Saturday 18th April 2015 Kick Off: 3:00

Congleton Town

THE GAFFER

Good afternoon and welcome to The Royal British Legion

Stadium for our final home league game of the 2014/15

season against Congleton Town FC.

First of all may I welcome Congleton’s management team and all associated

with the club. I hope you feel welcomed and have a safe journey home.

Last Saturday’s result and 2nd half performance was disappointing, especially

when you consider it was a solitary goal that lost us the game and we scored

it! I’m a big believer in looking at the bigger picture however, and when you

consider our 38 performances so far in the league it’s been a very positive

season.

We obviously hope to carry on performing in a positive manner for our last 2

league games and then down tools for a well earned rest. We had a good

training session on Thursday, a change from the norm, but one that I hope

players will consider carefully and realise what they have achieved so far and

what they can go on to achieve.

Our opponents today have had a strong end to the season despite suffering a

2-0 loss to 1874 Northwich in their last game. Since Jim Vince’s departure

they have steadied the ship well and have the foundations to becoming a very

good side so we know that today’s game will be as tough as any we’ve had all

season. We will have to be at our best both physically and mentally if we are

to gain the points that we want.

I hope you enjoy the game and have enjoyed the season, there have been so

special moments that we hope to add too over the next 2 games...

UP THE GATE!

SQUIRES GATE

1874 NORTHWICH

0

1

2 WINS IN 8 FOR GATE AS 1874 TAKE 3 POINTS

It was a close affair down at The Royal British Legion stadium on Saturday with two teams both battling to secure a top 5 finish to

round off the season. The visitors, 1874 Northwich had been in superb form of late and since there draw against Squires Gate in

the reverse of this fixture have gone unbeaten in six with five wins and one draw. The team had found there scoring boots coming

into this game as well scoring an impressive fifteen goals in their last three outings with only four conceded. Squires Gate came

into the game on the back of a 0-0 draw with local rivals AFC Blackpool. Gates form has been mixed in the last six games with

three draws, one loss and two wins to see them sixth in the table. Gate were unlucky earlier in the season not to come away from

Northwich with all three points as an 88th minute equaliser denied them all three.

It was the visitors that started the quicker and with just 30 seconds on the clock won a corner. Gate did well to deal with the threat

of the early corner which was easily cleared. 1874 Northwich would see alot of the ball in the opening 10 minutes clearly with the

intention of scoring early to put their mark on what would undoubtedly be a tight game. Gates first chance came after 15 minutes,

Brett Ferguson bursting forward from left back unchallenged before releasing a rasping strike, unfortunately for the defender the

wind caught his strike which sent the ball off target and behind for a goal kick. Minutes later Gate had another chance this time

from Mark Buchan, after a nice chipped through ball from Alex Murphy, Buchan struggled to keep his shot down after hitting it first

time and the ball flew over the cross bar. Gate almost made it hard work for themselves when Westwood's backwards header fell

short of its target, luckily for the home side keeper Ben Fletcher was quick of his line to cut out any danger. The last chance of the

first half would fall to Neil Chappell, the visitors midfielder riffled a shot towards goal but Fletcher got down well behind the ball to

comfortably save what could have been a tricky shot.

Half Time Gate 0-0 1874 Northwich

The second half started much like the first ended both teams looking to get the ball forward and attack the game. Much like the

last few games though Gate struggled to really keep possession of the ball often loosing the ball through simple mistakes and

sloppy passes not finding a teammate. Gates only clear cut chance of the second half came when Josh Kay found his way into

the box but his shot was pulled wide of the post. 1874 sub Wellstead had the chance to open the scoring with his first touch after

coming on, but his shot like many others today went over the bar.

Soon after Ben Fletcher made a quality save to deny the visitors

but it would be the corner from is save that would produce the first

goal.

The ball crossed into the near post deflected off Brett Ferguson to

score to unfortunate own goal. Despite throwing extra men forward

Gate couldn't find an equaliser. That's how the game would end

this being only the third time Gate have lost at home this season.

