Holker Street Newsletter 898 - 20th January 2002

Barrow won 3-1 in the League this weekend, and with it consolidate their position of second in the League, but Lancaster also won.

Barrow’s match at Southport in the Lancashire FA Marsden Trophy Quarter-Final was originally scheduled to be played on Tuesday 29 January but has now been moved forwards 24 hours and will take place the following night, Wednesday 30 January. Mark Hume, who was sent off in the previous game of this competition at Bamber Bridge, has received a two match suspension and perhaps, fortunately, the two matches he will miss are the UniBond Cup Quarter-Final tie next Saturday, along with the following game at Southport. The Newsletter’s disciplinary co-ordinator wonders if this is good future fixture planning by the club or just a lucky coincidence that Hume doesn't miss any League matches?

The former Barrow player, Jason Ainsley has been appointed assistant manager to Tony Lee at Spennymoor.

Now we come to the regular oops column. In the last edition of the Newsletter I said we were due to play Bamber Bridge at home on 2 February, err, no, we are away, as we have already played Bamber at Holker Street, when we drew 1-1 on Monday 27 August in front of 1445. I’m checking the dates of the other games, including the two against Worksop, and I’ll confirm the details in a future Newsletter.

Thanks to Peter Caldwell, John Little, Jeff and Sally Wilson, Christer Svan, Jim Whitton, Richard Ingham, Old Barrovian, Scott Leslie, Ron Duxbury, Flag Man, a Quiet Man, Bob Herbert, Phil Yelland, Graham Murphy and Richard Ingham for their help with today's edition.

HOLT DOUBLE SETTLES THE SCORE
Barrow 3 Frickley Athletic 1, by Russell Dodd

Barrow overcame a spirited Frickley outfit to gain a much-needed confidence-boosting victory. The Bluebirds, who had seen a 3-1 mid-week lead disappear in five minutes of stoppage time at the Giant Axe, conceded the first chance to Simon Collins, whose close-range shot was well-stopped by the legs of Simon Bishop. Barrow went ahead on 23 minutes and never looked back. Shaw played in Steve Housham with a lob over the defence and the midfielder lifted the ball beyond the advancing keeper into the far corner. It was 2-0 five minutes later when Grant Holt controlled a Mark Hume flick-on, rounded Kearney and slotted home. After the break Bishop did well to turn away a Collins shot which had bounced awkwardly in front of him and the Barrow keeper also covered for an error by Hume to dive at the feet of Leroy Chambers on the edge of the box. Barrow's fans' minds flooded back four days when Chambers fired a 20 yard shot into the top corner to reduce arrears with seven minutes remaining. There was to be no repeat however as the home side restored their two-goal cushion just a minute later. A long Maxfield throw was flicked on by substitute Nick Peverell for Holt to smash in his second. His hat-trick beckoned after a neat turn in the box but he drew his shot wide of the far post.

FROM THE YORKSHIRE POST
Barrow 3 Frickley Athletic 1

Barrow keeper Simon Bishop was in magnificent form to deny Frickley and allow his side to snatch a flattering victory. Barrow rocked the visitors with a two goal tattoo, Steve Housham lobbing over Martin Kearney and Grant Holt hitting a second. After diving at the feet of Leroy Chambers, Bishop was finally beaten in the 83rd minute, being left stranded by a scorching 25-yarder from Chambers. Hopes of a Frickley revival were dashed two minutes later when Holt struck from close range for the home side.

SOME THOUGHTS ON THE FRICKLEY GAME
From Jeff and Sally Wilson

It was a good match against Frickley on Saturday with two well taken goals by Housham and Holt in the first half. Graham Anthony was excellent as was Holt, Maxfield, Warren and Housham. We've not got a bad team here and it shows in the understanding they have together. We are lucky to have players that I feel could be playing in a League or two higher and as ever I am impressed by their work rate and commitment to the club.

SOME THOUGHTS FROM A QUIET MAN
A crowd of 1100 saw Barrow maintain second spot in the table with a 3-1 win over Frickley Athletic. Graham Anthony returned to the starting line up with Lee Rogers dropping to the bench. Goals from Steve Housham and Grant Holt put us 2-0 up at the break and whilst Chambers pulled one back ten minutes from time, Grant Holt made it safe with a third goal. Lee Rogers replaced Steve Housham during the second half whilst Peverell replaced Ellison. There were no bookings.

It looks as if Mark Hume has a two match ban for his dismissal at Bamber which will be the President's Cup tie and the Marsden game at Southport. The Southport game is now scheduled for Wednesday 30 January, not the Tuesday the 29th.

I understand the reserves won 6-1 at Bamber Bridge. Carl Waters my have netted a hat trick and rumour has it that reserve boss Paul Stanway played in goal!

SOME THOUGHTS ON THE FRICKLEY GAME
Barrow 3 Frickley Athletic 1, from Scott Leslie

Barrow quite comfortably beat Frickley and remain in second place. Frickley were the best team for the first twenty minutes and won three corners. First Symon Collins had a 20 yard shot saved by Bishop and from a right wing corner Wordsworth’s header was blocked and Dean Jones sliced the ball well over the bar from 12 yards. Barrow took the lead on twenty three minutes. Jones poor clearance went to Anthony and he passed to Holt on the right and Steve Housham ran on to his cross and flicked it gently over Martin Kearney from 12 yards. Five minutes later a Simon Shaw free kick was headed down by Mark Hume and Holt went round Kearney and scored from three yards. It was all Barrow attacking till half time and Lee Ellison had two shots well saved by Kearney. Maxfield then beat Symon Collins and Stevie Price and his cross was headed over by Grant Holt four yards out.

