Squires Gate v Runcorn Town

V Runcorn Town 05.11.16 15:00 Hallmark Security League Premier Division Issue 12

SQUIRES GATE FOOTBALL CLUB INSIDE TODAY’S PROGRAMME...

FROM THE DUGOUT

PREDICTION CORNER

Danny Penswick gives his thoughts on Tuesday’s game and looks ahead to another tough game today.

This week we have gate defender Jake Higham, Atherton LR fan Martin Lowe and Nelson fan David Knowles give

GIVE IT FIVE

THIS WEEK IN FOOTBALL HISTORY

We have a look at Runcorn Town last five results and the last few meetings.

In our regular feature, we take a look back on this week in football history.

DREAM XI

MATCH ACTION

Programme Editor Daniel Hayden gives us his dream XI

Mark Ashmore gives us a report on the 4-3 lost to Atherton Colls on Tuesday night.

SEASON FLASHBACK

STATISTICS

We take a trip back to the 1991/1992

We take an in depth at how both teams shape up going into today’s game.

CHAIRMAN

GROUNDSMAN

PHOTOGRAPHY

STUART HOPWOOD

BRIAN ADDISON

ALBERT COOPER (HEAD PHOTOGRAPHER)

SECRETARY

MARK ASHMORE

MARK ASHMORE

JOHN MAGUIRE

PETER BRYANT

CONTRIBUTORS

TREASURER

STEVE BELLAMY

JAKE HIGHAM

JOHN STOKES

HOSPITALITY

JAY HAYDEN

MANAGERS

DENISE GIBSON

DANIEL HAYDEN

DANNY PENSWICK

EMMA HOPWOOD

MARK ASHMORE

BRIAN PENSWICK (ASSISTANT MANAGER)

CHRISTINE WALSH

DANIEL PENSWICK

PROGRAMME EDITORS

MARTIN FALLON

MARK ASHMORE (HEAD OF MEDIA)

JAY HAYDEN

DAVID KNOWLES

ALBERT COOPER

DAN HAYDEN

ALAN LOWE

MEDIA

FROM THE DUGOUT

DANIEL PENSWICK “THEY HAVE HAD AN IMPRESSIVE START AND TOOK A LOT OF PEOPLE BY SURPRISE THIS SEASON” Good afternoon everyone, Today we welcome table toppers Runcorn Town to the Royal British Legion Stadium in what I hope will be another example of just how good football at this level is. First of all I would like to welcome the Runcorn Town committee, players and fans to Squires Gate and I hope your journey home is a safe one.

Runcorn are a bit of an unknown but you don't sit top of the table without being a very good side. They seem to score a lot and not concede. They have had a superb start and took a lot of people by surprise this season and I hope they continue to push on and challenge for promotion. They have a proven goalscorer in Craig Cairns

“They have a proven goalscorer in Craig Cairns” The last couple of performances have been better, but in both games failed to get the results it probably merited. Mark Thornber and Mark Buchan start there suspensions today so it gives other players an opportunity to claim the shirt. Tuesday night was disappointing, and I feel like we deserved to get more from the game and it is difficult to accept the fact that we scored 3 goals at home and still came away with nothing. Atherton took their chances and we gifted them some of their opportunities.

“It is hard to accept the fact that we scored 3 goals at home, and came away with nothing.”

I don't want us to be good then bad then good again. I want us to be consistently good, and that's the challenge I'm setting the lads. We have worked hard in training this week and have continued to work on our organisation and preparation for todays game.

“I want us to be consistently good” Let's hope we can cut out the silly defensive errors and play with the same tempo as recently. Above all let's hope it's a cracker.

Up the Gate.

Danny

SQUIRES GATE

3

HIGHAM 33 DAWSON 76 BUCHAN 90

ATHERTON COLLS

4

HARDCASTLE 2 COVER 21, 55 BATTERSBY 80

HT: 1:2

SUBS NOT USED

FLETCHER

1

1

REID

B.SEEAR

CARROLL

2

2

FORBES

(B.SEEAR 73) HIGHAM

3

3

PEET

HALL

4

4

MESSER

ROSSALL

5

5

LAFFERTY

(BAMBA 34) ALEXANDER

6

6

GRIMSHAW

RICHARDS

7

7

HARDCASTLE

RIELY

8

8

BAILEY (COOKE 73)

BUCHAN

9

9

COVER (BATTERSBY 67)

PENSWICK

DAWSON 10 (TANSER 66) GIBSON 11

SUBS NOT USED PICKERING SHERLOCK

10 MASON 11 TRUFFAS (BROOKS 63)

Report by Mark Ashmore

Squires Gate made the worst possible start to the game and went behind after two minutes. From a Gate attack the visitors broke in numbers down their left hand side. Carroll who had been involved in the attack was caught out of position by the quick break and the ball was out into the box for an easy tap in.

It wasn't really like Gate hadn't got going in the first half it just seems that every time the visitors went forward they looked dangerous.

They had two half chances from Mark Buchan who fired wide of the post then Alexander fired wide after Reilly laid the ball off to him.

Atherton would score themselves a second goal on 21 minutes. The cross coming in from the left hand side this time found Jordan Cover to head past Fletcher.

Gate had another good spell of play but this time made it count. Jamie Gibsons cross in found the head of Ryan Reilly but he headed it back to Gibson who's cross. Ack in was cleared. Gate made their pressure count with Jake Higham grabbing his first of the season. Brett Dawson laying the ball off to Higham who rifled the ball into the side netting to grab a goal back.

It would be Atherton that started the second half the better and and showed again how lethal they can be. Jordan Cover grabbing his second of the game, heading past Fletcher. Five minutes after the goal and Atherton would go down to 10 men. A strong challenge from the right back on Jake Higham resulting in a straight red card.

Brett Dawson grab himself a goal to give Gate a lifeline with 14 minutes left to play. A perfectly timed ball found his run for him to lob the ball over the on rushing keeper.

Then the visitors would get themselves another goal. The ball falling to Ben Hardcastle for him to fire into the bottom corner. The goal a sickner for Gate so late on in the game. But the goal scoring didn't end there! Two minutes before full time the visiting keeper Miss kicked his clearance after good pressure from Gate. That fell straight to the feet of Mark Buchan for him to tap in all be it too late for another.

