Holker Street Newsletter 904 - 8th February 2002

Barrow's away game at Burton Albion has been rearranged for Tuesday 26 February, meaning Barrow will play the current League leaders twice in five days with the home game the following Saturday. This date is subject to Burton not being involved in an FA Trophy Replay.

Thanks to Peter Caldwell, Jim Whitton, the Barrow web site, John Little, Richard Ingham and Flag Man for their help with today's edition.


FROM BEHIND OUR FENCES
Southport 0 Barrow 2 (att 184), Marsden Trophy Quarter-Final, from Jim Whitton and the Barrow AFC website.

Barrow progressed to the Semi-Final of the Marsden Trophy with a good win against the Conference side, who had a good proportion of regular first-team players in their squad. After prolonged rain, the pitch was heavy but Barrow made a dream start, scoring in the first minute. Steve Housham found Nicky Peverell, who rediscovered his goal scoring talent by chipping the keeper beautifully. The home side, with former Barrow players Gary Bauress and Carl MacAuley, applied pressure but they came up against a solid Barrow defence and a determined Simon Bishop. A foul on Maxfield led to a brawl and MacAuley and Maxfield were booked.

Southport increased the pressure in the second half and produced a string of chances, but seemed to fire them everywhere but on target. In spite of the pressure, the expected equaliser didn't come and Barrow clinched the game with a sucker punch four minutes from time. Simon Shaw made progress down the right and put in a cross which Grant Holt, who had come on a substitute, converted from close range. This was a battling performance by Barrow's defence, whilst in midfield Wayne Bullimore showed glimpses of his old form.

Barrow: Bishop, Shaw, Maxfield, Rogers, Hume, McGuckin, Housham, Gaughan, Peverell, Duerden, Bullimore. Subs: Doherty, Gill, Hall & Holt.


SCOTT SET TO GET FIRST START FOR PORT
Lancashire Evening Post, 6 February

Southport entertain Barrow this evening in their rearranged Lancashire FA Marsden Trophy Quarter-Final with manager Phil Wilson finding his options limited.

Defender John Robertson and wing back Chris Lane are both still suspended while striker Steve Whitehall is ruled out for the Cup holders because of an ankle problem. That injury forced Port's top scorer to miss the weekend encounter with his former club Nuneaton Borough. And Wilson admitted that the veteran's presence was missed as they were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw. "We could have done with Steve," said the Port boss. “We should have had Saturday's match sewn up by half time. We had several good chances and did not finish. We got into good positions but then our final ball let us down. We gave them a goal and you cannot do that. Steve Dickinson could have cut out the cross by coming out. It was a poor goal to concede just 20 seconds into the second half. Steve could have changed his mind and still cleared. But he hasn't made many mistakes this season and the wind may have played a part." One change that Wilson will be making tonight is giving recent signing Andy Scott a place in the starting line-up. The ex-Stalybridge Celtic wing back, a former England youth international, got six minutes of action on Saturday after coming on as a late substitute for Phil Eastwood. Barrow visit Haig Avenue tonight looking to bounce back from the disappointment of their 1-0 defeat at Bamber Bridge on Saturday.

It was Brig's first victory in the UniBond Premier Division since manager Tony Greenwood was sacked in November. And Wilson is keen his players add to the Cumbrians' misery this evening. "We won this competition last season and we are looking to do the same again this time round," he said. "I have been disappointed with the last couple of performances – I felt that we should have beaten both Hereford and Nuneaton."


A DREAM START HELPS BARROW TO KNOCK HOLDERS OUT OF COUNTY CUP
By Post Reporter, Lancashire Evening Post, Wednesday 6 February

Southport were always chasing this Cup tie as Barrow bounced back from Saturday's surprise defeat at Bamber Bridge to deservedly topple the Lancashire Marsden Trophy holders. Kenny Lowe's side made a dream start, stunning the Sandgrounders after just 57 seconds. Steve Housham swung over a left to right cross field ball that fell to Nicky Peverell on the right edge of the box, Peverell produced an exquisite finish, chipping over a static Phil Morgan with the ball dropping into the left hand corner of the net. Phil Wilson named seven players who started their previous League fixture, but they made little impression where it mattered in the penalty area against a resistant Barrow defence, despite the Port dominating possession . Simon Parke headed over on 18 minutes from a Gary Bauress corner and ex-Morecambe striker Phil Eastwood had a shot deflect wide, created from a Tony Sullivan right wing long throw. Ian Duerden gave Sullivan a 21st minute scoring opportunity with a mis-placed half-way line pass. Sullivan sprinted centrally before Simon Bishop did well to push away a low 20-yard drive. Bishop was also brave in the 27th minute smothering the ball at the incoming Sullivan's studs.

