VS. AFC BLACKPOOL
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THE OFFICIAL BACUP BOROUGH FC MATCHDAY PROGRAMME
BRIAN BOYS STADIUM
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SATURDAY 5TH SEPTEMBER | 15:00
CLUB INFO Club Manager: Brent Peters Technical Coach: Alan Taylor Fitness Coach: Ryan Russell Physio: Valerio Bango Head of Youth: Darren Reece Youth Administrator: Andrew Walker Welfare Officer: Nicola Walker Honorary Club President: Edwin Crook Club Secretary/ PA to Club Manager: Debra O'Connor Director: Brent Peters Directors: Natalie James Non Executive Special Project Director: Andrew Walker Non Executive Hospitality & PR Director: Debra O'Connor Head of Press & Media: Steve Brown Head of Business Development: Hayley Pilling Head of Community Engagement: Jane Pallister Official Photographer: Jacob Reader Match Day Secretary: Michael Carr Club Historian: Roger Hindle Official Club Partner: Boys Ltd Grade A Partner: Pierce Business Advisory & Accountancy Legal Entity Bacup Borough Football Club Limited Limited by: Shares Company Number: 5957213 Company Secretary: Natalie James Managing Director: Brent Peters Majority Shareholder: Brent Peters Registered Office: Bacup Borough Football Club Brian Boys Stadium, Cowtoot Lane, Bacup, OL13 8EE Club Honours North West Counties League Division Two champions 2002–03 Challenge Cup winners 2003–04, 2011–12, 2022-23 2023/24 Macron Cup Finalist: 2022-23 Lancashire Combination Champions 1946–47 Lancashire Junior Cup Winners 1910–11 Rossendale Charity Cup Winners 1883–84, 1884–85, 1886–87, 1887–88
Good afternoon and welcome to the Brian Boys Stadium for today's North West Counties League Division One North fixture against AFC Blackpool. Since our last match programme, we’ve had a 1-1 draw with AFC Knowsley, a game which, in all honesty, we should have won comfortably. We created enough chances to take all three points, and while the build-up play was good, once we got into the final third we simply couldn’t find that finishing touch. We then travelled to Thornton Cleveleys, where for 70 minutes I thought we looked like a side that was going to come away with all three points. The players showed good character and put in a performance I was pleased with. Unfortunately, a controversial penalty decision allowed Thornton back into the game. I was happy with the performance and the character we showed, but naturally disappointed that we came away with only a point when we deserved more. The midweek game away at Colne, however, was simply not acceptable. Consistency is key to any success in football, and the performance at Colne was well below the standards we expect from ourselves. We were bullied by Colne because we failed to move the ball around with enough speed, quality and purpose. We made life far too easy for them and, overall, only a few players came through that game with any real credit. Our wing-backs and goalkeeper were the only players I felt deserved genuine praise on the night. The rest of us simply weren't good enough.
MANAGER'S THOUGHTS | BRENT PETERS
We continue to have injury problems, with Alex Mellor, Brady Boardman and Mason Fallon all expected to be unavailable for the next few weeks. It was, though, great to see Callum Hewitt back amongst the group and getting some valuable minutes against Colne. His return will be a big boost for us as we move forward. Now we need to show our quality as we head into these September fixtures. The draws need to start turning into wins, and performances like the one we witnessed at Colne cannot happen again. If we are serious about achieving something this season, then we need to start behaving like winners and not also-rans. There is quality within this squad. We have shown it already. But quality means very little if we don't show it consistently, with the right attitude, desire and intensity every time we step onto the pitch. This afternoon against AFC Blackpool it will be tough as it has shown over the past few seasons. We need to be on our game from the first whistle to the last against Jonathan Salanki's team. Finally, I want to thank everyone who has travelled with us and supported the team in our away games. The support has been fantastic, and on behalf of myself and the entire squad, thank you. Enjoy the game. Brent Peters - Manager
VISITORS
AFC BLACKPOOL
AFC Blackpool was formed in 1947 under the name of Blackpool Metal Mechanics and played at Stanley Park for two years before moving to the current Jepson Way ground. They played in local leagues before taking the step up to join the West Lancashire League. During this period in local league football they won many awards, taking the Division Two title of the Fylde District League in 1950/51 and in Division One were champions twice and runners-up three times in five consecutive years between 1953/54 and 1957/58. Numerous local cup competitions were also won, including the Lancashire Junior Shield in 1957/58, a competition they were to win again in 1960/61. As the 50's drew to a close, Blackpool Mechanics decided to take the next step up and join the West Lancashire League. They were an almost immediate success, being runners-up in 1959/60 and champions for the next two seasons. Various cups and trophies from local competitions still regularly found their way to Jepson Way. The club then took another step up the football ladder by joining the Lancashire Combination. The jump in standard meant the cups and honours that had poured into the trophy room dried up and it was not until the turn of the decade before many more honours were to come their way. In 1972/73 they won the Lancashire Combination Bridge Shield and in 1974/75 they finished runners-up in the league, just one point behind champions Darwen. They remained a strong team throughout the 70's although towards the end they suffered some poor results.
