A VIEW FROM THE HILL BILLINGE FC PROGRAMME 2013/14 SEASON

SATURDAY 5 OCTOBER 2013

BILLINGE FC versus STYAL FC

CHESHIRE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE

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TODAY’S FIXTURES

SATURDAY 5 OCTOBER 2013

First Division Barnton v Whaley Bridge Billinge FC v Styal Crewe v Greenalls Padgate St Oswalds Gamesley v Linotype Cheadle HN Knutsford v Garswood United Rudheath Social v Pilkington

Second Division Barnton Wanderers v Congleton Vale Daten v Malmas Grappenhall Sports v Egerton Moore United v Sale Town

Reserve Division Linotype Cheadle HN Reserves v Greenalls PSO Reserves Garswood United Reserves v Egerton Reserves Egerton Reserves v Daten Reserves Garswood United Reserves v Gamesley Reserves Poynton Reserves v Grappenhall Sports Reserves Styal Reserves v Pilkington Reserves Whaley Bridge Reserves v Billinge Reserves

NEXT WEEK AT BARROWS FARM: BILLINGE v PAGE CELTIC KICK-OFF 2PM ADMISSION: £2 INC 40PP PROGRAMME £1 CONCESSIONS FOOD AND DRINK AVAILABLE FROM THE BOOT ROOM CAFÉ BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER THE GAME BILLINGE FC: BRINGING FOOTBALL TO THE COMMUNITY AND THE COMMUNITY TO FOOTBALL

DOWN ON THE FARM BILLINGE FOOTBALL CLUB: FOUNDED 1988

BARROWS FARM, CARR MILL ROAD, BILLINGE, WN5

7TX HONOURS

1997-1998: ST HELENS COMBINATION 2ND

DIVISION CHAMPIONS AND TOM WORRALL CUP WINNERS 1998-1999: ST HELENS COMBINATION 1

ST DIVISION

CHAMPIONS 2000-2001: ST HELENS COMBINATION PREMIER DIVISION RUNNERS-UP 2001-2002: ST HELENS COMBINATION PREMIER DIVISION CHAMPIONS AND FINALISTS IN THE HOSPITAL CUP AND DH GRIFFITHS CUP 2003-2004: WARRINGTON LEAGUE 1

ST DIVISION CHAMPIONS

2005-2006: THE BILL GREY PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD; ANDY LEDGER 2008-2009: PROMOTED TO CHESHIRE LEAGUE 1

ST DIVISION

2009-2010: THE BILL GREY PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD; ANDY LEDGER 2010-2011: CHESHIRE LEAGUE CLUB OF THE SEASON 2011-2012: CHESHIRE LEAGUE CUP FINALISTS

NEXT AT BARROWS FARM:

LCFA CHALLENGE CUP: BILLINGE v PAGE CELTIC

12 OCTOBER 2013

KICK-OFF 2PM

ADMISSION: £2 - CONCESSIONS £1 - KIDS UNDER-7

GO FREE

BAR OPEN – HOT & COLD DRINKS – HOT FOOD

THE VILLAGE CLUB

IN THE BOARDROOM

CHAIRMAN – STEVE

DICKSON

SECRETARY –LES PILLING

ASSISTANT SECRETARY –

JAYNE WOOD

TREASURER – STEVE BROOKES

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

DAVE WOOD

JAMES WEBB ANDY VAUGHAN

GARY FLETCHER

ON THE FIELD FIRST TEAM MANAGER – PAUL OAKES ASSISTANT - STEVE DICKSON RESERVE TEAM MANAGERS –KEITH AMATO & – PAUL FARRELL SUNDAY TEAM MANAGER – DAVE WOOD HEAD COACH – ADAM LOWERY

FOOTBALL SNIPPETS KNUTSFORD ON THE LOOKOUT FOR A NEW GAFFER

CLUB STATEMENT 30th September 2013 The Club has parted company with manager Chris Adams for failing to meet the Club & FA standards and rules on Respect Codes of Conduct. With 2 months of the season gone, the Club has accumulated an appalling disciplinary record that has had to be addressed in order to protect the integrity and best interests of the Club. We would like to thank Chris for the hard work and commitment he has

delivered in the past 3 months and wish him well for the future. Jimmy Evans will take temporary charge of the 1st team with the support of John Ferguson whilst a new manager is recruited. KNUTSFORD FC MANAGER VACANCY Knutsford FC are looking to recruit a 1st Team Manager A disciplined attitude and approach with a commitment to the Club/FA respect rules of conduct is essential An advocate of playing football the right way is essential Experience and Coaching badges are helpful Contact: Jimmy Evans 07825 843506 evansjam2@aol.com

HUNTINGDON AND SLEAFORD KICKED OUT OF FA CUP BOTH Huntingdon Town and Sleaford have been booted out of the FA Cup after a mass melee. The first qualifying round tie between the sides on September 14 had to be abandoned after a brawl ensued with just three minutes left. Sleaford were ahead 2-1 at the time and both clubs had different views on how the situation occurred and developed. The clubs learned their fate earlier today after attending an FA Cup sub-committee meeting relating to the incident where the decision was made to remove both clubs from the oldest cup competition in the world. Both clubs were also found guilty of breaching FA Rule E20, failing to ensure that their players and/or officials and/or supporters conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and/or refrained from provocative and/or violent behaviour and were fined £150. A statement on Sleaford’s website read: “It is with great disappointment to us that The FA has made the decision to remove both clubs from this year’s competition. “We will now wait to receive the official judgement from the FA before considering whether to exercise our right to appeal.” AFC Sudbury, who were supposed to play the victors in the next round, have received a bye.

