Holker Street Newsletter 1541 - 13th April 2005

As the countdown to the end of the season continues, Barrow’s remaining games will be played for pride and not in pursuit of promotion or avoiding relegation. There is always next season, but before we close the door on the 2004-05 season, one which must go down as one of the worst for a long time, there are three more games to consider, and before then, there are the outstanding issues of relegation and promotion to consider. We know Ashton United and Bradford (Park Avenue) are consigned to playing in the UniBond Premier Division next season, but who will join them? It looks like it will be between Runcorn and Stalybridge Celtic, if the latter can continue their recent form, although having said that, they were beaten by Kettering Town last night, they should be safe, but there is the small problem of where Runcorn will play next season, and unless they can sort this out, they will be relegated by default.

The objective for Barrow now is to finish as high on the table as we can, and to do that we have to win as many games as we can, that's obvious, but those around us have to drop as many points a possible, pretty mercenary isn't it? Since the last edition of the Newsletter, there have been a number of games involving clubs near us in the League, Worksop lost on Sunday to Moor Green, on Tuesday it was the turn of Hucknall Town and Gainsborough Trinity to drop points, but Lancaster City won to close the gap between us to two points. Above us in the table are Gainsborough Trinity, just two points away, and after them, only four points separate the next four places, so, a top ten position should be within Barrow's grasp, which bearing in mind at one point relegation was a possibility, would be a reasonable return for the season, and one that when the history books come to be written would show this season in a much better light than those who sat through it remember.

Turning to our attention to the other end of the table, who will be champions? Southport are top again, but Droylsden have a game in hand, oh, ask me after the weekend’s games, it’s not the same when Barrow aren’t involved. Is it?

The game between Barrow U18s and their counterparts from Morecambe, due to be played on Tuesday night was postponed, Morecambe contacted Barrow and asked for it to be rearranged as they had problems with their players being released from college.

If you are wondering how the ground grading structure works in the non-League world, a good place to start would be Tony Kempster’s excellent site at www.tonykempster.btinternet.co.uk

The Player of the Year awards will take place after the home game against Vauxhall Motors on Saturday 30 April, the awards will presented after the usual ‘man of the match’ award and sponsor’s presentation, and Barrow AFC hope to have a special guest to make the presentations. Supporters can still vote for their player of the year via the poll on the website at www.barrowafc.com

Whilst there isn’t going to be a special awards night for Barrow AFC this season, those behind the Reserves and the Under 18s are planning one, and whilst everything has to be confirmed, it looks likely as if it will be on Saturday 21 May.

Kettering drew at Gainsborough on Saturday and it appears that former Barrow player, Jamie Paterson broke a rib in the game.

Thanks to everyone who helped with today’s edition, which reaches 725 people around the Barrow empire.

BORO BACK IN THE RACE
By Derek Brown, http://iccoventry.icnetwork.co.uk, April 11

Boro moved to within one win of claiming at least a play-off place in Nationwide North with a tenacious victory at Holker Street. They came from behind for the second-week running to snatch maximum points and strengthen their top three place. Boro showed their steel and determination as slick finisher Gez Murphy eased the visitors into the lead with a two-goal performance after Gavin Knight's well-taken strike had got the Bluebirds fans crowing midway through the opening period. It was fitting that man-of-the-match Mark Noon should put the seal on Boro's sixth consecutive victory with a clinical finish for the third goal. The win takes the Manor Park men within a point of new leaders Droylsden - 3-1 winners at Stalybridge - and deposed pace-setters Southport, who suffered a 3-2 setback at Redditch despite leading 2-0 at one stage. Keeper Darren Acton, virtually redundant in recent weeks, showed no signs of rustiness by producing several outstanding saves. However, few would disagree it was the impeccable Noon, the highly combative and skilful Martin Reeves, plus the dash and bash of Matty Collins that launched Boro towards their well-deserved prize.

