Official Frickley Athletic Website 

A Blues side consisting of U17s players and triallists were beaten 4-0 by a Brodsworth side in tonight's friendly at Westfield Lane.

Also on Saturday, Pete Wilson, the holder of one of the two winning tickets that shared £1300 in Frickley's Weekly Lotto recently, was presented with his cheque for £650 by Chairman Pete Bywater. The presentation, which took place at half time, is shown below.  

Mark Hancock won the Supporters Player of the Year and collected his award from Paul Baines of Baines Brothers and Harold Hackney, an FA Referee Assessor. 

However, the vote on the website has seen Hancock (27% of vote) beaten into second place by goalkeeper Mark Samways (32%). Antony Jackson was third with 20%.

Also, today, the Blues' successful Under 17's side were presented with their trophy for winning the Free Press Doncaster & District U17 League First Division title. Photo below.

Following the recent inspection by the UniBond League Ground Grading Committee it has been confirmed that the required work has been completed to their liking and Westfield Lane has received an 'A' Grade.

The following statement was issued by the FA today regarding the expansion of the Nationwide Conference :

The club are asking supporters of they can help the club's quest for UniBond Premier Division survival by pledging an amount per week up until the end of the season to help increase the playing budget. Members of the Committee have already done likewise and any donation can either be anonymous or publicised in the match programme, website. etc, depending on the wishes of the individual. If you can help either e-mail me or see any Committee member at the away game at Worksop or at the home game against Vauxhall Motors.

In order to try and raise more funds the clubs is embarking on a recycling project and are appealing for supporters and local residents alike to help. By the next home match, on Saturday 22nd February, an Aluminium Can collection bin will be in place at the ground along with a Used Inkjet Cartridge collection bin which is expected to be situated inside the clubhouse. Everyone is encouraged to bring their empty cans and inkjet cartridges down to the ground for depositing into the relevant bins for recycling for which the club will receive payment.

Following the Nationwide Conference's proposal to form either a national Conference Second Division or two regional leagues, Frickley Athletic have indicated that they will be applying to join a regional Conference League. The Conference had written to all Ryman, Dr Martens and UniBond League Premier Division clubs to ask if they would consider joining the proposed set-up for next season. The Blues' Committee decided that the club would obviously like to play at as a high level as possible but that it would currently be impossible financially for the club to survive in a national league but should be able to compete in a regional league. No details are yet known as to what criteria clubs would have to satisfy in order to gain entry to the new league with the Conference no doubt waiting to see what response they get before deciding.

Stalybridge Celtic Match Preview : Manager Phil Sharpe faces a huge selection problem as he could be without up to seven of his squad. With last week's game not being completed Paul Marquis must again serve his one-match suspension whilst Antony Jackson, Steve Woolford and Duncan Richards all also serve one match suspensions. Midfielder Craig Elkin is almost certainly out with a back injury whilst Mark Hancock is also struggling to be fit and Mark Hine could be missing for personal reasons. Sharpe is trying to bring a couple of new faces in, possibly on loan, to plug the gaps but none have signed up to press.

The winning numbers in this years Christmas Draw are as follows

0101 - Portable Colour TV 

0396 - Camera Set 

3498 - Xmas Cake 

0627 - Gents Watch 

3497 - Tool Set 

0334 - Season Ticket 

1877 - Mixed Drinks Set

0591 - Man. Utd Rug 

1375 - Tin of Biscuits

3882 - Jack Green Sports Voucher

1672 - Gents Watch

0151 - Garden Tool Set

0567 - Season Ticket

3031 - Bottle of Sherry

1043 - Basket of Fruit

1140 - Jack Green Sports Voucher

The UniBond Chairman's Cup Quarter Final draw has given the Blues an away tie at Blyth Spartans on Saturday 25th January. The other ties are Bamber Bridge v Kendal Town, Lincoln United v Hucknall Town and Guiseley or Droyslden v Witton Albion.

Following the Blues' exit from the FA Trophy the away UniBond League game at Marine has been brought forward to Saturday 11th January (FA Trophy 3rd Round day).

Following his sending-off at Hucknall Town on Tuesday 19th November, Mark Hancock has been hit with a 4-match suspension starting with Saturday's visit to Burscough. With the Blues already struggling with injuries the suspension could hardly have come at a worse time. Hancock will also miss the home games against Whitby Town (Chairman's Cup) and Hyde United as well as the away game at Ashton United on 21st December.

