OCTOBER NEWS
Tuesday 28 October 2008
HAROLD
BREARLEY
Salford City FC are saddened to report the death of Harold Brearley.
There will no doubt be many people still involved with the North West
Counties Football League who will have been acquainted with Harold over many
years. Harold was involved with the club from its early days, and was
Secretary during their greatest era as Salford Amateurs in the 1970s, when
they were successful in the
As Chairman, Harold guided the club's progress from the Manchester League
through the Cheshire League into the North West Counties League. He
subsequently became Club President and retained a keen interest in club
affairs. On behalf of Salford City FC, current club Chairman, Darren Quick
extends condolences to Harold's wife Brenda and his son Ian at this sad
time. Details of Harold's funeral will be posted on the club's website (www.salfordcityfc.com)
when they are known.
MILLERS ON
TV
New Mills turned in an impressive performance in the Manchester County FA
Premier Cup on Monday night against Hyde United, winning 4-2 after extra
time.
Anyone who wasn’t among the crowd of 175 who watched the game can enjoy
highlights this Friday evening (31st October) on Channel M television. The
Select 'menu' on your remote control, select 'channel tuning', and press the
+ or - button on the tuning command and keep going until you get to channel
39.
New Mills will
now play Ashton United away in the next round of the cup, with a date still
to be arranged for the tie.
Saturday 25 October 2008
NEWS FROM NELSON
After a solid start to the season, Nelson manager Jon Westall is quietly
confident that his side can maintain their good early form for the remainder
of the campaign.
It’s Jon’s first season in the managerial chair at Victoria Park, and since
taking over in the summer the Blues boss has been determined to ensure there
is no repeat of the nightmare that the club endured last time out, when they
finished bottom of the league and were reprieved due to league
restructuring.
A turbulent campaign saw three managers come and go, and with Jon working as
assistant to both Denny Khan and Nik Jackson-Cooney, he saw at first hand
the problems that the club experienced on the field.
“Last season, I think we had got to the point at one stage when the lads
were beaten before they even arrived at the ground”, he said. “We had a lot
of player turnover, we were getting players playing one or two games and
then they would disappear, so it was a constantly changing side. And of
course, three managers during the course of one season doesn’t help either.”
One of the interesting factors in Nelson’s form since Jon took over is that
the squad still contains a good number of players who played last season.
“The lads I’ve kept are good enough to play at this level, they just needed
to believe in themselves a bit more. We had an opportunity in summer to
start again with a blank piece of paper, and I knew who I wanted to keep.
“Some of the guys who pulled on a jersey last season weren’t good enough,
and it was important that we kept the lads we needed to keep. I felt if I
could just get a bit of quality into the club in certain areas – players
such as Lee Kershaw and Sam Heap who we managed to bring in – I felt we
could get a blend of players together that really could do something this
season.
“We are probably in a slightly false position as we have played more league
games than most in the league and we need to make sure we pick up points
where we can. But the guys are starting to believe that they really can
compete with anyone in this league, and apart from the game at New Mills
when we lost heavily, I think we’ve done that. But it’s up to the players,
they need to start believing in their own ability a bit more.
“I think we have done ourselves justice so far, and have got some good wins
under our belts. We are more than capable of competing at this level, but
we just need a bit more consistency. We are letting sides back into games
when we really should be finishing them off, the cup tie against Ashton
Athletic was a good example of that. We’ve got off to a good start but
we’re not getting carried away, it’s a long season and there’s plenty of
games to go yet.”
The “one game at a time approach” is an old cliché, but Jon refuses to be
drawn on any targets for the rest of the season.
“I have a points tally in mind that I am aiming for, but it’s not something
I share with anyone, not even the chairman knows what that is and certainly
not the players. At the start of the season I looked at the squad we had
and thought it was important to pick up points early on and not get stuck at
the lower end of the league again.
“When we are in a position where we get enough points on the board then we
can look a bit further ahead and see where we go from there. I haven’t set
the squad a goal, I’ve not said we want mid table or top six or whatever,
but you have to say I am in a no lose situation after last year, because
anything better than finishing bottom of the table will be an improvement.
“It’s all about points on the board, and the league is important for us this
season. There’s no way we want to be in the position we were in last
season, and I don’t think we will be. I think it’s important that this
season is one where we put foundations in place for the next few years. We
need a platform to build on and take the club forward. The last two seasons
haven’t really given us that platform so we need to move on from that.
“But I also think the club deserves a bit of break. The chairman has been
extremely supportive of me and the players that have been brought to the
club, and in return it’s important that I get a squad together that gives
total commitment to the club.
“One of the biggest problems we had when Nick Jackson-Cooney took over for
the last quarter of last season was that we really struggled to get new
players in to bolster the squad as no one fancied a relegation dog fight.
“At the moment I’ve got the luxury of turning lads away at the moment, as
it’s much easier to get players to come along because they can see that
things have improved here. Overall, I’m satisfied with the start we’ve
made, but there’s a lot of hard work to put in yet.”
NEWS FROM ASHTON ATHLETIC
After an uncertain start to the season, Ashton Athletic are starting to find
a bit of form in their inaugural season in the Premier Division.
The club had to wait until almost the end of June to have their promotion
confirmed because of league restructuring issues, and manager David Powell
says that issue caused more problems than any during their pre season
preparations.
“We were keeping tabs on several players who were interested in joining us,
but they wouldn’t commit until they knew we were in the Premier Division”,
he said. “That was a big problem for us as they got tapped up by others and
all ended up signing for other clubs so we were disadvantaged by the
decision being delayed.
“We also had lads missing early doors because of holidays and that caused a
lot of disruption to our pre season preparations. Training wise it was OK
as we had that all planned out, but the constant chopping and changing of
teams in pre season games because of players being missing was a nightmare,
and that affected the way we started the season.”
Although aspirations are high at Brocstedes Park, David says that the short
term aim is consolidation in the Premier Division.
“We are actually a year ahead of plan at the moment, because we were looking
to get promotion within three years of joining the league. We made it in
two, so we are one year ahead of that.
“The priority has to be survival, but my assistant Steve Pilling and myself
both feel that we have the players capable of finishing in the top half of
the table. It depends on injuries, whether we don’t lose any of the
existing players and whether we can add a bit of extra quality to the squad.
“We will strengthen when we can, but like a lot of clubs the lack of
substantial funds makes it hard to attract the sort of players we need to
improve the squad. We are bringing through youth teams players, and a few
youth team players have made it into the squad, so there are opportunities
for young players at the club that are showing good form.
“But you can’t rely solely on youth team players coming through, and we knew
we needed at least a couple of players in to strengthen the squad, so in the
last few weeks we have brought in Will Ryder who was at Wakefield in the
UniBond First Division last season. He got a hat trick at Nelson in the
Challenge Cup, and is a local lad who is travelling across to us from Leeds
at the moment. He is dual signed between us and Harrogate Railway, although
he is also being tracked by Halifax at the moment too.
“We’ve also got a bit of experience with Phil Johnson, who was at St Helens
last season, and was released by Macclesfield a couple of season ago.
“One other plus point on the playing side is that we haven’t lost a single
player from last season. All of last season’s squad are still with us, so
that has helped to keep a bit of stability at the club.
“We now have a squad of over 20 players that make up the first team squad.
We feel that they all have the quality to play at this level, the problem
for a number of them is whether or not they are willing to be patient and
wait for their chance.”
As well as strengthening the squad, David explained that the club also has
plans underway to develop the off field activities.
“We have kept improving the ground, and we have had another 100 seats
installed in the early part of the month. The committee are working hard
trying to tick all the boxes as far as getting up to UniBond standard is
concerned, so that if we are in a position playing wise to make a push, we
can do.
“We have seven junior teams as well as the first team and reserve team. We
are trying to get some land for a third pitch that will hopefully allow us
to double up in a couple of age groups, but that is probably four or five
years down the track.
“The training facilities the club has are good, and we are attracting
players on the back of that, along with a decent pitch and the fact we are
in the Premier Division playing good teams in decent quality grounds.
“We do have a lot to do off the field in terms of commercial activities to
generate finances to go any higher than we are at the moment, so in the
short term over the next two or three years, we are looking at consolidating
in the Premier Division, hopefully having a few cup runs and enjoying our
football.”
Looking back over the games played so far, David feels that his team are
learning all the time and the signs are there that they can compete
comfortably at Premier Division level.
“We are pleased with the overall performance and confidence of the team, as
it’s been a big jump up in standard for most of them. You have to remember
we only joined the league three seasons ago so it’s been a good progression
for us.
“In the early part of the season we struggled, particularly when we lost two
defenders who went to Skelmersdale United at the start of the season which
unsettled us at the back. But they have both come back to the club now and
since then our form has improved.
“We played AFC Fylde and ran them close. It finished 3-0 to them but they
only scored two goals in the last few minutes of the game and during the
second half we put them under a lot of pressure and their keeper had a
blinder. So although we lost 3-0, the lads were able to take a lot of
confidence from the performance.
“We played Newcastle Town they beat us 4-0, but it was 0-0 at half time and
we competed well in the first half. Two elementary mistakes gave them two
goals and that is something we are learning quickly about - if you make a
mistake in the final third of the field it is going to get punished more
often than not.
“Now that things have settled down a bit, we are starting to play a bit
better and we’re looking forward now to getting a few more league points on
the board. The average age of the squad is only 21, so it’s important we
let these young lads get some experience of playing at this level. Then,
when the club is ready on and off the field to make a push for promotion,
they will be ready for the challenge.”
NEWS FROM RUNCORN LINNETS
Runcorn Linnets Ground Fund has received a healthy boost to its coffers in
the past couple of weeks.
