Holker Street Newsletter 1056 - 29th January 2003

It was with great sadness that I read about the death of Tommy Cahill. I'd seen him on a number of occasions over the past few years and though I never knew him, I along with many others, were well aware of his time at the club. He was the first player to sign for the club from the old First Division when he joined from Newcastle United and stayed for ten seasons. I have included some details about Tommy in this edition. Perhaps anyone who had any memories of Tommy would like to share them with the rest of us. Send them to or .

In relation to this Newsletter, sometimes there can be such a lot of information it can take a while to read, never mind produce the Newsletter, and it was for this reason I split this week’s UniBond press release into two parts with the first being in Monday’s Newsletter and the second in today’s edition.

Barrow's next match is away at Whitby Town on Saturday but if you can't make it, the reserve side are playing at home on Friday evening against Burscough reserves with entrance via the Cross Bar.


TOMMY CAHILL
The following was kindly sent in by David Ingham from the book Barrow AFC 100 Post War Greats

Tommy Cahill 314 appearances, 3 goals
Born in Glasgow in 1931, Tommy Cahill went into the Holker Street record books on the day he signed for the club as he became the first retained First Division player to put pen to paper for the then North Lancashire club.

Tommy began his career playing for Scottish Junior outfit Vale of Clyde and it was while playing for this West of Scotland club he attracted the attention of both Kilmarnock and Celtic. Unfortunately for Tommy, in 1949 his football career took a different direction as he was called up for National Service. While on service duties he attracted the attention of Fulham who duly invited him to Craven Cottage for training. Tommy was selected for Fulham reserves who were playing in the London Combination along with reserve teams from Arsenal, Spurs, Chelsea and Charlton to name but a few. After finishing his service duties, Tom returned to Scotland, and shortly after returning to his homeland Fulham, Chelsea, Liverpool, Aberdeen and Aston Villa all sought his signature. Despite these big name clubs showing interest, Tommy continued his football with Vale of Leven, who like Vale of Clyde played in Scottish Junior football. With ever more League clubs taking an interest, the lure of a St James Park contract proved too much as he put pen to paper for Newcastle United in 1951. Despite playing mainly reserve team football, Tom made his Newcastle debut in 1952, when he replaced the Magpies Irish international Alf McMichael. After spending four happy years in the north east, Tommy followed his former Newcastle United teammate and the then Barrow manager Joe Harvey to Lancashire as he signed for Barrow in 1955. Making his debut in the 2-0 defeat at Haig Avenue against Southport, Tom stayed at Holker Street for ten years, playing in almost 300 League games in the number three shirt. A no nonsense defender he always gave 100% to the club.

During his Holker Street career, Tom played in many important matches, including the Third Round FA Cup ties against Sheffield United, Swansea and Birmingham City. After giving excellent service to Barrow, the likeable Scotsman was rewarded with two benefit games, firstly against a Barrow RL XI which included such names as Steve Hill, Ronnie Moran and Alan A'Court. He played his last game in a Barrow shirt on 24 October 1964 in the 2-0 League victory at Holker Street against Notts County. Tommy started the 1965-66 season playing for local outfit Vickers SC where for two seasons he passed on his valuable experience to the up and coming footballers.

Richard Ingham has the programmes from Tommy's testimonials and has included a tribute from then manager Ron Staniforth.

From a Barrow Select v First Division XI played on Thursday 4 May 1961 at Holker Street. The First Division team consisted of: West (Blackpool), Cunningham (Preston NE), Garret (Blackpool), Clayton (Blackburn), Woods (Blackburn), England (club unknown), Hill (Blackpool), Broadis (Queen of the South), Dobing (Blackburn), Crowe (Blackburn), A'Court (Liverpool). Liverpool's Ronie Moran is also listed.

A tribute from Ron Staniforth (Barrow AFC manager at the time).
Having had the privilege of playing alongside Tommy Cahill, on a good number of occasions, and being aware, as his manager, of all he has, and is still offering to Barrow soccer club, I can say with confidence that no player deserved a benefit more. There is more asked from a pro footballer other than that of kicking a football around, and taking into account all the requirements Tommy has proved to all of us, both spectators and playing staff alike, on a good number of occasions that he has no shortcomings. To my mind he is the ideal club man, always ready to oblige, both on or off the field. There is no need for me to tell you the value of Tommy's play to Barrow soccer, for each home game is a further opportunity for all of us to witness a sound display from a player, who, undoubtedly, I am proud to be associated with as his manager and playing colleague.


