Season 2020/2021

Official On-Line Match Programme

Pitching In N P L Premier Division. Saturday 26th September 2020 3.00 k.o. WARRINGTON TOWN v GAINSBOROUGH TRINITY

Welcome to Cantilever Park

THE TEAMS

Warrington Town V Gainsborough Trinity (yellow with blue trim/blue/yellow) (blue/navy/blue)

Charles Albinson 1 Tom Jackson James Baillie 2 Matt Dixon Joel Amado 3 Jack Walters Charlie Munro 4 James Williamson Mark Roberts © 5 Matt Regan 6 Alex Wiles Jack Mackreth 7 AJ Greaves Michael Rose 8 Lewis Collins Joh Amis 9 Gregg Smith Bohan Dixon 10 Reco Fyfe Jack Dunn 11 Scott Brown 12 Luca Buci Jordan Buckley 14 Lewis Dennison Luke Duffy 15 Rod Orlando Young Callum Grogan 16 Luke Lofts Iyrwah Gooden 17 Kristian Scott Paul Carden Manager Curtis Woodhouse

Referee Mark Reeves Assistant Peter Brown Assistant Daniel Chadwick Pitching In Northern Premier Division Saturday 26th September 2020, kick off 3-00 p.m.

Second of Three

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen and welcome to Cantilever Park for this Pitching In Premier Division fixture. May I take this opportunity to offer a warm welcome to all players, officials and supporters of Gainsborough Trinity Football Club to Warrington? I trust you all have an enjoyable stay and a safe journey home after the match. Today’s games – Premier Division This our second of three Ashton United v Bamber Bridge consecutive home matches as Buxton v Whitby Town things stand. Progress with football FCUO Manchester v Scarborough A. is back to a level of uncertainty now Grantham Town v Atherton Collieries Hyde United v South Shields following recent events both Lancaster City v Basford United nationally and locally and we will Matlock Town v Stafford Rangers aim to keep details about any Mickleover v Morpeth Town pending issues as up to date as best Nantwich Town v Stalybridge Celtic we can. We can but hope for the Radcliffe v Witton Albion best in all circumstances Warrington T v Gainsborough Tr. Trinity have made a solid start to their league campaign last Saturday in equalling our opening day result. I expect them to be pushing for honours this season and be up and around at least a play-off position as the season progresses. Our meetings have only ever come in recent season’s so we don’t have much of a history but they are a club that has played at the next level and I am sure aim to return there at the earliest opportunity.

Last Tuesday saw us face South Shields in the FA Cup. It was arguably the most difficult draw we could have received, bar being the away side of course. The game turned out to be an open affair, but defences were on top and it remained goalless. Both sides knocked the ball about well and I said on the night that this was clearly two decent sides in opposition. The penalty shoot out was one of the more bizarre ones I have seen. At 3-2 up after three kicks each we had our chance and had we gone 4-2 up we would have been almost there. It was saved though and that will happen. At 4-4 it got silly. Three consecutive penalties skied over the bar. We have to at least keep it on target. If it gets saved fair enough. Amazingly Charlie Albinson saved to make four consecutive misses. One more each scored before we had another saved and went out 5-6. There was an incident at the end I believe, the nature of which I am not fully aware of, but it will be dealt with appropriately. One person came on the pitch and appeared to taunt the South Shields keeper, which is an issue in itself but there may be more to it than that. The senior officials at the club will look into it. We have had a good rapport with South Shields in the last couple of seasons and it would be bad if that was soured by such an incident and the actions of an individual. Hopefully it will not.

On checking through past FA Cup records it does seem as though that was the first time we have ever had a tie settled on penalties, which actually surprised me given how many shoot outs I have seen Town partake. I could see none previously recorded though for the FA Cup.

On Tuesday we are here again when we face Atherton Collieries, kick off 7-45 p.m. Lets hope we are still in a position to continue.

We should have travelled up to Morpeth Town on Saturday 3rd October but as they won in the FA Cup that will now not take place. At the time of writing a new fixture has still to be confirmed.

