Holker Street Newsletter 1289 - 26th March 2004

This weekend must be the match that everyone has been looking at for some time now, due to it being of such high importance for the club. Initially we thought the game at home to Hucknall Town could have been a chance to claw back their lead at the top of the League table and increase our chances of promotion. Whilst that may still be the case, sadly for Barrow it’s a must win game to try and finish in second place as Hucknall Town are almost out of sight at the top of the table. It should be an interesting game, as when we played away at Hucknall, they seemed play with a good mix of footballing tactics as well as being a physical side which has obviously stood them in good stead this season.

Barrow must however overcome a recent spell of bad form where we've only won one out of the last four games. Neil Campbell is suspended, so who's playing up front remains a big question. It would be well worth mentioning to any floating supporters you know to come along to Holker Street on Saturday afternoon, as this is such a big game and I'm sure there'll be something to talk about at 4.50pm on Saturday evening, preferably the fact we're three points better off. It should also be mentioned that Hucknall Town are also bringing up some supporters so with a bit of luck, this should also add to the atmosphere. I expect a number of readers will be in attendance at Holker Street on Saturday so perhaps you could send in your thoughts on the day’s events or even brief report to hsn@barrowfc.com or just reply to the Newsletter.

Finally, spare a thought for Conference side Telford United who yesterday called in the receivers. We wish them well in their fight to stay alive and continue playing football. More on this story is included later.


GRAND NATIONAL RAFFLE TICKETS
The Grand National Raffle Draw takes place next Friday evening in the Cross Bar and everyone is reminded that tickets have to be returned to the Club Shop in Buccleuch Street, Barrow by 4pm next Friday 2 April. (Details for the Club Shop are shown at the end of the Newsletter.) The draw information is as follows: Raffle tickets priced at UKP1 each are available from the Soccer Shop in Buccleuch Street. The first prize is UKP500, second prize is UKP200, third prize UKP100 and fourth prize UKP50. There's also a prize of UKP5 for every other horse drawn from the raffle, for which tickets have to be returned to the club in time for the draw which takes place at the Cross Bar on Friday 2 April.


CHRISTIAN LEE
Club chairman Brian Keen has said that funds are available to Lee Turnbull in an attempt to sign Halifax Town forward Christian Lee who still has a year left on his contract. Turnbull said that the club have made an offer to the player and its now up to Christian Lee as to whether he wants to join us. At present Turnbull said it could go either way but due to Halifax wanting him to be involved in their Conference game away at Farnborough, he may not feature for Barrow on Saturday. Christian Lee wants to think the deal through and Turnbull has asked for an answer by later today.


BARROW v HUCKNALL TOWN PREVIEW
From the Hucknall Town Football Club site at www.hucknalltownfc.com

After three games in five days, Boss Steve Burr's squad have the luxury of two days’ rest before they are on their travels again. This weekend sees the League leaders travel to fourth placed Barrow for an eagerly anticipated contest. A win and two draws have seen Hucknall move 12 points clear at the top of the table, but no one at the club is getting carried away. "We might only need ten points " said Burr, " but we have some very tough games coming up, and there are still clubs with plenty to play for, both at the top of the table, and further down, as clubs strive to get into the top 13 and qualify for the Conference North next season. The team are under no illusions as to the task ahead, and as has been seen in the last three games, each 90 minutes is going to be a hard battle for points " Jon McCarthy and Craig Gaunt remain doubtful for Saturday’s game, and several of the squad are nursing various bumps and bruises. Karl Colley came off the bench on Wednesday at Whitby, to make his debut, and Burr is going to need all his squad during the remaining games. Hucknall are still waiting to arrange their County Cup Semi-Final against Retford United, which will only add to the already crowded fixture list.

Hucknall squad: Pettinger, Asher, Barrick, Winder, Gaunt, Miller, Hunter, Davies, Ward, Adams, Mayman, McCarthy, McSweeny, Colley, Ricketts, Bacon, Todd.


