Mid April

* Newcastle Town had amassed over 100 points this season and still not made certain of the Championship but they finally clinched it after beating Silsden 2-0 while their only rivals New Mills lost by the same score at Maine Road. Just 116 supporters turned up for the title party which must be hugely disappointing for the Town officials.
* Ramsbottom United followed up their derby win against Nelson with a fine 3-2 success at Runcorn and our old ‘friend’ Steve Wilkes, the Linnets manager, was sent off-some things never change!
* One of our greatest nights came at the home of Bolton Wanderers when we defeated Southport in the ATS Trophy Final and although we played at Burnden Park, it was a case of ‘deja-vu’ at their current home, the Reebok Stadium, when Clitheroe took on the Sandgrounders in the final of the same competition. Manager Pete Smith has happy memories of when he helped lift the Trophy back in 1991. Harwood defeated Bamber Bridge (3-1 at home aet), Blackpool Mechanics (3-0 at home), Horwich RMI (2-1 at home aet), and Blackpool (Wren) Rovers (1-0 at home) before thrashing Southport 3-2 in the final at Burnden. Smithy scored in the semi-final and final and was part of the all-conquering team of that era that Eric Whalley built up. This time round no less than three ex-Harwood players started the game and all completed the 90 minutes but the Conference North leaders proved far too strong and ran out comfortable 4-0 winners. Cheered on by around half of the 1200+ crowd, the Blues gave it their best shot with both Simon Garner and Ryan Fisher having efforts on goal but the gulf in class told as ‘Port surged into a three-goal half time lead.
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* Andy Procter’s Accrington Stanley lost their fifth home game in a row and that made it eight games without a win as they went down 2-1 to Hereford United.
* In the Conference North, the title is almost Southport’s after they won 4-1 at home to Hyde United and they now need a single win from their final two games. Fleetwood also won, coming from behind to win 3-2 at Blyth Spartans but they lie one point behind the Sandgrounders having also played a game more. As well as moaning about Farsley Celtic’s record being expunged, the Fishermen are now complaining that Southport are playing their game in hand this week! The Town Chairman/Board certainly aren’t taking defeat like men and they ought to concentrate on their own team.
* The Unibond Premier looked to be a two-horse race a fortnight ago with Bradford Park Avenue and Guiseley in pole positions. A ‘three-day’ double by Guiseley over Avenue appeared to have made the title a formality and with a long unbeaten run behind them, no one could have foreseen the turnaround within little over a week. Boston United, the cream of non-league football, found themselves 6 points behind, having also played a game more, and with only four games to play but their victory over the leaders, plus a 5-1 victory at Worksop and a 4-1 rout of FC United, having come from behind with only 20 minutes left, coupled with two more defeats for Guiseley and two draws for Bradford, means that a final day win Marine will give the Pilgrims the title.
* Jonathan Smith’s transfer to Lancaster City has hardly co-incided with a run of good form as they’ve gone from Unibond North title favourites to rank outsiders. Their poor form continued with a 2-0 defeat at Trafford and a 1-1 home draw with Colwyn Bay. They found themselves 9 points behind Halifax Town with just three games left as Town head towards the title in style. Three games in a week brought nine more points after wins at Curzon Ashton (5-0 on Monday), 2-1 at home to Radcliffe Borough (on Thursday), and 4-2 at Ossett Albion (on Saturday). The Blues took the lead in the first half thanks to James Dean’s header but Albion fought back to lead. Town then stepped up another gear to score three more and send the 1,000 visiting supporters home happy. Deano also scored at Curzon and to date has hit 37 goals in just 43 appearances.
* Clitheroe, like Accrington Stanley are hardly finishing the season in style and they lost again, this time 2-0 at Wakefield.
* At the bottom, it’s also a case of ‘if we win all our remaining games, and they lose all theirs, we’re OK.’ Rossendale United fell to another defeat, 2-0 at home to Garforth Town after a very poor performance where they were never in the game after the opening goal.
It’s back to the Vodcat League for manager John Hughes, providing he keeps his job!
* In that League, Bacup Borough are wading through some of their games in hand and it doesn’t appear to having an adverse effect as they beat Alsager Town 3-2 and Ashton Athletic 1-0 this week, both at West View.
* Ramsbottom United are also finishing well, their latest victory a comfortable 2-0 at Winsford United thanks to two fist half goals.
In the 1st Division, Barnoldswick Town have a battle on their hands in the fight to become Champions in the debut season. They dropped two points after a 0-0 draw with Eccleshall, while Stone Dominoes moved to within a point of them after their victory.
* The West Yorkshire side failed to lift the West Riding Cup despite a valiant effort. They found themselves 3-1 down against Garforth Town but hit back to make it 3-3. Garforth then scored what looked to be the winner in the 88th minute but Barlick refused to let their heads drop and found a last minute equaliser. The score remained 4-4 until the 120th minute when a fantastic long-range shot gave keeper Billy Carrington no chance and made it 5-4.
* Also still in with a shout of promotion to the Premier Division are Leek CSOB but amazingly their latest game, a 6-3 home win against Daisy Hill, drew a paltry crowd of 20 and three days later the same number(probably the same people) turned up to see them defeat Rochdale Town 2-1.
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* As the final week of the season arrived, Halifax Town clinched the Unibond North title but were made to struggle against Pete Smith’s Clitheroe. Considering the respective form of both sides, this should have been a cake-walk for the Tykes but they needed two goals in the final 15 minutes to gain the vital point, sending the near 2,000 crowd home happy. Just two ex-Robins in the Blues starting line up and one of them failed to see out the 90 minutes, with Liam McManus seeing a late red for two yellow cards. Clitheroe could have had the game sewn up well before the end after scoring two, hitting the woodwork and seeing a penalty, given by the linesman, overturned by the Ref. James Dean failed to score but ran the defence of one of his former sides a merry dance throughout.
* Lancaster City finally got back to winning ways with a 1-0 win at Radcliffe Borough thanks to Jonathan Smith’s injury time winner-his first strike for the Dollyblues.
* At the bottom, John Hughes’ Rossendale United also halted a poor run when they won 1-0 against Wakefield at Dark Lane. They not only need to win their final game, Ossett Albion have to lose and there needs to be a FIFTEEN goal swing in the process.
* In the Unibond Premier League, it’s the most exciting final day in living memory with just one point separating the top three after this week’s results. While Boston United added the Unibond League Cup to their Lincolnshire Cup, Bradford Park Avenue and Guiseley knew that they had to win to stay in the title hunt. On Monday, Bradford won 1-0 thanks to a ‘Fergie-time’ 94th minute goal against Whitby Town, and the following evening saw Guiseley win 2-1 at Frickley, thanks to two penalties!
Boston travel to Marine needing to win or equal the results of the other two.
* Once again well done to the fantastic FCUM supporters. The Reds have had a woeful season and have never once looked like joining the promotion race but their home crowds have held up and the away followings have outnumbered home supporters at almost every game-FANTASTIC! Over 1,600 turned up for their latest defeat, 3-2 at home to Ashton United.
* Quite a contrast with AFC Liverpool whose latest attendance was just 95.
* At the top of the Vodcat Division One, Barnoldswick still hold the aces after a 1-0 win at Irlam but Stone Dominoes aren’t giving up and they won again, this time 1-0 at home to Oldham.
* In the Premier League, New Mills drew a crowd of 410 as they entertained Glossop North End in the Derbyshire ‘derby’, with the visitors taking the honours after 1-0 win.
* Bacup Borough continue with their incredible run of home fixtures, beating Padiham 2-0 and drawing 1-1 with Atherton LR.
* Nelson won 2-1 at Formby while Ramsbottom United beat Winsford United 1-0 at the Riverside.