Don’t forget to check the new and improved Warrington Town website for all the latest news and results involving everything to do with Warrington Town. This can be accessed at http://www.warringtontownfc.co.uk Warrington Town FC Official Supporters Club Join the Official Warrington Town FC Supporters Club for a variety of benefits throughout the season. Adults £20.00 Under 18's £10.00 Some of the benefits include - Up to date Club information, Travel Club Membership, priority ticket sales, discounted coach travel, Match Day updates, members only group, priority for all coach travel. To join, call into the Club Shop on home match days or see social media. Follow us on - Facebook - Warrington Town Supporters Club Twitter - @WarringtonTownS Instagram - warringtontownsupportersclub Email - [email protected] Finally enjoy the match and may the best team from North Cheshire with a Town suffix win. Paul R.

CONCERT ROOM AVAILABLE FOR DETAILS CALL 01925 555505 WILL ALL SPECTATORS PLEAE KEEP OFF THE PITCH Do not enter the field of play before, during or after the game Warrington Town operates under Warrington Town FC Ltd. Comp No. 06412371 Ltd by shares. No significant interest

TOWN v GAINSBOROUGH TRINITY THE HISTORY OF THE CLASH

THE FULL RECORD (League games only - based on three points for a win)

HOME AWAY P W D L F A W D L F A Pts GD 3 1 0 0 2 1 1 1 0 4 1 7 +4 CUP MATCHES - NONE ------Town met Gainsborough Trinity for the first time ever in 2108/19 with the first meeting coming on Saturday 2nd February 2019. Winter had reared its head for just about the first time in the season and many games were frozen off but this survived. Town took full advantage to win 4-1 against play-off chasing Trinity and in so doing returned to the top of the table for the second time on a Saturday in the season to that point. Mid- first half goals from Tony Gray and Jack Dunn within three minutes of each other put us firmly in control. The lead was doubled after the break with strikes from Josh Amis and Dylan Vassallo. Trinity did bag a late consolation but it was no more than that. We met again on 30th March with Town down to third and Trinity sixth after losing points due to the demise of North Ferriby United. Town went behind late in the first half but two goals from Jack Mackreth, the second a last minute penalty gave us a vital three points and kept our outside title hopes alive. We met for the third game of 2019/20 and shared the points a 0-0 draw in Lincolnshire. The return game did not take place due to COVID-19. ------LOOKING BACK TO SEPTEMBER 22nd – ON THIS DAY…

1973/1974 Town travelled to Milton United for a Mid Cheshire League match. We came back with a 3-2 win thanks to goals from Groarke (2) and Gleave 1979/1980 Another away day, this time to Prestwich Heys in Cheshire League Division Tow. It was honours even in a 1-1 draw. 1990-1991 A 2-0 win at home to Farsley Celtic in this HFS Loans League Division One fixture. 233 saw Hughes and Dunn score for Town. 1993/1994 A 2-1 Northern Premier League Division One win at home to Congleton Town. 2001/2002 Town’s second FA Vase game of the season brought another big home win. In this occasion Yorkshire Amateur were beaten 5-1 in the Second Qualifying Round. The goals came from Dave Tickle, Chris Moores (2) and Mike Heverin (2). 115 attended. 2007/2008 This time we were off to Derbyshire to play Sheffield in a UniBond League Division One South match. We returned with a 1-0 win thanks to a Chris Moores strike, with 280 attending. 2009/2010 An away day to forget as we tamely exited the UniBond League Cup First Round. It was played at the Leigh Sports Village, new home of Leigh Genesis. Evans got our goal. Sadly, Leigh got six with 139 spectators present. 2012/2013 An FA Cup Second Round Qualifying exit away to Colwyn Bay. 245 saw Townson and McEvilly get our goals. 2018/2019 It was FA Cup again and the same round. This was a cracker as we drew 3-3 at Consett. Twice we trailed but recovered from 2-0 and 3-2 down to earn a replay.451 were present with Town’s goals coming from Bohan Dixon, Dylan Vassallo and Tony Gray

Introducing… Gainsborough Trinity FC

Gainsborough Trinity's first match was against Newton Heath, who went bankrupt ten years later before reforming as Manchester United. Trinity held on to their place in Division Two but based in an area with a small population it was always a struggle and the club returned to the Midland League in 1912. Here they were to settle and earn more success, winning the championship in 1927/28, 1948/49 and 1966/67, also finishing in second place on two occasions.