Firstly the club received a generous donation from local firm, Howden
Kitchens. Club Chairman Derek Greenwood said: “The club is delighted to
receive good support from such a well known local company and we would
encourage others to come in and follow their example”.
On Friday 17th October a concert featuring the Frodsham Silver
Band was held at Beechwood Community Centre. The Linnets would like to
offer sincere thanks both to Howden Kitchens and to Frodsham Silver Band for
their support of the Return2Runcorn project, and indeed to all those people
who supported the concert on what was a most enjoyable evening.
Vice Chairman, Hedley Edwards, who organised the event, said “It was a
pleasant and relaxing evening. It was nice to see so many youngsters
playing in the band and obviously enjoying themselves”.
Meanwhile, the club have launched a new initiative to provide free season
tickets for all children under the age of 16.
The scheme allows all children who apply for a free season ticket, the
chance to watch every home league game free of charge.
Club Chairman Derek Greenwood said: ‘The Free season Tickets for under 16’s
initiative is a win-win project where under 16’s can watch quality football
for free. In the current economic climate we understand that leisure
activities might suffer, and this is our way of offering something for the
local community”
Information about the scheme has been sent out to all schools in Halton,
with the project to be extended to South Warrington, Northwich, Knutsford,
Frodsham and Helsby in the coming weeks.
Season tickets can be applied for by visiting the club
website at
www.runcornlinnetsfc.co.uk/Football4Free or by
filling in the application form and sending it to Runcorn Linnets FC, PO Box
268, Runcorn, WA7 5WQ.
Children and parents can call the Club-line for information on 07050 801733.
GOLDLINE TROPHY SEMI FINAL DRAW
Atherton LR will face West Lancashire League side Charnock Richard in the
semi-final of the Goldline Trophy. The game will be played on Wednesday
10th December 2008, at Victory Park, home of Chorley FC with a 7.30pm kick
off.
Both clubs are previous winners of the competition, and Charnock Richard
were beaten finalists last season when they lost 2-0 to Euxton Villa at the
Reebok Stadium.
In the other semi final the holders Euxton Villa will face Stoneclough of
the Manchester League on Monday 1st December 2008, also at Chorley FC.
NEWS FROM CONGLETON TOWN
Congleton Town FC are running a Christmas Raffle with funds being raised for
CTFC and Alder Hey Image Appeal. Tickets will be on sale on match days, at
the clubhouse and via club officials. Prizes include a star prize of a
ROMANTIC CITY BREAK FOR TWO IN PARIS. This will include two night hotel stay
and Euro star return, also £100 voucher for 'Beauty at Mossley', Christmas
hamper, meals for 2 for several local pubs, £30 taxi voucher, bottles,
chocolate.
The draw will take place Sunday 21st December to coincide with Congleton's
players’ children's Christmas party. Tickets will go on sale Tuesday 28th
October with Town at home to Runcorn and cost £1 each. A full prize list and
a list of the winners will be at the clubhouse, and put on the website when
available.
The club is also holding a firework display at their Booth Street ground on
Friday 7th November. Gates open at 6.30 pm and the display starts at 7pm
with a special Children’s event (no bangs) and the main display following
after a short interval. Covered seating and covered standing areas are
available.
Tickets are £3 (available from the Information Centre in town, at the Church
House Inn or the football ground on match days) or you can pay £4 at the
gate on the night. Children under 8 are admitted free, and a barbecue, hot
and cold soft drinks and drinks from the clubhouse will all be available on
the night.
NORTH WEST SIDE STORIES
The next edition of the League’s online magazine North West Side Stories
will now be published on Saturday 8th November, one week later
than originally advised. It’s a little later than usual for the first issue
of the new season, but hopefully worth the wait, and features contributions
from some new correspondents. Past issues can viewed at
www.nwsidestories.co.uk.
PLAYER MOVEMENTS THIS WEEK
Transfers
Lewis Bishop Atherton LR to Oldham Town
Matthew Bradbury Leek CSOB to Stone Dominoes
Antony Cole St Helens Town to AFC Liverpool
Peter Corvino Padiham to Nelson
Dean Ennion Winsford United to Newcastle Town
Lee Green Atherton LR to Ashton Town
Anthony Marshall Newcastle Town to Stone Dominoes
Patrick O'Driscoll Runcorn Linnets to Formby
Marvin Walters Chadderton to Ramsbottom United
Registrations
AFC Blackpool Oliver Clarke, Benjamin Elliott
AFC Liverpool Daniel Bocande, Luke Davies, Derek Goulding
Ashton Athletic Ben Cartwright, Adam Hallam
Ashton Town Andrew Gallagher, Ross Heighway-Sephton, Ian
Jones, Ayaz Patel
Cheadle Town Darryl Cropper
Congleton Town Adam Beasley
Daisy Hill Stephen Gavin, Nick Irwin
Flixton David Davies, Fintan Doran, Aaron
Stott, James Thorn, Otis Thorn, Greg Traynor
Formby Paul Langley, James Miller,
Michael Simpson
Glossop NE Benjamin Richardson
New Mills Will Ahern
Oldham Town Lewis Bishop, Duncan Philbin
Padiham Ben Sutcliffe
Ramsbottom United Damian Ross
Wigan Robin Park Radovan Povazsai
TOP
ATTENDANCES
Monday 20th October 2008
Droylsden v Irlam 212 County Cup
Tuesday 21st October 2008
AFC Fylde v Nelson 138
Runcorn Linnets v Alsager Town 111
Wednesday 22nd October 2008
Padiham v AFC Blackpool 133
Glossop North End v Curzon Ashton FC 130 County Cup
Saturday 25th
October 2008
Newcastle Town v Maine Road 120
Eccleshall v Chadderton 104 Division Two Trophy
Thursday 23 October 2008
AWARDS PRESENTATIONS
Congleton
Stuart Williams
of New Mills receives the Premier Division Goalkeeper of the Month Award for
September from Terry Howard of award sponsors Sameday Distribution.
There was a double
presentation at
Monday
20 October 2008
BOOST FOR THE
LINNETS GROUND FUND
Runcorn Linnets Ground Fund has received a healthy boost to its coffers in
the past couple of weeks.
Firstly the club received a generous donation from local firm, Howden
Kitchens. Club Chairman Derek Greenwood said: “The club is delighted to
receive good support from such a well known local company and we would
encourage others to come in and follow their example”.
On Friday 17th October a concert featuring the Frodsham Silver
Band was held at Beechwood Community Centre. The Linnets would like to
offer sincere thanks both to Howden Kitchens and to Frodsham Silver Band for
their support of the Return2Runcorn project, and indeed to all those people
who supported the concert on what was a most enjoyable evening.
Vice Chairman,
Hedley Edwards, who organised the event, said “It was a pleasant and
relaxing evening. It was nice to see so many youngsters playing in the band
and obviously enjoying themselves”.
Saturday 18 October 2008
MEETING WITH NEALE BARRY AND JOHN JONES
We are now able to publish a report on the meeting held between members of
the League Management Committee and Neale Barry and John Jones from the FA.
Anyone wishing a printed copy can download it from the League’s online
magazine North West Stories, and details on how to access this are given at
the end of the report.
BACKGROUND
A meeting has been held between members of the League Management Committee
and Neale Barry and John Jones from the FA. Neale is the Head of Senior
Referee Development at the FA and John is Appointments Officer for the
Contributory Leagues match officials in our region.
The meeting was requested by League Chairman Dave Tomlinson, in response to
a series of communications that began in March this year.
On the 22nd March we published an article on our website and in
the newsletter relating to match officials’ expenses. The general point of
this was to illustrate that both the League Management Committee and club
representatives believed that the new system of appointments that was
introduced in 2002 had not delivered the anticipated benefits.
On the 5th April we published a response to
the article from Neale Barry, in which Neale stated a contrary view to a
number of the points and issues raised in the article. It was decided that
since there were obvious areas of contention, it would be sensible for both
parties to meet and discuss the issues arising.
This meeting took place on the 8th
September 2008.
The League Management Committee, Neale Barry and John Jones all agreed that
it would be beneficial to publish a report of the main points discussed at
the meeting, and we do so now. For ease of reading, a “question and answer”
format of reporting has been used.
To fully understand the points and issues raised in the report below, an
understanding of the appointments system is required.
Match officials operating on our Premier Division games are Contributory
League officials and have been appointed and managed, since 2002, by The FA
and specifically in our region by John Jones. Our Division One is a Supply
League and whilst the match officials are provided by The FA and County
FA’s, they are controlled and appointed by the Vodkat League Appointments
Officer, Ismail Esat.
The meeting was opened by League Chairman Dave Tomlinson, and chaired
thereafter by John Parrington. Also present on behalf of the League
Management Committee were John Deal, Geoff Wilkinson, Mike Darby and John
Reid. Ian Templeman also attended as an observer.
CONTRIBUTORY LEAGUE MATCH OFFICIALS – NWCFL PREMIER DIVISION
Previous Statements
League Management Committee (LMC):
When the new refereeing appointments system was being introduced at regional
meetings in 2002, we believe the statement “No referee shall pass a ground
on the way to another appointment” was made at these presentations.
More specifically, a number of individuals on our League’s Management
Committee recall the statement was made by Joe Guest at a presentation held
at the Lancashire FA. This being so, we are unhappy that this is not being
adhered to.
Neale Barry (NB): I have checked minutes of meetings back to 2000 on the
subject of the new refereeing appointments system, and I can find no
instance of that statement being minuted. Myself and John Jones have also
consulted people who were involved in the discussions at the time, and we
know of no one who can recall those comments being made.
LMC: We accept it may not be minuted, as the statement was made in an open
forum meeting.
NB: As these meetings were held in 2002, and I only took on this role in
2005, obviously I can’t comment further on meetings I did not attend and
which were not minuted.