Report by Mark Ashmore

Picture by Steve McLellan

Saturday 18th April 2015

1874 Northwich v AFC Blackpool

Abbey Hey v Ashton Athletic

Bacup & Rossendale Borough v Winsford United

Colne v Alsager Town

Glossop North End v Nelson

Runcorn Town v Barnoldswick Town

Silsden v Bootle

Squires Gate v Congleton Town

St Helens Town v Maine Road

West Didsbury & Chorlton v Runcorn Linnets

Liverpool Senior Cup Final

Skelmersdale United v AFC Liverpool

Monday 20th April 2015

Glossop North End v 1874 Northwich

Runcorn Town v Nelson

Tuesday 21st April 2015

Colne v Runcorn Linnets

St Helens Town v Silsden

Winsford United v Maine Road

Wednesday 22nd April

Bacup & Rossendale Borough vs Bootle

Glossop North End vs Runcorn Town

REMAINING FIXTURES

Saturday 25th April

Abbey Hey vs Runcorn Town

AFC Blackpool vs West Didsbury & Chorlton

AFC Liverpool vs Congleton Town

Alsager Town vs Squires Gate

Ashton Athletic vs Bacup & Rossendale

Bootle vs Colne

Nelson vs 1874 Northwich

Runcorn Linnets vs Glossop North End

Winsford United vs Silsden

Thursday 30th April

MEN United Cup Final

(1st First Division vs 1st Premier Division)

Atherton Colleries vs Glossop North End

(Played at Curzon Ashton)

Saturday 9th May

FA Vase Final

Glossop North End vs North Shields

(Played at Wembley)

CHAIRMAN’S REVIEW

After the 1874 Northwich game, we interviewed Squires Gate chair-

man Stuart Hopwood. Find out what he has to say about this season.

This time last season, Squires Gate were facing relegation. However,

they survived on the last day. Before this season, what were your ex-

pectations? Where was you hoping to finish?

Good memories at the end of what was a bad season for us. At the

start of the season, I said I wanted a minimum of 1.5 points a game,

which would of taken us to 63 points and also to finish in the top

half or top third of the table. I’m pleased that we have surpassed it,

and we will hopefully build on this season.

In your opinion, who would you say has been the best team this sea-

son, based on performances against Squires Gate?

Glossop North End. They’ve also played something like 6 games in

10 days and won 5 of them, drawing once. Fantastic club and best

of luck to them in the FA Vase Final.

If you could sign any player for Squires Gate, who would it be and

why?

Jack Sowerby. A proven goalscorer at this level.

What has been the greatest game in your time at Squires Gate?

New Mills away in the FA Cup. With 5 minutes to go, we were 2-1

down and certain to be knocked out of the cup. 2 late goals, and we

went on to win 3-2.

A few months ago, Jack Sowerby moved to Fleetwood Town. What

was your thoughts on the move?

Well, of course it’s good for Jack and his future and hopefully will

make a break through into their first team in a few years. It was al-

so good for the club financially, but it poor for the overall team bal-

ance. I do wish him all the best for the future though..

If Gate were to finish in the top 6, what would you expect next sea-

son? Or is it too early to talk about?

I would hope that we could build on what we have done this season,

and would expect a minimum of 6th and to get an average of 2

points a game, which would put us on 84 points and in the top 4.

Overall, are you happy with the team and managers performance?

Yes, definitely. Surpassed all of my expectations at the start of the

season, and very impressed with our record. We’ve only lost 7 games

and that’s been against the 5 teams above us. We’re yet to lose to

any side below us and that’s a great achievement for our club.

Anything else that you would like to add? Any messages to the

supporters or staff?

Thank you for your continued support. Many thanks to all the

helpers who give their free time to support the club, it has been a great

season for us all.

AN INSIGHT ON CONGLETON TOWN

FORMED: 1901

MANAGER: MIKE MCDONALD / STEVE HARDY

GROUND: IVY GARDENS

2014/15 ADMISSION PRICES: £6 ADULTS (18+), £3 CONCESSIONS, 12

AND UNDER ARE FREE

CHAIRMAN: PETER EVANS

FAVOURED FORMATION: 4-2-1-2-1

REGISTERED KIT COLOURS:

C. ELISON

A. LANGFORD A. ALSTON

R, ANANE L. JAMES

N. HAYNES S. SEPHTON

B. BUCKLEY

P. HUDSON S.. BARLOW

L/ CRELLIN-MYERS

AWAY HOME

BIGGEST HOME WIN: 6-1 v Stockport Sports (CSC)

BIGGEST AWAY WIN: 5-1 v Northwich Flixton Villa (CSC)

BIGGEST HOME DEFEAT: 0-4 v AFC Blackpool (League)

BIGGEST AWAY DEFEAT: 0-3 v Runcorn Town (League)

CONGLETON TOWN The Hornets played at the Willow Street ground famed in Congleton, and competed in the South Cheshire League and recorded it’s record

league win, 10-0 against Audley in the 1897/98 season. Congleton Town Football Club succeeded the Hornets in 1901, playing in the Crewe

and District League for four years, the first three of which saw the club lift the League Championship. The Club then moved into the North Staf-

fordshire League in 1905, and won the League Championship in the 1919/20 season. The following year they joined the Cheshire County

League, regarded at the time as the best League outside the Football League. The following season they finished runners-up and won the

coveted Cheshire Senior Cup in their first appearance in the Final. The Club then suffered a barren spell until the Senior Cup was won again in

1938.

