Squires Gate V Cammell Laird 1907 (FA Vase 2nd Round)

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Good afternoon, and welcome to today

s match as Squires Gate host Cammell Laird 1907FCintheFirstRoundoftheFAVase!

After a month away, we’re delighted to be back at home so we can get back to producing our programmes! Our brilliant front cover today was designed by Chris Stewart (@KitForBrains) , taking inspiration from the classic Roy of the Rovers designs watch out for some similar design throughout ourprogramme!

It’s a big game for the lads today, as they aim to take Squires Gate into the Second Round of the FA Vase make sure to get behindEvans’ mentoday!

Thank you for attending today

s game, and for purchasing your programme! Like what

Tag us on Twitter @TotG_SG with

thoughts on today

s

of

Good afternoon all, and welcome to today’s FA Vase First Round tie between Squires Gate and Cammell Laird. What an honour it is to reach the First Round of the FA Vase, but we want to go even further than that.

To do so we’ll have to be at our best to defeat a Cammell Laird side that will be coming to us fired up and desperate to reach the next round like we are.

It’s been a while since our last competitive home game, with I think six away matches in a row. In that time we’ve progressed in the FA Vase, got through to the next round of the Macron Cup, as well as a

couple of odd results in the league.

Take away an injury to Gal Pett and a heavy defeat at Wythenshawe, it’s been a positive few weeks for us since our last home game, and we’re hoping we can do even better today and reach the second round of the FA Vase. It’ll be a good achievement for us, as well as bringing in some prize money into the club which would be superb for us.

A big thank you to everyone attending today’s game, we hope you enjoy your afternoon with us here at The Brian Addison Stadium!

Gaffer

#WeAreGate

Your perfect meal deal? (Butty, snack & drink)

Southern Fried Chicken Pasta, OrangeLucozade&Quavers

You can listen to one album on repeat. Which do you pick?

Drake Honestly,Nevermind

Your go to Maccies order?

Large Spicy Chicken Legend

Your ultimate Gate 5-a-side team?

Pennington, Bartram, Chambers, Boyd&Pett

to alcoholic drink?

Your favourite joke?

Why did the Golfer bring two pairs of pants? In case he got a holeinone.

If all the lads were on Love

If we were all on Love Island,

Roll/Cob/Barm/Muffin - What do you call it?

I call it a barm, the worst I’ve heardis ‘Batch’.

Worst banter at the club?

Favourite Biscuit with a brew?

It’s got to be shortbread fingers, theyarethebest.

Words by James Ashton

A trip to the league leaders awaited back at the end of September, with me, Jay and Helen all making the trip to Vauxhall Motors.

We were on a high after our 3 0 win over Barnoldswick Town in the previous game continuing our good run of form.

We know that this game would be a very tough one though. At the time, Vauxhall had (I think) 28 points out of a possible 30 and were playing some really good stuff.

We arrived at the vanEupen Arena just before 2pm, as I began to get pictures around the ground to go out across our social mediachannels.

I then made my way inside the clubhouse - I had

skipped breakfast so was desperate for some good food to tie me over for the match. Luckily, a good selection of hot food was on offer, so a sausage barm and Lemon Fanta was on the agenda and was a good start to my visit.

Me and Jay walked over to watch the Gate lads warm up, before I helped set up the Veo camera and

conduct my pre match interview with the gaffer.

It ended in a 3 1 defeat for Gate, after a strong performance from the hosts.

After my post match interview, we headed home via a trip to Burger King. A decent end to what was allin all a decent away day, #WeAreGate

These are only the

STADIUM

of the

A big sports complex plays host to Vauxhall Motors, with a large clubhouse / sports centre the main attraction with a bar, seated areas and large TVScreens.

The actual ground is a solid one, with a seated stand and good areas to stand around the pitch too.

for a

FOOD & DRINK

for a

with Jay going for

and both were very enjoyable.

good

PROGRAMME HOSPTIALITY

One of my favourite programmes in the division,

The Motormen

is a well designed piece with some goodcontentthroughout.

JOURNEY

The only thing that usually lets this away day down isthejourney,andthiswasagainthecase.

Not exactly the furthest journey we’ll ever make, but it always seems to drag especially on the way home.Atleasttheweatherwasn'ttoobad!

Words by James Ashton

Three days on from my trip to Vauxhall Motors, we were back on the road with a visit to Prestwich Heys.

It’s always an enjoyable visit to Heys, with a good ground, friendly people and nice food usually coming together for a good away day.

After finishing work at 5pm, Jay and Helen picked me up and we were on our way. After a simple journey up the motorway, we arrived at Adie Moran Park just before 6.30pm, giving us plenty of time to get content for our socials and sample the food on offer.

I purchased a hot dog along with a Twix & Coke, before finalising my team sheet graphic after a couple of late changes to the squad due to injury.

After my pre match interview with the gaffer, we made our way round to the side of the pitch by the dugouts where we watched the game unfold.

After going 1-0 up against the run of play, we were pegged back to 1-1 at the break.

We enjoyed decent hospitality at half time, before making our way back out

out for the second half. Prestwich were the stronger side, and came away with a deserved 3-1 victory.

After my post match interview with Luke Evans, we made our way back home. We had a quick pitstop at a local McDonalds on the way, before I got home to write up my Match Report.

#WeAreGate

Please note: These are only the views of the mediateam,andnotthoseofSquiresGateFC.

STADIUM FOOD & DRINK

Adie Moran Park is always nice to visit, with a well sized non league ground a good setting for some eveningfootball.

With pies and hotdogs on offer, as well as a varied selection of crisps and chocolate, it was a decent effortfromHeys.

However, the hot dog I opted for wasn’t the best tasting,withthebunquitestaletoo.

SCORE: 7/10

PROGRAMME HOSPTIALITY

One of the better programmes available to read in the Premier Division, Prestwich Heys’ programme, named ‘Touchliner’ was nicely designed, with a well balanced selection of content. Good effort, guys!

JOURNEY

SCORE: 7/10

6/10

One of the more standard journeys to make across toNWCFLPremierDivision. Ano frillsjourneybothtoandfromtheground.