RESSIES WIN IN STYAL Styal Reserves 2-4 Billinge Reserves The weather conditions were testing on this very hot September Saturday but the Billinge rearguard of Ant Farrell, Jay Parkin, Geoff Parr and Ant Higgins - playing with a new found confidence - didn't give anything away for the first 45 minutes with Tom Hull virtually a spectator. While at the other end Rob Abblewhite slotted two fine goals to take Billinge in 0-2 at half-time.

Styal came at Billinge in the second-half but the energy and determination of Jordan Farrell and Joe Ratcliffe bolstered by the power and experience of captain Joe Unsworth made it difficult for the opposition. Dan Hague and Joe Ashall raiding down both flanks increased the chances again for Ablewhite up front who got free again to slot through the goalie's legs into the goal for his and Billinge's third. Unexpectedly Styal scored making it 3-1. The unusually hot weather was taking its toll on Jordan Farrell and Ratcliffe so substitute Billy Longshaw rolled on and off to give them a much deserved break. This freshened things up for Longshaw to slot a ball through for star striker Ablewhite to score his fourth goal. Styal scored again late on but Billinge cantered home winning 4-2 taking the Billinge outfit to fourth in the reserve league.

MOM: ROB ABLEWHITE – A MASTERCLASS IN FINISHING

RESERVES GOALSCORERS JOE UNSWORTH: 8 ROB ABLEWHITE: 7 ELLIOT BRADSHAW: 5 TOM ASHALL: 4 TOM HULL: 2 TERRY JEPSON: 2 ARRON BAILEY: 1 CHRIS DUFFY: 1 ANT FARRELL: 1 JORDAN FARRELL: 1 BILLY LONGSHAW: 1 JOE RATCLIFFE: 1 ELLIOT TWIGG: 1

The Billinge Sunday team are really up and running now and proving to be a superb addition to the Billinge family. Playing their football in the South Lancs Counties League the results – as expected – have been mixed but the entertainment on offer has been fantastic with double figure draws, wins and losses being registered. Managed by Dave Wood the lads are really

playing some good stuff and are gracing Barrows Farm every other Sunday morning. With over 25 lads vying for a place in the side competition for places is hotting up and the results over the next few weeks should be interesting. Whatever the results it means we are bringing open-age football to Barrows Farm on a Sunday. Add in the Under-16s also using our magnificent facilities it means that more of the local community is becoming involved and hearing about what we are trying to do at Billinge Football Club. So if anybody is free on a Sunday morning then why not pop along to the Soccer Centre and support the Under-16s and Sunday team lads. SUNDAY TEAM FIXTURES FOR OCTOBER 6 October 2013: WARGREAVE ROVERS (H) 11.00AM 13 October 2013: Ormskirk Royals (A) 11.30AM 27 October 2013: TOWN GREEN ATHLETIC (H) 11.00AM

NIGHT OUT IN LIVERPOOL Geoff Parr is organising a night out in Liverpool for the football club. The mind boggles!!! But if he can organise it as well as he organises the reserve team’s defence then it should be a good un! The date is 16 November 2013 and it all starts at 6.30pm at Liverpool Shooters Bar. £5 gets you a room (no not that kind) but one with a pool table, bar and all that. See Geoff for details…

PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS ON BILLINGE FOOTBALL CLUB http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/billingefootballclub/

RESSIES ON THE RISE Expectations are high now from Paul and Keith after the ressies recent run of form. Gamesley were in town and The Storks were geared up. Billinge started well with the midfield trio of Jordan Farrell, Joe Ratcliffe and Joe Unsworth pressing high up the pitch. With the assistance of the two wingers Dan Hague and Tom Ashall causing havoc down the flanks and young Billy Longshaw playing the lone striker role forced the opposition defence to give away a corner. Jordan Farrell sent the ball into the back post where captain Unsworth rose to plant the ball into the back of the net. From the restart Billinge gained possession and drove forward again. After Longshaw won a free kick outside the box, Anthony Farrell took control of the situation and fired the ball into the top corner with the goalie a gasp. Half-time 2-0 to Billinge Reserves. At the start of the second half Billinge were in for a shock. Gamesley resorted to a little bit of rough stuff and got results scoring two goals in quick succession to draw level. Billinge had to start all over again. Joe Uns, Geoff Parr and Ant Higgins could see the young lads had been affected by this change of tactic but they weren't having any,rolled their sleeves up and got stuck in encouraging the young lads to do likewise. The talent in the team shone through and goalie Tom Hull scored another goal from his own area - his second this season - to make it 3-2 to The Storks with 25 minutes left. Parr and Jay Parkin steadied the ship at centre back with both Ants at fullback starting attack after attack. Billinge showed their resilience again and Unsworth scored another goal of the month contender beating three mesmerised Gamesley defenders to power home a shot from 25 yards. Terry Jepson and Andy Kelly came on in the second half for Longshaw and Ratcliffe who had worked tirelessly. The substitution was effective as Jepson and Clarke added some much needed experience and rough stuff of their own. Dan Hague twisted his knee after one of his many sorties down the left, and while we hope he's okay for next week, this gave an opportunity to another Billinge under 18s youngster Jake Sache who impressed with 20 minutes to go; another one off the Billinge production line. With ten minutes to go Tom Ashall made it into the box again, shot to the far corner where Jordan Farrell was waiting to poke the ball home only for the Gamesley defender to desperately slice the ball into his own goal. The Ressies proved again they are made of stern stuff running out 5-2 winners moving up to fourth in the league.

