Kidsgrove Athletic

£2 The Official Match Day Programme of Chasetown Football Club

Chasetown v Kidsgrove Athletic

Tuesday 6th October 2020

SCHOLARS The

Match Day Sponsors – Crown Highways

Chasetown Members Club

Northern Premier League Division 1 South East

Swanny’s Scribbles

Good evening and welcome to The Scholars Ground for tonight's visit of Kidsgrove Athletic. We extend a warm welcome to the management, players and directors from Kidsgrove and hope they enjoy our hospitality.

First and foremost I have to start by saying how immensely proud I am of our whole squad in how we performed against Telford on Saturday. Every player must hold their heads high as I thought that they were excellent and the better side over the 90 minutes than a National League side.

Personally, I like the fact that ties now go straight to penalties but unfortunately that also means that inevitably someone has to miss. Oli was brave enough to take one and more importantly, he is a strong enough character to put it behind him. He has been superb for us so far this season.

Now it is time to concentrate on what is our bread and butter, the league! Cup runs are nice but our primary focus has always been the league.

We know that we are coming up against a very strong Kidsgrove side with a lot of quality throughout their squad so we will have to make sure our own performance levels are bang at it this evening.

I believe that Kidsgrove will be one of the sides in the promotion conversation at the end of the season, so regardless of the stage in the season, this becomes a huge game. Points are very hard to come by in this league, let alone from rivals such as Kidsgrove who it is our ambition to compete with at the top end of the table.

Finally, another word to the supporters. From the dressing room we cannot thank you enough for turning out in your numbers and for the fantastic support you give the players.

We all know how difficult the current climate is, so we really do appreciate you coming along to back the lads home and away.

Enjoy the game!

Chasetown Football Club Press Officer Paul Mullins The Scholars Ground, Church Street, Photographer Dave Birt Chasetown, WS7 3QL Kit Manager Dave Harrison 01543 682222 Programme Editor Lauren Lincoln Covid Officer Richard Lamb Chairman Mike Joiner Vice-Chairman Mark Prince First Team Manager Mark Swann Chief Executive Mike Joiner Assistant Jamie Hawkins Club Secretary John Franklin Goalkeeping Coach John Birt Treasurer Janice Brookes Sports Therapist Jake Moore Match Secretary Terry Dando Groundsman Bob Brookes Programme Printers Excel Print Limited Safety Officer Mark Prince Facebook Chasetown FC Child Welfare Office JohnFranklin Twitter Chasetownfc1954 Instagram Chasetownfc1954 SCHOLARS FA CUP FACTFILE

After our exit in the FA Cup on Saturday here are the up to date stats for Chasetown FC in that competition.

A few stats from our FA Cup history. Played 103 games Won 44, Drawn 27, Lost 32 Scored 166, Conceded 134

Leading Appearances Chris Slater 48 Danny Smith 27 John Branch 26 Mark Branch 25

Leading Goalscorers Dean Perrow 16 Lee Bullimore 9 Tony Dixon 9 Karl Edwards 9

Total Number of Players who have appeared for us 283

Record home crowd 2,420

Record away crowd 7,235

Record win 9-0

Record defeat 2-8

Kidsgrove Athletic- History

Athletic were formed in December 1952 after a meeting in the Blue Bell public house ten minutes walk from the present ground. It was formed as a breakaway club from Kidsgrove United when it was thought the club were bringing in too many ’outsiders’ from the potteries instead of local players. The main instigator, Ernie Langford, endured a sixty year tenure with the club as chairman then president and served many years on the Staffs FA until his passing a few years ago. The main stand is named after him.

Eric Hibbitt and Frank Timmis, who both attended that first meeting, still support the club today.

The club started life in the now defunct Burslem and Tunstall League playing on the Vickers and Goodwin pitch on the A50 just down the road. In 1961 the present ground was acquired from a local farmer and the club took a year out to develop the pitch.

After success in cup and league in the Burslem and Tunstall league the club joined the Staffordshire County league in 1963 where again they had success winning the league and Staffs Challenge cup. In search of more success the club joined the Mid Cheshire league, a move not entirely liked by the Staffs FA but eventually they did allow a Kidsgrove reserve side back into the County league.

The Seventies and Eighties saw the club have huge successes winning the Mid Cheshire league four times and the challenge cup three times, and they also lifted the Staffs FA Vase and the challenge cup once more. They also lifted the prestigious Sentinel Cup three times.

