Squires Gate v Congleton Town

Page 1

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Squires Gate FC Entity Status: Unincorporated
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

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

Social MediaManager: Dan Hayden

Club Photographer: Ian Moore

Media Officer: Jay Hayden

Media Assistant: George 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

U23’S Manager: Josh Strachan

Good evening, and welcome to The Brian Addison Stadium for tonight’s game against Congleton Town. A huge welcome to our away supporters, and committee this evening who provided a very welcoming hospitality whenwevisitedearlierintheseason.

It’s February, and we have only played once at home this year, with our MACRON Cup tie against Wythenshawe Town being postponed and then reversed. We have programmes from that game available behind the bar for just £2 should you wish to purchase another content-filledprogramme.

We hope you enjoy our matchday magazine, and make sure you follow our account - @ToTG_SG.

TALK OF THE GATE

Editors; James Ashton

Dan Hayden

Jay Hayden

Front Cover: Chris Stewart

@kitforbrains

Printing: Moulton Printing

CLUB CONTACT

Website: www.squiresgatefc.co.uk

Twitter: @squiresgatefc

Instagram: @squiresgatefc

Email: squiresgatefc@hotmail.com

WELCOME WHAT’S INSIDE WANT MORE? FIND US HERE... #WeAreGate squiresgatefc.co.uk @squiresgatefc 03 Squires Gate FC @squiresgatefc @squiresgatefc @squiresgatefc squiresgatefc.co.uk
Enjoythegame! DanHayden 4 GAFFER 24-25 CL COMEBACKS 8 ALEX WELSH 26-27 AWAY DAYS 12-15 ACTION REPLAY 28 STATS YOUR LOT 16 MEDIA DIARIES 30-31 QUIZ CORNER 20-21 CONGLETON TOWN 32 TEAMS 22 TOM POPE SquiresGateFC @squiresgatefc

Good afternoon and welcome to The Brian Addison Stadium for tonight’s game against Congleton Town. A very warm welcome to ourvisitorstonight.

I’d like to thank those who made the trip to Isle of Man on Saturday, and I hope you went home pleased with the performance that the lads put in. It was great to see such a good turn out for a club of our size and I cannot thank you enough for attending.

We also face FC St Helens in the quarter finals of the MACRON Cup so it would be great to see as many people get behind the boysaspossible.

In the last game against today’s visitors, Nathan put on a superb performance in net and deservedly got Man of theMatch.

We’ve now won two on the bounce and I hope we can continue the momentum going forward, after a period of quite a few away gamesinarow.

Most importantly, I’d like to thank you for your continuedsupport.

LUKE EVANS

#WeAreGate squiresgatefc.co.uk @squiresgatefc 04 Squires Gate FC @squiresgatefc THE

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FIRST-TEAM
GARY PETT CALLUM SANDLE NATHAN CLIFFE CALLUM SANDLE CLIFFE RYAN MOORE CHRIS WEBSTER
#WeAreGate

Q&A ALEX WELSH

Welshy! You’re our ‘Cover Star’ for today’s programme! Are you looking forward to the match?

Yes, excited for the match today! Hopefully we can pick up all 3 points with a strong performance.

We face a tricky test in Congleton Town this evening, what are you expecting from our visitors? Yeah, Congleton are a really solid and well organised team. Hard to break down and fight for every ball. We know their strong areas so hopefully we can stop them playing how they want as much as possible.

You joined Gate in the summer of 2021 and have been a strong addition to the club both on and off the pitch - how have you settled in and enjoyed your time at Gate so far?

Loved every minute at gate so far! I wasn’t sure how it was going to go for me when I first came as I was travelling a further distance than before and I was going up a couple of leagues so I knew it would be more of a challenge for myself.

But with everyone being so friendly and welcoming it was a no brainer for me to stay.

It’s been a bit of a mixed bag so far this season, but lots of positives to take into the second half of the campaign - are you happy with how the season’s gone so far?

Yes been a bit of a strange season for us to be honest with you. Had a bit of a slow start to the season but then went on a great run of not losing in 10 games and went on a good run in the vase which we were all gutted to get knocked out of.

Obviously of late we have been struggling with form but picked up a class win against high flying Wythenshawe in the macron cup last week, which I thought we played brilliant as a team and thoroughly deserved the win! I am happy with how the season is going, we know where we need to improve and hopefully we can finish the second half of the season on a high note.

How do you feel this season’s squad differs to the one you played in last season?

I think the difference between this seasons squad and last seasons squad was the amount of ins and outs we had last year. We lost quite a few players last season fairly early on for different reasons

And sometimes that can just unsettle things. Where as this season we have all stuck together and Luke has shown his trust in us to keep us all on board which has been ideal as there is a great feel around the place.

Squires Gate have a growing fan base, as well as a strong social media presence. Has the support this season both at matches and online given the squad a boost?

The support this season has been class from the very first game. Especially away days, we’ve done a lot of travelling so far such a Newcastle, Emley, Isle of Man and all the other teams that are a fair distance from us in the league.

It gives you that extra boost when you see the travelling fans come to support you, especially on a cold Tuesday night! It shows you how much it means to them. Hopefully they all continue to support us, it goes a long way and certainly doesn’t go unnoticed!