PREDICTION CORNER Jake

David

Alan

Dan

Man City v Middlesbrough

3:0

3:0

3:0

1:0

West Ham v Stoke

1:2

1:1

1:1

2:1

Burnley v Crystal Palace

2:0

0:3

1:0

1:0

Sheffield Wednesday v Ipswich

1:1

2:0

2:1

1:1

Norwich v Leeds

1:0

1:0

3:2

0:2

Braintree v Eastbourne

2:2

2:1

0:1

0:0

Cambridge v Dover

2:1

3:1

2:0

1:0

DOUBLE POINTS

Prediction

10 POINTS = CORRECT SCORE; 6 POINTS = CORRECT RESULT

Chelsea v Everton

3:2

2:0

3:1

2:0

Wigan v Reading

1:1

0:2

1:1

1:1

MK Dons v Spennymoor

1:2

4:0

4:1

1:3

Name

Team

Role

Correct Scores

Pts

1

Bill White

Squires Gate

Member

1

31

2

Spencer Leader

Squires Gate

Member

1

31

3

Brian Addison

Squires Gate

Groundsman

0

30

4

Peter Harlow

Grondhopper

3

28

5

Ray Richards

Squires Gate

Member

2

26

6

Jay Hayden

Squires Gate

Programme Editor

1

26

7

John Booth

Hyde United

Supporter

1

25

8

Emile Anderson

Atherton Collis

Supporter

1

25

9

Colin Marrison

Handsworth Parramore

Player

1

25

10

Albert Cooper

Squires Gate

Photographer

2

24

11

Russell Cox

Wycombe Wanderer

Groundhopper

2

24

12

Steve Palmer

Squires Gate

Member

0

24

13

Steve McLellan

AFC Fylde

Photographer

1

21

14

Danny Penswick

Squires Gate

Manager

0

21

15

Gary Langley

NWCFL

Commitee

0

20

16

Steve Leader

Squires Gate

Member

1

19

17

Brian Penswick

Squires Gate

Assistant Manager

0

18

18

Mark Ashmore

Squires Gate

Media Manager

0

18

19

Mark Riding

1874 Northwich

Supporter

0

18

20

Ryan Brown

Nelson

Supporter

0

18

21

Sarah Hindle

AFC Darwen

Secretary

0

18

22

Danny Braid

Squires Gate

Member

0

17

23

Timothy Baker

1874 Northwich

Supporter

0

17

24

Daniel Hayden

Squires Gate

Programme Editor

1

15

25

Robert Handley

Barnton

Supporter

0

15

26

Jack Owen

1874 Northwich

Supporter

1

14

27

Callum Waters

1874 Northwich

Supporter

0

13

28

Lee Rooney

Atherton Collieires

Supporter

0

12

29

Robin Squelch

Cheadle Town

Supporter

1

11

30

Neil McGuinness

Nelson

Nelson Media

1

11

31

Matthew Murphy

AFC Darwen

Supporter

0

11

32

Joe Noblet

Squires Gate

Player

0

9

33

Glyn Davies

Runcorn Town

Supporter

0

9

34

Mark Buchan

Squires Gate

Striker

0

9

STATISTICALLY SPEAKING

5

WIN

0

5

HOME WIN

0

4

AWAY WIN

0

0

DEFEAT

3

0

HOME DEFEAT

2

3

AWAY DEFEAT

4

2

NO SCORE DRAW

1

SCORE DRAW

0

CONCEDING 1+ GOALS

0

0

SCORING 1+ GOALS

0

18

CLEAN SHEETS

3

BACK TO BACK WINS

0

GOALS

37

47 CLEAN SHEETS

1

6 CONCEDED

44

23 AVERAGE GOALS PER GAME

2.1

2.6

GATE v RUNCORN TOWN : HEAD TO HEAD LAST GATE WIN SATURDAY 23TH APRIL 2016 2-1 (THE ROYAL BRISITH LEGION) LAST RUNCORN TOWN WIN SATURDAY 26TH SEPETMBER 2O15 5-0 (THE PAVILIONS) LAST DRAW SATURDAY 26TH NOVEMBER 2011 2-2 (THE ROYAL BRISTIH LEGION) LAST GOALLESS DRAW NO GOALLESS DRAW AS OF YET

ALL TIME PLAYED 3 GATE WINS 1 DRAWS 1 RUNCORN TOWN WIN 1

WEDNESDAY 2ND NOVEMBER 2016

SATURDAY 22ND OCTOBER 2016

CHEADLE TOWN 2

RUNCORN TOWN 1

RUCORN TOWN 4

HALLAM 2

SATURDAY 29TH OCTOBER 2016

SATURDAY 1ST OCTOBER 2016

RUNCORN TOWN 3

BOOTLE 3

BACUP BOROUGH 2

RUNCORN TOWN 0

WENDESDAY 26TH OCTOBER 2016

TUESDAY 6TH SEPETMBER 2016

RUNCORN TOWN 6

WEST DIDBURY 4

WEST DIDSBURY 2

RUNCORN TOWN 1

TUESDAY 18TH OCTOBER 2016

WEDNESDAY 31ST AUGUST 2016

CAMMELL LAIRD 1907 0

RUNCORN TOWN 0

RUNCORN TOWN 4

1874 NORTHWICH 2

SATURDAY 15TH OCTOBER 2016

WEDNESDAY 17TH AUGUST 2016

RUNCORN TOWN 2

RUNC0RN TOWN 3

ASHTON ATHLETIC 0

CONGLETON TOWN 4

SATURDAY 29TH OCTOBER 2016

WEDNESDAY 2ND NOVEMBER 2016

SATURDAY 23RD APRIL 2016

RUNCORN TOWN 3

CHEADLE TOWN 2

SQUIRES GATE 2

BACUP BOROUGH 2

RUCORN TOWN 4

RUNCORN TOWN 1

WENDESDAY 26TH OCTOBER 2016

TUESDAY 18TH OCTOBER 2016

SATURDAY 26TH SEPETMEBER 2015

RUNCORN TOWN 6

CAMMELL LAIRD 1907 0

RUNCORN TOWN 5

WEST DIDSBURY 2

RUNCORN TOWN 4

SQUIRES GATE 1

SATURDAY 22ND OCTOBER 2016

TUESDAY 1TH OCTOBER 2016

SATURDAY 4TH APRIL 2015

RUNCORN TOWN 1

CONGLETON TOWN 0

SQUIRES GATE 2

HALLAM 2

RUNCORN TOWN 4

RUNCORN TOWN 0

SATURDAY 15TH OCTOBER 2016

SATURDAY 1ST OCTOBER 2016

SATURDAY 8TH NOVMEMBER 2014

RUNCORN TOWN 2

BOOTLE 3

RUNCORN TOWN 2

ASHTON ATHLETIC 0

RUNCORN TOWN 0

SQUIRES GATE 7

SATURDAY 8TH OCTOBER 2016

SATURDAY 24TH SEPETMBER 2O16

MONDAY 21ST OCTOBER 2013

RUNCORN TOWN 4

AFC BLACKPOOL 0

RUNCRON TOWN 3

WINSFORD UNITED 0

RUNCORN TOWN 2

SQUIRES GATE 0

WE’VE MET BEFORE? RUNCORN TOWN 5 SQUIRES GATE 0 SATURDAY 26TH SEPETMBER 2015 Gate could have gone ahead early on through Billy McKenna. After good work on the left Rowley sent the ball into the middle of the box but McKenna connected with the ball but saw the shot saved. Gate would be made to rue their chance, as their hosts would open the scoring. Poor defending from the corner allowed Marvin Molyneux to nip in at the back post from nothing more than a yard out to open the scoring. Town went on to control the game and found the net again 10 minutes later. Rob Ablewhite pouncing on lethargic defending to slot the ball past Fletcher in net. The two goals were enough to wake Gate up and motivate them to move up a gear and start playing their football. But the same defensive laziness would rear its head again after a good spell from Gate. Town captain Paul Shanley beating his man with ease before moving the ball onto his stronger foot and putting the home side 3-0 up. One positive for Gate was there desire to play out of defence and keep possession of the ball. But Gate was almost made to pay when playing at the back Abblewhite nicked the ball whilst pressing but Fletcher saved well after coming off his line. Runcorn would pile on the misery for Gate with the last kick of the first half. Captain Paul Shanley again finding space coming in off the wing to find the back of the net.

