A look back at 2008

Drew strikes in the cup final vs southport
photo thanks to Kipax 

2008 was a memorable year for the magpies as they got to the final of the Lancashire FA Co-op challenge trophy. Since they magpies are playing in their first final since that day we are going to take a look back of that year.

The magpies started the competition at old foe’s Lancaster City in the first round. They magpies had already played them at Victory Park in the league and crushed them 4-0 (no one expected that) the magpies ran out 2-0 winners as Eddie Stanford hit a peach of a free-kick before Jordan Goodeve smashed in a second to the roof of the net. This game was the start of a run of 3 games against the Dolly blues for the magpies playing them on the 2^nd, 9^th and 23^rd October.

We then made the trip to Kendal (this seasons fellow finalist). Ex magpie Peter Wright scored for the hosts but the magpies battled back through Steve Burke and Lee Shillito, a shock on the cards with the hosts being in a higher league and the magpies were suffering for a real bad run of form.

The cup upsets just kept on coming for Chorley as this time is was the turn of Fleetwood (yes that team who are top of the Blue Square premier) . No magpie could believe it especially after been hounded 4-1 at local rivals Bamber Bridge at the start of the week. But the magpies rose to the occasion and a double from Chris Brooks and a strike from Steve Burke put the magpies in the semi final against Burscough and were dreaming of a possible trip to the LFA headquarters and a final.

The magpies were not to be denied their trip to the final as in front of a crowd of 218, which included England striker Peter Crouch. It was another goal machine to fire the magpies into the final. Young Chorley born Danny Nolan hit a brace as the magpies beat their west Lancashire rivals Burscough 2-0 at Victory Park.

The final came and it was off to the Lancashire FA county ground as the Sandgrounders of the Blue Sqaure north in waiting. The magpie faithful roared them on. But Southport didn’t read the script and went ahead after 18 minutes through Tony Gray.  But the magpies pulled it back. The magpies won a free kick which Mark Drew hit along the ground from 25 yards out right threw the wall and decived Steve Drench to make it 1-1. The magpies went wild they were back in it. But Southport scored twice right at the end of half time through Powell and Gray again to go into the break 3-1 up.

The magpies heads dropped and didn’t create much and apart from a Mark Drew 30 yarded which was well saved. Michael Duffy then scored a penalty to wrap it for the Sandgrounders to win the cup.

So it wasn’t going to be their year and it took three years to rest the ghost as last winter they won 4-0 at Heigh Avenue in the quarterfinals of the Lancashire cup. While it has taken four years to get to the final of the Lancashire Co-op challenge trophy.

** The photo used in this article was taken by Kipax. We would like to thank Kipax for the photo his website can be found at www.kipax.com 

Chorley v Mickelover (preview)

This Saturday the magpies are to host Mickleover Sports in the Evo-stik premier division.

Mickleover sit 19th in the league on 28 points Their league results so far read they opened the season with 3-1 win at home to Nantwhich, 1-1 draw at Rushall, 1-1 draw at Whitby Town, 2-1 lose to Hednesford Town, 2-0 lose to Northwhich Victoria, the month ended with a 2-1 lose at Matlock Town fc, September started with a 6-0 thrashing at the hands to Kendal Town, they got their second win of the season with a 1-0 win at Chasetown,  before coming out on top in a 3-2 thriller against Marine, before a 1-1 draw with Worksop Town, before coming out on the wrong end of a 9 goal thriller (6-3) to end September, October started with a fine 4-0 rout over Bradford PA, before drawing 1-1 with Stafford Rangers, 3-1 lose at North Ferriby United, the a  4-3 lose to Chorley, November started with a 5-0 thrashing at home to Whitby, then a 2-0 to Fc United,  1-1 draw with Burscough, 3-2 lose to Chasetown, 3-2 lose at home to Chasetown, 3-3 draw at Kendal, before ending the month with a 5-4 lose to Worksop, December started 1-0 lose to Marine, then a 6-1 lose at Hednesford, then a 1-1 draw with Ashton, before ending the month with a 1-1 draw Stocksbridge, Janaury started with a 3-1 win over Matlock, then a 1-1 draw with Nantwhich, then a 2-2 draw with Rushall, before ending the month with a 2-1 lose at Chester, February started with a  3-1 lose at Bradford PA, before ending it with a 1-0 win over Stafford Rangers.

There are ex magpies in the  Mickleover team while there are no ex Sports players  in the Chorley squad.

The last time the magpies played Mickleover  was back in October,  The magpies battled back from 3-1 down at half time to win 4-3 , the Chorley goals came from Russell, Foster (pen), Roscoe and Walawyn . While mickelover’s goals came from Alex Steadman (2) and Ben Watkins.

The team that day was: Saunders, Ross, Teague, Russell, Roscoe, Wawlyn, Vermgilio, Jansen, Foster and Ince.

Subs: Maden, Brown, Wawlyn (Jansen), Denham (Foster) and Bowen  

Everyone but Whaley are still at Chorley from that team.

Steve Foster will be looking to continue his spell as the leagues leading marks men with some more goal and three points for the magpies, despite the back strain he had,  along with strike partner Chris Denham who is starting to come to form. Alex Steadman will be the visitors key man- he scored 2 goals in the return and will look to put some more past Saunders.

Teams

Chorley (from): Porter (GK), Suanders (GK), Brown, Maden, Ross, Russell, Smith, Taylor, Teague, Walker, Bowen, S.Flitcroft, Ince, Vermgilio, Whitham, Williams, Cunliffe, Denham, Foster, Jansen, Roscoe and Waylwn.