Success after the War did not descend on Booth Street until the 1971/72 season when the Club, now playing in the Mid-Cheshire League, won

the League Cup after being runners-up in the League both that season and in the previous season. Three Mid-Cheshire League Champion-

ships then came to Booth Street in the 1973/74, 1975/76 and 1977/78 seasons, together with the League Cup and the Cheshire Saturday Cup.

Although this was the most successful period of the Club�s history as regards silverware, the truly successful period began in the 1981/82

campaign, when the Second Division of the Cheshire County League was gained on the last game of the season, and Town were narrowly

beaten to the Cup by Macclesfield Town. That was the last season of the Cheshire County League before the North West Counties League

came into existence. As founder members of this new League, Congleton finished the first three campaigns in mid-table and then were nar-

rowly beaten to the Championship by Clitheroe on goal difference in the 1985/86 season. The Club then had its, application to join the North-

ern Premier League rejected, but joined the higher league when the First Division of the NFL was formed in 1987.

The early season of 2001/02 saw the club take just 9 points from 17 league matches and early exit from FA Cup and FA Vase. Sean Connor

was replaced as manager by Kevin Langley, ex Everton and Man City. The club made a fine revival and had reached virtual safety before

Langley’s shock move to Kidsgrove Athletic. Bryan Griffiths took over as manager and gained the points to make safety a certainty and stake a

strong claim to keep the manager�s job. He was formally appointed at the end of the season. Gary Bickerstaffe joined him as assistant and

in September 2002 he invited Kevin Langley to return as a player and to help with coaching. When Griffiths left to join Rossendale Utd, Kevin

Langley was re-appointed as manager and Mark Cox joined to complete an experienced management team.

With promotion missed, a number of players left the club in the summer of 2004 leaving Kevin Langley with the task of rebuilding the side for

the 2004/05 campaign. After a poor start and early exits from all major cup competitions, Karl Wilcox replaced Kevin Langley after he resigned

in November 2005. In a further twist in an already difficult season, Karl Wilcox resigned after 11 defeats in 12 games. Paul Moore was appoint-

ed for the remainder of the season and he guided the team to safety before confirmation of his appointment signalled the start of rebuilding of

a side aiming to challenge for honours.

2005/06 started brightly with SSG adding a third year to its already valuable sponsorship, but swift exits from cup competitions were a disap-

pointment. After many changes in personnel, the team settled to end the season with a creditable run in that held promise for 2006/07. The

start of a football academy for 6-15 year olds and the introduction of a reserve side were positive steps to help build the teams of the future.

2006/07 saw new sponsors STD Limited, part of the Pallex network, entering a 2-year deal which they then extended a further year.

The supporters trust provided kit for the reserve team. After a steady start to the 2006/07 campaign, Paul Moore left to manage Leek Town

and Andy Lee took over the managerial reins as the club strived to maintain continuity. The Bears lifted their first piece of silverware for some

time when they won the Mid-Cheshire Senior Cup after defeating Witton Albion 3-0 at Wincham Park. At the end of the season Andy Lee

stepped down as he announced a proposed move to Blackpool and Anthony Buckle and Darren Twigg were appointed with the task of rekin-

dling the on-field performances.

Off the field new floodlights were installed and the stand behind the bottom goal was re-roofed. After a reasonable season, despite a poor final

run in, both Anthony and Darren stayed with the club and continued to build a side with promotion the target within the next couple of years.

That plan was maintained in 2008/09 as the Bears ended a creditable 4th, just 1 point away from a 3rd place finish. A final run in of just 1

league defeat in the last 20 matches encouraged everyone. With two new key local businessmen, Nick Shatwell and Martin Lenton teaming up

to add impetus to the club�s ambition, significant development of the clubs facilities were started.

A redesigned entrance, turnstiles and car park were the first step. Refurbishment of the club house followed and tarmac has been laid in the

car park. For the start of 20010/11 the club now has a hospitality suite for sponsors and a new boardroom. With Ant and Twiggy remaining at

the helm, they have been busy strengthening the squad for a serious attempt to lift some silverware and to complete the ambition for a return

to Northern Premier League football. However, after an indifferent season in 2010/11 the pair tendered their resignation.

2011/12 saw the club jointly managed by Joe Paladino and Adriano Rigoglioso.

