Holker Street Newsletter 1298 - 8th April 2004

It has to be said that last night’s match against Workington had pretty much everything and Barrow's 3-2 victory in the first leg sets it up nicely (if that's the right word) for the second leg up the coast a little later in the month. In the game that had everything last night saw five goals, a sending off, a streaker and sadly some crowd problems. In the vicinity there was also the spectacle of a local factory ablaze and gushing out black smoke over parts of Barrow. The game was also slightly delayed after an accident held up some of the visiting team and spectators in an action packed night. I hope that investigations will be carried out by the appropriate officials as there were several reports of disturbances in Barrow in and near to the ground, both before, during and after the game.

I do hope that these incidents don't overshadow what was an exciting game. Well done to Workington who played their football in a positive, attacking manner and they will certainly be no pushovers in the second leg. After we catch our breath back from last night don't forget that Barrow’s next game is away at Ashton United on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).

As Ralph is going away today for an Easter break in the South Island of New Zealand, could I ask that anyone who responds could they send their email to hsn@barrowfc.com as Ralph may not be able to access his email account over the Easter break, though it’s hoped that there will still be a couple of Newsletters. There'll certainly be a bit to catch up with.


RULES FOR SEGREGATION
There have been a number of questions relating to the segregation of visiting supporters. As I understand it the club have to provide both toilet and refreshment facilities to away fans and Barrow couldn't provide an additional food facility to operate for the Workington fans last night. This meant that full segregation couldn't be enforced and the police and stewards did their best to keep the visiting fans together in one area where possible.


FIVE GOALS, CUP ATMOSPHERE AND A STREAKER
From Barrow Lad

A passionate and often exciting match with great atmosphere from both Barrow and Workington fans- it felt there were more than the 1151 reported. Played at a fast and furious pace, there were chances at both ends in the first half. However, we took the initiative with a Gavin Knight close range shot in the 24th minute, only to have it cancelled out three minutes later by a Workington attack which made the Barrow defence look as exposed as the Workington streaker who invaded the pitch ten minutes before half time. There was drama two minutes into the second half as Ridley was sent off for a rash challenge near the half way line. However, this seemed to focus Barrow's minds and we piled on attack after attack. After shooting straight at the keeper in the 61st minute, Gavin Knight scored his second a minute later after a free kick from near the half way line was launched into the penalty area. Campbell's shot in the 78th minute should have sealed the match. However, this seemed to give Workington a final lift and the last 5-10 minutes saw Barrow having to defend deep. The Workington fans responded and in the fourth minute of extra time they got their reward from the final corner. It was good to see Barrow back in goalscoring mode even if their performance was uneven. However, the commitment the whole team showed in the second half with ten men cannot be questioned. A 3-2 victory was an achievement in the circumstances and both sets of supporters had some reasons to be happy.


MORE ON THE WORKINGTON MATCH
Sadly last night’s game also saw some unsavoury incidents. It’s to be hoped that the stewards will react a little sooner to any spectators who encroach onto the pitch. As was mentioned earlier the Workington fans had to use the refreshment facilities for both sets of fans and an incident also occurred by the snack bar on the Popular Side. At full time there was also an incident in the car park. As I understand it the majority of problems would appear to have been caused by Workington fans under the influence of alcohol but if anyone has any information on these incidents then please contact the club.


LAST NIGHT’S RESULTS
UniBond First Division: Bishop Auckland 1 Witton Albion 2 (168)
UniBond League President’s Cup Final First Leg: Barrow 3 Workington 2 (1151).
UniBond League Chairman’s Cup Final First Leg: Hyde United 1 Leek Town 0 (370).
Notts Senior Cup Semi-Final: Retford United 2 Hucknall Town 3 AET (385)