The Club's Christmas Draw tickets are now on sale, priced at 50p per ticket, with the draw to take place on Thursday 19th December. The main prize is a colour TV with numerous other prizes, including wines & spirits, hampers, electrical tools and sports equipment, also on offer. Tickets can be purchased at the ground on matchdays as well as at Jackson's newsagents and from any Committee member. Alternatively, if anyone wants to buy them by post this can be arranged by e-mailing me.

Fixture Changes: (I hope you're sat down with a drink for this!) The outstanding League game away at Worksop Town has been provisionally arranged for Tuesday 12th November whilst the away game at Hucknall Town on Tuesday 5th November has been postponed. The Sheffield Senior Cup tie at home to Stocksbridge PS is likely to take place during this week (possibly on 6th), unless a replay is needed in the FA Trophy tie against Kidsgrove Athletic, in which case this will take place on Tuesday 5th November, kick off 7.45pm. This will then mean the Sheffield Senior Cup tie being played on Tuesday 12th November instead of us travelling to Worksop (By now you're probably totally confused!!) 

Whitby Town Match Preview : The Blues face Whitby Town tomorrow at Westfield Lane in a rearranged game with Manager Phil Sharpe facing an injury and illness crisis. No fewer than six regulars are struggling to face the Seasiders with Craig Elkin and Ryan Williams both suffering from flu whilst Scott Kerr (groin), Remo Nesa (thigh), Mark Samways (knee) and Mark Hancock are all carrying injuries.

The Blues' away game at Vauxhall Motors on Tuesday 12th November is likely to be postponed as Vauxhall are due to play in their County Cup competition on that date. 

Hyde United Match Preview : The Blues travel to Tameside for tomorrow's important UniBond Premier Division game looking to prevent themselves being adrift at the bottom of the table. Player/coach Mark Hine is available again after suspension and hopefully Scott Kerr will be fit to play after being forced off against Bradford Park Avenue.. Hyde parted company with both their manager and assistant manager following their defeat at Colwyn Bay on Tuesday night.

Squad (from) : Samways, Nesa, Gowen, Elkin, Wordsworth, Jackson, Hancock, Kerr, Evans, Hemstock, Burke, Morris, Marsh, Milligan, Hine, Williams, Sharpe, Peel

Gainsborough Trinity FA Cup match Preview : The Blues go into tomorrow's crucial FA Cup Second Qualifying Round tie without the services of both loan midfielder Scott Kerr, as Hull City do not want him to be cup-tied, and player/coach Mark Hine, through suspension. Central defender Paul Marquis is doubtful after picking up a hamstring injury last week against Burscough. 

Squad (from) : Samways, Hemstock, Gowen, Williams, Elkin, Wordsworth, Jackson, Hancock, Marsh, Evans, Burke, Morris, Milligan, Nesa, Sharpe, Peel, Siddall

Burscough match Preview : Goalkeeper Mark Samways is unavailable for the game due to prior commitments before he joined the club and is likely to be replaced by Richard Siddall, an ex-Barnsley youth player who started the season at Gateshead. Manager Phil Sharpe is hoping that Remo Nesa will have recovered sufficiently from a back injury to play. Craig Marsh misses the second of his two match suspension whilst Antony Jackson has almost completed his month ban. Mark Hine is due to start his three match suspension for his sending off against Gateshead on Tuesday

Phil Sharpe has bolstered his squad with the addition of two players from Football League clubs. Scott Kerr has signed on a month's loan from Hull City whilst Nigel Hemstock has joined from Scunthorpe United. Kerr is a 20 year old midfielder who joined the Tigers from Bradford City on a 3-year contract in June 2001. Born in Leeds he was on the subs bench for Bradford's final Premiership games in 2000/01 and made his Premiership debut at Coventry City in the last match of the season. He had previously appeared as a substitute in the Worthington Cup against Darlington and made his full debut against FK Atlantas in the UEFA Intertoto Cup in July 2000. After joining Hull he was plagued by a back injury through pre-season and hardly featured throughout last season but, after intensive treatment he will be out to regain full fitness.