Q&A WITH ALEX WELSH // #WeAreGate

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#WeAreGate squiresgatefc.co.uk @squiresgatefc 12 Squires Gate FC @squiresgatefc
1. PENNINGTON 2. GRAY 3. H.WEBSTER 4. CHAMBERS 5. WELSH 6. WESTWOOD © 7. MOORE 8. BOYD 9. BALL 10. CLIFFE
#WeAreGate squiresgatefc.co.uk @squiresgatefc 13 Squires Gate FC @squiresgatefc PICTURES BY IAN MOORE // @OLDBLUEFOX // @FYLDEFOX ACTION REPLAY
11. SANDLE
#WeAreGate squiresgatefc.co.uk @squiresgatefc 14 Squires Gate FC @squiresgatefc
1. PENNINGTON 2. GRAY 3. RILEY 4. CHAMBERS © 5. WELSH 6.BARTRAM 7. MOORE 8. BOYD 9. BALL 10. CLIFFE
FC ISLE OF MAN 1 4 SQUIRES GATE #WeAreGate squiresgatefc.co.uk @squiresgatefc 15 Squires Gate FC @squiresgatefc PICTURES BY IAN MOORE // @OLDBLUEFOX // @FYLDEFOX ACTION REPLAY
11. SANDLE

MEDIA DIARIES CHLOE BOYNE

Chloe! Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to speak to us! Could you start by telling us a bit about how you got into football?

I’ve grown up in a football family with my uncle and grandad taking up different roles within a local club as coaches and secretary!

I remember joining in with the boys at training sessions when I was younger so I ended up playingmyselftoo!

Who do you support, and what clubs have you worked at?

I support Manchester United! Wallingford and Crowmarsh, NorthLeighandAFCStoneham.

What are your main roles at the clubs? How did you get involved within both clubs?

I’m the Social Media Officer at North Leigh where I was contacted by Carl Catling after seeing some of my work for Wallingford! I’m also now the Head of Media at AFC Stoneham following an FA Cup game between the two sides where the south coast side were impressed with my work before discovering I was moving to Southamptonforuniversity!

How do you usually prepare yourcontent?

Do you haveaspecificlayout for the week? Could you give us a brief rundown of your matchday routine? How do you prepare for games, and do you have a set routine for home and away games?

I’m still very early in my role at AFC Stoneham so everymatchday isdifferent!

I usually gather some pre-match build up clips, keep everyone updated with the live Twitter feed, collect some post match thoughts either written or in video form and get ready to edit a game package!

I’m bringing some extra people to helpnowtoosowatchthisspace!

One important part of matchdays is the “footy scran”, have you any favourite grounds in terms of hospitality and what is your go to choice of matchday scran?

I absolutely love looking at the footy scran pages! With the grassroots football I attend, I do usually try out the different ground’s hot chocolates instead and I must say Pagham FC take thehotspotrightnow!

Another important part of the matchday routine is the programme. What makes a good programme to you, and which clubs have impressed you with theirs thisseason?

The graphics are definitely key to a good programme and besides your own, the North Leigh one is top tier! I also love it when a club has their own style and has alternative content!

Womens football is constantly on the rise, and rightly so after that summer triumph! Do youplayfootballatall?

I started playing again last season with my girls at Wallingford and Crowmarsh who are absolutely smashing it this season! Not sure I have time to playanymorebutIgettoenjoyit pitchside with the AFC Stonehamladies!

If you could pick 5 players for a WSL 5 a side team, who wouldyouselect?

This is going to be extremely biased to the United girls but it’s got to be Mary Earps, Ona Batlle, Rachel Daly, Vivianne Miedema, Katie Zelem. Finally, what is your most memorable moment in football? It’s actually veryrecentbutthethunderstorm disrupted penalty shootout win for AFC Stoneham Ladies in the Vitality Women’s FA Cup to send them through to the First Round Proper! I recorded the clip of everyone running over which has been reposted by the official Twitter page too, what a moment.

MEDIA DIARIES // CHLOE BOYNE // NORTH LEIGH

CAPTAIN CHAMBERS

Rowan Chambers became the club’s youngest ever club captain duringour game against FC Isle ofMan.

Rowan has constantly impressed during his time at the club and puts in some outstanding performances in the middle of midfield and deservedlyearnedthecaptainsarmband.

10K FOLLOWERS

In January, Squires Gate became only the third team in the NWCFL Premier Division to have over 10,000 followers on Twitter. A huge milestone for the club, as we continue to grow our social media presence.

MACRON CUP

WewillfaceFCStHelensintheQuarterFinals.

Anexclusivelookbehindthescenesofyour favouritenon-leagueclub,startingoffwith somesnapsfromourpreseasonfixtures. Captured by Ian Moore.