Stand out players: Geoff Parr, Jay Parkin and Tom Ashall. MOM: Joe Unsworth - different gravy!

AS MUCH as I love Non-League, I’m not someone who goes around hating all things about the higher levels of the game. As well as enjoyment, the fact that players and staff operating in the grass-roots have something to aspire to is what football is all about, and I stay up late every Saturday night hoping to see ex-Non-League boys doing well on Match of the Day and The Football League Show. Last week there was plenty to take note of, not least at Burnley where one of the unsung heroes of the Clarets’ recent upper-end Championship and Premier League history, Michael Duff, was making his 300th appearance for the Lancashire club. Non-League fans with long memories will recall the Northern Ireland centre-half scoring the goal that sealed Cheltenham Town’s promotion from the Conference in 1999. He also made 300 appearances for the Robins, having already spent time at Carterton Town and Cirencester. Asked by FLS reporter Mark Clemmit about his rise, 35-year-old Duff said: “I’ve played in eight different divisions through English football from the Hellenic Premier, Dr Martens Midland, Premier and up. I even played a game in the Hellenic Reserve League once!” I got a first-hand view of a couple of other former Non-League folk rubbing shoulders with the big boys when I went behind the scenes at Swindon Town’s Capital One Cup clash with Chelsea. Mark Cooper couldn’t even get an interview when jobs at Hereford and Stockport County came up, despite a Non-League managerial record that included a Conference North title with Kettering, an FA Trophy win with Darlington and several lengthy Cup runs with Tamworth and the Poppies. The 44-year-old took the job at doomed AFC Telford last January on expenses-only basis, then quit after a winless month to take the Robins’ assistant’s job to Kevin MacDonald. When the ex-Liverpool midfielder quit in pre-season, Cooper was in the right place at the right time and within weeks, he’s taking on The Special One, Jose Mourinho. Only football can produce such turnarounds, and at the centre of Cooper’s new side’s passing game was another example, with Yaser Kasim comfortably matching the likes of Michael Essien and Juan Mata with his composure on the ball and passing ability in the middle of the Town midfield. I’d been really impressed by the Iraqi playmaker in Luton’s pre-season games last year, then bemused by his lack of impact when the league programme started. His loan from Brighton was terminated three months early, before a spell at Macclesfield brought regular starts for a month. Of course, there are many more. Ex-Basildon United and Grays winger Michael Kightly was in the same BBC clip as Duff at Turf Moor, while his old Athletic colleague Gary Hooper chose last week to fire his first goals since switching from Celtic to Premier League Norwich City for £5m. I recently did a piece for The NLP’s sister publication, The Football League Paper, with striker Matt Rhead who had netted his first League Two goal for Mansfield at the age of 29 after a career journeying around clubs like Kidsgrove, Eastwood, Congleton, Nantwich and Corby. “It just goes to show that all good things come to those who wait,” smiled the ex JCB manufacturer. Exactly, which is why I love to see our alumni flying the Non-League flag!

THE WORLD GAME! Manchester City Football Club has expanded its global social media presence by launching ten new international Twitter accounts. In addition to its existing English and Arabic Twitter accounts, which are followed by in excess of 1.5m fans, the Club now offers Twitter content in Traditional Chinese, French, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Thai.

The launch follows the successful roll-out of the Club’s ten international websites in the same languages earlier this summer, which saw City extend its reach up to 80% of the world’s internet connected population. Created to cater for the Club’s growing fan base abroad, the international Twitter accounts will ensure that City supporters from more than 160 countries will now be able to access Manchester City Twitter content in their own language. Commenting on the new international Twitter accounts, Diego Gigliani, Director of Marketing, Media and Fan Development for Manchester City Football Club, said: “As the Club continues to attract fans from across the world and our global community grows, it’s important to find new ways to connect and engage with them in order to build deeper relationships. Translating our website into 13 languages was one step on this journey – creating another ten Twitter accounts is another. “It’s incredible to think that fans from countries as far away from Manchester as Argentina, Indonesia, Russia or Korea will now receive tweets with Club news, videos, competitions, match-updates in real time, in their own language and typically in the palm of their hands. “Twitter has played an integral part in the Club’s online growth in recent years, providing the Club and its players with a unique channel through which to interact with fans in creative and innovative ways. We will continue to explore the wealth of opportunities that social networks like Twitter offer.” This sentiment was shared by Lewis Wilshire, former Head of Sport and now Media Partnerships Director for Twitter (UK), who added: “Following your favourite club on Twitter is a great way to get closer to the action. It is fantastic to see Manchester City innovating by launching Twitter accounts in ten new international languages. It will allow fans from all over the globe to join in conversations about their club and share in the roar of the crowd. "Over the last few years Manchester City has used Twitter in several interesting and original ways. They were the first team to put their hashtag #Together on their team bus when they won the Premier League trophy in the 2011/12 season, while Vincent Kompany’s #FollowTheCaptain initiative allowed fans to Tweet inspirational messages to the captain, which were then displayed in the team's dressing room ahead of the derby. "The club also consistently tweets in-game coverage – enlisting the help of then injured player Micah Richards, who took over the @MCFC account to live-tweet from a game. It is great to see them extending this to new audiences around the world with these new accounts." The new Twitter accounts bring the Club’s total multilingual digital offering to 12 Twitter accounts and 13 websites, in addition to its Mandarin Chinese social media presence in Sina Weibo and Tencent Weibo. Fcbusiness.co.uk