After collecting their thoughts and re grouping at half time Gate went on to have a dominant second half. Gate collectively as a team kept the ball a lot better seeing large spells of domination. But still the Blackpool side couldn’t find a cutting edge to score there way back into the game. A nice move was building from the back and moving Gate up the field. Debutant Stayte laid the ball of to Buchan who in turn found Rowley but his shot fell wide of the post. The returning Josh Kay had the next chance as Gate began to grow in the game but his shot could on find the netting above the crossbar not below. Sub Aaron Clarke nearly opened his account for the club after picking up the rebound from Ferguson’s shot Clarkes shot went over the bar. Gate’s last chance of the game was probably there best of the game. Billy McKenna lining up his free kick looked destined to beat the keeper, only for Lever to quickly adjust his feet and make the save. Runcorn would condemn Gate to there heaviest defeat so far this season as sub Stephen Milne would best Fletcher to make it five.

SQUIRES GATE 2 RUNCORN TOWN 1 SATURDAY 23RD APRIL 2016 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 midfield. 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. 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 2nd half couldn't have start any better for Gate. 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. 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. 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.

THIS SEASON P 18

W 14

D 0

CURRENT FORM L 4

F 47

A 23

PTS 42

POS

P

W

D

L

F

A

1st

6

5

0

1

20

4

PTS POS 15

2nd

LAST 6 GAMES Sat 15 Oct

Ashton Athletic (H)

W 2-0

Tue 18 Oct

Cammell Larid (A)

W 4-0

WINS:

Sat 22 Oct

Hallam (H)

L 1-2

DRAWS:

Tue 26 Oct

West Didsbury

W 6-2

Sat 29 Oct

Bacup Borough (H)

W 3-2

Wed 2 Nov

Cheadle Town (A)

W 4-2

Sat 12 Nov

Cammell Laird (H)

NWCFL

Sat 19 Nov

Irlam (A)

NWCFL

Sat 26 Nov

Ashton Athletic (A)

TMCR3

Sat 03 Dec

Barnton (A)

NWCFL

Sat 10 Dec

1874 Northwich (A)

NWCFL

Sat 17 Dec

Abbey Hey (H)

NWCFL

Next 6 GAMES

15/16 RECORD Founded: 1967 Ground: The Pavilions Capacity:

DEFEATS:

Chairman: Tony Riley POSITION:

Manager: Chris Herbert

16/17 RECORD HOME WINS:

7

DRAWS:

0

AWAY WINS:

7

DEFEATS:

4

POSITION:

1st

Highest Attendance: 803 (v Runcorn Linnets 2014) FA Cup Progression:

Mond Rangers established themselves as a solid mid-table team and it was not until the 1991–92 season that they won their first silverware as they won the West Cheshire Bowl as well as finishing a respectable sixth place finish in Division 2. The following season they finished third in the league and reached the Bowl final, and improved again the following season by finishing third in the league, and regaining the Bowl.

Promotion was achieved in 1994–95 when they finished second in the league. They also reached the Final of the Cheshire Amateur Cup but lost 2–1 to Poulton Victoria in a match played at Prenton Park, Tranmere. Apart from a 5th placed finish in 1996–97, the club were perennial strugglers in Division One, and were relegated for the first time in their history in 2001–02. The 2004–05 season saw success return to the club with the first team finishing as runners up in Division Two, winning the Runcorn Senior Cup and reaching the final of the Cheshire Bowl again. Before the start of the 2005–06 season, the club changed their name to Runcorn Town. A decision was also taken to improve facilities at the club with a view to joining the North West Counties League, but the club suffered a heartbreaking relegation at the end of this season, slipping into the relegation zone for the first time on the last day of the season. The following season the club won Division Two for the first time in the club's history and were promoted. The 2007–08 season was probably the most successful in the club's history. The club won the Runcorn Cup, were runners up in the Pyke Cup, and finished third in Division 1, which remains the club's joint highest ever finish. They followed this with a 4th place finish in 2008–09and another third place finish in 2009–10.

In June 2010 the club, having added floodlights to their home ground, applied to join the North West Counties Football League and after approval from the league and The Football Association officially joined after the League's AGM in Mid June.

LAST TIME OUT

CHEADLE TOWN 2 RUNCORN TOWN 4 WEDNESDAY 2ND OCTOBER 2016/CHESHIRE SENIOR CUP PRELIMINARY ROUND / PARK ROAD STADIUM On the 5th minute Luke Hincks called for the ball to be played inside from the right and netted a looping shot from 30 yards out. Barely sixty seconds later Sam Noar went on a run down the left before cutting inside and burying the ball low to the keeper's right.

The next significant chance didn't come until the 24th minute but it resulted in another goal, this time for the visitors when Craig Cairns connected with a low cross from the right and clipped home from close range.

Runcorn Town tried the same move again just after the half-hour mark but Steve Piggott was equal to it this time, getting down low to make an excellent block.

Four minutes later down the other end Rick Whyatt had a great chance to restore our two-goal advantage but thumped his shot over the bar when through on the right.

After the half-time break we then had two or three excellent chances to put the match out of reach.

01 STEPHEN PIGGOTT

01 LOUIE MACKIN

02 MATTHEW TODD

02 MATTHEW WOODWARD

03 LUKE PEARSON

03 JOSHUA MAGUIRE

04 MATTHEW GERMAN

04 JAMES MARCUS

05 LIAM TONGUE

05 LOUIS COYNE

06 JAMES DUNN

06 JACK PICKERING

07 LUKE DUNN

07 JOSEPH HOLT

08 THOMAS RUSSELL

08 PAUL MCMANUS

09 SAMUEL NOAR

09 SIMON THELWELL

10 RICHARD WHYATT

10 CRAIG CAIRNS

11 THABISO MAGIDA

11 OLIVER NUGENT

12 NATHAN TOSUM

12 JOSEPH HEATH

14 MCIHEAL FLANNERY

14 KEVIN EXELL

15 JOSEPH SHAW

15 MARK MCGREGOR

16 JONTHAN MCLAUGHLIN

16 DANIEL JARRETT

17 DARYLL GRANT

17 AARON POMYIE

On 49 minutes Luke Hincks made a neat turn in the box but his first-time effort was met with an excellent save by the keeper on the line with an unmarked Sam Noar then finding the ball at his feet in the area some six minutes later; perhaps he had too much time to think as his turn and shot sailed harmlessly over the bar.

Liam Tongue then sent one of his trademark piledrivers inches wide of the post before Rick Whyatt found himself clean through on goal on the 70th minute. Looking set to score the attentions of a defender seemed to put him off as he lost control of the ball at the vital moment.

Deciding that we had squandered enough chances that they had presented us, the footballing Gods turned their attention to Runcorn Town who gratefully accepted and turned the match around.

On 72 minutes a free-kick from the right found Simon Thelwell on the far side of the box where he placed a well-measured curler over the head of Piggott before Craig Cairns then netted his second of the match two minutes later, latching onto a floated free-kick to poke the ball over the onrushing Piggott.

With a minute remaining, Joe Holt sealed the deal for the visitors, collecting a diagonal ball from the left and finishing easily at the far post.

DREAM XI In a new feature, we are going to ask Squires Gate fans and committee members, who would make their dream team of players that they have seen play live. This week, programme editor Daniel Hayden, gives his ’dream team’ which is bound to include a few players from his beloved Watford.

HEURELHO GOMES

WATFORD

“When Watford first signed Gomes from Spurs, I wasn’t sure what player we were going to get as he was known for his many mistakes during his time at White Hart Lane. He has been an unplayable for Watford since he joined, and has played an important part in promotion and has kept the club in the Premier League. My number 1 choice all day long.”

VIRGIL VAN DIJK

CELTIC

“I saw Van Dijk playing for Celtic against Inter Milan a few years back and there’s not many players who can read play like he does, and he has definitely made the step up from the Scottish Premier League and has obviously played a big part in Southampton’s Europa League campaign this season.”

