Squires Gate V Runcorn Town

OFFICIAL 36 PAGE MATCHDAY PROGRAMME OF SQUIRES GATE

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CLUB DIRECTORY & OFFICIALS CONTACT US Squires Gate Football Club School Road, Blackpool, FY4 5DS

Good afternoon, and welcome to Runcorn Town are flying, and The Brian Addison Stadium for our could get promotion from the game against Runcorn Town.

Premier Division in weeks to It feels like we haven’t been here come.

Email: squiresgatefc@gmail.com

Website: www.squiresgatefc.co.uk Twitter: @squiresgatefc

for a long time, our last home I hope our visitors today enjoy the Facebook: Squires Gate FC game was on 8th February against game, and have a safe journey Litherland REMYCA. home.

EXECUTIVE: Today’s game will be a tough test, Jay Hayden, Programme Editor Chairman: John Maguire but as we saw last week in the Co-Chairman: Tony Jo Premier League with Watford beating Liverpool, you can never expect a result.

Treasurer: Mark Ashmore Secretary: John Maguire First Team Manager: Luke Evans Assistant Manager: Shane Hudson Director of Football: Jimmy Salthouse Physio: Lucy Gray Club President: Brian Addison

IN TODAY’S ISSUE 4

FROM THE DUGOUT

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VIEW FROM AWAY END

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ONES TO WATCH

12

Q&A WITH KIERAN

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MEET TOWN

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FROM THE ARCHIVE

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ESTADIOS DE ESPANA

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NWCFL STATS

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MATCH ACTION

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PLAYER SPONSORS

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AROUND NWCFL

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MATCHDAY CENTRE

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ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY

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NON LEAGUE SNAPSHOTS

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GROUNDHOP IN BELGRADE

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ABOUT TOWN

Committee: John Maguire, Mark Ashmore, Steve Bellamy, Brian Addison, Colin Smith, Karl Townson, Spencer Leader, Chris Chadwick, Nick Grindley, Tony Jo, Media: Albert Cooper, Mark Ashmore Programme Editors : Jay Hayden, Dan Hayden

Gate Attendee: Jay Hayden Groundsman: Brian Addison, Steve Bellamy, Roy Bar: Denise Gibson, Chris Chadwick, Dan Hayden, Steve Bellamy

NOTE: The words in this programme are NOT those of Squires Gate FC or Runcorn Town, and facts and stats are as accurate as can be at the time of writing.

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LUKE EVANS Good afternoon and welcome to our game as we entertain Runcorn Town.

It has been an interesting period for us with no game for so long and then a disappointing result last Saturday. For whatever reason we couldn’t get going last week at Burscough and it’s very frustrating for Shane and I when we put so much hard work in and the boys just don’t seem to respond. We were so poor first half that a better side would have been out of sight. Having said that we created minimal chances second half but still had enough to nick a point. Although disappointing it’s how we bounce back from those disappointments which will be the real test of the character of us. One positive was the reliable James Boyd scoring once again from the penalty spot taking his tally to 17 for the season. I’d be very surprised if there is any other left midfielder that is on course for 20 goals this season and it’s testament to his ability, attitude and confidence that this is in his grasp.

On the transfer front we have added to our ranks with the signings of Declan Baldwin from Chorley and Hyuga Tanner from Clitheroe both on loan until the end of the season. Both have excellent ability and both play in the middle of the park. They have bright futures in the game and we are happy to aid their development.

On to today’s game and we face one of the leagues top sides without any doubt. Runcorn Town have not lost a game since January and we will have to bounce back strong and be at our best to get anything out of the game. We have all of our players back and it will be a tough decision after last week as to which team we will select. Converting chances is going to be the main thing for us and we need to be doing this on a more regular basis if we are to sustain our league position and even push on further.I thank you hugely for your support and let’s hope that you can be our 12th man and push us over the line to victory.

Many thanks Luke

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Formed: 1968 Ground: Viridor Community Stadium Capacity: 1,530 Colours: Sky & Navy Blue Shirts, Navy Blue Shorts, Sky Blue Socks HONOURS:

West Cheshire League Two Winners 2006/07 West Cheshire League Two Runners Up 2004/05, 1994/95 Cheshire Amateur Cup Runners Up 1994/95 Pyke Cup Runners Up 2007/08 West Cheshire Bowl Winners 1993/94, 1991/92 Runners Up 2004/05, 1992/23 Bill Weight Memorial Cup Winners 2007/08, 2005/06, 2004/05 Runcorn Senior Cup Winners 2007/08, 2005/06, 2004/05 NWCFL Division 1 Runners Up 2010/11 NWCFL Premier Division Runners Up 2011/12 7

WE WELCOME OUR VISITORS FROM RUNCORN Runcorn Town have come a long way from their very first season in 1968 when the club were one of the founder members of the Runcorn Sunday League. They were formed as CKD, a works team from 'D' section of the local Castner Kellner plant.

The following three seasons saw top four finishes, although the main progression was off the field as the ground was transformed. Hard standing, seating and floodlights were installed for the first time, with the dressing rooms also upgraded. This enabled the club to be elected to the North West Counties League at the start of the 2010/11 season, with the It’s fair to say that the club has had a few identities over the club also entering the FA Vase and the Cheshire Senior Cup years. The club changed name to Mond in 1970, reflecting the for the first time in their history.

Mond Division of ICI of which ran the Castner Keller plant, and three years later added the Rangers to their name. In 2005 It is fair to say that the first season in the league exceeded all came the latest name change to Runcorn Town in order to try expectations under Simon Burton's leadership, with the team and bring a more professional look to the club in general, as losing just two league matches as they secured promotion to well as trying to improve facilities at the club with a view to the Premier Division as runners-up, with James McShane finjoining the Non-League Pyramid. This they would achieve five ishing as the league's overall leading scorer with 43 goals. The years later but we are jumping ahead, so let’s start at the Quarter Final of the Division One Trophy was also reached as beginning. well as the Semi Final of the Challenge Cup. The early years of the club were not that great with Runcorn having a thriving Sunday League at the time. So in 1973 the club made the decision to try Saturday football in the impressive Warrington and District League (WDL), joining in Division Five. At the end of that first season, they amalgamated with struggling ICI Weston who played in the WDL Division One, and became one of the strongest sides in the league. They remained in the WDL until 1984 when they were elected to join the West Cheshire League (WCL) Division Two.

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In the clubs' FA Vase debut season, the club also wrote headlines as they progressed through four successive away ties before bowing out in the in the Last 32 stage against Dunston UTS, the last remaining North West Counties League side in the competition.

The club were also once again the last remaining NWCL side in the FA Vase, this time reaching a replay in the Last 32 before bowing out, as well as making their debut in the FA Cup, winning two games before bowing out to Evo-Stik League side Ashton United.

The club established themselves as a solid mid-table team and in 1991/92 won their first silverware in the West Cheshire Bowl. The following two seasons saw third place finishes, also The 2012/13 season saw Town finish fourth in the league, with reaching two more Bowl Finals of which they won one. the main highlight of the season coming in the FA Vase. This saw the club reach the Last 16 for the first time, losing in extra Promotion finally came in 1994/95 when they finished second time to Walsall Wood. Another good scalp came in the Cheshin the league scoring 118 goals. They also reached the Final ire Senior Cup with a 5-0 away win at Warrington which of the Cheshire Amateur Cup but lost to Poulton Victoria in a earned the "Team of the Round" award. match played at Prenton Park, Tranmere.

Two poor seasons followed finishing 13th in both, with Chris Despite sharing the Bill Weight Memorial Trophy in that first Herbert appointed manager at the start of the 2016/17 season. season, Division One proved a struggle and they were relegat- It was an uphill battle to get a squad together, with only one ed for the first time in the clubs history in 2001/02. Success player retained from the previous season. There were no real returned in 2004/05 with the team finishing as runners up in cup runs this year, but Town bounced back in the league to Division Two, winning the Runcorn Senior Cup and reaching finish third, level on points with runners-up Bootle. the final of the Bowl.