In 1960/61 the league was suspended for one season and Trinity competed in the Central Alliance. On returning to the Midland League the club remained there until becoming founder members of the Northern Premier League in 1969. Gainsborough have never won the NPL although the club twice finished in 4th place and have taken league cup honours on two occasions along with the Chairman’s Charity Shield. Trinity was the longest-serving member of the NPL, ending a 36-year stay after finishing tenth in the Premier Division to earn a place in the extended Conference Nationwide North for 2004/05.

Trinity has long been noted for finding players who have gone on to play in the Football League and the man who was to become their Honorary Manager for over 30 years, Charles Caldicott, arranged the transfers to League clubs of 19 players in the 1930’s and 40’s. Several former Trinity stars went on to play for England; goalkeeper Ronnie Sewell, who also played for Burnley, Jackie Morton who was sold to West Ham United and left winger Fred Spicksley who went to Sheffield Wednesday and played seven times for his country, twice scoring hat tricks against Scotland.

Trinity also has a proud record in the FA Cup, and between 1927 and 1939 established a non-league record by appearing eight times in the Second Round Proper. In the season 2006 - 2007 the club reached the First Round Proper for the 36th time in their history before losing at home to Hartlepool. As a Midland League side they have recorded five victories against Football League opposition, beating Crewe twice in 1928 and 1931, Port Vale in 1937 and Gateshead the following year. The first competition after the Second World War saw most rounds played over two legs, and Trinity recorded a First Round aggregate victory over Mansfield Town.

Trinity has always been a well-run club with a dedicated team of directors who kept the club solvent and, for their size, relatively successful. However, in the spring of 2009 there was a major change in the management of Gainsborough Trinity when Peter Swan, a businessman new to town, bought out his fellow directors and took overall charge of the club. His ambition for Gainsborough and for Trinity was high and fans soon noticed this with the arrival of Luke Beckett; Huddersfield’s Town top scorer who also quickly became Trinity’s top scorer. The pace of major signings continued many with recent Football League/Conference experience. At the beginning of the next season, it would have been fair to say that there was a real bout of optimism in the town and amongst Trinity supporters. However after very few games in which the lack of success was noticeable, especially at home, the new owner dispensed with the services of the then manager, , and his coaching staff and appointed the very experienced manager, , in his place. He brought with him a wide and successful experience as manager; his previous clubs including Aston Villa, Leicester and Hull and it was hoped he would bring the same success to Gainsborough Trinity. As the season progressed it quickly became clear that it was a false dawn - results were not going well for the Blues, this despite the Chairman’s continued investment in experienced players and the past success of the Manager. At the end of the season Trinity narrowly escaped relegation and the optimism at the start of the season had faded into disappointment with results and performances.

This disappointment continued into the next season and it was not long before the manager’s services were dispensed with and his deputy Steve Housham appointed to the post. Steve was known through the respect he had earned playing for Scunthorpe and through bringing success as manager at Brigg Town. The Steve Housham era as manager, together with the investments of the Chairman, began to bear fruit and success at last arrived. In 2011/12 the club finished fourth in the Conference North, qualifying for the promotion play-offs. However, after beating Halifax Town in the semi-finals, Trinity lost the final 1-0 to Nuneaton Town in front of a Northolme packed to capacity.

Success continued the following season (2012/13) as Trinity reached the semi-finals of the FA Trophy for the first time, losing to eventual winners Wrexham. The fact that the away game was televised was a first for the club, though those with limited technical skills found they had to cope with a commentary in Welsh! However, the combination of money and Steve Housham’s undoubted skill at management was not to last. At the end of this season, major change was to come again as the Chairman took his money and moved to Scunthorpe United. Despite the Chair fulfilling his promise of not leaving the club in debt, he did leave a club with the turmoil of finding new directors, new investment and new players on a vastly reduced budget.

It was at this time, the beginning of 2013/14, that the spirit of Gainsborough came to the fore and local businessmen, many relatively young, volunteered to take over the helm. It was a very challenging time, but the work of the new team of directors, together with the skills of Steve Housham in choosing players, many on loan, ensured that this season of transition did not end in relegation and the town breathed a sigh of relief.