JJ: There is no formal record of this statement, nor any recollection that
it was made. This is purely speculative and implementation would be
impractical. Appointing would be very restrictive under these
circumstances, and I would suggest that this was never the policy adopted
prior to the introduction of the rationalised scheme.
Match Officials Current Expenses
LMC: Our clubs believe that they are paying out more in expenses than
before the appointments system was changed and that they are finding
officials are travelling further distances to their games. As a result,
they are paying out more in match officials’ travel expenses than they feel
they should be doing.
NB: The target John Jones is working to is £40 a game. That is for games
involving Vodkat League clubs. Your league was the cheapest in the country
last season on average costs per game, and is expected to be below the
target figure this season. For comparison purposes, I can tell you that the
averages so far this season are £41 in the Unibond League, £35 in the
Northern Counties East League, and £31 for the Vodkat League.
Match Officials Travel Distance
LMC: But that still doesn’t explain why clubs seem to regularly complain
that they have officials from towns that are many miles from their ground,
when there must surely be alternative officials who live nearer.
NB: What you have to remember is that the FA looks at the situation as a
“National” Contributory League system. John looks after appointments for
200 clubs and 800 match officials, and there are many different factors to
take into account.
John Jones (JJ): I can quote one instance from a club in your league last
season where they complained that a match official lived too close to the
opposition club, so it’s not just the longer distance journeys that are
under query.
I work on trying to allocate officials evenly, and not just keep sending the
same people back to the same clubs all the time. I also try to take local
factors into account – a local derby or a game affecting promotion or
relegation would be an instance where I would look to appoint the most
experienced and merited officials available.
For midweek games, I also take into account where officials work as that can
be advantageous to all parties. For example, I had an instance where one
official was based in Bradford, but he made me aware that he was working in
Stockport during a particular week, so I gave him a game in South
Manchester. As you can imagine, the home club queried the fact I had
allocated an official from “Bradford” and I was able to reassure them that
he would only charge mileage from his place of work to the ground.
Other Factors Influencing the Appointment of Match Officials and Travel
NB: There are also some specific instances that affect appointments. There
is a shortage of level 4 referees in Staffordshire to take charge of games
in your Premier Division, and John has only five available for all
contributory leagues at the present moment.
JJ: This is an example of where you could get clubs, for example in
Staffordshire, wondering why they have match officials from Manchester. We
have to try and avoid sending the same guys to the same grounds and teams
all the time, as that is not good for either the clubs or the officials.
NB: Another problem area is Cumbria. We have four level 4 officials based
in Carlisle, and they are just as entitled to be appointed to games they are
qualified to referee as someone who lives in Lancashire or Manchester.
Traditionally we would send them to Kendal and Workington and across to the
Northern League, but apart from Penrith the nearest clubs to them – which
would be in the Newcastle area – are really not much further away than the
most northerly clubs in the Vodkat League. So you have to accept that from
time to time you may see an official or officials from Cumbria at games in
Lancashire. Those officials can’t be penalised simply because of where they
live.
LMC: But equally, surely you can’t expect our clubs to be penalised with
high expenses just to suit the FA’s refereeing development targets?
JJ: We don’t, and I believe that would not happen. If the situation arose
where we brought an official in from an unusually long distance away, I
would aim to ensure that was balanced up over the next few games by ensuring
more local officials were appointed. Purely as an example, if we sent one
of the Carlisle officials to one of your Blackpool clubs, I would look to
appoint officials from the Preston area for the next game.
Remember we are working to targets based on the overall picture over a
season, not just on an instance on one game. As we said earlier, not only
are your league’s average expenses the lowest in the North, so far this
season the average is even lower than it was last season.
The baseline for appointing has always been up to 200 miles travel between
the three Match Officials for all Contributory Leagues. The NWCFL has never
been anywhere near this figure. The target is around £40 per game and is
monitored regularly, by reviewing the cost equalisation spreadsheet provided
by the League.
Currently the figure for the NWCFL is well below that amount, and every
effort will be made to keep below £40 a game. We would ask Clubs not to
judge each individual mileage expense per game, but look at the bigger
picture as we progress through the season to its conclusion.
NB: It has also been suggested that as you have one club in Yorkshire and
several others near the Yorkshire/Lancashire boundary, we could allocate
officials from West Yorkshire to your games. We don’t do that at the
moment, but it is an option and we are looking at how that would fit in with
other requirements elsewhere.
LMC: Referees are regularly assessed, and you will know who is doing well
and who isn’t as the season goes on. Can’t you address the shortfalls in
certain areas by promoting high performing officials during the season?
NB: Unfortunately we can’t. We used to draw up a provisional list in
mid-season, which we had as a fallback if we needed it. But FIFA outlawed
that practice so that’s no longer an option.
Match Officials Expense Claims
LMC: We have had a number of instances where clubs have felt the amount of
expenses claimed by officials seemed too high. What would be your advice to
clubs if these instances arise?
NB: There are two points I would make on this. Firstly, clubs can help by
checking in advance of the game what they believe the match officials
mileage – and therefore expenses – should be. If the figure quoted appears
to be wrong, I’d suggest the club concerned challenges the amount in a
reasonable manner after the game, asking the officials where they have
“actually” travelled from. In addition, we have had a number of instances
where we have investigated returns that clubs have made, and after checking
the details we have instructed officials to refund amounts back to clubs.
Saturday travel is “joint”, except in an emergency situation which is
normally managed and approved by John Jones.
SUPPLY LEAGUE MATCH OFFICIALS – VODKAT LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
Provision of Officials
LMC: Whilst we received an original allocation of around 27 referees, with
long term injuries, working away, general unavailability and other FA /
County FA appointments, we have been down to 7 referees for 9 matches. Also
the location of Level 4s is not matched to the number of teams we have in
specific areas – this increases expenses. Is there anything that can be done
about this?
NB: We understand your predicament and accept that the amount of “active”
referees can be lower than the 1.5 per club intended. There is a general
shortage of Level 4 referees and we are challenging County FAs to address
the problem wherever possible.
JJ: Your Appointments Officer has attended a meeting with me and we have
spoken on this matter. He has been advised to initiate and actively make use
of Supply League pooling arrangements. He should check with me to see if
there are any officials spare, for example in Leeds area, who may be
prepared to hop over the Pennines.
LMC: A similar situation exists with Assistant Referees and their geographic
availability means that travel distances are high. Because of this, travel
expenses are high for our supply division.
NB: FA regulations state the County FA’s should supply your league with an
average of 2 assistants per club.
LMC: If we as a league are not allowed to look for officials ourselves, all
we can do is go to the County FA’s, and they tell us they have no
officials. If shortages exist, what is the FA doing to overcome the
problem?
NB: We are aware of this and are actively encouraging CFAs to try and
improve the situation. Unfortunately, in the meantime you may have to be
flexible and use other levels of officials on lines.
Training
LMC: On speaking with match officials, it appears that training is patchy
with some not receiving much support from CFAs and this clearly affects
quality. Are you aware of this?
NB: Yes. We would hope that County FA’s would be taking steps to ensure that
all officials on their list are able to attend training sessions and The FA
is actively pushing for this. Some County FA’s are very good, but some are
not as proactive as others.
For Level 4 referees and above, it’s the FA who trains them, below that it’s
down to the County FA’s, and therefore out of my control. To change that
policy, you would need to get approval from the full FA Council, and that is
a separate issue altogether.
TECHNICAL AREA MANAGEMENT
LMC: We have issued a document regarding technical areas to all our member
clubs and our Supply League match officials. However, we do expect the
Referee, aided by the Assistants, to deal with misconduct and report it to
the CFA/FA as required.
NB: It is the referee’s duty to manage serious misconduct by club officials.
Any match official found not doing this can be reported to the relevant CFA.
LMC: For its part, the League is actively monitoring other “technical type”
breaches of league rules and is dealing with offending clubs as appropriate.
NB: We welcome and support this. I have also sent you relevant extracts
from the Contributory Leagues Match Officials Handbook which cover
directives that have been issued to your Premier Division officials.
PITCH INSPECTIONS
LMC: We have been made aware by clubs that on Saturday mornings it can
sometimes be a problem getting a qualified referee to carry out a pitch
inspection. It has also been suggested by clubs that it is difficult to get
hold of John Jones on Saturday mornings to ask for assistance, while
accepting that some weekends will be very busy.
As a league we have now put in place a system (and log) whereby League
Management Committee officials can assist clubs by authorising certain
officials to carry out pitch inspections. We would like to see a more
flexible attitude taken when it comes to agreeing who is qualified to carry
out an inspection.
NB: First of all, your initiative is a good one; it’s a proactive step that
will help us. Secondly, from an FA viewpoint, if you as a league are happy
to sanction certain individuals to carry out pitch inspections, we would see
no problem with that. We would expect that a credible person would be
appointed who won’t be influenced by the clubs. If you tell us that a
credible person sanctioned by the league has carried out a pitch inspection,
we would back that decision.
LMC: As an example, we have several former senior referees on the League
Management Committee, and our Registrations Secretary John Cowley is not
only a former referee, but is also a referee’s assessor. Are you saying
that they could carry out pitch inspections for our clubs?
NB: In the event that a recognised and suitably qualified local referee
couldn’t be found to carry out a pitch inspection, we would have no problem
with an appropriately qualified person, such as an assessor, carrying out an
inspection.
WEARING OF JEWELLERY
LMC: We would like clarification on the new directives the FA brought in
over the summer concerning players wearing jewellery during games. It was
our impression that the rule stated no jewellery of any kind, but watching
Premiership and international games on television, it seems players are
being allowed to flout the new law. Can you clarify the situation?
NB: The rule is no jewellery and there are no exceptions. There have been
a number of instances where we at the FA have been swamped with complaints
about players in televised games wearing jewellery, but these have been
unfounded.