Mickelover (from): Clark (GK), Dickson, Grocott, Wood, McAugtheire, Strzayzewski, Farthing, Nwadike, Simpson, Smyth, Guy, Graves, Walshe, Martin, Pawley, Smith, Steadman, O’Connell, Ashton and Middlewhich.

Redcardreco prediction: 2-0 Chorley Foster  and Denham

Ashton v Chorley (preview)

This Saturday the magpies are making the trip to Tameside to face Ashton United in the Evo-stik premier division.

Ashton sit 14th in the league on 36 points Their league results so far read they opened the season with a 3-0 win over Ashton United, then a 1-1 draw with Stocksbridge Park Steel, before a 1-0 lose to Rushall, before beating Burscough 3-2, before beating Worksop 4-2, before ending the month with a 3-1 lose to Northwhich, they started September with a 1-0 win to Frickley, then a 2-0 lose to Chester, then a 2-1 lose to Hednesford, then a 2-2 draw with Whitby, then a 1-0 lose to Marine, before ending the month with a 4-2 win over Buxton, October started with a 5-1 lose to Stafford Rangers, then a 6-3 lose to North Ferriby, before ending the month with a drawing 2-2 with Chorley, November started with a 1-1 draw with Nantwhich, before a 1-0 lose to Chasetown, the Bradford beat them by the same scoreline, along with Chester, before beating Frickley 2-0, before ending the month with a 2-1 lose to Whitby, December started with a 0-0 draw with Hednesford, before beating Kendal 1-0, they drew 1-1 with Mickleover, before ending the month with a 2-1 lose to rivals FC United, Janaury started with a 3-0 lose at Northwhich, before beating Burscough 3-2, they ended the month with a 2-0 win at home to Matlock, the only result in February was a 2-1 win over Stafford. 

Peter Wright and Chris Amadi are ex magpies in the Ashton team while Russ Saunders is  ex United players  in the Chorley squad.

The last time the magpies played Ashton was back in October,  The magpies drew 2-2 , the Chorley goals came from Foster and Walwyn. While Ashton’s goals came from Peter Wright and Matthew Koylso.

The team that day was Saunders, Brown, Ince, Russell, Maden, Vermgilio, Whitham, Flitcroft, Roscoe, Foster and Walwyn.

Subs were: Whaley (on for Roscoe), Ross, Jansen (on for Foster), Willams (on for Flitcroft), Payne

Everyone but  Payne and Whaley are still at Chorley from that team.

Steve Foster will be looking to continue his spell as the leagues leading marks men with some more goal and three points for the magpies along with strike partner Chris Denham who is starting to come to form. While Aaron Burns will be key Ashton Player the former United youngster will be a thorn in the magpies side.  

Teams

Ashton (from): Cheetham (GK), T. Smith (GK), Anderson, Caldcott, Frost, Harrop, Lacy, Melling, Rose, Beattie,  Bennett, Cahill, Forrester, Koslyo, Lambert, Murphy, O’Neill, Peers, Roberts, B.Smith, Amadi, Burns, Piana, Sansey

Chorley (from): Porter (GK), Suanders (GK), Brown, Maden, Ross, Russell, Smith, Taylor, Teague, Walker, Bowen, S.Flitcroft, Ince, Vermgilio, Whitham, Williams, Cunliffe, Denham, Foster, Jansen, Roscoe and Waylwn.

Redcardreco prediction: 1-0 Chorley Foster with the goal

The road to the Reebok- Chorley

Yesterday we looked back at Kendal’s run to the final now it is turn of the magpies to have their run reviewed. Thanks to Chorley fan Ian Livesey, who kindly agreed to write this for us.

Chorley started off in the Lancashire Cup in fine form on Tuesday 15th November 2011. The Magpies faced North West Counties Premier Division side Ashton Athletic at Victory Park. An impressive crowd of 389 saw Chorley comfortably win 7-1. Remarkably, the goals coming from seven different players. Chris Denham, Jordan Bowen, Dale Whitham, Simon Whaley, Steve Foster, Steve Flitcroft and Matt Walwyn all netting for the Magpies with Ashton’s solitary reply coming from Bradley Cooke.

That huge win gave Chorley a Quarter-Final tie at old foes Bamber Bridge at a freezing cold December night at Irongate. A tougher test on paper, but two goals from Man of the Match Chris Denham, and goals from Foster and Bowen gave the Magpies a 4-0 win.

And so to the Lancashire FA’s County Ground in Leyland for a January night semi-final. Chorley met Wigan Robin Park, another North West Counties side, for a chance to reach the final at the Reebok Stadium. In front of almost 500 people, the game was effectively over at half time as the Magpies went into the break 3 goals to the good. Adam Roscoe netted after just seven minutes and goals from Foster and a 35-yard screamer from Walwyn saw off any challenge by Wigan RP. Further strikes from John Cunliffe and Walwyn’s second rounded off a positive semi-final and give Chorley a chance to take their fifteenth title in the history of the competition.

Goals For : 16

Goals Against : 1

Top Scorer : Steve Foster and Chris Denham (3 goals)

Written by Ian Livesey

In the Enemy camp with Graham O'Callaghan

Ahead of the cup final we decided to speak to a fan the other team- Kendal Town. Redcardreco managed to catch up with Graham O’Callaghan, off Non-league zone who posts as Chelsea on the forum to talk about how he rates Kendal’s chances oh and we might throw a bit of gravy into it all.