Early April

* Accrington Stanley’s hopes of making the League Two play-offs were blown away during the Easter period after two bad defeats. They took the lead at Dagenham & Redbridge but ended up on the wrong end of a 3-1 defeat and worse was to come when they entertained relegation threatened Grimsby Town a couple of days later. For the second time in two weeks the Reds lead 2-0 but fell to pieces after the break to present the Mariners with a rare away win. Three goals in less than 10 minutes blew Stanley away with Andy Procter once again failing to have any impact, and the season is ending with a whimper.
* The race for the Conference looks to be heading for the ‘wire’ with Southport and Fleetwood Town swapping places at the top after the Easter weekend results. Our old foes Fleetwood consolidated their 1st place position after beating Droylsden 3-0 at Highbury in front of over 1800 fans but then went down 1-0 at Workington on the Monday. Meanwhile Southport took maximum points with a hard fought 3-2 win at struggling Harrogate Town then a thrilling 2-1 victory over Northwich Victoria at Haig Avenue. That win was the Sandgrounders first against the Vics. in 8½ years but they had to come from behind with the equaliser coming in first half stoppage time. They then missed a penalty before being awarded a second which was put away before having substitute Steve Daly sent off in the third minute of injury time.
* Fleetwood have appealed against the League’s decision to have Farsley Celtic’s results expunged from the records because that would mean the Fishermen lose the 6 points gained against the Tykes. Surely the decision was the only one open to the League yet the Fleetwood Chairman insists that the club have a strong case-don’t hold your breath!!
* The Unibond Division One North, is also turning into the most exciting for years with James Dean’s Halifax Town in hot pursuit of Jonathan Smith’s Lancaster City.
City enjoyed a 3-1 win at another of Jonathan’s former clubs, Clitheroe, on Easter Monday before a great crowd of 351. Meanwhile Halifax travelled to Dark Lane where Deano helped to put another nail in his old boss John Hughes’ coffin. Town ran out 3-0 winners leaving Rossy 3 points adrift at the bottom after Ossett Albion gained a point from their game. A consolation was the attendance, a staggering 745.
Next up for the Shaymen was a derby at Garforth Town and what a night it was. The home side led 3-1 with just a couple of minutes plus added time to go but Blair was sent off for the home side giving the visitors hope. Firstly he over-celebrated when scoring that 3rd goal, and moments later was booked again for kicking the ball away. Despite not scoring himself, Deano inspired his side to score in the 88th, 91st, and 94th minutes to send the huge majority of the large crowd home happy.
* That comeback was in fact eclipsed a couple of days earlier by a game at the scene of one of our greatest triumphs. Morecambe were trailing Crewe 3-1 as the game reached the final few minutes. Then a Morecambe defender was sent off for bringing down an ‘Alex’ player through on goal. The resulting free kick was handled to present Crewe with a penalty to make it 4-1. A great save from the Shrimps’ keeper looked to have kept the score down but with just a few minutes left Morecambe made it 3-2. Into the final minute and incredibly they drew level before the ten men made it 4-3 in the 4th minute of stoppage time and that proved to be the last action of one of the most thrilling games ever to be seen at the soon to be demolished Christie Park.
* Back to the Unibond North and poor old Rossendale, after facing Halifax, next took on Lancaster City and the outcome was the same as it was two days previously. The Blues did in fact fight back to draw level after going two behind but City won 4-2 in the end.
* The only other club who can now go down are Ossett Albion as the teams just above continue to pull away.
* In the Vodcat League, 1st Division Barnoldswick Town are in pole position as they look to go up into the Premier League at the first time of asking. They won 2-1 at Norton United before beating Holker Old Boys 3-0.
* Should they go up as expected, they’ll have plenty of derby games next season with all local sides sure to be playing in the top division next term. Colne continue with their great unbeaten run beating Squires Gate 3-1 and ex-Harwood star Steve Pickup turned back the clock with a masterful display at the back.
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* Accrington Stanley’s season has fizzled out miserably with even Andy Procter suffering from a loss of form. They finally halted a run of defeats with a goal-less draw at rock-bottom Darlington, when a win would have relegated the North-Easterners.
* In the Unibond Division One North, it was a bad day for John Hughes’ Rossendale United. Things had looked rosy for half an hour as the Blues took a 2-0 lead at Prescot Cables but a penalty put the hosts back in it. After the break Cables were awarded another spot kick and although the keeper saved it, the rebound was slammed home. Even worse was to follow when Hughesy saw the other result affecting them at the foot of the table. Ossett Albion the only team that they can realistically catch, beat Chorley 2-1 to leave Rossy 5 points adrift.
* Pete Smith will no doubt be looking to next season as his Clitheroe side, with four ex-Robins in the squad, once again showed their soft side going down 3-1 at Woodley Sports.
* Quite a few of our ex-players are set for an exciting climax to the season, none more so than James Dean. His Halifax Town side entertained Jonathan Smith’s table-topping Lancaster City and an astonishing 3,000+ fans turned out, better than any other non-league crowd that day and several Football League attendances. What should have been a tight affair was anything but and Deano was back to his match-winning best. He not only scored the 3rd in a 4-0 win but also supplied passes for the first and last goals. The second goal was also partly down to him as a great effort was superbly saved by the keeper who turned it away for a corner from which the Tykes scored! Not surprisingly, Smithy was substituted after being given the ‘run-around’ for the first hour. Town will join the Unibond Premier League if they hold on to top spot and that Division also saw 2nd host 1st. Boston United came from a one-goal half time deficit to beat Guiseley 2-1.
* The other team in the trio vying for the Championship, Bradford Park Avenue, were involved in a remarkable local derby at Ossett Town. The hosts look to be fighting a losing battle in their efforts to stave off relegation but raced into a 4-1 lead before Avenue hit back with goals five without reply to keep alive their own dreams of glory.
* Much maligned Durham City- widely described as the worst side in the country-not on this web-site!-have been overtaken by Zamaretto South & West Division side Bracknell Town. Both sides have won two games and drawn none but Bracknell have lost 36 games to Durham’s 33, conceding 164 against Durham’s 159. City lost 2-0 at Whitby but Town were thrashed 7-2 at home to 3rd bottom Cinderford Town.
* Moving up into the Conference North, leaders Southport and second placed Fleetwood Town both had difficult away games but they both took maximum points, the Sandgrounders courtesy of a tremendous 3-0 win at 5th placed Droylsden, and the Fishermen thanks to a 1-0 success at Ilkeston Town.
* In recent years we’ve enjoyed a couple of very enjoyable FA Cup days out at Harrogate Town but Saturday’s 5-2 home capitulation at the hands of Blyth Spartans all but sealed their relegation. They need to win their last seven games(they’ve only won 6 all season) while Redditch(3rd from bottom) have to lose their last two. Let’s hope that they steady the ship and are back up in the not too distant future.
* A great comeback in this league, Alfreton Town were losing 2-0 at home to Northwich Victoria, down to ten men and with only 13 minutes left to play but incredibly they turned it around to win 3-2 thanks to a last minute own goal. Whether it’s Southport or Fleetwood in the play-offs, they have to be on top form to overcome the Midlanders.

