Episode 109 is here with Martin Fallon, Zach Pierce and Joe Gibbons discussing Atherton Collieries title win in depth as well as Bootle and the Runcorn sides pushing them. We also talk about New Mills’ relegation, Widnes’ title win (more on that next week), Charnock Richard, the possible play-offs, and whether Eccleshall might be saved?

Our interview this week comes from who else but Premier Division title winning manager Michael Clegg, who discusses his sides season, what led to the title, the nerves in the run in and what it was like on Monday when they were crowned Champions.

Let us know your thoughts @countiespodcast

We’ve had some time in the Podcast office this morning so we’ve taken a break from ordering the intern around and put together some projections for the promotion run in’s in both divisions.

In the Premier Division four teams hold out ambition of breaking the hundred point barrier as Runcorn Linnets lead the league following closely by Colne and Atherton Collieries with 1874 Northwich not far behind. The projections are based on current Points Per Games which of course doesn’t account for improved or loss of form but merely the average across the season to date.

In the relegation battle its either three from four or four form five dependant on whether or not Silsden can take full advantage of their games in hand over AFC Darwen but with most teams with as many as half their games remaining there is so much to play for.

In the First Division there is such a discrepancy between the team with the most games played and the team with the fewest meaning that the maximum points available to some teams is not far off the maximum points on offer!

Although Barnton lead the way, their recent dropped points hasn’t been punished by the in-ability (because of the weather not the clubs themselves) of their opponents to get their games on. Three teams in the First Division have more than half their games to play and all three, Hanley Town, Ashton Town and Holker Old Boys, are Barnton’s championship rivals based on PPG and maximum points available to them. Like Barnton, Stockport Town and Cheadle Town’s ability to get games on has seen them hold play off places and like Barnton they will be hoping that their rivals fixture pile up and the fact that so many teams have to play will still have each other to play.

Either way its set to be an exciting final three months (at least) of the season.

Episode 58 sees Rob McKay host with Zach Pierce and Martin Fallon alongside him in the studio.

We discuss all of the games from last weekend, as well as have an in depth talk about 1874 Northwich pulling out of the FA Vase, whether Saturday replays should be done in the FA Vase, and much more.

This weeks interview comes from Atherton Collieries manager Michael Clegg. Its been a few months since we spoke so we caught up to talk about Colls’ start to the season, their FA Vase run and much more.

The game I will never forget…

Saturday 14^th February 2015, otherwise known as cup day to me and you. Not the FA Cup, no something much more important, the Quarter Final of the MEN United Cup. A game up in the hearty hills of Lancashire that determined who would progress to the semi-final. Said game was between Colne and Atherton Collieries.

It was no easy feat, for both sides. Colne were doing well and held their own at the top end on the NWCFL Premier Division and Steven Cunningham should have been and would have been proud of his well-drilled Colne side. Atherton Collieries, my team, on the other hand were top of the First Division, therefore, it was difficult to class this match as a ‘David vs Goliath’ – don’t get me wrong though, it was a challenge.

Weather, overcast – rain was in the air, I was in the air, well at least it felt that way at Colne’s XCLR Stadium. It was safe to say that from behind the goal I had the best view of Lancashire, in Lancashire.

As the two teams came out, nerves hit me, and I’m sure they hit both sets of supporters. This was a big game. I was stood behind the far goal (at the bottom of the slope) with club photographer Rob Clarke, supporters Gemma, Jasper, Blake and Arthur, and club secretary Emil. We didn’t know what to expect. We are always positive and go into the games knowing for certain that the lads would give their all, 100%. However, Colne were a good side, we knew that for certain. The again, so were we, and boy did the lads show up that day.

The game started with energy, both teams wanted this, you could tell. The reds and the Collieries shared possession. Colne enjoyed the opening ten minutes as they registered their first shots on goal. The Collieries had the next period of the half.

Then, it came, well, at least we thought it did. In a packed Colne area, a Collieries free kick flew into the box. Mark Battersby leapt into the air like a salmon to get his head to the ball. The ball jolted and changed direction thanks to Battersby’s guidance. The ball then bounced off the underside of the bar, drifted on the line and then was scrambled away. Did it cross the line? Was that a goal? We will never know. The important thing was the fact the ‘liner’ thought not.

Colne finished the half with an effort of their own. Danny Boyle wiggled his way into the Colls’ box but fired his shot at the reliable Taberner.

Half Time – Colne 0-0 Atherton Collieries

At the break it was evident that magic was needed to separate both sides, there was nothing between them.

Second half, we swapped ends and found ourselves stood next to the infamous Red Army. We were joined by Chris Boland, father of Atherton’s Matty and other fellow Collieries supporters. Colne were chanting. ‘Why don’t we?’ – Everyone around me considered the same thing. So we did.