With the advent of the North West Counties League, Blackpool Mechanics were placed in Division Three and in 1985/86 were promoted to Division Two. At the end on 1991/92 they were promoted to Division One, but it was not a happy experience and the club returned to Division Two. After a few seasons of struggle, the club is now financially stable and looking forward to developing the club's potential both on and off the pitch. In the summer of 2005 Blackpool Mechanics FC merged with Lytham St. Annes FC who had just won the West Lancashire League Division One title. Lytham St. Annes resigned from their own league and brought their resources and manpower to Jepson Way in a bid to launch the new look Mechanics in their push up the non-league football pyramid. The club was re-named AFC Blackpool in May 2008 when Blackpool Mechanics FC and Squires Gate Junior FC got together to form one club. It was decided to mark the start of a new era by re-naming the club and the name 'AFC Blackpool' was chosen. The club leased a further piece of land adjacent to the ground in Jepson Way to accommodate the enlarged club and investment to improve the facilities was begun. The club ground in Jepson Way retains its name 'The Mechanics' to maintain a link with the past. Season 2010/11 saw the club have probably its best season ever. The first team were promoted to the Premier Divison as Div.1 champions with a record breaking 28 wins and three draws in 34 league matches. They also reached the semi finals in both the 1st Divison Trophy and the League Cup. There were notable sucesses in the Junior section too with the under 16s doing the league and cup double, the under 10's and 11's winning their respective Divisions and the under 14s also winning promotion. With the club now providing football from under 6 through to open age the future is looking secure.
WE NEED TO SHOW MORE DESIRE
We have probably experienced the best and worst of ourselves this week in two very different games. Against Thornton Cleveleys, I thought we were absolutely outstanding to a man and, honestly, we did not deserve what we got from the game. There was a big refereeing decision that ultimately changed the dynamic of the game and meant we came away with a point instead of the three I felt we fully deserved. Then we went into Tuesday night’s game at Colne, and that was probably the worst performance from the whole squad that I’ve seen in a very long time. There was no fight, no desire and no quality, and we simply weren’t good enough from start to finish. It has been difficult for everyone to get our heads around that after the performance we put in a few days before. But we can’t dwell on it now. It’s gone, and I think everyone has just been desperate for another game to come around and put things right. In that sense, today’s game probably comes at the perfect time. For me, the most important thing today is that we show that fight and desire again. Whatever happens, we have to make sure we give everything and compete from the first minute. If we can do that, then hopefully the quality will come through as well. There is still a hell of a lot of football to be played, and if we can get the three points today, we put ourselves back into a decent position. So there is no point looking backwards now. Let’s get back on track, get the three points and go again.
captain's THOUGHTS | joey fallon
PLAYER FOCUS | JAMES BARTHOLOMEW
Played Junior football for Littleborough with my mates, then when I came back from uni I played at Rochdale Sacred Heart for the last 4/5 years, winning the Manchester Prem twice, representing the interleague team and our biggest achievement winning the Lancashire Amateur County Cup. Who did you know already at Bacup? How did the move come about this summer? Good mates with Alex Mellor and Toby Wright, as well as Coach Ryan Russell, so after winning the county cup I dropped Russ a message asking if I could come along to pre season and test myself in semi-professional football to see if I was good enough. Had friends in Owen and Jay from Hearts who were also looking to make the step up which made it easier. How was pre-season? Really good, a lot more intense than I thought, but pushed me to get fitter and sharper over the summer. Some really good friendlies, especially playing against Bury it was a real eye opener to the levels in football. Had to be patient at first - talk us through your experience of that? Obviously was gutted not to be in the few first squads, but being realistic I knew there were some really good established players in front of me in my position, and having approached the club I’d have to be patient and take my chance once I got it. With a big squad though there were several others in a similar situation to me so the games for the shadow squad were of a good quality. How’ve you found your first few games? Loved it! We’ve played some really good football and performed well as a team for the most part but the results haven’t reflected that - but that’s football. Really enjoy the system which allows me to get forward and put balls into the box, and built a strong connection with the likes of Kyle and Joey who I play close to. A good test in NWCFL and made me want to keep my spot.