The Eighties saw the club grow more and more and the clubhouse and ground started developing further and further with the aid of a strong committee, supporters, and local tradesmen. In 1986 the club applied for membership of the North West Counties league but this was rejected twice until facilities were improved. The club were accepted in 1989, the same year they became the first team to win the Staffs FA Vase twice. Three years later Kidsgrove were promoted to the first division after finishing tenth in the second division, the result of the league introducing strict ground criteria. Part of this was the installation of floodlights, (acquired free off the council from run down tennis courts at Chinky Park) and on the 29th October 1991 Lou Macari brought his Stoke City team to officially switch on the floodlights. Kidsgrove Athletic - History

Within the next ten years the south and west stands were completed but the club struggled financially on and off the field but after the demise of Eastwood Hanley in 1997 the playing side were strengthened when their manager Jimmy Wallace took over.

The team of 97-98 had unparalleled success winning the league and challenge cup and narrowly missing out in an FA Vase final at Wembley losing 3-2 to Tiverton in the semi-final in front of Kidsgrove’s record crowd of 1903.

Promotion to the NPL was not forthcoming because of facilities but in 2002 after winning the league promotion was gained. The team struggled on and off the field and two years later they faced relegation for the first time in their history after finishing bottom of the league. The restructuring of the league however saved this from happening and to celebrate the club won the Staffs Senior cup for the first time beating Stafford Rangers 1-0 at the Britannia Stadium, a feat they have won four times since. The club have only picked up one piece of silverware in the league winning the Chairmans Cup 7-6 on aggregate against Woodley Sports and reached the play-offs once, losing 1-0 to Glapwell in 2010.

Struggles have ensued and re-election twice saved relegation and despite reaching the FA Trophy quarter finals losing 2-0 to Ilkeston, and the FA Cup 4th qualifying round losing 2-0 to Bradford PA, Kidsgrove have had to settle for fair play awards. The club reached the FA Cup 4th qualifier again in 2018 and faced the long journey to Conference side Hartlepool United and were unlucky in losing 1-0.

Last season the club did well on the pitch at first before going out in the third qualifier of the FA Cup 1-0 to Gateshead. The Grove slipped slightly in the league though were still in with a chance of the play-offs before the season was halted. The club parted company with manager Ryan Austin in April and former player Scott Dundas was appointed as the new manager.

With plans approved for new floodlights, clubhouse, and other facilities, the club and supporters remain very optimistic about the future on and off the field. Kidsgrove Athletic – Pen Pics

Kieran Harrison: Former Manchester United and Crewe Alex youngster joined the club in January on returning from a scholarship in America. Signed a new contract in the summer following a number of outstanding performances last season.

William Byers: Twenty year old student signed in the close season from Stone Old Alleynians.

Ricky Bridge: A former player who has been at Leek, Newcastle, Chester and Congleton Town signed this season.

Spencer Gunnell: Recently returned to football after a long injury layoff. Ex Stafford Rangers and Chasetown player.

Josh Thorpe: Former captain of Hanley Town brought here by Scott Dundas this season.

Kyle Blake: Defender/Midfielder signed from Leek Town. Suffered a cruciate ligament injury at the height of his career but returned last season and is back to his influential best.

Lewis Bergin: Powerful midfield/defender who was persuaded to return for this season. Formerly on the books at Port Vale.

Sam Hall: Former Leek Town and Nantwich Town captain. Previously with the club before leaving for Leek Town in the summer of 2012. Disciplined, defensively minded midfielder who has a range of passing. Power house in the middle of the park.

Callum Lovatt: Twenty four year old Data Analyst recently signed from Chasetown. Former captain of Uttoxeter Town.

Jack Bromfield: Young teenage groundsman for Stoke City had previously been at Burton Albion. Started his career at Redgate Clayton.

Tom France: Winger, who has battled back from 2 cruciate injuries. Match winner on his day. Been at the club for four years now and was getting back to his best before the season was abandoned. Kidsgrove Athletic – Pen Pics

Will Whieldon: Will came through the ranks of the Port Vale Academy before joining Market Drayton, from there he signed for Chasetown. He is a deadball specialist.

Kyle Diskin: Back at the club after a short stint at Congleton Town. Enthusiastic crowd pleaser.

Jake Lovatt: Younger brother of Callum who has just finished his studies at Keele University. Formerly at Newcastle and Chasetown.

