Squires Gate v Runcorn Linnets

v Runcorn Linnets 30.04.2016 NWCFL Premier Division Kick Off: 15:00 Issue 24 ÂŁ1.50

DANNY

PENSWICK Good afternoon everyone,

I’d like to welcome Runcorn Linnets to the RBL stadium in what is our final home league game of the season, where we look to take maximum points off the league leaders. It is going to be a tough task but we are ready for the challenge.

“It is going to be a tough task, but we are ready…”

There won’t be many other games around the league that have as much importance at both ends of the table today as it is vital for both teams to get the win. Runcorn Linnets are flying high and have been all season, and currently sit top with two games to play. However Colne breathing down their necks, anything but a win could see them coming back here again next season.

“Anything but a win could see them coming back again next season”

We played the reverse fixture two weeks ago and while Runcorn came out comfortable 2-0 winners, I saw enough in the second half to give us confidence. Since then, back to back victories against Silsden and Runcorn Town have given us all a boost, and another positive result today will bolster our chances of survival.

“Another positive result today will bolster our chances of survival”

We're a team that enjoys the big occasion and today's game is one of those. Linnets will bring with them a decent following but with that will come added pressure.

I'm expecting the lads to play with a freedom and really express themselves on the pitch.

FROM THE EDITORS: Thank you for buying our programme, if you would like to get in touch about anything programme related, or maybe you have something you’d like to add. Feel free to contact us - haydendan@live.co.uk or follow us on Twitter - @HaydeJay

Ben Fletcher (Sponsored by S.E.I. [Maintenance] LTD) Superb young shot stopper that had a tremendous season last year. He kept numerous clean sheets and played every single minute of every single game. 2015/16 will be his 3rd season with the club where he’ll be looking to continue his fine form.

Nathan Trout (Available for sponsorship) Nathan moved to the Fylde coast from Liverpool. A ball winning centre half that has a big presence on the pitch, he’ll be hoping to force his way into the team and make his position his own.

Alex Colquhoun (Available for sponsorship) After a short spell at the club last season, Alex has returned to the club hungry and determined to play on a regular basis. He showed signs of quality last season and will be looking to cement his place in the 2015/16 season.

Brett Ferguson (Sponsored by Service Solutions Direct Ltd) One of the main characters within the changing room, “Channy” as he is called, always has stories to tell, consistently produced good displays during last season and got on the score sheet on numerous occasions. A very adaptable player that has made a huge impression on all within the club. Winner of Clubman of the Year 2014/15.

Andy Richards (Available for sponsorship) A club stalwart! ‘Rico’ as he is known, has been with the club for many seasons and has become a linchpin of the side. His performances and changing room experience has played a vital role in recent success. A player with many superstitions that is well liked at the club.

Josh Westwood (Sponsored by Mark Ashmore) Josh was a rock at the heart of defence during last season. He produced some fine individual displays and chipped in with a few headed goals. A quiet individual but very popular player that lets his feet, or head do the talking. Josh is also adaptable to play up front.

Mike Hall (Available for sponsorship) Mike was only with Gate briefly last season but his knowledge and experience of the game was beneficial to all that played alongside him. He was influential in his performances and will be looking to have the same impact throughout the 2015/16 season.

Conah Bishop (Available for sponsorship) Conah is one of the youngest players in the squad and plays on the right side of midfield. He has the pace to run at the opposition and can also score goals. He is a great addition to the team.

Joe Noblet (Available for sponsorship) Joe had a spell with Gate a few seasons ago, and returned under the new management of Danny Penswick. He is an attacking midfielder with an eye for goal and will be sure to add goals to the squad.

Alex McKendrick (Available for sponsorship) Alex has been at the club for a number of seasons, first arriving under the stewardship of ex manager Russ McKenna. His work rate and willingness to do the unfashionable jobs in a game have been hugely important to the team. Injury put a halt to his 2014/15 season but he’ll be looking to come back a stronger player this season.

Billy McKenna (Available for sponsorship) The flying winger missed a large part of last season due to injury but is looking to make the right midfield position his own. A popular player within the changing room that can have a big influence on games when in the mood.

Antony Stayte (Available for sponsorship) Stayte is a great addition to the squad, who brings experience from his time at AFC Fylde and from teams in a higher tier. He knows how to organise and motivate his team mates and is very good at holding the ball up.

Ashley Rowley (Sponsored by TravelCare World) Ash joined Gate towards the end of last season, and impressed in the time he played. He scored a crucial equaliser at home to Congleton Town and will be looking to have an impact this season.

Danny Penswick (Sponsored by Bill White) Danny is the manager and captain of the club. He first joined midway through the 2013/14 season and soon established himself as a leader and highly influential player. His game understanding and levels of performance have seen him become a focal point of the team.

Mark Buchan (Available for sponsorship) Mark models himself on Ally McCoist. A fiery Scot that knows where the goal is. His workmanlike performances often go unnoticed, but he scored some valuable goals during last season. An influential player both on and off the pitch and will be a key player during this season.

Aaron Clarke (Available for sponsorship) Aaron was part of the Kirkham and Wesham squad which was victorious at Wembley in 2008. Unfortunately for Aaron, he picked up an injury the week before the final so didn’t take part in the game. A quick striker who possesses skill and eye for a pass and can also play in behind the striker in attacking midfield. Aaron will be looking to cement a spot up top and to fire Gate up the table.

Ryan Tanser (Available for sponsorship) Ryan joined the club in October and came off the bench in the 5-2 defeat away at Atherton Collieries. He scored his first goal for the club on his first full debut in our 5-1 win over Maine Road in the MEN United cup. He will bring goals to the team for sure.

SQUIRES GATE

2

TROUT 17, NOBLET 47 SUBS NOT USED RICHARDS COLQUHOUN

1 RUNCORN TOWN HOUGHTON 7

HT: 1-1

FLETCHER

1

1

LEVER

SUBS NOT USED

FERGUSON

2

2

LESTER

MARTLAND

HIGHAM

3

3

TOONE

SPEARRIT

(BUCHAN 89)HALL

4

4

DYKES

WESTWOOD

5

5

LAWTON

TROUT

6

6

ALBEWHITE

STAYTE

7

7

SHANLEY

GIBSON

8

8

HOUGHTON

TANSER

9

9

WEBB

GRANT BURTON

NOBLET 10 10 MCSHANE RILEY 11 11 WOODS It would be Trout who would make a costly mistake after just six minutes of the game. The returning defender played a sloppy pass across defence which was picked up by a Runcorn attacker. He squared the ball to the back post where Houghton was waiting to tap in. Unlike past games when Gate have gone behind heads didn't drop amongst the team and the home side continued to play their football.

Joe Noblet had a superb free kick saved after 14 minutes which was punched out. And from the corner Josh Westwood almost found the back of the net but Lever in net caught the ball just under the crossbar. Runcorn tried to play out quickly from the back but Gate did well to win the ball back in midfieldGate did well to get the ball back into the box where Ryan Riley was waiting. He missed the ball but Nathan Trout, still forward from the corner had time to take a touch and fire into the top corner to level for Gate! The defender making up for his earlier mistake to bring Gate level with 17 minutes gone. Anthony Stayte was next to take aim and with the keeper off his line had a great chance! But a Runcorn Town defender was on the line to clear the ball after 28 minutes.

