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GAME ON

Welcome to Game On. We provide latest news, features and more from sport across the North West.

Magazine out weekly.

Est. 2024

@Magazinegameon

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Neurodiversity Week: how Safia Middleton-Patel shares her autism disorder online

By Sam Seddon-Davies

22 March 2024

Safia Middleton-Patel is a Manchester United Women's goalkeeper. She is a Women's Super League Academy League and Academy Cup double winner. She has 13 caps across Wales National Teams.

She also has autism.

After being diagnosed in September last year, Middleton-Patel decided to open up about her Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) journey from the very beginning.

The 19-year-old took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce the news, saying she felt “freed from the mask I have grown to hide behind” in the past.

ASD is classified as a neurological disorder that affects how people communicate, learn and behave.

Whilst travelling up and down the country with Manchester United, Middleton-Patel has been sharing her story through social media to help fight the stigmas associated with autism.

One Instagram post detailed why the footballer wears sunglasses to stadiums and on the pitch before kick-off to avoid overstimulation, a common problem she faces when trying to focus while processing sounds and bright lights.

She wrote: “My sunglasses are my safety blanket, they help me to relax when it comes to eye contact as I'm not worrying about the rights and wrongs of how I'm presenting to others.”

Patel in her United kit

Credit: Safia Middleton-Patel

Patel with teammates

Credit: Safia Middleton-Patel

Middleton-Patel encourages people to ask questions and learn more about ASD and her own behaviours surrounding football.

Her biggest hope is to represent the complexity and diversity of autism in all aspects of life as well as showing that Neurodiverse people can still participate in sports at the highest levels.

Now on loan at Watford in the FA Women's Championship, Middleton-Patel is enjoying a new world of challenges and triumphs, such as keeping a clean sheet in her first appearance for the club and becoming a staple inclusion in the Wales National Team.

But her roots at Manchester United have, and will continue to, assist the teenager through her career and her personal exploration of ASD since she signed her first professional contract with the Red Devils in 2023.

“I am just starting the journey of embracing my differences, my quirks, my uniqueness,” she added.

“My Manchester United family have been an immense support throughout my diagnosis and are walking with me in understanding ASD, and for that I am extremely grateful.

“I'm wearing my puzzle pieces with pride on my boots and gloves, where I and others see them everyday.”

North West EFL Stats: 23rd March

By Sam Sedan-Davies

22 March 2024

• Carlisle United, the only North West team competing in League One this weekend, have only won five of their last 30 games in all competitions.

• Tranmere Rovers goalkeeper Luke McGee has racked up the most punches (24) in League Two, with Stockport's keeper is just one behind (23).

• Accrington Stanley have only faced Sutton United once before - the game, earlier this season, ended 4-1 to the Northern side. Sutton have not won at home for the past 11 games.

• Only Harrogate Town have conceded more attempts in League Two than Morecambe (586).

The Mazuma Stadium, Morecambe

Credit: Holly Bacon

A Lancashire mechanic turned rallycross driver

By Jenny Wardle

22 March 2024

Lancashire’s Michelle Swallow started her motorsports journey as a mechanic for her partner Rob Scott who was a rallycross driver.

But due to crashes during races that hurt his back and put him out of action, he no longer needed a mechanic, but a driver.

Forward stepped Michelle, who decided to get behind the wheel for a test day just to see if it was something she might enjoy and has never looked back.

“I kind of fell into it by accident, if you will,” Swallow said.

“I asked if I could help and we went down to a track at Wigan just to see what I could do and I was actually okay.

“So, in I jumped for the next full season, and I've been there ever since.”

Rallycross is a track sport that involves different categories of cars that race on circuits that are split between tarmac and dirt rallying.

So, going into her fourth season, what is most enjoyable for her?

“It's just a fun thing to do,” the 28-year-old added.

“It's not serious, it's just we go to have a laugh and we've met some quite nice people along the way, so it's good to catch up with friends.”

But it’s not just the people she’s met that she enjoys but the feeling of driving the car that keeps her coming back every time.

“I think it's the adrenaline that comes after a race,” she said.

“I can literally be sat there in the car and I'm physically shaking and I think that's the bit that keeps me in the driving seat, just because it's still there.

Swallow (right), Rob Scott and mechanic Hannah Bickerstaff

with their rallycross car. Credit: Jenny Wardle

“I think if that went your enjoyment would go out of it.” 

So, with the new season just around the corner, Swallow is looking ahead with cautious optimism as to what she can achieve.

“I think it makes it easier going in with no expectations if you will but ideally, I would like trophies,” she continued.

“If I could get on the leaderboard again like I have done for the last three seasons, that would be all I could ask for and if we do better than that then it's a bonus.”

VIDEO: A look into the life of

a Lancashire mechanic

By Jenny Wardle

22 March 2024

When you think of racing cars, most people's first thought is the driver. But an often background and somewhat underappreciated role is that of a mechanic.

Lancashire's Hannah Bickerstaff talks to us about the stress of preparing a car for racing and why more people should get into mechanics as a hobby.

Non-League Day Guide: 23rd March

By Sam Sedan-Davies

22 March 2024

Fancy taking in a game this weekend and supporting your local Non-League club?

Here’s a guide to all of Saturday’s Non-League games within 30 miles of Preston.