* In the Vodcat League, Colne made it 12 games unbeaten after a 2-1 home win against Abbey Hey courtesy of a last minute goal and they now move up to 7th in the Premier Division. Russ McKenna’s Squires Gate gained much needed morale booster as they won 2-1 at home to Glossop North End.
* The big local derby saw Ramsbottom United come from behind to beat Nelson 3-1 at the Riverside. Ed O’Neil should have put Rammy ahead early on before Nelson scored, but after the equaliser, his cross was turned into his own goal by an unfortunate defender to put the Blues ahead just before half time. Another tremendous effort from Ed nearly made it three but he then supplied the cross from which the 3rd goal came.
* In the First Division, it’s Barnoldswick Town who look to heading for the title. They won 2-0 at Oldham and although nearest and only rivals Stone Dominoes also triumphed 2-0 at Holker Old Boys, Town lead the way by three points and also have a game in hand. Our old adversary, keeper Billy Carrington is enjoying an exceptional season along with James Coonan.

* Several people have asked me recently what happened to the huge ‘sell-on’ clause which was written into the contract when Matt Derbyshire was transferred to the Rovers. Well I don’t know as I wasn’t privy to any of that information while I was involved with Great Harwood Town but if anyone who reads this is a shareholder at the Rovers, then I’m sure you could ask the question for us at the next shareholders meeting. We await with baited breath!

Late March

* Despite the best efforts of Andy Procter, Accrington Stanley still can’t make it into the play-off positions. Hopes were high after a midweek win over Rotherham and the Reds built up a two goal lead with only 25 minutes left before leaders Rochdale cut loose with four goals of their own-the last one a magnificent shot from near the half-way line.
* After checking the ‘stats’ of Unibond Premier Durham City, it appears that their two great recent wins came just too late to put off their relegation as the 4-1 home defeat against Boston sealed their fate. Stephenson’s rocket at FCUM was followed by not one but two 35-yard screamers in the home win against Whitby. The goal at Gigg Lane and all the highlights from the game can be viewed on the excellent FCUM web-site.
* The fight for the Unibond 1st Division North title is hotting up and Jonathan Smith’s Lancaster City went three points clear of James Dean’s Halifax Town after a 2-1 home success over Trafford. Town meanwhile, were held 2-2 by AFC Fylde although Deano did cross for Wilde to open the scoring for the visitors.
* At the other end of the table, a great 2-0 home win lifted Rossendale United away from the basement. John Hughes met up with several of his ex-Harwood colleagues as Clitheroe travelled to Dark Lane. Neighbours Bamber Bridge did Hughesy a favour by beating Salford City 4-3 despite trailing with just 3 minutes left on the clock. Ossett Albion drop to the foot of the table after a late goal gave Leigh a 1-0 win. One disappointment for the Stags was the crowd of just 111.
* Bad week for Nelson in the Vodcat Premier Division as they lost 2-0 at home to basement side Ashton Athletic and in the return a few days later could only draw 1-1 before 24 spectators. That was exactly twice the crowd that turned up to watch the game between Alsager Town and Flixton which the Bullets won 3-1.
The Mancunians have 7 games to play while mid-table rivals Bacup Borough still need to fit in 18 games before the end of the season.
* The league leaders Newcastle haven’t suffered a hangover from their 4-1 mauling at Bacup, winning 3-2 at Runcorn before thrashing Russ McKenna’s Squires Gate 6-0 at the sea-side.
* Padiham made hard won of beating next to bottom Atherton LR at the Arbories, eventually running out 5-3 winners.
* Some very disappointing attendances in the 1st Division with AFC Liverpool’s visit to Daisy Hill drawing the day’s best of just 57. By logging onto the Daisy Hill web-site, you can see highlights from last season’s amazing game between the sides when the attendance was double this season’s.
* Yet another prominent non-league club are in dire straights, this time it’s Forest Green Rovers who need to raise £100,000 very quickly and that’s despite the success on the pitch in recent years including a couple of fine FA Cup runs.
* Merthyr Tydfil are also on the brink thanks to the clubs current debts.