ROBERT HUTH

LEICESTER CITY

“Strange pick this one. Huth has the experience and has something old fashioned about him, he doesn’t seem to be scared of anyone and deals with the threat of the ‘big guns’ well, and definitely had a massive impact in Leicester’s title winning campaign last season. “

NEMANJA VIDIC

MANCHESTER UNITED

“Saw him play at The Vic during his time at United and he always made sure the opposition knew he was there. Completes a solid defensive back line, and I’d be confident he would be able to bag a few goals as well having scored 40 goals during his career. Although he has now retired, he was a great player in his prime.”

ETIENNE CAPOUE

WATFORD

“Probably won’t come as a surprise that I’ve picked another Watford player. Again, when Watford signed Capoue I didn’t know which player we were going to get. He has been solid in midfield this season and already bagged 4 goals for us. He’s always there and has been a unit in midfield. ‘WE’VE GOT CAPOUE. ETIENNE CAPOUE’”

DIMITRI PAYET

WEST HAM UNITED

“I’ve never seen a player who can strike the ball as well as Payet does. You cannot afford to give the man space at all, just look at the goal he scored for France at the Euros. I was at West Ham at the start of the season, when they played Watford and the cross for their second goal was unreal. A bit cheeky, but unreal.”

CRISTIANO RONALDO

REAL MADRID

“Well, there’s not really an explanation needed for this one. I’m pretty sure he could walk into any team?”

XHERIDAN SHAQIRI

STOKE CITY

“A player that offers a lot on the wing, has the pace and can deliver a threatening cross. He will be able to provide the crosses that the team would need, whilst being able to create his own chances too.”

TROY DEENEY (Capt.)

WATFORD

“My 3rd and final Watford pick. Deeney is a player that I’ve always loved watching in a Watford shirt. A player that can hold the ball up well, a great leader on and off the pitch, and can score goals too. I’d love to see Troy get his chance for England in the near future.”

SERGIO AGUERO

MANCHESTER CITY

“Well, the best striker in the Premier League. Who wouldn’t pick him?”

JAMIE VARDY

LEICESTER CITY

“Completing my front 3 would be the boy from nowhere, Jamie Vardy. The lad has pace and the finishing needed for a striker and plays off the last defender. Will always be an attacking threat.”

OPPOSITION

KO

H/A

SCORE

ATT

POS

PTS

COMP

LINEUP

AUGUST SAT 6TH AUG

MALTBY MAIN

15.00

A

0-1

68

-

-

FA CUP (EPR)

FLETCHER, RICO, CARROLL, PENSWICK, SEEAR, HALL, NOBLET, MCKENDRICK, RILEY, SEEAR, DAWSON

SAT 13TH AUG

1874 NORTHWICH

15.00

H

4-1

185

4TH

3

NWCFL

FLETCHER, RICO, CARROLL. PENSWICK, SEEAR, HALL, STYATE, NOBLET, R.SEEAR, TANSER, GIBSON

MON 15TH AUG

ATHERTON COLLEIRIES

19.45

A

1-1

182

1ST

4

NWCFL

FLETCHER, RICO, HIGHAM. PENSWICK, CARROLL, HALL, STAYTE, THORNBER, RILEY. DAWSON, GIBSON

SAT 20TH AUG

WEST DIDSBURY

15.00

A

2-3

105

-

-

FA CUP (PR)

FLETCHER, RICO, HIGHAM, PENSWICK, CARROLL, HALL, MCKENDRICK, NOBLET, THORNBER, DAWSON, R.SEEAR

TUE 23RD AUG

BOOTLE

19.45

H

4-3

65

4TH

7

NWCFL

FLETCHER, RICO. HIGHAM, PENSWICK, CARROLL, NOBLET, MCKENDRICK, GIBSON, B.SEEAR, R.SEEAR, DAWSON

SAT 27TH AUG

CONGLETON TOWN

15.00

A

3-2

90

10TH

7

NWCFL

SPEIGHT, RICO. HIGHAM, PENSWICK, CARROLL, NOBLET, MCKENDRICK, STATYE, GIBSON, TANSER, R.SEEAR

TUE 30TH AUG

AFC DARWEN

19.45

H

2-3

105

10TH

7

NWCFL

FLETCHER, RICO. HIGHAM, PENSWICK, CARROLL, HALL, GIBSON, NOBLET, TANSER. DAWSON, R.SEEAR

SAT 3RD SEP

HANSWORTH PARRMORE

15.00

H

2-5

105

-

-

FA CUP (1QR)