In the Wigan v Chelsea game on the first weekend of the Premiership season,
it seemed that Ashley Cole was wearing a taped wedding ring. In actual fact
he had removed his ring, but replaced it with some tape on his wedding
finger, which he said afterwards he had done as a mark of respect to his
wife.
Another player that has provoked reaction is Ricardo Fuller of Stoke City,
who appears to be wearing earrings with tape over them. He raised concerns
that if he took his earrings out, he might risk infection from dirt or dust
during a game which the FA accepted. What he now does before every game is
that he reports to the referee, removes his earrings in the presence of the
referee, puts plastic protectors in, and then tapes these up. It might
appear he is wearing earrings, but in fact he isn’t.
LMC: But surely it’s unreasonable to expect players to remove their wedding
ring? What happens if a player literally is unable to remove it?
NB: No player can wear a taped ring at any level of football, that’s the
rule. In the early weeks of the season we had reports of some Sunday League
referees allowing simply because they felt they would be physically
threatened if they stopped certain players playing because they refused to
remove their rings. There has been a degree of tolerance over the opening
few weeks, but not from now onwards.
A lot of the objections are more a case of “won’t” rather than “can’t”
remove a ring. I took a call from someone claiming that it would cost him
£150 to have his ring cut off if he wanted to carry on playing football. I
went out into Central London and enquired at a few jewellers shops about the
cost of removing a ring. I found one shop that quoted £25 – and that was in
Central London. The rule is there for safety reasons and we expect it to be
adhered to.
LMC: So if we find that players are being allowed by some referees to wear
jewellery for any reason, what should we do?
NB: If you, as a league, find that a referee has taken charge of a game and
has allowed players to wear jewellery, we would ask that you report that
referee to the FA or County FA for your Supply League officials. We will
then take action against that referee.
CONCLUDING REMARKS
League Chairman Dave Tomlinson said the meeting had helped both to clear the
air, and to assist in understanding the FA viewpoint.
“We are grateful that Neale and John took the time to come and discuss our
areas of concern”, he said. “It was especially useful to hear an
explanation of the wider picture that Neale and John have to deal with, and
where we as a League fit in to that.
“I stated to Neale and John that if we seem aggressive in our approach, it
is because we are passionate about our clubs and their welfare, and I’m sure
they understand that.
“Hopefully by publishing a report on the meeting, we can spread that
knowledge further throughout our league and our clubs, and help to reduce
the number of instances where clubs are complaining about the amount of
money they are paying in expenses for match officials.”
Neale Barry said: “Both John and I were delighted to meet members of the
Management Team to discuss a wide range of issues and listen to their
concerns. It is essential from our point of view that these issues are
discussed and resolved in order to forge a greater understanding by the
league and clubs of how match officials are regulated by The FA at this
level of football, and for us to understand the pressures of running a club
at this level of the game.
“The FA is acutely aware of the cost of running football clubs at this level
of the game and is striving to provide the best possible quality of referee
available for the lowest cost to the club.
“I am convinced that any issues that arise in the future can be resolved
with constructive two way dialogue in order to ensure the integrity of the
league and that of the match officials.”
Please note that a version of the above report in Word document format can
be downloaded from the League’s online magazine North West Side Stories.
Visit the site at www.nwsidestories.co.uk, click on the button marked
“November 2008 issue”, and follow the link on that page.
Incidentally, the next issue of North West Side Stories, containing
contributions from Glossop North End and AFC Liverpool among others, is
scheduled to be online by Saturday 1st November.
VACANCY AT DAISY HILL
Daisy Hill FC boss Ian Street has resigned from the post of first team
manager at New Sirs. After what Ian described as “an up and down season,
and numerous on and off the field frustrations”, he has decided it is time
to move on and has taken up an opportunity to join the management team at
UniBond Division One North high flyers Bamber Bridge, a club he played for
in the mid 90’s.
NEWS FROM
ATHERTON LR
With no league game scheduled for Tuesday 21st October, Atherton
LR have been fortunate to secure a friendly match against Stockport County
Under 21's. As well as their normal Under 21 side, Stockport are expected
to send three first team players to the game. The manager of the Under 21's
will be ex-LR manager Alan Lord, who has his place in the club history after
steering the club to promotion from Division Two at the first time of asking
back in 2001.
Meanwhile, manager Dave Hughes has signed two more players - Lee Bushall,
most recently at Stand Athletic but with higher league experience and
ex-Salford player Danny Smith. With the club already having a "Danny Smith"
in the first team, there is the possibility of some confusion, but both
players will add some height to the team, something which Hughes has been
looking for.
The club has announced that its very popular Bonfire Night will this year be
held on Monday 3rd November and feature a brand new display. Gates will be
open at 6pm with a children’s funfair, hot food and a licensed bar
available. Entry fee is just £3 for adults, £1.50 for children, or a family
ticket for £6.
CUP NEWS FROM STAFFORDSHIRE
A 1-0 win against Tamworth in the First Round of the Staffordshire Senior
Challenge Cup has given Newcastle Town a tasty looking tie in the Quarter
Finals.
Port Vale will now provide the opposition for Town at the Lyme Valley
Stadium, in a game scheduled to be played during the week commencing 10th
November.
Meanwhile, on Saturday 8th November, four of our clubs are in action in the
2nd Round of Staffordshire Challenge Vase. The ties involving
them are as follows:
Shenstone Pathfinders v Stone Dominoes
Norton United v Wolverhampton Casuals
Eccleshall v Foley
Stafford Town v Leek CSOB
PLAYER MOVEMENTS
THIS WEEK
Transfers
Peter Collis Atherton LR to Ashton
Town
Rhodri Giggs New Mills to Bacup
Borough
Todd Hayes Rochdale Town to Nelson
James Marsden Abbey Hey to Maine Road
Peter Mellor New Mills to Cheadle Town
James Mottershead Padiham to Winsford United
Shaun Roscoe New Mills to Bacup Borough
Nicholas Thompson Bacup Borough to Oldham Town
Registrations
AFC Fylde Michael Carter, Daniel Cryer, Simon
Stevens
Ashton Athletic Joe Clayton
Atherton Colls Benjamin Hunt
Atherton LR Christopher Anderton, Adam Ledger, Dean
Tymon
Bootle Jon Wilson
Chadderton Daniel Gordon, Anthony Hanlon
Colne Stuart Shepherd
Daisy Hill Robert McNeeley
Eccleshall Mark Hall, Jack Watson
Flixton Tom Brooks, Matt Easter, Nick
Prescott
Irlam Daniel Butters
New Mills Liam Higginbotham, Steven Moore,
Matt Smith
Padiham Andrew Arkwright
Ramsbottom Utd Steve Dryden
St Helens Town Christopher Jones, Jordan Purnell
Stone Dominoes Matt Blake, Douglas Hughes, Joseph Molloy
Wigan Robin Park Brook Astle, Jonathan Kavanagh
Winsford
United Stephen Cain, Alex James
TOP
ATTENDANCES
Wednesday 15th October 2008
AFC Liverpool v Ashton Town 351
Saturday 18th October 2008
Irlam v AFC Liverpool 256
Glossop North End v Ashton Athletic 158
New Mills v Silsden AFC 151
Flixton v AFC Fylde 100
VODKAT LEAGUE LANDMARKS
Tuesday 14th October 2008
New Mills second goal in their 2-1 away victory over Abbey Hey was their 300th
league goal and was scored by Melford Knight.
Saturday 18th October 2008
Chadderton’s fourth goal in their 4-0 home victory over Leek CSOB was their
800th league and was scored by Gareth Morris.
Holker Old Boys second goal in their 3-2 defeat at Norton United was their
400th away league and was score by Paul Southwood.
Thursday 16 October 2008
NEWS FROM
ATHERTON LR
With no league game scheduled for Tuesday 21st October, Atherton
LR have been fortunate to secure a friendly match against Stockport County
Under 21's. As well as their normal Under 21 side,
Meanwhile, manager Dave Hughes has signed two more players - Lee Bushall,
most recently at Stand Athletic but with higher league experience and
ex-Salford player Danny Smith. With the club already having a "Danny Smith"
in the first team, there is the possibility of some confusion, but both
players will add some height to the team, something which Hughes has been
looking for.
The club has announced that its very popular Bonfire Night will this year be
held on Monday 3rd November and feature a brand new display. Gates will be
open at 6pm with a children’s funfair, hot food and a licensed bar
available. Entry fee is just £3 for adults, £1.50 for children, or a family
ticket for £6.
Wednesday 15 October 2008
AN APPEAL TO FORMER RUNCORN PLAYERS
Runcorn Linnets FC is keen to hear from any former Runcorn Players for a new
section on the website and in the programme called “Where are they
now?” The Linnets have had many famous players over the years and
it would be of interest to the fans to know what happened to them after they
left the club. Anyone who played for Runcorn FC is encouraged to contact the
club via the clubs “Contact Us” page on the club’s website at:
www.runcornlinnetsFC.co.uk.
If any player wishes to get in touch, the club would appreciate details of
when you played for the club, what position, where you played when you left
the club and what you have been doing since. A new section will be set up on
the website for fans to read and articles will appear in the club’s
programme.
Steve Pritchard, Press Officer, Runcorn Linnets
Monday 13 October 2008
EMLYN HUGHES INSPIRES AFC LIVERPOOL
CUP WIN
AFC Liverpool eased into the second round of the Vodkat League Challenge
Cup with a convincing 4-0 away victory over Holker Old Boys - and raised a
toast to Emlyn Hughes in the process.
Before the game AFC Liverpool fans visited the statue of the Barrow born
former Liverpool captain Emlyn Hughes in Barrow town centre, to pay tribute
to the popular Reds legend who died in 2004.