* Matt Derbyshire scored the only goal of the game as Olympiakos won 1-0 at leaders Panathinaikos. That put them four points behind their fiercest rivals with three games to play. Matt hit the winner after 67 minutes after his first effort was saved and was then promptly booked for his celebrations in front of the home fans. Sadly, their title dreams all but ended the following weekend and they were held 0-0 by second bottom FC Xanthi while Panathinaikos were winning 3-0 at Atromitos. With a much better goal difference, the leaders look set to clinch the title in their next game.
* Another ‘hot’ local derby saw one of Great Harwood’s most famous ‘sons’, David Dunn, score the only goal of the East Lancs. version.
* Accrington Stanley’s promotion hopes look to disappearing after another defeat, this time 2-0 at Bournemouth with even the normally reliable Andy Procter struggling to make an impact.
* James Dean was also strangely subdued at Trafford and despite hitting a post, he was replaced mid-way through the second half of Halifax Town’s 3-0 win, two of the goals coming in injury time.
* They remain three points behind Jonathan Smith’s Lancaster City who are looking unconvincing going into the final few weeks of the season. A midweek 2-1 reverse in the Lancashire derby at Bamber Bridge, was followed up with a 2-1 win at home to at home to Mossley, with the winner coming in the final minute.
* Pete Smith must be frustrated at Clitheroe’s inconsistency for following the Blues’ poor showing at Rossendale, they came storming back to thrash AFC Fylde 7-1 at Shawbridge with Simon Garner hitting the fourth with a fine 12 yard shot. They then returned to their poor away form at Skelmersdale United and were well beaten despite the scoreline of only 3-1. Just two ex-Robins in that starting line-up, Ryan Fisher and Simon Garner.
* John Hughes saw his Rossendale side go down 2-1 to Woodley Sports at Dark Lane with the visitors scoring both goals in the first few minutes. Rossy fought back but despite Woodley going down to 9 men, the Blues failed to get back on level terms.
* In the Vodcat Premier League, all of our local sides are now in or around mid-table with Ramsbottom United leading the way in 7th despite their 4th defeat in a row.
* Bacup Borough, the only side to beat Newcastle Town, travelled for the return fixture and were holding them to a 1-1 draw at half time before two more home goals saw them off.
* A few days later, Newcastle made short work of their trip to the Riverside, triumphing 4-0 over Ramsbottom with Ed O’Neil unable to stop the rampant leaders and eventually being substituted. That took them to the amazing total of 100 points, 29 clear, but they haven’t clinched the title yet as New Mills keep winning and have five games in hand. The Millers latest victory saw them come from two down at home to Bootle before running out 3-2 winners.
* Padiham lost 3-0 at fallen ‘giants’ Winsford United and had ex-Harwood star Martin Parkes sent off after just 23 minutes following his ‘last-man’ foul on a United forward.
* Bacup beat Abbey Hey 2-1 after coming from behind at half time to win 2-1 with all three goals coming from the penalty spot and they weren’t the only ones to show some fighting spirit. Colne managed it twice in the week, firstly overturning a 2-1 deficit to win 4-2 at Formby, and then to come back from one down at the break at Maine Road, to win 2-1.
* Russ McKenna saw his Squires Gate side go down yet again, this time 2-1 to Nelson with the Seasiders missing a late penalty. The visitors were reduced to ten men after that incident but held on gallantly.
* In the 1st Division, Barnoldswick Town lead the way by 3 points after Stone Dominoes were beaten. Also in the title race are perennial strugglers Leek CSOB but the locals are far from impressed with only 25 turning up to see them drop two vital points against AFC Blackpool.
* The month ended with most local games being lost to the wet weather but Bacup Borough’s home game with Padiham lost out to snow! Brent Peters’ boys now have to cram in 16 games before the scheduled end to the season on May 8th.
* Some football was played though and that was bad news for ex-Harwood boss John Hughes because his Rossendale side slumped back to the bottom of the Unibond North after Ossett Albion staged a great comeback against Radcliffe Borough. The visitors stormed into a 2-0 lead which they held until half time, but Albion returned from the break with all guns blazing and hit four without reply.
* At the other end of the table, it was back to ‘advantage Lancaster City’ after Halifax Town could only take a point from their game at Woodley Sports. The home side led 2-0 but Town salvaged a point thanks to second half substitute James Dean’s last minute equaliser. Deano dribbled his way past a couple of defenders on the edge of the box before firing in off the post to send the 4-500 Town supporters into raptures.