Definitely one of the friendliest clubs in the league, a standard hospitality selection was on offer. It’s always very crammed in the Heys clubhouse though, and I felt very in the way of everything whilestandinginandaroundthehospitalityarea.

6/10

Words by George Moore

The away day started the Friday night as me and my dad packed the car and made sure we had the kit cones balls etc and had our pre match talk about the up coming game which I predicted us to win in normal time.

the big day ahead. A lengthy stay in the hotel in which I finished off my pre game interview questions with a Starbucks.

The alarm went off 6:30am very early for an away day we got up straight away got in the car and we were off we picked up Helen hit the motorway by 7am.

A 2 hour 45 minute journey up to Tyneside energised by my fantastic Spotify playlist consisting of Oasis, Lathums and Arctic Monkeys. We arrived at the hotel which the players and coaching staff stayed at the night before On our arrival we dived into the breakfast which was unlimited and just what we needed for

After all that it was time to leave the hotel so me my dad the players and all the coaching staff set off to West Allotment Celtic football club who sit at step 5 of the non league system like Squires Gate. We put the kit out checked out the pitch and uploaded our arrival onto social media.

An intense warm up, interview with manager Luke Evans completed, the game was ready to begin. A quick fire start to the game in which West Allotment took a 1 0 lead through Mehack Kanda. A Westwood red card minutes before the break set Squires back even more with a mountain to climb.

Rowan Chambers brought us level 4 minutes after the interval with a stunning strike into the top corner. Just moments later Allotment restored their lead lifting the ball over Pennington after a route 1 ball through the middle.

It looked as if Gate were heading out before legendary striker Gary Pett smashed his shot off the bar before nodding in the rebound to send the bench and travelling fans into mayhem. The full time whistle went penalties it was despite Rowan and Boyd missing Gate advanced 6-5 to send us into the first round proper. Scenes in the changing room and afterwards. A long journey home consisting of Spotify and Life Is A Rollercoaster by Ronan Keating got us through the 2 and a half hour journey back to the Fylde coast to round off a successful day in the Vase.

Welsh

H.

H.

Hughes H.

Hughes H.

H.

Hughes H.

H. Webster

H.

Cleator Moor Celtic (MACRON

Cammell Laird 1907 (FA

Avro

Gray

15:00

Winsford United 15:00

Charnock Richard

FC Isle Of Man

Garstang (MACRON R2) 15:00

Nov 22 West Didsbury & Chorlton 15:00

Nov 22 Northwich Vics 19:45

Dec 22 Congleton Town 15:00

Dec 22 Kendal Town 15:00

Dec 22 Ashton Athletic 15:00

Dec 22 Bury AFC 19;45

Dec 22 Burscough 15:00

Jan 23 Barnoldswick Town 15:00

Jan 23 Lower Breck 15:00

Jan 23 Congleton Town 15:00

Jan 23 FC Isle Of Man 15:00

Feb 23 Northwich Vics 15:00

Feb 23 Avro 15:00

Feb 23 Longridge Town 15:00

Feb 23 Litherland Remyca 15:00

Mar 23 West Didsbury & Chorlton 15:00

Mar 23 AFC Liverpool 15:00

Mar 23 Kendal Town 15:00

Mar 23 Prestwich Heys 15:00

Apr 23 Vauxhall Motors 15:00

Apr 23 Burscough 15:00

Apr 23 Lower Breck 15:00

Apr 23 Padiham 15:00

Westwood Riley Webster Ball Chambers Yelegon Holden Boyd Burgess Powell Hughes

Westwood Riley Webster Pett Chambers Hughes Cliffe Yelegon Burgess Hesford Ball

Westwood Riley Webster Ball Pett Hughes Cliffe Eastham Burgess Kay Powell

Westwood Riley Webster Ball Cliffe Boyd Smith Eastham Kay Powell Hesford

Westwood Riley Webster Ball Cliffe Boyd Smith Yelegon Kay Abouzaid Powell

Westwood Riley Abouzaid Ball Cliffe Boyd Abankwah Gray Kay Pett Yelegon

Westwood Riley Abouzaid Pett Cliffe Gray Smith Burgess Kay Robinson Yelegon

Westwood Riley Abouzaid Pett Cliffe Boyd Shields Powell Eastham Ball Yelegon

Westwood Riley Abouzaid Ball Cliffe Boyd Gray Eastham Yelegon Powell Yilmaz

Westwood Riley C. Webster Pett Chambers Boyd Kay Yelegon Abouzaid Cliffe Ball

Westwood Abouzaid C. Webster Pett Cliffe Boyd Kay Yelegon Riley Gray Ball

Westwood Riley Kay Pett Cliffe Boyd Chambers Yelegon Eastham Abouzaid Ball

Westwood Riley Chamber Yelegon Cliffe Boyd Abankwah Kay Welsh Webster Ball

Bartram Kay Abouzaid Ball Cliffe Boyd Westwood Riley Hughes Gray Pett

Westwood Riley Chambers Pett Cliffe Boyd Abankwah C. Webster Welsh Eastham Ball

Welsh Riley C. Webster Pett Ball Gray Abankwah Yelegon Abouzaid Kay Cliffe

Welsh Yelegon C. Webster Aluebhosele Cliffe Boyd Shields Riley Abouzaid Kay Ball

Welsh Riley C. Webster Aluebhosele Cliffe Boyd Shields Kay Abouzaid Yelegon Ball

CAMMELL LAIRD 1907

OF THE CAMMELLS...

Cammell Laird 1907 FC can trace its history back to 1899 when a team from the Upper Boilers Shop of Laird Bros played in Birkenhead Park, before turning to the rugby code. It was not until June 1907 that the Cammell Laird Institute AFC was established, with its first fixture taking place on 2nd September 1907 against Tranmere Rovers. The Club finished 9th in the West Cheshire League in their inauguralseasonof 1907/08.

In the early years, the Club played at a number of grounds and won their first trophy, the Shipley Cup, in April 1921, before in the summer of 1922 they moved to St Peters Road (which still remains their current home) as Kirklands FC.They disbanded in 1939 but reformed in 1946.