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.) 1-2 136 Pennington Abankwah Shields Chambers Welsh 10 Aug 22 Irlam 3-3 68 Pennington Hughes Shields Chambers Welsh 13 Aug 22 Litherland REMYCA 0-2 69 Pennington Hughes Welsh Chambers Holden 17 Aug 22 Padiham 0-2 118 Pennington Hughes Welsh Chambers Holden 20 Aug 22 Longridge Town 4-2 104 Pennington Hughes Welsh Chambers Abankwah 27 Aug 22 Easington Collieries (FA V Q1) 2-1 62 Pennington Gray Welsh Chambers Bartram 30 Aug 22 Bury AFC 2-1 1140 Pennington Hughes Welsh Chambers Bartram 03 Sep 22 Wythenshawe Town 1-3 113 Pennington Hughes H. Webster Gray Bartram 07 Sep 22 Ashton Athletic 2-1 78 Pennington Hughes H. Webster Chambers Bartram 14 Sep 22 Barnoldswick Town 3-0 80 Pennington Hughes H. Webster Gray Bartram 17 Sep 22 Vauxhall Motors 1-3 115 Pennington Hughes H. Webster Gray Bartram 20 Sep 22 Prestwich Heys 3-1 137 Pennington Abankwah H. Webster Chambers Welsh 24 Sep 22 West Allotment Celtic (FA Vase Q2) 2-2(p) 105 Pennington Hughes H. Webster Gray Bartram 01 Oct 22 Winsford United 1-1 192 Pennington Hughes H. Webster Chambers Bartram 08 Oct 22 Wythenshawe Town 6-0 211 Pennington Hughes H. Webster Chambers Bartram 15 Oct 22 Cleator Moor Celtic (MACRON R1) 1-3 82 Pennington Hughes Gray Chambers Bartram 22 Oct 22 Cammell Laird 1907 (FA VASE R1) 2-1 75 Pennington Hughes H. Webster Chambers Bartram 26 Oct 22 Avro 2-1 83 Pennington Abankwah H.Webster Gray Welsh 29 Oct 22 Irlam 0-3 125 Pennington Hughes H.Webster Gray Bartram 05 Nov 22 Winsford United 2-3 63 Jungo Hughes Welsh Chambers Welsh 09 Nov 22 Charnock Richard 3-2 104 Pennington Abankwah H.Webster Moore Bartram 12 Nov 22 Emley AFC (FA VASE R2) 1-1(p) 297 Pennington Hughes H.Webster Chambers Bartram 19 Nov 22 Garstang (MACRON R2) 1-0 91 Pennington Abankwah Shields Chambers Welsh 22 Nov 22 Southport (Lancs Trophy R2) 1(p)-1 190 Pennington Hughes H.Webster Gray Welsh 26 Nov 22 West Didsbury & Chorlton 1-1 681 Pennington Hughes H.Webster Gray Welsh 30 Nov 22 Northwich Vics 5-1 131 Pennington Abankwah Shields Abouzaid Welsh 03 Dec 22 Holker Old Boys (FA VASE R3) 4-2 135 Pennington Hughes H.Webster Moore Welsh 06 Dec 22 Congleton Town 2-1 193 Pennington Hughes H.Webster Chambers Welsh 20 Dec 22 Bury AFC 0-1 253 Pennington Hughes Welsh Chambers Bartram 26 Dec 22 Burscough 1-3 102 Pennington Hughes H.Webster Chambers Bartram 04 Jan 23 Kendal Town 2-2 104 Pennington Gray H.Webster Moore Bartram 14 Jan 23 Lower Breck 1-3 86 Pennington Gray H.Wesbster Chambers Welsh 24 Jan 23 Wythenshawe Town (Marcon Cup R3) 1-3 121 Pennington Gray H.Wesbster Chambers Welsh 28 Jan 23 FC Isle Of Man 1-4 714 Pennington Gray Riley Chambers Welsh 01 Feb 23 Congleton Town 20:00 04 Feb 23 Northwich Vics 15:00 08 Feb 23 FC Isle Of Man 20:00 11 Feb 23 Avro 15:00 15 Feb 23 Barnoldswick Town 19:45 18 Feb 23 FC St Helens (Marcon Cup QF) 15:00 21 Feb 23 Ashton Athletic 19:45 25 Feb 23 Litherland REMYCA 15:00 04 Mar 23 West Didsbury & Chorlton 15:00 10 Mar 23 AFC Liverpool 19:45 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
RED CARD SUB 1 SUB 2 SUB 3 HOME FIXTURES IN BOLD YELLOW CARD SUB 4 SUB 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 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 Westwood Riley Webster Ball Pett Hughes Cliffe Eastham Burgess Kay Powell Westwood Riley Webster Ball Cliffe Boyd Smith Eastham Kay Powell Hesford Westwood Riley Webster Ball Cliffe Boyd Smith Yelegon Kay Abouzaid Powell Westwood Riley Abouzaid Ball Cliffe Boyd Abankwah Gray Kay Pett Yelegon Westwood Riley Abouzaid Pett Cliffe Gray Smith Burgess Kay Robinson Yelegon Westwood Riley Abouzaid Pett Cliffe Boyd Shields Powell Eastham Ball Yelegon Westwood Riley Abouzaid Ball Cliffe Boyd Gray Eastham Yelegon Powell Yilmaz Westwood Riley C. Webster Pett Chambers Boyd Kay Yelegon Abouzaid Cliffe Ball Westwood Abouzaid C. Webster Pett Cliffe Boyd Kay Yelegon Riley Gray Ball Westwood Riley Kay Pett Cliffe Boyd Chambers Yelegon Eastham Abouzaid Ball Westwood Riley Chamber Yelegon Cliffe Boyd Abankwah Kay Welsh Webster Ball Bartram Kay Abouzaid Ball Cliffe Boyd Westwood Riley Hughes Gray Pett Westwood Riley Chambers Pett Cliffe Boyd Abankwah C. Webster Welsh Eastham Ball Welsh Riley C. Webster Pett Ball Gray Abankwah Yelegon Abouzaid Kay Cliffe Welsh Yelegon C. Webster Aluebhosele Cliffe Boyd Shields Riley Abouzaid Kay Ball Welsh Riley C. Webster Aluebhosele Cliffe Boyd Shields Kay Abouzaid Yelegon Ball Westwood Gray C. Webster Yelegon Cliffe Boyd Abankwah Welsh Abouzaid Aluebhosele Moore Westwood Moore C.Webster Ball Cliffe Boyd Bartram Hughes Chambers Yilmaz Yelegon Westwood Moore Chambers Yilmaz Cliffe Boyd Welsh Jungo Riley Kay Abouzaid Westwood Gray C.Webster Ball Cliffe Boyd Abankwah Riley Riley Abouzaid Hesford Welsh Riley C.Webster Ball Cliffe Abouzaid Westwood Kay Chambers Boyd Hesford Westwood Gray C.Webster Ball Cliffe Boyd Welsh Riley Abankwah Moore Abouzaid Westwood Riley C.Webster Ball Moore Abouzaid Hughes H.Webster Gray Kay Dimoski Westwood Riley C.Webster Ball Cliffe Moore Abankwah Chambers Bartram Hesford Abouzaid Westwood Riley C.Webster Ball Cliffe Moore Abankwah Abouzaid Bartram Kay Boyd Bartram Kay C.Webster Ball Sandle Boyd Westwood Gray Moore Chambers Cliffe Westwood Riley C.Webster Ball Cliffe Boyd Abankwah Gray Bartram Chambers Aluebhosele Bartram Gray C.Webster Ball Cliffe Boyd Westwood Riley Moore Sandle Aluebhosele Westwood Gray C. Webster Moore Cliffe Boyd Kay Jungo Riley Sandle Ball Welsh Riley Gray Ball Cliffe Boyd Westwood Moore Kay Webster Sandle Westwood Riley C. Webster Ball Sandle Boyd Welsh Hughes Kay Chambers Sandle Westwood Hughes C. Webster Ball Sandle Boyd Jones Riley Abouzaid Moore Cliffe Westwood Moore Boyd Ball Cliffe Sandle Bartram Jungo Abouzaid C. Webster Hughes Bartram Moore Boyd Ball Cliffe Sandle Jones Jungo Hughes C. Webster Pett