Mid March

* Matt Derbyshire’s Olympiakos lost the first leg of their last 16 Champions League game at home to Bordeaux. He came on as a 77th minute substitute and helped the side to what looked like an injury time equaliser but the strike was controversially ruled out by referee Howard Webb, citing a foul by Matt in the build up. Bordeaux’s goal, which came in the 2nd minute of first half injury time, was also contentious as what seemed to be a fine tackle was penalised and from the resulting free kick, the French side took the lead.
* The official also made some baffling decisions the following week as Matt’s old team Blackburn Rovers suffered a 3-1 defeat at Spurs. He denied them a clear penalty and also ruled out what appeared to be a perfectly good goal by Kalinic.
* James Dean scored the second in Halifax Town’s 3-0 defeat of high-flying Colwyn Bay at the Shay. He received the ball with his back to goal before turning his marker inside out and delivering a left foot drive into the bottom corner of the net. He was excellent throughout, almost scored another, and gave ex-Tranmere Rovers player Dave Challinor a torrid time for the whole 90 minutes.
* Next up was a game against some of his old Harwood team-mates at Clitheroe and once again Deano came up trumps, scoring an injury time winner. He almost scored on 17 minutes but his effort was brilliantly blocked by Liam McManus and then maybe should have done better with a header just before the break which went straight at the keeper. Pete Smith’s boys took the lead in the second half but were soon pegged back after a wayward back-header from Ryan Fisher went over the keeper who then brought down an attacker and received the inevitable red card. Liam took over between the ‘sticks’ but was beaten by the spot kick and then again by Deano’s winner when Town’s leading scorer burst into the area and rifled a shot into the bottom corner of the net to send the majority of the huge 650+ crowd into raptures.
* The result of the month, the season, and probably the decade, came at Gigg Lane where Durham City not only avoided defeat for the first time this season(as predicted recently on this web-site) they managed all three points with a fantastic 2-1 win against FC United. An early goal for the Reds failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the League’s whipping boys who struck twice before keeper Rhys Jobling saved a penalty. The Northumbrians then despatched Whitby 4-3 during the week for their first home points of the campaign and actually led 3-0 and then 4-1 before two late Town goals had the home supporters biting their nails.
* Another club who recorded a famous victory was Barnoldswick Town who took on Unibond Premier League high-flyers Guiseley in the West Riding Cup and forced a 1-1 draw before winning the ‘shoot-out’ 4-2.
* Bacup Borough also produced an incredible result against unbeaten leaders Newcastle Town, winning 4-1 at West View before a paltry 35 spectators.
* John Hughes’ Rossendale United continued their improved form but had to settle for a point from a 1-1 draw against lowly Salford City.
* Matt Derbyshire was once again involved in Champions League action and what an eventful game it turned out to be for our hero. Needing the overturn a one goal deficit from the first leg in Greece, Matt was blatently pushed over in the penalty area for what appeared to be a stonewall spot kick. The referee was having none of it at even booked Matt for either diving or back chat. In the second half he thought he levelled the tie when he scored but the goal was disallowed for offside. Minutes later a slightly late challenge saw him receive another yellow card and a very harsh sending off. Despite then taking the lead, Olympiakos were beaten 2-1 on the night to end Matt’s dream of European glory.
* Yaqoob Khan who enjoyed some memorable times playing for Harwood, has signed for Nelson. His skill and speed proved far too much for opponents whilst we played at the Crown Ground and he built up a terrific partnership with the great John Eastham.