1994/95 saw the Club reach the FA

Vase quarter finals before losing to ArleseyTown.

The early part of the new millennium saw the Club reach new heights. They started the rise through the pyramid, making history by becoming the first Club to win the championship of the Second and First Divisions of the North West Counties League, which they achieved in 2004/05 and then 2005/06. In the same year as that First Division triumph, the Club reached the FA Vase semi finals, losing to eventual winners Nantwich Town, and two years later, the Club gained promotion to the Unibond Premier League. Season 2013/14 saw the Club finish 11th, but the decision was taken to resign from the Evo Stik League due to ownership issues and form a new club: Cammell Laird 1907 FC. The new Club was formed on 28th May 2014 and entered the NWCFL Division One for

their debut campaign in 2014/15. In 2015/16 saw the Club finish 15th in its first season in the NWCFL Premier Division.

The Lairds soon found their feet in the Premier Division. Tony Sullivan replaced Paul McNally as manager, and Lairds eventually secured a solid mid tablefinish.

Despite an opening day 4 3 defeat at New Mills, a match in which the visitors led 2 0 and 3 2, Prince’s new look side appeared to be gelling together with a three game unbeaten run at the end of August. However, September saw a series of tough fixtures against some of the top sides in the division, and Prince resigned on good terms with the Club after a 3 1 reverse against Squires Gate. Although Lairds struggled in terms of results, several performances perhaps deserved better and there was an acceptance that it was going to take timeforsucha youthfulsideto develop.

CLOSEST FL

The closest Football League ground to Cammell

is Prenton Park, home of Tranmere Rovers.

Cammell

ROSS WAREING

We caught up with Lairds’ Ross Wareing and asked him some questions about his team mates and his time at Cammell Laird.

How long have you played at the club?

I signed for Lairds in June.

What clubs have you played at previously?

Vauxhall Motors and Mersey Royal.

Do you have a matchday routine, and any superstitions? Chicken and Pesto Pasta before every game

Best opposition you have faced come up against?

One player you'd hate to play up against?

Tranmere Rovers a few years ago in pre season when they had a full team out. That was a long afternoon. I’ve always had good battles with Kie Hamm when I’ve played against him too.

Who is the Worst dancer in the squad?

JoeDowney

Worst taste in music?

A few lads earlier in the season were putting rap on in the changing room. Not really my cup of tea before a game.

Worst banter at the club?

Cameron McGregor, the biggest fool.

Your favourite joke?

Someone stole my limbo stick from our shed the other night, how low can you go…?

Who will be a future manager?

Jake Hulley, Jake Doran & Ryan Smith have got it in them. I think they’ll all have a go at managing at some point.

100m race, who wins?

Thereareafewinourteamtobe

honest. Certainly not me. Frosty is very quick. Jake Hulley,

Who has the worst fashion sense?

Special mention to Luke Edwards who’s just left us, hehada pair of SpongeBob Vans that I won’t everbeabletoun see.

If you were all to go in the jungle, who would be likely to back out the challenges?

Joe Downey, backs out of a fair few challenges normally so I’ll go for him.

Who would be most likely to win Love Island?

Love Island None capable of winning, but Cam McGregor is most likely to go on there, he fits the personality bracket.

Most intelligent player?

There aren’t many to be honest. I’ve had a few intelligent conversations with young Dom Cain, I think he’s switched on.

The player you'd want to be stuck on a desert island with?

If I had to pick, I’d say Kalif Koura. The big man would keep us both alive.

Your go to meal deal?

Southern Fried Chicken Wrap, Salt & Vinegar McCoys, StarbucksFrappuccino.Winner.

MEET THE SQUAD...

JORDAN SCOTT

Jordan joined the club at the start of the season from West Cheshire side Poulton Royal. The 26 year old was the youngest ever manager to gain promotion from the West Cheshire Division and has an exciting future ahead of him.

JOSHUA HINE

Joshua is currently undertaking his UEFA B license and is constantly looking to improve his knowledge of the game. Joshua is a big part of the management team and his commitment and enthusiasm towards the club is commended and has a exciting future as a coach.

BEN HUGHES BEN KERR

EthBen joined the Cammells in the summer from Poulton Royal and has a joint role of goal keeper and goalkeeping coach.

Ben is still yet to make his debut for the club but is a vital part of the club in his coaching role.

The former Tranmere man is a regular in the Cammells defence and provides defensive solidity as well as plenty of crosses from out wide.

Ben is one of the jokers in the changing room and always finds a quote or cliche to make someone laugh.

JAKE DORAN

Again, another former Tranmere player. Jake re joined the club in the summer and has been a regular starter in the side.

Since leaving Tranmere Jake has played at a high level of Non League and his experience and know how has been vital in his performances and to help some of the younger players at

JJ KING

19 year old scouser John James King joined the club in the summer from Tranmere Rovers and has shown his qualities when he has been in the side. JJ has used the loan system to add experience of mens football to his game but has a bright future in the game. JJ has an excellent attitude which is noted by the club.

Sadly Jack has been out of the squad due to a knee injury but was a regular starter in the 21/22 season.

Jack is an old school centre back and loves a challenge.

NATHAN DAVISON JAMES DINERLEY

There has been no doubt that since Nathan’s form has improved, so has the teams. The shot stopper loves a cup competition and performed heroics in the previous round saving two penalties in the shootout.

James made his debut for the Cammells last week against his former club Tranmere Rovers in a friendly and is looking to challenge for the number 1 spot.

The 6’4 full back joined the Cammells in the summer and looks to gain experience and knowledge of the level. Ben has been in and out of the Cammells squad and has regularly been on loan at West Cheshire Division 1 side Ellemsere Port to gain vital minutes which has helped him develop.

The former Tranmere man is the club captain and is one of the most experienced player at this level, at the club.

Jake is always consistent in his performances and leads the line with great professionalism.

‘Stevo’ is what you’d call a modern day centre back, can defend, can play, can pass; a brilliant player.