TOP SCORERS RECORD VS TOP HALF

RECORD VS BOTTOM HALF

W D L

12 4 7

W D L

12 7 0

W D L

5 3 7

W D L

4 8 7

RECORD WHEN SCORING FIRST

W D L

10 5 7

GAMES SINCE:

Ben Halfacre 19

Scott Barlow 11

Scott McGowan 8

W D L

10 8 3

2 Win 1

1 Home Win 0

2 Away Win 1

0 Defeat 0

0 Home Defeat 4

2 Away Defeat 0

6 Score Draw 25

1 No Score Draw 32

0 Conceding 1+ 0

2 Scoring 1+ 1

1 Clean Sheet 2

3 Back To Back Wins 7

1 Gaining A Point 1

0 Losing A Point 0

Alex Murphy 18

Mark Buchan 11

Jake Forshaw 6

Head To Head Record

10 SEASON RECORD

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

04/05 05/06 06/07 07/08 08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 12/13

GOALS AV. GOALS PER GAME CLEAN SHEETS

GOALS CONCEDED AV. GOALS CONCEDED

PER GAME

AV. POINTS PER

GAME

GOAL TIMES (SCORED) GOAL TIMES (SCORED)

HIGHEST HOME ATTENDANCES HIGHEST HOME ATTENDANCES

COMPETITION DATE SCORE

LEAGUE 02.08.14 ASHTON ATHLETIC 1-1 CONGLETON TOWN

LEAGUE 05.08.14 CONGLETON TOWN 1-2 RUNCORN LINNETS

LEAGUE 09.08.14 CONGLETON TOWN 4-2 SILSDEN

FA CUP EP ROUND 16.08.14 PARKGATE 1-3 CONGLETON TOWN

LEAGUE 19.08.14 CONGLETON TOWN 2-1 BOOTLE

LEAGUE 23.08.14 CONGLETON TOWN 0-0 SQUIRES GATE

LEAGUE 26.08.14 GLOSSOP NORTH END 0-0 CONGLETON TOWN

FA CUP PRELIM 30.08.14 CONGLETON TOWN 0-0 SALFORD CITY

FA CUP REPLAY 02.09.14 SALFORD CITY 6-4 CONGLETON TOWN (AET)