In the second half Barrow didn't go forward and let Frickley attack more and Symon Collins' 15 yard well executed volley was well saved by Simon Bishop to his left. Steve Gaughan was hacked down by Rob Hanby who was booked. Then Holt beat both Dean Jones and Jon Wordsworth, but could only manage to poke the ball in the air and after Ellison had blasted at Wordsworth, it came back to Holt who was flattened by Gary Duffty but there was no penalty and Frickley cleared. Gary Duffty, who was probably Frickley’s best player, was replaced by Graham Lewis and at half time Chris Gowan had come off for Scott Collins. Lee Rogers replaced Housham who took a knock and then Ellison was replaced by Peverell who did well in his time on the park. Holt was then fouled again in the penalty area by Jon Wordsworth who had his arms right across Holt, but again there was no penalty, all the way through the match the linesman had flagged at Barrow players when they went forward saying they were offside when they often weren't.

Leroy Chambers beat Lee Warren and from 25 yards he blasted into Simon Bishop’s top right hand corner with Bishop nowhere near it. It was one of the best goals scored at Holker Street this season. Two minutes later though, any fans who thought Frickley would do a Lancaster scoring two goals very late on and going home with a point, were wrong. Maxfield's cross was headed down by Peverell and after a touch Grant Holt blasted low through Kearney. Steve Price then cleared just wide of his own post from a Holt cross. Barrow were the better team and after a shaky start they won comfortably but Frickley didn't play too badly and don't look like a team that are at the bottom.

Star Men: Grant Holt and Graham Anthony

Frickley: Kearney, Collins (Si), Gowan (Collins, Sc), Hanby, Wordsworth, Jones, Duffty (Lewis), Price, Evans (Myers), Chambers*, Prendergast.
Barrow: Bishop, Shaw, Maxfield, Hall, Hume, Anthony*, Housham (Rogers), Gaughan, Ellison (Peverell), Warren. Holt*. Unused sub: Doherty.

MORE THOUGHTS ON THE FRICKLEY GAME
From Martin Leslie

Frickley started the match much better than Barrow and for the first 15 minutes the Bluebirds struggled. After some gentle encouragement from the bench and an exchange of pleasantries between Kenny and his players, the swear box now holds enough to put in an offer for the Millennium Dome. Simon Bishop made a couple of early saves and Mark Hume cleared from between his own posts but from then on the first half was mostly Barrow. A lovely chip over the keeper by Steve Housham opened the scoring and Grant Holt added another by rounding the keeper and tapping the ball in. There could have been another two before half time with Holt heading over and Frickley’s confidence looked shattered. In the second half Barrow sat back on the two goal lead and counter attacked but were subject to numerous offside decisions and again the linesman's neutrality and need for optical aids was questioned by the home fans. Leroy Chambers finally got the goal Frickley had been threatening with a superb strike into the top corner. This seemed to spark Barrow into life again and they immediately replied through Holt who scored from a flick-on. Peverell, who supplied the flick, and had replaced Ellison, looked really sharp for the first time this season. The third goal gave Barrow renewed confidence, Tony Hall showing some neat footwork as well as his usual wholehearted defending. All in all it was a good performance which I am sure Kenny must be pleased with. With the imminent return of Wayne Bullimore and most of the players in good form, it may only be the suspension of Mark Hume for three games which might upset things.

FROM BEHIND OUR FENCES
Match report from the Barrow website, from John Little and Jim Whitton
Barrow 3 Frickley Athletic 1 (att 1100)

Barrow: Bishop, Shaw, Maxfield, Hall, Hume, Anthony, Housham, Gaughan, Ellison, Warren, Holt. Subs Doherty, Rogers, Peverell.

Kenny Lowe named the same side that drew at Lancaster, which meant that Wayne Bullimore's expected reappearance was put on hold. The visitors had the best of the first 20 minutes and in the first minute, Bishop saved a Collins shot and then Jones shot over the bar. A long-range shot from Shaw was saved by Kierney in the fifth minute, but then Barrow had another scare in the 15th minute when Prendergast shot just wide. However, they took the lead in the 21st minute when Housham latched onto a good ball from Shaw and chipped the keeper from the edge of the box. Seven minutes later, Barrow went further ahead when a Shaw free kick was flicked on by Hume and Holt took it round the keeper and netted. It was now all Barrow; Holt headed over and Ellison had a couple of chances as they ended the half strongly.

Barrow seemed to sit back a little in the second half and there was not a great deal of action. Bishop had to make a good save from an awkward shot by Collins, then Gaughan was hacked down as he passed the ball and Frickley's number 4 booked. Holt was bundled over in the box but appeals for a penalty went unheeded. Peverell came on for Ellison on 60 minutes and Rogers replaced Housham with 15 minutes to go as Barrow appeared to be cruising. An even better penalty appeal was turned down after Holt was again fouled, but in the 83rd minute, an excellent goal from Leroy Chambers brought back memories of the nightmare at Giant Axe. However, two minutes later a long throw from Maxfield was helped on by Peverell for Holt to score his second from close range.

FROM BEHIND THEIR ELECTRONIC FENCES
From the Frickley site at , the site also has some photos from the game at Holker Street.

The Blues went down 3-1 at Holker Street but the result probably flattered the home side as the Blues failed to take their chances which could have seen them at least two goals up before the home side scored. The match saw the re-introduction of Graham Lewis to the squad after returning from injury and he came on as a second half substitute whilst John Wordsworth was fit enough to return to the defence in place of Mark Ogley.

Playing into a string wind, the Blues came close to grabbing a shock lead with barely sixty seconds on the clock when a throw-in from the right by Steve Price bounced over Andy Evans, Leroy Chambers and a Barrow defender for Simon Collins to steal in and fire in a first time shot which Barrow keeper Bishop blocked by falling on the ball. Two minutes later the Blues forced a corner on the right which Prendergast sent over. The ball was eventually fed by Gary Duffty to Dean Jones who blazed over from 15 yards. Shortly afterwards Martin Kearney was called into action for the first time when he was forced to save a low shot from the edge of the box at full stretch. The Blues responded with Prendergast having a low 20-yard free kick well parried by Bishop with the loose ball being hacked away to safety. Prendergast them had a 25 yard shot go wide of the right hand upright before Barrow took the lead on 23 minutes. A long ball forward found Steve Housham in space outside the Blues' box and he coolly lifted the ball over the advancing Kearney and into the net. It was a goal which Barrow scarcely deserved but five minutes later they added a second when a free-kick from the right, just inside the Blues' half was headed down in the box to Grant Holt who rounded Kearney to tap into an empty net. for a while the Blues game fell apart, letting the home side forced the pace but slowly they weathered the storm and held out until half time.