Ten minutes later Joe Noblet came close to scoring direct from the corner but Lever again did well to punch the ball round the post.

Ryan Riley had the last chance of the game and it could and should have put Gate ahead. Riley sent clear through but Runcorn defender Toone did well with a last ditch tackle.The second half couldn't have start any better for Gate. Gate would take the lead just two minutes in.

A quick throw in found the feet of Ryan Riley who held up the ball. He then lay the ball off to Joe Noblet on the edge of the box to fire into the back of the net. Gate then looked in control of the game with Ben Fletcher not really having much to do in goal. Town did go close on 52 minutes but the cross fell just wide of the man coming in at the back post.

Ryan Riley was next with a chance as Gate controlled proceedings but his header was just wide from the corner.

Town keeper Daniel Lever should be praised for his efforts throughout the game. He again had to be alert to to punch the ball off Ryan Riley's head from Josh Westwood's header back in from the corner. Soon after that Joe Noblet could have scored from outside the box but his thunderous strike rattled off the crossbar.

Gate did well to see out the win in what was a fairly easy second half. A plus for Gate was the return of top scorer Mark Buchan from the bench for the last couple of minutes. The win see's Gate move five points clear of AFC Blackpool in 20th though they have three games in hand.

Report By Mark Ashmore

Runcorn Town always looked like they could threaten on the break from Gates attacks but credit has to go to Gates midfield. Gibson, Hall, Noblet and Stayte all working very hard in the middle to win the ball back all over the pitch.

Pics by Albert Cooper

Saturday 30th April 2016

Thursday 5th May 2016

1874 Northwich v AFC Blackpool

Ashton Athletic v Atherton Collieries

AFC Darwen v Ashton Athletic

West Didsbury & Chorlton v AFC Blackpool

AFC Liverpool v Silsden

Winsford United v Nelson

Atherton Collieries v Congleton Town

Saturday 7th May 2016

Barnoldswick Town v West Didsbury & Chorlton

1874 Northwich v Colne

Colne v Cammell Laird 1907

AFC Blackpool v West Didsbury & Chorlton

Nelson v Maine Road

AFC Darwen v Cammell Laird 1907

Padiham v Abbey Hey

Ashton Athletic v Squires Gate

Squires Gate v Runcorn Linnets

Barnoldswick Town v Atherton Collieries

Tuesday 3rd May 2016

Congleton Town v AFC Liverpool

1874 Northwich v Congleton Town

Maine Road v Alsager Town

AFC Blackpool v Squires Gate

Padiham v Runcorn Linnets

Ashton Athletic v Abbey Hey

Runcorn Town v Abbey Hey

Colne v West Didsbury & Chorlton

Silsden v Bootle

Nelson v Cammell Lair 1907 Wednesday 4th May 2016 Barnoldswick Town v Alsager Town Padiham v AFC Darwen

APP

SUB

GLS

APP

SUB

GLS

APP

SUB

GLS

APP

SUB

GLS

APP

SUB

GLS

Y

R

28

0

0

2

0

0

2

0

0

3

0

0

31

0

0

0

0

WOODS

11

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

11

0

0

0

0

RICHARDS

38

0

0

2

0

0

2

0

0

3

0

0

45

0

0

0

1

MCKENNA

30

4

2

1

1

0

2

0

1

2

1

0

32

5

1

2

0

WESTWOOD

37

0

1

2

0

0

2

0

0

3

0

0

43

0

1

2

0

PENSWICK

27

1

1

1

0

0

2

0

0

3

0

0

34

2

0

1

0

FERGUSON

33

4

0

1

1

0

2

0

0

3

0

0

38

4

0

1

0

MCKENDRICK

8

3

1

0

0

0

1

0

0

1

0

0

8

0

0

0

0

HALL

12

2

0

0

0

0

2

0

0

0

0

0

12

2

0

0

0

BUCHAN

29

7

13

1

0

0

2

0

1

2

1

2

33

6

16

2

0

RILEY

5

5

2

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

5

4

2

0

0

ROWLEY

13

14

3

2

0

1

0

2

0

3

0

1

15

16

5

1

0

COLQUHOUN

19

6

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

3

0

0

18

3

0

0

0

GIBSON

7

4

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

7

4

1

0

0

FLETCHER

HIGGINS

1

4

0

0

1

0

0

0

0

2

1

0

3

4

0

0

1

TROUT

26

5

1

2

0

0

0

2

0

0

2

0

28

8

1

2

0

CLARKE

0

7

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2

0

0

5

0

0

0

DICKSON

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

0

0

HIGHAM

17

4

1

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

18

4

2

1

0

NOBLET

25

1

4

2

0

1

0

0

0

0

1

0

27

2

3

0

0

TANSER

13

8

5

1

1

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

13

6

6

0

0

STAYTE

17

4

0

1

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

18

5

0

1

0

MOXON

0

3

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

3

0

0

0

As the season draws to a close, we caught up with chairman Stuart Hopwood who gives us his review of the 2015/16 season. He speaks about his targets for next season, and which players he’d sign for Squires Gate.

After the heroics of last season, what were you expecting at the start of this season? Have these expectations been met?

I would of expected to be at least mid table, but unfortunately after the slow start we had and the changing of manager in September, it became an uphill struggle for Danny to achieve the required points tally. However, he has done a great job to get us to where we are now and improve on the pitch.

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

Colne. They play very good football and deserve to be in the position they are in. I’d feel for Linnets if they were to finish 2nd for the 3rd year running though, it just goes to show how hard it is to get out this division. They have been a top side for the past couple of years.

What has been the best game you have watched this season? In terms of performance and result?

I think our performance in our 2-1 win against 1874 Northwich was outstanding, and thoroughly deserved the points. The 5-1 cup win at Maine Road in the cup is possibly our best cup result and it was a good team performance. We were struggling to score at that point so to go and score 5 against a solid Maine Road side definitely boosted the confidence in the team.

At the start of October, Gate parted company with Dave McCann after a slow start to the season, how did these change your expectations for the season? What was the new target for the club with Penswick at the helm?

The aim was to get to the 42 point mark as quick as possible, to ensure Premier Division safety.

If Gate were to survive, what would be your targets for next season? Or is it too early to discuss?

I’d say it’s a bit too early to talk about targets, I still need to sit down with the manager.

Overall, are you happy with the teams performances this season? What would you change next season?

It’s still early doors to criticise or praise Penswick just yet, I have discussed with him that I would like him to get a 50% win rate so if we can achieve that then I’m happy. In terms of changing things for next season, I don’t like to get involved with the managers decisions, but I have spoke to him about certain things, but nothing major.

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

Tough question. I’d love to sign Gary Cahill, he’s a no nonsense defender who would quickly stop any attack and teams would struggle to get past a pairing of him and Westwood/Trout.

Secondly, I would sign Dele Alli. He has been outstanding for Tottenham this season, and we are always looking

Runcorn Linnets are currently 1st in the NWCFL Premier Division and have netted 90 goals this campaign. Gate media manger Mark Ashmore takes a look at their main threats and the players that have played a big part this season.

Here is a little bit of information about the ones to watch.