FROM THE BOARDROOM: STEVE DICKSON – CHAIRMAN OF

BILLINGE FC We offer a warm welcome to Styal FC to Carr Mill Road for a fixture that both teams will feel they can win. Billinge come into the game on the back of a mixed bag of results in the cup. The last three games have all gone to extra time with us winning two and losing one. The game we lost was against Linotype Cheadle HN and the good thing is we have them at home in the league next week. Hopefully we can avenge the result in the cup as we look to climb the table in what is the bread and butter of our season. The facilities at Carr Mill Road are as good as they have been with a lot of thanks going to club secretary Les Pilling for his efforts in making sure the pitch is maintained and the infrastructure is kept to a high standard. Last season the games against Styal were also a mixed bag with Billinge winning in the league 3-1 at home and in the cup following extra time but Styal took revenge by winning their home game comfortably 3-0. Off the field we continue to put in the hours as we look to improve the football club. We now have a strong active committee who are all adapting their own skills to help the club progress. The season has already been an eventful one and whatever happens between now and the final game we’ll have a good celebration at our end-of-season presentation and Sportsman’s Evening. These are always great events but this year we have really pushed the boat out and brought in Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock as guest speaker. Our treasurer Steve Brookes is putting his heart and soul into organising the event and I ask you all to support him and the club in whatever way you can. There is already great interest in the event around Billinge and we are now actively looking for sponsors for the event. So if you are able to sponsor the event or know somebody that may be interested then could you contact Steve or any member of our committee. As I mentioned we are at home again next Saturday and this is one of these Saturdays when there are no Premier League or Championship games so if you have any friends that are regulars at Everton, Liverpool, United or Latics then why not invite them down to watch the game. They will undoubtedly enjoy our hospitality and will be surprised by the quality on display at this level. Finally thanks to all regular supporters and sponsors who offer their support both vocal and financial very much appreciated.

CHEERS STEVE

THE CONCISE HISTORY OF BILLINGE FOOTBALL CLUB

Billinge Football Club was founded in 1988 By Phil Middlehurst. They played then in the St Helens Combination at the Eddleston Playing Fields, Billinge. 1988-1989 to 1991-1992 Geoff Maggs was the first manager to take the reins of the newly-formed club. 1992-1993 to 1996-1997 Following Geoff Maggs' departure to pastures new, Les Pilling was installed as the club manager. 1997-1998 and 1998-1999 Billinge FC form a Reserve Team, Brian Collins is appointed First Team Manager and Les Pilling takes on the Manager's Job of the newly-created Reserve Team. 1999-2000 to 2004-2005 Manager Keith Amato, replaces Brian Collins as First Team Manager. Les Pilling continues his sterling work with the Reserve Team. Amato enjoyed success with Billinge FC bringing silverware to the club and being the first manager to take a Billinge team into the prestigious Mid-Cheshire League. 2005-2006 Paul Farrell is appointed as First Team Manager to replace Keith Amato, long time club stalwart Les Pilling is appointed as Farrell’s Assistant Manager and Colin Betts is appointed as Reserve Team Manager. 2007-2008 Ex-Wigan Athletic legend Bryan Griffiths is appointed as First Team Manager, assisted by Andrew Clough. Dave Knowles is appointed as the Reserve Team Manager. Knowles is the first Billinge manager to take a team to a Mid-Cheshire Cup Final, losing narrowly to Poynton on a penalty shootout. Following the highs of the Cup Final, various on-going issues meant that Knowles was to leave the club at the end of the season. 2008-2009 Griffiths and Clough get Billinge promoted to the top division in the Cheshire League. The club move grounds from Eddleston Fields to purpose-built facilities at Barrow Farm. Steve Dickson is appointed as Reserve Team Manager. 2009-2010 Griffiths and Clough consolidate the First Team in the Cheshire League top division and Dickson looks to re-build the Reserves with strong links into the Billinge Youth system. 2010-2011 Ex St Helens Town Manager Jimmy McBride comes out of retirement to take over the job of First Team Manager, Bryan Griffiths steps down to become assistant to McBride and Andrew Clough takes on the position of club Chairman.