FLETCHER, RICO, HIGHAM, PENSWICK, CARROLL, HALL, THORNBER, MCKENDRICK, R. SEEAR, TANSER, B.SEEAR

TUE 6TH SEP

NELSON

19.45

H

4-3

98

13TH

10

NWCFL

FLECTHER, RICO, B.SEEAR, HALL, PENSWICK, CARROLL, MCKENDRICK, THORNBER, R.SEEAR. BUCHAN, DAWSON

SAT 10TH SEP

ALSAGER TOWN

15.00

A

2-1

44

-

-

FA VASE QR1

FLECTHER, RICO, B.SEEAR, CARROLL, PENSWICK, GIBSON, HALL, MCKENDRICK, HIGHAM, RILEY, TANSER

TUE 13TH SEP

PADIHAM

19.45

H

1-4

100

12TH

10

NWCFL

FLECTHER, STAYTE, B.SEEAR, PENSWICK, CARROLL, HALL, MCKENDRICK, THORNBER, BUCHAN, RILEY, GIBSON

SAT 17TH SEP

CAMMELL LAIRD 1907

15.00

A

1-3

54

10TH

13

NWCFL

FLECTHER. STAYTE, B.SEEAR, CARROLL, BAMBA, PENSWICK, NOBLET, TANSER, RILEY, DAWSON, BUCHAN

TUE 20TH SEP

BARNOLDSWICK TOWN

19.45

H

2-3

98

12TH

13

NWCFL

SPEIGHT, RICO, HIGHAM, CARROLL, PENSWICK, RILEY, KAY, STAYTE, BUCHAN, R.SEEAR, GIBSON

SAT 24TH SEP

MAINE ROAD

15:00

A

6-1

56

14TH

13

NWCFL

WOODS, RICO, B.SEEAR, BAMBA, CARROL, PENSWICK, RIELY, NOBLET, BUCHAN, R.SEEAR, DAWSON

SAT 1ST OCT

NEW MILLS

15.00

H

0-1

50

-

-

MARCON CR1

FLECTHER, RICO, HIGHAM, PENSWICK, BAMBA, HALL, THORNBER, B.SEEAR, STATYE, NOBLET, R.SEEAR

TUES 4TH OCT

WEST DIDSBURY

19.45

A

2-3

90

11TH

16

NWCFL

FLECTHER, RICO, BAMBA, PENSWICK, ALEXANDER, HALL, THORNBER, GIBSON, DAWSON, R.SEEAR, TANSER

SAT 8TH OCT

HANLEY TOWN

15.00

A

4-2

75

14TH

16

NWCFL

B.SEEAR, RICO. BAMBA, CARROLL, ALEXANDER, HALL, THORNBER, NOBLET, TANSER, DAWSON, R.SEEAR

TUES 11TH OCT

BARNOLDSWICK TOWN

19.45

A

2-4

65

11TH

19

NWCFL

FLECTHER, RICO, BAMBA, CARROLL, ALEXANDER, HALL,THORNBER, B.SEEAR, RILEY, DAWSON, R.SEEAR

SAT 15TH OCT

BARNTON

15.00

H

0-2

60

12TH

19

NWCFL

FLECTHER,RICO.BAMBA,CARROLL,ALEXANDER,HALL,THORNBER,B.SEEAR,RILEY,DAWSON.R.SEEAR

WED 19TH OCT

PADIHAM

19.45

A

1-0

129

13TH

19

NWCFL

FLECTHER,STATYE,BAMBA,CARROLL,ALEXNADER,HALL,B.SEEAR,THORNBER,DAWSON,R.SEEAR,NOBLET

SAT 22ND OCT

NELSON

15.00

A

0-0

45

16TH

20

NWCFL

FLECTHER,STATYE,BAMBA,CARROLL,ALEXANDER,HALL,B.SEEAR,THORNBER,DAWSON,BUCHAN,NOBLET

SAT 29TH OCT

IRLAM

15.00

H

1-1

56

16TH

21

NWCFL

FLECTHER,STATYE,HIGHAM,CARROLL,ALEXANDER,HALL,RICAHRDS,RILEY,R.SEEAR,BUCHAN,GIBSON

TUES 1ST NOV

ATHERTON COLLIERIES

19;45

H

3-4

130

16TH

21

NWCFL

FLECTHER,CARROLL.ROSSALL,HIGHAM,ALEXANDER,HALL,GIBSON,RICHARDS,RILEY,BUCHAN,DAWSON

SAT 5TH NOV

RUNCORN TOWN

15:00

H

NWCFL

TUE 8TH NOV

CHORLEY

19:45

H

LCC R2

SAT 12TH NOV

HANLEY TOWN

15;00

H

NWCFL

WED 16TH NOV

AFC DARWEN

19;45

A

NWCFL

SAT 19TH NOV

RUNCORN LINNETS

15;00

A

NWCFL

SAT 26TH NOV

NEW MILLS

15:00

H

NWCFL

SAT 3RD DEC

IRLAM

15:00

A

NWCFL

SAT 10TH DEC

AFC LIVERPOOL

15:00

H

NWCFL

SAT 17TH DEC

BOOTLE

15:00

A

NWCFL

MON 26TH DEC

ASHTON ATHLETIC

15:OO

H

NWCFL

SAT 31ST DEC

RUNCORN TOWN

15:00

A

NWCFL

SAT 7TH JAN

CAMMELL LAIRD

15:00

H

NWCFL

SAT 21ST JAN

MAINE ROAD

15:00

H

NWCFL

SAT 28TH JAN

NEW MILLS

15;00

H

NWCFL

SAT 4TH FEB

ABBEY HEY

15:00

H

NWCFL

SAT 11TH FEB

1874 NORTHWICH

15:00

A

NWCFL

SAT 18TH FEB

BARNTON

15:00

A

NWCFL

SAT 4TH MAR

AFC LIVERPOOL

15:00

A

NWCFL

SAT 18TH MAR

WEST DIDSBURY

15:00

H

NWCFL

SAT 25TH MAR

WINSFORD UNITED

15;00

A

NWCFL

SAT 1ST APR

ABBEY HEY

15:00

A

NWCFL

SAT 8TH APR

CONGLETON TOWN

15:00

H

NWCFL

SUN 16TH APR

ASHTON ATHLETIC

15;00

A

NWCFL

SAT 22TH APR

RUNCORN LINNETS

15:00

H

NWCFL

SAT 29TH APR

NEW MILLS

15:00

A

NWCFL

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECMEBER

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

NORTH WEST COUNTIES PREMIER DIVISION POS

CLUB

P

W

D

L

F

A

GD

PTS

NORTH WEST COUNTIES FIXTURES

1

RUNCORN TOWN

18

14

0

4

47

23

24

42

(3pm unless stated))

2

ATHERTON COLLS

19

12

4

3

50

22

28

40

GAMEWEEK 25 RESULTS

3

RUNCORN LINNETS

18

11

4

3

42

17

25

37

Abbey Hey 4 Cammell Laird 0(Tues 19:45)

4

BOOTLE

18

12

1

5

49

28

21

37

5

1874 NORTHWICH

18

11

4

3

36

20

16

37

Runcorn Linnets 5 Barnton 2 (Tues 19:45)

6

WEST DIDSBURY

18

9

2

7

48

36

12

29

AFC Darwen 0 Ashton Athletic 4 (Wed 19:45)

7

HANLEY TOWN

19

8

4

7

41

29

12

28

8

AFC LIVERPOOL

17

8

4

5

36

30

6

28

GAMEWEEK 26 RESULTS

9

ABBEY HEY

19

9

1

9

36

34

2

28

The Macron Cup Round 2

10

IRLAM

18

7

7

4

26

31

-5

28

Bootle 0 1874 Northwich 0 (Tues 19:45) Irlam 2 Hanley Town 1 (Tues 19:45)

New Mills 2 Congleton Town 3 (Wed 19:45) Runcorn Town 6 West Didsbury 2 (Wed 19:45)

1874 Northwich 2 AFC Blackpool 1 (Fri 19:45) Bootle 3 AFC Liverpool 0 (Fri 19:45)

11

PADIHAM

17

8

2

7

32

29

3

26

Widnes 3 Cheadle Town 0 (Fri 19:45)

12

ASHTON ATHLETIC

17

7

2

8

40

35

5

23

Ashton Town 1 Abbey Hey 3

13

MAINE ROAD

16

6

4

6

37

28

9

22

14

CONGLETON TOWN

17

6

4

7

40

43

-3

22

Hanley Town 2 Charnock Richard 1

15

WINSFORD UNITED

14

6

3

5

22

26

-4

21

Holker Olds Boys 3 Chadderton 6

16

SQUIRES GATE

18

6

3

9

37

44

-7

21

17

BARNOLDSWICK TOWN

16

6

2

8

31

29

2

20

Prestwich Heys 1 City of Liverpool 3

18

AFC DARWEN

19

3

6

10

19

50

-31

15

Runcorn Linnets 2 Ashton Athletic 3

19

NEW MILLS

17

3

5

9

30

41

-11

14

20

BARNTON

19

4

1

14

22

61

-39

13

Whitchurch 1 Maine Road 2

21

NELSON

17

2

4

11

19

37

-18

10

Winsford United 1 Litherland REMYCA 0

22

CAMMELL LAIRD

19

0

5

14

16

63

-47

5

Congleton Town 3 Barnton 4

Barnoldswick Town 2 Cammell Larid 1907 1 Eccleshall 3 St Helens Town 5

Nelson 1 Oswestry Town 0 New Mills 2 Silsden 8

Runcorn Town v Bacup Borough Sandbach 1 Atherton coll0s 2 (13:30)

Premier Division

Squires Gate 1 Irlam 1 West Didsbury 3 AFC Darwen 0

FORM TABLE

GAMEWEEK 27 FIXTURES

P

W

D

L

PTS

FORM

Ashton Athletic 0 Bootle 6 (Tues 19:45) Barnoldswick Town AFC Darwen (Tues 19:45)

1

PADIHAM

6

5

1

0

16

WWWWDW

2

RUNCORN TOWN

6

5

0

1

15

WWWLWW

3

ATHERTON COLLS

6

4

2

0

14

WWWWDD

Squires Gate 3 Atherton Colls 4 (Tues 19:45)

4

BOOTLE

6

4

1

1

13

WWDWLW

AFC Liverpool 3 Irlam 2 (Wed 19:45)

5

1874 NORTHWICH

6

4

1

1

13

WWDWLW

Padiham 6 Abbey Hey 3 (Wed 19:45)

6

ABBEY HEY

6

4

0

2

12

LWWLWW

7

ASHTON ATHLETIC

6

4

0

2

12

LWWWWL

8

RUNCORN LINNETS

6

3

0

3

9

LWLWLW

9

WINSFORD UNITED

6

3

0

3

9

LWWLLW

10

BARNTON

6

3

0

3

9

WLLWWL

Hanley Town 2 Maine Road 2 (Tues 19:45) Nelson 4 West Didsbury 4 (Tues 19:45)

1992/93 MISSING TEAMS 1992/92 was the birth of the Premier League. Can you fill in the missing teams and put them in their correct final position.

