THE next meeting of Burscough FC Supporters Club will take place at the Barons Club, Victoria Park, Mart Lane, Burscough at 8pm on Tuesday 15th April.

The Supporters Club has been formed only in the past few weeks as a result of a suggestion put forward at the shareholders annual general meeting in January. Membership however is not restricted to shareholders but is open to everyone - regular supporters, occasional supporters, anyone in fact who may never watch a match but can see the advantage to the local community brought about by having a thriving non-league football team in the area.

Already strong links have been formed between the Supporters Club and the Football Club with the common aims of: a) Maintaining the present highest-ever standard of Unibond League Premier Division football. b) Promoting the image and activities of Burscough FC throughout the local area in particular and West Lancashire and the surrounding area in general. c) Encouraging attendance at all Burscough FC matches both home and away and considering all possible ways and means of improving attendances at home games.

Burscough FC have succeeded in reaching the Final of this season’s FA Trophy (a national competition open to the top non-league clubs throughout the country) at Villa Park, Birmingham on 18th May. There were 1773 spectators present for the Semi-Final at their Victoria Park ground last Saturday - we want as many of those as possible to give their support by returning again for the remaining home games this season and also next season on a regular basis. You can take the first step by joining the Supporters Club. Membership costs £10 - valid for the remainder of this season and the whole of season 2003/4 (Further enquiries on 01772-724996).

Report by Eric Berry.

CHANGES EDGE SOUTHPORT CLOSER TO RELEGATION!

CHANGES to previous tactics were made clear to the beleaguered Southport club as the broom of new manager Mike Walsh swept clean for a depleted side fielded to the game on April 11, via changes made through injured squad members and tactical changes - answering questions for permanent solutions are to be made to strengthen the squad for next season.

An uneventful first half proved to see Southport making the most of the early chances presented to the team. Steve Jones headed a ball over the crossbar after receiving a gift of a corner from Robert Pell, who also missed a sitter from six yards later on in the half. Giving the hope of a new tactical mastermind at the helm of a squad much in need of three points to save them from relegation.

Deadlock highlighted much of the play in which neither side would commit an assault on goal to provide a much needed spark to the game. The Margate defence held firm but squandered all of their precious few attempts on goal.

After the interval, the visitors took the initiative opening the score sheet on the 58 minutes, with a superb shot from Jay Saunders after a crisp assist from the left by Adrian Clarke.

Injury blighted some of the game were confusion seemed participate in two Margate players who collided with each other pursuing the same effort - Causing lengthy stoppage time for the second half. Also Jay Saunders was stretchered off after contending for the ball deep in the home team defence.

Southport lacked the urgency needed to gain something out of the game with ten minutes to go. Goalkeeper Steve Dickinson hurried out to narrow the angle of a pass received by John Keister, with the keeper over committing himself leading to an easy goal to make it 2 - 0 for the away team.

The match at Northwich today will consolidate their position in the league the Sandgrounders are looking for, with three vital points gained from a win to avoid relegation. Making Walsh's plans for a brighter season to come looking to make swift changes throughout the make up of the team.  Report and photography by Sally Devine.

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