How’s the group been with you? Brilliant, they’re a top set of lads and we’ve fit in really well, whether it’s having a laugh at training or a pint after the game it’s a really good group to be part of! How’ve you found working with Brent and/or the coaching staff so far? They’ve been really good as well, really positive and I think are helping bring the best out of me as a player. Encourage us to play with confidence and give us a clear vision of how they want us to play each week What do you think you’ll bring to the club? Hopefully plenty of energy down the left hand side and some good balls into the box for the attackers… and a cracking initiation song performance What are your targets / goals for the season? Stay in the lineup across the season, contribute with assists from set pieces/crosses, and help the club push for promotion Has anything been different to what you expected? Can seem scary making the step up to NWCFL, but the lads have been great and made fitting in seamless.
Tell us about yourself: Which team do you support? Man City Best player you’ve played with and against? With: David Buchanan (Croc) - cracking professional! Against: Jack Redshaw Played against Jack Redshaw in an interleague friendly against Hyde United a couple of years ago… couldn’t get near him for 45mins and it looked like he never came out of first gear! Favourite TV Series? Suits Favourite meal to cook? Steak and Chips with peppercorn sauce Chinese or Indian? Chinese all day! Job? Sports Coordinator at Huddersfield University If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life - what would it be? SuperSonic - Oasis If you had to survive on a deserted island with a current team mate - who are you picking? Who are you avoiding? And why? Pick: Cal Hewitt - social one in the changing room, always keeping motivation up and has his own business so must be one of the only ones with a brain cell in the squad haha Avoid: Charlie Cowin - cant cook anything at his big age (without his mum and dad) and cannot live without being on his phone for 5 minutes!
COLLECTION
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The hectic first month is now complete and it’s been relentless which we knew. Overall I think if we take a step back - we’re in an okay position at this stage - in touching distance of where we would like to be with a long way to go. We’re a team very much in transition in my opinion with so many changes this summer. Nigel stepping away, Alan & I have stepped up to a much more shared role with the support of Connor. Currently both fullbacks are new, the cb partnership is relatively new, midfield has a new look and of course the front line is now very different as we adapt to life without Olly. However I would like to think people who have watched can see some progress and understand what we’re trying to do. I think overall we have been much more solid in games and harder to score against. Kaiden has led the line well and alongside Connor they’ve been key to setting a much more aggressive press which so far we’ve benefitted from. I also think we have made some improvement going forwards, especially in wide areas with both fullbacks getting into more attacking areas and delivering quality. More teams this season so far have sat off us and made it hard to find a way through which is something we have to keep looking to improve on. The depth and quality of the squad with the new signings all making positive contributions straight away is another huge plus. I said before the season started we would need everybody and it’s already showing (22 players used so far). We’ve had our fair share of injuries already, which seems to be the case up and down the country currently, but whoever has stepped in has been first class. We have so many quality players who either haven’t played yet or are currently injured that will be pushing hard over the next few weeks to get into the 16.
COACH TALK | RYAN RUSSELL
However we’re also under no illusions - as much as generally I think the first month has been positive - we probably haven’t got the points on the board to reflect that and September will be a huge month that determines whether we’re on for a good season or whether we actually need to make further changes. Fine margins have been the difference so far, on some difficult pitches also. A couple of individual errors have led to goals conceded rather than us being broken down, which we have to cut out and at the other end we have to keep improving on our decision making in the final third. The classic cliche of just being a bit better in both boxes. Colne wasn’t acceptable from minute 1-90 and that’s from everybody involved but it’s really important we don’t allow one bad night to undo a lot of positives. We need to use it as a catalyst and stick together rather than self imploding - something we have been guilty of in previous seasons. Alan, Connor & I will be getting that message across in training this week and will continue to work on our principles. It’s up to the lads to respond positively on Saturday and we have complete faith in them. I also want to take this moment to praise the lads who aren’t currently in our 16 who train week in week out with the highest quality and attitude - they are more important than they’ll ever know.