So first how has the season being going for Kendal Town fc?

A very mixed season, some great results like beating Hednesford and FC United at home, good wins away at Chorley& Stafford Rangers. But some dire defeats at home to Burscough (league) and Stourbridge (FA Cup) have left us shaking our heads at times.

You took the honours in the Boxing Day derby at Victory Park with a 3-2 win; do you think it gives your side the advantage going into the final?

 Yes, I do. The first half at Chorley was probably our best 45 minutes of the season so far. If we can reproduce that form, we have every chance to win the cup.

So far into the competition the magpies are have netted 16 times, how will your defense cope with the magpies attacking line up?

We have Marc Joseph in our back line, he is our first World Cup playing player and is a great leader...we also have some other great defenders.

Chorley man to Watch
Steve Foster 

If you were Lee Ashcroft, who would you mark out as a danger man for your team to stop in order to win the cup?

Steve Forster...is he still at Chorley ?

Danny Willams key man
photo from www.kendaltown.com

Who is the Kendal key player that Chorley needs to keep an eye for in order to stop?

 They are all over the pitch, but Danny Williams is one of the most exciting players that I have seen years.

What is the mood like at Kendal towards the competition is it something they take seriously or is it just an added bonus to do well in cups?

 Not at all, the town of Kendal is buzzing and we are all really excited about this game. We will bring a great deal of support. We want to win this game and take the trophy back to Cumbria.

Posters on the Non-league zone will know you are a bit of a fan of gravy are you looking forward to try some premier league gravy and in your opinion where is the best gravy to be found in non-league football?

 I LOVE my gravy. Surprisingly, the best gravy is to be found in Yorkshire. I'd just give it to Frickley Athletic...just ahead of BPA

Finally can you give us your score prediction?

 Chorley 1 Kendal Town 3.

Let's hope it's a great occasion and the best team on the night wins.

My thanks to Graham for taking the time out to speak to us and hope he and his fellow Kendal fans have a safe trip to the Reebok. 

The road to the Reebok- Kendal Town

We are kicking off the pre lancs cup final material with a look back at Kendal's Run to the final

The road to Reebok for Kendal was relativity easy for the Cumbrians as they face lower league opposition in each of the rounds.

Kendal’s run started on the 4^th October as they hosted East Lancashire side Clitheroe fc, Alex Taylor and Wayne Curtis both scored braces and Ashley Dunn scoring a late strike put the evo-stik premier division side through.

Next up for Kendal was a trip to Arbories Memorial sports ground as they faced North West counites side Padiham goals from Gary McEvatt, Kevin Leadbetter and winters as Kendal progressed through into the Quarter finals

The Quarterfinal saw Kendal visit Evo-stik first division north side AFC Fylde at Kelamergh Park, Ciaran Donnelly cancelled out a Keigan Parker strike for the host. The game went to spot kicks Gray, Donnelly, Warmsley, Willams and Peter Wright all scored for the visitors after Craig Dootson saved Joe Booth penalty.

And so onto the semi final and The Town made then trip to the County ground, the home of the Lancashire FA to face Bury based side Radcliffe Borough. The Boro went 1-0 up through Ben Wharton, Kevin Leadbetter equalized for Kendal, just after half time Taylor headed home for 2-1 Kendal, Ben Wharton then brought it back 2-2 just 35 seconds later. Kendal restored their lead and went 3-2 up when awarded a penalty with Leadbetter got his second of the match, McEvatt made it 4-2. Ben Wharton could of made his hat trick for boro but saw his penalty saved by Dootson. The result was safe with minutes left to play when Adam Farrell made it 5-2 to see Kendal progress to the Reebok final.

Goals scored 14

Conceded 4

Top scorer Taylor and Leadbetter (3 each) 

chorley v matlock

The magpies moved to 2nd in the league with a 1-0 win over Matlock Town, thanks to a Steve Foster Penalty.

Fossie came on as a sub and with minutes left on the clock made no mistake from the spot to win it for the magpies.

Next up is a trip to Ashton United on Saturday a full preview will feature on here during the week.

Also build up to the lancs  cup final as the magpies play  league rivals Kendal Town at the Reebok stadium on the 12th march will start to appear on here in the next few days

Chorley v Matlock (preview)

not a good day, the magpies visit to Causeway lane

This Saturday the magpies will be looking to get back into action following a couple of weeks off due to the snow as they host Derbyshire side Matlock town fc in the Evo-stik premier division.

Matlock sit 13th in the league on 35 points Their league results so far read 3-0 lose to Ashton United on the opening day of the season, 2-2 draw with Chasetown, then a 1-0 win over Kendal, then a 2-0 win over Frickley, before a 2-2 draw with Marine, before ending the month with a 2-1 at home to Mickleover, September started with a 2-1 win against Burscough, then a 1-1 draw with Stafford Rangers, followed by a 1-0 lose to Bradford PA, then a 1-1 draw with Hednesford, they also draw with Whitby by the same scoreline, before ending the month with a 3-0 win over North Ferriby, October started with a 4-0 win over Chorley, then a 2-1 lose to Nantwhich, before going down 2-0 to Northwhich Vic, they then ended the month by holding the Vics to a 0-0 draw, November started with a 4-0 win at home to Stocksbridge, Worksop then held them to a 1-1 draw, before Chester thrashed them 4-0, Stafford Rangers then held to a 1-1 draw, before ending the month with a 2-1 lose to Hednesford, December started with a 2-2 draw at Bradford PA, then a 1-1 draw with Stocksbridge, before ending the month with a 1-1 draw with big rivals Buxton, Janaury started with a 2-1 lose at Mickelover, before beating Frickley 3-0, then a 2-1 lose to Kendal, before ending the month with a 2-0 win over Ashton, they are yet to play this month.