LEAGUE 06.09.14 BACUP BOROUGH 2-2 CONGLETON TOWN

LEAGUE 16.09.14 CONGLETON TOWN 1-2 1874 NORTHWICH

LEAGUE 20.09.14 BARLICK TOWN 1-3 CONGLETON TOWN

LEAGUE 27.09.14 CONGLETON TOWN 2-0 AFC LIVERPOOL

LEAGUE 30.09.14 CONGLETON TOWN 1-0 RUNCORN TOWN

LEAGUE 04.10.14 MAINE ROAD 0-0 CONGLETON TOWN

LEAGUE 11.10.14 AFC BLACKPOOL 2-1 CONGLETON TOWN

LEAGUE 14.10.14 CONGLETON TOWN 1-1 ABBEY HEY

LEAGUE 18.10.14 CONGLETON TOWN 2-0 ST HELENS TOWN

M.U CUP R2 25.10.14 CONGLETON TOWN 1-4 RUNCORN TOWN

LEAGUE 01.11.14 ABBEY HEY 2-4 CONGLETON TOWN

LEAGUE 04.11.14 WEST DIDSBURY 1-3 CONGLETON TOWN

LEAGUE 08.11.14 CONGLETON TOWN 1-1 ASHTON ATHLETIC

LEAGUE 11.11.14 RUNCORN LINNETS 4-3 CONGLETON TOWN

LEAGUE 15.11.14 CONGLETON TOWN 0-1 WINSFORD UNITED

FA VASE R2 22.11.14 CONGLETON TOWN 0-1 WHITLEY BAY

LEAGUE 29.11.14 CONGLETON TOWN 0-4 AFC BLACKPOOL

LEAGUE 06.12.14 COLNE 1-3 CONGLETON TOWN

LEAGUE 13.12.14 CONGLETON TOWN 3-1 BARLICK TOWN

LEAGUE 20.12.14 BOOTLE 2-1 CONGLETON TOWN

LEAGUE 03.01.15 RUNCORN TOWN 3-0 CONGLETON TOWN

LEAGUE 10.01.15 CONGLETON TOWN 1-3 GLOSSOP NORTH END

LEAGUE 17.01.15 WINSFORD UNITED 3-2 CONGLETON TOWN

LEAGUE 24.01.15 CONGLETON TOWN 1-3 COLNE

CHESHIRE CUP R1 27.01.15 NORTHWICH VILLA 1-5 CONGLETON TOWN

LEAGUE 14.02.15 CONGLETON TOWN 6-2 MAINE ROAD

CHESHIRE CUP R2 17.02.15 CAMMELL LAIRD 1907 1-3 CONGLETON TOWN

LEAGUE 21.02.15 CONGLETON TOWN 2-1 WEST DIDSBURY

LEAGUE 28.02.15 SILSDEN 0-3 CONGLETON TOWN

LEAGUE 07.03.15 CONGLETON TOWN 4-2 BACUP BOROUGH

CHESHIRE CUP SF 10.03.15 CONGLETON TOWN 0-1 NORTHWICH VIC

LEAGUE 14.03.15 ST HELENS TOWN 1-3 CONGLETON TOWN

LEAGUE 21.03.15 NELSON 1-0 CONGLETON TOWN

LEAGUE 28.03.15 CONGLETON TOWN 0-2 ALSAGER TOWN

LEAGUE 06.04.15 ALSAGER TOWN 0-3 CONGLETON TOWN

LEAGUE 11.04.15 CONGLETON TOWN 2-1 NELSON

LEAGUE 14.04.15 1874 Northwich 2-0 Congleton Town

Congleton Town

The story so far

Gate Fixtures in Full Sat 2nd Aug Bootle A 1-1 109 6th League

Tue 5th Aug Nelson H 3-0 102 6th League

Sat 9th Aug Maine Road H 3-1 72 6th League

Wed 13 Aug Silsden A 0-0 98 8th League

Sat 16th Aug AFC Liverpool A 0-3 172 N/A Cup R1Q

Sat 23th Aug Congleton Town A 0-0 108 11th League

Tue 26th Aug Ashton Athletic H 1-2 105 15th League

Sat 30th Aug New Mills AFC A 2-3 101 N/A Cup R2Q

Tue 9th Sep Barnoldswick Town H 0-0 65 15th League

Sat 13th Sep Bamber Bridge A 2-2 264 N/A Cup R3Q

Tue 16th Sep Bamber Bridge H 2-3 155 N/A Cup R3QR

Sat 20th Sep Alsager Town H 7-2 55 13th League

Tue 23rd Sep Colne A 3-0 151 16th League

Sat 27th Sep Bacup & Rossendale A 3-4 45 15th League

Sat 4th Oct Glossop North End A 3-2 273 16th League

Sat 11th Oct St Helens Town A 0-0 56 16th League

Sat 18th Oct Winsford United H 2-2 65 16th League

Sat 25th Oct Nelson A 1-3 66 N/A MUCupR2

Tue 4th Nov Barnoldswick Town A 1-3 94 14th League

Sat 8th Nov Runcorn Town A 2-7 97 12th League

Tue 11th Nov Ashton Athletic A 4-0 56 12th League

Sat 15th Nov Bootle H 1-0 85 11th League

Tue 18th Nov Colne H 0-0 82 9th League

Sat 22th Nov Maine Road A 2-3 60 8th League

Sat 29th Nov Winsford United H 1-1

(6-5)