Ashby reckons his team have started fulfilling the potential he felt was there but was not that evident until a couple of damaging defeats at home to Hinckley and at Southport in early December seemed to spark them into action. Since then Boro have hardly looked back, netting an impressive 42 points from a possible 54 including only two defeats, both by solitary goals at Kettering and Droylsden. Barrow hustled, bustled and ruffled Boro early on with Guy Heffernan almost firing them ahead with a far post volley that whistled just off target. But the more assured Boro came to terms with the passion of their hosts and when keeper Simon Bishop fumbled a Michael Love corner, Neil Moore fired just over from just six yards out. Then a Moore error at the opposite end let in Andy Hill, but his cross shot was confidently dealt with by Darren Acton, who soon after superbly parried away Neil Tarrant's skidding 15-yarder. But on 21 minutes Acton was beaten as the darting Knight weaved his way past Terry Angus to crash a fierce 20-yarder well beyond the helpless keeper. Moore almost levelled within seconds as his diving header grazed the bar but on 28 minutes parity was restored. Murphy did superbly on the right and fed Brian Quailey, whose run into the area was blatantly cut short by James Cotterill's body check and Murphy stepped up to score from the penalty spot. The Bluebirds rallied, Gareth Simpson latching on to Heffernan's head back and only a brilliant finger-tip turn over by the flying Acton kept the scores level. Tarrant was also thwarted by the keeper, whose outstretched feet deflected the number nine's sliding shot to safety although just before the break Boro wasted a glorious offering. Murphy dispossessed Scott Maxfield to set-up Oddy and his mis-hit shot flew to the unmarked Stuart Whittaker, the previous week's hat-trick hero, who scuffed a six-yarder well wide. Ludlam then won the ball off the dithering Quailey and was inches too high with a rising 15-yarder while Tarrant's overhead volley was hooked away by Oddy as Barrow began to force the pace with a strong breeze at their backs. Acton then made a rare bloomer as he misjudged a high bouncing ball but recovered in time to palm over the bar. From their first real attack of the second period, Boro gained the lead on 68 minutes. Quailey and Whittaker combined to shred the home defence apart and though the latter's drive was splendidly pushed away by Bishop the lurking Murphy was swiftly in to net from point blank range. Three minutes later Acton went low to his left to hold Karl Colley's powerful strike although Angus had the travelling Boro fans holding their heads as he hammered a 15-yard angled drive against a post. Acton then raced across his line to fend out an in-swinging free kick from Anthony before Boro sewed up the points in the 85th minute. Collins worked a passage down the right and when his centre was mis-kicked by Colley, workaholic Noon made no mistake with a crisp low finish.

ROGER'S BOYS SCENT SUCCESS
By Derek Brown, from http://iccoventry.icnetwork.co.uk, April 11

Nuneaton Borough's championship quest gathered more momentum in Cumbria on Saturday with a 3-1 win at Barrow that stretches their winning run to an impressive six matches. Boro look certainties to claim the three points that would guarantee a top-five place in Nationwide North and secure a place in the play-offs even if the championship is won by either Droylsden or Southport. Certainly the vibes among the Boro fans, who made the long haul to Holker Street, are that their favourites are showing the sort of form and qualities that come with teams destined for bigger and better things. Manager Roger Ashby, who was delighted with the performances of keeper Darren Acton plus midfielders Mark Noon and Martin Reeves in the victory, takes a significant share of the credit. He's had the faith and courage to back his team and sign up players who may have gone past their sell buy date with previous clubs but are producing the qualities that have helped take the Manor Park men within sight of their goal. And it be the perfect scenario to their impending departure from Manor Park if they achieved Conference football by becoming the inaugural winners of the Nationwide North crown. Ashby is making no rash predictions about titles or such like but after a brilliant run of success since the turn of the year which has yielded 13 wins and just two defeats in 17 games he is quietly confident his in-form outfit have what it takes to secure promotion. With three games remaining, at home against bottom club Bradford Park Avenue and Kettering Town and an away trip to Lancaster City sandwiched between, Boro are scenting something special although Ashby knows there is no room for complacency. "It doesn't matter who you play in this League - you have to prepare correctly," he said. "We've played catch up since the turn of the year and have had a great run. It's the business end of the season now and the win at Barrow virtually confirms a play-off spot at least which was our first objective. We now have three games left and need to win them all to stand a chance of the title because Droylsden are going great guns. We face Bradford next and we want to put on a good performance in front of what we hope will be a big crowd."


THE DIFFERENCE WAS A MAN CALLED SMITH
From Andy Greenhow

As is the tradition when I’m in the UK I make my way up to Barrow to get in a match, the wife thinks I’m mad but has given up trying to persuade me about the joys of shopping on a Saturday afternoon.

The only other game I’ve managed to get in was the Nuneaton game at their place in August so I thought the return game was an ideal way to see how Barrow were doing particularly in view of the traumas we have faced since I last saw them and how far Nuneaton had progressed this season.

