VS. ASHVILLE FC
MATCHDAY PARTNER
MATCHBALL SPONSOR
THE OFFICIAL BACUP BOROUGH FC MATCHDAY PROGRAMME
BRIAN BOYS STADIUM
£2.00
WEDNESDAY 7TH OCTOBER | 20:00
EDWARD CASE CUP 1ST ROUND NORTH
ROSSENDALE TRADES HUB
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: David Smith-Markl 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 evening and welcome to everybody joining us for tonight's Edward Case Cup fixture with Ashville FC I was very happy with the team’s performance away at Holker Old Boys, and combined with the win against Thornton Cleveleys in the Macron Cup, it’s been a really positive week for the football club. It was also great to see Toby Wright back in match action, while Aiden Lancaster produced a very solid performance in midfield and Ben Langley returned to the first-team line-up. I wanted to see a change in attitude from the players, and I definitely got one. It wasn’t just in possession either; our attitude and application out of possession were excellent as well. We’ve beaten two of the top sides this week and shown the quality that we have within the squad. The important thing now is that we maintain that consistency. If we want to be successful, we simply cannot afford to lower our standards. Every single player in the squad is equally important.
MANAGER'S THOUGHTS | BRENT PETERS
In some ways, the players starting on the bench can be even more important. The lads need to remember that. A squad wins trophies, not just a team. It’s a long and difficult season and there will inevitably be ups and downs along the way. Everyone needs to be ready to step up and meet the challenges when they come. It’s great to have Brady Boardman and Mason Fallon back available, although unfortunately we are going to be without Alex Mellor for the majority of the season. Our thoughts are with Alex and we all wish him the very best as he begins his recovery. Tonight we face Ashville FC, a team we don’t know too much about. What we do know is that we are going to have to be on our game again if we want to progress in the competition. We’ve put together a good week, but now we need to continue that performance level. Enjoy the game. Brent Peters
VISITORS
ASHVILLE FC
Ashville Football Club was founded in 1949, by John and Joyce Dennett from 25 Ashville Road Wallasey. From that humble beginning they had immediate success in the Wallasey Youth League before progressing to the Bebington League in 1951. After winning the championship, Ashville moved to the Wirral Combination League and won the league for three consecutive seasons. In the 1955-56 season Ashville were voted into the West Cheshire League Division Two, and in their first season won both the championship and the West Cheshire Bowl. In the following season they were promoted to Division One and amongst the honours collected at their Wallacre Park ground were the Wirral Amateur and Wirral Senior Cups.
In 1962, Ashville moved to their present ground ‘Villa Park’, where they have had some success,notably the First division championship in the 1967-68 season and more recently the 1997/98 season, winning the coveted ‘Cheshire Amateur Cup’ whilst finishing a creditable Runner-Up in the Division One championship. In season 2002/03 having been re-instated in Division One after finishing in a relegation place the season before, they went on to win the Pyke Cup for the first time. In 2009/2010, Ashville Reserves defied the odds to win the Auto Focus Challenge Shield 1-0. In 2010-11 Ashville Secured Promotion back into the first divison as well as winning the Cheshire Amateur Cup and Hawarth & Gallagher Bowl. After several years floating around the West Cheshire Football League, Ashville obtained their biggest achievement yet when they were promoted to the North West Counties Football League for the first time in their history. This was achieved after finishing as runners up of the West Cheshire League First Division and winning promotion to the NWCFL.
