VS. THORNTON CLEVELEYS
MATCHDAY PARTNER
MATCHBALL SPONSOR
THE OFFICIAL BACUP BOROUGH FC MATCHDAY PROGRAMME
BRIAN BOYS STADIUM
£2.00
SATURDAY 26TH 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: 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 Macron Cup 1st Round fixture against Thornton Cleveleys Last week I was disappointed with our first-half performance at home to MSB Woolton. Even though our second-half display was better, it wasn’t enough to get us the result we wanted. It was great to have Toby Wright back in the team after a long road to recovery, and Brady Boardman also made his return to action. Scoring goals has been our problem of late, but we are creating chances. If we weren’t creating them, then I would have serious concerns. Our position in the league is fine, but we need to start turning some of these draws into wins. We need to find ways of grinding our way through matches and getting the results when perhaps we aren't at our best.
MANAGER'S THOUGHTS | BRENT PETERS
We should have Kaiden Barlow and Callum Hewitt back in the squad today and both will be in contention for a recall after missing last week. It was also disappointing to find out that Alex Mellor will require surgery for ligament damage. Alex is a great lad who has been with us for six or seven years. He epitomises everything that is good about this football club and I’m absolutely gutted that he needs surgery. We all wish Alex well with his recovery and hope to see him back with us as soon as possible. Today will be another tough game against Thornton Cleveleys. We played them in the league a few weeks ago at Gamble Road and it was an entertaining 2-2 draw. I’m expecting another competitive game this afternoon, so hopefully we can put in a performance and find a way to progress in the Macron Cup. Enjoy the game. Brent Peters
VISITORS
THORNTON CLEVELEYS
Library records indicate, ICI Ltd founded and sponsored a football team for their workers at the chlorine-production plant in the early 1900’s. Its unconfirmed how long these early beginnings and precursor to the current teams were maintained throughout the early 1900’s but the records show a team known as Thornton Jubilee Football Club in the 1930’s and Trunnah United in the 1950s. The present seniors club, in its more familiar guise was formed in July 1980 when Ronnie Andrews brought the Thornton Catholic Club side to ICI Thornton and in August of 1981 the club joined the West Lancashire League with Mike Sillis as Manager. The clubs Reserve side, managed by Ronnie Andrews played in the Premier Division of the Blackpool and Fylde Football Combination. In 1982 the First team finished the season Division Two Champions.
Debs Armstrong High Definition Media
By 1987 the Reserve side had moved to the West Lancashire League Reserve Division and in 1991 they won the league championship. Following the closure of the ICI Plant at Thornton the club renamed as Thornton International in 1992 and for the 1991/92 season the first team were once again West Lancashire Division Two Champions, and also runners-up in the Presidents Cup. 1995 Thornton-Cleveleys Junior Football Club merged with the open age teams of Thornton International FC, previously known as ICI, to form Thornton-Cleveleys Football Club. In April of 2003, the first team won the Tavern Cup and the Reserves were double winners in the 2003/04 season being both Reserve Division 2 champions and winning the Houston Cup.In 2010 the first team were Division 1 winners seeing a return to the Premier Division and in 2014 lifted the Lancashire Amateur Shield for the first time.In 2021, after over 20 years at its home on Bourne Way the club spent a transient year while a new £1 million facility was built on their former ICI Football Club ground. In 2022 Thornton Cleveleys won the West Lancashire Premier Division League and followed a year later in 2023 winning the Presidents Cup. In 2024 the club regained the West Lancashire League title winning in a dramatic ending to a season that was literally decided on the last minute of the campaign. Two weeks previously Thorntons Second team won the West Lancashire Reserve Division. The Club was promoted to The North West Counties League Division One North in 2024.
WE HAVE TO START GAMES BETTER
We were really disappointed that we couldn’t take anything from the game last week against MSB Woolton. The first-half performance simply wasn’t good enough from us. We never really got going and, at this level, you get punished when you don’t start games well. The second half was much improved, but unfortunately it wasn’t enough to get ourselves back into the game. The lads have been working hard in training, but we’ve got to make sure we start matches better and show the intensity and quality that we know we’re capable of. We are creating chances in games, but in front of goal we know we have to be more clinical when those opportunities come along. At this level, every team has the quality to hurt you, and if you don’t take your chances, the opposition can make you pay. Today against Thornton Cleveleys, we have the opportunity to progress in the Macron Cup. Over the past few seasons we’ve experienced some success in the cups, and while the manager wants success in the league, as we all do, a good cup run could do our confidence the world of good. It could give everyone a lift and potentially help propel us forward in the league as well. Thornton will be a tough one to crack, but we have enough quality in the squad to get ourselves over the line. We’ll need to be at our best, start the game positively and take our chances when they come. Enjoy the game and hopefully we can give you something to celebrate.