PTS 1

MANCHESTER UNITED

CLUE

84

2

74

Won the 1982 European Cup.

3

72

Reached 3 FA Cup Semis, but won 0.

4

BLACKBURN ROVERS

71

LIVERPOOL

5

QUEENS PARK RANGERS

63

NOTTINGHAM FOREST

6 7

59 SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY

8 9

59 59

MANCHESTER CITY

10

56 CHELSEA

56

12

WIMBLEDON

54

13

EVERTON

53

14

The last time they won the 1st Div - 1961

COVENTRY CITY

52

16

IPSWICH TOWN

52

17

51 SOUTHAMPTON

SHEFFIELD UNITED MIDDLESBROUGH

Knocked out the FA Cup by Watford.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR OLDHAM ATHLETIC LEEDS UNITED ASTON VILLA

Formed in 1889.

15

NORWICH CITY ARSENAL

57

11

18

3 times UEFA Cup winners (1973, 76, 01)

CRYSTAL PALACE

European Cup runners up in 1975.

50

19

49

Formed as Pine Villa FC in 1895.

20

49

Finished 10th in the Premier League.

21

44

UEFA Cup Runners Up in 2006.

22

40

Back to back European Cup winners.

1992/93 SEASON Who was the top scorer in the 1992/93 season with 22 league goals?

Leeds United beat Spurs 5-0 in August, but which player scored a hat trick?

How many years did Manchester United have to wait for this league title?

Who resigned as Nottingham Forest boss at the end of the campaign?

Who won the FA Cup and League Cup double?

Teddy Sheringham, Eric Cantona, 26 years, Brian Clough, Arsenal.

ANSWERS: Aston Villa, Norwich City, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Sheffield United, Leeds United, Oldham Athletic, Crystal Palace, Middlesrbough, Nottingham Forest.

VIEW FROM THE AWAY END

MARTIN FALLON

What are your expectations for the season after a mid table finish last year?

To be honest we would like to be challenging at the top of the league. The NWCFL, along with other Step 5 leagues, are the hardest to get out of in my opinion as there is only one promotion spot. Every single league above us right up to the Championship has playoffs so you have to aim for a top 5 or 6 finish. With our league it’s first only. Its win or bust. A League Cup Final appearance would be nice also as I went last season’s final at Fleetwood and it was superb. We’ve lost two Semi Finals and have yet to reach a Final. I’m not being too greedy here am I haha?

What improvements do you think need to be made to improve on last seasons finish?

We have improved already really. Finishing 13 th last season was hard as we were fifth at the start of March. Losing Simon Burton as manager was tough as he was with us seven years but and we have brought in Chris and Mark along with a whole new team and its working so far. Its really interesting to see two different manager’s approaches both in the build up to games and on matchday. As Simon was with us so long its all we’ve known at this level, and a shake up is sometimes what sides need. Having said that I know we’ve been very lucky to have improved so much so quickly.

After a Brilliant start to your season what do u expected for the rest season?

To keep doing what we are doing really. Top of the league at present is interesting and it’s a position that we have never been in before. Yes we have been top but always when we have played four games more than anyone else and we have always been there for short periods. This time we are there outright but I guess that motivates every opponent as everyone always wants to beat the leaders.

Leagues tipping you to be a team to be promoted, do you think you have what it takes to do so?

As I mentioned the squad is brand new with not one player from last season. Chris has also brought in a lot of players that are new to the league so it’s a step into the unknown for many of them. But on the flip side, when you look through the squad, it can also be an advantage because a lot of players have won things at different clubs over the years. Can we stay where we are? Hopefully!

What teams are you looking forward to going up against this season?

I think the games with Atherton Collieries and Runcorn Linnets are the ones that I most look forward to. They are always good games and I would say quite a friendly rivalry between the teams which is what you want. I’m also looking forward to Irlam away as although we’ve played them in the cup before, we have never been there in the league.

Any grounds that you enjoy visiting?

I’ve been all grounds in the Premier Division except Hanley which unfortunately came on my wedding anniversary! To me its not so much the grounds than the welcomes that you get at grounds that is memorable, and the vast majority are great. If I had to push for grounds, then I always like Padiham, Bootle, and of course Squires Gate!

Which players do you think will be the biggest threat to Gate?

It goes without saying really that Craig Cairns will be a threat with 29 goals this season so far. Matty Woodward has been excellent so far but is suspended today, and Marcus James has been immense at the back.

Any Town players that Gate fans should watch out for?

I think Gate fans should just wind up our goalkeeper Louie Mackin all game really! Stand behind him and shout Looooooouuuuuuuuuuuiiiiiiiieeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!

What has been the most memorable moment and game for you within your time watching Runcorn Town?

Two really. One is winning at Barrow in the FA Cup, a team 81 league places above us at the time. They were top of Conference North, unbeaten at home all season, and we beat them 1-0! I guess the other was in 2011/12 when we won 2-1 at Ramsbottom United when we were going head to head with them for the league.

Which players will be key for Runcorn Town this season?

I think all of them. We are in the hunt for the league at present and doing well in the Macron Cup and Cheshire Cup. It’s a squad game these days so even if players aren’t involved every week, they are all key over the season.

If you could sign 3 Premier League players on a free transfer, who would you sign and why?

I’d sign Wayne Rooney who has been there, done it and won it, as well as Sergio Aguero who is superb. I’d also sign Zlatan Ibrahimovic, just to hear Roy Roberts try and pronounce his name on the PA before games!

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

Yes I’ve seen us win here once and lose twice. We lost 2-1 last season and 2-0 the season before, both games which we played dreadful in! I do remember Paul Shanley making his debut for us here in November 2013 when we won 4-1.

If you were manager of a 5 a side team and had to 2 Town players and 3 BPL legends. Who would be in your side?

Peter Schmichael, Danny Jarett, Paul Scholes, Craig Cairns Have you ever been to Wembley before? What would be your ideal scenario there?

More times than I care to remember, to both the old and new Wembley! I went the last FA Cup Final at the old Wembley and the first game at the new Wembley. The last time I went was with Counties Podcast for the Vase Finals when we had full press access to the place. Going down behind the scenes was great, especially when we went down to the tunnel to mingle with the players before sitting in the Press Conference!

Prediction for today's game?

Have you seen my form on the NWCFL Facebook Prediction League? I always get them wrong, so I’m not saying!

TWENTY’S PLENTY In our new regular feature, we ask Gate players 20 questions about football and life in general. This week we caught up with gate defender Jake Higham.

Jake joined Gate when Danny Penswick took over as manager. Jake made the step up from the reserve side and has settled in well as part of a solid back line here at Squires Gate.

He is often found on the left hand side, either in defence or midfield and will always be reliable in keeping out play from the right hand side.

Who was your football hero growing up?

Ruud Van Nistelrooy

If you could play in a 5 a side team with 4 PL legends. Who would they be?

Schmeichel, Higham (C), Gerrard, Giggs, Van Nistelrooy.