However, Pete Myers appears to have left the club after signing for NCEL side Goole AFC at the beginning of last week, despite being in Sharpe's plans for the game against Gateshead last Tuesday. The club are not happy at the way that Myers signed for Goole as they did not give the required 7 days notice to approach the player, and may take further action. 

Barrow Match Preview : Still without a win so far this season, the Blues face 3rd placed Barrow without the services of central defender Antony Jackson who has a further three weeks to serve on his suspension from last season. Goalkeeper Mark Wilkinson looks set to be replaced as he is due to go into hospital for an operation and manager Phil Sharpe is looking at a couple of alternatives. Craig Elkin should be fit to return to the midfield whilst Andy Evans should add his experience to the forward line as he looks to make his first appearance of the season after having a change of heart and has pledged to play this season for the club. Sharpe has also signed a new right full back by the name of Duncan Milligan.

Squad :  Wilkinson, Myers, Mulligan, Gowen, Hine, Marsh, Marquis, Elkin, Hancock, Jones, Evans, Morris, Burke, Nesa, Peel, Williams

Worksop Town Match Preview : The Blues look to get off the mark tomorrow night when they face one of the pre-season title favourites, Worksop Town, at Westfield Lane. Manager Phil Sharpe will be hoping that Craig Elkin (pictured) and Mark Hancock will be fit after both were forced off through injury on Saturday. He is also hoping to include a new signing in the shape of Paul Marquis, a centre half from Bradford Park Avenue who has also had spells at Gateshead and Doncaster Rovers after being released by West Ham United. Chris Gowen may return to the line-up after completing his one match suspension on Saturday.

Squad : Mark Wilkinson, Pete Myers, Ryan Williams, Mark Hine, Antony Jackson, Craig Elkin, Mark Hancock, David Jones, Kieran Darlow, Lee Morris, Paul Burke, Chris Gowen, Paul Marquis, Remo Nesa, Andy Evans, Craig Marsh, Paul Peel

Droylsden Match Preview : The Blues kick off the new season without two of the few players that remain from last season. Chris Gowen will serve a 1-match suspension for his sending off at Burton Albion at the end of last season, whilst Jon Wordsworth is struggling with a thigh injury which he aggravated in training last week. With Gowen absent it seems likely that Ryan Williams will start at left wing-back with Antony Jackson, Mark Hine, Pete Myers and possibly Mark Hancock making up the rest of the defence. Up front it seemed as though Lee Morris would partner Kieran Darlow but the signing of Paul Burke may see one of these two miss out on a starting place. 

Squad : Mark Wilkinson, Pete Myers, Ryan Williams, Mark Hine, Antony Jackson, Craig Elkin, Mark Hancock, David Jones, Kieran Darlow, Lee Morris, Remo Nesa, Paul Burke, Andy Evans, Craig Marsh, Paul Peel

A solitary strike on 39 minutes from Mark Hancock was enough to earn the Blues a comfortable victory at Garforth Town in their final pre-season friendly. The side included Ryan Williams, a left wing-back who has been with Harrogate Town, along with Ramon Nesa (or something like that!) who has been on trial at Doncaster Rovers after being released by Preston North End. The Blues should have taken the lead on 25 minutes when a good ball in from the left by Williams found Kieran Darlow on his own in the box but he couldn't control the ball well enough, enabling the keeper to collect the ball. Pete Myers then saw his sidefooted volley from a Mark Hine cross go agonisingly wide before Hancock headed into the bottom right hand corner from a left wing corner. Frickley had strong claims fro a penalty turned down when David Jones was upended in the box early in the second half but the referee had other ideas. The second half saw Phil Sharpe make numerous substitutions which saw the Blues lose much of their fluency of the first half whilst Garforth came into the game late on and went close to snatching an unlikely equaliser on a couple of occasions. Team : Wilkinson, Myers, Williams, Hine, Jackson, Elkin, Hancock, Jones, Darlow, Morris, Nesa(?). Subs Marquis, Gowen, Marsh, Foletti

Phil Sharpe has announced the signing of six new players this weekend. The experienced Mark Hine (ex Doncaster Rovers, Scunthorpe, Peterborough) has joined as player/coach whilst local lads Antony Jackson and Craig Elkin have both signed from South Kirkby Colliery. Also joining is forward Lee Morris (32 goals for Hallam in the NCEL last season), midfielder David Jones (from Armthorpe - ex Doncaster Rovers) and forward Kieran Darlow from York City. Phil is hoping to announce at least 2 more signings before Saturday's opening league game at Droylsden. Pen pics will be updated later this evening.