High points include Neil McDermot, Gary Jones, Scott Tickle and Andy Ledger being named in the Cheshire League Inter-League Squad. Steve Dickson continues as Reserve Team Manager. At the end of the season McBride resigns after being offered his old job back at St Helens Town, McBride comes back for Andrew Clough as his Assistant Manager at Town. 2011-2012 Steve Dickson is promoted from the Reserves to the First Team, he appoints a Management Team including Adam Lowry as Head Coach, Rob Dainty as Assistant Manager and Les Pilling as Match Day Secretary. Dickson is given the task of re-building the team to have a more youthful look. A new Reserve Team Management Team is appointed with Brian Mather, Chez Tideswell and Campbell Wilson coming in with a host of new players. The First Team had a really good run of results which lead to a mid-table finish considering the disastrous start this was a great achievement, they were the first Billinge Senior Team to get to the Cheshire League's prestigious League Cup Final and the average age has been reduced to 22 years. The Reserves have equalled Dave Knowles feat of getting the Reserves to the Reserve Cup Final, they also went on to a league and cup double, beating Farnworth 3-0 in the Northern Cup Final then to be crowned as Cheshire League Reserve Division Champions. Following the Reserve Team's success at Billinge the management accepted an approach from Daten F.C and left to form Daten's first team. Billinge moved quickly to appoint Paul Oakes as the Reserve team manager, Oakes had enjoyed success with St Helens Combination Premier outfit Greenfields FC. Dave Knowles returned to the club as Assistant Manager to Oakes, with Rob Dainty taking on an advisory/youth development role, this position is temporary as Dainty will return to First Team duties. 2012-2013 Steve Dickson steered the First Team to safety in the top division while the Reserve Team, under Paul Oakes, finished a very respectable 7th. The Reserve Team became the first club to retain the Northern Cup when they beat Quarry Bank 3-1 in the final. 2013-2014 Paul Oakes and Steve Dickson take up the reins of the First Team management whilst Paul Farrell and Keith Amato are appointed Reserve Team managers. New members are added to the committee with Steve Dickson installed as chairman while the club runs a Sunday Team managed by committee member Dave Wood and playing in the South Lancs League at Barrows Farm as the club celebrates it’s silver anniversary.

FIRSTS RESERVES SUNDAY JUNIORS VILLAGE

BILLINGE CRASH OUT OF THE CHESHIRE LEAGUE CUP For the third week running a Billinge Cup game went into extra-time. After being successful on the previous two occasions The Storks fancied their chances but this time they were to fall short losing 3-2 at Linotype Cheadle HN in the JB Parker Memorial Cheshire League Challenge Cup. The ninety minutes deservedly finished 1-1 after Billinge dominated the first period with Linotype Cheadle being the better side in the second 45. Billinge started the game well with Graham Green going close after six minutes. Eight minutes later Charlie Bloomfield put a great ball through to Derek Evans but the striker could control the ball and a great opportunity went begging. However on 26 minutes The Storks were ahead when centre-half Chris Godwin played a delightful pass out of defence to find James Webb who in turn found Green with a pass of equal quality. The hard-running centre-forward ran onto the pass and hammered home to make it 1-0 to the visitors. A minute later Green almost made it two but his left-footed shot went over the bar. Despite a late scare when Godwin had to clear the ball off the line the remainder of the half belonged to Billinge. There was no indication that Billinge would lose the game early in the half when an Evans lob was tipped around the post and from the resultant corner Webb's dead-ball kick almost found the back of the net. However on 55 minutes Gareth Fletcher committed a foul on the edge of the box which the Linotype defender Thomas Bane hammered home to level the score. Fletcher - who was excellent throughout the game - looked to amend his error when his storming 50-yard run forward almost produced a goal but Evans couldn't finish. On 62 minutes Godwin had to produce another match-saving block on the line and from the resultant attack Green brought a great save out of the Linotype keeper. At the other end - with six minutes to go - Billinge custodian had to be at his best to save from the excellent Vinnie Braine. With the game petering out into a draw Storks' substitute Walter Lombe hit a shot just wide of the post meaning the game went into extra time. Both teams looked out on their feet in the warm sunshine but two minutes before the break Braine latched onto a through ball to round keeper Cameron and put Cheadle 2-1 ahead. Three minutes after the break - with Billinge chasing the game - Linotype broke away and Craig Theobold finished neatly to make it 3-1. Billinge threw everything forward as Fletcher went close after good work from Elliot Bradshaw and Lombe. With the clock ticking down Lombe chased a backpass, put the keeper under pressure and from which his fluffed clearance hit the striker and went in the back of the net. Unfortunately for the visitors there was only time for the game to kick-off before the final whistle was blown and Linotype had triumphed 3-2. Billinge's manager Paul Oakes was not a happy man after the final whistle saying, "We need to have a long look at ourselves and our performance. "Some of the lads simply didn't work hard enough. "It's no point playing well for an hour each week and it's something we'll be working on in training this week and every week until we get it right." OPPOSITION’S MAN-OF-THE MATCH DAVE QUIGLEY

STRAIGHT FROM THE MOUTHS OF THE STORKS For those that all computer savvy and “have no time for all that paper stuff” then pleased be advised that you can read all our programmes online. All you have to do is go to the following links and take a gander:

http://issuu.com/vaughanie/docs/gamesley_programme http://issuu.com/vaughanie/docs/billinge_v_whaley_bridge_programme http://issuu.com/vaughanie/docs/billinge_fc_v_rylands_fc_programme http://issuu.com/vaughanie/docs/billinge_v_hale_programme