Danny has struggled with injuries this season but is back in the side and performing at a high level.

Dominic has recently signed for the Cammells from Tranmere Rovers. Dom, like Stevo is a big powerful centre back and has been excellent in training and recent performances. Dom made his debut against Tranmere in a friendly where he was head and shoulders the best player on the pitch. Dom made his competitive debut in a 2 1 Macron Cup win

LEE RODGERS BEN CARR-LOWE KIERAN HAMM

Lee signed for the Cammells in the summer and has been the regular left back so far this season. Lee adds defensive solidity as well as power and strength to the side as well as a wand of a left foot.

Ben joined the Cammells from Poulton Royal in the summer and is learning the level every week. His nickname, ‘The Ellesmere Port Herrera’ is often joked about but Ben plays with high intensity and has a fantastic attitude to the game.

The forward scored 28 goals in the 21/22 season and has carried on his form in the 22/23 season. Kieran has a great eye for goal and you wouldn’t want to be hit by his shots on a cold day.

BEN KELLY

JAKE HULLEY

JACK WOOD

DANNY STEPHENS

DOMINIC CAIN

JONES

Mike or ‘Jonesy’ adds experience in the middle of the pitch and calmness. I wouldn’t be surprised if Mikes resting heart rate is below 20 and is consistent in his performances for the Cammells.

CAMERON MCGREGOR

The former Wrexham man started the season in good form but sadly broke his foot a couple of games into the 22/23 season. Cameron adds quality in the 10 position and his low sense of gravity to glide past players has been missed. Cameron is back in training and look forward to having him back in contention.

KIERON FROST

‘Frosty’ as known in the changing room has arguably been the most improved player at the club. Frosty has developed his understanding and knowledge of the game from being in America in the summer and has been excellent since his return. Frosty scored a lovely hat trick in the 5 0 win against Tranmere.

KALIF KOURA

The big man loves scoring important goals. Kalif has been in great form in the last 5 games, most recently scoring a 94th minute winner against Ashville.

RYAN SMITH

Ryan was the 21/22 player of the season and usually finds passes that others can’t see.

Sadly, Ryan’s 22/23 season has been stop start with injury but Ryan is back and training and looking forward to pulling a blue shirt back on.

ETHAN GALT

Ethan adds quality into the middle of the pitch with his pace and way to find passes. Sadly Ethan has been injured most of the 22/23 season but we look forward to having Ethan back in contention.

REGAN RUBIN

Regan re joined the Cammells in the summer and was in red hot form before his red card against Abbey Hay. Regan scored in the Cammells most recent win at Alsager.

BOLTON

Ellis plays with energy and enthusiasm in the centre of the pitch. Ellis can also play left back and has done on a number of occasions. ‘Bollo’ scored a lovely chip in the 5 0 friendly win against Tranmere, albeit of his shin.

DOWNEY

The former Wigan man adds class and elegance in midfield for the Cammells this season. Joe can play in a number of positions due to his ability.

ROSS WARING BEN WOOD

Ross joined the club in the summer and has been a regular in the side. He plays with discipline and professionalism and has been rock solid since being in the side. The former Vauxhall Motors man is a good role model to others at the club.

The former Crewe Alex man joined the club in the summer and has provided some vital goals for the club this season. This is Bens first season at this level and at 18, has a bright future in the game.

JACK KELLY

Jack started the season in good form but was injured through an awful challenge against New Mills. Jack is still sidelined and we are looking forward to him being back available.

JAY HARVEY

Jay has been a regular in the side since coming back to the Cammells. The 6 foot + forward adds power, pace and strength to the forward line.

KIRKLAND’S

Cammell Laird 1-1 Witton Albion // 13.04.12

Words from Gibbos92 blog I was invited to this damp eventful evening in Birkenhead by fellow bloggers Joe and Aaron. They are non league geeks, so I thought I may as well go and see if I could learn anything from them. Joe wanted to go as he had never been to Cammell Laird, and with them sitting rock bottom of the league, he thought it may be his last opportunity for a while. I knew it would be raining as is always the case when I travel to that part of thecountry.

I caught the 16:45 direct train from Atherton to Ashton, where Joe was awaiting me in his glamorous blue Citreon C1. I opened the door, and The Vaccines were playing, which could only be a good thing. We set off from Ashton, with the TomTom destination set as Warrington where we would pickAaronup.

We were approaching Rock Ferry, when suddenly the heavens opened. It was a cross between torrential rain and hail stones. Fantastic! Not to worry though, being Northern lads it was normal service for us and we still got out of the car in search of thesocialclub.

Quite a queue had formed outside the turnstile, and I was anxious to get in after a drunk had stumbledpastus,andfelt up the man in front of us. He continued shuffling down the street until he came to an abrupt end. He fell in to the fence, and on that note it was time to go in.

We went straight to Kirklands Kitchen and queued up for some food. I wasn’t in a pie mood, and so went for a cheeseburger which was quite nice when it eventually arrived. Aaron also joined me on the burger front, where as Joe reserved a pie for halftime, which was just as well! 10 minutes before kick-off, and theyhadrunoutofpies.

“Go to Tesco and buy me some of those cheap Hollands Pies! Quickly! We’ve ran out!… Oh, and get me some milk too!”

Ineverdidfindoutwhethermore pies were draughted in, but nonetheless, it was a schoolboy error on Lairds behalf. Hopefully they’ll learn from this horrific mistake.

In true Gibbo’s92 style I have put great effort and thought into naming the ‘stands’ at Cammell Laird;soherewego

We perched ourselves on the fence of the Kirklands Kitchen Stand. The KKS comprised of a seated area with a roof, an executive enclosure complete with prawn sandwiches, agarden shed which was used as a turnstile and a club shop… which wasshut.

To our right was the Volleyball Net End. Yes, this is in fact its REAL name. You may be wondering “Why Volleyball? Was he a past chairman? Was he a star striker down at Cammell Laird?” No. It is quite simply down to the fact there is a giant badminton net down at that end of the ground. So here is a top tip… If you are planning a trip to Kirklands, takea volleyball. Learn from ourmistakes.Wedidn’t take one, and we got shouted at during the interval for borrowing oneof thefootballs.