The Blues gave their best performance so far in pre-season as they gained a richly deserved win over a Grimsby Town side which seemed to consist mainly of reserves and youth players. Frickley had already gone close on a few occasions, notably through Kieron Darlow, before they took the lead on 31 minutes. Darlow won a challenge with the Grimsby right full back and bore down on goal before sliding the ball wide of the advancing keeper and into the path of Lee Morris who tapped the ball into an empty net. The second half saw the Blues go close to adding a second on 56 minutes when the Grimsby keeper did well to smother a snap-shot from David Jones. The closing period saw Chris Gowen have a good run at at the Grimsby defence before shooting over whilst a Grimsby substitute wasted a good chance to level the scores when he shot wide from the edge of the box.

Blues Team : Wilkinson, Myers, Gowen, Rhodes, Jackson, Hine, Hancock, Jones, Darlow, Morris, Elkin. Subs. Foletti, Evans, Peel & Jammeh

The club have announced another pre-season freindly with the news that Grimsby Town will visit Westfield lane on Tuesday 6th November, k.o. 7.45pm. The game at Garforth Town, scheduled for the following night, will still go ahead. It is hoped that another game can be arranged for next Saturday.

Dean Brown has taken over as manager of the U19 side, although he will still be helped by previous manager Kev Perkins when Kev is available.

Leroy Chambers has left the club and signed for Belper Town for a small fee after the two clubs had been in talks for a few weeks. Matlock Town had also shown a healthy interest recently.

Jon Wordsworth has been having trials with Chesterfield, which is where he picked up the injury that has kept him out of the side for the past two games.  

The Blues suffered an embarrassing 3-0 home defeat to neighbours South Kirkby Colliery in their second pre-season game at Westfield Lane. The Blues again fielded several triallists but it was the more organised and lively visitors who took the lead on 21 minutes when Mark Wilkinson came to the edge of the box to block an attack but the loose ball fell to another South Kirkby forward who scored easily. Less than 3 minutes later it was 2-0 as a mix-up between Wilkinson and the defence let a forward nip in to score from a harmless looking cross. The Blues did threaten briefly early in the second half with Chris Gowen twice going close and Simon Collins also having a low shot well saved at the second attempt by the impressive Colliery keeper. Graham Lewis missed a golden opportunity to reduce the arrears when Craig Marsh played the ball into him in space in the box but he mis-kicked when unmarked just 12 yards out. The miss proved costly as on 65 minutes the visitors extended their lead with yet another soft goal as the South Kirkby forward waltzed around Wilkinson and walked the ball into the net. The Blues included: Mark Wilkinson, Myers, Gowen, Matthew Wilkinson, Collins, Evans, Lewis, Marsh, Jammeh and several other triallists.  

The Blues started their pre-season campaign with a disappointing 5-1 home defeat to UniBond First Division side Farsley Celtic. Looking much the fitter side, the visitors took the lead after just three minutes, although Pete Myers had shot just wide after 45 seconds for the Blues. Farsley added a second on 10 minutes when Mark Wilkinson could only help a chipped shot into his own net. The second half saw the Blues create several openings but failing to capitalise on any of them, with Chris Gowen being the main threat down the left. Farsley added a 3rd when Wilkinson came to the edge of his area to punch a cross clear only for it to land at the feet of a Farsley player who fired into an empty net. Andy Evans and Graham Lewis both missed chances before Martin Kearney replaced Wilkinson but he was soon picking the ball out of the net following his own error which led to a tap in. Celtic scored the fifth when a player cut in from the right before slotting the ball under Kearney from a tight angle before triallist Jemmiah (I'm told its spelt something like that!) headed a consolation into the top right hand corner from an Andy Betts cross from the right. The Blues included :Mark Wilkinson, Reece, Gowen, Matthew Wilkinson, Wordsworth, White, Hancock, Evans, Lewis, Myers, Betts, Marsh, Kearney, Jemmiah, plus several other triallists. 

The pre-season friendly against Huddersfield Town has now been arranged for next Wednesday, 24th July, kick off at 7.45pm.