PLAYER FOCUS | PAUL SHOLABI
How’ve you found this season so far? Locking down a starting position up to now and your partnership with Joey? I think the season started well, we had a little blip, but we’re back on track now and we know what we need to do to get to where we want to be In terms of playing with Joey, it’s been good. Obviously he’s the skipper, and now we’ve had a few games together, we understand each other a lot more and know how each other plays. It makes things easier, especially with me, him and Billy. The communication’s good and I’m enjoying it so far. So yeah, so far so good. Holker away then. Give us your thoughts on the day, the team performance, your own performance etc. Honestly, I’ve never felt happiness like I did on Saturday against Holker. Before the game I seen online that Bacup hadn’t won there since 1999, not gained a point since 2017, and I just said today’s the day and it was. All the boys ran themselves into the ground. Even when we went 1-0 down, we didn’t stop. We kept going, kept pushing and we got the three points and three goals out of it. As a team, I thought the performance was excellent. Personally, I’m always going to criticise myself a little bit, and I don’t think my performance was quite up to my standards, but we got the job done. At the end of the day, that’s all that matters three points and onto the next one. What are you hoping to get from the upcoming cup game vs Ashville? Just hoping we can see the game out and bring Saturday’s performance into the Ashville game. Hopefully we can put in another good performance, get the win and get ourselves into the next round. What was it like to play directly against your brother at Uppermill? You know what, it was a good experience because he’s always in the house talking, talking, talking. I said, Can you walk the walk? Especially because our family came down to watch it too But at the end of the day, I’m the older brother, so I had to show him who’s boss really. It finished 0-0 though, so football’s always the winner. It was good to play against him, especially because he’s only 18 and it’s his first season in non-league, so I had to show him a bit of reality. But yeah, there’s still another game to go, so hopefully I can show him how to put the ball in the back of the net What are you enjoying most about your time at Bacup so far? I am really enjoying my time at Bacup so far. All the lads are great, it feels like a little family, and we’re all together and it just works. The fans are great, the staff are great, everyone’s great, and I genuinely love this club. I’m just hoping and praying that we can get promoted this season, because that’s what Bacup deserves and what all the fans deserve as well.
What are your individual and team goals / aims this season? Individually, I want to get into double figures for clean sheets and get at least six goals. I got five last season, so I need to beat that this year. I need to start scoring more, especially from headers, so six is the target. As a team, the aim is to get promoted. If we can win the league, then obviously we’ll go and win the league, but if it’s the playoffs, we want to get through them and get promoted. That’s the main goal. For me, it’s about keeping clean sheets, helping the team, getting promoted and then enjoying my summer off in fashion Quick Fire: - Team you support - Manchester United - Job? Content creator😉 - Nickname? Psmiley - Go to takeaway order? Ooooo double smashed cheese burger, loaded fries, 3 wings and a can of Rio - Toughest player you’ve played against? Mipo Odubeko, he’s at shelbourne in Irish league now - Favourite goal for Bacup? Against Maine road last season - Favourite non-league TikTokers? Billy Blake & Sol Wanjau Smith - Most you’ve been paid for an ad? £500😏 - Which 3 teammates would you pick to join you in a pub quiz team? Who would be last pick? Jay luker, Barty & Brady. Charlie would 100% be last pick - If you had to live with 1 teammate, who would it be & why? Tyler because he is a mess
PREMIER DIVISION The top two met in the Premier Division as leaders Droylsden travelled to Nelson, with Nelson taking over at the top of the table after an impressive 3-1 victory. Andrew Hill opened the scoring after just seven minutes, before Thomas Platt levelled midway through the first half. Hill restored Nelson’s advantage before the break, with Luke Hepple adding a fourth in the second half as Nelson comfortably saw out the game. The result sees Droylsden drop to third, while Burscough moved into second following a 3-2 win over Glossop North End. Burscough looked to be cruising after Callum Laird, William Dunne and Dilon O Callaghan put them three goals ahead, but Glossop staged a late fightback through Adekunle Badmus and Alexander Sami. They could not find an equaliser, however. Chadderton remain fourth despite having no game, while Barnoldswick Town complete the top five after a 1-0 victory at Irlam, Connor McAuley scoring midway through the second half to end the home side’s run of