The Blues controlled more of the game in the second half and a Simon Collins corner from the left on 50 minutes caused havoc in the Barrow box but the home side finally cleared their lines. On 62 minutes Bishop was forced to push a brilliant half volley from Simon Collins round the post whilst 8 minutes later Chambers chipped Bishop from the edge of the box but the ball drifted wide of the left hand post. Lewis, who had replaced Andy Evans on 65 minutes, combined well with Chambers on the edge of the box before the former had a low shot smothered by Bishop on 78 minutes but a minute later Barrow showed they were still in the game when Kearney was forced to punch away a tricky looking cross from the right. On 81 minutes Bishop was forced to smother at the feet of Chambers who had almost seized on an under hit back-pass but 83 minutes the Blues finally got some reward Chambers picked up a loose ball outside the Barrow box and turned to let fly from 25 yards with a rocket-like shot which flew into the top left hand corner with Bishop rooted to the spot. However, there was to be no great comeback this week as two minutes later Holt scored his second, and Barrow's third, following a throw-in from the Barrow left.

Frickley Athletic : Kearney, Simon Collins, Gowan (Sc Collins 45), Hanby, Wordsworth, Jones, Duffty (Myers 58) Price, Evans (Lewis 65), Chambers, Prendergast. Att 1100.


MAIL WATCH - THURSDAY 17 JANUARY
Influential midfielder Wayne Bullimore looks set to return to Barrow's squad for Saturday’s game at home to Frickley. Manager Kenny Lowe reckons he's the best player in the UniBond League and hopes he will be on the bench for Saturday's game and possibly get a run out as a substitute. Bullimore suffered a recurrence of a thigh problem in the FA Trophy match against Burton on his third reappearance of the season. He has struggled ever since the opening day of the season when he broke his leg against Hucknall. Another player who is returning from injury is Troy Bennett who along with Bullimore was training with the squad before Tuesday’s game at Lancaster. Bennett suffered a cruciate ligament injury in an FA Cup tie at home to Leyton Orient over a year ago and has begun the long road to full fitness.

Following last night's UniBond Cup match Barrow know they will face either Spennymoor or Gateshead at home in the Quarter-Final of the competition after Spennymoor drew at Bishop Auckland last night. Spennymoor will visit Holker Street a week on Saturday if they beat Gretna in their remaining group match. A week on Tuesday Barrow travel to Southport for the Lancashire FA Marsden Trophy Third Round and go to Bamber Bridge for a rearranged League game on Saturday 2 February, as opposed to Vauxhall Motors who are in FA Trophy action on that day. The Tuesday after Barrow are at home to Vauxhall in a rearranged League game but this is subject to Trophy Replays. Other rearranged games see Barrow entertain Marine on Tuesday 5 March and Worksop come to Holker Street on Saturday April 20.

MAIL WATCH - FRIDAY 18 JANUARY
Kenny Lowe believes his side must quickly erase the memory of Tuesday’s 3-3 draw with Lancaster after the team were leading 3-1 going into injury time only to see Lancaster fight back. There are doubts over Grant Holt (groin) and Steve Housham (thigh) but Wayne Bullimore may make a return to the squad. Lowe emphasised that the team must look forward rather than back as the past can't be changed. Mark Hume begins a two match suspension after tomorrow’s game but Ian McGuckin could replace him. For Frickley, new manager Gary Morrow has instilled confidence into his team having only lost five of the last 16 games and included some good wins. Last week the side were 3-1 down with only 10 minutes remaining but stormed back to record a 4-3 victory at Hucknall Town.


UNIBOND LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION, 18-19 JANUARY
18 January: Hyde United 2 Accrington Stanley 4.
19 January: Barrow 3 Frickley Athletic 1, Bradford Park Avenue 3 Runcorn 1, Colwyn Bay 1 Burton Albion 3, Emley 5 Bamber Bridge 0, Gainsborough Trinity 3 Burscough 1, Gateshead 1 Lancaster City 2, Hucknall Town 2 Blyth Spartans 0, Marine 2 Droylsden 4, Whitby Town 2 Altrincham 3, Worksop Town 3 Vauxhall Motors 3.

P W D L F-A Pts
Burton Albion.............25 16 7 2 66-23 55
BARROW....................25 14 5 6 53-32 47
Lancaster City............21 13 7 1 46-20 46
Accrington Stanley........25 13 4 8 61-41 43
Vauxhall Motors...........23 12 6 5 51-35 42
Altrincham................18 11 4 3 32-20 37
Emley.....................23 11 3 9 35-29 36
Burscough.................28 11 3 14 49-56 36
Colwyn Bay................29 9 8 12 38-53 35
Gainsborough Trinity......26 9 7 10 45-40 34
Worksop Town..............21 10 4 7 31-27 34
Gateshead.................23 9 6 8 42-42 33
Droylsden.................26 9 6 11 45-58 33
Blyth Spartans............23 7 10 6 33-33 31
Runcorn...................21 9 3 9 38-29 30
Bradford Park Avenue......26 9 3 14 40-55 30
Bishop Auckland...........25 8 5 12 30-36 29
Frickley Athletic.........26 8 6 12 39-51 29
Marine....................21 6 7 8 31-38 25
Whitby Town...............20 6 2 12 26-39 20
Bamber Bridge.............27 4 8 15 24-58 20
Hyde United...............25 5 4 16 35-55 19
Hucknall Town.............23 5 4 14 24-44 19
Frickley Athletic: 1 point deducted


THE BARROW EMBASSIES
Christer Svan is back on the mailing list from the delights of Sweden, so we can add another glamorous location to the list of Barrow embassies around the world, the full list of embassies around the world, in no particular order is Belgium, New Zealand, the United States, France, South Africa, Taiwan, Belize, Jersey, Holland, Australia, Canada, Sweden, Argentina, Hong Kong, Korea, Italy, Zambia, Denmark, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, India and the Isle of Man. If you are reading this missive in a foreign field that isn't on the list and you would like it to receive the Barrow accreditation, email me at , and we'll arrange for the cultural attache to visit you.