Mark Hancock has rejoined the club from Bradford Park Avenue as Phil Sharpe's 'number two', presumably also as a player.

A Fund Raising Concert has been arranged at The Park, Mill Lane, South
Elmsall for Thursday 1st August 2002. The show will be compared by Kevin Kane and features a duo called 'THE BAKER BOYS' and 'ABBA DREAM'. Tickets cost £3.50.

A second pre-season friendly at Westfield Lane has been pencilled in for Friday 19th July against Garforth Town. This has yet to be confirmed. Also, Huddersfield Town have agreed to send a Reserve side but a date has yet to be arranged.

Admission prices for Wednesday's friendly against Farsley Celtic have been set at £3 adults and £1.50 for concessions.

Former Guiseley player and Assistant Manager Phil Sharpe has been appointed as the Blues' new Manager with him taking over the reigns next week. The 34 year old defender has a wealth of experience at this level of the game having previously played for Farsley Celtic, Bradford Park Avenue, Gateshead, Halifax Town and Doncaster Rovers as well as having spells with Union de Centre (Belgium) and Eendracht Wervik (Germany). Photo courtesy of Yorkshire Post Newspapers

Following the UniBond League AGM the UniBond League Cups will revert to a straight knockout format. The League Challenge Cup will be contested by all clubs with the top 10 in the Premier Division and the top 9 in the 1st Division all being exempt to the Second Round. It seems the Chairman's Cup will only be contested by the 13 losers from the 1st Round of the Challenge Cup whilst the 16 losers from the 2nd Round will contest the President's Cup.

The club have been fined £250 for breach of FA rules following the outcome of a Sheffield & Hallamshire investigation into the farcical Senior Cup tie against Doncaster Rovers last season.

In player news, Dean Jones, who was out of contract at the end of last season, has apparently joined Gary Marrow at Belper Town. No other rumours have been confirmed yet.

The draws for the early rounds of the FA Cup and FA Trophy are expected tomorrow.

Admission charges for next season are being held at the same as last season, £6 Adults and £3 for Concessions. In addition a Family Ticket (2 Adults & 2 Children) will be available priced at £15 - giving a saving of £3 per game. 

Season Tickets are now available priced at £100 for Adults and £50 for Concessions.

In the 2001/02 Wirral Programme Club Non-League Programme Survey the club's matchday programme has been placed 12th in the UniBond Premier Division with 113 points. This placed it 20th in the whole UniBond League (45 clubs) and 318th out of 1099 nationally. The top 3 in the UniBond overall were: 1st Altrincham - 161 pts, 2nd Ossett Town - 154 and 3rd Bradford Park Avenue -145. The UniBond Premier top 3 were 1st Altrincham - 161 pts, 2nd Bradford park Avenue - 145 and 3rd Barrow - 144. The National top 3 were 1st Redhill - 218 pts, 2nd Hoddesdon Town - 206 and 3rd Northwood - 205.

Preview of Easter Monday's game against Emley - Rob Hanby will be missing from the line-up as he serves the second of his two match suspension but it is hoped that Dean Jones, who went off injured at half time on Saturday, and Steve Price will be fit to play. Striker Andy Evans has been carrying an ankle injury for a while and may also be a doubt which could see a start for Graham Lewis. On the positive side, Jon Wordsworth is nearing full fitness and may come into the reckoning if neither Jones and Price are fit enough to play. Squad (from) : Wilkinson, Si Collins, Gowen, Reece, Place, Jones, Russell, Myers, Evans, Chambers, Prendergast, Lewis, Price, Wordsworth, Griffin, Ogley

Emley will almost certainly include former Blues' players Gary Hatto and Miles Thorpe in their line-up as they look to continue their recent run of four games without defeat. 

Preview of Tuesday's match against Doncaster Rovers - Gary Marrow seems set to have a virtually fully fit squad to select from with only Jon Wordsworth unlikely to be fit enough to be involved, although he is back in training. Former Rovers defender Mark Place successfully came through the last 25 minutes of the game against Bradford Park Avenue last Tuesday and comes into contention for a starting place which could leave Marrow with a nice selection problem of who to leave out. Squad (from) : Wilkinson, Collins, Gowen, Hanby, Reece, Jones, Russell, Price, Evans, Chambers, Prendergast, Lewis, Myers, Place, Ogley

Rovers are expected to send a strong side, especially as they have a reserve team game the following evening, and will no doubt be out for some sort of revenge as they have yet to beat the Blues in three attempts since they were relegated from the Football League. In those matches the Blues have won 2-0 (FA Trophy), 2-0 (Sheff Cup) and one game was drawn 2-2 (friendly last August).