I’ve got to say that I was impressed by Nuneaton I thought they played better at Holker Street than on their own patch from the word go; their forwards were lively and I always felt they had a goal or two in them. That said, every time Barrow attacked in the first half I thought their defence looked decidedly edgy with Knight in particular causing some problems. Barrow’s height caused them problems but we didn’t (apart from Knight’s fine goal) really get some solid shots in on their unimpressive goalkeeper. Barrow were hesitant at the back, as many of the other reports have suggested, but we should give credit to Nuneaton’s mobile forwards who were always a threat. That said Barrow deserved a draw as they certainly played with guts and spirit – but we do lack that bit of class and creativity that would see us competing with the top teams.

I’ve got to say the big difference between August and now for Barrow was a certain player called Smith who was on loan to us from Accrington last August. At Nuneaton he was a rock and scored a fine goal. Although Colley was generally sound in the air and worked hard his work on the floor is poor and the third goal was obviously down to him. Even though we are not mathematically safe yet (and I note Moor Green have just won on Sunday). We seem to be an OK to average team at the moment. Some of the team need to seriously loose some weight – something you could not criticise any Nuneaton player of. We need a very dominant centre half and I’m not entirely sure about Tarrant plus a creative midfielder would be useful. And a dietician in the close season!

The major turning point revolved around the non sending off of their left back when he brought Tarrant down when bearing down on goal early in the second half plus our substitutions as Ridley and Anthony who are obviously not fit enough at the moment. When they got the second it was all over. For me it meant a miserable three hour drive back home – I hate losing, I always have. To cap it all I lost significant amounts of money on the national and United’s defeat to Norwich and then I broke a tooth on a sweet (I’ll never learn) and am now facing a hefty dental bill when I get back to Dubai. All in all a bit of a miserable and expensive day but I’ll be back in August to see, hopefully, a better fitter Barrow team trying to win this League (as long as disaster doesn’t strike at the tail end of this season) I personally feel three points will see is to mathematically certain safety – I hope this will be achieved next week at Worcester.


NATIONWIDE NORTH
Sunday: Moor Green 2 Worksop Town 0 (233)
Tuesday: Altrincham 2 Worcester City 0 (547), Hucknall Town 2 Southport 4 (409), Lancaster City 2 Runcorn FC Halton 1 (213), Moor Green 2 Gainsborough Trinity 1 (168), Stalybridge Celtic 1 Kettering Town 2 (352).

P W D L F A Pts GD
1 Southport 39 22 9 8 74 41 75 33
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
2 Droylsden 38 22 7 9 72 46 73 26
3 Nuneaton Borough 39 22 6 11 62 44 72 18
4 Harrogate Town 39 19 11 9 59 40 68 19
5 Kettering Town 39 20 7 12 53 45 67 8
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
6 Altrincham 39 18 11 10 60 41 65 19
7 Worcester City 39 15 12 12 56 48 57 8
8 Redditch United 39 17 7 15 61 55 55 6
9 Stafford Rangers 38 12 17 9 48 38 53 10
10 Alfreton Town 39 15 7 17 50 49 52 1
11 Hinckley United 37 14 10 13 50 53 52 -3
12 Gainsborough Trinity 39 14 9 16 49 53 51 -4
13 BARROW 39 13 10 16 48 61 49 -13
14 Hucknall Town 34 11 14 9 48 44 47 4
15 Lancaster City 38 12 11 15 45 55 47 -10
16 Worksop Town 39 14 12 13 52 55 44 -3
17 Vauxhall Motors 39 11 11 17 42 54 44 -12
18 Moor Green 38 11 10 17 51 60 43 -7
19 Runcorn FC Halton 39 10 11 18 40 57 41 -17
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
20 Stalybridge Celtic 38 9 12 17 45 64 39 -19
21 Ashton United (R) 40 8 7 25 45 78 31 -33
22 Bradford Park Avenue (R) 38 5 7 26 35 64 22 -29
Redditch United - deducted 3 points for rule breach
Worksop Town - deducted 10 points for rule breach


LEE TURNBULL’S NOTES FROM THE NUNEATON PROGRAMME

What about that victory over Harrogate? I thought it was terrific. The spirit amongst the lads was tremendous and it showed in their performance. After all it was something of a scratch team with four or five key players absent yet they dug deep and produced the goods. Now we want it again today as we welcome Roger Ashby and his players and officials from Nuneaton. They will have their sights on automatic promotion, not just a play-off place. They are a free scoring side and have emerged as a real force. Their 5-1 win at Redditch was something special. They will be a tough nut to crack. But look how well we did against Altrincham, at the fact that we deserved more than the single point we got at Southport and then last week’s win over Harrogate. We have proved that we are capable of matching the best in the League. I want us to have a decent end to the season and finish as high up the table as possible so we will be going all out for victory. We can feel fairly safe now with our 49 points because it puts us in a relatively comfortable position. But I will not relax until we are mathematically safe. And we must secure our Conference North status for next season sooner rather than later. Only then will I turn to giving outings to our fringe players. They want the opportunity to impress and I want to see exactly what they have to offer as I make up mind about what our recruiting needs are for next season. I feel now that I can say we have seen the last of Mark Salmon for this season. He is still working abroad and while he might be available for just one game I don’t think it is fair to Mark or the rest of the lads to put him into the side. As I write this I am hoping that Scott Maxwell will back in the side today and that “Billy” Anthony will be able to start the game. But Neil Campbell, who aggravated a torn hamstring problem in the warm-up last week, will need more time.