MAIL WATCH - MONDAY 25 JANUARY
Barrow AFC extended their unbeaten run to seven games with a 2-0 victory at Gainsborough Trinity on Saturday. Darren Connell and Grant Holt struck for Barrow which helped close the gap on second placed side Stalybridge to just two points with a game in hand. Manager Kenny Lowe was pleased with the performance in that Simon Bishop had very little to do and the fact that we could have scored more ourselves after creating other good chances. He also commented that the style of play has changed a little to cope with the condition of the pitches in that they are now more direct but don't just lump it forward.

Former Scunthorpe United player Steve Ridley made a debut at left back after Scott Maxfield failed a fitness test. Ridley, who is 19, signed UniBond registration forms and is part of the squad due to the fact we have no left sided players available with both Maxfield and Bullimore out due to injury. Ridley can play in either a left back or left midfield position. The only bad news for Barrow at the weekend was that leaders Accrington maintained their ten point lead after they won 1-0 at Burscough.

MAIL WATCH - TUESDAY 26 JANUARY
Darren Connell’s loan spell with Barrow AFC has ended and the club are in talks to extend his spell further, though the decision hinges on what Scarborough his present club say. Kenny Lowe mentioned that he'd like to extend his spell for another month and in that time sit down and offer him a more permanent move. Connell came in at the beginning of December, has scored goals and has settled in very well with the rest of the team, according to Lowe. Lowe added that Darren was enjoying his time at the club and hopefully we'll be able to hold onto him for longer. For Saturday's trip to Whitby, the side are likely to be missing Wayne Bullimore who goes in for a scan on his groin and Scott Maxfield who has been carrying an ankle injury since the Moor Green game. New signing Steve Ridley is expected to play at left back once more after his debut at Gainsborough on Saturday.


FROM BEHIND THEIR FENCES
From the Gainsborough website at

The Blues failed to score at home for only the second time in the League this season. The Barrow goalkeeper never having a save to make as the Blues managed very little on or near the target. The Blues held on for 0-0 at half time but two early second half goals gave Barrow the three points.

From
Trinity boss Phil Stant said his side's 2-0 defeat at home to Barrow would be a valuable lesson for his young players. Trinity defended well in the first half against one of the UniBond Premier League's best teams but then conceded two goals after the break. The first came just two minutes after the interval when Darren Connell was allowed a simple header on the goal line. A philosophical Stant said: "We defended well during the first half and kept a clean sheet but then let a simple goal in. It was very disappointing to conceded such a sloppy goal. Barrow are a very experienced side and, once they get in front, they will seize the initiative." Grant Holt quickly added a second, leaving no way back for the Blues, something that Stant said his young players had to learn. "We will keep drumming it into them and hopefully they will learn from it," he said. Stant was also critical that his more experienced players had an off-day, although he acknowledged that some were playing with injuries. Paul Eshelby was unceremoniously dragged off after only 22 minutes for tactical reasons, but Chris Timons was taken off as a result of injury late in the second half. Richard Lucas played despite an injured knee, and goalkeeper Ben Scott was unable to take the goal-kicks because of a damaged ankle.

Trinity had a lot of defending to do in the first half as Barrow enjoyed the bulk of possession. Holt won an early free-kick for the visitors but, when it was played up to the box, Ian Arnold shot over. Allison had to head a cross clear, then Timons struggled to contain Holt on the edge of the box, and two near-post corners caused problems in the first few minutes. Graham Anthony missed a good chance when he drove over the bar after being played in on the left by Arnold. The Northolme pitch was very heavy and it left Gary Jones frustrated when he tried to roll the ball to Ellington in a rare Trinity attack. Indeed, the only real chances for Trinity in the first half were a free-kick from Staton that he put wide of the top right-hand corner and a shot from Jones, which was safely held by Bishop. The visitors had dominated the opening 45 minutes but resolute defending restricted their chances to score.