The date of match against Doncaster Rovers in the Semi Final of the Sheffield & Hallamshire Senior Cup has been set for Tuesday 26th March, k.o. 7.45pm. The UniBond League match against Gateshead which was scheduled for the same evening may have to be played on Thursday 28th March as Gateshead already have a lot of outstanding matches to fit in before the end of the season. More details will be published regarding the rearrangement of this game when they are known.

Rory Prendergast's appeal against his sending off whilst playing for Goole will take place on Monday 8th April, meaning he is able to play in all matches at least until then. What happens afterwards depends on the outcome of his appeal. 

Preview for Saturday's game against Marine : Gary Marrow seems set to name an unchanged side from the one played so well at Altrincham last week. Central defender Mark Place seems unlikely to be fit enough, with a place on the subs bench looking like the best he can hope for as he struggles to overcome his groin injury. Squad (from) : Wilkinson, Simon Collins, Gowan, Hanby, Reece, Jones, Russell, Price, Evans, Chambers, Prendergast, Lewis, Myers, Ogley, Place

There has been one fixture change. The away match at Bamber Bridge which was scheduled for Saturday 23rd March has now been put back to Saturday 20th April, kick off 3pm.

The draw for the Semi-Final of the Sheffield & Hallamshire Senior Cup has given the Blues a home tie against local Conference side Doncaster Rovers. Rovers overcame Parkgate 3-0 in the previous round last week and will no doubt be out for revenge over the Blues who have not been beaten in three meetings between the sides since Rovers were relegated from the Football league. No date has yet been set but the match is due to take place in early April. The other Semi Final sees Emley drawn at home to Renishaw Juniors. 

Meanwhile, as mentioned in a message on the Frickley Forum on Saturday, the club bar was broken into last Thursday evening after the Under 19's game with the fridge being emptied of bottled beers whilst the Lucozade machine was seriously vandalised. Other damage was also caused to the bar but the police have managed to take fingerprints and are hopeful of catching the culprit(s). The bar should be okay to be open for this week's games.   

Preview for Saturday's game against Altrincham : Manager Gary Marrow will have virtually a full squad available to choose from. Despite the knocks that he took from the Stocksbridge defence, Leroy Chambers' substitution on Tuesday was to prevent him being sent off for retaliation rather than being due to injury so he will be fit to face one of his former clubs. However, recent signing Darren Young is unavailable. Rory Prendergast should still be able to play as no date has yet been set for his appeal. Squad (from) Wilkinson, Reece, Gowan, Simon Collins, Place, Jones, Russell, Hanby, Evans, Chambers, Prendergast, Lewis, Price, Myers, Scott Collins, Ogley

4th March

The winner of the recent Blues' Quiz is Chris Vandeleur of Bristol. He wins the £20 cash and a Frickley Athletic Commemorative plate. Chris, who got 46 of the 50 answers correct, is an exiled Blues' fan who still manages to get to several matches during the season. The answers to the questions can be found by clicking here.

Preview for Saturday's game against Hucknall Town : The Blues have injury doubts over Rob Hanby, Dean Jones and Chris Gowan who all picked up knocks last week, but it is expected that all three will be fit to play. Mark Wilkinson is expected to retain his place in goal whilst Leroy Chambers will no doubt have a point to prove against one of his previous clubs. Rory Prendergast will be playing his last game before starting his 35 day ban. Squad (from) Wilkinson, Taylor, Reece, Gowan, Simon Collins, Place, Jones, Russell, Hanby, Evans, Chambers, Prendergast, Lewis, Price, Myers, Scott Collins, White, Ogley  

In other news, the Gary Marrow has signed Darren Young, a left sided defender or midfielder who has previously been with Barnsley before being released in the summer. A New Zealand International, he has recently recovered from injury and is looking to gain experience before going to play in Malta during the summer.