ANDY PUTS BEST FOOT FORWARD FOR THE BDF
From John Little

Barrow fan Andy McMenemy is competing in this year’s Great Manchester 10km run on May 22 and is raising money for the BDF. Andy says: "I have decided to use the event to raise funds for the Bluebird Development Fund because I think they are doing a grand job raising funds for Barrow AFC and developing the club so it can raise more funds in the future. If you would like to sponsor me there are three ways of doing so:

1) If you come to the remaining home games against Nuneaton and Vauxhall Motors there will be sponsorship forms at the BDF shop on the West Terrace. Please leave an address and phone number or email address, along with your name and pledge.
2) If you come to these games and know who I am and where I stand (on the Holker Street End), you can come over and fill in a form which I will have on me.
3) If you can't get to the matches you can leave a "virtual pledge" by email. My email address is andrew_s_mcmenemy@yahoo.com. Please leave your name and phone number on these emails. This will make collection easier afterwards. Thanks for your time".

Everyone at the BDF wishes to thank Andy for his very generous offer and hopes that you will join us in supporting him in his efforts to complete the run and help Barrow AFC.

BDF CROSS BAY WALK
As announced, the BDF will be holding a sponsored Cross Bay Walk from Arnside to Kents Bank on Saturday 18 of June, at 2.30pm, led by the Queen’s Guide to the Sands, Cedric Robinson. We expect this event to be very popular and we invite you to sign up for the walk as soon as possible to avoid disappointment, as places are limited to 50 and 30 have already gone. A coach to and from the walk will be provided, as will a BBQ at Holker Street afterwards. Sponsorship forms are now available and we ask that those who have already signed up contact us as soon as possible to get their form and start collecting pledges. For more information and to get your sponsor forms please contact either bdf@barrowfc.com or call Lisa on 07986-173794.

GRAND NATIONAL DRAW RESULTS
The winners of the Grand National Raffle as drawn by guests at the BDF Hot Pot Night on Friday Evening are as follows:

1st £500 Hedgehunter 2354 D Edwards
2nd £200 Royal Auclair 8022 Janice
3rd £100 Simply Gifted 5100 J Kidney
4th £50 It Takes Time 7768 A Gordon

Other horses drawn - £5 each:
Lecoudray 6171 Mrs Robb Monty's Pass 0240 D Ryder
Fondmort 6480 S Carr Take the Stand 9026 N Hill
Ballycassidy 4410 D Nairn Risk Assessor 8490 M Russell
Bindaree 2637 W Capstick Amberleigh House 4376 C Kelly
Foly Pleasant. 1948 S Jackson Astonville 2063 D Croft
Ad Hoc 1740 J Barnes Heros Collonges 8320 C Roddie
Glenelly Gale 9705 T Dodgson Clan Royal 1728 D Barter
Nil Desperandum 6521 R Low Joly Bey 0964 A Solsby
Jakari 8552 S Scott Frenchman’s Creek 0509 J Jaggar
Iz0goud 1990 J Roe Polar Red 2789 A Barlow
Double Honour 2790 A Barlow Forest Gunner 4905 W Lowe
Colonel Rayburn 9545 D Dodd Just in Debt 2436 J Burns
Spot the Difference 6476 R Faulkner Innox 3233 R James
Strong Resolve 2109 J Johnson Shamawan 5099 P Boyd
Lord Atterbury 6221 R Roberts Europa 9606 P Greenhow
Merchants Friend 9710 Bradley Arctic Copper 2367 A Edwards
Turnium 2406 K Edwards Marcus du Berlais 5735 R Kendal
L’Aventure 8481 M Russell

Further details and prizes available from the Soccer Shop (01229)-823061.


