMES

This time around, Fulham, 13 Points Bournemouth and Nottingham Nottingham Forest in 1994-95 (3rd) Forest will attempt to bridge the chasm, and they’ll know as well 11 Points as anyone that it won’t be easy – Blackburn Rovers in 1992-93 (4th) but they might be able to learn some lessons about what (not) to 10 Points do from the fates and fortunes of Bolton Wanderers in 2001-02 (16th) promoted sides in previous West Ham United in 2005-06 (9th) campaigns.

SET YOUR STALL OUT

Conversely, only one team has survived having failed to put a point on the board in their first four outings following promotion: 2012-13 Southampton – who lost to Manchester City, Wigan, Manchester United and were drubbed 6-1 by Arsenal, before eventually getting off the mark by beating Aston Villa 4-1.

Last season, Norwich made the third-worst start in Premier League history – and the outright worst by a promoted team – losing their opening six matches.

As is customary for the yo-yo club laureate, they were relegated – finishing bottom.

One team has stayed up after an even poorer start, though: Crystal Palace, who suffered seven 9 Points Portsmouth in 2003-04 (13th) straight defeats at the start of Reading in 2006-07 (8th) 2017-18 (without scoring a single Newcastle United in 2017-18 (10th) goal) – four under Frank de Boer then three under Roy Hodgson, 8 Points who miraculously guided them to Middlesbrough in 1998-99 (9th) 11th in the end.

In 30 Premier League seasons, none of the 14 promoted teams to collect eight or more points from their opening five games Hull City in 2008-09 (17th) have gone straight back down. A good start tends to equal a good West Ham United in 2012-13 (10th) Which of the latest promoted trio Leicester City in 2014-15 (14th) campaign (shocker, right?). looks likeliest to fly out of the Huddersfield Town in 2017-18 traps, then?

(16th) Brentford secured the magic Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2018 eight points from their first five -19 (7th) Well, on paper, Bournemouth fixtures last term – marking their Brentford in 2021-22 (13th) appear to have the hardest earlyPremier League debut in style season schedule: they play Aston with a famous 2-0 home win over Villa (home), Man City (away), Arsenal – and went on to finish Arsenal (home), Liverpool (away) 13th, eight points clear of the and Wolves (home), whose drop zone. average final position in 2021-22 was 6.4.

STAYIN’ ALIVE: THE ULTIMATE PREMIER LEAGUE SURVIVAL GUIDE // TOM HANCOCK Fulham come up against five teams with an average 2021-22 final placing of 7.8, facing Liverpool (home), Wolves (away), Brentford (home), Arsenal (away) and Brighton (home). Likewise Forest, who take on Newcastle (away), West Ham (home), Everton (away), Tottenham (home) and City (away).

Let’s be honest, we’re splitting hairs a bit here; those are all tough starts, with each side encountering at least one of last term’s top two plus at least one of third to fifth.

It’s certainly hard to envisage all three promoted sides winning on the opening weekend of the campaign. The last time that each newly promoted team won their first game in a top-flight season was way back in 195859, when West Ham United and Blackburn Rovers both enjoyed victories away from home against Portsmouth (2-1) and Newcastle (5-1) respectively.

STICK OR TWIST How important is sticking to the style that earned you promotion when it comes to making it stick in your first season (back) in the Premier League?

Of the last 15 promoted teams, none have fiddled with their approach as little as Brighton.

Enroute to amassing 93 points as Championship runners-up in 2016-17, the Seagulls averaged 2.95 passes/sequence and had a median (which we’ve used to prevent extreme values giving a

skewed average) direct speed of 1.54 metres/second. In their first Premier League campaign – which they safely navigated to finish 17th – those figures decreased by 0.03% and increased by 0.02% respectively. Manager Chris Hughton’s thinking seemed to be, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.

In 2019-20, Marcelo Bielsa surprised no one by continuing to uphold the very footballing philosophy which saw him nicknamed El Loco.

Not only did that mean Leeds – back in the top flight for the first time since 2003-04 – topped the league for sprints per game (170), distance sprinted per game (2.91 kilometres) and passes per defensive action (9.3), but they also profiled very similarly stylistically to how they did their Championship titlewinning campaign – going from an average of 3.34 passes/ sequence to 3.46, and from a median direct speed of 1.65 m/s to 1.61.

At the other end of the spectrum, we find 2020-21 West Brom, and last term’s Norwich and Watford.

All three sides diverged from the possession-based game which had got them promoted – and all three crashed and burned in the Premier League, with West Brom and Watford finishing 19th and Norwich bottom of the pile.

Some level of stylistic shift can be necessary, but the numbers suggest that these teams went a bit too far: West Brom’s average passes/sequence went down by 0.65, Watford’s by 0.66 and Norwich’s by a fairly dramatic 0.90.

Of course, the fact that all three made a change in the dugout (in Watford’s case, two changes) during the season probably played its part…

So, what should we expect from Fulham, Bournemouth and Forest as they try to make the transition to the top flight?

FA CUP IN NUMBERS // @FACupFactfile

FA CUP IN NUMBERS The historic competition arrives at The Brian Addison Stadium, as Squires Gate represent the Fylde Coast in the Extra Preliminary round.

Here is a look at the 2022/23 extra preliminary round of the FA Cup in numbers. A massive thank you to @FACupFactfile for the stats.