Preview for Saturday's game against Accrington : Gary Marrow is expecting to have a full squad to select from for tomorrow's game at the Crown Ground. Goalkeeper Dan Taylor and Matt Russell both picked up knocks against Worksop on Tuesday but both are likely to be fit. Captain Steve Price returns to the squad but may not be an automatic choice if Gary decides to stick with same same eleven that performed so well against Worksop. Squad (from): Taylor, Reece, Gowan, Simon Collins, Place, Jones, Russell, Hanby, Evans, Chambers, Prendergast, Lewis, Myers, Scott Collins, Price, White, Mark Wilkinson, Ogley, Kearney, Jackson

In other news, local centre half Anthony Jackson has signed from South Kirkby Colliery after impressing during the second half of the recent friendly against Rossington Main. 

Rory Prendergast, however, faces a 35 day suspension, starting on 4th March, for his sending off whilst playing for Goole AFC. Also, against Worksop Town Gary Marrow started a 4 match touchline ban following his sending off at Grantham Town in the FA Trophy in December 

Preview for Tuesday's game against Worksop Town : There will be one enforced change to the starting eleven from that the started against Vauxhall on Saturday. Steve Price is unavailable due to work commitments so Rob Hanby will come back into the side after serving his one match suspension. Goalkeeper Danny Taylor looks set to retain his place despite Mark Wilkinson also being available after suspension and Martin Kearney being almost fully fit. Squad (from): Taylor, Reece, Gowan, Simon Collins, Place, Jones, Russell, Hanby, Evans, Chambers, Prendergast, Lewis, Myers, Scott Collins, White, Mark Wilkinson, Ogley

Preview for Saturday's game against Vauxhall Motors : Rory Prendergast has settled his differences with manager Gary Marrow and looks set to start down the left in place of Graham Lewis. New signing Danny Taylor is an almost certain starter in goal as Mark Wilkinson is suspended, whilst the two other new signings, Gary Reece and Matt Russell, are likely to figure at right full-back and right wing respectively. This will allow Steve Price to replace the suspended Rob Hanby in midfield. Squad (from): Taylor, Reece, Gowan, Simon Collins, Place, Jones, Russell, Price, Evans, Chambers, Prendergast, Lewis, Myers, White, Scott Collins, Ogley.

A well taken 25 yard volley from Simon Collins on 75 minutes and a tap in from Andy Evans nine minutes later after good work by Collins, saw the Blues ease to a 2-0 win at Rossington Main in a Friendly Match. The match saw several new faces on view with three of them, Danny Taylor, Matt Russell and Gary Reece, all due to sign in time to play against Vauxhall Motors on Saturday.

Taylor is a 20 year old goalkeeper who was with Bradford City last season but has turned out for Bradford Park Avenue and Alfreton Town this term. He is likely to play in place of the suspended Mark Wilkinson on Saturday. Russell, a right winger/full-back with Scarborough, was due to sign for the Blues just before the start of the season but he broke his leg in an accident at home and has been out of action until resuming playing at Pickering Town recently. Reece is a young right full-back who is coming on loan from Barnsley until the end of the season. All three acquitted themselves well tonight with Russell and Reece combining well down the right until Reece was forced off after colliding with the perimeter railings. He recovered shortly afterwards and should be fit for Saturday. Team: Taylor, Reece (Myers), Gowan, Jones (Jackson?), Place, Hanby, Si Collins, Russell, Chambers (Evans), Lewis, Sc Collins (White)

Manager Gary Marrow wishes to apologise for his reaction to some supporters' comments as the players were leaving the pitch at Marine on Saturday. He hopes no offence was caused and admits he shouldn't have reacted as he did but that he felt as let-down and frustrated with the performance as the supporters did and, unfortunately, he reacted in the wrong way.

The Blues look to be without the services of winger Pete Myers for around a fortnight after he broke a finger and suffered other damage to his right hand as he fended off an attacker who tried to steal his mobile phone in Sheffield a couple of nights ago.

Jon Wordsworth saw a specialist this last week and it appears he does not have a hernia problem. He is due to start physiotherapy and should no more in the near future.

After being on loan at Goole for the past few weeks Carl Fothergill has now been released by the club. Since not featuring in the Blues' side regularly Carl was been wanting regular first team football elsewhere and, so as not to stand in the player's way he has been released.