Featured game: Chorley v Boston United

National League:

AFC Fylde v Oxford City (3pm)

Rochdale v Maidenhead (3pm)

National League North:

Chorley v Boston United (3pm)

Southport v Buxton (3pm)

Northern Premier League:

Bamber Bridge v Stafford Rangers (3pm)

Radcliffe FC v Ashton United (3pm)

Northern Premier League Division One West:

Prescot Cables v Newcastle Town (3pm)

City of Liverpool v Hanley Town (3pm)

Clitheroe v Runcorn Linnets (3pm)

North West Counties Premier Division:

Longridge Town v Charnock Richard (3pm)

Skelmersdale United v Prestwich Heys AFC (3pm)

Padiham v West Didsbury & Chorlton (3pm)

Pilkington v Burscough (3pm)

Irlam v Chadderton (3pm)

Click here to read our match preview

North West Counties Division One North:

Darwen v Route One Rovers (3pm)

Daisy Hill v South Liverpool (3pm)

Ashton Athletic v Garstang (3pm)

Nelson v St Helens (3pm)

Bacup Borough v AFC Blackpool (3pm)

West Lancashire League Premier:

Lostock St Gerards v Blackpool Wren Rovers (3pm)

Fulwood Amateurs v Poulton (3pm)

Hurst Green v Milnthorpe Corinthians (3pm)

Thornton Cleveleys v Wyre Villa (3pm)

Turton v Slyne with Hest (3pm)

CMB v Coppull United (3pm)

Tempest United v Rossendale (3pm)

WSL PREVIEW: Manchester Derby

By Sam Seddon-Davies

22 March 2024

Women's Weekend is here and the Manchester derby is headlining Women's Super League (WSL) fixtures.

The Etihad Stadium will play host to the 15th edition of the Women's derby between Manchester City and Manchester United on Saturday 23 March.

The teams’ last league fixture in November was a close and feisty encounter, ending 3-1 to City despite a red card for defender Laia Aleixandri.

Over 55,000 fans attended the previous Manchester meeting at The Etihad, which saw a 1-1 draw with midfielders Laura Coombs and Leah Galton hitting the mark for their respective side.

Since the team's creation in 2019, Manchester United have found little success in WSL clashes with their city counterparts (W1 D3 L4).

However, the Red Devils are close to reaching three wins in a row with a win tomorrow.

They carry a wave of momentum after recently securing a spot in the Women's FA Cup semi-finals, while City faced penalty defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in their opportunity to proceed.

City have won 13 in their previous 15 games in all competitions, scoring 38 goals in the process.

Khadija Shaw is the biggest attacking force for the blues. The striker has bagged three hat-tricks so far this season and shows no signs of slowing down, hoping to add to the 16 goals that puts her top of the Golden Boot race.

Sitting on equal points (40) with Chelsea at the top of the table and the lowest goals conceded in the league, it all lies on the line for both sides of Manchester this weekend.

The Etihad Stadium

Credit: ©JonathanPalombo2014

Highlights from the reverse fixture

“Probably in my own head I thought it was out of reach but got offered the job and took it with both hands and here we are today.”

Finding the role wasn’t as hard as it seems, no-one would think being a paint sprayer could possibly land you fixing a two wheeled machine but that’s exactly what happened.

But what does he do exactly?

Parkinson explained: “My official role is race technician which involves a race meeting, looking after the bike and any setup changes that our crew chief Ryan Rainey would suggest.

Harry wheeling the bike back into the garage at Oulton Park

Credit Harry Parkinson

“Full-time at the workshop, the main job is to strip the bike and rebuild the bike, cleaning it along the way and maintaining parts, renewing parts, just to make sure the bike's ready for every weekend. It's not just about mechanising a bike, you've got the vans, the race truck, the workshop, everything to keep clean and tidy and prepare for each round.

“Yeah, and there's so much behind the scenes work you do which people don't see.”

22 March 2024

Wigan Warriors have opened the year with a triumphant start in the Women's Challenge Cup.

A 0-68 win against Salford Red Devils on the weekend has made many wonder if this could be the year they capture the trophy that has so far eluded them.

Liv Harborow, who plays at hooker, believes it was the “brilliant” bang the team needed to set the tone for the whole year.

“It was good to get our formations and shape right, to play with the girls and get that win,” she said.

“There was a massive crowd there yesterday so there’s more people coming down to watch which is always great for the game.

“We were really focusing on getting that nil so yes it's great getting the 68 points but it was the nil that we were most excited about.”

The fixture saw five players debut for Wigan, including Ellise Derbyshire who bagged a hat-trick of tries within the thirteen unanswered tries the team completed.

Harborow has nothing but good words to say about the new women on the field.

She continued: “They’re just fantastic. Everytime Ellise Derbyshire gets on the ball she does something to score.

“It's the same with Emma Knowles, you've got Brogan Evans and Alice Fisher who are absolutely fantastic, you've got young Izzy Rowe out the back who's coming through the ranks, she's going to be an absolute sensation.

“They all made a massive difference to the team so it was great to have them.”

Wigan have competed in every Women's Betfred Super League season and Challenge Cup since the team's creation in 2017.

They claimed the league title in 2018, but are yet to get their hands on the cup trophy.

It's a feat many are gearing up to see this year - even those from other clubs.

“I don't want to answer that question, I don't want to be the person to say yes or no but it's exciting,” Harborow added.

Harborow (front) and the team climbing up Snowdon during pre-season

Credit: Liv Harborow

"We've only played one game yet but there's such a buzz around the team.

“Sinead Peach (York Valkyrie captain) was asked who she’s looking out for team-wise and it’s Wigan Warriors and I think this is to do with Dennis Betts (Wigan head coach) and the new signings. Everyone’s excited to see what we can bring.

“We all want to obviously win something this year but we haven't said we're going to win the Challenge Cup. The common goal is just to get all of our formations right, work on little things together and be a team.

“I'm one of the smallest on the pitch so for me it's just building that confidence to put myself in front of people and trust the systems that have been put in place.

“If that gets us some silverware, brilliant, if not then we go again. We haven't spoken about winning but you can feel it building within the team.”

The foundations for the expected success have been set in the early months of the year through pre-season.

Here, crucial bonding activities took place with both the women’s and men's teams going on adventurous trips together to test and improve the players’ mental and physical limits.

“Pre-season has been long, hard but really exciting,” she added.

“We went to Wales for the weekend, we climbed up Snowdon, we got to do some stuff at Zip World, it was a massive team bonding weekend and it was just great.