LET THEIR BE LIGHT

Over the last few months there has been a considerable amount of work carried out on the floodlights at Holker Street, and Barrow AFC local press officer, Bob Herbert brings us up to date with developments.

Barrow AFC’s new floodlights will be in place before the end of February. The construction of the lights, on new framework, has been completed - overseen by Dave Stewart of Edmundson Electrical, of Ashburner Way, Barrow and the work done by P & L Lighting, of Daveys Yard, Barrow. But the erection of the lights on the present pylons has been held up by the weather. Under new Health and Safety regulations, it is now illegal to climb the pylons and pull up the new framework. It has to be done by using a “cherry picker” wagon. The windy weather in Furness since the start of the year has meant it has not been possible to start the erection work. But everything is now in line to move into action once a calm week is forecast. And then Holker Street will meet all the grading requirements imposed by the Conference. When Conference officials made their inspection, they said the club must upgrade the floodlights. The new floodlights will be added to the present system and director Neil Chalker says that when the work is complete Barrow’s lighting will be well above the 250 lux minimum standard set by the Conference.


BRIG LOOKING FOR ANOTHER NEW MANAGER
From the Non-League Paper, 17 January

Bamber Bridge are, for the second time in a matter of months, looking for a new manager. Only as recently as November, the club sacked manager Tony Greenwood, the man who took them to the UniBond League championship in 1995/96, was sacked by the club following a decision to halve the wage bill and release six contracted players including goalkeeper Billy Stewart. The club said at the time that Greenwood would not commit himself to the long term future of the club. Now, after announcing the wage bill would again have to be slashed, this time by £600 per week from the current level of around £1000, the man who replaced Greenwood, former Leicester City defender Jimmy Willis and his assistant, brother Paul, have both quit the club. Willis said: "I was asked to accept a wage cut for 14 players, myself and Paul, of £600 a week. I just couldn't do that. It was already down to around £1000. There are teams in this Division with up to £5000 plus. I've turned around a situation with so few players and have come in over three days a week and all for nothing. When faced with these cuts I just said no. I'm disgusted that the club hasn't backed us. I can't see the club pulling back now. This is the noose around the neck. At the end of the day I felt the club would have stayed up with us in charge. Now it has more or less committed itself to the First Division. The decision to cut the wage bill again was made after 150 members at an EGM gave support for survival measures and plans to become a limited company to safeguard football at Irongate.

CHALLENDER SWITCHES TO ASHTON
From the Non-League Paper, 17 January

Ashton United manager Gerry Quinn has signed experienced midfielder Greg Challender after he was released from UniBond League First Division rivals Leek Town. Challender, the much-travelled former Oldham, Mossley, Preston, Southport, Barrow, Altrincham and Stalybridge Celtic and Droylsden player is equally at home at the back or in the middle and will provide the Hurst Cross outfit with a timely boost. Quinn said: "Greg's move really came about by chance but I'm delighted. He rang me last Wednesday to say he was a free agent, he trained with us on Thursday and then signed for us straight away. He must have been impressed with our set-up. He'll be a solid acquisition for us."

LEAGUE THREAT TO SUSPEND SAINTS
From the St Albans City website at

As the future of St. Albans City gets grimmer by the day, the Ryman League committee added another nail to the coffin by threatening to suspend the club from the League if a purchaser was not found by noon on Wednesday 16 January. A statement published on the Ryman League website reads as follows "The Ryman League Management Committee heard on Thursday 10th that direction had been given by the Court on Tuesday 8th which could lead to the club being wound up on the 20th February. The Committee decided that they would give the club until 12 noon next Wednesday 16th January to find a purchaser which could meet the criteria set by the Committee previously. In default the club will be suspended from the League until a purchaser is found or the club is wound up by the court. As a result of this the club was not allowed to bring forward a match from April to last Saturday and if the club is suspended then it will not play any more matches until the suspension is lifted or the club is wound up." Meanwhile The Saints have been fined £500 for failing to pay Hucknall Town compensation for Simon Martin. An FA tribunal valued the striker at £5000 which still has not been paid.

League Suspends St. Albans City
16 January 2002

St. Albans City Football Club have been suspended from the Ryman League. The decision was made after chairman Lee Harding had rejected a proposal from an interested consortium and therefore failed to find a backer before the noon deadline. The League's actions mean that City's game against Sutton United, due to be played this coming Saturday has been postponed. It is understood that a new consortium approached Lee Harding regarding a possible take over this morning, meanwhile the position regarding the suspension will be reappraised by the League committee on Monday 21 January. Lee Harding was unavailable for comment.


AVENUE SPIRITS HIGH DESPITE BIG DEFEAT
The Yorkshire Post, 28 December

Bradford Park Avenue face another tough battle in the UniBond Premier Division tomorrow as they head to the north west to take on fourth placed Barrow. Avenue lost 3-0 at runaway leaders Burton Albion on Boxing Day but boss Trevor Storton knows it has not dented the confidence of his side. He is also looking forward to having hamstring victim Dean Calcutt back in contention. "We dominated for the first 30 minutes at Burton so our lads are not too down about it," said Storton. "We know Barrow are up there with the top boys but they are 12 points behind Burton so cannot be as good. We will go there looking to get a win and give them a game to remember." Storton added that Calcutt will not be fully fit after being sidelined for so long but he is hoping to have the tricky winger involved at some stage so he can finally begin his comeback. Former Bradford City reserve Wayne Benn will also return to the squad after missing the Burton game with food poisoning.

AN INSPIRED AVENUE ROLL OUT THE BARROW
Yorkshire Post, 31 December

Park Avenue worked hard to earn a memorable and spectacular victory at fourth-placed Barrow that saw them take another step away from the relegation zone of the UniBond Premier Division. Trevor Storton's men stripped the Cumbrians of their unbeaten League record this season and triumphed at a place where only Oldham Athletic had previously escaped with a victory over the last 12 months. During that calendar year, only the Nationwide Division Two Lancastrians, who won an FA Cup Replay there earlier this season, had done what Avenue managed on Saturday. Barrow's Holker Street ground has been such a fortress that the partisan 1300-plus supporters packed into the stadium could hardly accept what they were witnessing as Avenue weathered a final onslaught and survived an extraordinary amount of injury time.