Trinity’s Northolme ground has been a home of sport for nearly 150 years, beginning life as a cricket ground, later sharing it with Trinity before it became owned by the Trinity Supporters Club. The record attendance for a football match was recorded in the Midland League during the 1940’s when 9760 witnessed a game against near neighbours Scunthorpe United. However, in 2009 the arrival of Peter Swann, the ambitious Chairman, nearly brought an end to the Northolme as Trinity’s home as he put forward a planning application to create a new sports complex in association with a local school to provide a new ground, improved parking, a social club as well as multi-weather training pitches for use by the club, the school and other local sports clubs. This proposal split the town and the fans but when the initial application was turned down, the Chairman decided to move on and the Northolme was saved from the indignity of being turned into a supermarket!

Richard Kane took over as Chairman of the club in January 2014 and quickly set about bringing the club back to the community. A local businessman Kane immediately set about cutting the cloth accordingly, as the side fought to remain in the second tier of non-league football. Steve Housham and Darryn Stamp were the men in charge when Kane took the helm. in total managing the club for five years. Despite a good FA Cup run that saw Trinity beat neighbours Boston United, lower tier Droylsden in a seven-goal thriller and Wrexham at the Racecourse Ground, before a narrow defeat to Shrewsbury Town.

Club legend Dominic Roma took over in the February of 2015, on an interim basis, with the side sliding towards relegation. He oversaw the side's safety and was subsequently named permanent manager, appointing Martin Foster as his assistant in the summer. A shift towards a more professional approach and a younger side started brightly, but with a post- Christmas slide, Roma stood down. Dave Frecklington was next to be appointed as manager, making it three managers in as many years for chairman Richard Kane. Frecklington, who had good success at a lower level with Spalding & brought vastly experienced Terry Fleming as his assistant. Frecks secured the club's status by default, despite losing 5-1 at FC United of Manchester on the final day, Worcester losing to Fylde, on an afternoon of rollercoaster emotions left Trinity to fight another day.

An up and down opening half to the season saw the Holy Blues reach the first round of the FA Cup, beating Champions elect, Harrogate en-route, but a chastening 0-6 reverse at the Martin & Co Arena literally knocked the Blues for six. With the month of February once again approaching and the Holy Blues struggling for form, a turgid away record that included 3-0 4-0 and 5-0 defeats to Leamington Blyth & Park Avenue, and John Reed were brought in to stop the rot. Ultimately, the experienced duo just came up short, despite Ashley Worsfold being in good form in front of goal, yet Sinnott & Reed were given the summer to rebuild in attempt to bounce straight back having lost the unique record of not having been promoted or relegated in 144 years.

A promising start to the Evo-Stik Northern Premier campaign harboured much hope, a resounding 8-2 victory over Chasetown in the FA Cup, but with the play-off dream slipping away with heavy home defeats to Warrington & Farsley, the managerial pack was shuffled again. Club captain, took the reins alongside experienced forward Ross Hannah, improved results and performances happened immediately, but an unforeseen set of circumstances happened as North Ferriby folded, their record expunged and Trinity's six points lost ultimately cost the Blues the final play-off spot.

Report (James Gordon). Basford United 0 Warrington Town 2 Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division Saturday 19th September 2020

WARRINGTON Town opened up the Northern Premier League season with a fine 2-0 win away at Basford United. Both sides were in the play-off places when last season was brought to a premature end back in March, so the Yellows will see this away win as a good benchmark to start the new campaign. Jack Dunn’s opener and a penalty from Bohan Dixon gave the visitors a two goal cushion at half-time, and though they had to weather second half pressure from Basford, they held on for three points and a clean sheet. Ambitious Basford had got their recruitment done early in the summer, while the Yellows added four new signings this week with Paul Carden always looking to improve – including goalkeeper Charlie Albinson, who got the nod after several outings on trial. The two sides felt each other out for the first quarter of the game and it was 20 minutes until either ‘keeper had a notable piece of work to do, Kieran Preston scampering back to tip over the bar after Matt Regan caught one well from range. Albinson was alert at the other end to hold on to a deflected shot, as Regan and Mark Roberts at the heart of the Yellows defence largely snuffed out Basford’s attacking threat. The opening goal came on 27 minutes, Dunn showing strength on the edge of the box to hold off a couple of defenders and then digging out a well-placed shot that beat Preston. Both sides had a couple of promising attacks break down before Jack Mackreth got at his marker and stood up a lovely cross to the back post for Dixon, who was barged out of the way of a near certain goal and the referee had no choice but to award a penalty, with some shouts from the home bench that a red card may have been a possibility too. Dixon stepped up and converted the penalty off the inside of Preston’s left hand post and it was 2-0 at half time. Naturally, Basford came out flying in the second half as they looked to get back in to the game, but they were constantly denied by Roberts and Regan blocks at the back. A couple of shots were hit over the bar and when the centre backs were finally beaten by a Kane Richards turn in the box, Albinson was off his line quickly to save superbly with his body. The Yellows had a couple of half chances for a third, a wonderful run by Dixon ending with a shot curled over the bar, and debutant Iyrwah Gooden also went close with a shot on the half-volley.