Ex-Barrow right back Carl MacAuley was very fortunate to stay on the pitch after an 18-man brawl saw referee Joe Taylor produce a yellow card for MacAuley and Scott Maxfield when it appeared the original infringement was caused by a lunge from central defender Mark Hume. Barrow elected to play deep in the second half, losing the ever-willing Peverell to play up front alone until late substitutions.

Southport laid siege on the visitor’s goal with Eastwood, MacAuley and Parke all spurning chances, while Sullivan stung Simon Bishop's palms with a series of long range drives. Parke had a close range 53rd minute follow-up disallowed for offside when Bishop was unable to hold onto a powerful Tony Sullivan 30-yarder. After tremendous defending the Cumbrians caught the Conference side with a late, rare counter attack that sealed the tie. Four minutes from time Simon Shaw put in a low cross from the right and substitute Grant Holt finished in close range style with a well placed eight yard, inside of the foot execution that gave keeper Morgan no chance. Barrow, with their only two on target efforts, had given their Conference opponents a real lesson in finishing, which Port boss Phil Wilson recognised afterwards. He said: "You want to win every match, I named a strong line-up and I couldn't fault our effort or attitude. But we let ourselves down in the box, missing numerous opportunities."

Southport: Morgan, MacAuley, Scott (Grayston 74), Teale, B Jones, Clark, Sullivan, S Jones, Parke, Eastwood (Elam 74), Bauress. Subs (not used): Connolly, Howell, Dickinson.
Barrow: Bishop, Shaw, Maxfield, Rogers, Hume, McGuckin, Housham, Gaughan, Peverell (Dougherty 81), Duerden (Holt 60), Bullimore (Gill 74). Subs (not used): Hall.
Attendance: 184.

FROM BEHIND THEIR ELECTRONIC FENCES
From the Southport site at

Southport departed from the Marsden Challenge Trophy looking at all the missed opportunities they had in the tie. Barrow were restricted to two shots on target, but they proved fatal for the home side.

Barrow were one up inside the first minute when Nicky Peverell spotted Phil Morgan off his line, calmly chipping the ball over flying over the stranded keeper.

Southport came into the match, having several first half opportunities to equal the scores. Tony Sullivan fed crosses in from the right wing that proved a test to the visitors defence. On 15 minutes, one such cross found Phil Eastwood whose deflected shot went for a corner. Simon Parke headed narrowly over from the Gary Bauress corner. Minutes later Sullivan darted through the midfield, but his shot went straight to Simon Bishop in the Barrow goal. Carl MacAuley ventured forward during the evening and possibly considered himself unlucky not to equalise for Southport after collecting a pass from Parke, but his shot got cleared for a corner.

Southport came out in the second half searching for the illusive equaliser, working hard to create chances. Early on, Shaun Teale's free kick found Parke who laid the ball off to Eastwood, but his shot went narrowly over. Southport did find the back of the net in the 52nd minute when Bishop was unable to hold onto a shot from Sullivan. Parke pounced on the re-bounded ball and slotted the ball into the net, only to be ruled off side by the assistant. Southport continued the search for a goal, with efforts from Sullivan, Parke, Eastwood, Macauley, and even Barry Jones, but it was the visitors who had the last say. A right wing cross from Simon Shaw met Grant Holt who neatly slotted the ball beyond Morgan from close range.

Southport: Morgan, Macauley, Scott (Grayston, 74), Teale, B. Jones, Clark, Sullivan, S. Jones, Parke, Eastwood (Elam, 74), Bauress. Subs not used; Connolly, Howell, Dickinson.