PRESIDENT'S CUP FINAL GETS GO AHEAD
From the UniBond Newsletter

The UniBond League President's Cup Final between Witton Albion and Bamber Bridge, the First Leg of which is scheduled for Monday evening, received the go ahead when an FA Appeals Tribunal sitting at York City FC on Thursday dismissed an appeal by Spennymoor United against the League's decision to remove the club from the competition and award the Semi-Final tie to Witton Albion after the "Moors" had failed to fulfil the Semi-Final fixture.

LEAGUE TO CONSIDER SPENNYMOOR POSITION
From the UniBond Newsletter

The League will hear three cases of Spennymoor United failing to fulfil League fixtures against Leek Town, Bridlington Town and Radcliffe Borough at a meeting to be held in Altrincham on Sunday 10 April. The Board will also consider whether to implement a suspended fine of £500 imposed for failing to fulfil an earlier fixture against Leek Town and, in addition, the matter of nineteen suspended fines of £250 for ground grading issues will also be considered following a visit to the Brewery Field by ground inspectors on Wednesday. Spennymoor will face a further charge of failing to fulfil today's fixture against Marine at a meeting to be held on 24 April when they will also face a charge of failing to deal with League business by failing to arrange an appointment with the Football Association's Financial Advisory Unit when required to do so by the League.

WINSFORD FACE RACE AGAINST TIME
From the North West Counties Football League Newsletter.

Winsford United are facing up to the threat of being trapped in Moore & Co Solicitors North West Counties Division Two, even though they are pushing for a promotion place. The League has issued an ultimatum to the Barton Stadium outfit to improve their facilities before the end of the season or be refused promotion to Division One. This would be a massive blow to Winsford who have battled all season to still be in with a chance of promotion with just four games remaining, and manager Dave Twite, who has guided his side to second in the table, is confident Winsford United, together with players and fans, can make the necessary alterations to ensure promotion. He said: "We spoke to people after the match on Monday and everything is looking good now. "Dave Chambers is a plumber by trade so he is going to sort out the showers for us and Neil Harrison's dad is going to fit doors and sort out problems with the flooring. Bob Astles also spoke to two supporters who are going to come down and help out with the tiling and other work that needs doing. By April 29th it will all be sorted and we've had a really good response." Despite this the club are still looking for more volunteers and assistance to ensure their efforts on the pitch, should they earn a promotion place, do not go to waste. Club secretary Bob Astles said: "We were told by the League that unless we get the dressing rooms sorted out, that's for the home team, away team and the officials, we won't get promoted. The shower room needs retiling and the supply for the electrics and water in the shower area needs sorting out, the supply is limited at the moment. We have to have all the work on all three dressing rooms completed by April 29 when the League will come to inspect. So we're looking for anyone who can come in and help out or give us quotes for work that needs doing. I'm confident the work will be done, but we need help."

UNIBOND STATEMENT ON SPENNYMOOR UNITED
Spennymoor United were not expelled from the League at yesterday's Board meeting in Altrincham and are expected by the League to fulfil their fixture at home to Prescot Cables on Tuesday 12 April. As Spennymoor United did not have a representative at the meeting, the League are currently in the process of informing Spennymoor United of the full details of the outcome of that meeting. The League will not be making any further statement until Noon, Tuesday 12 April via the official website www.unibondleague.com

Spennymoor United have now been informed of yesterday’s decisions of the UniBond League Management Committee, and no further statement will now be made by the League.

REMAINING NATIONWIDE NORTH FIXTURES
Wednesday, April 13: Bradford (Park Avenue) v Hinckley United.
Thursday, April 14: Hucknall Town v Kettering Town.
Saturday, April 16: Alfreton Town v Redditch United, Altrincham v Stalybridge Celtic, Droylsden v Stafford Rangers, Harrogate Town v Moor Green, Lancaster City v Gainsborough Trinity, Nuneaton Borough v Bradford (Park Avenue), Southport v Hinckley United, Worcester City v Barrow, Worksop Town v Vauxhall Motors.
Sunday, April 17: Runcorn FC Halton v Hucknall Town.
Tuesday, April 19: Hinckley United v Hucknall Town, Moor Green v Stafford Rangers.
Thursday, April 21: Hucknall Town v Lancaster City.
Saturday, April 23: Alfreton Town v Ashton United, Altrincham v Redditch United, Bradford (Park Avenue) v Gainsborough Trinity, Hinckley United v Barrow, Kettering Town v Runcorn FC Halton, Lancaster City v Nuneaton Borough, Southport v Hucknall Town, Stalybridge Celtic v Stafford Rangers, Vauxhall Motors v Moor Green, Worcester City v Droylsden, Worksop Town v Harrogate Town.
Monday, April 25: Stalybridge Celtic v Hucknall Town.
Tuesday, April 26: Hucknall Town v Droylsden.
Thursday, April 28: Stalybridge Celtic v Hucknall Town.
Saturday, April 30: Ashton United v Bradford (Park Avenue), Barrow v Vauxhall Motors, Droylsden v Worksop Town, Gainsborough Trinity v Worcester City, Harrogate Town v Southport, Hucknall Town v Altrincham, Moor Green v Hinckley United, Nuneaton Borough v Kettering Town, Redditch United v Stalybridge Celtic, Runcorn FC Halton v Lancaster City, Stafford Rangers v Alfreton Town.