The 2017/18 saw the club get off to a record breaking start as Back in Division One, the new season got off to a good start they won their first 11 games of the season, with the first dewith the Bill Weight Memorial Cup won early on and the Run- feat coming in November. But the bad weather over winter corn Cup added, but on the final day of the season, they saw momentum halted, playing just once in 35 days, and in slipped into the relegation places for the first time to suffer a ten league games until February, Town picked up just seven heart-breaking relegation. Town quickly regrouped and points. The end to the season was almost as good as the start, bounced back the next season by winning Division Two for the but they left themselves too much to do and finished third once first time, this also being the club’s first Championship. more, albeit with a club record 93 points.

GEORGE PERRIS

This week speaking to The Gate is Runcorn Town fan George Perris. He tells us what made him get into football, when his first game watching Town was, who was his footballing idol and about football in general.

First of all, what got you into football, more importantly Runcorn Town? What team did you grow up supporting?

Playing at school and also going to watch football. I grew up following and supporting Man United, until money and prima donas ruined the game so I decided one day to go and watch Town and I was hooked Did you own any football shirts growing up? Who was your footballing idol?

Owned lots of United shirts and England and of course I now have town shirts amongst my collection .. Denis Law was my idol and hero What were your expectations at the start of the season?

How are you comparing to that so far this season?

Thought we had a real good chance of promotion but a run of poor form especially at home saw us slip down the league But we are back in the mix so fingers crossed

When the fixtures are announced, which fixture do you look out for first? Which teams do you hate visiting, and playing?

All wins are the best but worse for me was on a freezing cold night at Barnoldswick and losing 7-2 that was a long drive home Don't look for any in particular but I hate going to Litherland and Bootle What makes non league unique for you?

Away days and the friendly banter over a few pints with other fans.

In your opinion, which 3 teams will go up this season?

Who will go down?

1874, Bootle and hopefully us for Promotion Going down is to close to call but I fear for Hanley.

You can bring 3 PL players to the club on a free transfer.

Who do you sign and why?

Van Dijk, Grealish and Rashford for youth and experience.

You are manager of a 5 a side team. You can pick 2 Runcorn Town players, and 3 PL legends. Who makes your team?

Adam Reid, Craig Cairns, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona and Ryan Giggs (not being biased).

Do you remember the first game you attended, in general and for Runcorn Town?

What has been your most memorable Town moment?

My first ever game was watching Runcorn FC v Ellsmere Port Have you visited Squires Gate before? If so, what was at Canal Street. Started following Town in 2012 but can’t the score? remember first game Visited Gate several times the last being a 2-0 defeat last season (why is it always cold there?)

Best and worst game that you have seen?

Any time we beat the Linnets.

Prediction for the game?

3-1 Runcorn Town

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STAR MAN

CRAIG

CAIRNS

FORWARD Age: 30 Previous Clubs: Cammell Laird, Cammell Laird 1907, Rock Ferry Apps: 112 Goals: 116 Craig is a prolific goalscorer who has proved himself in the Northern Premier League and NWCFL. He started his career with Rock Ferry before joining Cammell Laird who he helped to the playoffs.

Joined Runcorn Town at the start of the 2016/17 season and had a stunning first season, setting many club records as he finished as leading goalscorer in the league with 52 goals in just 41 matches. He added to that in his second season, again finishing as leading club goalscorer and increased his record to 96 goals in just 83 games.

At the start of last season he moved to City of Liverpool and helped his new club to win the NWCFL Premier Division title as he again was leading goalscorer. But in July 2019 he signed on at Runcorn for a second spell and we hope for plenty 10

KIERAN

HOLSGROVE

MIDFIELDER Age: 19 Previous Clubs: West Bromwich Albion, Watford, Marine Apps: 16 Goals: 2 Kieran joined in October 2019 on dual registration forms from Marine. He is just 19 years old and moved to Marine in the summer having spent last season with Watford in their U23 Premier League team. Previously with West Bromwich Albion.

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FROM WATFORD TO RUNCORN TOWN First of all, what encouraged you into playing football?

Who did you support growing up?

Started playing football as soon as I could walk to be honest, there was no thought about it! I’ve always supported Liverpool FC, and was always inspired by Liverpool players growing up such as Gerrard, Torres and Suarez.

Did you own any football shirts as a kid? Who was your footballing idol?

Yes always had Liverpool shirts home and away! Also had PSG shirts, Barcelona shirts and before I started playing for Wales I even had England shirts. I’m only 19 so it wasn’t that long ago that I was growing up idolising players so i’d say Torres or Suarez.

Do you have any matchday superstitions or rituals that you have to do before a game?

Not really, a little thing I do is I always put my left sock on first.

Other than that I just try to keep myself relaxed until I step on the pitch.

What do you usually do before an away game, any routines? How do you mentally prepare for a game?

Nothing really changes, just keep myself relaxed really and save as much as my energy as I can until I step on the pitch.

Make sure I eat a decent meal a couple of hours before, plenty of water then a little snack about an hour before kick off.

You are the DJ before the game, what is the first song on your playlist? Who has the worst music taste in the team?

Can you give us a brief insight into your career? How long I’m more relaxed before I game so I’d play “Don’t stop have you been at Runcorn Town? Which teams have you Believin” by Journey but don’t think a lot of the lads would applayed for etc? prove pre match Joined Runcorn Town in October on dual registration from Marine FC. I signed there after leaving Watford FC in June 2019. You spent some time at Watford Under's 23 and some othPrior to this I was a scholar at West Bromwich Albion for 2 er higher league clubs, what made you consider coming seasons having signed there from Liverpool FC. I spent 10 down to Non League and what is the difference between Years at Liverpool starting there at age 6. Before Liverpool, I the two? was playing for Liverpool, Man Utd and Everton aged 5 and After leaving Watford, a number of people who are highly rewas playing for all three until I had to make a choice. At which garded in football advised me to get some first team experipoint I chose Liverpool, with it being the team my family and I ence rather than give the u23 route another try. So, I signed supported. for Marine FC at the end of last season in the hope to get some experience. With a baby on the way at the time it also Do you remember your first game playing for Runcorn suited being able to live back at home and be there a lot more Town? What was the score? for the baby’s first months which was great. The main differYes, my first game was at the end of October at home to Pa- ence between the two, is just the lack of time on the ball and diham. We drew the game 3-3, I came on for the last 15/20 the physicality of non league. Also the wins and losses mean a mins of the game. lot more and are the wins are more hard earned.

What was the first game you attended as a kid?

I was a little terror as a kid, so I was never allowed to go with my dad. The first time they tried to take me to a game was Tranmere, I must have only been about 4/5 I don’t remember much of it but i’ve been told I was a nightmare!

You can pick any player in the world, past or present, to play alongside with. Who do you pick?

Got to be Messi, arguably the best player ever. He’d get me plenty of goals and assists and make me look good too!

You are manager of a 5 a side team. You can pick 2 Town players, and 3 PL legends. Who makes your team?

(GK) Adam Reid (Town), Craig Cairns (Town), Gerrard, Ronaldo and Suarez 12

You can bring 3 PL players to Town on a free transfer, who would you sign and why?

Being a Liverpool fan and whilst they are dominating world football at the moment, it’s only right I pick 3 Liverpool players, so Van Dijk, obviously been irreplaceable for Liverpool and best defender in the world to give some stability at the back.

Mo Salah, Mane both deceivingly strong and extremely quick so think they will manage with the physicality of non league and score us lots of goals.

Prediction for today's game?

2-0 Runcorn, sorry!

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ADAM REID

LIAM TURNER

MARK HASLAM

KEVIN EXELL

OWEN DURSLEY

DEKLAN HILL

Age: 25 Age: 24 Age: 50 Previous Clubs: Previous Clubs: Previous Clubs: Atherton Collieries Colwyn Bay, Warrington Abbey Hey, Stockport Town Apps: 103 Apps: 100 Apps: 15 Clean Sheets: 30 Goals: 2 Goals: 0 Adam signed in February Liam is a full back who is Mark is an experienced full 2018 from Evostik League very he is very comfortaback or midfielder who side Atherton Collieries. ble in his play but can also signed in October 2019.

Standing at 6ft 3, Adam is mix it up when we have to He has played for a host of a tall and commanding battle it out. He has good clubs in both the NWCFL figure who is a great shot energy and can get up and and Northern Premier stopper and covers his down very well. Signed League including Mossley, area very well. He won the from Colwyn Bay in NoTrafford, Ashton United, Hallmark Security Premier vember 2017 and previCurzon Ashton, Woodley Division last season with ously with Warrington Sports, Abbey Hey and Colls as well as picking up Town.

