THE OFFICIAL BACUP BOROUGH FC MATCHDAY PROGRAMME
SATURDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER | 15:00
VS. MSB WOOLTON
MATCHDAY PARTNER
MATCHBALL SPONSOR
BRIAN BOYS STADIUM
£2.00
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: 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 afternoon and welcome to everybody joining us for today's game with MSB Woolton. It’s been a frustrating couple of games for us, with Daisy Hill and Uppermill both giving us different challenges. Against Daisy Hill, I thought we started the game well and created some good opportunities, but we allowed them to grow into the game and they became a threat with their direct play and balls into the wide areas. Billy made another excellent save from the penalty, but unfortunately we conceded just before half-time from a situation we should have dealt with better. The second half was a completely different performance from us. We dominated possession, played with much more purpose and created enough chances to get something from the game. Their goalkeeper made some very good saves, and on another day we could have scored two or three. That's the frustrating part because the effort and response from the players were excellent, but ultimately we didn't take the chances when they came, and that seems to be a big problem for us at the moment in front of goal.
MANAGER'S THOUGHTS | BRENT PETERS
On Tuesday we went to Uppermill and made a few changes to the team. I was pleased with the way we started because the tempo was much better and our movement and use of the ball were sharper. We got into some good positions, but again we didn't turn that promising play into enough clear-cut opportunities. Our finishing needs to be much more clinical. The second half was more difficult for us and Uppermill had a good twenty minute spell. They hit the post and had a couple of opportunities, but our delivery into the box from wide areas was very good, especially from Jake Townsend who I thought played some excellent football down the left side. Overall on the night I was disappointed because we went there looking to win the game and put some valuable points on the board. We've taken just the one point from the two games and that's not the return we wanted. The important thing now is that we don't dwell on it. We need to be more clinical in the box, make better decisions in the final third and keep the intensity and tempo in our play for longer periods. We know what we're capable of, and the response has to come on Saturday. Woolton will be a challenge, that's for sure, but we'll be going into that game looking to put things right and get back to winning ways. Enjoy the game. Brent Peters
VISITORS
MSB WOOLTON
MSB Woolton FC is an FA Charter Standard Community Club based in South Liverpool. Woolton FC has roots in the community since 1930, operating as Woolton Boys’ Club initially, then with its modern formation going back to 1994. It has grown each year since, with a big focus on youth development and football for all, training starting at reception age to provide a learning but fun pathway into teams. The club currently operates over 250 teams from Under 6s through to Under 18s, at both boys’ and girls’ football. We have 5 men’s teams, 2 women’s teams, and a mens Vets team in the open age section. Our player pathway from finishing U18 football has been developed over the past 5 years, with progression at the heart of our application for Step 6 football.
MSB Woolton FC The club is now one of the largest grassroots football club in the UK and proudly collaborates with the FA Club Leaders Programme to help improve the sustainability of grassroots football. Our womens team proudly play in the North West Regional League Division One South and MSB Woolton FC has won LCFA Club of the Year in 2014 and 2024. This season we have a team in the NWYA U17 competition and an under 21 team in the NW Development league, which further enhances our pathway progression. This year has seen us develop our walking football activities, with over 20 people participating each week, which has been a fantastic achievement by all involved. We are now in the very early stages of providing disability football, working closely on both fronts with our County FA to make this a long term commitment. Prior to being promoted, the men's first team won the Liverpool County Premier League title twice in three seasons, in 2023 & again in 2025. This was complemented with back-to-back I Zingari Premier cup wins in the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
WE HAVE TO TAKE OUR CHANCES WHEN THEY COME
There is no really getting away from it at the minute — we are underachieving. There are no two ways about it, and I think everyone is frustrated with where we find ourselves. But ultimately, we are the only ones who can change that, so it is important that we take responsibility and start putting things right. We had a disappointing first half against Daisy Hill last Saturday, and then Tuesday night away at Uppermill was another game where we were frustrated not to come away with the three points. It feels like we are going through one of those spells where not much is falling for us, but at the same time, that is something we have to change ourselves. We have to take our chances when they come and, at the other end, make sure we are not giving teams opportunities to score. Sometimes you just need that scruffy goal to go in, and hopefully that can be the moment that gets us going again and brings a bit of confidence back into the team. We are not hiding from the fact that things are not where we want them to be, but at the same time, we have always said that we cannot get too high when things are going well or too low when they are not. It is a 42-game season, there is a hell of a lot of football still to be played, and nothing has been decided yet. Today brings another tough test against a strong Woolton side. We know what they are about, the problems they can cause us and, equally, the problems we can cause them. We just need to make sure we turn up with the right attitude from the first minute. If the lads put the effort in and show the right desire, then we give ourselves every chance. Hopefully we can get that result today and start building some momentum again.