60 N/A MUCupR3

Sat 6th Dec Silsden H 2-0 45 7th League

Sat 20th Dec Abbey Hey H 1-1 45 6th League

Fri 26th Dec AFC Blackpool H 1-0 92 7th League

Sat 3rd Jan Nelson A 2-2 125 7th League

Sat 10th Jan St Helens Town H 1-1 65 7th League

Sat 17th Jan West Didsbury & Chorlton H 2-0 52 5th League

Sat 24th Jan AFC Liverpool A 0-0 89 5th League

Tue 27th Jan Glossop North End H 0-2 125 5th League

Sat 7th Feb Bacup & Rossendale Borough H 2-0 55 5th League

Tues 17th Feb Glossop North End A 3-0 148 N/A MUCUPQDF

Sat 21st Feb AFC Liverpool H 2-1 95 4th League

Sat 28th Feb Abbey Hey A 1-2 58 5th League

Sat 7th Mar Winsford United A 0-0 118 5th League

Tue 10th Mar Runcorn Linnets H 1-1 350 5th League

Sat 21th Mar 1874 Northwich A 1-1 250 6th League

Sat 28th Mar Runcorn Linnets A 2-0 335 6th League

Tues 31st Mar West Didsbury & Chorlton A 1-2 60 6th League

Sat 4th Apr Runcorn Town H 2-0 75 6th League

Mon 6th Apr AFC Blackpool A 0-0 380 6th League

Sat 11th Apr 1874 Northwich H 0-1 205 6th League

Sat 18th Apr Congleton Town H League

Sat 25th Apr Alsager Town A League

P W D L F A GD PTS

1 GLOSSOP NORTH END 36 31 3 2 95 18 77 96

2 RUNCORN LINNETS 37 27 8 2 86 36 50 89

3 1874 NORTHWICH 37 24 8 5 82 31 51 80

4 COLNE 37 24 4 9 80 40 40 76

5 ASHTON ATHLETIC 38 20 11 7 67 38 29 71

6 SQUIRES GATE 38 16 15 7 59 41 18 63

7 BOOTLE 37 16 6 13 71 55 16 60

8 AFC LIVERPOOL 39 18 7 15 73 55 18 58

9 CONGLETON TOWN 38 17 7 14 66 55 11 58

10 SILSDEN 37 17 7 14 54 58 -4 55

11 NELSON 37 16 6 15 66 55 11 54

12 WINSFORD UNITED 37 13 10 14 56 57 -1 49

13 ABBEY HEY 38 14 4 20 56 73 -17 46

14 MAINE ROAD 38 12 9 17 50 67 -17 45

15 ALSGER TOWN 38 12 5 21 62 83 -21 41

16 RUNCORN TOWN 36 10 7 19 65 72 -7 37

17 WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON 38 11 4 23 52 83 -31 37

18 AFC BLACKPOOL 38 6 9 23 33 76 -43 27

19 BAROLDSWICK TOWN 39 7 6 26 45 97 -42 27

20 ST HELENS TOWN 38 6 4 28 43 114 -71 22

21 BACUP & ROSSENDALE BOROUGH 37 4 6 27 35 92 -57 18

Squires Gate - last 6 matches until 18.04.15

All Competitions

Home W W W L L W

Away W W W L W L

Collated W L L W W L

Congleton Town last 6 matches until 18.04.15

Facts & Stats

All Competitions

Home L W W D W L

Away W D D L W D

Collated D L W W D L

At Congleton Town (10) At Squires Gate (10)

Overall (20)

Records

Previous Meetings

Squires Gate and Congleton Town

have never played on neutral ground.

On Neutral Ground

Results Total %

Squires Gate 4 40

Congleton Town 3 30

Draws 3 30

Goals Total Av.PG

Squires Gate 18 1.80

Congleton Town 18 1.80

Results Total %

Squires Gate 2 20

Congleton Town 5 50

Draws 3 30

Goals Total Av.PG

Squires Gate 8 0.80

Congleton Town 16 1.60

Results Total %

Squires Gate 6 30

Congleton Town 8 40

Draws 6 30

Goals Total Av.PG

Squires Gate 26 1.30

Congleton Town 34 1.70

Highest Aggregate Score: 8 Squires Gate 4-4 Congleton Town

Highest Squires Gate Score: 5 Squires Gate 5-1 Congleton Town

Highest Congleton Town Score: 4 Squires Gate 4-4 Congleton Town

Season Date Score

2012/2013 Sat 10 Nov Squires Gate 1-3 Congleton Town

Sat 18 Aug Congleton Town 3-0 Squires Gate

2011/2012 Sat 14 Apr Congleton Town 3-0 Squires Gate

NWCFL FACTS & STATS

MOST PLAYERS USED

AV. ATTENDANCES HIGHEST ATTENDANCES

TOP SCORERS

CLEAN SHEETS GOALS SCORED

AV. GOALS PER GAME (ALL COMPS) AV. GOALS CONCEDED PER GAME (ALL COMPS)

MANCHOPPER AT SQUIRES GATE

George Cheetham also known on Twitter as “@ManchopperBlog” is a ground hopper and visits many

grounds in non league. He recently visited The Royal British Legion for our game against Runcorn

Town on Saturday 4th April. He has wrote an article on his blog about his visit, and here it is!

If Good Friday was dull, wet and miserable over crap fest, then Easter Saturday didn’t really have much to outdo it. But, it started off on a fine

note, with sun blazing out over the North West as I sat on the platform at Manchester Oxford Road awaiting my train to Preston. Indeed, I was

off to Blackpool to enjoy the sun, but not in the same way that most others making the journey to England’s famous seaside resorts were plan-

ning on, oh no. I was off to more entertaining matters…

A 45 minute journey later, I was sat on a sunbaked Preston platform with a 40 minute wait to undertake amongst holiday makers heading to

the seaside, or Carlisle. Luckily for me, the rain arrived a good 12 minutes before it’s scheduled departure time and soon I was off down the

Fylde coast stops of Kirkham & Wesham, Lytham, St Annes before finally rocking up in the shadow of the Big One, at Squires Gate.

A 30-35 minute stroll later, including passing the sort of open/not open yet Blackpool Airport and I was within the sights of the floodlights of

both Gate and their neighbours Wren Rovers. Both grounds run alongside each other, effectively sharing a stand, Wren’s having more cover

and looking full of character on the slight glimpse I had of it. But, that’s for another day. Today was all about School Road, The Royal British

Legion Stadium. Sadly, I had arrived slightly to late to enjoy the Shovels pub which I had been recommended on Twitter, so it was straight to

the ground for me, where I entered for my discounted rate. Upon entry, I was directly behind a couple who enquired about the programmes.