The first two programmes have had almost a thousand hits as we go to press so it’s good news for all at Billinge as we continue to expand the club. Personally I’d sooner have the paper version but I’m an old fart nowadays so no surprise there. This programme will be online Monday or Tuesday next week We also have a sponsorship brochure online that you can find at:

http://issuu.com/vaughanie/docs/sponsorship_brochure

Here however are a few of our sponsorship opportunities: KIT SPONSORSHIP TRACKSUIT SPONSORSHIP MATCH BALL SPONSORSHIP MATCH SPONSORSHIP HOSPITALITY PACKAGE

PLAYER SPONSORSHIP PROGRAMME ADVERTISING SPORTSMAN’S EVENING SPONSORSHIP We have packages to suit all pockets. If you are interested then just see one of our committee at the game today. Meanwhile may we give a massive thanks to all our sponsors and spectators that put money behind the bar/admission/programmes etc.

OUR THOUGHTS, PRAYERS AND SUPPORT GO OUT TO RYAN Everybody at Billinge FC was knocked back when they heard the news that Sunday team player Ryan Farrington had been diagnosed with cancer. Over the coming weeks we'll be throwing our weight behind Macmillan Cancer Support Meanwhile here is a recent article from the Warrington Guardian That's what friends are for - support for former Mr Warrington Guardian THESE men have all shaved their heads to raise money for charity in tribute to a friend who has been diagnosed with cancer.

Ryan Farrington, aged 26, of Houston Gardens, Chapelford, started a 10 week course of chemotherapy on Wednesday. He is determined to keep battling against the disease despite further tests on Friday revealing the testicular cancer has spread to his stomach. The former Mr Warrington said: “I was gutted when I found out the cancer had spread. “I’ve still got a chance for a really good outcome. “The doctors are hoping the chemotherapy will kill all the tumours. “If not, I’ll need another operation on my stomach. “It wasn’t the news I was hoping for but I’m determined to keep positive.”

Part of that approach saw Ryan organised the fundraiser for Macmillan Research at Warrington Hospital on Saturday.He was joined by 16 friends in the head shave that has helped raise more than £2,500. And the electrician has also received a card of support from former Everton and Celtic player Alan Stubbs, who recovered from cancer in 2001. Ryan added: “I’ve been overwhelmed by the reaction and I just like to say to everyone how much I appreciate their support.”

CHESHIRE LEAGUE TABLES AS @ 4 OCTOBER 2013 FIRST DIVISION P W D L GD POINTS

Garswood United 9 6 2 1 18 20 Knutsford 10 6 2 2 17 20 Barnton 10 6 1 3 25 19 Whaley Bridge 10 5 4 1 19 19 Crewe 10 6 1 3 9 19 Rudheath Social 8 6 1 1 8 19 Greenalls PSO 8 6 0 2 7 18 Eagle Sports 9 5 2 2 8 17 Gamesley 10 5 2 3 3 17 Linotype Cheadle HN 11 5 1 5 7 16 Rylands 8 4 0 4 10 12 Styal 11 2 2 7 -13 8 Billinge FC 8 1 2 5 -15 5 Pilkington 10 1 0 9 -24 3 Middlewich Town 9 1 0 8 -36 3 Denton Town FC 9 0 0 9 -43 0 RESERVE DIVISION P W D L GD POINTS Greenalls PSO 11 10 0 1 42 30 Whaley Bridge 11 7 4 0 27 25 Linotype Cheadle HN 11 8 0 3 18 24 Billinge 11 7 2 2 12 23 Styal 10 7 0 3 21 21 Barnton 8 6 1 1 17 19 Garswood United 11 6 1 4 6 19 Poynton 11 5 3 3 7 18 Pilkington 10 4 2 4 -7 14 Daten 9 3 2 4 -1 11 Rylands 8 2 3 3 -1 9 Grappenhall Sports 10 2 2 6 -10 8 Gamesley 10 2 1 7 -18 7 Middlewich Town 8 2 1 5 -25 7 Eagle Sports 10 1 1 8 -19 4 Denton Town 11 1 0 10 -34 3 Egerton 10 0 1 9 -35 1

BILLINGE FOOTBALL CLUB FIRST TEAM FIXTURES 2013/14 GOING TO PRESS THE ONLY LEAGUE FIXTURES RELEASED ARE FOR

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

OPPONENTS RES/KO AUGUST 2013 Sat 10/08/13 Knutsford (A) L 4-0 Tue 13/08/13 Greenalls PSO (A) L 2-1 Sat 17/08/13 GAMESLEY (H) D 1-1 Tue 20/08/13 Pilkington (A) L 3-1 Sat 24/08/13 WHALEY BRIDGE (H) D 0-0 Tue 27/08/13 Garswood United (A) L 6-1 Sat 31/08/13 Eagle Sports (A) W 1-0 SEPTEMBER 2013 Sat 07/09/13 RYLANDS L 0-4 Sat 14/09/13 Vulcan (WARRINGTON CUP) (A) W 7-3 Sat 21/09/13 HALE (LCFA CHALLENGE CUP) W 3-2 Sat 28/09/13 Linotype Cheadle HN (JB PARKER CUP ) (A) L 3-2