After the break, Trinity gave them a chance on a plate. Left back Steve Ridley, playing only after Scott Maxfield had failed a late fitness test, was allowed to get a cross in and the unmarked Darren Connell nodded in at the near post. Grant Holt made it 2-0 in the 54th minute after running on to a low through-ball and slotting his shot underneath the stranded Scott. Phil Stant immediately introduced himself into the action and Trinity created an excellent chance which Stones blasted wide from distance. Sloane also fired wide after Allison had laid the ball into his path as the Blues tried to pull a goal back. Barrow looked much more likely to score a third, though, and only an excellent tackle by Allison stopped Arnold's path to goal. Holt went on a tremendous run, beating Barrett on the right and checking inside before charging flat-out towards goal, where Scott came out well to win the ball with his feet.

Some late Trinity pressure did give slight hope of a possible fight-back. Stant took two free-kicks: one he put well over the bar; the other he smashed into the defensive wall. In the dying seconds the Blues' player-manager was bundled over in the box and should have had a penalty. At the final whistle few would argue that the best side had won and Stant agreed, saying: "We competed well but we were way off it. They are a good, experienced side at the top of the table. That is what we need to be aiming at for next season." Trinity came out of the game with Timons, Stant, Scott and Lucas all carrying injuries, while skipper Darren Knowles and David Jeris were already sidelined. However, during this week's training session, the ears of the younger players may well hurt rather more than their legs.


NEIL TARRANT UPDATE
From Neil Tarrant’s agent Alex McLoughlin who posted several messages on the Barrow website fans forum in response to questions posed by supporters that I will summarise.

I wish to reply to the many positive responses to my latest post and to answer a few points raised by the replies:- The team in Korea that Neil plays for is named Busan Icons and are sponsored by car giants Hyundai, they play their home games in front of 20,000 when not doing so well, but in front of 50,000 when they are doing well. They play in a city with a population of five million and play their home games at the World Cup Busan Stadium which hosted games during last year's World Cup. With regard to a player having an agent, if Neil didn't have an agent then he wouldn't have been at Barrow or playing abroad on the good deal he's on at present. Although some supporters are disappointed he didn't stay until the end of the season why wait when such a good deal is on the table? It was asked why a player's agent is posting details of his player's progress and Alex replied that 'as an agent it is my job to look after the best interests of my client and why shouldn't the fans and the club receive recognition and credit in the important part that they played in helping get Neil’s career moving again.

Some supporters initially thought this story was a hoax and this is how Alex replied 'I can assure you this is no hoax and I shall be only to pleased to contact the Evening Mail to publish this post, if anyone wants to interview me on this matter then it would be a pleasure, people need to look at agents from a different perspective, as I see it by conducting myself in a professional manner that perspective of agents shall not be labelled on myself, regardless of how other agents conduct their business. I shall be submitting a letter to the club and requesting that they publish it in the next available slot in the match programme'.

FURTHER UPDATES ON NEIL TARRANT
From Neil's agent, Alex McLaughlin
Sunday: Neil arrived safely and apart from jet lag he is doing fine and took part in a light training session this morning (local Korean time). I have passed on all your wishes via Neil’s dad as I haven’t spoken with Taz at this point.

Monday: Despite suffering from jetlag, Neil played the last 30 minutes in the opening game of a four team round robin tournament and guess what? He scored the winning goal, Neil is a bit tired but he has got off to a great start.


CHRIS WHITTLE
The following item was posted on the Barrow AFC website at and concerns former player Chris Whittle. Chris played for the club at the start of the 1999/2000 season after we spent the summer not knowing if or where we'd be playing. He was in the line-up for Kenny Lowe's first game as manager.

I saw Chris Whittle in the student's union here at Loughborough yesterday, Chris used to play for Barrow three or four years ago before leaving to study sports science. He played a few times for Loughborough Students FC 1st XI when he first arrived here as well as playing for Corby Town in the Dr Martens Eastern Division. I'm not sure if he was on loan from Barrow when he was at Corby, so that the door at Holker Street was open for him in case he wanted to return. Apparently he was on UKP70 a week at Corby. It seems that he has lost interest in football as he was asked by Corby to return to play for them over a university vacation period and he refused even though they offered him free hotel accommodation. He now smokes and his football has gone out of the window as I don't think he plays for the university team anymore either.


FROM REG CLUCAS' SCRAPBOOK
The next report from the scrapbook is from 27 January 1968, when 16,650 packed in to Holker Street to see Barrow take on Leicester City in the FA Cup Third Round. This is Bob Herbert's report from that day's Evening Mail 'Sports Final'.