732 208 11 The total number of clubs involved in the 2022-23 FA Cup, the amount that the FA plan to become the permanent number of entries each season based on Levels 1 to 9 in the newly revised Football Pyramid.

125 Chatham Town are competing in the FA Cup for the 125th time this season. Other clubs starting out in this earliest round also celebrating competition milestones are: Bideford FC and Westbury United (both in 75th campaign), Evesham United, Mangotsfield United, Newhaven FC and Potton United (all 50th), and Cowes Sports, Hassocks FC, Ramsbottom United, Tavistock FC, Walsall Wood, Whickham FC and Yaxley FC (all 25th).

The competition record number of ties in this season’s Extra Preliminary Round involving 416 nonleague clubs.

3 The number of Step 6 clubs facing opponents two levels above them in the Extra Preliminary Round: New Mills travel to Ossett United, Folland Sports visit Larkhall Athletic, and Brixham FC are hosted

by Tavistock FC.

5 Of the 95 Step 4 clubs involved in the Extra Preliminary Round at least five are guaranteed to be knocked out.

The number of clubs from Level 10 (Step 6) in the Football Pyramid involved in this season’s FA Cup.

13 23

9

All eyes really should be on Faversham Town versus Colliers Wood United in the hope of witnessing a repeat of when they last met in the FA Cup 15 years ago where they shared 13 goals in total with Colliers Wood United running out 7-6 winners.

With a combination of just nine letters in their names, Irlam FC versus Avro FC equals the joint shortest named tie in FA Cup history.

78

60

Conversely, 78 clubs involved in this year’s Extra Preliminary Round have actually appeared in the ‘Proper’ Rounds of the competition in the past, with Sheffield FC, Northwich Victoria, Glossop North End and Chatham Town all actually having gone as far as the last eight in the past, admittedly all more than 100 years ago. It requires as many victories as the eventual winners of the competition.

The ties involving clubs that have met each other in the FA Cup before, including 7 pairs of clubs who last met in the competition just last season. Broadbridge Heath will be most keenest to avenge last season’s defeat having gone down 6-2 against Littlehampton Town.

Brixham FC are one of 23 clubs yet to register an FA Cup victory, although nine of them are participating in the competition for the first time: Bury AFC, Golcar United, Worcester Raiders, Darlaston Town (1874), Shefford Town and Campton, Buckhurst Hill, Hilltop FC, Roffey FC, and Midhurst and Easebourne.

61 Carlisle City return to the FA Cup after a 42 year gap, whilst Sheringham FC participate in the competition again 61 years after last doing so. Only 20 other clubs have had a longer gap between FA Cup games. Sheringham coincidentally travel to March Town United upon their return having faced March GE United in their original FA Cup game 96 years ago.

IT’S COME HOME // CONGRATULATIONS LIONESSES // DAN HAYDEN

IT’S COME

HOME! Words by Dan Hayden For the first time in my lifetime, England have won a major tournament - beating Germany in the final. A remarkable moment for our Lionesses, and it’s so good to see the womens team get the recognition they deserve.

It’s great to see womens football on the up, and gaining an interest and long may it continue. We have numerous clubs here on the Fylde Coast - Fleetwood Wrens, She’s told me stories of how she AFC Fylde, Blackpool who would used to play in her garden as a all appreciate any support they kid, go to training sessions, get so give it a go! played every Sunday. When As my partner plays for her local Chloe Kelly netted in extra time, Congratulations, Lionesses! As a side, as well as previously you could see how much it country, we can be proud of a football team again.

An playing for Stockport County meant. inspiration to the younger reserves, I have seen how much desire and passion she plays We were actually at Kendal generation. with and her knowledge of the Calling when the game was game is far better than most of being played and one of her my lad mates. Most of the time, I favourite bands were on at the find myself asking her questions same time; however, she insistfor the full03 120 Squires Gate FC about the#WeAreGate City tactics or she will ed on staying squiresgatefc.co.uk @squiresgatefc @squiresgatefc minutes… be fuming about a Guardiola Last Sunday 87,192 people were at Wembley to see Leah Williamson lift the European Championship for the first time, as well as millions of people at home. It’s refreshing to see so many people start to acknowledge the womens game.

decision. She’s a City fan and has been since she was about 6 - yes, she did enjoy that cup final win over Watford very much.

Which Premier League season are these shirts from?

Wordsearch CHAMBERS BOYD YELEGON HOLDEN CLIFFE

Tad-Stad Trivia 1.

Who won last weekend’s Community Shield?

2.

Who scored the winning goal in Sunday’s Women’s EURO Final?

3.

What score was Blackpool vs Reading last Saturday?

4.

Who scored Squires Gate’s only goal in last weekend’s defeat to AFC Liverpool?

5.

Which three teams got relegated from the Premier League last season?

Match The Nationality

Spot The Ball

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QUIZ CORNER ANSWERS SHIRT SEASON: 2004/05 SPOT THE BALL: A TRIVIA: 1. Liverpool 2. Chloe Kelly 3. Blackpool 1-0 Reading 4. Theo Ball 5. Norwich, Watford & Burnley NATIONS: Cucurella - Spain Diaz - Columbia Emerson - Italy Martial - France Allan - Brazil

YOUR SCORE

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