CONGLETON TOWN

LAST SEASON

Premier Division: 9th

FA Cup: Extra Preliminary Round

FA Vase: 4th Round

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE BEARS

Congleton Town Football Club was foundedin1901.Itwaseffectivelyan offspring of the late Congleton Juniors’ squad bolstered by other local, amateur players with a view to creating a new town representative side, as indicated by its choice of club title, to fill the void left by the Congleton Hornets following that club’s demise through financial difficultiesinApril1900.

The season 2001-02 the club has been back in the NWCFL and it remains there to this day despite the FA inexplicably placing the club in the Midland League in 2021 as part of itsreorganisationofthePyramid.

Thankfully, the club’s appeal against that decision was successful. Unfortunately, there has been little successduringthissecondstintin

the NWCFL with the team’s highest placing to date being third position in 2019. The team did win the Mid-Cheshire Senior Cup in 2007 for a first time and now they no longerenterthiscompetition.

There were also notable runs in the FA Vase when they reached the 5th round in 2004 and 2021, the team’s best progressions to date. Conversely off the field there have beenmassivestrides.

The club has been communityowned since 2014 thanks to the club shareholders from that time generously gifting all their Congleton Town Ltd shares to the community benefit society that is Congleton Town Community FC Ltd at a financial loss to themselves and been continuous and significantfacilitiesimprovements

ever since which including replacement floodlights and in June 2020 following its merger with Congleton Vale to make an Reserves and youth Teams under Congleton Town with the future now looking Bright as the club colours of yellow, black and white in spite return.

The Bears narrowly escaped being laterally moved for season 2021-22 to the Midland Football League as a resultoftherestructuringofthenonleague pyramid. Only a well-constructed appeal to the FA, which was upheld, meant the Bears were reassigned back to the NWCFL.

Whilst all that was taking place, new manager Richard Duffy with support from Director of Football Chris Rowley set about putting together a side that can challenge in the NWCFL to help that The Bears signed Ex-Port Vale player Tom Pope.

#WeAreGate squiresgatefc.co.uk @squiresgatefc 20 Squires Gate FC @squiresgatefc

CONGLETON: THE SIXTY SECOND GUIDE

CLOSEST FL GROUND

The closest FL ground

THE NUMBER CRUNCHER

THE BEARTOWN

Congleton Wakes was always a cause for great excitement in the town. Every year the festivities gave hard working people a chance to chill out and have fun. Unfortunately though, one year sometimeinthe1600s,

Congleton’s dancing bear became ill and died just before theWakesweretostart.

This was a disaster, as the bear was not only popular with the crowds but also a good generator ofincomeforthetown.

MEDIA MEMOIRS

to Congleton Town is Port Vale’s ValePark.
2022/23 STATS YEAR FORMED 1901 YEARS IN PREM DIV 14 RECORD ATTENDANCE 6800 FACEBOOK FOLLOWS 2.4K TWITTER FOLLOWS 8.7k INSTAGRAM FOLLOWS 2.2K W D L GF GA 14 2 9 42 30

TOM POPE

Tom! Big thanks for speaking with us today, are you looking forward to the game? It was a 2-1 win for your boys in the reverse fixture, what did you takefromthatgame?

Every game is tough to be honest there’s no easy games in this league so obviously the 2-1 winwasagreatresultforus!

What are you expecting from SquiresGatethisevening?

Another tough game to be honest it’s a tough place to go and the conditions are always a bit rough so I expect a really toughgame!