After posing for a picture, the AFCL entourage made their way up the hill to
Rakesmoor Lane to cheer on their favourites to a place in the next round,
and a tie away to New Mills.
Saturday 11 October 2008
FA VASE ROUND UP
The First Round Proper of the FA Vase saw our clubs involved in some
fascinating ties, and below is a round up of all the games with Vodkat
League interest.
New Mills 1 Glossop North End 4
One of the standout ties in the competition so far attracted 490 people to
Church Lane for the first High Peak Derby to be played there for 30 years,
and it was the visitors who went home the happiest.
Glossop had been the better side in the opening quarter, and took a deserved
lead on 22 minutes when Darren Hamilton turned in Dave Hodges low cross at
the near post.
However, New Mills rallied, and the equaliser on 30 minutes arrived after a
free kick hit the wall and ricocheted into Josh Howard's path to give him a
score from close range.
In the second half North End doggedly controlled the midfield, getting their
reward in the 70th minute when Tom Bailey turned home Hamilton's
cross-cum-shot at the far post. New Mills pressure was expected, and Stefan
Fielding had to make a good save when tipping over an Allen shot, but
Glossop were still creating, and in the 86th minute Hamilton put a ball
behind the defence for Nick Allen to run onto and seal the tie. Sam Hind
added a fourth in injury time to put the icing on the cake.
Glossop’s Jonathan Haggart said: “New Mills were superb hosts, and Boxing
Day's match at Surrey Street has now just got a little more spice to it!”
Newcastle Town 5 Highgate United 0
Newcastle Town marched comfortably into the next round with a convincing win
over Highgate United from the Midland Combination.
After Danny Read was forced to make a good save in the second minute, Town
took over and Jordan Johnson cut in from the left and bent a 20 yard shot
into the top corner after 11 minutes. A fine cross from Alistair Brown saw
Chris Budrys double the lead with a diving header after 32 minutes.
Town went three up when Andy Kinsey was brought down in the box, and he got
up to send the keeper the wrong way from the spot after 51 minutes. A fine
passing move saw Andy Bourne fire home the fourth on 57 minutes before Paul
Taylor and Andy Kinsey combined to release Richard Minor who raced clear to
slot home the fifth.
Town Manager Greg Clowes said: "We totally dominated the game and in the
first half played some of the best football we have played this season. It
was great to get back on the scoring trail and keep a clean sheet.”
Castle Vale 1 Stone Dominoes 2
Stone Dominoes made it to the second round at the expense of Birmingham
based Midland Combination side Castle Vale.
On a bumpy pitch and a gale force wind, Doms took the lead on 40 minutes
when stand in captain Niall Magurie struck a lovely shot from just inside
the area.
In the second half Castle Vale had the wind at their backs, but it was Doms
who scored again on 63 minutes. Liam McKinney took a free kick from the
right and it eluded everyone and found its way into the net.
The visitors held on comfortably until Castle Vale got a goal back on 88
minutes, but Doms safely negotiated the remainder of the game without any
further problems.
Bootle 2 Ramsbottom United 1
Bootle’s good cup form continued with an extra time victory over their
Premier Division opponents.
Bootle were well deserved winners, and managed to hold on playing with just
nine men after having both Paul McDonald and Andy Fowler (making his first
appearance of the season as a substitute) sent off.
After going ahead in the 4th minute thanks to a Jon Stephenson goal,
Ramsbottom were pulled back on level terms thanks to an equaliser from
Anthony Hickey, who jinked through the defence to fire home into the corner
of the net.
With three minutes of normal time remaining, Bootle were awarded a penalty,
but Paul McDonald missed from the spot, and almost immediately Andy Fowler
was then red carded to bring a dramatic end to the 90 minutes.
Within two minutes of extra time, McDonald made up for the penalty miss by
heading home from Joe Doran's free-kick, and completed an eventful afternoon
by receiving a second yellow card that reduced his side to nine men.
The nine men survived a late barrage, during which Rammy hit the bar, but
held on for a hard earned win.
Ramsbottom United’s Chris Dunn said: “Bootle have to be applauded for their
commitment. They are no pushovers and will be there or thereabouts in the
title shake up at the end of the season”.
Penrith 2 Squires Gate 1
Squires Gate’s resident wordsmith Geoff Mackay eloquently summed his team’s
trip to Cumbria as follows.
“Penrith's town centre ground has been sold to Sainsbury's, and Paul Ryan's
53rd minute opener was struck roughly from a point where the fruit and veg
section will be this time next year. The Cumbrians' Clubhouse, separately
owned, has already disappeared, so the hospitality is dispensed at the
nearby Conservative Club, much appreciated by Gate's eclectic mix of
Liberals, Communists and Don't Knows.
“Rain throughout the morning, and the game, did not spoil an excellent game,
keenly but sportingly contested on a pitch which held up well, and all
present thought it was a great advert for the Vase. Penrith, not that long
ago members of the NWCFL, now play in the Northern League, with all their
away games taking place in the North East, so a replay in Blackpool would
not have deterred them. However, this proved unnecessary, as goals in the
last ten minutes from Michael Brown and Will Paul gave them the victory they
just about deserved.”
Leek CSOB 1 Boldmere St Michaels 2
The Old Boys entertained Sutton Coldfield club Boldmere St Michaels at
Harrison Park, and lost out to a late deflected goal.
The home side went ahead on 7 minutes, when visiting keeper Lane mishandled
a corner and Anthony Tarr was on hand to rifle the ball into the roof on the
net to give the home side the lead. The lead was short lived as four
minutes later the visitors were level. A well flighted cross from the right
found “The Mikes” striker Mason who stole in to head home from close range,
giving Old Boys keeper Gavin Deaville little chance.
The turning point in the game came on 50 minutes, when Old Boys’ Steve Plant
was red carded for a tackle from behind. Boldmere launched attack after
attack giving the Old Boys little respite as they looked for a winner, and
finally a deflected shot from McNaught three minutes from time clinched
victory.
Old Boys Secretary Stan Lockett said: “It was hard on the players as they
had worked so hard to stem the attacks, playing with 10 men for almost the
whole of the second half. In the end it took a wicked defection in the 87th
minute that left our keeper Gavin Deaville stranded to beat us.”
Colne 2 Abbey Hey 3
Football clubs from Colne and the FA Vase have a long history together, but
the semi finalists from five years ago were knocked out of the competition
by fellow Premier Leaguers Abbey Hey.
Colne went ahead in the fourth minute through Andy Tinker, but seven minutes
later Abbey Hey were level when Danny Doherty converted from Carl Maylett’s
cross.
On 24 minutes, Ashley Mulholland put Abbey Hey ahead from the penalty spot,
but minutes into the second half, Ben Howarth fired home from Ted Cockett’s
corner lick to bring Colne back on level terms.
Within two minutes, Alex Monde-Leek grabbed what proved to be the winner for
Abbey Hey when he finished a mazy run with a looping shot into the net that
appeared to take a deflection.
Oldham Town 1 Congleton Town 0
Despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession over the course of the game,
Congleton Town’s hopes of progress in the Vase were ended by a goal from
Darren Scanlan two minutes into the second half at the Whitebank Stadium.
Oldham survived the loss of defender Tim Buxton with a head injury after
just 3 minutes, and spent most of the opening period camped in their own
half, with Tulloch, Nesbitt, Baker and Brotherton all having chances for the
visitors.
Late in the first half Lee Scanlan and brother Darren both had chances for
Oldham, and with the wind at their backs after the break, the home side went
ahead two minutes after the restart.
Darren Scanlan chased the ball into a corner, and neat footwork took him
past two defenders before firing a shot inside the near post. The long ball
forward almost worked again for Oldham soon afterwards, but this time
Scanlan failed to convert from Landregan’s cross.
A predictable late onslaught from the visitors ensued as the second half
wore on, as they searched for an equaliser, and they almost got caught on
the break late on when Scanlan was denied by a fine save from Hackney in the
Congleton goal.
Darlaston Town 3 Eccleshall 1
Eccleshall’s hopes of progress in the Vase were all but over after 35
minutes of their game at West Midlands League Division Premier Division side
Darlaston Town.
The trip to Walsall was one of Eccleshall’s shortest away journeys of the
season, but the conditions proved to be less than welcoming, with a heavy
playing surface and swirling wind coupled with playing up the pitch slope in
the first half all conspiring to make it a tricky opening period.
Leon Taylor opened the scoring for the home side on 20 minutes after a
mistake by the keeper, and on the half hour the lead was doubled when
Anthony Follows smashed a left foot screamer into the top right hand corner.
Five minutes later, Follows found the net from just inside the box with a
well struck shot to make it 3-0 and the tie was effectively over, although
Russell DeMatteo did pull back a late consolation late strike for
Eccleshall.
Ties that went to replays:
Alsager Town 2 Hallam 2 (after extra time)
Hallam 1 Alsager Town 3
Hallam may be the second oldest football club in the world, but there will
be no Vase exploits to record in their extensive history books thanks to the
efforts of Alsager Town.
A 2-2 draw at Alsager gave the advantage to the Yorkshire side, but a fine
comeback culminating in a 3-1 victory secured a Second Round spot for
Alsager in the replay.
A goal down to the Sheffield side at the interval, Alsager drew level when
Lee Duckworth converted a penalty kick after Dean Williams had been tripped
in the box.
20 minutes later Duckworth gave Alsager the lead from the spot, after Lee
Jones had a shot handled on the goal line. The handling offence also
reduced Hallam to ten men, and as they went in search of an equaliser, they
left themselves vulnerable to the counter attack and a third goal clinched
victory for Alsager.