There are no ex magpies in the Matlock team and there are no ex Gladiators  players  in the Chorley squad.

The last time the magpies played Matlock was back in October,  The magpies were thrashed 4-0, the Matlock goals came from Betteny and Joynes (3),

The team that day was Saunders, Brown, Walker, Teague, Russell, Whitham, Roscoe, S. Flitcroft, Payne, Foster and Ince.

Subs were: McEvilly (on for Payne), Vermgilio, Maden (on for Teague), Willams (on for Foster) and Fairhurst

Everyone but  Payne, McEvilly and Fairhurst are still at Chorley from that team.

Steve Foster will be looking to continue his spell as the leagues leading marks men with some more goal and three points for the magpies along with strike partner Chris Denham who is starting to come to form. While  the key man for the visitors is Nathan Joynes, he netted a hat-trick in the fixture earlier this season and will be looking to dent the magpies promotion push.

The magpies will be hoping to have Tom Willams back who tweeted earlier today that he might be back after 2 months out.

Prices £9 adults and £5 concessions for those unable to get to the game check out www.twitter.com/chorley_fc

Teams

Chorley (from): Porter (GK), Suanders (GK), Brown, Maden, Ross, Russell, Smith, Taylor, Teague, Walker, Bowen, S.Flitcroft, Ince, Vermgilio, Whitham, Williams, Cunliffe, Denham, Foster, Jansen, Roscoe and Waylwn.

Matlock (from): Kennedy (GK), Lukic, Featherstone, Yates, Hardcourt, Sturdy, Kendall, Warne, King, Bowler, Witcombe, Betteney, Knowles, Davies, Alger, Hunter, Cropper, Joynes, Holmes, Whittingham and Nightingale  

Redcardreco prediction: 2-0 Chorley Foster and Denham with the goals

Potters have it all to do

Stoke City have it all do as they went down to a thunderbolt strike from Topel as Valencia took a tight 1-0 lead back to the Mestella.

This was history in the making the first time the Britannia had hosted a European knock out game of football and it seemed to of caught the imagination of the Stokies as a strong crowd of 24,185 roared the Staffordshire side on.

The Potters started well with Jonathon Walters having the first chance of the game which he dragged wide in the first minute. Before Matthew Etherington saw his corner go straight into the hands of visiting keeper Vincent Guaita.

The Spanish giants started to get a foothold in the game as Referee Peter Rasmussen awarded them a number of free kicks for what seemed to be minor offences.

Valencia’s main threat came from the wing back Jeremy Mathieu, a speedy player from France who was causing Marc Wilson and Jermaine pennant problems all game.

Valencia’s first real chance of the game came when Jonas showed quick feet in the Stoke box before forcing Asmir Begovic into a fantastic one handed save as Valencia started to crank up the pressure, the home fans responded by urging their team on even louder.

Valencia knew they needed at least an away goal and they duly got one and by heck it was as great strike. Stoke failed to clear their lines and the ball broke to Turkish Mehmet Topal and he unleashed a 25 yard power driver past Asmir Begovic to open the scoring at the Boothen end.

The goal sparked Stoke back into life and could of equalized moments later when Peter Crouch won a flick on which sent Walters through but the Irishman was unable to take his chance.

Then Stoke’s record signing Peter Crouch had the best chance to draw level when he hit an excellent acrobatic volley only to see it fly inches wide of the goal.

The second half started with the potters going all out for the goal. Mattie Etherington proving rather useful down the wing having a number of chances of scoring but couldn’t find away past Brazilian Bruno Salator making sure the Englishman couldn’t get his cross in.

Tony Pulis made his first change of the night as he brought off Wilson Palacios for Dean Whitehead and he wasted no time in getting into the thick of the action as he hit a pass out wide to send Pennant  down the wing but his cross just missed the head of Walters.

With Ryan Shotton coming on for Marc Wilson and Cameron Jerome on for Peter Crouch to add more pace to the side.

 Valencia nearly scored a second with Andy Wilkinson going into left back he showed his uncertainly as Feghouli raced through only for his shot to cannon off the post.

Local lad Ryan Shotton had a good chance to equalize when Mattie Etherington cross fell to sub who shot took a nick off a defender and originally wrong footed Guatita but he managed to recover to stop the shot.

Things started to get a bit feisty as in the last 15 minutes of play as 7 players went into the book for needless challenges and reaction.

But in the end it was Valencia who took the win and a slender lead back to Spain, the 2^nd leg is on the 23^rd  but before then the potters look to progress to the next round of the FA Cup as they visit Crawley Town fc.

Teams
Stoke: Begovic, Wilson, Huth, Shawcross, Wilkinson, Pennant, Delap, Palicos, Etherington, Crouch and Walters.

Subs: Sorenson, Shotton (on for Wilson), Whelan, Whitehead (on for Palicos), Jones, Fuller, Jerome (on for Crouch).

Valencia: Guaita, Bruno, Rami, Dealbert, Mathieu, Topal, Feghouli, Costa, Oliveira, Aduriz and Piatti

Subs: Alves, Ruiz, Miguel (on for Bruno), Albelda, Banega, Bernat (on for Piatti) and Soldado (on for Aduriz).

Redcardreco man of the match: Asmir Begovic: played well in goal for the Potters and really kept them in the tie.