Ant Malbon: Club captain and talisman forward. Top scorer for last five seasons and now the club’s all time record goalscorer. Finished last seasons campaign with 32 goals along with his goalscoring exploits, very much a team player turning provider as much as adding to his own goal tally. Made his professional debut aged 17 for Port Vale before drifting into non league firstly with Leek Town and then Newcastle Town where his goalscoring exploits earned him a move to Kidderminster scoring 33 times for the conference club.

Ruben Wiggins Thomas: Experienced much travelled and prolific goal scorer. Signed following a recent move to the area. Spent much of last season on loan at Long Eaton having previously topped the goalscoring charts at Carlton Town, Basford United & Belper Town.

Kingsley Adu Gyamfi: Young exciting forward signed in the close season following netting an incredible 60 goals in local football for Silverdale Athletic. Pacey forward with an incredible work ethic. Definitely a player for the future.

Ben Chesters: Came up through the youth team last season to play a few matches off the bench. Another exciting prospect.

Daniel Cocks Played at Norton United under Scott Dundas and followed him to Newcastle Town. Spent part of a season with Kidsgrove before signing for Chasetown where he played for 3 seasons.

MATCH REPORTS Chasetown 1 AFC Telford United 1

Venue Date Kick Off The Scholars Ground 3/10/2020 3.00pm

It was a valiant effort and the better side went out, but it's the end of another FA Cup campaign for Chasetown FC.

Telford win 5-4 on penalties.

Chasetown thought they had made the dream start with the ball in the net early on. Jordan Evans though was deemed to have fouled goalkeeper Russell Griffiths.

The Scholars were in the ascendancy and Griffiths had to palm the ball over the bar from a long range effort from left winger Alex Curtis.

Telford forced a good save from on loan goalkeeper Elias Rouse with their first real effort on goal.

The hosts deservedly took the lead a minute before half time. Leading goalscorer Joey Butlin curled in a superb free kick from outside the penalty area.

For the third FA Cup tie running, the hosts were reduced to ten men with Ryan Wynter receiving a second yellow card.

Telford made their advantage count and levelled with a long range shot from James Hardy flew into Rouse's top corner.

Telford hit the bar late on, but a defeat in 90 minutes would have been cruel on Chasetown.

Penalties were required, but with Chasetown missing one of their five spot kicks it was Telford who proceeded into the next round.

Welcome to Elias Rouse

We would like to extend our thanks to Birmingham City FC this week for the loaning of goalkeeper Elias Rouse.

The Birmingham City Academy goalkeeper made an assured debut on Saturday versus AFC Telford United in the Emirates FA Cup.

We would like to thank Tim Smith of Birmingham City for all his assistance this week to get the loan signing completed while we are without the suspended Curtis Pond. Weekend sponsors

Thanks, as always, to every company that sponsors us. At the weekend it was Morgan & Bond.

Pictured below with Connor Haddaway and Lewis Riley-Stewart and the mascots at kick off with skipper Danny O’Callaghan.

Chasetown’s Pen Pics

Curtis Pond – Goalkeeper The shot-stopper came through the youth set up before breaking through into the first team. He became the favoured number one in the October of the 2016/2017 season. Pond has held this position as number one keeper throughout different managerial changes playing an incredible 190 games for the Scholars. Sponsored by Crown Highways

Alex Melbourne – Defender Alex signed for Chasetown in July 2019. He is a good defender and has experience of playing in high divisions for teams such as Stafford Rangers and Hednesford Town. He is a pacey defender and is happy to assist in attacking play and isn’t afraid to get the tackles in. Sponsored by Kevin, Claire and Katie Finn

Ryan Wynter – Striker/Defender Wynter re-signed for the Scholars in August 2020 after a brief spell with local rivals Stafford Rangers. Starting out as a striker Wynter has now been moved to the backline and is a powerful and commanding defender. He picked up Supporter’s Player of the Season for the 2018/2019 season. Sponsored by the CaterFamily

Lewis Riley-Stewart –Defender A product of the Scholars Academy, Lewis made 2 appearances for the first team in 2018-19. The centre back followed this up in the 2019/20 season with a further 21 games. A strong a powerful defender and great in the air he is growing into a great defender year onyear. Sponsored by the Cardew Family