BDF QUIZ NIGHT
From John Little

Next Friday, 15 April the BDF will be having one of their popular and enjoyable Quiz Nights at the Cross Bar. The cost is £4 per team and pie & peas will be available on the night if booked in advance - see Caron at the Cross Bar for details. As well as the Quiz there will also be a raffle with the winner getting a chance at the snowball prize.


ABDOUJAPAROV HEADLINE BANDS NIGHT AT CROSS BAR
From John Little

Abdoujaperov, the band led by ex-Carter USM man Les 'Fruitbat' Carter, have confirmed that they'll be visiting Barrow as part of their UK tour, and FMP are excited to the point of spontaneous combustion to be hosting the event. The event will take place on Friday, 22 April at the Cross Bar. The line-up is now confirmed and looks like this - Unusual Suspect, Silvertone, The Shi*e Stripes, The Prophets, Legohair and then the main event, ABDOUJAPAROV! Tickets are just £4 or £3 for concessions (including students) so email P.Garbacz@gmail.com for tickets or more information. Any profits will be split between the Bluebirds Development Fund and the FGH Oncology Unit Appeal.


BARROW AFC TOPS STOLEN
From John Little

Sadly last week the club was the subject of burglars/vandals. Damage was done to one of the doors leading in to the boiler room, (next to the main entrance to the Cross Bar). A rack of sweatshirts/tops was taken. The tops in question are navy blue, with a white adidas logo on the front and REEF in huge silver lettering on the back. The club has NEVER sold these types of tops. These were the training tops the players have worn in the past. If someone tries to sell one of these tops to you or anyone you know, then drop a line to the police, or alternately get in touch with the club.

DANCING DIRECTORS
From John Little

During a recent Nationwide Conference North fixture between Worcester City and Hucknall there was a bit of dancing in the directors box. The popular tune 'Is this the way to Amarillo' was played at the match that took place a fortnight ago. This led to both sets of directors stand up and start singing and joining in with the actions as Peter Kay does on the video for the current chart-topping tune. It's believed there are no plans for Brian Keen or the rest of Barrow AFC directors to follow suit today.

BARROW AFC SUPPORTERS TEAM
From John Little

The Barrow AFC Supporters Team hasn't played recently and has rearranged some of their matches due to other sides having fixture and availability problems. Remaining fixtures now read:

Sunday 24 April (League Cup Semi-Final) Barrow AFC Supporters v Leeds United ISFT.
Sunday 1 May (League) Liverpool IFC v Barrow AFC Supporters.
Sunday 8 May (League) Barrow AFC Supporters v Chester Deva Chat.
Sunday 29 May (League) Accrington Stanley Ultras v Barrow AFC Supporters.

Northern Premier Supporters Football League (Top 4) as of 3 April is as follows:
P W D2 D1 L F/ A Pts
Barrow AFC Supporters 11 10 0 0 1 53/14 30
Liverpool IFC 10 7 0 1 2 47/19 22
Accrington Stanley Ultras 7 7 0 0 0 35/7 21
AFC Southport 11 5 1 0 5 47/29 17


BARROW AFC BLUEBIRDS CASHLINE WEEKLY DRAW
From Alex at the Soccer Shop

Week 37 winners
£350; Mr Butler, Hollow Lane, Barrow
£150; D Wilson, Duddon Drive, Barrow
£50; Mrs Houghton, Schneider Road, Barrow

£10 winners: Mrs Battle, Anson Street, Barrow; N McDonald, c/o Barrow AFC; J Grainger, Shearwater Crescent, Barrow; T Newby, Quebec Street, Ulverston; M Malone, Harrogate Street, Barrow; N Chalker, Stainton Drive, Dalton; B Davey, Sycamore Grove, Barrow; Mr Roche, Dartmouth Street, Walney; C Somers, Fell Close, Grange; Mr Eccles, Hawcoat Lane, Barrow.