  

Europa league

It is back on tonight and so to The Brit as Stoke host Valencia in the last 32 of the Europa league- we are behind the goal in the Boothen end about 6 rows up. So spot us if you can :) 

In other news got my house sorted for next year :D 

Worksop v Chorley preview

This Saturday the magpies will be looking to get back into action following the postponement of the Chester game as they visit Nottinghamshire for the game against Worksop Town.

Worksop sit 12th in the league on 36 points Their league results so far read 3-0 lose at Kendal on the opening day of the season, 1-1 draw with Stafford Rangers, 3-0 lose to Marine, 1-0 lose to Bradford PA, then a 4-2 lose to Ashton United, before ending the month with a 0-0 draw against North Ferriby, they started the September with a 2-1 to Northwhich, then a 2-1 win over Buxton, then a 3-0 lose to Chester, then a 1-1 draw with Mickleover, then a 4-1 lose at Chorley, before ending the month with a 4-1 at Chasetown, October started with a 4-0 lose at Marine, before beating Nantwhich 3-0, then a 4-3 win at Whitby, then a 2-0 win at Burscough, before ending the month with a 2-2 draw at Stafford Rangers, November started with a 2-1 win at Worksop, then a 1-1 draw at Matlock, then a 3-2 lose to FC United, then a 3-1 lose to Buxton, before ending the month with a 5-4 win at home to Mickelover, December started with a 2-0 lose at Chester, then a 1-0 win at home to Hednesford,  before ending the month a 2-1 win over Frickley, Janaury started with a 0-0 with North Ferriby, then a 5-3 lose to Kendal Town, before ending the month with a Bradford PA.

There are no ex magpies in the Worksop team and there are no ex Tigers players  in the Chorley squad.

The last time the magpies played Worksop was back in September . The magpies were4-1 winners, Chorley goals came from Whitham (2), Whaley and Willams. The Worksop goal from Jackson.

The team that day was Saunders, Brown, Ince, Teague, Russell, Whitham, Roscoe, Vermgilio, Whaley, McEvilly and Payne.

Subs were: Maden, Willams (on for Payne), Denham (on for McEvilly), Cunliffe (on for Whaley) and Fiarhurst

Everyone but Whaley, McEvilly, Payne and Fairhurst are still at Chorley from that team.

Steve Foster will be looking to continue his spell as the leagues leading marks men with some more goal and three points for the magpies along with strike partner Chris Denham who is starting to come to form. While  the key man for the hosts is Massiah McDonald- the Non-league journey man will be wanting to stop the magpies charge for promotion.

Please be advised that the game is subject to any pitch inpsections and check with the home club before travelling or on www.chorleyfc.com

Teams

Worksop (from): Worsnop (GK), Ziccardi (GK), Woods, Sheils, Roberts, Coteriall, Gardner, Jacklin, Warlow, Young, Hudson, Sharry, Davis, Burbeary, Jackson, G. King, C. King and McDonald.

Chorley (from): Porter (GK), Suanders (GK), Brown, Maden, Ross, Russell, Smith, Taylor, Teague, Walker, Bowen, S.Flitcroft, Ince, Vermgilio, Whitham, Williams, Cunliffe, Denham, Foster, Jansen, Roscoe and Waylwn.

Redcardreco prediction: 2-0 Chorley Foster and Denham with the goals

Review of the month- January 2012

Ice cool Fossie misses against Stafford

Janaury has been a long but rather successful month for the magpies 7 games played and only 2 lose, 4 wins and a draw also the magpies progressed into the final of a cup competition.

Janaury started for the magpies with a tough trip to Marine but the game went the magpies way rather easily as on 20 minutes Tom Ince volleyed in. Marine equalized just before half time when Neil Harvey converted from the spot. Severn minutes into the second half and the magpies went 2-1 when Steve Foster converted from the spot. Only for ex magpie Aaron Ray to make it 2-2. Mark Ross made it 3-2 when he hit a free kick from the half way line into the net. Before a minute later Denham made sure the points were safe.

The first home game of 2012 saw the magpies entertain North Ferriby United. Also a number of Blackburn Rovers fans made the trip to help their former captains team. The magpies were ahead in 12 minutes when Chris Denham netted after playing a nice 1-2 with Steve Foster. The game was won on the 90^th minute when Matt Walwyn chased down a clearance which rebounded of his backside and into the empty net.

The magpies then hosted FC United in the Doodson cup 4^th round. Michael Norton opened the scoring for FC on 13 minutes, before Wayne Maden scored an own goal to give the Reds a 2-0 lead, Andy Russell reduced the deficit  when he netted just after the hour but Dean Stott made it 3-1 from the spot, Mado then netted at the right end but it couldn’t stop the magpies crashing out of the Doodson cup.

The magpies then suffered their first league loss of 2012 as they went down 2-1 to Frickley an own goal from Ben Turner gave the magpies the lead. But two late goals from Stuart Ludlam and James Ashmore from the spot made it a long trip home for the magpies.

The magpies then advanced into the final of the lancs cup with a emphatic 5-0 win over Wigan Robin Park- Adam Rosoce gave the magpies a 1-0 lead on 5 minutes when he tucked in a pass from Matt Walwyn, then Steve Foster fired in on 20 minutes to double the scoring,  then Matt Walwyn made it 3-0 on 35 minutes when he unleashed a 35 yard rocket. Cunliffe made it 4-0 when he beat the offside trap. Wawlyn booked the magpies place in the final with his 2^nd minutes from time. The magpies will place Kendal in the final.