“It hasn't been easy but we've all bought into the teamwork and we've all shared that common pain, but the fact that now we're playing and we're seeing all of that come to fruition is great.”

Harborow says she is ready and raring to go for the squad's next group stage fixture against Barrow Raiders on Sunday.

The tournament hopes to be a thrilling basis for the upcoming season and, if the dominant displays continue, there could be every chance Wigan walk into their first game in April as Challenge Cup champions.

Non-League Day: ‘You’re not a customer, you’re a fan’

22 March 2024

Journalist and Chorley fan Richard Scott believes it is a significant event in the football calendar.

“It’s massive. It’s bringing Non-League football to the attention of the people,” he said.

“When it started I thought it was going to be a one year thing and wouldn't take off.

“It’s really taken off, especially when you see the people involved in it.”

It was set up back in 2010 and runs every year.

Scott commentating

Credit: Richard Scott

For Scott every day is Non-League day. The sports journalism graduate has been going to the football for more than 20 years but it’s the charm of Non-League game that keeps him coming back.

“I just love it because you go and you meet the players and you get the insight better than you do in the football league.

“It's not just the media, it's the fans as well. They have got time for everyone.

“You’re not a customer, you’re a fan, you’re a person when you go to Non League.

“You got to the Premier league you’re just another number and people are getting priced out of football unfortunately at the top end.”

Digital Video

21 March 2024

Highlights from the reverse fixture

21 March 2024

Highlights from the reverse fixture

Rahman first found baseball at a 2015 StreetGames event, where a background in cricket proved to be a strong foundation for skills.

It wasn't until joining the University of Central Lancashire that she played again, eventually helping create the Baseball Society in 2021. The club entered two teams into the British Universities and College Sports league and, within a year, narrowly missed out on national championships.

The now 26-year-old, having graduated with a bachelor's degree in graphic design in the summer, is intensifying her training to prepare for upcoming events.

This is something the MLB Development Camp has helped Rahman with, demonstrating how every fine detail is crucial to elite performance.

“Being around such experienced baseball coaches was both inspiring and transformative,” she continued.

“Each coach brought a unique perspective to the game which enriched my understanding and appreciation for baseball.

Standing by the mural of legendary MLB player Jackie Robinson at The 108. Credit: Samiya Rahman

“One of the most memorable teachings was the importance of mental preparation and resilience. Gavin Marshall - the first player born and raised in Britain to play professionally in the US - shared stories from his career, highlighting moments when mental strength proved just as crucial as physical skill.

“This lesson taught me that baseball is also about having the right mindset. It taught me to focus, be confident, and stay tough when things get difficult.

“Another significant teaching moment was during a session on the distinction of batting technique. A coach with an extensive hitting background broke down the mechanics of the swing in a way that was both accessible and eye-opening.

Rahman batting during a University Baseball League game.

Credit: Jody Davies

“He emphasised the importance of timing, body alignment, and visual focus, giving personalised feedback that helped me understand how slight adjustments could lead to significant improvements in my performance.”

Rahman recently took part in a GB women's team trial and has been selected in the 2024 Spring Training roster - fulfilling her goal of wearing her country's jersey.

Her inclusion in an extended roster for a trip to Canada in July is yet to be decided and participation in next year's European Championships is set in Rahman's sights.

The third-base infielder is excited to grow in the sport off the back of her new knowledge of tactics and strategies.

She continued: “It will be a significant milestone in my journey, symbolising not just participation in a prestigious tournament but also the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and relentless improvement.

“It represents an opportunity to test my abilities against the highest standards of competition, to learn, grow, and contribute to my team's efforts in achieving international success.”

Major League Baseball comes to Europe for the third time during the London Series of their world tour this summer.

As the sport gains more popularity in our continent, Samiya Rahman could be one player to lead the way for Brits to get involved and will certainly be one to watch.

Getting to see him now, at his home with his family, playing snakes and ladders and understanding his competitive edge does not just lay within football but in a board game against his kids, we see a man who has grown from the young man who was thrusted into the limelight at such a young age.

A man who was at the centre of many a scandal and front-page covers.

There’s no Rooney without mentions of his tumultuous relationship with his then girlfriend and now wife Coleen Rooney. Two kids who had grown up together and had to live much of their relationship in the limelight – including all his infidelities.

Hearing from Coleen herself about how it affected her and her families opinions on him and hearing his short but mentioned reasons as to why he did what he did.

It was evident throughout that Rooney lived and breathed football.

It was also evident throughout that Rooney was a liability to himself and at times those around him both personally and in football.

Rooney Trailer

However, once we cross the halfway line of the documentary the pacing of the documentary switches on you. It speeds through his career at Manchester United, it glazes over England’s later international struggles and his career post United and just about touches upon Derby and his next steps as a manager.

Ultimately this felt like part one of a much longer story left to be untold. Whilst vulnerable and enticing for any English football fan, it’s choice to speed through much of his later career left me wanting more.

Wanting to understand some of his decisions as a player, understanding how he felt having never won any trophies with his country, what the transition was like leaving the game behind.

One day we may get the second part we crave after being slightly dissatisfied with the ending. However, for Rooney, a man once fearful of the camera, this was a good watch to understand the man behind the accolades and records held for club and country.

Football and faith: hand in hand

By Kulthum Mohamed

20 March 2024

As Muslims begin to fast during the holy month of Ramadan, football clubs have offered a helping hand in ensuring everyone is catered too when it comes to breaking their fasts.

Preston North End’s stadium Deepdale is situated in one of the most populated Muslim communities in the country with over 58% of the area around the stadium celebrating Ramadan.

Lead Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion officer at Preston North End (PNE) Community Mohammed Patel, a Muslim himself, has seen that over the past three years the club has engaged with its community.

He said: “As a football club it is important we get our supporters involved and also support the community in what is a very important and blessed month.”