Storton's men raced into a 3-1 half time lead thanks to a double from centre back Micky Thompson but were pegged back just before the hour. They battled on against the bludgeoning attacks of the opposition and the elements as a storm of hail, which only started at half-time, pelted into their faces. "I am absolutely delighted with the lads - it must be the result of the season," said the proud boss. "We said we were afraid of nothing and would give it a go and it is amazing what you can achieve with this much effort. We deserved our 3-1 lead but we took a lot of pressure in the second half and against a snow storm the lads did tremendously. They announced three minutes of injury time over the tannoy and then played six but we stuck at it and held on. We have ended the year on a real high after this and the lads deserve it. They were brilliant and worked their socks off. Looking at Barrow's record at home it is a tremendous achievement." The manager singled out keeper Rob Montgomery, skipper Mark Hancock and Andy Quinn for a special mention but also added: "Micky Thompson got two very good goals but the whole team did very, very well". Avenue got off to a dream start by taking the lead in only the third minute following a free kick deep inside Barrow territory. Winger Dean Calcutt, making his long awaited comeback from a hamstring injury, delivered the dead ball and Thompson met it with a well directed header.

A mistake from home keeper Simon Bishop then contributed to the visitors doubling their advantage. Jason Maxwell chased down a back pass and as Bishop attempted to drive a clearance his effort struck the Avenue marksman and rebounded in. Midway through the first half the home side hit back when Graham Anthony thumped a 30-yard drive well out of the reach of Montgomery but Avenue's Calcutt-Thompson alliance struck again just before the break. Another free kick had been won and when Calcutt crossed it in from the right flank Thompson volleyed past Bishop. The nervous half-hour came after Grant Holt headed home from Lee Warren's cross.

ONE FROM THE ARCHIVES
Whilst my scribe was squirrelling away in the Yorkshire Post’s website, he came across this which just shows how far Barrow AFC have come in the last few years, and how much a debt we owe to those now at the helm of the good ship Barrow AFC, and how important it was that a certain Mr S Vaughan, Esq, never had his hand on the tiller again.

An Uneasy Start for UniBond As FA Threat Hangs Over Them, first published on Saturday 28 August 1999

The UniBond League will get underway on Saturday despite rumour and counter rumour following its refusal to accept Barrow as a member. Guiseley are set for an opening day at Leek who were relegated from the Conference after just one season but it may be a brief season as the FA seeks to wield its power. The UniBond League has refused to offer a place to Barrow who have been relegated from the Conference League on `financial grounds.' The FA responded by imposing a ban on the League operating but at the eleventh hour the FA agreed to sanction the UniBond League competition and allow it to make a start on Saturday. However, there is a sting in the tail as they have added a condition that Barrow be elected as a member of the UniBond League at a special meeting of all 44 member clubs to be held at Flixton on August 22. Barrow were relegated from the Football League in 1971 (sic, it was 1972) and they have now been wound up and a new company formed. The UniBond League insist that the club should follow the precedent set by Aldershot and Newport and start again at the bottom of the non-League pyramid in the North Western Trains League. The FA stated: `Our position is clear. It is now up to the League.'

The UniBond have taken legal action and are unwilling to comment further than the press statement which they issued at the weekend. That stated that the League had been advised by the Football Association that they would only sanction the League for the coming season provided that written confirmation was received that Barrow AFC (In Liquidation) would be in membership. The UniBond stated that they were unable to give such assurances as they were in formal dispute with the FA over the matter and are pursuing the arbitration procedure under FA rules.' They advised the FA that a Special General Meeting of all 44 member clubs regarding Barrow AFC had been arranged for August 22 in conjunction with the 14 day period of notice of meeting that is required under their constitution. That is the earliest opportunity that the member clubs can discuss the matter. It would now seem that the FA are willing to let the League open its programme on Saturday providing that the clubs agree to elect Barrow at their meeting on August 22.

STIMPSON EXPECTED TO TAKE TEAM TO THE TOP
Lancashire Evening Post

Barrie Stimpson will be Lancaster City's answer to Phil Thompson this month - and boss Tony Hesketh believes he can take the team to the top of League. Like Thompson, Stimpson has served his club as a player and coach, and now finds himself in the hot-seat while the boss finds himself in hospital. Hesketh didn't look like a man in need of a hip operation as he jigged along the touchline to celebrate City's 94th minute equaliser against Barrow on Tuesday night, but he will be away for at least three weeks and won't be able to drive for some weeks afterwards. But he has every confidence in his right hand man to ensure the team close the gap on leaders Burton Albion. "It isn't an ideal situation for us," he said after Tuesday night's game: "But Liverpool haven't struggled without Gerald Houllier - until recently." Stimpson's managerial career starts on Saturday at Gateshead, a club in dire financial straits after their main sponsors pulled out.

RESULTS NOT TO BLAME FOR CHESTER'S LOW CROWDS
Non-League Paper, Sunday 20 January

My wife and I visited Chester's Deva Stadium and were less than delighted with the prices charged by a club who appear to have forgotten that they no longer have League status. This what it cost two pensioners: £2 to park the car, £18 admission, reduced from £24 in a cold, damp and virtually empty stand, £2 for a newsless programme which doubled up for the previous Saturday and listed a Northwich team three months out of date. £1.80 for two minuscule plastic cups of coffee from the solitary refreshment hut open. Total £22.80. At Edgeley Park, the same items for the First Division game between Stockport County and Birmingham involved a cost of £21.20. It's not even as if Chester had a team worth watching. Supporters around me were complaining of the poorest side in the club's history. If Chester complain about low gates, the reason may not he entirely down to bad results.

