Holker Street Newsletter 1283 - 19th March 2004

This weekend will seem strange because the Barrow side can put their feet up and watch to see how everyone else gets on. More importantly the small break may give some injuries time to heal as we hope to get back to full strength for Barrow's next game, away at Whitby Town on Monday evening. For those who were wondering why we are playing on Monday night, this is because Whitby also have another mid-week game. Whitby are also playing on Saturday (at Burscough), against ourselves on Monday, then face Hucknall on Wednesday.

Before we can think about the next game, there is another important meeting at the Cross Bar tonight commencing 8pm when the board will meet supporters to discuss future club developments with the main areas being broken down into Reserves and Under 18s, General Ground Maintenance, Fundraising and the running of the Cross Bar. Anyone who has ideas about these or any other subjects or who can help out in these areas are asked to attend tonight. The board have said that they will struggle to run the club in its present form at a higher level so its hoped that a few new faces may attend tonight’s meeting.

Another event taking place tonight involves Barrow Reserves who are playing away at Accrington Reserves. This game is being played at Great Harwood’s ground and a few of Barrow’s first teamers may well be playing. I'm sure that everyone is interested to hear how they got on so please send in any information if you know what happened. Finally for all the supporters who live within travelling distance of London don't forget that the National Supporters’ Club are having a get together on Saturday. The details for this event are shown a little further on in today’s Newsletter.


BARROW COUNCIL AWARD UKP5000 EACH TO BARROW AFC & BARROW RLFC
Barrow’s sporting clubs have been awarded UKP5000 each from Barrow Council as a gesture to the clubs. The money was set aside in the Council’s Budget for 2004/5 to signify the support from the town’s council. It was felt that the two teams both promote the town when they travel around out of the town and the council wanted to make a donation as a result of that.


NATIONAL SUPPORTERS’ CLUB (NSC) MEETING
The National Supporters Club will be holding a meeting in London on Saturday 20 March, all welcome to attend. The meeting will be held at the Calthorpe Arms for a 1pm start. The address is 252 Grays Inn Road, WC1, on the corner with Wren Street. Nearest tubes are King’s Cross, Chancery Lane and Russell Square. Youngs ordinary is UKP2.15 a pint. All members and non-members are welcome to attend. It's a very good place to make contacts to arrange lifts to games, as well as enjoy a few pints talking all things Barrow AFC.


TEAM NEWS
Following the fracas in the players tunnel at the end of Tuesday game with Droylsden the Barrow manager Lee Turnbull would be disappointed if there were any suspensions as a result of this. Turnbull felt that as it was a highly charged match emotions were running high and both sides said things to each other but they'll just have to wait for the referee’s report to see what's been reported. Following the news that Barrow have signed Kenny Mayers, manager Lee Turnbull has also been making enquiries about Halifax player Christian Lee who's a 6ft 2in forward. Lee still has a year of his contract to run at Halifax but Barrow are looking at the situation though any deal would be subject to their being sufficient finance available which following this weeks signing maybe doubtful.

John’s Note: The rule for player suspensions following any incident is 14 days from the date of the incident as the referee has to write up his report and send it to the UniBond League/FA. From here the appropriate course of action will be decided upon and the player(s) involved will be asked for their comments. If a suspension does arise the player can play on subject to appeal, so its possible that any suspension may not take place until the end of this season or the beginning of next season.


BARROW v DROYLSDEN
Thanks to Jeff Wilson for his thoughts on Tuesday’s match.

This was a very determined performance against what seemed to be a very good Droylsden team. The conditions were difficult in swirling rain with a strong wind but the football was good from both teams and exciting to watch. Droylsden moved the ball well and broke quickly but I thought that once they took the lead just before half time they seemed content to put men behind the ball and try to hit us on the break. This I thought was a bit negative although they were playing against a strong wind in the second half.

They scored a goal that most people in the ground thought were offside (referee and linesman apart). Most players seemed to stop waiting for the whistle except the forward and put the ball past Bish who stayed on or near his line. In the second half we played much better and defended very well when we needed to particularly after a series of corners. Ridley came the closest to scoring after lobbing the keeper only to hit the bar and Mayers had a bullet of a header go just over from a corner. Our goals when they came were both penalties when Campbell was brought down on either side of the area within a five-minute period around the 80 minute mark. Gaughan slotted them both home. In truth I don't think the referee had any choice but to give them, having said that perhaps we weren't given the benefit of the doubt in the Harrogate match. Campbell is a dangerous man to be running around an opposing penalty area in the vicinity of a football.

