Congleton Town (A) Preview – Vauxhall Motors.
Saturday 25th February 2023.
NWCFL Premier.
The Cleric Stadium, Booth Street.

By Ethan Hoijord | Photo by Marc Gibbs

Vauxhall Motors are back in NWCFL Premier action on Saturday afternoon as Mick McGraa’s Motormen travel to ninth placed Congleton.

The Motors were held to a one-all draw last weekend at home to Charnock Richard as defender Simon Thelwell levelled the scoreline on the hour mark before Michael Burkey provided a promising threat late on.

It was important for McGraa’s side to win at The VanEupen Arena as they are now placed second.

Avro are the ones to chase, however they’re on the same points as Vauxhall with The Motors having a game in hand.

Thus, the title race is not yet over and a victory against The Bears, who are unbeaten in seven, may prove vital.

Congleton Town FC Fact File: 

Formed:
1901.

Manager: 
Richard Duffy, the 37-year-old is in his first managerial role.
Duffy was a defender for Exeter City, Port Vale and Notts County.
He made 13 appearances for his home nation, Wales, too.

Colours: 
Diagonal White/Yellow with black sash shirts, Black Shorts, Black Socks.

Nickname: 
The Bears.
Congleton became notorious in the 1620s when bear-baiting and cockfighting were popular sports. When the old bear became ill and died just before the Wakes, the town lacked the money to pay for a new, more aggressive bear. The town used money it had saved to buy a new bible and it replenished the fund with the income from the increased number of spectators. It became legend that Congleton sold its Bible to pay for a new bear, which earned Congleton the nickname ‘Beartown’.

Average attendance:
334 across 24 games.
Their highest home attendance this campaign is 1,139 for a FA Cup tie against AFC Fylde in October.

Home form this season: 
P24 – W17 D6 L1. Scored 49 and conceded 19.

Top scorer: 
Tom Pope, 15 in 39 games.
The 37-year-old signed in the Summer of 2021, after a four year spell at Port Vale.

Recent honours: 
2007: Mid-Cheshire Senior Cup Winners.
1982: Cheshire County League Division Two Champions.
1978: Mid-Cheshire League Champions.

Ticket prices: 
£7 adults, £5 OAPs, Children U16 £3 Payment by card available.

All support for Mick McGraa’s Motormen is appreciated thus we look forward to seeing you at The Cleric Stadium!