Report (James Gordon). Warrington Town 0 South Shields 0 (Penalties 5-6) Emirates FA Cup First Round Qualifying Tuesday 22nd September 2020

WARRINGTON Town were knocked out of the FA Cup at the first hurdle, losing 6-5 on penalties to South Shields. The two Northern Premier League heavyweights battled out an entertaining 0- 0 draw, before the lottery of spot kicks decided it was the Mariners who would progress to the second qualifying round. There were nine penalties taken by each side, with Jordan Hunter scoring the decisive penalty after Myles Boney had saved from Iyrwah Gooden. Yellows ‘keeper Charlie Albinson had threatened to be the hero, making two fine saves in the shoot-out, but even when Josh Amis had given the hosts the lead in sudden death, Shields stayed alive to prevail. During the 90 minutes, there wasn’t a defining chance, with the Yellows restricted to efforts from outside the box, while it was the final 10 minutes before Albinson had to pull off a save, denying Jason Gilchrist with a dive to his left. A magic move by Luke Duffy, who dropped a shoulder and surged into the box to create an opening for a shot, was about the best the Yellows managed, the end product flying high and wide. Warrington scored their first three in the shootout before Albinson saved from Josh Gillies, only for Matt Regan to see the next penalty saved. Both Duffy and Josh Baillie skied their penalties in sudden death, only to be saved by Darius Osei hitting his over and then Albinson’s heroics. When Amis tucked his away it looked like being the Yellows’ night, but Dillon Morse levelled it up at 5-5 and then Hunter won it after Gooden was denied. Amidst the uncertainty of the ever-changing coronavirus guidelines, the Yellows are next due to be in action on Saturday at home to Gainsborough Trinity, with fans still allowed to be in attendance as things stand.

FOOTBALL hangs in the balance following the latest tightening of restrictions by the government which could last for six months in an attempt to limit the rise of coronavirus cases. No sooner had the 2020-21 season kicked off at Steps 3 and 4 last weekend in front of limited crowds, did it look like it may be nearing its suspension. The National League campaign had been scheduled to start on October 3 with the intention of fans being allowed back in grounds at Steps 1 and 2 but Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed on Tuesday (22nd) this would not be allowed to happen. It is believed the division will not start without fans. Four test events had been scheduled to take place involving National League clubs in front of 1,000 fans and three of the friendly fixtures went ahead on Tuesday. Notts County against York City, scheduled for Saturday (26th), suspended ticket sales following the new restrictions pending further updates from the government and football authorities. This is an ever-changing scenario and at the time of writing it is impossible to say what will happen next. Local lockdowns in north England shows crowds in football grounds are on a knife edge. At midnight last Thursday (17th), restrictions were introduced in the north-east aimed at halting the rise in coronavirus cases. Then, the next day, similar measures were announced for large parts of Lancashire while Yorkshire and the Midlands were also seeing restrictions. The responsibility lies with local authorities meaning there can be inconsistencies in different regions. A joint-statement from the Northumberland FA and the Durham FA confirmed football below Step 6 in the Sunderland, Gateshead and South Tyneside areas is not allowed, but said clubs at Step 6 and above can play on for now although there is a possibility the 30 per cent capacities could be reduced back to 15 per cent. As part of the measures, people are “advised not to attend amateur or semi-professional sporting events as a spectator”, which has only added to a confusing picture. Where the latest restrictions leaves football remains to be seen but never has it been more important for clubs and particularly fans from Step 3 and below to follow the rules and protocols in order to keep stadiums open. Fans must cooperate with social distancing at games – clubs do not have the finance to deploy an army of stewards to make sure they are doing so at all times during games.