Then the magpies took over Buxton as the magpies found their silver lands with 5 minutes gone Chris Denham volleyed in a Tom Ince free kick. But on 18 minutes Buxtons Adam Barraclough beat Saunders to the ball and headed in an equalizer. With a draw looking like the outcome Adam Rosoce powered in a header for 2-1 before Steve Foster lobbed the keeper to send the points back to Lancashire.

The final game of Janaury saw the magpies host Stafford Rangers at Victory Park. Matt Walwyn gave the magpies a dream start on 15 minutes when he fired in from just outside the area. Before then magpies should of doubled the lead moments late when awarded a penalty but Steve Foster saw his spot kick saved. Michael Carr then made it 1-1 when he hit a free kick past Russ Saunders. But Wawlyn made sure the magpies when into the break with the lead when he fired in from inside the box. But Jon Sheldon made it 2-2 when he fired in a free kick close to the byline for 2-2. The magpies couldn’t find a third and but moved up to third with results going there way. 

England's next captain

WITH John Terry being stripped of the England captaincy until the allegations made against him are sorted it got me thinking who will be leading England into the Euros. 

Rio Fredinand

Although he has ruled himself out of the running. I wouldn’t be surprised if Fabio turns to Rio and asks him to take the armband. Rio has had one of the best seasons at Manchester United for a long time and having already captained both United and England and was also the skipper at Leeds he has bags of experience at leading the teams in the big games.

Steve Gerrard

Despite being out so far for most the season Gerrard is another player with experience of leading the team in big games. Not only did he lead England in South Africa, following the injury to Rio. He also skippered the reds in the 2005 Champions league final as they came back from 3-0 down to beat AC Milan on penalties. Surely he will be at least vice-captain.

Wayne Rooney

One of the outsiders really. He has captained teams before in his youth at Everton and has skippered United in the past as a stand in. But not really had a run as captain. Also for all his skill he is sometimes a little hotheaded but maybe if he was to be entrusted with the role it might mature him as a player- like when Becks was made captain.

Ashley Cole

Ashley is another one of the experienced players in the England squad. He has the tournament experience playing for England, Arsenal and Chelsea- having been in Japan/South Korea, Portugal, Germany and South Africa. But Ash hasn’t really captained a team before as have the other front-runners for the role have.

Scott Parker

Not really a regular in England squad now, which puts him at a bit of a disadvantage to the others but he was a great player for Charlton, Newcastle, West Ham and Tottenham. He skippered West Ham last season and despite the Hammers relegation from the premier league. Scott won the credit of the fans, football writers and fellow pros alike as he took a number of awards for the season.

Frank Lampard

Frank Lampard, bit of an odd one really. Still a great player with a lot to offer England and Chelsea yet he cannot get into AVB’s team at Stamford Bridge. Another player who has played for England in past tournaments.  But he really needs to get himself back in the England and Chelsea frame before it can be considered him being captain.

Reco’s view

I think personally that Steve Gerrard should be handed the armband, if Rio doesn’t want it. He has led Liverpool so well over years. Although I would like to see Rooney given the armband like I said before I think he would really come of age if he had some responsibility in the game.

Chorley v Chester (preview)

This Saturday the magpies  will play their biggest game of 212 so far when the welcome league leaders Chester FC to Victory Park.

Following the trouble that marred last seasons game the police have made it a 1-pm kick off with it being all ticket please see www.chorleyfc.com for ticket info.

Chester sit 1st in the league on 59 points just  4 points ahead of the magpies. Their league results so far read 1-1 draw with Rushall on the opening day of the season, 4-1 win away at Burscough, 1-0 lose at Hednesford, 2-1 win at home to FC United, 5-1 win over Stocksbridge, they ended the month with a 4-1 lose away at Nantwhich, September started with a 6-0 drubbing over North Ferriby, than 2-0 win over Ashton United, then a 3-0 win away at Worksop, then a 4-0 win over Kendal, before a 3-0 win away at Stafford, before ending the month with the same score line against Chorley, October started with a 1-0 win at home to Chasetown, before drawing 1-1 with Buxton, then a 3-2 win at Fc United, before ending the month with a 2-2 draw at home to Frickley, November started with a 2-1 lose at Bradford, then a 4-0 win away at Whitby, then a 4-0 win at home to Matlcok, before ending the month with a 1-0 win over Ashton, December started with a 2-0 win at home to Worksop, then a 2-1 win at Marine, before ending the month with a 1-1 draw at Northwhich, Janaury started with a 1-1 draw with Nantwhich, then a 4-0 win over Rushall, then a 2-1 lose to Hednesford, before ending the month with a 2-1 win at home to Mickelover.

Chris Simm is the only ex magpies in the Chester team and there are no ex blues  players  in the Chorley squad.

The last time the magpies played Buxton was back in September . The magpies were soundly beaten 3-0, Chester goals came from Brown, McNeil and Baynes,

The team that day was Saunders, Brown, Walker, Teague, Russell, Whitham, Roscoe, Vermgilio, Whaley, Willams and Ince.

Subs were: McEvilly, Maden, Denham (on for Whaley), Cunliffe (on for Willams) and Payne (on for Ince)

Everyone but Payne, McEvilly and Whaley are still at Chorley from that team.

Steve Foster will be looking to continue his spell as the leagues leading marks men with some more goal and three points for the magpies along with strike partner Chris Denham who is starting to come to form. While  the key man for the visitors will be Matty McGinn who is the clubs leading marksmen and will be looking to knock Chorley out of then title race all this and he back at the back.