The League Milestones and Statistics have returned for the 2026/27 season. League Statistician Kevin Lawton has delved into the archives and come up with a list of milestones that are from the start of the season to the end of August. These will be weekly reports for the rest of the season. OVERALL STATS Milestones reached so far this season Burscough have passed 950 games. Litherland REMYCA played their 450th Steeton have reached 250 games Euxton reached 150 games AFC Blackpool drew their 300th league game Maghull have passed 1,100 goals scored but also reached 1,000 goals conceded (in 51 games) Atherton LR won their 500th game and scored their 1,100th home goal Stafford Town conceded their 350th goal. Trafford conceded their 550th goal. Charnock Richard conceded their 650th goal Irlam scored their 1,100th goal Prestwich Heys lost their 200th game HOME STATS Squires Gate conceded their 1,200th home goal. Alsager Town have conceded 750 goals at home Ashton Athletic also have 750 home goals, they also conceded their 800th home goal Darwen have 550 goals AFC Blackpool won their 300th home game Sandbach United won their 100th home game South Liverpool have now played 100 home games Stafford Town have passed 200 home goals
AWAY STATS Ashville scored their 100th away goal Cheadle Heath Nomads lost their 50th away game Maine Road conceded their 1,400th goal when they won 3-1 at Colne. Ramsbottom United have reach 700 away goals. Steeton’s win at Squires Gate put them on 202 away goals. Bacup’s defeat at Colne was their 400th on the road. GOAL HEROES We have had just seven triples in league and cup games and two of those came in one game as Fulwood beat Halewood Apollo 8-2 in the Edward Case Cup Spencer Lucas (Fulwood Amateurs) with FOUR against Halewood Apollo and three against Holker Old Boys Charlie Ridge (Fulwood Amateurs) with three against Halewood Apollo Weslie Bajraliu (Garstang) v AFC Knowsley Luc Ferry (New Mills) three against Barnton Callum Laird (Burscough) v Abbey Hey Max Cane (Nelson) v Abbey Hey GENERAL STATS Abbey Hey lost 3-6 for the first time in 422 games – a run going back to 02/11/2016 when they were defeated at Padiham Squires Gate have to go back to November 2023 to find their previous 0-4 defeat. Four teams remain unbeaten in the Premier Division; FC Isle of Man, Droylsden, South Liverpool and Barnoldswick. In the South Division, just AFC Bridgnorth have yet to taste a league defeat, whilst in the North Division, there are no unbeaten teams. Longridge Town have to go back to Feb 2023 for their last 2-4 defeat, which was at home to Padiham, 182 games ago. Holker Old Boys drew 4-4 at Fulwood Amateurs, which is fourteen years since their last 4-4, August 2012, a cup game at Crook Town, 601 games ago. Maine Road have had a gap of 257 game since their last 5-1 defeat, at Sandbach United in April 2019.
1. Which team used to play their home games at Underhill? 2. Bruce Grobbelaar played International football for which African Country? 3. Who won the World Cup in 1930? 4. What was Steve Kindon's nickname? 5. Trevor Francis signed for Nottingham Forest from which club? 6. Where was Cristiano Ronaldo born? 7. Which player wore a headband during his playing days for Luton Town? 8. Arsene Wenger was the maanger of which club before joining Arsenal? 9. What was the first ever shirt sponsor for Liverpool FC? 10. Gary Bannister scored 55 goals for which club? 11. Mel Sterland made 1 International appearance against which team? 12. Steve Coppell gained a degree in which subject? PICTURE QUIZ
Answers on the inner back page
JUST FOR FUN!
MATCHDAY QUIZ
1. BARNET 2. ZIMBABWE 3. URUGUAY 4. SKIPPY 5. BIRMINGHAM CITY 6. MADEIRA 7. STEVE FOSTER 8. GRAMPUS EIGHT 9. HITACHI 10. SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 11. SAUDI ARABIA 12. HISTORY 1. STEVE COPPELL 2. ALAN HANSEN 3. BRIAN STEIN 4. GENOA 5. STEVE SUTTON
OFFICIALS
Marcus Jennings Luis Dos Santos Joseph Hooper Aaron Smith John Hay Ethan Benn Caden Beckett Ethan Brough Alfie Cox Blessing Igharo Charlie King Cherijo Jawla Jallow Abdullah Zaffar Alexander McLoughlin Oliver Hesford Seifeldein Aboelela Manager: Jonathan Salanki Assistant Manager: Scott Christie Coach: Justin Jennings Coach: Mark McLoughlin Coach: Dominic Moore First Aider: Stephen Waters
BORO AFC BLACKPOOL
Billy Blake (GK) Ben Langley Brady Boardman Joey Fallon (C) Paul Sholabi Dominik Williams Tyler Williams Ben Thompson Josh Walne Kaiden Barlow Regan Jarrett Jake Townsend Toby Wright Kyle siddle Mason Fallon Connor Morris Alex Mellor Aidan Lancaster Callum Hewitt Charlie Cowin Jay Luker James Bartholomew Manager: Brent Peters Technical Coach: Alan Taylor Fitness Coach: Ryan Russell Physio: Valerio Bango
Referee: Connor Thomson Ass Ref: Zak Robinson Ass Ref: Sean Smith