Best moment of your life so far?

Magaluf 2016, Unbelievable

What be your last ever meal on earth?

Cheeky Nandos and a Mcflurry

If you could change a rule in football what will it be ?

I’d bring In roll on roll off substitutes, just like they do for Sunday league. That would make things more interesting.

Favourite football ground that you’ve been to or played football at ?

Playing at Portman Road winning The FA County Youth Cup for Lancashire in 2014!

Whose name did you have on the back of your as a kid?

No idea why, but Michael Owen

Biggest career influence?

My 59 year old dad

Instagram or twitter?

Instagram

Favourite Three tracks?

Pushing On - Oliver $ & Jimi Jules

Who has been the toughest opponent been this season?

Every teams tough, but it would have to be Atherton Collieries as they're a physical side with a lot of experience.

Would you rather win the World Cup or Champions League?

The World Cup!

If you could play anywhere but your position, where would it be?

Would have to be up front, or as a centre mid picking out 50 yard passes.

24K Magic - Bruno Mars Stereophonics - Dakota

Best chant you've heard at a match?

Last season I heard some kids were chanting 'Joey Noblet, we love you, Joey Noblet you smell like poo'. Class!!!

THIS WEEK IN FOOTBALL HISTORY‌.

In our regular feature, we take a look back at the past week in football history from all around the world.

THE BLUE SIDE OF BUSBY

1928

On 2 November 1929, 20-year old inside left forward Matt Busby made his professional debut. For Manchester City.

Despite being best known as the manager who raised Manchester United to glorious heights, including five First Division titles and the European Cup, Busby began his career on the blue side of town, signing with City in February 1928 at the age of 17. His first contract was worth ÂŁ5 per week and included a clause that allowed him to leave after a year if he chose to rejoin his mother, who had emigrated to the United States.

But despite not getting a first-team appearance in that first year, he decided to stick it out with City and eventually got his debut at home against Middlesbrough. City won 3-1.

Busby stayed with City for eight seasons, making a total of 229 appearances and winning the 1934 FA Cup. In 1936, he moved to Liverpool where he played for four more seasons before World War II interrupted league play in 1939.

During the war, Busby got his first taste of management, taking charge of an Army side. When the war ended, he was preparing to return to Liverpool in a coaching role, but the move was interrupted by Manchester United, who o ffered him the job as manager. He

accepted and proceeded to establish United as one of Europe's dominant sides.

2001

FORD GETS GOOD MILEAGE

On 3 November 2001, Rochdale midfielder Tony Ford played his 931st Football League match, a record for an outfield player. The first step of that lengthy journey came in 1975, when, at 16 years old, Ford made his first-team debut with Third Division Grimsby Town. He stayed there until 1986, making a total of 355 league appearances. He then spent time with Sunderland (1986), Stoke City (1986-89), and West Brom (1989-1991) before returning to Grimsby for three more seasons (including a short loan spell with Bradford City).

In 1994, he moved to Scunthorpe, but was released in the summer of 1996. At the time, he had made 739 league appearances and it appeared that would be the end of his run. He moved to non-league side Barrow, but returned to the Football League later that year when new Mansfield Town boss Steve Parkin made him an assistant coach. He took advantage of the opportunity by making another 103 league appearances.

In 1999, Parkin moved to Rochdale and brought Ford along with him, continuing in his role as assistant coach. He made another 89 league appearances there, with the last coming in a 2-0 win over Torquay. He was 42. Three days later, he moved again with Parkin, who had taken over as manager of Barnsley. But from that point on, Ford limited his own role to coaching and retired from playing. His total of 931 league appearances remains a Football League record for an outfield player, second only to goalkeeper Peter Shilton's alltime record of 1,005

FRANCES FAVOURITE SON RETURNS (BRIEFLY)

1988

On 1 November 1988, former French captain and three-time Ballon d'Or winner Michel Platini returned to the national team, this time as manager.

Platini, who won three consecutive Ballons d'Or with Juventus in 1984, 1985, and 1986, made 72 appearances for Les Bleus from 1976 to 1987, skippering them to the 1984 European Championship and a third-place finish in the 1986 World Cup under manager Henri Michel (although Platini did not play in the latter match).

After Platini's international retirement, France failed to qualify for the 1988 European Championship, then suffered an embarrassing 1-1 draw with Cyprus on 22 October in the second match of their qualification campaign for the 1990 World Cup. France responded by sacking manager Henri Michel and bringing Platini in as his replacement. He was unable to correct the course, however, starting his tenure with losses to Yugoslavia and Scotland.

France did not qualify for the World Cup, but appeared to be resurgent in their efforts to reach the 1992 European Championship, topping their qualification group with eight wins in eight matches. Once in the tournament, however, they again struggled, drawing twice and losing once as they exited in the first round. Platini stepped down soon afterward and moved into administration. He was president of UEFA from 2007 to 2015, when he received an eight-year suspension from all football activities due to ethic violations.

—— SAT —— 26 NOV 15:00 VS NEW MILLS

£6 ADULTS £3 CONCESSIONS FREE FOR UNDER 12’S

ON THIS DAY

2014

GATE LEFT DISHEARTENED AFTER A POOR SECOND HALF IN GLOSSOP Glossop North End 3 Squires Gate 2 SATURDAY 4TH OCTOBER 2014 Report by Mark Ashmore

Squires Gate travelled to Derbyshire town of Glossop to visit second in the league Glossop North End. Gate looking to continue the good form that saw them come from 2-0 down against Bacup on Saturday to turn it around and win 4-3. Gate made one change from Saturdays win with Steven Eyangobwanga coming in to make his debut for the unavailable Harry Dunn. It was a fairly open start to the game with both teams having early chances. Glossop though had the better chances and forced Gate to sit in and defend for long periods of the first half. Glossop could have been ahead with 20 minutes gone the home side finding themselves four on three but the cut back ball was fired over the bar and Gate were let off. Gate looked spurred on by this missed opportunity and started fighting and wanting the ball more. Gate managed to clear the ball forward to the feet of Jack Sowerby who laid the ball off to Alex Murphy who cleverly played it back over the top to the run of Jack Sowerby, the leading Gate striker then turned past two defenders and rocketed the ball past the helpless goalkeeper to open the scoring for Squires Gate.

Gate again looked to attack the home side with the impressive Steven Eyango-Bwanga running down the left hand side his cross found Alex Murphy’s head who found the back of the net to make it two for Squires Gate.

Gate would have been very happy to go into half time two up but couldn't hold on. There were suspicions of offside as the ball was played along the face of goal for the unmarked Glossop man to tap in at the far post to give the home side one back going into half time.

Into the second half and the home side had definitely been on the end of a roasting in the break. The home side looked a completely different team. It was a defensive error that cost Gate with the home side pulling the game level early into the second half, Gate didn't get the favourable bounce of the ball after Penswick's clearance hit off the Glossop attacker who capitalised to even up the game. Even after the insertion of new signingMark Buchan, with his intended strike partner Sowerby substituted, Gate just couldn't get going in the second half and were described as never coming out of the dressing room by manager Dave McCann in the second half. Gate’s day was made worse as the home side took the lead the ball fired in from the edge of the box to beat keeper Fletcher.

ON THE ROAD

AFC DARWEN 16.11.16 WHO’S IN CHARGE?

GROUND WEC GROUP ANCHOR GROUND

LAST SEASON

AFC DARWEN 1 SQUIRES GATE 1 Gate still wait for the first win of the season after equalising late on at Darwen last night. Gate haven’t travelled well this year and find themselves at the wrong end of the table. Gate made just the one change with Josh Kay coming back into the team in place of Cummings who dropped to the bench.