Mike Talbot-Butler, Northwich


NATIONWIDE CONFERENCE, 19 JANUARY 2002
Boston United 3 Northwich Victoria 2, Chester City 1 Barnet 0, Dagenham & Redbridge 1 Forest Green Rovers 1, Dover Athletic 0 Doncaster Rovers 1, Farnborough Town 2 Stalybridge Celtic 0, Hereford United 3 Margate 0, Leigh RMI 3 Telford United 1, Morecambe 2 Hayes 1, Scarborough 1 Woking 0, Stevenage Borough 2 Southport 1, Yeovil Town 2 Nuneaton Borough 1.

P W D L F-A Pts
Boston United.............25 16 6 3 55-24 54
Dagenham & Redbridge......24 14 8 2 45-27 50
Yeovil Town...............27 12 8 7 39-37 44
Morecambe.................25 12 5 8 41-40 41
Doncaster Rovers..........26 9 12 5 43-30 39
Southport.................27 10 9 8 33-27 39
Margate...................27 10 9 8 35-34 39
Nuneaton Borough..........27 11 5 11 40-37 38
Telford United............26 9 10 7 44-37 37
Barnet....................25 10 7 8 35-31 37
Farnborough Town..........26 11 4 11 33-32 37
Hereford United...........26 9 8 9 33-26 35
Stevenage Borough.........26 9 8 9 32-27 35
Northwich Victoria........25 10 5 10 39-41 35
Forest Green Rovers.......26 7 12 7 34-46 33
Hayes.....................27 9 3 15 38-50 30
Woking....................26 8 4 14 31-44 28
Leigh RMI.................25 8 3 14 38-43 27
Chester City..............27 7 5 15 30-41 26
Dover Athletic............27 8 2 17 27-43 26
Stalybridge Celtic........24 5 9 10 23-35 24
Scarborough...............26 6 8 12 31-47 23
Scarborough: 3 points deducted

RYMAN LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION, 19 JANUARY 2002
Aldershot Town 1 Hitchin Town 2, Billericay Town 2 Basingstoke Town 0, Croydon 0 Purfleet 1, Enfield 1 Gravesend & Northfleet 5, Grays Athletic 1 Hampton & Richmond 1, Harrow Borough 2 Bedford Town 4, Hendon P Braintree Town P, Heybridge Swifts 2 Chesham United 1, Kingstonian 2 Canvey Island 1, Maidenhead United 2 Boreham Wood 0, St Albans City P Sutton United P.

P W D L F-A Pts
Gravesend & Northfleet....24 19 3 2 59-23 60
Canvey Island.............25 19 2 4 69-27 59
Grays Athletic............26 14 7 5 46-31 49
Aldershot Town............24 14 3 7 48-29 45
Braintree Town............24 14 1 9 42-39 43
Chesham United............25 12 5 8 37-28 41
St Albans City............21 11 5 5 42-26 38
Billericay Town...........26 10 8 8 41-45 38
Purfleet..................24 9 10 5 39-28 37
Maidenhead United.........26 11 3 12 36-39 36
Kingstonian...............24 9 5 10 32-33 32
Sutton United.............24 7 9 8 43-41 30
Hitchin Town..............27 8 6 13 43-55 30
Boreham Wood..............26 9 2 15 34-42 29
Basingstoke Town..........26 7 8 11 30-41 29
Hendon....................23 9 1 13 31-38 28
Heybridge Swifts..........25 7 6 12 36-49 27
Hampton & Richmond........26 6 8 12 33-47 26
Enfield...................25 7 5 13 33-50 26
Bedford Town..............24 5 7 12 35-44 22
Croydon...................25 6 3 16 21-48 21
Harrow Borough............26 3 7 16 34-61 16


THE BARROW v FRICKLEY ATHLETIC PROGRAMME
Sent by Phil Yelland

On This Day, 19 January by Phil Yelland.
1991, Vauxhall Conference, Barrow 1 Boston United 1

Eleven years ago, Barrow found themselves at home to old rivals Boston United in the Vauxhall Conference. The game took place just two weeks after the FA Cup Third Round defeat at Bolton and whilst the team had defeated Chorley of the HFS Loans League Premier Division in the FA Trophy seven days earlier there were concerns of a post FA Cup slump. Manager Ray Wilkie retained the team that had beaten the Magpies but, surprisingly, he left two defenders on the bench. The visitors entered the game with just two away winds in eleven outings.

The early part of the game was even but the play was generally scrappy with both sides struggling to find their own men with passes. On the half hour there was some relief for the home fans as Barrow took the lead. In keeping with the previous play, it was a scrappy goal. Colin Cowperthwaite crossed and Kevin Proctor got in a strong header. It appeared to be blocked by visiting keeper McKenna and in the scramble that followed Billy Gilmour claimed the goal as the ball crossed the line although there was a suggestion that visiting defender Martin Hardy might have got the final touch. In the spell before the interval, the Pilgrims got back into the game with winger Campbell prominent but Barrow goalkeeper Peter McDonnell was relatively untroubled. The visitors began the second half well and on 47 minutes McDonnell pulled off a sharp save from McGinlay however, it was Barrow who looked the more dangerous with Stuart Todhunter particularly impressive going forward. However, they couldn't create the opening to force a second goal and as the game wore on, the Pilgrims gained more confidence. With fourteen minutes remaining, United levelled and it was a goal that brightened up what had been a poor game. The creator was the elusive Campbell who crossed from the right and midfielder Dave Mossman volleyed the ball home from fully 25 yards leaving Peter McDonnell with no chance. That spurred Barrow into a final spell of pressure and from a cross from Danny Wheatley, Kevin Proctor shot wide of keeper McKenna and wide of the post. A draw was just about the right result after what had been a very poor game.

It was Kenny Lowe's final game for the club. The following week, a deal was agreed with Barnet that saw the club's midfield general move to the Conference leaders for a reported fee of UKP40,000. Lowe had been instrumental in the FA Trophy triumph and there was a real question mark over who would fill his role in the team. Arguably, it was never filled properly.