Early March

* The month began with the very sad news of the death of former Showground favourite Adam Blacklaw who passed away after a long illness. Adam also played for Scotland, Blackburn Rovers and Burnley.
* Accrington Stanley once again had the chance to put pressure on the play-off contenders in League Two but the Reds were well beaten 3-0 by Notts County at the Crown. Andy Procter set up what appeared to be the opening goal but after disallowing the strike, then allowing the goal, then disallowing it again, it was all downhill for John Coleman’s boys.
* Quite a battle for the Blue Square North title and as soon as Southport become the bookies favourite, they drop two points against lowly Gainsborough. Meanwhile Fleetwood travelled to high-flying Hinckley and came away with all the points after a great 2-0 win.
* James Dean failed to score in Halifax Town’s two big wins in the first week of the month, but he did set up the opening goal in the 5-0 demolition of Ossett Albion, and the final goal in a 3-0 home win against Prescott Cables.
* Jonathan Smith’s Lancaster City appear to be cracking under the strain and now lie just three points ahead of the Shaymen after a poor few days. They could only force a goal-less draw at Curzon Ashton before a shock 3-1 defeat at next to bottom Harrogate R.A.
* Jason Jones hit the back of the net twice in the week, the first proved to be decisive in the 2-1 home win against Warrington Town and his next, Clitheroe’s second, finished off Salford City, a game in which Simon Garner was particularly outstanding.
* That win was also good news for John Hughes and his Rossendale United side, who took full advantage by coming from behind to record a tremendous 3-1 home win over Curzon Ashton.
* In the Vodcat League, Colne followed up their great draw at Newcastle with a 5-1 thrashing of visitors Silsden and a 4-0 home win against Atherton LR.
* Those scorelines were also recorded by neighbours Bacup Borough but unfortunately they were both defeats!
* Ramsbottom United ended a run of four games without a win by beating Russ McKenna’s Squires Gate 1-0 away from home.
* Barnoldswick Town recorded another away win to go top of the table, if only for 24 hours but were then surprisingly held 2-2 at Ashton Town. Quite an eventful game for James Coonan’s side as they hit the bar with a 2nd half penalty and also had a player sent off, with our old adversary Billy Carrington excelling in goal to make sure that Barlick took home a share of the spoils. Nevertheless, Stone Dominoes lost 1-0 at much-improved Atherton Collieries to leave both title-chasers level on points and with an almost identical goal difference.
* Comeback of the week was in the Blue Square South where home side Weston-Super-Mare built up a three goal lead before Bromley hit back with three goals in the final 17 minutes to rescue a point.
* Another month and another club in trouble-or several as the case might be. Blue Square North Farsley Celtic look to be doomed after a second fixture failed to take place, this time against Workington. Two offers have been made to buy the club and both have been dismissed by the administrators who insist that 100% of the debts must be paid off.
* Northern League Billingham Town have been issued with a writ after Hartlepool United demanded an unpaid bill be settled immediately.
* Ashton United could fold if they’re unable to pay compensation to an injured opponent and costs of the case brought against them.
* Weymouth are in trouble (again) and their debts appear to be mounting by the day as more problems are discovered about their recent past.
* Matt Derbyshire has put some financial backing into West Lancs. League side Whinney Hill where his mate and ex-Harwood colleague Andy McNally is the manager. Ex-Robins Dennis Hill and Anthony Snape are also rumoured to have signed on.
***
* I can now reveal that two recent attempts to re-launch Great Harwood Town FC are now ‘dead-in-the-water’. In the summer, an ex-Premier League player, together with various other parties, spoke to the owner of the Showground who refused all reasonable requests for a long term lease.
* Just before Christmas, a Blackburn businessman also tried to revive the Robins and even had sponsors, a manager, players and builders lined up to get the Showground back into Vodcat League condition. He too failed to make any headway in discussions with the ground’s owner Jackson.