Stockport Town several Goalkeeper of the Month awards en-route.

SIMON THELWELL

MARCUS JAMES

CARL RODGERS

TOM ROWLANDS

Age: 32 Age: 29 Previous Clubs: Previous Clubs: Vauxhall Motors Capenhurst Villa Apps: 152 Apps: 161 Goals: 29 Goals: 10 Club captain Simon is a tall Marcus is a big strong and skilful player who can centre half who has pace, play in defence or attack. is strong in the air, Joined the club from Flint physical and is very Town Athletic ahead of comfortable on the ball. the 2016/17 season, and has previously been at He was a part of former Capenhurst Villa and Vaux- manager Chris Herbert's hall Motors. Has played first ever line up at over 130 games for the Pontefract Collieries. He club, including in goal has made 121 apps since where he kept a clean then. sheet!

Age: 22 Age: 21 Age: 50 Age: 36 Age: 34 Previous Clubs: Previous Clubs: Previous Clubs: Previous Clubs: Previous Clubs: Chester, Vauxhall Motors Barnton Unknown Telford United, Chester Rhyl Apps: 68 Apps: 133 Apps: 24 Apps: 5 Apps: 24 Goals: Goals: 3 Goals: 22 Goals: 2 Goals: 3 Hill has only recently joined Kevin is a midfielder who Owen made his debut Carl is a defensive Tom uses his pace to great has come through the against Gate at the start of Runcorn Town, but has made midfielder who is athletic, effect and has plenty of a big impact in his apps for strong in the air and in the ranks at Conference the current campaign. tricks in his locker. the club so far, scoring 2 National side Chester FC, Another midfielder who is tackle with good passing Capable of unlocking the goals. before joining Town in ability. reliable to do a job in the tightest of defences.

August 2017. He is a quick, centre of the pitch and can Currently in his second Signed from Rhyl and energetic attacking start some attacking play spell at the club having previous clubs include midfielder who will put a as well as intercept and spent the 2016/17 season Airbus UK Broughton, Cefn foot in when needed and break down opponents’ with us before moving to Druids and Newtown. he is versatile as he can Flint Town United last attacks. also play as a wide man. season. Rejoined at the start of the season.

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DAVID BYRNES

DEC McGIVERN

STE WAINWRIGHT

LIAM TURNER

WARREN BELLEW

SHAUN WEAVER

JOE HOLT

DAVE FORBES

Age: 27 Previous Clubs: Capenhurst Villa , Werribee Apps: 81 Goals: 10 Shaun is in his second season at the club after joining from West Cheshire League side Capenhurst Villa. He played for several West Cheshire sides before moving to Australia where he won the Golden Boot for Werribee City. He is an attacking midfielder, who is very strong in the tackle with an eye for goal.

Age: 30 Previous Clubs: Wigan, Skelmersdale Apps: 124 Goals: 23 Joe is a former Wigan Athletic first teamer who drifted into non-league and has played for a host of Northern Premier League sides. Joined Runcorn in August 2017 and stayed for two years, picking up our Player of the Year award.

Age: 31 Previous Clubs: Rhyl, Connah’s Quay Apps: 65 Goals: 25 Signed from Cefn Druids where he was club captain at the start of 2017/18.

He was ever present from the start of the season to November where he scored 11 in 25 games for the club, but moved onto City of Liverpool where he remained for over 2 and a half years, scoring 27 in 79 apps.

Age: 23 Previous Clubs: Winsford United, Stalybridge Apps: 33 Goals: 3 Danny came through the ranks at Oldham Borough before requesting his release and drifting into non-league football. He has played in the Northern Premier League with Stalybridge Celtic and Mossley, and after a short spell at Winsford United, made the move to Town in December 2018.

Age: 25 Previous Clubs: Linnets, Bradford City Apps: 11 Goals: 0 He started his career with Bradford City before moving to Notre Dame College on a scholarship where he spent four years.

After graduating he moved to AFC Cleveland where he was a 2016 NPSL title winner, and then on to Cleveland SC where he played in 2018.

Age: 24 Previous Clubs: None Known Apps: 45 Goals: 1 Ste is a former Tranmere Rovers trainee who joined Vauxhall Motors upon his release. He then went to Marine before joining Runcorn in September 2018.

He is a pacy defender who loves to get forward as much as possible and can also play wide midfield on either wing.

AIDAN ROXBURGH

LIAM WARD

Age: 20 Previous Clubs: Holywell Town, Greenfield FC Apps: 41 Goals: 1 Aidy joined the club as an 18-year old having come through the ranks at TNS, making 20 appearances in the 2017/18 season. He moved to Welsh side Brickfield Rangers for a year where he gained tremendous experience, and returned at the start of this season to try and nail down a regular place in the Runcorn team.

Age: 18 Previous Clubs: Warrington Apps: 10 Goals: 1 Liam is a young midfielder from Runcorn who was signed in the summer after impressing in pre-season.

Not had too many opportunities yet but looks comfortable on the ball and willing to get stuck in when required.

Age: 24 Age: 30 Previous Clubs: Previous Clubs: Colwyn Bay, Warrington Skelmersdale United Apps: 100 Apps: 166 Goals: 2 Goals: 53 Liam is a full back who is He is a left sided attacking very comfortable in his midfielder who is in his play but can also mix it up second spell at the club when we have to battle it after spending last season out. He has good energy at Skelmersdale United. and can get up and down very well.

Warren is a skilful player Signed from Colwyn Bay in who is good with either November 2017 and foot and also has a previously with tremendous work rate as Warrington Town. well as a sharp eye for goal.

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RUNCORN TOWN 1-3 ROCHDALE TOWN Mersey to get a better view of it before heading back up the road in search of another pub.

About 5 minutes up the road from The Ferry Boat, I found the far more characteristic Barley Mow. It was in here that I first noticed a running trend about Runcorn; the walls of the pub were covered in memorabilia and draped in the colours of Everton FC and it seemed that the few people in there were all talking about Everton. It seemed to me that Runcorn is very much a blue part of Cheshire, but perhaps I just happened to frequent the more bluenose-orientated places.

From the archive this week, Matt Harrison (also known as Lost Boyo) talks about his trip to Runcorn Town back in 2014 for Runcorn Town’s cup quarter final with Rochdale Town. How many Town fans remember this game? Here is Matt’s blog about his visit 6 years ago.

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My next stop was to be the Clarendon, probably the most rundown of the pubs I was to visit on this day. On entering, I was greeted by a practically empty pub with the barman, who I felt slightly resembled Bill Kenwright to carry on the Everton theme, sitting in the corner on his mobile, gesturing towards “Just like before my trip to Hyde the week before, my Saturday me that he would be with me in two minutes. I was eventually actually began in work. Originally there were plans to go for an served and it even turned out that the Kenwright lookalike was early Saturday afternoon drink in Irlam, after our work was indeed an Evertonian. done for the morning, meaning I was either going to go watch nearby Trafford play or just head up the road to Silver Street Subsequently, talk at the bar turned to former Swansea take in an Irlam FC game. However, when the plans for a post- manager and current Everton boss Roberto Martinez and the work drink were quashed, I opted to look further afield for a adoration we all have for him, before we then all declared our game. My scanning for games in the Manchester area hopes of a big Everton win over Cardiff today (they just about produced very little of interest and I considered just going to won with the last kick of the game to make it 2-1 in the end).

Trafford anyway. That was until I spotted a game in a town After a few pints mingling with the few locals who turned up at that I have been meaning to visit for a long time: the town of the Clarendon and having watched some of Hull v Chelsea on Runcorn. It was decided – my Saturday football fix would the TV, I decided I could not be bothered making the supcome in the form of Runcorn Town v Rochdale Town. posed 30+ minute walk to Runcorn Town FC and instead I opted for a taxi.