Steve Gaughan was given the man of the match though for me Anthony or Salmon who were both superb were slightly ahead of an excellent team performance. Heffernan, Ridley, Warren and Maxfield were all sound as did Kenny Mayers who looks a good asset for us on his debut.

Jeff comments that he too had just read the report by Shaun Tooze and agrees that it's a very good report indeed.


FROM BEHIND THEIR FENCES
Comments from the Droylsden FC Message Board at www.droylsdenfc.co.uk

From Stroller: Phillo (Droylsden goalkeeper Paul Phillips) was indeed very lucky to remain on the pitch, although I hope Barrow fans would agree that there was nothing malicious in his challenge. I think it was a (fortunate for us) case of the striker going wide with the ball when he was brought down, which some refs take into consideration. Definite penalty though. I couldn't say whether the second one should have been or not because by this time the rain had completely misted up my specs! One thing I will say though - I was dead level with play for our goal, and no way was it offside!! Despite the myriad of chances Barrow created, had Cammy taken a shot when almost one-on-one with their keeper, with 20 minutes to go, the game would have been over and we would have claimed a somewhat unjust victory. Good luck to the Bluebirds for the rest of the season!

From Steven Jarvis (Droylsden's programme editor): I too believe that Barrow did deserve to win last night. Although I'm not of the view that Paul Phillips should have been sent off. The player was going away from goal, heading towards the point where the box meets the dead ball line. It was an unnecessary foul but definitely a penalty as was the second one. It would have been a bit unjust had we won though.


YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ENOUGH PENALTIES
From Derek Bradley

After reading the comment in the last edition of the Newsletter about Barrow being awarded two penalties in one game, I've just been looking at the programme from the first match I went to at Holker Street. It was on 29 March 1975, when I was 10, and Barrow drew 2-2 with South Liverpool. There were three penalties awarded in the second half, one to Barrow and two to South Liverpool, and 257 saw the game. I watched the first half from the terraces and the second half from the wall above what was then the training ground (now the Asda car park).


FROM THE BARROW v DROYLSDEN PROGRAMME (PART 2)
UniBond Review by Phil Yelland.

Town Claim Award: The Premier Division award for 'Team of the Month' for February has gone to League leaders Hucknall Town. The Nottinghamshire side won all five games played during the month - four League games and one County Cup tie. That won them the award in front of us as we played just three games, winning all of them. In addition to aiming for the League title, Steve Burr's side have made the League Cup Final where they will play our opponents tonight, Droylsden. Last season they clashed in the Chairman's Cup Final with the Nottinghamshire side collecting the trophy. I guess the Bloods will be looking for revenge. In what was another good month for Town, they also collected the Premier Division 'Fair Play' award after collecting just a single yellow card in their four League games.

Bay Improvement Rewarded: The First Division award for 'Team of the Month' for February has been awarded to Colwyn Bay who have improved significantly since the turn of the year. During the month, they won four of the five League games that they played, including a win over their nearest challengers for the award, Guiseley. Bay's strike rate seems to have been helped by the return to the club of experienced striker James McIlvogue who played with Caernarfon Town in the League of Wales during the early part of the season.

Celtic Take The Prize: Whilst Barrow collected the prize for being top scorers in the Premier Division in February, the Division One award went to Farsley Celtic. The Yorkshire side, who have played in Division One since it was formed back in 1987, are enjoying a decent season and could yet launch a bid for the title if they win their games in hand. One player who will not be helping them further is former Ashton United and Harrogate Town defender Lee Calvert. He has returned to Lancashire and signed for Celtic's First Division rivals Rossendale United.

United Celebrate: First Division Lincoln United have enjoyed a solid season and they have won the First Division 'Fair Play' award for February. The Ashby Avenue team collected just two cautions in the four League games that they played and our now close behind current leaders Workington in the overall Division One 'Fair Play' table.

Steels Fail In Record Attempt: With neither Sheffield United nor Sheffield Wednesday in action ten days ago, on 6 March, First Division Stocksbridge Park Steels tried to encourage the floating Sheffield football fans to visit Bracken Moor in a bid to beat the club's record attendance which stands at just over 600 for a League game. Sadly, even with fellow Yorkshire outfit Bridlington Town as visitors, they fell some way short of their ambitions although the gate of over 200 was certainly an increase on their average attendance this season to date.