* Halifax Town won yet again, this time 3-1 at Warrington Town with James Dean ending his three game goal-less run. A brilliant performance throughout was capped with a magical third goal when, from out on the right, he chipped the keeper to clinch the win. The attendance of 505-over 300 higher than the last home game-was Warrington’s best ever Unibond attendance.
* Also in the Unibond North, Jason Jones made it three goals in three games as Clitheroe won 3-0 at AFC Fylde. Liam McManus, Ryan Fisher and Simon Garner all started the game for the Blues.
* John Hughes’ Rossendale United earned a point in a 2-2 draw with Bamber Bridge at Dark Lane and with several new signing recently, down write off Rossy’s chance of survival just yet.
* Nelson and Padiham both suffered 3-2 defeats while Colne’s good form continued with a 2-1 win at St. Helens.
* Russ McKenna scored Squires Gate’s goal in a 1-1 draw at Silsden.
* The big 1st Division ‘derby’ at Rochdale failed to capture the imagination of the Greater Manchester football fans and just 20 turned up to see visitors Oldham take the points with a 2-0 win.

Late February

* Matt Derbyshire, back to full fitness after his long absence through injury, is making up for lost time and scored again in Olympiakos’ 2-0 home victory over Atromitos. Matt finished off a flowing three man move with a neat side-foot finish from just inside the six-yard box to give the Reds an 18th minute lead, and leave them just two points from the top of the Greek League.
* Poor old John Hughes saw things go from bad to worse for his rock-bottom Rossendale United side. They had two players sent off in the first half of the home game with Trafford before eventually going down 8-1 and a return to the Vodcat (NWCL) seems inevitable.
* One fantastic record ended on the last weekend of the month and another almost did. Our neighbours Colne ended Newcastle Town’s wonderful run of 27 wins this season when they gained a 1-1 draw in Staffordshire. The Reds took the lead but the real hero of the day was Great Harwood Town’s ex-keeper Bobby Harris. Bob broke every defensive record in the club’s history while he was at the Showground and a string of great saves on Saturday halted the Newcastle bandwagon. Colne’s goal was only the 9th conceded in 28 games for the runaway leaders.
* The record that was almost broken was Durham City’s in the Unibond Premier League. Despite losing every game this season, they travelled to promotion chasing Guiseley and held on until the second half when two goals made it 27 League defeats in a row. More performances like this and their first point must surely be just around the corner.
* The attendance was only 101 and there were some other poor turnouts including 56 at 1st Division leaders Stone, who saw their side squander a two goal advantage against Rochdale Town, and just 28 at Eccleshall to see Barnoldswick Town close in on the Dominoes after a 2-1 win. The big East Lancs. derby between Nelson and Padiham drew just 81, who saw a 1-1 draw at Victoria Park.
* Eric Whalley’s Chester City have finally been expelled from the Conference and look set to fold with the most likely outcome being the formation of a fans club, who would probably play at the Deva Stadium in the Vodcat League. If that happens it will another great addition to the Competition, following on form the likes of FC United, AFC Liverpool and Runcorn Linnets.
* Fleetwood Town look to be in danger of missing out on the one automatic promotion spot as they lost 3-0 at home to Northwich Victoria in the Conference North, while their only serious rivals Southport picked up a point at Corby. Two wins from their three games in hand would see the Sandgrounders re-take top spot.
* Great day for Jonathan Smith and Lancaster City. They pulled further away from main rivals Halifax after winning 3-0 at home to Harrogate RA while the Tykes lost 3-2 at Radcliffe Borough.
* Pete Smith’s Clitheroe led 2-0 at Mossley but a late second half onslaught saw the Mancunians win 4-2. It was a weekend of great comebacks with FC United scoring twice in the final 11 minutes to salvage a point in a 3-3 draw with high-flying North Ferriby United at Gigg Lane. Even better was Worcester City’s three goals in the final 17 minutes to earn a point at relegation rivals Lewes in the Blue Square South. In the Ryman League, Horsham YMCA were trailing 2-1 at home to Leatherhead with just four minute left but hit the net three times to claim the points. One comeback that wasn’t quite enough was Tilbury’s at Ilford. The home side led 3-0 but Manlee Brown scored four times for the visitors during a sensational second half. Alas it wasn’t enough as his side went down 5-4.

Mid February 2010

* Pete Smith’s Clitheroe travelled to Leigh hoping to carry off from the mid-week win against the same opponents but defensive slip-ups resulted in the Blues going down 2-0.
* Fleetwood Town cemented their place at the top of the Conference North with a fine 3-1 home win against Gloucester City while main rivals Southport, kept up the pressure with a 2-0 victory at Farsley Celtic.
* Halifax Town got back to winning ways after their Unibond Cup exit at Boston with a comfortable 3-0 home success against Harrogate Railway Athletic. Nothing surprising about that but what was surprising was that James Dean, despite being prominent throughout, failed to get on the scoresheet.