The Volleyball Net End also houses a nice industrial roller in the far left hand corner, which looks capable of rolling even the mostbobblyof pitches.

Directly in front was the First Bus Wash Family Stand. Never before had I seen so many buses! It was heaven for Aaron though, as he is an avid bus spotter. He particularly enjoyed it when an old P Reg bus came in foritsyearlywash.

The FirstBusWash FamilyStand is completely covered. It has both seated and standing options, however the standing option doesn’t look particularly invited and offers a restricted view due tothedugouts.

Leading into the match I had heard a lot of positive comments about Wittons young striker Alex Titchiner, or Titch as he is referred to by fans. I was disappointed to see that Witton coach Brian Pritchard had decided to leave him on the bench but this was probably wise as the play offs werefastapproaching.

Witton were third inthe table,and Cammell Laird were bottom. The Lairds needed to avoid defeat in order to stay up mathematically foranotherweek.Itwas noshock

Albion had a chance on 35mins when Ashley Stott weaved his way through the Lairds defence, which was now a metaphorical blanket; his shot hit the side netting.

Cammell Laird were unfortunate not to open the scoring on 38 minutes when Dan O’Brien sent Paul Cliff through down the left. Cliff then fired in a great cross to Bowen who only just failed to make contact with the ball. This move put the wind in the Shipyarders sails, and they lookedlikecausinganupset.

Half time was pretty uneventful. Joe picked up his pie which he had reserved. After a few minutes, we heard a bloke sounding pretty excited at the thought of him winning that was until he realised he had 668

of the Albion goal. Bowen couldn’t get the ball out from underhisfeet, ultimatelyresulting in him falling over and scuffing hisshot.

Alex Titchiner was brought on, and from that moment Witton looked extremely dangerous down the right hand flank. On 67 minutes Titch did exploit the weakness in the Lairds defence, and cut inside before firing a powerful shot into the bottom left handcorner.Itwasagreatgoal.

Play was momentarily halted when a Carlsberg can invaded the pitch. Some yobs walking past the ground began to sing songs about how wonderful Rock Ferryis beforethen launchingthe can on to the pitch. In true nonleague style, the Laird goalkeeper strolled over to the item (which was still full of beer or urine) and launched it back over the fenceontothemainroad.

Knowing that if they didn’t score within the next two minutes, they would be relegated into the North West Counties, Cammell Laird wentinsearchofagoal.

advantage could go one of two ways. He could either be a great playmaker, strong and committed… or he could be clumsy with an appalling first touch, ultimately leading to wastedopportunities.

Witton fans, who to be fair, had broughtalarge ishfollowing.

Joes’ favourite non league player, Aaron Bowen had an opportunity when he found the ballcompletelyunmarkedinfront

The goal came whenWitton gave away a free kick out wide. The Albion defenders were all marking Aaron Bowen, and the ball was floated to the back post. Defender Chay Dysart rose above everybody else and headed the ball into the far corner.1 1.

The match finished, and news began to filter through that both Woodley Sports, and more astonishingly Northwich Victoria had been expelled from The Evo-StikLeagues.

NON LEAGUE vs THE WORLD CUP

Words byGaryLangley

We are just a couple of weeks from November and in-turn the 2022 World Cup and many non league football clubs are beginning to ponder the question “Will we get a World Cup gates boost?”.

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar runs from November 20th to December 18th and for those dates and a small period either side the Premier League will have a mini hiatus whilst the international games take place. There will however be a football league programme taking place as well as a full non league programme.

There are a number of factors, and other leagues and events will be vying for that potential floating Premier League support of course and whilst the World Cup will be played in a desert amidst scorching temperatures, our games will be played in a slightly more ‘chilled’ environment of course.

Instagram, faceache and twitter me-bob! With that in mind it’s probably unlikely that Francois from Genk and Gustav from Oslo will ruck up at Bacup Borough, Corinthian Casuals or Matlock town on a Tuesday night, but football fans already closer to the parishmayfancyit?

What if we don’t get a World Cup Boost though? Well non League itself has constantly been developing and evolving in recent years as the cost of living has increased, the cost of Premier League Football has soared and of course the cost of living has followedsuit.

Using Steps 1 4 as a guide the average gates as demonstrated on the graphic show a year on year increase of between 14 & 20% in the last nine years. Steps Five and Six have benefitted from a number of phoenix clubs as well as high profile relegations, however it’s worth mentioning that there is a North/ SouthDivideontheincreases.

There is also an opportunity, with a number of the early group games kicking off at 1pm, 4pm and 7pm GMT, clubs with Club Houses and Televisions could potentially capitalise on this and do some sort of promotions to entice folk in before their own games and potentially stop on afterwards?

Will clubs like us profit from the World Cup? Well, it’s safe to say they may do, but either way we will have to be ready for the challenge.

Many non league fans will banter with you that many Premier League Clubs are just tourist traps of course, havens for supporters from alternative shores who aren’t just at a game for the match, they’re here to buy half of the club shop, get selfies in front of strategically placed Street Murals (sometimes funded by the clubs themselves for that purpose) and in front of ‘Landmarks’, ideal for punters to spreadtheclubswordacross

They’re Still increases nonetheless with increases of between 20 25% over the last six seasons in the North and 15% in the South. Chuck the impact of a Pandemic in that mix and you can see that people are voting withtheirpockets.

I cannot see folk heading to games in their droves like we did in the immediate aftermath of the pandemic, however that’s what we do… we welcome everyone, and when they find out what value they can get for their £10£15,oddsaremanywillstay.

Words by Stephen Brandt

The chase for immortality, and greatness has ruined many clubs world wide. Trying to keep up with Glasgow has also ruined clubs countrywide. Third Lanark may not be the greatest club to go into liquidation but they were one of those names from a distant past which we all know about. A club like theirs, which went away did leave a mark on the game, even a new club starting up in the lower leagues of Scotland.