They received the words that no-one wants to hear. “They’re all gone, sold out.” PANIC!!!

Luckily, the programme issue was sorted out by Mark Ashmore who dug out a programme from somewhere, which is very much appreciated

as it allows me to say just how good a read it is and how much effort is clearly put into it. Stats, head to head, staff and player articles and in

colour. Really good effort. Worth the £1.50, no question.

I have to say that the day was going very much to plan up to about 12 minutes into the game when the ref became ill, gave up the ghost and

was replaced by Premier League official Mike Salisbury. This did make my journey home somewhat rushed, as the resulting stoppage was a

good 10 minutes or so. But as it was, we were back underway with Gate vs Runcorn Town. A bit about the ground first. School Toad is a real

counties style ground, a rickety old place, full of character. It’s position at the end of Blackpool runway is also something different. It features

three stands, a bus stop style covered terrace which runs the majority of the Wren Rovers side. Opposite is the clubhouse and another small

terrace/seating combo and behind the goal is a small seated stand, which seemed a popular place for the old-timers, who gave out the

“banter” to the ill ref. When he made his way off, one stated “Bet you don’t get clapped off often do you?!” When Salisbury was clapped on as

a linesman, the ref remarked “Bloody hell, you get clapped back on too!” Refs need love too sometimes! Capacity is only around 1,000.

Soon enough, I was back home after a thoroughly enjoyable day at a thoroughly welcoming club. Great people, and a great welcome is as-

sured at Squires Gate, in the shadow of the Tower and Amusement Park, the best entertainment is sometimes found off the beaten track…

My Squires Gate M.o.M - Harry Dunn

My Runcorn Town M.o.M - Chris Lawton

Ratings:

Game: 5 - Not the greatest of contests.

Ground: 7 - One of those that you’ll like if you like the old, rickety ones.

Fans: 8 - Good natured and some good shouts on the way.

Programme: 8 - One of the better ones for this level, surely.

Food: 9 - A highlight, properly good food. Alternative to fish and chips at Blackpool now?

Value for money: 8 - £10 travel, discount in, £1.50 programme and cheap food. Late cider too.

If you want to read the full article, and enjoyed reading this then go to https://manchopper.wordpress.com/ to see all of his footballing ventures.

There are some great reads!!

Best trainer – Besides myself I’d have to say

Fletch, the lads got a great attitude, he wants to

learn how to catch and how to kick whilst the rest

of us are just learning how to kick.

Worst trainer – Alex McKendrick – only turns up if it’s at the

ground. (massive time)

Most Skilful – Anderson – cool, calm and collective at the back,

throws a cruyff turn in now and again.

The Joker – There’s a good team spirit at the club so it’s hard to sin-

gle someone out but Ricos a bit of joker but in all the wrong ways!

Fastest – Wingers union have to go with Harry Dunn.

Most Intelligent – No one is intelligent in this team.

Least intelligent – Channy by a mile – gets every training drill

wrong and comes out with some of the worst shouts I’ve ever heard.

Worst dress sense – Mark Buchan and his fake cast just so he can

wear his bracelet that his girlfriend bought him

Worst taste in music – Josh Kay – He hurt everyone’s ears at AFC

Blackpool.

Longest in shower – That’s a tough one seeing as are showers are ei-

ther red hot or freezing cold but I’d have to say Rico, he absolutely

loves a shower after a game!

BILLY MCKENNA Just like the famous questions on Soccer AM, we asked

Gate Midlefield Billy Mckenna questions about his team

Saturday 4th April Monday 6th April Saturday 11th April 2015

Glossop North End 2-1 Bootle Abbey Hey 2-3 Glossop North End AFC Liverpool 2-0 Silsden

1874 Northwich 6-2 Bacup &RB AFC Blackpool 0-0 Squires Gate Bacup &RB 1-1 Maine Road

Colne 0-0 Ashton Athletic Alsager Town 0-3 Congleton Town Barnoldswick Town 0-2 Glossop NE

Maine Road 1-0 Alsager Town Ashton Athletic 4-3 St Helens Town Colne 1-0 Abbey Hey

Nelson 0-3 Abbey Hey Barnoldswick Town 1-0 Nelson Congleton Town 2-1 Nelson

Squires Gate 2-0 Runcorn Town Bootle 1-2 AFC Liverpool Runcorn Linnets 0-3 Ashton Athletic