Are you happy with how the season’s gone for Congleton so far this season? Any highlightsfor yousofar?

Yeah we’ve been decent, certainly at home and did well in the FA cup and still in the Vase so yeah it’s been decent but we’ve struggled a bit away from home and that’s why we’re so manypointsbehindthetop2/3

You joined Congleton from Port Vale a couple of years ago bringing big experience to the NWCFL, do you feel that’s helpedtheteam?

I’d like to think so but I do moan a lot so I massivelydisagree

What’s been your career highlight?

Highlight would be getting promoted with Port Vale being a fan of the club made it extra special!

You must have played with some excellent players over the course of your career, is the best player you played with?

Best player was Gary Roberts he was unreal when we were at Crewe together and England U18 captain but had a lot of issues and never really fulfilled hispotential!

And the best one you playedagainst?

Against would be Sami Hyppia he was a monsterhe never gave me a kick!

Your score predictions for tonight’sgame?

And hopefully it take a 1sharpish

OPPOSITION PROFILE

COMEBACKS

PSG vs Barcelona (2016-17)

PSG 5-6 BARCELONA

It has only happened once in the history of the UEFA Champions League (albeit the fourth time in UEFA club competitions) but the infamous ‘la Remontada’ saw Barcelona overturn a four-goal deficit in their round of 16, second leg against Paris Saint-Germain back in 2017.

The first leg couldn’t have gone more perfectly for PSG. They had lost their previous two knockout phase encounters against Barcelona in the 2012-2013 and 2014-15 seasons but Ángel Di María’s opener from a free-kick was added to by Julian Draxler before half-time. Another exceptional effort from Di María’s continued to put the Ligue 1 side on the way to a big first-leg advantage before Edinson Cavani converted in the 71st minute as Unai Emery’s defensive structure limited Barca to just one shot on target during the match, even if the game was closely matched by expected goals.

Since 1955, there had been 231 European first And the losing side had never advanced through. But when Luis Suárez headed Barcelona into the lead on the night, despite Thomas Meunier on the line, the Camp Nou crowd sensed they could be about to see something special although they would only add one more to their tally before the break, courtesy of Layvin Kurzawa own goal whilst attempting to clear Andrés Iniesta outrageous attempt.

Three minutes after the restart, Barcelona were awarded a penalty when Neymar was brought down by Meunier the resulting spot kick, but PSG were

handed a lifeline when Cavani silenced the home crowd. The away goals rule was still active in the Champions League at this time, meaning the Catalans needed to score three more goals if they were to advance into the quarter-finals.

A set-piece double from Neymar, firstly from a free-kick out wide which flew past Kevin Trapp before converting a second penalty of the game for the La Liga side set up a dramatic finale with the Brazilian once again at the heart of their success. His cross into the box eluding everyone but Sergi Roberto with 20 seconds left of the additional five minutes of time added-on to spark wild celebration from Luis Enrique on the bench.

Their run in the UEFA Champions League would come to a halt in the next round against eventual runners-up Juventus. This time they found themselves 3-0 down after the first leg in Turin but there would be no magical comeback on this occasion with a goalless draw at the Camp Nou confirming their exit.

Roma vs Barcelona (2016-17) ROMA 4-4 BARCELONA

Having missed out on the semi-finals the year before, Barcelona were hoping to go one better in the 2017-18 season – especially with Ernesto Valverde’s side nine points clear at the top of La Liga coming into the first leg against Roma, with eyes on a potential treble as a place in the Copa del Rey final had already been confirmed.

A 4-1 demolition at the Camp Nou came thanks to a duo of own goals from the Italians, as well as Luis Suárez scoring his first Champions League goal of the season with his 31st shot – a complete statistical anomaly considering he had 22 goals in 26 La Liga matches coming into the tie.

Edin Džeko‘s late goal gave Roma some hope, with the Bosnian also getting on the scoresheet just six minutes into second leg to further reduce that deficit, knowing the vital away goal they had scored meant they only needed another two at the Stadio Olimpico to advance.

An abundance of pressure followed with Patrik Schick also going close before club legend Daniele De Rossi converted kick after Gerard Piqué had bundled Džeko over in the penalty box – his first Champions League goal in over two

Roma continued to press for the goal that would see them advance and with eight minutes remaining, it came courtesy of Kostas Manolas, producing one of the most iconic lines of football commentary from the modern era by Peter Drury:

Roma have risen from their ruins! Manolas, the Greek God in Rome!

BIGGEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

The unthinkable unfolds before our eyes. This was not meant to happen. This could not happen. This IS happening. It’s a Greek from Mount Olympus who has come to the seven hills of Rome and pulled off a miracle.

It ended a 34-year wait for Roma to reach the semi-finals of the European Cup/Champions League – but that dream would again end in the very next round against eventual runners-up Liverpool. But just one year later, the English side would be producing a miracle of their own against Barcelona.

Liverpool vs Barcelona (18-19)

LIVERPOOL 4-3 BARCELONA

It was all set to be a memorable tie for Barcelona. Luis Suarez netting the 500th goal in the UEFA Champions League for the Catalan giants putting them on the front foot in the home leg, before a Lionel Messi double – the second of which was his 600th goal for the club, 14 years to the day since he scored his first against Albacete in May 2005.

The Reds did come close to grabbing an all-important away goal (as the previous comebacks have shown) but instead it was their six successive defeat in the away leg of a major European semi-final. However, all it really did was set up one of those magical European nights at Anfield.

