A Game Of Firsts For Blues

Leek Town recently lifted all three points in a typical local derby win over Newcastle Town and in doing so recorded a number of firsts of the season.

It was the first time Leek had played against three of their former stars John Diskin, Dave Sutton and Ivan Lodge who now form the Newcastle management team.

Blues also found themselves facing former players Dave MacPherson, Dave Whittaker and Anthony Malbon for the first time since they joined the Lyme Valley Stadium outfit during the summer.

The goal that won the game for Leek was their first from a corner this season and the first time they had scored with a header - it was also Glyn Mellor’s first goal for the club.

Injury list
Defender Ashley Woolliscroft was unable to resume after the break in the home win over Newcastle Town last week after aggravating a groin strain that he had been nursing since limping out of the home defeat against Sutton Coldfield Town on 23 August. He also missed the FA Cup win over Tipton on Saturday after failing a fitness test.

Woolliscroft joins midfielder Michael Morton and defenders Mark Fitton and Aden Johnson in the queue at the physio’s door for treatment.

However, Johnson has made a remarkable recovery after suffering a broken collar bone in the first game of the season at home to Carlton Town on 13 August and could be included in the squad by the end of the month as could hamstring victim Morton.

Meanwhile, long-term injury victim, Dan Cope will undergo key-hole surgery on his damaged knee on 14 November.

More player news
New striker Tim Grice will have to wait until later this month before making his debut for Leek Town.

Grice was signed from North West Counties League outfit Eccleshall on the eve of the game at Brigg on 10 September and was a non-playing substitute in that game.

He was also an unused sub in the narrow home victory over Newcastle Town last week and missed the FA Cup game against Tipton 0n Saturday because he was cup-tied.

Meanwhile, midfielder Danny Holmes returned to the starting line up against Tipton after returning from holiday and lasted 75 minutes before being substituted whilst veteran midfielder Wayne Corden played for 80 minutes at Eccleshall as he works his way back to match fitness.

FA Cup
Leek Town progressed to the second qualifying round of the FA Cup with a comfortable win over lower league Tipton Town at Harrison Park on Saturday.

Blues survived an early scare when visiting striker Jay Chambers missed in a one-on-one situation with Danny Roberts in the Leek goal.

However, skipper Darren Tinson steadied the nerves when he netted his first goal for the club on the half hour mark and Blues went on to dominate after the break sealing the win midway through the half with a close range effort from Christian Millar.

Blues banked £3,000 in prize money from the victory added to the £1,500 they won following their win in the preliminary round over Causeway United and will now chase a further £4,500 in the second qualifying round on 1 October which will be drawn on Monday.

Coming up
Leek Town have no midweek fixture but entertain league newcomers Coalville Town in an Evo-Stik NPL First Division South fixture on Saturday 3.00pm.

Coalville were promoted as champions of the Midland Football Alliance during the summer and were runners-up in last season’s FA Vase.

The Ravens have made a reasonable start to the new season and currently lie 7th in the table just one point and one place below Leek who have a game in hand. Last time out Coalville lost 2-0 at home to 4th placed Stamford.

Meanwhile, Blues’ scheduled league game at Rainworth on Saturday 1 October has been postponed due to Leek’s continuing involvement in the FA Cup.

Jeff Thomson bowls into Town
Leek Town will stage the second in a series of Sportsman's Evenings on Friday 30th September at 7.30pm.

Blues’ guest will be from the world of cricket as the evening features Australian fast bowling legend Jeff Thomson.

He was one of the fastest bowlers ever to play Test cricket and was the opening partner of fellow fast bowler Dennis Lillee - their combination was one of the most fearsome in Test cricket history.

Thomson played over 50 Test matches during the 1970s and 80s and he will share stories and anecdotes from his career both as a player and since as a commentator, before moving on to a 45 minute question and answer session.

There will also be a football presence with former Birmingham City, Luton Town, Derby County, Chelsea and Wimbledon striker Mick Harford joining the question and answer session and the evening will be hosted by BBC Radio Stoke Sports Editor Graham McGarry.

It promises to be a fascinating evening in the company of one of the acknowledged all-time greats of cricket who is always renowned for his outspoken views on the game.

Tickets are priced just £25 including a pie and pea supper and can be purchased through Matt Beeby on 07712 584356 or Gavin Bateman on 07891 750795.