THE FAT LADY MAY BE GARGLING BUT HANG FIRE JUST YET!
From www.barrowafc.com

Droylsden may have moved eight points ahead of Barrow with a 5-1 win at eight-man Blyth last night but it is not quite all over yet as regards the runners-up spot. Droylsden now face two very difficult games with long-unbeaten Southport visiting the Butchers Arms on Saturday and then the Bloods visit champions (strictly they need one point from their four games) Hucknall on Monday afternoon. If Barrow can win both their Easter fixtures and Droylsden slip up ahead of next Wednesday’s first leg of the League Cup Final against Hucknall, Barrow could be within three points of the Manchester outfit with a game in hand come Monday night. Obviously Barrow will still have to win their there remaining games, by no means an easy feat, but there is still hope, albeit a little slim!


FOOTBALLER'S 'FASTEST EVER' GOAL
From http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/hampshire/dorset/3606977.stm, 7 April, sent in by David Muldoon

A footballer is claiming the sport's fastest goal - after he scored in just two seconds. Marc Burrows of Cowes Sports FC, on the Isle of Wight, shot straight from the kick-off in Saturday's game against Eastleigh, and saw it sail straight in. The referee timed the wind-assisted goal at two seconds, which would beat the existing world record, set by an Argentinian player at 2.8 seconds. The Football Association is deciding whether to confirm the claim. Mr Burrows said: "I put the ball on the centre spot, and noticed the keeper was off his line. "I looked at the referee and had a laugh with him and said I’ll have a shot from here'. He laughed and shrugged his shoulders - blew his whistle, then the wind got hold of the ball and it flew into the back of the net." Southampton FC legend and ex-Eastleigh player Matt Le Tissier said: "It's a world record - it's pretty special and he must be pretty proud of himself." Mr Burrows, a former trainee with Premiership side, Portsmouth, was playing for Cowes reserves in Sydenham's Wessex League. They won the match 5-3 and he scored a hat-trick. The FA will accept the timing of the record goal if it is confirmed by the referee. The current world record of 2.8 seconds was set by Argentinian Ricardo Olivera for his side Rio Negro in the Uruguayan League in 1998. FA officials say the fastest goal in the UK was scored by Barrow player Colin Cowperthwaite when he scored in 3.5 seconds against Kettering in 1979.


CORRECTION
In the last newsletter I said that Stephen Kay had joined Marine from Congleton Town in the North West Counties First Division, thanks to Michael Egan we can report that the player’s name is Ben Kay, not Stephen.


UNIBOND NEWS
From www.unibondleague.com

Champions League Action Hits UniBond Gates: The combination of poor weather and the live televised Champions League action between Arsenal and Chelsea badly effected UniBond attendances Tuesday night. Of the thirteen games to survive the weather more than half attracted their poorest attendances of the season to date. Blyth Spartans, Harrogate Town, Spennymoor United, Whitby Town and Worksop Town in the top flight and Rossendale United and Chorley in the lower tier all registered their lowest gates of the campaign. On the pitch, Chris Joyce's goal after three minutes for Blyth Spartans against Droylsden was the first time Spartans had found the net in six matches. But that was about as good as it got for the North East side. They had Keith Graydon dismissed after 61 minutes and after using all their substitutes lost two more players through injury leaving Droylsden to romp to a 5-1 away victory.

Another game in the north-east turned on a dismissal. Ashton United had a 2-0 lead at Spennymoor when goalkeeper Andy Johnston was dismissed in the 52nd minute. Irate Ashton manager Gerry Quinn was immediately also ordered from the dug out and five minutes later Steve Preen reduced the deficit. Further goals from Neal Bishop and Preen gave the "Moors" a much needed 3-2 win.

Whitby Town were another side to have a man dismissed but they hung on to a 1-0 lead against Runcorn FC Halton after losing Tony Hall in the 77th minute.

Jeremy Illingworth scored after just 15 seconds for Guiseley at Ossett Town who had Richard Tracey dismissed after 63 minutes. Guiseley's 2-1 win was their first three pointer in eight games and Ossett's first defeat in six.