Club Press Officer David Armstrong said the result was a huge boost after
what has been a rollercoaster first three months of the season. “We started
with four defeats followed by three wins, then defeat, win and finally our
first draw in the game against Hallam.
“The club has taken massive strides following the upheaval last summer when
the club was left with no players, no manager, fans or money. To get to the
position they are in now, i.e. mid table after playing six out of the top
seven teams is nothing short of magnificent, and the Vase win adds to that
achievement.
“The club has had a blow in the last week when a recently refurbished
hospitality portakabin was vandalised, leaving it in a right state.
However, on a more positive note, local photography company
kingfisherphotographic.com are in the process of producing a club calendar
to raise much needed funds, and are also selling action shots on their
website.”
No doubt the prize money from a Vase run will also be a welcome boost to the
club coffers!
Ashton Athletic 4 Nostell MW 4 (after extra time)
Nostell MW 3 Ashton Athletic 1
Ashton Athletic manager David Powell summed up the two games in a report on
the club website, which is summarised below.
Ashton’s progress in this year’s FA Vase ended in controversial fashion in
deepest Yorkshire and unfortunately refereeing decisions were at the heart
of it, as was the case in the first match on Saturday.
Both Ashton and Nostell were aggrieved in this first encounter as erroneous
decisions in the eyes of Nostell and bad timekeeping from Ashton’s
perspective blighted a terrific cup tie played in good spirit throughout.
Ashton bemoaned the copious amounts of added time at the end of 90 minutes,
and even more so when 3 minutes of overtime at the end of extra time
(despite the lack of interruptions in play) and during which Nostell grabbed
last gasp equalisers.
Meanwhile Nostell complained about an early penalty awarded and converted by
Ashton, and particularly the red carding in the second period of extra time
of defender Matthew Denton for persistent foul and abusive language, despite
the fact that both incidents seemed blatant in the extreme.
The replay got underway with Ashton once again out of the blocks quickest.
In the 7th minute Ashton’s Bennett chased down a hopeful through ball which
seemed comfortable for Nostell keeper Sam Dobbs however a momentary
hesitation by Dobbs allowed Bennett to dispossess him and as he advanced on
an open goal Dobbs dragged him to the floor - an automatic penalty, and
everyone just waited for the red card for Dobbs.
In the spirit of the “Respect” campaign for referees to a man the Ashton
players and management uttered not a word about the expected dismissal of
the goalkeeper however to the amazement of all in attendance (and I include
the Nostell camp in this) Dobbs was reprieved and Nostell remained with
their full quota of players. Will Ryder made no mistake with the spot kick
to give Ashton a deserved lead but everyone was left perplexed at the
leniency of the referee towards the Nostell keeper.
In the 14th minute a long throw from the Nostell left was all too easily
flicked on to the back post by skipper Dave Watts, turned back into the six
yard box by Barry Rankin and then poked home by the unmarked Craig Stephens.
The goal gave the home side a massive boost and with good movement off the
ball started to ask questions of the Ashton defence in open play. However it
was a set piece two minutes later that was Ashton’s undoing again, as a free
kick from the right wing by Paul Bedford flew over Ashton keeper Brobbin and
into the corner of the net to give Nostell an undeserved advantage.
The loss of the injured Ryder at half time was a blow for Ashton but with
Simon Gallanders dropping deeper and live wire Paul Hynes joining Dave
Sherlock up top Ashton kept up their momentum and pinned the home team back
for the early part of the second half, probing for the equalizer.
As Ashton started to commit more men forward in search of the equalizer the
73rd minute saw yet another controversial decision as left winger Dave
Nicholas and Ashton centre back Mike Burke competed for a long ball into the
box. With both players tussling with each other in one of those “six of one
and half a dozen of the other” moments, referee Holmes incensed the away
side by pointing to the spot despite both he and his assistant being at
least 25 yards from the incident, and on the blind side of the coming
together. Nicholas stepped up, gleefully converted the spot kick to give his
team a two goal cushion.
Nostell killed the game with some aplomb not hesitating to stop any Ashton
advances as high up the field as possible, getting away with spoiling
tactics that the officials failed to control. This match and the original
tie were generally played in good spirit by both teams but in the closing
stages some tackles started to fly in with both sides unsure of the
boundaries they were working too as a result of the variance in standards
being applied by the officials.
A quick flurry of cards in the last throws of the match created something of
a negative end to the game, which did not reflect the two excellent matches
between fully committed teams.
After the whistle there was Respect aplenty between the two sets of players
and management. However, from both sides there was a feeling that the
quality and consistency of refereeing must be improved upon if the current
“Respect” campaign is to bear real fruit. In most people’s eyes, Respect
must be earned not given.
However, it is Nostell that progress to the second round and a trip to the
North East to face Ryton of the Northern League in November.”
Photos of both games are available to view on the
Nostell web site -
www.pitchero.com/clubs/nostellminerswelfare
Maine Road 3 Runcorn Linnets 3 (after extra time)
Runcorn Linnets 2 Maine Road 1 (after extra time)
A Lee Morris goal five minutes from the end of extra time sent Runcorn
Linnets through to the next round after two close fought encounters with
fellow Premier Leaguers Maine Road.
An exciting first game saw Maine Road two up at half time through goals from
Rothel and Mack, but within five minutes of the restart Runcorn were level
thanks to goals from Damien Morrison and Rob Whyte. In the 87th minute,
Maine Road looked to have secured a place in the next round when substitute
John Mason put them ahead, but at the end of a lengthy period of stoppage
time, a last gasp strike from Linnets’ Ged Courtney took the game into extra
time.
No further scoring meant a replay at Wincham Park, and after the goal rush
in the first game, a goalless 90 minutes ensured a further period of extra
time.
On 97 minutes, Maine Road struck first when Luke Mack beat Linnets keeper
Robbie Holcroft with a long range effort, but Linnets drew level on 110
minutes, when Saturday's hero Ged Courtney shot home from inside the box.
The goal gave the home side the initiative and with five minutes of extra
time remaining Lee Morris fired home the winner from a Rob Whyte cross.
FA Vase – Second Round
The draw for the Second Round of the Vase was made at Soho Square on Monday
6th October, and holders AFC Fylde have been given a home draw
against familiar opposition as they begin their defence of the trophy.
Newcastle Benfield, who lost 5-2 at home to the same opponents last season
in the 3rd Round, now make the trip to face the holders at
Kellamergh Park.
Manager Mick Fuller is under no illusions that it will be a tough tie for
the holders. “The encounter with Newcastle Benfield last season was a cup
classic, and make no mistake, this will be a stringent test of our character
and resilience. It is imperative that we make a solid start in this
competition as we will be the team that everyone wants to beat. There’s no
pressure, just an objective to continue where we left off on the 11th May
2008.”
Chairman Dai Davis knows what it means to the club to progress in the
competition, with the revenue generated from last season’s famous Wembley
win being ploughed back into the club’s ongoing development.
“We didn’t budget anything for the FA Vase run last season, the revenue we
generated from the cup run and Wembley was a fantastic benefit to the club”,
he said. “It’s allowed us to fast forward our plans by re-investing this
money into better facilities at Kellamergh Park and the club’s
infrastructure.
“We are looking forward to defending the Vase but we will take each tie as
it comes, and there won’t be any easy games, that’s for sure.”
At the very least, two clubs from our league will be in the next round, as
the draw has thrown up an all Premier Division clash between Alsager Town
and Runcorn Linnets, and a very attractive Division One clash between Bootle
and Oldham Town.
Elsewhere, the Northern League and the Midland Alliance each provide three
teams as opposition for our clubs. Eye catching ties include Abbey Hey’s
trip to face last season’s Vase semi finalists Whitley Bay, and Stone
Dominoes entertain Coventry Sphinx, who lost after a replay in last season’s
quarter final to Kirkham & Wesham/AFC Fylde. All the games involving our
clubs are as follows:
Alsager Town v Runcorn Linnets
Bootle v Oldham Town
AFC Fylde
v Newcastle Benfield (Northern League)
Whitley Bay (Northern League) v Abbey Hey
Formby
v Dunston Federation (Northern League)
Stone Dominoes
v Coventry Sphinx (Midland Alliance)
Glossop North End
v Biddulph Victoria (Midland Alliance)
Market Drayton Town (Midland Alliance) v Newcastle Town
Ties will be played on Saturday 15th November.
BUY A PINT FOR AFC LIVERPOOL
AFC Liverpool have launched a major fundraising drive to ensure the club is
financially healthy to take them through to next season - and there is the
chance of winning an AFC Liverpool shirt, signed by all the players, every
month.
All supporters need to do is to give the price of a pint as a regular
donation to the club - just like buying a pint for a good mate!
The club has launched the idea to give supporters who live outside the area
the chance to contribute to the club without coming regularly to games. To
take part, and be included in our monthly draw, visit the following weblink:
http://afcliverpool.org.uk/go/1st-team/give-the-price-of-a-pint-to-your-club.html
VODKAT LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE MONTH AWARDS FOR SEPTEMBER
PREMIER DIVISION – LEE KERSHAW OF NELSON
Lee is an experienced midfield player who likes to control play in the
centre of the park. He is Nelson’s captain and he leads by example using
his ball winning and passing skills to maximum effect. His ability to
outjump taller players enables him to win the ball in the air in competitive
areas of the field. His influence on the team was a major factor in
Nelson’s performances during September and he was named man-of-the-match by
the opposing team on two occasions. His head injury after fifteen minutes
at New Mills in the last game of the month was a blow to the whole team and
adversely affected the outcome of the game. The club and his team mates
look forward to his speedy recovery.
DIVISION ONE - PAUL RUTTER OF NORTON UNITED
Paul played in all five of his club’s games during September and scored in
each of them, which helped to take his total for the season to seven goals
so far. In addition to his goalscoring exploits, he also contributed
several assists and has helped the team considerably at both ends of the
pitch with his consistent performances.