six straight wins. South Liverpool recorded the biggest win in the Premier Division, beating Longridge Town 4-1 after falling behind early on. The hosts levelled six minutes before half time before taking the lead in the 73rd minute, with two further late goals completing an emphatic victory. FC Isle of Man also recorded a 4-1 away win at Litherland REMYCA, racing into a three-goal half-time lead before adding another with ten minutes remaining. Euxton Villa won 2-1 at Abbey Hey, while Ramsbottom United were held to a 2-2 draw by FC St Helens despite Gareth Hill scoring twice early on. Charnock Richard and Atherton LR also shared the points in a dramatic 2-2 draw, with Charnock scoring twice late on to rescue a point. FIRST DIVISION NORTH Maghull continue to lead the First Division North after making it five successive victories with a 2-1 win over Colne. The visitors took an early lead through Barney Wiggin, but Connor Rankin turned the game around with two second-half goals to secure another three points for Maghull. Thornton Cleveleys are second following a remarkable 4-3 comeback victory at Flixton. Thornton led early on through Jordan Beavers, but Flixton turned the game around to lead 3-1. Josh Winder then scored twice to level before Beavers completed his brace six minutes from time to give Thornton all three points. Cammell Laird 1907 remain third but lost ground after being held to a goalless draw at home by Garstang, while Flixton remain fourth. Darwen complete the top five after an impressive 4-1 home win over Halewood Apollo. Kalvin Morris gave Darwen an early lead before Jonathan Stocks levelled, but goals from Pawel Zuk, Josh Abbott and Sean Elliott secured a comfortable victory. Ashton Town recorded the biggest win in the division, beating AFC Blackpool 4-0, while Fulwood Amateurs defeated Daisy Hill 3-0. Bacup Borough enjoyed an excellent 3-1 away victory at Holker Old Boys, continuing their positive run. Ashton Athletic also secured their first away win of the season with a 3-2 comeback victory at Squires Gate after falling two goals behind before the half-hour mark. Three second-half goals turned the game around, with Joe White scoring the winner. Woolton defeated Uppermill 2-1, Ashville recorded the same scoreline at Maine Road, while AFC Knowsley and Steeton shared the points in a 1-1 draw. FIRST DIVISION SOUTH Sandbach United continue to lead the First Division South and are in outstanding form, with a 6-2 victory over Alsager Town giving them 19 points from their last 21 available. The game was level at 2-2 at half time after goals from Kyle Foley, Edwin Parry, Matty Birchall and an own goal, but Sandbach dominated the second half with Kieran O'Connell, Jack Finney, Saul Shotton and Max Williams all finding the net. Wolverhampton Casuals remain second after a 3-0 away win at Wednesfield Community, with all three goals arriving during the opening half hour. Stafford Town slipped to third following a 1-1 draw at Dawley Town. The game appeared destined to finish goalless before Joe Cuff put Dawley ahead in stoppage time, only for Lewis Satchwell to equalise three minutes later. Bilston Town moved into fourth after coming from behind to beat Foley Meir 3-1, while AFC Bridgnorth complete the top five following a 2-2 draw at Eccleshall. Allscott Heath also enjoyed an excellent away victory, beating Crewe 4-1. It was a strong day for the travelling sides across the South Division, with Barnton winning 3-1 at Shawbury United, New Mills claiming a 1-0 victory at Market Drayton Town and Widnes Town recording their first win of the season with a 2-1 success at Brereton Social. The only home win in the division came at Cheadle Heath Nomads, who defeated Telford Town 2-0.
The gaffer says a lot that “a week is a long time in football” and I think we’ve really seen that. We could have been in a situation tonight where this game is our last realistic chance of success this season. Fortunately the week saw us progress to the next round of the Macron cup and get a vital 3 points in the league. As a result, it’s a much more positive outlook and our next aim is to repeat that this week - cup progression and 3 points. A cliche of my own this time but I always like to try and live by a “Never too high, never too low” mentality. September had some tough moments with a lot of self reflection but we’ve stuck together and just reiterated the basic principles that we expect from a Bacup Borough side. Thornton Cleveleys saw us finally have a bit of good fortune, which I think was overdue, with them going down to 10-men early doors. I think first half we looked like a side who weren’t in good form and wanted to protect a lead but second half started to express ourselves and grow in confidence. Holker away is right up there with one of my favourite games from my time at Bacup. Historically it’s always been a tough place to go for us and we were missing a number of key players so you know it’ll take something special to come away with anything, never mind a win.