Divock Origi got the ball rolling on the comeback after just seven minutes, becoming the 50th different player to score in the competition for Liverpool (excluding own goals). But the tie really turned on its head in the space of 122 seconds after the break with a Georginio Wijnaldum double, who was only on the pitch due to an injury to Andy Robertson.

Lionel Messi tried to stem the Liverpool tide, either attempting (five) or creating (three) all eight of Barcelona’s shots in the match. But even the Argentine maestro could do nothing when Trent Alexander-Arnold caught the Catalan defence napping at a corner, allowing Origi to stroke home and send the Kop into wild ecstasy.

Having suffered heartache in the Champions League final the year before, this time Liverpool weren’t to be denied a sixth European Cup/ Champions League triumph in just their ninth final, defeating Tottenham Hotspur 2-0. And it’s often assumed that these are the only two times that a side has overturned a three-goal first-leg deficit in the UEFA Champions League, but there is one other.

Man United vs PSG (18-19) MAN UTD 3-3 PSG

All sorts of records came to an end in the first leg of this tie. Ole Gunnar Solskjær, still the interim manager at this time following José Mourinho’s departure, suffered his first defeat in charge at Manchester United in his 12th game, with it also being their heaviest ever home defeat in any European competition.

Ángel Di María coming back to torment his former side, providing assists for both Presnel Kimpembe and Kylian Mbappé as Paris Saint-Germain became the first French team to beat United at Old Trafford in any European competition.

None of the previous 107 teams to lose a Champions League or European Cup first-leg by two goals or more at home had advanced, but Manchester United got off to the perfect start in the French capital as Romelu Lukaku took advantage of a poor back-pass after two minutes. And even though PSG equalised on the night through Juan Bernat, the Belgian was once again able to restore their lead in the 30th minute.

The Premier League side knew that one more goal would be enough to advance on away goals rule, but the tie looked to be slipping away from them until Kimpembe was adjudged to have handled in the area, after a long VAR break. Marcus Rashford, with his first ever penalty in a competitive game for United, converted the resulting spot kick in the fourth minute of time added-on to complete the remarkable comeback and, arguably, secure the full-time role at United for Solskjær.

There have been other occasions where away teams in the second leg have overturned a one-goal deficit, most recently in the 2018-2019 season with both occasions involved Ajax.

What about games in the Champions League final itself? We will, briefly, reflect on two such occasions, both involving English sides.

The year in 1999 and Manchester United are taking on Bayern Munich. The German giants took the lead after just six minutes thanks to Mario Basler’s free-kick and, despite dominating possession throughout the rest of the game, it looked as though as first Champions League trophy would elude Sir Alex Ferguson.

But as the fourth official indicated there would be three minutes to play, and with goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel up for a corner, the ball fell to Teddy Sheringham who swept home and seemingly sent the game into extra-time.

But Man Utd had one more trick up their sleeve as they looked to complete a memorable treble having also secured Premier League and FA Cup success. Another David Beckham corner ending in another goal – this time from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

In reality though, for one of the greatest nights in Europe, we have to turn to Istanbul in 2005. A year after their defeat against Deportivo La Coruna, AC Milan were once again in the Champions League final, this time against Liverpool.

Liverpool fought back over the course of seven second-half minutes, with Steven Gerrard, Vladimir Smicer and Xabi Alonso all scoring, even if the Spaniard’s came on the rebound after missing a penalty. The sides couldn’t be separated, even if the Reds would have to be grateful for Jerzy Dudek’s effort in keeping out Andriy Shevchenko’s effort with three minutes left in extra-time.

And the Polish shot-stopper proved his worth in the resulting penalty shootout too, making a hat-trick of saves from Serginho, Andrea Pirlo and, ultimately, Shevchenko’s spot kicks as Liverpool claimed the unlikeliest of trophies.

Decided to travel on the Friday, avoiding an early flight on Saturday, and unreliable trains. Arrived around tea time, got the bus into Douglas, and checked in at the hotel. A quiet night following a decent meal and drinks at the local sports bar.

Following a traditional pre match fry up I decided to have a brisk walk along the promenade up to Onchan head. After such a strenuous stroll much needed liquid refreshment was required. A stop off was made and I settled down to watch the Accrington and Leeds FA cup tie. Pretty soon I was joined by 2 other Gate fans in Andrew and Dave.

After a good old chat, and a few ales I made my way back to the hotel. Having picked up the necessary matchday paraphernalia, I checked out a few more of the local pubs before getting the short bus ride to the ground. Rather disappointingly there was no social club for the fans. However, having done some pub research I was aware of a local hostelry in the nearby housing estate.

At this point I was joined by a Norwegian ground hopper!. The Pinewood public house was also the “club house” of the IOM supporters. They gave us a warm welcome, food, and good old fashioned footie chat. Top class.

On to the game. I had some trepidation when I heard that the Ravens had some of their better players returning from injury. This included their prolific scorer Sean Doyle. However, Gate made a great start when Cliffe gave us an early lead.

The Ravens unexpectedly equalised with a chip from the halfway line which just sailed over Pennies head. Game on! With the Gate Ultras in fine voice the blues pressed and ran into a 3-1 lead which they held until half time. I had been given a wrist band on entering the ground to enable me to the half time hospitality(Cheers John for the pass).

I walked passed the tea and biscuits on the stairs into the lounge where beer and a nice chicken curry was available. Its was only later that I realised the refreshments on the stairs were meant for us, oops, still a little front doesn’t do any harm now and again eh!! The second half was a little bit of a backs to the wall performance to be honest.