Ramadan sees Muslims across the globe fast from dusk till dawn, eating no food and consuming no drinks in between that time

In the past, PNE have personally delivered iftar (meal used to break the fast) packs to people across the city of Preston. Former Preston defender Bambo Diaby and practising Muslim helped the community in doing so.

Deepdale

Credit: Harley Parker

They have seen over 9,000 packs delivered within that time.

However, over the last two-years the club have taken a different approach to further bring the community together.

Since 2022, the club has hosted open iftars seeing hundreds of Muslims from Preston break their fast together inside the stadium.

“We wanted to utilise our stadium space in the best possible way.” Patel said.

“We will be hosting two iftars across the month and this is to try to continue breaking the stigma that we can’t come down to Preston North End because we won’t feel comfortable or it’s not somewhere we belong.”

The iftars taking place in Deepdale allows for Muslims to not only break their fast in the stadium but also pray their salah (obligatory prayers) and spend their time with many others from their community at Preston North End’s home.

With Preston having seen a large increase in refugees and asylum seekers within the city, a lot of whom follow Islam and supported by the local council, the club has ensured they too feel welcome at the events.

Patel said: “We have a good relationship with a lot of them (refugees and asylum seekers) and they even say Preston is their home now.

“The iftars will be put out to them and try and provide for them as a lot will be fasting and potentially struggle to have a good meal to open their fast with.

“It’s our duty as a football club to unite everyone within this city.”

The iftars will be held at Deepdale stadium on March 22 and April 5 and open to everyone in the Preston community.

Powerlifting champion: The woman who does it all

By Kulthum Mohamed

Butters with her medals

Credit: Bobbi Butters

“I’ve learnt over my career that it’s okay to accept the successes as successes.” Butters said.

“If I come out and I’ve won or if I come out in tenth, it’s still progress.”

However, this positive mindset has not always been the case for the Team GB athlete who has struggled over the years to accept her victories for what they were.

The 29-year-old said: “I’ve had competitions where even though I’ve won and even though I have broken world records I haven’t felt like I have deserved it because my performance wasn’t where I wanted it to be at the time.”

Things evolved for Butters mentally the older she got and when she went from student to lecturer at the University of Central Lancashire in sports, nutrition and strength and conditioning courses.

“I have learnt how important management is.” Butters said.

“Making sure I am sleeping enough, staying hydrated, eating enough and training at a time I know is optimal for myself around the workload around being a full-time lecturer.

“I know what is best for me and it has paid off!”

Butters has gone on to become a sponsored athlete for leading Powerlifting brands as well as well as breaking a world record in open squat of 183kg in the 57kg weight class.

Yet she still awaits her biggest hopeful achievement.

“I want to be a mum. My plan is to finish my PhD (in menstrual cycles and muscular strength) and then become a mother!” Butters said.

“I don’t think it’ll end my career. I see myself lifting for as long as I want to lift for and competing for as long as I want to compete.”

So despite plans to one day become a mother, Butters is adamant it will not put a dagger in her career. She continues to train and compete in aims to win more medals and championships along the way.

OLYMPICS: Lacrosse Explainer

By Kulthum Mohamed

20 March 2024

For the first time since London 1908, lacrosse will be played as a medal sport at the LA 2028 Olympics.

As of this month, British Lacrosse (England, Scotland, and Wales) announced that they had granted England Lacrosse designated country status in which they will oversee governance and performance ahead of the 2028 Olympic games.

In doing so, England will oversee the business side of British Lacrosse as well as ensuring the best possible outcome performance-wise in the sport itself.

But now we know who will lead Team GB’s qualification in 2025, how is this additional sport played?

There are different disciplines of Lacrosse, the one that will be played in LA28 is Sixes.

It was developed in 2018 to allow existing lacrosse players a fast paced and high-scoring game to continue playing and new athletes an ‘easier’ entry point into the sport.

The game consists of six players including a goalkeeper with a roster of 12 players.

Bar goalkeeper there no set positions, every player is a ‘runner’ and allows for all players to be on a level playing field.

It is played using a stick with a net on it and a rubber ball. The players use their sticks to pass the ball around with the aim to get it into the oppositions goal – only the goalkeeper is allowed to touch the ball with their hands.

It is played on grass or a turf field over four eight-minute quarters should a game end in a win for one of the teams during regular tim.

Should a game end in a draw in regular time it would go into overtime. This ‘sudden-death’ game is played in a four-minute period where play continues until a goal is scored.

Lacrosse

Credit: Mike Morris

If no goal is scored within the first four minutes, there is a two-minute break followed by another four minutes of play and this goes on in the same fashion until the first and winning goal is scored.

Each team gets 30 seconds with the ball upon gaining possession of it, if the shot clock runs out the ball is given to the defensive team.

If a player fouls another they are sent to the penalty box for 30 seconds but if it is a major foul, it is a one-minute suspension from the game

Those are the main rules to keep an eye out for if you plan on exploring Sixes as LA28 qualification announcements await.

PREVIEW: Chester v South Shields

By Kulthum Mohamed

20 March 2024

Chester FC look to break six-game winless streak as they take on ninth place South Shields at Leap76 Stadium on Saturday 23 March.

The Seals drew 0-0 away against league leaders Tamworth on Saturday afternoon in manager Calum McIntyre’s 100th game with the club.

McIntyre told club media: “We’re at a stage of the season where I don’t think you can have good points. We need wins.

“Our results in the calendar year haven’t been good enough.”

Whilst South Shields took home three-points against 10-man Buxton in 0-2 win on the same afternoon.

The last time the two sides met earlier in the season, Chester came out on top with a 0-1 victory over The Mariners – defender Liam Edwards proving to be the difference.

Chester looks to make it back-to-back victories against the away side in the National League North.

They sit just three points ahead of them in sixth place.

With just six games left of the regular season, Chester cling onto the final play-off spot, level on points with Boston and having played a game more.