Three For Town: Premier Division Whitby Town have made moves to improve their squad as they strive for a top thirteen finish with boss Harry Dunn bringing in three new faces. Striker Mark Sheeran has joined from Third Division Darlington where he gained some League experience. He had a spell on loan with Town earlier in the season. Also joining the club from the Quakers is French defender Fabian Bossy. The third new player is Dave Stockwell who is currently with York City on the work experience scheme.

Celtic Seek Reinforcements: Premier Division Stalybridge Celtic have had a difficult season which has seen a number of experienced players absent for long spells due to injury. The latest to break down is goalkeeper Craig Dootson who is unlikely to play again this season. Manager Dave Miller has now signed former Vauxhall Motors goalkeeper Andrew Ralph to fill in. He joined Northwich Victoria earlier in the season from the Motormen but has been out of favour at Vics since the departure of former Vauxhall manager Alvin McDonald. Another new face at the Bower Fold is Paul Clough from Second Division neighbours Oldham Athletic.

Moors Net Two: Another Premier Division side to bring in new faces has been Spennymoor United as they also look to a top thirteen finish. Their manager Tony Lee has signed two new players to boost his squad. Andy Davies has been signed from Northern League side Horden whilst Tom Raw has joined on loan from Scarborough of the Conference. Raw has just completed a similar loan spell with First Division Chorley.

Coulson Stands Down: The chairman of First Division Gateshead has decided to stand down. Mike Coulson took over the post eighteen months ago and has charted the club through probably the most difficult period in their history after the loss of their major sponsor. Mr Coulson feels he has taken the side as far as he can and is looking for the local business community to get behind the club to help to safeguard its long term future.

Boswell Moves: In a surprise move, Bradford Park Avenue's regular keeper this season Matt Boswell has left the Horsfall Stadium. He has moved across the Pennines and joined Burscough. The Linnets are enjoying their best run of the season and the goalkeeper of many clubs will add experience to their defence. The Victoria Park club's supporters also held a collection to help Spennymoor United when the Durham based club visited recently. Their social club was burnt down at Christmas and the collection raised over UKP200 which was much appreciated by the Moors officials.

On This Day - 16 March by Phil Yelland.
1988; NPLC (SF)(1): Marine 0 Barrow 1

Barrow headed to Rossett Park on a Wednesday night to play Marine in the League Cup Semi Final First Leg. Having played on both the Saturday and Sunday to catch up a backlog of League fixtures caused by the club's Cup successes, manager Ray Wilkie made three changes to the team that had started the 1-1 draw at Oswestry on the Sunday. Andy Brockbank returned on the left side of defence with Tony Chilton dropping to the bench. Peter Harrison returned in defence. A reshuffle saw Kenny Lowe, recently re-signed from Scarborough drop to the bench as well. On the wing Mickey Carroll returned in place of former Carlisle United winger Peter Harbach. The home team, who had won nine of their last ten games included Paul Dawson, who played once for Barrow in March 1986 in defence. In midfield Peter King who joined Barrow in 1991 after the transfer of Kenny Lowe to Barnet featured. Another player who subsequently featured for Barrow was Tony Edwards. He was deployed in midfield rather than defence where he played most of his games for Barrow.

Barrow began in positive fashion and the home team's plan to mark Danny Wheatley failed to work from the off as marker peter King didn't have the pace to keep up with the winger. He had threatened several times without forcing home keeper O'Brien into serious action before barrow took the lead on 22 minutes. Alan Finlay failed to clear a through ball. Mickey Carroll collected and squared to Colin Cowperthwaite who steered the ball past the hesitant O'Brien. Marine quickly changed their tactics and looked to put pressure on Barrow. Paul Meachin went close with a low shot and Jon Gautrey tested Jeff Wealands with a header before the home side should have levelled the match. Robbie Vincent failed to find Wealands with a back pass that fell short. Tony Edwards intercepted but his weak shot only hit Wealands and rebounded to Gautrey who, with the goal at his mercy hit the post and the ball was scrambled to safety. The home side took charge early in the second period and only a last ditch Andy Brockbank challenge denied Steve Haw a clear shoot on goal. Barrow were under real pressure and just short of the hour mark Kenny Lowe replaced the tiring Vincent. Barrow might have gone further ahead on 62 minutes. In a rare breakaway, Danny Wheatley robbed O'Brien on the edge of the box but his lob clipped the bar and bounced to safety. The home side were reduced to long range shooting and none of their efforts extended Jeff Wealands unduly. The home side became very frustrated as the game moved into the final quarter with Danny Wheatley subjected to some heavy challenges. It was not surprise when he was replaced by Tony Chilton for the final eight minutes. The Barrow defence held firm and the team took the 1-0 lead back to Furness for the second leg a week later. The team won the second leg 3-0 to set up a Final with Goole Town at Maine Road, Manchester.