Michael White

Kyle Hamid

The Former Formby, The midfielder is Linnets Playamongst other, defender is er marker and main threat. solid at the back for Linnets. Usually sitting deeper and dictating the play he has a suCommanding in the air not much gets past the big man perb passing range ability to spot a pass from all over the who also has a decent amount of pace to keep up pitch.

with forwards.

He also contributed 15 goals Also the penalty taker for the so far with 8 man of the team he bagged the 12 goals match awards . so far season, including las time out against Gate.

Kurt Sherlock The attacking midfielder will be a threat to gate players just behind the two strikers.

The former Formby man posses the ability to score from long range or thread though a pass to send the strikers clear.

APPS: 43

APPS: 43

APPS: 41

GOALS: 12

GOALS: 15

GOALS: 17

DUG-OUT WATCH:

Joey Dunn

Joey took over the reins as manager of Runcorn Linnets in January 2013 after a successful spell as caretaker following the departure of Paul McNally. He arrived at the Millbank Linnets Stadium in 2013. He won his first honour with the Linnets in April 2013 as he guided the club to the League Challenge Cup final, defeating Formby 3-0 to lift the trophy. During the 2013/2014 season, he won the NWCFL manager of the month award 4 times as the Linnets finished second in the league table. For the second season running, the Linnets finished runners-up in the NWCFL Premier division with a massive 92 points, only to be beaten by Glossop North End's 102 points total. Here is hoping for third time lucky!

Adj Daman As part of our new regular feature, we speak to groundhoppers up and down the country. This week we speak to Adj Daman who speaks to us about his footballing adventures as he has now visited 117 grounds. Here is what he had to say;

First of all, what encouraged you to start your footballing adventures?

I had been watching non league football since 2002 when I was a season ticket holder at Sutton Coldfield Town but I have been 'hopping' since 2009.I joined a ground hopping forum and was inspired by other peoples travels. I started blogging in 2011 and now really enjoy discovering new grounds.

How many grounds have you visited now?

I have done 117 grounds now .

Do you have any favourites, and have you visited any obscure grounds?

Favourite grounds I have visited well I liked Bishop Cleeve had a large hill behind the goal that made a great view. Llandudno has mountains visible from their ground that also made that ground special. Gornal Athletic also have a unusual ground that should be visited.

The worst ground I ever visited was Darlaston Towns City Ground as I walked into the stand my foot went straight through a rotten mdf plank.

What has been the most memorable moment that you have seen for a club? (Cup wins, etc) My most memorable game was Worcester City's last game at St Georges Lane , an emotional game in front of 2000 people they lost 1-0 to Chester City. Also my first trip to Wembley Walsall lost 2-0 to Bristol City.

Have you ever visited any games abroad, if not what would be first on your list?

I’ve never actually visited any games abroad but I have seen pictures online of the Stadion Gospin Dolac in Croatia, it looks amazing and the Ottmar Hitzfield Stadium in Switzerland also looks immense.

If you were to pick a "dream XI" of players that you have seen live. Who would you pick? (teams in brackets) Justin Bray (Sutton) Lucas Radebe (Leeds) Clayton Fortune (Clevedon) Kevin Muscat (Walsall) Andy Saville (Birmingham) Tony Dorigo (Leeds) Jody Craddock (Wolves) Tony Yeboah (Leeds) James Lemon ( Droitwich , 50 goals in 1 year) Mustafa Carayol (Bristol Rovers) Steve Claridge (Birmingham)

What has been the best goal you have ever seen? From PL to non league?

Tony Yeboahs goals for Leeds were legendary , I was a leeds supporter in the 1990's and he was somewhat a hero then , the goal against Liverpool was great Also two screamers I remember were Adam Virgo's goal for Bristol Rovers V Weston Super Mare and Lewis Allesandras goal against Birmingham in the cup

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

Never been Squires Gate but looks well worth a visit!

THIS SEASON

CURRENT FORM

P

W

D

L

F

A

40

30

2

8

90

33

PTS POS 92

1st

LAST 6 GAMES

P

W

D

L

F

A

6

3

1

2

7

5

PTS POS 10

7th

14/15 RECORD

09 May

Colne (A)

L 0-2

14 May

AFC Darwen (A)

16 May

HOME WINS:

-

W 2-0

DRAWS:

-

Ground: Millbank Linnets Stadium

Squires Gate (H)

W 2-0

AWAY WINS:

-

Capacity: 1,600

19 May

Nelson (A)

D 1-1

DEFEATS:

-

Chairman: Derek Greenwood

23 May

1874 Northwich (H)

W 2-1

POSITION:

-

Manager: Joey Dunn

26 May

Bootle (A)

L 1-0

FINAL GAME 07 May

Founded: 2006

15/16 RECORD Padiham (A)

NWCFL

HOME WINS:

17

DRAWS:

2

323 (2013-2014)

AWAY WINS:

13

FA Cup Progression:

DEFEATS:

8

POSITION:

1st

Highest Attendance:

1st Qualifying round (2011 vs Squires Gate )

The club was formed on 28 April 2006 as a replacement for the town's previous club, Runcorn F.C. Halton, which had resigned from the Northern Premier League due to financial difficulties. The original Runcorn club's biggest success had been winning the 1981–82 Alliance Premier League title, although they failed to reach the Football League as the league's members had voted against them joining. The club is run by the Supporters Trust, which had been set up as "The Linnets Independent Supporters Trust", and the new club joined two levels further down the football pyramid, in the North West Counties Football League Division Two, having been accepted into the league on 17 June.

A groundshare with Witton Albion was arranged at the start of the 2006–07 season, until a suitable ground could be found in Runcorn. This was achieved in 2010, when the club moved into a newly built ground on Murdishaw Avenue and named it the Millbank Linnets Stadium as part of a three-year sponsorship deal.

Steve Carragher who had played for and managed Runcorn FC Halton, joined the club as manager, with Mark Philips as his assistant playermanager. Several players from the old club also joined the Linnets. Their first game was a 4–0 away win against Ashton Town, followed by a 5 –0 victory at home to Castleton Gabriels. Runcorn finished their inaugural season as runners-up, losing out on the league title to Winsford United on goal difference, and won promotion to the First Division. Thomas Lamb finished the season as top scorer, with 22 goals in all competitions the 2007–08 season, Linnets spent most of their time in mid-table. They won their first ever FA Vase game against Daisy Hill, before losing to Salford City in the First round. After a string of poor results, the board decided that a change of management was needed and Steve Wilkes was appointed as manager in January 2008. They finished the season 12th out of 20 clubs. During the close season, the league was restructured with the First Division becoming the Premier Division. In the 2008–09 season Linnets entered the FA Cup for the first time, winning their first game 3–2 at home to Rossington Main on 17 August 2008. In the next round they lost 4–0 to Curzon Ashton on 30 August.

SQUIRES GATE 0 RUNCORN LINNETS 0

TUESDAY 10TH MARCH 2015 19:45

Squires Gate hosted league leaders Runcorn Linnets on Tuesday night in what would be one of there toughest tests this year. Linnets currently sit fourth in the form table having won four of their last six. In there ranks they have Freddie Potter who has scored a lot of vital goals towards the ends of games to secure points for linnets so is someone who they'll have to look out for. Gate made 3 changes from Saturdays 0-0 draw with Winsford, Zach Clark, Billy McKenna and Danny Penswick all coming Into the starting lineup.