Please remember that it is an all ticket game  with a 1pm kick off please see the clubs official website for information on tickets. If you cannot make the game then you can get updates from www.twitter.com/richardscott93 or from magpie watch.

Teams

Chorley (from): Porter (GK), Suanders (GK), Brown, Maden, Ross, Russell, Smith, Taylor, Teague, Walker, Bowen, S.Flitcroft, Ince, Vermgilio, Whitham, Williams, Cunliffe, Denham, Foster, Jansen, Roscoe and Waylwn.

Chester (from): Danby (GK), Judge (GK), Baynes, Booth, Brown, Brownhill, Horan, Howard, Mackin, McGinn, McNeil, Ormarod, Powell, Rainford, Sarcevic, Simm, Smith, Taylor, Wilde, Willams and Wright.

Redcardreco prediction: This will be a tough one but I think if the magpies play well then it will be a tight 1-1 draw. 

Vics bring in former PNE boss

Homeless club Northwhich Victoria have pulled off a bit of a coup as Paul Simpson was named the new Manager.

The Vics have been without a manager since Andy Preece left the club for Welsh side Airbus UK two weeks ago.

Paul had previously been in charge of Carlisle United, Preston North End and Shrewsbury before a spell at Stockport County.

Former Blackburn Rovers and Aston Villa defender Alan Wright, who was at Blue Square premier side Fleetwood Town last season, will assist him.

The duo are set to take the clubs training on Thursday before taking charge of their first game at Macclesfeild town in the FA Trophy on Saturday as the Vics play Hampton and Richmond Borough. 

Chorley v Stafford photos

This is something new I am trying out a photo special of the Chorley v Stafford Rangers what do you think all photos taken by Richard Scott (redcardreco)

Fossie injured 

bang 1-0

the ref has a word

Fossie strikes his first missed penalty of the season

The Chorley end 

Roscoe forms the meat of a Stafford Sandwich 

Down injured

celebrating 2-1 

The mastermind himself Garry Flitcroft with Jansen

Andy Teague

Fossie can't believe he missed it 

He had a fine game in goal despite the stick Chorley fans gave him

Denham lashes one 

MOM for me Matt Walwyn 

can't believe he missed it 

Chris Denham

Boro hold the Magpies

Chorley will feel this was 2 points dropped as they were held to a 2-2 draw with play off rivals Stafford Rangers at Victory Park.

The magpies started how they finished off against Buxton with Matt Walwyn being a constant threat to the Rangers right back.

The magpies and Walwyn’s effort were rewarded on the 16 minutes When Tom Ince, once again filling in at Left-back pinged a cross in and found Matt Walwyn just inside the box were he was able to the magpies fire past Danny Read in the Stafford goal.

The magpies were given a glorious chance to make it 2-0 when Chris Denham was fouled inside the box and the referee Mr Hull rightly pointed to the spot.  

Up stepped Steve Foster but his unusually tame shot was easy for Read to beat away to keep the score at 1-0.

Chris Denham was the first player of the day to go into the book as he was cautioned for a mistimed challenge. While Chris Morris, who became a dad halfway through last Saturday’s game was booked for reacting to a tackle by Mark Ross.

Stafford then made Chorley pay for missing the spot kick when 36 minutes the visitors were awarded a free kick which Michael Carr smashed past Russ Saunders via a deflection.

With the half time whistle looming Steve Foster went down the wing before crossing for Matt Walwyn who created himself some space before hitting the back of the net to put the magpies into the lead at half time.

Stafford came out fired up for the second half and made it 2-2 five minutes after the restart when awarded a free kick out on the wing and John Sheldon fired his free kick which somehow managed to miss everyone and beat Russ Saunders.

Chris Denham should of made it 3-2 when Foster sent him through but his shot was kept out with an acrobatic save.

While at the other end Russ Saunders was busy with his back 4 keeping Stafford at bay- Russ made a number of fine saves one, which rivaled Danny Read’s save.

Cunliffe and Bowen were thrown on for Foster and Vermgilio to chase the win and to protect two of the magpies key players ahead of next weeks big clash with Chester FC.

Walwyn could of got his hat-trick in injury time from a Denham corner but his shot just went wide of the post.

Despite the draw the magpies move up to 3^rd in the table as Northwhich slipped up with a 2-1 lose to Marine, tough they could of gone 2^nd had they taken all three points as Hednesford slipped up at FC United.

Chorley team: Saunders, Ross, Ince, Teague, Russell, Vermgilio, Roscoe, S.Flitcroft, Denham, Foster and Ince.

Subs: Maden, Cunliffe (on for Foster), Proya, Bowen (on for Vermgilio) and Brown.

Redcardreco man of the match: Matt Walwyn unlucky not to get a hat-trick but his play was some of the best seen of him at Chorley and his capped his performance with two great goals.

Rovers fans return to Victory Park

Some of the BRFC Action group at Victory park
for the North Ferriby game
photo by Richard Scott 

Fans of Premier league side Blackburn Rovers are set to return to Victory Park this Saturday.

Following their visit on the 7^th January as Chorley hosted North Ferriby United. The Blackburn Rovers action group fans are coming back. To support the Magpies who are managed by former Rovers captain Garry Flitcroft and assisted by fellow Rovers star Matt Jansen.

Rovers are of course with a fixture as it is FA Cup weekend and they were knocked out to a last second goal by another set of Magpies- Newcastle United at St James Park.