The early tragedy of an "own goal", a great fight-back and a grandstand finish is the story of Barrow's exit from the FA Cup at the hands of a "lucky Leicester". Barrow player-manager Colin Appleton wasn't in the line-up to face his old club. He decided he hadn't recovered sufficiently from a thigh injury to consider himself for selection. Len Glover, the most expensive winger in British football, having moved from Charlton for UKP80,000, hadn't recovered from an ankle injury and so was left out of the Leicester line-up. Bobby Svarc, who nearly joined Barrow earlier this season for a trial period, came in on the left wing.

Barrow: Else, Mallon, Bebbington, Harrison, Arrowsmith, Edwards, McCarthy, McGarry, Mulholland, Hartland, Storf. Sub: McDonald
Leicester: Shilton, Rodrigues, Bell, Roberts, Sjoberg, Nish, Gibson, Large, Stringfellow, Cross, Svarc. Sub: Woollett.
Referee: Mr P Baldwin (Thornton-in-Cleveland)

Pre-match music was played by the Shipyard Band and the terraces were well packed long before light rain started half an hour before kickoff. The Leicester players came out 20 minutes before the scheduled start, but returned to the dressing room after a five-minute kick-around. A rousing cheer greeted skipper Brian Arrowsmith when he led out the Barrow side but the Leicester fans weren't quiet and were soon chanting for their players. Roberts called correctly after Arrowsmith spun the coin and the Leicester captain elected to attack the steelworks end. A long Leicester ball went straight to Else and Barrow hit back by gaining two corners in the first minute. Mulholland caused Sjoberg some trouble and then the bustling McGarry panicked Cross into conceding the second. But the second minute brought tragedy for Barrow. Large tried to find his right winger and while Arrowsmith moved to intercept, he swung at the ball and it rocketed past Else for an own goal. There was nearly one at the other end, for Shilton had to dive full length to get to a Sjoberg back pass. Then McCarthy almost snatched a fifth minute equaliser. He chased the ball pushed down the left flank, and cut inside to meet Shilton, but the goalkeeper just managed to deflect the ball across the face of the net and it went within inches of sneaking inside the far post. Bebbington looked confident as he blotted out a Leicester raid and Harrison had a shot come centre deflected for corner. McCarthy wasted the chance but later found Harrison with a great ball to set up Barrow's next raid and Harrison had Shilton scrambling across his goal hold the ground shot. Mulholland tried to go through but did not have the physical strength to repel a challenge by Sjoberg.

Players were going in hard and when Harrison and Stringfellow clashed, colleagues had to part them before the referee could hand out a lecture. A good Rodrigues chip set the Leicester attacking machine in motion again and the move finished with Edwards turning a Stringfellow cross behind. Else got up well to fist out the corner. The 17th minute brought another chance for a Barrow equaliser when the Leicester goalkeeper lost possession but neither Mulholland nor Storf was facing in the right direction to get in a shot and when the ball was turned towards goal Shilton had recovered to collect. Cross, Large and Stringfellow all hammered in powerful shots that Else did well to hold and the Barrow goalkeeper was also kept busy cancelling out the extra height Leicester had in the middle. It remained a "ding-dong" battle with play flashing from one end to the other and Welsh international Rodrigues had to foul Storf to hold the Barrow left winger. McGarry sent the free kick towards the near post and Mulholland hooked it on but it went over the heads of his colleagues in the middle. The First Division side's defence wasn't having too easy a time and were happy to block shots from Hartland and McGarry and from the latter's effort the ball spun out to Mallon, who was doing a fair amount of attacking, but he hooked over a shot that went inches over the angle.

McGarry almost sent Cross dizzy as he tried to halt a dazzling run by the former Newcastle star, but Barrow still couldn't find the finishing punch when the ball was switched into the middle. McCarthy stubbed his toe when reaching a Mulholland cross and so yet another chance was lost. Then Storf whipped in a shot from a dozen yards out and Shilton could only parry the ball but he recovered to dive on it. Then he nearly misjudged a McGarry cross from the right but was able to stretch back and collect as Barrow men waited in the middle. A long ball from deep in the Leicester half sent Svarc clear on the left but Else was happy to let the shot flash across the face of the net and go well wide. Then McGarry, turning on his skills yet again, had the visitors struggling with a cross-field ball that caught them all on the wrong foot but Mallon wasted the opening by hitting his centre behind. Leicester retaliated to gain a corner and Else just punched away the in-swinger from Nish. So while Barrow had shown they need a little more punch in the middle they were very unlucky to be trailing at the interval. They had given the Leicester defence a hectic time and the First Division outfit often resorted to wild clearances to give them time to reform. Barrow's defensive formation was performing fairly well with Leicester not being able to create any clear cut openings but relying on long range shots and balls "wafted" into the middle in the hope that Large or Stringfellow could connect but invariably it was a Barrow man who met the centre.