It was a quick start to the game with both sides looking up for it and looking lively. Ben Fletcher was called into action after just 5 minutes in goal for Gate, his brilliant save denied what would have been a wonderful opener from Linnets. Runcorn had another another chance soon after, Lomax sent though his shot beating Ben Fletcher but luckily for Gate Captain Penswick got back on the line to clear the ball and keep Gate in the game. Gate's best chance of the opening exchanges came when Harry Dunn beat 3 men through the middle before slipping Mark Buchan in but his shot was saved well. Linnets opened the scoring on 28 minutes, the ball fired into the box found Michael White at the back post to head the opener. Gate had the chance to level just minutes later Harry Dunn with the reverse pass sent Richards into the box but his piledriver was well saved by Mottram in the Linnets goal. As half time approached Gate had four clear chances in the last five minutes.

Gate continued their good form into the start of the second half and opens the scoring just five minutes in.

Good link up play between McKenna and Richards down the right before Buchan met with a Richards cross in to level the scoring. Linnets top scorer Freddie Potter, could have put Linnets ahead on 56 minutes but after he'd rounded Ben Fletcher his shot could only find the side netting. Fletcher made up for his mistake with a fine save which set up a counter attack for Gate, the end shot from Murphy though was fired over the bar. Gate's final chance of the night fell to Zach Clark he found space in behind but was judged to be offside.

RUNCORN LINNETS 2 SQUIRESGATE 0

SATURDAY 28TH MARCH 2015 15:00

Squires Gate visited Runcorn Linnets on Saturday looking to get back on track after conceding late equalising goal against 1874 Northwich. The two teams met earlier in the month at School Road with the final score 1-1.

Coming into the game Linnets sit 8 points clear of Glossop at the top of the league. Gate Anderson one change to the starting 11 with Zach Clark coming in for Michael Hall. New signings Ashely Rowley and Joshua Kay both started in the bench for this game. Gate had an early chance less than a minute into the game to open the scoring, a pass played back to Mottram didn't have enough power on it but with Buchan baring down Mottram in goal did all he could to get to the ball first and clear it out of danger. Gate again looked to attack early on and on 5 minutes Zach Clark sent in a lovely ball that just needed any touch to score but no one could get on the end of it. Gates early chances seemed to wake the home side up and they went on to be the better team in the first half. A long ball pumped forward from the Linnets goalkeeper found Kevin Towey at the edge of the box who did brilliantly to control the ball but his shot fell straight into the hands of Fletcher. The opener came in the 16th minute, the ball fired out to the left was well controlled before the cross into the box was met by Josh Westwood who's clearance could only find the back of the net to score the own goal. The home side doubled the lead 15 minutes later when Adam Wade controlled the ball on the edge of the box edits unleashing the shot which flew into the bottom corner past the helpless Fletcher. The home side could have made it three late in the half but a brilliant point blank save from Fletcher kept the score at 2-0 going into half time.

The start of the second half started much like the first ended, Ben Fletcher again keeping Gate in the game early on. Gate looked a lot better in the second half and more like the team that has been successful this season.

Billy McKenna had a chance 20 minutes into the second half. Good hold up play by Alex Mckendrick on the edge of the box before playing through McKenna but his shot was tipped over. Gate then could have scored soon after but Chris Anderson's free kick was just wide if the far post.perhaps Gate's best chance of the game fell to Josh Westwood but his header flew over the bar. As the game went on Linnets seemed to be happy to settle for what they had got and didn't really cause Gate any notable problems

Ste Bignall We spoke with Linnets media man and fan Ste Bignall and asked him about his time watching Linnets, who he would bring into Linnets on a free and what his season expectations were. Here is what he had to say* (*interview was from the original game a few months ago) At the start of the season, what were your expectations? Are they on track? If not, what would you change?

To win the league! It’s no secret that the club has a burning ambition to grow and be successful at as high a level as we can sustain financially. We aren’t as ‘on track’ as I I would have hoped to be honest, we have lost 6 games out of 25 this season so essentially a quarter of our games to date, which is more that we lost in both of the last two complete seasons. We are probably 6 points worse off than we need to be.

What has been your most memorable moment/game within your time at Linnets?

Based purely on the days of the club as Runcorn Linnets, winning the NWCL Challenge Cup in 2013 was a great night and will go down in history as our first piece of silverware. Also for very personal and emotional reasons, Ross McDowells late equaliser against Runcorn Town on Boxing Day 2012 is a moment I will never forget as that was our first fixture after my Dad, who was a lifelong staunch supporter, passed away and the club dedicated that particular game to his memory.

Any players that Gate fans should watch out for today? Attacking threat?

It will depend on the current start of our injury list which has been horrendous lately! Most in the league are aware of Freddie Potter, he is a top class forward at this level, and when he is paired up with Anthony Hickey who provides explosive pace they are a handful for any defence. Kyle Hamid is a genius on the ball and has the ability to control games from midfield and score goals as well. Kurt Sherlock is a real torment for any side when he play midfield due to his unpredictable and pacey style of play.

Which Linnets players have stood out this season?

River Humphries has been outstanding at the heart of the defence, his pace gets us out of plenty of sticky situations and he is my player of the season so far. Kurt Sherlock has weighed in with a great goals return from both midfield and up front. Matty Atherton has really grown into his new left back position and is looking a stand out player, and Freddie Potter has kept his role of scoring goals as and when needed.

What has been your favourite game so far this season?

Beating Colne 4-0 at home. My family sponsored the match in my Dad’s honour and barring an opening half and hour where Colne were on top, we went on to dominate the title favourites for the remainder of the game and played them off the park truth be told.

If you could sign 3 PL players on a free to Linnets. Who would you sign and why?

Great question! Joe Hart because I believe that to win anything at any level you must have a goalkeeper who is better than the level he is playing at. A good keeper can win you 15 points a season that others wouldn’t. Sergio Aguero because he has a level of football intelligence that most others can’t even comprehend and can win his side matches when they are playing poorly because he is so much better than almost every other player. Harry Kane because I love the way he plays the game. Out and out finishers are very rare in modern football where the desire seems to be for players to have pace or look to drop deep to collect the ball and be a part of the build up play. When you have a player who just knocks them in like he does 25+ times a season you will always be a threat.

Have you ever been to Wembley on any occasion? What would be your dream scenario there?

Yes. I have been quite a few times, the old and new Wembley. Having lost in the FA Trophy final 3 times as Runcorn AFC, the Linnets definitely have unfinished business “under the arch” as it is now. But my dream scenario would be to see England win the World Cup at Wembley. I know it has already happened, but well before my time! My Dad was at the 66 World Cup final and I would love to be able to witness that for myself and be a part of what would probably be a very exclusive club of father and sons who have witness that feat at different World Cups Who has been your toughest opponents in your opinion?

There’s plenty to choose from, but keeping it to NWCL teams that we have faced I would have to say the AFC Fylde promotion winning side. They were streets ahead of us and had players who have since gone on to play at the very top level of the non league game. I suppose being backed by two millionaires helped!