Barrow: McDonnell; Todhunter, Messenger, Skivington, Chilton; Doherty, Proctor, Gilmour, Lowe; Cowperthwaite, Wheatley. Subs: Marsh & Stimpson - unused.
Boston United: McKenna; Raffell, Vaughan, Hardy, Cusack; Beech, Mossman, Campbell, Wharton; McGinlay, Cavell. Subs: Buckley & Stevenson - unused.
Referee: Mr J. Betts (South Shields).
Gate: 1303.

UniBond Review by Phil Yelland.

Lee Moves Down
In a surprise move, Bishop Auckland boss Tony Lee has stepped down as manager after eight years in charge at Kingsway. Lee was previously in charge at Whitby Town, Billingham Synthonia and Gateshead. During his eight years at Bishops he established them as a force to be reckoned with in the Premier Division. They have finished second and third in the Premier Division as well reaching the UniBond Cup Final on two occasions and the FA Cup First Round proper. Prior to stepping down. Lee had had to cut his budget and it appeared that there was a prospect of another budget cut to follow. Stepping into his shoes temporarily is his assistant Tony Boylan. Boylan has been associated with Bishops for the best part of 30 years and he has made it clear that he does not want the job on a permanent basis.

Whoever does take charge may face an interesting problem as Mr Lee has now taken charge of First Division neighbours Spennymoor United who have not had their troubles to seek in the last couple of season, on and off the park. Lee has immediately confirmed that his assistant will be former Bluebird Jason Ainsley who has been in charge at Brewery Field since Peter Quigley stepped down in December after a poor run of results.

Crombie Moves Out
Another manager on the move is Lincoln United manager Allen Crombie. He has resigned as boss at Ashby Avenue after a run of poor results has seen the club fall into the lower half of the table. First team coaches Neil Fleming and Paul Titcombe replace him, at least temporarily. However, there seem to be problems off the field, too, as chairman Peter Doyle has stepped down owing to his business commitments.

On the playing side, the club welcomed back highly promising youngster Simon Bird. He left the club last season to take up a sports scholarship in the USA and that led to him playing for the Louisville Cardinals. Having come home for a Christmas holiday, he registered for United and scored in his first two games although on both occasions he ended on the losing side. Another recent signing at United, Darrell Rankin has not been so successful. He joined the club on a five-week loan deal but picked up a three-match ban after being sent off on his debut against Solihull Borough in the FA Trophy. A new permanent signing by United is the versatile Mark Foster from Grantham Town of the Dr Martens League.

McEvilly Moves.
After a lot of speculation over recent months, Burscough's talented teenage striker Lee McEvilly has secured a move into the Football League. He has been signed by Third Division promotion chasers Rochdale for an initial fee of £15,000. A further fee of £5000 will be due after a certain number of first team appearances and the Victoria Park side have negotiated a sell on clause if McEvilly is successful. I suspect the Linnets will miss his firepower in the coming weeks and months. Rumour has it that the next player to leave Victoria Park could be goalkeeper Matt Taylor who is being tracked by several clubs.

All Change At Hyde
Hyde United player/boss Dave Nolan has been very busy in the transfer market as he endeavours to move the Tigers away from the relegation zone. His first move was to agree terms with Southport for the permanent transfer of striker Ben Obong who has been impressive during his initial loan spell at the club. Another striker on loan from Southport now joins him. He is Kevin Leadbetter. It was thought, at one stage that Tigers striker Graham Yeo might have been bound for the Sandgrounders, in exchange, but that seems to have fallen through. Goalkeeping cover will be provided by former Welsh international Dave Felgate who has agreed a three month loan transfer from Leigh RMI of the Conference who are looking to reduce their wage bill. A further new signing at the club is local player Lee Evans who has been playing in the League of Wales with Caernarfon Town. Two other new faces have also now signed for United - experienced utility player Dom Crookes from Stalybridge Celtic and Nathan Townsend from Hednesford Town.

Hoyle Stays
After a number of rumours, Kendal Town boss Mick Hoyle has received a vote of confidence from the club board and will not be leaving the Parkside Road club. It has been confirmed that Hoyle offered his resignation after the club's defeat at Ossett Albion. The resignation was refused. On the playing side, Hoyle has, again, raided his former club, Fleetwood Freeport to sign Allan Jackson. However, there are rumours that some of Hoyle's summer signings could be heading back to Freeport who have appointed former Lancaster City boss Alan Tinsley as manager for the fourth time.

Albion Lose Passmore
First Division Ossett Albion have lost the services of assistant manager Tony Passmore who was part of the management team that steered Albion to the Northern Counties East Premier Division title last season. He has stepped down because of increased work commitments and is replaced by experienced coach Gavin Walker. They have also added the vastly experienced Paul Raynor to their squad following his release by Premier Division Gainsborough Trinity as part of their cost cutting measures.

James To Move?
In a surprise announcement, Accrington Stanley have confirms that striker Lutel James has been transfer listed. No reason has been given for the move. James joined Stanley in the summer following his release by Second Division Bury. He began his career with Guiseley and has also prospered at Hyde United before being capped by St Kitts. The 29 year old striker is expected to attract interest from UniBond and Conference clubs although a fee will be required for his services.


Holker Street Review by Phil Yelland.

A warm welcome this afternoon to our old friends from Frickley Athletic for this Premier Division fixture. Back in September, at Westfield Lane, we won 3-2 in what was a cracking game. We led 3-0 at the interval thanks to goals by Nicky Peverell, Mark Hume and Steve Housham but the home enjoyed a superb second half and went close to grabbing a point. Since then, with Gary Marrow in charge, their form has improved dramatically with a 3-1 home win over Altrincham and a 5-1 win at Colwyn Bay, probably the highlights. Their latest signing, Leroy Chambers, is due to make his second appearance of the season at Holker Street, three weeks late. He was a member of the Hucknall Town squad that lost here on the opening day of the season and he was set to come here with Bradford Park Avenue three weeks ago. However, Avenue released him a couple of days before they travelled here and so he has returned to his former club.