* Poor old Durham City, after losing every game so far this season, you’d think that things couldn’t get much worse-but they have. The manager played a player under a false name and the club has been hit with a six point deduction and a £2,000 fine which they can ill afford, even though £1500 is suspended.
* Meanwhile on the pitch, another great effort at Matlock Town saw them hold the Gladiators for 38 minutes before the first goal and they eventually went down 6-0. Three days later they were just 2-1 down in the second half at home to Stocksbridge PS but two very late goals gave the Steelers a flattering win.
* In the Unibond North, Jonathan Smith’s Lancaster City went 6 points clear at the top after another home win, this time 4-0 against Radcliffe Borough.
* In the same Division, Clitheroe twice came from behind to win 3-2 at Harrogate Railway Athletic with Liam McManus hitting the second for Pete Smith’s boys.
* In the Vodcat Premier League, Newcastle Town made it 27 wins from 27 games with a comprehensive 4-1 victory at Ashton Athletic. They followed that with a 6-0 home win against Rocester in the Staffs. Cup. The Newcastle public don’t seem to be overly impressed with the football club’s great achievements, with only 45 spectators turning up at Ashton and 65 at the home game.
* Elsewhere, there were wins for Bacup, Colne and Padiham while Nelson lost.
* In the 1st Division, Barnoldswick Town’s season shows no sign of faltering as they won 3-0 against Wigan Robin Park to move within 3points of leaders Stone dominoes.
* What a week for Matt Derbyshire! He started the game at Panionios, scored the only goal and was voted man-of-the-match. Next up was a home game with Levadiakos and once again he took the honours. First he scored to make it 2-0 in the 36th minute, and when the visitors threatened a comeback at 2-1, he finished them off with the third just after the break, taking Olympiakos to within three points of leaders Panathinaikos. As usual, the crowd was incredible and hopefully we’ll be able to see plenty of them and Matt in the latter stages of the Champions League.
* Another ex-Rovers ‘Matt’, this time Jansen, scuppered any hopes of Rossendale United climbing off the foot of the Unibond North table when he hit a hat-trick in a seven goal thriller at Chorley. Rossy’s opponents Leigh Genesis burst into a two goal lead but John Hughes’ boys fought back to lead, before two long range shots from the ex-Ewood legend sealed the win for the ‘home’ side. Not too many Leigh fans could be bothered travelling the few miles to Victory Park with only 61 in attendance.
* In the Vodcat League, the newest club AFC Liverpool, who many thought would be another FC United, lost again, this time 3-1 at home to Daisy Hill. Sadly for the Merseysiders, the crowds have also failed to impress with the latest game being viewed by just 120.
* Jonathan Smith gave a masterly performance for Lancaster City as they won 2-1 at Chorley before a 400+ crowd in the Unibond North. Smithy also had a ‘goal’ ruled out after his shot hit the crossbar and appeared to be well over the line before it was cleared but the officials disagreed.
* Halifax Town look like the Dollyblues main rivals for the title and they won again, this time 4-2 at home to Mossley Surprisingly, ex-Robin James Dean failed to get on the scoresheet but he was again excellent throughout and set up numerous chances including the second goal.
* In the big Lancashire derby at Shawbridge, it was a battle between two Great Harwood Town legends, home boss Pete Smith and visiting manager John Hughes. Hosts Clitheroe included Harwood old-boys Ryan Fisher, Liam McManus, Jason Jones and Simon Garner, and they helped the Blues to a narrow 2-1 win that keeps Rossendale United firmly rooted in relegation trouble.
* In the Vodcat League Premier Division, it proved to be a disappointing weekend for most of our local sides with defeats for Padiham, 3-1 at Maine Road despite taking a 1st minute lead, Nelson, 1-0 at home to Flixton, and Bacup Borough, 3-0 at St. Helens. Colne were the only winners, beating Ashton Town 2-0 before a pitiful crowd of 40. Also in the Premier Division, 3rd placed Congleton won 2-0 at Atherton LR before just 15 fans so their away following must be somewhere around the ‘nil’ mark.
* The other local side in action was 2nd placed Ramsbottom United who left Ed O’Neil on the bench and were made to pay. They led 2-0 against Russ McKenna’s Squires Gate who hit back in the 2nd half and had Rammy hanging on for a point in the last fifteen minutes.
* Bottom of the table Abbey Hey aren’t about to go down without a fight and they produced the score of the season when they won 5-1 at Winsford United to move up two places.
* Barnoldswick Town exited the 1st Division Trophy after losing 2-0 at Stone Dominoes.
* Memories of the famous thriller at Wood Street when Rochdale Town met Holker Old Boys. Not quite the 13 goal extravaganza but it was excitement all the way as the Cumbrians won 5-3 before a paltry 20 spectators.
* At the other end of the ‘Pyramid’, top of the Conference North Fleetwood Town travelled to joint bottom Gainsborough Trinity and left with a stunning 2-0 defeat, leaving the way clear for Southport to take top spot- if they win their three games in hand.
* In the Conference South, quite a game at Eastleigh where visitors Thurrock raced into a 6-0 half time lead before easing off after the break and winning 8-2.
* In the Unibond Premier League, our old friends FC United may have nothing to play for but their brilliant supporters still turn up in their hundreds, even for away games. Poorly supported Frickley drew over 700 to Saturday’s game which United won 2-0, that’s around 550 up their last home game.

Late January 2010