UNEXPLODED BOMB IN ORMSGILL RESERVOIR
For those living out of Barrow who hadn't heard, an unexploded mortar bomb was found in Ormsgill reservoir on Tuesday. The bomb measuring between 12 and 14 inches was found at the playing fields end of the reservoir in a few feet of water (The Barrow AFC ground is at the opposite end of the reservoir.) The local police secured the scene and nearby residents were evacuated from their houses the following morning, before a controlled explosion was carried out by the Bomb Disposal Unit after it was found the bomb was unsafe to move. No damage was done to any of the surrounding area. It’s not certain how the mortar bomb came to be in the reservoir but it’s thought that it was made in the 1960s.


BARROW RUGBY FIXTURE CLASH
From Bill Wood

As I understand it, Barrow Rugby have brought forward their Arriva Cup match against Chorley from this Sunday to Saturday. This will result in a clash with ourselves, as we will be hoping for a good attendance on Saturday (Hucknall et al). If this is the case, then why have the rugby done this? We bent over backwards for them so that their Easter clash could be played in the afternoon while we play at night. Don't agree with any excuses like England in France etc. Think the Craven Park chaps have pulled a fast one.

John’s Note: As I understand it Barrow rugby moved their game with Chorley due to the fact that there was a televised match taking place on the Sunday when they'd normally have played which would affect their attendance significantly. As a calculated gamble, they presumably moved their fixture to Saturday as it was felt that there are very few supporters who follow both Barrow AFC and Barrow RL. The France v England rugby game takes place on Saturday evening.


BARROW v DROYLSDEN
The Football Association have asked the club for their observations following the tunnel brawl at the end of the Barrow versus Droylsden game on Tuesday 16 March. At the end of the game the referee prevented anyone from using the players’ tunnel due to the fact that scuffles broke out between the Barrow players and Droylsden players and officials. Barrow AFC safety officer George Woods has submitted a safety report which makes good reading for the club regarding this incident. However the incident itself between the teams is a major issue and the club have until Monday 5 April to send in their observations to the FA before they decide on whether to take any action.


BARROW RESERVES EARN FINE AWAY DRAW
From the official Barrow AFC website at www.barrowafc.com

Ross Liddicott saved a penalty as Barrow Reserves drew 3-3 away with Chester City at Flint on Tuesday Evening. Barrow's scorers were Fiddler (2 - 18 now for the season) and Knott. (Mike Kewley has 26 goals this term.) Meanwhile the trip to Marine is likely to be brought forward to either Thursday April 1 or Friday April 2 to avoid a clash with the Grand National.


RECEIVERS CALLED IN TO TELFORD UNITED
From www.telfordunited.com, 25 March

Shock waves reverberated around Telford this morning when Radio Shropshire revealed that club chairman Andy Shaw and his eleven companies have been sent into receivership after the Royal Bank of Scotland declared enough was enough and called in their substantial loans to the Cannock based businessman. Whilst the immediate future of the club seems secure United seem certain to lose players today, the news coming on transfer deadline day for the Football League and Conference. The longer term future of the club seems undecided past the end of this season and it appears unlikely that the club can carry on without the intervention of a takeover bid during the close season. Mr Shaw is no longer chairman of Telford United, but was unavailable for comment today. Speaking in his absence director Robin Eaves confirmed the following to the Shropshire Star: "I got a phone call from Andy at 10.30am yesterday calling myself and secretary Mike Ferriday to a meeting at his Miras offices in Cannock at 2pm. We walked in and Andy said 'I wanted to do this face-to-face and there is no easy way to say this but when I sign this piece of paper, Miras Contracts, Telford United and Whitehouse Hotels will all be taken over by the receivers'." Mr Eaves added: "People should be thankful for what he's done for this club. Telford United would not have been there without him. He's bailed it out to the tune of a million pounds a year for five years."

ON THE ROPES BUT WE'RE STILL FIGHTING
Directors Paul Booth and Robin Eaves addressed a packed meeting in Joshua’s bar tonight to explain the full extend of the club's problems to supporters. Over 200 fans filled the bar to capacity as supporters turned out in the club's hour of need - but the news could not be bleaker from the top. The Conference have insisted that the existing board of directors personally guarantee the club's final seven games of the season - it is estimated that this will be at a cost of UKP64,000. If the club cannot offer this guarantee, it is likely that Telford United FC will be in liquidation this time next week. Whilst Booth, Cave and Eaves must make an unenviable decision as to whether the club continues or folds mid-season by 3pm tomorrow, supporters are being asked to volunteer their time, effort and services in order that the club can stage the FA Trophy Semi-Final on Saturday, and volunteers are needed to steward the ground, sell programmes, operate turnstiles etc. Anyone wanting to help should call the club on 01952 640064.