Marine: O'Brien; Dawson, P. Smith, Finlay, Williams; Edwards, Gautrey, King, Sanders; Haw, Meachin. Subs: Johnson & J. Smith.
Barrow: Wealands; Higgins, Gordon, Harrison, A. Brockbank; Gilmour, Vincent, Proctor, Carroll; Wheatley, Cowperthwaite. Subs: Lowe for Vincent - 56 mins; Chilton for Wheatley - 82 mins.
Referee: Mr J. Robinson (Wigan).
Gate: 423


UNIBOND NEWS
From the official UniBond League website at www.unibondleague.com

Avenue Appoint New Manager: Carl Shutt, former Leeds United, Bradford City and Sheffield Wednesday player as well as manager at Kettering Town has been appointed as the new manager at Bradford Park Avenue. The appointment takes effect immediately and the 'Avenue', of the Premier Division are confident that they've found the right man to revive their flagging fortunes after what has so far been a disappointing season. A club spokesman said that Shutt is very much looking forward to the challenge and the club, re-formed in 1988, view the move as another firm step towards achieving their goal of regaining League status.

New Commercial Manager For Frickley: Frickley Athletic have announced the appointment of a new Commercial Manager. Former Blues Academy player Tom Grindel, will take on the role as the club looks to strengthen its Commercial links for the forthcoming season. The problems Frickley have faced in recent years have been well documented but the club are confident that the numerous innovative fundraising ideas that Tom has ready to put into practice will strengthen the club’s commercial links and lead to a brighter future. Tom can be contacted via commercial@frickleyafc.co.uk


WEEKEND FIXTURES
Saturday 20 March
UniBond Premier Division: Altrincham v Droylsden, Bradford Park Avenue v Marine, Burscough v Whitby Town, Frickley Athletic v Worksop Town, Gainsborough Trinity v Runcorn FC Halton, Hucknall Town v Radcliffe Borough, Lancaster City v Alfreton Town, Southport v Harrogate Town, Stalybridge Celtic v Blyth Spartans, Vauxhall Motors v Spennymoor United.
UniBond First Division: Bishop Auckland v Hyde United, Bridlington Town v Bamber Bridge, Guiseley v Leek Town, Kidsgrove Athletic v Ossett Town, Lincoln United v Farsley Celtic, Matlock Town v Workington, North Ferriby United v Colwyn Bay, Prescot Cables v Witton Albion, Rossendale United v Gateshead, Stocksbridge Park Steels v Chorley.


UNIBOND LEAGUE PLAY-OFFS FOR CONFERENCE NORTH

Tuesday 27 April: Promotion Play Offs to Conference North
1. 14th Premier v Champions First Division
2. 15th Premier v 20th Premier
3. 16th Premier v 19th Premier
4. 17th Premier v 18th Premier

Saturday 1 May: Promotion Play Offs to Conference North
5. Winner of Game 1 v Winner of Game 4
6. Winner of Game 2 v Winner of Game 3

Monday 3 May: Promotion Play Offs to Conference North
Winner of Game 5 v Winner of Game 6
Winner to be promoted to the Football Conference North


LOOK BACK AT SEASON 1980-81
From Terry Kendall

January 19 1981, Worcester City 2 Barrow 4
Barrow hit back in style.
Worcester: Cumbes, Selby (Wright), Oakey, Phelps, Tudor, Nardello, Crompton, Lowe, Tuohy, Telford, Morris.
Barrow: Thomas, Richmond, McDonald, Gordon, Brooks, Taylor, Gerrard, Whittle, Pearson (Towers), Moore, Worswick.
Goals: Royston Taylor 3, Barry Lowe 27 (pen), 90, Jimmy Pearson 47, Micky Moore 51, Micky Worswick 80.
Ref: B. Stevens (Stonehouse). H/t: 1-1. Att: 1454.


ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY - 19 March
1927 D3N Walsall (H) W 1-0
1932 D3N Doncaster Rovers (H) W 3-2
1938 D3N Bradford City (H) D 0-0
1949 D3N Stockport County (H) W 2-1
1955 D3N Chester (A) L 1-3
1960 D4 Exeter City (A) D 2-2
1966 D4 Chesterfield (H) W 3-2
1994 NPL Fleetwood Town (H) D 1-1
2002 NPL Droylsden (H) L 1-2 (att 721)