When I mentioned my new plan to venture west to my colleague Adam, he kindly offered to give me a lift to Runcorn Soon enough I was in a taxi with my predictably friendly (they on his way home to Frodsham. During the 30 minute car always are on Merseyside) taxi driver was weaving his way journey to Runcorn, knowing Adam spent a brief time living in through the streets of Runcorn, whilst reminiscing about the Runcorn, I asked him for some pub recommendations, “None days that he used to follow the old Runcorn FC club. Within of them,” came the helpful reply. Great stuff. ten minutes, the taxi was driving up the road alongside the large industrial buildings when the small ground of Runcorn I arrived in the town centre shortly after 12:30pm and despite Town FC appeared to the left of us. The entrance to the providing me with little pub information earlier, Adam ground was found just around the corner with the ground being mentioned that the Wetherspoons might be a good place to situated at the end of a small lane leading towards the turnstart on this sunny, yet crisp Saturday afternoon. It had been a stiles. Also situated in the area ahead of the ground itself was good call as The Ferry Boat turned out to be one of the neater a large grassy expanse ahead of the Pavilions social club. and tidier Wetherspoons pubs I’ve visited (although not a touch on the beautiful one I encountered in Darwen).

With such an expansive bar I thought it had to be worth a visit.

However, I was surprised to find the building eerily quiet on After one pint I decided to move on and see a bit more of the entering. I headed one way and encountered a series of town. As I exited the pub I was met with the great sight of the locked doors and empty rooms, before my ears finally clocked Runcorn Silver Jubilee Bridge looming large over the town and on to the hum of a nearby TV. the sight of it encouraged me to head down to the banks of the

Eventually I stumbled upon on a huge open room with a bar, but with no custom visible I assumed it was closed. That was until a gentleman in a light blue Runcorn Town scarf plodded into the room and a barmaid magically appeared behind the bar. It seemed apart from this one fan, Runcorn Town fans don’t really do prematch bevvying.

I headed for the hut-like building that beckoned spectators into the Pavilions and after paying my £5 entry, I began my exploration of Runcorn Town’s home. Unlike most non-league grounds I’ve visied, on entering through the turnstiles I was not met with a view of the pitch, but instead a 2 foot high banking.

A strange quirk of the ground is this banking that runs behind the one goal, leaving the pitch appearing to be slightly raised.

To the right of the entrance is a small, standing shelter running alongside a blue-coloured cabin acting as the club’s lounge (more on that later). On the opposite side of the ground stands another stand, with this one being a sheltered, seating area. It is also behind this side of the ground that you can witness the unusual backdrop to the ground: the huge industrial buildings that tower over the Pavilions. Some would probably describe this backdrop as a smear on the ground, but in an industrial town such as Runcorn, I found it fitting that industry stands side by side with one of the town’s football grounds.

Next door to the ‘industrial side’ stand is the Tea Hut and it was here I headed first. You may ask how I knew it was the tea hut? Well, you can’t be denied when the large sign above the small shack reads in highly distinguishable lettering “Here’s the Tea Hut” – I believe in ode to Uwdi Krugg’s, another northern-based groundhopper, blog Where’s The Tea Hut? There it is. Alongside a very decent pie, it was also cool to see that the hut was selling club merchandise alongside its catering duties.

Just as I received my pie, the game kicked off and I decided to take in the opening exchanges from behind the goal. Only 2 days earlier I had seen today’s away team, Rochdale Town, comprehensively beat AFC Darwen 4-2 and last summer I had seen them win 4-0 against Formby; it seems that Rochdale like to score a lot when I watch them. Today looked like it was going to be no different as the away team scored in the first minute after a series of errors from Runcorn found Luke Bradbury completely unmarked to score from 6 yards out.

The game turned into an entertaining game with chances falling to both teams. It would take until the 35th minute for the second goal of the game and it would be an equaliser for the home team. A late tackle from the Rochdale fullback led to a Runcorn penalty, which was comfortably converted by Andy Potter.

and plenty of room for us regular folk to enjoy a drink with a view of the pitch. However, it was to come as a stunning blow that no alcohol was served in here at all. With me not really in the mood for hot chocolate, I departed the cabin shortly after entering and headed back to the Pavilions.

Even at half-time, the club bar seemed empty, apart from me and the same Runcorn Town scarf-clad man from earlier. Inevitably I began chatting to this Runcorn fan about what was going on around the country football-wise that Saturday afternoon, as we digested the half-time scores that Jeff Stelling was feeding us, and obviously about the half of football we had just witnessed ourselves. As we chatted away, I realised that my phone was on its last legs in the battery department, so I have to say a big thank you to the helpful barmaid, who agreed to keep my phone on charge behind the bar for the duration of the second half, whilst I watched the game.

For the second half, I joined ‘Runcorn blue scarf man’ who turned out to be actually called George, who was great company for the final 45 minutes as he filled me on some information about the club as well as introduced me to some other fans.

Sadly, the second half was less pleasant for the home side.

The home side attacked well at the start of the half, only to see their efforts thwarted by a very good goalkeeper in the Rochdale net.

In the 49th minute, Rochdale retook the lead and it was once again down to a cock-up from the home team. A long hoof up pitch saw the ball head towards the Runcorn goal only for the goalie to venture from his line and be beaten to the ball by Kristian Evans, who lofted the ball into an empty net. 2-1 to Rochdale.

Despite Rochdale retaking the lead, Runcorn still looked undeterred and once again the game broke out into an end-to-end affair with good chances and good goalkeeping from both sides.

The 71st minute would put the final nail in Runcorn’s coffin as Rochdale made it 3-1. Once again, another defensive error.

An uncomfortable backpass to Wills in the Runcorn goal saw the ball bounce awkwardly and Callum Smith retrieve the ball and bury it into the bottom corner to make it 3-1 and what looked to be game over.

There was still time for Runcorn to miss an unbelievable chance, as Runcorn’s number 9 blazed over the bar from 2 yards, attached with an ‘it was easier to score’ cliche, but ultimately the game would finish 3-1 to Rochdale Town.

Full-time: Runcorn Town 1 – 3 Rochdale Town – I think the By the time Runcorn had equalised, I had found myself in the Castleton-based club may be signing me up as a club mascot standing area behind the dugouts and with half-time fast apsoon with the luck I seem to bring them; my record watching proaching I thought I would head into the portacabin/lounge to them now is 3 games, 3 wins, 11 goals and 1 conceded.” get a half-time drink. The lounge area was very impressive with another food servery, a small sectioned off area with plenty of memorabilia, but clearly cordoned off for the club’s VIPs, 17

A LOOK AT NON LEAGUE GROUNDS IN SPAIN name of Onteniente Club de Fútbol, results gradually improved with the club finishing runners-up to Olimpic de Xativa in 196061, but lost out to Burgos CF in the playoffs. The Tercera championship was secured two years later and after playoff victories over SD Eibar and CD Hispana, so was promotion to La Segunda.

Before they could debut in the southern section of La Segunda, El Clariano required some work, so the municipality constructed an open terrace at the southern end of the ground.

That first 1963-64 season saw the club finish a creditable tenth, losing just one match at El Clariano. The following 65-66 season proved much more difficult and the club eventually finished 15th and was relegated. Three years later and OntenEver wondered what non league football grounds in other iente was back in a nationwide La Segunda and this time countries were like? Our friends over at Estadios De Espana stayed in La Segunda for three seasons, finishing ninth in which is a website dedicated to pretty much every non league 1969-70. Relegation followed, however, a season later and ground in Spain give us an insight view to what you can expect whilst the west side of the stadium was redeveloped in 1973 to find if you were ever wanting to visit a lower league ground with the building of a full-length tribuna, the club has never on your holidays. This week we look at a team called managed to return to the second tier.

Ontinyent Club de Futbol, and their stadium.

The club has spent 30 of the past 45 seasons in the Tercera. It “For every Real Madrid or FC Barcelona, there are one changed its name in 1995 to the Valenciana version, The club hundred clubs like Ontinyent Club de Fútbol. They are had three spells in Segunda B during the 1970’s & 1990s and consigned to spend the majority of their time in the semireturned to this level for the 2007-08 season. The 2009-10 professional third and fourth tiers, holding on to the hope that season saw the club have its most successful season in nearly they might just get a year or two in La Segunda. That, in forty years when finishing third in Group III of Segunda B. In essence, was an outline of Ontinyent CF’s history. Now let’s the playoffs. Things began to unravel midway through the add some colour.