Half-time - Barrow 0 Leicester 1

Arrowsmith stamped out a Leicester probe as the First Division side strove to increase their lead and when Barrow switched play to the other end there was a chance for an equaliser from a McCarthy corner on the left. The ball went too high for Shilton to collect but Harrison was caught unawares when the ball dropped his way and with a desperate stab sent it a yard wide of the post. Hartland tried a 25-yarder but Shilton had it covered every inch of the way and when Storf beat two men he found his route blocked by the Leicester defence well. Barrow's chances of reaching the elusive Fourth Round took another knock in the 54th minute when Arrowsmith stood no nonsense and conceded a corner when danger threatened. Gibson sent over an in-swinger from the right and Sjoberg darted in smartly to beat Else for possession and glance the ball home.

In the 65th minute Barrow brought on substitute MacDonald but the way it was done brought a protest from the Leicester trainers' bench. McCarthy was called off and McDonald moved on to the field when McGarry went down injured. So Barrow manager Appleton called McDonald off and had McCarthy return so that his substitute would not have been used had McGarry's injury been serious. When McGarry was able to resume the switch was made and this time the referee checked with McDonald before he allowed him to play.


This goal enabled Leicester to settle and start showing their finer touches, Roberts and Nish doing some good midfield work. Else saved stunners from Nish and Large and kept out two sharp in-swinging corners as Barrow, apparently having shot their bolts, worked to keep the score respectable. However, in the 77th minute the game came back to life when Barrow pulled a goal back. McDonald took a corner on the right and Storf rammed it home from near the penalty spot.

Suddenly Barrow's long silent fans had something to cheer about and there was nearly an equaliser the following minute for Mallon sent Storf clear again with a cross-field pass and when Shilton couldn't reach the shot he was happy to watch the ball skid inches wide of the upright. Then McGarry rammed in a 20 yarder which was only a few inches too high. Barrow were certainly producing a grandstand finish and when Mulholland chipped the ball over Shilton was lucky to get possession as Harrison tried to turn it back into the path of McGarry. Then Storf tried a ground shot and once again the keeper collected, but he had to go full length. Else snatched the ball off the goal-line as Large tried to put the game beyond Barrow's grasp and while Barrow had time to move onto the attack again they did not get the chance of an equaliser. But when the game was over Appleton was quickly out of his seat on the trainers' bench to congratulate his players as they left the field.


OTHER UNIBOND RESULTS
Wednesday, 22 January
UniBond League Challenge Cup - Third Round: Bradford Park Avenue 4 Ossett Town 5 (134) after extra time.
Lancashire FA Marsden Trophy - Second Round: Accrington Stanley 2 Southport 0 (324).

Saturday, 25 January
UniBond League Challenge Cup - Third Round: Gateshead 1 Harrogate Town 0 (217).
UniBond League Challenge Cup - Quarter-Finals: Marine 1 Worksop Town 0 (255), Radcliffe Borough 3 Ossett Town 4 (206), Vauxhall Motors 0 Rossendale United 1 (206).
UniBond League President's Cup - First Round: Wakefield & Emley 2 Farsley Celtic 1 (176).
UniBond League President's Cup - Quarter-Finals: Ashton United 1 North Ferriby United 0 (163), Runcorn FC Halton 3 Spennymoor United 1 (151), Stalybridge Celtic 3 Colwyn Bay 0 (411).
UniBond League Chairman's Cup - First Round: Guiseley 1 Droylsden 3 (204).
UniBond League Chairman's Cup - Quarter-Finals: Bamber Bridge P Kendal Town P (match postponed - waterlogged pitch), Blyth Spartans 3 Frickley Athletic 0 (277), Lincoln United 0 Hucknall Town 2 (160).