Manchester United Agree New Rossendale Date: In January, Manchester United Reserves were due to play Rossendale United at Dark Lane, in a charity match in memory of David Taylor. The game however was postponed due to weather conditions, and true to their word, Manchester United have now agreed a new date for their visit. The new date for the game is Tuesday 27 April, kick off 7.30pm. David Taylor lost his life in tragic circumstances and was both an avid Rossendale supporter and ground steward. Dave just loved to be involved and a part of things whether he was enjoying football, playing pool or just out with his mates. Dave had a great passion for football in general, with Rossendale and Manchester United in particular. He was well know by players past and present and is sorely missed around the Dark Lane ground.

It is with great appreciation that the officials of Rossendale United thank Manchester United, who, with all their demands and commitments have still honoured David in this way by sending a reserve team to Dark Lane, and in doing so have ensured that we have a suitable platform for family and friends to mark our respect. Monies raised will go to benefit a chosen disabled sports person to help in achieving their sporting goal. Match admission: adults UKP5, concessions UKP2.50. Tickets are available from Royal Hotel Waterfoot, A Billingtons Bakers Haslingden, M.T. Newsagents Crawshawbooth, Jolly Sailor Waterfoot, Boars Head Newchurch, & the Rossdendale Clubhouse.


HARVEY BANKING ON CURTIS
By Pete Oliver, from the BBC

Morecambe boss Jimmy Harvey says forward Wayne Curtis has a role to play back at Christie Park. Curtis spent three months on loan at Barrow but returned when the clubs could not agree a fee, and has been handed a left-wing role at Morecambe. "He lost his place in the side, and being one of our main strikers he was disappointed," Harvey told BBC Sport. "Wayne knew he had to show me an attitude and an effort and he's got a chance now on the left-wing." The 24-year-old was Morecambe's top-scorer last season with 18 Nationwide Conference goals. And after claiming a hat-trick last weekend, Curtis scored again on Tuesday to set Morecambe on the way to victory over Accrington in the Marsden Lancashire Trophy Final. Accrington are rivals of ours and when you get to a Final you want to win it. Harvey said: "Unfortunately after the season Wayne had last year he came back and he wasn't up to scratch and wasn't showing a real desire and determination. He's certainly taken that at the moment and we've had four very, very good games from him. If he wants to be here and continues to develop and learn and apply himself that's fine." With a Conference play-off place just set to elude him, Harvey is looking to the future and was pleased with his young players as they overcame Accrington 3-1 on aggregate. "Accrington are rivals of ours and when you get to a Final you want to win it," Harvey added. "Our boys showed that determination. Over the two games for me we were the better side and deserved to win it."


LOOK BACK AT SEASON 1980-81
From Terry Kendall

April 11 1981, Barrow 1 Nuneaton Borough 0
Bookings galore.
Barrow: Thomas, Richmond, McDonald, Large, Gordon, Taylor, Whittle, Jackson, Cowperthwaite, Moore (Eatough), Worswick.
Nuneaton: Hall, Stockley, Sandercock, Cross, Dixey, Thomas, McFarlane, Morley, Neale, Jones, Walker. Sub: Hoult.
Goal: Micky Worswick 5.
Ref: C. Steel (Carlisle). H/t: 1-0. Att: 470.


ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY - 8 APRIL
1922 D3N Stalybridge Celtic H W 2-1
1933 D3N Hull City H L 0-2
1939 D3N Carlisle United H W 5-0
1950 D3N Darlington H W 2-1
1955 D3N Workington H D 2-2
1964 D4 Gillingham A L 1-3
1966 D4 Tranmere Rovers A W 2-1
1967 D4 Aldershot H D 1-1
1970 D3 Bradford City A D 3-3
1972 D4 Gillingham H W 1-0
1989 NPL Witton Albion A D 0-0
1995 NPL Buxton A L 0-1
1996 NPL Blyth Spartans A W 2-1
2000 NPL Whitby Town A D 1-1