captain's THOUGHTS | joey fallon
PLAYER FOCUS | CHARLIE COWI N
- Talk us through your football history to date? Played at Rochdale Sacred Heart in the Manchester Premier League from the age of 15 going on to win everything possible at that level. I also joined FC United of Manchester U21s on a Sunday. Aged 17, I made my debut for the first team and made around 10 appearances in total. It was a great experience to play and train with some real professionals. I also played for them in the European competition - FENIX trophy with games over in Prague, Montenegro and being heavily involved in the semi-final & final in Italy. I then spent the first half of last season at Chadderton before playing a few games at Daisy Hill at the end of the season. - How are you finding life at Bacup? Good! I’m enjoying it, all the lads and staff have been brill which has been a proper buzz. I’m just wanting to continue showing my worth to the team to try and help achieve success here. - What’s the difference between Bacup and previous clubs you’ve been at? Bacup is a really good club which makes everybody feel welcome. The support they get on a match day is class as well. The togetherness in the changing room is another strength that makes a big difference on the pitch as you’ll go the extra yards for your mates to grind results. U21 football is much more technical and tactical focused whereas senior football it’s all about 3-points. Doing the nitty gritty jobs and earning the right to be able to show what you can do on the ball. - How would you assess your own start to the season? It’s been okay. Recently I’ve picked up consistent goal contributions so I’m hoping if I continue to work hard I can earn a good run of games and really showcase what I can bring. My time started with me playing in a wide position also which is new to me but something I enjoyed. I’m happy to play anywhere as long as we get points on the board and I contribute - whether that’s starting or from the bench. - Is there a particular game or moment that stands out so far? AFC Blackpool - started, 2 assists in a 2-1 win.
- Is there a particular game or moment that stands out so far? AFC Blackpool - started, 2 assists in a 2-1 win. - What do you think you can bring to the team over the rest of the season? Obviously I want to give everything on the pitch - both on and off the ball which is equally important. The more minutes I can play, the more confidence I’m becoming to provide a positive impression on the team with either goals or assists. - Who was the first person at the club to make you feel welcome? I already knew Jay Luker, Owen Whitehead & James Bartholomew so that helped me settle quickly. Outside of those - Joey the captain welcomed everybody and also Aiden as he knows a few people I know around the same age. - Who has given you the most advice since you arrived? Probably Kaiden. He gives some good advice and because we play close together we’re always talking about how to help each other in games. - Have you been given a nickname yet? Chaz Charlie Farley by Brent! Quick Fire: - Team you support? MAN UNITED - Job? This week… Joiner - Worst habit? Don’t like washing up dishes at home after meals - it’s not for me! - One fact about yourself that nobody at the club would know? I’m a great singer - Takeaway or Restaurant? Takeaway - Summer or Winter? Summer - Insta or TikTok? Insta - Which footballer would you compare yourself to? Juan Mata - Favourite film? High School Musical 3 Adidas Preds
PREMIER DIVISION Droylsden remain top of the Premier Division after a convincing 3-0 victory over Prestwich Heys. Nelson Van opened the scoring after just two minutes, Jordan Barnett added a second seven minutes later, with an own goal completing the scoring 15 minutes from time. Nelson remain just a point behind after a 3-2 away win at Euxton Villa, their fifth victory in six games. Sean Ince gave them an early lead from the penalty spot before Ben Pendlebury's brace put Euxton ahead. Andrew Hill levelled midway through the second half before Sefton Gonzales secured the points. Atherton LR sit third following a 2-0 win over Litherland REMYCA, with second-half goals from Cal Hunter and Joe Bacon. Burscough remain fourth despite having no game, while Chadderton missed the chance to close the gap after losing 2-1 at home to Ramsbottom United. Longridge Town recorded the biggest Premier Division win, beating Abbey Hey 6-1, while Irlam also impressed with a 3-0 victory at Glossop North End. Daniel Dolling scored twice for Irlam. AFC Liverpool's difficult run continued as they suffered a tenth consecutive defeat, losing 3-0 at Barnoldswick Town. FIRST DIVISION NORTH Maghull strengthened their position at the top of Division One North with a 2-0 win over Fulwood Amateurs, making it ten victories from their last twelve games. Cammell Laird 1907 remain close behind after a 2-1 victory over Uppermill, while Flixton climbed to third with a 3-1 win at Garstang. Thornton Cleveleys produced the biggest win in the division, defeating AFC Knowsley 5-0, with Joshua Winder scoring twice. Holker Old Boys beat AFC Blackpool 2-1, while Ashville claimed a 3-2 win at Ashton Town. Woolton also picked up three points with a 2-1 victory at Bacup Borough. Steeton defeated Ashton Athletic 4-2 in a match which saw three goals inside the opening eight minutes. Squires Gate won 2-1 at Halewood Apollo in the hosts' first NWCFL home game, while Colne recorded a narrow 1-0 victory at Daisy Hill. FIRST DIVISION SOUTH Sandbach United moved to the top of Division One South with a 2-0 win over Eccleshall, moving two points clear of Stafford Town, who drew 3-3 with Cheadle Heath Nomads. AFC Bridgnorth's nine-game unbeaten run ended at Brereton Social, while Wolverhampton Casuals climbed to fourth after a 3-1 victory at Shawbury United. Allscott Heath recorded the biggest win of the division with a 4-1 victory over Alsager Town, while Bilston Town defeated Market Drayton Town 3-0. Barnton won 2-0 at Telford Town, Dawley Town claimed a 2-1 away victory at New Mills, and Wednesfield Community secured a 1-0 win at Crewe.