Leap 76 Stadium

Credit: Rept0n1x

South Shields v Chester highlights

OPINION: International break is chance to experiment

By Holly Bacon

20 March 2024

It’s that time again - the international break (collective sigh). That’s most people’s reaction anyway - not mine.

I feel like England fever is just starting to crank up.

England face Brazil on Saturday 23 March before taking on Belgium on Tuesday 26 March - both at Wembley.

Most people aren’t really fussed about the national team until the big tournaments come around. Luckily there’s one on the horizon which is why these upcoming games are so important.

Wembley Stadium

Credit: Holly Bacon

It’s one of the last chances Gareth Southgate has to experiment and for players to stake their claim for inclusion in his 23-man squad for this summer’s European Championships in Germany.

Looking at proceedings with a North West focus, it’s very exciting to see Jarrad Branthwaite earn his first senior call up. He has shone in a struggling Everton side this season and has impressed on the international scene for the national team’s under 21s - helping the Young Lions to European glory.

Liverpudlian Anthony Gordon, who joined Newcastle from Everton in January 2023 for £40M, has also earned his first call-up.

I’m expecting Southgate to be a bit more experimental in these two friendlies. On paper they are both difficult games but it's one of his final opportunities to do so.

Home Park

Credit: Tony Atkin

They are looking to bounce back after a 1-0 defeat against Stoke City and a scoreless draw against Hull City in their last 2 games.

Plymouth are down in 17th and come into the game on the back of a draw and two defeats.

Preston manager Ryan Lowe says he is ‘looking forward’ to returning to Home Park in a ‘massive game’.

The 45-year-old was previously in charge of the Pilgrims between 2019 and 2021 where he helped the squad to reach League One but departed from the club in December 2021.

He told the club: “I’m looking forward to going down there. I’m looking forward to seeing some old faces, a fantastic football club, who are well-followed and well-backed by a fantastic fanbase, and we’re looking forward to it me and the players.”

Highlights of North End’s 2-1 defeat by Stoke City

Highlights of Bolton 2-1 Derby

Pride Park Stadium

Credit: It's No Game

15 March 2024

The Wham Stadium

Credit: Holly Bacon

Highlights of Notts County 3-1 Accrington Stanley

Buoyed by the positivity of their promotion from the National League, Notts County started the season strongly but the mid-season departure of manager Luke Williams to Championship side Swansea City left the Magpies in turmoil.

Stuart Maynard who arrived at Meadow Lane in January is looking to guide the Magpies out of a tough patch at the moment - they are winless in five.

Last time we met:

Notts County ran out 3-1 winners in the reverse fixture back in September. Dan Crowley’s opener was canceled out by Josh Andrews but a Macauley Langstaff double sealed all three points for the Nottinghamshire side.

DW Stadium

Credit: Reading Tom

Highlights from Blackpool 2-1 win over Wigan in the reverse fixture

14 March 2024

Full Contact Contender 37 saw MMA fighter Connor Walsh compete as a professional for the first time.

In his hometown of Liverpool, Walsh secured the win against fellow debutant Abderrahim Mazouari with a first-round submission from a rear naked chokehold.

After competing in MMA fights since he was 13 years old, Walsh says this event was the best experience he has had to date.

“It was the best crowd I’ve ever fought in front of in my life, it was booming,” he said.

“I’ve honestly never experienced anything like that in my life, it’s giving me shivers down my spine, it was amazing.

“The amount of people cheering me on, they don’t realise that it goes a long way, it really does help a lot.

“Especially all the kids at the top, they were amazing. There was about 20 of them who all had songs made for me and Kurtis [Campbell], and when I went up to see them they were buzzing, it was special.

“It was a big one for all of us, my mum, my dad, my brothers. I think everyone has woken up a bit now that this is my job, as much as it doesn’t feel like a job.

“It’s the best and it puts a smile on my face knowing that I love what I do. The days just fly because I have a proper good time. I’m with my mates all day, it’s boss.”

Walsh finished 2023 as the number one ranked amateur flyweight in the country, holding the FCC Flyweight Championship.

The 20-year-old from Kirkby says the upgrade was perfect timing for him.

He added: “It is a step up in competition but the amateurs I was fighting were high level, they’re better than most of the pros, and when I was racking up wins against good lads it was time to go over and start making a name for myself in the pros.

“It was good because I know there are other things I can use against them and it’s going to play in my favour. I’m made up about it - I can’t wait to fight again now.”

A submission win is nothing new to ‘The Flycatcher’, who has mastered the rear naked chokehold he used to win.

Training out of the Liverpool Combat Club and KC Fightbase, the chokehold has quickly become his go-to move of choice and Walsh was more than confident before stepping into the ring.

Connor Walsh

Credit: Mark Hempel Photography

Walsh continued: “I’ve been hitting it a lot through camp, especially when we wrestle, and I’m better at getting my finishes when I’m in training so I knew my opponent wasn’t going to stay in there with me long.

“You don’t get paid by the time you stay in there, so I wanted to get him out but I also didn’t want to rush my work.

When I kept dropping him with the leg kick I was thinking don’t rush, just keep calculated. He came in too close and that’s when I took him down.

I planned to just carry on striking but he lifted his chin, and as soon as he did that I thought ‘No, get him quick!’ and I just grabbed it.

“All respect to him, anyone that gets in there is tough and I knew the kid would be tough but I just know when I get onto the mat, it’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of time.”

Walsh has started his professional career on the front foot and aims to achieve similar results in June when he returns to action.

But one thing he looks forward to recreating in the summer is the tasty way he celebrated his big win.

“Hopefully it’ll be a little first-round win, get out of there, get a Dominoes,” he joked.

“I got Texas barbeque on the weekend after my fight, it was absolutely tremendous. That’s the only way of celebrating, I just go home and get the biggest pizza ever and try and nail it. I don’t get anywhere near to finishing it but, I have a good go.”

Walsh credits his nutritionist Charlie Mitten with helping him massively in pre-fight preparations.