UNIBOND PRESS RELEASE (PART 2)
From the Official UniBond League site at

Culshaw Elected Vice-chairman: Long serving Marine Chairman Tom Culshaw has been elected vice-chairman of the UniBond League in succession to Peter Maude who himself was recently appointed chairman of the League. The appointment is befitting of Mr Culshaw’s vast experience of the game at this level. He has been associated with Marine FC for over forty years and has been a member of the UniBond League Management Committee for more than twenty years.

UniBond Clubs Make Up 25% of Trophy: Following Altrincham’s dismissal of Conference club Kettering Town along with Gainsborough Trinity’s success over fellow UniBond side Farsley Celtic in mid-week Replays the UniBond League will make up 25% of the FA Trophy’s last 32. Indeed, Altrincham’s win against Kettering gave the UniBond League Premier Division a tremendous 4-3 victory over Conference opposition in the Third Round with Vauxhall Motors, Wakefield & Emley and Worksop Town all joining Altrincham in defeating higher ranking opposition whilst Barrow, Lancaster City and Stalybridge Celtic lost. The League’s representation in the Fourth Round has been rewarded by the draw in which only Vauxhall Motors have been drawn away to outside opposition when they visit Windsor & Eton. The only other UniBond club to travel in next weekend’s Fourth Round is Burscough who go to runaway First Division leaders Alfreton Town to guarantee the League one club in the last sixteen. However, with Altrincham, Colwyn Bay, Gainsborough Trinity, Wakefield & Emley and Worksop Town all enjoying home advantage the League’s representation in the Fifth Round could be even greater than the 25% in the Fourth Round. Wakefield & Emley are the only club who don’t yet know who they are playing as the tie between Heybridge Swifts and Hendon was postponed last Tuesday and will now take place this mid-week.

Belper Latest to Feel The Pinch: Belper Town are the latest UniBond League club to feel the financial pinch. Chairman Phil Varney said “We have had to reduce the playing budget in order to go some way towards balancing the books at the end of the season. The departures of Leroy Chambers and Simon Collins have helped but lack of regular sponsorship, early elimination from the two FA competitions and falling gates has forced us to look at our expenses especially with the new stand taking up large sums despite the grant we received. Manager Gary Marrow wasn’t charged with getting promotion at his first attempt because developing the ground had to be our first priority. However I would be delighted if we are involved in the promotion stakes at the end of the season and if we were to win promotion we will be better equipped financially next season by taking these steps to curtail spending now.

Witton’s Biggest Signing For Years: Witton Albion this week announced they have signed up to a business partnership with the Bank of Scotland (HBOS). It is the culmination of several months of hard work which chairman Mike Worthington has been pursuing since attending a seminar given by the Bank. Mr Worthington picked up on a remark made by a speaker that the bank would always listen to any business proposal and he broached the subject of a semi-professional football club seeking out business opportunities. True to their word the Bank have listened and warmed to what the resurgent Witton Albion had in their plans. So much so that both parties have signed up to a business partnership deal that will finally rid Witton of the financial millstone that has been hampering the club’s full recovery from their money problems back in 1998 when they entered in to a CVA with their creditors. With very little aid from their own bankers or brewery Witton have not been able to raise even a deposit on any available grants to develop their Wincham Park complex. Now, however, Albion can embark on seeking out business opportunities anywhere in the Borough of Vale Royal and the club will initially look to develop an all weather complex not necessarily at Wincham Park. Both parties insist any profits made will not be directed at playing staff but, in time, the money generated by such schemes should produce a much healthier balance sheet and when that happens the budget for the football team will be adjusted accordingly.

Barrow Likely to Lose Tarrant: Barrow are likely to lose Scotland under 21 international Neil Tarrant as he has been offered a lucrative contract to play in Korea. He could be flying out within the next week to sign a deal which will earn him around UKP90,000 per annum plus a car and accommodation. How many games he would play for his new side might be a worry to him as he has been told he will be amongst five players fighting for three places and three of the competition appeared in last year’s World Cup Finals! The 23 year old first came to prominence when an instant success in the Scottish League with Ross County for whom he scored 20 goals in 44 appearances. This was enough to prompt Aston Villa to pay a reported UKP250,000 for him in April 1999. After failing to break in to Villa’s first team he had loan spells at Ayr United and York City before signing for Motherwell. Last season made ten appearances in Boston United’s Conference winning team.