As the lads came out in the second half chants of ‘Michael Clegg’s Barmy Army’ were sung whereas from the Colne end, ‘Red Army’. And throughout the half various chants both Colls and Colne themed were sung by respective supporters. The noise was loud. This wasn’t the Premier League, or the Championship. It was the NWCFL’s own cup competition, and it was better.

Spurred on by such as atmosphere both sides went for it, the phrase ‘winner takes all’ sprung to mind.

Colne’s Andy Tinker drilled a hard and low cross into the Colls’ box. However, the dangerous ball was cleared away. Nearly. Atherton’s Josh Messer curled a ball into the box for Ian Howard to head straight into the palms of the Colne Goalkeeper. Nearly. Minutes later, Matty Boland curled a corner into the packed Colne box. Mark Ayres was the most alert out of everyone to tap the ball into the back of the net, amid the bodies that scrambled to defend the Colne goal, and send the Collieries into the lead. There.

The net rippled. I threw my arms up in the air; others did the same around me. People cheered, others ran and the players celebrated.

Colne, both on and off the field, never gave in. The supporters remained strong chanting against us, as did the players on the field who fought till the very last minute.

The clock read 70. Goal scorer Ayres sent a ball into the Colne area. Ian Howard was on hand to tap the ball in the direction of the goal. Colne defender Jonathan Hodgkinson deflected into his own goal. 2-0. Celebrations, repeat.

However, that was not that, two minutes after the second goal was scored Colne found themselves with a penalty. Silence had fallen upon the XCLR Stadium. It was Boyle vs Taberner. Boyle kicks. Taberner saves! Cheers, of relief.

Both sides worked hard throughout the rest of the game. Colne tried to find a way back. Atherton defended their lead.

Full Time – Colne 0-2 Atherton Collieries

Job done. However, there was one more memorable moment still left to come.

As Colne supporters made their way to the players tunnel to clap their players (who had worked very hard) they shook our hand and congratulated us. Something you would rarely find in the Premier League or the Championship. That’s what makes Non-League what it is, and that’s why so many now support it.

What a day, what a game. One that will live long in the memory – the chants, the goals, the noise when we scored and the great hospitality from all at Colne.

Zach Pierce

Episode 39 of Counties Podcast sees Martin, Gary, Rob and Zach with a busy session in the podcast studio.

We talk about the opening weeks fixtures in the NWCFL, plus discuss the draws for the FA Cup and FA Vase opening rounds. We also talk about Saturday’s fixtures, including Atherton Colls high profile game against Bolton Wanderers (where we grab manager Michael Clegg for 10 mins!)

We also continue the count down to the start of the new season with Danny Bolton, one half of the new Silsden management team, joining us for an interview.

Welcome to Episode 28 of Counties Podcast, hosted by Martin Fallon alongside Rob McKay. This week’s recording clashed with the Reusch First Division Cup Final so Zach Pierce was excused, although he did phone up the show mid-recording to discuss his teams busy last week and their upcoming MEN United Cup Final.

This weeks guest is Atherton Collieries manager Michael Clegg with a fascinating interview. He talks about coming from Atherton LR at the start of the season, the dressing room spirit, the successful season they’ve had, next season, and much more. He even lets slip Colls’ stunning pre-season home fixtures!

We also cover off all of last weekends games in the Premier and First divisions, and discuss the important issues as the season reaches its climax.

Welcome to Episode 17 of Counties Podcast, with Martin Fallon your host alongside Zach Pierce and Rob McKay. We discuss the latest results in the North West Counties Football League, talk Glossop’s chances in the FA Vase and pick our Game of the Week. Zach also tells us what he has learnt about Middlewich in Zach Discovers.

Joining us for this weeks interview is Atherton Collieries’ Brad Cooke, who talks about how he joined Colls, looks at the season to date, discusses the best players he’s played alongside and against, plus much more.

Welcome to Episode 16 of Counties Podcast, with Rob, Zach and Martin. We review the four games that took place last weekend, but what else? With the weather hitting hard, we had to think creatively to bring you another action packed podcast!

Joining us this week is Ste Biggy and Emil Anderson. We review the season so far in both divisions, looking at the title contenders, who will finish top ten in the Prem, who will make the play offs in the First, who is battling relegation and much more! Plus Zach finds out about Barnoldswick!

Welcome to Episode 11 of Counties Podcast, and a Happy New Year from all the team! Rob McKay returns to the hotseat this week and is joined by Zach and Martin to discuss the North West Counties Football League.

Joining us this week is the man whose successful proposal last season for play-offs has led to a really competitive First Division this season, Atherton Collieries Secretary Emil Anderson.

Emil talks about how he got into Colls, why he likes non-league football, the decision to bring Michael Clegg to the club at the start of the season, and what the ambitions are for Colls. He also takes on Martin in this weeks predictions and (hopefully for us) 2015 can bring Martin a bit more luck with his predictions!