The club's Weekly Cash Draw is being re-launched next week as the Weekly Lotto Draw. The major change being that each week entrants select 6 numbers from 20 and each Thursday evening six numbers are drawn at random. The entrant who correctly selects all six numbers wins the Jackpot prize of £250. If the Jackpot prize is not won then the following week the Jackpot is 6 numbers from 19, and so on until someone wins the Jackpot. Anyone wishing to join can e-mail me for further details.

Due to unforeseen circumstances Frank Worthington has had to be replaced as the Guest Speaker for Sportsman's Dinner. His replacement is former Leeds United and Sheffield United star Tony Currie, along with Colin Addison, the former Sheffield United and Arsenal player and manager of Atletico Madrid (with Ron Atkinson), Derby County and WBA.

All the Blues' remaining UniBond Premier Division matches have now been rearranged. The home games against Gateshead and Burscough have been fixed for Tuesday 26th March and Saturday 27th April respectively. Also the home match against Worksop Town has been brought forward to Tuesday 19th February with a 7.45pm kick off. The only game still to be confirmed is now the Sheffield & Hallamshire Senior Cup Quarter Final at Stocksbridge Park Steels. 

A Sportsman's Dinner has been arranged for Thursday 21st February at The Park, Mill Lane South Elmsall. Tickets are priced at £25 each and the Speaker will be Frank Worthington. Also appearing will be comedian Paddy Greene. Tickets can be booked through any Club Official or by e-mail.

The away game at Bishop Auckland, which has already been brought forward from Wednesday 6th March to Wednesday 27th February, has now been brought forward again, this time to Saturday 2nd February to fill the blank Saturday.

Striker Carl Fothergill has joined former boss Steve Richards at Goole AFC after signing on loan for the NCEL Premier Division club. 

The kick off time of Saturday's match at Hucknall Town has been brought forward to 2pm at the request of Hucknall who are experiencing some problems with their floodlights, so as to ensure that the game will be completed.

The Blues home game against Runcorn FC Halton, which was originally scheduled for Saturday 16th March, has now been brought forward to Saturday 26th January. This at least prevents the Blues from going two months without a home game as the next home game is against Vauxhall Motors on 16th February with the last being against Lancaster City on 15th December!

Also, the outstanding home game against Marine has now been arranged for Saturday 16th March.

Tomorrow's home game against Burscough has been called off due to a frozen pitch.

One game has been brought forward. The away game at Bishop Auckland, which was scheduled for Wednesday 6th March has been brought forward to Wednesday 27th February. This makes it all the more likely that the Sheffield Senior Cup tie at Stocksbridge will take place on Tuesday 5th March.

The Blues have tonight re-signed striker Leroy Chambers and he looks set to make his second debut for the club on Saturday against Burscough, should the game get the go-ahead with the Westfield Lane pitch currently frozen. Chambers has spent last few weeks at Bradford Park Avenue after leaving Hucknall Town who he signed for during pre-season.

Meanwhile, Graham Lewis is close to making a return to the side and may be in line for a place on the subs bench on Saturday.

This afternoon's home game against Marine has been postponed due to snow.

As seemed likely last week, loan striker Steve Oleksewycz has left the club and signed for Worksop Town on a month's loan with a view to a permanent move for a five figure fee.

In other news, the outstanding League game away at Hucknall Town has now been rearranged for Saturday 12th January, kick off 3pm. It also looks likely that we will have a match rearranged for Saturday 26th January once the outstanding League Cup Group matches have been completed as this is the date which has been set aside for the quarter finals.

The Blues' End of Year Draw was made this evening in the Westfield Hotel with the winning numbers being as follows:

2nd - Weekend Break - 10039

3rd - Weekend Break - 2955

4th - Weekend Break - 1893

5th - Weekend Break - 1510

6th - Combination TV/Video - 9324

7th - Electrical Tool Set - 0708

8th - Fridge/Freezer - 0662

9th - Hamper - 0693

10th - Hamper - 1531

11th - Hamper - 9351

12th - Hamper - 3187

13th - Hamper - 10066

14th - Hamper - 0045

15th - Hamper - 9756

16th - Hamper - 3314

17th - Hamper - 0664

18th - Hamper - 9795

19th - Portable TV - 9290

20th - Portable TV - 6751

21st - Portable TV - 0658

22nd - Portable TV - 3489

23rd - Portable TV - 8854