COACH TALK | RYAN RUSSELL
What the lads delivered though, that was special. It was a complete performance with all 16 lads giving their all for each other. The substitutes were outstanding all day - nothing but encouragement and positivity, unused subs buzzing just as much as those who started. That combined with the work-rate, mental resilience, energy levels and aggression shown on the pitch demonstrates how far togetherness alone can get you. For the vast majority of the game I also felt we controlled the game, played some superb football, scored some excellent goals so it was a joy to watch both on and off the ball. Confidence should be much higher after the past 7 days. However looping back again - we can’t get too high. Saturday was just 3 points and we have to keep repeating those standards we set in future games to find more consistency. Tonight we have another tough game, we all want to progress as far as we can in the cups and that can only happen if we show the same attitude and hunger. Ryan
Adam Smith of Cammell Laird 1907 was presented with his August 2026 First Division North Player of the Month award ahead of his teams last home game. Adam is pictured receiving his award from League Management Committee Member Sid Blain. This is the first time Adam has won this award. We have to go back to September 2019 for the last Lairds winner, that being Kyle Sambor. Adam came through at West Cheshire League side Mersey Royal before moving to Vauxhall Motors in 2022. He helped them to promotion from the NWCFL and consolidate their position in the Northern Premier League before switching to Buckley Town. Whilst at Buckley he was named in the JD Cymru Leagues North Team of the Season for the 2024/25 campaign. He moved back to the NWCFL with Cammell Laird 1907 last season where he is now an integral part of the team. Maghull have been presented with their PST Sport Club of the Month award for August in the First Division North after once again starting the season in blistering fashion. League Committee Member Sid Blain popped along to Maghull on Saturday ahead of their Macron Cup win over AFC Knowsley and is pictured presenting the award to Manager Joe Burns.
COUNTIES FOCUS
COLLECTION
BORO T-SHIRT
Whether you're cheering from the terraces, heading out with friends, or simply proud to wear the Borough colours, we've got the perfect tee for you. ✅ High-quality materials ✅ Comfortable fit ✅ Stylish club-inspired designs ✅ Sizes available for adults and juniors | CHAT TO STEVE OR HAYLEY FOR FURTHER DETAILS
1. Which country won the 1970 FIFA World Cup in Mexico? 2. Who scored the winning goal for England in the 1966 World Cup final? 3. Which English club won the European Cup in 1979 and 1980? 4. Who was the England captain when England played in the 1982 World Cup? 5. Jimmy Armfield played 569 times for which club? 6. Which player scored the winning goal for Manchester United against Bayern Munich in the 1999 Champions League Final? 7. Who was Steve Bulls strike partner at Wolverhampton Wanderers? 8. Which club did David Beckham leave Manchester United for in 2003? 9. Michael Robinson Signed for which Spanish club from QPR? 10. Lazio play their games at which stadium? 11. Rickie Lambert made his England debut whilst playing for which club? 12. Which former Arsenal goalkeeper used to present Football Focus? PICTURE QUIZ
Answers on the inner back page
JUST FOR FUN!
MATCHDAY QUIZ
1. BRAZIL 2. GEOFF HIRST 3. NOTTINGHAM FOREST 4. BRYAN ROBSON 5. BLACKPOOL 6. OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER 7. ANDY MUTCH 8. REAL MADRID 9. OSASUNA 10. OLYMPIC STADIUM 11. SOUTHAMPTON 12. BOB WILSON 1. IAN DURRANT 2. LEIGHTON BAINES 3. TONY GALE 4. GARY CHARLES
OFFICIALS
Harley-Lee Morgan Connor Rowland Matthew Williams Shaun Farrall Kieron Frost Joseph Levey Bisensio Kamilo Jake Clark Ben Greenop Jack Edwards Peter Morgan Daniel Richman Travis OBrien Thomas Davies Harrison Denton Dennis Mulville Manager: Sam Vicker
BORO ASHVILLE FC
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 Sheikh Sohna Oscar Rothwell Manager: Brent Peters Technical Coach: Alan Taylor Fitness Coach: Ryan Russell
Referee: Samuel Sutton Ass Ref: Andrew Foy Ass Ref: Chelsea Hodgson