Saturday November 30th, 1872 the first ever international football match took place at Hamilton Crescent in Patrick Glasgow. It ended in a 0 0 tie between Scotland and England in front of 4,000 fans. All eleven players on the Scotland team were from Queens Park FC. Among the spectators were a number of soldiers from the Third Lanarkshire Rifle Volunteers, inspired by the football they had just seen, founded Third Lanark AC, on December 12, 1872. Some of the founding members had played in the fixture; Billy Dickson, Billy MacKinnon, and Joseph Taylor.

In 1903 Thirds finally cut their connections to the military, and took over the lease of the Second Hampden Park after Queens Park moved, renaming it New Cathkin Park. They followed it up in 1903 04 winning their only Scottish League Championships. Thirds in their 26 matches played won 20, lost three and won the league by 4 points. They were truly coming into their golden era in the pre war years.

The Great War, or the War to End all Wars engulfed most of Europe, sending many young men off to fight a battle many would not return from. Sadly the club would not see the great heights again after the war. Third Lanark in 1923 went on a pre season tour to the Americas, but wasn’t their first summer tour. Just two years before, Thirds went to the USA and Canada, and in 1914 they went to the Iberian Peninsula. This tour was different as they played 8 matches against teams in Argentina and Uruguay, with a match against Argentina National Team

The trip to Argentina helped out the club, as Thirds were dealing with some hard times, and the Argentine FA sent the team equipment and kits for the club to pay in. Strangely, while on the route back from Argentina, Thirds docked in Las Palmas to refuel, as they were there, they found the ship wrecked by the Raith Rovers team waiting to be brought back to the United Kingdom. The good samaritan feeling did not rub off on Thirds, as they were relegated at the end of the following season, becoming a Yo Yo club for a decade.

where the club would consolidate its position in the top division again. They had a Scottish Cup final appearance in 1936 at Hampden, where 90,000 people saw the club lose 1 0 against Rangers. They also saw two players from the club called up to national sides touring the USA in 1939.

Local businessman Bill Hiddleston, who was a wholesale glass merchant, started off watching matches with his father, but in 1954 he became a member of the board. This wouldn’t last long as he started acting without knowledge of the rest of the board. The breaking point came when in the summer of 1955 he spent five hundred pounds on a player without the board knowing. He was removed from the board, and still had to pay the money out of his pocket. This would not be the last time the club would deal with him. In January 1956, Ally MacLeod against his will was sold off to St. Mirren to bring in money to keep the club running.

In 1957, the older brother of a legendary manager in England was hired, Bob Shankly. Two years later he would leave Thirds to take the reins of Dundee and lead them to a Scottish League Championship and the Semi Finals in the European Cup against AC Milan, which they lost. The next manager in the door was George Young in 1959. He was an ex Rangers defender, who took the club to the Scottish League Cup final against Hearts, and a third place finish in the league that season. Unfortunately, Hearts would get the League and Cup Double.

THE THIRD LANARK

It appeared that Third Lanark was on their way back to the top again. The AGM in December 1962 changed that, when it was announced that Bill Hiddleston was taking over as majority shareholder. His appointment had a great effect, the entire management and backroom staff, and most of the board resigned on the spot.

The decline was instant, at the end of the 63 64 season, Thirds was sold, and released 23 players. The following season they finished bottom of the top tier with only seven points in 34 matches. The players had issues getting wages paid, and there was no hot water or power for them to train. The money issue was from European Football, and the Glasgow Cup. It was played between Queens Park, Third Lanark, Clyde, Partick Thistle, Celtic and Rangers. Before European Football came in, all the teams wanted to do was win the trophy so they could get a home tie against the Old Firm. Once the Old Firm started getting into Europe, they stopped taking the Glasgow Cup seriously, and played their youth teams. The number of fans going dropped, as did the gate.

Thirds wanted to move to a new town, and sell the land the ground was on, to a housing estate. That tuned off the fans completely. Then the rumors were the players were being paid with coins from the turnstiles, and they had to make their own way to away games. Then they were asked to bring light bulbs, and footballs with them.

Tuesday 25 April 1967 was the last ever home match for Third Lanark. It was a 3 3 draw with Queen of the South, in front of 325 people. That was not even the lowest attendance, that happened ten days before when only 297 watched them play Clydebank on 15 April. The last ever Thirds match was a 5 1 defeat to Dumbarton at Boghead in front of 581 people. Drew Busby was the last ever scorer, who eventually played for Airdrie and Hearts. The management team of that match was Bobby Shearer and assistant John McKenzie. By 26 June 1967 Third Lanark’s membership of the Scottish Football League was removed. Bill Hiddleston ran the club into the ground, and history will always show that the man was a crook from the get go.

ABR AD

Wordsby@Gazzetta_stadio

If it's good enough for Only Fools and Horses wheeler dealer, Boycie, then it will do for me! Serbia is a deeply complex nation, often understood and still shrouded in a veil of suspicion, both internally and externally. This was encapsulated perfectly within minutes of arrival. A behind the iron curtain style interrogation from a surly hotel clerk asking accusatorially 'when did I get here'? 'How!?'. The truth is much more sedate then what heisimagining."FromAlbaniaon a rickety old propeller plane". Seemingly satisfied, on with the trip.

Wednesday is derby day, and what a day it is. It all kicks off with a very informative tour of the Rajko Mitic Stadium, which included walking through the infamous tunnel, as well as climbing what felt like a small mountain in steps in +30 degree heat.

Just the 240m to the pitch following the behind the scenes access, it's time for game one of theday.

The tired old criticism of Lionel Messi et al was could they do it on a wet, Tuesday night in Stoke? Well, the real question is, could he do it on a hot, Wednesdayafternoonontopof a shoppingcentre?

ShoppingMall(a)

This was very hard to actually get in to. Once the dinars were handed over, it was back outside, through a car park and into a designated lift. The shoppers below had no idea, or no cares that a top flight match wastakingplaceontheroof.

Remarkably, this 5000 capacity ground, meets all the UEFA requirements, and despite, at points,being45metresabove

ground, can host European competition! The match itself was merely a side show to the novelty factor, but the home side ran out comfortable winners, playing some slick football, and sending the 200+ shoppers/supporters home happy, without needing moreretailtherapy.