Gates defence stood firm even when injuries, and the sending off of Nathan, tested Gates resolve. Although to be fair the hosts didn’t create that many clear chances.

The game did get a little feisty in the final quarter, with the afore mentioned sending off, and numerous yellows shown. In the final minute Ryan Moore “danced” around the goal line following some good pressing to rob the Ravens of the ball when passing it around the back. (I hate this modern way of playing out from the back) Gates fourth of the evening to seal the win.

A great and vital 3 points. Good to see Cliffe back scoring, but it was a great all round team performance. Also pleasing to see Gal Pett back on the pitch.

So a bus back to Douglas for a drink or two, and a nice Kebab to round off the day. I believe the players had a pleasant evening meal and a quiet few drinks. I’m not sure if any disco pants were in evidence.

Met up with the team at the airport the next day. They must like the IOM, as they did their best to miss their flight LOL.

All in all a fantastic weekend for the team, management, and fans who travelled. PS can we play them in Summer next time.

Many thanks to Carl for the insight to the away trip, and it’s great to get a fans’ perspective of a matchday.

AWAY DAY REVIEWS

As no media team were able to attend our game at the Isle of Man, we would like to give a massive thanks to Andrew Welsh and Amy Chambers for providing the reviews.

STADIUM FOOD & DRINK

Andrew Welsh“Ground had a capacity of 3000 with excellent facilities and floodlights, only downside was it was 4G, but that’s just mypersonal preference.”

Amy Chambers“The stadium was brilliant though, proffesional looking, comfortable seating with some under cover. Couldn't fault the stadium at all really.”

PROGRAMME

SCORE: 9/10

Andrew Welsh“Downside was there was no bar at the ground. Upside, we had a full English when we arrived at the hotel, pasta for lunch and a great Chinese in the evening. Only had one or two drinks in the evening!! (and if you believe that you’ll believe anything).”

Amy Chambers“We didn't have any food unfortunately, only a coffee and a hot chocolate from the van. Coffee was nice and my sister said the hot chocolate was really good, topped with cream and marshmallows which you don't usually get at a football game . There were a lot of staff on the drinks van too and they were all really lovely and chatty.”

SCORE: 9/10

HOSPITALITY

Unfortunately, no programme was obtained by Andrew or Amy; therefore, we cannot judge this one and have to give it a zero.

Andrew Welsh“By all accounts from Alex was verygood at the ground. A curry was served and soft drinks. Ground staff and stewards were polite and friendly.”

Amy Chambers“We didn't go into hospitality so didn't see what they had to offer but they seemed like the lovely hosts. All the staff we came across were really friendly and chatty. One of the friendliest places we have been too!”

JOURNEY

SCORE: 0/10

Andrew Welsh“Long journey, terminal 3 at Manchester doesn’t have great facilities and queuing is a nightmare. Flight was good, coach transfer was good, and coach driver Roger was great, couldn’t do enough for us!”

Amy Chambers“Journey is obviously a bit different to the usual, we enjoyed our flight though and checked into the lounge at Manchester Airport before we left so made the most of the unlimited prosecco”

SCORE: 8/10

SCORE: 8.5/10

RATING: 34.5/50

1 Congleton Town 40 2 Emley AFC 39 3 Vauxhall Motors 37 4 Bury AFC 34.5 5 Isle of Man 34.5 6 West Didsbury 34 7 Prestwich Heys 33 8 Northwich Vics 32.5 9 Irlam FC 32 10 Cleator Moor Celtic 30 11 Litherland REYMCA 29 12 Lower Breck 29 13 Charnock Richard 28 14 Holker Old Boys 27.5 15 West Allotment Celtic 27 16 Winsford United 26 17 Wythenshawe Town 25