Burscough Open Ground Share Talks: Burscough have issued a statement confirming they are in talks with near neighbours Skelmersdale United about the North West Counties League outfit ground-sharing at Burscough next season following the sale of Skelmersdale’s ground. Burscough Director Dave McIlwain said “We understand there will be some objections from both sets of supporters and this is even reflected in some disagreement within both boards. However, it is well documented that Burscough need additional revenue whilst Skelmersdale require somewhere to play. In my personal opinion football should be the winner with Burscough extending a helping hand to an old rival and receiving a cash injection in return which would help maintain our current status in the UniBond League Premier Division”.

Heathcote Pays Tribute to Altrincham’s New Found Spirit: Altrincham manager Graham Heathcote this week paid tribute to the new found spirit amongst the young side he has nurtured since taking over early in the season. Once a big spending outfit Altrincham are now working on a much reduced budget but Heathcote said “We are putting together a good squad of players and the unity of that squad is the key to any success we may achieve in the future. I won’t allow anybody to jeopardise that”. He was particularly impressed with the attitude shown by new signing Dave Gardner who flew back early from a business trip to Monaco to land at Luton airport in order to make his way to play against Kettering Town in the FA Trophy. Ironically having taken all that trouble to play in the first match against the Conference club Gardner missed the home replay last Tuesday due to illness!

Whalley Back From Retirement: Such was Runcorn FC Halton’s defensive injury crisis last Saturday for the fixture with Altrincham that Assistant Manager Neil Whalley was persuaded out of retirement. Despite not having played a competitive game for nearly twelve months he turned in a man of the match performance in the 1-1 draw. Whalley, a former captain of Preston North End, had little time to recover before he was called upon again for Tuesday’s trip to Vauxhall Motors where he still had enough energy left in the tank to nip upfield and score his side’s goal in a narrow 2-1 defeat. Veteran Whalley has now assured player-manager Liam Watson that he has definitely retired – unless, of course, he is needed again!

Alfreton Lend A Helping Hand to Struggling Neighbours: It’s a case of two out and one in as First Division leaders Alfreton Town lend a helping hand to struggling Eastwood Town. They have allowed striker Craig Housley to join the “Badgers” on loan and he marked his debut with a goal in the 4-1 home defeat last Saturday against Farsley Celtic. Highly rated youngster Matt Hogg is also expected to make the short trip to Coronation Park before Eastwood’s next fixture. Alfreton boss Dave Lloyd said “Our form has limited the opportunities for these lads but this will give us a chance to see what they can do at UniBond level whilst at the same time helping Eastwood out”. Moving in the opposite direction is striker Craig Wilson with no fee involved. Eastwood secretary Paddy Farrell said “In our current financial position we couldn’t stand in the way of the lad going to the League leaders and perhaps impressing enough to move in to the Premier Division next season if, as seems likely, Alfreton get promoted”. That would complete a remarkable rise in a short time for the 26 year old Wilson after playing a mere five games for Eastwood who signed him from NCEL side Shirebrook just before Christmas. Of his five games for the “Badgers” two were against Alfreton!.


UNIBOND PREMIER LEAGUE, TUESDAY 28 JANUARY
Ashton United 2 Vauxhall Motors 1

P W D L F-A Pts
Accrington Stanley........29 19 6 4 62-31 63
Stalybridge Celtic........30 15 10 5 60-38 55
BARROW....................29 15 8 6 55-38 53
Vauxhall Motors...........25 14 5 6 54-28 47
Worksop Town..............25 13 7 5 51-31 46
Wakefield & Emley.........31 11 12 8 31-31 45
Whitby Town...............27 12 8 7 61-48 44
Ashton United.............29 12 8 9 47-54 44
Bradford Park Avenue......26 12 5 9 46-44 41
Gainsborough Trinity......30 10 9 11 44-51 39
Harrogate Town............25 11 5 9 44-39 38
Droylsden.................27 11 5 11 42-37 38
Altrincham................28 11 5 12 37-39 38
Lancaster City............27 10 6 11 41-44 36
Burscough.................26 9 7 10 26-24 34
Runcorn...................26 9 7 10 39-42 34
Hucknall Town.............27 7 11 9 42-43 32
Gateshead.................29 8 7 14 44-55 31
Marine....................27 8 6 13 34-43 30
Blyth Spartans............23 8 4 11 42-51 28
Frickley Athletic.........25 6 4 15 25-45 22
Colwyn Bay................28 4 5 19 34-60 17
Hyde United...............31 3 4 24 33-78 13