The reason why we are all here though, is for the 168th Eternal Derby, possibly the most intense and explosive, in European football.

Thankfully, we had secured tickets in the middle of the main grandstand, no doubt for the best. On the walk to the stadium, there was a tension in the air, possiblyexacerbatedbythe4000 Robocop like armed police presence.

Crvena Zvezda

Stadion FK Partizan Serbian Superliga

It's Partizan vs Red Star, It's The Grobari vs The Delije, it's the Eternal Derby. Words, pictures, videos cannot do this justice. An

the assembled firefighters. The first 15 minutes is all Red Star, and on 26 minutes, the air felt like it was sucked out of the stadium. You could hear a collective grasp from everyone, drums stopped beating, flares stopped fizzing. Golazo! As soon as the ball left Osman Bukaris boot, it was only going one way. The Ghanian had scored a goal

Time for Partizan to celebrate. The rest of the game was played out in a back and forth mess, swirling and growling, and eventually finished 1 1, which was probably the fairest, and safest result for Belgrade. Full time allowed the Red Star GK to sarcastically applaud the Grobari, while the Delije took the opportunity to set fire to some seats,allinadayswork.

During the warm ups, and decibels already at an ear splitting level, for reasons unbeknownst, Partizans players warmed up in front of the away fans,andviceversa.

One comical, but slightly heartbreaking moment came when a group of three Crvena Zvezda were going through some stretches, and completely missed a projectile from the Grobari. It landed perfectly next to them, and a second later, a bang, which followed an almost hilarious level of animated startle. Thestunbombdidit'sjob.

As the game kicked off, the real action was happening in the terraces, as both sets of fans showed up their full pyrotechnic might, often with several flares being launched onto the running track,causingascramblefrom

A first time volley, outside the box, in off the post, on an occasion like this. Cue pyro from theDelije.

The second half was all Partizan, something was clearly said by their grizzled manager, and they were playing some very neat football, being dragged towards goalbytheeverfaithfulGrobari!

Even Serbia isn't free from the shackles of VAR, and on 56 minutes, the game stops for what feels like an eternity. Penalty check. Tension abound. Given. Bibars Natcho has a chance to level from the spot, shooting towardshishomefans.Goal.

Whatanexperience.

The day after, we went back to the scene of such destruction, with an unofficial tour of the stadium, and a chance meeting with the Partizan manager, Gordan Petric, who was only to happy to stop and chat about the gameandhisloveofpizza.

After that, followed a tour of some of Belgrades lesser football lights, including the glorious and historic ground of OFK Beograd, shown around by the great Zdravko Jokic, club secretary, former Yugoslavia player, and UEFAreferee.Hvalati!

Words by Lewis Blackmore

And here we are, the end of the ‘FIFA’ series as we know and (mostly) love it. Load up the Xbox, PlayStation or PC for some more rage inducing, step over filled football simulation. Question is, is this final chapter of the series (before the name and licence is retired) worthy of your time? A solid send off to the series?

Let’s take a deep dive into ‘the world’s game’ and find out.

GAMEPLAY

FIFA 23’s remit is fast paced gameplay with brief, intense matches that will help the player adopt any number of playstyles.

One of the newest improvements in this new iteration is what EA are calling ‘Hypermotion 2’, which (as they describe) uses “motion capture and machine learning” to create more realistic animations as you play. “Writing new animations in real time to create organic football realism across a variety of interactions on the pitch.” While this does sound like a load of techno babble to the average player, this new implemented tech does go a long way to making gameplay feel different game to game.

The main issue with this is that the gameplay is way too fast to ever look truly realistic. While the effort to create realism in a video game is to be admired, I just don’t think it’s possible in sports simulation to get the balance right. The game can’t be slowed down much more otherwise intensity is reduced.

However, another of the main additions to FIFA 23 is accelerate, explosive, controlled, and lengthy sprint acceleration styles which is a great idea in theory that in practice leads to some really surprising and authentic moments too.

On the whole these new features help the gameplay feel much more fluid than previous editions. The player in control does needs to be much more switched on to succeed and with this increases the need for an improvement in skills the more you play, allowing for much more longevity an issue prominent in many previous iterations of the series.

ULTIMATE TEAM

Arguably the defining game mode of FIFA, suffice to say it’s as addictive as ever and comes with everything you have come to expect plus a few added bonuses.

Although it is about as familiar as it gets, using the same Division Rivals and FUT Champs models devised and tweaked during last year's run allows for a variety of matches and playstyles, plus the options to play against a range of opponents.

There are some improvements, however not least the new chemistry system that allows you to (finally) use players from different national leagues without being heavily penalised. Cross platform play is much better implemented this time too, while the expansion of women's football in the game is much welcomed.

The brand new ‘moments’ featurette provides the player with another opportunity to earn rewards via the form of stars that can be used to purchase in game benefits.

These include packs (ranging from lower range contracts packs to 100k packs at the higher end), staff (including those from Ted Lasso) and other consumables. All of which is set to renew on a monthly basis, much like other rewards in the objectives tab.

CAREER MODE

Unfortunately for any Career Mode fans out there, I’m afraid you are going to be disappointed. There are new cutscenes, ratings for transfers, and a revamped presentation style, but they’re ultimately superfluous to gameplay and become tired very quickly after you have seen it a handful of times. Plus, the most intriguing new feature Playable Highlights while in theory is a very cool feature, it lacks somewhat in execution. This could well improve as patches release, but on initial playing there’s a lack of structure to how they operate and can often just feel like too much of a cheat code, like in one scenario where your striker can just end up 1 on 1 with the goalkeeper with no defenders in sight.

It’s hard not to feel that Career Mode is just a bit unloved and time was very clearly spent elsewhere on the other game modes, but that has been the casefor a fewFIFA’s now.

VERDICT

There is a taste of same-old, sameold, but something tells me that most fans really won't care, while newcomers and those who have skipped a generation or two are arguably receiving the best FIFA game for a good few years. Ultimate Team is the place to be, with revamped gameplay adding to the whole exponentially.