2012-13 season, with the club just avoiding relegation. There Ontinyent is a small town in the mountainous Serra Grossa would be no escape a year later with Ontinyent finishing adrift region of the Comunidad Valenciana. Organised football had at the foot of the table. The club’s financial difficulties continbeen played in the town since the early 1920s and the first ued, and whilst promotion back to Segunda B was achieved in senior team, Club Deportivo Onteniente was formed in 1923. 2017, it didn’t keep the wolf from the door for long. Eventually, The club played their matches at Camp de La Farinera, a Ontinyent CF was wound up on 29 March 2019, with debts in privately owned field built on the site of an old flour mill on the excess of €1m. banks of the Rio Clariano. On 30 March 1931, CD Onteniente merged with CD Ideal to form Onteniente Foot-ball Club. After El Clariano is a delightful enclosure, that is simple and pristine.

The main feature, the west Tribuna, is bedecked with six rows the Civil War, the club made steady progress, and with the of pale blue seats that sit eight feet above pitch level. The rear help of a squad of players from far & wide, reached the Tercera in 1943. The reorganisation of the league presented the two rows are arranged into palcos or pens of eight freeclub with the problem of increased expenses, and with debts standing seats. Despite its smart appearance, it is an old design, with the tell-tell signs being just the one central access already high, they withdrew from the competition. point for spectators and the low dark changing facilities beThe new stadium was named El Clariano and was opened by neath the stand.

General José Moscardó on 10 January 1951 with a friendly match against Valencia CF. It featured a half-length propped The northern end still has the bell tower and triple-arched gateway, whilst the east terrace is still divided into two secroofed grandstand on the west side and a narrow terrace opposite. Two ornate sets of gates were built at the north and tions, at the centre of which stands the double-arched gateway. One wonders how much of the stadium would remain if a east ends whilst a bell tower stood in the northeast corner.

Pena Deportiva Ideal changed their name to Onteniente Peña club from Ontinyent reached La Segunda? In an era of identikit Ideal and finally reached the Tercera in 1955. Under the new stadiums, El Clariano is an uncomplicated joy.

18

FACTS & FIGURES FROM THE PREMIER DIVSION MOST CLEAN SHEETS

HIGHEST ATTENDANCES

MOST 2ND HALF GOALS

G. McCall (Rylands)

5

1874 v Winsford

403

1874 Northwich

51

B. Barnes (Skem Utd)

4

Bootle v 1874

351

Rylands

40

A. Reid (Runcorn Town)

3

1874 v Rylands

348

Bootle

37

D. Taberner (N.Vics)

2

Whitchurch v Hanley

333

Runcorn Town

36

A. Woolrich (Hanley Town)

2

N. Vics v Burscough

310

Longridge Town

32

MOST CARDS (Y / R)

TOP SCORERS (ALL)

HIGHEST SCORES

Padiham

41 38 / 3

Paul Turner (LON)

33

Barnoldswick v 1874

4-8

Lither’ REMYCA

40 33 / 7

Scott McGowan (1874)

29

Bootle v Gate

7-3

Avro

38 34 / 4

Carl Grimshaw (CHAR)

27

REMYCA v 1874

0-9

Barlick Town

36 31 / 5

Jake Parker (1874)

24

Winsford v Gate

5-4

Skelmersdale Utd

36 33 / 3

Sam Madeley (WINS)

20

Bootle v Avro

7-2

GATE v RUNCORN: LEAGUE GOALS IN MINUTES 6+ 5 4 3 2

2

1 0-10

11-20

WHERE TO SEE GOALS

21-30

31-40

41-45

46-50

51-60

61-70

FORM TABLE (Last 6)

71-80

81-89

90+

GATE TOP SCORERS

1 Northwich Victoria

64

1 Rylands

16

James Boyd

17

2 Skelmersdale United

60

2 Ashton Athletic

12

Dean Ing

14

3 Congleton Town

59

3 Runcorn Town

12

Ryan Riley

4

4 Avro

57

4 Charnock Richards

11

Josh Westwood

2 2

57

11

Jack Iley

5 Rylands

5 1874 Northwich

6 Bootle

56

7 Charnock Richard

55

8 Litherland REMYCA

55

9 Runcorn Town

54

10 Winsford United

54

FORM TABLE (LAST 6)

GATE MOST APPS

16 Winsford United

4

Jake Higham

35

17 Skelmersdale United

4

James Boyd

34

18 Avro

4

Dean Ing

33

19 Barnoldswick Town

3

Josh Westwood

33

20 Hanley Town

1

Sam Staunton-Turner

32

19

20

21

PREMIER DIVISION, ,29.02.2020 BURSCOUGH Lomax (2) Pollard (42)

BURSCOUGH 1

David Jones

2

Andy Presho

3

Jack Fleming

4

Luke Gibson

5

Mitchel Kinsella

6

Kevin Pollard

7

Conor Christian

8

Alexander Pope

9

Dale Korie-Butler

10

James Salkeld

11

Christopher Lomax

2-1

Att: 89

SQUIRES GATE Boyd (90)

The first half had limited chances for Gate, but Burscough took there own chances. Striker Chris Lomax opened the scoring after just two minutes when he caught Gate napping early on. Midfielder Kevin Pollard looked to shoot from distance but Jordan Gidley was well behind the shot. The Greens doubled there lead in the 42nd minute through the previously mentioned Pollard. The big man rose highest to head in Jack Fleming’s freekick. Burscough looked to add a third but Jordan Gidley was equal to a bobbling freekick. Good play from Gate found James Boyd our wide in a good crossing position. He looked up and found Declan Baldwin in the box but the debutant headed wide.

Another new face was Hyuga Tanner, he was introduced into the game and set up Sam Staunton-Turner but Gate’s captain fired over.

Gate had a penalty claim turned down when Dean Ing was hauled down in the box, instead the referee waved play on. Gate were awarded a penalty in the 90th minute when Dean Ing was again bought down in the box. James Boyd stepped up to slot the penalty away but it was too late for Luke Evans men.

GATE 1

Jordan Gidley

2

Cameron Gourley

3

Jake Higham

4

Sam Staunton-Turner

5

Luke Holden

6

Joshua Westwood

7

Ryan Riley

8

Joshua Pollard

9

Declan Baldwin

10

Dean Ing

11

James Boyd

Pic by Albert Cooper

Pic by Albert Cooper 22

MEET THE 2019/20 SQUIRES GATE SQUAD JORDAN GIDLEY

JAKE HIGHAM

JOSH WESTWOOD

SHOT STOPPER

DEFENDER

DEFENDER

Apps: 21 CS: 3

Apps: 35 Goals: 1

Apps: 33 Goals:2

Sponsored by:

Sponsored by:

Sponsored by:

squiresgatefc.co.uk

Emily Higham Jewellery

Mark Ashmore

JACOB DAVIES

LUKE HOLDEN

CAMERON GOURLEY

DEFENDER

DEFENDER

DEFENDER

Apps: 0 Goals: 0

Apps: 8 Goals:0

Apps: 13 Goals:1

Sponsored by:

Sponsored by:

Sponsored by:

Available to sponsor

Bobby Denning Cricket Coaching

Bobby Denning Cricket Coaching

ROBERT PARKER

RYAN DODD

DEAN ING

DEFENDER

DEFENDER

MIDFIELDER

Apps: 13 Goals:0

Apps: 17 Goals: 0

Apps 33 Goals: 14

Sponsored by:

Sponsored by:

Sponsored by:

Available to sponsor

Available to sponsor

All Aspects Plumbing and Heating

JACK ILEY

SAM S-TURNER

JOSH POLLARD

MIDFIELDER

CLUB CAPTAIN

MIDFIELDER

Apps: 13 Goals: 2

Apps:32 Goals: 0

Apps: 19 Goals: 1

Sponsored by:

Sponsored by:

Sponsored by:

Ince Williamson Estate Agents

HRH Entertainments

HRH Entertainments

JAMES BOYD

MATT FARNWORTH

RYAN RILEY

MIDFIELDER

MIDFIELDER

MIDFIELDER

Apps: 34 Goals: 17

Apps: 16 Goals: 0

Apps: 25 Goals: 4

Sponsored by:

Sponsored by:

Sponsored by:

Boyds Landscapes LTD

ABC Garage Doors

Vape Store

HYUGA TANNER

DECLAN BALDWIN

MATTY GARRETT

MIDFIELDER

STRIKER

SHOT STOPPER

Apps: 0 Goals: 0

Apps: 1 Goals:0

Apps: 0 CS: 0

Sponsored by:

Sponsored by:

Sponsored by:

Available to sponsor

Available to sponsor

D&G Contracts Joniers

JOE JOHANSON MIDFIELDER Apps: 0 Goals: 0 Sponsored by: Available to sponsor

23

THE LATEST FROM DIVISION 1 DIVISION 1 NORTH TEAM

P

DIVISION 1 SOUTH PTS

GD

TEAM

P

PTS

GD

1

Lower Breck

28

64

49

1

Vauxhall Motors

28

73

49

2

AFC Liverpool

28

54

47

2

FC Oswestry Town

29

63

30

3

Shelly

29

54

20

3

Wythenshawe Town

26

53

45

4

Emley AFC

26

53

22

4

Stone Old Alleynians

28

53

29

5

Golcar United

26

42

21

5

Abbey Hey

28

53

13

6

Prestwich Heys

27

43

2

6

West Didsbury & Chorlton

26

47

19

7

Pilkington

28

41

2

7

Eccleshall

28

45

9

8

AFC Blackpool

27

41

2

8

Cheadle Town

28

40

2

9

Ashton Town

26

40

13

9

Maine Road

28

38

6

10 AFC Darwen

30

40

-12

10 Stockport Town

28

37

1

11 Daisy Hill

29

38

-15

11 Cheadle Heath Nomads

28

32

-15

12 Holker Old Boys

28

37

-9

12 Wythenshawe Amateurs

24

31

4

13 Chadderton

28

36

-9

13 Cammell Laird 1907

27

30

-5

14 Nelson

27

35

-9

14 Abbey Hulton United

29

30

-36

15 Garstang

28

31

-18

15 New Mills

26

29

-15

16 Atherton LR

29

31

-22

16 Barnton

28

28

-26

17 Cleator Moor Celtic

26

28

-12

17 Sandbach United

25

27

-10

18 Bacup Borough

26

27

-7

18 Alsager Town

26

25

-27

19 St Helens Town

30

25

-29

19 Ellesmare Rangers

26

23

-37

20 Steeton

28

23

-36

20 St Martins

28

18

-36

RESULTS

24

Ashton Town

1

2

Garstang

Vauxhall Motors

2

0

Sandbach

Atherton LR

0

4

Shelley

FC Oswestry Town

2

1

Maine Road

Daisy Hill

1

4

AFC Liverpool

AFC Darwen

0

2

Shelley

Abbey Hulton United

2

1

Maine Road

Lower Breck

4

3

Daisy Hill

St Martins

0

4

Vauxhall Motors

St Helens Town

1

3

Prestwich Heys

Wythenshawe Town

5

0

Cheadle Heath

Golcar United

3

1

Garstang

Abbey Hey

2

1

Stone Old Alleynians

Atherton LR

2

0

AFC Liverpool

St Martins

2

0

Cammell Laird 1907

Prestwich Heys

3

1

Garstang

AFC Darwen

3

0

Holker Old Boys

25

A PREVIEW OF TODAY’S GAME SQUIRES GATE

RUNCORN TOWN

After a month of bad weather, Gate have faced quite a few postponements and will be hosting their first game since the start of February.

Runcorn has a been in better form as they are unbeaten in the last 6 games.

However, like Gate, Runcorn have also faced a lot of called of games but they are in good shape to push for a promotion spot.

With only 4 home games left, Gate will be looking to take maximum points, although they will be tough.

GATE FORM GUIDE

RUNCORN FORM GUIDE

DREW 0-0

WON 3-1

LOST 3-2

LOST 2-1

WON 1-0

LOST 2-1

DREW 1-1

WON 3-1

DREW 2-2 DREW 1-1

11/01/20

18/1/20

25/1/20

01/02/20

08/02/20

29/02/20

01/02/20

05/02/20

08/02/20

League

League

League

League

League

League

League

League

League

WON 3-2

WON 3-0

12/02/20

18/02/20

22/02/20

League

Cup

League

LAST TIME OUT SQUIRES GATE 2

0 RUNCORN TOWN

Egidi (27), Booth (58) Saturday 23rd March 2019/The Brian Addison Stadium/Attendance:85

Gate came forward early on and came close when Riccardo Egidi cut the ball back to James Boyd but his shot was over the bar. Boyd had another chance after 10 minutes but his shot was cleverly saved by visiting keeper Adam Reid’s feet. Both teams then had chances as first Max Povey saved striker Shaun Tuck’s effort before Riccardo Egidi shot over the bar down the other end. Gate could sense they were getting closer to breaking the deadlock. Captain Joe Booth cane close when he was picked out on the edge of the box by Dean Ing but his shot was blocked. The deadlock was broken on the half hour mark when inform striker Riccardo Egidi was on the end of Seydou Bamba’s header from a corner.

Town’s Joe Booth came close after the break when he was found by James Boyd on the edge of the box, his low drive was saved by the keeper. Booth didn’t have to wait long for his second opportunity. After a foul on the edge of the box, Booth lined up and executed a superb freekick right into the top corner. The visitors had a golden chance the grab a goal back when Dale Jennings rounded keeper Max Povey but he put the ball well wide of the open goal. Gate kept possession of the ball well and saw out the game for three points and another rare clean sheet.

GATE v RUNCORN TOWN HEAD TO HEAD

26

Played

Gate Wins

Draws

Runcorn Wins

Gate Goals

Runcorn Goals

Highest Score

16

7

2

7

25

34

7-2

46%

8%

46%

1.56 GPG

2.125 GPG

8/11/14

3

RUNCORN TOWN

A

2-1

25 ASHTON ATHLETIC FEBRUARY

6

BURSCOUGH

H

0-1

1

RYLANDS

A

2-1

10 WEST DIDSBURY (FAC)

H

1-2

8

LITHERLAND REMYCA

H

1-0

17 WINSFORD UNITED

A

5-2

29 BURSCOUGH

A

2-1

20 PADIHAM

A

1-2

MARCH

26 BARNOLDSWICK TOWN

A

2-2

7 RUNCORN TOWN

H

31 WHICKHAM (FA VASE) SEPTEMBER

A

1-2

10 BARNOLDSWICK TOWN

H

14 HANLEY TOWN

A

7

H

2-4

21 PADIHAM

H

14 W. A CELTIC (FA VASE 2Q)

H

1-4

A

24 LANCASTER CITY (LCT 1)

H

1-6

24 1874 NORTHWICH APRIL

28 AVRO

A

3-2

8

LONGRIDGE TOWN

A

13 LONGRIDGE TOWN

H

AUGUST

BOOTLE

OCTOBER

A

3-2

H

1-5

18 CHARNOCK RICHARD

A

12 1874 NORTHWICH

H

0-4

25 IRLAM

A

15 NORTHWICH VICS

H

2-1

19 EMLEY AFC (MACRON CUP)

A

2-1

23 LITHERLAND REMYCA

A

0-0

29 HANLEY TOWN

H

1-2

5

IRLAM

NOVEMBER

TEAM

P

PTS

GD

1

1874 Northwich

27

67

50

2

Rylands

29

60

28

2

ASHTON ATHLETIC

H

0-4

3

Bootle

27

56

25

5

WHITCHURCH ALPORT

A

3-2

4

Charnock Richard

29

53

20

9

CONGLETON TOWN

A

2-3

5

Ashton Athletic

28

52

26

23 RYLANDS

H

0-3

6

Longridge Town

25

50

17

7

Runcorn Town

29

48

11

30 NORTHWICH VICS

A

2-3

8

Irlam

25

40

9

9

Whitchurch Alport

27

38

3

10

Avro

29

36

-6

11

Squires Gate

29

34

-18

12

Northwich Victoria

25

33

10

DECEMBER 7

CONGLETON TOWN

H

2-1

14 SKELMERSDALE

A

3-3

17 WINSFORD UNITED

H

3-1

13

Congleton Town

29

31

-4

21 CHARNOCK RICHARD

H

2-1

14

Winsford United

27

31

-4

28 AVRO

H

2-1

15

Skelmersdale United

30

30

-9

16

Padiham

26

25

-22

17

Burscough

28

25

-37

JANUARY

3 BOOTLE

A

7-3

18

Barnoldswick Town

24

24

-22

11 WHITCHURCH ALPORT

H

0-0

19

Litherland REMYCA

29

22

-45

18 SKELMERSDALE UNITED

H

3-1

20

Hanley Town

28

21

-32 27

7th March FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

7 MARCH 2003

Jordan Pickford Hatem Ben Arfa

Aston Villa

0

1

Man United

Blackburn

2

0

Arsenal

Charlton

0

2

Newcastle United

Leeds

2

3

Middlesbrough

Derby

1

2

Bradford

Grimsby

1

0

Watford

Portsmouth

1

0

Wolves

Wimbledon

2

0

Millwall

Walsall

3

2

Burnley

Blackpool

1

1

Plymouth

Ray Parlour THIS WEEK IN HISTORY On 7 March 2007, Bayern Munich's Roy Makaay scored the CL fastest goal when he netted against Real Madrid after only 10 seconds.