Speaking on twitter organizer Glen Mullan said “Rovers fans lots attending chorleys game v Stafford tomoz n coach are being put on by BRFC action group, pls support grass roots”

Hopefully they will be treated to another win by the lads and once again enjoy there visit to Victory Park. 

Chorley v Stafford Rangers (preview)

This Saturday the magpies will  host to Staffordshire side Stafford Rangers  in the Evo-stik premier division.

Stafford Rangers sit  9^th in the league on  38 points 11 points  off the play offs.   Their league results so far read 2-0 lose to FC United on the opening day of the season, then a 1-1 draw at Worksop, 1-0 lose to Stocksbridge, then a 1-0 lose to Chorley, then a 3-3 draw with Whitby, they ended the month with  a 5-4 lose to Hednesford, September started with a 2-1 win at home to Marine, then a 1-1 draw with Matlock Town, then a 1-0 win at Kendal, then a 1-1 draw with Rushall Olympic, then a 3-0 lose to Chester, before ending the month with a 1-0 win over Northwhich, October started with 5-1 win at Ashton United, then a 1-1 draw with Mickleover, then a 1-0 win over Chasetown, before ending the month with a 2-2 draw with Worksop, November started with a 3-2 win away at Burscough, before drawing 1-1 with North Ferriby United, then they drew with Matlock by the same score line, before ending the month with a 2-1 lose at Rushall Olympic, December started with a 2-1 lose to Kendal, then they won 2-0 against Frickley, before ending the month with a 2-0 lose at Nantwhich, January started with a 1-0 lose to Hednesford, before winning 2-1 at FC United, before beating Marine 1-0, before on Saturday they thrashed Stocksbridge 5-1 at home.

There are no ex magpies in the Stafford Rangers team and there are no ex Rangers players  in the Chorley squad.

The last time the magpies played Stafford was back in August . The magpies were 1-0 winners with a goal from Adam Roscoe.

The team that day was Saunders, Willams, Ince, Teauge, Russell, Whitham, S.Flitcroft, McEvilly, Foster and Whaley.

Subs were: Maden (on for McEvilly), Jansen, Fairhurst (on for S.Flitcroft), Walker and Howarth

Everyone but  McEvilly, Fairhurst, Howarth and Whaley are still at Chorley from that day.

Steve Foster will be looking to continue his spell as the leagues leading marks men with some more goal and three points for the magpies along with strike partner Chris Denham who is starting to come to form. While  the key man for the visitors is Le Thompson who is described as on the Stafford website as ‘a genuine Matchwinner’  

For those going to the game admission is £9 adults and £5 concession. For those unable to attend the game you can follow the game via magpie radio (see forum for information) or on twitter @richardscott93

Teams

Chorley (from): Porter (GK), Suanders (GK), Brown, Maden, Ross, Russell, Smith, Taylor, Teague, Walker, Bowen, S.Flitcroft, Ince, Vermgilio, Whitham, Williams, Cunliffe, Denham, Foster, Jansen, Roscoe and Waylwn.

Stafford Rangers (from): Read (GK), Alcock (GK), Wood (GK), George, Rogers, Patrick, Brown, Hedley, Bell, Espley, Dicker, Donnelly, Jones, Mcautly,  Sheldon, Kasima, Blackhurst, Street, Skelton, Carr, Heler, Nagington, Maguire, Thompson, Stevenson, Morton and Morris.

Redcardreco prediction:  the magpies should take all three points here with a tight 1-0 win. 

The clubs most vital asset- the Fans

Fan Power: Some of the Chorley fans in Buxton
Numbers have soared since the arrival of Flitty
photo by Josh Vosper 

If 2011 was the year of the fans club with AFC Wimbledon, AFC Telford, FC Halifax Town and Chester all getting promoted then surely 2012 has to be the same.

99 times out of a hundred when a club is certain to go out of business it is generally the fans are the ones to rescue the clubs.

For example, take Darlington FC case. Last week was a roller-coaster week for Darlo. With the administrators ready to kill the club off following the redundancy of all staff. The Darlington rescue club made up of fans stepped in and matched the £50,000 to keep the club afloat.

It brings back the old saying in football- managers; players and owners may come and go but the fans will always stay.

Also even more and more supporter clubs are taking control of their team. Just take Wrexham of the Blue Square premier for example.

They changed ownership in pre season with Ian Roberts and Geoff Moss stepping down. The board at the BSP demanded a bond of £250,000 before they could start the season; there was confusion with who should pay it.

In the end the fans raised £100,000 in just seven hours to keep the Dragons alive and they have been loving life ever since.

They (at the time of writing) sit 2^nd in the BSP and were in the 3^rd round of the FA Cup with a replay at home to Brighton. The game was put back 24 hours so ESPN could beam SC4’s pictures live to the tune of another £62,000 for the Welsh club.

But for clubs to keep the fans the team needs to play good football generally speaking. Look at Chorley in the 2009-2010 season the Magpies averaged around 250-300 crowds per game.

But when Garry Flitcroft came in as manager and the team soared to the summit of the Evo-stik first division north the crowds to also went up bringing in two 1,000 attendances before Christmas and culminated in just short of 3,000 being on for the Play off final against AFC Fylde.

Looking back at Darlington fans can really rally behind a club when they have to stand up and be counted a crowd of over 5,000 was recorded on Saturday for their home game against Fleetwood Town fc when it would normally pull in a crowd of 1,700.

So clubs really need to respect the fans as they are the lifeblood of the club and can save them as Darlington fans proved last week and many others have in the past.