WATFORD

ONCE AHEAD OF THE CURVE, NOW BEHIND THE TIMES.

Words by@louorns

Watford were once a club that other clubs with a low budget wanted to follow buying cheap gems from obscure leagues, or unearthed players from a top five league.

From 2012 2017, the club was run extremely well, every Head Coach appointment made sense, and almost most of the transfers fitted what we were trying to do, and it brought success. The reason I leave out Javi Gracia, who in my opinion is the best appointment have made under the Pozzo tenure; is because I thought he gave us success in spiteofPozzo.

I’m building all this up to give you four big reasons why I think Gino should put the club up for sale. I obviously don’t speak for the fanbase, this is just my opinion on the matter; but unless the hierarchy realise the situation, we’re and they’re in, this club is onlygoingoneway.

The response to some of those like myself saying Pozzo Out is, well be careful what you wish for an Alan Curbishley and Charlton reference, or comparison to Bury, Sunderland etc.

Do I think Gino will sell? I don’t but I at leastat the bare minimum want him to change his ways, whichbringsmetomyfirstissue.

Recruitment:

The recruitment at the club since Marco Silva in the 17/18 season hasbeenoutrightrotten.

The club spent £18m on Andre Gray who Marco Silva just didn’t want, we all know he wanted a target man in Islam Slimani, given how he likes to play. If it wasn’t for Silva, we’d have never signedRicharlisoneither.

Previously at other clubs and today with his use of Mitrovic; Silva has used a mobile big man up front; and we said you know what, we’ll do the complete opposite and sign arguably the worstdealinourhistory.

Fast forward to the 19/20 season, we spent a record fee of around £32m on Ismaila Sarr; and gave him to someone who outright doesn’t use wingers in his system, and never did throughout his time as a manager/headcoach.

This was all after Javi led us to ourmostsuccessfulseasonin

the modern era. Instead of backing a head coach, they’ve decided to make a huge transaction which has put the clubatfinancialrisktothisday.

What happens when you aren’t aligned with the most important person at the club? you fail soonerratherthanlater.

From not backing two head coaches to relegation and three more head coaches in just under two years. Also, what on earth is Cristano Giaretta doing at the club? he was universally hated by Udinese fans due to his inability to recruit properly, yet he’s somehow ended up at Watford because he knows Gino?

It can’t be from the job he did at CSKA because all they did was loan players like Jerome Sinclair and Adalberto Penaranda. It’s jobs for the boys, it’s not serious, it’s embarrassing to have the squad we have with the money we’ve spent over the course of thePremierLeague.

£500m+ spent and we’ve still got players like Kabasele, Cathcart, Cleverley starting; amongst spending most of the money on our favourite agents’ clients who aren’t any good. That’s not even including other dross we’ve signedconsistently.

Even in terms of this season, it was in my opinion the worst transfer window in the Pozzo tenure, mainly because no issues were addressed, didn’t back the new Head Coach in Rob Edwards, and I’m sorry, you can’t credit the club for keeping playerstheyalreadyown even in Sarr’s case, he’s here by luck asafeewasagreed.

We knew Rob had flying wingbacks and quick ball carrying centre backs for his system to fully flourish what do we do? sign the slowest, legs have gone right back in Mario Gaspar, didn’t bring in any defenders that fit his style, well the one we brought in doesn’t, and yes, I’m referring to Hause.

Rey Manaj was signed for what reason? and we know the process for Bayo. It’s all nonsense, it’s all for favours for other people and not to the benefit of the club. The only logical signing we made this summerwasKeinanDavis.

Udinese: How the tables have turned eh Udinese fans? since you protested about the running of your club and the idea from your point of view thatWatford are the love of the family, it’s Udinese’ turn to now reap the benefits of knowing what a good club can looklike.

Sensible head coach appointments, no interference from Gino orGiaretta justappointingone of the best technical directors in the country in Pepe Marino; who helped Napoli and Atalanta be settledfortheirstrategies.

My question is this, why hasn’t Gino appointed someone of that calibre at Watford? there’s people out there in the lower divisions: Liam Sweeting at MK Donsforexample.

I spoke to a few different Udinese fans just for perspective, and they’ve had two protests; one in 2016 due to neglect of the team and the name change of the stadium fromFruilitoDaciaArena.

Then a second protest in 2018 due to again team neglect and losing 11 straight games in Serie A. They also said Giaretta was atrocious, and most intriguingly that Giampaolo is adored by the fanbase, but they aren’t keen on Gino due to his decision making andrashthoughtprocess.

Giampaolo was the one who brought in Marino, and the only thing the Pozzo’s are there for at Udinese is giving Marino the budgetandclosingdeals;Marino is the one who runs the club as he has the trust from Papa Pozzo.

If you can change an entire club culture and feeling around a place within 18 monthsdue to an appointment of a Technical Director with the credentials, surely, you’d do the same for Watford? Both clubs should be runningthesameway,andthat’s evidentlynothappening.

Communication: My final point is communication, or lack thereof. Did they pull the rule of 11 spiel from the same book that the Monarchy got their tax rule from? we sold Cucho and Zinckernagel because Rob want’s no more than 11 non homegrownplayersinthesquad.

Rob also said he wanted another forward, didn’t get one; or a right wing back; which was so painfully obvious. The club can brief the media that we never wanted a right-wing back, but I know for a fact we tried to sign Dujon Sterling on deadline day, but he was already having a medicalatStokeCity.

My conclusion is I can pick apart the recruitment, Scott Duxbury, Mogi Bayat etc, but the buck stops with Gino Pozzo they all act on his orders, and they’re making this club a laughingstock.

Other clubs aren’t happy with how we handle things, players are suing us for unfair contractual obligations, employees are leaving the club due to toxic atmospheres, not paying players their promised bonuses, every employee signing NDAs it’s just not what I want from my club.

Us fans back the club through hellorhigh water, it’s us who has to endure the endless mockery from the media, but I think it’s got to the point where we actually, or Icertainlyagreenow.

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