SATURDAY FIXTURES
UniBond Premier Division: Barrow v Hucknall Town, Blyth Spartans v Burscough, Droylsden v Harrogate Town, Frickley Athletic v Altrincham, Gainsborough Trinity v Vauxhall Motors, Marine v Radcliffe Borough, Spennymoor United v Lancaster City, Wakefield & Emley v Runcorn FC Halton, Whitby Town v Ashton United.

UniBond First Division: Bamber Bridge v North Ferriby United, Belper Town v Bishop Auckland, Colwyn Bay v Matlock Town, Farsley Celtic v Kidsgrove Athletic, Gateshead v Ossett Town, Hyde United v Guiseley, Kendal Town v Bridlington Town, Leek Town v Chorley, Lincoln United v Workington, Rossendale United v Stocksbridge Park Steels, Witton Albion v Prescot Cables.


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

Streaker Creates Cup Final Problems For Witton: Witton Albion lost their Cheshire Senior Cup Final 2-1 to Woodley Sports in what they believe was grossly unfair and unprecedented circumstances. At 0-0 fifteen minutes into the second half, a male streaker ran on to the pitch. The streaker believed to have run from the Woodley supporters ran amongst the Witton players. Before a steward could apprehend the exhibitionist, Brian Pritchard, the Witton number 4 and serving policeman, tackled the offender but, being a cold night and very little to get hold of, the streaker managed to break free and return to his colleagues. The Altrincham stewards then dealt with the intrusion and reports are the police were involved. This normally would have been a not to be encouraged performance but a humorous interlude to the evening. However, events turned very serious as the referee decided that the Witton number 4's actions warranted a red card for what must be assumed violent conduct. The impact of the sending off was immediate as Woodley scored on the 70th minute. Witton did manage to get an equaliser three minutes into added time. As the game went into extra time however the ten men of Witton just couldn't hold out as Woodley's Patterson took his chance two minutes from time. Witton have already contacted the FA, obviously aggrieved at being denied a fair chance of winning the trophy, they now also have to prepare for a Pritchard three match absence at a very critical time of the season. Altrincham FC commented that their stewards did extremely well on the night to control a small number of unruly fans from both sides and the incident concerning the streaker was dealt with well within the expectations of the club.

Hoyland Joins Rossendale "Boot Room": Jamie Hoyland has joined Rossendale United as assistant to manager Jim McCluskie. Gary Brooks who has until now filled the role, asked to step down due to increased demands on his time at work within the prison service. Jamie joins with a wealth of experienced having had a successful playing career in the professional game including spells at Bury, Burnley and York City. Jamie who lives locally will continue in his coaching roles for Rochdale.


LOOK BACK AT SEASON 1980-81
From Terry Kendall

February 21 1981, Barrow 0 Boston United 2
Barrow keep up shocking home record.
Barrow: Thomas, Richmond, Knowles, Gordon, McDonald, Taylor, Eatough, Whittle, Cowperthwaite, Gerrard, Phillips (Moore).
Boston: Blackwell, Peacock, Enderby, Leigh, Annable, Adamson, Phillips, Mallender, Bartlett, Callery, Hubbard. Sub: Poplar.
Goals: Phillip Hubbard 2, Paul Bartlett 90.
Ref: D. Webb (Sale). H/t: 0-1. Att: 420

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY - 26 March
1927 D3N Nelson (A) L 0-3
1930 D3N Wrexham (A) L 0-3
1932 D3N Rochdale (A) W 6-0
1937 D3N Tranmere Rovers (A) D 0-0
1938 D3N York City (A) W 2-1
1948 D3N Wrexham (H) D 1-1
1949 D3N Carlisle United (A) L 0-2
1951 D3N York City (H) W 2-0
1955 D3N Grimsby Town (H) W 2-0
1960 D4 Watford (H) W 2-1
1962 D4 Carlisle United (H) L 0-3
1969 D3 Luton Town (A) L 1-5
1991 CONF Macclesfield Town (A) L 0-3
1994 NPL Matlock Town (A) W 2-0
2002 NPL Vauxhall Motors (H) L 1-2