I have consulted our resident “statto” and this will be the first ever competitive game away to Brocton, so for many this will be a first visit, and hopefully coincide with a moral lifting win. We have before in competitive action before with Brocton when they came to us on April 23rd, 2013 in a Walsall Senior Cup semi-final. The crowd that night witnessed a right ding dong battle which finished 4-3 in our favour, but for most of the game you would have put money om a Brocton win. That season we went on to the Bescot stadium to beat a Walsall XI and lift the Walsall Senior Cup.

The usual reaction to a Walsall Senior Cup fixture, is to play the fringe players. However, with our current injury situation it appears we must play with what we have, which puts added pressure on players who would value a rest in view of our current league form. While we languish at the foot of the table at step 3, Brocton currently lie third in the step 6 Midland League but have won all 6 of their home league games, so expect a tough game for us.

Please go along to Silkmore Lane to establish a good gate, with revenue to one of our local sides and who knows, the fireworks may explode on the night for a much-needed win.

Games played on November 5th this century

2005 Droylsden A 1-2 Conference North
2011 Chester A 0-2 F A Trophy 2nd qualifying round
2013 Marine A 2-5 Northern Premier League
2016 Warrington H 2-2 Northern Premier League

 Twelve games into the season and already fans are looking at this fixture as a 6 pointer. You can see the reason why as Bamber Bridge and Rangers are both in the bottom group with 9 points, although we do have 2 games in hand. While we finally got our first three points at Stalybridge Bamber Bridge appear to have a mid-table home record. They have played 6 league games at home, winning 2, drawing 2 and losing 2. And scoring 11 and conceding 10. Their 2 wins were over Atherton and Ashton, 2 draws with Nantwich and Witton and 2 defeats to Scarborough and Basford. One important statistic to be aware of, is that Bamber Bridge games go the distance. Scarborough and Basford both scored winning goals in the 90th minute, while goals in the last minute secured a draw with Witton and the win over Ashton.

We must put cup football behind us for the time being as gaining points is now the prime objective. Therefore, your support is much needed to encourage the team to a win. We certainly do not want a repeat of this fixture from last season when we were well beaten 6-1 when Alistair Waddecar tore us to shreds and Andy Howarth managed a goal for them. This season Waddecar is still scoring goals and has had a contract extension. A goal from Andy Howarth for us would not go amiss. Bamber Bridge in attempting to fight off relegation have delved into the loan market and currently have two players on loan from Chester, and one from Fleetwood. Bamber Bridge’s crowds average 301, but If you take out the 430 gate, swelled by the Scarborough fans, then their average is 276. That therefore must be an incentive to take a large away following.

While we have a free midweek, to get some injured players back in the frame and plan tactics, Bamber Bridge will play their F A Trophy game away at Nantwich, rescheduled for Tuesday night following Saturday’s postponement. Clutching at straws here, but it may have an influence on Saturday’s game.

For those going by car the post code of the Sir Tom Finney Stadium is PR9 6UU. The ground is located just 3 minutes from junction 1 of the M65, but please note that there is limited parking at the ground but on street parking is available on the residential streets near the ground. (Please consider our neighbours and park carefully.) For the rail travellers, Bamber Bridge station is a 15-minute walk away and the line goes right past the ground for you train spotters out there. The service from Stafford to Preston takes about 1 hour 15 minutes with a change at Crewe and for Bamber Bridge the trains are only one per hour leaving Preston for Colne at 57 minutes past the hour for a nine-minute journey to Bamber Bridge.

Games played on November 2nd this century

2002 Tiverton                   H            2-1 Southern Premier League
2013 Skelmersdale          H            0-2 Northern Premier League