SAFE HANDS GOALKEEPER OF THE MONTH AWARDS FOR SEPTEMBER - SPONSORED BY
SAMEDAY
PREMIER DIVISION – STUART WILLIAMS OF NEW MILLS
Stuart played in all six of the Millers’ games during September, five of
which were wins, and he also kept four clean sheets. He was outstanding
during the month and denied several opponents’ close range goalscoring
attempts with great reflex saves.
DIVISION ONE - MARK MAWDESLEY OF BOOTLE
Mark wins the award for the second month running, after continuing the fine
form he showed in August into the month of September. He kept three clean
sheets during the month, in which Bootle made progress in both the FA Vase
and Liverpool Senior Cup and were unbeaten in three league games, and his
performances were once again instrumental in maintaining his club’s good run
of form throughout the month.
PLAYER MOVEMENTS THIS WEEK
Transfers
Christian Dacres Alsager Town to Stone Dominoes
Luke Hargreaves Nelson to Darwen
Benjamin Walker Nelson to Darwen
Matthew Woods Darwen to Nelson
Registrations
Abbey Hey Christian Adams, Andrew Ralph
AFC Fylde Dominic Yarwood
AFC Liverpool Matthew Williams
Bacup Borough Nicholas Robinson
Cheadle Town David Bennett, Jacob Ritchie-Brown
Colne Anthony Harker, Krystian Liptrot
Daisy Hill Peter Edwards, Phil Fitzpatrick
Formby Thomas Hardwick
Holker OB Brian Dawson, Ian Swarbrick
Irlam James Blair
Nelson Michael Cheetham, Daniel Parker
Runcorn Linnets Nehru McKenzie
St Helens Town Joseph Ferguson
Winsford United Chris Sheppard
VODKAT LEAGUE
LANDMARKS
Wednesday 8th October 2008
Bacup Borough’s first goal in their 2-2 draw at home to Silsden AFC was
their 750th home league goal and was score by Steve Sheils.
Saturday 11th October 2008
AFC Fylde’s 5-1 victory over Winsford United earned them their 101st
league point.
Monday 6 October 2008
VODKAT LEAGUE
PLAYER OF THE MONTH AWARDS FOR SEPTEMBER
PREMIER DIVISION – LEE KERSHAW OF NELSON
Lee is an experienced midfield player who likes to control play in the
centre of the park. He is Nelson’s captain and he leads by example using
his ball winning and passing skills to maximum effect. His ability to
outjump taller players enables him to win the ball in the air in competitive
areas of the field. His influence on the team was a major factor in
Nelson’s performances during September and he was named man-of-the-match by
the opposing team on two occasions. His head injury after fifteen minutes
at New Mills in the last game of the month was a blow to the whole team and
adversely affected the outcome of the game. The club and his team mates
look forward to his speedy recovery.
DIVISION ONE - PAUL RUTTER OF NORTON UNITED
Paul played in all five of his club’s games during September and scored in
each of them, which helped to take his total for the season to seven goals
so far. In addition to his goalscoring exploits, he also contributed
several assists and has helped the team considerably at both ends of the
pitch with his consistent performances.
SAFE HANDS GOALKEEPER OF THE MONTH AWARDS FOR SEPTEMBER - SPONSORED BY
SAMEDAY
PREMIER DIVISION – STUART WILLIAMS OF NEW MILLS
Stuart played in all six of the Millers’ games during September, five of
which were wins, and he also kept four clean sheets. He was outstanding
during the month and denied several opponents’ close range goalscoring
attempts with great reflex saves.
DIVISION ONE - MARK MAWDESLEY OF
Mark wins the award for the second month running, after continuing the fine
form he showed in August into the month of September. He kept three clean
sheets during the month, in which
Saturday 4 October 2008
FA CUP INTEREST ENDS FOR ANOTHER
SEASON
The Vodkat League’s interest in the FA Cup this season ended with Bacup
Borough’s defeat in the Second Qualifying Round at the hands of Sheffield of
the UniBond League Division One South.
The Yorkshiremen had previously seen off AFC Fylde and Colne in previous
rounds, and they made it a Vodkat League hat trick with a comfortable win
over an under strength Bacup side.
Bacup were under pressure from the start, losing a goal within nine minutes,
and fell further behind shortly after half time.
Two more goals in the final quarter ended the game as a contest before
Warren Collier grabbed a late consolation.
Conditions were perfect for football on a bright sunny afternoon, and the
home side took the lead from the first clear cut chance of the game in the
9th minute.
Bacup keeper Phil Melville did well to get his hand to a cracking Matt
Outram shot from 25 yards, but the ball fell to Sheffield striker Mick
Goddard who had the simple task of firing home from close range.
Two minutes later Goddard had another chance, but his header was safely
gathered by Melville.
The home side continued to dominate the first half and Scott Partridge came
close with a glancing header that hit the post with Melville beaten.
Bacup’s first shot on target arrived on 35 minutes when Lee Ellis picked up
a loose ball and tried his luck with a 30 yard shot that the keeper gathered
comfortably.
Four minutes in the second half Bacup fell further behind when Sheffield’s
Paul Smith curled a free kick into the far corner of the net from the edge
of the penalty area.
On the hour Bacup made a rare foray into the visiting penalty area, and Lee
Ellis just failed to connect with a cutback from Martin Cosgrave.
But two more Sheffield goals in the space of four minutes put the game
beyond Bacup’s reach.
On 71 minutes Daz Winter fired a low shot into the net from Steve Woolley’s
cross, and then Mick Goddard grabbed his second of the game with a shot on
the turn from the edge of the box.
Bacup kept going and pulled a goal back in the 77th minute, when Warren
Collier beat the offside trap to race through unchallenged and beat
Sheffield keeper Leigh Walker with a delicate chip from 20 yards.
Six minutes from the end Bacup’s Matt Hampson came close when his volley
from 25 yards was pushed away by Walker.
Afterwards Bacup manager Brent Peters explained that his preparations for
the game had been less than ideal.
“The problems started in the morning when we lost goalkeeper Paul Horridge
when he couldn’t get a change of shift at work. My assistant Phil Melville
had to go in goal, and he hasn’t trained or played this season. We had
problems with travelling here, some players didn’t arrive until 2.15 and one
didn’t get to the ground almost until kick off, and that’s not ideal
preparation.
“On top of that, our leading scorer Tommy Turner and captain Davey Luker
were unavailable and that forced us into changes, especially at the back,
although to be fair the lads who came into defence did well as we were under
pressure for long spells of the game.
“I don’t want to use all those issues as excuses, but because the
preparations were all wrong we never really got going. We were guilty of
giving the ball away too many times, or players taking the wrong option and
putting us under pressure. One of the things I’ve said about our play after
some games this season was that our ball retention was different class, but
today it wasn’t.
“We only started playing late on, I think it was the 75th minute before we
forced their keeper into making a save. I have to give credit to Sheffield,
they were on us constantly, worked hard as a team and as a unit and
complemented each other well. Some of our young lads need to take heed and
learn from playing a side like them. They were well organised, well drilled
and knew exactly what they were doing.
“There’s good money to be made from a cup run, and as I deal with the club’s
finances I am very aware of the boost that a win could have brought us
financially, so it’s very disappointing from that point of view.
“But looking ahead to the rest of the season, I’m optimistic that we’ll do
well. I’ve got a young group of players with good technical ability, and
this last fortnight will have been a massive learning curve for them.”
NEWS FROM AFC BLACKPOOL
On the field AFC Blackpool may have made a slow start to the season, but
off the field developments to the club’s Mechanics ground continue, with
work about to begin on a new training pitch.
Co-Chairman Phil Days explained: “Over the summer we put a lot of work into
the Mechanics ground. The pitch has had a complete make over with new
drainage and seeding, and there is new concrete fencing all around the
ground and new walkways and turnstiles.
“With that done, we can now look progress our other plans. Planning
permission was passed and the fencing arrived last week for the new training
ground, which will be built adjacent to the ground. This will be primarily
for the first team, but will be for the youth team to play on as well. We
now expect that work will begin within the next two weeks.
“The work will encompass the construction of a full size pitch with
floodlights, and as the weather gets worse and we can’t use the main pitch
here for training, we expect to be able to use the new pitch. We will fit
each team in on a rota system for training nights, and if there are any
available spaces the idea is that we will rent it out and get a bit of extra
revenue coming in.
“In the future we are looking to expand further and get further pitches in
place and fenced off and expand right down on to Common Edge Road. That will
happen when the land becomes available from the council and also when we
have the finance to do it.”
The additional pitches form an important part of the club plans, as the aim
is to extend the current range of junior teams and build a proper academy
structure. Phil sees that as being crucial to the club’s future.
“Looking long term, over the next five years we are looking to put an
infrastructure in place where we get a proper academy established that will
become the central part of the club, providing players through the various
age groups through to the first team. It might mean that in the short term,
the first team might suffer a bit from a playing budget point of view, but
we are taking a long term view and the whole idea is to get the
infrastructure sorted out.
“We now have a range of teams from under 6’s up to under 15’s. We’ve got a
good under 18’s side, but we’ve got a bit of a gap where we don’t have an
under 16’s. The under 15s will step up next season and become the under 16’s
and in turn they will become the feeder into the under 18’s team.
“We ditched the reserve team this season for a number of reasons. One was
the cost, and we decided to use the money elsewhere in the club, but also
with the structure we are trying to put in and the work that is going on
elsewhere within the club, a reserve team didn’t seem to quite fit into
that. We are now looking to get the right people in place to take on the
job of fitting a reserve team into the playing structure and we’d expect
that to happen either next season or the season after.”