Connor Walsh

Credit: Mark Hempel Photography

Mitten was part of the fighter’s team that supported Walsh in recording 7-0 and 7-1 victories in his final two amateur bouts.

It’s the same team of coaches and trainers that is now looking to get the Liverpudlian to climb the rankings in the professional world, just as he has done in his career before.

Rivers, seas and jet skis

By Jenny Wardle

14 March 2024

You’ve probably heard of car racing and motorbike racing, but how about racing vintage jet skis? Well, Preston’s Rob Scott is doing just that.

After first trying jet skis out in Portugal but assuming it was too cold in the UK the thought was far from his mind until his friend bought one cheaply and they took it to a lake to try it out.

They were approached by a man selling a vintage jet ski that belonged to a late friend, and the rest is as they say... history.

“It was like brand new, never been used,” Scott said.

“So, I said, ’cool I’ll buy that’ and then I just did and found the vintage jet ski club.”

It didn’t start with Jet Skis but with hovercrafts as partner Michelle Swallow reminisced.

“We were at Glasson Dock, and he said, ‘an RC boat would be good on this, no, actually, an RC hovercraft and the next minute he was on eBay looking up RC hovercrafts,” she said.

“He went, ‘I’ve just bought a hovercraft’ so I said, ‘a little one?’ and he goes ‘no it’s a big one’.”

Scott started by racing cars in rallycross where different classes of cars race around a track that is split between tarmac and dirt.

But he suffers from a bone disease which affects his spine and began struggling more after some crashes in his rallycross car, he was looking for a change which led him to hovercrafts and then jet skis being lower impact sports.

North West vintage jet-skiers

Credit: Michelle Swallow

“I’m looking forward to racing again because I miss racing the car,” he said.

“But on the dirt sections, it just pounds you into the floor and I can’t take it.

“The jet skis are the next best thing because on the water it’s nice and squishy.

“We go out for six or seven hours at a time on the jet skis, exploring up and down the river.”

Rob with other friends Credit: Michelle Swallow

Another draw for Scott is its popularity across the country but especially in the Northwest.

“With the jet skis, there are people everywhere and it is quite popular in the Northwest,” he explained.

“The best place to go is Lytham because you can go to Blackpool or Southport or up the river.”

So, there you have it, the North West is a great place for vintage jet ski racing, who knew?

Galopin Des Champs’ 2023 win

Five athletes who have also appeared on reality tv

By Kulthum Mohamed

13 March 2024

Love Island All Stars winner Tom Clare made his return to Northern Premier League club Macclesfield FC for the first time since 2023 for their FA Trophy winning tie against Coalville Town. The striker was first given permission to leave the team by the club for his first appearance on the show in January 2023, after finishing third in the ninth series of the show he announced he was leaving the team as he had ‘too many opportunities’ he could not turn down. He has now, however, returned to the team and the striker will see out the rest of the season at the Cheshire club.

Aside from Tom, who are some other sportspeople who have graced our screens on reality tv?

Before Love Island became the pop culture phenomenon it has in recent years, Celebrity Love Island aired on ITV where tv presenters, singers and athletes flew to Fiji to find love.

Former Manchester United winger Lee Sharpe joined the programme for the first of its two seasons in 2005 – he finished sixth on the show and went on to appear on Dancing on Ice and Harry’s Heroes amongst others.

Former Liverpool winger John Barnes appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2018 – but not without controversy.

Boxer Amir Khan became the face of strawberry-gate on I’m A Celebrity in 2017. The 37-year-old from Bolton and fellow contestant Iain Lee had completed a Dingo Dollar Challenge and after the camp completed a question correctly, they were treated to strawberries and cream to take back for everyone at the camp site.

Khan however insisted on the pair of them sharing the treat between themselves and lying to the other camp mates that they had gotten the question wrong.

He would eventually be the third celebrity eliminated after being the first ever celebrity to be voted out by fellow campmates.

Just months following summer success with the Lionesses at UEFA Women’s Euro 2022, Jill Scott was crowned Queen of the jungle. The former Manchester City and Everton midfielder had just retired and very quickly became a public favourite earning 57.7% of the public vote in the final.

Jill Scott Credit: James Boyes

Will it be fourth time lucky for KJT?

By Jenny Wardle

13 March 2024

From career-threatening injuries and Olympic heartbreak to World Championships gold - how Liverpool’s Katarina Johnson-Thompson has defied the odds in her bid for an Olympic medal.

A three-inch scar adorns Johnson-Thompson’s Achilles; a stark reminder of the pain she endured in 2020, but with that year’s Olympics postponed, she had time to recover.

Only for fate to have a different plan when she left the track in a wheelchair after tearing her calf muscle during the 200m at the Tokyo Olympics in 2022.

So, who would’ve thought in August of 2023, she would be World Champion again? Not Johnson-Thompson at least.

“I just thought I’d fade into the background and be one of those athletes who is just there to make up the numbers,” she told the media after her gold medal in Hungary.

But world champion she became, narrowly beating out rival Anna Hall by running a personal best 800m and finishing within 1.54s of her, needing to be within 3s to secure victory.

Credit: Filip Bossuyt, Wiki Comms

Looking ahead to Paris this summer though one thing still eludes the 30-year-old, an Olympic medal.

So, will this year be the fourth time’s the charm?

“I’ve got unfinished business,” Johnson-Thompson told the Guardian.

“I know it’s going to be tough, and the heptathlon is so unpredictable, so my aim is just to get to the start line healthy.”

It’s not going to be easy, with the double Olympic champion Nafi Thiam and the young Polish star Adrianna Sulek both expected to return from injury, but it will all be worth it to fight for the gold in this summer’s Paris games.

North West EFL Stat Pack - 16th March

By Sam Seddon-Davies

13 March 2024

• Preston North End have conceded 46 goals this Championship season from inside the box, and eight goals from outside the box.

• Blackburn Rovers have won the most tackles of any Championship team this season with 415.