OCTOBER 2013 Sat 05/10/13 STYAL (H) 15.00 Sat 12/10/13 LINOTYPE CHEADLE HN (H) 15.00 Sat 19/10/13 Whaley Bridge (A) 15.00 Sat 26/10/13 Winwick Athletic (WARRINGTON CUP) (A) 14.00 BILLINGE FOOTBALL CLUB RESERVE TEAM FIXTURES 2013/14

OPPONENTS RES/KO AUGUST 2013 Thu 08/08/13 Pilkington Res (A) L 1-0 Sat 10/08/13 EGERTON RES (H) W 6-5 Thu 15/08/13 GARSWOOD UNITED RES (H) W 6-4 Sat 17/08/13 Gamesley Res (A) W 4-1 Thu 22/08/13 Greenalls PSO Res (A) L 3-2 Thu 29/08/13 DATEN RES (H) D 4-4 Sat 31/08/13 GRAPPENHALL SPORTS RES (H) W 4-2 SEPTEMBER 2013 Sat 07/09/13 Poynton Reserves (A) D 0-0 Sat 14/09/13 LINOTYPE CHEADLE HN RES (H) W 2-1 Sat 21/09/13 Styal Reserves (A) W 4-2 Sat 28/09/13 STYAL RESERVES (H) W 5-2 OCTOBER 2013 Sat 05/10/13 Whaley Bridge (A) 15.00 Sat 19/10/13 LINOTYPE CHEADLE HN RES (RES CUP) (H) 14.30 Sat 26/10/13 Linotype Cheadle HN Res (A) 14.00

TODAY’S TEAMS – SATURDAY 12th OCTOBER 2013

CHESHIRE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE

BILLINGE SOCCER CENTRE BARROWS FARM KICK-OFF 2PM

BILLINGE FC SQUAD VERSUS LINOTYPE CHEADLE HEATH FC SQUAD (ALPHA) Aaron Cameron 1 Christopher Ball Elliot Bradshaw 2 Thomas Bane Charlie Bloomfield 3 Vinnie Braine Chris Godson 4 Jack Hare Gareth Fletcher (CAPTAIN) 5 Nehru McKenzie Dave Quigley 6 David Owens Derek Evans 7 Thomas Rogers Dan Curran 8 Daniel Rothel Chad Whyte 9 Craig Theobold Graham Greene 10 Brian Walsh James Webb 11 Philip Yuille

SUBS Scott Robinson 12 Ben Biease Walter Lombe 14 Raul Correia Mark Bowland 15 Javin McKenzie Andy Goulding 16 Jack Taylor Jamie Anderson 17 Michael Wild MANAGER: PAUL OAKES MANAGER: ASSISTANT: STEVE DICKSON ASSISTANT: ASSISTANT: GARETH FLETCHER SHIRTS: CLARET & SKY BLUE SHIRTS: SHORTS: CLARET & SKY BLUE SHORTS: SOCKS: CLARET & SKY BLUE SOCKS:

OFFICIALS: STEPHEN HOWARD, STANLEY LEE & RON SCHOFIELD

THE CHESHIRE SET: NEWS FROM AROUND THE CHESHIRE LEAGUE

JB PARKER CUP ROUND-UP: Eagle Sports began their defence of the JB Parker Cup with a 3-1 victory away against a spirited Denton Town side. Eagle took the lead after 15 minutes when Ged McAllister finished confidently after being put through by Liam

Walker. McAllister added his second on the half hour mark when he slotted home Stuart Bruce's pass. Denton Town pulled a goal back with an excellent strike fifteen minutes into the second half but soon after, Mike Hickman settled the tie, bursting through two challenges to finish well from a tight angle. Garswood United sailed comfortably through to the next round as they beat Rudheath Social 3-0, while Whaley Bridge won 2-1 away at Styal to secure their place in the draw for the second round. Linotype CHN had a tough battle on their hands as they entertained Billinge and with the score level at 1-1 after 90 minutes the game went into extra time. The fixture remained a tight affair but Linotype forced their way into the next round as they finished 3-2 winners. Greenalls entertained Crewe who came into the game in fine form after three consecutive wins, including victories over first and second placed teams in the league. Greenalls started the game brightly with Rob Hanley missing an early chance when one on one with the keeper and Craig Hoyland striking the Crewe cross bar directly from a free kick. Hanley made up for his earlier miss when a Danny Topping free kick from deep on the right hand side was headed back across goal by Neil Sutch and Hanley was on hand to thrash home from eight yards out mid way through the first half. Crewe were frustrated as Greenalls pressed well all over the pitch and another surge down the left saw Lee Vaughan looking dangerous in the area, but his flick was handled as he looked to shoot. Hoyland smashed the spot kick high past Wes Newton in the Crewe goal to make it 2-0. Crewe started to find a foothold on the game and should have halved the deficit with their first real chance, as Pearson got clear of Johns and pulled the ball back to Southern who, with the goal at his mercy, forced his shot high and wide. After a defence splitting pass from Rogers, Paul Benns ran at the full back and when well placed at the by line, pulled the ball back for the on rushing Topping to lash into the top corner with his left foot. However, Crewe found form again, which saw them get back into the game. The confident looking Brehaut at the back for Crewe was allowed to move forward and when 20 yards out, unleashed a great strike that whistled past Kiernan and made it 3-1. With 21 minutes left, Crewe gave away an indirect free kick after the keeper picked up a back pass and Hughes played it to Hoyland who again struck the bar for Greenalls. A neat one two saw Southern found himself well placed in the Greenalls area and he made no mistake as he sent the ball high and past Kiernan into the top corner for 3-2. Greenalls secured the win in stoppage time as the restless Hanley forced an error from the defender on the edge of the Crewe box and curled a lovely shot into the top left corner. Two goals from each side saw Barnton and Pilkington head into extra time in their cup tie but a strong performance from Barnton saw them finish 5-2 winners with extra time goals from Billy Webb, Colin Quirk and Ryan Malone. Gamesley and Knutsford were also level at full time leading to an entertaining period of extra time, which saw Knutsford finish 4-3 winners.

