Five Things We Learned - w/e Saturday 14th January 2017
Mon 16th January 2017 | General | By Ian Templeman
The Gate life of Brian
It was great to see that Squires Gate have honoured their long serving groundsman Brian Addison by renaming their ground the Brian Addison Stadium.
It's a fitting tribute to a man for whom the term "club stalwart" doesn't even begin to do justice, as he approaches his 60th year - yes, his 60th year - of continuous involvement at the Club.
For many years Brian combined playing for the club alongside groundsman duties, and made his last appearance on the field for Gate at the age of 55. Since then, his work on the playing surface and around the club has been recognised nationally in FA awards, as well as appreciated for many years by the thousands of players who have played on the pitch.
His tireless efforts on behalf of the club over such a long period of time are an example to us all.
Winning with dignity
1874 Northwich's 2-0 win against Northwich Victoria in the Cheshire Cup turned out to be a satisfactory night in more ways than one for everyone associated with the Greens.
It was the first ever meeting between the two clubs, and although there was no obvious reason for concern prior to the game, given the past history there was always a niggling concern about the possibility of unwelcome outside interference affecting events on the night.
Happily, a good competitive cup tie was watched by a healthy crowd, and 1874 progressed into the next round at the end of an evening that passed off without incident.
It was gratifying to see that despite differences, people can still turn up to a game and stand side by side supporting their respective clubs in a civilised manner, and in the case of 1874, enjoy their win with good grace and dignity. Well done to everyone involved.
Young blood keeps flowing through for Road
Once again, Maine Road's policy of bringing youngsters through the ranks is proving to be a successful one, with the 1-1 draw against promotion chasing 1874 Northwich on Saturday the latest impressive showing from Chris Hirst's young side this season.
Ironically, it was a point gained against a team containing several experienced former Road players, and the youthful flavour to the Road line up was notable, with only two players aged over 24, and playing alongside two 16 year olds, a 17 year old and several 18 year olds.
The conveyor belt of young players progressing through to the Road first team has been established for many years under previous managers, and it shows no sign of slowing down under Chris's watch.
Early Yellow goal fever strikes again
One side that have demonstrated their ability to hit the ground running quickly this season are Ashton Athletic .
Earlier in the season, the Yellows rattled in five goals without replay in the opening 40 minutes of the game against Nelson, and they turned in another first half goal fest on Saturday, scoring four times in the opening 20 minutes against Barnton and were eventually leading 5-1 when the referee's whistle brought the first half to a close.
To score five times in the first half of a game is an unusual feat at any level, but there can't be many teams who have done it twice in the space of three months.
A welcome first for 'Pool
AFC Blackpool achieved a notable first on Saturday - their 2-1 win over Sandbach United was their first home league win of the season.
It's not been the easiest of campaigns for Stuart Parker's men after relegation at the end of last season, and although they have managed four wins on the road, success on their own patch had eluded them until Saturday.
Having broken the duck, as well home being where the heart is, it may also yield a few more points in the weeks ahead for the Seasiders.
Five Things We Learned - w/e Saturday 14th January 2017
Mon 16th January 2017 | General
By Ian Templeman
The Gate life of Brian
It was great to see that Squires Gate have honoured their long serving groundsman Brian Addison by renaming their ground the Brian Addison Stadium.
It's a fitting tribute to a man for whom the term "club stalwart" doesn't even begin to do justice, as he approaches his 60th year - yes, his 60th year - of continuous involvement at the Club.
For many years Brian combined playing for the club alongside groundsman duties, and made his last appearance on the field for Gate at the age of 55. Since then, his work on the playing surface and around the club has been recognised nationally in FA awards, as well as appreciated for many years by the thousands of players who have played on the pitch.
His tireless efforts on behalf of the club over such a long period of time are an example to us all.
Winning with dignity
1874 Northwich's 2-0 win against Northwich Victoria in the Cheshire Cup turned out to be a satisfactory night in more ways than one for everyone associated with the Greens.
It was the first ever meeting between the two clubs, and although there was no obvious reason for concern prior to the game, given the past history there was always a niggling concern about the possibility of unwelcome outside interference affecting events on the night.
Happily, a good competitive cup tie was watched by a healthy crowd, and 1874 progressed into the next round at the end of an evening that passed off without incident.
It was gratifying to see that despite differences, people can still turn up to a game and stand side by side supporting their respective clubs in a civilised manner, and in the case of 1874, enjoy their win with good grace and dignity. Well done to everyone involved.
Young blood keeps flowing through for Road
Once again, Maine Road's policy of bringing youngsters through the ranks is proving to be a successful one, with the 1-1 draw against promotion chasing 1874 Northwich on Saturday the latest impressive showing from Chris Hirst's young side this season.
Ironically, it was a point gained against a team containing several experienced former Road players, and the youthful flavour to the Road line up was notable, with only two players aged over 24, and playing alongside two 16 year olds, a 17 year old and several 18 year olds.
The conveyor belt of young players progressing through to the Road first team has been established for many years under previous managers, and it shows no sign of slowing down under Chris's watch.
Early Yellow goal fever strikes again
One side that have demonstrated their ability to hit the ground running quickly this season are Ashton Athletic .
Earlier in the season, the Yellows rattled in five goals without replay in the opening 40 minutes of the game against Nelson, and they turned in another first half goal fest on Saturday, scoring four times in the opening 20 minutes against Barnton and were eventually leading 5-1 when the referee's whistle brought the first half to a close.
To score five times in the first half of a game is an unusual feat at any level, but there can't be many teams who have done it twice in the space of three months.
A welcome first for 'Pool
AFC Blackpool achieved a notable first on Saturday - their 2-1 win over Sandbach United was their first home league win of the season.
It's not been the easiest of campaigns for Stuart Parker's men after relegation at the end of last season, and although they have managed four wins on the road, success on their own patch had eluded them until Saturday.
Having broken the duck, as well home being where the heart is, it may also yield a few more points in the weeks ahead for the Seasiders.
