December Preview
Saturday 5th December
Barnton (away)
NWCFL First Division
Barnton may be only one-and-a-half seasons into their NWCFL existence but they have certainly had a rare old time.
Leon Knight at Park Road last season
They were in the play-off picture until the very last moment last season and look to be making strides to be in it again this time around; at the time of writing they were sitting in the top two.
Manager Leon Knight strengthened the attack by signing Kevin Towey in close season which has paid off royally with Kevin netting the largest proportion of Barnton's goals.
Our very first visit to Townfield resulted in an entertaining 2-2 draw last season.
Previous five seasons at Townfield:
2014-15: drew 2-2
2013-14: did not meet
2012-13: did not meet
2011-12: did not meet
2010-11: did not meet
Saturday 12th December
Hanley Town (away)
NWCFL First Division
Another away-day to a team that will probably be there-or-thereabouts at the end of next April.
We've not had much luck in our visits to Abbey Lane: having gone 2-0 up last season we allowed Hanley back into it with a 3-2 win at the death with a couple of injuries upsetting our rhythm the season before having taken a 2-1 lead.
At the time of writing, Hanley are in a strong position: sat comfortably in the top three and with games-in-hand in the bank to "pounce" with.
We could do with a change of luck at Abbey Lane. Now would be a good time.
Previous five seasons at Abbey Lane:
2014-15: lost 2-3
2013-14: lost 3-5
2012-13: did not meet
2011-12: did not meet
2010-11: did not meet
Saturday 19th December
Bacup Borough (home)
NWCFL First Division
How time flies.
It doesn't seem that long ago since that eventful 5-5 draw in the away fixture at the start of the season. Not long since we were covering our eyes in the 13th minute of injury time wondering if Luke Pearson would net the penalty to level it and cap a remarkable comeback but hopefully long enough for Bacup's Sylvester Yeboah - who suffered a horrendous leg break at the end of the match - to be a better distance down his road to recovery.
Bacup made a slow start to the season after that match but have picked up form of late - including a 9-2 battering of Rochdale Town and a handy 4-2 away win at Hanley - which has put them in a position to challenge for a play-off spot.
This could be a close call...but I'm not sure if we will get a repeat of the 5-5!
Previous five seasons at Park Road:
2014-15: did not meet
2013-14: did not meet
2012-13: did not meet
2011-12: lost 0-2 (FAV1)
2010-11: did not meet
Saturday 26th December
Irlam (away)
NWCFL First Division
Again? So soon?
Not much to write about this one as it comes soon after our 2-3 defeat in the First Division Trophy last month, except to say that it is our traditional Boxing Day trip, three points would be a great festive boost and it gives us another excuse to give their excellent clubhouse a visit.