captain's THOUGHTS | joey fallon
PLAYER FOCUS | BEN LANGLEY
- What were your thoughts on how last season went? - Personally, I felt it was a slow start to the season for myself, but I grew into it as the season went on and started to find my form. I think that was similar to the team as a whole — we had a slow start, but we built up a really good run as the season went on. Unfortunately, we just fell short of the targets we’d set ourselves, but there were plenty of positives to take from the season. - What did you do this summer? As the season finished, I kept myself fit, but it was a bit of a different style of training because I had a half marathon coming up. So I was doing a lot more running and endurance work than I normally would during the season. - How do you think the team has started this season? I think we started the season strong, getting results and points on the board early on. The last few games maybe haven’t been at the standards we set for ourselves, but in some of those games we’ve come away feeling like we deserved more from them. There’s definitely plenty for us to build on, and we know the level we’re capable of performing at. - What have you learnt about yourself over the opening few weeks? I think the biggest thing I’ve learnt is that patience is key. You have to be ready for your opportunity when it comes - What are you hoping the next few weeks will bring? We want to put in the performances we know we can and, hopefully, see the reward for that with points on the board. - Has anybody replaced Olly (Hodgson) yet as your partner in the warm up? No, not at all, I’ve just joined in with the rest of the players since Olly’s been gone haha. - Is it any different for you now with your dad taking a step back this summer? - Not as much as I thought it would be, to be honest. When we were in the changing room, I always saw him more as a coach anyway, so it hasn’t felt massively different. The main difference is probably the car journeys to and from games.
- Who has surprised you the most in the squad so far? How so? I’d probably say both Aidy and Barty. They’ve both been quality since coming in and have put a real shift in, both going forward and getting back. They’ve settled in really well, so I’d have to say those two. - What’s your best memory so far at Bacup? Euxton Villa Final Quick Fire: - Team you support? Man United - Job? Data Analyst - Favourite comedian? Romesh Ranganathan - Favourite sweets? Tangfastics - Toughest player to mark in training? Connor Morris - Long run or gym session? Long Run - Tea or Coffee? Coffee - Messi or Ronaldo? Ronaldo - Home or Away matches? Home - Cup or league match? Cup - 1-0 win or 3-2 win? 1-0 win - If you had to pick a 5-a-side team from your current teammates, would who be your team? Billy, Joey, Callum, Kaiden, Jake
General Stats: Colne 6-0 Darwen – Colne’s first 6 nil for 130 games and Darwen’s first defeat by this score for 209 games (August 21 at Ilkley Town). Burscough last won 3-2 in September 2024, beating Pilkington that day, 104 games ago. Alsager Town had gone 245 games since they were last defeated 2-5. A defeat on 5th October 2019 at home to Cheadle Town. Sandbach United broke a run of twenty four games without a draw as it finished 3-3 at Cheadle Heath Nomads. Steeton had gone seventeen games without a draw, broken by their 2-2 at Maine Road. FC St Helens recorded their highest ever win with the 9-0 FA Vase success against Frickley Athletic, it was also the biggest defeat the visitors had ever experienced in an FA Competition Holker Old Boys reached 60 FA Vase games and gained their biggest ever win as they put seven past Season Carew. League Tables Updates OrderTeam Jerseys Premier Division: No team is undefeated, but Glossop North End, Droylsden, Trafford and Barnoldswick Town have suffered just one reverse. Eight teams have yet to lose at home: Glossop, Chadderton, Nelson, Trafford, FC Isle of Man, Droylsden, Prestwich Heys and Barnoldswick Town. Away from home Charnock Richard and Litherland REMYCA are unbeaten. Division One North: All teams have tasted at least one defeat so far this season. Flixton have only suffered one reverse. Maghull, Cammell Laird 1907, SAFC Blackpool and Halewood Apollo are unbeaten at home, while Ashville, Flixton abd Colne are unbeaten away. Division One South: AFC Bridgnorth are the only unbeaten side, with six wins and a draw. Stafford Town, Telford Town and Widnes Town are all unbeaten at home, Eccleshall, Barnton and Bilston Town are all unbeaten at away.