NWCFL

P W D L F A GD PT 1 Vauxhall Motors 27 20 3 4 55 22 33 63 2 Wythenshawe Town 27 17 5 5 75 33 42 56 3 Avro 28 17 4 7 47 24 23 55 4 AFC Liverpool 27 16 5 6 58 30 38 53 5 Bury AFC 21 15 2 4 43 19 24 47 6 Northwich Vics 25 14 4 7 52 35 17 46 7 Congleton Town 25 14 2 9 42 30 12 44 8 Prestwich Heys 26 13 3 10 40 26 14 42 9 West Didsbury 24 11 6 7 53 39 14 39 10 Lower Breck 28 10 5 13 38 391 35 11 Padiham 27 10 4 13 43 463 34 12 Irlam 27 8 9 10 49 481 33 13 Charnock Richard 26 9 6 11 53 552 33 14 Barnoldswick Town 25 9 6 10 46 559 32 15 Kendal Town 25 9 5 11 44 539 32 16 Squires Gate 26 8 4 14 42 5715 28 17 Winsford United 25 8 4 13 32 4816 28 18 Litherland REMYCA 26 8 2 16 31 4716 26 19 FC Isle of Man 28 8 2 18 39 7031 26 20 Longridge Town 23 6 6 11 33 5623 24 21 Burscough 28 6 4 18 41 7534 22 22 Ashton Athletic 26 2 3 21 27 7447 9 Midweek Fixtures Tuesday 31st January 2023 Premier Division Ashton Athletic v Winsford United Bury AFC v Charnock Richard Irlam v Barnoldswick Town Prestwich Heys v Longridge Town Wythenshawe Town v West Didsbury Padiham v Lower Breck Wednesday 1st February 2023 Premier Division Squires Gate v Congleton Town Weekend Fixtures Saturday 4th February Premier Division Kendal Town v FC Isle Of Man Padiham v Avro AFC Liverpool v Charnock Richard Ashton Athletic v Barnoldswick Town Congleton Town v Irlam Litherland REMYCA v Bury AFC Lower Breck v Longridge Town Prestwich Heys v Vauxhall Motors Squires Gate v Northwich Vics
PREMIER DIVISION LEAGUE
22/23 PLAYER App Sub Gls Y R App Sub Gls Y R App Gls Nathan Pennington 24 0 0 0 0 10 0 0 0 0 34 0 James Hughes 19 4 1 0 0 7 2 0 0 0 32 1 Alex Welsh 18 1 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 27 0 Nathan Bartram 18 2 0 3 1 5 2 1 1 0 26 1 Josh Westwood 18 4 3 1 0 9 0 1 1 1 31 4 Luke Holden 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 Louis Shields 2 1 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 5 0 Dan Gray 16 3 2 1 0 7 2 0 0 0 28 2 Chris Webster 15 1 0 3 0 7 2 0 0 0 26 0 Rowan Chambers 19 5 1 3 0 7 1 1 0 0 32 2 Harrison Kay 3 11 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 17 0 Pascal Jungo 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 Saad MekkaouiAbouzaid 7 6 0 1 0 2 4 0 0 0 19 0 Nathan Cliffe 20 3 16 1 0 8 1 2 0 0 32 18 Ryan Riley 17 7 1 0 0 7 1 1 0 0 32 2 Theo Ball 17 3 5 3 0 6 3 1 4 0 27 6 James Boyd 20 3 6 0 0 7 0 4 1 0 30 10 Will Eastham 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 Gary Pett 6 2 1 3 0 3 0 1 1 0 10 2 Harrison Webster 14 0 0 0 1 6 1 0 0 0 21 0 Ryan Moore 5 5 2 0 0 4 2 0 0 0 16 0 Sean Aluebhoesele 1 1 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 5 0 Ryan Powell 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 Callum Sandle 3 3 3 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 7 5 Dan Smith 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 Olly Hesford 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 Kieran Jones 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 0 LEAGUE CUP TOTAL STATS YOUR LOT! LOT! WON FROM BEHIND SQUIRES GATE 0 CONGLETON TOWN 3 WINNING AT HALF TIME SQUIRES GATE 8 CONGLETON TOWN 8 FAILED TO SCORE SQUIRES GATE 3 CONGLETON TOWN 3 SCORED IN FIRST 10 MINS SQUIRES GATE 8 CONGLETON TOWN 6 SQUIRES GATE 4 CONGLETON TOWN 4 CONCEDED IN FIRST 10 MINS SQUIRES GATE 7 CONGLETON TOWN 11 CONCEDED IN LAST 10 MINS SQUIRES GATE 5 CONGLETON TOWN 3 SCORED IN LAST 10 MINS
TABLE

Which of these were not in the Carabao Cup Semi Finals?

A. NottinghamForest

B. Newcastle

C. ManchesterUnited

D. Chelsea

Which of these clubs has Tom Pope not played for?

A. Bury

B. BradfordCity

C. Crewe

D. Rotherham

Which of these are not currently in the top 6 in League Two?

A. Salford

B. Stockport

C. Stevenage

D. Carlisle

W I G A N L U T O N D E R B Y S T O K E O X F O R D E X E T E R W O L V E S B O L T O N H E L S E A C V E R T O N E E W P O R T N R A W L E Y C WORDLE

Guess The Shirt Season

CARLISLE GRIMSBY HARTLEPOOL

Spot The Ball

………………………………………………………...

ANSWERS

Shirt Season: 2015/16

Spot the Ball: A

Wordle: Crewe, Sutton, Arsenal

Quickfire: 1. D, 2.B, 3.B

WORDSEARCH
PORTSMOUTH STOCKPORT
WALSALL A C B
TRANMERE

SQUIRES GATE CONGLETON TOWN

Manager: Luke Evans

Colours: Blue shirt, blue shorts, blue socks

Nathan PENNINGTON

Josh WESTWOOD (C)

Nathan BARTRAM

Luke HOLDEN

Louis SHIELDS

Dan SMITH

Alex WELSH

Dan GRAY

Chris WEBSTER

Rowan CHAMBERS

Harrison KAY

Saad MEKKAOUI-ABOUZAID

Ryan RILEY

James HUGHES

Nathan CLIFFE

James BOYD

Sean ALUEBHOSELE

Theo BALL

Olly HESFORD

Gary PETT

Harrison WEBSTER

Ryan MOORE

Callum SANDLE

Kieran JONES

Manager: Richard Duffy

Colours: Maroon Shirt, Maroon shorts and Socks

David PARTON

Mackenzie FAULKNER

Rocco FREGAPANE

Peter WILLIAMS

Ryan READ

Darren CHADWICK

Leon ARNASALAM

Shakeel JONES-GRIFFITHS

Thomas POPE (C)

Ethan HARTSHORN

George SANKEY

Jonathan BEAUMONT

Arron JOHNS

Lewis SHORT

Jordi NSAKA

William BUCKLEY

#WeAreGate squiresgatefc.co.uk @squiresgatefc 28 Squires Gate FC @squiresgatefc
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