You’re the manager of a five a side team. You can pick 2 Linnets players and 3 PL all time legends. Who would be in your side?

Peter Schmeichel, River Humphries, Tony Adams, Kyle Hamid, Alan Shearer.

Have you ever been here before? What was the score?

I have been here before, a 4-0 Linnets win and a 1-1 draw last year which probably ended our realistic title hopes.

Now for the big question on everyone’s mind. Can Linnets finally win the league?

Yes we can, but it’s going to need the injury crisis to end very quickly and not come back, and we are going to have to go on a hell of a run between now and the end of the season. We can achieve 108 points at the time of writing this and I think you will need 102 points to win the league this season. So if my guess is correct then we have 6 dropped points to play with which means we need to win a lot of games. The thing is we are very capable of doing that. Before the injuries hit we were on a run of 10 wins and 1 defeat in 11 games and the team looked strong enough to beat any team put in front of us, but in football things can change very quickly! But fingers crossed, missing out for a third year running would be very tough to take.

As the season nears its climax, there was once again plenty of drama and results that had an impact at the top and bottom of both divisions on Saturday.

In the Premier Division, it's still as tight as ever at the top, with both Runcorn Linnets and Colne needing late goals to keep their respective title aspirations on track.

Linnets remain top after a 2-1 win over 1874 Northwich in their last home game of the season at the Millbank Linnets Stadium. Neil Chappell gave the visitors a half time lead, before Antony Hickey levelled midway through the second half, and not for the first time this season Michael White struck the winner from the penalty spot, with ten minutes left.

Meanwhile, news of that goal would no doubt have filtered through to the XLCR Stadium, where Colne were being held by Bootle, but with four minutes left Simon Nangle scored what could be a crucial goal for the Reds to earn a narrow 1-0 win.

Linnets now lead Colne by two points, having played a game more.

Atherton Collieries' hopes of still being in the title race were all but ended after being held to a 2-2 draw at home to AFC Blackpool, a result that also had a big impact at the other end of the table.

Jordan Cover gave Colls an early lead, but Boubacar Kaba and a Jack Williams penalty put the visitors into a 2-1 lead that they held until a minute before the end, when a Mark Ayres penalty levelled for Colls.

None the less, it was an important point for AFC Blackpool, in the light of results elsewhere, most notably at Alsager Town and Silsden.

Alsager Town lost 2-0 at home to Padiham, with second half goals from Thomas Fowler and Aaron Taylor for the Storks, and Silsden twice led at home to Congleton Town through goals from Kyle Hancock and Andrew Hill, but two goals from Declan Fletcher, the second just two minutes from time, meant the sides ended up tied at 2-2.

It now looks grim for both Alsager and Silsden in the relegation battle, but AFC Blackpool are now just a point from safety and are five points behind Squires Gate with three games in hand, with the local rivals due to meet in the final week of the season.

AUGUST DATE

K.0

Sat 08

15:00

Wed 12

OPPOSITION

H/A

SCORE

ATT:

POS:

COMP:

1874 NORTHWICH

A

2-0

293

19TH

NWCFL

19:45

AFC LIVERPOOL

A

1-0

131

19TH

NWCFL

SAT 15

15:00

BARTON TOWN OLD BOYS

A

2-2

122

FA CUP EP

TUES 18

19:45

BARTON TOWN OLD BOYS

H

2-4

34

FA CUP EP R1

SAT 22

15:00

CAMMELL LAIRD 1907

H

2-2

48

21ST

NWCFL

TUES 25

19:45

ATHERTON COLLIERIES

H

3-4

150

21ST

NWCFL

SAT 29

15:00

BARNOLDSWICK TOWN

A

3-0

109

22ND

NWCFL

TUES 01

19:45

NELSON

H

2-2

105

21st

NWCFL

SAT 05

15:00

IRAM

H

2-2

37

FA VASE Q1

TUES 08

19:45

IRLAM

A

2-3

80

FA VASE Q1 R

SAT 12

15:00

ASHTON ATHLETIC

H

0-0

49

21ST

NWCFL

WED 16

19:45

AFC DARWEN

A

1-1

167

21ST

NWCFL

SAT 19

15:00

CONGLETON TOWN

H

1-2

69

21ST

NWCFL

TUES 22

19:45

COLNE

H

1-4

105

21ST

NWCFL

SAT 26

15:00

RUNCORN TOWN

A

5-0

88

21ST

NWCFL

SAT 03

15:00

WINSFORD UNITED

H

0-2

36

21ST

NWCFL

WED 07

19:45

PADIHAM

A

0-1

149

21ST

NWCFL

SAT 10

15:00

BOOTLE

A

5-1

129

21ST

NWCFL

TUES 13

19:45

SILSDEN

H

3-1

45

21ST

NWCFL

SAT 17

15:00

WEST DDSBURY & CHORLTON

H

0-4

46

21ST

NWCFL

MON 21

19:45

ATHERTON COLLIERIES

A

5-2

208

21ST

NWCFL

SAT 24

15:00

MAINE ROAD

A

1-5

41

SAT 31

15:00

PADIHAM

H

3-2

70

20TH

NWCFL

TUE 03

19:45

AFC DARWEN

H

6-3

102

19TH

NWCFL

SAT 21

15:00

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON

A

3-0

112

20TH

NWCFL

SAT 28

15:00

COLNE

H

2-5

40

15:00

MAINE ROAD

H

0-5

60

20TH

NWCFL

SAT 02

15:00

BARNOLDSWICK TOWN

H

2-1

68

19TH

NWCFL

SAT 09

15:00

MAINE ROAD

A

3-1

87

19TH

NWCFL

SAT 23

15:00

ABBEY HEY

A

3-1

68

19TH

NWCFL

SAT 30

15:00

AFC LIVERPOOL

H

2-1

85

19TH

NWCFL

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

MU Cup R2

NOVEMBER

MU CUP R3

DECEMBER SAT 19

JANUARY

45FEBRUARY SAT 13

15:00

COLNE

A

0-0

158

19TH

NWCFL

TUE 16

19:45

NELSON

A

1-3

42

20TH

NWCFL

SAT 27

15:00

ALSAGER TOWN

H

1-2

68

19TH

NWCFL

TUES 08

19:45

ALSAGER TOWN

A

3-3

70

19TH

NWCFL

SAT 12

15:00

1874 NORTHWICH

H

2-1

210

17TH

NWCFL

SAT 19

15:00

CONGLETON TOWN

A

1-1

126

18TH

NWCFL

TUES 22

19:45

WINSFORD UNITED

H

1-3

50

18TH

NWCFL

SAT 26

15;00

CAMMELL LAIRD 1907

A

2-0

67

18TH

NWCFL

MON 28

15:00

AFC BLACKPOOL

H

0-1

165

18th

NWCFL

SAT 02

15:00

ABBEY HEY

H

0-0

65

18th

NWCFL

SAT 09

15:00

WINSFORD UNITED

A

0-2

102

18th

NWCFL

TUES 12

19:45

BOOTLE

H

0-3

45

18th

NWCFL

SAT 16

15:00

RUNCORN LINNETS

A

0-2

332

20th

NWCFL

TUES 19

19:45

SILSDEN

A

1-2

70

18th

NWCFL

SAT 23

15:00

RUNCORN TOWN

H

2-1

65

18th

NWCFL

SAT 30

15:00

RUNCORN LINNETS

H

NWCFL

TUES 03

19:45

AFC BLACKPOOL

A

NWCFL

SAT 07

15:00

ASHTON ATHLETIC

A

NWCFL

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

P

W

D

L

F

A

GD

PTS

1

Runcorn Linnets

40

30

2

8

90

33

57

92

2

Colne

39

28

7

4

98

41

57

91

3

Atherton Collieries

39

24

9

6

110

58

52

81

4

1874 Northwich

39

22

6

11

85

61

24

72

5

Congleton Town

39

19

9

11

78

62

16

66

6

Bootle

41

17

9

15

74

74

0

60

7

West Didsbury & Chorlton

38

18

5

15

71

58

13

59

8

Barnoldswick Town

39

16

8

15

70

61

9

56

9

Ashton Athletic

38

15

10

13

67

62

5

55

10

Padiham

39

15

9

15

82

83

-1

54

11

Abbey Hey

39

14

11

14

62

63

-1

53

12

Maine Road

40

16

5

19

69

73

-4

53

13

Runcorn Town

41

15

7

19

70

74

-4

52

14

Cammell Laird 1907

39

14

8

17

69

73

-4

50

15

Winsford United

41

13

10

18

64

93

-29

49

16

AFC Liverpool

40

11

14

15

84

89

-5

47

17

Nelson

39

12

8

19

65

6

-1

44

18

Squires Gate

39

10

8

21

48

85

-37

38

19

AFC Darwen

39

10

7

22

74

107

-33

37

20

Alsager Town

40

10

5

25

50

97

-47

35

21

Silsden

40

8

10

22

53

85

-32

34

22

AFC Blackpool

38

8

9

21

58

93

-35

33

JULY

Sun 5

15:00

Rishton FC

H

7-2

Friendly

Sun 12

15:00

Longsands FC

A

0-7

Friendly

Sun 06

14:15

Clifton Rangers

H

8-2

League

Thu 10

18:15

St Annes

H

9-0

League

Sun 20

14:15

Foxhall

A

2-5

League

Sun 27

14:15

Bispham Vipers

H

12-2

League

Sun 04

14:15

Euxton Villa

H

12-3

Cup

Sun 11

14:15

Lytham Juniors

A

2-5

League

Sun 18

14:15

Thornton Cleveleys Blues

A

2-10

League

Sun 25

14:15

Eccleston & Heskin

A

5-2

Cup

Sun 08

14:15

Thornton Blues

H

7-1

League

Sun 22

14:15

Lytham

A

2-6

League

14:15

BJ Vipers

H

9-1

League

Sun 14

14:15

Blackpool Rangers

H

9-0

League

Sun 28

14:15

St Annes

A

2-6

League

14:15

Foxhall Hoops

H

11-0

League

Sun 03

14:15

Fleetwood Gym

H

18-0

League

Thur 07

18:00

Poulton FC

A

2-4

League

Sun 10

14:15

BJFF Blades

H

2-3

League

Thur 14

18:00

Lytham Juniors

H

4-2

League

Sun 17

14:15

BJFF Vipers

A

2-7

League

Thur 21

18:15

Foxhall

A

1-1

League

Sun 24

14:15

Blackpool Rangers

A

0-1

League

Thur 28

18:15

Poulton FC

H

4-2

League

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

JANUARY Sun 31 FEBRUARY

MARCH SUN 20 April

P

W

D

L

PTS

1

BJFF Blades

18

18

0

0

54

2

Squires Gate

19

17

1

1

52

3

Foxhall

18

12

2

4

38

4

Lytham Juniors

19

11

2

6

35

5

Clifton Rangers

19

11

1

7

34

6

Poulton FC

16

10

0

6

30

7

BJFF Vipers

19

8

2

9

26

8

Thornton Cleveleys Blues

18

7

1

10

22

9

Foxhall Hoops

19

5

2

12

17

10

St Annes

19

5

1

13

16

11

Fleetwood Gym

19

1

0

18

3

12

Blackpool Rangers

19

0

0

19

0

JULY Thur 23rd

19:00

Academica

H

0-2

Friendly

Sat 5th

15:00

Padiham

A

4-0

League

Thu 10th

19:45

Colne

A

5-0

League

Wed 16th

19:45

Workington Town

A

2-1

Cup 1st Leg

Thurs 24th

19.30

Lancaster

A

3-4

League

Sat 26th

15:00

Lancaster City

H

4-3

League

19:30

AFC Fylde

A

3-0

League

Wed 4th

20:00

Workington Town

A

4-1

League

Thur 12th

20:00

Workington Town

H

1-5

Cup 2nd Leg

Thur 19th

19:45

Bamber Bridge

H

0-1

League

19:30

Colne

H

1-3

League

19:45

Bamber Bridge

A

5-1

League

Thur 11th

20:00

AFC Fylde

H

4-3

League

Thur 18th

19:45

Ashton Athletic

A

3-1

League

Thur 17th

19:45

Nelson

A

1-1

League

Thurs 24th

19:30

Padiham

H

2-2

League

Thurs 31st

19:45

Ashton Athletic

H

League

Wed 06th

19:45

Skelmersdale United

A

League

Thur 21th

19:45

Ashton Athletic

A

League

Thur 28th

19:45

Workington

H

League

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER Fri 16th

NOVEMBER

December Thur 17th

January Thur 21st

February

March

April

P

W

D

L

F

A

GD

PTS

1

Padiham

12

9

1

2

33

14

19

28

2

Colne

11

8

0

3

31

21

10

21

3

AFC Fylde

12

7

1

4

32

26

6

22

4

Workington

10

6

1

3

39

21

18

19

5

Ashton Athletic

9

4

0

5

25

27

-2

12

6

Bamber Bridge

11

3

0

8

19

30

-11

9

7

Skelmersdale United

9

3

0

6

13

25

-12

9

8

Squires Gate

11

3

1

7

15

30

-14

9

9

Nelson

8

1

1

6

12

24

-12

4

Squires Gate - last 5 matches 30/04/16

W

D

L

W

D

L

5

3

11

16

1

6

W

D

L

W

D

L

5

4

10

14

1

2

ALL COMPETITIONS Home

L

L

D

L

W

Away

D

L

L

L

W

Collated

L

L

L

W

W

Runcorn Linnets- Last 5 matches 30/04/16

ALL COMPETITIONS Home

D

W

W

W

W

W

D

L

W

D

L

Away

W

L

W

D

L

3

2

5

15

1

4

Collated

W

W

D

W

L

0

WINS

1

0

HOME WINS

0

0

AWAY WINS

2

2

DEFEATS

0

1

HOME DEFEATS

9

1

AWAY DEFEATS

0

10

SCORE DRAWS

3

5

NO SCORE DRAWS

9

0

CONCEDING 1+ GOALS

0

0

SCORING 1+ GOALS

1

5

CLEAN SHEETS

3

0

BACK TO BACK WINS

6

Squires Gate

Runcorn Linnets

2006/07

18th

2nd

2007/08

6th

12th

PD2008/09

10th

11th

2009/10

13th

11th

2010/11

9th

12th

2011/12

16th

5th

2012/13

21st

6th

2013/14

19th

2nd

2014/15

6th

2nd

WANT YOUR BUSINESS HERE? GET IN TOUCH! Player Sponsor If you sponsor a player, you will get FREE entry to a match of your choice*. You will also have your advert in our fantastic programme which is also available online, and uploaded to the website. All this for only £100 a season!!