Barrow: Bishop, Shaw, Maxfield, Rogers, Hume, McGuckin, Housham, Gaughan, Peverell (Doherty, 81), Duerden (Holt, 60), Bullimore (Gill, 74). Subs not used; Hall.
Attendance: 184

Referee: Mr Joe Taylor
Bookings: Macauley (31), Maxfield (32).


MAIL WATCH - WEDNESDAY 6 FEBRUARY
Nicky Peverell swept aside his recent patchy form to score for Barrow in the opening minute of the game and help Barrow on the way to a 2-0 victory at Marsden Trophy holders Southport. Peverell scored after only 57 seconds with a lob that went over the keeper and into the net. Kenny Lowe was pleased that Peverell scored as he thought it may provide a good confidence boost and with Grant Holt missing for Saturday’s game against Altrincham its likely Peverell will partner Lee Ellison up front. Wayne Bullimore also played from the start and despite being a couple of games away from full fitness played well against former Barrow players Carl Macaulay and Gary Bauress who are both well thought of. The win puts Barrow into their second Cup Semi-Final where they will be at home to either Ramsbottom or Clitheroe scheduled to be played week commencing Monday 18 February.


BRIEF HISTORY OF SOUTHPORT
From

Southport Football Club originated from a failed rugby club which, after several heavy defeats, changed codes in 1881 and by 1888 had merged with Southport Wanderers to become Southport Central. Playing at a ground on Scarisbrick New Road they joined the Lancashire League and in 1894-95 reached the First Round proper of the FA Cup for the first time, losing 3-0 to Everton before a then record gate of 5000. The club moved to their present ground in Ash Lane, later renamed Haig Avenue, in 1905. Having become founder members of the Central League in 1911, Southport Central was taken over in 1918 by the Vulcan Motor Company and played for one year only as Southport Vulcan. Following reformation they became Southport FC and, as such, were heavily involved in the establishment of Football League Division Three (North) in 1921. For much of their Football League career (from 1921 to 1978) Southport laboured in the nether regions of Division Three (North) or Division Fourth. Hampered by the proximity of several big clubs, Southport always suffered from poor attendances. Acute financial problems almost brought about closure in 1936 but two opportune transfers ensured Southport's survival; a similar situation arose in 1981 when only a complete reconstruction saved the club. On a more positive note the 1938-39 and 1955-56 seasons saw the club challenging for promotion to Division Two but a lack of determination as much off the field as on let them down towards the finish each time. Many would say the "Golden Age" of Southport FC began with the arrival of Billy Bingham as trainer-coach back in 1965.

Appointed manager, he took the club to a Fifth Round FA Cup tie at Hull City in 1966 and then secured promotion to Football League Division Three in 1966-67. Relegation in 1970 was only temporary; under the Managership of ex-England International Jimmy Meadows, whose own League career had begun at Southport in 1949, the Sandgrounders won the 1972-73 Fourth Division Championship with 62 points. That Hull tie was not, however, the pinnacle of the club's achievements in the FA Cup; their great Cup tradition peaked in 1931 when Southport became the first Division Three (North) club to reach Round Six of the competition, losing to Everton. The following season Newcastle United drew 20,010 (still the ground record) to Haig Avenue in the Fourth Round and only after two Replays with Southport did the Geordies go on to win the Cup at Wembley. Many thought that the loss of Football League status - ironically by a single vote in 1978 - would herald the end of the club altogether. Yet here they are, over twenty years later, not just surviving but with finances healthier than in many League seasons. The Haig Avenue ground has itself undergone a complete transformation during this time to bring it up to Conference standard, particularly following the demolition of the original covered terracing under new safety regulations in 1987. Chairman Charles Clapham masterminded the rebuilding project and thus helped secure the promotion the club so dearly sought. In 1981 Southport FC celebrated its Centenary with a reunion of 125 former Football League players, an event successfully repeated in 1991 when invitations were also extended to players from the NPL era. It is hoped to stage a similar celebration for the 120th anniversary in 2001. The club’s greatest day arrived in May 1998 when, under the managership of Paul Futcher, the Sandgrounders walked down that famous Wembley tunnel and into the bright sunshine of Wembley Stadium for the Umbro FA Trophy Final. Despite outplaying Cheltenham Town for almost the whole ninety minutes – a late slip allowed a killer goal and over ten thousand gold and black clad fans who had made the trip were left disappointed but proud. The arrival of new manager Mark Wright in December 1999 brought a new optimism at Haig Avenue after two and a half seasons of poor League form. With a side lacking confidence wallowing next to bottom in the table, Mark took on the challenge despite it being his first management position, and by the end of the season the Sandgrounders had risen meteorically to ninth in the final Conference table.