The returning Kay was first to have a chance for Gate, he drifted in from the left but his pass was cut out before it found Mckenna in the box. Kay again was lively down the left after a good spell of possession from Gate but after his good work to beat his man, his cross was poor. Mckenna on the other wing came into the game but after beating two Darwen men, his shot was blocked. The ball found it’s way over the Ferguson on the left hand side soon after but his shot was deflected wide. Gate best chance of the half came from Kay. Just before half time he struck the ball from outside the box but the home keeper did well to save. The follow up corner for Gate was just headed over by Buchan in what was another good chance just before the break.

The home side had the first chance of the half but Fletcher was well behind the strike. The home side would open the scoring soon after. The ball played across the goal and with Gates defence stood still Darwen pounced and opened the scoring. Gate who had been the better team throughout, continued to attack and had plenty of chances. Gaul, the scorer for Darwen, had another chance but this time it was over. Billy McKenna had Gates next chance but the keeper spilt his shot. Nobody could follow up on the loose ball, which was eventually cleared. Two of Gates substitutes almost linked up to equalise for Gate. Terry Cummings sent down the line and he found space to play a superb ball across the box but Rowley who was in he middle, couldn’t make contact with the ball. Late drama ensued for Gate as minutes from the end of the game Danny Penswick had a header cleared off the line by Darwen Player/manager Neil Prince. Gates kept the pressure coming and were all over Darwen in the last 10 minutes. They would make that pressure pay with seconds left on the clock, Terry Cummings stepping up to poke the ball home after a scramble in the box.

—— MON ——

26 DEC 15:00 VS ASHTON ATHLETIC

£6 ADULTS £3 CONCESSIONS FREE FOR UNDER 12’S

SEASON FLASHBACK

1991/1992 P

W

D

L

F

A

GD

PTS

1

Ashton United

34

24

5

5

61

30

31

77

2

Great Harwood Town

34

2

8

4

68

38

30

4

3

Eastwood Hanley

34

18

9

7

54

35

19

63

4

Blackpool Rovers

34

16

7

11

73

57

16

55

5

Prescot

34

15

6

13

48

3

5

51

6

Penrith

34

15

5

14

57

58

-1

50

7

Skelmersdale United

34

11

11

12

48

52

-4

44

8

Flixton

34

11

9

14

46

50

-4

42

9

Clitheroe

34

11

9

14

44

55

-11

42

10

Darwen

34

10

11

13

56

55

1

41

11

Atherton LR

34

11

8

15

38

45

-7

41

12

Nantwich Town

34

11

10

13

44

4

-5

40

13

Vauxhall GM (L)

34

10

10

14

42

51

-9

40

14

Bacup Borough

34

9

10

14

41

45

-4

38

15

St Helens Town

34

9

11

16

4

55

-6

36

16

Maine Road

34

9

9

16

40

60

-20

36

17

Bradford Park Avenue

34

10

5

19

57

68

-11

35

18

Bootle

34

9

8

17

41

61

-20

35

P

W

D

L

F

A

GD

PTS

1

Bamber Bridge

34

25

3

6

97

39

58

78

2

Newcastle Town

34

23

6

5

69

26

43

75

3

Blackpool Mechanics

34

20

9

5

75

34

41

69

4

Burscough

34

19

7

8

82

46

36

64

5

Formby

34

17

5

12

49

39

10

56

6

Glossop

34

15

9

10

61

44

17

54

7

Salford City

34

14

9

11

57

41

16

51

8

Castleton Gabriels

34

14

9

11

54

43

11

51

9

Cheadle Town

34

15

6

13

53

50

3

51

10

Kidsgrove Athletic

34

14

7

13

44

45

-1

49

11

Chadderton

34

14

6

14

50

48

2

48

12

Oldham Town

34

11

8

15

49

62

-13

41

13

Atherton Collieries

34

12

4

18

51

64

-13

40

14

Squires Gate

34

11

5

18

45

60

-15

38

15

Holker Old Boys

34

10

6

18

37

53

-16

36

16

Maghull

34

7

2

25

38

90

-52

23

17

Ashton Town

34

4

7

23

47

101

-54

19

18

Westhoughton Town

34

5

4

25

33

106

-73

19

UP NEXT FOR GATE CHORLEY Tuesday 8th November 2016 The Royal British Legion Stadium

2015/16 Final Position: Current League Position: 4th (National League North) Last Meeting: Squires Gate Chorley

Kick Off: 19:45 Adults £6, Concessions £3

Current League Form (Most Recent First):

HANLEY TOWN Saturday 12th November 2016 The Royal British Legion Stadium

2015/16 Final Position: 1st Current League Position: 7th Last Meeting: Squires Gate 2 Hanley Town 5

Kick Off: 15:00 Adults £6, Concessions £3

Current League Form (Most Recent First): D W L L W L

NEW MILLS Saturday 26th November 2016 The Royal British Legion Stadium

2015/16 Final Position: 14th Current League Position: 19th Last Meeting: Squires Gate 0 New Mills 1

Kick Off: 15:00 Adults £6, Concessions £3

Current League Form (Most Recent First): L L L D L D

2015/16 Final Position:

AFC LIVERPOOL Saturday 10th December 2016 The Royal British Legion Stadium

Current League Position: 8th Last Meeting: Squires Gate 3 AFC Liverpool 1 Current League Form (Most Recent First): W L L L D L

Kick Off: 15:00 Adults £6, Concessions £3

AFC Darwen Wednesday 16th November 2016 WEC Group Kick Off: 19:45 Adults £5, Concessions £3

2015/16 Final Position: 18th Current League Position: 18th Last Meeting: AFC Darwen 1 Squires Gate 1 Current League Form (Most Recent First): D L L W L D

Runcorn Linnets Saturday 18th November2016 The Millbank Stadium Kick Off: 15:00

2015/16 Final Position: 2nd Current League Position: 3rd Last Meeting: Runcorn Linnets 2 Squires Gate 0 Current League Form (Most Recent First): L W L W L W

THE TEAMS

v SQUIRES GATE FOOTBALL CLUB

RUNCORN TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB

Manager: Daniel Penswick

(GK) Ben FLETCHER (GK) Josh WOODS Andrew RICHARDS

Manager:

TODAY’S MATCH

(GK) Louie MACKIN Matthew WOODWARD Joshua MAGUIRE

Paul CARROLL

OFFICIALS

James MARCUS

Jacob HIGHAM

REFEREE

Louis COYNE

Calvin ROSS

Nikolas (Nik) Storey

Jack PICKERING Joseph HOLT

David ROSSALL Ben FISHWICK

ASSISTANTS

Paul MCMANUS

Jamie GIBSON

Mark Reeves

Simon THELWELL

Mike HALL

Andrew Milli

Craig CAIRNS

Joe NOBLET

Oliver NUGENT

Ben SEEAR

Joseph HEATH

Anthony STAYTE

Kevin EXELL

Mark THORNBER

Mark MCGREGOR

Danny PENSWICK

Daniel JARRETT

Mark BUCHAN

Aaron POMYIE

Brett DAWSON Danny MORRIS Ryan RILEY Ric SEEAR Ryan TANSER Ryan STAYTE Seydou BAMBA Paul ALEXANDER

NEXT: Home Match NEXT: Away Match CHORLEY AFC DARWEN Tuesday 8th November 2016 - 7;45PM Wednesday 18th October 2016 - 7:45PM