WD&C 1-1 Silsden Maine Road 1-0 WD&C Runcorn Town 1-2 Bootle

Runcorn Town 1-1 Runcorn Linnets Squires Gate 0-1 1874 Northwich

Winsford United 1-3 !874 Northwich Winsford United 0-1 AFC Blackpool

Form Table

# Team P W D L F A PTS +/- FORM

1 1874 Northwich 6 5 1 0 18 4 16 14 DWWWWW

2 Glossop North End 6 5 1 0 11 2 16 9 WDWWWW

3 Colne 6 4 1 1 8 3 13 5 WLWWDW

4 Maine Road 6 3 3 0 6 2 12 4 DWDWWD

5 Ashton Athletic 6 3 2 1 10 6 11 4 DWWDLW

6 Abbey Hey 6 3 0 3 12 9 9 3 LLWWLW

7 Runcorn Linnets 6 2 3 1 9 6 9 3 LDWWDD

8 Congleton Town 6 3 0 3 8 7 9 1 LWWLLW

9 AFC Liverpool 6 3 0 3 5 4 9 1 WLWLWL

10 Squires Gate 6 2 2 2 5 5 8 0 LDWWLD

Results

As the form table shows, today is set to be a very close game as both sides have picked up around half of the points

on offer in the last 6 games. Congleton Town just edge it as they have won more, however Gate have lost less.

You can find us on Twitter and

Instagram - @squiresgatefc. For

the latest news from the club.

Or if you would like the latest

programme straight to your

phone then follow @HaydeJay.

GATE WIN THE RESPECT AWARD

Picture by Steve McLellan

MARK BUCHAN

Best Trainer: Ben Fletcher

Worst Trainer: Billy “No Show” McKenna

Most Skilful: Thommo?

The Joker: Rico. I can’t say what the best

prank is though. It’s a bit too explicit for the programme...

Fastest: Harry Dunn.

Most Intelligent: Me. Mr Brain Box.

Least Intelligent: Channy!! (Brett Ferguson)

Worst dress sense: I would say it’s between Channy and

Danny Penswick but seeing as I’ve already mentioned

Channy, I’ll give it to Penswick.

But both of their dress senses are horrific.

Worst Taste In Music: Josh Kay, after what he played at the

AFC Blackpool game.

Who’s The Longest In The Shower: Macca.

Just like the famous questions on Soccer AM, we asked

Gate forward Mark Buchan questions about his team ma-

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

ANSWER THE QUESTIONS BELOW TO REVEAL THE SQUIRES GATE PLAYER

1. Who is the shortest serving Blackpool manager in their history? Michael __________

2. Who was the England manager for the 2010 World Cup? Fabio ________

3. What nationality is Arsenal striker Oliver Giroud? ________

4. Which championship club is nicknamed the Tractor Boys? _______ Town

5. Who won the FA Cup in 2013? ________

6. Which Spanish team won the 2003 UEFA Cup? ______

7. Which Chelsea striker joined from Atletico Madrid last summer? Diego ______

8. Name of Barnsley’s home ground?

BRAIN TEASER

ANSWERS: PENSWICK. 1. Appleton, 2. Capello, 3. French, 4. Ipswich, 5. Wigan, 6. Sevilla, 7. Costa, 8. Oakwell.

BEN FLETCHER

ANDREW RICHARDS

CHRIS ANDERSON

JACK COOK

JOSH WESTWOOD

ALEX MURPHY

DANIEL PENSWICK (C)

HARRY DUNN

BRETT FERGUSON

ALEX MCKENDRICK

RYAN RILEY

JAKE FORSHAW

MARK BUCHAN

ZACH CLARK

SHAUN HOLMES

BILLY MCKENNA

JOSHUA KAY

KEIFFER CUNNINGHAM

ASHLEY ROWLEY

CRAIG ELLISON

ANDREW LANGFORD

ANDY ALSTON

ANDY HURST

ARRON KIRK

BEN HALFACRE

CHRIS MIDDLETON

CHRIS SMITH

DANIEL ELLIS

DANNY BRUCE

DECLAN FLETCHER

EDER RUIZ

GEORGE WHITEOAK

GRIFFITH JONES

JACK HUNTER

JAMES KIRBY

JAY BURGESS

LEE JACKSON

LEWIS KILLEEN

LIAM CRELLIN-MYERS

LOUIS JAMES

Club Information

Chairman

Stuart Hopwood

Secretary

John Maguire

Treasurer

John Stokes

Manager

Dave McCann

Assistant Manager

Richard Thomas

Groundsman

Brian Addison

Micky Farrar

Peter Bryant

Steve Bellamy

Bar & Hospitality

Denise Gibson

Emma Hopwood

Christine Walsh

Media

Steve McLellan

Albert Cooper

Danny Braid

Mark Ashmore

Programme Editors

Daniel Hayden

Jay Hayden

Twitter

@squiresgatefc

Instagram

@squiresgatefc

REFEREE

Matthew Parry

ASSISTANT REFEREES

Kieran Johnson

Phillip Howard

MATCH OFFICIALS