Real Madrid took the opening kick and quickly sent it back to left back Roberto Carlos, whose poor touch allowed Bayern's Hasan Salihamidžić to steal it away. He slipped behind the defensive line and centered the ball for Makaay, surging through the middle. The striker collected it and beat keeper Iker Casillas with a calm finish with just 10.12 seconds on the clock.

7 MARCH 2014 Hull

0

2

Manchester City

Fulham

1

0

Newcastle

Aston Villa

1

0

Chelsea

Bolton

0

2

Brighton

Bournemouth

0

0

Middlesbrough

Leicester

3

1

Blackpool

Reading

0

0

Derby

Watford

3

0

Barnsley

Sheffield Wed

4

1

Birmingham

MK Dones

0

2

Peterborough

Tranmere

3

2

Notts County

The goal crushed the previous record of 20.07 seconds, set by On 10 March 1925, Olympiacos formed from the merger of two other clubs and have since become Greece's most successful team with a record 44 league titles.

The two previous clubs, both based in Piraeus, dissolved in order to create a unified club for the area, which took the name Olympiacos Syndesmos Filathlon Piraios ("Olympiacos Club of Fans of Piraeus") and chose red and white as their colors.

They have a strong rivalry with Panathinaikos, known as the Derby of the Eternal Enemies. Olympiacos have had the better of it, winning 80

HALF TIME QUIZ Who won the European Cup in 1967?

A. Celtic B. Leeds United C. Ajax Who scored the first “perfect hat trick” in the Premier League?

A. Ian Wright B. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink C. Gianfranco Zola

How many goals did Gibraltar concede in their first qualifying campaign (2016)?

A. 56 B. 46 C. 61

In which city, would you find Al Ahli, Al Shabab and Al Nasr?

A. Doha B. Dubai C. Abu Dhabi

Who are the current Swedish champions?

A. AIK B. Djurgardens C. Malmo

Which six dutchmen have scored Premier League hat tricks?

ANSWERS: EASY - 1.B, 2.B. INTERMIDIATE - 1. A, 2.B. EXPERT - 1.B, 2. Robin Van Persie, Dennis Bergkamp, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Marc Overmars, Dirk Kuyt

28

29

NON LEAGUE SNAPSHOTS @NLSnapshots

First of all, what encouraged you to get into football, and more importantly your groundhopping adventures?

My dad decided I'd be a Chelsea fan whilst I was still in utero, we went all round the country watching them when I was a kid.

There came a point where it just became too expensive, which is when we started to watch lower league teams and it was so much fun that it became a regular occurrence.

What was the influence behind your twitter page? What can readers expect to find on the page?

My influence was really going to those non-league games and finding that every game I went to I'd come away with a new story, new acquaintance or having just had a fantastic time.

That's the mantra of Non-League Snapshots: "every ground has a story", the aim of the blog is to tell those stories. The content varies; there's a lot of short articles and videos, but I also made Stockton Town's official FA Vase Final video at Wembley which was a lot of fun.

As a groundhopper, you probably buy a lot of programmes. What makes a good football programme to you?

Indeed I do, of course I buy a programme at every game I go to. In my opinion, personality makes a good programme. That could be in the form of historical articles, jokes, photos, artwork, whatever helps bring a unique voice. I actually have a regular article in Redcar Athletic's matchday programme this season, so I'm hoping to add that uniqueness to it, although it's mostly just me trying to be funny. In one recent article I talked about Babylon 5, William Wallace and Florence and the Machine. My aim is to write something that I'd like to read in a matchday programme. Something a bit different to league tables and information copied and pasted from Wikipedia.

30

Did you have any football shirts growing up? Who was your footballing idol?

I did, and I'm still accumulating them; from Redcar, Stockton and Wanderers to Metalist Kharkiv, Granada and Venezia. I remember going down to my local high street when I was a kid and being amazed by the fact that they had an SSV Ulm shirt, which I loved wearing to 5-a-side. I used to get an Accrington Stanley shirt every year for Christmas with ridiculous things on the back, like 'Going Up 06' when they got promoted to the Football League in 2006, and 'Stanley 4 Life' which in retrospect was a tad over the top. My idol, for some reason, was bang-average goalkeeper Dimitri Kharine. I had a framed, signed shirt of his hanging on my bedroom wall for years. My wife won't let me have it up anymore so it's in my parents' loft.

Which team did you support growing up? What was the reason behind supporting them?

I've supported Chelsea my whole life, as decided by my father.

I still follow them closely and Stamford Bridge is pretty close to my house in South West London so I still watch them every season, but I remember specifically the moment that I realised I wanted a change was buying Shaun Wright-Phillips for ÂŁ21 million. It seems measly now, but that was a ludicrous amount of money back then. That's when non-league became a permanent fixture.

Which non league club to you live closest to? Can you give us a brief insight into their ground, their league, etc?

I currently live closest to Tooting and Mitcham United. They play in the 8th tier of English football and are nicknamed The Terrors, which is just wonderful. Their ground is one of my favourites in non-league, it's got a huge amount of character but it's also a fantastic community hub and can hold a fair

amount of people. It's also got a soft play for children that I used to take my daughter to.

How many grounds have you visited?

Just under 100, although the actual number is a bit iffy on account of the fact that I've been going to games since I was barely out of nappies. I've been to a lot more but not to watch a game, which in the eyes of many people means I haven't been at all. Unless you count floodlights you saw briefly from the train? No? Do you remember the first game you attended? What was the score?

I don't remember because I was too young, so I asked my Dad. This is what he said: Your first game was Hartlepool United v Gateshead in a pre-season friendly when you were 3.

Your first proper game was Boro v Chelsea at Ayresome Park the following month. It was the first year of games on Sky and you were more excited by the fireworks and a giant Bart Simpson. At half time we chatted to some Pools players including Nicky Southall who went on to play for Bolton in the Prem. 0-0.

The best game you have ever watched? The worst? In general, and ones that you have attended on your travels?

One of the best games I've been to has to be Accrington Stanley vs Bournemouth in 2003, FA Cup Second Round Replay. Stanley were still non-league and had only been promoted the previous season and Bournemouth were in the old Division Two. It took a penalty shootout for Stanley win it and there was a pitch invasion afterwards and Steve Halford ruffled my hair, which was a big deal for me for some reason.

One of the worst was Sunderland v Chelsea in 1999, Sunderland were 4-0 up inside 40 minutes, I think we left at half time.

Jes Hogh and Bernard Lambourde were in defence for Chelsea, which goes some way towards explaining the score.

What makes non league unique to you?

The difference between non-league football and top-flight football is that everyone connected to the club are there for nothing else but the love of the game. You'll meet chairmen and secretaries whose sole ambition isn't money or fame but a desire to make their community a better place. It's fantastic to see. Also, Croydon FC have a papier mache effigy of Pickles the Dog (the one who found the Jules Rimet trophy after it was stolen) in their clubhouse, which I reckon Man United don't.

What is the best goal you've ever seen, live and general?

I've seen some belters. Jason Cheadle scored honestly one of the best free kicks I've ever seen for Tooting against Guernsey a few years ago, with another one being a thunderbolt by Alex for Chelsea against Middlesbrough. Special mention to Jesper Gronkjaer's beautiful curled effort against Monaco in the Champions League Semi Final, but he absolutely meant it as a cross. In general, the best goal ever scored was Philippe Mexes' overhead kick from outside the box for AC Milan, closely followed by that Gazza solo run for Lazio.

Your favourite grounds?