Kat Davey

A VIEW FROM THE TOWER So like Wigan Borough and Wigan Athletic some years later, the Football League didn't take too kindly to New Brighton Tower exiting the competition with hardly any notice, and the small Cheshire town had to wait 20 years to experience league football once again. South Liverpool a once renowned name in local football circles hit hard times in the first year of the 1920's and some football enthusiasts from the Wirral negotiated the purchase of the "South", taking over their fixtures in the Lancashire Combination, as well as their debts. So duly New Brighton A.F.C. commenced on the road back to Football League "glory" on August 27th 1921 with a fixture against Manchester based club Hurst and a 3 - 1 away win , followed by a second away fixture against Atherton, resulting in a 1 - 2 defeat. The following week brought the first home game of the new club, and a defeat to Whiston Parish in a F.A. Cup qualifying round , but with a healthy attendance of nearly 5,000. But what of The Tower Grounds enclosure? Well, not unlike the demise of the original New Brighton Tower F.C., the actual leisure venue hit hard times but soldiered on minus its famous landmark tower, destroyed by fire and then dismantled at the end of the Great War. With New Brighton A.F.C. playing out their fixtures at a newly constructed Sandheys Park, in Rake Lane, it would have been regarded as preposterous that football would be played there once again. With the now nicknamed "Rakers", playing out games in The Lancashire Combination finishing a creditable 3rd position in the debut season, and fourth in their second year, yet amazingly the club was voted into The Football League in June 1923. Having failed at the first ballot, they were given a second chance when it was decided by the member clubs to enlarge the 3rd Division North and South sections to 24 clubs in each competition. The Rakers were in, not unlike Wigan Athletic in 1978, when the "Latics" were voted in totally unexpectedly and equally unprepared. Fortunately for the Rakers they had at that time a thriving supporters club, and with cash donations and willing labour the Rake Lane ground was brought up to a standard of sorts, but over the subsequent years’ adverse weather took its toll. The clubs league career took a reasonable commencement with draws away to Bradford and home to Chesterfield before the third game took a pleasant turn, with the club securing a narrow victory over Bradford in the return fixture, in front of 8,000 fans, some 5,000 more than had witnessed the midweek stalemate versus The Spirites of Chesterfield. Games game and went at Sandheys with the club finishing in a not unreasonable 18th place out of 24 clubs. The 1924/5 fixture list commenced with a scoreless home draw against Bradford, then a loss and a draw, before the first victory of the season was recorded against Rotherham County. The games came and went against teams like Wigan Borough, Ashington and Nelson, and led to a third place finish. Not quite a good enough finish to launch the club into Full Membership of the league. TO BE CONTINUED

DAVE CLARKE

A WORD FROM THE GAFFER “We will be measured by what we achieve on the pitch this season”

GOOD afternoon and welcome to Barrows Farm for our Cheshire League Division One game against Styal. We welcome a Styal team who have started the season in similar form to ourselves and sit one place above us in the division. There is every reason to think that this will be another tough fixture where we will need to ensure our attitude is spot-on. If we are at the races then we’ll have every chance. Last week I felt that three weeks of extra-times took their toll. Everybody was disappointed with the result but we had a good chat after the game and – as ever – we’ll take the positives from the game and press on. One of those positives has been the form of Elliot Bradshaw – who after a short spell in the reserves has come back a much stronger player and character. It has been a big plus for us as has the form and fitness of Chris Godwin who was immense last week. Another player in form is Gareth Fletcher and I’m delighted to say that Flecker has taken on an assistant manager’s role at the club alongside Steve and myself. This is the next logical step for our senior player who will undoubtedly manage the club at some stage. I’m sure you will all give him the support and encouragement he deserves. The addition of Flecker strengthens the football management side even further. I can't reiterate how important this is and in Steve Dickson we have a superb team. I can't reiterate strongly enough the massive contribution that Steve makes on matchdays along with his role as chairman of the club. Both are massive jobs and he does both superbly well. Finally it’s good to see our reserve team doing well and there really is a great spirit running through the club. With everybody going back to St Mary’s after this just further cements the bond between everybody at the club. Finally many thanks to our supporters and sponsors and here’s hoping for a good game. Yours in Sport,

PAUL OAKES: MANAGER OF BILLINGE FC

BILLINGE FOOTBALL CLUB

SPORTSMAN’S EVENING

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