Last season, we won the corresponding game, here at Holker Street 2-0 thanks to goals from Mark Hume and Nicky Peverell. Two seasons ago, we won by the same scoreline with Steve Housham and Neil Doherty scoring so it would be good to complete the hat trick this afternoon. However, we will need to beware of Athletic in the latter stages. Last week they scored three times in the final three minutes at Hucknall to turn a possible 3-1 defeat in a remarkable 4-3 success. One fan who is likely to be with Athletic this afternoon is Steve Pennock. Steve does a great job in editing their match day programme and has produced one of the best websites in the UniBond League with details of the club's fortunes.

Sweet Revenge
Two seasons ago, we travelled to Bamber Bridge in the Semi-Finals of the Marsden Trophy. Despite a Nicky Peverell strike, we lost 2-1 and into the bargain we had Mark Hume sent off. Ten days ago, we returned to Irongate for the first time in the Marsden since that game and extracted a measure of revenge with a 1-0 win. 'Brig are a much changed side from earlier in the season as a result of their well documented financial problems but they proved tough opponents and we squeezed through thanks to an early goal from Mark Hume. However, Mark found himself dismissed, again at Irongate for what seems to have been deemed a professional foul. The team rallied round and did well to hold on to win.

I am sure 'Brig may have been disappointed with the defeat and the poor crowd of 169 And will be hoping for a bigger crowd when we visit in our outstanding League encounter. At the time of writing, the game has still to be arranged but it might just be on Saturday 2 February. Our trip to Vauxhall has been postponed as they now face Northwich Victoria of the Conference at Riveracre Park in the FA Trophy. 'Brig's scheduled opposition, Worksop Town, are also involved in Trophy business away from home against either Forest Green of the Conference or Aldershot of the Ryman Premier Division.

Southport Next
The reward for defeating Bamber Bridge is a Quarter-Final tie against to the Marsden Trophy holders, Southport. They defeated Lancaster City in the Second Round in a repeat of last season's Final. We could hardly have drawn tougher opponents and, it will be the third time in the last four seasons that we have clashed in the competition with the Sandgrounders.

Back in January 1999, we travelled to Haig Avenue in the Second Round of the competition with the club deep in financial trouble with rumours rife of the players not being paid. Quite what happened before the kick off of the tie is not clear but suffice to say regular goalkeeper Tony Parks did not appear and the number one jersey was worn by central defender Eddie Johnston. He performed heroics but we still lost 2-0.

Last season, Southport met us in the Second Round here at Holker Street and ran out 5-3 winners in a very entertaining game. Our scorers on the night were Steve Housham, Nicky Peverell and Wayne Bullimore whom, I understand is close to returning to fitness after his broken leg suffered on the opening day of the season. Much has changed at Southport since that game. The manager is ex Stalybridge Celtic supremo Phil Wilson. He replaced Mark Wright who took over at Oxford United in the summer but is now back managing Chester City in the Conference. Of 'Port's scorers that night, Dino Maamria, who netted a double is now with Leigh RMI, David Linighan has left the club but Lee Elam and Simon Parke remain.

Since winning an NPL Cup tie 3-1 at Haig Avenue in December 1983 against Southport, we have played eight Cup ties against them in various Cup competitions without success. Surely, we are due for a change of luck.

A Little Bit Of History
Last Saturday's game at home to Whitby Town saw us create a little bit of history as we recorded our first ever home win over the Yorkshire side. Over the years, Town had enjoyed a good record here, drawing three FA Cup ties and winning in the last two seasons in the UniBond League. On this occasion, we proved too good for them thanks to a goal double from Lee Ellison. It was, perhaps fitting that Lee should be the goalscorer as he made his Barrow debut at home to Whitby two seasons ago. It turned out to be a bad afternoon as, on that occasion, Town won 3-0. It could have been worse as Simon Bishop saved a penalty in addition to that.

It was the first time we had completed the double over Town and our third double of the season having already won at home and away to Gainsborough Trinity and Bishop Auckland. A win this afternoon would take that tally to four.

Ex Bluebirds In The News
The first was striker Darren Roberts who played regularly for us during the second half of last season after being released by Exeter City. Over the summer Darren joined Tamworth in the Dr Martens League Premier Division and his goals have helped to move them into a position where they can mount a title challenge with possible promotion to the Conference. Last Saturday, against Worksop Town in the FA Trophy, Darren netted a hat trick and finished on the losing side. What must have been particularly frustrating was the fact that his third goal was scored in the final minute. Town then netted the winner in stoppage time.

The second player in the news is former skipper and man of many clubs Greg Challender. Last summer, Greg joined Leek Town from Northwich of the Conference and has played an important role in their promotion bid this season. However, he has now left Harrison Park and joined another of the promotion chasing teams Ashton United.

Striker Ian Foster was one of our heroes during the 1998-99 season and he then joined Kidderminster Harriers. Ian went with them into the Football League at the start of last season but, after a decent start, he lost his place. It looked like he might be on his way out of Aggborough but he has recently returned to top team action and struck the goal trail, again.

Finally, veteran striker Mark Dobie is continuing to be the scourge of defences in the UniBond First Division. I reckon Mark is now 38 and he had indicated that he was going to hang up his boots at the end of last season. Clearly, Gretna manager Rowan Alexander persuaded him to give it another go and he must be glad that he did. Mark netted a double last week as the Scots defeated Ossett Albion 2-0 and that took his tally of goals for the season to date to a very healthy 18.

We Still Need Your Help
Whilst our FA Cup success earlier in the season generated some very welcome income, we still need your help to keep the income coming in. If you look through the match programme you will find that we still need individuals, groups of individuals or businesses to sponsor squares of turf, players' kit and some of our home games. Information and details of packages are available from the club or the Soccer Shop at 60 Buccleuch Street.

Next In Town
Next Saturday, we are at home again, this time in the President's Cup. What we cannot say, at this stage, is who our opponents will be other than they will be the runners up in Group One of the UniBond Cup Groups. Either Blyth Spartans or Spennymoor United will win that group. Gretna cannot finish in the top three. That means we will play Gateshead, Bishop Auckland or Spennymoor United. The final Group game is this Tuesday coming when Gretna travel to Spennymoor. Whoever we play will be tough opponents. Enjoy this afternoon's game; please join us, again next Saturday.