With so much effort being channelled into long term aims and objectives,
Phil is adamant that he and his fellow committee members will not be guilty
of splashing cash short term to try and buy success for the first team.
“Ourselves and Squires Gate are sandwiched between two wealthy clubs, AFC
Fylde and Fleetwood Town, and we have to keep a much tighter grip on
expenses than they have. I think that sooner or later in our level of
football, someone will have to make a stand, and virtually stop paying
players anything other than a bit of petrol money.
“Long term, I think that might be where we have to come from, starting with
the kids all the way through. The Premiership greed has cascaded all the way
down to where we are now, that’s the way it is. We know that there are even
sides in the West Lancashire League paying around five or six thousand
pounds a year to players, so when you set a level what do you pay next year?
Someone has to go out there and find the money and as one of the people who
takes on that job for this club, I can tell you it’s very difficult.
“Our main sponsor is Northern Care and we are in the second year of a two
year deal with them. They run children’s homes but have a connection with
Sunday League teams too, so we are looking to develop that relationship with
them still further and hopefully work a bit closer together on certain
initiatives.
“Even there though, there can be a conflict of interest sometimes. One of
the niggles we have at this level of football is that players who hopefully
run their socks off for us on a Saturday still find the time and energy to
get up on a Sunday morning and play in a Sunday League game. That’s a bit of
an annoyance to us as a committee and to our manager Stuart Parker, but we
are not alone in that and I don’t think that you can do anything about it.
“But I’m still surprised that players can play in hard games on Saturdays
and still want to turn out on Sundays as well. But many of them do, and are
dictated to by their friends who will never get to play at semi-pro level.
Obviously their mates want them to play as they are better than the typical
Sunday League players so the peer group pressure comes into play. But,
unless you can dictate to players that you are paying them big money and can
ask them not to play in Sunday League games, you have to live with it.”
Although the first team has made a slow start to the season, Phil believes
the squad is capable of doing well.
“We’ve had one or two players missing and we just needed to find a good
performance, and even though we lost to Squires Gate in the FA Vase we did
produce a really good team performance so hopefully that will kick start our
season a bit.
“Gate are established as a good mid table Premier Division side, we started
the game fourth from bottom of Division one and we gave a good account of
ourselves. A few of us at the club were at Squires Gate a couple of years
ago when we had a run in the FA Vase to the quarter final. That was a great
boost that wasn’t planned or expected, and was a terrific success for
Squires Gate at that time. If we can do something similar in one of the
League’s cup competitions that would be a big bonus.
Phil’s views are shared by manager Stuart Parker, who believes his side are
in a false league position.
“I’ve got a team that has ability and can play, but they aren’t showing a
winning mentality. Ability wise, we should be in the top four of this
league, but until the players take board what I and the coaching staff are
telling them, we will be also rans.
“Away at Cheadle we must have created about twelve chances but I think we
got about one on target, and in the FA Vase I thought we outplayed Squires
Gate for long periods, but they had the winning mentality that we didn’t.
That’s what I’m looking for from my players. Their ability is not in
question, it’s whether they are willing to give that bit extra we need to
win games and move us up the table.”
GROUND GRADING INSPECTIONS
We may be only a couple of months into the new season but already a couple
of clubs have requested ground grading visits with a view to joining our
League in the future.
With effect from the start of this season, Geoff Wilkinson assumed the
mantle of Ground Grading Chairman, and he and League Chairman Dave Tomlinson
have visited two clubs in the past couple of weeks, West Didsbury & Chorlton
AFC from the Manchester League) and Barnoldswick from The West Lancashire
League.
Both clubs asked for an advisory visit in order to ascertain what they
needed to do to achieve the grading criteria required for admission. In
West Didsbury's case, they are putting together a 10 year development plan
for their ground and wanted some advice before they began planning in
earnest.
However, Barnoldswick are very near to meeting the minimum grading
requirements for our League, as they have funding in place to cover the cost
of what is often the main stumbling block for clubs, the installation of
floodlights. The lights are due to be installed by the end of October, and
once that work has been completed, the League will arrange to revisit to
Barnoldswick and carry out a further inspection. We’ll keep you posted on
progress.
NEWS FROM ASHTON ATHLETIC
Ashton Athletic’s Brocstedes Park ground will, on Thursday 9th October, host
the third annual match between Ashton’s former players and the Past Players
of Wigan Athletic FC.
The Challenge match was originally set for early September but was postponed
due to a waterlogged pitch, so the Old Boys from both clubs will be hoping
for better weather for the 7.30pm kick off.
Once again the teams will compete for the Peter Catterall Memorial Trophy, a
much valued prize which was introduced last season following the sad loss of
Peter “the Cat” Catterall earlier that year. Peter had been a major driving
force behind the Past Players Association, and was catalyst to starting off
the sequence of matches 3 years ago.
In the first match, initially a 'one off' challenge match to celebrate
Ashton Athletic's return to the North West Counties League after a twenty
year absence, it was Peter's great pleasure at that time to organise a
motley crew of Latics old boys to face Ashton’s first team. However the
young legs of Ashton saw off the old heads and even the late introduction of
a few of Ashton’s own “old boys” could not prevent Ashton running out
comfortable 6-2 winners.
A change of format last year saw Ashton’s veterans take up the challenge for
the return encounter and Wigan’s Latics managed a highly competitive 2-1 win
to fittingly take the inaugural Peter Catterall Trophy . Goals from Tony
Kelly and Stuart Barlow sealed the win, either side of a superb 25 yard
equalising strike by Jimmy Whyte, rolling back the years for Ashton.
Thursday’s match also holds significance as it coincides with the 40th
Anniversary of the formation of Ashton Athletic FC, and also Wigan’s entry
into the old fourth Division of the Football League 30 years ago. There will
no doubt be a wide variety of former Latics players on show, including
several who have contributed to the Club’s meteoric rise in recent years,
and also some going back to their non league and the early Football League
days at Springfield Park.
Admission to the game will be pay on the gate at £3 for adults, £1 for
concessions, with proceeds going towards continued development of grass
roots football at Ashton Athletic, and a donation to a local Charity.
On a separate note, badges priced at £2 are just one item from an impressive
array of club merchandise available from the club. The range includes
umbrellas, mouse mats, keyrings, drinks coasters, underwear and even baby
bodysuits for the youngest supporters.
All items are available by post from Chairman Steve Halliwell, who can be
contacted by e-mail at
stvhalli@blueyonder.co.uk.
MANAGER OF THE MONTH AWARDS FOR SEPTEMBER
PREMIER DIVISION – ANTHONY BUCKLE AND DARREN TWIGG OF CONGLETON TOWN
Results:
02.09 - Squires Gate (away) won 0-3 (FA Cup Preliminary Round)
06.09 - Flixton (away) won 0 – 2 (FA Vase 1st Qualifying Round)
09.09 - Maine Road (home) won 5 - 2
13.09 - Prescot Cables (home) lost 0 - 2 (FA Cup 1st Qualifying
Round)
16.09 - Alsager Town (away) won 1 - 2
20.09 - Maltby Main (home) won 3 - 0 (FA Vase 2nd Qualifying
Round)
22.09 - Hyde United (away) won 0 - 1 (Cheshire Senior Cup 1st Round)
27.09 - St. Helens Town (home) won 1 - 0.
DIVISION ONE – CHRIS O’BRIEN OF BOOTLE
Results:
02.09 - Darwen (away) won 0 - 6
13.09 - Buxton (away) lost 3 – 1 (FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round)
20.09 - Atherton Collieries (away) won 0 - 3 (FA Vase 2nd
Qualifying Round)
24.09 - Irlam (away) drew 2 - 2
27.09 - Chadderton (home) won 2 – 0
Well done to all on the awards.
MANAGER OF MONTH AWARD FOR AFC LIVERPOOL
AFC Liverpool boss Derek Goulding is pictured being presented with the
Division One Manager of the Month award for August by League Chairman Dave
Tomlinson before the club’s game against Wigan Robin Park.
PLAYER MOVEMENTS THIS WEEK
Transfers
Brian Matthews Congleton Town to New Mills
Liam Beckford Maine Road to New Mills
Courtney Crooks Ramsbottom United to Maine Road
Nathan Eastmond Oldham Town to Rochdale Town
Elliot Marshall New Mills to Abbey Hey
Paul Robinson Irlam to Maine Road
Mathew Zajac New Mills to Maine Road
Registrations
Abbey Hey Adrian Nevins
AFC Blackpool Matthew Swash
Ashton Athletic Dale Sealey
Ashton Town Richard Johnson
Atherton Collieries Martin Andrews, Lee Wright
Bootle Andy Fowler
Colne Nathan Gibson, Nigel Coates, Daniel
Rowe
Daisy Hill Scott Moore, Tafadzwa Ariberito
Darwen Alex Rossi
Eccleshall Joshua Whitmore
Flixton Damien Allen, Stephen Halford,
Nathan McDonald, James Tandy, Sammy McIlroy
Leek CSOB Charlie Weir
New Mills Matthew Bunting, Matthew Taylor, Adam
Morning
Norton United Wayne Teague
Padiham Paul Fildes, Jacob Uttley
Ramsbottom United Steven Maden
Rochdale Town Darren Ford, Patrick Garmory
Runcorn Linnets Thomas Baker
St Helens Town Jeff Voller
Wigan Robin Park Andy Walker, Martin Dutton
TOP ATTENDANCES
Saturday 4th October 2008
New Mills v Glossop North End 490 FA Vase
AFC Liverpool v Daisy Hill 331
Maine Road v Runcorn Linnets 120 FA Vase
Silsden AFC v Winsford United 120
VODKAT LEAGUE LANDMARKS
Saturday 4th October 2008
Silsden AFC earned their 250th league point with a 1-0 victory
over Winsford United.