FROM THE BARROW v NUNEATON BOROUGH PROGRAMME (PART ONE)
From Phil Yelland

Holker Street Review
A warm welcome this afternoon to our old friends from Nuneaton Borough for this our second last home game of the season in Conference North. It seems an age since we visited Manor Park back in August when a Jonathan Smith goal gave us a half time lead only for 'Boro to equalise in the second half. It looked as if 'Boro might be heading for mid table round about Christmas but since then they have had a marvellous run and now seem certain to take part in the promotion play off games. They are a side that fight to the bitter end and last Saturday they came from behind to win at Ashton United with a goal in the dying seconds.

As I mentioned when previewing this game in last Saturday's programme, few Barrow supporters will forget Nuneaton's last trip to Holker Street. I suspect Nuneaton fans have a very different view. In that FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round replay we were 3-1 down at the interval and down to ten men but stuck to the task to win 4-3. Both of our heroes on the night could well play a part today. Neil Tarrant, who struck twice, including the winner has been a regular since rejoining the club in January. Graham Anthony who scored the other two goals was fit enough for a place on the bench last week and hopefully is well on his way back to full fitness.

Job Done: At long last, last Saturday, we managed to beat Harrogate Town in a League game. Given their recent run, it was always going to be a tight game but our young and relatively inexperienced side responded superbly with Gareth Simpson hitting the winner - his first goal for the first team on his 29th appearance. The only down side was a missed penalty. I think everyone was willing Gavin Knight to convert the kick given his bad luck in front of goal in recent games but it was not to be. Some of you might remember that Gavin missed a penalty at Frickley last season so, let's hope he gets a chance to make it third time lucky.

The game also saw another local player make his debut. Many fans will know that Dave Mansergh has been knocking in goals in the West Lancs League for Dalton United for some time. Whilst his appearance was brief, let's hope he gets a chance at some stage to show if he can convert his goal scoring skills to a higher level. Another encouraging feature of last week was the fact the gate held up well despite the defeat at Worksop. It means that we have certainly kept fourth spot in the Conference North attendance table and it would be nice to think we might get a four figure attendance today especially as I imagine there may be a few travelling fans from the Midlands.

Thanks, Paul: One player who did not feature last Saturday was young Paul Armstrong who has returned to Oldham Athletic after a month with us on loan. Paul was brought in to cover for the injured Guy Heffernan and did a decent job. I am sure he will be a better player for the experience.

Reserves Frustration: Last Saturday saw the Reserves take on Altrincham Reserves at the ground of Wythenshaw Town FC. The game followed a similar pattern to recent away games. The Reserves were level but eventually lost 2-1. There were in action, again, last night and hopefully took the points against Leigh RMI Reserves at Hilton Park.

Thanks, Ian: One player whom I understand won't be featuring for us again is midfielder Ian Kilford. Ian joined us last summer following his release by Scunthorpe United but his progress was blighted by injury. He scored our first home goal in Conference North but failed to hit the net for us again. He tried to regain his fitness through the Reserves but after his 11th appearance for us, against Fleetwood Town in the Marsden Trophy towards the end of January he was allowed to join Kendal Town on loan. He has featured regularly for former Bluebirds boss Tony Hesketh at Town who now look certain to make the UniBond First Division promotion play offs.

Ex Bluebirds in the News.
Firstly, I am sure many of you will have already read of the tragedy that struck our former goalkeeper Jamie Waite ten days ago. Following his release by us last month, Jamie has been playing for Stevenage Borough Reserves. His father was attending the game with Luton Town ten days ago when he collapsed just before half time. Despite attempts to revive him, he died at the interval and the game was rightly abandoned. Our thoughts go out to Jamie's family at this time.

Another former Bluebird's goalkeeper in the news is veteran Paul Horridge who I reckon must by now have clocked up about twenty clubs around the north west down the years. Paul was the first goalkeeper brought in by Kenny Lowe when he took charge in the summer of 1999. After a spell in the North West Counties League, Paul is back on the UniBond beat, keeping goal for First Division Chorley who are battling to avoid relegation. It looks like their battle to avoid the second relegation spot with one of Paul's former clubs, Rossendale United, will go to the wire.

A former midfield player has also featured this month in the highly popular FourFourTwo magazine. He is former Everton star Billy Kenny. In many ways, some fifteen years ago, he was like a young Wayne Rooney - immensely talented and seemingly with the ability to go all the way to the top. Sadly, Billy got in with the wrong crowd and became involved in drugs. He quickly fell out of things at Goodison Park and failed to revive his career with Oldham Athletic. In October 1995, he arrived at the last chance saloon when Tony Hesketh brought him to Holker Street. He showed glimpses of his undoubted talent in a spell of just under three months at Holker Street but he drifted back into his old ways and out of football. Kenny clearly regrets what happened - a fact that comes through in his interview.