Match Sponsor If you would like to sponsor a match, you will get FREE entry for up to FOUR people. FREE beverages, entry to the boardroom where you will be served tea/coffee and some food, a mention on the Squires Gate Official Twitter page (@squiresgatefc), and FREE complimentary programmes! £100 a match.

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TOTAL MATCHES

12 OVERALL RESULTS

4

3

5

AT SQUIRES GATE

2

2

2

AT RUNCORN LINNETS

2

2

3 GOALS

17

18

GOALS

48

90 CLEAN SHEETS

4

17 CONCEDED

85

33 AVERAGE GOALS PER GAME

1.38

2.25

26TH APRIL 2016

23RD APRIL 2016

BOOTLE 1

RUNCORN LINNETS 2

RUNCORN LINNETS 0

1874 NORTHWICH 1

9TH APRIL 2016

16TH APRIL 2016

COLNE 2

RUNCORN LINNETS 2

RUNCOORN LINNETS 0

SQUIRES GATE 0

2ND FEBRUARY 2016

14TH APRIL 2016

CONGLETON TOWN 2

AFC DARWEN O

RUNCORN LINNETS 0

RUNCORN LINNETS 2

19TH JANUARY 2016

2ND APRIL 2016

RUNCORN LINNETS 2

RUNCORN LINNETS 5

NORTHWICH VICTORIA 5

AFC BLACKPOOL 1

28TH NOVEMBER 2015

28TH MARCH 2016

RUNCORN LINNETS 0

RUNCORN LINNETS 2

BARNOLDSWICK TOWN 1

RUNCORN TOWN 1

23RD APRIL 2016

26TH APRIL 2016

28TH MARCH 2016

RUNCORN LINNETS 2

BOOTLE 1

RUNCORN LINNETS 2

1874 NORTHWICH 1

RUNCORN LINNETS 0

SQUIRES GATE 0

16TH APRIL 2016

19TH APRIL 2016

10TH MARCH 2015

RUNCORN LINNETS 2

NELSON 1

SQUIRES GATE 1

SQUIRES GATE 0

RUNCORN LINNETS 1

RUNCORN LINNETS 1

2ND APRIL 2016

14TH APRIL 2016

1ST MARCH2014

RUNCORN LINNETS 5

AFC DARWEN O

SQUIRES GATE 0

AFC BLACKPOOL 1

RUNCORN LINNETS 2

RUNCORN LINNETS 4

28TH MARCH 2016

9TH APRIL 2016

1ST FEBRUARY 2014

RUNCORN LINNETS 2

COLNE 2

RUNCORN LINNETS 3

RUNCORN TOWN 1

RUNCOORN LINNETS 0

SQUIRES GATE 0

19TH MARCH 2016

26TH MARCH 2016

21ST SEPTEMBER 2013

RUNCORN LINNETS 0

SILSDEN 1

RUNCORN LINNETS 4

WEST DIDSBURY 0

RUNCORN LINNETS 3

SQUIRES GATE 2

Michael Hall We spoke to Michael Hall ahead of this weekends game, and this is what he had to say about preparing for the relegation dogfight, and his memories from his time at Gate.

Do you prepare differently for big games than you do usually?

What is the feeling before the game in the changing room?

I try not to. Some people like to get pumped up for big games but I prefer to stay relaxed and treat it as a normal game - I leave all the rally cries to Magsy!

What is your favourite derby game to watch? Do you passionately hate any team as a football fan?

The El Classico is the best Derby to watch for me. Rico must watch plenty of El Classico games though as his diving is also superb! I like Everton and Blackpool but don't overly hate any team, I just enjoy good football being played.

Do you remember your first game for Squires Gate, what was the score?

I think if I remember rightly it was a Boxing Day game vs AFC Blackpool which we drew 1-1. I think I was only allowed to play to stop me from jumping the fence on a match day!

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

Sergio Aguero, the best all round striker in the league.

Cesc Fabregas - Just to see if he could do it on a cold Tues night in November away at Winsford.

N'golo Kante - he can do all of my running for me!

If you were manager of a 5 a side team, and had to pick 2 Gate players and 3 PL legends. Who would you pick?

Gascoigne, (Peter) Schmeichel, Scholes, Statey and Al McKendrick - 3 top players and 2 athletes!

Do you remember your first goal for Squires Gate?

Who was it against?

Is this a trick question?! Yet to open my account for gate, I'll need to try and get Bucs off the penalties!

Is there any memorable/favourite games that you have played in?

I always enjoyed playing games for my local side (Foxhall), when you could basically play with freedom and enjoy the game (I used to score back then as well!)

What is your most memorable game within your time at Gate?

I think the Alsager game away this season, coming back from 3-0 down in a key game was a great result in terms of this season with the lad's togetherness getting us back into the game.

What has been the best goal you have ever scored?

I scored at Bolton's Macron stadium in an academy game at u14's with what was, believe it or not, Maradona -esque vs England (the dribble not the handball).

Who has been the best striker that you have played against? And the best opposition?

Andy Carroll, and Manchester United Reserves - not a good day to play left back against their wingers.

WHO’S IN CHARGE? Jay Foulds

LAST SEASON

Squires Gate travelled to Ashton Athletic on Tuesday night looking to continue their good form which saw Gate beat Runcorn Town 7-2 on the previous Saturday. Gate came into the game with an unchanged side with only Jonathan Hothersall dropping from the bench.

It wasn't the start the game would have wanted as with just four minutes on the clock Ashton opened the scoring. Sloppy defending from Gate allowed Ashton the room and time to easily score.

Gate had the chance to equalise soon after top goals scorer Jack Sowerby broke away from the last man but his tame shot could only find the goalkeepers gloves. Gate had another chance soon after, the ball knocked down by Jack Sowerby to Alex Murphy but his shot fell wide of the post. Gate's defence withstood a lot of pressure throughout the first half but stood firm. The home side doubled their lead on the 40th minute though joint manager Ben Kay, with a sweet volley just inside the area.

Into the second half and no improvement was made from the away side. Gate struggled to really get a hold of the game and were constantly hounded put by an impressive organised Ashton side. Gates day was made worse with a couple of minutes of madness. First Sam Bailey scored directly from the corner kick then just a minute later Adam Gilchrist made it two in two minutes. Late chances for both Chris Anderson and Jack Sowerby but Ashton saw out the game.

After a weekend that saw Gate run out winners against Runcorn, in every way imaginable with Flair, fighting spirit and passion, Gate Boss now needs to re install these qualities to the team as tonight all was dreadfully missing..