Alex Curtis – Defender/Winger He signed for Chasetown in July 2019. Left back Alex has been at Stafford Rangers and helped Sutton Coldfield tothe play offs. Alex is a pacey player and can play both left back and left wing enabling him to assist with both his defending and attackingduties. To Sponsor, contact Graham Dicken on 07969 884247

Jordan Evans – Defender Jordan joined in the Scholars in July 2020 from neighbours Lichfield City after four years at the club. An athletic, attack minded left back will really add competition in that area forus. To Sponsor, contact Graham Dicken on 07969 884247 Chasetown’s Pen Pics

Kieron Cliff – Wing Back A young player who has been with the squad throughout pre season and has impressed with some energetic displays. A left sided player who can play as a wing back or wide man he has electric pace and good delivery. Sponsored by paulmullinsauthor.co.uk

Chris Slater – Defender Chris re-signed for The Scholars in pre-season and has been on the bench in the early competitive fixtures. He made his debut for us in 2003, notching 210 appearances before leaving to join Port Vale after our FA Cup run. He returned the following season and now holds our record appearances with 580 Scholars games. Sponsored by Stuart Drury

Oli Hayward – Midfielder Oli is an attacking midfielder or right back that joined Chase in June 2017. Very skilful with great energy levels, the former Lichfield player also has an eye for goal. Hayward returned last season after suffering a double leg break during the first game of the 2018/2019 season. Sponsored by BHB Architects

Jack Langston – Midfielder Jack re-signed in November 2017 after a short spell at local rivals Stafford Rangers. He originally joined the club in March 2014. Jack has finished the top goal scorer award twice in the last 3 seasons netting an incredible 26 goals in 2016/17. Sponsored by Crown Highways

Connor Haddaway – Midfielder Midfielder Connor joined from Brocton in July 2020 having been a pivotal figure at the heart of their midfield. An energetic, all action player with an eye for a goal too. Sponsored by paulmullinsauthor.co.uk

Kieron Berry – Winger Exciting young wide man Kieron Berry is our latest signing after some impressive recent displays in preseason of the 2020/21 season. Kieron has played for West Bromwich Albion, Rushall Olympic and Walsall Wood before joining the Scholars thissummer. Sponsored by Nigel Miller Chasetown’s Pen Pics

Danny O’Callaghan – Midfielder Having won everything in sight for our reserve side under Mark Swann, Doca has since gone on to forge a fantastic career in non league.Danny lists Romulus, Sutton Coldfield, Telford United and Stourbridge among his former clubs and joins us from Rushall. Sponsored by Crown Highways

Liam Kirton – Midfielder/Striker An attacker who has established himself within our youth set up and has announced himself within the senior squad over the last few seasons. Kirton has grown as a player even inviting interest from Walsall FC. He is a pacey, tall and strong attacking player. Sponsored by the Wrexham Scholars.

Joshua Cooke – Forward Cooke signed for Chasetown in February 2020 and started his first game against league leaders Leek Town in the same month. When football started up again in August 2020 Cooke was on fire netting in many of the preseason friendlies that the Scholars were involvedin. To Sponsor, contact Graham Dicken on 07969 884247

Reggie Smith – Striker Reggie joined from Brocton in July 202 having enjoyed a number of prolific seasons. A natural goalscorer, Reg makes the step up on the back of 36 goals in 38 appearances. Sponsored by Alan Horton.

Ben Lund – Striker Ben joins us from Rushall Olympic following Danny O’Callaghan in making the move to the Scholars Ground. A powerful, pacey wide man or forward, Lund was a key target of manager Mark Swann and we are delighted to have him on board. Sponsored by the Wrexham Scholars.

Joey Butlin – Striker Joey joins from Walsall Wood having played at Oak Park under our management team in seasons past. A combative striker whose ex clubs list Hednesford and Walsall. He is going to be a handful for any defender he comesup against, not afraid to put in a tackle and get stuck in. Sponsored by Andy Atkins Chasetown’s Pen Pics

Manager Mark Coach Swann Stephen Cooke

Sponsored by Brian To Sponsor,contact Simpson Graham Dicken on 07969 884247

Assistant Manager Kit Manager Jamie Hawkins DaveHarrison

Sponsored by John and Sponsored by The Lynn Franklin Cater Family

Player-Coach Sports Therapist Kris Taylor Jake Moore

To Sponsor, contact To Sponsor,contact Graham Dicken on07969 Graham Dicken on 884247 07969 884247

GoalkeepingCoach John Birt