On the striking front, Michael Rankine nearly made the headlines last Saturday when he featured for Scunthorpe United in their League Two promotion clash with Macclesfield Town at Glanford Park. The game was covered by Radio Five Live and reporter Alan Biggs reported that 'Shabba' was only denied the winning goal by a world class stop by the Macclesfield goalkeeper.

An ex Barrow manager has also announced (through the pages of the Lancashire Evening Post) that he is keen to return to non-League management. The man in question is Mickey Taylor who during his three and a half seasons in charge at Holker Street in the early 1980s, took the club to glory by winning what was then the Lancashire Junior Cup. Mickey went on to manage at Workington, Southport and Fleetwood before having several seasons in charge at Fulwood Amateurs in the West Lancashire League. Mickey's current football involvement has been scouting for Northwich Victoria of the Conference and he was here as recently as January for our Trophy tie against Scarborough. He certainly has plenty of experience and I just wonder if he might get a call from one of his local clubs - Bamber Bridge for help. They are in free fall in the UniBond Premier Division with just one point from eleven games.

On The Road (1): Next Saturday sees us on the road to the Midlands to play Worcester City at St George's Lane. City were one of the pre-season title favourites but a poor run saw them change manager and in recent weeks their fortunes have improved dramatically with former Carlisle United and Bury striker Andy Preece in the role of player/manager. Back last August, the clubs served up a 2-2 draw here at Holker Street. We took a first half lead courtesy of an Ian Kilford but trailed 2-1 with eight minutes to go when Mike Kewley came to the rescue with an equaliser. Its fair to say that the game will be a stiff examination of our defence as City ran in four goals without reply last Saturday at Hinckley United's new Marston Stadium.

Back in the old days of the APL, we made half a dozen trips to Worcester but came back with the points just once - a 4-2 win on a January Monday night in 1981. I am sure we would settle for something similar again.

On The Road (2): Two weeks today, we break new ground with a trip to the Marston Stadium, the recently opened ground of Hinckley United. We have never actually played at Hinckley before and will be keen to try to record a double over United who have, of course had a decent season highlighted by their FA Cup exploits which saw them defeat League One side Torquay United at home before losing out in a Second Round Replay away to another League One side Brentford.

Back in January, on a cold Tuesday night, we turned in a great performance to defeat them 3-0 here with goals from Neil Tarrant, Gavin Knight and a Scott Maxfield penalty and a similar result would be a great way to round of our away programme for the season.

Reserves At Home: If you can't make either trip to the Midlands, then the Reserves play the final two home games of their Lancashire League programme. On Saturday 16 April, the visitors are the second string from Southport whilst on Saturday 23 April the visitors are Burscough Reserves. Both games will provide a good test for the improving Reserve team who can finish in their highest ever Lancashire League position if they keep up their recent form.

Next (and Last) At Home: Our final home game of the Conference North season comes on Saturday 30 April when we entertain Vauxhall Motors, managed by former Bluebirds boss Owen Brown with another former Bluebird Carl Macauley as one of the coaches. One of the strikers in the squad is Anthony 'Bagger' Wright who enjoyed a purple patch in attack for us at the start of the 1997-98 season. Back in March, we defeated the Motormen for the first time with a 2-0 win at Rivacre Park with goals from Steve Ridley and a peach of a free kick from Gavin Knight. The Motormen have won their three trips to Holker Street so far - last season they triumphed 1-0 although they were helped by a missed penalty by Ian Arnold. The game gives us another chance to complete a double.


LOOK BACK AT SEASON 1982-83
From Terry Kendall.

December 18 1982, Barrow 0 Wealdstone 2, APL
Barrow: Thomas, Richmond, Knowles, Bell, Gordon, Large, Taylor, Wright, Cowperthwaite, Gamble, Moore. Sub: Keen (Used).
Wealdstone: Goddard, Barwick, Perkins, Byatt, Bowgett, Wainwright, Davies, Johnson, A. Cordice, Graves, N. Cordice. Sub: Waites.
Goals: Nigel Johnson 7, Alan Cordice 40
Ref: A. Banks (Manchester). H/t: 0-2. Att: 519
APL results: Barrow 0 Wealdstone 2 519, Dagenham 1 Telford 1 499, Northwich 3 Enfield 1 1002, Scarborough 4 Worcester 1 752, Weymouth 2 Bangor City 1 848.