GROUND Brocstedes Park

PRICES ARE AS FOLLOWS: Adults £5

Concessions (Over 60 & Under 16) - £3 Under 12’s - FREE*

Ryan

Mike

Watford v Aston Villa

2-0

4-0

Man United v Leicester

1-2

2-2

Sheffield Wednesday v Cardiff

2-0

3-0

Burton v Gillingham

3-2

2-0

Chester filed v Bury

2-0

1-3

Coventry v Sheffield United

1-0

0-1

Crewe v Doncaster

1-1

0-0

Northampton v Luton

5-0

3-0

Your Prediction

Name

Team

Pts

1

Ben Fletcher

Squires Gate

40

2

Daniel Hayden

Squires Gate

40

3

Peter Naylor

Barnoldswick Town

40

4

Spencer Leader

Squires Gate

40

5

Andy Richards

Squires Gate

35

6

Alex Howell

FC Ingolstadt

35

7

Jack Owen

1874 Northwich

35

8

Jay Hayden

Squires Gate

35

9

Joe Duckworth

Winsford United

35

10

Mark Halliwell

Irlam

35

11

Peter Jones

West Didsbury & Chorlton

35

12

Steve Palmer

Squires Gate

35

13

Ben Metcalfe

Colne

30

14

Nathan Mckie

NWCFL Ground Hopper

30

15

Peter Harlow

Cornwall

30

16

Stuart Hopwood

Squires Gate

30

17

Albert Cooper

Squires Gate

25

18

Brett Ferguson

Squires Gate

25

19

Brian Addison

Squires Gate

25

20

Colin Worrall

Abbey Hey

25

21

Danny Penswick

Squires Gate

25

22

Denise Gibson

Squires Gate

25

23

Ian Woodward

Alsager Town

25

24

Joe Noblet

Squires Gate

25

25

John Maguire

Squires Gate

25

26

Josh Kay

Barnsley

25

27

Mark Ashmore

Squires Gate

25

28

Mark Morrissey

Irlam

25

29

Mick Fletcher

Colne

25

30

Jake Higham

Squires Gate

20

31

Martin Fallon

Runcorn Town

20

32

Paul Eke

Gateshead

20

33

Paul Smith

AFC Liverpool

20

34

Rob

Football Blogger

20

35

Ste Bignall

Runcorn Linnets

20

36

Ash Rowley

Squires Gate

15

37

Chris Appleton

Winsford United

15

38

Peter Barton

Ashton Athletic

15

39

Ray Richards

Squires Gate

15

40

Tony Emmott

Padiham

15

41

Rob McKay

West Didsbury & Chorlton

10

42

Adam Thurston

Bristol Ground Hopper

5

FOOTBALL LEAGUE SCRAMBLE Can you unscramble the letters to find the names of these British clubs?

TWOFOLD NOW TEE YACHTING IBM RIM

LANDOWNERS BET OR JETS NTH NO SO ICY DIFFRACT UNDERFLOWS THE DID CLOTHIER FAR AFT WELCOME THAN NTH UTENSIL DEED NEIGHBOURED POUT TRUE

Can you match the teams with the year that they were formed in?

CELTC

1863

LIVERPOOL

1888

PRESTON

1886

WATFORD

1882

TOTTENHAM

1892

,ARSENAL

1881

F Football League Scramble: Fleetwood Town, Birmingham City, Bolton Wanderers, St Johnstone, Cardiff City, Huddersfield Town , MK Dons, Reading, Leeds United, Peterborough United

Good afternoon everyone,

The end of the season is just around the corner, as we host Runcorn Linnets this afternoon in our last home game of the campaign. We’d like to welcome supporters, committee members and staff to The Royal British Legion Stadium. With a special mention to Ste Bignall who contributed his thoughts for today’s programme in ‘VIEW FROM THE AWAY END’.

Me and my brother Jay, started the role as programme editors at the start of last season, taking over from Albert Cooper and I’m pretty sure we are the youngest editors in the league aged 19 and 17 . Back then we never realised how much hard work it was to draft, create and print a programme from scratch and every week we come up with new ideas to add. Especially when you have 3 home games in the space of 7 days.

Last season we were praised by the non league magazine for having one of the best programmes in the lower leagues of the North West. However, we knew there was a lot of improvement to be made on our efforts from last season. At the start of this season, we decided we were going to get supporters more involved so we came up with the idea of ‘view from the away end’ where we get the thoughts of a supporter from the visitors. A big thank you to everyone who has contributed to that feature, it’s much appreciated.

Gate keeper Ben Fletcher currently sits top of our Prediction League going into today’s game. Another feature we created which gets fans involved with our programme. If you would like to enter your predictions for today’s game (find our prediction page for the fixtures) send your scores to haydendan@live.co.uk before 14.50. It is free to enter.

In the recent weeks we have interviewed a few ground hoppers from up and down the country, and asked them what encouraged them to start their footballing adventures, and some interesting questions which got some great replies. This is a feature that will continue to run into next season, so keep your eye out for the upcoming interviews. Today’s groundhopper is Adj Daman, who’s current ground tally is 117.

All of our previous programme can be viewed online at issuu.com/squiresgatefc if you would like to have a read of our latest programmes - West Didsbury & Chorlton has to be my favourite one of this season. We’d also like to thank every one who has taken time to get in touch and send us some positive feedback from when they visited and bought a programme. We do take time to read and appreciate any feedback that we get. We are always looking for ways to improve on what we have so if any Gate supporters have anything that they want to add next season then get in touch!

Another thank you to everyone that has contributed to this seasons programme, it is much appreciated and hopefully we can build on what we have started next season with more new features. However, the price of our programme will be making the small jump to £2 to cover the costs of printing, efficiency and will hopefully generate some profit to the club. I think this is fair for a 44 page programme considering some cost £1.50 for 20 pages.

Thanks for your continued support and hope you will continue to buy a programme next season.

Dan and Jay

Club Information

Chairman Stuart Hopwood Secretary Ben FLETCHER

Dean PORTER

Joshua WOODS

Kieron BRISLEN

Andrew RICHARDS Billy MCKENNA Joshua WESTWOOD

Brett FERGUSON

Referee

Alex MCKENDRICK

Mark BUCHAN

Mark Doherty

Ashley ROWLEY Alex COLQUHOUN Michael HALL

John Stokes

Tom HARDWICK

Manager Daniel Penswick

Michael SIMPSON

Assistant Manager

Mark HOUGHTON

Brian Penswick

Kyle HAMID

Reserves Manager

Freddie POTTER

Andy Collins

Antony HICKEY

Under 13’s Manager

Kurt SHERLOCK

Mick Bishop

River HUMPHERYS

Groundsman

Kyle ARMSTRONG

Brian Addison Mark Ashmore

Nathan TROUT

Assistant Referees

Steven HIGGINS

John Lesson

Franny SMITH

Ryan RILEY

Zac Bamber

Michael ELLISON

Joe NOBLET

Treasurer

Matty ATHERTON

Michael WHITE

Daniel PENSWICK

John Maguire

Taylor KENNERLEY

Antony STAYTE

Jamie REEDER

Tarran MOXON

Adam DONOHUE

Peter Bryant Steve Bellamy Bar & Hospitality Denise Gibson

Ryan TANSER

Emma Hopwood

Jacob HIGHAM

Christine Walsh Media Albert Cooper Mark Ashmore Programme Editors Daniel Hayden Jay Hayden Twitter @squiresgatefc