FA TROPHY FOURTH ROUND
Yeovil Town P Doncaster Rovers P, Mangotsfield United 0 Stalybridge Celtic 1 (314), Hereford United P Hampton&Richmond Borough P.

FA TROPHY FOURTH ROUND REPLAYS
Burton Albion 3 Farnborough Town 2 (1706), Gravesend & Northfleet 2 Hendon 1 (542), Solihull Borough P Chester City P, Braintree Town P North Ferriby United P, Scarborough 2 Barnet 2 (aet - Scarborough won 5-3 penalties).

ALTRINCHAM FAR FROM OUT OF THE FINANCIAL MIRE
The Non-League Paper

Supporters of UniBond League Premier Division club Altrincham have had more than their fair share of worries over the years, usually connected to the precarious financial position of the club. Since the FA Cup game against Darlington, some supporters seemed to believe that the club's money problems were over. The FA Cup run brought over UKP100,000 into the club, and the team is still well and truly in contention for the championship. However, as chairman Mark Harris was quick to point out: "Perhaps some have forgotten already that only a year ago the club very nearly closed completely, drowning in debt. One year on, that debt has not been eradicated, merely reduced. On current projections, the club could finish this season still having a deficit of UKP130-150,000. Let me share with you what it costs to run Altrincham Football Club, and how much income we generate. The game against Colwyn Bay last Saturday was our 22nd home game of the season to date. Excluding match day sponsorships, this is what staging a home game currently generates by each competition in which we participate. This season, when everything is taken into consideration, it has been costing a shade over UKP9000 to run the club, or UKP314,000 to date overall including the various liabilities left over from last season with around UKP236,000 in-bound to date from all income sources including sponsorship and advertising (around UKP80,000), the bar and the FA Cup run. With roughly thirteen weeks left to go this season, a deficit of UKP78,000 could increase by up to 75% because we're not yet clear of the spectre of the tax man. The loss of the Hyde game to the weather on Boxing Day alone probably cost the club around UKP3-5000 when you consider that a likely 1000+ festive attendance is likely to reduce to 500 - 600 when the fixture is finally re-arranged. And wages responsibilities don't go away when a game is called off.

"Like most clubs, our biggest item of weekly expenditure is our players' wage bill. The top payers in our League are undoubtedly Burton. Barrow are probably in the top three, and we're not far behind at UKP3600 per week. Some might say you can win this League on under UKP2000 a week and point to Lancaster's rumoured budget in that ballpark for proof. Unfortunately however, Altrincham has had a long-standing reputation as big payers, and that perception does not change overnight. Neither can you sack an entire squad and bring in players from local football at a fraction of the cost without there being a marked effect on results, with the knock-on being felt at the turnstiles, in the bar and shop. The objective is to strike a happy medium whereby a mix of experience and youth is gradually tipped in favour of the latter, but always with the caveat that, although the principle of 'speculate to accumulate' is enshrined in football, nothing justifies jeopardising the future of the club itself. And that holds true whoever you are.

"Which brings us back to our current League position. Can the club give manager Bernard Taylor the financial support to strengthen the squad? The answer, regrettably, is no because in doing so, we'd be risking the future of the club - unless we can tap some hitherto unrecognised source of revenue. One idea that's cropped up is to start a 'Buy A Player Fund', another would be for individuals, or groups of supporters to sponsor a player's wages. We're open to anything because we're all supporters too. The directors are not sitting idly by; they have already poured over UKP70,000 into the club in various ways since January 2001 and are looking at other means to enable them to invest more. As a board we are already well advanced on a programme to identify how to cut costs further, the implementation of which will commence shortly. No stone will be left un-turned, and some of the decisions will not be to the liking or approval of all; but they are necessary - if not vital if we are finally to get things right. The directors will not allow the club to begin next season with any liabilities remaining from this season. Be in no doubt, things WILL get tougher before they get easier."