• Blackpool have won three of their last four away games in League One, more than the 11 games that came beforehand (W2 D3 L6). They are seeking their third away win in a row against Wigan Athletic.

• Bolton Wanderers are looking to extend their eight game undefeated streak in home League One games.

• Crewe Alexandra have lost four of their last 25 home League Two games (W16 D5) but conceded three goals in each of their last three defeats.

• Morecambe have scored 18 goals in their last nine away League Two games.

• Accrington Stanley has only scored more than one goal in two of their last 11 games.

• Morecambe's David Tutonda, Salford's Luke Garbutt and Accrington's Brad Hills are joint second for most cards in League Two this season with 11 each.

Sam’s FPL Tips

By Sam Seddon-Davies

13 March 2024

Gameweek 29 demands change as fewer fixtures leave points limited to a few teams, and those with their Free Hit chip should be flying high.

Tottenham Hotspur is where the big points are at play. James Maddison is a must for their away game at Fulham, having averaged 7.6 points in his eight starts on the road. Alongside teammate Son Heung-min, the captain’s armband is a viable choice for either player.

Don’t worry about splashing the cash on the two midfielders as Luton and Brentford players are up for grabs. Doughty is once again the go-to in defence, recording his ninth season assist on Wednesday. Partnered with an attacker in Carlton Morris, who has acquired 113 points so far, could create a deadly duo. However, Ross Barkley may fare better in your team, as Morris has produced back-to-back blank gameweeks whilst Barkley has scored 2 points or more in every game since facing Burnley in October, including seven points on Wednesday.

Brentford’s Mark Flekken kept a clean sheet against Burnley in their first meeting this season and is a sure choice in goal as Burnley has only scored three goals in six games.

West Ham’s fixture against Aston Villa opens interesting choices. Ollie Watkins is a staple in any good FPL team, but leaving the pitch injured at halftime in the Europa Conference League may cause issues with limited points. On the other side, Jarrod Bowen has gained 27 points in the last three gameweeks thanks to three goals and an assist, whilst Aston Villa have conceded eight goals in the same period.

Top Transfers In:

• Maddison (midfield/Tottenham Hotspur) - 92pts - £8m - Fulham (A)

• Son Heung-min (midfield/Tottenham Hotspur) 166pts - £10m - Fulham (A)
  

• Doughty (defence/Luton Town) - 84pts - £4.7m - Nottingham Forest (H)
  

• Flekken (goalkeeper/Brentford) - 77pts - £4.5m - Burnley (A)
  

• Bowen (midfield/West Ham) - 147pts - £8m - Aston Villa (A)
  

Son Heung-min

Credit: Debs Coady

Wigan woman balancing hairdressing with weightlifting

By Sam Seddon-Davies

12 March 2024

Weightlifting was never something Imogen Burrows thought she’d get into.

But the Wigan woman is now taking part in England U23 competitions.

Unfortunately, her first experience competing at this stage didn’t go to plan, as the 20-year-old failed to lift her weight on all three attempts.

“At the time I thought it was the end of the world,” said Burrows.

“Even one week prior in training I’d been lifting 70kg snatches so I opened on a 64kg snatch which is one I hit every single time. On the day, I just couldn’t get it, I was in complete shock.”

Dealing with the set-back in February hasn’t knocked her down just yet, and Burrows’ mindset has changed after going through the disappointing day.

She added: “You almost feel like ‘What was the point in training for all that time’ but then you have to remember it’s not a true reflection on you, especially on competition days, you’re nerves can get the better of you.

“You can’t have a perfect day every single day. Now I realise it was a massive opportunity and I was happy I was there.

“Obviously you learn from your mistakes and I’m only going to get better. It hasn’t made me want to quit, it’s made me want to do more.”

“There’s nothing I could have done preparation-wise, it’s nothing I failed to do in training, I genuinely think it was just nerves and stress.

“The only way I can think to move on from that is to try and manage my mentality around competitions but the only way to do that is by doing more competitions. I would compete next week if I could but they’re not on yet.”

Showing her strength with a snatch

Credit: Imogen Burrows

Burrows entered the world of cross-fit in 2022, joining her mother at Force Fitness gym until one of the coaches, a close friend of theirs, noticed Burrows’ talent for weightlifting.

It was during meetups held by several local gyms that she realised her potential and began entering British Weightlifting (BWL) competitions.

But after two good showings in Spring last year, Burrows took a step back due to minor hip problems and a fear of injuring herself.

Whilst working as a hairdresser, Burrows got selected to compete in the England Age Group Championships.

It became the push she needed to level up her training and appreciate her talents.

“It’s really hard to understand how well I was actually doing in it because I was still new to the sport,” she added.

“But realising how good I am to be picked, it means in my category in the North West for my age and weight category, I’m the best - that put it into perspective for me.”

Burrows credits her weightlifting success to the support of her parents, who motivate her through their own passion for sport and fitness.

But her athletic ambitions aren’t something she shares with everyone - saying she doesn’t tell any of her hairdressing clients that she competes.

“It’s almost like I’m living another life outside of work,” she continued.

Training and preparing for competition

Credit: Imogen Burrows

“When I have told people, they’re so shocked. I’m quite girly and I don’t think you would ever expect it. To be honest I didn’t expect I would do something like this.

“A lot of people would probably think you have to choose one or the other - work or sport.

“I don’t want them to think differently about my work and commitment at the salon because that’s not the case.

“I know it doesn’t match up at all but I think, why not have a hobby, it is what it is.

“Everyone always laughs because I don’t go out much, I’m not a big drinker, and I think if I spend £75 on coaching, you spend more than that on one night out and that’s what most people my age are doing. I wouldn’t want to spend the money on anything else.”

Burrows has booked to participate in the BWL competition in April and hopes to qualify for the next England Age Group Championships in October.

England Squad: Branthwaite earns first senior call-up

By Holly Bacon

14 March 2024

England boss Gareth Southgate has named Jarrad Branthwaite in his squad for the upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.