After any loss, what you want is an opportunity to quickly put it right. Especially if that loss was attached to such a poor performance that we saw in the first half of our last game. For that opportunity to be a cup game, gives an extra incentive to make things right - especially against an opponent we played less than a month ago and were unfortunate to not come away with the 3 points. We cannot hide from the fact that the last performance was not up to our expectations. From someone who coaches the players it was extra frustrating to see them not performing to our collective standards, especially when they have shown they understand how to solve all the problems they faced on Saturday. To concede two goals in 11 minutes is extra disappointing and put extra pressure on a front line that was much changed, and although it was great to see Toby and Brady back involved, it was a tough first game back. We still made plenty of chances, which as I said last week, when you stop making chances is when you should be worried. But with the return of Kaiden and Charlie to add back into the mix, we certainly have enough bodies in forward areas and it needs all of them to further chip in with goals and assists to allow us to start turning our form around. One of my favourite managers in football said that football teams require “soldiers and artists” without soldiers winning their battles, artists don’t have the freedom and the space to be creative and unpick stubborn defences. At times recently, we’ve had not enough of both of these types - if you’re missing artists, you don’t score enough and if you’re missing soldiers, you don’t keep the opposition out.
COACH TALK | ALAN TAYLOR
Another week brings another opportunity to get a little bit better in training, we've been working hard this season to really embed our principles so that no matter what side we put out, no matter what formation we play the fans on the sidelines can tell it's a Bacup Borough team. The job of a good coach is to give your players the autonomy and develop the problem-solving skills so that on a match day you are not needed, which if we keep working on our key principles, they should become as natural as breathing. We had good numbers in training this week and the players turned up in good spirits - a big compliment I can give to these players is that they never stop asking questions, they are constantly trying to figure out if there are better solutions on the pitch which if they keep that up will help them solve the many problems that accompany a north-west counties game. Once again, I am turning up today with glowing optimism and the knowledge of what these players can do and I look forward to them putting that on full display for the fans and visitors! 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. Which club won the 1970 FA Cup Final after beating Leeds United in a replay? 2. Who scored England's winning goal in the 1966 World Cup Final? 3. Which Scottish club won the European Cup in 1967, becoming the first British club to do so? 4. Which English club won the European Cup three times in the 1970s and 1980s? 5. Who was the England manager during the 1990 World Cup in Italy? 6. Which team did Manchester United famously beat in the 1999 Champions League Final with two stoppage-time goals? 7. Who scored the winning goal for England against Argentina in the 2002 World Cup? 8. Which club became the first Premier League champions in the 1992–93 season? 9. Which Scottish club won the UEFA Cup in 2003? 10. Who scored England's winning goal against Germany in the Euro 96 semi-final? 11. Which English club won the Premier League title in the remarkable 2015–16 season? 12. Which club won the 2020 FA Cup Final, beating Chelsea 2–1? PICTURE QUIZ
Answers on the inner back page
JUST FOR FUN!
MATCHDAY QUIZ
1.Chelsea 2.Geoff Hurst 3.Celtic 4.Liverpool 5.Bobby Robson 6.Bayern Munich 7.David Beckham 8.Manchester United 9.Rangers 10.England lost on penalties 11.Leicester City 12.Arsenal PHOTO: Geoff Thomas - Tony Morley - Walter Zenga - Brian Kilcline
OFFICIALS
Oliver Lombard Matthew Hughes Oliver Leggett Adam Sumner Lewis Walmsley Joseph Robinson Daniel Stoney Oliver Wilkinson Benjamin Duffield Joshua Winder Jacob Aspinall Luke Harris Jackson Bateman Harry Williamson Benjamin Anderson Jordan Beavers Coach: Christopher Bond Coach: Sean Danaher Coach: John Fraser Manager: Paul Gregory First Aider: Jonathan Hornsby Coach: Michael McGarvey
BORO THORNTON CLEVELEYS
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: Jahangir Hussein Ass Ref: Joshua Barnes Ass Ref: Josh Alson