The aforementioned Imperial Fields in Tooting has to be up there, along with their arch rivals Dulwich Hamlet. I know they get a bit of stick for being hipsters and everything, but Champion Hill is a wonderful, wonderful ground. Higher up the leagues, I think Craven Cottage has to be the nicest ground in

the Football League, although it pains me to say it as a Chelsea fan.

What is your usual matchday routine when visiting a new ground?

Usual routine would be to get there for lunchtime and scout out a nearby pub for lunch and a pint, then head into the ground around 2:30, visit the clubhouse and have a general wander around and a chat. During the game I like to keep walking around the ground rather than stay in one place, with a tea at half time. I usually have my camera with me so I like to take a fare share of photos and videos, especially on my first visit.

Do you have any rituals or superstitions when it comes to supporting your team?

In the past I've had all sorts of ridiculous ones. I used to HAVE to eat a Dairy Milk Whole Nut bar on the way to the game otherwise it would be as good as lost before it had even started. I don't even know if they make them anymore. I also seem to remember blaming myself for a loss because I wasn't wearing my socks correctly. It made sense at the time.

Have you ever visited any games abroad? What makes the experience different in other countries?

I saw Sparta Prague when I was in Czech Republic, Real Madrid in Spain and Fortuna Dusseldorf in Germany. I also saw a training session in Xi'an City People's Stadium in China, but I guess that doesn't really count. Main differences being it's considerably cheaper and they never seem to do programmes.

Swings and roundabouts. I love experiencing a game in a new country because it's different everywhere you go, in the same way as the food and the beer. There often seems to be a good atmosphere as well, fans are passionately behind their team (probably because they can actually afford a ticket) which is great to experience.

Have you visited any obscure grounds? What made them different to the others?

Too many to mention, depending on your definition of obscure.

Jarrow Roofing had a ground apparently made with the materials that the chairman (and owner of the company that sponsored the team's name) could get together, so it was sort of a ramshackle mix of breeze blocks and bits of corrugated iron. Raynes Park Vale has a similar vibe.

They have a sort of dilapidated wooden ground, complete with sloped pitch, and the clubhouse is a kind of concrete extension next to it. The door is the sort of front door you'd expect to see in someone's house, and inside was a mix of living room furniture and benches. In the corner was a children's play area for some reason, lit up with an eerie red light. Completely bizarre experience, but I loved it.

Can we expect to see you down at Squires Gate in the near future?

I'm currently based in London but I have family in the North West so I'm hoping to visit at some point!

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A LOOK INTO FOOTBALL IN SERBIA international ones and cannot compare with the British ones.

Here we have to stick with the team sheets.

Did you have any football shirts growing up? Who was your footballing idol?

Definitely these was Red Star 1991. generation that won European Cup, especially Robert Prosinecki and Dejan Savicevic. They were like geniuses on the pitch.

That year was probably the last one when the team composed only from domestic players could become European and World champions.

Ever wondered what football in Serbia was like? Well at Squires Gate we are always looking to get an insight into what football is like in other countries, and we have also spoke to groundhoppers in France and Russia too! This week, @GroundhopSerbia talks Red Star Belgrade, derby days and what to expect from a typical day in Serbian football.

First of all, what encouraged you to get into football, and more importantly your groundhopping adventures?

The great love for football came first. When we were young almost every child in Serbia was thinking about the most important side thing in the world, basketball comes second and then there is a huge gap to all other sports. Of course Red Star and Partizan are like religion here, but when we got some spare time we started going to other fields. One Eternal Derby came and we met great groundhopping legend Steven Carpenter. He introduced this concept to us and soon we were addicted. We started organizing groundhopping tours with dozens of guys from abroad (mostly from UK) and in Aplil (24th-27th) will be our 8th time.

Which team did you support growing up? What was the reason behind supporting them? Which non league club and league club do you live closest to? Can you give us a brief insight into their ground, their league, etc?

Besides Red Star of course, Aleksandar supported Hajduk Lion, club from one of Belgrade's neighborhoods. When he was 3-4 years old, his father Zoran (the biggest Leicester City fan in Serbia that even wrote songs about them wining Premiership) took him to the small stadium tucked between the residential buildings and he was hooked up right away.

After 25 years in a great black hole, Red Star is now getting better and better, even playing two seasons of Champions League back-to-back, even beating Liverpool on their way to the European throne. Hajduk Lion in now in the 5th league struggling to even survive like the most of clubs in Serbia and the region. Our own neighborhood Konjarnik doesn't have football club, but we have very successful futsal club that ferociously support. The closest ground to our homes is Obilic football club, they were champions of Yugoslavia back in 1998 You are based in Serbia. Could you give us an insight into when their president was infamous Zeljko Raznatovic Arkan. how football experience is different over there? Could you He was killed in 2000. and after that club started to deteriorate talk us through a typical matchday? and now their beautiful ground stays completely empty as no Yes, we were born and live in Belgrade, capital of Serbia. We team is playing there for years. were first focused on our city, but as interest grew we started travelling all around Serbia and even got to Bulgaria and How many grounds have you visited?

Republic of Srpska in Bosnia. Most of our guest still think that This may sound very strange to you, but we don't count how the situation in the region is very tense, even on the brink of many grounds we visited. We want to stay as relaxed as war, but the reality is quite different, wherever we go, we are possible with this not to become some kind of obsession. welcomed as superstars, because it's not every day that those small towns and villages receive the foreign "tourists".

Do you remember the first game you attended? What was As a groundhopper, you probably buy a lot of the score? programmes. What makes a good football programme to I'm pretty sure it was Red Star vs. Rad, I think it was 8-1. Nice you? What is the standard of programme in Serbia? score for the first game.

Beside the programs, we are collecting flags, pins and The best game you have ever watched? The worst? protocols (team-sheets). In Serbia programmes are only In general, and ones that you have attended on your printed for very big games like Eternal Derbies and the travels?

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In general, it would definitely be Red Star beating Liverpool 2-0 last season. Probably because it was a very much live "tie" for Liverpool that needed win to advance from the group with PSG and Napoli and of course because almost any player from LFC costs as a whole Red Star team plus stadium.

It was very sweet to be a witness of that win against modern football. From our travels, probably the heavily rigged game between town rivals Selo (Village) Mladenovac and Mladenovac. Hosts were desperate not to be relegated and needed win with 5 goals difference. It was hilarious when in second half even the officials of visiting team started running for the ball that went out of the pitch so the home team would have enough time to score more goals against them.

What makes non league unique to you?

One of the kind "third halftime" that all the players are waiting for, when everybody sits down and start drinking beer and rakija and eating pork and lamb roasts.

Your favourite grounds?

It's probably Vrcin, village about 15 miles from Belgrade, during each game they are pouring gallons of beer and rakija and it always feels like a holiday there.

What is your usual matchday routine when visiting a new ground?

The most important thing is not to be late for the match and sometimes is very tense due to traffic jams and the kick-off times being so close to one another.

Once we even got police escort so we could arrive just in time for the match between Macva and Red Star in Sabac.

Have you ever visited any games in England? What English teams do you look out for?

We still haven't been to England, mostly because we don't want to spend money on visa, as we don't need it for the rest of Europe (it's a kind of silent protest), although we are constantly getting invitations from our British friends.

Probably we would like to see Crystal Palace and Fulham stadiums first.

Have you visited any obscure grounds? What made them different to the others?

We visited many of these, one of them is Mali Idjos, village in Serbian region of Vojvodina where we witnessed local nonleague derby. The stands were wooden, field toilets and hospitality only to wish for. What else to wish for!

Can we expect to see you down at Squires Gate at some point in the future?

We really hope so! When we come to England, we promise to visit.

What grounds are you planning on visiting in the next few months?

We would definitely like to do a groundhop in Croatia and in Kosovo and Metohija, maybe we even do it as part of our Serbian Groundhop 8 in April.

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P Jordan GIDLEY (GK) Matthew GARRETT (GK)

G

P Referee Alan Bennett

Jacob HIGHAM

G Adam REID (GK) Warren BELLEW

Owen DURSLEY

Luke Holden

Mark HASLAM

Cameron GOURLEY

Marcus JAMES

Josh WESTWOOD

Assistant Referees

Declan MCGIVERN

Robert PARKER

Shaun Taylor

Aidan ROXBURGH

James BOYD

Joseph Larkin

Liam TURNER

Ryan DODD

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Shaun WEAVER Craig CAIRNS Dave FORBES Simon THELWELL

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