The Everton defender, 21, won the under 21 European Championships last summer with England.

Southgate has also kept faith in Jordan Henderson, Harry Maguire and Marcus Rashford whilst Kalvin Phillips misses out.

Notably Ivan Toney returns after his ban, Aston Villa centre-back Ezri Konsa, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer and Newcastle winger

Anthony Gordon are all included - as preperations ramp up for Euro 2024 this summer.

The Three Lions will face Brazil on Saturday 23 March and Belgium on Tuesday 26 March at Wembley Stadium.

Gareth Southgate

Credit: Simon Walker via

Wikimedia Commons

Wembley

Credit: Holly Bacon

Steven Caulker: ‘I still feel pretty scarred’

By Holly Bacon

14 March 2024

Holly Bacon speaks to the ex-Liverpool, Wigan Athletic and England defender about addiction, his role at Malaga City and dreams of managing in the top-flight.

“My son is going to grow up without a dad - that is the seriousness of where it was at. ”

That is the situation the former Liverpool and England defender found himself in during what he describes as “one of many rock-bottoms”.

In football terms, Caulker has had a successful career.

He racked up more than 100 Premier League appearances, played and scored for England, and represented Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics - certainly success on paper.

However, since a young age he has had to battle with addiction.

First it was gambling and then alcohol addiction followed.

He says the trouble started at the15 when he first went into a bookies.

“As soon as I placed that first pound and I lost, I wanted to get it back and I have been chasing that first pound ever since,” he said.

“The damage that I have caused over the years has been severe.

“The damage to my family - they have been heavily affected by it. The damage to myself. I still feel pretty scarred in all honesty.”

A Tottenham academy product, Caulker joined Liverpool on loan from QPR in 2016 and was deployed as a striker by Jurgen Klopp.

After making just three appearances he made the decision to go to rehab, aged 25, for the second time, with help from the Professional Footballers Association [PFA].

Caulker with his son and mother

Credit: Steven Caulker

“There was not really any support [from Liverpool] in all honesty - I made a decision that I am going to go to rehab,” he added.

“Football has got a lot better now, they have got people in player care roles who obviously support the players but you are going back now to 2016/17 so the support was not there in terms of following up with me.

“I had to take accountability myself - I think that is an important point to make. It was on me to get myself right.

“I reached out to the PFA. I explained to them ‘Look I am in trouble with the gambling and now with the alcohol and I feel I need support.’’ The PFA got me into sporting chance and that’s where I went for my second stint. They were supportive of me for sure.”

“I was taking things to extremes and I started to change at that point [before his second rehab stint].

“I felt that my son is going to grow up without a dad - that is the seriousness of where it was at.

“And then the biggest challenge comes with managing it. It is still something I have to manage on a daily basis.”

Today Caulker, 32, is two months into his first coaching role as player-manager at Malaga City.

He describes it as “the beginning of a journey” with aspirations of managing in La Liga or the Premier League one day.

He added: “I feel more settled. I feel more at peace. I spent six months out of football without knowing which direction to go in.”

Caulker became a free agent in May 2023 after leaving Wigan Athletic.

He had trials at a number of Football League clubs including Charlton Athletic but nothing materialised.

He was on holiday near Malaga with his son and girlfriend at the time, went to see the academy and within six months he was convinced to join the senior team and take a role as player-manager.

Caulker made one appearence for England, scoring one goal

Wrestler Wesley Nsereko: ‘It’s like an out-of-body experience’

By Sam Seddon-Davies

12 March 2024

Being on BBC's Gladiators was not in Wesley Nsereko's plans.

But the professional wrestler shocked everyone when he appeared as a stand-by contestant.

Nsereko beat his opponent to make it to the semi-finals (airing March 23), reaching maximum points on The Edge and besting gladiator Viper on The Wall before a photo-finish end to The Eliminator.

Moving to The UK from Uganda in 1996, Nsereko never thought he’d be on the show he watched each week when he first arrived in the country.

He said: “We must have had it on all the time because my mum said I wouldn’t stop talking about Wolf when I was at school. Apparently, he was an absolute hero of mine, which probably makes sense why I’m into wrestling now.

“It’s still surreal. It’s like an out-of-body experience when I’m watching myself do something that I’ve always wanted to do.”

The 36-year-old has been wrestling up and down the country for almost 13 years, including recently in Ormskirk for the This Is Wrestling title.

Nsereko believes it’s his fighting prowess that made him the perfect fit for Gladiators.

It’s my bread and butter, I love physical challenges and pro wrestling goes hand in hand with it so I had the time of my life,” he added.

The hardest part for me was probably the sleep deprivation. The night before, you’re so excited that you don’t get to sleep.

“The events that had physical contact, if you haven’t done things like rugby or combat sports before, were tiring. But I was ready for that.

“Being able to brush myself off and do another event after I’d taken a hit - it happens all the time. I might be pretty sore and beat up but I’ve got more to do the next day so you just have to carry on.

“Then the hustle and bustle of live TV - getting pulled into rooms for photographs and interviews then you’re on in 10 minutes - for anyone who has never done any sort of live events like I have, it would have knocked you back but that was a massive advantage for me.”

Nsereko with Preston's Rhio at True Grit Wrestling.

Credit: Tony Knox

Very few people in Nsereko’s life knew about his involvement - just a few family members and an old university friend he visited after his tryout.

However, the northerner says the love and support he has received since the episode aired has been amazing.

“I had old school friends reach out that I haven’t seen since Primary School saying ‘Is that you? You look so different now’.

“Everyone has said more or less the same thing: they lost their voice screaming Wesley at the TV.”

Nsereko is locked in on becoming the winner of it all and has all the confidence in the world.

He said: “I absolutely dominated in the events and I don’t think I was even going full speed, I was saving a little in the tank because I knew it was a long day. I think I was just happy to be there before but now I’m going to go 100% until the wheels fall off.”