Here we are, back at home again for the third consecutive Saturday afternoon. No finer place if you ask me! We come here on the back of a, solid but not a scintillating performance where we set up in a shape we have not yet used this season but one not unfamiliar to the boys. We created a few good chances and on another day a different keeper maybe does not get to some of our headed chances. Once again, we’ve shown an ability to get the ball into the final third and create chances even if those chances are not absolutely clear cut - which from our position as coaches is a good sign that the overall play is positive, but just requiring a few tweaks and perhaps a little more consistency. Consistency is a key word, something that has been no doubt hindered by a constant change in personnel due to injuries, suspensions and Brent’s dreaded H word. However, we are not ones to make excuses here at Bacup, and the strength in depth has been something much improved on previous seasons. However, although league tables do not paint a clear picture at this point in the season, the form table does and we sit 14th at the time of writing. A couple of wins can easily turn the tides for any team and although we find ourselves in this position, we’ve performed well enough in games to show we have the ability to turn draws into wins and losses into points.
COACH TALK | ALAN TAYLOR
We welcome Woolton to Cowtoot today, a team who much like ourselves have not yet found consistency in results this year, but can cause any team in the league trouble. A win and a loss apiece last year made for two good, well fought battles and I’m sure today will be no different with both teams aiming to add to their wins column. Although we had a midweek fixture (as did our opponents), we’ve prepared well at training and the players seemed in high spirits, ready to put on another strong performance at home. After this game, we are back at home the following Saturday against Thornton Cleveleys in the Macron Cup which if you watched the previous fixture, offers the potential of a wonderful cup game for the neutrals. Although I’m sure, management from both sides will be working to try and make sure they keep their opponent at bay this time around. After this week, we have a small break from midweek fixtures which allows us valuable time on the training pitch to ensure our key principles are continuing to be embedded, a task made much easier by the squad we have. The lads are an absolute delight to coach and whether it’s been sweltering heat or pouring rain, they’ve worked hard and they’ve taken on board every session. We are all working hard to give the fans, family, friends and those new to non-league football something to cheer for and enjoy watching this season. UTB
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. John Aldridge played for which Spanish club? 2. Peter Shilton made 175 appearances for which club? 3. Who scored the winning goal for Wimbledon in the 1988 FA Cup Final? 4. French footballer Didier Six played for which Premiership side? 5. Matt Le Tissier was born on which Channel Island? 6. England Cricketer Ian Botham played football for which club? 7. Name the International goalkeeper who is remembered for the 'Scorpion kick'? 8. What was the name of Darlington's old ground between 1883 to 2003? 9. Bryan Robson scored a goal in 27 seconds for England against which team? 10. Which Italian club did Jimmy Greaves for for in a brief spell? 11. Burnley beat which team to reach the Sherpa Van Trophy final? 12. Who was Dion Dublin's strike partner at Cambridge United? PICTURE QUIZ
Answers on the inner back page
JUST FOR FUN!
MATCHDAY QUIZ
1. Real Sociedad 2. Deby County 3. Laurie Sanchez 4. Aston Villa FC 5. Guernsey 6. Scunthorpe United 7. Higuita 8. Feetham 9. France 10. AC Milan 11. Preston North End 12. John Taylor PICTURE QUIZ: 1. Barnet FC 2. Ricky Hill 3. Nicky Hunt 4. Warren Barton 5. Thomas Brolin
OFFICIALS
Dan Jennings (GK) James Pyper (GK) Cameron Hill (GK) Reece Clarke Sean Smallwood James Wolfe Jay Liddle Mark Vaughan (C) Chris Moran Joe Tummino Shea Currey Dan Harvey Joe Harvey Lucas Wilson Ben Glover Danny Ventre Ethan Cross Jacob Barratt Matty Robinson Sean Kennedy Ethan Danku Josh Larkin Harry Campbell Tega Okeregha Josh Whewell Luc Haralambous Mo Alsaqqa Omar Bandeh Manager: Mike Harvey Coaches: Gary Hearns, Adam Scregg, Kieran Hughes
BORO MSB WOOLTON
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: Martin Flynn Ass Ref: Lucas Clarke Ass Ref: Kaden Maguire